At the Gulf Shore Spring 2024

At the

Gulf Shore YOUR SOURCE FOR LOCAL ART, ENTERTAINMENT & FUN

Manatees or Bears Who’s in Your Neighborhood?

FRESHWATER FISHING Largemouth BASS

Redfish Magic

Anclote Key

More than just kayaking

Selby Gardens

Sarasota’s Living Museum

FLORIDA FRESH Blueberry Farms

SPRING 2024

Spring 2024

ATGS

LOCAL FOCUS

ART SCENE

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At the Gulf Shore

EDITORIAL Publisher

Michele Salvadeo editor@atthegulfshore.com Contributing editors

George Hastick Susan M. Keenan

SOCIAL MEDIA AND ADVERTISING

Ashley Poole marketing@atthegulfshore.com

IMAGES

Photos and art credited to the artist/ company on the corresponding pages.

Other images are copyrighted by “At the Gulf Shore”.

SUBSCRIPTIONS AND FEEDBACK www.atthegulfshore.com

ADVERTISING 352-683-2019

4210 Commercial Way #1044 Spring Hill, FL 34606

© At the Gulf Shore

All material is strictly copyright and all rights are reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of At the Gulf Shore magazine is strictly forbidden.

The greatest care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine at time of going to press, but we accept no responsibility for omissions or errors.

Cover photo by Adobe Stock. Photos not credited on corresponding pages are also Adobe Stock or copyrighted by At the Gulf Shore.

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At the Gulf Shore

U Pick Blueberries

Artist Starsha Barrick

Florida Blueberries are coming soon to a farm near you

Starsha works in resin and mold making creating sea creatures and other interpretations of the seas

Contents

NATURE

HOME TIPS

LIFESTYLE

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Manatees and the Florida Black Bear take the stage for attention

You don’t have to follow all the commercialized advice to transition a room. We have the five ideas to make anything go from drab to fab!

The variety of lakes near the Gulf Shore area offer the opportunity to catch Largemouth Bass

Local Wildlife

Home Updates Made Easy

Editor’s Note

Spring is in the air and we are gearing up to adventure out and enjoy the outdoors. In this issue, we added a focus on local farms and the blueberry season. There are a lot of local farms you can get your fresh produce from and enjoy the “U Pick” way of picking your blueberries, strawberries, and other vegetables. Get out and support these local farmers! They strive everyday to bring us a healthy product. Development is increasing in our area and we need to take a step back and support them. We also need to keep a watch on nature and the animals along the Gulf Shore. Their habitats are getting smaller and we need to learn how to live alongside them.

Spring also means sprucing up the house and looking for new activities. Try some fishing this Spring before the weather gets too hot. Now is the time to book a charter

Florida Bass Fishing

for a nice day on the Gulf or challenge yourself to some freshwater fishing. Bass fishing is a new topic we brought to you so if you haven’t tried it, you may want to check it out and catch one of those monsters! Florida is the “go-to” state for largemouth bass.

I hope you find this Spring Issue educational and a way to kick back and enjoy some light reading. Our featured artists are still a staple in it and keep watching the businesses that support us! We couldn’t have made this magazine possible without them.

Michele Salvadeo Publisher

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y e K e t o l c n A Pasco County’s

T h e Nor t h er n most Bar r ie r Isla nd off t h e G ulf Coast

Anclote Key Preserve State Park is a wonderful

advised to come prepared with flares, first aid

spot for avid kayakers and bird watchers to visit.

kits, and personal flotation devices. They are

Since there isn’t much else on the island, it is

also advised to create a float plan to leave with

important to come prepared!

someone who is not taking the trip to the island

Anclote Key Preserve State Park is one of the northernmost barrier islands. It is located in Tarpon Springs, Pasco County. The park is well known as a sanctuary for endangered and rare species. Boasting gorgeous scenery, the island also boasts the Anclote Key Lighthouse. While tours usually aren’t given, it offers an excellent photographic opportunity.

4

just in case an emergency occurs. Since the island is only three miles long and a mere one quarter of a mile wide, it can easily be explored by kayak.

Beachcombing Anclote Key Preserve State Park boasts a clean, white sand beach on the gulf side. Not only can beachcombers discover quite a few interesting

Boating

seashells on the beach, but if they are lucky,

Boating is the primary activity for visitors to the

they can also see a sand dollar or two. On the

Anclote Key Preserve State Park. All boaters are

south side of the island, beachcombers might be

At the Gulf Shore

5

treated to the sight of a sea turtle or two in the waters right off the shoreline.

Bird Watching Anclote Key Preserve State Park is well known for excellent bird watching opportunities since it is often home to more than three dozen species of birds. It is one of the best sites in the area due to the number of beach-nesting

6

At the Gulf Shore

The piping clover is one of the abundant birds you will find at Anclote Key.

birds who stay here. Although some species are known for wintering on the island, quite often, they can be discovered resting here throughout the year.

