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Brandy Hastings on Muck Rack

Brandy Hastings

Verified
Florida
As seen in: MSN, Yahoo Life, Yahoo News Malaysia, Aol, Flipboard, Miami Herald, Yahoo, The Sacramento Bee, Men's Journal, Yahoo Style Canada and
Covers:  Outdoors, Travel, Gear, Wildlife, Sustainability

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Brandy Hastings’s Biography

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I'm an award-winning freelance journalist in central Florida, and I focus primarily on travel, outdoors, wildlife, and sustainability. You can learn more about me at outdoortravelwriter.com.

Brandy Hastings’s Journalist Portfolio

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America's Oldest State Park Is Absorbing Its Neighbors In 2026. Here's What This Means For Visito...

America's Oldest State Park Is Absorbing Its Neighbors In 2026. Here's What This Means For Visito...

The oldest state park in the U.S. is getting bigger in 2026, acquiring land from neighboring areas. Visitors …

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Florida's Under-The-Radar Lake Outside Orlando Is The Perfect Spot For Bass Fishing And Paddling

Florida's Under-The-Radar Lake Outside Orlando Is The Perfect Spot For Bass Fishing And Paddling

Though it's close to the crowds of Orlando, this incredible lake is a hidden gem offering peaceful waters for…

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The Closest Beaches to Disney World for an Easy Day Trip | Beach

The Closest Beaches to Disney World for an Easy Day Trip | Beach

These are the closest beaches to Disney World, and all offer enticing ways to enjoy Florida's sun and sand.

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What's Next for Florida's Black Bears?

What's Next for Florida's Black Bears?

New challenges emerge for advocates who hope to save the state's black bear population

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Between Orlando And St. Augustine Is A Scenic Spring Retreat With Swimming, Paddling, And Relaxin...

Between Orlando And St. Augustine Is A Scenic Spring Retreat With Swimming, Paddling, And Relaxin...

This state park, surrounded by gorgeous scenery, gives you a taste of the real Florida complete with springs,…

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Why St. Croix Is the U.S. Virgin Islands' Most Underrated Island | Beach

Why St. Croix Is the U.S. Virgin Islands' Most Underrated Island | Beach

The largest U.S. Virgin Island is also the least visited. Here's why St. Croix's uncrowded beaches and local …

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Articles

Florida Residents Just Voted on Their Favorite Beaches — Here Are the Top 10

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By Brandy Hastings Verified
| Beach.com Verified
Clearwater Beach is Florida’s favorite beach, according to Florida residents themselves. As Florida locals, we know how hard it is to pick just one favorite. With 825 miles of coastline ranging from calm Gulf waters to Atlantic surf breaks, the state has no shortage of options. While we’re not complaining about having so many awesome places to walk the sandy shores, the sheer abundance of options is also one of the most challenging parts of living in the Sunshine State.
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Michigan's quaint peninsula cottage community on Lake Superior's shore is an idyllic hidden haven of scenic trails

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By Brandy Hastings Verified
| MSN Verified
Hidden in Michigan's Upper Peninsula is a piece of paradise that's perfect for those seeking outdoor fun and rich history. You'll be greeted with idyllic scenery, trails, and historical landmarks, but first you'll need to make the long journey to the U.P.'s northernmost point, where you'll find Michigan's coastal peninsula paradise . The Keweenaw Peninsula is surrounded by the world's largest freshwater lake, and you'll find several hidden gems there — including the tiny town of Eagle Harbor.
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Outside Fort Myers Is Florida's Gulf Coast Retirement Escape With Scenic Beaches, Wildlife, And State Parks Original

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By Brandy Hastings Verified
| Islands Verified
Many people escape to Florida every year to hide from the harsh winters of the northern United States, but occasionally visitors decide to stay longer and claim it as their new home. While Florida's population is growing across the board, some choose to make their escape once they retire. The state's Gulf Coast region is an appealing option, including Charlotte County, located just north of Fort Myers. In Niche.com's "2026 Best Counties for Retirees in Florida," it took the No. 5 spot.
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Interview

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What was your first job as a journalist?

I started in broadcast journalism and worked at a radio station.

Have you ever used a typewriter?

Yes! I was gifted one by my Mamaw and Papaw when I was a child and I still have it.

Who's your favorite fictional journalist?

April O' Neil... because I'm fascinated by wildlife, and envious that she was able to hang with cool turtles.

Awards

Outdoor Writers Association of America Excellence in Craft

2025
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