In this session, Ava Lasseter shared the importance of Freedom Lawns—yards free from chemicals, excessive watering, and environmental harm—and gave great examples of native plants to create sustainable, thriving landscapes. 🐝🌺🎥 Missed it? The full video will be available on our YouTube and website later this week.🦈 Don’t forget to sign up for our next event, featuring Armando Ubeda and his fascinating research on sharks! RSVP online at supenglewood.com ➡️ click Book Now ➡️ select Coffee & Conservation. ☕️ A huge thank you to Dearborn Coffeehouse & Bakery for supplying the delicious coffee and treats for our latest Coffee & Conservation series!🎉 Thank you to the Englewood Chamber for allowing us to host these FREE community events. We are so grateful for this wonderful membership benefit. #CoffeeAndConservation #NativeLandscapes #SharkResearch #DearbornCoffeeHouse #EnglewoodChamber #SUPEnglewood #NativePlantSociety #Florida #NativePlants #EnvironmentalEducation #TourGuide #Education #FloridaNativePlants #EnglewoodFL #Conservation #ProtectFlorida #CharlotteCounty
🚣🏝️ Paddle to Mangrove Cove Beach 🏝️
🚣🏝️Paddle to Mangrove Cove Beach 🏝️
🗺️ Stop into the rental shop and grab a map or book a rental and we’ll give you directions
🐚 The shells are plentiful & marine life abundant 🐬
📍Don Pedro Island State Park
8450 Placida Rd Placida, FL 33946
📞 941-265-2925 | 941-26KAYAK
🗓️ supenglewood.com
🕚 Walk-up rentals until 12:30 PM open til 5 PM
🌊 The Magic of the Water 🐬I guide often, and while I’ve seen my share of wildlife wonders, moments like this still take my breath away.We were calmly watching dolphins gracefully surfacing near the famous dolphin wall when—out of nowhere—a rogue dolphin leapt straight out of the calm water, soaring high into the air. It was as if it was putting on a show just for us.This incredible moment is a beautiful reminder of how unexpected and awe-inspiring nature can be. Dolphins are frequent visitors in our tours at Don Pedro Island State Park, but this… this was truly something special.📅 This happened just a day after our waterway cleanup—almost as if the dolphins were celebrating our efforts to protect their home.✨ Come experience the magic with us. The dolphins are jumping for joy, and we can’t wait to share it with you!Reserve your spot today—because you never know what wonders await on the water! 🌊 🛶#SUPEnglewood #Dolphins #DonPedroIslandStatePark
❤️ Your health and safety are our top priority. 🛟
We’re closely monitoring water quality and awaiting official results before resuming paddling activities at Don Pedro Island State Park, which is open for visits. Thank you for your patience as we ensure everything is safe for you to return to the water!
We’re also working hard to restore and repair our office building after the storm. The good news? We’ve already cleaned and sanitized our trailers and kayaks! While we lost some things to the floodwater, we were able to save a lot thanks to great preparations ahead of time. 💪
Thank you for your continued support as we work through this recovery process. We’re excited to welcome you back soon!
#supenglewood #englewoodfl #charlottecounty #flstateparks #bestsideoutside #kayak #donpedroisland #thingstodo #placida #paddleboard #EnglewoodStrong
Storm Surge at Don Pedro Island State Park on Placida Road
A few days ago, I captured this footage of the floodwaters rising at Don Pedro Island State Park, and it was one of the most terrifying things to witness. The water came up so fast, it was almost unreal. Not everyone in our community experienced it the same way, and I felt it was important to share this video so people can truly understand how quickly storm surge can take over. We had been predicted to get 3-5 feet of surge, and therefore evacuation orders were not issued for our Zone A in Charlotte County.
