In parking lots all around Florida, you’ll find funny things. One thing you will always see, cars parked far away from the buildings, but in the shade. We have lots of sunshine here, and sun burn is a real menace. Be sure to pack lots of sunblock, long-sleeved shirts, or even umbrella’s to protect yourself from sun burns.

Summer is in full swing during the tournament. The average high during the tournament is 90 degrees, and we promise you, it does get hotter. Florida’s relative humidity is also extremely high, usually between 70% and 80%. The importance of staying hydrated cannot be understated. Soda’s and snacks are available at the field concession stand, but don’t forget that water is too!!

For more information on hydration tips, refer to the Hydration Tips insert in the team packet.

Nicknamed the Sunshine State, Florida still gets its fair-share of rain. In 2015, we had so much rain during the tournament the tournament staff kindly describe that year as the “Rain Games of 2015” (be on the look out for a Little League pin). Bring your umbrella’s and poncho’s to cover up when the sky’s open up. We also recommend water-resistant bags for your personal items, some times the rain starts to fall hard fast.

Remember, as long as the field is considered safe to play, we will continue playing in wet conditions.

Another friendly name for Florida is the lightning capital of the United States, and for good reason. During the summer, Tampa Bay receives as much lightning as the world’s lightning leaders, and every year 10 people, on average, are killed by lightning strikes.

We take this seriously.

The field is equipped with Lightning Detection systems to protect our players and fans. The system is simple; when the conditions to create lightning are present over the field, a 15-second horn blast will sound to declare a “Red Alert”. All games and activities will be stopped, and the park evacuated. Players, Coaches, and fans must leave the park and evacuate to their cars or other shelter. The pavilion shelter at the park is not considered good protection. During “Red Alert” periods, stay tuned to the tournament Facebook page for updates. Activites will resume once the all-clear has sounded, 3 5-second horn blasts.

As you can see from our pictures, the park is immediately on the water. That water is an estuary for Tampa Bay.

There is water everywhere, and for that reason we recommend you keep small children within sight at all times.

The majority of the water around the Safety Harbor area is salt water, and can be home to alligators, crocodiles, snakes, even sharks. Save the swimming for the hotel pool or beach.

The entire state of Florida can be viewed as an ecological preserve. This is especially true as you move closer to the coasts. Florida is surrounded by water & completely covered in marshland, forests, and prairies. The locals are very protective of their surroundings. As an example, don’t be surprised to find when a restaurant serves you drinks without straws (don’t worry, you can ask for them).

To be a good guest, be sure to place your trash in a trash can, and to leave the area you visit cleaner than it was when you arrived.

That said, the wildlife isn’t all that cute and cuddly. Florida has alligators, crocodiles, snakes, spiders, insects, & all sorts of other things that go bump in the night. Even some of the plants are dangerous.

When in built up areas, such as the public area’s at the field, you are mostly protected from the larger animals and dangerous plants. Bring bug spray and repellents for the smaller insects. If during your free time you find yourself on an excursion off-the-beat-path, be aware of your surroundings. Stay out of shallow water that you cannot see the bottom in. Don’t ignore signs that tell you to stay out for your safety. And above all, don’t touch the wildlife.

Observe the beauty Florida has to offer; don’t become a part of it.

All of Florida can be a tourist trap. Instead of purchasing bug spray or sun screen from the corner convience store, find a local grocery store. This is Florida, Publix is huge here.

We do not recommend any homemade remedies to replace sunscreen or bug spray. The mosquitoes are almost immune to bug spray as it is, and the sun will bake off any kitchen oils on your skin in about 5 minutes. We highly recommend buying the real thing.