Celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay participated in the 2017 Challenge for his cooking series, “The F Word”, capturing three pythons. Photo: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
The Florida Python Challenge is an annual event aimed at removing invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades ecosystem. The event, sponsored by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, began in 2013, making it an ongoing effort for over 11 years.
We at FMN are always looking for something unique and fun to do, and this place fits the bill. Do you want to experience the excitement of a safari but don’t want to travel to Africa? Wild Florida may be the answer you’ve been looking for. Located in east central Florida’s Osceola County near Orlando, the Wild Florida park offers Drive Thru Safaris, Airboat Adventures, walking tours, a gator park, and much more.
Three Sisters Spring Photo: Three Sisters Spring website
When one thinks of Florida, images of sun-soaked beaches and theme parks often come to mind. However, nestled within the state’s lush landscapes are a series of natural wonders that offer a refreshing escape from the bustling city life. Florida’s springs, with their crystal-clear waters and serene environments, provide a perfect retreat for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Located just a short drive from Orlando, these springs promise a rejuvenating experience. Here’s a guide to some of the most captivating springs you can visit, each with its own unique charm.
One of Silver Springs’ world-famous glass-bottom boats leaves the dock for a tour. Photo: Florida State Parks
Nestled just east of Ocala, this park is a hidden gem filled with natural beauty and myriad activities that make it a perfect getaway from the usual tourist spots. Many list Silver Springs among the most beautiful springs in the entire State of Florida. If you like places “off the beaten path”, you’ll absolutely love it, so let’s dive into all the details.
Florida offers some beautiful secluded beaches for those who want to “get away from it all”. Photo: Florida State Parks
Florida boasts numerous serene and secluded beaches away from the typical tourist spots. If you want a memorable getaway, consider these five uncrowded beaches in Florida that offer tranquility and beautiful surroundings:
From Tampa to the Space Coast, Central Florida offers an incredible array of attractions. There is something for everyone, ranging from theme parks to serene natural areas and educational museums. Here’s a detailed look at 20 attractions that make Central Florida a must-visit destination for all types of travelers.
A large alligator rests near the landing gear of a KC-135 at MacDill AFB, Florida on Monday. Photo: MacDill AFB
TAMPA, Fla. – An unexpected visitor found his way onto the tarmac at MacDill Air Force Base yesterday, prompting a swift response from Florida Fish and Wildlife authorities. After crawling out of a nearby marsh, the nearly 10-foot alligator promptly did what gators do…. found a nice cool spot to get out of the hot Florida sun. Unfortunately for the busy airmen at the base, the gator apparently claimed “squatter’s rights” in front of the landing gear of a huge KC-135 tanker aircraft.
In what has become a rite of summer, it’s nearly Sargussum season on Florida beaches. In many recent years, thick brown mats of a macroalgae named Sargussum start washing up on the shorelines, sometimes reaching several inches in depth in early summer, and those mats linger until well into the season.
Sargassum often comes with a pungent stench attached to it — something between sewage and rotten eggs — due to the mats off-gassing Hydrogen Sulfide and Ammonia, among others. Hydrogen Sulfide smells like rotten eggs, and ammonia is most commonly linked to a stale urine smell. This makes a sargassum-covered beach a wholly unpleasant experience, and that’s before the brown water is created in the surf by Sargassum decaying in the water.
American Flamingos at MIWR. Photo: TJ Waller for FMN
As a professional photographer who also photographs wildlife, one of the most asked questions I get is, “Are there still wild flamingos in Florida?”. My usual answer is, “Yes, but not for a while.” Now – at least for a little while – I can answer with a solid, “Yes! At the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge!”
