Visiting Florida’s Natural Treasures

Patchy dense fog killed our plans to visit Egmont Key today. The ferry ride from Fort DeSoto, south of St. Petersburg, to the island was suppose to leave by 11am but a thick layer of coastal soup refused to burn off. But, even with our chances of seeing lumbering Gopher Tortoises at the National Wildlife Refuge dashed, we took comfort in knowing how wonderful our escape to Florida this weekend has been.

In the last 48 hours we’ve enjoyed visiting the rich natural habitats of several varieties of fish, bird and feathered friends. We’ve toured pine flat woods, sprawling cypress swamps and walked the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. Sightings have included everything from the familiar white ibis and ubiquitous alligator to petting stingrays, sharks and horseshoe crabs at the interactive exhibits of the Tampa Bay aquarium.

With 171 award-winning state parks and trail systems, skip Disney Land and head to a playground of wildlife activity. I would encourage everyone to download the official Florida State Park app and immerse themselves in the antics of this fertile ecosystem.