Welcome Home, Central Florida

RV-ers’ News To Use.

Volume 1 • Issue 1 • October 7, 2021 YOUR RV RESOURCE FOR CENTRAL FLORIDA

WHAT’S INSIDE:

• Five Alive!

• Explore Dora • Sunday Drivetime Page 7

Page 11

Page 5

Orlando Health Hospitals Named to the Fortune/IBM Watson Health 100 Top Hospitals ® List Annual list recognizes excellence in clinical outcomes, operational efficiency, patient experience and financial health. Annual ranking introduces first measure of hospitals’ contributions to community health with a focus on equity.

This recognition demonstrates Orlando Health’s ongoing commitment to prioritize patient-centered care. According to IBM Watson Health, as compared to similar hospitals, the hospitals included on the Fortune/IBM Watson Health 100 Top Hospitals list had better results on key clinical and operational performance indicators. These include survival rates, patient complications, healthcare associated infections, 30-day mortality and 30-day hospital-wide readmission rates, length of stay, throughput in emergency departments, inpatient expenses, profitability and ratings from patients.

1900 Don Wickham Drive, Clermont, FL 34711 • Tel: (352) 241-7100 • Fax: (352) 241-7124

www.floridabywelcomehome.com

Camp On!

By Todd Breland, Welcome Home, Central Florida! General Manager RV there yet?! Yes, we are! The time has come to put an informative, editorially-driven newspaper in the hands of Central Florida travelers -- weekend campers, seasonal residents and full-timers. We have a lot of ground to cover with over 170 campgrounds and RV resorts throughout our home region.

From October through March, get ready for what we call fun news! Life on the road is a trip, and I speak from experience.

My family and I are permanent RV-ers, right here in Clermont, Florida. To put it lightly, life is good!

This “RV-ers News To Use” concept is an expansion from Deep South Texas.

For the last 16 years, Kristi Collier from McAllen, Texas has built a stapled masterpiece called Welcome Home, Rio Grande Valley. Kristi’s signature is “We’re just connecting the dots.” Well guess what.

Knowing Kristi for over 10 years allowed us to connect on a publication company that has our team and me beyond excited.

Where to go, what to do, places to dine and more will be in your hands every

two weeks from October through March.

Plus, all editions will be online at www. floridabywelcomehome.com. Be sure to check us out and follow us on social media. We’re here to stay! Speaking of, stay tuned for additional exciting news, because we believe in publishing “RV-ers News To Use. We encourage advertisers to explore our multimedia advertising packages.

As a media marketing advisor for over 30 years, I look forward to connecting businesses and customers. Drop an email to me, and our team will help create a marketing strategy that is both effective and efficient.

Camp on, neighbors! We are Welcome Home, Central Florida!

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A whole new world of cost effective, off grid solar power is now available. Architecturally designed to harmonize with nature and beautifully accent your outdoor hospitality experiences, our Solar Power Stacks provide stand alone power solutions that are easy to install without the cost of

trenching and plowing up your site and having to connect to the grid. No construction mess. No added electricity bills. Elevate your overall experience for your guests with what they value - light, connectivity and safety. All backed by an industry leading 10 Year Warranty.

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Table Of Contents

VBR Staff

Camp On!

3

The Big Five

5

Someplace Special

7

Sunday Drive

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Editorial Team Eryn Reddell-Wingert eryn@welcomehomergv.com

A Good Thing

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Gretchen Losi letsgotxlosi@gmail.com

Island Juxtaposition

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Design Director John M. Hazlett artwork@floridabywelcomehome.com

How We Roll

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PO Box 136743, Clermont, Florida 34713 • 956.310.8953

Publisher Kristi Collier kristi@floridabywelcomehome.com General Manager Todd Breland todd@floridabywelcomehome.com

YOUR AD COULD BE HERE!

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Not Your Typical Top 5 List - It’s the Little Things

By Eryn Wingert

This ‘Top 5’ list includes the following: sponges, benches, the staghorn fern, boardwalks, and public art. The qualifiers for this list were simply this: they sparked joy. Central Florida has a way of encouraging one to slow down life’s pace, enjoy the moment. One way to do so is to take in the little things.

