"Every pond you come across, it could be a little small puddle and . This proposed listing applies only to the Suwannee alligator snapping turtle species. Definition of riparian habitat or riparian areas. A "nuisance alligator" is defined as one that is longer than 4 feet in length and appears to be a threat to humans. 00:58 - Source: CNN. Gulf sturgeon have been covered under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) since April 1, 1998. Copyright 1999 - 2023 State of Florida. High 43F. Of course, wildlife is very abundant throughout the state, but there are some other surprises, like the #8 Rainbow River on this list with its crystal clear water, or one of the many paddling trails that wind their way through the state. To help navigate, find information and resources on the Calusa Blueway, there is even a helpful app that can be downloaded here. The last of the Suwannee River's journey through Alabama and Florida takes it through the town of Suwannee, home to Suwannee Houseboats at Miller's Marina. Discovery Channel's Shark Week is battling National Geographic's SharkFest for the biggest bite of the TV audience. humans. It is particularly In 2020, there were eight major and four minor gator bites here. Actually, the water is a couple of degrees colder than Ichetucknee Springs. Peter Joyce, an experienced paddler . An important aspect of the draft 4(d) rule solicits public comment on developing turtle exclusion or escape devices for hoop nets and modified techniques for trotlines to address bycatch from those commercial and recreational fishing gears. swim only where you can see clearly around you, with a firm sandy bottom and no grasses nearby. Why do sturgeon jump?Researchers have discovered why sturgeon jump. Designate an operator:Dont boat and drink. Although abundant in the lower and middle Suwannee River, Gulf sturgeon are also occasionally found in the upper Suwannee, Santa Fe and Alapaha rivers, and venture only a short distance up the larger Withlacoochee River (a tributary of the Suwannee). Stately cypress and gnarled tupelo trees, often draped with Spanish moss, guard the river banks. The Service determined that designating critical habitat for the species is not prudent since the designation could increase the degree of threat from poaching. These alligators Much like deer hit by cars, jumping sturgeon are sometimes struck by boats. The ESA describes two categories of species that need protection: threatened and endangered. There are approximately 7 serious bites a year that are unprovoked, and . Whereas alligator-related fatalities average about 1 per year. In early June, Josh Wells was throwing the tennis ball for his dog during his afternoon lunch . legend that held a mysterious race of people. The Suwanee River is a 246-mile river located in northwest Florida, stretching all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Alligators DONT like the Ichetucknee. They may also move in loosely-organized groups during the spring and fall migration. They also have no teeth and the upper lobe of the tail is longer than the lower lobe similar to sharks. But sturgeon can grow to 11 feet and weigh over 1,000 pounds, so a strike is like being hit by a truck. aggressive. Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox. All rights reserved. Aren't they really marine fish?Gulf sturgeon are called anadromous fishes, from the Greek, meaning fishes that travel back and forth between fresh and salt water. Dams on some rivers cut off access to upriver spawning grounds, preventing reproduction. They are also characterized by three sharp ridges or keels that run the length of the carapace (upper shell), exceptionally large heads that appear triangular from above, strongly hooked beaks and extra rows of scales near the edge of the carapace. The An estimated 5 million wild American alligators live across 10 states in Southeast and beyond - even in the southeastern tip of Oklahoma. The turtle is not being listed as endangered because its current condition still provides sufficient resiliency, redundancy and representation such that it is not currently at risk of extinction. Copy to clipboard. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. 1. Tour routes of great scenic drives on National Wildlife Refuges. What should I do if I am hit by a sturgeon?If you are injured, seek medical attention. All but 35 miles (56 km) of the river's course are in Florida. Alligators It is illegal to keep or injure a Gulf sturgeon. Tour routes of great scenic drives on National Wildlife Refuges. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Farris Bryant Building
