A Trip Through Old Florida With The Author of A Land Remembered

[@ErikaBarkerNYC]

I was born in 1982, within the heart of Central Florida. It was a childhood painted upon the canvas of dirt roads, a time when the world felt larger and more mysterious. I recall, with a sense of longing, the days of youthful adventures amidst orange groves that stretched endlessly under the sun. With my parents by my side, we would harvest the sun-kissed fruits from the arms of random farms, a simple joy now lost to time. Yet, of all the treasures of my youth, it is the woods that once embraced my childhood home that I yearn for the most. These woods were alive, a community of Blue Jays and Red Cardinals that danced among the leaves, their vibrant hues a stark contrast against the green. The old oak trees, majestic in their ancient wisdom, whispered secrets on the wind, a language lost to those not paying heed. And then, there were the sunsets-oh, the sunsets. As the day bid its farewell, rays of dying light pierced through the veil of Spanish moss, a spectacle so divine it seemed a glimpse into heaven itself. It was in those moments, as a child, that I felt the closest to something far greater than myself, a fleeting beauty that remains etched upon the soul.

[@panoramarick]

Beautiful story. Thank you for sharing.

[@182436hike]

It all brings very real tears. My father's family moved to Delray Beach in 1912 and when I was a child he filled me with his stories of old Florida, dating back to his earliest memories which predate Mr. Smith by some 15 years. My father was on the first State Road Patrol in 1936 and his stories of the Florida Keys, Homestead, Miami and such were amazing. I can recite many word for word today. Mr. Smith is right: it is no more and that is a shame.

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

Thank you for sharing your story with us.

[@braddavis4276]

I was Born in Pompano Beach in 1958 and have seen more changes than I could HANDEL !

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

Yes, Florida has undergone huge changes throughout the years!

[@onemanarmysswampparty]

Proud to grow up I'm this great state

[@panoramarick]

Thanks for stopping by to watch the video.

[@ragoonsgg589]

I remember reading this book in 8th grade in like 2005. Loved it kept my school copy. Still on my bookshelf all these years later lol.

[@justinuranus9380]

This movie was so fantastic , I just sat here and sobbed and cried for 15minutes. I am soo sad because I am about to give up on my slice of Heaven since the middle 1970s. Bonita Springs was perfect . On one end (west ) we could easily fit into our own beach , or take boats out fishing the gulf of Mexico , the Estero Bay , or the Imperial River . Back then you could catch fish , delicious eating fish and plenty of them to share with friends. Friends who might have corn and watermelon and tomatoes to share with you. Then if you wanted to do something different you could go just a few short miles directly East and enter the vast , unspoiled , and absolutely beautiful Swamp (East) on Bonita Beach Rd. You could catch other types of fresh water fish , hunt turkeys , pigs , and Skunk APES , all you wanted . Camping , trailblazing , mud trails like shallow rivers . Incredible amounts of fun out there too . You could stop on 20 acres of white sand in the swamp and light an old Cypress or Lighter Knot stump and have friends in a safe environment without bothering a soul . The cost of living back then wasn't easy I'm sure , for both my parents worked , but nothing like the horror of living costs have become today . Now , sadly , I see it's well past time to move on . You are not allowed to be parked anywhere after dark on our own public beach (by posted and enforced by angry patrol sheriffs) to even think about taking your girl for a beautiful moonlight stroll along our very own "public" beach. Trust me I am a true romantic and it breaks my heart. And yes on every attempt of trying this in the past , I was hunted down by law enforcement , with a flashlight and a very sarcastic speech. But why ? What possible horrors against humanity could I be possibly be doing under the cover of moonlight ? (I promise this has nothing to do with Turtle nesting sights or seasons . Then there's the big "East Bonita Swamp Eminent Domain Conspiracy " about that great swamp we used to get to go play in ( but of course be good stewards with , and leave better than how found ) I cannot trudge miles and miles through the swamp like I used to when I was young , but then they took all off-road vehicle travel completely away . Well except 2 miserable roads . Now you will hear many balogna reasons why they railroaded people out of thier family properties and why all vehicle traffic was stopped , but us folks that have lived here long enough know the TRUTH . So now thats gone away too . Thank God the big Housing market crash came along , or it would have been claustrophobic here 10 x worse. It's funny how anywhere else in the world grabbing and murdering and building on land is called DEFORESTATION . But here in Florida its called DEVELOPMENT . So as I sit here and remember more of how heavenly Bonita Springs was , and how it has become a horribly choked , overpopulated , overpriced , fishless , No beach parking tacky , traffic jammin hell on earth , unaffordable and wealthy orientated place to hide in your house , from Nov. - Easter , I just sigh with a heavy heart , but memories of how it was , and plan on my next destination to live with some semblance of the good old days , like it was here in Bonita Springs. Most Sincerely , and watching the planet's from my driveway now , Justin Uranus.

