Southwest Florida Blog Posts

Easter Happenings Will Soon Be Hopping on the Gulf Coast!

All along the Alabama and Florida Gulf coasts, communities are getting ready to celebrate Easter with live music, egg hunts, bunny visits, and more â and visitors of all ages are welcome to join in! Following is a list of several Gulf Coast Easter events!

Easter Celebrations in Destin and 30 A

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Jellyfish Facts: Safety Tips, Sting First Aid, and Fun Things To Know

Safely exhibited behind the glass of an aquarium, jellyfish, with their fluorescent colors, spots, stripes, and other markings, can be real crowd pleasers. However, a close encounter with a jellyfish in the ocean or on the beach can have painful consequences for vacationers. The good news is that these stinging nuisances, which are found abundantly

Thursday, May 21, 2020

10 Top Things To Do in Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach is the stuff that postcards are made of — a Florida vacation destination that offers picturesque blue waters so clean and clear you can see through to the bottom. But while it is visually stunning and filled with enough natural beauty to make you forget about the rest of the world, there is much more to this key community

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

The Siesta Fiesta Art Festival Offers Unique Creations of Artists from Across the Nation

Immerse yourself in a delightful array of handmade arts and crafts during this year’s Siesta Fiesta Art Festival. The annual block party is scheduled for May 4-5 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in beautiful downtown Sarasota, Florida. The Street Fair setting will be in 5 Points Park and will showcase the unique creations of artists

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Siesta Fiesta Art Festival Celebrates 40 Years With Big Block Party

[caption id="attachment_6590" align="alignleft" width="1728"] Photo by Art John Blum[/caption] Celebrate the end of Siesta Key’s peak season in block-party style with the 40th annual Siesta Fiesta, April 28-29, 2018. The outdoor street fair, which is set up over an entire block at Ocean Boulevard and Beach Road, features more than 200 of the country

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival: Ready, Set, Build Sand Sculptures!

For 10 days, the sugar-white sands of Clearwater Beach will become the raw material for works of art – the incredible sculptures created and displayed during the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival. Eleven of the world’s best sand sculptors will be participating in this year’s festival, scheduled for April 13-22 and themed “Sea America

Monday, February 12, 2018

Visit Tampa Bay Blues Festival, Banish the Lingering Winter Blahs

St. Petersburg, Florida, comes alive with the blues at Vinoy Waterfront Park during the highly acclaimed Tampa Bay Blues Festival. Hailed as one of the world’s finest blues music events, the festival, scheduled this year for April 6-8, packs out the house with three days of legendary sounds from some of the biggest names in blues entertainment

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Celebrate Art at Springfest Festival of Fine Arts and Fine Crafts

Head to the Anna Maria Island Art League’s 30th Annual Springfest Festival of Fine Arts and Fine Crafts and dive into art of all colors, textures, and mediums. Held each year in Holmes Beach, the biggest community on this beautiful barrier island, Springfest brings people of all ages together to share its three biggest attractions – entertainment

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Make a Run for It in the Boca Grande 5K Run and Fun Walk

You know you love to run. And you know you love the beach. So, what are you waiting for? Join the folks at Boca Grande Community Center for an island 5K Run and Fun Walk through the historic town, one of Southwest Florida’s premier spots to take in the sun. Not only is the event held during the area’s most perfect time of the year, but it

Friday, December 8, 2017

Festive Naples, Florida, Cocktail Party Raises Funds “For the Love of Art”

Art connoisseurs know that the love of art comes from the heart, bringing joy and visual engagement. So itâs no wonder that âFor the Love of Art,âÂ  a festive cocktail party/gala organized by the Naples Art Association, is a highly anticipated event that has become as unique as the artistic creativity and artists it showcases. Itâs More Than an Event

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Festive Naples, Florida, Cocktail Party Raises Funds "For the Love of Art"

Art connoisseurs know that the love of art comes from the heart, bringing joy and visual engagement. So it’s no wonder that “For the Love of Art,”  a festive cocktail party/gala organized by the Naples Art Association, is a highly anticipated event that has become as unique as the artistic creativity and artists it showcases.

