Florida Country Magazine - October / November 2020 by Florida Country Magazine

FEATURES

FLORIDA COUNTRY MAGAZINE / ISSUE VOL. 4 • NO.5

ON THE COVER: Florida Cracker Trading Company’s iconic upside-down boot logo is taking over the Sunshine State. Read more about the Hensley brothers from Brooksville and their Florida brand on page 42.

Clay County is Calling Northeastern Part of Florida Known for Small Towns, Big Passions

In Grits We Trust

Hensley Brothers’ Florida Cracker Brand Embracing the Sunshine State

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DEPARTMENTS FLORIDA COUNTRY MAGAZINE / ISSUE VOL. 4 • NO. 5

FLORIDA EXCURSIONS

FCM CIRCLE

A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER

LITTLE SLICE OF HEAVEN ON THE MUD RIVER

page 8

page 48

FLORIDA 4-H

COUNTRYWIDE

TIPS TO KEEP LEATHER TACK IN GOOD CONDITION

page 10

RUSTIC ROOM

MOUNTAIN CABIN TIME IN ELLIJAY, GEORGIA

page 52

page 56

page 12

PICTURE PERFECT

HORSIN' AROUND

page 60

TRIPLE B RIDING CLUB

page 16

AG EDUCATION

MAKING AG STUDENTS MORE MARKETABLE

WILD FLORIDA

page 20

page 64

page 68

STARS & GUITARS

BRIGHT AND CHEERY— AND THAT’S JUST THE SUNFLOWER FIELDS

MEET BROTHERS OSBORNE

page 70

page 24

page 27

MAKE MINE MULLET!

MY BEST FRIEND

FLORIDA HARVEST

ORANGE WE BLESSED!

FLORIDA CHARM

THE CLUB CONTINENTAL AND AZALEANA MANOR

THE RUSTY SPUR DECOR & MORE IS ‘THE PLACE’ FOR FABULOUS FINDS

CROSSWORD

LEAPIN’ LIZARDS

page 73

TRUCKS & TOYS

page 30

GET A GRIP

page 74

THE BRAND

AMELIA TOFFEE COMPANY

page 32

DELICIOUS DAIRY DONE RIGHT

page 35

THE CULINARY CRACKER

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WHIPPING IT UP IN YOUR KITCHEN

page 76

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Owner/Publisher Scarlett Redenius Owner/C.E.O. Brad Redenius President Thomas Fifield Vice President Sheila Fifield Editorial Director Katherine Waters Design Director Brian Stromlund Travel Editor Dave Kelly Contributing Writers Brenda Eubanks Burnette, Jack Collier, Christopher Decubellis, Ava Grace, Kym Rouse Holzwart, Dave Kelly, Katey McClenny, Myles Mellor, Savage 4x4, Paul Thurman, Ph.D. Featured Photographers Christy Buchanan, Brenda Eubanks Burnette, Hugh Coachman, Kim Eason, Kara Gil, Kym Rouse Holzwart, Doris Keeler, Dave Kelly, Delaney Kelly, Lee Kenyon, Courtney Keogh, Jess Knauf, Lisa Knous, Ben Knowles, Thomas Lightbody, Wendy McGinnis, Scarlett Redenius, Paul Thurman, Ph.D., Jessie Tillis, Dee Dee Wheeler For more information about advertising with Florida Country Magazine, or joining our regional sales team, please contact:

239-692-2613 sales@floridacountrymagazine.com For other inquiries contact:

Scarlett Redenius, Publisher 239-600-4783 Published by: Florida Country Publications

PO Box 50989 • Fort Myers, FL 33994 LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

facebook.com/floridacountrymagazine F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M Florida Country Magazine is published bi-monthly, copyright 2020, all rights reserved. Reproduction of contents in print or electronic transmission in whole or in part in any language or format must be by expressed written permission of the publisher. All articles, descriptions and suggestions in this magazine are merely expression of opinions from contributors and advertisers and do not constitute the opinion of the publisher, editor or staff of Florida Country Magazine, and under no circumstances constitutes assurances or guarantees concerning the quality of any service or product. Florida Country Magazine specifically disclaims any liability related to these expressions and opinions. Florida Country Magazine is not responsible for any unsolicited submissions. The advertiser agrees to hold harmless and indemnify the publishers from all liability.

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FCM CIRCLE

told myself I wasn’t going to bring up COVID-19. It’s a real bummer and we hear enough about it—we’re living it.

But there’s a COVID topic I’d like to talk about, which is silently sheltering in place with us and you may not know it: COVID Curves. Yes, COVID Curves. Some refer to it as COVID-15 (referencing how many pounds you packed on). And it’s a real term! I thought this whole time that I just loved food. But no, it’s a real medical condition caused from pandemic-induced stress—wink, wink—and it’s real. Well, during this semi- (of one’s own volition) shelterin-place age we live in, I’ve also tried to get rid of this COVID-15. Trust me, I’ve fallen off every railcar on this train—and once again landed straight on my caboose. Look around, it’s one of the few things we can still enjoy and how in the world can you go to the Florida Cracker Kitchen in Brooksville and not eat? It’s a no-brainer— chicken & waffles, please; some Pine Island Bay Fry Baskets; Okeechobee Gumbo; you name it. Fresh smoked mullet dip and then on my way out, I’m grabbing some merchandise, too; just one size bigger— . Read about the Florida Cracker Trading Company brands. Learn how the Hensley brothers—with different professional backgrounds—created this iconic upside-down boot-branded empire that’s taking over the Sunshine State. Speaking of smoked mullet dip, check out the “business in the front, party in the back”—oops, wrong mullet! I meant, be sure to read Paul Thurman’s article on this versatile fish. And mullet enthusiasts should also spend some mullet time on the Mud River by perusing Ava Grace’s article on Mary’s Fish Camp. As you know, Florida Country Magazine loves to explore, and our travel writer Dave Kelly does just that. He’ll transport you to Clay County, The Club Continental and Azaleana Manor—where history meets luxury; and cross the state line for mountain cabin time in Ellijay, Georgia.

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Our writers work hard to bring such wonderful stories to our pages, especially during this difficult time. It’s really a task these days and I truly appreciate all that they do. Chris Decubellis contributes great articles for Florida 4-H. In this issue, you’ll find tips on leather care. Take that ride with our Horsin’ Around writer Kym Rouse Holzwart and the Triple B Riding Club. A big thanks, Kym, for all your horsey contributions. Ava Grace, I can’t thank you enough for always being eager to write about anything I ask, no limits—and that’s hard to find in a writer. This issue, she takes you to The Rusty Spur Decor & More for fabulous finds; introduces you to Agriculture Education Services & Technology Inc., or AEST; strolls through Fall Festival sunflower fields at Amazing Grace Family Farms; and talks up the delicious toffee from Amelia Toffee Company, and even more deliciousness from Southern Craft Creamery. Another amazing woman, writer and gator hunter, is Katey McClenny. She comes up with super articles on ranching and cattle talk and is just fearless. You’ll witness that spunk when she personally takes you gator hunting. Thanks, Katey! We also appreciate and thank Savage 4x4 for bringing tech tips to our readers. Your on-the-road experiences will be safer after reading this issue’s info on towing and hauling. New writer Brenda Eubanks Burnette keeps you in the know about the citrus industry’s past and present. Her latest article goes back in time, prior to World War II, when citrus was packed and shipped in wooden crates. Florida Country Magazine cannot thank every one of you enough for contributing to our beautiful publication and we cannot wait for the return of two others in our stable of writers: Forrest Boone, our prayers are with your family; and we look forward to articles from our rodeo queen, Kathy Gregg. And as always, there’d be no publication or writers without our wonderful advertisers. SCARLETT REDENIUS, Publisher

THIRD PHOTO FROM RIGHT BY CHRISTY BUCHANAN/STUDIO 16 PHOTOGRAPHY;SECOND PHOTO FROM LEFT BY HUGH COACHMAN

COVID CURVES AND APPRECIATION

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FLORIDA 4-H

TIPS TO KEEP LEATHER TACK IN GOOD CONDITION HEAT AND HUMIDITY CAN WREAK HAVOC ON SADDLES, BRIDLES, HALTERS AND HARNESSES

Written by: Christopher Decubellis

iving on a Florida homestead is a very rewarding existence, although sometimes the months of heat and humidity present challenges for folks who have a rural lifestyle. For those of us with horses or any other livestock that have leather tack, the heat and humidity can wreak havoc on our saddles, bridles, halters and harnesses. Fortunately, there are strategies to help keep leather tack in good condition. Keeping a leather item clean is important to help keep tack in good working order and lengthen its serviceable life. Leather items that touch a horse’s skin while riding can get covered in sweat and dirt. Regular cleaning might simply involve wiping down an item after use. Even though we are in the Sunshine State, we all know that rain is a frequent and welcome visitor. If we happen to experience a shower while out riding our equine pal, we need to wipe off all leather tack thoroughly upon arriving home.

damage the saddle tree. Saddle soap comes in bar, cake and liquid form. Liquid is often preferred because it does not “cake up” in a saddle’s fancy tooling. After thoroughly cleaning your leather tack items, allow them to completely dry. The washing process will remove some or most of the natural oils in the leather, so the next step is to oil your leather tack. The exception to this recommendation is very old or antique leather. In such cases, oil the tack before the items are completely dry— to help prevent cracking. Oiling is extremely important to help preserve leather tack. The oil will condition the leather and help make the leather fibers more pliable. Neatsfoot oil is the “old standard” saddle oil and still works well. However, neatsfoot oil will darken leather and can also promote mildew growth, especially if it is overused. Blended oils that contain a combination of neatsfoot oil and other natural oils might be a good option in Florida.

NEATSFOOT OIL IS THE “OLD STANDARD” SADDLE OIL AND STILL WORKS WELL. HOWEVER, NEATSFOOT OIL WILL DARKEN LEATHER AND CAN ALSO PROMOTE MILDEW GROWTH, ESPECIALLY IF IT IS OVERUSED. BLENDED OILS THAT CONTAIN A COMBINATION OF NEATSFOOT OIL AND OTHER NATURAL OILS MIGHT BE A GOOD OPTION IN FLORIDA. While regular wipe-downs are a good start, thorough deepcleanings are necessary several times a year or as needed— perhaps after tack gets rained on, for instance. Deep-cleanings involve disassembling tack (undoing buckles and the like) and scrubbing with a good glycerin-based saddle soap, using a sponge or brush with some water. Then gently wash away the suds and dirt with a low-pressure garden hose. Do not submerge your saddle, as that could

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Try to stay away from products that contain petroleumbased oils. Keep in mind that all oils will darken leather to some degree, and leather can even tan in the sun—much like human skin. If you want to keep a saddle as light as possible, you will have to use one of the products specially formulated for that. Be sure to use these products sparingly. Remember that you want to condition—not soak—your leather tack items in oil. Some people do find better results

with oil that is slightly heated up so that it penetrates the leather easily, or they simply place their saddle in the sun before oiling. Wipe off any excess oil that hasn’t soaked in after a few minutes. After oiling, you may want to apply a finish to your leather items. This finish could be a conditioner or a lacquer. These help seal the fibers after oiling—and could add some water resistance. Some of these products might contain lanolin, natural waxes or other oils. Simply rub these products on the leather using your fin-

gers, and then wipe off all excess with a soft cloth. Regular cleaning, oiling and conditioning of leather tack will help the Florida horse enthusiast keep his or her leather tack in good condition for an extended period of time—perhaps even for decades. For further information, check out the following fact sheet from UF/IFAS Extension: training.ifas.ufl.edu/Equine2011/ Equine11_Thrift_Tack/Maintaining%20Tack.pdf. The fact sheet is the primary reference source for this article. FCM

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RUSTIC ROOM

THE RUSTY SPUR DECOR & MORE IS ‘THE PLACE’ FOR FABULOUS FINDS SOMETHING OLD IS SOMETHING NEW IN DESIGN DISTRICT OF NAPLES, FLORIDA

Written by: Ava Grace

he perfect accent for your living room might be a teak root end table. An interesting conversation piece for your coffee table could just be a Depression glass bowl. And a cool curio for your kitchen may be a shiny old teapot. Items such as these add a “wow” factor to décor, and they can be found under the roof of one of the newest stores in Naples, Florida. Located in the Collier County city’s Design District, it’s called The Rusty Spur Decor & More. “It’s not just a store—it’s a destination,” explain co-owners Jeff and Val Smith. The Smiths opened the doors on June 1, 2020, with co-owner Treasure Best. Just months later, The Rusty Spur Decor & More is becoming “the place” to score fabulous finds. And its new official “Grand Opening” is Friday, Oct. 16, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The destination store consists of a small boutique, along with a 4,200-square-foot warehouse that is filled with antiques, industrial pieces, folk art, salvage, primitive, barn finds, taxidermy, vintage, shabby chic and more unique styles. “There is something for every décor and every budget,” adds Jeff Smith. What shoppers will find depends on what is in the store at the time—so it’s a bit like a treasure hunt every time you visit. Recent shoppers have procured everything from vintage coffee tables to antique candelabras to a primitive jelly cabinet. Happily, some items are always in stock, such as teak root wood furniture, and boat wood furniture imported from Indonesia. Also in stock are Talavera pottery from Mexico, and a large assortment of driftwood.

PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY SCARLETT REDENIUS

The warehouse is full of antiques, industrial pieces, folk art, salvage, primitive, barn finds, taxidermy, vintage, shabby chic and more unique styles.

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RUSTIC ROOM

“Teak root wood is perfect for indoor or outdoor furniture for our Southwest Florida climate,” Smith says. He explains that because of the wood’s high oil content, fine grain and dense nature, it is very durable and rot-resistant. Plus, it’s easy to maintain. The boat wood from Indonesia has an exciting story behind it: The boats are dried, carefully dismantled and then turned into furniture or decorative accents. Nothing goes to waste with the process, and even the sawdust is saved and used for fuel and cooking. The many years of use, and several layers of applied paint, gracefully weather over time to create striking one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture. “These pieces, made from teak wood or other hard oily woods, are renowned for their vibrant colors and exotic look,” Smith notes. The wood is also naturally resistant to the elements, and thus it is sturdy and durable. “We also import beautiful Mexican Talavera pottery directly from Mexico,” he adds. The tale of Talavera is that Spaniards introduced it in Puebla, Mexico, in 1531. Mexican Talavera pottery is a type of handmade ceramic earthenware that showcases ornate hand-painted decorative designs, patterns and vivid colors. The pottery is hand-molded into beautiful shapes, figures and forms. Upon completion, it is glazed and sealed with an opaque polish of tin oxide. Talavera pottery of exceptional quality is typically available for purchase from specialty retailers at a premium price. However, keep in mind that the popularity of Talavera pottery often spawns low-cost imitators. “Authentic Mexican Talavera pottery will have a signature that affirms the production location at the base of each pot,” Smith explains. Items arrive at the destination store in a variety of ways, including via moving trucks. Jeff and Val Smith also own Prestige Moving & Storage in Naples, and when their trucks are headed back to Naples from up North or out West, the drivers sometimes stop to pick up great finds along the way. “These items are mostly found by word of mouth or through tireless hours on the Internet. Every week is something new,” says Smith. The Rusty Spur Decor & More In addition, The Rusty Spur “Grand Opening” Friday, Oct. 16, Decor & More purchases from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. unique items from locals. 190 10th Street N. To find out more, email Jeff Design District of Naples, Florida Smith at TheRustySpur@aol. 239-263-7878 or cell: 239-250-0339 com. Who knows? Maybe your TheRustySpur@aol.com old wrought iron table could facebook.com/TheRustySpurNaples become a new dining table for someone else! FCM

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PHOTOS BY SCARLETT REDENIUS

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HORSIN' AROUND

TRIPLE B RIDING CLUB FUN INCLUDES RIDING, CAMPING, IMPROVING TRAILS ON PUBLIC LANDS

riple B Riding Club, the oldest equestrian club in Florida, was formed in 1964 by a group of avid equestrians in the Balm, Boyette and Bell Shoals areas of Hillsborough County. In addition to being a fun-loving group of trail riders who host monthly day rides and camping trips throughout central Florida, the club does significant work to promote, create and maintain equestrian trails and facilities on public lands.

in parades, holds a banquet and holiday party, and raises money to donate to horse-related charities.

Every year, the club—which maintains a roster of about 100 to 120 current members—also holds monthly meetings, hosts equestrian-related events and clinics, participates

During the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s holidays, the club usually hosts camping trips and associated events at the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Green

Examples of locations where Triple B Riding Club holds day rides, special events and camping trips include Lake Louisa State Park, Colt Creek State Park, Little Manatee River State Park, Alafia River State Park and the Cross Florida Greenway. Also included are Ocala National Forest, the Citrus and Croom tracts of Withlacoochee State Forest, Lower Green Swamp Nature Preserve and Hardee Lakes Park.

Triple B Riding Club is a fun-loving group of trail riders who host day rides and camping trips. Special events and clinics, such as calf sorting clinics, are also part of club activities.

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PHOTOS THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF TRIPLE B RIDING CLUB

Written by: Kym Rouse Holzwart

PHOTO CREDIT INFO

Good meals are enjoyed on Triple B Riding Club's camping trips! And camaraderie is always part of day rides, too.

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HORSIN' AROUND Swamp Wilderness Preserve at either the Ashley or Cumpressco campgrounds located in the West Tract. Camping trips in Ocala National Forest are often held during the Memorial Day and Labor Day holiday weekends. As an experiment, the club has organized a few three-day and four-day pack trips into the Florida wilderness, which takes horsemanship and camping to a “whole new level.” The club has been involved in many projects over the years to improve equestrian trails and facilities, and the members are an active, unified voice in keeping equestrian trails open on public lands. In these areas, Triple B Riding Club is keen to collaborate with other clubs to strengthen the equestrian community. Examples of past projects include raising funds and providing hundreds of volunteer hours to build the horse barn and paddocks at Alafia River State Park, as well as to improve the Doe Lake Recreation Area in Ocala National Forest. Recent projects include helping Hillsborough County to open and maintain the horse trails at Stephen J. Wortham Park and Lower Green Swamp Nature Preserve. Club members are currently raising funds and volunteering work hours to improve the new equestrian campground at Colt Creek State Park. Triple B Riding Club participates in many parades throughout the area, such as the Temple Terrace Fourth of July and Brooksville Christmas parades. The club holds fundraisers for organizations such as the Friends of Colt Creek, Friends of Alafia River State Park, RVR Horse Rescue in Plant City, and Hope Equine Rescue in Winter Haven. Horse-related events and clinics are a regular part of Triple B Riding Club’s yearly schedule. In August, the club hosted a performance with VIP seating and backstage tour of the Cavalia horses at Grande Liberté Farm in Williston. The club’s website is TripleBRiders. club. Email triplebridersclub@gmail.com if you’re interested in expanding your knowledge about horses and trail riding. You’ll be able to ride and camp with a group of fun-loving, friendly people who are also helping to keep our equestrian trails open. And you’ll learn about the many places to camp and ride with your horse that central Florida has to offer! FCM

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MIDDLE LEFT PHOTO BY KYM ROUSE HOLZWART; OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF TRIPLE B RIDING CLUB

Camping trips include gathering around the fire and coming across interesting sights on country roads. The club raises funds for many organizations. In August, members visited Grande Liberté Farm in Williston, to see Sylvia Zerbini's amazing horses perform.

Club members get to know the many spectacular places to camp with their horses in central Florida.

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AG EDUCATION

MAKING AG STUDENTS MORE MARKETABLE FARM BUREAU’S AEST PROGRAM OFFERS CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY

hile the agriculture industry in Florida is growing, the quest to stay marketable and relevant is growing right along with it. And for individuals who are looking to show proof of their knowledge to employers—they are in luck! The Florida Farm Bureau Federation offers a program that offers certifications to secure a job or increase one’s skills in the agricultural industry. Created by a need within the industry, the program is called Agriculture Education Services & Technology Inc., or AEST. It provides employers with a certificate of competency and provides individuals with validation of their knowledge and experience. AEST currently offers nine specialist certifications, including Natural Resources Specialist, and Forestry Specialist. There are also two associate certifications: Agriculture Associate and Agriculture Systems Associate. Specialist certifications measure applied knowledge and advanced-level skills and take 300 or more study hours to gain the knowledge necessary to earn certification. Associate certifications measure fundamental knowledge and entry-level skills and require 150 hours or more of study for success. Keitha Bennett is AEST’s director and oversees all of its operations. She further explains the importance of these certifications: “AEST certifications are available to

anyone wishing to verify their knowledge and skills in agriculture through a credentialing process. Many counties offer certification opportunities to students enrolled in agriculture educations programs.” Because many students do not have experience in the industry, their chances of earning an industry certification are most significant with a combination of classroom instruction and self-study. Although AEST does not offer any formal classes, it provides free study materials on its website, aest.ag, and loan reference books. “AEST certifications are backed by industry and provide an employment incentive if one decides to apply for positions with some of our partners, including Mosaic and Everglades Equipment Group. We are working to supply agriculture employers with a certified workforce to ensure a bountiful harvest for the future,” adds Bennett. The fee to sit for an associate certification exam is $50, and $85 to sit for a specialist exam. Fees are often paid for by school districts for students who are enrolled in agriculture education programs. Certifications are valid for 60 months and must be renewed to ensure that AEST-certified individuals remain current with evolving industry knowledge and practices. Individuals can pursue this opportunity from home because the exams can be proctored remotely.

In LaBelle, Florida, a ceremony was held for LaBelle Middle School students who earned AEST certifications. Valid for 60 months, they must be renewed to ensure recipients stay current with industry knowledge and practices.

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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF AGRICULTURE EDUCATION SERVICES & TECHNOLOGY (AEST)

Written by: Ava Grace

AEST is a subsidiary of Florida Farm Bureau Federation. With a love of the industry and a validated AEST-certified skill set, individuals have what it takes to impress any hiring manager. Chart below show AEST's 2018-2019 certifications.

CREATED BY A NEED WITHIN THE INDUSTRY, THE PROGRAM IS CALLED AGRICULTURE EDUCATION SERVICES & TECHNOLOGY INC., OR AEST. IT PROVIDES EMPLOYERS WITH A CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY AND PROVIDES INDIVIDUALS WITH VALIDATION OF THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE.

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AG EDUCATION “Since AEST is a subsidiary of Florida Farm Bureau Federation, we have a direct connection to the agriculture industry,” Bennett notes. Last year, AEST hosted the first-ever LINC conference, in which it was successful in “Linking the Industry Network through Certifications” by connecting agriculture educators and industry leaders. Bennett continues: “The conference provided an opportunity to discuss workforce needs and empowered agriculture teachers to take the lead in the charge to ensure a pipeline of skilled, knowledgeable labor is available to keep agriculture thriving. LINC was successful in opening the lines of communication, and we plan to continue working with educators to help find solutions to labor needs.” Hire.Ag is a job board owned and managed by AEST, in which AEST certificants (certified individuals) are connected to agriculture employment opportunities. A Florida Farm Bureau member benefit, it enables agriculture businesses to post unlimited numbers of job vacancies to reach more than 23,000 AEST certificants. With all candidates armed with a certification to validate their knowledge and skill set, Hire.Ag is developing into a trusted site for hiring quality AEST-certified employees for all agriculture sectors, according to Bennett. Currently, opportunities within Environmental Sciences and Natural Resources are “inspiring.” Positions in this field vary and allow candidates to combine their specific skill set with their passion for a sustainable future. Bennett adds, “Job opportunities range from water quality technicians to drone technologists to agriculture communications specialists, just to name a few.” With a love of the industry and a validated AEST-certified skill set, individuals have what it takes to impress any hiring manager—and earn the privilege of working in the Sunshine State’s agriculture industry. FCM

ROUNDUP AEST 500 South Florida Ave., Suite 400-1 Lakeland, Florida 855-315-8745 or 352-384-2601 aest.ag, aest@ffbf.org

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BRIGHT AND CHEERY—AND THAT’S JUST THE SUNFLOWER FIELDS IT’S FALL FESTIVAL TIME AT AMAZING GRACE FAMILY FARMS

Written by: Ava Grace

or many Floridians and out-of-staters, the season they have been waiting for is here again—the season of blooming sunflowers! The You-Pick Sunflower Fields at Amazing Grace Family Farms in Clay County’s Green Cove Springs, outside Jacksonville, boasts two and a half acres of blooming sunflowers from mid-September through October. (Its spring season is May through June.)

