Latest news with #USATODAYNetwork-Florida
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
This advice may save your life at the beach: How to identify, swim away from rip currents
Memorial Day weekend is just over a week away and will bring throngs of people to Florida's beaches, as it is widely considered the unofficial 'start of the summer' in the U.S. And while we share the ocean with sharks and the venomous Portuguese Man o' War, which can bite or sting, there's an ever-present danger in the water that doesn't have a fin or tentacles: rip currents. Rip currents are powerful, sometimes deadly, channels of water that can sweep a swimmer quickly away from shore. Just two weeks ago, Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Deputy Billy Crocker helped rescue three children from a rip current at Huguenot Memorial Park and resuscitated an 8-year-old girl who'd taken on water in her lungs. Deputy Crocker spoke with the USA TODAY Network-Florida about the dangers of rip currents and how to identify them at the beach. Here's what a rip current is, how it's different from undertow and how to spot a rip current from the sand. Rip currents are powerful channels of water that flow quickly away from shore. They're usually found at low spots or breaks in sandbars and near structures like jetties or piers. Rip currents can easily be seen from the shore with the naked eye, but you have to know what to look for. And they're much more difficult to see when you're in the water. Since rip currents are an effect of underwater geography and water flow, they aren't tied to the weather. Stormy weather can cause rip currents to form, but they're just as likely on bright, sunny days at the beach. Rip currents can be found at any beach with waves, at any time. 'Measured at speeds up to 8 feet per second (more than 5 miles per hour), rip currents can be faster than an Olympic swimmer,' NOAA says. You're swimming along, enjoying the ocean water, when suddenly you get knocked off your feet and feel like you're in a rushing underwater river. You try swimming to shore but the current has you in its grip, pulling you farther out to sea. Eventually, the current will dissipate, but not before it drags you along with it, no matter how strong of a swimmer you are. Fortunately, they're not difficult to deal with if you stay calm. Most of the time when someone succumbs to the power of a rip current, it's because they got too tired while swimming against it. And the way out of a rip current (see below) is not to swim against it. 'Measured at speeds up to 8 feet per second (more than 5 miles per hour), rip currents can be faster than an Olympic swimmer,' NOAA says. No. Rip currents and undertow are not the same thing. 'Undertow is a term used to describe the current beneath the surface when waves are breaking upon the shore,' NOAA says. 'Undertow is often mistakenly used to describe rip currents. It is also often associated with the strong backwash after breaking waves.' 'To check for rip currents at the beach, stand back from an elevated position, like a dune line or beach access, and look for places where waves are not breaking,' NOAA says. These signs can indicate that a rip current is present, according to NOAA: A channel of churning, choppy water An area of water that is a notable difference in color A line of foam, or debris moving steadily offshore A break in the incoming wave pattern 'Sometimes the rip will actually take the foam that's up by the shore, created from the waves crashing, and suck it into that rip current and you'll get a foam line that will trail into that rip current,' Deputy Crocker said. 'And you can see that foam line, too. So, it's really imperative that a person educates themselves when they go to the beach that not only (are) there creatures in the water, but something actually more dangerous – the water itself.' Yes, you can swim away from a rip current. You just have to know in which direction to swim. 'A rip current will pull you out, but it will not pull you down,' Deputy Crocker said. 'What happens is, when you realize you're in it (and) don't know how to mitigate it, you start swimming against it and you wear yourself out, become tired, frustrated, and you give up then go down.' To escape a rip current, you don't swim against it. Since the rip current is so powerful, swimming against it will just tire you out and likely cause you to panic. Swimming parallel to the shore is the only way out of a rip current once you're swept up in one. Deputy Crocker started patrolling the beach at Huguenot Memorial Park part-time since 2017 and spent the last four summers patrolling the beach full-time, in which time he said he's seen three casualties due to rip currents. 'At our beach, we (JSO) do 20 to 30 rescues from rips just in the summertime,' Deputy Crocker said. 'Our ocean rescue lifeguards sitting in chairs are only budgeted from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.' Contributing: C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY Network - Florida This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Beach safety and Florida rip currents: How to see or swim out of one
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
National Hurricane Center issues 2nd tropical outlook of season. First name will be Andrea
