Red tides are naturally occurring events in Florida. However, these algae blooms can create conditions that may result in negative effects on coastal communities and businesses. This paper describes University of Florida (UF) research efforts that were conducted to better understand the eventual economic implications of red tide events. The UF red tide research agenda is described, which attempts to qualitatively link public awareness of red tide events with changes in water-related activities (including beach and park attendance), patronage of water-proximate businesses, and finally, business sales. The business sales analyses focus primarily on the restaurant and lodging sectors in the coastal communities impacted by red tides in both the panhandle and southwest regions of Florida. Case studies were also conducted for a small group of beachfront restaurants in southwest Florida, as well as the Lee County lodging sector. The findings of these studies highlight the vulnerability of coastal communities to red tide events and emphasize the need for a better appreciation of the implications of red tide events from both biological and socioeconomic perspectives.
