PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Despite red tide concerns across Tampa Bay, scalloping season is officially open in Pasco County.

So far, things are looking better there than other spots.

Captain Wendy Longman, owner of Windsong Boat Rentals, is nearly booked solid this week for scalloping excursions.

“We have people who are booking boats in February, just for scallop season,” Longman said in an interview at her docks. “They’re booking months in advance, and very happy that Pasco is open again.”

Pasco County now has its limited 10-day scalloping season back, which runs through Sunday.

While FWC says red tide blooms have been detected off the coast of Pasco, including the popular spot of Anclote Key, it’s not affecting scalloping much at all.

“At Anclote Key, there’s dolphins swimming all over,” Longman said. “There’s small little minnows and fish swimming around. There’s plenty of marine life out there.”

Including scallops.

Scalloping has been allowed to return to Pasco County for 10 days each year since 2018. It had been banned for decades.

The small return has been big for Pasco tourism, which is branded through Florida’s Sports Coast. Officials say scalloping has been good for local hotels, restaurants and boat rentals.

Longman is also on the Pasco County Tourism Development Council and sees first hand her business go up during this limited season.

“What we’re seeing is a lot more people coming from our southern counties,” Longman said.” Because before, they were driving through Pasco. Now they’re coming to Pasco, which is great.”

If you are planning on trying to scallop in Pasco, FWC does recommend you check current red tide updates on their website.

The season here goes through Sunday. Divers are limited to two gallons of whole bay scallops per person.