Once upon a time, in the sun-kissed, alligator-notorious state of Florida, where oranges grow fatter than a sun-hogging beach bum, and the sun shines brighter than a disco ball at a gator's tea party, a motley crew of adventurous kids embarked on an exciting sailing escapade. These weren't your ordinary, video-game addled, candy-craving youngsters. Nah! These were the formidable Florida Mariner Munchkins! The kids, with their sunblock-slathered noses and captain hats cocked at a jaunty angle, were often seen chirping like seagulls and leaping from one boat to another like capering dolphins. They had a quirky mentor, a one-legged, exuberant pelican named Paddy. He was a crackling bag of feathers, with a laugh louder than a thunderclap, and a knack for spinning wild tales of his time battling monstrous sea-squids and conga-dancing lobsters. Paddy trained the Mariner Munchkins to steer the boats around pesky pirate seagulls, dance to the rhythm of the untamed waves, and navigate through the maze of coral reefs that sparkled like sunken treasure under the turquoise Florida waters. The sails of their little boats would flutter in the wind like the wings of giant flamingos running off with their dad's barbeque sandwiches. With the salty sea breeze in their hair and a sparkle in their eyes, these kids were more than just Florida's youngest sailors; they were the giggling guardians of the vast, whimsical waters. Oh, the tales they would tell! About the time they raced with the Delirious Dolphins, or that day when a band of rogue crabs tried to hitch a ride to Bora Bora. Each day was a new chapter in the grand adventure of sailing in the vibrant, wild, and just-a-wee-bit-wacky waters of Florida.
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The Happy Hive is an inclusive play space designed to spark joy and connection for every child. With a special focus on comfort and accessibility for neurodivergent kids, our environment welcomes children of all abilities to explore, move, and create at their own pace. From climbing walls, swings, and zip lines to dedicated zones for pretend play and art, The Happy Hive offers both high-energy fun and creative outlets. While we cater to children ages 1-13 for neurotypical kids, we have no age limit when it comes to kids with special needs—because play should have no boundaries. At The Happy Hive, we believe every child deserves a space where they can feel safe, included, and free to be themselves.
Sarasota Youth Sailing was founded in the late 1970s by Kathy Waggener, and began with seven students in the first class. In 1980, the organization was incorporated as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation. Sarasota Youth Sailing provides a unique opportunity for children to explore the world of sailing. The original Clearwater Prams provide an exciting experience for children to explore the waters of Sarasota Bay. With singlehanded Laser Sailing, children can explore the waters independently. Sarasota Youth Sailing is a great way for children to gain confidence and develop skills that will last a lifetime. With the guidance of Kathy Waggener, and the support from the organization’s 501 (c) (3) status, children can be sure that they will be in good hands.
We have become a vibrant, world-renowned marine research institution, recognized by our peers for our commitment to ocean exploration and conservation. At our institution, we recognize that the future of our oceans is inextricably linked to the future of our planet, and our research and education programs are focused on finding solutions to the most pressing challenges facing our oceans today. We strive to empower our children and future generations with the knowledge and skills they need to create a brighter future for the marine environment. Together, we will work to find the answers in the ocean that will help us protect and conserve it for generations to come.