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FEATURES
FLORIDA COUNTRY MAGAZINE / ISSUE VOL. 3 • NO. 3
ON THE COVER: Country music legend Garth Brooks took over the Swamp at the University of Florida. He performed in front of a sold-out crowd of 75,000 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Image of Garth Brooks taken by Blue Rose Inc. Read more on page 72.
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The Adams Family … They’re Cowboys and They’re Conservationists
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Kelly Tractor Co. Historic Cat Dealer—Almost 90 years of ‘Honest and Fair Dealings’
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DEPARTMENTS FLORIDA COUNTRY MAGAZINE / ISSUE VOL. 3 • NO. 3
FCM CIRCLE
WILD FLORIDA
A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER
THE AMERICAN ALLIGATOR
page 8
page 56
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FLORIDA 4-H
4-H PROGRAMS ENSURE LOTS OF SUMMER FUN
PICTURE PERFECT SUWANNEE SCENE
page 10
page 58
NEWBORN LOVE
RUSTIC ROOM
page 58
A ROOM REMEMBERED
page 14
HORSIN' AROUND
28
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GO HORSEBACK RIDING AND CAMPING ON SFWMD LANDS
page 59
PASTORAL PLEASURES
FLORIDA HARVEST
page 60
OLIVES HAVE LONG BEEN A WIDELY ENJOYED FRUIT
page 22 page 25
TASTE OF SWEET SUNSHINE!
49
page 60
COUNTRYWIDE
46
32
THE RANCH
TRUCKS & TOYS SWAMP BUGGY RACING OFFERS FRIENDLY COMPETITION
page 28
RODEO PROFILE
page 66
FREESTYLE BULLFIGHTING— RODEO’S NEWEST SPORT
FLORIDA CHARM
page 32
60
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YEAR-ROUND FISHING AND MORE AT FLORIDA’S LARGEST LAKE
page 72
page 49
CALLY IN WONDERLAND
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page 70
GARTH BROOKS IN THE SUNSHINE STATE
CHOOSE YOUR SPEED IN SEBRING
page 52
CITY UNDER THE OAKS
STARS & GUITARS
page 46
RAISING A ‘SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN’
CARNIVAL’S ‘VICTORY’ CRUISE IS A WINNER
page 62
CATTLEMEN’S LIVESTOCK AUCTION MARKET
FLORIDA EXCURSIONS
page 59
FLAMINGO FLAIR
page 18
THE SOUTHERN PEACH COMPANY
FRESH FACES
THE CULINARY CRACKER
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TRISHA YEARWOOD RECIPES
page 76
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Owner/Publisher Scarlett Redenius Owner/C.E.O. Brad Redenius President Thomas Fifield Vice President Sheila Fifield Editorial Director Jack Collier Design Director Jessica Fifield Director of Photography Marsay Johnson Proofreader Katherine Waters Sales Associate Lynn Cox Contributing Writers Kelly Boone, Audra Clemons, William R. Cox, Keitha Daniels, Christopher Decubellis, Ava Grace, Kathy Ann Gregg, Kym Rouse Holzwart, Dave Kelly, Katey McClenny, Cally Simpson, Trisha Yearwood Featured Photographers Tonya Barnes, Kelly Boone, Audra Clemons, ToniDee Colon, William R. Cox, Ben Fink, Kathy Ann Gregg, Lindy Griffith, Marie Hunt, John Holzwart, Kym Rouse Holzwart, Stacy Prato, Kristina Rodriguez, Andria Abraham Rowland, Cally Simpson, Bob Waters, Josh Wickham, Thomas Wright For more information about advertising with Florida Country Magazine, or joining our regional sales team, please contact:
239-692-2613 sales@floridacountrymagazine.com For other inquiries contact:
Scarlett Redenius, Publisher 239-600-4783 Published by: Florida Country Publications
PO Box 50989 • Fort Myers, FL 33994 LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
facebook.com/floridacountrymagazine F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M Florida Country Magazine is published bi-monthly, copyright 2019, 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
YOU CAN NEVER SAY ‘THANK YOU’ ENOUGH!
So many people played an important part in putting this issue together. My advertisers, without you, Florida Country Magazine is nothing. I cannot thank you enough for your continuous support. My team, I cannot kiss, hug, high-five, kick you with my boot and drive you crazy enough! I’m so lucky to have you. Tim Hardy, Mike Tyler, Christopher Waters, Nancy Seltzer and her team, without you, my dream was just a dream. Most importantly, I would like to thank the companies and individuals who allow us to be part of their lives and share their stories with our readers, including: —Adams Ranch, which encompasses approximately 40,000 acres of Florida pasture. Where conservation and preservation of Florida lands remain a top priority, proving that ranching and environmental stewardship are intimately related (page 36). —One of the oldest livestock markets in our state, Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Market Inc., located in Lakeland. Where the word “family” not only embraces blood, but their customers. In addition to the market, the two brothers are carrying on the family cattle business, passed down from their father (page 28).
—The Gill family, whose family roots, farming and ranching go back more than 150 years in Florida. And not only do they still grow the same crops and still run their commercial cow-calf operation, they have added some more sweet goodness to their empire with The Southern Peach Company (page 25). —Kelly Tractor Co., a great American story, a family’s legacy that continues to live on with the fourth generation stepping in to lead the way. Almost 90 years of tradition of providing “honest and fair dealings” and superior customer service (page 42). I would also like to thank a very special reader, Peggy White, who is letting all of us into her home: Sharing her love for Patrick D. Smith’s best-selling novel, A Land Remembered. An authentic Florida room that her son, Heath, helped build. A room filled with love and memories, from a historical novel to her beloved late husband, Gene (page 14). To our readers, you are truly special. Thank you for picking up our magazine, sharing it, calling me, writing me. It’s a special thing I look forward to and cherish so much. You keep me going and pushing harder in this digital age, in which print magazines must outshine and be relevant to stay alive, for us to create our own mark on this state. This magazine is my passion, my life. I live, eat and breathe “Florida Country.” This issue is packed full of stories with so much Florida history for you to enjoy. It’s an issue that brings me joy and an overwhelming feeling of being blessed and of thankfulness. An issue in which I still keep pinching myself every time I look at the cover and think, as the story says, “This is Garth-freaking-Brooks”! Remember that no matter what, it’s always important to say “thank you” even when you think people already know. Never take anything or anyone for granted. And thank the good Lord for every time you wake up and open your eyes to another day. No matter what is going on in your life—you’re alive. For the Lord is guiding us on our miraculous journeys and for that, I’m even more thankful. And if you didn’t know it—thank you! SCARLETT REDENIUS, Publisher
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TOP PHOTO BY WILLIAM R. COX
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must begin by thanking, from the bottom of my heart, Garth Brooks and his wife, Trisha Yearwood. Thank you so much for the opportunity for Florida Country Magazine to share such an amazing experience and wonderful recipes with your fans—I’m still picking myself up from the floor.
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FLORIDA 4-H
4-H PROGRAMS ENSURE LOTS OF SUMMER FUN ACTIVITIES INCLUDE CAMPS, VISITS TO THE CAPITOL OR UF, AND MORE
’m bored!” … Summer vacation is a special time for children. A rite of passage between grades as a young person matures into adulthood, annual breaks provide rest, relaxation, fun and memories that last a lifetime. At times, however, children might walk up to a parent during summer, exasperated, and declare they are bored and have nothing to do!
4-H RESIDENTIAL CAMPS
Fortunately for children and parents, the UF/IFAS Florida 4-H Youth Development Program has a tremendous amount of fun, educational and inexpensive options that keep young people engaged in safe and memorable activities. The following activities will help young people in your life from becoming “bored” during summer break:
At 4-H camp, young people take part in campfire building, kayaking, games and crafts—and learn about Florida’s environment—while enjoying their Monday-to-Friday camping experience. Check with your local UF/IFAS 4-H extension agent to see what week is scheduled at your closest 4-H camp. Info is at florida4h.org/camps/.
Florida has three residential 4-H camps: Camp Timpoochee is located in Okaloosa County, Camp Cherry Lake is in Madison County and Camp Cloverleaf is in Highlands County. Many Florida counties have a week at one of these camps reserved in the summertime, and children ages 8 to 12 are invited to attend one of them during that week.
PHOTO COURTESY OF UF/IFAS, PHOTO BY THOMAS WRIGHT
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Written by: Christopher Decubellis
PHOTO CREDIT INFO
4-H members take part in archery at 4-H camp, during their summer vacation.
4-H PROJECT AREAS INCLUDE RAISING ANIMALS, GARDENING, WOODWORKING, ROBOTICS AND HEALTHY LIVING. 10
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Youths on summer break, who are attending 4-H University, visit the Swamp on the campus of the University of Florida, located in Gainesville.
4-H DAY CAMPS
Many local 4-H programs offer summer day camps for children of varying ages and feature a host of topics. The 4-H program is the youth development component of UF/IFAS Extension. To find a list of local extension offices, visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/.
This unique opportunity can be a life-changing experience for Florida young people. Over the years, many have chosen a career path or college major based on something they discovered at 4-H University. It takes place in late July and early August. Info is available from your local UF/IFAS 4-H extension agent.
On the individual county extension web pages, you’ll find info about the local 4-H agent and 4-H program in your county. There’s a good chance your local 4-H program is offering some day camp opportunities this summer. Topics may include sewing, cooking, money management, environmental science or working with animals. Check with your local UF/IFAS 4-H extension agent to find out what’s taking place near you!
4-H LEGISLATURE
PHOTO COURTESY OF FLORIDA 4-H UNIVERSITY
4-H Legislature is a Monday-to-Friday program for teenagers that is held in Tallahassee, Florida’s capital. Young people explore state government in the Florida House and Senate chambers inside the Florida Capitol, and analyze, debate and vote on mock legislation. Registration is usually in spring and info is available at florida4h.org/ programsandevents_/leg/.
4-H UNIVERSITY
4-H University is a Monday-to-Friday program held on the campus of the University of Florida, located in Gainesville. Florida youths 14 to 18 years old can experience college life for a week as they explore opportunities at UF. Participants will choose educational tracks that include such topics as environmental science, equine science, dairy science, engineering—and a lot more. Most of the tracks are taught by UF faculty members. F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M
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FLORIDA 4-H
At left, 4-H members from throughout the state get a round of applause at the Capitol in Tallahassee, during 4-H Legislature. At right, 4-H youths fish off the dock at Camp Timpoochee in Niceville, Florida.
4-H DAIRY PROGRAMS
For Florida young people interested in the 4-H dairy cattle project, there are several opportunities for summer engagement. Some teens will represent Florida in national 4-H dairy quiz bowl competitions at various dairy breed conventions. Also, several youths who are interested in 4-H dairy cattle judging will practice at dairy farms around the state. Young people interested in learning more about dairy science should contact Chris Decubellis, 4-H State Specialized Dairy/Animal Science Agent, at cdecube@ufl.edu.