Black oil sunflowers grow between 6 to 10 feet tall and are known for their giant flower heads and bright yellow petals. Their meaty seeds are a favorite for feeding wild birds, and the oil of the seed is used for sunflower oil.

Visitors bring their own cutting tools and containers. They enjoy wandering through the fields and finding the “right” flowers to pick, all while grabbing those “perfect” photo opportunities—with breathtaking backdrops.

The sunflower fields are more impressive than ever this year. “We typically only have a few patches of sunflowers in the fall, but due to the demand and excitement from our customers during our spring sunflower season, we decided to plant more flowers and make the crop maze smaller,” Mosley adds.

“Our sunflower varieties include black oil sunflowers and a cut-flower variety, as well as a few colorful zinnias,” explains Kelly Mosley. She co-owns the sixth-generation family farm

The crop maze is part of Amazing Grace Family Farms’ Fall Festival, an annual event that has been held on every Friday and Saturday during October since 2013. The entire farm

The sixth-generation family farm is owned by Kelly and Justin Mosley, and their daughter, Maggie Grace. At right, the crop maze is part of the farm's annual Fall Festival.

with her husband, Justin, and their daughter, Maggie Grace.

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LEFT PHOTO BY CHRISTY BUCHANAN/STUDIO 16 PHOTOGRAPHY;RIGHT PHOTO BY KIM EASON/KIMBERLY E PHOTOGRAPHY

FLORIDA HARVEST

TOP PHOTO BY CHRISTY BUCHANAN BUCHANNAN STUDIO 16 PHOTOGRAPHY; BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDON KIDWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

Sunflowers are grown in the farm's You-Pick Sunflower Fields, during fall and spring. Visitors enjoy wandering through the fields and finding the "right" flowers to pick.

FESTIVAL FUN INCLUDES A PUMPKIN PATCH, A HAY BALE MAZE, A COW TRAIN AND A CORN CRIB. PLUS, THERE’S AN ASSORTMENT OF TASTY FOOD TO TRY—AND A CHANCE TO MEET FARM ANIMALS SUCH AS COWS AND GOATS.

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FLORIDA HARVEST

From left, the Fall Festival features a cow train, corn crib and the chance to meet farm animals.

and the farm attractions are open to guests. Mosley notes: “Families love visiting the farm animals, jumping on the jump pad and simply enjoying the wide open spaces that the farm experience provides their families.”

Amazing Grace Family Farms is a Florida Agritourism Destination that uses safe practices to ensure guests are protected. “We are working hard to provide a fun experience for families to enjoy the farm whenever they visit,” says Mosley. The Mosley family knows that Floridians and out-of-staters are eager to get out and experience fun times together, especially with everything going on with the coronavirus pandemic. The safe practices that Amazing Grace Family Farms incorporates are listed on the website, agcropmaze.com, and are updated accordingly. Visitors describe a trip to Amazing Grace Family Farms as “old-fashioned fun” and “a fun day on the farm.” You’ll likely agree—should you pack up the family and head on over! FCM

ROUNDUP Amazing Grace Family Farms 2899 Wisteria Farms Road Green Cove Springs, Florida 904-284-2949, agcropmaze.com

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MIDDLE PHOTO BY KIM EASON/KIMBERLEY E PHOTOGRAPHY;OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRANDON KIDWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

Additional Amazing Grace Family Farms’ Fall Festival fun includes a pumpkin patch, a hay bale maze, a cow train and a corn crib. Plus, there’s an assortment of tasty food to try—and a chance to meet farm animals such as cows and goats.

FLORIDA HARVEST

ORANGE WE BLESSED! IN YEARS PAST AND PRESENT, FALL IS BUSY TIME FOR CITRUS FRUIT INDUSTRY

Written by: Brenda Eubanks Burnette

utumn in Florida signals the start of the citrus fruit season and the frenzied pace that packinghouses and gift fruit shippers will be under now through Christmas, as they scramble to harvest the crop and fill holiday orders for family and friends. For the gift fruit shippers, it’s a race for time while packinghouses work to get ripened fruit harvested before a possible winter freeze.

BOTTOM PHOTO BY HUGH COACHMAN; TOP LEFT PHOTO BY BRENDA EUBANKS BURNETTE; TOP RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF FLORIDA CITRUS ARCHIVES

Prior to World War II, citrus was packed and shipped in

wooden crates with various stenciled side slats and labels affixed to one end. The fruit was picked by hand—and still is today, although labor regulations require that ladders be half the size of what they once were. Field boxes would hold 90 pounds of fruit and were manually loaded onto wagons out in the fields. The fruit was taken to packinghouses to be washed, sorted and graded. Interestingly, the field boxes were not the wooden crates that the labels were used on, although many people have mistaken them for that use.

Clockwise from left are close-up view of a wooden crate's label; historical photo of packinghouse workers; and field boxes that were used until the 1980s.

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Wooden shipping creates had stenciled sides and colorful labels to catch the attention of fruit buyers in Northern auction houses. The images often depicted scenes associated with Florida, including bathing beauties, beaches, and flora and fauna of the area.

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FLORIDA HARVEST Wooden crates are now obsolete. The fruit is picked in the grove and put into 10-box plastic bins to be sent to the packinghouse. There it is washed, graded and waxed before being packed into preprinted cardboard boxes and shipped to its destination. The invention of frozen concentrate, while a boon for the industry, changed the way fruit has been utilized. Once mainly a fresh fruit industry, now more than 80% of all fruit grown in the Sunshine State is processed into juice products. At the height of the citrus boom, there were almost 500 packinghouses along the various railroads and major thoroughfares throughout Florida. For example, in 1939 there were 482 packinghouses—but by 1982 there were just 148. Since that time, the freezes of the 1980s, hurricanes, and citrus diseases and pests such as canker and HLB (previously called citrus greening disease) have taken their toll. Now about 30 packinghouses remain. However, farmers are farmers—dependent on their crops—and fall means citrus harvesting and all that that entails: hard work and prayers for good weather, good crops, favorable pricing. Thanksgiving means the

excitement of seeing friends and family back in town to visit relatives and a chance to catch up on loved ones’ lives. It is a time to pause and reflect on what’s really important— each other and how we fared through the past year. It is also a time to pray for a good year ahead, to give thanks for getting through the tough times and to give thanks for all the blessings in our lives. So, as we reflect on the past year and move into another citrus season, think of the blessings that the citrus industry has brought into our lives. Even through the bad times, there is a ray of sunshine with memories of better times and hopes of more to come. As executive director of the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame, which works in partnership with Florida Southern College’s McKay Archives Center in Lakeland, I’m always interested in photographs, memorabilia or stories you’d like to share or donate to the Florida Citrus Archives. Please call me at 561-351-4314 or email BBurne1003@aol.com, or visit our website at FloridaCitrusHallofFame.com to see photos, postcards, citrus labels and videos we have on file. FCM

PHOTOS ON OPPOSITE PAGE BY BRENDA EUBANKS BURNETTE; PHOTO THIS PAGE COURTESY OF FLORIDA CITRUS ARCHIVES

Vintage postcard teases its intended recipient: "The box of grape fruit and oranges I promised to send you from Florida."

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FLORIDA HARVEST

LEAPIN’ LIZARDS OPENING WEEKEND OF FLORIDA’S ALLIGATOR SEASON

Written by: Katey McClenny

he official state reptile of Florida, it is estimated there are 1.2 million alligators in the Sunshine State. Since 1988, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission has managed a model alligator harvesting program to help control the population and provide recreational opportunities for hunters. Each year, FWC establishes units and appropriate harvest quotas based on research and harvest reports from previous years. Applications open in May, and if selected, recipients receive two alligator tags for a specific unit. The season runs from Aug. 15 to Nov. 1, with hunters assigned a specific week.

The weekend finally rolled around, and after a quick lunch, gassing up the boat and ensuring we had all the equipment we needed, we were headed to the lake. Permits start at 5 p.m., so we got to the landing about 4 p.m., and then it was earmuffs on and off we went. Our first stop was to a hidden island to visit the resident pigs that live there. We shared some snacks and hung

out with them for a few minutes before saying our goodbyes. We spent the next few hours riding around and scouting. The lake is particularly low right now, so most of the gators were congregated in the few deeper areas. We saw a few good ones that we tried to get close to. But with opening day being a Saturday, there were many other boats riding around and enjoying the beautiful weather as well, so we were not able to sneak up on gators. We decided to make a stop by The Fish Camp at the boat landing and wait for night to fall. Then it was game on.

THIS WAS MY FIRST YEAR APPLYING FOR ALLIGATOR TAGS, AND I WAS DRAWN FOR OPENING WEEKEND ON A LAKE I GREW UP ON— LAKE IAMONIA IN NORTH FLORIDA. I WAS EXCITED TO CALL SOME FRIENDS WITH AN AIRBOAT AND SHARE THE GOOD NEWS.

The Florida alligator at top is a large one, judging by the size of its head. Pictured here is the lake where the author hunted gators, and the one she grew up on, Lake Iamonia in North Florida.

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BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF KATEY MCCLENNY

This was my first year applying for alligator tags, and I was drawn for opening weekend on a lake I grew up on—Lake Iamonia in North Florida. I was excited to call some friends with an airboat and share the good news.

TOP LEFT, TOP RIGHT AND BOTTOM LEFT PHOTOS COURTESY OF KATEY MCCLENNY

Clockwise from top left, the author with the two 8-foot gators; taping shut the mouth of one of the gators, after killing it with a bang stick; light shining on a Florida gator at night; and cypress trees on Lake Iamonia, seen while scouting.

The beautiful Florida sunset gave way to a perfect clear, cool night. The spotlight lit up hundreds of red eyes staring back across the lake underneath a million stars. Now it was just a matter of finding the right ones. After a few practice swings with the harpoon, we found our groove. Around midnight, a 9-footer popped up right in front of the boat, and with a perfect throw, we had him on. We let him run and fight before pulling him closer to the boat. I grabbed the bang stick and was ready to do my part. After several attempts, we realized the firing pin on the bang stick, which hits the bullet, was not working! We grabbed a knife but at that precise moment, the big gator flung himself and twisted right off in a mighty splash. He lived to see another day and we stood wondering what happened to our firing pin. However, there were plenty more sets of beady red eyes to choose from, so less than an hour later we redeemed ourselves and had a nice 8-footer on the boat. He put up a

good fight, thrashing water, rolling and twisting, and even taking a bite out of the front of the boat with his sharp pointed teeth. One down, one more to go! We took a quick break to refuel, grab some snacks and energy drinks, and then we were back at it looking for the last tag to fill. We tried some new areas, but there were no big gators in the shallow waters where the lake was down. The Coconut Red Bull kicked in and we had several good shots at some gators, but they were a little smaller than what we were looking for. Then around 3:30 a.m., we found one we liked. We crept up on him and he slipped just below the water’s dark surface, allowing a perfect but quick shot. We got him on the boat, mouth taped tight, and he was almost an exact twin to the first one. Finally, at 4 a.m., we were tagged out! The red eyes watched us depart as we made our way back to the landing, a successful opening night of alligator season completed. I will definitely be putting in again next year, and we’ll be taking along a new bang stick as well! FCM F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M

THE BRAND

AMELIA TOFFEE COMPANY FROM FABULOUS FAMILY RECIPE TO TANTALIZING TOFFEE PRODUCER ea salt, bourbon, pumpkin, coffee, orange, and Key lime. Who would have thought these uniquely delicious flavors could be made into luxury toffee?

between the businesses. “The joining of businesses generates excitement with their consumers for their products and a notable sense of pride in their community,” she adds.

