Welcome Home Central Florida January/February 2022

RV News To Use.

Volume 1 • Issue 2 • Jan/Feb 2022 YOUR RV RESOURCE FOR CENTRAL FLORIDA

WHAT’S INSIDE:

• Birds Of Prey!

• Inspiring Art! • Kayaking Florida!

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Page 10

Winter Pool Fun In Central Florida

THERE’S SO MUCH TO SEE & DO ALL AROUND US!

Ocala North RV Resort is in the perfect North Central Florida location! Within just a 30 minute drive in any direction you have access to jaw-dropping world class horse farms, quaint restaurants with outside seating, quirky antique stores, historical towns and historic landmarks…not to mention bats, elephants, butterflies and alligators!

You’ll definitely want to stay at Ocala North RV Resort to visit them all! We’ll even make it easier for you with a SUMMER DEALS discount!

Check Out These Nearby Attractions!

CEDAR LAKES & WOODS • TWO TAILS RANCH • TWO HAWK HAMMOCK • DEVIL'S DEN HISTORIC MICANOPY • PAYNES PRAIRIE STATE PARK • LA CHUA TRAIL DEPOT PARK • ANTIQUE EMPORIUM • ANTIQUE CITY MALL ZIP THE CANYONS • KANAPAHA BOTANICAL GARDENS UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA BAT HOUSES • DON GARLITZ MUSEUM OF DRAG RACING SILVER SPRINGS GLASS BOTTOM BOAT • FARM TOURS OF OCALA

Office Hours: Mon - Fri : 8:00 am - 5:00 pm • Sat - Sun: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm 16905 NW Hwy 225, Reddick, FL 32686 • 352-591-1723 • info@ocalanorthrv.com

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Live the Great Outdoors

By Todd Breland, Welcome Home, Central Florida! General Manager Friends, are we loving this Central Florida weather or what?! The recent traffic nightmares far north of us due to weather related problems make us appreciate even more why we are RV living in the most perfect winter weather on the planet!

Here at your RV News To Use publication, our team is thrilled too about 80 & 60 days and nights. Awakening to fresh mornings and within a few hours enjoying gorgeous sunshine to hike trails, play shuffleboard, ride bikes and do whatever makes you happy outside proves the RV life in Central Florida is simply the best!

Please share with us your favorite outdoor activities at news@floridabywelcomehome.com. We’ll share your stories in our print and online newspaper, and on our digital media. Don’t be bashful -- tell your story so other seasonal and annual RVers can take advantage all that Central Florida offers. What a majestic region we live/ vacation/seasonally reside! Send to us what you enjoy to do along with photographs of you guys enjoying the great outdoors. We’ll let others in on the fun RV living you’re experiencing.

My family and I always say we live in a giant plaground for all ages. There is never a shortage of breathtaking views, unique stores, games for all ages when you’re RVing Central Florida. From beaches to hilltops and everywhere in between, participating in incredible

activities outside of our travel trailers, coaches and 5th wheels is like no place on earth. Did I mention how perfect winter is here?

Send your stories to news@floridabywelcomehome. com, and we’ll show other Welcome Home, Central

Florida! readers what fun is all about! From leisure and meditation to strengthening-the-ticker walks or pickle ball matches, we want to read and share your Central Florida thrills. Thank you, friends!

Camp On!

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Table Of Contents

WHCF Staff

Camp On!

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Audubon Awesome

5

Morse Beauty

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Publisher Kristi Collier kristi@floridabywelcomehome.com General Manager Todd Breland todd@floridabywelcomehome.com Editorial Team Eryn Reddell-Wingert eryn@welcomehomergv.com

The Need For Mead

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Classic Polasek

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Impactful Eatonville

14

Spongey Springs

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Design Director John M. Hazlett artwork@floridabywelcomehome.com

Kayaking Florida

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PO Box 136743, Clermont, Florida 34713 • 956.310.8953

Gretchen Losi letsgotxlosi@gmail.com

Central Florida’s RV NEWS TO USE!

Multimedia Advertising Packages • Next Edition Early January 2022!

