Thick smoke became backdrop for Bounty arrival

Historic City News readers gathering along the bayfront to welcome the H.M.S. Bounty to the St Augustine Municipal Marina today, arrived to witness unsettling plumes of smoke looming over Davis Shores; but, not to worry — it was a controlled burn at Anastasia State Park.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection conducted a prescribed burn today, consisting of approximately 887 acres directly south of the St Augustine Inlet.

Prescribed burning mimics natural fire cycles to restore healthy forests and natural communities, reduce undergrowth that accumulates over time and decrease the potential for wildfire.

The burned lands experience an increase in native wildflowers, birds and other wildlife.

Photo credits: © 2012 Historic City News contributed photograph by Vanessa Baker