Floridiana Magazine

History. Heritage. Home.

Cedar Keys Light Station at Seahorse Key

Cedar Key exudes the description of an “old Florida” town.  Quaint houses. An historic downtown.  Friendly people. The first time I visited Cedar Key was when I worked for Gainesville television station WCJB in the 80s.  Not much has changed since then, but now I view it with a different lens.  I view it as a Florida resident simply interested in the history and beauty of our state.

My most recent trip to Cedar Key was for the purpose of touring the Cedar Keys Light Station during the town’s Seafood Festival in October.  Although Tropical Storm Nestor caused the cancellation of the first day of the festival, it cleared out in time for a beautiful Sunday and a picture-perfect day for a boat ride to Seahorse Key.

Entrance to Seahorse Key | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

The boat ride itself took about thirty minutes. Low tide meant a little navigational skill was needed to get us to our destination, but once there, the views from the island were breathtaking.

Cedar Keys Light Station

Stepping off the boat, the lighthouse was in full view.  Unlike other lighthouses we have visited and climbed, Cedar Keys Light Station is a two-story structure, with the typical spiral staircase leading to the lantern room.  The climb consists of 35 steps, but unfortunately, the stairs were blocked off during our visit, so we could not go to the top to get the panoramic view of Seahorse Key.

Cedar Keys Lighthouse | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

Steps to top of lighthouse | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

New light installed | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

The lighthouse is the oldest standing lighthouse on Florida’s west coast.  Built in 1854, at one time the light could be seen for fifteen miles. It was not only a navigational beacon but was also instrumental in bringing commerce to Cedar Key.

Less than eight years later, the Civil War interrupted life as it was known. At the beginning of the war, the lighthouse fixtures were dismantled and sent to Waldo for safekeeping.  In January of 1862, Union forces on the U.S.S. Hatteras blockaded the keys and destroyed an army barracks and cannons on Seahorse Key.  The lighthouse did not sustain any major damage. In 1866, following the war, the lighthouse was repaired and returned to service. It remained in commission until 1915, due to a significant decrease in vessels using the port.

In 1952, the University of Florida worked out an agreement with U.S. Fish & Wildlife entered to lease the property and establish a marine laboratory. The light station now serves as a dormitory for groups visiting the island for educational purposes.

Seahorse Key Dock | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

After more than 100 years in the dark, the lighthouse was reactivated July 5, 2019.  The fourth-order Fresnel lens that was originally used in the lighthouse, was replicated by Artworks Florida, an Orlando-based company specializing in the restoration of lenses.  In its finished stage, the lens is 36 inches tall and weighs 125 pounds and is lit only during special events.

Other Things to See on Seahorse Key

Birds and Beauty

One of 13 islands that make up the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge, Seahorse Key is said to be the highest elevation on Florida’s west coast.  The sand dune on which the lighthouse was built, is 52.3 feet high which is noticeable when walking the trail from the back of the lighthouse, down to the shore along the Gulf of Mexico.

Unlike other Florida beaches, this one is untouched.  A leisurely walk and keen observation can lead to amazing discoveries.

Steps from the beach to the top of the dune | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

The beach at Seahorse Key | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

Horseshoe Crab | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

Hooded warbler | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

The island and a 300-foot buffer around it are closed from March 1st to June 30th to protect nesting birds.

Cemetery

Another interesting find on the island is a small cemetery with about a dozen headstones. Some of those buried include William Wilson, the first lighthouse keeper (1854 – 1855), and Catharine Hobday, the assistant lighthouse keeper from 1872 to 1879. Catharine was also the only woman to serve at the Cedar Keys Light Station. Her son Andrew was the longest serving lighthouse keeper (1871 – 1890).

Other headstones include two local fishermen from the 1800s and sailors from the U.S.S. Fort Henry and the U.S.S. Union.

Make sure to take the mosquito warnings seriously.  This short walk to the cemetery and back included quite a bit of itching and scratching for sure.

Cemetery on Seahorse Key | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

Catharine Hobday Tombstone | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

Navy sailors tombstones | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

Seahorse Key, managed by the Lower Suwannee Wildlife Refuge, is about three miles off Cedar Key and is only open to the general public during open house events.  There are usually about four open houses during the year.  The dates listed so far for 2020 include Wednesday, March 4th and Wednesday, March 18th.

