The Hidden Coast, January 2019 by North Florida Media Service

Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

The Hidden Coast

The Last of Old Florida

January-February 2019

STEINHATCHEE 11th Annual Fiddler Crab Festival Friday - Sunday,

February 15th, 16th, 17th, 2019

SEE PAGE 8! H ENT ANNU V A LE L E

Spring Art Festival Suwannee, FL Pg. 4

Quilt Festival Trenton, FL Pg. 11

Big Bend Brew Fest Pg. 20

b ra C er dl iF d -Day how w! 2 at S Ne Bo

PERRY, YANKEETOWN & All In Between!

OUR LOCATION: 450 2ND ST. CEDAR KEY, FL

Upcoming Events: • Old Florida Celebration of the Art March 30-31, 2019

OUR HOURS: Monday - Saturday 10-4 Sunday 11-3

331 Dock St. Cedar Key, FL (352) 543-9992 (Pet Friendly)

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2 • Florida’s The Hidden Coast

TheHiddenCoastMag.com â&#x20AC;¢ 3

6470 SW 80th Ave • Trenton (352) 463-0800

www.OtterSprings.com

Over 600 Acres of Natural Beauty in Gilchrist County

RV & Tent Sites, Cabins • Electric, Water & Sewer •Heated Pool Hiking Trails •Suwannee River Access • Meeting Facilities Boat Ramp Nearby

The Marina In Florida’s Last Frontier

262 3rd St. • Horseshoe Beach www.themarinainhorseshoebeach.com

We offer Gulf Front Rental Properties! Levy County Quilt Museum 11050 NW 10th Ave. Chiefland, FL 352-493-2801 www.levycountyquiltmuseum.org

Open Tuesday-Saturday 10 – 3 Free Admission | Free Parking RV’ers Welcome | Large Parking Area

The Angler Inn 22 Main Street

$99

Off Season Tax Included

Efficiencies with BBQ Grill, Washer/Dryer, Picnic Tables, TV’s, Cable, With Great Boat Parking!

Gulf Front

2nd Annual

SPRING ART FESTIVAL SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 2019 10 AM to 2 PM

GLEN DYALS PARK, 21340 SE HWY 349 SUWANNEE, FL 32692

Enjoy local Artists & Crafters Sample Food Vendors & More Kayak, hike or boat the Refuge in fun break out events Small Animal Petting Zoo for the Kids

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

Vacation Houses

$395/$895

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Sleep up to (8) People, Docks, Fish Cleaning Sinks, Fire Pit, Bikes, Crab Traps, Fishing Poles, BBQ... All Units Are Non-Smoking. Call Dennis Buckley 386-235-3633 or 352-498-5986

Spectacular Sunsets! FOR VENDOR INFORMATION

suwanneetechcenter@yahoo.com 352-542-8320 Sponsored by: SUWANNEE LIBRARY TECHNICAL CENTER Dixie County Public Library Painting by Linda Della Poali

4 • Florida’s The Hidden Coast

Fish or Crab off of Your Own Deck! See Back Page For More Information!

$1.00 off Large bag with this coupon

Piddler’s Pointe RV Resort & Campground

(352) 498-5979 | piddlerspointerv@att.net 4802 SW HWY 358 | Steinhatchee, FL 32359

Florida’s

The Hidden Coast

Island Hotel & Restaurant

Built in 1859, this old Florida style Inn is located in the heart of Cedar Key. Features a fine dining seafood restaurant and Neptune Lounge. Ten distinctive rooms with private baths.

On the National Register of Historic Places.

www.islandhotel-cedarkey.com

373 2nd Street Cedar Key, Fl 32625 (352) 543-5111 ~ (800) 432-4640 Come on down and see all the improvements the new manager’s have made! More on the way!!

The Last of Old Florida

January 2019

Volume 4 Edition 1

For Advertising Information Please Call 386.719.1354 or email sales@nfmservice.com 10

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NOW DISTRIBUTED IN 9 NORTH FLORIDA COUNTIES! Look for our next edition: MARCH 2019! What’s Happening on The Hidden Coast? We Have You Covered from Perry to Yankeetown, and ALL in Between!