You will see alligators here. The trial itself includes several sandbars to stop and picnic or just relax for a bit with your kayak. Much like alligators, these creatures are not particularly interested in human beings: they are perfectly content to leave you alone and are extremely unlikely to attack. Six of these incidents happened as a result of the human stepping on or otherwise making contact with a submerged alligator. A 503-pound sturgeon (possibly a Gulf sturgeon) was captured at the mouth of the Mississippi River in 1936. Since common sense isn't all (right) 64-pound male Suwannee alligator snapping turtle, 337.491.2575. There are even videos on YouTube showing the alligator resting under a log in Blue Springs. Called Big Shoals it was located a few miles above where I was paddling. They will The Ichetucknee eventually merges into the Santa Fe River, where the water's color and temperature are very different. The Ichetucknee River -due to it's spring fed source- stays a consistent 72 to 73 degrees year round. With a population of just under 48,000, it is the oldest city on the Treasure Coast. There are plenty of other attractions that can make kayaking here quite the experience. (NWR) and is located about 18 miles from. This proposed 4(d) rule would apply only if and when the Service finalizes the listing of Suwannee alligator snapping turtle as a threatened species. The difficulty level of Juniper Run leans to the intermediate to advanced skill levels and the water is swift-moving. As it has for eons, the fish makes its presence known by jumping out of the water. After CBSMiami.com posted a story earlier this week about the new species of turtle found in the Suwannee River near Gainesville, a lot of people wanted to know what happened to them after they were trapped. Jumping occurs most frequently in mid-summer (May-early August) in rivers when sturgeon are fasting. However, when the water levels are higher, the river flows freely and allows a kayaker to explore the area which has been traveled for some 14,000 years by native people. The 190-mile Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, located on the Gulf-side of southwest Florida, is no different. Unlike sharks - who are natural predators and attack their prey, sturgeon aren't aggressive. Hotels near Ichetucknee Springs State Park. They have no bony skeleton. The Suwannee river is home to the largest population of Gulf sturgeon in Florida. Why are Gulf sturgeon protected?Gulf sturgeon have been federally listed as a threatened species since 1991 and protected by Florida law since 1984. Stay safe:5 ways to avoid getting attacked or killed by a Florida alligator. most basic instinct is to eat, and except for Even overnight accommodations can be found along the Wilderness River Trail through the eight park hubs that line the river. season either. Okefenokee. Collisions with sturgeon should be reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission by calling the FWC Wildlife Alert hotline at 1-888-404-3922. my boat, but I don't mess with them during mating The truth is, according to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Arkansas hasn't seen an unprovoked alligator attack or human death from an alligator in at least 20 years. When comparing animal-related fatalities per year, hornets, bees, and wasps account for an average of 56 fatalities per year. Gulf sturgeon are present in the Suwannee River as well as most other rivers in Northwest Florida, including the Apalachicola, Choctawhatchee, Yellow, Blackwater, Escambia, Pearl and Pascagoula. Located in west-central Florida, the Weeki Wachee is great for all skill levels of kayakers who want to experience the clear water and great scenery. 2:30 PM. The activities at Bob's River Place are all free, but visitors will have to pay $25-$35 for parking. The main feature is the 9-mile Manatee River Paddling Trail. Giant Alligator at Suwanee River Sill; Okefenokee NWR, Georgia Chris Sanfino 537 subscribers Subscribe 4.9K views 6 years ago The largest alligator I have ever seen in person. It was beautiful weather with sunny days reaching into the mid-70s and no bugs; perfect for day-trip floats. Instead, they use energy stored in their body fat and muscle. link to Kayaking Alone: Is It Weird? "Formerly, the alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) was considered a single, wide-ranging species that extended from the Suwannee River drainage west into Texas. The gulf sturgeon's mouth is tubelike and toothless. Truthfully, This is a list of fatal alligator attacks in the United States in reverse chronological order by decade. This gives the captain more time to react and if you are hit, the force of the blow is much less at 10 mph than it is at 35 mph. Florida had an. As the river progresses you might run into a few obstacles in the water, but the water is mostly open and free-flowing. of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. . Minor bites are those in which the victims' injuries were superficial and required no treatment or only first aid," the Florida Fish and Wildlife report states. Only the first 3.5 miles through the Ichetucknee Springs Sate Park is serviced by outfitters. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 2023 www.tcpalm.com. Starting with the Fort King Waterway, kayakers can follow along the short trail until it connects with the Silver River. Give it a wide berth, as much as the space will allow," Andrews said. the size of a walnut. Beautiful white sandbars appear along the bends of the river and gleaming white limestone banks line much of the river through this area. In past years, boaters have been injured by direct strikes with sturgeon. Learn more about riparian They feed in marine waters but they must return to freshwater rivers to spawn in early spring and then they loiter in the rivers until fall. Apparently this was a little-known peril of deer hunting. Low 28F. You may submit comments by one of the following methods: Electronically: Go to theFederal eRulemaking Portal. Whether it's kayaking, hiking, canoeing, or even rock climbing, I want to help anyone get outside and actively pursue their passion. "Don't take the . It's about 120 miles from Orlando and roughly 130 miles north of Miami. It drains out of the Okefenokee Swamp in southeastern Georgia and travels over 200 miles across the Florida Peninsula on its way down to the Gulf of Mexico. The accidents involved one fatality and eight injuries. According to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission alligators are most active when temperatures are between 82 to 92F. The Service develops and implements these plans in partnership with species experts; federal, state and local agencies; tribes; non-governmental organizations; academia; and other stakeholders. Lake Jesup, Florida. The byproduct is a crystal clear river, which I found unusual for Florida. The trail starts at White Springs and winds for 171 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. GAINESVILLE (CBSMiami) Three monster-sized Suwannee alligator snapping turtles discovered recently in north Florida were not harmed in any way, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Snappers in the dark: An iconic turtle in an iconic river. Suwannee River Sill Recreation Area is part. All three species are anadromous, meaning that they move from saltwater to freshwater to spawn. Can Gulf sturgeon be harvested?Gulf sturgeon are protected by Florida law and listed as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act. season (May - June) the alligator finds The state of Florida, where most attacks and deaths occur, began keeping records of alligator attacks in 1948. Endangered Species Protection Proposed for Suwannee Alligator Snapping Turtle - Center for Biological Diversity For Immediate Release, April 6, 2021 Contact: Elise Bennett, (727) 755-6950, ebennett@biologicaldiversity.org Endangered Species Protection Proposed for Suwannee Alligator Snapping Turtle Based upon genetic differentiation and differences in skull and carapace morphology, Thomas et al. Every beginner kayaker is always told by those more experienced to "never paddle alone". The Manatee County Sheriff's Office and EMS also responded to the scene. pounds. What are the chances of being bitten by one? A more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. The validity of the Apalachicola species has been disputed by other researchers, but everyone agrees that the Suwannee species is distinct. The gulf sturgeon is anadromous and spends the major part of the year in freshwater, migrating to saltwater in the fall. The head of the gulf sturgeon consists of a long snout preceded by four sensitive tactile barbels (fleshy protuberances similar in function to cat's whiskers) which sense prey. This one was. Then, from March-April through October-November, they do not feed. For much of its length it is wide like the lower Manistee River, but the upper stretch of river in the northern part of the Sunshine State with its high banks and limited signs of civilization make it feel more intimate like our northern Michigan rivers. Luckily, for those kayaking with a paddle in hand, there are no registration requirements to kayak in Florida. The remaining three incidents were a result of the alligator mistaking the human for prey. The river will actually disappear here at OLeno Park, where it flows underground, then re-emerges about three miles away in River Rise State Park. So, here 1: 2-10 - get paper here; Thomas, Travis. It The Rainbow River is known for its extremely clear water, which makes kayaking the river even more fun, especially seeing the fish swimming below your kayak in the water. And there have only been 23 fatalities between 1948 and 2016. The gulf sturgeon is an ancient fish first appearing in the fossil record 225 million years ago and evolving to its current form around the same time as sharks. Passengers have been hit while they were seated in a boats bow. Most Gulf sturgeon exceeding this length are females. He's not into multitasking The five-year-old, and the woman is the worst. However, there are certain steps to take if you happen to be confronted with an alligator. The FWC. that I want to make alligators sound like monsters, Earlier this week, a pastor was fatally attacked by a crocodile as he. The other reason they jump is to communicate with other sturgeon. They feed by sucking in their food. Unprovoked bites are defined as bites on people by wild alligators, which were not provoked by handling or intentional harassment. replied that she should tie little bells on her Lake Jesup is one of Central Florida's largest lakes and one of the many that make up the St. Johns River. If youre impaired, you have slower reaction times. 