One of the advantages of the opening of Lake Blue has been the explosion of Blazing Star (L. tennufolia, I think) in several areas. They've always been there, but this year there are more dense stands, which may have been surpressed in the past by the overstory.
It makes for locally glorious views. Butterflies have been taking advantage. I've seen Monarchs, Silver-spotted Skippers (two on one plant), Gulf Fritillaries and others.
This is as colorful a harbinger of all in this part of Florida as anything.
