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By R. Michael Brown
By Rebecca Maglischo
Bridgette Waldau
Heartland LIVING
LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER
June & July issue of Heartland LIVING celebrates the season of connection, renewal and the simple joys that make life here so meaningful. We believe the heart of every community is found in its people, places, traditions and stories we are happy to share with you in this issue.
Summer has arrived a little earlier than usual across the Heartland. I love living in Florida but with heated temperatures already settling in and much-needed rain remaining scarce, many of us are feeling the effects of a long, hot start to summer. Lawns are brown, farmers and gardeners are watching the skies closely and families are searching for ways to stay cool while still enjoying all that summer has to offer.
My team has found unique ideas for everyone this summer to find fun in many ways, starting with a family backyard gathering, easy-to-whip-up seasonal recipes, fireworks for 4th of July, local adventures and a little road trip. We even threw in a spring family wedding, sharing the unmistakable feeling that life slows down just enough for us to appreciate time with family and friends.
If you know me, you know I love history. Michael brought to my attention that the Heartland is preparing to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with hometown festivals. He has shared all the events he found in the Heartland for you to plan to attend. I hope you support your community events and enjoy.
From Lake Placid to Hollywood, I want to congratulate our Editor Christy Swift for publishing her second book, Hollywood Hookup . You can celebrate with her at the launch of her novel at the Lake Placid Memorial Library on June 13th.
To my incredible advertisers, contributors and readers: none of this would be possible without YOU. Because of all our local businesses that continue to trust me with sharing your business, we are able to bring you Heartland LIVING entirely free of charge. Please join me in supporting them and shopping local this summer.
As we all pray for a few good rain clouds to roll in, I hope this issue gives you a reason to pause, pour a large glass of iced tea and appreciate the community that surrounds you. Wishing you a safe, joyful and memorable summer season.
God Bless,
Cindy
Sebring Adams
Paul Giles, M.D.
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Publications & Marketing, Inc.
EDITORIAL
Christy Swift | Editor, Writer
Cindy Sebring Adams | Writer
R. Michael Brown | Writer
Abby Duke | Writer
Rebecca Maglischo | Writer
Bridgette Waldau | Writer
Bridgette Waldau | Creative Director
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Lisa Taylor Hall
Caroline Maxcy Fox
CONTRIBUTING
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WRITING & DESIGN BEHIND THE SCENES
Cindy Sebring Adams is Founder/ Publisher of Heartland LIVING Magazine. Born and raised in Sebring, FL, she is fourth generation of the founding family of Sebring. She brings personal and inspirational stories to the community through Heartland LIVING Magazine. Besides overseeing the development of the magazine, she also contributes through writing and photography.
Christy Swift is an award-winning author, editor and technical writer. She recently scored a 2-book deal with a major publisher, Hachette Forever. Her debut romcom, Celebrity Crush, launched in 2025 and her second book, Hollywood Hookup , just came out February 10, 2026. She also writes science fiction and fantasy. Find her at www.christyswift. com
R. Michael Brown is an award-winning writer, producer and marketing consultant with bylines in major market newspapers and magazines as well as credits with network broadcasting and Discovery Channel. He earned a New York Film Festival Award, authored You Are the Media Now, and teaches college-level communication. He helps brands, organizations and communities tell stories that connect and drive impact.
Abby Duke is a Florida native from Bowling Green, working as a social media manager with a passion for storytelling, creativity and intentional living. She always had a love for the little things, finding beauty in thrifted pieces, growing plants and the rhythms of Florida life. Through writing and creating, she aims to capture the quiet moments that make life feel meaningful and connected.
Rebecca Maglischo is a wife and mother of two boys. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood & Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in Human Movement with an emphasis on Corrective Modalities. She has completed a study in Full Body Systems through the Holistic Nutrition Lab and a certification in Functional Range Condition through the Functional Anatomy Systems
Writer
Editor | Writer
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June & July 2026
Bridgette Waldau has been a graphic and fine artist for over 40 years. She received her A.A. from the Ft. Lauderdale Institute of Art and a BFA degree from Stetson University. Bridgette has been creative director for Heartland Publications & Marketing since 2011, winning 11 Florida Magazine Charlie Awards (2015- 2021). Bridgette is married to James, a retired firefighter from the City of Hialeah
Caroline Maxcy Fox was born and raised in Central Florida. She decided to be an artist at the age of five. After achieving her BSA from Florida State University, she has then received a Master's in Graphic Design from NC State University. She developed a "way of seeing" that fuels her work. Caroline is a full-time photographer and lives with her husband in Sebring. They run the day-to-day life at The Great Commission Bible Institute as the site coordinators and dorm parents.
Lisa Taylor Hall picked up her camera 10 years ago when motherhood inspired her to see the beauty in each day. She loves how photography captures a moment in time that otherwise might be forgotten. She grew up in Sebring and currently lives in Lake Wales with her husband and their three sons. Lisa specializes in lifestyle photography for families, small events, maternity and graduates.
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By R. Michael Brown
Long before fireworks lit the skies over Polk City, Sebring, Lake Wales, Arcadia, Okeechobee and Clewiston, the Florida Heartland was already part of America’s story.
These ranchlands, lakes, oak hammocks and pioneer towns were once frontier territory shaped by conflict, survival, patriotism and perseverance. While many Americans think the Revolutionary War happened only in the original 13 Colonies, historians say Florida played an important—and often overlooked—role in the nation’s fight for independence.
Today, 250 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, communities across the Heartland are preparing to celebrate America 250 with hometown festivals, patriotic concerts, historical exhibits, parades and fireworks honoring the people and traditions that helped shape both Florida and the nation.
“It’s important to remember that battles were fought in Florida, too, in the fight for America’s independence—not just in the 13 Colonies,” said David Head, associate lecturer of history at the University of Central Florida. ▶
During the Revolutionary War, Florida was strategically important to Britain because of its military position, trade routes and proximity to the Bahamas and Caribbean. At the time, the region that would eventually become the Florida Heartland was frontier land occupied by Native tribes.
East Florida, governed from St. Augustine, remained loyal to Britain and King George during the Revolution and became a refuge for Loyalists, “Tories,” fleeing violence and unrest in Georgia and the Carolinas. Many settlers who supported the British Crown fled to Florida seeking safety and military protection from the independentminded colonists and Continental Army.
The Continental Army was sent to Florida but lost all of its battles with the British and Loyalist militias, according to Head.