However, as Hurricane Helene made a slight right-hand shift and rapidly grew in size, the situation changed quickly and drastically—much more than anyone was expecting. Surge levels are still being assessed, but early estimates suggest it may have reached around 8 feet or more. During the storm, we were watching footage of Don Pedro Island, where the Barrier Islands were breached by the Gulf. As someone with a background in coastal systems, I knew that the Barrier Islands serve as our defense against storm surge. Once they breach, the mainland is left vulnerable. This knowledge made the situation even more alarming because I knew how quickly things could escalate. Unfortunately, not everyone saw the same level of risk, but the reality was that we were one step away from a much worse situation.
Between 7 PM and around 9 PM, we weren’t able to capture as much footage from the park because the water was rising rapidly at our home on Rocky Creek, and we had to focus on monitoring everything around us to make sure we stayed safe. Luckily, around 9:30 PM, we finally saw the surge slow down. But those few hours were intense and a reminder of how fast things can change during a storm. For local businesses and residents who may not have seen it firsthand, this footage is a reminder that when storm surge is predicted, it’s crucial to take action early—even when forecasts don’t anticipate the level of risk.
You don’t always get a clear exit route, and the
🌀 Preparing for Hurricane Helene
We’ve been busy today prepping the office for the potential storm surge. As you’ll see in this video, we’ve packed everything into loft spaces to protect it from possible floodwaters. 🌊
Storm surge depends on where the eye of the hurricane is in relation to our coastline. The closer it is, the more water we may get—further away means less surge. One thing we’ve learned is that hurricanes are unpredictable, and their tracks can wobble.
While we’ve taken extra precautions at the office due to its special location, we didn’t feel the same level of prep was necessary for our home on Rocky Creek. I don’t want to worry anyone with this video—our office’s location carries special risks, and we’re simply preparing for those.
We remain optimistic that our general community will be safe, and we are praying for everyone, especially those on the barrier islands who are at the greatest risk. Please stay safe, everyone, and keep preparing! 🙏
The Magnificent Frigatebird, also known as the “pirate of the seas,” is a truly captivating sight. These remarkable birds are known for their incredible ability to fly vast distances offshore, often soaring high above the open ocean. From a distance, they may seem small, but up close, their impressive wingspan and unique silhouette reveal just how large and powerful they are.
Frigatebirds often make an appearance before storms, coming to roost in large flocks—an awe-inspiring experience to witness. Their distinctive forked tails and long wings make them masters of the skies, able to glide for hours without flapping.
Curious to learn more about these incredible birds and other local wildlife? Join us on a guided tour and immerse yourself in the wonders of our coastal ecosystem. Book your adventure with SUP Englewood today!
#WildlifeWednesday #MagnificentFrigatebird #SUPEnglewood #EcoTours #BirdWatching #FloridaWildlife #FLStateParks #DonPedroIsland #Birds #Tours #Wildlife #CoastalBirds #GulfofMexico #Florida #Vacation #ThingsToDo #PuntaGorda #EnglewoodFL #Placida #BocaGrande #ManasotaKey #PalmIsland #LGI #NorthPort #VeniceFL #PortCharlotte #CharlotteCounty
🌟 Big Updates & Big Thanks from SUP Englewood! 🛶
We’ve missed connecting with you here as we’ve been deep in the hustle of some exciting developments. 🚧📐 Over the past few weeks, we’ve been hard at work building out our new office and braving the seasonal rains and winds. These changes are all part of our commitment to enhancing your experience with us.
We are endlessly grateful for the patience and support from each of you during this busy time. A special shoutout to our amazing staff and community members who’ve stood by us – we couldn’t have done it without your support! 🙏💙
The skies are clearing and the waters are calling! We’re thrilled to announce that the coming days are looking absolutely perfect for paddling. 🌞🌊 We can’t wait to get you out on the water, whether for a peaceful solo journey, a fun family outing, or an adventurous group tour.
🚣♀️ Ready to dive back into adventure? We have rentals and tours ready and waiting for you. Let’s make the most of these beautiful days. Come join us and make some waves!
