the sand dollar magazine - season 2015

SEASON 2015

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CONTENTseason 2015

MORE FEATURES21

Stirling Designs

Hatch Gallery

Innovative Marine Structures

A Better Scoop Ice Cream Shoppe

Great Eats & Treats

The Sand Bar

Stirling Designs specializes in a wide array of LED lighting and full home automation. For homeowners, he handles anything from accent and cabinet lighting to landscape and boat lighting.

The building, once used by clam farmers, is an attractive art gallery containing whimsical wildlife driftwood art, wood carvings, antiques, and collectibles.

09

07

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Cherokee Park receives new public docks

Stand Up Paddle Board Yoga is GREAT exercise!

It's 5 o'colock Somewhere273 | THE SAND DOLLAR

Galloway Roofing 13 Protecting your roof investment in Florida

Stand Up Paddle Board Yoga is GREAT exercise!

MORE FEATURES

43

Wrigley's Tennis Shop

Ferry Boat Services

Woolverton Trails with SUP Englewood

Tracie's Fun Fish Facts

A Good Tennis Shop vs. a GREAT Tennis Shop.

Palm Island Transport, Palm Island Water Taxi, Pirates Water Taxi, South Venice Beach Ferry

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29

3537

Upside Down Jelly Fish (Mangrove Jelly Fish)

On The Cover:CATCH, TAG & RELEASE! The Herzog family works together to help provide much needed information for the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) & the Cooperative Shark Tagging Program (CSTP), which studies the life and history of sharks. You can help, too! For more infor-mation, see full article on page 43.

THE SAND DOLLAR | 4

37Florida Osprey

Catch, Tag & Release

Experience The Coastal Dream

PUBLISHERBrenda Fuller

Editorial DirectorBrenda Fuller

Art DirectorBrenda Fuller

Sales & MarketingMindy Bailey

Contributing WritersMallory Herzog

Rachel Strausbaugh

Nicole Meirs

Tracie Georgiadis

Renee Galloway

George Wrigley

Creative ContributorBailey Fuller (Root Toot)

FOR SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL

(941) 999-4973(941) 706-5464

All rights regarding the printed edition of The Sand Dollar Magazine and www.TheSandDollarMag.com are reserved. Reproduction of any part of The Sand Dollar Magazine/or this associated web site without the written permission of The Sand Dollar Magazine is prohibited. All views and comments expressed in The Sand Dollar Magazine are solely the opinions of the writers and not necessarily the opinions of The Sand Dollar Magazine. The Sand Dollar Magazine reserves the right to reject and refuse any materials submitted to it for The Sand Dollar Magazine or www.TheSandDollarMag.com.

The Sand Dollar MagazineEnglewood, FL 34223

(941) 999-4973(941) 706-5464

[email protected]

Located in Charlotte County, the Hatch Gallery is on the mainland in Placida, NE of Gasparilla Island, overlooking Gasparilla Sound. Their building, once used by clam farmers, is an attractive art gallery containing whimsical wildlife driftwood art, wood carvings, antiques, and collectibles. Obtained by Jon Hatch in 2003, it was turned into the perfect setting to display his custom art, one of Placida's favorite gift shops, serving Englewood and Rotonda, as well.

If you have not visited Hatch Gallery, you haven't seen the crafts that will both fascinate and inspire you. The entire gallery is filled from the ceiling to the floor with art from the entire Hatch family. Upon first entering the gallery, you will see a six foot alligator and what follows is a collection of antiques, Key West art and furniture, collectible art, driftwood art, painted sea chests, wood boxes and many other items that would create the perfect Florida gifts for any occasion or holiday.

h a t c h g a l l e r y

Article written by Kathy Futch & Photos submitted by Hatch Gallery

7 | THE SAND DOLLAR

John Hatch, the father, produces amazing wood carvings of birds and human characters, as well as colorful furniture that will add a vibrant touch to any room of your home. Jon's sister, Katrina, her virtuosity consists of framed ceramic pieces and colorful ceramic flowers. Chris Hatch, Jon's brother, creates stunning acrylic paintings representing some of the most beautiful scenery and Florida wildlife. Other original pieces include pottery, amazing metal art, such as weather vanes, large hanging fish, nautical art, and unique signage.

It will be Jon Hatch's original art that will keep you captivated for hours with his ability to turn a simple piece of driftwood into a masterpiece depicting nature as beautiful, whimsical and entertaining. Among his creations have been squids, pelicans, flamingos, eagles and tarpon. The Hatch family's theme consists of creating a charming and fun piece of nautical art that will become a conversation piece in any home. Whether the piece you fall in love with is tarpon art or a subtropical bird, there is something in Hatch Gallery for everyone.

Jon Hatch is considered an eco-artist, cleaning up our environment and recycling the items most people would not consider useful for anything. On a daily basis, Jon sifts through his pile of driftwood, old railroad trestles and sometimes old wooden fences, envisions what they will be in the future and creates his art masterpieces. Whether you are into dolphins, palm trees, mermaids or tarpon, it has been and will continue to be created out of what will just look like a piece of wood to you and me.

Whether you are located in Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Boca Grande, Englewood, Rotonda, Venice, Sarasota or further, Hatch Gallery has the perfect gift for every occasion. Stop by or contact Jon today, 941-697-9531.

Visit Hatch Gallery's website @ www.Jon-Hatch-Originals.com

h a t c h g a l l e r y

THE SAND DOLLAR | 8

Jon Hatch with one of his beautiful works of art.

