Black Caesar was a pirate of some renown who plundered ships off the Florida Keys, or so goes a legend worthy of mention during Black History Month.
Recent Articles
Colt Creek State Park: Haven for trail walkers, off-road cyclists and wildlife. Great camping, too!
Colt Creek State Park is a former cattle ranch tucked into a corner of the massive Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve near Lakeland with camping, hiking, fishing, bicycle trails and an equestrian campground.
Historic Jungle Trail is an unpaved road to explore original Florida
The picturesque 8-mile sand road in Vero Beach takes you past historic landmarks, including the first US wildlife refuge and a pioneer homestead overlooking the Indian River Lagoon. You can walk, bicycle on fat-tire bikes or drive it slowly. This is an original section of A1A.
Koreshan State Park is Florida’s strangest historic site
Florida’s wackiness goes back to its first settlers, and Koreshan State Historic Site celebrates one of our earliest eccentrics. Thanks to this cult, though, a wooded site on the Estero River was preserved. A special moonlight tour is Feb. 7.
Kayak to your own tiny paradise: Exploring spoil islands in the Indian River Lagoon
You can kayak to your own little island, and it’s not hard. The Indian River Lagoon has dozens of spoil islands where you can picnic, explore or even camp. You don’t need reservations and some islands are only minutes off shore.
Pirate Stories, Fairs & Festivals
The state’s coastal waters, natural harbors and islands have a colorful history of pirates, smugglers and other miscreants.
Four Florida Keys restaurants that are hard to find but worth it
Four of my favorite stops in the Keys are a little hard to find, and that’s part of their charm. They’re off the Overseas Highway in neighborhoods — and they’re worth discovering.
Top 6 family-friendly campgrounds in South Florida
The best campgrounds in South Florida for family adventures can be found in these six public parks.
East Central Regional Rail Trail: 50 mile bike trail; something for every rider
The East Central Regional Rail Trail deserves a catchier name because it’s a great bike trail – long, smooth, scenic and well-supported with signage and amenities. It travels through one of the most rural areas of Florida with miles of paved path without an intersection.
Spring Break 2027
This week and next week will see the biggest crowds at Florida’s major Spring Break destinations.
Pelican Island, the first National Wildlife Refuge, has been cherished by bird-lovers for a century
The first National Wildlife Refuge, Pelican Island, is a good place near Vero Beach to see wildlife, learn a little history and immerse in the beauty of the Indian River Lagoon.
Florida Boat Shows Calendar
With more than a million registered vessels, Florida is the Boating Capital of the Nation, so it should come as no surprise there are more than two dozen major boat shows across the state each year, including some of the largest boat shows in the world.