Recent Stories
Everglades visitors have many choices
FLORIDA CITY, Fla.— A one lane road that stretches for what seems like forever, one small building beckoning the last signs of human life. Driving further there are only acres and acres of wilderness and trees. Like most Everglades first timers you’re probably consumed with questions and confusion about whereRead More…
Rain shows visitors importance of water
SHARK VALLEY, Fla.— A 40-minute ride down U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) to the northern border of the National Everglades Park proved to be a knowledgeable and adventurous trip. Predicted rain showers from the weather forecast did not dampen the planned events of tourists as well as my planned tour ofRead More…
Visitor Centers offer education, exhibits
FLORIDA CITY, Fla.— It’s a place where alligators, manatees, storks, snakes, panthers, turtles, crocodiles, bass, frogs, deer, eagles and owls all call home. No, it’s not some fancy zoo in a far-off city where the price of admission is more than your rent. Actually, it’s South Florida’s own backyard, theRead More…
Royal Palm walking trails offer much to see
FLORIDA CITY, Fla.— With the economy in its current state, more and more people are opting for the “stay-cation.” Instead of weeklong trips to the beaches of Mexico or ski lodges up north, some are saving their hard-earned dollars by relaxing right at home. Of course, curling up with aRead More…
For Everglades, magic is in the water
FLORIDA CITY, Fla. — An anthropologist named Lauren Eiseley once said, “if there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.” Long ago, the Everglades region was called the “ River of Grass,” by author Marjory Stoneman Douglas because of its healthy plant life and rich ecosystem. However,Read More…
Everglades wetlands suffer from dry season
FLORIDA CITY, Fla. — As South Florida flourishes, the third-largest national park in the lower 48 states is rapidly shrinking. Recognized as a World Heritage Site, a Biosphere Reserve, and a Wetland of International Significance, the Everglades National Park is not only one of the most vast, but also ofRead More…
Shark Valley offers wild adventure
SHARK VALLEY, Fla. – If you’re like most people, when you hear the name Shark Valley you think you’re going to encounter great whites and hammerheads swimming for your viewing pleasure. However, the name is deceiving. There are no sharks in Shark Valley, a section of Everglades National Park justRead More…
It’s wildlife that draws people to Everglades
SHARK VALLEY, Fla. — If there is one thing every tourist should know about the Everglades, it is that there is never silence in this park. Never. Even after the last tourist and tour guide leaves for the day, the action continues within the animal world. There is no doubtRead More…
Park protects Gulf islands, seashore, forts
GULF BREEZE, Fla. – The Gulf Islands National Seashore, once an area used as protection from foreign invasion off the coast of Florida, is now protected itself. It became part of the National Park Service in 1976. A visitor talks with a park ranger at Naval Live Oaks in theRead More…
City’s Creole cuisine is flavor of history
NEW ORLEANS— In the patois of New Orleans, a reference to the Holy Trinity calls to mind not the Christian deity, but instead the omnipresent triumvirate of chopped green peppers, onions and celery. Here, in the Crescent City, food is a religion. And Creole food is the denomination of choice.Read More…
Dancing days are here again: A séance
Editor’s note: The following article was written as an honest and accurate account of experiences and observations taken from a Voodoo séance in the French Quarter of New Orleans. The writer had little prior knowledge of the Voodoo religion. The writer later contacted the overseer of the séance for aRead More…
Jazz pianist keeps music alive at Center
NEW ORLEANS — I had just visited the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve just outside this city of music and food. While walking down Decatur Street in the French Quarter, a mystical sound reached my ears and astonished my spirit. This celestial music came from the Visitor CenterRead More…