Central Florida Books

Book contains p[lenty of good solid info which is reliable. Print is large enough so that you dont have to stain your eyes to read so therefore it is good for older folks who love gardening and are perhaps retiring to Florida and want info for the area.

Really good information as to what will grow in Central Florida. Good map outlining the hardiness for plants. Describes native plants very well. Tells about the strange lack of rainfall in the Spring. Good for anyone living in Central Florida.

This was for my daughter, a new resident of Florida. She was very excited about the book and is looking forward to trying out many of the suggestions.

This is an excellent book to have on your book shelf. I work out in the landscape and this book is an excellent refrence book to have around. The only one thing that I would of liked to of seen is a little larger pictures with more detail, but this is not enough of a problem to drop a star rating. I am from London, England and the soil there is nothing like the soil here in Florida. I moved from there to Washington DC, the soil there is different too. So moving here was a whole new ball game...sandy soil where nutrients wont hold to well is where you need to know what will grow here and what to do, this book has it.

The book I've been looking for. Living in central Florida poses a challenge to landscaping. This book is informative, current and a major help in deciding how to do what you wanted to do with your property. It has become my guide to planning and planting for beauty and value.
I highly recommend this publication.

If you want to know more about architecture in the Caribbean, you have to read this book!

Through his work at la Marina, Casa de Campo, Gian Franco Fini captures the essence of refined architecture with a perfect air of Caribbean elegance.

This is a book about one of those magical places that once you get there you don't want to leave. It's in the path of boats coming from Miami to the West Indies and is the place to see in the Caribbean before you die. Casa de Campo is the Caribbean most complete resort by far where any possible hobby in the world could practiced at world renowned conditions -besides skiing, except if you change it for water-sky-. The book about the Casa de Campo's Marina is definitely a 5 start in class, quality and content. This is the real thing in Caribbean Elegance and Luxury where you'll be able to find some of the most exclusive houses in the region.

This is the only book available about Marinas from an architectural standpoint. Blueprints, sketches and more than 300 full-color pictures are a never ending source for one of the most luxurious approach to Caribbean Architecture. It's about the renowned Marina at Casa de Campo, La Romana, Dominican Republic and is a must for anyone willing see from the inside out as many options as possible to recreate a tropical paradise despite if it's and apartment or a houses under 2,000 sqf or a masterpiece above 20,000 sqf.
In contrast with W.R. Blain's book for "Marina Developments" -That is an excellent and maybe the only book about Marinas from a structural standpoint- this one is an architectural approach to Marinas and all the elements around it such as Yacht Club, Apartments, Houses, Restaurants and all related services. It's full of details and references in a text that is catchy and easy to read. My only concern was that I thought it was pricy in the first place despite that it was printed and bounded in Italy, but Blain's book is above the $250 and this one is more related to interior design and architecture so it's worth 5 out 5 starts.

Keys Cuisine is one of the five best Florida/Gulf Coast cookbooks out there. Well, that's my opinion. I've been updating my Amazon "So You'd Like to Guides" and I have one on Key Lime Pie. Take a look at it if you want. Anyway, I've included fifty cookbooks (the maximum Amazon will allow) in all my guides, so I've had a chance to go through my collection. And quite a collection it is, I've got hundreds of cookbooks and I go through them all the time. That's my problem, how to organize them. While going through what I wanted to include in my guides, I started separating them into piles, the ones I couldn't live without and the ones, if I absolutely had to, I could give away as gifts, you know, like if we moved into a very small place.

Keys Cuisine is one I could never part with. I love the food and the atmosphere of Florida and the Gulf Coast, have spent a lot of time there, as I'm a sailing lady. I'm also somewhat of a gourmet chef. I spend a lot of time in the kitchen, or galley, depending if I'm at home in the States or on our boat in the Caribbean. The recipes here will make your family, or even just yourself, if you live alone, drool. They are mouthwatering good and that's the truth.

