The loggerhead turtle is the most common sea turtle in Florida.
Manatees live mainly around the coast of Florida in estuaries, bays and rivers.
Palma Sola Bay is located between the barrier island of Anna Maria and the city of Bradenton. A bay is a shallow body of salt water between a larger barrier island and the mainland. As we drift near the causeway stretching across Palma Sola Bay, you will find a wonderful spot for observing a variety of shore and wading birds. You will most likely see a few great blue herons, great egrets and pelicans. There’s a chance you may even observe a manatee, which is a protected species also known as the sea cow. Back in the 1880s, a fishing village called “Cortez” was located 
here and was bustling with fishermen. Tarpon, snook, redfish, trout, flounder and pompano are just a few of the species that continue to attract anglers to these salty waters.
Across from the bay, we will find Anna Maria Island. The Timucuan tribe of Native Americans first inhabited the island. Here they farmed and fished for more than 500 years until the first Europeans arrived in the area.
Today, three drawbridges connect the 7-mile island to the mainland, which is now filled with a mixture of residents and tourists from all over the world. During the summer, on the gulf side of Anna Maria Island, you will find beach areas marked with orange flags and signs. These are sea turtle nesting sites that have been identified by local scientists and volunteers. The orange flags and markers placed around the nesting sites warn visitors to the beach to avoid these sandy areas. Although sea turtles spend most of their time in water, they must come ashore to lay their eggs. There are several types of sea turtles, but the loggerhead is the most common sea turtle to nest in the area. Additional sea turtle protection methods include educating local businesses, restaurants and hotels against leaving bright lights on at night. When the turtles hatch, they follow the moon’s light to the water. A bright light from a local business may cause the hatchlings to move toward the light, increasing their chances of not making it to the water.
Next stop: Sarasota Bay