Roundup: Little League Champs, Maccabi Gold, Blind Rhino …

Living in the condos behind the post office, I thought I’d seen ever conceivable kind of bad parking in the Playhouse Square lot.

The combination of poor design and poor drivers is deadly. (So far, thankfully, I don’t mean that literally.)

But this scene from yesterday could be the most jaw-dropping example yet of entitlement.

And I’ve seen hundreds of others.

(Photo/Pam Long)

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Westport’s 11U District All-Star baseball team defeated Glastonbury 14-8 on Wednesday night. That’s the second straight state championship for the team!

Congratulations to Dylan Burdeshaw, Miles Delorier, Henry Ellis, Justin Goldshore, Wyatt Johnson, Christopher Lambert, Chase Landgraf, Jack McGrath, Luke Moneyhon, Torrey Rossetter, Toby Slavin, Grant Theisinger.  Nolan Walters, plus manager Justin Walters and coaches Marc Theisinger and Jon Ellis.

Now it’s on to the regional championship, started Monday in Beverly, Massachusetts. Good luck, guys!

Westport, at the previous section tournament.

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Speaking of sports: Oscar Edelman is a gold medalist.

The rising Greens Farms Academy senior just returned from Israel. He represented the US in the Maccabi Games — and his U-18 basketball team finished first.

Over 60 countries compete in the Maccabi Games — sometimes called “the Jewish Olympics. More than 600 players, from across the US, tried out for the U-18 hoops team.

Oscar — who stands an imposing 6-7 — was the second youngest on the squad.

The Americans went undefeated. They faced the host Israeli team in the finals — and won, 91-79.

Click here for the full back story, courtesy of GFA.

Oscar Edelman, at the line. (Photo/Bonnie Edelman)

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The CT Challenge Bicycle Ride rolls through here tomorrow (Saturday, July 30). The shorter rides use Beachside Avenue; the longer routes are on Long Lots and surrounding roads.

The heaviest traffic is between 7 and 10 a.m. e of Westport and surrounding towns.

This is an important fundraiser, for a great organization that helps people battling cancer, and survivors. So when you see all those riders tomorrow, slow down! 

Don’t honk. But show your support with a hearty thumbs-up! (Hat tip: Gloria Gouveia)

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Twiddle plays 2 special shows — with Mihali and the Nth Power — today and tomorrow (Friday and Saturday) at the Levitt Pavilion.

Also on the menu: Blind Rhino’s new food truck.

Former Staples High School baseball player/2003 graduate Casey 2 popular restaurants, in Black Rock and SoNo.

Now he’s got a truck too. It will be parked in the Levitt lot, serving wings and more.

Don’t just Twiddle your thumbs. Dig in!

Partners Casey Dohme (left) and Jamie Pantella with their Blind Rhino truck.

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Westport’s latest teardown is 12 Godfrey Lane.

The home off Bulkley Avenue North was more than 50 years old. The Westport Historic District Commission waived the waiting period, and the Conservation Department okayed a new larger build.

All that remains are the Bilco doors.

12 Godfrey Lane.

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It’s been a while since we ran a cat photo, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

Michael Catarevas says: “At Costco, we get free cardboard boxes to carry stuff. We put them on the floor the other day before taking them to the car to reuse, but they were taken over.”

Smart cats, for sure!

(Photo/Michael Catarevas)

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And finally … in honor of Michael “Cat”arevas’ photo (above):

(If you donate to “06880,” I promise I’ll never again post this song. Please click here to help!)

Wings4Peace Soar In Westport

Sandy Hook. Parkland. Buffalo.

After each new mass shooting, Americans express shock, outrage and sorrow. We think: Now something must change.

When nothing does, we wonder what we can do.

Lorie Lewis and Darcy Hicks are making wings. They want all the rest of us to make them too.

Darcy Hicks, with her “Wings4Peace.”

As communications and marketing director at the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, Lori knows that the arts have a powerful impact on society. Theater, music and visual art have the power to get people thinking, talking — and eventually, creating change.

