Located at the intersection of S. Sparkman and W. Rhode Island Avenues in a growing section of Orange City, FL is the Betsy Ross Airfield for Women Florida Historic Marker. This Marker commemorates important moments in both women’s history and the history of flight in Florida.
This is a two-sided marker. The marker is set back a bit from the intersection. Use caution when visiting. There is no close parking so you will be parked on the side of the road. There are sidewalks close by to make the short walk easier.
Florida Marker Program
The Florida Historical Marker Program is one of the Division of Historical Resources’ most popular and visible public history programs. It is designed to raise public awareness of Florida’s rich cultural history and to enhance the enjoyment of our historic sites by citizens and tourists. These markers allow us to tell the stories of the places and people who created the Florida that we all enjoy today, by identifying the churches, schools, archaeological sites, battlefields and homes that represent our past.
If you wish to learn more about this state program, including qualifications, how to apply, the application, costs, and more, please use THIS LINK.
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Side One:
On May 9, 1931, the land beyond this sign was donated to the Betsy Ross Air Corps, a pre-World War II organization of female pilots. Designated the Betsy Ross Airport, the airfield was the only airport in the nation entirely owned and operated by women. Its purpose was a place for female pilots to learn to fly and improve their skills. In the northeast corner of the 160-acre site was Arawana Lodge, used as the Corps regional headquarters and a place for the pilots to vacation. The vision, gift, and construction were all realized by Orange City’s Dr. Frances Dickinson. She was an educator, woman’s rights advocate, ophthalmologist and club woman. A flyer herself, Dickinson noted female pilots were not provided equal opportunity in the growing field of aviation. By 1932, Dickinson completed construction of one 1,000-foot runway and a 600-foot central axis designed to serve seven more runways. On January 13, 1932, the Betsy Ross Air Corp’s National Commander, Opal Kunz, and Lt. Commander, Lillian Perkins, assumed operations and continued development of the airfield.
Side Two:
The Betsy Ross Air Corps’ period of existence was short-lived (1931-1933), and never formally recognized by the U.S. Military. Dickinson secured funding to complete the airport construction from Florida’s Federal Emergency Relief Administration in December 1934. By 1935, Volusia County signed a five-year lease to use the airfield as an emergency landing field. After World War II, the airfield was renamed to the DeLand-Orange City Airport. In January 1945, J. Wade Coleman of the Orange State Flying Services leased the airfield to operate an educational facility. Coleman contracted with Stetson University to provide flight training supplementing the university’s existing aviation ground school courses. Before Dickinson’s death on May 19, 1945, four women earned their solo pilot’s licenses from her airfield. The field remained an active private airfield until a television tower was constructed over the western edge in the mid-1960s. Portions of the former airfield are now home to Manatee Cove Elementary and River Springs Middle School. The Compass Landing Subdivision pays tribute to the legacy of the Betsy Ross Airport and Dr. Frances Dickinson’s vision to advance women fliers.
A Florida Heritage Site
Sponsored by the City of Orange City, and the Florida Department of State
F-1197 2022
You may learn more about the Betsy Ross Air Corps using THIS LINK.
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As the nation’s future hung in the balance, the Weather Gods delivered a wrath of fury on Union and Confederate forces throughout the Gettysburg Campaign. First, record-breaking heat and humidity wore down the warring armies during ungodly forced marches. Next, relentless storms plagued the soldiers with resultant muddy slogs on nearly impassable roads.
As the armies met in mortal combat, soul-crushing heat turned the bucolic fields of Gettysburg into a sanguinary and barren expanse. Finally, torrential rains haunted the Confederate retreat and narrow escape across a swollen Potomac River.
Authors Jeffrey J. Harding and Jon M. Nese present firsthand accounts, harrowing narratives and groundbreaking meteorological research that reshapes how we view the Civil War’s Gettysburg Campaign.
Thank you to Arcadia Publishing for providing a complimentary review copy.
This books has received considerable early interest and has words of praise from licensed battlefield guides, academics, weather professionals, and expert National Park Service employees. I am looking forward to reading this.
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Thank you to Arcadia Publishing for providing a complimentary review copy of this work.
Arcadia Publishing imprint The History Press has released several Civil War titles in the “Hidden History” series including mine on the state of Florida. Others that come to mind cover Tennessee,Savannah, and Oregon. Each author has their own thought on how the book should be set up. That is a strength and weakness of this series. While the book covers are often similar, the meat of the book is decidedly different in format, style, and substance. This can lead to confusion for some readers, who might expect the books to be similar.
