FEATURES
FLORIDA COUNTRY MAGAZINE / ISSUE VOL. 2 • NO. 1
ON THE COVER: Summerfield’s Keri Elizabeth Sheffield is making history as the first Miss Rodeo America from the Sunshine State. Learn about the life of this amazing 24-year-old and Florida’s other rodeo royalty starting on page 32. Cover photo: By Las Vegas Image Studio/Terry Wright. Hair and makeup: By Judy Wright
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Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo ‘The Granddaddy of ’Em All’ celebrates in March at the new Mosaic Arena Written by : KATHY ANN GREGG
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Rodeo Royalty
Florida’s sunshining queen is Miss Rodeo America, a first in 63 years Written by : KATHY ANN GREGG
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DEPARTMENTS FLORIDA COUNTRY MAGAZINE / ISSUE VOL. 2 • NO. 1
FCM CIRCLE
PASCO COUNTY FAIR
A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER
page 50
page 8
RODEO TERMINOLOGY
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VET VIEW
page 52
CALUSA EQUINE VETERINARY SERVICES
RODEO ROUNDUP
FLORIDA 4-H
CALLY IN WONDERLAND
page 53
page 10
LEARNING TO HORSE AROUND
page 14
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SWAMP CABBAGE FESTIVAL
MEET ARTIST TAMMY SWANN
page 18
page 58
HORSIN' AROUND
STARS & GUITARS
MEET ALYVIA DENNISON
MEET CHRIS YOUNG
page 62
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FLORIDA HARVEST
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PICTURE PERFECT CAMERA-READY
page 24
page 66
THE ARENA
THE CULINARY CRACKER
RODEO PRODUCERS AND FLORIDA STOCK CONTRACTORS
WHIPPING IT UP IN YOUR KITCHEN
page 36
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page 67
TRUCKS & TOYS
page 40
REDNECK MUD PARK
OKEECHOBEE COWTOWN RODEO
SABRA STILWELL 101
page 71
page 43
page 74
WELCOME TO OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA
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MY RIDE
TOP TRUCKS
page 46
page 76
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MEET KANE BROWN
page 64
PRESERVING FLORIDA’S AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE
RANCH RODEO FINALS & COWBOY HERITAGE FESTIVAL
page 54
FLORIDA CHARM
COUNTRY ARTISTRY
page 20
SWAMP CABBAGE
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Chairman/Publisher Scarlett Redenius 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 Associates Lynn Cox Contributing Writers Jack Collier, Keitha Daniels, Christopher Decubellis, Kathy Ann Gregg, Kym Rouse Holzwart, Paige Jardin, Cally Simpson, Tammy Swann Featured Photographers David Burrows, Toni Cartright, Lynda Dawson, Kathy Ann Gregg, Paige Jardin, Ron Mandes, Mike Rastelli, Scarlett Redenius, Cally Simpson, Tammy Swann, Meagan Watkins, Terry Wright 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 • 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 2017, 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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CELEBRATING ALL THINGS COUNTRY “At this time of year, the cowmen have what is called the round-up, when the calves are branded and the fat beasts selected to be driven to a fair hundreds of miles away. This round-up is a great time for the cowhand, a Donnybrook fair it is indeed. They contest with each other for the best roping and throwing, and there are horse races and whiskey and wines. At night in clear moonlight, there is dancing on the streets.” —A letter written by Chaptain Mayne Reid to Samuel Arnold of County Down, Ireland, on June 10, 1847.
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ebruary and March in most of America are about wishing away the cold and snow and picturing a spring garden.
But in Florida we celebrate the new year’s early months with a rodeo, county fairs and harvest festivals. In this issue of Florida Country Magazine, we’re sharing some of these events and the people who organize or participate in them. Our state has a rich and long history in agriculture and ranching. We can look back 500 years to Spanish and English pioneers who built homesteads and little empires from the back of a horse. These were the cracker cowboys and ranchers who made Florida what it is today. Tourism and the beach culture came centuries after ranch and grove families created a prospering Sunshine State. Disney World, in fact, was built on ranchland that is still surrounded by cattle and groves. These old families once celebrated their frontier lifestyles and success with friendly cowboy competitions between the ranches. They rode green horses, wrestled cattle, roped and raced, each skill developed by cowboys/cowgirls to get beef animals to market or to sell rideable horses. Festivals celebrating harvests would include these rodeo or round-up cowhands competing for buckles, saddles and money. Beauty contests and other events such as barrel-racing,
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“shootouts” and mutton bustin’ came from those rodeo contests at county fairs. We invite you to read about some of these events, such as the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo in March and the Ranch Rodeo Finals & Cowboy Heritage Festival later this year. You’ll also meet Keri Elizabeth Sheffield, the first Miss Rodeo America from Florida—ever. In 63 years, other states held the coveted title, but not Florida, until our very own Ms. Sheffield showed up to the shootout. We’ve also included a fun story by Cally Simpson about her father’s love for swamp cabbage, stories about the Florida Strawberry Festival, barrel-racing and profiles of our obsession with big trucks, including a cool look at the life of Sabra Stilwell. I find her to be such an inspiration to women, if she isn’t doing handstands around the world, to showing those men “Silly Boys, Trucks Are for Girls” to showing strength and perseverance, living life while honoring the memory of her dad. We’ve also included event schedules and a useful terminology guide for those new to our state or who are learning this lifestyle. Florida means different things to almost 21 million of us. But in the heart of the Sunshine State, it has been and always will be about ranching, agriculture and the country lifestyle that goes back many generations. We are proud to include a few of these celebrations in this issue of Florida Country Magazine. SCARLETT REDENIUS, Publisher
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VET VIEW
CALUSA EQUINE VETERINARY SERVICES
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Written by: Paige Jardin
usan Blackwell started a business for the same reason anyone does—to fill a need.
Perhaps a bit unusually, however, the need was hers. She started Calusa Equine Veterinary Services about two and a half years ago “for a selfish reason, really,” Blackwell explains. “At the time, I had five horses and there weren’t enough equine veterinary services in the area.” So, she had her mission. And clearly if she had been her only client, Blackwell wouldn’t be planning an expansion and regularly adding services.
Susan Blackwell's horse, VR Legend, is a family member at Calusa Equine Veterinary Services.
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In practice on Nalle Road in North Fort Myers, Blackwell is a CVT, a Certified Veterinary Technician— “a registered nurse for horses,” she says—which in Florida means she can own a veterinary practice if she employs a veterinarian. And she does. That’s Emma Morse, DVM, a native of Melbourne, Florida, and a graduate of the University of Florida and Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. Along with Blackwell and her staff, Morse serves the primary care needs of the area’s equines. It’s a general wellness practice, meaning it handles wellness exams, vaccinations, Coggins testing, dentistry, radiology,
SHE CAN OWN A VETERINARY PRACTICE IF SHE EMPLOYS A VETERINARIAN.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CALUSA EQUINE VETERINARY SERVICES
OPENING A NEW PRACTICE JUST MADE HORSE SENSE, WILL EXPAND SERVICES IN APRIL
TOP LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF MEGAN DIPERO PHOTOGRAPHY; OTHER PHOTOS BY PAIGE JARDIN
GROWING UP, SHE SPENT SUMMERS ON HER GRANDFATHER’S FARM IN IOWA, LEARNING TO TEND TO COWS, PIGS AND CHICKENS.
Owner/CVT Susan Blackwell (top left), Dr. Emma Morse (top right) and the health staff (above) are the team at Calusa Equine Veterinary Services in North Fort Myers.
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VET VIEW
nutritional counseling, preventive care, parasite control and basic lameness. On the day of our visit, we watch as Morse gently moves a stethoscope along the back of a 5-year-old filly named Afternoon Liaison—who is also known as Tinkerbell. Morse patiently stands on the grassy lawn in front of the practice. She wrangles open the filly’s mouth and presses on her gums to check her hydration. It is bedside manner, stand-up, equine-style. For more serious or complicated issues, Calusa Equine can refer owners to equine specialists who take appointments at the Calusa Equine clinic site, in sports performance, internal and surgical medicine, acupuncture and chiropractic and ophthalmology. Clients check Calusa Equine’s Facebook page for dates and times of regular visits by specialty veterinarians. Morse says that the bulk of emergency calls she gets are for colic. She puts it this way: “About horses, my nutrition teacher said their digestive tract is an evolutionary nightmare.” The practice places importance on educating owners about wellness care, such as handling simple digestive problems. Signs of colic can
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BOTTOM LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF CALUSA EQUINE VETERINARY SERVICES; OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF HARMONY BLACKWELL PHOTOGRAPHY
The practice in North Fort Myers places importance on educating horse owners about wellness care, such as handling simple digestive problems. Checking for signs of colic and testing TPR can keep health issues at bay.
IT IS BEDSIDE MANNER, STAND-UP, EQUINE-STYLE. include the horse’s pawing the ground repeatedly, looking at its sides and belly, not eating, throwing itself against a surface or rolling on the ground. A good way to monitor a horse’s health is to check “TPR,” Morse adds. “Temperature, pulse and respiration.” Listening for gut sounds in four places, two on each side, can tell the owner a lot. The practice provides plenty of handouts to help educate owners about their animals. As a convenience, Blackwell and staff will see equine clients’ small animals for wellness needs. The practice is tailored to horses, she notes, “but we do a tiny amount of cow work, goat work.” In addition to running the business, Blackwell continues to own horses. Sharing a stall in the building next to the office are Benjamin the miniature donkey and a stallion named VR Legend. Afternoon Liaison, aka Tinkerbell, who is Legends’s filly, is across the stable—next to a miniature horse named Jr.
Calusa Equine provides complete health, preventive and nutritional care. An old Florida plate (inset) says it all.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CALUSA EQUINE VETERINARY SERVICES
The stablemates will likely move to a nearby building around April, when the practice expands to include overnight emergency services and clinical boarding, Blackwell says. With the added stalls, Calusa Equine will be able to offer temporary quarters for animals recovering from a treatable condition. Most of what the staff members see are “backyard horses,” Blackwell explains. “This area doesn’t have a big racing community or a lot of high-dollar performance horses, although we do have several nice competitive dressage, roping, barrel racers and hunter jumpers.” Blackwell has been in the veterinary field for two decades. Growing up, she spent summers on her grandfather’s farm in Iowa, learning to tend to cows, pigs and chickens. And it was there that she became smitten with the care of horses. Calusa Equine Veterinary Services is at 17751 Nalle Road, North Fort Myers. 239-543-2506, Facebook Paige Jardin moved to rural Florida about 10 years ago. She is a poet and a storyteller. F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M
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FLORIDA 4-H
LEARNING TO HORSE AROUND Written by: Chris Decubellis
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ome of my fondest memories as a child growing up on the farm in Pasco County, and even today as an adult at my farm outside Archer, occurred on the back of a good horse. History shows a strong connection between humans and horses and many folks in the Sunshine State enjoy spending time in the saddle.
