For a better future, study the past.
Join me on Saturday, August 2 from noon until 3pm at the Books a Million in Merritt Island for a book signing of my new release Florida Scoundrels published by Arcadia Publishing.
If you can’t make it, you can order through AMAZON or from ARCADIA . Use my Arcadia discount link and save 15% on your purchase.
Any fan of baseball should make a visit to the Tampa Baseball Museum, located in the former home of National Baseball Hall of Fame member Al Lopez, in Ybor City, Florida.
Ybor City is a neighborhood located to the northeast of downtown Tampa. The area is perhaps most known for being a cigar producing are founded by Vicente Martinez Ybor and other cigar producers. Ybor City is widely known for the influence of its Cuban immigrants. Italians and Spaniards have also played a considerable role in the history of the community.
Beginning in the 1880s through the years of the Great Depression, Ybor was known its cigar production. Historian Frank Lastra has stated that in 1929 more than 500 million cigars were rolled. Today, cigar makers ca still be found, with makers such as J.C. Newman Cigar Company, La Faraona Cigars, and Tabanero Cigars satisfying the tobacco needs of users across the country.
Whether you are in town departing or arriving on a cruise, taking in a sporting event, or a day tripper, a visit to Ybor City is worth your time.
Finding Ybor City is quite easy. From the north, the easiest route is I-275 South, taking the east I-4 exit and getting off at exit 1 for the Port of Tampa and Ybor City. From the east, travel on I-4 and get off at exit 1. I recommend using Google Maps for the most accurate route. Use the map embedded below or click the link in the prior sentence to find the best route for you.
The weather in Ybor City can be considered hot for much of the year but being located near the Gulf of Mexico, the worst of the summer heat is avoided. May through September have an average high of around 90 degrees with lows in the lower 80s. The winter months are a bit cooler, with highs in the low to mid 70s and lows averaging in the 60s. You will seldom need long sleeves.
The rain comes to Ybor City during the summer months. From June through September, you’ll have about a 50% chance of rain on most days. During July, the area receives rain on average two out of three days. Bring your umbrella. The remainder of the year is comparatively dry. Snow? Forget about it. Hurricanes and tropical storms? Definitely. Keep watch during the season and be prepared to evacuate if need be.
If you are a first time visitor, a stop at the Ybor City Visitor Center is a must. They will help orient you, suggest must see spots, suggest dining and hotel options, and much more. Visit the website and click Info Request. They’ll get you everything you need ahead of your visit.
Don’t miss the Gasparilla Pirate Festival each January. The Ybor Saturday Market, held during the non-summer months, is a must do event. Find local foods, music, art, plants, pet related items, jewelry, and more.
Located at
2003 N. 19th Street Tampa, FL 33605 813-400-2353
Hours Sunday during Spring Training and the MLB season: 11:00a.m. until 5:00p.m. Monday through Wednesday: CLOSED Thursday through Saturday: 10:00a,m until 4:00p.m. CLOSED on New Years Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas (They are not listed as closed on Easter but I would make that assumption.)
Admission $12 Adults $10 Seniors 65+, active military, first responders, teachers, students age 18+ (ID required for discount) $6 children Free children ages 5 and under
Bring your Baseball Attractions Pass-Port and get it stamped!
Follow the Tampa Baseball Museum on Instagram.
The island of Cuba has a long love of the game of baseball, and with the close association that Ybor City has with its Cuban heritage, it should be no surprise that baseball is important to the community. The Tampa Baseball Museum in the Ybor City neighborhood, is a great visit for baseball fans, history enthusiasts, locals looking to learn more about their community, or visitors soaking in the aura that makes this area so unique.
The museum is located in a circa 1905 home that was the boyhood home of National Baseball Hall of Fame member Al Lopez. The structure no longer sits in its original location. The home was moved during a 14 hour, mile and a half journey made possible through the Interstate Historic Mitigation Plan during a widening of I-4 in 2013.
The information below on Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa is taken from the museum website.
Hillsborough County
In addition to providing the land, the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners has awarded three Historic Preservation Challenge Grants to the Ybor City Museum Society to support the rehabilitation of the Al Lopez House and development of the Tampa Baseball Museum. The grants provide a 100% match for monetary and in-kind donations. Through the generosity of community partners and individual donors, the Society is actively funding from the most recent grant to complete exhibits for the Museum.
The City of Tampa
At the very beginning of development, the City of Tampa awarded a Community Redevelopment Area Façade Improvement Grant to the Ybor City Museum Society for the Tampa Baseball Museum. The grant provided financial assistance for exterior renovation, restoration, and rehabilitation as well as landscaping improvements. Then, the City gifted the house to the Society to help make this new museum a reality.
