Take a weekly trip across Florida with authors Cathy Salustri and Rick Kilby and discover a side of Florida you never knew existed. From the scallops in Panhandle bays to the Hemingway cats in Key West, every week's a Florida adventure. Twice each month, Florida Keys historian Brad Bertelli joins Cathy for premium episodes available to subscribers focused exclusively on the Keys.
…
continue reading
In-depth state and local coverage, plus national and international perspectives. Guest interviews with call-in.
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Gabber owner Cathy Salustri on her new book, Florida Spectacular; it's not just Florida Man stories
We spoke with Cathy Salustri, the owner of The Gabber newspaper in Pinellas County and the author of a new book, Florida Spectacular.By WMNF 88.5 FM Tampa
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 169: Floridasplaining, Decolonized Florida History, and Spectacular Florida
41:13
41:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:13
Send us your Florida questions! Rick and Cathy talk about what went into researching Cathy's new book, Florida Spectacular. They also talk about how to approach Florida history that challenges traditional interpretations of historic events, what Cathy learned from the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and why the ideas of "Florida Man" and "Real Florida" …
…
continue reading
In-depth state and local coverage, plus national and international perspectives. Guest interviews with call-in.By WMNF 88.5 FM Tampa
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
🔒 Florida Keys Spectacular Episode 18: Take a Key Lime Pie Side Quest
35:19
35:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:19
Subscriber-only episode Send us your Florida questions! Key lime pie: The myth, the truth, and the best place to get it in the Florida Keys. They also talk about Key lime pie on a stick, Key lime ice cream, and Key lime margarita floats. Dig in! Links We Mentioned The End of an Era: The Key Lime Tree Brad's Pick for Key lime pie: Key Lime Pie Lady …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 168: Florida's Lost State Park, a Powerful Florida Woman, and State Park Updates
44:27
44:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:27
Send us your Florida questions! Leslie Kemp Poole joins the podcast to talk about Florida's true first state park, the one forgotten and ignored by the Florida state parks system — but prized by the National Park Service (and part of Everglades National Park). The trio also talks about the powerhouse of a woman instrumental in the park's creation: …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 167: Florida State Parks at Risk: Keep Your Paws Off Our Parks!
43:37
43:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:37
Send us your Florida questions! This podcast was supposed to be about Ryan Worthington's quest to visit all 175 Florida State Parks, but then FDEP announced plans to build giant hotels and golf courses in the state parks. Ryan, Cathy, and Rick talk about the plans and what action people can take if they don't want to see the parks get paved. Florid…
…
continue reading
On Primary Election Day in Florida, we took a close look at two Congressional primaries that are on the ballot: FL-14 and FL-15.By WMNF 88.5 FM Tampa
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
🔒 Florida Keys Spectacular Episode 17: Florida Keys Dive Bars: Meet Me at the O.V.
37:19
37:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:19
Subscriber-only episode Send us your Florida questions! Brad and Cathy talk about the best dive bars in the Florida Keys. Links We Mentioned A Local's Guide to Bloodline Florida Keys Dive Bars (show notes with links and history) Support the podcast! For $5/month, you get premium Florida Keys history and travel tips with Brad Bertelli and Cathy Salu…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 166: Tin Can Tourists, Lance Campers, and Florida State Parks
35:42
35:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:42
Send us your Florida questions! Campers, listen up! From Tin Can Tourist to air conditioned cabins, Florida's a camper's paradise. Rick and Cathy talk about the origins of Tin Can tourists in Tampa, which state parks have the best camping, and how to camp in comfort at them. Links We Mentioned Lance Campers (2565) Lazy Days RVs Desoto Park in Tampa…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Past and present directors of the ACLU of Florida weigh in on immigration, education, recreational use of cannabis, reproductive rights and voting
WMNF's Tuesday Cafe: the ACLU of Florida on about a range of state issues like Amendment Three and Amendment Four on this November's ballot.By WMNF 88.5 FM Tampa
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 165: Hurricanes, Fossils, and an Elephant Graveyard
41:52
41:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:52
Send us your Florida questions! Along the Suwannee River, there's a treasure trove of fossilized rhinos and elephants. Stephenie Livingston, a science journalist, joins the podcast this week to talk about the Montbrook fossil site, what we can learn about climate change from it, and why it matters. Links We Mentioned National Wildlife article about…
…
continue reading
Older adults and their caregivers have different needs when it comes to preparing for hurricanes and other emergencies.By WMNF 88.5 FM Tampa
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
🔒 Florida Keys Spectacular Episode 16: Sharks vs. Dolphins
33:23
33:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:23
