Newsletter 86

NEWS FROM THE SUNCOAST

THE RED TIDE MYSTERY: HOW IT DEVELOPS

Scientists are trying to solve a biological murder mystery on Florida’s southwest coast, as a red tide infection endures well past its typical expiration date and leaves a trail of gory evidence. There’s little question thousands of dead fish that have fouled area beaches and dozens of manatee corpses recovered since the start of the year were victims of red tide, which produces a toxin that attacks the nervous system. But algal bloom experts are scratching their heads over why the deadly menace is still here this deep into the summer. The late checkout of Karenia brevis, which is usually gone by early spring, means it’s overlapping with a blight of blue-green algae on the Caloosahatchee River. To read more on this story, courtesy of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, please click here: Red Tide Mystery

STATE WAIVES RULES TO HELP CLEANUP

Cleanup rules are being waived for the removal of dead fish from areas of red tide in Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Executive Director Eric Sutton last week announced the change to try to speed the removal of dead fish – regardless of bag, size or possession limits or of season or area closures – from shoreline, inshore and nearshore areas. “We are actively working with local authorities in the most impacted areas and stand ready to provide assistance to local communities” Sutton said in a statement. Please click here to read more: Red Tide Cleanup

BEACH BUSINESS GOING DRY

Red tide has devastated wildlife on Gulf Coast beaches and left surrounding areas smelly and dirty. In some areas, it has turned the normally aquamarine Gulf water into the color of Coca-Cola. As a result, dozens of tourists have changed their accommodations, cancelled their trips or looked for activities away from the water. Businesses that cater to beach vacationers have taken a hit, and several vacation rental property owners said they have either had cancellations or told people not to bother coming. But, with many other problems, many others want tourists and local residents to know that they’re open for business and doing the best they can. There’s more on this story here: Beach Business Hurting

COUNTING RED TIDE’S COSTS

Hotels, restaurants, water sports equipment renters and other tourism businesses have been talking for weeks about the financial hit they’ve taken as a result of red tide. Now a survey by Visit Sarasota County has put numbers to the damage. The survey by the county’s tourism-promotion group found that 90% of the 77 responding businesses said they missed out on sales from August 1-7 because of the toxic algae and dead fish. It will probably be a month before the full effect on tourism is reflected in county visitors and other data. In the meantime, however, dozens of tourists have said they either had to cancel their vacations, switch to a different area or readjust to the idea of a beach vacation without the beach. Some restaurants on the water, including Casey Key Fish House in Osprey, had to close for a few days last week because conditions were so bad. Hotels and vacation homeowners have had to deal with cancellations and losses of thousands of dollars in revenue. Please follow the jump for more on this story: Counting Costs

SAND BAGS SAFEGUARD LIDO POOL & PAVILION

The threat of damage to Lido Beach Pool and Pavilion from erosion has prompted the city to barricade the popular attraction with several tons of bagged sand. The call was made to install a series of jumbo bags filled with 500 tons of sand around the pavilion after city officials noticed nearby dunes, which serve as a natural barrier from the ocean, begin to disappear from erosion that has plagued the shoreline in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in September and Tropical Storm Alberto in May, prompting the city manager to declare a state of emergency last month. There’s more on this story here: Sand Bags at Lido

COLONY DEMOLITION FINALLY UNDERWAY

The buildings are finally falling, In about four months, the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort will exist only in memories and images. Heavy equipment ripped into the once elite establishment last week as demolition of the abandoned and condemned property began in earnest after the work was interrupted the day before. Meanwhile, conversion of the blighted piece of Gulf-front property into a five-star hotel and resort has rallied the town’s passions for a brighter future. That is especially true for the neighboring condo residents. Click here for more: Colony Demolition

ULTRA-LUXURY HOME MARKET STAYS HOT

The red-hot market for luxury residences in Sarasota-Manatee continues this year after a banner sales season in 2017. The most striking aspect of the increase in sales for $1 million or more comes with the most expensive homes – the $5 million-plus transactions. As of mid-June, according to the latest data by the mid-Florida MLS, 11 homes sold in excess of $5 million this year, with most on the barrier islands. All three n Manatee County sit on the north end of Longboat Key. If you’d like to learn more, click here: Hot Ultra-Luxury