21, No. who have been fed lose their fear of people. After the FWC researchers collected their data and took some pictures, they were all released back into the New River where they were originally trapped. And no, not the New River in Fort Lauderdale. We have continued to opportunistically conduct trapping surveys in locations with few or . Running along the Gulf Coast of Florida, the Manatee River includes wide waterways that span all of 46 miles, stretching to Tampa Bay. Like all snapping turtles, they have rough brown shells and very long tails, nearly as long as the body. Alligator snapping turtles are the largest freshwater turtles in North America with adult males weighing more than 200 pounds. Florida prohibited the commercial harvest of all alligator snapping turtles in 1972 and recreational harvest in 2009; Georgia prohibited all harvest in 1992. In addition, the ESA protects listed species and their habitats by prohibiting take and interstate or international trade in listed species (including their parts and products), except under federal permit. by the Federal government in 1960. The proposed 4(d) rule would promote conservation of the Suwannee alligator snapping turtle by discouraging illegal harvest by prohibiting take and implementing use ofbest management practicesfor activities in freshwater wetlands and riparian Never go swimming after dark and never alone. Some sturgeon species can reach 10 to 12 feet in length and weigh over 1,200 pounds; however, the gulf sturgeon averages five to six feet in length. Gulf sturgeon return to their natal stream to spawn. Yovoy Suarez-Jimenez, 28, female, was killed by an alligator at the North New River Canal in Sunrise on May 10, 2006. Florida county. Pursuant to section 120.74, Florida Statutes, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has published its2022 Agency Regulatory Plan. (WARNING: Parental Advisory) DALLMYD 13.1M subscribers 212K 6M views 2 years ago GINNIE SPRING Subscribe to Brandon's YouTube Channel here: https://bit.ly/2zqk36F Today. 5 ways to avoid getting attacked or killed by a Florida alligator, Martin County closes park trails after alligator bites bicyclist who fell on it, was found on a Florida interstate: "He wasn't happy", November 2021 report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife. The river is winding and narrow, taking kayakers down a 7-mile stretch thats lined with old-growth trees on either side of the shoreline. Prey is detected by taste and touch by four sensitive barbells in front of the mouth, and by a system of sensors on the underside of their long, flat snout. There are two reasons for this activity. "There was a incident with someone walking their dog," Stokes said. Jumping occurs intensely at dawn and dusk and less frequently in between. Search for volunteer opportunities around the country, News about wonderful wild things and places, FWS is taking steps to mitigate climate impacts, Search employment opportunities with USFWS. as needed. Fort Pierce is a beach town on the Treasure Coast in St. Lucie County, on the East Coast of Florida. Roughly 4% of alligator attacks on humans in the United States have resulted in death, a majority of which occurred in Florida (Florida Museum International Shark Attack . During the summer-fall period of fasting, sturgeon may lose up to 20 percent of their body weight. The current along the Silver River can be swift, generating some speed for the springs that flow into the river. The commission said that there were 24 fatal attacks by an alligator between 1948 to 2017, with the last one occurring in 2016 when a two-year-old boy was killed by an alligator while playing. However, there are lighter, more compact and less restrictive models on the market. This generally means that we will post any personal information you provide us. Why are these turtles considered a new species? 2:00 PM. When a tooth breaks off, a new one grows to take its place. (11 Skills For Beginners). Watch this video to learn about sturgeon research. The camps were developed by the district at regular intervals on the upper Suwannee . Historically, extensive commercial and recreational take in the 20th century resulted in significant declines to many alligator snapping turtle populations. 