Swamp Buggy Races

Southwest Florida, come on out ye hear and enjoy the "World Famous Swamp Buggy Races." The weekend gets off to a great start with the Swamp Buggy Parade this Saturday at 10:00 am in Naples. The parade starts just North of the Coastland Mall, and precedes down US 41/Tamiami Trail to 5th Avenue South, in Downtown Naples. Come early, bring your chairs, find a great spot, see the Swamp Buggies that will be racing, and enjoy a mighty fine parade.



Saturday afternoon at the Florida Sports Park, home of the Swamp Buggy Races, features the time trials for Sundays Main Event, "The Budweiser Fall Classic." Kick off your shoes and enjoy a evening of fun with the Swamp Buggy Dance Saturday Night.

Sunday is the big race at the Florida Sports Park. Do yourselves a favor, and come out to see a Southwest Florida Tradition, of Swamp Buggy Racing, that has been taking place for over 60 years. See if your favorite swamp buggy and driver can make it through the famous "Sippy Hole," on their way to victory lane. Watch as the winning driving gets to take a plunge into the murky, muddy water, with the Swamp Buggy Queen.

photo by naplesrealestate

Enjoy Southwest Florida,

Robin Bishop
swflfun.com
southwestflfun@gmail.com

Conservation Of Water

Water is our most precious resource and we can all take steps in an effort to practice water conservation. Here are some tips that will help us in our conservation efforts and extend our water supply.



1. Limit your time in the shower, take a shorter one rather than a longer one.

2. Run the dishwasher only when full.

3. Invest in a front loading washing machine, as it uses less water.

4. Invest in a water saving or high efficiency toilet.

5. Collect rainwater for watering plants and garden.

6. Save the water that is left after cooking vegetables for watering your plants as it contains lots of nutrients for healthier plants.

7. When brushing your teeth, do not run the water while your are brushing your teeth.

8. Make sure there are no dripping faucets inside your house, outside water leaks or hoses that have not been turned off completely, as this can waste a large amount of water.

9. Install water saving or water efficient shower heads.

10. When washing your clothes, do not overfill the washing machine and select the proper water level for the load that you are doing.

It is important not only to practice water conservation, but to make certain that our water supply be kept safe and clean. Our water can become contaminated with pathogens such as Cholera, as it is carried by water. This is why it is important to ensure the safety of our water supply.

Another helpful posting under the topic of conservation, 10 Tips To Lower Your Electric Bill
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photo by stevendepolo

Enjoy Southwest Florida,

Robin Bishop
swflfun.com
southwestflfun@gmail.com

Fall Activities In Southwest Florida

Hey, Southwest Florida are you looking for something to do with family and friends over this cool Florida Fall Weekend? Have I got the answer for you! This weekend kicks off the start of CityFest, in Naples with an Octoberfest in downtown Naples, on Saturday October 16, from 3pm-9pm.

In Bonita Springs, at Riverside Park, on Old 41 the Caribbean Music Festival will be held, on Saturday October 16, from 1pm-9pm and on Sunday October 17, from 1pm-6pm.

Just to our North on Sanibel, The J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge will be hosting the "Ding" Darling Days. Sunday October 17, is "Family Fun Day" at "Ding" Darling NWR. "Ding" Darling Days is a week long series of events that continues through the 23rd of October.

Come on out and take part in these Fall Festivities.

Enjoy Southwest Florida,

Robin Bishop
swflfun.com
southwestflfun@gmail.com

10 Tips To Lower Your Electric Bill

Hey, who doesn't want to save money and lower their electric bill. In this short post, I will share with you how you can substantially lower your electricity bill by doing a few simple things. Let's make it a priority to save on our electric bill!



1. Contact your local electric company and sign-up for their "On Call" Savings Program. In Florida, FPL, provides the "On Call" Savings Program".

2. Set your thermostat to a set temperature and do not adjust it up or down throughout the day.

3. Purchase a power strip or surge protector to plug your devices into, and when not in use simply toggle the switch that supplies the electrical power to the power strip or surge protector to the off position. This will eliminate any "standby power" that a device draws even when turned off, but still plugged into an electrical outlet.

4. Unplug the washing machine, dryer, lamps, charging devices or counter top appliances that are not used while you are out.

5. Turn off all lights and fans when you leave a room.

6. Replace traditional light bulbs (incandescent bulbs) with CFL Bulbs (compact fluorescent light bulbs) or LED Bulbs as their wattage output is considerably lower.

7. Keep your dryer vent clean and replace your air conditioning filter on a regular basis.

8. Have your air conditioner unit serviced once a year.

9. Turn off the heated dry option on your dishwasher.

10. When replacing old appliances, purchase "Energy Star" rated appliances.

I have personally utilized these tips to substantially lower my own electric bill. These tips will work for anyone who wants to reduce their electric bill.

photo by Velo Steve

Enjoy Southwest Florida,

Robin Bishop
swflfun.com
southwestflfun@gmail.com

Men, Is Your Lawn Mower Tough Enough?

Come on out with your riding mower and get your freak on for the "Second Annual Lawn Mower Pulls," to see if you have what it takes. The event will showcase who has the most powerful mower.



In addition, the event will feature a car show and car wash from 11am-4pm, activities for the kids including:  a dunk tank, bounce house and a raffle. Money raised from the event will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

The Lawn Mower Pulls takes place from noon-6pm on Saturday, September 25 at Advance Auto Parts, 50 Pine Island Road, North Fort Myers. To register your mower or truck, please call 239-265-6001, entry fee is $10.

photo by slabcity

Enjoy Southwest Florida,

Robin Bishop
swflfun.com
southwestflfun@gmail.com

How to Stay Cool in Southwest Florida

With one of the hottest summers on record in 2010, it is always of concern in staying cool and avoiding the effects of excessive temperatures. In this post, I will outline some fun ways to help everyone stay comfortable, and have fun, in Southwest Florida.

First off it is extremely important to drink plenty of fluids when it is very hot, as we tend to become dehydrated easily. Drinking water is best for us as it quickly quenches our thirst and does not add excess calories. There are other fun ways that we can escape the heat and stay cool in Southwest Florida.

Many take advantage of cooling off at the beach by swimming in the Gulf, swimming in their own or community pool, by taking a cold shower or simply remaining in the comfortable quarters of an air-conditioned building.

However you decide to beat the heat in Southwest Florida, it is important that you listen to your body. Do not overexert yourself without first taking the proper precautions by simply making sure you are properly hydrated. By staying cool in Southwest Florida we can all can enjoy a lifestyle of increased energy.

photo by Sting Nygaard

Enjoy Southwest Florida,

Robin Bishop
swflfun.com
southwestflfun@gmail.com

Naples Do Your Enjoy Jazz?

This evening is the final performance of the 2010 "Summer Jazz on the Gulf" series, at the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club. Relax in a tropical setting with good friends and family listening to the outstanding jazz sounds of "Denise Moore and Then Some," featuring Billy Marcus, from 7-10pm, free. Remember to bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Food and beverage concessions will be available. Coolers are not permitted at the event.

photo by fabbio

Enjoy Southwest Florida,

Robin Bishop
swflfun.com
southwestflfun@gmail.com