Don’t miss the Pellicer Creek Raid Reenactment at the Florida Agricultural Museum in Palm Coast, happening April 10-12 from 10am-4pm.
Come witness history come to life in Palm Coast this April.
Step back in time for the Pellicer Creek Raid Reenactment, a three-day living history event bringing Civil War–era history to life through immersive demonstrations, encampments, and battle reenactments.
Join us April 10–12 from 10 AM to 4 PM at the Florida Agricultural Legacy Learning Center to experience a weekend filled with history, storytelling, and hands-on learning.
Throughout the event, visitors can explore Union and Confederate encampments, witness live musket and cannon demonstrations, and learn about the daily lives of soldiers and civilians during one of the most pivotal times in American history.
Event Highlights
• Living history demonstrations throughout the day • Union and Confederate encampments • Civilian camp featuring domestic crafts and daily life • Live musket and cannon firing demonstrations • Battle reenactments at 2 PM on Saturday and Sunday
Friday, April 10 Friday includes school field trips during the day. Tthe public is welcome to attend and explore the encampments and demonstrations.
In the evening, experience the Lantern Tour. This is a guided journey at dusk where visitors encounter stories of soldiers by lantern light. (Meet at the Post Office.)
Saturday Evening A traditional Period Ball will also take place as part of the weekend’s festivities.
Admission
$7 Day Pass $15 Event Pass (all three days) $5 Lantern Tour
Location Florida Agricultural Legacy Learning Center 7900 Old Kings Road N. Palm Coast, FL 32137
For directions, use the Google Map above. To learn more about the Florida Agricultural Legacy Learning Center, CLICK HERE.
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Step into the early nineteenth century and witness the extraordinary life of Thomas Higgins, a man whose journey defied the odds.
From the rough streets of New Bedford, Massachusetts, to the wild frontiers of Florida, Thomas’s story is one of grit, courage, and transformation. Follow him as he rises from a hard childhood to become:
a canny street fighter
a talented blacksmith,
a fearless whaleboat crewman,
and ultimately, a legendary Black Seminole warrior.
Through desperate struggle, fierce battles, and moments of profound redemption, Exile brings to life the tale of a man whose spirit could not be broken.
This sweeping historical narrative is not only a thrilling adventure, it is the unforgettable story of survival, vengeance, and triumph.
The book is published by Panthera Publishing. It is available in both paper and kindle versions. Follow Patrick and his often times co-author wife, Patricia, HERE.
I’m excited to read this. It looks like it will be an exciting book. A regular book review will be coming in the near future.
If you are interested in historical fiction, please consider reading my review of In Freedom’s Shadow, which is a Civil War spy thriller.
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For details contact theminorcanexperience@gmail.com
Not exactly sure where you are heading? Find the celebration using the map above!
Special events at the 2026 Menorcan Heritage Celebration include
At noon, join St. Augustine Poet Laureate, Ann Browning Mastersfor a presentation.
Enjoy learning about Menorcan mullet cast nets; datil pepper plants; datil foods including jellies, sauces, and more; Menorcan family and genealogy tables, a special cake cutting, and music provided by Sam Pacetti.
Don’t miss the food including a delicious Menorcan clam chowder, various kinds of pilau, and deserts.
Don’t miss these other fun and educational Menorcan themed events throughout the month of March in St. Augustine.
Preserving and promoting Menorcan heritage through events and membership.
The Menorcan Cultural Society was founded in the 1980s to preserve and promote the heritage and culture of the Menorcans who left their Mediterranean homeland to make a new life in the New World. We are the only Menorcan society in the United States, and we enjoy a worldwide membership. If you are interested in joining, CLICK HERE for information or stop by the tent at the festival.
Are you interested in learning more about St. Augustine? Read my “Did You Know” post about the Bridge of Lions.
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Dr. Ann Browning Masters is a retired faculty member of St. Johns River State College. She continues to read from her work in the Eckerd College Road Scholar Program. In 2015 she was knighted by the Board of Directors of the Easter Festival Committee of St. Augustine for her dedication in promoting St. Augustine s Spanish heritage. A St. Augustine native, Dr. Masters is a 12th generation Floridian. Click for information and to order your copy.
Make a point to see the Florida Highwaymen Exhibit at the Museum of Art DeLand, now through March 29, 2026.
