4 Great White Sharks Are In The Gulf
So we know there are sharks in the waters off the coast of Florida. Well, there are four great white sharks in the Gulf. What I love about this is that all of them have names. Firstly there is Jekyll which is an 8 foot 400 pound great white that’s been around the Florida Keys. Second, there is Scot, which is a 12-foot 1600-pound great white shark. He was pinging near the Florida Keys over the weekend. Then there is Simon, which is almost a 10-foot 450-pound great that was near Naples early in February. Finally, there is Keji, which is almost a 10-foot 600-pound great white that swam down the coast of Florida. It was first noticed around the Florida/Alabama state line in late January then it swam past Tampa and ended up in Naples in early February.
Shark Attacks Are Extremely Rare In Florida
The Florida Wildlife and Conservation Commission says, “In Florida, sharks typically move inshore and north in the spring and summer, and offshore and south in fall and winter months. This pattern explains why shark activity is at its peak in Florida waters during April through October, which coincidentally, is also the time period that humans are more likely to be in the water. Yet shark bites remain very rare. Humans are 30 times more likely to be struck by lightning in Florida than bitten by a shark. Experts agree that the increase in the number of shark bites in recent years is more related to an increase in human visitors than to an increase in shark populations or activity.”
Since 1882 there have only been 14 unprovoked shark attacks in Pinellas County. Manatee County has seen only 5. There are ways to reduce the odds of a shark bite and the FWC has a great list of them. They say to always stay in groups and don’t wander too far from the shore. Also, don’t be in the water at night, and don’t enter the water if you are bleeding.
Types Of Sharks Living In Tampa Bay Waters
There are seven different species of sharks living in the waters of Tampa Bay. They are Blacktip Shark, Bonnethead Shark, Bull Shark, Nurse Shark, Hammerhead Shark, Lemon Shark and Tiger Shark.
These 6 Florida Beaches Are The Best In The U.S. According To Trip Advisor
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater was voted as one of the best in the United States AGAIN. 12,836 travelers have reviewed Clearwater beach! I have also been there and I love it. It’s for sure a vibe and great for spring break (if you can handle the big crowds).
Highlighted by that view of Pier 60 leading into the Gulf of Mexico, Clearwater Beach is a highly recognizable Florida destination.
Siesta Beach
8,552 travelers have reviewed this beach on trip advisor. If you have not been there yet, you should go check it out. Last year, it was named one of the most beautiful white sand beaches in America.
Hollywood Beach
6,789 travelers have reviewed Hollywood Beach on trip advisor and it’s one of the best beaches in the U.S. Since it’s on the other coast of Florida, I have not been yet but will check it out. Many reviews say try the food.
Panama City Beach
No surprise that Panama city beach has been voted one of the best beaches in the United States. 6,607 travelers have reviewed this beach on trip advisor. I went here on spring break once and had a great time!
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is located in the Florida Keys, so no wonder it made Trip Advisor’s list. I’m surprised it wasn’t ranked higher since the Keys are known to have the best beaches and attractions.
Fort Lauderdale Beach
9.307 people have reviewed this beach on trip advisor. I have been here and the food options are great on this beach. I think it’s just as fun as heading down to Miami. But be careful, they do have a lot of tourist traps.