Check out the Nature Coast Biological Station website for future events on Seahorse Key.

Other Fun Facts

  • The name “Cedar Keys” came from two American explorers who were searching for cedar timber near the Suwannee River.
  • Seahorse Key got its name because the land formation resembles a seahorse.

Please view our slide show below of additional photographs taken on Seahorse Key and be sure to leave us a comment on your own adventures of the island.

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Hotel Jacaranda | The Gracious Lady of Avon Park

When it comes to “old Florida,” there are plenty of places that can claim to be “the oldest this…” or “the oldest that…”   One of those is the Hotel Jacaranda in Avon Park.  Opening in 1926, it is the oldest operating hotel in Highlands County County and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Hotel Jacaranda – Then

Hotel Jacaranda, or The Jac for short, occupies a city block on Avon Park’s Main Street, in the heart of the Historic District.  Named for a jacaranda tree 14 feet in circumference that once grew on site, the Jac has been at the heart of this town’s history for nearly a century. Over time, it has served as a home away from home for dozens of interesting guests.  Imagine the likes of Babe Ruth, Clark Gable, and Al Capone walking the halls of this “gracious lady.”  Think about the baseball players from the St. Louis Cardinals calling The Jac home base during spring training from 1926 to the late 1930s. Picture hundreds of servicemen using the hotel during their training to be pilots in World War II.

The Jacaranda Hotel | Floridiana Magazine Post Card Collection | Postmarked 1938

Photographs of famous visitors | Photo by  Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Photograph of baseballs | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

From its magnificent architecture and stately brick exterior, to the grand lobby, the Jacaranda remains an impressive hotel. We visited just after Christmas when the hotel lobby was decked out in its holiday finest.  From the moment we walked in the front doors, the grandeur, elegance, and personality of this hotel was evident.  Florida Highwaymen paintings adorn one of the walls, an old piano sits gracefully awaiting its daily concert during the winter season, and a library with an antique desk that seems to beckon visitors to sit and lose themselves in the pages of a book.

The Jacaranda Lobby | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Florida Highwaymen Paintings | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

The Library | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

One of the most unique features to this hotel is the 1920s crank elevator still in use today.  There are no buttons to push on this elevator, only a crank which has to be operated by one of the hotel staff members. Guests can take an old-fashioned ride to their second and third floor rooms.

Crank Elevator | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Crank | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

The Hotel Jacaranda – Now

The hotel was purchased by the South Florida State College Foundation in 1988 to use as a dorm for student athletes. Today, about 70 students occupy rooms in the back of the hotel, or about half of the 30 rooms.  It also houses the college’s culinary department which uses half of the hotel’s kitchen for its students.

The Gracious Lady | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

The Restaurant at the Jac

There has been a restaurant in continuous operation since the Jacaranda opened its doors in 1926.  The southern-style dining experience awaits you, whether you are stopping by during the winter months for the all-you-can-eat buffet (Monday through Friday), for lunch during the summer, or the year-round Grand Buffet on Sundays.

Hallways off the main lobby lead to additional office and retail space.  Currently, a few businesses and an art studio featuring local artists fill the space.

Jacaranda Hallway | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Art Studio \ Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Artist’s Group Sign | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Holidays at the Jacaranda

Holidays at the Jacaranda are as grand as the hotel itself.  Everywhere you look there are Christmas decorations, all put in place by a team of talented individuals and businesses.  A floor-to-ceiling tree fills a corner of the lobby, adorned with red, green and gold ornaments and ribbons.  The fireplace serves as another backdrop for elaborate Christmas decorations.  The lobby’s beauty draws families from around the area during the holidays for family Christmas photos.

The front desk manager on duty the day we visited kindly offered to take our picture – maybe next year’s card?

Holidays at The Jacaranda | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Holidays at The Jacaranda | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Reservations Required

If you plan to stay the night at the Jacaranda, it’s a good idea to call ahead and reserve your room.  If you are curious, like we were, just to visit this gracious lady, stop on by.  The lobby and the small shops are open to the public.  Be aware that the shops are not open on Saturdays, so it’s always a good idea to plan ahead if you want more of the experience.

The Hotel Jacaranda is a must-see for Florida history buffs.  Spend the night or just spend the day, you will be glad you did.

