Tag: South Florida

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A Father’s Day Escape Everglades City's Rod and Gun Club

There was a time during history, my retired father put on his cushy white New Balance sport shoes, khaki shorts and Florida Fishermen’s cotton t-shirt and placed me and my four-year old nephew into the back seat of a 2012 Ford Edge. We drove the two-lane stretch of US One out of Marathon and the isles of Islamorada and into Florida’s swampland for a weekend getaway of my dad’s dreams. 

My nephew and I, both being Florida-born, Florida Crackers enjoyed the endless tourism experiences the Sunshine State has to offer.

I sat in the back seat staring out of the window. I had always suffered motion sickness and this trip marked a year out of the ocean from diving the Florida Keys Wreck Trek for assignment. Even though I appeared a poster child for fitness my nervous system was shredded. 

My Dad and the family Ford station wagon

This escape to this antiquated, isolated hotel applauded on the website as “a stay for the adventured and the cultured,” (cultured to the likes of former guest Ernest Hemingway) I had already made the voyage to twice and knew my Dad would relish in the natural surroundings.

The 1800s era hostel is so hidden and reclusive city slickers are urged not to bother making reservations because they simply will not be impressed.

Back to the destination: Everglades City. During every north coast winter storm, this South Florida City will show up as the sunniest and hottest place in the nation. This charming mark is home to the Rod and Gun Club, a hotel so historic, guests are not allowed to stay inside due to fear of fire. The rooms are not up-to-code for guests to stay in.

Nearly half a dozen presidents have wintered at this gem of a getaway. Check-in is allowed only with cash at the jaws of an ancient alligator.

Old alligator skins decorate the walls to set the ambiance for the adventure that lies ahead.

Guests sleep in modern cabins equipped with air-conditioning and private porches that surround the remarkable original hotel.

My nephew outside of Cabins forty-six and forty-seven that we stayed in.

These units are for rest only.

My Dad outside of one of the modern cabins.

Regardless of the in-ground pool and pool table amenities which make most resorts extremely attractive to any child age twelve or under, an adventure of another kind awaits.

The surrounding swamp is home to exotic Florida wildlife.

Wildlife which can all be witnessed from aboard one of two modes of transport.

Airboats and The Swamp Buggy.

Airboats and ear muffs take the place of the roller coasters and Mikey Mouse ears found farther north in the state at Disney World’s Orlando theme park. Here, there aren’t any crowds and barely any pavement exists.

Piggy Back rides are the chosen mode of transport in this territory where overpriced soda, souvenirs and popsicles aren’t an issue.

Any exhaustion from alligator viewing is met with a welcome nap just like Grandpa encourages, teaches and often shows by example.

Precisely what Father’s Day is all about. Escaping the daily grind to spend time with your family making memories that last a lifetime. In this instance, we hope they cause room for adventure, followed by a good meal and much deserved nap.

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My First Costa del Mars

They were a gift from Divers Direct. I wore them everywhere. I do mean everywhere.

Beyond Polzarization

From Lion Fish hunting in the Key West Harbour to early morning runs on KCB.

They took me to historic moments on top of the water and were on my face when the fresh catch was reeled in.

Besides the ocean the eyewear worked for airboat alligator tours, and holding, in the Everglades. The designers claiming, “Whether your adventure is on the water, on the mountain, or anywhere in between, with Costa you’ll see it like you never have before.“

Even alligators.

The pair I wore from 2010 – 2017 are the ISABELA. I picked black frames with raspberry trim. You can design your own. I love that they can be pushed back through the hair and don’t catch.

They definitely “served me well for many adventure-filled years.” Dillard’s has just given me a new pair. I chose the GANNETT frame. They made their debut this weekend on the Lake Erie Islands. I can’t wait to show them off.

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Polarized a new pair of shades

The latest piece of fashion I scored, I knew nothing about prior to them becoming mine — pair of tortoise shell Zoey sunglasses polarized with black and pink lenses.

