Tiger Sharks Are Now Converging En Masse On The Florida Panhandle
The Island Pier juts 1,262 feet out from the sugary, white sands of Florida's Okaloosa Island, between Fort Walton Beach and Destin. Since the early 1970s, this pier and its predecessors been etched in sunset photos of the Gulf Coast, casting silhouettes on sunburned vacationers spanning generations of American travelers.
For decades, this pier and other familiar panhandle sites like the Pensacola Beach water tower, Big Kahuna's waterpark and the ever-present rumble of fighter jets up and down the coast, the pier on Okaloosa Island have changed little as the communities of this coast have grown from fishing villages into condominium-lined cathedrals of salt and sun.
Today, more than 5.3 million beachgoers travel to this stretch of the Florida panhandle each year. Most migrate annually from homes within driving distance from the seashore. In the suburbs of cities like Atlanta, Birmingham, Houston, Nashville, New Orleans and Memphis, 'Salt Life' stickers and circular '30A' icons cling to the windows of SUVs, pickup trucks and minivans. Each denote that the owner is a member of a kind of deep fried vacation club whose members journey to this accessible slice of paradise located within driving distance of the comforts of home.
In the past four years, those vacationers have been joined by a new kind of visitor that has been migrating en masse to Okaloosa Island — tiger sharks. Since 2021, schools of tiger sharks have been mysteriously converging on the Island Pier. What seemingly began as a aggregation of around ten sharks has now grown to a cumulative population that could exceed 100 different individuals throughout the summer.
Researchers now believe the event may now represent one of the largest gatherings of tiger sharks in the world.
A tiger shark swims alongside Island Pier on Okaloosa Island, Florida. Shane Reynolds
Destin-Fort Walton Beach and a group of research partners have been using an acoustic tag monitoring station at The Island pier to document the movement of other fish species since 2021. Prior to that time, most of the data recorded was produced by roaming sportfish like tarpon or redfish as well as sea turtles and other shark species. Recent summers; however, have started to change that picture.
'We've tagged almost 40 tiger sharks in total' says Destin-Fort Walton Beach Natural Resources Chief Alex Fogg. 'Based on tag data, it seems like there are a lot of animals that we have not tagged that are coming in and out of the system. We could have two or three times the number of sharks in the area than we have tagged.'
A marine biologist by trade, Fogg keeps one foot in the biology door and a thumb on the pulse of tourism in Destin-Fort Walton Beach. Fogg and the Destin Fort-Walton Beach Natural Resources team are working with Louisiana State University, Mississippi State University and the U.S. Geological Survey to learn more about where the sharks are coming from, and why they've decided to linger around this specific pier.
The sharks appear to be drawn in by a naturally-occurring death of thousands of Clupedia forage fish around the pier. Researchers theorize that the tiny bait fish are schooling in such numbers that they deplete the available oxygen in the water around them, created a school-induced hypoxia that causes a mass die off. Fogg says tiger sharks, a notoriously lazy predator, usually arrive a day later to clean up the mess.
So far, acoustic and satellite tag data has shown sharks migrating to the Island Pier aggregation from as far away as the Florida Keys and western areas in the Gulf of Mexico. However, research teams believe the sharks may be arriving at the pier from as far away as the East Coast and the Caribbean.
Island Pier also offers a relatively protected area for the apex predators to dine. Shark fishing is banned on the pier, and while anglers can catch and harvest tiger sharks in federal waters, Florida state waters create a nine-mile, no-take protection area for the animals.
Anglers cast lines for sport fish from Island Pier while more than a dozen tiger sharks swim below. Shark fishing is banned on the pier. Shane Reynolds An Unprecedented Opportunity for Ecotourism
Among tiger sharks, Island Pier appears to be unique. Though similar fishing piers are located in nearby Pensacola, Navarre Beach and Panama City, tiger sharks are not appearing in the same numbers there. The behavior pattern may be reliable enough to create a boon for ecotourism in the region.
On June 30, Fogg's team installed an underwater camera beneath the Island Pier providing a streaming that will go live later this summer.
