The Shields Painting Difference: Perfection with Every Brush Stroke
Many painting companies in Florida rely on flashy marketing and big promises to try and attract new clients. But when it comes time to work, they fall short of their promises. This is often due to a lack of experience, qualified painters, and a drive to overachieve. At Shields Painting, we do things a little differently than other painting companies in Citrus County. We believe that a professional paint job should be as close to perfect as possible. Our goal is to leave you 100% satisfied, whether we're touching up an old residential paint job or performing a complex commercial project. It might sound simple, but we achieve that goal through honesty, hard work, beautiful results, and reasonable pricing.
As a family-owned and operated painting company in Weeki Wachee Gardens, FL, we strive to provide personalized, professional, and friendly service. Shields Painting has been in business since 1968 for a good reason. Whenever possible, we go the extra mile to make sure our customers are happy. Unlike some of our competition, we want to know all about your house or business painting project: your vision, your preferences, your challenges, and your goals. When we understand your needs, we can present you with a fantastic final product - one that you're proud to show off to friends and neighbors.
At Shields Painting, we combine our extensive experience with time-tested, meticulous painting processes, resulting in the highest quality painting results around. As a painting contractor in Citrus County, we can take on a variety of residential, commercial, and industrial projects in Florida.
A few of our most popular painting services include:
- Interior Painting
- Exterior Painting
- Residential Painting
- Commercial Painting
- Cabinet Painting
- Ceiling Painting
- Fence Painting
- Sign Painting
- MUCH More!
Our commercial, industrial, and residential painting contractors take the proper steps to protect your property and belongings while we work. Our team will clean up after ourselves, so your property is left clean and free of debris when we're done. After all, we think there's only one way to do a job, and that's the right way.
Painting Services
Eco-friendly & clean work area.
PDCA Certified Member.
Your Go-To House Painting Company in Weeki Wachee Gardens, FL
Your home is a haven of relaxation and solitude. It is uniquely you - a place where you can express who you are through style and design. Whether you need interior touch-ups for your crown molding or a new exterior coat of paint, hiring a reliable painting contractor is the best way to get quality results.
At Shields Painting, we know how important it is to have a home that highlights your tastes and personality. That's why we offer an extensive array of residential painting services in Citrus County. As tempting as it might be to try a DIY paint job, without the proper skills and experience, there is a good chance that the results will turn out less than satisfactory.
High-quality painting requires skill, experience, and patience. If you're a homeowner who needs residential painting services but doesn't have the time, patience, or skills to handle the job, look no further than Shields Painting. We offer accuracy, precision, and longevity with each paint job we perform. Our customers choose Shields Painting for their home because they receive:
- Free Quotes with Detailed Project Breakdowns
- Affordable Pricing
- Expert Painting Contractors
- High-Quality Paint Products
- Combo of Traditional and Modern Techniques
- Well-Maintained Tools
- Unmatched Craftsmanship
- Friendly, Personalized Service
- Good Old-Fashioned Hard Work!
The majority of our house painting services come in two forms: interior and exterior.
Interior Residential Painting
As an interior painting contractor with decades of experience, our expert technicians have developed an interior painting process that maximizes quality and emphasizes customer satisfaction. We understand that interior painting goes beyond aesthetics. It protects your ceilings and walls and helps you sustain a healthier place to live for your family. When only the finest craftsmanship will do inside your home, Shields Painting is here for you.
Our seasoned team of painting experts and craftsmen is dedicated to respecting your space and providing you with the look and feel you're craving inside your home. Whether you bought a new house and want to make it your own or need minor touch-ups but have no time, Shields Painting is ready to tackle the job, no matter how small or large.
Unlike some painting companies, our interior house painters take the time to get the details right, every time. For instance, color is only one aspect of your interior paint job. The paint sheen or finish is just as important. Certain finishes are better for living rooms and bedrooms than in kitchens and bathrooms. We'll help you find the right finish and paint colors for your home, so you don't have to worry about touch-ups or repainting.
Some of our most popular interior house painting services include:
- Ceiling Painting
- Popcorn Ceiling Removal
- Living Room Painting
- Bathroom Painting
- Basement Painting
- Color Consultations
- More
Cabinet Painting
Citrus County cabinet painting deserves its own section on this page because it requires more time, skill, and quality paint than most sections of your home. If your home's cabinets are built into its woodwork, replacing them can be obnoxiously expensive. Compared to the cost of installing new cabinets, painting your kitchen cabinets is much more affordable.