I wanted new sunglasses, something snazzy, so this summer I began recycling, giving away and selling shades to make way.

When a store manager walked by and asked if there was anything I wanted from cosmetics or accessories I had just set the pair out to purchase that day.

Which just goes to show – the Spirit is always at work.

Score a pair at any Dillards on the mainland.

Dress Key West Duval Street, sandals – Kinos Key West and all photos by Steven Drescher.

 

 

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Josie in Paradise EPISODE III

I just love this Episode if Josie in Paradise and I’m sure you will too. Myself and cameraman, Kim Kindinger, owner of the X5 Network, headed into the gates of North America’s premiere Catawba Cliffs neighborhood. Featured Videographer Theo Dunham also edited this entire episode. We also hit a low key waterfront restaurant nestled in a blue collar community on the Sandusky River. Here is what all is featured.

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Josie in Paradise Episode II a fantastic north coast edition

What is even better than releasing the first episode of a new lifestyle show that showcases the talents and products of so many great people in a community is … working out a couple of kinks, ironing out imperfections and striving to be better with each release. Episode II of Josie in Paradise makes a mark of its own.

Here is who and what is featured. Cheers to everyone who participated.


 

Josie in Paradise can be seen on AT&T U-Verse from Key West to Boca Raton every Sunday night at 9:30 p, on Ohio’s X5 Roku Channel and here on this web page.

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EPISODE I: Hotel Freshwater Retreat live like its heaven on Put-in-Bay

Photos by Kim Kindinger

The owner and operator of Freshwater Retreat and Remedies has a pedigree Put-in-Bay resume one could not duplicate even if one worked around the clock.

Christy Ontko is not only a business owner, life and wellness coach, masters degree toting school teacher, columnist and author, she was born to a family of islanders. A status one can not aspire to.

“Its embarrassing sometimes to discuss, Ontko says when asked about herself humbly, “I’m just me.”

Ontko is intriguing, enchanting and educated. Setting up a retreat on South Bass Island directly across from the PIB airport which exemplifies what she stands for isn’t any surprise.

Freshwater Retreat is a luxurious place to stay. This five-bedroom guest house features five bedrooms, two bathrooms, and all organic linens. Two bedrooms are located downstairs and three are upstairs. The home was constructed back in 1985. Ontko’s great-great grandfather was on the island during this unforgotten era working as a stone mason.

Ontko reflects, “We’re thinking he probably did help build the house.”

Here’s more of Ontko’s interview and tour of her B&B as featured in Josie in Paradise, Episode I.

There’s more on this true Island Girl. She shares the Freshwater Retreat amenities. Note this property also has a converted garage or a barn where a list of wellness (not spa) services can be administered to anyone able to make their way to Put-in-Bay for the day or to stay and be guided to an adventure by this true island woman.

Josie in Paradise can be seen every Sunday night at 9:30 p from Key West to Boca Raton on At&t UVerse, on the Ohio X5 Roku Channel and here.

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Picky isn’t for Paradise seeking pleasure not perfection

Pictures by Kim Kindinger 

The process took forty years but I finally let go of perfection. But not without a fight. I have been sitting with Josie in Paradise Episode I for over one week. I did hand over all material, including that which was shot for the J O S I E BEACH commercial and the show open to the editor and never logged any of the shots. Nope. Over half was shot in swimwear attire for my new line and I didn’t critique, make suggestions, write or attempt to manage anything.

 

Remind you my middle initials are P.I.A. for Pain in the you-know-what. I strive for perfection. The observation has been made that one simply can not be trained or educated to the level at which I do things; one has to be genetically miswired.

This being said, there are a couple of adjustments I wanted made to Episode I before I posted the show. Journalistically, from a perspective of broadcast news techniques, there are a couple of jump cuts and over modulated sound. I wanted more two shots, I wanted to see more of the real estate listing, I felt we didn’t show enough of the yoga video…

Plus, I never wrote anything. I don’t know sometimes you just let go because you can’t do everything. I learned and finally executed how to let other people help.

