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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How Nevada City became an LGBTQ+ haven for travelers and transplants
When the first settlers came to the Sierra Nevada foothills in the late 1840s, they came for gold. Decades after the California Gold Rush ended in 1855, a different crop of settlers—including artists, musicians, and LGBTQ+ people—came looking for something other than precious metal. History runs deep in Nevada City, a hilly, pine-scented community of barely 3,000, which boomed in 1849 upon the arrival of early settlers like Captain John Pennington and William McCaig. During its heyday, miners came and went, chasing the ebb and flow of eureka. Even President Herbert Hoover lived here in the late 1890s, earning $2 a day pushing ore carts, and staying at the National Hotel—a mining camp, built in 1856, that's still in operation as The National Exchange. Today, downtown Nevada City is a national historic landmark, preserving a community rooted in its gilded past. That authenticity is the appeal that continues to draw a variety of tourists, especially LGBTQ+ people, where the opportunities in Nevada City—with its pristine nature, and its devil-may-care sense of expression—are worth more than gold. (Related: California gold rush towns are booming again. Here's what to see and do.) Located between Sacramento and Reno, at the edge of Tahoe National Forest and barely two hours from the San Francisco Bay Area, Nevada City emerged as a stopover for folks seeking a retreat from urban confines. During the AIDS crisis, the town was a breath of literal fresh air, marked by soaring trees, rolling hills, and swimming holes along the Yuba River. For travelers, the city remains a breath of fresh air—teeming with parks, festivals, restaurants, shops, and hotels set against a bucolic backdrop steeped in history. The city's shift came after a miners' strike in 1956 shuttered the Empire Mine, a once-prosperous wellspring responsible for nearly 6 million ounces of gold. The Empire Mine became Empire Mine State Historic Park, with 14 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback trails. The Yuba River boasts swimming holes and white-water rafting, while the 850,000-acre Tahoe National Forest offers everything from climbing and caving to fishing and camping. In town, folks flock to main drags like Broad Street and Commercial Street for shopping and dining, from worldly wares at Asylum Down clothing store to grain bowls at Heartwood Eatery and Hot Toddies with live jazz at Golden Era, a cocktail bar in a historic saloon space dating to the Gold Rush. Quaint inns and handsome suites, meanwhile, provide lodging that transports guests back in time—albeit with modern-day amenities—at places like the brick-clad 1856 Speakeasy Suites and the six-room Broad Street Inn. It's Nevada City's nature—coupled with its accessible location and preserved-in-time aesthetic—that helped transform the community into an enduring haven beyond its mining boom. From time immemorial, LGBTQ+ people have existed everywhere, even in mines. (Related: Must-see LGBTQ-friendly destinations for every kind of traveler.) 'Because Nevada City was becoming this huge boom for the Gold Rush, there were so many men coming here, and so much money,' explains Anthony Jones, general manager of the The National Exchange, which finished an extensive renovation in 2021, and hosts events like drag bingo and belly dances. Entertainment emerged in the form of the Nevada Theatre, an 1865 venue that still operates as an LGBTQ+ cornerstone and hosts screenings with Nevada County Pride. 'The theater was such a big thing historically, and contemporarily,' Jones adds. 'That's where so much of the lore came from, that this was an environment that attracted more people associated with LGBTQ+ cultures.' Jones cites migration, especially from cities where LGBTQ+ people could blend in, the 'hippie movement' in the 1960s, and the AIDS crises as catalysts for Nevada City becoming a queer sanctuary. 'That's why you have that cultural tie to bohemian culture,' says Jones. 'There are lots of communes up here, many with different gender identities and vibes, and after the pandemic, even more people moved here, mainly from the Bay.' Local hotels, like The National Exchange and Grass Valley's Holbrooke Hotel, became bastions. 