At Shields Painting, we specialize in transforming old cabinets into new, gorgeous features that are just as usable as they are beautiful. Each step of our cabinet painting process is meticulous and thorough. And we'll take care of the entire job, from cleaning, prep, and sanding to priming, painting, and reassembly. This unique service lets you enjoy a brand-new look in your kitchen without having to go into debt by replacing your cabinets.
Whether your cabinets are new, but you want to change their color or you'd like to transition wood cabinets to a painted finish, Shields Painting has the expertise and experience to give you a new look you'll love.
Exterior Residential Painting
Your home - it's a place that not only keeps your belongings safe. It protects your family and loved ones, too. It's one of your largest investments, and like anything else of value, it should be protected. However, Florida weather can take a toll on your home's structure and paint, lowering your home's value and even putting your family at risk.
While it's true that a beautiful exterior affects your house's value, it shouldn't take thousands of remodeling dollars to make a positive change to your home. There's a fine line between reasonable pricing and top-quality painting, and that sweet spot is what Shields Painting aims for. If you want to transform how your friends and neighbors see your home, never underestimate the power of a professional paint job.
Our exterior residential painting services are designed to boost curb appeal, give your home a fresh look, and help it stand up to Florida's unique weather. But we provide more than that. When you hire Shields Painting for your outdoor painting project, you will enjoy peace of mind in knowing that your home is in truly capable hands. Our goal is to exceed your expectations and help bring out the best in your property, whether you need to re-stain your deck or remove old, peeling paint from your siding.
If you're on the hunt for the very best exterior painting contractor in Weeki Wachee Gardens, FL, look no further than Shields Painting.
Some of our most popular exterior house painting services include:
- Vinyl Siding Painting
- Deck Painting and Staining
- Stucco Exterior Painting
- Wood Exterior Painting
- Porch Painting and Staining
- Soffit Painting
- Fascia Painting
- Window Painting
- Front Door Painting
- Thorough Painting Prep
- More
The Premier Commercial Painting Company in Weeki Wachee Gardens, FL
When it comes to first impressions, your businesses' appearance plays an important role. Your commercial property's paint job factors into its overall aesthetics. A great-looking, well-maintained paint job can mean the difference between a customer walking in your storefront and passing by. Conversely, an old, worn-out commercial paint job can send the wrong message to prospective customers. If you can't take the time to keep up your property's appearance, why would a customer spend their hard-earned money on your products?
The same goes for your businesses' interior paint. Would you want to do business with a company that has peeling paint or unsightly crown molding? At Shield's Painting, our goal is to create a beautiful environment that your customers and employees will love inside and out. When you work with our business painters, you can rest easy knowing we treat your business like it were our own. We always clean up after ourselves and know that operations cannot come to a halt just because we're painting. As such, we'll work with your busy schedule to ensure the job gets done right the first time without disrupting your day-to-day commitments.
With decades of commercial painting experience, we know the demands of a commercial painting project necessitate a disciplined and focused approach from the start. Our team of business painters is committed to delivering quality, on-time results on every project, every time - no excuses
We offer professional business painting services to a variety of building types, including:
01
Industrial Painting
A high level of care and finesse are required to effectively paint an industrial property. At Shields Painting, we know that industrial paint jobs involve much more than aesthetics. That's why our industrial services are customized to your specifications, using industrial-grade materials that stand up to heavy-duty operations.
02
Retail Store Painting
Our commercial painters apply effective, yet appealing interior and exterior paint that stand up to the daily rigors of busy retail environments.
03
Small Business Painting
Do you own a restaurant franchise? Have a small "mom and pop" location that needs a fresh coat of paint? Shields Painting has the resources and reliability to efficiently get the job done the first time. That way, you can focus on serving your customers, not having your business repainted.
04
Healthcare Location Painting
From walk-in clinics to long-term care facilities, Shields Painting is sensitive to your patients' needs. We know you must protect your patient's privacy while maintaining productivity. Our approach to healthcare location painting centers around your schedule to avoid disruptions in care.
05
Apartment Complex Painting
Erase signs of wear and make your apartment complex or multi-family building a more desirable place to live with a stunning, professional paint job.
