I am well aware that by kicking this thing off with words like “greatest” and “ever,” I am wading into highly subjective waters. Anyone proclaiming that any one person or place or piece of pizza or work of art is the preeminent example of its kind, “of all time,” is either selling something, engaging in a bit of cheeky hyperbole, or else they’re probably just an asshole. Stirring the pot. There is a decent chance this whole thing spirals into a diatribe and lands me firmly in the asshole column; but my intentions are to hit that hyperbolic middle. I must admit I have a bit of a soft spot for hyperbole. Not all of it, of course. Not the dangerous, disinformation-tool kind, but the good kind. The kind that gets deployed over the course of a casual, friendly conversation, or a spirited bar debate; as a means of expressing one’s intense belief in the merits of say, a rock band or a book or the best taco stand in town, it can be a charming and effective version of the hard sell. Particularly at a time when the recommendations of friends and family have been de-valued by a glut of streaming content and the impersonal algorithms that sift through it all and feed it to us. If you were to tell me you just watched a show so good it could make a blind man see, I would know, of course, you were exaggerating; but you would certainly have my attention. So, in the spirit of friendly hyperbole, I repeat the first half of my opening statement: Jaws. Is the greatest movie. Ever made. It could make a blind man see. Now, about that second part; the one with the big, round number … FIFTY. Jaws is fifty years old. Take a moment to let that sink in if need be. I’ll wait. For some of you, I imagine that fact will land with all the subtlety of a fridge chucked off a bridge. Because regardless of your affinity for—or indifference to—the film itself, I’m willing to bet that quite a few of you remember that summer like it was yesterday. The lines outside the local theater. Everyone asking if you’ve seen it yet. The way a few of your friends or family members suddenly refused to wade too far out into the water in the wake of its release. Everyone was talking about it. It was in the zeitgeist. Though it would go on to become the first film to gross more than $100 million and ultimately be seen as the genesis of a summer tentpole movie season that seemingly has no end, its massive success was anything but pre-destined. In fact, less than a year before its June 20, 1975 release, it wasn’t a sure bet the damned shark movie would even be finished at all. Tales of the troubled production of Jaws have been recounted countless times in the half century since it was first loosed on the world, so, here they come again. Who am I to break with tradition? One commonly held belief is that there is a direct correlation between the film’s crackerjack suspense and the fact that “Bruce”—the twentyfive-foot, three-ton, remote-controlled great white star of the film—rarely worked the way it was supposed to and often looked remarkably silly when it did. In fact, the very first day the shark was to be used on set, it immediately sank, like a slapfull toolshed, to the bottom of Nantucket Sound. One unanticipated hiccup—a consequence of Bruce being tested exclusively in freshwater pools—was the destructive, abrasive effect of saltwater on the delicate monster. The ocean ran roughshod on the shark’s robotic guts, destroying its internal motors and forcing an on-the-fly, on-set, square-one redesign of all the little mechanisms tasked with making Bruce move and chomp and eat people. All of this, of course, couldn’t be addressed until he was fished up off the sea floor and drained like some salvaged chunk of shipwreck. As a result of these constant setbacks, Spielberg was forced to imagine creative ways to suggest the presence of his predator. In lieu of giving him a big, toothy close-up, buoyant, bright yellow barrels and fishing docks torn from their moorings were dragged through the water in the “animal’s” wake, allowing the audience to fill in the terrifying gaps in their minds. Not only did it imply that the shark was nearby, but because it was pulling those barrels behind it, the implication was that it was even closer than it seemed. Film cameras were also housed in a specially designed, plexiglass box and half-submerged to put the viewer directly into the water. And of course, there may be nothing in the entire film that more effectively insinuates the presence of the creature like John Williams’s iconic BA-DUM, Ba-DuM score … An iconic theme that Spielberg himself originally considered too simplistic, and which has since gone on to transcend language barriers the world over, becoming universally understood shorthand for “something is about to eat us.” Thankfully, the filmmaker would have full faith in the instincts of his once and future composer/collaborator, but in the summer of 1974, having taken over the Cape Cod island hamlet of Martha’s Vineyard, Steven Spielberg was not yet the wunderkind who would launch a thousand blockbusters. And now, I will pause to allow you the opportunity to Choose Your Own Cheesy Water/Shark Analogy: The twenty-seven-year-old filmmaker … (A): was in over his head. Or… (B): had bitten off more than he could chew. Either way, Spielberg, who had spent years in the television trenches, had just one previous, feature-length theatrical film to his name; the effective—if slight—Texas road trip crimedramedy “The Sugarland Express” (1974), starring a young Goldie Hawn. Texas, it would be fair to assume, was not a particularly helpful training ground regarding what might have been Spielberg’s most ambitious decision on the set of Jaws; his insistence on shooting it on the actual open ocean. You know, where there are big waves and stuff. And wind. And even real sharks. Prior to 1974, the majority of ocean-set films were shot in tanks, with controllable elements and matte-painted backdrops. Shooting Jaws at sea would no doubt lend the finished film a level of verisimilitude that wouldn’t have been possible in a big swimming pool. It was also a major factor contributing to the schedule ballooning from its initial fifty-five days, to a hundred and fifty-nine days. Three times the amount of shoot days agreed upon by the studio, and a constant point of contention that, on numerous occasions, nearly cost Spielberg his job. As a consequence of its going wildly over schedule, it soon became apparent—much to the chagrin of the suits in the studio back on the West Coast—that Jaws was never going to make its intended, prime holiday release slot in the winter of 1974. As a result, they were forced to push the film’s opening a full six months. A move which would drop it directly into the heart of a season that had long been reserved for the outcasts. Pictures the studios had lost faith in, that had tested poorly, or that no amount of reshoots or re-edits ever seemed to salvage. The bad bets, the favors, and vanity projects. Movies that the marketing departments had no idea how to sell or who to sell them to. Jaws was, by dint of simple necessity, doomed to either sink or make its splash in a square of the calendar traditionally considered to be Hollywood’s dumping ground … Summertime. Whether or not it was a self-fulfilling prophecy, borne out by the quality of product that was typically released over the summer months; the numbers, historically, did in fact confirm the widely held belief that audiences simply had better, sandier, sunnier shit to do in the time between days Memorial and Labor, then hole themselves up in the dark of an auditorium. Jaws would be, to the tune of nine figures, the exception that proved the rule. It proved the ever-loving holy shit out of it. Its unprecedented success would rattle an American filmmaking landscape that had only recently found its artistic footing, and it would signal a seismic change in the movie industry that—for better and worse—remains business as usual to this day. A full half a century later. One of the truly unfortunate legacies attributed to Jaws, is the unkillable and oft-repeated belief that it was directly responsible for killing thoughtful, mid-budget, director-driven cinema in America for good. The studio system, for little more than a decade prior, had reluctantly resigned its livelihood to a generation of longhaired, dope-smoking, left-wing hippies. A burgeoning interest in foreign cinema—the French New Wave, the Italian spaghetti westerns of Sergio Leone, and post-war Japanese filmmakers like Akira Kurosawa—had begun to take hold in Hollywood. The moviegoing public had begun to skew younger— the majority being under thirty years old—they were also more educated, curious, and socially conscious. Suddenly, chaste, technicolor musicals and lavish historical epics like “Mary Poppins” (1964), “Doctor