After the Revolution ended in 1783, Britain returned Florida to Spain as part of the peace settlement recognizing the independence of the United States. Florida would not officially become part of the U.S. until 1821 as a territory, and it became the nation’s 27th state in 1845. By 1850, the state population was 87,445.
But the Heartland’s identity was shaped by far more than political boundaries.
This was not easy land. Early settlers faced blistering heat, bugs and disease. Swamps with bizarre critters, storms, isolation and conflict. History with grit. ▶
British Governor’s house in St. Augustine, 1764
Florida settlers. c.1776
Swamp in Ocklawaha, FL
Old Fort in Fort Meade, FL, circa 1800s
Arcadia FL, circa 1910
Avon Park, FL, circa 1920s
eminole and other native resistance, military forts, cattle trails and railroad expansion all became part of the region’s story. Towns that are now celebrated for their charm and community roots began as frontier outposts carved from difficult land.
Fort Meade, established in 1849 during the Seminole Wars, remains the oldest city in Polk County. Arcadia grew into one of Florida’s oldest [1880] cattle towns along the Peace River. Avon Park became Highlands County’s oldest [1884] city, while Lake Placid built its identity around hunting, fishing, agriculture, murals and small-town beauty.
Patriotism in the Heartland evolved over generations. Like much of the South, Florida’s loyalties were deeply divided during the Civil War. But by the late 19th and early 20th centuries, public expressions of national pride became more common through Independence Day celebrations, heritage festivals, veterans memorials, parades and community gatherings like Pioneer Days. ▶
Arcadia July 4th Parade, circa 1900
The Heartland played a surprising role in the Allied war effort during WWII through military aviation training fields scattered across the region. Sebring’s Hendricks Field trained bomber pilots. Avon Park Army Airfield prepared combat air crews. Clewiston’s Riddle Field trained both American and British pilots during the war.
n Sebring, local historians are helping preserve those stories as part of the America 250 celebration.
“George Sebring, founder of the city by the same name, invited Charles F. Weigle, a traveling evangelist and prolific hymn writer, to town,” said Kim Piesik, president of the Sebring Historical Society. “Weigle built a house [1922] next to George, and they became lifelong friends.”
Weigle later wrote the patriotic World War I-era song, “Take Off Your Hat When the Flag Goes By,” which the Historical Society hopes to revive during the America 250 festivities.
Retired U.S. Army Brigadier General Robert “Bobby” Lee, chairman of the Sebring Historical Society’s America 250 Committee, says this year’s celebration will focus on preserving local history and honoring the generations who shaped the region.
The Sebring Civic Center will feature exhibits covering prehistoric Florida, pioneer families, cattle drive stories, the Confederate Cow Cavalry, Hendricks Field, the history of Sebring and the famous 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race. Veterans’ organizations, the Medal of Honor Society, Sea Services Museum, and community leaders are also expected to participate. ▶
Across the Heartland, America 250 celebrations will combine history with hometown tradition.
In Wauchula, Hardee County will host a June 26 community celebration featuring a 100-voice choir, orchestra and a replica of George Washington’s military war tent.
Sun ‘n Lakes of Sebring’s “Salute to America 250” on July 3 will include a 5K run, golf and pickleball tournaments, a patriotic mural dedication, veteran’s ceremonies, barbecue cookouts, live entertainment, carnival rides and fireworks.
In Frostproof, families can gather at Lake Clinch for water ski performances, food trucks, music and fireworks. Lake Wales will host its “Rockin’ the Ridge” celebration with live music, inflatables, patriotic performers and family activities at Lake Wales Park.
From Lakeland’s Red, White & Kaboom celebration to fireworks over Lake June in Lake Placid and Clewiston’s festivities along the Herbert Hoover Dike, nearly every corner of the Heartland plans to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in its own unique way. ▶
Check local listings closer to July 2026 for confirmed times and locations
DeSoto County
Arcadia
4th Annual Freedom Fest
July 4th: 10 am – 9:30 pm
Agri-Civic Center
Arcadia Main Street
Downtown Celebration & Parade hosted by Moose Lodge
July 4th: 10 am – 7:30 pm
Historic Downtown Arcadia
Glades County
Moore Haven
Local Fireworks Celebration
July 4th: Evening Alvan Wards Park
Hendry County
Clewiston
Evening Clewiston July 4 Celebration
July 4th: 2 pm - Dusk
NEW LOCATION THIS YEAR:
700 Hoover Dike Rd. Over the bridge to Clewiston Picnic Area on top of the Herbert Hoover Dike
Highlands County
Avon Park
Centennial Celebration
July 4th: 10 am - 2 pm & 6 pm -9 pm Donaldson Park
Celebrating America 250 with Speaker about Constitution & Founding of the US
Sept. 17th
South Florida State College Avon Park Campus
All Day America 250 Themed Veterans Day Celebration
Nov. 11th
South Florida State College Avon Park Campus
Lake Placid
Fireworks at Lake June
July 4th: 9 pm
Viewing at following:
• The soccer fields at the end of North Tangerine Drive
• H.L. Bishop Park
• By boat on Lake June
Sebring
Salute to America 250
July 3rd: 9 am - 10 pm
Various Activities and Fireworks Show
Sun ‘n Lakes Sebring
Patriotic Revue
July 4th: 10 am - 5 pm
Highlands Lakeside Theater
Independence Day with Music
Food Vendors & Veterans Groups followed by Fireworks
July 4th: 4 pm– 9 pm
Jack Stroup Sebring Civic Center
Sebring July 4th Fireworks
July 4th: Evening Downtown/Lake Jackson
Arcadia Parade, circa 1944
Okeechobee County
Okeechobee City
Celebrate America 250
Okeechobee Historical Society, DAR, SAR, Public Library & Florida Humanities
June 30th: 2 pm – 4 pm
Okeechobee Public Library
Fireworks in the Air
July 4th: 2 am – 10 pm
Agri-Civic Center
Polk County
Davenport
4th of July Celebration
July 4th: 4 pm – 9:45 pm
Lewis Mathews Sports Complex
Auburndale
4th of July Celebration
July 4th: 11 am – 9:30 pm Lake Ariana Park
Lakeland
Red, White & Kaboom
July 3rd: 6 pm – 9:30 pm
Lake Mirror Promenade
Red, White & Brew 5K
July 4th: Registration: 6 am
Race start: 7:04 am
Swan Brewing
Winter Haven
Red, White & Boom
July 3rd: Extended Park hours LEGOLAND
Bartow
Patriotic 4th of July Concert
July 4th: 2:30 pm
Bartow Adult Concert Band
Bartow Civic Center
Haines City
Thunder on the Ridge
July 4th
Lake Eva Park
Frostproof Celebrate America 250
July 4th: 10 am – 10 pm Lake Clinch
Lake Wales
Rockin’ the Ridge 4th of July Celebration
July 4th: 3 pm – 9:30 pm
Lake Wales Park
Independence Day at the Gardens
July 4th: 8 am – 5 pm Bok Tower Gardens
Lakeland Parade, circa 1924
Strawberry Festival Parade, circa 1976
oday, the Florida Heartland is home to more than 1.1 million residents (3/4 are in Polk County), blending agriculture, tourism, military heritage and rapidly growing communities. Yet despite that growth, many towns still hold tightly to the traditions that have defined the region for generations—faith, family, service, patriotism and community pride.
