Florida Gardening - Green Thumbs and Butterflies

Florida gardening is a piece of cake for green thumbs but may give you the wrong kind of butterflies if your thumbs happen to be of a different color. Heard often is the excuse, "Oh I just don't have a green thumb" or "If I touch it, it will die." These pat answers given by those who generally consider themselves 'unlucky' when it comes to Florida gardening or most likely any other type of gardening are suffering from the misconception that growing beautiful healthy plants is some mysterious gift sprinkled like fairy dust on certain blessed individuals while they themselves are sentenced to go about reducing plants to fire fodder all their lives. In reality, those who do possess a green thumb - meaning those who are consistently successful at growing plants are neither born that way nor have they had a visit from the flower fairy. They have simply learned the "secret" of growing beautiful healthy plants and if you would like to learn this secret please rush $19.95 to Florahome USA,... JUST KIDDING.  Florida gardening or any other gardening simply requires doing one's homework. Plants, like people have certain basic requirements such as food, water and sunlight with the amounts of these elements needed determined by the amounts generally received in that plants particular native habitat. If there was a formula for growing healthy plants it would be to replicate as nearly as possible the plant's native environment. This is why many in Florida and elsewhere have begun to use native plants in their landscape. Florida gardening however still requires knowing just where in Florida the plant is actually found growing in the wild with habitats in Florida varying greatly from one location to another. Even within ones own yard, conditions vary from soil type to the amount of sun a certain area receives. It should be evident by now that having a green thumb has a lot more to do with a willingness to work than fairy dust and those said to have one most likely have earned it. If you're really serious about turning your thumbs green, here are some good resources to get you started.

Florida Friendly Gardening 101 - also available here to download, these are the basics every Florida gardener should know. Learning these valuable lessons will not only keep you from dumping your money into a poorly dug hole, but will teach you environmentally safe gardening practices.

Florida Native Gardening

Native Butterfly Gardening - attracting the NICE butterflies. If you're in the Gainesville area, be sure to see the butterflies at the Florida Museum of Natural History. Also check out Butterfly World in the Florida Gardens list under Coconut Creek, FL.

Lawn and Garden - good articles on a variety of topics.

Azaleas - seen especially in North Florida in the spring.

Fruit

Vegetables

County Extension Offices - One of your best local resources for information on growing plants in your particular area.

Books for turning your thumbs a deeper shade of green:

Home Outside: Creating the Landscape You Love

Month by Month Gardening in Florida

Sustainable Gardening for Florida

Your Florida Guide to Shrubs

Native Florida Plants

Herbs and Spices for Florida Gardens

Florida Butterfly Gardening: A Complete Guide to Attracting, Identifying, and Enjoying Butterflies

Container Gardens for Florida

Guide to Florida Fruit & Vegetable Gardening

Florida's Best Fruiting Plants

Here's a good video to give you a better understanding of fertilizer. One additional tip to remember is the old admonition found in the bible concerning moderation. Two of the biggest mistakes people make with plants is either killing them with neglect or killing them with kindness. Those who are said to have a green thumb tend to follow the middle road giving their plants only as much food, water and light as they need - no more and no less.



Florida Gardens List - True green thumbs learn from other gardeners and the gardens listed here display Florida gardening at its very best - butterflies and all!



Visit our friends at Pick Your Own!

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Gardens in Florida

There are all types of gardens in Florida - from the small display adding color and grace to an historical home, to the awe inspiring efforts of theme parks, state parks and zoos to replicate as nearly as possible entire ecosystems. The Florida gardens listed here are some of the better known and include the humble flower garden as well as botanical gardens covering several acres, but no matter the size or type, they all reflect the love and respect for nature's gifts all gardeners share. Hopefully you will find one or more of these public gardens in Florida close enough to visit and will be inspired as so many others already have been.


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Coconut Creek, FL
Butterfly World

Coconut Grove, FL
The Kampong

Coral Gables, FL
John C. Gifford Arboretum

Davie, FL
Flamingo Gardens

Delray Beach, FL (Palm Beach area)
The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

Fort Myers, FL
ECHO

Fort Myers, FL
Edison and Ford Winter Estates

Fort Pierce, FL
Heathcote Botanical Gardens

Gainesville, FL
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

Homestead, FL
The Redland Fruit and Spice Park

Jacksonville, FL
The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens

Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Key West, FL
Audubon House & Tropical Gardens

Key West, FL
The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden

Key West, FL
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

Key West, FL
Nancy Forrester's Secret Garden

Lake Buena Vista, FL (Orlando area)
Walt Disney World

Lake Wales, FL
Bok Tower Gardens

Melbourne, FL
Florida Institute of Technology
Botanical Gardens

Miami, FL
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Miami, FL
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Miami, FL
Jungle Island

