North Central Florida is unique in that it is one of the few places in the country where most towns have not been bulldozed down and new, modern structures built in their place. Many are the same as they were over a hundred years ago. If not for the paved roads and sidewalks, no one would know the difference. It is as if the towns themselves have stood the test of time.

Unlike the colony states in the North-Eastern United States, North Central Florida's European history is only about two-hundred years old. Coins and artifacts from settlers in the 1700's do not exist. There are, however, ample coins and artifacts from the mid 1800's to the turn-of-the-century, including Civil War artifacts. Some early Spaniard artifacts from DeSoto's explorations are found but are extremely rare. Lucky for me all these places have had little or no metal detector hunting pressure.

Most of my hunting haunts are around one-hundred-year-old buildings but I also hunt very old parks, schools, coastal beaches, and the many beautiful
springs that have been drawing swimmers for more than one-hundred and fifty years. On occasion, I also hunt the private yards of many old homes in my area.

The west coast of North Central Florida has some of the most unspoiled and wonderful beaches in the country. They are mostly only known about and used by the local people. I do hunt the east coast beaches, too, but usually when on invitation from some of the local TH'ing clubs that are numerous there.

Twice a year I make it to the Bahamas Islands. There are no beaches quite like the Bahamas with their year-round sunshine and blue waters. They have drawn vacationers from around the world for years. Some of my most fantastic finds have come from island beaches, not only in jewelry finds but in coins from everywhere in the modern world.