Red Tide at Seagrove??

[pk305]

We're at Seagrove & several of us are developing scratching throats and coughs & have heard that this is probably due to the Red Tide (algae)....
Is this true? How long is this Red Tide likely to last?
I'm just concerned for my very young grandchildren who have just arrived today. Any info will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

[Wekick]

Yes we have the same thing--could hardly breath, but it seems better today. I wondered if it could be red tide but we were blaming salt in the the air. We've never had it before in the 15 years we've been coming here. We're in Seagrove.

[Smiling JOe]

We're at Seagrove & several of us are developing scratching throats and coughs & have heard that this is probably due to the Red Tide (algae)....
Is this true? How long is this Red Tide likely to last?
I'm just concerned for my very young grandchildren who have just arrived today. Any info will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

It has taken my breath away the last couple of days when I have gone to the beach. As soon as I get out there, I get the light cough, and it is difficult to breath.Below is some helpful info regarding Red Tide, directed primarly at surfers, since the Gulf is closed for swimming.
The info below is from MrSurfs.com (http://www.mrsurfs.com/surf_report.php)
Saturday update NOON 9/24/05:

Surf's still BIG w/fair form but very hard to get out. Lots of folks cannot get through the inside section to the outside. For the Lucky few that did -they"ve got some pretty good stuff (Check Box#3) See Ya In The Water! I made it out, but it was not easy! Red Tide is still very bad + bring the sunscreen -it's a scorther today!

Saturday 10a 9/24/05:

Surf is still BIG. Should be up all day & fade by Monday. Lots of folks out surfing. RED TIDE is still BAD so BEWARE! (see Helpful Hints below). Surf should be good thru Sunday w/fun leftovers Monday. Pray for the folks West who have been affected by RITA & KATRINA.

Swell still pumping in from RITA w/fair to good form but very CONSISTENT & STRONG RIPS. Winds still out of ESE (Side/Off-shore) BE CAREFUL = Only EXPERIENCED Surfers should to be out in the water. Surf will be more managable later today.
Water is Murky in mid 80s. Jellies are present w/Red Tide
We have partly cloudy skies & warm air temps.
DOUBLE RED FLAGS- High Surf Advisory still in effect for our coast.

P.S. Drive carefully -it's THUNDERBEACH & thousands of Bikers are in town.

HELPFUL HINTS:

For Red Tide = 1.(if you're not allergic to Tylenol)take a couple of Tylenol tablets :30 minutes prior to going out into the water- 4 hours later take two more tablets. This will help subdue symptoms (TYLENOL seems to work best) 2. Wash down w/fresh water & use soap as soon as you get out of the water. 3. Rinse your ears out very good (use a Ear Rinse Solution if possible you can get some at any pharmacy).

For the JELLIES: 1. Put WINDEX on ice & take it to the beach (does not help if you leave it at home or back in the car) Spray down affected area -it"ll take the sting right out!

[Beach Runner]

Excerpted from http://www.doh.state.fl.us/communications/office/pressreleases/1999/8.29.99redtide.doc :

Exposure to red tide can lead to varying degrees of eye, nose, and throat irritation similar to cold symptoms. Health officials recommend that people experiencing the aforementioned symptoms remain away from beach areas -- Once a person leaves the red tide area, the symptoms usually go away. People with severe or chronic respiratory conditions are cautioned to avoid red tide areas.

Residents living in beach areas are advised to close windows and run the airconditioner (making sure that the A/C filter is maintained according to manufacturer's specs). If outdoors, they may want to wear paper filter masks, especially if onshore winds are blowing.

The other human effects of red tide are transient, with no long-term health effects, although any individuals with severe chronic respiratory conditions such as emphysema or asthma should avoid beach areas and contact with water spray during red tide conditions. In situations where conditions produce human contact with affected water spray, such as those due to wind direction and wave action along with spray production by boat propellers, some susceptible people may experience varying degrees of eye, nose, and throat irritation similar to cold symptoms, and may include coughing or wheezing. The symptoms are generally only a transient nuisance, with mild discomfort, and can be resolved by leaving the area where spray is being produced. A rash can sometimes occur after contact with affected water, and is usually self-limited, resolving within 24 hours. It may be prudent for a swimmer in an affected area to rinse off after swimming, to reduce the time of contact with affected water. Swallowed water is unlikely to cause health effects, but prudence would indicate that this should be avoided.

Red tide can affect humans through consumption of contaminated molluscan shellfish, through aerosolization of the organism, and through skin contact. During a red tide, bivalve shellfish, including clams and oysters, concentrate the toxin and can produce neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP) in humans if eaten. Both mild gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms may occur in NSP, which may include tingling and numbness of lips, tongue, and throat, muscular aches, dizziness, reversal of the sensations of hot and cold, diarrhea, and vomiting. Onset of this disease occurs within a few minutes to a few hours; duration is fairly short, from a few hours to several days. Recovery is complete with few after effects; no fatalities have been reported.

Cooking does not eliminate the toxin.

[aquaticbiology]

SJ, do you surf? It's the life (with greenish-yellow hair!), and of course, the dynamic wave action that I loved. Not far away from where I grew up was a nice fresh-water wave pool where the huge perfect breakers would grind you along the concrete bottom if you fell! Get tubed, maaaan!

[Smiling JOe]

SJ, do you surf? It's the life (with greenish-yellow hair!), and of course, the dynamic wave action that I loved. Not far away from where I grew up was a nice fresh-water wave pool where the huge perfect breakers would grind you along the concrete bottom if you fell! Get tubed, maaaan!

I have not tried it yet, but it is never too late. I have many friends who surf, and they are all willing to teach me. I just have not tried it yet. However, I am thinking about getting a skateboard, seriously.:blink:

[JB]

Oh, man, I can't believe this. I am going to be down there in three weeks. Haven't been to the area since August 2004. This would completely ruin our trip.

Any idea how long this may last?

[Smiling JOe]

I am not positive that it is Red Tide, but the symptoms sure do seem to match. When standing on the beach with the wind blowing from the south, I lose my breath and begin a light cough. As quickly as I get off the beach, breathing is easier and the coughing stops.

Double red flags are still flying so stay out of the water. The clarity is coming back, but the 3'-4' waves are still breaking hard, and rip currents are present.

[JB]

No recent samples have been collected in Walton or Oklaloosa counties. Samples were taken in Bay county on 9/21. They showed low or no levels of Karenia brevis. However, this has been a persistent problem from Cape San Blas all the way to the Big Bend for several weeks.

Let's just hope it's Rita-related and will abate soon.

[Smiling JOe]

No recent samples have been collected in Walton or Oklaloosa counties. Samples were taken in Bay county on 9/21. They showed low or no levels of Karenia brevis. However, this has been a persistent problem from Cape San Blas all the way to the Big Bend for several weeks.

Let's just hope it's Rita-related and will abate soon.

I wonder if samples are taken along the shore line. If so, I guess the test results could show negative along the shore, but Red Tide could be present slightly off-shore, and the stronger winds of the past few days, could be blowing it onshore above the water, making it difficult to breathe?:idontno:

[JB]

Here is the link, SJ. It shows the locations of the tests and the levels.

http://www.floridamarine.org/features/view_article.asp?id=12628#Stat

[Smiling JOe]

Here is the link, SJ. It shows the locations of the tests and the levels.

http://www.floridamarine.org/features/view_article.asp?id=12628#Stat

JB, thanks for the link. The test in Panama City do show low levels of Red Tide at the Marina and at St Andrews St Park (the Amazons). The low levels found may cause these symptoms according to your link:

"LOWa >10,000 to <50,000 Respiratory irritation, but chlorophyll levels too low to be detected by satellites

LOWb 50,000 to <100,000 Respiratory irritation, maybe fish kills, and bloom chlorophyll probably detected by satellites"

[Wastin Away]

I talked with some guests of ours and they said they walked the beach in Seagrove, near Ramsgate, this morning and were not bothered with anything. I know it seemed to be bad last week, could it be related to Rita and is clearning out? Also, anyone have any word on how long the double red flags are going to be up?

[kurt]

The symptoms described are exactly those of Red Tide. Usually it's pretty evident when present. Click here for latest Red Tide Report. (http://www.floridamarine.org/features/view_article.asp?id=12628)

[kelkins]

We just got back from Santa Rosa Beach. We all had trouble with a cough, but I was blaming it on the blowing water. The wind was SO bad. The kids never got in the water over their knees. Waves Thursday and Friday were really big, not as bad Saturday and today.

[Miss Kitty]

We just got back from Santa Rosa Beach. We all had trouble with a cough, but I was blaming it on the blowing water. The wind was SO bad. The kids never got in the water over their knees. Waves Thursday and Friday were really big, not as bad Saturday and today.

