I didn’t think hitting the “send” button would ever feel as good as it did last week. What was sent was files to our printer to “print” a July/August edition. What a long spring and summer it has been so far. Our region, our state, our country and our world has been turned upside down. Inundated with bad news everywhere you look is enough to turn even the most positive person a little blue. We have turned off the TV in our house, and although it doesn’t make the world all better, it does make our household and well-being a whole lot better. Try it for a week, maybe even two. Turn off the TV, radio and disconnect (as best possible) from any social media. I will guarantee you will be amazed by the beautiful scenery around you and the wonderful people in your life. Contrary to what you see and hear, it is a wonderful world out there. And we are showing our little piece of it with our new issue.
All of our regular advertisers are back with us – plus some new ones and old ones. We have Toni Collins and Jeff Cary giving us insight on the area with their articles about local history and the outdoors. We also have the Steinhatchee Chamber showing off all their new culinary choices with the invasion of food trucks in their town. See, there is a plus side to this mess already!
Of course, scalloping season is in full swing this month. A huge part of local economies that so desperately need a shot in the arm right now. I say it every year, if you have never been, please make plans to do it. It is a fun time for the whole family that you do outdoors and in the Gulf of Mexico. What is better than that? All you need to bring is a mask and some flippers. UF IFAS has a great article regarding the dos and don’ts. So make plans now!
We look to continue our expansion of racks over the summer as well. Marion, Sumter and Alachua counties are on the radar. The Florida Welcome Centers opened last week, so we will be filling our rack there as well. We also plan to introduce some new items to our apparel line for “The Last of Old Florida.” Keep an eye out for these to arrive in July!
We thank all of of our advertisers for picking right back up with us. We also thank you, the reader, for your continued support of our little magazine. It’s good to be back in print!
Until September, enjoy our magazine and enjoy the world around you.