Volume 26
Number 12

Features

Cristina de la Vega—Pedro Pan Artist
Cuban-born artist de la Vega escaped Castro’s clutches to create landscapes in South Florida.

Rebuilding Everglades City
A year and more has passed since Hurricane Wilma’s destruction, which has become an unlikely savior in the quest to restore Everglades City Hall.

Very Special Artists
VSA arts of Florida is celebrating its 25th year of helping those with disabilities flourish in the arts.

Our Florida Heritage®

Cracker Houses
From tiny shacks to distinguished townhouses, Cracker houses are synonymous with Florida architecture.

Footprints
Homemade and genealogical gifts are perfect for loved ones.

Vanishing Florida
Complimentary orange juice may have disappeared at roadside fruit stands, but is still a poplar draw at Florida’s welcome centers.

Real Florida Finds®

Statewise
The Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired has released an inspiring CD, while two Florida Marriotts have introduced a travel package designed for volunteering vacationers, plus Florida Books and This Month in Florida History.

2006 Holiday Gift Guide
With books, DVDs, toys and more, gift giving has never been easier.

Florida Homes & Lifestyles
Deck the halls with tropical and creative decorations.

In The Florida Garden
Growing new plants from old favorites is simple using basic techniques.

In the Florida Kitchen
Create new dinner traditions this holiday season.

Florida Dining Guide
Try fresh seafood, award-winning steaks and handcrafted beer in this month’s guide to Florida’s great restaurants.

Natural Florida
Experience a unique winter wonderland in Florida’s Panhandle.

Watching Wildlife
Huguenot Memorial Park is a critical wildlife area for shorebirds and terns, while North Atlantic whales are swimming right offshore.

Around Florida Festivals & Events
The 15th Annual Emerald Coast Jingle Bell Walk/Run features hundreds of participants, both human and canine, with bells on, plus more than 2,000 festivals, concerts and events around the state.

Travel Florida Highways®

The Great Calusa Blueway
The great nation of the Calusa Indians is evident in trails, shell mounds and canals throughout Lee County.

Sunshine State Safari
Ngala Private Game Reserve abounds with African entertainment and amazing wildlife, all in a lush, exotic atmosphere.