The Live Wildly Foundation and Florida Wing Factory are turning up the heat to protect wild Florida with a sizzling new collaboration of custom hot sauces that blend bold flavor with a powerful purpose.
TAMPA, Fla., May 13, 2025 (Newswire.com)
– Launching May 17, the new sauces – ‘Bearly Burnin’ (mild) and ‘CATchin’ Fire’ (wild) – carry a simple message: From mild to wild, Florida’s wild places are worth protecting.
Each bottle of sauce features the Live Wildly Pledge to protect wild Florida along with a QR code that links customers to the Live Wildly website where they can learn more about conservation efforts across the state and sign the pledge themselves.
The Pledge reads:
“We are wild Florida. Florida’s flowing rivers and springs, vibrant swamps, soaring forests, and pristine coastlines connect us all. I pledge to honor and protect this home we share. With gratitude, I vow to safeguard what sustains us, nurture what nurtures us, and cherish our wild places for myself and generations to come. I am a guardian of Florida’s wild soul.”
To celebrate the launch of the mild to wild sauces, Florida Wing Factory in Tallahassee will host an in-store promotion from May 17-31. Guests who visit and sign the Live Wildly pledge in person will receive a free bottle of hot sauce – either Bearly Burnin’ or CATchin’ Fire – and be entered to win a $100 Florida Wing Factory gift card.
Even better, for every pledge signed, the Live Wildly Foundation will donate $1 to conservation efforts in Florida on behalf of the individual signer.
“This partnership is all about flavor with purpose,” said Lisa Shipley, Live Wildly CEO. “Whether you go mild or wild, you’re helping protect Florida’s incredible natural heritage. It’s a simple action that makes a lasting impact.”
“We’re proud to team up with Live Wildly to bring attention to Florida’s wild spaces through something our customers love – great hot sauce,” said Chris Lee, CEO and Co-Founder at Florida Wing Factory. “It’s a win for flavor and a win for Florida.”
Both sauces will be available while supplies last exclusively at Florida Wing Factory and at events sponsored by Live Wildly, including the Emerald Coast Open Lionfish Tournament in Destin, FL, May 16-18th.
Don’t miss your chance to taste the heat and help protect what makes Florida wild.
About Live Wildly Foundation: Live Wildly is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to raising public awareness for the importance of wildlife corridor conservation. Through collaboration with partner organizations, Live Wildly is helping improve economies, ecology and livelihoods. Learn more at www.livewildly.com.
About Florida Wing Factory: Florida Wing Factory is a locally owned and operated restaurant in Tallahassee known for bold flavors, creative wing sauces, and its deep ties to the community.
Emerald Coast Open – the largest lionfish tournament in the world – encourages restaurants and their customers to discover the joy of eating lionfish
TAMPA, Fla., May 7, 2025 (Newswire.com)
– Live Wildly has joined the Emerald Coast Open Lionfish Tournament as a sponsor to help stop dangerous invasive lionfish from destroying Florida’s native marine life and habitat. The tournament takes place in Destin, FL, May 16-17.
“Florida’s unique marine areas are not just beautiful, they also are the backbone of our tourism, commercial fishing, and outdoor recreation economies,” said Lisa Shipley, CEO of Live Wildly. “Lionfish are an invasive species that pose a real threat to Florida’s natural systems, native wildlife, and nature-based economy.”
The Emerald Coast Open brings together teams of fishers who compete to catch the most lionfish. Live Wildly is sponsoring a team organized by Ocean Strike Team, a group that supports ocean conservation, citizen science, and research through ecotourism experiences and actions.
Winners of the tournament receive cash prizes for the most, the biggest, and the smallest lionfish caught.
Live Wildly is also sponsoring AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar which is participating in the Emerald Coast Open’s Restaurant Week which runs May 9-17. Live Wildly is proud to be the first-ever sponsor of Restaurant Week, during which local eateries feature lionfish dishes on their menus, educating customers about the invasive species and encouraging other restaurants to serve lionfish year-round.
