FWC Responds To Red Tide in Southwest Florida

The FWC is closely monitoring Southwest Florida.  Karenia brevis, also known as red tide, was detected in multiple samples in Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, and Lee counties this week. Red tide is a naturally occurring microscopic alga that has been documented along Florida’s Gulf Coast since the 1840s. It occurs nearly every year.

As part of the FWC Center for Red Tide Research, USF-College of Marine Science and Mote Marine Laboratory have each deployed a glider equipped with sensors to better understand conditions offshore. The information collected helps direct future sampling and forecasting efforts. Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, increased funding has been provided to enhance monitoring capabilities in offshore areas for signs of red tide in real-time.

The red tide organism, Karenia brevis, was detected in Southwest Florida. Over the past week, K. brevis was observed in 25 samples. Bloom concentrations (>100,000 cells/liter) present in four samples from Sarasota County. Sampling in Southwest Florida is still impacted by the passage of Hurricane Ian. Additional details are provided below.

It's really not safe to hit the Southwest Florida beaches just yet. Lots of debris and the water quality is sketchy. If you're looking to get out of town and go to the beach this weekend, this is info you need to watch. Click on that map and you'll see that if you're sensitive to the red tide you may need to avoid Sarasota as well. Respiratory irritation suspected to be related to red tide was reported over the past week in Sarasota County.

Red Tide is something we generally have to deal with, especially after hurricanes. We'll be watching this closely.

Weekend Vibes, what's happening in Southwest Florida Oct 21-23.

As more businesses are recovering from Hurricane Ian, more events and activities are coming back online. However, many annual fundraisers and celebrations are being postponed or canceled all together. This is for a variety of reasons including sensitivity to the suffering many people are under in wake of the storm as well as damage to facilities.

In the case of the Estero Fine Art Show that had been planned for this weekend at JetBlue Park, the site is being used for disaster relief. The art show is canceled. We are keeping a running list of these changes. You can scroll down and see those.

However, this weekend, there are more and more events taking place and most of them are Halloween themed. Things such as hayrides, costumes, haunted houses, corn mazes and more. Pumpkin patches are slowly opening, in and amongst the piles of hurricane debris and yard waste. And for something completely different, you gotta love Taco Fest. It is back and better than ever. I mean who doesn't like a good taco?

The cooler temperatures this week made it finally feel like fall. The changes are coming, and not soon enough for many of us.

Here are your Weekend Vibes, what's happening in Southwest Florida Oct 21-23.

Taco Fest is back. Besides great food, drink, entertainment, and kids activities, the event benefits CAMEO of Lee County, a group dedicated to the betterment of the lives of seniors in Southwest Florida. Saturday 11am-5pm at Riverside Park in Bonita Springs. $10

This is the 6th year for Farmer Mikes's amazing Halloween event. There is a haunted corn maze on Friday and Saturday nights and all kinds of family activities throughout the days. Also, Zombie paintball! 26031 Morton Ave, Bonita Springs

There are some 30 different activities and events at this annual FallFestival. Enjoy a pumpkin patch, hayrides, maze and more.  Food trucks will be on site as well. The event is now through Oct 31 at Spring time Farms Adventure Park. 10761 Aqua Vista Lane, North Fort Myers. $10

This touring show features incredible replicas of artifacts that were found in King Tut's Tomb. The real artifacts from the Egyptian pharoh's tomb are not allowed to leave that country anymore. The exhibit is underway at IMAG Hiistory and Sciene Center, 2000 Cranford Ave, Fort Myers

This is the annual Halloween event at the Naples Zoo and Caribbean Gardens. It runs this Friday through Sunday from 9am to 1pm. The zoo turns into a movie set, with trick or treat trail, magic and education shows and more. Kids in costumes get free admission. 1590 Goodlette Frank Road, Naples
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The Charlotte County Libraries & History division has a Fall Fest Backpack Giveaway, Saturday  from 12 - 2 p.m. at the Family Services Center, 21500 Gibralter Drive, Port Charlotte. It's to make sure students are prepared for their return to the classroom following Hurricane Ian. Backpacks are stuffed with school supplies and there will be crafts and food available while supplies lasts. The event is free.