FEATURES
ON THE COVER: The Bellamy Brothers are from Darby, Florida, located just north of Tampa. Their ranch has been in their family for 150 years. Enjoy reading our interview on page 44.
FLORIDA COUNTRY MAGAZINE / ISSUE VOL. 5 • NO. 3
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Sweet Southern Horse and Carriage
Arcadia Family’s Ride to Success
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‘Let the Love Flow’
Meet Music’s Bellamy Brothers, Home in Darby, Florida
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DEPARTMENTS FLORIDA COUNTRY MAGAZINE / ISSUE VOL. 5 • NO. 3
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PICTURE PERFECT
page 8
FLORIDA CHARM
page 52
A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER
FLORIDA 4-H DOG DAYS OF SUMMER
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page 56
page 10
CAPTAIN JACK’S AIRBOAT TOURS
HORSIN' AROUND
page 60
SUN COUNTRY TRAIL BLAZERS
page 14
GRANDVIEW CLYDESDALE TOURS
page 18
MY BEST FRIEND
page 64
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page 66
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FLORIDA CRACKER PROPERTIES
NATURE AS SEEN THROUGH A LENS
page 22
page 70
AACTION POWER EQUIPMENT
CROSSWORD
page 26
page 75
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SUN BULB CO., INC.
page 30
THE CULINARY CRACKER WHIPPING IT UP IN YOUR KITCHEN
KEEL FARMS
page 76
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WILD FLORIDA
SEARCHING FOR GOLD
THE BRAND
FLORIDA HARVEST
MERMAIDS AND MANATEES
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Owner/Publisher Scarlett Redenius Owner/C.E.O. Brad Redenius President Thomas Fifield Vice President Sheila Fifield Editorial Director Katherine Waters Design Director Brian Stromlund Travel Editor Dave Kelly Contributing Writers Dale Bliss, Jack Collier, Christopher DeCubellis, Ava Grace, Kathy Ann Gregg, Kym Rouse Holzwart, Dave Kelly, Myles Mellor, Paul Thurman, Ph.D.
Featured Photographers Ray Carpenter, Karen Cobbs, Mike Engiles, Kathy Ann Gregg, Ashley Head, Scott Hodlmair, Rouse Holzwart, Dave Kelly, Ben Knowles, Karen Kraushaar, Kathy Lee, Kayla Lewis, Andrea Lopez, Traci Newlin, Scarlett Redenius, Howard Schatzberg, Jeff Talbert, Brooke Tarkington, Shelby Weihmeir, Mark Wemple For more information about advertising with Florida Country Magazine, or joining our regional sales team, please contact:
239-692-2613 sales@floridacountrymagazine.com Advertising Sales:
Kendra Sutton 239-910-6414 kendra@floridacountrymagazine.com For other inquiries contact:
Scarlett Redenius, Publisher 239-600-4783 publisher@floridacountrymagazine.com 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 2021, 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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WET, HOT—AND SHAMELESS STORY PLUGS
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id-summer months in the Sunshine State are wet and hot. No matter what you do, it is hard to escape the heat—even Satan’s sweatin’ today.
Sometimes we feel there’s no escape. Unfortunately, so do our animals. Thanks to our writer Christopher DeCubellis for his tips on keeping our pets and livestock cooler during these dog days of summer (page 10). The good thing about Florida is that we are surrounded and intersected by waterways. And what better way to cool off than slipping into refreshing spring water … with manatees and mermaids in Crystal River and the Kings Bay area (page 56). Or maybe water with a side of speed, nature and a stiff breeze? Then jump on one of Captain Jack’s airboats and tour the Everglades like never before—or for the first time. There is so much to see and do at Captain Jack’s in Everglades City. And learn the backstory on Everglades National Park, which was established in December 1947 (page 60). The Everglades offers an amazing frontstage to Florida’s nature and wildlife for photographers of all skills. But so does another place a little further north in Orlando— Gatorland, which opens in morning hours before the park is booming with everyday visitors in February through June. Gatorland has one of the largest and most accessible wadingbird rookeries in the Sunshine State, home to more than 20 species—some listed as endangered or a species of special concern—providing them the needed nesting, foraging and roosting areas so critical to their survival (page 70). It doesn’t really matter where you go in Florida, there is always something to see or do. Dunnellon, Florida, for instance, is home to the Grandview Clydesdales, where visitors meet and observe champion Clydesdales during a two-hour tour (page 18). And for another great tour, visit Keel Farms in Plant City, Florida. Fruit wines, a brewery and great food are on this educational and delicious adventure. Strawberries and blueberries straight from their crop are used in the homemade wines, jams and food served in their restaurant. Some products are available to take home to enjoy later (page 34).
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There are tours of all kinds in our state … and who knows better about touring than The Bellamy Brothers, David and Howard, songwriters and performers circling the WORLD for almost a half a century. The ageless brothers from Darby, Florida, famous for “Let Your Love Flow,” hundreds of other recordings and some 9,000 stage appearances, plus their popular “Honky Tonk Ranch” reality show, have been lucky enough to watch their fans grow older with them. Their music continues to drift across the universe’s airways. Florida Country Magazine is honored the brothers opened their gates at the Honky Tonk Ranch and sat down with us to share with our readers a little about their past and present (page 44). If the price is right, maybe you can hire The Bellamy Brothers to perform at your wedding … and be delivered for your magical day by Sweet Southern Horse and Carriage (page 40). Also, in this issue you will meet the Sun Country Trail Blazers from the Ocala area. It is a nonprofit for horserelated activities, its members sharing and enjoying Florida’s vibrant trail network (page 14). And when you are done greeting and sightseeing all these great people and places, go home and sit on your front porch with one of our great summertime drink recipes (page 76), while watching your loved one landscape the yard with your newly purchased Altoz Zero Turn Track Mower from Aaction Power Equipment in LaBelle, Florida— oh, the shameless plugs (page 26). And if you don’t have enough yard for that mower or a porch to sit on to admire your orchids from Arcadia’s Sun Bulb Co. (page 30), while doing your crossword puzzle (page 75); Florida Cracker Properties can help with your dream home with that awesome porch (page 22). Now go catch that deep-water mahi (page 66), with your best friend (page 64), and get you a Picture Perfect moment (page 66). And that’s everything but the kitchen sink in this issue of Florida Country Magazine. From all of us at Florida Country Magazine, Happy Father’s Day and have a safe Fourth of July. SCARLETT REDENIUS, Publisher
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FLORIDA 4-H
DOG DAYS OF SUMMER FUR BETTER THAN ADVERSE, FLORIDA LIVESTOCK COOLING TIPS Written by: Chris DeCubellis
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lorida has adequate rainfall, mild winters and tillable soil that can translate into lush pastures, which is why Florida has traditionally been a wonderful place to raise livestock.
One challenge to Florida’s farmers and ranchers, however, is keeping animals cool during hotter parts of the year. This article explores identifying heat stress in livestock and poultry, as well as some strategies to help keep our feathered and furred friends cool during the dog days of summer.
BIOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES, EVEN DEATH Heat stress can occur when an animal’s ability to dissipate heat is less than the heat absorbed by the environment, more in than out, plus the heat generated by the animal’s own biological processes. Shade is important to help decrease the amount of heat an animal absorbs from the environment.
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High temperature, solar radiation and humidity play a role in the heat an animal absorbs. And Florida has plenty of all three this time of year. Things like lactating, pregnancy and movement can increase the body heat an animal naturally generates. Signs of heat stress in animals range from panting, sweating, increased body temperature and increased water consumption. And if left unchecked, that heat stress can lead to serious biological consequences, even death. Understanding strategies to keep your animals cool will go a long way to getting your animals safely through the hottest parts of the year.
TAKING A CLOSER LOOK Four key areas to consider in your management of animals in hot weather are water, shade, ventilation, even cooling.
Water is necessary for pretty much any biological process in the body, making water the most important nutrient. A good rule of thumb is a constant supply of fresh, clean water. And consider the difference between a water trough positioned in the shade, with an automatic waterer to ensure a fresh supply of water when an animal drinks, compared to a black plastic trough positioned in the direct sun on a hot day and filled that evening with fresh water. That water might reach 90 degrees by the end of the day. While animals will drink it, it will not be as palatable as the cooler water in the shade, nor will it do as good a job of helping relieve heat stress. A pigpen might have an automatic water nipple, but if it sits in full sun, it could reach temperatures that might even burn a pig’s mouth in the hottest and sunniest parts of a summer day. Try your best to keep water in as shady a location as possible, and as fresh and cool as possible.
MADE IN THE SHADE Shade not only influences the quality of water for your animals, but it’s also important to help decrease the amount of heat an animal absorbs from the environment.
Scattered shade trees in pasture areas allow animals to self-select when they would like a break from the sun. If no trees are available, shade structures placed in pasture areas will provide the same opportunity for grazing animals to take a break from direct sun exposure. Smaller animals like rabbits and chickens should have adequate shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Shade can also help protect animals with sensitive skin, such as white hogs, from sunburn.
FOUR KEY AREAS TO CONSIDER IN YOUR MANAGEMENT OF ANIMALS IN HOT WEATHER ARE WATER, SHADE, VENTILATION, EVEN COOLING.
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FLORIDA 4-H
A good rule of thumb is a constant supply of fresh, clean water.
Ventilation is extremely important. Barns constructed in Florida should have an open airflow or allow enough openings to promote good airflow in warmer months. Ideally, barn roofs should be vented in a way to allow heat to escape. Cooling strategies can include the use of fans to help increase ventilation or air movement inside barns or other areas where animals congregate. Fine misting water in conjunction with a fan can really help cool animals in hot weather. Florida’s dairy farmers utilize this strategy. More information on this strategy is available in the UF/IFAS Extension publication “Methods to Relieve Heat Stress for Florida Dairies.” (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae022) Here’s hoping you get a chance to enjoy your Florida summer, and that you have plans in place to keep your animals happy and productive during this warm weather! FCM
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HORSIN' AROUND
SUN COUNTRY TRAIL BLAZERS IN FLORIDA HORSE COUNTRY SINCE 1987 Written by: Kym Rouse Holzwart
Membership earns awesome discounts from local equestrian businesses, an informative monthly newsletter, as well as access to a special members-only Facebook group. There are currently about 70 members. Trail rides, camping trips and fun events run monthly. An annual meeting and elections are typically during spring, and a banquet is in summers. While most
events are in Marion County, the group does host events throughout north and central Florida. Public lands where the group trail rides and camps include the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, Indian Lake State Forest, Seminole State Forest, San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park and the Withlacoochee State Forest. Special camping trips are planned for most major holidays. Every fall since 2014, Sun Country Trail Blazers has held a Ride for the Cure benefit for the Alzheimer’s Association, formed in 1980 to assist in research, support and care. The riders’ group since its first
IN ADDITION TO MEMBERSHIP, THERE ARE MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO GET INVOLVED Sun Country Trail Blazers welcomes all levels of riders. Or team up with an experienced rider to build or regain your confidence.
