Longboat Key News and Sarasota City News encourages Letters to the Editor on timely issues. Please email to: letters@lbknews.com or mail to PO Box 8001, Longboat Key, FL 34228. We also print letters sent to Town Hall that address Longboat Key issues. We reserve the right to edit.
Let’s Talk Longboat
To: Longboat residents
Mark your calendars for the next Let’s Talk Longboat on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 3 p.m. at Bayfront Park, 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive.
This month, Town Manager Howard Tipton and Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman will be joined by Planning, Zoning & Building Director Allen Parsons and Fire Chief Paul Dezzi.
As always, the primary focus of this monthly series is to talk about what’s on your mind — so bring your questions, ideas, and concerns.
See you there!
Savannah Cobb
Executive Assistant, Town Manager’s Office
Town of Longboat Key
Grant Question Follow-up
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Exactly what I needed. With the craziness in Tallahassee and future revenue depletion I think we have to be prepared to look at our biggest costs – personnel. This more than clarifies what the earning power is here.
Last year we authorized a position for finance (I think) for collection of canal funding. We did not fill that job did we since canals have been pushed back?
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Grant Question Follow-up
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
In response to your further question regarding grants, here is the history of grant revenue with backing out prior beach funding (Al Browder), FEMA (Ronica Jackson) and ARPA (Pandemic).
To be fair to Kalee’s workload, she has been involved in support of the beach grants since 2023 when she was hired, but just not the lead on LGFR. Outside of beach funding, I believe every other grant we have been and are now pursuing is directly her work as lead coordinator and pursuer. Before we brought her on board, Public Works staff were pursuing smaller grants where they could on the side, but woefully below Kalee’s productivity level and volume of grant pursuit and follow-up capacity with their other day job responsibilities. As an example of how this now works, Charlie sits on LMS but Kalee actually goes after the grants and does all the research, application, coordination, etc.
We also know that the timing of grant awards varies by year and by what’s available to go after. For instance, we know that Kalee’s grant application for Manatee County’s resiliency program was approved by the County Commission in May of this year at $1.3 million, but it hasn’t been officially awarded yet and so it is not included in the numbers for 2025.
Lastly and as noted previously, Kalee’s grant management coordination and reporting is also a large responsibility and takes up a significant amount of her time. Please let me know if you have any additional questions.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Annual Crash analysis
To: Longboat Key Commission
The following is provided for your information. Please let interim Chief Rubino know if you have any questions.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Annual Crash analysis
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Attached please find the semi-annual crash analysis requested by former Vice Mayor Haycock. Additionally, the 2024 yearly report has been incorporated into this analysis. The comprehensive report was prepared by Sergeant Lee Smith, Brooke Green, and Ivan Zunz, who have done an exceptional job. Should you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Frank Rubino
Interim Chief of Police
Longboat Key Police Department
Grants
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
I have not found any specific meeting or formal motion that officially ended the distribution of grant funds to community organizations. It appears this may have been a result of the economic challenges that began around 2007, impacting both local governments and individuals. According to Finance records, the last grant awarded was in Fiscal Year 2007, in the amount of $3,700, to a single agency—the Art Center.
There are meeting minutes that reflect that Commissioners had varying opinions regarding the distribution of these grants. Here is a link to that file: Grants
Sandi Henley may have some other documentation, but nothing made it to the Clerk’s office at the end of the grant program.
Trish Shinkle
Town Clerk
Town of Longboat Key
Status update as requested regarding Bayfront Dog Park handicapped dog sign
To: Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier, Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
I am writing to provide a status update on the newly erected handicapped dog space sign at Bayfront dog park. First, let me say a huge thank you for allocating the parking space and the sign. It has made a world of difference for the owners of the handicapped dogs who have limited mobility issues. It was an innovative move and one that had very little, if any precedent.
As requested, I would like to update you and make an additional suggestion.
As you recall, early this year, the Commissioners and you voted to allocate 1 handicapped dog parking space in front of the dog park at Bayfront with limited conditions. One of those conditions was that the space be used only for purposes of drop off and pickup between the hours of 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and between the hours of 4 p.m.- 7 p.m.7 days a week. With some minor infractions, this has been mostly a workable solution with 2 exceptions:
1. The rules posted on the fence to regulate owners indicate that dogs must be within voice control at all times. The park sign is in direct contradiction with the new parking space sign which requires owners to drop off/pick up then move their vehicle so that the space can be used by another handicapped dog owner or other vehicle, This leaves the dog and owner out of voice control; and
2. It is not workable for dog owners, whether owning a handicapped dog or not, to leave a dog unattended in the park with other dogs while going to find another parking space that may not be available due to the congestion and popularity of the park. Some owners do not have other people in their households to assist in that task.