Subscriber-only episode Send us your Florida questions! Brad and Cathy take a look at the state of shark populations in the Keys, explain that the shark's reputation as man-easting beast is undeserved, and why they're a lot better — and nicer — than dolphin. Links We Mentioned Brad's post on Facebook about shark finning Meet the sharks of the Flori…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 164: Dive bars, Lucky Cole, and Mullet Tosses
37:09
37:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:09
Send us your Florida questions! Who loves a good dive bar? Rick and Cathy do. This week they chat about their favorites — send them yours! Whiskey Lou's in Orlando's Milk District The Emerald in downtown St. Pete Tony's Liquors in Winter Garden Wally's on Mill in Orlando Joannie's Blue Crab in Ochopee Last Chance Saloon in Florida City Mahuffer's o…
…
continue reading
Candidates running for four Florida House races talk about education, teacher pay, gun violence, insurance and the cost of living in Florida.By WMNF 88.5 FM Tampa
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 163: Florida Crackers, Moonshine, and Florida Cattle Ranching Today
36:28
36:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:28
Send us your Florida questions! Rick and Cathy look at Florida crackers: Cracker culture, Florida cowboys, and cracker villages. Links We Mentioned The Secret History of the Word Cracker Florida Wildlife Corridor and Wild Space Gallery Florida Cracker Horse Florida Cattle History Lake Kissimmee State Park Cow Camp Florida Cracker entry at FL Memory…
…
continue reading
The St. Petersburg City Council approved a major redevelopment for the Historic Gas Plant District and a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium.By WMNF 88.5 FM Tampa
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
🔒 Florida Keys Spectacular Episode 15: Florida Lobster: Poached, Poachers, and... Lobster Sex?
33:59
33:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:59
Subscriber-only episode Send us your Florida questions! Cathy and Brad talk about Florida lobster. Lobster season runs Aug. 6- Mar. 31, but there's more to this tasty crustacean than meets the antenna! Hear why Brad (and many other Keys residents) thinks the mini-season has gotten out of hand, why spiny lobsters are actually crayfish, and how they …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 162: The Gadsden Flag, Florida History, and No Step on Snek
34:25
34:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:25
Send us your Florida questions! A look at the history of Florida's role in the American revolution, the history of the Gadsden flag, and why Floridians hated everything for which it stood when it was a symbol of the American Revolution. Links We Mentioned & Further Reading: Don't Tread on Me post about the license plate and Florida history Florida …
…
continue reading
In-depth state and local coverage, plus national and international perspectives. Guest interviews with call-in.By WMNF 88.5 FM Tampa
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 161: Democracy in Florida, Reconstruction, and Gainesville
29:37
29:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:37
Send us your Florida questions! Willett Hancock Museum Assistant at the Matheson Museum joins the podcast to talk about a new exhibit at the Matheson Museum in Gainseville: Voices and Votes. Rick, Cathy, and Willett talk about democracy in Florida, and the historical struggle to make sure everyone can participate in it. Links We Mentioned Voices an…
…
continue reading
In-depth state and local coverage, plus national and international perspectives. Guest interviews with call-in.By WMNF 88.5 FM Tampa
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
🔒 Florida Keys Spectacular Episode 14: There be (almost no) pirates: Black Caesar, The Princess Bride, and Pirate Taxes
39:55
39:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:55
Subscriber-only episode Send us your Florida questions! Were there pirates in the Florida Keys? Who was Black Caesar? What does Black Caesar have in common with The Princess Bride? Brad Bertelli explains it all. Links We Mentioned Elliot Key in Biscayne National Park Florida Keys History with Brad Bertelli, Volume II Mostly Fake Black Caesar Histor…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 160: Dinner and Show: How To Do Kissimmee (And Not Look Like a Tourist)
32:46
32:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:46
Send us your Florida questions! This week, the best parts of Kissimmee, from roadside ephemera to the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. Stay Legacy Vacation Resorts, Cathy found it to be a great home base for exploring the less touristy areas of the area. Disclaimer: Legacy hosted most of her stay, but she chose to mention them because of the B…
…
continue reading
The Sunshine State Unity Network aims to "reduce violence, bolster the republic and restore faith in our democratic institutions in Florida."By WMNF 88.5 FM Tampa
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 159: The Best Bike Trails in Florida
36:44
36:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:44
Send us your Florida questions! This week Rick and Cathy talk about some of their favorite bike trails in Florida. Orange County Bike Trails West Orange Trail Bikes and Blades at Killarney Station Northeast Orlando Trail Map Cady Way Trail Post: Biking the Orlando Urban Trail Post: West Orange Trail Oakland Nature Preserve Downtown Winter Garden Pl…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Hillsborough School Board member Jessica Vaughn on electronic devices in schools and other education issues
Hillsborough County Public Schools could have a new policy on mobile phones and other electronic devices this summer.By WMNF 88.5 FM Tampa
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
🔒 Florida Keys Spectacular Episode 13: Stock Island: Old Key West, Dead Bodies, and... Cows?
