CHEERS TO NOT LIVING IN FEAR AND LOOKING FOR BETTER!

The year 2020 has been a whirlwind and the only thing left is for 3 feet of snow to be dumped on us! Even that wouldn’t affect us: Instead of slinging sandbags, we’d just be shoveling snow while our children and grandchildren would be building snowmen, having snowball fights and making beautiful snow angels. I bet our hot chocolate would even taste different in a wintery wonderland.

All joking aside, we can handle anything thrown at us Floridians. That’s because one lesson we’ve all learned this year is that we are strong—COUNTRY STRONG!

I don’t know about you, but elbow bumping, cocktail hour with friends by Zoom and birthday caravans are not normal. At first, it was kind of cool that we found workarounds to get through this, even though I complained about too many events.

Well, damn it, now bring on the events! I’m starting with Smoke Under the Oaks Rib Fest, Jan. 9, 2021, in Labelle, home of the Swamp Cabbage Festival in Hendry County. Rodeos are back, and you don't want to miss the Cracker Day Rodeo, from Jan. 15 to 17, 2021, at the Lee County Posse Arena in North Fort Myers. It’s time to see what they’ve got. One thing for sure, these rodeo contestants have had plenty of time to practice and only the best will come out on top. Maybe rodeo events aren’t for you. If so, then you can ride a different type of animal at the Mud Wheelers Gone Wild for ATVs and Side x Side Only event at Redneck Mud Park in Charlotte County. It’s also being held Jan. 15 to 17, 2021. And for those who want to get muddy again from head to toe, be sure to take your trucks, ATVs and Side x Sides to the city of Jasper in north Florida’s Hamilton County. Check out The Graveyard Mud Bog and its Winter Wheelin’ event on Jan. 29 to 31, 2021. We cannot live in fear, but we can take every precaution to keep ourselves and others safe until we weather this storm. It is so important to keep our economy going and we can do this while staying safe and still social distancing.

All of Florida Country Magazine’s advertisers have taken big steps to keep you safe. Whether you plan to complete a project, dine out, travel, buy a new house or property, get your hair done—the businesses and establishments have set up safety protocols.

A mask does not protect us 100 percent, but it does do something. I believe it somewhat protects me from you and you from me, but we cannot live in fear and not support our economy. There is too much to see in our great state, and we’ll keep bringing those “Old Florida” towns to you. So throw on that mask and go visit the places we write about; go fishing; keep enjoying life.

A great place to start is Homosassa Springs. Let the Florida Cracker Riverside Resort take care of you while you participate in the outdoor activities it has to offer. Go scalloping, visit Monkey Island and experience Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park (page 30).

Take time to relax at Jensen’s Twin Palm Cottages & Marina Resort on Captiva Island. A "True Florida" backdrop, soak it all in right from the dock—a manatee haven, wildlife heaven and fishing enthusiasts' dream spot.

But don't stop there! Head over to Jensen's "On the Gulf" Resort and soak in its views and breathtaking sunsets.

The Jensens welcome you to experience "True Captiva." Nothing but pure outdoor enjoyment. And guess what? You, too, can capture the family tradition of “Waiting on Big Shrimp.” These historic resorts in “paradise” are ready to pass the torch to someone new to continue the legacy—they're for sale (page 34).

We could not live in a better state to spend time outdoors. Florida is so full of adventure and fascinating people and places. Do whatever makes you feel safe but don’t live in fear! To a better today, a better tomorrow and a better year, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support of Florida Country Magazine

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

SCARLETT REDENIUS, Publisher