Seaweed!!!😩

Question

At Holmes beach right by ( Bali Hai) this afternoon. Water was warm but so much seaweed rolling in. Is this cleaned up periodically?

Didn’t deter us but guests coming soon and I brag about how clear and clean the gulf is. Any chance it clears up?

Answer

Seaweed, especially Sargassum, is a common occurrence on Anna Maria Island beaches, including Holmes Beach near Bali Hai. The Gulf of Mexico experiences seasonal influxes of seaweed, which can vary daily depending on currents, wind, and tides.

Local authorities and beach maintenance crews do clean the beaches, but it’s not always possible to remove every bit, especially when there’s a heavy influx from offshore. Some areas are cleaned more frequently than others, often with mechanical rakes or by hand in high-traffic spots.

Here’s what you can expect and consider:

Seaweed tends to be more prominent in late spring through summer but can appear sporadically throughout the year.
Beach cleanup crews usually remove seaweed along popular public access points and near beachfront properties, but offshore currents can bring more in overnight.
The seaweed can temporarily affect water clarity near the shore but often floats away or disperses within a day or two, especially after a change in wind or tide.

For guests coming soon, the Gulf’s iconic turquoise waters typically return once winds shift and the heavy mats of seaweed disperse. Daily conditions can vary, so it’s a good idea to check local beach reports or webcam feeds for the most current status. Even when some seaweed is present, the water is usually still swimmable and warm, and many visitors find it doesn’t detract significantly from the overall experience.

In short, while Holmes Beach does get seaweed periodically, it is cleaned regularly, and the situation often improves within a day or two. Guests can still enjoy the beach, and the Gulf’s clear waters usually make a comeback shortly.

Seaweed!!!😩

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