FEATURES
FLORIDA COUNTRY MAGAZINE / ISSUE VOL. 6 • NO. 2
ON THE COVER: One barn owl can eat 1,500 rodents a year, or 1.5 times its body weight each day. With fields of barn owls, crop problems have begun to vanish. Read more page 70.
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Joe LeDuc Photography
Adding wow factor to our world … and beyond
36 Cross Creek, A Look at Old Florida Famous writer’s homestead, small state park's big story 2
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DEPARTMENTS FLORIDA COUNTRY MAGAZINE / ISSUE VOL. 6 • NO. 2
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FCM CIRCLE
MY BEST FRIEND
page 50
A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER
page 8
VET VIEW
EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCKWAVE THERAPY
FLORIDA EXCURSIONS
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page 10
NORTH FLORIDA’S THREE RIVERS STATE PARK
page 54
FLORIDA 4-H
THE FIRM MOTORSPORT PARK
4-H FOR YOU
page 14
page 60
HORSIN' AROUND
STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSE (LAWYER’S) MOUTH
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page 18
NORWEGIAN FJORD HORSE
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page 22
GIVING A HOOT
page 70
MEET REBA MAZAK
CROSSWORD
page 26
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THE RANCH CONCERT HALL & SALOON
page 75
THE CULINARY CRACKER
page 42
WHIPPING IT UP IN YOUR KITCHEN
AMELIA ISLAND VACATIONS
page 76
page 46
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page 64
WILD FLORIDA
COUNTRY CALIBER
THE BRAND
PICTURE PERFECT
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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, Christopher DeCubellis, Ava Grace, Kimbrell J. Hines, Esq., Kym Rouse Holzwart, Katey Johnson, Dave Kelly, Ben Knowles, Myles Mellor, Kathleen Walls
Featured Photographers Robert Blauer, Desiree Chapman, Lesly Dorminy, Kris Fehlandt, , Kim Green, Theresa Hughes, Liz Kana, Ben Knowles, Tim Laborde, Joe LeDuc, Rhonda May, Sierra Prescott, Edward Rainville, Kayla Roddenberry, Rusty Roepke, June Rose, Richard Thomas, Hailey Tomkow, Doug and Alice Ulmer, Kathleen Walls, Debora Whaley 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 239-600-4783 publisher@floridacountrymagazine.com Published by: Florida Country Publications
PO Box 50989 • Fort Myers, FL 33994 LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
facebook.com/floridacountrymagazine F LO R I DACO U N T RYMAG A Z I N E . CO M Florida Country Magazine is published bi-monthly, copyright 2022, 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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‘OLD FLORIDA’ MINDSET, NOTHING TO SNEEZE AT It starts to warm up and pollen blooms, and the moisture and humidity are a perfect breeding ground for mold.
But who cares? Get that Allegra out and explore, because there are no better months to get some sunshine and sightsee. Maybe instead of some allergy medication, you need a little “Old Florida” intervention? What does that even mean? Is “Old Florida” a mindset, a vintage feeling or simply a geographical location where snowbirds do not normally migrate to? I guess it could be all three. But one thing for sure, you can still experience “Old Florida” at the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park in Cross Creek, Florida. Take a trip back in time to Florida before it was filled with expensive theme parks, traffic-clogged highways and beach views blocked by shoulder-to-shoulder condominiums reaching to the sky (page 36). Another great “Old Florida” adventure is Amelia Island. Let Amelia Island Vacations make your dream getaway happen (page 46). Maybe you aren’t looking for “Old Florida” but where Florida meets Georgia? Then, Three Rivers State Park is a good place to start in Sneads (page 54).
The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon in Fort Myers (page 42). Now that we have visited fascinating places, let’s introduce you to fascinating people, like Reba Mazak. Reba is fifth-generation Floridian and cattle producer who became our American National CattleWomen president in February (page 26). Meet photographer Joe LeDuc from Winter Haven, there isn’t one theme he doesn’t feel comfortable covering (page 30). Maybe you’re not interested in places or people but want to learn. For starters, learn about Van Roekel & Associates, their Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy, or ESWT, for our equine friends. Limiting pain for days and promoting healing at the same time (page 10). It’s funny how we can be on our deathbed and never seek medical attention but let one of our animal friends get sick—different story. And learn about buying a horse, the Fjord horse breed or how to get your child involved in 4-H. We cover this and so much more in this issue of Florida Country Magazine and we want to thank you for your continued support for our advertisers and our publication. You live in a great state with so many opportunities. Never stop exploring and remember during the months of April and May, just be careful where you aim that sneeze.
How about you are looking for a country honkytonk, concert venue, line-dancing adventure? Well, check out
SCARLETT REDENIUS, Publisher
THERE ARE FIVE IMPORTANT THINGS FOR LIVING A SUCCESSFUL AND FULFILLING LIFE: NEVER STOP DREAMING, NEVER STOP BELIEVING, NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER STOP TRYING, AND NEVER STOP LEARNING. -- Roy. T. Bennett
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PHOTO BY JOE LEDUC
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iving in Florida, then you know the months of April and May are the beginning of allergy season.
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VET VIEW
EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCKWAVE THERAPY VAN ROEKEL & ASSOCIATES’ SPECIALIZED HEALING, ‘I WAS THRILLED!’ xtracorporeal Shockwave Therapy, or ESWT, is a non-invasive treatment delivering intense, short energy shockwaves to a horse’s soft and hard tissues, limiting pain up to four days while promoting healing.
The treatment also stimulates blood-vessel growth at bonetendon junctions (known to have long healing times), increases bone formation (helps heal fractures), and promotes healing in the horse’s skeletal and muscular system. Brigitte Gravitt, an associate equine veterinarian with Van Roekel & Associates in North Fort Myers, shared her ESWT success story, saying that “I had one patient with a chronic
lymphangitis (inflammation years in duration) that was resistant to all treatments, compression and sweat wraps, anti-inflammatories, antibiotics and more. The leg continued to remain swollen with recurrent flare-ups. As a last resort, we tried shockwave therapy. After one session, the swelling almost completely decreased and didn’t come back. This is not a reported use of ESWT, but I was thrilled!” ESWT has also treated chronic orthopedic conditions, including Navicular syndrome, a form of lameness also known as podotrochlosis, fractures, back pain, hock arthritis and wounds. Those are highlights of this amazing, what some might call an extraordinary, treatment, according to those in the business of healing.
Shockwaves promote fast healing, while horses can enjoy immediate pain relief.
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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF VAN ROEKEL & ASSOCIATES
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Written by: Ava Grace
ALTHOUGH SOME REST IS RECOMMENDED AFTER TREATMENT, THERE IS LITTLE DOWN TIME.
Dr. Darrell Harvey performs shockwave therapy for a number of health conditions for his patients.
A symptoms’ diagnosis is completed before an ESWT treatment plan is scheduled. To do so, locations of the injury, tissues affected, and size of damage, or how much tissue is involved, the specialist tallies these. “We make an individualized treatment plan to focus shockwaves at a specific intensity, depth, strength, and number of pulses,” says Gravitt. At Van Roekel & Associates, usually a veterinarian applies these treatments. But an experienced technician under veterinarian supervision is used at times, she says. Treatments are typically prescribed for three sessions over 10-14 days. Horses are F L O R I DAC O U N T RY M AGA Z I N E . C O M
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VET VIEW
sometimes sedated. Although some rest is recommended after treatment, there is little down time.
As ESWT grows in popularity and use, further studies are completed and more success stories emerge.
‘IMMEDIATE RELIEF’
ESWT is quick, non-invasive and effective, according to practitioners. The shockwaves trigger repair mechanisms by stimulating healing cells, reducing pain and inflammation. “I also love the fact that the shock therapy is well tolerated by horses, and they usually get some immediate relief,” adds Gravitt. FCM
ESWT was used in 1982 to help with human bladder stone conditions. Heel spurs and tennis elbow were next. And results were promising, the down time little to none, according to reports. Equine specialty clinics used the therapy in the 1990s. It is now widely used by equine veterinarians.
ROUNDUP Van Roekel & Associates, 18930 Old Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers, Florida vanroekelassociates.com, 239-694-7177
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF VAN ROEKEL & ASSOCIATES
Brigitte Gravitt, an associate equine veterinarian at Van Roekel & Associates, shows how ESWT is used on a horse’s soft tissue.
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FLORIDA 4-H
NO BETTER TIME TO YOUR GET KIDS INVOLVED
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Written by: Chris DeCubellis
hen A.B. Graham started his corn club for young people in Ohio in 1902, he planted the seeds which would soon blossom into what we now call 4-H clubs.
The idea was very novel at the time: Use university research and information to help young people learn the latest agricultural innovations and apply this information to their own hands-on home agricultural enterprises. Tens of thousands of young people all over the world have since learned to pledge their head to clearer thinking, their heart to greater loyalty, their hands to larger service and their health to better living for their club, their community, their country and their world. Some six million kids and a legion of staff and volunteers today participate in 4-H chapters. And while the pie chart total tilts to country kids, as agricultural remains a primary interest, suburban
and city chapters are well represented. Leadership is a chief benefit, as well, as national figures in business, the military, politics and the arts completed 4-H projects. We are emerging from a worldwide pandemic still influencing the supply chain and food systems. Sometimes it can be a little unnerving to visit one’s local grocery/ big-box store and notice more empty shelf space than in times past. Covid protocols, shutdowns, postponements and quarantines have had an impact on all of us, including children and adolescents. What better time than now to involve young people in an organization that has for a hundred-plus years been helping develop youth positively, giving them a feeling of belonging and stability in an organization that has strived to help them develop life skills and positive relationships with peers and caring adults!
A.B. Graham started his corn club for young people in Ohio in 1902, planting the seeds which would soon blossom into what we now call 4-H clubs.
