on May 11, 2017

Myakka State Park

One of my favorite state parks is Myakka State Park, named after the Myakka River, a beautiful river that runs about 68 miles, with 14 miles flowing through the park… The park includes about 37,000 acres of lush land. There are so many things to do if you love nature, like hiking, canoeing, kayaking, birding, fishing, bicycling, running, exploring nature and enjoying wildlife. If you have a horse you can trail ride too. There is a trail that runs almost 40 miles and loops through the park. There’s also a really cool scenic trail that leads to a canopy outlook, you can see for miles and miles! If you enjoy camping they have from primitive camping, to locations with electric and water to even cabins. (the cabins were built out of palms logs) If you are coming during season, you will need to reserve your spot far in advance.

I love to photograph there… so many photo opts. You will experience hammocks and grasslands to prairie areas and a vast number of trees full of Spanish moss and huge gators by the river’s bed. So much wildlife to see! Almost every time I’ve been there a volunteer has spotted a unique bird, like the Roseate Spoonbill, or an Eagle, for those of you interested in birding… make sure to bring your camera and binoculars, you’ll want to take in all the spectacular moments. There is a 7 mile paved roadway through the park and you may access the park from Clark Rd in Sarasota, Fl. One section of the road takes you over a small bridge over a river and most likely you’ll see people pointing and taking pictures, that’s usually a gator sighting! But, if you are truly a gator fan, then you may want to check out Deep Hole, I would not recommend it for kids (as a mom!) They even have you sign a waiver to view it… but there are a vast number of gators that hang out around the bank of the water hole. I heard the karst (sinkhole), is about 134 feet deep and about 200 feet wide!

At the entrance of the park be sure to ask for a trail guide and information so you may take in all the park has to offer. There is also a gift shop, concession stand, a tram and air-boat tour. The park opens at 8am and closes at sunset. It’s $6 to get in per carload (up to 8). Costs for other options like camping etc. are listed below

https://www.floridastateparks.org/hours-and-fees/Myakka-River

Mayakka State Park has been around since about the time of the depression, it is one of the oldest and largest state parks. A large number of the acreage was foreclosed on during the Great Depression and about 17,000 acres were purchased by the International Improvement Fund at 37.5 cents per acre from the A.C. Honor Palmer Estate. During the depression, Roosevelt enlisted the CCC Civilian Conservation Corps to get men back to work… one of the many projects was in the park and they built the log cabins made from palms.

After the death of an elite business woman named Bertha Palmer, an additional 1920 adjacent acres were donated by her sons, to be saved for conservation. (according to Sarasota county the land was donated, but according to the state it was sold by her sons)

Sunset in Sarasota, Fl

I work for a couple of publications but have yet to volunteer to cover Deep Hole! usually the press has some pretty good perks… but I’m thinking I would be pretty nervous about covering this story! that’s one lucky reporter that went on for Fox news! (see below)

http://www.fox13news.com/news/local-news/240061590-story

Below are some links to interesting facts about Bertha, Myakka River, Roseate Spoonbill and the CCC, etc.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bertha_Palmer