Bob Rountree

1 week ago | floridarambler.com | Bob Rountree

A few miles northwest of Gainesville, the Santa Fe River runs deep, disappearing into a sinkhole at O’Leno State Park and re-emerging three miles downstream in another state park, aptly named the River Rise Preserve. This unique characteristic was destined to be preserved in a region populated with sinkholes and bubbling springs, leading O’Leno State Park to be developed into one of the state’s first state parks by the Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps.

1 week ago | ourcommunitynow.com | Bob Rountree

Around the corner from our cottage was the wildly colorful Dolphin House Museum, a privately owned attraction with exterior covered in salvaged tiles, beach glass, dolphin murals and conch shells. The museum was built with recycled and salvaged materials by Bimini author, educator and historian Ashley Saunders and is open for tours. Tour the museum ($10), or engage Mr. Saunders for a walking tour of this historic neighborhood.

1 week ago | orlandosentinel.com | Bob Rountree

Long a laid-back destination for anglers 50 miles off southeast Florida's coast, Bimini is evolving into a destination for the every-tourist, with luxury resorts, transient cruise ships and a casino. Today's Bimini sees a steady stream of day-trippers out of Fort Lauderdale, spilling out of the high-speed Baleària Caribbean Ferry onto the island's new ocean pier for a day on Paradise Beach, a dive trip or fishing charter. Golf carts are the new Bimini.

3 weeks ago | floridarambler.com | Bob Rountree

Camping veterans know that planning a successful Florida camping trip in any season, but especially the busy winter season, takes advance planning and a lot of patience. The most popular campgrounds are in Florida State Parks, and they are the hardest to reserve. RV sites are in greatest demand. Tent campers have more options, especially in wildlife refuges, forests and county parks.

1 month ago | floridarambler.com | Bob Rountree

You’ll find Old Florida at every turn in downtown Fort Pierce. You cannot escape references to A.E. Backus and his influence on the cadre of famed landscape artists known collectively as The Highwaymen. There’s a museum and gallery here dedicated to their work.