The tour not only offers expert kayaking instruction but also ensures a comfortable and bug-free experience, as the flowing waters of Shingle Creek prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Participants will learn about the ecological significance of the area while enjoying the tranquility of gliding over water that mirrors the sky.

Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle or looking to delve into a hands-on environmental learning experience, the Cypress Forest Kayak Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Florida’s wildlife in its most natural setting. This immersive activity is not just a leisurely paddle through beautiful scenery but a transformative experience that participants of all ages will remember for years to come.

For more information, visit The Paddling Center at Shingle Creek.

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In this article, we will take you on a journey through ten of Osceola County’s finest locations where you can experience invigorating runs and leisurely walks amid breathtaking natural landscapes.

• Shingle Creek Regional Park:
  Shingle Creek Regional Park, often referred to as the “Headwaters of the Everglades,” is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and fitness enthusiasts alike. This vast park offers a network of scenic trails suitable for running and walking. The trails wind through lush forests, along the banks of Shingle Creek, and provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or an intense trail run, Shingle Creek has something for everyone.
• Celebration Lakeside Park:
  Celebration, a charming community in Osceola County, and known to many as the ‘Town that Disney built,’ boasts Celebration Lakeside Park, a beautiful destination for runners and walkers. The park features a loop trail around Lake Rianhard, offering picturesque views of the water and surrounding greenery. The flat terrain and well-paved paths make it an excellent choice for a leisurely walk or a brisk run.
• Kissimmee Lakefront Park:
  Kissimmee Lakefront Park is a gem along the shore of Lake Tohopekaliga (Lake Toho). The park features a scenic, tree-lined path that’s perfect for both walkers and runners. The views of the lake and the wildlife, including resident swans and various bird species, add to the charm of this urban oasis.
• Lake Lizzie Nature Preserve:
  Lake Lizzie Nature Preserve offers a runner’s paradise in the east side of Osceola County with over 1,000 acres of pristine wilderness, this preserve boasts well-marked trails that cater to runners of all levels. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely jog through serene pine flatwoods or a more challenging trail run along the shores of Lake Lizzie, this natural oasis provides a diverse range of terrains to explore. For runners seeking tranquility and a connection with nature while staying physically active, Lake Lizzie Nature Preserve is an ideal destination to lace up your running shoes and hit the trails.
• Lake Runnymede Conservation Area:
  Lake Runnymede Conservation Area is a pristine natural space where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of Florida’s native flora and fauna. The conservation area in St. Cloud not far from East Lake Toho features a trail system that’s ideal for both runners and walkers. Trails meander through pine forests, majestic oaks, alongside lakes, and into the heart of the county’s wilderness.
• St. Cloud Lakefront Park:
  St. Cloud Lakefront Park offers a stunning backdrop for your outdoor fitness activities. With a paved path along East Lake Tohopekaliga, this park provides stunning panoramic views of the lake and opportunities for both walking and running. Be sure to visit during sunrise or sunset for an extra dose of natural beauty.
• Disney Wilderness Preserve:
  Located just south of Kissimmee, the 11,500-acre Disney Wilderness Preserve offers a unique escape for runners and walkers. This expansive conservation area features miles of well-maintained trails winding through restored wetlands, pine flatwoods, and pristine natural habitats. It’s a fantastic place to experience the unspoiled beauty of Osceola County while staying active and immersed in nature.
• Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area:
  Located just east of St. Cloud, this vast 62,000 acres conservation area that includes parts of the Kissimmee Prairie, features a network of unpaved trails through pristine wilderness and is a year-round habitat for the bald eagles. Runners and walkers can explore the natural beauty and may even spot native wildlife including deer, bobcat, mottled duck, and wild turkey. 
• Makinson Island:
  Accessible by boat or a scenic bridge, Makinson Island in Kissimmee offers a unique experience for runners and walkers. The island has trails that wind through a cypress swamp, offering a serene escape from the mainland. A 2-mile circular path located on the island’s southern tip meanders through open spaces and a lush sabal palm and hardwood hammock. Within this habitat, you can frequently spot songbirds like Loggerhead Shrikes, White-eyed Vireo, Eastern Phoebe (winter) and Gray Catbirds. Guided walks are offered several times per year
• The Paddling Center at Shingle Creek:
  If you’re looking for a blend of fitness and adventure, consider a run or walk along the picturesque Shingle Creek Regional Park followed by a canoe or kayak trip along Shingle Creek itself. It’s a unique way to experience Osceola County’s natural beauty.

