FEATURES
FLORIDA COUNTRY MAGAZINE / ISSUE VOL. 2 • NO. 3
ON THE COVER: Writer Cally Simpson reveals how a photo of a little boy's smile, entered into our bi-monthly contest, led to an inspirational story of his aunt. Photo by Brandi Watford Photography. Read Simpson's story on page 36.
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Picturing the Future Carton Ward, Jr. hopes his photos of Florida's wilder side will increase support for conservation
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Exquisite Equestrian Excitement Florida Horse Park also gaining fame for agricultural, community events
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DEPARTMENTS FLORIDA COUNTRY MAGAZINE / ISSUE VOL. 2 • NO. 3
THE BRAND
FCM CIRCLE
FLORIDA CRACKER FLAIR
A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER
page 48
page 8
FOOD FOR ‘NOAH’S ARK OF CREATURES’
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VET VIEW
page 51
ALTERNATIVE EQUINE THERAPY
CALLY IN WONDERLAND
page 10
CHASING A FOX IN FLORIDA!
FLORIDA 4-H
CHICKEN OR THE EGG? WHY NOT BOTH!
page 13
page 54
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FLORIDA EXCURSIONS WATERFALLS DAZZLE, DELIGHT
page 58
HORSIN' AROUND
FARM TOURS OF OCALA
SLIPPING AND SLIDING
page 16
page 62
PATRIOTISM AT ITS BEST
page 18
FLORIDA MEMORIES DOWN ON THE FARM
THE VERSATILE PASO FINO
page 64
page 20
FLORIDA CHARM THE ARENA
PROFESSIONAL BULL RIDING COMES TO TOWN
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page 24
PICTURE PERFECT
page 70
GOAT ON THE GO
SLICE OF HEAVEN
page 71
page 26
COUNTRY SUNRISE
ARCADIAN IS NATIONAL WATERMELON QUEEN
page 71
page 31
page 34
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STARS & GUITARS
MEET KELSEA BALLERINI
page 72
THE CULINARY CRACKER
COUNTRY CALIBER PICTURE WORTH 1,000 WORDS
WHIPPING IT UP IN YOUR KITCHEN
page 36
page 74
PIG'S PEN
MY RIDE
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THE ADVENTUROUS FRENCH BULLDOG
A PERFECT STREET TRUCK
page 78
page 39
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page 67
THIS MERRITTS A PHOTO
FLORIDA HARVEST
TIME FOR BLACKBERRY PICKIN’
AS EASY AS PIE
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Owner/Publisher Scarlett Redenius Owner/C.E.O. Brad Redenius President Thomas Fifield Vice President Sheila Fifield Editorial Director Jack Collier Design Director Jessica Fifield Director of Photography Marsay Johnson Proofreader Katherine Waters Sales & Marketing Director Katrina Salokar Sales Associate Lynn Cox Sales Associate Paradise Creative Group Contributing Writers Jack Collier, Keitha Daniels, Christopher Decubellis, Pig Devlin, Ava Isabel Grace, Kathy Ann Gregg, Kym Rouse Holzwart, Paige Jardin, Emma J. Morse D.V.M., Tiffany Ogden, Jacob Ogles, Cally Simpson Featured Photographers Keitha Daniels, Andrina Dennison, Mike Gilbert, Kathy Ann Gregg, Kym Rouse Holzwart, Jose Penabella, Jenna Petty, Cheri Prill, Scarlett Redenius, Cally Simpson, Rachel Syngo, Howard Taylor, Carlton Ward, Jr. 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 2018, all rights reserved. Reproduction of contents in print or electronic transmission in whole or in part in any language or format must be by expressed written permission of the publisher. All articles, descriptions and suggestions in this magazine are merely expression of opinions from contributors and advertisers and do not constitute the opinion of the publisher, editor or staff of Florida Country Magazine, and under no circumstances constitutes assurances or guarantees concerning the quality of any service or product. Florida Country Magazine specifically disclaims any liability related to these expressions and opinions. Florida Country Magazine is not responsible for any unsolicited submissions. The advertiser agrees to hold harmless and indemnify the publishers from all liability.
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FCM CIRCLE
t’s our first anniversary! Nothing sums up the experience better than “time flies when you’re having fun.” Our crew of writers, photographers, designers and sales has had a ball.
I’ve enjoyed meeting so many interesting Floridians—native and the newly arrived. I’ve also discovered what great readers we have. It feels like Florida Country Magazine hit a sweet spot in our state’s long history. Our social media, circulation and other measurables are strong and healthy … in just 12 months. I can’t thank you enough for all your letters and emails, from words of encouragement, praise or just taking the time to say how much you enjoyed a story. That’s what our magazine is about, bringing a great new look to our state and truly discovering the beauty and amazing people within it. I am also really thankful for a chance meeting at a truck pull, which has become a great collaboration with Cody Moran and his crew at YNOT Lifestyle Brand. We met Margo Crowther, a legend in barrel racing and an all-around genuine cowgirl. We had the privilege of time with family and crew of the ranching dynasty, Hilliard Bros. of Florida, genuine country hospitality with the warmest welcome. I could go on and on regarding the extraordinary people with whom I’ve crossed paths, but one thing’s for sure— I’ve enjoyed every moment of this journey.
treasures as the majestic waterfalls in our backyard; Dudley Farm Historic State Park, where visitors experience Florida farm life as it was more than a century ago; and one little boy’s smile that led us to a great organization, Ride for the Fight. What we do brings information you may not have known, but it’s also a business. Please remember our advertisers when such needs arise in your life. I could have all the stories and great pictures in the world, but these important businesses make it possible for Florida Country Magazine to share them with you. And perhaps as importantly as any lesson I’ve gained, we must all play our part in keeping Florida’s agricultural heritage and its future healthy and alive. Our state’s economy away from the shorelines is about ranching, farming and the character of those managing the land. We are blessed with an abundance in families and generational traditions that in some cases go back 500 years. Even the rivers, marshes, lowlands, lakes and oceans are dependent on Florida’s healthy agriculture—a balance of tourism and farming very few states require to survive. And yet we seem to manage. I’m honored to bring you more of the people and places in the Sunshine State. I hope you will continue to share our love of its long history and the exciting possibilities moving into a new year at Florida Country Magazine. SCARLETT REDENIUS, Publisher
And I’m looking forward to another great year of discovering hidden trails and the natural wonders our state offers. In this June/July issue of Florida Country Magazine, for instance, we feature such surprising
CARLTON WARD, JR. CAPTURES THE BEAUTY OF OUR FLORIDA COUNTRY. SEE PAGE 40.
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PHOTO BY CARLTON WARD, JR./NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CREATIVE
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US!
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VET VIEW
ALTERNATIVE EQUINE THERAPY COMPLEMENTS TRADITIONAL MEDICAL PRACTICES, BUT MUST BE APPROVED BY VETERINARIAN
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Written by: Emma J. Morse, DVM
omplementary, or alternative, medical treatment for horses has been around long before traditional veterinary medicine. These options work well when complementing traditional medical practices used in healing injuries as well as injury prevention and health maintenance. Calusa Equine treats the “whole individual horse,” so we often include one or more of the following complementary treatments: SHOCK WAVE: Extracorporeal shock wave therapy is an important tool of rehabilitation and physical therapy. It’s most effective treating tendon and ligament injuries such as suspensory ligament desmitis. A special probe is placed on the injury site, which emits short, intense pulses of shock waves to repair damaged tissue. It can also speed up healing and reduce the length of time the horse is on stall rest. Veterinarians can adjust the energy, focal area, impulses and focus depth to tailor treatments. Most cases require three sessions with at least 500 pulses per session. CHIROPRACTIC: Chiropractic manipulation focuses primarily on restoring the spinal column’s normal alignment and promoting healthy neurologic activity. A qualified chiropractor palpates the horse to detect abnormal motion of individual vertebrae, poll or hip joints. Reduced mobility between two vertebral bodies can irritate nerves exiting the spinal cord, leading to decreased nerve supply to the tissues. Altered nerve function can cause focal pain, abnormal posture, uncoordinated movement and muscular soreness.
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ACUPUNCTURE: Acupuncture is another alternative therapy primarily used for pain management. Tiny needles are inserted into specific points to stimulate blood flow and free up energy channels. As with traditional veterinary medicine, the first step is conducting a physical exam and obtaining patient history from the client. The veterinarian then examines specific acupuncture pressure points to determine where therapy should be focused. Practitioners select primary acupuncture points based on areas of pain and identify secondary points. For example, a horse’s back pain could be caused by local trauma or could be secondary to hock problems. Treatment is tailored to specific needs. PULSED ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD THERAPY: PEMF is a unique and effective drug-free tool for maintaining and restoring health in all living beings. Research shows that damaged, weak cells—caused by stress and overuse—have an imbalanced electrical charge, similar to that of a low battery. When the voltage of a cell is compromised, the body is unable to rejuvenate itself, which is when physical dysfunction manifests. PEMF “exercises” cells with a pulsing magnetic field, bringing them back into electrical balance while increasing nutrient circulation and oxygen flow.
When cells are properly charged and functioning, soreness is reduced, inflammation decreases, range of motion increases and the body’s restorative abilities accelerate. MASSAGE THERAPY: Massage therapists use their hands to manipulate soft tissue of the body—muscle, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and skin—by applying varying
TOP RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF HARMONY BLACKWELL PHOTOGRAPHY
Above left, a horse undergoes acupuncture therapy. Aboice right, Dr. Craig Roberts, DVM, administers extracorporeal shock wave treatment to a horse. Below, Chiropractic is performed on a horse above right and below.
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VET VIEW A horse undergoes Magna Wave pulsed electromagnetic field therapy.
HORSE OWNERS HAVE AN ARRAY OF COMPLEMENTARY PRACTICES AND PRODUCTS FOR USE IN THE CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF THEIR EQUINE PARTNERS.
Horse owners have an array of complementary practices and products for use in the care and management of their equine partners. Like any decision relating to horse health care, making informed choices with a veterinarian is important. Concerning complementary therapy, obtain a clear picture of what a veterinarian can or cannot offer, who has the education and training to safely deliver therapy, and how and when to incorporate therapy with regular veterinary care. Emma J. Morse, DVM, Calusa Equine Veterinary Services
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PHOTO COURTESY OF MAGNA WAVE
degrees of pressure and movement. Included are techniques such as Swedish massage, sports massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, acupressure and other bodywork approaches. Techniques used depend on the horse’s needs or condition, as well as the therapist’s training. Some therapists also incorporate or recommend basic hydrotherapy and stretches, or other exercises.
FLORIDA 4-H
CHICKEN OR THE EGG? WHY NOT BOTH! KEEPING A FLOCK OF LAYING HENS IS A FUN AND REWARDING PASTIME
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Written by: Chris Decubellis
n outstanding way to “get back to the country lifestyle” is to keep a small flock of laying hens. Almost anyone who lives on a piece of property can own chickens. It doesn’t take a lot of space, elaborate equipment or tremendous amount of time. The entire family often enjoys getting involved in raising chicks, feeding and caring for the birds, and gathering eggs. Fresh eggs from one’s own chickens are a rewarding benefit of keeping a few hens. But before buying those cute chicks at the local feed store, or purchasing mature laying hens from a friend, consider the following: • You must have proper zoning or variances to keep chickens. If you live in a subdivision, even on a large lot, check if you can have them. Some local governments have special rules about backyard chickens. • There are hundreds of breeds and varieties; some are
considered large fowl and others are bantams. Certain breeds are typically friendlier or more docile than others, and certain breeds are known to be better layers of eggs. • Some breeds lay white eggs, others lay brown eggs and still others lay dark-brown eggs. Some lay eggs with a pink, green or bluish color. Take time to learn what breeds will work for your goals, although there really isn’t any nutritional difference between eggs of various shell colors. Decide what you want—for example, a reliable producer of large brown eggs or perhaps show-quality bantams—before you purchase any chicks. • Figure out how many birds you’ll need. If you want poultry companions to produce table eggs for your family, two to six layers may be fine. If want to sell eggs as a side business, you’ll need a larger flock. Depending on nutrition, health, temperature and genetics, the average laying hen produces 200 to 280 eggs annually.
If zoning laws allow, almost anyone who lives on a piece of property can own chickens.
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FLORIDA 4-H
FRESH EGGS FROM ONE’S OWN CHICKENS ARE A REWARDING BENEFIT OF KEEPING A FEW HENS.