Pictured: John Hatch

9 | THE SAND DOLLAR

There are 28 million small businesses in the United States. These companies are quickly becoming the backbone of the economy, entrepreneurship and the American dream. But surviving as a small business can be a monumental task in some cases.

For Brandon Hancock, the owner and president of Stirling Designs, business in Tampa Bay has been steady. He opened the audio, visual, lighting and security company in 2006, and had success in the area. By 2009, Hancock decided that it was time to make a change for his business and family.

Despite his success in Tampa, he relocated to Englewood, eventually buying a house. Leaving his Tampa client base behind was an easy decision when Hancock considered the benefits of a small town for his growing family.

As a Florida native, Hancock has close ties to the Englewood community. Becoming an Englewood homeowner himself several years ago, he understands what it takes to make a house a home. This knowledge gives his business a unique edge that combines talent, personal experience and education. Running the company himself, Hancock manages everything that makes the company tick. Still, he finds time in his schedule to be a licensed fishing guide, a husband and a father. Stirling Designs handles everything from audio, video and installation, to design and lighting. With his acoustical engineering degree and

extensive experience, Hancock is able to customize packages that perfectly fit his customer’s needs.

Hancock stays on the cutting-edge of the industry, offering clients the latest and greatest technology available, sometimes before it even hits the market. When new items become industry standards, Hancock knows about them in advance, so his clients can be assured that they are getting the most recent state-of-the-art product available.

For Hancock, the entire process is a thrilling experience from start to finish. He revels in the details of designs and planning to see a project through to completion. There is pride and dedication evidenced in each project he takes on.

His company specializes in a wide array of LED lighting and full home automation. For homeowners, he handles anything from accent and cabinet lighting to landscape and boat lighting. Home theaters can become acoustical masterpieces with his innovative designs.

Written by: Rachel Strausbaugh Photos Submitted by

THE SAND DOLLAR | 10

Audio • Video Lighting • Security

813.770.8755StirlingDesigns.us

He also handles security system installation that can be remotely accessed through a smartphone. This can include a variety of cameras, along with full home automation. Homeowner’s can bring their houses into the front-line of the 21st century with remote control over the lighting, thermostat, security cameras, alarm and door locks.

All done through a smartphone, this home automation helps keep homeowner at ease, whether on vacation or just at work. It saves you from wondering if you’ve locked the door or remembered to turn down the AC.

Hancock works to turn homeowner’s dreams into realities. Whether it’s landscaping, indoor or outdoor lighting or even an acoustic set-up, he invests himself in the project, getting to know the specific needs and wants of each new client.

“I really enjoy taking something that is nothing and creating the most beautiful thing ever,” said Hancock. “That’s what I do.”

CreativeClasses - Venice, FL Creative Framing & Gift Gallery LLC

Complete Custom Framing using all Conservation Materials For The Past 32 Years

• Acrylic Adventures - Vickie Lucas (256) 653-2662• Beachglass Jewelry - Sue Ross (941) 492-2150• Beginner Mosaic - Pearse Kelly (941) 234-8771• Children’s Arts & Crafts - Vickie Lucas (256) 653-2662• Fused Glass - Gayle Haynie (941) 830-8448• Glass Mosaics Pictures - Gayle Haynie (941) 830-8448•• Micro Mosaic Jewelry - Lynne Cirillo (302) 562-4785• Pastels - Jamie Lee Sealander (941) 544-0535• Shell Art Décor - Linda Thompson (941) 493-2276• Watercolors - Ginna Ruffing (614) 403-0821• Wire Wrapping & Jewelry Making - Lynne Cirillo (302) 562-4785• Yupo Watercolors - Barbara Raymond (941) 961-9723

941-697-3737

Re-Roofing • Repairs • InspectionsRoof Evaluations • Roof Coatings

FREE CONSULTATIONS

Lic. #: CCC1328485

Locally Owned & Operated27 Years ExperienceLicensed & Insured

David Galloway/Owner

www.GallowayRooong.comTHE SAND DOLLAR | 12

QUALITY FLOORING GUARANTEED

Since 1979 - Licensed & insured

TazFlooring & Design

941-473-37302615 Placida Rd.

Englewood, Fl 34224www.TazFlooringDesign.com

Carpet • Stone • MarbleGlass Enclosures • Granite Countertops

Green Products

FREE ESTIMATES!

13 | THE SAND DOLLAR

Protecting Your Roof Investment in Florida

Free Estimate or inspection!“Don’t wait until the rainy season to find your roof leaks,” says Galloway Roofing owner, Dave Galloway. As most Floridians know, keeping your roof leak-free during rainy season is essential, otherwise you’ll pay emergency repair costs and could wait days to have your roof repaired, causing possible extensive damage to

Article & Photos by Renee Galloway

your insulation and interior sheet rock. With some simple preventative maintenance items, these costly repairs could be prevented with a less expensive annual inspection and maintenance. There are a variety of reasons for your roof to leak. Many people assume that because they have a thirty year roof

941-GallowayRoofing.com

Before Elastomaric Coating Repair

After Elastomaric Coating Repair

Galloway Family, L-R : Chase, Renee, Dave and Savanna


Protecting Your Roof Investment in Florida warranty, they don’t need annual maintenance. There are a lot of components in a roof system that Mother Nature can wear out quickly! Whether it’s leaves clogging gutters, pine needles damming up valleys or squirrels chewing through the tops of lead pipe boots, a quick maintenance inspection can prevent leaks before they occur.