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TOP LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF OHIO; ALL OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF UF/IFAS
4-H FOR YOU
HEALTH WAS THE FINAL H IN 4-H. They might be passionate about raising animals, gardening, sewing and civic engagement, for example, or about a hundred other topics they could choose as a 4-H project. Youth learn to use their conscience and empathy to help others, as they use their heart to help those around them in local communities. Many in 4-H help local neighbors in need through community service projects, or just helping individuals when the opportunity arises.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF UF/IFAS
In 4-H, youth learn to think with their heads. They will learn the value of high-quality data as they practice making decisions on projects they work on as part of the 4-H experience. They learn leadership and good citizenship as they actively participate in club meetings. Their critical thinking skills and common sense improves as they delve deeper into the 4-H projects of their choice, those topics that spark their interest.
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FLORIDA 4-H Older youth mentor younger youth in a 4-H club, and this helps enrich project experience. Often younger children seem to learn faster and better from teenage 4-H members they admire. This helps define a character trait of giving back that should help kids mature into adults with a spirit of service and community. Our 4-Hers learn how to use their hands to build things, fix things, grow things―to work. Our youth learn the value of hard work, even under adverse circumstances. Individuals do not win every competition in which they compete, for instance. When tough times come, 4-H members learn to dig deeper, work harder and have the grit and determination to see difficult times and difficult tasks through to an end. Young people in 4-H also learn how living a healthy lifestyle, eating healthy foods and healthy habits can help enrich and prolong one’s life. Health was the final H in 4-H, but it is important as young people grow in knowledge, of not only their own health and well-being, but for family, friends, community health and the health and well-being of animals and other living things in their care. In challenging times like all of us have faced over the past few years, I’m happy that we have an organization that can help young people develop the skills needed to grow food, help others, think critically and empathetically, to help make their little part of the world a better place. FCM
IN THE KNOW 4-H: Head, Heart, Hands and Health
The first club was called “The Tomato Club” or the “Corn Growing Club.” T.A. Erickson of Douglas County, Minnesota, started local agricultural after-school clubs and fairs that same year. Jessie Field Shambaugh developed the clover pin with an H on each leaf in 1910, and by 1912 they were called 4 H clubs. Source: 4-H.org
ROUNDUP If you would like more information on enrolling a young person in your life in 4-H, email Chris DeCubellis at cdecube@ufl.edu. 4-H, 4-h.org
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STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSE (LAWYER’S) MOUTH: 5 TIPS FOR BUYERS, 'FEW THINGS ARE AS EXCITING'
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Written by: Kimbrell J. Hines, Esq.
or most horse people, few things are as exciting as purchasing a horse. Unfortunately for some, however, buying a horse can be a challenge― emotions cloud a buyer’s judgment, sellers misrepresent and your new horse may feel more like an adversary than a partner. To avoid a bad purchase, buyers should keep in mind the following:
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Use a Bill of Sale. Regardless of value, all horses sold in the state of Florida (except those sold at auction) must be sold with a Bill of Sale. It serves as a record that a transaction occurred and that the horse sold was the same horse agreed upon by the parties.
AFTER LOOKING AT A HORSE, TRY TO GO LOOK AT OTHER HORSES OR TAKE A SHORT BREAK FROM SHOPPING ALTOGETHER.
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Get a Pre-Purchase Veterinary Exam. Always do this. It is also a good idea to drug test the horse during the pre-purchase to avoid deception by an unscrupulous seller.
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Verify. Confirm the horse’s registration number and show record with the applicable breed association or equine organization.
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Obtain a Second Opinion. Buying a horse is incredibly exciting. Try to take an experienced horse professional with you when looking at a horse. An objective horse professional will be able to tell you if the horse you’re looking at is a good fit for the rider in terms of temperament, physical abilities and suitability for a particular event.
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Take a Break. After looking at a horse, try to go look at other horses or take a short break from shopping altogether to give yourself time to reflect on whether a particular horse is right for you. If the seller consents, videotape the horse and watch the video a few days after you visited the horse. Doing so will allow you to look at the horse again without time constraints or pressure from the seller.
Kimbrell J. Hines is an active equestrian and an attorney with Williams Parker in Sarasota, Florida. She obtained her law degree and bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, where she competed for the University of Florida Equestrian Team. Kimbrell may be reached at khines@williamsparker.com or 941-366-4800. This information is provided as a guide for educational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as legal advice and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with an attorney. FCM
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NORWEGIAN FJORD HORSE BIG SURPRISES IN SMALL PACKAGE, ‘DEPENDABLE AND EAGER TO PLEASE’ ne of the oldest and purest horse breeds, the Norwegian Fjord Horse or Fjord horse was domesticated over 4,000 years ago, believed to have migrated to Norway.
Evidence from Viking burial sites indicates they had been selectively bred for at least 2,000 years. Fjord horses, which resemble and are distantly related to Asian Przewalski horses, travelled with the Vikings to Iceland and Scotland. In addition to serving as Viking war horses, these animals have been used for hundreds of years as farm labor. Fjord horses are first documented in the United States around 1900. Warren Delano, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s uncle, a prominent New York industrialist, and breeder of fine horses, discovered them during his travels to Norway and imported several to his estate. Fjord horses continued to be imported starting in the 1950s through the present day both to augment and increase the gene pool of American stock. While Norway sets the breed standard, the registry for Fjord horses in the United States is the Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry, or NFHR. The registry was incorporated in Vermont in 1983 to preserve the pure Fjord horse in America.
Fjord horses typically range in size from 13.2 to 14.2 hands and weigh between 900 and 1,200 pounds. And these small, strong horses are distinct in appearance. They have drafthorse muscling and bone but are smaller and more agile. Fjord horses have compact, muscular bodies, strong, arched necks, sturdy legs with a small amount of feathering and good feet. Their large eyes are expressive, their small ears always alert. All Fjord horses are duns, the color of the original horse, and about 90 percent are brown dun. The other 10 percent are red, white, gray or yellow dun, the yellows being rare. Fjord horses are known for their primitive markings, which include zebra stripes on the legs and a dorsal stripe running from the forelock down the neck and back and into the tail. They may also have dark stripes over the withers and Njål marks, little circulars on the cheeks or thighs named after the foundation stallion of the contemporary Fjord horse. The Fjord horse also has a unique mane—the center hair is dark, typically black, while the outer hair is white. It is usually cut short to stand erect, trimmed in a crescent shape to emphasize the prominent arch of the neck and accentuate the dark middle stripe.
Not many Fjord horses in Florida, so plan a visit to Won Der Fjords in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, the largest breeding herd in the United States.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF WON DER FJORDS
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Written by: Kym Rouse Holzwart
LEFT MIDDLE PHOTO BY LIZ KANA; BOTTOM AND MIDDLE RIGHT PHOTOS BY THERESA HUGHES; OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF WON DER FJORDS
Clockwise from top left: A Won Der Fjords' foal, some landing in Florida, the versatile Fjord horse is suitable for many disciplines, has a dark center and outer white mane that is roached and trimmed in a crescent shape to emphasize the prominent arch of the neck and accentuate the dark middle stripe, calm and gentle, a great breed for kids, wonderful trail riding horses.
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THEIR LARGE EYES ARE EXPRESSIVE, THEIR SMALL EARS ALWAYS ALERT.
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Theresa Hughes’s Fjord horses are a perfect breed for her Palm Valley Pony Parties business in St. Augustine.
Fjord horses are known for being extremely calm and are hardy, peopleoriented, curious, observant, smart, dependable and eager to please. They are one of the best breeds for children but are sturdy enough for adult riders preferring a smaller horse. For example, Liz Kanan of Enterprise purchased Kjor Machen (aka Lily), a 19-year-old Fjord horse mare, as the perfect mount for her granddaughter. The Fjord horse has a reputation for being the best equine for therapeutic riding programs and as a beginner mount. The sure-footed, agile, and hard-working Fjord horse is very versatile. They are strong enough for heavy work such as plowing fields or pulling timber, yet light and agile enough for many disciplines. Fjord horses are outstanding driving horses and can be very competitive. They excel in dressage, jumping, eventing, vaulting, games and Western performance. Fjord horses also make wonderful trail-riding and backcountry horses and are sure-footed in the mountains. Fjord horses are rare in Florida, however, and if you are interested in purchasing one, you will most likely have to seek out one of the many out-of-state breeders. The largest Fjord horse breeding herd in the United States can be found at Won Der Fjords in Dodgeville, Wisconsin. Spectacular foals have made their way to Florida, including at Theresa Hughes’s farm in St. Augustine. Theresa’s Fjord horses are the perfect breed for her Palm Valley Pony Parties business. FCM
PHOTOS BY THERESA HUGHES
ROUNDUP Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry, 303-684-6466, nfhr.com, nanch@nfhr.com Palm Valley Pony Parties, 904-334-8478, palmvalleyponyparties.com, palmvalleyponyparties@hotmail.com Won Der Fjords, 608-477-1981, wonderfjords@yahoo.com
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COUNTRY CALIBER
MEET REBA MAZAK NEW ANCW PRESIDENT, CATTLE RANCHER ‘BACK PROMOTING BEEF’
he National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and American National CattleWomen met in Houston in February for the annual Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show.
Affectionately referred to as Cattle Con, it is the oldest such convention in the industry. This was Houston’s first time holding the event, with around 6,000 producers and industry partners attending.
A fifth-generation Floridian and cattle producer, Mazak lives in Sumter County and is heavily involved in the cattle industry at local and national levels. She also owns a ranch in south Texas. “Cattle Con 2022 was very well attended and had a great energy, and the speakers were spot on,” Mazak says. “It is so nice to be able to have meetings and be able to meet with people again. We are excited to get back out promoting beef.”
This year the ANCW celebrated its 70th anniversary. Florida’s own Reba Mazak took the reins as the new ANCW president. The third president from Florida to hold this prestigious office, Mazak was preceded by Jeanette Barthle of Dade City in 1989, and Marlene Strickland of Sarasota in 2005.