Wind and waves would have been from that bad girl, Rita! Did you notice the cough everyday?

[aquaticbiology]

I have not tried it yet, but it is never too late. I have many friends who surf, and they are all willing to teach me. I just have not tried it yet. However, I am thinking about getting a skateboard, seriously.:blink:

go for it absolutely! get an old-school longboard like http://store1.yimg.com/I/gear-guys_1865_24793696 http://www.gearguys.com/900085.html
then get some big 2" old-school wheels (makes it go much easier, especially on flat ground). the longboard dosen't require the puff of the 'normal' short jumpy boards, is easier to balance and dosen't do 'tricks', just rides, goes great with this:http://store1.yimg.com/I/cc2000_1865_2408900 at http://store.shop72.com/beachcruiser.html

nothing like enjoying that second childhood - just the prices are higher! :floor:

[kelkins]

Wind and waves would have been from that bad girl, Rita! Did you notice the cough everyday?

Hmmm, trying to remember. I know I was coughing some Friday. But, we stayed on the beach for the longest time on Friday.

Yes, Rita sure had the waves up this weekend. We had fun anyway. :razz:
A crappy weather day at the beach is STILL a day at the beach, right?

[Miss Kitty]

Hmmm, trying to remember. I know I was coughing some Friday. But, we stayed on the beach for the longest time on Friday.

Yes, Rita sure had the waves up this weekend. We had fun anyway. :razz:
A crappy weather day at the beach is STILL a day at the beach, right?

Yes and amen kelkins!! So glad you had a great beach retreat!

[pk305]

Best we can tell, lots of folks on the beach and outdoors in the Seagrove/Eastern Lake area are still feeling the effects of Red Tide today.
It rained most of yesterday so we didn't get out there, but today we ventured out for about 4 hours and eventually all developed the cough, along with other folks.
The water does look better than it has so we hope it is clearing out.
I was just so relieved to get the info from the links that you all put on this thread so I know it is not a long-term damaging health concern! Just thankful it wasn't raining again!

[JB]

Dang, this is really disturbing news. Not only from the standpoint of not being able to get on the beach/in the water, but I would be afraid to eat seafood as well.

Have there been any reports of red tide anywhere other than Seagrove? Sandestin? Destin?

[Smiling JOe]

Dang, this is really disturbing news. Not only from the standpoint of not being able to get on the beach/in the water, but I would be afraid to eat seafood as well.

Have there been any reports of red tide anywhere other than Seagrove? Sandestin? Destin?
I had the symptoms while at the beach in Blue Mtn Beach.

[Beach Runner]

Dang, this is really disturbing news. Not only from the standpoint of not being able to get on the beach/in the water, but I would be afraid to eat seafood as well.

Have there been any reports of red tide anywhere other than Seagrove? Sandestin? Destin?
Naw, don't worry about eating seafood. I trust that any reputable restaurant is getting its seafood from a non-red-tide area. We were at the beach this past weekend, ate seafood multiple times, and are okaaaaaaaay ..... gasp ..... I can't breathe ..... OMG my tummy hurts ..... helppppp .....

JK.

But I did notice a scratchy feeling in my throat whenever I went to the walkover. We decided to keep ourselves and the dog off the beach and just chill out at the pool.

[pk305]

Naw, don't worry about eating seafood. I trust that any reputable restaurant is getting its seafood from a non-red-tide area. We were at the beach this past weekend, ate seafood multiple times, and are okaaaaaaaay ..... gasp ..... I can't breathe ..... OMG my tummy hurts ..... helppppp .....

JK.

But I did notice a scratchy feeling in my throat whenever I went to the walkover. We decided to keep ourselves and the dog off the beach and just chill out at the pool.


Agreed!! Have eaten our fair share of seafood this week.,,,,grouper, tuna, shrimp, however we are staying clear of the oysters! The sun is shining brightly this morning in Seagrove which is a much welcome change.

[aquaticbiology]

more useless but fun:

there's always some red tide algae present just about everywhere - its the concentration that matters

been proven that iron in the water causes boom in count - a'la bloom

if you got a hot flash after eating those shrimp - it's the red tide algae in their system - so eat one then wait five minutes and if there is no reaction then scarf the rest down - :blink:

if you eat a thousand shrimp you will have pink wee and maybe even die from the iodine unless you are really, really fat! :shock:

shrimp eat s*** :eek:

too much fun but breaks over - back to work! :bang:

[Rita]

more useless but fun:

there's always some red tide algae present just about everywhere - its the concentration that matters

been proven that iron in the water causes boom in count - a'la bloom

if you got a hot flash after eating those shrimp - it's the red tide algae in their system - so eat one then wait five minutes and if there is no reaction then scarf the rest down - :blink:

if you eat a thousand shrimp you will have pink wee and maybe even die from the iodine unless you are really, really fat! :shock:

shrimp eat s*** :eek:

too much fun but breaks over - back to work! :bang:


:rofl: Lovely post!

[Miss Kitty]

:rofl: Lovely post!

Yeah, thanks AB...can't wait to fill up on poopoo shrimp! Mmmmm. I insist that someone remove this red tide stuff immediately....do they make surgical masks for puppies? Do not worry, I will wait to take Miss Molly to the beach until I get the all clear!

[Smiling JOe]

if you eat a thousand shrimp you will have pink wee and maybe even die from the iodine unless you are really, really fat! :shock:


If you eat a thousand at one sitting, chances are you are really fat. Heck, you would probably die from extremely high cholesterol, too.

[aquaticbiology]

I insist that someone remove this red tide stuff immediately....

HA! Tell you what, you find a way to do it and I'll chip in for the patent! :twisted: Maybe then I could afford to get the Bayliner upholstery redone from what Hurr Charley did to it. Have you guys seen the prices they charge? Wow!

Just a bit cooler and totally beautiful sunset across Lake Grenada this PM, its payday tomorrow, and my roomate just put 2 monster largemouth bass fillets on the grill for our supper, it just dosen't get any better than this. I still miss the ocean, but think I'm beginning to like Central Mississippi. I also think I'll have a room temp Guiness in SJ's honor. Or maybe two. Goodnight, all! Be safe and see y'all tomorrow!

[Smiling JOe]

I think the Red Tide is getting worse. Many people around here are getting flu like symptoms - could be the effects from the Red Tide. Most of the construction workers even in the back of WaterColor are coughing badly. Today, I went over to Blue Mtn Beach, and it was bad, as soon as I got out of the car. I stayed long enough to get a few photos of the beach. Looks like the beach at the CR 83 Access has lost another verticle foot or more of sand in the last 10 days.

[JB]

Just out of curiosity, I put in a call to the Aquaculture division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services today. I spoke to their resident red tide expert. According to him, due to Katrina and Rita, some sections of algea have broken away from the highly concentrated areas in southwest Florida and found their way toward the panhandle beaches.

He claims the concentrations are quite low and should abate relatively soon. Hopefully, it is peaking right now and will slowly dissapate within the next few days.

Joe, please keep us posted as to the conditions.

[Beach Runner]

Just out of curiosity, I put in a call to the Aquaculture division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services today. I spoke to their resident red tide expert. According to him, due to Katrina and Rita, some sections of algea have broken away from the highly concentrated areas in southwest Florida and found their way toward the panhandle beaches.

He claims the concentrations are quite low and should abate relatively soon. Hopefully, it is peaking right now and will slowly dissapate within the next few days.

Joe, please keep us posted as to the conditions.
Yeah, baby! We'll be there on Oct. 12th through whenever I hide by telecommuting. Need to know if we should bring NBC masks.

[Miss Kitty]

Just out of curiosity, I put in a call to the Aquaculture division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services today. I spoke to their resident red tide expert. According to him, due to Katrina and Rita, some sections of algea have broken away from the highly concentrated areas in southwest Florida and found their way toward the panhandle beaches.

He claims the concentrations are quite low and should abate relatively soon. Hopefully, it is peaking right now and will slowly dissapate within the next few days.

Joe, please keep us posted as to the conditions.

Thank you JB! I am glad to hear of a possible reverse in this trend. I wonder what it is like if there is a high concentration...sounds like many people have suffered ill effects from a low amount.

[JB]

Thank you JB! I am glad to hear of a possible reverse in this trend. I wonder what it is like if there is a high concentration...sounds like many people have suffered ill effects from a low amount.

If you look at the link earlier in this thread, it gives a pretty good idea of how red tide levels are measured. Even a low level (low by their definition) can cause respiratory problems and fish kills. Problem is, they have done no tests off Walton or Okaloosa counties, so we really don't know how bad it is. Hopefully, the prevailing current will push it westward and out of our area within a reasonable period of time.

[Smiling JOe]

A friend tells me that Red Tide has recently been in the Boston area, and Oyster beds are shut down there. He says that restaurants in Atlanta are charging about $24 per dozen oysters. Pacific Coast is about the best source at this time.

