June 1, 2025| Volume XX

Thanks for being a lifesaving blood donor!

We have a blood drive coming up and would love to see you there!

Please walk in to donate at:

Nelson's Outdoor Resort

06/13/2025: 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

19400 SE Hwy 42

Umatilla, FL 32784

Thank you again for your continued support of our community blood supply. It is people like you who are the heroes to the patients in our hospitals.

Please call 352-554-2843 to schedule your appointment today!!

We encourage you to please be aware that appointments are encouraged but not required..

Attention Residents:

Please do not feed animals outdoors. Do not leave food bowls outside on the porch or in the yard, this only attracts other wildlife.

Thank you,

Park Management

June is here...feel the heat!

🌴 June marks the official start of hurricane season in Florida (June 1st through November 30th). While storms can happen anytime during the season, June often brings the first signs of tropical activity. Floridians start prepping emergency kits and watching the weather more closely.

But it's not all about storms—June is also the start of sea turtle nesting season along Florida’s coasts. Loggerhead turtles, especially, come ashore to lay their eggs at night. Beach towns often hold eco-friendly events or guided turtle walks, particularly on the Atlantic coast.

Would you like something more cultural, nature-based, or event-specific for June in Florida?

🎣 Freshwater Fishing Limits

These apply statewide unless otherwise specified:

Black Bass (Largemouth, Spotted, Suwannee, Choctaw, Shoal):
Bag Limit: 5 per day (only 1 can be 16 inches or longer).
Minimum Length: 12 inches for Suwannee, Shoal, Spotted, and Choctaw bass.
Shoal bass must be released immediately in the Chipola River and its tributaries.
Panfish (Bluegill, Redear, Sunfish species):
Bag Limit: 50 per day.
Crappie (Speckled Perch):
Bag Limit: 25 per day.
Striped, White, and Sunshine Bass:
Bag Limit: 20 per day (only 6 can be 24 inches or longer).
Specific rules apply in the Suwannee River and lower Ochlockonee River.
Butterfly Peacock Bass:
Bag Limit: 2 per day (only 1 can be 17 inches or longer).American Eels:
Bag Limit: 25 per day, each at least 9 inches long.
Shad Species (Alabama, American, Hickory, Blueback Herring):
Bag Limit: 10 per day, hook and line only.
Largemouth Bass (Trophy Catch Program):
One bass over 8 pounds can be temporarily possessed for documentation, then must be released.

🌊 Saltwater Fishing Limits

These apply in Florida state waters (from shore to 3 miles in the Atlantic and 9 miles in the Gulf):

Snook:
Size Limit: 28–33 inches (varies by region).
Bag Limit: 1 per harvester per day.
Closed seasons and regional restrictions apply.
Red Drum (Redfish):
Size Limit: 18–27 inches.
Bag Limit: 1 per harvester per day (varies by region).
Closed season in the Indian River Lagoon region.
Spotted Seatrout:
Size Limit: 15–19 inches (may possess one over 19 inches).
Bag Limit: 3–5 per harvester per day (varies by region).
Closed seasons in certain zones.
Grouper Species:
Red Grouper:
Size Limit: 20 inches.
Bag Limit: 3 per harvester per day in the Atlantic; 2 in the Gulf.
Closed season in the Atlantic (Jan 1–Apr 30); open year-round in the Gulf.
Other Grouper (Yellowfin, Yellowmouth, Rock Hind, etc.):
Size Limit: 20 inches.
Bag Limit: 3 per harvester per day in the Atlantic; 4 in the Gulf.
Closed season in the Atlantic (Jan 1–Apr 30); open year-round in the Gulf.
Tarpon:
Bag Limit: 1 per harvester per year.
Requires a $50 harvest tag.
Catch and release is encouraged; must remain in the water during release.
Bonefish:
Bag Limit: 0 per harvester.
Catch and release only.

Indian Fish Curry (Spicy & Flavorful)

Ingredients:

500g white fish (like cod or tilapia), cut into chunks
1 onion, chopped
2 tomatoes, pureed
2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp turmeric, cumin, coriander powder
1/2 tsp chili powder
200 ml coconut milk
Fresh cilantro

Instructions:

Sauté onions and ginger-garlic paste until golden.
Add tomatoes and spices; cook until oil separates.
Add coconut milk and simmer.
Add fish, cook gently 7-10 mins until done.
Garnish with cilantro, serve with rice or naan.

