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All about our neighbors…The Manatees!

If you’ve seen all the buzz about our new friends the manatees, I’m sure they’ve sparked your interest as well. Keep reading for some awesome facts about these gentle giants.

The West Indian manatee can be found in coastal waters and connecting rivers from Virginia around the Gulf of Mexico. They inhabit shallow coastal waters, bays, estuaries lagoons and rivers. Manatees are able to move freely from saltwater to freshwater. They often congregate at sources of warm water such as natural springs in Florida and power plant discharges. Manatees have nomadic tendencies, pausing in areas that supply their needs and then moving on.

• Manatees are herbivores, mainly grass eaters.

• Manatees can not survive in water temperatures below 68 degrees for long periods of time.

• Active manatees needs to surface for air every 4 to 6 minutes and while resting manatees may stay down as long as 20 minutes.

• Manatees spend between 6 to 8 hours feeding which equals to about 10% of their body weight.

• Manatees in the wild live to be around 30 years and manatees in captivity live to be around 50 to 60 years of age.

• Female manatees mature around 5 years of age and males 6 to 7 years of age.

• Gestation period is 13 months. Birth size and weight approximately 39 inches 40 to 50 pounds.

• Manatees mostly give birth to single calf, but it has been known to give twins.

• Mothers will nurse their young up to 2 1/2 years.

There are many amazing wildlife adventures to be had here on the space coast, especially right here in the Melbourne area.

Things to do when you’re all beached out.

Let’s face it, the beach is a blast but sometimes you just wanna try something new, or the weather just isn’t right for a beach day. It’s a whopping 40 degrees here in Melbourne today, so the beach is definitely not on the top of our list. So what do you do in Brevard county when you’re not soaking up sunshine and splashing around in the atlantic? Keep Reading to find out.

American Police Hall of Fame and Museum

The American Police Hall of Fame and Museum was founded in 1960. It is the nation’s first national police museum and memorial dedicated to law enforcement.
6350 Horizon Dr., Titusville, Florida, 32780
321-264-0911

Astronaut Hall of Fame
Come live the human side of space at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, complete with the sights, sounds and experiences of the famous astronauts.
321-449-4444
Barnes and Noble: Tales for Tots
Join us every Wednesday morning for story time with Mr. Michael in the Children’s Department. Each week we highlight a new and unique children’s book.
1955 W. New Haven, Melbourne, Florida, 32904
321-726-9505
Barrier Island Center
The center provides a focal point for the Archie Carr Refuge and the associated barrier island by providing exhibit space, a presentation hall, and many other great features to learn about our beautiful barrier island.
8385 S Hwy A1A, Melbourne Beach, Florida, 32951
321-723-3556

Brevard County Public Libraries
Brevard County libraries offer a variety of story times for children and babies. Check the “libraries” link under “fun around town” for specific events and branches.
321-633-1792
Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science
The 14,750 sq/ft facility houses over 3000 artifacts from the region. The displays included a Florida timeline and rotating temporary exhibits.
321-632-1830

Brevard Zoo: Wildlife Detective Training Academy
Don’t forget about the Zoo’s indoor play space. The 1,800 square foot space allows children to practice caring for plush patients in a pretend vet lab.
8225 N Wickham Road, Melbourne, FLORIDA, 32940
321-254-9453

Brunswick Harbour Lanes
Brunswick Harbour Lanes offer fun for the whole family. From bowling and Cosmic Bowling to laser tag to billiards to arcade games, there’s something for everyone.
Area: South Brevard
1099 North Wickham Road, Melbourne, FL, 32935
321-242-2695

There’s plenty of amazing things to do indoors and off the beach right around the corner from us. We can’t wait to see what fun you come up with!

Three Reasons Why The Beach Is The Perfect Get-A-Way

We can all benefit from a little rest and relaxation once in a while. The beach offers the perfect get-a-way. While on the beach you do as much or as little as you like.

 

The beach offers a time of peace and reflection. Listen and watch. The beauty you will experience on the beach can only be found through the waves of the ocean slapping on the fine, sugary sand.

Time spent on the beach is the perfect place to read that book that has been calling your name. Kick back with a chair, umbrella and you are good to go.