4-H PROJECTS
There are more than 100 project areas, such as raising animals, gardening, woodworking, robotics and healthy living. Contact your local UF/IFAS 4-H extension agent for info on finding a local 4-H club. To learn more about 4-H projects, visit florida4h.org/programs_/. Here’s hoping that your family has a safe, happy, peaceful and relaxing summer—which will provide pleasant memories in the years to come! Dr. Chris Decubellis is the State Specialized 4-H Agent, Dairy/ Animal Science with UF/IFAS Extension. A native Floridian and a member of a west Pasco County pioneer family, Chris lives on a small cow-calf operation and family farm in Archer, Florida.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF UF/IFAS, PHOTOS BY JOSH WICKHAM
All Florida youths ages 5 to 18 are welcome to join a local 4-H club. Some clubs meet year round and others meet primarily during the school year. No matter when the club
has its meetings, youths can work on 4-H projects at home throughout the year.
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RUSTIC ROOM
A ROOM REMEMBERED INSPIRED BY PATRICK D. SMITH’S BEST-SELLING HISTORICAL NOVEL
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Written by: Ava Grace
enowned author Patrick D. Smith’s bestselling novel, A Land Remembered, published in 1984, is historical fiction that covers several generations of the history of Florida—from 1858 to 1968. And no doubt, many readers have connected and continue to connect to the story of the MacIvey family, who initially made their living off the land, prevailing through life’s obstacles and harsh environments. A Land Remembered so inspired the White family of St. Cloud, Florida, that they converted a 15-by-40-foot room into what looks like a page right out of the book! Peggy White and her son, Heath, first got their hands dirty in 2016, when the year-long conversion began.
“We were brainstorming about what to do with this room,” White explains. She says the family was set on making it an authentic Florida room, old and rustic with wildlife décor, and later decided to make it a tribute to A Land Remembered.
Patrick D. Smith's acclaimed novel is commemorated by the White family of St. Cloud, Florida, in their "Happy Place" room. The book spans several generations of the history of Florida, from 1858 to 1968.
They first settled on laminate-style flooring with a rustic oak design. Later, they found grey barn siding, which added to the desired effect. “Heath found some old rusted tin that they had pulled off an old barn, just lying out in the pasture,” adds White. She says the pieces were perfect for the ceiling. Heath located some distressed 1-by-6s that he pulled off an old fence, to make stringers, and used 2-by-6s as rafters. To keep fixtures looking authentic, they converted Mason jars to affix to the lights. The room’s “MacIvey Cattle Company” sign is a nod to A Land Remembered, as is the Dutch oven. The barn door was built by a friend, Lighting Dixon, as well as the beautiful table—painted with the book’s cover image. Tin signs
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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF PEGGY WHITE
The room was lacking in character—it had baby-blue paint, indoor/outdoor carpet, an old pool table and a small social area with a TV at one end. However, it was also an important room, because it was where Peggy’s husband, Gene, took his last breath. The family wanted something special for the room, something that would help honor Gene’s memory.
PHOTO CREDIT INFO
Artworks, wall hangings, furniture and other objects in the room were carefully selected, to capture the story of A Land Remembered.
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RUSTIC ROOM
The book is the tale of the MacIvey family. Rustic tin sign tells the history of "The Florida Cracker."
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THE FAMILY was set on making it an authentic Florida room, old and rustic with wildlife décor, and later decided to make it a tribute to A Land Remembered.
PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF PEGGY WHITE
were donated by Chris and Margie Bryan; they tell the story of “wild Florida and the Crackers that tamed the land.” Once the main remodeling was finished, decorations were added. Heath White used more touches from A Land Remembered—pieces representing each of the main characters: Tobias MacIvey has his dinner prayer; Emma, his wife, has her pink ribbon; and Skillit, a black former slave, has a skillet. The second generation’s main character, Zech, has a picture of a cowboy crossing a creek. Solomon, the third generation’s main character, has a baby buzzard Beanie Baby, in a small cage. Heath White says his only regret is not being able to capture his favorite event in the book—the horse race in Punta Rassa, which took place for a piece of land. The room is Peggy White’s “Happy Place”—her favorite in the world. “It was a work of love, not only of in memory of a great book, but the love of a son for his mother,” she notes. Ava Grace is a Florida resident who loves the country. 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
GO HORSEBACK RIDING AND CAMPING ON SFWMD LANDS OUTSTANDING OPPORTUNITIES AT DUPUIS MANAGEMENT AREA, KISSIMMEE PRAIRIE PRESERVE STATE PARK AND MORE
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Written by: Kym Rouse Holzwart
he South Florida Water Management District, or SFWMD, is the oldest and largest water management district in Florida. More than a third of the land area of the state—from Orlando to the Florida Keys—is included within its 16-county boundaries. SFWMD was created in 1949 to “manage and protect South Florida’s water resources.” Its mission includes balancing and improving flood control, water supply, water quality and natural systems. Purchasing land is one way SFWMD fulfills its mission, and it is currently the steward for more than 1 million acres of public lands. In addition to restoring, protecting and preserving the Everglades ecosystem, SFWMD is implementing ecosystem
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restoration projects in coastal estuaries of South Florida, the Kissimmee River and its floodplain, and Lake Okeechobee. Many of SFWMD’s lands are open to the public for a variety of activities that are compatible with natural resources protection and the intended land use, and some are managed by other government agencies. Horseback riding is currently available on 15 SFWMD properties, and four areas offer equestrian camping. Some properties have equestrian parking areas accessible from a main road, while others require a free Special Use License, available from the SFWMD website, for horseback riding, accessing equestrian parking areas or camping on lands with locked gates. Check the individual property descriptions on the website’s Recreation Sites Interactive Map to determine what
MAP COURTESY OF SOUTH FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT; BOTTOM PHOTO BY JOHN HOLZWART; TOP PHOTO BY LINDY GRIFFITH
DUPUIS OFFERS MORE THAN 40 MILES OF EQUESTRIAN TRAILS AND A GREAT EQUESTRIAN CAMPING AREA. facilities and activities are available and to obtain maps, directions and contact info. An informative and free—but outdated— “Recreational Guide” can be downloaded from the website. Reservations to camp at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park can be made through Reserve America or on the park’s website.
Clockwise from above: DuPuis Management Area's trails wind through uplands and wetlands; map shows SFWMD recreation lands; riding on them is not recommended during times of high water or in the rainy season.
Whether it be riding through the largest tract of Florida’s dry prairie or unique upland and wetland habitats teeming with wildlife, each SFWMD property offers a different equestrian opportunity. Day-use horseback riding includes one area in Collier County, three in Palm Beach County, two areas spanning Palm Beach and Martin counties, two in Martin County, four in Okeechobee County, one in both Highlands and Okeechobee counties, and two in Polk County. Properties that offer outstanding equestrian camping and trail riding opportunities include DuPuis Management Area in Martin and Palm Beach counties,
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HORSIN' AROUND and Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park in Okeechobee County. DuPuis offers more than 40 miles of equestrian trails and a great equestrian camping area. At Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, there are more than 100 miles of horse trails through Everglades headwaters’ dry prairie—as far as the eye can see—with wonderful horse camping accommodations. Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park has more than 100 miles of horse trails.
The Hickory Hammock Wildlife Management Area/Bluff Hammock Management Unit is also a suggested trail riding and camping destination. In addition, KICCO Wildlife Management Area is a popular location for trail riding and horse camping.
We represent all equestrians who have been given the privilege to ride and camp on SFWMD lands and thus must follow the rules, practice proper trail etiquette, and prevent and minimize the impact of our horses on the environment. Areas may be closed or access limited because of weather, hunting, prescribed burning or land-management activities—so check before you go. Regulations regarding equestrian use on SFWMD lands are on its website. 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 more than 30 years.
ROUNDUP South Florida Water Management SFWMD 3301 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, Florida 561-686-8800 or (Florida only) 800-432-2045 sfwmd.gov/community-residents/recreation DuPuis Management Area 23500 Southwest Kanner Highway, Canal Point, Florida 561-924-5310, sfwmd.gov/recreation-site/ dupuis-management-area
11 Southwest Florida Locations View Our Menu at ribcity.com
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Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park 33104 NW 192nd Ave., Okeechobee, Florida 863-462-5360, floridastateparks.org/parks-andtrails/kissimmee-prairie-preserve-state-park
PHOTOS BY KYM ROUSE HOLZWART
The majority of SFWMD properties open for equestrian use receive significant rainfall and have level terrain typical of South Florida. Therefore, horseback riding during times of high water, the rainy season or the warm summer months is not recommended.
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OLIVES HAVE LONG BEEN A WIDELY ENJOYED FRUIT GREEN GATE OLIVE GROVE BOASTS MANY DELICIOUS VARIETIES
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Written by: Ava Grace
t is believed that the first olive trees in Florida arrived by Spanish fleet to the Pensacola area, and later were planted in central Florida in the 1700s. Currently, there are more than 400 acres of olive trees throughout the state, including commercial growers and backyard hobbyists. Florida’s sandy, well-drained soil offers the perfect location for growing a wide variety of olive trees—however, some do grow better in colder locations. Olive trees are mid-sized evergreen trees that can sometimes grow as high as 40 feet. Olive lovers know that olives can be enjoyed as a relish, mixed in salads, set atop a pizza, placed in martinis, cooked in meat and poultry dishes—and, of course, made into olive oil. There are hundreds of varieties to choose from, many of which grow well in Florida. Green Gate Olive Grove, located in Alford, Florida, in the Panhandle’s Jackson County, “has the honor of being the first grove” in the state. It began in 1999 as an “experimental grove to find out which olive varieties would grow best” in the area. Nine varieties of olives are grown at the grove: Arbequina, Ascolano, Leccino, Frantoio, Coratina, Mission, Manzanilla, Kalamata and Maurino. The grove also has potted trees of
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Mission olives are shown above. The many varieties of olives are delicious in lots of ways, but are generally cured before eaten.
BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GREEN GATE OLIVE GROVE
FLORIDA HARVEST
BOTTOM, INSET AND TOP RIGHT PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE GREEN GATE OLIVE GROVE
Clockwise from above are arbequina olives; the recently renovated building at Green Gate Olive Grove has a rustic, inviting look; inset and bottom photos show some of the nine varieties that the grove grows. The owners also sell potted olive trees.
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FLORIDA HARVEST the above-named varieties. Additionally, Green Gate Olive Grove has potted Koroneiki, Arbosana, Picual and Empeltre cultivars. The mention of olives dates back to Biblical times, and they symbolize peace—via extending an olive branch. In ancient Greece, olives also represented victory. For Green Gate Olive Grove owners David and Sally Gist, their “victory” with olives is attributed in part to their purchase of the grove, and in part to the recent additions they have been making. “We purchased the grove two years ago and have many things planned,” David Gist explains. In addition to recently completing some fabulous renovations to the villa at the grove, the Gists will be offering olive oil tastings, grove tours and more. On top of that, they are also developing a product line that includes olive oils, vinegars, spice blends and flavored salts, olive wood products, tea blends and more—as well as catering.
