Florida Country Magazine - December/January 2019 by Florida Country Magazine

FEATURES

FLORIDA COUNTRY MAGAZINE / ISSUE VOL. 2 • NO. 6

ON THE COVER: Seminole Tribe of Florida hosts its Brighton Field Days & PRCA Rodeo at the Fred Smith Arena in Glades County. Read more on page 40.

34 44

Waterfowl Hunting in Florida

State’s very welcome ‘snowbirds’ include the elusive mottled duck

Shootin’ Straight at the OK Corral

Club brings a taste of the Old West to the Sunshine State

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DEPARTMENTS FLORIDA COUNTRY MAGAZINE / ISSUE VOL. 2 • NO. 6

RODEO PROFILES

FCM CIRCLE

A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER

THE PRCA’S TOP ROOKIE BULL RIDER

page 8

page 36

THE ARENA

VET VIEW

SEMINOLE TRIBE’S BRIGHTON FIELD DAYS & PRCA RODEO

EQUINE OCULAR DISEASE IS COMMON

page 10

FLORIDA 4-H ADVENTURES IN VEGGIES

WILD FLORIDA

page 12

FLORIDA COTTONMOUTH

page 54

COUNTRY ARTISTRY ‘HORSE FEVER’ STILL RUNNING STRONG

THE RANCH

QUAIL HUNTING ON SILVER LAKE PRESERVE

page 16

page 56

HORSIN' AROUND EQUINE ROYALTY IN ALL ITS GLORY

page 18

THE FLORIDA CRACKER HORSE IS A TRUE NATIVE

PICTURE PERFECT

page 60 page 61

FLORIDA HARVEST

THE HOMESTEAD

NEW OYSTER FARMING TECHNIQUES MAKING WAVES IN FLORIDA

HOME, RETREAT OR HUNTING CAMP

page 62

page 24

STARS & GUITARS MOTOR CITY MADMAN

LOCAL FLAVOR

page 28

page 66

THE CULINARY CRACKER

SADDLE UP FOR A GREAT MEAL

WHIPPING IT UP IN YOUR KITCHEN

page 30

page 72

COUNTRY CALIBER

‘CAN YOU OUTSHOOT A CATTLEWOMAN?’

TRUCKS & TOYS

page 32

66 4

MAJESTIC MONARCH TOP-NOTCH TEAMWORK

page 21

HORSIN AROUND DELI NOW HAS MORE HANDS

page 40

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THE FARM

page 76

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Owner/Publisher Scarlett Redenius Owner/C.E.O. Brad Redenius President Thomas Fifield Vice President Sheila Fifield Editorial Director Jack Collier Design Director Jessica Fifield Director of Photography Marsay Johnson Proofreader Katherine Waters Sales Associate Lynn Cox Contributing Writers Susan E. Blackwell, Jack Collier, William R. Cox, Christopher Decubellis, Sherri Denning, Ava Isabel Grace, Kathy Ann Gregg, Kym Rouse Holzwart, Dave Kelly, Katey McClenny, Cally Simpson Featured Photographers Brandi Watford Photography, William R. Cox, David CCPhotos, Lexus Mengel Photography, Linda Floyd, Hubbell Rodeo Photos, Carrie McDonald, Scarlett Redenius, Cally Simpson, Tiffany Danielle Photography, Hannah Wagner 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 Published by: Florida Country Publications

PO Box 50989 â&#x20AC;˘ Fort Myers, FL 33994 LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

facebook.com/floridacountrymagazine F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M Florida Country Magazine is published bi-monthly, copyright 2018, all rights reserved. Reproduction of contents in print or electronic transmission in whole or in part in any language or format must be by expressed written permission of the publisher. All articles, descriptions and suggestions in this magazine are merely expression of opinions from contributors and advertisers and do not constitute the opinion of the publisher, editor or staff of Florida Country Magazine, and under no circumstances constitutes assurances or guarantees concerning the quality of any service or product. Florida Country Magazine specifically disclaims any liability related to these expressions and opinions. Florida Country Magazine is not responsible for any unsolicited submissions. The advertiser agrees to hold harmless and indemnify the publishers from all liability.

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FCM CIRCLE

A PREREQUISITE FOR SUCCESS

t’s that time of year again in which everyone in Florida gets a brief opportunity to cool down, spend time with family and friends, and most of all—say goodbye to those pesky mosquitoes— although short-lived, I must add.

It’s also the time we start racking our brains on New Year’s resolutions: We’re going to lose weight, stop smoking, call family more often, pay off debts, find a new job, etc. But if we listen to experts, approximately 80 percent of resolutions fail by the second week of February. Boy, are the odds against us! But are they really? I celebrate failure; it’s the best teacher. Failure is an important aspect of the path to success. You need the ability to overcome obstacles, understand mistakes and take appropriate measures to not let failure get in the way of ultimately succeeding. Thomas Edison once said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” I learned a lot in 2018, including the location of Mexico Beach, Florida. It’s not the way I wanted to find out. I’m always interested in all parts of our state, because that’s where our readers come from. Last August, I noticed we had a subscriber from Mexico Beach and I wondered where it was. I normally look these things up but was busy and did not. I’ll never forget my gut-wrenching feeling, when I was watching and praying for our north Florida families in the path of Hurricane Michael, and saw the devastation in the once personally unknown Mexico Beach. Not only did families have their lives thrown into chaos, but our agricultural family took a heavy hit, too. Michael wreaked havoc in north Florida on at least 3 million acres of timberland. Aquaculture, cotton, dairy, poultry, peanut and tomato production in the affected areas suffered severe damage, according to an October statement by the state. No doubt, it’s been a tough few years for our great state of Florida, with intense hurricanes and tropical storms.

But, as always, we’ve shown compassion, selflessness and the willingness to move forward, no matter the obstacles or challenges set forth. One company not only overcame the obstacles of Hurricane Michael but is also overcoming the depletion of beloved Gulf Coast oysters. Outlaw Oyster Company, located in Panacea, has new oyster farming techniques. Read its story on page 24. In this issue, you’ll also meet the Florida CattleWomen. They promote women in the cattle and beef industries and have many passions, including promoting our youth who want to be involved in those industries. Come and support their largest fundraiser, “Can You Outshoot a CattleWoman?” on Jan. 5. Learn more about them on page 32. For avid hunters or gun enthusiasts, sharpen your skills at the OK Corral Gun Club, page 48, or head off on the perfect game hunt at Silver Lake Preserve, page 56. Learn about more interesting “snowbirds” in Florida on page 44. We send our well wishes, love and support to the many Florida cowboys and cowgirls who have worked hard to make it to the “Super Bowl of Rodeo”—the 2018 National Finals Rodeo (NFR) on Dec. 6-15 in Las Vegas, and other great competitions running in conjunction with the NFR. A big thank you to Keri Sheffield for making our state proud when she won the 2018 Miss Rodeo America pageant. She will be giving up her crown to another funloving cowgirl who will make her state just as pleased. Finally, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all and thank you for your amazing support of Florida Country Magazine. We look forward to sharing more great stories in 2019 and the years to come. And remember … failure is never an option, but a prerequisite for success! SCARLETT REDENIUS, Publisher

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VET VIEW

EQUINE OCULAR DISEASE IS COMMON ALWAYS TREAT ANY UNUSUAL EYE PROBLEM AS AN EMERGENCY

Written by: Susan E. Blackwell, CVT

horse with a painful, squinty, swollen eye is an obvious cause for concern—especially if the eye has a thick or discolored discharge. Ocular disease is common in the horse and may manifest itself by presenting redness, tearing, squinting or cloudiness of the eye, along with a vision problem. Equine eye problems can include simple sources of irritation such as allergies or insects. Or the problems can range from the hereditary breed disposition of uveitis to the very complex treatment process of a variant type of corneal ulcers and lacerations.

ALLERGIES OR IRRITANTS Absent any other signs of trouble, a horse who consistently has tears running down its face may have a blocked tear duct. Technically called nasolacrimal ducts, these tiny passages drain excess tears from the eyes through the nose. When these ducts become blocked, tears collect and spill over the bottom lid. Ducts become blocked for a variety of reasons, including the mucus in equine tears and the simple fact that some horses have narrower ducts than others. A veterinarian can flush a duct by running a small

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tube up through the horse’s nose into the end of the channel. Then a squirt of saline will usually clear the blockage. During early morning and late evening turnout, management of the equine eye should also include insect control. Make use of fly masks, stall fans and insect repellent.

UVEITIS Another common equine ophthalmic disease is uveitis, which is often called “moon blindness.” It is an immune-mediated disease that is typically recurring. It can be a lifelong, painful condition of the eye that is often hereditary in some horse breeds such as Appaloosas. Symptoms include extreme watering of the eyes, sensitivity to light and swollen eyelids, along with diffuse cloudiness present in the globe of the eye. Uveitis is extremely painful and can affect either or both eyes of the horse. Common managing treatments may include both topical and oral antiinflammatories, and in severe cases, removal of the affected eye in order to eliminate the pain. CORNEAL ULCERS A corneal ulcer is another one of the most commonly acquired ocular diseases in the horse. It often develops in the horse after something environmental—

such as a fly mask, hay or tree limbâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;has scratched the outer layer of the cornea (clear globe portion of the eye). Clinical signs include squinting, excessive tearing, swollen eyelids and a reluctance to hold the eye open. Corneal ulcers are painful and are prone to infection, along with fungal involvement. Vigilant medical management generally includes treatments every four to six hours of topical administration of atropine to keep the eye diluted, topical antibiotics, topical antifungals, autologous serum and oral anti-inflammatories. Corneal ulcers should always be considered an emergency. If severe and left untreated, the infection could potentially lead to a ruptured eyeball.

CORNEAL LACERATIONS The final common eye condition is a penetrating corneal laceration. Lacerations can often be caused by a blow such as a kick, or by a horse running into a fixed object. Symptoms can include any of the following: blood inside the eye globe, prolapsed iris, pus inside or draining from the eye, excessive tearing, swollen eyelids and/or a defect in the cornea. This is an immediate emergency that is often referred to a specialist for the best possible vision assessment, treatment options and prognosis. In conclusion, any unusual equine eye problem such as tearing, squinting or change in the appearance and/or color of a horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye should always be treated as an emergency. Seek medical attention with an ophthalmic exam from a veterinarian. With prompt and aggressive treatment, there is often an excellent prognosis for most equine ocular diseases.

Equine eye problems range from sources of irritation to hereditary problems to corneal ulcers and lacerations.

Susan E. Blackwell, CVT, Calusa Equine Veterinary Services

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FLORIDA 4-H

ADVENTURES IN VEGGIES GARDENERS OF ALL AGES CAN HAVE BOUNTIFUL HARVESTS IN FLORIDA

Written by: Chris Decubellis

lorida is a major vegetable-producing state and has been for a long time. Growing vegetables is a fun, rewarding hobby and its benefits—in addition to having fresh veggies and fruit—include exercise and even being therapeutic.

Young people often love planting seeds, growing plants and harvesting vegetables. The pastime helps families work together on a common goal of producing delicious, nutritious food for the table. And farmers’ markets clamor for locally produced veggies from small farms. Vegetable gardening is an excellent 4-H project. It’s also been my experience that many young people readily try new veggies after growing them in their gardens! Sunshine State newcomers sometimes have difficulty with gardening. Growing seasons, soil and pests differ from other states. Yet if Florida gardeners are mindful of planting dates and cultivars, and manage irrigation, nutrients and pests, they should grow bountiful harvests. The following are some considerations for success:

SITE SELECTION AND PLAN Choose a location that’s easy to access, has lots of sunshine and is well-drained. Most vegetables need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. You can even incorporate veggies into landscaping! After choosing your site, sketch out a plan for your garden. (Check with your local UF/IFAS Extension agent for assistance.) It’s often a good idea to incorporate organic matter into the soil. A soil test will help determine the pH of the site, and its fertilizer needs. Soil tests can be done through your

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local UF/IFAS Extension office. Allow several weeks to amend your soil and correct any pH issues.

