Treasure Coast Trivia

MindFul plaCeS

aguide to SerenitY on tHe treaSure CoaSt

You Can't Beat Home Sweet Home

No matter how far away you roam, If you want to be happy in a million ways, For the holidays,You can't beat home, sweet home. The older I get, the more these lyrics hit home (pun intended). I’m relatively certain that Perry Como wasn’t envisioning 80º days filled with sunshine, sundresses, and flip-flops when he penned There’s No Place Like Home for The Holidays but, for me, that’s what comes to mind when I hear this song leading up to the holidays. For the ten years I lived elsewhere, I often found myself blissfully daydreaming of Christmas Eve walks on the beach and New Years’ kisses in the crisp (but not cold) air under the midnight moon. Enough so that when I heard this song for what would turn out to be my last holiday season outside of Florida, I vowed to always be grateful for the option to wear shorts on Christmas Day when I did return home to the Treasure Coast.

bY SHeana FirtH, loCal guide

This year, I will celebrate our very special kind of winter season with a mindful spirit; giving kind consideration to what makes the Florida holiday season exceptional. While others sing about a White Christmas, I hope you join me in celebrating our sandy, sunny yuletide by taking a stroll on one of our world-renowned beaches. I personally love Turtle Trail located off of A1A just north of John’s Island. There’s just something about walking through the seagrape canopy as the evening air turns thin and cool only for the view to open up to a spectacular image of the Atlantic Ocean and flocks of birds flying, enjoying their winters here too, no doubt. Take the time to remove your flip-flops and sink your bare feet into the cool, damp sand. As someone who truly missed this for a number of years, I relish the feeling of the sand around my toes. This winter, I will think to myself how silly I was for ever leaving this paradise and about all those years I didn’t feel the beach on my soles (and in my soul) during the colder months, and I will rejoice for just how lucky I am to be here….now… again…feet in the sand on Christmas Eve.

Turtle Trail Beach Access is located at 8102 N. Highway A1A in Vero Beach. Locals like to keep this place a secret so shhh… don’t tell anyone! There are no lifeguards, bathrooms, or other amenities. There is only a small parking lot, so this beach is quiet and secluded.

wildliFe guide

ManateeS

Manatees, often called sea cows, are peaceful, lumbering ocean creatures that are always a treat to see. These gentle giants are vegetarians and love warm water. Manatees are protected and need our care for survival. Look but don’t touch. Never feed or approach them. Boaters must take extra care. The most common cause of injury to manatees comes from boat propellers. When fishing, reel in your line when a manatee is near. Find out more about these wonderful creatures at the The Manatee Observation & Education Center in Fort Pierce and enjoy their observation area. Round Island Park in Vero Beach and Sebastian Inlet State Park in Sebastian are also great places to spot manatees.

dolpHinS

Florida is home to several species of dolphins, and the most common is the bottlenose dolphin. Adults are typically six to 12 feet and their young may be less than a foot long. Dolphins give live birth in the spring and summer months and it is not uncommon to see the babies swimming closely alongside their mothers in the Indian River Lagoon. Dolphin calves nurse for up to 24 months and usually stay with their mothers for an average of three years. Dolphins live both inshore and offshore so they can be observed almost anywhere along the beach and the Indian River Lagoon but there are an estimated 300 resident bottlenose dolphins that live in the lagoon year-round. It is always a thrill to see them frolicking and fishing in our waters.

Sea turtleS

The Treasure Coast and surrounding beaches make up the largest and most significant sea turtle nesting sites in the country. Leatherback turtles are the first to arrive in early spring with Loggerheads following in April through July, and green turtles in late May through October. Sea turtles lay and bury their eggs on our beaches at night. After about two months, the hatchlings, as a group, make their way to the water’s edge following the light of the moon. Various groups offer beach walks to safely and legally observe nesting turtles. During hatchling season, the public can attend “turtle digs” where hatched nests are examined and documented by local experts. Sea turtles are protected and some are endangered so it is illegal to harass or interfere in any way with nests, nesting turtles or hatchlings. Turn off all beach facing lights during hatchling season so the little ones don’t get disoriented as they make their way to the ocean. Never approach a nesting female and please, leave nothing on the beach except your footprints.

Florida’s warm climate and lush landscape is home to an abundance oF wildliFe that you won’t want to miss. on land and in the water, you’ll be amazed at what you can observe in a single day on the treasure coast. learn more about some oF the Fascinating creatures that call vero beach, sebastian and Fort pierce home!