The Jacaranda Hotel | Floridiana Magazine Post Card Collection

The Jacaranda Hotel | Floridiana Magazine Post Card Collection

 Other Things to Do Nearby

Avon Park is located in Highlands County in Central Florida.  Its location along Highway 27 provides easy access to a number of things you can do locally, as well as places a short drive away.

One of our favorite local places to visit just down the road from The Jac is Maxwell Groves, a family-owned business that has been in operation since 1935.  Another place to visit in Avon Park is the Depot Museum, open Wednesday through Friday.  The California Zephyr Silver Palm Dining Car sits adjacent to the museum and is available for group dinners, but reservations are required.

California Zephyr | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

About 15 miles south of Avon Park is Highlands Hammock State Park, a 1,250-acre park of trails, an elevated boardwalk through a cypress swamp, and numerous habitats and wildlife to view. Highlands Hammock is one of Florida’s first state parks, and a must see for those who enjoy the great outdoors.

West of Avon Park, there are several places of interest to visit in Hardee County.  Pioneer Park in Zolfo Springs, home to Pioneer Park Days, and Solomon’s Castle, an interesting castle in the swamp, built by the late Howard Solomon and filled with his artwork, all made from recycled materials.

Another interesting place to visit is Homeland Heritage Park, just outside of Bartow in Polk County. This five-acre park features original buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Maxwell Groves

What is it about porches with rocking chairs?  Can it be they remind us of a time when the porch was a favorite gathering place, where stories were told, and memories were made?  Can it be they make us yearn for a slower pace for our lives?  For me, the answer to all of those questions is a resounding “yes!” So, when you hear about a business with a slogan of “life is better on the porch,” you know you are in for a treat and a step back in time.

Such is the case with Maxwell Groves in the small Central Florida town of Avon Park.

Life is better on the porch.

Established in 1935 by Thomas Maxwell, Sr. and his wife Leoma, Maxwell Groves ushers in its 85th year in business this year (2020). The business, which is still in the family, began as a 10-acre orange grove and provided fresh citrus to local residents and fruit stands. Since its modest beginnings, Maxwell Groves has evolved into a packing house and country store known throughout the area for its front porch and iconic orange rocking chairs.

The Front Porch

At Maxwell’s, your stop begins and ends on the front porch. Decorated with old tools, signs that honor the history of Maxwell’s House of Fruit, a “menu” of what is available, and of course, the rocking chairs, this porch provides the perfect entry into the store and an old Florida experience.

The orange rocking chairs are a favorite place to sit and relax.                         

Country Store 

Just inside are all the makings of a country store.  Jams and jellies, local honey, Florida wines, and other gifts line the wooden shelves. Old photos of the family and the grove hang on the wall and a scrapbook filled with the history of the business sits on a table with an invitation for visitors to flip through the pages.

Branded sauces.

Sunshine in a bottle.

Step back in time and learn the history of Maxwell Groves.

A wine tasting room offers daily tastings with the purchase of a Maxwell Groves wine glass.  Sample some of the Florida labels sold in the store and try a few wine smoothie mixes.

A favorite spot in the store is the soft-serve ice cream counter. A line quickly forms as visitors come from miles around for this homemade orange ice cream.  The first time I visited Maxwell’s, I missed out on this delicious treat.  On my latest visit, I was determined not to make the same mistake.  Was it worth it?  You bet!

Probably the most thankful job in the store.

Can I say “delicious?”

Citrus!

A walk to the back of the store offers up what Maxwell’s was built on – citrus.  Depending on when you are there, fresh oranges, tangerines and grapefruit fill the bins. Mesh bags hanging nearby make it easy to take some home. Enjoy a free taste of fresh-squeezed orange juice and pick up a gallon or two of frozen juice to drink later. If you stop by on a regular basis, there’s a Juice Lover’s Club frequent buyers’ card.

Don’t forget, they can also ship the fruit to your family and friends back home during citrus season which runs October through May.

Walk through these doors to the heart of Maxwell’s.

Make sure to take advantage of the free juice! You’ll be glad you did.

Ripe for the picking.

Grab a bag and fill it up.

Don’t forge to ship some home.

I have to confess that until a year or so ago I did not know this place existed – and I grew up in a small town about 20 minutes west of Avon Park.  As they say, it’s better late than never, and the several recent trips I’ve made to Maxwell Groves have been delightful, offering a little slice of heaven each time.

