Collier County residents say they want more information on red tide

“It’s on everybody’s minds.. the water issues,” said City of Naples Mayor Bill Barnett at a town hall Friday.

That’s why people spent their Friday afternoon at City Hall with Barnett and water quality experts.

“The amount of knowledge that we need as citizens is greater than the normal person walking down the street can come up with,” said Naples resident Michael McCabe.

Like McCabe, homeowners say they’ve seen a change in the water from the color to the sea life.

The City of Naples says it has research on its side to get the problem solved. But the key comes down to understanding red tide.

“There are so many rumors and falsehoods out there and its nobody’s fault. We will fix it, red tide has been around longer than any of us,” said Barnett.

Several weeks ago, dead fish washed ashore on Collier County beaches. Then, up went the signs: “Red Tide Present.” Maps with red dots showing the high to moderate levels along our coast.

McCabe feels everyone needs to fight the fight for the sake of the environment.

“The residents need to be heard, say then, more than, say, the developers because it’s time for the residents who see the problems and when you get the irritation in your eyes and nose from the red tide…. that is an issue,” said McCabe.

A lot of interesting information came to homeowners’ attention here like funding and grants. Expect more discussion in the coming weeks and month at city meetings.