Not freaked out by a shark near the beach in Boca Grande are you? It's tarpon season here in Southwest Florida and I'm hearing the fishing is particularly good around Boca Grande. For the humans fishing for tarpon, it's a catch and release. For the sharks, it's dinner. And sharks love tarpon. With the tarpon being more active, that makes the sharks more active. We all know that the sharks are always there, but they're certainly more visible right now. A good rule if you're swimming off the coast is to stay far far away from any fishing boats. Tarpons don't surrender easy once they're hooked onto a fishing line and all of that struggling has been know to attract sharks. I've seen quite a few pictures of people reeling in half-tarpons after a shark takes the other half.
This video is from Captain Edward with @wickedhooksfishing and you'll see just how close to the shore at Boca Grande this hammerhead is heading. And the people wading into the water have no idea.
I'm seeing the Tik Tok video doesn't always load. Same video, this one on Insta:
Captain Edward could have maybe yelled a little louder at the people. Ha. The truth is, shark attacks here are very very rare. But these monsters are out there. And they're pretty close to the shore. Happy Fourth of July!
This Friday begins "Freedom Week" in Florida. A lot of outdoor gear, including a lot of fishing and recreational gear - is tax free. Check out the list:
Just like last year, this Florida tax holiday encompasses the Fourth Of July. “Freedom Week” is a tax break on recreational activities and outdoor gear, and includes more items that weren't on last year's list. This is a series of tax breaks from the state, to see the full list of all of this year's tax holidays is here. According to Floridarevenue, The sales tax holiday begins on Friday, July 1, 2022, and ends on Thursday, July 7, 2022. During this sales tax holiday period, tax is not due on the retail sale of admissions to music events, sporting events, cultural events, specified performances, movies, museums, state parks, and fitness facilities. Also exempt from sales tax during this holiday period are eligible boating and water activity supplies, camping supplies, fishing supplies, general outdoor supplies, residential pool supplies, and sporting equipment. This sales tax holiday does not apply to:
• Rentals of any eligible items
• Sales within a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment or airport
I need a new filter and a bucket of chlorine tabs for my pool, so I'll be hitting up Pinch a Penny this weekend. There's a lot more items on the list - So, what does this Florida tax holiday week exactly cover?
Boating and water activity supplies:
On the first $25 of the sales price:
• Goggles • Snorkels
• Swimming masks
On the first $35 of the sales price:
• Inflatable chairs • Pool floats
• Pool toys • Recreational pool tubes
On the first $300 of the sales price:
• Paddleboards • Surfboards
On the first $500 of the sales price:
• Canoes • Kayaks
Camping supplies:
On the first $30 of the sales price:
• Camping lanterns • Flashlights
On the first $50 of the sales price:
• Camping stoves • Collapsible camping chairs
• Portable hammocks • Sleeping bags
On the first $200 of the sales price:
• Tents
Fishing supplies:
On the first $5 of the sales price if sold
individually or the first $10 of the sales price if
multiple items are sold together:
• Bait • Fishing tackle
On the first $30 of the sales price:
• Tackle Bags • Tackle boxes
On the first $75 of the sales price if sold individually or the first $150 of the sales price if sold as a
set:
• Reels • Rods
Note: Excludes supplies used for commercial fishing
purposes.
General outdoor supplies:
On the first $15 of the sales price:
• Insect repellant • Sunscreen
On the first $50 of the sales price:
• Safety flares
On the first $75 of the sales price:
• Coolers • Life jackets
• Oars • Paddles
On the first $150 of the sales price:
• Inflatable recreational water tubes and floats
capable of being towed
• Kneeboards • Wakeboards • Water skis
On the first $30 of the sales price:
• Water bottles
On the first $50 of the sales price:
• Bicycle helmets*
• Hydration packs
* Bicycle helmets marketed for use by youth are
always exempt from sales tax.
On the first $100 of the sales price:
• Sunglasses (except prescription**)
** Prescription eyeglasses are always exempt from
sales tax.
On the first $200 of the sales price:
• Binoculars
On the first $250 of the sales price:
• Bicycles
• Outdoor gas or charcoal grills
Residential pool supplies
On the first $100 of the sales price:
• Covers • Filters
• Lights • Nets
• Residential pool and spa replacement parts
On the first $150 of the sales price:
• Residential pool and spa chemicals when
purchased by an individual
Sports equipment:
Selling for $40 or less:
• Any item used in individual or team sports, not
including clothing or footwear
Any questions?
Boca Grande shark
Boca Grande shark
