Meet Martin County’s Caretakers of Mother Nature
March 29, 2023 | Read Time: 4 minutes
Filled with year-round sunshine, lush parks, and plentiful waterways, Florida celebrates its natural surroundings. Yet no region of the state boasts as many ecological jewels as Martin County on the Treasure Coast. Not only is the area home to the most bio-diverse lagoon ecosystem in the entire Northern Hemisphere, but thousands of acres of Instagram-worthy parks and conservation lands provide adventures every day. With so many natural wonders nearby, numerous local organizations are stepping up to educate and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. Let’s take a closer look.
Florida Oceanographic
Coastal Center
Coastal Center
Hobe Sound
Nature Center
Nature Center
Environmental
Studies Center
Studies Center
Florida Oceanographic
Coastal Center
Coastal Center
Get an up-close and personal look at marine life on Hutchinson Island at the 57-acre Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center. Home to the non-profit Florida Oceanographic Society, the organization’s mission is to inspire environmental stewardship of the coastal ecosystem. The passion at its heart, however, is the camaraderie of over 250 volunteers. Citizen scientists can help monitor and collect data on mangrove swamps, oyster and seagrass beds, coral, worm reefs, and more than 4,300 species of plants and animals, including 36 rare and endangered species. Families and groups can take part in dozens of adventurous activities like helping protect sea turtles or rebuilding seagrass, while the media-minded can spread the word and share the messaging on social media and at public events.
Hobe Sound
Nature Center
Nature Center
People of all ages and abilities enjoy interactive environmental education at the Hobe Sound Nature Center. Free, family-friendly programs include Night Explorers, Beach Dynamics, and weekly hikes along the trails. All-terrain wheelchairs are available for people with mobility issues. From May to mid-July, nighttime sea turtle walks at a public beach allow visitors to witness the rare spectacle of loggerhead sea turtles laying their eggs. Whether the wildlife presentations and nature experiences are on- or off-site, expert lecturers help understand the mysteries of the world. Reservations are required, and programs fill up fast. Come nature-curious and leave an educated environmental advocate with a host of new like-minded friends.
Environmental
Studies Center
Studies Center
Located in Jensen Beach, the Martin County School District operates the Environmental Studies Center, which offers classes and hands-on field adventures for every grade. Students get out and active as they explore the exotic Indian River Lagoon, pristine beaches, mangrove forests, freshwater ponds, and protected wetlands. Age-appropriate fun starts in kindergarten, where students compare the characteristics and habitats of various sea turtles and tortoises. A chaperoned visit to protected turtle nests on a local beach cinches the excitement. High school students collect data that compares diverse communities from the beach, dune, and rocky shorelines to mangrove and grass flats. Naturally, there are summer camp experiences that are unmatchable for creating future environmentalists.
Content courtesy of Storie.
6 Pro Tennis Tips to Improve Your Game
October 25, 2022 | Read Time: 4 minutes
The game of tennis has been around since the 1870s and is a favorite sport among many Americans. Here at Harbour Ridge, members enjoy pro tennis tips while playing on the nine Har-Tru® tennis courts and participating in weekly socials, round-robin tournaments and men’s and women’s team competitions. The Harbour Ridge tennis program also offers one-of-a-kind training programs developed by the Peter Burwash International (PBI) training program. Globally renowned, the PBI program has been involved with professional tennis management since 1975. We sat down with the Harbour Ridge Tennis Pro, Fabio Vasconcellos, to get his advice on how to up your game. Here are his six must-follow tips.
There is a misconception that all contact sports must be physical and aggressive, such as football and hockey. Many people do not realize that tennis is a contact sport. Players may not be tackling one another, but they are making contact with the ball by using the tennis racquet. I like to educate people about the three steps of the tennis swing. The swing consists of the backswing, making contact and then the follow-through. Contact is the most vital part of the game because, without it, there is no game.
Minimum potential is another vital part of the game. Right in the sweet spot of the racquet is minimum potential energy. When a ball makes contact with this area on the racquet, it will soar with speed and power. And this happens without the help of movement, swinging or a powerful backhand. Next time you’re practicing, see how little you will have to work with your racquet.