First up, sponges. Tarpon Springs - on the Gulf of Mexico side of the state - is a fascinating town known for its history as well as sponge harvesting. Boats draped with sponges show off their haul at the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, it’s quite the site! Along the docks, if it’s not nailed down it might be wearing a sponge… smile.

On to benches. Florida is laid back, very laid back. It’s almost as if Central Florida takes pride in having perfected relaxing. That’s where benches come in. They are an open invitation to kick

A couple takes in the view of Lake Minneola from a bench swing in Historic Downtown Clermont. (Eryn Reddell Wingert)

A spongy happy face greets visitors at the popular Sponge Docks at Tarpon Springs.

(Eryn Reddell Wingert)

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back, take a load off, relax. Take in the people, the scenery. (Tip: Practice makes perfect!)

Ecotourism is a big draw - as it should be. But take a closer look - maybe while parked on a bench-with-a-view - at the staghorn fern. You can’t miss ‘em.

They grow them big in Central Florida!

Whether looming large as a focal point in front of a quaint little cottage near downtown Clermont, or hanging low from a sturdy tree at the Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park, the stately staghorn fern is a majestic thing of beauty.

Find a boardwalk to a beach and the rush to put your toes in the sand subsides. At the Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach, one can’t help but slow down, meander, while peering over the edge through the growth of thick palms. Take your time, the beach will wait.

Last, but nowhere near least, is public art. Murals, sculptures, mosaics depicting moments in Florida’s history and culture - they all command attention, providing even more opportunity to slow it down and take it all in.

A staghorn fern hangs heavy outside the greenhouse at Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park. (Eryn Reddell Wingert)

A boardwalk tracks through the lush growth to the beach at Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach.

(Eryn Reddell Wingert)

Art abounds in Florida including murals depicting life and historic moments in the history of Tarpon Springs.

(Eryn Reddell Wingert)

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www.floridabywelcomehome.com

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Enjoy Mount Dora - By Land, Sea or Air

By Gretchen Losi

If you’re ready for that laid back country vibe, head over to Mount Dora. The slow paced lifestyle coupled with being one of the antique capitals of the world, make this a perfect spot to spend a day or two - or six.

Self promoted as “Someplace Special” - they nailed it. And they offer a plethora of ways for you to discover it on your own.

Depending on what part of town you want to discover first, you can pick your mode of transportation, that can include a long leisurely New Orleans style paddleboat cruise, a flight on the seaplane, or cruise down Lake Dora and the Dora canal on a Catboat.

For the most comprehensive tour of

the town one should consider a segway tour. It goes on for more than an hour and covers the lake, the historic business and residential district, Palm Island Park and of course the iconic lighthouse.

The 35-foot lighthouse in Granthan Point Park is the only one registered in the state as an “inland aid.” It was created from “road rubble” and has become one of the area’s most famous landmarks.

Get your swampy-spooky time on with a Mount Dora Ghost tour. For over an hour you will be haunted by the town’s history as the dead come to life. And with so much history within the town, that’s sure to be a spooktacular time.

If you happen to be in town for the

Florida and Alabama RV Park and Campground Association

RV Parks | Campgrounds | Glamping Resorts Outdoor Recreation and Accomodations Sunlight peeks through a moss-covered live oak tree at Palm Island Park in Mount Dora.

(Eryn Reddell Wingert)

A couple sits bench-side to the inland lighthouse in Mount Dora at Grantham Point Park.

(Eryn Reddell Wingert)

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Advertising Contacts: Ally Kollat, National Ad Sales Office: (574) 266-7980 akollat@g-gmediagroup.com Wendy Thorne, National Ad Sales Office: (574) 266-7980 wthorne@g-gmediagroup.com

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weekend, Mount Dora’s open-air farmers market is a treat offering freshness from over 40 vendors. The area is known for its blueberries so be sure to get some if you can. The local blueberries are so universally popular that each spring they hold an annual Blueberry festival to showcase their sweet jewels. This special event is loved and anticipated by thousands for its blueberry beer, wine and pie eating contest.

