True Florida Stories
Angel Keihl hops back and forth, shifting her weight across a padded mat in the mixed martial arts studio where she trains. Behind gloved fists, the 35-year-old hides her face, which has taken a few beatings over the years. Her brown eyes twinkle today, but they’ve been, at times, bulbed and blue and swollen shut. … Read moreFists of a Fighter, Heart of an Angel
We hope not to be the statistic this time, trusting that our safe brushes with destruction in the past are a sign we will be shielded from the storms of the future. … Read moreWhat Florida Lost
I think, but don’t say (because that would be embarrassing): “I’ll play mahjong with you, even though the tiles are confusing, and I hate feeling stupid. I’ll learn to drive, just like you wanted, even though I’m petrified I’ll accidentally hit someone.” At this point, I’ll do anything if you wake up … Read moreSticky notes
In 1954, a moonless night settled over a small college town in the swampy heart of Florida. The University of Florida campus in Gainesville was quiet, its dorm rooms mostly empty awaiting winter break’s end. But morning at the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity house brought a bloody discovery … Read moreMascot for cruelty
Ortiz had to wake up earlier than usual on the morning of his first event. He had played at many bazaars, markets and parties, but tonight was the first one with his name on it: JORDAY … Read moreNo slowing down