Seaweed has littered most Anna Maria Island beaches since Tropical Storm Debby in late June. MARC R. MASFERRER\/Bradenton Herald. <\/p>\n
HOLMES BEACH -- It's green. It smells. And it attracts bugs. <\/p>\n
It also will become the first impression of area beaches for thousands of visitors staying in Manatee County for the Republican Nation Convention next week. <\/p>\n
Tourism officials are concerned a seaweed problem they label as the worst in decades will scare off RNC attendees expected to sneak off for a quick beach visit at some point during their stays. <\/p>\n
After a one-week hiatus, the seaweed is back. And it looks like it's here to stay at least through the convention. <\/p>\n
The county has been working daily to rake the beaches, but turtle nesting season has restricted those efforts some. About 20 minutes after the shore has been cleared, more of the deep-sea algae is washing right back up, said Cindy Turner, director of Manatee County Parks and Recreation. <\/p>\n
\"I have never seen anything like this in the 12 years I have been director of parks and recreation here,\" she said. \"We're doing everything we can to control the issue.\" <\/p>\n
Turner said it's still unclear exactly what triggered the seaweed explosion, but it all began directly after Tropical Storm Debby. <\/p>\n
Although not harmful, the dead leafy stuff has become a nuisance for Anna Maria Island resorts and restaurateurs now fielding complaints from their guests. As the GOP convention nears, business owners fear those grievances will only amplify. <\/p>\n
The topic became the focus of a Manatee Tourist Development Council meeting Monday morning at Holmes Beach City Hall, where an update on the county's mitigation efforts was presented. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Read more:<\/p>\n
Seaweed on Manatee beaches a growing concern with RNC nearing<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Seaweed has littered most Anna Maria Island beaches since Tropical Storm Debby in late June. MARC R Continue reading