- Changing Seas TV
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Key Biscayne beach makes nation's Top Ten
http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/05/28/1653657/key-biscayne-beach-makes-nations.html
- Miami Herald
One of my favorites!
- Miami Herald
One of my favorites!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Snowy Plovers on Siesta
A small population (60?) of snowy ploversis nesting on Siesta Key Beach.
Beach access #7 is closed off to avoid disturbing the birds.
Birders can park at Access #8 to view the roped off nesting areas.
Nests in the hilly, vegetation are almost impossible to see.
The plovers are very small and blend in with the beach.
We spotted 4 plovers and no nests on our visit.
Birders can park at Access #8 to view the roped off nesting areas.
Nests in the hilly, vegetation are almost impossible to see.
The plovers are very small and blend in with the beach.
We spotted 4 plovers and no nests on our visit.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Sarasota Bay Watch Event TONIGHT
Reminder Snook Watch Event This Evening!
Sarasota Bay Watch in cooperation with the Snook Foundation will be presenting Snook Watch at the Sarasota Outboard Club, 1763 Ken Thompson Parkway, City Island, Sarasota from 6:00 to 9:00 pm on the evening of Thursday May 27, 2010. Experts including Captain Scott Moore, Ron Taylor, lead Snook Biologist, Florida Wildlife Commission, Dr. Nate Brenan, PhD, Mote Marine Laboratory, Senior Scientist, Snook Stock Enhancement and Rick Roberts of the Snook Foundation will discuss the status of snook in Sarasota Bay. You'll also learn how you can help determine the extent of the damage caused by the January 2010 freeze. Participants will be able to bid on prizes including a trip for two with fly fishing legend Chico Fernandez.
Sarasota Bay Watch in cooperation with the Snook Foundation will be presenting Snook Watch at the Sarasota Outboard Club, 1763 Ken Thompson Parkway, City Island, Sarasota from 6:00 to 9:00 pm on the evening of Thursday May 27, 2010. Experts including Captain Scott Moore, Ron Taylor, lead Snook Biologist, Florida Wildlife Commission, Dr. Nate Brenan, PhD, Mote Marine Laboratory, Senior Scientist, Snook Stock Enhancement and Rick Roberts of the Snook Foundation will discuss the status of snook in Sarasota Bay. You'll also learn how you can help determine the extent of the damage caused by the January 2010 freeze. Participants will be able to bid on prizes including a trip for two with fly fishing legend Chico Fernandez.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Florida's Deep Water Horizon Response
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has been designated the lead state agency for responding to potential impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill along Florida’s shoreline. The website below will serve as the primary location for updates and information on response actions and impacts to the state of Florida.
Check the latest news and conditions in Florida on this frequently updated website:
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/
Check the latest news and conditions in Florida on this frequently updated website:
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/
Emerson Point Indian Mounds
Emerson Point Park sits north of Manatee River on a peninsula
jutting out into Tampa Bay. The Park is west of the town of Palmetto.
There are several pre-Columbian Indian shell mounds in the park. Today, many of them are covered with vegetation.
The view of the Sunshine State Parkway was taken
from the top of the mound pictured below.
From this mound, it would have been possible to see
Hernando DeSoto and his fleet of ships sailing into Tampa Bay.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Mote Marine Laboratory Beach Conditions Report
http://www.mote.org/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=beach%20conditions%20reports&category=Main
- Mote Marine Laboratory
The Beach Conditions Report™, created by Mote Marine Laboratory in 2006 to provide up-to-date information about red tide impacts on local beaches, expanded April 30, 2010, to include impacts from the oil spill created when the Deepwater Horizon oilrig sank in the Gulf of Mexico on April 22, 2010.
- Mote Marine Laboratory
The Beach Conditions Report™, created by Mote Marine Laboratory in 2006 to provide up-to-date information about red tide impacts on local beaches, expanded April 30, 2010, to include impacts from the oil spill created when the Deepwater Horizon oilrig sank in the Gulf of Mexico on April 22, 2010.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
New species celebrated amid warnings of biodiversity loss
http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/05/22/biodiversity.new.species/index.html
- CNN
(Ed: Perhaps, it would be safer to say, "New to Science".)
- CNN
(Ed: Perhaps, it would be safer to say, "New to Science".)
Friday, May 21, 2010
HURRICANE SEASON AND OIL SPILL PRESENTATION
HURRICANE SEASON AND OIL SPILL PRESENTATION - June 1, 11:30 a.m., networking event and luncheon hosted by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce with special guest Ed McCrane, Sarasota County emergency management chief. Event to be at Carrabba’s Italian Grill, 1940 Stickney Point Rd. For reservations, call 349-3800.