PLANTING DATES AND CULTIVAR SELECTION Planting dates often differ from other

states—but the good news is that something is growing in Florida just about any time of the year! To determine what grows when and in what region, check out UF/ IFAS’s Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide at edis.ifas.ufl. edu/vh021. It’s also important to grow the proper varieties or cultivars. The guide lists recommended varieties of popular veggies for Florida’s climate.

IRRIGATION Because springtime is one of the driest periods in Florida, and it’s a popular time to garden, you’ll typically have to figure out a way to irrigate your plants. Also, some diseases such as blossom end rot on tomatoes and other plants are compounded by irregularly available water, which disrupts calcium intake. Irrigation methods include using a bucket of water and a cup, a watering can, a hand-held hose, a sprinkler or a drip irrigation system. Ideally, a drip irrigation system is best because it reduces overall water use, is better at delivering water to plants and reduces disease incidence often caused by overhead or sprinkler irrigation. If you must water overhead (using a sprinkler), it’s best to water first thing in the morning. When watering during the heat of the day, the sun evaporates a lot of the water before it goes into the ground. When watering in the evening, plants go into nighttime all wet and that can lead to fungus and disease. Overwatering is wasteful and doesn’t promote good root growth.

TOP LEFT AND TOP RIGHT PHOTOS COURTESY OF UF/IFAS EXTENSION

MANY YOUNG PEOPLE READILY TRY NEW VEGGIES AFTER GROWING THEM IN THEIR GARDENS!

Above left and right, Chris Decubellis helps his son, Josh, with his 4-H project vegetable garden, which is thriving. Young people often love planting seeds, growing plants and harvesting vegetables.

To decide how much to water, feel the soil for moisture or look at the plants themselves. When the soil forms a ball in your hands and sticks together, it’s moist enough. Wilted plants obviously need water. Most gardens need at least an inch of water a week. It’s better to water well once or twice a week than a light sprinkling every day.

NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT Most of the soil in Florida doesn’t provide or store essential nutrients very well for plants. That’s why it’s important to properly fertilize your garden. It’s a good idea to fertilize about a week before you plant, and disk or rake it in. After planting, you should side-dress every two or three weeks. Side dressing means placing fertilizer along the side of your plants

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FLORIDA 4-H FARMERS’ MARKETS CLAMOR FOR locally produced veggies from small farms. throughout the growing season. For veggies, make a half-inch furrow 2 to 3 inches wide down both sides of your row, about 5 inches away from your plants. Sprinkle fertilizer all down the row into these furrows (usually 2 or 3 pints per 100 feet of row) and then cover up the fertilizer. For large plants such as zucchini, make a circular furrow all around the plant. Most gardens need to be side-dressed to maximize veggie production and quality. But don’t overdo it or you’ll burn your plants. For info, see UF/IFAS’s Fertilizing the Garden at edis.ifas.ufl.edu/vh025.

PEST MANAGEMENT Florida vegetables are vulnerable to attack by a variety of insect pests. Warm temperatures and the long growing season enable insects to grow and develop. As a gardener, be sure

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to develop sound horticultural practices to aid in preventing, identifying and treating garden pest problems. Here are a few tips: • Keep a weed-free garden. Weeds supply food and cover for insects and also rob plants of nutrients and can decrease yield. Mow the grass around your garden to discourage pests. • Fertilize properly. Plants need the right nutrients to grow well and unhealthy plants are more susceptible to pest infestation. But sometimes an excess of nitrogen can promote too much lush green growth and attract insects such as aphids. • Water properly. Too much or too little water can weaken plants. Drought-stressed plants are more likely to attract spider mites. However, a garden that is too wet all the time, especially at night, makes a good home for insects and disease. • As you become a more proficient gardener, you’ll learn to identify plant pests. Read UF/ IFAS’s Insect Management in the Home Garden at edis.ifas.ufl.edu/vh036 for info on identifying insects. If you’re unable to identify an insect, take it to your local Extension office.

MULCH IN THE VEGETABLE GARDEN It’s simple and easy to mulch your

vegetable garden, which helps soil stay moist after watering and also helps keep weeds down. Mulch doesn’t have to be expensive. Most people have access to big oak trees and there’s lots of free mulch underneath them right now—leaves! Pine needles, hay, peat moss, straw, grass clippings, old dry manure, wood chips, sawdust or old stall shavings can also make good mulch. Even peanut hulls will work! If you use one of these, make sure to layer the mulch about 3 inches deep around your plants. (After they have sprouted, don’t mulch over your rows.) You can also use plastic mulch, if you’d like. Mulching will reduce your garden’s water needs by up to one-third, and organic mulches will help build your soil over time. Here’s hoping you try your hand at vegetable gardening. With planning, preparation, info and hard work, your family will soon be enjoying a successful harvest of delicious veggies!. Chris Decubellis is the Associate State Specialized 4-H Agent for Dairy and Animal Science. A native Floridian and a member of a west Pasco County pioneer family, Chris lives on a small cow-calf operation and family farm in Archer, Florida. F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M

COUNTRY ARTS

‘HORSE FEVER’ STILL RUNNING STRONG COUNTY-WIDE PUBLIC ART PROJECT FILLS OCALA WITH COLORFUL EQUINES

tanding 6 feet, 5 inches in height from tip of the ear to the ground, and 8 feet long, these horses are made of fiberglass and have a clear-coated finish to protect them from the elements. The horses—88 in all, located throughout greater Ocala, Florida—were designed and decorated by local artists as part of “Horse Fever.” It’s a series of events that took place during the past 15 or so years, with new horses added each time. The

horses are vivid, colorful and unique—because each was painted by an individual artist who offered his or her own vision. And the theme was obvious, because Ocala is known as the “Horse Capital of the World.” Examples of the works include a horse decorated with large, colorful flowers and stunning dragonflies; another in early Americana style, with soldiers and the flag. One horse’s design features a small-town setting,

THE HORSES ARE VIVID, COLORFUL AND UNIQUE— BECAUSE EACH WAS PAINTED BY AN INDIVIDUAL ARTIST WHO OFFERED HIS OR HER OWN VISION.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF CITY OF OCALA CULTURAL ARTS

Written by: Ava Isabel Grace

with businesses and homes, all resting on a ton of bricks; another was inspired by the Kentucky Derby and has cheering attendees and a winner’s cup.

TOP LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF COLLIER, JERNIGAN & GOEDERT, P.A; TOP RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF OCALA CULTURAL ARTS; BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF OCALA CULTURAL ARTS

The accounting firm of Collier, Jernigan & Goedert, P.A., purchased “Hi Ho Silver Springs,” a horse named after one of Florida’s original tourist attractions. “We use it as a landmark when giving directions to our location, and our clients love how beautiful it is,” notes partner Daryl L. Collier, CPA, MBA. When the firm acquired the horse, artist Kelli Money Huff was pleased to see that its final destination is in full sunlight. That’s because Huff painted it so that when the sun shines upon her creation, the horse shimmers. The horses gather a great deal of attention, to say the least, and they were made for a good cause—to help the Ocala-based Marion Cultural Alliance fund a cultural endowment established by the alliance. In addition, some of the earlier event funds went to the buyers’ charities of choice. “Horse Fever” was Ocala’s first county-wide public art project. It was sponsored through a partnership with the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association, the local business community, philanthropists, the City of Ocala, and volunteers. The horses brighten up Ocala and locals report that they love them. Also, many visitors come from afar to see the handsome herd located in various places throughout greater Ocala. Local businesses would first sponsor the horses, and then they would eventually be sold to private buyers. However, nine are still located on city of Ocala property. “One sold for an impressive $85,000 at auction,” explains Jaye Baillie, executive director of the Marion Cultural Alliance. And fans can also purchase a variety of “Horse Fever” merchandise at the alliance gift store, such as mugs, posters and figurines. Considering its ongoing popularity, “Horse Fever” won’t be put out to pasture any time soon. Ava Isabel Grace is a Florida resident who loves the country.

ROUNDUP Marion Cultural Alliance 23 SW Broadway St., Ocala 352-369-1500, .mcaocala.com

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HORSIN' AROUND

EQUINE ROYALTY IN ALL ITS GLORY HERRMANN’S ROYAL LIPIZZAN STALLIONS OF FLORIDA IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC he magnificent Lipizzan horse breed was developed in the 16th century with the support of Hapsburg nobles. According to the Lipizzan Association of North America, the Hapsburgs “controlled Spain and Austria when the art of classical riding was revived in Europe. There was a need for light, fast horses for use in the military and the Spanish Riding School of Vienna.” An early stud farm was in Lipizza (now Lipica), which is located in modern-day Slovenia. Lipizzans were bred to be beautiful, sturdy and intelligent. They are well-known for

their spectacular “airs above the ground” classical dressage movements, as well as their friendly personalities, and often live to be 40 years old. The Lipizzan Association of North America notes that during World War II, the breed was threatened with extinction. It owes its survival in part to U.S. Army Gen. George S. Patton. Two Austrians, Col. Ottomar Herrmann Sr. and his son, Col. Ottomar Herrmann Jr., were key in assisting Patton with rescuing the horses from enemy lines. Those horses were ridden by night and hidden by day, with their ultimate destination being the United States. Upon

PEOPLE COME FROM ALL OVER TO SEE OUR HORSES.” —Gabriella Herrmann

Lipizzans were bred to be beautiful, sturdy and intelligent. They have friendly personalities and often live to be 40 years old.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF HERRMANN’S ROYAL LIPIZZAN STALLIONS

Written by: Ava Isabel Grace

reaching the U.S., Col. Ottomar Herrmann Sr. later established a 200-acre ranch in Myakka City, Florida, to house and propagate the Lipizzans. Today, the ranch is still owned by the Herrmann family and comprises 25 acres and 26 horses. With fewer than 3,000 purebred Lipizzans in the world, the breed is considered rare, and the number of foals born each year is correspondingly small, the Lipizzan Association of North America explains. Fortunately, things have changed greatly since the days when the horses were hidden away and when access was given only to royalty or members of the military.

With fewer than 3,000 purebred Lipizzans in the world, the breed is considered rare.

TOP PHOTO COURTESY OF HERRMANN’S ROYAL LIPIZZAN STALLIONS

For a charge of $5 per person— which helps with the costs of caring for the Lipizzans—the public is welcome to visit the Herrmann Ranch. Guests can watch the horses gracefully perform training sessions, which take place in an arena from December through April.

LOR RIID DAACC O OU UNTRYM NTRYMAAG GAAZZIIN NEE..CC O OM M FFLO

LIPIZZANS ARE WELL-KNOWN FOR their spectacular “airs above the ground” classical dressage movements.

These training sessions are held on Thursdays and Fridays at 3 p.m. and on Saturdays at 10 a.m., and last about an hour and 20 minutes. It’s a family-type event and many guests arrive about 45 minutes early so they can wander the grounds, visit the stables and perhaps meet riders and trainers. Visitors often bring a folding chair, and even snacks and drinks. “People come from all over to see our horses,” explains Gabriella Herrmann, who owns the ranch and horses. She is the daughter and granddaughter, respectively, of Col. Ottomar Herrmann Jr. and Col. Ottomar Herrmann Sr. When not at the ranch, the horses and their trainers travel around the country. They show off their glory at events, fairs, arenas and theme parks—always stunning onlookers with their magnificence.