📞 Call us at 941-265-2925 or visit supenglewood.com to book your spot. Let’s paddle into the sunshine together! 🏝️☀️
#SUPenglewood #Paddleboarding #Kayaking #AdventureAwaits #ThankYou #smallbusiness #KayakRentals #KayakDelivery #PaddleBoard #EnglewoodBeach #manasotakey #EnglewoodFL #KayakTours #SUPTours #PlacidaFL #WellenPark #BeachTime #NorthPort #PortCharlotte #PuntaGorda #charlottecounty #Locals #travel #BestSideOutside #EnglewoodFL #BocaGrande #Placida #Sarasota #VisitFtMyers #VisitSarasota
🚣♂️ 🏝️ Discover the Hidden Treasures of Stump Pass Beach State Park! 🌊 🏄♀️
📆 By Reservation Only: Explore the stunning Stump Pass Beach State Park exclusively with a pre-booked adventure. Ensure your spot by reserving ahead—our visits here are by reservation only to provide the most personalized and enjoyable experience possible.
Reserve Your Stump Pass Experience:
🚣♀️ Private Tours: Dive deeper into nature with our expert guides at $85 per person.
🗺️ Half-Day Rentals: Ready to explore on your own? Rentals start at $65, including equipment delivery and pick-up.
📆 Book Ahead to Save! We offer exclusive online reservations for select dates with discounted rates. Stay tuned for updates and secure your spot for a perfect day on the water.
⏰ Early Birds Catch the Waves: Be parked by 8:30 AM as tours and rentals depart by 9 AM sharp.
🌟 Visit us at Don Pedro Island State Park Landbase for the best rates and more adventures! ⏰ The last rentals depart at 12 PM. No reservation? No problem! 🚶Walk-ups are welcome at Don Pedro for spontaneous paddling plans. ‼️ Plenty of parking and restrooms on-site.
🔗 Book today supenglewood.com
📞 Call 941-265-2925 to secure your reservation!
Experience the unique beauty of each location with the flexibility and convenience designed to suit your schedule and preferences. 🏝️🛶
#StumpPass #DonPedro #PaddleWithPurpose #SUPenglewood #KayakingAdventure #BookNow #KayakRentals #KayakDelivery #PaddleBoard #EnglewoodBeach #manasotakey #EnglewoodFL #KayakTours #SUPTours #PlacidaFL #WellenPark #BeachTime #NorthPort #PortCharlotte #PuntaGorda #charlottecounty #Locals #travel
🐚 Discover the Dance of the Lightning Whelk at Sunset 🌅
Ever wondered what life looks like from the perspective of a shell? Our latest fast-forward video captures the mesmerizing movements of a lightning whelk on the sandy shores at sunset. Watch as it twists and turns, using its tiny antennae—yes, those are its eyes!—to navigate the world around it. 👀✨
The lightning whelk is not just Florida’s second-largest shell, growing up to 16 inches; it’s a vital part of our coastal ecosystem. Serving as an important food source for sea turtles and other marine species, these gastropods play a crucial role in the biodiversity of our waters. 🌊🐢
But there’s more to these shells than meets the eye. Before becoming the beautiful keepsakes that many collect, each shell was home to a living creature, an essential part of the marine tapestry. That’s why preserving these shells in their natural habitat is so important. By protecting them, we maintain the health and balance of the ecosystem they support.
Join us in appreciating and protecting the living treasures of our beaches. Next time you find a shell, remember it’s more than just a souvenir—it’s a life that has contributed to the ecological wealth of our planet. 🌍💙
#LightningWhelk #ShellLife #SunsetDiscovery #EcoPaddle #SUPenglewood #MarineConservation #RespectNature #WildlifeWednesday #EarthDayEveryDay #PaddleWithPurpose #SUPenglewood #WaterwayConservation #ActForNature #BestSideOutside #CharlotteCounty #Florida #FLStateParks #DonPedroIsland #Kayak #PaddleBoard #SUP #Paddle #Englewood #EcoTours #SustainableTravel #EcoTourism #Conservation
Stand Up Paddle Board and Kayak with SUP Englewood. We offer SUP & Kayak rentals, guided tours, and lessons. Delivery to local islands available.
