The Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park:
The Big Cypress Swamp of southwest Florida is basically a flat, gently sloping limestone plain. During the rainy season (June through September), water flows slowly southward over this plain into the mangrove swamps bordering the Gulf of Mexico. Water also flows below ground through the porous underlying limestone. In places, limestone has dissolved, forming elongated sloughs or channels which have accumulated deep organic soils. These channels or sloughs have been colonized by cypress and other trees, creating swamp forests that stand out on the horizon in contrast to the open prairies and pine-lands that occupy the sterile veneer of marl soil which is on top of the remaining limestone. The local term for these linear swamps is "strand."
PLANT & ANIMAL LIFE
Its forest of mixed bald-cypresses, royal palms and abundant epiphytic plants is unique. The Fakahatchee Strand State Park is approximately 20 miles long and three to five miles wide. The flow of water through the Fakahatchee Strand is essential to its continued health and that of the estuaries to the south of it.
The natural values of the Fakahatchee Strand State Park may be greater than those of any area of comparable size in the state of Florida. It contains the largest stand of native royal palms and largest concentration and variety of orchids in North America, as well as other species of plants that are extremely rare. The unusual wildlife of the Fakahatchee Strand State Park includes some threatened or endangered species. The Florida panther, wood stork, Florida black bear, mangrove fox squirrel and the Everglades mink have all been documented within the preserve area.
ACTIVITIES:
Facilities and activities are limited at the present time. A 2,000-foot long boardwalk at Big Cypress Bend, meandering through the old growth cypress, enables the visitor to experience the beauty of this unusual swamp. From November through February rangers lead a "swamp walk" the third Saturday of the month (weather permitting) beginning at 10 a.m. The swamp walks are limited to 15 people and reservations are required.
For more information:
Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve
P.O. Box 548
Copeland, FL 33926
or call (941) 695-4593
The Parker Manor Resort
1 & 2 BR apartments - Superior Small Lodging
The Parker Manor is situated in a prime position. It is just a few minutes walk to the white, sandy beaches. The area in and around Clearwater Beach has much to offer everyone, whether you want to lounge in a beachside bar, go parasailing, jet skiing, deep sea fishing, dolphin watching or cruise on a pirate ship.
Parker Manor offers a large heated pool and cozy spa pool, pool table and shuffle board, tiki huts, fishing piers, guest laundry rooms, barbecue grills, hi speed WIFI and more. All units have full kitchens. Deluxe 2 BR / 2 BA units available. Must see pictures of our property! Family-owned and operated.
For reservations please phone, fax or email us with your vacation dates and choice of accommodations. You will receive a quick response...
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Ramada Inn Bayside
727.849.8551
Welcome to the Ramada Inn Bayside Where Quality and Service is our commitment!
Ramada
Inn Bayside, New Port Richey, is the only waterfront hotel on US HWY 19
located along a small bay with a marina leading to the pristine waters of
the Gulf of Mexico. Once you walk through the breezeways of the Ramada Inn,
you will discover the charm of this unique tropical location on Florida’s
“Nature Coast”.
Our hotel offers an over-sized swimming pool, kiddy
pool and a lovely sundeck along the bay, with a friendly TIKI bar. A beautiful tropical garden
invites you to relax in a lounge chair and enjoy the spectacular Sunsets, birds, pelicans, and at times, dolphins frolicking in the bay. With your stay, we provide Free High Speed Wireless Internet Access and Free Local Phone calls with service rarely found elsewhere. We invite you to come join us at Smith's Family Restaurant Seafood and Grill and Classy Jac's Lounge and Tiki Bar. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Live Entertainment 5 nights a week. We offer free on-site parking.
The Ramada Inn Bayside New Port Richey is only one mile from Historic
Downtown New Port Richey and minutes away from beautiful Hudson Beach and Green
Key Beach. Other great attractions near the Ramada Inn Bayside include Homosassa Springs, Clearwater Beach, Tarpon Springs and
Weeki Wachee Water Park and Mermaid show.
At Ramada
Inn Bayside, our goal is to provide you with courteous, expedient,
and professional service of the highest quality. At Ramada Inn Bayside,
the customer always comes first!
PLANT & ANIMAL LIFE