Florida's Most Trusted Painting Contractor
Shields Painting has been in the business since 1968. In a world where so much has changed, we are proud to uphold the ideals that make us successful: hard, honest work, getting the job done right, and excellent customer service. Providing you with trustworthy, quality work will always take priority over rushing through a project to serve the next customer. That is just not the way we choose to do business.
As professionals dedicated to perfection, we strive to provide a unique painting experience for every customer - one that focuses on their needs and desires instead of our own. Whether you need residential painting for your home or commercial painting for your business, we encourage you to reach out today to speak with our customer service team. Whether you have big ideas about a new paint project or need our expertise and guidance, we look forward to hearing from you soon.
352-212-1533Free Consultation
Latest News in Weeki Wachee Gardens, FL
Find your Old Florida treasure at Floridania Fest in Gulfport
Gabrielle Calisehttps://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/history/2022/05/04/find-your-old-florida-treasure-at-floridania-fest-in-gulfport/
Florida nostalgia lovers, rejoice. And maybe say a prayer for your pocketbook.After a multiyear hiatus, Floridania Fest returns to Tampa Bay on May 21. Thousands of historic Sunshine State souvenirs, artwork and collectibles will be for sale at the Gulfport Casino, from postcards and felt pennants to orange blossom perfume and alligator-skin handbags.“It’s just a super fun hobby because it can combin...
Florida nostalgia lovers, rejoice. And maybe say a prayer for your pocketbook.
After a multiyear hiatus, Floridania Fest returns to Tampa Bay on May 21. Thousands of historic Sunshine State souvenirs, artwork and collectibles will be for sale at the Gulfport Casino, from postcards and felt pennants to orange blossom perfume and alligator-skin handbags.
“It’s just a super fun hobby because it can combine your love of history, and especially Florida history, with collecting,” said author Ken Breslauer, who has hosted the event on and off since 1994. “You can have lifelong friendships with people who have the same passion.”
Breslauer typically spends six months or so promoting his events and works with about 20 dealers, who are all devoted to scouting out fun and quirky artifacts. The event will also have plenty of Florida books for sale, from Breslauer’s own volumes detailing the state’s souvenir history to coloring books about Florida’s lost landmarks.
Related: A St. Petersburg artist turned Florida tourist attractions into coloring books
Breslauer, 65, has an interesting history of his own: He grew up in Delray Beach and became a sports writer for the Pensacola News Journal, then spent 37 years at the Sebring International Raceway, where he retired after working as the media relations director. Along the way, Breslauer earned a master’s degree in historic preservation, publishing a thesis in 1999 based on roadside attractions in Florida.
“It wasn’t that big of a topic and then all of the sudden in 2003, Cypress Gardens went out of business,” he said. “Everyone was worried about the future of these roadside attractions, how they might be lost to development and so forth.”
Breslauer followed up his thesis with a book on the history of local roadside attractions. And he started collecting. His first show was at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, but over the years it’s traveled to other historic venues in cities around the Sunshine State.
Browsing the merchandise isn’t just a fun way to spend a Saturday. It’s also a way to understand how Florida has sold its sunshine over the years. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, most trinkets were handcrafted, including mementos made with natural Florida wood and gator skin.
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“The early attractions of Florida are based on the natural appeal of Florida,” Breslauer said. “The springs, the gardens, the wildlife.”
As the 20th century progressed, the rise of the roadside attraction ushered in a new era of keepsakes: ashtrays, decals, plates and View-Master reels. Before Disney made a splash in the ‘70s, spots like Silver Springs, Sunken Gardens and Cypress Gardens reigned supreme.
Certain attractions have big crossover appeal among collectors and will be very present at the show, like Weeki Wachee’s mermaids and Cypress Gardens’ water skiers. Tiki Gardens, a now-defunct Indian Rocks Beach attraction that capitalized on the midcentury tiki craze, is popular with tiki enthusiasts. A 33 RPM record put out by the attraction now can go for up to $500.
“Whatever people tend to remember from their childhood tends to be what they go crazy for,” said author Rick Kilby, who will be selling his history books at Floridania Fest.
When Kilby was working on his last few books about Florida’s springs, he attended Breslauer’s events to find artifacts he could use. These days, he’s going more to have some fun shopping.
“Ken buys the cream of the crop,” Kilby said. “He has stuff no one else has.”