Well, thanks to Anita Comisky, founder and CEO of Amelia Toffee Company of Amelia Island, Florida, such scrumptious flavors are artfully crafted into tasty toffee treats. And the candies are sold in all Whole Foods stores in Florida; in Harris Teeter Supermarkets, which is based in North Carolina; and in more than 400 stores nationwide.

To craft many of its distinctive toffee flavors, Amelia Toffee Company partners with several local artisan businesses on the First Coast—an area of Florida from Jacksonville to St. Augustine. The partners include Bold City Beer, St. Augustine Distillery, and Amelia Island-based Marlin & Barrel Distillery.

What else makes the toffee so unique? Comisky explains that she starts with a family recipe for a foundation that has been refined to perfection. She then handcrafts her toffee in small batches, using carefully selected ingredients such as premium dark chocolate and Florida sea salt. No extra colorings or preservatives are added. In 2015, Comisky launched Amelia Toffee Company with the “idea that the power of a community could create greater things.” She notes, “Local is the new orange.”

Amelia Toffee Company sources its salt from Florida Pure Sea Salt and has an ongoing partnership with the Jacksonville-based nonprofit Rethreaded gift shop. Comisky’s company also creates private-label artisan toffee for the Elizabeth Pointe Lodge on Amelia Island, Marriott Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, and The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort on St. Simons Island, Georgia.

Comisky now works with other local entrepreneurs and enjoys being part of the “energy and camaraderie” that grow

“We have been incredibly fortunate to work with some of the best artisans in the world, beginning right here on the

The result? Incredible decadence!

Speaking of local, the name Amelia is, of course, taken from Amelia Island. The small barrier island in Nassau County boasts 13 miles of beautiful beaches, abundant native wildlife and sparkling waters.

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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF AMELIA TOFFEE COMPANY

Written by: Ava Grace

IN 2015, ANITA COMISKY launched Amelia Toffee Company with the “idea that the power of a community could create greater things.” She notes, “Local is the new orange.” F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M

THE BRAND

First Coast. And the customers love the tasty results,” Comisky says. Heading into fall, Amelia Toffee Company offers an autumnal favorite—pumpkin toffee—mixed with pumpkin ale and spice. Like all of the other flavors, it is covered in creamy dark chocolate and roasted salted almonds are sprinkled on top. It’s perfect for an after-dinner treat, with coffee—or to give as a gift for the holidays.

Amelia Toffee Company 822 Sadler Road, Amelia Island, Florida 303-475-0926, ameliatoffee.com facebook.com/AmeliaToffee instagram.com/ameliatoffee

PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMELIA TOFFEE COMPANY

Watch for new flavors on the horizon, such as Marlin & Barrel-partnered pineapple rum, honey butter, and chai tea. The toffees are all available in bags and gift boxes and are perfect for corporate gifts, wedding gifts and other celebrations. FCM

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LOR RIID DAACC O OU UNTRY NTRY O Occttoobbeerr || N Noovveem mbbeerr 22002200 FFLO

THE BRAND

DELICIOUS DAIRY DONE RIGHT IT ALL STARTS WITH SOUTHERN CRAFT CREAMERY’S JERSEY COWS

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SOUTHERN CRAFT CREAMERY

Written by: Ava Grace

hen one enjoys a glass of milk, bites into an ice cream sandwich, or licks an ice cream cone made by Southern Craft Creamery, he or she instantly notices something different—a taste that’s richer and creamier. That’s because Southern Craft Creamery’s milk comes from its Jersey cows at the familyowned Cindale Farms in Marianna, Florida, in Jackson County. The cows have rotationally grazed pasture access, and a lovely barn to boot. “Our great taste is a ‘thank you’ to our dairy that provides our fresh, delicious, non-homogenized milk,” says general manager/marketing coordinator Helen Jablonski. “We thank the local growers who give us their best each season, the

South where great ingredients and great food are plentiful, and our families who taught us that the most amazing memories and bonds are made while sharing delicious food.” Indeed, those who enjoy Southern Craft Creamery’s milk will notice a thick layer of cream that rises to the top of every bottle. “This cream can be poured off the top and enjoyed in coffee, or decadent desserts, or you can simply shake your bottle before pouring,” Jablonski explains. The milk is available as regular whole milk, or chocolate milk that is made with a fine, high-quality chocolate from French Broad Chocolates in Asheville, North Carolina. “In keeping with our premium, handcrafted products, our chocolate milk has minimal ingredients, including whole milk, chocolate, cocoa, cane sugar, vanilla extract and salt,”

ITS HONEY-FLAVORED ICE CREAMS—Tupelo Honey and Wildflower Honey—use honey from Long Beard Hives in Calhoun County and Smiley B Farms in Jackson County, respectively.

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Clockwise from left are bottles of the creamery's whole and chocolate milk; Jersey cows at Cindale Farms; two chocolate ice cream flavors; and its delicious ice cream sandwiches.

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she adds. Southern Craft Creamery’s chocolate milk also offers lower sugar content and a higher volume of chocolate than many competitors’ chocolate milk. The same delicious whole milk is used to make its creamy ice cream. Plus, Southern Craft Creamery incorporates as many local ingredients as possible into the product. For example, its honey-flavored ice creams—Tupelo Honey and Wildflower Honey—use honey from Long Beard Hives in Calhoun County and Smiley B Farms in Jackson County, respectively. Southern Craft Creamery’s espresso in its Espresso Almond Chocolate Chip ice cream comes from Amavida, out of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Its Vanilla Porter ice cream is made from beer brewed at Southern Fields Brewery in Jackson County. Indeed, those are some surprising flavors, but the list doesn’t end there. The menu also includes flavors such as Roasted Banana with Salted Peanuts, Bay Laurel, and Candied Bacon. In addition, it’s about time for the holiday flavors to kick in—toward the end of September. Jablonski says, “This year, we will be making Pumpkin Butter Pecan, Dried Plum and Rum, and Eggnog, for sure. We might also make a Cranberry Chocolate Chip, and we are working on perfecting an Earl Grey flavor that we hope to release this fall.”

PHOTOS OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF SOUTHERN CRAFT CREAMERY

Southern Craft Creamery products can be found at select retailers and restaurants, and at the company’s quaint ice cream and coffee shop in Marianna. That’s where you will enjoy milkshakes, floats, a waffle bowl or a cup of the good stuff. And you can always take a pint home! A note to honey lovers: Keep your eyes peeled for the December/January 2021 issue of Florida Country Magazine. It will feature a story about the tupelo honey that comes from the tupelo gum trees growing along northwest Florida’s Chipola River and Apalachicola River. FCM

ROUNDUP Southern Craft Creamery 2884 Jefferson St., Marianna, Florida 850-573-1458 (wholesale) southerncraftcreamery.com facebook.com/SouthernCraftCreamery instagram.com/southerncraftcreamery

F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M

Florida

Roadtrip Series

Clay County

IS CALLING

Northeastern Part of Florida Known for Small Towns, Big Passions ust southwest of Jacksonville, yet miles away from the big-city feel, lies an area of small towns but big passions—Clay County, Florida. Bordered on the east by the wide and gentle St. Johns River, the county’s natural springs, mild weather and scenic views once made it the playground for the rich. Business magnates and families such as Charles E. Merrill of Merrill Lynch, the Johnsons of SC Johnson household products, and the J.C. Penney family called the area their home away from home, even occasionally putting down roots for good.

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President Grover Cleveland bottled the spring water from Green Cove Springs’ famous spring boil and had it shipped back to the White House. Tourism waned in the late 19th century when Henry Flagler’s recently completed Florida East Coast Railway hustled Northern tourists down to Palm Beach and Miami, and Clay County eased into a more relaxed lifestyle for natives and tourists alike. Well, maybe it has not always been that “relaxed.” From the mid-1960s until 1977, the famous Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd called the area home as

PHOTO COURTESY OF CLAY COUNTY TOURISM

Written by: Dave Kelly

TOP PHOTO COURTESY OF CLAY COUNTY TOURISM; BOTTOM PHOTOS BY DAVE KELLY

Opposite page, Camp Chowenwaw Park is always fun to visit. Above, one of its unique treehouses that can be rented nightly. Below from left, veterans give tours at the Military Museum of North Florida; a WWII Hellcat engine in the museum; military vehicles displayed outside.

it rose to music stardom. The founding members of the band—named after their high school physical education teacher, Leonard Skinner—grew up in the area and, after forming their band, needed a place to write, practice and “get inspired.” They found an old cabin in the woods outside Green Cove Springs, dubbed it “Hell House”—and lead

singer Ronnie Van Zant and company proceeded to write the words and music to most of the songs on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s first two historic albums. It was here that the Southern rock anthem “Freebird” was penned, practiced and perfected, which went on to become one of the most successful songs of its musical genre. The cabin is gone, but the Van Zant family gave Clay

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WELL, M AYB E IT HAS N OT ALWAYS BEEN T H A T “RELA XED. ” F ROM T H E M I D- 1 960 S U NTIL 19 7 7 , THE FAMOU S S OU T H ERN ROC K BA N D LYN Y RD S K YNYR D CA L LED THE AREA HO ME A S I T ROS E T O MU S I C S T A RDOM.

Just down the street on Fleming Island lies a place that the band knew well—Whitey’s Fish Camp. Nestled against Swimming Pen Creek off Doctor’s Lake, it is accessible by car or boat, and you do not want to miss

it. During the 1970s, it was Ronnie Van Zant’s favorite hangout, and the band members settled in there and made it their local retreat for years. To this day, the restaurant and bar feature typical Southern cuisine— catfish, crab, gator, oysters and more—and you can check out the band’s memorabilia that cover the walls throughout the building. Many of the surviving Van Zant family members continue to visit Whitey’s Fish Camp. At the confluence of Black Water Creek and the St. Johns River lies Camp Chowenwaw Park. This beautiful 150-acre site was opened in 1933 and operated by The Girl Scout Council of Duval County as a camp for more than 70 years. Its original cabins were built from logs cut on site, and Clay County purchased the camp from the Girl Scouts in 2006 and turned it into the public park that it is today. While it offers such traditional activities as trail hiking, swimming and more, the centerpiece of the park is its triangular overnight cabins at Treehouse Point. Each of the nine unique treehouses can accommodate up to four campers in built-in bunkbeds and is completely screened in. It is the perfect primitive camping experience, with a nearby bathhouse providing hot water and electrical outlets if needed. Add in campfire rings, outdoor grills and picnic tables, and it makes for a fun family outing—all for only $35 per night. In fact, you can rent all nine cabins and have a family reunion! Clay County is home to more current and past major military bases than any other county in Florida, inspiring the Military Museum of North Florida. Voted by Tripadvisor readers as the No. 1 “Thing To Do” in the area, the museum opened in 2008 and is located on Benjamin Lee Field at the old Naval Above, a family settles into a Camp Chowenwaw treehouse. At left, Lynyrd Skynryd shown practicing at "Hell House" in the early 1970s.

Clay County

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IS CALLING

TOP PHOTO COURTESY OF CLAY COUNTY TOURISM; BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF CLAYCOUNTYONLINE

County 90 acres of serene land just a few miles away, and the Ronnie Van Zant Memorial Park is located there today. Families can enjoy nature trails, fishing, disk golf, picnics and more. The area offers a couple Lynyrd Skynyrd hometown tours as well, where you can see the birthplaces, old local concert venues and gravestones of many of the band members.