Review submitted by Captain Katie Osborne

I used the recipe for " Manny's Key Lime Pie" p.189 All seemed to be going well - the key lime mixture tasted great. Problem was that the directions said to "beat the egg yolks and condensed milk until creamy". It did not say to cook it. I thought this was problematic. All those eggs yolks should have been cooked, not just beaten. I followed the book instructions and only cooked it when I had made the meringue and placed it on top. I cooked it for the required 5 minutes but it was still very liquidy. I have it in the freezer right now and am hoping that it works. Did you miss in the recipe ? Should it have been cooked instead of beaten ???

I found this to be the ultimate way to "eat" my way up and down the Florida Keys. Then to be able to take the flavors with me and prepare them at home is a real treat.

This is an awesome cookbook! If you are interested in adding fish to your diet in unique ways, this cookbook is a must-have! There are also tons of other recipes, including a whole chapter devoted to key limes, and the recipes are well written and easy to follow. I have eaten at Marker 88,home of one of the featured chefs in the book, and the recipe for Andre's Snapper Rangoon is to die for! I find the recipes very innovative and delicious!

Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views

Although Hart's cookbook incorporates Central Florida's regional foods, I found that I am able to get the majority of the ingredients in Texas - even Key Limes. I only found one item, Wood Duck, that is solely regional, but Hart gives the option to substitute Quail or Cornish Hen.

Perusing "The Bounty of Central Florida" my attention was drawn to Key Lime Cheesecake. It is rich, but light, and full of flavor. The Pecan Crust makes an ideal base for this cheesecake. The Best Flaky Pie Crust is short and browns well, however, makes a larger batch than indicated. For brunch, the Low Fat Blueberry Coffee Cake is ideal and goes well with a freshly brewed cup of coffee. The Chiffon Cake took be me back to my childhood when my mother made one for every Sunday. Rich and creamy is the Hollandaise Sauce and very easy because it's made in a blender giving it a guaranteed smooth texture.

"The Bounty of Central Florida" has easy step-by-step directions to follow and majority of the ingredients can be found in most kitchens. The pages are glossy and easy to wipe and the center has wonderful colored photos of many of the dishes. "The Bounty of Central Florida" is a must for anyone who enjoys simple cooking with an elegant flare.

The Bounty Of Central Florida by central Florida resident and kitchen cook Valerie Hart showcases almost 300 regional recipes highlighting the bounty that would grace any table and make any dining occasion a special event. From Muscadine Jam with Marsala; Jalapeno Corn Bread; Apple-Cranberry-Pecan Bread; and Crab Filled Artichokes; to Baked Wood Duck with Tangelos and Bananas; Fried Turkey Breast Blackman; Chet Blackman's Bodacious Barbecued Venison; and Beer Battered Fried Catfish, The Bounty Of Central Florida is a completely "kitchen friendly" compendium of wonderful recipes showing off the best of what central Florida has to offer the rest of the country.

Some of the world's best cooks live in Florida and as someone who has sampled delicious recipes at the homes of Southern women, I must say they have taught me a great deal about cooking. Valerie Hart's Cookbooks are a warm reminder of the time I spent in Florida and in her new cookbook, she also includes tempting pictures.

Her first cookbook, "The New Tradition Cookbook" is a true culinary classic and in this book the pictures reveal the sophistication and elegance in table settings and gourmet presentation. The picture of an entire table of deserts made with care made me feel a little nostalgic. Strawberry Pie, Chocolate Angel Food Cake and Citrus Sunshine Cake would be perfect to make for a Summer Tea Party.

The Bounty of Central Florida is not only unique because it is written by Valerie Hart, Food Writer and Restaurant Critic, it is unique in the way it is organized. The recipes are organized by favorite foods. Chapters include recipes for Bananas, Berries, Grapes, Kumquats, Citrus, Corn, Mushrooms, Pecans, Fish, Crab, Shrimp, Duck, Quail, Shrimp, Turkey, Venison and yes, Alligator Tail.

