Sounds nuts, but lately, these stories keep popping up, and they’re hitting closer to our Englewood neighborhood for anyone’s comfort. 

On May 5, 2026, just up I-75 in Tampa, a homeowner’s doorbell camera caught an alligator seemingly knocking at the front door. The footage went viral, and luckily, nobody opened up. The gator eventually wandered off, a little too close for comfort.

And the encounters don’t stop there. Down south in Ave Maria, Florida, Kayla Burress thought someone was breaking into her house late one night. She checked her porch and found two massive alligators violently fighting, the lanai screen completely wrecked, metal and mesh twisted everywhere. She’s warning neighbors now: be careful with your kids and pets. You never know what you might find outside.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), they consider any gator at least four feet long and threatening to people, pets, or property a nuisance. And it’s mating season, April through September, which means gators get more aggressive, and their fights can get brutal. Bigger ones will even eat the smaller ones; that’s actually a major cause of adult alligator deaths.

Wildlife officials say these gator run-ins aren’t rare when breeding season’s at its peak, so don’t let your guard down.

And, as always, it’s wise to check the door before answering, especially during alligator mating season.

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Wildlife photographer Sheri Nadelman was out walking her doodles in Bradenton when she got word about this surprise pitch invader. Not your usual day at the park.

When deputies arrived, they found the gator wedged into the netting. Four of them got to work. At first, the gator wasn’t interested in cooperation. It took some effort, but the deputies secured its snout and hauled it away without harm. After the rescue, they released the alligator into the Manatee River, hopefully far from any more impromptu soccer matches.

Encounters like this are part of life in Florida. Residents know to stay sharp. Keeping yourself and your pets safe near water means keeping leashes short and pets at least 15 or 20 feet from the edge. Don’t let them swim, wade, or even drink from murky or unfamiliar waters. Remember, gators don’t just drift around; they ambush. Dusk and dawn are prime hunting times for them, so avoid walking pets near the water then. And never use a long retractable leash that might let your dog slip into the “strike zone.”

It’s tempting to feed ducks or turtles at the lake, but that only brings predators closer. Alligators learn fast if food comes from people; they’ll start hanging around.

If you ever spot an alligator, keep your distance. Back away slowly. Don’t panic, but make some noise, stomp or clap, so the animal knows you’re there. If one comes too close, don’t freeze; just run straight and run fast. Zig-zagging’s a myth. Call the FWC Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR if you see one acting aggressively or hanging out where people or pets gather.

And if the worst happens, and a gator attacks, fight back with everything you’ve got. Go for the eyes, nose, or throat. That’s your best shot.

Living with alligators just means staying alert, respecting the water, and knowing what to do if paths cross.

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This year’s theme is “Live, Work and Play in Charlotte County,” which aligns with the county’s vision “to preserve and enrich our community’s quality of life for those who live, work and play in our paradise.” The contest is free and open to the public.

Photographers of all skill levels are encouraged to submit original images that capture life in Charlotte County — whether it’s the peacefulness of a sunset, the energy of a local workplace, or families enjoying outdoor recreation.

Submission Guidelines:

• All photos must be taken within Charlotte County.
• Images should not include visible business identifiers such as logos or signage.
• Only horizontal-format photos will be accepted (11 inches by 8.5 inches).
• Deadline for entries is Aug. 15, 2025.

Submissions may be uploaded directly at www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov/contest.

A total of 14 winning photos will be selected for the 2026 calendar. Chosen photographers will be notified via phone or email. The printed calendars will be available to the public in late November at various county facilities, to be announced.

Usage and Licensing:

By submitting a photo, entrants grant the Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners a perpetual, worldwide, non-exclusive license to reproduce, distribute, and display the image with a name credit, without monetary compensation. Entrants must have permission from recognizable individuals in their images and may be asked to provide a signed release.

For questions or more information, visit the contest website or contact the Charlotte County Communications Department.

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