From the Editor

Visiting Our Florida Beaches? Please Read!

In preparation for Labor Day weekend in early September, I wanted to give you a quick update on the conditions of our beautiful beaches with the current red tide situation.

Red tide it’s not a new occurrence in Florida, but water pollution, climate change, and the recent Tropical Storm Elsa may have worsened the proliferation of this naturally occurring phenomenon.

During red tide, a collection of harmful algae and other microscopic marine organisms called “Karenia Brevis” grows and accumulates in toxic and harmful “blooms,” which are highly deadly to fish and unpleasant for humans.

High concentrations of red tide “blooms” have been reported throughout several counties, including Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Manatee, and Sarasota. Tons of dead fish carcasses have been washed ashore in Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches and waterfront parks due to the harmful effects of red tide on marine life.

The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce (TBBCoC) released an update stating that on Wednesday, July 21, “the water along the beaches from St. Pete Beach to Belleair Shores is very discolored, and the aerosols were extremely strong. The beaches from Madeira north to Indian Rocks are heavily impacted. Each municipality has been actively working to remove the dead fish, and contractor resources were deployed as needed to assist.” That characteristic “gross dead fish smell” is definitely more overpowering in certain areas, and respiratory irritation has been reported by several residents of Pinellas County and Hillsborough county. If you or any family member experience respiratory discomfort and irritation, please wear a mask. Make sure to cover your nose and mouth to filter out marine aerosol particles containing red tide toxins. If you’re asthmatic or have chronic lung disease, be vigilant about taking your prescribed meds daily. The state health department recommends that people with such diseases try their best to avoid beaches currently affected by the red tide. Always seek medical care if your symptoms worsen.

Bathing and swimming are okay for most people. However, red tide can cause skin irritation and burning eyes. Use common sense— if you are particularly susceptible to irritation from plant products, avoid red tidewater. If you experience irritation, get out and thoroughly wash off. Avoid swimming among dead fish because they are associated with harmful bacteria.

Ongoing cleanup efforts are slowly but effectively improving the beaches’ condition, but you must proceed cautiously. I would personally like to take this opportunity to thank our Governor, city officials, city workers, shrimping boat captains, local fishermen, and every member and volunteer involved in the cleaning efforts of our beaches.

For the latest Red Tide status report (available by phone), call 866-300-9399 at any time.

I encourage anyone planning a fun beach weekend to check out https// visitbeaches.org for the most updated information on beach conditions.

P.S. Happy National Dog Month to all Dog Owners!!! Just make sure your pup stays away from the dead fish if you’re strolling down our beaches! August celebrates our lovable canine pals, so make sure you do something special for your four-legged best friend during these dog days of summer.

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