Nature

Turtle Nesting Season is Here

Each year from early May to late October, loggerhead sea turtles come ashore to build a nest and deposit their eggs. Clearwater Marine Aquarium staff and volunteers set out in the early morning hours to track any activities. Nest are roped off and tagged to minimize people disturbing the area. It takes roughly 45-60 days…

Bird of Paradise, Florida Botanical Garden, Largo, FL

Gardens & Flowers Have a Way of Bringing People Together

As Clare Ansberry once wrote, “Gardens and flowers have a way of bringing people together, drawing them from their homes.” And in Pinellas County in Largo where the Florida Botanical Garden is situated, it also brings visitors out of their hotels, condos and campgrounds and off of the beaches to reflect on its natural beauty.…

Sand Key County Park is a Hidden Gem

Named after the island it sits upon, award-winning Sand Key County Park occupies 95-acres on the northern tip. After walking across boardwalks, beach lovers will find an expansive beach stretching from Clearwater Pass down to the Sheraton Sand Key. Life guard stations monitor designated swimming areas during busier times of the year, usually spring to…

Honeymoon Island – A Natural State

If you’re looking to take a hike and explore natural Florida, Honeymoon Island Recreation Area at the west end of Dunedin Causeway may be the answer. Wildlife sightings do come with the territory. Just ask a friend of mine who recently took a walk along the 2.5-mile Osprey Trail. He was hoping to see some…

An Island Escape – Caladesi Island

A state park, Caladesi Island is situated just south of the island of Honeymoon Island Recreation Area. Accessible only by ferry boat* from the marina at Honeymoon Island on the west end of Dunedin Causeway, it’s a wonderful way to spend the day with the kids. The island has a nature trail, two bathhouses and a…

You Loved Them on the Big Screen, Now See Them in Person

You’ll never meet two more friendly movie stars than Winter and Hope. Winter is the star of the major motion picture Dolphin Tale I and was joined by Hope in Dolphin Tale 2. Both live at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) which was featured in both movies. Interestingly, Hope was rescued on the night of…