Naples, FL
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

Orlando, FL
University of Central Florida Arboretum

Orlando; FL
Harry P. Leu Gardens

Ormond Beach, FL
Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens

Palatka, FL
Ravine Gardens State Park

Palm Beach, FL
Pan's Garden

Palm Beach, FL
The Philip Hulitar Sculpture Garden
and the Four Arts Gardens

Palm Coast, FL
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Point Washington, FL
Eden Gardens State Park

Port Orange, FL
Dunlawton Sugar Mill Botanical Gardens

Sarasota, FL
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Sarasota, FL
Sarasota Jungle Gardens

Sarasota, FL
Ringling Museum

Tallahassee, FL
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

Tallahassee, FL
Brokaw-McDougall House

Tallahassee, FL
Goodwood Museum & Gardens

Tampa, FL
University of South Florida
Botanical Gardens

Tampa, FL
Bucsh Gardens

Tampa, FL
Eureka Springs Garden

Tavares, FL
Discovery Gardens

Vero Beach, FL
McKee Botanical Garden

West Palm Beach, FL
Mounts Botanical Garden

West Palm Beach, FL
Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens

Learn more about gardening in Florida

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Things to do in Florida Feb 25, 26, 27, 2011

Update:
you can find the latest 'Things to do in Florida list' shown either just to the right of the post title or scroll down to the archive also on the right-hand side of the page.

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While looking for things to do in Florida Feb 25, 26, 27, 2011 we're also hoping for a continuation of the spring-like weather we've been having here in Florida lately. Outdoor activities abound this coming weekend with fairs going on in Pasco County, Lee County, Saint Lucie and don't miss the Central Florida Fair in Orlando. You can even find a garden show or two for those already itching to get out and plant something. Art shows and festivals are always in season but are especially enjoyable with the approach of spring when Mother Nature puts on her own colorful show. And while looking for those things to do in Florida Feb 25, 26, 27, 2011 be sure to consider the Naples National Art Show with links to some of those exhibiting their work posted right here on Florahome USA's own list of Florida artists. If you're in the market for a painting of the Naples area itself you may want to talk to Darlene Pearse who has some beautiful examples displayed on her website. Don Plumridge of Tampa Florida is another to check out for masterful creations on canvas that TRUELY reflect the best of Florida. From ceramics to jewelry, other Florida resident artists planning to attend the Naples show are Tsentas Vasileios, Glenn Woods (Pottery Boys) and Sarasota's jewelry genius Steve Pawloski. These of course are just a very small sample of the quality of artists to expect in Naples and at other Florida art shows this weekend. As always though, this things to do in Florida list has a little something for everyone whether you're into art or monster trucks, so get out and have some fun and if you're buried in the snow up north, drop that cold shovel and come on down!

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The Things to do in Florida list is usually posted each Wednesday.
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Things to do in Florida Feb 25, 26, 27, 2011

Feb 27
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Boy Scout Troop 132 Car Show

Feb 26 - 27
Anna Maria Island
Wedding Festival
941-778-1541

Feb 26 - 27
Cape Coral, FL
Winter Home and Garden Show
866-466-6300

Feb 25 - 27
Cocoa, FL
Cocoa Village
Mardi Gras
321-639-3500

Feb 21 - 27
Dade City, FL
Pasco County Fair
352-567-6678

Feb 24 - 27
Dade City, FL
International Combined Driving Event
(horse carriage drivers)
352-521-3661

Feb 26 - 27
Davie, FL
Seminole Tribe of Florida
Orange Blossom Festival
954 - 797-1153.

Feb 25 - 27
Eustis, FL
Georgefest
(George Washington’s Birthday Festival)
352-357-3434

Feb 23 - 26
Fort Meade, FL
Antique Engine and Tractor Show
863-453-3350

Thru Feb 29
Fort Myers, FL
Edison Day of Discovery
239-334-2999

Feb 26 - 27
Grant, FL
Seafood Festival
321-723-8687

Feb 26
Gulfport, FL
Gulfport Merchant’s Association
Get Rescued In Gulfport
727-322-5217

Feb 24 - 27
Jacksonville, FL
RV Show
800-330-7882

Feb 24 - 27
DeLand, FL
RV Show
800-330-7882

Feb 26 - 27
Key West, FL
Old Island Days Art Festival
305-294-1241

Feb 26 - 27
Naples, FL
Naples National Art Festival
239-262-6517

Feb 26 - 27
New Smyrna Beach, FL
Art Fiesta
386-428-4199

Feb 26
Ocala, FL
Home Improvement Expo
352-854-8707 ext-7530

Feb 26 - 27
Okeechobee, FL
Top of the Lake Art & Music Fest!
863-357-6246

Feb 26 - 27
LaBelle, FL
Swamp Cabbage Festival
863-675-2995

Feb 25 - 26
Punta Gorda, FL
Peace River Quilter’s Guild Quilt Fest

Feb 26
Palmetto, FL
Rubonia Mardi Gras
“A DAY OF CARNIVAL”
941-722-3403

Feb 25
Tallahassee, FL
Blues Festival
850-222-0400

Vero Beach, FL
McKee Botanical Gardens
A Celebration of Sanctuary
772-794-0601

Feb 25 - 27
West Palm Beach, FL
Spring Home and Garden Show
888-433-3976

Feb 26
Ybor, City (Tampa) FL
Fiesta Day
813-241-8838

Feb 24 - 27
Zephyrhills, FL
Winter AutoFest
813-258-6726

Feb 26
Jacksonville, FL
Everbank Field
Monster Jam! (monster trucks)