Conditions remain quiet in the tropics, welcome news for Florida residents still recovering from three hurricanes that made landfall in 2024. The National Hurricane Center issued its second daily tropical outlook of the 2025 hurricane season May 16, saying no tropical cyclone development is expected over the next seven days. ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location The National Hurricane Center will issue tropical outlooks twice a day until the 2025 hurricane season ends Nov. 30. If a system strengthens into a named storm — or if an unnamed storm shows signs of strengthening and impacting the coast — regular and more frequent advisories will be issued. Look for daily stories from USA TODAY Network-Florida on conditions in the tropics using those outlooks and advisories, along with forecasts from other hurricane experts, including AccuWeather, Florida meteorologist Dr. Ryan Truchelut and Philip Klotzbach, meteorologist at Colorado State University. ➤ Track all active storms The first named storm of the season will be Andrea. Here's the first of the National Hurricane Center's daily outlooks as of 8 a.m., May 16. The National Hurricane Center said there are no tropical disturbances in the Atlantic basin and no tropical cyclone activity is expected during the next seven days. The Atlantic basin consists of the northern Atlantic, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America. NOAA changed its naming convention for the Gulf of Mexico after the U.S. Geological Survey changed the name on U.S. maps per President Trump's order. Forecasters urge all residents to keep an eye on the tropics and to always be prepared. ➤ Creating hurricane supplies kit important, but what if money is tight? Tips, resources to help Philip Klotzbach, Colorado State University meteorologist who specializes in Atlantic basin seasonal hurricane forecasts, said there have been zero named storms in the Northern Hemisphere so far in 2025. "Five other years since 1950 have had zero Northern Hemisphere named storms through May 15: 1973, 1983, 1984, 1998, and 2024," he posted on X. Since 2003, there have been 15 tropical cyclones that have formed before June 1. Eleven of those storms formed in May. There have even been occasions when a tropical cyclone has formed in January. Here's a look back at a few of the early storms: Jan. 16-17, 2023: Unnamed subtropical storm. May 22-23, 2021: Tropical Storm Ana. May 16-19, 2020: Tropical Storm Arthur. May 27-28, 2020: Tropical Storm Bertha. May 20-21, 2019: Subtropical Storm Andrea. May 25-31, 2018: Tropical Storm Alberto. April 19-21, 2017: Tropical Storm Arlene. Jan. 12-15, 2016: Hurricane Alex May 27-June 4, 2016: Tropical Storm Bonnie May 8-11, 2015: Tropical Storm Ana. May 19-22, 2012: Tropical Storm Alberto. May 26-30, 2012: Tropical Storm Beryl. May 31-June 1, 2008: Tropical Storm Arthur. May 9-11, 2007: Subtropical Storm Andrea. April 20-24, 2003: Tropical Storm Ana. The first named storm of the 2025 hurricane season will be Andrea. Since 2003, Andrea has appeared twice in May, including the last year the name appeared in 2019. May 9-11, 2007: Subtropical Storm Andrea May 20-21, 2019: Subtropical Storm Andrea The World Meteorological Committee maintains six lists of hurricane names in the Atlantic basin and separate lists for the Pacific basin. There are 21 names on each list. The six lists of names are used on a rotating basis, so names from the list used in 2025 will appear again in 2031, unless a name is retired. A nation hit hardest by a devastating storm can request its name be removed because use of the name again would be insensitive. Beryl, Helene and Milton were retired from the list used last year and were replaced with Brianna, Holly, Miguel Tropical outlooks are issued every day by the National Hurricane Center from May 15 through Nov. 30. The outlooks come out at 8 a.m., 2 p.m., 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. ET. ➤ Where can I find Hurricane Center's tropical outlooks? ➤ Where will Hurricane Center issue advisories? A map highlights "significant areas of disturbed weather and their potential for development during the next seven days," said Larry Kelly, hurricane specialist with the National Hurricane Center, in an email. Contained in the outlook are the probabilities an area could develop into a tropical cyclone over the next 48 hours and seven days: A low probability of development ranges from 0-30% (designated in yellow) A medium probability of development ranges from 40-60% (designated in orange) A high probability of development ranges from 70-100% (designated in red) "The hatched areas on the graphic represent the potential formation area during the forecast period. It is important to note that it is not a forecast track and just a formation area," Kelly said. ➤ In a rush? 15 things you should know before 2025 hurricane season arrives "The tropical weather outlook provides forecasts on areas of disturbed weather that could develop into tropical cyclones," Kelly said. "It highlights the location, movement, and development potential of these systems over the next two to seven days. "This information is important for early preparation and awareness during hurricane season so you can be prepared for the hazards that systems can bring, including storm surge, flooding, strong winds, tornadoes and hazardous marine and beach conditions." Although many people search Google for an answer to the question "When is Florida hurricane season," there actually is no such thing. The Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1 and lasts until Nov. 30. Ninety-seven percent of tropical cyclone activity occurs during this time period, NOAA said, so storms can form before and after those dates. Tropical storms and hurricanes