• White Leghorns are among the best layers, known for large white eggs. Best brown egg layers include Black Australorps, Rhode Island Reds, Barred Plymouth Rocks and various types of sex-link chickens. (They’re called that since it is easy to separate roosters from pullets when they hatch, because of color patterns linked to their gender.) Ameraucanas and Araucanas lay eggs of various colors, including blue and green. • Housing and facilities are very important. Once you know the type and number of birds you’d like to keep, then decide on a chicken coop, yard or pens. Many predators love to eat chickens and eggs! Keeping your poultry pals safe can be a challenge in Florida, so be prepared to reinforce your chicken yard and coop. Birds will also need nest boxes, feeders, water founts and shelter from the rain. • Planning whether to start with chicks or adult birds is a big decision. Chicks are cute and fun but need special care because their nutritional needs change as they mature, and their temperature needs also change. Newly hatched chicks need to be protected from drafts and kept at about 95 degrees. (An excellent publication from UF/IFAS Extension on caring for baby chicks is available for free at edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an182.) Growing up in Pasco County, there were several commercial egg farms around the Masaryktown and Zephyrhills areas. Even though most of those farms are now gone, Florida remains a top producer of eggs and broilers, ranking 10th nationally for eggs and 17th for broilers.
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BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF UF/IFAS EXTENSION
Options for housing chickens include coops (shown here), yards or pens. Young people, such as the girls pictured middle, can keep chickens as 4-H projects, or exhibit them in fairs and shows. Below, Suwannee County residents Mario Pace, 10, and Valencia Perkins, 12, examine one of 50 Leghorn laying hens in their 4-H club’s flock.
I keep about 14 hens and a rooster, along with three Bourbon Red turkeys, on my farm in Archer, known as CD Farms Florida. My children participated in 4-H poultry projects and our family enjoys the fresh eggs. As of this writing, I have an incubator full of turkey eggs that are scheduled to hatch later this month. Caring for one’s own chickens is a fun and rewarding pastime that can even turn into a cottage industry. Young people can keep chickens as 4-H club projects, exhibit in fairs and shows, and even compete in poultry-judging contests. Knowing the commitment of time and resources—and the requirements necessary to successfully care for birds over the long term—will help you understand if keeping chickens is the right pastime for you! Chris Decubellis is the State Specialized 4-H Agent for Dairy and Animal Science. A native Floridian and a member of a west Pasco County pioneer family, Chris lives on a small cow-calf operation and family farm in Archer, Florida.
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HORSIN' AROUND
FARM TOURS OF OCALA o you have a great love of horses—well, you are certainly not alone. A recent economic survey reveals that 30 percent of American households feel the same! And residents of Florida are in the top group, along with residents of Texas, California and Kentucky.
Ocala, Florida, in fact, is known as the “Horse Capital of the World.” It has more than 800 horse farms, with more than 60 breeds represented. And for those who’d like an “insider’s view to get behind the gates,” make a reservation with Karen Grimes, owner of Farm Tours of Ocala. Grimes is originally from Montclair, New Jersey, and explains that she has had a passion for horses since she was 11 years old. That passion accelerated when she got a job during college at The Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Four years after galloping thoroughbreds on the East Coast circuit, she took a slow racehorse and taught him to jump. After winning a northeast regional championship in show jumping, Grimes landed for good in 1990 in Ocala. After
five years giving young thoroughbreds their elementary education for the races and then five years working as an equine veterinary technician, she obtained her Florida real estate license. During the economic downturn, Grimes’ entrepreneurial spirit kicked in and she started Farm Tours of Ocala. At first she thought it would be a part-time business to supplement the lagging real estate market. But Farm Tours of Ocala really took off and now, six years after its inception, it is No. 3 on TripAdvisor’s “Things to do in Ocala”! Farm Tours of Ocala participants can expect a beautiful drive through the heart of horse country, with stops at three locations for approximately 30 minutes at each site. Throughout the drive, Grimes gives great background history of Ocala. The conversation ranges from why fences are painted black to information about Ocala`s rich lime rock base, to why Scotch tape and tomato soup have a lot to do with the development of Florida’s horse industry.
TOUR PARTICIPANTS OFTEN SEEM TO BE PEOPLE WHO HAVE NEVER TOUCHED A HORSE IN THEIR LIVES, AND ALSO EQUINE PROFESSIONALS. Tour participants often seem to be people who have never touched a horse in their lives, and also equine professionals. Tour-goers will have very close encounters with horses of all disciplines and breeds, with a focus on thoroughbreds. Depending on the time of year, participants might be sniffed by curious foals (foaling season ends in the last week of June) or watch potential Kentucky Derby favorites thunder down the track. And they may get nudged for more carrots by a retired earner of millions of dollars or stand in awe of a magnificent stallion.
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OPPOSITE PAGE: BOTTOM LEFT, MIDDLE AND TOP RIGHT PHOTOS COURTESY OF GENIE IMAGES AND FARM TOURS OF OCALA; OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF FARM TOURS OF OCALA
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EXPLORE THE ‘HORSE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD’
Ocala Farm Tour participants will have very close encounters with horses of all disciplines and breeds. Tour-goers may even get a friendly nuzzle!
ROUNDUP Reservations required; farmtoursofocala.com Tour is three to three and a half hours; maximum 17 people. Starts at Florida Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association Building at 8:30 a.m., Mondays through Saturdays. Cost is $50 per person; $5 of ticket goes to local charities that aid people or horses. Tours available for large groups and tour operators.
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PATRIOTISM AT ITS BEST SEE THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE SHINE ON HORSEBACK
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Written by: Kathy Ann Gregg
ith the Fourth of July right around the corner, the colors of red, white and blue start to appear everywhere. Well, if you can imagine horses and pretty cowgirls in this scene, then you have the Mason ProRodeo Patriotic Cowgirls.
in-law Morgan. Leroy started with white horses, then went to black for a while, and came back to white for the carrying of flags in the grand entry.
Leroy Mason produced his first professional rodeo at the age of 15, and he is still going strong at it—now with his wife, Judy Chapman Mason, and their son Grant, and daughter-
And now that special white horse goes by the name of “Liberty.” His rider, who has been with Mason ProRodeo for the past 17 years, is Kara Elder Coates. Liberty is a 14-yearold gelding, and he has been a part of these performances since he first came to them 12 years ago.
But Old Glory was always carried by a white horse. Judy Mason had the privilege of carrying the American flag back in the early 1990s, during her professional barrel racing days.
A RECENT ACQUISITION IS A SET OF FOUR FLAGS IN RED WITH WHITE LETTERING THAT SPELLS OUT “GOD BLESS THE USA.”
The Mason ProRodeo Patriotic Cowgirls perform every Saturday night, rain or shine, at Westgate River Ranch in Polk County. That’s where spectators are given a taste of rodeo life, with bull riding and barrel racing, along with trick riding and Roman riding, and the grand spectacle of red, white and blue. A recent acquisition is a set of four flags in red with white lettering that spells out “God Bless the USA.” It will do your
At left, Kara Elder Coates has Liberty stand in place during the invocation at the Peace River ProRodeo Classic in Wauchula last January.
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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY KATHY ANN GREGG
This dynamic duo is surrounded by anywhere from five to 10 other horses and riders when in the arena. The white horses have colorful names such as Casper, Zero, Cruiser, Bullwagon, Amos, Gordy and Freedom. And then there is Spook—when asked where that name came from, all the girls will tell you to “ask Leroy, that was his doin’.”
Clockwise from top left: A 2011 photo of Anni Heilman, who joined the group a decade ago at age 6. Taking advantage of Hurricane Irma's "tree trimming," Sara Hoffman, Anni Heilman, Barbara Walker, Kara Elder Coates, Kaylee Belcher and Darby Pittman pose for a photo. The Mason ProRodeo Patriotic Cowgirls perform every Saturday night.
heart good to hear the cheering that takes place when these flags go round the arena! In addition to the weekly local rodeo, the Mason ProRodeo Patriotic Cowgirls are a major part of the annual Lakeland ProRodeo and Peace River ProRodeo Classic, held in Wauchula in January. They carry the sponsor flags, and flags representing all five branches of the Armed Forces—Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. Veterans are saluted at virtually every rodeo. The cowgirls also march in the Hardee County Christmas Parade, and visit local venues in preparation for the rodeo there. Amos had another starring role recently—he was the white horse ridden by Jesus after he emerged from the tomb during the final year of The Story of Jesus production in Wauchula. He has also been known to pull wedding carriages. Liberty has not only a barrel pattern on him, but performs roping tasks, too. As to the cowgirls—this is a gig they truly love, many staying for years. In addition to Coates, Barbara Walker has been participating for 12 years. But if you ask Leroy Mason, he’ll tell you the longest one in the fold is Anni Heilman. Having been one of these special cowgirls for only 10 years is quite a feat considering she is just 16 now. No doubt she’ll still be one for at least another 10 years. Kathy Ann Gregg is a Florida writer and photographer, specializing in rodeo, and she especially loves the patriotism of our rodeos. F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M
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HORSIN' AROUND
THE VERSATILE PASO FINO BREED WITH THE ‘FINE STEP’ HAS FASCINATING HISTORY, MAKES EXCELLENT SHOW, TRAIL AND RANCH HORSES Written by: Kym Rouse Holzwart
Some of the tough, sure-footed horses, mainly from Spanish Jennet bloodlines, had a very smooth gait, which provided additional comfort during the long journeys of conquest. The highly prized, smooth-gaited horses were selectively bred to preserve the comfortable gait, as well as their beauty, intelligence and sensitivity to humans.
As more territory was claimed by the Spanish, descendants of these rugged horses spread throughout the Caribbean. By the mid1500s, many breeding farms were established. Different strains of the horses were developed in Puerto Rico and Colombia, and other Latin American countries. Hundreds of years of selective breeding produced the Paso Fino—the horse with the “fine step.” Paso Finos were unknown in the U.S. until American service members discovered the breed while stationed in Puerto Rico after World War II and began importing them. Two decades later, Paso Finos began to be imported from Colombia, when a rancher imported this second strain to work cattle. The two strains are still bred individually to preserve their purity, and they are also crossbred. Today, the Paso Fino is found throughout Florida, and throughout the U.S.
Florida's Ocala and Miami areas are home to many top Paso Fino breeding stallions and training facilities.
THEY CAN BE ANY COLOR AND OFTEN HAVE LONG, FLOWING MANES AND TAILS.
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PHOTO BY CHERI PRILL OF STUNNING STEEDS
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hristopher Columbus loaded 25 Andalusian, Spanish Barb and Spanish Jennet horses onto his ship for his second voyage to the New World in 1493. The hardy horses survived extremely difficult conditions and were unloaded onto the present-day Dominican Republic, where they—and other horses carried by Spanish ships to the New World—became foundation stock for horses used by the conquistadors.
TOP LEFT PHOTO BY MARIA BRENNAN PHOTOGRAPHY; OTHER PHOTOS BY CHERI PRILL OF STUNNING STEEDS
Similar to other gaited horse breeds, the Paso Fino is born with an evenly spaced, four-beat, lateral ambling gait—unique to this breed. While the gaits differ in the amount of stride extension, all four hooves travel close to the ground and are lifted equally in height when in motion.
Clockwise from top left: In addition to being part of a drill team and a trail horse, "Monte" is a "magical unicorn" at Unicorn Kisses in Plant City, Florida. Paso Finos make wonderful trail horses. The Sunshine State has several well-known breeding and training facilities for Paso Finos. The versatile breed excels in many disciplines, including barrel racing.
The breed’s natural gaits in order of speed are paso fino, paso corto and paso largo—and also the walk and canter. Classic fino or paso fino is a show gait used only in competition. It requires a high degree of collection with rapid steps that cover as little ground as possible. Paso corto is the average trail gait, and a well-conditioned Paso Fino can travel in this smooth gait for hours. Paso largo is a fast gait with an extended stride, reaching up to 25 to 30 mph. Although generally small in size, ranging from 13 to 15.2 hands, Paso Finos can out-carry and outlast many other horse breeds and are very versatile. In addition to making excellent show and trail horses, Paso Finos have received numerous awards for endurance and competitive trail riding. They excel in driving, jumping, barrel racing, reining and cutting, and make outstanding ranch horses because of their smoothness, compact size, athleticism and quickness. Some have unusual “jobs.” Bridgette Lower, of Plant City, Florida, does something different with her Paso Fino, El Amante de Aqua Viva, or “Monte.” For her business, Unicorn Kisses, Monte is transformed into a “unicorn” for birthday parties, weddings and photo shoots. Paso Finos are spirited yet gentle; their natural drive and willing attitude reflects their intelligence, known as “brio.” They can be any color and often have long, flowing manes and tails. F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M
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HORSIN' AROUND
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHERI PRILL OF STUNNING STEEDS
ALTHOUGH GENERALLY SMALL IN SIZE, RANGING FROM 13 TO 15.2 HANDS, PASO FINOS CAN OUTCARRY AND OUTLAST MANY OTHER HORSE BREEDS.
