Florida Archives - Page 2 of 5 - Robert Redd Historian & Author

Posted on January 10, 2025May 16, 2025 by Robert — Leave a comment

Florida Surfing History References With Links

If you are wanting to learn the history of Florida Surfing you have come to the right spot. Here you will find references and links that will help you trace the origin of surfing in the Sunshine State. So, come along and learn by following my Florida Surfing History References.

This project is a work in progress. You no doubt know of other resources that should be included. Drop me a line with information and the link so that I can update this page periodically.

Books

Aho, Paul. Surfing Florida: A Photographic History. Gainesville: University Press of Florida. 2014.

Camp, Hunter. The Glide: Confessions of a Florida Surfer. Self Published. 2022.

Cumiskey, Kate. Surfing in New Smyrna Beach. Charleston, Arcadia Publishing. 2010. (Click the link or image to order your own copy of this terrific book.)

Nawrocki, Robert F., editor. “Surf Culture Saint Augustine.” El Escribano: The St. Augustine Journal of History. St. Augustine: St. Augustine Historical Society. 2021.

Miscellaneous

Florida Surfboard Exchange--A Facebook group for buying and selling surf equipment.

Jimmy Lane Surfing Academy- the Jimmy Lane Surfing Academy has been New Smyrna Beach’s premier surf school, with private lessons, spring and summer camps, and group classes for all skill levels and ages for years. Learn from the best.

Ron Jon Surf Shop–with multiple locations and billboards throughout Florida, this is one of the iconic surf shops in the world.

Smyrna Surfari Club-Founded in 1979, this club provides college scholarship money with funds raised through an annual surfing tournament.

Surfing Santas is an annual Cocoa Beach event which features hundreds of surfing Santa Claus’s and thousands of spectators each Christmas Eve day. Funds raised benefit the local community. Surfing Santas has raised more than $100,000 over the years.

**Shop Fat Boy Surf Club today!** Shirts, hoodies, hats, and more. Casual surf gear for EVERYONE. Click the link or the image to order.

Museums and Exhibits

East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame 210 2nd Avenue #30 Asbury Park, NJ 07712

Florida Surf Museum 4275 N. Atlantic Avenue Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

New Smyrna Museum of History hosts the New Smyrna Beach Museum of East Coast Surfing 120 Sams Avenue New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168

Hawaii Magazine coverFlorida Surfing References — Plan your Hawaii getaway and catch amazing waves. **Click to subscribe** to Hawaii Magazine at a great price.

Oral and Video History

Florida Surf Film Festival– showing the best surf films and documentaries from around the world

St. Augustine Historical Society. Surf Oral History Collection.

Vintage Florida Surfing–YouTube Channel devoted to Florida surfing videos

Web Sites and Posts

American Surf Magazine highlights Surfing St. Augustine in a 2023 article.

Central Florida Surfing--A Facebook group

Central Florida Surfing Photos--A Facebook group

Florida Atlantic University online exhibition: Surfing Florida: A Photographic History. Also see HERE.

Florida Frontiers radio program, hosted by the Florida Historical Society, offers “Surfin’ FLA: Celebrating Surfing in Cocoa Beach and the Sunshine State.”

The Orange County Regional History Center has an interesting post on Pat O’Hare: Shaping Cocoa Beach Surf History.

St. Augustine Historical Society Blog Page. THIS LINK will take you to their blog page and I have used the term SURF as the search word. Some of these posts are definitely surfing related while some may not be. You may wish to try other terms in the search box on their page.

St. Augustine Surf Culture and History Museum, an online offering from the St. Augustine Historical Society, is packed with photos, articles, oral histories, and more.

Surf 64 documents the days of surfing that were recorded on 8mm film.

Surfing Florida: A Photographic History–A non active Facebook page.

Surfing Florida Museum-Is an online project founded in 2008 with a mission “To preserve and exhibit the history of surfing in Florida with an emphasis on Palm Beach County.

So there you have it, a collection of Florida Surfing History References. As stated, this is a work in progress. Do you know of other sources that can make this list better? Please drop me a line and if possible a link, so that I can share with others.

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Posted on December 23, 2024November 24, 2025 by Robert — Leave a comment

The Best Events and Festivals in Florida January 2025

Are you searching for the best events and festivals in Florida in January 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.

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.

January 3rd through 5th Sarasota Seafood and Music Festival

Join us at J.D. Hamel Park along the beautiful Sarasota Bayfront for a weekend of January 3rd, 4th and 5th. Enjoy live music from amazing local artists, fresh seafood and a variety of delicious food booths, games and activities for the kids, dog-friendly vibes, plus a fantastic shopping area for unique finds!

Bring your family, friends, and pups for a weekend of sun, food, and fun in one of Sarasota’s most scenic spots. The event hours: January 3rd from 4PM to 10PM, January 4th from 11AM to 10PM and January 5th from 11AM to 6PM. Address: J.D. Hamel Park, Sarasota Bayfront at 199 Bayfront Drive, Sarasota Florida

The event is free but there are charges for food and at vendor booths. Check the website for parking information.