To kick off the convention, the ANCW hosted a president’s reception at The Rustic in downtown Houston. Mazak decorated the venue in tribute to Florida, complete with gator heads, palmetto fronds and oranges. She even had The Bellamy Brothers perform, her friends and neighbors from
Clockwise from left: Clint Raulerson and Reba Mazek in Houston for her presidential reception, Clint says he "opened" for The Bellamy Brothers with some of his original cowboy poetry and writing a special poem for Reba (some of this poem is the backdrop of our pages), friends since the mid '80s, Debora Whaley and Reba at The Rustic sharing a fun moment at the convention.
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THIS PAGE: PHOTOS COURTESY OF DEBORA WHALEY; OPPOSITE PAGE: PHOTOS COURTESY OF REBA MAZAK
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Written by: Katey Johnson
PHOTO CREDIT INFO
Clockwise from top left: Ocala's Jo Ann Smith, the first woman president of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (1985). The former Jo Ann Doke Smith grew up in Alachua County in a pioneer Florida farming and ranching family, the beef kitchen at the NCBA office in Denver, where recipes are tested, brass cow bells paying tribute to Florida's history, no one went hungry with lovely fare supplied by Florida Cracker Kitchen, cattle at the Mazak ranch, a sponsor of the upcoming Central Florida Youth In Agriculture showcase and sale.
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COUNTRY CALIBER
From top right: Reba greeting the Bellamy Brothers before their performance in her honor. David and Howard Bellamy and Reba are really good friends, the ANCW executive team at leadership conference in Polk City at Tomkow Lodge, the new saddle-house built at the Mazak ranch in 2021 with wood from the property, Ethan Hensley preparing Thursday appetizers. Reba said: "The food was SOOO delicious!"
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Darby. “We are so proud and appreciate the women who saw the value in joining us so that we have a national voice. We want people to know how involved we are not only in the ranch, but also in our communities―we are active in our politics and help to inform policymakers,” Mazak says. Mazak was raised on a cow-calf ranch and has deep roots in the industry. Her mom, Imogene Yarborough, was also a member of the ANCW and Florida Cowbelles, now called Florida CattleWomen. “My first airplane ride, first snow and first time I ever left the state of Florida was to attend an ANCW conference in Denver,” she says. Mazak and her late husband Paul were Future Farmers of America officers in high school, as well as Farm Bureau members, county and state cattle owners since marrying in 1986. They also received the Young Farmer and Rancher Award in 2000. Mazak served as president of Florida CattleWomen in 2004. Rebecca and Audra, their daughters, grew up raising cattle and working on the family ranch alongside them, and are still involved in ranching with their own families.
Mazak believes in caring for the animal, the environment, and the consumer, fighting to save Florida ranchlands. She counts it a blessing to be able to wake up every morning and see cattle grazing open pastures, knowing the effort that must go into preserving that. “Speaking with your heart to someone else is the best way to tell your story. It’s what cattlewomen have been doing forever,” she says. Her theme for this year is GITUPINANCW. FCM
ROUNDUP American National CattleWomen, ancw.org Florida CattleWomen, floridacattlewomen.org
OPPOSITE PAGE PHOTOS COURTESY OF REBA MAZAK
In addition to educating consumers about beef, Mazak is enthusiastic about teaching other producers how to advocate for the cattle industry. She maintains a busy travel schedule, attending local and national industry meetings, speaking at schools, attending events like the recent Beef 300 NASCAR race in Daytona, and just recently hosted the ANCW Leadership Conference at her ranch in Florida. “I’m
very passionate about our industry and the ability to make sure that this wonderful life is here for the next generations. We are the best ones who know how to do our job and we have to educate our policymakers on the value of the cattle industry,” she says. “Then they will see how we need to be free to make our own decisions on our own land and about our own production.”
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This driveway had caught my eye one early morning. So, I set a date to come back and photograph it. If you had seen it in person, you wouldn't even recognize it, as it's located in the middle of two cow pastures. This photo hangs in my bedroom. I enjoy seeing it, as it has an old peaceful feeling to it.
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WRITTEN BY: AVA GRACE
rom birds of prey to engaging lightning storms to the sky on a starry night, Joe LeDuc captures images in stunning colors, spectacular frames and outstanding compositions. The Winter Haven, Florida, photographer’s work is considered by his clients and the public as fascinating and highly detailed art. And while it may look spontaneous, his portrayals are methodically and carefully created. Take, for instance, his astrophotography series of the night sky—nebula, the moon, even our nearest galaxy Andromeda—which are challenging to harness, and the results so rewarding, like you are beneath a canopy of stars on a warm country night. “I like
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PHOTOS BY JOE LEDUC
to see if I can capture something that may seem impossible, like the International Space Station passing in front of the moon while it travels 17,500 miles per hour at 256 miles away,” says LeDuc, who is 37 and works without a telescope. “To get one amazing photo of the sky, it may take eight to 10 hours or more, from start to finish.” LeDuc grew up in and still lives in Winter Haven. He picked up a camera in his twenties and learned by watching the world thoughtfully and by studying other photographers carefully, he says. He started with a Canon Rebel T2i and as he demanded more, moved up to a Canon 5D Mark IV and a Canon R5, both professionalgrade digital cameras. He uses a variety of lenses that
Joe LeDuc Photography ADDING WOW FACTOR TO OUR WORLD … AND BEYOND
provide the telephoto capability necessary for shooting wildlife and the heavens above us. LeDuc is also an FAA-certified drone pilot, flying a DJI Mavic 2 Pro and accumulating 300-plus hours of flying time with his job at the steelmaker Nucor Corp. There isn’t one theme that LeDuc doesn’t feel comfortable covering, whether on our planet … or out of this world. “I shoot everything from astrophotography to wildlife to weddings to family photos to real estate,” says LeDuc, whose work has been featured in art shows and on trade magazine covers such Iron & Steel Technology. LeDuc, which sounds like LeDuke, also takes requests. For
example, if you want a picture of a bald eagle in flight for your office or even a creative shot from the air of your town, he’s up to the task. Or if you want a family photo or a reunion with generations of tyour people, he can do that too. He is also a skilled videographer, from a wedding day to a TV commercial. “I love that I’m capturing a moment that has a feeling attached to it,” says LeDuc, who with two young kids himself understands the significance of special memories. LeDuc also uses drone photography for property inspections, mapping composites for aerial views, to videos and photos of sunrises, migrating birds and electrical storms. “I try to bring different and thrilling media,” he says. FCM
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“I offer classes on photography. And on this particular morning my class and I stumbled across a migrating bird that we nicknamed The Gray Ghost. The actual name is a Northern harrier. I used the Canon R5 and a SIGMA 150-600 mm lens to capture him. These raptors hunt low and fast and we all stopped to watch the master hunt. Well, he caught a lizard. After he ate, he flew around a bit, and for a split second he looked at me. I held down the shutter button, pulling off about 30 photos in about 1.5 seconds.”
I didn't have much room to work with; this was done in a grassy field in front of my neighborhood and almost every angle had a house. She is a natural and makes photos easy.
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There is a flower field in north Florida about one hour south of Jacksonville. My wife and I made the six-hour round trip to get photos of my two daughters in this flower bed. Our field is about 15 to 20 acres square and has hundreds of people taking photos. This is one of my favorite photos of Aria. She looked so happy and the smile was so genuine because we were holding cake for her to eat in the background.
This image was taken with a drone at about 7 a.m. at 300 feet. I really enjoyed this image. I thought to myself how awesome it looked from between the clouds.
A common sight in Florida is the sand hill crane. They are very loud and usually come in pairs. I sat and watched them for a few minutes. I had seen one of them start to groom itself and I grabbed this photo. I loved how it came out and enjoyed the overall colors of it.
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“This past summer, I noticed some pretty crazy lightning south of me. So I crawled up on my roof, set up the camera and did a 30-second exposure. This image was the result. The lightning storm was nearly 50 miles away. Pretty amazing. I used a Canon 5D Mark IV and a 135mm lens.”
One of my favorite images from Fort Myers of a Florida sunset. This one was preplanned and required some hiking. I took the image, put it online ... and it was immediately shared on some south Florida news channels.
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The boardwalk image was taken at Highland Hammock State Park. This was a super cool place to visit and the boardwalk taking you through the wetlands is such a great experience. I took this photo of the sun coming through the trees on a slightly foggy mid-morning.
This image was a special request from a family member. I set off on an adventure to Myakka River State Park to capture an image of a roseate spoonbill in this exact form. After hours of searching, I found one in a swamp several hundred feet off the main road. I watched this bird for an hour or two waiting for it to stop eating and to rest. All of a sudden it struck the pose I was looking for and I grabbed about 400 photos. I call it nature's ballet. The image was featured in the Winter Haven Fine Art Exhibit and I also have sold several copies.
ROUNDUP Photos by LeDuc/contact details 863-521-1248, JL-pictures@hotmail. com, photosbyjoeleduc.com Facebook, Instagram
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Cross Creek,
A Look at Old Florida
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FA M O U S W R I T E R ’ S H O M E ST E A D , S M A L L STAT E PA R K T E L LS A B I G STO RY WRITTEN BY: KATHLEEN WALLS
L OPPOSITE PAGE: BOTTOM LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF THE YEARLING RESTAURANT; ALL OTHER PHOTOS THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY KATHLEEN WALLS
ET’S TAKE A TRIP BACK IN TIME TO FLORIDA BEFORE IT WAS FILLED WITH EXPENSIVE THEME PARKS, TRAFFIC-CLOGGED HIGHWAYS, AND BEACH VIEWS BLOCKED BY SHOULDER-TOSHOULDER CONDOMINIUMS REACHING TO THE SKY.
