Welcome to Florida

This episode begins by remembering a legend in Florida journalism. Had a development for the Big Bend area of Florida been proposed in recent years, it would have been approved, and the recent hurricane damage there would have been much worse. Our guest is Paul George from the History Miami Museum who tells us all about the founder of Miami Beach, Carl Fisher. The biography Craig mentioned is "Castles in the Sand" and the documentary we mentioned is "Mr. Miami Beach." Here's more information on the Brightline train. "Welcome to Florida" is presented by Windstorm Products. Protect your home from the effects of hurricane wind damage with the expertise and hurricane hardware available at windstormproducts.com. One Lagoon, One Voice: The Podcast Learn about the challenges and conservation efforts on Florida's Indian River Lagoon. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

A closed meeting in Israel resulted in Ron DeSantis allowing a foreign company to disperse its supposed miracle cure for blue green algae in waters across the state without the product previously being tested for potential negative environmental or human health effects. Our guests this episode are Vickie Oldham, president and CEO of the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition and founder of the Newtown Alive trolley tours in Sarasota, and Brenda Watty, a member of the Marvelettes Motown group who lives in Sarasota and performs on the tours. They join us to discuss African American history in Sarasota. "Welcome to Florida" is presented by Windstorm Products. Visit www.windstormproducts.com to find the hardware and knowhow you need to protect your home from the effects of hurricane wind damage. One Lagoon, One Voice: The Podcast Learn about the challenges and conservation efforts on Florida's Indian River Lagoon. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

This episode begins by paying our respects to Jimmy Buffett and his conservation work in Florida. Our guest is Florida Keys historian Brad Bertelli who tells us all about conch, the gastropod, conchs, the people, and the Conch Republic, better known as the Florida Keys. His Florida Keys history Facebook group is a wonderful resource and community for lovers of the Keys. "Welcome to Florida" is presented by WindstormProducts.com, the world's largest online retailer of hurricane hardware. One Lagoon, One Voice: The Podcast Learn about the challenges and conservation efforts on Florida's Indian River Lagoon. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Jacksonville used to stink. Literally. Bad. That was a result of paper mills. What turned Jacksonville around serves as a model for how the state can solve its toxic algae bloom crisis. The Castillo de San Marcos is one of the top tourist attractions in St. Augustine. The Spanish fort at one time served an important military purpose for Spain's colonial ambitions in North America. Our guest for this episode is a historian and researcher specializing in the Colonial period in the Southeast and Spain's presence there, Susan Richbourg Parker. We mention the Native American prisoners of war sent to the fort, which had been renamed Fort Marion by the United States, and its connection to the tragic legacy of Indian boarding schools. You can read more about that here. "Welcome to Florida" is presented by WindstormProducts.com. Windstorm Products has the hurricane hardware and knowhow to help protect your home from hurricane wind damage. One Lagoon, One Voice: The Podcast Learn about the challenges and conservation efforts on Florida's Indian River Lagoon. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

We begin this episode with county commissioners in Manatee County favoring sprawl over wetlands. Our guest is University of Florida professor of insect systematics and taxonomy and firefly researcher Marc Branham who tells us all about these fascinating insects. "Welcome to Florida" is presented by Windstorm Products the leading online retailer of hurricane hardware at www.windstormproducts.com. Protect your home or business from the effects of hurricane wind damage with Windstorm Products. Thank you to all of our patrons at www.patreon.com/welcometoflorida. For as little as $5 per month you can help support the show and receive exclusive bonus episodes. One Lagoon, One Voice: The Podcast Learn about the challenges and conservation efforts on Florida's Indian River Lagoon. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