Galloway also explains that flat roofs are especially vulnerable during the rainy season. Due to the nature of their low slope, water tends to build up and may back up under seems and outer edges. Ponding water occurring on flat roofs will magnify the sun’s UV rays and cause premature aging of the roof surface. An inspection of the seam, and applying a good quality Elastomeric or Silicone roof coating can prevent these types of leaks. The best time to apply these coatings is during the dry season, December through April, so that the coating material has ample time to dry in the afternoons. As all

Floridians know, the summer rains are very unpredictable and can cause roof coating products to wash away in a quick afternoon sun shower.

“We offer free roof inspections year round, but now is the optimum time to complete any needed repairs and roof coatings,” says Galloway.

Galloway Roofing specializes in all roof types such as metal, tile, shingle and roof coatings. Please call today for a free roof estimate or inspection.

Galloway Roofing7253 Gasparilla Road #1 Port Charlotte, FL 33981

(941) 697-3737

Squirrel Damage

Metal Roof System Finished by Galloway

Galloway Roofing Crew

Complete Shingle Roof System by Galloway Roofing

Innovative Marine Structures BuildNew Piers at Cherokee ParkInnovative Marine Structures is a locally owned marine contracting company based in Englewood. The company was established in 2010. IMS pride themselves on being innovative with new technology and materials. Some of their recent work around town includes an observation deck at Farlow’s on the Water, a large Florida state seawall project and rock revetment at the south end of Boca Grande.

The most recent completed project is two piers for Sarasota County at Cherokee Park. The park is not very well known because of its hidden location at the end of Dearborn and to the left towards Indian Mound Park. The park is located

at 61 Cherokee Street and is right on the waterfront of Lemon Bay.

Sarasota County is hoping that with the addition of the piers, the taxpayers will be able to enjoy this beautiful location. One of the piers is a 110’ fishing pier, and the other is 220’ out with eight boat slips for public access. The county’s thought is that people can park their boats, and take a stroll up to Dearborn for shopping, lunch and a beverage. If you get a chance, take a look at the professionally built docks by Innovative Marine Structures.

IMS is very proud of the quality of work that they perform. They also provide boat lifts with various capacities available, and if you



533 Paul Morris DrEnglewood, FL 34223

(941) 473-DOCK (3625) `

Your Local Marine Contracting Professional CGC 1506904

Docks • Seawalls • BoatliftPermitting • Free Estimates

www.InnovativeMarineFl.com

Innovative Marine Structures BuildNew Piers at Cherokee Park

need a seawall, Innovative Marine Structures is the company to call! To get a free quote or to discuss any your waterfront needs, contact Mike or Perry at (941) 473-3625. They will be happy to assist you!


Thank You Englewood! We Are Back Again!!

LANDY’SO N T H E WAT E R

SEAFOOD • STEAKS • SALAD BARDaily Lunch Specials Mon - Sat 11 pm - 4 pm

Great Eats & Treats!


Great Eats & Treats!

Sun: 12 pm - 9 pm • Mon 11:30 am - 9 pmTues - Thurs: 11:30 am - 10 pm • Fri & Sat: 11:30 am - 11 pm

Authentic Mexican CuisineBreakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Appetizers • Soup & Salads • FajitasQuesadillas • Burritos • Tacos

Enchiladas • Chimichangas • SeafoodFull Bar • Happy Hour • Free

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Mexican Grilleand Bar


Complimentary Chips & Salsa

Drink Specials Everyday From 3 pm - 5 pm On House Margaritas & Drafts


Beach Road Wine Bar & Bistro

www.EnglewoodSeafood.com

1939 Beach RdEnglewood, Florida 33223Next to Allure Boat Rentals

Open 7 days a week!Island Court, Inc.941-474-8236


Boca Grande's Newest Hot Spot: The Sand Bar Bar • Finest Things Antique Boutique • Amish CafeWritten by Rachel Strausbaugh & Photos by Brenda Fuller

When you walk into The Sand Bar on Boca Grande, pause for a moment. Savor the walls lined with eclectic antique pieces. Take in the works of art, the unique furniture, the instruments. Next time you come to The Sand Bar, it might look totally different.

The Sand Bar is a Amish Cafe, bar and antique shop (Finest Kind Antique Boutique) located on the north side of Boca Grande. It was the brainchild of Brenda Lee and Chris Combrink, along with their four children.

Here’s the catch: Everything you see there is for sale. That chair you’re eating dinner on? It’s for sale. The decorations? For sale! But, don’t worry. They have a warehouse full of antiques to restock the store.

Confused yet? The Combrinks are antique dealers who decided to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Although a restaurant may seem like a far leap from antiques, the Combrinks were no strangers to preparing food for large crowds.

The family participated in a fundraiser for the


Wounded Warrior Project in Texas for years. They would cook and serve food for upwards of 400 people. The whole family was involved in the process, and it was a memory that stuck with the Combrink’s 19-year-old son, Clayton. So, when he decided that he wanted all of them to start a restaurant, it seemed like a natural next step for the family.

One night, the family was out to dinner when they noticed the empty real estate where their new restaurant currently sits. One of Brenda Lee’s pet peeves is good real estate going to waste, so they set about turning the funky location into their into their next venture.