There’s a town in north central Florida on a strip of land between Lochloosa Lake and Orange Lake that takes us to that time. Cross Creek flows between the two lakes. Picture a frame farmhouse with chickens pecking in the yard. Inside, a Remington typewriter shares space on a desk with a glass of bourbon as a writer struggles to write about her cracker neighbors. Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park in tiny Cross Creek, Florida, preserves her home and farm as it was when she wrote "The Yearling" and "Cross Creek."
MARJORIE KINNAN RAWLINGS
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park in tiny Cross Creek, Florida, preserves her home and farm as it was when she wrote "The Yearling" and "Cross Creek." Willie Green (pictured below left) delivered authentic blues at The Yearling diner near park grounds. Mr. Green died last June at age 85.
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings and her first husband, Charles Rawling, moved from Rochester, New York, to Cross Creek in 1928, leaving behind careers in newspaper journalism to write novels. They purchased a 72-acre orange grove with a dilapidated cracker house and barn using an inheritance Marjorie received as down payment. Marjorie felt a mystical bond to Cross Creek. It was her place. Charles did not. The Great Depression hitting soon after, causing the price of orange crops to plummet, didn’t help. As Marjorie’s career blossomed, her marriage disintegrated. They divorced in 1933. Her 1939 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "The Yearling" was retold in a movie starring Gregory Peck and Jane Wyman in 1946 and remade as TV movie in 1994. In 1941, Marjorie married Norton Baskin, who later owned Castle Warden Hotel in St. Augustine, today’s Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum. Marjorie chain smoked and drank heavily. She died of a cerebral
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hemorrhage in 1953. She left her farm to the University of Florida at Gainesville, and it later transferred to the state.
Marjorie extended the screened front porch after moving there. It was her place to write.
Today, as a small state park, it tells a big story.
To our right, there is a round homemade wood table with large cabbage palm section base. A Remington typewriter, pen and ink, and an ashtray with her Lucky Strike cigarettes sit atop typed pages of "Cross Creek." Rick told us her typewriter disappeared after her death.
HOUSE TOUR
If you visit the park Thursday through Saturday, sign up at the barn for the hourly tour of her house. The weathered and unpainted board-andbatten barn is a recreation of the original that was here when Marjorie arrived. It has a stable with a carriage attached. Farm tools needed to operate an orange grove in the mid20th century are here. There’s a small skiff like the one she used for trips on Cross Creek. Our guide, Rick Mulligan, whose leather jacket, and Marlon Brando biker-style hat was reminiscent of the 1940s, told so many details of Marjorie’s life that it felt as if he was a close friend of hers. From the barn, you visit the 1884 cracker home.
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To the left, there are three wooden porch chairs and a daybed with a patchwork quilt where she rested between writing her stories. Through the screen, there’s a yellow 1940 Oldsmobile coupe much like the one Marjorie drove. Inside, the living room has boardand-batten walls painted a pale yellow. Rick pointed to a closet with a Dutch door by the fireplace. The top section was stocked with bottles of old whiskey. He said: “There was no kitchen. People cooked on the
PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY KATHLEEN WALLS
There are wooden porch chairs and a daybed with a patchwork quilt where she rested between writing her stories. Through the screen, there’s a yellow 1940 Oldsmobile coupe much like the one Marjorie drove.
fireplace. That was a pantry. She had a more practical use for it—a liquor cabinet. She kept firewood in the bottom and firewater in the top.”
placed inside when the outhouse was empty and in front when in use.
One of the most interesting parts of the house is a small bathroom connecting the original house to an annex added before Marjorie came. After she sold the book Jacob’s Ladder in 1931, she used $120 of her profits to have an indoor bathroom built. We viewed this early 20th century bathroom and saw a bouquet of local flowers in the toilet. Previously, the only facility was an outhouse. Rick told a story of her favorite uncle visiting and using the outhouse. It had a screen door. While the uncle was using the outhouse, another guest came out and disturbed his privacy before realizing the outhouse was in use. After that, he devised a red flag on a stick to be
When Marjorie installed the bathroom, she gave a party to celebrate. She invited her uncle, but he couldn’t come and sent roses instead. For the party, she placed the roses in the toilet, set up glasses on the lavatory, and filled the ball-andclaw tub with ice and booze. The guest room has photos of famous people who visited: Ernest Hemingway, Zora Neale Hurston, Margaret Mitchell, Robert Frost, and others. Incidentally, when Zora Neale Hurston visited, she used this room, not the tenant house, flaunting Jim Crow laws. Marjorie’s bedroom feels like she just stepped out. The pineapple post bed is carefully made with her dress laid across it, a string of pearls is partially out of her jewelry box, her suitcase sits at the bed’s foot.
Her kitchen reveals Marjorie’s love of cooking. The white porcelain wood stove is spotless. Her cast iron cookware is arranged neatly. The pantry is stocked with jam and jelly jars. There’s a corn-husk floor scrubber. In the dining room, the table is set with her own china. The back porch invites you to step out and visit the garden, a-bloom with produce, herbs and yellow marigolds.
GROUNDS
As you walk around the garden and past the pump-house, ducks and chickens scamper out of your way. Oranges ripened on the trees when I visited. The trail beckons.
TRAIL
Signs with quotes from Marjorie’s books mark the Hammock Trail. It winds through cabbage palms,
PHOTO CREDIT INFO
Signs with quotes from Marjorie’s books mark the Hammock Trail. It winds through cabbage palms, cypress and oak trees, with some orange trees that have reverted to wild. One side of the trail continues through the woods and the other leads to the tenant house.
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TENANT HOUSE
The tenant house isn’t the original but is an authentic one from across the highway. Inside it is furnished as it would have been when Marjorie’s help occupied it; simple beds, chairs and tables in two bedrooms joined by a small pantry-style room. There’s a picture of Martha and Will Mickens, whom Marjorie left life estate of the tenant house in her will. Idella Parker, whom Marjorie called her “perfect maid,” occupied it for 10 years. Idella later wrote the book Idella - Marjorie Rawlings’ Perfect
Maid about working for Marjorie. Idella was a resource in furnishing the tenant house accurately when it became a state park in 1970. She died in 2015 at 101.
BOAT LAUNCH
Just in front of the state park, there’s a county boat ramp with a play area, a large pavilion and picnic areas named for Kate Barnes, local former county commissioner and artist. She, like Marjorie, loved the natural beauty of this patch of land set between two lakes. Barnes fought to keep Cross Creek a beautiful natural paradise, not one more cookie-cutter development of condominiums and golf courses. She was the one who donated the tenant house to the park.
AREA DINING
After visiting Marjorie’s home, keep in the mood dining at The Yearling. It’s less than a mile from the park. It originally opened in 1952 and current owner Robert Blauer has kept it true to the timeframe of "The Yearling." He bought the restaurant in 1994 after it was closed for four years. There are mementos of Marjorie—a glass case with a lifelike fawn and several of Marjorie’s books, and dark wood paneling filled with photos from that era. We dined in the original front room. There are several sets of wood tables and chairs, an old red Coke machine with wood cases of Coke bottles, a large fireplace, and a little raised platform with music instrument and
‘CROSS CREEK BELONGS TO THE WIND AND THE RAIN, TO THE SUN AND THE SEASONS, TO THE COSMIC SECRECY OF SEED, AND BEYOND ALL, TO TIME.’
The tenant house isn’t the original but is an authentic one from across the highway.
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PHOTOS BY KATHLEEN WALLS
cypress and oak trees, with some orange trees that have reverted to wild. One side of the trail continues through the woods and the other leads to the tenant house.
ROUND UP Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings was honored as a First Floridian by then-Governor Charlie Crist in March 2009. The U.S. Postal Service After visiting Marjorie’s home, keep in the mood dining at The Yearling. It’s less than a mile from the park. It originally opened in 1952 and current owner Robert Blauer has kept it true to the timeframe of "The Yearling."
released a commemorative stamp in 2008 honoring Rawlings and the literary
TOP RIGHT PHOTO BY ROBERT BLAUER; OTHER PHOTOS BY KATHLEEN WALLS
arts. In 2007, the Marjorie
a chair where Willie Green, a blues singer and guitarist, used to play. Blauer told us he was saddened by the passing of 85-year-old Mr. Green on June 14, 2021. There’s a larger dining room with a stage where musicians play and a large stuffed alligator. And there are books everywhere. Many are for sale. The food fits the theme, as well. I had the Cross Creek sampler with fried green tomatoes and fried alligator. I considered the frog legs and conch fritters. Dessert was heavenly, literally; I had chocolate heaven, a luscious chocolate pie with whipped cream. My friend enjoyed her pecan pie. The Yearling is right on Cross Creek,
so it’s a perfect place to launch a kayak or canoe. They rent cabins if you want a longer immersion in Cross Creek life. Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings described the place best: “Cross Creek belongs to the wind and the rain, to the sun and the seasons, to the cosmic secrecy of seed, and beyond all, to time.” Kathleen Walls, former reporter for the Union Sentinel in Blairsville, Georgia, is publisher/writer for American Roads and Global Highways. She is the author of travel books, Georgia's Ghostly Getaways, Finding Florida's Phantoms, Hosts With Ghosts, and Wild About Florida series. She resides in Middleburg, Florida. FCM
Kinnan Rawlings house and farmyard was designated as a National Historic Landmark. There is geocaching in places that includes a warning about the sprinklers!
WHAT AND WHERE Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park, 18700 S. County Road 325, Cross Creek, Florida floridastateparks.org, 352-466-3672
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THE BRAND
COUNTRY VENUE ROCKS SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
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Written by: Dave Kelly
t’s Saturday night. You look sharp in your best jeans and you are ready to dance. But you just do not want to do that same-old bar scene. So where to go in Southwest Florida?
The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon to the rescue. With a huge custom stage, a 30,000-watt state-of-the-art sound system and over 4,000 square feet of dance-floor space, The Ranch is a bona-fide concert hall right in the heart of Fort Myers. Head there on a Friday or Saturday night and they will likely feature a national country music act. Legends such as Tanya Tucker, Jamie Johnson and Kevin Costner & Modern West (yes, THAT Kevin Costner!) had graced the The Ranch’s stage and given fans a unique opportunity to see them up close in this welcoming, relaxed environment.
