Marjory Stoneman Douglas, author of the enduring publication “The Everglades: River of Grass,” was known for her humanitarian efforts before she lent her energies to the cause of protecting the swamp at the southern tip of Florida. In honor of the dedication of the Everglades National Park in 1947, Mrs. Douglas wrote a fitting tribute to the man to whom all Floridians owed a great debt of thanks: Ernest Francis Coe, the Forgotten Father of the Everglades.

The National Piers Society is a UK-registered charity dedicated to “promoting and sustaining our interest in the preservation and continued enjoyment of seaside piers” (who knew?).

April showers bring May flowers, and along with them traditions such as Mother’s Day, which began in the late 19th century when Anna Reese Jarvis sought to set aside a day to heal the emotional scars left after the Civil War.

On April 25, 1928, Gov. John W. Martin launched a 450-car motorcade on a one-day journey from Tampa to Everglades City in celebration of the opening of the Tamiami Trail. The Everglades’ greatest day was also a fulfillment of the governor’s 1925 campaign promise to have the highway completed during his administration — “come hell or high water.”