Florida Monthly Magazine

Snapshot: A Day in the Life of Florida Libraries

Administrator — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 14:48:25 +0000

According to the Florida Library Association, more people visit Florida’s public libraries each year than Florida’s major theme parks. In 2009, almost 89 MILLION people visited Florida’s public libraries compared to just over 67 million visits to the major theme parks.

To showcase the impact Florida’s libraries have, the FLA is hosting “Snapshot: A Day in the Life of Florida Libraries.” This effort will answer the question: what happens every day in Florida libraries?

On January 25, participating libraries will host various events, showcasing what their venue has to offer. They’ll document the events by taking pictures and then uploading them to the Snapshot day Flickr account. These libraries will also be collecting customer comments and statistics on usage, learning ways to improve their offerings. The FLA website will present the results.

“This project is a great opportunity for individual libraries to shine,” commented John Callahan, FLA President. “Libraries and library supporters statewide are probably thinking ‘What can I do today to show what we do for our community?’ We hope all types of libraries will take the next step and help us show the variety of services and activities that occur every day in libraries across Florida.”

Snapshot Day was originally created by the American Library Association. It has already taken place in many other states, with positive results.

Interested in learning more about your local library? Check it out on January 25th and help showcase how amazing our state’s libraries really are!

For more information, visit www.flalib.org/snapshot_day

Happy 2011!

Administrator — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 16:51:51 +0000

Happy 2011 from all of us here at Florida Monthly!

What are you looking forward to this year? We’re excited about all of the festivals happening throughout the state. Looking for one to go to? Check out our list!

Florida Christmas Trees

Administrator — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 15:14:16 +0000

Even though some of the more popular Christmas trees may come from the North, did you know Florida has a healthy array of its own holiday trees? The Florida Christmas Tree Association is a group devoted to bringing fresh, healthy holiday trees to families across the state. This year, the Florida Sand Pine is a popular option for those wishing to bring a bit of the state to their Christmas. It’s typically grown around Central Florida and the Panhandle. Read more about it on Fresh from Florida. Then, check out the listing of tree farms around the state.

You’ve Got to See Florida

Administrator — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 20:19:23 +0000

Check out this promotional clip from the 1950s on Florida’s many benefits.

While it may not be hot in Florida right now, it’s still beautiful.

For more clips, visit Florida Memory.

It’s the Holiday Season

Administrator — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 14:21:16 +0000

Want to know what’s going on this holiday season? Check out our inclusive list of December festivals and events! We’ve got everything from antique fairs to plays to Santa greetings. There’s even a chance to see Frosty dance, as he is above.

Photo courtesy Pensacola Children’s Chorus. Christmas on the Coast will be this December 10 and 11 at 7:30m and December 12 at 2:30pm at the Pensacola Saenger Theatre. Tickets $18-$30. More information: www.pensacolachildrenschorus.com.

Davie Holiday Challenge

Administrator — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 15:55:51 +0000

Now here’s a neat holiday event. In Davie, Mary Judy Paul has decided to host the first Davie Holiday Challenge. In order to spread holiday cheer and have fun along the way, she has challenged homeowners to decorate their houses; the house that best “exemplifies the diversity and spirit of Davie during the holiday season,” wins! The winner receives a $100 prize paid out of the Mayor’s own money. The Mayor will personally visit each participating house.

If a Davie resident, why not participate? E-mail the Mayor at judy_paul@davie-fl.gov from now until December 15th to announce your participation. Include your name, address, and request for the mayor to visit to see your holiday display. The winner will be announced during the week of December 20.

Good luck!

Hiking Florida

Administrator — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 18:05:20 +0000

As the weather starts to cool down, many Floridians strap on their hiking boots and decide to tackle one of Florida’s many trails. Hiking is one of the easiest, least expensive, and fun activities for all ages. The whole family can get in on the action, and enjoy numerous types of wildlife and foliage along the way.

The American Hiking Society offers these tips on keeping safe while hiking.

Always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return
Carry extra food, water, and a flashlight
Pack the Ten Essentials
Check the weather and dress accordingly (in layers)
Use a map and compass

Florida offers an abundance of places to hike throughout the state, with both short and long trails. See them all at the Florida Greenways and Trails site. And check out the Florida Bookstore for books on the subject. Stay safe and have fun!

How Are You Giving Back?

Administrator — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 15:56:01 +0000

Photo Courtesy Walt Disney World and Gene Duncan, photographer

‘Tis the season to give back, and many local companies are showing us how. Disney, for instance, set up their “Cuddliest Christmas Tree” at Epcot yesterday. The 20-foot-high, 10-foot-wide Christmas tree made of 1,200 stuffed Duffy bears was created for the launch of Walt Disney World Resort’s annual Toys for Tots collection drive. For the next few weeks, cast members will be collecting new toys for the annual toy drive.

Disney’s not the only place giving back this season. Many organizations are accepting unwrapped toys for those less fortunate this holiday season.

How are you helping out?

Annual Creek Tribe Pow Wow Celebration

Administrator — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 14:17:37 +0000

Held in Pace at the Florida Town Park on Escambia Bay, the Annual Creek Tribe Pow Wow Celebration will feature Native American dancers and drummers performing in their regalia and Native American storytellers sharing the history of the Creek people. A variety of artisans will sell Native American jewelry, clothing, art, and pottery, while concessions will include Indian fry bread and roasted Indian corn.

The Santa Rosa County Creek Indian Tribe invites everyone to come out November 20-21 to experience the majestic beauty of the tribe from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.!

More information: (850) 994-4882 or www.santarosacountycreekindiantribeinc.com

2011 Florida Film Festival

Administrator — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 15:49:17 +0000

The 2011 Florida Film Festival, as its new logo shows, is celebrating Florida this year. With “fresh squeezed indies,” it will focus on Florida foods and films.

“Produced by Enzian, the Florida Film Festival greets its 20th anniversary with a heartfelt salute to its native state and namesake. All things Florida—from Apalachicola to Islamorada, from the Seminole Nation to Walt Disney World, from the black mud of the ‘glades to the fictional peaks of Mt. Dora—all things Florida will be celebrated.”

It’s clearly a theme we love here at Florida Monthly! In its 20th year, the festival has expanded since its original inception. This year, along with films, lectures, and notable guests, find an array of dining events all over town to fit the theme.

The 2011 Florida Film Festival will be April 8-17, 2011 in Central Florida. For more information, visit www.floridafilmfestival.com

What’s your favorite Florida film? Florida food?