Zhivago” (1965), and “The Sound of Music” (1965) were proving difficult to repeat and riskier to bankroll. For the first time in America, for a brief, beautiful decade, filmmakers, as opposed to financiers and studio fat cats, were given the keys to the kingdom. Quite suddenly, directors were being acknowledged as the driving artistic authors of the films being made, marketed, and released across the country. And then Jaws swam up and scared up a hundred million dollars and swallowed up the auteur movement and shit out five decades of loud, big budget, four-quadrant trash cinema. This is, of course, a wild oversimplification. It would be willfully ignorant not to at least acknowledge how it might seem that way on the surface, but to stop there insinuates, absurdly, that Jaws represented a hard stop. A line in the sand between the thoughtful cinema of the 70s and the excess of the 80s. On one side, there was Hal Ashby and “Easy Rider” (1969), and Altman and Malick and “The Deer Hunter” (1978) and “Dog Day Afternoon” (1975), “The Long Goodbye” (1973) and Bogdanovich and “The Last Picture Show” (1971) and “The Last Detail” (1973) and “Five Easy Pieces” (1970) and “Harold and Maude” (1971) and then BAM—Big Shark, Eat People, Go Boom, Make Money. The irony is that Jaws has far more in common with the films and filmmakers it was accused of killing, than it does with any of the four-quadrant popcorn comic book cash grabs it was credited with unleashing. One need only watch the damned thing with this in mind to see it for the thoughtful arthouse flick it truly is. Most of my favorite scenes in my favorite film don’t involve a shark at all. And not because it wasn’t working, but because they allow little moments of humanity and pathos, and levity to breathe. Roy Scheider’s put upon sheriff Brody, playing a quiet game of copycat with his young son at the dinner table before leaning in and grumbling, “give us a kiss” because he desperately needs it. Richard Dreyfuss’ Hooper showing up unannounced with a bottle of both red and white wine because “I didn’t know what you were serving” and then tucking into a plate of food before anyone can answer his neurotic “Is anyone eating this?” Brody popping the red wine bottle and glugging a pint glass full of it as Hooper exclaims, futilely, “you might wanna let that breathe.” The characters in Jaws constantly talk over one another, forcing the audience to choose which conversation to pay attention to, a technique utilized so often by another of the new Hollywood auteurs of the 70s that it has become known as simply AltmanEsque, after Robert Altman, director of “Nashville” (1975), “McCabe & Mrs. Miller” (1971), and “M*A*S*H” (1970), among others. When the men compare their scars in the belly of the Orca, there is a lovely, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment that occurs as Hooper and Quint are drunkenly recounting their respective run-ins with “big, fat Chinese fellas” and various sea creatures. Perhaps feeling left out of the first moment of genuine camaraderie since setting foot on the boat, Brody lifts his shirt and quietly considers his appendectomy scar, before deciding it isn’t really a story worth sharing. And of course, few, if any blockbusters in the fifty years since have stopped their story dead in its tracks to allow for a monologue as harrowing and heartbreaking as Quint recalling his experience during the sinking of the USS Indianapolis near the end of World War II. Everything we have seen him do to this point, and will see him do after, suddenly makes perfect sense. By the time he smiles and says, “So, eleven hundred men went into the water. 316 men come out, the sharks took the rest, June the 29th, 1945. Anyway, we delivered the bomb,” we know everything we need to know about him. The Greatest Movie Ever Made. So that about covers it. At least to the extent that I could manage to cover it under the crushing weight of a self-imposed responsibility I felt to give due credit to a film that has given me so much. If you’re interested in a more thorough, nose-totail examination of the entire production, I can’t recommend Carl Gottlieb’s book, “The Jaws Log,” highly enough. His detailed, almost diary-entry style account of the production was informed by the fact that he was there, on the island, on set, keeping an actual diary, and even sharing a bungalow with Spielberg for the entirety of the shoot. If you’ve hit your reading quota this week and prefer a more visual option, “The Shark is Still Working” (2007) from filmmaker Erik Hollander, is a charming, thorough documentary covering both the making of the film, as well as its enduring cultural impact. Or, for a more social, tactile experience, mark July 17 down on your calendars and come celebrate 50 years of the best movie ever made with me, at Grove Roots Brewing. I’ll be on hand to introduce the film. There might even be some Jaws trivia, Narragansett, and even some new merchandise to mark the occasion. EPILOGUE … When I was first offered the opportunity to write this article, to reshuffle those same, oft-repeated stories in a way that might read as even remotely fresh, I was reluctant. What could I possibly add to fifty years of analysis, from every conceivable angle, by bellyflopping onto the top of that pile? The honest answer is, not much. There is, however, one way that I can write about Jaws that has never been written before. As briefly as possible, I would like to tag this appreciation piece with just a few of the examples of what Jaws has meant to me personally. I made up my mind, nearly fourteen years ago now, (wow…) that if I was ever going to make a movie of my own, the first thing I needed to do, was to stop saying I was going to. Instead, anytime anyone would ask, I began telling them we were set to start shooting on August 1. It was an entirely arbitrary date that I had plucked from the ether, and it happened to be less than two months away from the moment I first blurted it out. I had decided, in a single, certainly beer-greased instant, that I would no longer be The Boy Who Cried Movie. By creating a deadline and stamping it on the calendar, I was committing to becoming something new. Something different. In sixty days, I would either fly or I would fail spectacularly; but one way or another, I was going to crawl my way out of that goddamned “someday” chrysalis. And though I’m certain I chewed up far too much of my word count waxing at the outset, about my affinity for it, it is not hyperbole when I say that Jaws informed and inspired my first film from the earliest spark of the story, until the day, years later, that we locked the final cut. Because I knew I would be working with a microscopic budget of just $6,000, I crafted the story from word one as though my shark already wasn’t working. Because I had settled on a zombie film, I purposely structured the narrative so that the main characters actively avoided populated areas, thus allowing the audience to focus on the men at the heart of the story, and our crew of only five people to steer clear, as often as possible, from expensive makeup, special effects and hungry extras. The entire third act would be an extended riff on that sequence below deck in the Orca, complete with a drunken sing-along of “Show Me the Way to Go Home.” My character’s name in the movie is Ben. My last name is Gardner. Ben Gardner is the name of the missing fisherman whose severed head makes an unforgettable appearance in one of Jaws’ most iconic jump scares. I bonded with an absolute indie horror filmmaking legend at a bar in Midtown Manhattan over too much whisky and our shared love of Jaws. The very next day, he read my script and became influential in eventually getting it made. Mostly, Jaws reminded me that movies about monsters are only as good as the people trying to slay them. Jaws does that better than any other example, period. For me, the shark has always worked. Even when it didn’t. Jeremy Gardner is the writer, director, and star of “The Battery” (2012) and “After Midnight” (2019). He has played supporting roles in numerous films. “The Battery” won the Audience Award for Best Feature and also received awards for Best Screenplay, Best Music, and Best Poster at the Toronto After Dark Film Festival (2013); The Audience Award for Best Feature at Dead by Dawn, Scotland’s International Horror Film Festival (2013); The Silver Scream Award at the Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival (2013); Awarded Best Zombie Film at Fantaspoa; Nominated for Best Limited Release/Directto-Video Film at the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards (2015); won the Audience Award at Festival Mauvais Genre; and won Best Film at the Málaga International Week of Fantastic Cinema (2013). We wait, as some of his biggest fans, for his next film.