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Produced by

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P.O. Box 624 | Lake City, FL 32056 www.nfmservice.com

Cover photo courtesy: Tommy Thompson

TheHiddenCoastMag.com • 5

Fishing in Steinhatchee

By: Capt Mike Farmer

During the low tide periods the mud flats, shell beds and rocks along the river will warm up as the sun shines on these areas that have been left bare during the low waters. Once the tide begins to rise fish will leave the deeper holes and move to these warmer areas. This is a time when a slow falling suspending hard bait will will steal the show and prove itself valuable of taking up space in your tackle box. Mirrolure, Rapala, Sebile and Unfair Lures both have several baits in their lineup that fit this bill. I personally really Winter fishing in our region can be a little like the Unfair shrimp bait in this situation. awkward at times because it seems we never have These type baits work so well because they can be any consistency in the weather patterns. You fished very slowly without sinking down quickly and finding a place to never know if you’re lodge into rockers or going to need a jacket “... a great day on the Gulf oyster bars. Cast down or a pair of shorts. During the Winters catching fish can help you to wind or down current according to whichever that we have a pretty consistent weather overcome the Wintertime Blues.” is prevailing and slowly work the bait back to trend that keeps things you with an occasional pause or a slight twitch a little cooler we have an awesome phenomenon that takes place. Multitudes of Speckled Seatrout of the rod tip. During this pause is when most will move into the Steinhatchee River. During of your strikes occur. Sometimes the strikes may this period you can fish most anywhere from the be an aggressive feeding strikes but many times it mouth of the river on up to the Landing Resort will only be a slight tick that you feel. Presenting and find Trout which aren’t in the river during these baits working against the current makes a warmer periods. During this time it is nothing huge difference in feeling the strike and a missed opportunity. A Saltwater Assassin Salty Snack is a unusual to boat 100 fish or more per day. soft plastic option that will work very well in this During the lower parts of the tide cycles you scenario also. It can be fished with the weedless should be able to find fish stacked in deepr areas Texas rig style hook that comes in the package or of the river. 52M, TT, TTR and STTR versions of fished on a waited swim hook works well in this Mirrolures will be a great choice of bait during situation also. It can be fished very slowly and the this time. On days that are a bit overcast any of weedless rigging and doesn’t snag in the shallow the colors schemes which contain pink will work cover nearly as bad as the traditional plastics on quite well and on the days with more sunlight I a jighead. After this bait was released last year it prefer ones with gold in the color pattern. These has produced many wintertime Gator Trout for baits can be trolled through the river slowly. Also me and is definitely worth adding to your arsenal try a Bass Assassin jighead baited with a shrimp if you haven’t already tried it. or a Saltwater Assassin Sea Shad. With the soft plastics my primary color choices are Pink Ghost If you are just passing through, new to the area or Butt Naked on the overcast days and then or just don’t have a boat please give me a call to Chicken on a Chain or White when there is more book a trip. I would love to spend the day on the water and getting rid of those Wintertime Blues. available sunlight. I hope each and everyone of you had a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year !! Holidays are something we all love but sometimes are just as happy to see them go. Wintertime is much the same. Everyone has had enough of the heat and ready for it to cool down but once Winter arrives most are ready for it to be gone. Cold Winter weather can damper the spirits sometime. But a great day on the Gulf catching fish can help you to overcome the Wintertime Blues.

6 • Florida’s The Hidden Coast

Capt Mike Farmer Salt Addiction Charters 352-210-1551 www.saltaddictioncharters.com TheHiddenCoastMag.com â&#x20AC;¢ 7

NTH ANN UA VE LE L E

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FEBRUARY 15 - 17, 2019 STEINHATCHEE, FLORIDA

$5.00 ENTRY FEE*

Includes ALL three days and evening events. Children 16 and under are FREE. *ENTRY FEE IS CASH ONLY. NO COOLERS ALLOWED. BRING LAWN CHAIRS! FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH Time 5:30 pm 7:00 7:10 7:50 8:20 9:30 11:00

Event Fishing Tournament

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH (continued) Venue SH

Mandatory Captain’s Meeting

Food Booths Open River Entertainment, Steve Briscoe, MC Ent Kellen Vincent Ent Justin Lee Partin Ent Soul Shine Ent SHOW CLOSES Ent

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16TH Time 7-9:00 am 9:00 9:45 10:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:30 1:00 2:00

Event Venue Breakfast Served CC Raffle Opens CC Parade Lineup Fellowship Baptist Church Parade Starts TriCounty to 9th St. House Music / Welcome Ent Vendor Booths Open CC Opening Ceremonies CC National Anthem CC Suwannee River Jam Auditions Ent Solo Artist Car Show Opens 1st Ave. S. & 10th St. River Tours Begin (weather permitting) Ent Swampwater Cook-Off Cups on Sale Sch Fiddler Crab Race Tickets on Sale Sch Fiddler Crab Races Begin Sch Swampwater Cook-Off Sch Swampwater Cook-Off Judging Begins Sch Swampwater Cook-Off Open for Public Tasting Parade Winners Announced Sch Suwannee River Jam Auditions Ent Bands Fishing Tournament SH Weigh-In Opens