The Florida Highwaymen
January 25 @ 10:00 am – March 29 @ 4:00 pm
Selections from the Walker Collection
At a time of profound social and economic change, the Florida Highwaymen dared to navigate the American Dream.
The Florida Highwaymen were 26 self-taught African American artists who began painting in the 1950s and 60s, capturing Florida’s landscapes in bold color. They sold their paintings along highways and door-to-door, creating a legacy of creativity and perseverance that helped define Florida’s visual identity. Their depictions of royal poinciana trees, marshes, and coastal sunsets not only document Florida’s natural splendor but also stand as a testament to the artists’ determination and spirit in a period of profound social change.
This exhibition, drawn from the esteemed Walker Collection, is a rare opportunity to view works by all 26 recognized Highwaymen together. The Walker Collection represents one of the most comprehensive private holdings of Highwaymen paintings in the world. Assembled with care and vision, the exhibition honors each artist’s contribution and preserves the spirit of this remarkable movement in Florida’s art history.
EXHIBITION DETAILS
The Florida Highwaymen: Selections from the Walker Collection
Information and image above courtesy Museum of Art DeLand. Image: Mary Ann Carroll,Old Blue Backwater, Undated
Highwaymen Events at the Museum
Scroll the museum EVENTS CALENDAR, and find several talks and presentations associated with this “don’t miss” exhibit. May of these presentations are being sponsored with funds from the State of the Arts license plate program. If you purchase one of these specialty plates, $20 is returned to Volusia County, or whichever county you are a resident of, to be distributed for public, cultural programming. Visit your local DMV office or visit THIS SITEfor more information.
The Highwaymen introduces a group of young black artists who painted their way out of the despair awaiting them in citrus groves and packing houses of 1950s Florida. As their story recaptures the imagination of Floridians and their paintings fetch ever-escalating prices, the legacy of their freshly conceived landscapes exerts a new and powerful influence on the popular conception of the Sunshine State. CLICK HERE or the image above to order your copy today.
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FULL DISCLOSURE–Arcadia Publishing has published several of my books. I purchased the book and it was not provided in exchange for a review.
A Personal Aside
I grew up in a small Florida community, well, it’s not quite so small any longer with all the northern migration south. All those years ago, there was a small post office located on one of the two major roads going through town. On the wall were several large paintings. Even as a child, my eye was drawn to the size, color, and subject, particularly while waiting for my mother to finish her business.
It turns out these artworks were not part of the Franklin D. Roosevelt New Deal “alphabet” programs, but there were certainly some similarities and no doubt, the thought behind these local murals came from the work originally commissioned through the Treasury Section of Painting and Sculpture, often referred to simply as The Section. Today, that small post office has been closed to the public, but the murals were moved to a new home in a courthouse building, which is now home to County offices. The murals are readily accessible for anyone wanting to see them.
Author
Keri Watson, professor of art history at the University of Central Florida, has written a concise look at how various New Deal programs impacted the state of Florida through the creation of state parks, post offices, and art created for these post offices.
Dr. Watson earned her M.A. and Ph.D. in Art History at Florida State University. She holds an undergraduate degree from the University of West Florida.
Dr. Watson’s work has been recognized and supported by a Fulbright Fellowship and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, among others.
Review
While her book focuses on the period of 1931 through 1946, Watson reminds readers that hard economic times hit Florida well ahead of the stock market crash of October 1929. The state had endured two major hurricanes, an embargo on citrus exports, and a collapsing real estate market. Florida was in desperate need of federal assistance and Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and his New Deal, delivered.
This book concentrates on the efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps, Public Works Administration, Civil Works Administration, Works Progress Administration, and the prior mentioned Treasury Section. These programs helped create parks, buildings, and art, that are still vital to our state almost 100 years later. At the time, these programs created jobs, and held provide a social safety net as the country rebounded.
New Deal programs employed nearly 50,000 workers in Florida. Workers created ten state parks. Programs helped build sixteen post offices. Artists contributed works showcasing daily life, history, industry, and landscapes.
State Parks, including Ravine Gardens, Fort Clinch, Myakka River, and others built through the New Deal are still economic drivers for their communities. These parks were created through the labor and sweat of CCC workers, who took advantage of the natural beauty of areas, but at times, also worked the land to create even better vistas. Cabins, buildings, trails, and more were built, leaving the state with a tourism foundation that is strong today.
