Latest news with #Manatees
Scottish Sun
01-08-2025
- Scottish Sun
World's best hotel revealed with swim-up bars and private plunge pools – and it can be booked with TUI
Plus, the best time to visit Mexico BEACH PLEASE World's best hotel revealed with swim-up bars and private plunge pools – and it can be booked with TUI SURROUNDED by a jungle and sat right on the beach, a stunning hotel has been named the best in the world by Tripadvisor. Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya can be found in Akumal, Mexico, and is home to 434 rooms and suites. Advertisement 6 Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya in Akuma, Mexico, ahs been named the best hotel in the world Credit: Supplied 6 At the resort, there are three expansive pools, nine restaurants and seven bars Credit: Hyatt 6 Plus, it is all inclusive so guests can enjoy everything at the resort included in the price Credit: Hyatt Just 150 metres offshore from the adults-only resort is the second largest barrier reef in the world, while the historical Mayan sites of Tulum are nearby. Inside the all-inclusive hotel are natural interiors inspired by the surrounding jungle. Some of the suites even come with a private plunge pool. Depending on the room or suite you choose, there are also hot tubs, rainfall showers, private balconies and even swim-out access from the terrace. Advertisement Other amenities include bath robes, Nespresso coffee machines and air conditioning. Heading outside, guests can enjoy three pools, including an infinity pool with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and a swim up bar called Manatees. Alternatively, head to the spa for a bit of self-indulgence, including a hydrotherapy circuit with a sauna and steam room, a reflexology pool, and different treatments. The fitness suite also offers guests the opportunity to get their workout in, with cardio and strength training equipment as well as group classes. Advertisement For those who love an adventure, there are many activities to embark on such as kayaking, snorkelling with turtles, paddle-boarding and beach volleyball. For those who don't like sporty activities, the resort also offers culinary classes, such as wine and tequila tastings and dance classes as well. The beautiful lake an hour from London with overwater bungalows like the Maldives In total, the resort has nine restaurants (none of which you have to reserve ahead of time) and seven bars. And each offers something different, so everyone will have something they like. Advertisement There is traditional Mexican cuisine at El Patio, French dishes at Bordeaux, authentic Italian staples at Portofino and Pan-Asian specialties at Himitsu, for example. Or you could head to Coco Cafe, which offers snacks and late-night bites. And if you don't fancy these options, the 'Sip, Savor, and See' programme allows guests to dine and enjoy entertainment at nearby sister resorts. At night, head to one of the bars as the resort comes alive with live music, themed nights and beach parties. Advertisement Even skilled performers demonstrate their skills there. 6 Some rooms even have swim-out access and plunge pools Credit: Hyatt 6 And there are a number of activities to do at the resort including snorkelling Credit: Hyatt Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya is just an hour's drive from Cancun Airport making it easy to get to. Advertisement The Travellers' Choice Awards Best of the Best title awards the destination with the highest level of excellence in travel, which means it goes above and beyond for its guests. Out of eight million listings on Tripadvisor, less than one per cent of hotels achieve the award. For Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya in the number one spot, it has over 14,000 reviews on Tripadvisor, averaging an impressive 4.8 out of five. One visitor said: "This resort exceeded all expectations — beautiful beach, crystal-clear water, and top-notch service." Advertisement Another added: "The walking paths are surrounded by lush trees, flowers and plants that provide shade while walking around and gives it a cozy, romantic feel." A third stated: "This place is immaculate, pristine, gorgeous. Like pinch me, is this place paradise? Heaven on earth?" Prices vary depending on the season but a holiday package can be booked with TUI. For example, through TUI, you could head there in November for £1,997 per person for the week. Advertisement When is the best time to visit Mexico? MEXICO is a fantastic year-round destination, but it truly shines as a winter escape. With its magnificent sandy beaches, delicious cuisine, and rich historical sites, this tropical treasure offers an incredible getaway. The best time to travel to Mexico is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. This period offers high temperatures of up to 32C with almost no chance of rain, guaranteeing sunny days for your holiday. While the dry season is generally warm, it's worth noting that the coldest months are from late December to early February. However, temperatures still comfortably fluctuate between 24C and 28C, so you'll still enjoy plenty of warmth. Conversely, the wet season lasts from the end of May until October. If you prefer to avoid rain and enjoy continuous sunshine, this is the time to steer clear of. For those wanting a cultural experience, consider planning your trip around one of Mexico's vibrant events. Cinco De Mayo on May 5 celebrates a key Mexican victory and features lively street food, parties, and parades. Meanwhile, surfers should take note of the regional seasons. The busiest surfing season in Los Cabos is from November to April, while Cancun's surf season runs from June to November. A popular resort has also been named among UK's best seaside towns with stunning castle and Tudor streets. Plus, the little-known seaside resort town with one of the cleanest beaches in the world.
