Surf Etiquette can be a terribly complex topic. This short list is written by someone with a continuous 15+ years of surfing experience around the state of Florida, and an ongoing love hate relationship with many Continue reading Surf Etiquette Basics
Category Archives: Opinion
The Dwindling Vaquita Porpoise Population; On The Brink of Extinction
The Vaquita porpoise is nearly extinct, now only living in the upper portion of the northern Gulf of California, Mexico, mostly within the Colorado River delta.
Bycatch is the number one threat to marine mammals. Worldwide, estimates of over 650,000 marine mammals perish each year as a result Continue reading The Dwindling Vaquita Porpoise Population; On The Brink of Extinction
Barrier Islands Renourishment Project
Another renourishment project is scheduled to begin in the coming months along a large portion of the Pinellas County beaches. The project which is anticipated to cost 31.8 million dollars, funded jointly by the county, the state, and federal government, is likely to be awarded Continue reading Barrier Islands Renourishment Project
What’s Happening with Goliath Grouper?
The tasty goliath grouper has been prohibited as a fish to be harvested or possessed in state and federal waters since 1990. Some people think goliath grouper are at a point where they can be harvested. This massive fish has become highly prevalent in the waters of the Gulf. Tampa Bay goliath grouper have had an especially high increase in abundance Continue reading What’s Happening with Goliath Grouper?
Recent Decision to Reclassify the Manatee
The once sparse manatee has reached a population denisty to neccesitate the reclassification from endangered to threatened. The US Fish and Wildlife Service made the announcement on March 30th, 2017. The official decision Continue reading Recent Decision to Reclassify the Manatee
Brexit and Gulf Coast Tourism
The second largest portion of visitors to Pinellas County after domestic visitors, are visitors from Europe, at 18%. This portion of visitors increased 2% in 2012-2013. European visitors make up a major part of the tourist economy. Because this is such a large portion of gulf coast visitors, it is helpful to have an understanding of the economy in Europe. A major change is beginning in the coming months in Europe Continue reading Brexit and Gulf Coast Tourism
Bed Tax Goes Up to Six Percent in Pinellas County
The Tourist Development Tax is a tax collected in Pinellas County. It is also known as the Bed Tax. The Bed Tax proceeds go to marketing and community functions, including beach re-nourishment and construction on stadiums and museums. Continue reading Bed Tax Goes Up to Six Percent in Pinellas County
Shark Deterrent Wristband
Let’s start this product review by taking a look at the evidence used to show the Sharkbanz product and the claim, which is that this magnetic wristband “really works” at “deterring sharks.” A claim stated using “scientific evidence.” Continue reading Shark Deterrent Wristband
The Salvation Army Does a Lot of Good
I was recently thinking about doing a bit of volunteering. I was able to get a few phone numbers of local non-profit organizations that might need someone interested in doing some good. When I called the Salvation Army, the volunteer coordinater answered the phone. Non-profits like this one very often need additional assistance during the busy holiday season. I couldn’t wait to help out. Continue reading The Salvation Army Does a Lot of Good
Wastewater Triggered Red Tide (K. brevis)
Red tide is engulfing the coastline after a nasty wastewater spill may have triggered an intense algal bloom. Hurricane Hermine made landfall on the northern gulf coast of Florida on September second. The repeated bouts of rain put many of the aging sewage systems into overload. Even with sewage plants purging water pre-storm, the sewage systems became overloaded. Wastewater was lost into Tampa Bay, wastewater that was quickly washed into the gulf. Wastewater can be a trigger for the naturally occurring Red Tide (K. brevis) blooms. Continue reading Wastewater Triggered Red Tide (K. brevis)