956.310.8953 todd@floridabywelcomehome.com • www.floridabywelcomehome.com.

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Oh! The Audubon Center for Birds of Prey!

By Eryn Reddell Wingert

Picture it: a serene 1920’s lakefront bungalow-style house surrounded by predators. It’s not a classic or campy suspense film scene, quite the opposite. It’s a lush - even quaint - conservatory and rehabilitation center for birds of prey.

The Audubon Center for Birds of Prey is nestled in a neighborhood in Maitland, Florida - due north of Orlando. It’s small and intimate, a far cry from the bustle of a wildlife theme park. But, exciting nonetheless.

The experience begins immediately with the most friendly ticket taker and two ambassador bald eagles perch adjacent to the check-in window.

Numerous enclosures housing raptors including eagles, falcons and osprey outlay the bungalow. A meandering path takes you on a self-guided tour. Informational plaques positioned outside each enclosure offer a glimpse into the lives the residents may have led

The eagle nest display at the Audubon Center is designed to scale.

(Eryn Reddell Wingert)

The landscape of the bird of prey sanctuary is lush and tropical. (Gretchen Losi)

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outside the center.

The main goal of the center is to ‘rescue, rehabilitate and release.’ However, those that are not able to survive in the wild are guaranteed care and a permanent home.

The landscape that encompasses the layout of the property is thoughtful, creating a canopy of shelter.

Exhibit features include a to-scale eagle nest and wing span and a Fun Facts Wheel.

Even the Audubon Center is not without its water feature. (It’s Central Florida, after all!) The sanctuary sits on the permitter of a lily pad adorned lake.

Volunteers are vital to the mission of the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, caring for large and small residents - which have refuge in the bungalow’s screened in back porch.

One spring day visit to the center, a volunteer who introduced himself as Robert casually stood tall with a bald eagle on his arm. ºRobert shared that the eagle is named Frank after St. Frances, the patron saint of animals.

The foliage at the Audubon Center is multi-purpose: creating a serene environment for rehabilitation, while also attracting butterflies and pollinators.

(Gretchen Losi)

A volunteer greets visitors with ‘Frank’ the eagle. ‘Frank’ is named after St. Francis, the patron saint of animals.

(Eryn Reddell Wingert)

A sculpture of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals, stands in a garden at the Audubon Center. (Gretchen Losi)

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Culturally Speaking, Central Florida Has It All

By Eryn Reddell Wingert

Take a break from the beauty nature has to offer in Central Florida and enter a world of culture, opulence, and reverence.

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park is home to a grandiose collection of Louis C. Tiffany works of art in glass, pottery, metal, and watercolor. It’s an immersive experience into the elements of Tiffany’s life, beautifully exhibited at the Morse Museum.

The entrance to the world of Tiffany features a wallsized leaded glass floral design framing an illuminated sculpted figure. Take your time in the adjacent gallery where back-lit leaded glass windows are displayed. Linger and marvel at each expertly crafted piece.

The undeniable highlights of the ongoing Tiffany exhibit at the Morse is the Tiffany Chapel. Positioned initially out of view behind a heavy, wooden carved door, once revealed it is simply spectacular.

The Morse Museum is home to the most extensive Louis C. Tiffany collection of work, which includes numerous leaded glass pieces.

(Eryn Reddell Wingert)

Light shines through colorfully ornate leaded glass windows at the Morse Museum.

(Eryn Reddell Wingert)

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The Tiffany Chapel was originally created for the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893 by the Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company. The 1,082 chapel was created to showcase the company’s craftsmanship of religious pieces.

The ornately carved arches that frame the white glass mosaic altar; thousand pound cross-shaped chandelier; domed baptismal font; and leaded glass windows were painstakingly collected by the museum founders.

The Tiffany Chapel was reassembled at the Morse and opened to the public in 1999 for the first time in over 100 years.

While Tiffany is synonymous with glass art, the artist also worked in other mediums, including pottery. The Morse’s ongoing display of Tiffany pottery is equally as beautiful and captivating as his more known works of art.

