Shark stories make great headline stories on TV and on the internet, but what is the actual risk that YOU will be the unlucky one that a shark will target? Watch the video and find out.
Archive | Nature
Stingrays in Florida: What You Need to Know
Stingray season is here! May through October is the time of year when two things happen that increase injuries caused by stingrays. Stingrays move into shallow waters in large numbers. More people are in the water during the warmer months. If you’re going into the Gulf of Mexico, the bay waters, or the Atlantic Ocean […]
Blue Button Jellies Wash Ashore by the Thousands in Florida
Memorial Day Weekend 2013 brought with it strong, gusty southeasterly winds, so I was expecting to get some reports of jellyfish washing ashore around the state. I got reports from The Guisingers of Blue Buttons (Porpita porpita) coming ashore on Cocoa Beach. They were kind enough to send photos, which I’ve posted here. I’ve received […]
Lifeguard at Cocoa Beach Rescues Shark
Today a 5 foot shark stranded itself in shallow water on Cocoa Beach. Lifeguard Zach Cooney saw the shark and was concerned that with all the people gathering around, it might feel cornered and start to bite people. So he did what no one else probably would have done: he grabbed it by the tail […]
By-The-Wind Sailor Jellyfish (Velella velella) in Highland Beach, Florida
These Velella jellyfish, also known as By-the-Wind Sailors are a real treat to find. These photos were submitted by Tiffany Hertzon and were taken in Highland Beach, Florida ( near Boca Raton ). Here is what Tiffany had to say about her find: Info: Found about 1pm April 14, 2013. High tide. Highland beach, FL. […]
Seashell I.D. Guide to Southwest Florida Shells: It’s Waterproof!
These 4 inch by 9 inch waterproof, laminated, full-color shell identification cards are easy to carry along with you on the beach when you are shelling. They aren’t intended to replace a good shell identification book, of course, but they are easier to carry and if you splash a little water on them–no problem. Pam […]
Identifying Common Florida Sharks
Can you identify the common, but easily confused species of sharks commonly found in Florida waters? It can be a real challenge. We recently heard about the questions surrounding the hooking of a Great White shark in the Gulf of Mexico, and whether it was actually a Short-fin Mako shark. Even an expert wasn’t […]
Photo: Leopard Crab aka Calico Box Crab (Hepatus epheliticus)
It’s not often I see a whole Leopard crab on the beach like this. It is also commonly known as the Calico box crab (Hepatus epheliticus). They live buried in the sand in the shallow water.
Paper Nautilus Found on Ormond Beach
Patricia Whitfield was vacationing in Florida from Canada when she found this beautiful paper nautilus shell on Ormond Beach. What a lucky find! I’m wondering how many more people are finding these? Here is a photo of the Argonaut octopus Patricia found near one of the shells. This is the octopus that creates the shell. […]
Another Paper Nautilus Found in Volusia County
A few weeks ago I answered some questions for a newspaper writer regarding the paper nautilus. Since the article appeared, I’ve received several photos from folks who have been fortunate enough to find one. A few weeks ago I wrote a blog post about the paper nautilus featuring one of the finds. I was just […]