'These hotels that had more of an inclusive environment,' Jones explains, citing historic photos of cross-dressing men at The National Exchange, and a speakeasy at the Holbrooke where a door led directly to the mines, providing discrete passage for queer people. 'Because they had entrances that were not public, and there wasn't a lot of light inside, they could hide their behavior.' He describes Nevada County as having a diverse culture of coexistence. 'Regardless of the view that they're expressing, or their lifestyle, people have chosen to live up here for a reason—the 'leave me alone' reason,' says Jones. (Related: How destinations are helping LGBTQ+ visitors travel with pride.) As Nevada City's diverse community continued to grow, more LGBTQ+-owned and allied businesses popped up such as Take a Look Books, Thorn&Alchemy Art, Three Forks Bakery & Brewing Co., Fudenjüce vegetarian restaurant, and Lost & Found Vintage, as well as a longstanding theater, dance, and burlesque culture. One restaurant that celebrates that, Lola is named after the larger-than-life dancer, Lola Montez, who performed during the Gold Rush and lived in Grass Valley. Today, diners can enjoy steak frites and porterhouse pork chops in a stately dining room bedecked with historic imagery of the risqué performer, while the adjoining bar keeps her spirit alive with monthly drag bingo. Along with expressive events, including queer book clubs, potlucks, and picnics put on by Nevada County Pride, the city keeps people coming back, and planting roots. Nevada County Pride Board Chair, Rick Partridge relocated to Nevada City from the Bay Area with his husband. 'We were overwhelmed by how much everybody gets along,' he recalls. Lorraine Gervais, a jazz and R&B singer who has been in the area for 50 years, performs at Pride functions and same-sex weddings. 'Back in the '70s, cool people started coming here and they started transforming the culture,' she describes, pointing to artists David Osborn and Charles Woods, who arrived in the 1960s from San Francisco, as early pioneers in Nevada City's cultural shift. 'They had a graphic design firm, and they loved Nevada City, and a few of their friends came, and things started rolling.' (Related: Here are the 10 best destinations for LGBTQ families.) Nevada County Pride began 40 years ago as a social club for gay white men, according to Rick Partridge. Over time, it shifted into a non-profit with a board comprised mostly of women. 'We moved the needle significantly,' he says, highlighting an uptick in allied volunteers who want to support their trans kids or non-binary siblings. 'We ended last year with maybe 50 volunteers, and now we've more than doubled.' In addition to Nevada County Pride programming, which runs the gamut from queer film series to youth gatherings, the organization works to be as inclusive as possible, providing alternatives for sober people, the trans community, and beyond. Formed in Nevada County in 2002, Pat Rose became the treasurer of PFLAG and coordinated fundraisers with Nevada County Pride. 'We started doing more events that would involve both groups,' she notes, like running booths at the Nevada County Fair and marching in the Nevada City Constitution Day Parade. 'The first year was hard, as there were a lot of negative people who yelled at us, but as the years passed, we saw a slow change to people cheering us as we rode on our float down Broad Street.' That change is baked into Nevada City's DNA, from its first settlement as a Gold Rush town, to its entertainment scene its cross-dressing miners, and its LGBTQ+ influx. 'We didn't design it this way,' Jones stresses, of both The National's refurbishment and the town's evolution. 'We didn't come in here and say, 'We want drag.' They were here. The things that exist today seemed to have happened then. I would never want to be the one changing the culture; I want to see the culture show itself a bit more.' (Related: World's best destinations for LGBT Pride celebrations.) Matt Kirouac is an award-winning writer based in Oklahoma City, and the co-founder of The Gay Lane, a travel site 'celebrating queer culture in unexpected places."