January 11th and 12th Florida Keys Celtic Festival Marathon Key

The Florida Keys Celtic Festival features family-friendly Celtic rock and Traditional music, Irish & Scottish Dancing, Pipes and Drums, a Children’s Glen with games, face painting and fun activities, and fabulous Celtic (and Keys) foods and crafts vendors. Highland Athletics, the original Strongman sport, features a sanctioned Woman’s Highland Athletics Competition and for a little Sunday Funday, locals can sign up for our Marathon “Celtic Games” Competition. The Florida Keys Celtic Festival was recently voted a Best of Florida Regional Winner for Festivals.

Click the link and purchase your tickets ahead of time on the website.

January 9th through 12th St. Augustine Film Festival

Now in it’s 15th year, the St. Augustine Film Festival will present 40 films from 25 countries at multiple locations throughout town.

Check the website for the full listing of films and venues. Get your tickets early for this event. The all-film pass will run you $125, or splurge and pick up the all access badge which includes all films and special event parties. This costs $275.

January 18th and 19th A Festival of Chocolate Miami

What to Expect:

Enjoy chocolate tastings, cooking demos, and chocolate-inspired activities and classes
Enjoy chocolate pairings, chocolate-themed drink specialty flights and tastings, and a variety of chocolate infused foods all aimed at unlocking flavors
Visit chocolate and artisanal vendors!
Listen to live music
Watch your little ones ride the Chocolate Express!
Enjoy spectacular butterflies at Wings of the Tropics, our exotic butterfly exhibit
Sit in the shade and watch your little ones run, play and explore at The Children’s Garden
Cool down in the misty cloud forest and National Orchid Garden in the only tropical rainforest in the continental U.S.
And so much more!

Click the link to buy your tickets ahead of time. General admission tickets start at around $25. Several discount options are available and there are add on options available as well.

Do you want to learn even more about chocolate? Take a drive to Orlando and visit the Chocolate Museum & Cafe. Click the link to read my review!

January 16-20 30A Songwriters Festival Walton County

More than 125 performers at more than 30 venues throughout Walton County. Headliners include Melissa Etheridge, The Devon Allman Project, and The Jayhawks. Check the website for a full list of performers and venues.

The 30A Songwriters Festival is the major fundraiser for the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA), a private, non-profit 501(c)3 organization that champions the arts through leadership, advocacy, funding, programs and education. The Festival’s success is critical to the success of the CAA, and your support as a ticket-buyer, partner or volunteer helps us provide an abundance of programs, services and support to the community.

January 24th through 26th IMAGES: A Festival of the Arts New Smyrna Beach

IMAGES is a free, public art festival that offers $30,000 in cash awards to artists and has one of the best Patron Programs in the Southeast. Visitors enjoy the work of over 250 artists, food trucks, live entertainment, Creative Education activities for children, and much more.

After visiting the artists, be sure to stroll through the Canal Street area and visit the many shops who call New Smyrna Beach home.

January 25 and 26 Hoggetowne Medieval Faire Gainesville

Artisans and craftspeople shall ply their trades with skill, olde world demonstrations shall enchant, and the clash of swords in stage combat shall resonate through the air. Medieval music and dance shall life thy spirtis, and a living chessboard shall unfold its strategic dance. Witness royal knighting ceremonies with the King and ueen, indulge in food court favorites, and savor the timeless delight of turkey legs.

Rain or shine. Leashed dogs are allowed. No smoking. Outside food and non-alcoholic drinks are permitted to be brought in.

The Faire is being held in Depot Park, 874 SE 4th Street.

January 25 and 26 Blue Spring Manatee Festival Orange City

Open to public 9:00am to 5:00pm Saturday and Sunday
Continuous Entertainment for the Whole Family
Arts & Crafts Show with Over 100 Booths
Music and Dancing!
Manatee Viewing
Disc Connected K9s – World Famous Frisbee Dogs
Children’s Area with: Shows – Face Panting – Games
Environmental Conservation Displays

Proceeds benefit Friends of Blue Spring State Park, provide educational scholarships, and assist great Orange City organizations.

January 25 Gasparilla Pirate Fest Tampa

Pirates, parades, music, food, drinks, and more. It’s a full day of fun and parties. Dress in your finest pirate apparel and join close to 300,000 pirates for a day you won’t forget.

Some events are ticketed so check the website for details. Learn more about the event sponsor, Seminole Hard Rock Tampa HERE.

The coast of southwest Florida, with its shallow waters, inlets, and mangrove islands provides the setting and backdrop for a variety of pirates, privateers, and independents. Piracy has a long and rich tradition in this area dating from before the formation of America through the infamous prohibition era. Telling the tales of Anne Bonny, Calico Jack Rackham, Civil War smugglers and prohibition rum runners, the authors provide a compelling narrative of the historically dangerous waters around Southwest Florida and beyond. **Click the image to order.**

January 25 Kumquat Festival Dade City

Come enjoy the unique, quaint and family fun of “old Florida” during our 2025 Annual Kumquat Festival® – it’s one of a kind! You’ll have the opportunity to listen to eat delicious food, visit hundreds of arts and crafts vendor booths including our Sponsors and learn about kumquats, “the little gold gems of the citrus industry”. We are pleased to hold this event every year in downtown Historic Dade City. Enjoy the Kumquat Festival and come back and visit Dade City again!

