For 35 years scientists have monitored the size of the Gulf of Mexico dead zone or hypoxic zone, which forms every spring. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) scientists are forecasting this summer’s hypoxic area or “dead zone” to be approximately 6,700 square miles, larger than the long-term average measured size of 5,387 square miles [...]
Following the impressive success of the biochar material shown above in a pilot test of filtering out 73% of the nitrogen and 87% of the phosphorus in reclaimed water at Lakewood Ranch, START is announcing a plan to bring this effective process to Sarasota’s developing Bay Park to help reduce the nutrients in stormwater from [...]
With the growing concern about the high level of excess nutrients in our waterways, START is launching the Neighborhood Nutrient Watch (NNW) Program. The initial effort was inaugurated on Saturday, November 2nd via a partnership with Sarasota County’s Neighborhood Environmental Stewardship Team (NEST) and the initiative of the Las Palmas neighborhood. Looking to help restore [...]
In early November Governor Ron DeSantis announce the launch of ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov, the state’s first-ever comprehensive water quality dashboard. The dashboard, which can be accessed at www.ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov, provides real-time information on water restoration projects and water quality via an interactive state map. “Our water and natural resources are the foundation of our economy and our way [...]
Every year for 34 years scientists have monitored the size of the Gulf of Mexico dead zone or hypoxic zone, which forms every spring. Last year’s dead zone was approximately 5,780 square miles, the size of Connecticut. This year NOAA scientists are forecasting this summer’s Gulf of Mexico dead zone will be approximately 7,829 square [...]
Thanks to some valuable help from local experts, START has produced a new PowerPoint presentation entitled “Red Tide & You”. The presentation is designed to answer the questions we heard from concerned citizens around the Sun Coast as we met with various groups during the recent devastating red tide bloom. 1.The five basic questions addressed [...]
As outlined in the poster above, START is actively working with Sarasota County’s Neighborhood Environmental Stewardship Team (NEST) to help reduce the nutrients that run into our waterways that can feed red tide. The poster was on display at Lucky’s Market Impact Day on April 23rd when 10% percent of the profits from the day’s [...]