As 1936 began, Dick and Julie Pope would host the grand opening of their park on January 2. Many local leaders had serious doubts about the park’s viability, and Pope often faced ridicule from those who felt the operation would surely fail. But the doubters failed to recognize Dick Pope’s skill set. His work with brother Malcolm in daredevil boating, as well as his golfing talent, had earned him valuable media contacts. He leveraged those contacts and promoted the gardens with passion, creativity, photographic excellence, and more than a dash of audacity. International ballet star Gail Armour was Cypress Garden’s first successful promotion. From the very beginning, Cypress Gardens’ fame spread through an ever-increasing barrage of photographic material. The park’s international recognition attests to the old adage, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Dick Pope was well aware of this and used this photographic heritage to serve the Gardens well. One of his first successful promotions involved an international ballet star named Gail Armour. The Tampa-based dancer brought a crowd of several thousand people paying 25 cents admission to see her and experience the Pope’s “Florida Cypress Gardens.” International ballet star Gail Armour was Cypress Garden’s first successful promotion. Possibly Cypress Gardens’ most iconic photographic vista, complete with a “dash of audacity” from Mr. Pope himself! For the first several years of operation, the botanical gardens were the singular attraction. Then, in 1939, brother Malcolm Pope would introduce electric boats to silently whisk visitors through the lush landscaping via the canals. In the early 1940s the gardens were maturing and, as fate would have it, a hard freeze damaged the flowering vines located on each side of the ticket booth. Not wanting guests arriving to see dead plants, Mrs. Pope enlisted several employees to don what she referred to as “Old Fashions” or what we know today as Belle dresses. She had the women stand on either side of the ticket booth allowing the dresses to hide the damaged vines. In that moment, the iconic Cypress Gardens’ Belles were created. Possibly Cypress Gardens’ most iconic photographic vista, complete with a “dash of audacity” from Mr. Pope himself! Soon after, Dick Pope was called to WWII military service in Europe. During his time away, Cypress Gardens was one of only a few tourist locations that managed to continue operations. Julie Pope was managing the park when she was approached by several visiting soldiers inquiring as to “when the ski show would take place.” As the story is told, they had seen a newspaper photo of the park’s landscaping, and there were water skiers in the background on Lake Eloise. Mrs. Pope, not missing a beat replied, “3:30.” She then proceeded to have her children Dick and Adrienne, and several friends arrive at the park to “put on the show.” And with that, the world-famous Cypress Gardens’ Ski Show was born. The ski team would evolve into Pope’s traveling advertisement as he took the athletes around the world to thrill onlookers and advertise his park. Mr. Pope returned home at war’s end. His early experience with newsreels convinced him there would be natural avenues for promotion in film. He would later move quickly to pursue television coverage. With each new Gardens innovation, Pope would call the newsreels and often obtain coverage. This type of exposure helped him expand his network of contacts in Hollywood. Some of the first “shorts” filmed at the park included visiting soldiers (during WWII). This type of coverage was shown to the soldiers as well as the movie-going public. The content was patriotic with a little silliness thrown in - and, of course, vintage Pope stunts. This group of young skiers performed the first Cypress Garden’s Ski Show. Dick Pope, Jr. with megaphone. Soon Hollywood came to Florida and “the Gardens were ready for their close-up.” In 1948, “On an Island With You“ premiered at the Ritz Theatre. (This was the WORLD premiere for the movie - surely a bit of Pope’s flair for publicity). It starred Esther Williams and Ricardo Montalban and was the first feature film shot at the park. It featured scenes framed in the beautiful botanical gardens. In 1953, “Easy to Love” (also starring Williams, Van Johnson, and Tony Martin would produce the Gardens’ greatest Hollywood success. Incredible scenes captured massive ski show routines, water cannons, and even Pope himself in a bit part, all woven around a campy love pursuit at Cypress Gardens. The movie features lavish choreography by Busby Berkley and was said to have been seen by 170,000 people a day on Broadway in New York. It was for this musical water ballet that the famous “Florida Pool” was constructed. This Gardens’ landmark is now 72 years old in 2025. The film is available on DVD and features many recognizable Haven landmarks, including the Lulu-Shipp Canal and the Haven Hotel/Condominiums. The Gardens’ television era began in 1948 when Dick Pope Jr. and the Aquamaids were shown on station WPIX. Arthur Godfrey, a morning show host of WWII fame was one of the first television programs to originate from Cypress Gardens. The park’s exposure continued to grow through such network broadcasts as Ed Sullivan, Mike Douglas, Garry Moore, and late-night legend, Johnny Carson. These are but a few of the programs that provided endless and immeasurable exposure to Beautiful Cypress Gardens and Florida. The 50s and 60s were the golden era for Cypress Gardens. It enjoyed the reputation of Florida’s #1 tourist attraction. When Disney World plans were announced, Pope took out full-page advertisements welcoming the park with Pope’s ever-present optimism. He reasoned that what was good for Florida and Disney would be good for Cypress Gardens. The famous Florida Pool was constructed for a few minutes of filming in the movie “Easy to Love” starring Esther Williams. In anticipation of Disney, the park embarked on ambitious expansions including “Gardens of the World” and soon after, “Southern Crossroads.” But Disney/Universal/Sea World proved to be daunting competition. Other ski shows and flower festivals left the Gardens stranded too far off the interstate to survive. In 1985 the Pope family sold the park. It passed through several more corporate owners and ultimately into a local ownership team. In April of 2003 owners announced the park would close with the 9/11 tragedy as a contributing factor. A noble effort to resurrect the site as Cypress Gardens Adventure Park failed in large part due to triple hurricanes and their damage in 2004. Limping through receivership, the park ultimately closed its doors in 2008. The final ownership group brought Merlin Entertainment’s Nick Varney to the site in 2009. He was so impressed with the potential beauty of the location that, in his words, “the hair on the back of my neck stood up!” In 2010, Merlin announced they would build LEGOLAND Florida on the site. On October 15, 2011, LEGOLAND Florida opened to enthusiastic crowds. The original botanical gardens are owned by Polk County and maintained by LEGOLAND Florida in exchange for its use. Indeed the “Swami of the Swamp” Dick Pope had the last laugh on those who doubted his resolve. The park developed a worldwide reputation entertaining kings, governors, and a multitude of celebrities, not to mention 45 million tourists. Pope, known as Mr. Florida, also bailed out the failing Florida pavilion at the 1965 World’s Fair in New York City. The vision of Dick and Julie Pope has been honored by the National Register of Historic Places, as the botanical gardens were officially listed in 2014. The legacy also lives on in the performances of the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team, performing on Lake Silver.