 

The beach offers a fun playground for those looking for a little more adventure. Let’s face it, tossing a frisbee around can be a fun way to “let go” and enjoy life! When is the last time you tossed a frisbee back and forth on a beach? A little exercise with a view that you will want to call yours makes the beach the perfect place to escape to.

The beach offers the ideal place to look for dolphins. Be sure to pack your binoculars when you are planning a get-a-way to the beach. Dolphins can often be seen near shore. Just imagine, if you have packed your binoculars your view will be 10 times better!

Tuckaway Beach

 

Most importantly, relax and enjoy your surroundings while on a beach. Depending on the location of your beach destination, your views will vary. And one more reason to pack your binoculars, you may be able to spot a cruise ship or two offshore. Beaches offer hours of entertainment in many shapes and forms. Most importantly, embrace it!

Anytime of year is a good time to visit a beach. Spring and Fall are ideal, as the beach is often less crowded, yet offers warm water and outdoor temperatures. It’s good reason to read a novel, toss a frisbee around and go on a dolphin sight seeing adventure. In our opinion, anytime is the perfect time to get-a-way to the beach. What’s stopping you from planning your get-a-way to the beach? Plan now for an adventure you won’t regret!

 

Tips for Totally Tubular Family Portraits on the Beach!

The holidays are fast approaching and that usually means updating your family pictures, especially if you have little ones. While most people go for a holiday theme, why not try something different if your family is taking a beach vacation over the holidays? Beach portraits have a inherently classy feel, but yet casual and fun filled. There’s no fuss of having the right outfit or perfect poses. Windswept strands of hair, sun-kissed noses and some casual clothing is all you need to create a stellar family portrait you will always remember. Take a read through some of these tips and pointers to make your next vacation into a memory that will last forever.

1. Schedule your session roughly 2 hours before sunset. The lighting doesn’t get much better.

2. Dress well but causal, Your kids will be more comfortable and a lot easier to work with. A simple pair of blue jeans and a plain white top look fabulous on the beach.

3. If you have small children be sure to introduce them to your photographer before just jumping into a session. It doesn’t take a lot of time for most children to warm up, so planning that extra few minutes into your schedule could be a lifesaver.

4. Add a few props to really make your Holiday shots pop. Something as simple as a string of lights or a favorite ornament can really add to the feel of a holiday portrait on the beach.

 

Enjoy your Holidays and as always, Share your fun on our Social Media.

Summers Closing! Last Minute Vacation Tips

Oh no! It’s that dreaded time of year. Back to School, Fall, Shorter nights, and cooler temperatures are just around the corner. If you’re like me, Vacation is never long enough, I always feel that I’m just starting to unwind when it’s time to pack up all my summer things and start thinking about structured… Continue Reading

The Best Homeopathic Beach Recipes

Headed to the beach, but don’t wanna put a ton of chemicals on and in your body? Take a peek at some of these all natural fixes. Natural Sunblock Almond Oil- SPF around 5 Coconut Oil- SPF 4-6 Zinc Oxide SPF 2-20 depending on how much used Red Raspberry Seed Oil SPF 25-50 Carrot Seed… Continue Reading

Amp up your day at the beach with these need to have gadgets!

Long gone are the days of bringing a “boombox” to the beach, or even speakers or headphones that require a cable. Say goodbye to chasing your umbrella down the beach or positioning items on your blanket just right so the wind doesn’t blow it out of place. We live in a world focused on ease… Continue Reading

How to plan the best vacation for the least cost!

Summer is almost here and if you haven’t made travel plans yet, you better hurry up! Today kicks off Memorial Day Weekend, the “unofficial” start to the season and while you may be running out of time you certainly aren’t running out ways to save. Keep reading to find out HOW and WHEN to find… Continue Reading

Three Tips For a Relaxing Day On The Beach

The beach is right outside our back door and we have a delightful day awaiting you. The sand here is fine and will help you unwind and relax. The beach provides energy for those that desire it and it can offer tranquility like no other place on this earth, if you welcome it. A GOOD… Continue Reading

Walt Disney World and Tuckaway Shores is an Awesome Family Get-A-Way

Did you know that Tuckaway Shores is South Orlando’s closest beach? If you hop on Florida Highway 192 and head East, you will find yourself at Tuckaway Shores. If you and your family enjoy theme parks and the beach. We’ve got the perfect family get-a-way for you. Park your family here at Tuckaway Shores in… Continue Reading