WRE News: Florida’s Stone Crab Season Faces Uncertain Start After Hurricane Milton

Miami, FL – October 15, 2024 – Hurricane Milton has cast a shadow over the start of Florida’s stone crab season, leaving crabbers and seafood lovers uncertain about what lies ahead.

The storm, which ravaged parts of Florida’s west and central regions, disrupted the usual routine for stone crabbers, many of whom delayed setting traps or reduced their efforts to avoid losing them in bad weather. Some areas, like Everglades City, were less impacted, but those in Tampa and St. Petersburg, major crabbing grounds, are facing tougher conditions.

Despite the challenges, industry insiders remain hopeful that the situation will improve as the season progresses and the weather stabilizes with prices expected to drop as supply improves.