Reviews and Awards
Real South Magazine
“There’s no doubt Kilby understands the graphic appeal of kitsch, but also that it can be strangely beautiful and enlightening. What’s obvious is the power of marketing and promotion in creating the nation’s perspective of Florida. Even Kilby’s own narrative is short and snappy and enticing, like good brochure copy.”
Florida Historical Quarterly
"In addition to being a good read and a compelling tale, Finding the Fountain of Youth is a rare gem in that it is also visually stunning. Kilby has compiled an impressive collection related to this topic that included historic photographs, advertisements, travel brochures, postcards, maps, and signs."
Awards for Writing
Silver Award for Best Writing: Feature/Association/non-profit/B2B
Issued by Florida Magazine Association Charlie Awards · January 2022
Awarded for "Taking the Waters" article in FORUM: The Magazine of Florida Humanities. Recognizing achievements by Florida magazines since 1957, FMA’s annual Charlie Awards competition crowns publishers, writers, editors, artists, photographers, printers, marketers and others as the best among their peers in scores of categories. Juried by recognized out-of-state magazine and newspaper professionals, and college journalism professors, hundreds of entries vie for first, second and third place awards—Charlie, Silver and Bronze.
Stetson Kennedy Award
Issued by Florida Historical Society · April 2021
The Stetson Kennedy Award is for the best book on human rights, traditional cultures, or the natural environment from the Florida Historical Society.
Silver Medal in Florida Nonfiction from the Florida Book Awards
Issued by Florida Book Awards · March 2021
The Florida Book Awards, established in 2006, is an annual awards program that recognizes, honors and celebrates the literature by Florida authors and books about Florida published in the previous year. Authors must be Florida residents, except in the nonfiction and visual arts categories, where the subject matter must focus on Florida.
Florida Book Awards Bronze Medal in Visual Arts category
Issued by Florida State University Libraries · February 2014
The Florida Book Awards, established in 2006, is an annual awards program that recognizes, honors and celebrates the literature by Florida authors and books about Florida published in the previous year. Authors must be Florida residents, except in the nonfiction and visual arts categories, where the subject matter must focus on Florida.
Golden Quill Series Award
Issued by Florida Historical Society · May 2014
Awarded to Joy Wallace Dickinson and Rick Kilby for Reflections From Central Florida, The Orange County Regional History Center magazine.
Florida Book Review
"Packed with mermaids, ancient springs, strange stone crosses, springs, and lions, Finding the Fountain of Youth is perfect for anyone who has not explored the 'tourist traps' and is interested in both the history and mythic attractions of the Sunshine State. Every page is filled with fun facts, vintage flavor, and colorful photographs of the state boasting 'perpetual rejuvenation.' Whether or not you call Florida your home, you will find something magical about the waters rippling through these pages."
A Book for Every Floridian
“Every Floridian (born or transplant) should own this book. Read it once for the graphics. Read again for the history. Read a third time for both. This book will encourage all readers to explore. After reading this, I'll never look at a glass of FL OJ the same again! Moving away from the state, it was a nice reminder of home. A good push to take a road trip back and embrace the touristy relics we'd normally avoid. This book captures Florida history in a new and interesting light.”
TK / Amazon review
Treat Yourself
“The facts are of extreme interest, but the showpiece of the book are the photographs. If you love advertising, ludicrous statements, pre-counter culture idealism, graphic design, popular culture, or old Florida you will love this book.”
M. Cash
A Lot of Fun but Informative as Well
“This was an excellent read! As a native and 5th generation floridan I am always interested in learning about my state. And I learned quite a few things I didn’t know about the springs and the culture of Florida in the 1800’s and early 1900’s. The author was very descriptive and the pictures were a lot of fun but informative as well. Loved learned about Altamonte Springs and Apopka which is where I live now!”
Alicia / GoodReads.com
Most Amazing Work Ethic
“Rick has the most amazing work ethic, the most unique problem-solving skills, an incredible eye for creating art, and always made me look good. I would work with him anytime on any project.”
Tricia Slavik
Creative, Enthusiastic, Committed to Excellence
“His willingness to share his viewpoints directly allowed us to brilliantly re-invent the look and feel of our creative approaches to take on the challenges before us. Just as importantly, his willingness to contribute his ideas, time and efforts in areas out of the scope of his responsibilities was invaluable in us achieving an esprit de corps across the entire employee base at CSS. Rick is creative, enthusiastic and committed to excellence and it was my pleasure to work with him.”