Coastal Florida’s Hard Summer: Sharks, Seaweed & Red Tides Drive Away Profits

Shark bites, seaweed invasions, and red tide outbreaks sour beach season for small towns as travelers steer clear of Florida’s shoreline

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By Senior Staff Writer, Edmond Thorne: 09/02/2025 12:45 EST Fla. News Network — This summer, Florida’s shoreline has seen a troubling uptick in shark bites, particularly in Volusia County’s New Smyrna Beach, long labeled the “Shark Bite Capital of the World.” While the nickname has always carried a hint of notoriety, 2025 has turned it into a media sensation.

According to the Florida Museum’s International Shark Attack File, seven unprovoked shark bites have been reported statewide so far this year, with multiple incidents occurring in July alone. Experts like Gavin Naylor, director of the Shark Research Program at the University of Florida, point to a mix of factors: warmer waters, increased baitfish near shore, and high human activity in surf zones.

Why the Big Avoidance: So, what’s keeping folks away?

• Safety Concerns: Nonstop news about shark bites and injuries make people second-guess swimming or surfing.
• Nasty Beach Conditions: Sargassum piles and red tide make for ugly, smelly, and sometimes even hazardous beaches.
• Health Warnings: Advisories about seafood, air quality, and water safety deter families and seniors.
• Economic Pressures: Higher travel prices, hurricane recovery costs, and inflation hit both travelers and small businesses.
• Perception Problems: Social media and national news have painted much of Florida’s coast as “ruined,” pushing visitors inland or out of state entirely.

Seaweed Blooms Blanket the Atlantic Coast: If the threat of shark bites wasn’t enough, Florida’s Atlantic beaches have been buried under record-breaking sargassum seaweed blooms. The University of South Florida’s Optical Oceanography Lab estimates over 37 million metric tons of sargassum have drifted ashore this season, surpassing previous records.

The blooms originate from the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt, fueled by warming ocean temperatures and nutrient-rich runoff from the Amazon River basin. As the seaweed decomposes, it emits hydrogen sulfide gas, producing a rotten egg smell that drives away beachgoers and irritates eyes and lungs. Cleanup efforts are costly and logistically complex. Miami-Dade County alone spent nearly $4 million on seaweed removal in 2022, and this year’s expenses are expected to exceed that figure.

Red Tide Returns With a Vengeance: On Florida’s Gulf Coast, red tide has once again reared its toxic head. The bloom of Karenia brevis algae stretches over 200 miles from Tampa Bay to Key West, discoloring waters and triggering fish kills and respiratory issues for residents and tourists alike.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reports that nutrient-rich discharges from Lake Okeechobee, especially following Hurricane Milton, have intensified the blooms. The Caloosahatchee River acts as a conduit, funneling nitrogen-laden water into the Gulf, where it fuels the algae’s growth. Beach closures and seafood advisories have followed, further discouraging tourism.

Tourism Numbers Up, But Local Profits Down: Statewide, Florida’s tourism industry appears to be thriving. Florida announced a record-breaking 34.4 million visitors in Q2 2025, with domestic travelers making up over 91% of that figure. But zoom in on coastal communities, and the picture changes. Businesses in towns like Madeira Beach and Cocoa Beach report revenue drops of up to 30% compared to last year.

The disconnect stems from a shift in visitor behavior. Many travelers are opting for inland attractions, theme parks, springs, and urban centers, while avoiding the coast. International tourism, especially from Canada, has plummeted due to diplomatic tensions and travel costs. Nina Caudle, owner of a watersports rental, said, “It’s the slowest year we’ve had since 2020. Spring Break never happened, and summer just fizzled out”.

Why Are Travelers Steering Clear Of Florida’s Coast’s: Visitors cite many reasons. Safety concerns top the list, with shark bites making headlines and deterring swimmers. The stench and sight of decomposing seaweed, coupled with red tide’s toxic effects, have made beaches less inviting. And each of these unpredictable issues makes trying to schedule a trip to Florida’s coasts a gamble.

Health advisories for polluted waters, seafood warnings, and respiratory irritation reports have further soured the experience. Add inflation, hurricane damage, and reduced international travel, and it’s no wonder some beach towns feel abandoned. Social media amplifies the problem. Viral videos of seaweed-choked shores and coughing tourists have reshaped public perception. Many now associate Florida’s coast with discomfort, a financial and time gamble, not relaxation.

Forward Together: Florida’s coastal tourism has faced a tough year. While the state continues to attract visitors, the environmental challenges hammering its beaches are pushing travelers inland or out of state. Local governments are exploring solutions, from improved water management to seaweed recycling initiatives, but results will take time. Until then, small coastal towns may need to rethink their summer strategies and brace for unpredictable seasons ahead.

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• Florida
• Florida Tourism 2025
• Florida Shark Bites
• Florida Seaweed
• Florida Red Tides