“Summer Dog Safety: Keep Your Pooch Cool, Clean, and Cruisin'”

“Summer Dog Safety: Keep Your Pooch Cool, Clean, and Cruisin'”

Ah, summer—a time for sun-soaked adventures, lazy beach days, and quality bonding with our four-legged friends. As the temperature rises, it's important to ensure that our beloved pooches stay safe and comfortable. In this article, we'll dive into two crucial aspects of summer dog safety: beating the heat on marina docks and the importance of picking up after your pet. So, grab your furry companion, and let's embark on a fun-filled and responsible summer together! Dockside Delights: Keeping Your Pup Cool and CarefreePicture this: a sparkling marina, bobbing boats, and your canine companion eager to explore. While marina docks can be a paradise for both humans and dogs, they can also pose some hidden dangers during the scorching summer months. Follow these tips to ensure your pup stays cool, safe, and ready to set sail: a) Paw Protection: Marina docks can absorb and radiate heat, causing discomfort or even burns on your dog's sensitive paw pads. Consider using paw wax or investing...
Read More
The 16th Annual Bayfest on Anna Maria Island

The 16th Annual Bayfest on Anna Maria Island

The 16th Annual Bayfest on Anna Maria IslandDo you have plans for the weekend? Why not head to Bayfest, one of our area's best music, crafts and food festivals of the season!Now that the weather is channeling the crisper, fall temperatures (at least for now), there’s no other place you’ll want to be this Saturday, Oct. 15 than at Bayfest. You don’t want to miss this exciting, annual celebration on our beautiful Anna Maria Island. Now in its 16th year, Bayfest is back to bring you performances, delectable vendors, crafts and even a car show!Important details you’ll want to know before attending:Date and Time: Saturday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.Location: 401 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria Island. This street will be closed for the duration of the festival.Price: FreeWho to HearFeaturing emcee Mike Sales, you’ll also get the treat of hearing from Bradenton’s favorite ensembles. Check out the schedule below.11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — KoKo Ray & The Keepers1–3 p.m. — Whiskey Blind3:30–5...
Read More
Your Hurricane Matthew Checklist

Your Hurricane Matthew Checklist

Your Hurricane Matthew ChecklistHurricane Matthew is well on its way, and you don't want to waste another moment before heading to the store or locating essential items in your home.Many of the local grocery stores have restocked their shelves with extra food, water and other supplies that you'll need once the storm hits Palmetto.Here's a helpful checklist to assist you when preparing for Hurricane Matthew.Food ItemsBottled Water: It's recommended that you have about 20 gallons for a family of four.Food: You'll of course want to get lots of nonperishable canned and dry food items. Consider around 20 cans of chicken, tuna, chili and soup. Peanut butter, bread, cookies, crackers and pet food are other important food items to pick up from the store.Important Items to Locatefirst aid kitcan openermedications for your family members and petsflashlights or battery-operated lanternstoiletriesbatteries (make sure you have a variety of sizes for your flashlights)plastic cutlery and paper bowls and platestrash bagsgallon-sized freezer bags to keep items dryimportant documents (insurance, Social Security cards, driver's licenses, etc.)Other Important...
Read More
Snook Harvest Season has Began

Snook Harvest Season has Began

Snook Harvest Season has BeganDid you know it’s snook harvest season? The recreational harvest season began statewide on Sept. 1 and will continue through the beginning of December.While there are an abundance of unique fish here in Florida, snook is another reason why the state is known as the “Fishing Capital of the World.”Due to a 2010 cold kill, gulf snook numbers significantly dropped, but now their numbers meet Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or FWC goals. So, anglers, when you do take advantage of snook harvest season, please handle these fish with care and use moderation when harvesting; the FWC is still trying to reach the population numbers before the cold kill.Important Information For Snook Harvest SeasonYou must have a snook permit and a recreational saltwater license (unless the angler is exempt from the license).The daily bag limit is one fish per person.No snagging. Snook can only be harvested with hook and line gear.When harvesting from the Atlantic, the minimum...
Read More
New Florida Law Allows Transportation of Bahamas’ Fish

New Florida Law Allows Transportation of Bahamas’ Fish

New Florida Law Allows Transportation of Bahamas' FishWill you be fishing in the Bahamas soon? A new Florida law now allows fisherman to bring their fresh catches back from the Bahamas via boat while in Florida waters.The fishing exception went into effect on Sept. 13, 2016. Anglers can now retrieve dolphin, reef fish and wahoo caught in Bahama waters. The new regulation only applies to fish transported via water, not those by air. Here are some important things to keep in mind when retrieving fish from Bahama via water:Do not remove skin from the filet. This way, law enforcement will be able to identify the fish.Anglers must continue to adhere to Atlantic federal bag and vessel limits.When considering bag limits, two filets are the equivalent of one fish. Anglers must have valid Bahamian cruising and sport-fishing permits.Each passenger aboard the vessel must have a valid government passport with the latest Bahamian stamps and travel dates. Vessel travel must be continual when voyaging through state waters and equipment...
Read More
Fall Events Near Bradenton

