As an alligator control officer, you can expect to have to deal with some challenging situations. You can get called out to remove alligators from all sorts of situations but this one was particularly difficult. It was a large gator on a front porch who was aggressive and did not want to co-operate in any way. In the clip below, we get to see a glimpse of why these animals have to be controlled to maintain public safety.

These are large members of the Crocodilia order and can grow up to 15 feet in length. Some can weigh over 800 pounds. An animal of that size needs a fair amount of food but can go for a week without eating when they have consumed a large meal.

These guys are carnivores and have to catch and kill other animals to stay alive. To help them achieve this, they have integumentary sense organs to detect movement in the water, strength and a powerful bite. Its recorded at 2,980 psi which is more than that of a jaguar and a polar bear!

Using these attributes, they hunt primarily in water by lurking and then lunging at fish, mollusks, birds, small mammals and reptiles. You see the alligator here rolling as it is being restrained. The death roll is a tactic that they use to overcome their prey.

iStock.com/CoinUp

The footage was captured in Florida which has a large gator population it reaches around 1.3 million. People who are concerned about alligators can call the local Nuisance Alligator Hotline. Individuals over four feet in length are removed by contracted nuisance alligator trappers.

Having found its way into a human settlement, this gator now presents a risk to human safety. Its size and aggression confirm this. Therefore, it needs to be removed and destroyed. It is never pleasant to learn that a magnificent creature will be killed but there are good reasons for doing so. The alligator population on Florida is stable and healthy and destroying nuisance alligators does not significantly impact the numbers.

Whilst relocation may seem like a kinder option, it has drawbacks. The main one is that released gators keep coming back to the place where they were captured! By doing this they cause more risks to humans and are often harder to capture the second time. Also, the authorities do not know where this gator came from. So, they will be releasing it in a location where there is already a community of gators with established social structures. Fights would break out resulting in even more deaths. Destroying this gator humanely is therefore the best option.

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Watch This Angry Alligator Invade a Family's Porch and Refuse to ... - AZ Animals

Have you ever observed the diverse colors of porch lights on houses and wondered about their significance?

Although some may perceive them as merely decorative or energy-efficient choices, these colors can carry significant meanings. The color of a porch light is frequently employed as a symbol of support for various causes and communities, rather than being an arbitrary choice.

Photo by Jarrod Reed on Unsplash

Porch lights have been a staple of American homes for over a century. Initially, they were used for practical purposes, such as providing illumination at night and adding an extra layer of security.

However, as time passed, porch lights became more decorative and even served as a way for homeowners to express themselves. In recent years, the color of porch lights has taken on a new meaning, with certain colors symbolizing support for specific causes and groups.

Summer Evening by Edward Hopper

Porchlight colors are more than just a decoration choice - they can be a powerful symbol of support for a variety of causes. By choosing to display a certain color, homeowners can make a positive impact in their community and show solidarity with those in need.

822 Farwell Dr, Madison, Wisconsin was the home of a comedic genious.

Here is a checklist to make sure you don't miss a spot when cleaning:

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What Does It Mean When You See a Red Porch Light? - 97X

Old music, new play

During the COVID-19 quarantine, a classical violinist and her folk-music-loving boyfriend leave their Brooklyn apartment seeking respite, inspiration and reconciliation at her family's mountain home in "The Porch on Windy Hill: a new play with old music." Northlight Theatre's production stars co-writers Lisa Helmi Johanson, Morgan Morse and David M. Lutken and is directed by Sherry Lutken, who also conceived the play-with-music.

Previews at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 14-15; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 16; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, and Thursday, April 20; and 1 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 19, at The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. The show opens April 21. $30-$89. Masks recommended. (847) 673-6300 or northlight.org.

Vicki Quade remounts her interactive comedy "Bible Bingo" at the Greenhouse Theater Center.- Courtesy of Vicki Quade

Vicki Quade and Nuns 4 Fun Entertainment remount "Bible Bingo," the interactive comedy in which former nun Mary Margaret O'Brien hosts a bingo trivia fundraiser for a fictional parish. Vicki Quade, Liz Cloud and Nancy Greco alternate in the role of Mary Margaret.

8 p.m. Friday, April 14, 21 and 28, and 8 p.m. Saturday, April 15, 22 and 29, at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. $35. Masks recommended. (773) 404-7336 or greenhousetheater.org.

Citadel Theatre concludes its season with "Airness," Chelsea Marcante's comedy about budding air guitarist Nina (Julia Rowley) and the oddball enthusiasts she meets when she signs up for an air guitar competition. Joe Lehman directs.

Previews at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, April 19-20, at 300 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest. The show opens April 21. $20-$45. Masks recommended. (847) 735-8554, ext. 1, or citadeltheatre.org.

Brendan Ragan takes over later this month as the new artistic director of the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights.

Arlington Heights' Metropolis Performing Arts Centre named Brendan Ragan its new artistic director. Ragan, founding co-artistic director of Florida's Urbanite Theatre, an ensemble known for producing new works, begins his tenure April 24.