Lionfish – which can be fried, baked, broiled, steamed, poached, or even eaten raw in sushi – are firm, tender, and flakey with a mild taste similar to snapper, black sea bass, and hogfish.
But while lionfish may be delicious to eat, they are malicious when it comes to the threats they pose to Florida’s marine systems and native fish populations.
Originally from the South Pacific and Indian Oceans, lionfish were first spotted in Florida’s waters in the 1980s, believed to have been released by home aquarium owners who originally kept them as pets. Because lionfish have no natural predators in Atlantic waters, and because a single lionfish can produce up to 2 million eggs a year, lionfish have quickly spread from Florida’s coasts all the way up to New York posing severe environmental threats up and down the East Coast.
Lionfish can grow to more than 18 inches long and have long venomous spines. They are voracious hunters, eating nearly any living creature that can fit into their mouths, including juveniles of many commercially important fish such as grouper, seabass, and snapper. Lionfish also threaten Florida’s extensive reef habitats by preying on algae-eating species that help keep corals clean and healthy. And lionfish compete for food with native fish species, further harming their populations.
Commercial and recreational harvesting of lionfish are some of the most effective ways of controlling its spread and environmental damage. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission hosts seminars and workshops throughout the year to train people how to catch lionfish and to educate the public about the dangers of invasive species.
“Getting outdoors to catch lionfish is a great way to enjoy wild Florida while also keeping it healthy,” Shipley said. “Restaurants that serve lionfish are not just providing great food to their customers, they’re also helping keep Florida’s marine systems strong and productive for residents, tourists, and local economies.”
Conserving healthy lands and waters within the Wildlife Corridor has potential to bring a 6-to-1 return on investment
TALLAHASSEE, Fla., April 16, 2025 (Newswire.com)
– The amount of land conserved in and around the Wildlife Corridor with state funding has steadily grown each year since lawmakers established the Corridor in 2021 – and 2025 is poised to be yet another record-breaking year for Corridor conservation.
More than 133,000 acres of Corridor lands were conserved last year under Florida’s two largest conservation programs, Florida Forever and the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP). That acreage beat the amount of Corridor land conserved with state funding in 2023 (110,465 acres) which, in turn, was nearly three times the amount conserved in 2022 (36,602).
“Investing in nature is investing in the economy of Florida,” said Lisa Shipley, CEO of Live Wildly. “Florida has become a national example of how conserving natural lands and waters can lead to healthier communities and provide for a robust future.”
A 2021 study found that the Corridor supports at least 114,000 jobs and provides at least $30 billion in annual value from tourism, agriculture, forestry, and other industries. That same study found that conserving Corridor lands most at risk of destruction from development could bring Florida a 6-to-1 return on investment from increased tourism revenue and the sale of carbon credits.
Other studies have shown that protecting the Wildlife Corridor can shield communities from devastating floods and heat waves. The Corridor is home to about two-thirds of Florida’s floodplains which absorb water and act as natural buffers against flooding. The Corridor’s healthy forests keep temperatures cooler than in surrounding urban areas, offering tourists and Floridians a refuge from soaring heat and the health risk it brings.
“The name ‘Wildlife Corridor’ may lead some to think it’s focused solely on helping Florida’s iconic animal species,” said Shipley. “But the Corridor’s green infrastructure also serves as the foundation of Florida’s economy and quality of life.”
This year, the state is once again on track to conserve more lands and waters within and around the Wildlife Corridor than in previous years.
In March, state policy leaders approved a ground-breaking $84.5 million for the permanent conservation of 19,486 acres across 7 properties within the Corridor. The funding, which comes from Florida Forever and the RFLPP, will connect fragmented natural areas across the Corridor while supporting agricultural production as well as habitat for gopher tortoise, sandhill crane, the Florida panther, and other species.
Also in March, Florida opened its first new state park in seven years. The Upper Shoal River Park was established on 2,500 acres of land adjacent to the Corridor, purchased with funding from Florida Forever. It will protect habitat for numerous wildlife species while offering Florida residents and tourists new hiking, fishing, and paddling opportunities.