[@fearthespear4242]

Well Justin, it's not all lost, im not the most rich person the world.i live in Florida in a 12 by 10 cabin, I'm 13 and my room is a bed above my parents bed on fourty two acres. We live right by a Cypress hammock with a swamp to the west of us. I catch bluegill, catfish, sunfish and bass out of the creek, an we kill squirrels, dove, quail, turkey, deer, gator, ext.ext. we inherited the land and it has quite a bit of history behind it, it's a great life here, and I wouldn't give it up for all the money in the world.on a normal day I carry around either a pump action twelve guage that's thirty five plus years old, or an old break. barrel .22. I'm homeschooled, and am also not the smartest person in the world, that's not the type of knowledge you need out here. The computer I'm typing this on is only used if it's raining at night, which it is now, if it's not raining at night, I'm sitting on the porch (that's three times the size of my house) watchinghtning bugs. So while this kind of lifestyle is rare, I want you to know that it is not at all dead.

[@dirkbercks8830]

Greetings from Germany. I love the US but I have to admit I really love your name 😂

[@katherinemoore52]

For the 13 year old who commented... I am so thankful you get to have that lifestyle and that you live on land that was given to you. It is sad to say, but for myself, the 9th generation Floridian, I had to leave in 2006 due to the cost of living. I said it was my trail of tears. It was not just myself, but many families that I knew. Florida's land is ancient and sacred and I so appreciate A LAND REMEMBERED. It was my father's favorite book and we read it together on the initial reading. I so appreciate this video.

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

Thank you for sharing this.

[@kenjanes1465]

This book is one of my favorite books of all time! My daughter had to read this in high school in Lake Wales. I read it and was hooked! I think this is perhaps an underrated masterpiece!

[@dansweeney17]

I've read it 4 times. My favorite book!

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

We hear that all the time and it never gets old.

[@larzhillbot1443]

I love the old florida that i grew up in 60s/70s ... All the old Mom and Pop beach cottages ......Now just concrete Caves ....the only part of Fla that i would still want to visit is all the Natural springs . Great old Fla photos You were so luckey to see Fla in the 30s.

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

It was a special time.

[@barrygrant2907]

I lived in S. Miami back in '63, and my dad and I helped a coworker build a cabin on the edge of the everglades in Bonita Springs. The guy's place was near a flower farm that was ready to be harvested. He drove an old beach buggy around, and it was there I learned to eat swamp cabbage cooked with sausage and a fox squirrel he bagged on the way to his cabin. He also cast netted fresh mullet in the mangroves, and they were really good. Old Florida for sure.

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

Those are great memories. Thanks for sharing.

[@gupman62]

Raised up in New Smyrna Beach...Has been home for 60 + years...This has and is the best KZbin Video I have ever had the pleasure to watch ! It brings tears to my eyes and thank you for making my dream of "going back in time and experiencing Old Florida for a minute" and through Patrick's Eyes ...Thank You ! Thank You !

[@panoramarick]

You are most welcome. Thanks for the kind words.

[@sophiestaskowski758]

I’m reading A Land Remembered now, I’m about two thirds the way through. I’m enjoying it so much, and found this video to hear from the author. What a treat. And what a memoir of Florida

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

I'm glad you found this and enjoyed this segment from the video Patrick Smith's Florida: A Sense of Place. For more information on the video, you can go to patricksmithonline.com/patrick-smiths-florida-a-sense-of-place/

[@Mr91495osh]

My family shipwrecked on the Florida Keys reef in 1843. “Lighter” boated to Key West and stayed there. My grandparents grew. In Lemon City and I was raised in Coconut Grove. Great times. GlennFHoward

[@meisnow23]

Did you know my uncle who owned Coconut Grove Travel?

[@Mr91495osh]

Me is now what was his name? Our family names are Howard, Filer and Cleare. Northern European Heinz 57!

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

Wow, that's interesting!