Fish Tacos (Mexican-Inspired)

Ingredients:

400g firm white fish (grilled or fried)
Taco shells
Cabbage slaw (cabbage, lime juice, mayo)
Pico de gallo or salsa
Sour cream or crema

Instructions:

Cook seasoned fish in a skillet until golden.
Warm taco shells.
Assemble with slaw, fish, salsa, and crema.

Perfectly Cooked Shrimp:

Color: Turns from translucent gray to opaque white with pink/red accents.
Shape: Shrimp curl into a loose “C” shape.
Texture: Firm to the touch but still juicy and tender—not tough or dry.

❌ Undercooked Shrimp:

Still translucent or gray in parts.
Feels slimy and soft.
Doesn’t curl much.

❌ Overcooked Shrimp:

Color is overly white and dry-looking.
Curls tightly into an “O” shape.
Texture is rubbery or chewy.

Cooking Time Guide:

Pan-frying or sautéing: 1–2 minutes per side
Boiling: 2–3 minutes max
Grilling: 2–3 minutes per side
Baking: 6–8 minutes at 400°F (200°C)

Pro Tips:

Pull them off the heat the moment they’re pink and opaque—they keep cooking slightly from residual heat.
Cook in batches if you’re doing a lot, so you don’t crowd the pan and steam them.

The month of June has a rich history rooted in ancient traditions, astronomy, and cultural developments. Here are some highlights:

🌞 Origins of the Name

June is named after Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth, so it's traditionally a popular wedding month.
In Latin, it was called Iunius mensis.

📜 Ancient History

In the Roman calendar, June was the fourth month (before January and February were added) and had 29 days until Julius Caesar’s reform made it 30 days in the Julian calendar.
The summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, usually occurs around June 20–21, celebrated since ancient times by civilizations like the Druids at Stonehenge.

🗽 Historical Events in June

June 6, 1944 – D-Day: Allied forces landed in Normandy, a major turning point in WWII.
June 19, 1865 – Juneteenth: Union soldiers arrived in Texas to announce the end of slavery, now a U.S. federal holiday.
June 28, 1914 – Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, sparking World War I.
June 26, 1945 – The United Nations Charter was signed in San Francisco.

Boats come in many shapes and sizes, each designed for specific environments and purposes. Here's a guide to common types of boats and the waters they’re best suited for:

1. Jon Boat

Best For: Calm inland waters like lakes, rivers, and small bays.
Features: Flat bottom, lightweight, often aluminum or wood.
Strengths: Very stable in calm water, easy to transport, and affordable.
Weaknesses: Not safe in rough or open water; lacks a deep hull for wave handling.

2. Bass Boat

Best For: Freshwater lakes and rivers.
Features: Low-profile, high-performance boats with casting decks.
Strengths: Ideal for fishing; fast and maneuverable.
Weaknesses: Not designed for rough water or ocean use.

3. Pontoon Boat

Best For: Calm lakes and slow-moving rivers.
Features: Flat deck on two or three hollow tubes (pontoons).
Strengths: Spacious, great for leisure, parties, and families.
Weaknesses: Poor handling in rough water or strong currents.

4. Ski/Wake Boat

Best For: Smooth freshwater lakes.
Features: Powerful engines, ballast systems, and specialized hulls.
Strengths: Designed for watersports like wakeboarding and water skiing.
Weaknesses: Not suitable for choppy or ocean water.

5. Center Console Boat

Best For: Both inshore and offshore saltwater fishing.
Features: Open deck, steering console in the center.
Strengths: Versatile, good in choppier coastal water, easy to fish from all sides.
Weaknesses: Less weather protection.

6. Cabin Cruiser

Best For: Coastal and offshore cruising.
Features: Enclosed cabin with sleeping, cooking, and bathroom facilities.
Strengths: Comfortable for long trips, handles rough water well.
Weaknesses: Expensive to buy and maintain, needs docking/storage space.

