CITY OF SANIBEL STATUS REPORT #16

Read this status report for current beach conditions.

STATUS REPORT #16
City of Sanibel Beach Status 

This morning at the beaches, bayous and canals we continue to observe an overall significant reduction in the dead sea life being deposited on our beaches.  See photos below.  See below the detailed report for each beach.  Conditions at the City’s boat ramp are currently poor with 20 dead fish every 10 feet.  For current Red Tide Conditions & Forecast click here NOAA Gulf of Mexico Harmful Algal Bloom Bulletin.
Yesterday 8 large fish carcasses were removed from our beaches (5 Goliath Groupers & 2 Tarpon).  The City of Sanibel is actively pursuing full cost recovery of the expense of our clean-up efforts.  Yesterday the Governor announced an allocation of an additional $900,000 in grants to Lee County, bringing the total red tide State grant funding to address this emergency for Lee County to $1.3 million.
Click link below for Governor Scott's Emergency Order for Red Tide issued August 13, 2018.

Gov. Scott Issues Emergency Order for Red Tide (pdf 292.84 kB)

We are continuing to “right-size” our contractual crews daily to respond to the fish that is washing up including three Goliath Groupers thus far today.
Click here for City's Call for Action
Click here for City of Sanibel 2018 Water Priorities
Lighthouse Beach conditions this morning…

Tarpon Road Beach access beach conditions today…
Bayside conditions today…
First light of day report by City of Sanibel Public Works in addition to the mid-Island light deposits of Red Drift Algae staff:
Based on tides, winds and currents, these conditions may alter quickly and significantly.

• Lighthouse Beach
  • Current Conditions: Good
  • Red Tide: No Irritation Present
  • Odor: Not Present
  • Deposits:  None Present

• Sanibel Boat Ramp
  • Current Conditions: Poor
  • Red Tide: Irritation Moderate
  • Odor: Moderate
  • Deposits: Approximately 20 dead fish every 10 feet

• Algiers Beach (Gulf-side City Park)
  • Current Conditions: Good
  • Red Tide: No Irritation Present
  • Odor: Not Present
  • Deposits:  No dead sea life present

• Tarpon Bay Beach
  • Current Conditions:  Good
  • Red Tide: No Irritation Present
  • Odor: Not Present
  • Deposits:  None Present

• Bowman's Beach
  • Current Conditions:  Good
  • Red Tide: No Irritation Present
  • Odor: Not Present
  • Deposits:  None Present

• Blind Pass
  • Current Conditions: Good
  • Red Tide: No Irritation Present
  • Odor: Slight
  • Deposits:  None Present

• Turner Beach Park
  • Current Conditions:  Good
  • Red Tide: No Irritation Present
  • Odor: Not Present
  • Deposits:  Zero deposits of dead fish present

Based on tides, winds and currents, these conditions may alter quickly and significantly.
If you encounter any dead sea life washed ashore on private property that is too large to be removed by hand, please email address and location information to: j.zimomra@mysanibel.com , and attach a photo if possible.
Catfish Caution:  A large portion of the dead fish on the beach are catfish.  The pectoral (side) fins and dorsal (top) fin contain sharp, venomous spines; extreme care should be used when handling this fish.  Beachgoers should also avoid stepping on dead catfish as some sharp barbs can even penetrate the sole of a shoe.
We again express our sincere appreciation to all for your support during this most challenging time for our community.

Judie Zimomra
Sanibel City Manager