Although we may not be able to expect a white Christmas here in Florida, we still can enjoy a festive holiday with a bit of help from tourism expert Cathy Salustri, who will present “Celebrate the Holidays in Florida” at Academia Hernando 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 3, at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 2301 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill.
Academia Hernando is a not-for-profit lifelong learning organization providing quality instruction and learning experiences for adult students throughout Hernando County and beyond. Their goal is to inform, educate and inspire adult learners through a series of weekly lectures on a wide variety of topics.
“While friends and family up north shiver and pile on the winter clothes, Floridians embrace all the traditional holiday spectacle — without the snow,” read an event notice. “If you love the holidays, or if you’re new to Florida and finding it tough to get in the holiday spirit without those dreaded parkas and snow boots, this is the talk for you! Take a virtual road trip across Florida to learn about different holiday traditions and how Floridians get into the holiday spirit.”
Cathy Salustri is a true expert on the subject of Florida life in all its bountiful aspects. She earned an MLA in Florida Studies from the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. Her undergraduate degree is a product of St. Petersburg Junior College, the University of Central Florida, and the University of Tampa. Her first book, Backroads of Paradise, was featured in the New York Times. She is currently under contract with the University Press of Florida for her second book about Florida (tentative release date: 2024). She earns her living writing and speaking about Florida. She also owns The Gabber Newspaper, a hyperlocal weekly paper in Gulfport, Florida, where she and her husband live when not on a Florida road trip.
Through her extensive study of and experiences with the richness of culture and tradition here in the Sunshine State, Salustri has learned that one doesn’t have to fly north to enjoy a festive winter holiday season.
“When people move here from up north, they sometimes complain about what they perceive as the lack of seasons here. It’s harder for them to get into the holiday spirit. The truth is, though, that we do have seasonal changes here,” she said. “The fact is that we have many things to see and do here during the holiday season–so many different ways to celebrate.”
Sharon Printz, a board member of Academia Hernando, looks forward to welcoming this popular presenter to the Academia stage.
“I am a transplant from the Midwest and Cathy Salustri is a walking travel guide to Florida,” she said. “I have her book “Backroads of Paradise” and it is a one-of-a-kind guide from a one-of-a-kind writer. She knows Florida and is more than willing to share her love for our beautiful state. Don’t miss this experience!”
“Celebrate the Holidays in Florida” is the latest presentation of the Fall 2023 series of Academia Hernando, which features a brilliant spectrum of topics delivered by the experts who know them best.
Academia Hernando presentations begin promptly at 10 a.m. and last two hours with a 15-minute intermission. To register for the entire lecture series in addition to a Nov. 10 mystery bus trip, print the registration form found at https://www.academiahernando.org/fall-series and mail with your check for $80 payable to Academia Hernando Inc. to: Bev Nuzzi
15027 Middle Fairway Drive
Brooksville, FL 34609
Checks can also be brought to an Academia Hernando presentation; in addition, walkin admissions are available for $15 per presentation. Visit https://www.academiahernando.org/ for more information or call (352) 345-8345.