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Safe Summer Fun in the Sun
MISSION, Kan., May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- (Family Features) Summer is the season of sun-kissed memories – backyard barbecues, sandy beaches, bike rides and late-night stargazing. However, the warmer months bring unique safety challenges that can catch active families off guard if they're not prepared. From sunburns to scraped knees and dehydration to bug bites, summer's surprises don't have to slow you down. With a few simple precautions and the right tools on hand – like reliable first-aid essentials – you can make safety second nature and keep your focus where it belongs: on making the most of every sunny moment. Here are a few smart, easy tips from the experts at CURAD to help your family stay protected from the sun, heat, water hazards and the inevitable bumps and bruises from outdoor play. Shield Your Skin from Harmful RaysThe summer sun can be harsh, making it important to take steps to prevent sunburn, even if it's partly cloudy or overcast. If you plan to be outside for more than 15 minutes, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 before heading outdoors. Remember to reapply to all exposed skin – including overlooked spots like your ears, neck and tops of feet – every two hours, or more often if you're swimming or sweating. Wearing protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and light, long-sleeved shirts, can also help shield you from harmful UV rays. When possible, seek shade during peak sun hours, typically 10 a.m.-4 p.m., to minimize direct exposure. Be Prepared for Summer ScrapesAccidents can happen anytime, especially during active summer days. Having a well-stocked first-aid kit, including bandages, antiseptic wipes and ointments, can help you quickly address minor cuts, scrapes and blisters. It's important to have the right bandages on hand for every situation. Bandages made with breathable and lightweight fabric and a four-sided seal are perfect for those hot summer days. While bandages infused with natural ingredients like soothing aloe vera, vitamin E and baking soda offer a fresh approach to healing. Proven to aid in faster healing, hydrocolloid bandages, like those infused with aloe vera from the CURAD Naturals line, offer waterproof protection that helps cushion and seal out dirt and germs for multiple days. By sealing in moisture, hydrocolloid bandages help promote the optimal healing environment. Keep the Fluids Flowing in the HeatDuring the summer months, the heat can quickly lead to dehydration, which can cause dizziness, headaches and even heat stroke. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty, to stay hydrated. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water (8 ounces each) each day, or more if you're going to be spending an extended amount of time outdoors or engaging in physical activities like hiking, biking or playing sports. Keeping a refillable water bottle with you can make it easier to stay hydrated on the go and replenish the water your body loses through sweat. In addition to water, consuming hydrating foods like watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, cucumbers and bell peppers can help maintain your fluid levels and regulate your body's temperature. Also avoid excessive consumption of caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, which can contribute to dehydration. Keep Pesky Insects at BaySummer evenings are perfect for outdoor activities, but they can also attract mosquitoes, ticks and other pests. Protect yourself and your family by applying insect repellent on top of your sunscreen to all exposed skin and loose-fitting clothing. Reapply as needed, according to the instructions on the package. Repellant fans, candles, torches and bracelets may be good alternatives to spray or roll-on insect repellants. Wearing long sleeves and pants, especially in wooded or grassy areas, can also help prevent bug bites. Remember to check for ticks after spending time outdoors and, if found, promptly remove them by using clean tweezers and pulling straight upward. Avoid twisting, squeezing or burning ticks, which can lead to the release of saliva or cause the head to break off. Have Fun in the Water, SafelySummer is the perfect time to hit the pool, beach or lake, but remember to prioritize safety while enjoying the water. Always swim in designated areas and never swim alone. If supervising children, ensure they are within an arm's reach and wearing properly fitting flotation devices. Avoid alcohol when swimming or supervising swimmers, as it can impair your judgment and reaction times, and be aware of your surroundings, including weather conditions and water currents. Enrolling kids in swimming lessons can also contribute to a safer experience in the water. Visit