Dear Industry Partners:

Earlier this afternoon we participated in a statewide conference call with the Florida Department of Health, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) regarding the red tide bloom in the Gulf of Mexico.

The latest information and satellite imagery shows high concentrations of red tide on the southern edge of Pinellas County and in Tampa Bay. Red tide is caused by a naturally occurring algae in the Gulf of Mexico and a bloom happens whenever there is a higher-than-normal concentration.

The higher levels have led to large fish kills, specifically in Boca Ciega, Treasure Island, South Pasadena and parts of St. Pete Beach.

Off-shore winds are predicted through the weekend, but on-shore winds next Monday could lead to high respiratory irritation off our beaches, especially Tampa Bay.

For more Red Tide information, reference this FWC website. Of particular use is FWC’s Red Tide FAQ Page, which provides helpful answers for visitors and residents alike. Also, here’s a printable PDF of FAQs.

Of course, we’ll continue to monitor this situation very closely and will share any updates with you as we receive them. The next official update will be FWC’s red tide report, which will be issued on Friday.

Regards,
Team VSPC