Kilby’s advice: If you see something you like, grab it. He still remembers unique items from previous festivals that he didn’t buy and hasn’t seen since, like tiny hand-drawn billboard inserts that Silver Springs sold to be added to model train sets from the 1950s and ‘60s.
“This is really a good chance to find your Florida treasure,” Breslauer said.
If you go
Floridania Fest takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 21 at the Gulfport Casino. The last admission is at 3:30 p.m. $5, children 14 and under are free. 5500 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport.
Red tide? No problem—spring break alternatives across Tampa Bay
Rebekah Nelsonhttps://www.abcactionnews.com/news/local-news/red-tide-no-problem-fun-alternatives-to-the-beach-this-spring-break
While it looks more and more likely that red tide will be here to stay over spring break, there are still plenty of alternatives to guarantee a fun vacation.From kayaking to theme parks, check the list below for fun ideas this spring break.Hillsborough River State ParkLess than 30 minutes from downtown Tampa it's an oasis to escape the crowded coast and beaches.The park is crisscrossed by over seven miles of hiking trails with a few biking trails too.Camping is available in several options, in...
While it looks more and more likely that red tide will be here to stay over spring break, there are still plenty of alternatives to guarantee a fun vacation.
From kayaking to theme parks, check the list below for fun ideas this spring break.
Hillsborough River State Park
Less than 30 minutes from downtown Tampa it's an oasis to escape the crowded coast and beaches.
The park is crisscrossed by over seven miles of hiking trails with a few biking trails too.
Camping is available in several options, including glamping complete with air conditioning.
For more information, click here.
Busch Gardens
Home to exciting rides and rollercoasters, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a great way to spend the day.
Starting March 10, the park's annual Food and Wine Festival begins, and access to the event is included in the price of admission on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Expect performances from artists like Flo Rida and Rodney Atkins.
On a regular day, guests can go on a safari, watch an award-winning ice show and, of course, ride the brand-new Serengeti Flyer.
For more ticket prices and more, click here.
United Skates of America
A fun place for kids and adults alike, the United Skates of America offers private events and public skate nights while live DJs soundtrack the night.
Starting March 10 through March 19, skaters are invited to a week of spring break skating, full of events that offer everything from all-you-can-eat pizza to a Star Wars-themed night.
Visitors who don't like skating or feel too uncoordinated to try can check out the arcade or grab a snack from the Roller Cafe.
For pricing and event dates, click here.
John Chestnut Sr. Park
For spring breakers still wanting to spend a day in nature, John Chestnut Sr. Park offers a quiet retreat to walk trails, picnic and relax.
The park also features two playgrounds, which makes it a great option for families with small children.
For hours and more info, click here.
Legoland
If the temps are high and you need to cool off, Legoland Florida offers not only a theme park but a water park as well.
With a lazy river and big slides, guests have endless options to take a break from the heat.
Lego characters greet guests in the main park, which features rides and life-size sculptures.
For ticketing and information, click here.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Enjoy the clear, cool spring waters of Weeki Wachee Springs with tons of activities, including water slides, a lazy river, kiddie pool, and even mermaids.
Spring breakers can also enjoy Weeki Fresh Water Adventures, where visitors can kayak or paddleboard down the Weeki Wachee river. Rentals are available, but reservations fill up fast, so it is best to make a reservation ahead of time.
To plan a visit to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, click here.
To plan a Weeki Fresh Water Adventure trip, click here.
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Complaint filed to DEP over Weeki Wachee State Park management plan
wtsp.comhttps://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/weeki-wachee-state-park-management-plan/67-a1638f4e-39e6-472a-a602-afd9c7eab14d
Last month, Weeki Wachee State Park updated its management plan. Soon after, an environmental advocate filed a complaint saying the plan was improperly approved.WEEKI WACHEE GARDENS, Fla. — Is the Florida Department of Environmental Protection doing enough to preserve the Weeki Wachee State Park portion of the Weeki Wachee River? A recently filed complaint says they're not.The complaint was made against the recently updated ...
Last month, Weeki Wachee State Park updated its management plan. Soon after, an environmental advocate filed a complaint saying the plan was improperly approved.
WEEKI WACHEE GARDENS, Fla. — Is the Florida Department of Environmental Protection doing enough to preserve the Weeki Wachee State Park portion of the Weeki Wachee River? A recently filed complaint says they're not.
