iStockphoto / Roman Tiraspolsky/TACrafts
Police officers in Sarasota County, Florida have had their hands full with alligators lately. Last week, officers wrangled and relocated a 14-foot alligator and this week they were called to a 7-Eleven convenience store to capture and relocate a 10-foot alligator that got lost in Sarasota.
I must say, it is always fun to see your hometown in the news and as someone who was born-and-raised in Sarasota, Florida it’s not often I get to see my town in the national news for something that isn’t embarrassing. So when I saw this story I jumped right on it and had to share it with you all.
10-Foot Alligator Found At 7-Eleven In Sarasota, Florida
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office shared footage of the 10+ foot alligator being captured at the 7-Eleven on 2751 N River Road in Venice (south Sarasota County). This particular 7-Eleven sits on the edge of the developed world an unbridled wilderness. You can see the map here and how one side represents the developmental sprawl of SW Florida and the other is untouched swampland.
Google Maps
I wouldn’t say I spend a ton of time at 7-Eleven but coincidentally this is one I shop at every year. That exit off I-75 is where I get off to head to Boca Grande and Little Gasparilla Island and I will always stop at that 7-Eleven to load up on Celsius and beef jerky for my staycations. You gotta love south Sarasota County for 7-Eleven being one of your best options for vacation shopping.
Anyway, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Department officers removed and relocated the 10’3″ alligator who had no intentions of going easily:
My toxic trait is that I think I could easily wrangle an alligator. Maybe it is the childhood spend in the Boy Scouts and outdoors catching snakes and turtles and anything else that moved, but I truly believe if given the right equipment I could safely and securely wrangle up an alligator of any size.
So when I saw this video last week of 14-foot alligator being captured and relocated here in Sarasota and how it took over 6 officers to secure the alligator I felt like I’d missed my calling in life.
For what it is worth, if you appreciate nature this is arguably the best time of year here in SW Florida to view alligators.
Myakka State Park is teeming with gators right now in Sarasota County as they all bask on the banks of the lake and rivers sunning during the days to warm themselves. It is not uncommon to see dozens of them huddled up together.