May 1st marks the start of sea turtle nesting season up and down the area beaches. Loggerheads, which are the most common species in this area, green sea turtles, and a handful of the smaller, rarer, Kemp's ridley, will emerge from the warming waters of the Gulf and onto our white sand beaches where they will lay thousands of eggs over the next six months. In an effort … Keep reading... about Sea Turtle Nesting Season Reminders
Wildlife
Florida Scrub Jay
The Florida Scrub Jay is the only bird found exclusively in Florida. This friendly and curious bird has been in serious decline in recent years due to development which has encroached on its natural nesting areas. The Florida Scrub Jay is now found mainly in central and south Florida with occasional sightings in the panhandle. It is estimated that fewer than 4,000 pairs … Keep reading... about Florida Scrub Jay
Manatees on the Rebound in Florida
Save the Manatee One of Florida's most beloved marine mammals has been making a steady comeback over recent years. The West Indian manatee, a species that has been on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service "endangered" species list since 1972, has steadily seen its numbers improve over the last 23 years. According to CNN, when aerial surveys began in 1991, there were only … Keep reading... about Manatees on the Rebound in Florida
Southwest Florida Beaches Clean Up
On Saturday, September 19, Ocean Conservancy will sponsor its 30th International Coastal Clean Up Day of Southwest Florida beaches. Friends, neighbors and all those who enjoy a clean, safe, enjoyable beach are encouraged to join in the effort. Get to know others who love Florida’s beaches and help keep our beaches beautiful. You can make new friends who have similar interests … Keep reading... about Southwest Florida Beaches Clean Up
Florida Greenways and Trails System
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection will be conducting meetings open to the public to discuss updating maps for the Florida Greenways and Trails System. On Sept. 21, 2015 at 4-6:30 p.m. Sarasota/Manatee MPO Conference Room 7632 15th St. East Sarasota, FL 34243 The maps are used to direct resources to these priority corridors to help complete the overall … Keep reading... about Florida Greenways and Trails System
Outdoor Life in SW Florida
People often ask about rules and regs for boating, hunting and fishing in Florida. The best and easiest way to find out all the info you need is to visit the state site for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. At this site you will be able to find info on licensing and permits, as well as info on wildlife viewing. You will be able to search info on Wildlife … Keep reading... about Outdoor Life in SW Florida
Scrub Jay Mitigation Plan Charlotte County FL
Charlotte County has approved a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) to protect the endangered Florida Scrub Jay and streamline the permitting process for building lots that are effected by Scrub Jay habitat zones. Working with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of Interior, county officials approved the HCP. The plan allows standard building lots up to 1/2 acre … Keep reading... about Scrub Jay Mitigation Plan Charlotte County FL
Survivors: Beautiful and Extreme Adaptations
Mote Marine Aquarium On February 1, 2014, Mote Marine opened their new, limited time exhibit, Survivors: Beautiful and Extreme Adaptations. The exhibit features some of the strangest, most evolved, and impressive species that visitors will ever see. (Check out our photo gallery at the bottom of the page!) Many of the species are not native to Florida, which makes the exhibit … Keep reading... about Survivors: Beautiful and Extreme Adaptations
Sea Turtle Nesting Season
It's that time of year again. Every year, between May 1 and October 31, beach goers will notice small areas of the beach marked with stakes in the sand, blocked off with orange tape. That can only mean one thing: it's sea turtle nesting season. The beaches lining Sarasota's coast have been a safe haven for loggerhead turtles for more than three decades. Heading the conservation … Keep reading... about Sea Turtle Nesting Season
Dolphins have Names
Scientists at Sarasota's Mote Marine Laboratory have determined that dolphins name each other. According to the scientists, dolphins use distinctive whistles to call each other by name. They say that having names enable the dolphins to travel together in groups, a key to their survival. According to CNN: One of the lead scientists in the study, Dr. Randall Wells, is a … Keep reading... about Dolphins have Names