Mr. Thomas wastes no time in putting forth his primary beliefs when he states “Though it is most commonly called the Civil War or the War Between the States, the most appropriate moniker is the War for Southern Independence (page 9). That aside, the book cover 50 stories, covering topics the author believes are rarely mentioned elsewhere, staying away from “great battles, leaders, and other topics covered numerous times by others…” That is a noble goal and perfect for this series. In fact, I followed this route when I declined to include Olustee in my own book.
Thomas breaks his subject matter into six major themes with subchapters in each. The themes include the early days, leadership, blockade of South Carolina’s coast, naval operations, soldiers’ stories, and postwar years and remembrance. The individual chapters in each subject are usually short; two to three pages at most, allowing for the book to be easily picked up and put down.
With South Carolina being the first state to secede, I was disappointed to not find an in depth look at secession, how it came about, and the outcomes of the movement in the pre Confederacy days. Unionists are given no space in the book and the story of Robert Smalls (OK, maybe that’s not truly HIDDEN HISTORY) is not discussed. With 50 chapters being included, it seems there could be space carved out for these stories.
As Arcadia is known for, the book contains many b/w images to supplement the text, though maybe not as many as some Arcadia titles come with. The Library of Congress and Naval History and Heritage Command serve as primary sources for the photos in this book.
For those seeking a brief introduction to South Carolina Civil War history this might be a book you will enjoy. The chapters are brief which along with the notes and abbreviated bibliography will provide good starting points for further inquiry.
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Located in what is now an exclusive and expensive part of beachside New Smyrna Beach is the small Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park. Here you will find a Florida Historic Marker in recognition of Bethune Beach. This area was once reserved for African American beachgoers in the days of segregation.
Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park hosts two markers detailing the importance of this area to African Americans in the days of Jim Crow segregation. Today, the area is littered with homes valued in the seven figures, offering incredible beach views that at one time were reserved for black visitors. Fortunately, those days are past and visitors, no matter their race, can enjoy the beaches throughout the area, without intimidation.
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The first marker we’ll discuss is from the Florida Department of State
Bethune-Volusia Beach side one
When Daytona Beach was first founded in 1876 two of its founders, John Tolliver and Thaddeus S. Gooden, were African American. Over the years, Jim Crow laws changed the state drastically, and by the 1920s African Americans were banned from most of Florida’s public beaches. In response, beaches opened that catered specifically to African Americans like Butler Beach in St. Augustine, American Beach on Amelia Island, and Paradise Park at Silver Springs in Ocala. In 1935, only two places in Volusia County allowed African Americans beach access, and only during the summer and on specific holidays. Bethune Cookman College co-founder and president, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune wanted to create a beach in Volusia County for African Americans to enjoy without restriction or fear of harassment. Born in Mayesville, South Carolina to formerly enslaved parents, Bethune moved to Daytona Beach in 1904. She opened the Daytona Literary and Industrial School for the Training of Negro Girls, which later merged with Cookman Institute in Jacksonville to become Bethune-Cookman College. Bethune was an active crusader for educational advancement and Civil Rights for African Americans in Florida and throughout the nation.
Bethune-Volusia Beach side two
Bethune approached architect and developer Mr. Dana F. Fuquay about purchasing a two-and-a-half mile strip of land south of New Smyrna Beach. Fuquay owned most of the land along the Intracoastal Waterway in Volusia and Flagler counties. In need of investors, Bethune used her influence to arrange a meeting at the Rogers Hotel in Tampa with some of the wealthiest African Americans in Florida, and on December 9, 1945 the Bethune-Volusia Beach Corporation was formed. The charter members included president, Mr. G.D. Rogers; executive vice president Mr. George W. Powell; vice president, Dr. W.H. Gray; secretary, Mr. James A. Colston; and treasurer, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. The new beach quickly became a popular vacation destination for African Americans from all over the country. During the July 4th celebration in 1950, over 5,000 people came out to enjoy the festivities. Bethune-Volusia Beach was open to all races though ownership of land and businesses was retained soley (sic) by African Americans. Following the passage of the Civil Rights Act on 1964, the beach lost popularity, and many visitors, particularly those from out of state stopped coming as other options became more available.
A Florida Historic Site sponsored by Volusia County Coastal Division, Bethune Beach Property Owners Association, Bethune Foundation, and the Florida Department of State
F-940
2017
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The second marker we’ll discuss was placed by the County of Volusia
Welcome to Volusia County’s Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park–once part of a nationally known African American resort. Named for a noted educator and presidential advisor, this spot gave black people a place of their own when most Florida beaches were closed to them by segregation. Bethune had seen her own students turned away from local beaches, and in the 1940s she and other investors bought 2.5 miles of oceanfront plus lands along the Indian River. After all, she reportedly said, this was “God’s water” for everyone to enjoy.