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Heartland residents are not simply celebrating the nation’s history. They are celebrating their own place within it. And across the region this summer, that story will unfold once again beneath waving flags, hometown parades, and fireworks lighting up the Heartland sky.
Polk County
Fort Meade
Established in 1849 as a military fort during the Seminole Wars; considered the oldest city in Polk County.
Lakeland
Founded in the 1880s along the South Florida Railroad; incorporated in 1885 and became one of Central Florida’s most important railroad and citrus hubs.
Hardee County
Wauchula
Developed from the Fort Hartsuff area in the 1850s; incorporated in 1902 and became the county seat.
Highlands County
Avon Park
Settled beginning in 1884; recognized as the oldest city in Highlands County.
Sebring
Founded in 1912 by Ohio developer George E. Sebring as a planned community; became the Highlands County seat and later internationally known for auto racing.
Lake Placid
Founded in the 1910s as the town of Lake Stearns; renamed Lake Placid in 1927 to promote tourism and agriculture. Known today for caladium farming and its colorful downtown murals.
Okeechobee County
Okeechobee
Grew around railroad and cattle activity in the late 1800s; became the county seat after the county formed in 1917.
DeSoto County
Arcadia
Founded in the 1880s along the Peace River and railroad routes; one of the oldest inland cattle towns in South Florida.
Glades County
Moore Haven
Established in the early 1900s on Lake Okeechobee and later became county seat.
Hendry County
LaBelle
Began as a river settlement along the Caloosahatchee in the late 1800s; one of the region’s oldest inland trading communities.
Clewiston
Founded in the 1920s during drainage and agricultural development around Lake Okeechobee; became a major sugar-producing center and is often called “America’s Sweetest Town.”
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By Rebecca Maglischo
As the dirt road comes to a dead end, I spot a simple sign proclaiming I have indeed arrived at HEART Village. I’m greeted by the loud barks of two Great Pyrenees, the crème de la crème of farm-protecting pups, and I see a large animal that kind of looks like a cow, or a bison, or some kind of hybrid. I later learn that this is Buford the Water Buffalo. Phil Murphy appears and points me into a parking spot. I join him in his golf cart, and we set off on what turns into an immersive adventure that takes me from Cambodia to Central America and many points in between. ▶
Photography by Lisa Taylor Hall
Every plant you see has a purpose,” Phil tells me. “It’s either human food, animal fodder, shade or erosion protection.” I quickly see that every inch of the property has a purpose, too. Pig sheds are compost bins, terraced hills expand planting areas, and a tilapia pond serves as duck pond as well as naturally fertilized water for gardens. HEART Village has been a fully regenerative farm since 2011 and provides close to 80% of the food consumed onsite by students, interns, staff and volunteers. But more importantly, this facility has been regenerating souls and challenging expectations for over 40 years. It’s the visible representation that every person, every soul is worthy, useful and created for purpose.
Phil Murphy arrived as a freshman at Warner Southern College (now Warner University) in the fall of 1980. He heard about a “debriefing meeting” for some students that had traveled internationally as part of a partnership between the college and Food for the Hungry, Inc. Phil was intrigued and decided to attend. The students, with the guidance of Professors Charlie Smith and Bob Clark, had left the previous spring to visit impoverished areas that lacked food security. In the meeting, these students shared the exciting parts, the unexpected parts and the life-changing parts of their trip. They expressed how completely unprepared they had been for the challenges of daily life in these locations. It seemed that precious time was lost just trying to acclimate and struggle through the days before they could begin the work they had come to accomplish. These honest conversations and humble admissions turned the debriefing meeting into an idea generation session, and Heart Village was born. ▶
Phil Murphy
HEART, Hunger Education and Resource Training, is a school for cross-cultural workers and missionaries. The campus is a functioning simulation of a real developingworld village with students, workers and volunteers from all over the world. HEART is a bridge between the nudge a person feels in their heart and the moment their boots actually hit the ground to do the work God has called them to do. Individuals arrive at this unique campus with the goal of gaining practical experience and functional knowledge before they enter the mission field. This goal is beautifully stated in the HEART mission: “To demonstrate and cultivate the good news of God’s love by educating, equipping and empowering people with practical skills in cultural adaptation, problem solving, and community development through experiential training, to serve the needs of the hungry and oppressed.”
In 1984, roughly four years after those honest meetings with the previous student missionaries, the first official class on the HEART campus began. Warner Southern College and Food for the Hungry, Inc had created a practical, genuine, and oftentimes challenging experience that has been changing lives for over 40 yrs now. Phil Murphy and his wife were amongst the first students, and within two years, they were residing in Haiti. The Murphys spent over 20 years loving and raising 54 children and sharing God’s love with the people in their Haitian community. They often lent strong backs and calloused hands, too! Returning to the States in 2007, Phil took the position of Executive Director of HEART in 2008.
HEART offers a variety of opportunities for churches, students, families, individuals, volunteers and the curious. The campus sits on 40 acres at the end of a dirt road that runs behind the Warner University campus. The housing—not very fancy by American standards and lacking amenities such as electricity, running water and bathrooms—would be luxurious in the developing world. For many in attendance, this might be their first experience using a composting toilet, fetching water, cooking in an outdoor brick and fire oven, planting food crops or stewarding animals. But these are the realities of daily life for most of the population of the world. As a matter of fact, most of the world’s food is produced on small farms that are less than five acres. ▶
Photos on this page
Village
It’s a big mind shift to travel to these impoverished areas,” Phil explains.
“A father might decide to feed his water buffalo or goat before his family. The animals are like a bank—a safety net—and that father knows that one day he might need to sell that animal in order to purchase life-saving medication for his wife or a better future for his daughter.”
