Floridiana Magazine

What to Do in Lake Wales, Florida

doriskeeler@gmail.com — Sat, 06 Oct 2018 12:18:46 +0000

Known as the Crown Jewel of the Ridge, Lake Wales sits in the center of the state, just off Highway 27 and State Road 60. With its historic roots, its quirky qualities, and its persona of a small city with a hometown atmosphere, Lake Wales is a true Floridiana find. Whether you are taking a...

Caladium Festival Lake Placid, Florida

doriskeeler@gmail.com — Sat, 04 Aug 2018 19:00:04 +0000

Florida is home to many festivals, ranging from the absurd to the logical. By definition, festivals celebrate something unique about a community or its culture. For the central Florida town of Lake Placid, that uniqueness is its designation as “Caladium Capital of the World” and 2018 marked its celebration of the 28th Caladium Festival. History...

Punta Gorda: Murals and More in This Small Florida Town

doriskeeler@gmail.com — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 01:39:38 +0000

Punta Gorda – It’s Happening on the Harbor – a motto that doesn’t disappoint. Having grown up only an hour away I was surprised at all this city offered. Situated along the shores where the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor meet, Punta Gorda provides an eclectic mix of things to see and do: a relaxing...

Places to See in Palatka

doriskeeler@gmail.com — Sat, 30 Sep 2017 23:06:53 +0000

Once known as the “Gem of the St. Johns,” Palatka is located in northeast Florida, east of Gainesville and south of Jacksonville. Even though I lived and worked in Gainesville for several years, I never experienced Palatka as a visitor. But recently I had a chance to visit twice – and each time saw something...

The Athens of Florida: DeLand

doriskeeler@gmail.com — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 12:00:51 +0000

Brief History of DeLand DeLand’s rich history goes back to when the area was known as Persimmon Hollow and was only accessible by steamboat along the St. John’s River. Captain John Rich built a log cabin there in 1874, then two years later, in 1876, Henry A. DeLand visited his brother-in-law who lived in Persimmon...