A horse can be a buddy that is easy to talk to, an athlete to appreciate in the ring or at the track, an essential part of a working cattle ranch, an integral part of therapy for a child who has special needs, or a very beautiful way to mow the grass. For families exploring ways to introduce their children to the wonderful world of horses, the UF/IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development Program offers many opportunities to not only learn about horses and interact with horses, but also to learn about equine science and to grow and develop skills that will last a lifetime. Young people in Florida 4-H can begin learning about horses if they have a horse or not. Through Florida 4-H horse projects, young people can have the opportunity to: • Appreciate riding as a recreational activity • Learn horsemanship skills and understand breeding, training and raising of horses as a business • Acquire skills in horse management by owning and being responsible for an animal • Acquire safety skills when working with horses Additionally, the UF/IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development Program and the UF Department of Animal Sciences provide many opportunities for young people involved in 4-H horse projects. Many counties offer local 4-H clubs that focus on horse projects. There are 4-H horse shows at the local, area, state and regional level. There are two weeks of horsemanship schools offered during the summer: Western skills (including horsemanship, ranch, trail and speed skills), and English riding skills (including hunt seat, dressage and saddle/gaited skills). There are horse judging competitions, where young people learn to evaluate a horse’s form as it relates to function and to hone decision-making skills. In hippology, young people compete in a written exam, identification, judging and ID stations, including feedstuffs and team problems. Training the next generation of equestrians in 4-H.
YOUNG PEOPLE CAN FORM A VERY SPECIAL BOND WITH THEIR HORSE— I KNOW I DID. 14
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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE OOURTESY OF UF/IFAS
APPRECIATING A RANCHER’S BEST FRIEND, 4-H OPENS OPPORTUNITIES
4-H members (above) ride at a 4-H horse camp. Youth also learn equine science skills (below) in 4-H.
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A 4-H member learning to groom a horse.
members can give presentations on something related to their horse project or equine science. Youth must be at least 8 years old to interact with horses and other live animals in 4-H. Young people can form a very special bond with their horse—I know I did. When I was 10 years old, I sold a heifer, some goats and two pigs I had raised and bought my first horse. Bill was a palomino quarter horse, and I owned him until the day he died. I have owned horses for the past 33 years and can tell you from experience that caring for horses can be a lifelong hobby, and that there are also many careers in the equine industry. Participating in the 4-H horse project is an excellent way to introduce the next generation of horse enthusiasts to their equine pals in a safe, educational way. For more information about 4-H in Florida, or other opportunities in 4-H, visit florida4h.org.
In the Florida 4-H Horse Quiz Bowl young people show off their knowledge of horses and equine science. There is a horse demonstration and public-speaking contest in which 4-H
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Chris Decubellis is the Associate State 4-H Program Leader with UF/IFAS Extension. 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.
PHOTO COURTESY OF UF/IFAS
FLORIDA 4-H
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ARTWORK ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY TAMMY SWANN
COUNTRY ARTISTRY
MEET ARTIST TAMMY SWANN CITY KID TURNED COUNTRY GAL REDISCOVERS A LOVE FOR ART
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Written by: Tammy Swann
was born a city kid in Hialeah, Florida, a suburb of Miami known for the Hialeah Park race track. For many years the race track was a large draw for the area and was visited by royalty from around the world. The Florida Stakes, a qualifying race for the Kentucky Derby and the Triple Crown, was held at the race track. I think that is when I fell in love with horses. Most of my associate in arts degree from Miami Dade Community College was in art and art history. After graduation I was offered a scholarship for a couple of semesters at the University of Miami, but I had also met my soon-to-be husband and, after attending art classes at Miami, I chose to get married rather than continue college. My husband wanted us to move to a tiny town a couple of hours north of Miami where he owned property and bribed me with the option of owning a horse if we went. After our children were born it was a natural progression from owning horses for myself to having horses for the kids. My son was more interested in music and computers than horses, but my daughter fell in love with horses from birth. I eventually quit riding so that she could further pursue her passion. We were novices … but owning, riding and eventually competing, you either learn quickly or you can’t compete. My daughter showed a natural talent in riding, but because we could not afford ready-to-go horses, we bought horses with “issues” and had to make them competition horses ourselves. I believe this is probably one of the reasons she progressed so quickly—she kind of had to do it all herself. She went on to win locally: two Florida high school rodeo championships and a reserve championship at national high school rodeo finals, and several other association state and national titles. She also had many offers for rodeo scholarships to various colleges. At her first college rodeo in New Mexico, her horse was injured and had to be put to sleep. She was in Texas alone and having a difficult time coping with the grief. After a few months of grieving myself, I picked up a pencil for the first time in about 25 years and drew my daughter’s late mare. Cathartic for my grief, it seemed to reignite my love for drawing.
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Tammy Swann's work is done in pencil and charcoal. While her specialty is horses, she takes drawing classes to hone her skills in capturing people. She uses photos and other prompts to create her life-like work.
ContactUs@potteryexpress.com
A few friends saw my work and asked if I could draw something for them. A few years later someone offered to pay me for a drawing—and I tentatively stepped into the world of commercial art. When I was in college in the late 1970s and early ’80s the only real art opportunities were in graphic design. That was not my thing. And although I loved drawing, I could not imagine a career in that field. It is a different world now. Facebook alone launched my business. I am still a little shocked when someone is willing to pay me to draw something for them. My specialty is horses, but I would say anything with a Western theme is where my talent lies. I occasionally draw dogs, cats and other animals and have drawn a few people, but it is not my strength. I am currently taking some classes here and there to hone my skills for drawing people. I love to draw. I can’t believe I wasted so much time not drawing, but I was busy raising a family and I would not trade any of that time. It is hard to realize that time with our kids is so short, but we have a lifetime for a career. Tammy Swann lives in Palmdale, Florida, with her husband, dogs, horses and cows. Her original work can be found on facebook.com/Art-by-Tammy-Swann. Tammy’s work is drawn primarily in graphite and charcoal.
& Bamboo Farm 25370 Zemel Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33955
(941) 505-8400
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MEET ALYVIA DENNISON CAPE CORAL GIRL MAKES A RUN FOR BARREL-RACING GREATNESS
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Written by: Jack Collier
here’s a casa rule in the Dennison household: You must get involved in a sport. At age 5, Alyvia Dennison obeyed her folks, trying the bending in gymnastics and the running in soccer. Nope.
Then Judy Dennison tried riding stables in North Fort Myers. At first, Alyvia mucked barn stalls and cleaned horse gear. Passing that test and asking for more, Alyvia was rewarded with riding lessons, the beginning of something special. Four years later, Cape Coral’s Alyvia Dennison is a barrel-racing dynamo, winning ribbons and saddles in the youth divisions of a sport sanctioned by the National Barrel Horse Association. Every moment from her introduction to ponies, “there has been a smile on her face,” Judy Dennison says of her prodigy daughter. “Then again, she’s not your average 9-year-old.” What drives any of us is a mystery, of course. But what spirit nudges a small child to climb aboard a half-ton horse, hit the throttle and hold the pedal while circling (and dodging) barrels
Alyvia, the youngest daughter of Jarrett and Judy Dennison and a fourth-generation Floridian, keeps two quarter horses and hopes to someday ride as a rodeo professional.
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BOTTOM LEFT PHOTO BY TONI CARTRIGHT
HORSIN' AROUND
TOP PHOTO COURTESY OF JUDY DENNISON; BOTTOM PHOTO BY TONI CARTRIGHT
BUT WHAT SPIRIT NUDGES A SMALL CHILD TO CLIMB ABOARD A HALFTON HORSE, HIT THE THROTTLE AND HOLD THE PEDAL?
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HORSIN' AROUND
THE ART OF THE SPORT IS GLIDING THROUGH THE TURNS.
But when you’re 9 and using your natural gifts to reach rare air, though, “it feels … it’s fun, amazing,” says Alyvia, an A/B student at Hancock Creek Elementary in Cape Coral who answers questions with a “Yes, sir.” Barrel racing is simple: Horse and rider on a dirt track leave the starting point, race to the right and around barrel one, loop back and across the track, loop around barrel two for the top of the triangle, circle and step on the gas for a straight shot to the beginning. A low cumulative score wins. The art of the sport is gliding through the turns, the rider
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guiding the horse with her legs, one hand steering with the reins, the other for balance. Choreographed perfectly, rider and horse work as a unit, the horse as much in tune and as eager as the rider. Champion barrel racer Margo Crowther once quit her sport when a beloved horse died unexpectedly, the animal meant that much and was that aggressive on the racetrack, she explained in an earlier interview with Florida Country Magazine. Alyvia, the youngest daughter of Jarrett and Judy Dennison and a fourth-generation Floridian, keeps two quarter horses, Salina and Dottie. She’s planning to race this year in junior rodeo competition, some events outside her home state. Ultimately, however, Alyvia’s dream is full-time rodeo. “She tells us she wants to go pro,” Judy Dennison says. “And she is a hard worker.” Jack Collier is editorial director for Florida Country Magazine.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JUDY DENNISON
on a dirt track? And there are real risks in the rodeo sport: “cowgirl tattoos” on her lower legs at rounding corners too closely—rubberbands holding her boots in the stirrups—possibly tumbling from the saddle. Worse stories are not too uncommon.
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FLORIDA HARVEST
DON’T MISS THE FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL, BEGAN IN 1930
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Written by: Kym Rouse Holzwart
he beginning of spring in Central Florida means it’s time for strawberries and the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City!
The festival began in 1930 when the newly organized Plant City Lions Club came up with the idea of having an event to celebrate the bountiful harvest of strawberries. After a six-year break during and after World War II, a local American Legion post helped get the festival going again in 1948, and it has been going strong ever since. Each spring this 11-day community event celebrates the strawberry harvest in east Hillsborough County. It is the perfect time to enjoy eating the ripe, wonderful strawberries grown by the local berry farmers. The Florida Strawberry Festival carries on an American tradition of bringing communities together through festivals and fairs to celebrate their harvests. It continues to preserve and enhance the agricultural and historical legacy of the Florida strawberry and continues to grow in popularity year after year. The 83rd annual Florida Strawberry Festival will be held March 1-11. In addition to offering delicious strawberry shortcake to thousands of visitors, the festival includes exhibits of agriculture, commerce, industry, livestock, fine arts, horticulture and crafts. The Florida Strawberry Festival rivals any state fair in the country with its huge carnival midway, local food, social events, contests, youth developmental programs, youth livestock shows, top-name entertainment and parades. One of the highlight events is the annual crowning of the Strawberry Queen and her court.
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TOP LEFT, MIDDLE RIGHT AND BOTTOM PHOTOS ON OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
PRESERVING FLORIDA’S AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE
The Florida Strawberry Festival runs March 1-11. Plant City is about 35 miles east of Tampa.
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FLORIDA HARVEST THE FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL CARRIES ON AN AMERICAN TRADITION OF BRINGING COMMUNITIES TOGETHER THROUGH FESTIVALS AND FAIRS.
FLORIDA ROUNDUP Florida Strawberry Festival: 813-752-9194, flstrawberryfestival.com
The Florida Strawberry Festival is known around the country for its all-star lineup of extraordinary musical entertainment, which features a mixture of old and new stars. This year’s lineup has something for everyone and includes the performers Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley, the Oak Ridge Boys, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Band Perry, Lee Greenwood, Casting Crowns, Engelbert Humperdinck, Trace Adkins, Charley Pride, Earth, Wind & Fire and many others. Admission to the Florida Strawberry Festival is $10 for adults (13 years and over) and $5 for children ages 6-12. Children under 6 are admitted at no charge. Concerts tickets must be purchased in addition to festival admission. 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.
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BOTTOM PHOTOS COURTESY OF FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
The festival rivals any state fair with its huge carnival midway, local food and social events.