Feb 26
Green Cove Springs, FL
Clay County Fair Grounds
Northeast Florida Scottish Games and Festival
904-725-5744

Feb 26 - 27
Sarasota, FL
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Plant & Garden Festival
941-366-5731

Feb 26 - 27
Stuart, FL
Art Festival
772-286-2848
or
954-472-3755

Feb 26 - 27
Delray Beach, FL
Craft Festival
561-243-1077
or
954-472-3755

Feb 25 - 26
Panama City, FL
Saint Andrews Mardi Gras
850-763-6261
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SPECIAL!  Panama Peeler coupons are here
for Spring Break 2011 - call 850-258-7647
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Feb 27
Sarasota, FL
Whitfield Estates Historic Homes tour
941-351-5725

Feb 26
Sarasota, FL
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Paul Anka
800-826-9303
or
941-953-3368 or

Feb 26
Sarasota, FL
Celebration of Pets
941-378-9550
Toll Free 1-888-999-9195

Feb 25 - 27
Melbourne, FL
'Taste of Greece' Greek Festival
321-254-1045

Feb 25 - 27
Fort Myers, FL
Greek Fest
239-481-2099

Feb 26 - 27
Islamadora, FL
GIGANTIC Nautical Flea Market
Hotline 305-712-1818

Feb 26
Silver Springs, FL
KIDfetti
352-236-2121

Feb 24 - 27
Miami, FL
South Beach Food and Wine Festival
877-762-3933

Feb 26
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Secret Garden Tour of Fort Lauderdale
954-561-8475

Feb 26
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Sistrunk Historical Festival
954-687-3472

Feb 26
Winter Garden, FL
Mildred Dixon Heritage Day Festival
407-654-5161

Feb 26 - 27
Margate, FL
Street Festival
561-317-1341

Feb 26 - 27
Seminole, FL
St. Petersburg Sea Shell Show
727-391-2197

Feb 25 -27
N. Miami Beach, FL
Everglades Bluegrass Festival
305-358-1800

Feb 26 - 27
Daytona Beach, FL
WinterJam
386-868-5190

Feb 24 - 26
Waldo, FL
Spring Bluegrass Festival
352-494-9079

Feb 18 - 27
Delray Beach, FL
International Tennis Championships (ITC)

Feb 26
Largo, FL
Heritage Village
Florida African American Heritage Celebration
727-871-9165

Feb 26
Plant City, FL
2012 Florida State Square
and Round Dance Convention Benefit
352-622-7678

Feb 25 and 27
Pensacola, FL
The Saenger Theatre
Tim Conway and Friends - Feb 25
The Oak Ridge Boys - Feb 27
850-595-3880

Feb 26 - 27
Pensacola, FL
Gulf Coast Renaissance Fair
877-429-8462

Feb 26
Tallahassee, FL
Arrowhead and Fossil Show
850-591-2780

Feb 26
Jacksonville, FL
Johnny Mathis
904-630-3900

Feb 25 - 27
DeLand FL
DeLand Honoring the Veterans
(Native American Indian) Powwow
954-464-1860

Thru Feb 27
Clearwater, FL
Fransis Wilson Playhouse
To Kill a Mockingbird
727-446-1350

Feb 25
Tampa, FL
and 26
St, Petersburg, FL
and 27
Clearwater, FL
The Florida Orchestra
Beethoven's Symphony No. 9

Feb 26 - 27
Lake Worth, FL
Street Painting Festival
561-582-4401

Feb 26
Bradenton, FL
Lake Mantee State Park
Discover Lake Manatee
941-741-3028

Feb 25 - 27
Key West FL
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Civil War Heritage Days
305-292-6850

Feb 26 and 27
Coconut Grove, FL
The Barnacle Historic State Park
Washington's Birthday Regatta - Feb 26
Old Time Dance - Feb 27
305-442-6866

Feb 25 - 27
Kissimmee FL
Elvis Presley Continentals
Charity Festival and Car Show
407-344-3299 (Elvis has left the building)

Ice Skating in Florida

Florida running Events

Florida Biker Events

Florida Car Shows

Florida Horse Shows




The Things to do in Florida List is usually posted each Wednesday.