Florida pantHerS

Florida panthers are large, light brown cats with a white muzzle, belly and chest. Their tails, ears and snout have black markings. While they are a unique subspecies of Puma concolor (also known as mountain lion, cougar, or puma), you’ll know the Florida Panther by its unique crooked tale and patch of fur on its back. Although most panthers are found south of Lake Okeechobee, they have been documented throughout the state. Florida Panthers are critically endangered and are the last of their subspecies still surviving in the eastern United States. Today there are less than 200 left in the wild. If you see a Florida panther, keep your distance and don’t harass, but be sure to report the sighting to 1-888-404-FWCC.

bobCatS

Are you one of the many that happened to catch the viral photo of the bobcat dragging a shark out of the surf in Vero Beach in 2015? Bobcats are alive and well on the Treasure Coast and widely distributed throughout Florida in deep forest, swamps, and hammock land. The bobcat is about twice the size of a domestic cat and has long legs, large paws and a short, or bobbed, tail. Bobcat sightings are often mistaken for panthers as they are the only other predatory “big cats” native to Florida. Though they are abundant, bobcats are stealthy and secretive so catching a glimpse of these beautiful animals is a rare gift.

alligatorS

Florida is famous for many things, not the least of which is an abundant American Alligator population. Alligator observation opportunities are some of the most sought after experiences by visitors and residents alike. Treasure Coast populations reside mostly in fresh bodies of water and marsh areas, and the safest way to see them is with a licensed tour operator. We respect and appreciate our alligators. They are an important part of the Florida’s environment and play a valuable role in the ecology of our wetlands. Alligators are apex predators that help keep other aquatic animal populations in balance, so coexistence is essential. But they are dangerous animals and, while serious injuries to humans are rare, it is wise to use extreme caution in their presence. Never approach or feed an alligator under any circumstances. Swim only in designated areas and be sure to keep pets on a leash around fresh and brackish waters. Volume 26 • Issue 4 Volume 26 • Issue 4

i Saw it! ☑

Florida's Treasure Coast is home to a multitude of bird species and part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Birding is fun! Use this handy checklist to learn about and keep track of birds that you are certain to see while exploring the area.

American White Pelican

These migratory, all white pelicans, are twice the size of their brown cousins and breathtaking to behold. They are often referred to as the “original snowbirds” for their snow-white color and seasonal arrivals and departures. See them in large groups along the lagoon waterfront in Sebastian during the winter months.

Snail Kite

This medium-sized bird of prey feeds almost exclusively on apple snails and, in the U.S., is found only in Florida. The species is locally endangered due to prolonged drought which affects its primary food source. Lucky observers may get a glimpse at inland marshlands and lakes.

Wood Stork

This hefty wading bird sports a football shaped body, scaly featherless head and long curved bill that are dead giveaways to its Jurassic ancestry. Their plumage is mostly white with black tail and wing feathers. They roost in trees and hang out around brackish wetlands, ponds and lakes.

Great Blue Heron

The largest of the North American Herons. At an average of four feet tall with a wingspan of around six feet, they are magnificent to see in flight. Named for their blue-gray plumage they have yellow bills and black head feathers. They adapt to both salt and freshwater environments and are abundant along the Indian River Lagoon. www.InsideTrackAlmanac.com

Florida is home to two species of these enormous cranes which stand around four feet tall. The Greater visits from the north in the winter and the Lesser is a year-round resident. Almost always seen in pairs, they are gray in color with dark red crowns. Residents stick mostly around freshwater ponds and lakes.

Osprey

These large raptors can look like juvenile bald eagles with their white bellies and variegated brown underwings. They're actually a hawk found around salt water and feed primarily on fish which can commonly be seen clutched in their talons. Their nests are big stick structures often built on poles, channel markers and dead trees over open water.

Florida Scrub-Jay

Endangered, it’s the only species of bird endemic to the state of Florida. There are only about 4,000 individuals left due to habitat loss. Scrub-jays exist in unique patches of Florida scrub that have been destroyed by development. Scrub-jays are cooperative breeders, meaning offspring receive care from their parents and other group members.

Magnificent Frigate Bird

These enormous seabirds have forked tails and soar effortlessly, rarely flapping their wings. They are distinguished as winged pirates for their feeding behavior. Instead of diving for fish, they skim the surface and grab prey but they also practice “kleptoparasitism,” meaning that they steal prey from other birds mid-flight!

