Floridiana Magazine

Manatee Viewing at Blue Spring State Park

doriskeeler@gmail.com — Sat, 23 Nov 2019 17:44:00 +0000

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...

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...

Ponce Inlet Light Station and Museum

doriskeeler@gmail.com — Thu, 11 May 2017 12:00:21 +0000

There are some locations that seem to beckon you to visit. The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is one of them. Reaching 175 feet majestically into the sky, this red structure is the tallest lighthouse in the state, and second tallest masonry lighthouse in the United States, behind the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in the Outer Banks of...

The Gamble Place

doriskeeler@gmail.com — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 00:55:15 +0000

One of the great things about Florida is there is always a new place to explore, one you never knew existed. A recent trip to Port Orange led to the discovery of yet another hidden treasure. Not only does it offer a step back in time, but also a little bit of whimsy and a...

Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens

doriskeeler@gmail.com — Sun, 26 Mar 2017 18:25:59 +0000

Just a short drive off Nova Road (Highway 5A) in Port Orange is another one of those hidden gems in Florida. Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens is a 12-acre mix of gardens and Florida history. I have to admit, one of the things that drew me here in the first place, was the knowledge an old...