With the understanding of the concepts of contact and minimum potential, players can hit the ball with precision and speed. When getting ready to return a hard serve there’s little time for your mind to process what is going on, as opposed to a slower groundstroke. Oftentimes, there is not enough time to prepare for the contact and complete a stroke with all three motions. Players take advantage of the knowledge of minimum potential by reacting on instinct and hitting the ball on the sweet spot of the racquet. If players utilize this tactic long enough, it will become muscle memory.
It is not always easy to make contact with the ball and some days are more challenging than others. I always teach players to place their opposite index finger on the racquet strings closest to the handle. By doing this, players will know where the racquet head is and the angle of its face. Knowing where the face of the racquet is, makes it easier to adjust to external conditions such as wind and speed. This knowledge is crucial on those days when contact seems impossible.
For those looking to advance their tennis skills, I would recommend adding an underspin to your forehand stroke. This shot bounces the ball lower, still making it move forward and serves multiple strategical purposes. An underspin can mess up your opponent’s rhythm and exploit their weaknesses. It can be hit effectively from both sides of the body, on forehands and backhands equally.
Mini-tennis is the perfect way to master control in tennis. With two to four players, this game takes place within the service boxes of a court. By playing within a short distance of one another, players will develop a feel for the ball and improve skills like accuracy and precision. Playing mini-tennis also allows players to become more familiar with the tennis equipment and the game itself.
Content courtesy of Harbour Ridge.
See Why Florida’s Hutchinson Island is Simply Irresistible
October 4, 2022 | Read Time: 4 minutes
Located just off the Treasure Coast sits a barrier island that’s home to 21 miles of pristine sand beaches, world-class fishing, championship golf, endless natural wildlife and a private residential community that rivals the world’s best. Residents and visitors alike celebrate the pinnacle of coastal living on the shores of Hutchinson Island, just north of the Palm Beaches. Whether it’s the area’s rich cultural history or breathtaking natural waterways, here’s your chance to get to know why everyone loves to explore life on Hutchinson Island.
Hutchinson Island History
Hutchinson Island and the surrounding Stuart area have a rich and colorful history filled with passionate residents that have included Native American tribes, farmers, pirates and avid fishermen. The waters along the coast of southeast Florida once served as a popular route for Spanish galleons returning from Mexico laden with treasure, gaining the area the nickname “Treasure Coast”. During the early 19th century, the Spanish government issued several land grants in the area, one of which went to settler James Hutchinson. His name remains the island we know today.
Hutchinson Island Points of Interest
From delectable dining experiences at Hutchinson Shores and Kyle G’s to historic museums, theatres and ocean activities, there is something on Hutchinson Island for residents of any lifestyle. Discover just a few of the many places worth visiting on Hutchinson Island.
Cultural Exhibitions
Hutchinson Island is filled with ample cultural excursions to explore. The Elliot Museum features antique vehicles, signed baseball memorabilia, local and national artwork, and a collection of inventions by Sterling Elliott, after whom the museum is named. Built-in 1876, The House of Refuge is the oldest structure on the Treasure Coast. It is the only remaining house out of ten originally created to shelter shipwreck survivors and travelers along the Atlantic coastline. Today, it stands not only as a museum of historic lifesaving equipment but also as a picturesque location for receptions and weddings. Located in Downtown Stuart, the Lyric Theatre provides the community with a home for the performing arts. The Lyric Theatre is constantly filled with performances that any lover of the arts would enjoy, including live music concerts, theater shows and cult classic movie showings.
Waterfront Dining
Hutchinson Island also has an amazing array of restaurants to satisfy every palate. Restaurants line both sides of the island, giving guests spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean or the Indian River while enjoying cuisines from the best chefs in the world. The dining options of Hutchinson Shores Resort offer fresh seafood and Italian specials in three separate restaurants, all with enchanting views of the beach and Atlantic waters. Additionally, Kyle G’s Prime Seafood and Steak, Manatee Island, and Chuck’s Seafood all feature a variety of the highest quality of local seafood while Pietro’s on the River is known for its Italian-American cuisines. In Jensen Beach, 11 Maple Street creates innovative and upscale New American and seafood dishes in a quaint, century-old cottage.
