Florida Country Magazine - February / March 2023

FEATURES

FLORIDA COUNTRY MAGAZINE / ISSUE VOL. 7 • NO. 1

ON THE COVER: Ramon’s Village Resort features a world-class restaurant, Pineapples on the Beach. Photo courtesy of Headrick Companies/Ramon’s Village Resort. Read more on page 32.

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Romance in St. Augustine

Adventures in America’s oldest city

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Un-Belize-able!

Diving into Central American culture 2

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DEPARTMENTS FLORIDA COUNTRY MAGAZINE / ISSUE VOL. 7 • NO. 1

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RODEO PROFILE

FCM CIRCLE

A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER

page 8

COWGIRL UP!

page 44

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page 48

COUNTRY CALIBER BOOTS ON THE SAND

THE RANCH

page 10

GREAT FLORIDA CATTLE DRIVE 2022

page 52

HORSIN' AROUND

THE AMAZING CARL BLEDSOE

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FLORIDA HARVEST

page 58

ANNA MARIA ISLAND, AN OLD FLORIDA FEEL

NEW PORT RICHEY’S STARKEY MARKET

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page 20

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MICHELLE LEE MATCHMAKING

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FLORIDA CAVERNS STATE PARK

page 66

THE CULINARY CRACKER

WHIPPING IT UP IN YOUR KITCHEN

PICTURE PERFECT

page 38

page 72

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FLORIDA CHARM

EVERGLADES SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

page 14

THE BRAND

FLORIDA’S NEWEST RODEO QUEEN

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Owner/Publisher Scarlett Redenius Owner/C.E.O. Brad Redenius President Thomas Fifield Vice President Sheila Fifield Editorial Director Katherine Waters Design Director Brian Stromlund Travel Editor Dave Kelly Contributing Writers Jack Collier, Kathy Ann Gregg, Ava Grace, Kym Rouse Holzwart, Dave Kelly, Ben Knowles, Bill LaPlante, Kathleen Walls

Featured Photographers Lee Albritton, Tammy Bledsoe, Cheryl Clanton, Kathy Ann Gregg, Amanda Griffis, Gary Helm, Kym Rouse Holzwart, Dave Kelly, Delaney Kelly, Ben Knowles, Amy Mew Minger, Mike Monlezun, Jessica Page, Maddy Petrow, Karen Quinn, Kristina Rodriguez, Jeff Talbert, Margo Tomaszewska, Tori Walker, Kathleen Walls, Nicholoe Ward For more information about advertising with Florida Country Magazine, or joining our regional sales team, please contact:

239-692-2613 sales@floridacountrymagazine.com For other inquiries contact:

Scarlett Redenius, Publisher 239-692-2613 publisher@floridacountrymagazine.com Published by: Florida Country Publications

PO Box 50989 • Fort Myers, FL 33994 LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

facebook.com/floridacountrymagazine FLORIDACOUNTRYMAGAZINE.COM Florida Country magazine is published bi-monthly, copyright 2023, all rights reserved. Reproduction of contents in print or electronic transmission in whole or in part in any language or format must be by expressed written permission of the publisher.

All articles, descriptions and suggestions in this magazine are merely expression of opinions from contributors and advertisers and do not constitute the opinion of the publisher, editor or staff of Florida Country magazine, and under no circumstances constitutes assurances or guarantees concerning the quality of any service or product. Florida Country magazine specifically disclaims any liability related to these expressions and opinions. Florida Country magazine is not responsible for any unsolicited submissions. The advertiser agrees to hold harmless and indemnify the publishers from all liability.

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FCM CIRCLE

t was nice to have some cooler weather this year, but now it’s time to warm things up again.

Florida Country is always excited when we can get back outside and start exploring our state and showcasing some great events going on. We won’t stop there; we’ll even take you to another country!

Before I move on, I would like to give an update on my beloved Fort Myers, and its continued recovery effort since Hurricane Ian. More and more businesses are steadily opening, but many people are still looking for temporary housing and still homeless. To this day power is still being restored.

We have a great community, a strong one; as we say, “Florida Strong.” So many came to help, even some of our famous neighbors like South Fort Myers resident and guitar legend Rickey Medlocke (Lynyrd Skynyrd/Blackfoot).

Read more about Boots on the Sand (page 10).

Get ready for Carl Bledsoe’s Gaited Horse/Natural Horsemanship Clinic on March 10-12 at Spotted Dance Ranch in Brooksville (page 14).

Head over to Pasco County’s very own Starkey Market, an “agriculture-focused market featuring quality first and local as we can” (page 20).

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speaking Central American country is home to the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System that runs over six hundred miles along its eastern shoreline, making it the largest in the Western Hemisphere (page 32).

A big shoutout to our very own NFR Flag Girl, Addison Roberts of Southwest Ranches, Florida, (page 44) and Miss Rodeo Florida, Makenzie Conner of Groveland, Florida, (page 48). Thank you for making the Sunshine State proud.

Another awesome adventure with a lot of history representing our state is the Great Florida Cattle Drive (page 52). Riders pushed 500 Corriente cattle — longhorn influenced with horns to match from Deseret Ranch in east Florida to Bluehead Ranch in Lake Placid— what a journey.

Want some more history—tasty history?

Look no further than the 53rd Everglades Seafood Festival organized by the Florida Stone Crabbers Association (page 58).

We’ll take you to Anna Marie Island, sandwiched between St. Petersburg/Tampa and Sarasota on the Gulf of Mexico (page 62) and Florida Caverns State Park, northwest of Tallahassee (page 66).

There is nothing like getting away and visiting new places.

Looking for love? Then look no further than Michelle Lee Matchmaking (page 24) or have a little romance in St. Augustine, Florida, with writer Dave Kelly (page 28).

We hope you enjoy this issue and look forward to our next.

Happy travels and see you later, alligator!

Jet off to Belize, located just south of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula on the sparkling Caribbean Sea. This English-

SCARLETT REDENIUS, Publisher

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MIDDLE PHOTO BY SAVAGE CUSTOM DESIGNS

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SO MANY THINGS TO DO AND SEE

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COUNTRY CALIBER

BOOTS ON THE SAND DAY OF DISASTER, NIGHT OF RECOVERY, #FLORIDASTRONG Written by: Bill LaPlante

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ost old guys golf, travel or pursue other leisure activities.

But in Florida we’re fortunate to have talented, considerate and still vitally active neighbors who also happen to be legendary rock and country musicians, the folks who volunteered— that’s right, no pay! — their sweat and 50-plus years of rock ‘n’ roll fame to put 10,000-plus fans into Estero’s Hertz Arena.

Oh, by the way, did we mention that the Boots on the Sand benefit concert raised (so far) $1.5 million to help victims of Hurricane Ian? South Fort Myers resident and guitar legend Rickey Medlocke (Lynyrd Skynyrd/Blackfoot) knew it was time to help when he got the call from fellow musician Ira Dean of Trick Pony fame. Medlocke’s neighborhood wasn’t hit badly by the storm, though watching the pummeling in Fort Myers Beach, Captiva and Sanibel, he “couldn’t believe what I was seeing!”

So too did the entire Lynyrd Skynyrd band, which started five decades ago in Jacksonville. “You know we’re a Florida band and true Floridians,” says Skynyrd’s Johnny Van Zant.

“We’ve grown up with hurricanes. Hurricane Ian did major damage and people lost loved ones and everything they had.

We couldn’t sit by and not try to help people. Hopefully, we can raise a bunch of money for storm victims.”

GRATEFUL GIVING

Boots in the Sand in early December opened with Jim Breuer, the former Saturday Night Live (when it was actually a comedy show) performer and a top comic, who introduced a half dozen acts that included event organizer/musician Ira Dean and RaeLynn, country singer/composer from Texas.

John Rich and Tracey Lawrence sang of how great it is to live in America, where neighbors helped each other when it’s needed, as in the aftermath of the second deadliest hurricane to hit the continental U.S. in the past 100-plus years.

Brian Kelley, formerly of Florida Georgia Line, lighted up the arena with his personal pledge to give profits from his song “Florida Strong” to help storm survivors. Then Motor City Madman Ted Nugent did a half hour or so of his soulshaking guitar growls, punctuated with patriotism.

(L to R) Bill LaPlante and Jim Breuer Brian Kelly Ira Dean

Writer Bill LaPlante spent the evening with musical artists from all over to help victims of Hurricane Ian

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RaeLynn

Ted Nugent

“We’ve grown up with hurricanes.

Hurricane Ian did major damage and people lost loved ones and everything they had. We couldn’t sit by and not try to help people. Hopefully, we can raise a bunch of money for storm victims.”

John Rich

PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY MADDY PETROW

Ricky Medlock

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COUNTRY CALIBER Sheriff CarmineMarceno

During the nearly five-hour event, neighbors swayed to the music, locking arms, holding hands, brightening up the cavernous arena with cellphones.

Tracy Lawrence

An online auction offered guitars signed by Boots on the Sand headliners, sports memorabilia autographed by gridiron greats, weeklong trips to the Caribbean and even a bourbon tasting and cowboy hat selection session.

That tasting session would be with Cole Hauser, Rip Wheeler in “Yellowstone,” the Paramount Plus neo-Western series. Hauser was due to meet the winning bidder (rumored to have contributed $10,000 for the prize) a couple of nights after the show at an undisclosed bar in the Naples area.

Sure hope that autographed hat fits well, as it’s all for the benefit of Ian’s victims. Online bidders came up with more than $100,000 in contributions to add to the million-plus dollars from concert ticket sales.

During the nearly five-hour event, neighbors swayed to the music, locking arms, holding hands, brightening up the cavernous arena with cellphones —rather than matches or lighters— evoking memories of Woodstock, which this writer covered as a young reporter in White Lake, New York, one rainy Saturday night in August 1969.

The 10,000 or so fans — including seats on the arena’s plywood-covered ice hockey surface — became a family of friends, helping other folks they may not know personally get through the frightful natural disaster of Sept. 28.

Those who made it through Ian, those still picking up the pieces, are truly #FloridaStrong.

ROUNDUP Florida Disaster Fund, volunteerflorida.org

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PHOTOS BY BY MADDY PETROW

The rockers and country musicians, along with their loyal fans, are proving that. FCM

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HORSIN' AROUND

THE AMAZING CARL BLEDSOE NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP TRAINER AND TEACHER

f you were not at Carl Bledsoe’s Gaited Horse/Natural Horsemanship Clinic at Spotted Dance Ranch in Brooksville this past December, you really missed something special!