Rocks added to fight erosion at Apollo Beach Nature Park
http://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/rocks-added-to-fight-erosion-at-apollo-beach-nature-park/1096103
- St. Petersberg Times
See photos of 2007 Preservation Project attempt:
http://southshore2.tbo:.com/content/2007/nov/07/ss-no-cliff-hanger-at-beach/news/
Additional Photos 2007
http://agrecol.com/project_gallery/default_flash.aspx?c=35#id=35&num=1
Apollo Beach Nature Park General Description
copied from: http://southshoretampabay.com/NaturalAreas/GuideBookFiles/apollo-beach-nature-park.pdf
Size: 63 acres. This site is very unusual due to the fact that it consists entirely of dredge and fill material at the north end of the Apollo Beach development. When originally nominated by members of the Apollo Beach community, the site failed to qualify for preservation under the ELAP Program’s guidelines, due to the lack of natural conditions. The program does allow a project to be considered if a conceptual restoration plan with an identified source of funding is submitted as part of the nomination. The citizens were able to get a commitment from the Southwest Florida Water
Management District’s Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) program, enabling the site to qualify for acquisition. Hillsborough County purchased the site in 1996, with joint funding
from the Florida Communities Trust. In spite of the fact that the Apollo Beach community is a waterfront development, no allowance was made by the developer for public access to the shoreline. As a result of this purchase, the Apollo Beach community finally gained access for all to the Tampa Bay shoreline.
Location and Access
The site is located at the north end of Surfside Blvd. From US Hwy 41, go west on Apollo Beach Blvd. to the end, then turn right on Surfside Blvd.
Environmental Significance
As stated above, the site consisted entirely of dredged fill material when purchased by the County.
A condition of the acquisition was that the majority of the property would undergo habitat restoration.The SWIM program designed a restoration plan that included the removal of over 400,000cubic yards of fill material, creating a system of dunes, small islands, high marsh, tidal and subtidalwetlands in the north and east portions of the property. The excavation phase started in early 2004, and the project should be substantially completed by mid-summer, 2004. The project is
expected to provide valuable estuarine habitat in an area of Tampa Bay that has been heavily degraded by past development. A whole host of native species will benefit from the new habitat, including shorebirds, fish, invertebrates, manatees, and especially people who live nearby or visit
the site.
- St. Petersberg Times
See photos of 2007 Preservation Project attempt:
http://southshore2.tbo:.com/content/2007/nov/07/ss-no-cliff-hanger-at-beach/news/
Additional Photos 2007
http://agrecol.com/project_gallery/default_flash.aspx?c=35#id=35&num=1
Apollo Beach Nature Park General Descriptioncopied from: http://southshoretampabay.com/NaturalAreas/GuideBookFiles/apollo-beach-nature-park.pdf
Size: 63 acres. This site is very unusual due to the fact that it consists entirely of dredge and fill material at the north end of the Apollo Beach development. When originally nominated by members of the Apollo Beach community, the site failed to qualify for preservation under the ELAP Program’s guidelines, due to the lack of natural conditions. The program does allow a project to be considered if a conceptual restoration plan with an identified source of funding is submitted as part of the nomination. The citizens were able to get a commitment from the Southwest Florida Water
Management District’s Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) program, enabling the site to qualify for acquisition. Hillsborough County purchased the site in 1996, with joint funding
from the Florida Communities Trust. In spite of the fact that the Apollo Beach community is a waterfront development, no allowance was made by the developer for public access to the shoreline. As a result of this purchase, the Apollo Beach community finally gained access for all to the Tampa Bay shoreline.
Location and Access
The site is located at the north end of Surfside Blvd. From US Hwy 41, go west on Apollo Beach Blvd. to the end, then turn right on Surfside Blvd.
Environmental Significance
As stated above, the site consisted entirely of dredged fill material when purchased by the County.
A condition of the acquisition was that the majority of the property would undergo habitat restoration.The SWIM program designed a restoration plan that included the removal of over 400,000cubic yards of fill material, creating a system of dunes, small islands, high marsh, tidal and subtidalwetlands in the north and east portions of the property. The excavation phase started in early 2004, and the project should be substantially completed by mid-summer, 2004. The project is
expected to provide valuable estuarine habitat in an area of Tampa Bay that has been heavily degraded by past development. A whole host of native species will benefit from the new habitat, including shorebirds, fish, invertebrates, manatees, and especially people who live nearby or visit
the site.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Found on South Lido bayside beach: Nickerbean
This sand dune Nickerbean has thorns on its stems .Plants are erect or spreading and vine-like. If erect in habit, they may attain a height of approximately 4 feet; if reclining or spreading, and using other vegetation for support, the stems may grow as much as 18 - 20 feet in length. Sharp spines cover the stems, which may grow to 2 or more inches in diameter.
... and thorns on its seed pods.
Beach snail (smalller than photo) leaves a trail in sand.Robinson Preserve Workday
Saturday, May 22: Volunteer work day to collect and spread native seeds, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street N.W. and 17th Avenue N.W., Bradenton, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Call 748-4501, ext. 4605.
Snook Watch May 27, 2010
Sarasota Bay Watch in cooperation with the Snook Foundation will be presenting Snook Watch at the Sarasota Outboard Club, 1763 Ken Thompson Parkway, City Island, Sarasota from 6:00 to 9:00 pm on the evening of Thursday May 27, 2010.