“We created a place where atmosphere meets great food and fun,” said Brenda Lee. It’s a true family affair, with each of the six family members helping out. Brenda Lee and her son cook in the mornings, while her husband cooks in the evening. The food at the Sand Bar isn’t your traditional fare; in fact, they serve up dishes using authentic Amish ingredients. Much of their food comes from an Amish food distributor in Millersburg, Ohio. Their dairy is all Amish-produced, local and organic. It’s a difference you can truly taste. “We tell people that if you come try us, and taste the food, that says it all,” said Brenda Lee. “It’s just really good food.”

Although they serve Amish fare, the Combrinks aren’t Amish. They just know good food when they taste it, and others can taste the difference, too! When Brenda Lee became an Amish food distributor, she received her first shipment of 500 pounds of Amish cheese. It sold out in 2 weeks. The butter took less than 24 hours! These delicious Amish ingredients are used to make everything from authentic Mexican food, to roast beef and turkey veggie rice soup. If you have a sweet tooth, buckle up, because the restaurant features over 20 types of pies. Their donuts are made in-house every morning, but if you’re not a morning person, don’t worry. They serve breakfast all day.

If you’d rather not leave home at all, they have a solution for that too. As if you didn’t already think they had it all, The Sand Bar delivers! That’s right, a delivery service that will bring you delicious flat


Live Entertainment • Antique Shows • Themed Events


Dinner Mystery Theater • Fiesta Friday • Karaoke

bread pizzas, beer, pie and even an antique table if you want it. They’ll bring you everything but the kitchen sink (unless you offer the right price).

Wise Guys Delivery is set to begin in January 2015 and will even deliver to Little Gasparilla by boat. If that doesn’t pique your interest, nothing will. With so much going on, this is an up and coming Boca Grande hot spot you don’t want to miss. It’s something you need to experience for yourself, and the experience is what it’s all about. Whether you want to relax and enjoy the atmosphere, browse the antiques shop, have a meal or join in on fun events, there’s something for everyone. The Combrinks plan events ranging from live music and karaoke to murder mystery dinners.

Planned by Chris, himself, these dinners feature a 5 course meal, a champagne toast, live entertainment and challenging mystery. As the meal begins, so does the mystery. You don’t know whether you’re seated next to another guest or an actor.

This funky location is full of surprises, and you never know what’s coming next. The Combrinks are just taking their new adventure one day at a time. Their anchor is thrown down in Boca Grande, and they are excited and ready to explore all the possibilities of whatever may come next.

“We have a lot of different hats, but that’s what life’s all about I think. Why stick with one thing? You never know where your talents might take you,” said Brenda Lee.

ABetterScoop Ice Cream Shoppe

The sweet smell of waffle cones wafts through the air, colorful menus invite you to go traditional or try something new. This small ice cream shop in Englewood has crafted a recipe for success: homemade ice cream and friendly service.

A Better Scoop Ice Cream Shoppe was voted number 5 out of the top 100 homemade ice cream shops in America on TripAdvisor. The store also received Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence for 2014. And with all the great reviews, it’s easy to see why this ice cream shop is on top.

The homemade waffle cones are a huge hit and are made fresh every morning. They’ll churn out anywhere between 50 to 100 waffle cones, complete with chocolate, sprinkles, bits or just a plain cone.

“The flavors are a mix of classic favorites (butter pecan is dreamy) and unique combinations I've never imagined,” said Mia S. of Vermont on TripAdvisor. “The Working Cow Ice Cream is rich and creamy. You can tell they use quality ingredients. Try a sundae

VOTED#5 IN USA

Written by Rachel Strausbaugh

in a waffle bowl. You'll be happy you did!”

The cones are delicious, but the homemade ice cream inside really makes this a special treat. The store’s ice cream is homemade in small batches by a local St. Petersburg company called Working Cow Homemade Ice Cream. This family-owned company has over 100 delicious flavors and produces ice cream using Florida dairies and local ingredients where possible.

It’s a difference you can truly taste. The ice cream is perfectly creamy, and it gives you an explosion of flavor in each bite that will bring people back again and again. In fact, people come from all over the country come to enjoy a treat at A Better Scoop.

A new map on the wall features the United States, and it is dotted with pushpins from across the country. Customers span far and wide, and many quickly become regulars on their trips back to Florida. “A Family of 4 visit to Englewood is never quite complete without a visit to a Better Scoop! Yummy ice cream choices, and the fresh waffle cones are to die for! Very friendly staff, looking forward to our next visit in 2015! We have been enjoying Better Scoop for

several years now,” said John T. of Massachusetts on TripAdvisor. The flavors are always changing, so you’ll have a surprise every time you come in. Some fan favorites include butter pecan, black cherry, maple walnut and coconut. The seasonal and featured flavors are a popular hit as well. Some flavors were so popular, like the Captain’s Butterscotch, that they made the permanent rotation. So, what’s the best flavor? “Whatever you’re craving is the best,” said Nichole Moranda, the store manager for 5 years.

For this small business, employee turnover is low. The staff is outgoing, friendly and upbeat. It creates an atmosphere that’s great for both the employees and customers. You can expect friendly faces, good ice cream and lots of fun each time you go to A Better Scoop.

“We care about our customers,” said Moranda. “We try to make sure each experience is a good one.”

70 South Indiana Avenue, Englewood, FL 34223(941) 473-2650

www.ABETTERSCOOP.com


I t ' s 5 ' o c l o c k S o m e w h e r e



Appetizer Specials withComplimentary Chips & Salsa

Happy Hour 3pm to 5pm

2630 Placida Rd., Englewood, FL 34224 • 941.460.8081


Prefer to stay home for happy hour? Try this incredible cocktail! It’s call the Absolute Stress Reliever! Gather your ingredients and transport yourself to that beautiful, tropical place! (Even if it is only in your living room!)