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PHOTO BY KYM ROUSE HOLZWART
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ormed in 1987 in the Ocala area, Florida’s horse county, Sun Country Trail Blazers is a nonprofit for horse-related activities, to share and enjoy Florida’s vibrant trail network.
TOP LEFT PHOTO BY KAREN KRAUSHAAR; TOP RIGHT PHOTO BY SCOTT HODLMAIR; OTHER PHOTO BY KYM ROUSE HOLZWART
Sun Country Trail Blazers is a nonprofit for horse-related activities, to share and enjoy Florida’s vibrant trail network.
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If you want to ride with lots of fun people on some of Florida’s spectacular public lands in North and Central Florida, join the Sun Country Trail Blazers!
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Ride for the Cure had ponied up more than $60,000 to fight Alzheimer’s disease. Sun Country Trail Blazers received unprecedented publicity for a socially distancing event in 2020; Ride for the Cure was also awarded as the top fundraising event by the Central Florida Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. The group is planning its 2021 Ride for the Cure, as well as researching new opportunities to raise money for other organizations. Sun Country Trail Blazers also helps the Cross Florida Greenway Equestrians maintain the vast network of horse trails on the Cross Florida Greenway. Members provide annual financial support to the Greenway Equestrians.
OPPTOSITE PAGE: TOP RIGHT PHOTO BY KAREN KRAUSHAAR; OTHER PHOTOS BY KYM ROUSE HOLZWART ; PHOTO THIS PAGE: BY KYM ROUSE HOLZWART
If you’re interested in trail riding and camping with fun, friendly people and learning more about trail riding and the many wonderful places to camp and ride your horse in north and central Florida, contact Sun Country Trail Blazers! In addition to membership, there are many opportunities to get involved; hosting a trail ride, serving on various committees, even getting elected as a board officer of Sun Country Trail Blazers. FCM
Ocala National Forest is one of the many places where the Sun Country Trail Blazers ride.
ROUNDUP Sun Country Trail Blazers Ocala, Florida www.suncountrytrailblazers.org suncountrytrailblazersocala@gmail.com
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GRANDVIEW CLYDESDALE TOURS NOBLE DRAUGHT HORSES, SEE THEM UP CLOSE
tanding at an average of 16.2 hands — and in extremes growing to 18 hands, or more than 6 feet at the withers—it is hard believing that these heavy and powerful Clydesdales are also noted for their grace, an impressive high-stepping and elegant action. That is unless you see them in action. Clydesdales are hard to forget. At Grandview Clydesdale Tours, visitors meet and observe champion Clydesdales during a two-hour tour. Grandview Clydesdales, which is about 100 miles north of Tampa and just west of
Ocala, is co-owned by the husband-wife team of Shannon Cobbs and Karen Cobbs, both world and national champion drivers and trainers. Plus, visitors get pictures with one of these beautiful horses—what a keepsake—with opportunities for selfies. “They are the most famous breed of horse in the world,” says Karen Cobbs, who is also president and CEO of Grandview Invitational Inc., a three-day show in nearby Ocala. “They are truly gentle giants that weigh 2,000 pounds, or more, and have great dispositions.”
AT GRANDVIEW CLYDESDALE TOURS, VISITORS MEET AND OBSERVE CHAMPION CLYDESDALES DURING A TWO-HOUR TOUR. Clydesdales typically are in bay, brown and black—in piebald, skewbald or roan patterning—with white markings.
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BOTTOM PHOTO BY KAREN COBBS
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Written by: Ava Grace
BOTTOM PHOTO BY HOWARD SCHATZBERG; OTHER PHOTOS BY KAREN COBBS
Above left, Charles Lawrence makes sure all the Clydesdales are safe and happy. Right, tour guests Bob and Karen Mikulski getting their photographic keepsake. Bottom, Grandview Clydesdales winning the Toronto Royal Clydesdale Six Horse Hitch competition.
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HORSIN' AROUND
Despite their size, Clydesdales are known to be gentle giants.
Grandview Clydesdale Tours 10020 SW 125th Court Road, Dunnellon, Florida 260-388-4279, www.grandviewclydesdales.tours
WATCH THE CLYDESDALES COMPETE The AdventHealth Grandview Invitational is three days in February. The next show is Feb. 4-6, 2022. It is the largest draft-horse show in Florida, featuring Clydesdales, Percherons and Belgians. Enjoy vendors and fun. GRANDVIEW INVITATIONAL Feb. 4-6, 2022 11851 SW 16th Ave Ocala, Florida 260-388-4279 grandviewinvitational@gmail.com grandviewinvitational.com
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Clydesdale is a Scottish draught horse, bred for centuries for agricultural work. Today, they are more for show, parades and such. While huge, topping out well over a ton, they are recognized as docile and easy to control. The breed typically is in bay, brown and black—in piebald, skewbald or roan patternin—with white markings. Recognized teams are the Budweiser Clydesdales, which had pulled that brand since the 1920s. “The tours,” Karen Cobbs says of the couple’s farm, “are very educational and fun, as guests learn about all aspects of the Clydesdale horse and the industry around these gentle giants. They also get a chance to see them up close and pet them.” After touring, guests may access a gift shop, admire custom wagons, visit training centers, check out the museum of awards and trophies, and likely observe juvenile Clydesdales— a highlight for many. “Tour guests also get to see the harness area and training facilities, as well as the lab area and breeding
PHOTO BY MICHELLE RANDOLPH
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PHOTOS BY KAREN COBBS
Guests taking the tour can see all of the accomplishments of the Grandview Clydesdales at the award museum and bring back memories from the gift shop.
facilities,” says Cobbs, adding that private parties, bus groups and catered events can be accommodated. Clinics, Draft Horse 101, and other learning opportunities are available. Even though Clydesdales are unique and rare, owning and training such a magnificent animal takes a certain
type of horseman or horsewoman. The Cobbs, for instance, are generational and world-class riders, trainers and breeders. Anyone, kids through seniors, however, can observe and interact with these wonderful horses at Grandview Clydesdales. FCM
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THE BRAND
FLORIDA CRACKER PROPERTIES BROOKSVILLE’S DREAM TEAM, RANCHLAND TO WATERFRONT, ‘CUSTOMERS ARE FAMILY’
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Written by: Ava Grace
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hese days, people want to create their own at-home oasis and live the simple life where family and morals are forefront!” says Erica Sumner, owner/broker of Florida Cracker Properties in Brooksville, Florida. Whether a ranch, a farm, open land, luxury living, gated communities or a waterfront oasis, your needs and wants are handled seamlessly by real-estate professionals such as Sumner, entrepreneurial business partners Blair Hensley and Ethan Hensley, and the rest of Erica’s amazing and experienced team. These folks understand lifestyles and dreams, from first timers to seasoned buyers, to ranch soils and correct canal property for boaters. “We offer the expertise that is lived daily by our entire team,” explains Sumner, adding that because of this her team advocates for the specific needs of their customers. “These days it’s all about land, land and more land … in addition to
waterfront,” Sumner says. The trend is escaping for a simpler, slower-paced life. The new norm of working remotely is part of that movement, she adds. Sumner and her team assist in purchasing or sales in agricultural, residential or commercial properties. “With 25 years combined experience among our agents, there is no property type/style we haven’t sold,” she says.
MEET THE TEAM! ERICA SUMNER: broker/owner, avid western horsewoman, daughter of a 38-year serviceman, educator and real-estate broker. Proud mom married to her No. 1 supporter, background and expertise in property “go together like biscuits and gravy.” EMILY BARR: fifth-gen Floridian focused on waterfront lifestyle, built a career on repeats and referrals, understands “what makes Florida special.”
PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF FLORIDA CRACKER PROPERTIES
Florida Cracker Properties offers expertise that is lived daily by our entire team: From left to right, Emily Barr, Karen Cummins, Kristy Douglas, Erica Sumner, Jennifer Boyette and Dave Smith.
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Sold!
Whether a ranch, a farm, open land, luxury living, gated communities or a waterfront oasis, your needs and wants are handled seamlessly by real-estate professionals.
THE FLORIDA CRACKER PROPERTIES’ TEAM WORKS TO PRESERVE OLD FLORIDA’S CHARACTER WHILE NURTURING GROWTH IN THE STATE’S HERITAGE TOWNS. JENNIFER BOYETTE: from Lutz, Florida, true calling is real estate, loves assisting buyers/sellers, a passion for lake life with hubby and their four boys. DAVE SMITH: Brooksville native, former U.S. Army Special Forces, Silver Star, specializes in assisting servicemen and servicewomen, their friends and families, founder of Dave Smith Veterans Foundation. KRISTY DOUGLAS: Pasco county 20 years, junior and high school rodeo cowgirl; now passing that tradition to her three kids. Kristy has banking industry experience, an excellent asset for buyers and sellers. Away from work,
Kristy is with her hubby, shopping with her daughter, watching her two sons learn to team rope. KAREN CUMMINS: Florida licensed real estate pro, Pasco County Sheriff’s Department, Mounted Unit new member ambassador, anti-human trafficking advocate, specialist with Healing Hearts Thru Hooves equine therapy program, ongoing post-graduate work in mental health. Married and adopting siblings, ages 6, 8, and 13. MANDI DIXON: Florida native, brand manager, marketing and creative director, had owned a Nashville brand management company before returning to start a family in Brooksville. F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M
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THE BRAND
“Our customers are family, and we will have it no other way.” —Erica Sumner
OLD FLORIDA CHARACTER COUNTS The Florida Cracker Properties’ team works to preserve Old Florida’s character while nurturing growth in the state’s heritage towns. “These areas are special, and we are the entrusted stewards of helping see it remains as such,” adds Sumner. While old-fashioned, personalized service is SOP with Florida Cracker Properties, what’s not old school is in the cutting-edge way that happens. Marketing staff specializes in social media, search-engine optimization, or SEO that drives eyes to websites or smartphone apps, in print and product branding. There’s also huge walk-in traffic to the Brooksville office, some 3,600 weekly customers, putting that team in a different universe than a standard office tucked into a strip mall. “Doing what others won’t to ensure our customers’ satisfaction … and that can be felt throughout the entire brand,” says Sumner. “Our customers are family, and we will have it no other way.”
