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