The clinic was Carl’s—and his wonderful wife Tammy’s—first clinic in the central Florida area. The good news, though, is they’re back for a second clinic on March 10-12.

Personally, I’ve been on a long journey to improve the gait of my Spotted Saddle Horses and my gaited horse-riding skills since switching many years ago from trotting horses.

After growing frustrated when presented with “old school” gimmicks, which are cruel and wrong, in my opinion, to correct gaiting issues, my continued search for knowledge and better methods in recent years led me to natural horsemanship methods.

There are many good natural horsemanship trainers out there but very few that specialize in gaited horses, even fewer that are good teachers.

I met the Bledsoes in early 2022 while observing/auditing one of their clinics for a day, and immediately invited them to Spotted Dance Ranch to put on a clinic. Carl, with help from Tammy and his Tennessee Walking Horse gelding, Jazzy, is that rare person that is both an amazing natural horsemanship trainer and teacher.

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Getting to where he is today has been a long and hard journey.

With over 40 years of experience, Carl Bledsoe knows horses. As a third-generation horseman and secondgeneration trainer of champion and world champion Tennessee Walking Horses, he was born into the world of Big Lick show horses. The Big Lick is a forced, unnatural, high-stepping gait of Tennessee Walking Horses, and other gaited breeds, seen in some horse shows that is caused by the cruel and inhumane practices associated with “soring.”

The craze for the Big Lick movement of Tennessee Walking Horses started around 1950; the exaggerated front leg action at the running walk drew spectators to horse shows and was rewarded by judges. Since it took natural ability and time to train horses to perform this gait naturally, some started using practices, such as weighted shoes, stacked pads or “stacks,” and chains around the pasterns, to enhance the movement in less time or in less talented horses.

As the judges continued to reward horses with even higher and more dramatic action, some trainers started using horrible methods such as weighted chains and stacks, putting tacks under shoes or trimming the hooves too short to cause pain, and the cruel practice of soring, which is the application of caustic chemicals to the pasterns of the front legs to cause pain when the chains bang against them.

PHOTO BY KYM ROUSE HOLZWART

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Written by: Kym Rouse Holzwart

TOP AND BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO BY NICHOLOE WARD; BOTTOM LEFT PHOTO BY CHERYL CLANTON; OTHER PHOTOS BY TAMMY BLEDSOE

Clockwise from the top: A horse is not able to achieve the correct gait without being physically and mentally balanced, Carl working with the writer and her Spotted Saddle Horse mare, Spicey Gravedancer, Carl, with help from Tammy and his Tennessee Walking Horse gelding, Jazzy, is that rare person that is both an amazing natural horsemanship trainer and teacher. Groundwork is an important part of the clinic.

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HORSIN' AROUND

From left: Exercises build upon each other over the course of the clinic to work on skills enabling the horse to achieve the correct gait and facilitate self-carriage and enabling the rider to be balanced. The clinic begins each morning with classroom instruction and demonstrations.

WITH OVER 40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, CARL BLEDSOE KNOWS HORSES.

Carl Bledsoe Horsemanship, carlbledsoehorsemanship.com, tlbledsoe2801@gmail.com, 770-510-3317 (Carl), 770-403-4635 (Tammy), Just Gait on Facebook Spotted Dance Ranch, spotteddanceranch.com, kymrouse@att.net, 813-482-4028 Horse World Expo, March 2-5, Harrisburg, Pa., horseworldexpo.com Equine Affaire, April 13-16, Columbus, Ohio, equineaffaire.com Prevent All Soring Tactics Act, HR 5441, congress.gov

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While these cruel abuses are illegal under the Horse Protection Act of 1970, they are still practiced, and Big Lick horses can still be seen in some show rings today. Over the years, however, measures have been implemented to stop these practices, such as inspections, though savvy trainers have figured out ways to pass those.

As of this writing, the Prevent All Soring Tactics Act, or PAST, was approved and passed by the U.S. House of Representatives this past November. Once implemented, the PAST Act protects Tennessee Walking Horses and related gaited horse breeds from the cruel and inhuman practices associated with the artificial, exaggerated Big Lick gait. Hopefully, very soon, soring and the horrible Big Lick gait will be a thing of the past.

Carl became wealthy and successful training and showing Big Lick Tennessee Walking Horses. However, almost 15

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The result of these inhumane practices is that the horse is in so much pain it picks up its front legs as fast as possible to try to alleviate it. Their rear legs also step under the body as far as possible to get the weight off the front legs.

Since the December clinic was so well received, Spotted Dance Ranch, owned by John and Kym Rouse Holzwart, left, will be hosting a second clinic, and Carl, right, and Tammy Bledsoe will be returning in March.

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HORSIN' AROUND years ago he walked away from it all and went from making almost $20,000 per month to nearly nothing. It had become clear to him that what he was doing was wrong and that he was part of the problem.

Since that time he has been doing everything possible to right the wrong, including becoming a fierce advocate to end the practice of soring and the Big Lick gait. Instead of focusing on money and blue ribbons, Carl now chooses the horse. Walking away from the only world he knew came at great personal cost, including losing friends, being estranged from family, even death threats.

Carl’s past is a critical component on who he is now, helping to make him the horseman he is today.

While Carl specializes in gaited horse breeds, he and Tammy work with all breeds and disciplines. It is their life’s mission to educate and speak out against the mistreatment and misconceptions of Tennessee Walking Horses and other gaited horse breeds. He has spent years re-educating himself in classical training, biomechanics of the horse and proper self-carriage.

And he passionately passes on that knowledge. He believes in understanding and education founded on compassion and empathy for the horse, with the horse and rider developing a strong relationship. A horse is not able to achieve the correct gait without being physically and mentally balanced and having a balanced rider to help facilitate self-carriage.

For the past 13 years, Carl and Tammy have been conducting clinics and participating in expos, conferences, fairs and other horse-related events all over the country. At their farm in Talking Rock, Georgia, they give lessons, hold clinics, rehab and train horses. Carl will be the featured gaited clinician at the Horse World Expo in Pennsylvania in early March and at Equine Affaire in Ohio in April.

Do not miss out on an opportunity to watch or participate in one of Carl’s clinics or see him at an expo or similar event. Hopefully, Carl and Tammy will be become regular visitors to Florida in the future.

Evening activities at the clinic at Spotted Dance Ranch included a pizza party around the campfire.

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PHOTO BY KYM ROUSE HOLZWART

If you are able to watch or participate in Carl’s clinic at Spotted Dance Ranch in Brooksville in March, it will be an amazing opportunity. FCM

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FLORIDA HARVEST

NEW PORT RICHEY’S STARKEY MARKET FOOD, FUN, FARM-TO-TABLE LIVING

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Written by: Ava Grace

rey Starkey and Aaron Derksen co-own Starkey Market in New Port Richey and the nearby Starkey Blueberry Farm in Trinity, Florida, due north of Clearwater.

In addition to fresh produce and berries, fun events, gifts, hot food, wine/beer selections, scooped ice cream and a coffee bar, the pair own farms in Pasco County that use green-growing practices. “On our farm we have 1.5 acres of blackberries to U-pick (early February through July) a half mile away, 40 acres of blueberries and five acres of strawberries for U-pick (early December-May),” says Starkey, a generational CEO and president. Derksen is the chief operating officer and VP. Starkey Farms was founded in 1921.

Carefully selected wines are available at The Barn at Starkey Market in New Port Richey, Florida.

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“Starkey Market is an agriculture-focused market featuring quality first and local as we can,” says Starkey. The market, he adds, is three buildings. “We have large porches, comfortable sitting for just chilling and hanging out.”

There is the Barn, where wine, craft beer, hard seltzers and ciders are available in an indoor/outdoor setting. There is also a tower called the Roost and seating areas nestled in a live oak called the Tree Fort.

And there’s the Trough, an open-air pole barn, a burger joint featuring grass-fed beef with salads, pretzels, hot dogs and more. “We also have a large open area in the back of the building where kids and adults run wild. Sometimes a bit too literally,” adds Starkey. And beyond that area is a

PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF KYNDALL DURAKOVIC BAUER

Clockwise from top left: Starkey Blueberry Farm is great for all ages. Try a delicious salad and fresh blueberries from the Trough, visit the old windmill, a cherished artifact, or munch fresh grilled treats from the Trough.

Check the night overview for music throughout the year.

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FLORIDA HARVEST wetland for wildlife viewing: “We are listed as an Audubon Florida birdwatching site.”

Starkey and Derksen applied the principles of country living to create onsite structures. “We wanted the buildings to have a cypress board and batten siding with a tin roof, a classic barn look,” explains Starkey, noting the property was surrounded by cypress and so the pair made their own lumber.

“In 2018, we logged, milled and built the Market. In 2019, we logged, milled and built the Barn. In 2022, well … we were out of logs, so we had to buy the lumber, but we built the Trough,” says Starkey, adding that each contains historical items from brands to ranch equipment.

And bring your bicycles to Starkey Market.

“Biking is a Starkey Market thing!” says Starkey. A nearby bike trail is part of the Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail. Riders can bike from St. Petersburg to Lecanto (around 100 miles) or turn east in Brooksville to the east coast (there are gaps to Clermont) or turn south on the Suncoast Trail to Tampa. There are also offroad bike trails in Starkey Wilderness Park (17 miles).

ROUNDUP Starkey Market 3460 Starkey Boulevard, New Port Richey, Florida starkeymarket.com, 727-375-7606, Facebook Starkey Blueberry Farm 10730 Lake Blanche Dr., Trinity, Florida starkeyblueberryfarm.com, 727-372-6440, Facebook

PHOTO COURTESY OF KYNDALL DURAKOVIC BAUER

Events at Starkey Market run throughout the year, including July 4th celebrations, concerts, classes, goat yoga, corn-hole tournaments, vehicle roundups and more.

“In summary, we are a high quality, experiential place with comfortable seating, great views and a pleasant staff (GREAT staff!) to take care of you,” adds Starkey. FCM

Musical events run throughout the year.

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THE BRAND

MICHELLE LEE MATCHMAKING TRUE LOVE IS POSSIBLE, WHY WAIT?

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Written by: Jack Collier

or men, it is a barbershop. For women—and some men—it’s a salon.

The longer the relationship with your stylist, the more we confess. It’s an intimate thing involving touch and closeness, the squeezing of warm soap from our hair as we pick up where we left off.

Just listening. And holding our secrets for the next visit.

Everyone has stumbled in the art of love. Some trip harder, of course. In modern times, we download our love dreams/hookups into a dating app … and cross our fingers. One such app has 400 million users, according to people keeping those statistics.