Serves 11/2 ounce coconut rum1/2 ounce vodka1/2 ounce peach vodka (or peach schnapps)1 ounce orange juice1 ounce pineapple juice1 ounce cranberry juice

Pour all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice. Shake well, and strain into cocktail glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish as desired, and ENJOY!

Absolute Stress Reliever


Once you are directed by our friendly mates to board the ferry, sit back and relax for a short trip across the Intracoastal Waterway from the mainland to the island. Keep an eye out on the Intracoastal, as the dolphins like to show off on occasion. For rates, please visit www.palmislandtransit.com/general-public-rate.

Pirates Water Taxi There is one water taxi that services Little Gasparilla Island which runs every day during daylight hours but will run later with a reservation. It is best to contact Captain Emmett a day in advance, especially if you need to travel very early, after dark or on a holiday. Average cost for the water taxi is $15.00 per person, but be sure to verify this as prices sometimes change, depending on the time of day you need to cross the bay. After dark costs extra. There is also a minimum trip charge. PLEASE try to arrive before dark! Phone number

for Pirate's Water Taxi is 941-697-5777.

Palm Island/Rum Bay Water TaxiCentrally located between and within 5 miles of both Placida/Boca Grande and Englewood Florida on Placida Road is Rum Bay's sister restaurant, Leverocks. Leverocks Restaurant is located at 7092 Placida Road in Cape Haze. Leverocks patrons are allowed to use the parking spaces closest to the restaurant, but plenty of space is available for you to park your car at the restaurant, walk down adjacent to the boat basin, past the swimming pool and towards the Harbor Master's office. At the end of the walkway, the fueling dock is shared with the water taxi.

Space is limited to 15 people every hour on the half hour, starting at 11:30 am,, weather permitting. Reservations are suggested by calling Rum Bay at 941-697-0566. Taxi fare is $5 round trip. Bring your camera,


Palm Island Transport“We transport you to paradise.”

Palm Islnd Transport's mission is to provide safe, timely ferry transport from the hectic life on the mainland to the relaxed “Island Time” lifestyle, while ensuring friendly, helpful service to our customers; to promote ecological balance between the surrounding environment and our business practices and cultivating the spirit of community for the island residents and visitors.

Don Pedro and Palm Island are one of the last non-commercialized barrier islands in southwest Florida. Today, the island is primarily a residential and vacation community. You won’t find Palm Island on any nautical map, as its “official” name is Knight Island. It has fondly been called Palm Island which is located on the north end of Knight Island.

FERRY BOAT & WATER TAXI SERVICES

as the dolphins frequently play in the wake.

South Venice Beach FerryOur Ferry Captains will meet you at the landing. This is located at 4800 Lemon Bay Drive. The Ferry leaves every half hour beginning at 9:30am until sunset, everyday but Wednesday, when the Captains take a day of rest, and volunteers make repairs to the boat.

FERRY HOURS OF OPERATION:• November 1 through April 30 - 9:30 a.m. to sunset* everyday. • May 1 through October 31 - 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Mon and Tues, and 9:30 a.m. to sunset* on Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun.*Sunset hours are posted at the ferry house for your convenience.• The ferry does not run on Wednesdays, Thanksgiving or Christmas Day.

Passes may be purchased at the ferry directly for cash and check only, or you may visit the administration office on Tues/Thurs or Sat from 9am-1pm and purchase using a US Bank Debit/Credit Card, cash or check. (All checks must be drawn on US Banks only.) For more information, visit www.SouthVeniceBeach.org

A SHARPER IMAGEYard Care • Mowing

Power Washing • PaintingCar/Boat Detailing • Repairs

YOU NAME IT!

Clayton Randall or

Sit Back & Enjoy

Lead Me To It & Watch Me Do It!

[email protected]



Pirates Dream

(941) 830-8660

A Plunderful Place to Shop!3250 Placida Rd., Englewood, Fl

www.ThePiratesDream.com

FREE

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One coupon per person. Offer expires 4/31/15

One coupon per person. Other Restrictions apply. Excludes sale items. Offer expires 4/31/15

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Conch Shell

We Design Custom JewelryBuying Gold & Silver

A GOOD Tennis Shop vs. A GREAT Tennis Shop

Wrigley's Tennis Shop is one of truly GREAT tennis shops in the nation, because we are USRSA Master Racquet Technicians and have been serving Charlotte County for over 30 years.

We have strung over 100,000 racquets. We have also strung at the Easter Bowl, which was an elite international Jr. Tournament in Haines City, Florida in 1999, leading Team Ashaway and stringing a record 256 racquets in one week! We've also strung at the NASDAQ 100 in Key Biscayne, Florida in 2005 for many top ATP/WTA players such as Venus & Serena Williams, Tommy Haas, & Greg Rusedski.

Wrigley's Tennis Shop services customers from the Villages in Ocala, Florida all the way down to Naples, Florida. We have over 7000 customers in our database, AND WE HAVE THE ONLY BABOLAT RDC MACHINE IN THE COUNTY!

The importance of this machine is:

1. It will measure the % of energy left in your string

2. It will measure the stiffness of your frame, which will detect any slight internal fracture in the frame or if it is a counterfeit frame. All frames have a set stiffness index by the manufacturer. (NOTE: If you have two or more frames with different flexes they will never play the same.)

