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...
Top 5 Nature Areas Near PalmettoThe cooler weather welcomes more opportunities to get outside and explore all of the wonderful nature areas near Palmetto. So, take your bike out or throw on your hiking shoes, and let's venture through the top five nature areas near Palmetto.1. Emerson Point Reserve 5801 17th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221If you're yearning for panoramic views of Anna Maria Island and Sunshine Skyway Bridge, then Emerson Point Reserve is for you. Serene with family-friendly walking trails and off-road biking trails, this nature area also offers areas to launch your kayak, canoe or paddle board. Stay for the sunset or bring a picnic lunch to complete one unforgettable visit.2. Felts Audubon Preserve4600 24th Ave E, Palmetto, FL 34221Avid bird watchers will be in heaven at the 27 acres of Felts Audobon Preserve. Both educational and a mesmerizing sight, the preserve's bird viewing room is perfect for the whole family. Take a couple hours to truly enjoy all that's offered at this relaxing...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Top Things to Do in Bradenton, FLFlorida’s Bradenton area is popular amongst older travelers, but the city has much to offer young adults, especially golfers. Next time you’re planning a golf getaway with your friends, consider a trip to the Gulf Coast. Here are some of our top things to do in Bradenton when you are visit Riviera Dunes Marina.Where to stayInstead of splitting a hotel, rent a beach house. The cost is affordable when you divide it among multiple friends, and there are usually several amenities. Anna Maria Island has gorgeous white-sand beaches and clear, blue water. Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach are great options, too.AirBnB has a large presence in the area, so that’s a fantastic place to start your search. Rental services, like Island Real Estate, can also help you find lodging.Where to playBradenton has many golf courses to choose from, but IMG Academy Golf Club is a unique option. IMG is a world-renowned boarding school and...
