MyfloridaSprings

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A day in Islamorada

A day in Islamorada

The Florida Keys is a must visit for anyone who loves the outdoors and is looking to explore a Florida gem. One of our favorite locations in the Keys is Islamorada. This beautiful location is great for snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing or just relaxing on the water. The Florida keys do have some amazing sunsets over the gulf side and you can find fresh seafood anywhere you stop. …

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Staying in Miami

Affordable vacation

Staying in Maimi could

pool view from the 15th floor

be expensive however there are few travel hacks we used on a recent stay that made the experience both enjoyable and affordable. I am going to offer some suggestions that worked very well for us this weekend.

  Hotel

The first thing we needed for our stay in Miami was a hotel. We booked our hotel two ways one was thru…

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Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

  Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

The Park is located on East Sunrise Blvd and A1A. The fact that this park has more than 200 species of wading birds is impressive. I am more impressed with the Gopher tortoise and yes I did see one during my visit. The Gopher tortoise is considered a

gopher tortoise

keystone species because he digs holes that provides shelters for at least 360 other animal species,…

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Ichetucknee Springs State Park

Ichetucknee Springs State Park

Personally I’m not a big fan of snakes, however, it seems that my wife on her recent visit to Ichetucknee Springs State Park filmed one swimming in the spring. She absolutely loved it, being able to observe wildlife in its natural environment is an amazing experience. I believe the snake in the video is a Florida water snake. If anyone’s got more information about it please share.

This spring is…

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The Dania Beach Erojacks I updated some video and pictures

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Dania Beach

  Welcome To South Florida

Welcome to South Florida you just landed in Fort LauderdaleAirport better known as FLL. If you already picked up a car and on your way to check in your next stop would be to get food. The areas blowing up restaurants so that should not be a problem. If you’re staying in an area there are plenty of parks to explore only minutes away from the airport. I’m going to talk…

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Goethe State Forest

  Dunnellon Driving Goethe State Forest

The Goethe State Forest is located 2 hours north of Orlando. The park offers wonderful hiking trails for someone looking to get away from the noise and just relax. The park also has roads so if you wanted to stay in your car and slowly drive-thru in air conditioning go right ahead. Thier are campsites available at this park they are clean but primitive. I…

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Shark Vally

Everglades National Park Baby Alligator

If you’re hoping to see Sharks in shark valley your going to be disappointed. however, if you looking for a walk/bike thru the Everglades and see some wildlife your going to be surprised. Shark Valley is located in the Everglades National Park, Its 40 minutes drive from Miami and 1hr 20 minutes from Fort Lauderdale.

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Rainbow River

Miles of Crystal Clear Water

Rainbow River State Park

Rainbow River is really amazing and probably one of my favorite springs in Florida. It is located 2 hrs from Orlando in Dunnellon. My best suggestion is to park at KY hole and paddle upstream to Rainbow River State Park. The State Park has parking for kayaks and paddle boards near the canoe lunch site that’s on your left. Bring a few dollars…

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Homosassa Springs

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park located only a few minutes from Crystal River. The park hosts mostly native wildlife spices. Most of the animals have been rescued and are not able to return to the wild. The park focuses on animal welfare and this is noticeable by seeing the passion employees have for their work. The park has two entrances, I suggest taking the one located 4150 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34446.

The park entrance fee includes a 15-minute ride on a pontoon. During the ride, a little history is given about the park and its residences. Once you reach the west entrance now you have the whole park to explore. My favorite part was the bird section with the owls. The park has the most amount of native species I have ever seen. The Florida panther was really impressive and so was the black bears.

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park underwater observatory is really neat because you could actually see the manatees and fish underwater. We spent a rainy day walking around the park and was by far the best visit had. The Wildside Cafe near the park entrance has refreshments and if come here in the winter hot chocolate.

Alligator at Homosassa

Burrowing owl

Raptor at homosassa

Florida black Bear

Florida panther at Homosassa

Duck

Additional Information About Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Address: 4150 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34446

Hours: 9AM-5:30PM 7 days a week

Phone: [phone]

For more Information visit https://www.floridastateparks.org

https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3540.0607371973447!2d-82.57793415341473!3d28.799780891559475!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x88e83fcc1de1a103%3A0xe50cdaef8d9a0eda!2sHomosassa+Springs!5e1!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1529799381087

Ticket counters close at 4:45 p.m.

Fees:

Adults (age 13 and over) $13.00

Children (ages 6 through 12)  $5.00

Children 5 and under are admitted free.

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park Homosassa Springs Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park located only a few minutes from Crystal River…

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Alexander Springs

  Alexander Springs is located one hour from Daytona and 1 hour and 20 minutes from Orlando. The spring is located in Ocala National Forest which is 673 mi2 in area. The water temperature year-round is 72 degrees. The park offers canoe and kayak rentals and camping is available. The park fee is $5.50 per person and $6.50 for scuba diving. 

The website USDA“United States Department of Agriculture”…

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Introducation

I kind of wanted to introduce myself before I start talking about Crystal River. I am brand new to blogging,My wife has a lot more experience with proper grammar If you notice any typos I apologize my wife “ Editor” is traveling at the moment. I like taking pictures I like exploring and sharing what I find. I’m interested in technology, real estate and traveling I’m also business major. I am not going to make my blogs data-heavy just quick and to-the-point.

