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Florida has gotten quite a bit of publicity about shark attacks lately but it hasnt kept us locals out of the water. Shark attacks are VERY rare in Florida and more rare when you realize just how many people are playing in their depths.
Most of the shark attacks in Florida have been on tourist who dont obey or know the rules us locals follow.
Here are the rules of the water us locals follow:
First of all - do NOT swim in the ocean at dusk or dawn, this is when sharks feed
Second - AVOID the sand bars since this is where sharks hang out. If the first sand bar is close to shore its normally OK. The second sand bar is especially dangers for sharks and rip tides often hide behind them.
Florida beaches normally have two sand bars they are located underwater and parallel the beach. These can be spotted from the beach. They are the lighter and shallower areas.
The area by the second sand bar is the area where you are most likely to be attacked by sharks - this is the sharks home territory in an area most swimmers do not go. While the chances of getting attacked are rare here. Why take the chance?
Third - Use caution when swimming in cloudily water
Fourth - Don't swim while bleeding. If you get cut in the water for some reason leave the water
Fifth - Splashing around like crazy can attract sharks if your in shark prone water (sharks can mistake the splashing for a wounded fish and come to investigate)
Sixth - If someone is chumming the water (dropping fish parts and blood into the water) they are trying to attract sharks - get out of the water immediately
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Great white sharks which are responsible for most shark attacks in the world are VERY RARE in Florida. Most shark attacks in Florida are from the Tiger and Bull Sharks, these smaller sharks do not consider humans as pray are thought to bite when they mistake us for other food sources.
If you are attacked hit the shark in its most sensitive area the eyes or nose and he will release you. Leave a Comment
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I would recommend avoiding walking through long grasses in Florida.
Reason 1 - CHIGGERS
Chiggers are little red bugs found in grass that dig into your skin. Their itch is ten times that of misquotes.
If you manage to get chiggers go to the drug store and buy clear nail polish place the nail polish on the red welts
Reason 2 - Ticks
Our ticks have Limes Disease now so need to be avoided at all costs
Reason 3 - Snakes
Our short lawn type of grasses often have "Fire ants" these ants sting like heck so most Floridians don't sit in the grass and take caution when walking through grass in their bare feet. I actually even avoid grasses that are fire ant free since the only way yards are fire ant free is by using LOTS of insecticides! Leave a Comment
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 by LoriPori
DOG WASTE IS A THREAT TO THE
HEALTH OF OUR CHILDREN -
DEGRADES OUR TOWN -
TRANSMITS DISEASE -
LEASH - CURB AND CLEAN UP
AFTER YOUR DOG
IT'S REQUIRED BY LAW!
$75.00 FINE BY ORDER OF
CITY OF
BRADENTON BEACH Leave a Comment
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 by tampa_shawn
Rip tides can take you out further out into the ocean and keep even the strongest swimmer away from the shore.
About 20 years ago a friend and I got caught in them and we were lucky to get out alive. So be careful. The best way to avoid rip tide conditions is not to swim when warning flags are yellow or red (see my other tip that tells what are warning flags mean)
If you get caught in a rip tide the trick is to not try to beat it, instead stay calm and float when needed, and/or swim parallel to the shore. With this plan the tide will eventually bring you into shore or stop fighting you so you can easily swim in. Leave a Comment
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 by tampa_shawn
The locals try to avoid being outside this time of the day. If you must be outside cover up and wear light colors and of course WEAR INSECT REPLENT!
Light colors have been proven to attract less bugs but wearing them won?t help much. I choose to wear insect repellent with DEET.
The West Nile Virus has been found in Florida and is deadly. The virus is relatively rare but why take the chance. Leave a Comment
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If you are renting a boat or a jet ski be sure to find out the local regulations and that your boat is equipped with the basic life preservers etc.
The coast guard is vigilant here and will fine you for violating any regulations. Anytime the coast guard stops you they will do a safety check to make sure you have the required supplies. i.e. life vests, flairs, anchor etc....
Be careful not to speed in no wake or manatee zones. These zones are guarded closely and the fines are heavy. We want to protect our natural resources and our presious manatee
and just a note Drinking and Driving a boat in Florida is a CRIME Leave a Comment
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The sun in Florida can be quite intense especially when you are on the water
sunglasses used on the beach or water need to be polarized to avoid burning the cornea
If your spending anytime here especially on or in the water I would actually recommend investing the money and get a good pair of POLARIZED sunglasses. Knock-offs sold on the side of the road do NOT offer the same protection and many of the big expensive brands of sunglasses are actually not polarized. If you?re in doubt ask.
I normally opt for fishing and sailing sunglass brands since they are known for good protection. One way to check to make sure the sunglasses are polarized is if you put two pairs of sunglasses together and rotate one pair over the others. If they are polarized when the pairs are perpendicular they will turn an opaque black (wont be able to see through them) Leave a Comment
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 Can you do this? If not,
Joyland is not for you. by sarahjayn
I am telling you right now with all the seriousness of an enema: unless you know how to rope cattle or you have a natural pension for chew, DON'T GO TO JOYLAND. You are not welcome. Cowboys only - tourists and curious locals who aren't really part of the scene are advised to stay away.
I'm not saying that it's some scene from Deliverance or anything (though I didn't really stay that long), but I can say that unkind words and perhaps regrettable actions may be exchanged.
Trust me . . . I know. Leave a Comment Phone: (941) 756-6060Other Contact: 2505 Manatee Ave. Sarasota, FL
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 by tampa_shawn
1) drink plenty of water
2) wear sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30
3) wear a hat and sunglasses
4) sunglasses used on the beach or water need to be polarized to avoid burning the cornea
5) pay special attention to sunscreen and the effects of heat on children ? many locals put t-shirts over their children?s swim suits Leave a Comment
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 students who won't be run over
. . . today by sarahjaynLeave a Comment
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