Due to the great quantity of birds found nesting on the island, dogs are not permitted at any time except in specified locations on North Anclote Bar or Honeymoon Island.

You can be lucky to find sand dollars at Anclote Key.

Camping Camping facilities at Anclote Key

Visiting

Preserve State Park are primitive

Anclote Key Preserve State

and located at the northern

Park is open all year long. It is

end of the island. Campers will

accessible only by boat. Visitors

need to bring their own tent

may use the ferry service to arrive

and supplies. No fee is charged

at the island or they may travel

to campers, but a phone call is

using their own boat. Anchoring

required for check in. Since spots

off shore is permissible. The

are filled on a first come basis,

ferry service can be accessed at

it is important to arrive early to

Tarpon Spring’s Sponge Docks.

secure a spot. The following information must be given at the time of check in: the number of campers, the registration number for the boat, an emergency contact phone number, and the intended arrival and departure dates for the campers.

Park gates open at 8:00 am and close at sundown. No admittance fees are charged for entrance to this particular park location. All visitors are expected to remove any trash they make with them when they leave.

Susan’s Flags & More Flags for every occasion!

Garden Flags  American Flags  Pins  Stickers 

Seasonal Poles & Accessories Stop in! You won't be disappointed!

826 Dodecanese Blvd.

Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

727-942-7800 7

Blueberries...

Florida’s Best

Fresh Picked Happiness

8

At the Gulf Shore

When people think of the

and have a very short season.

Sunshine State, they think of

Blueberry plants are typically

Disney World, orange groves

planted mid-December through

and the beach. What they do

mid-February and require a “chill

not know is that the state is

time” so that the fruit is exposed

also known for its production

to cooler temperatures. Blueberry

of blueberries! Over the past

plants have flowers that must be

20 years, the state’s blueberry

pollinated to produce the fruit.

industry has grown quickly,

Bees and other pollinators are

with over 5,200 acres of land

vital for the production of this

dedicated to growing these small

delicious fruit.

but mighty berries.

Blueberries are one of the most healthy, simple, and delicious fruit known for a lot of health benefits.

Native Americans were the first to use blueberries for flavoring, dyes and medicinal purposes.

Locally in Hernando, Pasco, and Citrus counties, there are several “Pick-your-own” blueberry farms.

Many of these locations are strictly blueberry farms, providing the best quality blueberries in the

F LOR I DA H A S 5 , 20 0 a cres of b l u eb erry fi el d s

There is an extra step Florida blueberry farmers do for their

BLUE is the

New Fave

region. Florida blueberries are the first to ripen in the country

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7 Blue Facts 1. The blueberry is one of the only foods that is truly naturally blue. The pigment that gives blueberries their distinctive color—called anthocyanin—is the same compound that provides the blueberry’s amazing health benefits.

Florida’s Best

2. Blueberries were called “star-fruits” by North American indigenous peoples because of the five-pointed star shape that is formed at the blossom end of the berry.

3. A single blueberry bush can produce as many as 6,000 blueberries per year.

4. The silvery sheen (or “bloom”) found on the skin of blueberries is a naturally occurring compound that helps protect the fruit. This is why you should only wash blueberries right before you’re going to eat them.

5. Blueberries ranked number one in antioxidant health benefits in a comparison with more than 40 fresh fruits and vegetables.

6. Blueberries should be stored in the refrigerator and will keep fresh for up to 10 days.

7. Consumption of blueberries has been linked to health benefits including a reduced risk of cancer, increased insulin response, a reversal in age-related memory loss, and lowering blood pressure.

Ref: BC Blueberry Council

10 At the Gulf Shore

U-Pick

We-Pick

blueberry fields. Pine mulch is brought in to create the mounds that you see the plants on. Since

Your Local Farm in Spring Hill!

the soil is very sandy here, pine mulch is needed to cultivate

Blueberry Season is here! Blueberries, Sunflowers, Zinnias and More. You Pick & We Pick!

the plants. This addition allows

Green Acres

Florida farmers to produce juicy, delicious berries!

Blueberry Farm

Focus on the health benefits of blueberries has become

Growing for Our Community!

worldwide. Recent studies have

health and gut health.

Blueberries are certified as

County Line Rd. (Hwy 578)

N

Alexson St.

insulin response, cardiovascular

17500 Eldridge Ave. | Spring Hill, FL 34618 Mariner Blvd.

linked benefits to brain health,

U-Pick Farm

Eldridge Ave.

(352)

683-3480

Check our Facebook Page for Hours

www.facebook.com/YouPickBlueberries

www.youpickblueberries.net

heart-healthy by the American Heart Association*.

The health benefits of

Blueberries are filled with cancer-

manganese, and potassium, and

blueberries is extraordinary

fighting flavonoids such as

you get this package at only 80

compared to other fruits.

proanthocyanins, flavan-3-ols,

calories per cup.

