What We Did in Sarasota, Florida

Last week, I touched an alligator and a flamingo, waded in the Gulf of Mexico, and saw real coconut trees for the first time.

My sister and her family had invited me along for a vacation in Sarasota, Florida. We had lovely weather all week, and I was blessed with many opportunities to take photos.

Venice Beach and Siesta Key Beach

Partly because a Penny Letters reader recommended it, we spent a morning at Venice Beach, and I went looking for shark teeth. I didn’t take any of my nieces or nephews along because I knew this was going to take patience.

As I walked along the surf, examining the washed-up clusters of mostly broken shells, I realized I didn’t know exactly what I was looking for. I looked up “shark teeth” on my phone and learned they come in white, cream, brown, yellow, and black.

I met some more experienced beachcombers who told me the shark teeth on Venice beach are black and, “The biggest shark teeth get picked up early in the morning by people who sell them.”

One man directed me in the direction of a fishing pier, where the best spot for shark teeth was, he said. Near the pier, I finally found three small black shark teeth.

One evening, we went to Siesta Key Beach to take photos and enjoy the sunset. This beach had beautiful sand, but seemed more crowded.

Anna Maria Island

Probably the beach we enjoyed the most was Anna Maria Island. We drove to the most northern part of the island and parked in a residential neighborhood. We got to walk through this delightful alleyway to the ocean.

My sister and I went for a walk along the water’s edge.

Myakka River State Park

If you are looking for a break from the ocean, Florida has many inland parks and nature reserves. We went to Myakka River State Park and enjoyed walking along the lake and rented bikes so we could pedal through the flatwoods filled with palmettos and hanging Spanish moss.

While biking, we saw an alligator by the water (from a safe distance).

Amazingly, we had no problem with bugs.

“I don’t want to get on that boat! What if it sinks and the alligators get us?” protested some of children. But taking a boat ride was the best way to see more alligators.

While we were on the boat ride, the captain explained that the lake was only 2 1/2 feet deep at the deepest point right now, and “we’re in more danger of getting stuck than sinking.”

“You see those life jackets beneath your seats? If we get stuck, take them with you to beat off the alligators.”

Sarasota Jungle Gardens

We took the younger children to spend part of the day at Sarasota Jungle Gardens, which is a cross between a garden and a very interactive zoo.

When I asked my nieces what they enjoyed the most about Florida on the way home, they said “Sarasota Jungle Gardens and the beach!”

At Sarasota Jungles Gardens, they have several animal shows, including a reptile show. I enjoyed learning more about alligators and we got to pet this baby gator! Notice his jaw is taped shut.

Pinecraft

One day, we visited the famous Pinecraft community. It’s a neighborhood in Sarasota that’s a popular vacation spot with Plain People. A couple that goes to church with my sister and brother-in-law were performing in a gospel concert held in someone’s backyard.

Sarasota Big Cats Sanctuary

We also went to the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. They take in rescued exotic animals, including former zoo animals and creatures unwisely chosen as pets.

And now I’m back home in cold Pennsylvania winter! I enjoyed the trip as a chance to get to know my nieces and nephews better, and I really enjoyed the scenery of Florida— everywhere was so green and beautiful.

Last July, I visited Alaska. Now, I’ve visited Florida in February. I liked both places (probably because I visited them at the right times of year), but if I had to pick, I’ll probably choose the South. I just think I could endure extreme heat better than extreme cold.

But for now, I’ll live in moderate Pennsylvania and look forward to spring. God has definitely created a wonderful world, and wherever you are, I hope you can enjoy some of His creation today!