Right now, the tiger shark aggregation is still largely flying under the ecotourism radar. However, a clue to its future impact could lie on another American coastline 2,300 miles away in California. Each year, an estimated 80,000 travelers venture to California's Pismo Beach to see a congregation of tens of thousands of iridescent, orange Monarch butterflies lingering in a diminutive Eucalyptus grove. There, the monarchs contribute to an estimated $158 million economic impact in San Luis Obispo County.
Island Pier is uniquely positioned to benefit from a similar ecotourism draw. If the pattern holds, travelers could soon be marking their calendars for the tiger shark aggregation on Okaloosa Island.
'I don't think you will find this anywhere else in the world,' says Shane Reynolds, a Destin-based cinematographer who volunteers with Fogg's Natural Resources crew to gather data from submerged monitoring stations near Island Pier. 'Normally, if you are going to see a tiger shark aggregation, you need a passport and a boat. You need a dive certification. Here, you just need two dollars to walk out onto the pier and you can watch them without even getting wet.'
Destin Fort-Walton Beach Natural Resources team members document sharks beneath the water and check subsurface acoustic tag monitoring stations below Island Pier. Shane Reybolds
Until now, casual visitors to the Florida Panhandle have never had an opportunity to see apex marine life like tiger sharks this easily. In fact, leading tiger shark experts say the gathering that has continued to grow on Okaloosa Island is unlike any other event in the world.
'You really have an incredible opportunity to watch this co-habitation of apex predators and people that has been happening for four years now,' says shark conservationist and Discovery Shark Week host Kinga Philipps. Philipps is one of the world's most visible advocates for tiger sharks, having filmed extensively in the water with them on scientific expeditions around the globe. 'To see them in numbers, you'd normally have to go to Tiger Beach in the Bahamas or Tiger Zoo in the Maldives. You may have to go to French Polynesia. Up until now, tiger sharks have not been super accessible. They have an exotic appeal to people because they aren't normally seen by beachgoers. To have the ability to stand on a pier and literally count sharks from above is insane.'
Tiger sharks are scene from a helicopter above Island Pier on Ocaloosa Island, Florida. Shane Reynolds Co-Existing With Travelers
Researchers believe there is space for both human and non-human travelers to share Island Pier in the summer. In 2024, there were 47 confirmed unprovoked cases of shark attacks on humans. Only two of those attacks (one in Hawaii and one in Australia) were attributed to tiger sharks. In both cases, humans were inadvertently infringing on the shark's space.
At Island Pier, Swimming and diving activities are restricted year round. Diving is not allowed without a permit. Swimming is not allowed within 150 feet of the pier. Researchers believe the sharks already have room and space to feed.
Fogg, Reynolds and Philipps are all quick to note that in the four years this shark aggregation has been observed, no swimmers have been harmed by the animals, either. At Island Pier, tiger sharks are showing little interest in beachgoers away from the pier. Food sources they might normally prey on—like passing sea turtles and tarpon—appear to be disregarded in favor of an easy mouthful of bait fish. 'These tiger sharks spend all day circling the bait fish and eating the dead ones off of the bottom,' explains Reynolds. 'It's a simple life for them, and it's pretty fruitful. They are all pretty fat and happy.'
There is hope that by drawing attention to the aggregation, visitors will be more mindful of research efforts taking place during peak visitation months and be more curious about the world of tiger sharks. 'So far, we are all good around the pier,' adds Philipps. 'But there does need to be an awareness and a consciousness of their presence. People need to know that these sharks are not messing with people, but they do exist at Okaloosa Island in numbers.'