Michell Vazquez has streamed her salon/stylist experiences —and her life as a person with heartbreaks and boundless joy—into Michelle Lee Matchmaking. Her new service pairs dating professionals. A matchmaker’s job, she says, is structuring compatibility, to “really know who you are going

While app users will find love, others report abuse, at least finding that new Mercedes you chatted up turned out to be a clunker with bald tires. “You hear stories, sad stories,” says Vazquez. “And I thought there’s got to be a better way to meet quality people.”

ONCE A HAPPILY PAIRED COUPLE HITS THEIR STRIDE, VAZQUEZ FOLLOWS IN A COACHING CAPACITY, MAYBE ROMANCE TIPS OR POSITIVE REINFORCEMENTS, LEARNING ABOUT LOVE LANGUAGES OR HEALING FROM PAST FAILURES, RARE IN PROFESSIONAL MATCHMAKING SERVICES.

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out on a date with,” says the owner of Steel Magnolias Salon in Fort Myers and who has fused 25 years of styling and running a successful salon into the role of playing Cupid.

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LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHELLE LEE MATCHMAKING

Michell Vazquez has fused 25 years of styling and running a successful salon into the role of playing Cupid.

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THE BRAND Which put into motion Michelle Lee Matchmaking. Vazquez says that clients seeking a professional matchmaker, and that can run into the thousands, deserve a safety net — trust is mandatory. Background and credit reports start the process, she says, “to decide if there’s a good fit to move forward.”

Clients then deep dive into a 5-step process in following interviews to avoid mid-air collisions.

Do the food labels on your cabinets face forward, how clean/unclean is your house, do you sit in the corner at a party or are you bubbly and outgoing, these questions and many more are asked. Sex is a hot topic, as well, which can be the ultimate compatibility issue, surveys indicate.

And everything is confidential, as Vazquez uses hard facts and her intuition to pair us with our best match.

Why not hit the ground running, she asks. “It’s like I’m their personal dating concierge,” says Vazquez, who describes herself as an empath, that rare person that feels or grasps the emotions of others, a perfect matchmaking tool.

Once a happily paired couple hits their stride, Vazquez follows in a coaching capacity, maybe romance tips or positive reinforcements, learning about love languages or healing from past failures, rare in professional matchmaking services, says Vazquez, a lifelong entrepreneur who lives and runs her businesses in southwest Florida. “I like to hear ‘truly amazing … I never experienced love like this.’” FCM

ROUNDUP Michelle Lee Matchmaking, michelleleematchmaking.com Steel Magnolias Salon, steelmagsalon.com Next venture: Right Now! (on-demand app)

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ROMANCE

in St. Augustine ADVENTURES IN AMERICA’S OLDEST CITY W R I T T E N B Y : D A V E K E L LY

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ome places are simply romantic. Sure, we get married, we celebrate anniversaries and we always make sure to pucker up on Valentine’s Day.

But who says that we should only take specific calendar days to celebrate love? Romance is always in the air in St. Augustine.

Yes, Florida’s oldest city abounds in all things romance every day of the year. And from cozy inns and cottages to riverside restaurant hideaways to

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bistro courtyards that are open to the stars, the city bursts with historic beauty and allure.

So, we put all work aside and took a mid-week getaway to the Ancient City for the quick special escape that we longed for and deserved.

TRUE SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY

Together we researched the city’s dozens of bed-andbreakfast accommodations and were delighted to find The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens. Situated right on the edge

The Collector Inn consists of nine historic homes and lush gardens. Rooms combine modern touches with local history including porches and verandas.

of Old Town, it is mere steps from some of St. Augustine’s most spectacular attractions and landmarks, yet it is tucked away in quiet verdant foliage. We discovered that it has been voted one of 2022’s top five Best Resorts in Florida by Travel + Leisure and that it is an adults-only inn — a definite plus for this trip.

We checked in at the combination office and café and were greeted with true southern hospitality, then strolled past graceful statues, gates and gardens as we headed to our veranda suite at The Rose House.

Built in 1907 and home to a rose museum in the 1950s, The Rose House features four luxurious rooms, including ours, which boasted a full veranda-style back porch overlooking the shaded pool. Our full living space and mini kitchen led to a king-sized bedroom area that featured luxurious silk linens and a stylish tiled bathroom. We were pleasantly surprised to find that we could enjoy our privacy while still being close to everything that we wanted to do.

The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens specializes in customized experiences for its lodgers. From private mixology classes to citywide guided tours to romantic getaway packages that include wine and chocolate, guests have options to enhance their getaway in ways constructed just for them.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE COLLECTOR LUXURY INN & GARDENS

For ours, we chose the private mixology class, which included a lesson in the finer points of drink design, a custom cocktail recipe, and a personal cocktail shaker set. Our lesson took place on site at The Well, a cozy century-old gathering spot that was once St. Augustine’s first two-car garage and is now a full liquor bar. We finished our lesson, headed out to the patio and topped off our night with some quality time at one of the inn’s firepits before heading back to our room.

In addition to its inviting and relaxed feel, The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens features a fascinating history, which we learned about on a leisurely morning tour with in-house historian Melissa. Kenneth Dow, a passionate collector of artwork, furniture and other oddities, acquired the nine homes on the site at various times in the early 20th century. The lush one-acre retreat features homes dating back as far as the 1700s, with many of the restored buildings playing important roles in the city’s history.

In fact, the Murat House, built in 1790, is one of the oldest surviving colonial buildings in St. Augustine and it bears the name of its most famous occupant, Prince Achille Murat, a nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte himself. The Dow Museum of Historic Houses, consisting of these nine separate historic buildings, opened in 2000 to showcase Dow’s extensive collection of unique artifacts. Current property owner David Corneal opened The Collector as an inn in 2017, and many of Dow’s treasures populate the rooms and grounds to this day.

With 30 individually appointed rooms and suites now occupying these nine buildings, The Collector Luxury Inn & Suites is part contemporary hotel and part historic inn, having taken its place as a do-not-miss destination.

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Top to bottom: Ancient City coffee, love at first sip, one of San Sebastian Winery's many awards and a yummy fried seafood combo at St. Augustine Fish Camp.

BASIC ‘BRUNCHCUTERIE’

The following morning we took the romantic approach of waking at a leisurely hour and heading out to a latemorning brunch at the Ancient City Brunch Bar. Located right around the corner on historic St. George Street, owner Melissa Schroeder has created an intimate yet friendly environment that specializes in breakfast, brunch, lunch and gourmet coffees and treats.

Melissa and her twin teenage daughters came up with the idea of offering up a “brunchcuterie” — basically a twist on the classic charcuterie board but featuring brunch specialty treats combined with gourmet coffees and teas.

Together they trademarked the idea and opened the Ancient City Brunch Bar during the heart of Covid with a menu that consisted of pastries and bagels, tea, coffee and lattes, breakfast sandwiches and more, all served on a board.

Their successful business grew locally as they doubled down on their commitment to 100% locally sourced food and drink, adding to-go and catering options.

As we savored our unhurried brunch of breakfast sandwiches, eggs and croissants served on a build-yourown brunchcuterie board, we enjoyed the family like companionship and chat of patrons and staff alike.

It was a warm and comfortable atmosphere, the perfect start to our day.

ROMANCE AND NIGHTCAPS

There is romance in wine. And St. Augustine is home to the second largest winery in Florida, so we decided to make an afternoon of touring and sampling wine varietals at the San Sebastian Winery downtown. Opened in 1996, San Sebastian Winery is a family run operation that can process up to 15,000 bottles of wine per day. Complimentary tours and tastings are seven days a week, hosted by knowledgeable wine aficionados.

After our sampling, we journeyed to The Cellar Upstairs Bar and Restaurant, where we listened to soft jazz while we sipped our wine and took in the fabulous skyline views from this rooftop venue. Our final stop was at the Wine Shop on the way out, where we grabbed a bottle of San Sebastian Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon for the room that night.

After a leisurely breakfast the next day, we wandered through the city, touring such breathtaking locales as Flagler College, Villa Zorayda Museum and the old Alcazar Hotel. In a city with over 450 years of history, the passions

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PHOTOS BY KRISTINA RODRIGUEZ

Many of their native varieties of grapes are grown at the 127-acre Lakeridge Winery Estate in Clermont, and we had a chance to try them all in the cool darkness of the aging room upstairs.

Roundup THE COLLECTOR LUXURY INN & GARDENS 149 Cordova St., St. Augustine, thecollectorinn.com, 904-209-5800

ANCIENT CITY BRUNCH BAR 210 St George St. c3, St. Augustine, ancientcitybrunchbar.com, 904-342-0890

SAN SEBASTIAN WINERY 157 King St., St. Augustine, sansebastianwinery.com, 904-826-1594

CATCH 27 40 Charlotte St., St. Augustine, catchtwentyseven.com, 904-217-3542

ST. AUGUSTINE FISH CAMP 142 Riberia St., St. Augustine, staugustinefishcamp.com, 904-827-7000

After a leisurely breakfast the next day, the writer and his companion wandered through the city, touring such breathtaking locales as Flagler College, Villa Zorayda Museum and the old Alcazar Hotel. In a city with over 450 years of history, the passions involved in designing and creating these impressive masterpieces are apparent in every brick and stone.

TOP PHOTO BY KRISTINA RODRIGUEZ

involved in designing and creating these impressive masterpieces are apparent in every brick and stone.

The weather was beautiful, so we decided to look for an eatery with outside seating. Locals rave about Catch 27, a restaurant dedicated to preparing and serving fresh seafood caught in Florida waters, so we meandered back to historic downtown and took our seats at a table in the open-air courtyard. Our server told us that their seafood is delivered fresh every day and often features snapper, flounder and black drum. They cook everything from scratch, using seasonal ingredients, locally sourced produce and edible garnishes to catch the eye.

We enjoyed unique appetizers and entrees, such as deviled eggs topped with southern fried oysters, white cheddar and bacon grit cakes with grilled shrimp, and braised short ribs over pasta. As the sun set and the gentle breezes blew softly through the patio, we treasured the joy of the day.

During our nightcap at The Well before heading to our room, we decided to lunch the next day at St. Augustine Fish Camp before ending our journey to this romantic city. While the area is well known for its history and ocean beaches, we did not want to miss this quaint restaurant’s location on the San Sebastian River so we could experience the tranquil serenity of the Fish Camp’s outside deck.

Locals rave about the restaurant’s fresh oysters on the half shell and true southern seafood, so we dug into the fried gator tail, blue crab cakes with caper dill aioli, and the fresh blackened mahi sandwich special. It was a relaxed, tasty way to end our time in the Ancient City.

