When visiting Cone Heads 8020, it very common for people to inquire about places to stay, how many will the home sleep, does it have a pool, is the home on the beach or on the bay, etc, etc.
Thus, here is a simple Digital Directory of the Rental Homes, Cottages, Bed and Breakfasts, etc on 30E or Cape San Blas, FL. This Digital Directory list the various electronic resources, such as Facebook Pages, Websites and Instagram Accounts of the perspective Rental properties. The Directory primarily focuses on Cape San Blas, FL but we also will include rental properties located in Indian Pass, FL and along 30A.
Use the Directory to become familiar with the different properties–view the photos, message the owners, ask questions, etc. All of this will help with making the best decision for your next vacation to Cape San Blas, FL. Also, feel free to ask for suggestions by joining the Cape San Blas Beach to Bay Yard Sale, Trade and Tips page. This page is designed to be interactive and for people to communicate with each other concerning helpful tips, questions or concerns they have before or while visiting Cape San Blas, FL.
Please, if you have a rental located on Cape San Blas, FL, Indian Pass, FL or along 30A with a Facebook page, Website or Instagram page and we did not list your property–message us so that we can include it on the list.
We hope this helps with the search for great places to stay on Cape San Blas, Indian Pass and along 30A.
Cape San Blas, FL or 30E
Since 30E draft beer was a introduced in the Spring of 2016, it has been so well received, that Cone Heads 8020 decided to expand 30E beer a little. So, this year, Cone Heads 8020 will be making 30E beer available in Cans! That’s right! Soon, guests can enjoy the refreshing taste of 30E while they are on the beach, on the boat, at a picnic, camping, back at home, etc etc.
30E represents the beautiful, unspoiled and untouched world of Cape San Blas, FL. 30E is not just Old Florida but it is Original Florida. Because of this, we endeavored to captured the spirit or life force of Cape San Blas, FL in the design of the 30E beer can label.
Among the many natural features that make Cape San Blas, FL unique, one amazing facet is that the sun rises out of the water (the Bay) and sets back into the water (the Gulf). Thus, the slogan for 30E beer is: The Sun Rises & Sets on This Beer.
The description of the beer is: This laid-back ale pairs perfectly with life on Cape San Blas, FL. Pale yellow, the smooth malt profile and mild hop bitterness lingers like the Sun’s stroll from the Bay to the Beach.
The hashtag for 30E beer is #UnsurpassedCapeSanBlas. Why not include that hashtag in your future posts when visiting Cape San Blas, FL but especially when you are drinking 30E.
We truly hope that everyone will enjoy this relaxing taste of 30E! Below are images of the label. What do you think?
There is a field of study called Biomimetics. This is when scientists, engineers and others look to nature with the goal of copying or mimicking some of nature’s ingenious designs in order to develop products that are much more efficient, safe and environmentally responsible. Interestingly enough, some of the very animals found in nature that scientists, engineers and others have observed, studied and then created and designed machines or other products in imitation of these animals are found on and around Cape San Blas, FL. Take the Seagull for example.
Copying the Seagull’s Wings
Most people know that aircraft wings mimic that of birds, but did you know that researchers at the University of Florida “have built a prototype remote-controlled drone with a seagull’s ability to hover, dive and climb rapidly”? If a person stands or sits on the shore while on Cape San Blas, he or she will notice that Seagulls perform incredible flying maneuvers. Their aerobatic ability is the result of how they flex their wings at the elbows and shoulder joints. (New Scientist, Technology, “Is It a Bird, Is It a Plane . . . ,” September 3, 2005, p. 21.)
Seagulls have incredible aerobatic maneuvering abilities.
This 24-inch small prototype drone has the ability to hover and dive between tall buildings. It has such maneuvering capabilities that military personnel are interested in using technology like this drone in searching for chemical and biological weapons in large cities. Looking To The Seagull’s Feet
Did You Know: If a Seagull stands on ice, it will not freeze and that engineers have copied this amazing design? Seagulls are equipped with a neat feature: the Countercurrent Heat Exchanger.
How does this work?
When a Seagull stands on ice, the heat exchangers in its legs warm the blood as it returns from the bird’s cold feet.
When a Seagull stands on ice, the heat exchangers in its legs warm the blood as it returns from the bird’s cold feet.
