House of Refuge

 

Growing up in Florida I was quite familiar with lighthouses and their history. So, it surprised me to only recently learn about Florida's Houses of Refuge. These were stations situated on the coastline of Florida designed as a type of safe house for victims of shipwrecks. They operated from 1876-1915. The families who worked these Houses of Refuge lived isolated lives, combing the beaches after storms in search of survivors. 

There is one House of Refuge still standing today and that is at Gilbert's Bar in Stuart, Florida. I'd researched in advance, but the museum taught me so much more. The keepers kept a rifle to protect themselves from the bears roaming the beaches in search of sea turtles. 

One of the stories I love best is about a lone Norwegian shipwreck survivor who fell in love with the oldest daughter of a keeper. 

There are also tales of the pirate Don Pedro Gilbert who lured ships onto the shoal using lanterns, leading them to their capsized demise. 

Gilbert's Bar is built on limestone which makes for beautiful rock formations along the coastline. 

Writerly Friends

The best part of my trip south was my brunch with the talented Grace Santamaria whose debut novel releases in November of THIS YEAR! I'm so proud to see her hard work pay off.

We met at the WFWA Chicago conference back in the fall of 2023. I had a front row seat as I saw her prepare to pitch and then later receive her offer of publication from Rising Action Publishing (partners with Simon & Schuster). Watching her career launch is exciting and I love learning from her as she journeys with me.