Romance should not be limited to a day or a time. It is an experience with your loved one that is meant to be savored and enjoyed any time that you can.

If you are looking for happy moments and memories with the one you love, make plans to visit St. Augustine today. FCM F L O R I DAC O U N T RY M AGA Z I N E . C O M

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U N-BEL I ZE-A B L E! Diving into Central American culture W R I T T E N B Y : D A V E K E L LY

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lorida’s southern coastline is one of the most incredible on earth. Folks come from around the globe to experience world-class fishing and diving in the pristine waters and coral reefs in the Florida Keys.

But did you know that there is a magnificent reef twice the size of ours that is virtually at our doorstep?

And it is nothing less than … un-Belize-able!

Welcome to Belize. Located just south of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula on the sparkling Caribbean Sea, this English-speaking Central American country is home to the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System that runs over six hundred miles along its eastern shoreline, making it the largest in the Western Hemisphere.

Incredibly, the edge of this reef often begins less than a mile from the Belizean shoreline, making it instantly

accessible for daytrip pursuits such as snorkeling and near-shore, deep-sea fishing.

Sound enticing? It sure did to me, so I called my daughter Delaney, an avid diver and fishing fanatic, and we made our plans for Belize.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

The first order of business was to contact our friend Karolina Guilcapi, owner of Sated Ventures Tours and Travel in Palm Coast, Florida. As the go-to expert in the concierge travel business, Karolina’s knowledge of the area and local relationships are second to none, so she can handle virtually all aspects of a trip.

She recommended that we base our travel experience out of Ramon’s Village Resort, a laid-back tropical sanctuary just outside the city of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, the country’s largest island off the eastern coast. She

Ramon's Village Resort facilitates snorkel, SCUBA, and fishing trips from its private on site dock.

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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF RAMON'S VILLAGE RESORT

Shark Ray Alley is mere minutes off the San Pedro coastline and barley a mile offshore from Ramon's Village Resort.

noted that this area is the perfect combination of peaceful fishing village, active reef accessibility and mouthwatering local cuisine, so we booked our entire experience through Sated Ventures and headed off to check it out.

Getting there could not have been easier. In less time than it takes to drive from Orlando to the Keys, we took a flight into Belize City, quickly caught a local hop with Maya Island Air to the San Pedro airport and whisked off by golf cart to Ramon’s — all organized by Sated Ventures.

The wonderful staff at Ramon’s gave us a quick tour of the grounds, then led us to our rooms, which were tucked gently into the abundant emerald jungle yet steps from the sandy beach, pool, in-house restaurant and docks.

MAYAN AND TAHITIAN FLAVOR

Ramon’s Village Resort is an amazing combination of lush vegetation, magnificent food, unique accommodations and excellent

service, all in an atmosphere infused with Mayan and Tahitian flavor. Accessibility to all areas of the resort is through sandy trails rather than concrete sidewalks, each bordered by hibiscus, bougainvillea and leafy palms. Mayan sculptures dot the landscape, lending a true Central American feel to this tropical paradise.

The resort is named after Ramon Nunez, a San Pedro native who was the property’s first general manager, opening it as Ramon’s Reef Resort in the early 1980s and remaining on as manager for years.

Ramon was the first certified scuba diver in Belize, and he was even asked to guide the legendary underwater explorer Jacque Cousteau when he visited the Belize Barrier Reef’s worldfamous Blue Hole. In 1987, adventurer and risktaker Richard Headrick purchased the property and renamed it Ramon’s Village Resort, constantly reimagining and upgrading it, and ran it until his passing in 2020.

As Delaney and I checked into our Jungle Deluxe DACOOUUNNTTRY RYM MAGA AGAZZIINNEE..CCOOM M FFLLOORRIIDAC

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Ramon's rooms, restaurant, and pool are mere steps from the Caribbean Sea. Ramon's own restaurant Pineapples offers up a unique Belizean twist on their dishes.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF RAMON'S VILLAGE RESORT

Our trip to experience Belizean food, culture and sport was amazing.

TOP PHOTOS AND BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF RAMON'S VILLAGE RESORT; BOTTOM LEFT PHOTO BY DAVE KELLY; BOTTOM MIDDLE PHOTO BY DELANEY KELLY

Each room, decorated in a tropical style, featured cold air conditioning, huge beds, a mini fridge and plenty of room to stretch out. Our glass-paned room doors opened out onto private and spacious wooden decks.

rooms, we were astounded at the amenities that were a part of our plan. Each room, decorated in a tropical style, featured cold air conditioning, huge beds, a mini fridge and plenty of room to stretch out. Our glass-paned room doors opened out onto private and spacious wooden decks that were shaded by the flowers and greenery everywhere on the property.

Yet as private as they feel, each resort room is mere steps from Tropic Al’s, a poolside café that features tropical fruit smoothies and fresh-ground local coffee. The winding pool sits in the shade of majestic palms and Mayan statues.

The combination of luxury, character and convenience is amazing.

In addition to Tropic Al’s, Ramon’s Village Resort features a world-class restaurant, Pineapples on the Beach. Open from early morning until late, this open-air jewel is right on the beach, offering up stunning views of the Caribbean while your every culinary need is attended to by attentive staff.

We ate at Pineapples multiple times during our stay, always amazed at the menu staples and daily specials that spoke to Belizean culture and taste. Whether it was fresh local seafood caught that day or the “Steak on a Stone” that is a regular favorite, Pineapples satisfied with the best we could imagine, and we ate our fill as we planned the next day’s diving adventure.

IMMERSED IN AN OCEAN

Our diving trip was to leave at 8 a.m. But there was no need to get up extra early — Ramon’s has its own fleet of fishing and diving boats right at the dock on their private beach. We had plenty of time for a leisurely breakfast before meeting our crew and heading out to the open seas and Shark Ray Alley — to swim with the sharks.

We pushed off with Captain Carlos and crew and headed to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a narrow and shallow cut in the Belize Barrier Reef that attracts incredible marine life and is the go-to destination for divers and snorkelers.

Our tour boat had only a dozen guests, so the four crew members each took the responsibility of guiding small groups of three to four divers. For our team, Carlos led four of us into the crystal blue waters surrounding the coral in search of the sights the reef is famous for. It did not take long for us to become immersed in an ocean of manta rays, turtles, moray eels and colorful fish.

Unlike many diving trips, ours was a combination of snorkel and scuba divers, giving our boat’s group a diverse feel for the waters we were in. Carlos dived deep, often pointing out marine life that we could check out if we dared.

It was a thrill to be surrounded by such an abundance of activity.

Left photo: Carlos and crew of our off-shore snorkel trip. Middle photo: David and Delaney Kelly (dad and daughter) on a tropical trip of a lifetime.

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It was a thrill to be surrounded by such an abundance of activity.

After an hour of diving and exploring, we loaded back up on the boat and headed to Shark Ray Alley. A part of Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley is an area where rays and nurse sharks congregate to feed. Over the years, it has transformed from a place where fishermen would clean their catches to an area rife with sharks, rays and turtles.

Ramon’s crew dropped food over the side of the boat. In a matter of moments, we were in the middle of the feeding frenzy. The sea animals largely leave humans alone, but it’s an amazing feeling to be in the middle of it all. It was a photo opportunity for the ages.

TASTIEST FISH OF ALL

During that evening’s fantastic dinner at Pineapples on the Beach, we planned the next day’s fishing trip. Ramon’s guides recommended a trip out to the reef for the tastiest fish of all — snapper. We headed out in the morning again, this time with our target being the reef edge, no more than a mile offshore from the docks. Within minutes of anchoring at our destination, co-captains Jairo and Wilmer had hooks in the water with us and we soon were reeling in the bounty of the sea.

And while we hooked bonefish and ladyfish and enjoyed the fight, the vast majority of our haul was delicious red snapper. After a few hours of this success, we headed back to shore with our plentiful catch, where Jairo deftly filleted it and sent it off to Pineapples so they could prepare our

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lunch. The local seabirds were happy to catch our scraps from the dock as we finished our trip.

Our abundance of fish was simply too much for Delaney and me to enjoy ourselves, so we let the Pineapples folks know that we were willing to share our day’s good fortune with staff and friends. Sure enough, after cooking up and serving us our fair portion of fillets, our new friends were able to enjoy the remaining bounty of fried, baked and blackened fish with us.

Over that meal, we decided that for our next trip we are headed out just beyond the reef to tackle the tuna, mahi and wahoo that populate these waters, hopefully with the same success.

Ramon’s Village Resort is on the southern edge of the town of San Pedro, home to numerous restaurants, boutiques, quality food stores and more. Every evening that we did not eat at Pineapples, we simply walked the short distance to “downtown” and explored. Belizean-flavored dishes were everywhere, from spicy chicken salbute tortillas to slowroasted pork cochinita pibil to puffy fry jacks.

Sated Venture’s suggestion that Belizean food would satisfy the soul could not have been more spot-on.

Our trip to experience Belizean food, culture and sport was amazing. We cannot wait to get back, with deep-sea fishing and cave diving next on our list.

As the locals say, our experience was “Un-Belize-able”! FCM

TOP LEFT AND BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTOS COURTESY OF RAMON'S VILLAGE RESORT; OTHER PHOTOS BY DELANEY KELLY

Ramon’s Village Resort features a world-class restaurant, Pineapples on the Beach. Open from early morning until late, this open-air jewel is right on the beach, offering up stunning views of the Caribbean. After our day with Ramon's crew, we had an abundance of fish and decided to share our day’s good fortune with staff and friends.

As Sated Ventures’ owner, founder and destination specialist, Karolina Guilcapi has proven to be the best of the best. She has been offering custom private tours since 2006, where her company curates private itineraries with the traveler in mind, generally specializing in trips for those folks who are lovers of travel and food.

SATED VENTURES

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SATED VENTURES

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Best choice in concierge travel

ur Belize trip was coordinated by Karolina Guilcapi, the owner and founder of Sated Ventures Tours and Travel in Palm Coast, Florida. Over the years, I have found that traveling with a partner that is virtually by your side during the entire journey is invaluable when it comes to the comfort and enjoyment that you can experience from an international trip.

As Sated Ventures’ founder and destination specialist, Karolina has proven to be the best of the best. She has been offering custom private tours since 2006, where her company curates private itineraries with the traveler in mind, generally specializing in trips for those folks who are lovers of travel and food.