Countercurrent Heat Exchange is when there are two pipes or tubes in close proximity to each other but warm fluid is running through a pipe or tube in one direction and at the same time a cool fluid is running through the different pipe or tube in a different direction.
Why is it important for the warm fluid and the cool fluid to run in opposite directions?
Because, if the warm and cool fluids run in the same direction, only about 50% of the heat from the warm fluid will transmit to the cool fluid to warm it. However, if the warm fluid and the cool fluid runs in the opposite directions, nearly all of the heat from the warm fluid will transmit to the cool fluid. When a Seagull stands on ice, the heat exchangers in its legs warm the blood as the cold blood from the Seagull’s feet circulate back to it body. This keeps the Seagull from freezing.
Ornithologist Gary Ritchison writes: “The principle of countercurrent heat exchange is so effective and ingenious that it has also been adapted in human engineering projects to avoid energy waste.” Arthur P. Fraas, a mechanical and aeronautical engineer, described this design as “one of the world’s most effective regenerative heat exchangers.”
Who knew mankind could learn so much from a Seagull!
One of the most unique and memorable experiences that a local or visitor to Cape San Blas can have is to watch a sea turtle make its way to nest and lay its eggs on the beach and, in time, watching the hatchlings make their way to the water and venture out on their own.
As the attached chart explains, provided by the Florida Coastal Conservancy, for a small peninsula, Cape San Blas had an active 2015 Sea Turtle season. It is not uncommon for vacationers and locals alike to have the exciting opportunity to observe mother sea turtles and baby sea turtles during the year. After all, sea turtles nest along all the beaches of Gulf County, including Indian Pass, St. Joe Beach and also Mexico Beach (which is actually the end of Bay County).
2015 Sea Turtle Nesting Summary for Cape San Blas (St. Joseph Peninsula)
But, as a person can imagine, both adult and baby sea turtles while on shore are pretty much defenseless and vulnerable to nearly every possible obstacle. That being the case, here are a few tips that help make the sea turtles onshore trek a little bit easier.
Sea Turtle Season Tips and Facts:
1.) “Don’t Go Near The Light!”—Beach Front Lighting.
Instinctively wise, sea turtles are born with internal instructions to move toward the brightest object on the beach. Thus, in a purely natural setting, the light emanating from the moon or the stars would reflect off the water and should direct the sea turtles to the sea. However, the bright beachfront lights can overshadow the natural lighting of the moon and the stars and disorientate the sea turtles.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission “suggested alternatives to decrease artificial lighting include use of motion sensors for safety, dark window tinting and curtains to cover inside light, and yellow incandescent light bulbs (“bug lights”). Studies have also shown that light from low pressure sodium vapor sources don’t attract turtles as much as high pressure sodium lights. Avoid fluorescent, mercury vapor, metal halide, and white incandescent lighting.”
In addition to the lighting from beachfront homes or businesses, if while walking on the beach, a person does get to experience sea turtles hatching and flopping their way to the water one evening, as tempting as it may be, please do not use cell phone lights to shine on and view the turtles.
2.) “I’ve Fallen and I Can’t Get Up!”—Fill In Sand Holes After Playing.
After a fun-filled day on the beach and digging around in the sand, please remember to fill in the holes when everyone retires for the night. Remember, sea turtles are vulnerable to everything on the beach, including falling into holes.
A Loggerhead Sea Turtle fell into a hole on the beach and had to be rescued by a local Sea Turtle Patrol.
3.) “It’s Like I Was Never There.”—Leave No Trace.
Gulf County has a Leave No Trace Ordinance in place and is enforced by the Gulf County Sheriff’s Office. By removing items off the beach, sea turtles will not run into or get wedged in them. It has been observed, for example, that sea turtles will get stuck under lounge chairs left on the beach.
A Loggerhead Sea Turtle is stuck under a lounge chair that was left on the beach. Photo taken by Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch.
4.) “Please Do Not Disturb.”
If there is a marked sea turtle nest on the beach, please do not disturb it or allow a pet to explore the nest.
Interesting Facts About Sea Turtles:
1.) Sea Turtles can live as long as humans: 40-60 years or longer.
2.) In Florida, where 90% of sea turtles nest, each year roughly between 40,000 and 84,000 sea turtle nests are documented.
