About Glades County

View our video series, Tales from the Glades, to learn about Glades County from the people who live and play here.

Despite a break one year, Moore Haven will host the 50th annual Chalo Nitka Big Bass Tournament Saturday, February 27 at Alvin Ward Park.

Purported to be the oldest fishing tournament in Florida, according to Florida Sportsman magazine, the Chalo Nitka Big Bass Tournament harkens back to the days before the “catch and release” rules were established, when strings of bass an armlengh’s across were displayed during the Chalo Nitka Festival itself and live bait was not a dirty word among professional anglers.

The tournament will get underweigh Feb. 27 from safelight til 1 p.m. Entry fee is $25 per person. There is no age limit, anyone can fish, but each person on the boat must pay the entry fee. Cash pay-outs are guaranteed. First place is $1200, Second, $700, Third, $400, down to $100 for seventh place.The angler weighing in the biggest bass and wearing a 2010 Chalo Nitka t-shirt will win an additional $100. A Critter Division is sponsored by Ahern’s BP, giving the angler who brings in the largest Mudfish, Garr or Catfish to win $100.

All of the money received for this event is used for event prize payback, polygraph testing and a portion of  proceeds will go to Project Graduation at Moore Haven High School.

Entry forms for the Chalo Nitka Big Bass Tournament are available at the EDC Office, (the old Chamber building) 998 Tenth Street, Moore Haven. For more information, contact the EDC at (863) 946-0300.

The Baby Alligators Are Popping Out All Over!

            Palmdale, Florida, August 16, 2010- Do your children think education is boring?  “It definitely does not have to be,” say Allen and Patty Register, owners of Gatorama.  It is the time of year that chirping, grunting and snapping baby alligators emerge from their shells to meet the world.   Gatorama is marking this occasion by hosting an “Alligator Hatching Festival” August 21nd through August 31 at their animal park at 6180 U.S. Highway 27, Palmdale, Florida.     

            “This is a great opportunity for parents to teach their children about one of natures fascinating life cycles,” says Allen Register.  “For the next two weeks we will welcome over three thousand alligators into the world at Gatorama.  Guests will actually be able to see these little baby alligators wiggle out of the eggs.”

            Visitors to Gatorama will also be able to learn about the history of the American alligator and how the populations have been protected through one of the most truly successful, sustainable-use management programs ever implemented. American alligators have been off the endangered species list since 1987 and populations are still growing.  Alligator farming is am important part of the program.

            There will be five programs Monday through Saturday and four on Sundays.       Regular admission is $14.95.  Children less than five feet are admitted for $6.95.  For guests that want a hands-on experience, a “Hatch and Hold” package is available.  This package allows the guest to actually hold an egg and let the baby alligator hatch in their hands.   The cost for this package is $10.00.   

This year as an added attraction we have invited the award winning BBQ company “Fired and Wired” to join us on the weekends for great food and gator tail.

Gatorama opened in 1957 as one of Florida's first alligator attractions. It is still a popular tourist attraction as well as an operating alligator farm. One of Gatorama's main attractions for visitors and professional photographers is the natural Florida scenery in which these prehistoric beasts sunbathe in the warm tropical climate. Giant oak trees and palm trees cover the fifteen acre attraction. Visitors will also find other animals along the covered 1000 foot walkway and wooden bridge panthers,bobcats, raccoons, peacocks, ducks and geese all call Gatorama home, as do six species of crocodiles including the American Crocodile. Gatorama is the largest captive breeder in North America of the Acutus Crocodile.

            For more information and directions, call (863) 675-0623 or visit www.Gatorama.com.

The Baby Alligators Are Popping Out All Over!

            Palmdale, Florida, August 16, 2010- Do your children think education is boring?  “It definitely does not have to be,” say Allen and Patty Register, owners of Gatorama.  It is the time of year that chirping, grunting and snapping baby alligators emerge from their shells to meet the world.   Gatorama is marking this occasion by hosting an “Alligator Hatching Festival” August 21nd through August 31 at their animal park at 6180 U.S. Highway 27, Palmdale, Florida.     

            “This is a great opportunity for parents to teach their children about one of natures fascinating life cycles,” says Allen Register.  “For the next two weeks we will welcome over three thousand alligators into the world at Gatorama.  Guests will actually be able to see these little baby alligators wiggle out of the eggs.”

            Visitors to Gatorama will also be able to learn about the history of the American alligator and how the populations have been protected through one of the most truly successful, sustainable-use management programs ever implemented. American alligators have been off the endangered species list since 1987 and populations are still growing.  Alligator farming is am important part of the program.

            There will be five programs Monday through Saturday and four on Sundays.       Regular admission is $14.95.  Children less than five feet are admitted for $6.95.  For guests that want a hands-on experience, a “Hatch and Hold” package is available.  This package allows the guest to actually hold an egg and let the baby alligator hatch in their hands.   The cost for this package is $10.00.   

This year as an added attraction we have invited the award winning BBQ company “Fired and Wired” to join us on the weekends for great food and gator tail.

Gatorama opened in 1957 as one of Florida's first alligator attractions. It is still a popular tourist attraction as well as an operating alligator farm. One of Gatorama's main attractions for visitors and professional photographers is the natural Florida scenery in which these prehistoric beasts sunbathe in the warm tropical climate. Giant oak trees and palm trees cover the fifteen acre attraction. Visitors will also find other animals along the covered 1000 foot walkway and wooden bridge panthers,bobcats, raccoons, peacocks, ducks and geese all call Gatorama home, as do six species of crocodiles including the American Crocodile. Gatorama is the largest captive breeder in North America of the Acutus Crocodile.

            For more information and directions, call (863) 675-0623 or visit www.Gatorama.com.