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Things to do in Florida Feb 18, 19, 20, 2011

Update:
you can find the latest 'Things to do in Florida list' shown either just to the right of the post title or scroll down to the archive also on the right-hand side of the page.

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Listing all the things to do in Florida Feb 18, 19, 20, 2011 simply isn't possible, but this list is the longest to date for Florahome USA. Of course for February 20th, it would be limited to a single event for some, namely the Daytona 500. It IS "The Great American Race" with perhaps the Indy 500 its only rival in auto racing importance. And if the race itself isn't incentive enough to attend, Brad Paisley will also be there adding to the show. Another event going on this weekend well known to locals is the Olustee Battle reenactment - an opportunity to witness for youself one of the toughest battles of the American Civil War fought right here in Florida. If history is your thing, then this is definitely your week with a second living history event as close as St. Augustine.  'A Day in Old Florida' is an event something like the recent 'Yesterday Festival' at Gold Head State Park providing a live glimpse into Florida's unique past. Heading farther south, you might also want to check out the 'Edison Festival of Light' celebrating the birthday of Thomas Edison - one of Florida's most famous former part-time residents. While his invention of the phonograph and the beginning of the recording industry was impressive enough, even that was dwarfed by Edison's incandescent light lifting mankind quite literally out of the dark ages once and for all. This too should be considered a not-to-be-missed event if your anywhere in the Fort Myers area this weekend. Click HERE to get a peek at the place this technological wizard and his family once called their 'winter' home. Really, all this is just a small sample of things to do in Florida Feb 18, 19, and 20, 2011. As was stated, the list is long so you best start your engines now because ladies and gentlemen, the checkered flag is fixin' t' fall!

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The Things to do in Florida list is usually posted each Wednesday.
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Things to do in Florida Feb 18,19,20, 2011

Feb 20
Daytona Beach, FL
THE DAYTONA 500!!!
"The Great American Race"


Feb 18 - 19
Amelia Island, FL
Book Festival
904-624-1665

Feb 19
St. Augustine, FL
Faver-Dykes State Park
A Day in Old Florida
904-794-0997

Feb 19 - 20
Apalachicola, FL
African American History Festival
850-653-9419

Feb 19 - 20
Bradenton, FL
Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival
941-794-1249

Feb 18 - 20
Clermont, FL
Winefest
800-768-9463

Feb 19 - 21
Coconut Grove, FL
Arts Festival
305-447-0401

Thru Feb 21
Tampa, FL
Florida State Fair
813-621-7821
Toll-free 1-800-345-3247

Feb 19
Pensacola, FL
Model Railroad Open House
850-436-5060

Feb 19 - 21
Coconut Grove, FL
St. Stephen’s Art and Craft Show
305-648-0056

Feb 19 - 20
Cortez, FL
Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival

Feb 19 - 20
Dunedin, FL
Downtown Craft Festival
727-733-3197

Feb 18 - 20
Fort Myers, FL
Edison Festival of Light
239-334-2999

Feb 19
Frostproof, FL
Orange Blossom Festival
863-635-9112

Feb 18 - 19
Haines City, FL
Ribs on the Ridge
863-421-3600

Feb 19 - 21
Jupiter, FL
ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival
561-748-3946

Feb 18 - 19
Lake City, FL
Olustee Battle Festival
386-758-0400

Feb 18
Lakeland, FL
Aviation Adventures Speaker Series
General Lloyd “Fig” Newton:
the First African-American Thunderbird Pilot
863-644-2431

Feb 18 - 19
Leesburg, FL
Mardi Gras Party in the Streets
352-365-0053

Feb 19
Mexico Beach, FL
Gumbo Cook-Off
850-648-8196

Feb 19 - 20
Naples, FL
Home & Garden Show
239-597-5210

Feb 18 - 20
Vero Beach, FL
THUNDER on the BEACH
(Native American Indian)Powwow 2011
772-538-8363

Feb 19
Fort White, FL
The Ichetucknee Time Machine
386-497-4690

Feb 19 - 20
Orlando, FL
Downtown Art and Living Expo
407-592-0002.

Feb 18
Longwood, FL
Northland Performing Arts Center
Festival of Orchestras:
Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops
407-539-0245

Feb 18 - 20
Orlando, FL
OMA (Orlando Museum of Art)
Annual Antiques Show & Sale
407-896-4231

Feb 19
Punta Gorda, FL
Wine and Jazz Festival
941-639-3720

Feb 19 - 20
Sanibel Island, FL
Arts and Crafts Fair
239-472-1000

Feb 20
High Springs, FL
O'Leno State Park
OLD TIME DANCE
386-454-1853

Feb 19 - 20
Sarasota, FL
Downtown Festival of the Arts
954-472-3755

Feb 18 - 20
Jacksonville, FL
Prime Osborne Convention Center
International Car and Truck Show

Feb 18 - 20
Steinhatchee, FL
Fiddler Crab Festival
850-371-0966.