I. Amid the chaos of a malfunctioning shark and blockbuster ambition, it was the stillness of a story—told low and slow in the belly of a boat—that gave “Jaws” (1975) an inexorable sense of reality, serving to heighten fears imagined. Robert Shaw’s portrayal of Quint, recounting the horrors of the USS Indianapolis, etched itself into film legend. Shaw seemed to summon the performance from his marrow— something personal, something primal. It evoked the late-night tales told by weathered elders beside dwindling fires—stories of horror and survival, laced with gallows humor and told with such directness they left an impression long after memory let go of the details. Tales that felt too harrowing to be true, yet too vivid to be false. The monologue would serve as proof that blockbuster spectacle could pause for something as intimate as personal testimony. I’d argue that it still serves to remind film viewers and film makers alike of the character development necessary to leverage bombast with believability creating the pathway for our connection to the story. II. Born in Westhoughton, England, in 1927 and raised amid the rugged coastlines of the Orkney Islands, Robert Shaw’s early life contained the vivid shades and central characters that oftentimes make society’s storytellers. In a biography released last month by Christopher Shaw Myers, titled “Robert Shaw: An Actor’s Life on the Set of ‘JAWS’ and Beyond,” a chapter detailing his audition for the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art reveals a young Robert Shaw eschewing traditional performance pieces, instead reciting the poem “As I Walked One Evening” by W.H. Autumn. When his choice was questioned, he offered a critical analysis to his judges. Only after they’d heard his explanation of his first selection did he perform Marc Antony’s soliloquy from “Julius Caesar,” gaining him admittance to the academy. It was an early glimpse of a mind equally at home in interpretation and creation—a dual gift that would inform his later screen work, including his most iconic. He began his theatrical career with the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, performing in “Macbeth,” “Cymbeline,” and “Henry VIII,” and later toured Australia and joined the Old Vic company. His career expanded—moving from Shakespeare to modern drama and television, and eventually across the Atlantic. Shaw’s versatility extended beyond performance: he was a novelist and playwright, publishing works like “The Hiding Place” and “The Sun Doctor,” which won the Hawthornden Prize, as well as “The Man in the Glass Booth,” later adapted for the stage and screen. III. The USS Indianapolis monologue isn’t just a standout moment in “Jaws,” it’s the scene where the film stops breathing. In just a few minutes, a summer blockbuster pivots into something more intimate and literary. The speech anchors Quint’s worldview in lived history, giving shape to his sense of fatalism and the eternal battle with the most tangible element in the series of events that informed the rest of his life. Though the authorship has long been debated, most agree the idea was first introduced by Howard Sackler, the uncredited writer who adapted the Peter Benchley novel and screenplay. He used his naval background to further develop the character of Quint through historical weight and lived experience. His initial version, reportedly two pages long, was a bump in a road that had many. By Spielberg’s account, the scene went through a number of drafts, with contributions solicited from writers like John Milius, Robert Zemeckis, Bob Gale, and Paul Schrader. Still, none of the versions fully captured the tone Spielberg wanted—until Robert Shaw stepped in. As a novelist and playwright in his own right, Shaw received the many drafts, revised them, and returned one night to dinner with a handful of pages, announcing, “I think I’ve got that pesky speech licked.” Spielberg agreed. Screenwriter Carl Gottlieb later credited Shaw with not just editing the piece, but transforming it—crafting the speech that now lives on in cinematic memory. Shaw synthesized the raw material into something singular, structured with a novelist’s instinct and performed with perfect restraint. IV. The postwar cultural landscape was saturated with stories of loss, heroism, and stoicism—all of which informed Shaw’s interpretive choices. Quint is a product of that world—a figure whose bravado is laced with unresolved trauma. Shaw’s understanding informed the tone of his performance: measured, weighted, and deeply aware of what wasn’t being said. His story unfolds like a long-rehearsed truth—raw, rhythmically composed, and impossible to dismiss. In that moment, the machinery of the film yields to the gravity of the human voice. The world on screen and the one off it stand still, listening. Shaw’s performance is unhurried. He builds tension through repetition—“Sometimes the shark would go away, sometimes he wouldn’t.” He paints pictures with restraint—“Black eyes. Like a doll’s eyes.” The rhythm mimics waves. The tone mimics testimony. And the silence that follows it mimics reverence. V. Fifty years later, the scene remains an apex of characterdriven cinema. It is cited in screenwriting manuals, dissected in classrooms, and remembered not merely as a standout movie moment living in our cultural consciousness, but as a story we all heard once—some sitting behind a screen fifty years ago, some as a film ritual every Fourth of July, and some only in the form of parody. Yes, there are those among us who haven’t yet seen “Jaws”—but tease not, for it is they who are within reach of a first viewing we’d all love a chance to live again. So, raise a glass of apricot brandy. Let the screen dim and celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of a scene crewed by the talents of many but captained by one.

