Arts and Entertainment TBT Journalist's Palmetto History Pictorial Now Available

PALMETTO – If you've ever been to a bookstore, chances are you've seen Arcadia Publishing's easily recognizable Images of America Series. The independent publisher has produced thousands of photographic histories for towns all across the United States, using local authors and historians. For its newest entry, Palmetto, Arcadia tapped our own Merab Favorite to assemble a pictorial of this Manatee County town. The result is a history-rich tale told through rare and iconic photographs that are enhanced by the author's detailed and poignant captions.

Favorite, whose weekly Sunday Favorites column is among the most widely-read on our site, has developed a reputation as one of the best young historic journalists in Florida, and was an obvious pick for Arcadia's newest edition. A fifth-generation Manatee County native, the 29-year-old writer grew up on Snead Island and was raised with a deep appreciation for the history of the area. She began working for The Bradenton Times first as an intern while studying journalism at USF, just weeks after I took over as editor.

Her knowledge of the local community and love for the outdoors made her a natural for lifestyle and recreation pieces. We needed a second Sunday column and her first name was just too perfect to resist, so against her bashful protests, Sunday Favorites was born. What was at first an eclectic array of stories about local groups, outdoor actvities and popular hang-outs soon became a showcase for community characters and historic folklore. Soon, the intern's rough around the edges writing blossomed into the columnist's polished copy, and once Merab found the confidence to let her unique voice speak freely in her work, readers quickly caught on.

When she began working on the book, Arcadia Publishing already had put out a Manatee County edition, which included many of the most famous Palmetto images. Because they don't allow photos to be used in multiple editions, Merab had to dig deep to find pictures that would do justice to Palmetto's rich and sometimes complicated history. The result is a treasure of intimate photos narrated in text by a distinct and original voice that shines in every caption. I spoke with Merab recently about her experience working on the book.

Merab Michal Favorite

As someone who cares deeply for the community, what was important to convey in telling Palmetto's story?

All of my life, I’ve heard tales that weren’t exactly historical facts, but instead interesting tidbits that made for a great story. I tried to incorporate them into Palmetto’s accurate history. For instance, anyone who grew up in Palmetto in the 1940's or 1950's remembers when Ed Winter, owner of the Seahorse Gift Shop, wrestled rattlesnakes in the parking lot to entertain tourists. It’s those types of details that make Palmetto unique.

What was the most interesting thing about the community that you hadn't known and learned while putting it together?

Before writing the book, I wrote an article about castnet making. The first thing Willis Underwood said when I was interviewing him was; ”They say ol’ Ed Lee was caught in a castnet.“ Ed had taught Willis to weave nets. I had no idea what Willis was talking about. When I started researching the book, I found the story about the Feral Children of Terra Ceia and as it happened, a guy really did have to catch these wild children in a castnet! I was blown away by that story.

Your writing conveys an obvious love for the community. To whom or what do you attribute your connection with Palmetto?

Well my family has lived here for five generations. I didn’t know that before writing the book. I think about my ancestors living on Terra Ceia Island and it draws me to this area. I have been lucky enough to find work here doing what I love, and to me, that is a sign. It makes me want to make Palmetto a better place and inform others of the city’s heritage.

Copies of  Palmetto will be available at the Palmetto Art Center's book launch party, February 3, 5:00 pm -9:00 pm or can be ordered online.