Just beyond Florida’s highways and thoroughfares, is a cultural treasure that gives light to the most local of local commerce. As Florida's landscape grows and develops, small roadside produce stands "stand" in juxtaposition to the homogeneity and economic power represented in shopping malls, parking lots, and discount stores. These stands provide Florida communities and travelers an independent place to purchase produce and homemade gifts.

Florida roadside produce stands represent more than a form of local commerce because they articulate more implicit aspects of regional culture.  Considered in symbolic form, these stands suggest meaning beyond their functional or face value.

This photographic ethnography explores the culture and personality of several Central Florida roadside stands. Focused in Hillsborough and Polk counties, the following images provide an intimate glimpse of produce stands and the people behind them.  My conversations with customers and workers were rich and warm.  In spite of the inherent camera shyness of almost everyone I encountered, people seemed to enjoy talking about their produce, recipes, and their connections to the stands.

It is hoped that these images communicate the sense of discovery that I experienced while conducting this research and that readers are left with an appreciation of the cultural significance of Florida roadside produce stands.

— Laurel Friedman, July 2005

Tomatoes, Peanuts, and Fresh Squeezed Juice: A Portrait of Central Florida Roadside Stands is a photographic ethnography. All interviews, texts, and photographs are by Laurel Friedman. This project was partially supported by a Summer Research Grant awarded by the University of South Florida's Office of Undergraduate Research.