HEART is a 501c3 that is “equipping people to empower the poor and embrace the lost.” The donors and volunteers are essential to the success and mission of those who attend training. The campus offers a 15-week and three-week course that is worth up to 18 college credits, and graduates of these programs can apply for internships. For those who are called to the mission field, these experiences are worth much more than college credits. Additionally,
HEART invites schools, homeschool groups, youth groups and mission groups to invest some time in free guided tours or a Mission Awareness Venture. These are personalized, tailored experiences to meet the learning and growth objectives set forth by the group leaders.
HEART is a place to step outside of day-to-day distractions and comforts. It’s a place to lean into challenges that force you to link hands with others through creative problem-solving and hands-in-thedirt effort. In the uncomfortable moment that a person wonders if they actually have what it takes, they humbly realize that without great faith and strong community, they simply do not. But that is where life change happens...right there, in the HEART.
-Phil Murphy
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Taylor & Dalton Sebring
By Abby Duke
On a quiet stretch of land between Fort Meade and Frostproof, where the road narrows and the landscape begins to roll in unexpected hills, there is a piece of property that has held years of family memories.
.
"I remember growing up and thinking, this would be so beautiful for a wedding," she said.
In March, that thought became reality when Taylor married Dalton Sebring on her aunt and uncle’s, Allison and John Stephens, land, trading a traditional venue for a place rooted in family, memory and meaning. The result was not just a wedding, but a day that unfolded with a sense of familiarity, intention and quiet significance.
It wasn't the easiest choice. But for Taylor and Dalton, it was the right one. ▶
Photography by Caroline Maxcy Fox
aylor, who grew up in Wauchula, and Dalton, a native of Sebring, met through mutual friends while attending the University of Florida. Years later, after getting engaged in the Florida Keys, they began planning a wedding that felt true to who they were.
Like many couples, they initially considered traditional venues. But something about them didn't quite fit. "I just knew it would mean more to me," Taylor said. "It's a place we've gone to as a family. I'll always be able to go back there and remember it."
Her aunt's property, hilly for Central Florida, with a wide-open field and a pond that reflects the sky, offered something venues could not: permanence. A connection to the past and a place that would still be theirs long after the day ended.
The decision came with trade-offs. Planning a wedding in an open field meant building everything from the ground up, literally.
Unlike a venue where details are pre-arranged, this wedding required coordination at every level. Dalton, his father and family friend Perry led weeks of work preparing the land, bringing in dirt, rebuilding the ceremony site and working to revive grass that a winter freeze had taken down to almost nothing. Taylor, alongside her aunt and cousin, managed vendors, logistics and design.
"You don't think about all the things," she said. "At a venue, everything's there. Out here, if something doesn't show up, like bathrooms, you're in trouble." But the work became part of the story.
Dalton and his father Randy, worked for weeks preparing the wedding venue
or months, Taylor and her family spent free days thrifting, pulling more than 200 mismatched decorative floral plates from shop bins and roadside stops to place at every setting across the reception. Her best friend, Gracie, painted a wagon for the flower girl and ring bearer to ride in down the aisle. Her grandfather officiated the ceremony.
And woven quietly through all of it was Taylor's mother, who passed away when Taylor was 15. A piece of lace cut from her mother's wedding dress was wrapped around her bouquet. Her mother's closest friends, many of whom were there that day, each wore a small ring in her memory. The women who had loved her mother showed up in blush and color, carrying that love into the celebration alongside everyone else. ▶
er aunt's land, a place Taylor had grown up coming to her whole life, held all of that history, too. Choosing it was never just about the view or the rolling hills. It was about being somewhere that already knew them. "I wanted everything to have a purpose," Taylor said.
When photographer Caroline Maxcy Fox arrived on the wedding day, she had never seen the property in person. But as she drove along the road and looked down over the hill, the setting revealed itself slowly and all at once.
"You look down this rolling hill, and it just opens up," Fox said. "You see the tent by the water, and it builds excitement as you come in."
The ceremony site sat along the water's edge. A sailcloth tent rose in the open field just behind it. Tall, dark wooden arch panels framed the entrance to the ceremony, draped in full, lush arrangements of deep pink, orange, yellow and blue. The florals continued down the length of the aisle on both sides, bold and vibrant against the bright green grass. Lanterns hung overhead. And beyond all of it, the pond stretched wide, the afternoon sky reflected across its surface, white clouds stacked high above the tree line on the far bank. ▶
Taylor with her Aunt Allison
ne unexpected feature became central to the day. With no trees on the open property, Fox had already been problem-solving. Then, pulling up to Taylor's aunt's house that morning, she spotted it: a large magnolia tree standing in the yard, its canopy full and shaded against the spring morning.
"With no trees out at the ceremony site, that magnolia became everything," Fox said. "It was the perfect place for their first look."
Beneath its branches, Taylor and Dalton exchanged their private vows, a quiet moment between just the two of them before the pace of the day took over completely. ▶
f the setting defined the wedding visually, the weather defined it emotionally.
It was windy, far more than anticipated. The property sat wide open with nothing to slow a gust, and by the time guests arrived, the flags at the tops of the sailcloth tent were pulling hard against a clear blue sky.
"It was out of control," Taylor said, laughing. "Flowers were flying off tables. Drinks were spilling. People were trying to eat, and food was literally blowing away."
But instead of detracting from the day, the wind became part of its character. Fox leaned into it from the start, her camera lens capturing the bride's dress lifting at the hem, the tent flags rippling, the florals shifting with each gust. "Let's make the wind romantic," she remembered thinking.
The result was a series of images that didn't feel staged, but alive. "It's one of those things you want to remember," Fox said. "Even the unexpected parts." Despite months of planning, Taylor said the day itself passed in a blur. "I feel like it lasted 30 minutes," she said.
Still, certain moments stood still.
aylor walked down the aisle on her father's arm, moving through the corridor of color that her florist Teresa had built on both sides, past rows of family and friends facing the water. When she reached the front and turned to face Dalton, the pond stretched out wide behind them, blue and bright, clouds rising above the tree line across the bank.
"I definitely had a lot of anxiety leading up to the ceremony," she said. "But I remember being at the ceremony, the water behind us, looking out and seeing all of Dalton's family in the front row. That was a moment I really remembered."
Her grandfather, officiating, added a layer of warmth and unpredictability to the ceremony, forgetting at one point to ask guests to sit. Someone in the crowd called out the reminder. Taylor smiled about it later. "It was cute because it was him," she said.
