Attention all spring breakers heading to the Florida Gulf Coast, you might want to reconsider that dip in the ocean. According to WFLA, a massive great white shark was lurking off the coast just this week, making Jaws look like a goldfish due to its enormous size.
Dubbed "Maple," this humongous shark pinged off the coast of St. George Island on Monday morning, much to the horror of beachgoers and delight of marine biologists. Measuring in at a whopping 11 feet, 7 inches long, and weighing a whopping 1,264 pounds! This predator is not one to be trifled with.
Rumor has it that Maple is particularly fond of college-aged spring breakers. The shark enjoys their a distinct smell of alcohol and bad decisions. So if you're planning on taking a dip in the ocean be carful. You might want to bring a decoy or two to throw off the scent.
Florida Gulf Coast:
On the bright side, if you do happen to encounter Maple, you'll have an epic story to tell your friends back home. Just make sure you exaggerate the size of the shark a bit - no one likes a boring fish tale.
But in all seriousness, if you do spot Maple or any other large sharks off the coast, it's important to remember that they're not out to get you. In fact, they're an important part of the ocean ecosystem and should be respected from a safe distance.
Whether you're planning on hitting the beach or staying in your hotel room binge-watching Netflix, just remember to stay safe and have a great spring break. And if you do end up encountering Maple, just remember to smile for the camera - it's not every day you get a photo op with a celebrity shark.
Two Florida Beaches Make Tripadvisor’s List Of Best In The US
Living in Florida, we're no stranger to beautiful beaches and two beaches in the Sunshine State made Tripadvisor's list of the best in the US.
As a kid, my family had a house on Clearwater Beach. That was the beach I spent the most time on and it's still one of my favorites. The sugar sand, beautiful clear water, the walkability of the beach too. So many fun bars and restaurants to hop around to up and down the beach. It was that beach that made me want to make Florida my full-time home. While I live further south, I've taken quite a liking to our beaches here in SWFL. Sanibel is just minutes away from me and while things definitely look different since the hurricane, we're so lucky to live in such a beautiful place with a coastline of beaches to play on.
What makes a good beach?
When it comes to finding the perfect beach, there are certain things that make a beach stand out from the rest. Whether you're looking for a peaceful setting, adventure or simply a beautiful place to relax and soak up the sun, the best beaches typically have a few key features. The best beaches have crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Soft, powdery sand is essential. Not only is it comfortable to walk on, but it's also perfect for building sandcastles and lying out in the sun. A beautiful view also adds to the overall experience.
The best beaches are easily accessible too. If it's too hard to find a beach entrance or a parking space, you'd probably leave pretty quick. A clean beach is a must too. No one wants to relax on a beach littered with trash. Safety is always a top priority. Whether there are clearly marked swimming areas and lifeguards on duty during peak season. Or signs indicating red tide or any potential hazards such as rip currents or jellyfish. A beach that offers activities like surfing, paddle boarding or kayaking can be a great option for those seeking adventure. Of course, having a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops in the area for visitors to explore is fun too.
Tripadvisor put together a list of the world's best beaches. There are definitely some bucket list destinations around the world on the list. But let's face it, those in the US are much easier to get to. They put together a separate list that focuses on just those here in America and two Florida beaches made the list. Just two?! Do you agree?
