There was free parking across the highway, within a block of the beach, or you could pay to park on the beach grounds. Now, a massive blob of seaweedtwice as wide as the United States is drifting across the Atlantic and could wash ashore in the coming weeks, creating an even bigger mess. The red flashing dot shows the tide time right now. We are planning on a beach trip to Gulf Shores at the end of March. Looking for suggestions on places to stay. The best place is out at Fort Morgan just a short drive from Gulf Shores. Tractor Driving the ultimate driving experience unlike anything else! 98% of travelers recommend this experience. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-116936355', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Florida. I'd like to celebrate my 75th birthday at the end of August at Gulf Shores, but I sure don't want to make to risk this if it's normal for that time of the year. #5 in Best Alabama Beaches. Will we be able to rent umbrella and chairs at Public Beach? March 17, 2023 / 7:49 AM Callers outside of Florida can dial 727-502-4956. Conditions are monitored throughout the day. Since 2010, there have been three recorded shark attacks, but that's just the tip of the . Please swim with caution. Products available at 8731439 Gulf Shores, ICWW, AL. Explore different ways to experience this place. The incidents were suspected to be caused by red tide. Parsons advises beachgoers to leave a stretch of beach where they see dead fish, or start getting a scratchy nose or watery eyes. Soak in a cool bath or apply cold compresses several times a day. 1:50 AM: low -0.12 ft. 2:19 PM: high : 1.37 ft. . I have visited y'all in late August, 2 different years, and both times the Gulf looked like a lake (no waves), there was no breeze, and the mosquitos on the balcony kept us inside. Double Red Flag: Closed to the public For current beach conditions in Gulf Shores call, 251-968-TIDE (8433). Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. That's where 90 percent of the people are," DePaola said, referring to the beaches east of Fort Morgan, including. Sandy in Dallas. Year. Get answers to your questions about Gulf Shores, Gulf Shores Vs. Orange Beach Vs. Fort Morgan, Little Lagoon fishing spots Guld Dhores, AL. Parsons said that based off of data his team has collected, the belief is that red tide sits in deep water, then rises to the surface after moving inshore, where it becomes concentrated and causes a traffic jam at the coastline. Gulf World Marine Park- Dolphin Swim -Gulf Shores, Staybridge Suites Gulf Shores, an IHG Hotel, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gulf Shores, an IHG Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Gulf Shores Craft Farms, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Gulf Shores. I have not heard anything about red tide recently. Rip currents are most prevalent when the waves crash perpendicular to the beach rather than at an angle. When the current weakens, swim at an angle away from the current toward the shore. Products available at 8731439 Gulf Shores, ICWW, AL. Sunset today is 7:30 PM. September Calendar. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Protect your lips as well. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-116925289', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Florida beaches are having an issue with a lot of the sargassum seaweed and a few on the gulf coast have red tide. Local TV stations showed footage of dead fish washing up on beaches, and other marine life has also been reportedly affected by the toxic algae. Reply. Next low tide is 5:09 am. In the high tide and low tide chart, we can see that the first low tide was at 5:39 am and the next low tide will be at 4:44 pm. Please enter valid email address to continue. Reply Report inappropriate content dweebe Saint Louis. Florida - Current Conditions There is no risk of respiratory irritation from Karenia brevis (red tide) at this time. The beaches are open now, and will remain open unless another hurricane cause them to close it again. And, is there good parking and what is the fee? Why bring alcohol on the beach? WKRG-TV reports the department says. Mar 15, 2023; Summer Activities Mar 11, 2023; Best route to/from Mobile and a dinner stop along the way Mar 07, 2023; The six weeks of Spring Break season is over along Alabama's beaches and for some from one coastal community, almost two hundred folks went home with more than a tan. If someone shows symptoms, call 911. Alabama (AL) Gulf Shores ; Gulf Shores Travel Forum; . "They've been washing up on beaches in the Caribbean, in Miami, and it looks like it's our turn now. For more information or questions regarding the monitoring program, contact the Alabama