Fertilizer Ban Begins Today In Southwest Florida

It's June first, a date that officially kicks off things like summer and the dreaded hurricane season. In addition, it is the official start to rainy season and it has been just that this week--rainy. The drenching summer rains are one reason that the fertilizer ban begins today in Southwest Florida. The move is intended to help protect  waterways in Lee County, Charlotte County and parts of Collier County, from outbreaks of algae blooms and red tide.

If you are a home or business owner, the ban means you cannot use any product on your lawn or garden that contains nitrogen or phosphorus. When those chemicals run off of your lawn in the heavy summer rains, they can help fuel things like algae and red tide. These two things cause respiratory problems in humans, fish kills, damage to Southwest Florida's eco system, and more. Stinky, gross water also effects tourism.

In addition, you are not allowed to use any type of chemical within 15 feet of any water source. It's just too easy for whatever use to simply run off and into the water. The ban covers most communities in Southwest Florida and runs through September 30th.

Finally, if you are not sure what to use on your lawn or garden this time of year or any, click here for a few tips. While many of the chemicals you may use nourish life on land, they do the opposite to life under the water. Our waterways have taken a beating over the last several years from red tide and algae. Then there is all of the damage, debris and bacteria still lingering from Hurricane Ian. One of the reasons many of us moved to and live in Southwest Florida is because of it's tropical beauty. It's abundance of water. The fertilizer ban might be inconvenient, but if everyone does there part, it can make a difference. Let's all do what we can to protect our water.

We have so many beautiful beaches in Southwest Florida and one in particular has made a list of the best family beach vacation destinations.

Living in Southwest Florida, we're so lucky to have so many options when it comes to beaches- Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, Captiva, Bonita Beach, Naples, Marco Island. Lucky for us that live here, the hardest decision is which one to spend our days at.

I've been going to Sanibel every Sunday for my beach days. It's sad to see all the destruction on the island as a whole, but the beaches are so beautiful and the water is so blue and clear (and getting warmer!) A lot of businesses are reopening as well, so you have options for dining, lodging and things to do.

I'm not the only one who loves the island. Southern Living has put together their list of the best family beach vacation destinations and Sanibel made the list. The magazine said of the island "For a lowkey Florida beach vacation, Sanibel Island could be the ticket. Known as the Shelling Capital of the World, take an early morning walk with your little collector and see how many of the ocean’s treasures you can uncover along the gently lapping waves."

You can see the full list here, but below are the top 10.

The Treasure Coast has some great little beach towns. In Vero Beach you'll find less crowded beaches, a fun downtown and lots of nature.

Here you'll find 32 miles of coastline

If you're looking to surf, this is your spot!

Make sure to visit Barefoot Landing for shopping, dining and a huge playground for the kids.

The water in Destin looks like a DREAM. It's not called the Emerald Coast for nothing.

A fun activity for the whole family while you're there is to visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, a sea turtle education and rehabilitation facility.

Every year, Hilton Head is one of the most visited beaches in the south

The show wasn't filmed there, but it's certainly a popular beach spot.

Maybe I'm partial because it's my home, but I have to agree

Kids can beach while Dad hits the green!