Flavonoids are known for

and anthocyanins. They also

Besides lowering blood pressure,

their antioxidant properties.

contain fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K,

blueberries can strengthen your

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Florida’s Best Super Health Benefits Get a boost, add some sweetness 12 At the Gulf Shore

PACKED

with

Vitamins

heart, blast belly fat and help you age well. Now who isn’t interested in that?

They freeze well too and are great on ice cream, yogurt, pancakes and just about anything you want to add them onto for an extra boost of healthy punch. See a couple of the recipes below we are sharing. They’re easy to put together and offer super health benefits.

Recipe: Blueberry Smoothie Toss frozen blueberries, your

Vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and potassium,

favorite milk of choice and yogurt in the blender and you’ll have a thick, creamy, and satisfying Blueberry Smoothie in no time. This is the perfect recipe for starting your day, or to give yourself a boost in the afternoon.

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Nothing like picking your own berries ...

14 At the Gulf Shore

Blueberry Maple Breakfast Bake 1 loaf (14 ounces) egg challah or brioche bread 4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries, divided 8 eggs, beaten 1 1⁄2 cups milk 1⁄4 cup maple syrup 1⁄4 cup melted butter

Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x9x2″ baking dish.

2. Remove crusts from bread; cut into 1-inch cubes.

3. Cut cream cheese into small cubes.

4. Place half of the bread cubes into the prepared baking dish.

5. Scatter cream cheese cubes and 1 cup of blueberries over the bread. Top with remaining bread cubes and blueberries.

6. In a bowl, combine eggs, milk, maple syrup and butter. Carefully pour over the bread mixture.

7. Bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, about 1 hour, covering with aluminum foil if edges brown too much.

8. To serve, cut in squares and top with additional maple syrup, if desired.

Recipes from https://blueberry.org/

HEART HEALTHY Brain health, insulin response, cardiovascular health and gut health

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Redfish Magic

Spring is a great time to fish in the gulf especially if the water temperatures warm up, like it typically does in spring. Usually this will spark the bait to show up in numbers on the flats and where there is bait, predator fish are not too far behind.

With that being said, you will still have your wintertime fish around like sheepshead and trout that can still be caught, but snook and redfish will come alive with redfish taking center stage.

If we have the normal weather patterns that we usually get in March, the schools of redfish will move onto the flats and work the mangrove tree lines and oyster bars. Shrimp, scaled sardines, pinfish, finger mullet and cut bait such as the previously mentioned along with ladyfish, threadfin herring and any other bait fish that is oily that produces scent in the water.

If you are into the artificial style of fishing nothing beats seeing

Wintertime fish are still around like sheepshead and trout which are still active.

But snook and redfish will come alive with redfish taking center stage.

a redfish get its head half out of the water to inhale a top-water lure. One of my favorites is the MirrOlure’s Pro Dog in the finger mullet skin series CS85MR or for a

16 At the Gulf Shore

smaller top water presentation the

Fishing the Gulf Shore St. Petersburg

17

when using top-water lures you see the exact time they strike the lure, and a knee jerk reaction can sometimes lead to pulling the lure back out of the fish’s mouth. Some Pro-Cure scent gel added to the lure can get fish to hold that lure a little longer to give you mirromullet CS16MR is a great choice.

a longer window of opportunity for a better

You may miss some strikes from the

hook set. For these lures I like Pro-Cures

redfish with the top-water lure since its

mullet or the inshore super gel bait scents.

mouth is geared for bottom feeding.

One of the things you can do for any fish striking a top-water lure is to wait a second when you see the strike before setting the hook. This gives the fish time to get a good grip on the lure before you set the hook, but you can’t wait too long, or they will spit the lure out once they figure out it’s not real.

Typically, when not using top-water lures the fish has had the bait for a second or two before you set the hook,

18 At the Gulf Shore

If you like soft plastics a 1/8-1/4oz jig head with a

come up and they will move with the tide towards

Saltwater Assassin Lil P&V or the 4” Sea Shad in

the mangrove tree lines or oyster mounds to feed.

New penny, 10W40 w/LT tail or Texas roach colors

If you can find an area holding good grass with

to name a few good colors and don’t forget to add a

sand holes with a mangrove tree line that also has

little Pro-Cure.

an oyster mound that is like staking three redfish

On low tides, there can be large holes or edges of grass flats that the redfish will wait for the tide to

magnets in one place.

Use your trolling motor on medium to low since redfish can spook easily. Try to get there, set up, and let the reds come to you. If you see a redfish school do not chase them, it will shut the bite off.

The key is getting into casting distance without spooking them but if you do it usually only takes about 15-20 minutes for them to settle down, unless you spooked them out of the area. So be stealthy and reap the rewards.