January 31 through February 2 Zora! Festival of the Arts Eatonville

The 2025 ZORA! Outdoor Festival of the Arts is a cultural, educational, and entertainment experience like no other. From January 31 to February 2, 2025, Eatonville will come alive with vibrant performances, interactive art, and a celebration of the cultural contributions people of African ancestry have made to the United States and to the world. Through a powerful combination of music, education, and live performances, including an extraordinary Tribute to the Legends, the festival aims to inspire and connect people from all walks of life. Learn more about Zora Neale Hurston HERE. Discover Eatonville HERE.

Events range from free to ticketed. Check the website for details on the full Zora Neale Hurston festival.

Their Eyes Were Watching God Zora Neale Hurston Festival — One of the most important and enduring books of the twentieth century, **Their Eyes Were Watching God** brings to life a Southern love story with the wit and pathos found only in the writing of Zora Neale Hurston. Click the image to order your copy!

To conclude, I want to thank you for reading my listing of the best events and festivals in Florida in January 2025. Check back every month otherwise you might miss out on a great event you did not know about. If you are sponsoring or hosting an upcoming event, drop me a line so I can include it. Maybe we can work together on a blog post and social media posts to promote the event. Let’s hear your ideas.

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.

Find the best tickets, for the best concerts and performances, at the best prices, using TicketNetwork. Just select your city, or maybe the date or performer, from the drop down menu and let the program do the rest. These are resale tickets but are covered by TicketNetwork’s 100% guarantee. See their website for details.

Posted on November 3, 2024November 11, 2024 by Robert — Leave a comment

Oak Hill Village Improvement Association Historic Marker

Thank you for your interest in learning about the Oak Hill Village Improvement Association building and historic marker. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places and a state of Florida historic marker is located outside. The building is now owned by the city of Oak Hill and houses a small community museum. Hopefully one day I will find the museum open.

Oak Hill

Oak Hill, Florida is a small, tight knight community located near the extreme southeast corner of Volusia County. The 2020 United States Census Bureau report showed a population of just under 2,000 residents. While still small, the town has grown significantly since the turn of the century. Residential property development will increase the population dramatically in the next few years. These new residents will potentially place a strain on limited governmental resources as new services will be required.

Early settlers in what is now the Oak Hill area included Jacob Davy Mitchell. Mitchell founded a citrus business and in the following years many similar business sprang to life. By 1887 the area contained 220 acres of citrus trees. Fishing and seafood were another popular and profitable business. With the Intracoastal Waterway on the doorstep and easy access to the Atlantic Ocean, fishermen worked hard, but were able to earn a living. The arrival of Henry Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway allowed for fish and fruit to be shipped but also brought need goods and materials to the small group of settlers.

The first city charter was created in 1927 but was soon abandoned in 1930. The city operated on an informal basis for more than three decades. It was in 1962 that local residents re-incorporated.

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Association Hall

Prior to the first incorporation in 1927, in 1906, local residents F. W. Hatch, H. J. Magruder, and Leonard Mosby formed the Oak Hill Village Improvement Association with goals of organizing community events and resolving any local problems. The Association purchased a lot located at what is now 146 U.S. Highway 1. Here, they constructed a Town Hall building as a meeting space. The building was constructed in a single story octagonal design. The reason this design was created and the name of the architect are lost to time according to the NRHP nomination form.

As stated, the building was originally constructed on what is now US 1. By 1915, the makeup of the town had changed and residents began to consider whether a new location for the Hall would be more suitable. Joan Howes donated a lot on Halifax Avenue. Using a team of horses and logs, the building was moved approximately two tenths of a mile to a prominent location, near the town business district. Today, the building is across Halifax Avenue from the post office and library buildings.

It was in the Association building that critical issues, such as the 1927 incorporation of the town, and the 1930 discontinuation of the town charter were discussed and approved. When the city charter was reactivated in 1962, the VIA Hall served as the home of city government until the new City Hall was constructed in 1965.

Other uses of the unusually shaped building included being used as a voting precinct, social events such as community dances, and boy and girl scout troop meetings. The building served for seven months as home to Baldwin’s Store, after the community grocery store burned to the ground in September 1935. The VIA Hall was home to the Howard Putnam Library during the years of 1943 through 1970, when the growing library moved to the new City Hall building before moving across the street from the Hall in 1974.

After many years of active community involvement, The Oak Hill Village Improvement Association experienced a membership decline in the 1990s and discontinued their operations in 2002. The building, which was in need of considerable repairs and upgrades, was deeded to the city. City leaders began to explore funding opportunities in order to bring the VIA Hall back to life. They received two crucial lifelines allowing work to proceed.

Restoration

The first came in the form of a $35,000 donation from Korean businessman and benefactor, Dr. K. T. Chung. These crucial funds would be used as partial match for a County of Volusia ECHO (environmental, cultural, historic, outdoor) grant. With nearly $150,000 from the county and the required dollar for dollar match, Oak Hill was on its way.