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

ArtFest Fort Myers â Waterfront Event Is Southwest Floridaâs Premier Art Festival

If you ever need a reason to head to the beach, ArtFest Fort Myers is destined to be one of them. The popular event gives you all the fun and sun you need wrapped in one sweet weekend. Held each February on the cityâs beautiful waterfront, ArtFest features original artwork from more than 200 experienced artists, unique entertainment, and special youth

Friday, November 10, 2017

ArtFest Fort Myers – Waterfront Event Is Southwest Florida’s Premier Art Festival

If you ever need a reason to head to the beach, ArtFest Fort Myers is destined to be one of them. The popular event gives you all the fun and sun you need wrapped in one sweet weekend. Held each February on the city’s beautiful waterfront, ArtFest features original artwork from more than 200 experienced artists, unique entertainment, and special

Friday, November 10, 2017

Venice, Florida Christmas Boat Parade Dazzles Visitors

A church and Christmas tree light up this entry in the Venice, Florida Christmas Boat Parade.   The Intracoastal Waterway will become a sea of floating holiday-light displays on December 2nd during the 35th annual Venice, Florida Christmas Boat Parade. Seasoned boating enthusiasts and novices alike will take to the water for the magical evening

Friday, November 3, 2017

âPapa❠Enthusiasts Pour Into Key West for 2017 Hemingway Days

Hemingway look-alikes get ready to run with the “bulls” outside Sloppy Joe’s Bar. The bar, which dates to the repeal of Prohibition in the 1930s, was a favorite hangout of Hemingway’s. Come one! Come all! Whether youâre a devoted Hemingway fan, a Key West lover, a white-bearded âPapa❠Hemingway look alike, a fisherman, a paddleboard

Friday, May 12, 2017

“Papa” Enthusiasts Pour Into Key West for 2017 Hemingway Days

[caption id="attachment_5696" align="alignleft" width="1600"] Hemingway look-alikes get ready to run with the "bulls" outside Sloppy Joe's Bar. The bar, which dates to the repeal of Prohibition in the 1930s, was a favorite hangout of Hemingway's.[/caption] Come one! Come all! Whether you’re a devoted Hemingway fan, a Key West lover, a white-bearded

Friday, May 12, 2017

Fort Myers Hosts Fifth Annual Fort Rock Festival, April 29 â 30

One of the headliners at the fifth annual Fort Rock Festival is English rock band Def Leppard. Photo by Alisha Franxman. Music and beach lovers will experience rock-and-roll heaven on earth at the Monster Energy fifth annual Fort Rock Festival, Saturday, April 29, and Sunday, April 30, at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers Beach, Florida . South Floridaâs biggest

Saturday, April 22, 2017

Fort Myers Hosts Fifth Annual Fort Rock Festival, April 29 – 30

[caption id="attachment_5623" align="alignleft" width="960"] One of the headliners at the fifth annual Fort Rock Festival is English rock band Def Leppard. Photo by Alisha Franxman.[/caption] Music and beach lovers will experience rock-and-roll heaven on earth at the Monster Energy fifth annual Fort Rock Festival, Saturday, April 29, and Sunday, April

Saturday, April 22, 2017

Key West Fishing is the Stuff of Legends

When you fish in the crystal clear turquoise waters surrounding Key West, Florida , you’re entering into a world where fishing legends were born. There’s no escaping the influence that fishing greats such as Ernest Hemingway and Zane Grey have had on generations of fishermen, whether they’re seasoned professionals or just taking up

Sunday, April 19, 2015

How To Pack the Perfect Beach Bag

The best way to ensure a relaxing day at the beach is to start with a little planning. Giving some thought to what to pack in a beach bag means you won’t get settled on the sand only to discover that your bottled water and sunscreen are back at your condo or hotel room. Following are some tips on how to pack the perfect beach bag, along with some

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Beach Plants and Sand Dunes Were Made for Each Other

We all know how pretty sand dunes are, but did you know that sand dune systems on the Florida and Alabama beaches are formed by wave and wind action and help to protect mainland areas from tropical storms and hurricanes?  The sand dunes, which have evolved over millions of years, actually help to absorb the vast energy created by storm waves

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Easter Happenings on the Gulf

All along the Alabama and Florida Gulf coasts, communities are getting ready to celebrate Easter this weekend with live music, egg hunts, bunny visits, and more — and visitors of all ages are welcome to join in! Following is a (partial) list of what’s going on. Destin and South Walton — The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin, April

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Why not Spend a Day in the Everglades?

  The Florida Everglades and Ten Thousand Islands make up one of North America’s most intriguing and beautiful untouched wilderness areas. This rugged subtropical landscape is everything you’d expect it to be and more!   Grass prairies, distant marshes, remote lakes and pristine tropical forests stretch as far as the eye can

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Kicking Back on Fort Myers Beach

The best thing about Ft. Myers Beach is that you can choose to do everything or nothing at all! If you’re feeling adventurous, there is always plenty of activity to be found in the Times Square entertainment district at the north end of the island. Just follow the green and white “Fort Meyers Beach” signs from McGregor Boulevard,

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Camp Helen State Park

Camp Helen is a day park located west of Panama City Beach just inside Bay County on U.S. 98 at the west end of the Phillips Inlet Bridge. The park is bordered on three sides by the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Powell, one of the largest coastal dune lakes in Florida. Named after an Alabama textile mill, Camp Helen served for years as a company resort for

