Florida Red Tide Awareness: Public Presentation Series Coming to Eastpoint & Port St. Joe

Florida’s coastal lifestyle is one-of-a-kind — but along with the beauty of the Gulf, it’s important for residents, visitors, and homeowners to stay informed about environmental factors that impact our waterways. One of the most common topics along the coast is red tide — and fortunately, the state of Florida is taking major steps forward in research, mitigation, and community education.

If you live in or around Port St. Joe, Apalachicola, Mexico Beach, Cape San Blas, Indian Pass, or the surrounding Gulf Coast communities, you’ll soon have an opportunity to learn directly from experts through the Florida Red Tide Mitigation & Technology Development Initiative Public Presentation Series.

These free sessions will share valuable information about mitigation efforts, new technology, and what’s being done to protect the environment, wildlife, tourism, and the quality of life we enjoy here on the Forgotten Coast.

Event Details: Learn About Florida’s Red Tide Mitigation Efforts

Friday, January 16th — Eastpoint, FL

Time: 2:00 PM Eastern Time
Location: ANERR — Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve
Address: 108 Island Dr., Eastpoint, FL

Join the community in the Multipurpose Room at ANERR to hear from Kevin Claridge of Mote Marine Laboratory, one of the leading organizations researching and combating harmful algal blooms in Florida waters.

Saturday, January 17th — Port St. Joe, FL

Time: 10:00 AM Eastern Time
Location: The Centennial Building
Hosted By: Friends of St. Joseph Bay Preserves

This session will be held during the Friends of St. Joseph Bay Preserves’ annual meeting. Attendees will learn how the Initiative works to reduce the impacts of red tide in critical ecosystems like St. Joseph Bay, while also discovering ways to stay engaged in local conservation efforts.

This is also a great opportunity to learn how to become a member of Friends of St. Joseph Bay Preserves and support the ongoing protection of our local coastal environment.

What Is the Florida Red Tide Mitigation & Technology Development Initiative?

This statewide partnership brings together:

✔ Mote Marine Laboratory
✔ Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
✔ Public + Private Research Teams

Their mission is to develop prevention, control, and mitigation technologies that:

• Reduce negative environmental impacts
• Protect wildlife
• Support tourism and coastal economies
• Improve quality of life for coastal residents

For coastal homeowners, investors, vacation rental owners, and future buyers, this initiative is essential to long-term property value and environmental stability along Florida’s Gulf Coast.

The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Mote Marine Laboratory are leading statewide efforts to better understand, monitor, and mitigate red tide along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Through the Florida Red Tide Mitigation & Technology Development Initiative, these partners work together to research bloom behavior, develop prevention and control strategies, and protect marine ecosystems, tourism, and coastal communities. Their findings help guide local policy, conservation planning, and environmental stewardship across the state.

Why Red Tide Education Matters to Coastal Residents & Property Owners

As trusted real estate professionals who live and work daily along Florida’s Forgotten Coast, our team at Port Realty Group understands how important environmental awareness is for:

✔ Protecting property values
✔ Supporting tourism & local businesses
✔ Maintaining quality of life
✔ Preserving our incredible ecosystem

Whether you own a waterfront home, operate a vacation rental, enjoy boating & fishing, or simply love the Gulf — staying educated helps you make confident, informed decisions.

Get Involved. Stay Informed. Protect Our Coast.

Our team loves calling Florida’s Forgotten Coast home — and part of that responsibility means staying connected, informed, and supportive of the conservation work that keeps our water, wildlife, and communities thriving.

If you have questions about living or investing along Florida’s Forgotten Coast — or you’re ready to explore homes in Port St. Joe, Cape San Blas, Mexico Beach, St. Joe Beach, Indian Pass, or the surrounding area — we’d love to help.

Contact Port Realty Group today.
Your trusted local experts in Gulf Coast real estate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Red Tide in Florida

What is red tide?

Red tide is a naturally occurring algae bloom that can sometimes release toxins affecting marine life, humans, and air quality along the coast.

Does red tide happen every year?

Red tide is variable — some years have higher bloom activity than others depending on environmental conditions.

How does red tide affect property values?

Temporary blooms typically do not impact long-term property value, but staying informed helps owners plan smarter and protect their investments.

Is it safe to visit during red tide?

Many days remain safe for outdoor recreation, but those with respiratory sensitivities should monitor local advisories.

Where can I get accurate red tide updates?

Florida Fish & Wildlife provides real-time reporting and research-based updates.