Florida Spectacular: Extraordinary Places and Exceptional Lives

by Cathy Salustri

Discover Florida in a new light through little-known moments from its fascinating history

“Cathy Salustri’s delightful, insightful book takes us on a trip through sapphire springs, wetlands alive with birdsong, and other hidden corners of this multifarious state. Salustri veers off the well-trodden path of Sunshine State ridicule to give us a well-researched, impeccably reported human and natural history of the landscapes that make this state so compelling.”—Diane Roberts, author of Dream State: Eight Generations of Swamp Lawyers, Conquistadors, Confederate Daughters, Banana Republicans, and Other Florida Wildlife

“Salustri is someone who loves the Sunshine State more than just about anybody, and she’s got lots of great Florida stories to tell. More refreshing than the Fountain of Youth and more fun than all the rides at Disney World, Florida Spectacular is exactly that—a spectacular book about an amazing state, and everyone in Florida ought to read it.”—Craig Pittman, author of The State You’re In: Florida Men, Florida Women, and Other Wildlife

“In Florida Spectacular, Salustri shares her probing, humorous, and at times irreverent journey to discover an array of spectacular stories of the Sunshine State. She pays particular attention to Florida’s enduring environmental wonders without turning a blind eye on its historic and ongoing challenges. Readers, even those who think that they know Florida, will learn something new and fascinating here.”—Andrew Furman, author of Bitten: My Unexpected Love Affair with Florida

“Florida is more than sandy beaches and Florida’s history is more complicated than you know. Here, Salustri reveals some little-known but ‘spectacular’ stories of interconnection—how we humans have shaped Florida, and how Florida has shaped us.”—Lucinda Faulkner Merritt, communications coordinator, Ichetucknee Alliance

“This is a love song written for Florida, and Salustri hits all the high notes. A wonderful, fun-to-read history of the events and issues that shaped America’s wackiest and most important state.”—Tamara Lush, author and journalist

If when you think “Florida” you don’t think “spectacular,” Cathy Salustri is determined to change your mind. Explaining why the state is more than the “Florida Man” stories and the politics that so often make national news, and looking beyond the crowded beaches and theme parks, Salustri celebrates what makes the state worth a deeper understanding in this lively trip through its natural beauty and fascinating history.

Journey with Salustri through centuries of forgotten Florida lore, into the Everglades and through the springs and over ranchlands and scrub habitats to discover a state rich in environmental wonders and unique human stories. Florida Spectacular lifts the curtain on multiple facets including the legacy of Zora Neale Hurston and the Black community at Eatonville; the bravery of Emateloye Estenletkvte, a Seminole woman who escaped from captivity back to her homeland; the two “frenemy” Henrys, Flagler and Plant, and their projects in transportation and tourism; the three “Marjories,” the influential environmentalists and writers; and people working to solve issues facing the state today, such as those who have used Florida’s hurricanes to make storm forecasting better for the whole world and those who have helped show the critically endangered Florida panther a path back from extinction.

Along the way, Salustri brings to light lesser-known moments from Florida’s history that help illuminate the state’s significance in American and world history. Salustri tours readers through the hidden-in-plain-sight Florida, the overlooked treasures, the cultural complexities, the environmental challenges and successes. Her stories show that with curiosity and an eagerness to learn, it doesn’t take much to discover the spectacular in Florida’s past and present.

Genres: Nonfiction

158 pages, Paperback

Published September 3, 2024

Reviews

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for anyone who loves Florida or wants to learn more about Florida. As the book progressed, I could not get through a chapter without being moved to tears.

[Davida Breier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED Florida Spectacular. Cathy Salustri writes about Florida in a way that really resonates with me. There were moments reading it when I wanted to cash in my frequent flyer points and get on a plane. She presents the Florida that gets forgotten in the rabid quest for tourist dollars, meme-worth headlines, and political agendas that mar the state. From the Henrys to the three “Marjories,” to alligators and panthers, Cathy strips away the veneer of bullshit that often covers the state and shows you the real magical kingdom.

In several essays, she explains Florida’s environment and what people have done to damage it and try to save it. The state isn’t all beaches and lesser-known areas, such as scrub lands, and their endemic species are highlighted, as are the Everglades. I grew up in South Florida and spent a lot of time in the Everglades and I felt like Cathy was filling in so much of the history I wasn’t taught. I also enjoyed the essays on the springs, the Florida Wildlife Corridor, and Emateloye Estenletkvte.

Seriously, because of this book, I will likely cash in some of those frequent flier miles (okay, credit card points) and go explore more of the state next year.

Also, because I am a book nerd, I am going to point you to the publisher’s website (https://upf.com/book.asp?id=978081308...) to buy a copy for only $15.00 by using the promo code HOL24.

Cathy also has a podcast and several other books you can check out here https://greatfloridaroadtrip.com/.

[Craig Pittman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cathy Salustri says she became so frustrated while writing this book, she considered trashing the manuscript, but then completed it. We should all be grateful she did.

More refreshing than the Fountain of Youth and more fun than all the rides at Disney World, "Florida Spectacular" is exactly that—a spectacular book about an amazing state.

With remarkable stories about places like Archbold Biological Station and people like Polly Parker, who is responsible for the Seminole Tribe's continued existence in Florida, this is a book everyone in Florida ought to read.

I have only two minor complaints: I wish there were photos, and even more so I wish the book were longer.

[Sue Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

While vacationing in Key West, we attended a library program which featured the author, Cathy Salustri. The program was excellent and we bought this book which is wonderful. It features many of the terrific things about Florida that many do not know about, especially a Pennsylvanian like myself. I got a list of many places that should be visited. My only criticism of this book is that it should have a map showing the places that are discussed. I had to keep looking up the places that Salustri was discussing. I loved that she is the owner of the oldest independent weekly newspaper in the US! Will have to share her book with the owner and editor of our weekly newspaper, The Sun.

[Everett Fullam]

Fascinating book on all things Florida. The land, the beauty, the historical people, the uniqueness all come alive in this wonderful book. Anyone who loves Florida should read Florida Spectacular for its rich descriptions and love for the Sunshine State.