Author: Michelle Starr

Seeing the water clearly this week on Gasparilla Sound

Particularly during the spring and early summer, the Gasparilla Sound is one of the most beautiful and special bodies of water in Florida. I’m very fortunate to be able to paddle this body of water...

Juvenile bald eaglet entertains at Boca Grande railroad trestles

There is always so much wildlife to observe while paddle boarding, kayaking or boating around the historic Boca Grande Railroad trestles, and over the a few weeks ago as a juvenile bald eagle was great...

Cannonball jellyfish running in Gasparilla Pass

It was a beautiful sunny early afternoon after days of rain and cold, so I was extra excited to be out and playing around within the Gasparilla Sound on my friend’s boat. Captain Nelson Groome owns...

Common sea sponge cleans up

The old Boca Grande railroad runs along the north end of Gasparilla Island over a shallow sandbar that is a popular hangout for boaters and paddlers. It is also where I take my guests on eco-tours,...

The Forbes sea star Asterias forbesi

In December, there have been several occasions where I came across Asterias forbesi, the Forbes sea star. Forbes sea stars are known as the common “sea star” and are found in the littoral zones...