Crystal River

Crystal River is located 2 hours from Orlando and 1 hour and a half from Tampa. During the winter season Crystal River is home to the manatees. Crystal River also has Three Sisters Springs Refuge which is a great spot to see the manatees

do not stand in the spring

Three Sister Springs Refuge

Kings Bay Crystal River

Kayaking near Three Sister Springs Refuge

Manatee and Calf

Manatee at kings Bay

Three sisters springs Refuge

There are two ways to explore Three Sisters Springs Refuge. One is my land to park and walk around. You are not allowed into the spring  from Three Sisters Springs Refuge. The way to gain access is thru Kings Bay and swim into the spring. To gain access to the spring entrance kayak, paddle board or water is  tours are available. For more information on Three Sister Springs Refuge click here.

“Protect the wildlife Observe Wildlife At a distance you are entering their home so be respectful. – Minimize Noise For a better experience, if you’re inside the spring don’t drag your feet just float.”

Suggestions

Bring snorkeling gear

Bring towel

Rent a kayak or paddle board if you don’t have one

Bring your underwater camera

Bring drinking water

Book hotels in advance

Kayak Rental Captain Mike’s Kayak Rentals

1610 SE Paradise Cir, Crystal River, FL 34429 threesisterskayakrental.com [phone] Open now:  8AM–4:30PM 7 days a week

Hotel Suggestion: Plantation Inn & Golf Resort

9301 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429 plantationoncrystalriver.com [phone]

Other local attractions

Rainbow River State Park  30 mins away

19158 81 Place Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432 floridastateparks.org [phone] Open now:  8AM–6PM 7 days a week

Homosassa springs wildlife State Park 10 mins away

4150 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34446 floridastateparks.org [phone] Open now:  9AM–5:30PM 7 days a week

Crystal River Introducation I kind of wanted to introduce myself before I start talking about Crystal River. I am brand new to blogging,My wife has a lot more experience with proper grammar If you notice any typos I apologize my wife…

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Underwater snorkeling Trail

Phil Foster is located in Riviera Beach, It’s a one hour drive from Fort Lauderdale. The Park is open 7 days a week and offers free limited parking. This is a really cool dive location but a few notes should be taken. The best snorkeling time is 1 to 2 hours before High tide. A dive flag is required for this snorkeling adventure or else you may get a ticket. The parking is limited at this location so plan to arrive early.

” Whether you swim, snorkel, scuba, or freedive; please help protect Florida reefs. Corals are colonies of very small animals which may take hundreds of years to form the structures visible today. Please don’t walk upon or stand on coral, as this can kill the living coral polyps that are the builders of the reef structure”

Marine life

This location is abundant with marine life everything from the very small seahorses to not so small manatees. I recommend taking your time also be aware of your surroundings because this is a highly popular snorkeling location safety is important. If you did not bring your snorkeling equipment there are plenty of dive shops available in the area.

stingray in the sand

Stone Fish at Phil Foster

eel under a rock

stingray swimming at Phil Foster

Sunset snorkeling at Phil Foster

Snorkeling Phil foster as a couple

Diving under the water is like visiting another planet.

hermit crab at Phil Foster Park

Manatee at Phil Foster park

Peanut Island Park

The little island across the park is called Peanut Island. If you have a kayak paddle board or hitched a ride here remember to bring some food and water concessions are not available on the island. The island has the historic John F. Kennedy Bunker however at the moment it is closed. For more information click here

Map of the trail

Phil Foster Snorkeling Trail Map

  Tide chart information Click Here

Suggestions

Dive flag is required.

Come 2 hours before high tide.

Always swim with a dive buddy its more fun.

Bring water, snorkeling gear, and towels.

Pick up some snacks at the Publix on the way

Park information Phil Foster.

Address: 900 Blue Heron Blvd, Riviera Beach, FL 33404

Hours:· Sunrise until Sunset 7 days a week

Phone: [phone]

For more information visit pbcgov.org

Phil foster Park Underwater snorkeling Trail Phil Foster is located in Riviera Beach, It's a one hour drive from…

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The Dania Beach Erojacks

The Dania Beach Erojacks

Dania Beach Snorkling

If your in Fort Lauderdale or just happen to be in the area check out the Dania Jaxs. Its artificial reef located 300 feet from shore. The Jaxs stretches 1,500 feet until the first reef edge. The reef is located inside Dr, Von D Mitzell Johnson State Park. Once you enter the park drive until the first parking lot on your right. Get your gear and walk towards the beach, a…

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Harry P Leu Gardens

Harry P Leu Gardens Orlando. Budget friendly day

 Harry P Leu Gardens is located 30 minutes north of the Orlando airport near the Orlando Science Center. The property is 50-acre botanic garden & estate on Lake Rowena. The park has beautiful gardens and is clean with paths leading to Lake Rowena. Harry P Leu Gardensalso offers workshops for kids and adults a perfect area to spend a few hours. I did not spend my whole day here we jumped in the…

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