Florida/local

Published annually by dineSarasota, The Little Sarasota Dining Book offers information on over 200 of the best restaurants in Sarasota, Florida. This book is essential for locals and visitors trying to navigate Sarasota's crowded dining scene. It features restaurants in every imaginable cuisine category. It also contains interesting articles written by local chefs and delicious recipes from some of Sarasota's best known restaurants.

These laminated, fold-up identification guides-- FoldingGuides-- speak for themselves. Written and illustrated by local experts who know their stuff, waterproof and indestructible, theyre the perfect choice for beginners and intermediates who want to know what theyll encounter in their particular locale.

The Sunshine State has a rich maritime history spanning more than five centuries. Tragically, part of that history includes thousands of ships that have met their fates in Florida waters.

Potentially more than 5,000 shipwrecks reside off Florida's 1,200 miles of coastline, with hundreds more lost in the state's interior rivers. In and of itself, the Florida Keys archipelago, consisting of approximately 1,700 islands stretching 200 miles, is littered with the remains of close to 1,000 shipwrecks. In fact, many features of the Florida Keys were named after various shipwreck events, such as Fowey Rocks, which earned its name after the 1748 wrecking of the British warship HMS Fowey, and Alligator Reef, where the schooner USS Alligator met her demise in 1822. Florida's Shipwrecks utilizes captivating images to illustrate dramatic stories of danger and peril at sea, introducing readers to a fascinating cross-section of Florida's shipwreck history.

The creation of Sarasota County in 1921 inspired intrigue and drama, pitting local economic rivals against one another.

The civic leaders of the Sarasota district fought what they saw as an incompetent and biased Manatee County Commiss

FoldingGuides offer instant access to just what you need to know. Indestructible lamination- water and beachproof.

Florida is a state of transplants. Even people who relocated here decades ago still claim their birthplace as their home. They might change their mind if they knew that the Sunshine State owns one of the richest histories in the nation. Decades before the Pilgrims, the Spanish celebrated Thanksgiving in Florida. Centuries before the first St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York, the holiday was celebrated in St. Augustine, where urban renewal was underway when Jamestown settlers arrived. Author James Clark offers a lifetime of places to explore and thousands of facts to fascinate, tracing the state's long history from Pensacola to the Florida Keys.

Don't be fooled for things are not always what they seem. Thinking the can contained a fellow duck, our misguided friend opens it. It doesn't contain a duck at all but 12 witty Idioms who are glad to be free. Follow along as the true meanings are revealed and see what happens in the end. The whimsical illustrations bring to life the peculiar trickery of an Idiom and engage the reader in finding the narrator hidden on each page.

A collection of inspirational and meaningful quotes perfect for every lover of fishing.

Fishing is a pastime as old as humanity itself, and while the process and techniques have changed and evolved with new technology and strategies, the simple goal of catching a fish is timeless. Whether by yourself on a tiny boat in the middle of a lake or with a group of people on the edge of a winding river, one only needs a simple rod, line, and bait--as well patience, that most important component! A perfect gift for anyone who loves fishing, The Angler's Book of Favorite Fishing Quotations captures this unique and joyful experience with words and wisdom from writers, thinkers, and of course, anglers!

Fall under the spell of Florida's natural environment

In this captivating collection, Florida's most notable authors, poets, and environmentalists take readers on a journey through the natural wonders of the state. Continuing in the legacy of the beloved classic The Wild Heart of Florida, this book features thirty-four pieces by a new slate of well-known and emerging writers.

In these pages, New York Times bestselling author Lauren Groff describes the beauty of Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. Environmental writer Cynthia Barnett listens to seashells on Sanibel Island. Legendary journalist Marjory Stoneman Douglas records the sights and sounds of the Everglades in the 1920s. Miccosukee elder Buffalo Tiger relates traditional stories of his community's deep relationship with the land. Presidential inaugural poet Richard Blanco muses on the shifting vista of the ocean in "Some Days the Sea."

These writers and many others recount memories of how their lives have been enriched by the state's varied and brilliant landscapes. Some tell of encounters with alligators, pythons, manatees, turtles, and otters, while others marvel at the unique character of flowing springs and piney scrub. Together, they highlight the need to protect pristine ecosystems and restore ones that have been damaged due to development. The Wilder Heart of Florida will inspire readers to explore and celebrate the Florida wilderness.

