Author: reweidman50

Jimmy Buffett

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“It was the seventies, and Key West was cooking. A strange collection of shrimpers, gays, dope dealers, crooked politicians, hippies and tourists roamed the quaint streets of the little town at the end of the world.” – Jimmy Buffett, Where is Joe Merchant?

“Jimmy literally made Phil [Clark] a legend with that one song [‘A Pirate Looks at Forty’]. It was one of the high points of Phil’s life, I would say.” – Vic Latham

“Success turned Jimmy Buffett into a human tourist attraction …” – The Rolling Stone Album Guide

“I love the Church of Buffett because they don’t think I’ve done anything worth a shit since 1974. I tend to disagree with them, but I love the fact that the people that don’t like me still like me.” – Jimmy Buffett

“The Island Hotel [in Cedar Key] is a throwback … It’s a small old hotel – the kind of place where they couldn’t really care less whether you come, as opposed to those overmarketed tourism spots.” – Jimmy Buffett

 “… a pleasant hang with a multimillionaire who’s got a chill philosophical side.” – Rolling Stone on Life on the Flip Side, Jimmy Buffett’s 30th studio album

Kafe Kokopelli

reweidman50 Florida Parks, Florida Restaurants, Florida Rivers, Florida Towns, Uncategorized , , , ,

A couple of weeks ago after we explored scenic Withlacoochee River Park (highly recommended, by the way!), we headed to downtown Dade City for a delicious lunch at Kafe Kokopelli, a charming eatery that offers outdoor seating and plenty of social distancing. The lobster roll here was simply amazing! Kafe Kokopelli is open daily at 11 AM for lunch and dinner. Check it out!

Tucker Ranch

reweidman50 Florida Parks, Uncategorized , , , , ,

Encompassing 209 acres off Avalon Road in Winter Garden, the relatively new Tucker Ranch Recreation and Nature Center is a real hidden gem. Although it’s definitely in the early stages of development, Tucker Ranch features picnic areas, playground, nature trail and a canoe/kayak launch. Plans are in the works for Tucker Ranch Farm, a 12-acre sustainable working and teaching farm. Bottom line, Tucker Ranch is an amazing spot to go out and get some fresh air in the great outdoors!

A Lame Charade

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“Developers seeking to build on land colonized by tortoises typically agree to contribute to a habitat fund or set aside a relatively small parcel. It’s called mitigation, a lame charade intended to make the state appear vigilant and to make developers appear caring.” – Carl Hiaasen, Dance of the Reptiles (2014)

De Leon Springs State Park

reweidman50 Florida Attractions, Florida Hiking Trails, Florida Parks, Florida Springs, Florida State Parks, Uncategorized , , , , ,



Due to the global pandemic, swimming at De Leon Springs State Park has been prohibited indefinitely. However, this means that you can enjoy picnicking and hiking here without dealing with the usual frenzied crowds that descend upon this widely popular Florida state park located just north of DeLand. The Wild Persimmon, a four-mile hiking trail, is definitely recommended. In addition, the legendary Sugar Mill Restaurant remains open.

Mosaic Peace River Park

reweidman50 Florida Rivers, Uncategorized , , , , ,

A true hidden treasure, Mosaic Peace River Park in Bartow is off the beaten path, but well worth the effort! We stumbled upon this enchanting spot as we recently drove the backroads from Fort Myers to Central Florida. An approximately one-mile boardwalk winds through a scenic cypress forest and ends at the beautifully serene Peace River. 

Return to Gemini Springs Park

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One of my favorite early morning strolls is to wander around Gemini Springs Park in DeBary and take in the amazing scenery of this 212-acre natural oasis. And it’s the only park so far where I’ve viewed a bobcat, a very special experience (unfortunately, he/she darted away quickly before I could snap a photo)! I return to Gemini Springs Park regularly and always find something new to discover. Don’t miss it!

 

 

 

Lake Monroe Bridge

reweidman50 Florida History, Uncategorized , , , ,

The historic Lake Monroe Bridge can be found at the scenic Lake Monroe Wayside Park in Sanford. According to the Lake Monroe Bridge historical marker: “The Lake Monroe Bridge was the first electrically operated swing bridge in Florida. In 1932-33 the State used federal assistance to build this bridge, which replaced a wooden toll bridge that was manually operated. The construction of the bridge provided economic relief for an area hurt by the economic collapse of the Depression era. The bridge was fabricated by Ingall’s Iron Works of Birmingham, Alabama; the swing machinery manufactured by Earle Gear and Machine Co., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and it was erected by W. W. White Steel Construction of St. Petersburg, Florida. Kreis Contracting Company of Knoxville, Tennessee was the general contractor for the Florida Department of Transportation. The Florida Department of Transportation and Seminole County cooperated in preserving the swing span as a fishing pier when the new Benedict Bridge was completed in 1994.”