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BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF ARCADIA ALL-FLORIDA CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO
BY KATHY ANN GREGG
The new Mosaic Arena is covered and will seat about 7,800 visitors. Grounds dirt from the old arena is being placed in Mosaic as a tribute.
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TOP LEFT PHOTO BY MIKE RASTELLI; TOP RIGHT PHOTO BY KATHY ANN GREGG
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Berkleigh Blue Hale (left), granddaughter of Kayo Welles, carries Old Glory at the spring rodeo. Mutton bustin' (right) is how many young riders start.
he grand entry has come and gone, the National Anthem has been sung, all heads were bowed for the invocation, the military veterans received a standing ovation … and then a hush comes over the capacity crowd.
All eyes are on the bucking chutes where the first event is about to start—bareback riding. Will it be National Finals Rodeo qualifiers Tim O’Connell, R.C. Landingham or Tanner Aus, or a rookie looking to make his mark? The chute opens, the bronc jumps—and the 2018 Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo has begun! This Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association event is an institution in the Sunshine State. It is one of the longest-running professional rodeos in Florida, often performing to soldout crowds. And from March 8-11, organizers in Arcadia will be doing the 90th such event, and in a new home—the $7 million Mosaic Arena. Don T. Hall, president of the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo Association for the past 16 years, says: “We strive to be as good as the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. If you don’t believe me, just ask one of the cowboys!”
The 2015 Arcadia rodeo saw Spencer Wright draw Medicine Woman as his saddle bronc, for instance, and his ride garnered him a score of 92 points, his career best, an arena record and the second-highest score EVER in this event. The next year witnessed Shane Hanchey break the arena record, held since the early 1980s, in the tie-down roping event, with a time of 8.5 seconds. Both cowboys are regular National Finals Rodeo qualifiers, and Hanchey took home the 2013 win from Las Vegas.
A TOTALLY VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION, THE ASSOCIATION PROVIDED NEARLY $60,000 IN DONATIONS TO LOCAL GROUPS.
And the cowboys do love coming to Arcadia every March. It attracts top competitors from all over the nation, and even other countries. Frontier Rodeo Co. from Winnie, Texas, is the long-standing stock contractor, and its stock is nothing short of AWESOME! And with an annual payout of more than $100,000, the big names come to ride the best stock and take home a big paycheck.
The Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo starts the day with the Shoot-Out Gang, a bunch of hard-drinking, guntoting rowdies who shoot up the arena while the less-than-virtuous dancehall ladies kick their legs and dance. Each year the script changes, but they always delight the audience. Next up is the oh-so-popular mutton bustin’, where 3-to-6-year-old cowboys/ cowgirls climb onto the backs of woolly sheep to win the $50 reward for going the farthest into the arena, and get their picture taken with the pretty rodeo queens.
The barrelman entertainment will again be provided by Keith Isley, repeat PRCA Entertainer of the Year. With the inauguration of the new Mosaic Arena, be prepared for loads of additional entertainment and rodeo spectacles. And you may even be able to meet the recently crowned Miss Rodeo America 2018, who is Florida’s own Keri Sheffield. Once the dust has settled after the close of the spring rodeo, the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo Association plans to sponsor many additional events. It already hosts the Memorial Day weekend barrel race, the annual Arcadia F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M
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TOP PHOTO BY MIKE RASTELLI; INSET PHOTO AND OTHERS BY KATHY ANN GREGG
Rodeo star Wyatt Casper (above left) aboard Griz. Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo Association President Don T. Hall (inset photo, left) with the legendary cowboy poet Carl Sharp and Kay Wise at the final Heard Street rodeo. Miss Rodeo Florida 2017 Keri Sheffield (below left) at a Shoot-Out Gang performance, and Spencer Wright (below right) aboard Medicine Woman.
Expect thrills and chills at the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo. But tickets for the March event are going quickly.
Youth Rodeo, the Cattlemen’s Association ranch rodeo in July, and its own fall “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” rodeo. It intends to host concerts, outdoor shows, boat/RV shows, as well as other equestrian events.
TOP LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF ARCADIA ALL-FLORIDA CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO; TOP RIGHT PHOTO BY KATHY ANN GREGG
But the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo Association is much more than described above. A totally volunteer organization, the association provided nearly $60,000 in donations to local groups such as the DeSoto Band Boosters, Boy Scouts Troop 39, as well as the DeSoto 4-H and Future Farmers of America. In fact, it is the largest fundraiser for both the DeSoto Band Boosters and Troop 39, something it is very proud to share. Moving from the historic arena on Heard Street in Arcadia is an emotional time for the association, having held its rodeos there for the past 59 years. The memories made there will remain with the group forever, as it moves forward with this new chapter. Phase I construction of the new Mosaic
Arena, completed in January, includes the building and facilities. The seating will be more modern (and more comfortable) than the old arena, with capacity increasing to almost 8,000 seats. Phase 2 will include the William G. “Kayo” Welles Florida Cowboy Museum, among other spaces. Welles was a past president of the Rodeo Association. Tickets are still available for the spring event: arcadiarodeo.com, or 863-494-2014. And while visiting, keep in mind that fundraising is still going on for Phase 2, giving you an opportunity to be a part of the future of “The Granddaddy of ’Em All”! Kathy Ann Gregg has been attending the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo since 2003, where she has made many lasting friendships in the rodeo world.
AND WITH AN ANNUAL PAYOUT OF MORE THAN $100,000, THE BIG NAMES COME TO RIDE THE BEST STOCK. F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M
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PHOTO BY LAS VEGAS IMAGE STUDIO/TERRY WRIGHT
Summerfield's Keri Sheffield will champion Florida's country heritage during her one-year reign.
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Rodeo Royalty
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Florida's sunshining queen is Miss Rodeo America, a first in 63 years Written by: KATHY ANN GREGG
efinition of a rodeo queen: Curled hair, white hats, a little sass and LOTS of class!
PHOTO COURTESY OF SHERRY SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY
The date is Dec. 3, 2017, and Keri Elizabeth Sheffield starts the day at 8 a.m. with the contestant roll-call and scrapbook check-in—the beginning of the Miss Rodeo America pageant at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas for the contestants from 31 states. Seven long days, usually 10 to 14 hours each, are filled with a horsemanship competition, a written test on equine science and rodeo knowledge, extensive interviews, extemporaneous speaking and a fashion show—and then only five states remain in the running. After one final question, the Landstrom’s Black Hills Gold crown is placed on the hat of Miss Rodeo America 2018. Keri Sheffield is the first winner from the Sunshine State in the pageant’s 63-year history. In addition to the coveted national title, Sheffield earned the Appearance and Personality awards, and the Dea Family Foundation Field of Science Scholarship. Prior to being Miss Rodeo Florida 2017, she served as the first Southern Junior Rodeo Association queen, and then became the Florida High School Rodeo Association queen. Sheffield, a 24-year-old nurse from Summerfield near Ocala, plans on continuing her education to become a nurse anesthetist and carrying out her vision of serving as a medical missionary. That is after her year-long reign as the official representative of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, during which time she will travel more than 120,000 miles and appear at more than 120 rodeo performances, as well as other appearances to promote the sport of rodeo and the Western way of life. Sheffield’s first official appearance was being introduced in the Thomas & Mack Center during the sixth round of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, just two days following her coronation. With the majority of Florida’s pro rodeos being held during the winter months, Sheffield will be accompanied by many of Florida’s other rodeo royalty. Ellie Johnston is the 2018 Miss F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M
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Southeastern Circuit, now in its third year. The Southeastern Circuit consists of Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Arkansas (her home state). She holds a master’s degree in library science and teaches sixth-grade English. She also volunteers in her community working with animal shelters and taking in rescue dogs. Johnston has helped with the Wounded Warrior Project and has been a pen pal to veterans. The reigning Miss Silver Spurs is Lacie Stark, who calls St. Cloud home. Her bio states: “As a little towhead walking around the cow pens covered in dirt and sweat, and of course cow poop, she dreamed of someday becoming a rodeo queen.” At the age of 5 she joined the Silver Spurs Pee Wee Quadrille team and has competed in the Miss Silver Spurs pageant since age 9. Additionally, Stark was Miss Teen Rodeo 2016, when she enjoyed its annual Teen Weekend. Hosted by the Steinruck family, it was started when daughter Kelli was Miss Teen Rodeo 2011, and Kelli hosted the 2016 event wearing the crown of Miss Rodeo Florida. The itinerary includes Disney’s Magic Kingdom, an airboat ride, Western shopping (of course), two days at the Wide Open Rodeo & St. Lucie County Fair—where they participate in a patriotic flag ceremony—and ending with horseback riding on a Fort Pierce beach.
FLORIDA RODEO QUEENS ARE FOUND FROM ONE END OF THE SUNSHINE STATE TO THE OTHER.
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Florida rodeo queens are found from one end of the Sunshine State to the other. The Gateway Pro Rodeo, for example, will announce its new court in March. The 69th Homestead Championship Rodeo was held in mid-January, with three days of fun, food, solo and team equestrian acts, a parade, barrelracing and other competitions, the funny entertainer/barrelman and so much more. This Southern-style pro rodeo determines its queen by total advanced ticket sales, giving visitors a way to select their favorite contestant.
TOP PHOTO COURTESY OF MISS/MR RODEO PALM BEACH CO.; BOTTOM PHOTOS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, COURTESY OF: LACIE STARK, ELLIE JOHNSTON, MISS RODEO OKEECHOBEE, COURTNEY CLAIR
Pictured are the Miss Rodeo Palm Beach County court (left). Other Florida rodeo royalty (below, left to right) are Miss Silver Spurs Lacie Stark, Ellie Johnston after being crowned Miss Southeastern Circuit, Miss Rodeo Okeechobee Sierra Coward and Miss Teen Rodeo Florida (2013) Courtney Clair, the 2017-2018 Florida High School Rodeo Association queen. Each honors their families, hometowns and Florida's long rodeo heritage.
WITH THE MAJORITY OF FLORIDA’S PRO RODEOS BEING HELD DURING THE WINTER MONTHS, SHEFFIELD WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY MANY OF FLORIDA’S OTHER RODEO ROYALTY. Heading northward from Homestead you find the Miss/Mr. Rodeo Palm Beach County. Its current teen queen, Sierra Rush, was first the princess, then went on to be Miss Rodeo Florida Princess, and is now back in the Palm Beach County fold of rodeo royalty. Pageant coordinator Chelsea Cai Chilcutt says, "We are a local pageant with stepping stones for the queens to compete in Miss Rodeo Florida.”
BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF SHERRY SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY; OTHER PHOTOS BY KATHY ANN GREGG
The current court of Miss Rodeo Okeechobee is Sierra Coward, Teen Caitlin Rubens and Princess Heaven Crosby. The 2016 Miss Teen Rodeo Okeechobee was Courtney Clair, who is the 2017-2018 Florida High School Rodeo Association Queen. Hooray for all of Florida’s rodeo queens, who are, in Sheffield’s words: “Proud to be sunshine-lovin’, sweet tea drinkin’, Floridaborn cowgirls!” In her list of rodeo friends, Kathy Ann Gregg counts many of these rodeo queens and delights in writing about them.
Keri Sheffield (above) receives a kiss from mutton bustin' champion Stephen Harris at the 89th annual Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo. She also rode in the Arcadia "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" rodeo (left).