A park, adjacent to the Hall was dedicated in Dr. Chung’s honor on May 21, 1995. Approximately 100 persons turned out for the ceremony which featured a chorus from Burns-Oak Hill Elementary School and a solo from singer Pat Plummer. A reception in Dr. Chung’s honor was held in the Hall after the park dedication.

When the project had been completed in 2009 work accomplished included building stabilization, restoration of the interior, and adding ADA compliant restrooms and entrance ramps.

In January 2023, the Florida Department of State announced that the Oak Hill Village Improvement Association Hall had been added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Historic Marker

As a part of the National Register nomination, the city applied for a State of Florida historic marker. This marker was awarded in 2023 and reads

Village Improvement Association Hall

In 1906, residents of Oak Hill complete this octagonal wooden structure. It was built on land donated by Fred W. Hatch, who saw the need for a community center. Citizens formed the Village Improvement Association (VIA) to maintain and schedule use of the building. In 1917, community leaders voted to move the building closer to the center of the growing town. A team of horses pulled the building on skids to its new location on land donated by Joan Howes. In 1927, citizens established the city’s first charter in the VIA Hall. That government did not survive the Great Depression. In 1960, citizens again met at the VIA Hall to organize a second charter. Since its construction, the building has served as a town hall, school, dancehall, and clubhouse. local fishermen used it as a place to repair their nets. In 2006, storms damaged the building. Community leaders worked with the city to obtain grant funding for the building’s restoration. With the goal of sharing the everyday history of this community, the refurbished building opened as the Oak Hill Historical Museum.

A Florida Heritage Site Sponsored by the City of Oak Hill and the Florida Department of State

F-1246

Sources

Dewees, Mary. History and Memories of Oak Hill, Florida. Oak Hill: Self Published. 1984.

Florida Department of State. Press Release: Secretary Byrd Announces the Designation of Village Improvement Association Hall in the National Register of Historic Places. January 24, 2023.

Goodrich, Marie S. “Korea, Oak Hill Find Park Common Ground.” Daytona Beach News Journal. May 23, 1995.

National Park Service. National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. August 16, 2022.

Thompson, Dana. Oak Hill (Images of America). Charleston: Arcadia Publishing. 2009.

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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Posted on October 25, 2024September 12, 2025 by Robert — Leave a comment

Lost Attractions of Florida Book Review

Thank you for your interest in my book review of Lost Attractions of Florida written by Dr. James C. Clark.

Clark, James C. Lost Attractions of Florida. Charleston: Arcadia Publishing, 2023. 186 pages, 155 pages of text. B/W images, index, bibliography. ISBN 9781467145954, $23.99.

FULL DISCLOSURE: Dr. Clark is a friend of mine and Arcadia Publishing has published several of my own books. These relationships do not factor into this review. I purchased this book and it was not provided by the author or publisher. There may be affiliate links included in this post.

From the time a reader picks up this book, they are swept away with waves of nostalgia and memory. From pirate ships to the old west; from southern belles to bathing beauties and hunks on water skis the diversity of lost Florida attractions is shown in full color on the cover. Not enough? Flip to the back cover and find alligators, ostriches, and a wonder house. How can you not be enthused to sit down with a cup of coffee (or tea, or whatever) and read a few pages, only to find yourself half way through.

Author James C. Clark, a senior lecturer in history at the University of Central Florida, and a regular commentator on local, state, and national politics, has penned a brief, yet highly readable and enjoyable look at many attractions Florida residents may have forgotten about, or for newer transplants, have probably never heard of.

Readers are given an introduction to how Florida tourism has evolved. From the days of William Bartram and James Audubon through Henry Flagler’s railroads, to the egalitarianism of the automobile, Florida has been a magnet for tourists, some looking to save their health, some looking to get away from the northern winters, and some, looking to make a quick buck. From real estate hucksters to the tin can tourist there has been a place for everyone.

The real interest of this book however are the attractions. Clark has divided his text into several convenient chapters, including the Panhandle, Cypress Gardens, Circus World, and the Never Were Attractions. These are each short, generally half a dozen pages or so.

Then we get into the real meat of the book, Disney Attractions, Universal Attractions, and the longest chapter, and the one that will bring back the most memories for Floridians, the Vanishing Attractions.

With technology developing at such a rapid pace, and with new movies, both animated and live action, being released constantly to a new batch of demanding viewers, Disney and Universal are constantly making “upgrades” to their parks. I use quotations because for those of us who remember the parks from years ago, attractions such as Captain Eo, the Main Street Electrical Parade, the original ride at the Norway Pavilion, the Great Movie Ride, Kongfrontation, and so many more, are just distant memories, often replaced with attractions we can’t relate to. The Disney and Universal chapters will make you wistful if you were a theme park junkie.

The Vanishing Attractions chapter will bring back even more memories. Whether it be Six Gun Territory (Florida even brought in the wild west), Mystery Fun House, or Ross Allen’s Reptile Institute, Florida had an attraction for everyone. Whether you were interested in deer or ostriches, classic cars or Native Americans, you could probably find it during your drive through Florida.

