One Hundred
This is my 100TH POST since starting this photo blog back on April 15th of this year. I try to post something once a day, but that can be easier said than done sometimes.
I started this as a “hey, this is awesome, you should see it too” site, but I’ve noticed it’s attracted a variety of fans like “snow bird” northerners, hopeful tourists, former Floridians, nature lovers, photographers, fellow SCUBA divers and ocean lovers alike. It’s always fun to read everyone’s comments and see what everyone “likes”. So please continue to do so and spread the word about this site if you know someone who might appreciate it the way you do. Above all, thank you supporting Beauty of Florida!
This photo is from Fort Lauderdale’s 100 year anniversary last year. They had this giant “100” set up by the beach directly across from the world famous Elbow Room.
Waiting for the Elevator
I came home from work to find this guy waiting for the elevator in my building (the elevator is outdoors). You often see these Land Crabs crossing the road…or evidence of them trying to cross. This one was full grown at about 6 inches wide.
See You Later Alligator
The Everglades is the only place in the world where you can find both alligators AND crocodiles…
Serpents of the Sea
Sharptail Eel – These guys don’t swim like most eels, they crawl around on the ground like a snake and they can even move freely beneath the sand. Don’t worry, they’re harmless 🙂
Shark Encounter
Saw this guy passing through the reef last weekend. I shot some video of him too that you can see on the Beauty of Florida Facebook page.
Invasive Beauty
Invasive species are species that are not native to the enviroment or ecosystem they are living in. They can be plants, animals, insects, fish, or even new creatures created from non-native species mating with the native species.
The Lionfish pictured here may look exotic and beautiful and it is, but it’s actually a huge threat to the oceans of Florida and the Caribbean since it’s actually a native to the South Pacific. Their spines are venomous so they don’t have many predators and they compete for food with native fish.
There are often “Lionfish Derby’s” or other types of organized hunts to help control the invasive population and tp spread awareness to the public. There are even pet amnesty days where owners can surrender their pets without question or punishment. This helps cut down on people letting their Burmese python or pet piranhas “free”. There’s even a cookbook dedicated to nothing but Lionfish dishes. No matter where you live, you likely have invasive species problems, educate yourself about them and report them when you see them.
For more info on invasive species in Florida visit Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. For info on other areas, visit Invasive.org.
Traffic in the Everglades
I watch the news when I get ready for work in the morning. This morning’s traffic report included something I haven’t seen yet. A road was backed up because an alligator made his way on to it, blocking one of the lanes. Unfortunately someone ran over the poor guy and he has to be put down. Gator blocks traffic
Beauty of Florida 