“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...
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World’s Luckiest Fishing Village

World’s Luckiest Fishing Village

Destin, also referred to as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," has the largest commercial fishing fleet in the country, the most types of fish in the local area, and direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. Any nautical map will demonstrate that Destin stands out from neighboring ports due to its rapid and simple access to the deepest parts of the Gulf. Since different fish species inhabit different depths, fishermen may easily access all fishable water depths, which contain 20 different species of edible game fish. Snapper fish, such as gray snapper, lane snapper, mutton snapper, and red snapper, are among the most often discovered species. The red snapper is widely sought-after by fishermen because of its vivid scarlet color and greater size. Off the coast of Destin, a massive 46 pounds and 8 ounce red snapper that was the biggest ever taken in Florida was landed. Grouper is yet another fish that is regularly caught with a reel. Similar to snapper, there...
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Take a Hike: 3 Trails and Parks to Explore Around Bradenton

Take a Hike: 3 Trails and Parks to Explore Around Bradenton

We’ve heard the rumors (mostly from kids) that “summer’s already almost over,” but we’re not sure we believe them. If you don’t either, you know there’s still plenty of time to get outside, stretch, and take a long walk down a trail or through a local park. We’ve listed a few local hikes below to give your perfect summer day a perfect destination. LAKE MANATEE STATE PARK 20007 FL-64, Bradenton, FL 34212 With three separate trails making up the Main Park Trails, totaling just under three miles, there’s plenty of room to spread out at this state park, with excellent views of the prairie, a nearby lakefront to walk, and even bicycle and canoe rentals. Looking for an overnight outing? The park also offers camping, fishing, and a separate area for boat put-in. ROBINSON PRESERVE 1704 99th St NW, Bradenton, FL 34209 Looking for something a little longer? Robinson Preserve is a county-managed former farmland that’s undergone restoration to include over 8 miles of walking and...
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‘Tis The Season for Fireworks

‘Tis The Season for Fireworks

Happy 4th of July, boaters! With the long holiday weekend right in front of us, we wanted to give you a heads-up and a roundup of some of the best fireworks displays around the marina, and how to catch them. The Bradenton Marauders’ Independence Day Celebration Sunday, July 3 | 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. Maybe you can’t stay for the holiday itself, or maybe you just want to catch a baseball game while you’re here. On Sunday, the Bradenton Marauders host the Tampa Tarpons for their annual Independence Day game, with all the fun of the regular season plus souvenir T-shirts for the first 1,500 guests through the gate and a post-game fireworks show. Check the Marauders’ website for tickets and availability. Red, White, and Boom at The Bishop Monday, July 4 | 6 - 10 p.m. This year, the Bishop Museum is hosting a family-friendly, all-ages event with some of the best views of the Manatee River you’ll find. You’ll have plenty of room to...
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Best Boating in Florida

Best Boating in Florida

Florida, also known as “the sunshine state,” is often thought of as the boating capital of the world. This makes perfect sense because of the sunshine and plenty of access to water.  There are many amazing and beautiful spots for boating in Florida, but these are some of the most gorgeous and  highly-rated locations: Florida Keys The Florida Keys offers variety and a sense of paradise for boaters. It consists of several beautiful islands with off-shore and in-shore fishing, sandbars, warm, clear water, and multiple reefs for snorkeling and diving. Additionally, the Florida Keys has many dining options to choose from and great diversity within communities.  Charlotte Harbor Charlotte Harbor is almost like a smaller version of the Florida Keys. It boasts tons of islands, beautiful, uncrowded beaches, and is a dream come true for boaters! You’ll also find some iconic places here such as Sanibel Island, Boca Grande, Cabbage Key, North Captiva Island, and Useppa Island. Jupiter/Palm Beach Jupiter/Palm Beach is one of the nicest areas...
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Winter Boat Maintenance Tips