for more resources to help you safely enjoy your summer adventures. Building Your Summer Scrape Kit A summer first-aid scrape kit can be a lifesaver for those inevitable bumps, bruises and blisters. Keep your family's kit in a waterproof case and in an easily accessible place, such as your car, pool bag or home first-aid cabinet. Make sure to keep it stocked with essentials for cuts, scrapes, burns, blisters and beyond, such as: Antiseptic wipes for cleaning wounds Antibiotic or antimicrobial ointment to help prevent buildup of bacteria Bandages like CURAD Naturals Hydrocolloids with Aloe Vera to treat minor cuts, scrapes and blisters Non-latex gloves to protect hands from dirt and germs Hydrocortisone cream for bug bites and rashes Sunscreen to help prevent sunburn Aloe vera gel for sunburn relief Water bottles to stay hydrated Ear drops for preventing or treating swimmer's ear Insect repellent to help prevent bug bites Tweezers for removing splinters and pests Pain-relieving medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen Ice packs to help slow inflammation and reduce pain Thermometer to check temperature Other medications for allergies, nausea, congestion and more Michael Frenchmfrench@ About Family Features Editorial SyndicateA leading source for high-quality food, lifestyle and home and garden content, Family Features provides readers with topically and seasonally relevant tips, takeaways, information, recipes, videos, infographics and more. Find additional articles and information at and View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Family Features Editorial Syndicate Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Stop Wasting Energy! How Tessan's Timer Outlet Cuts Your Bills
LAS VEGAS, NV / / April 19, 2025 / TESSAN, a global provider of user-friendly power solutions, today announced the official launch of its Indoor Countdown Timer Outlet, a compact, plug-in device designed to streamline everyday energy usage and improve home electrical safety. This latest release is just another step forward in TESSAN's really awesome initiative of stepping in to provide simpler, smarter alternatives to complicated home automation systems. The TESSAN Timer Outlet allows users to set timed power cycles for connected devices using physical buttons with preset intervals of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 hours eliminating the need for apps, Wi-Fi, or advanced configurations. The product is especially suited for households looking to cut unnecessary energy consumption, reduce fire hazards, and create more efficient routines with ease. "Our goal was to create a device that anyone could use with no tech experience required, " said a spokesperson for TESSAN. "At a time when energy costs and safety concerns are rising, this timer outlet delivers a simple and effective way to automate power usage at home or on the road. Addressing an Everyday Challenge Many homes feature devices such as heaters, lamps, or humidifiers that are left running longer than needed, either out of habit or oversight. Over time, this behavior contributes to higher utility bills, shortened device lifespans, and, in some cases, safety risks due to overheating or TESSAN Timer Outlet addresses these issues by offering timed control over any standard plug-in device. After the selected countdown time expires, the outlet automatically shuts off power to the connected appliance with no user intervention basic, yet highly functional, capability supports energy conservation goals in residential settings, offices, dormitories, and even while for Modern LifestylesWeighing portability, performance and safety, this timer outlet was designed and built. Weighing just a few ounces and featuring a low-profile design, the unit is both compact and space-saving, making it ideal for use in small spaces or areas with limited access to traditional mechanical timers or larger smart plugs, the TESSAN timer outlet avoids blocking adjacent sockets, a common complaint among users of bulkier power accessories. This means users can operate multiple devices on the same wall plate or power strip without product also appeals really well to a whole bunch of users including seniors and students as well as frequent travelers, and not just because it's durable but because it's also really easy to use. Since no smartphone or internet connection is needed, it can function reliably in various environments, including locations with limited connectivity or technical and Reliable PerformanceBuilt with a maximum power rating of 1875 watts, the TESSAN Timer Outlet is capable of supporting medium- to high-wattage appliances such as fans, curling irons, space heaters, and coffee machines. It is also ETL certified, providing reassurance that the product meets North American electrical safety preventing devices from remaining powered indefinitely, the timer outlet contributes to overall home electrical safety. According to some really smart experts who study fires at home, letting electronics sit around by themselves without someone watching them is one of the leading reasons why fires happen. Automating their power cycles significantly reduces this risk."TESSAN's timer outlet isn't just about convenience, it's a proactive safety feature, " the spokesperson added. It makes people feel calm and secure when they know they don't have to worry about leaving their device plugged in and running by App, No HassleIn an age of connected everything, the TESSAN Timer Outlet offers a refreshing alternative to app-based or voice-activated smart plugs. It requires no app downloads, accounts, or firmware updates. This is really friendly and easy for all sorts of people to use folks who love getting their hands dirty and don't mind just plugging it in to get it powered because there are no digital dependency ties, resilience goes way up, no worries about big outages, compatibility problems or being cut off from the internet. Users can operate the outlet by simply plugging it into a wall socket, connecting their device, and selecting a timer interval with the push of a for Travel, Dorms, and Shared Spaces The outlet's size and ease of use make it particularly suitable for travel and portable applications. In shared living arrangements such as dormitories or rental apartments, the ability to regulate personal devices without disturbing others is a significant love to use that timer to run things like those white noise machines or those handy portable fans and programmed kettles for a short while and then click 'off'. They don't want to be burning up when they stay in new places, doing it all wrong or leaving things running longer than they should in strange new digs. Because the device is small enough to fit in any travel pouch or luggage pocket, it supports on-the-go energy management without adding Broader Vision for Energy Awareness To create tools that are concrete and easy to use, that all together make using energy smarter, safer, and simpler. As Tessan's product list gets bigger and more varied, they keep coming out with really cool solutions that help meet everyday challenges by using great design and being both modern and stripped down. They make everyday life easier through sleek design that's really user friendly. We're pinging people really loud now and we're talking about tech boxes, laptops or WiFi routers, pals, that work right out of the box. They solve an actual problem that people have, and that don't have these steep learning curves," said the TESSAN team. "This new timer outlet reflects those values; it's simple, practical, and built for the way people actually TESSANTESSAN is an international consumer electronics brand that specializes in power solutions designed for home, travel, and office use. The company is known for its innovative, space-saving devices that combine ease of use with high performance. At heart TESSAN aims to make power access safer and smarter and easier for Contact: Media Contact:[Media Contact Name] Tessan Power[Company Name] Tessan[Email Address] Derien@ Number] +1 833-362-9899[Website URL] SOURCE: TESSAN View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
USA Today
11-04-2025
- General
- USA Today
Iguanas have invaded a Florida island. One man is on a quest to stop them.
Iguanas have invaded a Florida island. One man is on a quest to stop them. Show Caption Hide Caption Patrol Marco Island with iguana hunter John Johnson Follow along as John Johnson of Down Goes Iguana patrols the island the morning of April 7, 2025. Invasive green iguanas are a growing problem in Marco Island and elsewhere in Florida. John Johnson, a licensed hunter, has killed approximately 1,500 iguanas since he began removing them. Iguanas damage infrastructure, eat native plants plus owl and tortoise eggs, and can spread disease. MARCO ISLAND, Fla. – The battle lines were drawn the day John Johnson saw an iguana emerging from a burrowing owl hole. On this barrier island off southwest Florida, Johnson had enjoyed watching the owl family next door, the little male 'so cute, flying around gathering ribbon and tinfoil to dress up their burrow,' while mama bird saw to the business of nesting. Then the big bully arrived. 'I watched this thing crawling out of their hole – iguanas are mostly vegetarians, but they'll opportunistically eat eggs,' Johnson says, 'while the parents were screeching and dive-bombing it." More: Python Q&A: What does it mean when you say 'every python removed makes a difference'? It wasn't a fair fight, Johnson realized: a spiky, clawed dragon versus a teeny-feathered critter weighing in at 8 ounces, tops. And though the owls tried to defend their home, the iguana had done its damage. Eventually, the birds abandoned the burrow. The reptiles, like the Burmese python, are an invasive species in Florida and have seen an explosive growth in population. The issue has persisted for more than a decade, prompting state and local officials to allow hunters – including Johnson – to put a dent in their surging populations and mitigate their threat to the state's native wildlife and ecosystems. Johnson has embraced this mission: 'I looked (iguanas) up and I saw they have no natural predators here. And I said, 'That's not right … but maybe there is one. There's me.'' If you can't beat 'em, eat 'em Johnson, who runs a golf ad agency, knew he could make a difference in the field of iguana hunting. He was familiar with triggers and scopes from his time hunting as a young boy in the Pacific Northwest and figured he'd put his knowledge to use. 'I invested and I plinked around, and in 2023, I'd killed 255," he said. A new business, Down Goes Iguana, was born, with Johnson as its chief hired (air)gun. All with the blessing of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission state agency, which credentials Johnson and his fellow removers of invasive exotic pests. Different hunters have different tools and techniques, but Johnson favors pneumatic guns like the .25 caliber Brocock Sniper XR because it is powerful and humane, he says. "A soft lead pellet through the brainstem ... they never know what hit them." Johnson shares the harvest. Crabbers use them to bait traps, Tampa Bay Discovery Center uses them to dissect, and he's supplied an FGCU class studying worldwide cuisines with the raw materials for taquitos de iguana. And sometimes he supplements his own protein intake. Last month, as egg prices spiked, Johnson demonstrated his home-grown solution, iguana egg scramble, in a TV news segment that made its way around the country, from Philadelphia to Chicago. It's a free breakfast, if you know where to find the iguanas, and just as tasty, he promises. 'Eggs are eggs." What do they eat? 'Almost anything they can get in their mouths' Like Burmese pythons, veiled chameleons and Nile monitors, iguanas have joined a growing list of reptilian invaders in the Sunshine State, which has 'more established nonnative reptile and amphibian species than anywhere else in the world,' the University of Florida reports. 'Over 60 species of introduced reptiles and amphibians have established breeding populations (and) Florida has three times as many established species of introduced lizards as native lizards.' Two iguana species in particular plague southwest Florida. The black spiny-tailed iguana has colonized Gasparilla Island, where they outnumber humans five to one, undermining sea walls and dunes, gobbling native plants and gopher tortoise eggs and pooping all over the place. In 2006, Lee County paid renowned FGCU biologist Jerry Jackson $16,000 to study and strategize removal. It's an uphill battle, Jackson told islanders: 'These animals eat almost anything they can get in their mouths.' Farther south, the green iguana has settled on Sanibel, Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral and Marco Island, spawning a cottage industry in trapping, removal and even guided hunts (for a fee, the Lizard Kings will take you out to bag your own trophy). On Marco, the fight's dragged on more than a decade, with the city sometimes budgeting for an official removal program, supplemented by private operators like Johnson. Though he's only been in business a few years, he has an ever-increasing supply. Last year, a friend bet Johnson he couldn't average one a day (made even harder by the leap year) but turned out it wasn't much of a challenge. 'By the end of May, I passed the 366 mark and by the end of the year, I was at 730,' he says. Since he started, Johnson estimates he's taken out around 1,500. Prolific a killer as he is, 'You'll never pay the mortgage with iguana money,' Johnson says, 'but you can buy the coolest toys' like air guns with night vision, video-recording scopes and breathtaking precision. 'My PCP air gun at more than 50 yards can hit a fingernail over and over again,' Johnson says. Johnson's bread and butter is photographing golf courses around the world. It just so happens he enjoys a bite of eggs to go with that bread and butter – iguana eggs. And why not? Iguanas themselves are often found on tables in their home range of Mexico through South America. 'Chicken of the trees, they call them,' Johnson says. Client Sally Riley shudders at thought, she just wants them gone. 'They're gross to look at and I don't want them on my house." Or in it. That's why she's happy to have found Johnson, after two false starts with other companies. 