Florida Cracker was established in 2013 by brothers and business partners Blair Hensley and Ethan Hensley in Brooksville, Florida. The company has expanded with Florida Cracker Kitchen, Florida Cracker Tap Room, Florida Cracker Trading Company, Florida Cracker Riverside Resort & Monkey Bar, and most recently, Florida Cracker Properties. With five Florida offices and more on the way, Florida Cracker Properties is beyond excited about the growth opportunity.
ROUNDUP Florida Cracker Properties 962 E Jefferson St., Suite B, Brooksville, Florida 352-345-8151, floridacrackerproperties.com
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PHOTO COURTESY OF FLORIDA CRACKER PROPERTIES
Florida Cracker Properties works in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties, reaching from Tampa to Ocala and Claremont, which is west of Orlando. “Part of our mission is always centering our business around the customer’s goals, which carries us all over the state,” says Sumner. FCM
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THE BRAND
AACTION POWER EQUIPMENT MOWERS, GOLF CARTS, FAMILY OWNED, A CUT ABOVE COMPETITORS Written by: Ava Grace
Smitty and Bebe Polhill have been married 45 years. They have two sons, Caleb, a fireman working with his father, and Joshua, in the construction industry. About three years ago Smitty and BeBe decided to make use of a 15,000-square-foot building on 10 acres in LaBelle, Florida, that they had leased regularly since 1992. With such a large space, the couple considered their options; leave parts empty, continue leasing or use it all. The Polhills chose the latter, starting Aaction Power Equipment, or A.P.E., a certified dealership for Dixie Choppers, Bad Boy, STIHL and Altoz mowers.
The company also rents, sells, repairs and customizes golf carts of all makes and models. Plus, it provides sales, rentals and service on STIHL equipment. And it is a warranty center for Altoz, Bad Boy and STIHL.
NOT YOUR TYPICAL MOWERS
Altoz Zero Turn Track Mowers are not typical devices, using tracks instead of wheels and going where other mowers struggle to get … or cannot reach. With the ability to distribute weight to about 2.5 pounds per square inch, instead of 18 or so with rubber tires, Altoz mowers contour surfaces instead of digging. The mowers also offer better traction, minimal ground pressure and more stability. Altoz Track Mowers were developed for slopes, ditch banks, retention ponds, pastures and acreage. Time mowing and clearing is cut, significantly. “We have a lot of contractors that take care of the
ALTOZ ZERO TURN TRACK MOWERS ARE NOT TYPICAL DEVICES, USING TRACKS INSTEAD OF WHEELS AND GOING WHERE OTHER MOWERS STRUGGLE TO GET … OR CANNOT REACH.
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PHOTOS THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OFAACTION POWER EQUIPMENT
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mitty Polhill started off studying at the University of Florida as a mechanical engineer, then worked for the sugar industry. “Dealing with things like mechanical belts, drives and hydraulics was what I was trained to do,” explains Polhill, whose family has lived in Hendry County since 1956.
A.P.E. provides sales, service and rentals on a variety of big-name brands, including golf carts. Their team members will provide excellent service and guaranteed customer satisfaction.
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THE BRAND interstates and overpasses, and about 95% of these can be done with the Altoz, cutting both the time involved and the labor costs,” explains Polhill, adding that the devices are not only time savers but offer a better ride. Consider this — a regular rubber tire goes in the valleys and up the peaks, whereas the tracks cruise right over them, making the ride and cut noticeably better, for instance.
‘RIGHT IN OUR SHOWROOM’ There are two kinds of tracks: turf and heavier duty allterrain. Plus, high-performance mower engines handle the harshest terrains and go from eight to 10 miles per hour, delivering maximum performance in a few ways. Altoz also offers zero-turn mowers for less challenging situations such as golf courses, sport fields and backyards. “We carry full lines of all of our products, right in our showroom,” adds Polhill, “as well as come to you onsite, for demonstrations. So, we invite you to give us a challenge because we have a solution.”
Aaction Power Equipment 950 SR-29, LaBelle, Florida 863-674-0742 aactionpowerequipment.com facebook.com/ApeAaction
PHOTO COURTESY OFAACTION POWER EQUIPMENT
In just the three years since A.P.E. opened, it has grown from three employees to 12, including contractors. BeBe and Caleb help manage the operation, Caleb as general manager. “He’s helping us run the business now,” explains Smitty Polhill, along with other loyal team members that include Connie, Lew, Jeremy, Elizabeth, Greg, Justin, Lane, Joey, John, Cynthia and Andrew, adds Polhill. FCM
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FLORIDA HARVEST
SUN BULB CO., INC. PIONEERING FLORIDA FAMILY SET FOR FURTHER GROWTH ong before Amazon was started from a Seattle garage, Albert Perry, or A.P., Hollingsworth Jr. had a start-up flower bulb and caladium business out of a one-car garage behind the family's DeSoto County, Florida, home.
A.P. and Mildred, his wife, in 1956 would box up their plants, loaded the family car to sell their products along Florida’s west coast. Those were the humble beginnings of a small empire built on caladiums, barbecue sauce and other items, ultimately orchids, clever promotions, a best-selling orchid book, published in Spanish and English, and Better-Gro, a nationally marketed brand. Mr. Hollingsworth hustled hard and traveled, dreamed ideas, not all of which worked. His handshake, as the saying went, was his word. Mrs. Hollingsworth held the fort, kept finances and their kids in line. They were church-going and civicminded. Sun Bulb Co., with his sons in charge in the 1970s, caught the first wave of mass merchandising to such retail giants as Kmart and Walmart. Later in the ‘80s came the opportunity to sell at Home Depot’s first two Florida stores. Today, sixty-five years later, Sun Bulb Co. Inc., now an orchid and orchid-supply enterprise, is run by Mr. Hollingsworth’s grandson, Rod Hollingsworth. He heads a family business that markets the national Better-Gro brand, sold in Home Depot, Lowe’s and local garden centers coast to coast. Company products include tropical plants, pots,
potting media, plant foods and related essentials, web-based instructional videos and more. Sun Bulb also has greenhouses for tropical plants and citrus, and extended family has business interests in ag-irrigation systems in Arcadia, Florida., for instance. “It has changed so much in the last four or five years,” says Tom Hollingsworth, A.P. and Mildred’s third of three sons, who along with his brother, Rodney, are the second generation at Sun Bulb, and who hit the gas in building the company as their father and mother shifted into retirement mode. Rodney Hollingsworth’s son, Rod, is the company’s current president and CEO credited with moving the company into its next accelerated phase. Sun Bulb Co., Ohana Nurseries (Mount Dora, Florida), and CitriSun, LLC, all under the same umbrella, have about 150 workers and administrators, according to business publications tracking such numbers. Sun Bulb Co., remains headquartered in Arcadia, the family’s original brick home near home offices alongside US Highway 17. There is every indication the company will continue blossoming well into the future. Because it is privately owned, Sun Bulb does not disclose its financials. But in 2004 when Hurricane Charley ransacked DeSoto County, company losses in greenhouses and product alone were in the millions of dollars, according to reports. “That really knocked us back,” says Tom Hollingsworth, today at age 70 serving as co-chair of the board. “We took whatever insurance (offered), to put things back together.”
Sun Bulb also has greenhouses for tropical plants and citrus, and extended family has business interests in ag-irrigation systems in Arcadia.
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUN BULB CO., INC.
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Written by: Jack Collier
Sun Bulb Co. Inc., now an orchid and orchid-supply enterprise, is run by Mr. Hollingsworth’s grandson, Rod Hollingsworth, right. Also pictured are Tom Hollingsworth, left, and Rodney Hollingsworth, secondgeneration leadership at the family run business.
TOP RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF BUSINESS OBSERVER AND MARK WEMPLE PHOTOGRAPHER; ALL OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUN BULB CO., INC.
A.P. and Mildred Hollingsworth
ARCADIAN ENTREPRENEUR AND HORTICULTURIST, MESMERIZED BY ORCHIDS HE HAD DISCOVERED ON A FALLEN CYPRESS TREE WHILE HUNTING TURKEYS WITH HIS FATHER. GROWING THE BUSINESS Tom Hollingsworth, the youngest sibling and a University of Florida grad, had joined Sun Bulb Co., Inc., in 1977. Older brother Rodney, a Saint Leo College grad, now 72 and also serving as a co-chairman, had come aboard in 1974. Under the brothers’ guidance, the company flourished, expanding into a much larger enterprise, a supplier of tropical plants and gardening products. Another brother, Albert, had gone to Mobile, Alabama, after graduating from Auburn University. He pursued a real-estate career.
died in 1996. Mr. Hollingsworth was listed in obituaries as a horticulturist, the author of many articles on orchids and a book titled “Growing Orchids is Fun,” which had sold some 500,000 copies.
Rodney Hollingsworth’s son, Rod, joined Sun Bulb in 2006, becoming its third generation to manage the business. The company’s founders, A.P. and Mildred Hollingsworth, both
Speaking of his nephew Rod Hollingsworth, now 48, Tom Hollingsworth says, he “had the energy to take (things) to the next level … and that’s what he has done.”
Mr. Hollingsworth was bold, a natural salesman, says Tom Hollingsworth, for example, in the 1960s placing pictures of mature flowers on potted plants. Clients then included Sears & Roebuck. His mother, he added, was the family’s firm hand. “We were so lucky.”
