This species is the one that causes the most concern for folks and enhances their fear of all snakes. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake (EDB) (Crotalus adamanteus) is the largest venomous snake in the U.S. Most today will only reach a length 5 feet but there are records of this snake reaching 8 feet. They can weigh up to 25 pounds, their head can be the size of a man’s fist, rattles can be the size of a human index finger, and they can carry over 1000 milligrams (mg) of venom, injecting as much as 300 mg in a single bite. Though there are venomous snakes in the U.S. with a more potent venom, because of its size and the amount of venom they can inject, EDBs are considered by many to be the deadliest snake in our country.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake swimming across the Intracoastal Waterway near Pensacola Beach. Photo: Andy Barnes
They will lie quiet for long periods of time hoping prey approaches. However, they are quick to respond to potential threats with their heart stopping rattle, can be heard from 20-30 feet away. Their strike range is longer than most native snakes – reaching 2/3 of their body length (over 3 feet for a 5-foot snake) – and are considered very dangerous. The venom is a cocktail of hemotoxins, and neurotoxins and bites left untreated can result in death in less than 24 hours. All that said – only about 1-2 people die each year from this snake. Statistics show that most are bites on the hands of men. Most were intentionally interacting with the snake. 95% were either trying to catch or kill them.
EDBs only exist in the lower coastal plains of the southeastern U.S. They are found throughout Florida and are the only rattlesnake I am aware of that lives on our barrier islands. They prefer high dry ground in pine flatwoods, scrub, pine forest, sand hills, around wetlands, grassy forest edges, palmettos, and are usually near water. They need burrows to avoid heat and cold and are often found in gopher tortoise burrows and holes around tree stumps. They are good swimmers and have no problem crossing salt water to reach our barrier islands.
They are primarily diurnal in activity but will aestivate in holes, burrows, and dens during the hot months of summer. Adults feed primarily on rabbits but will take rodents when available. The young focus on smaller rodents but could take birds, or other small mammals. Though full grown rattlesnakes have few predators, they are not considered an apex predator. Numerous creatures feed on the young and subadults, such as – alligators, feral hogs, bobcats, hawks, eagles, owls, wading birds, snake eating snakes (such as black racers, cottonmouths, king snakes, and indigos). King snakes are immune to their venom. Deer may trample a rattling young snake, but the #1 predator are humans – and not for food.
Breeding occurs in the spring with birth coming in late summer/early fall. Most snakes lay eggs but rattlesnakes, and other vipers like cottonmouths, keep the eggs within the mother giving live birth. EDBs can give birth to as many as a dozen offspring. Young rattlesnakes may not yet have a rattle, but they do have venom, and it is just as toxic as the adults.
EDB populations have declined across their range – they may no longer exist in the state of Louisiana. The cause of decline is most certainly humans. Development of habitats into farms and neighborhoods force EDBs into new territories where competition impacts the population, or into human landscapes where they will surely be killed. There are still folks who go into their natural habitats to kill or collect them for local events. They are a species of concern in most states, including Florida.
A blowout tide at sunrise along Santa Rosa Sound. Photo credit: Bonnie Kane
Every season living on the Gulf Coast reveals its surprises and interesting natural phenomena. Recently, my social media feed was ‘flooded” with photos of extreme low tides in local bays, bayous, and even the Gulf. The water was so low in some places that people could easily walk 200 yards offshore onto dry land that is typically submerged. The timing also corresponded with some extremely low temperatures—icy below-freezing mornings with thermostat readings in the low 20’s. So, what’s going on?
Seagrasses are exposed during an extreme low tide at Shoreline Park in Gulf Breeze. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension
A couple of factors played into these extreme conditions. First, winter tides tend to be much lower than in warmer seasons, due to the position of our planet in space. As we all learned in science class, the gravitational pulls of the moon (primarily) and sun (secondarily) dictate tidal cycles. In winter, we are the farthest away from the sun as we are during the year, so that pull is weaker and the tides are noticeably lower.