Therefore, please consider making this spot a dedicated spot, even if only during those limited hours. Thank you again for resolving the parking space dilemma. I truly appreciate the work you do for our town
Debi Nettlow
Longboat Key
Sarasota/Manatee MPO Board Meeting Packet
To: Longboat Key Executive Assistant to Town Manager Howard Tipton
Hi Savannah, could you please copy slides four through nine and 70 through 81 from the link below and put them in a separate electronic file for me? Also, if you could print all those slides as well and I’ll pick them up at town hall no later than tomorrow morning?
Steve Branham
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Sarasota/Manatee MPO Board Meeting Packet
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Steve Branham
Here are the extracted pages. Printed copy is ready for you at Town Hall.
Savannah Cobb
Executive Assistant to Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Sarasota/Manatee MPO Board Meeting Packet
To: Longboat Key Town Clerk Trish Shinkle
Below please find a link for the May 19, 2025 Sarasota/Manatee MPO Board meeting to begin at 9:00 a.m. and held at the Double Tree by Hilton located at 8009 15th Street East, Sarasota, Florida. Please note an “in person quorum” is required for the MPO Board meeting.
You may access the MPO Board Agenda Packet through this link: https://www.mympo.org/files/284/2025/2525/MPO-Meeting-Packet-5-19-2025.pdf
Please let me know should you have any questions.
Nanette Eubanks
Assistant Clerk to the Board
Sarasota/Manatee MPO
Longboat Club Rd Nuisance property
To: Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier
We are writing to once again ask the Town to intervene in requiring the owner of 971 Longboat Club Rd. to remedy the dangerous property conditions that exist on the property. We live at 961 Longboat Club Rd. and the next-door property poses serious safety risks, especially in view of the hurricane season, now upon us.
As you can see from the attached pictures, the lanai at 971 Longboat Club Rd. is literally falling down. In addition, there are loose and broken roof tiles ready to fly off the roof, and there is loose metal flashing on the roof ridge and vertical siding. Previously, when we alerted town officials to the conditions, they simply wrapped a bungee cord around a portion of the pool cage door. The Town code enforcement official who stopped by our door asserted that the owner of 971 Longboat Club Rd. would be reroofing, but the owner of the property has been maintaining for years that she would reroof. Nothing has happened in the intervening time and we now need the Town to take action to remedy these dangerous conditions before someone is hurt and/or property is damaged.
Sherry Dominick and Craig Wright
Longboat Key
Longboat Club Rd Nuisance property
To: Sherry Dominick and Craig Wright
Sherry and Craig: I am forwarding your note and pictures to Howard. Allen and Bryan with the hope that the problem on your neighbor’s property goes on the short list for code enforcement. I understand from your call that in last year’s storms, this neighbor’s ficus hedge fell into your pool from lack of maintenance, so this is not a theoretical issue. With hurricane season here and your neighbor elsewhere, some quick attention seems warranted.
Ken Schneier
Mayor
Town of Longboat Key
Longboat Club Rd Nuisance property
To: Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier
Thank you for your prompt attention in helping to remedy the dangerous conditions at the neighbor’s property. One clarification: the ficus trees fell across our pool fence and into our pool back in Storm Ian, not last year.
Sherry Dominick and Craig Wright
Longboat Key
Longboat Club Rd Nuisance property
To: Sherry Dominick and Craig Wright
Thanks for following up & including the photos of the current conditions. Staff spoke with the property owner again this morning. The property owner indicated that she had signed contracts for the roof, pool cage, and landscape repairs/clean up. She also stated that she has been waiting on the insurance company. Staff informed her that if she had signed contracts, she should have the contractors apply for applicable permits. She indicated she would do that. A new Code Enforcement case has been opened (#CE-VIO25-00041). If the property is not adequately maintained & applicable permits are not submitted within 30 days, the case will be scheduled for a Special Magistrate hearing, which can lead to the levying of daily fines.