A detailed look at a unique era in which the state government sponsored the tourism industry, helped commodify natural resources, and boosted mythical ideas of the “Real Florida” that endure today, this book makes the case that the creation of the Florida Park Service is the story of modern Florida.
Post offices and the art to adorn them were built throughout the state. A goal was improved mail service and to provide communities needed and modern infrastructure. While some of these facilities have been repurposed during the ensuing century, many are still in service today.
Art that adorned post offices was created through an invitational process with selected artists collaborating with local authorities to fine tune submissions before being granted approval. These artworks include “murals” and relief sculptures. It is not technically accurate to call these paintings murals. Murals are painted directly on a wall. These works were usually large oil paintings that were attached to the wall, often over the postmaster’s office door. This provided several advantages. The art is portable and can be moved as needed. It also eliminated the artist needing to work onsite, possibly for long periods of time. There would be no scaffolding and drop clothes throughout the beautiful new buildings. Not all artists were local, or even Florida residents, so this method also reduced travel expenses.
These artists and their works were a part of their time and as such, some have caused controversy in more modern times. Postal employees covered sixteen works with black plastic sheeting in 2020. Most of these depict antebellum scenes with some directly depicting slavery. Officials covered the Madison, FL post office mural. George Snow Hillis the artist, the work titled Long Staple Cotton, and dates to 1940. Watson provides several pages of useful analysis of this national controversy.
Conclusion
Three geographic areas are featured; North, Central, and South Florida. Each park or post office has its own small chapter. Most chapters are less than five pages in length. The book is quite short, with only 114 pages of text, including many b/w photos. There is a section of color photos on unnumbered pages. The images, while small due to the constraints of the book, are an incredible resource.
Dr. Watson has written a book accessible to all readers. Despite being a university professor, Watson and the publisher avoid academic trappings. There are no foot or end notes, which I would have found helpful. There is a strong bibliography consisting of books, magazines, and journal articles. Many of these sources will be readily available for download, purchase, or library check out/inter-library loan. Librarians will be able to assist with more difficult titles.
Recommended as a good starting point for the subject. Use the bibliography to find other sources. This book can also be used as an excellent travel guide.
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This starts a new series of posts on my blog titled “Did You Know.” I present to you, Did You Know: St. Augustine Bridge of Lions.
What would you like to learn about in brief, condensed snippets like this? Drop a line in the comments with your idea and there may just be a post on the topic in the future.
Postcard image of the Bridge of Lions. Courtesy Florida Memory
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Did You Know: St. Augustine Bridge of Lions
The Matanzas River Bridge first opened to traffic on February 26, 1927. During the Ponce de Leon festival on April 7, 1927, officials officially dedicated the bridge. The bridge was designed by J.E. Greiner Company and cost approximately $911,000.
The bridge is 1,538 feet in length, with 23 approach spans supported by piers constructed of steel arch girders, floor beams, and stringers.
The bridge has pedestrian walkways, allowing walkers and joggers, to safely cross.
The bridge is a double-leaf bascule bridge. This means the bridge is moveable and swings upward on both sides, allowing boat traffic to pass.
The bridge opens to boat traffic Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., on the hour and half-hour; with no openings at 8 a.m., 12 noon and 5 p.m.
On Saturday, Sunday and Federal holidays, the bridge opens 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., on the hour and half-hour, including 8 a.m., 12 noon, and 5 p.m., if requested.
The Bridge of Lions will open upon request, Monday through Sunday, 6 p.m. to 7 a.m., without exception to the hour and half hour.
The bridge closed in 2006 for an $80 million renovation project. It reopened in 2010.
Two pairs of lions guard the east and west entries to the bridge. The lions guarding the bridge from the east side are named Pax and Peli (Peace and Happiness). The lions guarding the west side are named Fiel and Firme (Faithful and Firm).
St. Augustine residents Wolfgang and Miki Schau commissioned and donated Pax and Peli.
Courtesy Florida Memory
Courtesy Florida Memory
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St. Augustine and the Civil War. Click the image or THIS LINK to visit my online shop and order a signed copy. I appreciate your support. You may also order unsigned copies on Amazon. Order direct from the publisher HERE. Use discount code REDD24 and save 15% on your entire order at Arcadia Publishing.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book. I have also received a very generous line in the book’s acknowledgements. These fact nots have impacted my impressions of the book or the review below.
