On December 1, 2013, five paddlers launched their vessels at JB's Fish Camp in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Their destination?Jupiter, Florida, 160 miles distant. During their nineteen day voyage they meet birds, snails, manatees, and mangroves, dolphins, scientists, restaurateurs, and seagrasses, mosquitoes, other paddlers, the ghost of Henry Flagler, and much more.Into their passage is woven the history of the people who lived along the lagoon's banks- Indians, soldiers, settlers, agriculturalists, dredgers, fishermen, treasure hunters, entrepreneurs, and many others.Join their journey between the covers of this book!

Florida Historical Society Stetson Kennedy Book Award Stretching along 156 miles of Florida's East Coast, the Indian River Lagoon contains the St. Lucie estuary, the Mosquito Lagoon, Banana River Lagoon, and the Indian River. It is a delicate ecosystem of shifting barrier islands and varying salinity levels due to its many inlets that open and close onto the ocean. The long, ribbon-like lagoon spans both temperate and subtropical climates, resulting in the most biologically diverse estuarine system in the United States. Nineteen canals and five man-made inlets have dramatically reshaped the region in the past two centuries, intensifying its natural instability and challenging its diversity. Indian River Lagoon traces the winding story of the waterway, showing how humans have altered the area to fit their needs and also how the lagoon has influenced the cultures along its shores. Now stuck in transition between a place of labor and a place of recreation, the lagoon has become a chief focus of public concern. This book provides a much-needed bigger picture as debates continue over how best to restore this natural resource.

THE WORM CHRONICLES: Is a memoir of a look into the bizarre world of an amazing group of animals that are little known by the public. It takes the reader around the globe looking for answers to such questions as why such intelligent animals as dolphins appear to commit suicide. Written primarily at the prompting of family and friends, the book would also interest the large population of people intrigued by the ocean and its animals. The book follows the challenges and discoveries of Murray Dailey, a pioneer marine parasitologist with over 40 years experience, as he and coworkers unlock the secrets of these unique animals. The reader is given a window into the approach used in solving the problems of some of the oceans deadliest creatures.

Some places along the Chattahoochee and Flint Rivers, as well as Spring Creek and Lake Seminole, saw more human drama than others. Many events happened along these banks amid the tangle of underbrush and marsh grasses. Many spirits still roam the thick forests of sheltering oaks and pines. Many of the clandestine happenings are now under the water. Exposing these mysteries and bringing them out into the brilliant sun, they can be studied and finally put these spirits to rest. River Rover Chronicles does this. Among the stories are: Archaeological find, four villages stacked on top of one another, dating back to 8000 BC and up to AD 1400 Apalachicola Fort, believed to be the first fortification built here Neal's Landing, site of Indian battles and steamboat wrecks Parramore's Landing, a boom town that caused its own demise Fort Scott, an army defense post where most soldiers came to tragic ends Devil's Playground, encounter spirits there Civil War gunboat, built on the Chattahoochee River Spring Creek, home to prehistoric burial site, a sacred place for Indians and a structure where soldiers found shelter Aging power dam, arising from the water, begging to tell its stories Fiery explosions on the rivers Steamboat Janie Rae, known for mysterious deaths The Thress States, did this steamboat really run over a corpse? Steamboat Mary, renowned for the treasure that went down with the ship River Rover Chronicles takes you into the present, with a guide to finding all boat landings and parks in the Lake Seminole area, either by vehicle or boat, each listed with amenities. Also, a guide to waterfront restaurants, boats repair shops, and where there is fuel.