[STL Don]

I just heard from my wife who is in Seagrove and Red Tide is there big time. The folks are staying away from the beach and even at the pool, 50 yards away from the beach, they are coughing all the time and must have a bottle of water handy. On top of this there were a lot of dead fish on the beach today. Not a good way to enjoy a beach vacation. :(

[redfisher]

its finally showed up in gulfview heights around to topsail...is it getting better in seagrove or is it lingering...the FWC was no help...i called yesterday and they said they would send someone out for a sample in the next few days...has it made it around to the bay...

[shakennotstirred]

Just out of curiosity, I put in a call to the Aquaculture division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services today. I spoke to their resident red tide expert. According to him, due to Katrina and Rita, some sections of algea have broken away from the highly concentrated areas in southwest Florida and found their way toward the panhandle beaches.

He claims the concentrations are quite low and should abate relatively soon. Hopefully, it is peaking right now and will slowly dissapate within the next few days.

Joe, please keep us posted as to the conditions.

JB - Thanks for the update. Been wondering how long the Red Tide would stick around. I suffer from sinus/allergy issues & am thinking that the red tide will most likely bother me & put a damper on my beach time. Hopefully it will clear out soon!

[Smiling JOe]

With the Red Tide, breathing in at the beach burns your nostrils, very similar to Flonase. I, too, have allergies and when I go to the beach with the Red Tide, I begin uncontrollable sneezing. :bang:

October may really suck if this Red Tide sticks around.

What a year at the beach - early and many hurricanes, shark attacks, beach erosion, septic tank problems, Red Tide, am I missing something here? :bang:

[iwishiwasthere]

Even with all the problems, it is still better than most places.

[shakennotstirred]

With the Red Tide, breathing in at the beach burns your nostrils, very similar to Flonase. I, too, have allergies and when I go to the beach with the Red Tide, I begin uncontrollable sneezing. :bang:


Yea, I figured the Red Tide wouldn't be fun. But any suffering would have to be better than the week I spent there with the chicken pox. And a bad day at the beach is still better than a good day at the office!

[Smiling JOe]

Yea, I figured the Red Tide wouldn't be fun. But any suffering would have to be better than the week I spent there with the chicken pox. And a bad day at the beach is still better than a good day at the office!

Just don't plan on being near the beach right now.

[RiverOtter]

Just don't plan on being near the beach right now.

Is it still bad?? I thought these things only lasted a couple of days :idontno:

[Smiling JOe]

Is it still bad?? I thought these things only lasted a couple of days :idontno:
It was worse yesterday than any other day I've been out.

[JB]

JB - Thanks for the update. Been wondering how long the Red Tide would stick around. I suffer from sinus/allergy issues & am thinking that the red tide will most likely bother me & put a damper on my beach time. Hopefully it will clear out soon!

Sounds to me like it is much worse than the guy I spoke with was willing to admit. He had no idea when or if the area would be tested for red tide levels. The more I think about it, the more I think he may have just been telling me what I wanted to hear.

This is serious. It effects tourism and folks' health. Where is the bloom? How big is it? When will it dissipate?

I felt better after talking to this guy, but after reading the posts here, I am pretty concerned. Someone needs to light a fire under state government and force them to give us some answers.

Dammit! :pissed: I'll be down there in two weeks and don't want to deal with this.

[Smiling JOe]

News Ch 13, Panty Maw City, just reported on Red Tide in that area. As you remember from JB's link, Red Tide was tested and present at the PC Marina downtown and at St Andrews St Park. This morning's news reports that Red Tide is moving west and is now present in their Bay. (St Andrews SP is at the mouth of the Bay.) They report that it is very local in nature and can move on fairly quickly. Sounds like charter fishing has pretty much stopped in Panama City because people are staying away due to Red Tide. The news showed a bunch of dead fish floating around the charter boats, but that was probably the worst cluster of the fish.

[kurt]

Red Tide will probably be around until the wind turns around and blows offshore. The stronger the onshore wind (like yesterday) the worse it's effects will be. If the air is still you won't even notice it unless you go in the water. Swimming in Red Tide waters will definately give you flu-like symptoms.

Weather.com shows the winds coming from the North today and East tomorrow and Saturday, then ENE Sunday, NE from Monday on. Hopefully that will do the trick.

Squall activity and high surf like we've had lately make the effects worse. I expect the surf to lay down and that will help. But the fly activity may pick up as the wind shifts.

[Smiling JOe]

Red Tide will probably be around until the wind turns around and blows offshore. The stronger the onshore wind (like yesterday) the worse it's effects will be. If the air is still you won't even notice it unless you go in the water. Swimming in Red Tide waters will definately give you flu-like symptoms.

Weather.com shows the winds coming from the North today and East tomorrow and Saturday, then ENE Sunday, NE from Monday on. Hopefully that will do the trick.

Squall activity and high surf like we've had lately make the effects worse. I expect the surf to lay down and that will help. But the fly activity may pick up as the wind shifts.

Bring that vinegar in a spray bottle if you are coming to the beach.

[aquaticbiology]

I wonder what it is like if there is a high concentration

literally looks like hot chocolate left untouched overnight - smells like robatussin decongestant medicine with acne cream in it (imagine a chemical tanker of bromine sitting in front of you spilled open in a closed room and you've about got it)

a full bloom happened some years ago (it all runs together, maybe 99?) at PCB after heavy rains flooded the leach pits at the paper mill and all that pretty well water they use (you know how that florida rotten-egg well water tastes - just full of iron and sulphur) caused the thickest bloom I've ever seen. There were no fish at all to be found except huge dead ones and there were thousands of little snake-like sand eels dead on the beach - very depressing. it was at low level when we arrived so we stayed that one night before it came down the beach hoping it would get better, then the next morning it was all thick chocolate water and everything was dead and you could hardly breathe at all so we left and went around the curve to the St. Marks area and all was fine there

we stayed at the Del Coronado which is now closed and slated for a high rise condo (the b@stards!), and it was still a Best Western back then, so it had to be 3-4 years ago at least - I'll look for pics when I get home tonite

[Miss Kitty]

Bring that vinegar in a spray bottle if you are coming to the beach.

I'll take flies over red tide any day! We have cooled down about 30 degrees here...big front came through last night...I am huffing and puffing and blowing it your way! Coming on Sat. now....get that stuff outta' there!!

[JB]

Bring that vinegar in a spray bottle if you are coming to the beach.

So we have two great options - wind from the south equals red tide. Wind from the north equals biting flies.

Hell, what is next? Firestorms? A plague of locusts?

What should be the best month of the year is looking to be one of the worst.

ARRRGH! :bang:

[Mermaid]

So we have two great options - wind from the south equals red tide. Wind from the north equals biting flies.

Hell, what is next? Firestorms? A plague of locusts?

What should be the best month of the year is looking to be one of the worst.

ARRRGH! :bang:


I was thinking that too! Like the plagues of Egypt. :bang:

Not that it could keep any of us away, though. :wub:

[aquaticbiology]

Wind from the north, wind from the south, and any tropical system can turn into a bloomin hurricane. Now you know why, after Charley and Ivan, I finally left the beach and now live in backwash mizippi. No red tide, no hurricanes, no tourists, and no corrosion. I have a nice waterfront home on a huge lake (there are huge boats up here bigger than my Bayliner cruiser) with a freshwater beach with pretty brown quartzy sand. I can go to a white sand (trucked-in) beach about an hour away at the injun casino, or I can go to the real beach in about 3 hours, stay all day and still be home for dinner. Not bad at all! I think Mizippi gets in your system, kinda like black mold. I don't think I'll ever live at the beach again, not full time anyway, and certainly never have anymore property there. Time to go to work! Sea ya!

I just found out that there are introduced striped bass in this lake. Mmmmm.
http://www.stripers247.com/Mississippi%20Gulf%20Coast.htm
http://www.chesapeakebay.net/images/stbass2.jpg

[kathydwells]

I found this website to be very informative. Thought I would share it with all of you.


http://www.start1.com/

[Diane4145]

I live in Seagrove Beach, about 2 blks from the beach. Last night, I rode to Publix on my bike and couldn't believe the difficulty, that I was having! :( The throat irritation was like nothing I've ever experienced here in last 9 months, since I relocated from B'ham. When I returned home and went inside, it cleared up immediately! :clap_1:

[STL Don]

Red Tide will probably be around until the wind turns around and blows offshore. The stronger the onshore wind (like yesterday) the worse it's effects will be. If the air is still you won't even notice it unless you go in the water. Swimming in Red Tide waters will definately give you flu-like symptoms.

Weather.com shows the winds coming from the North today and East tomorrow and Saturday, then ENE Sunday, NE from Monday on. Hopefully that will do the trick.

