Outdoors

Members of Sarasota Bay Watch celebrate their work at the Neville Marine Preserve in Little Sarasota Bay. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Justin Hamblet’s redfish was located with a combination of insight, experience and persistence. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Capt. Rick Grassett says fishing in February can be challenging. – Rick Grassett | Submitted

Adult brown pelicans have an eight-foot wingspan. – Friends of the Pelicans | Submitted

Line found floating in Longboat Pass could have had devastating consequences if left in the environment. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

A bald eagle that lost its mate during Hurricanes Helene and Milton was identified during the Christmas Bird Count in Anna Maria. – Bill Pelletier | Submitted

– Cindy Lane | Sun

It’s that time of year when baby dolphins are born in local waters. This is Ginger and her calf. – Sarasota Dolphin Research Program/CZS | Submitted

Members of Sarasota Bay Watch celebrate their work at the Neville Marine Preserve in Little Sarasota Bay. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

In this aerial view of Rattlesnake Key, the inserted black arrow indicates the approximate location of the proposed cruise ship port. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

The “It Takes a Village” initiative will be introduced on Saturday, Jan. 31. CVHS | Submitted

This trio of young manatees recently arrived at the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat. – Bishop Museum | Submitted

A manatee thrives in the relatively warm water at Silver Springs, Florida. The state’s manatee mortality rate decreased in 2023. – Cindy Lane | Sun

A manatee at Silver Springs. Florida manatees, currently listed as a threatened species, may again be reclassified as endangered. – Cindy Lane | Sun

AMI Turtle Watch Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella speaks at the fundraiser. – Anne Yarbrough | Sun

The Suzi Fox Turtle Watch Wednesday fundraiser will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 22. – Submitted

Longtime commercial mullet fishermen are convinced that mullet are communicating when they jump. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Sheepshead are an excellent fish for anglers to pursue in the cooler winter months. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Capt. Harry Neymour holds Rusty Chinnis’ first double-digit bonefish. – Leigh West | Submitted

Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach is among the Island beaches served by Manatee County Beach Patrol. – Leslie Lake | Sun

One of four sand sifting machines processes and cleans sand before it is returned to local beaches. – Leslie Lake | Sun

Sea cucumber

Signs and barriers are placed at Leffis Key during its closure. – Leslie Lake | Sun

A new bridge is one of several that connect the east and west sides of the FISH Preserve. – Leslie Lake | Sun

Two “Wildlife of Anna Maria Island” educational signs were dedicated at John Chappie Park on Jan. 24. The signs were funded by a $5,000 grant to the City of Bradenton Beach Scenic Waves Partnership Committee. – Submitted | Ingrid McClellan

Photo – Manatee County logo

Despite growing red tide numbers to the south, Manatee County waters remained clear Oct. 23. – Kristin Swain | Sun

Suncoast Waterkeeper’s new patrol boat will be on the water looking to protect our vital marine resources. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Mats of lyngbya algae fill the Intracoastal Waterway at Neal Preserve across the water from Holmes Beach on June 11. – Cindy Lane | Sun

A Mini Reef is installed under a local Island dock. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Horseback riding in Palma Sola Bay is a popular tourist activity. – Cindy Lane | Sun

Guests listen to a panel discussion of the challenges and opportunities facing nonprofits. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Brunch for the Bay 2025 happens Sunday, Nov. 9. – Submitted

This boat in Palma Sola Bay appears to have taken on water and is one of many boats in the bay that cause concern for boaters and nearby residents. – Leslie Lake | Sun

An aerial image shows the damage a derelict vessel can do to a seagrass meadow. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

This partially sunken boat in Sarasota Bay in 2024 is representative of derelict vessels that will be subject to tougher enforcement. – Leslie Lake | Sun