Contributors: Susan Lilley Lauren Groff Buffalo Tiger Terry Ann Thaxton Bill Maxwell Jack E. Davis Charles Lee David McCally Gabbie Buendia Rick Campbell Frederick R. Davis Cynthia Barnett Loren G. "Totch" Brown Lee Irby Isaac Eger Anmari Alvarez-Alemán Leslie K. Poole Russ Kesler Harriet Beecher Stowe Margaret Ross Tolbert Lars Andersen Lucinda Faulkner Merritt Claire Strom Clay Henderson Gianna Russo Marjory Stoneman Douglas Bruce Stephenson Mark Jerome Walters Erika Henderson Nathaniel Pryor Reed Richard Blanco Betty Mae Tiger Jumper and Patsy West Frances Susanna Nevill

The Florida night sky is a source of fascination, inspiration, and enjoyment. Whether your aim is a casual appreciation of the heavens or a serious study of astronomy, The Florida Night Sky will get you started on a rewarding journey of cosmic discovery, beginning with how the known universe is organized and where Florida fits into the picture. Every place on earth has its own singular view of the stars and Florida is no different. Theres an enviable openness to the Florida landscape and flat horizon, allowing for a broader view of the sky in all directions. The warm, snowless winter nights, with their long periods of darkness, are ideal for stargazing, and Florida's position near the tropics offers a view of the four stars in the Southern Cross in the spring and early summer. The two coasts offer stunning views of the sun rising and setting in the water--watch for the Green Flash as the sun finally drops into the ocean on the Gulf Coast.

An ideal starting point for those who want to learn about the Florida night sky and enjoy its treasures, this book also serves as a helpful reference for serious amateur astronomers. Step outside, look up, and get acquainted with the Florida night. The rewards will surprise and delight you.

Discover everything you need to know to grow your garden in containers.

Even if you only have a balcony or small patio, you can grow more than you ever thought possible in pots, wall planters, and hanging baskets! This is your no-fuss guide to container gardening.

Are you interested in making your outdoor space greener but don't know where to start? This urban gardening guide for beginners will help you choose and care for more than 80 different plant varieties, all specially chosen for their ability to thrive in containers.

You don't have to be a horticulture expert to get started, this indispensable reference book will take you through every single step! It includes:

- Tips on how to care for more than 80 different container plant varieties
- Packed with practical, jargon-free know-how and simple gardening techniques
- Easy-to-follow format to help grow your gardening knowledge

Discover the quickest way to bring nature into your home all year round! From suntraps to shady corners, this easy gardening guide will show you how to brighten up even the trickiest areas with beautiful plants.

Let It Grow!

Gorgeous, full-color photography provides plenty of inspiration and styling ideas! Expert tips and step-by-step instructions on every page help make sure that you care for your plants in the right way for them to flourish.

Grow Containers shows you how to leverage every square inch of your gardening space. It's perfect for first-time gardeners, especially renters and small homeowners with paved-over gardens.

Complete the Series:

Make your green-fingered dreams a reality with the Grow series from DK. Learn how to sow, grow and harvest vegetables successfully in Grow Easy Veg, or discover how to garden more sustainably in Grow Eco-Gardening. Alternatively, there are more titles to explore such as Grow Pruning & Training and Grow Houseplants.

Welcome to the Sunshine State

Whether you want to visit the Mission Control Room at the Kennedy Space Center, take an airboat ride in the Everglades or discover the historic Coral Gables, your DK Eyewitness travel guide makes sure you experience all that Florida has to offer.

Florida is known for its sun-kissed beaches and magical theme parks, but this diverse state offers so much more. From nature trails and national parks, to sizzling nightlife and sumptuous seafood, Florida has it all.

Our newly updated guide brings Florida to life, transporting you there like no other travel guide does with expert-led insights and advice, detailed breakdowns of all the must-see sights, inspiring photography and our trademark illustrations.

You'll discover:

- our pick of Florida's must-sees, top experiences, and hidden gems
- the best spots to eat, drink, shop, and stay
- detailed maps and walks that make navigating the country easy
- easy-to-follow itineraries
- expert advice: get ready, get around, and stay safe
- color-coded chapters to every part of Florida, from the Gold Coast to the Gulf Coast, Orlando to the Keys
- our new lightweight format, so you can take your guide with you wherever you go

Want the best of Miami in your pocket? Try our DK Eyewitness Top 10 Miami and the Keys.

These laminated, fold-up identification guides-- FoldingGuides-- speak for themselves. Written and illustrated by local experts who know their stuff, waterproof and indestructible, theyre the perfect choice for beginners and intermediates who want to know what theyll encounter in their particular locale.