Oh, and that orange ice cream cone I ate on my recent visit?  I took it out to the porch and enjoyed it before moving on to the next adventure.

Have a seat and enjoy some down time.

How to Get There

Avon Park is located along U.S. Highway 27 in Highlands County.  From 27, go east on Main Street about a mile and a half, then north on Marshall Avenue and follow the signs.

Maxwell’s is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Summer hours are different, so be sure to check ahead of time.

Enjoy a few more photos from our visit.

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Have you been to Maxwell’s or know of another family-owned Florida business?  Leave us a comment and tell us about it.

Manatee Viewing at Blue Spring State Park

When you think of Florida, cold weather isn’t the first thing to come to mind.  But when the mercury starts to drop, some of the best places to visit are the state’s springs.  That’s where you will be able to see manatees in their natural habitats – a sight that never gets old.  So, when we got our first blast of cold air, guess where we headed?

Blue Spring State Park

Blue Spring State Park in Orange City offers some of the best views of manatees (at least in our opinion).  Considered one of the largest gathering sites for these gentle giants during the winter months, Blue Spring is home to nearly 500 manatees, up from about 40 when research began in the 1970s.

The park offers numerous viewing platforms to see the manatees. Watch from the overlooks, a metal dock or follow the boardwalk to the headspring.  About 1/3 of a mile from the St. Johns River, this first magnitude spring (a spring that discharges water at the rate of 100 cubic feet per second) provides a safe haven for these gentle giants.

Manatees in the spring run

Take the boardwalk to the headspring

What You Will See

If it’s cold outside, there’s no doubt you will observe manatees during your visit to Blue Spring State Park.  Watch as the manatees hang out in the spring run or the spring itself.  Get a glimpse of the manatee mothers swimming alongside their calves, or a group of manatees playing games in the water. See them glide slowly through the water, sit on the bottom of the spring run or perform barrel rolls.  There is something very peaceful about observing these mammals in their habitat.

Manatees of all sizes can be observed in Blue Spring State Park. They can grow up to 10-12 feet in length and can weigh as much as 2,000 pounds. Manatees can live 50 – 60 years in the wild, and according to the Save the Manatee website, some of the same manatees have been spotted in Blue Spring since the early 70s.

Mama and her calf

Injuries to Manatees

Sadly, many manatees receive serious injuries from boats, some from propellers cutting into their skin, or from blunt-force from speeding boaters.  Many of the manatees seen in Blue Spring have scars as evidence of their injuries.  Not all injuries come from boats, however. Some come from nets or fishing line or other items tossed into the water ways.

Water Activities

Canoeing, kayaking, swimming and diving are all suspended in the spring run and the headspring at Blue Spring State Park during the winter months.

Tips for Viewing

Besides Blue Spring State Park, manatees can be seen in many springs, rivers and other waterways around the state during the winter months of November through March.  No matter where you see them, here are a few tips for viewing:

  1. On cold mornings at Blue Spring State Park, arrive early. The park closes its gates once the parking lots are full. Check your destination for site specific information.
  2. Look but don’t touch.
  3. Be patient. Manatees typically come up for air every three to five minutes. However, they can stay underwater for up to 15 – 20 minutes.
  4. When the manatees surface, listen closely for their breathing sounds.
  5. Do not feed them or poke them with anything.
  6. Take along a camera or use your smart phone. They don’t move fast and you can get some great photos!
  7. Sunny days are more picturesque than cloudy days, but you can still see them, even with overcast skies.

Hanging out over the spring

Blue Spring State Park is a 50-minute drive from Orlando and is located on French Avenue in Orange City, west of US Highway 17-92.  Park hours are 8:00 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.  There is a $6.00 per car charge to get into the park.

Note: Updates to Wheelie and his rescue can be found on our Facebook page.

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High Springs – Friendliest Small Town in Florida

If you’ve ever watched Hallmark Christmas movies, you have no doubt seen the small towns that serve as the settings for the storylines.  Picturesque downtowns, storied pasts, rural lifestyles, and laidback atmospheres.  It is that type of vibe that is exhibited in many of  small Florida towns – including High Springs.  Voted as the “Friendliest Small Town in Florida,” High Springs is the epitome of small-town life, and a stop on one of our latest excursions.