Squall activity and high surf like we've had lately make the effects worse. I expect the surf to lay down and that will help. But the fly activity may pick up as the wind shifts.
So you get to pick your poison, black flies or red tide--perhaps we should conduct a poll?

[Miss Kitty]

So we have two great options - wind from the south equals red tide. Wind from the north equals biting flies.

Hell, what is next? Firestorms? A plague of locusts?

What should be the best month of the year is looking to be one of the worst.

ARRRGH! :bang:


Have you noticed SJ's avatar? He has some voodoo and called Rita as a bad one way back when. Is he telling us something? This is like a Hitchcock movie. Are we getting pay back...I don't know, but it isn't looking good. Is that front coming to SoWal soon?

[katie blue]

Is there red tide all along 30-A, or just in small concentrated areas? Anyone know if it's in the Camp Creek area currently? CCK?

I was planning on coming down to deep clean my rental house next week, but might put it off to another time if this is happening.

And what happens to the dead fish? Do they just sit there until covered or swept back out to sea, or does the county come in and scoop them up?

[Camp Creek Kid]

Unfortunately, Red Tide (not Crimson) has made its way to Walton County. The blooms are drifting west from Apalachicola and have now made it to our beaches and are heading to Okaloosa. There has been talk of Red Tide for about a week, but it has only been noticeable at the beach. My husband, who works outside and is building about 1/4 mile from the beach in Seagove, said that yesterday was the first day that he noticed it where he was. Most of the guys working on his project were coughing. So, this means that the concentrations are high enough to now cause symptoms off the beach.

On the news last night they said that rain will help it to dissipate. Maybe we'll have to wait for the next hurricane :floor: .

[STL Don]

I heard that the coughing from the red tide got much worse when they started working on the beach today (scraping?) Does that make sense, and if so, wouldn't you think they would postpone the work?

[Beach Runner]

Tangential, but DO WHAT? They're not really beach scraping again, are they? What a supreme waste of money, not to mention messing with Mother Nature!

[Wastin Away]

Are there a lot of dead fish on the beaches everywhere, or are some areas worse than others? Does anyone see that it is getting better as compared to last week? My assumption about red tide was that it typically lasted about a week or so and then went away.

[Smiling JOe]

Are there a lot of dead fish on the beaches everywhere, or are some areas worse than others? Does anyone see that it is getting better as compared to last week? My assumption about red tide was that it typically lasted about a week or so and then went away.
Yesterday, the wind was not as strong as the day before and the Red Tide was not as bad. Regarding the fish, I have not walked on the beach since the Red Tide came in so my report is from the CR83 access at Blu Mtn Bch. I saw no dead fish on the beach from that location. However, as soon as you get to that access, you can detect a very fishy smell, as in dead fish smell.

[Wastin Away]

Has the county stated a time frame for the red tide? One notice I read is that is was getting better and should be gone in a couple of days. Have you hard any different?

[kurt]

Has the county stated a time frame for the red tide? One notice I read is that is was getting better and should be gone in a couple of days. Have you hard any different?

The county will only permit red tide for a maximum of 7 days. I'm not sure when the start date was.

[Smiling JOe]

Two likely answers:

The County is not testing for Red Tide because they don't want people to know that it is not the Red Tide, but the bug spray from the C-41's that is affecting people's breathing, burning their eyes, and killing sea life.

The County is not testing for Red Tide, because then they would have to warn people, and that would keep the tourists away. Sometimes it is better not to warn people, esp when tax revenue is needed.

:idontno:

[JB]

I don't think it's the county's responsibility anyway. Pretty sure this falls under the umbrella of state government. According to the link earlier in this thread, the last testing was done on 9/21 and Walton County was not included in those tests. I don't think we need a test to tell us what we already know. Regardless of the levels, it is affecting people.

Looks like the surf is relatively flat today. Hopefully this will settle things down and allow the prevailing current to move some of the blooms toward the west. Water still looks pretty murky though.

[Smiling JOe]

I don't think it's the county's responsibility anyway. Pretty sure this falls under the umbrella of state government. According to the link earlier in this thread, the last testing was done on 9/21 and Walton County was not included in those tests. I don't think we need a test to tell us what we already know. Regardless of the levels, it is affecting people.

Looks like the surf is relatively flat today. Hopefully this will settle things down and allow the prevailing current to move some of the blooms toward the west. Water still looks pretty murky though.
The water is a murky dark green/brown. YUK!

[redfisher]

its the state's responsibility (FWC) to test...besides, all you can do is hope the tides and winds blow it out...sarasota has been covered since feb...

[Miss Kitty]

The water is a murky dark green/brown. YUK!

That isn't "water" from NOLA is it? "OUT DAMN SPOT!"....thanks to Willy S.

[bsullie]

Yesterday, the wind was not as strong as the day before and the Red Tide was not as bad. Regarding the fish, I have not walked on the beach since the Red Tide came in so my report is from the CR83 access at Blu Mtn Bch. I saw no dead fish on the beach from that location. However, as soon as you get to that access, you can detect a very fishy smell, as in dead fish smell.

There were dead fish on the beach in Seacrest this morning...opposite Clareon Drive access. Didn't have nearly as much coughing and burning eyes when I walked down to the beach. Water is still murky but glad to report not neary as much acute distress as in the last few days. Let's hope it's movin' on out...

[Miss Kitty]

There were dead fish on the beach in Seacrest this morning...opposite Clareon Drive access. Didn't have nearly as much coughing and burning eyes when I walked down to the beach. Water is still murky but glad to report not neary as much acute distress as in the last few days. Let's hope it's movin' on out...

Poor fish! Thanks for the optimistic report...glad your walk was more pleasant today!

[pk305]

From Eastern Lake today...much easier to be outside...we didn't get any closer to the gulf than the pool (which would be 3rd tier). We were at the pool for couple of hours and barely coughed today which is very encouraging!
In fact it was very pleasant outside today! Talked to a couple of folks who walked the beach & reported much less respiratory difficulty today than yesterday (while on the beach). Hoping this is on the way out!!

Just received this official update TODAY 9/30
NORTHWEST FLORIDA
A Florida red tide is still present in northwest Florida. Water samples from the St. Andrew Bay system (Bay County) contained mostly very low to low concentrations of Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism. Concentrations of K. brevis in the Apalachicola Bay system (Franklin County) ranged from present to high, with the highest concentration found in the westernmost sampling site at Indian Pass. Fish kills and respiratory irritation were reported as far west as Okaloosa and Walton counties, indicating the possible presence of red tide, but samples were not available for confirmation. Fish kills and some respiratory irritation were also reported in bay and offshore areas of Bay, Franklin, Wakulla, Dixie, and Levy counties. Patchy concentrations of K. brevis were found offshore from Citrus County southward to Lee County in southwest Florida. Commercial shellfish harvesting continues to be affected. Check with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Aquaculture for the most up-to-date information regarding shellfish area closures.

[kurt]

I was in Destin today on the beach and it wasn't too bad. But I'm pretty sure because there was no wind. If the onshore winds pick up it will be bad. We need some heavy offshore winds to blow it out.

[sarawind]

We have couple dozen dead fish in front of our place today in Seacrest. Getting odiferous around here. Be glad when red tide is gone.

[aquaticbiology]

The county will only permit red tide for a maximum of 7 days. I'm not sure when the start date was.

:lolabove: with extensions for costly studies of removal efforts no doubt

and

I was in Destin today on the beach and it wasn't too bad. But I'm pretty sure because there was no wind. If the onshore winds pick up it will be bad. We need some heavy offshore winds to blow it out.

careful what you wish for m8


if it did get blown ashore by 'heavy offshore winds', would it go into the beach and become dormant (as algae do), only to spring up again when the water came over the beach again and released it from its imprisonment between the grains of sand? could that be why its back now? hmmmmm?

perhaps it's time to dig up the entire beach, clean it, bleach it, dry it until fluffy and put it back in exactly the same spot

man, oh, man, would I like to have that county contract

even better, we could add gold dust to the sand!

[luvthebeach]

Does anyone know if things are any better today? We have some friends driving down to our place for their annual trip. I gave them a head's up about the Red Tide, but I was hoping that maybe things would improve. :idontno:

[Smiling JOe]

The breathing is easier today. I could stand at the beach. Water is still murky in some spots, but I hear Rosemary Beach is crystal clear, except for a few dead fish.

[luvthebeach]

The breathing is easier today. I could stand at the beach. Water is still murky in some spots, but I hear Rosemary Beach is crystal clear, except for a few dead fish.

Hopefully this is a sign that the Red Tide is finally clearing out of the area! :clap_1: Thanks a bunch for the update, SJ. It's great to have good people like you down there keeping the rest of us in the loop.