Above, because of their compact size, quickness and athleticism, Paso Finos make outstanding ranch horses. Wearing traditional clothing (below left) from the country of origin is popular with Paso Fino owners. In addition to beauty, the breed (below right) is known for its intelligence and sensitivity to humans.
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Hundreds of years of selective breeding has resulted in the Paso Fino, the horse with the "fine step."
The Paso Fino Horse Association, or PFHA, was founded in 1972 to promote and regulate Paso Finos of both Puerto Rican and Colombian bloodlines in the U.S. The Southern Regional Paso Fino Horse Association, or SRPFHA, is in Ocala, Florida— home to some of the best stallions, most renowned trainers and some of the largest breeding and training facilities. In addition to hosting annual shows in Ocala, the SRPFHA promotes the breed at many events, holds clinics and trail rides, and is a great source of breeding and training facility info. Host of the earliest Paso Fino exhibitions and competitions in the continental U.S., the Miamibased Florida Paso Fino Horse Association, or FPFHA, was formed in 1968. It holds celebrations, trail rides, shows and events in the Miami area, including international shows. Because South Florida is home to many top breeding farms and top breeding stallions, the FPFHA is also a useful info source.
Paso Fino Horse Association pfha.org Southern Regional Paso Fino Horse Association srpfha.club, email is bod@srpfha.com Florida Paso Fino Horse Association floridapfha.org Unicorn Kisses 813-532-7005, email is unicornkisses2016@gmail.com
PHOTO BY CHERI PRILL OF STUNNING STEEDS
Kym Rouse Holzwart is a multi-generational native Floridian, an ecologist, co-proprietor of Spotted Dance Ranch, and has been a free-lance and technical writer for over 30 years.
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THE ARENA
PROFESSIONAL BULL RIDING COMES TO TOWN COWBOYS IN CHAPS TAKE ON THE BEASTS OF THE PBR Written by: Kathy Ann Gregg
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HAT IS IT? Not just bull riding, but bull riding brought to you by the Professional Bull Riders organization. Contestants from Coconut Point Ford PBR's Touring Pro Division are once again coming to sunny Southwest Florida. iHeartMedia Fort Myers has partnered with PBR over the past seven years.
Its elite division, the Built Ford Tough Series, has the top 35 bull riders competing against each other week after week, all with the goal of qualifying for the World Finals in Las Vegas. This annual finals event is the richest bull riding event in the world, with the winner walking away with the World Championship belt buckle—and a $1 million prize bonus.
WHEN IS IT? The nights of Friday, July 27, and Saturday, July 28, 2018.
Since parting from traditional rodeo in the early 1990s to become the standalone sport of bull riding, it has exploded onto the sports scene. It’s now one of the most prolific sports on TV—watched by half a billion households in more than 50 nations and territories.
BULL RIDING IS FONDLY CALLED “THE TOUGHEST SPORT ON DIRT.” And it was in 1992 that Ty Murray, the first professional bull rider to reach the $1 million mark in earnings, gathered 19 other of his bull riding buddies to each chip in $1,000 to promote their bread-and-butter activity as a sport unto itself. Bull riding was already the most popular of the seven traditional events in rodeo, and their promoting it across major markets in the United States took the sport to new heights. Each event is not just bull riding, but also a production that includes pyrotechnics and is backed up by country and rock music. The grand entry introduces the riders, usually with flames surrounding them in the arena. While each ride may be only 8 seconds in length (or shorter), the interim is filled with entertainment, music and the announcer keeping spectators up to date on what is occurring in and behind the chutes. This is a sport in which two athletes compete simultaneously—the rider is awarded one-half of the score,
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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY MIKE GILBERT
WHERE IS IT? Germain Arena in Estero, Florida. The impressive building has seating with unobstructed views of unparalleled action of man against beast—one on one—in what is fondly called “The Toughest Sport on Dirt.”
and the bull is awarded the other half, to a maximum of 100 points. Scores in the 80s are considered very good, and those rare ones in the 90s will definitely place the rider in the money! And the only time you will see one of these riders take a knee is when they thank the man above for a good ride and a safe dismount. The top riders of the Touring Pro Division hail not only from the United States, but also from Brazil, Mexico and Canada. The No. 1 spot is held by American Jess Lockwood, whose 2018 winnings already exceed $100,000. These riders will have competed in events in Texas, Montana, California, Colorado, Arkansas, Minnesota, Wyoming, the Dakotas, Oklahoma, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Mississippi and Arizona before coming to Florida.
Each event is not just bull riding, but also a production that includes pyrotechnics and is backed up by country and rock music.
While they are not the elite group of riders, these cowboys are trying to work their way up the ladder, and give it more than their all. So make sure you don’t miss one of the country’s most entertaining and actionpacked live sporting events, where you will be seeing guts and determination, along with a dash of insanity! Kathy Ann Gregg is a Florida writer and photographer, specializing in rodeo events and people.
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FLORIDA HARVEST
SLICE OF HEAVEN GROWERS OF THE PERFECT FRUIT HEADQUARTERED IN PUNTA GORDA t’s the perfect fruit. Off the vine, it can last weeks, even months under correct conditions. It is healthful, flavorful and quenches our thirst. If pushed, we could live on them for quite some time.
It is, of course, the watermelon—the fruit that ancient Africans and Egyptians grew and enjoyed. The tomb of the young King Tut reportedly had watermelons depicted on the walls. Watermelon in some form arrived in Europe, the fruit evolving to become sweeter. And then the seeds migrated with sparrows and horses when the roaming people came to this country. Today, Florida is a huge watermelon-producing state. There are festivals and queens in its honor, even seed-spitting contests, and recipes and cool drinks from its juices. Punta Gorda, Florida-based Melon 1 is the state’s largest watermelon grower, producing more than 400 million pounds annually. They are farmed on the company’s 12,000 or so acres in several states, then sold to grocery stores, retail stores and farmers’ markets. Imagine a childhood without the joy of an icy slice of summer watermelon?
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But getting those melons to market is far more of a test of agricultural smarts and endurance than we picture, says Rachel Syngo, Melon 1’s marketing director. Because of weight, its torpedo aerodynamics and other factors, watermelons are hand-planted, carefully hand-picked and hand-packed by men and women paid well but who start when the dew lifts and work until the sun slides away. It’s labor-intensive work: Hundreds of farmers and laborers in the hot sun at harvest, stooped to pick and cut the three or four melons per vine, lines of workers handing melons to one another, ultimately to an artisan who stacks them just so for transport to a warehouse where they are packed and shipped to market. A rind scratch can ruin a melon, its visual appeal to picky shoppers lost forever. Few products are so reliant on looks at its selection. “Farming,” says Syngo, a member of the Chastain family in Punta Gorda, “is not for the faint of heart. Mother Nature herself is always posing a threat, but the most resilient farmers are those who make it in the long haul.” In 1997, John Lapide, Hamilton “Hammy” Dicks and Rich Chastain organized a federation of a handful of watermelon growers under Melon 1 in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Delaware, Maryland and Kentucky. Each farm works under the common banner.
TOP PHOTOS BY RACHEL SYNGO; OTHER PHOTOS BY SCARLETT REDENIUS
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Written by: Jack Collier
BOTTOM PHOTOS BY SCARLETT REDENIUS
SEE MELON-BERRY ROSE CREAM CAKE RECIPE ON PAGE 74
This watermelon (top) had at least 10 workers manually handle it by the time it got to market. Images below show transplanting, planting and harvesting. Pitching crews then transfer melons to co-workers, to load on buses. Once unloaded, melons are arranged on conveyor belts. They are hand-sorted to ensure the best ones go to market.
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FLORIDA HARVEST
"MOTHER NATURE HERSELF IS ALWAYS POSING A THREAT, BUT THE MOST RESILIENT FARMERS ARE THOSE WHO MAKE IT IN THE LONG HAUL.” —Rachel Syngo, Melon 1 marketing director
At top are Melon 1 marketing director Rachel Syngo and eighth-generation melon farmer Chad Chastain. Below, clockwise from bottom left: A melon is ready for market. Chad Chastain looks over this year’s crop. Rye, planted last fall, protects melon crops from wind and sand. A Ross Chastain race car hood is displayed at Melon 1's Punta Gorda headquarters.
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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY SCARLETT REDENIUS
Dick Chastain and granddaughter Rachel Syngo.
Chad Chastain, 19, was weighing melon trucks at the family’s farm by age 5. He’s an eighthgeneration melon farmer and helps operate JDI Farms in Punta Gorda, one of 20 family farms now partnering with Melon 1 to distribute watermelons. Melon 1 is a huge operation of growing, packing and shipping about 30 million watermelons each year. It’s also Florida farming that coastal visitors never see—and rarely imagine. But these tough and uncomplaining farmers and harvesters of every culture grind away in the background, sunup to sundown, months at a clip. And despite its armor and hardy appearance, watermelons get choosy about their conditions, explains Chastain. Too much water ruins a melon
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Clockwise from bottom left: Dick Chastain began watermelon farming full time after leaving the Army, and his sons followed in his footsteps. JDI Farms owner Ralph Chastain's office is full of hats and other memorabilia. Young Matthew Chastain (Rich's son) and friends Connor Cook and Cody Martell had big appetites. A 1988 photo shows Ralph and Rich during watermelon season.
ROUNDUP Melon 1 grows watermelons on 12,000 acres yearly; about 2,000 of those acres are in Florida. This equates to around 400 million pounds of watermelons sold annually to grocery stores, retail stores and farmers’ markets—a total of 30 million watermelons shipped throughout the U.S.
field. Hurricane Irma in September, for instance, took a toll on Melon 1 in mid-Florida, wiping out entire fields. A tour of a Melon 1 field in Charlotte County is instructive, if only to cement the idea that farming is so whimsical, the weather the overlord keeping farmers awake at night.
There are immature melon plants as far as the eye can reach, birds in the overhead drafts, the wind on the ground sighing through the rye grasses. Watching Chad Chastain feel the soil and lift his eyes to survey hundreds of acres, it’s clear the future of watermelon farming in Florida is secure for another generation. Jack Collier is the editorial director for Florida Country Magazine.
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PHOTOS BY SCARLETT REDENIUS
But this day is breezy and moderate, windrows of 3-foot rye along elevated rows to protect young melons from winds that can wash away soil and nutrients in a 100-day growing cycle. Each melon row is lined with an underbelly tarp to hold the moisture from miles of water tricklers. The investment and energy to place a $5 watermelon on our table is startling.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF LIZ CHRISTENSEN AND THE NATIONAL WATERMELON ASSOCIATION
FLORIDA HARVEST
ARCADIAN IS NATIONAL WATERMELON QUEEN SAVANNAH CHRISTENSEN, 21, TOURING U.S. AND CANADA TO PROMOTE THE SWEET, POPULAR FRUIT
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Written by: Kathy Ann Gregg
ot only is Florida one of the top watermelon producers in the United States, it’s now also the home of the 2018 National Watermelon Queen—Savannah Christensen—who was born and raised in Arcadia. The 21-yearold University of South Florida senior nabbed the title at the annual pageant, held in February in Nashville, Tennessee. She competed against seven other young women representing watermelon-producing states. As the official representative of the National Watermelon Association, Christensen’s 2018 calendar is filled up with
visits to cities all over the U.S. and Canada. She talks with people in supermarkets, and at fairs and festivals, telling them about the nutritional benefits and economic values of the beloved fruit. Christensen was raised by her single mother, Elizabeth (“Liz”), and her grandparents. They have always been her biggest fans, and have supported her through the trials and tribulations of pageants since she was a tot. In fact, when she was a mere 4 years old and competing in her first watermelon pageant, the announcer asked her to name her favorite food—only to be answered by tears and
AND YES, THESE DIGNIFIED YOUNG LADIES DO COMPETE AGAINST EACH OTHER IN A WATERMELON SEED-SPITTING CONTEST! wailing for “my Nanny”! She competed for the Miss Crimson Sweet title when she was in sixth grade, as well as other local titles over the years. Christensen’s early efforts were not successful, so as a senior at DeSoto High, she decided to no longer compete. Shortly Samantha Christensen (left) wearing her 2016 DeSoto County Watermelon Queen crown, the first of three title wins. At right, the 2018 national pageant saw her taking part in its seed-spitting contest.