(352) 356-8185 | www.steinhatcheechamber.com 8 • Florida’s The Hidden Coast

Time 2:00 2:30 3:00 3:00 5:00 5:30 7:00 7:30 8:20 9:45 11:00

Event Venue Fiddler Crab Race - Final Heat Sch Car Show Ends - Trophies Sch Fiddler Crab Race - Sch Winners Announced Swampwater Cook-Off People’s Sch Choice Ballot Cut Off Crab Recipe Contest Entries Due to Judges Fishing Tournament SH Weigh-Ins CLOSE Vendor Booths CLOSE CC Raffle Drawings CC LOAD in Band /Dinner Break Ent Entertainment, Steve Briscoe, MC Audition Winner - Solo Ent Audition Winner - Band Ent Karley Scott Collins Band Ent Jamie Davis Band Ent SHOW CLOSES Ent

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH Time Event Venue CC 8:00-10am Breakfast Served Vendor Booths Open CC 9:00 9:00 Poker Run Registration Sch Motorcycles/Golf Carts/Bikes/Feet 11:00 Poker Run Begins Sch Gospel Music CC 1-3:00 Poker Run Ends - Sch 3:00 Winners Announced/Raffle/After Party 4:00 Vendor Booths CLOSE CC *Times and events subject to change without notice*

Venue Key

Community Center

Sch

School Ball Field

Parade Info

Ent

River Haven Marina

Sea Hag Marina

55th ANNUAL

Old Florida Celebration of the Arts JURIED ARTS FESTIVAL WELCOMING 120 FINE ARTISTS & ARTISANS

Cedar Key, Florida

March 30 (10-5) & 31 (10-4), 2019

• Great Food, Music, and Kids Activities in Beachfront City Park • Artist Demonstrations both afternoons • Family-Friendly, Pet-Friendly & FREE!

www.CedarKeyArtsFestival.com

352.543.5400 | cedarkeyartsfestival@gmail.com

TheHiddenCoastMag.com • 9

THE CABOOSE

By: Toni C. Collins

Rolling Toward the End of the Line Caboose, cabin car, crummies, way car, van, ape cage, throne room, hack, buggy, the office, shanty, monkey house, bedbug haven- American railroaders have known the last car on a freight train by all these names and more. To the men who worked the back end of the train - conductors, brakemen, and flagmen - a caboose was often an ever-so-humble home. Until the 1950s and early 1960s, train crews usually ate and slept in their cabooses when laying over at the far end of their runs. Caboose furnishings were bare-bones. A desk where the conductor did his paperwork, a stove, an ice box and table, lockers, a toilet, benches that converted to bunks, and padded seats. As early as 1863, raised cupolas were added where crewmen sat in elevated chairs to watch the boxcars for signs of trouble. By the late 19 century the caboose had evolved into the freight train’s nerve center. It was the command post and office for the conductor who kept the documents for each freight car in his train. Supplies were stored in the caboose, meals cooked and consumed there, card games played when the coast was clear, and a flask sometimes cracked open. The engine got most of the attention, but the “little red caboose,” which could also be painted brown, green, blue, or yellow - was where the action was. Cabooses edged closer to extinction in recent years as technology chipped away at their role. Computers took over the conductor’s record-keeping work. An electronic “end-of-train device” now monitors brake pressure which traditionally was one of the rear

10 • Florida’s The Hidden Coast

brakeman’s jobs. Track side scanners, installed at intervals on many lines, can now detect overheated axle bearings and report the problem to the engineer. The Florida East Coast Railway uncoupled its cabooses for good in 1972. The railroad and Transportation Union sanctioned the elimination of cabooses from about one-fourth of all throughfreights plus most local trains. The surplus “crummies” were rolled onto storage tracks around the country. Although the caboose has became an endangered species some cars have survived as boutiques, motel rooms, and museum exhibits. The Levy County Historical Society has purchased Atlantic Coast Line Railroad caboose No. 0795. The permanent site of the restored caboose will be the Levy County Wayside Park on US19/98 in Gulf Hammock across the highway from the abandoned ACL rail line. The caboose will join the historic 1915 Vulcan Pat-Mac Locomotive, the work horse that brought logs out of the Great Gulf Hammock for the Paterson-McInnis Lumber Company. In order to reach their goal of raising the $12,800 needed to restore the caboose, the Historical Society has opened a GOFUNDME account. Supporters who wish to make a tax deductible contribution to this project can do so online by logging onto www.gofundme.com/help-restore-this-aclcaboose. Contributions also can be made by mail to the Levy County Historical Society, Inc., 12751 NW 92 St., Chiefland, FL 32626.

Cedar Key Inshore Fishing!