Delicious Recipes Include:

Banana Bourbon Bread Pudding
Berry Trifle
Strawberry Cassis Jam
Muscadine Jam with Marsala
Kumquat Chutney
Lemon Curd
Key Lime Pie and Key Lime Cheesecake
Corn and Shrimp Chowder
Portobello Bruschetta
Fried Zucchini Blossoms
Crab and Shrimp in Filo
Shrimp Kebab
Duck in Thyme
Game Hen with Tarragon
Alligator with Shallots and Thyme
Venison Ragoût

Sophisticated and often dreamily gourmet, these recipes all have the comfort of home with the feeling of having discovered a cooking treasure! Finally, a recipe for Plum Pudding! There is also an easy recipe for Ganache Frosting and a delicious recipe for Beer Battered Fried Catfish.

~The Rebecca Review

If you are interested in the rural poor of Latin America, or have anything to do with Panama and improvement projects here, this is the bible. I have been in areas like the ones the author describes in her book, and even as a Panamanian, I was appalled to see how poor the poor can be. Evertyhing Rudolf said is true. Even so, the humanity she portrays in the lives of her characters, prevent them from being caricatures. They are real people, living their lives.

The community of Loma Bonita comes to life for the reader and we begin to understand how the rural poor live in Panama, who they are, and the forms of human agency they have. Rudolf has an informed view, after spending more than twenty years interacting with the community of Loma Bonita. Highly recommended.

Rudolf gives us a unique look at the forgotten voices of Panamanian politics, society and culture. In the 1980s, we were led to believe that somehow, someway Panamanians were not well-suited for democracy. In Panama's Poor, we learn that the weak and poor of Panama have been struggling for a voice for countless years. When much of the writing on Panama focuses on the United States, the Canal and the elite in Panama City, Rudolf opens our eyes to what we should really be looking at: the authentic Panamanain.

We took this book on our return trip to Disney. We hadn't been there in 6 yrs and didn't want to miss anything that was added since our last trip. This book was great! It had information on everything from how to get there, where to stay,getting familiar with the area, dining out, all about Disney, exploring the rest of Orlando, and Orlando nightlife. It finishes up with 2 top ten lists, "Top ten cheap alternatives to the parks." and "Top ten fitness activities". It had an adult review and a child's review of everything. It had several game plans for seeing everything you want to see, including how to take advantage of fastpasses and what were the peak times in each part of the parks, restaurant reviews and prices, everything. It wasn't just a book about Disney. When we say it had everything, we mean it! We highly recommend this book for getting the most out of your vacation to Florida.

Living only two hours away from Disney, we visit the Orlando area attractions several times a year, so this book is the perfect companion for getting the most out of each trip. Not only does it include the most up-to-date information on the Magic Kingdom, it also covers Animal Kingdom, Universal Studios, Epcot -- even the non-Disney parks and nightlife and dining. (After all, the trip isn't just for the kids!) The writing is easy to read, entertaining and clear, too. A definite must for anyone planning a daytrip, a weeklong vacation or a monthlong holiday.

Jim and Cynthia did an absolutely fantastic job on this publication. I have read many reviews and help books and this one is, hands down, the best one ever. The writing style is phonomenal as well as it provides much insight on Florida, Disney, attractions......anything you want to know is in this book in a very in-depth, easy-to-follow, and fun manner.

An asset to any traveller, Disney fanatic, travel researcher...this book has endless uses.

I would highly recommend this book to everyone and everyone whether you are travelling or not.

Fantastic! 10/10

This is a hiking guide that has it all. Not only does it give clear directions on how to find the trails and precise information such as length and degree of difficulty, it includes lyrical narratives of the beautiful and interesting sights you will see as you hike.
For those who think of Central Florida as a land of theme parks and T-shirt shops, this book will open their eyes to the natural beauty that still exists, just minutes away from the tourist attractions.

This book is a terrific guide to the real Florida. The directions (both to the trailheads and on the trails) are easy to follow and accurate. The descriptions include interesting bits about flora, fauna, and geography as well as the occasional snippet of Florida history. It's an outstanding book for someone wondering how to get into the woods in central Florida; even those who hike central Florida regularly will find some new gems to explore. This is a great guidebook!