GREEN GATE OLIVE GROVE’S VARIETIES:
Last year, the olives were sold at Green Gate Olive Grove using a u-pick system. This year, the u-pick system is again being offered and the Gists are also working on products that will be sold at the grove and online. For olive lovers, this can’t come soon enough!
Ascolano: Large, plump, green with fruity, tropical flavor; prized for oil. Oil.
Ava Grace is a Florida resident who loves the country.
Arbequina: Dark-brown, highly aromatic, small, symmetrical. Oil and table.
Leccino: Small, black with delicate flavor. Offers high-quality products such as extra virgin olive oil. Oil and table. Frantoio: Blackish-purple with fruity taste, wonderful aroma. Oil. Coratina: Deep-green with shades of gold; robust flavor. Oil. Mission: Black and green; buttery, fruity, mild flavor. Oil and table. Manzanilla: Large, oval, purplish-green skin; offers rich taste. Table. Kalamata: Oval, black or brown; often stuffed with pimentos or fresh garlic. Oil and table. Maurino: Purplish-black, pendulous shape; prized for delicate, aromatic oil. Oil.
ROUNDUP Green Gate Olive Grove 2814 Nortek Blvd., Alford, Florida 321-276-3047, greengateolivegrove.com/ greengateolivegrove@gmail.com (Open by appointment only; will also open for seasonal and special events, tours and more. Call for summer hours.)
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THE SOUTHERN PEACH COMPANY LONGTIME RANCHING FAMILY BRANCHES OUT INTO U-PICK PEACH ORCHARDS
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eorgia isn’t the only peach state, and Florida doesn’t just grow oranges. With a warm climate and mild winters, Florida soil hosts a variety of fruits and vegetables. These include strawberries, tomatoes, blueberries, lettuce, and yes, peaches.
The Gill family has been farming and ranching in Florida for more than 150 years. In the 1860s, the first Gills homesteaded in Fort Lonesome, about an hour south of Tampa. They planted their roots and began growing cabbage, blueberries and guava, as well as raising cattle. Generations later, the Gills are still growing the same crops and raising Brahman and Brahman-cross cattle. Their commercial cow-calf operation spans across several Florida counties and is known as Lonesome G Ranch.
Written by: Katey McClenny
time with their families and making memories,” says Kaitlyn Gill-Donley. A sixth-generation Florida cattlewoman, she’s raising her two children, Doc McCoy and Hattie Blu, the same way she was raised—to appreciate and be stewards of the land and animals they are blessed to care for. The entire Gill family still lives on its century-old land in Fort Lonesome. Whether it is working cattle on the ranch together or working side by side on the farm, family remains an integral value to the Gills. The grandparents love to see the youngest generation of grandchildren growing up on the same land they did, preserving the Florida ranching and farming way of life. “I am so thankful that God has blessed me with a beautiful and precious family,” says Debbie Gill, mother of Kaitlyn Gill-Donley. “Everything that we do in our life is in the hopes that our grandchildren will live a lifestyle like ours,
In 2010, the family decided to dive into something new with sweet potential—Florida peaches. They planted their first It's easy to see why the company says, "The sweetest peach is a Southern peach!" set of peach trees and prayed for the best.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SOUTHERN PEACH COMPANY
Almost 10 years later, The Southern Peach Company is continuously adding trees to its 25-acre orchard and growing delicious Southern peaches. “The sweetest peach is a Southern peach!” the company says. Located in the heart of small town Fort Lonesome and headquartered in nearby Lithia, the u-pick orchard opens in late April or early May, depending on the weather. U-pickers come from all over to walk through the gorgeous orchards, spend time with loved ones and harvest juicy Florida peaches. “We love meeting the families that come to the farm each year for not only the most delicious peaches, but the greatest experience spending F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M
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Above, it's fun to relax at the peach stand and also fun to pick peaches. Below left, Grandmother's old-fashioned peach cobbler is utterly delicious, which is why the company's motto is so apt!
ROUNDUP The Southern Peach Company 13231 State Road 674 Lithia, Florida 813-690-3794 facebook.com/The SouthernPeachCompany 26 F LO R I D A C O U NTRY J u n e | J u l y 2 0 1 9
FLORIDA HARVEST THE FAMILY’S FAVORITE WAY to prepare peaches? Grandmother’s oldfashioned peach cobbler recipe—with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. love the Lord and be respected in life by others. We love that the grandchildren are involved in agriculture even at an early age.” Gill is the 2019 president of Florida CattleWomen and director of the American National CattleWomen Association’s Region II. Her favorite part about The Southern Peach Company are the “families that live in the urban areas [who] leave the asphalt areas to come out and enjoy the day.” She continues, “We love meeting new people, making new friends and enjoying working side by side with four generations of our family. Everyone has a job— including the children—and they love being a part of it.” There are definite challenges to growing peaches in Florida. “One challenge is the lack of colder weather to set blooms,” Kaitlyn Gill-Donley explains. “Then, freezing weather at the wrong time can destroy the bloom. The care of peach trees is also labor intensive.” However, The Southern Peach Company has no plans of slowing down anytime soon, and plans to continue improving operations in the future and passing it down to the next generation. The family’s favorite way to prepare peaches? Grandmother’s old-fashioned peach cobbler recipe—with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.
PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF THE SOUTHERN PEACH COMPANY
So be sure to grab some friends and family and head out to The Southern Peach Company this summer. Then you can taste for yourself why “the sweetest peach is a Southern peach!” Katey McClenny, a Florida native, is an advocate for agriculture with a strong passion for the cattle industry. In addition to writing and photography, she loves being outdoors and spending time with her dogs and horses.
From top, customers line up for peaches and young pickers stroll through the orchard. LORRIID DAACCO OUUNTRYM NTRYMAAGGAAZZIIN NEE..CCO OM M FFLO
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THE RANCH
CATTLEMEN’S LIVESTOCK AUCTION MARKET MARKETING FLORIDA CATTLE FOR NEARLY 70 YEARS
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n the heart of central Florida in Lakeland lies an older tan-colored building that was built in 1950. Take a drive down U.S. 92 and you might just miss it. The building is home to Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Market Inc., one of the oldest livestock markets in the state.
Today, the market is owned by brothers Dave and Mike Tomkow. Their father purchased the business in the early 1980s and they have continued the tradition. The brothers’ children all love the Florida cattle industry and have grown up around the market.
Memories hang thick in old cow pens—and as you take a walk through the market, you can feel the history in the air. You can almost hear the voices of order buyers past, auctioneers rambling on and cowboys moving decades’ worth of Florida cattle through the gates.
Ranchers know the importance of a good livestock auction to help market their animals, and Cattlemen’s strives to do its very best for its customers. Buyers include stockers, feeders, order buyers and other ranchers who are looking for anything from a cow-calf pair to steers to bred heifers.
Countless boots have walked the wooden catwalk, and the loading docks whisper of thousands of cattle—representing some of the hardest-working people in Florida. Producers have been unloading their trailers here ever since the first sale was held on Jan. 31, 1950. The original owners were Jim Robertson, Harry C. McCollum Jr. and H.B. McCollum, Florida natives who were looking for a new business opportunity.
Dave’s daughter, Hailey Tomkow, has been working at Cattlemen’s since she was 14 years old. She has grown up in the cattle industry and loves working alongside her family. “My favorite part about working in the livestock marketing business is the people,” she states. “I love marketing cattle for all of our producers and buyers. Many of our customers have become like family to
Brothers Dave and Mike Tomkow own the business. Their father bought it in the early 1980s and they've continued the tradition. They also own Tomkow Brothers, a commercial cow-calf operation passed down from their father.
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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF CATTLEMEN’S LIVESTOCK AUCTION MARKET
Written by: Katey McClenny
me, and I hope to be able to market cattle for these customers for years to come.” Future goals include employing more social media marketing platforms for the family business, bringing competitive prices to producers, and staying loyal to its customer base. Dave explains that one of the biggest
challenges facing the industry is urbanization, especially in a growing area like Lakeland: “Places you used to have cows are just houses now,” he says. Cattlemen’s has its sale every Tuesday at noon in the same place that it has been for almost 70 years. “Our busy time is in the summer and fall,” says Mike. “Usually July through
BUYERS INCLUDE STOCKERS, FEEDERS, ORDER BUYERS AND OTHER RANCHERS WHO ARE LOOKING FOR ANYTHING FROM A COW-CALF PAIR TO STEERS TO BRED HEIFERS.
Far left is coowner Dave Tomkow, and below is his son, David. Photos above show sale day at the market.
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THE RANCH
On horseback at left are Hailey Tomkow; her father, Dave; and her uncle, Mike. Shown above and below are Tomkow Brothers cattle.
It also hosts an annual heifer sale in October and an all-breed bull sale in February. And in addition to the market, Mike and Dave own Tomkow Brothers, a commercial cowcalf operation also passed down from their father. They run cattle all over central Florida, predominately in Polk, Pasco, and Lake counties. Whether you have five cows or 500, buyers and sellers alike have trusted Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Market Inc. for decades—to provide the highest level of care for its cattle and its customers. Katey McClenny, a Florida native, is an advocate for agriculture with a strong passion for the cattle industry. In addition to writing and photography, she loves being outdoors and spending time with her dogs and horses.
ROUNDUP Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Market Inc. 3305 U.S. 92, Lakeland, Florida 863-665-5088, cattlemenslivestockauction.com facebook.com/CattlemensLivestockMarket
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF CATTLEMEN’S LIVESTOCK AUCTION MARKET
November is when most of our customers are selling their calves.”
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RODEO PROFILE
FREESTYLE BULLFIGHTING— RODEO’S NEWEST SPORT ARCADIA’S RILEY MCKETTRICK FINDS A NEW CALLING
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Written by: Kathy Ann Gregg
nce upon a time, bullfighters were in the rodeo arena solely to provide protection to the bullriders, keeping the angry beast away from a downed rider who had dismounted or been bucked off. But now a whole new sport has been born—and it is called freestyle bullfighting. There are only an elite few who compete in this new sport. And Florida is lucky to have a competitor who
is likely to go all the way to the top of his game—Riley McKettrick, from Arcadia. The 18-year-old McKettrick is a 2018 graduate of Desoto High School. For two of his high school years, he competed as a bullrider in the Florida High School Rodeo Association. From pulled muscles to a strained vocal cord, repeatedly sustaining injuries made the young man rethink what he was doing. After incurring a dislocated
THE BULLS USED FOR THIS NEW SPORT— THE TORO DE LIDIA BREED—ARE KNOWN AS MEXICAN FIGHTING BULLS. THEY ARE BRED TO FIGHT, TO HOOK AND EVEN TO KILL. The closer the bull, and its horns, gets to the contestant, the more points earned in that round. Riley McKettrick's nickname is "The Kangaroo Cowboy." It comes from his sister, Molly, and is emblazoned across the back of his bullfighting shirt.
