Ed and Deb Higgins

Ed and Deb Higgins are the authors of "Paddles In Paradise" and "More Paddles in Paradise." Ed is a retired chief of Lynn, MA fire department. An avid fisherman and canoeist, he was also an instructor in the Aquatic Resources Program for Massachusetts. Deb was a Certified Microsoft Engineer with various roles within the City of Lynn Comptroller’s Office and the Lynn Fire Department, computerizing payroll, accounting and record-keeping. The couple retired and moved to Punta Gorda in 2008, where they lead a kayak group within the Punta Gorda Boat Club.

“Paddles in Paradise” and “More Paddles in Paradise” are available for a discounted price on their website www.paddlesinparadise.com. Their books are also available at www.amazon.com and many local bookstores.

Mangrove tunnels at Lido Key Mangrove Trail. (Photo: Deb and Ed Higgins.)

Lido Key Mangrove Trail: Paddling with cormorants, wildlife

The Lido Key Mangrove Trail is a well-known scenic kayak trail in Sarasota. In addition to friendly cormorants and shaded mangrove tunnels, this trail is popular in summer because there is a sandbar where you can swim.

Kayaking Deer Creek in North Port.

Kayaking Deer Prairie Creek for hours of paddle heaven

You’ll discover a natural world without traffic and crowds when you’re kayaking Deer Prairie Creek in North Port. This tributary of the Myakka River is quiet, off-the-beaten track and not widely known outside its neighboring area.

kayaking Dora Canal (Photo: Ed and Deb Higgins)

Dora Canal: It’s short but so sweet, so paddle slowly

The Dora Canal could be the prettiest one mile you’ll paddle in Florida. The waterway connects Lake Dora and Lake Eustis in Tavares, just west of Mount Dora.

Frog Creek in Palmetto

Frog Creek: Little-known Tampa Bay kayak trail

Frog Creek is a scenic kayak trail near Tampa Bay that begins in a shady Old Florida river and flows into open salt water and mangrove tunnels. “Paddles in Paradise” authors Ed and Deb Higgins share their story.