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Red Algae Stinks Up Beaches Near Fort Myers

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The Associated Press

Published: July 21, 2008

FORT MYERS - Red algae is littering some beaches along the southwestern coast of Florida.

The algae can be found along 12 miles of shoreline between Fort Myers Beach and the north end of Bonita Beach. It's being blamed on a week's worth of heavy rains and churning Gulf of Mexico waters.

Although harmless to beachgoers, the algae has a bad smell. Business owners in the area said it has kept visitors away or forced them to cut vacation plans short.

But one resident says she won't let it ruin her beach plans. JoAnn Conleyn, 58, drives to the beach every Friday with a few friends. Conleyn said it may smell, but it doesn't bother her.

In 2006, red drift algae washed ashore during Tropical Storm Alberto and blanketed most of Fort Myers Beach.

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