[@donaldgaines7532]

Thank you for the journey. I missed a lot that will never be seen again. But I'm glad I got to experience old Florida for myself.

[@panoramarick]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@gregwheelus3257]

Love your books took me to another time and place wish you the best

[@panoramarick]

Thanks so much. Glad you enjoy the books.

[@TheAngelaDuke]

I loved every minute of this video! Especially after reading "A Land Remembered." I could not put the book down. I truly had no idea how Florida was back in the late 1800's. Thank you for posting!!

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed it. ~Rick Smith (Patrick, Jr.)

[@timchildress2048]

Just wonderful, Sir. Thank you for sharing something worth more than money can buy.

[@panoramarick]

Thanks so much!

[@maridonnelly6679]

I enjoyed this very much.i have precious memories of the sixties too.

[@panoramarick]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. ~Rick Smith

[@lynncameron9885]

How fortunate he was to have traveled Florida.. He did name off towns on the east coast that ik very familiar with..

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

Yes, he got to know Florida pretty well. I'm glad you enjoyed this.

[@robstimson4234]

This is fantastic. Like going into a time machine with the best narrator for the job.

[@tltate632005]

This is the exact reason I loved my Grandpa Richardson and was his little girl and still today love and appreciate the elderly. So very rich. Had to share it with you all! I pray you realize the amazing gifts our elderly has to offer a listening ear. Take the time and take in the richness. Nothing like it! I definitely shared it! Thank you so very much.....

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

+Tamara Tate Thank you for the inspirational words and sharing this video. You can view another clip from the video it is from here alandremembered.com/sense_of_place/

[@tltate632005]

Thank you so very much!

[@greenbeagle13]

Loved this video... I remember the Florida of the early 1960's..., the land was full of orange groves. Sadly, now they are hotels, theme parks, or condominiums....

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Yes, Florida is changing quickly. It's still a beautiful state though.

[@pennystanton9972]

I too remember some of those treasured places he spoke of and I do remember seeing the courts instead of hotels which came later......the open beaches and the laid back atmosphere will always be treasured memories for me as well.

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

I just wish there were more open beaches and less condos.

[@HarryKersey]

I red your book " forever Island" and their was a character who's name was Pogey Bill a catfisherman who also became the first Sheriff of Okeechobee. He was a good friend of my Grandpa who was elected to Clerk of County Courts .My Grandma had a pen Pogey gave Grandpa that was inscribed " To Josh from Pogey" .

[@panoramarick]

Thanks for sharing that.

[@Mr91495osh]

My family moved to Coconut Grove in 1892. My grandfather, Dad and I were raised in that house.

[@panoramarick]

Great story. Thanks for sharing.

[@fuxan]

Just noticed the fern right behind him...that's our native Golden Polypody...an epiphytic fern that grows mostly on the trunks on sabal palmetto. He has a love of our native plants...our natural heritage.

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

He did and my mother too. She was born and raised in DeLand.

[@musicvideosmix2759]

I read this book like 29 times at every grade 2 times! I can’t stop reading also the best part was the Indians helping

[@jessedavis7555]

One of the best books I ever read 🙏

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

Thank you for the testimonial!

[@cjdecanci1986]

That is so wonderful to hear what it was like back then and see all the vintage and family photos! And to see the map and the roads they took and villages and towns they saw and stayed at...loved it!

[@kevinderr440]

Great book!

[@mike_p941]

still my favorite book of all time.

[@beachwalker08]

this is awesome! I loved all the old footage, thank you!

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

+Joanne Ryan Thanks for sharing! You can view another clip from the video here - alandremembered.com/sense_of_place/

[@182436hike]

Also wanted to note that my Dad learned to swim in Silver Springs at a time when you walked through a cow pasture to get to it and found there only a dock for barges that came up the river and a diving board - no buildings, no tourists, just the magnificent gin clear swimming hole crammed full of largemouth bass. Thanks to Dad's detailed and repeated stories I know a lot of Old Florida and have always regretted never having been able to experience it.

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

Now that would have been an experience to have had!

[@bobbybrown7214]

Those were the days hard but clean

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

Yes, much simpler too.

[@ianbarber311]

great video. I moved from NY as a 10 year old in 1970 and fell in love with Cape San Blas, Alligator Point and more. Thank you for uploading this video.

[@ianbarber311]

Wakulla Springs also

[@frankdavis_62]

You ruined Florida all the New Yorkers moving here did it

[@ianbarber311]

And a good day to you too franky.