that develop in the Atlantic basin do impact the U.S., from the Gulf Coast and Florida north into Canada. The Atlantic basin consists of the northern Atlantic, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America. Predictions released as of May 13 predict an above-normal number of named tropical systems, ranging from: Named storms: 13-21 Hurricanes: 7-10 Major hurricanes: 3-5 ➤ Florida is No. 1. That's not good when it comes to hurricane season predictions. See forecast Named storms: 14 Hurricanes: 7 Major hurricanes: 3 The peak of the season is Sept. 10, with the most activity happening between mid-August and mid-October, according to the Hurricane Center. Tropical cyclone is the generic term used by the National Weather Service, NOAA and the National Hurricane Center for any tropical system, even if it's in the Atlantic basin. To be more precise, a tropical cyclone is a "rotating, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms that originates over tropical or subtropical waters and has closed, low-level circulation," NOAA said. Once maximum sustained winds reach 74 mph, what it is called is determined by where it originated: : for storms in the North Atlantic, central North Pacific, and eastern North Pacific. : for storms in the Northwest Pacific. : for storms in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean. We will provided tropical weather coverage daily until Nov. 30 to keep you informed and prepared. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: National Hurricane Center tropical outlook Friday
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
National Hurricane Center issues first daily tropical outlook of the season. Are you ready?
The National Hurricane Center issued its first daily tropical outlook of the 2025 hurricane season this morning, Thursday, May 15, and the news is good: "Tropical cyclone activity is not expected during the next seven days." It's actually the second tropical outlook of the season, though, even if we're not yet in the official season. ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location The agency issued a tropical outlook March 17, highlighting an area showing some potential of development well east of Florida. The non-tropical area of low pressure didn't bring any subsequent advisories. ➤ Track all active storms What's different about May 15 is that the National Hurricane Center will issue tropical outlooks twice a day until the 2025 hurricane season ends Nov. 30. If a system strengthens into a named storm — or if an unnamed storm shows signs of strengthening and impacting the coast — regular advisories will be issued. Look for daily stories from USA TODAY Network-Florida on conditions in the tropics using those outlooks and advisories, along with forecasts from other hurricane experts, including AccuWeather, Florida meteorologist Dr. Ryan Truchelut and Philip Klotzbach, meteorologist at Colorado State University. The first named storm of the season will be Andrea. Here's the first of the National Hurricane Center's daily outlooks as of 8 a.m., May 15. The National Hurricane Center didn't highlight any tropical waves in the Atlantic basin May 15. The Atlantic basin consists of the northern Atlantic, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America. NOAA changed its naming convention for the Gulf of Mexico after the U.S. Geological Survey changed the name on U.S. maps per President Trump's order. Forecasters urge all residents to keep an eye on the tropics and to always be prepared. ➤ Creating hurricane supplies kit important, but what if money is tight? Tips, resources to help Tropical outlooks are issued every day by the National Hurricane Center starting May 15 through Nov. 30. ➤ Where can I find Hurricane Center's tropical outlooks? ➤ Where will Hurricane Center issue advisories? A map highlights "significant areas of disturbed weather and their potential for development during the next seven days," said Larry Kelly, hurricane specialist with the National Hurricane Center, in an email. Contained in the outlook are the probabilities the area could develop into a tropical cyclone over the next 48 hours and seven days: A low probability of development ranges from 0-30% (designated in yellow) A medium probability of development ranges from 40-60% (designated in orange) A high probability of development ranges from 70-100% (designated in red) "The hatched areas on the graphic represent the potential formation area during the forecast period. It is important to note that it is not a forecast track and just a formation area," Kelly said. The colored, hatched areas on the National Hurricane Center's tropical outlook map indicate "areas where a tropical cyclone — which could be a tropical depression, tropical storm or hurricane — could develop," said National Hurricane Center Deputy Director Jamie Rhome. ➤ In a rush? 15 things you should know before 2025 hurricane season arrives The colors make it visibly clear how likely a system could develop, with yellow being low, orange medium, and red high. The National Hurricane Center generally doesn't issue tropical advisories until there is a named storm, but there is an exception. "If a system is near land and there is potential for development, the National Hurricane Center won't wait before it issues advisories, even if the system hasn't become an actual storm. This gives residents time to prepare," Rhome said. "The tropical weather outlook provides forecasts on areas of disturbed weather that could develop into tropical cyclones," Kelly