Osceola County offers a plethora of opportunities for avid runners and walkers to engage in physical fitness while immersing themselves in the breathtaking beauty of nature. Whether you prefer the tranquility of a lakeside stroll, the challenge of a trail run through the woods, or a combination of both, Osceola County’s natural trails and spaces have something to offer everyone. So, lace up your running shoes or grab your walking gear, and embark on a journey to explore the stunning natural trails and spaces that Osceola County has to offer.

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After thorough science, policy, and legal reviews, and substantial coordination, the USFWS and FWC leadership recently approved the Unified Command establishing a Temporary Field Response Station at FPL’s Cape Canaveral Clean Energy Center in Brevard County. The Response Station will support several UME response operations already underway in the central Indian River Lagoon, such as manatee rescues, carcass recovery, and limited field health assessments.

In approving the Response Station, USFWS and FWC leadership also approved staff to conduct a short-term feeding trial, referred to by many as supplemental feeding.

The goals of this limited, small-scale feeding trial are two-fold: 1) to reduce manatee mortality and 2) to reduce the number of animals in need of rescue, allowing the limited space in permitted critical care facilities to remain open for animals needing rehabilitation for other reasons.

“We understand the importance of a timely response. Our agencies and Unified Command partners carefully considered all aspects of a short-term feeding trial,” said Shannon Estenoz, Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks. “It is critical we help manatees in the short term with actions that are compatible with their long-term well-being and resilience.”

The Response Station is not a location for mobile veterinary care or rehabilitation. Our partners with the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership will continue to care for rescued animals at their federally permitted rehabilitation facilities.

“We thank all of our staff and partners, including FPL and the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership, for doing an amazing job during a very intense situation,” said FWC Assistant Executive Director, Dr. Thomas Eason. “The ongoing work of these groups is making a difference for manatees while efforts continue to address larger issues within the lagoon ecosystem.”

Unified Command partners still anticipate relatively high mortality along Florida’s Atlantic Coast during the winter of 2021-22 due to chronic effects of starvation from the loss of seagrass associated with poor water quality within the Indian River Lagoon.
Because this trial effort is a management action that has not been tried before, we do not know how many manatees will visit the site or how much vegetation individual manatees will consume. The goal of this action is to reduce manatee mortality. It will not eliminate it.

Beyond on-site support, FPL is substantially contributing to other manatee response operations by working with the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida to obtain an additional FWC rescue truck and provide on-the-ground assistance.

“Environmental stewardship is a critical aspect of FPL’s continued efforts to deliver clean, reliable and affordable energy to its customers,” said Kate MacGregor, FPL vice president of environmental services. “For over 30 years, we have worked closely with state and federal agencies to ensure manatees are protected and we stand ready to support FWC and USFWS in their ongoing conservation efforts for this important species.” 

People can help manatee conservation by reporting injured, distressed, or dead manatees to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.

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World Toilet Day is all about valuing toilets for everything they do for us, from “the obvious,” to protecting our health, safety, and dignity.

Unfortunately, not everyone can take toilets for granted. Millions of people still don’t have a safe toilet. If you’re fortunate enough to have one, say thanks, and give it some “love.”

Public health depends on toilets. Unless everybody in a community has a safe toilet, everybody’s health is threatened. Poor sanitation contaminates drinking-water sources, rivers, beaches, and food crops, spreading deadly diseases among the wider population.