"Brendan brings a wealth of compassion, empathy, passion, and high-quality production value to Metropolis," said board president Stephen Daday in a prepared statement. "I believe donors, subscribers, patrons, staff and the talented artists who grace our stage will be very excited for what is to come."

"It became clear to me right away that the organization is much more than a neighborhood theater," Ragan said in a prepared statement. "From the important endeavors at the School of the Performing Arts to the many dozens of exciting, presented works throughout the year, MPAC has the rare merit of being not just a professional theater but a vital cultural center. I'm ecstatic to join this organization."

Check with venues about COVID-19 precautions.

Magician Joshua Jay -- who's appeared on "The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon," "The Late Show With James Corden" and "Penn & Teller's Fool Us" -- performs his new show, "Look Closer," through April 30 at Rhapsody Theater, 1328 Morse Ave., Chicago. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 2, 7 and 9 p.m. Saturdays. Tickets are $25-$75. rhapsodytheater.com.

The Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, hosts Lucy's Comedy, a stand-up comedy showcase featuring Dame Grant, Tim Piotrkowski and headliner John Knight at 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 14. Tickets start at $25. (815) 356-9212 or rauecenter.org.

New York City scientist and comedian Ben Miller brings his multimedia show "Stand-Up Science" to the Lincoln Lodge, 2040 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. Miller incorporates pictures, graphs and videos into his set to entertain and educate. He performs at 7 p.m. Friday, March 14. $10. thelincolnlodge.com.

The Gift Theatre hosts its Gift Gala 2023: We've Only Just Begun from 6-10:30 p.m. Friday, April 14, at the Greenhouse Loft, 2545 W. Diversey Ave., Chicago. The evening includes food and drink, live and silent auctions, and live music, improv, excerpts from The Gift's radio drama "Mud City" and a Q&A with ensemble member Andrew Hinderacker, creator of Netflix's "Away" and Showtime's "Let the Right One In." Raffle prices include two tickets to the Broadway revival of "A Doll's House" starring Jessica Chastain and Gift co-founder and ensemble member Michael Patrick Thornton. Single tickets are $150. Proceeds support programming and operations. (773) 283-7071 or thegifttheatre.org.

Performances begin Saturday, April 15, for Chicago Children's Theatre's "The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show," a stage version of Eric Carle's children's book created by Jonathan Rockefeller. The show, which runs at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Saturdays through June 4, at 100 S. Racine St., Chicago, boasts more than 75 puppets including the titular caterpillar, Brown Bear, 10 rubber ducks and a very busy spider. Tickets are $35.25. Masks recommended. (312) 374-8835 or chicagochildrenstheatre.org.

The new musical "Coming of Age in the Age of House" by Campsongs Productions opens Thursday, April 20, at the Center on Halsted's Hoover-Leppen Theatre, 3656 N. Halsted St., Chicago. The musical about the origins of house music, tells the story of a young man who finds the courage to come out of the closet after he sneaks into the Warehouse Club, the birthplace of house music. $25-$30. centeronhalsted.org.

"Broadway Barbara Live! In Chicago" comes to The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, for one performance at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 20. Leah Sprecher plays the fictional Barbara Dixon in this one-woman music and comedy sendup of the autobiographical cabaret shows of such Broadway notables as Elaine Stritch, Liza Minnelli and Barbara Cook. $26, $41. Masks encouraged. (773) 697-3830 or thedentheatre.com.

Court Theatre announced its 69th season begins Nov. 3 with a revival of James Goldman's 12th century-set domestic drama "The Lion in Winter," about the contentious Christmas that Eleanor of Aquitaine spent with her estranged husband, Henry II, and their children. That's followed by Sophocles' "Antigone" (Feb. 2-25, 2024), another domestic drama with political ramifications about the titular character who defies King Creon's order to leave her brother unburied. Next up is "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" (March 29-April 21, 2024), Tom Stoppard's "Hamlet"-inspired comedy starring two minor characters from Shakespeare's play who wrestle with fate, friendship and the question of existence while a tragedy unfolds around them. The season concludes with the premiere of "Stokely: The Unfinished Revolution," Nambi E. Kelly's drama about civil rights activist Kwame Ture, who was born Stokely Carmichael. It runs May 24-June 16, 2024. Performances take place at 5535 S. Ellis Ave., Chicago. Subscriptions range from $111 to $272. (773) 753-4472 or courttheatre.org.

Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre, in residence at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes Ave., Evanston, announced its 2023 season begins June 10 with "Obama-ology," Aurin Squire's comedy about an African American college student who comes to terms with his sexual and racial identity while working on Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign. That's followed by "The Light" (Aug. 5-20), Loy A. Webb's two-hander about a marriage proposal that goes awry. Next up is "The Baldwin|Giovanni Experience," Tim Rhoze and Bria Walker's work inspired by the 1971 broadcast conversation between authors James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni that incorporates original music, a mural and choreography. The season concludes Oct. 28 with "This Bitter Earth," Harrison David Rivers' play about the relationship between an introspective Black playwright and his white, Black Lives Matter activist boyfriend who calls him out for his political apathy. (847) 866-5914 or fjtheatre.com.