If you have any questions, etc. please feel free to reach out to Code Enforcement Officers, David Woods or John Simmons directly (941-316-1966). If you send an email to codeenforcement@longboatkey.org it will reach both Code Enforcement officers.
Allen Parsons
Director Planning, Zoning & Building Department
Town of Longboat Key
Longboat Club Rd Nuisance property
To: Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Director Allen Parsons
Thanks for your quick response and follow up. In the interim, and in view of the serious hazards posed imminently by the loose lanai metal and roof tiles, what actions will the Town take to secure these objects now? Please let us know. It is not enough for the Town to urge the owner of 971 to have contractors pull permits. As we all know, construction and repair projects take a long time here on the island, even if the permits are pulled promptly. Thank you again for your attention to this problem and your detailed response.
Sherry Dominick and Craig Wright
Longboat Key
Start of Hurricane Season, June 1 – Let’s Stay Prepared
To: Longboat Key Residents and Business Owners
We are officially in Hurricane Season and we recognize that many in our community are still recovering from last year’s impacts. While recovery continues, it’s essential we also look ahead and stay prepared for what may come.
The Town of Longboat Key is here to support you. Below are several important resources and services available to help you prepare:
Sandbag Operations
Our Public Works team will assist residents and businesses with sandbag filling the first Thursday of each month from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Broadway Beach Access (100 Broadway St).
Bring your own bags to fill, or with proof of residency, receive up to 10 bags per household/business.
Scheduled Dates:
• June 5
• July 3
• August 7
• September 4
Additional dates will be announced if a storm approaches. Questions, please contact our Public Works Department at 941-316-1988.
Emergency Notifications: Alert Longboat Key
If you’re not already enrolled, sign up to receive emergency alerts: Alert Longboat Key Registration
Or email your name, address, phone number(s), and preferred email(s) to scobb@longboatkey.org.
Need help registering? Call us at 941-316-1999.
Town Email Notifications
Get timely updates on emergencies, monthly briefings, and town news. Sign up here: Email Notification Sign-Up
Stay Connected on Social Media
Follow the Town for updates before, during, and after any weather events:
• Facebook: Town of Longboat Key
• X (Twitter): @TownofLBK
• Instagram: townoflbk
Prefer not to use social media? Visit our website for all updates: www.longboatkey.org
Re-Entry Decals
Pick up Red Resident Decals at: (During regular business hours Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
• Town Hall
• Planning, Zoning & Building
• Public Works
• Police Department
• Fire Department (Station 91 – 5490 GMD)
Green Business Decals are available at:
• Police Department
• Fire Department (Station 91)
More info: Re-Entry Process Info
If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to the Town Clerk’s Department at 941-316-1999. We’re here to help.
Stay safe and stay prepared,
Town of Longboat Key, #LBKStrong
Tina Adams
Fire Administration & Communications Manager/PIO
Town of Longboat Key
Buttonwood Drive
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
Following up: Staff inspected the system during installation and confirmed that construction was consistent with the approved drainage system. Staff visited the site this morning with heavy rain and witnessed the drainage system working for this property. It was observed that the majority of the water is from GMD and that this will be hopefully reduced by the final grade and drainage system Brista is installing as part of the coordinated commercial project. As you’re aware the Town has also started the design of drainage improvement for the whole neighborhood, which should help too.
Allen Parsons
Planning and Zoning Director
Town of Longboat Key
Observation about your newsletter
To: David Ashburn
I do appreciate your newsletter and find it helpful. Thank you. I do wonder, however, why there are no women on your executive team? Your list of contributors seems to grow, but curiously, only males are added. There is no need to reply; I just wanted to bring this observation to your attention.
Penny Gold
Commissioner. Town of Longboat Key
Observation about your newsletter
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Penny Gold
Thank you for your email. We are glad you find our newsletter helpful.
Greenberg Traurig is, and since its founding has been, committed to fostering a culture where all are welcome and are provided opportunities to grow personally and professionally, regardless of identity. Led by Senior Vice President and Shareholder, Nikki Lewis Simon, our Engagement, Culture & Opportunity Team (Engagement, Culture & Opportunity | Our Firm Pages – General Content | General Content | Greenberg Traurig LLP), routinely works with our firm leadership and our many offices to host online and in person events that reflect our efforts to engage with persons of all backgrounds and cultures. We would welcome the opportunity to invite you to attend these events, especially those in the West Central Florida area. Please let us know if we may send invitations to those events, to you.
