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June 30, 2010
Posted June 30th, 2010 at 9:54 pm by Michele Harrison
I wanted to take a moment to let everyone know that there is no oil on our beaches here in Naples!
With all the coverage lately showing oil coming ashore in other areas of the Gulf of Mexico, it is important that we get the word out that Collier County has not seen any of it yet on our coastline. In fact, the Naples Daily News reported that the county’s summer marketing campaign has focused on the message that the beaches are clean and the county is open for business. According to Collier County’s Tourism Director, Jack Wert, surveys have shown that the the “unspoiled environment” and the “white, sandy beaches” were the most influential factors bringing visitors to our area lately.
Stated in a recent report given to County Commissioners:
- “There were 111,700 visitors staying in hotels or other short-term rentals last month, up 3.9 percent from 107,500 in May 2009.”
- “Hotel occupancy rose 2.3 percent in May, compared to the same month a year ago.”
- “The total economic impact of tourism reached nearly $98.3 million last month, up 5.4 from a year ago.”
Even with the above positive statistics related to tourism, I think there is some concern that exists out there about vacationing on Florida beaches in general. People have to be told explicitely that our area is fine; otherwise, they assume our beaches look like the ones they are seeing on the national news.
Make sure to spread the word!
Categories: 55+ Living, Boating, Environment, Human Interest, Naples News
Tags: beaches, Collier County, Collier County Tourism Director, county commissioners, economic impact, Florida, Florida beaches, Gulf of Mexico, hotel occupancy, hotels, Jack Wert, Naples, Naples Daily News, no oil in Naples, short-term rentals, tourism, unspoiled environment, white sandy beaches —
January 8, 2010
Posted January 8th, 2010 at 5:42 pm by Michele Harrison
My husband and I went out last night, and I was so excited to get a chance to wear some of my warmer clothes. Let’s face it, we don’t get many chances to pull out the heavy outfits in Naples, Florida. I know many of us moved here to live in the warmer weather, but a few days of the cold every once in a while is invigorating.
Of course, I would hope everyone has taken the necessary steps to protect themselves, their animals and their plants, but the change in temperature can be refreshing for all of us. While I know the cold weather can be rather traumatic for our Florida growers whom I hope don’t see major crop losses, what about the upside to the season? We tend to always focus on the negative when we think about the winter weather, but we should also remember the positive aspects that this time of year brings, as well.
While we typically don’t get snow or ice down here, the cooler temps allow us to wear layers and winter fashions, cozy up by a fire, cook and enjoy comfort foods, and feel the warmth of the sun coming down on us on clear winter days. The nights are crystal clear and the frequent red sunsets are breathtakingly beautiful. Some of us even venture out in our boats this time of year. Don’t get me wrong, it can definitely get cold on the water, but there is a crispness to the air that is energizing and reminds me of sailing in Cape Cod.
Who knows, they say our chances of snow this weekend are higher than zero! Just make sure to put on your layers and enjoy!
Categories: Boating, Naples News
Tags: boats, Cape Cod, clear winter days, cold weather, comfort foods, fire, Florida, Florida growers, Naples, red sunsets, sailing, snow, sunsets, winter fashions, winter weather —
December 24, 2009
Posted December 24th, 2009 at 3:14 am by Michele Harrison
Christmas Morning at Boca Grande!
Well, we have made it to our Christmas destination celebrating our newest tradition of spending the Holiday on our boat at Boca Grande! My husband and I have been doing this for two years now, and we love it! After all, how many people get the chance to enjoy such a beautiful place like Southwest Florida during the holidays? Waking up Christmas morning with the cool air and sun shining off the water is a spectacular sight, and it is one I hope to enjoy for many years to come.
Whether you observe Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza, or any other festive celebration, I hope you find cheer and joy this season. Remember it is a time of hope for all of us, a time to be thankful for what we have in our lives, and a time for children to find happiness in wishes and dreams. In fact, the holidays allow us to forget about reality, even if just for a few moments, and embrace the magic of the season.
No matter where you are spending your holiday, keep in mind that winter is a time of year to find comfort – in family, friends, good food, warmth by a fire, or even with coffee on the water like we will be doing. Think of those less fortunate and extend a hand in the spirit of the season. It will help you to express the love and kindness in your heart.