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Spotlight: Folk music animates Northlight's 'Porch on Windy Hill' - Daily Herald

Seeing the Angels take batting practice before Tuesdays game at Yankee Stadium was standard operating procedure.

But Shohei Ohtani out there taking swings in the late afternoon sunlight?

That was about as common as witnessing people surfing in the Bronx.

This was a rarity, a truly special phenomenon, because Ohtani who is followed around by dozens of reporters and TV cameras any time he gets within a few blocks of a ballpark almost exclusively prefers to do his pregame preparation indoors, where his every movement cant be tracked.

The last time Ohtani did so? It was at the World Baseball Classic, before Samurai Japan faced Mexico in the semifinals. The media that chronicles him regularly was surprised by his appearance, and stunned by the display he put on that evening. Ohtani launched rocket after rocket into the rightfield upper deck of loanDepot park, nearly clearing it on a few occasions.

His explanation then? Ohtani said he knew Mexico was watching, so he wanted to show them what would happen if any of their pitches wound up in the wrong place (Im paraphrasing, but you get the idea). For the soft-spoken Ohtani, that was a bold statement.

Ohtani provided similar fireworks Tuesday, smacking what had to be a 500-foot rocket over the batters eye in centerfield, above Monument Park. There were other mammoth shots. But that was only batting practice, right?

The Yankees wished that were the case. Because once the stadium swelled to a crowd of 37,883 and Clarke Schmidt gave up a leadoff double to Taylor Ward in the first inning, Ohtani wound up in a favorable 2-and-0 count. You can guess what happened next.

Schmidt tried to get an 88-mph sweeper past Ohtani and instead watched it sail into the Yankees bullpen, a 391-foot shot, his fourth homer of the season. Later, when asked about his public power flex during BP, Ohtani didnt cop to making any type of statement for the Yankees to see.

I just wanted to see my balls flight, Ohtani said through an interpreter after the Angels 5-2 victory, adding that such a thing would be impossible if he didnt take BP outdoors.

Well take him at his word. That maybe Ohtani really did want to see how the ball was flying off his bat. With a first-pitch temp of 52 degrees (and dropping) along with a stiff breeze at times, there was an element of that. But we also wouldnt be surprised if it was about something more, that Ohtani being on baseballs biggest stage, with all the attention, wanted to take advantage of the opportunity.

Ohtani clearly enjoyed his WBC title run with Samurai Japan, and soaked up every minute of the international exposure, right down to striking out his Angels teammate Mike Trout to close the championship game. Now beginning his walk year, with a potential $600 million payday looming, why wouldnt Ohtani want to bust out? And he understands theres no better place than New York for those moments.

He thrives in any atmosphere, Angels manager Phil Nevin said. You could put him on a back field where no ones watching and hes going to have the same competitive nature that he does in front of 40,000 at Yankee Stadium. Thats what makes him special and makes him one of the best in the game.

Sure. But then how do you explain his stolen base in the fifth inning, his first since July 26 of last season? Was that just a coincidence? Or was Ohtani feeling something a little extra under these brightest of lights? When he bolted for second, Kyle Higashiokas throw sailed into centerfield, allowing Ohtani to cruise into third. He then scored on Anthony Rendons sacrifice fly to solidify the Angels lead at 5-2.

Oddly enough, it was Aaron Boone who brought up Ohtanis wheels before the game, an unexpected reply to a question about the former MVPs supernatural skills.

I think that's the last thing you talk about and you watch him get down the line and youre like, Oh and hes the fastest guy out there," Boone said. It's amazing what he's doing. It really is. What he's doing on the mound, in the batter's box, and then you add the speed element. Just a special talent that maybe we've never seen and maybe never will again.

Ohtanis two-run blast Tuesday was 100 years to the day that Babe Ruth opened Yankee Stadium with a home run of his own, so it was a fitting celebration from the modern heir to Ruth and this millenniums two-way star. Ohtani said he was aware of the 100-year anniversary, and mentioned that he appreciates each trip here.

Its a beautiful field, passionate fans, Ohtani said. I always look forward to playing here.

Whether the Bronx could ever be a more permanent home for Ohtani remains to be seen (though we highly doubt it). So just try to enjoy his visits as much as Ohtani does.

David Lennon is an award-winning columnist, a voter for baseball's Hall of Fame and has covered six no-hitters, including two perfect games.

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Yankee Stadium's short porch beckons Shohei Ohtani, not that he needs it - Newsday

VIRGINIA The Northern Virginia region is full of interesting places to visit and lovely weather to take in, especially this time of year. Throughout the area, several homes for sale take advantage of the region's splendor with stunning porches and convenient locations.

A home for sale in Leesburg is more secluded,with plenty of space for the new owners to stretch out. It also has luxury features like a golf simulator, multiple wet bars, and a winding driveway.