Monday, November 16, 2009

Lovers Key

    Lovers Keys is a natural undeveloped barrier island between nearby Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Beach which offers outdoor enthusiasts excellent opportunities for shelling, swimming, sunbathing, hiking, fishing, boating and much more! Once a courting site for young couples prior to the construction of Bonita Beach Causeway, the island

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Gasparilla Island

Gasparilla Island is a scenic barrier island located just off the southwest coast of Florida between Fort Myers and Sarasota . Separated from the mainland by Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor, this idyllic tropical island boasts recreational opportunities for swimming, sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving and nature viewing along with world-renowned

Monday, November 9, 2009

Caledesi Island State Park

Caledesi Island is the only natural island on Florida’s Gulf Coast where you can enjoy the nation’s #1 rated beach, take a hike, go kayaking, have a picnic, and visit the island’s snack bar and gift shop–all in the same day! Beach lovers can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. Not only that, but the island is accessible

Friday, November 6, 2009

Sight Fishing on the Flats

    Sight casting for permit and bonefish on the flats in the Florida Keys is like no other fishing experience you’ll ever have. The fishing guide is paid to expertly maneuver one or two anglers across the flats in a specially designed shallow water skiff. Standing on a raised platform so that he can spot tailing bonefish from greater

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Letâs Go Fishing in Marco Island!

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Let’s Go Fishing in Marco Island!

  Welcome to Marco Island, located on the Gulf of Mexico in sunny Southwest Florida, where you can enjoy saltwater fishing at its finest. As the largest of the 10,000 Islands chain which stretches south all the way to Florida Bay and the Florida Keys, Marco Island is the northern gateway to a unique pristine coastal wilderness, with Naples and

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Fishing Adventures in Boca Grande

When you come to Boca Grande in Southwest Florida, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy guided fishing adventures in some of the most famous fishing waters in the state! The backwater habitat surrounding Charlotte Harbor, Pine Island, Matlacha Pass and Gasparilla Sound has been referred to as an angler’s paradise and for good reason. Within

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

A Taste of Spain in Sunny Florida

Since 1905, Columbia Restaurant has been serving up authentic Spanish cuisine in beautiful open-air Mediterranean-style surroundings. As Florida’s oldest and most time-honored Spanish restaurant, Columbia Restaurant has been family-owned and operated for five generations. Serving up a long list of delicious recipes in the classic Spanish tradition

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Island Living in the Florida Keys

Imagine a lifestyle so sublime and so removed you’ll swear you’re on a deserted isle somewhere in the middle of the Caribbean. Throw in some “R & R”, snorkeling, palm trees, and reggae music and you’ll have all the ingredients for fun in the sun in the Florida Keys! From the time you arrive in Key Largo on the Overseas

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Naples and Marco Island Are Heaven On Earth

  The innkeepers are all fond of saying “My pleasure” in this corner of Southwest Florida, and believe me, after you visit Naples and Marco Island the pleasure will be all yours. The Mediterranean influences are evident everywhere you look in this luxurious corner of the state which is known as “Florida’s Last Paradise&

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Puttinâ on the Ritz in Sarasota & Siesta Key

If youâre ready for the adventure of a lifetime, thereâs no better time to start than right now! Sarasota, Florida has everything youâd expectâhaute couture, fabulous dining, and a charming mix of Mediterranean and Southwest Florida influences. There are beautiful harbors, majestic condominiums, modern high-rises and gleaming yachts of just about every

Monday, February 2, 2009

Puttin’ on the Ritz in Sarasota & Siesta Key

If you’re ready for the adventure of a lifetime, there’s no better time to start than right now! Sarasota, Florida has everything you’d expect–haute couture, fabulous dining, and a charming mix of Mediterranean and Southwest Florida influences. There are beautiful harbors, majestic condominiums, modern high-rises and gleaming

Monday, February 2, 2009

Clearwater & St. Pete Always On My Mind

One visit to the Clearwater-St. Pete area is normally all it takes to make this a regular stop on your annual vacation itinerary. There’s so much to do, it’s hard to know where to begin. For starters, I would suggest taking the Courtney Campbell Causeway east over the Tampa Bay to Pinellas County, then following the signs on Gulf to Bay

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

See Ya on Anna Maria

Anna Maria Island, located just off the southwest coast of Florida, was first discovered by local Indian tribes and later by Spanish explorers, but it wasn’t until the early 1900’s that that the island began to be settled. Much has changed since those early days, but even now Anna Maria Island has a certain innocence and charm about it

Friday, December 19, 2008

Living Is Easy On Sanibel and Captiva

From the moment you cross over the newly renovated Causeway Bridge onto Sanibel Island ($6.00 toll for all 4-wheel vehicles), there is a mixed sense of coming home, nostalgia, and time standing still…but above all a profound sense of relief that you’ve finally made it back to this idyllic spot on the planet which surely must have been

Monday, December 15, 2008