The complaint was made against the recently updated state park management plan. The plan is updated every 10 years and is supposed to go through an approval process with an advisory committee and public input.
Shannon Turbeville sits on the advisory committee.
"The advisory committee is very important because it consists of taxpayers," Turbeville said. "And this is public land that belongs to the taxpayers."
He said steps were skipped in approving the updated plan. A preliminary meeting was held with the advisory committee. Turbeville said his committee was waiting on the findings of the Weeki Wachee Natural System Carry Capacity Study. This study was launched "to collect and analyze data that relates human use to water quality, hydrologic, geomorphic, or ecological degradation of the river. The study area spanned from the headspring at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park to Rogers Park," the updated management plan said.
"The only meeting they ever had was a public meeting," Turbeville said. "My allegation is that they did not, per statute, develop this plan with input from an advisory committee. It would appear the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is merely attempting to check a statutory checkbox."
His concerns go beyond how the plan was passed. The updated management plan repeatedly highlighted how people exit their kayaks or paddleboards in areas they're not supposed negatively impact the shorelines.
There are laws in place that prohibit paddlers from exiting their vessels along the river. Turbeville's complaint against the plan is the laws prohibiting this from happening are not enforced.
He submitted a request with FWC to learn how many citations were issued to people for violating this law in the summer months of 2020.
"There were no citations that appeared to reflect enforcement of 62D of administrative code," he said.
The impact of breaking this rule has on the river? It makes it wider and more shallow.
"What's happening is the organic sedimentation, from people trampling it, is being transported downriver naturally following the stream and it's accumulating," Turbeville explained.
Credit: FL DEP
According to the study, some areas of the park suffered as much as an estimated 30 percent vegetation loss in square feet.
Outlined in the updated management plan is how the park will enforce rules to ensure rules are adhered to. Signage is up at the state park now, telling paddlers to not exit their vessels, to not trample on vegetation, and not climb on trees or swing on ropes.
DEP's plan said it will continue to work with FWC to monitor river activity and to consider establishing cameras in known problem areas.
Credit: FL DEP
Weeki Wachee State Park limits how many paddlers are allowed to launch each day to 280 vessels. This limitation is included in the updated management plan.
10 Tampa Bay reached out to FL DEP to learn how complaints are handled, if a change to the management plan would be considered, and why advisory board meetings were not held before the new plan was adopted. We are awaiting their response.
The 8 Best Places to Photograph in Florida
Kimberlee Charlton-Moorehttps://authenticflorida.com/best-places-to-photograph-florida/
Are you looking for the best places to photograph in Florida? The sunshine state has a variety of hidden treasures the photographer in your life is going to want to capture.While almost all Florida photography turns out great, we recommend this list of spots we believe are the best places to photograph in Florida.As our nickname suggests, the Sunshine State has beautiful weather year-round. This means there has never been a bad time to go on a photographic journey. Below is the list of our top 8 best places to photograph in Flo...
Are you looking for the best places to photograph in Florida? The sunshine state has a variety of hidden treasures the photographer in your life is going to want to capture.
While almost all Florida photography turns out great, we recommend this list of spots we believe are the best places to photograph in Florida.
As our nickname suggests, the Sunshine State has beautiful weather year-round. This means there has never been a bad time to go on a photographic journey. Below is the list of our top 8 best places to photograph in Florida.
Best Places to Photograph in Florida
Make sure to follow our Instagram Account — @AuthenticFlorida2 — to check out even more of the best places in Florida that we’ve ever photographed. (If you’d like us to check out your photos, make sure to use the hashtag #AuthenticFlorida).
Northwest Florida – Florida Caverns State Park
Florida is known for beaches and palm trees, but did you know Florida also has caves and caverns? A trip to Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna is the place to visit for a truly unique and fascinating Florida adventure.
In the northern part of Florida’s Panhandle, you’ll find one of the state’s most unique and photogenic places. Located northwest of Tallahassee off Interstate 10 in Marianna, you can experience first-hand this one-of-a-kind Florida park.
Guests can take a 45-minute cave tour on their visit. It’s really cool … we mean that literally, too. The mean year-round temperature in the cave is 65 degrees.
Florida Caverns State Park Address: 3345 Caverns Rd, Marianna, FL 32446
Learn more about our visit to Florida Caverns State Park: A Visit to Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna.
