Driving back to Tampa is strangely peaceful. You’ve seen the other side of Florida. The quiet side. The side where the biggest excitement is a new Waffle House opening. And that’s okay. It’s more than okay. It’s authentic.
You’ll pass the same billboards, the same random fruit stands. A few hours ago, they were annoying. Now? They feel like old friends. You might even slow down for a boiled peanut stand. Don’t knock ‘em till you try ‘em. They’re salty, slippery, and weirdly addictive.
So, next time someone says, “Why would you drive from Tampa to Lake City?” you can smile. You can say, “You just don’t get it.” And you’ll be right. It’s not about the destination. It’s about the 120 miles of flat, weird, wonderful Florida that most people zoom right past.
Now, refill your coffee. You’ve got a road trip to plan.