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Another home for sale in Fredericksburg has an eye-catching 1970s style along a lakefront. It's situated within the woods and allows for plenty of privacy.

Patch has put together a collection of beautiful homes on the market in Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg. You can find photo galleries of properties in the listings linked in each article.

$5M Leesburg Estate Boasts Golf Simulator, Wet Bars, Marble Floors

$1.1M Fredericksburg Home Features 1970s Style In Secluded Woods

Relax On Screened Porch With Fireplace At Custom Vienna Home

Inside this $3.2 million home, there are seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms. The chef's kitchen lives up to its name with a six-burner stove. The lower level is an entertainer's dream with a media or game room, rec room, exercise room, wet bar and fireplace. There's more space to enjoy outside with a spacious backyard as well as a front and back porch, or the screened porch with a fireplace provides an option for all seasons.

Riverfront Views Are The Backdrop Of This Luxury Alexandria Townhouse

The Potomac River views are unparalleled at this luxury townhouse in Old Town Alexandria. Residents will enjoy river views from the home, especially from the Georgian Palladian windows. The main level boasts an open floor plan with an expansive living room, luxury kitchen with a custom island, and formal dining room with room for large parties. The master suite is updated and has vaulted ceilings and river views. Two other bedrooms were updated along with the bedroom on the lower level.

Fit For A King: Here's Your Chance To Own A Regal Estate In McLean

Once owned by the Saudi Royal Family, this palatial estate is situated on over three acres near the Potomac River in McLean. This spacious property is tucked away down a private drive, surrounded by lush and mature foliage, providing a sense of peace and serenity. Features include a gated driveway, a four-car garage as well as a stunning grand foyer resembling a scene from your favorite fairy tale.

Relax On The Unique Amenity-Rich Porch At This $1.1M Manassas Home

Updated Home Near Del Ray Shows Off Plants For Spring

Enjoy the vibrant plantings and close proximity to Del Ray at this home in the Mount Ida subdivision. The four-bedroom home is move-in ready and located on a quiet street. Mature and landscaping make the outdoor space appealing. Out back, there's a fenced yard to enjoy.

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Feature-Filled Decks + Stunning Locations, Views: VA Dream Homes - Leesburg, VA Patch

Colorful backyards, with bold planters, painted walls, and lively-hued furniture can become a home's eye-catching focal point, and turn the outdoors from ordinary to one-of-a-kind. And with the weather turning warm, there's no better time than now to cozy up and create the most welcoming outdoor space where you can lounge around and spend your days.

To help you out, we reached out to top experts, to understand how to add vibrancy to backyard ideas. Here are 10 ways to inject hue into the outdoors.

(Image credit: NJ+ Arquitetura)

Add a splash of color to your outdoor seating with colored sofas, stools, and chairs. Even adding a colorful hammock could make for a fun, welcoming space.

'It's so easy to embrace bold colors in the outdoors since there are so many wonderful and durable outdoor fabrics to choose from today,' says Victoria Holly (opens in new tab), principal, and founder of Victoria Holly Interiors. 'This wasn't the case 10 years ago, but now there have been many improvements in fabrics, and dyes and there are so many exceptional offerings out there for throw pillows, cushions, table clothes, and more. Microfibre, polyester to Sunbrella (opens in new tab), you can choose the ones that suit your needs.'

'There are many playful outdoor furniture options too available in bold colors, or furniture made in powder-coated or repainted hues,' says Victoria. 'And of course, so many design-forward styles of planters to mix and match with.'

'The theme here was to create a more fresh and citric atmosphere, to enjoy the hot summer days,' says Nildo Jose (opens in new tab), founder of NJ+ Arquitetura of this backyard with vibrant green furniture. 'This space is completely uncovered and is used by the family quite a bit. We added an outdoor kitchen to this space that serves intimate dinners, and complemented it with brightly colored outdoor seaters.'

(Image credit: Ellie Mroz Design)

You can also embrace bolder backyard color trends by adding vibrant pillows to your existing outdoor sofas. If you have a wonderfully set up outdoor seating and you want to warm it up and add a bit of layering, consider throw pillows, seat cushions, or upholstered poufs. This allows you to easily redo your backyard color scheme without completely starting over.

'For outdoor cushions, man-made fibers like coated polyester, acrylic and olefin both wear better than natural fibers and are also resistant to moisture,' says Ellie Mroz (opens in new tab), founder of Ellie Mroz Design. 'I also suggest options such as Sunbrella, Perennials (opens in new tab)or Inside Out (opens in new tab). These will tolerate harsh outdoor conditions.'

(Image credit: Kit Kemp for Annie Selke)

To warm up the exteriors, and add texture and movement to the space, you need to choose the best outdoor rugs that will suit the size and function of the area. Today outdoor rugs are available in myriad colors, patterns, and sizes, plus they look a lot like their indoor counterparts, making them seem decorative and helping to turn your backyard space in to an outdoor living room of sorts.