Department of Environmental Management at 251-304-1176 or the Alabama Department of Public Health at 251-947-3618. There is currently no red tide in our area. However, home does not come with beach equipment (umbrellas, chairs, etc.) We enjoyed the beach with no traffic, no seaweed, and no parking fee, BUT no amenities - on the Ft. Morgan end. The beaches at Gulf Shores are clean and are cared for (with garbage picked up too) as any place in the world. The beach is extremely crowded, as in person to person with no space between you and the smokers next to you. A sign is posted for depositing dead marine life from the "red tide" bacteria into dumpsters is seen at Bay Vista Park on July 21, 2021 in St Petersburg, Florida. Callers outside of Florida can dial 727-502-4956. There is currently no red tide in our area. "There is evidence that we are influencing red tide through discharges," he said. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Daily Sample MapThis map contains the last eight days of sampling and is updated daily at 5 p.m.Please be sure to click on individual dots for sampling details. View all hotels near Gulf Shores Public Beach on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Gulf Shores Public Beach on Tripadvisor, View all attractions near Gulf Shores Public Beach on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. Always stay in groups. The tide chart above shows the height and times of high tide and low tide for Gulf Shores, ICWW, Alabama. Health Department officials advise: Avoid the area if you are susceptible to respiratory problems such as asthma or emphysema. Download. displayed / printed from our website. Though there are dozens of potentially dangerous algae species, one known to make an appearance each year along Florida's Gulf Coast is called Karenia brevis, a microscopic organism with "whip-like appendages" called flagella it uses to swim. Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. They typically form at breaks in sandbars and near structures such as jetties and piers. This was our first time here on Gulf Shores public beach and it was a wonderful experience. Image by Yansi Keim on Unsplash. Red tides are often referred to as blooms. The species (Karenia brevis), isolated from waters along the Gulf Coast, may produce toxins that also cause skin irritation and respiratory problems in humans.Health Department officials advise: The City of Gulf Shores offers several public beach access areas. Wonder what city officials authorized a restaurant on the beachI think it's been there since the 70's, Very dissatisfied, beautiful sand, awful water conditions. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, which can dehydrate you. Fish contaminated with "forever chemicals" found in nearly every state, CBS News Poll: How GOP primary race could be Trump v. Trump fatigue, Missing teens may be among 7 found dead in Oklahoma, authorities say, Gordon Lightfoot, "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" singer, dies at age 84, Bob Lee died from three stab wounds, medical examiner says, At least 6 dead after dust storm causes massive pile-up on Illinois highway, Oklahoma governor signs gender-affirming care ban for kids, U.S. tracking high-altitude balloon first spotted off Hawaii, Red tide swamps Florida beaches as they face massive seaweed blob, James Corden ends his final "Late Late Show" with message for Americans, Green energy's growth brings mounting waste challenge, Side effect of renewable energy expansion, Massive clumps of seaweed from giant blob wash up on Florida beaches, Seventh grader brings school bus to a stop after driver loses consciousness. Those who enter the Gulf waters when double red flags are displayed will be subject to a fine and possible arrest. Additional information regarding the current status of algal blooms in South Florida is being consolidated and posted on the Florida Department of Environmental Protections website:https://floridadep.gov/dear/algal-bloom. Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Weather Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Weather 68F clear sky Tuesday 72F 63F Wednesday 73F 68F Thursday 73F 70F Friday 75F 70F Saturday 73F 70F Sunday 72F 64F Diving seabirds are good indicators of areas to avoid. Check the current weather and see what's happening today. May 24, 2022, 9:25 AM Save Storms over the weekend did wash Sargassum onto the beaches, however, it did so all along the gulf coast. There is a cost for parking, based on how many hours you want to stay. Red tide can have an impact on tourism, as businesses along the Gulf Coast are still recovering from Hurricane Ian last year. However the reason for this review is to thank the people who provide and service these restrooms cos they were very clean and in great condition, We stayed on the beach, which was very nice and looks to be well-patrolled. Sitting a little more than 20 miles west of Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan is a National Historic Landmark that dates back to 1834, when it was built to protect . A red tide bloom that has been moving north in the Gulf of Mexico is causing massive fish kills along the area's beaches just as spring break approaches. Please remember that the absence of red flags does not assure safe conditions. May through September is the best fishing window. 