Toilets also enable quality health care. The presence of safe, clean, accessible, and acceptable toilets in health facilities is a non-negotiable basic requirement. Proper toilets in health facilities protect dignity, prevent infections in patients, staff, and visitors, and ensure quality care.

World Toilet Day celebrates toilets and raises awareness for those living without access to safely managed sanitation.

So, next time you “sit down,” think about it, and feel grateful. 🙂

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These temporary regulation changes were made to help conserve freshwater turtle species that continue to be affected by a fatal disease caused by a virus called Turtle Bunyavirus (TBV). The virus has been detected throughout the state in the following turtle species: Florida softshell turtles, peninsula cooters, Florida red-bellied cooters, yellow-bellied sliders, and red-eared sliders.

All currently permitted activities may continue under the Executive Order. This includes the purchase and transport of turtles from registered breeders, with proper documentation as outlined in 68A-25.002 F.A.C. Under this executive order, members of the public may continue to bring sick or injured turtles to wildlife rehabilitation facilities for evaluation, treatment, and TBV testing. The FWC should be notified before transport by calling or texting the FWC Turtle Hotline at 352-339-8597.

The FWC began monitoring TBV in 2018 due to reports of sick and dead freshwater turtles and has issued updates periodically. The FWC is working with partners to learn more about this virus as well as the overall effect it is having on turtle populations throughout the state. The Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida is aiding in the continued monitoring of the virus thanks to a grant from its recently redesigned Conserve Wildlife license plate.

The FWC is asking the public for help by taking the following actions:

• Report sightings of sick or dead turtles to the FWC by calling the Turtle Hotline at 352-339-8597 or through the FWC Reporter App. Photos can be uploaded via the FWC Reporter App and will aid researchers in turtle species identification and condition.
• Do not touch or attempt to move sick turtles.
• To avoid spreading the virus, do not capture and transport freshwater turtles, even those that appear healthy, to release at new locations.
• Do not eat turtles that appear sick or unhealthy.
• For updates about the Turtle Bunyavirus, executive order, and resources for more information, visit MyFWC.com/FreshwaterTurtles and click ‘Learn More’ on the Turtle Bunyavirus banner.

The Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the FWC and other public and private partners to conserve Florida’s native animals and plants, and the lands and waters they need to survive. Twenty-five dollars from each purchase of the Conserve Wildlife “bear tag” supports the conservation of Florida’s rare species and other nongame wildlife. The redesigned plate is available for purchase now online or at your local tax collector’s office.

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Fortunately, there’s a way to watch wildlife from Florida and around the world in the comfort of our air-conditioned homes. Many organizations have set up webcams spotlighting everything from nesting birds to underwater wonders. These are some of our favorite streams for a glimpse into the outdoors.

Manatee Cam – Peek into the crystal blue waters at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs State Park. It’s the off season for manatees right now but there is still plenty to be seen at this Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail site!

Arizona Bat Cam – Several species of bats can be seen roosting in a barn at the Cluff Ranch Wildlife Area.

Panama Fruit Feeders – Take a virtual tropical vacation to see colorful hummingbirds, tanagers, motmots and more.

St. Augustine Alligator Farm – This camera highlights Roseate Spoonbills, Wood Storks, herons, egrets and plenty of gators at the farm’s rookery.

Brooks Falls Bearcam – July is one of the best months to watch bears fish for salmon at Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska. Up to 25 bears have been seen here at once!

Chesapeake Conservancy Osprey Cam – A pair of Ospreys, lovingly named Tom and Audrey, have been using a nest on the eastern shore of Maryland since 2009.

For even more virtual wildlife viewing, visit Explore.org/livecams for over 100 streams full of fascinating animals.

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Under the leadership of Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), South Florida Water Management District and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida host the Florida Python Challenge® to increase awareness about invasive species and the threats they pose to Florida’s ecology. The annual competition encourages people to get directly involved in Everglades conservation through invasive species removal.