3.) Female sea turtles lay between 80-120 eggs each nest they create. They nest every 2-to-3 years.
4.) Depending on the type of sea turtle, sea turtles can weigh between 75 to 1,300 pounds.
5.) Florida has 5 nesting sea turtles, all of which are either an endangered or threatened species and are protected by Florida Statues. The five types are:
Exciting New Product Announcement!
As many know, Cone Heads 8020 has been showcasing the beauty of Cape San Blas by creating a logo called 30E. 30E is the actual state name for the road extending the length of Cape San Blas. So far, we have designed 30E decals and merchandise. Now, we have something new: 30E Draft Beer Coming Soon!
Cone Heads 8020 has been involved in an extensive multifaceted renovation process. But, we have also been involved in another important and complex project: Creating Our Own Beer!
Much thought and planning went into this new product: Should it be a light beer? Should it be an IPA? What about a dark beer? How smooth? Should it be a craft beer? Will it be refreshing? Should it be this or that? How should the tap handle be designed? How can the tap handle reflect something unique about Cape San Blas?
In addition to our own 30E beer, Cone Heads 8020 will be offering two additional draft beers that cannot be purchased anywhere in Gulf County except at Cone Heads 8020.
We simply cannot wait for everyone to try our 30E draft beer and the additional two draft beers as well! We truly hope that everyone will enjoy these new products.
Scallop Season! No other words seem to get people more excited to get in the water. Scalloping is one of the most anticipated activities during the summer months in St. Joseph Bay. Thousands of people from across the United States purposely plan their vacations to Cape San Blas specifically during this exciting season. Whether a person is a beginner or a veteran, here are some useful tips for scalloping.
Scalloping Essentials and Equipment:
Fishing License:A Fishing License is required for people who are swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving to scallop. Those scalloping by wading (feet that do not leave the bottom to swim, snorkel, or scuba dive) are not required to possess a fishing license. However, the good news is that there are a few days designated Free Fishing Days. With regard to Scallop Season, a free fishing day would kick-in on the first Saturday in September–meaning a person can scallop either by swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving without being required to purchase a fishing license on that day.
Mask, Snorkel and Sometimes Water Shoes and Fins: Make sure the seals on the mask are not dried out or cracked. A leaking mask while scalloping is no fun! For those who prefer to wade while scalloping, investing in a pair of water shoes would protect the feet from stepping on urchins or other sharp or pointy objects.
Scalloping Gear: Mask, Snorkel and Fins
Gloves and Dip Net: Most individuals gather scallops using their bare hands. However, some prefer to put on a par of gloves or use a small dip net to scoop up the scallops. When scalloping, sometimes the scallops try to swim away using jet propulsion. Don’t worry, they do not swim fast though.
Drawstring Mesh Bag: This is recommended as it will allow a person to keep the scallops secure while gathering them and the bag provides the least resistance to swimmers as they are wading or snorkeling for scallops.
Drawstring Mesh Bag
Scallop Knife: Scalloping has two components: Gathering and Cleaning. Using a scallop knife, as opposed to a butter knife, will make cleaning the scallops both more efficient and effective.
Tip: Cleaning the scallops on the boat and tossing the remains back into the bay saves time, energy and a not-so-pleasant smell on shore because the scallop remains are left in the woods, in the trashcan or elsewhere where the smell travels and becomes a stench.
Good Scalloping Spot: While some people prefer to wade along the bayshore or near it to gather scallops, others enjoy taking a boat, canoe or kayak into the bay and look for nice scalloping spots.
Locating the Perfect Scalloping Spot
The best scalloping spots are normally where the water is 4 to 8 feet deep in the bay. Also, look for sea-grass beds. Why? Because often, scallops are located in the sea-grass beds or near the edges of sandy-spots. They are usually easiest to see in the areas where the sand bottom meets the edge of the sea-grasses.
Dive Flag: Whether a person is swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving or wading for scallops, a dive flag is required.
Dive Flag Requirements
Displayed On The Boat: A dive flag must be at least 20 inches by 24 inches. A stiffener is required to keep the flag unfurled. It must be displayed above the highest point of the boat and taken down when divers are out of the water.
Displayed on float attached to snorkeler: The dive flag must be at least 12 inches by 12 inches.
