Latest news with #SatelliteBeach
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Beachgoers mesmerized by massive swarm of sand fleas spotted on Florida's Space Coast
The Brief Thousands of sand fleas swarming were spotted on the Space Coast. The rare phenomenon caught on camera may have been during a mass mating. SATELLITE BEACH, Fla. - A video of thousands of tiny sand fleas is going viral on the Space Coast. What we know A longtime beachgoer captured the sight in Satellite Beach. Sand fleas are super common by the waterline on the coast of Florida, but it's extremely rare to see that many all at once above the sand. Experts think they could have been mating or eating something in the area they all liked. Sand fleas aren't bugs but actually crabs. They're known for being good bait and totally harmless. But, in other countries, doctors say they can leave parasites in people's skin. What they're saying A massive swarm of sand fleas spotted this week along Florida's Space Coast has beachgoers stunned and experts guessing, as video of the unusual sight spreads across social media. "It was very shocking. That's why I took the video. I didn't think it was going to blow up like that," said Denise Derrick Wright, who took the video she posted on social media. Dr. Todd Osborne, a biogeochemist at the University of Florida, said he's never seen so many gathered in one place. "There may be a lot of that buried in the sand there, or maybe it's a mating thing's going on, and I think that's more likely," said Dr. Osborne. While the sight might be unsettling, Florida's sand fleas are harmless. However, experts note that similar species in other parts of the world can carry parasites. "There are some in other countries that kind of lay eggs under the skin and leave parasites and things like that, but that is not something you have to worry about on Florida's beaches," said Dr. Bobby Ford, who's the ER Medical Director at Orlando Health. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source FOX 35 reporter Esther Bower spoke with several beachgoers, including Denise, who took the video on May 29, 2025. She also connected via zoom with a medical doctor on the possibility of people getting bitten by the fleas and a scientist on zoom about why they could have been swarming like they were. She spoke with other fishermen on the phone about how often they see sand fleas and how they're good for bait.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Yahoo
'Fishnapped': Beloved betta stolen from Satellite Beach Top Gun-themed restaurant
The Brief A beloved pet Siamese fighting fish, also known as a betta fish, was stolen from a restaurant in Satellite Beach. It was returned after the community got involved to help. The owners are crediting social media and local support for bringing the betta back home. SATELLITE BEACH, Fla. - A beloved betta fish named Rooster was returned safely to a Satellite Beach restaurant after briefly going missing in what staff jokingly called a "fishnapping." What we know Maverick's Hangar Bar and Grill on A1A in Satellite Beach is a Top Gun movie-themed restaurant. They wanted a mascot and decided on a Siamese fighting fish, also known as a betta fish. Staff named the fish, Rooster, after a character in the movie. Rooster's a staple for locals, but last Thursday he went missing from the outside bar. The restaurant put out a plea on social media about their fish being stolen. A few days later, the fish was returned unharmed and with fresh water. What we don't know The owners still aren't sure who exactly took their beloved beta. Cameras at the restaurant didn't catch the "fishnapping." What they're saying The restaurant's post sparked community concern and even some disbelief. "Rooster's been fishnapped, and I'm like, 'Who would steal my fish?'" chuckled Amber Hopkins, who had the idea to get the beta fish in the first place. "We had people actually calling us saying somebody really stole your fish?," said Ivy Iverson who's the restaurant's GM. The Source FOX 35's Reporter Esther Bower saw the initial post for herself of social media. She reached out to the owners wondering if the fish had been found. They had her come to the restaurant for an interview on May 15, 2025, where she saw the beta was returned.