The recent blowout tide stranded fishing boats all along shores in south Louisiana. Photo credit: Scot Pilie, Meteorologist
But the biggest player in these “blowout tides” was tied to an extreme cold front that came through in early February. The freezing weather brought strong and continuous north winds, which physically pushed the water south and away from shorelines. Over the same timeframe that extreme low tide observations were noted around Pensacola Bay, news stories from Mobile and New Orleans highlighted the same phenomenon. Also known as a “reverse storm surge,” this movement of water offshore looks a lot like what happens before a tsunami when waters are sucked offshore. Thankfully, these blowout tides aren’t nearly so dangerous when the water moves back in place.
The mudflats remaining during a blowout tide can beach boats—fishermen in south Louisiana were stranded for several days due to the extreme ebb tides. Locally, observers found small fish, jellyfish, and even an octopus stuck on the sea bottom where tides left them exposed. Blowout tides are not unique to the Gulf region—news abounds of similar experiences and impacts to shipping all along the east coast of the United States and beyond.
Almost everyone has heard of red tides and know they periodically occur off the coast of Florida. The more frequent events occur off southwest Florida between Tampa and the Keys, but they have occurred in other parts of the state.
Dead fish line the beaches of Panama City during a red tide event in the past. Photo: Randy Robinson
When they do occur in the panhandle, they seem to be more common on the east side – Bay, Gulf, and Franklin counties. This year there has been a rather large red tide event that has lingered several weeks now in this area. There have been multiple samples that have been reported as HIGH (1,000,000 cells or more / liter). Cells in this case is referring to the organism that causes red tide – Karenia brevis.
The dinoflagellate Karenia brevis. Photo: Smithsonian Marine Station-Ft. Pierce FL
K. brevis is a microscopic plant that belongs to the dinoflagellate group. They occur naturally in Florida waters and when conditions are good – will begin to multiple and create a bloom. These blooms can be large enough to discolor the water – often making it a rusty/reddish color… hence the red tide. Good conditions would be those you would think plants like – plenty of sunlight, warm temperatures, plenty of nutrients. When the wind is lower the water moves less allowing them to concentrate into large patches producing “the tide”. These small plants can release a toxin, known as brevotoxin. Brevotoxins are neurotoxins that affect the transmission of nerve signals, which can lead to several internal complications and possibly death for marine life.
Humans and animals typically ingest or inhale brevotoxins during a large red tide event. Fish kills are a common phenomenon during large events, but marine mammals and sea turtles have also been killed. During the recent red tide event in the St. Joe area fish kills have been reported, as well as respiratory problems with humans. We now also can include diamondback terrapins as a victim.
Terrapins are smaller brackish water turtles found along the coast of Florida. At the time of this article, scientists with the US Geological Survey had logged 66 dead terrapins from the St. Joe area, all were females, and most were large females.
Diamondback terrapins lost during the recent red tide in St. Joe Bay. Photo: Dan Catizone
At the time of this writing the tide in this area continues. High concentrations have been reported from Gulf, Bay, and Franklin counties. The most recent FWC report at the time of this article (December 5) red tide had been detected in 20 samples from the panhandle. Cell concentrations of >100,000/liter (medium-high) were reported from five of those. Background to medium concentrations were reported from Bay County. Background to low in Gulf and Franklin counties. Fish kills suspected to be related to the red tide occurred in Bay County but there were no reports of respiratory problems anywhere at that time.
Red tides seem to be more common in late summer and fall. NOAA believes the same climate pattern that has caused the drought, and no named tropical storms to hit Florida, may be the cause of the current patterns holding the red tide near the St. Joe area. Concentrations SEEM to be declining. Hopefully this one will not last much longer.
Many who have snorkeled or dove in the Florida Keys have most likely encountered nurse sharks there – they are quite common. But here in the northern Gulf – though present – encounters are not as frequent. In the Keys you can don a mask, swim along a seawall, bridge piling, or over limestone bottom in shallow water and found one – maybe several. In the northern Gulf encounters are more offshore by SCUBA alone, and I would say – still not that common.
All this to say that one was seen off a dock recently in Escambia County inside the bay. It was swimming along the edge of the dock in a seagrass bed searching for something to eat. Again, this would not be abnormal if in south Florida, but a cool event in our area.
Nurse sharks are docile fish recognized by their brownish copper coloration, two large dorsal fins set back on their dorsal side, and barbels extending from their upper jaw similar to catfish. These barbels indicate they are more bottom feeders, and they spend a lot of time lying on the bottom. Though they can reach lengths of 14 feet, nurse sharks are not considered a threat – unless you mess with them – and exciting to see.
