{"id":59099,"date":"2025-11-24T18:38:11","date_gmt":"2025-11-24T18:38:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/59099\/"},"modified":"2025-11-24T18:38:11","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T18:38:11","slug":"cold-blooded-fun-florida-weekly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/59099\/","title":{"rendered":"Cold-Blooded Fun – Florida Weekly"},"content":{"rendered":"

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A surrendered Ornate Box Turtle. -DAVID WISHTISCHIN \/ FLORIDA WEEKLY<\/p>\n

True Floridian kids once lassoed lizards and even dared to wear them as nibbling earrings\u2014a quirky Southern tradition that has mostly slithered out of style. Yet reptiles and amphibians remain an undeniable part of life here, and Floridians have learned to live alongside these scaly locals.\n<\/p>\n

From sun-basking iguanas to pond-dwelling turtles, these reptile residents are as integral to Florida\u2019s landscape as swaying palms and sandy beaches.\n<\/p>\n

Still, the thought of cuddling a spider or letting a snake curl up on the couch sends most people\u2019s skin crawling. But for the fearless few who see thrills where others see chills, these creatures aren\u2019t just uninvited patio visitors\u2014they are beloved household companions to close to six million Americans in 2025.\n<\/p>\n

While backyard wrangling might tempt the adventurous, it\u2019s risky and far from recommended\u2014and nowhere near as stylish as Britney Spears\u2019 iconic yellow-python moment.\n<\/p>\n

Ditch the danger and slither safely into a world where reptiles rule and surprises lurk around every corner.\n<\/p>\n

Crawling back to Southwest Florida, Repticon returns with two exciting events where fans can get up close and personal with some of the planet\u2019s most epic crawlers.\n<\/p>\n

This traveling reptile roadshow welcomes both longtime enthusiasts and curious newcomers to a true Florida-style adventure. Repticon has captivated fans with hands-on encounters with all things creepy and crawling, offering a wildly exciting opportunity to experience the fang appeal of these incredible creatures.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cI grew up as a \u2018Florida boy.\u2019 I was always chasing and playing with lizards and scooping up frogs,\u201d laughs Mike Dean, Operations Manager for Repticon. \u201cI was a commercial fisherman for a long time before crossing paths with Repticon. They were only about five shows in when I started helping with setups and breakdowns. From there, I joined the team and eventually launched my own company, Exotic Kingdom.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

Dean is the spider expert\u2014a title he often drops casually in conversation, only to leave folks stunned when they realize he is not kidding. He shares that Repticon unleashes more than just the scaly and slimy.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cSpiders have far more personality than most people give them credit for,\u201d he says. \u201cOne of my tarantulas even had a cameo in the movie \u2018We\u2019re the Millers,\u2019 and some of my other spiders have appeared in haunted houses. I just set them up, and everyone freaks out when they realize they are real\u2014and very much alive.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

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Unique reptiles, such as this dalmation crested gecko, will be at Repticon. -COURTESY PHOTO<\/p>\n

With over 20 years of experience with Repticon, Dean has devoted himself to spreading appreciation for all things crawly\u2014especially the eight-legged creatures.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cThey are incredible animals,\u201d he says. \u201cI bring the Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula and other spiders into classrooms all the time. I\u2019ve held different species for groups of 100 kids, letting them take pictures and use the opportunity to teach them about these fascinating creatures.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

At Repticon, the reptile experts turn education into an up-close and interactive experience. Founded by Billy Healy, the Florida-rooted event puts everything from slithering snakes to colorful amphibians directly into the hands of guest.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cHis very first pet was a newt, a type of salamander,\u201d Dean recalls. \u201cWe\u2019ve been friends for years, and what began as a personal hobby here in Florida eventually turned into the idea for Repticon\u2014and it really took off. Today, we have partners all over the state and even travel to events in other states.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

From a simple allure with reptiles and amphibians, Repticon has evolved into a multi-show sensation. With three events held each weekend across several states, Repticon is sinking its teeth back into Southwest Florida.\n<\/p>\n

Repticon will pop-up on Nov. 29 at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Fort Myers before making its way to Port Charlotte on Dec. 20 at the Fairgrounds.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cVendors bring all kinds of animals, and many really focus on their own niche,\u201d Dean explains. \u201cWe partner with groups that work with everything from bearded dragons to leopard geckos and even ball pythons and corn snakes. Sometimes we get other animals, like sugar gliders, chameleons, and hedgehogs.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