The difference is that outdoor rugs are generally designed with long-lasting materials that will hold up against weather and resist stains and fading. The best outdoor rugs are typically made from synthetic materials. From polypropylene, polyester, and Nylon, to jute and sisal, you can consider any of these textured materials to add a touch of color and design to your backyard seating.

(Image credit: Kathy Taslitz Studio design)

A clever way to create a vivid landscape in the exteriors is undoubtedly through planting, and a climbing plant is especially effective as it can cover an outdoor wall or structure like a pergola or garden trellis to bring color to your garden's vertical planes.

'The gorgeous pink hue of this Bougainvillea is a delicious complement to my Bring It On the dining table,' says Kathy Taslitz (opens in new tab), founder of Kathy Taslitz Studio Design. 'I love matching and mixing my custom furniture with my clients surrounding floral and fauna for an explosion of color.'

(Image credit: Stacy Zarin Goldberg. Studio credit Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture )

Painting an exterior door, a deck or an entire structure is a quick way to add color to your home's exterior. Choose the best exterior paint for doors and windows, and make sure the hues match the home's existing exterior palette. If your home is set within a row of homes, this could be a great way to set it apart and make it stand out.

Another thing to note is that an effective exterior color scheme doesn't always have to have bright paint colors. Even a muted palette accented with hints of black can work. Simply paint the door frames and shutters so the look is crisp and clean instead of one-note.

(Image credit: MKCA Designs)

Consider bright-toned backyard or patio flooring to build the outdoor scheme from the ground up.

'Ceramic and porcelain are durable tiles to utilize in outdoor areas, but I also love incorporating natural materials like limestone for the outdoors,' says Victoria. 'And incorporating outdoor tiles is a great way to lean into the architectural style of your home. For Mediterranean-style homes, there are beautiful stone-blend tiles such as those from ARTO tiles (opens in new tab). Or for a more modern home, going with a clean porcelain or limestone look can add warmth while still working with the bones of the home. You can incorporate tiles on the stairs leading to your home, or also in your pool/fountain area, as another way to tie in the material throughout.'

'We love using patterned tiles outdoors,' says Lauren Lerner (opens in new tab), founder, and principal of Living with Lolo. 'Opt for ones that are good for your climate, such as terracotta or porcelain. Some of these can get very hot, so they may not be the best choice in climates that are extremely hot in the summer. When choosing a pattern, opt for something neutral to stand the test of time.'

(Image credit: Jennifer Hughes. Design: Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture)

Furniture made in metal is generally affordable and available in many colors, making it easy to find one or more to suit your garden or patio. Outdoor dining chairs in bright yellow, red, and pink look particularly striking, especially if your backyard looks out to a lawn. Consider flea markets and vintage sales for pieces you can transform with a fresh coat of paint.

This design, created by Richardson & AssociatesLandscapeArchitecture (opens in new tab), uses multi-colored chairs to bring a riot of color to an otherwise subdued backyard - the perfect talking point for al fresco dinner parties.

To add more intrigue to the outdoor dining room and to add more color, consider a vibrant tablecloth over your outdoor table. Brightly colored glassware, placemats, or napkins can also elevate backyard entertaining. Balance out the colors with runners made of natural materials such as rattan or bamboo.

(Image credit: thejoyofplants.co.uk)

'Spring is the perfect time to plant various flowers, such as daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, crocuses, and irises,' says Richa Kedia, founder of Simplifyplants (opens in new tab) & Nurserylady. 'These flowers come in a range of colors and can add a vibrant touch to your backyard. If you're looking for low-maintenance options, consider planting pansies, petunias, or marigolds. These flowers are easy to care for and can bloom for a long time.'

'Another option is to plant wildflowers, which can attract bees and butterflies to your backyard,' says Richa. 'Some popular wildflowers include black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, and phlox. Ultimately, the flowers you choose for your terrace or tropical garden, or backyard, will depend on your taste and the climate in your area. But with so many options available, you're sure to find something that will make your backyard bloom with color this spring.'

(Image credit: Pelargonium for Europe)

Want to create whimsy in your small porch or backyard? Consider colorful flower pots, that along with greenery, spread the joy of hues around the area. Suspended flowerpots along the fence for colorful wall art. If you wish, you could do a weekend DIY project with terracotta pots and coat the bases with spray paint.

To create an interesting outdoor vignette, consider pots in various sizes, and textures to add dimension. A large container can help you add in more flowers and plants, adding more hues to the outdoors. Plus, add decorative accessories such as sculptures, rocks, and accent furniture to amp up the area.

(Image credit: Dentro Fotografia. Studio credit Dobra Arquitetura)

Let your home's pergola become the perfect starting point for the outdoor color scheme. Consider interesting hues as such blue, green or pink, and paint the entire structure so it emerges as a jewel within your outdoor backyard or garden. Fill the space with accent chairs and lively green throw pillows for a coordinated look.

Consider paints in satin or eggshell finishes as these have low reflection, which means that they hide bumps and imperfections on the surface. If it's semi-gloss or gloss finish you're interested in, consider these for trim and doors. The glossier paints are more durable so they will hold up well on these trim surfaces that take the brunt of the weather.

