Greetings {name},

Wednesday, February 1 is National Freedom Day, a chance to reflect on and remember the importance of freedom as a basic tenet, a founding principle, a bedrock doctrine of our society.

February 1 is also the first day of Black History Month, a time for remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora.

Thursday, February 2 is Groundhog Day, celebrated with Punxsutawney Phil who, if frightened by his shadow, will return to his burrow, indicating that there will be six more weeks of winter. If Phil does not see his shadow, then spring is on the way.

Wednesday, February 8 is Boy Scouts Day, celebrating the birthday of the American scouting movement on February 8, 1910.

Sunday, February 12 is Lincoln's Birthday, a legal holiday in Florida, often observed as part of Presidents’ Day, a Monday holiday.

February 12 is also the day of Super Bowl, the second Sunday in February, is traditionally the most-watched sporting event in the United States.

Tuesday, February 14 is Valentine's Day, a time to celebrate the love of a spouse or partner, often a time to declare romantic inclinations.

Wednesday, February 15 is Susan B. Anthony Day in Florida, celebrating women's rights and the origin of the women's suffrage movement in the United States.

Monday, February 20 is President's Day, traditionally held on the third Monday of February, honoring presidents of the United States, including George Washington.

Tuesday, February 21 is Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), marking the last day before Lent, and often associated with lavish parades and parties in New Orleans.

Please enjoy this image that reminds us of the beauty, bounty and serene nature of our countryside.

The pristine and elegant Mai Kai Louise orchid is a hybrid derived from Brassavola and Cattleya orchids.

click on the image to see enlargement.

Redland scenic photo illustrations © Robin and Robert Burr.

Friday, February 3 at 6:30pm

Movies In The Park - Soul

The City of Homestead’s Parks and Recreation Department will have a special screening of Soul as part of their Movies in the Park event series at the newly renovated Losner Park, 104 North Krome Avenue in downtown Homestead. C’Keisha’s Mobile Eatery food truck will be onsite with delicious food offerings for purchase. Round up the kids for a special night under the stars. The Movies in the Park event series is part of City of Homestead’s initiative to encourage residents to explore the parks and amenities the city has to offer. Call the Parks & Recreation Department at 305-224-4570 or email parkevents@cityofhomestead.com

Saturday, February 4 at 9am

Homestead Trolley To National Parks

The City of Homestead invites its residents, neighbors, and visitors to explore Everglades and Biscayne National Parks, and Homestead Bayfront Park with a free guided trolley ride from Downtown Homestead every weekend through April 3. The Homestead National Parks Trolley may be boarded from Homestead Station in Downtown Homestead at 4 South Krome Avenue. https://www.cityofhomestead.com/gateway

Monday, February 6 at 7pm

A Photo Tour of Neotropical Palms in Situ

Broward County resident and nurseryman Rory Antolak will present a Photo Tour of Neotropical Palms in Situ at the South Florida Palm Society monthly meeting. Born and raised in South Florida, Rory has been growing palms and other tropicals for just over a decade. Having traveled extensively through the neotropics in search of new and interesting species, he has encountered and photographed a number of seldom-seen plants, including palms. This meeting's presentation will focus on selected favorite palm species from some of those trips. The group meets at Fairchild's South Entrance, in Corbin or Nell’s Garden House at 10901 Old Cutler Road. Get details online.

Thursday, February 9 at 4:30pm

3D Print Club at the Cybrarium

Anyone can learn how to design 3D prints on a computer and use a 3D printer to create unique objects. All ages are welcome. https://cybrarium.libcal.com/event/10084210

Friday, February 10 at 8am

58th Annual Ag/Farm Tour And Luncheon

The 58th Annual Ag/Farm Tour provides an interesting opportunity to discover and learn about South Florida’s agriculture and horticulture and its economic importance for Miami-Dade County and the state of Florida. Each year, the tour stops at different agricultural operations to showcase the diversity and uniqueness of farming in the subtropical climate of South Florida. This event is organized by the Dade County AGRICouncil in collaboration with UF IFAS Extension Miami-Dade County, Miami-Dade County Agricultural Manager, Dade County Farm Bureau, Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association, and other partners. Check-in at UF IFAS, 18710 S.W. 288th Street at 8am for refreshments. Bus leaves at 9am. Lunch at 12:30pm. Return at 3pm. Tour and lunch is $65; lunch only is $40. Get details and purchase tickets online.

