All entries tagged with “city island”

Red Tide Report (Update)

Posted by on Thursday Sep 27, 2018 11:41 am

Red Tide Mid-Week Update for September 26, 2018

Current Conditions
A bloom of the Florida red tide organism, Karenia brevis, persists in Southwest Florida and extends along ~135 miles of coastline, from northern Pinellas to northern Collier counties, and extends offshore (10 miles or more). A patchy bloom of K. brevis continues in Northwest Florida. Additional details are provided below.

In Southwest Florida, K. brevis concentrations generally increased in Sarasota and Lee counties over the past week. Observations of >1,000,000 K. brevis cells per liter (“high” concentrations) occurred in Southwest Florida over the past week, in and/or offshore of Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, and Lee counties and >20 miles offshore of Collier County. In Northwest Florida, K. brevis concentrations generally decreased in Bay and Pasco counties and increased in Gulf County; “medium” concentrations were observed from eastern Bay through Gulf counties.

In Southwest Florida, reports of fish kills were received for multiple locations in and/or offshore of Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties. In Northwest Florida, reports of fish kills were received for Walton, Bay and Gulf counties. Respiratory irritation was reported in Southwest Florida (in Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, Lee and Collier counties) and in Northwest Florida (in Gulf County).

Three-day forecasts by USF-FWC Collaboration for Prediction of Red Tides for Pinellas County predict variable currents with net southern movement of surface waters and southeastern transport of subsurface waters. Forecasts for Manatee to northern Monroe counties predict net southwestern movement of surface waters and southeastern transport of subsurface waters over the next three days. Forecasts for Northwest Florida predict net eastern transport of surface waters and northeastern movement of subsurface waters from Escambia to Gulf counties.

The next complete red tide status report will be posted on Friday, September 28th.

Southwest Coast Red Tide Status Map (September 26, 2018)

View a larger map  (September 26, 2018) 

Northwest Coast Red Tide Status Map (September 26, 2018)

View a larger map  (September 26, 2018)

Red Tide Report (Update)

Posted by on Sunday Aug 26, 2018 11:56 am

 Red Tide Status Update for August 24, 2018

Current Conditions
A bloom of the Florida red tide organism, Karenia brevis, persists in Southwest Florida and currently extends from Pinellas to Collier counties along ~145 miles of coastline. Observations of >1,000,000 K. brevis cells per liter (“high” concentrations) continue to occur at coastal and inshore sites from Manatee to northern Collier counties, and minimal change in cell concentrations was observed for most areas relative to last week. Coastal currents important for transporting cells of K. brevis continue to alternate between predominantly northern or southern flow. Aerial surveys from Pinellas to northern Charlotte counties indicated the presence of offshore blooms of the marine cyanobacterium, Trichodesmium. More specific details are provided below.

• In Southwest Florida over the past week, K. brevis was observed at background to medium concentrations in Pinellas County, very low to high concentrations in Manatee County, background to high concentrations in Sarasota County, low to high concentrations in or offshore of Charlotte County, very low to high concentrations in or offshore of Lee County, and background to high concentrations in Collier County. For additional information, view the Southwest Coast report  and map . 
  
  
• In Northwest Florida over the past week, K. brevis was observed at background concentrations in one sample collected from Escambia County. For additional information, view the Northwest Coast report  and map .
  
  
• Additional samples collected along the east coast of Florida over the past week did not contain K. brevis. For additional information, view the East Coast report  and   map .

Fish Kills
Over the past week, reports were received for multiple locations in Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, and Collier counties. More detailed information is available at http://myfwc.com/fishkill.

Respiratory Irritation
Respiratory irritation was reported over the past week in Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, Lee, and Collier counties. For additional information, view the Southwest Coast report . 

Forecast
Forecasts by the USF-FWC Collaboration for Prediction of Red Tides for Pinellas to northern Monroe counties predict variable movement of surface waters, with net southern transport in most offshore areas and net northern transport close to shore, and net southeastern transport of subsurface waters over the next three days.

Red Tide Status Map (August 24, 2018)

View a larger map  (August 24, 2018)

To see detailed information on this week's samples, view the current Statewide Google Earth map for August 24, 2018. 

By using Google Earth, you can zoom in to specific locations and click on stations to see detailed information, including sample date and cell concentration. You must have Google Earth installed on your computer to view this map; the software can be downloaded from the Google Earth website. 

Latest Red Tide Status Report Available by Phone
Call 866-300-9399 at any time from anywhere in Florida to hear a recording about red tide conditions throughout the state. Callers outside of Florida can dial 727-552-2448. Standard calling charges apply.

Reports are updated on Friday afternoon except during holidays, in which case the report will be released on the closest day. Additional information, if available, is provided on Wednesday afternoon. To receive an e-mail when the current status has been updated, visit our subscription area.

Additional Information
For additional information about red tide and the current red tide bloom, including information on how to report a fish kill or other wildlife effects, consult health authorities about human exposure, or locate other resources, visit our Red Tide-Related Hotlines and Information Sources article.

Blue-Green Algae Bloom Information

Additional information regarding the current status of algal blooms in South Florida is being consolidated and posted on the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s website: https://floridadep.gov/dear/algal-bloom.

Top 3 Sarasota Boating Destinations

Posted by on Thursday Jun 6, 2013 4:44 pm

Top 3 Sarasota Boating Destinations

When it comes to enjoying a vacation, nothing says relaxation better than a day on the boat with friends and family, enjoying the cool breeze and the blue waters. Boating destinations are abundant throughout Sarasota at deciding when and where to toss your anchor can be a bit confusing. In order to make your choice a little easier to make, here's our top 3 Sarasota boating destinations that guarantee a great time!

Long Boat Key's “Beer Can Island” (Greer Island)

While the name may imply a place to party, “Beer Can Island” is actually a waterfront beach and boating park overlooking Sarasota Pass and the Gulf of Mexico. Created by tidal currents, Beer Can Island is located at the northern most point of the 11-mile long, Longboat Key. Free boat parking and ample fishing opportunities make Beer Can Island a favorite for locals. Only accessible by boat, this quiet stretch of island is the perfect location for a relaxing weekend, parties or just soaking up the sun.

Lido Key's City Island

Located just before the bridge to Longboat Key, at the northern most end of Lido Key Beach, is City Island, another favorite spot for Sarasota boaters. Drop the anchor and enjoy a day at City Island Park where you can indulge in recreational activities for all ages, including a full playground. Located directly across from the park is Mote Marine Aquarium, where you can further explore Sarasota's marine life up close and personal. For the fisherman in you, enjoy the fishing docks extending from the picnic areas located at City Island.

Siesta Key Beach

While not necessarily a boating destination, Siesta Key Beach just simply can't be ignored when looking for the ultimate Sarasota experience. Rated the nation's #1 beach, Siesta Key is home to tourists and locals year round. Venture to Siesta Key on a Sunday night and enjoy the rhythmical sounds of the “Drum Circle” and even join in on the fun. Take a look around Siesta Key Village and explore the many shops and exquisite dining locations for a day that you won't soon forget.

Whatever your idea of a vacation is, you can count on any of the Sarasota boating destinations above to provide entertainment and fun for the whole family. Here's to a relaxing weekend and as always, we'll see you on the water!

Have other boating destinations to share? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Tags