Friday (January 23), we took the FN show on the road again.

At 8:30 am, we started meeting and greeting southbound travelers on I-95 at the Florida Welcome Center. We spent the next six and a half hours promoting our sponsor organizations and proclaiming the joys of nude recreation in general. What a blast!

Like our experience at the I-75 Welcome Center, people were mostly interested in finding out more, if not outright supportive. There were very few negative reactions, none of which were hostile. We gave away FN-branded shopping bags seeded with the latest FN brochure and branded SPF 15 Lip Balm. Not surprisingly, even those with a less-than-enthusiastic response were happy to take the lip balm!

As always, we received compliments on our presentation and friendly banter. One Visit Florida staff member working at an adjacent counter told us she enjoyed watching us interact with the visitors.

Arlene Thomason debuted as a “Sunshine Advocate” and wowed everyone she spoke with. She quickly developed a technique of catching the men’s attention by asking them if she could “give them a kiss.” A positive response resulted in being handed a Hershey’s Kiss from the candy bucket. With the ice broken, she had their full attention.

We were again pleased to share a table with Tampa Bay Free Beaches. Jack Clark and Maryanne Rettig informed people about TBFB’s efforts to re-establish a clothing-optional beach on the Gulf Coast of Florida. We all continue to be amazed at how many people (including Florida residents) have no idea there are four such beaches along Florida’s Atlantic Coast! Even fewer realized the number of family-friendly resorts and clubs spread throughout the state.

There’s clearly a lot of educational work still to be done. We intend to take advantage of every opportunity to demonstrate how “normal,” friendly, and fun nudists are. Your continued interest and support are vital and very much appreciated.