With over 40 partner offices around the world, she offers an abundance of destinations to choose from, including the Belize trip that we just completed. She customizes them to each individual traveler, then adds flavor to every trip through tasting sessions, cooking classes and other hands-on experiences that would enhance any vacation. “I am a culinary anthropologist. I believe that food connects us all,” says Karolina. “As I travel the world, I often do not understand the language, and sometimes find the culture confusing. But when I sit around a table and break bread with the local communities, I feel connected, at home, and satisfied. Chasing that feeling is the reason I founded Sated Ventures — a boutique travel company that specializes in private trips with a focus on food.”

Karolina takes an active approach and tirelessly promotes with her clients. With a background from Johnson & Wales University, a school dedicated to food and travel, she has been deeply involved in the growth of the tourism industry.

Latin American trips continue to be her expertise, as she travels there multiple times a year to grow relationships with

her guides, drivers, local chefs and the experts who in turn spoil her guests.

Her clients go to her with an idea of where and when they want to visit, and Sated Ventures curates each itinerary from scratch based on their needs, interests and budget.

Additionally, the company often adds culinary touches such as tastings, cooking classes, reservations at top restaurants and more.

If there is a destination you have always wanted to not only visit but experience, then Karolina and her Sated Ventures team will get you there.

Sated Ventures is the perfect fit for Florida Country Magazine readers ready to explore at the next level.

Did you know that Argentina features dude-ranch vacations that rival those of the American west?

Or that Iceland has more horses per capita than any other country in the world?

Or that you can have brunch on a train after hiking the Inca Trail in Peru?

Sated Ventures will deliver not just a tour for clients to book, but an experience that they will never forget.

Sated Ventures, 386-569-7625, satedventures.com

ROUNDUP Ramon’s Village Resort San Pedro, Belize ramons.com, 800-624-4215 Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, whc.unesco.org

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PICTURE PERFECT

‘SUNRISE SHOOT’

“K

rista Elliot of North Port, Florida entered this photo of her daughter Peyton into our photo contest.

Krista explains, “her daughter wanted to do a sunrise photo shoot with one of her horses she loves. We got to see her love and passion for these beautiful animals on full display thanks to photographer, Margo Tomaszewska of Excellence Images in Sarasota. The photographer shot her image in Venice, Florida, using a Canon R5. Krista Elliott entered it.

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Photo by: Margo Tomaszewska

Photo by: Jessica Page

Photo by: LeeAnn Albritton

Photo by: Mike Monlezun

‘HIDDEN GEM’

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n December 12 (2021), this hidden gem flashed her vast array of colors, just long enough for me to snap this shot. Can’t fail to mention the pier, which seems to lead you into a mirroring effect from the calming Saint Joseph Bay waters.” Jessica Page of Clarksville, Florida, took her photo at Windmark Beach in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, using a Canon 6D Mark II.

‘BOSS LADY’

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earless and like a boss, Lara was happy to strut her stuff in the shallow water at the beach. While visiting with family in from Las Vegas, she was more than happy to show off how happy she was to be out of the desert. This image was typical for her and her siblings during the trip to paradise.” Mike Monlezun of Jacksonville caught this image in Founder's Park Beach, Islamorada, using a Nikon D750.

‘GREAT ENCOUNTER’

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ur grandson Layton loves spending a lot of time outside on our family farm. This particular day Sarah, Layton's mom and I were outside enjoying our beautiful Florida sunshine when this beautiful butterfly took a fancy to Layton’s cute face and decided to hang around. It was a great encounter with nature.” LeeAnn Albritton of Sarasota, Florida, shot her image using an iPhone 12.

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PICTURE PERFECT ‘BEEN BLESSED’

“F Photo by: Amanda Griffis

lorida sunsets are beautiful; you cannot go wrong.

For 20 years I have been blessed to be able to see a Florida sunset … and this one was very stunning.

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.” St. Augustine’s Amanda Griffis shot her portrait under the SR 206 Bridge in St. Johns County using a Canon Rebel T7.

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‘LASTING MEMORY’

y grandfather was an avid self-taught photographer. When he retired from Police Chief of Lake Wales, Florida, photography was one of his favorite hobbies. He loved to capture Florida wildlife at different parks, reserves, roadsides or even in his backyard. He took this photo in his backyard canal in Lake Wales, Florida.” —Madison Helm; The late Gary Helm of Lake Wales, Florida shot this photo on his Canon PowerShot SX60 HS.

Photo by: The late Gary Helm

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Photo by: Jeff Talbert

‘BEAUTIFUL SCENE’

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n a recent visit to Titusville, I visited a few sites on the wildlife refuge to photograph scrub jays and roseate spoonbills. When I finished up, I pulled off to an old instrument site near the space shuttle landing facility to catch the setting sun and was treated to this beautiful scene. I love to travel around the state to capture and share the beauty of our natural and historical areas.” Jeff Talbert of Argyle, Florida, shot his image in Titusville, Florida, using a Canon EOS R. @jefftalbertphotography on Instagram

‘HEART WARMER’

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othing beats capturing moments like this — the unscripted, true emotions. This is a photo of my son Trevor loving on a brahman calf, at only 2½ years old. He has spent his entire life watching momma do photoshoots of other children with animals. It warms my heart to see that he has developed a natural love for animals at such a young age. It’s a passion that I am very grateful to be able to share with him.” Tori Walker of Mulberry, Florida, captured this image using a Canon R6.

Photo by: Tori Walker

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PICTURE PERFECT

‘COWBOY UP!’

Photo by: Karen Quinn

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uring his photography session, Westyn showed off some of his roping skills. He is four years old, likes to deer hunt, and loves his family, his dog and his horse.” Karen Quinn of Bristol, Florida, shot her portrait at the Bar R Ranch in Marianna, Florida, using a Nikon D500.

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RODEO PROFILE

COWGIRL UP! FLORIDA’S ADDISON ROBERTS IS A TOP RODEO FLAG GIRL

eing a Flag Girl at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is a dream come true for 20-year-old Addison Roberts of Southwest Ranches, Florida.

And the 2022 event was her second time being a part of the magic.

The Flag Girls consist of 21 experienced horseback riders opening the show. This elite group performs before rodeo fans packing the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas for the annual 10-day event.

With few coveted spots opening, the nationwide competition is fierce. The application process includes photos, essays and a video of the prospect’s riding ability. For Roberts, that meant

Their horses are supposed to be black and bomb-proof to handle the crazy rodeo environment and close quarters behind the scenes.

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showing off her breakaway roping skills, running barrels, cutting and just plain horseback riding.

Angie Burton, the Flag Girls’ coordinator since 2009 and a former rodeo queen and Flag Girl herself, selects some 10 applicants to come to Las Vegas for tryouts, including a personal interview and further demonstrations of their horsemanship. Roberts went through this process in 2020, the year where most events experienced difficulties due to Covid.

Every performance at the National Finals Rodeo, or NFR, entails a different outfit, often matching a theme, including honoring Las Vegas and the military, memorial and national patriot nights, and the long-running “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” night.

PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF ADDISON ROBERTS

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Written by: Kathy Ann Gregg

Top left photo: Addison Roberts poses with her older sister Mikayla Marie Roberts. Top middle photo: Addi meets up with her grandparents, Linda and Troy Weekley, fondly called "Maw Maw and Pops" Bottom right photo: Addi (on the far right) got an opportunity to meet country singer/songwriter Luke Bryan. Other photos: This elite group performs in Las Vegas before rodeo fans.

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RODEO PROFILE

The ladies regularly practice on their black horses. This is precision riding, where the group gets together only once a year, and always with newcomers. In addition, they participate in photo shoots and autograph sessions, all part of the pageantry of the NFR. And this year Roberts drew a horse that was fond of bucking, so she had to spend extra time every morning “riding the buck out of him”!

Rodeo runs in Roberts’s blood — she is the granddaughter of Troy Weekley of Weekley Brothers Davie Pro Rodeo fame, and virtually everyone in the family has competed in rodeo events. She competed at age 7 in the Arcadia Youth Rodeo Association, then added the Reality Ranch and Hardee County Youth Rodeos.

She was also a member of the All-Florida Junior Rodeo and Florida High School Rodeo Associations, as well as the National Barrel Horse Association. And the year 2015 saw her sporting the Miss Rodeo Florida Princess sash and crown.

In 2017, her grandfather asked her to take over the Davie Pro Rodeo flag team, which is a job she still thoroughly enjoys, carrying Old Glory and sponsor flags at her hometown rodeos, held several times every year at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds.

Roberts also runs CowTownBoutique, an online fashion platform. “Being an NFR Flag Girl is an experience I will never forget,” she says. “I have developed friendships with so many awesome ladies.”

Addison Roberts, you too are one of these awesome ladies for all you have accomplished! FCM

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PHOTO COURTESY OF ADDISON ROBERTS

For the 350 days when she is not an NFR Flag Girl, Roberts competes in barrel racing and breakaway roping at professional rodeos, together with running barrels as a member of the Florida-run Elite Bullriders Association.

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RODEO PROFILE

FLORIDA’S NEWEST RODEO QUEEN GROVELAND’S MAKENZIE CONNER WEARS THE 2023 CROWN Written by: Kathy Ann Gregg

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he Miss Rodeo America organization last year changed age requirements for the four queen positions, shifting them upward. And that left Florida with no contestants vying for the Miss Rodeo Florida 2023 title.

So rather than have a repeat of the year 2018, state organizers put their heads together to ensure the organization would have a contestant for the Miss Rodeo America pageant later this year. Accordingly, and with approval from the national level, a “mini pageant” was held on October 29, 2022, resulting in the 2023 Miss Rodeo Florida title being awarded to 21-year-old Makenzie Conner of Groveland, Florida.

Judges from the original September pageant returned to perform their duties in this unusual event, just without other title contestants present. Ironically, it was the year 2018—when there was no Miss Rodeo Florida—that Conner held the title of Miss Teen Rodeo for the Sunshine State.

Makenzie was originally into competitive cheerleading but switched to being an equestrian at age 11. After a few lessons, she competed in her first western pleasure horse show, and as the saying goes, the rest is history. She traveled the state showing her American Quarter Horse Association gelding, and even traveled to Texas one summer for a show there. She is not only rodeo oriented, but also supports agriculture, especially in her own community. In high school, she was heavily involved in 4-H and Future Farmers of America chapters. She showed beef breeding cattle, as well as show steers. To this day, she supports the local youth and their projects for the county fair.

Makenzie Conner has been active on the queening scene. In addition to Miss Teen Rodeo, she held the title of Tiny Miss Lake County in 2006, Little Miss Denim & Diamonds in 2008, and afterward she became Miss Silver Spurs for 2019 and 2020.