Feb 19 - 20
Tallahassee, FL
Southeast Regional Pigfest
850-222-2043

Feb 19
Tampa, FL
Lights on Tampa
813-274-8531

Feb 18 - 19
Welaka, FL
Downtown
Springfest (click calendar of events 2010)
386-467-9800

Feb 18 - 22
West Palm Beach, FL
Jewelry, Art and Antique Show
561-822-5440

Feb 19 - 20
West Palm Beach, FL
South Florida Fairgrounds
South Florida Expo
386-860-0092

Feb 19
Jacksonville, FL
Jax4Kids Education Expo
904-710-2020

Feb 19
Pensacola, FL
Saenger Theatre
The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra
Simply Sinatra
850-595-3880

Feb 20
Palatka, FL
Putnam Auto & Cycle Swap Meet & Show

Feb 17 - 21
Miami, FL
Miami International Boat Show

Feb 18 - 20
Orlando, FL
Orange County Convention Center
Spring Home & Garden Show
877-730-7469
including BOATS at the
"Welcome to the Water" Expo©

Feb 19
Coral Springs, FL
Coral Springs Gymnasium
FCDA South Florida Sizzler
Cheer and Dance Competition
239-596-6000

Feb 20
Naples/Fort Myers, FL
Estero Recreation Center
Southwest Florida Showdown
FCDA Cheer and Dance Competition
239-596-6000

Feb 19
Silver Springs, FL
Rodney Atkins
352-236-2121

Feb 19
Orlando, FL
Wetlands Park Festival
407-568-1706

Feb 18 - 20
Port Charlotte, FL
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Greek Festival
941-629-3888

Feb 19
Englewood, FL
Dearborn Street Book Festival
941-473-2300

Feb 19 - 20
Apalachicola, FL
African-American History Festival

Feb 17 - 20
Mount Dora, FL
Music Festival
352-383-2627

Feb 17 - 19
Palatka, FL
Rodeheaver Boys' Ranch
Palatka Bluegrass Festival
706-864-7203

Feb 19
Miami, FL
Knight Concert Hall
Tchaikovsky: The Fateful Fourth

Feb 18 - 20
Sarasota, FL
Antiques and Appraisals Event
941-364-9076

Feb 19
North Port, FL
Women's EXPO of SWFL
941-697-4829

Feb 19
Lakeland, FL
Black Heritage Festival
863-298-7898

Feb 18 - 19
Destin, FL
Village of Baytowne Wharf
Sandestin Gumbo Festival
850-267-8000

Feb 19
Melbourne, FL
Founder’s Day Fish Fry
321-953-6282

Feb 19
Pensacola, FL
Black History Arts Festival
850-554-8541

Feb 19 - 20
Tallahassee, FL
Italian Family Festa
850-201-8810

Feb 19
Blountstown, FL
Black History Festval and Parade
850-674-4519

Feb 20
Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville Bridal Connection Show
904-858-1690

Feb 20
Estero, FL
NAWP Bridal Blast
239-431-7565

Feb 20
Tampa, FL
The Elegant Wedding Showcase
813-835-7700 ext.13

Feb 19 - 20
Parrish, FL
Florida Railroad Museum
Train Robbery
941-776-0906

Feb 19
Satsuma, FL
Putnam County Speedway
Saturday Night Racing
386-649-6688

Feb 15 - 19
Auburndale, FL
Auburndale Speedway

Feb 19
Miami, FL
Andrea Vettoretti
Italian Guitarist in Concert
305-859-8760

Feb 2011
Fort Lauderdale, FL
International Film Festval

Thru Feb 19
New Smyrna Beach, FL
New Smyrna Speedway
45th Annual World Series
of Asphalt Stock Car Racing
386-427-4129

Thru Feb 19
Sebring, FL
Highlands County Fair
863-382-2255

Thru Feb 19
Stuart, FL
Martin County Fairgrounds
Martin County Fair
772-220-3247

Feb 19
Dunedin, FL
Mutt March
727-786-1330

Feb 19
Melbourne Beach, FL
Art Show
321-549-7047
or
321-676-0660

Feb 19
Sebring, FL
Highlands Hammock State Park
Music in the Park series
BACK PORCH REVIVAL
863-386- 6094

Ice Skating in Florida

Florida running Events

Florida Biker Events

Florida Car Shows

Florida Horse Shows



The Things to do in Florida List is usually posted each Wednesday.


