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Florida Spectacular

Storytelling Podcasts

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.

Location:

United States

Description:

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.

Language:

English

Contact:

727-656-5420


Episodes

πŸ”’ Florida Keys Spectacular Episode 7: Purple Isles: Legend, Lore, and Truth

3/28/2024
Subscriber-only episode Islamorada means "purple island." After all, Isla (island) and morada (purple), right? Think again. Brad explains why that's not how this part of the Florida Keys got its name. He takes Cathy β€” and listeners β€” on an armchair journey on why the "morada" in the name dates back to William Krome and Flagler's railroad and means "island home" rather than "purple islands." Take a listen to find out why. 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 Spectacular newsletter, and keep up with Cathy's travels at greatfloridaroadtrip.com. Find her on social media: Facebook.com/SalustriCathy; Twitter/IG: @CathySalustri Question or comment? Email: cathy@floridaspectacular.com. Free, weekly episodes of "The Florida Spectacular" are co-hosted by Rick Kilby. Get Rick's books at rickkilby.com/ and http://studiohourglass.blogspot.com/. Connect: Facebook.com/floridasfountainofyouth, Twitter (@oldfla), and IG (@ricklebee). Premium, biweekly episodes of "The Florida Keys" Spectacular are co-hosted by Brad Bertelli. Find Brad's column in The Keys Weekly newspaper, ch...

Duration:00:23:47

Episode 146: Matlacha, Pine Island, and a Different Kind of Paradise

3/27/2024
Rick and Cathy talk about mangos, Matlacha, and a different type of Florida paradise. Pine Island and Matlacha don't have high rises, chain hotels, or franchises. This small island haven has plenty of small pleasures on offer, especially for people seeking a less-traditional type of paradise. Things To Do in Matlacha The Perfect Cup Tarpon Lodge (lodging and dining alike) Randell Research Center Leoma Lovegrove galleries Bokeelia Art Gallery MangoMania Links We Mentioned Randy Wayne White's Doc Ford series (check out Dark Light) John D. MacDonald's Travis McGee series Calusa Heritage Trail Support the showSupport the podcast! For $5/month, you get premium Florida Keys history and travel tips with Brad Bertelli and Cathy Salustri. Subscribe to The Florida Spectacular newsletter, and keep up with Cathy's travels at greatfloridaroadtrip.com. Find her on social media: Facebook.com/SalustriCathy; Twitter/IG: @CathySalustri Question or comment? Email: cathy@floridaspectacular.com. Free, weekly episodes of "The Florida Spectacular" are co-hosted by Rick Kilby. Get Rick's books at rickkilby.com/ and http://studiohourglass.blogspot.com/. Connect: Facebook.com/floridasfountainofyouth, Twitter (@oldfla), and IG (@ricklebee). Premium, biweekly episodes of "The Florida Keys" Spectacular are co-hosted by Brad Bertelli. Find Brad's column in The Keys Weekly newspaper, ch...

Duration:00:49:33

Episode 145: Traveling the World to Come Home to Florida

3/22/2024
On this week's podcast, Jenny DeWitt talks about why she left Florida, where she traveled when she did, and why she came back. Links we mentioned: Eau Gallie Arts District. Backwater restaurant. Downtown Creedo. Green Gables, Melbourne, FL Lil Bit of Life, Mount Dora, FL Grow Lake County - Local Farm & Food Map Architecture SRQ - Home of Architecture Sarasota MOD Weekend Townie Tourist (2016-2020) Slow Travel Society Guide to Orlando (2021) Find Jennifer online at: https://cultura.travel Instagram: https://instagram.com/jennyintransit Support the showSupport the podcast! For $5/month, you get premium Florida Keys history and travel tips with Brad Bertelli and Cathy Salustri. Subscribe to The Florida Spectacular newsletter, and keep up with Cathy's travels at greatfloridaroadtrip.com. Find her on social media: Facebook.com/SalustriCathy; Twitter/IG: @CathySalustri Question or comment? Email: cathy@floridaspectacular.com. Free, weekly episodes of "The Florida Spectacular" are co-hosted by Rick Kilby. Get Rick's books at rickkilby.com/ and http://studiohourglass.blogspot.com/. Connect: Facebook.com/floridasfountainofyouth, Twitter (@oldfla), and IG (@ricklebee). Premium, biweekly episodes of "The Florida Keys" Spectacular are co-hosted by Brad Bertelli. Find Brad's column in The Keys Weekly newspaper, ch...