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shoulder, McKettrick decided he was finished getting on top of the 1-ton beasts. But his future remained with the oversized bovines: Only now, he meets them face to face in the arena, with 60 seconds to win as many points as he can. The bulls used for this new sport—the Toro de Lidia breed—are known as Mexican fighting bulls. They are bred to fight, to hook and even to kill. McKettrick first ventured into the world of bullfighting while at a practice pen at Gethsemane Ranch, a rodeo ministry in Martin County, about a year after he first started riding bulls. He has done the traditional bullfighting at Reality Ranch events in Zolfo Springs, and with both the Florida High School Rodeo Association and the Eastern Indian Rodeo Association.
PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF BULLFIGHTERS ONLY AND TODD BREWER PHOTOGRAPHY
He has participated in freestyle bullfighting with Shorty Gorman’s American Freestyle Bullfighting, and attended the developmental camp sponsored by the Bullfighters Only organization, held in Decatur, Texas, in June of last year. These are training camps that teach the fundamentals of freestyle bullfighting. Bullfighters Only, known as BFO, has burst onto the rodeo scene since its inception in 2014. Membership is by invitation only, and with prize money in excess of $1.5 million paid out since 2016, the sport is growing by leaps and bounds. Like traditional rodeo roughstock events, the score is divided equally between the stock and the competitor. The bullfighter is judged on his style, control and difficulty while maneuvering around and jumping over the bull. The bull is judged on its aggression, quickness and willingness to remain engaged or “hooked up” with the fighter.
Above, McKettrick puts on his "game face" before entering a Bullfighters Only competition. The use of face paint comes from rodeo's early days, when bullfighters doubled as entertainers. Photos below show McKettrick performing the reverse fake, or "caping the bull," at last December's Las Vegas Finals.
And all of this takes place in 60 seconds. However, the fighter has the option to “declare” and end the fight at any time after the first 40 seconds—without risking point deductions. Each fight consists of required maneuvers, and then the routine becomes individualized by each competitor. The
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RODEO PROFILE
McKettrick became barrelman at the Tyler Congleton Bulls, Broncs & Barrels Benefit in April in Lakeland. After a bullrider was bucked off, he picked up the barrel and closed in on the bull to get its attention away from the downed rider. Announcer Cliff "Hollywood" Harris complimented his "absolutely perfect move."
reverse fake, known as “caping the bull,” is one of McKettrick’s favorite moves. He describes it as “being inches from being wrecked out, but you made it.” McKettrick joined BFO almost halfway into the 2018 season. Even doing so, he placed in the Top 9 for 2018 (out of 50 competitors). He won the Sulphur, Louisiana, event in October of last year, and was invited to the finals held in Las Vegas during the day before the National Finals Rodeo competitions, from Dec. 6-15.
Unfortunately, he sustained an injury in the first of those rounds, causing him a loss, and the end of his 2018 run. McKettrick stated, “It’s been cool to watch the BFO all season long. It’s great to be part of that. I feel like I have a long future in this sport.” McKettrick is nicknamed “The Kangaroo Cowboy,” and he has his younger sister, Molly, to thank for that! And Floridians will have the opportunity to watch McKettrick later this year: BFO will be in Arcadia on Oct. 19-20, 2019, following each day’s performance of the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Fall Rodeo. Kathy Ann Gregg is a Florida writer and photographer, specializing in all things rodeo.
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PHOTOS BY KATHY GREGG
At the Las Vegas Finals, McKettrick won his qualifier against two other competitors. He lost the preliminary round, but received a wild card round, where, receiving a score of 85.5 points—the highest marking of the day—he was one of three men advanced to be part of the nine-man field for Championship Saturday.
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Written by: KATEY MCCLENNY
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ast summer, as part of revitalizing the downtown area in Fort Pierce, Florida, a new restaurant opened. Its name is as iconic as the giant red bull head over the door: The Braford Steakhouse—which offers fine dining, an extensive drink menu and Fresh From Florida beef—and is named as a tribute to the Braford cattle breed it serves up. The only breed to have been developed in Florida, Braford cattle were formed during a 20-year period at the picturesque Adams Ranch, headquartered in Fort Pierce, in St. Lucie County. Started in 1937 by Alto Adams Sr., the family began with a herd of Florida scrub cattle.
PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF ADAMS RANCH
Adams Ranch now ranks as the 15th-largest cow-calf operation in the nation and operates in St. Lucie, Madison, Okeechobee and Osceola counties. According to its website, the ranch “encompasses approximately 50,000 acres of Florida pasture.” It provides habitat for countless animals, in addition to cattle. When Alto Adams Sr. joined the Florida Supreme Court in 1941, the ranch continued. His son, Alto “Bud” Adams Jr., took over operations in 1948 and began experimenting with Brahman and Hereford cross-breeding. A highly respected Florida cowman, Bud At Adams had the Braford breed officially left, Braford cattle are rounded up registered by the USDA in 1968.
at Adams Ranch. At right is a road on the picturesque ranch, which "encompasses approximately 50,000 acres of Florida pasture."
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The Braford breed is well known for its functional efficiency and maternal instincts. “Braford cows are selected for
fertility, easy calving, milking ability and longevity,” explains ranch president Mike Adams, who is a son of Bud Adams. “The heat tolerance is enhanced by the red color, as it tends to reflect heat, as well as the short hair.” Nowadays, the fourth generation works daily on horseback at the ranch—preserving Florida’s cowboy legacy and carrying on the family tradition. Because the ranch maintained a strong closed-herd breeding program, that
THE ONLY BREED TO HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED IN FLORIDA, BRAFORD CATTLE WERE FORMED DURING A 20-YEAR PERIOD AT THE PICTURESQUE ADAMS RANCH, HEADQUARTERED IN FORT PIERCE, IN ST. LUCIE COUNTY.
Clockwise from top are cattlemen on the ranch; the late Alto "Bud" Adams Jr., who took over ranch operations in 1948 and passed away in 2017 at age 91; Bud by a ranch barn in October 2015, age 89; and Bud by the same barn in 1937 at age 10.
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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF ADAMS RANCH
Bud Adams became a leading voice in the industry, and a spokesman for Florida cattle and environmental stewardship. He served as president of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association in 1958 and was inducted into the Florida Agriculture Hall of Fame in 1999. In 2017, he passed away at age 91—on the land he loved so much.
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allowed it to have a solid base for genetic uniformity. “To focus on the carcass characteristics of our cattle, we began a composite breeding program in 1990,” Adams adds. The ranch has since developed the ABEEF breed, which is half Braford, a quarter Red Angus and a quarter Gelbvieh. ABEEF is known for grading Choice and Prime—the highest USDA grades for beef. In addition, it has developed the ARRAB and ARGEL breeds. Adams Ranch hosts a bull and heifer sale every November—a tradition that began in 1979. Complete with ranch tours, live bands and delicious food, last year’s 40th annual sale was a great success. Most recently, the ranch has partnered with Fresh From Florida to provide natural Florida beef to consumers—and directly to The Braford Steakhouse. “We have been very pleased as to the local acceptance,” Adams notes. And conservation and Braford preservation of Florida lands remain a top priority, cattle, shown proving that ranching and environmental stewardship at right, are known for are intimately related. their functional efficiency Katey McClenny, a Florida native, is an advocate for agriculture with a strong passion for the cattle industry. In addition to writing and photography, she loves being outdoors and spending time with her dogs and horses.
and maternal instincts. Below is an aerial view of the ranch, which operates in St. Lucie, Madison, Okeechobee and Osceola counties.
MOST RECENTLY, THE RANCH HAS PARTNERED WITH FRESH FROM FLORIDA TO PROVIDE NATURAL FLORIDA BEEF TO CONSUMERS— AND DIRECTLY TO THE BRAFORD STEAKHOUSE.
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ROUNDUP Adams Ranch 26003 Orange Ave., Fort Pierce, Florida 772-461-6321, adamsranch.com
Clockwise from below are Adams family members Stewart, Robert, Zachary, Mike, LeeAnn Adams Simmons, John, Lee and the late Bud Adams; Lee, Robert and Mike in front of a ranch sign; Adams Ranch Natural Beef; and a pasture with the ABEEF breed.
PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF ADAMS RANCH
The Braford Steakhouse 100 South 2nd St., Fort Pierce, Florida 772-882-9131, thebraford.com
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KELLY TRACTOR CO.
HISTORIC CAT DEALER—ALMOST 90 YEARS OF ‘HONEST AND FAIR DEALINGS’
Rear view of Clewiston Motor Co., circa 1933.
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T’S NOT A STRETCH OF TRUTH THAT THE KELLY FAMILY AND ITS SMALL EMPIRE OF HEAVY EQUIPMENT SALES AND SERVICE HAVE SHAPED THE DEVELOPMENT OF FLORIDA. KELLY TRACTOR CO., IN FACT, DATES TO THE 1920S, WHEN E.E. “POP” KELLY ARRIVED IN DAYTONA BEACH FROM KEARNEY, MISSOURI—A TOUGH PLACE OF EARTHY AMERICAN VALUES AND BIRTHPLACE OF THE OUTLAW JESSE JAMES. Kelly was in south Florida representing Holt Manufacturing, which in 1925 merged with C.L. Best to form Caterpillar Tractor Co. Benjamin Holt is credited with inventing the caterpillar-type “crawling tread” tractor. Holt’s descendants remain in charge of the firm he started. (Peter J. Holt and his sister, Corinna
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Holt Richter, also own the San Antonio Spurs professional basketball franchise.) In 1928, Kelly moved inland to Clewiston, a Hendry County farming community with a handful of residents, located outside Lake Okeechobee in central Florida’s farming heartland. Henry Flagler’s railway and the push south
PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF KELLY TRACTOR CO.
Written by: JACK COLLIER
Clockwise from top left are a Kelly tractor at work in a sugar cane field; front view of Clewiston Motor Co., circa 1933; Kelly Tractor Co. Agricultural Division HQ in Fort Myers; E.E. "Pop" Kelly; first Pantropic Power Inc. building, in Miami; Loyd G. Kelly, nephew of "Pop"; Clewiston Motor Co. in 1960.
Farmers needed equipment ‌ and town fathers and Florida boosters also needed roads, ditches and highways to push the Sunshine State’s harvest and to sell the warm climate.
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in sport fishing and tourism played a small role in the region’s growth. The 2010 U.S. Census, however, showed Clewiston with a population of only around 7,100, not a huge slice of Florida’s 21 million residents. But Clewiston—along the Atlantic coastal plain—then had and still boasts an abundance of rich farm soil. Citrus, vegetables, cattle/livestock and sugar cane became its staples, and farmers needed equipment to produce its bounty. Town fathers and Florida boosters also needed roads, ditches and highways to push the Sunshine State’s harvest and to sell the warm climate. Kelly in 1928 had become director of a branch office for the McDonald and Burgman Co., which would become Clewiston Motor Co. He purchased that dealership in 1933 and was named the Caterpillar dealer for south Florida. The firm became Kelly Tractor Co. in 1963. Kelly died in 1966 and his descendants run the family business, which operates in the U.S. and Canada. Following a growth spurt that included spinoffs to Miami, West Palm Beach,
Kelly Tractor and its affiliates employ more than 500 people in south Florida, and about 150 of them provide parts and service support. Clockwise from top left are family members at Kelly Tractor Co.'s 50th anniversary celebration; the Davie store in 2000; An early company building in Fort Myers; Pat Kelly and Nick Kelly at the company's 55th anniversary celebration; postcard from Clewiston Motor Co.; another early view of Clewiston Motor Co.