Save The Date
February 18 - 10am to 4pm

Upper Keys Garden Walk 2023

Tour spectacular private gardens at the 42nd annual Garden Walk of the Upper Keys and enjoy complimentary activities at the club house including an art show, vendors and food trucks at MM 94 Bayside. In honor of the club’s 70th birthday, tickets to their 42nd Garden Walk are being offered at the discounted price of $25. The address is 94040 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, FL 33070. Get details and purchase tickets online.

Tuesday, February 14 at 7pm

Tropical Beekeepers welcome Branden Stanford

The Tropical Beekeepers Association will meet in the Fruit & Spice Park Auditorium with guest speaker Branden Stanford, Assistant Bureau Chief for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. He is a dynamic speaker with an impressive resume on bees and beekeeping. His classes are informative and interesting. He will be going through the ins and outs of the bee registration and inspection process, touching on the importance the program has on the beekeeping industry in Florida. It is sure to be a very worthwhile meeting. Mark your calendars to attend. As usual the group includes a potluck dinner so please feel free to bring something to share. Visit Facebook page. 

Save The Date
Saturday and Sunday, March 4-5

Homestead Stone Crab and Seafood Festival

Bring the family out to enjoy the freshest seafood Homestead and the Keys have to offer, with live local entertainment, brews on tap, unique arts, crafts and more -- Saturday, March 4 from 11am to 8pm and Sunday, March 5 from 11am to 6pm at the Homestead Sports Complex, 1601 SE 28th Avenue in Homestead. There will be food options for everyone, including BBQ, roast pork, and others, so bring all your friends. Benefitting the Rotary Club of Homestead Charitable Foundation. Admission is $10; ages 12 and under free. Get details and tickets online.

Outdoor Weekend Fun

Visit Redland Equestrian Center

Bring the family to the 17 acre Redland Equestrian Center for farm and horse tours, or horseback riding tours, open at 10am everyday by pre-paid reservation. Kids will love a day outside on the farm with pony and horse lead rides, petting farm, butterfly garden, oak tree hammock and lychee grove. Reserve your agricultural learning events for school, company or birthday. Enjoy a photography session with horses and other animals. The largest and oldest equestrian center in the area. Redland Equestrian Center is a great place for horse boarding and training, since 1999. Call 786-650-6173. Reserve online. http://RedlandLife.com

Dependable Friendly Service

Two Computer Guys

Since 1998, the team at Two Computer Guys has been available for safe, reliable, efficient and friendly service -- for small businesses, families, students and anyone that needs computer help. They solve problems and get computers up and running at top speed quickly. Serving more than a thousand clients in South Florida over the past three decades. Just call when you need a little help. 305-444-1984. https://www.twocomputerguys.com

Live Performances

Homestead's Historic Seminole Theatre

The Historic Seminole Theatre is the premiere performing arts center of downtown Homestead, providing a creative hub of theater, music, dance and education in South Miami-Dade County and the Upper Keys. The Seminole Theatre's mission is to make the live performing arts accessible to the diverse community of the greater Homestead region and to attract established and emerging artists of excellence locally, nationally, and internationally. Check the online calendar for a complete list of upcoming performances. https://seminoletheatre.org/

A Unique Dining Experience

Royd’s on Krome Avenue

Bring the family to Royd's on Krome to enjoy the delightful ambience of an old Southwestern town, featuring a mix of Latin and Southern comfort food, with fresh fruit milkshakes and home-made desserts. On the weekends, enjoy the mechanical bull rides, pony rides and a farm animal exhibit for the kids, with live music and a festive atmosphere. From the architecture to the agriculture, it's a beautiful family-friendly place -- a charming reflection of the Redland Region -- where you'll want to return again and again. Royd's is located at 20800 SW 177 Avenue. Call 305-799-8996. https://roydssfl.com

A big thank you to all of our Redland View sponsors for helping us highlight these special events in the countryside -- and thanks to our Redland View readers for your continued interest in these delightful cultural opportunities.

Robert and Robin Burr