We were in the Clearwater/St. Pete area a few weeks ago--the red tide was everywhere--with all the dead fish. Has anyone been in the area in the last couple of days? What effects might Dennis have brought? We are thinking of going back down this Friday, but want details about red tide. Thanks!

My parents are in St. Pete beach right now, it's still going on. They both have a dry cough. It had been raining yesterday and a lot of families checked out at their hotel due to the weather, but there was no significant damage.

Hi plmrod, I live on Treasure Island. Just walked to the beach to watch my husband surfing a few minutes ago. (The are a few benefits from a hurricane!)... I thought Dennis would sweep the red tide out to sea, however I still see a few dead fish and feel a (tiny) tickle in my throat. Yesterday we spent the whole stormy day walking on Sunset beach and along the intercoastal. It was rugged and beautiful, come on down! I'm optimistic, thinking that the throat tickle was from the few dead fish, but that the tide itself is going/gone. Will keep you posted.

Thanks Joan for the update. We are hoping to come this weekend --probably to Treasure Island. Please keep me posted on how the beach looks. I hope the tide is gone and your husband is enjoying the surf! Thanks

plmrod, I went for a short swim yesterday morning, and I thought, what would really make me happy would be to see a fish jump. Just as I had that thought, I saw a tiny (like 1 inch) fish doing a circular death throe swim in the water near me. It broke my heart. Last evening, I walked up to the beach and a new species had died: mullet. There were a dozen or two lying on the beach within a block. I am sorry to report this...I am having a boat party this weekend for my DH's birthday, with people coming from all over the US. We will make the best of it, but we probably won't be swimming. We'll just have to drown our sorrows in rum I guess.

Sorry I couldn't bring you better news.

Joan
Sorry to hear the updated bad news. Hope you still have fun and wish DH a happy Birthday from us.

That's too bad about your husband's party. Buy lots of rum and enjoy anyway!
Do you know what the situation is near Caldesi? Anything on local news about that? Thanks

plmrod, I haven't heard anything about Honeymoon/Caladesi, so I just phoned them. The very laid back gentleman who answered the phone said that it has lessened, but it still exists. Here's the phone number if you want to try to drag some more details out of him!

Honeymoond Island State Park:
727-469-5942

Thanks to both you and cd for the good wishes! We will do as you suggest