Duration:00:50:16

πŸ”’ Florida Keys Spectacular Episode 6: The Florida Keys Eco Trail

3/14/2024
Subscriber-only episode Everyone loves the Florida Keys β€” but not everyone has discovered the sheer magnificence of the wilder and more natural parts of the island chain. The Florida Keys tourism board wants to change that; they created an an app that lets anyone earn points (and swag) for checking out an eco trail that runs from Key Largo to Key West. Ashley Serrate joins Brad and Cathy to talk about why the Fla-Keys.com created the Eco Experience Pass, how it works, and some of the more intriguing experiences along the Florida Keys Eco Trail. Links We Mentioned Florida Keys Eco Experience Pass Slice of Paradise Coral Fragging Experience (Look for "Hands On Experiences) toward the bottom 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 Spectacular newsletter, and keep up with Cathy's travels at greatfloridaroadtrip.com. Find her on social media: Facebook.com/SalustriCathy; Twitter/IG: @CathySalustri Question or comment? Email: cathy@floridaspectacular.com. Free, weekly episodes of "The Florida Spectacular" are co-hosted by Rick Kilby. Get Rick's books at rickkilby.com/ and http://studiohourglass.blogspot.com/. Connect: Facebook.com/floridasfountainofyouth, Twitter (@oldfla), and IG (@ricklebee). Premium, biweekly episodes of "The Florida Keys" Spectacular are co-hosted by Brad Bertelli. Find Brad's column in The Keys Weekly newspaper, ch...

Duration:00:25:37

Episode 144: Lighthouses, Florida Parks, and the Dry Tortugas

3/13/2024
Meet Shilpi Rawat, who left Mumbai for a life in Florida. As a new Floridian, she planned a Florida lighthouse road trip. Learn about her experiences from the panhandle to the Dry Tortugas, the time she swam with a barracuda (not on purpose), and hear about some of her favorite lighthouses. Links We Mentioned About Dooder and the Lighthouse short film (and trailer) List of Florida lighthouses Check out Shilpi's travel photos here and here. Support the showSupport the podcast! For $5/month, you get premium Florida Keys history and travel tips with Brad Bertelli and Cathy Salustri. Subscribe to The Florida Spectacular newsletter, and keep up with Cathy's travels at greatfloridaroadtrip.com. Find her on social media: Facebook.com/SalustriCathy; Twitter/IG: @CathySalustri Question or comment? Email: cathy@floridaspectacular.com. Free, weekly episodes of "The Florida Spectacular" are co-hosted by Rick Kilby. Get Rick's books at rickkilby.com/ and http://studiohourglass.blogspot.com/. Connect: Facebook.com/floridasfountainofyouth, Twitter (@oldfla), and IG (@ricklebee). Premium, biweekly episodes of "The Florida Keys" Spectacular are co-hosted by Brad Bertelli. Find Brad's column in The Keys Weekly newspaper, ch...

Duration:00:35:38

Episode 143: Florida Journeys, Nibbling Cockroaches, and John Muir

3/7/2024
Leslie Kemp Poole, author of Tracing Florida Journeys: Explorers, Travelers, and Landscapes Then and Now, comes on the podcast to talk about recreating Florida journeys made by famous Floridians and Florida-fans such as John Muir, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, and Harriet Beecher Stowe. She gives life to these journeys β€” take a listen! Leslie's books Watch Leslie follow Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' journey Book cover courtesy of Leslie Kemp Poole/University Press of Florida. Support the showSupport the podcast! For $5/month, you get premium Florida Keys history and travel tips with Brad Bertelli and Cathy Salustri. Subscribe to The Florida Spectacular newsletter, and keep up with Cathy's travels at greatfloridaroadtrip.com. Find her on social media: Facebook.com/SalustriCathy; Twitter/IG: @CathySalustri Question or comment? Email: cathy@floridaspectacular.com. Free, weekly episodes of "The Florida Spectacular" are co-hosted by Rick Kilby. Get Rick's books at rickkilby.com/ and http://studiohourglass.blogspot.com/. Connect: Facebook.com/floridasfountainofyouth, Twitter (@oldfla), and IG (@ricklebee). Premium, biweekly episodes of "The Florida Keys" Spectacular are co-hosted by Brad Bertelli. Find Brad's column in The Keys Weekly newspaper, ch...