2023 Miss Rodeo Florida title being awarded to 21-year-old Makenzie Conner of Groveland, Florida.

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For Makenzie’s reign she will be joined by her 2023 court: Ansley Elizabeth Bo as Miss Teen Rodeo, Briar Osborn as Miss Florida Rodeo Princess, Kinlee Anuez as Miss Rodeo Florida Sweetheart. Makenzie Conner is the lone titleholder not from St. Cloud! The Sweetheart’s dad, Jake Anuez, is a well-known pick-up man on the pro rodeo circuit, so she’s hoping that she will be assigned to attend his rodeos.

PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF MISS RODEO AMERICA AND MAKENZIE CONNER

After graduating from South Lake High School in 2019, Makenzie attended the TENAJ Salon Institute where she earned her cosmetology degree, earning honors as a Top 5 student in referrals, rebooking, retail and client satisfaction. She runs her own hairdressing business while helping run her family’s boutique business.

Makenzie began her duties as Lady-in-Waiting by attending the Miss Rodeo America pageant in Las Vegas, held just prior to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

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RODEO PROFILE want to positively impact the local communities of Florida by sharing our western heritage and educating our younger generations about the importance of agriculture.”

Makenzie began her duties as Lady-in-Waiting by attending the Miss Rodeo America pageant in Las Vegas, held just prior to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. She provided daily pageant updates on the state’s Facebook page. Additionally, she attended the various Lady-inWaiting activities, including their special breakfast, where she became acquainted with several Miss Rodeo America board members, other soon to be state queens, even some sponsors. The gals then sold silent auction tickets for the annual Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association luncheon.

From the time of winning the pageant until they start their actual reign on January 1, the titleholders are referred to as "Lady-in-Waiting". Florida's own Makenzie Conner poses with thirteen others on the streets of Las Vegas during the Miss Rodeo America pageant.

ROUNDUP Makenzie Conner, 21, from Groveland, Florida.

Miss Rodeo Florida, missrodeoflorida.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF MISS RODEO AMERICA AND MAKENZIE CONNER

“Being Miss Rodeo Florida will allow me to be a part of the passion, dedication and commitment that state titleholders have for rodeo and the western way of life. I also look forward to the experience of learning about rodeo traditions outside of my home state,” Makenzie says. “I

That day culminated with attending Round One of the NFR, which Makenzie did with her mother and Laura Kessler—for years national director for Miss Rodeo Florida—all 2022 Miss Rodeo America contestants and her fellow Ladies-in-Waiting. FCM

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THE RANCH

GREAT FLORIDA CATTLE DRIVE 2022 75-MILE TRAIL RIDE ‘AIN’T FOR SISSIES!’

he year was 1995, the first time the Great Florida Cattle Drive took place. Participants became enamored of re-enacting Florida’s cattle history so much so that it was done again in 2006 and 2016.

So, when an event to honor the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon bringing the first cattle to Florida was to occur in 2021, it was only fitting yet another Great Florida Cattle Drive should take place.

Covid messed with the schedule, however, so it was postponed and held over six days this past December.

But what a journey it was!

CAME FROM EVERYWHERE

The Florida Cow Culture Preservation Committee, headed by executive director and cowboy historian Doyle Conner Jr., began the push in 2019 by commissioning the painting of seven fiberglass replica bulls, each five feet tall and weighing 150 pounds. They represented what is known as Juan Ponce de Le-

on’s 1521 Herd of 7. The seven artists used her or his imagination painting pastoral, cattle, wildlife and even rodeo scenes to convey cattle ranching and its way of life in the Sunshine State. (Florida Country Magazine attended the reveal party in Kissimmee, with a story in the February/March 2020 issue.)

The stories are as varied as the 350-some horsemen/ women braving the week-long ride, and those in the 14 adjoining wagons. They came from Florida, from New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania in the northeast, and Oregon in the opposite corner of the continental United States, and many points in between.

While a few are regular snowbirds, the majority made the trip solely for this event.

While no one listed a foreign address on their forms, flags were flown from Brazil and Mexico, the latter being carried on the trail by a sombrero-wearing gaucho, and one from Guatemala.

The flag of the Seminole tribe wafted from the back of Billie Joe Johns’ Conestoga-style wagon the entire ride.

Riders push 500 Corriente cattle—longhorn influenced with horns to match from Deseret Ranch in east Florida to Bluehead Ranch in Lake Placid.

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OPPOSITE PAGE: BOTTOM PHOTO BY AMY MEW MINGER; OTHER PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY KATHY ANN GREGG

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Written by: Kathy Ann Gregg

The stories are as varied as the 350-some horsemen/women braving the weeklong ride, and those in the 14 adjoining wagons. They came from Florida, from New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania in the northeast, and Oregon in the opposite corner of the continental United States, and many points in between.

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THE RANCH

Left photo: 33-year-old Bennett Lloyd, Coordinator of the Museum of Seminole County History, who walked the entire 75.3 miles of the cattle drive. Middle photo: A pair of riders carrying their country flags. Right photo: Andy Bowers of the Seminole Tribe, sporting the yellow bandanna worn by the group of veterans.

The equestrians were broken into geographic groups, with each having its own circle boss and a bandanna color with matching flag.

David Hunt from Polk County, as director of the Outdoor Freedom Program, ran the veterans’ group, and they all sported gold bandannas. The Seminole tribe sponsored 20 military veterans, paying the entry fee and providing horses. So, a special banner was presented by this group to the tribe, containing the cattle drive emblem, surrounded by the insignias of each branch of the military. And to Tara Johns, this was her favorite part of the ride.

Accompanying the Johns family in their wagon for the first three days was veteran Mike Hill of St. Augustine, Florida.

He then departed for Arlington Cemetery in Virginia, to lay a wreath on the grave of his son on the first anniversary of the boy’s death.

The last mile of the route saw the Johns’ host 88-yearold Ron Wetherington of Dozier, Florida, who was driving their wagon. Unexpected surgery before the event prevented him from making the entire ride, one of his bucket-list items! Wetherington is the grandfather of Moriah McCullers Johns, and he drove the team wearing his Seminole patchwork jacket.

The third day a rearing horse struck a woman rider. She went to a local emergency center for medical scans. The result was a mild concussion and she rejoined the ride after a day’s rest. Her young daughter stayed with the group, quickly becoming the ward of fellow riders!

The oldest listed participant was Al Johnson of Orlando, Florida. He had been a cow hunter (the group tending the cattle) on three previous drives but this year he rode a wagon. Jose Carranza, 87, rode the entire route, as he did on the 2016 drive.

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The youngest registered rider was Jayme Wells of Fellsmere, Florida, at the tender age of six, described by event organizers as “tough as nails, and an absolute hero to many on the ride.”

And in between was 33-year-old Bennett Lloyd of Sanford, Florida. This intrepid adventurer completed the 75.3-mile route (per GPS) on foot! As coordinator of the Museum of Seminole County History, he wanted to experience Florida’s diverse history. He was dressed entirely in clothing from the 1530s, most of which he himself had made. But he “had to order the shoes online,” he said. On the first day’s outing, Lloyd lost the group and had to backtrack, pulling a hamstring muscle, spending the first night icing his leg.

Unlike the cattle drives of old, meals were catered — hot breakfast at 7 a.m. and supper served at 7 p.m., with seconds and even third helpings allowed. A sandwich and chips for lunch on the trail.

TRAIL MIXING

Every night was entertaining. Judge Nelson Bailey talked about Florida’s cattle history, for example, and 93-year-old Iris Wall of Indiantown explained about being a Florida cracker, there was visiting an early Native American camp (pre-Seminoles), Bennett Lloyd discussing the arrival of early Spanish explorers, re-enactors talking about the Florida Cow Calvary during the War of Northern Aggression/Civil War and their flag which bears the motto “the rights of the south at all hazards,” and the singer Chuck Hardwick, the cowboy poet Doyle Rigdon.

The highlight was the Friday night entertainment — Seminole culture night. Seamstress Stephanie Johns displayed her patchwork designs and traditional garments.

Her brother, Jobe Johns, demonstrated the gathering and cooking of the Florida delicacy, swamp cabbage. Jobe and his wife Moriah had intended to complete the week-long ride, but due to unexpected circumstances had to bow out

PHOTOS BY KATHY ANN GREGG

‘TOUGH AS NAILS’

after the third day. Their father, Billie Joe, was emotional about his children and daughter-inlaw all being there.

The storyteller/medicine man Herbert Jim of the Tampa Seminole reservation enthralled everyone with his stories. Skeeter Bowers explained the corn dance, then had many on their feet joining in the friendship dance. Singer/songwriter Rita Youngman performed some of her songs.

Charlotte Gopher, her two children and Jayleigh and Hushee Osceola cooked fry bread and made sofkee, a staple drink made from rice, grits or dried corn heated in lots of water.

The drive commenced on the Deseret Ranch in east Florida, where its cattle began the drive. From there riders pushed northwest across the Kempfer Ranch and the Deseret Escape Ranch. That Thursday 500 Corriente cattle — longhorn influenced with horns to match — were delivered from the Bluehead Ranch in Lake Placid for the end of the drive.

The group left Diego Medina’s ranch on the morning of December 10 with this wild and frisky group of bovines, driving them into the Kenansville Silver Spurs arena grounds for the trail’s end celebration. There was music and food, vendors selling jams and jellies, decorated cow skulls, cowhide products and much more. Stephanie Johns displayed her Seminole clothing and painter Eldon Lux had his artwork on display. Lux had done a special painting to honor the Great Florida Cattle Drive 2022 — a painting of Florida cow hunters on the ground, Seminole cow hunters in the clouds.

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Many thanks to the members and volunteers with the Florida Cow Culture Preservation Committee for providing a glimpse into Florida’s cattle history.

And always remember, the Great Florida Cattle Drive — 1995, 2006, 2016 and now 2022 — “ain’t for sissies.” FCM

ROUNDUP Great Florida Cattle Drive 2022/ Florida Cow Culture Preservation Committee, greatfloridacattledrive.com Museum of Seminole County History, seminolecountyfl.gov Florida Cow Calvary, tampahistorical.org

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EVERGLADES SEAFOOD FESTIVAL 53-YEAR EVENT RUNS FEB. 17-19 uestion: What has a 53-year history and slept in the Gulf of Mexico last night?

Answer: The one and only Everglades Seafood Festival, or, rather, their fab food offerings. Where else can you get freshly steamed stone crabs (right off the boat), gator bites and grouper nuggets on the same plate?

Add a Skunk Ape or Everglades Fishing Co. brew … and you might not want to go back home!