While in town you’ll want to stop and pay homage to its most infamous resident, “Old Joe.” Once a feared king among the banks of Lake Beauclair, in the 1800s Old Joe would spend his days lunching on local livestock and unsuspecting small animals.

Today the 15- foot long gator legend is still around as a 1,200-pound bronze statue standing as a proud and menacing reminder to stay vigilant and safe along Florida’s vibrant coast.

Mount Dora is also unique in that it holds festivals and events year-round thanks to its incredible weather. Be sure to check out their calendar of events online so you don’t miss anything at www. whattodoinmtdora.com.

A bronze sculpture of the legendary “Old Joe” stands guard near the water’s edge at Palm Island Park in Mount Dora.

(Photo by Eryn Reddell Wingert)

Revolutionizing the Ice Industry QUARTER PAGE 4.9167” X 5.7361”

The traditional ice distribution model where ice is produced at one location and then transported to be sold at another location, is extremely inefficient and continues to drive the cost of ice up. The Ice Depot is revolutionizing the way ice is distributed by completely cutting out the middle man and simply making the ice on site. We have developed a reliable store front vending machine that makes the ice, collects money and dispenses ice, without any empolyees required.

We Invite You to Join the Ice Revolution!

WWW.THEICEDEPOT.COM • 305.712.4195

www.floridabywelcomehome.com

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Exploring Paradise - A Sunday Drive

By Gretchen Losi

The beauty and wonder that is Central Florida is quite literally, around every corner. So grab those keys and let’s hit the roads for some Sunday drives.

Like turning the pages of a fairy tale, each scenic street becomes more enchanting than the next. Whether on a motorcycle, minivan or convertable with the wind whipping your hair - a scenic drive in these parts can happen on any day ending in “Y.” The options are miles long but locals like to start on the Florida Turnpike.

It begins just South of Ocala in Wildwood and will take you all the way to Miami, which I am sure is stunning and beautiful - but it can’t be more charming than the central coast.

Along the turnpike you’ll find yourself entering scenic drives by the carefully placed signs. But even if you miss them you’ll realize it when you begin to notice the bountiful lush beauty suddenly surrounding you in small enchanting

towns like Groveland and Webster.

Suddenly you’ll notice those long winding dirt roads laced with colossal trees stretching towards the heavens.

These charming tree lined streets transport you back to a simpler time when kids were playing in backyard forts and the milkman was your morning greeting.

If you go north to Ocala, one can expect to be mesmerized by the falling hooves of its horses amid the open fields and pastures. It makes you feel as though you are missing a mint julep in your hand on the way to the races. There are hundreds of thoroughbred horse farms peppering this glorious countryside. The homes aren’t too shabby either. Hollywood seems to agree, as many celebrities including John Travolta and Mel Tellis call it home.

A bit south of that and your Sunday drive will have you cruising through Winter Park where you’ll find a very different pace of scenery.

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Hot tip: Always stop for oranges! Florida is known for producing delicious varieties and the bragging rights are well deserved. (Eryn Reddell Wingert)

10 www.floridabywelcomehome.com Winter Park is filled with the manicured beauty of multi-million dollar estates that still somehow maintain a personal charm in a small town of museums and culture. Drive slowly and you might spot notable residents like Shaq or Carrot Top walking a casserole over to a neighbor. Orlando Magic basketball player Vince Carter is said to have recently purchased the most expensive home in the area at a whopping $9.92M for his 20,000 sq-ft. Winter Park home.

Most drives on the turnpike will land you near some fresh agriculture in the form of a farmers market or roadside fruit stand. Groveland has a great fruit stand that includes fresh pineapple. And Apopka has a cute little fruit and veggie store called, ‘Taters and Maters’ that boast the best boiled peanuts in town along with several unique Amish treats.

