A few years back, while reading a copy of "The Bulletin," a monthly newspaper published by AANR (American Association for Nude Recreation), I found something interesting in an ad for AANR clothing. Yes, we we do indeed wear clothing now and then for protection from the elements or to "fit in" to society's needs. At any rate, there was one item I especially enjoyed. It was simply a T-shirt with a slogan that said: "I'm nude underneath my clothes." If you think about it for just a moment, we ALL are Nudists under our clothes! The only difference is how you look at your reasons for wearing …

I was talking once to a couple who was visiting Paradise Lakes about an incident in which they were on their way to Cypress Cove (a well known clothing optional resort in Kissimmee) for a weekend visit. On their way, they were pulled over by a deputy for a traffic violation. They said they were mortified that the deputy might have asked them where they were headed, because they were Christians and someone might have somehow found out about their interest in the Nudist lifestyle. As if the deputy cared and as if he would tell someone they knew if he did! The Nudist life is not unlike being a …

I have been enjoying living the Nudist lifestyle for over 16 years now, having my first visit to a Nudist swim in Ohio when I was 45. I can remember wanting to be part of the lifestyle since I was in my teens, but it never actually happened until I was in my 40s, partially due to to fact that my ex-wife was not interested in trying (and I respected that) and that before the Internet it was frankly difficult to find and gain access to Nudist venues. But there is another factor that keeps a lot pf younger people from dipping their toes into the clothing-free waters. When we are very young, say …

The summer season is in full force here in Tampa Bay. Whether you've been here for a while or it's your first summer in the area, you're probably asking yourself: "Can it get any hotter than this?" We all look for ways to cool off and stay cool. Of course, our air conditioners get a good workout (the electric company loves us for it), and some of us are lucky enough to have access to a pool, though the water is close to bathtub temperature right now. My current job , which I enjoy overall, does require me to be outside most of the time, and we have to wear a uniform made from durable but …

Most people think of the Memorial Day weekend as the kickoff to the summer season. With the school year ending and long summer evenings allowing the party to go on longer into the day, it's a great time of year. But, it's about more than barbecues. Pasco area Nudists (and across the country) celebrate also, but most of us have an appreciation for why we have a Memorial Day to begin with -  to honor those who have gone before us  that gave their all to make sure we have the true freedom to live our lives the way we want. No one ever said that our American way of life is perfect; in many ways …

I was planning to tell you about a major thing happening here in Pasco County. On May 16, Larry the Cable Guy was scheduled to film a feature on Caliente Resort for his popular television series on the History Channel "Only in America" where he explores, with his own brand of humor, some of the many wonderful things we freedom loving Americans like to do. The Nudist lifestyle exemplifies this freedom that we enjoy. Unfortunately, corporate reality stepped in and reared its ugly head. According to Deb Bowen, marketing manager for Caliente Resort, Larry, (who incidentally was raised right here …

Some years ago, when I was driving home from work one evening back in Columbus, Ohio, I was listening to a popular local talk show on the radio during one of those times of the years when they counted listeners for Arbitron ratings. You can almost count on the subject matter to be  controversial during times like this in order to get more listeners to tune in. In this instance, the subject matter was about "Nudist Colonies" (as if we are Ants living a single mindset of some sort), and a listener called in to ask the question: "What's the point of going to such lengths to take your clothes off…

On April 19, the Pasco County Commission officially recognized  Pandabare for its efforts  in the community. Commissioner Pat Mulieri and the other board members  presented the proclamation in a ceremony with Panda members Paul Brenot and Marcia Stone in attendance. As many of you may know, Paul is the engine that drives Panda (and has from the start) with his energy and spirit. Marcia has been with the organization from the get go when she was the editor of Pasco Naturally when it first started. She was wearing the "Two Dollar Bill" dress, symbolizing  our campaign for local Nudists to spend…

While  the larger resorts here in Pasco County offer lots of amenities such as restaurants, bars and recreational choices, The Woods resort takes a different path. It features just the right amount of modern amenities, but also a quiet, peaceful atmosphere to relax and enjoy the Nudist lifestyle in. The  developers of the resort,who were originally residents of Paradise Lakes, wanted to do things a little differently. They had years of feedback from fellow Nudists who gave them ideas on what they wanted in a resort. One of those big aspects was for it to be owned by the residents, giving them…

It's hard to believe that the Nudist lifestyle turns 70 years young this month, and it's still growing by leaps and bounds thanks to many different factors, from the Internet and organizations like AANR and TNS to the dedication of  the members of the various resorts and clubs around the country that promote the lifestyle in a positive manner. One of the best examples of this is right here in the Land O' Lakes area at Lake Como Resort; the oldest venue in Florida and one of the oldest in the country. Located on more than 200 acres off Leonard Road just west of U.S. 41, this resort has …