[@adamfair1976]

Land Remembered is my favorite book

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

So glad to hear!

[@natalier1144]

Thank you for sharing. I’ve lived in Florida my whole life but never experienced this side of Florida. I wish I had. Sad that you can’t live off the land anymore. I won’t eat fish from the river here.

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

Yes, that is a Florida long gone.

[@jameshartsfield8585]

Thank you for sharing your memories!

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

Thanks for watching!

[@parisbellamy2698]

this movie was fantastic

[@katiespence3980]

Oh you brought so many memories back with your video. When I was young we made the trip back and forth from Jersey to Riviera Beach and Dad always tried to take us on little sidetrips like Silver Springs, or one year it was Ross Allen Institute. Thank you so much for your video. The strangest thing is that I picked up your book yesterday from a yard sale. (A Land Remembered) Isnt it sad what humanity has done to our lovely state of Florida. I live in the panhandle now, and it is more like old Florida.

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

I'm glad you liked the video and it brought back good memories. Have you read the book yet? If not, I know you'll enjoy it. The Panhandle is one of Florida's gems.

[@panoramarick]

Thank you!

[@panoramarick]

You are welcome.

[@artsbyag]

Wish I could of experienced Florida back then before so much buildings.

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

I hope this short video fulfilled a bit of your wish.

[@Sandor68]

Great Video. I love old stories like yours. I'm from Ontario Canada and have family down in Eustis Florida. I love the state and I hope to retire there someday. Thanks again for the great video and you have some wonderful memories!

[@frankdavis_62]

Sandor Alex Fazekas we don’t need you northerners down here your ruining our state it’s changed so much since 1980

[@redwow]

Very good!

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

Thank you!

[@binghd]

my family moved to Miami in 1950 when i was 12. i left Miami in 1975. too many people.

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

Yes, Miami is a very large city.

[@GlennGoryl]

Thank you.

[@smilinglynn9584]

Excellent! Bravo! Thank you for sharing this great trip down memory lane.

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

It was fabulous and so glad you liked it.

[@Mr91495osh]

One of my favorite books. I read it twice! GlennFHoward

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

Great to hear that.

[@turdfergusonoutdoors5070]

Ive lived in Florida my whole life exept for a fee years when i was younger, ive hunted and fished and as i walk though the woods i always find myself wondering what it used to be like. Florida still has some beautiful places if you look for them but still i know that hundreds of years ago it was all beautiful. Another good book about Florida is Bartram’s Travels.

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

Thank you for the recommendation. I agree, there are still some beautiful areas of Florida.

[@JohnColorado3811]

When life got stressful I would rent a canue at blue springs state park and escape civilisation for a few hours. Old florida must have been amazing.

[@turdfergusonoutdoors5070]

@@JohnColorado3811 theres still some Old Florida around if you look off of the beaten path for it.

[@JohnColorado3811]

@@turdfergusonoutdoors5070 if you say so, but driving around it does seem like one endless road of cheap motels and chain stores. Development is inevitable but you wish they would require developers and architects to preserve the aesthetics of past times in future buildings.

[@turdfergusonoutdoors5070]

@@JohnColorado3811 Yea its slowly going away, we still have a 14,000 acre hunting lease that has some beautiful marshes, swamps and creeks. And in some of the Wildlife management areas and big State Forests…..theres still alot of wilderness left but less and less everyday. Between housing developements and solar panels its just eating away at Floridas Natural Beauty.

[@maryannhanrahan3663]

The book is amazing!

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

Thank you so much. So happy you like it.

[@mickdonnell7077]

Thanks for sharing love his book.... a land remembered. I've read it twice already.

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

I'm glad you really enjoy the book and shared that with me.

[@JakeDAmico]

Fantastic video! Thank you for this, and for your memories! :D

[@davetruther31]

I loved going to Silver springs and six gun territory growing up in Ocala, fl...Once damn Disney took off it made all the other attractions as Six gun and silver springs go out of business... I was at silver springs a few weeks back and it really sadden me to see it is just a state park now and no more jungle boat or gardens, animals,museum just the glass bottom boats and a bunch of empty store fronts and over grown walkways😢😢

[@panoramarick]

It is sad, but there are still some wonderful parts of "Old Florida" that haven't been spoiled.

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

Yes, it is. Those were the good old days!