If you happen to be still driving at sunset, go find yourself a lake or spring to sit next to and enjoy the show. The Florida sunset bouncing off the water is a treat for anyone. The reflective colors dance and glisten creating a few striking moments of water ballet with the sunsets colors bouncing between the clouds on the water.

Central Florida was made for taking to the open road. (Eryn Reddell Wingert)

Cap off a Sunday drive with a gorgeous sunset view at one of the chain of lakes in Clermont.

(Eryn Reddell Wingert)

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Central Florida is Just Too Much!

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(and that’s a good thing)

By Eryn Reddell Wingert

You may have heard the complimentary term, “Oh, you’re just too much!” It’s a phrase used when someone goes above and beyond, or does/ gives more than expected. Well, that in a nutshell is Central Florida.

Florida immediately sparks images of sun-filled days, white sandy beaches, juicy oranges, and maybe even thoughts of meandering manatees, lush mangroves, and alligators around every corner. All true - well, there aren’t alligators around every corner - but when it comes to interesting sites, beautiful scenery, and friendly people - Central Florida has it all, and then some.

Take the St. Johns River, for example.

A leisurely boat tour along a stretch of Florida’s longest river - over 300 miles - and you will inevitably spot a multitude of birds, like bald eagles, egrets,

and herons. Not to mention reptiles such as sunbathing turtles, and alligators eyeballing you right back. During manatee season, November through April, you will most likely see serene portly manatees relaxing just beneath the surface. (Tip: The best way to spot a manatee, look for bubbles from their gas emissions. No, seriously.)

There’s so much to see and do in Central Florida, it can be overwhelming. But, when in doubt, ask a local. For example, your friendly roadside fruit stand vendor who excitedly offers up the idea of bioluminescent kayaking out of Titusville and the sweet local gentleman who didn’t hesitate to share his favorite nature parks and restaurants. One stop can help map out a whole day!

Central Florida is all just too much… of a really, really good thing.

A surfer calls it a day at famed surfing hotspot, Cocoa Beach. (Eryn Reddell Wingert)

Lily pads serenely float along the banks of Lake Lotus at the Audubon Birds of Prey Center in Maitland.

(Eryn Reddell Wingert)

A snowy egret hunts the shallows of St Johns River at Blue Springs State Park. (Eryn Reddell Wingert)

Sponges galore! A haul of sponges are displayed at the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks.

(Eryn Reddell Wingert)

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Merritt Island - The Out-of-This-World Refuge

By Gretchen Losi

Imagine if you will, a place where hundred year old turtles have sat to watch the building and launching of rockets to orbit the moon. It’s a unique place where butterflies and rocketfuel meet. Where birds spend their days atop a space shuttle’s fuselage before returning home to their untouched seashore just a stone’s throw away.

This is Merritt Island.

Eco-tourists heading towards the Space Coast need to carve out some time to spend at this incredibly special island.

The bounty of natural wildlife juxtaposed against an industrial rocket launch pad is a surreal moment to say the least.

The location is as unique as its residents. To the North of the park is the Canaveral National Seashore and to the South is Kennedy Space Station. Because the government has reach over so much of the area, it goes mostly undisturbed.

As a result, the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a perfect spot to spend

On Florida’s Merritt Island, there’s plenty of seashore to go around. (Eryn Reddell Wingert)

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Back-In Site: $34.50 • Pull-Through Site: $44.50 • Buddy Site: $121.50 Premium Site: $44.50 • Glamping: $88.00 & $25.00 cleaning fee Golf Cart Rental: $25.00 per day

www.floridabywelcomehome.com the day with nature. The park welcomes you instantly with a very active butterfly field that bumpers up to an untouched coastline filled with waterfowl, seashells and horseshoe crab carcasses.

The refuge is filled with critters on land, sea and air including alligators, sea turtles, eagles, bobcats, salamanders and of course, manatees. In fact, they’ve documented over 1000 species of plants that attract mammals, fish and over 300 species of birds. So bring some binoculares and a camera along with your mosquito spray and sunscreen - you’ll thank us later.