Duration:00:29:50

πŸ”’ Florida Keys Spectacular Episode 5: Snorkeling the Florida Keys

2/29/2024
Subscriber-only episode Looking for places to snorkel in the Florida Keys? Brad's the expert. He explains not only how snorkeling ignited his interest in Florida Keys and Monroe County history, but where anyone can snorkel in the Florida Keys. Brad's Florida Keys snorkeling spots Bahia Honda State Park Looe Key Key West Marine Park (you can walk/swim to this one) Garden Key and Dry Tortugas Links We Mentioned At Robbie's: Sundance Watersports often goes to Alligator Light reef Your guide to reef-friendly sunscreen What does a Caribbean reef shark look like? Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival 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 Spectacular newsletter, and keep up with Cathy's travels at greatfloridaroadtrip.com. Find her on social media: Facebook.com/SalustriCathy; Twitter/IG: @CathySalustri Question or comment? Email: cathy@floridaspectacular.com. Free, weekly episodes of "The Florida Spectacular" are co-hosted by Rick Kilby. Get Rick's books at rickkilby.com/ and http://studiohourglass.blogspot.com/. Connect: Facebook.com/floridasfountainofyouth, Twitter (@oldfla), and IG (@ricklebee). Premium, biweekly episodes of "The Florida Keys" Spectacular are co-hosted by Brad Bertelli. Find Brad's column in The Keys Weekly newspaper, ch...

Duration:00:27:04

Episode 142: Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Citrus, and Writing in the Woods

2/28/2024
Cathy and Rick talk about how nature influences their writing, Cathy's camping experience at Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park, Rick's upcoming keynote at the MKR annual conference, and where to find wild citrus. Links We Mentioned Matheson Museum, with the anniversary exhibit Rick designed Squarehouse Pizza in Gainesville (Formerly Satch Squared, partly owned by Satchel's Pizza) Rawlings Society and annual conference in May Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park and its Citizen Support Organization (also called a "friends group") Sour Orange Pie and Sour Orange Margaritas Volunteer at a Florida State Park Support the showSupport the podcast! For $5/month, you get premium Florida Keys history and travel tips with Brad Bertelli and Cathy Salustri. Subscribe to The Florida Spectacular newsletter, and keep up with Cathy's travels at greatfloridaroadtrip.com. Find her on social media: Facebook.com/SalustriCathy; Twitter/IG: @CathySalustri Question or comment? Email: cathy@floridaspectacular.com. Free, weekly episodes of "The Florida Spectacular" are co-hosted by Rick Kilby. Get Rick's books at rickkilby.com/ and http://studiohourglass.blogspot.com/. Connect: Facebook.com/floridasfountainofyouth, Twitter (@oldfla), and IG (@ricklebee). Premium, biweekly episodes of "The Florida Keys" Spectacular are co-hosted by Brad Bertelli. Find Brad's column in The Keys Weekly newspaper, ch...

Duration:00:35:28

Episode 141: Pirates, Bureaucracy, and Gasparilla

2/21/2024
People love pirate lore β€” but what did it mean to be a pirate in Florida? According to Cathy, a lot more bureaucracy than you'd think. Rick and Cathy talk about pirates, real and imagined, and make a few Florida detours along the way. Links We Mentioned Legend of Jose Gaspar Sir Francis Drake and privateer Robert Searle Florida Pirate Festivals Pirates in St. Augustine A history of pirates in Florida Sir Frances Drake in St. Augustine Support the showSupport the podcast! For $5/month, you get premium Florida Keys history and travel tips with Brad Bertelli and Cathy Salustri. Subscribe to The Florida Spectacular newsletter, and keep up with Cathy's travels at greatfloridaroadtrip.com. Find her on social media: Facebook.com/SalustriCathy; Twitter/IG: @CathySalustri Question or comment? Email: cathy@floridaspectacular.com. Free, weekly episodes of "The Florida Spectacular" are co-hosted by Rick Kilby. Get Rick's books at rickkilby.com/ and http://studiohourglass.blogspot.com/. Connect: Facebook.com/floridasfountainofyouth, Twitter (@oldfla), and IG (@ricklebee). Premium, biweekly episodes of "The Florida Keys" Spectacular are co-hosted by Brad Bertelli. Find Brad's column in The Keys Weekly newspaper, ch...