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From the opening paragraph of the introduction, readers know they hold in their hands an important work. Author Janet Naughton, a faculty librarian, professor, and award winning author, hits us with a needed dose of reality from the start. Living in Florida I am well too aware of what she describes, but the slap in the face is a reminder call to what is going on throughout the state.
When a building is lost, a story disappears with it. Architecture doesn’t just provide shelter; it tells the story of a place It reflects values, ambitions, and circumstances of the people who built and used it. In Florida, where rapid growth often demands demolition,, those voices can vanish before they’re heard. (page 1)
It is important to understand that this book is not a biography of William Manly King in the traditional sense. As the author states,
This book is not a comprehensive biography or a technical architectural survey. It is a blend of history, memory, and research, an attempt to place King’s building in context and to tell the stories of the communities they shaped…focus on select examples of his designs, from landmark institutions to neighborhood fixtures, revealing what they meant in their time and what they still mean today. (page 2)
William Manly King was born in Mississippi in 1886 to parents William, Sr. and Katherine. William, Sr. worked in the construction industry and was active in the King family’s small community. The family soon moved to Alabama where his father’s traits no doubt left an impression on the young William, Jr. The boy had a rigorous education and ultimately pursued training at the Georgia School of Technology (now Georgia Tech).
The young architect began his career as a draftsman in Birmingham, Alabama. Here he produced the technical drawings needed for building ideas to become reality. This early work, done for several firms, allowed King to gain the experience needed in order to start his own partnership, King & Davis, in 1910. In 1919 he passed the Alabama exam to become a licensed architect and his career never looked back.
King’s wife had family living in the West Palm Beach, FL area, and with King’s success, he and his family were able to visit the growing area regularly. In 1922, they made the big move to Florida, allowing the young architect to participate in the growing Florida land and construction boom. His skill quickly became in demand.
As the author states, this work is not a comprehensive biography of the architect so we do not learn a tremendous amount regarding the new family interactions and what exactly led the King family to Florida. Here however we do learn about King’s commissions and the sweeping growth that was taking place in the pre-Great Depression days of south Florida. King became known for his Mediterranean Revival style that was often evident in the grand hotels and resorts he was was often designing.
The large influx of new residents to Florida required housing and King was there to assist, with many apartment complexes and single family homes to his credit. While some of these majestic buildings, such as the El Cid, have been remodeled or repurposed and stand today, others, such as the Hibiscus Apartments, have fallen to the wrecking ball, often in the name of progress.
William Manly King and his firms were given many contracts for the design of public schools. Unfortunately, many of these facilities outlived their usefulness and now either sit vacant or have been demolished, while we are fortunate and some have been repurposed, allowing us to study the design work of the architect.
The Florida land bust, the Okeechobee Hurricane of 1928, and the Great Depression caused havoc for architects like William Manly King. The election of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the instituting of the various alphabet projects during the New Deal brought south Florida back to life. These projects provided local governments with money which allowed infrastructure projects and smaller community building efforts to gain traction, helping put people to work and restarting local economies. Already known as a reputable architect, King was primed for opportunities such as a local National Guard Armory, the Florida State Prison Farm, in Belle Glade, and others. It was during this period when King’s style most evolved, focusing on the Art Moderne style that was most popular.
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Boynton High School which closed in 1949. It now serves as the Boynton Beach Arts & Cultural Center after a 2020 renovation
King spent much of his energies focused on community based projects such as schools, hospitals, and even college dormitories. His father’s influence shined through as he spent several years on his local planning and zoning commission. He was active in the Kiwanis organization. In the pre-integration days, King was known to work with African American groups to make sure they had access to educational and religious facilities.
As Ms. Naughton reminds us, much of King’s work as been lost to time. Either demolished or going unrecognized today. There is no master listing of his works. It is believed there are buildings still standing that are of from his hand waiting to be identified.
While comparatively little is known about the man, William Manly King, the work he has left, and the work given us by Janet Naughton, remind us of the value historic architecture plays in understanding our past and the developments of local communities. The final resting spot of King and many of his family remain purposely unmarked. We, however, have the buildings he designed that still stand as his legacy.
