Hi Tom,
The diving in the Gulf is alright this time of year, but you have to understand that the visability may not be so good. You'll have much better visability in the winter and spring than in the summer. I don't care for ten foot visability, but if that's what you're used to, then you won't be disappointed. As a rule, I dive the East coast and the Keys in the summer and early fall returning to Gulf diving in mid October when the vis is better!
The Sharks are on their annual migration from the Northern Gulf. There was a very large school of Blacktips (Hammerheads and Bulls mixed in)filmed off Anclote Key, just north of Clearwater Beach. I think what makes it so unusual is the larger than usual number of sharks and the Media's attempt to play it up in light of the recent shark attacks here in Florida. The sharks be around a week or so and then move on further South. These sharks migrate every year down the West Coast, most people who live here and dive the Gulf know this story. By the way, the Gulf water temp was 86 degrees today.
:tree:Bob