After the vows, as the reception filled with music and movement under the tent, the wind kept on. Guests lined their trucks along the side of the tent to block the gusts. Family members who had spent months helping build the day moved through the crowd. Children danced. Dalton, who’d had one clear request throughout the planning, had made sure they were there. "He really wanted kids there," Taylor said. "He said they bring life to it. And they did." ▶
Taylor's father, Travis walks her down the isle.
s the sun dropped toward the horizon, Fox led Taylor and Dalton away from the tent and walked them along the water. They wandered until the last light was gone. "There's just a different kind of joy after the ceremony," Fox said. "They're relaxed. It's all done. You can see it in their faces."
For Taylor, the goal was never perfection. It was feeling. "I just wanted it to be bright and happy and fun," she said. "That's what people remember—the time they had." Even the details most guests never noticed—the thrifted plates, the painted wagon, the lace tucked into her bouquet—contributed to something larger. A warmth that ran through the whole day and made it feel entirely theirs. "It just felt like us," she said.
Taylor received her wedding photos midflight on the way home from her honeymoon. She bought the in-flight Wi-Fi to open them. "I didn't realize how beautiful it all came together until I saw the photos," she said. "On that day, between everything happening, I didn't get to fully appreciate it."
Fox hopes that feeling carries forward for decades to come. "I want them to look back and feel that joy," she said. "Not something staged, but something real. Comfortable. Easy."
That ease, she said, defined Taylor and Dalton from the start. "They're just uncomplicated together," Fox said. "You can see it." Choosing family land over a venue required more work, more coordination and more uncertainty. But it also created something a venue never could.
Now, the place where Taylor once stood as a little girl imagining a wedding holds a new memory, one she and Dalton can return to again and again. The pond is still there. The hills still roll in that surprising way. And somewhere in the yard, the magnolia tree still stands.
"I'll always be able to go back there and say, this is where we got married," she said. And that, more than anything, was the point. Not to create something extravagant. But to choose a place that already meant something and let it become part of their story.
I remember growing up and thinking, this would be so for a
-Taylor Sebring
A THROUGH THE
AT THE MOTE
SCIENCE EDUCATION AQUARIUM
By Bridgette Waldau
Over ten years ago, my husband James and I were invited by our friends, Karen and Denis Wyssbrod who lived in Port Charlotte, to join them on a day trip to the old Mote Aquarium at City Island. We had a great time, and I was amazed at all the aquatic life. When asked to do a day trip story on the new Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA), I not only jumped at the chance but invited our friends to join us. In 2019, Karen and Denis had relocated to Lakewood Ranch, close to the location site of Mote SEA. During our many visits with them, we watched the construction of the new aquarium unfold and now looked forward to seeing the finished project. ▶
Photos Courtesy of Bridgette Waldau, Karen Wyssbrod and Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Mote Science Education Aquarium at Nathan Benderson Park
ote Marine Laboratory’s massive new $132 million Science and Education Aquarium finally opened its doors to the public at Nathan Benderson Park in October 2025. This 146,000-square-foot facility serves as a major expansion of the original Mote Aquarium and is located near the University Town Center in Sarasota. Mote SEA has quickly become one of Southwest Florida’s most exciting family-friendly attractions.
The Mote SEA is the evolution of the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, an organization that has been dedicated to marine research and education since 1955. In the works for about 15 years, the new facility was designed to create larger habitats, more interactive exhibits and expanded educational opportunities. The aquarium includes advanced STEM teaching labs, immersive exhibits and habitats for hundreds of marine species.
A visit to Mote SEA is far more than a typical afternoon attraction. It is an immersive experience that blends entertainment, education, conservation and amazement. From the moment you approach the modern building, which rises like a wave into the sky, it is clear this is not simply an aquarium filled with tanks of fish — it is a celebration of marine science and the beauty of the ocean world.
As we drove into the parking lot, the aquarium’s striking architecture immediately caught our attention. The sleek curves and bright exterior give the impression of a futuristic marine center, setting the tone for what we were about to experience inside. ▶
Previous Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium at City Island
North American River Otter
Snap Turtle
Manatee
pon entering the aquarium, we were welcomed into a spacious and brightly lit atrium. One of the first things I noticed is the aquarium’s focus on education. Informational displays are integrated throughout the building, allowing guests to learn not only about marine animals but also about conservation efforts, habitat preservation and ongoing scientific research.
We began our journey by heading up a very tall three-story escalator to the top floor. Once there, we went onto an outer terrace that housed playful river otters, majestic manatees, snapping turtles and coastal fish.
The manatees were in the process of being fed, and lettuce was their meal of choice. Florida’s gentle sea cows are among the state’s most beloved marine animals, and seeing them up close was special. The manatees moved slowly and peacefully through the water and approached the glass as if greeting us personally. The aquarium also emphasizes the importance of protecting manatees from environmental threats, boat strikes and habitat loss.
As we moved around inside the third floor, we passed a virtual reality area. You can experience virtual reality cinema, featuring 360-degree views, sounds and movement. You can explore nine different experiences, such as swimming with humpback whales, gliding along with sea turtles and coming eye to eye with a giant squid. There is also another outside terrace offering scenic, panoramic views of Nathan Benderson Park and the surrounding area. ▶
Karen and Denis at the state-of-the-art Veterinary Clinic
Virtual reality experience area
Karen at one of the many informational displays.
eading down to the second story, we entered the shark exhibits. The shark exhibits are among the aquarium’s popular areas, and we were not disappointed. Large viewing windows provide close-up views of graceful sharks, as well as other marine life, gliding through crystal-clear water. The bottom of the tank went down forever and looked like the bottom of the ocean. Watching these creatures move effortlessly through the tanks was both heart-stopping and calming. I was amazed by how elegant the sharks appear in person, contradicting their fearsome reputation.
Mote has long been known for shark research, a legacy that dates to founder Dr. Eugenie Clark (1922–2015), famously known as “The Shark Lady.” Over her remarkable 72-year career she was a pioneering American ichthyologist known for her groundbreaking research on shark behavior and marine conservation. As the founder of the Mote Marine Laboratory (1955), she dispelled myths about sharks being "dumb killers." She proved they were intelligent and trainable. She was a trailblazer for women in marine science.
In the same shark tank, a sea turtle swam by. Watching a rescued turtle swim gracefully by was like a moving painting and reminded us of the conservation work being done. Educational signs explain how pollution, fishing gear and coastal development affect turtle populations. The aquarium succeeds in inspiring both appreciation and responsibility, especially regarding how human actions impact ocean ecosystems.