So, it is definitely a concert hall … but are there drinks as well? Of course! The Ranch includes a huge western-style saloon, complete with swinging doors, which boasts over four hundred feet of old-style bar top that circles the interior. Bartenders are on hand to serve up your chosen libation, whether it be a classy cocktail, a shot of Jack, or a Miller Lite longneck. They also offer great food to help get you through the night. On the rare occasion that there is no live act, the DJ pumps out country music and top instructors teach line-dancing. That is also the case every Wednesday, when folks of all ages can learn the steps to line-dancing classics like Cotton Eye Joe and more. Partners Rusty Roepke, Jim Heckler and Tom Shearer opened The Ranch in 2014―and immediately made a
HEAD THERE ON A FRIDAY OR SATURDAY NIGHT AND THEY WILL LIKELY FEATURE A NATIONAL COUNTRY MUSIC ACT.
Don't be surprised by such performers as Kevin Costner with his band Modern West (right) at The Ranch in Fort Myers.
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BOTTOM LEFT PHOTO BY RUSTY ROEPKE; ALL OTHER PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY KRIS FEHLANDT
THE RANCH CONCERT HALL & SALOON
Joe Diffie
Clay Walker
Jamey Johnson
Tracy Byrd
Lita Ford
Colt Ford With a huge custom stage, a 30,000-watt state-of-the-art sound system and over 4,000 square feet of dance-floor space, The Ranch is a bona-fide concert hall right in the heart of Fort Myers.
Randy Houser
The Ranch owners Rusty, Jim and Tom with Bret Michaels of Poison fame. F L O R I DAC O U N T RY M AGA Z I N E . C O M
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THE BRAND Over the years, The Ranch had branched out to include other popular forms of entertainment, from rock ‘n’ roll bands to Latin musicians, even comedians and mixed-martial arts fights.
splash in the concert community. “Our team envisioned The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon as a venue to fill a need in the greater Southwest Florida market,” says Roepke. “There are plenty of small bars and a couple large arenas in the area, but nobody was presenting world-class talent in a mid-size venue that fits 800–1,200 folks. We knew what we wanted to do … so we built it and are proud of how we have grown.” “Country music is really the new Top 40 now,” Roepke adds. “There is a larger concentration of country music fans here in Southwest Florida than in any other place I’ve been.”
He even travels to Nashville a number of times a year to recruit singers and bands that are on the rise, hoping to be one of the first in the country to showcase hot new talent in such an intimate setting. The Sam Galloway Ford Concert Series is also a huge contributor to the acts that play at The Ranch, with upcoming artists such as Frank Foster scheduled to play in May. Over the years, The Ranch had branched out to include other popular forms of entertainment, from rock ‘n’ roll bands to Latin musicians, even comedians and mixed-martial arts fights. Acts such as Bret Michaels of Poison fame have filled the venue. Additionally, they often feature tribute bands―groups that form to pay homage to legendary performers by recreating their songs as accurately as possible―scheduled monthly. The upcoming lineup looks exciting as well, with acts such as country legend Tracy Lawrence, the Eli Young Band, Brian Kelly of Florida/Georgia Line fame, and more. Make plans to get your country on at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon this summer! FCM
The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers theranchfortmyers.com, 239-985-9839 Hours: Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights, 7 p.m.-2 a.m.
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PHOTOS BY KRIS FEHLANDT
ROUNDUP
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AMELIA ISLAND VACATIONS MAKING YOUR DREAM GETAWAY HAPPEN Written by: Dave Kelly
melia Island is a destination like no other. You can find the tranquility of uncrowded sandy beaches. The history and charm of an Old Florida downtown. Even wide-open spaces that call to the outdoorsy explorer.
In fact, this hidden gem is often called “The Key West of North Florida” because of its quirky allure and abundance of outdoor activities available to the traveler. It is truly a unique vacation destination. Amelia Island lies just northeast of Jacksonville. Bounded by Fort Clinch State Park to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, this 13-mile-long island is home to Florida’s historic northernmost city, Fernandina Beach. The Timucuan Indian people first inhabited the area, but it eventually became known as the “Isle of 8 Flags” for having had the flags of eight nations flown over it during its expansive history.
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So, making vacation plans in the Amelia Island area, you want a full-service company with deep ties to the local community to help get the best of everything. Enter Amelia Island Vacations. Owners Brandon and Tara Dunlop are ready to make your vacation dreams come true. After attending college in North Carolina, Brandon worked more than 15 years in the financial services industry, traveling the world over to gain the knowledge needed to succeed in the hospitality and real estate industries. He soon teamed up with wife Tara whose marketing background focused on tourism. Brandon’s family had owned commercial and residential vacation properties since 2001, such as the exquisite Elizabeth Pointe Lodge and others. His company, Dunlop Property Management Inc., then acquired Amelia Island Vacations in 2013, and he began implementing the aspects of his business that would soon define the company—exacting standards of cleanliness,
PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF AMELIA ISLAND VACATIONS
A
This hidden gem is often called “The Key West of North Florida” because of its quirky allure and abundance of outdoor activities available to the traveler.
Many Amelia Island Vacations properties are directly on the Atlantic Ocean, all part of the experience.
AMELIA ISLAND VACATIONS PRIDES ITSELF IN ASSUMING THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ALL TASKS NECESSARY TO MANAGE A SUCCESSFUL, HIGH-PERFORMING VACATION RENTAL PROPERTY.
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THE BRAND
Guests should expect exacting standards of cleanliness, concierge services from restaurant reservations to grocery deliveries.
What started as a company representing 14 vacation properties on the island soon grew into an enterprise featuring over 60 stunning properties in the Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach areas. “We specialize in vacation rental management,” says Brandon. “This enables our company to focus and quickly adapt to the challenges of this fast-growing and ever-changing industry. We have a personalized approach that staff and management employ that caters to the needs and preferences of guests and property owners alike.” This commitment to excellence and contact within the Amelia Island community is key to the success of the company and the happiness of their visitors. To that end, the company and team have been longtime leaders in the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce and interact frequently with the local Tourist Development Council. Tara has served as a board member with the Amelia Island Museum of History and the Nassau County Economic Development Board, as well as being a leader with the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association. While Amelia Island Vacations specializes in reaching out to potential travelers, Brandon wants folks to know that he
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is especially proud of the company’s property management services. If you choose Amelia Island Vacations as your property management representative, for example, you partner with a full-service company committed to the local community. Amelia Island Vacations prides itself in assuming the responsibility for all tasks necessary to manage a successful, high-performing vacation rental property. Whether you plan to head to Amelia Island to experience a one-of-a-kind vacation destination or are looking to list your property with an expert, contact Amelia Island Vacations for all your needs. FCM
ROUNDUP Amelia Island Vacations, 4810 First Coast Highway, Suite 4, Amelia Island, Florida ameliaislandvacations.com, 904-321-8680, reservations@ ameliaislandvacations.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF AMELIA ISLAND VACATIONS
experienced housecleaning staff and concierge services that do anything from make restaurant reservations to shop for and deliver groceries.
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MY BEST FRIEND Florida Country Magazine runs a “My Best Friend” contest on Facebook every other month, for each issue of the magazine.
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Amanda Love of Keystone Heights, Florida Best Friend’s Name: Rhett Best Friend’s Breed: Red Heeler Rhett is fiercely loyal, amazingly intelligent, with a huge personality! He came to us via rescue and settled right into being part of our family. He's a trusted protector to my son, and never lets me ride horses alone. He's my constant shadow, no matter where I go, and does not approve of being left out. Rhett is there to snuggle on bad days, and rides along for every adventure we have!
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Marilyn Loaces of Ocala, Florida Best Friend’s Name: Manolo Best Friend’s Breed: Paso Fino No one has a better friend than I do. Manolo is my amazing Paso Fino stallion who is always there to help me de-stress. We have been doing things differently this year and having a lot of fun! My husband sees how spoiled Manolo is and claims I love Manolo more than him, but that is not true. Manolo and I shared a special bond greater than any other best friends out there.
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Buddy K. Hedrick of Chipley, Florida Best Friend’s Name: Herr Foxhunt vom Sutumer Grund “Mister” Best Friend’s Breed: White shepherd/BBS My best friend Mister means more to me than I'll ever know. As a service dog, he has given so much life to my family and dear friends. He started out as my mother's seizure-alert dog. When she passed away four years ago, he adopted me straight away. And I'm so glad he did, as he saved my life during a life-threatening pancreatic attack. His babies perform service work all over this nation.
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Kaydence Greene of Hastings, Florida Best Friend’s Name: Stealing With Ease, aka Leo Best Friend’s Breed: Thoroughbred This is my best friend Stealing With Ease, aka Leo! I got him four years ago from one of my close friends and he has been my best friend
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since! He is a thoroughbred that loves to barrel race! His favorite thing to do is to get lovins and head scratches. By far Leo has been my best friend since day one. He is my dream horse!
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Alexandria Solis of Ona, Florida Best Friend’s Name: Lefty Best Friend’s Breed: Grade Quarter Horse I’m 12 years old and Lefty has been my BEST FRIEND the last eight years. I started riding him at age 4. He has taught me so much about responsibility, patience and a true bond. He has made so many of my dreams come true inside and outside the arena. I will forever be grateful for him in so many ways. He has the biggest heart you could ever ask for and always gives me 110%. He's not just a horse, he is part of my family! I will always cherish him and our friendship!