The Laurelton Hall Exhibit within the museum showcases elements of Tiffany’s Long Island estate, offering a truly immersive experience into the artist’s life.

In addition to the remarkable Tiffany exhibits, The Stebbins Collection: A Gift for the Morse Museum is an ongoing display featuring seventy works by fifty-three artists dating from the 1800’s and early 1900’s. Each piece was dutifully and thoughtfully curated and compliments the Tiffany collection.

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art is located at 445 North Park, Winter Park, Florida. The Morse is open to the public by appointment and walk-in .Tuesdays through Saturdays, and Sunday afternoons.

Visit moresemuseum.org to reserve tickets and for visitor information.

A Louis Comfort Tiffany pottery piece on exhibit at the Morse Museum in Winter Park.

(Eryn Reddell Wingert)

A variety of Tiffany lamps are part of the permanent collection at the Morse Museum. (Eryn Reddell Wingert)

The electric cross-shaped Tiffany chandelier weighs 1,000 pounds and measures 10 feet by 8 feet. (Eryn Reddell Wingert)

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The Tiffany Chapel was moved from Tiffany’s abandoned Long Island estate and re-established at the Morse in Winter Park, Florida. (Eryn Reddell Wingert)

A leaded glass pattern and tools are part of the exhibit showcasing elements of Tiffany’s artistic talent, career, and life. (Eryn Reddell Wingert)

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A Botanical Oasis

By Eryn Reddell Wingert

Despite an overcast sky with an impending spring rain shower, the drive into the Mead Botanical Garden is an immediate relaxing experience.

Giant hanging stags horn and bright red bromeliad greet visitors at the entrance with the promise of more lush fauna to come.

The natural habitat nestled in the city of Winter Park is an oasis, a departure from sandy beaches and marsh waterways. It is lush, but in a different way from marshlands and wetlands. The Mead landscape is more serene, more inviting towards a sense of calm, welcoming you with meandering paths and thoughtful landscaping.

The Mead Botanical Garden was dedicated in 1940 in honor of renowned horticulturist, Theodore L. Mead. The community of Winter Park enthusiastically welcomed the addition with open arms. And, with good reason. The park is a showplace of flora and fauna.

The 48-acre oasis includes: Alice’s Pond, a community garden, greenhouses,

Lake Lillian Marsh, forested wetlands, a butterfly garden, and an amphitheater with Howel Creek bordering along the edge.

Mead developed an expansive collection of amaryllis, bromeliads, palms, ferns among many other plants - with a primary focus was orchids. In addition to a dedicated focus on research, hybridization, and germinating various plants - primarily orchids - Theodore Mead was a committed naturalist and entomologist. The ornamental gardens, nature paths, and palm fencing are a part of his legacy stemming from Mead’s dedication to horticulture.

The park carries on his work in all aspects. The study and research of his collection continues today in the grounds and greenhouses of the Mead Botanical Garden.

The Mead Botanical Garden is open daily from dawn until dusk and is free to visitors. Visit meadgarden.org to plan your visit and learn more about the events and programs available.

Giant stag horn adorn trees and hanging hooks at the entrance to the Mead Botanical Garden. (Eryn Reddell Wingert)

Bromeliads were one of many plant species in Theodore L. Mead’s vast collection.

(Eryn Reddell Wingert)

A spring rainstorm descends on Alice’s Pond.

(Eryn Reddell Wingert)

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The Polasek - An Inspiring Experience, Inside and Out

By Eryn Reddell Wingert

When you think of Central Florida arts and culture might not be the first things to pop into your head. But, after sunshine and outdoor fun take into consideration the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens, also known as, The Polasek.

The Polasek sits on Lake Osceola in Winter Park, Florida. The museum was formerly the home of Czech-born American sculptor, Albin Polasek. Polasek retired to Winter Park in 1950 at the age of 70 after a successful career as a renowned and award winning sculptor.

However, he didn’t truly retire. Despite having suffered a stroke paralyzing his left side, Polasek continued to sculpt beautiful works of art mostly unaided,

except when carving stone.