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FLORIDA HARVEST LONG FAMILY HISTORY IN THE SUNSHINE STATE Stephen Thomas Hollingsworth is credited with pioneering Central and South Florida. He was born in Sampson County, North Carolina, in September 1797. His father, Zebulon Hollingsworth, served with Col. James Kenan’s North Carolina regiment during the American Revolution, according to a family tribute that Tom Hollingsworth had researched and written. Ultimately, the Hollingsworths settled in Florida’s Panhandle in 1839. After serving in the first two Seminole Wars, Stephen Hollingsworth was elected first sheriff of Hillsborough County in 1844. Polk County was created in 1861 and Stephen was appointed road commissioner. Along with his civic responsibilities, he raised cattle on an 80-acre homestead. A seated portrait of Stephen and Sarah Pearce Hollingsworth dated to 1887 shows the couple, friends and children in frozen poses of that stoic generation, all in black except a young girl in a lace dress, probably white or eggshell colored, and laced boots. In their Sunday dress, they looked prosperous. After Stephen Hollingsworth’s death in 1870, John Henry Hollingsworth moved south to DeSoto County. Lake Hollingsworth in Polk County, Florida, was named in his honor, which is near downtown Lakeland, once coined “the Magic City of South Florida.” Hollingsworth Brothers was a DeSoto County cattle company that, along with the Kings, Lykes and Parker Brothers, made up much of Florida’s cattle industry. That Hollingsworth wealth was dismantled in the 1930s with the Great Depression, however. Albert Perry Hollingsworth was one of the Hollingsworth Brothers. He was active in DeSoto County, elected Arcadia mayor in 1915. A.P., the gifted Arcadian entrepreneur and horticulturist, mesmerized by orchids he had discovered on a fallen cypress tree while hunting turkeys with his father, and who pioneered prepackaged “instant pot plants,” was one of Albert Perry’s four children. FCM
ROUNDUP Sun Bulb Co., Inc. Founded 1956 1615 US Highway 17, Arcadia, Florida 863-494-4022, better-gro.com
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FLORIDA HARVEST
KEEL FARMS FLORIDA ADVENTURE TRAVEL, WINERY, BREWERY AND GREAT EATS Written by: Dale Bliss
J
oe Keel instilled in his son Clay Keel that if a man is a good steward of the land, nurturing the soil, providing sustenance for the roots and giving it rest, then the land will be obliged to take care of its steward.
So, Keel in 1981 purchased 10 acres and started a small nursery. A few years later he overlaid his green-thumb nursery into a delightful blueberry farm. Not wanting wasted fruit, the farmer had contemplated using end-of-season blueberries. In 2003, he experimented with wine from the season’s end crop. That first batch was 10 gallons.
‘SO WARM AND INVITING’ Keel Farms is in Plant City, Florida, between Tampa and Lakeland, the state’s heart of fruit crops.
Come enjoy a farm tour and meet the crew at Keel Farms.
Keel Farms’ bushes, in a row like toy soldiers, bulge with blueberries. Strawberries glisten bright red in the sun like lovely jewels, chickens pecking and fluttering about while supplying eggs for the farm restaurant, helping make the welcome so warm and inviting. The fields, as neat and clean as grandma’s pantry, lay out their welcome mats for their guests, neighbors and friends visiting with these fine folks. The adventurous tour is exciting and educational, as well. As you go by, the sheep may greet you with a friendly baa, as if saying welcome to our farm. Meanwhile the clucking chickens wave you in with their flapping wings. The strawberry beds and blueberry bushes seem to put their best leaves forward to welcome their guests to share the sunshine and peacefulness that Keel Farms gives.
OLD MCDONALD WOULD BE PROUD The strawberries are just waiting for guests to come and harvest. But like most everything else on the farm, the bright red jewels are used in the homemade wines, jams and in the delicious food served in their restaurant. And the blueberry and fusion wines exceed every expectation.
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THIS PAGE: PHOTOS COURTESY OF KEEL FARMS; OPPOSITE PAGE: TOP LEFT 3 PHOTOS VERTICALLY BY ANDREA LOPEZ; OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF KEEL FARMS
For years Joe Keel worked in landscaping. Although he enjoyed designing and nurturing the plants and land, he needed to advance that stewardship.
A real life agricultural adventure when you walk onto Keel Farms. See where it all begins and then enjoy tasting the final product.
PHOTO CREDIT INFO
Clay and Carmen Keel
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FLORIDA HARVEST
Keel's mission is handcrafting high-quality, locally grown and self-sustaining food and beverages for neighbors, far and wide.
FAMILY AFFAIR Joe Keel grew up on the farm. And though his military and professional life took him to many places, including two deployments to Iraq, the two-time Bronze Star recipient could never leave his roots and heritage, not permanently. Coming home to the family farm, tilling the soil and adhering to his God-given gift of being a steward of the land was always with him wherever he travelled. After receiving a master’s degree in business administration and studying the Brewing Technology Course, Clay Keel came home in 2018 to take his rightful birthright as head of the family farm, to lead it in a new direction and bring it into the millennium while making sure that the gifts that God gave him and the values that his father instilled never faded nor diminished, but stand stronger and steeped even deeper into the bedrock of family and the farm’s values and traditions. Through all the traveling, studying and military life, Clay had by his side Carmen Keel, his wife of over 18 years.
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Carmen was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, and was also raised on her family’s farm. Coming from a farming family, she knew what she was getting into. Her family grew avocados, yucca and a variety of fruits in Puerto Rico. Like Clay, his wife’s father was a military man, serving with the U.S. Air Force. Carmen loves musical theater, crafts, cooking and traveling with her family. On a farm most everyone has chores to do. As a child, one of Carmen’s favorites was feeding her grandparents’ chickens. “As a small child I would run around my grandparents’ land helping them pick fruits and feed their chickens,” Carmen remembers. “I never thought I would one day be doing the same thing on my own farm! It’s been an amazing experience seeing our farm thrive and help feed our community,” she adds with a pleasant and reminiscing smile. SOCIALLY DISTANCING ON 25 ACRES Carmen Keel explained that during pandemic shutdowns last spring, family and crew worried about how they would keep the farm going. “Luckily,” she says, “we were able to come up with fresh ideas to keep our doors open and distribute our products. It is very easy to socially distance on 25 acres.”
BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO BY ANDREA LOPEZ; OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF KEEL FARMS
In her time at Keel Farms, marketing director Wendy Camacho has had a unique experience, gleaming with enthusiasm in chatting about how much the staff and owners are a family. “I do enjoy working here. Everyone here cares about each other, the farm and the products that come from the farm.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF KEEL FARMS
Clay Keel
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FLORIDA HARVEST During those drastic times, Keel Farms offered U-picks during blueberry season. “We are fortunate,” she adds, “to have a number of farm vehicles we could use to open mini pop-up farm stands throughout the community. We also offered meals at our restaurant.” A Keel Farms tasting room sits alongside the restaurant, “which allowed us to complete to-go orders of food, cider, beer, wine and fresh eggs from the farm,” Carmen adds. “We are very proud of supplying local farm-fresh provisions to our community. It gave our friends and neighbors a sense of normalcy and a chance to get out during such a dark time.” The mission of this all-inclusive and inviting farm: Handcrafting high-quality, locally grown and selfsustaining food and beverages for neighbors, far and wide. Keel Farms exists to share remarkable products and experiences. And through hard work, family and crew produce honest, healthy, sustainable, soil-to-glass products served in a comfortable, family environment. And the farm boasts a winery and brewery, has its own recycling processes. “The farm opens daily at 11 a.m. for dining and tastings,” Camacho says. “Tours are also offered. The weekends are just as lively with live music. Markets and other fun-filled events take place to keep you entertained.” FCM
ROUNDUP Wine tastings Two Henrys Brewing Co. U-Pick Full-service menu Merch/shopping
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PHOTO BY ANDREA LOPEZ
Keel Farms, Winery, Brewery, Restaurant 5205 Thonotosassa Road, Plant City, Florida 813-752-3892, keelfarms.com
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Horse & Carriage ARCADIA FAMILY’S RIDE TO SUCCESS Written by: Kathy Ann Gregg
T
he Murphy family—Donald, Tiffany and company—in Florida’s central DeSoto County, makes dreams come true with their Sweet Southern Horse & Carriage.
The Arcadia couple started in 2017 with a small Victorian carriage and an older black Percheron named Stan. That rig was purchased from Donald’s brother, Reuben, of High Horse Farms in Florida’s Panhandle, with the intent of entering local parades and other events, something fun. But those public events led to requests for a white carriage pulled by a matching white horse. What started as a hobby has since blossomed into a fullblown boutique business. And as requests for a specific
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horse or carriage arrived, it was immediately placed on their “wish list,” the Murphys working toward purchasing it. Sweet Southern Horse & Carriage now has 11 types of coaches, and “the number seems to keep growing,” says Tiffany Murphy, adding that these are complemented by their 10 draft horses— Percherons, Clydesdales, even a Friesian. Stan has since retired to the cooler temps of north Florida. The carriages are purchased from all over the United States, as have the horses that pull them—Tennessee, New York, Mississippi, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Ohio, as well as from right here in the Sunshine State. Tiffany will make the crosscountry drive to pick up new acquisitions, covering her trip expenses by hauling horses and/or carriages for others.
OPPOSITE PAGE: TOP LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF SWEET SOUTHERN HORSE & CARRIAGE; TOP RIGHT PHOTO BY KATHY ANN GREGG; BOTTOM PHOTO BY TRACI NEWLIN
Sweet Southern
The Murphy's hobby has sure come a long way, from a small Victorian carriage and one horse named Stan.
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They have even become a regular attraction at local rodeos, including Wauchula’s Peace River Pro Rodeo Classic and the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo.
‘The sparkle in a child’s eye … makes all the work worth the effort’
Naturally, weekends are in demand. They also provide horseback rides at festivals such as DeSoto County’s Pioneer Days, using the draft and quarter horses, where kids and adults can ride. In the past they had done pony parties … and are still quite popular for photo shoots. Sweet Southern Horse & Carriage is one of the largest such businesses in Florida and, fortunately, the Murphys kept busy during the pandemic. October through January uses up to 10 team members on any given weekend. The remainder of the year usually requires six staffers.
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Events are scheduled up to a year in advance, while the couple has also provided last-minute services. Their goal is to help customers, no matter what. “We do everything we can to make it happen,” Tiffany Murphy says. They have even become a regular attraction at local rodeos, including Wauchula’s Peace River Pro Rodeo Classic and the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo, at both their March and October events. And being a family business, their children have been involved with the horses and carriages, many as drivers. One primary driver is 15-year-old son Jake Owens. Tiffany says: “We couldn’t accomplish what we do without the help of our excellent carriage drivers.”
PHOTO BY BY KATHY ANN GREGG
With four truck-and-trailer rigs to transport the carriages and horses, the business can accommodate multiple events simultaneously.
