Mission Statement
START is committed to scientific research and educational outreach. The research we support is focused on the control and mitigation of Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs) such as red tide to help
maintain coastal water quality. Our educational outreach goal is to inform the public about the health, environmental and economic impacts of Harmful Algae Blooms.

Vision Statement
START’s vision is to improve the quality of our marine waters through research, public education, and programs that restore marine habitats, preserve marine species, and promote healthy
beaches and coastal waterways.


START was founded in 1996 by General Jim Patterson (US Army, ret.).
(1931-2009).

START has helped secure funding to support scientific research, economic impact studies, assessment of human health risks, and development of mitigation plans for local beaches.  

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 5 Ways To Help

  1. Become a Member
  2. Become a Volunteer
  3. Make a Contribution
  4. Political Contacts
  5. Start a Chapter

Follow this link to subscribe to the FWCs Red Tide Status Reports

Control & Mitigation News:


The Florida HAB Control & Mitigation Workshop was held Feb 9 – 11 at the Keating Center at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota. The major goals of the workshop were to present the State-funded Red Tide Control & Mitigation project results to stakeholders; to highlight and discuss the latest Control & Mitigation global and Florida-specific research; and, to increase awareness and educate stakeholders on HAB Control & Mitigation programs, science and strategies.The Red Tide Control & Mitigation Program was established in 2007 by the Florida Fish and Wildlife ConservationCommission’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWC-FWRI) and START. It was a competitive grant program designed to fund projects designed to minimize the size, intensity, or duration of Karenia brevis blooms or reduce the environmental, economic, social or public health impacts of future red tides in Florida. Between 2007 and 2009, 12 projects were funded through this program and they addressed numerous topics including effects on human health; outreach and education strategies; economic impact investigations; and, biological, chemical, or physical control of redtide blooms or their toxins. During the course of this grant program, we have posted periodic summaries of the projects. Now that the program has ended, you will be able to review all the summaries by clicking Stakeholders Report in the left column. You may also receive copies of the report by calling the START office or emailing your request to Colleen@start1.com.

 Florida Red Tide & Coastal Managers Commonly Asked Questions Presentation
The following PowerPoint presentation entitled "Florida Red Tide & Coastal Managers Commonly Asked Questions" addresses human exposures & health effects. The presentation was created by Lora E. Fleming, MD, PhD, MPH & MSc of the University of Miami and Wendy Stephan, MPH and CHES of the Florida Poison Information Center - Miami. The PowerPoint is intended for coastal managers but is appropriate for all audiences. 

Please view the following links:
Florida Red Tide & Coastal Managers: Commonly Asked Questions (with notes)

Florida Red Tide & Coastal Managers: Commonly Asked Questions (without notes)

Upcoming Event:


Recent Events:

Englewood Chapter
Kim Feehan (Chapter President) and Carolyn Trohoski (Vice President) of the Englewood Chapter of START hosted a visitors table at the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program's 10th Annual Charlotte Harbor Nature Festival. The festival was held on November 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This was a family-friendly event where people learned about topics affecting the natural environment of SW FL. Topics included estuaries, native plants and animals, fossils, wildlife rehabilitation, water conservation, marine life and much more. 


Kim Feehan & Carolyn Trohoski






Sanibel-Captiva Chapter
The Sanibel-Captiva START Chapter hosted the SanCap Cracker Fest.  This was a fall celebration of Sanibel's Florida island heritage.  It was an event not to be missed for a taste of our real Florida cultural roots.  It was held in conjunction with the Esperanza Woodring Castnet Rodeo at the Baitbox on Sanibel Island.

There was delicious fare, including fried mullet, hushpuppies, pit-roasted pig, coleslaw and homemade desserts.  Entertainment included country music and a castnet-throwing contest.  There were silent and live auctions, benefiting the local Sanibel-Captiva chapter of START.  

The event was held November 6.  A wonderful time was had by all. Kudos to the Sanibel-Captiva chapter for organizing such a wonderful event. 

Please view the photos from the event.

Stephanie & Dan Hahn


Jim, James, Patty Sprankle, & Maureen


Richard Johnson


Silent Auction

Please view Sanibel Captiva Daily coverage for more event photos. Sanibel Captiva Daily

Recent Film News:

START’s short film on red tide, “Red Tide Refrain,” initially developed for middle school science classes, will air on the Florida Knowledge Network (Florida Department of Education) March 15 at 7:30 am and March 31 at 11:30 am. The film will be seen on both the Network’s programming for middle school science courses and their “Florida Spotlight” about Florida’s environment. The Network’s programming is also simulcast on many Florida PBS stations.

START recently placed its initial order for the high definition BluRay DVDs of its full-length documentary on red tide,“Guardians of the Gulf.” We are also awaiting copies of the standard definition DVDs of this film. Soon both DVDs will be available for purchase and viewing in the community. Please stay tuned…

START is also proceeding with plans to implement its mobile A/V capabilities by adding a Sony projector to use with the Sony BluRay DVD player donated to us by EISF, our partner in the production of the two films, and Sony. We want to be able to share these beautiful films with audiences large and small.

 

 

Would you like a START guest speaker in your area? Please contact Colleen Adler at colleen@start1.com 


Red Tide Overview

Red tide is a specific type of harmful algal bloom (HAB) that poses a serious and recurrent threat to human health, wildlife, marine ecosystems, fisheries, coastal aesthetics, and the economy of Southwest Florida.  Learn more.

Additional Information

Collaborative efforts of the Red Tide Alliance have resulted in the development of red tide information that is available to the public.  To request information, please use this form.

Contact Information

Solutions To Avoid Red Tide, Inc. (START)   Contact Us Here 888-757-8278 or 941-953-4545
1800 Second Street, Suite 799, Sarasota, FL 34236

Check the current red tide status.

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