People did enjoy themselves here. By the 1950s Bethune-Volusia Beach, its corporate name, was a popular destination for swimming, fishing, picnicking and car racing. Crowds also came for live music, dancing, and–as more than one informant recalled–dressing to be seen. Central Floridians made up most of the day users, but others journeyed great distances to stay in a motel and private houses. From New Smyrna to Atlanta and Pittsburgh, black Americans knew about Bethune Beach.
Bethune herself envisioned a big, year round resort, controlled by African Americans but open to “all people.” Yet the larger development never really took off, and by the 1970s the dream had faded. Most black landowners–by choice or economic necessity–gave up their property over time, and the coming of integration meant that beachgoers had other places to go. Even so, during its heyday Bethune Beach became a beloved site for people of color. It was that rare place on Florida’s Atlantic coast where they could gather, relax, and swim freely.
View of Mary McLeod Bethune Beach ParkThe Atlantic Ocean and beachfront as seen from Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park
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During a visit to Belfast, Northern Ireland several years ago, we by chance stayed in the same hotel where United States President Bill Clinton had stayed during a November 1995 visit. We later came across other references to his visit while wandering the beautiful city. These occurrences prompted me to discover why President Clinton had been visiting. Read along to discover more about this chance crossing of paths, thirty years later, and President Clinton’s “Remarks at the Christmas Tree Lighting at City Hall.”
A blue marker at the Europa Hotel commemorating the visit of Bill Clinton to Belfast, Northern Ireland on November 30, 1995.The Clinton Suite at the Europa Hotel in Belfast, Northern Ireland
During our visit we had made reservations to stay at the Hotel Europa and couldn’t have been happier with our decision. The location was convenient and safe. The staff were wonderful to deal with, they were always courteous and helpful. The property itself was clean and inviting.
The Europa has been a Belfast destination for more than 50 years. With almost 300 rooms, including many suites, this 4-star property features an on-site bistro, bar, and piano lounge, making it the perfect destination to return to after a day of sightseeing. For a great price on reservations at the Europa Hotel, use THIS LINK.
A view of a room at the Hotel Europa in Belfast, Northern IrelandA different view of the room at the Europa Hotel in Belfast Northern Ireland
The amazing window view from the Europa Hotel in Belfast, Northern IrelandA zoomed in view of the King William III mural as seen from the Europa Hotel
The Clinton’s Schedule on Thursday, November 30, 1995
Visits by the president and his entourage are always full, time constrained, and stressful for the president, their handlers, and those working to make the visit a success. Bill Clinton’s visit to Belfast in November 1995 was no different as shown from the official itinerary.
President and Mrs. Clinton left their London accommodation by helicopter for Heathrow Airport at 7:30 a.m., departing at 8:05, and arriving at Belfast International Airport (Aldergrove Airport as shown on the itinerary) at 9:10 a.m. for a full day of events.
The president and Mrs. Clinton arrived at the Mackie International Plant at 9:55, giving a speech at around 10:45. You may learn more about his visit to Mackie International using THIS LINK. President Clinton departed at 11:40, arriving at the East Belfast Enterprise Park for a photo opportunity and brief meeting with tenants and managers from this business park and others. The president departs, arriving at City Airport at 1:15 p.m. for a flight aboard Marine One to the City of Derry Airport, arriving at 2:05 local time.
Derry
President and first lady, Bill and Hillary Clinton arrive at Londonderry Guildhall at 2:35, participating in a presentation with remarks from the local mayor, John Kerr, John Hume, concluding with the president. The Clintons were then whisked away to a receiving line with members of the Tip O’Neil family and representatives or the American Ireland Fund, before at 4:20, participating in a reception for the inauguration of the Tip O’Neil Chair for Peace Studies at the University of Ulster Guildhall. After participating in press and staff photos, the first family depart for the Derry Airport, arriving at 5:25 for their return flight to Belfast, landing at 6:10 that evening.
Return to Belfast
The whirlwind day continued with a fast drive to Belfast City Hall, arriving at 6:30 before participating in the tree lighting ceremony that took place from 7:00 until 7:45. The Clinton’s then participated in a receiving line for members of the Belfast City Council before departing at 8:25 en route to Queens University where they were guests at a reception hosted by Sir Patrick and Lady Mayhew. Sir Patrick Mayhew and President Clinton both made remarks during the reception, before the president and first lady worked a reception line.
Before leaving Queens University, Sir Gordon Beveridge, Vice Chancellor, Queens University, invited President Clinton to sign a scroll commemorating the 150th anniversary of the university, which the president dutifully did.
