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.
Current Red Tide Conditions for Southwest Florida (October 21st, 2022)
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.
- In Southwest Florida over the past week, K. brevis was observed at background concentrations offshore of Manatee County. Background to high concentrations in and offshore of Sarasota County. Very low concentrations in Charlotte County. Finally, background concentrations offshore of Lee County. For additional information, view the Southwest Coast report and map.
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
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.
Costumes and pumpkins. Halloween traditions continue, even in spite of the catastrophic weather event of September 28th.
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.
