Articles

Blue Hole Spring

Blue Hole Spring

Ichetucknee Blue Hole Spring is my favorite spring in Florida. I can never wait for the next trip. It’s hard to capture the beauty of this place with words, or even photos. Ichetucknee Springs State Park gets extremely crowded during the summer. If you’ll visit, I highly suggest arriving as early as possible! Some activities…

Overseas Highway

Overseas Highway

Florida’s Overseas Highway is a world-famous scenic highway. It consists of 42 bridges which connect the Florida Keys to the Florida mainland. It’s currently the only way to reach Key West via land. The only other ways to reach Key West are by high-speed ferry, or by flying into the Key West Airport (EYW). The…

Florida Bay

Florida Bay

Florida Bay is one of the most important waters in Florida. It’s located south of the Florida Everglades and Everglades National Park. On the west, Florida Bay is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico. To the East and south, it is bordered by Islamorada, Key Largo and the Florida Keys. Florida Bay covers more than…

Seagrass

Seagrass

Seagrass is extremely important for the health of Florida’s marine ecosystems.  Seagrass are actually flowering plants which live underwater in marine and estuary waters. Seagrasses are found throughout Florida, and are most abundant in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, the Everglades and in Florida Bay.  Seagrasses also thrive throughout the Florida Keys, and in the…

Lakeland

Lakeland

Lakeland is a medium-sized city in Central Florida. It sits just about half way between two of Florida’s biggest cities, Tampa and Orlando. Not surprisingly, Lakeland got its name from the large number of lakes that surround the city. There are 38 major lakes in the surrounding area. The largest and most popular are Lake…

Melbourne

Melbourne

Melbourne, Florida is a small beach town on the east coast of Florida. Melbourne is located in Brevard County and has a population of approximately 80,000 residents. Location The city of Melbourne is located on Florida’s mainland, along the Atlantic coast. Melbourne is approximately 70 miles southeast of Orlando, and 20 miles south of Cocoa…

Boating Impact on Florida Waterways

Boating Impact on Florida Waterways

Boaters can have serious, negative impacts on Florida’s waterways! As the population of south Florida and the Florida Keys grows, boater’s impact on the marine environment will become an increasingly serious problem to manage. Many boaters run aground every year and damage the fragile seagrass in Florida Bay and throughout Florida. Damage is especially intense…

Roseate Spoonbills

Roseate Spoonbills

Roseate Spoonbills (Ajaia ajaja) are one of the most beloved birds in Florida, and are an iconic symbol of Florida Bay! Birders and researchers from around the world visit Florida for the chance to see Roseate Spoonbills. Overview Roseate Spoonbills are members of the Ibis family. They hunt, forage and socialize together and often live…

Mangroves in Florida

Mangroves in Florida

Mangroves are an essential part of Florida’s natural environment. According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida has an estimated 469,000 acres of mangrove forests throughout the state. This is a very good thing because mangroves are essential to Florida’s environmental health, and to the survival of the state. Where are mangroves located in…

Gulfport

Gulfport

Gulfport is a quaint, quiet little beach town that offers the best of all worlds. Gulfport is conveniently close to downtown St. Petersburg, but tucked away and out of the direct chaos. It’s only minutes away from multiple world-class Gulf of Mexico beaches. Plus, it sits on the beautiful Boca Ciega Bay and has its…

Egmont Key

Egmont Key

Egmont Key is a beautiful, uninhabited island in Florida. The island is located at the mouth of Tampa Bay and covers approximately 250 acres. Egmont Key is physically located in Hillsborough County, and so is often considered to be one of the best beaches in Tampa. Things to Know Before Visiting Egmont Key Emont Key…

Miami Beach

Miami Beach

Miami Beach is the most famous beach in Florida. It is an extremely popular destination for tourists and is a popular cultural icon of south Florida. Miami Beach is famous for being a hip, fashionable destination and its posh culture. It has a unique Art Deco District with its signature pastel colors and signature architecture….

Siesta Key

Siesta Key

Siesta Key is a beautiful barrier island on Florida’s west coast. It’s one of the best beaches in Florida and the entire United States. Siesta Key has won numerous awards, including the “Dr. Beach” award for the best beach in America in 2017. Location Siesta Key is located just southwest of Sarasota. It is also…

Lovers Key State Park

Lovers Key State Park

Lovers Key State Park is one of the best state parks in Florida. It is very popular because it is located near several medium-sized cities in Florida: Lovers Key State park is one of the most highly visited state parks in Florida, and attracts millions of visitors per year. It offers a glimpse into what…

Anclote River Park

Anclote River Park

Anclote River Park is located in Pasco County at the mouth of the Anclote River. The Anclote River Park is medium-sized and covers approximately 31 acres. The park is a favorite destination for locals who love it its beach, fishing pier, excellent boat ramp, picnic pavilions for outdoor gatherings, and more. The park is also…

Redington Beach

Redington Beach is a small, residential beach town in Pinellas County. Redington Beach is an upscale, exclusive community and has approximately 2,000 residents. Redington Beach is located just north of Madeira Beach. The next community to the north of Redington Beach is North Redington Beach. Redington Beach is a quiet area and is filled with…

North Redington Beach

North Redington Beach is located just north of the town of Redington Beach. It is slightly easier to visit than the exclusive Redington Beach and has a small amount of public parking. Like its neighbor Redington Beach, North Redington Beach is a quiet residential area without any tourist attractions or many amenities for visitors. The…

Redington Shores

Redington Shores

Redington Shores is a small beach town on a barrier island along Florida’s Gulf Coast. The beach is fairly large and is usually relatively uncrowded. It can get crowded during peak times though, partially due to the high-rise hotels, condos and resorts in the area. Redington Shores is sandwiched among several other beach communities. It…

Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach is consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in Florida, and the entire United States. It is an extremely popular destination for locals, and visitors alike. Clearwater Beach is located on a long, narrow barrier island. The north section of the island has upscale beach houses, and Caladesi Island State Park. Important:…