[@davetruther31]

@@PatrickSmithOnline Yes Sir they sure were! My Grandpa and Me always went to Six Gun and Silver Springs when We were not out hunting, fishing, or working his small cattle ranch in Morriston,Fl.. He has now since passed, as has the ranch He lost due to hardships.. My fondest times growing up around one of the toughest and honest Men I ever have known (Grandpa) are now just distant memories as are many of the places I once hunted, fished and ranched with him.. You remind me alot of him Sir... May God bless you and your Family

[@tbjtbj4786]

Yall. Passed right by our family farm from Tallahassee to the old Spanish trail.

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

Interesting!

[@FortunaZKat]

Moved to Florida in 1982. Used to backpack, canoe and mountain bike all over the place. Invasive species, trash, disturbed lands, never felt like I was seeing native, pristine Florida. Always thought Florida's state parks "See the Real Florida" was a joke. Maybe there's to much truth in that statement for what it's become.

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

There has been a lot of work done to overturn that since the 1980s.

[@chrishaslam_og100]

Good ole' Florida, A Land Remembered started: "Alright, i'm interested....mid book: Wow! Winding down, it's like alright we're changing gears here.

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

It covers a lot of years. Hope you liked it.

[@chrishaslam_og100]

@@PatrickSmithOnline Yeah man, the book was actually picked to read for my literature class last year. Absolutely enjoyed the novel👍

[@panoramarick]

@@chrishaslam_og100 Thanks so much for your omment.

[@chrishaslam_og100]

@@panoramarick Of course. Thank you for the video🙂

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

@@chrishaslam_og100 I love to hear that.

[@endofsociety]

Wish we could’ve kept the old school ways. God and family. Doing things yourself without the hate and racism that ran ramped in those days. This makes me wish my family would’ve ended up in Florida instead of NJ after they left quarantine on Ellis Island.

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

Unfortunately change has to happen. Sometimes it brings about good things and some bad along with it.

[@beniamino939]

My grandfather built Hollywood, FL in the 60s and 70s.

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

Interesting!

[@beniamino939]

@@PatrickSmithOnline Albert Montella was his name.

[@braddavis4276]

And Yes I Forgot to say I95 was not There until 1970 ! We took the Turnpike to go to Miami to visit Family . Build and THEY WILL COME and THEY DID !!!!

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

Florida's climate and beauty is one of its downfalls too.

[@kailigeez4759]

this is a cool video bro.🤠

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

Thank you.

[@hikewithmike4673]

I love that book!...we need to save the old Florida from developers!

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

Turning people on to how it used to be helps, I believe.

[@JohnColorado3811]

Yes, but not just old florida. So many amazing places in the states are disappearing.

[@rudbeckia885]

fantastic !

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

Thanks for that nice compliment. You can view another clip from the video here - alandremembered.com/sense_of_place/

[@kathiefilkins445]

Thank you thank you thank you for this wonderful video. I have always said they should have closed the Florida border 100 years ago. I am a native and hate to see what my home has become.

[@panoramarick]

Thanks for commenting. The over-development won't stop. Sad.

[@zoeyshoots]

I’m a 3rd generation native.. greed ruined my beautiful state

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

There are still some very beautiful places though.

[@zoeyshoots]

@@PatrickSmithOnline yes sir, but shhhhh... lol.

[@trackie1957]

Greed’s not done ruining. It’s just getting warmed up, I’m afraid.

[@liacastro1326]

i loved the book and also the video that enplanes his purpose for writing the book

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

I'm glad you enjoyed both.

[@dotsyjmaher]

OHHHH...SO WONDERFUL!

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

Thank you!

[@WlotionB]

When will you learn....... that your actions have consequences⚡⚡⚡

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

So true.

[@cruhl888]

generation X was the tru greatest generation!!

[@tbjtbj4786]

The flower of Florida has nearly been completely picked. Its sad.

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

There is still some areas that are very rustic. Not like it was though.

[@amandamelendez3220]

This is so information

[@nataliaesposito6650]

Amanda Melendez informational ?

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

Thank you.

[@justynjonn]

Is this the Amaryllis Man?

[@PatrickSmithOnline]

I don't know what you mean. Please explain.

[@mudphloodphilly2456]

2:43 what's the clown 🤡 doing under the bridge creepy

[@fuxan]

The 2 raccoons? They are curious and know what's coming up.

[@fearthespear4242]

i live in vero beach

[@dougthompson5586]

you have my sympathies