Giant Florida Gecko - Tokay

The Tokay Gecko is the second largest Gecko species, attaining lengths of about 11–15 inches for males, and 7–11 inches for females, with weights of 5-10 oz. Their lifespan is 7-10 years.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokay_gecko

Tokays are solitary, and males are very territorial. Tokays only meet during the mating season. They are renowned for loud vocalizations, their mating call, a loud croak.

"Tokay Gecko mating call"

Ponce De Leon Park - Night Blooming Cactus Flowers

night blooming cereus time lapse

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zbzi8XydHQc

Epiphyllum Oxypetalum. A Cactus flower that blooms in the moonlight 2 to 3 times a year. It then dies by morning. Extremely fragrant and native to Central and South America, but does well in Florida too, trailing up palm trees. Common names are Night Blooming Cereus, Dutchmans Pipe and Queen of the Night

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zbzi8XydHQc&feature=PlayList&p=18FAAA9689B3196C&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=31

What's cute about the Cactus flower? I guess this lizard is enjoying the strong fragrance.

A little more than you may have wanted to know about the Cactus Flower...

Gulf Theatre Building - Venice Avenue

Once located on Venice Avenue, the Gulf Theatre Building also housed a Restaurant, Elks Lodge Hall and 4 other stores.

Now located on this site are the Bank of America and the United States Post Office

Owned and Operated by Mr. and Mrs. Victor Retty (Grxgxre)

Venice, Florida - Yesterday and Today

Yesterday a long stretch of white beach - a faint trail leading back through thousands of acres of high pine land to the beautiful Myakka River - a store - a half dozen homes of fisherman - a small railroad station - and no more.

Today - the same long stretch of white beach, but the faint trail has become a wide, paved, landscaped boulevard upon which converge other paved streets and boulevards lined with fine homes, apartment, parks, playgrounds and buildings - the main thoroughfare of a new and model resort city with electric light, water, sewerage and every modern convenience. A city of homes and a city of three thousand in habitants. A city backed up by a large and productive farm section that extends back to the Myakka River. A community of immense promise - a great and growing residential and agricultural empire.

You who believe only what you see will find here proof a plenty of the great activity that has created a complete city in a few short months.

Come to Venice! The Venice Representative will arrange your trip .

The Venice Company
Venice, Florida

Credit:
"The Venice News"
Friday, June 3, 1927
Price 15 cents the Copy
This issue is Dedicated to the Progress of Venice