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Some of Florida's most popular beaches could be in for a one-two punch of trouble as thousands of spring breakers flock to the Sunshine State. There is no indication of red tide or sargassum algae in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach waters. Apr 11, 2023; Which beach? Visit www.gulfshoresAL.gov. The condos also rent lounger on the beach. with access to a beach. The sands are called "sugar sands" because the sand has the texture of granulated sugar. In addition to 635 feet of dazzling white sand right on the Gulf, amenities at The Lighthouse include indoor and outdoor pools . Octavio Jones/Getty Images They occur on all beaches and may happen at any time. A small patch of calm water surrounded by waves is often a rip current. Days 0-3 Weather Summary: Heavy rain (total 1.6in), heaviest during Sat morning. "There are absolutely safe places to swim, which are the front Gulf beaches. There is currently no red tide in our area. Redfish. Although the Florida red tide organism, Karenia brevis, typically blooms between August and December, blooms often deviate from that time frame. And there's a small restaurant on site as well. What is Florida's Red Tide Maps 2023 and how does it work? Winds increasing (light winds from the SE on Fri night, strong winds from the SW by Sat night). So, I would appreciate any suggestions for spots to bank. For additional weather alerts and warnings for the local area, text ALERTBALDWIN to 888777. Tides/Water Levels Water Levels; NOAA Tide Predictions; Harmonic Constituents; Sea Level Trends; Datums; Bench Mark Sheets; Extreme . The National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science on Monday was forecasting a high risk of respiratory irritation from red tide at certain beaches in Charlotte, Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota counties. Tides: Low Tide is at 5:26 AM & 5:30 PM. Thanks! Stay informed of local weather and beach conditions. Beach warning flags are posted at all public beach areas in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Gulf State Park. Standard calling charges apply. But a lingering stench didn't stop some tourists recently, like Melanie Coulter of Wisconsin, whose vacation ended up including a snapshot of a dead horseshoe crab. To help someone else caught in a rip current, Finding your way back to your parking space, Helping others find you at a festival or event. Some beaches in the northern portion of the area were not tested because red tide has generally been a problem to the south of St . Every Gulf Shores surf report page features detailed tide charts, surf wind data, water temperatures, up-to-the-minute buoy readings, satellite weather charts, dependable LOLA surf models and more . In the Gulf of Mexico, some harmful algal blooms (HABs) are caused by the microscopic algae species Karenia brevis, commonly called red tide. One of the easiest ways to spot a rip current is to look for gaps between the waves. As the biomass degrades, it releases gases like hydrogen sulfide, which smells like rotten eggs and is harmful, he said. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. PET-FRIENDLY LARGE GROUPS POOL HOMES BEACH FRONT BOAT-FRIENDLY Are the Gulf Shores, Alabama beaches experiencing either of these? Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Gulf Shores, Alabama. Spring Break is almost here! May Tide charts for Gulf Shores: It's not the only effect. It appears red tide blooms are no longer moving north and may be actually receding from northwest Florida, as only background to low concentrations were recorded in Citrus and Hernando counties with no fish kills or respiratory irritations reported there. Make sure children wear sun hats and sunglasses. Today's Tides (LST/LDT) 2:57 AM low. There are many rental places for chairs, umbrellas, etc.. The water was absolutely horrible. In addition, beach monitors are reporting varying levels of dead . And if you're vacationing in Florida when there's a red tide, it's important to understand what's going on in the Gulf of Mexico waters currently (the Atlantic . Red Tide, toxic algae blooms that can kill marine life and impact people's health, is back in Florida. Patches of green flora all over one's skin after going in the water. Karenia brevis produce what are known as brevetoxins, which can kill marine life and birds. We visited early afternoon and while slightly crowded, we didn't have any trouble finding a good spot. Get answers to your questions about Gulf Shores, Gulf Shores Vs. Orange Beach Vs. Fort Morgan, Little Lagoon fishing spots Guld Dhores, AL. A widespread red tide outbreak is occurring along the Alabama coast. Rip currents tend to drag large amounts of sand and sediment back out to sea with them, so many rip currents are easily identified by a noticeable flow of sand extending away from the shore. Avoid swimming in areas where schools of fish are present. ", In other words, while pollution is "definitely" not the cause of the problem, according to Parsons, "it may be aggravating the problem.". ADEM/ADPH Coastal Alabama Beach Monitoring Program, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge Beach, Alabama Department of Public Health website, Hurricane Re-Entry Decal/Beach Parking Pass, Gulf Shores International Airport - Jack Edwards Field. The fishing beach a great for walking and shelling, too. Never swim alone. 99% of travelers recommend this experience. Over the past week, respiratory irritation suspected to be related to red tide was reported via the Beach Conditions Reporting System and/or the Fish Kill Hotline in Southwest Florida in Sarasota County. Hurricane Re-Entry Decal/Beach Parking Pass, Gulf Shores International Airport - Jack Edwards Field. "There are really big blooms of sargassum out there right now," Parsons said. Gulf Shores Public Beach - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. If you experience nose, throat or eye irritation when exposed to the gulf mist, avoid the mist. For additional information on how to BEach SAFE, click here. Sunrise is at 6:07am and sunset is at 7:28pm. The economy of Gulf Shores depends on the beaches and they have dedicated significant resources toward keeping the beaches clean. Timezone. Click here to view the latest rip current & surf report. The water level is rising. First published on March 17, 2023 / 7:49 AM. To see detailed information on this week's samples, view the current Statewide Google Earth map for April 28, 2023. Checking beach conditions is easy! Avoid wearing shiny jewelry and clothing. It is important to respect the strength of the sea and the marine life that lives there. Waterfront on Little Lagoon! If you experience nose, throat or eye irritation when exposed to the gulf mist, avoid the mist. The algae bloom has essentially choked some sea life, producing a foul smell as dead marine animals wash ashore. Gulf Shores & Orange Beach are NOT in the area where red tide blooms are impacting beaches in southwest Florida. more. Beach house with private pier! Re: Seaweed and red tide problem? Those who enter the Gulf waters when double red flags are displayed will be subject to a fine and possible arrest Know before you go! Dolphins and Wildlife Kayak Experience from Gulf Shores, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach Family Fun Multi-Attraction Pass, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach Area Multi-Attraction Pass, Big Fun Dolphin Cruise and Sealife Experience Orange Beach, Dolphin and Nature Sunset Cruise from Orange Beach, Orange Beach 90-Minute Sunset Cruise on a Tiki Bar, Orange Beach Sun and Sailing Cruise aboard Catamaran, 2-Hour Dolphin and Nature Eco Tour from Orange Beach, Frisky Mermaid Dolphin Tours in Pensacola Beach. And in Pinellas, half a ton was removed from beaches in three days. Call 866-300-9399 at any time from anywhere in Florida to hear a recording about red tide conditions throughout the state. Please be advised that there will be no lifeguards on duty on Gulf Shores and Orange Beach public beaches from October through February. Next high Spring Tide at Gulf Shores, ICWW will be on Tue 09 May (height: 0.46m 1.5ft). Fort Morgan, AL Webcams View live cams in Fort Morgan and enjoy scenic views before you go. Do not swim in areas being used by fishermen. Reports of fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were received from Southwest Florida over the past week from Sarasota County. Save. Alabama has enjoyed a great resurgence in the redfish population in recent years, and the Alabama Marine Resources Division (MRD) is working to ensure it stays that way. For more details, please visit https://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/health/fish-kills-hotline/ and https://visitbeaches.org/. If unable to escape by swimming, float, or tread water. more. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said Friday that it had received reports over the previous week of respiratory illness in humans and dead fish in Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties. For additional information about red tide and the current red tide bloom, including information on how to report a fish kill or other wildlife effects, consult health authorities about human exposure, or locate other resources, visit ourRed Tide-Related Hotlines and Information Sourcesarticle. Best Times to Fish in Gulf Shores-area Waters. During this time, beach patrol and response will be limited. Scientists can't predict when red tides will occur, but experts in Florida are researching prevention and mitigation measures to minimize their impact. Fighting the rip current can exhaust you. Surf conditions: Fair with waves at 1 to 2 feet and strong east running currents. Keep the victim lying down and cool the body by placing ice packs or cold packs on wrists, ankles, armpits, and neck. Looking for suggestions on places to stay. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. The current bloom continues . Book DIRECT and spend that hard-earned money on some delicious local seafood and maybe a bushwhacker or 2. There is no indication of red tide or sargassum algae in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach waters. How have the seaweed and red tide problems been at Gulf Shores recently? A red tide or HAB results from the rapid growth of microscopic algae. Oceans and other bodies of water are filled with algae, a small number of which are toxic but often exist in such small concentrations that they pose little danger to people and marine life around them. Red tide, a condition that can sicken humans and kill marine life, has been found in water samples taken near the Alabama coast, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health. Use extra caution when water is murky. Still, another problem now looms: a 5,000-mile-wide patchwork of seaweed clumps in the Atlantic that is making its way toward the Caribbean and Mexico and Florida beaches. Children Need Extra Protection: Liberally apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. Find information about beach access and parking fees. What do you mean by beach service? 97% of travelers recommend this experience. $$ - $$$ Specialty Food Market American Cajun & Creole, $$ - $$$ Italian Pizza Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ American Seafood Vegetarian Friendly. Long range, accurate Tide charts and graphs for thousands of locations worldwide. Pick Your Beach House Style & Start Planning! Hope this helps. After the offshore spill they had teams of people looking for any tar balls or signs of oil and everything was carefully picked-up. gulf-shores-alabama. Datum . Always check the beach flags and surf conditions before entering the water, and never swim alone. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management tests the waters in our area regularly. Fish the oil rigs May through November for the best mackerel fishing. Nah, they ban dogs from Gulf shores and Orange beaches. Red tide is lingering along shores in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, with medium to high levels measured along the coast this week. Here's what to know. "The big concern is: now that our coastlines are more developed and there's a lot more people in Florida than there used to be, how are we affecting water quality and how is that affecting red tide?" "But the good news is that red tide is really patchy, so you can probably just move a couple miles down the beach and find a perfectly clean, safe area to be," he said. Red tides have been documented along Florida's Gulf Coast as far back as the 1840s, state officials said. Over the past week, the red tide organismKarenia breviswas detected in 76 samples collected from Floridas Gulf Coast. The FWC said Fridaythat red tide was detected at concentrationsgreater than 100,000 cells per literin samples from the following counties: The agency said red tide becomes harmful to people at 10,000 cells per liter. My daughter pulled an old beach chair out of the water on an early morning beach walk. Brevetoxins that have become airborne may cause those near the beach to develop a cough or congestion. Loud boom boxes, and half naked mother's walking up and down the shoreline with their butts exposed. Report fish kills, wildlife emergencies, sightings, etc. Within the corporate city limits of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, it is illegal to enter the Gulf of Mexico when two red flags are displayed. The mass is known as sargassum, a brown seaweed that floats in large masses, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.