Redfish • Trout Shark • Cobia

SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 2019 Captain Jason Lowe 352.362.0656

Licensed & Insured

www.JLowesGuideService.com | Jason@Jlowesguideservice.com

Facebook, Instagram & Twitter!

thehiddencoastmag.com What’s Happening on The Hidden Coast? We Have You Covered from Perry to Yankeetown, and ALL in Between!

Hundreds of Quilts from Florida Quilting Groups Outdoor & Indoor Displays NO ADMISSION FEE

TheHiddenCoastMag.com • 11

Striving for Art Fair Excellence The Old Florida Celebration of the Arts in Cedar Key March 30 & 31, 2019 Have you ever wondered what makes a great Arts Festival? If so, just ask the folks in Cedar Key as their annual Spring Arts Festival was just ranked in the Top 10 Juried Art Fairs in America for the third year in a row in Art Fair Calendar’s annual Survey*. In addition, this art event was recognized as #2 on the list of Favorite Small Town Art Shows. When you ask members of the festival committee at the Cedar Key Arts Center, coordinating sponsor for the event, you get a variety of tips that might just add up to why this festival has earned such a great reputation and is respected by artists and festival attendees alike. #1. Work to attract high quality and creative fine artists and artisans. Since the festival returned to a fine arts event in 2006 the goal has been to identify and attract top artists through a nation-wide application and jury process. Through this process all entries are reviewed by artist peers, scored and only the most qualified artists are invited to this relatively small show that strives to have a balance in of disciplines. #2. Create an inviting atmosphere that encourages engagement between artists and visitors. One of the reasons the Old Florida Celebration of the Arts invites only 120 artists is so there is room for Artist Demonstrations and space between booths for artists and patrons to interact. The smaller venue results in a relaxed environment compared to larger Florida art shows. #3. Be organized and have great volunteers. In this small town of about 800 residents, it is simply amazing how many volunteers and businesses work to make the Spring Arts Festival one of the best. With answers to the question “What can we do to improve the festival?” like the one below on the post-event survey, you can see that this “village” knows what is doing. “I can’t think of anything. The show was very well run. Everyone - staff, volunteers, even the motel staff, cared about the show. It’s refreshing to see so many people who are interested in not just the show but the artists. I loved the show and the town. Thank you!” The 2019 Old Florida Celebration of the Arts in Cedar Key will be Saturday, March 30 (10-5) and Sunday, March 31 (10-4). Demonstrations 1-4pm. Prize winners are announced Saturday night at a special Artist Reception so consider coming on Sunday to see who won. Enjoy Great Food, prepared by local non-profit groups, live music and the popular Cedar Key Arts Center’s Children’s Art Booth in Beachfront City Park. The event is free, family & pet friendly with smoking/vaping allowed only in designated areas. For more information go to www.CedarKeyArtsFestival.com. Questions contact: 352-543-5400 or CedarKeyArtsFestival@gmail.com. *The America’s Best Art Fairs Awards are based on online voting by art fair patrons, collectors, organizers, and artists both regionally and nationally. It is the only national survey of art fairs and festivals designed to recognize achievement in art fair event production and promote the cultural importance of fine art events across America. Please visit http://www.artfaircalendar.com/art_fair/americasbest-art-fairs-the-top-50.html or http://www.BestArtFairs.com for the complete list of Best Art Fair Award winners for 2018.

A Big Thank You to Our Sponsors!

In the woods or on the water

We strive to supply ALL your outdoor needs

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Runnin’ Out Fishing Charters

• 7 Wildlife Management Areas • 9 Public Boat Ramps for small boats and kayak/canoe launching • Phenomenal Fishing and Scalloping • Restaurants, lodging, gift shops, grocery, hardware & marinas • Year round events and more! www.steinhatcheechamber.com

Photo Courtesy of: Kim Kennedy @simplysteinhatchee

We offer guides for fishing & scallop season, vacation, boat and kayak rentals and restaurants for both Jena and Steinhatchee. Steinhatchee is the place to settle for a night, a month or longer. TheHiddenCoastMag.com • 13

14 • Florida’s The Hidden Coast

The Hidden Coast

Find Your Way Around

TheHiddenCoastMag.com â&#x20AC;¢ 15

Map Courtesy: River Graphics Maggie Valley, NC 2875 | Tel. 828.944.0134

The Last of Old Florida

LocalFlavor 420 Dock St., Cedar Key (352) 543-5142

steamerscedarkey.com

Open 7 days a week Lunch and dinner Fresh Clams and Oysters

490 Dock St., Cedar Key (352) 543-8004 Formerly Carlin’s Waterfront Bar & Grille NTH ANN UA VE LE L E

OPEN 7:30AM–10PM • 7 Days a Week

11th Annual Fiddler Crab Festival Friday - Sunday, February 15th, 16th, 17th, 2019

OFFERING ALL TYPES OF FOOD VENDORS!

