OZ - 1
Ozello Key, Florida
Ozello is located about 80 miles north of Tampa and 10 miles west of Crystal River on the Gulf of Mexico. This region is known as a major breeding ground for the endangered Manatee. The Gulf in this area is a series of shallow brackish estuaries. These estuaries or salt flats are prime fishing grounds for red fish, sea trout, tarpon, cobia and sheepshead. In the Ozello area, most of the homes are built on 10' stilts due to the danger of storm surge. The bay we live off of is located about 2 miles from the open gulf. Most days we see pelicans, egrets, herons, and osprey. Sometimes, pods of dolphin cruise by our little dock. Throughout the day, mullet can be seen leaping out of the water to escape from predators. From the Key, we can see sunrises and sunsets in the water.