They are considered a tropical species – hence the lower number of encounters in our area. They prefer hardbottom – such as coral reefs and limestone shelves – higher salinities, dissolved oxygen levels, and clear water. Over this summer local water temperatures have increased, and the lack of rain has increased salinities across the area. The lower amount of rain has reduced stormwater runoff from land and allowed the water to become clearer. Everything that a nurse shark would want.
As mentioned, encounters with this species are not considered threatening and a very cool memory. We do not know how long the current conditions will last but maybe you too will see one. It would be pretty exciting.
Nurse shark inside bay in Escambia County. Photo: Angela Guttman
The diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) is the only resident turtle within brackish water and estuarine systems in the United States (Fig. 1). They prefer coastal estuarine wetlands – living in salt marshes, mangroves, and seagrass communities. The literature suggests they have strong site fidelity – meaning they do not move far from where they live. Within their habitat they feed on shellfish, mollusk and crustaceans mostly. In early spring they will breed. Gravid females will venture along the shores of the bay seeking a high-dry sandy beach where they will lay a clutch of about 10 eggs. She will typically return to lay more than one clutch each season. Nesting will continue through the summer. Hatching begins mid-summer and will extend into the fall. Hatchings that occur in late fall may overwinter within the nest and emerge the following spring. They live 20-25 years.
Fig. 1. The diamondback terrapin. Photo: Molly O’Connor
Terrapins range from Massachusetts to Texas and within this range there are currently seven subspecies recognized – five of these live in Florida, and three are only found in Florida (Fig. 2). However, prior to 2005 their existence in the Florida panhandle was undocumented. The Panhandle Terrapin Project (PTP) was initially created to determine if terrapins did exist here.
Fig. 2. Terrapins of Florida. Image provided by FWC
The Scope of the Project
Phase 1
The project began in 2005 using trained volunteers to survey suitable habitat for presence/absence. Presence is determined by locating potential nesting beaches and searching for evidence of nesting. Nesting begins in April and ends in September – with peak nesting occurring in this area during May and June. The volunteers are trained in March and survey potential beaches from April through July. They search for tracks of nesting females, eggshells of nests that were depredated by predators, and live terrapins – either on the beach or the heads in the water. Often volunteers will conduct 30-minute head counts to determine relative abundance. Between 2005 and 2010 the team was able to verify at least one record in each of the panhandle counties.
Phase 2
The next phase is to determine their status – how many nesting beaches does each county have, and how many terrapins are using them? A suitability map was developed by Dr. Barry Bitters as a Florida Master Naturalist project to locate suitable nesting beaches. Volunteers would visit these during the spring to determine whether nesting was occurring, and the relative abundance was determined using what we called the “Mann Method” – developed by Tom Mann of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, along with the 30-minute head counts. The Mann Method involved counting the number of tracks and depredated nests within a 16-day window. The assumption to this method was that nesting females would lay multiple clutches each season – but they did not lay more than one every 16 days. Going on another assumption, that the sex ratio within the population was 1:1, each track and depredated nest within a 16-day window was a different female and doubling this number would give the relative abundance of adults in this population. Between 2007 and 2023 we were able to determine the number of nesting beaches in each county and relative abundance in three of those counties (see results below).
Phase 3
Partnering with the U.S. Geological Survey, we were able to move to Phase 3 – which involves trapping and tagging terrapins. Doing this gives the team a better idea of where the terrapins are going and how they are using the habitat. To trap the terrapins, we use modified crab traps (modified so that the terrapins had access to air to breath), seine nets, fyke nets, dip nets, and by hand – the most effective has been modified crab traps (Fig. 3). These traps are placed in terrapin habitat over a 3-day period, being checked daily. Any captured terrapins are measured, weighed, sexed, marked using the notch method, and given a Passive Intergraded Transponder (PIT) tag. Some of the terrapins are given a satellite tag where movement could be tracked by GPS (Fig. 4). We are now bringing on acoustic tagging for some counties. This involves placing acoustic receivers on the bottom of the bay which will detect any terrapin (with an acoustic tag) that swims nearby. Results are below.
