Living on the Little Manatee River gives an artist and his wife a closer look at Florida's environment.
By BRUCE MARSH
Published March 26, 2004
My wife and I found an old, small house on the Little Manatee River here in 2001. Friends, now our neighbors, had called to say a for-sale sign had gone up that morning, and we took one look and made an offer that afternoon. There was no question once we saw the river here.
That began an 18-month remodeling and expansion project for studios, an intense time of slogging through the thickets of codes, variances, design problems, contractors, ad infinitum. All worth it. We're here for the duration; I am an artist just retired from USF, and Dolores is an artist who teaches at the Ringling School of Art in Sarasota.
We've also found that the Ruskin community is a rare place to make a home. Ruskin feels like Florida in the 40s, with it's mixed neighborhoods, quiet and walkable streets, small downtown businesses, and friendly people. There is also a fascinating history, having been founded by a "Common Good Society," over 100 years ago. They were idealists pursuing the social theories of the English critic and thinker John Ruskin. They also established a college here, which had a short and interesting life. We have only scratched the surface of the history and hope to learn much more.
The diversity here is authentic and rich. There is a large Hispanic component and a mix of people involved in agriculture, small business, fishing, retirement, etc. Good Mexican food is available, and there is a bus, El Expresso, that leaves every afternoon for Mexico. We've not explored that option ... yet.
We've had the opportunity to meet a great number of community activists and concerned citizens, as the Ruskin Community Plan has been under development since last summer. It's a delight to see many who are passionately committed to this place, and to preserving the unique qualities. The goal is to somehow prevent overdevelopment, clogged roads and endless cookie cutter subdivisions. We all fervently hope to see development on a human scale, which preserved the rural and open character of Ruskin, and the precious natural resources.
I've painted Florida landscapes for many years, and being here to watch the light and weather on the river is a privilege. Our view is to mangroves 250 yards across the river. These past few weeks we've been watching an active eagle's nest, and just this week have seen the two fledgings begin to fly. Plus: The snook are hitting!
