The Elusive Junonia

Photo from the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum

 

From the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum:

The rare coveted junonia is treasured by seashell hunters who visit to seek the ocean’s treasures. They know all too well the thrill of finding a junonia shell because the spotted shells rarely make it to shore intact.

And seeing a live junonia was next to impossible –  » Read more

Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

Florida map circa 1855 from Florida Memory.

 

For you history buffs out there:

If you were visiting Southwest Florida in the mid-19th century, you’d be visiting Monroe County, not Lee.

Founded in 1823 when Florida became a United States territory and named for President James Monroe, Monroe County stretched more than 300 miles, from Key West north past Charlotte Harbor.  » Read more

Happy Birthday, Andy!

 

It’s kinda hard to blow out candles behind masks these days, but that doesn’t damper our enthusiasm in wishing Andy the warmest of birthday wishes today!

To say his staff knows him well would be an understatement.  Lisa made a spectacular “Bloody Brownie” tour de force for Andy’s special day, as she knew he would enjoy the layers upon layers of chocolate-chip cookie dough,  » Read more

Breaking the Record!

Photo of loggehead sea turtle hatchling by Stephanie Plein

 

At least 2020 has been good for one thing:  a record-breaking nesting season for loggerhead sea turtles on Sanibel and Captiva islands.

It’s official!  As of two days ago, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s sea turtle team has documented 659 nests on Sanibel, breaking the previous record number of 649 set in 2017.  » Read more

Stay Strong

The Ocean’s Reach beach on Monday afternoon

with soon-to-intensify Tropical Storm Laura approximately 250 miles south of Sanibel Island

 

Our hearts are with everyone who will be impacted by the rare back-to-back storms in the Gulf of Mexico this week.

Prepare well.  Stay safe.  And you will get through this.

   » Read more

Life Hacks for Floridians

 

Knowledge is power, as they say.

With that in mind, here are a few “life hacks” that could certainly come in handy on your next trip to Florida.

  • For power outages, light the paper wrapper of a crayon and it will burn for up to 30 minutes.  (Big-time parental supervision required.)
  • When the A/C breaks?  Simply place a frozen bottle of water in front of a fan for instant relief.
  •  » Read more

She’s Everywhere!

 

Yes, Amazon’s popular Alexa device can be found in homes and cars, but did you know that now Alexa can also be found in bicycle helmets?

Earlier this year, the Safe-Tec company introduced its new TyrPlus smart bicycle helmet during the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas.

The TyrPlus has integrated Alexa functionality, Bluetooth, front and rear lights, brake lights and turn signals.  » Read more

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