Hurricane Fay is the first storm to threaten our beaches in some time. Everyone from the Keys to Tallahassee is keeing an eye on this storm.
If you are looking for additional local coverage check out these great web pages:
http://media.myfoxtampabay.com/myfoxhurricane/
http://www.baynews9.com/
http://www.abcactionnews.com/
http://www.boatus.com/hurricanes/tracking.asp
As of now we are still looking clear as the storm has passed over the keys and does not appear to be strengthening. However, once these late storms hit the Gulf it can be anyone's guess where they go.
The 5 p.m. storm advisory shows Fay moving north-northwest at 12 mph, with maximum sustained winds of about 64 mph. Barometric pressure is at 996 mb. Fay is currently about 140 miles south of Ft. Myers.
*A hurricane watch and a tropical storm warning has been posted for Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties.
*A hurricane watch is posted for Polk County.
*A tornado watch has been issued for south Florida.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Best Restaurant on Treasure Island!
Just back from a visit to my favorite beaches and had planned to go to my longtime favorite, the Salt Rock Grill, while in Indian Shores. To my initial disappointment my wife instead had made reservations at a new restaurant in Treasure Island called oddly enough Middle Grounds Grill.
For background, the Middle Ground is is a broad carbonate platform that occurs some 137 km offshore along the northeastern Gulf of Mexico in an area generally known as the West Florida Shelf. Its formation suggests that it is a relict coral-reef complex that has morphological similarities to modern patch-reef complexes. It is the most extensive area of high relief (> 2 m) hardbottom in the northeastern Gulf in less than 60 m depth. The faunal assemblage is distinctly tropical, with a stony coral-gorgonian-sponge dominated community considered the furthest north “coral reef” on the North American continental shelf. The fauna may persist with recruitment of largely Caribbean species transported by northward intrusions of the Loop Current. It is known for its great fishing.
Well the owners of the Middle Grounds Grill have truly outdone themselves. Given my many travels to various areas I have to say this was in the top meals I have ever had.
Four of us dined that evening. Three of us ordered the 12oz Florida Lobster with risotto, 1 had a pasta dish. The Lobster was cooked perfectly, seasoned well and appealing in every way. The side dish was absolutely marvelous as well. The second dish was enjoyed equally as much.
As for the atmosphere it was cozy and inviting. Unlike Salt Rock, whcih can be extremely loud and hectic with its open floor plan, the Middle Ground Grill is divided into nice size dining areas separated by half and full walls which allows for exceptional diner conversation capabilities.
If you are visiting our area of the Tampa Bay Beaches I highly recommend you check this restaurant out. Its not outrageously expensive, although not cheap, but you get more than you pay for.
See the Menu Here!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
First Hurricane No Threat to Gulf Beaches
Gulf Beaches are keeping a close eye on Hurricane Bertha churning out in the Carribean.
Tropical storm "Bertha" turned into the first hurricane in the Atlantic season on Monday with a windspeed of more than 120 km per hour, said the National Meteorology Service of Mexico.
Yet a statement said it was still too far away for the storm to become an immediate danger for the Mexican east coast or the Tampa Bay beaches on the west coast of Florida.
The center of "Bertha" was located 3,805 km east off Quintana Roo coast, southeast of Mexico, and 1,365 km east to the north of the Caribbean islands Minor Antilles.
The hurricane blew with sustained winds of 120 km per hour on Monday and the highest windspeed reached 160 km per hour. It could move to 3,650 km east off Quintana Roo coast on Monday.
Meanwhile, the tropical depression 5-E has weakened, though it brought rains in Lazaro Cardenas in southern Mexican state of Michoacan. Civil Protection authorities have already sent alerts to the citizens and the navigators due to the downpours produced by the tropical storm 5-E.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Beach Nightlife in Treasure Island
They go hand in hand, beach trips and nightlife. When you spend your day catching waves and basking in the sun, you want to spend your nights showing off that tan and showing off your best steps on the floor.
Within the echo of the waves, there are plenty of places along Florida’s Beach to dance, dance, dance.
