September in Florida
September in Florida is a heat-hazed handshake with football season, where the air is thick enough to fry a flounder. Now, folks, this is just as likely to spark a good old argument about who owns the fall. Somehow, we all end up on the same porch, sipping sweet tea and cheering on Saturdays together.
The big three roll in with their own drumbeat. You got the Florida Gators, the Florida State Seminoles, and the Miami Hurricanes. With each family bringing its own flavor of drama and legends you’ll be telling at the table long after the leftovers are gone. And then there are the smaller schools doing their own brand of grit under that wide Florida sky. You have the South Florida Bulls, UCF Knights, FIU, FAU, and Florida A&M all raring to go at the drop of a hat. Plus, the rest of the fired-up underdog squads that taste like a good, spicy gumbo. This isn’t a slight of anyone mind you. It’s a celebration of all the flavors that make our gridiron feast so delicious.
And we can’t forget those tailgate professionals. You know, the folks who show up with smokers big enough to feed a small town. They always have a cooler that looks like it survived a hurricane and a story that comes with it. Then, they have recipes that would make a saint’s choir jealous.
There is always a chair with a name plate that’s seen more games than some players. Plus, you always see a dog that thinks the ball is its own chew toy. Then the vittles spreads at these tailgates, oh nelly! They could feed a family reunion and the entire band at once. If heat, hope and hog are Florida’s three flavors then the tailgate is the dessert. And it’s sweeter than any victory foam.
So, if you’re writing Florida football, you don’t just track wins and losses either. You map the communities that tailgate from dawn till lights go on, the folks who treat Saturday like a holiday, and how one touchdown can reverberate from a tiny stadium to the whole state. The real season is the one that binds us. Orange-and-blue, garnet-and-gold, green-and-orange and whatever color combo you please. Mixed all together in a chorus that rises with the sun and never quite lands, no matter what the scoreboard says.
Leland Shipp — The Voice of Southern Charm & Master of Psychological Thrillers
Leland Shipp is the beloved “Voice of Southern Charm” at The Peddler’s Post, where his monthly articles inspire unity, humor, and community pride across Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, and Sumter counties. His warm, relatable voice and insightful commentary have made him a cherished fixture in local journalism, championing the values that make his region truly special.
An accomplished author of psychological thrillers and horror, Leland’s storytelling prowess is rooted in his deep understanding of human behavior and societal dynamics. With a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Minor in Political Science, he skillfully weaves complex plots filled with suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. His debut novel, Impulsivity, explores themes of decision-making, responsibility, and the profound impact of reckless love—reflecting his keen eye for the darker aspects of the human psyche.
When he’s not writing gripping tales or engaging with his community, Leland finds solace in the great outdoors—hiking, fishing, and seeking tranquility near lakes, rivers, and the ocean. His stories often delve into psychological manipulation, paranoia, obsession, and self-discovery, echoing his love for the natural world and the mysteries it holds.
Beyond his writing, Leland’s humor and community spirit extend across central Florida, making him a familiar and beloved voice in four counties. Whether through his storytelling, community service, or spreading laughter and insight, Leland Shipp embodies Southern resilience, warmth, and mastery—connecting with audiences through words that entertain, provoke thought, and inspire.
Learn more about Leland here: http://www.lelandshipp.com/
