Burmese Pythons Moving North In Florida
Burmese pythons is something we do not want here in the Tampa Bay area. Burmese pythons are in invasive species here in Florida and primarily live in the Everglades. Recently a Burmese python was spotted outside the Everglades in Collier County. Now, Collier County is only 18 miles north of the Everglades, but the fact that it was found there shows they are on the move. The one that was found was an 8-foot-long python, but lengths of over 15 feet are common. The longest Burmese python caught in Florida happened in 2023. A group of python hunters caught a female that was 19-feet-long and weighed 125 pounds.
The Burmese python has reduced many populations of animals that have lived in the Everglades. Some populations of animals has been reduced by as much as 90%. The snakes migrate during the summer months when the weather is warmer. The reason why these snakes move is for food source. If they no longer have a food source, they go out searching for more food.
What To Do If You See Burmese Pythons In The Wild
Seth Brattain, who owns and operates an invasive removal service called SlethReptiles, has some advice for people who see one. He says, “Do not try and pick them up. They have 180 razor-sharp hook-shaped teeth. They will bite you, they will cut right into your skin, and if not that they’ll constrict, and you don’t want to get involved in that.
Keep you distance and call the exotic species hotline at 888-483-4681.
What Is The Florida Python Challenge
Every year there is the Florida python challenge. The way it works as participants while I have a chance to win a share of more than $30,000 in the 10 day competition usually runs in August. The challenge is to remove Burmese pythons and the more you get the better chance you are at getting some money. Since 2000 more than 18,000 pythons have been removed from the Everglades.
Which Florida Cities Made The List For Best Places To Live In The U.S.
#1. Naples
We already told you that Naples was the named the #1 city to live in the U.S., even if most of its residents only live there during the winter months.
#11. Sarasota
Sarasota has a unique charm compared to its other coastal cities. It has a very vibrant art scene, beautiful beaches, great food and restaurants. Sarasota was also considered a “retirement community” but that is changing as more young professionals make it their own up-and-coming city.
#31. Pensacola
White sand beaches is the main reason why Pensacola is so desirable. U.S. News and World Report says “Year round, the city’s vibrant nightlife is balanced by an abundance of family-friendly activities and a community atmosphere.”
#35. Tampa
Finally Tampa made the list! We’re used to seeing Tampa higher up in these rankings, and definitely thought it would be higher based on all the people moving here just in the past year alone. The cost of living in Tampa is slightly higher than the national average, and the housing market has become so competitive in recent years. But out of all the cities in Florida, we’re happy to call Tampa home.
Photo: Tampa Hillsborough EDC
#37. Fort Myers
Situated between Tampa and Miami on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Fort Myers is a growing city. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who loves humidity, Fort Myers is the place for you. The have miles of freshwater and saltwater channels for boating and fishing; trails for biking, hiking and paddling; and golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools and shuffleboard courts.
#56. Jacksonville
Did you know Jacksonville is the largest metro area by land mass in the continental U.S? Jacksonville has also been listed in affordable Florida cities and one of the best places to start a career.
#68. Orlando
Orlando is so massive that it’s broken up into 3 different areas: Downtown Orlando, Residential “City Beautiful” Orlando, and of course, theme park capital Orlando. The cost of housing in Orlando is close to the national median sale price, although like with many markets, home prices have soared here in recent years.