Divers must make reasonable efforts to stay within 300 feet of a divers-down flag on open waters (all waterways other than rivers, inlets or navigation channels) and within 100 feet of a flag within rivers, inlets, or navigation channels.
Vessel operators must make a reasonable effort to maintain a distance of at least 300 feet from divers-down flags on open waters and at least 100 feet from flags on rivers, inlets or navigation channels. Vessels approaching divers-down flags closer than 300 feet in open water and 100 feet in rivers, inlets and navigation channels must slow to idle speed.
Dive Flag
Cooler and Ice: As the scallops are gathered, it best to put them on ice to preserve the freshness. In addition, the ice will cause the scallops to open up. Thus, cleaning the scallops becomes much easier and faster.
Bag Limit: 2 gallons whole bay scallops in shell, or 1 pint of bay scallop meat per person. Maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell, or 1/2 gallon bay scallop meat per vessel.
We hope that these tips will prove helpful during the upcoming Scallop Season! Enjoy!
So, its time for the annual camping trip to St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. Everything is packed and ready to go. Or, while renting a home on Cape San Blas, family or friends decide to go visit St. Joseph Peninsula State Park for a day. Either way, whether camping in the park or just making it a day’s event, it’s time to explore and make some great memories. So, what are some of the activities that campers can enjoy while visiting St. Joseph Peninsula State Park? Here are a few…
One of the 3 Nature Trails
Hiking Nature Trails
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park taunts 3 different trails for people to explore: The Maritime Hammock Trail, the Bay View Nature Trail and the Wilderness Preserve Trail. Each trail brings the hiker into contact with a different, but pristine, aspect of nature.
Plant Identification
Along the hiking trails, why not keep the mind as active as the body by playing a little game of plant IDing? This no doubt will keep the conversations active and informative as well. Occasionally, along the hiking trails, markers are posted that identify certain types of botany.
Bird watching is truly remarkable.
Bird Watching
From the majestic Bald Eagle to the Wise Owl, the shear variety of birds is fascinating. St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is documented as being the most documented shorebird nesting beach in the Panhandle of Florida.
Fishing
OK, so this one is a no brainer. Still, the variety of tasty fish that can be caught are abundant. These include Speckled Trout, Red Drum, Flounder, Mullet, Bluefish, Whiting and Shark, just to name a few. Whether these are fried, grilled, baked or blackened, dinner is sure to be delicious!
Kayaking
Canoeing and Kayaking
Explore the waters as much as the nature trails! St. Joseph Peninsula State Park has plenty of areas in which canoes and kayaks can be launched into the Bay or the Gulf. The easiest way is to just take the canoe or kayak straight to the Gulf or the Bay and go from there. Or, a person can launch the vessel from Eagle Harbor, the Bay View Picnic area, etc.
Boating
Boating is a very popular activity at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. Boats can be launched at Eagle Harbor.
Scuba Diving
There is awesome scuba diving off-shore. There are many artificial reefs and wrecks in the Gulf of Mexico. A person can spear fish, lobster, etc.
Scalloping
Truly one of the most coveted and exciting activities to do in the Bay is scalloping! Between July 1-around the 3rd week of September, Scallop Season is in full swing. This should be on the must do list for campers! Glide through the waters and observe some of the most beautiful and fascinating underwater species. Comb through the sea grass and find Rays, Sea Horses, Spider Crabs, Puffer Fish, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc. There is not limit to the sea life that is located in the Bay or Gulf. Scalloping Tips
Shelling
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park can be a shell pickers paradise! Literally, tons of shells can be washed onto the shore. Comb through the shells to find the perfect one!
Watching Wildlife
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is full of wonderful wildlife. There are Deer, Bobcats, Foxes, Otters, Raccoons, Squirrels, Opossum, Coyotes, Armadillo, etc.
Bicycling
There are 4 miles of road in the park for cyclists to enjoy. Plus, there is a 10 mile bike path located long the entire peninsula.
S’mores Contest
This both satisfies someone’s literal hunger and hunger for competition. Delish!
Playground
Located at the Bay View area is a playground for the kids and a picnic shelter for the parents to watch the kids.
Picnicking
There is a large picnic pavilion and smaller picnic pavilions for campers to utilize. The Bay View picnic area provides access to the mile-long Bay View Trail, has a large picnic shelter for family gatherings, a large playground, canoe/kayak launch and restrooms. The picnic area at Eagle Harbor provides small picnic shelters, restrooms, boat ramp and access to the beach and bay.