While the world burns and Florida scorches as a result of global warming driven by carbon emissions, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is working to prevent fossil fuel power plants from having to clean up their act. Former "Welcome to Florida" guest Diane Roberts wrote a wonderful column for the Florida Phoenix recently titled, "GOP Death Cult is holding Earth hostage to White Privilege." Roberts' article serves as a wonderful combination punch in conjunction with Jeff VanderMeer's "TIME" magazine article from earlier this summer encapsulating Florida's numerous environmental calamities and how the state arrived at this catastrophe. VanderMeer is also a former "Welcome to Florida" guest. On this episode, we discuss Florida Humanities with the group's Executive Director Nashid Madyun. The mission of Florida Humanities is to preserve, promote and share the history, literature, cultures and personal stories that offer Floridians a better understanding of themselves, their communities and their state. In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Florida Humanities is publishing a coffee table book anthology of the state's history. Thanks as always to Windstorm Products for its support of the show. WindstormProducts.com not only has the "stuff" you need to protect your house from hurricane wind damage, it also has the expertise to let you know what you need and what you don't. Thanks also to all of our patrons at patreon.com/welcometoflorida where for as little as $5 per month you can personally support the show and receive regular bonus content. One Lagoon, One Voice: The Podcast Learn about the challenges and conservation efforts on Florida's Indian River Lagoon. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

This week's episode begins with Florida's connection to the Endangered Species Act. Our guest is Josh Liller, historian and collections manager at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. Josh edited the Florida Lighthouse Trail book and is a member of the Florida Lighthouse Association, which you can join as well. We discuss the history of lighthouses and lighthouse keepers in Florida. Thanks for Windstorm Products for helping sponsor "Welcome to Florida." Use Windstorm Products helpful 800-number to ask the experts about what you need to do to protect your home or business from hurricane wind damage. Thanks also to the growing group of "Welcome to Florida" patrons supporting the show via our Patreon link at www.patreon.com/WelcometoFlorida. For as little as $5 per month, you can help us put the podcast together each week and receive regular bonus episodes. One Lagoon, One Voice: The Podcast Learn about the challenges and conservation efforts on Florida's Indian River Lagoon. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

We begin our episode with a Florida location we've not discussed previously: Alva. Our guest is JB Miller, a Mennonite who grew up in Pinecraft next to Sarasota in the 60s and 70s. A community of Mennonite and Amish farmers started coming to the area to farm in the 1930s and has persisted ever since. No longer farming, tourism is now the top draw. "Welcome to Florida" is presented by WindstormProducts.com, a Florida company and the world's largest online retailer of hurricane hardware to protect your home from hurricane wind damage. One Lagoon, One Voice: The Podcast Learn about the challenges and conservation efforts on Florida's Indian River Lagoon. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

We begin with a follow-up to last week's episode in which we talked to legendary Florida conservationist Jack Rudloe. Our guest this episode is author and historian Robert Bucellatto whose book "Rumrunners and Moonshiners of Old Florida" recalls the Prohibition era in Florida. If you'd like to personally support the production of "Welcome to Florida," you can do so by visiting patreon.com/welcometoflorida and for as little as $5 per month receive access to exclusive bonus episodes of the show. "Welcome to Florida" is presented by Windstorm Products, a locally owned Florida company which has grown to become the world's largest online retailer of hurricane hardware - the stuff that protects your home from hurricane wind damage. One Lagoon, One Voice: The Podcast Learn about the challenges and conservation efforts on Florida's Indian River Lagoon. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

What is "environmental racism?" It goes on all over Florida (BIG SUGAR). Craig Pittman explains. Jack Rudloe has been observing marine life on the Gulf of Mexico around Panacea, FL since the 1950s. He's an author. An environmental activist. And founder of the Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory. We mention Jack's abuse at the hands of law enforcement; here's more information regarding local efforts to protect Wakulla Springs from development. Thank you PATRONS! For as little as $5 per month you can personally support our production of "Welcome to Florida" and receive regular bonus episodes. Visit patreon.com/welcometoflorida. "Welcome to Florida" is presented by WindstormProducts.com, protecting your home from hurricane wind damage. One Lagoon, One Voice: The Podcast Learn about the challenges and conservation efforts on Florida's Indian River Lagoon. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Not only is climate change adversely impacting those of us on land, it's warming waters around Florida taking a toll on marine life. Our guest this episode is Kevin Sheilley, president and CEO of the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership. Ocala is "the Horse Capitol of the World." Kevin explains how the city earned that moniker, when Florida became a horse destination, and we discuss the jewel in Ocala's horse crown, the World Equestrian Center. World Equestrian Center offers a non-stop schedule of free horse competitions and events open to the public. If you're interested in visiting Ocala and Marion County to explore Florida Horse Country, start your planning here. Former "Welcome to Florida" guest and best-selling author Jeff VanderMeer wrote a magnificent and thorough article for TIME magazine detailing the variety of environmental calamities in Florida and Ron DeSantis' complicity in exacerbating them. "Welcome to Florida" is sponsored by WindstormProducts.com, the world's largest online retailer of hurricane hardware. One Lagoon, One Voice: The Podcast Learn about the challenges and conservation efforts on Florida's Indian River Lagoon. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

