This engaging introduction to Florida's Emerald Coast guides readers through a fascinating history that includes ancient tribes, Scottish pioneers, a Civil War camp, and a pirate's playground. Original.

"Ten years ago, Sue Cerulean realized the coastlines of her childhood along the New Jersey shore and of her adult years (a little-developed necklace of Gulf islands in Florida) were beginning to shift into the sea. She began to chronicle the story of "her" coastal areas as they are now, as they once were, and how they might be as Earth's oceans rise. Cerulean and her husband, oceanographer Jeff Chanton, have taken many field trips in various parts of these coastal areas"--

The first edition of Florida's Living Beaches (2007) was widely praised. Now, the second edition of this supremely comprehensive guide has even more to satisfy the curious beachcomber, including expanded content and additional accounts with more than 1800 full-color photographs, maps, and illustrations. It heralds the living things and metaphorical life along the state's 700 miles of sandy beaches. The expanded second edition now identifies and explains over 1400 curiosities, with lavishly illustrated accounts organized into Beach Features, Beach Animals, Beach Plants, Beach Minerals, and Hand of Man.

The author recreates the history of Florida's "Space Coast," revealing how science and government conspired to reshape this piece of the state's Western shoreline permanently. (Science & Mathematics)

A call to live with the coast, as opposed to living at the coast; unless Florida coastal communities conserve beaches and mitigate storm impacts, the future of the beach-based economy is in question.

Everyone knows the beaches of Florida are a top spot for locals and tourists alike, but many natives or visitors might not know the intricacies of Florida's coast. Broken down into roughly 12 parts, the entire coast of Florida and the Keys offer beachgoers a unique experience in any part of the state. In Discovering Florida’s Coast, Doug Alderson, popular Florida writer and successful Pineapple Press author, delves into what makes each section of the state’s coast different. From the emerald waters of Pensacola to the man-made islands and amazing skyline of Miami’s Biscayne Bay, readers interested in visiting different parts of the state’s beaches will not only see beautiful photos of the natural scenery but also learn key facts about the areas. Lifelong Floridians and first-time visitors will enjoy reading through and seeing what makes the state so appealing to beach lovers, whether they are interested in the water sports, the wildlife, or relaxing on the beach. See the powdered sugar-like white sands of the Emerald Coast or the historic lighthouses of the Forgotten Coast through the eyes of an author who has not only kayaked in all sections of the state's coastline, but who is a Florida nature and scenery lover through and through.