The Florida Madcaps

This week we were fortunate enough to have Kim and Ashley join us who do tours on one of the two designated Wild and Scenic Rivers in Florida the Wekiva River (including Rock Springs Run and The Emerald Cut). This week we listen to some of the fascinating aspects of the river and some of the more interesting events that they have observed while guiding paddlers down these iconic waterways. Ashley can be reached on instagram at @smashsups Kim can be reached on instagram at @tourguidekim Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.com Ryan can be found on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/ Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

This week the Madcaps discuss the fascinating state park. Wakulla Springs! The spring, trails, boat tours, and elegant lodge were all discussed. Check out the park website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/WakullaSprings Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.com Ryan can be found on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/ Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

In this episode, the Madcaps share their favorite natural areas that they have visited around Tallahassee. Here are a few points that we discussed: Lake Talquin State Park https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/lake-talquin-state-park Lake Talquin State Forest https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Lake-Talquin-State-Forest Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park https://www.floridastateparks.org/MaclayGardens Mission San Luis https://www.missionsanluis.org/ Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park https://www.talgov.com/parks/parks-phipps Wakulla State Forest https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Wakulla-State-Forest Bradley's Country Store https://bradleyscountrystore.com/ Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.com Ryan can be found on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/ Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

This week the Madcaps talk about the Florida National Scenic Trail through Osceola National Forest as well as state and county recreation areas. We discuss history, natural features such as waterfalls, and hiking along the St Mary's River. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.com Ryan can be found on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/ Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

This week the Madcaps welcome back Ryan Smart, executive director of the Florida Springs Council. We discuss the various bills that we covered in previous podcasts and what their fate was during this session. Ryan Smart also guides us through the budget that is being sent to the governor for signing including how funding for Florida's various environmental needs matched up with what was requested versus what a coalition of environmental groups recommended. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.com Ryan can be found on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/ Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

This week the Madcaps talk with Brent Fannin the director of Gopher Games, a documentary highlighting the plight of the vanishing gopher tortoise population in Florida. This week we discuss how loose regulations and aggressive development is causing habitat loss for the venerable gopher tortoise. Film Premier (free admission) is on Saturday, March 30th at 3:15 at First Magnitude Brewing Co in Gainesville, Florida. https://www.facebook.com/events/435078672304295 To get more info about the documentary and the social media links visit: https://gophergamesfilm.com/ Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.com Ryan can be found on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/ Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

In this week's episode, we discuss Crystal River, Florida. There is plenty to do from visiting springs, hiking, Native American historical sites, and much more. Info regarding manatees at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/CrystalRiverTearsheet16.pdf Crystal River Preserve State Park https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/crystal-river-preserve-state-park Crystal River Archaeological State Park https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/crystal-river-archaeological-state-park Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.com Ryan can be found on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/ Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

This week the Madcaps discuss two very well-known springs in Florida. Weeki Wachee and Homosassa Springs. Both springs were once Florida attractions before being acquired by the state. Now they still function yet with a more conservation-minded experience. Homosassa Springs (home of Lu the Hippo) https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/ellie-schiller-homosassa-springs-wildlife-state-park Weeki Wachee Springs (Home of the famous mermaids) https://www.floridastateparks.org/WeekiWachee Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.com Ryan can be found on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/ Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

This week the Madcaps discuss some of the wildlife that may have notorious reputations yet are not as harmful as they may seem. Snakes, gators, bears, and more are discussed this week by the Madcaps who have encountered them all in the wild. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.com Ryan can be found on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/ Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

This week we enjoy the perspective of Florida outdoor adventures from the entire Sunshine State Seeker family. They discuss adventures that are suitable for all family members as well as some tips on how to make them enjoyable for everyone. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.com Ryan can be found on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/ Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