Good luck and tight lines, Capt. George Hastick www.fishtampa.com

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5

Simple Home Decor Tips

This is a world where Joanna Gaines is the queen of the home decor market and a simple scented candle costs upwards of $20.00. To be sure, this makes it frustrating to even bother trying to decorate your home. That’s not even counting all the opinions coming in from the peanut gallery. It seems that everyone has opinions to offer home decor choices. Nobody needs that kind of stress in their lives, especially when all you want to do is put out a few cozy throw pillows and a wreath.

In an effort to battle the conflicting social media home decor advice out there, below is a list of easy, budget-friendly home decor tips.

1. Paint, paint, paint.

Let’s address the elephant in the room right off the bat: your paint color. The color of your walls is the most impactful change you can make, and it really isn’t that expensive. All you need is to be willing to put in the work, and you can

20 At the Gulf Shore

DIY this major change in a weekend.

Freshening up the paint job in your house one room at a time makes the job easier as well as breaking the cost down into bite-size pieces.

You don’ t have to s pe nd an e x u b e rant of m o n ey t o

2. The rug situation.

u pdate a room . Pe r s onal tou c he s are w h a t m a ke s

Another high-impact change you

a room fe e l u ni q u e .

can make for as much or as little as you can afford is area rugs. It can be tricky to choose exactly the right rug for your room with so many options available. Keep it simple: the goal of an area rug (aside from feeling nice on the feet) should be to tie all other decor in the room together.

A good rug gives the room a cozy feel and brings out the other colors and items around it. Solid colors are pretty safe if you’re worried about making the wrong choice. Subtle patterns in muted colors are a good option, as well.

3. Small changes Look at the space you want to decorate or freshen up. Is it

Paint can do wonders!

cluttered? Do you have knickknacks, books, lamps, or electronics everywhere? Let’s clean it up and unclutter it! Grandma’s porcelain mouse with the red bow-tie is adorable but does it fit with the look you want? Maybe it should live in another room (or a cozy little box in a closet). Once everything is cleaned up you can add a couple of things back in. After that, you can better choose some new items, especially if you’re going for something seasonal.

4. Let’s talk craft stores.

Where are you going to get those new, seasonal pieces? A great option is to check out craft stores near you such as Joann Fabric and Crafts or Michael’s. Hobby Lobby isn’t a bad choice but can sneak into the pricey category pretty quickly. These places usually offer home decorations at lower prices, as well as the materials to create your own if you’re the crafty type.

But what items should you get? Something a lot of people struggle with

21

22 At the Gulf Shore

is knowing what home decor pieces to buy in the first place. Not all of the items recommended below are needed (or everyone’s cup of tea), but they are a good foundation and can give you a place to start: f Mirrors (place them where they can reflect light to make the space feel bigger) f Baskets (to hold blankets, foliage, etc.) f An attractive lamp (lighting is a huge décor factor) f Wall hangings or paintings (no, you aren’t required to create a whole gallery wall, just choose a couple that you like) f Plants/greenery (avoid real ones if you’re not a good plant parent) f Vintage/antique odds and ends (find these at yard sales, thrift shops, etc. for low prices) 5. Soften it up!

Any room with windows or seating should have a few fabric items.

Curtains, blankets, or cushions are easy to change out with the seasons and can change the feel of a room quickly.

These should be functional as well as pretty, but hey, a fluffy throw blanket that nobody is allowed to unfold is fine too. Whatever you choose, you must

Rugs add that special touch to any room 23

decide if you want them to blend in or pop as accents. These are the items that will make your room feel homey, warm, and inviting.

Home decor can turn into a real pain in the you-know-what in a hurry, but it doesn’t have to. Don’t make it harder by trying to match every single item perfectly or spending months picking a paint color. Your home isn’t being featured in a magazine, and Joanna Gaines isn’t popping in for brunch! Pick things that you enjoy, that mean something to you, and that won’t make you hide the receipts in shame. Keeping your favorite heirlooms and adding something fresh is key to making any room feel refreshed.

24 At the Gulf Shore

Office Locations: Lutz

16506 Pointe Village Dr., Ste. 109

727-605-3808

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Donate Today Our mission statement is: to provide a safe haven, resources and love for animals in need while promoting pet welfare and sterilization to achieve a no-kill society.

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Book your

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(727) 525-1005

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humanerescue.org

25

A Hard Look at

the Gulf Shore

Neighbors

26 At the Gulf Shore

Did you know that in the Gulf, Florida manatees can be found from coastal Louisiana and can be sighted as far west as Texas?

We have manatees literally in our backyards here along the Gulf Shore of Florida and we need to stay educated to keep the area safe for them.

Manatees

Many of our waterways are filled with manatees. These large, aquatic mammals are native to Florida.

They are usually 9-10 feet long and can weigh around 1,000 pounds.

Sometimes, they can mature to over 13 feet long and weigh more than 3,500 pounds! Because they have wrinkled-looking skin, it continually flakes off which causes algae to grow on its tails and backs.

Since manatees are herbivores, it’s important that they have access to their food sources to survive.