7. Trawler

Best For: Long-distance coastal or open-ocean cruising.
Features: Displacement hull, efficient at slow speeds, large fuel tanks.
Strengths: Fuel-efficient for long journeys, very seaworthy.
Weaknesses: Slow, not ideal for short trips or high speed.

8. Sailboat

Best For: Lakes, coastal waters, and open oceans (depending on size).
Features: Uses wind power, comes in various types (sloop, catamaran, etc.).
Strengths: Economical fuel-wise, good for long journeys (especially bluewater sailboats).
Weaknesses: Requires skill and weather awareness; slow compared to motorboats.

9. Jet Boat / Jet Ski

Best For: Lakes, rivers, and calm coastal areas.
Features: Propelled by a jet of water.
Strengths: Highly maneuverable, shallow-draft for beach landings or rivers.
Weaknesses: Poor in rough water; not fuel-efficient over long distances.

10. Offshore Powerboat / Sportfisher

Best For: Deep sea fishing and offshore cruising.
Features: V-shaped hulls, powerful engines, cabins, and gear for big game fishing.
Strengths: Fast, stable in open water, built to handle large waves.
Weaknesses: Expensive and high fuel consumption.

📢 Park Announcement:

Kiddie Pool Rules & Guidelines

To ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone in our park, please follow these important rules regarding the use of small swimming pools:

🏖️ Pool Depth Limit

All pools must be no deeper than 6 inches of water. This helps keep playtime safe for children of all ages.

💧 Evening Drain Requirement

Pools must be drained and emptied every evening.

➡️ No pool should be left filled with water overnight.

Allowing pools to dry out overnight helps prevent hazards such as drowning risks and mosquito breeding.

We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our park a safe and enjoyable place for all families!

— Park Management

Fishing License-Retail Locations

Fishing licenses are available at various retail stores, including:

Walmart
Rural King
Dick's Sporting Goods
Bass Pro Shops

These locations typically offer both freshwater and saltwater licenses.

Fishing License-Marion County Tax Collector’s Office

The primary location for purchasing fishing licenses is the Marion County Tax Collector’s office:

Marion County Tax Collector

503 SE 25th Ave, Ocala, FL 34471

Phone: (352) 368-8200

Website: mariontax.com

They offer a variety of licenses, including: Marion County Tax Collector

Resident and non-resident freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses
Snook and lobster permits
5-year and lifetime hunting and fishing licenses
Senior citizen hunting and fishing licenses

You can also renew or purchase licenses online through their website

Online Purchase

For added convenience, you can buy a fishing license online:

Visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website: myfwc.com
Or call the FWC customer service line at 1-888-347-4356 for assistance

Florida offers several license-free fishing days in 2025, allowing residents and visitors to fish without a license on designated weekends. However, all other fishing regulations, such as seasons, bag limits, and size limits, still apply.

🎣 Freshwater License-Free Fishing Days

June 14–15: Second consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June

These weekends provide an excellent opportunity to experience freshwater fishing across Florida's lakes, rivers, and streams. Family-friendly events are often held during these weekends, offering activities like casting contests, exhibitors, and free lunch for youth participants.

🌊 Saltwater License-Free Fishing Days

June 7–8: First consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June
September 6: First Saturday in September
November 29: Saturday following Thanksgiving

On these days, the fishing license requirement is waived for all recreational anglers, including both residents and non-residents. The waiver applies to any recreational harvest requiring a saltwater fishing license, such as crabbing, lobstering, and scalloping, as well as fishing from shore or a boat. A snook or spiny lobster permit is also not required on these days.

These license-free fishing days are a great opportunity to enjoy Florida's diverse fishing opportunities without the need for a fishing license. Remember to check the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's website for the most up-to-date information and any additional events or activities.

🌿 The Forgotten Root That Could Transform Your Health – Discover the Healing Power of Greater Burdock

💫 1. It’s Loaded With Antioxidants

Burdock root is a rich source of flavonoids, polyphenols, and lignans — plant-based antioxidants that protect your cells from free radical damage. These compounds help reduce oxidative stress, slow the aging process, and protect your body’s most vital systems.

