I’m often asked how a graphic designer became interested in writing.
When I was in the graphic design program at the University of Florida, our professors insisted that students come up with a conceptual approach in our class assignments. My fellow students often complained that in the real world, advertising copywriters would be assigned the task of writing text. But throughout my career, I have not found that to be the case, and I have often found myself creating ad copy as well as designing the layout for advertising projects.
After a fortuitous trip to the Fountain of Youth attraction in St. Augustine, I became convinced that as a jaded Floridian I had overlooked a whole lot of fascinating history in my own backyard.
I became a blogger to document my discoveries in the Sunshine State and that discipline empowered me to write Finding the Fountain of Youth. I found inspiration from learning about the history of Florida’s spectacular springs which in turn led me to become interested in the environmental issues related to water. My mission is to create awareness of Florida’s rich history, unique culture, and endangered natural environment.
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Florida's Healing Waters: Gilded Age Mineral Springs, Seaside Resorts & Health Spas
Filled with rare photographs, vintage postcards and advertisements, and fascinating descriptions from over 100 years ago, Florida’s Healing Waters spotlights a little-known time in Florida history when tourists poured into the state in search of good health. This book was awarded both a silver medal for Florida history in the Florida Book Awards and the Stetson Kennedy Award from the Florida Historical Society.
This 240-page full color book is available for $29.99 plus shipping and handling.
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Finding The Fountain of Youth: Ponce de León and Florida's Magical Waters
From the story of Ponce de Leon, who landed on a peninsula already populated by hundreds of thousands of indigenous peoples, to Florida’s 21st century struggles to protect its water, this book covers how the myth of the fountain of youth has shaped our thinking. My first book was awarded a bronze medal at the Florida Book Awards in the Visual Arts category.
Rich with fun images from my vast collection of Florida-themed ephemera, this award-winning book is available for $14.95 plus shipping and handling.
Articles
As a published author, I have been given the opportunity to write articles about Florida history.
Taking the Waters in Florida
Published in FORUM The Magazine of Florida Humanities, Spring 2021
https://floridahumanities.org/water-as-a-healing-source-in-search-of-miracle-cures/
This article was included in the 2023 compilation, Once Upon a Time in Florida
https://upf.com/book.asp?id=9798987660805
Datson Dairy: From Family Farm to Beloved Brand
Published in the magazine for Pine Castle Pioneer Days, 2022
Compelled to Create: Meet the Figurehead Five
Published in Reflections from Central Florida, Fall 2022
https://www.thehistorycenter.org/the-figurehead-five/
From MFLs to Ibi: A return to our watery roots
Ichetucknee Beloved Blue River website, 2021
https://belovedblueriver.org/a-new-relationship/changing-the-relationship/nr-kilby-watery-roots/
Little Sure Shot’s Snowbird Days: Annie Oakley in Central Florida
Published in Reflections from Central Florida, Fall 2019
https://www.thehistorycenter.org/annie/
Has our love of springs become a fatal attraction?
Published in the Gainesville Sun, July 28, 2022
https://www.gainesville.com/story/opinion/2022/07/28/rick-kilby/10059920002/
Hopping Into Springs Country
Slow Travel Society Guide to Orlando
Hyper-local things to do for the visitor and resident, June 2021
Infectious diseases played major part in Florida’s past
Published in the Gainesville Sun, March 18, 2020
https://www.gainesville.com/story/opinion/columns/more-voices/2020/03/18/rick-kilby-infectious-diseases-played-major-part-in-floridas-past/1501827007/
Preserving our past at Florida’s springs
Published in the Gainesville Sun, March 9, 2018
https://www.gainesville.com/story/opinion/columns/more-voices/2018/03/09/rick-kilby-preserving-our-past-at-floridas-springs/13013738007/
Taking the Waters in Florida
Published in the Gainesville Sun, October 30, 2016
https://www.gainesville.com/story/opinion/columns/more-voices/2016/10/30/rick-kilby-taking-waters-in-florida/24647102007/
Creating Church Street Station: Bob Snow Talks Dixieland, Skywriting, and How he Changed Orlando
Published in Reflections from Central Florida, Summer 2016
https://www.thehistorycenter.org/creating-church-street-station/
Driving the Dixie Highway through Central Florida
Published in Reflections from Central Florida, Summer 2015
Print-only
Finding the Fountain of Youth in Central Florida
Published in Reflections from Central Florida, Spring 2013
Print-only
Almost Magic: Leesburg Forgotten Floating Islands
Published in Reflections from Central Florida, Fall 2020
Print-only
Florida’s Floating Islands: The Roadside Attraction That Sank Before It Started
SCA Journal, Fall 2020
Print-only
Come see me speak.
One of the most unexpected benefits of being an author is being able to connect with people at public speaking events.
Upcoming Events
Rick Kilby discusses the allure of Florida's old springs and the history of health tourism in the state, including the Victorian era's fascination with water as a source of healing, at events like the Orlando Remembered meeting and the Gulfport Historical Society.
These talks often explore the rich history of Florida's springs and their role in the state's development, reflecting Kilby's dedication to preserving and sharing the unique stories of Florida.
Listen to the Florida Spectacular podcast.
Take a weekly trip across Florida with authors Cathy Salustri and Rick Kilby and discover a side of Florida you never knew existed. From the scallops in Panhandle bays to the Hemingway cats in Key West, every week is a Florida adventure.