The First Thanksgiving: St. Augustine’s Forgotten Feast

The First Thanksgiving: St. Augustine’s Forgotten Feast

The first Thanksgiving - long before the Pilgrims Image: Florida Museum of Natural History
The first Thanksgiving in St. Augustine – long before the first Pilgrims arrived . Image: Florida Museum of Natural History

When Americans think of Thanksgiving, the image of Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing a meal in Plymouth in 1621 often comes to mind. However, history tells a richer, less-known tale of a thanksgiving that took place decades earlier in St. Augustine, Florida.

the front of the Barberville Yard Art Emporium

Florida Roadside Attractions: The Barberville Yard Art Emporium

If you’re looking for that perfect piece of folk art to round out your porch or lanai, the Barberville Yard Art Emporium is the perfect place to stop and browse. You’re sure to find just what you want — this place has a wide selection. Best of all, the pieces are originals.

The entrance to the Barberville Yard Art Emporium
Photo: Charles Boyer / FMN

Among Florida’s great roadside attractions, the Barberville Yard Art Emporium is a vibrant wonderland that blends creativity, craftsmanship, and the charm of small-town Americana. This sprawling outdoor emporium has become a beloved landmark for both locals and travelers, offering a kaleidoscope of colorful and quirky treasures that make it a destination worth the journey. Whether you’re a road tripper, an art enthusiast, or someone seeking unique souvenirs, the Barberville Yard Art Emporium promises an unforgettable experience.

Richloam General Store: A Window Back In Time

Richloam General Store: A Window Back In Time

Richloam General Store, in 2024
Photo: Charles Boyer / FMN

Nestled in the serene wooded andscape of Richloam, Florida, the Richloam General Store is a living time capsule of a bygone era.

Established in 1921, this charming establishment stands as one of the last surviving general stores in the state, offering visitors a unique glimpse into early 20th-century rural life. Today, it serves as both a functional general store and a historical site, drawing travelers and history enthusiasts alike.

Florida Surfer Suffers Second Shark Bite in Same Location after 11 Years

Florida Surfer Suffers Second Shark Bite in Same Location after 11 Years

Cole Taschman recovers in a Martin County hospital after undergoing two surgeries and receiving 93 stitches for his injuries. Photo: Cole Taschman
Cole Taschman recovers in a Martin County hospital after undergoing two surgeries and receiving 93 stitches for his injuries. Photo: Cole Taschman

Stuart, FL — Local surfer and fishing charter operator Cole Taschman, 28, is recovering at home after a frightening encounter with a shark while surfing at Martin County’s Bathtub Beach in Stuart. This is the second time Taschman has survived a shark bite at the same beach, his first occurring over a decade ago in 2013.

Planning Your Florida Vacation: Where to Stay and How to Save

Planning Your Florida Vacation: Where to Stay and How to Save

Courtesy of Steve Beaudet/Panama City Beach
Courtesy of Steve Beaudet/Panama City Beach

If you’re planning a trip to Florida, understanding the cost of accommodations can help shape your travel plans. If you’d say the most expensive Florida hotel prices would be in the traditional hotspots like Miami Beach, you’d be wrong. You can often find three to four star hotels there for a modest $114 – $175 per night. So where ARE the most and least expensive accommodations in Florida?

NASA: An American Economic Engine

NASA: An American Economic Engine

Artemis I prior to its launch from Kennedy Space Center in 2022. 
Photo: Charles Boyer, FMN
Artemis I prior to its launch from Kennedy Space Center in 2022.
Photo: Charles Boyer, FMN

NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, has long been a cornerstone of American ingenuity and exploration. Established in 1958, NASA’s mission extends beyond the bounds of space; it significantly contributes to the American economy through job creation, technological innovation, and the stimulation of various industries. While some American taxpayers claim NASA is a “waste of money” and that the funds allocated to NASA “would be better used elsewhere,” when measured, it does not take one very long at all to realize that NASA largely pays for itself and that it holds a vital role in the American — and global — economy.

Chasing History: A Photographer’s Cross-Country Quest to Document SpaceX’s First Booster Catch

Chasing History: A Photographer’s Cross-Country Quest to Document SpaceX’s First Booster Catch

For Richard Gallagher, a tenacious photographer from Merritt Island, Florida, the pursuit of documenting rocket launches has always been more than just a hobby—it’s a calling. So, when SpaceX announced that their fifth integrated test flight (IFT-5) would attempt the first-ever catch of the Super Heavy Booster, Richard knew this was a moment in history he had to capture. The only problem? The launch site was nearly 1400 miles away, and the drive there would be anything but easy. 

Key West Honors Local Legend: Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway Signs Unveiled

Key West Honors Local Legend: Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway Signs Unveiled

Lucy Buffett (center), Mac McAnally (right) , and others give the "Fins Up!" sign made popular among Parrottheads by Buffett's hit song "Fins". Photo: Yahoo News
Lucy Buffett (center), former bandmate Mac McAnally (right) and others give the “Fins Up!” sign made popular among Parrotheads by Buffett’s hit song “Fins”. Photo: Yahoo News

Key West, FL — In a tribute to one of its most beloved residents, Key West celebrated the official unveiling of the Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway signs on August 30, 2024, aka “Jimmy Buffett Day. These signs, which will be placed along the scenic stretches of U.S. Route 1 and the iconic Florida State Road A1A, commemorate the life and legacy of the music icon whose laid-back anthems, including “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” captured the essence of the island lifestyle and left an indelible mark on American culture.