HELLO BEACHES, MY OLD FRIEND.
Hello paradise! I just can't stop writing about Southwest Florida.
But then, I knew I wanted to be a beach bum at the age of 14, around 10 pm one evening with my cousins, marveling at the beautiful night sky and still-warm air.
So first, I became a writer. First story at 10 years old. Sports reporter for community newspapers in high school. Sports reporter for college newspaper. Bachelor's Degree in English. Master's Degree in Creative Writing. Followed by 40-plus years leading my own brand agency; 1,000-plus awards, including numerous Best of Shows; writer and creative director for destinations, resorts and hotels.
Then, in 2002, after a gazillion vacations for Florida, we packed up our Wisconsin home and moved to Sanibel.
And now, I can enjoy my greatest loves: my spouse, my kids, our Goldens (that's Lilo to your left), creative writing and journalism, and living near the beach.
That led me to 20 years of branding and marketing resorts, hotels, spas, marinas, restaurants, golf courses and attractions across the region.
Mix in five years as Editor and Copy Chief for COASTE magazine, which proudly published until COVID came along.
Today I'm proud to share with you the next generation of our lifestyle magazine: Home + Coast.
One of the unfortunate lessons of COVID, followed by Hurricane Ian here, is that print a magazine is expensive, doesn't allow you to pivot quickly enough with time-sensitve news and events, and may be evolving into a dinosaur.
With Home + Coast, we promise to bring you articles, profiles, interviews, reviews and more — from Sarasota and Bradenton, to Naples and Marco Island, and most paradise points in between.
It's also our goal that, by sharing all of this with you, we're bringing Southwest Florida home to wherever you may live. With our hope, that if not today, tomorrow you may join us here at sea level.
Reach out via out contact options, and I'll reach out back. Be sure to share with business associates, friends and family. And don't hesitate to provide us news release, tips, images and feedback. Thank you (and a thank you nod to Simon & Garfunkel for allowing me to hijack one of your greatest compositions for the title of this page.
John (Johnny) Sprecher
T: 239.738.6299