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THE ARENA
RODEO PRODUCERS AND FLORIDA STOCK CONTRACTORS COWBOYS RODEO ON AFTER COMPETITION, KEEPING YOUNG AT HEART
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Written by: Kathy Ann Gregg
hile cowboys may be young at heart, rodeo competition is for the young of body.
Juan Alcazar Jr. slides from his horse in the bulldoggin' event at the Davie Pro Rodeo. Spunk Sasser is hazing for the ride.
After producing rodeos for many years, the men went their separate ways, with the Weekley boys forming Weekley Bros./Davie Pro Rodeo in 2007, and Mason and his wife, Judy Chapman Mason, a former Women’s Professional Rodeo Association barrel-racing competitor, forming Mason Pro Rodeo Productions. The Weekley Bros./Davie Pro Rodeo, fondly called “Cowboy Town,” produces a minimum of three professional annual rodeos—the spring Orange Blossom Pro Rodeo in March, the summer rodeo in June, and the fall rodeo in September. And beginning in 2009 they also produced the Southeastern
Circuit Finals at the Davie Arena at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds, in November. They are known for creating top-notch Western entertainment. They were nominated for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Rodeo of the year in 2002 and again in 2004. And they were voted Florida’s No. 1 rodeo in 2010. In Las Vegas last December, Troy Weekley received the Outstanding Individual award from the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association—quite an honor. Mason Pro Rodeo Productions has been producing the Lakeland Pro Rodeo Classic, part of the Seminole tribe series, for many years. Then in 2015, Wauchula decided to bring back professional rodeo after more than 20 years, and the Mason family added another event to its annual calendar. The Masons pride themselves on not only putting on a good rodeo, but bringing quality Western entertainment for the enjoyment of spectators. They have collected a stable of white horses ridden by cowgirls dressed in red, white and blue, for example—the Patriotic Cowgirls—who carry sponsor, military and American flags during rodeos. One of their favorite entertainers is Tim “Wild Thang” Lepard and his Team Ghost Riders, capuchin monkeys dressed as cowboys and riding sheepdogs. Yet that was not the end of Five Star Rodeo—it’s official name today is 5 Star Rodeo Holdings,
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TOP RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF WEEKLEY BROS./DAVIE PRO RODEO
So, they turn to alternative venues that allow them to remain a part of the sport that they have loved since being children. Five former cowboys back in 1986, for example, joined to form Five Star Rodeo Co.—Troy, Wayne and Danny Weekley, Leroy Mason and the late Douglas Parrish.
LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF WEEKLEY BROS./DAVIE PRO RODEO; RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF 5 STAR RODEO PRODUCTIONS LLC
Eight-time Southeastern Circuit champion Jim Burnette (left) rides at the Davie Pro Rodeo. Corey Fussell (above (right) gets cowboyed up on the bronc Spots & Dots.
5 STAR RODEO PRODUCES MOST OF THE PROFESSIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN RODEOS HELD IN FLORIDA, AS WELL AS PROVIDES STOCK FOR THEM.
and it now belongs to Marty Johns and his son-inlaw, Paul Bowers, of the Seminoles of Florida. They provide stock to many of the Davie Pro Rodeo events, including the Southeastern Circuit Finals, as well as professional rodeos throughout the state. In fact, their bull, #Y1 Rogue Leader, received the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association award of Southeastern Circuit Bull of the Year for 2017.
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THE ARENA
Judy Chapman Mason and Leroy Mason (right) hold the Peace River Pro Rodeo Classic in January. Troy Weekley (below) receiving the Outstanding Individual of the Year award from the Women's Professional Rodeo Association in Las Vegas.
5 Star Rodeo produces most of the professional Native American rodeos held in Florida, as well as provides stock for them. And like most stock contractors, they provide the pick-up men to help protect this stock, using Clint Boney and Spook Whidden. Kathy Ann Gregg has been photographing and writing about ranch rodeos for the past nine years, and was the official photographer for the 2017 Ranch Rodeo Finals.
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TOP PHOTO COURTESY OF MASON PRO RODEO PRODUCTIONS; BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF WEEKLEY BROS./DAVIE PRO RODEO
Hope to see you at the next Florida rodeo!
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THE ARENA
RANCH RODEO FINALS & COWBOY HERITAGE FESTIVAL WORKING COWHANDS COMPETE LOCALLY AND AT SILVER SILVER SPURS ARENA
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Written by: Kathy Ann Gregg
owboys cracking whips in round-ups in the palmettos of the Sunshine State is where the term “cracker” cowmen is derived.
And this distinctive sound can be heard at the Florida Cattlemen’s Association Ranch Rodeo Finals & Cowboy Heritage Festival at the end of September. Rather than being national events with professional cowboys, ranch rodeos sprang up in Florida as competitions for cowboys to showcase skills used every day in working cattle.
While bearing some similarities to professional rodeo events, this festival has branding, team doctoring (which requires heading and heeling ropers to secure a simulated injured animal), sorting (done by the female team members), double muggin’, wild-cow milking and both colt riding and ranch bronc riding, skills used to train green horses. Not only are these events done daily on working cattle ranches across the state, they are fun to watch and are enjoyed by spectators! The festival is a weekend of cowboy events, a day of cowboy art, music, poetry and storytelling. As fierce as the competition is in the arena, barbecue competitions among the various beef-masters can be just as wild. And a much-loved event is the whip-popping contest, which last year drew competitors ranging in age from 3-year-old Cason Feagle to 80+-year-old Woody Tilton. Repeat contestants are Cameron Cato and the Waldman brothers, known in the Southeast region for their whip-cracking skills. There are up to 16 qualifying ranch rodeos around the state. The schedule starts in January and runs through the end of July. These events go on, rain or shine—cowboys don’t get a day off because it’s raining!
PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY KATHY ANN GREGG
It was a decade ago that the Florida Cattlemen’s Association began sponsoring ranch rodeos in the state, culminating with the Ranch Rodeo Finals & Cowboy Heritage Festival held across from association offices at the historic Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee.
The 2017 champions, the J3 Ranch team (left), and Cason Feagle (above) with his dad, Justin.
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The Bit Horse & Cattle team (above left) in the double muggin' event, rodeo Sweetheart Milli Jones (above right) is accorded the honor of flag bearing and Jerrod Sparks (below) runs his horse Sparkles during ranch horse competition.
THE FESTIVAL IS A WEEKEND OF COWBOY EVENTS, A DAY OF COWBOY ART, MUSIC, POETRY AND STORYTELLING.
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THE ARENA
THERE ARE UP TO 16 QUALIFYING RANCH RODEOS AROUND THE STATE. Teams consist of four cowboys and a cowgirl, which results in team rosters that include husbands and wives, fathers and sons or daughters—some competing against one another. This is a family event, and each night there is a boot scramble for the little tykes. Last year the ranch horse competition was at full capacity, with 41 entries in the three categories. The cow-dog competition was added in 2013, and is a big hit. And 2017 saw the inaugural silver sorting event, where four-man teams must be 50 or older. Competing were Florida Cattlemen’s Association President Ken Griner and Florida state Rep. Neil Combee. So, if you’re in the mood for a different version of rodeo, come watch working cowboys and cowgirls at one of the many qualifiers or the Florida Cattlemen’s Association Ranch Rodeo Finals—you won’t be disappointed! floridacattlemen.org Kathy Ann Gregg has been photographing and writing about ranch rodeos for the past nine years, and was the official photographer for the 2017 Ranch Rodeo Finals.
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PHOTO BY KATHY GREGG
Marshall Godsey of the Push Hard Cattle team wins the ranch bronc riding event, with a score of 69.
THE ARENA
OKEECHOBEE COWTOWN RODEO
BEST OF THE BEST COMPETING IN MARCH AT HISTORIC FLORIDA ARENA Written by: Jack Collier
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ome of us inherit money or bad reputations. Audra Clemons got beef cattle and cowboys. Which she will likely give to newborn twin daughters, a fifth generation in the livestock sales and rodeo business.
PHOTOS BY DAVID BURROWS
So, Clemons is serious in her role as marketing director for the Okeechobee Cowtown Rodeo, working it and keeping things saddled, she says. “Maintaining [the rodeo],” she says, “means so much, to my family, to Okeechobee. As our town grows, and it is growing, it’s losing a lot of its heritage. The rodeo is what makes our county and our city very unique.” The Okeechobee Cowtown Rodeo, which her family helped jump start, in March celebrates its 67th year of production. The annual event provides wholesome fun and entertainment. Rodeo contestants show off their athleticism, bravery and skill on Friday, March 9 through Sunday, March 11 at the historic grandstand Cattlemen’s Arena, located in Okeechobee off U.S. Highway 441 North. Clemons’ great-grandfather, Oscar, was an important Florida
cattleman. Her grandfather is the former hard-riding cowboy and influential Okeechobee cattleman, Pete Clemons, her father, uncles, aunts and other relations work in the beef business, mostly in the family’s Okeechobee Livestock Market and another cattle market near Lake City in upper Florida. And nearly all of them competitively rode or roped as kids. Rodeo is an expression of the cattle culture, the ageless tradition of ranch-hands displaying their range skills. In Florida, that heritage could go back some 500 years. A cattlemen’s association in the 1950s started the Okeechobee Cowtown Rodeo, an important venue for modern cowboys and cowgirls, a calendar event to circle and for which to plan. The Okeechobee rodeo honors the infamous Cowtown Rodeo in New Jersey. Pete Clemons won there as a young rider … his winnings once paid in pennies when pulling a joke on Howard Harris Sr., the larger-than-life owner. The best of the best on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, or the PRCA, circuit will be in Okeechobee for the one weekend in March, scoring points and money in
Miss Rodeo Okeechobee and her court (left) promote rodeo in the Okeechobee area. Bronc-riding athletes (right) show off their bravery and skill.
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THE ARENA
RODEO IS AN EXPRESSION OF THAT CATTLE CULTURE, THE AGELESS TRADITION OF RANCH-HANDS DISPLAYING THEIR RANGE SKILLS. Crowd favorite mutton bustin’ (above right) to rodeo queens (below), Okeechobee Cowtown Rodeo provides wholesome fun and entertainment.
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LOR RIID DAACC O OU UNTRY NTRY Fe Febbrruuaarryy || M Maarrch ch 22001188 FFLO
ROUNDUP When: March 9-11 How much: Admission: $18 students/adults; gate $20. Free, kids 5 and under. Tickets: Eli’s Western Wear, Okeechobee, theokeechobeerodeo.com
One Arm Bandit & Company is a wild west show fit for a king.
Where: Okeechobee Cattlemen’s grandstand rodeo arena, 1885 U.S. Highway 441 North, across from Raulerson Hospital
hopes of advancing to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Keep in mind that these cowboys and cowgirls not only compete against each other, but that they also have trained, and untrained, 2,000-pound bulls and horses they’re wrangling at the same time. Rodeo arena gates open both days at noon, offering early concessions, vendors, and an exotic petting zoo on Sunday. Events start at 2 p.m. with a crowd favorite—mutton bustin’, followed by the Grand Entry flag ceremony to honor rodeo and arena sponsors. The opening ceremony includes a tribute to the American flag and a live performance of our national anthem. For those bringing out-of-town family and friends, the Okeechobee Cowtown Rodeo has an official hotel sponsor, Pier II Resort. The renovated property offers fans a special “rodeo rate” of $90 per night. To get the special, rooms must be booked by March 4.