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Pompano and other locations, Kelly Tractor is one of the world’s largest Caterpillar dealers/service centers. Along with its historic ties to Caterpillar—which trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the CAT icon and accounts for about $50 billion in worldwide sales—Kelly Tractor markets and services LinkBelt, IMT, Mauldin, Massey Ferguson and other high-grade equipment.
It is, in short, a great American story of hard work, timing and adherence to “honest and fair dealings.” Kelly Tractor and its affiliates employ more than 500 people in south Florida, and about 150 of them provide parts and service support. Headquarters is a 240,000-square-foot complex in Miami, with branches in Clewiston, Davie, Fort Myers, Mulberry (IMT drill rigs), Orlando (Link-Belt cranes) and West Palm Beach.
President Pat Kelly and executive vice president Nick Kelly have carried on a family tradition of providing quality equipment, parts and superior service. Representing the fourth generation, siblings Chris Kelly and Katherine L. Kelly will maintain and enhance its tradition of providing “honest and fair dealings” and superior customer service. Jack Collier is a Florida writer.
MEET KATHERINE L. KELLY Florida Country Magazine: Early memories of Kelly Tractor? Diesel in your blood? Katherine L. Kelly: “I recently saw some family photos taken in the 1980s when my grandfather was still involved and we all attended the annual company picnics. Some customer appreciation events were held onsite and the wheelloader buckets were used as coolers containing ice and drinks.”
PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF KELLY TRACTOR CO.
FCM: You mentioned having a tractor at show-and-tell as a youngster. That probably wasn’t unusual. Kelly: “We have always participated in community and educational events and staged our tractors. We are a sponsor of the Immokalee vo-tech school [Immokalee Technical College] and have a machine on display at the annual gala event.” FCM: Toughest challenges in the industry? Some of these devices are like spaceships, right? Kelly: “Finding wellqualified technicians and operators; finding more good employees. We have employees who have worked in the organization for 30 to 40 years and it’s not easy to find that type of loyalty these days. The equipment has changed significantly just in the last decade or so and has become more technologically advanced and electronics driven.” FCM: You mentioned careers in your business. What can a young person from the heart of Florida country expect? Kelly: “Most of our managers
Siblings Katherine L. Kelly and Chris Kelly represent the family's fourth generation and are starting to take leadership roles in the business.
started from the bottom and worked their way up. All of our service managers, for instance, started off as parts runners or technicians and were promoted over the years. There is high opportunity for growth/upward mobility for a newcomer—especially in the face of an aging workforce.” FCM: Favorite fun thing away from work? Ranch or beach life? Kelly: “My three passions outside of work are deep-sea fishing, competitive tennis, and gourmet cooking and grilling. I have my own boat (with twin Caterpillars).” FCM: What’s your vehicle? And listening to what on the road? Kelly: “Ford Explorer. I have all types of music on the Apple library. I like everything from 1980s to 1990s rock to Latin music (bachata). Music makes the time pass when traveling from store to store—and helps get me through the south Florida traffic jams.”
FCM: What do you read? And your favorite phone app? Kelly: “The Wall Street Journal. I love Instagram.” FCM: Caterpillar touches world farming, mining, roads, recreation and waste, for example. Are we building Florida smartly? Anything you’d do differently? Kelly: “Overall, Florida has done a great job with transportation and there are always improvements to be made. I think a combination of improving and expanding our current roads network and adding public transport where it makes sense is our best bet.” FCM: Cool rumors on new products? Kelly: “Cat has done a great job with the ‘Next Gen’ models, and we are excited about the latest Massey line from AGCO.” FCM: Best life advice? Kelly: “A successful organization is differentiated by great people.” F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M
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YEAR-ROUND FISHING AND MORE AT FLORIDA’S LARGEST LAKE ROLAND & MARY ANN MARTINS MARINA & RESORT OFFERS IT ALL Written by: Ava Grace
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ou’ll find great fishing—and guides, accommodations, dining and a full-service marina with boat slips, repairs and rentals—at Roland & Mary Ann Martins Marina & Resort in Clewiston, Florida. The marina and resort has everything you need to enjoy a memorable angling trip on Lake Okeechobee. Lake O is the second-largest natural freshwater lake inside the contiguous United States. “Okeechobee” is a Hitchiti tribal name that means “big water.” The lake is about 35 miles long, covers an area of about 730 square miles and has an average depth of 10 to 12 feet. That makes Lake O the perfect spot to catch fish such as largemouth bass and bluegill. Unlike many lakes up north, Lake O can be fished all year. (Of course, during summer, staying hydrated is key.) “Last June, the Roland Martin Marine Center Series tournament was won with a five-bass limit of 31.39 pounds—which is a great bag of fish. And 22 bags of fish over 20 pounds,” says general manager Ramon Iglesias. “My personal best catch on Lake Okeechobee was a 6.5-pound bass when I was shiner fishing with my son, and Capt. Steve, one of our fishing guides,” Iglesias adds. June and July are actually great months to come for a stay because, while Florida’s east and west coasts are packed with beachgoers, at the resort you’ll be able to eat, sleep and fish! Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Galley Restaurant, and lunch and dinner waterside at Scotty’s Tiki Bar. Wednesdays is ladies’ night and weekends offer karaoke, disc jockeys or live bands. “We really are the ‘Best Kept Secret in Florida’ during the summer months,” Iglesias says. He oversees the resort’s dayto-day operations, including the fishing tournaments and corporate events. “I also spend a lot of time advocating for Lake Okeechobee,” notes Iglesias. To find out what’s biting, guests can check in with the resort’s tackle shop staff to make sure they have the right bait for their fishing adventures. Keep in mind that early mornings are usually the best times to fish throughout the year. The length of time that guests stay varies from a few nights to a few months—thanks to the variety of accommodations— including motel rooms, condos, park models and recreational vehicle sites. Weekend tournament anglers usually stay two days, while vacationers normally stay a week or so. “Then we have the
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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF ROLAND & MARY ANN MARTINS MARINA & RESORT
Tournaments and guide trips from Roland & Mary Ann Martins Marina & Resort on Lake Okeechobee make for great memories for all ages.
Above left, country music artist Rodney Atkins and youngster show off their catch while at the marina. Right, one of the guides "talks fishing" with guest Dr. Mehmet Oz. Below, the full-service marina includes boat rentals.
WE ENTERTAIN PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD AND OUR STAFF TAKES PRIDE IN MAKING SURE OUR GUESTS ARE HAPPY, SO WE CAN COUNT ON THEM COMING BACK. —Ramon Iglesias, the resort’s general manager
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JUNE AND JULY ARE ACTUALLY great months to come for a stay because, while Florida’s east and west coasts are packed with beachgoers, at the resort you’ll be able to eat, sleep and fish! snowbirds that come from October through March,” Iglesias says. Some guests book a year in advance, but at least a month in advance offers more availability options. “We entertain people from all over the world and our staff takes pride in making sure our guests are happy, so we can count on them coming back,” adds Iglesias. Ava Grace is a Florida resident who loves the country.
ROUNDUP Roland & Mary Ann Martins Marina & Resort (Open year-round) 920 East Del Monte Ave., Clewiston, Florida 800-473-6766 or 863-983-3151 rolandmartinmarina.com
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FLORIDA EXCURSIONS
CHOOSE YOUR SPEED IN SEBRING HIGHLANDS COUNTY KNOWN FOR AUTO RACING, SODA FESTIVAL, HISTORIC INN, ORANGES Written by: Audra Clemons
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snapshot of a spring weekend in Sebring, in Florida’s Highlands County, at Sebring International Raceway: It hosted the North American series of Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli—for the second round of its sevenround 2019 circuit. During the weekend, 51 Ferraris screamed through the classic 3.74-mile, 17-turn course. The excitement started Friday, April 5, with practice sessions, followed by qualifying and racing action Saturday and Sunday.
TOP LEFT AND TOP SECOND FROM RIGHT PHOTOS BY AUDRA CLEMONS
Sebring holds a historic place in the lore—and heart—of international sports car racing. In 1952, the benchmark competition, 12 Hours of Sebring, was held on adjacent airfield runways. That competition catapulted Sebring International Raceway into the sports car limelight.
left unattended. A disc jockey played beats, Prosecco was poured, food catered. Partners such as Misahara, a high-end jewelry line from Manhattan, had kiosks with items for sale. The Misahara logo is seen on many Ferraris—auto and jewelry clientele are likely the same. Beyond racing, Highlands County is chock full of things to see and do. The Sebring Soda Festival, which offers family-friendly craft sodas from around the world, is held in the city’s historic downtown simultaneously with Ferrari race weekend. Chicanes, a restaurant known for its gourmet dining, is located off Highway 27 on Lake Jackson, inside the historic
To this day, Sebring International Raceway is known for its rough, changeable concrete and flat surface that mimics Florida’s topography. The track boasts two critical corners, turn 1 and turn 17, where drivers require precise navigation to maneuver them successfully. Basically, if there is a wreck, this is where it is going to happen. Jeff Grossbard, spokesman for Ferrari North America, explains, “Drivers arrive at turn 17 in seventh gear and have to slow to fourth gear through a corner that has many correct lines. It also has some of the worst bumps on the circuit, making power application extremely difficult.” There is no guessing as to why Sebring International Raceway’s slogan is “Mind the Bumps.” After the race, the Ferrari VIP tent was filled with drivers, mechanics and family members. No detail was F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M
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PHOTO CREDIT INFO
Above, Maxwell Groves entices visitors to explore its historical country store in Avon Park. Photos below are from the North American series of Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli held in spring in Sebring.
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Inn on the Lakes Resort. The walls of the restaurant are lined with vintage black-and-white photos that reveal stories of race cars and drivers past. The photos spill over into an opulent hotel lobby, which ascends to 155 recently redesigned chic rooms. The Inn is a stunner and a fantastic place for overnight stays.
BEYOND RACING, Highlands County is chock full of things to see and do.
A visit to the heartland isn’t complete without freshly squeezed orange juice. Just a few miles from Sebring, Maxwell Groves entices visitors to explore its historical country store in Avon Park. The family owned-and-operated orange business has been in Highlands County since the 1930s. The store is like walking into a sweet slice of history. Upon entry, visitors are encouraged to sign a guestbook—resting beside a family photo album, where Mamma and Big Daddy share three generations of their lives. It’s almost like being a guest in their home, where freshly squeezed orange juice, dairy-free orange ice cream and Orange Sunshine wine samples are offered to customers as they peruse the store. If this ain’t Southern hospitality at its finest, then I don’t know what is.