“We applaud the state’s commitment to keeping the Wildlife Corridor healthy and productive,” said Shipley. “The future of Florida’s communities and economies depend on it.”
Created with unanimous approval of the state legislature in 2021, the Florida Wildlife Corridor is the nation’s largest state-wide conservation effort of its kind spanning 18-million-acres from the Florida Panhandle to the Everglades.
TAMPA, Fla., February 11, 2025 (Newswire.com)
– It can be hard to plan a Valentine’s Day celebration for that special someone in your life. But Florida’s countless beaches, state parks, mangroves, and other natural areas provide the perfect places for you and your sweetheart to get outdoors and discover wild Florida.
Live Wildly, a non-profit working to advance conservation in Florida and beyond, has five recommendations for outdoor dates this Valentine’s Day.
“These locations provide beautiful settings that will not only help you fall in love with each other, but also fall in love with wild Florida,” said Lisa Shipley, CEO of Live Wildly. “From holding hands on secluded beaches to strolling through flower gardens, a day exploring nature is the perfect way to ask someone to ‘bee’ your Valentine.”
Pancakes in Paradise De Leon Springs State Park: Dubbed “Healing Waters,” by Mayaca Indians who once inhabited the land, De Leon Springs State Park offers miles of hiking trails, bird watching, and swimming in natural spring water. Start your day with a unique breakfast at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill located inside the park, where you can make your own pancakes. Then, take a romantic paddleboat ride on the spring-fed waters. And be sure to visit “Old Methuselah,” a huge bald cypress that is more than 500 years old.
Astronaut Adventure Canaveral National Seashore and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge: These neighboring parks sit next to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and boast amazing views of the earth, sea, and sky. Take a morning cruise along Black Point Wildlife Drive — where you can see alligators, bobcats, and river otters – followed by a romantic afternoon walk along the beach. And you might even get the chance to see a NASA rocket launch, really making your heart soar!
For Lovers Only Lovers Key State Park: It is said that until a road was built in 1965 connecting the islands of this park, only lovers were willing to make the effort to get there by boat. And, thus, its name was born. Today you can access the park by car, but it remains true to its name as a perfect destination for couples. Enjoy a secluded beach day, followed by a sunset paddle through mangroves where you can see dolphins, manatees, osprey, and bald eagles. Finish the romantic outing with dinner at a nearby waterfront restaurant.
Garden Tidepool Oasis Washington Oaks Garden State Park: Wander alongside shimmering reflection ponds that wind through beautiful formal gardens full of azaleas, camellias, and birds of paradise. Enjoy a picnic lunch under majestic oaks, then head to the park’s shoreline famous for its coquina rocks – limestone made from shell fragments – where you can explore tidal pools full of marine life.
Campers’ Delight Anastasia State Park is a great place for observing a wide array of wildlife, including manatees, sea turtles, osprey, and bald eagles. Start your date biking along the beach or hiking through ancient sand dunes. Pack your own lunch and eat under covered picnic tables near the ocean. And spend a romantic night camping in the park’s beautiful maritime forest. If you hear soft music playing as you fall asleep, it might be love – or the sounds of concerts drifting over from the nearby Saint Augustine Amphitheatre.
“At Live Wildly, we believe people protect what they love,” said Shipley. “That’s why we encourage everyone to get outside this Valentine’s Day and fall in love with wild Florida.”
From Music Festivals to Volunteer Events, Live Wildly Helps People Connect With Nature
TAMPA, Fla., January 22, 2025 (Newswire.com)
– Live Wildly, a non-profit working to advance conservation of Florida’s Wildlife Corridor and beyond, today announced a 2025 calendar of events that will inspire Floridians and others to get outdoors and learn about the important role nature plays in their daily lives.
“One of the best New Year’s resolutions you can make in 2025 is to get outside and explore wild Florida,” said Lisa Shipley, CEO of Live Wildly. “We can sometimes forget about the wild lands and waters that surround us. But Florida offers countless opportunities to be inspired by nature.”