Kudos: Okeechobee Cowtown Rodeo Presenting Sponsor, South Florida Chevy Dealers; Golden Buckle Sponsor, Seminole Tribe of Florida; Ticket Sponsor, Sebastian Palm Tree Farm; Silver Spurs Sponsor, Florida Southeast Connection; Announcer Sponsor, CenterState Bank; and the Gilbert Family of Companies
PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY DAVID BURROWS
Jack Collier is editorial director for Florida Country Magazine.
Also: Pier II Resort, 954-752-5146, Pier2ResortFlorida.com
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WELCOME TO OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA
WHERE RODEO IS A TEAM SPORT, SMALL TOWN’S AMAZING COWBOYS AND COWGIRLS
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Written by: Kathy Ann Gregg
here is a Central Florida town that has been producing rodeo winners over the past three decades.
Maybe it’s the fresh air in Okeechobee, the heart of Florida's cattle country and where its high school is the state’s only school recognizing rodeo as an approved team sport. It has in the last year produced two national rodeo champions, the country’s only public school to achieve such notoriety. While Okeechobee High School didn’t have a rodeo team back into the 1980s, the school did produce other national champions such as Rabe Rabon and D.R. Daniel III. Both cowboys competed in tie-down roping—also called calf roping—and steer wrestling. They tied for the Florida High
Okeechobee's D.R. Daniel III at the Silver Spurs Rodeo in 1995 in the tie-down roping event. He was a national champion in the sport.
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School Rodeo calf-roping title in 1981, and Rabon went on to win that title for the next three years (1982-1984), as well as steer-wrestling titles in 1983 and 1984. While both men did well in bulldogging, roping made them cowboy celebrities. In 1986, for example, both qualified for the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, rodeo’s Super Bowl/ World Series. To do so, a cowboy must finish in the top 15 of all Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association calf-ropers, which is no small feat. And Daniel that year went on to become the National Finals Rodeo tie-down roping champion. That was despite his beloved grandfather’s death and returning to Florida for funeral services in the middle of the finals. He then took the title of tie-down roping champion at the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo for the next two years, 1987 and 1988. At
COURTESY OF D.R. DANIEL III/PHOTO BY MIKE RASTELLI
THE ARENA
TOP LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF SARAH J. GEMMILL; OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE BAUMAN FAMILY
Rodeo legend Joe Beaver (above left) enjoys stays in Okeechobee. Brighton Bauman (above) runs a 2.56-second roping in the short round of the National High School Finals Rodeo. Bauman, Abdiel Zamora and other champions on the side panel of a tractor-trailer (below) rolling across America.
I’VE BEEN COMING TO OKEECHOBEE FOR 20 YEARS NOW … AND I LOVE IT. —Joe Beaver, national rodeo champion that time, the event was held in Pocatello, Idaho. In that same time frame, Rabon also qualified for the National Finals Rodeo in 1987, 1989 and 1992, winning the world calf-roping title in 1989. Joe Beaver, also a tie-down roper, spends his winters in Okeechobee. “I’ve been coming to Okeechobee for 20 years now … and I love it,” says Beaver, whose list of wins spans pages. He was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2000. Fast forward three decades and Okeechobee is once again producing roping champions. Brighton Bauman and Abdiel Zamora (nicknamed Z-Man) qualified for the National High School Finals Rodeo held in Rock Springs, Wyoming, in July 2017. Going into the short round for breakaway roping, Bauman was a mere 1/500th of a second ahead of the second-place contestant. “She was fast, so I F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M
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THE ARENA knew I had to be faster,” Bauman says of the competition.
World champion calf-roper Rabe Rabon is shown in a 1989 keepsake from National Finals Rodeo competition in tie-down roping.
And fast she was, Bauman going home a national champion as just a sophomore. In April, Bauman won Joe Beaver’s 13-15 Girls Breakaway in Alvarado, Texas, and the 19-andunder championship in July at Roy Cooper’s Junior Super-Looper in Decatur, Texas. And she was invited to compete in Roy Cooper’s 19-andunder Invitational at the Junior NFR in Las Vegas in December. Being a senior, this was Zamora’s final chance to win at the highschool level. He was leading the tie-down roping going into the final round—and his 10.96-second run earned him the title, making it the first time in 40-plus years that two national high school champions came from the same town—an honor now held only by Okeechobee, Florida!
PHOTOS COURTESY OF COURTESY OF RABE RABON
Kathy Ann Gregg is a Florida writer and photographer.
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THE ARENA
PASCO COUNTY FAIR RODEO, LIVESTOCK SHOWS, MUSIC, SHOOTING MATCHES, SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
hink about it—the Pasco County Fair was organized back in 1948 and it will be putting on its 71st event this year, from Feb. 19-25, 2018. What an achievement!
This is a nonprofit run completely by volunteers. The 2018 theme is “Jam Packed with Excitement!” There will be the usual world-class midway and lots of entertainment, including bluegrass and gospel shows. And don’t forget all the youth livestock shows and sales that are a mainstay of our Florida county fairs.
The Cowboy Mounted Shooting Match is on that Sunday, Feb. 25. The Pasco County Fair has partnered with the members of the Bay Area Bandits Mounted Shooting Club for this event, which is an actual competition and is a state finals qualifier. Come see this exciting new equine activity in action.
And it is full of rodeo events, too. The Pasco County Fair Championship Rodeo, a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association event, is in its 14th year. The usual events of bareback and saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping and team roping, steer wrestling and bull riding will be on the bill. It also includes barrel racing, as well as junior barrel racing sponsored by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association.
And this year organizers have added the State Finals Ranch Rodeo Qualifier. Saturday evening will preview this event, with 12 teams of working cowboys and cowgirls competing for a place in the Florida Cattlemen’s Association Ranch Rodeo Finals in late September. They will try their hands at team sorting, double muggin’, roping and branding, team doctoring and the cowboy pick-up. These are all real Florida working cowpokes. And as seriously as they take these competitions,
AND ALL OF THIS IS FREE WITH FAIR GATE ADMISSION.
Few rodeo events race the heart like a Women's Professional Rodeo Association barrel racer and her horse rounding a turn and hitting the gas.
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Stock is provided by 4L and Diamond S of Summerfield, Georgia. The Lowry family produces approximately 20 professional rodeos per year and their stock is something the cowboys look forward to riding. Past years have seen contestants from 33 states, Canada, Australia and Brazil. Rodeo events are Feb. 23 (evening) and Feb. 24 (afternoon).
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PHOTO BY RON MANDES
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Written by: Kathy Ann Gregg
they also provide the spectators with lots of laughs. And all of this is free with fair gate admission. This small-town fair attracts such great rodeo activities because its rodeo committee consists of professionals such as LeAnne McKendree John, a former Miss Rodeo Florida from 1999, and her steer-wrestling husband, Alan; Neil Mathis (team roper) and David Loyd (steer wrestler), both longtime PRCA members and former Southeastern Circuit Finals qualifiers; Jarrett (team roper) and Bethany Semanka; Spunk and Kelly Sasser. For those paying attention to Las Vegas last December, Spunk Sasser, along with partner Daren Sims, won the Yeti #13 World Series of Team Roping after 17 callbacks, taking home a slice of the $1.4 million payout. Not bad for a small-town fair that strives to provide quality and familyfriendly entertainment! pascocountyfair.com Kathy Ann Gregg is a Florida photographer and writer.
BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF FLORIDA OUTDOOR EXCURSIONS; LOWER RIGHT PHOTO ABOVE BY CAVIN BROTHERS; OTHER PHOTOS BY BRETT SENG
BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF BAY AREA BANDITS MOUNTED SHOOTING CLUB; OTHER PHOTOS BY RON MANDES
Bronc, bareback and bull riding display a rodeo cowboy's true grit at the Pasco County Fair Championship Rodeo in late February.
Cowboy Mounted Shooting is a new competitive sport for men and women. For safety, ammunition is black powder blanks. F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M
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THE ARENA
RODEO TERMINOLOGY TO PUT YOU IN THE KNOW THE NEXT TIME YOU GO
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AREBACK BRONC RIDING Using no saddle or reins, the rider uses a special rigging and leans back and spurs with an up and down motion.
SADDLE BRONC RIDING While lifting on a braided rein, the rider spurs forward and backward in a sweeping motion. The saddle has free-swinging stirrups and no horn. MARKING OUT THE BRONC In both bronc-riding events as the bronc exits the chute, the rider must have the heels of his boots in contact with the horse above the point of the shoulders before the horse’s front legs hit the ground. Failure to do so results in disqualification. STEER WRESTLING Also called bulldoggin’. A horse-mounted rider chases a steer, drops from his horse to the steer, then wrestles the steer to the ground by grabbing its horns and pulling it off-balance. “HAZER” This is the second mounted rider and his job is to keep the steer running straight ahead for the bulldogger. After the run is complete, he also returns the bulldogger’s horse. CALF ROPING Also called tie-down roping, a mounted rider ropes the calf around its neck, dismounts from his horse, runs to the calf and restrains it by tying three legs together. The rope used to tie the calf’s legs together is called a piggin’ string and is carried in the roper’s mouth. TEAM ROPING Two mounted riders, with one roping the steer around its head—known as the “header”—pulls it to the left and the second rider ropes its back legs—known as the “heeler.” There is a fivesecond penalty for roping only one hind leg. BREAKING THE BARRIER Also nicknamed “Getting a speeding ticket.” In steer wrestling and both roping events, the calf/steer has to have time to exit the chute and start its run, so a rope is stretched across the box. If the rider exits the box too quickly, the rope is snapped and a 10-second penalty is added to the contestant’s score. BARREL RACING This event combines the horse’s athletic ability and the horsemanship skills of the rider to maneuver around three barrels set in a cloverleaf pattern. BULL RIDING Known as the most dangerous eight seconds in sports, a rider attempts to stay mounted on the bull’s back while the animal attempts to buck him off. ROUGH-STOCK EVENTS are bareback and saddle bronc riding and bull riding. They are scored events, with the rider receiving half of the score and the animal receiving the other half. TIMED EVENTS are the steer wrestling, tie-down and team roping and barrel racing. The quickest time wins, which is why penalties need to be avoided in these events.
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Definitions compiled by Kathy Ann Gregg from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.