Section of an educational mural dedicated to the "Shark Lady," Dr. Eugenie Clark
Young girl looks at the "Genie Book," an interactive, animated exhibit that brings the handwritten field notes and sketches of Mote’s founder, Dr. Eugenie Clark, to life.
Loggerhead Sea Turtle
ack down on the first floor was another sensational experience in a sea of blue.
Remember the bottom of the ocean we saw in the shark tank on the second floor? Now we were down there in the glass tunnel looking at sea life swimming above and all around us. It is hard to describe the feeling you have when a massive shark passes by you and a stingray smiles at you. ▶
Bridgette looking up at a shark.
Denis and James looking in the glass tunnel of sea life.
Laboratory where Mote SEA breeds, raises, and cares for its own marine jelly collections. A little seahorse was also spotted.
ne of the most beautiful exhibits features jellyfish, illuminated by colorful lighting. Their slow, drifting movements create a spellbinding atmosphere. I found myself pausing quietly in front of the tanks, captivated by the delicate beauty of these beautiful creatures. Nearby, vibrant coral reef exhibits showcase tropical fish darting among colorful underwater landscapes, recreating the beauty of the ocean floor.
The aquarium’s interactive areas are especially engaging for children, as well as adults. Touch tanks allow you to gently interact with certain marine creatures under staff supervision. Digital exhibits and experiences create opportunities for hands-on learning, teaching lessons about marine ecosystems.
For me, what makes Mote SEA particularly impressive is its strong connection to scientific research. This is nothing like entertainment-focused aquariums. We observed working laboratories and educational spaces where researchers and students can study marine biology, ecology and ocean technology. Interactive displays explain how scientists monitor red tide, restore coral reefs, and rehabilitate injured marine animals. This educational component transforms the aquarium from a passive attraction into an inspiring learning environment.
The atmosphere throughout the aquarium is both relaxing and exciting. Soft lighting, calming water features and thoughtfully designed exhibits create a peaceful environment. We were able to move slowly through the galleries, taking time to appreciate the beauty and diversity of marine life. You can spend hours exploring the exhibits because there is always something new to discover around every corner. I would guess that the thousands of marine animals that moved from the old Mote are happy with their new home.
As we left the aquarium through the gift store, I had to make a purchase – a mesmerizing jellyfish mood lamp and Bluetooth speaker. Proceeds from the Mote SEA gift shop directly supports the marine science, research and conservation efforts of the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. Now, I can listen to music or soft ocean sounds while watching a floating, colorful jellyfish, knowing I gave a little to support marine science.
Visiting Mote SEA gave me a renewed fascination about marine life and created a lasting memory that reflects the magic and importance of the underwater world, and sharing the day with friends made it even more special. I see many more visits in the future.
Bridgette at a touch tank "petting" an Atlantic Stingray
Indo-Pacific Reef experience
the Mote SEA is where
COMES ALIVE
"The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever."
— Jacques Cousteau
(L-R): Denis & Karen Wyssbrod and Bridgette & James Waldau
FAMILY SUMMER ADVENTURES ON
Peace River
By Bridgette Waldau
Summer on Florida’s Peace River is packed with adventures for kids who love the outdoors. Flowing through the heart of old Florida, the Peace River offers families a chance to unplug from screens and explore nature together. From paddling under towering cypress trees to searching for prehistoric shark teeth, the river has become one of the state’s favorite destinations for family-friendly fun. Whether families visit for a single afternoon or an entire weekend, there are countless ways children can enjoy the Peace River during summer vacation. ▶
ne of the most popular activities for kids on the Peace River is fossil hunting. The river is famous for its prehistoric treasures buried beneath the sandy riverbed. Families often spend hours sifting through gravel bars looking for fossilized shark teeth, stingray mouth plates and even ancient mammal bones. The Peace River cuts through fossil-rich layers that date back millions of years, making it one of the best fossil-hunting locations in Florida.
Both kids and adults especially love the excitement of finding something ancient hidden in the sand. Even tiny discoveries can feel like buried treasure. Many visitors bring sifters and small shovels, while guided tours often provide equipment and help children identify their finds. Some families even frame their shark teeth after returning home. Guided fossil excursions along the river are designed for beginners and can turn an ordinary summer day into a real-life treasure hunt.
anoeing and kayaking are another favorite way for families to experience the Peace River. The river is known for its slow-moving current and calm waters, making it ideal for beginners and younger paddlers. Families glide quietly through shaded stretches lined with moss-covered oak trees and cypress forests. Along the way, you can spot turtles sunning on logs, wading birds hunting fish or fish jumping from the dark water.
Many outfitters along the river rent canoes and kayaks for half-day or full-day adventures. Some trips include shuttle services that allow families to float downstream at a relaxed pace without worrying about paddling back upstream. For older kids and adventurous families, overnight camping trips along the river are also available. Spending the night on a riverside sandbar under the stars can become summer memories children never forget. ▶
wimming and floating in shallow areas of the river also provides hours of entertainment during Florida’s hot summer months. Families can enjoy splashing in sandy shallows, floating on tubes and cooling off in the refreshing water. Since some parts of the river remain shallow for long stretches, younger children can safely wade and play while parents supervise nearby. Families often stop at sandbars for picnics, games and snack breaks before continuing downriver.
Families can enjoy fishing together on the Peace River, where one can catch bass, bluegill, catfish and other freshwater species. Even children who have never fished before can quickly learn the basics along the calm shoreline. Fishing from a canoe or riverside dock adds excitement, and catching a first fish often becomes one of the highlights of summer vacation.
ildlife watching is another exciting activity for children visiting the Peace River. The river ecosystem is filled with fascinating animals. Great blue herons stalk fish near the shoreline, osprey circle overhead and turtles drift quietly through the water. Lucky visitors might even see river otters or deer near the banks. Alligators also live in the Peace River, which adds a sense of adventure for kids, though families are encouraged to observe wildlife from a safe distance and follow all safety guidelines.
Birdwatching can become a fun activity for children who enjoy nature. Parents often bring binoculars or field guides to help spot different species during a paddle trip. Summer mornings are especially active, with birds filling the riverbanks with calls and movement. Children may discover a new appreciation for wildlife after spending time exploring the river.