Gardening is a fun hobby for many people, but when it feels like there is a lot of work to do and the weather is hot, landscape maintenance can start to feel overwhelming. With a few simple strategies, you can make routine garden chores a bit easier and maybe even a little more fun. Polk County Master Gardener Volunteers have some “gardening hacks” to help make your time in the yard both productive and pleasant. REDUCE PHYSICAL STRAIN 1. RAISE YOUR WORKSPACE Do you have plants to divide or seeds to start? Dividing or propagating plants doesn’t have to mean kneeling on the ground. Set up a sturdy table near your landscape bed. A folding card table works well—top it with an old cutting board and keep your favorite hand tools nearby. Working at table height can reduce back and knee strain, particularly for those with mobility concerns. 2. CREATE A POTTING STATION Designate a shady area in your yard for a simple potting table using concrete blocks and wooden boards. A potting table does not have to be elaborate or expensive. A dedicated space makes it easier to repot plants, start cuttings, and keep tools organized. Creating an ergonomic workspace can reduce fatigue and improve gardening enjoyment. 3. DON’T OVERDO IT Central Florida is hot and humid in the summer, and it is important to stop working before you are tired. Pace yourself. Plan time to clean and store tools at the end of your gardening session. Regular maintenance not only extends tool life but also keeps your yard tidy and reduces the burden of unfinished tasks. Take an few minutes to view the results of all your hard work at the end…with a glass of water in hand! GARDEN TOOL TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS 1. USE A BUCKET FOR TOOLS Do you often lose tools if you are doing a lot of work around your yard? Instead of setting them down in the grass, consider using a bucket. Keep a 5-gallon bucket nearby to carry your hand tools. As you work, return tools to the bucket instead of setting them down in the grass. This reduces the chance of misplacing them and keeps them clean. 2. MAINTAIN YOUR TOOLS After working in the yard, take time to clean your tools. Sharp, clean tools make garden work significantly easier. After each use, clean off soil, sharpen blades as needed, and lightly oil metal parts. Inexpensive pruner sharpeners are widely available and make a noticeable difference. A well-maintained tool lasts longer and performs better. 3. WEEDING MADE EASIER Many Master Gardener Volunteers find that bending down to pull weeds can really be a pain and suggest using a “scuffle” or “strap” hoe. These hoes are easy on the back and ideal for maintaining mulched beds. USDA has a free tutorial to make a hoe out of materials that are typically thrown away, check it out here: youtube/woHNgHkbWzA. 4. REMOVE ROOTS EASILY When digging up large, established plants, use loppers or a reciprocating saw to cut through tough roots. This technique can save time and reduce physical effort compared to struggling with a shovel alone. 5. USE A SHORT-HANDLED SHOVEL Planting annuals and perennials and feel that a garden shovel is too big for the task? A short-handled shovel offers more precision than a traditional spade while still being large enough to dig appropriately sized holes. There are many gardening hacks that can make yard maintenance a bit easier as the weather heats up. Remember, our growing conditions in central Florida are different than other locations, and UF/IFAS Extension Polk County and the Polk County Master Gardener Volunteers can help guide you and answer questions you have about landscape maintenance. For more information, contact UF/IFAS Extension Polk County at 863-519-1041 or visit us online at sfyl.ifas. ufl.edu/polk . The Plant Clinic is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to answer your gardening and landscaping questions. If you are interested in purchasing a garden journal, contact the Plant Clinic. If you are not in Polk County, contact your local UF/ IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Clinic. To learn more about gardening and landscaping in central Florida, listen to the “Your Central Florida Yard” podcast, or find out more on our Substack: substack.com/@yourcentralfloridayard . An Equal Opportunity Institution. Anne Yasalonis is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent and Master Gardener Volunteer Program Coordinator for UF/IFAS Extension Polk County. Please contact her at anneanne@ufl.edu

As we dive into Lakes Appreciation Month, let’s take a look at one of Polk County’s most distinctive water bodies, Lake Hancock. Nestled between Bartow, Lakeland, and Winter Haven, Lake Hancock is one of the largest lakes in the county, covering 4,583 acres. It is second only to Lake Weohyakapka (“Walk in Water”) for the title of the largest lake fully within Polk County’s border. However, size is just one of the lake’s attributes; Lake Hancock also plays a vital role in the Peace River Basin watershed and in linking Florida’s green spaces, supporting water resources and habitat connectivity throughout Polk County and beyond! HANCOCK’S HEADWATERS One of Florida’s key water systems is the watershed—an area of land that channels rainfall and groundwater into creeks, streams, and rivers, eventually reaching bays, harbors, and the ocean. Lake Hancock is a headwaters lake, meaning it’s one of the starting points for the Peace River Basin watershed. Water that flows out of the Lake Hancock outlet travels to the Peace River, then south through several counties before finally making its way to Charlotte Harbor on the Gulf Coast. This direct connection to the Peace River, coastal estuaries, and the Gulf makes what happens in and around Lake Hancock especially important—not just for Polk County, but for the entire watershed and its downstream communities. Supporting the ecosystems of Lake Hancock in turn supports the Peace River and everyone who depends on it–animals and humans alike. BUT LAKE HANCOCK IS SO … GREEN? The Florida Department of Environmental Protection considers Lake Hancock an “impaired” lake, meaning that its water quality isn’t as good as we would like it to be. But the green water you might notice in Lake Hancock is not necessarily a bad thing. You may hear biologists refer to green lakes as “eutrophic” or “biologically productive,” which simply means that they produce a lot of life from the excess nutrients in the water column. Think about it this way–the algae that grow in these lakes support a ton of small fish, which then support larger fish, which then support alligators and birds, and so on! WILDLIFE CORRIDOR CONNECTIONS Lake Hancock and its surrounding green spaces don’t just facilitate the movement of water—these natural areas create what is known as a wildlife corridor, forming linkages between larger habitats and allowing animals to move safely across the landscape. For wide-ranging