With their long day complete, the president and first lady departed Queens University at 10:00, arriving at the Europa Hotel only minutes later. A nearly fifteen hour day, not including morning and evening preparations, meetings, and studying, was complete.
Source: “Schedule for the President for Thursday, November 30, 1995 Final,” Clinton Digital Library, accessed February 18, 2025, https://clinton.presidentiallibraries.us/items/show/57321.
Special Note: Today, Queens University is home to the William J. Clinton Leadership Institute. The William J Clinton Leadership Institute was founded in 2011 to support and develop the leadership skills of the Northern Ireland business community, as part of their commitment as a university to the pathway to peace.
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Bill Clinton’s Remarks at the November 30, 1995 Christmas Tree Lighting
The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Eric Smyth, Mrs. Frances Smyth,
Image courtesy William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum
Ladies and gentlemen, I have run for election many times in my home state of Arkansas and of course throughout the United States when I sought the Presidency–and I have face some tough competition. But never have I confronted challengers with the name recognition, the media savvy, and the martial arts ability of the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers. To all of you whose support enabled me to join you tonight, I extend my heartfelt thanks.
I understand the city of Belfast has held a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony for more than 20 years–but this year the occasion is especially joyous, because you are entering your second Christmas of peace.
Now people can do their holiday shopping without worrying about searches or bombs, visit their loved ones on the other side of the border without the burden of checkpoints or roadblocks, enjoy the sparkling lights of the city without fearing violence. Peace has brought real change to people’s lives.
Across the ocean, the American people are rejoicing along with you. We are joined to you by strong ties of community, commerce, and culture. Over the years, men and women of both traditions have flourished in America and helped America to flourish.
And today, the people of our lands re forging new and special bonds. Belfast’s sister city, Nashville, Tennessee, was proud to send this Christmas tree to friends across the Atlantic. I want to thank Vice President Gore, Mayor Bredeson of Nashville, and the U.S. Air Force for making it happen.
In this 50th anniversary year of the end of World War II, many Americans still remember the warmth the people of Northern Ireland showed the American Army forces that were stationed here under General Eisenhower.
The people of Belfast named General Eisenhower an Honorary Burgess of the city who viewed the honor bestowed on him “as a token of our common purpose to work together for a better world.” That mission endures today. We remain partners for security, partners for prosperity, and most important, partners for peace.
Two years ago, at this very spot, tens of thousands of you took part in a day for peace, as a response to some of the worst violence Northern Ireland had known in recent years.
The two morning newspapers, representing both traditions, sponsored a telephone poll for peace that generated almost 160,000 calls–the equivalent of 25 million calls in the United States. The response left no doubt that across Northern Ireland, the desire for peace was becoming a demand.
I am honored to announce today that those same two newspapers–The News Letter and The Irish News–have established the President’s Prize, an annual award to those at the grassroots level who have contributed most to peace and reconciliation.
The honorees will travel to the United State to exchange experiences on issues we share–such as community relations and conflict resolution. We all have much to learn from each other.
The President’s Prize will underscore that Northern Ireland’s two traditions have a common interest in peace.
As you know, I have received thousands of letters from school children from all over Northern Ireland, telling me what peace means to them.. The letters poured in from villages and cities, from Catholic communities and Protestant communities, from mixed schools, primary schools, and schools for children with special needs. All of he letters were wonderful–for their honesty, their simple wisdom, and their passion.
Many of the children showed tremendous pride in their homeland–in its beauty, and in its true nature. Eleven year old Keith from Carrickfergus wrote: “Please tell everyone in American that we are not always fighting here and that it is only a small number of people who make trouble.” Like many of the children, Keith did not identify himself as Protestant or Catholic, and did not distinguish between violent forces on either side.
So many children told me of loved ones they had lost–of lives disrupted, opportunities forsaken, and families forced to move. Yet, they showed remarkable courage and strength–and a commitment to overcome the past. As 14 year old Sharon of County Armagh wrote, “Both sides have been hurt, both sides must forgive.”
Despite extraordinary hardships so many of these children have faced, their letters were full of hope and humor and love.
To all of you who took the time to share your thoughts with me, thank you for brightening my holiday season with your words of faith and courage.
To all of you who asked me to do what I could to help the peace take root, I pledge America’s support. We will continue to stand with those who take risks for peace. We will work with you to give all of Northern’ Ireland’s children the chance to make the most of their God given potential.
And to 13 year old Ryan of Belfast, if you’re out there: No, an alien spacecraft did not crash in Roswell, New Mexico in 1947. And if the U.S. Air Force recovered alien bodies and didn’t tell anyone about it, it’s news to me.