The historic home boasts more than 200 works from Polasek’s illustrious career, displayed inside the house and the surrounding grounds.

Native plants and subtropical foliage serves as frames and backdrops to the works of art that adorn the gardens.

Mythological, historical and biblical subjects loom along the winding path of the grounds.

Arguably the most striking of which is the bronze sculpture of Jesus on the cross, entitled “Victorious Christ” depicting the moment Christ proclaimed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do!”

Each turn of the winding path in the

A sculpture of the mythological character, Pan, smirks impishly at visitors to The Polasek Gardens.

(Eryn Reddell Wingert)

Native and subtropical foliage compliments the sculptures of The Polasek Gardens.

(Eryn Reddell Wingert)

www.floridabywelcomehome.com sculpture garden presents a glimpse into a creative moment of significance in Polasek’s life and career.

As you meander around the property, be on the look out for the face of Pan, who is said to be Polasek’s favorite mythological character. There are 26 faces of Pan created by the artist and hidden around the grounds.

The home, studio, and grounds of The Polasek are listed in the National Registry of Historic Places. The museum is one of only 34 members of the National Trust’s Historic Artists’ Homes and Studios.

The Albin Place Museum & Sculpture Gardens is located at 633 Osceola Avenue in Winter Park. It is open Tuesday through Saturday, and Sunday afternoons. Tours of the historic residents, chapel, and garden. The gallery showcases rotating artist exhibits. Visit polasek.org for more visitor information.

“Maiden of the Roman Campagna” in bronze stands tall in the garden on Lake Osceola.

(Eryn Reddell Wingert)

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“Victorious Christ” was sculpted in 1939.

(Eryn Reddell Wingert)

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Eatonville, the Small Impactful Town

By Eryn Reddell Wingert

Eatonville, Florida is positioned six miles northeast of Orlando. It’s a small town with significant historical and cultural impact.

A visit to Eatonville begins at the Zora Neale Hurston Museum of Fine Art, also known as The Hurston. Like the town, The Hurston is a small operation with big purpose: enlightening visitors to African American artists and creators, while preserving the connection its namesake has to Eatonville.

At the age of three, Zora Neale Hurston moved with her family from Alabama to Eatonville in the late 1800’s. Later, she studied and conducted research at Barnard College and Columbia University, becoming an author, anthropologist and filmmaker.

Hurston’s influence is vast as is the progressive history of Eatonville. Her most known work is the novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, published in 1937. Nearly seventy years later the book was made into a feature film starring

Halle Berry. Oprah Winfrey and Quincy Jones were two of the movie’s producers.

The Hurston is located on the first floor of a nondescript beige building on Kennedy Boulevard just down the block from a small post office. Hurston garners a plaque with her image near the entrance and a few corner shelves with her books.

The rest of the one-room museum focuses its exhibits towards showcasing African American artists, influencers and history makers.

The whole town of Eatonville showcases its history, which dates back to the late 1800’s as the nation’s first incorporated black municipality. From the museum; to the historic marker arch welcoming visitors; the small post office with a wall dedicated to Black history; to RISE: The Mural Project, a colorful and inspirational mural installation positioned right in the middle of a neighborhood - Eatonville continues to contribute to the culture and history of Central Florida and beyond.

The Hurston Museum is located at 344 E. Kennedy Blvd, visit hurstonmuseum.org for hours of operation.

(Eryn Reddell Wingert)

RISE: The Mural Project is located in Elizabeth Park in Eatonville. (Eryn Reddell Wingert)

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The History, Culture and Commodities of Tarpon Springs

By Eryn Reddell Wingert

Tarpon Springs, Florida is just really interesting.

Positioned on Central Florida’s Gulf Coast, its history dates back over 500 years. Artifacts of the first inhabitants discovered over the years are on display in the city’s museums.

In its more recent history, the early 1900’s brought Greek sponge divers to the area after the discovery of natural sponge beds. The influence of Greece can literally be found on every street corner - street signs are posted in both English and Greek; Greek music and the language can be heard as one scopes out the shops and restaurants; and, the flag of Greece lines Dodecanese Boulevard along the docks.