High Springs – A History Built on the Rails  

To put it simply, High Springs is a town that the railroad industry built.  The first railroad company to arrive in High Springs was the Savannah, Florida and Western Railroad in 1884, but it wasn’t until 1895 and the arrival of the Plant System Railroad Line (later called the Atlantic Coast Line) that High Springs became an important railroad center. The Plant System chose High Springs as its division headquarters and the town boomed. Early lines through High Springs connected Live Oak with Gainesville, and then High Springs to Port Tampa.  Railyards, workshops and a roundhouse were built, along with houses and a hospital for the workers who called High Springs home.

Even though most of the railroad buildings have disappeared, you can still catch a glimpse of rail history in High Springs. The original passenger depot, built in 1910, sits along NE Railroad Avenue and is all that remains of what was once a vast railroad complex. Even it is not in its original location. The building was moved to its current location and renovated in 1994, and now serves as the office to the Community Redevelopment Agency.

Another depot serves as the High Springs Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center and can be found along the old railroad bed at Railroad Avenue, one block south of Main Street.  The office is typically open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and is a good place to stop for information if you are there during the week.

Still another sign of the railroad industry’s influence on the community is an Atlantic Coast Line red caboose on display behind City Hall.

The town’s standing as a rail center began to fade after World War II when diesel engines took the place of steam locomotives.

An historical marker in High Springs provides a look into the early days in High Springs.  Over the years, the town had several names (Santaffey, Santa Fe, Fairmont and Orion) before it changed for good to High Springs in 1884.  It was incorporated just eight years later.

Gateway to the Springs

In addition to its history with the railroad, High Springs is a destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Situated in the heart of North Florida’s famous spring country, it is within driving distance of numerous springs and state parks and lives up to its motto “Enjoy Our Good Nature!”  A mural of nearby springs can be seen on the exterior of the old Adventure Outpost which once had a storefront in town. Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Poe Springs Park and Ginnie Springs all provide kayaking and canoeing experiences, as well as hiking opportunities.  Other smaller springs also dot the landscape.

One of our favorite locations is O’Leno State Park, about six miles north of High Springs along the banks of the Santa Fe River. O’Leno is one of Florida’s first state parks, developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. You can still walk across the original suspension bridge built by the CCC to explore other parts of the park.  A hike through the park reveals an historic marker of Bellamy Road which was the first federally funded road in Florida.  You can also view levees and native plants along the trails.  An interesting feature of O’Leno is its distinction of the location where the Santa Fe River disappears underground. The river reemerges about three miles away in the River Rise State Preserve.  It is worth the hike back to where the river ends, both for the novelty and the beauty of the river.

Exploring Downtown

One of the highlights of our trips to High Springs has been the leisurely walks along downtown streets. From the intersection of Main Street and U.S. Highway 27, there are a couple of directions you can start your downtown exploration.  Rest assured, all roads lead to antique stores and specialty shops.

Places to Eat and Drink

As with all small towns, there are always a few eateries you need to visit.  Both of our trips have included meals at the Great Outdoors Restaurant in the old Opera House building. We’ve enjoyed the river ambiance inside during the warmer months and the outdoor patio and fireplace during the cooler months.

On our most recent visit to High Springs, the High Springs Brewing Company had just celebrated its grand opening. Located on NW 237th Street, the brewery is housed in an old welding shop and serves up its own craft beers, as well as other Florida brews.  Live entertainment, special events and a variety of food trucks provide a well-rounded experience, no matter when you go.

Murals

As we’ve traveled the state, we’ve noticed more and more murals popping up. High Springs is no exception. From a tribute to the railroad industry to a mural portraying the area’s springs, these paintings provide another glimpse into the town’s character.

Whether you plan to visit for the history, the shopping, or the outdoor adventures, High Springs is a great place to spend a relaxing day or even weekend.  Located about 20 miles northwest of Gainesville and about five miles west of Interstate 75 on Highway 441, it’s just far enough off the beaten path to offer that down-home vibe and prove why it has earned the title as the “Friendliest Small Town in Florida.”

After you view our slideshow below of more of our photos from our trip, be sure to leave us a comment about your favorite place in High Springs or give us a suggestion of another great Florida town to visit.

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