Winter Boat Maintenance Tips

In most parts of the country, boat-owners have to take extensive precautions to protect their vessels through the cold weather months. Winter is officially here and even though boating is a year-round activity in Florida, there are some steps you can take to protect your boat this season. Here are some tips to keep your boat in tip-top shape: Engine Maintenance While Florida’s winter temps are warm enough to be on the water, your boat still may be sitting for an extending period of time if you are traveling or just busy with holiday activities. Any time your boat is going to sit for longer than 6 weeks, it’s a good idea to fog the engine to prevent corrosion. If you are going to use your boat more frequently and choose to skip this step, be sure to start up your boat on a regular basis. Prop Performance Winter is a great time to make sure your propellers are in good shape. Use this...
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Boaters Gift Guide 2021

Boaters Gift Guide 2021

With the holiday season in full-swing, now is the time to finish your shopping for the boat-lover in your life. It can seem like boaters have a never-ending list of gadget needs and you may not know where to start. Here are some ideas that are sure to be a hit! Boat Scuff Erasers by Better Boat In boating, dings and scuffs are bound to happen. What could be better than a magical eraser for your boat? These boat scuff erasers will gently remove marks and dirt without harsh chemicals. Better Boat Boat Erasers Docktail Boat Table This incredible table attaches to your boat via an adjustable rod holder mount and securely holds all your bar needs. It has perfectly-sized spots for cups and bottles and includes a cutting board and snack bowls. Whether you’re at a dockside party or on the sandbar, this is the perfect way to get your party started. The Docktail Boat Table Caddy with All Angle Adjustable Rod Holder Mount Squid Cup...
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Sarasota Memories: How to Take The Perfect Family Portrait

Sarasota Memories: How to Take The Perfect Family Portrait

Sarasota Memories: How to Take The Perfect Family PortraitIf you’ve been searching for tips on how to get the perfect family picture without a professional, look no further! See below for some photography tips to help you get that album-worthy family photo. Timing is Key!Finding the right timing for your family photo is the key for getting the best shot. Sarasota beaches have some of the most pristine sunsets in Florida; but that’s not when you want to take your family portrait. The best time to shoot? The “golden hour” is what you want to aim for; about 45 minutes after sunrise or prior to sunset. There is a very slim window of time when the light will be ideal, so be ready! Location, location, location!Location is another key factor you will want to include in your family photo. A unique location in your background that has a special memory associated with it can make the entire shot! Not sure where to...
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Summer in Sarasota: A Complete Vacation Guide Part 3

Summer in Sarasota: A Complete Vacation Guide Part 3

Summer in Sarasota: A Complete Vacation Guide Part 3There’s no place like Sarasota in the summertime! Seas the day in sunny Sarasota with the hottest events of this August. Read below for the complete guide to a beachin’ vacation!  August EventsVenice Cabaret FestivalJuly 12 - August 25 Enjoy an evening on the town with Venice Theatre’s riveting Cabaret Festival performances this August! Originally opened in 1950, the Venice Theatre is a frequent favorite of Sarasota locals and visitors alike. Recognized as the largest community theatre in the United States, Venice Theatre brings you the 7th annual Cabaret Festival, featuring many different acts from top performers. Shark DaysAugust 4-10 Head over to Mote Marine Aquarium for Shark Days, starting August 4th! This fin-tastic shark frenzy is going to be full of fun activities and family-friendly events. Learn all about Sarasota’s shark population while getting a unique perspective on these jawsome aquatic creatures!Sarasota Slam Fishing TournamentAugust 8-10Get ready for a reel good time at Sarasota Slam...
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Summer in Sarasota: A Complete Vacation Guide Part 2

Summer in Sarasota: A Complete Vacation Guide Part 2

Summer in Sarasota: A Complete Vacation Guide Part 2There’s no place like Sunny Sarasota this summer! Seas the day in Sarasota county with the hottest spots of the season. Read below for a complete guide to your best vacation yet! July EventsSarasota Powerboat Grand PrixJune 29 - July 7Ready, set, go - get ready for the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix! An annual Sarasota favorite, this family-friendly, fun event takes off on June 29th, running through July 7th. Some dates to remember: July 3rd - the festival kickoff at Van Wezel, a spectacular evening of fireworks and more! July 5th - the Boats on Main block party. July 6th - Car show and motorcycle event at Rossiter’s Harley Davidson. July 7th is the highlight of the festival, where you can watch the powerboat races at Lido Beach.  Looking for more places to sit back and watch the fireworks? Check out this guide to Independence Day Fireworks in Sarasota! Art and a Movie at The...
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