3. Measures the dynamic inertia or swing weight, which is one of the comfort levels which you can duplicate in any other frame by adding lead weight to the frame, but you must first know what the swing weight is, and this machine can tell you the before and after.

4. It also measures the balance and weight of the racquet, which can be changed by adding lead weight to customize which will also alter your swing weight.

After these tests are performed the RDC will evaluate your frame based on 3 basic criteria: 1. POWER = ball speed transmitted by the

racquet


Written by George Wrigley

A GOOD Tennis Shop vs. A GREAT Tennis Shop2. CONTROL=accuracy of the racquet

3. MANEUVERABILITY = ease of difficulty of swinging the racquet.

Then there is a letter displayed opposite each criterion in the form of:

1. A = Excellent Grade

2. B = Good Grade

3. C = Medium Grade

Next to each letter is a bar graph with a scale graduated from 1 to 100 which quantifies and displays the results. This entire test takes less than 2 minutes, and we can even give you a printout.

FYI: Pete Sampras owned one of these machines for many years & currently Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal travel with one. Please stop into Wrigley's Tennis Shop, and see what a GREAT tennis shop has to offer!


Written by George Wrigley

My family and I moved to Florida just under two years ago, and nothing excited me more than to jump into the water and start exploring the marine animals living here. Being from Massachusetts, these creatures were all new to me. I remember coming down around 10 years ago and chasing a white shrimp for hours. I had never seen

this type of shrimp. It had a burrow in the sand. He played hide and seek with me all day, and I never did catch him. That same evening, my husband handed me a book, National Audubon Society’s Field Guide to Florida. I found the shrimp I was trying to catch. It was the common mantis shrimp. They have 6 large spines on their claws,

Written by Tracie Tracie Georgiadis


Tracie's Fun Fish FactsUpside-Down Jelly Fish (Mangrove Jelly Fish)


which can inflict a deep laceration. Whoops! I had no idea, and from that point on, I began reading about these creatures, realizing it was important to educate myself, so I didn’t get hurt.

Last year, I completed the Florida Master Naturalist program coastal module. I joked to my friends that I was attending "fish school". This is one of the best courses I have ever taken, and I use the facts I learned almost daily to educate others on eco-tours, which I conduct daily via the paddle board or kayak, on the amazing things that I find in the water.

One of my favorite creatures is the upside-down jellyfish. I once thought that all jellyfish sting and that you should steer clear of them while swimming. Although this is true, especially if you don’t know which types are in your waters, the upside-down jellyfish really doesn’t swim in the water column. When exploring the shallow waters of the harbor along the mangroves, look down. I describe these creatures as looking like big snowflakes, motionless and littered on the bottom of the ocean. The upside-down jellyfish, also called the Mangrove jellyfish, is literally upside-down. One sees only the arms or tentacles, swaying with the motion of the water. The “top” (or bell) of the animals remains anchored to the sand by a using a pulsating motion from the bell. The effect creates a vacuum to keep the creature stationary while pulling surrounding water to towards is feeding apparatus.

The upside-down jellyfish belongs to the order Rhizostomeae. The jellyfish in this order has no tentacles or structures on the edges of their bell. Instead, they have 4 to 8 highly branched oral arms connected to the underside of the bell with as many as 40 mouths attached to in-branched arms and a primary mouth which resides in

the center of the underside of the bell. Like most jellyfish, the upside-down jellyfish hunts for food and wards off predators using stinging cells (nematocysts). These nematocysts are used to feed on plankton

and zooplankton. The upside-down jellyfish releases its stinging cells in a layer of mucus that floats in the

water. Their sting is not harmful to humans, but can cause an itchy rash.

I often pick up this jellyfish to educate my clients. When I do pick them

up, I carefully go into the sand underneath the bell, so as not to injure the jellyfish. The larger they are, the more irritating the sting. I wouldn’t suggest that anyone pick up a jellyfish, but this guy is just so interesting, I love to show others. When I finish talking about them, I

gently place them bell up in the water. They begin pulsating and

rather quickly flip back over and reconnect to the ocean floor.

Within the bell of the jellyfish, is a type of algae, which contributes to the jellyfish's

color and also has a symbiotic relationship with this specific type of jellyfish. This jellyfish spends their

time upside-down on the bottom of the ocean soaking up sunlight for the photosynthesizing algae. This is a beneficial relationship for both the jellyfish, which receives its primary food from the algae, and the algae which receives shelter and photosynthesizing sunlight needed to survive.

Another interesting relationship occurs with a crab from the Dorippidae family. They will take will take the jellyfish, and place it on top of its shell like a hat. This provides protection in the form of camouflage.

Next time you are in the shallows by the mangroves exploring, look down. Now you know what those snowflake-like formations on the ocean floor are; the Upside-down Jellyfish.

Woolverton Trails

Southwest Florida is a natural coastline with many access points into local waterways. Placida Road in Englewood features launch locations to amazing mangrove forests located in backwater areas. The Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserve is one of the most diverse estuaries in Florida. This area covers a large portion of Southwest Florida and includes Coral Creek, Catfish Creek and Gasparilla Sound. This coastal waterway is filled with wildlife and supports over 100 species of native and migratory birds. Dolphins, manatees and coastal fish are also found when paddling in this coastal environment. One of my favorite places to launch from is located under the bridge by the Fishery Restaurant. This area is rich with history and features of one the best paddling destinations in the area, The Woolverton Trails.

