If your idea of Florida begins and ends with beaches, put on your cowboy boots and hat and head to Bookstore1Sarasota, March 19, 6-7 p.m., and take a ride through the lesser-known side of the Sunshine State.

Author and journalist Isaac Eger will discuss his book The Great Florida Cattle Drive, which shines a light on Florida’s deep-rooted ranching history—one that predates the mythology of the American West. 

A Sarasota native, Eger has been published in The New York Times, LA Magazine, National Geographic and Sarasota Magazine, where he also wrote about the cattle drive. He says that after traveling the world from Cuba to India to Tibet, he came to an unexpected conclusion: Florida is the most interesting place of all.

Eger’s book is rooted in firsthand experience. He joined a multi-day, 80-mile cattle drive across the state’s interior. That journey reshaped his understanding of Florida, revealing vast prairies, working ranches and ecosystems that rarely make it into the postcard version of the state.

The book isn’t just about nostalgia. Eger will also touch on the modern relevance of Florida’s ranchlands, which play a crucial role in conservation and land preservation. Ranchers, often misunderstood, are increasingly seen as stewards of the state’s disappearing open spaces. 

The evening is free and will include time for audience questions, followed by a book signing. The event is perfect for readers interested in Florida history, nonfiction, travel writing and anyone curious about the deeper, stranger stories hiding beyond our coasts. The real story here is not just what Florida was—but what it still is, beyond the highways and high-rises.

To attend, RSVP here. Tickets are free for those who wish to attend the talk and $46 for admission and a copy of the book. Bookstore1Sarasota is located at 117 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota.