CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENT

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

CHARLOTTE HARBOR AQUATIC PRESERVES OFFERS GUIDED BOAT TOURS

~Tours provide opportunity to observe wildlife and learn about the area's natural history~

Coastal birds and other wildlife are often seen onboard these tours.

WHAT:     Guided Boat Tours of Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves

WHERE:   Tours depart from the Gasparilla Marina 
                   15001 Gasparilla Road
                    Placida, FL 33946         

WHEN:     10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
                   Nov. 14, Nov. 28, Dec. 13 and Dec. 28, 2016

HOW:        Register online. Cost is $30 per person

The Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves has announced its schedule for seasonal boat tours. Participants will board a comfortable, 25-foot Windsorcraft boat for a two-hour long informative tour to view local wildlife that call the aquatic preserves their home, including dolphins, manatees, white pelicans and other colonial wading and diving birds. During the tour, visitors will learn about various habitats, history of the local area and the importance of estuaries.

A cooler with ice and water will be provided, and participants can bring their own drinks and snacks. Binoculars will also be supplied for guests to use to get a closer view of local wildlife. A $5 parking fee, separate from registration, must be paid at the Gasparilla Marina office upon arrival. Please arrive early to park and pay, as the boat departs at the time scheduled.

About the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Florida Coastal Office

The Florida Coastal Office (FCO) is responsible for oversight of the state’s 41 Aquatic Preserves, three National Estuarine Research Reserves, the Coral Reef Conservation Program, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the Florida Coastal Management Program and the Outer Continental Shelf Program. FCO's mission is to conserve and restore Florida’s coastal, ocean and aquatic resources for the benefit of people and the environment. For more information, visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/16d06ae