The trails feature over six and half miles of canopy mangrove trails and a rich local history. This coastal paddling destination was not always a mangrove forest. This coastal area was a sand flat prior to a dredging project in the mid 60’s. There was not even a mangrove at the time of the dredging. After the sand flats

were dredged, a tidal flow was created, and then mangrove seeds floated into the trails. The red and black mangroves have since blossomed into a canopy mangrove forest of trails.

They are several local theories on why the trails were created, however one seems to be most accurate. The dredging project was conducted as a means of mosquito control for our local area. Creating a tidal flow through an area with stagnant water, disrupted the mosquito breeding area, decreasing their population and preventing the spread of disease carried by mosquitos. Even though the trails were dredged years ago, access is still available for paddling through the trails.

Over 40 years ago, Edwin Woolverton discovered miles of paddling trails located in the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserve. Ed purchased his home located behind Gasparilla Marina because of the access to the private cancel in his backyard. Ed is a boater and would take a sport canoe with a motor on the back. He would store the boat by the dock outside his home. He found the trails right away by boating out of the back of his canal. Ed was looking for a good fishing spot on windy days.

Photos & Aricle by Nicole Miers


The mangroves were more open when he first discovered them; therefore, fitting his small boat through the trails was not a problem then. The trails were a great way to travel to Catfish Creek without having to go out into the wider part of the bay. He would travel through the trails for fishing. He was proud to catch his first snook in the trails. Ed Woolverton discovered Charlotte County’s best-kept paddling secret.

Ed put forth a lot of effort into figuring out the maze of trails. He numbered all of trails that connect together and drew numbered maps to show the way. Ed is an artist and master woodcarver. His creativity and passion for his discovery allowed the trails to blossom into a destination paddling location for many others.

Ed Ingle named the trails after Ed Woolverton in dedication of his discovery and put up the first signs. Since then, Ed Woolverton hand carves new signs when windstorms take down the ones at the entrance of the trails. Ed Woolverton is now 98 years old and has trouble getting into a kayak. Richard Woolverton, Ed’s son, has been maintaining the trails for his father. He hopes to keep the history of his father’s discovery alive by allowing paddlers to continually visit the mangroves. He is also very passionate about the mangrove trails and would like to see people experience

the unique atmosphere of trails. Richard has been paddling the trails and replacing faded or fallen numbers of the trails. As of December 2014, Richard has restored all of the signs in the trails. The Woolverton’s hope is to see paddlers enjoying the maze of trails. Ed shared his maps and discovery with Captain Marian of Grande Tours over 20 years ago. The Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserve was Captain Marian’s home and paddling backyard. Captain Marian was the pioneer of Charlotte County’s paddle

Photos & Aricle by Nicole Miers


Pictured: Ed Woolverton with his wood carvings


sports industry. She began paddling trips through the trails and featured this location as a premiere paddle destination. The trails did not disappoint and provided memorable experiences to the thousands of people that paddled at Grande Tours. Sadly to many in the area, Grande Tours is no longer open, and the trails have not been traveled as frequently.

Seashore Eco Tours has recently started offering kayaking trips through the maze of trails known as Woolverton Trails. Two hour kayaking trips launch under the bridge by Fishery Road in Placida. Paddlers can either kayak or stand up paddle through The Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserve.

Find out more by visiting www.SeashoreEcoTours.com or by calling (855) 2PADDLE or (855) 272-3353.

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LET’S gO FIShIng...

Winter time in SWFL is beautiful. We are lucky to enjoy these mild temperatures for a few months before we get back into the real heat. The fishing is pretty incredible, too. Negative tides and foggy mornings; whether you’re on a boat or the beach, the fish have been plentiful. The Gulf beaches start to fill up with flounder, jacks and ladyfish. Even snook are just a cast away. I like using shrimp and cut bait, such as ladyfish or mullet during the winter months. They seem to work the best. Many species are migrating to warmer waters in the south, and we catch them as they are passing through. Others are moving up into the rivers and creek systems to stay warm.

Our recent trips on the water have been great. Exploring our area from the flats of Charlotte Harbor to the deeper waters of Boca Grande has been such an adventure when exploring new areas to fish. We started one of our days flats fishing along the east wall of the Harbor. This is a great flat to fish during the winter months. We came in using our trolling motor, taking extra care not to scare any fish that may be hiding in the grass nearby. If you do not have a trolling motor, a push pole also works great. It was a windy day but sunny skies and stunning scenery.

The bait we used that day was live large shrimp and various soft plastics. We were using 1/8oz jig heads and one on a float. Trout were plentiful within the first few casts on the artificial bait. These are great eating fish. The keeper size on speckled sea trout is 15-20 inches, and there is a four trout limit, per person, per day. The next fish to bite was the ladyfish! They are wonderful to use as cut bait. We set out some stationary bait while we tried casting some spoons. It didn’t take long to get a bite, which was a beautiful redfish on the flats.

Article and photos by Mallory Herzog of Big Bully

Mallory Herzog & Brett with Spotted Sea Trout.

Mallory Herzog & Barry Baroudiwith Spotted Seatrout

Mallory Herzog with Redfish

Redfish & trout were a blast, but I wanted to catch something with teeth. I convinced Andrew to head out towards Boca Grande. (We tag and release sharks for the NOAA Cooperate Shark Tagging Program). We just added two new shark/reef reels to our boat, and I really wanted to test them out. They are Maxel Ocean Max 10 Reels and Tsunami Rods. This reel is small and compact, but has almost as much drag as my large and bulky 80w reel I use off the beach. Only 10 minutes after setting out baits, we had a bite.

