6 DANGERS LURKING IN FLORIDA WILDLIFE

Hello all,

Florida is one of the hottest spots when it comes to vacation destinations. There is just so much to do here. But amidst all of that fun, we come into contact with wildlife we don't usually have encounters with. Here is a guide to some of those creatures.

1. In Florida, the Bobcat appears statewide. It makes its home in swamps and forests. It can be recognized by its triangular pointed  shaped ears and bobbed tail. They are much bigger than the ordinary house cat,(twice the size) but much smaller , for instance, than a panther. It feeds on small animals and birds. They usually hunt at night, and don't sleep much , about 2-3 hours a day. We saw  a mother and its cub running near us at a local park, and it was very scary how the mother kept her eyes on us. We left quickly. I have also saw a few lurking in my neighborhood. Though they're not known to attack people, still keep your eyes open when out in nature, they are very stealthy.

WHAT ARE 6  DANGERS LURKING IN FLORIDA WILDLIFE- THE BOBCAT

2. If you go out to enjoy nature, also be on the lookout for fire ants. They are small red ants that have a very painful bite that causes itching and swelling. The fire ant mound looks just like small piles of white sand. Sometimes they are so small you're not even aware you stepped in one till you feel the bites. If you do get bit, washing the affected area then applying ice helps. Beware, these things are everywhere. A fire ant mound is pictured below.

WHAT ARE 6  DANGERS LURKING IN FLORIDA WILDLIFE - FIRE ANTS

3. If going to the beach is on you're agenda, then I should mention stingrays and jellyfish. Stingrays have flat brown bodies, a long tail that has a spine, venom and a barbed end.  They can grow up to 7 feet in length. Stingray season runs from April to October. This is when they come into to warmer waters and bury themselves in the bottom sand to hide from predators. They are usually present 3-10 yards from shore.  So what do Floridians do to avoid getting stung? We do the stingray shuffle, of course. Instead of just running and sloshing through the water, shuffle your feet instead.  It sends vibrations through the sand that scares away the rays. If you do get stung go to the hospital immediately.  Its venom can cause a drop in blood pressure, increased heart rate, dizziness and shock.  Do not remove the barb yourself, let a doctor do that!

WHAT ARE 6  DANGERS LURKING IN FLORIDA WILDLIFE - STINGRAYS

WHAT ARE 6  DANGERS LURKING IN FLORIDA WILDLIFE - JELLYFISH

4. Jellyfish are in all  Florida marine waters. They are usually more on the Atlantic side and in the Panhandle.  They can be up to 2 feet in diameter.  they have a mushroom shaped cream colored or translucent bell with long thin tentacles.  Florida has several species that do sting.  The stings leave red streaky welts that last for up to 2 weeks and causes severe  pain, nausea and headache. If stung    remove the tentacle by scraping with a credit card. rinse with vinegar or apply a baking soda  and saltwater paste. Then go home and take a hot shower then apply an ice pack  If an allergic reaction happens, go to the hospital immediately. Oh, there is an old wives tale that says you should urinate on it. Don't do it! That makes matters worse.




5. Finally, we should discuss alligators and crocodiles.  We've all read about recent attacks involving these animals They  mostly live in freshwater environments and brackish waters, but have been found in marine waters. Their mating season is from  April to May. Never feed them or swim near them, especially at dusk since that's their feeding time. When you feed them they become more aggressive because they no longer fear us. It is illegal to feed them in Florida. They can run fast, up to 9 mph,  but not very far. The running zigzag myth is just that, a myth. They are also good at climbing and can climb a chain link fence. They can grow to be very large, 10-12 feet in length.Their choice for prey is usually based on size, so please keep children and pets away from waters edge.

WHAT ARE 6  DANGERS LURKING IN FLORIDA WILLIFE - ALLIGATORS

6. Crocodiles are usually found in the north end of south Florida. They live in saltwater and brackish areas, but have been sighted in freshwater areas also. They can grow up to 18 feet long. Their snout is more narrow than the alligators. They will eat anything that moves. There are a lot more alligators than crocodiles, and crocodiles are considered endangered. Conflicts between them and humans rarely occur because they are shy creatures. Recently we have run across Nile crocodiles which are not native to this country and are much more aggressive.

WHAT ARE 6  DANGERS LURKING IN FLORIDA WILDLIFE - CROCODILES

So please  be aware when you're out and about, and use caution. Enjoy the outdoors and all that Florida has to offer.

