“One of the biggest impacts to our Town was the loss of our scallop season. Our town has a small retail business sector and a successful scallop season is vitally important.” Words written by Horseshoe Beach Mayor Talmadge Bennett in this month’s edition of The Hidden Coast. Almost a year later and the after effects of Hurricane Hermine are still being felt in the area. Governor Scott signed an executive order opening the season early for parts of the region. Many of the local businesses rely on the season for their livelihood. If there are no scallops there are no visitors and it only spirals downhill from there.
If you have never been scalloping give it a try. You can usually get out and back to the dock in half a day. If you don’t have a boat you can’t rent one at several of the marinas scattered throughout the region. You will also need a mask, snorkel and fins. That’s it! Of course, fill your cooler with plenty of drinks and snacks and PLENTY of sunscreen. The Florida sun gets really hot, really fast! You pick up the scallops with your bare hands (they do not bite) and fill your bucket. Once you have it filled drop it off at one of the local road side vendors offering to clean them. A nominal price for a dirty job. After that, you are set to enjoy your Florida Bay Scallops in a variety of recipes! You can’t buy a dinner entree any fresher!
Take a peek at the great articles written in this months edition. You can catch up on scallops as well as the Riverboat history of the region. We also have information and tips from FWC as well as the tide charts for July. Last of all we have our wonderful advertisers who continue to support our little magazine. We are still humbled by all the kind words and support offered by them and the citizens of The Hidden Coast. Have fun, be safe and enjoy the scalloping season!