Organized by Florida Stone Crabbers Association, this popular event in Everglades City brings 50,000 or so fortunate visitors for the food, fun, music and crafts Feb. 17-19, just a short drive southeast of the current Collier County courthouse, or a bit out into the Everglades.

This year is also the centennial of Collier County, sliced off from Lee County in May 1923. The advertising millionaire Barron Gift Collier accumulated more than 1 million acres of southwest Florida in his time, pushing into Everglades City. Modern Collier County is more than 2,300 square miles, the state’s second largest county and bigger in size than Rhode Island and Delaware.

This year’s Everglades Seafood Festival is especially important, says coordinator Holly Dudley. “Homes and businesses were flooded for the second time in five years, first by Hurricane Irma, then Hurricane Ian,” she says, adding that “families were displaced and businesses worked hard to reopen. So, we’re bouncing back quickly.

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Funds from our 2023 festival will help victims, including commercial fishermen rebuild.”

The Everglades Seafood Festival for five decades has been a big part of improving this small and isolated community, especially the local school system. The event last year sponsored a senior class trip, culinary courses and art supplies for local kids.

FUN FACTS

Everglades City is a major producer of stone crabs and the selfproclaimed stone crab capital of the world.

The Everglades Seafood Festival is hosted by the Florida Stone Crabbers Association, founded in May 2020.

EVERGLADES SEAFOOD FESTIVAL GUIDE (BILL LAPLANTE)

We took a quick preview tour of the event and now share these insider tips with Florida Country magazine readers. We visited with food-truck chefs/owners from Pennsylvania, Maryland and Florida to get them:

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is for Alligator — try gator bites or whole smoked — truly unique swamp food, you’ll probably never see in your hometown.

B C

is for Bread, as in Indian Burger fry breadfrom Iona’s own truck/local veggies. is for Catfish, as in Caribbean, it could be spicy, take a taste to find out!

PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF EVERGLADES SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

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Written by: Bill LaPlante

PHOTO CREDIT INFO

Organized by Florida Stone Crabbers Association, this popular event in Everglades City brings 50,000 or so fortunate visitors for the food, fun, music and crafts.

(L to R) Holly Dudley, Kelly Kirk and Carrie Doxsee

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FLORIDA CHARM

D E F G H I K

is for Dredged, as in fresh grouper enrobed in slivered almonds, then crusted.

is for Everyone who attends and tastes — all enjoy!

is for Frog legs that slept in the ‘Glades last night, out in airboat country. is for fresh-off-the-boat Grouper, blackened, fried, grilled or extra crunchy. is for Hard shell, as in oysters, steamed or Rockefeller, from Goodland Shellfish Co.

is for Innovative eating, as in must-try swamp cabbage from LaBelle, Florida.

sounds like Cocktail, as in shrimp, hand-crafted

by Everglades City school kids. The rumors of a super-secret sauce abound. Grades K-12 benefit from festival funds, btw.

L

is for Lobster rolls, handmade with Maine hard-shell bugs, to use Northeast slang, for this cold-water delicacy of the deeps.

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is for Mullet, expertly seasoned and fried and not to be missed. The stuff is miles ahead of any other product, truly a delicacy.

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is for Never, as in you will never get the family recipe for stone-crab paella available only at Everglades Seafood Festival, served Cuban-style.

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is for Life Changers Outreach, where barbeque is the specialty from a group that turns lives around by cooking and selling unique gift items at their merchandise booth.

I got you through the first letters of Everglades Seafood Festival offerings. You’re on your own to discover the last few. And please remember moderation, all things in moderation. FCM

ROUNDUP Everglades Seafood Festival, Everglades City, Florida, Feb. 17-19, seafoodfestboard.com (email), evergladesseafoodfestival.org Florida Stone Crabbers Association, stonecrabbers.com Everglades City/Gateway to 10,000 Islands, florida-everglades.com Collier County centennial, colliercounty100.com

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FLORIDA CHARM

ANNA MARIA ISLAND, AN OLD FLORIDA FEEL ARTEMIS ON STANDBY, A GETAWAY TO SOOTHE THE SOUL Written by: Kathleen Walls

You are surrounded instead by charming shops, general stores, boutiques and cafes.

Anna Maria Island is on Florida’s west coast, sandwiched between St. Petersburg/Tampa and Sarasota on the Gulf of Mexico. The island’s main street, Pine Avenue, is known as the “Greenest Little Main Street in America.”

It’s an island that soothes your soul. It escaped the worst of Hurricane Ian and is waiting for you to visit.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum Complex

If there’s time, start here. Learn how the island it got its name. One version is that in the 1840s a U.S. chart survey team stayed with the Madison Post family in Tampa and

named the island for the then-mayor’s wife, Maria, and her sister, Anna.

The other version is that a 19th century Spanish map shows it as Ana Maria Cay. Maria is the Spanish for Mary, and Mary’s mother is Anna, spelled with just one “n” in Spanish.

The museum houses over 120 years of photos and documents, artifacts donated by islanders. The original city jail built in 1927 is on the property. There were bars on the windows but no glass. Locals dealing with Florida mosquitoes after a night in the clink were careful not to repeat the same mistake, it was said.

Belle Haven, also on the museum property, was built on a pier in 1920, along with a larger home called Lotus Cottage.

Belle Haven functioned as a fish packing plant, rental cottage and bait shop. A storm destroyed the pilings in 1926 and tossed the homes into Tampa Bay. Lotus Cottage was gone but Belle Haven was intact and floating, functioning later as an island home. It was rescued in 2001. It’s furnished today with a feel for early island living.

Pictured left to right: Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum Complex, Florida’s Maritime Museum, Paradise Boat Tour

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BOTTOM PHOTOS BY KATHLEEN WALLS

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here’s a strip of a state barrier island that has preserved its real Florida authenticity. No theme parks, highrises or chain stores.

BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF COMPASS HOTEL ANNA MARIA SOUND; OTHER PHOTOS BY KATHLEEN WALLS

Top photos pictured left to right: Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, Swordfish Grill and Tiki Bar, Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub; Bottom photos pictured left to right: Anna Maria Oyster Bar, Floriday’s Woodfire Grill and Bar, Compass Hotel Anna Maria Sound

Florida’s Maritime Museum

menu is specialty drinks, breakfast/hot lunch plates, salads, sandwiches and fresh bakery items. You’ll find an unusual restaurant atmosphere. But it works. It transported me back to the 1950s—the food is delightful.

One room is particularly relevant. It’s Caught in the Storm: 100 Years of Florida Hurricanes. Informational outdoor signs detail the various hurricanes as you walk a path leading to the 1890 Braxton Store, once a general store, the local post office and a steamship wharf. Behind the museum is a Seminole chickee hut.

Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe

Being an island, Anna Maria naturally has a colorful water history. The museum in the nearby village of Cortez tells it.

I’ve never seen so many shells in one place.

A small waterway separates the museum from the Cortez Cultural Center. You may want to watch for wildlife here. I spotted a beautiful limpkin sitting on the railing.

Paradise Boat Tour

Experience Florida wildlife and waterways of the west coast. The company guarantees that 95% of its tours include dolphin sightings, often manatees, rays, a variety of birds and a good deal of other wildlife. We saw lots of birds, dolphins near the end of the tour.

Free Anna Marie Island Trolley

On Pine Avenue to explore the shops and dining opportunities.

Ginny and Jane E’s’ Café

Two sisters created the place in a former IGA store. One collected art and antiques, the other was a farmer. The deep

A must for breakfast. The all-you-can-eat-pancakes are a tradition. I had the French toast, though my friend said the pancakes are delicious. You get blueberries or strawberries with the French toast, so I shared. The egg-dipped toast was perfectly browned and the fruit topping plus the whipped cream a sweet addition.

We sat outside to enjoy the view from nearby Holmes Beach.

Swordfish Grill and Tiki Bar

In Cortez Fishing Village, a waterfront spot where locals gather, boaters dock. The seafood is fresh. I suggest something you seldom find outside the Keys—Bahamian conch fritters. The outer crust was well seasoned and crisp, the meat soft and chewy. If you haven’t tried it, conch meat resembles a chewy oyster. Remoulade sauce accompanies the fritters. I ordered the oyster sampler, loved each one.

Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub

A cross of a waterfront fishhouse and fine dining on Longboat Key, has beach dining under softly lighted oak trees or a covered patio. Lots of seafood, but an interesting dish is the Shogun Farms pulled pork from wild hogs. The meat is tender and tasty.

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FLORIDA CHARM Anna Maria Oyster Bar

John and Amanda Horne opened their first oyster bar in 1995.

It became one of Bradenton’s most beloved seafood restaurants, Anna Maria Oyster Bar. They have four sites now. This one on Anna Maria Island’s Historic Bridge Street Pier has outside seating with a view of Tampa Bay. Boaters can dock here.

As the name indicates, oysters are the specialty. There are other yummy choices, however. I enjoyed the coconut shrimp with a sweet and spicy apricot horseradish sauce.

Floriday’s Woodfire Grill and Bar

A real Key West feel overlooking Anna Maria Sound. Live music Friday and Saturday nights.

My favorite is the seafood boil with shrimp, clams, sausage, mussels, potatoes and corn on the cob. It’s cooked in an herbed beer broth that added even more flavor.

Desserts are a hard choice between key lime pie and the P-nut butter chocolate bar. You taste the tartness of fresh key limes (your mouth should be watering).

Lodging

I stayed at and can recommend Compass Hotel Anna Maria Sound just across from Floriday’s. It’s a boutique Margaritaville hotel. Free parking and free breakfast plus snacks. And a free bookshelf. A bonus here is Artemis, the friendly pooch greeter. One of the desk clerks told me, “I have seen guests come in all keyed up and tense from driving … and when they pet Artemis, you see them become more relaxed.” FCM

ROUNDUP Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum Complex, amihs.org, 941-778-0492 Florida’s Maritime Museum, floridamaritimemuseum.org, 941-708-6120 Shogun Farms, shogunfarms.com Paradise Boat Tour, seedolphins.com, 941-465-8624 Ginny and Jane E’s’ Café, ginnysandjanees.com, 941-778-3170 Anna Maria Island Beach Café, amibeachcafe.com, 941-778-0784 Swordfish Grill and Tiki Bar, swordfishgrillcortez.com, 941-798-2035 Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub, marvistadining.com, 941-383-2391 Anna Maria Oyster Bar, oysterbar.net, (Bradenton Beach/Bridge Street Pier) 941-778-2662 Floriday’s Woodfire Grill and Bar, floridays-annamaria.com, 941-741-8700 Compass Hotel Anna Maria Sound, compasshotel.com, 941-741-9700

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FLORIDA CHARM

FLORIDA CAVERNS STATE PARK PANHANDLING ADVENTURES—BRING A SWIMSUIT!

morning hike at Florida Caverns State Park seemed to be going nowhere. I had been walking for over an hour and seeing very little wildlife to photograph.