7 AWESOMELY FUN CHEAP THINGS TO DO IN FLORIDA

Hello all,

There are so many things to do here in Florida. But many are so expensive. If you're on a budget like me, you are always looking for free or cheap fun things to do. I found 7 local places that your family will love! A few I have been to already and are well worth the trip. Enjoy:




1. FLORIDA BOTANICAL GARDENS - The Gardens showcases and educates by showing flowers and fauna in motivational surroundings. It has 12 gardens in all and even has a butterfly garden. It is open most every day of the year and admission is free. It is located at 12520 Ulmerton Rd., Largo. (727)582-2100.

7 INCREDIBLY CHEAP AND FUN THINGS TO DO IN FLORIDA - FLORIDA BOTANICAL GARDENS

2. HERITAGE VILLAGE - This is a 21 acre open air living history museum. It has 31 historic structures to explore, some dating back to the 19th century. Admission is free. It is open Wed.-Sat. 10-4 pm, and on Sunday 1-4. It is located at 11909 125th St. N., Largo. (727)582-2123.

7 INCREDIBLY CHEAP AND FUN THINGS TO DO IN FLORIDA - HERITAGE VILLAGE

3. LEEPA RATTNER MUSEUM OF ART - This small museum has 8 galleries featuring art from Rattner, Leepa, and Ester Gentle. Admission is $7. They are open Tues-Sat from 10am to between 4-8 pm. Sunday it is open 1-5 pm. It is located at 600 Klosterman Rd., Tarpon Springs. (727)712-5762.

7 INCREDIBLY CHEAP AND  FUN THINGS TO DO IN FLORIDA - LEEPA RATTNER MUSEUM OF ART

4. AMERICAN VICTORY SHIP MUSEUM - You can come aboard and explore the entire ship with its 3 cargo holds, radio and gyro rooms, bridge, crew cabins, mess hall, wheelhouse, captain's quarters, and all of the other rooms you expect to see on a battleship. They even have rare artifacts, photos, and exhibits to see. This is one of my family's favorite places to watch fireworks from on the 4th of July during their Family Fest. Admission is $10 adults, $5 for children. It's open Sun-Mon- noon to 5pm. Tues-Sat from 10 am to 5 pm. It is located 705 Channelside Dr., Tampa. (813)228-8766.

I INCREDIBLY CHEAP AND FUN THINGS TO DO IN FLORIDA - AMERICAN VICTORY SHIP MUSEUM

5. WILDLIFE SURVIVAL SANCTUARY - I have been here many times. This place provides sanctuary to many exotic animals. They have tigers, leopards, cougars, deers. emus. ostriches, a pot bellied pig, and lemurs. They take donations for their tours that you have to call and set up in advance. All of the donations are used for the care of their animals. A great place to go with the kids! You need to call (352)797-4785 to schedule a tour. They are located at 18212 Booming Rd., Spring Hill.

7 INCREDIBLY CHEAP AND  FUN THINGS TO DO IN FLORIDA - WILDLIFE SURVIVAL SANCTUARY

6. TAMPA'S ELECTRIC MANATEE VIEWING CENTER - Many manatees seek out this area to stay warm in its discharge canal waters. Big Bends discharge canal is a federally designated manatee sanctuary.  They are open Nov.1st - April 15th. They have a rays touch tank, an observation tower, a boardwalk, and a habitat trail along with its viewing center. Admission is free and are open 10 am-5 pm daily. They are located at 6990 Dickman Rd., Apollo Beach. (813)228-4289.

7 INCREDIBLY CHEAP AND  FUN THINGS TO DO IN FLORIDA - TAMPA'S ELECTRIC MANATEE VIEWING CENTER

7. SUNCOAST PRIMATE SANCTUARY - This is a non profit sanctuary to housing over 100 animals including primates, reptiles, birds and more. It is a place where these animals can live out the rest of their lives, and it is run by volunteers. It has been in business for 50 years. Come take a tour and see all of their residents. They even have meet and greets with some of the animals. Admission is adults $10, $5 for kids. They are located at 4600 Alt Hwy 19, Palm Harbor.

7 INCREDIBLY CHEAP AND FUN THINGS TO DO IN FLORIDA - SUNCOAST PRIMATE SANCTUARY

FLORIDA'S BEST MUST SEE SPRINGS

Hello all,

As you know, Florida is the world capital of springs, boasting over 1000. With us Floridians enjoying our water activities, its no wonder they are so popular. Here are some of the best worth checking out:

1 .Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River- This spring is the best place to see manatees. The water is a constant 72 degrees and provides the essential warm water refuge for the manatees during the winter months. To protect the manatees, the springs manatee sanctuaries  are closed from November 15th to March 31st. It is located at 601 Three Sisters Springs Trail, Crystal River.

FLORIDA'S BEST MUST SEE SPRINGS -  THREE SISTERS SPRINGS

2. Silver Springs State Park, Ocala- This is one of florida's first tourist attractions. It is also one of the worlds largest artesian springs. It is known for its glass bottom boat tours. You can also enjoy it by kayak or canoe. It is located at 1425 NE 58th Ave., Ocala.

