There is more to it than that

As we think about Florida, white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees and the world of Disney's magic and happiness comes to our minds.  As I continue exploring this large expanse and populated state, I am discovering something else - unique land formations, our oldest of history and an array of cool oddities only found in the Sunshine State - Florida.

Traveling south to the Gulf of Mexico, we enter the ever so popular city of Panama City.  I do plan on ending my day strolling on the white sand beaches and dipping my feet in the turquoise waters.  That will come.  For now, I am on a destiny to see the 'entire' city of Panama City and its surroundings.  I begin this morning, with the help of a very enthusiastic and knowledgeable Visitor Center representative, marking various places of interest to visit.

A highlighted map in the passenger seat, I take myself downtown. I am surprised with the widespread art community.  Multiple bland walls jumping at me with their energetic life of swimming sea turtles, intense hammerhead sharks, and even superhero bears!  The streets are full of life with sidewalk patio restaurants, specialty shops and chattering local folks and tourists.

Hurricanes can rip through communities along the Florida coast with no exception to Panama City Beach.  In 2018, winds up to 160 miles per hour tore through this beautiful city.  Massive damage occurred as this was one of the only three category 5 hurricanes which touched land in the history of the United States.  

Local chainsaw artist, Chad Gainey, took several 20-foot stripped and left for dead trees and brought them to a renewed life.  Near the waters, there is a most peaceful place - Oaks by the Bay Park where Chad's creativity stands tall.   Throughout this beautiful, landscaped park one finds a massive shadowing 250-year-old Oak tree - the Sentry.  

As I stroll through this 3 1/2-acre park, I notice a huge metal tethered bowl.  I learn many of these were used along the shorelines as sea kettles.  The Confederates would boil the sea waters to evaporation, which left the minerals of salt in the base.  The salt was crucial for preservation of foods and curing of leather.  When the Union soldiers encountered these pots, they would try to destroy them using heavy blunt objects.  As I examine this particular one, I see the huge dents and pieces ripped out.  One of the little-known strategies to win the war.  I find a local picnic table to enjoy my lunch.  I find myself content as I am enjoying this beautiful park long the St Andrew Bay.

Traveling east along the coastal waters I begin to notice large areas of stripped and snapped trees.  There are remnants of structures with blue tarped roofs.  I stop and enter a fenced area gasping in awe.  The attempted cleanup of an apartment building brutally ravished by Hurricane Michael four years ago.  I cannot imagine the circumstances nor the emotions of the local residents during and after such devastation.  

At the end of my day, I fulfill my words - 'ending my day strolling on the white sand beaches and dipping my feet in the turquoise waters'.