FEATURES

Boat People: The Two Faces of Havana By Thomas Whittingslow 24
The boat ride from Southwest Florida to Cuba is not difficult, but the experience on the other end is heart-wrenching. In this exclusive two-part series, Times of the Islands visits Havana and reveals the human toll of two cultures in conflict.
Beautiful, Bountiful Beaches By Chelle Koster Walton 30
We have miles of beaches to choose from along our barrier islands, from Siesta Key to Marco Island. We test them all to make your choices easier.

DEPARTMENTS
EDITORIAL 6
A Sense of Community

MAKING WAVES 8
Gator love, marriage, and more

HABITATS 13
Carefree Comfort
By Libby Boren McMillan

ISLAND CUISINE 17
Holiday Cooking with Island Appeal
By Jan Campbell

PROFILE 21
Kayak Maniac

CALENDAR 38

ADVERTISERS INDEX 71

ISLAND JOURNAL 72

TREASURES

EXPLORER 48
Pieces of Prehistoric Florida

GOURMET 52
Catering to Islanders

CONCIERGE 56
By the Book

FINDS 62
Gifts for Island Lovers

GETAWAYS 66
Hiding out on Jekyll