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Red Tide and Sargassum not a major issue in Destin-Fort Walton Beach, continuing to monitor

During the Okaloosa Tourist Development Council meeting on 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. Fogg told the council that He and the Coastal Resource team have been collecting weekly water samples in coordination with Florida […]

Okaloosa County Public Information Office

During the Okaloosa Tourist Development Council meeting on 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.

  • The good news is that the “big blob” of sargassum that’s been making headlines is still thousands of miles away from the area, according to Fogg. 

Fogg told the council that He and the Coastal Resource team have been collecting weekly water samples in coordination with Florida Fish and Wildlife, and says they’ve yet to detect any red tide. 

Red tide, which occurs when algae overgrows and produces toxins, can cause fish kills and pose health risks to humans and animals. Fogg said that the team will continue to monitor for any potential fish kills and other issues that may arise. However, the good news is that the area is currently in the clear.

  • “Fortunately, Red Tide and Sargassum are not something that significantly impacts our area compared to other parts of Florida,” says Fogg. “We’ll continue to monitor for any potential issues, but right now, neither are a major concern.”

Sargassum is a type of seaweed that’s naturally occurring in the marine environment worldwide. It’s an important ecosystem for marine life like sea turtles and small fish. According to Fogg, the seaweed provides a habitat for these species and acts as a nursery for them. 

Sargassum along the beaches of South Walton from 2022 👇

Sargassum along the beaches of South Walton from 2022 (South Walton Turtle Watch)

He explained that the seaweed forms the “big blob” pretty much every year, and typically impacts the Caribbean Islands and south Florida.  While the “big blob” of sargassum may be heading into the Gulf of Mexico, via currents, Fogg says it’s unlikely to significantly impact the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area. “While our area will certainly see sargassum on our beaches, like every year, we do not expect the quantities to be overwhelming,” he said.

  • “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. “This means that while the “big blob” may be heading towards Florida, it is unlikely to significantly impact the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area.”

The Coastal Resource Team is in communication with the US Coast Guard, who does periodic missions out to areas off of Apalachicola. He told the TDC that they will be sure to let his team know if they see large patches of sargassum that our local fishing fleet misses.

“The fishermen are loving it,” says Fogg, referring to the small amount of sargassum that’s currently in the area. “We’ll continue to monitor for any potential impacts, but it’s certainly not enough to cause any worry here in Destin-Fort Walton Beach.”

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“Praying firvofficer and his family”
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“Wife and I were thinking of making an offer for the property. What a beautiful home site it would make”
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“No, buying the ship was a great idea and will be a wonderful place to snorkeling, and scuba diving.”
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“SPC beach bars have been successful for Decades. We have a large loyal and captive group! The Sand Flea family of restauranteurs have ways succeeded and will drawer other beach...”
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“I agree with the idea of making it an event place. Whether for weddings or parties or businesses that want to hold lectures or meetings.Also a place for groups like...”
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“I second that thought, please quit trying to make Fort Walton another Destin. And anything to do with that that 10 million dollar ship they bought to sink is ridiculous!”
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“I like the idea of it being an event rental space, it would be beautiful for weddings and receptions, but another "charter boat hub", please quit trying to make Fort...”
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“Why not fix the dog parks adjacent to red lobster?”
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“They spend 3.75 MILLION dollars of tax payer money and don't know what they are going to do with the property? If your child came in your home and said...”
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“If Walton County was not so greedy and decided to “TAKE” what they wanted instead of “buying” it like other areas (Destin/Okaloosa County)have, this might have never been a problem....”
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