What is Red Tide and should you look elsewhere to buy?
The effects of Red Tide this year has been particularly bad and buyers say they are now looking elsewhere to buy. But Red Tide is a natural occurrence here in SWFL and we live with it every year because this area offers such benefits that, to the residents, it offsets the inconvenience of the Tide which is temporary in nature. The last few years this natural occurrence has been made much worse by the discharges of Lake Okeechobee. When the water level of the Lake reaches a certain height the Army Corps of Engineers opens the dike and releases the lake water in to the two rivers, the Caloosahatchi and St Lucie. The algae and fresh water from the lake mixes with the Red Tide algae and the salt water which turns out to be a recipe for disaster. The blue green toxic algae and the Red Tide kill sea life by the thousands and makes the beaches, waterways and canals intolerable. So this sounds like the environment that may not be what you are looking for, but think twice. The state of Florida is working with the Federal government to develop a strategy to prevent re-occurrence of this phenomenon. If you are thinking about buying on the gulf canals, sellers are much more willing to negotiate their prices because of such bad press (and honestly ugly water). Remember the key word is Temporary. What you can deal on a waterfront home now may not be available to you in the near future. And you have other options available to you that you should consider. If being on the water is important, but direct access to the Gulf isn't, then consider fresh water canals. Cape Coral has miles of lovely, clean and navigable canals full of fresh water fish and wildlife. You can dock your boat, canoe, or kayak right in your backyard. If you think that going out on a boat would only be a special occasion, then NOT being on the water is also a great option. There are literally hundreds of homes for sale in SWFL that have pools, spas, and are close to waterways without actually being on the water. The prices are GREAT and living in paradise, despite some of the pitfalls, is still a smart choice for vacation, retirement or as investment potential. Smart investors are buying up property now knowing the water situation will improve, don't miss out on YOUR deal!!