'He came right out and killed two the first time, at least." Safety first is Johnson's policy. After telling the police department where he'll be, he arrives in a bright visibility vest. The idea is to be as obvious to humans as he can, lest he be mistaken for something sinister, Johnson says. 'Every time I pull out the gun, I try to be as conspicuous as possible so people know what I'm doing.' Then he gets to work. He's picked them off docks, seawalls and roofs charging by the head: $50 for first; $25 each additional per trip. "And if I come and I miss, no charge." Johnson's got that work cut out for him. Iguanas are prolific breeders, with each female capable of producing up to 70 eggs once or twice a year. The larger males, often with spiky manes and leathery beardlike adornments called dewlaps, keep harems of a dozen or so females. 'Do the math,' Johnson says. 'It's hard to make a dent.' Watch: Video shows cold iguana falling from tree in Florida then getting bit by cat Fighting against a 'crazy increase' Marco's iguanas have only been a problem for about 50 years, when they started stowing away in produce shipments or getting turned loose by disgruntled pet owners. "You don't hear any old boy iguana stories because they were never here before the 1960s," Johnson says. "In the last 10 years, Marco has seen a crazy increase." Besides Johnson and his colleagues, the only thing that stops them is cold weather, which stuns, then kills the creatures. But as the freeze line moves north, so can the iguanas, he says. "They're now in central Florida, devastating crops." He realizes they'll likely never be completely eradicated, but he's happy to make a hearty dent. "Some guys fish; some guys golf – everybody's got their thing," he says. "I'm also vested in the fact that this is not good and I have some skills and some tools to help eradicate this problem ... people are just so grateful. "I walk onto a property, they've got these creepy things and I can get rid of them. So it's fun." Contributing: Christopher Cann, USA TODAY
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Iguanas have invaded a Florida island. One man is on a quest to stop them.
MARCO ISLAND, Fla. – The battle lines were drawn the day John Johnson saw an iguana emerging from a burrowing owl hole. On this barrier island off southwest Florida, Johnson had enjoyed watching the owl family next door, the little male 'so cute, flying around gathering ribbon and tinfoil to dress up their burrow,' while mama bird saw to the business of nesting. Then the big bully arrived. 'I watched this thing crawling out of their hole – iguanas are mostly vegetarians, but they'll opportunistically eat eggs,' Johnson says, 'while the parents were screeching and dive-bombing it." More: Python Q&A: What does it mean when you say 'every python removed makes a difference'? It wasn't a fair fight, Johnson realized: a spiky, clawed dragon versus a teeny-feathered critter weighing in at 8 ounces, tops. And though the owls tried to defend their home, the iguana had done its damage. Eventually, the birds abandoned the burrow. The reptiles, like the Burmese python, are an invasive species in Florida and have seen an explosive growth in population. The issue has persisted for more than a decade, prompting state and local officials to allow hunters – including Johnson – to put a dent in their surging populations and mitigate their threat to the state's native wildlife and ecosystems. Johnson has embraced this mission: 'I looked (iguanas) up and I saw they have no natural predators here. And I said, 'That's not right … but maybe there is one. There's me.'' Johnson, who runs a golf ad agency, knew he could make a difference in the field of iguana hunting. He was familiar with triggers and scopes from his time hunting as a young boy in the Pacific Northwest and figured he'd put his knowledge to use. 'I invested and I plinked around, and in 2023, I'd killed 255," he said. A new business, Down Goes Iguana, was born, with Johnson as its chief hired (air)gun. All with the blessing of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission state agency, which credentials Johnson and his fellow removers of invasive exotic pests. Different hunters have different tools and techniques, but Johnson favors pneumatic guns like the .25 caliber Brocock Sniper XR because it is powerful and humane, he says. "A soft lead pellet through the brainstem ... they never know what hit them." Johnson shares the harvest. Crabbers use them to bait traps, Tampa Bay Discovery Center uses them to dissect, and he's supplied an FGCU class studying worldwide cuisines with the raw materials for taquitos de iguana. And sometimes he supplements his own protein intake. Last month, as egg prices spiked, Johnson demonstrated his home-grown solution, iguana egg scramble, in a TV news segment that made its way around the country, from Philadelphia to Chicago. It's a free breakfast, if you know where to find the iguanas, and just as tasty, he promises. 