As you may know, Sanibel Island was hit with a severe red tide bloom earlier this summer. While the initial effects were indeed harsh, we’re pleased to report that conditions have improved dramatically.
The top photo above was taken at Ocean’s Reach yesterday morning, Sept 10.
At this point in time, the beach outside of Ocean’s Reach has been clean for more than a month now and city officials are reporting good conditions on all Sanibel beaches. The tropical storm that washed by us early last week seems to have swept the bloom even further out to sea, according to initial testing. The air irritants have dissipated and the water is noticeably clearer. All in all, on-site guests have been enjoying the beach and beachside activities as they typically do here.
Further good news was highlighted in the article written by Michael Braun (bottom photo) that appeared in the Fort Myers News-Press yesterday:
“Nature giveth the red tide and nature taketh it away, it would seem, from Sanibel and Captiva islands.
Walking the gulfside beaches of Sanibel and Captiva on Sunday revealed a much better experience than those who had braved a mess of dead marine life and difficult breathing conditions the past few months. Official testing has shown lower red tide levels.
“We’ve been here for about two weeks,” said Peter Cane of England, who was setting up chairs to fish on the beach off West Gulf Drive. “It has cleared up. There are no breathing problems.”
From Lighthouse Beach Park to Bowman’s Beach and up to the area around South Seas Island Resort mostly clean and clear-looking water and relatively pristine beaches were the norm. People were coming out again to enjoy almost every strip of beach access.”