In The Barefoot Fisherman Guide To The Emerald Coast, Gregory Dew reveals forty very special spots to fish along the Gulf Shores, Alabama, to Apalachicola, Florida. Also included for the angler is a wealth of sound advice on rigging an outfit, basic angling techniques, special fishing techniques, picking a prime location (considering tides, currents, wind, water, and geography), fish species and habitats, even local recipes! The Barefoot Fisherman Guide To The Emerald Coast is enhanced further with a chapter dedicated to resource websites, addresses, telephone numbers, tackle shops, and selected fishing charters. If you are planning a fishing trip anywhere along this spectacular Gulf of Mexico shoreline, begin with browsing through Gregory Dew's The Barefoot Fisherman Guide To The Emerald Coast!

I am from the midwest and had only engaged in freshwater fishing so it was breaking unfamiliar ground (or water) when my Florida vacation was to include fishing in beautiful St. Joe's Bay. I had no idea what kind of fish were there let alone how to catch them. I purchased Gregory Dew's book, "The Barefoot Fisherman Guide To The Emerald Coast from Gulf Shores Alabama To Apalachicola, Florida" and was not disappointed. The book was easy to read, packed with information and ultimately helped me to catch some fish. The book discusses the proper tackle, rigs, angling techniques in the first chapter. The second chapter is dedicated to picking a prime location. Chapters 3 and 4 were of great interest to me and I read them in detail. Chapter three covers the entire coast from Gulf Shores, Alabama to Apalachicola, Florida and highlights some of the hotspots there. I was delighted to see that one section was dedicated to St. Joseph's bay. Chapter 4 contained great information on the species of fish one might catch and how to fish for them. He also included a rating for edibility. He rated each species of fish on a scale of 1-10 for how good they are to eat. We found his scale to be accurate with the species we caught. Chapters 5 and 6 discuss recipes and gives some Fishing Links for more information. The ultimate measure of the books effectiveness was catching fish. I caught one Speckled Trout that was a keeper and a 23 inch Red Fish (Red Drum). The book helped make my vacation more enjoyable and makes me want to return for more "Barefoot Fishing".

The struggle by blacks to obtain their civil rights in Florida is not well-known. In fact, many have seen blacks' efforts to obtain their civil rights there as weak and ineffectual after the Civil War only becoming powerful after World War I. Paul Ortiz supports his theme that blacks, in fact, engaged in generations-long efforts to force whites to recognize their basic civil rights by showing all of the methods they used to combat white racism and violence. He shows that blacks used organized groups as their most effective tool, including secret societies, lodges, churches, labor unions, black veterans' posts and women's groups to battle white racism and violence. Too, black women took a key role not only within most of these groups but also by individual efforts. By his employment of personal accounts including oral histories and personal interviews, as well as many other primary and secondary sources, he gives an in-depth account of the history of the continuous struggle by African-Americans for civil rights in Florida from antebellum times to the election of 1920.

Ortiz begins by showing that many blacks fled to the Spanish-owned colony of Florida prior to 1763 when it came under British rule. Escaped slaves, many from the British Carolinas, helped the Spanish fight against British forces then joined with Seminole Indians to battle United States militia or federal troops seeking to recapture escaped slaves and displace the Indians. Many escaped slaves settled in Gracie Real de Santa Teresa de Mose (Fort Mose), the first all black settlement in the future United States. This organized settlement showed that blacks must form groups for effective self protection and for mutual aid.

After regaining Florida from Britain following Britain's defeat in the American Revolution, Spain ceded it to the United States in 1819; it became a state in 1845. Before becoming a state, U.S. armed forces engaged in three wars resulting in the removal of most Seminole Indians and decreasing Florida's attraction as a haven for runaway slaves. Violence against blacks in Florida had its beginnings in these and earlier vicious battles. However, escaped slaves early use of Florida a destination was a precursor of later black attempts for freedom.