Duration:00:39:26

πŸ”’ Florida Keys Spectacular Episode 4: Land Sharks, Pirates, and Newspapers

2/15/2024
Subscriber-only episode Did the Florida Keys have pirates? Brad and Cathy debate. Brad unearthed an 1829 Keys newspaper and talks about an article warning of land sharks and advertising a house for rent for $20 a month in Key West. They also chat about the San Carlos, the Key West Firehouse Museum, and Carysfort Reef. Links We Mentioned Key West Firehouse Museum San Carlos Institute Carysfort Reef National Marine Sanctuary The U.S.S. Schooner Alligator and Alligator Key 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 Spectacular newsletter, and keep up with Cathy's travels at greatfloridaroadtrip.com. Find her on social media: Facebook.com/SalustriCathy; Twitter/IG: @CathySalustri Question or comment? Email: cathy@floridaspectacular.com. Free, weekly episodes of "The Florida Spectacular" are co-hosted by Rick Kilby. Get Rick's books at rickkilby.com/ and http://studiohourglass.blogspot.com/. Connect: Facebook.com/floridasfountainofyouth, Twitter (@oldfla), and IG (@ricklebee). Premium, biweekly episodes of "The Florida Keys" Spectacular are co-hosted by Brad Bertelli. Find Brad's column in The Keys Weekly newspaper, ch...

Duration:00:33:53

Episode 140: Explore Cross Creek (A Hidden Campground, Historic Paddle) and What Is Real Florida?

2/14/2024
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings made Cross Creek famous through her writing, and if you want to experience Florida as she did, there's no better place. From free-range venison starters at a Cross Creek restaurant to paddling the same creeks she did, immerse yourself in the world of Cross Creek. Here's how! Spoiler alert: Cathy gives away the ending of The Yearling at the start of the podcast, because she says everyone knows. Rick disagrees, so if you don't know the story, consider yourself warned! Links We Mentioned The Yearling Restaurant Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park Cross Creek paddle trips Wood & Swink general store in Evinston Ocean Grill in Vero Beach Cathy Salustri's Writer's Talk at Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park (Feb. 24, 2024) Salt Springs Real Florida? The Ocklawaha River Explore More of the Area Exploring Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' homestead Where's Waldo? Support the showSupport the podcast! For $5/month, you get premium Florida Keys history and travel tips with Brad Bertelli and Cathy Salustri. Subscribe to The Florida Spectacular newsletter, and keep up with Cathy's travels at greatfloridaroadtrip.com. Find her on social media: Facebook.com/SalustriCathy; Twitter/IG: @CathySalustri Question or comment? Email: cathy@floridaspectacular.com. Free, weekly episodes of "The Florida Spectacular" are co-hosted by Rick Kilby. Get Rick's books at rickkilby.com/ and http://studiohourglass.blogspot.com/. Connect: Facebook.com/floridasfountainofyouth, Twitter (@oldfla), and IG (@ricklebee). Premium, biweekly episodes of "The Florida Keys" Spectacular are co-hosted by Brad Bertelli. Find Brad's column in The Keys Weekly newspaper, ch...

Duration:00:40:50

Episode 139: Florida Springs, Politics, and the Profanity Manatee

2/7/2024
Ryan Smart, the executive director of the Florida Springs Council, joins the podcast to talk about threats facing springs, some recent victories for Florida's environment, and how people can support the work that protects Florida springs. Image of the Profanity Manatee courtesy of Florida Springs Council; used with permission. Links We Mentioned Manatee Profanity t-shirt and other merch that supports Florida Springs Council Become a sustaining member Ditch the plastic water bottles for hurricane prep: Get reusable five-gallon glass water jug and USB-powered pump dispenser Support the showSupport the podcast! For $5/month, you get premium Florida Keys history and travel tips with Brad Bertelli and Cathy Salustri. Subscribe to The Florida Spectacular newsletter, and keep up with Cathy's travels at greatfloridaroadtrip.com. Find her on social media: Facebook.com/SalustriCathy; Twitter/IG: @CathySalustri Question or comment? Email: cathy@floridaspectacular.com. Free, weekly episodes of "The Florida Spectacular" are co-hosted by Rick Kilby. Get Rick's books at rickkilby.com/ and http://studiohourglass.blogspot.com/. Connect: Facebook.com/floridasfountainofyouth, Twitter (@oldfla), and IG (@ricklebee). Premium, biweekly episodes of "The Florida Keys" Spectacular are co-hosted by Brad Bertelli. Find Brad's column in The Keys Weekly newspaper, ch...