David Ashburn
Managing Shareholder
Greenberg Traurig
April Tourism Numbers from Visit Sarasota County
To: Longboat Key Commission, Sarasota City Commission
Happy Monday! I hope June is off to a great start for you.
Sharing April tourism numbers with you below. Fiscal year-to-date visitation continues to decrease, and while visitor spending in April was up a bit, fiscal year-to-date spending is still down about 3%.
Here are the tourism numbers comparing April 2025 to April 2024:
Visitors were 115,700 compared to 120,800 in 2024
Visitor direct expenditures were $183,768,700 compared to $174,210,500 in 2024
Lodging occupancy was 68.0% compared to 65.5% in 2024
Lodging average room rate was $348.60 compared to $314.87 in 2024
There were 311,500 room nights sold compared to 313,400 in 2024
As always, if you’d like to see additional research, or more information on our marketing and sales efforts, do not hesitate to reach out!
Hope you get the chance to dine at one of the participating Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week restaurants over the next few weeks. You can check out a list of participating restaurants and their menus at the link below. You can also learn how you can win prizes simply by dining out (exploring the Flavor Trail!) and sharing your experience and photos on social media! Happy dining!
Erin Duggan
President/CEO
Visit Sarasota County
April Tourism Numbers from Visit Sarasota County
To: Visit Sarasota County President Erin Duggan
Erin, Thank you for the report. I’m not sure why I haven’t asked for this earlier, but can you carve Longboat Keys data from your report?
Gary Coffin
Commissioner, Town of Longboat Key
April Tourism Numbers from Visit Sarasota County
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Gary Coffin
We can break it out – but it then makes the sample size for each “area” really small. (Sample size of intercept surveys.)
One good way to track data by area – is by looking at collections.
You can do that specific for LBK here:
Tourist Development Tax Downloads | Sarasota Tax Collector
Then click on Report “by Location” : Collections by Location – Sarasota Co. Tourist Tax (last updated yesterday.)
LMK if you need anything specific as I’m always happy to work with our research firm to pull whatever is needed.
Erin Duggan
President/CEO
Visit Sarasota County
Longboat Key Freedom Fest 2025!
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Are you doing freedom fest in 2025? Please send info/details. I have this from last year:
Longboat Key: The Annual Freedom Fest on Longboat Key takes place at Bicentennial Park with a Parade, Food, Games. Celebration begins at 9 a.m. with a parade, then into the park with games and crafts for the kids, a butterfly release, waffles with strawberries and whipped cream, ponies, the famous “Hot Diggity Dog” contest sponsored by the Longboat Key Rotary Club–Prizes awarded for most patriotic, most creative dog costume, and for best owner and dog combination. Kids are welcome to decorate their bikes, wagons, and themselves and march in the parade. Call for additional information. 941-383-2466. Bicentennial Park, next to Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, FL
John Dial
Longboat Key
Longboat Key Freedom Fest 2025!
To: John Dial
Yes, please see attached. The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce sponsors the event, but I have attached their letter to the Town Commission regarding the event. If you have additional questions, you may contact the Chamber through this link: https://business.longboatkeychamber.com/events/details/longboat-key-s-4th-of-july-freedom-fest-1301585
Trish Shinkle
Town Clerk
Town of Longboat Key
Senate Bill 180
To: Governor Ron DeSantis
Please veto Senate Bill 180, which if enacted will hinder local efforts to protect FL coasts from future storm threats.
A veto is particularly important to Longboat Key where a recent ordinance gave citizens in flood prone areas the ability to raise their homes and boat docks above standard height requirements. SB 180 would retroactively void these improvements and halt future resiliency efforts for 3 years.
Penny Gold
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Thank You
To: Deputy Regional Affairs Director Paul Cameron
We would love to have you here for the final pole event. I will share the constituent services info with individuals who continue to have difficulty with property insurance issues.
We remain concerned about FEMA funding and staffing as hurricane season is upon us. Repayment of expenses from prior storms is critical to be prepared for future weather.