This week's episode begins with a look at the series of disastrous bills signed into law by Ron DeSantis that will imperil Florida's environment for decades to come, if not forever. Our guest this week is author Michael Tougias whose book "Above & Beyond: John F. Kennedy and America's Most Dangerous Cold War Spy Mission" centers around the Cuban Missile Crisis. His most recent book, "Extreme Survival," shares lessons learned from individuals who survived the most perilous of situations. We regularly discuss the ruinous effects of Big Sugar on Florida, if the topic interests you, an exceptional podcast series titled "Big Sugar" has been released investigating the industry from the perspective of its abused employees. You can, of course, also learn more from our "Big Sugar" episode. Lastly, Alec Wilkenson's book, "Big Sugar," is a great exploration of the industry's atrocities. Another recommendation, "Invisible History: Middle Florida's Hidden Roots" is an eye opening look at the founding of Tallahassee and its connection to slavery. It can be seen free of charge on Amazon Prime. Thanks, as always, to Windstorm Products for supporting "Welcome to Florida." Windstorm Products is the world's largest supplier of hurricane hardware. Thanks also to our patrons at Patreon.com/welcometoflorida. For as little as $5 per month you can help support our production of the show and receive access to bonus content. One Lagoon, One Voice: The Podcast Learn about the challenges and conservation efforts on Florida's Indian River Lagoon. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

We begin today's show with some shady developer dealings in Captiva. Florida is as well-known as a haven for retirees as anything. Helping people make that transition is the American Association of Retired Persons - AARP. Jeff Johnson is the state director for AARP Florida and he joins us to discuss AARP's work in Florida. Thanks again to Windstorm Products for supporting the podcast. Windstorm Products is a small Florida company that has grown into the largest online retailer of hurricane hardware. Protect your home or business from hurricane wind damage with Windstorm Products. One Lagoon, One Voice: The Podcast Learn about the challenges and conservation efforts on Florida's Indian River Lagoon. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

We have hit the 3rd anniversary of the "Welcome to Florida" podcast and we want to thank you for listening. If you'd like to take your support of the show further, you can do so by becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/welcometoflorida. For as little as $5 a month you'll help us continue producing the show and have access to exclusive bonus episodes. Our guest this week is Laura Goodhue, executive director of the Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates. We discuss the current abortion laws in Florida and Planned Parenthood's efforts to challenge them on privacy grounds. If you'd like to know more about the privacy clause in Florida's Constitution, read this. Here is where you can find the petition to force a ballot measure demanding an amendment to the state constitution protecting abortion rights in Florida. Thanks as always to Windstorm Products for supporting the show. It's hurricane season, is your home protected from effects of hurricane wind damage? Probably not, but Windstorm Products can help you be safe and secure. One Lagoon, One Voice: The Podcast Learn about the challenges and conservation efforts on Florida's Indian River Lagoon. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

What's weird? A Florida city council suing its citizens over the topic of clean water. Eliot Kleinberg is the father of "weird Florida." In 1998, he published "Weird Florida," a compilation of Florida oddities which would eventually spawn the weird Florida and Florida man genres. Eliot joins us this week, his second appearance on the show. Thank you "Welcome to Florida" patrons! Another exclusive bonus episode of the show will be coming your way soon. If you'd like to help support our production of "Welcome to Florida," you can do so for as little as $5 a month at patreon.com/welcometoflorida. Thanks also to longtime show sponsor Windstorm Products. Protect your home from the effects of hurricane wind damage with the hurricane hardware available for purchase online at www.windstormproducts.com. One Lagoon, One Voice: The Podcast Learn about the challenges and conservation efforts on Florida's Indian River Lagoon. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