11 Southwest Florida Locations View Our Menu at ribcity.com

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Ava Isabel Grace is a Florida resident who love the country.

ROUNDUP

Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallions 32755 Singletary Road Myakka City, Florida 941-322-1501, hlipizzans.com Training sessions open for public viewing for $5 per person, December to April, on Thursdays and Fridays at 3 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HERRMANN’S ROYAL LIPIZZAN STALLIONS

with Adult Meal Purchase. One Chicken Leg and Fries. Dine-In Only.

HORSIN' AROUND

THE FLORIDA CRACKER HORSE IS A TRUE NATIVE BREED PROMOTED AS VITAL AND VALUABLE PART OF STATE’S HERITAGE

Written by: Kym Rouse Holzwart

true native Floridian for more than 500 years, the Florida Cracker Horse is living history. This breed descends from horses that Spanish explorers brought to Florida in the 1500s, beginning with Ponce de León in 1521.

LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF LISA KEEP HARMON; RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF FLORIDA CRACKER HORSE ASSOCIATION

Similar to other breeds developed and introduced by the Spanish to the New World, its ancestry can be traced to horses of early 16th-century Spain. The horses and cattle that the explorers left to survive in Florida’s harsh environment adapted and evolved into the hardy Florida Cracker Horse and Florida Cracker Cow, respectively.

Florida has been cattle country since the late 1500s; early American cowboys were nicknamed “Florida Crackers” because of the distinctive cracking of their long whips in the air when driving cattle. This name was transferred to the horses they rode and the cattle they drove. It took an extraordinary horse to deal with the sly, lean, tough Cracker Cattle, which were adept at living in swampy, scrubby Florida. These cow-smart horses were known for their agility, speed, endurance and toughness. They were also comfortable to ride, which was important when spending long days in the saddle working cattle in wild Florida. When ranches were established in the early 1800s by Florida’s pioneering families, the value of these horses for use in the thriving cattle business was recognized. These horses were the predominant type in the Southeast from the mid-1500s through the 1930s. At left, Lisa Keep Harmon of Live Oak, Florida, enjoys trailing riding with her Cracker Horse mare. In 1991, the Florida Cracker Horse Association established a registry of 75 purebred, foundation horses.

IT TOOK AN EXTRAORDINARY HORSE TO DEAL WITH THE SLY, LEAN, TOUGH CRACKER CATTLE, WHICH WERE ADEPT AT LIVING IN SWAMPY, SCRUBBY FLORIDA. F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M

HORSIN' AROUND As a result of the Great Depression during the 1930s, a government relief program shipped cattle from the Dust Bowl into Florida. This program had an unintended consequence and changed how cattle were managed: The large western cattle brought the parasitic screwworm with them. Before the screwworm, small horses were used to herd and drive free-roaming, small cattle. After the screwworm introduction, cattle management included fencing, dipping vats, and roping and holding cattle for treatment. The Florida Cracker Horses, bred for working small cattle, were not able to hold the large western cattle. A larger, stronger horse was needed—the American Quarter Horse. With the arrival of Quarter Horses to Florida, Cracker Horses lost their demand and became very rare. Thanks to some of Florida’s ranching families, who continued to breed and use Cracker Horses, the state’s tough little work horse survived. John Law Ayers donated his herd of Florida Cracker Horses to the state in 1984. From this herd, three small herds of Cracker Horses were established in Withlacoochee State Forest, Paynes Prairie State Preserve and Tallahassee. These herds and about 100 other privately owned horses were all that remained of the breed by 1989. The Florida Cracker Horse Association, or FCHA, was formed in 1989 with the purpose of searching for remnant herds of Cracker Horses and to preserve it as a distinct and unique Colonial Spanish horse breed.

The Florida Cracker Horse was designated the official state heritage horse in 2008.

PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF FLORIDA CRACKER HORSE ASSOCIATION

In 1991, the FCHA established a registry; 75 of the remaining horses, mainly from four lines of Cracker bloodstock, were designated as purebred, founda-

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tion horses, and 14 of their colts were registered. Further information is available at floridacrackerhorseassociation.com. The versatile, tough, fast and agile Florida Cracker Horse is a gaited horse breed. They have two ground-covering, comfortable gaits: the running walk and single-foot ambling gait. Cracker Horses are typically gray, black or bay, although chestnut, dun and grullo are common. They are small horses, standing 13.2 to 15.2 hands tall and weighing 700 to 1,000 pounds. The head is refined and the neck is fairly narrow, not cresty like other breeds of Spanish descent. The withers are pronounced but not prominent, the shoulders are long and sloping, and the back is short, narrow and strong. In addition to being outstanding working cow horses, Florida Cracker Horses excel in trail and distance riding, team penning and roping, barrel racing, polo and obstacles. In 2008, the breed was designated as the official state heritage horse of Florida. There are now more than 1,000 registered Cracker Horses and the breed is promoted as a vital and valuable part of Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heritage. The state continues to maintain groups of Ayers-line horses in Withlacoochee State Forest, Paynes Prairie State Preserve and Tallahassee. A sale is held every fall to sell horses from the three herds, as well as horses that are privately bred. Kym Rouse Holzwart is a multi-generational native Floridian, an ecologist, co-proprietor of Spotted Dance Ranch, and has been a freelance and technical writer for over 30 years.

In addition to the walk, trot and canter, the Cracker Horse has a running walk and a single-foot ambling gait. F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M

FLORIDA HARVEST

NEW OYSTER FARMING TECHNIQUES MAKING WAVES IN FLORIDA OUTLAW OYSTER CO. PUTS PANACEA ON THE MAP FOR ITS HIGHLY DESIRABLE BIVALVES

f course it’s an especially hard time now in the Florida Panhandle, ever since Hurricane Michael hit in October. And, in recent years, it’s no secret that the beloved oyster beds found along the Panhandle, especially the famed Apalachicola oysters, have been depleted because of water legislation issues. The ongoing legal battle is deemed the “tri state” water battle between Florida, Georgia and Alabama. Amid this depletion, a new method of farming for oysters has been developed that, for many, is quickly becoming a way of life. Not only does it produce a delicious product, but it is also environmentally sustainable. In Panacea, Florida, a small coastal town with more boat landings than restaurants, local commercial fisherman Blake Gardner and his girlfriend, Denita Sassor, left their previous jobs to pursue the bivalve business full time. Longtime water lovers with years of experience by Florida’s salty seas, the two saw an opportunity to revamp the oyster farming business in their community and put Panacea on the map for its highly desirable Gulf Coast oysters.

They have since built Outlaw Oyster Co. It’s a viable business that undoubtedly maintains its small-town charm—and also ranks as one of the premier oyster retailers in the nation. The oyster farming process begins with the purchase of oyster seeds, which are baby oysters. The babies are a quarter of an inch to half an inch long, and have undergone a controlled reproduction process that makes oyster farming possible. Once the baby “Outlaws” are in hand, they are placed in large, black floating bags where they feed for several months. The floating bags enable the oysters to feed on nutrients at the top of the water and stay off the bottom, unlike traditional oyster farming. This ultimately leads to less grit, silt and mud in the finished product—a rarity and reward for any oyster aficionado. As the Outlaw Oyster Co. farmers say: “We don’t raise bottom feeders.” The second step that makes this new farming technique unique, and sets Outlaw oysters apart from the rest, is that the oysters are sorted by size in a custom-built tumbler.

Top, oysters farmers always say, "The office view doesn’t suck.” Above, Outlaw Oyster Co.'s floating farming technique allows for smoother shells with less sediment and bacteria.

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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF OUTLAW OYSTER

Written by: Katey McClenny

THE FLOATING BAGS ENABLE THE OYSTERS to feed on nutrients at the top of the water and stay off the bottom, unlike traditional oyster farming.

Boat, gloves—and Outlaw oysters going for a spin (top)—are all part of a day's work. Above are the floating bags, which allow the oysters to feed on nutrients at the top of the water. Below, Outlaw Oyster Co. co-owner Blake Gardner puts the oysters through the custom-built tumbler for sorting.

The oyster groups are then placed back in floating bags and allowed to continue eating and growing. This enables all the oysters to receive food and ensures that the “big boys” don’t overpower the smaller guys. The floating bags are periodically flipped to allow for vitamin D intake, killing algae, barnacles and bacteria on the shell. It also breaks away any extra shell ridge, creating smoother, meatier oysters. Outlaw oysters purify around 50 gallons of water on average per day, providing Florida’s Gulf Coast with an added benefit of cleaner oceans and bays. After about 6 to 8 months, the oysters are ready to be sold. Outlaw Oyster Co. has a storefront located off Highway 98 in Panacea, where it sells retail and wholesale oysters and oyster farming equipment. It also ships its

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FLORIDA HARVEST OUTLAW OYSTERS PURIFY AROUND 50 GALLONS OF WATER ON AVERAGE PER DAY.

At left are fresh Outlaw oysters. Outlaw Oyster Co. co-owners Denita Sassor and Gardner (above) haul in a bag of oysters to sort.

oysters all over the country to restaurants, families, friends, caterers—anyone in need of a salty fix. And if you happen to be enjoying some fresh seafood and a cold beverage at Mad Anthony’s Waterfront Grille in Panacea—rebuilt since the hurricane—you may just see the oyster farmers heading out to work. As they say, “The office view doesn’t suck.” Whatever way you enjoy them—raw, steamed, fried or right out of the shell—oyster farmers such as Gardner and Sassor are ensuring that you can continue enjoying Florida fresh oysters safely and sustainably. From tide to table, they are raising up “killer oysters.” And that’s some shuckin’ good news.

ROUNDUP Outlaw Oyster Co. 11 Rock Landing Road Panacea, Florida 850-841-9344, outlawoyster.com

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF OUTLAW OYSTER

Katey McClenny is an avid outdoorswoman and blogger who has spent most of her life on the beaches and cattle ranches of Florida. When she’s not writing, she can be found spending time with her dogs and horses.

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LOCAL FLAVOR

HORSIN AROUND DELI NOW HAS MORE HANDS NEW CO-OWNERS DELIGHTED TO DISH UP ITS WELL-KNOWN, DELICIOUS FOOD Written by: Ava Isabel Grace

Scalora worked many years in the restaurant industry; however, it was for a large chain. She fell in love with the small-town feel of the deli, both the country atmosphere and the delicious food, and before she knew it, she and Grgurich were the new owners. “Our manager, Kevin Ellis, has a good amount of experience. That, along with our other hardworking employees, [means] you are sure to find friendly service and great food,” notes Grgurich. And for all of you longtime Horsin Around Deli lovers out there, don’t worry too much. The new owners are sticking to the old saying: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

They have no plans to change the well-known menu, which is filled with delicious “Signature Sandwiches” such as the World-Famous Cuban—seriously, out of this world—and the Redneck Reuben. The latter is covered with homemade coleslaw and topped with Thousand Island dressing and Swiss cheese, so it’s amazing! Breakfast won’t change either—good news, again—because you can still get favorites such as the Politically Incorrect Sandwich. It’s made with thick-sliced fried bologna and topped with two fried eggs, two bacon strips, mayo and melted pepper jack cheese. Country Biscuits and Gravy are made with homemade gravy, of course. And did we forget to mention the Pulled Pork on Garlic Toast or the Bacon Cheddar Melt? The menu also offers a variety of wraps, paninis, Angus burgers and soups-of-the-day. Plus, there are a healthy corners section and a children’s menu with some of the usual favorites, including a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

At left, new owners Emily Grgurich and Jenna Scalora have no plans to change the deli's well-known menu filled with delicious "Signature Sandwiches."

