As a Florida transplant, I must say I never knew about the lizards. Off and on, people told me Florida had critters and bugs and, of course, there’s the fear of snakes and alligators — but, honestly, I’m not sure anyone ever mentioned the lizards.

This lack of lizard awareness on my behalf placed me in a rather precarious situation on a recent trip to Miami/Fort Lauderdale.

After spending a few days meeting with clients, dining at lovely locations such as Area 31, Balan’s and Juvia, I was heading back home to Sarasota. On my drive, I decided to make an impromptu lunch stop and wandered into Casablanca Café in Fort Lauderdale.

Casablanca Café has a phenomenal location right across from Fort Lauderdale Beach. Originally built in 1926, the restaurant is housed within a former Spanish Mission-style residence, accented with Middle Eastern elements and a large tiled veranda. I waltzed in for lunch and was promptly greeted by Diego, who offered me a gorgeous little table with a waterfront view within chatting distance of himself. I was disappointed with neither.

Mikey was an excellent server, assuring me my lamb pita and Mediterranean dip duo appetizer were both strong and popular choices (savory, as well). Both gentlemen talked me into dessert, and I thoroughly enjoyed a salted caramel ice cream sundae with berries and chocolate sauce.

Between the view, the beach air, the charming personalities of my new acquaintances and the delicious food, I thought my day had been made … until I walked back to the car and nearly stepped on a three-foot iguana. To be honest, I believe he was as shocked as I was.

After telling this story a few times, I’ve since come to discover how lucky I am he didn’t begin chasing me! According to locals, when an iguana feels threatened, they’ve been known to run after the meddling humans wreaking havoc in their ’hood. And while I don’t know for certain what spared me from being stalked by this territorial creature, I believe it had something to do with my outwardly spoken apology, which went a little something like this …

“WOAH – UHHH – Hey there, buddy … Ummm … OK – My bad! I truly didn’t see you there … . If it helps, I promise to pay more attention next time, ok? All good – OK … no worries …”

Now, although this one-way conversation resulted in a peace settlement, there was a nearby construction worker who likely got a kick out of the whole thing: Me, in my nude wedge heels and fancy purse, talking out loud to an adult iguana.

I didn’t ask if I could take pictures, but perhaps that’s what actually caused him to change his mind and see me as a harmless tourist. In fact, once we agreed to abstain from combat against each other, the iguana almost seemed to pose for the camera as I subconsciously offered to immortalize the experience in a future blog.
My chance encounter-turned-digital commentary now serves as this public service announcement for other new Florida residents who lack sufficient levels of lizard awareness.

Let the apologies begin.

— Carrie Cox, account executive