In 1981, Fred Bishoff had a vision and maybe even he didn't know what would happen over the next 30 years with the growth of the Nudist lifestyle. A lot of this growth was due to the Internet which made it easier for Nudists to access venues worldwide, but it was also due to people like Mr. Bishoff who saw the potential for that growth. I never knew him myself, as my first "exposure" to Paradise Lakes was around 2002, long after his departure. The resort now has its third owner, John Fornier, who  tries to maintain  the vision in a tough tourism market, and has great plans for expansion in …

Though the Nudist lifestyle began here in Florida with Lake Como (more on this unique resort soon), Caliente Resort is evident of how our lifestyle has evolved over 70 years. Opened in 2004, with many "Doubting Thomases" saying it would never succeed in a saturated market, Caliente is going stronger than ever. Though it began as a Nudist facility, they quickly changed to a clothing optional venue for marketing reasons, but they do require nudity in the pool areas, except on some special occasions. When you first drive up then walk in to the lobby area, you're reminded of a first-class Vegas …

Although Pasco County has more nudists than anywhere else in the country (and probably the world) with 10 different venues  to choose from, most of the people in the lifestyle don't live on the properties for many different reasons. One of the reasons, of course, is that we all have "textile"( non-nudist) friends and family who want to visit but have objections to  the nudity around them. We are not here to offend anyone, or  push our lifestyle on those who cannot break through their barriers and traditional feelings about us. We respect their rights to their beliefs as much as they hopefully…

On April 2, Caliente will host its fifth annual Clothes Closet sale to benefit Sunrise of Pasco County. The domestic violence and sexual assault center is located in Dade City and serves residents from Land O' Lakes. Proceeds from the sale will directly benefit the nonprofit center. The sale will feature a wide selection of clothing. There will also be drop boxes available for donations of gently used or new clothing for women and children served by the shelter. The donations help these women and their families get their lives started again. Work clothes are needed also so they can get back …

This week, everyone is Irish in area nudist resorts! Paradise Lakes kicked things off on Saturday with reduced admission prices for non-members and of course  lots of great food. Attendees were able to wear their best green outfit or simply a green tattoo! The Woods has its Open House March 17 with free admission and complimentary food and beverages. Visit www.thewoods.com for details on this unique community. Caliente and Lake Como are also getting into the act. Check with the resorts for details on admission prices and policies. The weather is warming up now so if you've been thinking about…

The recent passing of Valentine's Day reminds those of us who are single  and want to be in a relationship of how lonely a day it can be. Many single people are quite content not being involved with someone for a number of reasons, but most would prefer to be in a quality, lasting relationship. Being a Nudist  provides a whole new set of issues for those seeking  this  elusive relationship. Exactly how does one bring this subject up in the "getting to know you" process of dating? If you're lucky, you may meet someone who's already in the lifestyle and it won't be one "hurdle" you have to get …

We have talked in the past about how Pandabare, our local Nudist "Chamber of Commerce" uses Las Vegas-style promotion strategies as a model for what it wants to do. A large percentage of Vegas visitors come from other countries, especially Japan, China and other Asian markets. So, naturally, the Las Vegas Visitors Bureau spends a lot of time and effort marketing to those countries. They have accommodations catering to them. It all converts into tourist dollars and jobs in the long run, especially in the leaner times of the year when the convention business is off. Pasco County (and Florida) …

One of the touchier subjects that arise from our lifestyle is raising children in and around Nudists. Because we are a growing lifestyle, yet still a very small percentage of the population, raising a family can be tough on the kids who just want to fit in especially in their teen years. I have a friend here in Paradise Lakes who is in her 60s and was raised in the lifestyle from day one. Her parents were early pioneers in the movement back in the 1930s. She's even appeared in some of the Nudist magazines back in the 60s. She always felt it was the natural way to live (pardon the play on …

For many of us who have memories of "Nudist" magazines from our youth, like "Sunshine and Health" from the 50s and 60s (which you had to look for in the "Dirty" magazine section of the newsstand), the pictures often displayed some kind of physical activity involving a pretty girl with a volleyball in her hands. Not all the women were  model-like, and not everyone played volleyball, but even then the publishers were trying to sell magazines, and  they were trying also to promote an image of a healthy, active lifestyle. Well, volleyball is still the one most popular sport in Nudist resorts, …

With all the many dozens of roses and  boxes of candy that sold last weekend for that special day for couples (and florists and candy makers), you may have tried to come up with something different to do with a special person in your life. For some, the answer was a chance to renew their wedding vows, or commitment to each other, during Paradise Lakes' Renewal Ceremony. Toby Caroline, a well-known local Realtor with Sun'n Fun Realty (catering primarily to selling Nudist properties) officiated for the 10th consecutive year in a celebration of love that included all the trimmings such as a …