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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY SCARLETT REDENIUS

eet Emily Grgurich and Jenna Scalora—the new co-owners of Horsin Around Deli, a popular dining spot located in North Fort Myers. Grgurich started working at the deli when she was 16, left for a bit to work elsewhere, and has now returned. “As we all know, ‘There’s no place like home,’ ” Grgurich says with a smile.

At top, desserts still include lots of yummy choices. The new owners say that their customers, whether longtime patrons or new to the restaurant, are "like family."

Desserts still include yummy choices such as cherry cheesecake and peanut butter pies, along with a variety of cakes, brownies and cookies. The everpopular salad bar is chock-full of delicious and healthy choices. Once you get your food, eat inside at a table, at the front counter or outside at a shady picnic table—where you might spot another regular like yourself. Grgurich and Scalora both cherish the deli and enjoy the customers who have quickly become like family to them, whether they are longtime patrons or are new to the restaurant. “We cannot thank them enough for their loyalty and support,” Grgurich adds. Ava Isabel Grace is a Florida resident who love the country.

ROUNDUP Horsin Around Deli 10440 Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers 239-567-4663, facebook.com/ horsinarounddeli Monday through Saturday; closed Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; breakfast served until 10:30 a.m. F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M

LOCAL FLAVOR

SADDLE UP FOR A GREAT MEAL TEXAS ROADHOUSE DELIVERS LEGENDARY FOOD AND DRINKS—AND A WHOLE LOT MORE or a steak lover, it’s all about fresh beef that is aged to perfection. Take that, along with portions cut by hand, then seared and grilled just right by chefs, and you’ve got what makes Texas Roadhouse’s great-tasting steaks.

Concerning drinks, the ice-cold beer is always popular. But the company’s six margaritas, such as the Jamaican Cowboy—made with Malibu® Rum and DeKuyper® Peachtree® and orange and pineapple juices, along with a splash of Texas Roadhouse’s original margarita—are legendary.

And that is whether the Western-themed restaurant chain’s steaks are New York strips, bone-in ribeyes, Dallas filets, or USDA choice sirloins. “Our 6-ounce sirloin is the top seller,” notes Travis Doster, a Texas Roadhouse spokesman.

Diners looking for something other than steak, well, Texas Roadhouse has that too, such as its slow-cooked, award-winning ribs. “Our ribs take three days to make and are literally fall-off-the-bone [ribs],” adds Doster.

Texas Roadhouse, which was founded in 1993, operates throughout the nation and overseas. In Southwest Florida, there are restaurants in Fort Myers and Naples. By the end of 2018, the chain expects to have 33 locations in the Sunshine State. Its 6-ounce cut is the smallest sirloin on the menu. For patrons who want a little more meat on their plate, there are equally delicious 8-ounce, 11-ounce and even 16-ounce steaks. The meal comes with two sides—all made-from-scratch— such as steak fries, buttered corn, house salad or sweet potato that you can have loaded with mini-marshmallows and caramel sauce. Along with the fixings comes freshly baked bread that is made by in-house bakers and served with honey-cinnamon butter.

There are several chicken dishes, including oven-roasted and country-fried, along with burgers, sandwiches, salads and seafood such as catfish and shrimp. Gluten-friendly choices are available, as well as a children’s menu. While the company is dedicated to offering delicious food for a great value, it is also dedicated to great service. In fact, most of the wait staff have only three tables to handle at a time, so they can tend to their tables as often as needed. This highly acclaimed restaurant chain is open for dinner during the week, and for both lunch and dinner on weekends. No matter what you decide to order, it’s going to be good, any way you slice it. Ava Isabel Grace is a Florida resident who loves the country.

At top, what could go better with a Texas Roadhouse meal than a cold beer in a frosty mug. Below, prime rib is cooked to perfection—just the way it should be made.

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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF TEXAS ROADHOUSE

Written by: Ava Isabel Grace

TEXAS ROADHOUSE, WHICH WAS FOUNDED IN 1993, OPERATES THROUGHOUT THE NATION AND OVERSEAS.

ROUNDUP

8021 Dani Drive, Fort Myers 239-561-7428, texasroadhouse.com 6815 Collier Boulevard, Naples 239-417-1111, texasroadhouse.com

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COUNTRY CALIBER

‘CAN YOU OUTSHOOT A CATTLEWOMAN?’ LADIES IN FLORIDA’S BEEF INDUSTRY ARE ABSOLUTELY AWESOME

he sister organization associated with the Florida Cattlemen’s Association is Florida CattleWomen, Inc.—and these ladies are a force to be reckoned with! This group of women promotes women in the cattle and beef industries. Many of the members are wives who have assisted their husbands and raised their families on Florida ranchlands that have been in the family for generations. Its official mission statement is “to foster the well-being of the beef industry through education and promotion, in cooperation with the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and Florida Beef Council.” The ladies don’t just stay in their own state, either, as an event in late July attested to. Immediate past president Rhonda Waters, president Debbie Gill, treasurer Casie Holloway and American National CattleWomen parliamentarian Reba Mazak attended the ANCW Summer Conference in Denver. At the conference, president Gill even met her name doppelganger—the Debbie Gill from Texas!

And Holloway, of Land O’Lakes, is this year’s recipient of the Outstanding CattleWoman of the Year award. She joins a long list of fantastic fellow CattleWomen to have received the coveted honor. The 10-member executive board spends the summer months planning events for the upcoming year. Their annual executive retreat gives them an introduction to the plans of the president-elect. This past August saw them tour the Carlton Ward Art Studio in Tampa, followed by a team-building cooking class at a Sur La Table store. That’s where the ladies shared their knowledge of cooking beef—of course!—with the other class participants. Gill, of Hillsborough County, says, “I am so humbled and honored to be the 2019 president. As a cattlemen’s wife, I have worked daily alongside my husband, Anthony, for 35 years. “I have a true passion for promoting not only our Florida beef industry, but the great ladies of our Florida ranches that have so much knowledge and history to share about

At top is a participant from last year's clay shoot fundraising event. Florida CattleWomen, several of whom are shown here, honor their mission of "fostering the well-being of the beef industry through education and promotion."

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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF FLORIDA CATTLEWOMEN

Written by: Kathy Ann Gregg

what it takes to live, work and raise a family on the land,” she adds. Thus, it’s no surprise that the theme for her reign is “Florida Women in Ranching.” The CattleWomen group is very dedicated to promoting youth who want to be involved in the beef industry. One way is the organization’s Florida Beef Ambassador Program. It’s open to young people ages 12 to 20, with junior and senior ambassadors. The goal is for ambassadors to provide consumers with information about beef nutrition, safety and convenience. “Can You Outshoot a CattleWoman?” is the name of the group’s largest fundraiser, set for Jan. 5, 2019, at Quail Creek Plantation in Okeechobee. This will be the 11th year that the organization has held the clay shoot event, which has proven to be very successful.

The 2018-2019 executive board members are (above from left) Beth Hunt, Vina Jean Banks, Rhonda Waters, Michelle Grimmer, Debbie Gill, Lacy McKettrick, Holly Newsome, Rebecca Finley, Casie Holloway and Michele Curts. Below, the women shared their knowledge of cooking beef at a Sur La Table store last summer.

The ladies laugh when they recall the 2011 event: “With temperatures in the mid-30s and rain all day long, we still had more than 50 shooters stick with us through the whole day!” There are teams of men, and women, and they are joined by the Wounded Warriors team. The CattleWomen serve up a steak dinner—with all the fixin’s—that everyone raves about! In addition to the clay shoot, there are gun raffles and door prizes, along with other activities. Proceeds from the event are used to fund scholarships given by the CattleWomen, including for Florida 4-H

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COUNTRY CALIBER THE CATTLEWOMEN GROUP is very dedicated to promoting youth who want to be involved in the beef industry. This year's Beef Ambassadors include junior ambassador Molly McKettrick of DeSoto County (above center, wearing necklace) and senior ambassador Tara Holtzendorf of Bradford County (wearing green shirt). Below from left, immediate past president Rhonda Waters presented gifts at the annual convention last June to "mentors" Beth Hunt, Kim Welch Strickland and Reba Mazak.

youth, the Jan Dillard Memorial Scholarship (which is awarded annually at the Florida State Fair) and University of Florida scholarships for agricultural communication/ education, animal science and veterinary medicine. Wow! Actually, I guess the event name should be changed to: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Can You Outshoot, Outcook, Out-travel, Outwork, Out-anything a Florida CattleWoman?â&#x20AC;?!

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FLORIDA CATTLEWOMEN

Kathy Ann Gregg is a Florida writer and photographer, with a particular love for anything cowboy and cattle related. She wishes to thank the various CattleWomen who took time out of their busy schedules to assist with this article.

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F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M

RODEO PROFILES

THE PRCA’S TOP ROOKIE BULL RIDER FLORIDIAN CLAYTON WAYNE SELLARS TAKES NO. 1 SPOT Written by: Kathy Ann Gregg

Clayton Wayne Sellars closed the 2017-2018 bull riding season in 19th place in the RAM World Standings of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, or PRCA. His earnings exceeded $90,000—and all of this in his rookie year! For most of the season, Sellars was standing in the Top 15, a ranking that would have entitled him to a coveted spot in the National Finals Rodeo taking place Dec. 6-15 in Las Vegas. But it was not to be, as standings shifted during the last few weeks of competition. But there is no shame in being bumped out by the seasoned pros who will be at The Thomas & Mack Center. This tall, lanky young man, with his soft Southern drawl, looks right at home in his cowboy hat, and boots and spurs. Sellars often wears a black shirt underneath his black competition vest, and with his hat and chaps, he cuts quite a figure sitting confidently astride a 1,500- to 2,000-pound bull in the arena. Sellars began riding calves at the age of 6, in the Combee Rodeo Association in Lakeland, Florida. He worked his way up the ranks, riding steers and then fullgrown bulls, competing not only at Combee, but also in the statewide organizations of All Florida

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Junior Rodeo Association, then Cinch Junior High and on to Florida High School Rodeo Association. He qualified for the Junior High National Finals during both seventh and eighth grades, going to Gallup, New Mexico, in the events of bull riding and chute doggin’. During his high school years, Sellars traveled to Gillette, Wyoming, for those national finals as a freshman, junior and senior, ending those events with respectable finishes near the top in the nation. After graduating from Leesburg High in 2017, Sellars headed west, to attend Western Texas College in Snyder, Texas, on a rodeo scholarship. His major is agricultural business and he is a member of the Westerners rodeo team. And this past June saw him compete in—and take second place at—the College National Finals Rodeo, held in Casper, Wyoming. Greg Rhodes, coach of the Westerners rodeo team, speaks highly of his star pupil: “Clayton is an ideal student/athlete. He takes care of his classes and is a professional when it comes time to work on his bull riding. It is always a pleasure working with individuals that are truly dedicated to becoming one of the top rodeo athletes in the world.” Having obtained his PRCA Rookie Card in October 2017, Sellars went on a mission to compete in a record number of pro rodeos. That took him from California on the West Coast back to his home state of Florida on the East Coast, participating in 165 rodeo performances in between. “My favorite rodeo was the Pendleton Round-Up in Oregon

PHOTO BY HANNAH WAGNER, PHOTO EDITOR MACKENZIE HOLMBERG

hen the Sellars family of Fruitland Park, Florida, took home their third child on that June day in 1998, no one had a clue that the little blue bundle would rocket to fame in the rodeo world.

BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF CLAYTON WAYNE SELLARS; OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF HUBBELL RODEO PHOTOS

Photos on opposite page and this page show Sellars at the College National Finals Rodeo. It was held in Casper, Wyoming, and Sellars placed second.

[in September]—it’s a high-caliber rodeo with the atmosphere of a good time.” Sellars continues: “My most memorable rodeo was San Antonio. I rode five of my seven bulls, plus it was my first time being there.” The San Antonio Rodeo & Stock Show is an 18-day event held annually in February, and in 2018 it paid out $1,543,500 in prize money. When asked if he remembers his highest score, Sellars responds—with no hesitation whatsoever! “It was a 90-point ride in Deadwood, South Dakota, on 255 ‘Hot Axe’ of Brookman Pro Rodeo.”

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Sellars at his favorite rodeo of last season, the Pendleton RoundUp in Oregon.

HAVING OBTAINED HIS PRCA ROOKIE CARD in October 2017, Sellars went on a mission to compete in a record number of pro rodeos. This humble Floridian holds Sage Kimzey as his rodeo hero “because he is mentally strong and continues to break records.” Kimzey was the 2017 World Champion bull rider, and heads into 2018's National Finals Rodeo in the No. 1 position. Sellars has also become quite famous for the “YuHaul Escapade.” He and fellow bull rider Tristan Mize missed their initial flight into Phoenix, on their way to the final go-round of the Yuma (Arizona) Jaycees Silver Spur Rodeo. They tried to rent a car but were too young. Then Sellars remembered hearing about some riders once renting a U-Haul, so that’s what they did.

This young rodeo athlete has many years of thrills and chills ahead of him. Clayton Sellars is a name that no doubt will become a part of rodeo history! Kathy Ann Gregg, a professional rodeo photographer and writer, has known Clayton since he was 8, along with his brother, Austin, and sister, Morgan. And like his family, she is extremely proud of Clayton’s accomplishments!

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PHOTO BY HUBBELL RODEO PHOTOS

The announcer at Yuma couldn’t believe what he was seeing—he thought they were the caterers for the VIP area. Even the PRCA website did a story on them. And Sellars placed second in that event with a score of 80, with Mize right behind him in third place with a 79.

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THE ARENA

SEMINOLE TRIBE’S BRIGHTON FIELD DAYS & PRCA RODEO TRADITION OF INDIANS AND COWBOYS CONTINUES eep in Glades County, down on Highway 721, is where one of the six reservations of the Seminole Tribe of Florida is located. And every February, the tribe hosts its Brighton Field Days & PRCA Rodeo at the Fred Smith Arena off Harney Pond Road. In 2019, the event is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 15, through Sunday, Feb. 17. Vendor booths line the outdoors area, where Native American artwork, arts and crafts, and clothing can be purchased. And if hunger hits, there are plenty of booths and concession areas where you can obtain the usual cuisine, or be daring and try some of the native foods—traditional Indian pumpkin bread, fry bread and other exotic fare to tempt your palate. Wander a little further and you will discover the Indian Village at the Seminole Culture Camp, where the culture and way of life of this proud people is on display. The buildings are the chickee huts of old, and the tribe members are dressed in their traditional garb. The women elders

can be seen making the palmetto husk dolls, weaving baskets and sewing their very colorful clothing. They also demonstrate how cooking was done in earlier times. The Seminoles will share with you how the reservation was established in 1936, but the members were scattered throughout the area. Two years later, a pair of teachers, William Boehmer and his wife, Edith, were sent to the reservation to teach the residents in a single-room schoolhouse. The Boehmers wanted to hold a barbecue to bring the entire community together in a single gathering—and the first annual Brighton Field Days took place that year, 1938. They held sack races, three-legged races, various jumping games and a contest in which contestants would race down to a suitcase and see how much clothing they could adorn themselves with. It wasn’t until sometime in the 1950s when the tribe decided to open Brighton Field Days to the public as spectators. The games had grown to include baby contests, Indian clothing contests and field events, including log peeling.

Top left, Indian relay racers try to overtake each other on the track. Right, FSU's Osceola rides Renegade into the arena, to start Saturday's PRCA Rodeo. Above, a hand-to-hand combat demonstration is performed by Osceola's Warrior Legacy.

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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF SEMINOLE TRIBE OF FLORIDA

Written by: Kathy Ann Gregg

Nowadays, this three-day event is a high-budget festival, with so many activities taking place that a person can hardly see everything in only a day. This is the third year of the freestyle alligator wrestling, which takes place all three days. Twelve wrestlers have three minutes each with an alligator in the ring, doing their best to impress the judges, and the spectators, in order to advance to the next round of competition. The Indian relay race is a highlight of many Western rodeos, and the tribe from Washington State that excels at this event will be putting on exhibitions during the three days. There is also a horse race, open to local contestants, for a cash prize. There are still the Indian clothing contests and a women’s traditional hairstyle contest. Added to those are Osceola’s Warrior Legacy, who perform weapons demonstrations and the hand-to-hand combat of older times. The arena hosts the various dance troupes—White Mountain Apache Crown Dancers from White River, Arizona, and Cellicion Traditional Zuni Dancers from New Mexico’s Zuni Pueblo, along with the pow-wow performed by the Haskell

NOWADAYS, THIS THREE-DAY EVENT is a high-budget festival, with so many activities taking place that a person can hardly see everything in only a day.

At top are Cellicion Traditional Zuni Dancers. Inset shows members of the Haskell Dance Performers & Drum Group. Clockwise from below are a Freestyle Alligator Wrestling Competitions contestant; Seminole women cooking traditional foods; and a Haskell dancer.

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THE ARENA Dance Performers & Drum Group. There will also be a variety of singing groups. This year, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo is being extended to all three days, at 3 p.m. in the Fred Smith Arena. It offers bareback and saddle-bronc riding, bull riding, tie-down and team roping, steer wrestling, and the ladies of barrel racing. Saturday includes a parade at 10 a.m., featuring the Florida State University Marching Chiefs, accompanied by the famous Osceola and Renegade, a spectacular leopard Appaloosa. They will also be performing the national anthem at the start of that day’s PRCA rodeo, with a flaming spear being planted in the arena grounds. Lewis Gopher, this year’s head of Brighton Field Days, says the event’s mission “is to show how the relationship between the American cowboys (the rodeo contestants) and the Native American peoples (as displayed in the remainder of the festival) has grown.” He continues, “We think it’s pretty good nowadays.” Come see for yourself! Kathy Ann Gregg is a Florida writer and photographer who enjoys rodeos and Native American dancing groups, as well as fry bread.

ROUNDUP Brighton Seminole Reservation, 500 Harney Pond Road, Okeechobee Feb. 15-17, 2019. Opens 9 a.m. Friday; 8:30 a.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. Sunday Tickets $20 per day; school groups enter free Friday if pre-arranged

brightonfielddays.com; Facebook: brighton field days Instagram: @Brighton Field Day Festival

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PHOTO COURTESY OF SEMINOLE TRIBE OF FLORIDA

Contact Lewis Gopher: 863-763-4128, ext.15468

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Written by: CALLY SIMPSON

hen people talk about hunting birds in Florida, the first thing that always comes to my mind is quail. And if you’ve read some of my previous articles, you know I’m pretty obsessed with quail. However, this time, I’m forcing my brain to switch gears and talk about duck hunting.

Yes, I know, when the subject is duck hunting, Florida is not a state that one immediately thinks of. But let me tell you, if you’re an avid waterfowl hunter, you’re missing out not to consider Florida.

Let’s look at it from a different perspective: While Florida has very few days that freeze, we do have alligators—who retrieve ducks, but are horrible about delivering them to hand, like a good dog will! And much to my mom’s dismay, Florida has snakes. Thus, while our waterfowlers don’t necessarily battle harsh elements in pursuit of their quarry, they do battle other obstacles. Just because the temperature isn’t cold, it doesn’t mean it’s any less of a hunt than anywhere else. Our waterfowl hunters still put in the time scouting birds and are just as meticulous about their decoy spreads. In fact, Duck Hunting Na-

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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY CALLY SIMPSON

Concerning a lot of the guys I know who hunt, it’s not waterfowl season if ice isn’t freezing to their beard and they’re not busting holes for the birds to land in. (Sitka loves these guys!)

Just because the temperature in Florida isn't cold, it doesn't mean it's any less of a waterfowl hunt than anywhere else.

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Florida is a part of the Atlantic Flyaway and hosts approximately 20 species of waterfowl.

That puts us in the same company as Texas, the Dakotas, Nebraska and several other states where hunters flock in pursuit of waterfowl. The numbers might surprise y’all, but during the last survey, 183,400 ducks were harvested, 800 geese and 13,500 licenses were sold. That makes the average 13.6 ducks per hunter last year, with Mississippi averaging only slightly better at 15.6. Florida is a part of the Atlantic Flyaway and hosts approximately 20 species of waterfowl, including the elusive mottled duck (A. fulvigula fulvigula, or Florida duck) found in only the Sunshine State. We’re also one of the few places where the black-bellied whistling duck can be found as well. While these species are found fairly prevalently, the other species’ populations are directly related to the weather. When the weather turns cold up North, it pushes the birds south. The colder it gets north of us, the more birds we’ll have. There are always some resident ducks that live in certain places year round, but they are a little harder to hunt. They know the area and generally don’t tolerate much hunting pressure before they move to a new location. Hunters in our state usually employ one of two methods for bagging a limit: They may scout an area and decide on a place to set up a blind and decoys and call birds in. Or, they may jump shoot, meaning they walk along shallow waterways waiting for birds to pass by or stir up. Either option will more than likely get you some birds—if you’re a good enough shot! Man’s “best friend” comes into play for Florida waterfowl hunting, too, because what is any sort of bird hunting

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without your faithful companion by your side? Dogs can be used with blind hunting and jump shooting. A welltrained retriever can enjoy all different types of hunting in Florida, from waterfowl to quail hunting, dove hunting and everything in between. But I’m getting off track and going back to quail! Ha! Returning to waterfowl now …

Florida actually plays a big part in the yearly cycle of the species of waterfowl that visit the state. While they are with us, it’s a non-breeding time of year for the birds. They’re trying to get in the best possible body condition for breeding season. This helps to propagate more healthy birds that hatch healthy chicks—directly impacting the numbers of birds seen annually. Statistics show populations on the rise. Farmers and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission manage lands specifically to help these birds have a winter season that prepares them for a trip back to the North in the spring and to breed the best possible new generation. So, the next time your waterfowl buddies from up North try to discount Florida as a destination spot for migratory birds, please educate them on the rich hunting that is available in our state. Inform them that if they’re any sort of duck hunters, they’ll want to hunt our areas and add birds to their trophy walls—birds that can only be bagged this far south. If they don’t follow your advice, just giggle to yourself the next time you’re out in your blind with your four-legged hunting buddy, enjoying a beautiful day of watching birds cup. And remember, they had to bust through inches of ice and worry about things freezing off—in pursuit of their hunt! Cally Simpson is a mother of a beautiful boy and loves to travel around the state commemorating our history and heritage. Check her blog, callyinwonderland.com.

PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY CALLY SIMPSON

tion through Realtree, which grades each state based on— among other things—bird population, hunter numbers and bag limits, gives Florida a very respectable grade of B.

Man's "best friend" comes into play for Florida waterfowl hunting, too, because what is any sort of bird hunting without your faithful companion by your side?

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PHOTO COURTESY OF OK CORRAL GUN CLUB; OTHER PHOTOS BY BRANDI WATFORD PHOTOGRAPHY

Written by: DAVE KELLY

ust off the beaten path in Okeechobee, Florida, lies a place that’s straight out of Tombstone, Arizona—the OK Corral Gun Club. Named for the Wild West’s famous 30-second gunfight in 1881, the club brings a taste of the Old West to the Sunshine State, then ramps up the feel with luxury accommodations, first-class vittles and, of course, lots of shootin’! Established in 2012 by Joseph T. Charles, the club covers about 350 acres of rural pastureland that was used for grazing cattle around the time of the Tombstone gunfight. Charles had a vision that was much more than cattle, and he’s built this unique property with passion and a nod to the history he loves. The buildings are covered with wood gathered from 100-year-old Midwestern barns. Handcuffs, keys and many other antiques, including the spectacular oak back bar and a Opposite page, the OK Corral Gun Club has two sporting clay courses, with a total of 29 stations. Below, the Livery Stable and an abandoned wagon add to the club's Old West ambiance.

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Yes, the cabins and amenities are first-class. But make no mistake, the OK Corral Gun Club in Okeechobee is about shooting. collection of weaponry, add to the ambiance. It’s a place to step back in time and appreciate our American history. On a recent visit, we found ourselves immersed in the flavor of the Old West right from the beginning. At the authentic Post Office and General Store, we admired the antique furnishings. The custom-distressed wood bar and huge rock fireplace make the Mine Shaft Lounge a cozy place to relax. We checked into one of 24 rooms that are housed in 12 cabins, all arranged in a wide circle on Allen Street, the name of the dusty road in Tombstone where the gunfight happened. Cabins take their names from Old West mining towns—we stayed in Leadville—yet feature modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, pillow-top mattresses and plush linens.

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During our stay, we interacted with a wonderful group of people who were attending a wedding. The club has a new addition to its hospitality portfolio, called the Boarding House. It’s a three-bedroom, two-bath, 2,500-square-foot pool home that accommodates families or parties of up to 12 people. Fully furnished and stocked, it features an outdoor bar by the pool—the perfect spot for family-style overnight accommodations with high-end country flair. Weddings and special events take place all over the club. Its Event Center houses the Crystal Saloon Banquet Hall, with antique crystal chandeliers and an upscale country feel. The Mercantile Retail Store, which is the club’s pro shop, and the Bank can be rented for intimate dining and meetings. Or enjoy a visit to the High Noon Café. The 4,000-square-foot Ranch House can host virtually any occasion; the Livery Stable is more of an open-air environment that shows off the property’s natural beauty. The chef is proud to feature locally sourced food in the club’s restaurants and banquet rooms, including USDA beef from its JLP Cattle Ranch. Our steak dinners were out-

PHOTOS COURTESY OF OK CORRAL GUN CLUB

Clockwise from below left are one of the club's shooting ranges, its Mercantile and Bank building, and General Store.

TOP AND MIDDLE RIGHT PHOTO BY BRANDI WATFORD PHOTOGRAPHY; ALL OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF OK CORRAL GUN CLUB

The Boarding House can accommodate families or parties of up to 12 people. The OK Corral's chef is proud to feature locally sourced food in the club's restaurants and banquet rooms, including USDA beef from its JLP Cattle Ranch.

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standing—huge cuts of bone-in ribeye seasoned just right. Yes, the cabins and amenities are first-class. But make no mistake, the OK Corral Gun Club is about shooting. Rifles, pistols, shotguns—firearms of all kinds—are accommodated, with 10 unique shooting venues. Members and non-members have a choice of ranges that includes a competition park, pistol and rifle, trap and skeet, and two sporting clay courses. The six-bay elevated Wobble Deck allows side-by-side competition for clays that oscillate from left to right and up and down. There’s even Doc’s Gallery, a Single Action Shooting Society course that features steel targets in 10 different storefront facades, harkening back to the Old West once again. Range master A.J. Urdaneta took us to see the different areas that he manages, saying, “Folks love Doc’s Gallery .22 arcade,” which is a gunslinger’s paradise. “Old West cowboy shootin’ action at its best, and the competitors are passionate about authenticity,” Urdaneta adds. He notes the competition park can hold hundreds of contestants during accredited events. The ranges, while largely featuring pistols, do offer rifle shooters a chance to hone their skills as well. Six associations shoot at the club on a regular basis. It is open to the public six days a week but reserves Mondays for members. We relaxed under one of the six authentic Seminole Chikki huts that are on the property—and watched the targets fall. The largest portion of the club is devoted to the world of shotguns. Shooting sports director Brian Palmer says as much as 70 percent of the shooting at the club is done on the trap and skeet courses and on the competition clay courses. Trap (targets sail up and away from you) and skeet (targets come

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across your line of sight) courses allow shotgun enthusiasts to perfect their hunting skills in a traditional way. However, the sporting clay courses are a bit different. “Sporting clay shooting is really hot right now,” Palmer explains. “We have two different courses, with 15 stations on one and 14 stations on the other. Folks drive from station to station in golf carts … Clay targets come out at different angles and speeds so that they mimic animals in the wild. “For example, some may come across the ground like a rabbit, while others flush like quail or fly low like pheasant. It’s the most popular range at the club,” Palmer adds. To confirm that, general manager Channing Boyd tells us his stock of sport clays can run as high as 2.5 million clays annually. The Mercantile rents guns and sells ammunition. The club offers lessons, with an emphasis on safely handling firearms. And the club caters to members and non-members—anyone can come and shoot. However, if you’re a regular, it’s likely more cost efficient to join. Membership includes discounts on ammo, food, daily fees, shooting supplies, lessons and clinics. Discounts are offered to first responders, law enforcement and military. For all shooters, from amateur to advanced, from casual to competition—perhaps you have a family member with big wedding plans, or you’re simply looking for a weekend that feels like an escape to a bygone era. If so, the OK Corral Gun Club is shootin’ straight and has something just for you. Dave Kelly is a 45-year resident of Southwest Florida. His travel writing has taken him all over the world, but he always finds his way back to the Florida home that he loves.

PHOTO COURTESY OF OK CORRAL GUN CLUB

Rifles, pistols, shotguns—firearms of all kinds— are accommodated, with 10 unique shooting venues.

TOP MIDDLE PHOTO COURTESY OF OK CORRAL GUN CLUB; AL OTHER PHOTOS BY TIFFANY DANIELLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Opposite page, the club's ranges attract shooting associations from all over. This page, the OK Corral also specializes in hosting weddings.

OK Corral Gun Club 9449 NE 48th St., Okeechobee 863-357-2226, okcorralgunclub.com

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WILD FLORIDA

FLORIDA COTTONMOUTH ONE OF THE MOST COMMON POISONOUS SNAKES IN THE SUNSHINE STATE Written by: William R. Cox

Adult cottonmouths are dark black to olive black and heavy bodied. Juvenile cottonmouths are strongly patterned and brightly colored, and the tail is light green or sulfur yellow in color. The lance-shaped head is thicker and larger than its neck compared to harmless water snakes. Mouth edges of adults are creamy white or light tan. Pupils of cottonmouths are elliptical, whereas water snakes have round pupils. There is also a facial pit between the eye

and the nostril and a broad brown stripe that runs through the eye in cottonmouths. No pit and broad brown stripe are found in harmless water snakes. When threatened, a cottonmouth will elevate its head and open its mouth—exhibiting its white mouth and exposed curved fangs. Nowadays, adults are 30 to 36 inches in size. In the 1970s, they grew to 60 inches in length and the record size is 74.5 inches. Historically—and today—this large snake is usually associated with water, including brackish, fresh and (rarely) salt water. It can be found in still and running water mostly in freshwater wetlands, including cypress wetlands, canals, lakes, ponds, creeks, ephemeral streams and sloughs. I have also found them in upland habitats such as palmetto prairies far from water. All of these habitats are found throughout the rural lands of Florida.

Florida cottonmouths have a facial pit between the nostril and eye, and a broad brown band running through the eye. They have a thick head and their pupils are elliptical.

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BOTTOM PHOTOS BY WILLIAM R. COX

he Florida cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti) population and size has declined over the years but remains an abundant snake throughout the state except in the western Panhandle, where it intergrades with the Eastern cottonmouth (A. piscivorous piscivorous). This is the only Florida venomous snake that illustrates extreme agerelated changes in pattern and color.

HISTORICALLY— AND TODAY—THIS LARGE SNAKE IS USUALLY ASSOCIATED WITH WATER. Cottonmouths prey on a variety of creatures that will fit into their mouth. This includes small birds and mammals, snakes, lizards, young turtles, frogs, salamanders, baby alligators, fish and many invertebrate species. They also consume dead prey that is fresh or decomposing. Many cottonmouths are killed by automobiles at night while they are feeding on dead or injured prey on busy roads. Juveniles use their vibrating colored tail as a lure to bring prey such as frogs to close striking range. They are mostly nocturnal and come out from their hiding places at dusk. Approximately three to 12 young are live born, usually in the summer every other year. They mate throughout the year. When approaching a cottonmouth, give it a wide berth and stay clear of it as it has a very dangerous venom. Cottonmouths are reluctant to bite and only strike if agitated or stepped on. They are scavengers as well as predators—so the dangerous bacteria in their mouth are introduced with their bite, causing serious complications. If you are between a cottonmouth and its water environment, it may hold its ground or come toward you to get in the water. The cottonmouth is usually not aggressive and not coming for you. It can bite you when it is submerged under water or on land. When non-venomous water snakes are approached, they depart very fast to safety with their head close to the substrate. Cottonmouths either hold their ground or crawl off slowly with their head tilted upward. William R. Cox has been working professionally as a wildlife biologist, educator and nature photographer for more than 40 years. His passion is to entertain, inspire and educate others in the beauty of nature and the art of photography. See more of his work on Facebook and on his website, williamrcoxphotography.com. F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M

THE RANCH

QUAIL HUNTING ON SILVER LAKE PRESERVE OTHER GAME ANIMALS ALSO AT LYKES RANCH NEAR LABELLE

Written by: William R. Cox

ilver Lake Preserve provides great hunting opportunities for quail—and wild turkey, hog, pheasant and American alligator. This beautiful preserve includes 1,876 acres and is located at the Lykes Ranch at 2860 Silver Lake Road, just north of LaBelle, Florida.

This past October, I had the pleasure of spending time with preserve manager Philip O’Bannon and hunting guide Jamey O’Bannon on a morning quail hunt. I was there to photograph my friend Andy Woodruff while he hunted. Woodruff utilized the two professionals as guides—and their hunting dogs—to locate and flush quail. We stayed at the preserve’s lodge the evening before the hunt, and enjoyed a great steak dinner. The following morning, everyone was offered a ranch breakfast to start the day. The meal package is an option for lodge guests because the preserve wants all hunters to have a memorable and pleasurable time.

