I would just like to say to OO that even if a person is deaf, dumb, (I don't like that word at all. I think the correct word is "mute"), and blind, they are NOT STUPID. Have you heard of Helen Keller and her many accomplishments?
My mistake was that in the height of my excitement of planning our one-week vacation to Sarasota, I neglected to research "red tide" which was the farthest thing from my mind. Even though I had experienced it during our prior trip to Naples, it was very mild, and did not affect us at all; therefore, I was not thinking further about it when I planned this vacation. I did not realize the depth of its effect when it is in "full bloom". Whenever we travel, and we have traveled quite extensively, I always thoroughly research the area where we plan to visit; ie, hotels, opinions of other travelers, restaurants, sightseeing, security,etc., and I also did this for this most recent trip, but as I stated, "red tide" did not come into mind; and I guess as many of you will concur: I got what I deserved. But believe me, we still had a wonderful vacation and I need no sympathy whatsoever from anyone. There is so much to see and do in Sarasota. We visited the Ringling Museum and residence, we swam in the pool, we ate at the best restaurants and we shopped at St. Armand's circle, went to the local playhouse, saw a great French Film "Apre Vous", played tennis met many nice people and enjoyed staying at our little pastel-colored green "Ivy Cottage" . In conclusion, I can honestly say that the "red tide" bloom did not hinder our vacation in the least! This now concludes any further posts from me regarding this subject and if I have made anyone aware of "Red Tide" that was not aware before then I have done a good thing.

"Deaf, dumb and blind": an expression Giuseppa, just an expression! Have you never heard it? The expression is NOT deaf, MUTE, and blind!! LOL Pulleeeassse. Now you'll get me started too! Whichever way you choose to take it, you know full well the context in which that was intended. And yes...you did have to be, to be living in the state of FL and miss the news on red tide. Period.

I'm delighted it did not spoil your vactaion. Click on Bonniebroad's name next time you see it...you'll see an example of someone who really knew how to turn lemons into lemonade! She arrived from North Carolina, knowing it was THERE, but hoping it would clear up...it didn't, but she had the time of her life and came back with some wonderful trip reports and not bitter finger pointing at her condo owners for failing to warn her in advance of a condition which might or might not have been there by the time she got there!

OK, so nobody expects Giuseppa to do a search on "Red Tide in Sarasota" however, a more reasonable search might have been....oh, let's say..."Sarasota" which would bring up an interesting thread discussion in the #3 position...."West Coast Florida Red Tide" with a total of 43 responses.

Good for you, buttercup, but a lot of people have completely different experiences.

Otherwise, I'm trying to think just how websites, newspapers, or whathaveyou would alert the Giuseppas -- or the bonniebroads -- of the world. Some people would ignore a 3-word message on a 12-foot telegram.

Another thread who's time has come to ebb....

OK the first time I ever heard of Red Tide was when it developed along the shores of Lake Michigan -- probably sometime back in the 60s. It was very very sad. The dead fish that washed up all over the beaches there were Ale Wives (?) if I remember correctly. So apparently it is a problem in fresh water as well as salt water?

Hi there!!

Did y'all know that the east coast of Florida can also experience REd Tide??

I have a home on Longboat Key and also live in the Chesapeake bay and LBK has experienced a lot of red tide blooms this year primarily because of the hurricane patterns. Or so I've been told.

Should this economic indicator be forewarned to every tourist possibly coming to the gulf coast of Florida or should ever tourist coming to a gulf or ocean resort be forewarned and offered refunds? This would be very nice for tourists.

Should everyone who owns property on either the gulf or ocean (meaning the east coast or west coast of Florida) be given tax rebates or refunds because of this crazy phenomenum has occured?

I don't think any state governor is giving out a tax break because of something like this. Nor do I think that someone is going to offer a refund of your rental monies. It's really not a whole lot different than "It rained every day for a whole week." Find something else to do instead of beach time.

As to Giuseppa coming from the east coast of Florida to the west coast of Florida - c'mon most Florida people have heard of Red Tide. They've experienced it in the Jupiter area and up to Melbourne too!

If I was walking out onto the beach and encountered the "fragrance" I'd turn around and head back to my place and go to the pool or to the bay. I'm really sorry that this happened on your vacation - no doubt of that - but everyone faces adventures like this often - make the best of it!

Tandoori gave you a quick response as it has been a often asked question and the response (although quick) was right to the mark IMHO. Most Floridians KNEW of the possibility of Red Tide on the gulf coast. Please, please don't put the entire economic burden on ALL of us property owners in Florida!!

And "toxic" - please - give me a break!!

Since I live in Cleveland, does anyone want to ask me if our river is still burning? LOL

That's so funny, Spyro. I went there in something like 1968 and it WAS burning. I had thought it was just a joke until then!

TAMPA BAY UPDATE:

March 16th, 2006: There is absolutely Zero Red Tide here. Hasn't been for several months. Tourists, come on down!!! (Said in the voice of Bob Barker) We're lovin' it!

We are actually going to spend a few days at the Manasota beach Club and then at the Don CeSar in April.

I think the only "red tide" I'm actually concerned about is Tandoori_Girl and hoping I don't accidentally run into her.