Rural Perseverance: A Tale of Two Cities

By Alicia Stevens

Epilogue - The Future

     As my journey comes to a close, I realize that the citizens of Sorrento and Mt. Plymouth truly embody my definition of rural character. They are a whole community worth preserving. Their small numbers do not weaken their reserves; rather, that element gives them more reason to fight, to preserve their quantity and quality. While the towns suffer from ailments such as apathy, avarice, and racial separation, the overall well being of their residents prevails. They have their own grassroots organization. They have a deep connection to the land, its resources, and its wildlife. They have their own sense of community.
     However, if growth must come to the land, as many residents regrettably testify, then perhaps the planning and zoning committees could consider a better model for development, such as a rural village. Because much of the land remains undeveloped, this idea serves as a very beneficial possibility. Rather than create several gated communities, consequently stripping the land as well as its inhabitants of their heritage, provide houses with porches, sidewalks lined with trees that link to other neighborhoods, and areas of complete preservation.
     If economic growth continues on its haphazard route, surely the particular sense of rural character within Sorrento and Mt. Plymouth will vanish, joining the wooly mammoths and giant armadillos that once occupied the Wekiva River Basin several millennia ago. One of our only options then is to instill a vision of community within the minds of the younger generations. They can change the present situation for the worse or the better. And, as Time decrees, that is ultimately their duty.

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