This news article appeared in the Sept. 17,1998 issue of the Florida Polk County Newspaper to which the people at the Rod & Reel Motel did not know, but it was a pleasant surprise. Please read and enjoy.

An Entirely Different Florida 90 Miles Away

Do business with those who trade with you.

I said last week that a former daily newspaper boss gave that advice to me when I bought the newspaper.

It's proven to be good advice.

So, I guess you can say I was "working" last Thursday night when I spent the night on Anna Maria Island at the Rod & Reel Motel.

This stay was so relaxing....such a different Florida from the blue collar (yet changing) Area of Mulberry and South Lakeland that I almost wondered if both areas are in the same state. And only 90 miles away!

As the waves splashed against the little patio deck, from motel room#11, my eye stayed on the "open" neon sign on the restaurant and bar on the pier and the variety of folks fishing and moving around in the bar.

Between the large sliding glass door of my room and the pier were the Gulf of Mexico waters that were lapping against the sand. Heron and egrets were looking for their supper and they seemed to work even harder for breakfast.

This is a beautiful part of our great state....something we who live near the gypsum stacks often forget.

The setting at the Rod & Reel Motel and Pier would make for some sort of adventure in the Travis McGee series by the late Florida author, John MacDonald.

The room had no phone in it. Nor should one be in it. For emergencies, there's a pay phone near the office.

Someone so busy that they need a phone stuck in his ear while at the Rod & Reel does not deserve the Rod & Reel. If you're that busy, stay away. You'll be so wound up that you won't enjoy this little island community, anyway.

A tip if you stay at the Rod & Reel Motel. As most gems in Florida, it's a bit off the beaten tract. That's why the crowds haven't spoiled it yet. And if you make a reservation, ask, bed, for either room No.11 or 10. They are right on the beach.

In the morning, I sat out on the patio and listened to the waves, my eyes shut under the increasing Florida sun.

This, I thought, can grow on you.

Check out time was 10 a.m. and I had another half-hour.

No, I thought, this is too good to last. Why prolong the inevitable? Why even think about staying in such a world even a half-hour longer? I'm out of here---for now.

Parts of the article not associated directly with the Motel have been removed, just so it would not be too lengthy. We at the Rod & Reel Motel would like to give a special Thank-you to Bill & Barbara.

top