I caught a cute adult blacknose shark. These sharks reach 4 feet in size as an adult. We wanted something bigger to really test the strength of these reels. Our wish was soon granted! Our friend, Barry, hooked up to a spinner shark. This shark was pulling drag

Mallory Herzog with Redfish

and leaping out of the water, putting on a great aerial show. The speed of this shark through the water was incredible. We pulled the shark on board for a safe de-hooking and tagging, before Barry gave her a hug and sent her back into the ocean. We caught and tagged a few more sharks as the day went on. The Maxel Reels performed great against these powerful predators. What a

way to start the New Year!

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FISH ONwith Barry Baroudi!!




Want to save the ocean? You first must save the sharks. Since 1962, fishermen and scientists have been working together. Have you ever caught a shark over 4 feet? Then you could help too! The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) & the Cooperative Shark Tagging Program (CSTP) is a collaborative effort between recreational anglers, the commercial fishing industry and NMFS to study the life history of sharks. The tagging program was initiated in 1962 with an initial group of less than 100 volunteers. The program has expanded in subsequent years to include thousands of volunteers distributed along the Atlantic and Gulf coast of North America and Europe. It has and still provides scientists with a great amount of data and information on our ever

changing oceans.

How does it work? Numbered tags are sent to volunteer participants on self-addressed return postcards for recording tagging information (such as, date, location, gear, size and sex of shark), along with a tagging needle, tagging instructions, current management information and shark ID place cards. When a previously tagged shark is re-caught, information similar to that obtained at tagging is requested from the person that recaptures it. Whenever a shark is recaptured, both parties are notified and a letter is sent giving information about your catch, such as where it was first tagged, original length and sex. Big Bully got involved about four years ago,

Article & Photos by Mallory Herzog of Big Bully


and it has been a rewarding experience. Whenever we get a recapture letter in the mail, you get to know your catches more personally as they grow and move. Sometimes you wait a VERY long time for recapture information. We average

two - four recaptures a year. The longest time at liberty for any shark in the cooperative shark tagging program is 27.8 years, and it was a Sandbar shark. I can only hope to walk to the mailbox in 20 years to find a recapture letter from that long ago!

Data from tagging programs, such as the NMFS and the CSTP, provide valuable information on migration and the extent of fish movements. The need for international cooperation in such work is underscored by the fact that many shark species have wide-ranging distributions, frequently traverse national boundaries and are exploited by multi-national fisheries. The CSTP is also an important means to increase our biological understanding of sharks and to obtain information for rational resource management. The tagging of sharks (and other aquatic animals) provides information on stock identity, movements and migration (including rates and routes), abundance, age and growth (including verification/validation of age determination methods), mortality and behavior.

Source: NOAA NMFS


Catch, Tag & Release with Mallory Herzog

Barry Baroudi tags & releases this beautiful Blacktip .

46 | THE SAND DOLLAR FUN IN THE SUN!

FUN IN THE SUN!

7 | THE SAND DOLLAR

OSPREYAppearance:The undersides of the toes on each foot are covered with short spines, which help them grasp slippery fish.

Habitat:The osprey is smaller than the bald eagles that typically share the same habitats, but its five to six foot wingspan is impressive nonetheless. Adults are dark brown above with a white underside and head. The female has what is called a “dirty” necklace, which looks like a brown necklace. (as pictured in the large photo on the left) Look for the distinctive dark line that extends behind the eye and the gull-like way the narrow wings are angled downward when the birds are in flight.

The osprey is found year-round in Florida both as a nesting species and as a spring and fall migrant passing between more northern areas and Central and South America. Ospreys in Florida did not suffer the serious pesticide-related population decline that occurred in other states in the 1950s and 1960s. Pesticides, shoreline development and declining water quality continue to threaten the abundance and availability of food and nest sites for ospreys.

Behavior:Ospreys, also known as "fish hawks," are expert anglers that like to hover above the water, locate their prey and then swoop down for the capture with talons extended.

In Florida, ospreys commonly capture saltwater catfish, mullet, spotted trout, shad, crappie and sunfish from coastal habitats and freshwater lakes and rivers for their diet.

Ospreys build large stick nests located in the tops of large living or dead trees and on manmade structures such as utility poles, channel markers and nest platforms. They have adapted so well to artificial nest sites, that the species now nests in areas (e.g. inner cities) once considered unsuitable. Nests are commonly reused for many years. Nesting begins from December (South Florida) to late February (North Florida). The incubation and nestling period extends into the summer months.

The osprey is listed as a Species of Special Concern only in Monroe County. Permits are required throughout the state to remove a nest for these wonderful raptors, however, and a replacement structure must be erected to mitigate the removal of the nest.

Visit www.myfwc.gov for more information on the OspreySource: FWC


Photos by Brenda Fuller


I N M E M O RY O F C A P TA I N J I M O L I N

We were born before the windAlso younger than the sun

Ere the bonnie boat was won As we sailed into the mystic

Hark, now hear the sailors crySmell the sea and feel the sky

Let your soul and spirit flyInto the mystic

And when that fog horn blows I will be coming home, mmm mmm

And when the fog horn blows I want to hear it. I don't have to fear it

I wanna rock your gypsy soulJust like way back in the days of old

Then magnificently we will float Into the mystic

- Lyrics from Van Morrison's"Into The Mystic"

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the sand dollar magazine - season 2015

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