Everyone has at least one “Jenn” in their life. Being a popular name for a long time, it is sometimes necessary to add a moniker to keep all of the Jenns straight. You might have “Art Teacher Jenn,” or “Old Friend Jenn,” and there’s usually a “Work Jenn.” Today’s spotlight is on my friend, “Beach Jenn,” a transplant to Florida who has embraced the beach life with an enthusiasm that is catchy.
Sometimes we forget just how beautiful it is here in Southwest Florida. Yearly, millions of people are still moving to our state, yet daily life gets in the way of our appreciation. One day, we wake up and realize months have passed since our toes have been in the sand. Seeing the beach through Beach Jenn’s eyes has reminded me that we truly do live in paradise.
Beach Jenn and her family moved down just in time for Hurricane Ian to decimate their new Florida home. After overcoming these challenges, Jenn’s focus turned to our area beaches. She has been to more beaches in the past three years than I have in three decades. Her social media posts of her long hours at the beach captivate the vibrance, fun, and excitement beach days can bring. Her colorful shell photos and sunset shots could fill the pages of any beautiful coffee table book. Her face lights up when she discusses the sea life she’s encountered or how intricate the colors were during a particular sunset. And she has become an expert on all things beach-related including parking, crowds, and the hottest shelling sites.
Suncoast Post: How often do you visit the beach? How long do you typically stay?
Beach Jenn: I average twice a week. I love to go in the morning around 8 and stay three to four hours. There are very few people, and it is not too hot and humid at that time. It is very peaceful and relaxing. We also go in the evenings to watch sunset, which is always spectacular and different every time.
Suncoast Post: Which beaches have you visited since moving to Florida?
Beach Jenn: Goodness, A LOT! On the Gulf Coast: Manasota Key, Englewood, Blind Pass, Stump Pass, Venice, Nokomis, Siesta Key, Sanibel, Naples, Marco Island, Clearwater, Honeymoon Island, Caladesi Island, Pass-a-grille, St. Pete, Indian Rocks. 27 Amazing Florida Gulf Coast Beaches to Visit in 2025 – Exploring the Gulf On the Atlantic side, I’ve been to St. Augustine, Jupiter, Dania Beach, and Ft Lauderdale. Whew! 14 Beautiful Florida East Coast Beaches – Florida Trippers
Suncoast Post: Do you have a favorite beach? And what makes this one so special?
Beach Jenn: My favorite beaches are the ones on Manasota Key All About Manasota Beach | Englewood, Florida | Beach because they still have that laid back “old Florida” feel. No big high rises or commercial businesses. Quiet and family friendly. Even though the island got hit hard by hurricane Milton, it is really starting to come back. The restaurants we love, like Sand Bar and Beachcomber, are open and all of the beaches except for Stump Pass are open with parking.
Suncoast Post: Have you always had a love of the beach?
Beach Jenn: Always! As a kid living in Massachusetts my family vacationed on Cape Cod every summer, so I guess that’s where my love of the beach began! Something about the sound of the ocean is just so calming and therapeutic to me. It’s truly my “happy place.”
Suncoast Post: What is included in a well-stocked beach bag? Beach Packing List: 36 Essentials You Can’t Forget
Beach Jenn: Currently in mine: Towels, sunglasses, sunscreen, hairbrush, a good book, mask & snorkel, and my trusty shell bag.
Suncoast Post: Can you discuss beach etiquette? And what does the perfect beach day look like?
Beach Jenn: I would advise, don’t set up your chair or canopy too close to other people. I’ve come back from a walk, and someone has set up three feet from my chair. It is never that crowded, so give people some space.
A perfect beach day is me and a big, iced coffee sitting in my beach chair! Sometimes I walk and look for shells and shark teeth, sometimes I just sit and relax and go in and out of the water to cool off.
Photos courtesy of Beach Jenn.