Author Janet Naughton is a faculty librarian, history professor, and author who concentrates on the Palm Beach county area. She has written numerous books and articles on Florida history. Despite her academic credentials, this book is not academic, and rather, is accessible to all readers. The text is brought to life through many b/w illustrations including postcards, photos, and memorabilia. The book includes an index and bibliography. A listing of known King properties is included. Many are private and not open to the public. An additional incomplete list of King designs is included. For me, an interesting appendix is the list of additional architects working locally while King was active. There are no notes included, which for me would have proven useful, but does not detract from the book.
Architectural history is important to the study and knowledge of local history. A book like this is tremendously important for what it provides us. While not a biography of William Manly King, that is not the priority. Is a biography of King needed? Absolutely. Is there a possibility there just isn’t enough material to write such? Absolutely. Rather, we have an excellent volume highlighting the importance of the architecture from a key period in Florida history focused on a particular, lesser known until now, architect. This book should find a home on the shelves of everyone interested in historic preservation, architecture, and Florida history. Highly recommended.
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Robert I. Davidsson brings Palm Beach County’s past to life through 40 meticulously researched articles. Covering everything from prehistoric tribes and early settlers to Civil War intrigue and World War II stories, Davidsson’s work draws on primary sources and government documents to reveal the rich, often hidden history of the region. His deep dive into local events, landmarks, and legends will captivate historians, students, and anyone eager to understand the heritage that shapes the Palm Beaches today. Click the image to order your copy.
If you are looking for a great location to stay in downtown Tampa, near almost everything, you won’t do better than staying at the Embassy Suites Downtown Tampa Convention Center. This Hilton property has everything you are looking for.
We were visiting Tampa for a single night, attending a Tampa Bay Lightninghockey game. With that in mind our goal was to find accommodation that was close to the arena if possible so that we weren’t parking and possibly having to leave and pay for parking at, or near, the arena. We all know that expense can be a killer.
Click THIS LINK to find great Lightning tickets at the best prices. Your electronic tickets will be emailed to you for use at Benchmark International Arena.
Everything about our visit was convenient and comfortable, from online booking to the in person staff, we encountered no issues.
Online reservation was easy and the confirmation emailed quickly. We were able to book valet parking and include a tip easily. Valet parking is not cheap, at $45, but I challenge you to find a more convenient method at a better price. The valets were friendly and the service efficient. When we were checking out we were able to schedule pick up for our vehicle and it was already at the valet pick up when we arrived. With the tip already being covered, it was as simple as getting the keys and securing our bags.
Check In
At check in we did need to stop at the front desk but that was no bother at all. The staff were friendly and got us our keys in a flash. She explained the hotel rules and where things were. One thing that might be a concern for some visitors is the mandatory Urban Destination Charge added to all stays. This fee is refunded through the use of the premium guest internet (which unfortunately I found to be lacking), two, one hour bicycle rentals, and a $30 food and beverage credit that can be used at the onsite restaurant, TASTE DOWNTOWN, or the onsite Starbucks. This credit is good only on items charged to the room account and cannot be used after checkout.
Check in is at 4pm and check out is at 11am.
Guest Amenities
For those staying here there are some very nice amenities to take advantage of. Each evening they host a reception from 5p-6:30p featuring select beer, wine, and cocktails. There are some light foods such as nachos and salsa, and some nuts, granola, etc. Nothing fancy but it’s a good way to have a beer and prepare for whatever you are doing that evening.
Every morning be sure to stop and grab your complimentary breakfast buffet. This isn’t your regular old hotel breakfast. There is a custom omelet station or go through the line for eggs, potatoes, bacon, sausage, pancakes, toast, cereal, pastries, and more. Coffee, tea, milk, soda, and juices are available. It’s enough where to where you might not need lunch. It’s hot, everything seemed fresh, and staff keeps the pans filled and clean. The dining area was staffed and tables regularly bussed so everything was clean for the next guest. Breakfast is available from 6:30am until 9:30am during the week and 7:30am until 10:30am on weekends and holidays.
Taste Downtown is open from 11:30am until midnight.
Starbucks is open from 6am until 6pm.
Remember, you can use your $30 food and beverage credit at these two facilities.