To add more layering to the exteriors, you could bring in colored string lights on the exterior to give the backyard a lively look.

'Multi-colored string lights arent just for Christmastime,' says Sheva Knopfler, co-founder of Lights.com (opens in new tab) and creative director and decor expert. 'They add a fun pop of color to your outdoor spaces throughout every season. Define your outdoor space by stringing the lights around the perimeter. You can hang them on the fence, or drape them between trees or on poles. The multicolored LED lights create a warm look and are great for parties.'

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Colorful backyards 11 color schemes for porches and patio - LivingEtc

Lausen Mitchell Ost and Alexis Coralynn McCoy have been respectively designated as salutatorian and valedictorian for the 2023 graduating class of Sulphur Springs High School.

To perform so consistently over four years these [students] are obviously among our best and brightest, SSHS principal Josh Williams noted. As a father and a principal, I would trust them with anything.

Alexis McCoy has a 4.47 GPA and plans to attend the University of Alabama, where she hopes to concentrate in biological research and business administration.

Alexiss awards and honors include academic all-state volleyball, National Honor Society (secretary), UIL state academics medalist, Hopkins County High School Leadership, key club, and National Merit Scholars.

Alexis extends her thanks to her parents JD and Jennifer McCoy, and her teachers, especially Ms. Millsap, Ms. Herman and Mr. Grafton.

Im probably going to be what they call a life-long learner, McCoy said. It has made them [parents and teachers] so proud, and it makes me so proud.

Lausen Ost has a GPA of 4.46 and will attend Texas A&M University at College Station, where he hopes to study civil engineering, specifically transportation.

Lausens honors and activities include varsity choir, UIL journalism, UIL current events, National Honor Society (president), National Technical Honor Society, 2023 TMEA All-State mixed choir, and 2022 UIL Latino History Essay state champion.

Lausen extends his sincere gratitude to his parents Dr. Loren and Christine Ost, as well as his teachers and God.

My parents always taught me to put my hardest work into it. To come to the end, its nice for me to know Ive reached my potential, Ost said.

By Taylor Nye. Photos by Chloe Kopal

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McCoy, Ost named top SSHS Graduates in 2023 - frontporchnewstexas.com

Generations ago, the porch was where all the action happened a place to converse with neighbors, cool off in summer and watch kids play in the yard. Today, porches are making a comeback as homeowners look to channel those relaxing days with front stoops and wraparounds. As you browse porch ideas, keep in mind that yours should feel like an extension of the home's interior. Read further for more porch design tips. What kind of porch should I add to my home? The size and type of your house porch is primarily dictated by your budget, space and overall look. A typical one is integrated into the roofline, so keep that in mind that youre likely looking at an expensive remodel. Wraparound porches takes up quite a bit of yard space and often require a change to multiple areas of the house, while small sun porch designs out back are a little less tedious. Adding a front stoop is a quick way to enhance your curb appeal, and is a less expensive option as well. In general, all of them have a predominantly traditional feel, so you might try a patio or deck if it doesn't fit your desired style. What type of porch railings should I have? The railings, or balustrade, you decide to use can help set the overall style of your porch design. While you can always go with simple vertical balusters for a more craftsman look, there are tons of other porch designs that will make your railings pop. Try turning those same vertical posts diagonally or varying the spacing to create unique patterns. Alternatively, traditional turned railings give a more classic look and will surely make your space sturdy for years to come. For an intricate showstopper, go with a custom sawn wood design that will instantly give a Victorian vibe to your space. For industrial or modern styles, consider metal railings, or sleek horizontal cable railings. To keep your views from being obstructed, glass is always a good option (plus, all of your gorgeous decor wont be hidden from neighbors). Regardless of the style you decide on, make sure you adhere to local building codes and implement your porch ideas safely. How should I decorate my porch? There are no formal rules when it comes to porch decorating ideas, other than to make sure they reflect your lifestyle. You can easily create additional living space by adding plenty of outdoor furniture. Try creating an afternoon nap spot by adding a hammock, swing or daybed, or include simple rocking chairs and adirondack chairs for sipping and chatting with friends. Many porch ideas Include a table or two to set down drinks or snacks, whether it be a small side table or a larger bistro set for summertime meals. Be sure to leave enough space to walk around any furniture, as climbing over your friends and family is not ideal. In general, remember porches are outdoor spaces, so some metals and fabrics can rust and absorb moisture, or fade from being in the sun. Bring in sensitive items when the weather worsens, and opt for more versatile weatherproof pieces overall. To bring your personality into the space, add decorative items like wall hangings, potted plants, throw pillows and rugs for additional color and comfort. Ultimately, its all about relaxation and simplicity, so be sure that's reflected in your porch decor and furnishings.