Ladies and gentlemen, may the Christmas spirit of peace and goodwill flourish and grow in your land.
May the prophecy of Isaiah be realized here: “…ye shall go out with joy and be led forward with peace: The mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”
And may the lights on the tree that we celebrate tonight reflect the kindling of hope and faith in our hearts for a peaceful Northern Ireland.
Source: National Security Council and NSC Records Management System, “Remarks at Christmas Tree Lighting City Hall, Belfast, Northern Irelenad,” Clinton Digital Library, accessed February 18, 2025, https://clinton.presidentiallibraries.us/items/show/57453.
Commemorating the Visit
The city of Belfast is rightfully proud of this important presidential visit. Today, visitors can remember the visit with a historic marker placed at Belfast City Hall.
Historic marker commemorating the visit of President Bill Clinton to Belfast, Northern Ireland on November 30, 1995.A wider view of the location of the Clinton marker at Belfast City Hall.
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Citizen: My Life After the White House, written by Bill Clinton
Have you ever seen a phone booth in a cemetery? It seems unusual doesn’t it but there appear to be legitimate reasons for this. Edgewater-New Smyrna Cemetery is providing a new option for those grieving a departed loved one, called the Wind Phone.
Origins of the Wind Phone
The Wind Phone was originally the brainchild of Itaru Sasaki, of Japan, in 2010. Mr. Sasaki was grieving the loss of a cousin who passed from cancer. Sasaki purchased an old phone booth, and installed a rotary phone. He placed the booth in his garden. Here, he was able to connect with his departed loved one in a private manner, alone with his thoughts.
As a result of a devastating 2011 earthquake and resulting tsunami, thousands of coastal residents in Japan were killed, many washed into the Pacific Ocean and their bodies never recovered. Recovering his phone booth, Sasaki relocated it to a hill at the foot of Kujira-Yama, a 609 meter high peak near the town of Otsuchi, an area devasted by the tsunami. Here, he welcomed the public to come and “call” their relatives, allowing them to mourn, cope, and hopefully heal, from their tragic loss.
You may learn more about Itaru Saski and the original Wind Phone at THIS SITE.
Edgewater-New Smyrna Cemetery
Grief is a universal language and we all deal with it in our own manner. Today, Edgewater-New Smyrna Cemeteryoffers mourners the unique opportunity to sit in peace and call their departed loved one by using a Wind Phone. Mourners can enter the plywood phone booth which contains an old rotary phone. Here, they can sit and pour out their souls, anger, and sorrow to the departed. No need to pick up the phone receiver as it isn’t connected to any earthly service. Instead, the wind will carry their words to the great beyond, delivering them to their loved one.
For some, this idea may seem far-fetched and possibly even ridiculous. For those handling grief however, it is important to let them mourn and if the Wind Phone helps them, so much the better. In fact, ENS General Manager Patricia Corsillo, has stated that the first time she used a Wind Phone she “called” her old home phone number to talk with her parents. She says it brought her a sense of comfort and she hopes to provide the same to others.
Where to Find a Wind Phone Near You
The concept is catching on around the United States. At the time of writing, My Wind Phone states that there are almost 250 installed in the United States, with more coming soon. Find updated statistics and Wind Phone locations using THIS LINK. Currently, there are 16 Wind Phones in the state of Florida. Use the link to find one near you, no matter your location.
Edgewater-New Smyrna Cemetery is located at 700 S. Ridgewood Avenue in Edgewater, on the west side of the highway. Access the cemetery using the north entrance (there are three entrances off of Ridgewood Ave.) Follow the drive and you will see the Wind Phone located between one of the newest and one of the oldest sections in the cemetery.
Call to Action
Have you ever seen or used a Wind Phone? Please share your experience with a comment.
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Are you searching for the best events and festivals in Florida in March 2025? Thanks for visiting. Please use the links below to find fun events for all ages.
Florida hosts some amazing events and festivals. Each month I hope to take a look at a dozen or so of these in hopes of bringing you fun, exciting, and unexpected ways to enjoy our state.
If you have an event or know of one coming up that you feel should be highlighted, please drop me a line with as much information as you can, including a website. I’ll be glad to include your suggestions in future posts. Maybe we can work together and put together a promotional post for your event.
I have listed events in date order.
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Come to Daytona Beach and celebrate the 84th annual Bike Week. It’s a week of riding and enjoying life. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, shopping, people watching opportunities, and attractions to keep you busy for the entire event.
