Gulf in crisis: Hundreds join arms against red tide in Naples

Thaddeus Mast, Naples Daily NewsPublished 3:53 p.m. ET Aug. 12, 2018 | Updated 6:34 p.m. ET Aug. 12, 2018

Approximately 500 people link hands for a few minutes along the shore near the Naples Pier on Sunday morning, Aug. 12, 2018, in support of clean oceans and marine life and against the red tide outbreak. Darron R. Silva/Special to the Naples Daily News

Thousands of Floridians — including more than 500 in Naples — came together Sunday morning to force attention on one of the worst red tide blooms in recent memory.

Hands Along the Water organizers at the Naples Pier handed a surgical mask to every participant to combat the respiratory problems and telltale coughing fits accompanying red tide blooms.

Dead fish rode in the surf as more than 500 people lined the beach hand in hand for 15 minutes. Naples joined 30 other Florida communities in the awareness event.

“We firmly believe thousands of people across 30 beaches today will send a message more than any sign ever could,” organizer Rena Anders said.

A lone paddleboarder showcased his own poster — “Stop the Flow,” referring to discharges from Lake Okeechobee. There is no definitive link that the releases down the Caloosahatchee River are related to the recent red tide bloom, although researchers are investigating any possible connections.

The event was not a protest of how the government is handling the bloom, Anders said.

“This is not a protest or a rally; it’s a people gathering to show solidarity to protect water and wildlife,” she said.

Attendees couldn’t offer a solution to the complex water quality question, instead saying the Hands Along the Water event was to raise awareness for an issue they consider under-represented.

A stand-up paddle boarder with a sign that says "Stop The Flow" watches as approximately 500 people link hands for a few minutes along the shore near the Naples Pier on Sunday morning, Aug. 12, 2018, in support of clean oceans and marine life and against the red tide outbreak. (Photo: Darron R. Silva/Special to the Naples Daily News)

“The governor, legislators — we want to let the powers that be know their constituents are very concerned,” Brenda Hawkins said.

Mary Ladd Tait, owner of Back of the Bay Boutique in downtown Naples, joined the line Sunday morning after feeling the red tide bloom’s effect on her business.

“We’re down 50 percent than last year,” Tait said. “It’s bad. We need this to end.”

Noreen Jutkiewicz went on the beach with an inflated dolphin sporting a surgical mask over its beak. The 30-year resident said this bout of red tide is the worst she’s ever seen.

Thousands of Floridians joined hand-in-hand Sunday to bring attention to a problem they feel is under-represented — the red tide algae blooms. Thaddeus Mast, thaddeus.mast@naplesnews.com; 239-263-4764

“We can bring attention to this and make a change,” Jutkiewicz said. “We need to.”

But Anders said lawmakers have been stuck in a loop of passing the buck for years. The problem of red tide is known by all, but no one wants to solve it, she said.

“Let’s stop the circular firing squad where everyone points to each other and says it’s not me, it's him,” Anders said. “Nothing is getting done.”

Rain and lightning followed the hundreds of people off the beach after the event, many satisfied that a point was made. But Anders said more needs to be done.

“It’s not going to go away. We need to keep applying pressure,” she said. “The general public needs to stand up, and we need to get this done.”