Why TCPalm trends reporter loves Florida state parks and local animals

TCPalm Trends Reporter Olivia Franklin has called the Treasure Coast home for about a year and a half.

Born and raised in Indiana, this Hoosier wanted a change of scenery and moved to the Treasure Coast to work for TCPalm/Treasure Coast Newspapers. The area is much different from Indiana in weather, scenery and wildlife. She has had a blast exploring the Treasure Coast.

Q: What specifically do you love about the Treasure Coast and why?

I love how pretty much everything is different from Indiana, not that I don’t love it back there, but I desperately needed a change. Being close to the beach has been a great improvement. I try to wake up early and watch the sunrise on Jensen Beach as often as I can.

Fort Pierce Inlet State Park is another favorite of mine. I have gone there a few times to swim, tan and just hang out with friends on the beach. I was a competitive swimmer for 11 years so I will find any excuse to get in the water, even if there aren’t any lane lines in the ocean.

The weather is another big difference. Back in Indiana, whenever my friends and I wanted to do something we usually had to check that week’s forecast to see what day we could go or how we should dress. On the Treasure Coast I don’t have that problem. It has really helped me get out more because I don’t have the excuse of ‘I guess I have to go another day.’

Q: Is there anything you didn’t realize at first, but grew to love about the area?

I love how many nature related things there are to do here. Since moving I have gone to several state parks and nature preserves across the Treasure Coast including Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Seabranch Preserve State Park and Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge.

I have never been someone who goes on hikes or explores nature, but being in a new area has really pushed me to get out of my comfort zone and see what all the Treasure Coast has to offer.

Q: Did anything pleasantly surprise you about the area?

I was very surprised about all the different animals in the area. I have seen gopher tortoises, manatees, several different kinds of lizards, peacocks, armadillos, sandhill cranes and much more since moving to the Treasure Coast.

I was not expecting to see most of these animals when I got here, but it has been exciting to see them all up close. Fingers crossed I get to see a sea turtle soon.

Olivia Franklin is TCPalm’s trending reporter. You can contact her at olivia.franklin@tcpalm.com, 317-627-8048 or follow her on X @Livvvvv_5.