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Edison's Florida

The Edison Home in Fort Myers, FL

Thomas Edison's Florida was a bit different than the Florida of today. Having lost his first wife, Mary Stilwel to typhoid in August of 1884, Edison had found love once more with nineteen year old, Mina Miller and shortly before they were to be married Edison's eye for beauty once again served him well purchasing a choice spot of Florida real estate on the Caloosahachee river. The river in 1886 Fort Myers was the main mode of transport with even Florahome being accessible by rail before the first Fort Myers train arrived in 1904. For Edison though, that was pretty much the point giving him a much needed break from all the stress the success of his inventions had brought him. Not that his new winter getaway was strictly for lounging in a hammock - Edison was not quite cut out for wasting away in Margaritaville. No, Seminole Lodge as it came to be known had quite a little workshop providing Edison with all he needed to continue his work in Florida whether it involved the phonograph or his plans to use latex producing plants to provide rubber for the country during time of war. Viewing Edison's Fort Myers estate today, it's hard to imagine a more ideal place for work or just relaxing and having fun. Though it's true, Fort Myers and the rest of Florida has changed a good deal since Edison's day, much of the natural beauty and mild weather Edison appreciated from his first visit can still be enjoyed and the home he and his family shared can still be visited - complete with electric lights! There were certain advantages back then when living in EDISON's Florida.

More about Thomas Edison online:
Wikipedia
The Smithsonian
Edison's inventions
Thomas Edison.com

Books available include:
The Florida Life of Thomas EdisonThe Edisons Of Fort Myers: Discoveries of the Heart

Biographical -
The Wizard of Menlo Park:
How Thomas Alva Edison Invented the Modern World

Lessons from Edison -
Edison in the Boardroom: How Leading Companies Realize Value from Their Intellectual Assets
From Edison to Enron: The Business of Power and What It Means for the Future of Electricity

For kids -
Thomas Edison for Kids: His Life and Ideas

Visit  the Edison's at home in Fort Myers - Edison's Florida


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Grandin, Florida

Grandin, FL nostalgia

This nostalgically enhanced photo of Grandin, Florida is just a small tribute to Mr. Sykes - one of Grandin's most well known and beloved former residents who in the hearts of those old enough to remember, still waves at each passing motorist. The 'service' station and store which he ran for more years than probably any of us can remember, was a place you'll likely see only in a museum or a Norman Rockwell painting these days. Warmed by a stove and Mr. Sykes smile, it's neighborly Mayberry-like charm too has faded with time and memory into Florida's past. It's said that Grandin, like Florahome, was named for a lady and also like Florahome, our close neighbors to the west were really "put on the map" when the Southern Georgia and Florida railroad came through in the waning years of the nineteenth century. Grandin's real distinction however probably has more to do with the automobile than the train. Being situated at the intersection of Florida State Road 100 and County Road 315, it was the ideal spot for Mr. Sykes and Grandin as his wave called attention to the place for years from Florida residents and out of state travelers from every direction. Time marches on though and like Florahome, Grandin has changed and will continue to do so. It seems fitting that presently a cross can be seen by passers by only a short distance from where Mr. Sykes once sat outside his store. Grandin, Florida has always been at the crossroads - spiritually as well as physically with the establishment of nearby Paran Baptist Church going all the way back to 1856. Hopefully, that spirit, once conveyed by a simple wave of the hand will continue to thrive for those at the crossroads and for all who pass through a place called Grandin, Florida.


Please help Florahome USA preserve the history of Grandin and other places in Florida by e-mailing any info, stories or photos you'd like to share (not copywrited please) to the address at the bottom of the page. Thanks

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Where is Grandin FL?

Note: To get to Jacksonville, head in the direction indicated by the arrow on the map above on County Road 315 making a right turn at 21. A left turn will take you to Keystone Heights.

If you would like to add the name of your church or business in Grandin, FL to this page or correct any information, you can e-mail Florahome USA at the address at the bottom of the page.


Grandin Post Office
938 N County Road 315
Interlachen, FL
(386) 659-2493
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Churches in Grandin Florida:

Paran Baptist Church
125 Paran Church Rd
Grandin, FL 32138
386-659-2083
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Businesses in Grandin, Florida:

New Day Homes
New Day Builders, LLC
1327 State Road 100
Post Office Box 6
Grandin, FL 32138
(386) 659-2600

Birth And Beyond
1326 State Road 100
Grandin, FL 32138
(386) 659-2104

Tangled Oaks Vineyard
1317 State Road 100
Grandin, Florida 32138
(386) 659-1707

Also on Florahome USA:

Keystone Heights, Florida
Palatka, Florida
Melrose, Florida
Interlachen, Florida
A Place Called George's Lake
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Boots-N-BBQ Cookoff Photos - Starke, FL

Just a few photos from the Boots-N-BBQ Cookoff in Starke, Florida. The event, sanctioned by the Florida Barbecue Association helps Bradford County students with scholarships at Santa Fe College.

As they say - "Life's the pits."

Clay County Community Swing Band

Barbeque wasn't the only thing cookin' Saturday morning. With emphasis on the SWING, The Clay County Community Swing Band brought back memories and melodies from the Miller era when swing was still king. One audience member stated it best as the trumpet ripped the air, "Now THAT was music!"

Yes, it was mostly about the pigs.