A 3-minute hunting safety film was shown—safety is heavily stressed. Before going on the hunt, all hunters are required to fire a few rounds at clays launched from a five-station, multi-level wobble clay shooting deck. This gives the hunter a chance to warm up and go over safety tips. We started our hunt at 8 a.m. with three pairs of dogs. Each pair was made up of an English pointer and a flush dog (a cock-a-tzu, which is shih tzu and cocker spaniel cross). It was thrilling to watch the bird dogs work together to point (locate), flush a covey or single birds and then retrieve the shot quail. Below, Silver Lake Preserve guest Andy Woodruff takes a shot while hunting guide Jamey O'Bannon observes the flight of the quail.

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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY WILLIAM R. COX

The preserve books 600 hunters annually, so it’s best to schedule your hunt as far in advance as possible. Conveniently, it is only an hour from Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, and two hours from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Broward County.

Duke brings a quail to hunting guide Jamey O'Bannon.

THE PRESERVE BOOKS 600 HUNTERS ANNUALLY, SO ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BEST TO SCHEDULE YOUR HUNT AS FAR IN ADVANCE AS POSSIBLE.

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THE RANCH

According to the preserve manager, quail hunting is offered from Oct. 1 through mid-April. Morning hunts are preferred because of cooler temperatures, but afternoon hunts are also offered. Registration for morning hunts starts at 8 o’clock for the 8:15 hunt, and registration for the afternoon hunts begins at 1 o’clock for the 1:15 hunt. A two-hunter minimum is required and a guide is provided with two to three shooters per vehicle. When there are three shooters, they take turns as there are only two shooters on the ground at a time. There are four quail courses that are 300 to 400 acres in size and separated by tall, thick vegetation. This provides a quality experience for each hunting group as they do not know other hunters are in the area. Silver Lake Preserve’s lodge can easily accommodate up to eight guests. It has four bedrooms, five bathrooms, common area, modern kitchen and large dining area. Dinner and other meals are provided, depending on the hunting package you purchase.

It’s a comfortable lodge to stay in because it has air conditioning and heating, satellite television and wireless internet. There’s a bonfire area surrounded by large oak trees that can be used during the day to observe Osceola turkey, white-tailed deer and other wildlife—or to socialize in the evening. Silver Lake Preserve has two full-time guides, three part-time guides, a full-time cook and housekeeper and a caretaker. Another exciting opportunity that the preserve offers is the American alligator hunt, conducted during the day on the entire Lykes Ranch, if necessary. This hunt is with a professional guide and the alligator is stalked and shot with a high-powered rifle. Detailed information on all hunts and other activities at Silver Lake Preserve is available by checking silverlakepreserve.com. Or call 863-273-7712. William R. Cox has been working professionally as a wildlife biologist, educator and nature photographer for more than 40 years. His passion is to entertain, inspire and educate others in the beauty of nature and the art of photography. See more of his work on Facebook and on his website, williamrcoxphotography.com.

Top, from left: The preserve's lodge easily accommodates up to eight guests. Manager Philip O'Bannon supervises the quail hunt. Another photo of Andy Woodruff shooting, with guide Jamey O'Bannon nearby. At left, a hunting party drives through the preserve.

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PHOTOS BY WILLIAM R. COX

The quail at Silver Lake Preserve were plentiful, with numerous shooting opportunities all morning. The hunt was exciting and enjoyable. Afterward, the quail were cleaned, packaged and iced for us.

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PICTURE PERFECT >>>>

Photo by: Linda Floyd

MAJESTIC MONARCH UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH A BEAUTY IN THE BACKYARD

his picture was taken with my new iPhone 8. I have always loved photography; growing up with my father teaching me at a young age and getting me my first camera. I’ve always been drawn to nature photography—especially butterflies—and I have many native plants in my backyard.

>>>>

TOP-NOTCH TEAMWORK BOYS’ SUCCESS WITH HEADSTRONG CALF IS RECORDED FOR POSTERITY

his picture was taken at the Flying G Ranch in Okeechobee. It was June of 2017 and the boys were helping us de-worm calves. This calf was giving them a fit and, without being told, my son and his buddy teamed up and got it done. As we all looked on with pride, I wanted to remember everything at that moment! So, I did what mommas do … I grabbed my iPhone and captured it. For me, photography is so important because it remembers when you don’t.

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Photo by: Carrie McDonald F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M

THE HOMESTEAD

HOME, RETREAT OR HUNTING CAMP FLORIDA COUNTRY-STYLE HIDEAWAY IS SECLUDED YET CONVENIENT

ow on the market is this hideaway home and guest house at 2012 Jack's Branch Road in the Muse area of LaBelle, Florida, which lets you enter your own private escape from the madness of today's world.

Location, location, location? It’s private, private, private— adjacent to a wildlife preserve with a conservation easement—but also located on a paved road. Best of all, the property’s west boundary has Jack Branch Creek frontage

PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF SOUTHERN HERITAGE REAL ESTATE & INVESTMENTS INC.

Enter your own private escape from the madness of today's world!

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The 40+/- acres are located in Glades County, but close to the Lee/Hendry County line. The main home and guest house feature exterior cypress and Galvalume metal roofs.

OAKS, PALMS, PINES, PALMETTOS, tropical fruit trees and flowering plants complement the tree farm acreage.

with a captain’s walk to the private dock! There are fenced and cross-fenced pastures, a partially enclosed 40-foot-by-60-foot pole barn, and cow pens. Oaks, palms, pines, palmettos, tropical fruit trees and flowering plants complement the tree farm acreage. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom home and one-bedroom, onebathroom guest house total more than 2,500 square feet and the property is zoned for an additional primary residence. Décor is “Old Florida” style—with exterior cypress on the main home and guest house, which both have Galvalume metal roofs. Commune with nature on the “sit a spell” F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M

THE HOMESTEAD

Above from left, the master bedroom offers multiple windows and French doors; the outdoor dining room overlooks one of the five ponds; a stone fireplace graces the dining room. Below, commune with nature on the "sit a spell" porches.

porches. When combined, the porches have more than 1,500 square feet of space. And the outdoor dining room overlooks one of five ponds on the property. The main homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great room living area has vaulted ceilings and plenty of windows and French doors, to bring in the light and the outdoors. Its cypress-paneled dining room features a stone fireplace and beamed ceiling. The master bedroom also offers multiple windows and French doors that lead to the screened porch. And what a fun guest house: It has a full kitchen, living room and screened porch, currently with billiard tableâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;no bored guests here!

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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF SOUTHERN HERITAGE REAL ESTATE & INVESTMENTS INC.

This property is offered by Sherri Denning, broker/owner of Southern Heritage Real Estate & Investments Inc. in LaBelle. For further information, call 863-673-0829 or 863-675-4500, or visit soland.com.

WHEN COMBINED, the porches have more than 1,500 square feet of space. And the outdoor dining room overlooks one of five ponds on the property.

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STARS & GUITARS presented by During a recent conversation with Florida Country Magazine from his ranch in Jackson, Michigan, Nugent has that bark of a laugh. “I played with Billy Lee & the Rivieras at the Walled Lake Casino [in Michigan],” he recalls. It’s a conversational exchange that’s a teaching moment in rock history, covering his 69 years of storming though life.

OUR INTERVIEW: GONZO LEGEND TED NUGENT’S NEW MUSIC, HIS AMAZING LIFE Interviewd by: Jack Collier

WHAT IS SUCCESS? Ted Nugent: “Having your cake and eatin’ it too … and gaggin’ on the frosting.”

hat’s My Line was a game show in which celebrity panelists decided who of three mystery contestants was the real rocket scientist or the third man in space—anyone famous for his or her accomplishments but not likely recognized on the street. Such were the times. OK, so let’s imagine a fantasy What’s My Line, a game with the musician, outdoorsman and activist legend Ted Nugent as the three mystery guests, each Ted an era in his amazingly successful and sometimes gonzo career that has survived forever. And let’s imagine the panelists somehow don’t know the Motor City Madman. The first mystery Ted is a shocker to their mid-20th century sensibilities, the wild-haired, 1950s Amboy Dukes guitarist, tall, rowdy and ropy … in a loincloth and ganking flaming arrows just over their heads.

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In fact, he tallies more than 6,700 live concerts going back to the 1950s—sock hops, “pool parties, the 1958 [Michigan] State Fair” and a sensational place called Walt’s Malt Shop. It would have been in metro Detroit, where the Nuge emerged in 1948 and at some point lived on, you guessed it, Amboy Street, he says. Last summer’s concert number “6,717 on Aug. 5 was the best gig ever,” he adds. “A musical orgy.” First contestant Ted is also the Motown-inspired musician, a very good one, his lyrics and licks filtering the grit and funk of a James Brown or an Otis Redding, Nugent’s “black gods of thunder,” he calls them, into “Cat Scratch Fever” or “Little Miss Dangerous”—“high heel sneakers, head to toe in lace, such a dangerous body, with a little girl’s face,” as the song goes. That Ted was why he was chosen to play drug-running psychopath Charlie Basset in TV’s Miami Vice.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THOMAS KELSEY/OUTDOOR CHANNEL

MOTOR CITY MADMAN

Nugent has known or played with every rock legend, as a kid on stage with Jimi Hendrix, for instance. His beloved Byrdland Gibson was half his body when first gigging at age 10 or so. He sized out at 6 feet-2, a lanky superstar with a lion’s mane whose stage music would radiate 20 miles from arenas filled with screaming kids.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY

Ted Nugent

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Then What’s My Line trots out mid-career/kindly Uncle Ted—in camo gear, doused in doe urine—who tells panelists of chasing deer in Michigan for the Outdoor Channel. Panelists’ eyes roll, shoulders shrug; who is this fella, they wonder. He’s venison stew Ted, prolific writer/safari Ted, a Fred Bear disciple. He’s the conservative conservationist, a take-what-you-needorganic Ted, the doting father/grandfather/loving husband Ted. From home, you almost smell the camp smoke and hear leaves crinkle underfoot as Uncle Ted draws his bow and the arrow goes thunk into something out there. In a sense, this Ted serves as an uncle to generations of Americans, his takes on living their gospel, their “ultimate shit-kicker connection,” he says.

HE LIKES RAW FOOD as much as raw living, feeding himself and his family with wild game and things that grow. “I spend hunting season, from October through November, in the great outdoors,” Nugent explains. He adds that he toggles his wife, kids and a gaggle of grandkids between Michigan and Texas and Naples, Florida, where Wealthy Ted has a place in the sunshine.

So Outdoor Channel Ted moves hard right, the on-fire, in-your-face third mystery guest Ted, debating, badgering, pushing and questioning. Nugent takes no prisoners. Some of his gonzo messaging goes a little too far, however—far-right Ted getting a visit from the Secret Service for comments deemed too aggressive about former President Barack Obama. Yet watching or listening to Nugent long enough, you understand there’s always that undercurrent of him poking fun, making the other side earn its conclusions and judgments, ruffling society’s feathers—because he can. He’s Ted Nugent, top-tier rock legend with the “audacity to speak my mind,” he says. “I drive idiots crazy.” In this way, Nugent really was the first “Make America Great Again” guy. “Before Donald Trump,” he says, noting the president is a friend, “I had 25 to 30 million Facebook followers. After Trump, I still have 3.5 million. Everywhere we travel, there’s such a positive energy.”