Jake’s Waterfront Pub At The

The Marina Horseshoe Beach

LOGO

16 • Florida’s The Hidden Coast

262 3rd St. • Horseshoe Beach (352) 498-5405 In Florida’s Last Frontier

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OPEN MOST WEEKENDS

Watch the Shrimp Boats Come In and Have a Cold Beer!

YOUR BUSINESS HERE! Restaurant & contact information

Picture

YOUR BUSINESS HERE! Restaurant & contact information

Picture

LocalFlavor Call now for Fresh Florida Stone Crabs! Locally Family Owned & Operated Restaurant & Bar Check us out on Facebook for weekly specials! www.kathiskrabs.com

1-352-498-8088 7022 SW 358 HWY Steinhatchee, FL goodtimesmotelandmarina.com

Steinhatchee, FL

331 Dock St. Cedar Key, FL Great selection of local clams (352) 543-9992 and oysters! The grouper (Pet Friendly)

sandwich is excellent!

End your day at Steinhatchee with a cold beverage!

Tiki Bar We’re the closest marina to the Gulf of Mexico in Steinhatchee!

Open during scallop season and special events only

322 Riverside Drive Steinhatchee, FL VHF Channel 09 • (352) 498-3008

Attention Restaurants!

Be a part of our "Local Flavor" page • Covers Yankeetown to Steinhatchee • Social Media Updates • 70K Distribution • Available at I-75 Welcome Center • Online Presence • Published Six Times a Year

$75/ per edition Call 386-719-1354 for more info!

Attention Restaurants!

For information on our next edition call

386-719-1354 TheHiddenCoastMag.com • 17

Manatee Springs, a Different Perspective Whether to relax or have some adventure, Manatee Springs State Park is a destination worth visiting again and again. Wildlife abounds – on the ground, in the water, in the trees and in the air. A pair of polarized sunglasses to peer beneath the clear waters, binoculars and a camera equip the prepared visitor.

Here are five moments from memorable visits I’ve made over the past four years. #1 Traveling Down from Fanning by Kayak 10/21/18 Brett Floren and I are paddling the 9.2 miles down the Suwannee from Fanning Springs to Manatee on this cool sunny Sunday morning. The usual three-hour trip stretches to over four as we leisurely crisscross the river pausing to shoot photos and even live stream video from Brett’s phone. Visible from the air and water, the ranger station 1.6 miles up from Manatee is a good place for us to shift to the east shore, ready to enter the spring run.

9.2 Mile Kayak Trip - Fanning Springs State Park to Manatee Springs Dock

• Aerial Flight Down the Suwannee October 31, 2018

1.6 Miles to Manatee Springs State Park River Dock and Observation Deck

Current

• Kayak Trip From Fanning Springs to Manatee Springs October 21, 2018

For more information on the author

Cary On Destinations, Inc. 17582 SE HWY 19 Suite 6 | Cross City, Florida 32628 | Jeff.Cary@CaryOnDestinations.com 352-440-2056 Office | 352-562-6533 Cell

#2 Early Morning at The River Dock 2/11/17 The quiet of the pre-dawn darkness out on the river is broken by heavy wingbeats and the screech of talons sliding down the cool tin roof followed by feet alighting on the deck and railings leading back into the woods. As daylight reveals the morning congregation, a couple and their two dogs emerge from the river fog paddling their canoe into the park for a visit. I follow on foot, past the gauntlet to the more delightful scene of hundreds of jeweled necklaces of spiderwebs and dew drops hanging carelessly in the branches along the walkway.

18 • Florida’s The Hidden Coast

YouTu

W ow

#3 Manatee Sleeping in the Spring Run 2/12/17 Early morning, I’m quietly snorkeling the spring run as sleeping manatee rise to the surface, take a breath and settle to the bottom without paying notice to my silent passage. Soon, visitors dip their paddle blades beneath the surface as kayak and manatee engage in a slow ballet while I too rise for a breath and sink beneath as a boat or manatee passes overhead.

#4 Diving the Flooded Woods 6/1/14 The Galloway family and I are enjoying checkout dives before their dive trip. We are fortunate to dive on a day the Suwannee is approaching flood stage. Fortunate because few people ever get to dive in the cypress woods across from Manatee Spring. Catfish Hotel has a whimsical quality reminding me strangely of some Hubble Telescope photos of nebulae.

#5 Cave Diving Friedman Tunnel 11/10/17

https://youtu.be/L3mJRLo_aXE

This URL can be typed into your Internet browser to show our YouTube video from the three synchronized video cameras as we drive a stake into the bottom to hold the new line. https://youtu.be/L3mJRLo_aXE

It is “inside the river, under the woods, beneath the road, round Catfish Hotel, to Manatee Spring we go”, drifting 2,180 feet at underground depths of 58 to 93 feet. Brett Floren, George Claude, Jr. and I are assisting Win Brown in replacing another section of the permanent “Gold Line” in the cave system beneath the park. Each of us has a video camera.