Sweet Southern Horse & Carriage now has 11 types of coaches for all types of occasions.
ROUNDUP
TOP RIGHT PHOTO BY TRACI NEWLIN; OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF SWEET SOUTHERN HORSE & CARRIAGE
SWEET SOUTHERN HORSE & CARRIAGE Weddings, quinceañeras, proms, parties, festivals, photography sessions, community and corporate events, parades, funerals Facebook: sweetsouthernhorseandcarriage Instagram: @sweetsouthernhorseandcarriage Email: sweetsouthernhorseandcarriage@gmail.com 863-990-2160, sweetsouthernhorseandcarriage.com
While many of the horses acquired by the business are well trained, some were “green” and needed miles of practice to be ready for commercial work. As Donald also manages a cattle ranch, this is handy when it comes to training horses and putting miles on them. They have even fed cattle and completed other chores using the carriages and horses!
and “From newly wed to newly dead, we can do it all!” Adding to their accomplishments, MTV’s “Siesta Key” in an episode featured a Murphy carriage. It was filmed in Sarasota. Donald’s son Ethan McWhorter, a regular driver, made his acting debut in the popular reality series.
What a pleasant way to end the day!
Tiffany Murphy sums up why they do it: “Seeing the satisfaction on a bride’s face at a wedding, or the sparkle in a child’s eye when they ride in the carriage, makes all the work worth the effort.”
The first wedding that Sweet Southern Horse & Carriage worked was in December 2018; the first funeral procession in May 2019. The family jokes that they should adopt as their slogans: “We can marry you, and we can bury you,”
So, if you find yourself in need of a horse and chariot for a special event, or just want some unique photos, look no further than Sweet Southern Horse & Carriage— how sweet it is! FCM
Another way of keeping the horses in shape is a favorite past-time of the Murphys: a several hour evening ride.
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W
HAT A RIDE FOR A COUPLE OF DIRT FARMERS. By the time you read this, the Bellamy Brothers duo, siblings David and Howard, musician-songwriters made famous with “Let Your Love Flow” in the 1970s and a steady string of follow-up hits, will have released an EP of cover songs, have returned to the stage.
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A tour with Blake Shelton last year ended mid-schedule with the coronavirus. As we ease from the darkness, the brothers this summer had gigs into Texas, Colorado, Minnesota and Ohio. The newly released covers that include “Never Ending Song of Love” by Delaney and Bonnie and Friends, are recorded at their Honky Tonk Ranch in Darby, Florida, a mile or so from Bellamy Brothers Boulevard in Florida’s Pasco County. Before the pandemic, the brothers had released, “40 Years,” a collection of 20 of their hits, and 20 new songs. They had averaged about 200 yearly performances, visiting 70 or so countries, had also co-written “Let Your Love Flow: The Life and Times of the Bellamy Brothers,” a complete backstory as told to Michael Kosser.
Blake Shelton
The book is great, a slice of important music history, and funny. Put a nickel in one brother, the other has stories about Willie or Waylon or John Anderson (“No Country Music for Old Men”). And they have likely resumed filming Honky Tonk Ranch, on the Circle Network, taking us on their travel and performing escapades. Tanya Tucker, John Schneider, Shelton and others had appeared on the reality show that mixes a sort of “Housewives of Pasco County” with skits, a peek into the brothers’ circle. David’s wife, Susan, artfully leads these “misadventures.”
HOME AWAY FROM AWAY
PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF THE BELLAMY BROTHERS
Honky Tonk Ranch is the brothers’ real-life home base in Darby, north of Tampa, and where they stashed themselves in the pandemic, recording and de-stressing, kicking back with Old Hippie Stash, their line with Florida-based Trulieve, a medical cannabis provider. Reggae Cowboy and Big Love were the first strains. They partake to relax the old bones, Howard says, smiling from under a nice straw hat. The brothers, in fact, open their book with a funny weed-related story: “Boys,” dad Homer Bellamy asks his sons, “what kind of tomato plant did you say that was growing in the hog pen?” Honky Tonk Ranch in Darby is a quiet 200 acres of homes, outbuildings and a recording studio under a canopy of bearded live oaks, open fields, a working ranch of Brahma cattle and horses. There is a fishing hole, roosters that fight back against the hawks, beehives and a dog loving its belly scratched.
David and Howard Bellamy
The brothers will materialize on a planned visit, loose and at their ease. A hired hand eyeballs things and works the ranch, another keeps records. A Bellamy Brothers’ bandmate, guitarist Randy Hiebert, lives at the ranch, records the brothers as music or mood inspires. The brothers wear their signature hats, David’s slightly tilted, neither looking much older than fifty, maybe a little less nimble. Who knew these two little boys (Howard and David), right, would grow up to perform all over the world for decades to come.
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Howard is engaged to his fiancé Julia from Texas and looks forward to you meeting her in Season 3 of Honky Tonk Ranch. He drives a golfcart on the ranch, a rusted small-bore shotgun wedged in there. There’s a white Mercedes sedan in his driveway. He will feed pellets to his beautiful and docile Brahma bulls. David motors around in an ATV, Susan, in mirrored oval glasses, tall and quite lovely, hanging on. They’ve been pards for years. He has five sons. Honky Tonk Ranch is also the brothers’ modified homestead. They were raised on a smaller chunk of that rural property as “living poor on rich land” with a sister “Ginger,” mom Frances and dad Homer, an assortment of steers, cows and hogs. They grew or traded for food.
The forthcoming EP of cover songs, David Bellamy adds, “are the ones we kind of grew up around … the people our age.” Retirement, Howard Bellamy responds when asked of that year off from the coronavirus? Nah. “Gotta do something,” he says. “We’re worthless, otherwise.”
PICK ANY TWO PEOPLE MEANT TO PERFORM
Pick any two people God chose to perform, it is the Bellamy Brothers. David Milton Bellamy, born in September 1950, and Homer Howard Bellamy, February 1946, were into music from consciousness, in a dirt-road Baptist church, where a horse poked its curious head in the window, to backyard socials, school dances, go-go clubs, University of Florida frat parties, honky-tonks with chicken-wire stage meshing, and ultimately before the world. Their songs have been performed, covered and recovered for nearly 50 years, including Blake Shelton’s take on their “Redneck Girl,” maybe two dozen renditions of “If I Said You Had a Beautiful Body,” hundreds of other salutes to their genius. And at each opportunity, they would race home to Darby. “We come back to our roots,” Howard says, this morning in the shade of an immense live oak which is crutched to support a drooping branch of several tons. The boys’ father, Homer, ranched for others, broke green horses and farmed. He would return home on a half-disciplined horse that walked sideways. But at night he performed at dances — or frolics — and on porches. He played a Montgomery Ward guitar the brothers have kept in remembrance. It’s the first thing they show guests in their studio. Homer and Frances are since deceased. Ginger lives down the road. Moonshine in the beginning was part of that fun. “It became second nature in our formative years,” David
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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF THE BELLAMY BROTHERS
"medical marijuana has really great health benefits when used responsibly,” David Bellamy tells Billboard. “i know it’s helped Howard and me on many levels. There was a stigma for so long, but now people are talking about it seriously and considering cannabis as an alternative for stress, anxiety, pain management And many other health factors.”
The Bellamy Brothers’ raw talent came from church choirs and hymnals, and with observing or playing along with Homer Bellamy’s porch buddies, who fiddled, strummed and sang. The family’s first recital at the Rattlesnake Roundup was in the 1960s. The Bellamys sang together as Homer made for Daytona Beach on Florida’s old dipsy-doodle highways, pitched harmony the sweet goal, the brothers recall.
Howard, David and their mother Frances Bellamy
Homer Bellamy
Willie Nelson
PHOTO CREDIT INFO
Dolly Parton
The Bellamy Brothers have created so many memories. Platinum records, hit music with other country legends and top right photo, another Bellamy brothers duo in the making with David's son's, Jesse & Noah.
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David and Susan Bellamy
Howard Bellamy
Randy Hiebert
The Bellamy Brothers' property has been in their family for 150 years. Honky Tonk Ranch in Darby is a quiet 200 acres of homes, outbuildings and a recording studio under a canopy of bearded live oaks, open fields, a working ranch of Brahma cattle, horses and a fishing hole
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ROUNDUP The Bellamy Brothers, David and Howard Active: 1960s-current Home: Honky Tonk Ranch, Darby, Florida Discography, touring, television and history: bellamybrothers.com
Bellamy recalls in ‘Let Your Love Flow: The Life and Times of the Bellamy Brothers,’ “for me, Howard and our sister [Ginger] to stay up on Saturday night listening to Homer and his buddies play honky-tonk and western swing music while they sipped moonshine.”
Nearly 60 albums and dozens of songs later, the brothers are living legends, putting Darby on the map, corporations paying big dollars for private concerts.
TOP LEFT PHOTO ON OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF THE BELLAMY BROTHERS; ALL OTHER PHOTOS THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY SCARLETT REDENIUS
To help with an eye condition, Ginger Bellamy as a kid had an accordion, which David then played. The brothers also absorbed songs or chants of orange-grove Jamaicans, migrants and locals picking fruit or sorting in a huge packinghouse.
“SPIDERS & SNAKES” AND “LET YOUR LOVE FLOW” These life lessons prepped the Bellamy brothers … for hardship, Howard in early adulthood at cattle auctions, David playing strip clubs, wherever he collected some cash. And after a time together in Atlanta, carting around in a purloined rental van, back to Darby. Even at 70, David Bellamy has a clean tenor voice. His singing on expensive sound equipment gives the chills. Howard sings in an equally wonderful harmony. Then in the 1970s, a crack in the door, David co-writing “Spiders & Snakes” with Floridian Jim Stafford. The breakout “Let Your Love Flow” in 1976, a rolling and happy tune written by a Neil Diamond roadie, still stands. Nearly 60 albums and dozens of songs later, the brothers are living legends, putting Darby on the map, corporations paying big dollars for private concerts. “Let Your Love Flow” is in America’s DNA, the duo in their career performing it maybe nine thousand times, repeatedly before US troops on foreign soil, Howard says, with great pride. You’d know the dreaminess of it: “Just let your love flow like a mountain stream. And let your love grow with the smallest of dreams.” “It kind of awes us that we’ve recorded so much music,” David Bellamy summarizes in “Let Your Love Flow: The Life and Times of the Bellamy Brothers.” “Thank you for loving our music. We love you,” the Bellamy Brothers write in the sign-off in their book. FCM F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M
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22141 LUCKEY LEE LN, ALVA FL 33920 $995,000 34 Acres Creek Front Equestrian Property: 34 acres of sprawling creek front property in Alva. This is a private park like setting of trails and trails of endless ecological Florida trees, plants and wildlife. Kayak the meandering creek which is in the Great Calusa Blueway or walk the trails for hours enjoying the Florida lifestyle. The house and barn are in great condition.