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75 Porch Ideas You'll Love - April, 2023 | Houzz

Like any other outdoor room, porches are simply a continuation of your living space. Although all porches provide a space that bridges the gap between the outside world and the inside of your home, not all porches are created equal. Some porches are meant to greet visitors, while others are designed more for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors in an enclosed area.

When it comes to considering the type of porch you want for your home, you have many different options to choose from. To name a few, you can construct a wraparound porch, screened-in porch, farmers porch, veranda, bungalow porch, or detached porch.

Its important that you are aware of all the different types of porches so you can make the most of the space both visually and functionally. Continue reading for our comprehensive guide on the most popular porch configurations.

Also referred to as a front entry porch, a portico is an excellent porch for those on a relatively limited budget. Front porches are the most traditional type of porch and serve as a great welcoming space for visitors. In most cases, porticos are small in size and only cover the area just above the stairs leading to the homes main door.

If you want to embellish your portico with plants or chairs, youll likely want to build it wider. Regardless, an effective portico will provide shielding for your guests from the weather as they wait to enter your home. It can also create a charming outdoor space for relaxing and enjoying the fresh air.

The wraparound porch is one of the most common types of front porches you can choose from for your home. Frequently seen on Victoria-style homes, these porches are perfect for areas of the world that experience mild weather for most of the year. They can extend the living space of your casual family room or provide a space for your guests to enjoy the outdoors while connected to a dining room or more formal living room.

When you open up a wraparound porch to the rooms inside, it can make your entire home feel more expansive. Though, its important to note that a wraparound porch is going to shade the interior of your home so youll want to be aware of where the sun travels on your property.

Since wraparound porches are large and literally wrap around your house, you can create various zones. For example, you can set up a seating area for visitors, a lounge area with a hammock for relaxing and reading, or even add a gazebo for some visual interest. For homes in the country, a wraparound porch is the perfect way to establish a deeper connection between the interior of your home and the stunning landscape.

A screened-in porch is exactly what the name indicates: a porch that is screened. This type of porch is ideal if you want to enjoy the breezes and fragrances of the outdoors, but without the harsh sunlight and bugs. Having a porch that is screened allows you to appreciate your porch on a more regular basis and makes it suited for more activities.

With screened-in porches, your porch will not be impacted by weather, bugs, or insects, and you still get to enjoy your porch just in a more controlled environment. That said, here are some of the most prominent advantages to screened-in porches:

Also called an open porch, a farmers porch is a common feature on New England and farmhouse-style homes. Farmers porches may wrap around the sides of your house or extend along the front of the house. These porches can be distinguished by their tailored railings and sturdy beams that support the structure.

A farmers porch may either be elevated or ground level. These porches extend your living space into the outdoors. In addition to shielding from rain and providing a stunning spot to sit and relax, farmers porches deliver a very traditional look and feel to your home. The types of farmers porches include:

As the name suggests, a detached porch is a separate structure from the main house. It is usually connected to the home via a walkway, whether its a wooden pathway, gravel, or pavers. Detached porches may be open-air, screened-in, or enclosed in glass.

These porches offer a lot of versatility, with numerous feature options to create the porch of your dreams. Since detached porches are a separate structure from the house, they are often more expensive to construct than other types.

Bungalow porches are very common in Florida, typically featuring oversized stone, timber, or brick pillars or columns. This type of porch provides a front space that is open to the yard, which allows you to extend your living room. The most popular flooring options with bungalow porches are ceramic tile, asphalt, and oak.

These porches are traditionally furnished with rustic furniture, serving as an extension of the living space. The bungalow porch may be covered with a roof or pergola, with some newer styles offering a combination of the two. The roof itself is usually supported by columns or thick beams, positioned underneath a front-facing gable.

Supports are often battered (tapered) wooden posts atop stone or brick pedestals. The posts may also be divided into groups of two or even four.

Gable-style porches are narrow features that sit at the top of a stepped path, leading to the entrance of the home. These few steps lead to a landing before the doorway. The porch itself is topped by a roof that is ridged, dual-pitched, and gable-style.

Back porches are typically more informal than front porches, offering more flexibility. Installing a back porch is an excellent way to connect your kitchen to your outdoor garden. They can be used for enjoying nature or waterfront views or serve as a protected area for watching your kids play in the yard.

When compared to front porches, back porches tend to be larger and more functional. During the designing phase, its important to consider how your back porch will connect to the main home. Things like a mudroom, cooking area, or gardening shed are great additions to add functionality to your back porch.

Loggias are outdoor corridors with an outer wall that is open to the outdoors and a fully shielded roof. This type of porch typically runs the length of at least one side of the house and is supported by decorative columns or arches. Opting for a loggia is a luxurious way to upgrade the exterior of your home. Youll often find loggias around the world connected to palaces and other grand buildings.

Lanai porches originated in Hawaii but have since been introduced in other warm climate areas, including Florida. They are similar to traditional porches, but often open up into wider living areas of the home. Like loggias, lanais are roofed but they have more than one wall that is open to the elements. They may be screened in or covered in panels to help regulate the indoor temperature. With lanais, you can enjoy year-round outdoor living.

