Category Archives: conservation

FLORIDA CREATURES:  Friend or Foe

Part Two: On The Land With so many people moving into Florida from large Northern cities, I am often asked questions about the wildlife of Florida and whether they will encounter dangerous situations in their new surroundings.  I must confess … Continue reading

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Florida’s Best County Parks Provide Spectacular Experiences

Florida has 175 state parks covering some 800,000 acres as well as the famous Everglades National Park and Ocala National Forest. Yet most visitors, few snow birds, and all too many residents have visited very few county parks.  Since most … Continue reading

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The Perfect Trip To Boost Christmas Spirit: Bok Tower and Gardens

The Christmas season can be a time of nervous energy and open tension.  It is a time when if you live in Florida, you may get a lot of visitors, both families and friends. It is also a time when … Continue reading

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Florida’s Often Undervalued Gem: Charlotte Harbor

Recently I attended a convention in Punta Gorda, the town where my family first moved to Florida in the 1960’s. The waterfront devastated by category 4 Hurricane Charley in August of 2004 has not only been rebuilt, it has been … Continue reading

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The Hurricane That Killed and Flooded Florida

The devastating flooding in the Carolinas due to the huge hurricane reminded me of Florida’s most dramatic flooding crisis.  It may seem strange to some of you since Florida is so flat and its rivers seem to flow slowly. Ninety … Continue reading

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My Favorite Florida Drives: INDIAN RIVER LAGOON

This is part of a series of driving tours I will present in the next few months with an emphasis on Florida’s natural beauty, historic architecture, and attractions. Most people vacation in Orlando, Daytona Beach, or Central Florida visit the John … Continue reading

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Snorkeling In Florida Is A Recreation Bonanza For All Ages

I never appreciated snorkeling when I was a kid and scuba diving seemed an impossibility to be with my poor eyesight.  Ironically, now after cataract surgery I can see underwater as an old coot better than when I was in … Continue reading

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Underrated and Often Forgotten Great Beaches of Florida

Florida has one thousand miles of coastline and miles of terrific beaches, but some beaches are actually underrated and almost forgotten by a majority of tourists and even Floridians.  Why is that? Sometimes, there are few large resorts advertising the … Continue reading

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Women Who Changed Florida: My Honor Roll

I was asked at a conference if I thought Janet Reno was the greatest woman in Florida history.  She was the first female Attorney General in the USA, but she was appointed at a time Presidents realized Cabinets should resemble … Continue reading

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The Forgotten Coast Is A Unique Florida Vacation Spot

When visitors, snowbirds, and residents travel around Florida, they are confronted with Chamber of Commerce produced symbols: Miami is in the Gold Coast; Clearwater is on the Sun Coast; St Augustine is the First Coast; Fort Pierce is the Treasure … Continue reading

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