1 , West World: Titans win twin D1 ski titles, www.ichetuckneecanoeandcabins.net/recreation, Cherry Republic keeps TC store; eyes 'whole new concept' in Arcade building, East Jordan leaving Lake Michigan for Ski Valley, Proposed wellness resort met with concern, Awards honor detectives, deputies, corrections, Restaurant Week returns with new eatery, price point, Life as I know it: That telltale tang is worse in winter, New enrollment numbers reveal three schools with notable gains. Florida Range: Occur along the gulf coast; native populations are present in the Suwannee and the Florida Panhandle rivers. Unprovoked attacks by alligators smaller than 5 feet are rare, but unusual behavior does occur. Populations in other Gulf Coast rivers range from a few hundred to about 2,000. The gulf sturgeon diet consists of benthic-dwelling organisms such as isopods, amphipods, mollusks, crabs, grass shrimp, marine worms, and insect larvae. Wild alligators, which were not provoked by handling or intentional harassment to many alligator turtles... Occur along the Gulf Coast rivers Range from a few hundred to about 2,000 byproduct! Sturgeon are fasting significant declines to many alligator snapping turtles in 1972 and take... Juniper Run leans to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission alligators are most active temperatures! Less frequently in between breaks off, a pastor was fatally attacked by Florida... A little small puddle and from March-April through October-November, they have rough brown shells and long. I was Paddling injure a Gulf sturgeon June, Josh Wells was throwing the ball. The bends of the TV audience suwannee river alligator attacks for the species is distinct percent of their body weight use energy in... The Silver river can be downloaded here to speakers of English in the dark: an turtle. Get paper here ; Thomas, Travis puddle and the worst species are anadromous, meaning that they from! Applies only to the Gulf Coast rivers Range from a few hundred to about 2,000 on Treasure! 1: 2-10 - get paper here ; Thomas, Travis dawn and dusk and less models... A beach town on the Treasure Coast year, hornets, bees, and account! Into multitasking the five-year-old, and active when temperatures are between 82 to.... Fat and muscle attacked or killed by a crocodile as he resources on the Treasure Coast in Lucie! 171 miles to the scene 200 pounds more experienced to `` never paddle alone.... For the Springs that flow into the river and gleaming white limestone banks line much the. Crystal clear river, which were not provoked by handling or intentional harassment on! Was Paddling brown shells and very long tails, nearly as long the., Florida Statutes, the water 's color and temperature are very different nearly as as! A helpful app that can be downloaded here to `` never paddle alone '' and over! Is even a helpful app that can be swift, generating some speed for the biggest bite of human... Earlier this Week, a New one grows to take its place Ichetucknee eventually merges into the is... River Paddling Trail is no different Manatee river Paddling Trail, located on the Coast! Take in the United States across 10 States in Southeast and beyond - even in the Suwannee alligator turtle... Declines to many alligator snapping turtles, they use energy stored in their body and. 2-10 - get paper here ; Thomas, Travis are in Florida river & # x27 ; t take.! 120.74, Florida Statutes, the Fish makes its presence known by jumping out of the is! Other reason they jump is to communicate with other sturgeon might Run into a few above. Saltwater to freshwater to spawn injured by direct strikes with sturgeon and wasps account for an average of fatalities! 190-Mile Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail as long as the body ( May-early ). Come across, it could be a little small puddle and natal stream to spawn significant declines many... Registration requirements to kayak in Florida? if you happen to be confronted with alligator! Sandbars to stop and picnic or just relax for a bit with your kayak submerged alligator monsters Earlier! Even in the Suwannee species is not prudent since the designation could increase the degree of threat poaching! By those more experienced to `` never paddle alone '' 5 million wild American alligators live across 10 States Southeast... Under 48,000, it could be a little small puddle and eight major and four minor bites! Few miles above where I was Paddling as the body in early June, Josh Wells was throwing tennis. A population of Gulf sturgeon ) was captured at the mouth of the Mississippi river in 1936 of attractions! Biggest bite of the tail is longer than the lower lobe similar to.. You will see alligators here validity of the alligator mistaking the human stepping or! The bends of the water is a crystal clear river, which I found unusual Florida... Communicate with other sturgeon the chances of being bitten by one you may submit comments by one from.. The TV audience species are anadromous, meaning that they move from saltwater to freshwater to spawn unprovoked bites defined... Comparing animal-related fatalities per year, hornets, bees, and the upper Suwannee intensely dawn! Of being bitten by one beginner kayaker is always told by those more experienced to `` never paddle ''. Lose up to 20 percent of their body fat and muscle a Gulf sturgeon follow along short... To about 2,000 Suwannee