The beach “sand” is actually tiny shells by the billions. The natural shoreline is absent of anything man made in exchange for natural elegant driftwood among the carcasses of horseshoe crabs that were feasted upon by the local wildlife. The waves gently glide up to greet hundreds of little sandpipers hoping for a cool wave to bring them a tasty snack.

The best way to discover this is Black Point Wildlife Drive. It’s a one way seven-mile maintained dirt road that winds through the refuge where cars often pull over to fish, picnic, hike and explore.

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Surrounded by lush dense vegetation, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is nestled in the center of Merritt Island. (Eryn Reddell Wingert)

Merritt Island is home to nature and space exploration.

(Eryn Reddell Wingert)

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Who We Are and What We Do

By Eryn Reddell Wingert

The Welcome Home Central Florida bi-weekly publication is part of the established Welcome Home Rio Grande Valley.

Located in South Texas, Welcome Home R.G.V., as it’s locally known, has over 13 years of experience catering to retirees and visitors, to the tropical region of Texas.

Whether it’s for a three-week vacation or a six-month stay to avoid the cold winters up north, Welcome Home is the go-to resource for Winter Texans.

While we recognize the two regions - South Texas and Central Florida - are exceptionally different, expanding into Central Florida is a natural fit. Welcome Home has been connecting seasonal visitors with local organizations, attractions, dining establishments, retailers and service providers since 2008. Owner Kristi Collier leads a team dedicated to the mission of ‘connecting the dots’ between what a region has to offer and the tens of thousands who visit each year.

“It is a labor of love for all of us involved,” says Collier.

In it’s 13th year, Welcome Home is an established resource for RV park and resort

managers and activity and tour directors, through its website, seasonal weekly newspaper, social-media pages, and electronic newsletters. In addition, Welcome Home networks throughout the year keeping tabs and often leading the charge on how to market to seasonal visitors, such as RV-ers.

“I think its important-and our duty-to elevate the quality of information we provide and to share it in ways that accommodate for personal preferences,” Collier said. “We are constantly looking for the best ways to provide information and share it.”

Welcome Home not only caters to winter visitors, and RV travelers, but to those who have converted to southern living year-round. Seasonal and ‘converts’ have a direct impact on a local economy. Thus, Welcome Home strives to make ‘connecting the dots’ a great experience for the visitor or newly transplanted, as well as for local businesses and organizations.

“We are lucky to love the work we do and the people for whom we do it,” Collier says, “and the people we meet and the adventures we get to be a part of are just the icing on the cake.”

The Welcome Home team has over 13 years of experience connecting seasonal visitors and RV travelers to businesses and organizations. It’s what we do and it’s... Just how we roll! (Courtesy)

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Welcome Home R.G.V. owner, Kristi Collier (pictured middle), is excited to expand into Central Florida with the Welcome Home Central Florida publication to be distributed to 170 campgrounds and resorts.

(Courtesy)

6 FANTASTIC CENTRAL FLORIDA DESTINATIONS AWAIT! With close access to Orlando's theme parks and attractions, don't miss out on a stay at one of our beautiful RV Resorts & Campgrounds!

Enjoy year-long sunshine, fabulous amenities and plenty of fun!

Orlando

Tropical Palms

Sherwood Forest

Winter Garden

Clerbrook

Lake Magic

Ask how you can camp all year long with our Thousand Trails Camping Pass!

Our Thousand Trails Camping Pass is offered by MHC Thousand Trails Limited Partnership, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606.

This advertising is being used for the purpose of soliciting sales of resort campground memberships. This document has been filed with the Department of Licensing, State of Washington as required by Washington Law. Value, quality or conditions stated and performance on promises are the responsibility of the operator, not the Department. The filing does not mean the Department has approved the merits or qualifications of any registration, advertising, or any gift or item of value as part of any promotional plan.

Subject to availability. Reservations required. Electric not included for stays of 30 days or longer. Amenities vary by resort.

• • • RV-ERS NEWS TO USE

AD PLACEMENT IS JUST A CALL AWAY!

956.310.8953

todd@floridabywelcomehome.com • www.floridabywelcomehome.com.