I will be sure Savannah and Howard know you will join us for the Final Pole removal. All of our Commissioners will be there and want you to meet all of them.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Thank You
To: Deputy Regional Affairs Director Paul Cameron
Thank you so much for coming down to meet with Howard and me yesterday. Delightful to meet you and Ned and truly appreciated the candid conversation we had.
Do not hesitate to reach out if I can do anything to help you or the Senator and we look forward to seeing you in LBK for some of our civic activities.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Thank You
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
I appreciate the kind message! It was my pleasure to meet you all and learn from your wealth of experience.
I’m reaching out and ask if you all would be okay with me joining for your Final Pole Farewell event on June 23rd? Completing all four project phases to move all electrical wires underground is an awesome accomplishment ahead of the upcoming hurricane season. I would like to be there in support!
I also wanted to talk about the citizens you all mentioned having problems with property insurance. Although I don’t know if we may be able to help, I’d like you to at least offer the residents of Longboat Key our Constituent Service’s team assistance: casework@moody.senate.gov. There is a chance we can work with the State Insurance Department to help with any disputes. That email can be used for all other issues citizens may have too.
Cameron Paul
Deputy Regional Affairs Director
Office of U.S. Senator Ashley Moody
Tampa
Buttonwood Drive
To: Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Director Allen Parsons
Allen – the original plans for this home had a swale at end of driveway. Someone allowed this to be changed. Every time it rains the water comes onto and across the road. The neighbors are spending a lot of money to keep this out of their yard but it does not solve the Buttonwood problem.
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Budget
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
A citizen made an interesting comment to me regarding our discussions the other week and the email that followed regarding our Grants position – “You did not ask the right question”, they said. Your question should be “how much money was raised from grants before a full-time position was hired and what is the net difference before you had a grants writer and now that you do?”
I recognize that a grants position also takes a lot of the coordination/verification off the plates of other staffers who have full time positions without monitoring grants and any net improvement is a big gain.
So, can we see the grants numbers before Kaylee and since Kaylee?
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Budget
To: Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop
I can try and pull some reports from our ERP based on object code. Just not sure how meaningful it will be.
Some grants we get every year such as WCIND Sarasota. But we never received anything until Kalee was here on the Manatee side.
Then you have the FEMA Storm related reimbursements. The amount depends on the severity of the storm and then there is the timing – how many years did it take to get the money in.
Then you have Al Browder who is consistently working with us to get the Beach FDEP 28% reimbursements. That is based on timing of major nourishment cycles and those could be some large dollars. I will see what I can find.
Susan Smith
Finance Director
Town of Longboat Key
Proposed Parking St. Regis employees
To: Longboat Key Commissioner Penny Gold
I have seen and heard a lot of misinformation regarding the proposed parking lease from the St Regis. I feel strongly that we should pursue this idea providing some concerns are addressed i.e.. hours, perhaps money, possibly a gate strictly for their own use and most importantly an opt-out clause.
Personally, I just don’t see a downside in trying to hammer out a suitable agreement.
Despite the fact that the money isn’t a lot, whatever we can get will benefit all Seaplace owners!
I really don’t see much risk at all.
The fact is that we are a “gated” community, however, we can be accessed from the beach and road by anyone walking. It has always been that way and always will be (short of building a moat around the property!
Also, realistically the St Regis employees who would be reporting for work would not be using our pools or amenities. Nor would they be likely to do so after a long shift at work.
To summarize, I just want to reiterate strong support to you and the board in considering this.
Thank you!
Joan Grunstra
Longboat Key
Saharan dust on the horizon
To: Longboat Key Commission, Sarasota City Commission
As some of you might know, I was born in the Middle East and lived there with my family for the early part of my life. My father was a Master Sergeant in the US Army, and my mom worked for a Federal Agency. They met and married in Athens, before taking their newly created family on to Turkey and Iran, and then back to Greece, before eventually heading back to the States. While there, we experienced a number of sandstorms, which can be quite unnerving. I have been back to the Middle East several times, both on vacation with my own family and also while working in locations such as the Sultanate of Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A few years ago, I was caught out in a sandstorm north of Jeddah and had to take off my shirt and wrap it around my mouth, nose, ears, and eyes until the event died down. You see, it’s not really sand in a sandstorm; it’s more like a dust storm. The sensation of experiencing a sandstorm is like if you were to empty a full vacuum cleaner bag into an operating fan.
