The Big Five

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 spongy happy face greets visitors at the popular Sponge Docks at Tarpon Springs. (Eryn Reddell Wingert)

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

DEVINE DETAILING LLC

• UV Protectant & Roof Treatments • Power Washing / Cleaning/ Waxing • Motorhomes / Trailers / 5th Wheels

CALL US @ 352.874.6224

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)

Art abounds in Florida including murals depicting life and historic moments in the history of Tarpon Springs. (Eryn Reddell Wingert) A boardwalk tracks through the lush growth to the beach at Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach. (Eryn Reddell Wingert)