Fall Events Near Bradenton

Summer may be coming to a close, but that doesn't mean the fun stops in Bradenton! It’s no secret that we’re lucky to have beautiful beaches and exquisite dining year-round. But did you know you’re right in the middle of some of the most exciting and unique fall events in the country? The fall season welcomes a wealth of events that you do not want to miss—and it’s all happening here in Bradenton.Nov. 11–20: ArtsHOPNow in its 10th year, join in for two weekends filled with art, music by the Island Players, local culture and more! Make sure to experience one of the three artwalks where you can peruse unique pieces of art made right here in Florida. Here are the locations of the three artwalks:Friday, Nov. 11—Holmes BeachSunday, Nov. 13—Bradenton BeachFriday, Nov. 18—Anna MariaLearn more here. Nov. 12: Symphony on the SandDig your toes into the Coquina Beach sand, and feast your ears on the lovely arrangements of the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus...
Read More
5 Seafood Gems to Harvest From Your Palmetto Boat

5 Seafood Gems to Harvest From Your Palmetto Boat

5 Seafood Gems to Harvest From Your Palmetto BoatBoth a thrill to catch and a delicacy at our tables, fresh seafood is one of life’s greatest pleasures. There are several seafood gems you can harvest very easily. All you need is your Palmetto boat and access to a coast, and you have that right here in beautiful Palmetto!Here are 5 seafood gems to harvest from your boat:LobstersWhile lobsters love to hide, you can spot them if you know what to look for—just keep your eyes peeled for their long antennae!Keep in mind that each lobster must have a minimum 3-inch-long carapace, which verifies they’ve reproduced for at least one season. Make sure to check the lobster’s underbelly for a bright orange sac; this means the lobster is pregnant and off limits.Once you catch a legal lobster, preserve it on ice or in a livewell. Fresh water will drown them.Harvest Time: A mini season on the final consecutive Wednesday and Thursday...
Read More
Florida Hotel Named on Forbes’ 7 Dreamy Seaside Inns

Florida Hotel Named on Forbes’ 7 Dreamy Seaside Inns

Florida Hotel Named on Forbes’ 7 Dreamy Seaside InnsLooking to end your summer with a bang? Just a daytrip away from Palmetto is a Florida hotel named on Forbes’ list of 7 Dreamy Seaside Inns. Royal Blues Hotel, located in Deerfield Beach, opened just two years ago, and the artsy, seaside retreat is already making a name for itself. Small-scale, yet luxurious, the Mediterranean-inspired hotel features 12 rooms with private terraces and ocean views. Peruse their art collection throughout the hotel and an aquarium located in the ceiling of their own restaurant. Of course, there’s something to be said about the glistening sandy beaches stretching for miles making for one glorious retreat to end your summer.The other six seaside inns featured on Forbes’ list are Post Ranch Inn and Shutters on the Beach in California, Hotel Esencia in Mexico, Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort in British Columbia, Castle Hill Inn in Rhode Island and Tides Beach Club in Maine.When you’re ready to...
Read More

Is Your Palmetto Boat At Risk Under a New Florida Law?

Is Your Palmetto Boat At Risk Under a New Florida Law?A new Florida law took effect in July in order to assist county and local officials as well as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission with maintaining Florida waterways. If Palmetto boat owners’ vessels meet certain unsatisfactory conditions, authorities are now able to issue non-criminal citations to those who allow their boats to become “at risk” of becoming in a state of disrepair.Your vessel is deemed “at risk” if it’s observed in these conditions:Your vessel is taking on or has taken on water without a means to drainYour vessel has spaces that are designed to be enclosed, but instead they are not being sealed off and remaining exposed for an extended period of timeYour vessel has broken loose or appears to be on the verge of breaking loose from its anchorYour vessel has been left unattended or stored aground and is being prevented from getting underway, is tilted from water intrusion...
Read More

Attention Lobster Lovers: 6 Tips for Hunting Season

Attention Lobster Lovers: 6 Tips for Hunting SeasonGrab your nets and tickle sticks Palmetto boaters! August 6 kicked off lobster season, which runs through March 31. Whether you’re new to the sport or an avid lobster hunter, here are some tips for navigating lobster season:1. Know the regulations. Six lobsters can be captured per person, per day during the season. However, depending on the location, there may be designated harvesting times. Make sure to view the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulations for spiny lobsters before beginning your hunt.2. Get equipped. From the novice to the seasoned hunters, all you need is a mask, snorkel, tickle stick, gloves, a net and a cooler.3. Scout out the location. Lobsters can be found among ledges, patch reefs, holes, coral heads and even shallow water just 3 feet deep. Just look for their antennae, and you’ll find them in no time.4. Master your method. Once you spot lobsters’ antennae, be careful not...
Read More