After the latest horror, in Uvalde, she had an idea: a nationwide art project, focused on wings.

Wings make things move. They propel us forward, safely and freely. Plus, they’re beautiful.

Lorie messaged David Hogg, the Parkland survivor and Harvard University student who has become one of the nation’s leading advocates for gun safety reform.

He loved the idea. Together, they created Wings4Peace.

The group put out a call to all Americans: “artists, non-artists, students, teachers, builders, artisans and activists.” On the 24th of each month*, from July through October, everyone is encouraged to create pieces of wing-themed public art. All 4 works will be displayed next to each other.

Each piece should incorporate special words, revealed each month on the Wings4Peace website. The first word, for July, was “peace.” The words for August are “in America.” The full message will be revealed at the end, right before the mid-term elections.

“Wings4Peace” in California …

Westport artist and longtime social justice advocate Darcy Hicks is all in.

“Social media is important,” the 1984 Staples High School graduate says. “But public art is live. It’s visual. It’s 3D. It really engages people.”

“Public art” is just that. It can appear on trees, ladders, poles,  fences, bridges, windows, yards, walls, sidewalk or rocks.

It can be any medium: a billboard, canvas, sculpture, projection, chalk or anything else.

… and Virginia.

Hicks’ work is displayed at the Westport Museum of History & Culture. She hopes local artists (and non-artists) will place their wings at spots like the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge, Jesup Green, Veterans Green, beaches, public parks — wherever Westporters gather.

Among the local artists planning to join in: Miggs Burroughs.

Seeing wings all over Westport — and across America — won’t magically end gun violence. But, Darcy says, raising awareness through this project could lead to concrete action, like voter registration or letter-writing.

At the very least, she notes, “it will show kids that their community cares.”

Wings4Peace is not about taking away guns, she adds. It’s about safety.

“I haven’t met any gun owner or 2nd Amendment proponent who thinks that mass shootings are okay, or who wants children killed.

“This is a way for us to reflect, and hopefully act, in a positive way.”

*The 24th is the anniversary of the Uvalde shooting.

(“06880” is fully reader-supported. Please click here to contribute.)

Pics Of The Day #1928

Bruce McFadden is a frequent Saugatuck River paddler.

He brings his camera, and often photographs wildlife.

The other day, he turned his attention to man-made structures.

There’s plenty to see — each view different than the rest. Here’s a sampling of what Bruce saw.

(All photos/Bruce McFadden)

 

Roundup: Greens Farms Spirit Shop, Coffee, Hot Dogs …

“06880” reported yesterday that Greens Farms Spirit Shop was for sale. It was right there online, with an MLS listing.

Yesterday afternoon, owner Nick Conti emailed:

“Been hearing a lot of chatter today about my store being for sale. I can personally tell you: ‘The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.’ The store is not, in fact, for sale. I have had the store for almost 4 years now and couldn’t be happier in Westport. It’s a tremendous community!”

It seems a broker Nick had not met before misinterpreted an offhand remark, and posted — without his knowledge — an item about the sale. (“The MLS is a strange place to market a business,” Nick adds.)

So, not only is Greens Farms Spirit Shop not for sale. But the store was just recognized as one of the nation’s Top 100 retailers, by Beverage Dynamics magazine.

It’s all good. Party on!

Not for sale!

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Alert — and thirsty (though not for alcohol) – “06880” reader Mark Lassoff writes:

“I get off I-95 at the Southport exit yesterday, on my way to my Westport office.

“The Maple Avenue Dunkin’ Donuts was shuttered, without warning.

“The ‘New Dunkin’ opening in 3 days’ sign in Compo Shopping Center had not changed in a week

“Coffee An’ is closed for vacation.

“And Mrs. London’s Bakery is closed and locked, with no lights on and no sign on the door.

“I was forced to get coffee at Manna Toast ($5.19, from a thermos).

