The circuitous route to the wilderness pond requires that you traverse washboard dirt roads, fire trails and a series of overgrown one lane wilderness paths that take you deep in the heart of the south Flagler County swamps.
Those who spend time in the woods understand that fences and gates are to be respected — only crossed with the express permission of the property owner. The vehicles I saw were openly trespassing on private property — I assume searching for areas that had yet to be picked — totally disregarding the rules — which require both a permit from the Department of Agriculture and written permission of the landowner.
Saw palmetto pirates can be found trespassing on private property in subdivisions, backyards, public parks, along interstate highways — anywhere they can find access to the profitable berries. Thank you for your efforts to curb the exploitation of this important natural resource that also serves as a food source for black bears and other wildlife — and for protecting the private property of landowners throughout Volusia and Flagler Counties.
As a result, I struggled through my life and career with a serious inferiority complex — always feeling less than friends and colleagues with advanced degrees. For instance, when I was appointed Chief of Police, it was based upon my experience and past performance, not formal education — a mustang of sorts.
So, I have stumbled down the path like the uncultivated bumpkin I am, doomed to the most expensive education there is — a lifetime of experiential learning and its grudging release from ignorance. Whenever a young person asks for advice, I invariably tell them to pursue a college degree, master a trade — or, if all else fails — get a job in government, claw your way to middle-management, and hang on by your fingernails until you vest. Fortunately, the Halifax area is blessed with some of the finest institutions of higher education in the world — a diversity of technical training, research and liberal arts tracks that consistently rank among the best anywhere.