Northeast Florida – Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is the perfect place to take a serene stroll any day of the week. This is also a great place to show off your Florida photography skills.
The park extends from the Atlantic Ocean to the Matanzas River just south of Marineland. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park preserves 425 acres of Florida’s original coastal scenery.
The formal gardens are the centerpiece for great photos of this park. Washington Oaks is also famous for the shoreline of coquina rock formations that line its beach on the Atlantic Ocean.
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park Address: 6400 N Ocean Shore Blvd, Palm Coast, FL 32137
Don’t miss all our favorite things to do at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park: Washington Oaks Gardens State Park: A Hidden Treasure.
North Central Florida – Ginnie Springs
Northwest of High Springs, Ginnie Springs encompasses 200 acres of natural Florida with shady trees lining the banks of the Santa Fe River.
Known for its camping amenities, it is also one of the most popular diving springs in the state. Water gushes from seven natural springs, forming spring runs and grottos. With a sandy limestone bottom reflecting light from above, it’s a beautiful new world down under awaiting swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers.
Tubers enjoy a two-mile stretch along Santa Fe for a day of aimless drifting. It’s also a great place for a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. Laughter and fun are everywhere on this stretch where all can enjoy the serenity of the Santa Fe River.
No matter which features of the springs you choose, you will no doubt come out with a beautiful picture of the peaceful springs. A waterproof camera is a plus on this Florida photography adventure.
Ginnie Springs Address: 7300 NE Ginnie Spgs Rd, High Springs, FL 32643
Don’t miss any of our other favorite springs in the state of Florida: Our 15 Favorite Freshwater Florida Springs.
Central Florida – Bok Tower Gardens
Located in the heart of Central Florida, between Tampa and Orlando near Lake Wales, is Bok Tower Gardens. Bok Tower Gardens includes 50 acres of luscious vegetation, a 205-foot art deco Singing Tower Carillon, and also a Mediterranean-style home called the Pinewood Estate.
People who have visited Bok Tower Gardens, rave about it … and we are huge fans of this special place as well. It feels like taking a step back in time and is incredibly enjoyable for people of all ages. It’s definitely one of the best places to photograph in Florida. Even an amateur can capture stunning Florida photography.
Authentic Florida’s Garden of Eden is obvious from the moment you drive through the entrance gate. You start by passing acres of orange groves as well as a nature preserve with hiking trails.
Whether you choose to photograph the stunning picturesque tower or the beautiful flowers within the gardens, you will have stunning photos to share.
Check out the different things to do at Bok Tower Gardens: A Visit to Florida’s Sanctuary: Bok Tower Gardens.
Bok Tower Gardens Address: 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853
West Central Florida – Weeki Wachee Springs
Since 1947, Weeki Wachee Springs has been home to the famous mermaid show, amusement park, river cruise, and first magnitude spring. Fish-tailed human mermaids delight audiences with synchronized underwater ballet performances.
Springwater flows up from subterranean caverns while visitors watch through huge glass windows in a submerged theatre.
The Weeki Wachee Springs Amusement Park beach area and flume ride provide a family swimming area in the cool water. The spring water then forms the Weeki Wachee River and flows more than seven miles to the Gulf of Mexico.
The translucent water and sandy bottom create a dazzling experience on one of Florida’s best rivers.
You can see crystal-clear spring water, waterslides, or even beautiful mermaids. You can’t go wrong anywhere you point your camera at this historic roadside attraction. It’s a great place for all sorts of interesting Florida photography.
Weeki Wachee Springs Address: Weeki Wachee Spring, FL 34606
Discover other places you won’t want to miss at Florida’s Adventure Coast: Exploring Florida’s Authentic Adventure Coast
East Central Florida – Canaveral National Seashore
Between Daytona Beach and Cocoa Beach is another rich and uniquely diverse slice of Authentic Florida — the Canaveral National Seashore. Miles of pristine Atlantic coastline, a 140,000-acre wildlife refuge, and long expanses of natural Florida will astonish you.
The wide-open undeveloped Florida coastline seems to stretch out forever along sandy dunes covered with luscious beach vegetation. The Atlantic Ocean kicks up with seafoam green waves meeting a horizon of cerulean sky often filled with a panorama of beautiful cloud formations.
