The second largest portion of visitors to Pinellas County after domestic visitors, are visitors from Europe, at 18%. This portion of visitors increased 2% in 2012-2013. European visitors make up a major part of the tourist economy. Because this is such a large portion of gulf coast visitors, it is helpful to have an understanding of the economy in Europe. A major change is beginning in the coming months in Europe Continue reading Brexit and Gulf Coast Tourism
Category Archives: Opinion
Bed Tax Goes Up to Six Percent in Pinellas County
The Tourist Development Tax is a tax collected in Pinellas County. It is also known as the Bed Tax. The Bed Tax proceeds go to marketing and community functions, including beach re-nourishment and construction on stadiums and museums. Continue reading Bed Tax Goes Up to Six Percent in Pinellas County
Shark Deterrent Wristband
Let’s start this product review by taking a look at the evidence used to show the Sharkbanz product and the claim, which is that this magnetic wristband “really works” at “deterring sharks.” A claim stated using “scientific evidence.” Continue reading Shark Deterrent Wristband
The Salvation Army Does a Lot of Good
I was recently thinking about doing a bit of volunteering. I was able to get a few phone numbers of local non-profit organizations that might need someone interested in doing some good. When I called the Salvation Army, the volunteer coordinater answered the phone. Non-profits like this one very often need additional assistance during the busy holiday season. I couldn’t wait to help out. Continue reading The Salvation Army Does a Lot of Good
Wastewater Triggered Red Tide (K. brevis)
Red tide is engulfing the coastline after a nasty wastewater spill may have triggered an intense algal bloom. Hurricane Hermine made landfall on the northern gulf coast of Florida on September second. The repeated bouts of rain put many of the aging sewage systems into overload. Even with sewage plants purging water pre-storm, the sewage systems became overloaded. Wastewater was lost into Tampa Bay, wastewater that was quickly washed into the gulf. Wastewater can be a trigger for the naturally occurring Red Tide (K. brevis) blooms. Continue reading Wastewater Triggered Red Tide (K. brevis)
Beach Erosion from Hurricane Hermine
The foreground of this image is of the beach closer to the existing T-groin. This section of beach was re-nourished with sand just this past year. As you can see there are a considerable amount of lime rocks on what is left of the beach.
Continue reading Beach Erosion from Hurricane Hermine
Gulf Surfing – The Propoganda Effect
North Atlantic Oscillation
The North Atlantic Oscillation is a phenomenon that occurs in the northern part of the Atlantic basin and affects the weather across the eastern portion of the United States. More precisely, the phenomenon is measured by determining the difference in normalized sea level pressure between Continue reading North Atlantic Oscillation
Dunedin Live Reef threatened by Beach Renourishment
Many beaches along the coastline of the gulf have pieces of structure left over from when structures were removed. You will find cement and wood piling along much of the coastline from old piers and jetties. Less frequent are completely submerged Continue reading Dunedin Live Reef threatened by Beach Renourishment