At Shephard’s on South Gulfview Blvd. in Clearwater Beach, the Wave is a two-level nightclub with state-of-the art lighting and pulsating sound. Rockaway Grill, the largest of the four Frenchy’s establishments on Clearwater Beach, opens right onto the Gulf of Mexico sand.
In Treasure Island at John’s Pass, Gators Café and Saloon is a restaurant and sports bar that also has live rock music and dancing when the sun goes down, seven days a week.
Florida Vacations St Pete
Strolling along the beach at Fort De Soto Park on a summer morning, tiny footprints in the sand tell a story.
"You can see where the hatchling came out of the nest and made a mad dash for the water," explains park supervisor Jim Wilson. "A few lucky ones make it. But baby sea turtles are pretty low on the food chain. When they hatch, they have a lot of things after them."
Wilson, who is lucky enough to actually live on America's number one beach, looks forward to summer and sea turtle nesting season.
"It is the one time of year when I get to play fairy godmother," says Wilson, who oversees the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area's most popular park. "This is a magical time for us."
In a typical year, more than 150 loggerhead sea turtles successfully nest on St. Petersburg/Clearwater area beaches, and of those, more than a third will be found on six miles of undeveloped shoreline in Wilson 's backyard.
Loggerheads are one of five species of endangered sea turtles that lay their eggs on Florida's beaches. While the green, leatherback, hawksbill and Kemp's Ridley can be found in local waters, the loggerhead is by far the most common.
Peak nesting time runs May through August. On a typical summer day, Wilson starts early and surveys the beach looking for the telltale sign of a nesting loggerhead.
"There is no mistaking where a sea turtle has been," Wilson explains. "They clear the sand around in a big circle, and in some cases, they are still there the next morning."
The beach at Fort De Soto, like many other county parks, is closed to the public at night to protect nesting turtles.
"You have to remember that these animals spend their whole lives in the ocean and only come up on land, a foreign environment, to lay their eggs," says Wilson. "They are very vulnerable. We see a lot of false crawls." (A false crawl is when a sea turtle comes out of the water to nest and, for some reason, turns around and heads back to sea.)
"It could be because they saw a raccoon or a night heron and got spooked," Wilson explains. "So you could imagine what would happen if they came up to nest and spotted a bunch of noisy humans hanging around."
The typical sea turtle has 75 to 150 eggs. About 60 days after a turtle lay its eggs, hatchlings scramble from the nest and instinctively head toward the water.
"We come in about 72 hours after the eggs hatch and survey the nest" says Wilson. "Hopefully we find nothing but broken shells. But occasionally we find some that didn't hatch or live hatchlings that didn't make it out of the nest. That is where the public comes in."
The park maintains a "call list" of volunteers and interested parties who want to witness the release of the baby turtles that have been "rescued" from a nest.
"Baby sea turtles are pretty vulnerable," he said. "Birds, ghost crabs, fish... they are on everybody's menu. Only a handful of the original 100 or so will actually make it to maturity."
Sea turtles have more than just sharks to worry about. Another enemy is man. Thousands of these reptiles are also killed each year in commercial fishing nets. Many turtles die when they eat plastic bags they mistake for a favorite food, jellyfish.
Human interference on nesting beaches is also a problem in many of the more developed beach communities. Turtles are known to stop midway through the nesting process if humans appear. And hatchlings can also become disoriented by streetlights and walk into roads.
That is why an undeveloped area such as Fort De Soto is so important to the survival of the species. In the more densely populated areas of the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area, beach residents are encouraged to keep their outdoor lights off during the nesting season, May through August, to avoid confusing a hatchling in search of the sea.
It is possible to come across a nesting loggerhead at night; the odds are about the same as seeing a shooting star. If so, keep your distance and do not disturb the turtle.
"You can see where the hatchling came out of the nest and made a mad dash for the water," explains park supervisor Jim Wilson. "A few lucky ones make it. But baby sea turtles are pretty low on the food chain. When they hatch, they have a lot of things after them."
Wilson, who is lucky enough to actually live on America's number one beach, looks forward to summer and sea turtle nesting season.
"It is the one time of year when I get to play fairy godmother," says Wilson, who oversees the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area's most popular park. "This is a magical time for us."
