As a Home Watch provider, we want each of your return trips to Sarasota to feel as refreshing as the first. Our "Piece of Paradise" newsletters provide a brief glimpse into Florida homeownership, followed by a featured activity for your next visit.

Homeowner Insight

Did any of you hear that we finally got some much-needed rain on June 11? A bit more than we could handle in a 12-hour period! Roads and parked cars were flooded, a neighborhood bridge was compromised, and multiple buildings suffered water intrusion. A local State of Disaster was declared, and Sarasota County was included in the Governor's major disaster declaration. Sarasota County was featured in several national news pieces, which leads us to this month's tip: when you're looking for information on an approaching storm or on post-storm conditions, stick to local Sarasota County networks (ABC7 Suncoast and SNN are as local as you can get, although Tampa Bay networks are also reliable). Or go straight to Sarasota County's webpage, which is the official channel for communicating government closures, evacuation center openings, resource distribution centers, relief centers and more. Here's an example of updates from the Invest 90L rainfall event.

Donald Lee Seiler sculpted "Cowboy" as a tribute to the manliness, grace, and earthy demeanor of Central Florida cowboys. He called them the real men.

Though primarily recognized for the scenery and activities along its coastline, Sarasota County's eastern lands are not without their treasures. You will find a quaint pioneer homestead and 191 acres of "Old Florida at Crowley Museum and Nature Center. The Crowley is adjacent to another popular east-county attraction, Myakka River State Park.

Emma the pig is enjoying the pampered life as her age climbs.

When I stepped out of my car I was immediately approached by a welcoming committee of a dozen goats. Then over strutted the hens, and behind them moseyed a pig. I shared a quick greeting with them all before Linda, the volunteer on duty, was able to free her hands for a proper welcome. "I guess it is 10:00, but I'm still opening things up - would you mind if I just gave them some water before I get you settled in?" she asked. I enjoyed the opportunity to watch Emma the pig indulge in a morning wallow.

Thomas Littrell, the blacksmithing owner of Litt Forge, shows off one of his custom knives.

"Actually I just have a couple more things to do - is it okay if I tend to them first, and then I can tell you a bit about the place? You should go see the blacksmith while I finish up!" Not one to argue, I strolled around the porch to the back of the building. I was initially confused to see two men in the shop. They were quick to chat and were both passionate about the day's event: a one-on-one blacksmithing class. Thomas Littrell (the blacksmith) was guiding his student through transforming a railroad spike into a knife.

The one-room Crowley cabin.

When I caught up again with Linda, I paid my $6 admission fee and received a brief overview of the property and its history. Then she set me free to explore the acreage on my own. My first stop was the one-room Crowley cabin, which has withstood every hurricane since its construction in 1878.

Some definitions from the "cracker' dialect, and a demonstrated resourcefulness for a jug plug.

I spent most of my time reading a multi-panel exhibit in the museum. The exhibit, titled "Cracker: The Cracker Culture in Florida History," is credited to The Museum of Arts and Sciences in Daytona Beach Florida. It delves into the use of the word cracker to describe Florida cowmen and examines their reputations, living arrangements, diets, and more.

After the museum I followed the trail to the two-story Tatum House, and poked around that building. Then I proceeded to the boardwalk for a shaded walk to the Myakka River overlook. Much of the boardwalk was replaced due to damage from Hurricane Ian, and the scent of newly cut wood contributed a pleasant aroma. I had hoped to view the Miccosukee chickee huts, but lost track of how to find them and needed to skedaddle to avoid an approaching rainstorm.

For the inexpensive admission price, I would definitely recommend the Crowley Museum for at least two occasions: learning more about the cracker lifestyle, and/or treating the grandkids to a wandering petting zoo. (And we may check out a private blacksmithing lesson, too!)

Nearby or Similar Considerations

The big house on the Gamble Plantation.

Not ten years before John Crowley established his homestead near present-day Myakka, Major Robert Gamble Jr. ran his ship aground on the Manatee River and decided it was as good a place as any to start his sugar cane plantation. Today the plantation is part of the Florida State Parks system. There is no entrance fee to walk the grounds, but we highly recommend paying the $6 for a guided tour of the antebellum mansion. It's rich with details about the mansion architecture, plantation life, and story of Robert Gamble's success (or lack thereof). Technically this site is in Manatee County - but at the time the plantation was started, Sarasota County didn't even exist!

Three historic items of note in this photo: picture molding, an adjustable candlestand, and a twist of tobacco.