Who was Al Lopez
Al Lopez was born in Tampa in 1908 to parents born in Spain, who worked in Cuba, before moving to the Ybor City area in search of work in the cigar industry. Lopez’s baseball career began locally in 1924 when he signed with the Florida State League, Tampa Smokers, at age 16. At the young age, Lopez was already recognized as a promising catcher. Working his way through the minor leagues, he debuted in the major league in 1928 before becoming the Brooklyn Dodgers starting catcher in 1930.
Lopez’s career as a player would last until 1947, an unusually long tenor both for the era and for his position. He played for Brooklyn, Boston Bees, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Cleveland Indians. Upon retiring as a player, he had caught 1,918 games, a record that would stand until broken in 1987 by Bob Boone.
In 1948, the year following his last as an active player, Lopez began his managerial career, serving as skipper for the Pittsburgh Pirates AAA affiliate, Indianapolis Indians. He would stay with the team through the 1950 season before returning to Cleveland as manager in 1951. He resigned from the team following a disagreement with management after the 1956 season, boasting a record of 570 wins and 354 losses.
Lopez was far from finished in his career, signing on to be the field boss with the Chicago White Sox in 1957. He would stay with the team through the 1965 season, never winning less than 82 games. He then transitioned into a Vice President role with the team before returning to the field during the 1968 season.
During his long bench career he posted a record of 1,410 wins against 1,004 losses. His teams went to the World Series twice, losing both times however. Ten times, his team finished second in the American League, narrowly missing visits to the World Series. Lopez currently ranks 29th on the all-time list of major league wins for a manager.
Lopez was elected to the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1961 and later, in 1977, the Veterans Committee elected Lopez to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY.
Lopez died in 2005, at the age of 97 after suffering a heart attack. Lopez had lived just long enough to witness his White Sox team win the World Series, their first in 88 years. An online memorial for Lopez can be found using THIS LINK.
The Museum
Here are a few photos from the collection and exhibits when we visited. It’s important to remember that museums are not static facilities. They need to change and update to survive. What you see below may or may not be on exhibit during your visit.
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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.
February 1 and 2 South Florida Garlic Fest Wellington
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.
February 7 through 9 Everglades Seafood Festival Everglades CityCelebrate 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.
NO PETS, LAWN CHAIRS, OR COOLERS!!!!
February 8 and 9 Tallahassee Highland Games 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.
February 15 Bonita Brew FestThe 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
February 15 Vero Beach Blues FestivalA 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.
February 16 Daytona 500The 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.
February 22 Tampa Taco FestEnjoy 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.
February 22 and 23 Swamp Cabbage Festival LaBelleJoin us the last full weekend of February, in Barron Park, Downtown LaBelle to enjoy a day of Live Entertainment, Food, and FUN!!!
There is very little information on their website.
February 21 and 22 Sandestin Gumbo and Bloody Mary FestivalGumbo 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.
Check the website for ticket information.
February 22 and 23 Space Coast Key Lime Pie Festival VieraThe 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.
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The University Press of Florida has released its Spring and Summer 2025 Catalog.
The University Press of Florida is releasing many interesting titles in the first six months of 2025. Nothing in the military history category this go around and some might argue it’s a bit light on Florida titles. Scholars specializing in Latin American history will find plenty of titles to select from.
Modern Art in 1940s Cuba: Havana’s Artists, Critics, and Exhibitions July 2025
Providing the first comprehensive history of modern Cuban art during the 1940s, this book contextualizes the artistic practices, values, and contributions of the first and second generations of avant-garde artists on the island within the framework of the nation’s only democratic period.
Welcome to Florida: True Tales from America’s Most Interesting State March 2025
In Welcome to Florida, award-winning investigative journalist and New York Times bestselling author Craig Pittman introduces readers to the people, creatures, places, and issues that make up the Florida of today. Through lively stories told with cutting insight and always with a joke at the ready, Pittman captures the heart of what he calls “The Most Interesting State.”
The First Hollywood: Florida and the Golden Age of Silent Filmmaking written by Shawn C. Bean. March 2025
In 1908, New York-based Kalem Studios sent its first crew to Jacksonville. By 1914, fifteen major companies—including Fox and Metro Pictures—had set up shop there. Oliver Hardy, D. W. Griffith, Mary Pickford, and the Barrymores all made movies in the Florida sunshine. In total, nearly 300 films, including the first Technicolor picture ever made, were completed in Jacksonville by 1928.
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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.
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.
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.
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
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
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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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.
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 KeyThe 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 FestivalNow 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 MiamiWhat to Expect:
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.
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 BeachIMAGES 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 CityProceeds 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.
January 25 Kumquat Festival Dade CityCome 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 EatonvilleThe 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Use Hotellook to search and compare hotel prices, getting you the best option for your budget. By searching multiple booking sites, Hotellook will find properties that aren’t shown on the large sites. This gives YOU the advantage. Start searching now or use THIS LINK to visit the site directy and learn more.
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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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?
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 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.
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