Clockwise from top left are a bracelet by Misahara; oranges at Maxwell Groves; artist James R. Hahn's Sebring centennial mural; and the Inn on the Lakes Resort's Bougainvillea Room.
PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY AUDRA CLEMONS
Audra Clemons has more than 15 years’ experience as an international publicist and freelance writer. Motherhood keeps her busy raising twin girls, and loving every minute! Her client and writing portfolio can be viewed on AudraClemons.com
LORRIID DAACCOOUUNTRYM NTRYMAAGGAAZZIINNEE..CCOOM M FFLO
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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.
RAISING A ‘SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN’ GRANDFATHER IS PERFECT ROLE MODEL FOR SON AND COUSIN ama says I walk like him ...” Those words are the beginning of one of my favorite songs— about a little boy who emulates his grandfather. It rings true to me because I am lucky enough to have a dad who is the perfect role model to my little boy, Bur, and to his cousin, Emmett. Both are 4 years old and each “all boy” in his own way. It always brings to mind one of my favorite pictures of the boys. They are with their Papa, going to feed the cows. He’s got one on either side of him and you can tell that both want so badly to walk just like him. My sister-in-law and I talk all the time about raising boys in today’s world, and to be perfectly honest, it’s incredibly scary. I have always envisioned raising a little “Southern Gentleman,” and even though this idea has evolved and changed throughout the years, a few key traits have remained true since the antebellum period. When I want to see what I hope for my little boy to be as he grows, I look at my brother and my dad. I can honestly say that Dad is one man who has never disappointed me. He worked his whole life to make sure my brother and I had the best and the most opportunities for an amazing future. And my brother is Dad made over: He is a hardworking father and husband who just wants to better
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himself and provide the best for his family. But being a hard worker isn’t the only thing I want Bur and Emmett to learn from their Papa. He is a kind man. This is one of he most important traits I want them to learn from him. Kind to not just people and animals, but kind to the world around them as well. We live in a time in which, if we don’t start taking care of the world around us, there won’t be an outside for future generations to enjoy. Dad always taught me to leave a place better than the way you found it and that is something I want my son to understand from a young age. We spend most of our time outdoors, and I love that Dad and my brother take the time to teach the boys about the environment and how to treat it with respect. One other characteristic I hope the boys learn is honesty. This is something I feel is sorely lacking in today’s society. Dad and my brother own and run a small family business, based in a small town. I hear them on the phone with clients and contractors all the time and I know that when they give their word to something, they mean it.
PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY CALLY SIMPSON
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Written by: Cally Simpson
I want my son to understand that his words have meaning and that he shouldn’t say something if he doesn’t mean it. I feel like this will take him far—not just in business, but in everyday life and with a variety of different relationships. When most people think of the qualities that a “Southern Gentleman” should possess, most people think of the obvious ones: Don’t back talk to your mom; respect your elders; be polite, etc. Their beloved Papa is continually teaching red-haired Bur and his cousin, Emmett, about how to care for the land and for animals.
WE SPEND MOST OF OUR TIME OUTDOORS, AND I LOVE THAT DAD AND MY BROTHER TAKE THE TIME TO TEACH THE BOYS ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT AND HOW TO TREAT IT WITH RESPECT.
FFLO LOR RIID DAACCO OU UNTRYM NTRYMAAG GAAZZIIN NEE..CCO OM M
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CALLY IN WONDERLAND
At left, Papa takes Bur, who loves trains, on one of the longest Christmas train rides ever! At right, Bur checks job sites with Papa; photo below right shows Papa is a true family man.
While these are important, they are qualities that all good human beings should be required to have. I want my son and his generation to take it a step further and get some parts of our society back to a place where they can be sure to leave a world that is wonderful and wild for their dependents. One of the only ways to do this is to expose my son to men who encapsulate these qualities. My dad, who helped to mold my brother into a “Southern Gentleman,” is no more than a phone call away and is a perfect shadow for these boys to walk in. I hope that what they learn at his heels will rub onto some of their friends, so that our boys can continue the decades-old tradition of the “Southern Gentleman.”
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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WILD FLORIDA
THE AMERICAN ALLIGATOR RECENT ESTIMATES INDICATE MORE THAN 2 MILLION RESIDE IN FLORIDA
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Written by: William R. Cox
he American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is found only in the southeastern U.S. It is found westward through the coastal states to eastern Texas and north to the southeastern corner of Oklahoma and southwestern corner of Arkansas.
Louisiana and Florida have the largest population of gators. Recent estimates indicate that more than 2 million alligators reside in Florida. Their population had crashed nationwide in 1960 because of hunters’ overharvesting them for their hides. In 1967, they were listed on the U.S. Endangered Species List. Because of having the protection of being on the U.S. Endangered Species List, their recovery was remarkable. In 1987, they were taken off the list. American alligators remain federally protected as “Threatened,” because they look like the protected crocodilians. Florida has the American alligator listed as a “Species of Special Concern.”
Alligators go through a variety of courtship displays and copulate many times during courtship. They build their nests of soil and decaying vegetation and lay 30 to 50 eggs from late March to July. The female attends the nest and can be dangerous to any animal or human approaching her nest. The eggs, which are 2 to 3 inches long, hatch in approximately 70 days. Young alligators stay together as a pod or group for two years. The young and eggs are eaten by skunks and raccoons; young are also eaten by adult alligators and by Florida panthers in south Florida. When young alligators sense danger, they give a croaking call and the female comes to their aid.
American alligators’ total length averages 8 feet for females and 12 feet for males. However, females can reach 10 feet and males can exceed 12 feet. I have observed several male alligators that size and larger during my 30 years of conducting wildlife surveys and nature photography in Florida.
At 2 feet in length, the young disperse from the pod. Male and female alligators will eventually establish territories when they are sexually mature—when they reach 8 feet in length. In Florida, female alligators reside in a 124acre home territory and males range over a 1,186-acre, or 1.8-square-mile, home territory.
It is never an image you can forget. It is amazing to see a gator of this size in the wild. One Florida record that has not
Alligators occupy most bodies of water—including freshwater and saltwater environments. They can coexist
Adult alligators feed on raccoons, deer, birds, turtles, snakes and large fish. If fed, they can quickly become unafraid of people and become dangerous.
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been confirmed is a male measuring 17 feet, 5 inches—that was killed on Lake Apopka in 1956. This record has been published in scientific literature. Hatchling alligators average 9 inches and have contrasting yellow and black markings.
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Alligators occupy most bodies of water— including freshwater and saltwater environments. They can coexist with humans if they are not harassed or fed.
THEIR POPULATION HAD CRASHED NATIONWIDE IN 1960 BECAUSE OF HUNTERS’ OVERHARVESTING THEM FOR THEIR HIDES. IN 1967, THEY WERE LISTED ON THE U.S. ENDANGERED SPECIES LIST. with humans if they are not harassed or fed. If fed, they can quickly become unafraid of people and become dangerous.
PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY WILLIAM R. COX
Young alligators’ diet includes spiders, insects, small fish, reptiles and amphibians. Adults are primarily carnivores and are at the top of the wildlife food chain in the non-marine ecosystem of Florida. Adults feed on raccoons, deer, birds, turtles, snakes and large fish. They also ingest small stones known as gastroliths—to provide food grinding assistance and to help regulate their buoyancy when they are in the water. Admire this large reptile from a distance. They have survived on this earth for 230 million years. Feeding an alligator may cause you or others serious harm. William R. Cox has been working professionally as a wildlife biologist, educator and nature photographer for more than 40 years. His passion is to entertain, inspire and educate others in the beauty of nature and the art of photography. See more of his work on Facebook and on his website, williamrcoxphotography.com. F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M
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PICTURE PERFECT
SUWANNEE SCENE ‘GOD ALWAYS PAINTS A BEAUTIFUL SUNSET’
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snapped this photo from our airboat, while fishing one evening off the coast of Suwannee, Florida. God always paints a beautiful sunset. Photography is something I love to do. It’s a passion. I love to take pictures of nature. It captures the moment forever. I try to never leave my camera; you just never know when a great photo might happen. We live in Old Town, in Dixie County, and this was taken with a Canon EOS Rebel.
Photo by: Marie Hunt
NEWBORN LOVE PERFECTLY PRECIOUS BABY—AND CALF!
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his is a photo of our son, Asher Mack Rowland. It was taken with a Nikon D-800 in Dade City, Florida, which is where we live. Asher was a week old and the calf was only 4 days old. Photos are important to our family because these are memories we can look back at and share with others forever.
Photo by: Andria Abraham Rowland
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FRESH FACES
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HAPPY TIMES AT THE FARMERS’ MARKET
live in Cape Coral, Florida, and this picture was taken at Southern Fresh Farms in Fort Myers, with a Canon EOS 6D Mark II. I photograph what my eyes are drawn to—and find beauty, chaos and messages in everything I see. I’ve never been someone who easily expresses myself with words, so have learned to tell my stories and emotions with images. Photography has been my way to communicate for more than 10 years. If it gets people thinking and questioning what’s going on around them, then I will count myself successful. Photography is my voice. My website is tonyabarnesphotography.com.
Photo by: Bob Waters Photo by: Tonya Barnes
FLAMINGO FLAIR NATURE HAS A STUDIO AT SUNKEN GARDENS
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hese birds were standing in a small pool under a canopy of trees at Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg, Florida. Some diffused sunlight came through to make this great—almost studio—lighting on them. Photography allows me to capture instances in time that will never be duplicated. The few thousandths of a second captured in any given image will happen only once and never be repeated exactly the same way again. My home is in Riverview, in Hillsborough County, and I used a Canon 5DIV with the Canon 24-105 L to take this image.
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PICTURE PERFECT
PASTORAL PLEASURES ‘A PASSION TO SHARE THE WORLD’S BEAUTY’
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hotography has changed my life ... It’s brought out a passion to share the world’s beauty with others—who may feel the world is an ugly place. And as corny as it may sound, photography has brought so many wonderful people into my life. It’s forever a part of me. I want to travel this wonderful world and share its beautiful magic. I live in Plant City, Florida, and used an iPhone 6 to shoot this photo in a pasture in town.
TASTE OF SWEET SUNSHINE! SATSUMAS FROM FLORIDA GEORGIA CITRUS FARM
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his photo was taken with a Canon 5D Mark III while shooting a virtual tour of Florida Georgia Citrus Farm in Monticello, Florida, in Jefferson County. The farm’s owners, Kim and Angela Jones, started planting satsuma orange trees to involve their children and grandchildren in farming. They now have more than 3,000 trees, and opened a 12,000-square-foot packing facility that packs and ships for other local and regional citrus growers. I live in Tallahassee and love photojournalism because it allows me to provide viewers with an experience. My website is stacyprato.com.
Photo by: Stacy Prato
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Photo by: ToniDee Colon
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COUNTRYWIDE
CARNIVAL’S ‘VICTORY’ CRUISE IS A WINNER ‘CHOOSE FUN’ WITH SHIP’S RELAXING LONG-WEEKEND GETAWAY
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Written by: Dave Kelly
ou have a lot going on, don’t you? There’s the job, which takes up so much time and can wear you down. And the kids: You love ’em, but day in and day out they can sap your life force, for sure. In-laws, pets and even the never-ending string of riding lessons, soccer and more.