Development along the Nature Coast and other nearby areas are showing some significant changes for the manatee that haven’t occurred before. Residents have had a few unstable and even dead manatees wash up along the banks of their riverfront homes.

Most of them have occurred in the Mudd River in Hernando County and the FWC has investigated these incidents. FWC claims that the deaths were from a sudden

27

change in dietary nutrition. If you see any manatee who is sick or injured, you should report it to the FWC’s Wildlife Hotline at 1-888-404-3922.

Governor Ron DeSantis is aware of these incidents and since 2019 has invested over $1.8 billion to help clean up Florida’s waterways. The governor and his team have funded an additional $50 million pledge to help reduce the incidents of death for manatee rates.

There also have been efforts to inform boaters of the manatee population here.

Seventy manatee deaths in the state of Florida were because of watercraft incidents. Manatees require our help to inform boaters. They are beautiful but slow. They are hard to see and blend in well with the water making it difficult to see them. When driving through a canal, which is the typical swimming location for a manatee, you should stay within the wake limits and drive slowly. If we all take a little time to enjoy the surroundings, we can also save the manatee from suffering.

Here are some facts about manatees: Manatees can hear very well despite the absence of external ear lobes.

Manatees have no “biting” teeth, only “grinding” teeth. A manatee’s teeth (all molars) are constantly being replaced. New teeth come in at the back of the jaw and move forward horizontally about a centimeter a month. The front molars eventually fall out and are replaced by the teeth behind them. This tooth replacement is an adaptation to the manatee’s diet as manatees consume plants that often hold sand that can wear down its teeth.

28 At the Gulf Shore

Most of Florida’s Black Bears But sometimes they show

The bones in a manatee’s flipper are similar to a human hand. The jointed “finger-like bones” of the flipper help the manatee move through the water, bring food to its mouth, and hold objects. Three or four nails are found at the end of each flipper and are in line with the “finger-like” bones inside the flipper.

Manatees are quite agile in the water. They can swim upside down, roll, do somersaults or move vertically in the water.

The Florida Black Bear Black bears have recently become a hot topic in Florida. There are about 4,000 black bears in Florida who mostly live in the hardwood forest, but they have been popping up in local neighborhoods, even at the beach in Destin!

They mostly feed on plants and insects but with development increasing, they have been venturing outside of their normal territories.

A bill on killing black bears in self-defense has passed the Florida House and will be making its way to the Senate. Whether the Senate will pass this bill is still in question, but most of what is being discussed is the fact of being able to defend yourself should you have a serious encounter with a black bear. HB 87 is a general bill that would provide an exemption from penalties for killing a bear without permits under certain circumstances.

This bill is described as the “Self-Defense Act”. The bill would exempt people from any administrative, civil, or criminal penalties for killing a bear under certain circumstances.

live in the hardwood forest. up in a swimming pool.

For instance, if an individual believes it is

29

necessary to avoid serious injury or death of themselves, another person, or a pet, then they have the right to kill the bear. Also, if someone has not put themselves in a situation where it was intentional so that they could shoot the bear, it would be another reason that this law would fall into place. July 1, 2024, will be when the law would take place if passed. You also need to notify FWC within 24 hours if you have taken a bear. However, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission claims it is rare for bears to injure people during an encounter.

We should think about these creatures a bit differently. We need to understand them more since we are the ones taking away and inhabiting more of their homeland. Florida needs to be aware of the danger we are putting our wildlife in as it grows in popularity as a place to move to.

Below are some ways to protect yourself should you ever run into a Florida Black Bear. In general, they

30 At the Gulf Shore

“Most Black Bears are quiet people, they usually tell us

are “typically shy and quiet animals” according to FWC. Maybe not a teddy bear, but actually we can scare them off easily. However, if a bear is threatening the safety of humans, pets or livestock, or causing property damage, contact FWC at 1-888-404-3922.

For example, an alligator will open its mouth and hiss, and a rattlesnake rattles its tail.

Bears are wild animals and we must respect their space.

(run toward you and then stop before reaching you). These are all ways the bear is showing you it is as uncomfortable with the situation and it wants YOU to give it some space. These are NOT indications of aggressive intent or an immediate attack. Truly predatory or aggressive black bears are rare and generally silent.

Bears are usually quiet and shy but they do have the potential to kill or seriously harm people. Actually, it is rare for bears to injure people in Florida, but people have been bitten and scratched by bears defending themselves, cubs, or food sources.

When wildlife feels threatened by people, they typically try to tell us to back off in their own way.

