The centerpiece of the refuge for visitors is Black Point Wildlife Drive. This unpaved, one-way road makes a seven-mile circuit through piney Flatwoods and along edges of diked impoundments that serve as habitat for waterfowl. You’ll want to move slowly, stopping to sight bald-eagle nest or skinny ospreys spearing a meal from the water. Better yet, bring bikes and meander along the drive at ground level. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for wildlife viewing, and the winter months are optimum in terms of bird numbers. Linger a while and soak up some of nature’s slower rhythms; you won’t be sorry.

To get to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge from I-95, take Exit (S.R. 406) then follow S.R. 402 east (to the visitors center) or continue on S.R. 406 to Black Point Wildlife Drive.

For more information, contact Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box 6504, Titusville, FL 32782, 321/861-0667, www.fws.gov/merrittisland.

“I’ve lived my entire life on New Smyrna Beach, but I have never been on Daytona Beach,” a native told us. “My feet have never actually touched the sand. I pefer the quiet stability here. I tried to move away once, but came home after six days. “ She, like all locals, pronounces Smyrna nat as it looks but with an extra syllable: “Sa-myrna.”

There is more to this town than initially meets the eye. In years past, what the eye met as it approached New Smyrna Beach on U.S. 1 was a string of rickety motels and biker bars. But that’s only the outer layer. Downtown New Smyrna and its beach are a 10-minute drive east from U.S. 1 via the A1A causeway. It is fair to warn you that New Smyrna Beach, whill still a far cry from Daytona Beach, is no longer the quaint, quiet beach town it used to be. Not only has the second causeway bridge been built to the barrier island – the North Causeway, an extension of Flagler Avenue – but the bulk of New Smyrna’s eight-mile beach has become a wall of high-rise condos and second homes for the part-time use of folks from Orlando. As a member of the Volusia County Beach Patrol told me, “on weekends and during special events, New Smyrna is just as packed as Daytona Beach.” I was impressed with the town’s retail makeover – particularly Flagler Avenue, which is lined with boutiques, bakeries, and surf shops. Just how good the surfing is here can be gleaned from the abundance of surf shops and surf bars. Even a local bakeshop is called Beach Bums Bakery and Café.

The town’s name originated with its founder, Dr. Andrew Turnbull. He christened it New Smyrna Beach in honor of his wife, who came from Smyrna, in Asia Minor. Prior to European colonization, the area had been home to Timucuan Indians. Juan Ponce de Leon landed somewhere in the vicinity in 1513 (thus the name Ponce Inlet). New Smyrna Beach was briefly the most lucrative of the British colonies in the New World.
Little of this local history has been preserved. For instance, the only Timucuan shell mound that wasn’t used to pave local roads can be found inside Canaveral National Seashore. The roads have lately reached the saturation point, in terms of development. If they would only leave well enough alone, I’d certainly look forward to future visits to New Smyrna Beach.

For more information, contact the Southeast Volusia County Chamber of Commerce, 115 Canal Street, P.O. Box 129, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32069, 386/428-2449, www.sevchamber.com.

Starting last year with the slow down of the economy and now with the new government sponsored war on the wealthy, a resentment toward wealth and luxury has gripped the nation. This is bad news for Florida Tourism.

“Not only have we seen a slow down due to the economy, but we also have to deal with class warfare,” said a Miami Resort Manager who wished to remain anonymous. “Every week we get cancellations on company bookings because we have the word “Resort” and “Spa” in our name. Both are words that are now likened with “extravagance” and that is something companies in today’s America literally fear being labeled or associated with.

Even Walt Disney World, the recession proof mouse king is affected by the anti wealth hysteria. To combat a visitor decline the Mouse has had to resort to cost cutting packages and creative word play to improve attendance. Which is something unheard of in previous years.

This new anti wealth movement is costing thousands of jobs and millions in revenue, not to mention all the store closings just in Florida alone. Recently executives at Amelia Island resort reported a loss of $750,000 since January, as businesses and trade groups avoid the negative publicity associated with anything that seems like luxury.

“We’re hoping that eventually this hysteria goes away,” said Visit Florida’s Mr. Goldman. “However, it’s hard to be hopeful when our industry is being attacked by our own government.”

Jacksonville Beach —- The three-day Springing the Blues, April 3-5, offers free blues music from Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band, the Legendary JC’s, Roger “Hurricane” Wilson and more. Art shows and movie also scheduled. 904-247-6100, springingtheblues.com.

Fort Lauderdale —- The FGRA Sunshine Stampede Rodeo, April 3-5, is one of the largest gay rodeos in the country, and this year features a rodeo school. 1-800-692-1644, www.fgra.org/stampede.

Daytona Beach —- The Daytona Beach International Festival, April 16-May 2, is a 17-day event featuring more than 150 musical artists in 30 venues. 1-866-849-0731, www.dbif.com.

Starke —- The 11th annual Bradford County Strawberry Festival, April 18-19, features shopping, games, rides and a “Legends” show with Elvis and Patsy Cline. 904-964-5278, www.mainstreetstarke.com.

Hollywood Beach —- The Red, White & Bluegrass music festival, May 16-18, features Ricky Skaggs as the headliner. Other performers include Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands and more. 954-921-3404, www.visithollywood.org/bluegrass.html

Florida’s Emerald Coast promises plenty of wallet-friendly adventures for “kids” of all ages. The 24 miles of sugar-white sands and emerald-green waters offer families the perfect backdrop for lasting memories at local attractions under $20, including:

   Building Sandcastles in the Sand          FREE
   Air Force Armament Museum                 FREE
   Gator Beach Alligator Exhibit             FREE
   Destin History & Fishing Museum           Adults $5.00/Children $3.00
   Emerald Coast Science Center              Adults $5.00/Children $3.50
   Fishing Off the Okaloosa Pier             Adults $7.00/Children $4.00
   Florida's Gulfarium                       Adults $19.25/Children $11.50

The Emerald Coast encourages visitors to experience the culture of the coast with affordable, family-friendly events. From boats lighting up the waters and kites soaring overhead to pirates invading the beaches and springtime serenading, families indulge in simple seaside charm while giving purses a break.

April

– 13th Annual HarborWalk Marina Destin Cobia Tournament — 6th Annual Destin Commons Spring Boat Show

May

– Northwest Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra Spring Concert — 2009 Catalina 22 National Championships

June

– Billy Bowlegs Festival — “Wait Until Dark” Performance

Along with a wide range of attractions and events, Florida’s Emerald Coast offers year-round affordable accommodations options, from beachfront hotels and a bed and breakfast to condominiums and vacation homes.

A small sampling of high-value accommodations and rates good through June 21 includes:

SeaCrest Condominium from $85 per night Comfort Inn Destin from $99 per night, free continental breakfast Southern Resorts from $100 per night Four Points by Sheraton from $125 per night, children free with parent