Live Wildly will kick off the year with Unseen Florida, a campaign that will help people – regardless of where they live – discover the hidden side of Florida’s wildlife. Collaborating with Moultrie Mobile, the fStop Foundation, the Archbold Biological Station, and others, Live Wildly will highlight photos, film, and stories of wildlife captured through camera traps placed in remote areas across Florida.
“Camera traps play an important role in conservation by helping researchers study wild animals, their movements, eating habits, and other valuable information,” Shipley said. “Camera traps also are just a lot of fun, allowing all of us to get a glimpse into the secret lives of animals.”
For some “groovy” fun this year, Live Wildly is the title sponsor of the Peace, Love & Vans vanlife meetup and industry expo March 7-10 at the Withlacoochee River Park in Pasco County. The park, surrounded by ancient oak trees with miles of hiking and biking trails, fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities, will provide meetup attendees the perfect opportunity to connect with nature as they enjoy live music, food trucks, workshops, and other activities that highlight camping and travel in wild Florida. Single-day tickets will be available for the event, and Live Wildly will be on-site highlighting the countless ways to explore Florida’s wild places on four wheels.
Also in March, Floridians will have the chance to celebrate their award-winning state parks. Live Wildly is working with the Florida State Parks Foundation and Florida lawmakers to officially designate March 19 as the second annual Florida State Parks Day, honoring these amazing outdoor destinations that draw nearly 30 million visitors each year and generate more than $3 billion in annual revenue.
Live Wildly and the Florida State Parks Foundation also are partnering this year to host the second annual “Explore the Corridor Week” from April 26 through May 3. This public volunteering drive will be held at 20 state parks located inside the Florida Wildlife Corridor – 18 million acres of wild and working lands that stretch from the Panhandle to the Everglades. The event will give volunteers the opportunity to support the diverse wildlife, plants species, and habitats of the Corridor, the nation’s largest conservation initiative of its kind that was established by state lawmakers in 2021. Last year, the event drew more than 300 volunteers who contributed 1,200 hours of their time removing invasive plants, restoring hiking trails, collecting data on wildlife, and other activities. Live Wildly will share more information in the coming weeks on how people can participate in this event.
For music fans, Live Wildly this year offers several opportunities to enjoy some of the nation’s top musical groups while getting outdoors. Award-winning musician and Florida-native JJ Grey will continue his partnership with Live Wildly as a conservation ambassador to raise awareness for protecting threatened lands and waters across the state and elsewhere. Live Wildly will sponsor JJ’s Blackwater Sol Revue held at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre May 24-25. Tickets go on sale January 24.
And in September, Live Wildly will once again partner with Sing Out Loud Festival to grow support for conserving wild Florida. During the Live Wildly Showcase, the music festival’s two-day marquee event, Live Wildly will create an immersive experience that will allow concert goers to experience Florida’s unique landscapes. For every ticket sold to the festival, a portion of the proceeds will go towards conservation.
Throughout 2025, Live Wildly also will work to sign up 10,000 new members for its Join the Movement Campaign, which helps people learn more about the important role Florida’s lands and waters play in their daily lives. For every person who signs the Join the Movement pledge to honor and protect wild Florida, Live Wildly will donate a dollar to conservation.
“Live Wildly believes that people will protect what they love,” Shipley said. “That’s why Live Wildly is helping people fall in love with wild Florida and inspiring them to take action to save it.”
TAMPA, Fla., December 16, 2024 (Newswire.com)
– A new online conservation tracking tool, more than $300 million in conservation funding, a nature-focused outdoor music festival, and the creation of a state-wide celebration honoring Florida’s state parks are just a few of the successes Live Wildly, a non-profit working to advance conservation across Florida, supported in 2024 through partnerships with academic institutions, government leaders, local communities, and others.
Over the past year, Live Wildly has also signed up nearly 12,000 members for its “Join the Movement” campaign, which, in addition to donating $1 to land conservation for every person who joins, also helps people learn more about the important role Florida’s lands and waters play in their daily lives.
“Live Wildly believes that people will protect what they love. That’s why Live Wildly is helping people fall in love with wild Florida and inspiring them to take action to save it,” said Lisa Shipley, Live Wildly’s CEO.