Air Station in Green Cove Springs. It was the main training base for the Grumman F6F Hellcat fighter.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CLAY COUNTY TOURISM

The F6F had more than 5,000 shoot-downs in WWII alone, and an enormous Hellcat engine is on display as you enter the museum, standing out among the thousands of fascinating authentic memorabilia. Our tour guide, John Murphy, told us that quite a few famous airmen have traveled through this airbase, including many of the Black Sheep Squadron, John F. Kennedy’s brother Joe, and even late-night TV personality Ed McMahon. The museum is somewhat unique in that it honors all servicemen and servicewomen from every branch in the U.S. military, rather than concentrating on one branch. Curator Gerry Timoney Jr. has done a tremendous job procuring actual military artifacts from centuries of engagements that have involved the U.S., including its most recent conflicts. It is staffed by veteran volunteers, all of whom appear to have a great reverence for the sacrifice made by the men and women represented in the museum. Additionally, surrounding the exterior are dozens of military vehicles, many restored to their original condition.

There are many other great activities to enjoy in the area. The Clay County Fairgrounds host a variety of celebrated events every year, including the Blue Ribbon Clay County Agricultural Fair each April, dressage and American Quarter Horse Association shows, and the Northeast Florida Scottish Games and Festival on the last Saturday in February. Clay County may be the home of typical Florida small towns, but there is nothing typical about their passion. Clay County is calling—go check it out! FCM

TO THIS DAY, THE RES T A U RAN T A N D BA R AT W H I T EY’S FIS H CAMP FEATURE T Y P I C A L S OU T H ERN CU I S I N E— CATFIS H, CRAB, GA T OR, OY S T ERS A N D MORE.

Whitey's Fish Camp has a huge menu of local seafood favorites. It welcomes guests by car, RV and boat. F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M

At top is Brooksville's "welcoming" water tower. Florida Cracker Trading Company team members are like family. From left are Mandi Dixon, Blair Hensley, Jada Armstrong, Maddison McClain, Zoey Gerstel, Trish Grant, Caleigh Check and Gus the horse.

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TOP LEFT PHOTO THIS PAGE AND TOP LEFT PHOTO OPPOSITE PAGE BY WENDY MCGINNIS; OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF FLORIDA CRACKER TRADING COMPANY

Written by: Jack Collier

Clockwise from top left are Blair and Ethan Hensley; Mandi Dixon and Ollie Hensley; and H.C. Young and Trish Grant.

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Idea: Grab your crew, belt ’em in and depart for Brooksville, in northwest Florida's Hernando County, population 8,200, north of Tampa and just east of the Gulf. There in the downtown's East Jefferson Street is the Florida Cracker Kitchen, a nostalgic series of buildings that are a cozy restaurant, a taproom and Trading Company store, all of it in an “Old Florida” motif that seems almost physical, like a hug. Or the warm sun.

concept restaurant. Blair, 41, had owned the nearby Coney Island Drive-Inn. Ethan, 38, is professionally trained in culinary arts and serves as head chef. Some of his recipes had been passed down; their mother, Larie Hensley, owns Mallie Kyla's Cafe just up the street. Their family is several generations in central Florida, which means tomato gravy on shrimp and grits, for instance. “As a kid, I sat on my grandmother's counter while she cooked— peeling carrots or just watching,” Ethan Hensley explained in one publication documenting his family's cooking roots.

Blair Hensley, on the other hand, had pictured a life in sports therapy or medicine, then in land sales, eventually returning to Park and spend a few minutes listening TH E CON C EP T Brooksville, where he purchased the and feeling your way around. Inspect the HAS C A U GH T hotdog stand, missing just a handful of vintage trucks and novelties outside the FIRE N OT J U S T I N lunch shifts in eight years. Florida Cracker Trading Company (“In BROO K S V I LLE BU T I N Grits We Trust”), poke around until your Blair’s business sense and the seven-day O TH ER LOCA T I ON S table in the 68-seat diner is available, or workweeks drove Coney Island Drive-Inn find a seat in the Tap Room for a cold beer IN T H E S T AT E. I T S to succeed. Then, he sketched the concept from a Florida brewery or a pour from for Florida Cracker Boot on a bar napkin, BRANDED OU T W EA R, one of their 87 bourbons on the shelf. making its logo from flipping a cowboy S AU CES , GEAR A N D boot upside down, branding what has beBut plan to get spoiled, for you'll discover BEV ERA GES ARE I N come a successful hospitality, online and a truly special ingredient: Southern hosGIFT A N D C LOT H I N G merchandising enterprise that the brothpitality that has defined Florida's country S TO RES AROU N D T H E ers started in 2012. counties, where ranching, farming and S U N S H I N E S T AT E. citrus still rule. Florida Cracker Kitchen The siblings divide their responsibilities at is a force of nature, the eye of a hurriFlorida Cracker Kitchen, Blair out front, cane, where things are calm and safe and good, and where in Ethan behind the scenes and building his menu, which uses scratch COVID-19 times, life outside the Sunshine State is senseless ingredients in items such as chicken and waffles, skillet food and and lacks heart. yummy baked goods in a cheerful and high-energy kitchen. It is exactly the place you need to be, or “a pretty neat concept,” says Reba Mazak, president-elect of the American National Cattlewomen, visiting the Florida Cracker Kitchen on a random Saturday. Florida Cracker Kitchen is an amazing evolution of eight years, when co-founders and brothers Blair and Ethan Hensley first opened their

Blair runs things from an office that is oddly quiet, which may be the point, as table service, online, retail and a new real estate venture can get crazy busy. The office is near an outdoor stage and amphitheater that the brothers have opened with Mandi Dixon's Mandolin Entertainment out of Nashville to country performers, some events used as

Have a great meal at Florida Cracker Kitchen Brooksville or a cold beer in the Tap Room.

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BOTTOM LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF FLORIDA CRACKER TRADING COMPANY; ALL OTHER PHOTOS THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE BY WENDY MCGINNIS

scape to a special place and forget about the world's troubles. That's the plan. It's what everyone needs. But where?

At left is head chef Ethan in his cheerful and high-energy kitchen. Other photos showcase the company's brands and merchandise.

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ROUNDUP FLORIDA CRACKER TRADING COMPANY 924 East Jefferson St., Brooksville flacracker.com facebook.com/FlaCrackerTrading 352-754-8787 FLORIDA CRACKER PROPERTIES 924 East Jefferson St., Suite B, Brooksville 352-345-8151 FLORIDA CRACKER KITCHEN BROOKSVILLE 966 East Jefferson St., Brooksville 352-754-8787 FLORIDA CRACKER KITCHEN JAX 14329 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville 904-503-5966 FLORIDA CRACKER KITCHEN SAN MARCO 1842 Kings Ave, Jacksonville 904-683-1996 FLORIDA CRACKER KITCHEN KEYSTONE HEIGHTS 7154 Southeast County Road 21B, Keystone Heights 352-473-9873 FLORIDA CRACKER RIVERSIDE RESORT 5297 South Cherokee Way, Homosassa 352-765-4167

From yummy goodness in multiple locations, and new ventures, Florida Cracker Trading Company is embracing the Sunshine State.

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Blair refers to his late dog, Chazz, as his best friend. Above middle photo, from left are Bobby Marquis, Ethan, the brothers' mother Larie Hensley, Blair, and Mandi Dixon. At right is the brothers' grandmother, known as MeMa. Below are young Blair and Ethan at Christmas, and the brothers today.

MIDDLE LEFT PHOTO ON OPPOSITE PAGE BY WENDY MCGINNIS ;ALL OTHER PHOTOS THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE COURTESY OF FLORIDA CRACKER TRADING COMPANY

FL O R IDA CR ACKER KITCHEN IS A F ORCE OF N AT U RE, T H E EYE OF A H U RRI C A NE , WH E R E TH I N GS ARE CALM AND S A F E A N D G OOD, AN D W H ERE I N C OV I D- 1 9 T IME S, LIF E O UTS IDE THE S UNS H I N E S T AT E I S S EN S ELES S A N D LAC KS H EA R T . fund-raisers for nonprofits, children’s groups and charities. The brothers’ Florida Cracker Trading Company online office is nearby. The company markets a line of food products and gear in outlets and on the Internet. There are some 60 staffers in Brooksville, including a new partnership with Erica Sumner in the commercial/residential real estate venture that opened alongside the retail store called Florida Cracker Properties. Blair Hensley in his office works his magic on the phone, talking to someone about the fact that good customer service drives a business. “Back tomorrow with a smile on their faces,” he tells the listener of the simple formula for return business, which is great food matched to prompt and upbeat service, he insists. Completing that call, Blair talks about his grandparents’ settling in Brooksville—his grandfather, Earl, a chiropractor, building a life for himself and his wife, Helen, and their four boys, one of whom was Blair’s and Ethan's father. A small-town health professional, Earl was giving much as was received, Blair says. In his office are mounted deer heads, baseball bobbleheads, a selection of Florida-branded whiskeys. He stuffs dipping tobacco, holds a Styrofoam cup to deposit its residue. There's a sheathed knife belted on his khaki shorts. He listens to you as if time stopped, smoothly moves in conversation as a kite would dip and wheel in a good breeze.

Always working and thinking, Blair and Ethan devised the idea of giving change to cash customers with $2 bills, another tool to keep Florida Cracker Kitchen circulating in our minds, as the money inevitably draws questions from those passing them on, he says. And the Florida Cracker Kitchen concept has caught fire not just in Brooksville but in other locations in the state. Its branded outwear, sauces, gear and beverages are in gift and clothing stores around the Sunshine State. The Hensleys this year had struck a deal with the Lowman family, owners of the Homosassa Riverside Resort, to operate as a concept at the popular Monkey Bar/ Riverside Resort, which also has a marina and guest suites. They will introduce craft beer and cocktails, eventually open one of their Florida Cracker Kitchen restaurants. The Homosassa complex has been renamed Florida Cracker Riverside Resort; 54 rooms, 85 docks, trailer and boat parking, a retail center, a complete marina with pontoons, paddleboards and kayak rentals, scalloping gear and manatee tours. Despite their success, the Hensley brothers make time to recalibrate. Their huge enterprise runs 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. Web stuff, at flacracker.com, is 24/7, of course. Bair's advice to those seeking success in hospitality? “Don't do it,” he says jokingly. “It's a lifestyle. It's how I was raised— the only thing I know.” FCM

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FLORIDA EXCURSIONS

LITTLE SLICE OF HEAVEN ON THE MUD RIVER MARY’S FISH CAMP IN HERNANDO COUNTY IS HIDDEN GEM OF ‘OLD FLORIDA’

ary's Fish Camp, on the Mud River in Bayport, an unincorporated community in Hernando County, Florida, is famous for its mullet fishing. In turn, these silver beauties have their own recognition; they’re known for the way they jump high out of water—up to 3 feet—and how tasty they are, whether fried or smoked. Mullet are not like other fish. They are herbivores and won’t take bait such as baitfish, worms or shrimp. However, that issue is easily solved: “We have our

special mullet chum made from oats and chicken feed that they love,” explains Vicky Blaser, the camp's park comanager. It is not uncommon to see an angler using a long cane pole instead of a rod and reel to catch the Mud River mullet. Blaser adds, “During the fall and winter months, when the fishing gets good, the fishermen can't keep their poles in the water with the amount of mullet they pull out!” People who are looking to reel in something other than mullet are also in luck. Fish commonly found in the

THE FALL MONTHS OFFER EXCELLENT FISHING, AND THEY ALSO PRESENT A PRIME OPPORTUNITY TO SEE MAJESTIC MANATEES THAT HEAD TO WARMERS WATERS, WHICH THE SPRINGS PROVIDE. Mary's Fish Camp is famous for its mullet fishing. The silver beauties are particularly plentiful in the fall and winter months.

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PHOTOS OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF MARY’S FISH CAMP

Written by: Ava Grace

Clockwise from top left, late-1940s photo of camp anglers; cozy two-bedroom cabin; RV sites include water, sewer and electric hookups; park co-manager David Blaser with a fresh catch of red drum; fried mullet coming right up!

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FLORIDA EXCURSIONS

Clockwise from above, autumn presents a prime opportunity to see manatees; a rainbow shines atop the office/store; kayaking is just one of the many fun activities available at the camp.

Mud River include mangrove snapper, sheepshead, black drum, red drum, bass and snook.