RODEO ROUNDUP PRO RODEO SCHEDULE
RANCH RODEO SCHEDULE
Feb. 15-16, 2018 – PRCA Rodeo Feb. 17, 2018 – PBR Bull Riding Fred Smith Arena, Brighton Reservation, Okeechobee rezrodeo.com
Feb. 14-15, 2018 Performances at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Bob Thomas Equestrian Center, Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa
90TH ANNUAL BRIGHTON FIELD DAYS
140TH SILVER SPURS RODEO
FLORIDA STATE FAIR RANCH RODEO
MANATEE COUNTY CATTLEMEN’S ANNUAL RANCH RODEO
Feb. 16-18, 2018 Silver Spurs Arena, Kissimmee silverspursrodeo.com
Feb. 17, 2018 Palmetto Fairgrounds, Palmetto floridacattlemen.org/events/
FORT MYERS PRORODEO
POLK CATTLEMEN'S & UF/IFAS TRADE SHOW AND RANCH RODEO
Feb. 16-17, 2018 (Tentative) Lee County Posse Arena, Fort Myers fortmyersprorodeo.com
Feb. 17, 2018 Bartow Arena on U.S. 17, Bartow
PASCO COUNTY FAIR CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO
HENDRY COUNTY CATTLEMEN’S ANNUAL RANCH RODEO
Feb. 23-24, 2018 – PRCA Rodeo Pasco County Fairgrounds, Dade City
DAVIE PRO RODEO
Feb. 24-25, 2018 Davie Rodeo Arena, Davie davieprorodeo.com
ARCADIA ALL-FLORIDA 90TH CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO
March 8-11, 2018 Mosaic Arena, Arcadia arcadiarodeo.com
OKEECHOBEE’S COWTOWN RODEO
March 9-11, 2018 Cattlemen’s Arena, Okeechobee theokeechobeerodeo.com
Feb. 23-24, 2018 LaBelle Rodeo Grounds, LaBelle
PASCO COUNTY FAIR RANCH RODEO
Feb. 24, 2018 – Ranch Rodeo Pasco County Fairgrounds, Dade City
CHALO NITKA FESTIVAL & RANCH RODEO March 2-3, 2018 Bronson Arena, Moore Haven chalonitka.com
ST. LUCIE COUNTY CATTLEMEN’S/ ADAMS RANCH ANNUAL RANCH RODEO
March 31, 2018 OR April 7, 2018 Bud Adams Arena, St. Lucie County Fairgrounds
We could not fit all rodeo schedules. For a complete list, please contact Kathy Ann Gregg at kathy@floridacountrymagazine.com. F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M
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Hey, y’all! I’m Cally Simpson, the author of Cally in Wonderland. With words and photographs, I will be presenting my Florida, giving you a glimpse of the wild and wonderful place where I and so many of you were raised. Join me on a journey of discovery into past and modern Florida.
SWAMP CABBAGE FLORIDA’S SWEET DELICACY, A MENU ITEM DATING BACK CENTURIES
“W
Written by: Cally Simpson
I have been using his knives for most of my 32 years and would not be surprised if a blade came out of his pocket that wasn’t sharp enough to shave the hair on your arm. But my father, Randy Simpson, still feels the need to remind me. It’s our own little tradition. He is right, though.
Today, I’m finally getting to learn the fine art of making swamp cabbage. And let me tell you no part of this is easy— if you don’t have razor-sharp implements, you’re never going to get to the sweet center of cabbage palm. It’s toward the end of February and a little chilly outside. I can’t imagine processing this food in the heat of a South Florida summer. It is grueling work.
A TRAINED EYE WILL CUT AT THE EXACT RIGHT SPOT ALMOST EVERY TIME. The first step is finding the perfect cabbage palms to cut down. For a large gathering you’ll need to fill the bed of a pickup truck. The next step of preparation is called “booting out.” The exterior of a cabbage palm is called a boot and a growing palm will shed them as they age. But these are green boots and will need to be removed by hand. I watch as Dad examines each palm trunk to find the best place to start. There is an art to this. A trained eye will cut at the exact right spot almost every time. I watch for hours
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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY CALLY SIMPSON
atch yourself with that knife ... it’s sharp!” my dad yells at me.
Raw swamp cabbage should have a sweet flavor and no aftertaste. If you taste bitterness, take off another layer and try again.
FFLO LOR RIID DAACC O OU UNTRYM NTRYMAAG GAAZZIIN NEE..CC O OM M
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Once the trunk has decreased to almost a third of its original size, it’s time to start looking for the prize!
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WHO DO YOU THINK THE FIRST PERSON WAS DECIDING TO CUT DOWN A CABBAGE PALM AND LOOK FOR SOMETHING TO EAT, I ASK. as he picks one after another from the pile, cuts the boots and peels each layer until reaching the meat.
Randy Simpson's tools are razor sharp, for safety and cutting accuracy.
As usual, I’m filled with questions. He accepts each one thoughtfully. Who do you think the first person was deciding to cut down a cabbage palm and look for something to eat, I ask. He thinks it over for a moment and says, “Well, I’m not for sure, but I was always told that the Indians saw the bears tear into the trees and eat the hearts. They got the idea from them.” Who knows if this story is true … but it seems plausible. Florida bears were very plentiful at one time and I imagine their giant claws ripping trees apart and sitting down to tear out the hearts. In reality, they probably ate the insides of trees that had fallen during a hurricane or tropical storm and had begun to rot, making them easier to shred. The Indians probably saw this and found what worked as a food. Settlers likely added their own spin to the process, which is very similar to what I am witnessing today. It’s cool to watch my dad do something almost identical to how one of my forefathers would have done it.
PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY CALLY SIMPSON
I have since learned many things about Florida’s state tree. Cabbage palm, for instance, is considered a delicacy in many fine-dining establishments. Chefs give them a much more appealing name— hearts of palm. Yep, if you’ve ever seen hearts of palm on a menu, you were seeing swamp cabbage dressed up for a ball. You could order it and enjoy a fine interpretation of my heritage. But I’m sure it wouldn’t be nearly as delicious as what I am going to learn to cook later today with my father. Once the trunk has decreased to almost a third of its original size, it’s time to start looking for the prize! The meat starts to become stark white. Raw swamp cabbage should have a sweet flavor and no aftertaste. If you taste bitterness, take off another layer and try again. While some of the bitterness can be cooked off, you want to help your cook by removing the bitter layers before presenting it to the pot. Once you have gotten to the sweet center, you begin to cut the cabbage into chunks. From one trunk, you may get two large handfuls of usable meat, if you’re lucky. But I’ll tell you what, once you’ve had it done right, nothing will stop you from getting more! Cally Simpson is a mother of a beautiful boy and loves to travel around the state commemorating our history and heritage. Make sure you check out her Cally in Wonderland blog, callyinwonderland.com F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M
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FLORIDA CHARM
SWAMP CABBAGE FESTIVAL LABELLE JAYCEES STARTED THE FUN EVENT IN 1966, RUNS FEB. 24-25
ach February thousands of visitors and locals flood the streets and businesses in LaBelle, Florida, celebrating the annual Swamp Cabbage Festival. Locals and visitors can count on two days of entertainment, food and fun with a small-town atmosphere. The festival began in 1966 by the LaBelle Jaycees. The newly formed chapter was searching for a project to sponsor that would benefit the entire community’s pride and cooperation in honor of National Jaycee Week in January. Gary Lucia, the organization’s first president, appointed T.E. Hedges and Bernard Rasmussen to come up with a proposal. Noting the abundance of sabal palm trees, or as they are called locally, cabbage trees, and remembering their importance to early settlers as both building material and food, Rasmussen suggested a Swamp Cabbage Festival.
Bass fishing tournaments (left) and entertainment are a highlight of the festival.
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Hedges added this should be popular with visitors who had heard of this native delicacy—also known as heart of palm— but have not tried it. The Jaycees adopted the project and began promoting an old-fashioned pioneer festival honoring Florida’s state tree. The idea caught the imagination of the community and as the idea started to snowball, other organizations were invited to participate. Soon all of LaBelle was involved in preparation for the first Swamp Cabbage Festival. The first festival was such a success, that a permanent Swamp Cabbage Festival Committee was formed and included representatives from civic groups and churches. Today’s committee is still comprised of those groups, as well as volunteers and local elected officials. Swamp Cabbage is difficult to harvest because it requires a lot of work to remove the heart of the palm. After cutting the
PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF SWAMP CABBAGE FESTIVAL
E
Written by: Swamp Cabbage Fesitval Committee
The festival began in 1966 by the LaBelle Jaycees. A pioneer festival honoring Florida's state tree.
THE FIRST FESTIVAL WAS SUCH A SUCCESS, THAT A PERMANENT SWAMP CABBAGE FESTIVAL COMMITTEE WAS FORMED. tree, it must then have its boots removed and the inner husk torn back. The meat of the tree can be boiled, fried or even used in baking. The committee collaborates with regional wildlife officials and assists with the removal of sabal palm trees from designated protected wildlife areas earmarked for prescribed burns. In turn, vendors at the festival offer the heart in the various tasty creations they create. Over 50 years later, the festival stays true to its roots while at the same time embracing social, economic and cultural changes. Each year a queen and princess are crowned, and a local family is chosen to represent the community as the “Pioneer Family.” Last year’s Swamp Cabbage queen was F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M
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FLORIDA CHARM
2017 Swamp Cabbage Festival Queen Alyssa Johnson and Princess Natalie Welky.
PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF SWAMP CABBAGE FESTIVAL
EACH YEAR A QUEEN AND PRINCESS ARE CROWNED, AND A LOCAL FAMILY IS CHOSEN TO REPRESENT THE COMMUNITY AS THE “PIONEER FAMILY.”
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Thousands of festival-goers (below) will takeover LaBelle Downtown Historic District and Barron Park for a full day.
the first Hispanic-American woman to be crowned and this year’s “Pioneer Family” is the first Hispanic family chosen to represent the festival. The festival is excited to celebrate the cultural diversity of the LaBelle community and highlight a true representation of its people. Beginning Saturday morning, thousands of festival-goers will begin filling into the LaBelle Downtown Historic District and Barron Park for a day full of activities. The event kicks off with a parade at 10 a.m. along Bridge Street, followed by activities and entertainment in Barron Park. Food vendors will be offering everything from carnival-style food to specialty items made from swamp cabbage, such as fritters to ’gator tail. Performances on the main stage include musical acts, as well as local dance groups showcasing different styles of dance, including the popular Southern favorite—clogging. This year’s headline act is country music artist Darryl Worley, with hits such as “I Miss My Friend,” “Tennessee River Run” and “Have You Forgotten.”
ROUNDUP
When: Feb. 24-25 Contact: Labelleswampcabbagefestival.org, Facebook
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STARS & GUITARS presented by
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS YOUNG
MEET CHRIS YOUNG COUNTRY STAR TALKS ABOUT TOURING, KEEPING GROUNDED Written by: Jack Collier
Florida Country Magazine: You’re headlining shows and selling out concerts across the U.S. and abroad. What have you learned over the years of touring with such big names as Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, Alan Jackson and Jason Aldean that you use on your own tour? Chris Young: One of the things I’ve learned is how much diversity there can be in your set and how to stack the tempo songs, and also mix in mid-tempos and ballads. If you look at all those artists, it’s a pretty wide range as to how they set everything up and what songs they put in their shows, including covers. It has really opened up the possibilities for what I can do now that I’m headlining. Last year, I had Dustin Lynch, Dan + Shay and Cassadee Pope out with me as special guests on my I’m Comin’ Over Tour, and in 2018 I will have Kane Brown and Lanco out with me for my Losing Sleep Tour! I was out with Jason Aldean for most of 2017—we played massive stadiums and arenas, which is always amazing. FCM: By the looks of your schedule, you practically live on the road. What are the things that make you feel at home no matter where you travel? CY: We have a Keurig coffeemaker for the bus. It’s great to be able to wake up and have freshly brewed hot tea or coffee to start the day without leaving the bus. My X-Box 360 is a must and I also had a road case built for my Golden Tee arcade golf game, so me and all the guys in the band can have tournaments on the road. Lately, I’m loving hitting the gym or going for a run in whatever city I’m playing. And a guitar is a must for late-night jam sessions or in case I find inspiration for a new song. FCM: You have seven albums out now, including your new record Losing Sleep. And a string of number one hits. What is your favorite song to perform live? CY: It’s always great to play whatever the latest single is, especially as it’s climbing the charts. The feedback for my new single “Losing Sleep” has been amazing and it’s a lot of fun to have audiences sing it back during the show. “Aw Naw” and “Lonely Eyes” always get the crowds on their feet ready to have a good time.
