Old Florida is Alive in Everglades City

For the last few weeks, I’ve been giving you news on the much-needed traffic lights at the entrance to Treviso Bay. And we’re still in the same place as we were last week. The equipment is up, and a few weeks later, they started the middle light flashing – the caution yellow light. Today the sign said the lights will be working soon. Thankfully, we aren’t in the middle of our busy season! When is soon? At my Physical Therapist’s office we discussed the light, among other things. My physical therapist is Phil Standhart, and we have some lively conversations in that office while they are helping us. I have had a balance problem since my fall, and he is helping me overcome that, but from what I’ve heard from others in that office, it’s not uncommon. Luckily, he has the patience of Job! And he’s really friendly and talks sports with the guys and gals. I had never been to a Physical Therapist before I met him the first time, but I’m impressed with him.

So last week, I went to Everglades City with some friends who had never been there before, and I really hadn’t been there in two years, so I was delighted that they wanted to go. Folks, if you’ve never been to Everglades City, you’ve missed the REAL Florida of old. It’s like walking into the past but in real life! My friends Sandra and her husband Bryan drove, and although it’s a long drive, it’s one hour of enjoyment! You see lots of things we don’t see in our area, including Native American villages, beautiful nature with lots of birds, and some alligators along the way. And once you’ve arrived, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to old Florida! And we’ve forgotten how it feels to be welcomed by gracious, lovely people who are happy you came. We went to the Visitors Center as we entered town and were greeted by wonderful people who wanted to answer our questions and welcome us. There were pictures all over that office of Florida from the past. We were able to ask questions and talk freely with them, and these people really live there! They know the area, the people, the plants, etc. Elaine Middlestadt was a City Councilwoman for many years, and she and her husband were right there to greet us as we entered Everglades City. I had the pleasure of working with Elaine for many of those years as we governed our areas and helped when we could to understand the trials and tribulations of each other’s cities and learn what we could do to work for the benefit of each of our communities. Jim Coletta was her Commissioner, and it helped each of us to understand the needs of the people in those communities. It was ALWAYS about the people, never about the developers or the attorneys. We were able to accomplish many things in each of our communities because we worked right there with the people. It was just a great time for all of us. I would go to town hall meetings that they held and Jim would come to some of mine. That way, we never violated the law, yet we understood what the needs were in other communities by attending those town halls. We never had to sneak around and speak to each other (which was against the law anyway) because we attended public meetings! Yes, it was a lot more work, but it was so much more successful and we knew the communities, listened to them, and worked with them. Of course, I worked with mine, but I knew what the others needed because of attending those public meetings. Anyway, that all started right there in the community of Everglades City.

While there, my friends and I ate at the old Rod and Gun Club (I’ve included some pictures from the Rod and Gun Club). Oh, you have to go there! It really lets you feel what it must have been like 100 years ago! And the fish! I don’t believe I ever tasted fish that fresh in my life! They only serve Grouper and no other fish. And it was wonderful. I’m going to go back again next week because I never went into the old bank, nor into the hotel rooms, and I don't want to miss them. So Nancy and I will make the trip. And we weren’t alone in the restaurant. It wasn’t noisy, but there were people also enjoying this little piece of the past!