Florida: Of Paradise and Peril

Note: This story has been pulled back into our story workshop because we decided it could be better. We’re taking the time to review and rewrite it. We hope to have it back up soon. Visit the FIFTY Series Page to learn more about what we’re up to, or click the Browse button above to find more story suggestions.

“Of Paradise and Peril” is Civil War era historical fiction about the meeting of two men in what is now known as Tampa Bay, Florida. One man, Wade P. Hood, is a sailor from a southern barricade runner (small steamboat) who falls from his boat and swims to shore. The other man, Count Odet Philipi, is a black Frenchman who has built Florida’s first grapefruit orchard, and is a now a proud successful southern businessman during a time when southern businesses are all struggling. Count Odet cares for Wade and helps him return to his native Alabama, but the Frenchman also offers strong opinions on the nature of war, of integrity and of business.

Note: Though this is historical fiction and the characters have been developed to accommodate a story, their attributes and development may be useful as reference points and inspirations.