Guardians of the Geckos LLC adds to the excitement by bringing Crested and Gargoyle Geckos for up-close encounters. With over 15 years of experience in reptile care and breeding, Brian and Priscila Schmitt share expert care tips and offer exclusive gecko gear, alongside custom-themed exhibits and unique merchandise for reptile enthusiasts.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll have boas, snake hooks, small cages, and Java wood for sale. Or just stop by to chat about snakes for a bit,\u201d Foundation Boas Inc. shares.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cAll our vendors share one thing: a love for reptiles and unconventional pets. They are a lot of fun,\u201d says Dean.\n<\/p>\n

With more than 100 booths and an expected crowd of several thousand, the event features educational seminars that explore the sly world of reptiles and other critters\u2014from snakes and lizards to scorpions, frogs, and turtles\u2014offering insights designed to educate and inspire guests of all ages.\n<\/p>\n

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Giant Ameiva at Fountain Park in Naples. -KELLY J FARRELL \/ FLORIDA WEEKLY<\/p>\n

Repticon conventions can last a single day or run for full weekend event, offering everything from expert advice and supplies to opportunities for adopting animals.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cWe get a wide mix of people, from longtime members of the reptile community to families discovering these animals for the first time,\u201d Dean says. \u201cWe all share a passion for this, and we love passing it on. If someone\u2019s curious about a particular animal, we know exactly who to connect them with. They can get everything they need here, along with the right guidance.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

With humor and expertise, Dean spins a web of fun while demonstrating just how approachable\u2014and even charming\u2014these often-misunderstood creatures can be.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cReptiles and spiders are easier pets than people think,\u201d he says for those considering cuddling with cold-blooded companion. \u201cSome reptiles and animals are easier to handle and acknowledge you, while others prefer to be left alone.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

While a complete setup typically starts at around $250, Dean shares that success stems from understanding each animal\u2019s specific requirements, from its habitat to its diet.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cBearded dragons need a spacious enclosure and plenty of artificial light, and their diet changes from crickets to leafy greens as they grow,\u201d he explains. \u201cLeopard geckos just eat insects and don\u2019t need special lighting, while snakes like ball pythons mainly eat rodents and need proper heat to support digestion. Ball pythons stay fairly small, making them a manageable and fascinating pet for beginners.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

At Repticon, reptiles shed their reputation as scary or strange. While some may worry about the impact of non-native species, the event\u2019s focus remains firmly on education, responsible care, and conservation.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cFlorida sometimes gets a bad reputation when it comes to reptiles, even though they are all around us,\u201d Dean explains. \u201cThe problem has been amplified by invasive species like the Burmese python, which is causing major issues in the ecosystem. A significant part of what we do is advocating for reptile laws and safety, particularly regarding pet ownership. We help with permitting and regulations, and everyone at Repticon shares a devoted passion for education and protecting animals.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

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Earnie the yellow-bellied slider. -DAVID WISHTISCHIN \/ FLORIDA WEEKLY<\/p>\n

He explains that Repticon prioritizes responsible animal care and strictly adheres to legal regulations, noting that recent changes in the Florida law now prevent pet Green Iguanas and Tegus from being displayed in public\u2014even with a permit.\n<\/p>\n

Dean adds, \u201cVendors and specialists follow these guidelines closely and for each state, ensuring that native snakes and other protected species are never sold.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

With an emphasis on education, the event provides attendees with the opportunity to engage with these fascinating creatures responsibly and with genuine respect.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cWe care for the animals, lead seminars, and teach people how to keep them responsibly,\u201d Dean adds. \u201cWe also partner with groups that take in surrendered pets, so these animals never end up released into the wild.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

Whether you are a lifelong herpetology fan or just hunting for a slithery good time, Repticon is ready to take a big bite out of your weekend.\n<\/p>\n

For those brave enough to face a few spine-tingling shivers, Dean tempts visitors with a grin: \u201cStop by to Repticon. Our animals, and even the spiders, are friendly. Come meet them up close, and maybe even cuddle one.\u201d\n\t\t<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A surrendered Ornate Box Turtle. -DAVID WISHTISCHIN \/ FLORIDA WEEKLY True Floridian kids once lassoed lizards and even…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":59100,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[209,211,210],"class_list":["post-59099","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-cape-coral","tag-cape-coral","tag-cape-coral-headlines","tag-cape-coral-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59099","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=59099"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59099\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/59100"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=59099"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=59099"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=59099"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}