Jesus Lizards Are Running Wild Across Florida

Monday, February 20th is the beginning of National Invasive Species Awareness Week and Jesus Lizards are running wild across Florida.

It's very well known that the green iguana is an invasive species in Florida. Now, there's another lizard on the loose that's up to no good.

Scientists at the University of Florida are asking residents to keep their eyes peeled for brown basilisk lizards, also known as "Jesus lizards". But what exactly are brown basilisks? They are dark brown or olive color, have long thin tails and a yellow stripe down each side of their body. The "Jesus lizard" nickname comes from their ability to run across water.

The name basilisk comes from a Greek mythology creature. It was said to be a serpent with the power to kill with a single glance. Fortunately, brown basilisks are not deadly. But, they could be having a negative impact on our environment. In Florida, brown basilisks are considered an invasive species. They were brought over from Central and South America as exotic pets and have since escaped into the wild. While they are fascinating to observe, they can disrupt the natural ecosystem and compete with native species for resources.

These brown basilisk lizards are running wild throughout south and central Florida. UF wildlife specialists are trying to determine where exactly they're invading, where they're heading and how many are out there. These lizards are experts at camouflage and can blend seamlessly into their surroundings, making them difficult to spot. But if you do see one, scientists are asking residents to report it. You can do so here or you can download the IveGot1 app.

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Florida City Lands On Forbes List Of Top Travel Spots In 2023

The world is slowly but surely getting back on its feet after the pandemic, and 2023 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for travel. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, there's something for everyone.

Choosing the perfect travel destination is a daunting task, akin to picking your favorite song or meal. With so many options, your preferences can change at any moment. To make your decision easier, Forbes Advisor has compiled a list of the top 50 destinations for 2023. Editors said this list ranges from "quick weekend getaway options, to trekking out to some of the most remote parts of the Earth."

Out of the 50 destinations, 11 from the US made the list. The United States is a vast and diverse country, with offerings for every type of traveler. Whether you're looking for urban excitement, beautiful beaches, natural wonders, or a taste of American history, there's no shortage of destinations to choose from. With as many places there are to visit, it's pretty cool that Forbes has placed a city here in Florida on the the list of their best places to travel in 2023.

International destinations make up the most of the top 50, which makes sense. Our world is SO big. My travel bucket list seems to keep growing and growing, and now this list has given me some new ideas. I need to get packing!

Armenia is home to the Caucasus Mountains and Lake Sevan, as well as the Temple of Garni and the Monastery of Haghpat. Nature lovers can hike the 535 miles of the Transcaucasian Trail.

Many people know Athens as the home of the University of Georgia Bulldogs. Other things to enjoy are the Georgia Museum of Art, the State Botanical Garden and Bear Hollow Zoo.

Baku is dubbed the Dubai of the Caucasus Mountains and is also home to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a Formula One circuit.

Bansko is home to the stunning Pirin National Park, which offers opportunities for hiking, skiing and mountain climbing in Pirin Mountains.

From the Kalahari Desert to the Okavango Delta, there is something for everyone in Botswana. It is also one of the best safari destinations in Africa.

Bucharest is the capital city that offers great restaurants like Caru’ Cu bere, rich history with the Palace of the Parliament and castles in Sinaia.

The seven Canary Islands offer snorkeling, hiking, black sand beaches, volcanoes and laurel forests.

If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring ancient castles, this is the place for you.

Český Krumlov is home to a 14th-century castle surrounded by the Blansko Forest and Šumava National Park.

Chattanooga is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains on the Tennessee River blending outdoor activities, art, history and a vibrant restaurant scene.

Located about an hour south of Denver, Colorado Springs is home to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center, and also Garden of the Gods, a natural red rock formation where you can hike, horseback ride, bike and climb.

Corsica is a French island in the Mediterranean, which is known as “L’île de beauté,” a French phrase for “The island of beauty.”

Surrounded by the Dolomitic Alps, Cortina d’Ampezzo is the perfect location for all four seasons of the year.

Along with Aruba and Bonaire, Curaçao makes up the last third of the ABC Islands great for scuba diving, colorful buildings and vibrant murals.

Cyprus is the island of cats. Not only locals but tourists too take care of the kitties with feeding and water stations at restaurants, hotels or along the road. While snorkeling or diving you can discover sea turtles as well.

Edinburgh is home to the Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, as well as The Edinburgh Fringe, one of the greatest arts and culture festivals in the world.