The 11th annual Habitat Ocala Strawberry Festival is coming to the McPherson complex on Saturday, March 1, 2025. The festival begins at 9 am with FREE admission and ends at 5 pm. Volunteers from Marion Therapeutic Riding Association (MTRA) will assist with traffic control and parking for the festival. Proceeds collected from parking ($5 per vehicle) will benefit the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association and Habitat for Humanity of Marion County. The festival starts with over 235 unique and exciting vendors, a kid’s zone with a petting zoo, strawberry food items that melt in your mouth, a bigger-than-ever car show with cool cars, trucks, and motorcycles, a pie-eating contest, a BMX show, and a variety of live entertainment throughout the day.
Two Day Event, from Noon – 8 PM on Saturday, March 8th and 11 AM – 6 PM on Sunday, March 9th, 2025 at South County Regional Park, Boca Raton FL! (Near Sunset cove amphitheater)
South Florida’s most diverse Food Festival featuring EVENT SPECIAL A LA CARTE TASTING MENUS priced at only $1-$5 per item, offering you the opportunity to sample a vast variety of all the best from South Florida and Beyond all in one place!
HUGE CRAFT FAIR Marketplace featuring Local Businesses, Crafters, Artists, Specialty Artisans, and Activities.
Large variety of Alcohol, including domestic and craft beers, hard seltzer, specialty cocktails, and Non-Alcoholic Beverages!
free kid zone with obstacle courses and bounce houses
Enjoy live contests and prizes hosted by our MC, plus thrilling games like axe throwing and so much more!
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The 49th Tarpon Springs Fine Arts Festival, which is located in beautiful Craig Park , offers more than 150 exhibiting artists, selected by a Jury of discriminating art professionals.
Visitors enjoy a full schedule of music, sample craft beers, and taste a variety of crowd-pleasing international foods.
Thought macaroni and cheese was just for kids? Think again! Join us at the 7th Annual Mac & Cheese Festival presented by Cox & Publix Charities on Sunday, March 16th, 2025 at the Destin Commons! This family-friendly event will feature gourmet, chef-inspired twists on the South’s favorite comfort food. Local restaurants will compete for the best mac in town. Be there to sample everything for yourself and cast your vote!
Adult tickets start at $40 each in advance and increase on the day of the event so this is not a cheap event.
Our family-friendly event has various attractions for people of all ages! Some people are drawn to our car show and antique tractor display, others to the free kids play park and gator wrestling show, and some just love to watch local performers on the community stage.
Over 2,000 vendors are anticipated for the Swap meet, over 5,000 show cars, car corral, and so much more. Everything possible from the finest of show cars to parts to your very own restoration project.
$15 admission on Friday and Saturday, $10 on Sunday.
The two-day event features artist & crafters, an eclectic menu of bacon infused culinary delights and a collection of over 30+ bourbons and whiskeys for your tasting pleasure. For those of you whom cannot be convinced to partake in Bourbon, we will have a full liquor bar, wine, and ice-cold beer too.
Our menu of bacon and pork related dishes will include the sublime Forever Roasted Bourbon BBQ Pork & Bacon Sandwich to the insane candied bacon on a stick and other amazing desserts. Menu items developed by local chefs explore the boundaries of New American Cuisine and good old-fashioned comfort foods, just like Mom used to make!
Free admission. There is a cost for food and drinks. See the menu on the website.
This 20th annual celebration is an all-day event held in and around the historic 1881 Callahan Train Depot, the adjoining 1856 Florida Railroad bed and inside the Depot Museum. Callahan Cruisers will host the classic car show next door to the historic depot at Cochrane’s Collision Center.
There will be arts/crafts vendors, food vendors, local live entertainment, and the kids area will include Joel Pace hands-on music zoo and a scavenger hunt. Various citizens and sponsors will be honored and car show and contest winners announced during the festivities. Antique machines, tractors, and scaled trains will be exhibited outside the depot while model train layouts will be on display inside the Depot Annex.
This is an outdoor event so please bring your lawn chairs. Admission is free and open to the public but donations are always gladly accepted.
$10 admission and everything looks to be al a carte pricing, in addition.
Live music, games, fire trucks, face painting, arts and crafts village, plant sale, rock wall, $5 entry for the 50/50 drawing, and more. Oh, and plenty of food to purchase.
No pets, no outside food or drinks, no coolers.
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Great Floridians 2000 General Edmund Kirby Smith and Frances Kirby Smith
The Great Floridians 2000 program recognizes individuals who distinguished themselves through their philanthropy, public service, or personal or professional service, and who have enhanced the lives of Florida’s citizens. The Great Floridians 2000 program honors General Edmund Kirby Smith and Frances Kirby Smith.
Members of the public nominated individuals by submitting a Great Floridians 2000 application to the state. The Great Floridians 2000 Committee, a group of seven distinguished historians from throughout Florida, was responsible for periodically reviewing and approving applications.