Things changed with the coming of I-95 and other major roadways, but things most changed with the wider availability of affordable air travel. Visitors can easily fly directly to their destination whether that be Orlando, Miami, Tampa, or other cities with a major airport. If behind the wheel, drivers are now whisked along at 70 plus miles per hour to their destination, seldom leaving the interstate other than for gas or food. For a funny, yet highly insightful look at the family road trip, please see my review Don’t Make Me Pull Over, written by Richard Ratay.

Today, these “roadside attractions” as they are often referred to, have a hard time competing. As Clark astutely points out, Disney and Universal have done a masterful job of keeping their visitors on property. Disney has expanded to four major parks, plus multiple other diversions such as water parks, shopping, mini golf, and more. Their internal transportation systems makes it so you can park your rental car at your resort hotel and only get in it to head back to the airport. Or better yet, don’t rent a car. Instead, take shuttle buses to and from your hotel. Universal works on the same system and with plans to open a new park shortly, many visitors no longer have extra days available in their vacation itinerary to explore what else Orlando and the rest of Florida have to offer.

My only very minor criticism of the book is the shortness of each attraction description, particularly in the Vanishing Attractions chapter. This is only because I personally wanted more. The descriptions and information Dr. Clark has provided are perfectly appropriate for a book of this nature. It’s not meant to go into detail about Sunken Gardens. Rather, it is a reminder that these type attractions were around, many of them successful for years. It is for us the reader, to make the effort to seek out additional information if we choose.

Filled with dozens of interesting b/w photos, this is a book that anyone with an interest in theme park or roadside attractions history should be interested in. For the casual reader or new resident to Florida, this is a quick read and fascinating way to take a look back into an an often forgotten, but important, part of Florida history.

Recommended!

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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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Posted on March 15, 2024November 25, 2025 by Robert — Leave a comment

Historic Florida Churches Book Release Arcadia Publishing

Arcadia Publishing New Release

Arcadia Publishing continues it’s role of releasing geographically focused works of history with their new book release, Historic Florida Churches, written by Joy Sheffield Harris.

Harris is the author of several prior Arcadia releases including A Culinary History of Florida: Prickly Pears, Datil Peppers, & Key Limes; The Florida Cracker Cookbook: Recipes and Stories from Cabin to Condo; and Florida Sweets: Key Lime Pie, Kumquats, & Citrus Candy. All of these titles sound delicious don’t they?

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Harris, Joy Sheffield. Historic Florida Churches. Charleston: Arcadia Publishing. 2024. ISBN 9781467155724, 24.99. 127 pages, 122 pages of text. Bibliography, b/w photos, color photos.

From the publisher:

Over 200 years have passed since the first Florida church was established and today the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine has been restored to capture its original beauty. Pioneer Village Church at Shingle Creek is home to a replica of one the first churches built in the Kissimmee, the St. John’s Episcopal Church. The former St. Paul’s By-The-Sea is now the deconsecrated Beaches Chapel at The Beaches Museum and History Park in Jacksonville Beach. Travel throughout the state or enjoy the beauty of these and many more churches without leaving home.

Thank you to Arcadia Publishing for providing a complimentary review copy of this book. A review will be forthcoming. Order directly from Arcadia using my discount code REDD24 and save 15% on your entire order.

Thank you for reading my post announcing Historic Florida Churches, a new book release from Arcadia Publishing. Read my reviews of other Arcadia Publishing titles using THIS LINK.

This post may contain affiliate links including Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 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 views and opinions provided in my blog.

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Posted on March 12, 2024October 3, 2025 by Robert — Leave a comment

Florida Prohibition Book Release from Arcadia Publishing

Arcadia Publishing New Release

Arcadia Publishing continues it’s role of releasing geographically focused works with their new book release, Florida Prohibition: Corruption, Defiance, & Tragedy, written by Randy Jaye.

St. Augustine Distillery bourbon history and tasting experienceFlorida Prohibition book release — Join **St. Augustine Distillery** for a bourbon history and tasting experience you won’t forget. Located in the nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine Distillery offers this hour long tour where you will learn the process of producing bourbon, followed by an amazing tasting. Take home a souvenir tasting glass to commemorate the day.

Jaye, Randy. Florida Prohibition: Corruption, Defiance, & Tragedy. Charleston: Arcadia Publishing. 2024. ISBN 9781467155823, $24.99. 171 pages, 164 pages of text. Bibliography, b/w images.

From the publisher:

Prohibition is recognized as the most unpopular law in US history. It was so unpopular at the time that some Floridians weren’t all too keen on obeying it. Learn how it was instigated by small town Protestants who believed that newer immigrants living in big cities were immoral because of their emphatic use of alcohol. Prohibition bred corruption, defiance of the law, and hypocrisy as illegal bootlegging, moonshining and rum running replaced legitimate taxpaying industries.

Florida actually voted state-wide Prohibition into law before the dreaded 18th amendment and was the only state to elect a governor from the Prohibition Party. Florida’s Bill McCoy “The Real McCoy” founded Rum Row and became an international celebrity as he made a mockery of the U.S. Coast Guard’s inability to squelch his innovative rum running operations. Al Capone, the infamous gangster, vacationed in Florida while his henchmen perpetrated the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. Many virtually unknown stories of tragic killings in Florida during Prohibition are also recounted.