If a bear feels threatened, they may clack their teeth together, blow, huff and moan, or stomp the ground. They may bluff charge

If you see a bear from a distance: f Enjoy the experience, but do not

move toward the bear, if your presence changes the bear’s behavior you are too close. f If you encounter a bear at close range: f Remain standing upright f Speak to the bear in a calm, assertive voice f Back up slowly toward a secure area, be sure you are leaving the bear a clear escape route f Avoid direct eye contact - bears and other animals may view this as aggressive behavior f Stop and hold your ground if your movement away seems to irritate instead of calm the bear

and shy. When wildlife feels threatened by 31 in their own way to back off...”

f DO NOT: Make any sudden or abrupt movements f Run - running can trigger a chase instinct and bears can sprint up to 35 mph f Play dead - black bears eat things that play dead or are dead f Climb a tree - black bears can climb 100 feet up a tree in 30 seconds

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has a pledge that we should all follow. Take a minute to think about it. What would happen if there was no wildlife?

As a responsible wildlife watcher, I pledge to: Keep my hands to myself.

Report wildlife that seems sick or abandoned.

f If a black bear attacks you:

Keep my pets home or on a leash.

Lend a hand with trash removal.

Catch the wave and jump on board with At the Gulf Shore magazine!

Scan below to subscribe and support local business!

Keep snacks to yourself.

Lead by example.

References: 1. https://myfwc.com/ 2. https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/wildlife-viewing/ pledge.html

32 At the Gulf Shore

publishes only four times a year.

Our goal is to provide local businesses an avenue to get their business noticed through this publication.

We are a digital publication and a printed publication.

Hang back and enjoy the view.

f Approach or surprise a bear, especially one that may be injured f Fight back aggressively. People have successfully fended off black bear attacks using rocks, sticks, or even their bare hands!

At the Gulf Shore magazine

Have an idea? We want to know.

Send us an email through our website at

www.atthegulfshore.com

FRESH WATER

Bass Fishing

Largemouth bass are one of the most popular game

sensational sport here in the Sunshine State. Hundreds

fish in North America. What differentiates this fish

of lakes produce huge quantities of bass. Because of

from other black bass is the upper jaw that extends

this accomplishment, Florida has earned the title of one

beyond the rear edge of the eye, and the first and

of the best places for bass fishing. The state record for a

second dorsal fins are separated by a dip deep. These

Largemouth Bass is 17.27 lbs.*

bass are abundant in the many lakes and waterways

In Lake Tarpon, you will find some of the largest bass

here inside the Gulf Shore area. Bass fishing is a

in the region. Located about 10 miles west of Tampa,

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6.5 lbs Largemouth Bass caught by Louie Salvadeo at the Harris Chain of Lakes

8 lbs 3 oz. Largemouth Bass caught by Jerry Shack on Lake Tarpon

Lake Tarpon is in Tarpon Springs. This huge lake covers 2,500 acres and peaks to reach almost nine miles long. Because Lake Tarpon is recognized for its trophy-size bass, it also has other native fish to mention such as catfish, crappie, bluegill, blue tilapia, and sunfish. The lake has deep-water holes and gray edges where the bass love to lay. You can get to the lake via boat ramp by entering either of the two county parks, John Chestnut Park or A.L Anderson Park. Because of its location, Lake Tarpon hosts numerous bass tournaments.

A little further north is the Harris Chain of Lakes.

These lakes have a lot of bass and here you 5lbs 3 oz. Largemouth Bass caught by Jerry Shack on Lake Tarpon

34 At the Gulf Shore

Freshwater Largemouth Bass

will also find bluegills, large shad, and golden

Big Cypress Preserve, and Collier-Seminole

shiners. These nine lakes host several bass

State Park. There are some exotic fish there

tournaments and a lot of smaller fishing

like the peacock bass. Quite distinctively,

tournaments. In these lakes, there is a lot of

Oscars have found their way here from Miami!

Kissimmee grass, eelgrass, and lily pads. So, if

Overall, the fishing here is abundant and

you are not sure how to fish this terrain, it can

excellent for year-round largemouth bass,

be a little daunting to learn the techniques.

panfish, and peacock bass. Although, it’s best

Most importantly, it is a grand opportunity to be

to fish during the colder months when they are

challenged by these hefty freshwater monsters

feeding during the spawn.

and learn various ways to hook that bass.

So if you like a challenge, try bass fishing, The

Finally, visit the Golden Gate Canal for trophy

area has many options with a variety of lakes to

bass. This canal is between Naples-Marco

go out and catch that big one! If you visit any of

Island’s beaches, The Everglades National Park,

these lakes, you are likely to catch a bass.

Ref *Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

35

Artist

Starsha Battrick Oddities...Weird is Wonderful www.theslugandkraken.com

A R T I S T

S H O W C A S E

Florida

Although the Pacific Northwest was where she started, Miami resident Starsha Battrick proves her love for the oceans and seas with her eclectic assortment of art. She actually studied anthropology and archaeology but has become an unwavering unique artist. It’s her knowledge of those studies that makes her pieces so

36 At the Gulf Shore

detailed and carefully mastered.

When asked what she specialized in, she easily answered, “I don’t really specialize in any one media. I’m a ‘Jack of All Trades’. I sketch, paint with watercolors, oils, and spray paints. I also photograph underwater, this beautiful land of our country, and sculpt in clay.”