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thereafter, and at the specific request of her “Nanny,” she gave it one last try—and ended up becoming the 2016 DeSoto County Watermelon Queen. That victory led to her being involved at the state level. Lo and behold, she was crowned the 2017 Florida Watermelon Queen at its 49th annual pageant, held in Fort Myers in January of that year. After a whirlwind year of appearances with that title, she passed the state crown onto her successor in January, and began preparing for the national pageant. It comes as no surprise that in the past three years, Christensen has won these three major titles. With this latest crown, she has already made appearances at the Wearing o’ the Green St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Savannah, Georgia; the Cooper River Bridge Run in Charleston, South Carolina, and in Vancouver, British Columbia. Having met Ross Chastain during her reign as state queen, she met up with him again at the NASCAR Xfinity qualifying race in early May at the Dover International Speedway. She even found time for “queen training” in Atlanta. And yes, these dignified young ladies do compete against each other in a watermelon seed-spitting contest! Christensen explains, “While facing a 34-foot vat, you hold onto your crown and spit as far as you can.” But, she warns, “It is only ladylike to spit during a seed-spitting contest.” Christensen proved that she can win that title, too. She did so at her very first appearance as national queen, in French Lick, Indiana—and even has a plaque to prove it!! Kathy Ann Gregg is a Florida writer and photographer, and loves watermelon.
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF LIZ CHRISTENSEN AND THE NATIONAL WATERMELON ASSOCIATION
Christensen (above, second from right) meets with state pageant winners at the recent Cooper River Bridge Run in Charleston, South Carolina. After winning the 2017 Florida title, she posed (below) by Ross Chastain's "Watermelon Car." At bottom, the pageant queen gets hugs from her "Nanny" Richey Agent (left) and mother, Liz Christensen.
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FLORIDA HARVEST
TIME FOR BLACKBERRY PICKIN’ BRAMBLE CREEK FARMS MAKES IT EASY AND FUN—AND THORNLESS!
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Written by: Kym Rouse Holzwart
t’s blackberry pickin’ season and few things are as tasty as fresh, sweet berries for breakfast or dessert, or pie, cobbler or jam made from homegrown Hernando County blackberries—that you picked yourself. At Bramble Creek Farms, you can pick buckets and buckets without worrying about thorns, bending down or getting dirty. That’s because the blackberries are thornless, on trellises and are grown in well-manicured rows in between mowed grass strips.
For the past 14 years, Gene and Ann Altman have welcomed guests onto their beautiful 12-acre farm, located in the rolling hills outside Brooksville, Florida, to pick blackberries. Their hobby and passion with blackberries began years ago when Ann casually stated to Gene while walking through a field that she wanted to plant some blackberries. Starting from one small row of blackberries planted in February 2003—and lots of research, experimentation and hard work—hundreds of thornless blackberry plants now occupy about an acre and a half of their immaculate farm. An outing to Bramble Creek Farms to pick the luscious, thumb-sized berries is a great adventure for friends and family, and many come back year after year to pick just a bucket or two of berries or to fill their freezers. Over the years, the Altmans have watched children grow up, and many regular customers have become like family. Bramble Creek Farms has such a wonderful atmosphere that you won’t want to leave. After you pick your share of blackberries, you’ll want to relax on the farm grounds at a picnic table or in a rocking chair on the Blackberry Shack’s porch. All the while, listen to the conversations going on in the field as friends and families happily fill their buckets. Blackberries are delicious, nutritious, high in antioxidants, low in calories and very versatile. They are used in pies, cobblers, fruit salads, jams, jellies, sauces and smoothies—and even in wine and craft beer. Because they are fragile to ship, with a short shelf life, blackberries bought in the grocery store can be expensive. However, the blackberries at Bramble Creek Farms could not be any fresher, and they are reasonably priced at “$5 per pound u-pick.” (Arrangements can be made in advance to have berries pre-picked for $7 per pound.)
Starting from one small row of blackberries in 2003, and lots of research, experimentation and hard work, hundreds of blackberry plants now occupy about an acre and a half of Bramble Creek Farms.
BRAMBLE CREEK FARMS HAS SUCH A WONDERFUL ATMOSPHERE THAT YOU WON’T WANT TO LEAVE. 34
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ROUNDUP Bramble Creek Farms 23031 Hayman Road, Brooksville, Florida 352-796-5473, bramblecreekfarms.com bramblecreekfarms@bellsouth.net Facebook: Bramble Creek Farms
TOP RIGHT AND BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTOS BY KYM ROUSE HOLZWART
Blackberries (above) should be completely black when picked. Top right, Gene and Ann Altman have worked hard to make their blackberries easy to pick. The plants are thornless and on trellises. Row after row (right) of neatly manicured blackberries greet visitors as they enter the farm grounds.
Blackberry picking season at Bramble Creek Farms begins during May and runs through mid-July to late July, for a total of about six to eight weeks. Because Bramble Creek Farms is only a “u-pick operation,” you always get the best berries of the season.
Florida sun. Make sure to take along drinking water as well as a cooler with ice to keep berries cool during the drive home. “Well-supervised” children are welcome, but leave dogs, tobacco products and chewing gum at home.
Farm hours are posted on its website and Facebook page, and on its answering machine. As the season progresses, hours may change depending on berry availability but are always updated. Before making the drive, call ahead or check the website or Facebook page to make sure berries are available for picking.
In addition to offering fresh blackberries, items such as homemade jams and jellies, fresh eggs, goat milk soap and other products from local farmers and artists are available for purchase in the Blackberry Shack. If you are lucky, Gene will offer you a taste of some of his homemade blackberry wine! Happy blackberry pickin’ and don’t eat them all before you get home!
When you arrive, stop by the Blackberry Shack to pick up one or more 1-gallon buckets lined with plastic bags. Dress for walking around on a farm and for protection from the
Kym Rouse Holzwart is a multi-generational native Floridian, an ecologist, co-proprietor of Spotted Dance Ranch, and has been a free-lance and technical writer for over 30 years. F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M
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PICTURE WORTH 1,000 WORDS LITTLE BOY’S SMILE LEADS TO INSPIRATIONAL STORY OF AUNT
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Written by: Cally Simpson
his one … only this one” was all I could think to write when I was asked to pick three favorites from all of the submissions for the photography contest in this issue of Florida Country Magazine. And the image that caught my eye became the June/July 2018 cover photo.
The adorable little boy is on his grandparents’ farm, having his first birthday party. I knew there had to be a story behind the photo. Little did I know it would lead me to meet an amazing woman and hear the story of her sister who, while she graced this earth, made such a lasting impact that we will be talking about her for generations to come. Everett is the name of the little boy and he will become a sixth-generation dairy farmer, if he so chooses. His mom, Sarah Miller, is a teacher who helps her parents run the dairy farm, along with Everett’s Aunt Hannah. The boy’s uncle, Hamilton, takes care of day-to-day operations. It is Everett’s Aunt Rebekah was who a driving force behind the entire family. Rebekah Bishop Prescott brought people together on several levels throughout her life and never let her disease define her or slow her down. In middle school, she was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, which is a cancer that occurs in and around the bones.
REBEKAH BISHOP PRESCOTT BROUGHT PEOPLE TOGETHER ON SEVERAL LEVELS THROUGHOUT HER LIFE AND NEVER LET HER DISEASE DEFINE HER OR SLOW HER DOWN. 36 36
FFLO LORRIID DAACCO OU UNTRY NTRY JJuunnee || JJuullyy 22001188
TOP PHOTO BY BRANDI WATFORD PHOTOGRAPHY; OTHER PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF THE BISHOP FAMILY
Everett Miller, above, celebrated his first birthday on his grandparents' dairy farm. At left, his late aunt, Rebekah Bishop Prescott, was a driving force behind the entire family.
Rebekah battled the disease for more than 10 years, while living life to the fullest and achieving the dreams and goals she wanted for herself, her family and her Okeechobee community.
ContactUs@potteryexpress.com
Having a loved one affected by such a disease can tear apart families. This was not the case for the Bishops and Prescotts. Because Rebekah’s parents needed to devote their time to her doctors’ appointments, which often were out of state, her siblings banded together to keep the dairy farm going. In a time in which family farms are being pushed to the wayside by up-and-coming generations, this family did whatever it took to keep their farm thriving. One would think that with constant treatments, work and building a life with her husband, Jared, and her family, Rebekah would have had little time or energy for anything else. But she again defied all the odds. Rebekah met Nano Corona, the man who founded and runs Ride for the Fight. The organization helps patients and caregivers who are going through cancer or other debilitating medical issues. Corona was very passionate about what he had started, but was on the shy side. Its fundraisers include an annual rodeo and other events. Luckily for him, Rebekah was anything but shy. She became the face of Ride for the Fight, as well as a board member. All money raised stays in Okeechobee. It helps pay for patients and their families or caregivers to go on vacations, or to acquire equipment that will help ease the struggles in their lives. I asked Sarah what she wants the world to know about Rebekah. Sarah says it was her sister’s faith in God that helped her live as long as she did and to
Treasured photos include: At top, Rebekah with her husband, Jared Prescott. Above, from left, Hannah Sims, Janet Bishop, Rebekah, Perry Bishop, Sarah Miller and Hamilton Bishop. Below left, Rebekah being prayed over by her church family at More 2 Life, and by her brother, Hamilton. Below right, Ride for the Fight founder Nano Corona with Rebekah.
& Bamboo Farm 25370 Zemel Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33955
(941) 505-8400
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COUNTRY CALIBER
More treasured photos feature: At left, Rebekah and her mother, Janet. Above, Grace Lynn Miller, who is Sarah's daughter, and Rebekah. Above right, Lexy and Lila Bishop, who are Hamilton's daughters, with grandfather Perry and Rebekah.
accomplish all of the wonderful things she was able to achieve. Sarah says Rebekah had no fear of death and that Rebekah knew she would go to heaven, the ultimate reward for what she did during her life.
This cover photo was taken by Brandy Waterford. I never know where photos will take me, and am so grateful she took the picture and that Sarah submitted it. There was a story hiding behind Everett’s tiny smile, but I had no idea it was this one.
The Okeechobee community lost an amazing member when Rebekah passed away in July 2017, but her legacy lives on through Ride for the Fight. Her husband and father are board members and will ensure that the organization continues to grow and help as many people as possible.
Readers, I hope you find inspiration from this story and that Rebekah’s faith and determination will help you through any hard times. For more information about Ride for the Fight, visit facebook.com/rideforthefight.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE BISHOP FAMILY
Cally Simpson is a writer and photographer for Florida Country Magazine.
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ey there! My name’s Pig. Mommy told me I was going to have the opportunity to start sharing my adventures with more people. That makes me so happy because I really enjoy making people smile, almost as much as I love Munchkins from Dunkin’ Donuts—my favorite snack ever! I figure this is the most pawfect time to introduce myself—but, don’t worry—no butt sniffing here! I’m an AKC-registered brindle French Bulldog. My registered name is Lady’s Big Porker but Mommy calls me Pig. I was born in Ocala, Florida, and have been snuggly and spunky since Jan. 26, 2017. When I turned 1, Mommy threw me the coolest birthday party ever, with all my friends. I even had my own cake because sometimes, well, let’s just say my name suits me! I’m a nap enthusiast, lover of all things food and a regular gas passer! Most days, Mommy drags me to work with her because she says I need to “earn my keep.” I hate getting up early but I have all the customers trained to give me snacks—so it makes the day a little more bearable. After work, Mommy usually takes me to great places for walks. My favorite is when we go to Silver Springs State Park.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF PIG'S MOMMY
Well, Mommy just called for me to come eat, so I’m going to have to go for now. Please stay in touch to read all about the adventures I go on! You can write to me at the following address, and ask me whatever you’d like: P.O. Box 50989 Fort Myers, FL 33994 Hope to hear from you soon! Oh, yeah—you can also follow me on Instagram @Datfrenchiepig and like me on Facebook @PigtheFrenchie.
—Cheers from Pig FFLO LOR RIID DA AC CO OU UNTRYM NTRYMA AG GA AZZIIN NE E..C CO OM M
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A lone cowboy (below) rides ahead of the herd at Southwest Florida's Babcock Ranch.
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Carlton Ward, Jr. counts on a picture being worth far more than a thousand words. His goal is for his photographs to save land and lives. He’s certainly an artist, with a gallery in Tampa and several books to his credit, but the addition of “conservation” to “artist” makes clear his purpose. For that artistic and, he hopes, persuasive body of work he endures relentless mosquitoes and having wet feet all day, he said. Plus with his latest project, the frustration of looking for days, weeks, months for a glimpse of the rare and most widely roaming of Florida animals, the Florida panther.
PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY CARLTON WARD, JR./NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CREATIVE
In fact, they are so rare—an estimated 200 roam throughout Florida’s millions of acres—that “I’ve only seen one with my eyes walking through the woods in my whole life,” Ward said by phone one late March afternoon. He relies on custom-made camera trap systems set up to automatically take a photo if an animal goes by. “I have a studio that I set up in the woods, with an infrared tripwire and when a panther goes through,” it takes a photo, he explained.