Participants in both the Professional and Novice categories can win prizes for removing the most and longest Burmese pythons. The $10,000 Ultimate Grand Prize will be awarded to the eligible participant who removes the most pythons as part of the 10-day competition courtesy of Virtual Business Services.

People interested in competing can still register through the last day of the competition, July 18 at FLPythonChallenge.org. There is a $25 registration fee and participants must complete a free online training to compete.

“The kickoff of the Python Challenge is a momentous occasion. Thanks to our partners, our sponsor, and, of course, the leadership of Gov. Ron DeSantis for his dedication. He has spent a great deal of resources on improving the environment and the removal of invasive species like the Burmese python. We will continue to carry the torch of Everglades conservation so that future generations can enjoy this amazing ecosystem,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto

“Gov. Ron DeSantis directed the South Florida Water Management District and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to expand efforts to remove invasive pythons and protect Florida’s Everglades. This Python Challenge is one of the more unique ways we are stepping up our efforts to battle these invasive pythons as well as engaging the public to help us in this fight. With the public’s help during this Challenge, we can continue to make progress against these pythons and we can continue to make the Everglades a healthier ecosystem now and for future generations,” said SFWMD Governing Board Member “Alligator Ron” Bergeron.

Visit FLPythonChallenge.org to register for the competition, take the online training, learn more about Burmese pythons and the unique Everglades ecosystem, and find resources for planning your trip to South Florida to participate in the Florida Python Challenge®.

Burmese pythons are not native to Florida and negatively impact native species. They are found primarily in and around the Everglades ecosystem in south Florida where they prey on birds, mammals, and other reptiles. A female Burmese python can lay 50 to 100 eggs at a time. Since 2000, more than 13,000 Burmese pythons have been removed from the state of Florida. For more information on Burmese pythons, visit MyFWC.com/Python.

The Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the FWC and other public and private partners to conserve Florida’s native animals and plants, and the lands and waters they need to survive. Since its founding in 1994, the Foundation has raised and donated $50 million to conservation and outdoor recreation and education. More information can be found at WildlifeFlorida.org.

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Many shorebird and seabird species, such as the least tern, nest directly on beaches across the state where their eggs and chicks are well camouflaged in the sand. Colonies of wading birds, such as herons, will typically nest on mangrove islands off the coast. Biologists stress that the most important thing for waterbirds during nesting season is space. When these birds are disturbed and forced to leave their nests, their eggs and chicks are left vulnerable to heat and predators.

“Small actions can make a big difference for wildlife,” said FWC Florida Shorebird Alliance Coordinator, Shea Armstrong. “By taking a few steps to limit disturbance to nesting waterbirds, we can help ensure they have a successful nesting season and that they will be around for our children and grandchildren to enjoy.”

Here are five ways you can limit disturbance and make a difference for nesting waterbirds:
1. Keep your distance from birds, on the beach or on the water. If birds become agitated or leave their nests, you are too close. As a general rule, it is best to stay at least 300 feet from a nest and to avoid walking through flocks of birds whenever possible. Birds flushing, calling out loudly and dive-bombing are signals for you to give them space.
2. Respect posted areas, including Critical Wildlife Areas, which are established to protect congregations of one or more species of wildlife from human disturbance during critical life activities including nesting, feeding or migration. Avoid entering any area marked with signs for nesting birds and use designated walkways when possible.
3. Keep the beach clean and do not feed wildlife. Food scraps attract predators, such as raccoons and crows, that can prey on shorebird eggs and chicks. Litter on beaches can entangle birds and other wildlife.
4. It is best to not take pets to the beach but, if you do, keep them leashed and avoid shorebird and seabird nesting areas. Always take your pet to pet-friendly beaches and be respectful of the rules.
5. Know what to do if you hook a bird while fishing. Remember, don’t cut the line: reel, remove, release. Visit MyFWC.com/Unhook to watch an educational video that shows step by step how to safely unhook a bird. It could save a life!

