Tampa Bay Fishing
Live Shrimp is proving to be the bait of choice for Island fisherman this month. Sheepshead, Black Drum and Redfish are usually seen nibbling the crustaceans and barnacles beneath residential docks and piers. Keep a bucket of sand fleas or fiddle crabs handy to attract these sometimes fussy species.
No Swim Advisory - Palma Sola Beach South
The Manatee County, Florida Department of Health issued a No Swim Advisory for Palma Sola Beach South. Located 100 ft west of 81st St, South of Manatee Ave. showing elevated levels of enterococci bacteria. Advisory is in effect until further test show that levels have reduced to a safer level.
Visit Florida may lose funding
Visit Florida may lose support and funding after it was disclosed that they paid Miami rapper based Pitbull the fee of $1m to promote Florida in his "Sexy Beaches" music, on social media and concerts.
Florida Senate - Vacation Rental Bill
Bill Steube's office filled Bill SB 188 which proposes to prohibit local governments from restricting property owners from renting out their home on a short term rental basis.
Speed Limits
The DOT has reduced the speed limit in the area close to the Kingfisher Boat Ramp. The 25 mph speed limit extends along Manatee Ave. from the Manatee Public Beach parking facility to The Anna Maria Bridge. This section of highway is a favored route for pedestrians and cyclists coming to and leaving the island.