"What the f*uck happened here!?!" If you're a nature lover in Florida, chances are you've said - or screamed - these words upon discovering a beloved tree or beach or meadow destroyed without warning by your city or county, a developer or a resident. We begin the episode exploring "what the f*uck happened here" in Port St. Lucie. Our guest is writer John Birdsall who joins us to discuss one-time America's sweetheart and Florida orange juice spokeswoman turned anti-gay villain Anita Bryant. You can find John on Instagram at @john_birdsall. This week's episode is presented by Windstorm Products, a family-owned Florida small business that has evolved into the world's largest online supplier of hurricane hardware - all that stuff which protects your house from hurricane wind damage. One Lagoon, One Voice: The Podcast Learn about the challenges and conservation efforts on Florida's Indian River Lagoon. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

You can't tell the story of Florida without the story of Hurricane Andrew. That's what we're doing on this episode with the help of longtime University of Miami professor, Hurricane Andrew survivor, and author of "In the Eye of Hurricane Andrew," Eugene Provenzo. "Welcome to Florida" is presented by Windstorm Products, a Florida small business and the world's No. 1 online retailer of hurricane hardware products. One Lagoon, One Voice: The Podcast Learn about the challenges and conservation efforts on Florida's Indian River Lagoon. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

We start the episode discussing the "Path of the Panther" documentary which you can see now on Disney+. Our guests are authors Anders and Beverly Gyllenhaal whose book "A Wing and a Prayer: The Race to Save our Vanishing Birds" takes special interest in the Florida Seaside Sparrow. Follow the Gyllenhaal's on their blog, flyinglessons.us. On this episode, we mentioned White Oak Conservation in Yulee, Project Principalis and the Ivory Billed woodpecker and the Recovering America's Wildlife Act. If you're interested in this topic, check out previous episodes on flamingos, the Florida scrub jay, the bald eagle, Florida Panthers, North Atlantic right whales, the Florida Wildlife Corridor, Ed Ball and native plants. Hurricane season is here and that means it's time to get serious about securing your home or business from hurricane wind damage. The best people to do that are at windstormproducts.com. One Lagoon, One Voice: The Podcast Learn about the challenges and conservation efforts on Florida's Indian River Lagoon. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

At "Welcome to Florida" we love celebrating Florida's ecology and wild animals as well as educating and introducing people to the same. That is much the same mission as the Florida Master Naturalist program. If you love this podcast, chances are, you'd be interested in taking one or more of their courses. Jeanne Murphy from Sensing Nature ecotours in Pinellas County is a long time Florida Master Naturalist instructor and tells us all about the program. Thank you to everyone who has visited patreon.com/welcometoflorida and supported the program at $5 per month. Craig and I deeply appreciate your help. Since we've reached our initial 20 patron goal, we'll be releasing an exclusive to Patreon bonus "behind the scenes" episode only for Patreon supporters on June 1, 2023 describing the origins of the show and how we put it together each week. You can sign up any time to enjoy member benefits. One Lagoon, One Voice: The Podcast Learn about the challenges and conservation efforts on Florida's Indian River Lagoon. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Lawn "care" giant TruGreen used its bought and paid for Florida legislators to sneak through a provision in the state budget forbidding cities and counties from regulating the use of fertilizer in summer months, fertilizer often spread by TruGreen, fertilizer which contains phosphorous and leads to blue-green algae blooms and the poisoning of Florida's water. Our guest this week is Roben Farzad, Miami native and author of "Hotel Scarface: Where Cocaine Cowboys Partied and Plotted to Control Miami." Miami in the late 1970s and early to mid-80s was a wild, violent, tropical paradise and horror show flush with drug cash, killers, CIA and superstars. Roben takes us there in the book. Follow Roben on Twitter @RobenFarzad and the book across social media using the hashtag #hotelscarface. Hurricane season is here and to secure your home or business from hurricane wind damage, look up windstormproducts.com. One Lagoon, One Voice: The Podcast Learn about the challenges and conservation efforts on Florida's Indian River Lagoon. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify