HOLMES BEACH, Fla. — Beach business owners in Sarasota and Manatee Counties say they've been red tide free for about ten days, and it couldn't come at a better time.
"We’ve been full the past week and a half and we have all kinds of reservations this week, so we are pretty excited,” said Swordfish Grill Manager Bob Slicker.
Slicker said he has reservations through the end of the year.
"This week it’s as clear as can be the pelicans are out there and we have been catching some bait fish,” said Slicker.
However, scientists with Mote Marine said the bloom is still a threat. They've reported patches of red tide south of Sarasota County about ten miles off the coast. They say a strong north wind could push the red tide back to the Tampa Bay area.
Sales are up at the Dream Inn on Bradenton Beach. Manager Marti Hollar said she is book full through New Years, but this year has been financially painful. Tourism officials report bed tax revenues are down across Anna Maria Island.
The latest FWC red tide map.