“When will the new Dunkin’ open? Downtown office workers are having a coffee crisis!”

Too bad, Mark: You should have looked more closely (or perhaps driven by a few minutes later).

Westport’s newest/most recently relocated Dunkin’ opened yesterday. Enjoy!

(Pro tip: Park in the back lot. There’s plenty of room. Unlike, ahem, the front.)

Closed for vacation!

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Everyone continues to rave about Old Mill Grocery — the newly reopened deli/market on Hillspoint Road.

And by “everyone,” we mean all kinds of people.

And their pets.

With plenty of dog treats on the shelf (courtesy of Earth Animal), we’ve seen lots of tail wagging — inside, and out front.

Bobo, at Old Mill Grocery. (Photo/Sunil Hirani)

Cathy Malkin sent this photo of Yogi Bear, and says he  gives the new place “2 paws up”:

(Photo/Cathy Malkin)

Meanwhile, Maggie Moffitt Rahe reports — happily — “the line was out the door. One can only say ‘thank you” to the donors for opening the doors again. It’s bustling, and beautiful.”

Old Mill Grocery. (Photo/Maggie Moffitt Rahe)

Classic scene is back. (Photo/Patty Gabal)

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Not far away at Compo, every Tuesday during the summer, the Y’s Men picnic near the cannons. Once a year, they use it to raise funds for Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.

This week’s hot dog cookout for the camp was the most successful ever

Several dozen Y’s Men and spouses — plus frequent Y’s Men speaker and loyal supporter 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker — enjoyed hundreds of dogs. They were donated by Y’s Man David Kalman, and grilled by members Roy McKay and Larry Licht.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker drops a contribution in the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp bag. (Photo/Bob Mitchell)

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Also at Compo: For a few weeks after it was installed, the new electronic sign notifying beachgoers of the parking situation sat idle.

Yesterday, it worked.

Well, if you disregard those diagonal black lines everywhere.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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Flyers distributed yesterday in Saugatuck announced a state Department of Transportation “I-95 Resurfacing and Median Reconstruction Project, to begin July 2022.”

The bridge over Saugatuck Avenue will be replaced, using “Accelerated Bridge Construction Methods called Lateral Slide, which minimizes the disruption to I-95 commuters.”

In addition, the I-95 bridges over Franklin Street and the Saugatuck River will undergo concrete deck repairs, replacement of expansion joints and installation of new standpipes.

A portion of the structure will be replaced over a weekend, with 2 lanes of traffic in each direction.

Other work includes:

  • Reconstruction of the center median and right shoulders along with resurfacing of the highway mainline and ramps at Interchanges 16 and 17.
  • Median will be reconstructed consistent with other stretches of I-95 to provide a 6-foot-wide capped concrete barrier section.
  • Wider left and right shoulders where possible.
  • Improve drainage by replacing and re-routing drainage structures
  • Replacement of the existing highway illumination system
  • Install new realigned Incident Management System (IMS)
  • Install new guide rail
  • Utilize wet retroreflective pavement markings to provide increased visibility of pavement markings in wet conditions.

(Hat tip: Ken Stamm)

I-95 bridge over the Saugatuck River. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)

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Matthew Hooper and his wife live near downtown. On Tuesday night, walking in that often bustling area, he spotted 2 deer.

One was happily hanging out at the Millman & Millman law office. Moments later it as joined by another, strolling right down the yellow line on Main Street.

Whether they were looking for legal advice, or perhaps a gelato, they captured Matthew’s attention. And he captured one on camera, for “Westport … Naturally.”

(Photo/Matthew Hooper)

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And finally … Mark Lassoff may not be able to find a cup of coffee. But if he’s lookin for java:

 

Optimum Offline

Optimum boasts: “#1 in customer satisfaction.”

In neighborhoods all around Westport, customers beg to differ.

Social media was filled this week with complaints about the long-time cable provider.