Have a great beach evening! :D

[Diane4145]

Rode the bike in Seagrove and didn't notice any difficulty with breathing! My Yorkie, Twinky, enjoyed riding in her basket!:clap_1: :clap_1: :clap_1: notDoes anyone know if things are any better today? We have some friends driving down to our place for their annual trip. I gave them a head's up about the Red Tide, but I was hoping that maybe things would improve. :idontno:

[luvthebeach]

Rode the bike in Seagrove and didn't notice any difficulty with breathing! My Yorkie, Twinky, enjoyed riding in her basket!:clap_1: :clap_1: :clap_1: not

That's great news! :clap_1: Thanks Diane! And Twinky riding in her basket sounds so cute! Are you saying she doesn't enjoy the ride?

[CastlesOfSand]

We arrived last night and walked the beach in Seagrove. We saw dead fish and a horseshoe crab. No coughing or breathing problems. Today the water is dark not it's beautiful emrerald color. There are plenty of people on the beach and in the water. We also spotted 4 dolphins close to shore!!! That must be a good sign! Headed to the beach! :cool:

[JB]

So what's the latest, folks? The water still looks very murky. I checked the marine forcast and it is calling for fairly strong winds from the east and northeast for the next several days.

Is the red tide improving, or is it still present and being camouflaged by the offshore winds?

Inquiring minds want to know.

[Smiling JOe]

So what's the latest, folks? The water still looks very murky. I checked the marine forcast and it is calling for fairly strong winds from the east and northeast for the next several days.

Is the red tide improving, or is it still present and being camouflaged by the offshore winds?

Inquiring minds want to know.

I think you nailed it. You better hope for the dog flies, and bring the vinegar. The Red Tide is still present but ... (what you said).

[sandyfeet]

My husband returned home Saturday after working a month in Crestview. He was staying at a condo on the beach on Okaloosa Island. He came home with cold and allergy symptoms. He is quite miserable. Could this be associated with red tide or is it (red tide) just something that affects a person while they are on the beach? He's headed to the Doc now. Just curious. This bulletin board is giving me a whole new education regarding the ocean. Thanks :D

[bsullie]

I think you nailed it. You better hope for the dog flies, and bring the vinegar. The Red Tide is still present but ... (what you said).
The water as it breaks on shore is dark....water breaking about 25 or 30 yards off shore is clear and green...how do you explain that? :idontno:

[kurt]

My husband returned home Saturday after working a month in Crestview. He was staying at a condo on the beach on Okaloosa Island. He came home with cold and allergy symptoms. He is quite miserable. Could this be associated with red tide or is it (red tide) just something that affects a person while they are on the beach? He's headed to the Doc now. Just curious. This bulletin board is giving me a whole new education regarding the ocean. Thanks :D

It does affect different people in different ways. However, I've only seen it persisit after someone swam in it. If he was in the thick of it though for awhile I guess it's possible it might have stayed with him. I hope he feels better soon.

[Smiling JOe]

It does affect different people in different ways. However, I've only seen it persisit after someone swam in it. If he was in the thick of it though for awhile I guess it's possible it might have stayed with him. I hope he feels better soon.

I have a few friends who have been having symptoms similiar to a cold. I think they are feeling the effects of Red Tide. These people all live very close to the Gulf, and their symptoms suddenly dissappeared when the wind shifted, blowing to the south. BTW (by the way for CJ), these people never walked on the beach when the Red Tide symptoms were present.

The other day when it was bad, I stayed out there coughing for no more than 8-10 minutes. I felt better after I left, but was still feeling it somewhat even two hours later.

[wetwilly]

SJ you mentioned that the symptoms went away when the winds shifted to the South. Are the winds continuing Southward now and red tide symptoms are lower or was that wind shift just a temporary thing? I know the winds can shift and are variable but just trying to gauge what it is going to be like for the next few days when my wife is down in Seagrove.

She knows what to expect thanks to the folks on this board and all of the info. Any info on the winds and how they may hold over the next few days would be appreciated.

Wetwilly :cool:

[Smiling JOe]

SJ you mentioned that the symptoms went away when the winds shifted to the South. Are the winds continuing Southward now and red tide symptoms are lower or was that wind shift just a temporary thing? I know the winds can shift and are variable but just trying to gauge what it is going to be like for the next few days when my wife is down in Seagrove.

She knows what to expect thanks to the folks on this board and all of the info. Any info on the winds and how they may hold over the next few days would be appreciated.

Wetwilly :cool:

I take the weather with each as it comes. Yesterday and today, winds are blowing SSW. Dog Flies are present. Red Tide symptoms are not too bad in most places.

[Diane4145]

I live in Seagrove Beach, have been out on and off all day and not had any problems. :clap_1:


'I have a few friends who have been having symptoms similiar to a cold. I think they are feeling the effects of Red Tide. These people all live very close to the Gulf, and their symptoms suddenly dissappeared when the wind shifted, blowing to the south. BTW (by the way for CJ), these people never walked on the beach when the Red Tide symptoms were present.

The other day when it was bad, I stayed out there coughing for no more than 8-10 minutes. I felt better after I left, but was still feeling it somewhat even two hours later.

[sandyfeet]

Thanks for the red tide information. The Doc believes it is probably allergies affecting my husband. (The mold count is ridiculously high right now.) We do live in Misery 'er I mean Missouri. So, it's Benadryl and La La Land for him.

[kurt]

A red tide outbreak that began last month in southwest Florida has made its way completely across the state's Gulf Coast to the western end of the Panhandle.

Fish kills and respiratory problems for humans have been reported at Pensacola Beach, a barrier island community. The reports are telltale signs of the toxic algae.

document.write('');Pensacola Beach water safety supervisor David Greenwood says he felt the effects when he waded into the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday.

Shelley Alexander is the aquatic preserve manager for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. She says this is the first significant red tide outbreak in the Pensacola area since 1998.

She says testing will continue this week to monitor the bloom.

The red tide first showed up at Panama City Beach two weeks ago and last week it had moved westward through Walton County. The latest reports now put it all the way to the Alabama-Florida state line

[Cottontop]

I'm new to this forum. My family is going down to One Segrove Place the 9th thru the 15th. My son has asthma ( under control). Please keep this post active and keep us updated. Also, I always like to surf fish when we come down in Oct. Is there any use in bringing the equipment or is the surf fishing dead due to the red tide? Thanks

[kurt]

I'm new to this forum. My family is going down to One Segrove Place the 9th thru the 15th. My son has asthma ( under control). Please keep this post active and keep us updated. Also, I always like to surf fish when we come down in Oct. Is there any use in bringing the equipment or is the surf fishing dead due to the red tide? Thanks

:welcome: Stay tuned. Nature changes fast around here.

[Rita]

:welcome: Have a wonderful trip! Hope you get to fish.

[wetwilly]

My wife just drove down to Seagrove today to hang at our house in the Eastern Lake area and I spoke to her a few hours ago and she said that Red Tide was affecting her pretty bad on the beach this afternoon/evening.

So, it hasn't passed yet but hopefully will soon. As she reports back, I will post it. SJ and other locals have been doing a great job keeping us informed, she knew it was there and pretty bad, so she knew what to expect and decided to go down to spend some of our $$ in SoWal regardless of the "tide".

I'm pulling Mr. Mom duty here at home in Atlanta having a blast with my 3 boys (12, 9, and 5 yrs old). :cool:

[Beach Runner]

Gosh darn it, I'll be there next Wednesday. It had better be gone by then. or I'm gonna have to whomp up on it (although I have no idea how to whomp up on red tide).

[Ocean Lover]

I'm pulling Mr. Mom duty here at home in Atlanta having a blast with my 3 boys (12, 9, and 5 yrs old). :cool:

What a great husband you are! I'm sure the boys are loving the "all men" thing too. I hope your wife enjoys herself despite the tide!!!

[CastlesOfSand]

Wetwilly you are a great hubby... the Red Tide is really weird. I have not seen anything like it before!