In addition to fishing, there is a lot more going on at Mary’s Fish Camp. On site, visitors will find five fully furnished cozy cabins, a bunk house, a tent camping area and a 17-site recreational vehicle area with hookups for water, sewer and electric. There are also a playground for the little ones, a boat launch, kayaks and canoes to rent, and a corner store. The camp is using sanitation practices and safe-distance policies, and those are updated accordingly. The fall months offer excellent fishing, and they also present a prime opportunity to see majestic manatees that head to

ROUNDUP Mary’s Fish Camp 8092 Mary’s Fish Camp Road, Bayport, Florida 352-597-3474, marysfishcamp.org marysfishcampbayport1@gmail.com

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warmers waters, which the springs provide. The gentle manatees, sometimes known as sea cows, can grow up to 11 feet in length and weigh nearly 1,000 pounds. They can also stay under water for as long as 15 minutes. That is before they poke their heads out of the water for a breath of fresh air. Blaser reminds camp visitors that they “are welcome to enjoy the manatees, but please respect them as they are still a threatened species and need to be protected.” Mary’s Fish Camp was established in 1946 and is a hidden gem of “old Florida.” As Blaser notes: “When driving down our long, shaded driveway, it feels like you are entering into a whole different world.” And once you reach the camp, there’s no disappointment: “It’s like a little slice of heaven,” she adds. FCM

TOP AND BOTTOM INSET PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARY’S FISH CAMP

The Mud River is appropriately named because it is a brackish-water river that is fed by two natural springs, the Mud River Spring, located at the head of the Mud River, and Salt Springs, a local spring. The Mud River eventually joins the Weeki Wachee, which flows into the Gulf of Mexico.

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COUNTRYWIDE

MOUNTAIN CABIN TIME IN ELLIJAY, GEORGIA TINY CITY IS PERFECT VACATION RETREAT FOR FLORIDA FAMILIES eaders of Florida Country Magazine love the great outdoors. Fishing. Hiking. The beauty of nature. And our state offers much of that in abundance. But these days, when we get a chance to take a break from the difficult times we’re living in, maybe we want just a bit more. So how about a little vacation getaway that’s still within driving distance … yet stays true to our roots? Ellijay, Georgia, is just that place. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this easygoing tiny city in Gilmer County offers a little bit of everything—verdant mountain views, deep well-stocked lakes, cascading waterfalls and a laid-back vibe that caters to country folk. With that in mind, our family of six set our sights on Ellijay and headed to the mountains. Our search for the perfect accommodations took us to the cabins of Lee Kenyon, a Florida resident who owns two beautiful lodges in the Ellijay mountains. We split our vacation time between the residences, beginning with five days at the Endless View Cabin on Carters Lake and ending at Heaven’s Gate Lodge overlooking breathtaking Stone Pile Gap. Each upscale property has five bedrooms, a great room with majestic fireplace, gourmet kitchen, hot tub and vast terrace with stunning long-range views of the nearby mountains.

and even closer to Doll Mountain Recreation Area and scenic Carters Lake, which you can see from the balcony. Heaven’s Gate cabin lies northwest of Ellijay, just a quick 10-minute drive into town to enjoy the quaint antique shops, boutiques and restaurants. The cabin sits atop seven secluded acres, and its living room features a wall of windows leading out to the wraparound deck. The dining room table was the perfect spot for our vacation poker tournament, and the giant fire pit area was ideal for a family s’mores night. In fact, the location of the cabin is so remote that a day did not go by without a sighting of deer, bear or hummingbirds. While the luxury of the cabins made us comfortable, we had traveled to North Georgia for outdoor excitement. Our first excursion was to Carters Lake in search of the giant striped bass that lurk in its depths. Capt. Jeremy Mullinax, owner of Backwoods Fishing Guide charters, introduced us to Mickey, our captain for the day, who assured us that his team knew the best spots on the lake.

We met up at 5 a.m. to get a jump on things, and by 6:30, Mickey had lived up to his promise—we were pulling them in, with each catch seeming larger than the one before. Mickey explained that these beautiful fish have no natural predators in Carters Lake, so local tradition is to hook, fight, land and then release the Endless View is the epitome Amicalola Falls is the tallest cascading monsters. In a six-hour of a mountain cabin. More waterfall east of the Mississippi River. window, we landed almost than 4,000 square feet of living a dozen of these beauties, space lets the family spread ranging from 12 to 22 pounds! We released them into the out for the week, yet it still provides a cozy atmosphere when deep, cold waters of Carters Lake, all the while planning everyone is gathered around the fire. The king-size bedroom to come back soon to meet with the Backwoods Fishing on the top floor features its own fireplace, and the hot Guide folks to do it all again. tub right outside the door is screened in to allow for yearround enjoyment. We played pool in the game room and challenged each other on a variety of in-house Xbox games. This amazing cabin is located only 20 minutes from town,

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No trip to North Georgia is complete without hiking, and there is no better trip than the waterfall loop at Amicalola Falls State Park. The park is named after its most treasured feature,

THIS PAGE: PHOTO BY DELANEY KELLY; OPPOSITE PAGE: TOP LEFT AND TOP RIGHT PHOTOS BY DAVE KELLY; MIDDLE LEFT PHOTO BY LEE KENYON; BOTTOM PHOTOS BY COURTNEY KEOGH

Written by: Dave Kelly

Clockwise from top left, sunset from the back deck of Endless View Cabin; Capt. Mickey of Backwoods Fishing is proud of Delaney and her striped bass; Heaven's Gate Lodge offers breathtaking views.

NESTLED IN THE FOOTHILLS OF THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS, THIS EASYGOING TINY CITY IN GILMER COUNTY OFFERS A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING—VERDANT MOUNTAIN VIEWS, DEEP WELL-STOCKED LAKES, CASCADING WATERFALLS AND A LAID-BACK VIBE THAT CATERS TO COUNTRY FOLK. Amicalola Falls—a magnificent 729-foot waterfall that is one of the highest cascading waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. The park offers two paths. One is a 2.1-mile loop to the top of the falls and back, which is rated difficult but worth the effort to see the spectacular view from atop the falls. The other, an 8-mile trek into the Georgia wilderness, leads

to Amicalola Falls Lodge, where you can spend the night. Paths begin at the stone archway marking the beginning of the famous Appalachian Trail, which runs from the park to Mount Katahdin in Maine, an amazing 2,190 miles to the north. During the last few decades, the North Georgia mountains have become home to many successful

Grapes flourish in the mountainous region. George's Cuvée, by Chateau Meichtry, is a 100-percent estate-grown red.

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COUNTRYWIDE

Above left, Heaven's Gate Lodge soars above seven acres of pristine mountain landscape. At right is a panoramic view of Carters Lake.

vineyards and wineries. Winters that are mild, but have a few days of freezing weather, and the area’s rolling hills produce hearty, quality grapes that are attracting attention worldwide. We set out to visit Chateau Meichtry, a familyowned winery just east of town.

Chateau Meichtry offers tours and tastings, as well as live music and food trucks on the weekends. We tried the George's Cuvée—a 100-percent estate-grown red—and returned to the cabin with a smile. We rounded out the week with many other outdoor activities, including tubing on the Cartecay River, mining for gems and even touring an apple orchard. Ellijay is truly a tiny city with big views and a passion for the outdoor life, and the perfect vacation retreat for Florida families. FCM

LEFT PHOTO BY LEE KENYON; RIGHT PHOTO BY DELANEY KELLY

Owner Bobby McNeill tells the story of Stephan Meichtry, who traveled in 1921 from Switzerland to the U.S. with a passion for wine. It is believed Meichtry brought his own root stock from Switzerland and grew the vines he used for his lifelong wine-making. A stock from these vines is planted on site at the winery, which produces almost a

dozen varieties, including many made with estate-grown grapes such as these.

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F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M

FLORIDA CHARM

THE CLUB CONTINENTAL AND AZALEANA MANOR HISTORY MEETS LUXURY IN THE FABLED TOWN OF ORANGE PARK, FLORIDA Written by: Dave Kelly

Steps behind The Club Continental lead toward the St. Johns River. Inset is a Palmolive Soap Company ad. In the 1880s, company founder B.J. Johnson arrived in Orange Park, Florida, to escape Northern weather.

The Club Continental’s classically styled buildings and grounds are steeped in a history that began in the 1880s, when B.J. Johnson, founder of the world-famous Palmolive Soap

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Company, came to the area looking to escape the harsh Northern weather. Long before Orlando and Miami became tourist destinations, the little town of Orange Park beckoned folks to its bath houses and natural springs, which were purported to have medicinal powers. Johnson’s daughter, Karrie, came to love her new home. In 1906, she and her husband bought a circa-1870s waterfront estate believed to be part of the famous Kingsley Plantation. They named it “Winterbourne.” Building on this, Karrie persuaded her brother, Caleb, heir to the Palmolive firm, to buy a portion of her property. He and his wife, Elinor, designed a new structure next door, which they named Mira Rio, and the family took up residence there in 1923.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CLUB CONTINENTAL

n a part of Florida that features moss-draped live oaks and gentle river breezes lies an extraordinary private club and event venue— The Club Continental, in the Clay County town of Orange Park. Its picturesque grounds are home to a fine dining restaurant open to members and hotel guests only, 22 luxurious guestrooms, a separate waterfront pub with live entertainment, and manicured lawns that surround three classic swimming pools, tennis courts, and a food and beverage cabana.

BOTTOM LEFT PHOTO BY DAVE KELLY; ALL OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CLUB CONTINENTAL

Clockwise from top left are Mira Rio being built in 1922; scene from 1960; side view in 1923; current view of entrance to The Club Continental in daytime; at night; close-up of entrance and fountain; aerial shot of its pools and lush landscaping.

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FLORIDA CHARM

Above is the entrance to Azaleana Manor, which has recently been added to The Club Continental family. At right is Azaleana Manor's entry foyer.

RECENTLY, AZALEANA MANOR HAS BEEN ADDED TO THE CLUB CONTINENTAL FAMILY. LOCATED ON PROPERTY JUST NORTH OF THE CLUB, THIS COMPLETELY RENOVATED, 10,000-SQUARE-FOOT MANSION IS A WONDERFUL SPOT FOR BRIDAL GROUPS, PRIVATE EVENTS, COMPANY FUNCTIONS AND MORE. During this time, the Johnsons hosted parties of all kinds, often featuring formal balls. In fact, many of the fountains and tiles from the era remain at Mira Rio, and there are still pictures from this festive period on the walls of The Club Continental today.

Out back on the property, The River House Pub overlooks the water—but didn’t begin its existence there. Originally a pre-Civil War cottage 5 miles south of Orange Park, in the 1890s it became the first golf clubhouse in North Florida. Scheduled for demolition in 1976, it was saved by the Massee family and moved to the edge of the high riverbank beside The Club Continental. Today, it’s an intimate pub with lively entertainment enjoyed by club members and guests.

As the years passed, the idea surfaced to convert Mira Rio into a private members’ club. In 1966, the family launched The Club Continental—just the right venue for intimate parties, lavish affairs and private events. Over the years, many of the current amenities were Recently, Azaleana Manor added, always with a nod to preservhas been added to The Club ing existing lawns, magnolia trees Continental family. Located The Club Continental and formal gardens. Now managed on property just north of The 2143 Astor St., Orange Park, Florida by Karrie Massee, great granddaughClub, this completely renovated, 904-264-6070, clubcontinental.com ter of Caleb Johnson, The Club has 10,000-square-foot mansion is a grown to more than 700 members, wonderful spot for bridal groups, Azaleana Manor all of whom appreciate and live the private events, company functions 12 Kingsley Ave., Orange Park, Florida “Old Florida” lifestyle. and more. The restaurant and 904-375-8389, azaleanamanor.com great room feature soaring crystal The original Winterbourne chandeliers, a built-in bar and house still stands and serves as high-end catering. a beautiful site for weddings, receptions, business meetings and other gatherings. It Azaleana Manor spreads out over four peaceful acres, and also has a history of being an incredibly unique building its shaded landscaping holds up to 200 guests. Its nine for Florida. That’s because it was one of the first with large rooms are perfect for wedding parties—featuring the electricity, attained by digging a 400-foot artesian well and spacious Bride’s Suite, oversized Groom’s Suite and plenty installing an electric turbine engine to recharge the batteries of room for the rest of the wedding party. It is Southern in the house, which provided its basic illumination. hospitality and elegance reimagined for your special day. Additionally, the architects were from Milwaukee and they could not conceive of a house without a basement. Thus they built an exceptionally large basement with several storage rooms—the only one in the area like it.