S H O W C A S E

Starsha also works in resin and mold making, which are some of the pieces you see on these pages of sea creatures and the seas. Some of her pieces are so intricate. Other pieces that pop are her Bioluminesce (Glow in the Dark) resins.

A R T I S T

Starsha said that she has worked very hard to become an artist. “It’s not easy to be a little creator, and it took years of working sometimes more than full time at a day job so that I could do art in the evenings.

Eventually, I was able to go parttime. It wasn’t until year 5 that I was able to become a full-time artist!

I am so blessed to have made it,” says Starsha. “You can do it.”

You can find her on Etsy at

www.theslugandkraken.com

37

Botanical

Sarasota County’s

MARIE

SELBY

If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, then you are missing out on one of the most gorgeous places in the area filled with plants, history, and educational resources.

Selby Gardens - Downtown Sarasota Campus, Rainforest Garden, Photo Courtesy of Selby Gardens

Founded in 1971, Marie Selby resided in Sarasota and was an avid gardener. She donated her home and property “for the enjoyment of the general public.” The downtown Sarasota campus is 15 acres and many folks have driven past and do not realize how massive this amazing location is and what it has to offer. The gardens feature a banyan grove, which is nearly a century old that was originally planted by the Selbys. Selby Gardens

Kusama, Tillandsia Tunnel, Photo Chris Lunardi. Courtesy of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

is committed to the study of bromeliads, epiphytic orchids, ferns, gesneriads, and other sultry plants.

There is another campus that was opened in 2020 which is the Historic Spanish Point campus. It has been declared a cultural landmark and is about ten miles from downtown Sarasota. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point is abundant with a heritage of historic structures and serves as one of the largest preserves showcasing native Florida plants.

selby.org 38 At the Gulf Shore

Gardens

selby.org

Currently, you can view “Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia O’Keeffe” until June 30, 2024, at

the downtown Sarasota campus. Yayoi Kusama wrote to Georgia O’Keeffe, whose work she

greatly admired but whom she had never met.

O’Keeffe encouraged Kusama to move to the United States and pursue her career. Kusama

Kusama-Mirage, Photo Chris Lunardi. Courtesy of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

followed through and worked in New York City on her art. The show at Selby Gardens displays how the work of both artists is rooted in nature.

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA CAMPUS 1534 Mound Street Sarasota, FL 34236

941.366.5731

HISTORIC SPANISH POINT CAMPUS 401 North Tamiami Trail Osprey, FL 34229

Kusama, Shear Repetition, Photo Chris Lunardi. Courtesy of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

941.366.5731

w w w . s e l b y. o r g Pops Of Red, Photo Chris Lunardi. Courtesy of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

39

One of the best ways to lose ourselves in the cycle

perform live. For this reason, Tropics Entertainment

of everyday life is to enjoy music. Flavor, a band out

supported Flavor. Attelan called in another amazing

of Miami, is authentic, invigorating, and performs

singer who is also a friend, and great musician to

with an electric style that will have even those of

start a fantastic adventure.

you who don’t dance jump up and join in. Flavor performs in hotels, concert halls, waterfront stages, or unusual venues. But wherever they perform, the energy remains the same.

Flavor’s band members currently reside in Miami and they all come from different parts of the world such as Miami, Ukraine, Cuba, and France. “The band shares many musical tastes, but they certainly

Most of you are familiar with the TV show “The

have different sources of inspiration”, said Attelan.

Voice”. And if you have watched it, you’ve probably

“Personally, I started classical piano at the age of

seen two singers of Flavor on Ariana Grande’s

6 and was then influenced by jazz. I continue to

team. David Attelan, the music producer, decided

play jazz which I particularly like. However, we all

to produce songs for them. With their outstanding

find inspiration in all types of musical genres, and I

talent, it seemed obvious that the band also had to

believe that’s what we do.”

40 At the Gulf Shore

41

All photos courtesy of Tropic Entertainment

Flavor’s strength is that they can interpret any musical style

Flavor’s favorite type of performance is at a venue where

authentically, and with their own energy. They can play a

the dance floor is full, people are happy to listen to them by

ballad from the ‘50s, a hit from the ‘70s, or today’s radio

being touched by the songs that they perform erroneously.

playlists with the same conviction. In fact, they cover all

“Creating a moment out of time, where everyday life is

periods of different musical styles, and so far there have

forgotten and the magic happens” is what they hope to

been no requests that they haven’t been able to meet!

create with every performance. Their love for their work

Their influences all are different since the members have their own sensibilities and musical universes. Still, Flavor

is contagious and those who get to experience Flavor, definitely are in for an unforgettable time!

shares common influences from artists like Ella Fitzgerald,

The best way to book the band Flavor is to contact

Stevie Wonder, and Michael Jackson, to name just a few.