Experts including Captain Scott Moore, Ron Taylor, lead Snook Biologist, Florida Wildlife Commission, Dr. Nate Brenan, PhD, Mote Marine Laboratory, Senior Scientist, Snook Stock Enhancement and Rick Roberts of the Snook Foundation will discuss the status of snook in Sarasota Bay. You'll also learn how you can help determine the extent of the damage caused by the January 2010 freeze. Participants will be able to bid on prizes including a trip for two with fly fishing legend Chico Fernandez For information, directions and to sign up go to www.snookfoundation.org or call Sarasota Bay Watch at (941) 953-5333. www.sarasotabaywatch.org
Experts including Captain Scott Moore, Ron Taylor, lead Snook Biologist, Florida Wildlife Commission, Dr. Nate Brenan, PhD, Mote Marine Laboratory, Senior Scientist, Snook Stock Enhancement and Rick Roberts of the Snook Foundation will discuss the status of snook in Sarasota Bay. You'll also learn how you can help determine the extent of the damage caused by the January 2010 freeze. Participants will be able to bid on prizes including a trip for two with fly fishing legend Chico Fernandez For information, directions and to sign up go to www.snookfoundation.org or call Sarasota Bay Watch at (941) 953-5333. www.sarasotabaywatch.org
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Quick Point
New palm plantings at Quick Point access offLongboat Key's Gulf of Mexico Blvd.
Access to Bay
Viewing PlatformsMonday, May 17, 2010
Shifting shorelines
Currents in Sarasota Bay slowly change shorelines.
Trees and plants come and go.
Trees and plants come and go.
Native Cabbage - Quickpoint
Florida Recreational Fishing Season
Recreational red snapper season is from June 1 to July 23 this
year and applies to State as well as Federal waters in the Gulf.
The bag limit is 2 fish per person but the captain & crew of a
charter boat are not allowed any. The minimum size is 16 inches.
The season for recreational and commercial fishing of shallow water
groupers in Atlantic and Monroe County waters opened on
May 1.
Regulations for bonefish will be extended to Federal waters on
July 1. The bag limit is 1 per person.Minimum length is 18 inches
using hook-and-line gear only.
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
http://www.myfwc.com/
year and applies to State as well as Federal waters in the Gulf.
The bag limit is 2 fish per person but the captain & crew of a
charter boat are not allowed any. The minimum size is 16 inches.
The season for recreational and commercial fishing of shallow water
groupers in Atlantic and Monroe County waters opened on
May 1.
Regulations for bonefish will be extended to Federal waters on
July 1. The bag limit is 1 per person.Minimum length is 18 inches
using hook-and-line gear only.
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
http://www.myfwc.com/
Sunday, May 16, 2010
New Snorkeling Trip Schedule
Go snorkeling with Peg Williams, an expert on local shells. Snorkelers must have their own equipment; mask, fins and snorkel. All trips are on Thursdays at 10 AM. A donation of five dollars would be appreciated. Call Peg at( 941) 355-2291.
May 27 Point of Rocks
June 3 New Pass ( Quickpoint parking area)
June 17 Point of Rocks
July 1 New Pass
Peggy Williams: Shell Collecting Trips
author of Shallow Water Turridae of Florida and the Caribbean
Visit website: www.Shelltrips.com
PO Box 575
Tallevast FL 34270
(941) 355-2291
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Quickpoint Fishing
Quickpoint is the nature park north of the bridge over New Pass.
It's on the south end of Longboat Key.
It's on the south end of Longboat Key.
On a nice Spring weekend, there is good fishing on the ramp under the bridge and walkways nearby.
These live shrimp make great bait.
Spanish mackerel were abundant in New Pass.This lucky fish is a "catch & release" specimen.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Prickly Pears at North Lido
Prickly pears thrive on the hot, sandy dunes of North Lido. Late Spring - Early Summer is the season for flowering and fruit.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
North Lido Beach Protected Nesting Area
I walked all the way around the nesting area on North Lidoand didn't spot any nesting birds.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Wildlife in jeopardy
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2010/05/11/am.lavandera.bp.oil.video.cnn?hpt=T1
- CNN.com
Photos from the Times-Picayune - NOLA.com :
- CNN.com
Photos from the Times-Picayune - NOLA.com :
http://photos.nola.com/4500/category/gulf_of_mexico_oil_spill/index.html
Ospreys nesting near bayshore at GWIZ
We couldn't determine whether this is Mama and Papaor 2 large chicks. Two chicks were raised on this platform last year.
The nest has been rebuilt.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Monitoring oil spill in Sarasota
Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota will use an Internet site it created to report red tide and other coastal conditions (mote.org/beaches) to relay information if oil is found on any of 33 beaches it monitors along Florida's Gulf coast.
http://www.mote.org/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=beach%20conditions%20reports&category=Main
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Sarasota Fishing Dock Repair
Three fishing docks on New Pass on the north side of City Islands are being repaired.