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.
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In-depth state and local coverage, plus national and international perspectives. Guest interviews with call-in.
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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
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Episode 171: Tara Lush, Haunted Cookie Jars, and Florida Mysteries
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Send us your Florida questions! Just in time for the start of the scary season, Florida cozy author Tara Lush joins the podcast to talk about her three mystery series — all set in Florida. One has a haunted cookie jar, one has a decades-old disappearance, and one has a gator. Well, technically, they're all set in Florida, so there are probably gato…
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On Tuesday Cafe, WMNF's Meghan Bowman and Chris Young spoke with candidates for the presidency and vice presidency.By WMNF 88.5 FM Tampa
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🔒 Florida Keys Spectacular Episode 19: Pirates, Patriots, and Painters
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Subscriber-only episode Send us your Florida questions! Brad and Cathy talk about the origins of Key West — and the chapter in Cathy's new book about how Key West came to be the place we know today. Support the podcast! For $5/month, you get premium Florida Keys history and travel tips with Brad Bertelli and Cathy Salustri. Subscribe to The Florida…
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Episode 170: Woodpeckers, Withlacoochee, and Why the Land Swap?
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38:59
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Send us your Florida questions! Florida conservation biologist Gene Kelly joins the podcast to talk about the proposed Withlacoochee land swap. We talk about some of the best things about the area (Red-cockaded woodpeckers! Wilderness! Sand hill habitat!) as well as why the area's significant and deserves continued protection. The notes from this e…
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Why are Florida's elections cops questioning people who signed petitions for an abortion rights amendment?
Florida elections police have questioned people in their homes about petitions they signed to get an abortion rights amendment on the ballot.By WMNF 88.5 FM Tampa
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Episode 169: Floridasplaining, Decolonized Florida History, and Spectacular Florida
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41:13
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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" …
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In-depth state and local coverage, plus national and international perspectives. Guest interviews with call-in.By WMNF 88.5 FM Tampa
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🔒 Florida Keys Spectacular Episode 18: Take a Key Lime Pie Side Quest
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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 …
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Episode 168: Florida's Lost State Park, a Powerful Florida Woman, and State Park Updates
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44:27
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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: …
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Episode 167: Florida State Parks at Risk: Keep Your Paws Off Our Parks!
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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…
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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
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🔒 Florida Keys Spectacular Episode 17: Florida Keys Dive Bars: Meet Me at the O.V.
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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…
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Episode 166: Tin Can Tourists, Lance Campers, and Florida State Parks
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35:42
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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…
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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
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Episode 165: Hurricanes, Fossils, and an Elephant Graveyard
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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…
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Older adults and their caregivers have different needs when it comes to preparing for hurricanes and other emergencies.By WMNF 88.5 FM Tampa
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🔒 Florida Keys Spectacular Episode 16: Sharks vs. Dolphins
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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…
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Episode 164: Dive bars, Lucky Cole, and Mullet Tosses
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37:09
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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…
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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
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Episode 163: Florida Crackers, Moonshine, and Florida Cattle Ranching Today
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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…
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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
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🔒 Florida Keys Spectacular Episode 15: Florida Lobster: Poached, Poachers, and... Lobster Sex?
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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 …
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Episode 162: The Gadsden Flag, Florida History, and No Step on Snek
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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 …
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In-depth state and local coverage, plus national and international perspectives. Guest interviews with call-in.By WMNF 88.5 FM Tampa
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Episode 161: Democracy in Florida, Reconstruction, and Gainesville
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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…
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In-depth state and local coverage, plus national and international perspectives. Guest interviews with call-in.By WMNF 88.5 FM Tampa
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🔒 Florida Keys Spectacular Episode 14: There be (almost no) pirates: Black Caesar, The Princess Bride, and Pirate Taxes
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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…
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Episode 160: Dinner and Show: How To Do Kissimmee (And Not Look Like a Tourist)
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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…
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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
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Episode 159: The Best Bike Trails in Florida
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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…
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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
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🔒 Florida Keys Spectacular Episode 13: Stock Island: Old Key West, Dead Bodies, and... Cows?
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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…
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Episode 158: Hidden Key West, Judy Blume, and Writers at Mile Zero
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26:36
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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…
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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
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Episode 157: Lower Your Power Bill, Stop Flooding, and Protect Florida's Beaches
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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…
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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
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🔒 Florida Keys Spectacular Episode 12: Hidden (and not-so-hidden) Railroad History in the Florida Keys
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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…
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Episode 156: Florida's Wild and Scenic River: Myakka in Sarasota
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38:37
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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…
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In-depth state and local coverage, plus national and international perspectives. Guest interviews with call-in.By WMNF 88.5 FM Tampa
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Episode 155: Ginnie Springs, Responsible Spring Use, and Secret Paddles
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33:33
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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…
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In-depth state and local coverage, plus national and international perspectives. Guest interviews with call-in.By WMNF 88.5 FM Tampa
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🔒 Florida Keys Spectacular Episode 11: Gators and Crocs and Caimans, Oh My!
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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…
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Episode 154: Shark's Teeth, Dog Beaches, and Healing Waters: Venice and Warm Mineral Springs
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34:18
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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…
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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
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Episode 153: Hurricanes: The Good, the Bad, and the Windy
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43:35
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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…
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In-depth state and local coverage, plus national and international perspectives. Guest interviews with call-in.By WMNF 88.5 FM Tampa
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🔒 Florida Keys Spectacular Episode 10: How To Do Bahia Honda
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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 …
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Episode 152: Vero Beach, Florida Indians, and Old Florida
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35:18
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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…
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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
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