12524 RIVER ROAD, FORT MYERS, FL 33905 $1,590,000 Riverfront 4-acre ranch style home with 2 story estate entrance: 4 full bedrooms-5 full bathrooms overlooking the Caloosahatchee River, 400 ft. paved private driveway will take you past 500 trees and plants- large 10,000 boat # boat lift, boat dock & captain’s walk sidewalk along the river. This is an amazing opportunity to find a large acreage home in Fort Myers. Split the river frontage with 2 lots or keep in the original condition. Large original kitchen cabinets. The kitchen, family room, Florida room, living room have river views. Stand up in the 2x6 trussed attic with plenty of storage. Huge 2nd story deck overlooking the river. First time offered for sale. Never been listed. Appointment required for showing.
Re/Max Hall Of Fame Sales Award • Platinum Sales Award • Re/Max Leaders & Legends Publication • Chairman Sales Award
IF YOU WANT IT SOLD • 239-872-7653
Darius Cochran OWNER AGENT
DariusLCochran@gmail.com DariusCochran@aol.com
#1 RE-MAX Office in Florida 2 Years in a Row! 50
www.DariusCochran.com
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PICTURE PERFECT
Photo by: Brooke Tarkington
HANG IN THERE!
“I
love photography! It's a way art expresses pure emotion,” says the Jacksonville photographer, shooting this life-memory image on an iPhone at Rainbow Springs in Dunnellon, Florida. “My favorite thing since becoming a mom is taking pictures of my children — capturing moments of them just enjoying this beautiful country and life without a care in the world, just as it should be!”
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MOMENTS OF TIME
“M Photo by: Kathy Lee
y passion is to capture moments of time and to make a memory for others,” says Kathy Lee, of LaBelle, Florida, shooting this amazing front-yard image with a Nikon 810, a 36-megapixel, single-lens reflex camera. “What I really love is when magic happens through the lens of the camera. This picture is my two granddaughters, Addalyn, left, and Brinlee, who helped me out for this sweet lemonade stand.”
BEE AMAZING!
“P
hotography is a way for me to connect with nature and unwind from the week’s hustle and bustle,” Ashley Head says of her close-up image at the Old Plank Road Wildlife Management Area in Tallahassee. “It gives me a way to permanently capture the beauty that I see daily.” Ashley, from Live Oak, Florida, east of the state capital in Suwannee County, uses a Canon EOS 6D, with a 180mm f2.8L macro lens.
Photo by: Ashley Head
SOMETHING NEVER SEEN
“I
Photo by: Ben Knowles
have been crabbing many times, but this was the first time I caught a blue crab underwater with a camera,” says the Marianna, Florida, photographer using a GoPro Hero9 Black to capture his rare image at Salt Springs in Fort McCoy, Marion County, Ocala National Forest. “This photo was taken during my first time snorkeling in Salt Springs. I enjoy capturing scenery or wildlife in a photo and sharing the photo with others. I love it when one of my photos helps someone recall fond memories or experience something they have never seen.”
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PICTURE PERFECT HAPPINESS BEHIND A LENS
“K
yra wanted memorable pictures of her horses for a keepsake,” the Englewood, Florida, photographer says, using a Canon EOS 6D to capture her memorable image at a southwest Florida ranch. “They were a challenge to get right, but with patience we were able to capture beautiful images. These pictures were taken right in her backyard, on the ranch. I find happiness behind a lens. Since a young girl, my hobby has been photography. And recently I opened my first business as a photographer that is prospering! The value of an image is priceless . . . and I admire reliving moments. To me photography is my bliss and my biggest accomplishment in my life yet. Capturing a moment and grabbing the beauty of it all really touches my soul. My business is called Precise Photography because I am precise about my work.”
Photo by: Kayla Lewis
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RARE FLORIDA WATERFALL
“I Photo by: Ray Carpenter
’ve been going to Falling Creek since I was a child in the ‘80s,” the Lake City, Florida, photographer says of his tranquil image shot with a Canon 5D Mark IV, using a Venus Optics 12mm zero distortion lens. “Falling Creek was one of the last privately owned hidden gems of Florida before it was purchased by Columbia County in 2001. Every time I come out here, I get a sense of wonder, at what the early settlers might have thought when they came across this rare waterfall in Florida.”
‘WILD AND WONDERFUL’
“I Photo by: Jeff Talbert
found this scene whilst travelling the Waukeenah Highway in Jefferson County,” says the Argyle, Florida, photographer. “There is so much history and beauty along our rural backroads. I taught myself photography so that I could share the beauty in the details that I see in the world. As a Florida native, my photos serve as an homage to this wild and wonderful state.” Jeff captured this haunting image with a Canon EOS 77D camera, using a Canon 100mm f/2.8L macro lens. The scene is the Walker Ranch near Thomas City, in Jefferson County, which is southeast of Tallahassee.
‘LOVE WHAT I DO’
“I Photo by: Shelby Weihmeir
have taken pictures for years as a hobby,” says the Lake Wales, Florida, photographer, using a Canon EOS Rebel T3 for her image in Reddick, Florida. “But it was not until a UF professor told me the potential I had to start a business, that I started to take this seriously. I love what I do, even though having a small business is not always the easiest. Taking photos is a relaxing time for me to reflect and I appreciate the ability to do so. Western lifestyle is my favorite to capture and living it makes things even better.”
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FLORIDA CHARM
MERMAIDS AND MANATEES CRYSTAL RIVER’S PASSIONS SEPARATE IT FROM THE ORDINARY Written by: Dave Kelly
D
rive an hour or so north of Tampa, and you will still be in Florida – but a Florida unlike what you might be used to visiting. While so many of this state’s coastal cities concentrate on sunbathing tourists and high-rise condos, Crystal River is different – it focuses squarely on mermaids and manatees. It’s a difference worth experiencing.
Each winter, hundreds of manatees arrive in Crystal River and the Kings Bay area, attracted to the natural warm fresh spring water during this cooler time of year. The area is home to numerous spring systems, including Three Sisters Springs - the most beautiful spring system in Kings Bay and the most important for wintering manatees – as well as King, Jurassic, House, and Hunter Springs. From November 15 to March 31, manatee sanctuaries are in effect, limiting human contact with the animals, but throughout the year the area is home to over one hundred “local” manatees that call Crystal River home.
We chose the Crystal Blue Lagoon Bed & Breakfast as our home base for our visit. From this enchanting mermaid and manatee-themed venue, which is situated on a natural spring of its own, you can walk out the door and swim or kayak with the manatees, which congregated at the property’s edge and in its spring, barely an arm’s reach away. We climbed to the spacious open sun deck and looked out on Hunter Spring Run, where we could see more manatees gliding between kayakers. Colorful murals depicting the Legend of the Crystal Blue Lagoon Mermaid adorned the building’s walls and wrapped us in the magic of the area. We stayed in the Mermaid Deluxe, a quiet, waterfront room with private bath and an amazing view of the lush landscape. Multiple options for breakfast were available in the spacious communal area downstairs, which is awash with color and uniquely mermaid designs, including a huge hand-painted floor mural. Bikes, kayaks, and water-cycles were accessible at
PHOTO COURTESY OF CRYSTAL RIVER WATERSPORTS
Sunsets and sunrises are equally beyond beautiful on Crystal River.
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Manatees, left, have whiskers much the same as cats. Getting close up and personal with a manatee in Crystal River.
MIDDLE RIGHT AND BOTTOM PHOTO BY MIKE ENGILES; OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF CRYSTAL RIVER WATERSPORTS
Pictured are crystal clear Three Sisters Springs, left, surrounded by mangroves, a mother and her calf making their way in Kings Bay, free-diving mermaids in the Three Sisters Spring.
Big Sister Spring and its crystal clear water are an hour or so north of Tampa.
EACH YEAR, HUNDREDS OF MANATEES ARRIVE IN CRYSTAL RIVER AND THE KINGS BAY AREA.
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FLORIDA CHARM CRYSTAL RIVER IS DIFFERENT – IT FOCUSES SQUARELY ON MERMAIDS AND MANATEES.
Pictured clockwise: Manatees have a playful side, as well. The mermaid theme is everywhere at the Crystal Blue Lagoon B & B; mermaid décor abounds at the Crystal Blue Lagoon.
no charge for us to explore the area as well. Owner Lynn Marcum-Miller’s personal touches were everywhere, and we could not have been more pleased with our stay. With Lynn’s guidance, we were directed to Crystal River Watersports and owner Mike Engiles, who promised us a day on the local waters that we would not forget. We met up with Captain Jim, headed out into Kings Bay, and encountered our first manatees soon after hitting the river.
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Mike explained that he is a member of the Manatee Eco-Tourism Association, committing his business to “Observe and Preserve Nature Above, In, and Under Water.” His company provides Eco and Manatee Tours, and his goal is human observation of and gentle interaction with the manatees. Activities such as touching, corralling, or chasing these majestic creatures are strictly forbidden, and Mike and his crew show a great respect for the environment that they live in. As
OPPOSITE PAGE: LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF CRYSTAL RIVER WATERSPORTS; INSET PHOTO COURTESY OF MERMAIDTALES FISHING; OTHER PHOTOS BY DAVE KELLY; THIS PAGE: TOP PHOTO BY MIKE ENGILES; BOTTOM PHOTO BY DAVE KELLY
we cruised the rivers and canals that feed into Kings Bay, we encountered many of these animals, including a mother and her calf. Mike noted that manatees can grow up to 1,500 pounds, with the females being somewhat larger than the males. Newborn calves weigh as much as 65 pounds, and mothers tend to them for about 18 months. Because of their continuous interaction with non-aggressive humans during this timeframe, young manatees often become increasingly independent, approaching human divers with curiosity and playfulness. It is amazing to experience. Additionally, Crystal River Watersports offers mermaid courses. During these classes, which are certified by Scuba Schools International, men and women alike learn to swim, exercise, and have fun while wearing a mermaid monofin. Four levels of classes, from Beginner to Ocean Mermaid, teach the skills necessary for you to confidently indulge your fantasy of mermaid life. Classes include photos and videos of your mermaid journey as you enjoy the clear cool waters that feed the local springs. No trip to the central Gulf Coast would be complete without a fishing trip, so we contacted Captain Robert of Mermaid Tales Fishing Charters and spent a glorious day on the water chasing redfish, sea trout, and more. The Crystal River winds past numerous state and national preserves, Native American burial grounds, and the tip of Fort Island before emptying out into Crystal Bay. Even with the incoming tide, the bay’s waters are no more than three feet deep, allowing the redfish to find hiding places throughout the mangrove-laced waters. Captain Robert knew where to take us to toss in our lines and exactly what bait to use, and we hit our limit before the sun was high. Mermaid Tales offers half-day and full-day fishing charters, as well as scalloping and fishing combo excursions.