Written by: PAIGE JARDIN son was born—for the first time in 18 months,” Ward said. At times he spends nights at ranches where he knows people, he explained. “Ranches comprise nearly 6 million acres of the state. One-sixth of the state’s land mass is cattle ranch. And almost every single one is in the crosshairs of development in the next 50 years—some of them a lot sooner.” Ward’s most well-known book to date may be Florida Cowboys: Keepers of the Last Frontier, published in 2009 by the University Press of Florida. It’s a loving trek through cattle country, ranch to rodeo to tribal lands. Like the panther project he’s working on now, and for which he has received two grants from the National Geographic Society, the cowboys project was meant to call attention to the wilder side of the state. All of his photography in Florida is meant to give people intimate views of
Ward’s passion for the Florida countryside likely is in his DNA.
Carlton Ward, Jr. (top right) is currently working on a panther project. Below is a shot of Doyle Carlton's Horse Creek Ranch in DeSoto County.
When we spoke, Ward was on the road and in search of the elusive animal. It’s a habit of his. His home’s in Tampa, but he spends most of his time at places such as Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge in Southwest Florida, about 20 miles east of Naples and just west of Big Cypress National Preserve. He often sleeps in an Airstream trailer that’s been his field camp over the past few years. Among his sacrifices are spending a lot of time away from home. Ward and his wife, Suzie, have three children, including a 3-month-old son. “I fully unpacked my duffle bag before our F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M
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He’s not against all development, he said. People do need places to live and shop and work. The key is to do it responsibly, keeping wildlife corridors open. That means keeping the conserved spaces of land and water, or at times acquiring new ones, connected and wild. Room to roam allows at-risk animals such as the panther and black bear to seek the habitats they need throughout their life cycles, and contributes to the health of Florida’s lands and waterways for its human residents. “There were 16 million people in Florida when I started,” Ward said. “Now there are 21 million. … It shows that development is coming, and people are coming. I’m not against building houses for people. But by investing in conservation we can steer the development away from the most sensitive areas.” That’s particularly important in light of the projections of the Florida 2070 study, Ward said, which predicts that the state will swell to 35 million people by that year. The report was issued by the nonprofit organization 1000 Friends of Florida.
At top, a black bear was photographed in the area of Big Cypress National Preserve, with the use of a trail camera. The sun (above) glistens at the preserve. Below, Laurent Lollis rides across vast acreage on an early morning cattle drive at Buck Island Ranch in Highlands County.
Ward’s passion for the Florida countryside likely is in his DNA. His family goes back eight generations in the state and includes its 25th governor, his great-grandfather, Doyle E. Carlton. Ward grew up in Clearwater, he said, with “one foot in the suburbs and one foot in the [family] ranch" in Hardee County. For his first book, The Edge of Africa, Ward worked for the Smithsonian Institution documenting biological diversity in the tropical rain forests of Gabon. The photos in it were featured at a presidential reception at the United Nations. His work has been featured in Popular Photography, Smithsonian, National Wildlife and other top publications. Paige Jardin has lived in rural Florida for 11 years. She is a poet and storyteller.
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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY CARLTON WARD, JR./NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CREATIVE
the natural world—of the panther, of herds of cows, of ranchers and cowboys—that could be lost without close attention to conservation.
Clockwise from bottom: A 2005 photo shows cattle swirling in their pens at the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Big Cypress Reservation. Ancient longleaf pine captured in 2011 at The Nature Conservancy’s Disney Wilderness Preserve. Cowboys from the Yarborough family drive a herd in 2013 through Little Big Econ State Forest in central Florida. Cowboys and Charolais work in harmony on one of Doyle Carlton's ranches. Night descends after a long day's labor.
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Fields of carefully maintained greens provide stomping grounds for dressage and show jumping horses. Divots turn up throughout the fields, made by top-notch animal athletes and experienced riders seeking glory. From painted horses raised for winning ribbons to mustangs ridden by locals and in need of a place to run free, Florida Horse Park has provided a refuge for lovers of all things equine since 1997. Now, impressive equestrian, agricultural and community events are increasingly being offered at the Ocala-area park, helping it win attention around the globe. With no place in the United States boasting as high a ratio of horses to humans as Marion County, it makes sense the community hosts one of the nation’s top venues for equestrian competitions. The park, officially the Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park Authority, provides 500 acres connected to a statewide network of trails. It offers horse riders of every discipline a reason to pull their trailers to the Ocala area. “We’ve already started to attract the international community and continue to grow,” explains Jason Reynolds, who took over as the park’s executive director in January.
Written by: JACOB OGLES
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Whether riders want to explore a cross-country course or participate in jumping, dressage and other competitions, the expansive facility accommodates them. Onsite barns and concessions make the place a coveted event venue, and Reynolds adds that locals can enjoy the park any time except when major events are taking place.
PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY JENNA PETTY
Activities at Florida Horse Park have included dressage (opposite page) and this page from top down: show jumping, a re-enactment of the Civil War's Ocklawaha River Raid, and driving.
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ROUNDUP Florida Horse Park 11008 South Highway 475, Ocala, Florida 352-307-6699, flhorsepark.com
Above, the park hosted a re-enactment of the Civil War's Ocklawaha River Raid in November 2017. Clockwise from below left, the park often features events such as cross country, pole bending, hunter jumper, roping, driving, and reining.
BUT THE REAL MARK OF DISTINCTION the park can claim remains what it can offer to those who think the environment can best be enjoyed from horseback.
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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY JENNA PETTY
In fact, he estimates about half of the park’s users are locals in love with the land, who spend their time riding the oaklined trails that are accessible to the public most of the time. A dozen trailheads connect the park to the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, providing a way into a 100mile horse-friendly corridor that stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to the St. Johns River. The other half of park patrons travel to the area to take part in the increasing number of events held at the park’s popular onsite arenas. Reynolds says the park should be considered a treasure to everybody living in Florida. He says its growing significance in the competition world puts its value in league with spring training stadiums and other major amateur sport venues throughout the state. In 2010, the Florida Office of Tourism and Economic Development approved a $1 million grant to help create an onsite welcome center at the park, and elevate it from a local resource to a regional attraction. The first 79,500-square-foot covered arena at the park opened in 2014 and started hosting Southern Junior Rodeo Association events that same year. Last October, the park announced plans for four new Martin Collins USA riding arenas, which is something that will only improve its reputation among serious riders. “I have competed at venues around the world, and I always enjoy riding on Martin Collins surfaces,” Olympian equestrian Leslie Law said when the announcement was made. “A high-quality footing, such as Martin Collins,
makes all the difference when competing—allowing for optimal conditions for our horses.” The park today boasts more than 300 permanent 12-by-12 horse stalls in several barns. Management keeps dozens of show-quality jump rails, gates and planks to offer to horse show organizers. The expansive green venue also hosts a variety of other events—from cattle shows to riding club meetings, and it is a locale for human athletes and for central Florida’s seemingly never-ending series of car and craft shows. But the real mark of distinction the park can claim remains what it can offer to those who think the environment can best be enjoyed from horseback. Reynolds says an increasing number of Olympians, even some from overseas, have discovered that the park is a great place to train for international competitions. The park this past spring hosted a range of equestrianrelated events, including International Federation for Equestrian Sports-recognized three-day eventing competitions to local pony club rallies, breed shows, combined driving competitions, rodeos and more. And while Marion County has a number of venues for horse riding and shows, this pristine facility has managed to find a niche in the saddle-loving region. “The great thing about the equestrian community is they like variety,” Reynolds says. “The park—it’s just perfect for Ocala.” Jacob Ogles is a Florida freelance writer.
Clockwise from above: The park continues to grow in popularity as a venue for barrel racing, show jumping, and dressage. 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 BRAND
BROTHERS FIND SUCCESS WITH SOUTHERN RESTAURANT, UNIQUE GOODS, CRAFT BEER
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Written by: Jacob Ogles
hat happens when two brothers from Brooksville, Florida—one who runs a hot dog place and the other brother a culinary institute-trained chef—decide to open a restaurant dedicated to the flavors of Florida? Florida Cracker Kitchen, founded by Blair and Ethan Hensley, serves up the answer to Brooksville diners, and now the brand is expanding into other Sunshine State locales.
Inside the restaurant, diners enjoy breakfasts and lunches on Tuesdays through Sundays from an executive chef who once cooked at the James Beard House. But don’t worry about the kitchen coating Southern favorites with too much epicurean snootiness. “It’s just good country cooking,” says Ethan. “Food doesn’t have to be fancy to be good and likable.” While Ethan provides the culinary chops in the back of Florida Cracker Kitchen, his brother Blair brings flair to the front of house with expertise in craft beer and creative branding. He developed their Florida Cracker Trading Company’s recognizable logo—a cowboy boot flipped upside down to look like the Florida peninsula. Blair explains the image pays homage to the state’s history in the cattle business. “The first cowboy in the United States was in Florida—Ponce de León in 1513,” he says. (The theory he favors about the “Florida Cracker” term’s origin is that it refers to the cracking sound of early cattlemen’s whips.)
PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF FLORIDA CRACKER TRADING COMPANY
FLORIDA CRACKER FLAIR
The business model for Florida Cracker Trading Company, Blair says, develops a “three-headed monster” of a Southern kitchen, colorful merchandising and a taproom exclusively selling craft beer brewed in Florida. The family had already boasted credibility in Brooksville’s food scene. Their mother, Larie Hensley, has owned Mallie Kyla’s Café since 1996, and at one time Ethan worked there as shift leader. For eight years,
THE FAMILY HAD ALREADY BOASTED CREDIBILITY IN BROOKSVILLE’S FOOD SCENE.
The taproom (left) exclusively sells craft beer brewed in Florida. At right is one of the restaurant's signature dishes, chicken and waffles.
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Diners keep coming back for shrimp and grits (above). Below left are Florida Cracker Style items for sale in the restaurant. The company logo (below right) is a cowboy boot flipped upside down to look like the Florida peninsula.
Blair owned and operated Coney Island Drive Inn, a hot dog institution in Hernando County. Ethan studied catering from his freshman year of high school onward, and credits teacher Sue Oxendorf with providing the foundation of his cooking career. At age 15, he started washing dishes at Florida Boys Barbeque, then worked for John Mason Catering for more than five years. He worked at Wild Thyme Gourmet in North Carolina, and co-founder Nancy Bruns encouraged him to enroll at New England Culinary Institute in Vermont. After NECI, he obtained an internship and later a job at American Seasons on
Nantucket. “I got a taste for different types of cooking,” Ethan says. While at American Seasons, he had the chance to cook in the highly respected James Beard House for an evening. Blair was running Coney Island when owners of a nearby restaurant approached him to see if he’d buy their facilities. Blair started a conversation with Ethan about going into business together—and Florida Cracker Kitchen came into existence. Blair has since sold Coney Island, and Florida Cracker Kitchen has only continued to succeed. “It’s not just a place to go eat,” he says with pride. “It’s a full experience.” While the menu features such Southern staples as corned
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THE BRAND beef hash and chicken and waffles, chefs also toy around with a special Okeechobee gumbo and fresh smoked mullet dip—making sure diners have options found nowhere else. Florida Cracker Trading Company’s merchandising arm, Florida Cracker Style, sells jewelry, sportswear and many other items. A second location has opened on Jacksonville Beach, managed by hospitality group ServStar. That group runs locales such as Scarlett O’Hara’s in St. Augustine and The Shim Sham Room in Jacksonville.
A special Okeechobee gumbo (above) is on the menu.
ROUNDUP Florida Cracker Kitchen 966 E Jefferson St., Brooksville, Florida 352-754-8787, floridacrackerkitchen.com Florida Cracker Kitchen Jax 14329 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida 904-503-5966, flacrackerkitchen.com
Blair says he’d been contacted about potential licensing deals for years, but never felt right about expanding before finding a company known for unique and locally celebrated destinations. “They [ServStar] didn’t want to change what we did, just duplicate it,” he explains. Ethan says that so long as customers can rely on consistent quality and execution with dishes, they will continue to thrive. Should the new location prove as successful as the original store in Brooksville, a third location may soon be on the way, Blair adds. Someday, Ethan notes, he’d like to try his hand again at the world of gourmet cuisine. But for now, he’s having a lot of fun creating a successful brand with his brother. “I don’t see this going away any time soon,” he says.
PHOTO COURTESY OF FLORIDA CRACKER TRADING COMPANY
Jacob Ogles is a Florida freelance writer.
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THE BRAND
FOOD FOR ‘NOAH’S ARK OF CREATURES’ FAMILY-OWNED SYFRETT FEED COMPANY OF OKEECHOBEE CUSTOMIZES, TROUBLESHOOTS
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Written by: Paige Jardin
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SYFRETT FEED COMPANY
lvis Presley scandalized viewers with his hip-swiveling “Hound Dog” on The Milton Berle Show the year that O.C. Syfrett built his first mill in Riviera Beach, Florida. And at that time, the first stretch of Florida’s Turnpike was still in the planning stage.