Tropics Entertainment at 305-531-3468 for your

They perform songs from One Republic and other Top 40

exceptionally memorable experience.

as well. Flavor is available for weddings, private parties and currently are recording sessions for production.

42 At the Gulf Shore

instagram.com/flavordjband/

Festivals Around Your Town

Pinellas County March 29 Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival 10:00 AM 1 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater, FL

March 30 - April 2 Tall Ships St. Pete All Day 250 8th Ave SE, St. Petersburg, FL

April 13 Tampa Bay Blues Festival 2024 Check website for time: tampa-bay-blues-festival-2024-stpetersburgvinoy-park 15th Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL

April 20 Mainsail Art Festival 9:00 AM 701 Bayshore Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL

May 2 Florida Orchestra 11:00 AM 400 1st St S, St. Petersburg, FL

May 25 Sunset Music Festival 1:00 PM 1 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL

43

Festivals Around Your Town

Hernando County March 30

April 6 & May 4

Spring Fest | Easter Family Weekend 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Great Life Church 14494 Cortez Blvd, Spring Hill, FL

Hernando Beach Front Porch Art Walk 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Hernando Beach Front Porch Art Walk 3430 Shoal Line Blvd, Hernando Beach, FL

March 31

April 18-21

Outdoor Easter Service 10:00 AM -11:00 AM Whitehead Farms 7136 Cedar Lane, Brooksville, FL

Florida Americana Music Festival 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM Florida Sand Music Ranch in Brooksville, FL

April 3

The Brooksville Bites Nights 13 S Brooksville Ave, Brooksville, FL

Family Outdoor Cooking Program Chinsegut Conservation Center 23212 Lake Lindsey Rd, Brooksville, FL

April 4 Art Wine & Stroll 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Brooksville Main Street 205 E Fort Dade , FL

April 19

April 20 WellCome OM’s 5th Annual Earth Day Celebration 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM WellCome OM Center 4242 Lake in the Woods Dr. Spring Hill, FL

May 4 Cinco de Mayo Weekend Health Expo 10:00 AM 205 E Fort Dade Ave, Brooksville, FL

May 4 Latin 2024 Fest 5:30 PM 1202 Kenlake Ave., Spring Hill, FL

May 18 Toy Train Show & Sale 9:00 -2:00 PM 6436 Broad St, Brooksville, FL

the Shore Gulf Shore 44 At44theAtGulf

Festivals Around Your Town

Pasco County April 6 Pasco Nudie Blues Festival 2024 12:00 PM 13220 Houston Ave, Hudson, FL

April 6 International Food Truck Festival 12:00 PM 2300 Grand Cypress Blvd., Lutz, FL

April 13 The ORIGINAL Tampa Bay Grilled Cheese Festival 2024 12:00 PM 9409 U.S. Hwy 19, Port Richey, FL

April 20 Beer and Burger Festival 12:00 PM 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd, Land O’ Lakes, FL

May 18 Pasco Wellness Fest - Featuring The Reveal Of The Sasquatch Mental Health Trail and Much More 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd New Port Richey, FL

May 25 Girls Can’t Help It 7:00 PM Amphitheatre, Sims Park Port Richey, FL

45 45

Festivals Around Your Town

Sarasota County March 26 Anna Maria Island Heritage Day Festival 10:00 AM 402 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL

April 6 Spirit Fest™ Holistic, Metaphysical, & Crystal Expo 10:00 AM 3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL

April 6 Wild About Nature Festival 11:00 AM : 400 Palmetto Ave, Osprey, FL

April 15 Coquina Beach Crab & Music Festival 12:00 PM 1389 Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach, FL

April 18, May 16, June 20 Ladies Day Out St. Armands Circle Sarasota, FL (Ladies Day Out every third Thursday of every month)

May 4 Taco Fest 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM 1402 14th Ave W, Palmetto, FL

April 20

June 8 & 9

Forks & Corks Food & Wine Festival 12:00 PM 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL

4th Annual Sarasota Spring Craft Fair 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM 1 Central Ave. Sarasota,FL

46 At the Gulf Shore

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47

Have you been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault?

You should know that as of March 24, 2023, rights for accident victims changed dramatically; and not for the better. Some of the important changes that stripped victims of their rights include: STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS Your right to bring a claim has been reduced from 4 years to 2 years.

COMPARATIVE FAULT If you are found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident, you recover nothing, no matter how badly you are injured.

MEDICAL CARE If you have health insurance, you could be limited to treating with those doctors on your plan or risk having to pay big balances.

CALL

Zervos&Calta for a FREE CONSULTATION and make sure your rights are protected!

NEW YORK BRED Angela Zervos, Esq.

NY TOUGH

Lauren Calta, Esq.

727-937-3171 or 352-606-2548

Main Office: TARPON SPRINGS 1266 S. Pinellas Ave.

www.zervosinjurylaw.com

SPRING HILL

437 Mariner Blvd.