Duration:00:30:12

πŸ”’ Florida Keys Spectacular Episode 3: Bahia Honda and Long Key State Park

2/1/2024
Subscriber-only episode Brad and Cathy take a deep dive into two of the best Florida State Parks in the Florida Keys: Bahia Honda and Long Key. Links We Mentioned Florida Keys Eco-Experience Trail app for exploring the Florida Keys. Bahia Honda State Park Long Key State Park 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 Spectacular newsletter, and keep up with Cathy's travels at greatfloridaroadtrip.com. Find her on social media: Facebook.com/SalustriCathy; Twitter/IG: @CathySalustri Question or comment? Email: cathy@floridaspectacular.com. Free, weekly episodes of "The Florida Spectacular" are co-hosted by Rick Kilby. Get Rick's books at rickkilby.com/ and http://studiohourglass.blogspot.com/. Connect: Facebook.com/floridasfountainofyouth, Twitter (@oldfla), and IG (@ricklebee). Premium, biweekly episodes of "The Florida Keys" Spectacular are co-hosted by Brad Bertelli. Find Brad's column in The Keys Weekly newspaper, ch...

Duration:00:33:21

Episode 138: Fort Mose, Black History Matters, and Florida's Underground Railroad

1/31/2024
Today's guest, Charles Ellis, who serves as the Fort Mose Historical Society president, talks about the reconstruction of the Fort, what’s happening in February, and Florida's place on the Underground Railroad. Links We Mentioned Fort Mose State Park Flight to Freedom Fort Mose Historical Society Jazz and Blues at Fort Mose Support Fort Mose and Black History in Florida Gullah Geechee Heritage Trail What is a "ring shout"? How To Be an Anti-Racist Middle grade offering from Zora Neale Hurston and Ibram X. Kendi Support the showSupport the podcast! For $5/month, you get premium Florida Keys history and travel tips with Brad Bertelli and Cathy Salustri. Subscribe to The Florida Spectacular newsletter, and keep up with Cathy's travels at greatfloridaroadtrip.com. Find her on social media: Facebook.com/SalustriCathy; Twitter/IG: @CathySalustri Question or comment? Email: cathy@floridaspectacular.com. Free, weekly episodes of "The Florida Spectacular" are co-hosted by Rick Kilby. Get Rick's books at rickkilby.com/ and http://studiohourglass.blogspot.com/. Connect: Facebook.com/floridasfountainofyouth, Twitter (@oldfla), and IG (@ricklebee). Premium, biweekly episodes of "The Florida Keys" Spectacular are co-hosted by Brad Bertelli. Find Brad's column in The Keys Weekly newspaper, ch...

Duration:00:37:51

Episode 137: Hidden Sarasota, Things to Do You Might Not Know About

1/24/2024
If you want to explore Sarasota, Rick and Cathy have plenty of favorites. Places to Eat Owen's Fish Camp Yoder's of Pinecraft and The Gabber Newspaper's feature on Yoder's Bali Hut Tiki Hut Outdoors and Nature Experiences Myakka River State Park Warm Mineral Springs Selby Botanical Gardens Mote Marine Aquarium (kayaking and the February Farm to Fillet) Venice Beach and Shark's Teeth Roadside Attraction: Sarasota Jungle Gardens Arts Ringling Sarasota School of Architecture Urbanite Theatre Sarasota Art Museum Shopping: St. Armand's Circle Links We Mentioned Orchid scandal at Selby and Craig Pittman's The Scent of Scandal about that scandal Feld Entertainment Support the showSupport the podcast! For $5/month, you get premium Florida Keys history and travel tips with Brad Bertelli and Cathy Salustri. Subscribe to The Florida Spectacular newsletter, and keep up with Cathy's travels at greatfloridaroadtrip.com. Find her on social media: Facebook.com/SalustriCathy; Twitter/IG: @CathySalustri Question or comment? Email: cathy@floridaspectacular.com. Free, weekly episodes of "The Florida Spectacular" are co-hosted by Rick Kilby. Get Rick's books at rickkilby.com/ and http://studiohourglass.blogspot.com/. Connect: Facebook.com/floridasfountainofyouth, Twitter (@oldfla), and IG (@ricklebee). Premium, biweekly episodes of "The Florida Keys" Spectacular are co-hosted by Brad Bertelli. Find Brad's column in The Keys Weekly newspaper, ch...