Today, Syfrett Feed Company Inc., founded in 1956, is still a family-owned business. Syfrett began producing feed for dairy cows. And when the farmers and their dairy cows moved inland to Okeechobee, so did Syfrett Feed. Then in the 1990s, Syfrett Feed changed direction and started making chicken feed. Today, Syfrett feeds nearly a Noah’s Ark of creatures: beef cattle, poultry, sheep, goats, pigs, deer and more, explains third-generation family member Melissa Syfrett, the company CFO and project manager. “The feed is based on the consumer. We go directly to the farmer. We have our general feeds we sell, like heifer developer. But if you want something special in it, we customize it to you.” The Syfretts also are good troubleshooters. “I had one call today,” Melissa says on a recent afternoon. “A calf had diarrhea. I asked about fiber in the feed, told the farmer to get better hay, and asked, ‘Have you cleaned your watering trough?’ So we work with each individual farmer.”
Syfrett Feed products include (shown in the circles starting from left) buck builder, heifer starter, and range cubes. At right is a bag of the company's chick feed.
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THE BRAND Clockwise from top: Ag-venture provides a great opportunity each December for fourth-graders to learn about the agriculture industry in Okeechobee County. Two youngsters, Evan and Kathryn, make sure Susie the cow is in good hands. An exterior shot of Syfrett Feed Company.
IT’S GREAT FOR THE KIDS TO UNDERSTAND WHERE THEIR FOOD COMES FROM.
Melissa earned her bachelor’s degree in agricultural operations management and her brother, Charles, has a bachelor’s in agribusiness management. Fittingly, both minored in animal nutrition. And it’s a Gator Nation family all the way: The siblings graduated from the University of Florida and so did their parents. Their parents are founder O.C. Syfrett’s son, Chuck, and his wife, Linda. At UF, Chuck majored in business management and Linda majored in pharmacy. Chuck Syfrett still comes in to the business every day for about three or four hours, Melissa notes. “We catch him up on what we’re doing. He lives for it. “He’s 72 and started in the business when he was 22. He tells us that all the time. He says, ‘Fifty years, I’ve been doing the same thing,’ ” she says, laughing. But living the rural life and raising children in the wide-open spaces suited her dad and it suits Melissa and Charles and their families as well. Melissa is the mother of Kathryn, 9, who shows dairy cows and rabbits in 4-H. Younger brother Evan is 4. He always asks to ride on the forklift,
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TOP PHOTO COURTESY OF AG-VENTURE; OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF SYFRETT FEED COMPANY
—Melissa Syfrett, company CFO and project manager
Top left, Frankie Chesler Syfrett with one of the cows she raises with her husband, Charles Syfrett II. Other images are exterior photos of Syfrett Feed Company.
Melissa notes with a laugh. Instead, Evan and his cousin, Charles Alan, who is Charles Syfrett’s son, get to play with a collection of trucks that Chuck keeps in his office. “Charles and his wife [Frankie] have chickens and cows,” Melissa says. “It’s great for the kids to understand where their food comes from.” That’s a philosophy she shares with a group of volunteers who put on Okeechobee Ag-venture at the Okeechobee County Agri-Civic Center. Every year, fourth-graders attend the free program to learn about the agriculture industry in Okeechobee County.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SYFRETT FEED COMPANY
About 600 fourth-graders get a closer look at alligators, vegetables, soils, bees and more, for two days in December. That way, the next generation is learning what may help them continue that rural lifestyle. Paige Jardin has lived in rural Florida for 11 years. She is a poet and storyteller.
ROUNDUP Syfrett Feed Company Inc. 3079 NW 8th St., Okeechobee, Florida 863-763-5586, syfrettfeed.com
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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.
CHASING A FOX IN FLORIDA! DOGS, HORSES, QUAIL, CATTLE, GREAT PEOPLE AND LANDSCAPE LIKE NO OTHER
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Written by: Cally Simpson
’ve been splitting my time between Kentucky and Florida for more than 15 years. Agriculture is a huge driving force in the economies of both states, and horses are a big part of that industry. Both places offer a multitude of activities to do on horseback—from horse racing to pleasure riding— and the two states mirror each other in many ways. However, I never thought fox hunting would be one of those similarities. I always picture fox hunting occurring across rolling greens hills, with horses and hounds jumping over stone fences—which is what I have seen in Kentucky several times a year. Thus, my whole perspective changed after attending a hunt with Tampabased South Creek Foxhounds. Our chariot for the day was a Polaris Ranger, decked out as a quail-hunting buggy. This was perfect, because a seat had been installed over the roof, making it just the perch for me to photograph and experience chasing the hounds through a cow pasture. My chauffeur, Adam Sears, and his adorable son, Keller, toured me around Myakka City’s Strickland Ranch as we chased Adam’s wife, Sarah, who was master of the hounds that day. The riders’ red coats stood out against the green palmettos and brown pines that make up west-central Florida’s landscape. There were no rolling hills or stone walls, but there were oak hammocks and orange groves. Because the fences are barbed wire, “coops” are built over them to protect the horses’ legs as they jump.
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WELFARE OF THE DOGS ALWAYS COMES FIRST. THEY WERE ALL OUTFITTED WITH GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM COLLARS.
BOTTOM AND TOP LEFT PHOTO BY CALLY SIMPSON
Above left are tools of the whipper-in, who assists the hunstman or huntswoman. The gray fox, top right, is known to race toward heavy brush during a hunt, making it harder to chase. Below, hunt participants group the hounds as they all begin the search.
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CALLY IN WONDERLAND Clockwise from bottom left: Master of the hounds Sarah Sears making her call. Coops built over and around barbed-wire fences keep riders and horses safe. Sarah Sears keeps an eye on her canine charges. South Creek Foxhounds' members are used to the fact that coyotes are increasingly displacing foxes in the wild.
FOXES ARE NOT AS COMMON AS THEY ONCE WERE, SO COYOTES ACTUALLY OFTEN END UP BEING THE QUARRY.
The sound of the horn and the cry of the dogs are always unmistakable and for that I’m thankful. My adrenaline started pumping as soon as that first cry sounded, and you could hear “North! Head North!” on the walkie-talkie. At that, Adam took off! The buggy is important, because while it does carry spectators, it also carries dog boxes to load the hounds into before they become overheated. Welfare of the dogs always comes first. They were all outfitted with Global Positioning System collars. If they found another scent and separated from the pack, we could locate them easily and retrieve them before they became overheated trying to get back to the chase. While we were chasing the hounds and horses, who were chasing the coyote, you could hear the excitement in the riders’ yells and their encouragement to one another as they took a fence or splashed through a creek. But the best part for me was when a lazy cow would suddenly appear
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TOP LEFT, MIDDLE AND BOTTOM PHOTOS BY CALLY SIMPSON
Even in early January, it gets hot early, so we set out before dawn, hoping that the dogs would pick up a scent early. Foxes are not as common as they once were, so coyotes actually often end up being the quarry. Most farm owners want these special hunters to help lower the population of the predators, to protect their livestock. The idea and the chase are the same as in Kentucky, but the environment is completely different.
out of the cool shadows of an oak hammock or even jump up, startled by the dogs while sleeping in the palmettos. Coveys of quail would magically bust out of the tall saw grass. The entire experience was the perfect combination of everything I love. Dogs, horses, quail, cattle, great people and a landscape like no other. I can’t wait to do it again but next time from horseback. A big thank-you to South Creek Foxhounds for letting me tag along—don’t worry, I’ll be back out with y’all soon! Be sure to check out fox hunting in your area. I promise that if you love a thrilling chase, it’s for you! And the hunt always ends with lunch—even with cocktails, if you’re at the “right” hunt!
Clockwise from bottom left: His smile says it all. Concentration is the name of the game for this participant. Just as the red coats stand out against the green hills of Kentucky, they are equally as stunning in an oak tree hammock or palmetto patch in west-central Florida.
PHOTOS BY CALLY SIMPSON
Cally Simpson is a mother of a beautiful boy and loves to travel around the state commemorating our history and heritage. Check her blog, callyinwonderland.com.
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FLORIDA EXCURSIONS
FLATTEST STATE ACTUALLY HAS SOME IMPRESSIVE CASCADES Written by: Ava Isabel Grace
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lorida is, of course, famous for its beaches and interior landscapes. Residents and visitors may be surprised to learn that it also has some impressive waterfalls—especially considering the state is the flattest in the nation. Three sites are described here:
sinkhole, along with its shape and the constant flow of water, provide for a unique ecosystem not found anywhere else in Florida,” notes park manager Robert Steele.
Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park in Gainesville has “a bowl-shaped cavity 120 feet deep leading down to a miniature rain forest,” according to the park website. Water pours off the slopes into the sinkhole—an especially notable sight after a heavy rain.
Its ecosystem enables some unique ferns and hardwood trees, as well as amphibians and birds, to survive in an area they otherwise wouldn’t be in. “In addition to the 200 steps that lead guests to the sinkhole, there is also a half-mile nature trail that traverses the rim … with several places where guests can stop and hear the sounds of waterfalls and see the sinkhole,” Steele adds.
There are always at least two flowing waterfalls and plenty of “weeping stones.” But after it rains, visitors might count up to 12 waterfalls all flowing at once. “The depth of the
Falling Creek Falls is in Live Oak, located halfway between Tallahassee and Jacksonville, and is considered a “local gem.” Even during normal water levels—not to mention the rainy
At left, a "miniature rain forest" awaits visitors to Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park in Gainesville. The root beer-colored creek (below) plunges over a 10-foot waterfall at Falling Creek Falls in Live Oak.
ITS ECOSYSTEM ENABLES SOME UNIQUE FERNS AND HARDWOOD TREES, AS WELL AS AMPHIBIANS AND BIRDS, TO SURVIVE IN AN AREA THEY OTHERWISE WOULDN’T BE IN. 58
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LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF FL DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
WATERFALLS DAZZLE, DELIGHT
season—the root beer-colored creek plunges over a 10-foot waterfall, formed with limestone boulders. It then flows under Falling Creek Road and through a deep ravine before it finally goes underground.
Above, Falling Waters State Park in Chipley provides stairways and boardwalks. Its waterfall (right) descends 73 feet.
There is an 800-foot boardwalk leading to the falls, with another 150-foot branch of the boardwalk leading to the creek. There are picnic tables, hiking, wildlife viewing and a circa1890s historic building that was originally a commissary or store.
The park area at Suwannee River Water Management District, or SRWMD, is managed through a partnership with Columbia County Parks & Recreation. “There are no rangers at the park. However, there is a park host that lives in a RV on site,” explains Edwin McCook, a land management specialist with SRWMD.
TOP PHOTOS COURTESY OF FL DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION; BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF SRWMD-EDWIN MCCOOK
Florida’s highest waterfall is in Falling Waters State Park in Chipley, about a hundred miles northeast of Pensacola. According to the park website, “Falling Waters Sink is a 100-foot deep, 20-foot wide cylindrical pit into which flows a small stream that drops 73 feet to the bottom of the sink. The water’s final destination remains unknown.”
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FLORIDA EXCURSIONS Park manager Aaron Watkins explains, “After a heavy rain event, the waterfall can be so powerful that by standing on the platform, guests can be sprayed by the heavy mist that is produced as it falls into the sinkhole, and the sound can be heard from the sidewalk as they leave the parking area.” The amount of water that falls is dependent on the amount of rain. Visitors will enjoy the short walk to the waterfall. They may choose to continue on the boardwalk, which goes by an early 1900s oil well and eventually makes its way to Turtle Lake, where they can swim or fish. “Along the way, guests can enjoy flowering plants and possibly see the fox squirrels that call the park their home,” Watkins adds.
Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park 4732 Millhopper Road, Gainesville 352-955-2008, floridastateparks .org/park/Devils-Millhopper (Park rangers give walks on Saturdays at 10 a.m., starting at the visitor center.) Falling Creek Falls at Suwannee River Water Management District 9225 County Road 49, Live Oak 386-362-1001, srwmd.state.fl.us (Travel north on U.S. 41 and pass under I-10. Go right on NW Falling Creek Road for a mile. The park is on the right before crossing the creek.)
Turtle Lake (top), at Falling Waters State Park, offers fishing and swimming. The park manager says the falls (below) can be heard from the sidewalk as visitors leave the parking area.
Falling Waters State Park 1130 State Park Road, Chipley 850-638-6130, floridastateparks .org/park/Falling-Waters
PHOTOS COURTESY OF FL DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Ava Isabel Grace is a Florida resident who loves the country.
