roseate spoonbills

Senior citizens have always flocked to Florida’s sandy shores, but the one that showed up last week really stood out. It’s — quite literally — a tough old bird.

Once phosphate mines are used up, you can only build on them using special construction techniques that mitigate radon gas. Low levels of toxicity means they usually become preserves or cattle ranches. But several old mines in the Tampa Bay area have had a different fate.

Is there anything more Floridian than a flamingo? They’re everywhere. Pink plastic ornaments dotting lawns. On cocktail swizzlers and motel signs.