Sarasota science club raises red tide awareness

Discussion of the causes has sometimes been controversial. But the effects of red tide on the Gulf Coast are undeniable: dead marine life, economic impacts and lost tourism dollars, respiratory and other health symptoms, among others.

Sarasota resident Nick Barbi wants to talk about it. That’s why he founded the Sarasota Science and Technology Society two years ago, and that’s why the club will host another panel discussion, titled “Red Tide in the Gulf Coast,” from 6-8 p.m. April 17 at the Planetarium at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature.

The panel includes: Charlie Hunsicker, director, Manatee County Natural Resources Department; Sandy Gilbert, chair and CEO of Solutions To Avoid Red Tide; Dave Tomasko, executive director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program; and Barbara Kirkpatrick, (moderator) senior adviser, Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observation System. 

“The last (event) was more of entertainment,” said Barbi.

The night will kick off with appetizers and registration at 5 p.m. to be followed by roughly two hours of discussion on the impacts, causes and mitigation of red tide. A prognosis for the future and water management legislation will be covered as well.

The price to attend is $30 for club members and $40 for nonmembers.

The club has over 30 dues-paying members and offers free coffee seminars throughout the year, tours, special events and space for meeting fellow science-minded Sarasota and area residents. Club members serve as science fair judges and mentors as well.

For more information, to register or to become a member of the Science and Technology Society, email President Nick Barbi at [email protected].