Photography can become another fun summer activity along the river. Instead of playing on their phones, children can use them to take pictures of wildlife, sunsets, fossils or funny moments during canoe trips. Waterproof phone cases or even disposable cameras allow children to document their adventures and create their own summer scrapbook afterward. ▶
is a learning experience an opportunity to discover Florida’s history and geology. The river has long been important to Native American tribes and early settlers. Spanish explorers called it “Río de la Paz.” Kids are exploring an area filled with stories from Florida’s past. Parents can turn the trip into an outdoor classroom by teaching children about prehistoric animals, river ecosystems and conservation.
The Peace River encourages creativity and imagination. A simple paddle trip can suddenly feel like an expedition into the wilderness. Children pretend to be explorers, paleontologists or adventurers searching for hidden treasure. Without the distractions of television or video games, kids often become more curious about the natural world around them.
Safety remains important during any trip to the Peace River. Families should bring sunscreen, bug spray, drinking water, hats and water shoes. River conditions can change depending on rainfall, and adults should always supervise children near the water. Many experienced fossil hunters recommend visiting during periods of lower water levels for easier fossil hunting and safer exploring.
What makes the Peace River special is that it combines fun, adventure, education, and nature into one unforgettable experience. Kids spend the day making memories with family and friends. In a world filled with busy schedules and electronic distractions, the Peace River gives children a chance to experience the outdoors in a hands-on and exciting way.
For kids, summer on the Peace River is more than just a vacation activity — it is an unforgettable adventure waiting to happen.
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Celebrate the 4th of July With a Summer Shrimp Boil
A shrimp boil is the perfect centerpiece for an outdoor event, bringing people together with a casual, festive atmosphere and plenty of flavor. Served on long tables lined with paper, the steaming mix of shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage creates a fun, hands-on dining experience that guests of all ages can enjoy. Whether it’s a backyard gathering, family reunion, or summer celebration, a shrimp boil adds a relaxed coastal charm that makes any outdoor occasion feel memorable and inviting
I am happy to share a summertime classic shrimp boil recipe that everyone will love, as well as side dishes, dessert and drink recipes to go along with the meal. ▶
By Cindy Sebring Adams
Shrimp Boil
A summertime classic shrimp boil that everyone loves. Serve with lemon wedges and hot sauce!
1 12-oz package andouille or kielbasa sausage, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
2 pounds unpeeled large shrimp
BUTTER MIXTURE
½ cup unsalted butter
1 tbsp. Louisiana style hot sauce
1 ¼ tsp. Old Bay seasoning
INSTRUCTIONS
Combine 10 cups water, beer, Zatarain's Crawfish, Shrimp & Crab Boil, hot sauce, onion, lemon, garlic and bay leaf in a large stockpot or 9-qt Dutch oven over medium heat.
Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, until flavors have blended, about 10 minutes.
Stir in potatoes; reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Stir in corn and sausage; reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are just tender, about 10 minutes.
Stir in shrimp and cook, stirring occasionally, until pink and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes; drain well. Serve immediately with butter mixture.
BUTTER MIXTURE
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, hot sauce and Old Bay seasoning. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes..
Cajun Hush Puppy
This easy Cajun hush puppy recipe has just a few ingredients and will be ready in minutes. Lively spices, onion and peppers make them amazing to go with your Shrimp Boil. For extra flavor serve with a Cajun dipping sauce
INGREDIENTS
1½ cups self-rising cornmeal mix
¼ cup self-rising flour
2 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. Cajun Seasoning
2 tbsp. onion, grated
1 egg, room temperature, slightly beaten
½ cup buttermilk
2 tbsp. bell pepper, finely diced (or other type pepper of choice)
¼-½ tsp. cayenne pepper, optional
Vegetable oil, enough for 1½ inches of depth
INSTRUCTIONS
Mix all dry ingredients.
Add remaining ingredients and stir just until well blended.
Heat oil to 350 degrees.
Drop batter by 1½ Tablespoons into hot oil.
Cook about 2 minutes, stirring to evenly brown all sides.
Remove with slotted spoon to drain on paper towels.
In a small bowl combine the sour cream, lemon, honey, and cajun seasoning. Serve with the hush puppies. ▶
Creamy Creole Coleslaw
Creamy coleslaw with hints of The Holy Trinity and Creole seasonings!
INGREDIENTS
7 oz. shredded cabbage
¼ cup onion, finely chopped
¼ cup bell pepper, finely chopped
¼ cup celery, finely chopped
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. creole seasoning
1 tsp. hot sauce red pepper sauce (Louisiana Hot Sauce)
¼ tsp. cayenne pepper salt to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Place shredded cabbage in large mixing bowl; add chopped onion, celery and bell pepper; set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, creole seasoning, hot sauce and cayenne.
Pour over cabbage mix; combine well, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Garlic French Bread
French bread, butter, fresh garlic, garlic powder, Parmesan and parsley. It’s so simple and so ridiculously good.
INGREDIENTS
Loaf of French bread
1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, cut into chunks
1 large clove garlic
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp. minced fresh parsley
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Soften the butter in the microwave in short increments.
Grate the garlic directly into the butter.
Add the garlic powder, Parmesan, and parsley; stir to combine. If it’s too runny, just pop it in the fridge for a minute.
Cut the bread in half and spread with a thick layer of the butter mixture.
Bake for 9-10 minutes in the middle of the oven. Add an extra 1-2 minutes if you want more browning.
Remove from the oven, cut into slices and serve. ▶
Strawberry Shortcake
This cake is everything you could ever want in a summer cake. It’s super simple to make, easy to prep ahead and combines simple flavors that pretty much everyone loves. Like…what’s not to like about strawberries and whipped cream? Especially when it’s atop a delicious vanilla cake?
INGREDIENTS
2 cups all-purpose flour
4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold
1 cup milk
demerara sugar, for topping (optional)
FOR THE TOPPING
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 pint fresh strawberries, rinsed and cut into thin slices
2 tbsp. granulated sugar (or to taste!)
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch round pan with parchment paper on the bottom and generously grease the sides with cooking spray or butter. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl combine the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Mix to combine.
Cut the cold butter into small pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture starts to clump together.
Make a well in the center and add the milk and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
Transfer the batter to your prepared pan, using a rubber spatula to spread the batter into an even layer. If desired, top with demerara sugar (I highly recommend).
Bake for 35 minutes or until a knife inserted into the middle comes out mostly clean. Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool for 15 minutes before running a butter knife along the edge of the cake and turning it out of the pan. Allow to cool completely before topping.
Once the cake is cool, make the whipped cream and prep the strawberries. Place the sliced strawberries in a medium bowl with the sugar and stir to combine. Cover and set aside.
