COVER STORY: ARTFUL REVIVALS
A look at how art and culture are energizing — and transforming — Florida downtowns. From Pensacola to Miami, and many points in between, the state’s cities are seeing a boost in quality of life and commerce, fueled by the power of creativity. We visit: Miami, St. Petersburg, Eau Gallie, DeLand, Gainesville, Pensacola, and the Florida Mural Trails Stories by Ron Cunningham
STATE OF INSPIRATION — NEW FEATURE
Finding home When acclaimed author Lauren Groff moved south to Florida, she needed a bit of help learning to appreciate her new home. She found it through the literature of other acclaimed Florida writers.
By Lauren Groff
THE SWEETNESS OF MEMORY
Photographer Andy Sweet captured the vanishing culture of Eastern European Jewish retirees on South Beach before his death in 1982. Today, a new book and documentary
commemorate the photographer and the time he preserved in images.
By Bill DeYoung
THIS FLORIDA LIFE
A life of firsts: Meet attorney, pathmaker and former first lady of FAMU, Jeraldine Williams, who was the first African-American student at the University of Florida’s school
of journalism in 1963.
Interview by Jacki Levine
FLORIDA BY DESIGN — NEW FEATURE
Embracing the sea and sky: Our new historical architecture feature kicks off with a look
at the Sarasota School, which takes advantage of the Florida climate with soaring ceilings
and large windows.
By Barbara Peters Smith
MY FLORIDA JOURNEY
A new life in America: When Basma Alawee’s family realized they were no longer safe
in Baghdad, they reluctantly joined the ranks of refugees. As part of an oral history project, Alawee shares her family’s story of displacement and adjustment in Jacksonville.
By Basma Alawee as told to Seyeon Hwang
A TEACHER TO REMEMBER
Awakening the reader within: This long-time high school English teacher remembers the professor who opened up her mind to delving deeply into American literature…and changed her life.
By Sherry Friedlander
WHY WE TELL THESE STORIES
The coordinator of a project to tell the stories of Jacksonville refugees explains why their
voices are so important.
By Seyeon Hwang
INSIDER’S FLORIDA
A tale of two cities: Beyond the seaside glamour and chic of Fort Lauderdale is a deep and rich history ready to be explored.
By Nila Do Simon
STATE OF WONDER
Rounding the curve: Early one morning this photographer went looking for wetland wildlife to photograph. Here’s what he found in the mist, just as the sun broke through.
By Emilio “Sonny” Vergara