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MY BEST FRIEND
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Helen (Buffy) Valentine of Spring Hill, Florida Best Friend’s Name: Sheba Best Friend’s Breed: German shepherd
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My husband Hal Valentine bought Sheba as an 8-week puppy for my birthday but quickly became his dog. We own a landscape company … and he took Sheba everywhere. My husband passed away August 31, 2021, from Covid— our world turned upside down. I would let Sheba out in the morning, and she would sit by his truck until I would go get her. She would look for him out the window for him to come home. We have mourned a terrible loss together. Sheba is always there for me to hug on when I am having a bad day—she is my protector, my shadow and best friend!
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Courtney Hale of Lakeland, Florida Best Friend’s Name: Apache Best Friend’s Breed: Quarter Horse Apache has helped me (and others) overcome so many fears, all while he overcame his own fears. Apache was abandoned in 2017 because he was “getting older” and had an untreated injury. Ever since, I’ve been blessed to call him my best friend. He is always there for me, and I’m always there for him. Every moment I spend with him the weight of everyday life is lifted off my shoulders.
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Hannah Combee of Auborndale, Florida Best Friend’s Name: Callie Best Friend’s Breed: Basset Hound Callie has been by my side through a lot. I was in a really bad car accident in 2018 and Callie never left my side. She always knows when I’m sad and always comes and lays on me. She may have her own little attitude, but she is the best dog I could have ever asked for!
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ALVA EQUESTRIAN RIVER RANCH
Enter the property through the custom iron gates and drive along the winding oak hammock driveway that leads to the idyllic Old Florida Style home custom Daniel Wayne Home. Arrive at the southern built two-story custom home which includes four elegantly designed bedrooms and five spacious (FULL)bathrooms. With over 5,000 square feet of living area and over 10,000 square feet total area, the home includes a large open eat-in kitchen with a butcher block island, double ovens, travertine tile backsplash, and granite countertops. Entertaining is easy in this spacious walkaround kitchen with large windows delivering scenic River views. The family room, with wood burning fireplace and built-in entertainment wall, is the comfortable hearth of the home which features expansive picture windows that maximize the panoramic river view from nearly every angle. The home is paired with beautiful hardwood floors and travertine flooring throughout. The primary bedroom suite is drenched in natural sunlight coming in from wall-to-wall windows along the open-style solarium sitting room. More than a house ~ this is a home. Take in the sunsets lounging on the expansive wrap around Southern-style porch. Enjoy the sunshine lounging by the pool and Jacuzzi with plenty of room to entertain. Stroll down the paver brick walkway to the dock along the Hickey’s Creek natural inlet with boathouse equipped with a 5,000 lb electric boat lift. Wander along the 2,200+ feet of glass top sun-kissed riverfront & Creek. Enjoy the boat traffic while sitting by the custom-built fire pit just feet from the water’s edge. The Equestrian barn is a fully functional post and beam construction with eight large stalls, air-conditioned organized tack room, and beautifully designed one bedroom living quarters above. Trail ride on the 30 acres under the shade of Spanish moss-covered oaks and native Florida palm trees. The property is located 20 minutes from Downtown Fort Myers in the quaint community of Alva, Florida, population 3,000! Sequestered by the Caloosahatchee River, the community is rich with the best of Southern history and traditions. Alva is dotted with classic old churches with steeples, home gardens, cattle ranch properties with verdant pastures, roadside fruit stands, 4-H clubs, and is still inhabited by some of the founding families. Located just one mile east of the Franklin Lock State Park and Campground with direct deep-water boating access to the Gulf of Mexico. Retreat to this picturesque peaceful enclave that offers the best that SWFL has to offer. Relax by the pool, unwind in front of the fire pit, enjoy fishing, boating, waterskiing, kayaking, paddle boarding, on the glass top river. There are endless lifestyle features to enjoy.
20 ACRES AND HOME-$4,900,000 + 10 ACRES RIVERFRONT VACANT-$1,695,000 SOLD SEPARATELY OR TOGETHER
Re/Max Hall Of Fame Sales Award • Platinum Sales Award Re/Max Leaders & Legends Publication • Chairman Sales Award
IF YOU WANT IT SOLD • 239-872-7653 Darius Cochran OWNER AGENT
DariusLCochran@gmail.com DariusCochran@aol.com
www.DariusCochran.com
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FLORIDA EXCURSIONS
NORTH FLORIDA’S THREE RIVERS STATE PARK NO TRAFFIC OR CROWDS, ‘ONE AFTERNOON, I WAS HOOKED!’ y first visit to Three Rivers State Park was in 2010, and it was so quick that it really should not count as a visit.
It was more like a drive thru. I was new to Jackson County and just looking to see what all was at the park while I was passing through Sneads, which is northwest of Tallahassee. I am ashamed to say that I lived in Jackson County for seven years (non-consecutive) and did not return to Three Rivers until last fall. Three Rivers is on the shores of Lake Seminole, a 37,500acre reservoir in the southwest corner of Georgia along its border with Florida. The park’s name refers to the
Three Rivers is on the shores of Lake Seminole, a 37,500-acre reservoir in the southwest corner of Georgia along its border with Florida. Pictured are the writer's children.
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Chattahoochee and Flint rivers which merge into Lake Seminole, whose waters eventually flow into the Apalachicola River. Camping, hiking, fishing and paddling are some activities available at Three Rivers. My first real visit to Three Rivers was on a Sunday afternoon in September 2021. I was looking for somewhere new to explore with my camera and decided to finally give Three Rivers a real shot. One afternoon of hiking was all it took. I was hooked! I found several great hiking trails throughout the park, including the Lakeview trail which offers the sights and sounds of Lake Seminole. There was also an abundance of the flora
PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY BEN KNOWLES
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Written by: Ben Knowles
Clockwise from top left: You see a menu of wildlife and people at Three Rivers, including black swallowtail butterflies, a greater scaup observed in winter on Lake Seminole, the writer's daughter snapping a photo of two white-tailed deer, pine warblers, a raccoon with his/her tongue out, a red-headed woodpecker, a Sherman’s fox squirrel and hooded warblers.
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FLORIDA EXCURSIONS and fauna to observe and photograph. What I loved most about my visit was the peacefulness of being far away enough that I did not hear sounds of traffic or crowds of people. Since September, Three Rivers has become one of my go-to spots for outdoor exploring. I have enjoyed mornings and afternoons at the park and had some cool sightings such a nesting bald eagles, feeding American kestrels and a beautiful eight-point white-tailed deer easing through the bushes. My family has also become fans of Three Rivers. My wife enjoys walking the trails and photography at the park. Our daughter and son also enjoy the trails, but the park’s playground is their favorite spot. The playset is not huge, but it is enough for them to have a good time together. It also provides a great view of Lake Seminole and wildlife viewing as they play. We have spotted deer, armadillos, fox squirrels, eagles, hawks, kestrels and white pelicans while at the playground. Our two-year-old calls it the “Eagle Park,” since we usually spot at least one eagle during a visit.
PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY BEN KNOWLES
Three Rivers will look drastically different to those who visited before Hurricane Michael in 2018—when the park had lost 70 percent of its trees. There are broken and topless ones throughout the park. The trails are all cleared out for traffic, but it is obvious from the numerous
Clockwise from top left: a beautiful viceroy butterfly, from under a bald eagle perched right above the trail path, an adult eagle studying its nest, assuming it is observing eggs, one of many damselflies and dragonflies seen during the fall, the writer's son glassing an eagle's nest at Three Rivers.
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OUR TWO-YEAR-OLD CALLS IT THE ‘EAGLE PARK,’ SINCE WE USUALLY SPOT AT LEAST ONE EAGLE DURING A VISIT.
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FLORIDA EXCURSIONS
Three Rivers still recovers from Hurricane Michael but it has come a long way and is still providing lots of enjoyment. Pictured are the writer's daughter and son on a carefree trail walk.
I wish I had taken the time to explore Three Rivers before Hurricane Michael, however. I do not know why it took me so long, but I am glad I finally gave this gem of a park a chance. In addition to providing me with great hikes, exciting wildlife sightings and a nice place to bring the family, Three Rivers serves as a reminder to take the time to explore and enjoy new areas around me and not to take an outdoor area for granted.
ROUNDUP
One storm could change a park or reserve forever.
floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/threerivers-state-park, 850-482-9006
I hope that if you are able, you will find new spots to explore in your area. You never know what all is out there until you get outside and explore.
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Ben Knowles is an outdoor enthusiast who lives in north Florida with his wife and two children. Find his Facebook page “Ben Outside” to enjoy photos, stories and videos of his outdoor adventures throughout Florida. FCM
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Three Rivers State Park, 7908 Three Rivers Park Road, Sneads, Florida
PHOTOS BY BEN KNOWLES
stumps and piles of logs that this was not an easy job for those doing the post-hurricane cleanup. The park is still recovering from Michael, but it has come a long way and is still providing lots of enjoyment.
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FLORIDA EXCURSIONS
THE FIRM MOTORSPORT PARK FROM PRO TO FUN DRIVING, HIT THAT NEED FOR SPEED
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Written by: Ava Grace
ot a passion for speed? How about a 1.6-mile racetrack or rally driving. Like it rugged, as in off-roading on an allterrain or utility-terrain vehicle?
All of this and much more is at The FIRM motorsport park in Starke, Florida. The park is 420 acres at the Keystone Heights Airport, over 20 miles of reconfigurable course layouts. Tracks run from sand, gravel, hard surfaces and mud. Check out The FIRM’s RallyPro Performance driving school, where “our instructors teach rally, off-road, ATV/ UTV, high performance driver education driving, teen safety and survivability for military teams through our
International Security Academy with instructors who have decades of experience in all types of driving scenarios,” says Larina Hintze, Operations VP. Looking to host an event, a retreat or fundraiser, it doesn’t get any more exciting or memorable than spending a day or two at The FIRM—whose slogan is “We Drive Passion.” “We are all dedicated to provide extreme service to our customers and are proud to work with events such as ‘Krawl’n for the Fallen,’ a nonprofit raising awareness and money for families who have lost a loved one (firstresponder) in the line of duty,” says Hintze. The FIRM also hosts the Southeastern Overland event, Fixxfest, private functions for Porsche, and recently Nitro
PHOTO COURTESY OF 717 MEDIA
Travis Pastrana soars in his Subaru during the final Nitro RX race of 2021. The FIRM saw over 5,000 fans during that race weekend.
