The media loves a negative story. Nothing keeps an audience tuned in and tense like fear. The recent red tide conditions in Florida are no exception to this rule. Falsehoods and truths both understated and overblown abound news channel by news channel. Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports strives to keep our audience as informed with facts as possible. With this in mind we have put together the facts of red tide and a guide on where you can the most accurate up-to-date information on red tide news.
Red Tide Myths
Unlike the impression you might get from news stories red tide conditions are not ubiquitous across the Florida coast or always severe. Instead red tide conditions at this time are limited mostly to Florida’s gulf coast. Conditions in severity vary depending on temperature, time of day, and water conditions. A common assumption about red tide is that fish caught during it are inedible. This is far from true. Shellfish are the only organisms not recommended to be consumed during red tide conditions. Swimming is also fine as long as you are not allergic to the common cause of red tide, the alga Karenia brevis.
Red Tide News Sources
Red tide conditions are subject to daily changes depending on your location. Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports has some sources we recommend to get accurate updates on conditions. The National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration maintains a live map of red tide information that can be accessed from any internet capable device here. For a more local look the Sarasota branch of the Florida Department of Health has a daily updated chart complete with potential health effects of conditions. If you prefer a visual representation of updates the Island House Beach Resort has a live cam of beach conditions!
Exclusive Red Tide Deals
There is some good news in all of this doom and gloom surrounding red tide. Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports now features an exclusive section of red tide discounts. Special offers are constantly changing like the red tide conditions so your best bet is to come visit us at 6018 South Tamiami Trail Sarasota, Florida 34231 or give us a call at 941 922-9671 to find out how we can help you dispel some of your red tide melancholy.