For More inForMation about birding and loCal wildliFe we reCoMMend:

Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail: A guide to the network of 510 premier wildlife viewing sites across the state of Florida. www.floridabirdingtrail.com Audubon: Whether you're a beginner looking through your first pair of binoculars or an experienced birder in search of identification tips, it’s all there. www.audubon.org Pelican Island Audubon Society: A local organization providing classes, field trips and educational programs. www.pelicanislandaudubon.org Pelican Island Preservation Society: Another local organization dedicated to the preservation of Pelican Island, the nation’s first National Wildlife Refuge. www.firstrefuge.org

beaCHeS oF tHe treaSure CoaSt

Plan your perfect beach day on the Treasure Coast.

Sebastian Inlet State Park

9700 S. Hwy A1A, Melbourne Beach, 32951 World-class surfing and fishing, multiple piers and two museums

Ambersands Beach Park

12566 N. Hwy A1A, VB, 32963 Part of Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge Significant sea turtle nesting area

Treasure Shores Park

11300 N. Hwy A1A, VB, 32963 Known for beautiful sand dunes and pirate ship playground

Golden Sands Park

10350 N. Hwy A1A, VB, 32963 Wide long stretches of natural beach, nesting sea turtles

Wabasso Beach

1808 Wabasso Beach Rd, VB, 32963 A favorite for surfers, plus a near-shore reef and Spanish shipwreck attracting snorkelers and treasure hunters

Sea Grape Trail

3802 S. Hwy A1A, VB, 32963 Secluded and peaceful • Also considered a treasure hunting hot spot

Turtle Trail Beach Access

8102 N. Hwy A1A,VB, 32963 Quiet and natural, feels like a private beach Popular for sunbathers and shell hunters

Tracking Station Park

11300 North A1A, VB, 32963 Surfing hot spot, wide flat beaches and Vero’s most photographed pier

Jaycee Park

5205 Ocean Dr., VB, 32963 A great family beach • Boardwalk, covered pavilions and large picnic park with a playground

Sexton Plaza

1050 Beachland Blvd, VB, 32963 Beautiful sunrises and lots of action • Located in the heart of Vero’s shopping and dining district

Humiston Park

Ocean Drive & Easter Lily Lane, VB, 32963 Great for kids with a large modern playground, shopping and dining and boardwalk

City Key: Fort Pierce: FP, Vero Beach: VB, Jensen Beach: JB

Parking Restaurant Picnic Area

South Beach Park

1704 Ocean Dr, VB, 32963 Wide flat expansive beaches with volley ball courts • Restroom pavilion has drink vending machines

Round Island

2200 S. Hwy A1A, VB, 32963 Features an oceanside and lagoon side park with excellent manatee viewing opportunities

Avalon State Park

N. Hwy A1A, FP, 34949 (1.7 miles South of Round Island) Unique undeveloped stretch of natural beach with excellent surf fishing • Nesting area for Leatherback turtles

Pepper Park Beach

3302 N. SR A1A, FP, 34949 Roomy beach with near-shore reefs perfect for snorkeling • Located in front of the UDT Navy Seal Museum.

Ft. Pierce Inlet State Park

905 Shorewinds Dr, FP, 34949 Fully loaded beach park includes hiking trails, observation tower and sparkling turquoise waters

Jaycee Park

Melaleuca Dr, FP, FL 34949 Popular lagoon side park with tons of amenities, volleyball, splash pad & pavilions with electricity

South Beach

900 Atlantic 1 Avenue, FP 34949 Popular wide flat beach

Frederick Douglass Beach Park

3800 S Ocean Dr, FP 34949 Horseback riding tours

Dollman Park Beach

9200 South Ocean Drive, JB 34957 143-acres of secluded sand, surf, and great fishing

Walton Rocks

6700 S Ocean Dr, JB, FL 34957 The only off-leash dog friendly beach

Waveland Beach

10350 S. Ocean Dr., JB 34957 Hotels, shops & dining within walking distance

Jensen Beach Park

4191 NE Ocean Blvd, JB, FL 34957 Rich in amenities, one of the most popular surfing spots in Florida

Jensen Beach Causeway Park

NE Causeway Blvd, JB, FL 34957 Under the Jensen causeway, a favorite lagoon side spot for boating & fishing