The kids had a good time as well with Ronald McDonald and many others doing their part.

These photos were taken early in the day. If anyone would like to add more more of Jimmie VanZant or other performers scheduled for later in the day, or any other photos of the Starke, FL Boots-N-BBQ Cookoff please e-mail them to Florahome USA.

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Things to do in Florida Feb 12, 13, 14, 2011

Update:
you can find the latest 'Things to do in Florida list' shown either just to the right of the post title or scroll down to the archive also on the right-hand side of the page.

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Choosing which things to do in Florida Feb 12, 13, 14, 2011 may be a difficult task having at least three different themes going on this coming weekend, but sprinkled throughout this week's 'Things to do in Florida' list you'll find events related to Black History Month, Valentine's Day on the 14th and of course Florida Week for the Animals which made the last post on Florahome USA.  Also, the subject of another recent Florahome USA post about Florida's cattle ranching history and the Florida cowboy is a new exhibit opening Feb 12th at The Florida Museum of Natural History but you have until May 18th if you don't catch the opening. Another event you are this time unfortunately limited to only one chance of seeing is Rachelle Ferrell's perfomance at the Ritz Theatre in Jacksonville February 12th, so don't miss that one. Then there's the performance, this time in Sunrise, Florida with Andrea Bocelli that is also just for the one day, but at least it's on the best day possible for one of the most romantic voices of our time. How many get to hear Bocelli live on Valentine's day? For those Valentine's Day romantics in Florida on a limited budget, be glad you're in Florida with beaches on the gulf from Pensacola to Naples and on the Atlantic side, from Amelia Island running all the way down to the Keys. And there are free events as well and many events that have themes of their own like Polk County Florida's 150th year celebration. Yes friends, there are some tough decisions to be made this week, but don't be discouraged - the list of Things to do in Florida Feb 12, 13, and 14, 2011 is finally on the web! ,... now why are you crying?


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The Things to do in Florida list is usually posted each Wednesday
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Things to do in Florida Feb 12, 13, 14, 2011

Feb 12
St. Augustine, FL
Fort Mose Historic State Park
Flight to Freedom

Feb 14
Sunrise, FL
BankAtlantic Center
Andrea Bocelli

Feb 12
Boynton Beach, FL
Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
Everglades Day
561-735-6029

Feb 12- 13
Bradenton, FL
Downtown Bradenton Craft Festival
954-472-3755

Feb 12 - 13
Deerfield Beach, FL
Florida Renaissance Festival
954-776-1642

Feb 12 - 13
Delray Beach, FL
Garlic Fest
561-279-0907

Feb 12
Fort Walton Beach - Destin, FL
Mardi Gras on Okaloosa Island
850-244-8191

Thru Feb 12
Englewood, FL
Lemon Bay Festival
941-474-5511

Feb 12 - 13
Estero, FL
Coconut Point Art Festival
954-472-3755

Feb 13
Melbourne, FL
Brevard Zoo
Valentine's Day Brunch
321-254-9453

Feb 11 - 13
Estero, FL
Germain Arena
Spring Clean-Out RV Show

Feb 12 - 13
Estero, FL
Germain Arena
Spring Home and Garden Show

Feb 12 - 14
Fort Myers, FL
Murder Mystery Dinner Train -
Seminole Gulf Railway
Sweetheart Express
239-275-8487.

Feb 12 - 13
Fort Myers, FL
Buckler’s Winter Craft Fair
386-860-0092

Feb 12 - 13
Marathon, FL
Marathon Community Park
Pigeon Key Art Festival
305-743-5999

Feb 11 - 13
Pine Island FL
Creative Coast Weekend
239-283-0888

Feb 12
Tarpon Springs, FL
AND
Pinellas Park, FL
AND
Bradenton, FL
Valentine's Daddy Daughter Dance
Fundraiser for the Lorraine Yaslowitz Family

Feb 12 - 13
Naples, FL
Collier-Seminole State Park
Jammin in the Hammock
4th Annual Bluegrass Festival
239-394-3397

Feb 10 - 13
Orlando, FL
Orlando Latin American Film
and Heritage Festival
407-860-4919

Thru Feb 13
Central Florida
ArtsFest
407-628-0333

Feb 12
Palm Coast, FL
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Citrus Harvest Festival
386-446-6780

Feb 12
Apalachicola, FL
Apalachicola Municipal Library
African American Heritage Read Aloud
850-653-8436

Feb 10 - 13
Sarasota, FL
St. Barbaras Annual Greek Glendi
941-355-2616
Toll Free 877-355-2272

Feb 12
Vero Beach, FL
McKee Botanical Garden
Motor Car Exhibition
772-794-0601

Feb 12
Titusville, FL
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Scrub-Jay Festival

Feb 12
Sebring, Fl
Roaring 20's Festival
863-471-5104

Feb 12 - 13
Panama City Beach, FL
Strawberry Festival

Feb 11- 13
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Riverwalk Blues and Music Festival