Crystal River Watersports teaches you the mermaid life (above), and that theme is everywhere at the Crystal Blue Lagoon Bed and Breakfast.
Looking for a getaway where you can reconnect with nature and experience new things? Crystal River is the place to go. FCM
ROUNDUP Crystal Blue Lagoon Bed & Breakfast 244 NE 2nd Ct, Crystal River, Florida 34429 352-220-1488, crystalbluelagoonbb.com Crystal River Watersports 2380 US-19 Crystal River, Florida 34428 352-795-7033, crystalriverwatersports.com Mermaid Tales Fishing Charters 352-697-0141, mermaidtalesfishing.com
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FLORIDA EXCURSIONS
CAPTAIN JACK’S AIRBOAT TOURS EXPLORING FLORIDA’S EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK, GLIDING OVER THE MYSTERIOUS ‘RIVER OF GRASS’ here’s mystery and excitement in a 7,800-square-mile south Florida region.
Welcome to Everglades National Park, the “River of Grass,” 1.5 million acres of still wild spaces and extraordinary creatures, endangered leatherback turtles and Florida panthers, the West Indian manatee, for instance, more than 360 bird species, including waders such as the ibis, roseate spoonbill, egrets, herons and wood storks. Bird-lovers in summer can view diving anhingas, mottled ducks, green herons, red-shouldered hawks, eagles and osprey, says Mike Thrasher, group and reservation director for Captain Jack’s Airboat Tours in Everglades City, Florida, consistently a thumbs-up on Tripadvisor, the online comparison and travel company.
Captain Jack's Airboat Tours brings you up close to Florida wildlife.
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Aboard an airboat, there is no better way to see this amazing place, these interesting animals and beautiful birds, turtles, snakes, lizards, fish and insects. Airboats are flat-bottomed, propeller driven and requiring great skill to operate. And as anyone can attest, they are loud; however, Captain Jack’s airboats are customized to be quieter. Headsets allow easy two-way communication with the boat’s skipper. Airboat tours are more than wildlife, however: “Beautiful grasslands, mangroves and cypress swamps of the Everglades,” says Thrasher. Visitors also learn the backstory on the Everglades National Park, established in December 1947, about its vast wetlands, that it averages 60 inches of annual rainfall, has nine
PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF CAPTAIN JACK'S AIRBOAT TOURS
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Written by: Ava Grace
Captain Jack’s airboat and swamp buggy tours give you the ultimate Everglades experience. Enjoy alligator shows and visit the Animal Sanctuary.
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distinct habitats, including pine rocklands, coastal lowlands and marine waters. And it is done with the excitement and exhilaration of an airboat ride, with experienced and licensed captains stopping on the trip to embrace this heritage park and its great beauty. It is international treasure so significant, Thrasher adds, it attracts world visitors. “We have many returning guests, including family reunions, school groups and tourists, as the tours are never the same. One day you may see an alligator or even an American crocodile, and the next you might see a flock of roseate spoonbills or wood storks.” Beside airboating along mangroves and the grasslands, Captain Jack’s offers swamp-buggy tours, where in winter months visitors spot wild bear, owls and manatee in the haunting cypress forests you have seen in black-and white
REMEMBER TO BRING! Sunscreen Bug spray Camera/phone Binoculars Water and snacks Long-sleeved shirts and pants (for more coverage) Comfortable walking or hiking shoes Hat and sunglasses STAY & PLAY OVERNIGHT EXCLUSIVE PACKAGE WHAT: Stay & Play package stays at the Ivey House Everglades Adventures Hotel, a private airboat tour; one-hour, private mangrove airboat tour, animal sanctuary, a live alligator show. One-price packages suitable for 2-4 guests, all ages. Specials and coupons. Ivey House Everglades Adventures Hotel 605 Buckner Ave N. Everglades City, Florida 239-932-7279, iveyhouse.com
ROUNDUP Captain Jack’s Airboat Tours 239-610-5218, 844-326-2628 captainjacksairboattours.com Tickets & Boat Launch 905 Dupont Street, Everglades City, Florida Animals & More Tours 32330 Tamiami Trail, Ochopee, Florida
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photographs by Clyde Butcher, Florida’s “Ansel Adams of the Everglades.” Swamp buggies are wheeled monsters powering through bogs. The company has combo airboat/swamp-buggy packages, also its famous ‘gator shows. “They’ll get to hold a baby alligator and learn interesting facts about this apex predator, such as how their adult size can exceed 10 feet,” adds Thrasher. The touring company’s animal sanctuary is also cool; home to rescued lions, tigers, otters, crocodiles and over 100 alligators. American alligators and American crocodiles are native to south Florida, the only North America habitat where both reside. As anyone visiting the Everglades agrees, “it’s better than any themepark,” adds Mike Thrasher. FCM
PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF CAPTAIN JACK'S AIRBOAT TOURS
FLORIDA EXCURSIONS
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MY BEST FRIEND Florida Country Magazine runs a “My Best Friend” contest on Facebook every other month, for each issue of the magazine.
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Kayla Lewis of Southwest Florida Best Friend’s Name: Hank Best Friend’s Breed: Florida Black Mouth Cur Hank is a dog of a lifetime. As Black Mouth Curs were bred to be, he is an amazing hunter and family dog. He is exceptional at catching hogs and birds, as well as being a great protector and gentle with kids. He is our second kid and requires lots of play. We are so grateful to have him by our side as our son grows. He provides so much love for us and lots of laughs with his silly personality. I will never break away from the breed, as I have never been disappointed when meeting another … or when it comes to my own.
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Genifer Williams of Fort Denaud, Florida Best Friend’s Name: Diamonds Are Frosty, aka Frost Best Friend’s Breed: AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) Frost means the world to me; she’s got the best personality and has a super sweet disposition. She is very athletic and loves to compete in rodeos. Her favorite events are barrel racing and pole bending. She came to me when I needed her the most and I’m truly blessed to have her. She is a family member, and my grandchildren will be riding her one day. My barn wouldn’t be complete without Frost in it!
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Jodie Moore of Lecanto, Florida Best Friend’s Name: Red Sun Rising, aka Sunnie Best Friend’s Breed: Appaloosa Sunnie is my third once-in-a lifetime horse. I had retired my old mare at 27 and knew I needed another special friend. I saw Sunnie on an internet ad and it was instant love! When I looked at her picture and enlarged it, it was as if she looked into my soul. I went and bought her the next day. She was a wild thing from northern Idaho but responded to me and jumped right in the trailer. We have never looked back. She is the sunshine of my life!
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Ethan Snyder of Myakka City, Florida Best Friend’s Name: Cody Best Friend’s Breed: Mountain dog My best pal was Cody — we were babies together. Cody never really played with toys; he did eat a lot of my socks and loved to run with me. Any time I'd play with someone else, he would get in between to get my attention. The only thing he chased were squirrels that jumped from trees to tease him. He got cancer but loved slumber parties with me until he just got too tired and passed away.
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Randy McWhorter of Alva, Florida Best Friend’s Name: BK Best Friend’s Breed: American Bully She is part of our family. She means the world to us. She plays hard and loves harder! She enjoys car rides, riding the side-by-side and playing tug of war! Law enforcement/ corrections can be a tough job physically and mentally some days but coming home to my girls is what keeps me keep going. She came into my life when I needed her the most!
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WILD FLORIDA
SEARCHING FOR GOLD MAHI-MAHI, ABUNDANT AND EASY TO CATCH, TRUE CHICKEN OF THE SEA
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Written by: Paul Thurman, Ph.D.
hroughout my fishing career, few things have captured my imagination like being offshore.
I remember my first trip down in the Florida Keys like it was yesterday. We left the dock and once in the Gulf Stream slowed down and started cruising a line of free-floating sargassum. The clarity and deep blue color of the water were mesmerizing and seemed infinite, with any sort of sea monster lurking just out of view. A short time later my eyes were drawn toward what was the most colorful fish I had ever seen. The blue, green and gold colors seemed like they were the same as all the neon signs littering south Florida during the 1980s. Our captain immediately stopped the boat and told me to throw a live sardine toward the fish. I was used to fishing for snook and assumed mahi-mahi, or mahi, were the same; if you could see them, then they could see you — and you probably weren’t going to get a reaction.
To my surprise and great pleasure, the fish immediately went for my bait and I was hooked up before it seemed my bait even hit the water. What followed was an incredible aerial display and a great fight, resulting in my first, and to this day the largest, mahi — a nice bull that measured at just over 40 inches. In total, we landed about 50 that day. Mahi, also known as dolphinfish or dorado, are found in the deep, clear waters offshore in the tropics and subtropics around the world. Their abundance and ease of catch makes them an important food for many island nations and a commercial fish for many fisheries globally. Chances are if you go to a good seafood restaurant, mahi is on the menu. The white flaky fish is beloved by most, even some who say they don’t like fish. Compared to other species, mahi-mahi can be easy to find. But you may need to cover some water. They live near the surface in clear water, so they can be easy to spot.
Mahi, also known as dolphinfish or dorado, are found in the deep, clear waters offshore in the tropics and subtropics around the world.
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Floating mats of sargassum provide refuge to numerous species of marine animals and attracts mahi and other prized game fish.