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On Thursdays, they push to the side some of their tables, covered in newspaper clippings from the Fellsmere Farmer and Fellsmere Tribune, for live bluegrass music. Its building was constructed in 1926 for the Fellsmere Estates Corporation and was at one time home to the Florida Crystal Sugar Company. Mother-daughter team Fran and Susan Adams opened the restaurant in November 2002. The walls are decorated with agrarian tools, taxidermy mounts and historical news articles from the early days of Fellsmere. Don't miss the amusing bathrooms signs. It serves true native Old Florida cuisine, such as frog legs, gator tail, catfish and swamp cabbage. When it's available, swamp cabbage is made from the edible core of a cabbage palm tree and cooked until tender. Try the fried green tomato BLT for lunch and fried shrimp with coleslaw and collard greens for dinner. Save room for the peanut butter pie for dessert. — Laurie K. Blandford, TCPalm/Treasure Coast Newspapers Staff pick: TCPalm's visual journalist recommends Marsh Landing Old Florida: 10 best bars on the Treasure Coast Details: 2854 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; 561-683-5151; What do Billy Joel and Kelsey Grammer have in common? They're among the many notable patrons of a beloved, family-owned steakhouse in Palm Beach County. Founded in 1947 by Ralph and Norma Lewis as a drive-In, it began with a charcoal pit and car-side cocktails. Now, 78 years and four generations later, the Lewis family still runs the restaurant. Ralph's son Curtis, who started as a dishwasher at 12, is its longest-serving employee. His son Ralph (not a junior) and wife Laura now lead the business, with younger family members joining in. The menu has evolved from $4 fried catfish to $51 pan-seared seabass with a Wine Spectator noteworthy list of 600 wines in the cellar. Yet some things never change — filet mignon is still the top cut and baked potatoes remain the best-selling side. — Diana Biederman Palm Beach Post Legendary Palm Beach County restaurants: 7 icons that stand the test and taste of time Details: 5185 S. U.S. 1, Grant-Valkaria; 321-727-7007; Located on the beautiful Indian River Lagoon at Channel Marker 35, The Old Fish House is a must-visit destination whether you arrive by car or boat. This historical gem offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and a glimpse into Florida's fishing heritage with 100-year-old artifacts from the original fish house on display. Guests can enjoy gorgeous waterfront views while savoring local favorites like crispy gator bites or the house-smoked fish dip. For a hearty meal, try the seafood cheese tortellini, loaded with mussels and shrimp in a rich garlic cream sauce. The Old Fish House captures Florida's charm, where food, history and scenery come together. — Amber Olesen, Florida Today Old Florida charm: Laid-back and relaxed restaurants and bars in Brevard Details: 14340 Innerarity Point Road, Perdido Key; 850-492-3577; The 'world-famous' freshly caught mullet has been a mainstay in Perdido Key's The Point Restaurant since opening in 1955. While the fall-off-the-bone mullet backbones will always be a tried-and-true local's recommendation, The Point's menu offers patrons a true taste of the Florida Panhandle with many more signature dishes, such as their daily fresh catch, Louisiana-style Po'Boys, fried green tomatoes, deep-fried alligator bites, peel-and-eat deep water royal red shrimp and house made gumbo that encapsulate the ultimate 'Southern seafood dining experience.' If the food isn't enough reason to make the trip, they are known to frequently host bands in their outdoor area, The Courtyard, which transforms into a warm-weather oasis buzzing with live music and surrounded by oak trees. Locals frequent the Point, and even their entertainment acts are regulars, such as bluegrass band Bubba And Them, which has called The Point home for over two decades. Whether you're filling up a table with family or becoming fast friends with a stranger you're elbow-to-elbow with at the bar, The Point checks all the boxes for good food and old-fashioned fellowship. — Brittany Misencik, Pensacola News Journal Pensacola's legendary restaurants, bars: 14 places where you can taste history Details: 940 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland; 863-686-6661; There's a touch of nostalgia served with every dish at Reececliff Family Diner. Established in 1934, this Lakeland institution's menu features classic Southern comfort foods ranging from biscuits and gravy to country fried steak smothers with a generous serving of white peppery cream gravy. It'll bring back memories of Sunday family dinners served lovingly by grandma with an extra dash of finesse. No trip to Reececliff would be complete without at least a slice of one of their made-from-scratch homemade pies: apple, cherry, coconut cream, pecan, sweet potato, the list goes