Release posted on 07-09-21 at 10:15 a.m.

Due to Tropical Storm Elsa, the City of St. Petersburg has been hit with a post storm wave of dead fish that are washing in along the shores of downtown and Coquina Key.

Every available Public Works and Parks and Recreation employee is working to remove dead fish from the waterways. The City has collected more dead fish in the last 24 hours than in the last week.

City has collected over 25,000 fish (15 tons) in 10 days - 15,000 fish (9 tons) on July 9, 2021, alone.

We have 120+ employees working daily (including holidays and weekends).

Other non-essential services are being impacted because employees have been diverted to fish duty. Therefore, roadway mowing, tree trimming, pothole repair, etc. services are being delayed.

City exploring options to bring in outside contractors to assist with fish retrieval.

Most impacted areas are along the east and southeast coast of St. Petersburg (Tierra Verde to Gandy Blvd) over 100 miles of coastline.