Florida: the Shark-Bite Capital of America, Volusia County reports highest bite cases in the U.S.

Surfing with sharks… Courtesy: Pixabay – Image by Elias Sch. from Pixabay Florida, home to warm weather, beautiful beaches, watersports, and the returning champion as the shark-bite capital in the U.S., according to the University of Florida’s annual International Shark Attack file report.  According to the report, Florida’s 16 unprovoked shark-bites in 2020 represented 48

Florida Fishermen bring in record-breaking 769-pound swordfish: “We were not expecting that size”

Courtesy: Image by ruthieprasil from Pixabay There are big fish and then there are monster fish. Three fishermen in South Florida had themselves quite the surprise when they realized they had reeled in a potential record-breaking swordfish off Lighthouse Point in Broward County, per WSVN.  “We were not expecting that size,” said angler Hunter Irvine. 

After years of battling, Florida glass-bottom boat attraction will become wheelchair accessible

People entering Silver Springs State Park on July 3, 2017, in Ocala, Florida, USA. Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Miosotis_Jade One of Florida’s coolest nature attractions will soon be wheelchair accessible, granting access to one of Florida’s largest disabled travel demographics. Once only accessible for non-disabled patrons, the Silver Springs glass-bottom boat tours are in

Florida is staying cool—Rivaling La Niña typical seasons

Young girl sitting in front of the fireplace and holding cup of tea in hand on legs and warming. Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Emmily Who would’ve thought Florida’s record-breaking warm 2020 weather would crumble in the final month of December? Probably no one. Thanks to a few consecutive cold fronts towards the end of

Red Tide continues to irritate Southwest Florida Beaches

Red Tide algae bloom in the ocean – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Alfred Rowan It’s back and smellier than ever. Dead fish are washing up along southwest Florida beaches bringing up major concerns for scientists, residents, and tourists along the Gulf Coast waters. As defined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Red Tide

Florida’s Lighthouses and Our List of the Ones You Should Visit on your Next Trip

Courtesy: Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park | Florida State Parks Occupying thousands of miles of coastline, it’s no surprise that the Sunshine State is home to some of the coolest lighthouses in the nation! Florida comes in at number seven in the U.S., with over 25 lighthouses across the state on and offshore.  Lighthouses were

2020: Florida’s year in review—Stories that made this year memorable

Happy New Year 2021 text on the beach. Abstract background photo of coming New Year 2021 and leaving the year of 2020 Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Maps Expert As the world begins to turn the page on 2020 and look forward to a new year in 2021, we at Florida Insider decided to compile

Florida Invasive Species may soon be on the menu if scientists deem them safe to consume

Burmese Python. Photo: Vince Adam/Shutterstock.com A new, exotic dish may soon be on your local restaurant’s menu—if they are safe to eat. Florida has had problems with combating invasive species for years due largely in part to its favorable climate, lush ecosystem, and the exotic pet trade. But no species has wrecked the ecosystem nearly

Florida’s Oyster Central Apalachicola Bay Shut Down through 2025 due to overharvesting

Fresh Oysters Courtesy: Image by Patricia Alexandre from Pixabay The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has placed a temporary ban on the harvesting of oysters out of Florida’s top producing bay through the end of 2025. Apalachicola Bay has historically produced the majority load of oysters consumed in Florida amounting to 90% of the

Another invasive lizard species has landed in Florida: The red-headed butterfly eating, agama lizard

Peter’s Rock Agama spotted in Florida. Courtesy: Sean McKnight, UF/IFAS Wildlife Ecology student. Florida is no stranger to invasive species of any kind: bugs, insects, reptiles, plants, you name it, we’ve got it.  Earlier this year, Florida had a new character on the block, the Argentine Black and White Tegu, but this time, it’s the