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FLORIDA EXCURSIONS
LAUGHTER, FUN AND ACTION NOW UNDERWAY AT ORLANDO WATERSPORTS COMPLEX’S NEW AQUAPARK
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Written by: Ava Isabel Grace
he laughter is lively, the fun is fantastic and the action is awesome at the new Aquapark—now open at the Orlando Watersports Complex.
The main Orlando complex opened in 1999, to teach guests how to wakeboard, waterski, kneeboard and more—on two full-sized cable systems or behind Nautique boats on a multi-purpose lake. The Aquapark section, consisting of an inflatable water world, just debuted this past March. Plans are also in store to open a similar Aquapark this year at the Miami Watersports Complex. “We are known around the world as the watersports capital of the world. We host multiple professional-level and amateur-level events for watersport enthusiasts throughout the year,” says assistant manager Theo Koester. The Aquapark’s modular design was inspired by LEGO blocks, so it makes sense that the brightly colored park is all linked
together. The park includes an XXL climbing tower, a balance beam, monkey bars and a rodeo slide. “It definitely takes your bounce house or trampoline facility to the next level. Instead of being inside, you get to be outside on the water with your friends and family,” Koester adds. The Aquapark has different sections and they vary in difficulty. Some are for children age 6 and up who are at least 43 inches in height. There are more difficult sections for those who are looking for a challenge. The water ranges in temperature— depending on the time of year—but generally varies between 70 and 85 degrees. Koester says, “It’s a perfect way to cool off on those hot summer days, and it’s also a great workout.” Orlando Watersports Complex officials stress that safety comes first. Every 55-minute session, or daily session, starts on the hour with a safety briefing by a Red Cross-trained lifeguard. Guests are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-
A climbing tower, balance beam, monkey bars and rodeo slide make the Aquapark, which is an inflatable water world, a big hit with different age groups.
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PHOTO ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF ORLANDO WATERSPORTS COMPLEX/AKTION PARKS
SLIPPING AND SLIDING
The Aquapark is open daily, and offers 50-minute sessions and all-day sessions. Every session starts with a safety briefing.
THE AQUAPARK’S MODULAR DESIGN WAS INSPIRED BY LEGO BLOCKS. approved life vest and a helmet. (The park offers rentals to guests who do not have their own equipment.) “During the briefing, we discuss the do’s and don’ts of the Aquapark, and answer any questions guests may have,” Koester explains. Guests start off on the beach and wade into the water, which gradually increases in depth, as they make their way out to the Aquapark. It is floating in a part of the lake that has a maximum depth of 10 to 15 feet. On one side of the lake is the Dockside Grill, which sells sandwiches, wraps, smoothies, flatbreads and additional options. Refreshments are also available on the other side of the lake, and picnic tables and grills are spread out around the beach. Ava Isabel Grace is a Florida resident who loves the country.
ROUNDUP Orlando Watersports Complex 8615 Florida Rock Road, Orlando 407-251-3100, aktionparks.com Miami Watersports Complex 401 East 65th St., Hialeah 305-476-9253, aktionparks.com
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FLORIDA MEMORIES
DOWN ON THE FARM STATE PARK GIVES GLIMPSE INTO THREE GENERATIONS OF FLORIDA FARMING FROM 1880S TO MID-1940S
fter tourism, agriculture is the secondlargest industry in Florida. In fact, the state’s agricultural industry dates back to the 1500s, when the Europeans arrived. They farmed maize, squash, beans and sunflowers in order to supplement their diets of wild plants, fish and animals. Fast forward a few centuries, to when farms were often kept in the family for generations. A great way to see what family farming was like—from the 1880s to the mid-1940s— is to visit Dudley Farm Historic State Park. It’s located in Newberry, Florida, in Alachua County, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. “Florida’s 175 state parks and trails are not only incredible places to recreate, but many also provide a glimpse into the history of our state. At Dudley Farm Historic State Park, visitors can experience farm life in Florida as it was more than a century ago—an incredible opportunity for all ages and interests,” says Jason Mahon, public information officer with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The 24-acre farmstead, along with more than 300 acres of neighboring woodlands and fields, is now a “living history”
farm. Operated by the Dudley family for three generations, the farm was originally 640 acres. It was first developed by Phillip Benjamin Harvey Dudley Jr., who assumed ownership in 1881. He farmed cotton, tobacco and corn. The 18 buildings include the family farmhouse that is filled with original furnishings, a circa-1880s kitchen outbuilding and a building that separated hot kitchen activities from the rest of the house. Also featured are a general store, post office, dairy shed, smokehouse, hay and tobacco barns, stables, a canning house, drinking well and a functioning cane syrup complex. Visitors will see handstitched quilts, a large quilting frame, an 1835 Bible that was carried by Dudley in the Civil War, photographs, and farm tools and equipment. Visitors will also “experience the past,” thanks to staff members, some of whom dress in period clothing. Staff members perform traditional chores such as sugar cane farming and tending to heritage livestock. There are a Florida Cracker Horse, a Cracker cow (or Florida Scrub) and mules, chickens and standard bronze turkeys. Additionally, visitors can see deer, gopher tortoises and bluebirds in the surrounding fields. There is a .3-mile hiking loop in the woodlands, showcasing seasonal wildflowers.
Dudley Farm is a working farm and many staff members, such as the man in the background at left, wear period clothing. Its 18 buildings help to bring the old farm "back to life" for visitors.
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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF SANDRA CASHES
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Written by: Ava Isabel Grace
STAFF MEMBERS PERFORM TRADITIONAL CHORES SUCH AS SUGAR CANE FARMING AND TENDING TO HERITAGE LIVESTOCK.
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Visiting the farm during summer offers a special experience: “During our summer months, guests can see what types of heritage summer crops were grown in the house garden for family consumption, such as watermelon. They might see the harvesting of the figs or peaches,” explains Sandra Cashes, a park services specialist who has been with the park for about six years. “They can stroll through the sugar cane that grows as tall as 3 to 4 feet,” she adds. “And they can wander through the historic buildings and reminisce about a way of life that was not always easy.” Because summer is hot and humid, Cashes suggests bringing bug repellant and plenty of water—although mornings are notably cooler. There are several events at the farm throughout the year, such as the Fall Harvest and Cane Festival in December, Plowing Up the Past in March, and Partake of the Past in April. Tours and school groups are always welcome. Getting a firsthand experience on an early Florida family farm provides an educational, entertaining and memorable experience for all ages. Ava Isabel Grace is a Florida resident who loves the country.
ROUNDUP Dudley Farm Historic State Park 18730 West Newberry Road, Newberry, Florida 352-472-1142, floridastateparks.org/park/Dudley-Farm (Park entrance fee is $5 cash in the honor box.)
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF FL DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
The farm represents three generations of farming by the Dudley family. Top right, a young visitor helps a staff member perform daily chores. Below, the property includes a functioning cane syrup complex.
FLORIDA CHARM
AS EASY AS PIE PHOTOS COURTESY OF LABELLE HERITAGE MUSEUM AND DEBBIE BURCHARD
CULTIVATING A FAMILY LEGACY IN LABELLE Written by: Keitha Daniels
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f you hear the name Forrey outside the city of LaBelle, you may not associate it with any local or regional significance. But once you hear the name “Flora & Ella’s,” you will quickly recognize two of its most well-known women. Of course, for those in LaBelle or the surrounding area, the name resonates strongly with pioneers, family, tradition—and amazing pies. The year 1908 marked the arrival of a new resident in LaBelle, Melville Forrey. Originally from Iowa, Forrey found work with the state on the Everglades drainage project. His boat was docked in LaBelle, and it didn’t take him long to fall in love with Corrine Poole, the daughter of a local pioneer and storekeeper. After marrying Corrine, the two settled down in LaBelle and Forrey eventually opened a trading store there. He sold furs and hides to locals and as far away as St. Louis, where his brother acted as an agent for him. Forrey became active in local politics and community affairs. Instrumental in helping form Hendry County, he
was one of its first commissioners. His accomplishments earned him designation in Florida Department of State’s “Great Floridians 2000” program. Tragedy struck the Forreys when Melville passed away in 1926, and little more than a year later, the family business burned down in a massive fire that consumed several city blocks. Determined to rebuild and move forward with their lives, the Forrey women re-established the business and branched out into new directions. The Forrey daughters carried on the family tradition of owning retail establishments when they opened a ladies dress boutique, Florellida Dress Shop (named for Flora, Ella and Ida). Next, the women started a small restaurant called the Log Cabin. But they didn’t really find their niche until two of the sisters opened a little restaurant in a corner of the family building—featuring several different types of pies. Flora & Ella’s, on Bridge Street for more than 20 years, became a favorite dining establishment among locals. The sisters were
Ella, at top on the left, was commemorated with a front-page headline after her passing. Above, the great fire of 1928 destroyed the Forrey building. The Forrey daughters first started a small restaurant (below) called the Log Cabin. At right are Flora and Ella.
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FLORIDA CHARM
known for their variety of pies and the friendly atmosphere served up with them. In 1989, Alan and Irene Trask purchased the restaurant from Ella, and moved it from the Historic District to a new building along Highway 80. The yellow-colored, Southernstyle building boasted rocking chairs on its front porch and plenty of seating inside. That location took the business to a whole new level. Its popularity caught the attention of regional developers and after owning the historic restaurant for nearly two decades, the Trasks sold it to Bonita Bay Group. Sadly, it was closed in 2011 when the recession forced many Southwest Florida businesses to downsize or re-evaluate operations. The restaurant was an iconic symbol of LaBelle and losing it left a hole in the heart. Today, descendants of the famous pie bakers are carrying on that tradition. Debbie Burchard Klemmer, Ella’s granddaughter, had polled locals about foods they missed. Comfort foods such as fried green tomatoes, coconut cake and an old favorite, Hoppin’ John, topped the lists. In 2011, she and her best friend, Vicki Reynolds, opened Two Peas Restaurant. Its menu offers modern options alongside oldies but goodies—and of course those pies.
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TOP MIDDLE PHOTO COURTESY OF DEBBIE BURCHARD; ALL OTHER PHOTOS BY KEITHA DANIELS
Clockwise from bottom left: Two Peas Restaurant owners Vicki Reynolds, left, and Debbie Burchard Klemmer, who is Ella's granddaughter. Their restaurant continues the tradition of offering coconut pie. Eula Mae Coston was the first pie baker at Flora & Ella's, in addition to Ella. A photo of the Forrey sisters is displayed in Two Peas. Its interior features lattice wainscoting and lots of artwork.
Clockwise from bottom left: Corinne Poole Forrey is pictured in back, fourth from the right, with Flora and Ella in front of her. Corinne stands in the middle of her rebuilt general store. Melville Forrey's accomplishments were recognized in the "Great Floridians 2000" program.
Why the name Two Peas? Well, when the women were younger, they worked for Ella. Some days, they’d find themselves on “adventures” and not show up for work. Ella would often say, “What am I going to do with Vicki and Debbie? They are just two peas in a pod.”
TOP AND MIDDLE PHOTOS COURTESY OF LABELLE HERITAGE MUSEUM AND DEBBIE BURCHARD; RIGHT PHOTO BY KEITHA DANIELS
Keitha Daniels is on the board of directors of the LaBelle Heritage Museum. Details are at labelleheritagemuseum.org.
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PICTURE PERFECT
THIS MERRITTS A PHOTO
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HOWARD S. TAYLOR’S REFUGE SOUVENIR
Photo by: Howard S. Taylor
ello, my name is Howard S. Taylor. I’m a 40-year-old garbageman from Weirsdale, Florida. I’ve been interested in photography since high school. I love wildlife with a passion—birds and gators mostly—but would like to expand. I chose this picture because it was my first time to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. A friend of mine who I met on Instagram took me and my kids there along with his family. We were hoping to see spoonbills, but saw gators and other birds instead. Two of the gators were sunning in this position. Photo was taken with a Canon 80D and Canon 4L 70-200mm lens.
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Photo by: Andrina Dennison
GOAT ON THE GO ANDRINA DENNISON TAKES PIX FOR POSTERITY
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y name’s Andrina Dennison and I’m from Alva, Florida. I’m a wife and mom and am new to homesteading and backyard hobby farming. We currently have 10 hens, one rooster, two goats, two dogs and one bunny. I’ve always loved photography and the way it allows the photographer to show a unique perspective of his or her subject. When I spend time with my animals (who are also my pets), I regularly try to capture their silly, sweet, beautiful motments on camera. I prefer to use my iPhone 7+ to capture images like this one of our sweet wether, Josey Wales. He’s 10 months and loves to munch wildflowers, leaves and roots. I enjoy interacting with him and the rest of the animals—and capturing moments like this.