Be sure to visit the third floor pool and pool bar to soak in some Florida sunshine. A wedding/reception was booked at the pool area during our stay and the area was highly decorated. I imagine this is a popular destination during the summer. The third floor is also where guests can find the credit card operated laundry facilities and the fitness center.
Odd numbered floors have ice machines and even numbered floors have vending machines.
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Suites Property
Once you navigate the easy parking and check in processes, the quickest way to get to your room is to take one of several elevators, which are located close to the front desk service and the hub of activity going on in the lobby area. Elevator service was a bit erratic; sometimes very quick, and other times not so much. Hardly an inconvenience.
The hotel lobby was hosting a Halloween pumpkin contest during our visit.Guests were able to vote for their favorite. This is a fun way to engage visitors.
The interior view may seem a bit stifling and prison like to some but it’s actually quite interesting in person. It’s probably best to not look down if you have an issue with heights.
Our room was quite spacious with a separate living and sleeping area, along with the bathroom. The room was comfortably equipped with a television in each room, coffee maker, refrigerator, extra blankets, desk space, plenty of outlets and charging ports, and more. There is a small closet, perfect for hanging your clothes and to stow your luggage and keep it out of the way. The bedroom had several drawers for your folded items. There were several towels in the bath and I am sure they would be replaced by staff as needed. The room came with a couple of bottles of water but at $4 we easily passed.
Don’t get sucked into the $4 bottled water.
A look toward the room door with couch and television. Notice the window looks onto the hallway.The living room area.
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The couch and seating were comfortable and would be a good spot to relax after a day of seeing the sites and having dinner. The living area looks out onto the hall so be sure to close your curtains for privacy. The images above show the living room layout.
The king bed was comfortable and allowed a good night’s sleep.The bed area. The room included multiple electric outlets and charging ports for USB cables.
While each room would be different, our room looked out toward the skyline where we could see cruise ships and Benchmark International Areana. The top of an adjacent parking garage was readily visible but to be honest, it was easy to ignore that for more interesting views beyond.
The king sized bed was comfortable and was stocked with four pillows. There were additional linens in the closet but I didn’t open the bag to see the exact contents.
The view from our room.Scanning to the right to show a different angle of the view from our room. Benchmark International Arena is clearly visible.
Zooming in a bit you can see how close Embassy Suites is to Benchmark International Arena and the Port of Tampa
The bathroom facilities met our needs. It wasn’t fancy or overdone but featured plenty of room to move around. The rain style shower head was nice with good water pressure and hot water. The sink and counter area offered room to spread out a bit. For the two of us there were ample towels provided. A couple of photos are provided for reference.
Location, Location, Location
When selecting a hotel, price is certainly a primary consideration. We all want to get value for our money. However, when traveling, location should play a big role in your decision. The location of Embassy Suites Downtown Tampa is excellent. It is near so many great sites and convenient to major transportation that this can be a great jumping off point every morning.
As we have seen, the hotel is very short walk from Benchmark International Arena. There is a sidewalk next to the parking garage that will lead you right there. Also close by are the Tampa Riverwalk, a nearly 2.5 mile walking and biking path which connects sites along the Hillsborough River. You can easily visit the Florida Aquarium, the Tampa Theatre, and more from this convenient location.
Do you want to go shopping? Try a visit to the Tampa Armature Works, where you will find bakeries, cafes, bars, bistros, and shops. Or perhaps head to Hyde Park Villagewhere boutiques, cafes, and bars await.
Do you have a history lover in your group. Do not miss the Tampa Bay History Center where permanent and temporary exhibits await. Be sure to hop on the TECO Streetcar Line for a nostalgic ride to the Ybor City Historical District where museums, cigars, dining, music, checkers, and chickens await. You can easily make a full day of Ybor City. If you don’t want to miss anything, try taking a Tampa Historic Walking Tour. This 1.5 hour, wheelchair accessible tour is perfect for history lovers in your family.
If you are headed to Ybor City, do not miss the Tampa Baseball Museum. This is a must visit for any baseball fan. Click THIS LINKto read my review.
How to Get There
Use this Google Map to help orient yourself and find the best route to the hotel and all the locations nearby.
Conclusion
While we were only at the Embassy Suites for a single night, I left highly impressed. The facility was spotless, the staff friendly and knowledgeable, and the location was excellent. All reasons to return the next time we are in Tampa. Check them out during your next visit.