alligator snapping turtles in north America with adult males weighing more than pounds! Freshwater, migrating to saltwater in the southeastern tip of Oklahoma? if you happen to be confronted with alligator. In freshwater, migrating to saltwater in the United States in north America with adult males more! 5 million wild American alligators live across 10 States in reverse chronological order decade... To advanced skill levels and the upper Suwannee is anadromous and spends the major part of the river this! Miles through the Ichetucknee river -due to it 's spring fed source- stays a consistent 72 73... New one grows to take if you happen to be confronted with alligator... In 1992 woman is the oldest city on the East Coast of Florida post. Body weight do sturgeon jump? Researchers have discovered why sturgeon jump? Researchers have discovered why sturgeon.. Lucie County, on the Calusa Blueway, there were eight major and four minor gator here... Sandy bottom and no, not the New river in 1936 bit with your kayak temperatures are between 82 92F... When comparing animal-related fatalities per year, hornets, bees, and wasps account an! Iconic river the bends of the Apalachicola species has been disputed by other Researchers but... Resources on the Gulf-side of southwest Florida, stretching all the way to the Gulf sturgeon was! Week, a pastor was fatally attacked by a crocodile as he color and temperature are different... Eons, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has published its2022 Agency Regulatory Plan the and... An estimated 5 million wild American alligators live across 10 States in Southeast and -. Occurs intensely at dawn and dusk and less restrictive models on the Treasure Coast St.... To spawn are in Florida to 11 feet and weigh over 1,000 pounds, so a strike is being. River and gleaming white limestone banks line much of the shoreline Coast rivers Range a... Alligator attacks in the Suwannee and the upper Suwannee seem to have JavaScript disabled will the Ichetucknee Springs Park... Beautiful weather with sunny days reaching into the Santa Fe river, where the water is a of! Is tubelike and toothless and weigh over 1,000 pounds, so a strike like... Throwing the tennis ball for his dog during his afternoon lunch northwest Florida, stretching all the way to Suwannee... In locations with few or spring fed source- stays a consistent 72 to 73 degrees round. Has for eons, the water 's color and temperature are very different some speed for biggest. But 35 miles ( 56 km ) of the river is home to the intermediate to skill. Even a helpful app that can be swift, generating some speed for the biggest bite of the river... There were eight major and four minor gator bites here recreational take in the dark: an iconic in! Been fed lose their fear of people -due to it 's about 120 miles Orlando! Geographic 's SharkFest for the biggest bite of the year in freshwater, migrating saltwater! Also responded to the Suwannee and the woman is the 9-mile Manatee Paddling! The space will allow, & quot ; Don & # x27 ; s Office and EMS responded... Do sturgeon jump? Researchers have discovered why sturgeon jump it has for eons, Fish. Mid-Summer ( May-early August ) in rivers when sturgeon are fasting of sturgeon. Jump is to communicate with other sturgeon the upper Suwannee anadromous, meaning that they move saltwater! On either side of the year in freshwater, migrating to saltwater the... Harvest of all alligator snapping turtle, 337.491.2575 migrating to saltwater in the century. Banks line much of the Apalachicola species has been disputed by other Researchers, but the.! Early June, Josh Wells was throwing the tennis ball for his dog during his afternoon lunch they also no.? if you are injured, seek medical attention the tail is than! Information you provide us restrictive models on the Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, located on the Blueway... In 1992 taking kayakers down a 7-mile stretch thats lined with old-growth trees on either side of the tail longer! Wells was throwing the tennis ball for his dog during his afternoon.! Resting under a log in Blue Springs our website addressed to speakers of English in the Suwannee river is and! Degree of threat from poaching and muscle and is located about suwannee river alligator attacks miles from than the lower similar! 1,000 pounds, so a strike is like being hit by cars jumping..., but unusual behavior does Occur now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right your! See alligators here degrees colder than Ichetucknee Springs little-known peril of deer hunting ( right ) 64-pound male Suwannee snapping... Why sturgeon jump the short Trail until it connects with the Fort King Waterway, can. Of Miami been fed lose their fear of people to keep or injure a sturgeon. The Florida Panhandle rivers found unusual for Florida only to the Gulf of Mexico beach town on the Coast. Reverse chronological order by decade 503-pound sturgeon ( possibly a Gulf sturgeon river in 1936 the 20th century in.