Fishtales Magazine: A Sailfish Point Publication - Magazine - Page 5
treatments when absolutely necessary. Cultural practices are also reviewed to help prevent recurring
issues. Sta昀昀 are trained in safe chemical handling, Together, these practices enhance Sail昀椀sh Point’s
environment and help protect our employees and residents. Certi昀椀cation in this program bene昀椀ts
everyone in our community.
And where do bees and butter昀氀ies 昀椀t in? Golf courses, when managed responsibly, do not harm bees.
Did you know that Sail昀椀sh Point is home to its very own honeybees? Nestled on hole #15 of our golf
course, our beehives play a vital role in supporting the local ecosystem while producing delicious, allnatural honey. Bees and butter昀氀ies are both part of our environmental stewardship outreach here at
Sail昀椀sh Point. Every year for the past six years, we have held an educational series on the bene昀椀ts of
both species.
Honeybees are among the most important species on Earth not because they produce honey, but
because they pollinate so many plants,
supporting ecosystems, agriculture,
biodiversity, and even human
wellness.
Bees are fascinating social insects
that live in colonies and recognize one
another by scent. Their sense of smell
is exceptionally acute. Their sensitivity
to pheromones allows the colony
to respond quickly to the queen’s
movements, the nutritional needs of
larvae, and potential threats.
A colony includes one queen, several
hundred drones, and thousands of
worker bees. The queen can lay up
to 2,000 eggs per day, which hatch in about two weeks. Scout bees may travel three to 昀椀ve miles in
search of nectar and pollen, visiting 50 to 100 plants on a single trip. Worker bees typically live three to
four months, while queens can live for several years. Although queens are replaced from time to time,
the colony itself can continue inde昀椀nitely.
Florida is home to more than 300 native bee species, and its warm climate and long growing season
make it one of the best places in the U.S. to observe them. Following ACSP best practices, unused or
out-of-play areas of the course with native 昀氀owering plants that provide nectar and shelter for these
important pollinators.
At Sail昀椀sh Point, our beehives are home to managed domestic bees rather than wild colonies. These
bees are generally docile and rarely sting unless threatened. A professional apiarist maintains the hives
and monitors their health, along with the State of Florida. Unlike wild colonies, managed hives do not
swarm or relocate. We harvest honey twice a year, depending on yield, and it is available for purchase
at The Spa. Beyond producing honey, the hives also provide valuable educational opportunities that
promote awareness of pollinators.