In a typical year, more than 150 loggerhead sea turtles successfully nest on St. Petersburg/Clearwater area beaches, and of those, more than a third will be found on six miles of undeveloped shoreline in Wilson 's backyard.
Loggerheads are one of five species of endangered sea turtles that lay their eggs on Florida's beaches. While the green, leatherback, hawksbill and Kemp's Ridley can be found in local waters, the loggerhead is by far the most common.
Peak nesting time runs May through August. On a typical summer day, Wilson starts early and surveys the beach looking for the telltale sign of a nesting loggerhead.
"There is no mistaking where a sea turtle has been," Wilson explains. "They clear the sand around in a big circle, and in some cases, they are still there the next morning."
The beach at Fort De Soto, like many other county parks, is closed to the public at night to protect nesting turtles.
"You have to remember that these animals spend their whole lives in the ocean and only come up on land, a foreign environment, to lay their eggs," says Wilson. "They are very vulnerable. We see a lot of false crawls." (A false crawl is when a sea turtle comes out of the water to nest and, for some reason, turns around and heads back to sea.)
"It could be because they saw a raccoon or a night heron and got spooked," Wilson explains. "So you could imagine what would happen if they came up to nest and spotted a bunch of noisy humans hanging around."
The typical sea turtle has 75 to 150 eggs. About 60 days after a turtle lay its eggs, hatchlings scramble from the nest and instinctively head toward the water.
"We come in about 72 hours after the eggs hatch and survey the nest" says Wilson. "Hopefully we find nothing but broken shells. But occasionally we find some that didn't hatch or live hatchlings that didn't make it out of the nest. That is where the public comes in."
The park maintains a "call list" of volunteers and interested parties who want to witness the release of the baby turtles that have been "rescued" from a nest.
"Baby sea turtles are pretty vulnerable," he said. "Birds, ghost crabs, fish... they are on everybody's menu. Only a handful of the original 100 or so will actually make it to maturity."
Sea turtles have more than just sharks to worry about. Another enemy is man. Thousands of these reptiles are also killed each year in commercial fishing nets. Many turtles die when they eat plastic bags they mistake for a favorite food, jellyfish.
Human interference on nesting beaches is also a problem in many of the more developed beach communities. Turtles are known to stop midway through the nesting process if humans appear. And hatchlings can also become disoriented by streetlights and walk into roads.
That is why an undeveloped area such as Fort De Soto is so important to the survival of the species. In the more densely populated areas of the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area, beach residents are encouraged to keep their outdoor lights off during the nesting season, May through August, to avoid confusing a hatchling in search of the sea.
It is possible to come across a nesting loggerhead at night; the odds are about the same as seeing a shooting star. If so, keep your distance and do not disturb the turtle.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
A great little tour of Anna Maria Island
This is a great little four minute tour of Anna Maria Island. Check it out then get a great deal on a vacation rental on the beach on the island.
Anna Maria Island Vacation Rental
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Summer is Coming!
Its not too early to book your summer vacation. Great weeks are still available at our owner properties.
Make this summer a vacation they will never forget
Great On-Line Area Dining Guide
If you are visiting our area and would elike to preplan your dining on the beaches of Clearwater, Indian Shores, Madeira Beach and the surrounding area then use this handy guide. We also list our personal favorites under Golf and Dining on www.floridagulfvacation.com
Happy Dining!
Happy Dining!
St Petersburg Area Beach Screen Saver Available
Outstanding Area Beach Screensaver for those who love our beaches
Hurricane Season Could get Ugly for Florida
We are told hurricane forecasters are predicting a very active season. In fact, they say it will be more active than any season between 1950 and 2000. Forecasters predict 15 named storms, four of them intense.
"This is the first year we're using our new statistical model. We feel the model will likely help to increase the skill of our forecasting this year and in future seasons."
There's a 69% chance of at least one major hurricane hitting the U.S. this season, and a 44% chance of one hitting the east coast of Florida.
"In the Atlantic Basin, conditions seem quite a bit more favorable than they did in the summer for an active season."
