'ALEXANDER LOVES REALTREE'

My son Alexander loves Realtree, so we had his kindergarten cap and gown made from Realtree fabric. He absolutely LOVED it. We chose St. Marks because we wanted to represent Florida, our new home in his pictures.” Crawfordville's Desiree Chapman shot her image at St. Marks Nature Preserve with a Nikon D800E.

'LIVIN THE DREAM'

This is my son Cullen Locke having the time of his life with his dad bass fishing on his Pepaw's skiff in Lake Poinsett, 'Livin the Dream.' To me photography means catching the moment.” Port St. John's Brittany Locke captured her image in Cocoa, Florida, on a Samsung phone.

Celebrating A Champion

This is Ellie Smith from Riverview; she attends Brandon Academy and is 9 years old. She has been an active member of the Florida Junior Swine Circuit for four years exhibiting her swine. This image was captured after winning the honor of Grand Champion Swine and Reserve Champion Junior Showman at the 2021 Hillsborough County Fair in Dover, Florida. Having known Ellie since birth, it is quite an honor to capture images of her and celebrate her winnings! Photographing livestock exhibitors is a passion of mine that I thoroughly enjoy!” Plant City's Dee Dee Wheeler shot her photo on a Canon 6D Mark II.

Trying To Stay Warm

This is the time of year when you can see hundreds of these beautiful manatees swimming up to the springs trying to stay warm where the water stays approximately 72 degrees when the surrounding waterways cool into the mid-60s. Besides, it’s a great place to take the grandkids to go on a little hike on the boardwalk and see real Florida.” St. Cloud's Susan M. Egitto captured her image at Blue Springs on a Canon EOS 80D.

LIFE'S A BEACH

The Cocoa Beach Pier was built in 1962 and is a historical landmark on the Space Coast. I enjoy sitting in the shade under the pier and watching the water hit the pilings, the surfers catching waves and birds flying around looking for fish. Later in the day, it’s a great place to watch the sunset and enjoy food and drinks. I love capturing details and different angles of objects … a perfect place to be!” Boca Raton's Susan Correa captured her image on a Samsung S21.

Surrounded By A Golden Glow

While pushing cattle from one pasture to another, an October thunderstorm came out of nowhere. We were taken back by the golden glow that surrounded only Anthony and his horse. We strongly believe that as the lightning was striking all around, that our son, Justin, whom we lost in a tragic accident, was riding along with him. Photography on the ranch for me is a way to capture who we are as a family.” Fort Lonesome's Debbie Gill captured her image at the Lonesome G Ranch on an iPhone.

'THEY GAVE ME A SHOW'

Iwas going to this trail for weeks hoping to run into these wild horses. Finally, they gave me this show. Photography to me is capturing a moment that no one else has. A moment like this will never happen again like this.”

Loxahatchee's John Sessa captured his photograph at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park on a Nikon D5.

LAKELAND'S BUBBLY ROSE

Photographer Tori Walker contacted us about wanting to do a carwash photoshoot with my daughter, Rose, and she was all for it. She got so excited to take her Jeep to the carwash and, of course, play in all the bubbles. Tori did an amazing job capturing her personality in these photos!” Photographer Tori Walker shot her image with a Canon 6D for Lakeland's Samantha Mangione.

'I HEARD A COMMOTION'

Ifrequent many Florida parks and seeing alligators is a common occurrence. Normally they are sunning themselves or swimming. One day, though, I heard a commotion in the water and saw these two huge gators fighting. It was an exciting thing to see, and I snapped this picture of one biting the other. Afterwards the victorious male squared up on some of the onlookers. Fortunately, his aggression stopped there.” Titusville's Sarah Wray shot her image at Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, Black Point Wildlife Drive around Mile Marker 12, on a Nikon D3400.

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Scarlett Sessions of Panama City, Florida

Best Friend’s Name: Disney

Best Friend’s Breed: Paint Pony

“Disney is so sweet and funny and I love to spend time with him,” 9-year-old Scarlett says about Disney. Scarlett has had the opportunity to assist her mom, Amy Shepherd, in multiple animal rescues, horses included. Yet, Disney has become her heart horse.

Michelle Silcox of Frostproof, Florida

Best Friend’s Name: Moon

Best Friend’s Breed: Thoroughbred Moon means the world to me. From the moment I met her, I knew she’d be something amazing one day! And I was indeed right; she has become my bestest friend. From chasing me through her paddock to impressing me more every show … and always trying her hardest. It’s almost been three years with her, and I’m hoping for many more with her. She will forever have a special spot in my heart.

Tammy Hendrick of Baker, Florida

Florida Country Magazine runs a “My Best Friend” contest on Facebook every other month, for each issue of the magazine. 2 3

Best Friend’s Name: Wilder (aka Kitty)

Best Friend’s Breed: Domestic short-hair tabby We didn’t go looking for Wilder—we just call him Kitty—he found us! And we are so happy he did. He was found on the side of the road in the tall grass by my husband. Poor baby was just a tiny kitten, no more than about 5 weeks old. Kitty has been the sweetest, most loving cat we could ever ask for. He gives the best kisses, aggressively pushing his head against your face over and over again. He sometimes even drools from being so happy while he’s showing his affection. It’s his way of letting you know you are loved. We couldn’t imagine our lives without this sweet cat. So glad he “found us!”

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Dallas Nicklos of LaBelle, Florida

Best Friend’s Name: Suspicious Behavior

Best Friend’s Breed: Appaloosa

Suspicious means the world to Dallas. They will truly be best friends forever.

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He is a rescue from a kill pen and he really is appreciative to her for giving him friendship that he’s never had. And we are extremely grateful for the love he has taught Dallas. They will continue to barrel race and run poles until one of them can’t physically do it anymore. He is the family member we never knew we needed … and now can’t live without.

Bre Provent of Fort Denaud, Florida

Best Friend’s Name: DP Hailion (aka Splash)

Best Friend’s Breed: Quarter Horse Splash was gifted to me 5 years ago. When I got him we realized he was pretty spunky for me, since he was 5 and I was 9. My parents and trainer wanted to sell him so I didn’t get hurt, but I told them he was more than just a horse. I am so glad we did keep him because he pulled me from my lowest place, and I felt like I had someone that cared about me and understood me. Our bond is now stronger than ever.