Illustrated by Colin O’Hara
I am from Florida. I grew up in Ormond Seaside and was baptized within the Atlantic Ocean. Once I went to Nashville for school and to see the place my music may take me, I stated, “If I am profitable sufficient to place a bit of filth in Florida, that is once I’ll know I’ve made it.” My spouse, Brittany, and I fulfilled that dream in 2016 after we purchased a house in Grayton Seaside. This a part of the Panhandle—with its towering white dunes, huge pine bushes, Gulf of Mexico and western lakes—has my coronary heart. 30A’s seashores have one thing for everybody. If one place would not fit your vibe, head down to some seashores and you may seemingly discover one thing you want. The realm is rising, however a lot of it’s protected. It is the perfect of each worlds: nature and funky stuff. A few of the locals name me “Sheriff Kelly” as a result of I am all the time out on my bike—Greatton Seaside State Park has tons of trails. When the climate is ideal and the water is popping with teal and lightweight blue, there isn’t any alternative however to hit the seashore. I hold it easy with my guitar, some cornholes and a few beer. Generally once I’m relaxed, I really feel this artistic vitality and I can not assist however write songs. It is simply so inspiring right here. I am a homebody, however I really like going to Crimson Bar for black snapper with grits cake and greens, or drinks on the entrance porch at Chiringo’s. There may be nothing like sitting within the air, watching the world. It’s a artistic supply for me. Brittney and I opened Tribe Kelly Surf Publish, the place we promote our model of made-in-the-USA clothes, in Santa Rosa in 2018, and I acquired a studio upstairs. Then in 2022, I performed 25 intimate reveals within the yard. I wished to do one thing completely different, and taking part in for 200 individuals directly was particular. My music, “Folks Make the Place” is actually about my neighbors right here and the individuals who come to go to. I really like Nashville, however I really feel very related to Florida. It made me who I’m.
Brian Kelly, previously one half of the Grammy-nominated duo Florida Georgia Line, releases his full-length solo debut album, Tennessee is truein Might
This text appeared within the Summer season 2024 concern of Southbound.
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