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Thank you to Arcadia Publishing for providing a complimentary review copy of this book. A review will be forthcoming.

This post may contain affiliate links including Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 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 views and opinions provided in my blog.

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Posted on March 8, 2024August 27, 2024 by Robert — Leave a comment

Turnbull Grand Canal Florida Historic Marker

New Smyrna Beach is where you will find the Turnbull Grand Canal Florida Historic Marker. The City of New Smyrna Beach and the Florida Department of State are the marker sponsors. In 2018 sponsors placed the monument for public viewing.

If you would like to read other posts on my blog about Florida historic markers, please CLICK HERE.

The National Register of Historic Places includes the Turnbull Canal System. You may see the National Park Service NRHP file using THIS LINK.

To learn more about the Turnbull Settlement, please visit the New Smyrna Museum of History.

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The Turnbull Grand Canal, also known as the Grand Canal, was built by indentured servants brought to the area by Scottish physician Dr. Andrew Turnbull in 1768. As part of the largest single attempt at British colonization in North America, Smyrnea Settlement, Turnbull attracted more than 1,400 Minorcans, Corsicans, Greeks, and Italians, who sought the promise of new opportunities in Florida. Turnbull was impressed by the Egyptian canal system and wanted to replicate it in Smyrnea. Three canals ran east-west and were linked with a fourth longer canal known as the Grand Canal that ran north-south and connected to Turnbull Bay. These hand-dug canals provided irrigation and drainage for rice, hemp, cotton, and indigo crops, and served as a mode of transportation within the colony. After nine years of harsh treatment under Turnbull, drought, and crop failures, the colony’s population fell to about 600 people. In 1777 a group of Smyrnea colonists walked 70 miles to St. Augustine to petition British East Florida Governor Patrick Tonyn for release from their indentures. After hearing the case, Governor Tonyn gave them their freedom and granted them land north of St. Augustine.

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A Florida Heritage Site

Sponsored by the City of New Smyrna Beach, the Historic New Smyrna Beach Preservation Commission, Mayor James Hathaway, Vice Mayor Jason McGuirk, Commissioner Judy Reiker, Commissioner Jake Sachs, Commissioner Randy Hartman, and the Florida Department of State.

2018

Turnbull Grand Canal Florida Historic Marker is located at the corner of SR 44 and Walker Drive in New Smyrna Beach. It is located across Walker Drive from Auto Zone. — The Turnbull Grand Canal marker is located at the corner of SR 44 and Walker Drive in New Smyrna Beach. It is on the south side of SR 44 across Walker from **Auto Zone**.

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Use Tiqets.com to find the best attractions at the best prices all over the world. Visit their site and enter your destination.

Posted on February 9, 2024March 12, 2024 by Robert — Leave a comment

Nocoroco Florida Historic Marker

Thank you for taking time to visit this post on the Nocoroco Florida historic marker located at Tomoka State Park in Ormond Beach.

If you would like to read other posts on my blog about Florida historic markers, please CLICK HERE.

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On this site was the Timucua Indian Village of Nocoroco. It was mentioned in the report of Alvaro Mexia’s expedition down the Florida east coast in 1605. It was the first Indian village south of St. Augustine noted by Mexia. The site was used during the British Occupation of Florida (1763-1783), and probably remained under cultivation until the Seminole Wars (1835-1842).

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Florida Board of Parks and Historic Memorials 1962

The Seminole Wars (1835-1842) referenced in the marker also goes by the name, the “Second Seminole War.”

There are three distinct periods of time that claim the moniker of “Seminole War.”

The first is 1817-1818 and led to Spain ceding Florida to the United States.

The second, referenced above, lasted from 1835 until 1842. Because of its length and bloodiness, some historians call the Second Seminole War, The Seminole War. At the conclusion of hostilities, the United States Army transported more than 4,000 Seminoles west. I refer readers to the excellent book written by John K. Mahon titled History of the Second Seminole War: 1835-1842.

Historians often call the Third Seminole War, “The Florida War.” The Third Seminole War lasted from 1855-1858.

For readers seeking a good general history of the Seminole Wars, I recommend The Seminole Wars: America’s Longest Indian Conflict, written by John and Mary Lou Missall. This is a readable and digestible look at the conflicts and provides readers a gateway to more advanced works.

Park Admission Information

Tomoka State Park 2099 N. Beach Street Ormond Beach, FL 32174 Park Hours 8:00AM until Sundown 365 days per year Admission: $5 per vehicle (up to 8 passengers) $2 for pedestrians, bikes, extra passengers

For camping information or pavilion rental, please see the website for details.

Tomoka is a dog friendly park. Pets are permitted in designated areas and must be kept on a six foot leash. Please clean up after your pet.

The National Register of Historic Places recognized Tomoka State Park in 1973.

Chief Tomokie

No visit to Tomoka State Park is complete without a visit to The Legend of Chief Tomokie.

