Lifeguard tower along the seashore of Johnson Beach in the Perdido Key Area of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Lifeguard towers are used at recreational beaches or public swimming pools to watch and supervise swimmers in order to prevent drownings and other dangers. Lifeguards scan for trouble from the structures, which vary from beach bungalows by the ocean to poolside towers. Lifeguard towers are also used to spot sharks and other threats. Gulf Islands National Seashore offers recreation opportunities and preserves natural and historic resources along the Gulf of Mexico barrier islands of Florida and Mississippi. Some islands along the Alabama coast were originally considered for inclusion, but none is part of the National Seashore. The protected regions include mainland areas and parts of seven islands. The color of the sand in the region is exceptionally white. The Florida District of the seashore features offshore barrier islands with sparkling white quartz sand beaches (along miles of undeveloped land), historic fortifications, and nature trails. Mainland features near Pensacola, Florida, include the Naval Live Oaks Reservation, beaches, and military forts. All Florida areas are accessible by automobile. The Mississippi District of the seashore features natural beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, islands accessible only by boat, bayous, nature trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds. The Davis Bayou Area is the only portion of the National Seashore in Mississippi that is accessible by automobile. Petit Bois, Horn, East Ship, West Ship (location of Fort Massachusetts), and Cat islands are accessible only by boat. The 4,080 acres Gulf Islands Wilderness offers special protection, within the seashore, to parts of Petit Bois Island and Horn Island, Mississippi. Four visitor centers, staffed by National Park personnel, are located within Gulf Islands National Seashore.—Wikipedia
Seen at the Bay Area Renaissance Festival in Tampa, Florida. The Renaissance Festival features a 16th Century European village with a dozen stages of fun, exciting, and renaissance styled entertainment. Over 80 artisans fill the Festival marketplace to display and sell their handcrafted wares for a truly unique shopping experience. Patrons can interact with hundreds of memorable characters roaming the village streets as well as view live armored jousting and combat throughout the day. The festival is annually held over a number of Saturdays and Sundays during February and March.-bayarearenfest.com
The Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge, often referred to as the Sunshine Skyway Bridge or simply the Skyway, is a cable-stayed bridge spanning the Lower Tampa Bay connecting St. Petersburg, Florida to Terra Ceia. The current Sunshine Skyway opened in 1987 and is the second bridge of that name on the site and is considered a symbol of Florida. The four-lane bridge is a toll road that carries Interstate 275 and U.S. Route 19, passing through Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, and Manatee County.-Wikipedia