33:56
33:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:56
Subscriber-only episode Send us your Florida questions! If it's Old Key West you want, stop short of Key West on your drive down US 1 and explore Stock Island. Brad and Cathy talk about the island's cow-centric and crime-adjacent history, what's worth doing now, and where you can meet an ostrich. Links We Mentioned Bone Island Mambo by Tom Corcoran…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 158: Hidden Key West, Judy Blume, and Writers at Mile Zero
26:36
26:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:36
Send us your Florida questions! This week the "Florida Spectacular" welcomes Carey Winfrey, the editor of Key West Sketches: Writers at Mile Zero. Carey and Cathy talk about the writers who contributed to the anthology, Judy Blume's Key West bookstore, and what Carey says he wishes people would see instead of Duval Street. Links We Mentioned Elizab…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The state of LGBTQ issues with Equality Florida's director of transgender equality, Angelique Godwin
During LGBTQ Pride month, WMNF's Tuesday Cafe spoke with Equality Florida's Director of Transgender Equality, Angelique Godwin.By WMNF 88.5 FM Tampa
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 157: Lower Your Power Bill, Stop Flooding, and Protect Florida's Beaches
24:53
24:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:53
Send us your Florida questions! Lower insurance and power bills? Stop flooding in your neighborhood? Protecting Florida's beaches without spending billions on beach renourishment? This might sound too good to be true, but this week's podcast has ways you can help do all those things. Dawn Shirreffs, the Florida Director of the Environmental Defense…
…
continue reading
An encounter at a Pinellas County beach bar is connected to the enduring peace in Ireland after decades of violence during The Troubles.By WMNF 88.5 FM Tampa
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
🔒 Florida Keys Spectacular Episode 12: Hidden (and not-so-hidden) Railroad History in the Florida Keys
38:25
38:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:25
Subscriber-only episode Send us your Florida questions! Some Florida Keys history is hidden in plain sight — and that's especially true when it comes to Henry Flagler's railroad from Homestead to Key West. Brad and Cathy give listeners insight to some ways to experience railroad history while enjoying the natural beauty of the Florida Keys. Links W…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 156: Florida's Wild and Scenic River: Myakka in Sarasota
38:37
38:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:37
Send us your Florida questions! Jono Miller, author of "The Palmetto Book: Histories and Mysteries of the Cabbage Palm," joins the podcast to talk about the Myakka River. We're loving the Myakka River — and the park — a little too hard, but there are ways to experience the park without impacting the natural environment. Jono talks about ways such a…
…
continue reading
In-depth state and local coverage, plus national and international perspectives. Guest interviews with call-in.By WMNF 88.5 FM Tampa
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 155: Ginnie Springs, Responsible Spring Use, and Secret Paddles
33:33
33:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:33
Send us your Florida questions! Merrillee Jipson, owner of Rum 138 in the High Springs area, joins the podcast to talk about the tragedy at Ginnie Springs last weekend, how to enjoy the springs responsibly, and some of the best places to paddle the springs. Links We Mentioned Silver Glen New River Santa Fe River Preserve Guide from Alachua Conserva…
…
continue reading
In-depth state and local coverage, plus national and international perspectives. Guest interviews with call-in.By WMNF 88.5 FM Tampa
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
🔒 Florida Keys Spectacular Episode 11: Gators and Crocs and Caimans, Oh My!
