Patrick Smith’s Florida, A Sense of Place
Viewing A Sense of Place is like taking a personal trip with Patrick Smith through Florida in the 1930s and later, a trip that allows a rare glimpse into the extraordinary mind of a writer who has written about preserving the land that Florida once was, with exquisite details and poignancy . . . a Florida that will never be again.
~ Barbara Oehlbeck
Click above to view a short sample of Patrick Smith’s introduction to the video.
Spend an hour with one of Florida’s favorite writers, Patrick D. Smith, as he takes you on a nostalgic journey to a Florida that exists today only in books, such as in his beloved novel, A Land Remembered. You’ll get to know both the author and the state of Florida better as this soft-spoken gentleman introduces you to the Florida of his youth. You’ll be touched by the true stories of his adventures along the way to writing his books, many of which are now modern-day classics.
Old photographs tell more than words can say as he tells the why and how he wrote his books that have become classics. The scenery throughout the film is outstanding as is the music.
The unusual aspect of this production is that it all “fits” artistically, gently, yet with quiet drama and a sense of realness not easy to portray … the sounds of the birds, their wing songs, waves, and water. There is nothing artificial, no gimmicks “of the trade”
This is a DVD the entire family will enjoy. It makes a wonderful gift for anyone who lives in or loves Florida.
Everyone living in Florida needs this DVD. It is warm and funny, and it excites your spirit. It will make a perfect gift for anyone and everyone who lives in the State of Florida, and also to those who do not. Patrick Smith’s books, and especially the DVD, will help many people to feel at home in Florida, and it will also help them to take better care of it!
… Kathi Sizemore, Edgewater, FL
Patrick Smith’s son, Rick (Patrick, Jr.) an award-winning filmmaker living in California, shot and edited this loving tribute to his father, with help from his wife, Kim, herself a professional editor and producer.
Patrick Smith personally narrates this multiple award-winning program as video, historical photos, and re-enacted scenes bring his stories to life.
Patrick Smith’s Florida, A Sense of Place is 54 minutes long and includes fascinating stories of Patrick Smith’s life and adventures; experiences that he had to have in order to write his books the way he did. It provides great insight not only into Florida’s past but into the mind of one of her favorite writers.
Order your copy today.
Home Version – $19.95 
View Online – $9.95
Public Performance Version – $95
Public performance rights apply to public audiences, as a reward in schools (like a rainy day), or when charging admission. This is the same thing you’d want for any commercial film use. This version includes a free copy of the “Patrick Smith Answers Common Questions About A Land Remembered” DVD, a $12.95 value.
A Sense of Place is also available as an audiobook!
People asked for it and here it is. Now you can listen to the magical stories of Patrick Smith in his own voice whenever it is convenient for you, even while driving. This audiobook is every word and sound from the DVD, but instead of seeing the video, you make it up in your head. This is an excellent audiobook while traveling on long road trips. 56 minutes.
Want it right now? Order the MP3 file for your iPod or MP3 player. Available for immediate download.
MP3 Audio of A Sense of Place $9.95 
This film shows Patrick Smith speaking to all of us who love Florida, all of Florida, from her northernmost part in the Panhandle to the Keys.
… Barbara Oehlbeck, Labelle, FL, Author and columnist
Thank you for making history come alive for me and my children. I purchased your DVD and we just watched it and I once again learned so much about the state I grew up in from you.
My oldest daughter Rachel went to Gardendale Elementary in Merrit Island as a second grader and spent the year studying A Land Remembered. She loved it very much and was able to hear you speak at her school that year. She looked forward to the next day of school to hear what would happen next and when the year was over she was sad to have it come to an end. So I bought the book read for us to read together and fell in love with it. I can no longer drive west on 528, look out at St. Johns and not think of your book and the characters. Our view of Florida has been forever changed by your stories. We thank you for your stories.
… Kristie & Rachel Gregory, Cocoa, FL
Patrick Smith’s Florida: A Sense of Place captures both Florida’s vanishing natural beauty and past and the man–Patrick Smith–who has done as much as any author to render it in fiction.
… Joe Follman, Tallahassee, FL – Director, Florida Alliance for Student ServiceAuthor, “Springs Fever: A Resource and Recreation Guide to 500+ Florida Springs”
Patrick Smith, a wonderful author, and my friend has just come out with a most moving DVD ‘Enjoy a trip through Florida in the 1930s and gain a rare glimpse into the mind of a writer who preserves a Florida that once was, but which never again will be.’ I just watched the DVD and it was wonderful, and of course, I’ve read Patrick’s books – A Land Remembered, Angel City, and could not put them down.
… Georgina Hastings-Landon, Satellite Beach, FL
A Sense of Place is extremely helpful in increasing understanding of Florida culture and history.
… Judy Burrows, Brevard County, FL
Smith has an honest Florida voice that acknowledges Florida’s sinkholes and prickly pears while remaining in thrall to most of the rest. He’s always worth listening to.
… Al Burt, Melrose, FL
Author, “Al Burt’s Florida: Snowbirds, Sand Castles, and Self-Rising Crackers”
“The Tropic of Cracker”You are a Florida treasure and a national treasure.
… Joan Barrett, Brevard County, FL
I watched your “Sense of Place” yesterday and I really loved it! I found it extremely interesting and I loved Patrick Smith–what an interesting speaker. The whole thing was so well done. Congratulations to you all.
… Carol Nicoll, Green Valley, Arizona
Patrick Smith, the sage of the Florida frontier, has a DVD to tell his stories to future generations. That alone tells you something about the durability of the state. The Florida of today has a lot more frontage than the frontier, but Patrick Smith’s Florida: A Sense of Place gives us an enduring way to relive our heritage.
… Jim Robison, Newspaper history columnist and author of six books on Central Florida and its communities
BLESS YOU! For 10 years I’ve asked that this be put into print after hearing Patrick Smith at a Merritt Island retired teachers lecture! I’m a 4th generation Floridian, 71 years, and this is the Florida of my young years while growing up in Punta Gorda.
… Beal Hallmark, Merritt Island, FL
Your DVD opened my eyes to your works and your research for the material. Your words have been a delight! Thank you!
… Snookie DeMarce, Brevard County, FL
I had read “A Land Remembered,” so seeing and hearing the author was a great treat. Your recall of early days – with population and pictures was an image we will all remember. Thank You!
… Phyllis Jean-Claude, Brevard County, FL
I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Land Remembered, but your video brought it all in “living color.” It was most memorable. You are a most remarkable man. God bless you!
… Lynette Ludden, Brevard County, FL
Rick… We just purchased the video you produced. What a wonderful gift to give to the world and to your Dad. I looked at the sample video you provided on the web page and I know, before it even arrives here in Cocoa, that we will both be happy to own such a loving tribute to your father and the state of Florida.
… John and Margie Young, Cocoa, FL
I received my DVD today from your company. What a wonderful tribute to your father! You and your family did a wonderful job on it.
… Diane West, Merritt Island, FL
I recently caught your presentation at the Museum of Florida History. It was absolutely delightful and such a wonderful homage to your father’s legacy.
~M.C. Prentice