This is the beauty of the Tampa Area - most storms - once they reach the gulf head north and west. Not that we've never had one (but I'm knocking on my wood desk now) its been a long time. The conditions have to be ideal for one to make landfall in our area.
"This is the first year we're using our new statistical model. We feel the model will likely help to increase the skill of our forecasting this year and in future seasons."
There's a 69% chance of at least one major hurricane hitting the U.S. this season, and a 44% chance of one hitting the east coast of Florida.
"In the Atlantic Basin, conditions seem quite a bit more favorable than they did in the summer for an active season."
This is the beauty of the Tampa Area - most storms - once they reach the gulf head north and west. Not that we've never had one (but I'm knocking on my wood desk now) its been a long time. The conditions have to be ideal for one to make landfall in our area.
Florida Gulf Vacation - TV
Check out our new YouTUBE channel for great shots of our beaches and properties for rent by owner.
Yet another great service provided to our owners to market their properties!
Looking for a place to enjoy the beach? Florida Gulf Vacation represents the best beaches in the continental USA!
Yet another great service provided to our owners to market their properties!
Looking for a place to enjoy the beach? Florida Gulf Vacation represents the best beaches in the continental USA!
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Beach House Rentals By Owner
I ran across and interesting site for anyone marketing a Beach rental . The site is Beach House Rentals By Owner (BHRBO.com).
Listings are free for the owner and we even received one inquiry today - which was our first day on the site. Simple to use and a great resource for any owner.
As always, we highly recommend http://www.floridagulfvacation.com/ target="_blank">Florida Gulf Vacation for all your Beach Front Vacation Rentals.
Owners - Check out our Vacation Rental Listings for a cost effective way to market your property
Listings are free for the owner and we even received one inquiry today - which was our first day on the site. Simple to use and a great resource for any owner.
As always, we highly recommend http://www.floridagulfvacation.com/ target="_blank">Florida Gulf Vacation for all your Beach Front Vacation Rentals.
Owners - Check out our Vacation Rental Listings for a cost effective way to market your property
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Tampa Bays Beaches offer it ALL
Award-winning shores may have beckoned you to Florida's Beach, but you'll find it hard to resist exploring all that our area has to offer. Observe astounding art and discover our diverse heritage. Opt for theme park thrills or natural adventures within our pristine park system. Relax on the green - or on the water. Or, shop and dine amid boutiques and bistros, both fine and eclectic. Any pace . . . any taste . . . Florida's Beach awaits.Attractions and Family Fun
Places to Stay>> The area offers a wide range of hotels, motels, condos, cottages and homes. Many offer exceptional value for families who need more space than the average hotel room. Check out gरात वकाशन रेंताल्स अत व्व्व.फ्लोरिदागुल्फ्वाकाशन.कॉम
Culture »The St. Petersburg/Clearwater area is comprised of 26 communities that have a unique charm, feel and heritage. From the Greek influence in Tarpon Springs to the Scottish heritage of Dunedin, the area boasts fascinating culture just waiting to be explored.
Dining and Nightlife »You've come to the right spot for dancing, dining and fun! From a surfside snack to gourmet fare in elegant resorts - and everything in between - the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area boasts a splendid selection of dining options.
Golf »In St. Petersburg/Clearwater, you'll find a wide variety of courses to challenge your game. With more than 50 places to play in the area, you can find a new and exciting course every day of your stay.
History »Discover our rich history and culture. From early Native American settlements, to the arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the 1500s, to pioneering citrus farmers, railroad barons and entrepreneurial land developers.
Luxury Travel and Romance »Maybe you’re looking to splurge on yourself and your family. Or perhaps you’ve got that perfect moment in mind for just the two of you. Florida’s Beach is where you want to be.
Museums & Galleries »Find from world-renowned artists to small-town galleries and everything in between. Florida's Beach offers a wealth of artistic treats.
Nature »Get in touch with your wild side. From the pristine beaches of unspoiled barrier islands to the wildlife that abounds in our voluminous park lands, the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area is truly a natural wonder. No visit is complete without experiencing some of these riches.