Chief Tomokie is a 45 foot tall monument created by artist and architect Fred Dana Marsh that was unveiled to the public on March 21, 1957. Marsh may be best known locally for having created the figures that adorn the Peabody Auditorium and for his home prior to his death, known as “The Battleship.”

Tomokie depicts a made up Native American legend, concocted by Doris Marie Mann Boyd. Oletta, the warrior princess, is shown aiming an arrow at Chief Tomokie who had dared to drink “the Water of Life from the Sacred Cup.” Tomokie in turn is threatening his assailants with a spear (that has long vanished from the monument.)

The reflecting pool area in front of the monument has been dry since 1974 according to Mark Lane. A museum featuring the work of Fred Dana Marsh opened at the park in 1961 but according to Lane closed in 1996. “The Battleship,” Marsh’s home, so nicknamed because neighbors felt it resembled a battleship when viewed from the road, was demolished with considerable controversy in 1996. The owners claimed the home beyond reasonable repair costs, but ultimately seem to have had no plan to build there and sold the property in multiple lots. Marsh’s home was located at 317 N. Ocean Shore Boulevard in Ormond Beach.

Tomokie Today

Today, The Legend of Chief Tomokie is in considerable disrepair despite several organized attempts to raise funds for restoration. Governor Jeb Bush vetoed state funding of $100,000 in 1999 despite local political support.

The monument, originally constructed from cement, brick dust, and bamboo rods, is still a favorite of visitors who marvel at the size and wonder if the legend could be true.

Artist Fred Dana Marsh was born April 6, 1872 and passed away on December 20, 1961.

Marker dedicated to Fred Dana Marsh, in front of what used to be a reflecting pool at the Chief Tomokie monument.

Find the 30 best things to do in Daytona Beach in my blog post HERE.

Sources

Davidson, Herbert, editorial. “The Meaning of a Statue.” Daytona Beach News Journal. March 23, 1957.

Egan, Bill. “Marsh’s Influence Still Lives in Work.” Daytona Beach News Journal. April 21, 1996.

Florida State Parks. “History.” Tomoka State Park.

“Fred Dana Marsh is Dead at 89.” Daytona Beach News Journal. December 21, 1961.

Gear, Barry. “Battleship Sails Into Memories, Onto Video.” Daytona Beach News Journal. May 20, 1996.

Griffin, John W. “Nocoroco, a Timucua Village of 1605.” Florida Historical Quarterly. Volume 27: No. 4. 1948.

Lane, Mark. “Curious Coast: What is that Statue at Tomoka State Park?” Daytona Beach News Journal. July 8, 2018.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 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 views and opinions provided in my blog.

Native American Art Magazine Subscription
from: Magazine Values

Posted on September 18, 2023November 24, 2025 by Robert — Leave a comment

October 2023 The Best Events and Festivals in Florida

The Best in Florida Festivals and Events October 2023

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.

Posts are listed in date order.

I have purposefully not included Oktoberfest and Halloween related events in this post.

October 6-8 Destin Seafood Festival Destin

This event which features seafood, music, art, and more serves as a fundraiser for the Destin Charter Boat Association, a not-for-profit organization formed in 1954. More than 70 vendors, five music stages, and seafood galore.

October 7 Boots, Bulls & Barrells Kissimmee

An intense event that combines the thrill of bull riding with the fast agility of barrel racing. This tournament-style event brings together professional bull riders and skilled equestrians in a competition of adrenaline and skill.

The annual Silver Spurs Rodeo is one of the top rodeos in the country so this event promises to be excellent.

Take a video tour of the history of the Silver Spurs Rodeo below.

October 7 Green Cove Springs Soul Food & Music Festival

Enjoy an amazing day of southern cooking, live music, dancing, children’s activities, local artists, specialty vendors, and more.

October 7-8 Autumn Art Festival Winter Park

The Winter Park Autumn Art Festival is the only juried fine art festival exclusively featuring Florida artists.

The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the festival on the second weekend in October each year. The community-oriented sidewalk show presents quality visual art and live entertainment the whole family can enjoy. The festival is held in beautiful Central Park located along historic Park Avenue in downtown Winter Park.

The festival is open from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. both days.

Admission is free!

October 12-15 Florida Birding & Nature Festival Apollo Beach

Four days of field and boat trips, expert seminars, keynote speakers, and a free nature expo with more than 20 vendors and organizations. There October are charges for certain portions of this festival.

October 14 McIntosh 1890s Festival McIntosh

Named for the decade when the community began to flourish, this festival has grown to more than 200 vendors with tens of thousands of visitors. Enjoy music, food, shopping, arts and crafts, jewelry, and more while enjoying local Victorian charm.

October 19-22 Biketoberfest Daytona Beach

Motorcycle enthusiasts come together during the four-day rally each year to enjoy beautiful Florida weather, live music, motorcycle racing at Daytona International Speedway, and miles of scenic rides along famous A1A, historic Main Street or the scenic Loop. Come experience the Southeast’s best motorcycle rally featuring motorcycle shows, custom bike builds and hundreds of the industry’s top vendors throughout Daytona Beach.