The program began in 1998 and was completed in 2000.
The distinctive blue plaques honor the men and women in the program. Plaques are attached to buildings or structures in the cities where the designee left their mark. The plaques do not contain biographical information. Many plaques have been removed and are no longer on display.
The official biographies published as part of the Great Floridians 2000 program are shown below. The information published by the state may or may not be accurate.
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General Edmund Kirby Smith
Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith courtesy Library of Congress
General Edmund Kirby Smith, was born in 1824 in St. Augustine, graduated from West Point in 845 and served in the army during the Mexican War. He resigned from the U. S. Army to join the Confederacy. He served under generals Joseph Johnston, Gustave Beauregard and Braxton Bragg and was instrumental in Confederate success at the First Battle of Bull Run in Virginia.
In 1863, he was promoted to Lieutenant General commanding the Trans-Mississippi Department, the highest-ranking Confederate officer in the western campaign. On May 26, 1865, he surrendered his troops, the last major Confederate army to surrender. Following the war, Kirby Smith served as president of a telegraph company, then of the Western Military Academy in Nashville, and became a mathematics teacher at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. General Edmund Kirby Smith died in 893, the last surviving full general of either army.
His Great Floridian plaque is located at the Sequi-Kirby Smith House, 12 Aviles Street, St. Augustine.
St. Augustine and the Civil War
I recommend my book, St. Augustine and the Civil War if you are interested in the role of St. Augustine during the Civil War. Signed copies are available directly from my shop. You may also purchase copies through Amazon. Use THIS LINK to find other histories of St. Augustine.
Frances Kirby Smith
Frances Kirby Smith, born in 1785, was St. Augustine’s most successful Confederate spy. Though born in Connecticut, she and her husband Judge Joseph Lee Smith moved to St. Augustine about 1820. For months before and during the Union occupation of Fort Marion (Castillo de San Marcos) she orchestrated the transport of mail to Confederate troops. At the same time, she entertained Union officers and learned of planned maneuvers, passing the knowledge to the Confederate Army. In the spring of 1863, the federal government ordered the removal of Southern sympathizers from their homes. After the war Smith returned to St. Augustine and lived for another decade, a Confederate supporter until the end. Francis Kirby Smith died in 1875.
Her Great Floridian plaque is located at the Sequi-Kirby Smith House, 12 Aviles Street, St. Augustine.
The distinctive blue Great Floridians 2000 markers may be see at the Segui-Kirby Smith House, located at 12 Aviles Street, in St. Augustine.
Frances Kirby Smith is buried in the Huguenot Cemeteryin St. Augustine, FL, located adjacent to the Visitor’s Center. An online memorial can be found HERE.
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Are you searching for the best events and festivals in Florida in February 2025? Thanks for visiting. Please use the links below to find fun events for all ages.
Florida hosts some amazing events and festivals. Each month I hope to take a look at a dozen or so of these in hopes of bringing you fun, exciting, and unexpected ways to enjoy our state.
If you have an event or know of one coming up that you feel should be highlighted, please drop me a line with as much information as you can, including a website. I’ll be glad to include your suggestions in future posts. Maybe we can work together and put together a promotional post for your event.
I have listed events in date order.
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Eat, drink & STINK with us at Village of Wellington Amphitheater! It all started out as a small festival in a city parking lot in Downtown Delray Beach just as this Village by the Sea was becoming the vibrant tourist destination it is today. Within five years the event gained attendance of 20,000+ and was booking major national music acts! Around that time, The Garlic Fest was nicknamed “The Best Stinkin’ Party in South Florida”.
Garlic Fest is a community celebration of food, music, and art.
NOW FOR ALL THE THINGS YOU CAN’T DO!!!! User friendly evet this is not.
No Pets • No Coolers • No Outside Food or Beverages • No Refunds • All Bags are Subject to Search • No Knives, Guns or Weapons. All sales are final. No refunds will be issued. Event is rain or shine. All sales are final and are valid for day of selected purchase.
Celebrate with us as we mark our 55th year! Enjoy three days of live country music, carnival rides, arts, crafts, and tantalizing seafood, right here in the Stone Crab Capital of the World.
Friday admission with a canned food donation. Saturday and Sunday are a $10 minimum per person donation for admission. Rides and food are available for purchase. Cash only so be prepared.
Watch some of the United States strongest athletes compete in sporting events dating back to the 11th century, when King Malcolm III summoned his countrymen to compete in a foot race that would determine who would become his royal messenger.
Bring your folding chair but don’t bring pets, outside food, outside drinks, or anything illegal.