We all tend to remember moments. I hope these bring out your own special moments and prompt you to come create new ones. Manatee Springs awaits. I Hope you enjoy the views! TheHiddenCoastMag.com • 19

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20 • Florida’s The Hidden Coast

Cedar Key

Dolphin Project

“...because every fin is unique: it is like a fingerprint.”

This dolphin, named Zebra in 2010, has toothrake marks on the rear of the dorsal fin caused by another dolphin. Those rake marks fade over time. All Photos taken under NMFS research Permit #14450. When we collect data on the bottlenose dolphins in the Big Bend, we take pictures of their dorsal fins. This is because every fin is unique: it is like a fingerprint. Changes in the dorsal fins can happen due to interactions with boats, because of age, or even because of interactions with other dolphins (from fighting with each other or even playing too roughly). Dorsal fins photos are kept in a catalog; currently we have over 500 individual dolphins in the catalog! There is another possible way to tell dolphins apart, though it takes a little more work on our part. This is through something called a signature whistle.

We can figure out the signature whistle of a dolphin by recording it with a hydrophone, which is a microphone designed for underwater listening. This recording can be turned into a spectrogram, which is a visual spectrum of frequencies of sound or other signals as they vary with time. The exact purpose of the signature whistle is still being explored, but it is obvious that whistles are important for acoustic communication. It is not clear how much these whistles change over a dolphin’s life, but as we learn more about how complex dolphin societies can be, this is another important piece of the puzzle. These are spectrograms of two different dolphins’ signature whistles. The yellow is the whistle pattern of the dolphin.

Dolphins make a variety of different sounds: the echolocation they use to find fish creates a distinct sound like rapid clicking. Burst pulses, which sound like squeaks or squawks to humans, are actually clicks produced so closely together that humans can only hear them as one tone. These pulses are heard frequently while they socialize with each other. Dolphins also produce many different whistles, but the signature whistle is special. It is thought that Want to hear these whistles in person? each dolphin has its own special Stefanie Gazda, President of the CKDP, will be giving a signature whistle that it uses to talk at the Cedar Key Public Library on January 24th at identify itself. Dolphins appear to 5 pm. We are also hosting a fundraiser at the 83 West produce their own signature whistle restaurant in Cedar Key on February 7th at 6:30 pm. There consistently, and they may also be will be food, drinks, and a performance by Elvis tribute able to produce the signature whistle artist Ted Torres Martin, the 2016 Images of the King World of others. Dolphins that are lost may Champion! Find out more information by following us on quickly produce signature whistles, Facebook (facebook.com/CedarKeyDolphinProject) or at possibly as a way to call for friends. our website (cedarkeydolphinproject.org).

TheHiddenCoastMag.com • 21

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Look for our booth , including specials , at the Fiddler Crab Festi val March 15-17!

FOR FREE LOCAL DELIVERY TO OLDTOWN, HORSESHOE BEACH & SURROUNDING BEACHES CALL

352-498-0680

102 9th Street SE, Steinhatchee, FL 32359

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22 • Florida’s The Hidden Coast

Cedar Key Marina II & “Hooked Up” Charters 12780 SR 24, Cedar Key, FL

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Riverside Spirits ‘N Wine Shoppe 1312 S Riverside Dr. • Steinhatchee, Florida

(352) 498-2942 Riverside Spirits is a family owned and operated liquor, beer, and wine shoppe. We also carry fine cigars and beautiful sterling silver jewelry.

434 2nd St., Cedar Key Phone: (352) 543-9779 bethjdavis@bellsouth.net Hours: 10a–5:00p Monday – Saturday thesaltyneedlequiltshop.com Beth Davis Owner

Cedar Key Country Store 598 2nd Street | Cedar Key, FL | 352.543.9697 Hours: 10-5 Thur, Fri, Sat & Mon

We Have All Types of Gift Ideas!

HOURS Mon-Thur: 10-8:30 Fri-Sat: 10-10 Sun: 10-8

Locally Made Items, Island Home Décor, Memorabilia, Jewelry, Unique Finds & So Much More! TheHiddenCoastMag.com • 23

FLORIDA PIONEER SPIRIT

n the fall of 1910, Eric Odlund, a Swedish sailor and fisherman, introduced his new 18-year old bride, Luella Robinson, to their future home. The new home was a 10-acre Florida hammock located on Big Belcher Island at the mouth of the Suwannee River. The island, which would become known as Odlund Island, did not have a house on it so Eric and Luella built one out of the odds and ends they found on the island. The house was covered with palmetto leaves on the roof and the four sides. With this start, the newlyweds settled down to a life of living off the land and the sea.

