Back in 1853 the area we now know as Williston was actually a part of Marion County. Williston now lies in northeast Levy county and represents a crossroads. It's an American heartland small town with approximate population of 2,400 people, surrounded by a variety of working farms, later-day private homesteads and miles of scenic back-roads. The area attracts independent minded people from all over Florida as well as many new Floridians who want to put a little distance between their homes and the Interstate/shopping center/traffic jam scenes that so dominate our modern activities.

Today the area is still predominantly rural and unspoiled, but things have changed a bit... Downtown Williston is a bustling retail center - with involvement of neither government grant nor large developer. One property owner made some improvements, others followed and businesses moved in. Customers have followed bringing with them the whole town's appreciation for the transformation.

The area has many hidden treasures that make it a wonderful place to live and work, raise a family or retire. Locals take for granted the peace and quiet of the surroundings, the low crime rate, and the overall healthy, unpolluted environment.

For festival lovers, the annual Light Up Williston and the Peanut Festival are just two of the numerous annual events and festivities held in Williston.

One of Williston's claim to fame is the 1975 Kentucky Derby winner, Foolish Pleasure.

Bred by Waldemar Farms near Williston, Foolish Pleasure was purchased by John L. Greer at the Saratoga Yearling Sale for $20,000.

Fifteen horses contested the 101st Kentucky Derby, which Foolish Pleasure won capably by 1-3/4 lengths. The game colt ran second in both the Preakness and the Belmont. Later that summer he challenged champion filly Ruffian in a match race and crossed the finish line alone after the ill-fated black filly tragically broke down before stunned viewers.

In 1976, Foolish Pleasure went on to thrill racing fans again and defeated champion Forego before retiring that year with earnings of $1,216,705. He won 16 of 26 total starts and was the sport's 11th all-time earner upon retirement.

Foolish Pleasure was 22 when he died in November 1994.

Website: www.willistonfl.com

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