Capturing the Florida Spirit: Eli Mosley’s “Anna Maria” Honored at Will McLean Best New Florida Song Contest
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
The rich musical landscape and unique heritage of the Sunshine State are once again being celebrated, and country music artist Eli Mosley is at the forefront of this recognition. Mosley has been named the Second Place Recipient of the highly competitive Will McLean Best New Florida Song Contest for his heartfelt ballad, “Anna Maria.”
This prestigious honor celebrates outstanding original songwriting that authentically captures the spirit, history, and natural beauty of Florida. Mosley, a native of Mulberry, Florida, will be recognized and given the opportunity to perform his award-winning song during the annual Will McLean Music Festival, scheduled for March 13–15, 2026, at the Florida Sand Music Ranch.
The Warmth and Ache of “Anna Maria”
Eli Mosley’s winning song, “Anna Maria,” is a quintessential country ballad that expertly uses the evocative imagery of the Florida coast to explore themes of lingering love and hopeful second chances. The song paints a vivid picture of sunsets and sea breezes but grounds the setting with a profound emotional core: the ache of a love that, much like the tide, continues to pull at the heart.
Musically, the track features Mosley’s soulful vocals supported by a classic country arrangement. The shimmering pedal steel and a touch of fiddle lend the song a nostalgic and cinematic quality, instantly transporting listeners to the topical escape of the island that inspired the tune. Mosley himself notes that the song is about an escape to a tropical island where the sights and sounds inevitably lead one back to a lost love and the hope of reuniting. Fans can listen to the award-winning song on Spotify and YouTube.
The Artist: Eli Mosley, Veteran, Rancher, and Storyteller
Eli Mosley is far more than just a rising country artist; he embodies the very working-class ethos he often sings about. Based in Lakeland, Florida, Mosley is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, a graduate of Southeastern University with a degree in Music and Business, and a dedicated cattle ranch manager back home in Florida. His love for performing began at the age of six after seeing country legend Tracy Byrd perform live at the Florida Strawberry Festival.
Since releasing his first albums, Mosley has toured extensively, sharing the stage with major artists like Tracy Byrd, Tracy Lawrence, Joe Nichols, Tyler Farr, and Maren Morris. His music, which he writes and records in Nashville with collaborators like hit songwriter Steve Dean (“Watching You” by Rodney Atkins), is influenced by traditional country giants such as George Strait, Brad Paisley, and Brooks & Dunn.
Mosley is known for using his platform to promote the Florida Cattlemen and the hard-working American class, a theme set to be further explored in his upcoming studio album. His distinct background as both a touring artist and a working rancher gives his music an authenticity and relatability that deeply resonates with his growing fanbase.
Celebrating Florida’s Musical Legacy
The Will McLean Best New Florida Song Contest and its accompanying festival honor Will McLean, affectionately known as the “Father of Florida Folk.” McLean dedicated his life to preserving Florida’s unique identity through song.
The annual Will McLean Music Festival at the Florida Sand Music Ranch carries on this mission, showcasing some of the finest artists across the state and beyond, spanning genres including Americana, Blues, Celtic, Bluegrass, Country, and Modern Folk. Eli Mosley’s significant placement in the contest underscores his contribution to this ongoing tradition, proving that the heart of Florida’s history and spirit can still be found in the masterful lyrics of its contemporary songwriters.