species like bears, deer, and the Florida panther, connected habitats are crucial for finding food, mates, and shelter. As development continues to expand, preserving and linking natural areas becomes increasingly important to prevent habitat fragmentation, which can isolate wildlife populations and limit their chances of survival. LAKE HANCOCK AND HURRICANE RESILIENCE One of the many important functions of Lake Hancock during and after major weather events is its ability to collect and store amazing amounts of excess rainwater and help prevent flooding. Unfortunately, high water combined with strong winds can cause damage to the shoreline around the lake, as seen after Hurricanes Irma and Milton, with the closure of Alligator Alley. Fortunately, following each of these storms, important restoration work around Lake Hancock helped showcase hurricane resilience and lake rehabilitation. Thanks to efforts by Polk County Parks and Natural Resources, the Coastal & Heartland National Estuary Partnership (CHNEP), and the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), parts of the lake’s shoreline were restored with native plants and stronger barriers to protect against future erosion. Shoreline vegetation stabilizes sediments and slows runoff, helping to reduce flooding and keep water clearer during heavy periods of rain and wave action. It also gives fish, birds, turtles, and other aquatic wildlife places to feed and reproduce. Continued shoreline restoration results in increased wildlife habitat, cleaner headwaters for the Peace River, and a more pristine natural area! HOW YOU CAN HELP LAKE HANCOCK THRIVE Everyone can play a role in the continued health and improvement of Lake Hancock and its surrounding green spaces, even with seemingly small actions. Here are a few simple ways to help: · Pick up and properly dispose of pet waste, redirect gutters from the driveway to the yard, and keep grass clippings on your lawn. · Adopt Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles or add native Florida plants to your yard. · Learn about local conservation efforts and get involved! · Spread the word! Share this article or something you learned with a friend! To learn more about Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles and how they can help lower pollution levels in the Peace River watershed, contact our Master Gardener Plant Clinic at 863-519-1067 or via text at (838) 868-0066. If you’re interested in getting more involved in local conservation efforts, check out these local groups: Florida Native Plant Society’s Heartland Chapter, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, Lakes Region Audubon Society, Ancient Islands Sierra Club, All Florida, and Polk Forever. As we celebrate Lakes Appreciation Month, remember how lucky we are to have natural spaces like this right in our backyards—and how much power we have to keep them healthy! Lake Hancock is much more than just one of Polk County’s lakes; it’s a lifeline for downstream waters, a pathway for wildlife, and an everyday reminder of hurricane recovery and habitat restoration. For more information, please reach out to us at UF/IFAS Extension Polk County or directly to our office via email ( scarnevale@ufl.edu ). Looking for ‘learning on the go’? Check out the “Naturally Florida” podcast, available on all major podcast platforms.

Parlor Doughnuts We couldn’t let National Doughnut Day pass without treating ourselves to something special, so we made our way to Parlor Doughnuts in Downtown Lakeland. Known for their signature layered doughnuts, this spot offers a unique take on the classic pastry. They also offer breakfast sandwiches and delightful drinks. This place should definitely be on your list to visit if you haven’t already. Read more about Parlor Doughnuts at goodfoodpolk.com . Parlor Doughnuts 351 E Bay St, Lakeland Read more at GOODFOODPOLK.COM FB & IG @goodfoodpolk

JULY 4 CELEBRATION July 4, 4 – 10 p.m. at Armature Works. This family-friendly fun includes a boat parade, a hot dog eating contest, a Kids Zone with bounce houses, live music by Michael Ray, and fireworks over the water, of course. Benefits K9s for Warriors. armatureworks.com CHRISTMAS IN JULY July 24, 6:30 p.m. at the Oxford Exchange. This event is filled with holiday cheer and shopping! From handmade crafts to fashion, they will have it. Support local artisans and small businesses while enjoying a festive atmosphere. Grab a glass of champagne, mingle with fellow shoppers, and discover your new favorite place in Tampa. bookstore.oxfordexchange.com JULY 4 BOAT PARADE July 4th parade, plus a Water Ski Show, the Blessing of the Fleet, and fireworks! Join everyone as they celebrate military heroes with a patriotic display on the water. Boats will be decorated in red, white, and blue and will compete for the most patriotic boat. Registration is required to participate in the boat parade. Spectators are free. thetampariverwalk.com ICE CREAM FESTIVAL July 20, Celebrate National Ice Cream Day on the St. Pete Pier with the Tampa Bay Ice Cream Festival. Enjoy ice cream and other sweet frozen treats (for purchase) from over a dozen vendors serving their best creations. Be the judge and vote for the Best Ice Cream Award in Tampa Bay. Free to enter. visitstpeteclearwater.com BUSCH GARDENS VIP TOUR You’re the guest of honor in this private, guided tour. From front-ofthe-line access on your favorite rides to up-close animal encounters and feeding opportunities, plus lunch at your favorite restaurant, this tour will provide the elite experience. Advance reservations are preferred and can be booked online at buschgardens.com or by phone at (813) 884-4FUN. SCIENCE AFTER DARK July 11, 6 – 9 p.m. at MOSI. This is an adults-only event! Enjoy beer and wine samples, appetizers, liquid nitrogen ice cream, and handson science experiments with new technologies, exploring scientific principles, and more. Head over to the all-new Saunders Planetarium & Digital Dome Theatre for a journey through the cosmos. mosi.org PUFFS July 9 – Aug. 3 at the Straz. For seven years a certain boy wizard went to a certain school and conquered evil. You Know Who He Is. This is not his story, sorry, but that of those who also happened to be there, too. This is a new look at a familiar adventure at a very dangerous magic school for kids. strazcenter.org ART ON THE SPECTRUM July 27, 9 – 11 a.m. at the Tampa Museum of Art. Enjoy the museum in a calm, low-crowd environment with sensory-friendly tools and supportive assistance available. You can borrow noise-canceling headphones or other sensory items from the front desk as well. tampamuseum.org VOICES OF COLOR July 11 – 19 at the Carrollwood Players Mainstage. Featuring eight original short plays in one theatrical experience. Audiences will enjoy an eclectic mix of short plays telling Black stories, featuring comedy, drama, and everything in between. This exciting event provides Black playwrights with an opportunity to see their work produced. carrollwoodplayers.org FLAVORS OF SPAIN DINNER July 29, 7 pm at The Dali. Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully designed evening with Chef Chris Artrip of The Black Pearl. This exclusive event offers an opportunity to indulge in a carefully crafted menu honoring Dalí’s homeland, paired with specially selected drinks, all set against the backdrop of the museum. thedali.org

