New Land Bridge Underscores Need For Impact Awareness

After years of inactivity, mostly due to recession, the Tierra Verde condo development adjacent to north Shell Key is back in active development.  The kick-starting of this development comes at a time of dramatic shifts in the geomorphology of north Shell Key.  

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In Case of Emergency on Shell Key

A friend recently told a harrowing tale about a medical emergency on Shell Key.  The rumor making its way down the beach was that a man had experienced a cardiac arrest at the north end of the island.  Later, it was clarified that the

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Shell Key Campfires Banned During Summer Nesting Season

Campfires on Shell Key will be prohibited during the May 1 – Sept. 30 Sea Turtle nesting season. This seasonal ban is intended to address the problem caused by light pollution on nesting and hatching sea turtles. It’s no secret that

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Summer Fun on Shell Key!

Shell Key is a magnet for recreation in the hottest months of summer.  The kids are out of school, you’ve given the boat some TLC and the water calls to you for a cool respite from the oppressive summer heat.  Being out on

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Hide & Seek Marsh Rabbit Challenge

One of the rarely photographed animals on Shell Key is the illusive Marsh Rabbit.  Marsh rabbits are listed in the Shell Key Management Plan as a native inhabitant of the island – and yet, as a lifetime camper on the

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A Sea of Oats

Approaching Shell Key from a distance, we were struck by what appeared to be a long golden (almost fence like) structure all along the Bunces Pass side of the island.  As we got closer, it became clear that it was

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Buried Treasure

We were thrilled to spot our first Loggerhead turtle of the season swimming in Bunces Pass last week.  This is sea turtle nesting season – so please tread lightly on Shell Key.  If you are camping overnight, please do not

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Mangroves: Semper Fi

Mangroves on Shell Key

Mangroves are a lot like the US Marines. They travel across great distances by sea and they arrive to establish a beachhead on a young and fragile sandbar.     They bring with them all the supplies they need to survive in

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North End Channel Dredged

Update: 06/2015 – The north channel is completely closed and un-navigable.  Water is stagnant on the inside of the North End. Update: 07/2013 – The small channel created by this Spring’s dredging has already been filled back in by the prevailing

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The Jedi Sign Trick

Passive communication is a subtle thing Information, placed in a public location, does not automatically find it’s way into the human mind and begin to effect behavior.  As a seasoned sign maker, advertising professional and behavioral scientists, I have seen my share of well

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