You need a vacation—some time away together. But there’s barely any time to plan it, much less live it, so what can you do? Enter Carnival Cruise Line’s Victory to save the day. This classically appointed floating hotel is the focal point of a four-day, sanity-returning trip that just might put your life back on track and get you the downtime and relaxation you deserve. Based out of the convenient PortMiami terminal, Victory sets sail Friday afternoon and is back on dry land by Monday. That’s the perfect time frame for a weekend-long journey back to sanity. Carnival’s slogan is “Choose Fun,” so we decided to see if it could live up to that. Browsing Carnival’s intuitive website, we explored itineraries, compared ships and booked our cabin, all in less than 20 minutes. We chose Victory because of its laid-back itinerary. It stops at only one international port—Nassau, Bahamas. Rather than exploring too many things, we’d enjoy the ship, take an excursion to Atlantis in Nassau and be aboard again for two final days of eating, drinking, dancing and … relaxation. The best plan is to get to the ship early on Friday. Although departure was 5 p.m., we could board at 11 a.m., so we did just that, figuring we had six hours to explore, eat and drink. Food at onboard restaurants was included in our ship ticket price. Drinks are extra, but Carnival offers beverage packages.
At right is a panoramic view of the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. At left, the resort's Bridge Suite comprises 10 rooms and costs upward of $25,000 per night.
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PHOTO BY KRISTINA RODRIGUEZ
We genuinely enjoyed Victory’s ambiance. Sure, many cruisers head out onto “mega-ships” with 5,000 or more passengers—but what does that get you when you’re trying to relax? Victory has a maximum guest count of 2,764—around half of the big ships’ occupancy—and it shows in the care that guests receive.
BOTTOM PHOTO BY KRISTINA RODRIGUEZ; TOP PHOTO COURTESY OF CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES
‘VICTORY’ HAS A MAXIMUM guest count of 2,764—around half of the big ships’ occupancy— and it shows in the care that guests receive.
Above, the easily accessible PortMiami is Victory's home.
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COUNTRYWIDE In fact, we were greeted by hotel director Guna Chellam, who wanted to ensure we had a wonderful cruise and that our needs were met. He even offered us the “Chef’s Table” experience of the ship’s huge kitchen, where we sampled that night’s appetizers and entrées. Executive chef Panda Nirada explained the care and passion his staff puts into the 1,700 meals that are produced twice daily in that kitchen alone. Of all the cruises we’ve taken, Carnival and Victory’s hospitality staff members rise to the top. We were truly impressed with the assistance and care that the management and crew displayed toward us and our fellow passengers. Victory was chock full of entertainment, dining options and activities. After checking into our cabin—substantially larger than standard cabins we’ve had before—we explored the ship. Each area felt unique and special. One-of-a-kind restaurants such as Guy Fieri’s Burger Joint and the Pizza Pirate offer fare that doesn’t cost extra, unlike many other ships. Cherry-on-Top Candy Store has delicious sweets for “kids” of all ages. We stopped by Bonsai Sushi Express, which is
Clockwise from top right are elevators in the Atrium; Predator Lagoon at Atlantis; tropical libations available throughout the ship; and sous chef Boopathi, who assists with thousands of meals per day.
a small private area that offers high-end sushi bites at a fraction of what they would cost on land.
Activities include mini golf, ping pong, a jogging track and more. But the best place was the “Serenity Adult-Only Retreat” area. Guests 21 and older can enjoy a space that provides high-end cocktails, and the peace and quiet that adults on vacation dream of having. After almost a day at sea, Victory headed to Nassau, to the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. It’s an amazing private island and folks visit from around the world. In addition to a world-class casino and luxury hotel rooms—the Bridge Suite costs upward of $25,000 per night—Atlantis has “green-oriented experiences.”
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PHOTOS BY KRISTINA RODRIGUEZ
Victory’s itinerary showcases the opportunity to visit Nassau yet also allows guests to simply enjoy onboard life, offering options without long lines. Red Frog Rum Bar and Blue Iguana Tequila Bar each deliver sun, fun and cool cocktails … the perfect way to start the trip.
WE CHOSE ‘VICTORY’ BECAUSE OF ITS LAID-BACK ITINERARY. IT STOPS AT ONLY ONE INTERNATIONAL PORT— The ship's Atrium Bar is a hub of activity NASSAU, BAHAMAS. each day and night. Its marine habitat allows first-hand contact with sea lions and dolphins in the Dolphin Cay area. “Snorkel in the Ruins” offers swimming with sharks and rays in an underwater “Atlantis.” Day visitors enjoy the waterpark, private cabanas and world-class golf while unwinding and taking advantage of life away from the grind. We headed back to Victory, flush with enjoyment of the Bahamas and the anticipation of simply relaxing on the ship. We had two full days: What more could we want? Well, shops are open, pools and hot tubs are “happening,” activities and shows abound, and the South China Sea Casino is open full time. Restaurants were so accommodating; our dinners featured top-notch cuisine in an environment differing from many cruise ships: Carnival lets guests choose the table size and number of folks to eat with—from a social eighttop to a cozy table for two.
PHOTO COURTESY CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES
Victory has 11 restaurants, and room service is also included in the cruise fare. We certainly used these options, and had room service every sleepy morning. Throw in some casino winnings, the huge WaterWorks onboard water slide and jumbo-sized movies on deck nightly, and we felt like we took advantage of everything Victory has in entertainment and fun. We were back in Miami early Monday morning, and an efficient disembarkation process put us on the road home well before noon. As an unwinding weekend getaway for Florida folks who are a short drive to Miami, a four-day cruise like this is just the ticket. And if our experience on Victory is any indication, you’ll definitely “Choose Fun” with the ships of the Carnival fleet. Dave Kelly is a 45-year resident of Southwest Florida. His travel writing has taken him all over the world, but he always finds his way back to the Florida home that he loves. F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M
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TRUCKS & TOYS
SWAMP BUGGY RACING OFFERS FRIENDLY COMPETITION ‘TOXIC MULLET,’ FEATURING AN AIR-COOLED ENGINE, CATCHES THE EYE OF SPECTATORS
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Written by: Ava Grace
inning “Best in Class” at The World Famous Swamp Buggy Races, in Naples, Florida, in November 2018, the appropriately named “Toxic Mullet” stood out from the pack of swamp buggies. All of the buggies, of course, boast huge wheels and elevated passenger seats—in order to race through swamps. But Toxic Mullet is a bit different. “It’s all about the engine—our motor is air cooled,” explains John Weeks, the owner and builder and driver of Toxic Mullet. Air-cooled motors are the same kinds of engines that one finds on an aircraft. In this case, it is a HarleyDavidson motor. The engine is catching the eye of spectators, and also the competition that Weeks describes as “friendly.” “The swamp buggy folks are the best kind of people in the world,” he notes. Weeks says that when a buggy breaks down, the competitors will help one another get back in to the race by loaning parts or providing a hand.
And the friendliness of the sport reflects on the fans. “Fans love the sport as much as we all do and they come out to have a good time,” Weeks adds. Weeks says he became interested in driving a swamp buggy when he was 12 years old. “I would watch my uncle race his, and thought to myself, ‘One day I’m going to do that, too.’ ” Weeks subsequently built a swamp buggy, then another one, and another after that. Toxic Mullet is the fourth swamp buggy that Weeks has built. He not only set the stage for an air-cooled engine but also early on had a four-wheel-drive swamp buggy. But all of the credit doesn’t go entirely to Weeks, because it takes a whole pit crew team to race a swamp buggy. Toxic Mullet’s crew consists of chief mechanic Eric Shivel and Mr. G, Hurricane Jeff, Big Al, Wendy Cujas, Jack McCrohan and John Magraw. And also pitching in are the buggy’s sponsors: Classic Design Pavers, Big Al’s Welding, Horse Weeks Seafood, Toxic Mullet is driven by John Weeks, who built and owns it.
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At right, Toxic Mullet's winning team stands proudly in front of the swamp buggy. Other photos of Toxic Mullet, which has an air-cooled engine, show the buggy plowing through swamps—to the delight of crowds.
PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY LINDSEY FLOYD
SWAMP BUGGIES were actually invented by Naples resident Ed Frank, whose first buggy was built between 1918 and 1920 to hunt in boggy forests and prairies, and to use on joy rides.
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TRUCKS & TOYS
THE SWAMP BUGGY FOLKS are the best kind of people in the world.” The World Famous Swamp Buggy Races have been held in Naples for 70 years.
Hurricane Cycles, Pesky Varmints, Dolly’s Restaurant and NAPA of Bonita Springs.
Frank built that first swamp buggy using parts from a Ford Model T—with an orange crate for a seat. After World War II, when airplane and tractors tires become readily available, the sport grew in popularity. The first “official” swamp buggy race was held in Naples on Nov. 12, 1949. Upcoming races are set for this November. No doubt the fans are already waiting for the mud to fly! Ava Grace is a Florida resident who loves the country.
ROUNDUP The World Famous Swamp Buggy Races 8520 Rattlesnake Hammock Road Naples, Florida swampbuggy.com Toxic Mullet facebook.com/toxicmullet/
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PHOTO COURTESY OF LINDSEY FLOYD
The races take place several times a year at The World Famous Swamp Buggy Races. Swamp buggies were actually invented by Naples resident Ed Frank, whose first buggy was built between 1918 and 1920 to hunt in boggy forests and prairies, and to use on joy rides.
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FLORIDA CHARM
CITY UNDER THE OAKS LABELLE RENOWNED FOR ITS MAGNIFICENT TREES ew York is known as the Big Apple. Wisconsin has its cheese fame. And the city of LaBelle, Florida, has its oak trees!
The Hendry County seat, LaBelle has a landscape lush with several varieties of oaks, but none more breathtaking than the majestic live oak. Quercus virginiana, or Southern live oak, is native to the Southern U.S. Although it has year-round leaves, it is not a true evergreen. It loses its leaves when new ones are ready to sprout. LaBelle, historically known as “Belle” and “Belle City” and then, finally, as “LaBelle,” originated as a small settlement. It was populated by cattle drovers and trappers who spanned the banks of the Caloosahatchee River as early as the 1880s. The settlers chose the location for its proximity to the river—but found its beauty to be of equal appeal. During the 1920s and 1930s, the Caloosahatchee was dredged in an attempt to improve its use. Many of the oaks in
existence today were saplings or younger trees when the dredging occurred. The old, meandering path of what was known then as the “Snake River” can be determined today by the evidence of the now century-old oaks—or the lack of, in certain areas. The magnificent oak trees can be seen spreading across LaBelle’s rural streets, creating a breathtaking view. The historic district in Downtown LaBelle, as well as the surrounding streets, are filled with oaks that are well over 100 years old. In the late 1920s, after Hendry County separated from Lee County, the city of LaBelle made several attempts to market itself as “LaBelle Amongst the Palms.” No one is sure when the oak tree became the city’s most identifying feature—but all agree it is much more fitting. One of LaBelle’s historical landmarks, Barron Park, is a splendid place to gather under the impressive oaks. Its
The magnificent oak trees can be seen spreading across LaBelle's rural streets, creating a breathtaking view.