Just last week, while my wife and I were in Crete on a long-planned vacation, we landed in the city of Heraklion after an all-night ferry crossing from Piraeus. When we came ashore, it looked like the entire town had been covered with a thick layer of brown dust, as shown in the two photos from the front page of the local newspaper –
Notice how thick and “sticky” that layer of dust was – it sticks to the bus window, even though it’s a vertical glass surface! So where did it come from? The Sahara Desert. Now, keep in mind that Crete is more than 200 miles north of Africa, and that the Sahara Desert doesn’t come right up to the Mediterranean Coast. The city of Heraklion is actually on the north shore of Crete, and that dust cloud had to go over the substantial mountains that extend across the entire island. That thick layer of dust came more than 200 miles of ocean, and crossed a mountain range, in order to coat the streets and houses and cars, and fishing boats of northern Crete.
Why should this concern here in Southwest Florida? Well, like we highlighted back in 2022, there is a link between Saharan dust and the initiation of red tides – Director’s Note: Outlook for red tide? The picture below is one I took of the Arabian Desert, just west of Riyadh a few years ago. That pinkish hue reflects an abundance of iron in that “sand”.
The Saharan Desert has similar deposits of iron-rich sand and dust, and right now, there is a huge plume of Saharan Dust that is migrating to the west, across the Atlantic and towards Florida and the Caribbean – Massive Saharan dust plume to reach Southeast this week producing vibrant sunsets, sunrises | Fox Weather. This massive cloud of dust is expected to reach us by the end of the week. Short term, it should mean that we should have some really beautiful sunsets! And these air masses tend to reduce the development of hurricanes – Saharan Air Layer – NOAA/AOML.
But…the dusty air masses are not going to be great for those with asthma or those with chronic lung diseases. And remember that iron? Well, it turns out that deposits of iron can help fuel the growth of a microscopic phytoplankton species called “sea sawdust” – more formally known as Trichodesmium. When iron-rich plumes of Saharan dust make it to the Gulf, they can provide the “limiting nutrient” (iron) for Trichodesmium. So why is that a problem? Because that species can “fix” nitrogen. Which means, it can take the biologically inert di-nitrogen gas that makes up 78% of our atmosphere, and turn it into a form of nitrogen that can be used by another species of phytoplankton, Karenia brevis, which is the organism that gives us red tide blooms – Toxic Algae Blooms and African Dust.
To be clear, we have always had red tides in Florida, dating back to the times of the Calusa and Conquistadors. And we have always had plumes of Saharan dust tracking across the Atlantic, for longer than Florida has housed people, including the predecessors of the Calusa.
However, human changes to the atmosphere are increasing the intensity of dust storms from the Sahara, thus increasing the frequency that harmful red tides can be initiated offshore in the Gulf of Mexico – Climate change affects Saharan dust storms — Harvard Gazette.
And, as we now know, if a red tide bloom is initiated out in the Gulf, and if that bloom is then transported closer to our shores, then the excessive nitrogen loads from our developed watersheds can make those red tides larger, stronger, and longer lasting, as outlined in various studies that SBEP has worked on the past few years – 1) Nitrogen-enriched discharges from a highly managed watershed intensify red tide (Karenia brevis) blooms in southwest Florida, 2) Initial estuarine response to inorganic nutrient inputs from a legacy mining facility adjacent to Tampa Bay, Florida – ScienceDirect, and 3) Red tide durations and nitrogen loads.
So…enjoy the sunsets over the next few days – they should be quite nice. But if the Gulf waters get covered by a layer of Saharan dust the next few days like the town of Heraklion got covered by Saharan dust last week, we could have a red tide event on the horizon.
Hopefully not, but better to be forewarned and not have it come to pass than to have such an event pop up on us without any warning.
Dave Tomasko
Executive Director
Sarasota Bay Estuary Program
Saharan dust on the horizon
To: Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Executive Director Dave Tomasko
Thanks Dave! I’ve copied the Interim City Manager and Mr. Jeffcoat on this email as well.
Jen Ahearn-Koch
City Commissioner
City of Sarasota
Saharan dust on the horizon
To: Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Executive Director Dave Tomasko
That “dust” sounds concerning and not a like a very healthy or pleasant experience!
Jen Ahearn-Koch
City Commissioner
City of Sarasota