[TooFarTampa]

I'm pulling Mr. Mom duty here at home in Atlanta having a blast with my 3 boys (12, 9, and 5 yrs old). :cool:

Wetwilly you are doing a great thing! :bow: :bow: I have two little ones (5 and 2) and manage our beach rental house and most everything at home and work part time, and I was thinking I need a NO RESPONSIBILITY weekend, and soon. Good for you for providing one! :clap_1:

[aquaticbiology]

I'm new to this forum. My family is going down to One Segrove Place the 9th thru the 15th. My son has asthma ( under control). Please keep this post active and keep us updated. Also, I always like to surf fish when we come down in Oct. Is there any use in bringing the equipment or is the surf fishing dead due to the red tide? Thanks

offshore charters are cooking with gas!

you could give us all a break and leave the euipment at home, for as we all know, if you do leave it at home there will be no red tide that week and you will be kicking yourself for leaving it at home but we will all love you since the red tide will go away for that week! :twisted:

[wetwilly]

Wetwilly you are doing a great thing! :bow: :bow: I have two little ones (5 and 2) and manage our beach rental house and most everything at home and work part time, and I was thinking I need a NO RESPONSIBILITY weekend, and soon. Good for you for providing one! :clap_1:

Thanks Rita, Castlesofsand, and TFT,

The boys and I are having a great time. And even with the "tide" my wife is having a good time doing whatever she wants without dealing with the house, dog, 3 boys in school, roller hockey, and me :blink: Ever since the boys were born, I have been very involved with them along with my wife and when I do the Mr. Mom routine we all look at it as a great adventure. We watch Sportcenter, play sports, go to our sports practices, eat wings, pizza, and burgers, play board games, oh yeah and do the homework, keep the house clean, and all of the other things that we need to do. This is hard work.....

Alas, while the boys are in school, I do my business calls emails, post on sowal.com, post on sowal.com, post on sowal.com..... :biggrin:

Life's too short and the boys will be men soon enough and then they will only call Mom when they need something/anything and me for the car and money. :cool:

Plus, I am looking at doing a guys trip to sowal in a few weeks and going fishing but it will be hard to go without taking the boys with me since they really love sowal and fishing. :clap_1:

[shakennotstirred]

Gosh darn it, I'll be there next Wednesday. It had better be gone by then. or I'm gonna have to whomp up on it (although I have no idea how to whomp up on red tide).

You go girl! Whomp the red tides arse & clear the water/air up! :clap_1: :clap_1: I'll be getting there Wed as well & will appreciate your efforts.

[Cottontop]

If fishing the surf is not good, could anyone give any info about offshore and reccomend a good charter 8-12 hour.

[aquaticbiology]

http://www.angryfishcharters.com/
in south walton

or

http://www.destinharborcharters.com/
if you 'do' destin

[Beach Runner]

What a dilemma! I want to invite my Mom to the beach next week, but if the red tide is still in effect, what's the point? I don't want to invite her, then disappoint her by cancelling because of red tide (which she won't understand - she'll just think we dumped on her).

I'll come down regardless. I'm at the beach enough that I'm satisfied with the view and being in the pool. But if Mom can't go to the beach, she'd rather stay at home.

What to do?

[aquaticbiology]

Book her on a 12 hour offshore trip with Cottontop and fire up the grill when she gets back home lugging 50 pounds of fresh seafood! YUMMY! Did I ever mention that I LOVE FISH?

[Cottontop]

Are the winds from the storm off the east coast helping to clear out the red tide? The weather models I've looked at show the winds blowing out. Shouldn't this move the red tide away from the beach?

[CastlesOfSand]

The water at Seagrove is much clearer today. I was able to walk out on the sand bar and find some great shells! :cool:

[wetwilly]

Book her on a 12 hour offshore trip with Cottontop and fire up the grill when she gets back home lugging 50 pounds of fresh seafood! YUMMY! Did I ever mention that I LOVE FISH?

AB (or anyone),

Why is it that the Red Tide kills fish near the shoreline but the fishing offshore is hopping? Is Red Tide localized to the shoreline or close in to the surf?

Just thought you might know. :idontno:

[pk305]

Sounds like Red Tide is clearing out in the Eastern Lake area. I'm not reading anything about the coughs so am hoping this is going, going, gone!! It surely put a wrinkle in our family beach trip last week, but hopefully will be no more when we return in a few weeks. Thanks everyone for keeping us updated on this!

[JB]

The water looks much more clear on destincam than it has at any point over the last three weeks. Maybe that's a good sign.

I'll be there Wednesday. Just one swim in the gulf without having to worry about getting sick would be worth the trip.

[shakennotstirred]

Yes it does -- the water on cam2 looks awesome! The Surf Report at www.mrsurfs.com also says the following:

"RED TIDE is just about gone if not completely by now.- YEAH! GREEN FLAG- Water is Emerald Green in lower 80s."

Hopefully it is clearing out. I'd love to see some clear water next week & not have to wear a surgical mask at the beach.

[wetwilly]

Sounds like Red Tide is clearing out in the Eastern Lake area. I'm not reading anything about the coughs so am hoping this is going, going, gone!! It surely put a wrinkle in our family beach trip last week, but hopefully will be no more when we return in a few weeks. Thanks everyone for keeping us updated on this!

My wife just came back from our house in the Seagrove Eastern Lake area last night and she said that the wind is blowing out (South) and as of yesterday morning it appeared the Red Tide is going bye bye. :clap_1: :clap_1: :clap_1:

[SGB]

I was on the beach in Dune Allen and BMB this morning. The beach is looking much better. No red tide, water is clearing, some great shells, and some wide beaches!

[Beach Runner]

My wife just came back from our house in the Seagrove Eastern Lake area last night and she said that the wind is blowing out (South) and as of yesterday morning it appeared the Red Tide is going bye bye. :clap_1: :clap_1: :clap_1:
WOOOOO HOOOOO!!!!! THANX FOR THE INFO!!!!! Can't wait 'til I get there!

[luvthebeach]

WOOOOO HOOOOO!!!!! THANX FOR THE INFO!!!!! Can't wait 'til I get there!


Now, if they'd only get rid of that ugly brown sand!! :shock:

[Beach Runner]

Now, if they'd only get rid of that ugly brown sand!! :shock:
Really!

[wetwilly]

Now, if they'd only get rid of that ugly brown sand!! :shock:

As far as I know, there is not brown sand in eastern lake area of seagorve beach. My wife was there for 3 days and nonoe reported. I am afraid that someone will truck it in and back over/thru the remaining dunes to try and repair and backfill Ramsgate or Seaward I and II by the county access. Haven't done it yet but in Nov/Dec when noone is looking.... :bang: :bang:

[Beach Runner]

Just got this update. Bummer!

NORTHWEST FLORIDA
A Florida red tide continues in northwest Florida and has moved westward into Escambia County. Higher-than-background concentrations of Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, were found this week as far west as Pensacola Pass. Red tide was also confirmed this week in Okaloosa and Walton counties (fish kills and respiratory irritation were reported last week) and continues in St. Andrew Bay in Bay County and Apalachicola Bay in Franklin County. Two samples from Wakulla County contained background concentrations of K. brevis. Fish kills and some respiratory and eye irritation were reported along most of the Florida Panhandle from Santa Rosa to Franklin counties. Commercial shellfish harvesting continues to be affected. Check with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Aquaculture for the most up-to-date information regarding shellfish area closures.

[gotothebeachmom]

???? We just got back from the beach. Hubby that coughed up a lung last week had 0 problem today. This would include sis-in-law that has asthma. Green flags flying from Grayton to Inlet Beach.

[shakennotstirred]

???? We just got back from the beach. Hubby that coughed up a lung last week had 0 problem today. This would include sis-in-law that has asthma. Green flags flying from Grayton to Inlet Beach.

Glad you enjoyed your beach day! Thanks for the update!

[gotothebeachmom]

Glad you enjoyed your beach day! Thanks for the update!

It was a goooood day! Cloudy, but who cares!!!!!???

[wetwilly]

???? We just got back from the beach. Hubby that coughed up a lung last week had 0 problem today. This would include sis-in-law that has asthma. Green flags flying from Grayton to Inlet Beach.

Wish I was there and my wishes that she had stayed....but we have renters in from Huntsville this weekend. :clap_1: :clap_1: :clap_1: I'm glad it is going to be a good weekend for them. I was a little for them.

[gotothebeachmom]

Wish I was there and my wishes that she had stayed....but we have renters in from Huntsville this weekend. :clap_1: :clap_1: :clap_1: I'm glad it is going to be a good weekend for them. I was a little for them.

This is an annual thing for my brother and sister-in-law. Sis-in-law got really sick last year the day they arrived! The flu, bronchitis, and strep! We have been determined to enjoy this year regardless the weather.

We have managed so far, despite the skies!

[kurt]

This is an annual thing for my brother and sister-in-law. Sis-in-law got really sick last year the day they arrived! The flu, bronchitis, and strep! We have been determined to enjoy this year regardless the weather.

We have managed so far, despite the skies!

You might want to let her know that getting sick on vacation is a sign that her "normal" life is out of control.

[gotothebeachmom]

You might want to let her know that getting sick on vacation is a sign that her "normal" life is out of control.

We are having an intervention. She's almost convinced she must visit SoWal more often. We may need to resort to more Cheezits, more sunsets, and less stress if current methods fail! God it's tough! Check in later after the hot tub therapy!!!! Damn October!!!!!!!