Encinitas is a surfer’s haven about 25 miles north of San Diego home to Grandview Beach for surfing and Moonlight beach for sunsets.

El Palmar de Vejer has views that sound like a dream- pink-washed sunsets, scintillating swells and starry skies.

Erding is home to the world’s largest brewery of wheat beers, ERDINGER Weissbräu and also the largest thermal spa in the world.

Florianópolis, also known as “Floripa", has a city center for those who want to eat well and party hard. Also enjoy surfing, windsurfing, boating, paddleboarding, hiking and more at Lagoa da Conceição.

Gaiman is famous for their tea houses offering the traditional fare with a local twist.

Ohio's Hocking Hills region is full of waterfalls, cliffs, recessed caves and trails taking you to Ash Cave and Old Man’s Cave.

Located at the far west end of Turkey, you'll find a mix of culture, religion and history, like the Izmir Clock Tower (Saat Kulesi).

Kanab is just a 35-minute drive to Zion and an hour and 20 minutes to Bryce Canyon. The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Park is only 30-minutes east where you can explore Utah’s slot canyons like Buckskin Gulch or the balanced rock formations at The Toadstools.

The city’s best feature is its access to nature as much of Slovenia is covered by the alps.

Lübeck is a small town with perfectly preserved medieval and Gothic architecture.

Madeira is known for its popular Levadas, the Monte Palace Madeira and the Madeira Botanic Gardens.

With an average 12 hours of sunshine daily, Malta is a popular resort destination, but beyond the beaches, you'll find ancient walled cities, multiple fortresses and neolithic subterranean temples.

Marathon is made up of 13 small islands in the middle of the Florida Keys and known for world-class fishing and water sports.

Mauritania offers a very unique experience with a ride on the iron ore train, also known as the “Train des Mines.”

Mauritius is an island paradise known for its stunning sunsets, crystal clear waters and picturesque beaches.

Medellín, the “city of eternal spring,” offers an expansive list of luxury hotels, fine dining and amazing coffee culture.

The must-see attraction in Molde is the Atlantic Road that connects the western fjord islands from Molde to Kristiansund.

Moorea is less expensive than Bora Bora with plenty of activities: ATV tours, hiking, kayaking, sailing, scuba diving and snorkeling.

At the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, you'll enjoy hiking, fishing and photography with lots of wildlife including turtles, woodpeckers and alligators.

Page is located on the southern shore of Lake Powell and a great base for those looking to visit the Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon.

You can expect great food, even better wine and affordable prices.

Punta del Diablo is a quiet fisherman village in the winter and a bustling beach town in the summer.

Now that the World Cup is over and the crowds have left the area, enjoy a range of desert and water activities, as well as culture and arts.

Riverhead is an historic town on the North Shore of Long Island and home to the Long Island Aquarium with one of the largest coral reefs in the world.

Rotorua is the adventure capital of New Zealand’s North Island, with activities like whitewater rafting, bungee jumping and a one-of-a-kind pedal-powered “Shweeb Racer.”

São Miguel offers popular hikes to Sete Cidades and Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo and hot springs to explore including Poca da Dona Beija and Caldeira Velha.

Saudi Arabia only recently opened up tourism, so you’ll have the chance to explore everything from the ancient city of Riyadh and the breathtaking Al-Ula desert.

Sète is home to boat jousting, a sport dating back at least 400 years and teams train all year to compete for the pride of their villages every summer.

The Seychelles are a great alternative to those who want to visit the Maldives but want more to do. Enjoy the beaches, go for a rum tasting at Takamaka distillery, visit a vanilla farm and the Victoria Botanical Gardens.

Skopje is a charming city that blends a myriad of cultures, fascinating history, great food and of course, gorgeous natural scenery. Be sure to check out Matka Canyon or take the cable car up to the top of Mount Vodno.

St. Albans is about a half hour drive from the state capital of Charleston. Whether you want to get out and enjoy nature or stay in town and explore the restaurant scene, it's great for a relaxing getaway.

In Tasmania, you'll find breathtaking scenery with beaches, forest, mountains and plenty of unique wildlife.

The Torres Strait Islands are a group of islands in the Torres Strait, between the northern tip of Australia and Papua New Guinea known for their rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty.

Vancouver Island has the most temperate weather in Canada and one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet with its rugged shorelines and ancient rainforests.