Welcome to the April edition of Paradise News magazine. Spring has arrived and we have even already had a taste of what summer might have in store for us. We also got a few days of winter’s chill since New Year, Florida style, introduced with wind and rain. Our “snowbird” season showed just a little bit of life this year. The Canadians and Europeans mostly stayed home this year, unless their winter places needed fixing.
The “shoulder season” from early April (when snowbird and spring break season are done) until June when the summer beachgoer invasion begins, is some of the best time of the year to be here. We can often get by without using HVAC, just by opening a few windows early in the day. It is the perfect time to enjoy your patio and take the top down on the convertible. Restaurants are typically less crowded and happy to see locals again. With smaller crowds, events are less concentrated, but it is much easier to get around on the roads.
One of the most amazing things about life on the coast are our exposures to sea life. Living with a seawall in our backyards, we often see dolphin and manatee up close hunting and playing. Seabird sightings of many species become commonplace. This month we celebrate our neighborhood osprey. Sea Turtle season on the beaches starts this month too, with most nests typically created in May. The young usually hatch in July.
It was the bounty of the sea including sea turtles, that brought the first settlers and visitors to our coast. Pass-a-Grille was a fishing resort before people realized they could live here year-round. Madeira Beach has long been a commercial fishing center. Paradise News is pleased to celebrate the roots of tourism here by once again promoting Old Salt Fishing Foundation’s King of The Beach, the richest kingfish tournament on the Gulf coast. The city of Madeira Beach is partnering with Old Salt on the first Friday in May to celebrate their Founder’s Day, with fireworks and everything. You are invited to join them.
Thank you for reading and responding to the messages in your Paradise News. That’s why keeps it coming.
– Peter & Renee Roos