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Chris Young
“Tomorrow” always gets a huge response as soon as we start playing the opening guitar licks of the song. And songs like “Gettin’ You Home” and “You” and “Who I Am With You” are favorites for all the couples in the crowd; I’ve even seen a proposal or two in the audience when I’m singing. FCM: Your recent success has brought multiple TV appearances, album certifications, award nominations and nine No. 1 singles. And in October 2017 you were inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. What was that like? CY: As a kid growing up in Murfreesboro [Tennessee] and listening to the Opry, I never imagined that I would be invited to be a member. It still feels unreal; there’s nothing like it. The night I was inducted [Oct. 19, 2017] was probably the best night of my life. FCM: What keeps you grounded? CY: Without a doubt, my family keeps me grounded. They’re the kind of people who will keep you in line and keep your head on straight. And my road family—all the guys in my band and crew— never miss a moment to give me grief over things like being People Country's or Nash Country Weekly's "hottest bachelor." They help keep me honest, for sure. FCM: When did you first know that you wanted to pursue music as a profession? CY: The first time I got up on stage with a band, I knew I loved music. I never
questioned it all the way through high school or college and knew without a doubt it was what I wanted to do. FCM: Who were your music inspirations growing up? CY: Vince Gill makes a guest appearance on “Sober Saturday Night”—my most recent No. 1 single. I’ve always been in awe of him and for him to say yes to sing and play on my record was pretty amazing. Keith Whitley is also one of my musical heroes. I recently had the chance to play one of his old guitars on the Opry stage; that was an awesome experience. FCM: Who are your current inspirations in today’s music? CY: I’m constantly inspired by the people I’ve toured with over the years—artists like George Strait, Brad Paisley, Jason Aldean and Dierks Bentley—I’ve learned so much from them and watching their shows each night. FCM: A lot of country artists have been mixing some entertaining covers into their live sets. Are there some surprises your fans will get from your live show that they would not expect just from listening to your albums? CY: We like to cover everything from ZZ Top to Stevie Wonder and Eric Clapton in my live shows. I added “China Grove” to the set after collaborating with The Doobie Brothers on a recent project. I think sometimes people are surprised by some of the songs we mix in to our sets. But I’ve been influenced by a wide variety of genres … and so I like to share some of my favorites with the fans.
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STARS & GUITARS presented by
Kane Brown
MEET KANE BROWN A SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN, LOVES HIS FANS, TAKING IT A DAY AT A TIME Written by: Jack Collier
Florida Country Magazine: You started out singing in your bathroom and posting videos on social media. What was that experience like when you received such a great response? Kane Brown: It was crazy. I was posting covers and videos and more and more fans began sharing them. We hit the tipping point with a cover of Lee Brice’s “I Don’t Dance.” I went to bed and woke up with 5,000 “friend” requests and they just kept coming. I was offered a record deal because of the success of my covers. None of this would have happened without my fans online. FCM: Your nana and mom are your world. What is the most important thing they’ve taught you? KB: To be a Southern gentleman. I grew up around women and learned the correct way to treat a lady. FCM: To growing up in a small town and being in the same choir group as Lauren Alaina in middle school, what is it like singing platinum-certified “What Ifs” with her? KB: I was so shy in middle school and Lauren was … well … Lauren. Her personality was so big, even back then. She gave me confidence to sing and motivated me when she was on American Idol. FCM: What was the first thing you bought when you made it? KB: I bought a Dodge Hellcat. It goes way too fast … and I love it. FCM: Your voice—it’s a gift or something you’ve acquired over time? KB: With this low register there is no question the type of music that I need to sing. Can’t change anything about it.
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FCM: Most country performers have been in gospel or have a bluegrass background. How has your musical history affected your songwriting, your approach to country music? KB: The first song I remember hearing was “I Like It, I Love It” by Tim McGraw. My mom loves country music—Shania Twain, Sugarland, I grew up on all of that. When I went to high school, I was exposed to pop and R&B. I hope that all those influences come through in my music. FCM: What was it like to meet your idol Chris Young? What was it like to sing with him? KB: The first time I met Chris was at one of his concerts and I was backstage. I had just signed to my booking agency, WME, and they took me to the show. I was nervous, but he was so great. Now we have a tour together and a song together. I can’t believe it. FCM: You’re working with a lot of top artists in the music industry. How has that experience changed your stage performances? KB: The first tour we did was Florida Georgia Line. They taught me so much about performing—playing to the back of the arena, not just the people in the front row.
FCM: When you are on stage, what’s the sensation? Do you feel the love? KB: I love the fans. I love feeling their energy. We just did my first headlining arena show in Southaven [Mississippi]. Seven-thousand fans showed up and it was sold-out. It was such an incredible feeling. FCM: You are now a role model for so many who have struggled as you did growing up. What advice do you have for them about following their dreams? KB: Don’t quit. Don’t listen to haters. Don’t let anyone stop you from what you want to accomplish. FCM: What do you imagine the next couple of years will look like? KB: I don’t usually make goals. I take it one day at a time. But I know I want to have another No. 1 on the radio and continue putting new music out to the fans.
PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF KANE BROWN
Then going out with Jason Aldean this past year was incredible. I stood side stage every night and watched him. I learned so much from Jason and my band learned from
his band. I’m so glad I got that experience.
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PICTURE PERFECT
CAMERA-READY
Photo by: Meagan Watkins
PORTRAYING THE COWBOY WAY OF LIVING
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y name is Meagan Watkins of MDW Photography. I am 21 years old and have had a camera in my hands since I was about 8. I started out with all things wildlife and later began to lean toward portrait- and familystyle photography. In the last two years I have been given opportunities to go back to my original roots. When Clint Raulerson asked me to help him with the photos for his book Cowboy Legacy: A Lifetime in the Saddle, I couldn't say yes fast
enough. I followed Clint and his crew around for weeks at a time to capture photos that portray this way of life that has been forgotten by many. I shot this photo using a Canon 80D on Half Circle L Ranch in Immokalee; featured in it is Gary Raulerson, a lifelong cowboy. Along with being able to share my work with others who may not know just what goes on in the daily life of a cowboy, I love being able to give the families something to have and pass on to their kids—so the stories can stay alive generation to generation.
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Every issue of Florida Country Magazine features a winning photo. Check our Facebook page or floridacountrymagazine.com for details and to see other photo entries.
WHIPPING IT UP IN YOUR KITCHEN IRON SKILLET STEAK WITH GARLIC BUTTER Serves 4
THE CULINARY CRACKER
Try these simple and tasty recipe ideas bursting with flavor and down-home goodness!
INGREDIENTS - STEAK 4 (12-ounce) rib-eye steaks, 1 ¼-inch-thick, at room temperature 4 tablespoons olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste INGREDIENTS - GARLIC BUTTER ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley leaves 3 cloves garlic, minced Zest of 1 lemon 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped 1 teaspoon rosemary, chopped 1 teaspoon basil, chopped ½ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper Pinch of cayenne pepper PREPARATION To make the garlic butter, combine butter, parsley, garlic, lemon zest, thyme, rosemary, basil, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl. Transfer mixture to parchment paper; shape into a log. Roll in parchment to 1 ½ inches in diameter, twisting the ends to close. Refrigerate until ready to use, up to 1 week. Preheat oven to broil. Place an oven-proof skillet in the oven. Using paper towels, pat both sides of the steak dry. Drizzle with olive oil; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Remove skillet from the oven and heat over medium-high heat. Place the steak in the middle of the skillet and cook until a dark crust has formed, about 1 minute. Using tongs, flip and cook for an additional minute. Place skillet into the oven and cook until desired doneness is reached, about 4-5 minutes for medium-rare, flipping once. Let rest for 3-5 minutes. Serve immediately with garlic butter. F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M
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THE CULINARY CRACKER INGREDIENTS ¾ pound fresh green beans 4 bacon strips 3 tablespoons butter, melted ¼ cup barbecue sauce 1 teaspoon honey
BACON-WRAPPED GREEN BEANS Serves 4
PREPARATION Place beans in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Cook uncovered for 8 minutes or until crisp-tender. Meanwhile, in a skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until cooked but not crisp, about 3 minutes. Remove and place on paper towels. Drain beans; place about 12 beans on each bacon strip. Wrap bacon around beans. Place on an ungreased baking sheet. In a small bowl mix barbecue sauce and honey. Baste barbecue mixture over the top of the bundles. Bake at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until bacon is crisp. INGREDIENTS 6 medium baking potatoes 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 ½ teaspoons coarse salt ½ cup cream cheese spread ¼ cup butter, softened ⅓ cup milk 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (4 ounces) 6 slices bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled 2 green onions, chopped ½ teaspoon table salt ½ teaspoon pepper PREPARATION Heat oven to 425 degrees. Prick potatoes with fork, place in 1-gallon resealable food storage plastic bag. Add oil and coarse salt, seal bag and turn to coat potatoes. Remove potatoes, place on cookie sheet. Bake 1 hour or until tender. Cool. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees. Cut thin slice off top of each potato, discard. Scoop pulp into large bowl, leaving shells intact. Add cream cheese spread, butter and milk to pulp in bowl, mash with potato masher or electric mixer on low speed. Stir in cheese, bacon, onions, table salt and pepper. Spoon into potato shells. Return to cookie sheet. Bake 30 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
CHEDDAR-BACON TWICE BAKED POTATOES Serves 6
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COWBOY CAVIAR Serves 8
INGREDIENTS - DIP 3 Roma tomatoes, diced 2 ripe avocados, diced 1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained 1 15-ounce can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained 1 ½ cups frozen sweet corn, thawed 1 red bell pepper, diced ⅓ cup red onion, diced 1 jalapeno pepper, seeds removed, diced into very small pieces ⅓ cup cilantro, finely chopped 1 bag tortilla chips INGREDIENTS - DRESSING ⅓ cup olive oil 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1 teaspoon sugar ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder PREPARATION Combine tomatoes, avocado, onion, black beans, black-eyed peas, corn, pepper, jalapeno pepper and cilantro in a large bowl. Stir so that ingredients are well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Pour dressing over other ingredients and stir/toss very well. Keep refrigerated. If not serving immediately, be sure to stir well before serving. Serve with tortilla chips.
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THE CULINARY CRACKER
FIREBALL CINNAMON WHISKY BBQ CHICKEN Serves 4 to 6
PREPARATION together ketchup, In a medium saucepan, whisk egar, onion vin red pepper jelly, sugar, cider e pepper. Bring enn powder, garlic powder and cay simmer and m to a boil, reduce heat to mediu Whisky on nam for 3 minutes. Add Fireball Cin heat and m fro ove and simmer 3-5 minutes. Rem of the es sid h bot set aside. Prepare grill. Season n until cke chi ok Co . chicken with BBQ seasoning s. ute min 0 8-1 almost done, approximately for k coo ze, gla Baste chicken with Fireball again and cook 2 minutes. Flip chicken, baste ove chicken from Rem for an additional 2 minutes. Fireball glaze. ing ain grill. Serve chicken with rem
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FIREBALL IMAGES COURTESY OF FIREBALL CINAMMON WHISKY
INGREDIENTS 4-6 chicken leg quarters ½ cup ketchup ¼ cup red pepper jelly 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons cider vinegar ½ teaspoon onion powder ¼ teaspoon garlic powder ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper isky ½ cup Fireball Cinnamon Wh 1 tablespoon BBQ seasoning
TRUCKS & TOYS
REDNECK MUD PARK PHOTOS BY SCARLETT REDENIUS
WORLD-CLASS OFF-ROAD PARK, BECOMES A CITY DURING FUNFILLED EVENT WEEKENDS
ATVs, trucks and swamp buggies attack swampy and rugged Southwest Florida terrain.