Fig. 3. Modified crab traps is one method used to capture adults. Photo: Molly O’Connor
Fig. 4. This tag with an antenna can be detected by a satellite and tracked real time. Photo: USGS
Phase 4
This phase involves collecting tissue samples for genetic analysis. Currently it is believed that the Ornate terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin macrospilota) ranges from Key West to Choctawhatchee Bay, and the Mississippi terrapin (M.t. pileata) ranges from Choctawhatchee Bay to the Louisiana/Texas border. The two subspecies look morphologically different (Fig. 5) and the team believes terrapins resembling the ornate terrapin have been found in Pensacola Bay. Researchers in Alabama have also reported terrapins they believe to be ornate terrapins in their waters as well. The project is now working with a graduate student from the University of West Florida who is genetically analyzing tissue samples from trapped terrapins to determine which subspecies they are and what the correct range of these subspecies. This phase began in 2025, and we do not have any results at this time.
Fig. 5. The Mississippi terrapin found in Pensacola Bay is darker in color than the Ornate terrapin found in other bays of the panhandle. Photo: Rick O’Connor
Ornate Diamondback Terrapins Depend on Coastal Marshes and Sea Grass Habitats Photo: Erik Lovestrand.
2025 UPDATE AND RESULTS
In 2025 we trained 188 volunteers across each county – including state park rangers and members of the Florida Oyster Corps. 47 (25%) participated in at least one survey.
We logged 345 nesting surveys and 17 trap days.
No seining or fyke nets were conducted in 2025.
Phase 1 – Presence/Absence Update
County
Presence
Notes
Baldwin
Yes
A single deceased terrapin was found in western Baldwin County
Escambia
Yes
Team encountered nesting again this year
Santa Rosa
Yes
Two new locations were identified this year
Okaloosa
Yes
Encounters were lower this year
Walton
Yes
FIRST EVIDENCE OF NESTING IN WALTON COUNTY VERIFIED THIS YEAR
Bay
Yes
FIRST EVIDENCE OF NESTING IN BAY COUNTY VERIFIED THIS YEAR
Gulf
Yes
Team encountered nesting again this year
Franklin
ND
ND
Phase 2 Nesting Survey – Update
County
# of primary beaches1
# of secondary beaches2
# of surveys
# of encounters
FOE3
Baldwin
0
TBD
14
04
.00
Escambia
2
35
99
7
.07
Santa Rosa
3
45
137
25
.18
Okaloosa
4
3
20
1
.05
Walton
1
4
28
2
.07
Bay
3
3
47
14
.30
TOTAL
13
17
345
49
.14
1 primary beaches are defined as those where nesting is known to occur.
2 secondary beaches are defined as those where potential nesting is high but has not been confirmed.
3 FOE (Frequency of Encounters) is the number of terrapin encounters / the number of surveys conducted.
4 There was one deceased terrapin found by a tour guide in Baldwin County but was not part of the project.
5 There are potential nesting sites on Pensacola Beach that are technically in Escambia County but covered by the Santa Rosa team. The Escambia team focused on the Perdido Key area.
Phase 3 Trapping/Tagging Update
We currently have 8 years of data.
Terrapins have been tagged in 7 of the 8 panhandle counties.
1483 captures, 1061 individuals.
2025 Capture Effort
Method
County
Number
Description
Condition
Hand capture
Escambia
1
1 adult male
Deceased
Hand capture
Santa Rosa
5
4 adult females
1 unknown
Released, deceased
Hand capture
Okaloosa
1
1 adult female
Released
Dip Net
Santa Rosa
1
1 adult male
Released
Crab Traps
Santa Rosa
34
4 juvenile females
5 adult females
25 adult males
Released
Okaloosa
4
1 juvenile female
3 adult males
Released
TOTAL
46
5 juvenile females
10 adult females
30 adult males
1 unknown
Preliminary information subject to revision. Not for citation or distribution.
Satellite Tagging Information
Due to the size of the tags – only large females are satellite tagged at this time.
Big Momma – tracked for 188 days – averaged 0.16 miles.
Big Bertha – tracked for 137 days – averaged 35.83 miles.
2025 Tracking Effort
County
Tagging Effort
Santa Rosa
2 satellite tagged
6 acoustically tagged
Okaloosa
1 satellite tagged
TOTAL
8 tagged for tracking
Phase 4 Update
This phase began in 2025 and there are no results at this time.