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y name is Jose Penabella, and I am one of the founding members of JJ&R Cattle Company. It is a registered cattle operation that I started this year with my wife and daughter. We recently sold our home in South Florida, and relocated to this picturesque 24-acre ranch in north-central Florida where we blog about our transition from city to country life. Photography has always been a hobby, and recently I’ve used it to document and share business-related milestones on our website and social media pages. Every day, I make sure to have our Nikon D3200 ready to capture everything and anything related to our endeavor. But as luck would have it, the photo of this sunrise was taken with an iPhone 6!
COUNTRY SUNRISE JOSE PENABELLA EXPANDING HIS HOBBY
Photo by: Jose Penabella
Every issue of Florida Country Magazine features one or more winning photos. Check our Facebook page or floridacountrymagazine.com for details.
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STARS & GUITARS presented by
MEET KELSEA BALLERINI BLACK RIVER ENTERTAINMENT’S STAR PERFORMER, STORYTELLING DRIVES HER DREAMS Interviewd by: Florida Country Magazine
I hate Shakespeare and Gosling and cakes with white frosting Two names in a heart-shaped tattoo I think cupid is stupid and violets are purple not blue I hate catching bouquets, the honeymoon phase And letterman jackets don’t fit Your eyes can’t hold stars and you’d die if your heart really skipped I hate love songs Yeah, I really do —Kelsea Ballerini’s I hate love songs “I Hate Love Songs” But I love you
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elsea Ballerini is in a good place. Finally. At age 24.
Surviving the inevitable heartbreaks of young adulthood, enduring the very real struggles of reaching for the stars lighting country’s sky, the performer and songwriter is hitting her stride—emotionally and professionally. Happy now and married to a rising country performer, Morgan Evans, and soon touring with country legend Keith Urban, Ballerini says the future seems like endless promises. Much of her songwriting in the beginning was inspired by heartbreaks. Unapologetically, her second studio album, is about recovering from a fractured heart—meeting, falling in love with and marrying Evans, she says. “It talks about the heart and head battle,” she explained in an earlier interview. “I don’t want to be a clichéd person in love; but I kind of am turning into that.”
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You can choose if you’re bad, if you’re good If you’re left or right, speaking your heart or speaking your mind You can be what they say you can be, a cliché You can tear up the box and throw it away Everybody gotta be themselves Everybody gotta dream out loud Everybody gotta be themselves Square pegs make the world go ’round —Kelsea Ballerini’s “Square Pegs”
PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF BLACK RIVER ENTERTAINMENT
Like many of us, Kelsea was a kid fighting to fit in, a square peg, she says, learning that music would ease the transition of being comfortable inside oneself. Storytelling through song is what drove her dreams. The only child of a salesman father and a mother in marketing, Kelsea Nicole Ballerini danced and sang as a kid in suburban Knoxville, Tennessee—naturally drawn to performing and storytelling. In fact, one of three tattoos on her 5-foot-8-inch frame was inspired by a song to her mother, Carla, when she was 6. “Literature,” she says from California in the weeks before headlining for Keith Urban, “was my favorite class … Dr. Seuss, the way he put words together. All that kind of came together when I was 12.” As more women hit their stride in country music—and as more Carrie Underwood clones emerge from the cycle of reinvention—Ballerini is giving country a genuine kick in the pants. A Grammy nominee with kudos from mainstream publications such as Rolling Stone, the artist’s work, almost all of which she’s written or co-written, is tight and clever and moves in surprising directions. It can be stripped-down sassy, and yet sentimental in ballads with Evans, the two in obvious sync bouncing off one another. Professionally, Ballerini’s thrills at achieving such amazing status are in performing before her fans, meeting the wonderful writers and performers who inspired her, and appearing on television. In April, she ascended from the heavens during a performance at the Academy of Country Music Awards show in Las Vegas, seat-belted among a flurry of glitter in a giant pink heart. Just to be safe. Still, she’s not a performer to be messed with: “I work really freaking hard,” she says. “That’s the part that people leave out. Even at 24, every day changes.”
ROUNDUP Unapologetically, the Black River Entertainment artist’s acclaimed sophomore album, takes listeners on an intimate journey of loss, life and love. The 12-track compilation—all written or cowritten by Ballerini—features “Legends” and “I Hate Love Songs.” Ballerini skyrocketed to stardom after releasing platinum-certified “Love Me Like You Mean It,” “Dibs” and “Peter Pan”—from her gold-certified breakout The First Time. She is the only female artist in country music history, including female duos and groups, to go No. 1 with her first three consecutive singles from a debut album.
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THE CULINARY CRACKER INGREDIENTS FOR ALMOND CAKE 5 ounces almonds, coarsely chopped 5 ounces powdered sugar, sieved 5 egg whites ¾ cup superfine sugar INGREDIENTS FOR ROSE-SCENTED CREAM 10 ounces heavy whipping cream 2½ tablespoons superfine sugar 2 tablespoons rosewater
WHIPPING IT UP IN YOUR KITCHEN
OTHER INGREDIENTS ½ pound seedless watermelon, thinly sliced ¼ cup rosewater 4 tablespoons superfine sugar ½ cup almond meal 1 pound strawberries, halved 10 seedless red grapes, halved 1 tablespoon slivered pistachios 1 tablespoon dried rose petals (Available for purchase online.)
Every issue of Florida Country Magazine is filled with easy, delicious and seasonal recipes you’ll want to make again and again.
PREPARATION For almond cake, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Pulse almonds in food processor until finely ground; combine in a bowl with powdered sugar. In another mixing bowl, whisk egg whites with electric mixer until soft peaks form, about 3 to 4 minutes. Gradually add superfine sugar; whisk until stiff peaks form, 1 to 2 minutes. Gently fold almond sugar mixture into egg whites. Line parchment paper in 11 x 15 x 2 pan; spread almond cake mixture evenly. Bake 10-15 minutes until golden. Set aside to cool, then cut in half lengthwise. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Arrange watermelon slices in single layer on wire rack. Sprinkle with 4 teaspoons rosewater, then sprinkle with 2 tablespoons superfine sugar. Let it soak in for 30 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels. For rose-scented cream, whisk cream and sugar with electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add rosewater; whisk until stiff peaks form. Do not over-whisk. Put half of cake layer in pan. Spread a third of rosescented cream evenly over half the cake. Sprinkle with half the almond meal and layer watermelon over cake. Make sure watermelon is covering entire layer of cake. Spread half of remaining rose-scented cream over watermelon and layer with remaining almond meal. Add second almond cake layer and spread rest of rose-scented cream. Refrigerate until firm, about 1-2 hours. Toss strawberries in a bowl with remaining sugar; set aside for 15 minutes. Carefully arrange strawberries onto cake, gently pushing into cream. Trim cake edges; scatter with grapes, pistachios and rose petals. Serve.
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MELON-BERRY ROSE CREAM CAKE Serves 6
PARMESAN CHILI-LIME GRILLED CORN Serves 6
INGREDIENTS husked 6 ears of corn, un ted butter el 6 tablespoons m wder po 2 teaspoons chili lt 1 teaspoon sea sa cheese ¼ cup Parmesan es ped cilantro leav op ¼ cup freshly ch Juice of 2 limes PREPARATION 1 teaspoon ith water, mix in Fill large bowl w ediumm r tdoor grill fo sea salt. Preheat ou . Grill corn while corn high heat. Drain , turning about 25 minutes still in husks for arred and ch ry tside is ve ou l ti un , ly al on occasi rn from tender. Remove co husks corn kernels are n w do minutes. Peel grill; let sit for 10 ted butter. el m h corn wit of r ea ch ea h us eese, and br wder, Parmesan ch po ili ch h it w le Sprink iately. juice; serve immed cilantro and lime
INGREDIENTS 6 quarts water ¾ cup Old Bay Seasoning 2 Vidalia onions, quartered 2 lemons, cut in thirds 8 cloves garlic, minced 5 pounds new potatoes 3 16-ounce packages cooked kielbasa sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces 12 ears fresh corn, husked, cleaned and quartered 4 pounds fresh shrimp, headless, deveined and unpeeled Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
LOW COUNTRY BOIL Serves 15
PREPARATION Heat a large pot of water on mediumhigh heat. Add Old Bay Seasoning, onions, lemons and garlic; bring to a boil. Add potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes. Add corn and sausage; cook for another 8 minutes. Add shrimp and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Drain immediately, garnish and serve. 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 BAKED WIENERS AND BEANS (Tiffany Ogden, owner of Horsin Around Deli in North Fort Myers) Serves 5-6 INGREDIE N 28 ounces b TS aked beans 1 medium o nion, 1/3 c up ketchup minced ¼ cup barb ecue sauce 8 beef hot dogs, cut in pieces PREPARA TION Mix beans and first fo ur ingredients .B boil, stirrin ring to a soft go Lower heat ccasionally. and simme r for an hour, st irri Add hot do ng frequently. gs and conti n to simmer for about h ue alf an hour. Serve warm.
JALAPEÑO CORN BREAD (Tiffany Ogden, owner of Horsin Around Deli in North Fort Myers) Yields 8-10 squares
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INGREDIENTS 21 ounces cornbread mi x ½ large onion 1 cup shredded chedda r cheese 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese 2 large eggs, beaten 2½ cups milk 2 teaspoons sugar 1 can creamed corn 4 to 6 ounces diced jal apeños PREPARATION Preheat oven to 350 de grees. Grease 9 x 13 pan. Mix all ingredients together. Pour in pan. Bake for 45 minu tes or until toothpick comes out clean when checked. Enjoy! F LO R I D A C O U NTRY J u n e | J u l y 2 0 1 8
BRUSSELS SPROUTS AND BACON Serves 4
INGREDIENTS 4 slices thick-cut baco n, sliced into ¼-inch str ips 1 medium onion, dice d 1 pound Brussels spro uts, trimmed and halve d 1 clove garlic, thinly sli ced ½ cup chicken stock 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar Salt and black pepper to taste PREPARATION Place bacon in skillet over medium-low heat; cook until just crisp, about 10 minutes. Transfer ba con to plate lined with pa per towels, reserving bacon grease in skillet. Incre ase heat to medium-h igh. Sauté Brussels sprout s and onions in bacon grease until sprouts are light ly browned and onion s are turning clear, 2 to 3 mi nutes. Add garlic to Br ussels sprouts, sauté 1 to 2 mi nutes. Pour chicken sto ck over Brussels sprouts mixture; cover skillet with a lid. Simmer until Br ussels sprouts are brigh t green, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove lid; simmer un til liquid is evaporated an d sprouts are tender, about 5 minutes. Remove sk illet from heat; stir ba con, butter, vinegar, salt an d pepper into Brussel s sprouts mixture until butter is melted. Enjoy !
AMAZING RIBS Serves 4
INGREDIENTS k ribs 2 2-pound slabs of baby back por Favorite barbecue sauce 1 tablespoon cumin 1 tablespoon paprika 1 tablespoon granulated garlic 1 tablespoon granulated onion 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 tablespoon brown sugar 2 tablespoons Kosher salt 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 tablespoon black pepper PREPARATION mbine dry ingredients Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Co ribs. Cut each full rack of in a bowl to make dry rub for Take dry rub mixture ribs in half, making 4 half racks. f rack in aluminum foil. and rub into ribs. Wrap each hal door grill for high heat. Bake for 2½ hours. Preheat out nd 10 minutes. Remove Remove ribs from oven; let sta l. Grill ribs for 3 to 4 ribs from foil and place on gril beque sauce on ribs minutes on each side. Brush bar ore serving. while they are grilling, just bef
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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 loves introducing you to the owners of great trucks cruising our country roads and Florida highways in our My Ride section. Meet Randy Emery and his 2015 F-250 Lariat. Not to high, not to low. This ride would be welcomed in any country club.
LOOKING TO CUSTOMIZE YOUR VEHICLE? THEN SAVAGE 4X4 WILL BE GLAD TO HELP.
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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY SCARLETT REDENIUS
We encourage you to post photos of your customized truck for our August/September 2018 My Ride section on facebook.com/floridacountrymagazine or facebook.com/savage4x4s.
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A PERFECT STREET TRUCK Owner: Randy Emery | Fort Myers, Florida | Year: 2015 | Make: Ford | Model: F-250 Lariat
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have a 2015 F-250 Lariat with a 10-inch Fabtech Motorsports lift, with dual-reservoir Fox shocks in the front tand Pro Comp steering stabilizer. In the rear are oversized leaf springs with factory block to get the lift with Pro Comp torsion bars. We had the lift powder-coated to match the bottom paint. Every place we go we get compliments on the truck. I have always wanted a lift truck ‌ and I couldn’t be happier. Thanks to Jim and Linda at Savage 4X4 (Fort Myers) for making my truck above and beyond average.
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PHOTO BY SCARLETT REDENIUS
MY RIDE
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