Outdoor Activities »Ready to get out of the water but still want to enjoy the great weather? Then check out all the exciting outdoor activities the Florida's Beach area has to offer. From scenic bike trails to wandering on the famous "million dollar" Pier to playing lighted shuffleboard while listening to the latest rock music. There's something for everyone.
Shopping »Love to shop? Wait until you discover the variety of malls, shopping villages, outlet centers and specialty stores in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area - from one-of-a-kind boutiques and antique stores clustered together for easy browsing, to beachside shops filled with souvenirs and flea markets overflowing with bargains.
Spectator Sports »If you're a sports fan, you've come to the right place. Here you can enjoy year-round professional sports, including Major League Baseball, NHL hockey and Major and NFL and Arena Football.
Water Recreation »Ready to get wet? You'll find many exciting water activities right on the beach. Many hotels provide rentals for jet skis, waverunners and other personal watercraft, as well as the instruction you'll need to get started. Parasailing boats are always circling the beaches, and local dive shops can set you up for an underwater adventure.
Places to Stay>> The area offers a wide range of hotels, motels, condos, cottages and homes. Many offer exceptional value for families who need more space than the average hotel room. Check out gरात वकाशन रेंताल्स अत व्व्व.फ्लोरिदागुल्फ्वाकाशन.कॉम
Culture »The St. Petersburg/Clearwater area is comprised of 26 communities that have a unique charm, feel and heritage. From the Greek influence in Tarpon Springs to the Scottish heritage of Dunedin, the area boasts fascinating culture just waiting to be explored.
Dining and Nightlife »You've come to the right spot for dancing, dining and fun! From a surfside snack to gourmet fare in elegant resorts - and everything in between - the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area boasts a splendid selection of dining options.
Golf »In St. Petersburg/Clearwater, you'll find a wide variety of courses to challenge your game. With more than 50 places to play in the area, you can find a new and exciting course every day of your stay.
History »Discover our rich history and culture. From early Native American settlements, to the arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the 1500s, to pioneering citrus farmers, railroad barons and entrepreneurial land developers.
Luxury Travel and Romance »Maybe you’re looking to splurge on yourself and your family. Or perhaps you’ve got that perfect moment in mind for just the two of you. Florida’s Beach is where you want to be.
Museums & Galleries »Find from world-renowned artists to small-town galleries and everything in between. Florida's Beach offers a wealth of artistic treats.
Nature »Get in touch with your wild side. From the pristine beaches of unspoiled barrier islands to the wildlife that abounds in our voluminous park lands, the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area is truly a natural wonder. No visit is complete without experiencing some of these riches.
Outdoor Activities »Ready to get out of the water but still want to enjoy the great weather? Then check out all the exciting outdoor activities the Florida's Beach area has to offer. From scenic bike trails to wandering on the famous "million dollar" Pier to playing lighted shuffleboard while listening to the latest rock music. There's something for everyone.
Shopping »Love to shop? Wait until you discover the variety of malls, shopping villages, outlet centers and specialty stores in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area - from one-of-a-kind boutiques and antique stores clustered together for easy browsing, to beachside shops filled with souvenirs and flea markets overflowing with bargains.
Spectator Sports »If you're a sports fan, you've come to the right place. Here you can enjoy year-round professional sports, including Major League Baseball, NHL hockey and Major and NFL and Arena Football.
Water Recreation »Ready to get wet? You'll find many exciting water activities right on the beach. Many hotels provide rentals for jet skis, waverunners and other personal watercraft, as well as the instruction you'll need to get started. Parasailing boats are always circling the beaches, and local dive shops can set you up for an underwater adventure.
Florida Gulf Vacation
Florida Gulf Vacation is a great resource for any beach front vacation rental owner. While they specialize in the gulf beaches of Indian Shores, Indian Rocks Beach, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, Redington Beach, Clearwater, St Petersburg and Anna Maria Island they offer both travelers and owners a great place to meet and make a deal.
On the web since 2004 these guys have built a nice niche site that is easy to navigate and use.
Check them out under Florida Beach Rentals.
On the web since 2004 these guys have built a nice niche site that is easy to navigate and use.
Check them out under Florida Beach Rentals.
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