Live Wildly kicked off 2024 by working with state lawmakers and the Florida State Parks Foundation to declare January 31 this year “State Parks Day,” a celebration of Florida’s state parks that draws nearly 30 million visitors each year and generates more than $3 billion in annual revenue.
The Florida State Parks Foundation and Live Wildly also partnered together to host the first-ever “Explore the Corridor Week,” a public volunteering drive held at 40 state parks. The annual event drew more than 300 volunteers across Florida who contributed 1,200 hours of in-service time to such essential activities as removing invasive plants, cleaning up litter, restoring hiking trails, and collecting data on wildlife.
Live Wildly this year also worked with the Florida Natural Areas Inventory, a natural heritage program housed under Florida State University, to launch the Florida Conservation Land Acquisitions database, an online tool that compiles conservation data from government agencies and non-profit organizations. The tool allows people to track the progress of conservation efforts across the state with a focus on the protection of Florida’s Wildlife Corridor.
The Florida Wildlife Corridor was established by state lawmakers in 2021 and is the nation’s largest statewide conservation effort of its kind. Stretching from Florida’s panhandle down to the everglades, the Wildlife Corridor encompasses 18 million acres of wild and working lands. Only about 10 million acres of the Florida Wildlife Corridor are currently conserved, with another 8 million considered “opportunity areas” in need of protection. As Live Wildly works to conserve lands and waters across Florida, its first priority is ensuring the full protection of the Wildlife Corridor.
“Healthy lands and waters are the backbone of Florida’s thriving communities and economies,” said Shipley, adding that the Wildlife Corridor supports 114,000 jobs and generates $30 billion in annual revenue through recreation, tourism, agriculture, forestry, and many other industries. “With more than 1,200 new residents moving to Florida every day, the Wildlife Corridor demonstrates how we can balance the needs of both people and nature.”
Other conservation successes supported by Live Wildly in 2024 include:
Working with the Trust for Public Lands to back four ballot measures that secured nearly $350 million in conservation funding for Florida. Voters in Clay, Lake, Osceola, and Martin counties overwhelmingly approved the measures during the November elections, directing funding to such activities as preserving wildlife habitat, expanding outdoor recreational opportunities, and securing clean drinking water.
Funding a ground-breaking scientific study conducted by Florida Atlantic University, the Archbold Biological Station, and other collaborators that showed how fully conserving the Florida Wildlife Corridor can help shield local communities from the growing impacts of climate change.
Partnering with the Sing Out Loud Music Festival to raise over $160,000 for conservation. Along with enjoying music from headliners Noah Kahan, Eric Church, Nora Jones, JJ Grey, and others, festival attendees had the opportunity to explore Live Wildly’s immersive showcase tent that surrounded concertgoers with the sights and sounds of wild Florida’s lands, waters, and diverse species.
In addition, a new preserve was named this year after Live Wildly’s founder, Arnie Bellini. The Bellini Preserve in Polk County encompasses 639 acres of hardwood forests, scrublands, and freshwater marshlands all within the Wildlife Corridor. Bellini, who originally purchased the property in 2020 to prevent it from being developed, worked with the non-profit Conservation Florida, the Department of Defense, Polk County Natural Lands, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to create the preserve and ensure its permanent protection.
ABOUT LIVE WILDLY FOUNDATION
Founded in 2022, the Live Wildly Foundation applies an entrepreneurial approach to protecting wild Florida while seeking to balance smart growth, a robust economy, and a connected, resilient landscape. Through creating diverse coalitions, fostering collaboration, and empowering stakeholders to advance conservation efforts, Live Wildly strives to achieve a harmonious and sustainable future in which economic prosperity coexists with a thriving and resilient ecological landscape. Their first priority is the Florida Wildlife Corridor. This 18-million-acre wildlife superhighway is a model for public-private partnership, citizen advocacy, and grassroots support. Live Wildly encourages people to ‘Join the Movement’ to protect wild Florida. For more information, please visit www.livewildly.com.