‘Goodland Life’ Archives
Goodland festivities
GOODLAND LIFE Natalie Strom nstrom81@yahoo.com As a former Buzzard Queen at Stan’s annual Mullet Festival, I feel as though it is my duty to inform the uninformed about this one-of-a-kind event. Not to be outdone, the annual Goodland Boat Parade is approaching fast on the Mullet Festival’s heels. Don’t forget about the [...]
Stan’s from the inside out
GOODLAND LIFE Joanie Fuller joaniefuller@embarqmail.com My guess is that many of you’ve been to Stan’s on Sunday afternoon for at least part of the big party that begins with everyone standing for Sandi Patty’s spellbinding rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner”. Then it gets going with food, drinks, jokes and dancing to [...]
An artist’s life for Judy
GOODLAND LIFE Natalie Strom natalie@coastalbreezenews.com The Deepwater Horizon oil spill of 2010 brought national attention to the dangers of offshore drilling. Anyone living along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico felt the negative impact of the disaster. As much as the oil spill interrupted the livelihoods of those in the area, it will [...]
Nutcracker Magic
Joanie Fuller joaniefuller@embarqmail.com Three silly but fun questions for you. Have you ever thought much about nutcrackers at holiday time? Do you know the story of the Nutcracker Ballet? Have you ever seen hundreds of nutcrackers in a restaurant? I certainly never thought about seeing them in a restaurant. Actually, my main [...]
GOODLAND’S GEARIN’ UP
Joanie Fuller Are you ready for Season? If not, you better get ready ‘cause Goodland ‘s gearin’ up. New flags are flying. Hurricane shutters are coming down. Golf cars are rolling. Stan’s, Little Bar, Old Marco Lodge and Marker 8 are all serving. Bands are playing and folks are dancing. The Post Office is busier and friends are [...]
When a newbie meets an oldie
Joanie Fuller Sometimes we don’t dream of our next chapters, they just happen, don’t they? Captain Bill Collier never dreamed his 1910 Doxsee cottage built on Marco and moved to Goodland in 1967 would be renovated and treasured in the 21st century. Why? Think about it. Clam diggers used to bunk in the attic. Marciano Gizzi, a [...]
It’s a jungle out here!
Natalie Strom Panthers, bobcats and gators, oh my! The residents of Goodland may like to think that they are the dominant population in our tiny island village, yet recent wildlife encounters are beginning to prove otherwise. While many of these sightings are incredibly rare, they are, in my opinion, completely terrifying. Sighting [...]
Goodland’s Dojo Mojo Maker
GOODLAND LIFE By Natalie Strom It is no secret that Goodland boasts an extremely diverse group of people. Resident karate master, Sensei Nick Lemke is no exception. Like most Floridians, Nick is a transplant to the area, but offers one distinct feature that others cannot likely claim. Although born in Wisconsin, he was conceived in [...]
I don’t count… Who else is with me?
Natalie Strom Sometimes in life, I feel like I just don’t count. Don’t get me wrong, I really do love my life. I enjoy my home, my family and friends and even what I do for work. I also, OBVIOUSLY, love where I live. But sometimes it just feels like even after all the things that I have and have done, I just don’t count. I’ve had this [...]
It’s hot and slow, and there’s no where to go
By Natalie Strom It has become clear that the lazy days of summer are in full swing in Goodland. During season, Goodland is a bustling town, filled with locals and vacationers. There is never a dull moment and there is always something to do. Yet, as summer approaches it seems as if at least half of Goodland goes into hibernation. This [...]
