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Cattle Running Through Florida Street's

By
Real Estate Agent with Florida Future Realty Inc.

Did you know that for many years before tourism became one of Florida's main industries was cattle farming ???  This leads into the nickname that some "Native Floridians" give themselves.  They call themselves Florida Crackers.  This nickname came from the "Cracking" of the whip used while herding cattle all around the sunshine state.

Many travelers to Florida these days spend their time in theme parks, golfing, enjoying our vast and spectactular beaches, sporting events, and many other activities.  But did you know that if you drive toward the central part of the state away from the beaches you'll find active cattle ranches.

My parents are somewhat new to Florida as Full-Time Floridians.  So with retirement comes extra time to explore what their new hometown has to offer.  After following local publications, they found out that this past weekend some cities in Florida were celebrating the National Day of the American Cowboy.

My Mom & Dad attended an event in Okochobee since they now live in the greater fort myers area.  Our whole family had been to similar events out in the west, specifically Cody Wyoming.  But to have this in our own backyard so to speak was an interesting turn of events.

They attended the weekend events and had a great time.  They watched as they drove the cattle right down through the city streets.  My mom had commented on how it reminded her of the pony swims in Virginia in years past.  After the cattle drive they attended the rodeo later that evening.

This is an article also talking about the event:

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/content/tcoast/epaper/2007/07/29/m1c_ocowboy_0729.html?cxtype=rss&cxsvc=7&cxcat=77

Remember to take a look around your town and the areas surrounding you to find unique cultural activities that occur in your community, your potential buyers want to know.

 "Copyright © 2007 by Scott Slocum. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the written consent of the author."

Comments(4)

Cyndee Haydon
Charles Rutenberg Realty - Clearwater, FL
727-710-8035 Clearwater, Beach Short Sales Luxury Condos &Homes
Enjoyed your post as a "native Floridian" myself - love hearing the history of the "Florida Cracker"  
Jul 29, 2007 08:33 AM
Susan Milner
Florida Future Realty, Inc. - Cape Coral, FL
Cape Coral Real Estate Broker, FloridaFutureAgents
I didn't know where the term 'florida cracker' came from & I've been asked many times, is that true???
Jul 29, 2007 10:16 AM
Scott Slocum
Florida Future Realty Inc. - Cape Coral, FL
Scott Slocum & Associates 239-222-4800, Cape Coral

Hey Susan thanks for your comment, according to the research that I've done this is what I was able to find.  It relates all the way back to the spanish cowboys.

Other possible origins of the term "cracker" are linked to early Florida cattle herders (Florida crackers) that traditionally used whips to herd wild Spanish cattle. These cowboys were distinct from the Spanish vaqueros of Florida. The crack of the herders' whips could be heard for great distances when they were used to round cattle in pens and to keep the cows on a given track.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cracker_(pejorative)

 

Jul 30, 2007 11:23 AM
Susan Milner
Florida Future Realty, Inc. - Cape Coral, FL
Cape Coral Real Estate Broker, FloridaFutureAgents
Ah, thanks again. I guess there is no 'right' answer to this question.
Jul 31, 2007 11:39 AM