October 21 Sanford Jazz in the Park Sanford

Come out to the 6^th annual Jazz in the Park at Centennial Park. This family oriented events features live music, food trucks, vendors, and a cash bar. This music festival is presented by Ladies 327 in association with Historic Downtown Sanford.

October 21-22 Cedar Key Seafood Festival Cedar Key

Now it’s 53^rd year, this year’s festival will celebrate the year of the clam. The festival features seafood, more than arts and crafts vendors, music, and an amazing Saturday morning parade you won’t want to miss.

Renowned for its delectable seafood offerings, vibrant arts and crafts scene, and lively live music performances, the Cedar Key Seafood Festival promises visitors an unforgettable weekend full of fun and flavors.

October 25-29 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

With plans for multiple show locales, more than 1,300 boats, 1,000 brands, and 100,000 attendees, this is the boat show for any marine enthusiast. Buy your tickets in advance online (HINT, HINT, they aren’t cheap).

October 27-29 Naples Stone Crab Festival Naples

A Naples tradition for more than a decade, enjoy stone crab, other seafood, live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, and more.

October 28 Florida Territory Living History Dade City

A living history event depicting Florida history before 1845: pre-history/archeological, pre-Columbian (15th Century and before), Spanish Colonial Period, Seven Years/Revolutionary War, Patriot War/War of 1812, Seminole Wars.

Tickets at the Gate Only.

Florida Territory Living History Day at Pioneer Florida Museum and Village

October 28-29 Mount Dora Fall Craft Fair Mount Dora

Consistently voted in the top 5 craft fairs across the country by Sunshine Artist Magazine Subscription

The downtown streets come alive with almost 400 of the best exhibitors in the country ready to show and sell their fine and fun crafts at this annual event. Festival food, music, beer, wine, cocktails and some special guest appearances will round out the event.

October 28-29 Lake Wales Pioneer Days Festival

Happening in Lake Wailes Park, this event will feature reenactors and historic demonstrations, more than 60 craft market vendors, local food vendors, community partners, and be sure to nominate someone for “Pioneer of the Year.”

October 29 Tavares Trailblazers Tavares

Join historian Richard Lee Cronin at the Tavares History Research Center for a presentation celebrating some of the exceptional individuals and the roles each played in the development of the town.

Thank you to Bob Grenier for alerting me to this event! Remember, if you have an event that you would like me to include in future posts, drop me a line with the information. It’s free!

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. All views and opinions provided are my own and are never influenced by affiliate programs or sponsors providing products.

This project is a work in progress. You no doubt know of other resources that should be included. Drop me a line with information and the link so that I can update this page periodically.

Books

Miscellaneous

Museums and Exhibits

Oral and Video History

Web Sites and Posts

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.

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.

January 3rd through 5th Sarasota Seafood and Music Festival

January 11th and 12th Florida Keys Celtic Festival Marathon Key

January 9th through 12th St. Augustine Film Festival

January 18th and 19th A Festival of Chocolate Miami

Do you want to learn even more about chocolate? Take a drive to Orlando and visit the Chocolate Museum & Cafe. Click the link to read my review!

January 16-20 30A Songwriters Festival Walton County

January 24th through 26th IMAGES: A Festival of the Arts New Smyrna Beach

January 25 and 26 Hoggetowne Medieval Faire Gainesville

January 25 and 26 Blue Spring Manatee Festival Orange City

January 25 Gasparilla Pirate Fest Tampa

January 25 Kumquat Festival Dade City

January 31 through February 2 Zora! Festival of the Arts Eatonville

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.

Oak Hill

Association Hall

Restoration

Historic Marker

Sources

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.

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.

Arcadia Publishing New Release

From the publisher:

Thank you to Arcadia Publishing for providing a complimentary review copy of this book. A review will be forthcoming. Order directly from Arcadia using my discount code REDD24 and save 15% on your entire order.

Arcadia Publishing New Release

From the publisher:

Thank you to Arcadia Publishing for providing a complimentary review copy of this book. A review will be forthcoming.

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Thank you for taking time to visit this post on the Nocoroco Florida historic marker located at Tomoka State Park in Ormond Beach.

Text

Park Admission Information

Chief Tomokie

Tomokie Today

Find the 30 best things to do in Daytona Beach in my blog post HERE.

Sources

The Best in Florida Festivals and Events October 2023

October 6-8 Destin Seafood Festival Destin

October 7 Boots, Bulls & Barrells Kissimmee

October 7 Green Cove Springs Soul Food & Music Festival

October 7-8 Autumn Art Festival Winter Park

October 12-15 Florida Birding & Nature Festival Apollo Beach

October 14 McIntosh 1890s Festival McIntosh

October 19-22 Biketoberfest Daytona Beach

October 21 Sanford Jazz in the Park Sanford

October 21-22 Cedar Key Seafood Festival Cedar Key

October 25-29 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

October 27-29 Naples Stone Crab Festival Naples

October 28 Florida Territory Living History Dade City

October 28-29 Mount Dora Fall Craft Fair Mount Dora

October 28-29 Lake Wales Pioneer Days Festival

October 29 Tavares Trailblazers Tavares

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. All views and opinions provided are my own and are never influenced by affiliate programs or sponsors providing products.

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