Duration:00:38:36

πŸ”’ Florida Keys Spectacular Episode 2: The Most Beautiful Drive in America, State Road 4A

1/18/2024
Subscriber-only episode Flying into Key West is super-convenient, but people who fly into Key West miss one of the best parts of the Florida Keys: The Overseas Highway, which connects mainland Florida with the Florida Keys. The road didn't always look the way it does today, however. Brad and Cathy explain it all. Florida Keys Extras No Name Pub on No Name Key used to be a brothel The Pineapple Express? Yup, pineapples in the Florida Keys! The Seven-Mile Bridge in True Lies A pictorial trip across the Overseas Highway Last Train to Paradise Hurricane of 1935 Have you met Fred? 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 Spectacular newsletter, and keep up with Cathy's travels at greatfloridaroadtrip.com. Find her on social media: Facebook.com/SalustriCathy; Twitter/IG: @CathySalustri Question or comment? Email: cathy@floridaspectacular.com. Free, weekly episodes of "The Florida Spectacular" are co-hosted by Rick Kilby. Get Rick's books at rickkilby.com/ and http://studiohourglass.blogspot.com/. Connect: Facebook.com/floridasfountainofyouth, Twitter (@oldfla), and IG (@ricklebee). Premium, biweekly episodes of "The Florida Keys" Spectacular are co-hosted by Brad Bertelli. Find Brad's column in The Keys Weekly newspaper, ch...

Duration:00:39:21

Episode 136: Where to See Manatee in Florida

1/17/2024
It's January! It's cold! It's the best time to see manatee! Where can you see them? Rick and Cathy name their favorite spots (see the links) and talk about whether manatee resemble sea potatoes or zaftig mermaids, manatee flatulence, and manatee nipples (when an animal has armpit nipples, you have to mention it.) Links We Mentioned Is it a manatee or a mermaid? How smart are manatee? The year almost 800 manatee died Panther attacks? Where to See Manatee Crystal River Blue Spring State Park Haulover Canal TECO Viewing Center Support the showSupport the podcast! For $5/month, you get premium Florida Keys history and travel tips with Brad Bertelli and Cathy Salustri. Subscribe to The Florida Spectacular newsletter, and keep up with Cathy's travels at greatfloridaroadtrip.com. Find her on social media: Facebook.com/SalustriCathy; Twitter/IG: @CathySalustri Question or comment? Email: cathy@floridaspectacular.com. Free, weekly episodes of "The Florida Spectacular" are co-hosted by Rick Kilby. Get Rick's books at rickkilby.com/ and http://studiohourglass.blogspot.com/. Connect: Facebook.com/floridasfountainofyouth, Twitter (@oldfla), and IG (@ricklebee). Premium, biweekly episodes of "The Florida Keys" Spectacular are co-hosted by Brad Bertelli. Find Brad's column in The Keys Weekly newspaper, ch...