Feb 2011
Fort Lauderdale, FL
International Film Festval

Feb 11 - 12
Mt. Dora, FL
Central FL Dulcimer and Autoharp Festival
352-735-4907

Feb 14
Gainesville, FL
Thomas Center
Swing Dance

Feb 12
Tampa, FL
Southern Renaissance:
A Celebration of Neo-Southern Art
813-248-9738 ext. 104

Feb 12 - 13
St. Cloud, FL
Valentine's Weekend at Forever Florida

Feb 12 - 13
Kissimmee, FL
Valencia Community College
Osceola Campus
Osceola Art Festival
407-846-6257

Feb 12
Palm Coast, FL
Hot N’ Spicy Food and Music Festival
386-446-7630

Feb 12
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Identifying Fossils on Florida's Beaches
904-823-4500

Feb 12
Crawfordville, FL
Rotary Club Valentines Day Celebration
850-926-1848

Feb 11- 13
Palmetto, FL
Manatee Convention and Civic Center
Sarasota Shell Show
941-492-5296

Feb 11 - 13
Sarasota, FL
Sarasota Municipal Auditorium
Antiques Show & Sale

Feb 11 - 13
Tampa, FL
Straz Center
The Florida Orchestra presents
The Great American Songbook - Feb 11
ALSO
Billy Elliot the Musical - Thru 20th
813-229-7827

Feb 12 and 14
St. Petersburg, FL
Mahaffey Theater
The Florida Orchestra presents
The Great American Songbook - Feb 12
ALSO
The Tampa Bay Symphony - Feb 14
Box Office 727-892-5767

Feb 11 - 13
West Palm Beach, FL
Palm Beach Marine
Flea Market and Seafood Festival

Feb 12
Largo, FL
Woofstock
727-516-3016

Feb 14
Pensacola, FL
Vanentines Day with
The Pensacola Shakespeare Theatre
850-462-8880

Feb 12
Bonita Springs, FL
Bark in the Park
239-992-8387

Feb 12
Naples, FL
Asia Fest

Feb 11 -13
Tampa, FL
The Official Florida
Cheer and Dance Championships
800-462-8294

Feb 12
Tallahassee, FL
The FCDA Capitol Cup
Cheer & Dance Championship!
239-596-6000

Feb 12
Wellington, FL
Queen of Hearts
Cheer & Dance Championship!
877-824-3378

Feb 10 - 12
Starke, FL
Bradford County Fairgrounds
SFC Boots 'n BBQ Cook-off

Feb 12
Bartow, FL
Polk Proud 150 Kickoff Event
celebrating the 150th year of Polk County
863-534-4386

Feb 12
Blountstown, FL
Miss Black History Beauty Pageant
850-674-3449
The Black History Banquet
850-674-8683

Feb 12
West Palm Beach, FL
Palm Beach Convention Center
Inventors Expo

Feb 12
Live Oak, FL
Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park
Valentines Sock Hop! (cabins also avilable)
386-364-1683

Feb 12
Jacksonville, FL
Prime Osborn Convention Center
Rail Fair and Model Train Show
386-736-8185 OR 813-949-7197

Feb 12
Pensacola, FL
Pensacola Civic Center
Harlem Globe Trotters

Feb 12
Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona International Speedway
Budweiser Shootout

Feb 12
Silver Springs, FL
The Charlie Daniels Band

Feb 12
Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Valentine Tour of Homes
850-622-5970

Feb 12
Gainesville, FL
Florida Museum of Natural History
Florida Cattle Ranching: Five Centuries of Tradition
AND
Florida Cowboys: Keepers of the Last Frontier

Feb 12
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Miniaci Performing Arts Center
Brazilian Trio with Guest Artist Vic Juris
Box Office 954-462-0222

Feb 11 and 12
West Palm Beach, FL
Kravis Center
Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons - Feb 11
The band, Waterloo pays tribute in
ABBA THE CONCERT - Feb 12

Feb 12
Jacksonville, FL
Ritz Theatre
Rachelle Ferrell
904-632-5555

Feb 10 - 12
Arcadia, FL
Goldwing Express
Florida Music Festival

Feb 14
Orlando, FL
SAK Comedy Lab
Sweetheart Special - Fools for Love
(The Sweetheart Special requires a reservation)
407-648-0001

Thru Feb 13
West Palm Beach, FL
American International Fine Art Fair
239-949-5411.

Thru Feb 13
Port Charlotte, FL
Charlotte County Fair
941-629-4252

Feb 12
Satsuma, FL
Putnam Speedway
Saturday Night Racing
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Ice Skating in Florida

Florida running Events

Florida Biker Events

Florida Car Shows

Florida Horse Shows


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Please visit The SPCA - Thanks
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The Things to do in Florida list is usually posted each Wednesday