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If you are a fan of history and appreciate a lavish lifestyle, contact The Club Continental or Azaleana Manor today. Then start planning to experience the luxury of “Old Florida” charm! FCM

PHOTOS COURTESY OF INSIDE OUT SOLUTIONS

ROUNDUP

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PICTURE PERFECT

MOMENT OF ADVENTURE

Canon 6D Mark ll was the camera of choice for Kara Gil, of Plant City, while visiting Aldermans Ford Nature Preserve in Hillsborough County. “We walked, climbed and crawled to get to this hidden spot,” reports Gil. “Jackson Flott, a friend’s son, had the time of his life pretending to fish while I was able to do what I truly love to do—capture memories. I told Jackson to lead to me out of the woods. As I stayed behind his trail, I was able to catch him in the moment of adventure. I can genuinely say: I love my job!”

Photo by:

Kara Gil

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HIDDEN GEM

n iPhone 8 Plus came in handy for Doris Keeler of Winter Park, Florida, in Orange County, while touring neighboring Lake County. “As someone who writes a blog about ‘old’ Florida, I am always on the lookout for places that illustrate life during simpler times,” she notes. “It’s not uncommon for me to take off on a Saturday and head out on the back roads. Oftentimes I run across hidden gems like this house—with its rusty roof—sitting along the side of the road. Although abandoned now, imagine if the walls could talk!”

Photo by: Doris Keeler

HOTTEST SHOW ON EARTH

lant City, Florida, resident Dee Dee Wheeler shot this image with her Canon 6D camera and Canon EF 70-200mm lens. It was taken at the Junior Florida Cattlemen’s Association Hottest Show on Earth at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. Wheeler says, “Mariah is a senior at Strawberry Crest High School in Seffner. She’s the 2021 senior class rep for my business, Berry Sweet Memories. Photography’s such a good way to capture memories for the families I shoot. It gives me great pleasure to capture images that make folks feel emotion and smile at the thought of when we captured them. Photography is art and is subjective, and I love being creative.”

Photo by: Dee Dee Wheeler

AT 86, NOTHING’S SLOWING HER DOWN

isa Knous of Dade City, in Pasco County, Florida, used her iPhone to photograph her mother at Florida Flywheelers Park in Fort Meade, in neighboring Polk County. Knous says, “Having 13 children—with only 11 of us surviving—our mom, Isabel White, became a single parent when we were young. She knew how to bale hay, cook for an army, work a farm and was always ready for adventure. At 86, nothing’s slowing her down. She continues to volunteer at the Florida Flywheelers Park, where she is adored by many. Everyone calls her Izzy but we are lucky to call her Mom.”

Photo by: Lisa Knous

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PICTURE PERFECT

Photo by: Jess Knauf

HAVE YOUR CHICKENS IN A ROW

ess Knauf’s “little farm in Jacksonville” is the site of this photo, taken with his Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus. “These silly chickens! Every morning after they eat, they hop on the fence and sit there,” he says. “That’s why they say to have your ducks in a row—and I always ask, ‘What about your chickens?!’ I usually shoot with a Canon but this was too perfect not to capture … I don’t use photography to create but to capture the moment in time. I love the perspective and beauty of photography and the way it brings awareness to things. I try to photograph nature and my mustang, Journey. Horses have a way of bringing out the best in photos and people.”

Photo by: Thomas Lightbody

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THIS CRAZY WORLD

o capture this image, an Autel Robotics EVO drone was launched by Winter Garden, Florida, photographer Thomas Lightbody. Taken above 5 Mile Road in Clermont, in nearby Lake County, Lightbody states that client Brenna Schaeffer “is celebrating her senior year and throwing off her shoes and truly walking her own path in this crazy world!”

Photo by: Ben Knowles

SUMMER SUNRISE

en Knowles, of Marianna in Jackson County, Florida, used his iPhone 11 Pro on June 21 to take this photo of Merritt’s Mill Pond in his hometown. Knowles explains, “I took the photo while on my paddle board. It is one of my favorite photos because of how the sun, sky, clouds, trees and water contribute to a beautiful scene. I love early mornings on the water—and this photo is one of the reasons why.”

LABRADORABLES

“T

his image was far from easy to capture,” explains Jessie Tillis of Plant City, who employed her Canon EOS Rebel T6 camera for the task. “Getting the attention of seven Labrador puppies all at once was challenging—but not impossible. Being able to document the growth of these gorgeous pups from the day they were born until the day they went home was amazing!”

Photo by: Jessie Tillis

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WILD FLORIDA

MAKE MINE MULLET! FINDING AND CATCHING THESE ABUNDANT FISH NOT PARTICULARLY DIFFICULT

Written by: Paul Thurman, Ph.D.

got to the boat ramp early that morning—I’m of the mindset that if you’re not early, you’re late. I was meeting a friend to go wade the flats off Fort Desoto Park in Pinellas County, Florida. The sun was just starting to come up and I began scanning the flats to look for any feeding fish. Almost immediately, the water started to move a short distance off the shoreline and my priorities changed. I put away my rod, grabbed my wading shoes and trusty net, and began slowly stalking my quarry. Five minutes and one cast later, my cooler was full of mullet between 18 and 24 inches. Luckily for the local snook and redfish, the rest of the day would be catch and release. Not a bad start because the sun hadn’t yet cleared the horizon. If I had to pick a favorite fish, I’d be hard pressed not to pick mullet. Certainly no fish has given more to me. It’s fed me

so often I can’t keep count, has been my bait when catching many of my most-prized sport fish, and prevented me from coming home empty-handed after lots of fishing trips. In fact, I’d eat mullet instead of other popular sport fish species such as spotted sea trout. (More information on spotted sea trout in future articles!) In Florida, there are three primary species of mullet: striped mullet, silver or white mullet, and white mullet. While all mullet make for great bait, anglers looking to eat their catch will most likely look for striped mullet. They are by far the biggest of the group. Functionally, mullet are prey in their ecosystem. They’re filter feeders and eat small items such as algae, plankton and detritus. Conversely, just about any fish or crab capable of catching one will happily eat a mullet. Their place on the food chain makes them extremely abundant, with very generous bag limits.

MULLET JUMP REGULARLY AND ARE A SCHOOLING FISH, OFTEN AT THE SURFACE—MAKING THEM EASY TO FIND. BECAUSE THEY’RE EATEN BY JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING, MULLET CAN BE VERY WARY. TAKE YOUR TIME; STAND STILL AND MANY TIMES THE MULLET WILL COME BACK TO YOU SINCE THEY’RE ALWAYS MOVING.

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SMOKED MULLET DIP Serves 6

INGREDIENTS 1 pound smoked mullet 8-ounces cream cheese, softened 1 cup sour cream 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped 1 rib celery ¼ cup mayonnaise ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon lime zest 1 tablespoon lemon juice Pinch of smoked paprika Salt and pepper, to taste PREPARATION In a food processor, combine all ingredients except for the smoked mullet and green onions. Pulse until the mixture is creamy. Add more lemon juice or sour cream to taste. Place the mixture in a bowl. Fold in the smoked mullet and green onions. Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours before serving.

Finding and catching mullet is not particularly difficult. They jump regularly and are a schooling fish, often at the surface—making them easy to find. Because they’re eaten by just about everything, mullet can be very wary. Take your time; stand still and many times the mullet will come back to you since they’re always moving. Many methods are currently legal in Florida to catch mullet, and cast netting is the most popular. Cast nets for mullet can be quite a bit larger than bait nets. They usually have a radius of between 6 and 12 feet, mesh sizes between 1- to 1½-inch-square mesh (2 to 3 inches stretched) and can have more weight for a given net size. The larger mesh and heavier weight help the net sink to the bottom faster. If you’re interested in a mullet net, look for one handcrafted by a local net maker. They may be priced a little higher but more than make up for it in quality, sinking rate, etc. If you live near coastal Florida, a quick Internet search identifies several reputable local net makers. My favorite is a handmade 9-foot, 3-inch stretch-mesh net. It’s more than adequate to catch all the mullet I need—and for sharing with friends and family. For reasons I’ve never really understood, many people turn up their nose at the thought of F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M

WILD FLORIDA eating mullet. While there are as many different ways to cook mullet as there are cooks, the most iconic is smoked mullet.

Mullet are also delicious when fried or grilled. If possible, try to catch your mullet for smoking in the autumn—before they migrate offshore to spawn. They’ll be loaded with fat (flavor!) and perfect for smoking. This is when the famous mullet run starts, and when commercial prices are highest because of the large roe sacks present in the pre-spawning fish. If you’re interested in catching mullet, be sure to check the fishing regulations because they can change throughout the year and across the Sunshine State. Good luck and tight lines! FCM Many methods are currently legal in Florida to catch mullet, and cast netting is the most popular. Cast nets for mullet can be quite a bit larger than bait nets.

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TOP PHOTO BY PAUL THURMAN, PH.D.

Smoked mullet are usually cooked butterflied, with or without bones, and hot-smoked over relatively low temperatures (170 to 240 degrees F) for several hours until browned. The meat should easily pull away from the skin. Add a little fresh-squeezed lemon and you have my favorite seafood dish!

F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M

MY BEST FRIEND Florida Country Magazine runs a “My Best Friend” contest on Facebook every other month, for each issue of the magazine.

Sara Lengyel of Fort Myers, Florida Best Friend’s Name: Mia Best Friend’s Breed: Chihuahua Mia came to me at a time when I thought I was rescuing her, but really she was rescuing me! She was approximately 2 years of age and was kept in a cage most of the beginning of her life. Since she came to me, we have been best buds ever since. She will follow me everywhere! Loves to ride on the side-by-side and meet new people. Anyone who has met her always falls in love. She is the sweetest fur baby ever!

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Maisie is such a great best friend to us, especially our daughter and our beloved senior-aged bulldog Thea. Maisie has brought out the puppy in Thea, and is helping keep her young at heart and in body. Maisie brings a certain joy and calm to our family. Whether helping with the chickens, keeping feet warm while working from home or running around the property, she is a happy and warm spirit in our lives.

Jane Phillips of Batavia, New York Best Friend’s Name: VF Famous Feature, aka Fame Best Friend’s Breed: American Quarter Horse Fame means strength, frustration, happiness and everything else in between. We have been through a LOT together. We’ve battled almost the end of life, as well as the happiest of wins. He’s shown me how to grow, how to be patient and how to care. How to be a champion as well as making me throw my sucker in the dirt out of anger. Even through the worst, he means the world to me.

Caylin Hilton of Alachua, Florida Best Friend’s Names: Maisie, aka Maisie Moo and Maisie Moodle Doodle Best Friend’s Breed: Australian Labradoodle

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Judy Kemp of Wildwood, Florida Best Friends’ Names: Maverick and Goose Best Friends’ Breed: Shih Tzu My husband and I retired a few years ago from our inspirational jobs at The Villages. Most of our family—six children and 13 grandchildren—live in Massachusetts. We needed a purpose and found just that with these two little munchkins! They are brothers and the only two in the litter, so of course we took both! Their love is unconditional; we smile every day and can’t tell you how much they fill our lives with love and purpose.