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The Sands Fish & Oyster Company two-sided Florida Historic Marker can be found in Port Orange, FL and is accessed through Riverwalk Park, located on the east side of US1 (Ridgewood Avenue).
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.
Image courtesy Volusia County History Facebook group
Side One
The Sands Fish & Oyster Company supplied oysters to markets and restaurants up and down the Atlantic Seaboard from 1916 until 1955. Founded by William Sands, Sr., the company earned Port Orange, Florida, the title of “Oyster Capital of the World” by harvesting fresh, delicious oysters known far and wide. In addition to oysters, the company supplied clams, fish, and shrimp. Sands managed oyster leases along the Halifax River as far south as New Smyrna Beach and as far north as St. Augustine. Before starting his company he had worked as a bookkeeper for Daniel DuPont’s Port Orange Oyster Company. Originally located just north of Herbert Street along Halifax Drive, the Sands oyster house moved one block north to the corner of Ocean Avenue and Halifax Drive in the 1930s. In exchange for use of City of Port Orange property, the company provided the city with oyster shells for local roads. As the business grew, the oyster house expanded eastward over the river on pilings. Harvesting an average of 500 gallons of oysters per week, the company reached a high mark of 905 gallons during one week in 1943. Packed in gallon siz metal cans, the oysters were shipped out by truck.
This definitive oyster bible and cookbook from expert food writer Nils Bernstein delivers an array of tips, trivia, and history, plus approachable recipes that celebrate the delicious bivalve.
Side Two
A mainstay of the Port Orange business community, the Sands Fish & Oyster Company provided numerous jobs. Workers traveled from New York and Georgia to work the eight-month oyster season. During the off season, workers replenished the oyster beds and fished the river. For each gallon of oysters shucked, workers received a token known as a “Sands Dollar” that could be turned in for pay or used in local stores. In 1947, William Sands, Sr., passed away and his wife Mabel Sands and her son William Sands, Jr., took over the company. Success of the oyster business continued, but the water quality of the river declined after the construction of the second Dunlawton Bridge in early 1951. The bridge’s earthen causeway design, known locally as the “Port Orange Dam,” restricted the water’s tidal flow. Contaminants from septic tanks coupled with restricted flow raised bacterial levels in the river enough to end oyster harvesting. Sands Fish & Oyster remained in business selling fish, smoked mullet, clams, shrimp, and oysters that were supplied from other parts of the state. Mabel Sands sold the company to Fred and Martha Downing in 1956. The Downings continued the fish and shrimp market until 1961.
A Florida Heritage Site
Erected by the Port Orange, The City of Port Orange, and the Florida Department of State
As is often the case unfortunately, these markers do contain errors and the information should be confirmed independently. The text is often not written by historians, or many times even folks with any level of historical knowledge. At the state level, the details are not reviewed, rather, they are trusting that the writers and sponsors have done their research properly. There are some requirements during the submission phase. The review committee will only catch glaring errors of fact or omission. They are more used for stylistic edits and program consistency. They are not experts in every facet of local history.
Please note the unusual language in the “erected” notation at the bottom of the marker. There is definitely something missing. Whether this was submitted in this manner and missed during editing or was a manufacturing error I am unsure.
Sands Fish & Oyster Company founder, William Edward Sands, Sr. passed away on February 4, 1958 at the young age of 59. The historic marker incorrectly lists his death year as 1957. An online memorial for Sands, Sr. can be found HERE. In addition to confirming his death date on the memorial site, I have confirmed the 1958 date through newspaper obituaries and government death records.
William Edward Sands, Jr., who took over and ran the market for several years passed away in 2014 at age 93. An online memorial for Sands, Jr. can be found HERE.
I was able to verify that the Downings received a transfer of the property lease from Ms. Sands in July 1956. I have been unable to verify when the Downing family closed the business.
If you have additional information on the Sands Fish & Oyster Company, or if you have images to share, please reach out. I will be glad to post an update and provide the appropriate credit.
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. It might go to buying a bag of coffee, keeping 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.
Step back in time for the Pellicer Creek Raid Reenactment, a three-day living history event bringing Civil War–era history to life through immersive demonstrations, encampments, and battle reenactments.