Horseback Riding
Cape San Blas is one of the few places where horseback riding is permitted on the beach and a unique feature to add to any camping trip. Contact Broke-A-Toe for details about adding horseback riding to the camping itinerary.
Recently, we have received several inquires as to the Ordinances in Gulf County pertaining to the Leash Law, Leave No Trace, Beach Driving and Golf Carts. Because it would take a considerable amount of time to answer each question individually, we have prepared a note with helpful information that is all public record.
1.) Leash Law:Pets on the Beach, at the Parks, etc.
Gulf County does have a Leash Law in effect and an individual can receive a citation if an officer views a person’s pet unleashed and running on either public property (Parks, the Beaches, etc) and other people’s private property even if the owner is watching his or her pet.
The Gulf County Ordinance No. 2008-20, under Section 1., entitled Definitions, provides the following explanations concerning pets:
At Large is defined as an animal when off the property and not under restraint.
Confined is defined as within a building, pen fenced yard, vehicle, on a leash or on a chain.
Restraint is defined as confined within the real property limits of its owner or secured by a leash or lead.
Gulf County Ordinance No. 2008-20, also covers the topic of pet owners being responsible for cleaning up their pet’s waste on either public property (Parks, the Beaches, etc) and other people’s private property. Under Definitions, Section 1, the definition entitled Public Nuisance or Nuisance Animal specifically addresses the pet owners responsibility of cleaning and disposing their pet’s waste immediately.
Section 10 discusses Citations and Violations.
Gulf County Ordinance No. 2008-20 can be found here.
2.) Leave No Trace.
The Gulf County Ordinance No. 2015-07 pertaining to Leave No Trace can be found here.
As a general rule, all personal property and items must be removed from the beaches. However, there are a few exceptions to this, for example, pertaining to weddings and other beach events. Permits are required for someone needing to make use of these exemptions. This ordinance also discusses such matters as Camping on the beaches, Fires on the beaches, etc.
Recently, Gulf County is becoming increasingly attentive to items and property being left on the beaches. Citations and confiscations are beginning to to enforced. Signs have been created and will be posted along the beaches for the public.
3.) Beach Driving.
The Gulf County Ordinance No. 2015-08 discusses Beach Driving. Driving is permitted on the beaches. However, there are a number of regulations that a person driving a vehicle on the beaches must either be educated on and/or observe, such as Permitting and Fees, Access Points, Speed Limit, Violations and Fines, etc. At the time a permit is purchased, the purchaser is provided with a pamphlet and a copy of this Ordinance.
The Gulf County Ordinance No. 2015-08 can be found here.
4.) Golf Carts
Locals and Visitors alike are commenting on the number Golf Carts that can be regularly seen during the day and in the evening on either the Bike Path on Cape San Blas or on the main road of State Road 30E (Cape San Blas Road).
It has been observed that teenagers are driving these vehicles while friends are holding onto the Golf Cart while riding skateboards.
Gulf County Ordinance No. 2009-05 discusses the Rules and Regulations regarding Golf Carts. This ordinance can be found here.
Other Links to Information Sources in Gulf County. Feel Free to Contact these Sources with any Questions or Concerns.
We sincerely hope that this information will make it much easier and convenient for people to locate important information and provide some clarity regarding these topics. We will update this page as relevant information comes to the fore.
Fatal error: Uncaught Error: Call to undefined function twentythirteen_paging_nav() in /usr/home/coneheads/public_html/coneheadseightytwenty.com/wp-content/themes/coneheads/author.php:50
Stack trace:
#0 /usr/home/coneheads/public_html/coneheadseightytwenty.com/wp-includes/template-loader.php(106): include()
#1 /usr/home/coneheads/public_html/coneheadseightytwenty.com/wp-blog-header.php(19): require_once('/usr/home/coneh...')
#2 /usr/home/coneheads/public_html/coneheadseightytwenty.com/index.php(17): require('/usr/home/coneh...')
#3 {main}
thrown in /usr/home/coneheads/public_html/coneheadseightytwenty.com/wp-content/themes/coneheads/author.php on line 50
VOTED BEST ALL-AROUND