Randi Nazem came directly to “06880.” Describing the situation off North Avenue, she writes:

We have WiFi sometimes, but it drops intermittently throughout the day. On Tuesday, for example, we had it all morning. Around 1 it dropped, and didn’t come back up until after 6 p.m.

This past weekend it dropped every few hours, for 10 to 15 minute intervals. It’s bizarre, and very frustrating.

This has been going on for 10 days. I’ve had Optimum on the phone 10 times. I’ve spoken to managers and the supervisor. They came to check and said everything ‘looks’ fine, yet my home (and many others) have no or only intermittent service.

Meanwhile, my $300 bill is due this week. I have to pay it, right?

Randi’s husband works from home. Without WiFi, that’s impossible, she says.

Randi reached out to “06880” because nothing else has helped. They need senior-level attention.

I received another email, this one from a woman in the Old Hill area. She said:

We have not had regular/consistent internet for the past 10 days. It sounds like this is pervasive in Old Hill, from an informal neighborhood poll — often out for more than an hour at a time).

I missed an important job interview due to the outage, and then had to reschedule and do it at the library.

My husband and I both work remotely full time, and have 2 children under 2. I monitor my newborn’s breathing through internet while she sleeps.

Our alarm system doesn’t work without internet, and we receive very little cell reception here so we need Wifi to make calls.

Optimum has a monopoly. They are content to do nothing and provide nothing to customers that have no choice.

This is fundamentally impactful to all of our lives. This affects the entire Old Hill neighborhood. The town needs to intervene with Optimum. This puts safety as well as ability to work at risk.

Randi sent screenshots of social media posts from other areas in Westport.

A plea — from 2020. (Photo/Aurea de Souza)

A second Old Hill neighbor reported: “Optimum gave us a new modem, and fixed most of it. Still some issues connecting our devices to Wi-Fi though.”

A woman on Imperial Avenue added: “I’ve had this issue for the last 2-3 weeks. We have all the best equipment on every floor of our house, yet we have full-on blackout periods every single day for hours. I’m losing my mind.”

Another person said: “We’ve had similar issues with daily outages this week. Optmum is the worst company I’ve ever dealt with, and our only option for high speed internet. I can’t wait for the day when there is another reliable, and likely cheaper, option.”

Some commenters suggest it may be an issue related to line work Optimum is doing. Others discussed the pros and cons of the Eero Mesh wifi system.

Bottom line: Optimum has some very unsatisfied customers, all over town.

They’re looking for answers.

Or at least for someone in a position of authority to care.

(Here’s one thing you can rely on: “06880.” Please click here to support this blog!)

 

Pic Of The Day #1927

Sherwood Mill Pond (Photo/Sunil Hirani)

Officials Respond To Racist Graffiti

Late last evening, Parks & Recreation Department employees discovered racist graffiti on the Compo Beach basketball courts.

They contacted their supervisor, and the Westport Police Department. Officers opened an investigation, which continues.

The graffiti was removed, nd the courts cleaned.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker says, “In my short term in office, I have repeatedly talked about ensuring that Westport is a community where everyone feels like they belong. This incident runs completely contrary to that goal and is inexcusable.

“I am grateful to the Parks & Recreation Department employees and the Police Department for the swift action they took to address the situation professionally and respectfully.”

Anyone with information about the incident should call t the Police Department: 203-341-6000.

The site of racist graffiti. (Photo/Fred Cantor)

 

Unsung Hero #248

The O’Briens and Greenlees were enjoying their usual Friday night at Compo Beach last week.

Nearby, a couple struggled to put up an umbrella.

The O’Briens and Greenlees did not notice.

But Midge Deverin — sitting at a different table — did.

She told her husband Bernie.  He walked over, dug a hole and secured the post with sand and rocks.”

Bernie Deverin to the rescue!Sure, it’s a small gesture. But Bernieand Midge  could have ignored the strangers. Their struggle with the umbrella was not his.

Instead, he took a few minutes to help. It’s little things like this that make all the difference — and that make Westport a community.

