SARASOTA, Fla. — Organizers decided to cancel the Sarasota Sailing Squadron's annual Labor Day Regatta this week. It's the latest event affected by red tide blooms off Florida's southwestern coastline.
- 2018 would have marked 72nd regatta
- Event usually draws about 1,000 to Sarasota Bay
- 1st time event has been canceled due to red tide
This year would have marked 72 years for the SSS's signature event. First organized in 1946, it usually brings around 1,000 people to Sarasota Bay.
"Rather than have everybody come down here and have their first experience in Sarasota, some of them years of experience, be an unpleasant one, we thought we'd put it off till next year and host it again," said Sarasota Sailing Squadron Manager Craig Bridges.
It's upsetting news for one of the coaches of some of the younger sailors.
“It really stinks that their first regatta is going to be somewhere else instead of at home,” Sarasota instructor Nick Lovisa.
Lovisa has been navigating the waters of Sarasota Bay since he was 8 years old. Eleven years later, he's giving back to the next generation.
Right now, though, he's disappointed he won't be able to give his students the same experience he looked forward to every Labor Day weekend.
“I’ve been doing it all the way up to this year, now where I’m coaching it,” said Lovisa.
This isn’t the first time the regatta has been canceled in its history. It is, however, the first time it's been canceled due to red tide.
The cancellation of another event means even more loss for local businesses, which will still be open per their usual schedules.
"September is already a slow month for us anyways, but things like [the regatta] definitely bring in people." said Old Salty Dog Saloon Manager Josh Shear.
The bloom is expected to stay away for the holiday weekend.