Newsletter 87

NEWS FROM THE SUNCOAST

IRMA’S LASTING IMPRESSIONS

As ferocious Hurricane Irma barreled toward Florida packing winds greater than 150 mph one year ago, millions fled the state, sparking the largest mass evacuation in U.S. history. Many feared the havoc that Hurricane Harvey unleashed on Houston just days earlier could be replicated by Irma. On the one-year anniversary of the menacing storm that reminded Floridians of Mother Nature’s wrath, government officials are reflecting on the chaotic crescendo leading up to the storm and talking lessons in its aftermath – all the while keeping an eye on storms swirling in the Atlantic. To read more on this story, courtesy of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, please click here: Irma One Year Later

SARASOTA DECLARES EMERGENCY OVER RED TIDE

The city recently declared a state of emergency amid a toxic red tide outbreak that has killed area marine life, stifled tourism and sickened people. Sarasota declared the state of emergency to secure possible financial assistance from the state and federal government as red tide tightened its grip in recent weeks on the area, killing an undetermined amount of sea life and sickened people along Southwest Florida’s coast. The city’s declaration came a day after Sarasota County declared it’s own emergency. Both orders will last seven days, although they may be extended in seven-day increments as necessary. There’s more on this story here: Emergency Over Red Tide

CAN WE EASE IMPACT OF MOUNTING RED TIDE LOSSES?

Defeating red tide has proven to be an elusive goal for scientists. But predicting where the red tide organism will strike is within their grasp. The marine dinoflagellate, Karenia brevis, is causing massive fish kills and a sickly rotting stench from Pinellas to Collier County – a 150-mile swath of death. The ability to predict where red tide will bloom, before dead fish start littering shorelines, would benefit residents, tourists and businesses throughout Florida. The key is money. “Federal budgets come and go,” said Michael Crosby, Mote Marine Laboratory president & CEO. “It gets back to that out-of-sight, out-of-mind mentality you can see when you overlay funding cycles – both federal and state – with the occurrence of red tide events.” Crosby said the funding or red tide research would have to come from a combination of philanthropic donations and state grants. Click here if you want to read more: Easing Red Tide Impact

GUARDIANS OF THE GULF

Venice Vice Mayor Bob Daniels is asking the City Council to consider a ban on the use of fertilizers within the city limits, similar to one put in place by Sewall’s Point, in Martin County, on the east coast of Florida. “I’m proposing a year-round ban, until we’re able to monitor what we’re putting into the three miles of the Gulf offshore – that being the outfalls and the septic systems.” Daniels said recently. Daniels wants the ban to include glyphosate herbicides, commonly known as Roundup. Sarasota County already regulates the use of fertilizer during the rainy season. Daniels’ idea would go further. He sees it as cutting of nourishment for Karenia brevis, the organism that causes red tide. Please follow the jump for more on this story: Venice Ban on Fertilizer

STATE RESTRICTS FISHING IN GULF

In a significant move for local anglers, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission has temporarily made snook and redfish catch-and-release only in the area of Southwest Florida affected by red tide. The restriction applies to Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee & Collier counties, specifically from the northernmost point of Anna Maria Island in Manatee County to Gordon Pass in Collier County. Both species have died in countless numbers after being poisoned by the toxic algae bloom. The restriction is in effect until the next FWC Commission meeting on September 26. There’s more on this story here: Fishing Ban in Gulf

RED TIDE NOT CHOKING REAL ESTATE MARKET

While the effects of red tide across Southwest Florida waters dominate the community conversation, the residential real estate market is so far weathering the economic storm without pain or panic. That’s the consensus among real estate industry insiders regarding home sales and business operations. While optimism reigns, a common comment is that it’s too early to tell what the effect will be. Early data shows the strength of the current market. “It’s only been a month or so,” said Greg Owens, president of the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee. “We’re all extremely concerned about it.” Click here for more: Real Estate OK

CITY APPROVES THE BAY PROJECT

The City Commission last week rubber-stamped the highly anticipated mega-million dollar development concept that would turn the city’s largely concrete-paved bayfront into a lush green oasis with ample open space, clear views of the horizon and a new performing arts center free of towering residential or obtrusive commercial development, The commission unanimously approved the master plan for the 53-acre project, known simply as The Bay, to cheers of nearly 300 people who packed City Hall to hear the historic vote. If you’d like to learn more, click here: The Bay Project Approved

CIRCLE GETS RESTROOMS

Patrons of the city’s famed shopping and dining district miffed by its lack of public restrooms will soon have a place to go. The Sarasota County Commission recently approved the addition of two freestanding public restrooms – which would have three sets of sinks, urinals and toilets – on St. Armands Circle. The facilities, estimated to cost roughly $583,000 to construct, will provide relief to visitors who for the past 25 years have complained about the lack of public restrooms at the tourist destination. There’s more here: Circle Restrooms