Enjoy the shorebirds, gulls, terns, and a pleasant salty breeze. This is a great beach to “let it all go”, enjoy peaceful solitude, and take the time to find the perfect photograph.
Canaveral National Seashore Address: S Washington Ave, Titusville, FL 32796
Check out three other Authentic Florida beaches. Four Fabulous Authentic Florida Beaches. If you’re looking for more adventures on Florida’s Space Coast, see 12 Reasons to Launch Your Trip to Florida’s Space Coast.
Southwest Florida – Naples Botanical Garden
Naples has a hidden treasure you don’t want to miss out on. This 170-acre garden paradise features beautiful views large and small you are sure to love.
Bring your camera and capture larger-than-life landscapes or zoom in and find the small gorgeous details the gardens have to offer.
Make sure to check the schedule as rotating exhibits and events can impact the types of images you will capture at this location.
Naples Botanical Gardens Address: 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples, FL 34112
Don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Naples, Florida 2023 to make the most of your time in the area.
Southeast Florida – Blowing Rocks Preserve
Drive the scenic Bridge Road passing under an enchanting magical canopy of Florida banyan trees to get to Hobe Sound Beach.
There, you can walk south along the spectacular Atlantic Ocean, past beachcombers and anglers warmed by the sunshine, to find Blowing Rocks. It is a unique destination where coastal waves are forced into limestone rock crevices creating a geyser effect. They often erupt 40-50 feet in the air.
The water hitting these picturesque rocks will make for the perfect photograph of this beautiful area. Don’t miss more of our favorite things to do in Martin County: Martin County, a Florida Remembered on the Treasure Coast.
Blowing Rocks Preserve Address: 574 S Beach Rd, Hobe Sound, FL 33455
Don’t forget to show us your Florida photography. You can always find us on our social networks. Just use the hashtag #AuthenticFlorida on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Here are a few more of the best places to photograph in Florida:
The mermaids return as Weeki Wachee reopens to visitors
Barbara Behrendthttps://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/entertainment/things-to-do/2021/03/19/the-mermaids-return-as-weeki-wachee-reopens-to-visitors/
WEEKI WACHEE — Shut down for a year due to COVID-19, the mermaids are swimming again as the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park reopened this week. But safety precautions and some limits were put in place to protect park visitors and staff.Visitors who want to see the mermaid show are encouraged to arrive when the park opens since seating in the iconic underwater observation theater is limited. The popular park will operate from the hours of 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.The park offered its first mermaid show in 1947 and was famous ...
WEEKI WACHEE — Shut down for a year due to COVID-19, the mermaids are swimming again as the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park reopened this week. But safety precautions and some limits were put in place to protect park visitors and staff.
Visitors who want to see the mermaid show are encouraged to arrive when the park opens since seating in the iconic underwater observation theater is limited. The popular park will operate from the hours of 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
The park offered its first mermaid show in 1947 and was famous in the heyday of Florida roadside attractions. After the advent of Disney World and other major tourist attractions, the park struggled. It was taken over by the city of Weeki Wachee which incorporated to get the name on maps and signs.
The Florida Park Service took over the attraction in 2008 and has been working on several upgrades to assist with river water quality while the park has been closed. Meanwhile, the city was disbanded last year by the Florida Legislature.
Another popular draw at the park, the River Ranger Experience, also reopened this week. The wildlife theater is operating but also under limited seating arrangements, according to the announcement on the park’s Facebook page. Because social distancing cannot happen on the Wilderness River Cruise boats, that portion of the park is not yet reopened.
The swimming and beach areas will be open daily at the Buccaneer Bay waterpark through Sunday to coincide with Spring Break. Then beginning Monday through May 29, the waterslides, kiddie pool and lazy river will be available only on weekends. The waterpark will return to its normal summer operating schedule May 29.
Visitors to the water park will notice one major change. The Thunderbolt Waterslide has been removed for safety reasons.
“Recent inspections of the Thunderbolt Waterslide determined it is no longer able to be maintained in a safe and serviceable condition and therefore the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Recreation and Parks removed the slide in accordance with the park’s Unit Management Plan,” said state spokeswoman Alexandra Kuchta. “Two slides will still remain in Buccaneer Bay.”
Hand sanitation stations are available throughout the park and visitors are asked to wear a mask and maintain distances of 6 feet apart.