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hat if I told you that Southwest Florida is home to one of the largest theme parks of its kind in the entire U.S. Would you be surprised? Would you wonder where it is?
Would you come see and GET MUDDY?
Welcome to Redneck Mud Park, the world’s most exciting off-road park. For almost a decade, Redneck Mud Park in east Charlotte County has attracted hundreds of thousands of off-road and mud-bogging fans to its 800-plus acres of mud pits and riding trails. All here in our own backyard. “We attract outdoor enthusiasts from around the country to our world-class
DESIGNED AND BUILT BY LOCAL BUSINESSMAN DANNY KELLY, THE OFFROAD PARK OPENED ITS FIRST BIG WEEKEND IN NOVEMBER 2008. F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M
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TRUCKS & TOYS
REDNECK MUD PARK OVER THE YEARS ADDED ADDITIONAL ENTERTAINMENT TO THE WEEKEND-LONG EVENTS MIX—AND THE CROWDS GREW. Throw in concerts, a huge vendor area and hundreds of acres of camping space, and Redneck Mud Park becomes its own little city during fun-filled weekends.
ROUNDUP
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Redneck Mud Park, 44570 Bermont Road, Punta Gorda Open: event-only weekends many times each year Next up: Trucks Gone Wild Spring Break, March 22-25 239-691-8557, redneckmudpark.com
PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY SCARLETT REDENIUS
events,” says Dave Kelly, the park’s marketing director. “About two-thirds of our attendees are from local counties, but the others come from all over the U.S. We’ve had folks come from as far away as Alaska, and we even get European visitors. Mud-enthusiasts from around the world know the name Redneck Mud Park and they love to attend our events.” Designed and built by local businessman Danny Kelly, the off-road park opened its first big weekend in November 2008, attracting thousands from the Southwest Florida area to its unique brand of outdoor entertainment. Four-wheel vehicles of all kinds participated in the fun, and the park’s reputation quickly grew into what it is today. While many attendees enjoy spending the day trying to conquer the challenging mud pits on the property, others bring their big trucks, ATVs and swamp buggies and attack the riding trails that bend like spaghetti throughout the swampy and rugged Southwest Florida terrain. Truck owners bring their monster vehicles to participate in challenges. Who can drive through mud that has the consistency of chocolate-cake batter without getting stuck? Sitting on tires as tall as 60 inches, these mega mud-trucks plow on, radios blaring and fans screaming. It’s a sight to see. Redneck Mud Park over the years added additional entertainment to the weekend-long events mix—and the crowds grew. A dedicated oval racetrack with bleachers was added to the property to host the mega mud-truck races, where drivers from around the country attempt to conquer the soupy track filled with obstacles and jumps while vying for thousands in prize money. A concrete pull pad hosts the truck tug-o-wars, and airboats thunder down the airboat drag strip at speeds of more than 100 m.p.h. Throw in ATV races, concerts, a huge vendor area and hundreds of acres of camping space, and Redneck Mud Park becomes its own little city during these four-day, fun-filled weekends. It’s a slice of muddy heaven—and it’s right down the street! F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M
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TRUCKS & TOYS
SABRA STILWELL 101 DRIVE BIG TRUCKS, SMILE AND WAVE AT THE PASSING DRAMA Written by: Jack Collier
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Stilwell runs “Stuntin’ Like My Daddy,” a giant Ford diesel named to honor her father, Scott. In fact, she’s had many mega mud trucks and swamp buggies that she’s owned over the last decade, entering into events and tearing up the mud.
"Stuntin' Like My Daddy" Sabra (said Say-bra) as a kid in rural Brooksville, Florida, was included in her father’s circle of excitement—fishing, scalloping, big trucks and quick buggies—and he passed that gene to his only daughter. Scott Stilwell died unexpectedly at age 47. Sabra’s mother, Jessie, died recently at 52. Sabra,
who is 31, and her younger brother, Logan, remain close. “Having a corporate job,” Sabra Stilwell says of her position in Tampa as a mortgage loan professional, “being outdoors brings me back home … to the Suwannee River, to fourwheeling and dirt roads. Our father taught us to live every Stilwell lives life to its fullest. No challenge too big or small, no matter the outcome.
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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF SABRA STILWELL
hether performing handstands in Machu Picchu, posing on top of triple Merc outboards, or fooling with the small alligators that amuse her, at heart Sabra Stilwell is a country girl happiest aboard her monster truck, full throttle in Florida's wide-open spaces.
FROM SOCIAL MEDIA POSTINGS
OUR FATHER TAUGHT US TO LIVE EVERY DAY TO THE FULLEST. AND THAT’S WHAT I’M DOING. —Sabra Stilwell day to the fullest. And that’s what I’m doing.” Sabra Danae Stilwell is by nature a motorhead, she says, starting with Jeeps and moving to big diesels and swamp buggies. She is at home mudding in such Florida parks as Plant Bamboo in Okeechobee, the Iron Horse Mud Ranch in Perry, or the Redneck Mud Park in east Charlotte County.
Sabra Stilwell Year you started playing with trucks: I’ve been playing with trucks since I can remember! My dad always had lifted trucks. My first purchase was the white 5-ton Duramax in 2010. Hometown: Brooksville, Florida Favorite food: Sushi and spaghetti (but not together)! Favorite mud park: They’re all my favorite. It’s not the park, it’s the friends that are family that creates the memories at each park. What do you do when you aren’t mudding: Traveling the world and catching gators. What people don’t know: I still sleep with my bunny stuffed animal my mom got me when I was 7. People you want to thank: Most definitely my parents for making me the adventurous person I am today.
But Stilwell is also at home … not being home, traveling the world, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, or deep in the Florida wilds with other motorheads, the star canopy overhead, the fire crackling. But always in her heart, Scott Stilwell’s gift to live each moment, she says. “No part of drama,” Sabra says of her creed. “You just smile and wave; take what comes and roll with it.” Jack Collier is editorial director for Florida Country Magazine.
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MY RIDE
LOVIN’ MY TRUCK
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FLORIDA COUNTRY AND SAVAGE 4X4 PRESENT FLORIDA’S DEVOTED OWNERS
lorida Country Magazine and Savage 4X4 in Fort Myers held a contest with Redneck Mud Park for the baddest mega mud truck. Here are the winners and we look forward to seeing everyone at Trucks Gone Wild Spring Break, March 22 through March 25 at Redneck Mud Park.
We encourage you to post photos of your customized truck for our April/May 2018 My Ride section on facebook.com/floridacountrymagazine or facebook.com/savage4x4s.
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TOP LEFT PHOTO BY SCARLETT REDINIUS; TOP RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF NICK VILMANIS; BOTTOM LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVE NORMAN; BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF JEREMY BEATY
LOOKING TO CUSTOMIZE YOUR VEHICLE? THEN SAVAGE 4X4 WILL BE GLAD TO HELP.
‘YETI’
Owner: Mike Kolias | San Carlos Park, Florida | Year: 2004 | Make: Chevy | Model: 2500 HD
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TOP LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE KOLIAS; OTHER PHOTOS BY SCARLETT REDENIUS
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eti” was built for mud-bogging in the sloppiest, deepest holes out there. The engine is a 6.6L Duramax with a PPE programmer and a 6-speed (built) Allison transmission with transfer case and a 24-inch SCS drop gear case. The suspensions are 26-inch Stage 3 Night Stalker Nitrogen. The wheels are custom-built 34-inch, three-dimensional, with 23.1 x 34 Titan R2 tires. The axles are 5-ton military top-loaders. “Yeti” has a custom-made 3M wrap, with an actual Yeti holding an American and rebel flag. For ease of access into the cab, we installed hydraulic lifts, so riders of all ages, including my 1-year-old daughter, may enjoy riding high.
LO R R II D DA AC O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M FFLO
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MY RIDE
NICK’S ‘GRASS MONEY’
Owner: Nick Vilmanis | Tarpon Springs, Florida | Year: 1998 | Make: Chevy | Model: Extended cab pick-up
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF NICK VILMANIS
as built over six years ago and we keep changing it; adding more power, more suspension so we can put on a better show and be more versatile to play and show off, have a good time or to race and promote business. We try to show up to as many events as possible. “Grass Money” is currently running a single carbureted big block, TH400, SCS 2-4 transfer case, 2.5-ton top-loaders with upgraded axles and internals. It has in-house fabricated 4-link, running King coilovers, currently running 14.9 x 24 R2s, cut and scooped.
BOTTOM PHOTO BY LYNDA DAWSON/WIBADA PHOTO; OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVE NORMAN
‘SKULL BUSTER’
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Owner: Dave Norman | Nokomis, Florida | Year: 1991 | Make: Chevy | Model: Blazer
hree years ago, we bought this truck. It was a one-owner, nearly pristine survivor Blazer. Much to the disdain of our square-body friends, Mack D’s Customs started building it into a mega truck. After nearly two years, we completed the truck now known as “Skull Buster.” We first took it out to our local (and favorite park) Redneck Mud Park in Punta Gorda (Florida). We got a great response! This is our first mega-truck build. Having built a few other mud toys, we wanted to build a mega Blazer because we always liked square-body Blazers. The only thing left from the original truck is the body; it has a custom-built frame and cradle, big-block Chevy motor, SCS gearbox, 5-ton axles on custom-built wheels. We really enjoy the mud parks with it now, and enjoy it with all our mudding friends! “Skull Buster” is a new build and we are just now getting it out to a few parks. This year we should be out with the truck even more! Hope to see everybody out at the parks this year!
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MY RIDE
‘MORE MONEY’
Owner: Jeremy Beaty | Plant City, Florida | Year: 2005 | Make: Chevy | Model: Duramax 2500 HD 4-door
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF JEREMY BEATY
assive thanks to Chris at Daddy O’s Deluxe Custom Auto (Plant City) for a one-of-a-kind custom airbrush and paint job (interior/exterior); Opie at Chop Fabrication (Lakeland) for putting this dream of mine in the air; John at Boulevard Customs (Lakeland) for making sure everyone can hear some good ol’ country music. Heads turn when I take this titled, tagged and street-legal monster ridin’ uptown. Sitting on 2.5-ton axles with four-wheel disc brakes, dual transfer cases with a Cyclone gearbox and King coilover shocks, I’m riding on 54-inch boggers with custom rims. That snugtop is hiding 16/12-inch subwoofers, 11 amps, dual alternators with nine batteries powering this amazing sound system. Have no doubts this monster has taken a lot of sweat and busted knuckles to get where it is. This truck has been a lifetime of dreaming and years in the making … and it ain’t done yet. I’ve got a lot more features to add and am gonna spend a lot “More Money.”
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