Summary
2025
17 trainings were given in 7 of the 8 counties of the Florida panhandle (including Baldwin County AL).
188 were trained; 47 (25%) conducted at least one survey.
345 surveys were logged; terrapins (or terrapin sign) were encountered 49 (14%) of those surveys.
Every county had at least one encounter during a nesting survey.
17 trapping days were conducted; 46 terrapins were captured; 37 (83%) were captured in modified crab traps; 7 were captured by hand; 1 was captured in a dip net.
8 terrapins were tagged for tracking; 6 acoustically; 2 with satellite tags.
Since 2007
511 have been trained.
1449 surveys have been logged; 347 encounters have occurred; Frequency of Encounters is 24% of the surveys.
Discussion
Phase 1
We have shown that diamondback terrapins do exist in the Florida panhandle and in Baldwin County AL.
Phase 2
We currently have 13 primary nesting beaches we are surveying weekly during nesting season across the panhandle. There were 17 secondary nesting beaches surveyed and most likely there are many more to visit. Nesting seems to be more common in late spring, but the Frequency of Encounters has been declining since 2023. This could be due to less terrapin activity but could also be due to evidence being difficult to find. We will continue to monitor to see how this trend continues.
Phase 3
The team has captured 1483 terrapins, the majority of which were from the eastern panhandle. Satellite tagged females suggest more than one has traveled over 30 miles from where they were tagged. This goes against the idea that terrapins have strong site fidelity. However, all the terrapins tagged were large females (due to size of the tags) so we are looking at the movements of only the larger females – not the population as a whole. The movements of these females also suggest they may use seagrass beds as much as the salt marshes.
Training for volunteers occurs in March of each year. If you are interested in participating, contact Rick O’Connor – roc1@ufl.edu.
The bay scallop (Argopecten irradians) was once common in the lower portions of the Pensacola Bay system. However, by 1970 they were all but gone. Closely associated with seagrass, especially turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum), some suggested the decline was connected to the decline of seagrass beds in this part of the bay. Decline in water quality and overharvesting by humans may have also been a contributor. It was most likely a combination of these factors.
Scalloping is a popular activity in our state. It can be done with a simple mask and snorkel, in relatively shallow water, and is very family friendly. The decline witnessed in the lower Pensacola Bay system was witnessed in other estuaries along Florida’s Gulf coast. Today commercial harvest is banned, and recreational harvest is restricted to specific months and to the Big Bend region of the state. With the improvements in water quality and natural seagrass restoration, it is hoped that the bay scallop may return to lower Pensacola Bay.
Scallop harvest area. Image: Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Since 2015 Florida Sea Grant has held the annual Pensacola Bay Scallop Search. Trained volunteers survey pre-determined grids within Big Lagoon and Santa Rosa Sound. Below is the report for both the 2025 survey and the overall results since 2015.
Methods
Scallop searchers are volunteers trained by Florida Sea Grant. Teams are made up of at least three members. Two snorkel while one is the data recorder. More than three can be on a team. Some pre-determined grids require a boat to access, others can be reached by paddle craft or on foot.
Once on site the volunteers extend a 50-meter transect line that is weighted on each end. Also attached is a white buoy to mark the end of the line. The two snorkelers survey the length of the transect, one on each side, using a 1-meter PVC pipe to determine where the area of the transect ends. This transect thus covers 100m2. The surveyors record the number of live scallops they find within this area, measure the height of the first five found in millimeters using a small caliper, which species of seagrass are within the transect, the percent coverage of the seagrass, whether macroalgae are present or not, and any other notes of interest – such as the presence of scallop shells or scallop predators (such as conchs and blue crabs). Three more transects are conducted within the grid before returning.
The Pensacola Scallop Search occurs during the month of July.
Snorkel transect method. Image: University of Florida.
2025 Results
138 volunteers on 32 teams surveyed 22 of the 66 1-nautical mile grids (36%) between Big Lagoon State Park and Navarre Beach. 162 transects (16,200m2) were surveyed logging 8 scallops. All live scallops were reported from Santa Rosa Sound this year.
2025 Big Lagoon Results
13 teams surveyed 9 of the 11 grids (81%) within Big Lagoon. 76 transects were conducted covering 7,600m2.
