Here's what you should know By Jackie Wattles and Kristen. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Here's a possibly helpful info source for beach conditions from Mote Marine Lab, http://coolgate.mote.org/beachconditions/, (Here on the Atlantic coast, we've been free of last summer's plagues of jellyfish and are having a persistent upwelling, meaning 78 degree water, which seems to be fueling sea breezes.). Sargassum is another type of seaweed and totally unlike June grass. After recent assessments, however . We have seaweed on the Suncoast but it is not sargassum. Its very much a natural-occurring thing, Fogg said Thursday,adding that the current accumulations of it on local beaches pale in comparison to those in South Florida and the Caribbean. The Coastal Resource Teamis in communication with the US Coast Guard, who does periodic missions out to areas off of Apalachicola. First published on April 3, 2023 / 3:20 PM. Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images. Also, the water/seaweed situation changes from day to day, depending on sea conditions and the wind. more. Once the seaweed washes up, it can cause some serious and stinky problems. The seaweed, which is a type of algae, never reaches the floor of the ocean because it has berry-like bubbles called pneumatocysts, which are filled with oxygen and make the mass buoyant. NOAA and USF have created a map of the risk of getting sargassum based on those currents. We are leving for Fort Walton next Saturday , and I'm wondering how bad is the seaweed and sargassum . H. Scott Meister, SCDNR. The caption only said one word "Yikes! save In the past week, numerous news outlets warned of a massive " seaweed blob" destined to take over Florida's east coast. Dr. Michael Crosby at Mote Marine in Sarasota described this new problem in tourist zones. Yes. Over the last couple of decades, said Crosby, It established basically a Caribbean sargassum belt that exists down there that is now really problematic in the Caribbean Islands for some time now, washing up on beaches. Any idea when we will have a good idea if it's going to be a huge problem or not in this area? Parts of the algae broke off from the Sargasso Sea and set up around the Caribbean. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Yes.. / CBS News. However, the good news is that the area is currently in the clear. Tango cafe is good too isnt it? Any idea when we will have a good idea if its going to be a huge problem or not in this area? More on local beaches:Sea turtle nesting season starts in May. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Sargassum quantity will continue to increase, and Sargassum in the east Caribbean will continue to accumulate and migrate westward, some of which will be transported to the Gulf of Mexico to impact Florida, USF scientists wrote in their March 31 Sargassum outlook bulletin. Here's how to protect turtles and hatchlings. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-116948068', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Louisiana Lagniappe. A giant blob of seaweed called the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt is floating toward the West Coast of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico. What are some of the bike trails in the area? The summer of 2022 set Sargassum records, too: Combined, the total amount of the weed increased from 18.8 million tons in May 2022 to 24.2 million tons in June 2022, setting a new historical record, according to the University of South Florida scientistsJuly 2 bulletin on the algae. Nearly every year since 2011, sargassum has . it tends to be more prickly. Sea turtle nesting season starts in May. We stay outside of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Reservations are required. but, of course one could wander over and spend time at Barefoot's before or after, for sunset. The Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt extends from west Africa to the Gulf of Mexico and is setting a record 13 million tons for this time of year. He named the area the Sargasso Sea. Some parts of South America and Mexico are also being affected. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? A 5,000-mile-wide blob of seaweed is headed for Florida, threatening tourism across the Caribbean By Jackie Wattles, CNN Updated 1:18 PM EDT, Thu March 16, 2023 Link Copied! Here's how to protect turtles and hatchlings. The food is delicious. Major beaching events are "inevitable" along the east coast of Florida, the ocean side of the Florida Keys and around the Caribbean, researchers at the college said. He explained that the seaweed forms the "big blob" pretty much every year, and typically impacts the Caribbean Islands and south Florida. I see that there are acres of sargassum washing up on some (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The clumps of brown seaweed, called Sargassum, are part of a massive bloom collecting in the Caribbean Sea spanning about 5,000 miles. Anyone please we would really like to know ? Sargassum seaweed blob heading to Florida explained | CNN A seaweed blob twice the width of the US is heading toward Florida. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Copyright 2023 WWSB. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. In southeast Florida. During the Okaloosa Tourist Development Council meetingon Tuesday, April 25, 2023, Okaloosa Coastal Resource Manager Alex Fogg provided an update on the state of Red Tide and Sargassum in the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area. While its brown color makes it stand out more on sugar-white sand and it stinks whileit's decomposing under the baking sun, sargassum seaweed that began lining area beaches several weeks ago poses no health threat to beachgoers, according to Okaloosa County Coastal Resource Manager Alex Fogg. Here along the Gulf Coast and around the Tampa Bay area, the Sargassum bloom won't likely impact our beaches. Also, the water/seaweed situation changes from day to day, depending on sea conditions and the wind. Here's a list of products that use it. Sargassum along the beaches of South Walton from 2022 . The poor timing of Florida's annual invasions of snowbirds and seaweed. A Florida Atlantic University study found that the 5,000-mile-wide, debris-filled swath contains the flesh-eating bacteria called Vibrio vulnificus. But still could be very nice. MIAMI BEACH, Fla. - Levels of sargassum seaweed in south Florida were originally expected to be historic, but now experts say the seaweed is decreasing. New Florida law allows roads made of toxic mining waste. The fishermen are loving it, says Fogg, referring to the small amount of sargassum thats currently in the area. A large amount of sargassum has been found in the Caribbean most years since 2011. Large accumulations of the seaweed have been a recurrent problem in the Caribbean, in the Gulf of Mexico and in the tropical Atlantic since 2011, according to the NOAA. We were just at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The rakes groom the beaches and pick up trash but are unable to remove a surplus of sargassum, Fogg said. It is expected to travel west from the Caribbean Sea and become a hazard on some beaches in Florida. It's forecast to become the largest-ever bloom recorded,. Concerned about sargassum! Is there really a record amount of seaweed out. April 10 (UPI) -- An unwelcome visitor is headed for Florida and the Caribbean: huge floating mats of sargassum, or free-floating brown seaweed. The recent stringy mess on Brevard County beaches reminds many ofwidespread Sargassum algae blooms that hit county beaches in 2014, 2015, 2018, 2021 and last year. While touching the seaweed isn't harmful, animals like stinging jellyfish can live within it and hurt swimmers. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Caitlin O'Kane is a digital content producer covering trending stories for CBS News and its good news brand, The Uplift. #sargassum #seaweed #seaweedtiktok #pensacolabeach #emeraldcoast #allthingsemeraldcoast #beach #florida. He explained that the seaweed forms the big blob pretty much every year, and typically impacts the Caribbean Islands and south Florida. Sargassum also shelters sea turtle hatchlings and juvenile fish during their early life in the open ocean. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The Atlantic Sargassum belt reaches from the west coast of Africa to the Gulf of Mexico and can. Here's what the seaweed situation looks like in Florida. Please enter valid email address to continue. Im so glad you had a no problems with the seaweed and had a nice time! Get answers to your questions about Destin, What do the Beach Flags mean and what are the rules for beaching it. Report inappropriate content 1-10 of 12 replies Sorted by 1 2 Beachperson1579 People who visit beaches after Sargassum has washed up should avoid touching or swimming near the seaweed, health officials said. COCOA BEACH, Fla. Some Florida beachgoers might be holding their noses right now reports of large amounts of stinky seaweed washing ashore on some of the state's beaches are coming in. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Report inappropriate content. We just dont know, he said. Is aspartame safe? Additionally, there are currently no detectable amounts of red tide in the waterways around Destin-Fort Walton Beach. Plan on about a 30 minute drive down 30 A to get there. Like sargassum, June grass doesnt look great onshore but its not harmful to humans and provides habitat for various creatures, he said. But 2018 was among the worst in Florida. There is a good chance that you will see these at that time. A massive expanse of sargassum seaweed spanning 5,000 miles in width has made its way to the Florida Keys. more. "Seaweed season" will be at its peak this month through possibly August. Sargassum Seaweed How will it affect our Suncoast Beaches? Closing the doors and windows of houses near the beach is also helpful. Rafts of brown seaweed, Sargassum sp., pile up on the shore of Miami Beach, Florida, USA. The health department does caution that the hydrogen sulfide gas what's responsible for the rotten egg smell can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. It might be totally different by the time you get here. Thanks . While the seaweed is rumored to cause cancer in humans, it can't, says Florida Health. Ad Feedback Video. The University of Florida's Optical Oceanography Lab began monitoring the sargassum each year, and they say this year, substantial quantities of sargassum in the Caribbean Sea continued to accumulate between January and February, even though it decreased in the Atlantic. Sargassumis a type of seaweed thats naturally occurring in the marine environment worldwide. As the Sargassum seaweed blob continues washing up on Florida's shores, residents and tourists are being warned to avoid it as it contains flesh-eating bacteria. As you are probably aware, algae and seagrasses are naturally occurring in the marine environment worldwide. I am not a fan of the way they prepare, and do not really season their steaks. I think everyone is worried about the sargassum/seaweed but it is a long way off and we need to wait and see what happens. It's forecast to become the largest-ever bloom recorded, University of South Florida marine scientists say. Its an important ecosystem for marine life like sea turtles and small fish. Besides seeing the unsightly sargassum, regular visitors to area beaches are accustomed to dealing with the annual appearance of June grass. NOAA's most recent report about the sargassum showed a high amount of it already on the coast of South Florida and a medium amount on the East Coast between Feb. 14 and 20. It is inside the hotel and is not beach view dining. We understand there have been reports of a large amount of Sargassum seaweed headed towards Florida. Why does this even matter? Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. A massive sargassum bloom that stretches from near the coast of Africa through the Caribbean Sea and into the Gulf of Mexico has decreased in volume compared to its January girth, offering a "glimmer of hope" that it won't be the monster record-breaker scientists originally thought. The hydrogen sulfide released by rotting Sargassum can lead to eye, nose and throat irritation, according to Florida health officials. Does anyone know the current beach conditions in Destin in relation to sargassum? Sargassum seaweed on Fort Lauderdale beach at low tide April 8, 2023. The (Florida Department of Environmental Protection) allows them to remove the sargassum if they like, but we dont recommend it. Biden lays out "new path" for student loan relief after Supreme Court decision, Supreme Court strikes down Biden's student loan forgiveness plan, Alan Arkin, Oscar-winning "Little Miss Sunshine" actor, dies at 89. Site provided by GrowthZone - powered by ChamberMaster software. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 1:21. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. (Photo by Bonnie Gross) Resource for you: Sargassum Information Hub Seaweed Watch: Beach webcams Sargassum seaweed arrives in waves, depending on wind direction and currents. Argument leads to shooting death of man in Tampa, 39th annual Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix is here, 10 Weather: Near record heat Friday into the weekend, Duke Energy scraps plan to send line workers to help with storm damage in Indiana, Massive blob of seaweed heading toward Florida coast, Why this latest massive seaweed bloom likely won't impact Tampa Bay beaches, That giant 'blob' of seaweed in the Atlantic? Hunter Biden grand jury never heard from his former business partner, Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt is floating toward the West Coast, the lab expected it to continue increasing. Thats because strong south winds have pushed the Gulf Loop Current, which originates in the Caribbean, farther north than normal, he said. Check out the map of the year and the map of the day : Map of the year 2023 Map of the Day www.sargassummonitoring.com - daily updates + Florida Atlantic University researchers have for years shown seasonal Sargassum hereand elsewhere in the tropical Atlantic hasgrown worse in recent years because of increasing nitrogen and phosphorus from discharges from the Congo, Amazon and Mississippi rivers, atmospheric deposition from Saharan dust, and biomass burning of vegetation in central and South Africa. Huge Sargassum blooms blanketed beaches alongthe east coast of Barbados and Puerto Rico in 2014, as well. Could the the Higher Education Act lead to loan forgiveness? Just do the stingray shuffle and scare them away. East Florida beaches have been downgraded to a medium risk. The Sargassum bloom is expected to increase in size, with the quantity likely peaking in June or July. The department says children should always be supervised at the beach and beachgoers should avoid swimming near the seaweed. it tends to be more prickly. Sargassum moves where ocean currents push it. ), "Given the complexity of its motion, growth, and decay, it is not possible to forecast the timing of beaching," NOAA said. Is aspartame safe? Beaching on Florida will come down to wind, wave and tidal conditions, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA. But scientists at University of South Florida, using satellite data, are finding record masses an estimated 13 million tons of the seaweed for this time of year surround and/or are approaching Florida. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Well continue to monitor for any potential issues, but right now, neither are a major concern., Fortunately, the loop current that comes up into the Gulf of Mexico takes a hard right turn right in the middle and heads to the west coast of Florida, and then down around the Florida Keys and up the east coast, he said. BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. - We're already in the weeds. An April sargassum forecast by the University of South Florida found mats of seaweed clogging the Caribbean Sea last month in amounts higher than previous Aprils, but the Gulf of Mexico's. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Destin forum Beachperson1579 Fort Smith, Arkansas Level Contributor 106 posts 34 reviews 16 helpful votes June Grass and Sargassum 10 years ago Save We are leaving for Fort Walton Beach in a few days and are wondering how bad the June Grass and Sargassum is ? Beachgoers in Florida and the Caribbean could be greeted by heavy blankets of smelly seaweed in the weeks ahead as a 5,000-mile swath of sargassum drifts westward and piles onto white . Sargassum, like other seaweed, gives off hydrogen sulfide gas as it rots, which can cause irritation to the eyes and respiratory system. It might seem like a lot but there are feet and feet of it stacking up in other locations such as South Florida, Fogg said. When the blob of seaweed reaches the shore, another gas comes into play hydrogen sulfide, according to Florida Health. That's because the seaweed will follow the Gulf Stream current, which moves around Cuba, past the Florida Keys and then makes its way around Miami and the east coast of Florida. If you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000. Stinky blobs of seaweed are already washing ashore in parts of Florida. Then it moves . All Rights Reserved, Okaloosa County Public Information Office, ATLANTIS: Okaloosa successfully deploys 125-foot vessel as new artificial reef off Destin-Fort Walton Beach coast, Okaloosa County to remove 3 derelict vessels from Boggy Bayou, Choctawhatchee Bay, and Cinco Bayou, Okaloosa deploys 46 new Prefabricated Artificial Reef modules off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, New Red Snapper Fishing Tournament to benefit Okaloosa Countys Artificial Reef Program, Okaloosa County calls emergency meeting to discuss proposed 10-knot speed limit in Gulf for endangered whales, Chief Stone retires from FWB Fire Department, prepares for new position in South Walton, Fortunately, Red Tide and Sargassum are not something that significantly impacts our area compared to other parts of Florida, says Fogg. There is currently no Sargassum on Destin-Fort Walton beaches, but we are making preparations if seaweed accumulations reach excessive levels. There are always stingrays. Thanks Wishing on a star! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-110083481', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Crystal Sands Beach today.
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