Sun, surf and the Trump Store: a Florida road trip – in pictures

Photographing a giant pig at the barbecue festival and a Qur’an reader on the beach, Christina Stohn shows us some lesser-seen sights of the sunshine state

These images of Florida were captured by Christina Stohn for her Amongst the Palms project during a two-week photographic road trip in March. Florida has a reputation as a sun-soaked paradise, yet its ecosystem is at risk from climate change. Universal’s Endless Summer resort, located in Orlando’s convention district, features two themes: the Surfside Inn embodies the spirit of a surfing lifestyle, while the family-oriented Dockside Inn evokes the ambience of a coastal retreat. All photographs: Christina Stohn

Denny’s Diner in Fort Myers, known as the ‘City of Palms’, has been owned by the Van Schoyck family since 1980. This classic American diner aims to transport its clientele back to a bygone era, evoking nostalgia for a time before chain restaurants dominated the landscape. Ironically, over the years, it has grown into a national US chain itself

The family-owned surf and swim store Big Willy’s in Panama City Beach was established in 1978. To get necessities for a day at the beach, customers must allow themselves to be swallowed by a huge whale serving as an entrance door

Captured in a moment of contemplation, Ruhifa, a 23-year-old devotee, reads the Qur’an in Arabic along the shores of Jacksonville Beach. Having lived in Jacksonville for nearly 13 years, Ruhifa attests to the calming impact of the sea on her wellbeing: ‘Every time I feel hopeless or sad, I look at the sea and see how magnificent it is, thinking that the creator behind the ocean and the sky is able to solve all my problems in the blink of an eye and in a better way than I am thinking of’

Katie, aged 24, serves as a waitress at the Waffle House in Panama City Beach where she has enjoyed working alongside her mum since 2016. During morning shifts, her four-year-old son patiently waits at the counter until his day-care begins

The Trump Store, specialising in Trump and ‘Let’s Go Brandon’ merchandise, has been established in Panama City Beach since 2022. Florida has played a significant role in Donald Trump’s political and social activities, particularly since he established Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach as his residence. The state’s strong support base has made it a prominent location for Trump’s public appearances and rallies

Tamarys, a 25-year-old from South Africa who came to the US as an au pair, almost missed the chance to visit Walt Disney World. Not only was her departure approaching, but she also could not afford the entrance fee. However, on Valentine’s Day, her host family surprised her with tickets to Magic Kingdom, one of the theme parks located in Orlando, reinforcing her belief that ‘dreams do come true’

The Florida Historic Capitol Museum in Tallahassee has undergone renovation in recent years, restoring it to its 1902 appearance. This includes features such as a stained glass dome, red and white candy-striped awnings and a representation of the Florida state seal over the entry columns

Sunset Place, a mall in South Miami, was established in 1999. Offering a blend of retail, dining and entertainment venues, it was once a popular open-air destination for locals and visitors alike. However, there are plans for its demolition

In 2023 Lauren, aged 35, relocated from Bloomington to West Palm Beach to become curator of photography at the Norton Museum of Art. She is dedicated to supporting and stewarding innovative works of art and equitable exhibition practices that support the museum’s mission to promote the transformative power of art. One year after her move, she remains enchanted by Florida’s biodiversity of flora and fauna. Here, she is portrayed in the museum’s sub-tropical sculpture garden, the site of a former parking lot transformed by architect Norman Foster as part of a large-scale renovation in 2019

The Dolphin Statue is displayed at the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee, serving as a reminder of Florida’s close connection to its coastal environment and the importance of preserving its marine ecosystems for generations to come

Visitors pose in front of a huge plastic pig decorating the entrance of the 10th annual Beer, Bourbon & BBQ festival in Tampa. This event brings together enthusiasts of these beloved culinary and beverage traditions. Live music performances add to the vibrant atmosphere

Stefania, an 18-year-old from Belarus, faces the same political situation that led to her family’s exile from Lithuania. In 2023 she decided to pursue her studies in the US. Currently, she is a freshman at the University of Tampa, majoring in biology and minoring in Asian studies. Here she is depicted in her dorm room, which she shares with two fellow students