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Go-karts (below) are great for private rentals or corporate outings, and Fixxfest (right) will bring in over 3,000 fans, vendors and cars.
RallyCross, which brought vendors, thousands of spectators, wheel-to-wheel racing, jumps, lots of action. “We provide tailored event planning, coordination and extreme support for individual experiences, (bachelor/ette party or birthday), a televised world class event or big film crews or their partners,” says Hintze.
The venue is also used by vehicle manufacturers, race teams and the Sports Car Club of America. The FIRM stages product releases, pre-race testing and group events. Production companies like Fox Films, BMW and Grassroots Motorsports shoot on location, thanks to the typography and beautiful landscape. And, of course,
WE PROVIDE TAILORED EVENT PLANNING, COORDINATION AND EXTREME SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUAL EXPERIENCES.
TOP LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF THE FIRM; OTHER PHOTO COURTESY OF 717 MEDIA
—Larina Hintze, Operations VP
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FLORIDA EXCURSIONS
THE PARK IS A WHOPPING 420 ACRES, RIGHT AT THE KEYSTONE HEIGHTS AIRPORT. to capture the rumble of the car engines on memorable tracks. “Our European-style rally offers drivers the chance to cross dirt, sand, gravel, lime rock, marsh, densely forested areas, water crossings, and tarmac— making it the perfect playground for any need, including US military,” says Raul Betancourt, director for the FIRM’s International Security Academy. The International Security Academy since its inception in 2003 had trained America’s elite military forces and other agencies. ISA cadre have decades in high-speed, high-risk performance driving, ATV/UTV, light transport, SUV and off-roading, along with expert experience in firearms. “In addition to our tracks, we have five flat ranges, a 360-degree firing range, military approved armory, and full mission profile training scenarios to meet mission-critical objectives,” says Betancourt. Furthermore, the ISA instructors are highly trained in multiple weapon systems, close-quarters combat, and crew-served weapons systems. “Our training facility also adjoins a private airport that has military freefall and static line parachute capability,” adds Betancourt. The FIRM is just north of Orlando, daytrip accessible to adventureseeking Floridians. FCM
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ROUNDUP UPCOMING EVENTS: April 9, Catch My Drift April 10, Martin Sport Car Club Autocross April 23, Honda Meet Track Day April 30, The FIRM Time Trials Round 3/Open Track Day May 1, The FIRM Rally-X Event #2 May 21, SCCA Rallycross The FIRM, 7266 Airport Road, Starke, Florida gorally.com, 352-473-2999
TOP PHOTO COURTESY OF 717 MEDIA; OTHER PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVEN FLOOD PHOTOGRAPHY
The AWA Race Team private practice (pictured), spinning tires in the sand (below) during a Rally-X Series event. Multi-surface courses produce a novice friendly environment.
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PICTURE PERFECT ‘FUN TO WATCH’
“W
e have a living pool pond right outside our side porch. The frogs were so loud for hours and hours a day. Nothing could drown out this sound! It was literally just a few feet from our house. They were fun to watch, though. Eventually he got his girl and thousands of eggs, or frogspawn, were laid. I captured those images too!” Desiree Chapman took this photo in her hometown of Crawfordville, Florida, with a Nikon D800E.
Photo by: Desiree Chapman
Photo by: Tim Laborde
NO EXCUSE ADVENTURES
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hotography has been a passion of mine since 1966, the year I graduated from high school. I use it as an excuse to escape into nature. While driving around the neighborhood, I spotted this turkey, waited a while for some behavior, then snapped the picture when the ‘stretch’ began.” The St. Augustine photographer shot this image in his hometown with a Nikon D500.
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‘SPECIAL FAMILY TIMES’
“O Photo by: Doug and Alice Anne Ulmer
Photo by: Kim Green
ur family loves to visit the many beautiful state parks in Florida. I used my iPhone 11 to catch this bird fishing in a small spring on a sunny afternoon. Florida’s springs are the most beautiful in the world. I hope to someday have an SLR camera, but you can still get great results with your phone. Florida has so much beauty to capture with photography and we love looking back on those special family times outdoors.” Doug and Alice Anne Ulmer live in Live Oak, Florida. Their photo was taken at Gilchrist Blue Spring State Park, northwest of Gainesville.
‘ENJOY THE VIEW!’
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his photo is called ‘Time.’ Take time to breathe and enjoy the view! I have been passionate about photography as far as I can remember. In my retired life, I am traveling all over the United States and selling my work at local art shows.” Kim Green is from DeBary, Florida, and shot her image at Boneyard Beach in Jacksonville using a Nikon Z 711.
Photo by: Hailey Tomkow
‘TILL COWS COME HOME!’
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his is a photo of the Sellars family and cow crew moving cows in the cow pens during preg checking in December 2021! Photography for me is an outlet for me to capture images of the industry I am so passionate about. I love bringing awareness to the cattle industry in Florida through my photos.” (follow @ranchrevivalphotography) Lakeland’s Hailey Tomkow took her image in Center Hill, Florida, with a Canon EOS RP.
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PICTURE PERFECT ‘ALWAYS MY BABY’
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apturing a moment I never thought I would have! My 3-year-old Addison Roddenberry loves to help around our feedlot operation. We are constantly turning beef, pork, lamb and poultry and every animal holds a special place in her heart. Addison is the epitome of agriculture, and it shows every day in her activities … and even her hard work. Having this image to remind me that even though she is growing, she will always be my baby.” Kayla Roddenberry took this image at the family’s HK Cattle & Farms LLC in Hawthorne, Florida, using an iPhone 12 Pro Max.
‘UNTOUCHED BY HUMANS’
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his is Jessica Medina riding Shorty (white horse) and Kristy Holden riding Jack (black horse) dayworking with the Midnight Cattle Company. Stray cattle must be gathered and moved to different pastures no matter what the old Florida terrain may look like. Horses must be able to travel through ponds, palmettos and hammocks. Scenes like this remind us of Florida’s true and original beauty yet to be untouched by humans.” Jessica Medina of Fort Pierce, Florida, took this image in Hobe Sound, Florida, with an iPhone X.
Photo by: Kayla Roddenberry
Photo by: Jessica Medina
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‘LAST A LIFETIME!’
“T Photo by: Sierra Prescott
Photo by: Rhonda May
Photo by: Lesly Dorminy
his is a picture of my husband Hunter and our two sons, Kane and Behr. This was Kane’s first turkey and little brother was there to watch. Of course, little brother had to bring along his toy gun so he could feel a part of the hunt too. Pictures are memories that will last a lifetime!” Sierra Prescott of Wauchula, Florida, captured her image at the family orange grove in 7 Mile Point (Hardee County) on an iPhone 11.
‘SPECIAL MOMENTS!’
“T
his photo is one of my all-time favorites. My daughter and I walked out onto the dock in the morning. I couldn't believe it was so beautiful! Photography is my favorite hobby. I love capturing special moments for my family and friends.” Orlando’s Rhonda May captured her image at the Moss Park campground on a Samsung Galaxy Note S10 Pro.
‘BRODY IS THERE’
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he picture is Brody. He is my grandson and his daddy produces hay. And as a family we all raise cattle and cur dogs. The baler was down this particular day and Brody is ALWAYS right beside him. No matter what he’s doing, Brody is there. Growing up country, for sure. To me, photos are beautiful moments captured … so when our memories start failing us, we won’t forget them.” Lesly Dorminy of Kenansville, Florida, took this photo with a Sony device.
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PICTURE PERFECT ‘BEAUTY OF NATURE’
Photo by: Edward Rainville
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y dad took this photo of a gator sunning himself on a cool day. I loved the mirror image cast on the water. My dad says photography allows him to share the beauty of nature with people that aren’t fortunate enough to enjoy it.” Carrie Armfield lives in Cape Coral, Florida. She entered this photo her dad took at the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Fort Myers was captured on a Canon Digital Rebel XT.
‘THE COWBOY LIFE’
“I
entered this photo taken by photographer June Rose of Lake City (Florida). She truly captured the smile a good horse can bring to a cowboy. My son, Haston Arky Rogers, is a fourth-generation cowboy on both sides and his main mount Wynona and him have an undeniable love for each other and ranching. When they are not riding through cattle with dad Arky Rogers, they can be found playing in the nearest mud hole. As Haston says, ‘the cowboy life, is the life for me,’ especially with his best friend at his side.” This image was taken at the Circle R ranch in Lake City using a Nikon Z 611.
‘GOLDEN SUNRISE’
Photo by: June Rose/ entered by Jessica Rogers
“T
his image captures the golden light of a sunrise as the morning's mist begins to rise over the marsh at Hominy Branch. My love of photography is rooted in my desire to capture the natural beauty of Florida before it disappears. As a sixth-generation Floridian, I hope my photography encourages present and future generations to preserve where possible what remains of natural Florida.” The St. Augustine photographer caught his image at the Princess Place Preserve in Flagler County using a Canon R5.