[Mermaid]

We are having an intervention. She's almost convinced she must visit SoWal more often. We may need to resort to more Cheezits, more sunsets, and less stress if current methods fail! God it's tough! Check in later after the hot tub therapy!!!! Damn October!!!!!!!

I think we ALL need to visit SoWal more often! I nearly cried when we had to pack up the car yesterday and head back to the Midwest. The skies were a brilliant blue and the beach was beautiful again. Finally! When we arrived on Saturday the 1st, we couldn't even stay on the beach more than a minute. That red tide is strange stuff. I can't describe it exactly, but the air was, well, "different." It didn't affect our throats like it did other people, but it felt very strange, not like regular air at all. It was weird breathing it in and we didn't like it so we got off the beach straight away. By the end of the week, though, it was all back to normal. As mentioned above, Mother Nature on 30-A is ever changing! (Thank god.)

[Beach Runner]

Red Tide Updat 10/14 - Explains why I've been coughing and have a scratchy throat. Maybe that's why my dog isn't eating?

NORTHWEST FLORIDA
A Florida red tide continues in northwest Florida. Distribution of Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, remains patchy in bay areas from Escambia County to Wakulla County. Up to high concentrations of K. brevis were found in St. Andrew Bay (Bay County), and up to medium concentrations were found in Choctawhatchee Bay (Okaloosa County) and St. Andrew Sound (Franklin County). Above-backgrounds concentrations of K. brevis were also found this week south of Cedar Key in Levy County. Fish kills were reported from Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Franklin, and Taylor counties. Commercial shellfish harvesting continues to be affected.

[pk305]

I'm bummed to hear that the Red Tide is still causing ill effects!!
We left Seagrove on 10/01 after dealing with RT for a week!!
Headed back down on 10/19 and thought RT was not as much of a problem (cough). Sounds like it is....any other reports out there, please??
THANKS!

[luvthebeach]

Red Tide Updat 10/14 - Explains why I've been coughing and have a scratchy throat. Maybe that's why my dog isn't eating?

NORTHWEST FLORIDA
A Florida red tide continues in northwest Florida. Distribution of Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, remains patchy in bay areas from Escambia County to Wakulla County. Up to high concentrations of K. brevis were found in St. Andrew Bay (Bay County), and up to medium concentrations were found in Choctawhatchee Bay (Okaloosa County) and St. Andrew Sound (Franklin County). Above-backgrounds concentrations of K. brevis were also found this week south of Cedar Key in Levy County. Fish kills were reported from Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Franklin, and Taylor counties. Commercial shellfish harvesting continues to be affected.

:eek: Please make it go away! My two sisters and I are driving down next Thursday for a long weekend of shopping/beach/par-tay-ing! This is their first trip down. I've already warned them about the beaches not being what they once were...I hate to drop the ball to them about the stinky red tide! :bang:

[Camp Creek Kid]

:eek: Please make it go away! My two sisters and I are driving down next Thursday for a long weekend of shopping/beach/par-tay-ing! This is their first trip down. I've already warned them about the beaches not being what they once were...I hate to drop the ball to them about the stinky red tide! :bang:


The red tide is only in the BAYS. If you're at the beach, you won't have a problem.

[SGB]

We haven't noticed any red tide at all on the bay. I haven't noticed any red tide anywhere in the last week or so. Walked along the beach this morning and didn't notice anything.

[gotothebeachmom]

:eek: Please make it go away! My two sisters and I are driving down next Thursday for a long weekend of shopping/beach/par-tay-ing! This is their first trip down. I've already warned them about the beaches not being what they once were...I hate to drop the ball to them about the stinky red tide! :bang:

Red Tide is a done deal. You'll be fine.

[Miss Kitty]

Here's my deal...I have had bronchitis since Oct.3. Stayed away from beach because of RT alerts. Finally went beaching on Oct. 6 and had a little scratchy throat....it's been fine ever since! gttbm is correct...RT seems to be HISTORY at the beach. There are still some fish carcasses around here at WC from that "busting" and "balling"...serves the little boogers right for eating my minnow friends!

[pk305]

Now that's GOOD NEWS!!
Thanks for the timely RT reports!!
Have a wonderful day everyone!

[steele mama]

Not having read this whole thread...someone may have already asked this question.... however...

why is it in my 50+ years at grayton beach I never heard of or experienced Red Tide until recently. I'm thinking it is because no one was there when Red Tide was and now people are there ALL the time. Ya think? Scientific information anyone? I also never saw Love Bugs until the last few years. I'm sure my Grandaddy could give me the answer. :idontno:

[luvthebeach]

Red Tide is a done deal. You'll be fine.

Thanks for the reassurance. We'd have fun down there no matter what, but I'd love for them to be able to spend some time on the beach. I've been telling them for years about the beautiful white sand and emerald water that compares to no other! I realize that it's not what it was, but they'll get the idea. I suspect that once I get them down to 30-A, they'll not want to leave either!

[Beach Runner]

I didn't make up the 10/14 redtide update. It was from http://myfwc.com.

[aquaticbiology]

Not having read this whole thread...someone may have already asked this question.... however...

why is it in my 50+ years at grayton beach I never heard of or experienced Red Tide until recently. I'm thinking it is because no one was there when Red Tide was and now people are there ALL the time. Ya think? Scientific information anyone? I also never saw Love Bugs until the last few years. I'm sure my Grandaddy could give me the answer. :idontno:


consider yourself fortunate for having missed the singlemost nasty thing the beach has to offer - and its getting worse every year - even more hurricanes and red tide and shark attacks - I've seen love bugs many, many times, even back in the 70's and 80's - you must usually have come before in the winter or been even more fortunate than you imagine - any florida car with a pitted front bumper will attest to their tenacity - the warming of the oceans brings out the hurricanes and red tide, and the warming of the air brings out the love bugs

global warming is now considered a fact of life and there's worse to come: http://www.unknowncountry.com/news/?id=4936

old data on red tide (back to 99 - before that you have to use printed material):
http://research.myfwc.com/features/category_sub.asp?id=4842

[kurt]

October 25 - Joy Brown with The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA) and Scott Jackson with The Okaloosa County - University of Florida Extension Service will present a "Lunch - Time" education program at the CBA Office. They will provide a general introduction to the biology and life history of the red tide organism, along with the current situation in Choctawhatchee Bay and our Gulf Beaches. The speakers will also highlight new strategies practiced by our watershed residents that protect and benefit Bay and Gulf water quality.
CBA Office at the Mattie Kelly Estate, 4141 Indian Trail, Destin FL
Registration cost is $8.00, which includes a catered box lunch with drink.
INFO/REGISTRATION: Okaloosa County Extension Office, 850-689-5850
Presentation materials and information will also be provided on-line at the
conclusion of the event at http://okaloosa.ifas.ufl.edu for those not able to attend.

[aquaticbiology]

http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/images/deadlydust/dustmovie_med.gif

http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2001/ast30aug_1.htm?list540459

"The new study shows that these clouds fertilize the water off the West Florida coast with iron. Plant-like bacteria use that iron to set the stage for red tides. When iron levels go up, these bacteria, called Trichodesmium, fix nitrogen in the water, converting it to a form usable by other marine life. The addition of biologically usable nitrogen in the water makes the Gulf of Mexico a friendlier environment for toxic algae."

add iron-rich well-water or lots of iron/steel metal (seawalls) and look out!

[JB]

I just got back from a weekend at Sandestin and I'm not sure it's completely gone. While the Gulf looked relatively clear, my wife and I both suffered from head congestion and sore throats all weekend. We talked to some other folks with similar symptoms.

I'm afraid it's going to take some cold weather to kill whatever blooms remain in the area.

[Beach Runner]

The 10/18 redtide update had no findings in NW Florida! Woo-hoo!

[luvthebeach]

The 10/18 redtide update had no findings in NW Florida! Woo-hoo!

:clap_1:

[steele mama]

consider yourself fortunate for having missed the singlemost nasty thing the beach has to offer - and its getting worse every year - even more hurricanes and red tide and shark attacks - I've seen love bugs many, many times, even back in the 70's and 80's - you must usually have come before in the winter or been even more fortunate than you imagine - any florida car with a pitted front bumper will attest to their tenacity - the warming of the oceans brings out the hurricanes and red tide, and the warming of the air brings out the love bugs

global warming is now considered a fact of life and there's worse to come: http://www.unknowncountry.com/news/?id=4936

old data on red tide (back to 99 - before that you have to use printed material):
http://research.myfwc.com/features/category_sub.asp?id=4842
We spent at least a month out of every summer at Grayton and never heard of it or experienced it. I am so glad to say! Everything shut down the day after Labor Day so maybe that's is when it got bad. :idontno: We would come back for Christmas break and then Spring Break. Never had Love Bugs bothering me at the beach either. A few snakes and other wild animals, however.