They also have an affinity for any sort of floating structure which can attract baitfish and provide some cover from other predators. Any floating debris can have mahi near it, including natural sargassum mats and doors and wood washed out from a storm. While mahi are abundant, they are not evenly distributed offshore and tend to congregate around structures. Think of the offshore waters where mahi live as a giant desert and the floating debris as the oasis providing food and shelter. Once you find them, just about any artificial bait that imitates a prey fish or squid will catch mahi. They also readily hit natural bait, with their preferred prey being flying fish and squid. I have even caught many using dead or cut bait. Most fish are caught trolling using relatively heavy conventional tackle, but this is because while fishing offshore it is not uncommon to also catch sailfish, marlin, tuna and a host of other reel-burning monsters. If targeting mahi, you can get away with considerably lighter tackle in the 20-pound test range. Compared to the other offshore sportfish, mahi are not particularly large, with the world record mahi weighing in at 87 pounds. While trolling is a popular way to catch mahi and other offshore species, they can be sight-fished quite easily, if you can find them and they aren’t spooked by boats. Biologically, mahi are truly amazing. They are one of the fastest growing fish on the planet, but only live three to four years … and those are the really big ones. They begin reproducing when they are as young as four months old and produce more than 30,000 eggs every two days or so. F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M
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WILD FLORIDA
Just about any artificial bait that imitates a prey fish or squid will catch mahi. Also, natural bait, with their preferred prey being flying fish and squid.
These traits make the species less susceptible to overfishing compared to most other species, resulting in regulations that are considerably less strict than most other sportfish. Despite the large numbers caught globally, they remain one of the most abundant species found offshore. If you are interested in catching mahi, you will need to get offshore. For those of us on the Gulf coast, that means way offshore. As a result, unless you have the experience and equipment, it is much safer to hire a reputable guide. They can get you safely to the fish and back and will have the knowledge to find and help you catch the fish. Good luck and tight lines! FCM
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WILD FLORIDA
NATURE AS SEEN THROUGH A LENS
GATORLAND OFFERS PHOTOGRAPHERS PICTURE PERFECT OPPORTUNITIES
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Written by: Kathy Ann Gregg
alling all nature photographers—magazine quality wild-bird photos with just a stroll along a boardwalk!
The central Florida theme park of Gatorland hosts “Photographers Pass” in February through June, where you access a boardwalk over an alligator breeding marsh hours before the Orlando park opens, from 7 a.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. Inside park gates for a modest $25 admission (plus sales tax), you remain there until the park opens at 10 a.m. But with hundreds of water birds in various stages of breeding—from their courtship routines to hatchlings begging for food, some just an arms-length away—you will have plenty to keep you busy. And as photographers
know, having their subjects bathed in that early morning light makes for perfection in photos! Gatorland was the leader in this type of access, having built the alligator breeding marsh in 1991. With tree growth along the water’s edges, water birds flock to build their nests there every year. It is considered one of the largest and most accessible wading bird rookeries in the Sunshine State, home to more than 20 different bird species—some listed as endangered or a species of special concern—providing them the needed nesting, foraging and roosting areas so critical to their survival. While it may seem strange that they would choose to raise their young in such proximity to these remnants from the Age of Dinosaurs, it is a mutually beneficial arrangement: Gators keep the usual nest-raiding culprits away, and small birds tumbling from a nest, well, they are treated as snacks.
IT IS CONSIDERED ONE OF THE LARGEST AND MOST ACCESSIBLE WADING BIRD ROOKERIES IN THE SUNSHINE STATE, HOME TO MORE THAN 20 DIFFERENT BIRD SPECIES.
PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY KATHY ANN GREGG
A great egret fluffs in his courting ritual; note the lime tint of the lores (area by the beak) and the gauzy breeding plumage.
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Clockwise from top left: A posing great blue heron, a fluffing snowy egret, an egret checking blue nest eggs, a great egret fishing swamp waters with its gator neighbors, an adult great egret feeding the kids.
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A wood stork, a so-called Species of Special Concern requiring specific habitat, gathers nesting material from a treetop.
As is typical with nature photography, there is no guarantee as to what you will find, but it is likely you will see great and snowy egrets and tri-colored herons, in abundance. Also present are wood storks, great blue herons, cattle egrets, cormorants, even roseate spoonbills. And boat-tailed grackles are found throughout the park, including the marsh area. In late March 2019, I even witnessed a peacock perched on a pole, with its magnificent tail feathers spread downward. And in early April this year we were treated to an Egyptian goose from the park landing on the boardwalk covering, where it proceeded to loudly announce its presence. You will be among birders and photographers from all over the world, working with every type of equipment from cellphone cameras to exceptionally long lenses on tripods. While the majority are friendly and willing to share, there are always the few that think they own the place—don’t let their attitude spoil this wonderful experience. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, “Photographers Pass” was not offered most of the 2020 breeding season, and 2021 saw it limited to five days (which have been completed), with limited attendance and reservations required in advance. So always check the park’s website for updated information—click on “Photographers Pass” under the “Experiences” link. The photographs shown on these pages, as well as many others taken at Gatorland, are available for purchase. Contact me directly at ksleepyk@aol. com, or on Facebook. FCM
WHAT: Gatorland, 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve, opened as a roadside attraction in 1949. See alligators, crocodiles, native and endangered birds, a free flight aviary, breeding marsh with observation tower, petting zoo, nature trails, a train ride, dining, a splash park, entertainment including the Legends of the Swamp Show, Gator Jumparoo, and “Up-Close Encounter” shows. WHERE: Highway 441/South Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, Florida 407-855-5496, 800-393-JAWS (5297) gatorland.com
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PHOTO BY KATHY ANN GREGG
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Wild horses Beach, basically Pours down Dip (in) water Wreath of flowers Rods between wheels Very small Ending for east or west Burning bright Large tree used for furniture Doctor, abbr. Florida time setting, abbr. Florida’s state horse Feeling of wounded pride Nice looking Plant with many variegated leaf colors Place to hang your hat Horse breed Complete
HIDDEN WORD
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Tree that flourishes in Florida Regatta activity On the ocean, 2 words Cooks on the BBQ They’re shot from bows Less shallow Ship poles Important time period Southern live ___ (tree) Promotional piece Florida university, for short Sweet ____ flower Formal address Horse related Swarmed Misbehave, 2 words Spanish for beach Top exec, abbr.
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THE CULINARY CRACKER
WHIPPING IT UP IN YOUR KITCHEN Every issue of Florida Country Magazine is filled with easy, delicious and seasonal recipes you’ll want to make again and again.
SPICY MARGARITA Serves 2
INGREDIENTS ¼ cup sea salt 2 tablespoons chile powder 2 teaspoons lime zest 4 ounces silver tequila 2 ounces triple sec 2 limes, juiced 1 tablespoon agave nectar 1 jalapeno pepper, round thin slices 1 lime, cut into wedges, for garnish and rimming the glass Ice PREPARATION Mix salt, chile powder and lime zest in small bowl. Pour 1/4 to 1/2 inch covering the bottom of a small, shallow plate. Moisten the rim of two margarita glasses with lime wedge and dip into the chili salt mixture. Fill glasses with ice and set aside. Pour the tequila, triple sec, lime juice, agave nectar and half of the jalapeno slices into a cocktail shaker over ice. Cover and shake vigorously. Strain into the prepared glasses, and garnish with lime wedges and remaining jalapeno slices to serve.
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INGREDIENTS 1¾ cups white sugar 8 cups water 1½ cups lemon juice, approximately 8 large lemons PREPARATION In a small saucepan, combine sugar and 1 cup water. Bring to boil and stir to dissolve sugar. r Allow to cool to room temperature, then cove in ns lemo Soak ed. and refrigerate until chill hot water for 10 minutes. Roll each lemon on tabletop before you cut and squeeze. Remove seeds from lemon juice but leave pulp. In pitcher, stir together chilled syrup, lemon juice and remaining seven cups water.
LEMONADE Serves 10
RASPBERRY MOJITO Serves 1
INGREDIENTS 6 fresh mint leaves, have extra for garnish 6 fresh raspberries, have extra for garnish ½ fluid ounce simple syrup ½ fluid ounce lime juice 1 fluid ounce raspberry-flavored vodka 1 fluid ounce silver rum 2 fluid ounces club soda Ice PREPARATION Muddle mint leaves, raspberries, simple syrup, and lime juice together in a shaker. Fill . the shaker with ice and add vodka and rum ents cont Cover and shake until chilled. Pour . of shaker into a glass and top with club soda
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THE CULINARY CRACKER
INGREDIENTS ½ cup brandy ¼ cup lemon juice ⅓ cup frozen lemonade concentrate ⅓ cup orange juice 1 bottle dry red wine ½ cup triple sec 1 cup strawberries, sliced 1 cup apples, cut into chunks 1 lemon, round slices 1 orange, round slices 1 lime, round slices ⅛ cup white sugar 8 maraschino cherries 2 cups ginger ale, chilled PREPARATION In a large pitcher or bowl, combine and mix the brandy, lemon juice, lemonade concentrate, orange juice, red wine, triple sec and sugar. Float slices of lemons, oranges, limes, and maraschino cherries in the mixture. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Add ginger ale right before serving.
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RED SANGRIA Serves 6
INGREDIENTS 5 ounces fresh lemonade 5 ounces unsweetened tea 1 cup ice PREPARATION Pour a half glass of lemonade over ice. Fill the rest with tea. Garnish with lemon.
THE ARNOLD PALMER Serves 1
INGREDIENTS ½ cup white sugar ½ cup water 3 strips orange zest 2 cups cubed/seeded watermelon 1 cup white tequila ¼ cup lime juice 1 pinch salt or sugar for rimming glasses 1 lime, cut into wedges 2 cups crushed ice
WATERMELON MARGARITA Serves 4
PREPARATION Bring ½ cup sugar, water, and orange zest in a small saucepan to boil, stirring constantly. Simmer until sugar is dissolved, approximately 3 minutes. Remove simple syrup mixture from heat and allow to cool completely. Place watermelon in a blender or food processor. Pulse until pureed. Stir watermelon puree into a large pitcher with simple syrup, tequila, and lime juice. Place a small amount of salt or sugar into a saucer. Rub edge of margarita glasses with a lime wedge to moisten. Dip the rim of the glass into the saucer to coat rim with mixture. Tap off excess salt or sugar. Fill rimmed glasses with crushed ice. Pour margarita mixture into glasses and garnish with lime wedges. F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M
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