Sarasota County crews remove seaweed from area beaches

Sarasota County crews are removing seaweed from Siesta Beach and will start removing seaweed Lido Beach starting Thursday. Siesta Beach cleanup is expected to last through Wednesday.

Rules by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection prohibit cleanup operations except in beach areas seaward of the mean high tide. The new rules were put in place to protect sea turtle nests which had been identified before tropical storm Debby.

All Sarasota County beaches have seen some increased seaweed, but most of the vegetation has washed back into the gulf with tides.

"Right now, south county beaches don't seem to be impacted for very long periods," said George Tatge, manager of Sarasota County Parks and Recreation. "We are at the mercy of mother nature, which means we work closely with lifeguards and other county staff to monitor each beach every day and respond appropriately."

For the latest beach conditions call 941-BEACHES (941-232-2437). The hotline is updated twice a day.