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF TED NUGENT AND TEDNUGENT.COM

And as the progressive left and hunting activists in the ’90s began howling at this Ted, he doesn’t blink. He’s the good solider at ambush, charging opponents and upholding the values of his blue-collar suburban Detroit upbringing. “It’s the Detroit thing,” he says in thinking about motives. “It’s the way [you’re] raised; the Detroiter doesn’t take any crap.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY

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STARS & GUITARS On the phone, Nugent shares that he’s just scarfing a breakfast of farm fresh eggs and venison sausage. He likes raw food as much as raw living, feeding himself and his family with wild game and things that grow. In that way, Nugent was organic long before his opponents dreamed of such things, he says, again with that bark of laughter that’s a mix of genuine humor and an eff-you to the other side. And Nugent is no stranger to the Sunshine State, hundreds of gigs over the decades played here, often back with his buddies fishing and hunting ’gators, black bears, Osceola turkey, hogs and other game, either with a bow or a sidearm, he says. “Give all those cowboys down there a big salute from Ted,” he adds. Anything for the Nuge.

transistor radio from under the bedsheets. “The Music Made Me Do It” is new studio music of the hard-driving Ted in a 69-year-old stage of life—the guitar licks strong and powerful, flaming arrows still coming out from time to time but the loincloth a memory. Nugent on the phone is energized, a legend with a long and rich history in just about every aspect of dreaming and achieving, which he credits to being drug/booze free. He gives that great Ted laugh to understand that clean living is the ultimate gonzo middle finger to Uncle Time. Just who the imaginary What’s My Line panelists choose as the real Ted Nugent—which one stands for the studio audience’s applause—may be decided far after he’s gone. Jack Collier is a writer for Florida Country Magazine.

LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF TED NUGENT AND TEDNUGENT.COM; RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY

It’s funny how life can come full circle. Nugent in November released new music, exactly 50 years after the Amboy Dukes gave us “Journey to the Center of the Mind” to blow our

Ted Nugent Band

Ted Nugent, Jason Hartless and Greg Smith

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THE CULINARY CRACKER

WHIPPING IT UP IN YOUR KITCHEN GARLICROASTED RED POTATOES Serves 8

INGREDIENTS 3 pounds small red potatoes ¼ cup olive oil 1½ teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons minced garlic 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley PREPARATION Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut potatoes in half or quarters and place in a bowl with the olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic. Toss until potatoes are well coated. Transfer potatoes to a sheet pan and spread as one layer. Roast in oven for 45-60 minutes or until browned and crisp. Flip twice with spatula during cooking in order to ensure even browning. Remove potatoes from oven, toss with parsley, season to taste and serve hot.

F LO R I D A COUNTRY O U NTRYDDe ec ec emmb be er r| |J aJ annuua ar yr y2 20 01 18 9 LORIDAC

Every issue of Florida Country Magazine is filled with easy, delicious and seasonal recipes you’ll want to make again and again.

INGREDIENTS 7 to 10 pounds prime rib roast 10 cloves of garlic, minced ¼ cup olive oil 2 tablespoons fresh black pepper 1 tablespoon salt 2 teaspoons dried thyme 1 teaspoon onion powder 2 teaspoons melted butter PREPARATION Make sure roast is room temperature before cooking. Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl until well blended, set aside. Place roomtemperature roast in a roasting pan with fatty side up. Spread the mixture evenly over roast.

GARLIC-CRUSTED PRIME RIB Serves 8

COOKING TIME Cooking time will vary depending on roast size. To calculate cooking time, multiply the exact weight of the roast by 5. Round the number to nearest whole number. Roast is cooked at 500 degrees for exactly that many minutes. For example, for a 7-pound roast: 7 x 5 = 35 minutes. Cook roast at 500 degrees for 35 minutes. Then turn off oven but do not open oven door for 2 hours. After 2 hours you will have a perfect medium-rare prime rib.

INGREDIENTS 4 poblano peppers 1 cup milk ½ cup heavy whipping cream 3 eggs 1/3 cup white sugar ¼ cup all-purpose flour ¼ cup butter, melted 1½ teaspoons salt 2 cups fresh corn 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives, optional PREPARATION Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place poblano peppers on a baking sheet. Roast peppers in oven until slumped and charred, about 25-30 minutes. Remove stems, seeds and charred skin. Chop peppers into pieces. Reduce oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 1½-quart baking dish. In a bowl, whisk together milk, cream, eggs, sugar, flour, butter and salt. Stir in corn, cheese and roasted peppers. Pour corn mixture into the prepared dish. Bake 45-60 minutes until puffed and edges are golden. Garnish with chives.

ROASTED POBLANO PEPPER CORN PUDDING Serves 8

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THE CULINARY CRACKER INGREDIENTS 1 cup sour cream rseradish 4 tablespoons prepared ho pepper d un gro 1 teaspoon coarsely sauce ire rsh ste ⅛ teaspoon Worce PREPARATION all In a small bowl, combine Serve ll. ingredients and mix we with prime rib or beef.

HORSERADISH CREAM SAUCE Serves 8

INGREDIENTS from prime rib ¼ cup beef fat drippings se flour 1½ tablespoons all-purpo 2 cups beef broth taste Salt and black pepper to PREPARATION llet over mediumPlace fat drippings in ski o beef fat. Cook, high heat. Whisk flour int mixture thickens, whisking constantly until ef broth into fat about 3 minutes. Pour be t to high. Bring mixture and increase hea xture until it mixture to a boil. Boil mi to taste with salt thickens slightly. Season me rib or beef. and pepper. Serve with pri

INGREDIENTS 2 pounds fresh asparagus olive oil 4 tablespoons extra virgin 1 teaspoon salt ¾ teaspoon black pepper PREPARATION h heat, about 450 degrees. Preheat outdoor grill to hig s s. Place trimmed asparagu Trim ends from asparagu d an t d olive oil, sal into large mixing bowl. Ad until asparagus is lightly e bin pepper and toss to com asparagus directly onto and evenly coasted. Place s of grill grates so asparagu grill in opposite direction lid th wi t over high hea cannot fall through. Grill p asparagus and cook on Fli . closed for 4-5 minutes , until tender. other side for 4-5 minutes

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BEEF AU JUS Serves 4

GRILLED ASPARAGUS Serves 8

INGREDIE N 2 ounces A TS merican B arrels Bou 3 to 4 dash rbon es Splash of c of bitters lub soda 1 sugar cub e 2 cherries 1 orange sl ice 1 flame-tre wheel ated orang e peel PREPARA T Muddle su ION gar cube, c herry, oran with bitte ge wheel rs a lowball gla nd a splash of club soda in a ss with ice .A Bourbon a nd garnish dd American Barre ls with cherr treated ora y and flam nge peel. e-

CAMPFIRE CHOCOLATE Serves 1

INGREDIENTS ls Bourbon 2 ounces American Barre e bitters lat oco ch 4 dashes of dark uth mo 1 ounce sweet ver 1 small slice fresh red chili optional Roasted cinnamon stick, PREPARATION mouth, Lightly muddle bitters, ver rrels Ba can chili slice and Ameri d ice Ad . on Bourb ktail coc the r sti and ing Us ly. gh thorou TIMELESS OLD a julep strainer, FASHIONED slowly strain into the Serves 1 prepared lowball glass. Garnish with roasted cinnamon stick.

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TRUCKS & TOYS

THE FARM

t The FARM stadium, arena and racetrack sports venue in Punta Gorda, Florida, two trucks pull up to the start line of the dirt dragstrip. They stab the gas one final time to clear the engine, ready the nitrous and give thumbs up that they’re ready.

mud flies—covering everything behind the powerful machines.

The thousands of spectators and crew members become silent in anticipation of seeing who can run the fastest. Staging lights illuminate: Yellow. Yellow. Yellow. GREEN! Then 1,000-horsepower (and higher) engines roar to life and

When nearing the end of high school, most teens are preparing for college or working an entry-level job to earn spending money for the weekends. But Chad Chastain had other plans. Three weeks before graduating from

In the blink of an eye, the race is over. Everyone looks at the scoreboard at the end of the dragstrip to see the times because it was too close to call. Turns out, the driver in the left lane had barely nudged ahead with a victory margin of 0.008 seconds! What a race!

IT’S A GREAT WAY TO REMEMBER THE “OLD DAYS WHEN RULES WERE LAX” AND PEOPLE GENUINELY HAD A GOOD TIME WITH EACH OTHER AT A MOTORSPORTS EVENT.

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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY LEXUS MENGEL PHOTOGRAPHY

RACETRACK SPORTS VENUE MERGES AGRICULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT

Each class of offerings has its own unique appeal and excitement, so there is always a great show from start to finish.

Riverdale High in Fort Myers, he had The FARM up and running with its first dirt drag event on May 6, 2017. As the creator, designer and promoter of The FARM, Chastain wears many hats—before, during and after events. “It’s work, no doubt about that,” he says. “Especially when it has to work around the watermelon season of south Florida. Only running events part of the year at The FARM is a way to change up our normal pace of growing watermelons, which is still my main job.”

He jokes about feeling as if he works 100-hour weeks at times. He then mentions that’s what it takes to be successful in today’s world. Dirt drag and mud drag events are the main offerings at The FARM. Dozens of ATVs, side-by-sides, Jeeps, trucks and dragster rail vehicles come out to compete. With each class having its own unique appeal and excitement, there’s always a great show from start to finish.

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TRUCKS & TOYS

DIRT DRAG AND MUD DRAG EVENTS ARE THE MAIN OFFERINGS AT THE FARM. DOZENS OF ATVS, SIDE-BY-SIDES, JEEPS, TRUCKS AND DRAGSTER RAIL VEHICLES COME OUT TO COMPETE.

Racers and spectators return again and again, looking forward to the next race. “This is such a great place with a great atmosphere, even for the kids. We will definitely be back!” exclaims a spectator from Okeechobee.

Coolers are welcome (no glass bottles) to events with Lee County Black Smoke truck pulls. Many people attend just to enjoy the outdoors and visit with friends. It’s a great way to remember the “old days when rules were lax” and people genuinely had a good time with each other at a motorsports event. In addition, every December, the Florida Trail Riders (floridatrailriders.org) bring more than 700 dirt bike riders to race a 15-mile course through the woods and open pasture land. The event is in its third year and riders are always eager to return. Of the racers, Chastain says: “These riders that fly through the woods, dodging trees, branches and ruts while chasing the person in front of them is something I have a ton of respect for.”

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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY LEXUS MENGEL PHOTOGRAPHY

Don’t be fooled, though. The FARM is more than incredibly fast trucks competing for prize money and trophies. After events, children are seen using all their strength to carry delicious watermelons that they acquire by taking part in the “Kids Watermelon Run,” sponsored by Melon 1.

New to The FARM this year is B3R Sports, with cross country races (B3Rsports.com). The nontraditional course provided to the runners by The FARM challenges the 750-plus teenagers who travel from all over the state. “B3R does an amazing job at putting on an exceptional event and taking care of the land; which is, of course, still a cow pasture when it is all said and done,” Chastain adds. With a goal of eight events per year, The FARM is growing and learning how to better all aspects of the park. “By bringing in new sponsors, we have added to the purse, which brings more racers, which brings more spectators and in return gives the sponsors an even better bang for their buck,” explains Chastain. “It’s a constant revolving door to put on a better show, because without one piece of the puzzle the rest of it fails.”

ROUNDUP The FARM 1571 State Road 31 Punta Gorda, Florida 239-834-1121, facebook@thefarmon31 email: gm.thefarm@gmail.com

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Florida Country Magazine - December/January 2019

Articles inside

NEW OYSTER FARMING TECHNIQUES MAKING WAVES IN FLORIDA

EQUINE ROYALTY IN ALL ITS GLORY

THE FLORIDA CRACKER HORSE IS A TRUE NATIVE

HORSE FEVER STILL RUNNING STRONG

EQUINE OCULAR DISEASE IS COMMON

ADVENTURES IN VEGGIES