Guessing the peak time had passed, I started walking back to my car.

I had already made the loop around Blue Hole Spring earlier but decided to revisit the area one more time before leaving the park. I was kicking myself for not bringing a swimsuit.

The Panhandle had been getting little rain for a few weeks, so Blue Hole was at the right water level to really show off its beautiful blue. It would have been a perfect day to enjoy the year-round 64-degree spring water.

If you are looking for unique adventures in a wonderful piece of Florida, plan to visit Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna.

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Just as I was calling it a day, I saw something swimming in the spring run. It took only a few seconds to realize it was an otter! In all the years of visiting Florida Caverns—which is northwest of Tallahassee near the Alabama and Georgia borders—this was my first time spotting an otter at the park.

An otter sighting is always an exciting moment for this wildlife photographer. Otters can be very elusive and disappear quickly once they spot a human. Fortunately, this one did not seem to mind as I stood on the spring run bridge trying to capture its every move with my camera.

Soon the moment got even more exciting when two more otters swam into the spring run. All three swam through the run, stopping now and then to chomp on crayfish.

PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY BEN KNOWLES

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Written by: Ben Knowles

The Panhandle had been getting little rain for a few weeks, so Blue Hole was at the right water level to really show off its beautiful blue.

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Over the next few weeks, I ended up seeing the otters during other visits to Florida Caverns. One morning I watched them for over an hour, swimming, feeding and resting all around the spring area. Once they were gone, I was inspired to change into the swimsuit that I remembered to bring and take the plunge into Blue Hole.

It was cold but felt great! I had the whole spring to myself and enjoyed the peaceful sounds of nature as I swam.

Photographing the otters and swimming in Blue Hole are small samples of the many experiences Florida Caverns has

provided me and my family over the years. The possibilities for outdoor enjoyment are endless at this wonderful park— one day is not enough to experience all it offers.

The biggest draw to the park, of course, is touring open-air limestone caves. Just seeing these spectacular cave formations is worth a trip. But there is a lot more to see and do at Florida Caverns State Park. Multiple trails provide great opportunities for hikers, bikers and equestrians to explore habitats with an array of flora and fauna, for example. And RV/primitive camping are available, as well as horse stalls.

Rent a kayak or canoe from the park to paddle the Chipola River. Baltzell (Bozell) Springs group, a mile or so upstream from the park’s boat ramp, is an area of visually stunning spring vents and very much worth the effort to get there.

The biggest draw to the park, of course, is touring open-air limestone caves. Just seeing these spectacular cave formations is worth a trip.

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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY BEN KNOWLES

The crayfish must have been really good because the otters paid no attention to me as I moved to different spots for better views. A half hour passed before the otters casually retreated down the run and out of sight.

Tip: Pay attention to the cave schedule since tours are not offered every day. Also keep in mind that heavy rainfall can affect park activities.

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AN OTTER SIGHTING IS ALWAYS AN EXCITING MOMENT FOR THIS WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER. I suggest visiting the Florida State Parks website to learn more about Florida Caverns.

Tip: Pay attention to the cave schedule since tours are not offered every day. Also keep in mind that heavy rainfall can affect park activities.

If you are looking for unique adventures in a wonderful piece of Florida, plan to visit Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna. Keep an eye out for the otters … and bring your swimsuit!

Ben Knowles is an outdoor enthusiast who lives in North Florida with his wife and two children.

Find his Facebook page “Ben Outside Photography” to enjoy photos, stories and videos of his outdoor adventures throughout Florida. FCM

Florida Caverns State Park, 3345 Caverns Road, Marianna, Florida floridastateparks.org, 850-482-1228 Reservations: floridacavernsgiftshop.com, 850-526-2650

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PHOTOS BY BEN KNOWLES

ROUNDUP

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THE CULINARY CRACKER

WHIPPING IT UP IN YOUR KITCHEN Every issue of Florida Country magazine is filled with easy, delicious recipes you’ll want to make again and again.

FRIED RAVIOLI Yields 30

INGREDIENTS 30 frozen beef and cheese ravioli, thawed 1½ cups Italian panko breadcrumbs 2 eggs ½ cup milk 1 cup grated Parmesan Chopped basil, for garnish Canola oil 1 jar marinara sauce, warmed PREPARATION Line baking sheet with foil. Whisk eggs and milk in medium bowl. Add breadcrumbs to another bowl. Add 2 to 2½ inches oil to skillet. Heat over medium heat until oil is hot. Dip each piece of ravioli in egg, coat in breadcrumbs and place on baking sheet.

Place several ravioli pieces at a time in hot oil and fry for 2 minutes per side.

Remove with slotted spoon and place on paper towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat with rest of ravioli. Before serving, sprinkle ravioli with grated Parmesan and basil.

Serve with warm marinara sauce.

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BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP Serves 8

INGREDIENTS 3 cups diced cooked rot isserie chicken 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened ¾ cup Frank’s RedHot pepper sauce ½ cup pepper Jack chees e, shredded ½ cup ranch dressing ½ cup crumbled blue ch eese ½ teaspoon Old Bay sea food seasoning 1 pinch cayenne pepper 2 tablespoons pepper Jac k cheese, shredded PREPARATION Preheat oven to 400 degre es F. Combine chicken, cream cheese, hot pepper sauce, ½ cup pepper Jack cheese, ranch dressi ng, blue cheese, seafood seasoning and cayenne pe pper in large bowl.

Transfer chicken mixture to 9-inch round baking dish. Sprinkle with 2 tab lespoons pepper Jack cheese. Bake until lightly browned, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven and garnish with additional cayenne pepp er, if desired.

INGREDIENTS 1 package dry Italian salad dressing mix 2 tablespoons water 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 teaspoon thyme 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 bunch green onions, cleaned and chopped 2 cloves garlic 1 jalapeño, chopped Juice of 1 lime 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 8 pieces chicken drumsticks and thighs Vegetable oil (to brush grill grates) PREPARATION ing mix, For marinade, combine dry Italian salad dress er, pepp nne brown sugar, thyme, cinnamon, salt, caye and oil olive , green onions, garlic, jalapeños, lime juice ¼ cup water in blender. Blend until smooth. Set aside dish. Pour ow shall marinade for later use. Place chicken in igerRefr . coat remaining marinade over chicken, toss to nate mari sides ate. Turn chicken occasionally to ensure t. evenly. Marinate at least two hours or overnigh ly with Heat grill to medium-high. Oil grill grates light until lly, grill brush. Grill chicken, turning occasiona tes. Move chicken is charred in spots, about 10 to 12 minu ved marireser chicken to a cooler part of grill. Brush with minutes, more 15 nade. Grill with cover closed about 10 to until chicken is thoroughly cooked.

SPICY JERK CHICKEN Serves 4

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THE CULINARY CRACKER INGREDIENTS 1 pound ground pork sausage 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened 1 cup shredded Parmesan 1 pound large fresh jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded PREPARATION Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Place sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until evenly brown. Drain grease. In a bowl, mix sausage, cream cheese and Parmesan.

Spoon 1 tablespoon sausage mixture into each jalapeño half. Arrange stuffed halves in baking dishes. Bake 20 minutes, until bubbly and lightly browned.

SAUSAGESTUFFED JALAPEÑOS Serves 12

ARMADILLO EGGS Yields 6

INGREDIENTS 1 pound pork sausage 12 slices bacon es removed 6 jalapeños with tops, seeds, cor d 4 ounces cream cheese, softene 4 ounces shredded cheddar in spice aisle) 2 tablespoons sweet rub (find 1 cup BBQ sauce PREPARATION In medium bowl, Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. and sweet rub. r combine cream cheese, chedda jalapeño. Use h Spoon some of mixture into eac pletely into back of spoon to press filling com er each cov y each jalapeño. Wrap and entirel back and os peñ jalapeño with sausage. Roll jala adillo egg arm h eac forth into an egg shape. Wrap with ure sec , with 2 pieces of bacon. If needed d bakline on s egg toothpicks. Arrange armadillo until s, ute min 30 e ing sheet in a single layer. Bak ired des is on bac sausage is evenly browned and sheet. Place on crispiness. Remove from baking ce and serve. sau serving dish, brush with BBQ

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CARIBBEAN MANGO HABANERO RIBS Serves 4

DRY RUB INGREDIENTS 2 slab s bab y bac k rib s ¼ cup bro wn sugar 1½ tea spo ons kos her salt ½ tea spo on bla ck pep per 1 tea spo on gar lic pow der 1 tea spo on smo ked pap rik a ¼ tea spo on dri ed thy me ½ tea spo on alls pice 1 tab lesp oon chi li pow der

NTS

E INGREDIE MANGO HABANERO SAUC tar 11.3 -ou nce can of ma ngo nec ed cub , 1 fre sh ma ngo 1 gar lic clo ve, mi nced ¼ cup app le cid er vin ega r sau ce 2 tab les poo ns red hab ane ro p chu ket 3 tab les poo ns 1 tea spo on oni on pow der 1 tea spo on sm oked pap rik a ¼ tea spo on alls pice ½ cup wa ter

PREPARATION plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 2 ly over ribs and rub in well. Wrap in even le ink Spr nts. edie ingr rub dry Mix all of ribs in half, making 4 half racks. n to 300 degrees F. Cut each full rack ove t hea Pre ed mango d. erre pref ht rnig ove hours, r before ribs are done, add fresh cub hou an f Hal rs. hou 2½ for e Bak . foil aining sauce Wrap each half rack in aluminum ium heat, add mango purée and rem med r ove let skil a In e. asid Set . too thick. to blender and blend until smooth utes. Add a little water if sauce gets min 5 ut abo ed, ken thic il unt k coo 10 minutes. ingredients. Bring to a simmer and t. Remove ribs from oven; let stand hea high for l gril r doo out t hea Pre for 3-4 minReserve 1 cup of sauce for later use. ribs while they are grilling. Grill ribs on e sauc ue beq bar sh Bru l. gril on drizzle on Remove ribs from foil and place utes. Cut and take reserve sauce and min 5 for sit let and er Cov ter. plat a utes on each side. Transfer ribs to e sauce. can be used for people who want mor ribs just before serving. Extra sauce F L O R I DAC O U N T RY M AGA Z I N E . C O M

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