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Editorial
Sarasota County is home to a lot of ecosystems and habitats. Learn about the different parks that feature some family-friendly fun no matter what season!Sarasota might be a bustling small city with some paradisiacal beaches, but there's also a quieter side not far from the city lights. In fact, Sarasota...
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This small park near the Venice Fishing Pier offers a walk-on area to the beach with great sunset views as well as a volleyball and picnic areas. Located away from the hustle and bustle of the larger area beaches, it is a perfect spot if you are looking for a...
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Named for Jim Neville, a renowned Sarasota environmentalist, this island is a popular boating destination. With its very low elevation, it makes for a wet hike during high tides, but the variety of coastal birds, plants, and wildlife make it well worthwhile. See the Neville Marine Preserve Trail, from Paddle...
Editorial
Five approved-by-my-kids locations in the Sarasota area to see critters that roam, fly, slither, and swim. Be it at home or on vacation, the number one thing my kids want to see are animals. My little zoologists beg for wildlife in all its forms, be it in a zoo, aquarium...
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Enjoy a narrated Sightseeing Cruise combining Sarasota's abundant wildlife, a bit of history and spectacular shoreline homes, or a Dolphin Watch Cruise narrated by a naturalist/marine biologist. Sunset Cruise featuring live entertainment, dancing and a fabulous Gulf sunset. Our newest tour Rhythm on The Bay is our Sunday Funday with...
Editorial
An avian lover's paradise, spot native Florida birds year-round—from Gulf beach shores to mangrove flatland and brackish estuaries Birdwatching is among one of the most peaceful, meditative and gratifying activities you can enjoy in Sarasota County. And while winter is largely birding "season"—as thousands of migratory birds make their way...
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With 287 acres of habitats that include: pine flatwoods, wetlands and mesic hammocks, while you hike, keep an eye out swallow-tail kites or a soaring eagle. A diverse variety of Florida native flowering plants with seasonal explosions of color awaits you. Look for the interpretive exhibit with ample parking. There...
Editorial
Sarasota County is home to a lot of ecosystems and habitats. Learn about the different parks that feature some family-friendly fun no matter what season!Venice is a beautiful seaside town on the Florida Gulf Coast. Experience natural Florida habitats such as scrubby and pine flatwoods, mangrove islands, and estuarine rivers...
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The Nature Park at Bobby Jones encompasses 90 acres on the eastern portion of the property and features crushed shell and decommissioned golf cart paths repurposed into walking/bicycling trails around the newly created wetlands teeming with wildlife. The 1.57 mile Eagle Trail is the primary path with three offshoots: Prairie...
Editorial
If you're hoping to catch a glimpse of Florida’s beloved gentle giants, Sarasota County is one of the best places to do it.These slow-moving, plant-munching marine mammals (often called “sea cows”) thrive in the warm, shallow waters of Florida's Gulf Coast. Whether you're kayaking through mangroves or exploring our state...