(If you know an Unsung Hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com)

(“06880” is fully reader-supporter. If you’d like to contribute, please click here.)

Roundup: Sweetgreen, Bridge Square, Saugatuck …

Sweetgreen went before the Architectural Review Board last night.

The salad-and-bowl fast casual restaurant — with over 150 outlets in more than a dozen states — will replace Organic Krush. The “lifestyle eatery” replaced Chipotle less than 2 years ago. Board members were pleased with the new look. (There were no comments on the menu.)

Representatives from Bridge Square faced more questions, about the new look of that venerable plaza. Questions centered around architectural additions, the back (river) side, and color.

Ultimately, the ARB voted to let the project continue, with the recommendation that the owners come back with a new color scheme.

The ARB took the most time on a pre-application review of a text amendment for The Hamlet at Saugatuck, the proposed redevelopment of the area bordered by Riverside Avenue, Railroad Place and Charles Street.

No decisions were made. Members asked questions about height and architecture. ROAN Ventures, the project developer, continues the process with the ARB and Planning & Zoning Commission in September.

Part of the proposed Saugatuck Hamlet project.

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One of Westport’s oldest best known liquor stores is for sale.

A commercial real estate listing for Greens Farms Spirit Shop says: “Prime location on well-traveled road. Fantastic selection of all types of Spirits, with experienced Staff. Full delivery service, and help with all Events, Weddings, as well as corporate outings. Truly a must see to get the full affect [sic] of the operation.”

It’s listed for $2,250,000. Click here for details. (Hat tip: Amy Swanson)

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Hook’d — the Compo Beach concessionaire — remains controversial.

A few “06800” readers accused me of being too harsh, with my recent report that my request for a rare cheeseburger was denied.

That’s the Health Department looking out for beef eaters, apparently. (Don’t forget: The girl at the counter said that all their burgers are cooked the same: medium. I couldn’t have gotten mine well done, either).

So take this next item with a grain of salt. Alert reader Martin Iselin writes:

“Joey’s (the previous concessionaire) was known for one of the best hot dogs around. After a bike ride I always rewarded myself with one.

“After finishing a recent ride, I thought I’d try the new place. I ordered a hot dog, and asked if they had sauerkraut. No!

“I asked about relish. No!

“Disappointed, a put a little mustard on it. I don’t what brand they use, but it was so salty I could not eat it.

“What kind of beach summer place has no condiments, and such bad food?”

I’m guessing that’s a rhetorical question.

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Marine Layer — the small clothing store next to the much bigger Gap — is closing August 1.

But they’ll reopen in late August, at a new location: 59 Main Street. They’re taking over Intermix.

I searched the “06880” archives for a mention of Marine Layer. Up popped a story from 2017.

It described a new group — Earth Guardians — that encouraged businesses to keep their doors shut when air conditioning (or heat) was on.

Of all the stores they visited, only one had its door closed: Marine Layer.

Marine Layer, with its door firmly closed.

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Sarah Jane Cion snagged first place in the 17th annual Great American Jazz Piano Competition.

Tomorrow, she plays the magnificent Steinway — direct from the legendary Village Gate club — at Westport’s VFW (465 Riverside Avenue). It’s the next, and one of the most anticipated, “Jazz @ the Post” shows of the summer.

Cion has performed with legends like Clark Terry, Etta Jones, Anita O’Day, Bucky Pizzarelli and Don Braden, and is a regular at Birdland. Judges for her award-winning competition were Horace Silver, Kenny Barron, Ellis Marsalis, Benny Green and Bill Charlap.

Music begins at 7 p.m. The cover charge of $10 goes directly to the musicians.

For more information and schedules, click here or here. For table reservations, call 203-227-6796 or emailjazzatthepost@gmail.com.

Sarah Jane Cion

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Tag sales wax and wane with the weather. We don’t see too many in winter — or summer.

But on Saturday, August 6 (8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; early bird special $10 for 8 a.m. entry), the Unitarian Church in Westport sponsors its always popular (and massive) sale.