"The secret to making the most of later life is to keep doing what you love. With practical advice and gentle inspiration, Gattone shows us how gardening can work for people of any age." --Carl Honoré, author of In Praise of Slowness

You can keep gardening for life, you just need to make adjustment as you age. In The Lifelong Gardener, adaptive gardening expert Toni Gattone shares her proven methods for making your favorite hobby easier on your aging body--techniques that that will help you garden smarter, not harder. This helpful guide includes dozens tried-and-true methods that help eliminate the physical strain of gardening, like buying ergonomic tools, using raised beds, and moving tools around in bins on wheels. The Lifelong Gardener celebrates the joy of gardening, and Gattone's message of empowerment will stir you to find joy in your garden for years to come.

A journey beyond fears and stereotypes

The memes. "Because Florida" jokes. "Florida Man" stories. Tyler Gillespie was once embarrassed to call Florida home, concocting fantasies he'd been born somewhere else. In The Thing about Florida, Gillespie faces his Florida denial and takes readers on an exuberant search for the state behind the caricatures, cutting through the media storm with curiosity and humor.

Gillespie's journey leads him into unexpected places such as halfway houses, gator pits, rattlesnake rooms, and clothing-optional campgrounds, where he meets eclectic and unconventional Floridians. He interviews storm chasers, Civil War reenactors, cattle ranchers, drag queens, python hunters, and pet smugglers. His conversations delve into serious issues such as addiction, Florida's racist past, and care options for the state's LGBTQ senior citizens.

With perspective and empathy derived from his background as a gay man raised Southern Baptist, Gillespie shows how important it is to understand the diversity and complexity of Florida today. "It's dangerous to meet our fears with fear," he says as he confronts his own as well as the state's monsters--invasive species, hurricanes, environmental destruction. He reminds us that Florida's people and problems are vital parts of the nation's future.

A fresh and engaging voice, Gillespie captivates with a snappy pace, sly wit, and crisp observations. As he weaves his childhood memories and personal experiences alongside the stories of the individuals he encounters, Gillespie reconciles with his home state. He finds Florida's humanity, a beautiful mix of hopes, dreams, and second chances.

Sporting the second-longest coastline in the United States, Florida has over 8,000 miles of sparkling beaches and waterfront property. This valuable
landscape and the region s position between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico made Florida key in the early expansion of American trade routes, but the state s several capes and dangerous reefs, rocks, and shoals made travel quite perilous to unwary mariners. When commerce and traffic began to grow between ports on the East Coast and along the Gulf of Mexico in the nineteenth century, it became necessary to construct aids to navigation along the state s long and treacherous coast. Lighthouses were the solution. Constructed in a variety of styles and sizes, Florida s lighthouses were erected on what, at the time, were some of the most desolate regions of the southeastern United States and included lonely offshore islands. Manned and inhabited by vigilant keepers and their families, these towers illuminated the dark seas and provided the beacon that guided lost travelers. Large brick structures watched over St. Augustine, Pensacola, and Ponce de Leon Inlet; iron skeletons towered over Crooked River and Hillsboro Inlet; and screwpile lighthouses stood as sentinels in the waters off the Florida Keys."

Published annually by dineSarasota, The Little Sarasota Dining Book offers information on over 200 of the best restaurants in Sarasota, Florida. This book is essential for locals and visitors trying to navigate Sarasota's crowded dining scene. It features restaurants in every imaginable cuisine category. It also contains interesting articles written by local chefs and delicious recipes from some of Sarasota's best known restaurants.

Along Florida's Expressways

Unlike the typical Florida guidebook, Along Florida's Expressways is not a "destination" travel guide. Instead, author Dave Hunter helps anyone drive around the state with the ease, comfort and safety, using "local knowledge" as if they've lived there for many years.

Known and respected for his award-winning travelbook, Along Interstate-75, Dave's Florida driving guide picks up where his other book leaves off. Featuring seventy-seven 25-miles-per-page full-color maps, this book includes detailed information for all of Florida's interstates, expressways and toll routes, along with Dave's personal observations and suggestions . . . not to mention his fascinating trivia.

Packed with information gathered from "locals" and accumulated over 48 years of Florida travel, Along Florida's Expressways useful road information not only includes gas stations, restaurants, and lodgings available at each exit (even which side of the road they are on), but also pinpoints rest areas and much more.

Every two-years, Dave and his wife, Kathy, drive over 5,000 miles to personally gather the material for the next edition of this book. That's every Florida expressway and toll route in both directions! Each current edition of the book is supported with a "reader's only" website where major updates to the current book's information are posted.

