Anna Maria Red Tide

[tim17]

Red Tide is pretty much an annual occurence on the Gulf Coast and has been documented since the 1800's, this current outbreak has been going since last October with no real sign of an end but it's effect can be hit and miss depending on the wind direction etc.

[Hank]

Yes Red Tide has been a regular occurrence since the 1800s, but the current out break HAS NOT affected the length of the Gulf Coast. There appears to be so many different issues with this outbreak which is the longest I have ever known.

I have been lucky enough to have visited the Gulf Coast for about 12 years in May /June and July. Only once in that time, which was some 10 years ago has there been Red Tide which was on Boca Grande Island and lasted for less than a week. The following website will help anybody looking to visit the Beach on the Gulf Coast

visitbeaches this is run by the Mote People and when you click beaches, this site is updated 10 am and 3 pm every day.

Hank

[Guest]

Originally Posted by 7SeasSailor

We are due to go to Rotonda West at the same time. Reports are saying that its starting to clear around Manasota Key.

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We got back from Rotonda on Wed morning. Naples was the closest cleanest beach. The lady from Loose Caboose on Boca Grande (I follow it on FB) said that the area was clear of dead fish and smell had gone. This was on Monday. Not sure about Englewood beaches.

Have fun in Rotonda, we love the area and have been going for years. They only thing I hate is the thunderstorms at night. The villa we stay in has thin blinds and the room seems to always light up through the night with lightning.I am a light sleeper though.

[Bella Girl]

We are at Anna Maria Island at the moment and had a wander this morning.
The Tampa Bay side is the better side today. People are on the beach, in the water and people are fishing.

Manatee beach is bad today. There are lots of dead fish on the beach that were being cleaned up and the smell is bad. Everyone in our party were coughing after a few minutes in the beach and we had to leave quickly.

However the situation seems to be changing on a daily basis. Earlier in the week, Manattee beach was busy.

On both sides, the water is a dirty red colour. We have spoken to a number of people who say that usually it is clear and a beautiful teal colour. It is definitely not that at the moment.

[sandshal]

Originally Posted by Bella Girl

We are at Anna Maria Island at the moment and had a wander this morning.
The Tampa Bay side is the better side today. People are on the beach, in the water and people are fishing.

Manatee beach is bad today. There are lots of dead fish on the beach that were being cleaned up and the smell is bad. Everyone in our party were coughing after a few minutes in the beach and we had to leave quickly.

However the situation seems to be changing on a daily basis. Earlier in the week, Manattee beach was busy.

On both sides, the water is a dirty red colour. We have spoken to a number of people who say that usually it is clear and a beautiful teal colour. It is definitely not that at the moment.

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Weve been a few times in July/August and it's normally crystal clear, sad to hear.

[Ryles]

Sad news! We’ve decided to do 3 nights this year at AMI and this happens! 😕 we arrive on the 26th. Fingers crossed it’s improved by then 🤞🏻

[NewtoOrlando]

Was hoping to visit St Pete’s or Clearwater on ur upcoming trip...should we avoid and go to the east coast (New Smyrna, Cocoa beach etc) instead?

[tim17]

Neither St Pete's nor Clearwater have been affected so far.

[Bella Girl]

Originally Posted by Ryles

Sad news! We’ve decided to do 3 nights this year at AMI and this happens! 😕 we arrive on the 26th. Fingers crossed it’s improved by then 🤞🏻

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It has not spoilt our holiday. This is our 1st visit to Anna Maria and I hope it won’t be our last.

It is such a pretty, quaint place.

I hope it does improve before you go and you have a great time x

[wickes]

We arrived yesterday for our first visit to AMI. Headed to the beach in the evening (Holmes beach on Gulf Coast) but only stayed for 10 minutes as we were all coughing, just a few dead fish on beach. On the beach before 7 this morning and there are a lot of dead fish on the beach and the smell was pretty bad...
Anyway, we’re here until Wednesday and had planned to just sit on the beach every day and relax and rewind before heading to Orlando for 2 1/2 weeks. Anyone have any ideas or recommendations for things to do/places to go etc as the beach is a no go for us. We have 2 girls (11 and 12) and want to stay on the island not drive to other beaches.
Many thanks in advance