I wish you and yours every happiness this Holiday Season and prosperity in the New Year!
Categories: Boating, Holiday Wishes
Tags: Boca Grande, Chanukah, Christmas, dreams, Happy Holidays, Holiday Season, Kwanza, New Year, Southwest Florida, water, wishes —
December 12, 2009
Posted December 12th, 2009 at 4:04 pm by Michele Harrison
I thought it was important to remind everyone about the Naples Bay Christmas Boat Parade happening tonight! This is yet another area holiday tradition celebrating Christmas on our beautiful waterways in Naples, FL.
This year will be the 20th anniversary of this great event. You can experience it at the Naples City Dock or other area waterfront restaurants and or on your boat relaxing in the water as beautifully lighted boats parade gracefully through the water. You can even register your boat and be a part of the parade itself for free. The parade begins at channel marker 32 located south of the Naples Sailing & Yacht Club and continues south to the Naples City Dock area ending at Pincher’s Crab Shack at Tin City and the Gordon River Bridge.
This year’s parade has a Caribbean theme which should be a lot of fun. Most of us who have lived in Southwest Florida for awhile, especially those involved in boating and sailing, are very familiar with the Caribbean and have experienced its uniqueness and the exquisiteness of its waters. It happens to be a home away from home for many of us since it doesn’t take long to get there by sea. It has a truly laid back and casual atmosphere focused on having a good time.
Hopefully, everyone is looking forward to the parade as much as we are and plans on taking part in the festivities. Enjoy!
Categories: Boating, Naples News
Tags: Boat Parade, Boating, Caribbean, casual atmosphere, Christmas, Florida, Gordon River Bridge, having a good time, Naples, Naples Bay, Naples City Dock, Naples Sailing and Yacht Club, Pincher's Crab Shack, sailing, Southwest Florida, Tin City, waterfront restaurants, waterways —
December 6, 2009
Posted December 6th, 2009 at 11:24 pm by Michele Harrison
Beautifully decorated boats were a hit!
Wow, we really live in paradise here in Southwest Florida! My husband and I attended the boat lighting and holiday festivities at the Naples Sailing and Yacht Club the last few days and you can’t help but be reminded about what a beautiful area we live in with events like this. Not only are we lucky enough to live in an area with some of the best boating and waterways in the country, but we also have a climate here that lets us enjoy the water all year round including the holiday season – can it get any better than this?!
I am constantly thinking about all the sailing and power boating I did up on Cape Cod, which was great as well, but the weather down here is unmatched. How many others get to celebrate holiday boat lightings in 70 degree weather? There may be an incident or two that you can recall, but for the most part, this is only reserved for a few paradise locations in the world like Naples, FL.
Seeing all the different boats adorned with lights and decorations is simply amazing. When you think about the unique and graceful elegance that each vessel has in its own construction, imagine how wonderfully they all look when they are gussied up for the holiday season. It is definitely a sight to see!
Of course, while the boats were the main attraction at the event, spending time with our friends was just as enjoyable. We truly take pleasure in every moment we get to spend with our boating friends and always come away with stories and memories that we will cherish. There is a casual comfort and understanding out there between boaters and a satisfaction in plotting a course, setting sail, and reaching a destination that others can’t appreciate until they experience it.
We are so thankful every day that we are healthy enough to enjoy occasions like this and spend time on our boat with our friends in the magnificent Florida waterways. We are truly blessed!
Next Saturday night we get to participate in the Naples Boat Parade on one of Marine Max’s Sea Rays.
Categories: Boating, Environment, Holiday Wishes, Naples News
Tags: Boat lighting, boaters, Boating, Florida, friends, Marine Max, Naples, Naples Boat Parade, Naples Sailing and Yacht Club, plotting a course, reaching a destination, sailing, Sea Rays, setting sail, Southwest Florida, waterways, Yacht Club —
November 25, 2009
Posted November 25th, 2009 at 6:06 pm by Michele Harrison
We left the dock at Naples Sailing and Yacht Club early this am for our short trip up to Tween Waters on Captiva Island. This is generally a great time of year for boating as the winds have not yet picked up and the rains have headed north away from Florida.
