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SARASOTA, FL — Florida Cowboys, a collection of fine art photographs taken by Sarasota artist Jimmy Peters, is on display at the Capitol in the Cabinet Meeting Room until January 29, 2009, in Tallahassee.

The Florida Cabinet recently chose one of Peters’s photos entitled “Cracker Pack” to be presented to Governor Charlie Crist as a wedding gift. The photo will be on permanent display in the Governor’s mansion in Tallahassee.

The collection introduces the viewer to Florida cowboys and working ranches, their professional work ethic, lifestyle, history, personality, and ethnic diversity. The chosen photo shows Reneé Strickland, Manatee County ranch owner, in front of a herd of Cracker cows. These cows remind us of the history of our cattle industry in Florida going back to the 16th century.

When Doyle Conner was commissioner of agriculture, he searched throughout Florida for a pure line of cattle that could be traced back to the original Andalusion herds that were brought here by the Spanish in 1521. He found three or four small herds that met this criteria. One of these was owned by the Bass family in Fort Basinger. The Cracker cows in this picture were purchased from the Bass family by the Strickland Ranch, and are direct descendents of the first cattle brought to North America by Juan Ponce de Leon.

Photographer Jimmy Peters says “I grew up in Sarasota, Florida in the 50’s when it was still a small town with lots of open space. Part of my childhood was spent on a small ranch just outside of town. We raised cattle and grew oranges. I’m sure it was those years spent working cattle with my brother-in-law that has influenced this project some 50 years later.

“Today that ranch is an upscale subdivision and the residents have no idea of the history that was part of the land they are now living on. It’s a trend that is happening throughout Florida effecting a very precious and unique lifestyle.

“Working on this project has allowed me to reenter the life that I left behind so many years ago, but I’m seeing it from a different perspective. Most of the cowboys that I have met and photographed over the past year are a special breed of people. They’re hard working, proud and fiercely independent. They prefer to do business with a handshake rather than the stroke of a pen. It’s a matter of pride. Their love of the land gives them the strength to labor under the scorching Florida sun. They have a close partnership with their horse and their cattle dogs. They work together as a team. This project has become a mission that I will keep working on until I feel like I’m done.

“The Florida Cattlemen’s Association has been a tremendous support of this project by introducing me to ranch owners throughout the state, and in promoting the project in general. When the collection is not being exhibited in a gallery or museum, you will find it on display at the Florida Cattlemen’s Association in Kissimmee, FL. You will also find the entire collection, upcoming exhibits, and more information at www.jimpetersphotography.com