But the book is not only for those who drive to Florida via I-75, it is also for the Florida "Fly-Drive" crowd-those who fly to Florida and rent a car to tour the State. Whether from the Midwestern states or huge Florida-bound markets such as the UK or Germany-they love the local information this book provides and many make sure they pack a copy in their flight bag before leaving.

VISITFLORIDA(R), the State's official marketing organization endorses this book and counter staff use it at all its Welcome Centers. To quote VISITFLORIDA(R)

"Filled with Insider Tips, "Along Florida's Expressways" is an excellent resource for Sunshine State visitors and residents alike. As the state's official source for travel planning, VISITFLORIDA(R)'s staff know Florida well - and even we use Dave's driving guide."

Along Florida's Expressways is completely updated every even numbered year, Along I-75contains no advertising or commercial content.

Rest assured that with "Dave" in the car, any journey on Florida's expressways is guaranteed to be a safe, fun and informative drive.

Anna Maria Island was once inhabited by Native Americans, but as the beauty became known to its first homesteader, George L. Bean, the island's destiny was to be a beacon to paradise.

In spite of mangrove forests and throngs of mosquitoes, people came by boat to enjoy the white sand beaches and the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, with their cool onshore breezes and blazing sunsets. The Islander newspaper of the 1950s heralded, "Where life is good and the fishing is great." Anglers came from afar to test their skills against tarpon, the world's greatest game fish, and to hunt goliath grouper in the depths of Tampa Bay. Two modern bridges connected the island to the mainland in 1957, and with that the seven-mile-long island was on its way to becoming the jewel of Manatee County.

As stories about "Florida Man" inspire wild headlines in the news, Florida's most beloved chronicler is here to show that the state is more than the stereotypes. Award-winning journalist Jeff Klinkenberg has explored what makes Florida unique for nearly half a century, and Son of Real Florida is a compelling retrospective of essays on the state he knows so well.

Klinkenberg tells what it was like growing up in pre-air conditioning Florida and becoming a newspaper reporter in mid-century Miami. He introduces us to the stout-hearted folks who have learned to live and even prosper among the insects, sharp-toothed critters, and serious heat. We meet beekeeper Harold P. Curtis and his prized orange blossom honey; frog whisperer Avalon Theisen; Sheepshead George of St. Petersburg; and Miss Martha, the oyster-shucking queen of Apalachicola.

This book also takes us to some of the most interesting, little-known places in the state. We travel to Solomon's Castle of reclaimed materials, the neighborhood of "Rattlesnake, Florida," and the smallest post office in the United States. Along the way, Klinkenberg stops to impart true Florida wisdom, from how to eat a Key lime pie to which writers and artists every Floridian should know.

Above all, Klinkenberg portrays Florida's people, places, food, and culture with a deep understanding that does not relegate them to cliche. He writes with warmth and authenticity of a state he still sees as wondrous in its own ways. Though some may think the real Florida is a thing of the past, he says, "Do not tell me Florida is no longer a paradise."

Christopher Knowlton, author of Cattle Kingdom and former Fortune writer, takes an in-depth look at the spectacular Florida land boom of the 1920s and shows how it led directly to the Great Depression.

The 1920s in Florida was a time of incredible excess, immense wealth, and precipitous collapse. The decade there produced the largest human migration in American history, far exceeding the settlement of the West, as millions flocked to the grand hotels and the new cities that rose rapidly from the teeming wetlands. The boom spawned a new subdivision civilization--and the most egregious large-scale assault on the environment in the name of "progress." Nowhere was the glitz and froth of the Roaring Twenties more excessive than in Florida. Here was Vegas before there was a Vegas: gambling was condoned and so was drinking, since prohibition was not enforced. Tycoons, crooks, and celebrities arrived en masse to promote or exploit this new and dazzling American frontier in the sunshine. Yet, the import and deep impact of these historical events have never been explored thoroughly until now.

In Bubble in the Sun Christopher Knowlton examines the grand artistic and entrepreneurial visions behind Coral Gables, Boca Raton, Miami Beach, and other storied sites, as well as the darker side of the frenzy. For while giant fortunes were being made and lost and the nightlife raged more raucously than anywhere else, the pure beauty of the Everglades suffered wanton ruination and the workers, mostly black, who built and maintained the boom, endured grievous abuses.

Knowlton breathes dynamic life into the forces that made and wrecked Florida during the decade: the real estate moguls Carl Fisher, George Merrick, and Addison Mizner, and the once-in-a-century hurricane whose aftermath triggered the stock market crash. This essential account is a revelatory--and riveting--history of an era that still affects our country today.