By: Toni C. Collins Town for those children who were ready for it. The children were instructed to behave themselves, keep the house, and get an education. Frequently, the family would have to sit down and figure out what they didn’t need so they would have the money to put toward education. The basic mainstay of the family was catching, salting, and packing fish. Luella worked right alongside her husband for long hours. From September to December they salted and packed mullet and from December to February, they salted and packed trout or specks. From February to May, the family salted and packed sturgeon. The huge barrels were then shipped to Cedar Key and the market. When Luella first came to the island and for many years after, she made her own soap from fat, ashes, and lye. Lanterns furnished light after dark and then came kerosene lamps. At long last in 1953, real electricity provided by the Central Florida Electric Cooperative and marked a new day. Visitors to the island marveled at the poles and wires which brought the magic across the marsh to folks who had survived quite well without electricity for more than 40 years.

Luella canned heart-of-palm from the numerous cabbage palms located on the island, made a tasty Cooter stew or hamburger from the white meat of the river turtle, and planted a kitchen garden in the rich loamy soil. Luella had no time to get lonesome or homesick for St. James Island, her former home in Franklin County, Florida. In July of 1941, Eric died of cancer. He was brought home to the island he loved so well The couple brought nine children into the from the hospital in Georgia and buried next world - seven girls and two boys. Two of the to his two daughters. His tombstone bears the girls died early and are buried in the family inscription, “King of the Suwannee.” cemetery on the island. Luella stayed on at Odlund Island for another The parents made sure that each of the 33-years, entertaining her family and friends, children got a high school education on the giving thanks to the Lord, and watching the mainland. When the younger children got waters of the Suwannee flow into the Gulf of to be the right age, they attended elementary Mexico. She passed on August 1, 1974, at the school in Demory Hill on Little Bradford age of 82. Island. The little ones were rowed in a boat by the older ones. The name Demory Hill was Source: The Suwannee, changed to Suwannee in 1948. Dorothy Kaucher, When it came time for high school, Mr. Lake Wales, FL © 1972. and Mrs. Odlund rented a house at Old 24 • Florida’s The Hidden Coast

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WH Photo by: Andrew Ortega

OYSTER REEF RESTORATION IN THE GULF WHAT ARE OYSTER REEFS?

• When these stressed oysters die, their shells break up and

Oyster reefs are large communities of oysters that grow in estuaries (coastal areas where fresh water mixes with ocean waters). Reefs can be several miles long and resemble offshore islands. The Lone Cabbage Oyster Reef is one of several reefs in Florida’s Big Bend, where reefs are nearly 3,000 years old.

• Young oysters can’t attach to that sandy material, so the

WHY ARE OYSTER REEFS IMPORTANT? Oyster reefs in this region often grow parallel to the coast and function like “leaky dams,” helping retain some of the freshwater that enters the estuary, much in the way barrier islands do. As a result, the water in estuaries is less salty than water in the open ocean. This lower salinity makes estuaries good places for fish and shellfish to reproduce, which is why estuaries are sometimes called “nurseries of the sea.” It’s estimated that 90 percent of all U.S. seafood spends part of its lifetime in an estuary. Oyster reefs also help filter water, provide valuable habitat for wildlife and help prevent coastal erosion.

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING TO OYSTER REEFS? Over the last 30 years, 88 percent of large offshore oyster reefs in the Big Bend have degraded or disappeared altogether. This is because of a vicious cycle:

• Freshwater flow to the Gulf of Mexico has been declining, meaning less fresh water is entering estuaries.

• Less freshwater means higher salinity in estuaries. At higher salinity, oyster are more vulnerable to predators, pests and disease.

26 • Florida’s The Hidden Coast

are buried, leaving sand bars. reef can’t naturally replace itself.

• As the reef breaks up, more freshwater from the estuary escapes, leading to more consistently higher salinity in the estuary, which puts more stress on existing oysters.

• This becomes a one-way street. Oysters cannot re-establish in the low-lying, sandy, salty remnants of the reef.

• Loss of the reef probably affects many more valuable commercial and sport fish and shellfish species that are displaced from the larger degraded estuary.

HOW ARE WE RESTORING OYSTER REEFS? On the Lone Cabbage Reef, University of Florida scientists are helping oysters reestablish by topping the reef remnants with limestone boulders. Unlike shell, the rock does not wash away, and provides a place where young oysters can attach and grow. A pilot project showed a nine-fold increase in oysters after restoration. Building on the results of the pilot project, the full scale restoration of 3 miles of reef was completed in November 2018. Over the next five years, scientists will monitor the reef, collecting data on how oyster populations, salinity and wildlife respond to the improvements. The rock makes the reef taller, more permanent and more resilient to storms and decreased freshwater flow, and is predicted to benefit an entire estuary through the effects on salinity. Long term, a healthy reef system will help make coastal areas more resilient in the face of sea level rise, climate change and increasing human use of freshwater.

