FEATURES

ON THE COVER: In the last decade, Michael Ray has released three No. 1 country songs, including the RIAA Platinum-certified “Think A Little Less, “Kiss You in the Morning,” and “One That Got Away,” while his latest single, “Whiskey and Rain” continues climbing the charts at Country radio. Photo credit Sean Hagwell. Read more page 66.

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30 The Great Florida Cattle Drive of 2022

500 Years of Cattle and Horses in Florida

34 Our High in

Roadtrip Series Florida the Lower Keys Capturing True Florida Attitude, Fall is the Time to Go

FCM CIRCLE A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER page 8

FLORIDA 4-H 4-H PUBLIC SPEAKING page 10

HORSIN' AROUND RIDE-A-THON FOR SPECIAL EQUESTRIANS page 14

FLORIDA HARVEST MOTE MARINE LABORATORY IN THE FLORIDA KEYS page 18

COUNTRY CALIBER MEET JIM KARELS page 22

SADDLE (WAY) UP! page 26

PICTURE PERFECT page 40

MY BEST FRIEND page 44

FLORIDA CHARM EXPLORING FLORIDA’S WAKULLA RIVER page 46

THE BRAND FLORIDA CRACKER TRADING COMPANY page 50

POLK TRACTOR COMPANY page 54

FLORIDA MEMORIES ‘FLORIDA’S INLAND GRAVEYARD OF SHIPS’ page 60

CROSSWORD page 65

STARS & GUITARS MEET MICHAEL RAY, CIRCLING BACK WITH FLORIDA COUNTRY MAGAZINE page 66

THE CULINARY CRACKER WHIPPING IT UP IN YOUR KITCHEN page 70

TRUCKS & TOYS VELOCITY RPM page 74

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

Jack Collier, Dale Cox, Christopher DeCubellis, Ava Grace, Kym Rouse Holzwart, Dave Kelly, Ben Knowles, Myles Mellor, Kendra Sutton

Featured Photographers

Matt Butcosk, Desiree Chapman, Rachel Conrad, Susan Correa, Susan M. Egitto, Josh Gicker, Mike Gilbert, Debbie Gill, Sean Hagwell, Dave Kelly, Ben Knowles, Dr. Hannah Koch, Brittany Locke, Vandy Major, Scarlett Redenius, Garrett Rizan, Kristina Rodriguez, John Sessa, Tori Walker, Dee Dee Wheeler, Gil Williams, Sarah Wray

For more information about advertising with Florida Country Magazine , or joining our regional sales team, please contact: 239-692-2613 sales@floridacountrymagazine.com

Advertising Sales: Kendra Sutton

239-910-6414 kendra@floridacountrymagazine.com

For other inquiries contact: Scarlett Redenius, Publisher 239-600-4783 publisher@floridacountrymagazine.com

Published by: Florida Country Publications PO Box 50989 • Fort Myers, FL 33994

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Florida Country Magazine is published bi-monthly, copyright 2022, 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.