“Thar Be Whales Here!”

“Thar Be Whales Here!”

A North American right Whale breeches off of the Atlantic coast. Photo: Nick Hawkins / ifaw.org
A North American Right Whale breeches off of the Atlantic coast. Photo: Nick Hawkins / ifaw.org

“Thar Be Whales Here” is more than just a movie line made famous by Engineer Montgomery Scott in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home – it’s a fact that many Floridians are not aware of. For few months each year, the majestic creatures do indeed swim just off of Florida’s east coast.

Santas of all Sorts Showed Up for Annual Surf’s Up Spectacular!  

Santas of all Sorts Showed Up for Annual Surf’s Up Spectacular!  

Surfing Santas emerge from the waves at annual Cocoa Beach charity fundraiser. Image by Richard P Gallagher /FMN
Surfing Santas emerge from the waves at annual Cocoa Beach charity fundraiser. Image by Richard P Gallagher /FMN

 

COCOA BEACH, FL — The 16th annual Surfing Santas event transformed Cocoa Beach into a sea of red and green on a chilly and foggy Christmas Eve morning, as hundreds of Surfing Santas traded their traditional sleighs for surfboards. The unique holiday spectacle, which began in 2009 as a family outing, has now become one of the Space Coast’s most cherished traditions, drawing thousands of spectators to watch the festive surfing extravaganza. 

Dive Into the Holiday Spirit with Cocoa Beach’s Surfing Santas! 

Dive Into the Holiday Spirit with Cocoa Beach’s Surfing Santas! 

Riding a wave of holiday fun and Christmas cheer these surfing Santas from 2023 are enjoying the waves! Image by Richard P Gallagher
Riding a wave of holiday fun and Christmas cheer these surfing Santas from 2023 are enjoying the waves! Image by Richard P Gallagher

What: 16th Annual Surfing Santas

When: Tuesday, December 24, 2024, from 7:30 AM to 12 PM 

Where: 3 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach, Florida 

Get ready for a splash of festive fun on the sunny shores of Cocoa Beach! Join hundreds of Santas, elves, and snowmen for the 16th annual Surfing Santas event where the holiday cheer meets sun and surf!  

Experiencing Natural Florida: This Florida Spring Is Different…

Experiencing Natural Florida: This Florida Spring Is Different…

Warm Mineral Springs Photo: City of North Port
Warm Mineral Springs Photo: City of North Port

Florida is well known to locals and visitors alike for its crystal clear springs. With water that remains in the low to mid 70’s year round, Florida’s springs are a cool respite from Florida’s sweltering summers and a sanctuary for marine life seeking warmer waters in the winter. Any way you slice it, Florida’s beautiful springs are a must see. But there is one spring that stands out from all the rest…..

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.

WWII Comes To Central Florida

WWII Comes To Central Florida

A company of German Infantry attempts to slow an Allied artillery advance at the Zephyrhills Military History Museum’s “Battle For Veterans”. Photo: Mark Stone

On Sunday, November 10, 2024, the Zephyrhills Museum of Military History concluded its annual “Battle for Veterans” WWII reenactment event, offering attendees an immersive experience into World War II history. The three-day event, running from November 8 to 10, featured authentic battle reenactments, living history displays, and a showcase of military vehicles, drawing history enthusiasts and families alike.