CBS News
16-07-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
South Florida rains may prompt more gator and snake sightings, officials warn
Rainfall totals on Monday matched forecasts of 1 to 3 inches across South Florida. And while the region avoided major flooding, the soggy conditions could still stir up some unexpected wildlife — namely, alligators and snakes. These animals are often displaced by rising water and may be spotted in neighborhoods, parks, or even roadways, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Although the FWC has not issued a new advisory tied specifically to Monday's storms, the agency has previously warned: "Alligators and snakes might be observed more frequently after a major storm event, especially in areas with flooding. Keep them at a distance and give them space." The FWC reminds residents not to feed or approach wild animals under any circumstances. Even animals that appear to be orphaned or abandoned may not be. "Rarely are animals actually orphaned; a parent could be searching for food or observing its young from a distance," the agency said in the prior release. For injured wildlife, residents are encouraged to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. A list by county is available at under "How You Can Conserve" → "Living with Wildlife" → "Injured and Orphaned Wildlife." Manatees may also become stranded during rough weather. "If you encounter a stranded, injured or dead manatee, do not attempt to handle it on your own," the FWC call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922. If an alligator poses a threat to people, pets or property, call the Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). The FWC will dispatch a licensed trapper if needed.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
‘Addie' the sea turtle released after months of rehab
MARATHON, Fla. – A resilient sea turtle and a crowd of spectators in the Florida Keys made Earth Day a special event in the Sunshine State. Video taken from the middle keys showed Addie, a green sea turtle, crawling through the white Florida sand, before entering the warm ocean water. But Addie's return to the wild was nothing short of a miracle, because when she was first admitted to the Florida Keys' Turtle Hospital in August, her prognosis was doubtful. The juvenile turtle was said to be suffering from a severe injury caused by a fishing hook and was covered in fibropapilloma tumors. According to staff at the animal hospital, Addie underwent an extensive surgery process to remove the metal and tumors but encountered additional complications. Following months of physical therapy and being fed through a tube, she began to quickly recover. "People want to do good things. And caring for sea turtles gives them something to care about," said Bette Zirkelbach, the hospital's manager. Florida Identifies Next Invasive Species Threat Hospital staff closely monitored Addie's progress over several months, and once she was considered to be strong enough to survive on her own, they determined the turtle was ready to be returned to the wild. The sea turtle's release coincided with Earth Day, an international event dedicated to raising awareness about the environment and promoting conservation efforts. The special day served as a fitting backdrop for the animal's return, especially as the green sea turtle population faces mounting threats from habitat loss, rising ocean temperatures, pollution and entanglements in fish gear. Manatees May Be Recent Arrivals To Florida, Study Suggests According to the World Wildlife Fund, green turtles are considered to be endangered because of loss of eggs and entanglement in fishing gear. In the U.S., the species is primarily found from North Carolina to Florida, around Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. According to the National Park Service, female green sea turtles generally nest during the summer, with peak season occurring in June and July. The Florida Keys' Turtle Hospital has been rescuing and rehabilitating sea turtles since 1986 and has returned thousands of reptiles back to the article source: 'Addie' the sea turtle released after months of rehab
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Yahoo
Escambia County, Florida deputies find meth, cocaine and stolen car while searching home
ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG) — Escambia County Sheriff's Office deputies arrested two people after they found methamphetamine, cocaine, guns and a stolen vehicle while searching a home, has learned. Gulf Breeze ice skater wins gold in Nashville According to an ECSO news release, the ECSO Narcotics Unit and SWAT Team served a search warrant at a home on Rue Max Street on April 15. During the search, officials said, they found 28 grams of meth, one gram of cocaine, two guns and a stolen vehicle. 38-year-old Ashley Long and 28-year-old Darmichael Turner were arrested during the execution of the search warrant. Long is charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) and drug paraphernalia. Manatees migrating to the Florida Panhandle — what boaters should know Turner is charged with possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) and possession of drug paraphernalia. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
565 manatees were reported dead in Florida last year: Here's what we've learned
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute released its final manatee mortality numbers for 2024. Last year, 565 of the sea cows were reported dead, with 100 in Brevard County alone. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] While not ideal, that number is lower than the 739 five-year average. Below are the local numbers. Note that they are much lower due to manatee populations being larger in central and southern Florida: Of the local deaths, two in Duval and two in St. Johns county were attributed to watercraft collisions. Human-related causes were responsible for about 30% of the total number of deaths in Florida that had a determined cause. FWC says 2024 has the second-highest observed number of structure-related (water control structures and navigational locks) deaths, with 17 incidents total. Of note is just how many calves didn't survive the year. 154 calves total died in 2024, far outpacing the previous high of 129 reported in 2013. The FWC says this may not be as concerning as it initially appears. The research institute says it is a likely sign of increased birth, meaning more manatees are recovering and reproducing. Read: Number of reported Florida manatee deaths declined in 2023, red tide and collisions remain threats Over half of the calf deaths were reported in the Indian River Lagoon, which is currently the subject of a lawsuit against the state. The environmental group. Bear Warriors United, alleges that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection violated the Endangered Species Act by reportedly allowing wastewater discharges into the lagoon. The group says the pollution has contributed to the death of seagrass, which Manatees need to survive. The lawsuit came after a record 1100 manatee deaths were reported in 2021, heavily concentrated in that area. The case is expected to go to trial. According to preliminary data by the FWC, there have been three manatee deaths locally so far in 2025. Two died in Putnam County, while another in Duval County died from cold stress last week. Read: Doctors at Sea Turtle Hospital at UF Whitney Lab saw highest influx of sea turtles in January [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