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OYSTER REEF RESTORATION IN THE GULF

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• Young oysters can’t attach to that sandy material, so the

Photos by: Tyler Jones

are buried, leaving sand bars. reef can’t naturally replace itself.

• As the reef breaks up, more freshwater from the estuary escapes, leading to more consistently higher salinity in the estuary, which puts more stress on existing oysters.

• This becomes a one-way street. Oysters cannot re-establish in the low-lying, sandy, salty remnants of the reef.

• Loss of the reef probably affects many more valuable commercial and sport fish and shellfish species that are displaced from the larger degraded estuary. UF scientists and construction and engineering crew Key celebrate the memb project completion with a ribbon-cuttin ers who oversaw the restoration of the Lone Cabba g ceremony on Dec. 10. ge Oyster Reef he University off

T ARE WE RESTORING HOW OYSTER REEFS? of Florida and projec t construction and engineering crew memb ers gathered on Dec. dedication and ribbon 10 for a cutting ceremony for the restored Lone Cabba ge Oyster Reef in Cedar newly carrying guests and Key. Boats media members, includ respondent for NPR, ing a national corlaunched at low tide from the Shell Moun Boat Ramp. d According to UF expert s, oyster reefs help increase coastal resilience in the face of climate change and sea level rise, but are

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disappearing. Over the past 30 years, 88 percent of large offsho oyster reefs have degrad re ed or disappeared entirely. Dr. Peter erick and Dr. Bill Pine Fredof UF’s Wildlife and Department, along Ecology Conservatio with Leslie Sturmer n in Extension are the of scientists who coord team inated the 3-mile-long was funded by the project. The projec Deepwater Horizo t n oil spill settlement, out state or federa withl tax dollars, throug h the Gulf Environmen Benefit Fund. For tal more info on the projec t visit: www.wec.ufl. oysterproject/ edu/

On theRiLone Reef, University of Florida scientists are bbonCabbage cutting on the helping oysters reestablish by topping the reef remnants with limestone boulders. Unlike shell, the rock does not wash away, and provides a place where young oysters can attach and grow. A pilot project showed a nine-fold increase in oysters after restoration. Building on the results of the pilot project, the full scale restoration of 3 miles of reef was completed in November 2018. Over the next five years, scientists will monitor the reef, collecting data on how oyster populations, salinity and wildlife respond to the improvements. The rock makes the reef taller, more permanent and more resilient to storms and decreased freshwater flow, and is predicted to benefit an entire estuary through the effects on salinity.

REEF

Oyster reefs help increase coastal resilience in the face of climateHAPPENING change and sea level rise. The WHAT’S BEEN oyster reefs are disappearing. Over the TOproblem: OYSTER REEFS? past 30 years, 88 percent of large offshore oyster Over the last 30 years, 88 percent of large offshore oyster degraded or disappeared entirely in reefsreefs in thehave Big Bend have degraded or disappeared altogether. ThisBig is because of a vicious cycle: Florida’s Bend region. That’s why researchers • Freshwater flow to the Gulf of Mexico has beenof declining, with the University of Florida Institute Food and meaning less fresh water is entering estuaries. Long term, a healthy reef system will help make coastal areas Agricultural Sciences have worked over the past more resilient in the face of sea level rise, climate change and • Less freshwater means higher salinity in estuaries. At several years to restore one of these reefs. Project increasing human usePh of freshwater. higher salinity, oyster are more vulnerable to predators, otos by Suzette Co ok/Citizen leaders its model for future restoration projects pests andsay disease. elsewhere. The new and improved Lone Cabbage Oyster Reef officially “re-opened” on December 10 with a formal ribbon cutting right on the reef itself. Dr. Peter Freder

ick is interviewed

by Greg Allen of

NPR.

Scientists and staff who helped with from Shell Mound the reef restoration to the site. project head out

Construction and engineering crew members wade the reef to a barge from during low tide.

Hot coffee, dougn uts and bagels were served on people attended the barge. More the ribbon cutting than 50 .

The Brentwood Comp to take care of haulin any managed the project and hired C.A. Boone g and excavation. Construction, Inc., “It was a reward above, out of Lake ing project,” said City company Presid ent James Boone .

& Chiefland Citizen

and

• When these stressed oysters die, their shells break up and

Courtesy: Suzette Co ok

WHAT ARE OYSTER REEFS?

CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA

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