‘King tides’ predicted for Memorial Day weekend

If you notice tides higher than normal, you can blame the universe.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts that just after noon on Friday and Saturday, “king tides,” also known as perigean spring tides, around Manatee and Sarasota counties could reach nearly three feet.

King tides are higher-than-normal high tides. They happen once or twice a year, either when the moon is new or full and closest to Earth, according to NOAA. The lunar phase for Thursday happens to be both a new moon and a super moon, meaning it’s closest and appears the largest of the year.

While the shores may be more crowded with beachgoers and high tides this weekend, it’s important to be mindful of areas roped off for wildlife. Manatee County beaches are seeing a record number of turtle nests and even colonies of nesting shorebirds, so Audubon Florida offered tips to make everyone happy and safe:

• Keep out of posted areas, even if you can’t see any birds. Sometimes birds nest outside of birding areas, so watch out.
• Don’t feed animals or leave trash on the beach, as it attracts predators.
• Avoid disturbing birds and give them space. If they unnecessarily expend energy, it can take away from protecting and feeding their young.

Sarasota Bay Estuary Program is having fun with the floods, announcing a photo contest for the king tides on Friday and Saturday.

Those interested in entering the photo contest must take two pictures at the same spot: once during low tide and once during high tide.

On Sarasota Bay, low tide is at 7:06 a.m. Friday and 7:36 a.m. Saturday; high tide is 12:40 p.m. Friday and 1:21 p.m. Saturday. In Bradenton and on the Manatee River, low tide is at 7:09 a.m. Friday and 7:39 a.m. Saturday; high tide is at 12:54 p.m. Friday and 1:35 p.m. Saturday.

More locations around Manatee County and their corresponding tide times can be found on the NOAA website at tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/tide_predictions.

Entrants must post their photos to Instagram and tag @sarasotaestuary or email the photos to info@sarasotabay.org. Sumbissions must include your name as well as the date, time and location of the photos. Enter in by June 2 and your photos will become a part of the program’s archive to document climate change. The top three will win two car passes to a Florida State Park.

For more information on bird education, email FLconservation@audubon.org. For more information on the photo contest, email info@sarasotabay.org.

This story was originally published May 25, 2017 at 2:40 PM with the headline "‘King tides’ predicted for Memorial Day weekend."