Anna Maria Red Tide

[ChrisS]

Red tide is a natural occurrence off Fl Gulf waters usually between Nov to Feb. Unfortunately last year saw a terrible time for all in WSW Fl due to the release of cyanobacteria (blue/green algae) laden waters that clashed with red tide devastating so much of the coastlines marine life, over 10% (700+) of Fl's manatee for example. Cyanobacteria tends to grow due to every conceivable run-off from northern Fl, thro Orlando and into Lake O, from human waste (broken septics) to animal waste to Roundup and phosphates from Mosaic to sugar factory discharges, basically everything ends up in Lake O where it ferments, along come the summer rains, Lake O hits 17 feet and the Army Corp of Engineers open the gates releasing that filth, generally, West. Cyano meets red tide = WSW Fl is in the clarts. They were releasing both East and West but substantially reduced releases to the East, some say due, in part, to Trumps, Mar-a-Lago, Palm Beach, Fl home on the East coastline.

Having returned from Bokelia today, apparently red tide has been sitting a few miles out for well over a year, and whilst we've had a superb winter without a sniff of red tide, even when out boating in the Gulf, many are very concerned at the visible thick covering of cyanobacteria that will be released into the Caloosahatchee River this summer. Whilst we stay on the north end of the island the winter fishing hasn't been too bad, tho the damage saw Pine Island Fisheries close after 60+ years as they couldn't buy/sell seafood, it also caused the demise of individual commercial fishermen, plus many stopped eating seafood. 17 miles south in St James City it's dire, an avid fisherman who heads out at least 4 times a week during his circa 4 month, Jan to May stay caught 6 fish in those 4 month! Saint James City Fish House are barely hanging in, another summer of filth ridden waters will finish that business too.

Here's hoping WSW Fl don't see another meeting of red tide and cyano as it may cause the demise of more commercial fishing businesses and further devastation for visitors.

[jo williams]

We are here now and there is no sign of red tide at all, been on the beach all day, no smell, no dead fish, no breathing problems. It is beautiful here at the moment.

[jemett]

Originally Posted by Floridarules

That’s really helpful thanks. How long are you staying?👍

See more...

We’ve been here for nearly 3 weeks, go home on Saturday.

[paulr]

On AMI now and it’s glorious, no sign of red Tide

[scottishnellie]

Originally Posted by paulr

On AMI now and it’s glorious, no sign of red Tide

See more...

Fabulous to know! I am counting down the days 😍

[ChrisS]

Originally Posted by scottishnellie

Fabulous to know! I am counting down the days 😍

See more...

Hi Helen, I reckon you'll be reet Red tide is way out there, we didn't face any issues between Nov to May, or when out boating, as the heavy rains haven't kicked off the Army Corp of Engineers aren't releasing Lake O water yet. Unfortunately Lake O has a huge glob of floating cyanobacteria and the West coast may see some fallout once releases start, but that's some way off.

Have a smashing holiday Helen, rest, relax, but remember to take more water with it

[Disney Dizzy]

Im so keeping my fingers crossed for early August when we arrive in Cape Coral!

[discostu]

Me too for Bradenton beach

[Kinggie]

We were in Naples last year and went to the beach that was empty (couldnt work out why! )I went into the water up to my waist. Didn’t know about the red tide although the dead fishes around the edge should have been a warning sign 🙄🙄🙄

[Sandra & co]

Originally Posted by Kinggie

We were in Naples last year and went to the beach that was empty (couldnt work out why! )I went into the water up to my waist. Didn’t know about the red tide although the dead fishes around the edge should have been a warning sign 🙄🙄🙄

See more...

This was us too! We only realised when we arrived in Cape Coral. We still had a good time but shame about the beaches x