No scallops were logged in 2025 though scallop shells were found. No sea urchins were reported but scallop predators – such as conchs, blue crabs, and rays were. This equates to 0.00 scallops/200m2 and moves Big Lagoon from a vulnerable system last year to a collapsed one this year. All three species of seagrass were found (Thalassia, Halodule, and Syringodium). Seagrass densities ranged from 50-100%. Macroalgae was present in 5 of the 9 grids (56%) and was reported abundant in grid 2.
2025 Santa Rosa Sound Results
19 teams surveyed 13 of the 55 grids (23%) in Santa Rosa Sound. 86 transects were conducted, covering 8,600m2.
8 scallops were logged which equates to 0.19 scallops/200m2. Scallop searchers reported blue crabs, conchs, and rays. All three species of seagrass were found. Seagrass densities ranged from 5-100%. Macroalgae was present in 7 of the 13 grids (54%) and was reported as abundant in 4 of those.
2015 – 2025 Big Lagoon Results
Year
No. of Transects
No. of Scallops
Scallops/200m2
2015
33
0
0.00
2016
47
0
0.00
2017
16
0
0.00
2018
28
0
0.00
2019
17
0
0.00
2020
16
1
0.12
2021
18
0
0.00
2022
38
0
0.00
2023
43
2
0.09
2024
67
101
3.02
2025
76
0
0.00
Big Lagoon Overall
399
104
0.52
2015 – 2025 Santa Rosa Sound Results
Year
No. of Transects
No. of Scallops
Scallops/200m2
2015
01
0
0.00
2016
01
0
0.00
2017
01
0
0.00
2018
01
0
0.00
2019
01
0
0.00
2020
01
0
0.00
2021
20
0
0.00
2022
40
2
0.11
2023
28
2
0.14
2024
85
32
0.76
2025
86
8
0.19
Santa Rosa Sound Overall
2591
44
0.34
1Transects were conducted during these years but data for Santa Rosa Sound was logged by an intern with the Santa Rosa County Extension Office and is currently unavailable.
Discussion
Based on a Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute publication in 2018, the final criteria are used to classify scallop populations in Florida.
Scallop Population / 200m2
Classification
0-2
Collapsed
2-20
Vulnerable
20-200
Stable
Based on this, over the last nine years we have surveyed, the populations in lower Pensacola Bay are still collapsed. Big Lagoon reached the vulnerable level in 2024, but no scallops were found there in 2025, returning to a collapsed state.
There are some possible explanations for low numbers in 2025.
It has been reported by some shellfish biologists that bay scallops have a “boom-bust” cycle. Meaning that one year their populations “boom” before returning to normal numbers. We could have witnessed this between 2024 and 2025.
Though we did not monitor water temperatures, July 2025 was extremely hot, and many volunteers reported their sites felt like “bath water”. Collecting efforts on other projects during July reported not capturing anything – no pinfish, hermit crabs – their nets were empty. It is possible that these warm conditions could have caused many organisms to move to deeper/cooler depths. Note here; as the project moved into August temperatures did begin to cool and searchers began reporting fish, conchs, blue crabs, and rays.
The Pensacola Bay area continues to have a collapsed system. The larger populations found in 2024 suggest that there are scallops in the area but may not be enough to increase their population status from collapsed to vulnerable. We will continue to monitor each July.
It is important for locals NOT to harvest scallops from either body of water. First, it is illegal. Second, any chance of recovering this lost population will be lost if the adult population densities are not high enough for reproductive success.
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank ALL 138 volunteers who surveyed this year. We obviously could not have done this without you.
Below are the “team captains”.
Ethan Sadowski John Imhof Kaden Luttermoser
John Wooten Susan Pinard Matt MacGregor
Christian Wagley Sean Hickey Jason Buck
Brian Mitchell Angela Guttman Caitlen Murrell
Samantha Brady (USM) Michelle Noa Kira Benton
Monica Hines Wesley Allen Kelly Krueger
Mikala Drees Jonathan Borowski Michael Currey
Gina Hertz Melinda Thoms Beau Vignes
Bill Garner Robert Moreland Stephanie Kissoon
Nick Roest Leah Yelverton
A team of scallop searchers celebrates after finding a few scallops in Pensacola Bay.
Volunteer measures a scallop he found. Photo: Abby Nonnenmacher
