Sanibel trip - red tide? What to do?
 

Hey guys - we have an upcoming trip planned to visit friends in Sanibel. They are having this weird red tide/algae bloom right now. The beach advisory has been extended through Thursday of this week (we are scheduled to go Sunday - Friday).

anyone have thoughts or local knowledge how long this will last?

if the advisory is lifted, will the beaches still have lots of dead fish for the next few days?

It isn't worth it for us if we can't use the beaches... debating cancelling.

thanks.

Wish I could help. There was a "Red Tide" reported further north in April which apparently lasted several days.

Assume you've already seen this: https://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/20...ch_hazard.html

We love Sanibel but I think I might wait.

@Dukey -

haven't seen that one yet - thanks for posting. I've seen the NOAA report and current beach conditions and it isn't pretty.

I'm leaning towards not going. Only cost that I would lose is inexpensive flights. I would rather not sink in additional money (car rental, excursions, etc.) at this point. I'm afraid my friend is going to want me to come... ugh. I don't feel like getting down there with nothing to do - I'd rather stay home and do fun things here!

the other forums (TA) are pretty brutal about current conditions, also.

I am sorry but I think you might need to have a very frank discussion with your friend as to what your concerns are. Yes, "friendship" is valuable but sometimes those "friends" can be a bit self-centered.

Hi Dukey - I agree that there is a selfish component - this was something we had planned with our boys (teens, same age) and I know she will be disappointed, but she will understand. Not worth it for me to spend the money to sit by a pool when I can do that at home. It appears that some beaches are slowly improving. Just not sure if ENOUGH improvement.

Fixed costs are: plane fare (already paid for, won't get back)/ condo rental (she has paid, we were staying for free)
I fear that we will spend more than I would like to "keep the boys entertained" since no beach. That doesn't make sense to me - throw good money after bad.

As of right now, I would say doubtful. : (

It is a stinky mess. I just checked and not any better.

I live on the other coast but we had 870,000 gallons of raw sewage spill into the Indian River lagoon this week. The fish will be floating soon. It was sick enough before.

Change your tickets to Seattle. We've been told that everything is better there; even the weather.

Macross, thanks for thoughts,

Dukey, ha! too far!

update: I decided to cancel. My friend was very cool and totally understands. We are both bummed, sometimes it stinks being an adult and making the difficult decisions.