Verandas are an open-air style porch or platform with a roof, running across the sides and front of the home. They are typically enclosed by a railing and are leveled with the ground level of the house.

Jessica Stone

Jessica considers herself a home improvement and design enthusiast. She grew up surrounded by constant home improvement projects and owes most of what she knows to helping her dad renovate her childhood home. Being a Los Angeles resident, Jessica spends a lot of her time looking for her next DIY project and sharing her love for home design.

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Front porch awning ideas can be an excellent alternative to a traditional covered front porch. They're a better choice for small spaces, and they can be retrofitted to existing front stoops to provide shelter from the elements while you open your front door. Not to mention, an awning can help prevent door leaks, and it can be a stylish front porch idea that enhances the overall look of your home.

One of the biggest benefits to an awning is that it'll offer similar benefits to a covered porch, with a much smaller investment, in terms of both time and money.

'Awnings are significantly cheaper than doing a traditional covered porch. Covered porches are mostly something you install during the initial construction or add during a major renovation because of their cost and the amount of work and time that goes into them,' says Edward Griffith, a home inspector and construction engineer at Griffith Home Analysis (opens in new tab). 'Most awnings can be installed as a weekend project by the owner.'

You'll find lots of options for your front porch awning, and they even work for your back porch ideas, too. There are copper awnings with a craftsman feel, canvas awnings with coastal appeal, or wood awnings that can be tailored to the style of your home's architecture.

Whatever style you're after, we've got inspiration for it, below.

(Image credit: Mary Patton Design / Molly Culver Photography)

A fabric awning is the perfect small front porch idea, because it doesn't require any support beams on the ground. It can be attached directly to the exterior of your home above your front door.

When deciding how to decorate a front porch, canvas awnings can also be an aesthetic choice, as they create a beautiful, retro-inspired or coastal scene on the summer front porch.

(Image credit: Future)

For a simple, functional awning, install a flat wood or fiberglass canopy above your front door. At this modern, ranch-style home, the slim awning is painted a similar shade of charcoal gray as the rest of the exterior, which helps the awning to recede visually and maintain the home's sleek but rustic style.

(Image credit: Blesser House)

If your home is traditional in style, consider a more permanent structure like the one above. This small, open vestibule at the home of Lauren Shaver (opens in new tab) sits somewhere between awning and covered porch.

It's a bigger project than simply installing a ready-made awning, but still nowhere near as involved as building a full-size, covered front porch. Adding fluted support columns instead of simple beams or porch railings gives it a classic look that suits the home's exterior.

(Image credit: The English Porch Company)

Cottage porch ideas require awnings that match their charm, and this gabled version fits the bill.At this brick cottage, detailed woodwork like Arts and Crafts-style corbels and an arched cut-out add extra character.

(Image credit: Wayfair)

Black and white stripes are classic, and suited to a number of different house styles. A striped design complements Tuscan or Mediterranean-inspired architecture (think umbrellas on the Amalfi Coast), but it also underscores the timeless style of traditional colonial architecture.

Canvas awnings are one of the easiest types to install, because they're lightweight, and the installation only requires securing the frame to the house. 'Awnings are very easy and quick to install on an existing structure with very little fanfare involved,' says Griffith.

(Image credit: Sherry Petersik, Young House Love)

Like fabric awnings, metal awnings are both easy to install, and can be excellent space-saving options for front porches (they're also a great back porch idea, which is actually where this one was used at the home of Sherry Petersik (opens in new tab), above).

(Image credit: Wayfair)

Glass might seem like an impractical awning idea, especially if you live in an area that gets lots of snow, but this decorative canopy only looks like delicate glass. Instead, most glass-look awnings (this one included) are actually made from high-impact acrylic sheets that can stand up to the elements.

(Image credit: Paul Dyer)

If you're stumped about the right shape or style for your awning, look to your home's roofline. Mimicking the style of your roof, whether it's flat, peaked, or gabled, will guarantee that your awning suits your home's architecture.

At this contemporary home, a flat metal awning shares a style, scale, and color with the roofline above, and to keep thing extra sleek, the front porch lighting ideas are built right into the underside of the canopy.

(Image credit: Brooke Christen)

Love the farmhouse look? Take a cue from stylist Brooke Christen (opens in new tab), and add a black metal awning with batten-style detailing. The extra feature adds modern farmhouse style to the home's exterior, and would make a great spring porch idea for once those April showers arrive.

If you're looking for a way to add a shelter area to the front of your home and your front porch furniture, but don't want to build a front porch, an awning is a simple but effective solution. To enhance the overall look of your home, choose something that naturally fits with your home's architecture. At a modern farmhouse, a streamlined black metal awning works seamlessly, while at a coastal home, a canvas awning would better suit.

The main types of awnings for a home are canvas or fabric awnings, metal awnings, and wood or fiberglass awnings. Less commonly, awnings can also be made of glass.

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Front porch awning ideas 9 beautiful looks with canvas, metal, and more - Homes & Gardens