As toxic algae continues to bloom, waterfront businesses in south Lee County look for help

Algal blooms have hit local businesses hard, and some are reaching out to their local chamber of commerce for help — with mixed results.

Derrick Botana and his family run Bay Water Boat Rentals in Bonita Springs. He spoke with leaders of the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday about red tide and what the chamber could be doing to help waterfront shops and stores. The chamber is holding a series of open meetings at its headquarters to gather information from local residents on issues affecting them.

Red tide fish kills have made news nationwide and caused a large drop in tourism and visitors. Botana said his company's bottom line down 75 percent last month.

“I would like to see a little more proactive legislation or lobbying to occur, because (red tide) is going to be an ongoing situation,” he said. “This isn’t going to end anytime soon.”

Two types of algal blooms have affected Southwest Florida waters for months. Red tide — a naturally occurring, harmful marine algae known as Karenia brevis — has spread toxins offshore in the Gulf of Mexico.

Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, is swirling in fresh waters near the Caloosahatchee River, making a goopy mess of canals in Cape Coral and other parts of northern Lee County.

More:What's the difference between red tide and blue-green algae?

Several local chambers, with Bonita Springs leading the charge, are drafting a letter for the state and federal Legislatures talking about red tide’s effect and importance of finding a solution. The Bonita Springs chamber also plans to host an open meeting on red tide on Oct. 26.

But Botana called for more localized help, which he said the Fort Myers Beach Chamber was providing.

Jacki Liszak, executive director of the chamber, said it needs to be at the forefront because the city is surrounded by water and directly affects everyone on the island.

“We’re constantly updating our website with beach conditions to educate businesses and visitors,” Liszak said. “We’ve sent out economic surveys weekly since the last week of July.”

In case you missed it:Red tide, dead fish, respiratory irritation return to northern Collier beaches

Surveys replied with losses averaging $2.6 million a week for all of Fort Myers Beach’s 376 businesses and $1 million lost for about 4,500 employee salaries a week, Liszak said. These estimates are likely small, as the largest marinas were not involved in the survey.

“It’s staggering,” she said. “We’re doing anything and everything we can.”

The chamber was able to convince the Harry Chapin Food Bank to set up a mobile pantry in Fort Myers Beach every week for those affected by the downturn.

“There are 160 to 200 families,” Liszak said. “A mass percentage are service folks, waiters, cooks, food runners, gift shop employees.”

The chamber has helped businesses find low-interest loans made available by the U.S. Small Business Administration, she said.

Sheree Lincoln started Sea Dog Eco Tours earlier this year and is a member of the Fort Myers Beach Chamber.

“I’m very happy with what they’re doing,” Lincoln said. “The information I’ve seen coming out is very helpful.”

More:Algae health crisis: Senate gives CDC $1 million to address illnesses from toxins

Community Conversations

When: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 26

Where: Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, 25071 Chamber of Commerce Drive

There are "No Bad Ideas" at the Community Conversations at the Bonita Springs Chamber. Please register to save a seat to share your ideas and opinions as they relate to the good of the business community.