FLORIDA, OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Another year has passed, Covid is still here, and the state of Florida is OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Not only open but some off-your-rocker types are out there starting new businesses during these trying times—and their company names suit them. Off R Rocker from Clay County, for example, is a mom, dad and kids’ company that sponsors and helps others chase their dreams in the rodeo world (page 46). Another establishment making a huge difference is the Sarasota Bee Co., a couple’s sweet success in honeys, workshops and related products that includes hiring workers with special needs (page 18).

In Tallahassee, the nonprofit Red Hills Small Farm Alliance has a three-part mission: to support regional farming, farmer-to-farmer and community education, improving fresh food access (page 22).

And if the Horse Capital of the World (Ocala) didn’t have it all, in comes the support and excitement of the World Equestrian Center. This world-class facility is a horselover’s dream, and no detail was spared for horse, rider, spectator, vendor, or retailer (page 30).

There are so many stories to be told, bringing us together and letting us see one another in a whole new light. It could be about a famous bar, great destinations, to finding ‘forever’ homes for thoroughbreds, Florida Country Magazine loves sharing them, and you will find these things and more in this issue. And there are great events and contests coming up too. Let’s talk, for instance, about The Home Field AGvantage, where you can register to win the ultimate tailgate package. Check out Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s ad on page 13 for more information.

The Citrus Expo is coming to North Fort Myers, August 18-19, where you can meet and greet a lot of our amazing advertisers and their people.

The Graveyard Mug Bog just keeps the events coming. This family-friendly park opens its doors August 20-22, and then again September 16-19.

Remember Off R Rocker? Well, check them out on September 4 for the first Bulls, Barrels and BBQ that features red-dirt country music by the Luke Langford Band at the Clay County Fairgrounds. Ticket proceeds go directly to the 2022 Off R Rocker Youth Competition Team.

And head over to Perdido Key in the Panhandle on September 9 for Flora-Bama’s annual Bulls on the Beach. Read more about Flora-Bama and this event on page 54.

Another event everyone is glad to see back is the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, where some 80 singer-songwriters perform more than 100 shows in 10 days. This event kicks off on Captiva Island on September 17-19, then downtown Fort Myers on September 20-23, ending on Fort Myers Beach on September 24-26.

A great annual event is the Town of Orange Park’s 39th annual Fall Festival, October 16-17. Bring the whole family and enjoy live music, entertainment, yummy food, a kid zone and great vendors.

Weliveinagreatstatewhoseleadershavemadesomesmartdecisionsforourpeopleandoureconomy.Whichhasletuscontinuebringingyoutheseamazingstoriesoffolks,eventsandtowns surviving,sometimespushingforward,inthelast18months.

One final thought—don’t miss “State of Rodeo,” a documentary by Florida filmmakers we feature in this issue. Please visit floridarodeo.tv for future premieres. One helluva story with rodeo and ranching characters of every ethnicity and background, a celebration of cowboy and cowgirl life.

SCARLETT REDENIUS, Publisher