Beat the heavy cream in a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until soft peaks form and the whipped cream holds its shape. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. When ready to serve, spoon the whipped cream over the top of the cake and top with the strawberries!
Watermelon Cocktail
Hello, summertime. This delicious cocktail really is the epitome of summer. I love the fresh flavors, and I have been all about the watermelon, lately.
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup chilled watermelon juice
1/4 cup vodka, may choose not to add and make it a mocktail.
2 tsp. fresh lime juice, about 1/2 lime
1 tsp. agave nectar, honey or maple syrup for added sweetness
fresh mint, lime wedges and small watermelon wedges, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
Add watermelon juice, vodka, lime juice, and your choice of sweetener syrup to a rocks or cocktail glass then stir to combine. Fill glass to the top with ice then serve with fresh mint and garnish with a lime wedge or watermelon wedge. Alternatively, you could add the ingredients into a shaker, fill it halfway up with ice, then shake to chill.
If you like your drink fizzy, feel free to top it off with about 2 ounces of club soda or even Sprite.
Rom-Com
Meet
Author Christy Swift at the Hollywood Hookup Book Signing
A blindfolded woman with a secret past reaches out in the dark, determined not to win a celebrity dating show. She can’t afford to be thrust into the limelight and have her identity exposed. Luckily, she has a plan. If the contestant in front of her is wearing a scarf, she’ll know it’s her celebrity crush Sean O’Sullivan, and she’ll guess wrong on purpose. If he isn’t, she’ll guess Sean and be eliminated anyway. Simple. Foolproof. Until her hand lands on bare skin instead. Shirtless contestants. National television. Instant chaos.
Welcome to Hollywood Hookup — Christy Swift’s hilarious, heartwarming, geek-culture-infused new romantic comedy that is turning heads far beyond Florida’s Heartland.
n Saturday, June 13 from 1 to 2:30 p.m., Swift will celebrate the launch of her newest novel at the Lake Placid Memorial Library, where readers will have the chance to meet the author, hear behind-the-scenes stories, ask questions, and get signed copies of her book.
Published by Hachette Forever — one of the nation’s major publishing houses — Hollywood Hookup is the companion novel to Swift’s breakout debut Celebrity Crush. The new book follows Josie, a former child star hiding from her past, who unexpectedly finds herself thrust back into the spotlight when she catches the eye of the captain on a sci-fi-themed celebrity dance show.
For longtime Heartland LIVING readers, Swift’s success story feels personal. Before becoming a traditionally published novelist, she spent years writing and editing for Heartland LIVING Magazine and previously wrote features for Highlands Today. Her gift for telling authentic stories about real people now shines through in her fiction.
“I think meeting people and hearing their stories always enriches your fiction,” Swift said. “People are full of surprises and inspiration.”
What begins as an attempt to keep secrets turns into a funny, unpredictable, and surprisingly touching story about second chances, fandom, reinvention and romance.
“It’s kind of like two grown-up theater kids falling in love,” Swift said during a recent interview. “It’s very quirky, very funny … but also touching because she’s in hiding for something she did in the past, and he tries to help her face that and become her authentic self again.”
Does his help work? Is she successful? The answer awaits readers in the pages of Hollywood Hookup.
That authenticity may explain why readers connect so deeply with her heroines. Swift’s characters aren’t polished stereotypes. They’re funny, flawed, intelligent women navigating complicated lives, careers, motherhood, fresh starts, heartbreak and hope — themes that resonate whether you’re 18 or 80.
“Real people are more fun and interesting than stereotypes,” Swift explained. “Everyone is flawed.”
Swift herself knows something about balancing creativity with real life. A recently single mother of four daughters, she spent years building her writing career while freelancing, raising children, and carving out precious weekends to write novels in borrowed guest rooms.
“I think a lot of us experience impostor syndrome,” she said. “But I would encourage other women to silence that voice and just go for it.” ▶
hat message of pursuing dreams early or later in life is woven throughout Hollywood Hooku. The novel celebrates fan culture, creativity and the idea that a first or second act doesn’t have an expiration date.
Teaching English in Spain and Mexico helped Swift create the authentic, emotionally rich characters that bring her novels to life.
Swift’s inspirations also came during the isolation of COVID, when she and her daughters bingewatched Marvel movies and immersed themselves in behind-the-scenes Hollywood interviews and the fan community. Her books are packed with playful pop-culture references, sci-fi nods and even Hamilton Easter eggs that theater fans will adore.
The result is what one reviewer called “quirky, geeky-reference fun with a capital F.”
Another praised the novel’s blend of romance and mystery, complete with bizarre comedy involving a stolen George Washington hat from Hamilton and “the puppet.” Yes — there’s apparently a puppet. Readers will understand when they get there.
But beyond the humor, the June 13th event also celebrates something deeper: community.
The Lake Placid Memorial Library and Friends of the Library organization hope the event introduces new generations to the library’s programs and beautiful garden gathering space.
“We thought a book signing would be a good way to bring people into the library,” said Fran Colley of the Friends of the Lake Placid Memorial Library. “Christy is vivacious, and I think people will really enjoy her.”
Colley hopes the event attracts longtime readers, younger audiences and anyone who simply enjoys an uplifting afternoon surrounded by books, laughter and community spirit.
And Swift remembers firsthand how much local support meant during the launch of her first novel at the Blueberry Patch, sponsored by Heartland LIVING Magazine.
“I had a line out the door, we sold out, and I didn’t stop signing books the whole time,” she recalled. “It meant so much to have my community supporting me.”
Since then, Swift’s literary journey is starting to explode. She’s appeared on Daytime TV, served as a panelist at Tampa Bay Comic-Con, moderated author events, taught writing workshops, and met bestselling authors across the country. Yet her roots remain firmly planted in Highlands County.
That hometown connection may be exactly what makes this launch special.
Because somewhere between the shirtless celebrity contestants, awkward flirtation, Hamilton references, and laugh-out-loud comedy, Hollywood Hookup also reminds readers that dreams can begin in small towns, libraries still matter, and it’s never too late to reinvent yourself.
To hear a funny story from the book at the event, “Ask me about Josie's most embarrassing moment—the Mexican bus scene. That really happened to me!” said Swift.
Christy Swift’s Hollywood Hookup launch event takes place Saturday, June 13, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the newly renovated Lake Placid Memorial Library garden area. Books, supplied by the Blueberry Patch, will be available for purchase and signing. Readers who already own copies are encouraged to bring them for autographs.
