County Commissioners discussed how Manatee County can assist private homeowners clear waterways, inlets and canals of sea life killed by the red tide outbreak. Manatee County does not have a marine fleet to remove fish in smaller canals, and waterways, nor can County crews go onto private property to haul dead sea life to the landfill. So County leaders aim to connect local fisherman willing to assist with the homeowners who need their canals cleared. Beginning today, Manatee County will make roll off dumpsters available at Bayfront Park on Anna Maria Island and at three County-owned boat ramps: Coquina North, Coquina South and Kingfish boat ramps. Private homeowners can either haul dead fish and debris from red tide without having to pay County landfill tipping fees or they may contract with local fishermen willing to do the work. Fishermen who want to contract their services with local homeowners or homeowner associations, may provide their contact information to the County's Citizen Action Center at (941) 742-5800. The County will post those business names and numbers on the County's red tide website, listed below.

Manatee County Red Tide Updates