said. "It highlights the location, movement, and development potential of these systems over the next two to seven days. "This information is important for early preparation and awareness during hurricane season so you can be prepared for the hazards that systems can bring, including storm surge, flooding, strong winds, tornadoes and hazardous marine and beach conditions." Predictions released as of May 13 predict an above-normal number of named tropical systems, ranging from: Named storms: 13-21 Hurricanes: 7-10 Major hurricanes: 3-5 ➤ Florida is No. 1. That's not good when it comes to hurricane season predictions. See forecast Named storms: 14 Hurricanes: 7 Major hurricanes: 3 The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Ninety-seven percent of tropical cyclone activity occurs during this time period, NOAA said. The peak of the season is Sept. 10, with the most activity happening between mid-August and mid-October, according to the Hurricane Center. Systems currently being monitored by the National Hurricane Center include: Tropical cyclone is the generic term used by the National Weather Service, NOAA and the National Hurricane Center for any tropical system, even if it's in the tropical Atlantic basin. To be more precise, a tropical cyclone is a "rotating, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms that originates over tropical or subtropical waters and has closed, low-level circulation," NOAA sadi. Once maximum sustained winds reach 74 mph, what it is called is determined by where it originated: : for storms in the North Atlantic, central North Pacific, and eastern North Pacific. : for storms in the Northwest Pacific. : for storms in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean. We will update our tropical weather coverage daily. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Tropics watch: NHC issues 1st daily tropical outlook hurricane season
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Yahoo
Visit Warm Mineral Springs Park in North Port, Florida's only natural warm spring
This story is part of our weekly Hidden Gems feature series as the USA TODAY Network-Florida takes readers around the state to highlight some of our most interesting attractions. Each year, more than 150,000 visitors flock to Warm Mineral Springs Park in North Port to dip their toes into history…and for purported healing, according to North Port Parks and Recreation. What is Warm Mineral Springs? Warm Mineral Springs Park is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Warm Mineral Springs is Florida's only natural warm spring. It has a consistent average temperature of 85 degrees year-round. The park – situated on 83 acres of undeveloped land – is internationally renowned for its purported healing qualities. It features anaerobic and highly mineralized properties. Its prime source of inflowing freshwater comes from a vent located about 207 feet below the surface, discharging daily some nine million gallons of water composed of 51 minerals, believed to be the highest mineral content of any U.S. natural spring, according to Visit Sarasota County. The water has a high content of dissolved chloride and hydrogen sulfide, with no dissolved oxygen, according to the United States Geological Survey. Visitors sometimes pick up on a 'sulfur' odor. The hourglass shaped springs – surrounded by palm trees and beach chairs – measures 236 feet wide and 230 feet deep. The springs are essentially a sinkhole formed in carbonate rock believed to have been caused by the collapse of a cavern 30,000 years ago. Warm Mineral Springs has produced evidence of the Paleo-Indian and Archaic cultures having lived there. Carbon dating of materials discovered in the springs date to about 10,000 years ago, with the springs being the earliest evidence of human occupation in Florida, according to Visit Sarasota County. It is believed Warm Mineral Springs was once an ancient burial ground. During the Pleistocene period until about 12,000 years ago, the low water table exposed small caverns in the sinkhole's walls. Stalactites and stalagmites had formed in these caverns. The North Port Parks and Recreation website indicates scientists diving in the springs have discovered fossils, tools, and human remains of a prehistoric hunter and at least seven indigenous people. The skull of one Ice Age resident still contained brain material. Divers also have found the bones of ancient animals such as saber toothed tigers, giant sloths, tortoises, and camels. Floridians and visitors have been bathing in the springs before the city of North Port was incorporated in 1959. A spa and bathhouse were built next to Warm Mineral Springs in 1946, with more development following. The Warm Mineral Springs Motel was opened in 1958. Over time, plans for the springs have undergone multiple iterations before becoming part of the North Port Parks and Recreation system. Fun and free outdoor events: Top 5 things to do in Sarasota this weekend, March 28-30 Warm Mineral Springs was purchased in 2010 by Sarasota County and the city of North Port for $5.5 million. Locals have been adamant about retaining its current use without further development. The city of North Port indicates it is moving forward with the renovation of the historic buildings and preserving the land around the park. Why should I go? The park had been a draw for archeologists and wellness experts. Ponce De León – who had been on a quest for the Fountain of Youth – was apparently informed about the springs in 1511. Warm Mineral Springs – nicknamed 