Railroads have served the northern counties of Central Florida since before the Civil War. Following the war, railroads expanded down the peninsula to bring transportation services to even more people and places throughout the region. By 1929, the railroad network in the state had reached its peak, with some communities being served by two or more railroad lines. Trains provided the means for growth and development, and the local depot was the focal point of every town throughout Florida's central region. Stretching across the middle section of the peninsula from coast to coast, the Central Florida area includes Levy, Gilchrist, Alachua, Putnam, and Volusia Counties to the north, while the counties of Sarasota, Desoto, Highland, Osceola, and Brevard define the southern boundary. Featuring depots of the Atlantic Coast Line, Seaboard Air Line, Florida East Coast, and their predecessor railroads, the photographs used by the author were obtained from local historical groups, the Florida State Archives, and private collections.

Fishing is one the most popular outdoor activities in Florida. This comprehensive regional guidebook provides anglers with the information they need to find the best places to fish in the Sunshine State. The book covers places to fish from the land or by boat along with plenty of insider information that will help any angler look like a pro wherever they decide to drop a line in the water. Filled with plenty of tips, maps, and month-by-month regional summaries of the species anglers can find in a specific region.