[Smiling JOe]

We spent at least a month out of every summer at Grayton and never heard of it or experienced it. I am so glad to say! Everything shut down the day after Labor Day so maybe that's is when it got bad. :idontno: We would come back for Christmas break and then Spring Break. Never had Love Bugs bothering me at the beach either. A few snakes and other wild animals, however.

Love Bugs have not been bothering us. Mostly, they hang out in the roads and bother others coming down, by splattering all over the vehicles. Too bad it is not the Dog and Deer Flies getting splattered.

[Beach Runner]

10/21 Update:
"NORTHWEST FLORIDA
A Florida red tide continues in northwest Florida and into Alabama. Concentrations of Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, remain patchy in bay areas from Escambia County to Wakulla County. Highest concentrations this week were found in St. Joseph Bay in Gulf County. Fish kills were reported from Choctawhatchee Bay, Santa Rosa Sound, and St. Joseph Bay. Commercial shellfish harvesting continues to be affected. Check with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Aquaculture for the most up-to-date information regarding shellfish area closures."

[TreeFrog]

It's been unusually obnoxious yesterday and today, with the wind blowing from the south. Even my dogs are coughing. Happy hour tonight at Bud & Alley's sounded like the respiratory wing at a hospital. It's easily visible in the water.

[luvthebeach]

Love Bugs have not been bothering us. Mostly, they hang out in the roads and bother others coming down, by splattering all over the vehicles. Too bad it is not the Dog and Deer Flies getting splattered.

I learned about these guys first hand yesterday....my sisters and I were sitting in the courtyard in front of Seaside Chapel yesterday and we both were bit....felt almost like a wasp sting. Not sure if it was a dog or a deer fly. Either way, it hurt!

[luvthebeach]

We drove down Thursday night and as soon as we opened our car door in front of our condo in Seagrove Beach, my sisters and I all began coughing and feeling the throat scratchiness you have all been describing. The smell of dead fish was also in the air. Friday morning both the symptoms and the fishy smell were gone. We drove into Sandestin and as the day wore on we began to experience mild coughing, but nothing like it had been the night before. Saturday and Sunday we had no problem in Seagrove Beach, and thank goodness that awful smell was gone! I wonder if the cooler weather may help the Red Tide situation :idontno:

[Mermaid]

We drove down Thursday night and as soon as we opened our car door in front of our condo in Seagrove Beach, my sisters and I all began coughing and feeling the throat scratchiness you have all been describing. The smell of dead fish was also in the air. Friday morning both the symptoms and the fishy smell were gone. We drove into Sandestin and as the day wore on we began to experience mild coughing, but nothing like it had been the night before. Saturday and Sunday we had no problem in Seagrove Beach, and thank goodness that awful smell was gone! I wonder if the cooler weather may help the Red Tide situation :idontno:

When we were down to the beach earlier this month, that's what we ran across, too. We walked from our condo in Seagrove to Seaside along the walking path, and then back home via the beach. Seaside's beach smelled fine and our beach stank! That red tide is pretty variable depending where on the beach you are, it seems.

[Smiling JOe]

We drove down Thursday night and as soon as we opened our car door in front of our condo in Seagrove Beach, my sisters and I all began coughing and feeling the throat scratchiness you have all been describing. The smell of dead fish was also in the air. Friday morning both the symptoms and the fishy smell were gone. We drove into Sandestin and as the day wore on we began to experience mild coughing, but nothing like it had been the night before. Saturday and Sunday we had no problem in Seagrove Beach, and thank goodness that awful smell was gone! I wonder if the cooler weather may help the Red Tide situation :idontno:
Saturday and Sunday, the cool air from the north has been pushing south, and keeping the Red Tide unnoticeable from the beaches. It is still there, but the winds out of the north help. Those same winds are also keeping Wilma off our front porches. Unfortunately, those same winds bring the Dog Flies, although they are not too bad right now. I will take Dog Flies over Hurricanes any day, but do me a favor and leave the Poison Planes grounded.

[Beach Runner]

10/28 Update:
NORTHWEST FLORIDA
A Florida red tide is still present in bay and coastal waters of northwest Florida. Concentrations of Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, remain patchy but were slightly lower this week in Apalachicola Bay (Franklin County). Very low to medium K. brevis concentrations were found around Cedar Key (Levy County). Fish kills were reported in Choctawhatchee Bay (Okaloosa County), Panama City Beach (plus respiratory irritation reported), St. Andrew Sound (Bay County), and Hernando Beach (Hernando County). Commercial shellfish harvesting continues to be affected. Check with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Aquaculture for the most up-to-date information regarding shellfish area closures.

[Miss Kitty]

I just got back from 2 1/2 hours of beach bliss! No sign of RT...if it HAD been there I WOULD have known it! Dam* flies started biting though...forgot the vinegar!

EDIT: Dam* I was sober then...now I am not!

[kathydwells]

I just got back from 2 1/2 hours of beach bliss! No sign of RT...if it ahd been there I woild have known it! Dam* flies started biting though...forgot the vinegar!

Well Miss Kitty, it looks like you might have had a drink or two...if your spelling is any indication. :biggrin:

[katie blue]

heehee, KD, almost had ya but you edited yourself too fast....you got lucky this time :rolling: you know what i'm talkin about... ;-)

[kathydwells]

heehee, KD, almost had ya but you edited yourself too fast....you got lucky this time :rolling: you know what i'm talkin about... ;-)

Yes, Katie..I caught myself. I was hoping I got it before anyone noticed. I should have know you would been lurking. :lol:

[Beach Runner]

11/18 Report:
"NORTHWEST FLORIDA
Patchy distributions of Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, remain in bay and coastal waters of the Florida Panhandle and Cedar Key. Concentrations and distributions have changed little from previous weeks, except in Wakulla County, where higher K. brevis concentrations were found this week. Fish kills were reported in Okaloosa and Walton counties. Commercial shellfish harvesting continues to be affected. Check with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Aquaculture for the most up-to-date information regarding shellfish area closures."

[katie blue]

Please..someone tell me it's not in SoWal. Last time, in October, I couldn't breath for the coughing, even in my own backyard. Oh please...SJ, CCK, Kurt....say it ain't so. I can't come down for T-day if that's the case, I went stir crazy last time not being able to leave the house.

[Beach Runner]

Please..someone tell me it's not in SoWal. Last time, in October, I couldn't breath for the coughing, even in my own backyard. Oh please...SJ, CCK, Kurt....say it ain't so. I can't come down for T-day if that's the case, I went stir crazy last time not being able to leave the house.
I'm not making this stuff up. I just got the email from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Aquaculture.

We'll still be there on Wednesday.

[Miss Kitty]

I'm not making this stuff up. I just got the email from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Aquaculture.

We'll still be there on Wednesday.

Glad you are looking out for the peeps and the dogs BR! I hope it goes away for everyone...it's a booger!

[kurt]

I haven't noticed any for a long while and all our winds are offshore.

[Smiling JOe]

I haven't noticed any for a long while and all our winds are offshore.
Ditto, the water is calm near shore and the low pressure has brought cold air from the north, so even if the red tide is out there, I don't notice it on shore.

[Paula]

I was at Seacrest Beach this past weekend and all was well. We were at the beach between 10:30 - 1:30 with no problem on Monday.

[Miss Kitty]

This is how rumors get started!!! Sorry BR...I know you relied on some official info, but first hand knowledge is sometimes the best! I'm just glad for all the folks headed down that they will not have to deal with it!

[aquaticbiology]

I heard that dog island (down past appalachicola) is pretty bad, otherwise I didn't notice anything last weekend.

[TreeFrog]

Beach Runner, do you think the FL Dept of Ag, etc. reports actually correllate to what we're experiencing in SoWal? I've only sporadically looked at them on their web site, and they didn't seem to match our experience at the time.

[Beach Runner]

Beach Runner, do you think the FL Dept of Ag, etc. reports actually correllate to what we're experiencing in SoWal? I've only sporadically looked at them on their web site, and they didn't seem to match our experience at the time.
Dunno. Not my area of expertise - just reporting the alerts that get emailed to me from http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=9670. It would be sad if the official state agency for monitoring this is so incompetent that they are making incorrect reports. But stranger things have happened in Florida State Government, like not being able to count votes correctly in 2000.

[Miss Kitty]

Dunno. Not my area of expertise - just reporting the alerts that get emailed to me from http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=9670. It would be sad if the official state agency for monitoring this is so incompetent that they are making incorrect reports. But stranger things have happened in Florida State Government, like not being able to count votes correctly in 2000.

You got that right!

[aquaticbiology]

the state dosen't monitor - they take the reports and tabulate them - the days are long gone of new sample containers each trip - the ones today are washed and reused - often wondered if govt washed their sample containers properly...