Tarpon Springs’ proximity to water is not unusual for a city in the state of Florida, however, it does boast water-

Seashells act as mulch in plant beds along the docks. (Eryn Reddell Wingert)

Sponges dry in the Florida sunshine along the historic Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs.

(Eryn Reddell Wingert)

16 ways along multiple sides - The Gulf of Mexico is due west, Lake Tarpon sits east and south east, the Anclote River comes in from the north west and a multitude of bayous and springs flow into and through the town.

The main draw for Tarpon Springs is the historic Sponge Docks. Boats draped with sponges drying in the sun line the docks and supply near by souvenir shops with its signature product.

The history of sponge diving is prominent throughout the town with murals, mosaics and sculptures all representing this significant element of Tarpon Springs’ past and present.

Adding to the charm of Tarpon Springs is the Tarpon Springs Olive Oil Company. Lucky for us this shop offers a wild variety of olive oils and flavored olive oils.

Let’s talk olive oil incorporated into a delectable desert bite. This little shop with walls lined with a multitude of flavored olive oils offered up a sample of sponge cake with lime and coconut essences. Simply delicious.

Back to Tarpon Springs signature product, sponges. Be sure to stop by Spongeorama Sponge Factory and stock up on, well, sponges!

The history, culture, and sponges make Tarpon Springs well worth a visit.

The Tarpon Springs Sponge Industry is part of the rich history of this Gulf Coast city.

(Eryn Reddell Wingert)

Aquatic sculptures add to the charm of Tarpon Springs. (Gretchen Losi)

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A sponge decorated bicycle stands propped near the historic Sponge Docks.

(Eryn Reddell Wingert)

Natural sponge beds were discovered near Tarpon Springs in the early 1900’s.

(Gretchen Losi)

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Central Florida by Kayak

By Eryn Reddell Wingert

Water. It’s one of the major elements that draws visitors to Central Florida. You can experience the Atlantic Coast and the Gulf of Mexico all in the same day, with time to spare. Not to mention the many lakes, springs, ponds, marshes and waterways that abound in the region. That must be why kayaking seems to be as common as walking.

Up for a water adventure? From Clermont, head west on Highway 50. (Pro tip: the drive alone is worth the trip.) When you reach highway 19 Weeki Wachee Springs State Park will be visible at the junction.

This 11,000 plus acre preserve is home to pristine waters offering a glass bottom boatlike view of the wildlife below. The park website not only boasts that it is home to “mermaids” (more on that coming up), but also as the “coast’s number one canoe and kayak facility.”

About those mermaids… The Weeki Wachee Spring flows up from depths that have yet to be revealed, according to the park website. “Mermaids” delight visitors from the basin of the spring. The mermaid show is a legendary roadside attraction that dates back to the 1940s.

Back to kayaking. Further south on Highway 19 in Port Richey is Werner-Boyce Salt Springs

State Park with the cutest little kayak hut, the Salty Dog Kayak Rentals, located within the park.

‘Salty’ refers to the salt marsh landscape at Werner-Boyce, ideal for birdwatching. Outlooks and boardwalks are on-site for optimal bird viewing.

And, of course, kayaking and canoeing offer a more immersive experience. The pristine waters offer a glass bottom boat-like view of the wildlife below. The spring feeds the Visitors can rent or bring their own. Tours and guided lessons are also offered at the Salty Dog Kayak Rentals, open Thursday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (And, yes, there’s an actual ‘salty’ dog on the premises.)

Before the sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico its time to head east for bioluminescent kayaking in Titusville located on the Indian River, buffered by the Atlantic Ocean by Merritt Island.

Based on the exuberant recommendation of a fruit stand vendor alone, it’s spectacular! Kayaking companies offer clear-bottom vessels for optimal viewing of glowing wildlife - think fireflies, but bigger and immersed underwater.

The Central Florida waterways provide a multitude of kayaking opportunities. (Eryn Reddell Wingert)

A kayaker floats into the kayak launch at Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park. This waterway cruises out into the Gulf of Mexico.

(Eryn Reddell Wingert)

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