2022 in review: A Central Florida Explorer year full of tanks, pancakes, tortoises and more

Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel
·3 min read

When reflecting on all of the trials and triumphs posed by the last year, a word comes to mind: gratitude.

A lot has shifted this year but one thing hasn’t changed: my love for Central Florida, its abundant natural beauty, wildlife, things to do and above all, its people.

There’s Marquis Lee, the poet who melds words and forges them into works of art with his typewriter, providing for his family in the process.

Consider the story of Leslie Holland, a Florida woman seeking to honor her father’s legacy as a World War II captain by sharing the story of his all-Black company of amphibious truck drivers.

I welcomed the opportunity to share the legacy of Jorge Rayo, the teenager who released an emotional musical album before he passed away from cancer, the story of JoKeeta Johnson, a Central Florida artist who shares African-American history through stained-glass masterpieces, and the epic tale of Justin Bright, the skateboarder who traveled the length of Florida to raise money for conservation.

Of course, I’ve enjoyed plenty of adventures of my own.

I muscled my way through 50 miles of off-road cycling in one day at the Santos Fat Tire Festival. Joined by an avid adventurer and friend, Mike Grace, I backpacked for 22 miles on the Florida Trail without any packed food or water — and lived to tell the tale.

I got to experience the joy of driving a 17-ton beast when Tank America moved to Orlando. My adrenaline rushed as I soared high above a former limestone quarry while visiting The Canyons Zip Line in Ocala — and again when I tried wakeboarding for the first time at Orlando Watersports Complex.

I was among the first to try the make-your-own pancakes at the newly renovated Old Sugar Mill Pancake House, the popular De Leon Springs eatery that got a new concessionaire this year.

Early February had me embarking on a meandering road trip that spanned almost the entire Florida peninsula. During that trip, I gazed in awe at the nighttime sky at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve, discovered unique beaches, sampled brews on the Jacksonville Ale Trail and tested my legs in the “mountains” of the Florida Panhandle.

There are more serious stories that have fallen into my lap. I was aghast when I learned about the legacy of a state-run permitting program that, in some cases, still allows developers to bury gopher tortoises alive. I was inspired by the courageous work of Carissa Kent and her team who work tirelessly to relocate them.

My story about Manatee Awareness Month took on added significance this year as Florida’s sea cows continue to starve and fight for their survival.

I jumped into action when covering the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, documenting historic flooding from that massive storm. I shared the struggle of independent kayak tour outfitters after they were given the boot from Blue Spring State Park’s French Landing.

If the last year or two has taught me anything, it’s to savor experiences and treasure meaningful connections with the people around me. I’m so thankful that my work allows me to do both.

Find me @PConnPie on Twitter and Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com. For more fun things, follow @fun.things.orlando on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.