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Photo by: Richard Thomas
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WILD FLORIDA
GIVING A HOOT BARN OWLS REDUCED RODENTS, RESEARCHERS: A ‘FAILURE-TO-SUCCESS’ PROGRAM
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Written by: Jack Collier
But the EAA also has a rat, mouse and rabbit problem, tens of thousands of them. It’s estimated that rodents and pests will cause millions in lost crops, if left unattended. Sugarcane growers for years had been unsuccessful in reducing rodent populations. Then Richard Raid, a plant pathologist professor at the University of Florida, and Jeff Klein, a protégé, arrived. The pair in the 1990s had discovered that North American Barn Owls left droppings saturated in digested rodents. While farmers might view owls as merely a nuisance, scientists saw a potential solution. Raid and Klein learned these silent and deadly creatures were nature’s best mousetrap. One owl, it was later learned, could eat 1,500 rodents a year, or 1.5 times
its body weight each day. With fields of barn owls, crop problems would begin to vanish, the pair decided. And it worked. The program introducing North American Barn Owls in the sugarcane fields of Florida Crystals or U.S. Sugar has limited crop damage, added to their sustainable farming practices, even gained interest from the world’s farming community. Cotton rats and marsh rabbits each year alone cause up to $30 million in damage to the area’s more than 500,000 acres of sugar cane, rice and vegetable crops, says the University of Florida. Raid, with the Everglades Research and Education Center at the University of Florida/Belle Glade campus, and Klein, a high school kid, had one of those light-bulb moments that change things. A nest box program and a dense owl population have clearly limited rodents in cane fields, Raid says, as shown by the sharp reduction in lost crops versus a healthy owl community. Klein would win national awards for his science project idea to install bird houses for the owls. Raid won a special achievement award in 2019 from the World Owl Hall of Fame.
The program introducing North American Barn Owls in the sugarcane fields of Florida Crystals or U.S. Sugar has limited crop damage, added to their sustainable farming practices, even gained interest from the world’s farming community. Dr. Richard Raid (pictured) and Jeff Klein started the program.
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF RICHARD RAID
nlimited food and no rent. Not a bad deal for North American Barn Owls residing in sugarcane fields of the Everglades Agricultural Area, or EAA, nearly 1,200 square miles of naturally productive farmland south of Lake Okeechobee. Some 400,000 acres of that is sugarcane fields.
FROM TOTAL FAILURE, TO TOTAL SUCCESS.’ —Dr. Richard Raid on introducing North American Barn Owls to the Everglades Agricultural Area. Hundreds of barn owl boxes now dot those thousands of acres of cane fields.
One project is assembling a barn owl kit for school children visiting the Everglades Research and Education Center on “Owl Prowl” fieldtrips.
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WILD FLORIDA Their plan was to put as many boxes as possible in fields, to help grow the owl population, even teaching school kids the principles of ecology and housing construction. One project is assembling a barn owl kit for school children visiting the Everglades Research and Education Center on “Owl Prowl” fieldtrips, dissecting owl pellets and learning about the intermixing of agriculture and wildlife, something new for many of them.
elevators, and church steeples, or mounted on a freestanding pole.
“From total failure, to total success,” Raid says of time before the barn-owl project to what is happening now.
• It is not necessary to add any materials after cleaning; the owls will create their own nesting substrate from shredded pellets. However, you can add a layer of fresh wood shavings about ¾ inch deep to the box if you would like.
The idea over time was to build a better owl box, Raid says, as weather, other critters, including Africanized bees, and an owl’s fussy ways can affect their populations. Owls weren’t territorial, like hawks or kestrels, he says, more communal, living in a sort of condo association on poles. Improving on materials, including nest cameras, and simply learning their ways, had refined the program over time, Raid says. Hundreds of barn owl boxes now dot those thousands of acres of cane fields, the predators mostly working a night shift, dipping among tall stalks, grabbing their prey, wheeling off in near silence. Just as nature intended.
OWL BOX TIPS
• Prefers open habitats, such as farm fields. Boxes can be placed in barns, silos, granaries, grain
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• Keep in mind that hungry owlets can be noisy when clamoring for food. Take care not to place the box too near your home, or they might keep you awake at night. • Clean out the old nest materials when the owls are not nesting; December is generally a good time.
• Avoid the use of rodenticides to control rodents, allowing the owls to help with pest control. FCM
ROUNDUP To learn more about barn owls, visit erec.ifas.ufl.edu Also visit nestwatch.org for barn owl details
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ACROSS 1 Florida island near Jacksonville 5 Rays in the sea 10 Businesses, abbr. 12 Before now 13 Beach close to Cape Canaveral 14 Floridian horse 15 Small bite 16 Ram’s mate 17 Port side when sailing south 19 Very 21 Ground cover 23 Woman in German 25 Briny water 26 Miss Rodeo Florida, Makayla _____ 29 Ranchers’ event, 2 words 30 Health-giving supplement 31 Avoid 32 Medicates 33 Type of environment where a species usually occurs
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Decorating details Cow talk Get to a spa perhaps Phone picture Let up, as a storm Movie shots Mature as wine Aching Boat propellers Most nervous, as a horse ___ whim, 2 words To the right! Business promotion Wetland Beaming Surpassing all Pertaining to cattle High flying toys Frolics Horsemanship skill
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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.
INGREDIENTS 2 6-ounce chicken breasts ½ cup ricotta cheese 1 garlic clove, minced 2-ounce fresh baby spinach 1 tablespoon olive oil ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes Salt and pepper, to taste ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese PREPARATION Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray baking dish with cooking spray. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium high heat. Once hot, add the spinach and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté until the spinach has wilted. When the spinach is done, remove from the heat and transfer to a medium bowl and cool for a few minutes. Make 4 slits in each chicken breast widthwise, so you can stuff chicken. Place chicken in the baking dish. In medium bowl, add ricotta, spinach, half of parmesan, half of mozzarella and red pepper flakes. Mix well. Stuff slits of chicken breasts with the spinach and cheese mixture. If you have any mixture leftover, spread on top of the chicken. Top the chicken breasts with the remaining cheeses and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake the chicken in the oven for 30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
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HASSELBACK CHICKEN WITH SPINACH Serves 5
INGREDIENTS 1 8-ounce package softened cream cheese 1 egg yolk 1 tablespoon Italian breadcrumbs 1 green onion, chopped 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon garlic powder Salt and ground black pepper, to taste 1 6-ounce can snow crab, drained 1 4-ounce can small shrimp, drained 12 large white mushrooms, stems removed 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs PREPARATION t with Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking shee spoon table 1 , aluminum foil. Place cream cheese, egg yolk e sauce, rshir ceste breadcrumbs, green onion, lemon juice, Wor until Mix r. mixe garlic powder, salt and pepper in the bowl of Stuff p. shrim and smooth and blended. Mix in the snow crab the remaining the mushrooms with mixture and press into t stuffingbreadcrumbs to coat. Place onto baking shee hrooms have side-up. Bake in preheated oven until the mus broil, and broil to softened slightly, about 13 minutes. Set oven en brown. gold are mushrooms for 2 minutes or until the tops
SEAFOOD STUFFED MUSHROOMS Yields 12
TACO PIE Serves 4
INGREDIENTS 1 ½ pounds ground beef 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon chili powder 2 teaspoons paprika powder 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon ground oregano 1 pinch cinnamon Salt and pepper, to taste 1 cup can crushed tomatoes 2 ounces pickled jalapenos, sliced ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese ½ cup cheddar cheese PREPARATION et, heat Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a cast iron skill until heat high ium med olive oil. Cook ground beef over c garli in, cum der, pow brown. Add chili powder, paprika and salt n, amo cinn powder, onion powder, oregano, tomatoes. pepper, to taste. Stir mixture and add crushed cheeses. and enos jalap Simmer for 5 minutes. Top with and ed melt is se chee Bake for 18 minutes or until the golden brown on top. F L O R I DAC O U N T RY M AGA Z I N E . C O M
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THE CULINARY CRACKER TERIYAKI CHICKEN KEBABS Serves 4
INGREDIENTS Teriyaki Sauce: 1 tablespoon sesame oil 2 cloves garlic, chopped ¼ teaspoon ground ginger ½ cup soy sauce 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar ¼ cup water 1/8 teaspoon all-purpose flour Kebabs: 1-pound boneless chicken thighs ½ green bell pepper ¼ red bell pepper ¼ yellow bell pepper ¼ red onion Tip: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes prior to use
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PREPARATION In a small bowl, combine sesame oil, garlic, ginger, soy sauce and apple cider vinegar. Whisk together until combined. Chop the chicken, peppers and onion into bite-sized pieces and place in a sealable plastic bag. Add approximately half of the marinade, seal the bag, and shake to coat the veggies and chicken with the marinade. Place bag in refrigerator for 30 minutes. Reserve the other half of marinade for later use. Once chicken is done marinating, thread the chicken and veggies on skewers in alternating pattern. Heat broiler to high and position the oven rack in the second to the highest position. Place chicken skewers on a rack lined baking sheet or broiler pan sprayed with cooking spray. Broil about 5 minutes on each side or until the chicken is fully cooked. While the chicken is cooking, add the reserve marinade to a small saucepan. Add the water and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer for about 5 minutes. Whisk in flour and cook until the sauce has thickened. When the chicken is done, plate and brush the kebabs with the sauce.
INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoon butter ½ cup hot sauce ½ teaspoon garlic powder 2 tablespoons sweet barbecue sauce 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken 4 celery ribs, cut in half 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped Salt and pepper to taste PREPARATION In a saucepan, combine butter, hot sauce, garlic powder and barbecue sauce. Heat over medium heat until butter is melted. Stir in the shredded chicken and parsley. Season to taste. Sit aside and let cool. Trim celery stalks as needed, fill with the chicken mixture.
YUMMY BROCCLI & CHEESE MUFFINS
SWEET & SPICY CHICKEN STUFFED CELERY Serves 2
Serves 3
INGREDIENTS 3 cups broccoli, chopped 2 teaspoons olive oil 1/4 small onion, chopped 2 eggs, beaten 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese PREPARATION Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray non-stick cooking spray in mini muffin tin pan. Steam broccoli in the microwave until tender. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté onion for a few minutes until onion is softened and see-through. Add the broccoli and onion to a bowl. Add the eggs and shredded cheese. Mix everything until combined. Spoon 12 piles of mixture into each muffin tin. Bake for 25 minutes. F L O R I DAC O U N T RY M AGA Z I N E . C O M
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