FIREWORKS AT THE FOUNTAIN July 4, 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. at Lake Eola Park. Enjoy live entertainment, family-friendly fun, and food & beverages will be available for purchase from a variety of vendors. At 9:10 p.m., the sky will illuminate with fireworks set to a live patriotic performance by the Orlando Concert Band. orlando.gov DIARY OF A WIMPY KID July 18 – 27 at Orlando Family Stage by the Youth Academy. Grab a hall pass, and don’t be late for an adventure familiar to anyone who survived middle school with this hilarious and heartfelt musical. orlandofamilystage.com DISNEY H20 GLOW Select nights throughout July at Typhoon Lagoon at WDW. This is a limited capacity ticketed event. Experience the water park illuminated at night. Enjoy complimentary treats, lower wait times, and a DJ dance party! disneyworld.disney.go.com ACCESS TO ALL AT OMA July 17, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. at the Orlando Museum of Art. Free admission for all visitors! Enjoy live performances, educational experiences, and more. Sketching materials will be available between 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Plus, take a docent-led tour that will begin at 7 p.m. omart.org WICKED THE EXPERIENCE Throughout July at Universal Orlando. Step into the world of “Wicked” with film costumes, prop replicas, and Elphaba and Glindathemed photo ops. Legendary artists have also collaborated on a collection featuring Wicked-inspired prints on apparel, accessories, home goods, and treats. Located inside Hollywood. universalorlando.com JAZZ COMMON GROUND July 16, 7 p.m. at Judson’s Live at Dr. Phillips Center. The next generation of jazz. Brothers Jack and Jacob Kaiser are young musicians playing an integral part in the viral jazz renaissance of the post-internet age. They’ll sync up with rising talent Gerald Law II on drums and Will Patrick on guitar. drphillipscenter.org RUN, WHITE & BLUE 5K July 5, 7:30 a.m. at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando. This is a family-friendly walk or fun run. The race takes place on the back 9 of the 18-hole championship course. After the race, have some champagne or a mimosa and healthy snack options. Register in advance at runsignup.com/Race/FL/Orlando/runwhiteandblue5k . MERMAID EXTRAVAGANZA July 26, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Dr. James R. Smith Pool. This event features music, dancing, food, a photobooth, vendors, meditation, games & activities, CPR demonstrations, a swim lesson for all ages, and more! Purchase tickets in advance at orlando.gov . BEGINNER WATERCOLORS July 11, 1 p.m. at Leu Gardens. Learn to paint a picture of watermelon. All supplies are included, ages 12 and up. You will get a step-by-step instruction for painting your own creation. No previous experience required. Registration includes admission to the gardens before or after class. Register on eventbrite under Harry P. Leu Gardens. FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING July 29, 1 p.m. or 6 p.m. This virtual webinar will focus on sustainable landscaping practices that are intended to reduce water, fertilizer, and pesticides by properly selecting and maintaining plants that thrive, provide nutrients and habitat for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife, and help keep pollution out of our waterways. Register in advance at orlando.gov .

SUMMER STORYTIME July 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 at the Florida Air Museum. Listen as they bring stories to life and create amazing, interactive learning experiences for your Junior ACE’s – exploring the universe, one adventure at a time! StoryTime is free and access to the Aviation Playground is included. aceedu.org RED, WHITE & BOOM! At LEGOLAND Florida Resort on July 4 from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Get in the patriotic spirit with special activities, a DJ Dance Party, and an unforgettable fireworks display with LEGO® bricks illuminating the sky through special 3D viewing glasses. legoland.com/florida TIKI TAKEOVER! July 19, 5:30 – 9 p.m. at Bowen Yard. Hula dancers, fire dancers, tiki cocktails by Maritime, and luau-inspired food for purchase. A ticket includes a souvenir cup and two tiki cocktails. Drinks available for purchase on-site without a ticket at $12/each. centralfloridatix.com RED, WHITE & KABOOM The Red, White & Kaboom Independence Celebration will take place at Lake Mirror along the Frances Langford Promenade on Thursday, July 3, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Live music will entertain the crowd before a spectacular fireworks display begins at 9 p.m. downtownlkld.com POLK COUNTY BURGER WEEK July 18 – 27. A county-wide celebration of all things burger, where you can find unique burgers and special pricing at dozens of restaurants all over Polk County! Check out polkcountyburgerweek. com for participating locations. CATCH ME IF YOU CAN July 11 – 27 at the Lakeland Community Theatre. Based on the hit film and true story, “Catch Me If You Can” is the high-flying musical comedy about chasing your dreams and not getting caught. lakelandcommunitytheatre.com CHRISTMAS IN JULY July 26, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Lake Mirror Auditorium. A fun, free indoor event the whole family can enjoy! The Christmas in July Celebration features free photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus, face painting, arts & crafts, and more. Food, drinks, and local vendors will be on site. Hosted by Tri-County Human Services. FB @TriCountyHumanServicesInc SUMMER SUNRISE WATERMELON 5K July 12, 7 a.m. at Lake Hollingsworth. Race two of three summer races by the Lakeland Runners Club. This series was born out of a desire to have low-cost local races during the hot summer months when it can be hard to stay motivated. lakelandrunnersclub.org LITTLE MERMAID JR. July 26 – Aug. 3 at the Gem Theatre. Presented by The Missing Piece Theatre. In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home and her fins behind and live in the world above. But first, she’ll have to defy her father, King Triton, and make a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula. centralfloridatix.com JAWS VIEWING PARTY July 17, 6 p.m. at Grove Roots Brewing. Visit the Packing House for a themed watch party that includes Jaws trivia, exclusive merch, and a special intro by Jeremy Gardner. Narragansett will be served! More info on FB @groverootsbrewing.