For more information about Florida’s CWAs, visit MyFWC.com/CWA. 

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Choose activities that you enjoy and can do regularly. Fitting activity into a daily routine can be easy — such as taking a brisk 10-minute walk to and from the parking lot, bus stop, or subway station. Or, join an exercise class. Keep it interesting by trying something different on alternate days. Every little bit adds up and doing something is better than doing nothing.

Make sure to do at least 10 minutes of activity at a time, shorter bursts of activity will not have the same health benefits. For example, walking the dog for 10 minutes before and after work or adding a 10-minute walk at lunchtime can add to your weekly goal. Mix it up. Swim, take a yoga class, garden or lift weights. To be ready anytime, keep some comfortable clothes and a pair of walking or running shoes in the car and at the office.

More ways to increase physical activity

At home:

• Join a walking group in the neighborhood or at the local shopping mall. Recruit a partner for support and encouragement.
• Push the baby in a stroller.
• Get the whole family involved — enjoy an afternoon bike ride with your kids.
• Walk up and down the soccer or softball field sidelines while watching the kids play.
• Walk the dog — don’t just watch the dog walk.
• Clean the house or wash the car.
• Walk, skate, or cycle more, and drive less.
• Do stretches, exercises, or pedal a stationary bike while watching television.
• Mow the lawn with a push mower.
• Plant and care for a vegetable or flower garden.
• Play with the kids — tumble in the leaves, build a snowman, splash in a puddle, or dance to favorite music.
• Exercise to a workout video.

At work:

• Get off the bus or subway one stop early and walk or skate the rest of the way.
• Replace a coffee break with a brisk 10-minute walk. Ask a friend to go with you.
• Take part in an exercise program at work or a nearby gym.
• ‘Join the office softball team or walking group.

At play:

• Walk, jog, skate, or cycle.
• Swim or do water aerobics.
• Take a class in martial arts, dance, or yoga.
• Golf (pull cart or carry clubs).
• Canoe, row, or kayak.
• Play racquetball, tennis, or squash.
• Ski cross-country or downhill.
• Play basketball, softball, or soccer.
• Handcycle or play wheelchair sports.
• Take a nature walk.

Most important — have fun while being active!

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The contractor on the project will remove debris, low hanging limbs, and trees that have fallen into the creek or have the potential to come loose in a severe storm. 

Staging of debris will occur at the Marsh Landing Marina at the end of Marsh Road.

This is not the planned shoal removal project at the mouth of Shingle Creek. The Shoal removal project will begin soon. 

Separate notices will be sent out to Shingle Creek residents about that project two to three weeks before the shoal removal is set to begin.

For additional information on the vegetation and debris removal, please contact Rick Baird, Lakes Advocate at 407-742-8653, or rick.baird@osceola.org.

Remoción de Vegetación y Escombros de Shingle Creek

El Condado de Osceola comenzará un esfuerzo de poda de árboles y remoción de escombros en Shingle Creek. Este proyecto durará aproximadamente dos semanas. La remoción de escombros ocurrirá desde la desembocadura de Shingle Creek en Lake Tohopekaliga hasta arriba de Old Tampa Highway.

El contratista removerá escombros, ramas bajas y árboles que hayan caído al arroyo o que puedan soltarse en una tormenta severa. La preparación de escombros ocurrirá en Marsh Landing Marina al final de Marsh Road.

Este no es el proyecto de remoción de cardúmenes en la desembocadura de Shingle Creek. El proyecto de remoción de shoal comenzará pronto.

Se enviarán avisos separados a los residentes de Shingle Creek sobre ese proyecto dos a tres semanas antes de que comience la remoción de shoal.

Para obtener información adicional sobre la eliminación de vegetación y escombros, comuníquese con Rick Baird, Defensor de Lagos, al 407-742-8653 or rick.baird@osceola.org.

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