Florida Fin Fest hits Jacksonville

On September 17 and 18, 2022 the Seawalk Pavilion, located oceanfront in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, hosted the second annual Florida Fin Fest. The festival was a free 2-day event with a focus on educating the public about ocean conservation, shark awareness and sustainability. The event benefits OCEARCH at Jacksonville University, a nonprofit dedicated to research, education and outreach to accelerate the ocean’s return to balance. Read More » Continue reading Florida Fin Fest hits Jacksonville

Oh, my Gourd – It’s Fall!

Spooky Season is a big deal in the Walters family. We are dead serious about Halloween and all the creepy fun that comes with it. Florida may not get a traditional fall like they do up north, but we’re no strangers to the fun activities that come with Autumn. While its name may be deceiving, Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest is the place to be this Read More » Continue reading Oh, my Gourd – It’s Fall!

Congratulations! John Davidson Celebrating 25 Years at Ocean Properties & Management

Ocean Properties & Management Inc. (OPM), located at 3500 South Atlantic Ave in New Smyrna Beach (NSB), would like to recognize an outstanding individual at the company. John Davidson, 49, born and raised in NSB, works as a call coordinator on the second floor of the Ocean Properties plaza. He has been managing the reception area, directing the phone system and greeting customers for the Read More » Continue reading Congratulations! John Davidson Celebrating 25 Years at Ocean Properties & Management

August 2022 Fishing Report: A Tribute to Captain Joe Lyall

Patrick “Tupat” Eichstaedt @TheRealTupat  Powered by: Tupat’s Hawaiian Seasonings and Poke Sauce A Tribute to Captain Joe Lyall Our community lost a true warrior of the sea this past month…. Our friend Captain Joe Lyall passed away doing what he loved. Fishing, and then surfing, before he soared into the heavens. My last encounter with Joe was something I’ll never forget.  He has me over to Read More » Continue reading August 2022 Fishing Report: A Tribute to Captain Joe Lyall

An Elephant You’ll Never Forget: Two Tails Ranch 

Photos by Kelsey Walters  Florida is widely known for its ideal climate. Not only do tourists and retirees flock to our state in masses, its perfect ly warm and sunny weather gives way to an enormous range of wildlife. It is also why so many ranches and nature facilities are centered in Florida. Besides our world-famous beaches, the interior of the state is lined with Read More » Continue reading An Elephant You’ll Never Forget: Two Tails Ranch 

Hike and Seek: Green Mountain Scenic Overlook and Trailhead – Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive 

Photos/Text by Kelsey Walters  Our corner of Florida isn’t exactly known for higher elevations. The coastline is relatively flat and hills in the area are mostly man-made. As you travel further inland, however, the scenery begins to change and rolling hills creep up from the sea level to which we are accustomed.  The area surrounding Lake Apopka, Florida’s fourth largest lake, is a wealth of Read More » Continue reading Hike and Seek: Green Mountain Scenic Overlook and Trailhead – Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive 

Make a Splash @ Weeki Wachee Springs State Park 

Photos by Kelsey Walters  Growing up, I may have had a slight obsession with mermaids. Ariel was my spirit animal and I wanted nothing more than to live under the sea. It’s no secret that my love for the merfolk lives on today, and I am absolutely thrilled that my infatuation has been passed down to my daughter, Avery.  Newly 4 years old, mermaids aren’t Read More » Continue reading Make a Splash @ Weeki Wachee Springs State Park 

Where the Wild Things Are: Brevard Zoo

Text by Kelsey Walters // Photos by Kelsey and Scott Walters  With cooler temps and sunny days combining to create the perfect weather, Floridians are flocking to the outdoors this time of year. We aren’t the only ones enjoying the break from the heat. Wildlife everywhere are rejoicing in the milder weather and getting more and more active.  All this means that it’s zoo season! Read More » Continue reading Where the Wild Things Are: Brevard Zoo

Come Sail Away: Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour

All photos by Kelsey Walters Orlando and the surrounding areas have no shortage of things for tourists and locals to explore. In fact, it can be pretty overwhelming when deciding what park to visit, where to dine and what to do in between to maximize your vacation, or staycation. Given its close proximity, Orlando loves to flock to our beaches, and in turn, Volusians spend Read More » Continue reading Come Sail Away: Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour

Little Drug Company Legacy: A Community Icon

On December 20, 2021, the iconic Little Drug Company at 412 Canal Street in New Smyrna Beach shared with the community, “We regret to inform our community and family that we have served for just a few months short of 100 years, that we will be permanently closing our doors on Tuesday, December 28, 2021.” The announcement was made through their official Facebook page. The Read More » Continue reading Little Drug Company Legacy: A Community Icon