Jessica and I (J.R.) grew up in Florida — the version of Florida filled with sun-faded neighborhoods, roadside oddities, wild summers, and all the strange magic that only locals truly understand. As Mark Twain said, “The first third is good times, the rest is remembering about it.” So we decided to remember — through art, short stories, and poetry. We started with our own memories and illustrations, then opened the doors to other Floridians we grew up with — people who lived those same good times and had stories to tell. We even put out a call for submissions from anyone who once called Florida home. What came back was beautiful: a patchwork of voices, all honest, creative, and grateful for a platform to express something real. This book is a collaborative celebration of that past — part art book, part literary collection, and entirely Florida. It’s a love letter to where we’re from, and a reminder that storytelling (in all forms) is how we make time stand still. This is the way.