on and you can't go wrong. It's caused former Vice President Mike Pence to carve time from his busy campaign schedule to make a stop, and Gov. Ron DeSantis has been rumored to drop in. If you didn't save room, order a whole pie — no need to leave with regrets. Sara-Megan Walsh, The Ledger Details: 14 FAMU Way; 850-224-9919; Facebook Oysters, a salty sea delicacy and Tallahassee tradition, are enjoyed for every occasion at longtime establishment Shell Oyster Bar, located on FAMU Way. Celebrating its 80th year, the dive style oyster shack and restaurant started in a former gas station on South Monroe Street in 1945, selling only raw oysters and small bottles of soda until 1992. At that time oysters were only $1 a dozen, and while prices may have changed over the years the spirit of this local eatery hasn't. When it moved to FAMU Way, still in the shadow of the Capitol, employee turned owner Leroy Milligan added fried oysters, plus scallops, shrimp, grouper and other seafood to the menu. The generous grouper sandwiches are a favorite. Its farmed oysters are devoured and slurped by students, families, legislators and lobbyists alike. Cash only. — Kyla Sanford, Tallahassee Democrat Classic eateries: 5 longstanding Tallahassee restaurants that keep the spirit of Old Florida alive Details: 4728 Ocean St., Mayport; 904-246-4442; For nearly six decades, Singleton's Seafood Shack has drawn diners from across Northeast Florida and beyond to its rustic shoreline setting near the Mayport landing for the St. Johns River Ferry and just a short walk from docks where trawlers unload their daily catch of the plump, sweet Mayport Shrimp featured across Singleton's menu. But in addition to one of the freshest shrimp po'boys found in the Jacksonville area, look for the Minorcan chowder, blackened sheepshead, fried gator tail and shrimp burgers, classic Singleton's fare served up to Food Network star Guy Fieri during a 2010 visit. Enjoy it all with a view of the St. Johns from the restaurant's back deck, or inside, surrounded by a hand-carved fleet of about 130 model fishing vessels by the restaurant's late founder, Capt. Ray Singleton. — Gary T. Mills, Florida Times-Union Details: 910 Skipper Road, Tampa; 813-971-0666; Skipper's Smokehouse is a one-of-a-kind Tampa icon, serving up Southern eats, strong drinks, and great music since 1980. The beloved concert venue, restaurant, bar and hippie hangout — famous for its bumper sticker slogan, 'We Smoke Everything' — is known for its laid-back vibe, where Florida cracker meets Key West under a canopy of sprawling, century-old live oaks. Murals and quirky art dot the property, and the stage — affectionately called the 'Skipperdome' — is built from weathered barn wood and tin. Hungry? The blackened grouper Reuben is a local legend, even earning a national television spotlight when it was showcased by Travel Channel star Adam Richman in the early 2010s. Check the schedule — blues, rock, reggae and Americana acts regularly turn this funky spot brimming with character into a lively party under the oaks and stars. — Wade Tatangelo, Sarasota Herald-Tribune Details: 1215 Bald Eagle Drive, Marco Island; 239-394-3313; There's waterfront restaurants in Florida, then there are those that are hurricane tested. Make that hurricanes. The Snook Inn endured Hurricanes Wilma (2005), Irma (2017) and Ian (2022), not to mention others that have passed nearby. Yet this cool spot that's more than 30 years old still stands. And customers continue to be lured to the island south of Naples by enchanting Gulf breezes and stunning sunsets. They can sip a special drink like the Snook Inn Loaded Bloody Mary and order up a variety of seafood choices, from oysters and grouper to fried calamari to clams, red snapper, shrimp and much more. ― Dave Osborn, Naples Daily News Waterfront views, fresh seafood: 5 legendary Naples, Marco restaurants to visit Details: 488 W. High Banks Road, DeBary; 386-668-8891, Rustic and lively, the Swamp House leans fully into its everglades-meets-riverfront aesthetic — a place where mounted gator heads, coiled snakes and faux lizards scaling doorframes are casually joined by a sunhat-sporting gator that greets guests at the door. You can grab a beer down at the tiki bar as paddleboarders and pontoon boats — and live gators — pass by on the St. Johns River or find a seat inside where exposed rafters, wood-paneled walls and kitschy decor give the dining room its backwoods fish camp feel. Whether sipping on a Swamp Water cocktail or digging into a basket of fried gator tail nuggets and platter of BBQ ribs, this joint doesn't just serve you Old Florida charm — it swamps you in it. — Helena Perray, The Daytona Beach News-Journal Details: 3150 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach; 772-231-7091; Waldo's Restaurant & Bar, located inside the historic Driftwood Inn, is one of Vero Beach pioneer Waldo Sexton's historic landmarks. Sexton first came to Vero