This week the Florida Madcaps welcome back Ryan Smart, Executive Director at the Florida Springs Council to discuss the 2024 Florida Legislative Session so far as it has just passed the halfway point. We discuss bills affecting our springs, Florida Wildlife Corridor, Black Bears, single-use plastics, and much more. This year we are covering the legislative session more intently as the bills passed have a significant and lasting impact on the areas of Florida that we treasure most. It is our hope that those who treasure the uplands, springs, beaches, and other natural areas of Florida will be called to help protect them by advocating for their expansion and protection. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.com Ryan can be found on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/ Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

This week the Madcaps discuss the basics of backcountry camping in Florida. From the fundamentals to our favorite spots, we have you covered! Some of the agencies in Florida that offer primitive or backcountry camping are: Florida Forest Service https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Our-Forests/State-Forests/State-Forest-Recreation?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA_aGuBhACEiwAly57Mc5Hb-nNXvSwr2wbHL__wdY-6odoUCVdGLl33Ti7hdkwKB0yXbRy6RoCKkkQAvD_BwE Florida State Parks Primitive Camping https://www.floridastateparks.org/primitive-camping National Parks Camping in Florida https://www.recreation.gov/camping/gateways/1039?gclid=CjwKCAiA_aGuBhACEiwAly57MQFjGfP9ht0Uke0R6CS-dYRuC-mR6rMUoskvt9eb-7bYYQGXIDarZBoC_ngQAvD_BwE Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.com Ryan can be found on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/ Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

This week the Madcaps discuss two sites in Florida that have a significant historical significance, particularly with those that were seeking freedom from slavery and oppression. Fort Mose located in St Augustine https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/fort-mose-historic-state-park Prospect Bluff is located North of Apalachicola. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/florida/recarea/?recid=83634 Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.com Ryan can be found on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/ Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

This week the Madcaps discuss a few parks are areas they have visited along the Forgotten Coast. We talk about albino deer, seaside camping, and as always....hiking. Here are some links to the areas we discussed. Bald Point https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/bald-point-state-park Ochlocknee River https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/ochlockonee-river-state-park St George Island https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/dr-julian-g-bruce-st-george-island-state-park Tate's Hell State Forest https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Tate-s-Hell-State-Forest Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.com Ryan can be found on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/ Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

This week our guest is Ryan Smart of the Florida Springs Council he discusses the bills that will negatively impact our environment making their way through this legislative session. Links to the bills are: SB 738 Environmental Management https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2024/738 SB 1126 Regulation of Auxilary Containers https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2024/1126/ByCategory SB 1620 Surplus Lands https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2024/1620 SB 632 Taking of Bears https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2024/632 Also if you want to see the Florida Springs Council's opposing argument to SB 738 check this video out. The discussion of the bill starts at one hour and eighteen minutes into the feed, if you want to skip ahead. https://www.flsenate.gov/media/videoplayer?EventID=1_0tevmxaq-202401101030&Redirect=true Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.com Ryan can be found on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/ Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

This week Chelsey and Chris share their passion for "Swamp Hiking" or hiking where there is standing water and give tips on techniques, gear, and things to know. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.com Ryan can be found on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/ Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

The 54,000 acres of Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park is the largest intact dry prairie left in Florida, it used to span millions of acres. As the 2nd largest park in Florida, it offers excellent stargazing, hiking, and camping. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/kissimmee-prairie-preserve-state-park Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.com Ryan can be found on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/ Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

With miles of trails, a variety of recreation opportunities, endangered species, and Trapper Nelson history, Jonathan Dickinson State Park is a fantastic place to visit. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/jonathan-dickinson-state-park. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.com Ryan can be found on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/ Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

Leave No Trace is an outdoor ethics organization that focuses on seven principles to observe when recreating outdoors to have a better experience and preserve natural areas. This week, the Madcaps discuss their experience using the Leave No Trace principles while spending time outdoors in Florida. Check out the Leave No Trace website for more information and how-to videos. https://lnt.org/ Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.com Ryan can be found on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/ Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

This week the Madcaps cover the parks and natural areas around Seminole County and how it has prioritized conservation while being close to Orlando. https://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/departments-services/leisure-services/parks-trails-and-natural-lands/ Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.com Ryan can be found on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/ Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en