'Miracle Lake' – are a big draw for Europeans visiting or relocating to the area for balneotherapy – the treatment of disease by bathing in mineral springs. Therapeutic benefits derived from floating in mineral water are believed to include promoting deep relaxation and recovery, boosting circulation, increasing metabolism, soothing sore muscles and aching joints, and improving certain skin conditions, according to WorldSprings. What is there to do at Warm Mineral Springs? In addition to seeking out its apparent healing properties, visitors take to the springs to float or swim as well as lounge in lawn chairs circling the spring pool. While Hurricanes Elsa and Ian caused significant damage to the park's gift shop, permanent showers, restrooms, changing facilities and lockers, a temporary admissions building and portable restroom trailer is onsite for visitors. While concession services are not available, visitors may bring in small coolers for food and non-alcoholic drinks. Local food trucks may be staged outside the park. Nearby Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) offers many other options. Where is it? Warm Mineral Springs is located at 12200 San Servando off U.S. 41 in North Port. When is it open? Warm Mineral Springs Park is open every day from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. except for Christmas Day How much does it cost? Daily passes for residents are $15 for adults; $11.25 for students ages six to 17, and free for children. For non-residents, adult daily passes are $20; $15 for students, and children are free. Adult 10-visit resident passes are $112.50 and $150 for non-residents. Adult 30-visit passes are $150 for residents and $200 for non-residents. Annual passes are $1,125 for adult residents and $2,000 for non-residents. Where do I learn more? Go to or call 941-429-PARK (7275). For a deep dive into learning about the springs, check out this report. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Warm Mineral Springs is on the US National Register of Historic Places
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
For visitors to Micanopy, The Shop offers customers whimsical gifts and holiday decor
(This story is part of our weekly Hidden Gems feature series as the USA TODAY Network-Florida takes readers around the state to highlight some of our most interesting attractions.) Years ago, April Lewis and her family would make the trek from South Florida to Micanopy, the small, inviting town sandwiched between Gainesville and Ocala. The young teenager would stroll the historic, tree-lined streets with her parents, marveling at the artistry and warmth and everlasting familiarity in the quaint town. She followed her family into a local shop and eventually emerged with the first purchase made with her own money — a rustic metal horse weathervane and chime. However, it's what she couldn't buy that day that still sticks with her, even after she returned to work at the same store decades later. 'I'm 50 years old, and I'm still asking Marlene if I can buy this display case,' Lewis said with a laugh. 'The answer is still no.' More: WorldAtlas names 8 of the best downtowns in Florida. One is in Alachua County The horse weathervane is still on display and for sale in the window of The Shop, located at 210 NE Cholokka Blvd. The storefront — and owner Marlene Oberst — are still going strong after 45 years, providing Micanopy with countless memories and treasures. Relocating from the Washington, D.C., area, Oberst and her husband were struck by the idyllic town located between I-75 and U.S. 441 and knew it would be a destination. They bought a historic building, formerly a doctor's office and pharmacy, and opened an antiques shop. Now, 45 years later, The Shop is packed with whimsical gifts, interesting holiday decorations, and scores of people of all ages and hometowns. The store will regularly get shoppers from Canada, Mexico, and 'anywhere that's a tank of gas away,' as Oberst puts it. Even singer Roy Orbison would visit The Shop when he lived in Ocala. 'We'll get customers who come in and say they were here 35 or 40 years ago,' she said. 'They'll tell me exactly the piece of furniture they bought, it's amazing. As soon as someone walks in, they'll smile. They're just happy to walk into this environment, and it's wonderful if we can give people that gift even for an hour.' Regulars will come year after year to look for Joe Spencer's hand-painted cloth dolls, hand-carved Micanopy Santas, Easter decorations, and more. All holidays are represented throughout the store year-round. 'We do our part, but it's the people coming in here that just feed our heart and soul,' Oberst said. 'I know that sounds corny, but that's what makes up life: the people, the connections you make, and the kindness people show you. When they walk by the counter and say this is a beautiful shop, it makes us glow. Forty-five years go by in a blink.' Oberst, who is eager to celebrate The Shop's 50th anniversary in a few years, has no plans on stopping. 'It gives me so much pleasure,' she said. 'How do you give up something like this? If you have good health, wonderful people on the street, and wonderful customers, you just want to keep going as long as you can. You wake up in the morning, and say, 'Yay! Another day.' ' Where: 210 NE Cholokka Blvd., Micanopy Hours: Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. More info: This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: The Shop in Micanopy Florida sells whimsical gifts and holiday decor
