As the state of Florida begins the recovery process from Hurricane Idalia, well wishes have poured in from the world over. Among the support, St. Pete Beach got a special message from one of its more well-known regular visitors.

Famed romance author Nicholas Sparks posted a note for the area that shared his appreciation for the city and beach, as well as a nod to the novel that St. Pete Beach helped inspire. Dreamland is his newest book, and it tells the story of a musician who moves to St. Pete Beach and meets the love of his life (but not without a few twists).

Including a picture of himself walking the shoreline, Sparks said in a Facebook post: “My latest trip to St. Pete Beach in Florida, one of my favorite places and an important ‘character’ in #Dreamland. Sending love to everybody and hope everyone stays safe! 🙏”

Sparks is the author of many best-selling romance novels, including several that became major feature films, such as The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, Message in a Bottle, and Nights in Rodanthe.