Beach in the 1920s and started building the Driftwood Inn out of the timbers of a dairy barn destroyed in a storm. Finished in 1935, it was supposed to be a family beach house. However, after many requests for rooms because of limited hotel options in the area, it expanded into the Driftwood Resort with an oceanfront restaurant and bar. It has indoor and outdoor seating with a guest-only pool in the middle, live music on the weekends and a wooden deck that sits on the beach. — Laurie K. Blandford, TCPalm/Treasure Coast Newspapers Legendary restaurants: These 7 icons have stood the test of time on the Treasure Coast Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X. He can be reached by email at Support local journalism by subscribing. Jim Ross contributed (This story was updated to include additional information.) This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Old Florida restaurants: 16 spots worth the trip. One is in Marion
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Tracy McGrady still can't believe the Magic let Tim Duncan walk away over a plane-ride policy: "You give that man whatever he wants"
Tracy McGrady still can't believe the Magic let Tim Duncan walk away over a plane-ride policy: "You give that man whatever he wants" originally appeared on Basketball Network. The 2000 offseason was a pivotal one for the Orlando Magic. A few years removed from the Shaquille O'Neal-Penny Hardaway era, the franchise was poised to make a run at the NBA title once again after they signed two versatile and explosive wingmen, Tracy McGrady and Grant Hill. Advertisement However, Orlando was not done yet, as they set their sights on arguably the biggest prize of the free agent market: the San Antonio Spurs' dominant big man, Tim Duncan. And according to Hill and McGrady, things were going well at their dinner meeting with Magic head coach Doc Rivers until one question and the response to that query changed the course of the franchise forever. Doc's direct response turned Timmy off In a previous interview, Hill recalled the meeting's details as if they had happened yesterday. After a filling meal and some small talk, the interested parties got down to the nitty-gritty. "Tim's girlfriend asked Doc a question: can wives and girlfriends travel on the team plane? I remember that. And you gotta understand, back then that didn't happen — it happens now, but back then it didn't happen," Grant shared. Advertisement "So Doc said, 'No, it's a business trip, that doesn't happen, I don't allow that.' Now, I didn't know that San Antonio had started doing that, you know, and so that's why — because I'm thinking that's a bold question. Like, I'm like, why is she asking that question? But I didn't pay much attention to it," he added. Little did everyone in the Magic organization know that that helped Duncan decide to stay in San Antonio, where he went on to win four more NBA titles and establish himself as one of the greatest players in league history. Looking back on that event 25 years later, T-Mac said Doc and the Magic should have given Timmy whatever he wanted. They should have made it happen had he asked for Disneyland to be built in Orlando. "I'm like, this man has won a championship. He's arguably one of the best power forwards in the game, and this is three years removed from college," McGrady said. "You give him what he wants, all out, 100%. You're supposed to give that man whatever he wants." Advertisement Related: "At some points it was just funny" - Tim Duncan on why Kevin Garnett could never get under his skin An organization that's willing to take risks A common thread among successful organizations in the NBA is their ability to take calculated risks and make informed compromises. From drafting young, unproven talent to making big trades and signing controversial players, these teams are not afraid to go against the norm in pursuit of greatness. Unfortunately for T-Mac, the Magic was not willing to change its policies to accommodate the best power forward of that era. "That's just the difference in certain organizations and certain personnel willing to pull the triggers to change the trajectory of your organization," Tracy commented. "If you got a chance to get Tim Duncan — you already have T-Mac, who's an All-Star, and we didn't know if Grant Hill was going to be unhealthy — but if you could make that happen... come on, bro." Advertisement While it's uncertain if the Magic would have been able to win a title with Hill playing in only 200 games in his six seasons there due to various injuries, the duo of T-Mac and TD could have potentially dominated the league for years to come. However, the Magic prioritized maintaining their existing policies and structure rather than taking a risk on change. Related: T-Mac reveals how Penny Hardaway was the biggest influence on him going to the Magic: "That was the inspiration" This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