'Eggs are eggs." Like Burmese pythons, veiled chameleons and Nile monitors, iguanas have joined a growing list of reptilian invaders in the Sunshine State, which has 'more established nonnative reptile and amphibian species than anywhere else in the world,' the University of Florida reports. 'Over 60 species of introduced reptiles and amphibians have established breeding populations (and) Florida has three times as many established species of introduced lizards as native lizards.' Two iguana species in particular plague southwest Florida. The black spiny-tailed iguana has colonized Gasparilla Island, where they outnumber humans five to one, undermining sea walls and dunes, gobbling native plants and gopher tortoise eggs and pooping all over the place. In 2006, Lee County paid renowned FGCU biologist Jerry Jackson $16,000 to study and strategize removal. It's an uphill battle, Jackson told islanders: 'These animals eat almost anything they can get in their mouths.' Farther south, the green iguana has settled on Sanibel, Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral and Marco Island, spawning a cottage industry in trapping, removal and even guided hunts (for a fee, the Lizard Kings will take you out to bag your own trophy). On Marco, the fight's dragged on more than a decade, with the city sometimes budgeting for an official removal program, supplemented by private operators like Johnson. Though he's only been in business a few years, he has an ever-increasing supply. Last year, a friend bet Johnson he couldn't average one a day (made even harder by the leap year) but turned out it wasn't much of a challenge. 'By the end of May, I passed the 366 mark and by the end of the year, I was at 730,' he says. Since he started, Johnson estimates he's taken out around 1,500. Prolific a killer as he is, 'You'll never pay the mortgage with iguana money,' Johnson says, 'but you can buy the coolest toys' like air guns with night vision, video-recording scopes and breathtaking precision. 'My PCP air gun at more than 50 yards can hit a fingernail over and over again,' Johnson says. Johnson's bread and butter is photographing golf courses around the world. It just so happens he enjoys a bite of eggs to go with that bread and butter – iguana eggs. And why not? Iguanas themselves are often found on tables in their home range of Mexico through South America. 'Chicken of the trees, they call them,' Johnson says. Client Sally Riley shudders at thought, she just wants them gone. 'They're gross to look at and I don't want them on my house." Or in it. That's why she's happy to have found Johnson, after two false starts with other companies. 'He came right out and killed two the first time, at least." Safety first is Johnson's policy. After telling the police department where he'll be, he arrives in a bright visibility vest. The idea is to be as obvious to humans as he can, lest he be mistaken for something sinister, Johnson says. 'Every time I pull out the gun, I try to be as conspicuous as possible so people know what I'm doing.' Then he gets to work. He's picked them off docks, seawalls and roofs charging by the head: $50 for first; $25 each additional per trip. "And if I come and I miss, no charge." Johnson's got that work cut out for him. Iguanas are prolific breeders, with each female capable of producing up to 70 eggs once or twice a year. The larger males, often with spiky manes and leathery beardlike adornments called dewlaps, keep harems of a dozen or so females. 'Do the math,' Johnson says. 'It's hard to make a dent.' Watch: Video shows cold iguana falling from tree in Florida then getting bit by cat Marco's iguanas have only been a problem for about 50 years, when they started stowing away in produce shipments or getting turned loose by disgruntled pet owners. "You don't hear any old boy iguana stories because they were never here before the 1960s," Johnson says. "In the last 10 years, Marco has seen a crazy increase." Besides Johnson and his colleagues, the only thing that stops them is cold weather, which stuns, then kills the creatures. But as the freeze line moves north, so can the iguanas, he says. "They're now in central Florida, devastating crops." He realizes they'll likely never be completely eradicated, but he's happy to make a hearty dent. "Some guys fish; some guys golf – everybody's got their thing," he says. "I'm also vested in the fact that this is not good and I have some skills and some tools to help eradicate this problem ... people are just so grateful. "I walk onto a property, they've got these creepy things and I can get rid of them. So it's fun." Contributing: Christopher Cann, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Iguanas are invading a Florida island. One man is out to get them