🧽 2. Supports Liver Health and Detoxification

Your liver is your body’s natural filter — and burdock root helps it function better. This root has long been used to gently stimulate liver detox pathways, helping the body flush out toxins, pollutants, and waste. If you’ve been feeling sluggish, bloated, or low-energy, supporting your liver may be the key.

🦠 3. Boosts the Immune System Naturally

With its antimicrobial and immune-enhancing compounds, burdock root may help your body defend itself from seasonal illnesses and chronic inflammation. It stimulates immune cells and supports your body’s natural ability to detect and eliminate invaders.

🔥 4. Helps Reduce Inflammation and Joint Pain

Chronic inflammation is at the root of many health problems — from skin flare-ups to joint stiffness. Burdock root contains anti-inflammatory agents that may help soothe aches, reduce swelling, and support healthier skin, especially when taken consistently over time.

🌾 5. Improves Digestion and Gut Health

A happy gut means a happier you — and burdock root delivers in this department too. It contains inulin, a type of prebiotic fiber that feeds the good bacteria in your gut. This promotes smoother digestion, better nutrient absorption, and even supports a stronger immune system.

The Story of Willow River

The sun hung low in the sky, spilling golden light over the lazy bends of the Willow River. The summer air buzzed with cicadas and the gentle splash of paddles as canoes drifted by. Families dotted the riverbanks with tents, campfires, and the laughter of vacation days that stretched long and free.

Ten-year-old Marcus stood awkwardly beside his family’s tent, clutching a worn-out comic book. He was used to summers spent with his cousins, but this year it was just him, his mom, and his dad, trying something new. Camping. Without Wi-Fi.

Next door, a beat-up truck pulled into the neighboring site, towing a mismatched trailer. Out tumbled another boy — sandy hair, tan skin, and an armful of fishing gear. He looked Marcus’s age.

“Hey,” Marcus offered, pushing his comic book under his arm.

The other boy looked up. “Hey. I’m Jayden.”

“I’m Marcus. You fish?”

“Yeah. Wanna come?”

It wasn’t even a question. Marcus nodded. They crossed the campsite like they’d known each other forever.

For the next week, they were inseparable — building rock forts, skipping stones, and inventing a secret handshake that involved a slap, a spin, and a whispered “riverlight.” They made up stories about a hidden treasure buried somewhere along the riverbank — pirate gold, buried during the Civil War. Jayden even swore his grandpa told him about it once.

One afternoon, while exploring a dry creek bed that fed into the river, Marcus’s foot hit something hard. A rusty corner of metal poked through the dirt.

“Dude!” Jayden dropped to his knees, helping clear it. “It’s like… a box?”

They unearthed a weathered metal chest, small but heavy. With dirty fingers and pounding hearts, they pried it open. Inside, they found old coins, waterlogged papers, and a leather pouch full of arrowheads.

Jayden grinned. “We found treasure!”

They ran back to camp, panting and waving the box in the air. Jayden’s dad helped clean the items and later confirmed the coins were old, some from the 1800s. The arrowheads were likely Native American. A local historian, brought in by the park ranger, said it was a “remarkable find” — not priceless, but a real piece of history.

The boys were interviewed for the town newspaper. The story ran under the headline: “River Boys Unearth History.”

The families decided to donate the chest to the small river museum nearby. In return, the museum gave them each a commemorative plaque, with their names etched in brass and a photo of the two boys, grinning beside their discovery.

On their last night, the river glowed orange in the sunset. The boys sat by the water, feet in the current.

“That was awesome,” Marcus said.

“Best summer ever,” Jayden agreed. “Next year — same spot?”

Marcus bumped his fist. “Riverlight.”

Jayden grinned. “Riverlight.”

And the current carried their laughter downstream, as two boys, once strangers, became part of a story that would ripple down the Willow River for years to come.

Mystery writer...

The Ocklawaha River (often spelled Oklawaha or Oclawaha) in central Florida played a key role in 19th- and early 20th-century freight transport, especially before widespread railroads and highways. It was an important waterway linking the St. Johns River with inland parts of Florida like Ocala and Silver Springs.