FLORIDA'S BEST MUST SEE SPRINGS - SILVER SPRINGS STATE PARK

3. Weeki Wachee, Spring Hill-  This is home of the live mermaid shows. It also has a beautiful spring for swimming, canoeing or tubing. It even has a waterpark with waterslides catapulting you into the springs. I go here yearly. It is located at 6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill.

FLORIDA'S BEST MUST SEE SPRINGS - WEEKI WACHEE

4. Rainbow Springs, Dunnellon- This Florida's 4th largest spring. Here you can enjoy waterfalls, swimming and tubing. They have a beautiful 2 mile hiking trail here and campground. It is located at 10830 SW 180th Ave., Dunnellon.

FLORIDA'S BEST MUST SEE SPRINGS - RAINBOW SPRINGS

5. Blue Springs State Park, Orange City-  This is the largest spring on the St, Johns River. During manatee season, several hundred can be seen from the springs overlook.  The water is a crystal clear 73 degrees and is enjoyed by swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers. It is a designated manatee refuge. It is located at 2100 W. French Ave., Orange City.

FLORIDA'S BEST MUST SEE SPRINGS - BLUE SPRINGS

6. Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Fort White-  The crystal clear river flows 6 miles through wetlands and shaded hammocks till it joins the Santa Fe River. The head of the spring is a natural national landmark. You can go tubing, canoeing snorkeling. Scuba diving is only allowed if you're certified. It is located at 12807 US-27. Fort White.

FLORIDA'S BEST MUST SEE SPRINGS - ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS

7. Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, Crawfordville -  This is one of the largest, deepest freshwater springs in the world. It has a lot of wildlife such as manatees, alligators, turtles, and deer. They have guided glass bottom boat tours. Swimmers can find  observation and diving platforms  at the head of the spring. Scuba diving is only for those certified. It is located at 465 Wakulla Park Dr.,Crawfordville.

FLORIDA'S BEST MUST SEE SPRINGS - WAKULLA SPRINGS

8. Fanning Springs, Fanning Springs-  This springs is located on the Suwanee River. It is a second magnitude springs, meaning it produces 65 millions of water daily. Manatees visit here during the winter months. You can enter the park by boat or car. It has a boardwalk overlooking the springs. Many come here to swim and snorkel. They have a campground here with cabin rentals. I have went camping here and it is beautiful, but the water is very cold. It is located at 18020 US 19., Fanning Springs.

FLORIDA'S BEST  MUST SEE SPRINGS - FANNING SPRINGS

9. Madison Blue Springs State Park, Lee-  This is a crystal clear first magnitude springs, That means it produces 100 million gallons of water daily. Its 82 feet wide and 25 feet deep and bubbles up to a limestone basin. There is an extensive underwater cave system for those certified in cave diving. It is located at 8300 FL-6, Lee.

FLORIDA'S BEST MUST SEE SPRINGS - MADISON BLUE SPRINGS

10. Juniper Springs in the Ocala National Forest, Ocala-  This is one of the east coasts oldest well known recreation areas. It has swimming, picnicking, trails and a campground. It has hundreds of tiny bubbling springs and a massive spring that gushes out of crevices in the earth underneath canopies of palm and oak trees. It is located at 26701 FL-40, Silver Springs.

FLORIDA'S BEST MUST SEE SPRINGS - JUNIPER SPRINGS

MY REVIEW OF THE AWESOME FUNERICA PRETEND PLAYSET

I received compensation in exchange for writing this review. Although this post is sponsored, all opinions are my own. 


Hello all,

Looking to start stocking your gift closet? Do I have a deal for you! I have recently received this pretend playset from Funerica. It comes with everything a child needs to nurture their imagination. I was blown away with how much comes with this playset. This set comes with 50 pieces. 

It has plastic fruits and vegetables, play cooktop, dishes, tea cups with saucers, pots and pans, eating and cooking utensils, cutting board and all in a super cute plastic reclosable tote on wheels.My granddaughter just likes wheeling the tote around, and it makes clean up a snap. What she particularly loves is that she can pretend to cut the fruit and vegetables in half. They are in halves that are velcroed together so they can pretend to cut them, then put them back together. She loves that feature. 

This playset truly has everything your little one would need to when they want to play pretend to cook. My granddaughter uses hers to cooks food for her babydolls! So if your looking for an awesome gift for that little one that will keep them entertained for hours, this is it. It will be the best $15 you ever spent. You can buy it now on amazon through this link - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07983W5JF  .

MY REVIEW OF THE AWESOME FUNERICA PRETEND PLAYSET