Sandra Wallus Sammons – författare

Juan Ponce de Leon was a young soldier in Spain when Christopher Columbus made his first voyage to the New World. De Leon accompanied him on his second voyage, and later became Governor of Puerto Rico. On voyages of his own, he explored other islands and discovered an even larger land—Florida. This biography captures the excitement of finding a "new world."

Considered one of the eminent writers of twentieth-century African-American literature, Zora Neale Hurston (1891-1960) was closely associated with the Harlem Renaissance and has influenced writers such as Ralph Ellison, Toni Morrison, and Alice Walker. She published four novels, two volumes of folklore, an autobiography, and several short stories and plays. This book includes a glossary, bibliography, and index. Hurston grew up in Eatonville, Florida, was a librarian at Patrick Air Force Base, and taught in Fort Pierce where writer Alice Walker discovered her grave in 1973.

They shared first names. They both first came to Florida looking for a healthy place for their wives. And they both fell in love with the place and with its potential. Henry Plant and Henry Flagler also shared passions for railroads and hotels—and they both ignored the word "impossible."

Henry Plant, who had steamships in addition to railroads, was determined to have his trains running to a port for ships on the west coast of Florida. In 1884 Plant realized his dream when his rails reached Tampa. With the grand opening of his fantastic Tampa Bay Hotel in 1891, Plant reached another goal.

Henry Flagler first visited Florida in 1878, and he liked what he saw. He came back and built railroads and grand hotels along the east coast so that Northerners could enjoy the beauties of the state. By the end of his long and productive life, he had built a railroad all the way to the very end of the Keys. It arrived in Key West in 1912.

Both Henrys were very determined and practical. They met all the great challenges they set for themselves. Their efforts brought growth and development to both coasts of Florida.

Ages 12 and up