Here’s a look at the types of freight that traveled the Ocklawaha River:

🛶 Agricultural Products

Citrus – Oranges and other citrus fruits from groves in Marion and surrounding counties were shipped downriver to markets.
Cotton – Grown in small quantities in North Central Florida during the 1800s.
Vegetables & Corn – Transported to larger hubs for trade or local sale.

🌲 Timber and Naval Stores

Lumber – One of the most important goods; cypress, pine, and other hardwoods cut from nearby forests were floated down the river.
Turpentine & Resin – Derived from pine trees, these “naval stores” were vital for shipbuilding and maintenance.

🪨 Minerals and Raw Materials

Phosphate – Mined in central Florida in the late 19th century, some was moved along parts of the river network before better transport links emerged.
Sand & Clay – For construction and brick-making.

🧳 General Goods & Passengers

Steam-powered riverboats also carried:
Mail and supplies to rural settlements
Manufactured goods (tools, fabrics, canned goods)
Tourists and naturalists (like Harriet Beecher Stowe), especially to places like Silver Springs, which became a major attraction.

The river’s winding nature made it difficult to navigate, but its scenic beauty and utility made it an essential part of Florida's early transport system. Eventually, railroads replaced it as the primary freight corridor, and by the mid-1900s, commercial traffic largely ceased.

Would you like a historical map or image of the steamboats that ran the Ocklawaha?

Florida Fishing in June

l🎣 Inshore Fishing

Inshore waters heat up, and many species are actively feeding.

Snook – Peak season on both coasts; they’re feeding aggressively near mangroves, bridges, and passes.
Redfish – Common in estuaries and grass flats.
Speckled Trout – Found in seagrass beds; great light tackle fishing.
Tarpon – June is prime time, especially around Boca Grande, the Keys, and Tampa Bay. Massive schools migrate and provide world-class sportfishing.

🌊 Offshore/Deep Sea Fishing

June offers great conditions and a wide range of pelagic species.

Mahi-Mahi (Dolphinfish) – Found in the Gulf Stream and offshore Atlantic; highly active in June.
King Mackerel – Still running strong nearshore and offshore.
Wahoo – A solid target offshore, particularly in the Keys.
Tuna – Blackfin and yellowfin (especially off the Panhandle and deep Gulf).
Grouper and Snapper – June usually aligns with red snapper season in the Gulf (check for specific dates); gag grouper are also targeted on reefs and wrecks.

🐟 Freshwater Fishing

Don’t forget inland lakes and rivers:

Largemouth Bass – Topwater action heats up early in the morning and late in the day.
Bluegill & Shellcracker – Often bedding in June, making for fast and fun fishing.

Florida requires a fishing license for most saltwater and freshwater fishing (exceptions apply for certain piers, charters, and residents). Regulations like size and bag limits also vary by species and region.

Nelson's Yard of the Month for

JUNE

Congratulations to lot # 55

Corey Rickards and Joshua Pack!

Thank you from all of us at Nelson's!

Please stop by the office to receive your $25 cash prize!

Nelson's Resident Birthdays in JUNE!

Happy Birthday!

Rafael Pizzaro Lot #71

Kelly Branham Lot #83

From all of us at Nelson's

Summer Stories Start on the Water

Save 30% Off Your Boat Certification

The long weekend is almost here — but before you can hit the water, you’ll need one thing: your boater certification. Get certified for Memorial Day and save 30% with the code MEMORIES2025.

Happy Father's Day!

June 15th, 2025

We hope you have a wonderful and relaxing day!

Monthly Newsletter Submissions – Resident Contributions Welcome!

Do you have something you'd like to share in our community newsletter? Whether it's an event, a shout-out, a helpful tip, or a fun story, we’d love to include it!

If you're interested in contributing to next month’s edition, please contact the office and let us know what you’d like to submit.

Deadline for submissions: by the end of the month

Thank you for helping make our newsletter even better!

Nelson's Contact Information:

Email= am@nelsonsoutdoorresort.com

Office Phone........................352-821-3474

Park after-hours...................352-460-1446

Maintenance.........................352-821-0506

(available 24/7)