I CAN HARDLY BELIEVE it’s September already! Imagine, less than three months from now, we’ll be hanging up the mistletoe and wrapping presents that we plan to present to loved ones on Christmas day. Before I get too far ahead of myself, however, we’ve got some great stories wrapped up for you in the pages of this edition. It’s our annual R&R edition, and we’ve included some of the favorite Florida pastimes: hunting, fishing, and other ways to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.
Fall is one of my favorite times of year because this is when Florida’s natural environment really seems to invite us with open arms. The days are not as hot and the evenings are often pleasant and breezy. To have some fun and spend time with family, check out some of the great events coming up on Page 30. If you’re really interested in exploring Florida’s natural environment, I recommend one of the many state parks. There are plenty of things to do, such as camping, tubing down a local river, hiking, kayaking, taking a boat tour, and so much more. You can get more information about the types of rest and recreation you can enjoy at this website: www.floridastateparks.org.
To read more about the kind of impact our state parks have on the economy, turn to Page 38; and speaking of a big economic driver for the state, find out why Florida is lovingly called the “Fishing Capital of the World” on Page 20. If you’re a fishing enthusiast who also likes to eat fish, then check out our Recipe Spotlight this edition on Page 7.
I’m happy to say there’s something for everyone in this edition, and I hope you can use it to get the most out of your rest and recreation adventures, as well as gain some new insight into Florida’s diverse environment.
Last, but certainly not least, if you or a loved one likes the outdoors, then turn to our AgriShopper products on Page 27 for some great gift ideas to help you get your Christmas shopping done early.
CREDIT
column by CELESTE JO WALLS
Celeste Jo Walls is managing editor of Central Florida Ag News. She may be reached by e-mail at celeste.walls@centralfloridamediagroup.com.