Duration:00:38:07

Episode 135: Florida Trails: Hiking Shoes, Stepping on Snakes, and Sloughs

1/10/2024
A reader question about hiking shoes leads to a discussion about best places to hike in Florida. The Florida Madcaps' Chelsea Stevens joins to talk about hiking and water shoes, that time she stepped on a copperhead, and her favorite hikes. Links We Mentioned FloridaHikes.com Shoes for Hiking Florida Trails Altra shoes What are shoe gaiters and do you want them? Fit2Run Track Shack Astral hiking shoes Hikes in Central Florida Little Big Econ State Forest Chelsea's favorite Central Florida hike: Charles Bronson State Forest Chelsea's favorite hike in Florida: Torreya State Park (and the nearby Apalachicola Bluffs) Salt Springs The Yearling Trail with Jody Spring and Long Cemetery Rick's favorite Central Florida hike: Lyonia Preserve Support the showSupport the podcast! For $5/month, you get premium Florida Keys history and travel tips with Brad Bertelli and Cathy Salustri. Subscribe to The Florida Spectacular newsletter, and keep up with Cathy's travels at greatfloridaroadtrip.com. Find her on social media: Facebook.com/SalustriCathy; Twitter/IG: @CathySalustri Question or comment? Email: cathy@floridaspectacular.com. Free, weekly episodes of "The Florida Spectacular" are co-hosted by Rick Kilby. Get Rick's books at rickkilby.com/ and http://studiohourglass.blogspot.com/. Connect: Facebook.com/floridasfountainofyouth, Twitter (@oldfla), and IG (@ricklebee). Premium, biweekly episodes of "The Florida Keys" Spectacular are co-hosted by Brad Bertelli. Find Brad's column in The Keys Weekly newspaper, ch...

Duration:00:38:02

πŸ”’ Florida Keys Spectacular Episode 1: Florida State Parks We Love in the Upper Keys

1/4/2024
Subscriber-only episode Florida does an amazing job with state parks, and perhaps this is best showcased in the Florida Keys. In the inaugural episode, take a tour of some of Brad and Cathy's favorite state parks in the Upper Keys. State Parks to Visit in the Florida Keys β€’ Dagny Johnson Key Largo Botanical State Park for hiking and the chance of seeing the endangered woodrat. β€’ Windley Key Fossil Reef State Park for the hiking and the history (they have ranger-led tours) β€’ Indian Key State Park for the history, solitude, lack of mosquitoes, and snorkeling. Paddle out to the island (which has no facilities). Snorkel the patch reef and grass flats by the island. β€’ Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park for ranger-led tours, history, and the chance to see one of the last virgin West Indian hardwood hammocks. Links Brad & Cathy Mentioned Key Largo woodrat (but is it a rat?) Bayside Gourmet Robbie's Islamorada Matheson home at Lignumvitae 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 Spectacular newsletter, and keep up with Cathy's travels at greatfloridaroadtrip.com. Find her on social media: Facebook.com/SalustriCathy; Twitter/IG: @CathySalustri Question or comment? Email: cathy@floridaspectacular.com. Free, weekly episodes of "The Florida Spectacular" are co-hosted by Rick Kilby. Get Rick's books at rickkilby.com/ and http://studiohourglass.blogspot.com/. Connect: Facebook.com/floridasfountainofyouth, Twitter (@oldfla), and IG (@ricklebee). Premium, biweekly episodes of "The Florida Keys" Spectacular are co-hosted by Brad Bertelli. Find Brad's column in The Keys Weekly newspaper, ch...

Duration:00:36:16

Episode 134: Into the Woods: Swamp Hikes, Snakes, and Stories

1/3/2024
Take a hike in the swamp! Cathy and Rick talk about hiking in Florida swamps, venomous snakes, and other things you might find as you experience Florida's wilderness. Also, Cathy talks about the time she got lost in the swamp and almost stepped on a venomous snake. Pictured is the juvenile cottonmouth from Cathy's hike in Big Cypress. No, it's not a Magic Eye; look closely and you'll see him. Or her. Cathy didn't want to check. Links We Mentioned Clyde Butcher's swamp walk Wild hog Ranger-led tours at Big Cypress Monroe Station Cottonmouth facts Support the showSupport the podcast! For $5/month, you get premium Florida Keys history and travel tips with Brad Bertelli and Cathy Salustri. Subscribe to The Florida Spectacular newsletter, and keep up with Cathy's travels at greatfloridaroadtrip.com. Find her on social media: Facebook.com/SalustriCathy; Twitter/IG: @CathySalustri Question or comment? Email: cathy@floridaspectacular.com. Free, weekly episodes of "The Florida Spectacular" are co-hosted by Rick Kilby. Get Rick's books at rickkilby.com/ and http://studiohourglass.blogspot.com/. Connect: Facebook.com/floridasfountainofyouth, Twitter (@oldfla), and IG (@ricklebee). Premium, biweekly episodes of "The Florida Keys" Spectacular are co-hosted by Brad Bertelli. Find Brad's column in The Keys Weekly newspaper, ch...

Duration:00:43:20