MAIN STREET MONSTERS Throughout the month of July, hosted by Main Street Winter Haven. The not-so-scary monsters will be taking over the streets of Downtown Winter Haven, and they want you to find them! Kids will love trying to find all of the “monsters” and taking a pic with them. Play along for prizes & fun! FB @MainStreetWinterHaven POLK COUNTY BURGER WEEK July 18 – 27. A county-wide celebration of all things burger! Find unique burgers and special pricing at dozens of restaurants all over Polk County. Check out polkcountyburgerweek.com for participating locations. RED, WHITE & BOOM! LEGOLAND Florida Resort on July 4 from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Get in the patriotic spirit with special activities, a DJ Dance Party, and an unforgettable fireworks display with LEGO® bricks illuminating the sky through special 3D viewing glasses. legoland.com/florida SUMMER SPLASH BASH July 18, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Larry Parrish Baseball Complex in Haines City. Join the City of Haines City staff for water slides, a foam party, and other activities! Free & everyone is welcome. Visit facebook.com/ hainescity or contact the Parks & Recreation office at 863-421-3700. ROCKIN’ FREEDOM FEST July 3, 6 p.m. at MLK Park. Enjoy live music by the Bay Kings Band, a ski show by the Cypress Gardens Ski Team, food trucks, and a rockin’ fireworks show at sundown! Bring your chairs or blankets, this free event is open to the entire community. FB @winterhavenflorida THE MOTOWNERS July 15, 5 p.m. or 8 p.m. at The Ritz in downtown Winter Haven. This is the ultimate tribute show to Motown music. Listen and watch as your favorite songs are performed live. This show is a journey that pays loving tribute to the fantastic history of Motown Music with the look, moves, and amazing vocal harmonies. theatrewinterhaven.com SUMMER SUNRISE WATERMELON 5K July 12, 7 a.m. at Lake Hollingsworth. Race two of three summer races by the Lakeland Runners Club. This series was born out of a desire to have low-cost local races during the hot summer months when it can be hard to stay motivated. lakelandrunnersclub.org TIKI TAKEOVER! July 19, 5:30 – 9 p.m. at Bowen Yard. Hula dancers, fire dancers, tiki cocktails by Maritime, and luau-inspired food for purchase. A ticket includes a souvenir cup and two tiki cocktails. Drinks available for purchase on-site without a ticket at $12/each. centralfloridatix.com JAWS VIEWING PARTY July 17, 6 p.m. at Grove Roots Brewing. Visit the Packing House for a themed watch party that includes Jaws trivia, exclusive merch, and a special intro by Jeremy Gardner. Narragansett will be served! More info on FB @groverootsbrewing. FRUIT FEST July 12, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Bok Tower Gardens. Discover the world of tropical fruit! Start your morning with plant lectures by leading horticulture experts. The fun continues as you sip, sample, and delight in an assortment of fruits and gourmet dishes from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. boktowergardens.org

FEVER BEACH By Carl Hiaasen A dim-witted Proud Boys reject becomes entangled in a bizarre web of corruption and intrigue involving a hitchhiker, a con artist, an eccentric millionaire and a power-hungry politician in the new novel by the best-selling author. MURDER TAKES A VACATION By Laura Lippman Former private investigator and middle-aged widow Muriel Blossom’s vacation on a Parisian river cruise turns into a deadly international mystery … that only she can solve. THE SUMMER THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING By Brenda Novak A disgraced prodigal daughter returns to her beach town home to delve into its deadly past. The problem is, there are plenty of people in this small coastal town who would prefer things to stay quiet. BEACH HOUSE RULES By Kristy Woodson Harvey When Charlotte’s husband is jailed for fraud, she and her daughter, Iris, are shunned by their town. An invitation from the enigmatic Alice to stay at her infamous “mommune” offers a chance at redemption. BEACH READS AND DEADLY DEEDS By Allison Brennan A risk-averse bibliophile gets in over her head when strange notes in a book draw her into a real-life investigation. TOTAL DREAMBOAT By Katelyn Doyle A rom-com about what happens when a cruise ship romance goes … overboard. When Hope and Felix go from shipboard fling to stranded in paradise, they must work together to make their way home. MY FRIENDS By Fredrik Backman New York Times bestselling author Fredrik Backman returns with an unforgettably funny, deeply moving tale of four teenagers whose friendship creates a bond so powerful that it changes a complete stranger’s life twenty-five years later. A MARRIAGE AT SEA By Sophie Elmhirst A couple seeking escape sells everything to sail the world, but after a whale sinks their boat, they endure months adrift in a raft, battling starvation, inner demons and the ultimate test of their relationship in this true-life survival struggle. HOW I SPENT MY SUMMER VACATION By Mark Teague Most kids go to camp, or Grandma’s house, or maybe they’re stuck at home all summer, but not Wallace. Instead, he was carried off by cowboys and taught the ways of the West--from riding buckin’ broncos to roping cattle. Lucky for Aunt Fern, he showed up at her house just in time to divert a stampede from her barbecue party! MR. SUNNY IS FUNNY By Dan Gutman Second grader A.J. is taking a much-needed summer vacation with his family. But all bets are off when Andrea and her family rent the beach house next door. Not even the funny beach lifeguard Mr. Sunny can save them from this weird summer!

CLOSE TO SHORE BY MICHAEL CAPUZZO The real-life inspiration behind the Jaws mythos— this gripping narrative of the 1916 Jersey Shore shark attacks reads like a thriller. Capuzzo paints a vivid picture of the period while building just the right amount of dread. If you’ve ever wondered how a single shark changed everything, this is the place to start. SHARK HEART BY EMILY HABECK A genre-bender: part magical realism, part quiet love story, told in prose, poetry, and script. A man slowly transforms into a great white shark. It’s weird, symbolic, and surprisingly moving—a deep dive into love, loss, and what it means to change when change is unavoidable. JAWS: MEMORIES FROM MARTHA’S VINEYARD BY MATT TAYLOR Packed with behind-thescenes photographs, local stories, and insider insight, this detailed account brings the summer of 1974 vividly to life. With newly added material and neverbefore-seen images, this is a heartfelt tribute to the islanders who helped shape movie history. THE SHARK CLUB BY ANN KIDD TAYLOR Bitten by a shark as a child, the main character grows up to be a marine biologist— and that early encounter shapes everything. There’s romance, mystery, and a strong sense of place (hello, Florida Keys). Less Jaws, more saltwater-soaked second chances. JAWS BY PETER BENCHLEY This is the classic. It’s lean, mean, and still delivers that creeping dread of something circling just out of sight. The book is pulpier than the movie—more brutal, more adult, and a bit more cynical. The shark’s scary, sure, but so are the humans. It’s a beach read that still bites. AN OCEAN LIFE BY T.R. COTWELL This one’s for readers looking for a twist. After a diver is attacked by a great white, he wakes to find himself seeing through the shark’s eyes. What unfolds is part survival story, part family drama, and part metaphysical puzzle—a fresh, visceral journey into the deep. MEG BY STEVE ALTEN Take Jaws, pump it full of prehistoric steroids, and drop it into the Mariana Trench. The Meg is overthe-top in all the best ways— perfect for readers who want their shark stories bigger, louder, and packed with bite. Just suspend disbelief and enjoy the chaos. SHARKS DON’T SINK BY JASMIN GRAHAM Marine biologist Jasmin Graham invites readers into the world of shark science, sharing fascinating insights into behavior, conservation, and the realities of fieldwork. As a woman of color in a space that hasn’t always welcomed her, she blends science with deeply personal reflection. Bold, clear-eyed, and essential. WHALEFALL BY DANIEL KRAUS A surreal survival story where a diver ends up trapped inside a sperm whale after a dive goes wrong. Yes, inside. Strange, poetic, and tense, this novel explores fear, grief, and awe in equal measure. Not a shark story exactly, but it swims in the same deep waters of wonder and terror.