As a Home Watch provider, we want each of your return trips to Sarasota to feel as refreshing as the first. Our "Piece of Paradise" newsletters provide a brief glimpse into Florida homeownership, followed by a featured activity for your next visit.

Homeowner Insight

We selected the "swamp life" theme for this month's newsletter before Hurricane Debby was a blip on the radar. Unfortunately, many homes in Sarasota County found themselves inundated in high water after Debby dumped almost a foot and a half of rain in some parts of the community. What surprised residents is that the worst of the flooding happened inland. The effects of the storm are raising awareness about the importance of flood insurance, even for homeowners who aren't in a FEMA flood zone. According to a recent news article, one-third of flood insurance claims are from properties outside of a flood zone.

A sunny day for a swamp ride.

During my early days of dating Ben, I was confused when he referred to Florida as "the South." To me, Florida meant three things: Disney, beaches, and orange groves. I had some learning to do about life beyond Orlando and the coastlines. Growing up in the Midwest I had heard of country toys like four wheelers and snow mobiles. I rode a dune buggy during a stay on Lake Michigan. But "swamp buggies?" Do tell...

Meet Ramrod, the swamp buggy.

A swamp buggy is an amphibious vehicle, essentially comprised of tractor tires and a seating platform. My first time on a swamp buggy was at Babcock Ranch Eco Tours nearly two decades ago (before the futuristic community was developed). Although their modified bus does travel through the swamp lands, the ride primarily feels like you're in a bus traveling through swamp lands. It's a good venue for easing visitors into the idea of swamp life.

This summer we tried a different venue: Peace River Charters in Arcadia. (They also have airboat rides, but we'll stick with our recommendation from a few newsletters ago to make a trip to the Everglades for that experience. Their wildlife exhibits are in progress... also not receiving our recommendation at this time.)

The astute observer will note that the driver's seat (green t-shirt) is not pointing toward the road - yet the swamp buggy continued on the tracks, like a spider creeping sideways.

This swamp buggy was so fun! It felt like four vehicles in one. It surmounted exposed roots like an army tank. It bounced over bumps like a trotting horse. It had a way of gliding around tight corners like an airboat, and drove right through the water like the tall tractor that it is.

For a moment we were joined by a baby gator swimming alongside us. Then we saw a gator swimming straight toward us (as it neared Ramrod, it ducked underwater and swam to the side of the boat - I mean buggy).

Remnants of Ramrod's past (or after hours?) life - a powerful speaker system and the storage holds you would find on a boat.

The ride lasted just over 30 minutes; a short but amusing excursion. It was too loud to talk during the tour but we chatted with the driver afterward. We noted the feed spreader on the back of Ramrod (confirmed as a hunting implement) and the boat console/steering wheel he used to operate the buggy. I mentioned how my bucket list includes attending swamp buggy races at the Florida Sports Park in Naples. He told us it's a great event - but nothing compared to the Miami Canal Mayday races. He described the setup like this: "if you can get there, you can race. You've got buggies racing against boats and anything else that can get through the swamp." A buggy on a neighboring property is currently for sale, he said, for $60,000.

If you're curious about the rural life of Florida, or just want an experience you wouldn't find in other parts of the country, consider a swamp buggy tour!

Nearby or Similar Considerations

Waterfront dining does not always mean a bustling river or shining bay.

There are a couple great restaurants that go with the Florida swamp life theme. Technically they both advertise themselves as "Old Florida."

• Linger Lodge in Bradenton is one of them. Their menu includes gator, frog, and other river catches (accompanied by standard fare). We recently attended to check out their Friday night karaoke - turns out, they're better at catching fish than catching musicians. But the Bloody Mary was top notch!
• If you make your way to Peace River Charters, we recommend stopping at the Nav-a-Gator Bar & Grill. It's biker bar meets kayak rental meets live outdoor music performed by a band of rotund shirtless men. Plus lots of happy people and a Florida food menu.