Not the case today. Overcast skies did not put us off and we headed off with anticipation of another great time with friends, celebrating Thanksgiving and the many blessings we all enjoy. Even the dogs seemed happy to be at sea again. Not sure they love the travel end of it but always enjoy the adventures when we arrive at our destination.
By the time we got out of Gordon Pass and hit the gulf the sprinkles started. They were not bad, but enough to kept the isinglass down. The seas were flat and for some luck, we missed the crab traps all the way to the channel heading into Fort Myers Beach and the bridge at Sanibel causeway. Once under the bridge the rain really started heavy and we had to rely on navigating by equipment and random glimpses of channel markers along the way. It reminded me of boating off Osterville, Hyannis, Centerville, Cape Cod, and how quickly the weather can change.
All and all, not a bad trip and here we are, docked at Tween. Still raining and expected to continue through the evening. Tomorrow, looks to be better, even some cooler temperatures are promised. Friday should be a high of 69, perfect for the fireworks and festivities that Tween puts on every year to herald in the Christmas season.
October 8, 2009
Posted October 8th, 2009 at 12:56 am by Michele Harrison
Harrison crew
Yesterday’s article in the Naples Daily News about Man Helping Manateeby Elysa Batista was certainly an inspiring one. In south west Florida we share our waterways with the wondrous manatee, often called the sea cow. As the waters cool with the passing of summer and the start of fall the slow moving mammals to find their way into the warmer shallows, often boating channels or salt water shallow flats. In the case of the big guy this morning, his lumbering speed didn’t get him out to deeper waters in time for the low tide retreat and the forming of a sandbar at Clam Pass just south of Pelican Bay. Luckily for him (her), a couple out for an early morning stroll spotted him and alerted the Collier County Sheriff’s department and Cpl. Carmine Marceno, along with Collier deputies, Collier parks rangers and Pelican Bay District staff worked feverishly to create the pathway that led the manatee out to deeper waters. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologist Denise Boyd said the stranding was just a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
This story, a happy ending for sure, reminded me of our local author Randy Wayne White and his character Doc Ford, another marine biologist. As far as my husband and I are concerned, we are a couple of the growing cult following Randy and his writings since his first book dating back to 1990. Randy was a light-tackle fishing guide at Tarpon Bay Marina, Sanibel Island for 13-years, did more than 3,000 charters, and draws heavily on those experiences for his novels about Dr. Marion Ford and friends at Dinkin’s Bay. Since the area that he writes about is the area that we boat in most often, we truly feel we are living characters of his writings. His words bring to life the area waters, beaches, and local characters like no other I know, aside from John D. MacDonald and the Travis McGee series.
We are blessed in south west Florida to have calm waters most of the year and can easily run from Naples to Key West or north to Sanibel, Captiva, Boca Grande and Useppa. The waters are the most gorgeous aqua to deep Safire blue and even margarita lime on the occasion. Wildlife abounds with manatee lumbering, dolphin playing and sea turtles flapping their way.
As my husband Tom, along with our Yorkies Sophie and Sadie enjoy our boating trips this fall, I will be writing in the ships log (my blog) to share, as best I can, those gems we come across in our travels along the coast of south west Florida.
Categories: Boating, Environment
Tags: boating with dogs, Boca Grande, Doc Ford, FantaSea, John D. MacDonald, Key West, manatee, Naples boating, Port Royal, Randy Wayne White, Royal Harbor, Sanibel Captiva, Sanibel Flat, sea ray, ships log, Travis McGee, Useppa —
October 1, 2009
Posted October 1st, 2009 at 6:24 pm by Michele Harrison
It’s Safety First at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show where Exhibitors Show Off the Best New Products to Help You Stay Out of Trouble……….
Read the Show Management Boat Show Newsletter about this year’s Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show being held from October 29th to November 2nd. The show promises to be another outstanding, must attend event for the boaters.
We put this on our list of things to do each year and this year is no exception. Last year we had the opportunity to see first hand the Sea Ray Zeus Drive on the 47′ Sedan Bridge. Known under other names, the Zues is the future of power boating we plan on it being a top choice option for our next purchase!
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