Ocean Excursions
Home to the Florida Oceanographic Society’s headquarters, the 57-acre Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center is dedicated to the education and preservation of coastal marine environments. The center includes a 750,000-gallon game fish lagoon, sea star and stingray touch tank pavilions, nature trails, and educational programs for all ages. Known as the Sailfish Capital of the World, Hutchinson Island is also a premier destination for sport fishing. From deep sea charters to inlet fishing, this coveted angler spot is known for popular catches all year long. With the west end of the Bahamas only 55 miles away, boaters often love to take weekend excursions. During the summer months, you are also in for a special treat as Hutchinson Island is one of the top places in the world for turtle nesting.
Content Courtesy of Sailfish Point.
5 Reasons Sarasota is a Top Choice for Year-Round Florida Residency
| Read Time: 4 minutes
At the heart of Florida’s renowned Cultural Coast, Sarasota’s waterfront downtown region is a dynamic and beautiful gem in the crown of the sunshine state. Located on the west coast, an hour south of Tampa, Sarasota combines a vibrant contemporary lifestyle with the best of waterfront living. Add in some of the country’s top-rated beaches, an enriched cultural scene, and seemingly endless designer shops and restaurants and you’ll see what makes this coastal destination so irresistible.
Here are just a few of the reasons why locals are drawn to this extraordinary Florida destination.
1. Top-Ranked Pristine Gulf Beaches
Situated off the Gulf of Mexico, Sarasota is home to some of the most serene beaches in the country. Both Lido Key and Siesta Key are world-renowned for their miles of powder-soft white sand, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. These sparkling waters are teeming with colorful marine life, perfect for exploring via snorkeling or scuba diving. Venture under the waves and relax under the palms along the shoreline. Revel in seemingly endless beach days and feel like you are on vacation every day in a natural paradise.
2. Legendary Cultural Scene
Known as Florida’s Cultural Coast, the arts and culture scene within Sarasota is lively and dynamic. Discover the renowned Ringling Museum, established in 1927. Formally known as The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, this is the official state art museum of Florida. In addition to the renowned museum, the Ringling College of Art and Design also houses the Sarasota Art Museum. Truly an art lover’s dream, this museum exhibits many displays and features each season. Sarasota’s Asolo Repertory Theatre is a regional theater company that puts on a variety of productions each season, including newly commissioned plays and captivating musicals. Few of many cultural attractions, Sarasota houses a wide variety of galleries and exhibits at local’s fingertips.
3. St. Armands Circle, Designer Shopping, and Dining
From dozens of Zagat-rated dining venues to boutique shops, Sarasota has a surplus of opportunities to explore the area’s shops and restaurants. With over 130 stores, restaurants, and galleries to peruse, St. Armands Circle is an internationally renowned entertainment destination. This outdoor shopping district brings European flair to life, with an atmosphere of genuine warmth and timeless style. Within walking distance from Peninsula Sarasota, residents will find that Downtown Sarasota is filled with a plethora of restaurants and shops of its own. Whether you are looking for a more casual grille, Mattison’s City Grille, or fine dining, Bijou Garden Café, there are restaurants for every occasion and every palate.
4. Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico
Home to breathtaking waterways, enjoy the area by exploring Sarasota Bay. Encounter scenic wildlife and aquatic nature up-close through kayak excursions along the waterway. Boating is another favored way to explore Sarasota Bay in a convenient manner. Providing locals with the freedom to travel up and down Sarasota Bay, boaters can also venture to connecting waterways that lead out to the Gulf of Mexico. Departing throughout the day, Marina Jack hosts sunset cruises and charters right off Downtown Sarasota. This marina is the quintessential location for docking private boats, hopping on a sightseeing cruise and enjoying fine waterfront dining.
5. Florida Coastal Address
Sarasota is in a quintessential area to commute or explore from. Nearby cities of St. Petersburg and Tampa are home to a variety of national, championship-winning sports teams, gorgeous beaches and a surplus of waterfront dining and shopping. Naples, Florida, is just 2 hours south and exudes luxury and sophistication. Perfect for a weekend getaway. Less than 2 hours away is one of the most popular destinations in the United States, Orlando, Florida. Amusement parks and attractions such as Walt Disney World and Universal can be visited all in a day’s trip.
Content Courtesy of Peninsula Sarasota.