Amanda Dykes of North Fort Myers, Florida Best Friend’s Name: Eyes For Cash 408, aka Fabio Best Friend’s Breed: American Quarter Horse Fabio means the world to me. Without him, some of my goals would not be possible. He is my partner, my teammate. He is part of our family here at AT Barrel Horses. Fabio is a great testament for the quote, “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”

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STARS & GUITARS presented by

MEET BROTHERS OSBORNE

As brothersosborne.com reports: “ ‘I’m good for some, but I’m not for everyone,’ TJ Osborne sings on Skeletons. That lyric might as well be the group’s mission statement—a proud declaration of uniqueness, delivered by a band of brothers whose boundarybreaking country songs have always mixed the twang of Southern music with the groove and guitar-driven swagger of rock ’n’ roll. At the same time, it’s hard to look at their long list of musical milestones—including six Grammy nominations, four CMA Awards, five ACM trophies, and more than a half-dozen hits— and imagine anyone turning up their noses at a sound that’s taken the siblings from the blue-collar beach bars of their Maryland hometown to some of the biggest stages across the world.

PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTEY OF BROTHERS OSBORNE

OUR INTERVIEW: MUSIC IN THEIR BLOOD, FEELING LUCKY EVERY DAY TO GET TO DO IT FOR A LIVING

lorida Country Magazine interviewed American country rock duo Brothers Osborne, comprising TJ (lead vocals) and John (lead guitar and background vocals). TJ, who turns 36 on Nov. 18, and John, 38, are looking forward to EMI Nashville’s Oct. 9 release of their third studio album, Skeletons—as are Florida Country Magazine’s readers!

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Brothers Osborne

And Florida Country Magazine readers have something else to look forward to when it comes to Brothers Osborne: Those big stages around the world will include Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam on Panama City Beach, Florida, where TJ and John are set to perform March 28, 2021. Read further to hear what the brothers have to say—usually answering in unison—but not always! FCM One of your best memories of growing up in Deale, Maryland? TJ and John: Definitely the water. We spent the majority of our childhood crabbing, fishing and swimming in the Chesapeake Bay. We miss it so much—even to this day. FCM At what age did you both start performing together? TJ and John: We come from a musical family so there has always been music around us. We both played in school programs as well. We didn’t start performing together until we joined a family group called Deuce and a Quarter with our dad. We were around our mid-teens when we started playing local bars for tips.

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STARS & GUITARS

FCM Has music always been in your blood or did you ever want to do something else? TJ and John: Music has always been in our blood. We get asked frequently what our Plan B is and, to be honest, we don’t have one. This is our plan A, B, and C. We feel lucky every day that we get to do this for a living.

FCM What is it like to work with you brother? TJ and John: Great! We have our differences and we have our similarities. But that’s what makes it special. If we both agreed all the time, then it wouldn’t be the same. We hardly have to say anything and we know what the other one is thinking.

FCM Your music is so diverse. What or who inspires your music the most, and why? TJ and John: We listened to so much music growing up, it’s hard to pick who our main inspirations are. We listened to everything from classic rock to new and classic country, to bluegrass to pop, etc. I’d have to say our parents were the biggest inspirations, as they were incredibly supportive of us and we could not have done it without them.

FCM What do you like to do outside of music that contributes to rejuvenating your musical creativity? TJ and John: Take breaks! If you keep chopping down a tree without sharpening your ax, you’ll exhaust yourself. Take time off. Relax. Enjoy life. That’s when the real creativity shows up.

FCM Best advice you’ve ever been given and by whom? TJ: The best advice ever, and I can’t remember who said it first, but it is, “Work hard and be nice to people.” If you can do those two things, you have a great shot at making it. FCM What has your musical journey been like? TJ and John: Our musical journey has not been easy (as most of them aren’t.) It’s full of ups and downs and twists and turns—and that’s what makes it special. If you can’t deal with the roller coaster ride of pursuing a career in art, it might not suit you. Just hold on and enjoy the ride.

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FCM What is your most valued material possession? John: Probably a guitar. I have a lot of them but I’d say it has to be my 1953 Blackguard Fender Telecaster. It’s a desert island guitar that I’ve always wanted but could never afford until about eight months ago! FCM What can your fans expect from Brothers Osborne in 2021? TJ and John: Hopefully, touring. Our album Skeletons comes out on Oct. 9th—so our next move was to tour heavily. Fingers crossed. FCM

PHOTO COURTESY OF BROTHERS OSBORNE

OUR MUSICAL JOURNEY HAS NOT BEEN EASY (AS MOST OF THEM AREN’T.) IT’S FULL OF UPS AND DOWNS AND TWISTS AND TURNS—AND THAT’S WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL. IF YOU CAN’T DEAL WITH THE ROLLER COASTER RIDE OF PURSUING A CAREER IN ART, IT MIGHT NOT SUIT YOU. JUST HOLD ON AND ENJOY THE RIDE.”

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Marsh birds By way of Used acid to create artwork Predatory fish Horse breed with a colorful spotted coat Drug-fighting group Author’s last word Waterfall Mammal with a long, silky fleece Have a good meal Sound made by horses “Awesome!” Gator rivals from Baton Rouge Bam! chef Breakfast pie Gin’s go-with Game bird in a covey Grunts Doctors’ organization “Without question!” Tolkien beast

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TECH TALK

GET A GRIP THE RIGHT TIRES = SAFER AND SMOOTHER TOWING AND/OR HAULING Written by: Savage 4x4

BE AWARE OF THE LOAD CAPACITY OF YOUR TIRES, WHICH ALSO IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE PSI IN YOUR TIRES. IN ADDITION, BE SURE TO READ TIRE LABELS AND KNOW THE WEIGHT OF YOUR VEHICLE.

s we mentioned in our article on preventive vehicle maintenance in the June/July 2020 issue of Florida Country Magazine, tires are an important part of conducting proper maintenance. And when it comes to towing and/or hauling, knowing which tires are best is extremely critical. There are a few factors to consider if you plan to use your vehicle for towing and/or hauling. These include ply, rating, and air pressure, as well as modifications to make your vehicle safer and last longer. Tires come in 4-, 6-, 8-, 10- and 12-ply (tire strength), which is directly related to the ratings of B, C, D, E and F (load capacity). It is important to have the correct ply/rating and proper tire pressure (pounds per square inch, or PSI)— especially when you plan to tow or haul loads. PSI is often misunderstood. Running pressure, as stated in the door jamb of your vehicle, is not always accurate unless you are running stock with no load. If you have a lifted vehicle and/or bigger tires than stock, you do not want to run a tire at the door jamb specifications. That will typically be too much PSI under normal circumstances.

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Tire pressure has a maximum specification that should not be exceeded, but that does not mean you have to run at the maximum PSI. Only when the maximum load capacity of the tires is reached should the maximum tire pressure be obtained. We advise that you consult a qualified tire or automotive technician for the proper PSI to run with your tires, load and ply. When towing and/or hauling in a lifted vehicle, the PSI is typically lower than the tire pressure monitor system’s lowest threshold, which means your tire pressure light might come on. Generally, for towing purposes or heavy loads in the back of your vehicle, use good common sense to figure out tire capacity. Be aware of the load capacity of your tires, which also is directly related to the PSI in your tires. In addition, be sure to read tire labels and know the weight of your vehicle. Is there something that can be done to increase towing and/ or hauling capacity? We have heard people say to put air bags in the rear of the vehicle to increase hauling capacity— but they have not considered the tires’ ability.

Without considering the tires, adding air bags does not increase the weight of the load that can be carried in the back of your vehicle unless the tire load capacity is also increased. For example, a 5,500-pound air bag and half-ton capacity truck equals approximately 6,500 pounds. But it is not recommended to load to that capacity unless you have the proper tires. With air bags and proper tires, you will be

able to haul bigger loads with less damage to your vehicle. With all this in mind, it is important to know that it is not recommended to ever carry the maximum load unless you have the proper vehicle for the job. The vehicle will come with load-rated tires. However, if you will be towing heavy loads, call our expert team at Savage 4x4 to discuss how we can make your vehicle last longer and haul safer. FCM

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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.

LOADED BAKED POTATOES Serves 6

INGREDIENTS 6 large russet potatoes 2 tablespoons canola oil ¾ teaspoon garlic salt ¾ teaspoon chili powder ½ teaspoon black pepper 6 tablespoons butter 6 tablespoons sour cream 6 tablespoons green onions, chopped 6 tablespoons sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 6 tablespoon cooked bacon, diced PREPARATION Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Toss potatoes with oil in large bowl until well coated. Add garlic salt, chili powder and pepper. Toss until spices are evenly distributed. Place potatoes on center rack of preheated oven. Bake 15 minutes, reduce to 350 degrees F. Bake about 40 more minutes, until toothpick inserted in center of a potato offers little resistance. Slice each potato lengthwise down the center, add butter, sour cream, green onions, cheese and bacon. Serve piping hot.

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INGREDIENTS 2¼ cups all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon dried chives 1 tablespoon dried minced onion ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 cup 1% buttermilk PREPARATION sheet Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Line baking with parchment paper. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl. Cut ure butter into the flour mixture until the mixt es, chiv n, onio Stir bs. crum se resembles coar Parmesan and cheddar into flour mixture. ly Pour buttermilk into the bowl. Stir until even sheet, combined. Drop by ¼-cupfuls onto baking 2 inches apart. Bake until tops of biscuits are . lightly browned, 12 to 15 minutes. Serve warm

CHEDDAR PARMESAN BISCUITS Serves 12

INGREDIENTS ¾ cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons sugar ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper ½ teaspoon celery seed ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon onion powder 2 tablespoons cider vinegar 1 16-ounce shredded coleslaw mix

CREAMY COLESLAW Serves 8

PREPARATION In large bowl, mix mayonnaise, sugar, salt, pepper, celery seed, garlic powder, onion powder and cider vinegar. Toss coleslaw mix with dressing to coat. Chill at least 1 hour before serving.

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THE CULINARY CRACKER

FIREHOUSE CHILI Serves 12

INGREDIENTS 4 tablespoons olive oil 1 yellow onion, chopped 1 red bell pepper, chopped 1 red chili pepper, chopped 3 jalapeño peppers, deseeded and chopped 4 garlic cloves, minced 3 pounds ground beef ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce Garlic powder, to taste 2 beef bouillon cubes 1 12-ounce can of beer 2 10-ounce cans of Ro-Tel diced tomatoes 1 14.5-ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes 1 12-ounce can tomato paste ½ cup white wine 2 tablespoons chili powder 2 tablespoons ground cumin ½ teaspoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon chipotle pepper sauce 2½ teaspoons dried basil 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika 1 teaspoon each salt and black pepper ½ teaspoon dried oregano

2 16-ounce cans dark kidney beans 1 cup sour cream 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped PREPARATION Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Add onions, bell pepper, red chili pepper, jalapeño peppers and garlic in hot oil until softened. In large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Add Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder. Crumble bouillon cubes over beef and add beer. Continue to cook, scraping browned bits from bottom of skillet, until liquid is hot, about 3 minutes. Stir beef mixture into pepper mixture. Stir crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste and wine into beef mixture. Season with chili powder, 2 tablespoons cumin, brown sugar, pepper sauce, basil, paprika, salt, black pepper and oregano. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until meat and vegetables are very tender, about 90 more minutes, stirring occasionally. Mix kidney beans into chili mixture. Simmer until beans are hot, about 30 minutes. Blend sour cream, cilantro and ½ teaspoon cumin in food processor until smooth. Serve sour cream mixture with chili.

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INGREDIENTS 3 cups broccoli florets ½ cup red onion, finely chopped 2 cups hardboiled eggs, diced 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 10 slices bacon 1 cup mayonnaise ½ cup white sugar 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar PREPARATION Place bacon in large, deep skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until evenly brown. Crumble and set aside. In medium-size bowl, layer (in order) broccoli, red onions, eggs, cheese and bacon. Prepare dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, sugar and . vinegar. Drizzle dressing over top and serve

BROCCOLI SALAD Serves 12

INGREDIENTS 21 ounces cornbread mix ½ large onion 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ese 1 cup shredded pepper jack che 2 large eggs, beaten 2½ cups milk 2 teaspoons sugar 1 can creamed corn 4 to 6 ounces diced jalapeños

JALAPEÑO CORN BREAD Yields 8 to 10 squares

PREPARATION Grease 9x13 Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. pour in and er pan. Mix ingredients togeth ick comes thp too il pan. Bake 45 minutes or unt oy! out clean when checked. Enj

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