During the early Civil War, escaped slaves made desperate efforts to escape to Union ships and to Union lines and later many slaves joined the Union military to fight their former owners. After the largest battle in Florida at Olustee, some Confederate soldiers killed black Union prisoners continuing the legacy of violence against blacks and presaging the violence found during the generations following the war. But experience as soldiers fighting for their freedom helped many blacks after the war as they were forced to take up arms to defend themselves and fellow blacks.

After the war, blacks hoped that in addition to emancipation, they would find unfettered access to farmland, jobs, public schools and the right to vote. However, Reconstruction gave only limited success obtaining these goals but one of the most important was the formation of religious and other mutual aid groups for support. These early efforts at organizing were begun to counter the violence and terror whites employed to resubjugate the newly freed blacks.

Some of the early post Civil War groups promoted solidarity among blacks by celebrating Emancipation Day each January 1, and by having organized ceremonies honoring veterans. Other activities maintained and promoted black history of contributions blacks made to the U.S. including those made in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. In addition, efforts were made to ensure that memories of the horrors of slavery were not forgotten during these ceremonies. Black groups pursued every avenue in their quest to fight white domination and terrorism. Unions organized strikes and other actions to try to get better wages and working conditions as well as respect on the job. Churches and women's groups organized successful boycotts such as against segregated public transit during the streetcar boycotts in several Florida cities. Secret societies not only fostered mutual aid and respect but like many of the other groups provided for decent burials for their members and support for those who were ill.

Many blacks were often members of more than one group, e.g., one could be a member of a church, a union and a secret organization simultaneously. Ad hoc committees and groups were sometimes formed in response to volatile situations as in armed black responses to white vigilantes. As blacks made concerted efforts to enforce their suffrage rights under the 15th (and later the 19th) amendment, these already organized groups were immediately available as organizing centers and made them the logical places to which blacks could turn. They served as bases for political action groups since only through politics could blacks fight local, state and federal white racism as the established groups created spaces within which these new efforts could form and grow.

These groups were the fundamental bodies which formed black culture and society in Florida and when combined with the extraordinary efforts of black women, they were in the forefront of black resistance to white tyranny. Ortiz successfully shows that these groups were engaged for generations fighting against white racism and terror with more or less effect. The culmination of the various groups' efforts was the remarkable efforts made in the 1920 elections. Blacks were recruited, registered, and then escorted to polling locations but due to the pervasive efforts of whites including pervasive use of violence and intimidation through the KKK and local law enforcement authorities, opening of mail to detect black plans, unfair enforcement of election laws, poll taxes, and black vigilante actions, their efforts failed. Despite this failure the progress made by these groups and women in general was remarkable.

There are so many stereotypes perpetrated by mainstream history, especially when it comes to the facts surrounding the road to black freedom in Jim Crow America.

Paul Ortiz uses oral history, reseach of documents and investigative skills to write an outstanding book on the heroic work of blacks in challenging the white power structure in Florida from reconstruction to the bloody violence surrounding the 1920 election.

The white politicians in Florida used a variety of tools in attempting keep the black population in a subserviant position. These included terror and lynching, working with northern businesses and unions to cap the number of blacks leaving the state for better job opportunities and using the judicial system to have a pool of cheap labor sitting in jails.

Through it all, leaders from all walks of life emerged in the black community. Ortiz explains the various aspects surrounding the birth of black organizing and the small victories from boycotts, self-defense groups and other means to achieve the goal of having full rights under the law.

It ultimately centers on the right to vote and how the white power structure used every tool in its Jim Crow arsenal in 1920 to try and break the will of blacks and destoy the ever-expanding civil rights movement.

A time in U.S. History avoided in most books covering this time period, Ortiz again demonstrates that those who forget the past can never set a true course in the future. Emancipation Betrayed is an important book for those seeking the truth surrounding this nation in a proper historical context.

I bought this for my husband and he loved it. He loves to relate to others some of Bone's antics making for interesting and lively conversation.

Very informative. I've been researching the Florida Cattle History and found information to support my theroy. This is my second copy.