Sarasota businesses launch promotions to beat red tide

SARASOTA (FOX 13) - Red tide has dealt a sizable blow to beach businesses in Sarasota County, and owners are now looking to recuperate their lost in tourism dollars during the summer with an end-of-season promotion.

In August, Visit Sarasota conducted a survey of 450 businesses and a majority reported a slump in revenue as red tide started to creep onto the county's shores. They are calling September as “Shoptember” in Sarasota, and it's the third year tourism officials have held the event, but the impact to red tide on businesses became a call for concern. 

LINK: FOX 13 red tide coverage

Visit Sarasota officials hope the county-wide promotion will be enough to bring people back to the beach.

Shoptember includes dozens of participating businesses throughout Sarasota County, with a wide variety of offerings including meal deals, drink specials, retail discounts at the University Town Center Mall, and reduced pricing on group activities. There are also slashed prices for family activities such as bowling, golfing or kayaking in the area.

For the list of discounts and deals, click over to the Visit Sarasota website.