Admission is $20 per day. There does not appear to be a multi-day discount. Several VIP options are available. Whiskey tasting experiences are available at $65 per person. Get your tickets online.
The 9th Annual Bonita Brew Fest, held at Riverside Park, offers the perfect environment to explore new styles and find your next favorite brew. There will be a variety of craft beers, hard ciders and mead available to tempt your palate. Plus, we will have a variety of Food Trucks onsite with their cuisine available for purchase. Enjoy live music! Bonita Brew Fest is hosted by the Southwest Florida Brew Crafters with proceeds to benefit the Bonita Springs Historical Society.
Only 1800 General Admission Tickets and 150 VIP Tickets will be sold. Tickets are available online and cost $18-$85. No refunds, this is a rain or shine event.
No children, toddlers in strollers, pets – no one under 21 will be admitted
A unique 2 day music festival experience combining the love of Blues & Blues Rock music talent on stage along with delicious foods, beer & full liquor bars and an amazing weekend to remember with friends and family. 10 bands on the blues stage with professional sound and lighting.
More Incredible Food, Adult Beverages and Outstanding Live Music Than Should Be Allowed on the Treasure & Space Coast!
Plus 100 Marketplace Vendors in the Middle of the Event! Stroll through the isle-ways of arts & crafts and local business vendors with a cold beer or cocktail! Expect the unexpected in the Vendor Marketplace!
Open Day and Night at the festival.
Get your tickets online. Be sure to see the festival dos and don’ts.
The Daytona 500 is the iconic 500-mile NASCAR Cup Series season-opener held annually at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. Considered the most prestigious and important race in NASCAR, the Daytona has opened the NASCAR season every February since 1982. It is one of two Cup Series races held yearly at Daytona, with the second – a 400-mile event – as the last race of the 2025 regular-season.
Tickets for this event will be hard to come by. Try Ticket Network for guaranteed authentic resale tickets at the best price. See their FAQ Page for details. See also their Policies page for information on refunds, cancelled events, etc.
Enjoy Tampa’s best tacos from 30+ local food vendors, refreshing margaritas and live entertainment at Tampa Taco Fest on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at Al Lopez Park.
Tacos, margarita bar, live bands, and more. It’s a great day for the whole family, including your family dog. THIS IS A DOG FRIENDLY EVENT!
VIP early bird admission prices start at $40 per person.
General admission prices start at $7 per person if purchased ahead of time. $12 at the gate.
No outside food or drinks allowed. Vendors may or may not accept cards so bringing cash is advisable. This event will be held rain or shine.
Gumbo or Bloody Marys? Live Music or Kids Activities? Whatever your preference, the Sandestin Gumbo Festival has it all! One of the most beloved winter food events on the Emerald Coast, this lively two-day festival in The Village of Baytowne Wharf will leave you full, happy, and wanting more! Enjoy live music, family-friendly fun, and the greatest gumbo cook-off on the Gulf Coast.
The Space Coast Key Lime Pie Festival is a weekend, outdoor, family festival, designed to create an environment for people to enjoy affordable, healthy and wholesome fun. In Florida, we like to celebrate the things that make the Sunshine State unique. Citrus, eccentrics, people & pie. Our outdoor celebrations are fun & unforgettable. Our people are too. Come on down to Florida – the birthplace of Key Lime Pie for a little taste and you’ll see what we mean.
The Space Coast Key Lime Pie Festival is expected to host over 150 exhibitors, representing all types of art and craft media.
Buy your tickets at the gate. Cash only, ATM on site. Includes all day access from open to close. Need to leave the park? No problem, simply show your hand stamp issued at the entrance gate for re-entry.
Adults:
$7 per person, per day on Saturday and Sunday. 10 am until 6 pm
Children under the age of 2 receive FREE admission.
Parking $5 per vehicle.
Fair rides tickets available inside the fair.
Click the image above to support this site through Buy Me A Coffee. Your helps pay for website fees and maintenance, research fees for blog and book writing, photo usage and rights fees, and other associated costs. And maybe, it will go to buying a bag of coffee to help keep me focused on the research topic at hand.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click these links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This commission does not affect any price that you pay. Affiliate programs or sponsors providing products do not influence my views and opinions.
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Located at the intersection of S. Sparkman and W. Rhode Island Avenues in a growing section of Orange City, FL is the Betsy Ross Airfield for Women Florida Historic Marker. This Marker commemorates important moments in both women’s history and the history of flight in Florida.
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Edgewater-New Smyrna Cemetery
States, with more coming soon. Find updated statistics and Wind Phone locations using 
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General Edmund Kirby Smith is buried in the 
Center. An online memorial can be found 
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