Cancelling Sanibel - where can we go for 2 nights?

[tocpe321]

I see that Florida has now declared a state of emergency. $1.5 million promised, although to me this seems a small amount.

Many people with respiratory issues and many dead animals.

Hope things improve soon for all.

This article explains more.

google/amp/s/w...cy-in-florida/

[Northtim]

This time next week we will be in the thick of it. I will let you know what we find.

Viewing webcams there seems to have been some improvement but I won't be swimming in murky water and we have packed facemasks with air filters for a holiday for the first time ever!

Fortunately our villa is on a canal well away from the river and I am assured far out of the blue green algae area. Red tide is another matter - we will see what we find. Some beaches on Sanibel/Captiva are reported to be getting clear water now but I am very wary. We have a boat with the villa and am concerned about what we will have to go through to get to hopefully clear beaches. Our alternative is to drive to Marco Island for a beach day.

Praying for easterly winds!

[tocpe321]

Originally Posted by Northtim

This time next week we will be in the thick of it. I will let you know what we find.

Viewing webcams there seems to have been some improvement but I won't be swimming in murky water and we have packed facemasks with air filters for a holiday for the first time ever!

Fortunately our villa is on a canal well away from the river and I am assured far out of the blue green algae area. Red tide is another matter - we will see what we find. Some beaches on Sanibel/Captiva are reported to be getting clear water now but I am very wary. We have a boat with the villa and am concerned about what we will have to go through to get to hopefully clear beaches. Our alternative is to drive to Marco Island for a beach day.

Praying for easterly winds!

See more...

Hope you have a fantastic holiday and that you're not affected.

[thatdavieguy]

Originally Posted by tocpe321

I see that Florida has now declared a state of emergency. $1.5 million promised, although to me this seems a small amount.

Many people with respiratory issues and many dead animals.

Hope things improve soon for all.

This article explains more.

google/amp/s/w...cy-in-florida/

See more...

$1.5m wow, token gesture and then some.

They really should be looking to hit the people dropping muck into the lake but as has been mentioned before they're political donors so they wont bite the hand that feeds them.

[ChrisS]

Originally Posted by tocpe321

I see that Florida has now declared a state of emergency. $1.5 million promised, although to me this seems a small amount.

Many people with respiratory issues and many dead animals.

Hope things improve soon for all.

This article explains more.

google/amp/s/w...cy-in-florida/

See more...

Aye TC, weeks since the whole sorry mess kicked off and the Gov finally provide a paltry $1.5m 'emergency fund' for Fl, shameful. You may have read 11 dolphin have now died off Sarasota County, including Speck, a 12 year old, tagged at birth, Fl dolphin.

A scientist friend in St James City (south end of Pine Island) who monitors manatee had to call in yet another manatee death to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, he's personally found about 5, some with calves that had to be uplifted for rehab.

Originally Posted by Northtim

This time next week we will be in the thick of it. I will let you know what we find.

Viewing webcams there seems to have been some improvement but I won't be swimming in murky water and we have packed facemasks with air filters for a holiday for the first time ever!

Fortunately our villa is on a canal well away from the river and I am assured far out of the blue green algae area. Red tide is another matter - we will see what we find. Some beaches on Sanibel/Captiva are reported to be getting clear water now but I am very wary. We have a boat with the villa and am concerned about what we will have to go through to get to hopefully clear beaches. Our alternative is to drive to Marco Island for a beach day.

Praying for easterly winds!

See more...

Hi Tim, keep an eye on the news, particularly for Lake O discharge. Our Cze friends holiday home is circa 500 yards south of Cape Coral Pkway (SW Cape). Their canal to the river is around 45 mins but they still aren't taking the boat out, the concern is what they can't see that's poisoning the water. Their canal isn't showing any signs of blue-green algae but the water is a mucky brown. They're in the pool most of the day with the bairns.

Please take good care, if you nip to the beach and find your throat constricting/coughing get yourselves away from that beach. Don't let the bairns bury themselves in the sand due to any decay further down that may be housing hook worms.

Hoping it'll have cleared more by the time you get there, and you'll be out on the boat having a smashing time Remember slip, slap, slop with that sun

[anji]

This is so heartbreaking to read and see but thanks to Chris for keeping us updated.

Sanibel is my very favourite place - shelling at dawn is just wonderful and something I revisit in my head if I can't sleep. I have so many wonderful pictures in my head and $1.5m is not going to put this right! That's a real slap in the face to residents - both human and non-human. Shame on them

[Claire020877]

Tropical Shores in Sarasota's Siesta Key is fab!

[Becstarprincess]

We are staying in a villa in Rotonda West, we visited the local beach yesterday and it was truly heart breaking to see, the smell was bad. we were all coughing in a few minutes. The worst thing is the dead fish and the flies that come with them. This beach was on the slight irritation, bare in mind we are all healthy with no breathing problems.
So we decided to travel north over tampa bay today and visited st pete’s And treasure island. It was worth the distance and the beach was lovely. We are going to do less beach time and enjoy the pool !

[ChrisS]

Originally Posted by Becstarprincess

We are staying in a villa in Rotonda West, we visited the local beach yesterday and it was truly heart breaking to see, the smell was bad. we were all coughing in a few minutes. The worst thing is the dead fish and the flies that come with them. This beach was on the slight irritation, bare in mind we are all healthy with no breathing problems.
So we decided to travel north over tampa bay today and visited st pete’s And treasure island. It was worth the distance and the beach was lovely. We are going to do less beach time and enjoy the pool !

See more...

Again, I apologise for being the bearer of bad news, my guess; many didn't expect the toxic/blue-green cyanobacteria fall-out from Lake O, which is significantly worse due to lingering red tide, to cover such a large area of W/SW Fl. Unfortunately it'll continue until the Army Corps cease 2018 discharges. Good to read you enjoyed time at St Pete's. Some beaches are a positive 'stay clear', wouldn't want you/your family falling ill due to what some Floridians are viewing as a deliberate lack of information in an attempt to keep Fl coffers filled by tourist.

Bokeelia pal emailed, said tourism is way down, island/local area businesses/restaurants are hurting, the whole scenario is a mess.

[Disney Dizzy]

I have to admit that I’m seriously considering cancelling my visit to Cape Coral next year.