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North: In The Spotlight - Flying High, Looking Low
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Getting up in the air to assess the health of the winter seascape of the St. Martins Marsh and Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserves was the goal of preserve staff in Crystal River, Florida. Aquatic Preserve Manager Melissa Charbonneau needed a better look at the submerged land and habitats that she oversees for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the citizens of Florida. Access to a small plane, equipped to do aerial photography, gave her the opportunity to establish sea grass bed locations including areas in need of restoration from damage due to propeller scars. It also helped identify places where derelict crab traps need removal. Photographs were taken on the flight to document the condition of the aquatic preserve and to use later in discussions about land uses and impacts. The flight time was donated to the Big Bend Seagrasses Preserve through a non-profit organization call Southwings. Pilot Gordon Arbeitman, a retired computer engineer from Ormond Beach, flew the plane. The mission of Southwings is to promote conservation and protection of the southeast environment by providing a means to educate public and elected officials, media, community leaders, researchers and conservation organizations through aerial perspective. Florida’s aquatic preserves encompass almost two million acres. All but four of these "submerged lands of exceptional beauty" are located along Florida's 8,400 miles of coastline in the shallow waters of marshes and estuaries. In 1975, with growing appreciation for their environmental diversity and alluring beauty, Florida enacted the Aquatic Preserve Act. This ensured that aquatic preserves' natural condition ... "their aesthetic, biological, and scientific values may endure for the enjoyment of future generations." These waters are ours to enjoy and ours to protect. |
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North: In The Spotlight - Fish Tales
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"From Keaton Beach to Cedar Key numerous salt marsh creeks abound with fish trying to avoid an angler's bait or lure. This area's lush seagrass meadows hold copious numbers of baitfish. When fishing with natural baits use a circle hook to prevent gut hooking seatrout, redfish, flounder, and juvenile grouper found in this area. Cedar Key is a favorite fishing spot for many anglers. Anglers fishing here can catch pompano, black drum, sheepshead, bluefish, cobia and tarpon. Oysters and clams are also available in Cedar Key. Additionally, anglers in Crystal River and Homosassa may be lucky enough to catch a snook." |
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Area Highlights
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Perry: Population: 6700 (2004). Perry is the County seat of Taylor County. While the community itself is not directly on the Gulf Coast, this area is known for its "long, pristine undeveloped coastline." Visitors are invited to "enjoy the best of inshore and off shore saltwater fishing from Steinhatchee, Keaton Beach, Spring Warrior, Econfina or Aucilla. Thousands of acres filled with a hunter's paradise." Other highlights of Perry are its downtown revitalization and slow pace of life.
Cedar Key: The town of Cedar Key is located on Way Key, the largest of the "Cedar Keys". Tour this island community to see one of the oldest ports in the state.
"Visit us in the Heart of Florida's Nature Coast, a recreational paradise. We are a small, relaxed, island community located three miles out in the Gulf of Mexico." Rich in small town flavor, it is said that Cedar Key is the Island community where time stands still.
The Cedar Keys are home of one of the oldest bird and wildlife refuges in the United States. And be forewarned, according to the Cedar Key Area Chamber of Commerce, "With its rich history and natural beauty, you may not want to leave!".
Crystal River: "Located 70 miles north of Tampa this area's watery network includes 30 springs beginning at Kings Bay and stretching to the Gulf of Mexico. As "Home of the Manatee" and "Gem of the Nature Coast", visitors enjoy boating, fishing, birding, and manatee watching.
Regional Attractions: Suwanee Music Festival. Manatee tours in Crystal River. |
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Acknowledgements
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FWC 2007. "Where to Fish," by Rich Abrams, in Fishing Lines: An Angler's Guide to Florida's Marine Resources, 6th Edition. Dan Ellinor and Michelle Owen (editors). Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, Division of Marine Fisheries Management ; Florida Department of Community Affairs ; http://www.taylorcountychamber.com/ ; http://www.crystalriverfl.org/ |
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Our Gulf Coast 
