BRADENTON, Fla. (WWSB) - The Suncoast boasts a wide variety of wildlife, from native animals to invasive species.

One keystone species that calls Manatee County home recently found itself featured in a statewide contest that helps highlight the Sunshine State’s incredible biodiversity.

The Florida Wildlife Federation holds its contest every year. The competition accepts submissions in six different categories, but when Parks Marilla snapped this shot at Robinson Preserve, he knew it was destined for the wildlife section.

This year, the contest’s theme was “Florida in Focus,” so Marilla keyed in on what experts call a keystone species.

Keystone species are animals that play such a large role in their ecosystems that other animals actually learn to rely on them. Bees are a keystone speci

See Full Page