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TOP LEFT AND BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTOS BY KELLY BOONE
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Written by: Kelly Boone and Keitha Daniels
trees offer protection from even the hottest days in Southwest Florida. The city’s “Christmas Oak,” so named because it is annually lit with hundreds of lights, stands next to the Caloosahatchee. It is a key meeting place for lunch or gathering with friends, no matter what time of year. It’s been said that when folks come to LaBelle, it is hard to say good-bye to the quaint community because of its breathtaking beauty. Interestingly, people often ask if the moss is killing the oak trees. In fact, the moss is an epiphyte, or air feeder such as a fern, and is not parasitic to the tree. The moss grows inside the canopy of the oak tree. Look closely and you’ll discover many types of air plants have found their way throughout the branches. Visit LaBelle to take in the beauty for yourself! The most magnificent oaks are on Main, Lee and Campbell streets, and on Fraser, Curry and Hampton avenues. Forrey Drive and Birchwood Parkway in Port LaBelle have grand views as well. Kelly Boone is the executive director of LaBelle Downtown Revitalization Corporation. Keitha Daniels is the executive director of the Hendry County Economic Development Council.
IT’S BEEN SAID THAT WHEN FOLKS COME TO LABELLE, IT IS HARD TO SAY GOODBYE TO THE QUAINT COMMUNITY BECAUSE OF ITS BREATHTAKING BEAUTY.
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STARS & GUITARS presented by
GARTH BROOKS
IN THE SUNSHINE STATE MUSIC LEGEND TAKES OVER THE SWAMP
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Interviewd by: William R. Cox
lorida Country Magazine met the legendary Garth Brooks, later experienced a slice of his Stadium Tour in Gainesville. It was at the University of Florida’s Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, the first such concert at the Swamp in almost 25 years, a giant outdoor arena holding me and about 75,000 of my new close friends, people of every description, the common feature a reverence for this great and enormously successful performer. And the concert included a tailgater hosted by country music star and cookbook author Trisha Yearwood. She is Garth’s wife—the couple accepting one another onstage before fans at a 2005 California concert. So … Florida Country Magazine shares what we experienced at that April 20 concert with an American legend, whose music crosses all sorts of cultural boundaries and will forever endure. First, know that the Garth Brooks Stadium Tour was sold out far in advance. Well, duh.
But first there was tailgate fun, stadium parking venues about revving auto engines, idling diesels and horns, whistles, lots of laughter and some libations, and a raw electricity we so infrequently experience From past age 21 as time whirls the dark depths by at lightning speed. of backstage, Garth walked into the light.
And we do live in the And we erupted. Sunshine State, so He shouted, “Hello, Mother Nature was on Gator Nation!” her best behavior. I’ve never seen so many different items of western-style duds and finery. This was a oncein-a-lifetime adventure.
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BOTTOM LEFT PHOTO BY CHRIS WATERS
The tour’s stop in Gainesville was the third after performances in St. Louis and Glendale, Arizona, in March. So, we got hot Garth, he and his band sparking on every cylinder, having worked out the kinks in those other towns.
Forbes.com recently noted: “Garth Brooks’ World Tour Solidifies His Status as the Best Arena Act Alive.” He and Trisha are not only tremendous artists—they’re also amazing people. In a pre-concert interview with the performing legend, I found Garth humble, kind, caring, passionate and forthright, which isn’t always true about those in superstardom. I discovered he’s everything and more I’ve thought him to be during the four decades I’ve followed his music and career. Garth noted during the interview that he’d talked with several UF athletes, asking them: “What drives you to win?” PHOTO © BLUE ROSE INC.
Their answer? “Losing.” “Losing gives you a bad taste in your mouth that you never want to taste again,” Garth added. “It wants you to push harder to win. Losing is one of the greatest lessons you can learn in life. The sun comes up the next day—you just go to work and push harder.” After thanking Garth for inviting Florida Country Magazine,
I asked what he wants fans to experience. He said performing is about communicating—there’s something about music that defines time. He cited examples of smelling cut grass, popcorn or a cigar, then flashing back to high school football games, for instance, remembering those things like it was yesterday. In his case, that was about 40 years ago in Yukon, Oklahoma, where he and his family also joined in talent nights of music and skits. Garth, who is 57, hopes that for two or three hours onstage his fans block out everything, close their eyes and sing. He wants the concert experience to take us back, drifting to fond memories, to the good things all of us know and try to hold on to. It’s a wonderful way to think about music and lyrics. I asked Garth about his friendship with the late country singer, sculptor and rodeo champion Chris LeDoux, who had recorded F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M
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STARS & GUITARS dozens of albums and died from cancer in 2005. Garth got a huge smile on his face. “Chris,” he said, “was a great man who wanted to make you better … it would be egotistical to say I was his friend. Everyone wanted to be his friend.” Garth related that Chris would occasionally call or write, and had been a tremendous influence on his career. Garth explained Chris’s life force as working hard when he was ill, working harder when he was tired, working harder when he was unhappy. Garth absorbed that gift, he said, and applies those lessons to his own life. After the interview, I walked around the campus and felt the pre-concert excitement. Endless streams of fans arrived early and tailgaters were in full swing. No one seemed to have a care in the world.
That was especially evident at Trisha Yearwood’s party. Food was provided by many vendors and everyone was happy … and respectful. When Trisha and her sister arrived, many fans rushed with their phones to take photos. A huge crowd gathered in front of her cooking station, asked questions and watched her demonstration. Samples were tasty—particularly the orange cake with white frosting. Laughter accompanied the stories told at eating stations and benches. The sights showed how much Garth’s country music attracts so many people from different walks of life. And Trisha’s tailgate party just added another layer of sweetness to the event. During my interview with Garth, he mentioned how funny Trisha is … and I got to witness that firsthand. Trisha was asked if she’d perform with her husband, and she didn’t know—but said she can sing and is available, which drew laughs. It’s amazing to feel the love and bond between them … and that alone is magic.
TRISHA’S TAILGATE PARTY just added another layer of sweetness to the event.
Finally, the moment arrived, and the Garth countdown began. Everyone was excited and ready to sing along to our favorite songs. The place was almost literally electric, like the energy would light cities. What the heck, right? This is Garth-freaking-Brooks, the only artist to sell seven Diamond-status albums, which is about 70 million. The Beatles had six. The Beatles.
Above, Garth showed his "Gator Chomp" to a news crew in Gainesville. Below, Trisha gestured during a cooking demonstration at her tailgate party. She was joined by her sister and cookbook coauthor, Beth Bernard.
From that moment on, the power of the presence of Garth Brooks, The Entertainer, took over our body and soul and didn’t let us down, not for one second— from Trisha joining her husband onstage to the unmistakable chords of “The Dance.” Even after the concert ended, thousands of us broke into song, which prompted a Garth encore and more of his magic.
In the end, Garth Brooks is right. Music is one of those rare gifts that can prompt great memories, warm feelings, spin us back through time—to stop, be glad and simply smile. It’s especially powerful when the performer evokes such emotion, so much passion that you’re compelled to listen, to sing as if you’re the one standing before 75,000 arena fans. Thank you for that, Garth Brooks. William R. Cox is an Oklahoma native and a huge fan of country music, particularly the songs of Garth Brooks.
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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY WILLIAM R. COX
From the dark depths of backstage, Garth walked into the light. And we erupted. He shouted, “Hello, Gator Nation!” and we went insane … losing everything outside ourselves in that single flash of time.
HE SAID PERFORMING is about communicating—there’s something about music that defines time.
Garth performed in front of a sell-out crowd of 75,000 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
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THE CULINARY CRACKER Florida Country Magazine
heartily thanks
INGREDIENTS
CLICK HERE TO VIEW TRISHA YEARWOOD'S RECIPES.
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GARTH’S BREAKFAST BOWL Serves 4
“Any potato will do. Garth’s even been known to use french fries! I sometimes fry an egg sunny side up and pile it on top of Garth’s bowl. He likes the way the yolk oozes into the dish.” —Trisha Yearwood
"GARTH'S BREAKFAST BOWL," "COWBOY LASAGNE," "CORNBREAD SALAD WITH FRENCH DRESSING," AND "SPICE CAKE WITH LEMON SAUCE" FROM HOME COOKING WITH TRISHA YEARWOOD: STORIES AND RECIPES TO SHARE WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS BY TRISHA YEARWOOD, COPYRIGHT © 2010 BY TRISHA YEARWOOD PHOTOGRAPHS COPYRIGHT © 2010 BY BEN FINK. USED BY PERMISSION OF CLARKSON POTTER/PUBLISHERS, AN IMPRINT OF RANDOM HOUSE, A DIVISION OF PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Trisha Yearwood for these recipes, which come from her best-selling cookbook, Home Cooking with Trisha Yearwood.
INGREDIENTS FOR SALAD
INGREDIENTS FOR SOUR CREAM CORNBREAD
CLICK HERE TO VIEW TRISHA YEARWOOD'S RECIPES.
“Cornbread served at every meal is a southern thing. I was surprised the first time I traveled west of the Mississippi to find out that not everybody serves cornbread with every meal! ...” —T.Y.
CORNBREAD SALAD WITH FRENCH DRESSING Serves 6
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CLICK HERE TO VIEW TRISHA YEARWOOD'S RECIPES. COWBOY LASAGNE
Serves 12
“Serves 12 regular people or 1 hungry cowboy and his wife!”
—Trisha Yearwood
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"GARTH'S BREAKFAST BOWL," "COWBOY LASAGNE," "CORNBREAD SALAD WITH FRENCH DRESSING," AND "SPICE CAKE WITH LEMON SAUCE" FROM HOME COOKING WITH TRISHA YEARWOOD: STORIES AND RECIPES TO SHARE WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS BY TRISHA YEARWOOD, COPYRIGHT © 2010 BY TRISHA YEARWOOD PHOTOGRAPHS COPYRIGHT © 2010 BY BEN FINK. USED BY PERMISSION OF CLARKSON POTTER/PUBLISHERS, AN IMPRINT OF RANDOM HOUSE, A DIVISION OF PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
THE CULINARY CRACKER
INGREDIENTS
INGREDIENTS FOR CAKE
CLICK HERE TO VIEW TRISHA YEARWOOD'S RECIPES.
“ My memory of this spice cake is coming home from school and slicing a piece right out of the pan, putting a little lemon sauce on it, warming it up in the microwave for a few seconds, then sitting down to watch a M*A*S*H rerun on television before I had to start my homework. Heaven! ...” —T.Y.
SPICE CAKE WITH LEMON SAUCE Makes about 22 (2-inch) squares
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