Since about July of 2018 we are suffering from red tide bloom here in the suncoast. It has been one of the longest blooms I have witnessed, living in Sarasota County from 2011. From personal experience on the water in boats; it started off in the Boca Grande area and slowly moved north to Englewood then Venice, Sarasota and Bradenton. And now the maps show it all the way north to south St. Pete Beach area.
On a good note, I was at Spanish Point last week on the wildlife observation dock(a 2 story dock that you can see wildlife better from) at Sarasota Crew rowing camp facility and witnessed a lot of different fish, a couple of hundred, within a half hour that seem to be in good health and swimming about their fishy business. Hopefully this can be a sign that things will get better soon.
Also from personal experience, locals and the FWC red tide map Charlotte Harbour and peace river is currently completely free from red tide and is a great place to enjoy a day out on the water.
We are giving a $15 Discount for all boat launches from North Port, Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda.
PROMO CODE: REDTIDE