Visitors to Sanibel Beaches were in for a shocking surprise when venomous Man o’ War jellyfish washed up on Blind Pass beach. According to NBC2, these jellyfish, come with a nasty sting that could be fatal!
It's important not to touch the Man o’ War. However, I wouldn't be surprised if a few brave (or perhaps just foolish) souls might try to take selfies with the stranded jellyfish.
They look like something out of a alien Invasion movie. I've come across them as a kid. I remember seeing people step on them with their sandals. Ouch. Don't pop them. They may look like balloons lying on the beach, but they are animals. Not cool. People were just walking right up to these giant jellyfish and and risking a extremely painful sting!
Unfortunately for those who ignore the warning, the Man o’ War's venom can be, fatal. It's rare but possible. Even when the animal is dying on the sand. So I don't recommend trying. You could end up hospitalized with painful stings.
Despite the potential danger, it's hard not to find humor in the situation. It's not every day you see a bunch of jellyfish washing up on the beach. Especially with a name that sounds like a Marvel super villain. I just hope people learn to take this seriously and stay away from them.
In any case, it's safe to say that the Man o’ War invasion made quite an impression on Sanibel visitors. And if there's any silver lining to this story, it's that it will hopefully remind people to respect the power of the ocean and the creatures that live in it. Because as we all know, when it comes to nature, it's always best to err on the side of caution (and not take selfies with giant, venomous jellyfish).
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?