28:13
28:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:13
Subscriber-only episode Send us your Florida questions! Think crocodiles are only for Australia? Think again, because you can find them alive and well in the Florida Keys. Brad and Cathy talk about where in the keys you can find crocodiles and alligators, and also talk about why Florida crocodiles aren't as energetic as their Australian cousins. An…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 154: Shark's Teeth, Dog Beaches, and Healing Waters: Venice and Warm Mineral Springs
34:18
34:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:18
Send us your Florida questions! Rick and Cathy take a (metaphorical) dive into Warm Mineral Springs and the Venice/Nokomis area. They give you a guide of things to do and places to eat along the Venice/Nokomis coast. Don't forget to subscribe to Florida Keys Spectacular — premium content about the Florida Keys! Support all things Spectacular, start…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Hillsborough state attorney candidates Suzy Lopez, Andrew Warren and Elizabeth Martinez Strauss square off
Suspended Hillsborough County state attorney Andrew Warren, current state attorney, Suzy Lopez, and Elizabeth Martinez Strauss met.By WMNF 88.5 FM Tampa
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 153: Hurricanes: The Good, the Bad, and the Windy
43:35
43:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:35
Send us your Florida questions! Cathy and Rick talk about Florida hurricane prep, the history of hurricanes, and how to prepare without freaking out. Links We Mentioned Hurricanes.gov Oranges and Alligators: Sketches of South Florida Life by Iza Duffy Hardy Stormy Weather by Carl Hiaasen Hurricane prep suggestions: Turn off your TV and check hurric…
…
continue reading
In-depth state and local coverage, plus national and international perspectives. Guest interviews with call-in.By WMNF 88.5 FM Tampa
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
🔒 Florida Keys Spectacular Episode 10: How To Do Bahia Honda
26:40
26:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:40
Subscriber-only episode Send us your Florida questions! Brad and Cathy talk about Bahia Honda State Park. Brad shares the little-known history of Bahia Honda's pre-park days, and Cathy talks about which parts are best for camping and water activities. Support the podcast! For $5/month, you get premium Florida Keys history and travel tips with Brad …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 152: Vero Beach, Florida Indians, and Old Florida
35:18
35:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:18
Send us your Florida questions! Kristalyn Shefveland joins the podcast to talk about her book, Selling Vero Beach. They talk about Vero's history, its first people, and why the past matters to newcomers. Links We Mentioned Selling Vero Beach: Settler Myths in the Land of the Aís and Seminole Florida's disastrous plan for a reservoir McKee and Sexto…
…
continue reading
These students oppose the ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip and the financial connection to the University of South Florida.By WMNF 88.5 FM Tampa
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 151: The Belleview Biltmore: Schrödinger's Hotel
46:29
46:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:29
Send us your Florida questions! Rick and Cathy welcome Florida historian Joey Vars on the podcast to talk about Henry Plant's Belleview Biltmore hotel. Joey's the former staff historian for the hotel, now called the Belleview. Links We Mentioned The Belleview Inn Watch Joey's former tour of the Biltmore Aerial view of Belleview Biltmore demolition …
…
continue reading
W talk about health care and how to get insurance coverage, even as Florida boots people off Medicare rolls. Will Florida expand Medicaid?By WMNF 88.5 FM Tampa
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 150: Florida Springs: How Anyone Can Help
42:33
42:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:33
Send us your Florida questions! Ryan Smart, Executive Director of the Florida Springs Council, joins Cathy and Rick on the podcast to answer a listener's questions about Florida springs. Q: If the springs naturally come to the surface, why would the bottled water companies need permits to pump out? A: We answer this more in-depth in the podcast, bu…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
🔒 Florida Keys Spectacular Episode 9: Robbie's Marina: So much more than a tourist joint
24:52
24:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:52
Subscriber-only episode Send us your Florida questions! If you've driven past it and not stopped, you don't know what you're missing. Sure, you can do tourist things like feed a tarpon and have a frozen drink... but they also have a fantastic fish sandwich, knowledgeable fishing guides, and one particularly amazing Florida Keys historian (and some …
…
continue reading
In-depth state and local coverage, plus national and international perspectives. Guest interviews with call-in.By WMNF 88.5 FM Tampa
…
continue reading