Thousands of items are donated by dozens of families. Among them: outdoor tools, kitchenware, china, artwork, home décor, rugs, clothing, books, blankets, sheets, arm chairs, lamps — even a unicycle.

COVID knocked out the past couple of tag sales. So there’s plenty of merch — and demand 

Proceeds fund operating costs of the congregation, and the social justice causes they support.

A pre-COVID Unitarian Church tag sale.

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The eagle has landed. And it stayed at Schlaet’s Point for at least half an hour.

Alert “06880” reader Mary Gai captured this magnificent bird — at least with her camera — for “Westport … Naturally.”

(Photo?Mary Gai)

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And finally … speaking of bad hot dogs …

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Shark! Tyler Mace’s Update

Tyler Mace is a Westport teenager. He recently graduated from King School in Stamford, where he played hockey on a state championship team, lacrosse on a division-winning squad, and was named a  “Teen to Watch” by Moffly Media.

This fall, he heads to the University of Miami, to pursue his passion: shark research. Two years ago, “06880” profiled Tyler (he was about to be on Discovery Channel’s “Sharkadelic Summer”).

This year, news of recent shark activity in Long Island Sound has worried some area residents. Tyler eases our minds:

I have always been fascinated and amazed by sharks. When I was very little, my mom would tint my bath water blue. I would wear a mask and snorkel, and play with plastic marine animals underwater.

Tyler Mace, in his shark-filled room.

As I grew, I watched River Monsters. and of course Shark Week. I was incredibly fortunate to find top shark scientist Dr. Craig O’Connell, and the summer camp he runs through his foundation, O’Seas Conservation Foundation.

After just one summer working at his camp, he invited me to Guadalupe Island in Mexico, to dive and help with his research on the largest great white sharks in the world (we’re talking 18 feet and 4,000 pounds!).

I became his first ever research fellow. and got to appear along side him on one of his episodes for Shark Week in “Sharkadelic Summer” (narrated by Snoop Dogg. It’s airing again this Shark Week (Thursday, July 28, 5 p.m).

Tyler Mace, conducting research near Guadalupe Island.

His work is inspirational/ Following in his footsteps, I started a 501(c)3 foundation, The Shark Side in 2020 during COVID. Our goal is to support shark and marine biology research projects, to help with shark conservation and research.

So far, I have raised over $18,000. The money is used for research projects I believe will make a direct impact on shark conservation, and for things such as shark tags to help with tracking for research — and also to help humans and sharks safely co-exist.

Next summer, The Shark Side will sponsor a student to attend Dr. O’Connell’s camp. I am happy to pay it forward, and give someone the same life-changing experience that I had.

I will continue to run the foundation while at college, hoping to raise money to eventually fund my own research project.

Tyler Mace, with a blue sharp off Montauk.

At the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, I will pursue a BS in the Marine Biology and Ecology program. I hope to join their renowned shark research program.

I have an idea that I hope to pursue for research, but I also hope to help spread the word that sharks are an essential part of our ecosystem, not the scary man-eating predators many fear when they think of “Jaws.”

In fact, “Jaws” author Peter Benchley was often quoted as regretting the fear of sharks that his book and movie created. He became a full-time marine conservationist, often advocating for the preservation and conservation of sharks.

People hear about the shark attacks in Long Island and panic, thinking sharks are trying to eat them. That could not be further from the truth.

A shark swims with fishes. (Photo/Tyler Mace)

Most shark bites are just that — bites — not massive thrashings. Most often, a person is misidentified as food, but once the shark bites, it realizes its mistake and goes away.

How likely are you to die from a shark attack? In 2021, according to The Florida Museum of National History’s International Shark File, there were just 73 unprovoked shark bites worldwide. Only 9 of them resulted in death.

Time to go back in the water! And, if you’d like, to donate to Tyler Mace’s Shark Side foundation.

(Like Shark Side, “06880” is a non-profit. Please click here to support our work.)