Medical resources:

1. Drop in clinic 844-797-8425 11371 N. Williams St.#4 Dunnellon ( across from Publix )
2. Munroe Reginal Hospital 352-351-7200 1500 SW 1st Ave. Ocala (take E. Pennsylvania Ave. toward Ocala turn left unto Rt. 200. It's on the left about a quarter mile down.)

Life Jackets:
There is an assortment of different size life jackets stored alongside the house in the trash cans on the rack under the aluminum canoe.

Alligators:
No one has ever been attacked by an alligator on the Rainbow River even though thousands of people float down the river in tubes and swim each year. From what I read on line this is partly because the river is spring fed and always about 72 degrees. Alligators apparently go into a half hibernation state in water under 74 degrees.
Alligator attacks in general are very rare and when they do it's either because you're threatening their babies, getting between them and their girlfriend during mating season, or you're trying to get between them and your little dog. They prey on small animals that can fit down their throat for food. Gators bigger than 5 ft. are routinely removed from the Rainbow River. Leave them alone and don't feed them and you're at less risk than getting struck by lightning.

Campfires:
Please use good judgment. If things are dry along the river bank use the hose to wet things down near the fire. If you keep the fire small you won't have trouble with the fire marshal or responsibility for starting a forest fire. You can buy fire wood at Publix or Tractor supply.

Noise - Avoid problems with police officers:
There is a town noise ordinance and a new ordinance regulating short term rentals that gives police the power to make you leave the house. This becomes a problem if a neighbor calls in. My neighbors are mostly over 80 years old and go to bed early. They are also friends of mine. Please be considerate and keep music low or wear ear buds.

Bees:
Everyone worries about the big creatures like alligators and bears but it's the little ones like bees and germs that are the more dangerous. There are often bee nests on the low branches hanging over the river. When tubing and kayaking avoid brushing the low branches.

Alligators are seen in many of Florida's state parks. These reptiles have changed relatively little from their ancestors, which predated the dinosaurs. They average from eight to ten feet in length when adults.
Alligators are found throughout Florida in freshwater areas. They are very tolerant of varying water quality and can be found in habitats ranging from marshes and lakes to rivers and canals.
Alligators are opportunistic feeders and will eat whatever is available, including turtles and birds. They are not nor­mally aggressive towards humans, but, unfortunately, humans are attacked on rare occasions. Most water fatalities involve water skiing, scuba diving, and boating mishaps, not alligator attacks.
Confrontations can be reduced between alligators and human if we re­spect them and use caution when they may be near. Enjoy seeing and photographing the wild animals; they are an important part of Florida's environment.

AVOIDING CONFLICT