Developers and road builders want to plow through a state forest in the Panhandle to bring more people to the Gulf Coast.

Patrick Smith wrote "A Land Remembered" in 1984. The historical fiction novel followed a Florida cracker family as it entered the state in the 1850s and successive generations went on to build a fortune here through ranching, citrus and land development. Countless people consider it the greatest piece of Florida fiction ever written.

Patrick Smith's son Rick joins us on this episode of the podcast to discuss his father and the timeless book. Rick mentioned a video of Patrick Smith speaking, you can find that video here.

"Welcome to Florida" is presented, as always, by Visit Sarasota. Discover Sarasota's rich literary history and community and be sure to visit Bookstore 1 in downtown Sarasota for readings, signings - including Craig Pittman - and a full selection of Florida titles.

Windstorm Products also supports the show. This small, family-owned Florida company has grown into the largest online retailer of hurricane hardware in the world. From bolts and screws to wingnuts, drill bits and whatever else you may need to protect your home from hurricane wind damage, Windstorm Products has it - including expertise. If you run into a question, give them a call, toll free, at the number right on the website, windstormproducts.com.