Episode II I DID take the raw footage, log and write and create organized folders, but never reviewed the final product. The show was sent to South Florida with the approval of someone else!
I learned I have better things to do with my time than edit away sports bra tan lines, to spend time telling other people what to do, and how I want them done, or to list corrections which must be made… or even worse alphabetize the spices while everyone else is out boating. Critics will always be around the bend.

In this business the task of letting go is tough. One’s DNA is shown all over one’s work to anyone who wants to watch, listen, or read.
Being picky isn’t synonymous with Paradise.

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Airing from Key West to Boca Raton show shot 30 miles from Canada

Compartmentalizing one’s entrepreneurial venture is never an easy task. The concept of my show started while I was the Bureau Chief for a local newspaper. Back then I cared about my title. I needed a title. I wasn’t sure if the title even fit so I grabbed a copy of Vogue and scanned the brag list to see what kinds of “bureau chiefs” the global publication listed. Even after seeing them in London, New York and Brussels I wasn’t satisfied.

I did have the cutest toddler in tow.

But, that path led me directly to where I am today hosting a new lifestyle show. After working with chamber executives, the public, curious friends and family, and advertisers for over two decades I determined this is what viewers mobs of viewers want to see. The people they do business with!  Fishing, boating and some local good news you can find elsewhere. We shot the first episodes on Ohio’s north coast with possible plans to expand nationwide.

Josie in Paradise, the show chock full of Real Estate, Hotels, Hotel Amenities, Fashion, Fitness, Spas and Dining + Business airs every Sunday night at 9:30 on At&t UVerse in the Florida Keys to Boca Raton and on the Ohio X5 Roku Channel.

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Price for Self-Esteem fitness not fashion ... what !?!?!

Workouts are supposed to be fun. Dress for them! During my years as a local news anchor the news director had me begin to pen a series Josie Koler’s Notebook. In Sample Script No. 4 I outline the problems I had with Mercy Medical Center touting a new program Fitness Not Fashion. Over one decade ago I write feeling appalled a health organization would encourage those who made their New Year’s Resolution to workout not to splurge on proper clothes and attire.

Au contraire I concluded making the following points:

  1. Working out produces seratonin
  2. Enchanting ensembles make one smile
  3. Exercise is an investment

In addition, the incorrect or incorrect clothing and gear is a determining factor in all sports in how easily one moves and once you work up a sweat whether or not you can keep going. Constrictive clothing and gear won’t allow one to.

Some pics Photog and Photojournalist Kim Kidinger captured this summer season. Smile, feel good, and know you can buy self-esteem. Sometimes this happens in the form of exercise gear.

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Josie in Paradise, which contains BOTH, segments on F A S H I O N and F I T N E S S every Sunday night at 9:30 p and on the Ohio X5 Roku Channel and coming soon, right here.

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Into the water and onto the courts yoga studios are not all you'll see

Pics by Denise DeCrow and Travis Yednak

There is a notable fitness segment in the show, Josie in Paradise, and on my website. We do hit a couple of yoga studios straight off of the bat for local shoots; but definitely know this, we are not going to to stop with showing only a yoga or Pilates studio. Remember being immersed with me in The Dive Report with Divers Direct.

This segment is sure to submerse us all, including myself, into a wondrous and adventurous world.

Here’s what to expect: most of us don’t think about how many calories are burned in a batting cage.

Or, realize the swim training involved if the desire is to dive into ocean depths at one-hundred and twenty feet plus.

How about tumbling and tennis?

Have zero fear, the fitness segment is going to educate the masses from everything from “Birdie Girl Golf” to the Oriental Martial Arts Studio. Make space for a sports locker and plan to start ditching your desk for some activity.