Florida Spectacular

Pythons. Iguanas. Brazilian peppers. Florida's overflowing with tales of exotic invasives threatening paradise. But... not all exotic invasives are created equal. Join Rick and Cathy for a short foray into some of their favorite exotic invasives, which ones they wish would leave the state forever, and which ones are — believe it or not — the tastiest. Meet the python hunters of the 'Glades Watch Guardians of the Glades Curious how python hunting works? The last half of this video has a simulated capture that almost went sideways. Ethics and Maximum Good Water Hyacinth Combating Invasive Species in Florida Find Rick on Twitter @OldFLA and online at RickKilby.com. Support the showWant more Florida? 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 and Instagram: @CathySalustri Have a Florida question or comment? Love the show? Hate it? Let us know – email us at cathy@floridspectacular.com.

This week, Rick and Cathy welcome Elizabeth Herryman Lasley, host of Keys Traveler podcast, as they talk about the things that make the Florida Keys special. (Find the Florida Keys podcast at the official Florida Keys website (they also have a newsletter, just in case you can't get enough of the Florida Keys.) The trio starts the podcast with a pair of key deer wandering past Cathy, and from there they talk about the Turtle Hospital, Hemingway cats, and the best way to get to the Florida Keys. Links We Mentioned Florida Keys Wild Bird Center Where to Eat Lionfish San Carlos Institute Indian Key State Park Find Rick on Twitter @OldFLA and online at RickKilby.com. Support the showWant more Florida? 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 and Instagram: @CathySalustri Have a Florida question or comment? Love the show? Hate it? Let us know – email us at cathy@floridspectacular.com.

Looking for a great weekend getaway, or something new to do in Central Florida? Rick and Cathy have some great places to see, things to do, and restaurants to try in Mount Dora. The small city's famous not only for its antiques; the downtown painted itself pink for a movie (which starred a waterskiing elephant and some fantastic Hollywood talent). Also, Pat Frank set his apocalyptic novel, Alas Babylon, in Mount Dora. Here's where to go to see Mount Dora like an insider. Links We Mentioned Honky Tonk Freeway Alas, Babylon Things to Do Mount Dora Sailing Regatta Mount Dora special events calendar Mount Dora Bicycle Festival Antiques Rennigers Places to Eat 1921 Pisces Rising Goblin Market Hotel Lakeside Inn Support the showWant more Florida? 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 and Instagram: @CathySalustri Have a Florida question or comment? Love the show? Hate it? Let us know – email us at cathy@floridspectacular.com.

This week, inspired by Cathy's recent travels to central Florida, Rick and Cathy talk about places they love in Lake County, some of the more surprising aspects of Lake County history, and why, even in the middle of The Villages, you can find hidden scraps of natural Florida. Helpful Links and Links We Mentioned Visit Lake County travel website Authentic Florida's Things to Do in Clermont Citrus Tower (also has a Facebook page) Lake Louisa State Park Ferndale Howey Mansion Official and RIck's blog about it Fenney Springs at The Villages Alexander Springs Harris Chain of Lakes History of Lake Apopka Lake Griffin State Park Green Isle Gardens Annie Oakley in Lake County Devil in the Grove Redwing Restaurant Things to Do in Astor Drifter's Riverfront Restaurant Paisley Disney's parents first couple wed in Lake County Yalaha Bakery Seaplane Rides Leesburg history Green Mountain Scenic Overlook Find Rick on Twitter @OldFLA and online at RickKilby.com. Support the showWant more Florida? 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 and Instagram: @CathySalustri Have a Florida question or comment? Love the show? Hate it? Let us know – email us at cathy@floridspectacular.com.

Join Cathy and Rick as they venture through Ocala, making virtual stops at their favorite restaurants, natural areas, and roadside attractions. Along the way, discover (or re-discover) a central Florida Elvis movie, learn about the "wild west" in Florida, and find out which one of the podcast hosts is kin to Harriet Beecher Stowe. Links We Mentioned Appleton Museum Barberville Produce Carney Island Recreation Area Craig Pittman and Chadd Scott's "Welcome to Florida" podcast Florida Trust for Historic Preservation/ Preservation on Main Street Follow That Dream Grandpa Joe's Candy Shop Harriet Beecher Stowe's Palmetto Leaves La Cuisine French Restaurant Lorito's Italian Kitchen The Ma Barker House (Florida's first dumb criminals—who, of course, were not from Florida) Marion Theater Old Crow BBQ Ray’s Wayside Park Silver River Museum Silver Springs Silver Spring Camping Six-Gun Territory weekend Sonny's BBQ started in Gainesville Sun Plaza Motel Find Rick on Twitter @OldFLA and online at RickKilby.com. Support the showWant more Florida? 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 and Instagram: @CathySalustri Have a Florida question or comment? Love the show? Hate it? Let us know – email us at cathy@floridspectacular.com.

Rick and Cathy welcome Melanie Lentz-Janney, of Authentic Florida fame, to the podcast. They spend the episode talking about some of their favorite Florida kitsch, the difference between Florida collectibles and Disneyana, and their favorite Florida roadside attractions. Links we mentioned Authentic Florida Presidents Hall of Fame (Clermont) Sarasota Jungle Gardens Boyett's Citrus Attraction (and Authentic Florida's day trip there) Signup link for Authentic Florida newsletter or follow Authentic Florida on Facebook Tupperware Museum Find Rick on Twitter @OldFLA and online at RickKilby.com. Support the showWant more Florida? 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 and Instagram: @CathySalustri Have a Florida question or comment? Love the show? Hate it? Let us know – email us at cathy@floridspectacular.com.

This week "The Florida Spectacular" welcomes back Keys historian Brad Bertelli. Brad talks about some little-known Keys history (including a deserted island), but then he talks about where the locals eat in the Florida Keys. To wrap it all up, he talks about some of what he thinks are the most special places in the Keys (hint: get in or on the water!) Headed to the Keys soon? Stop by Robbie's Marina and have Brad mix up a rumrunner for you! Links We Mentioned Visit Indian Key (rent a kayak at Robbies if you don't have one of your own) Brad's Facebook group k Square Grouper (Brad says try the peanut butter dessert Try the conch salad at Geiger Key Marina Keys Fisheries in Key Largo MM100 El Siboney on Stock Island All Florida state parks here are amazing, but Brad suggests Dagny Johnson, and Windley Key; Cathy loves Bahia Honda and Long Key. Support the showWant more Florida? 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 and Instagram: @CathySalustri Have a Florida question or comment? Love the show? Hate it? Let us know – email us at cathy@floridspectacular.com.

This week, Cathy and Rick have Florida architecture on their mind. Specifically, different historic homes. From the simple cracker cottages of Florida's first EuroAmericans to the grandeur of Ca'dZan, spend some time taking a virtual road trip across Florida, to the state's most iconic homes. Links we mentioned Ybor City Casitas Heritage Village Pioneer Villages Classic Cracker: Florida's Wood-Frame Vernacular Architecture, by Ronald Haase Ca’ d’Zan Vizcaya Trapper Nelson Flagler Museum/ Whitehall Mar-a-Lago Kellogg Mansion This Flickr album has some fantastic shots of abandoned Florida places Fort Christmas Historical Park Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park Miami Beach Art Deco Tours Find Rick on Twitter @OldFLA and online at RickKilby.com. Support the showWant more Florida? 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 and Instagram: @CathySalustri Have a Florida question or comment? Love the show? Hate it? Let us know – email us at cathy@floridspectacular.com.

In anticipation of the Floridiana Festival on Gulfport, Rick and Cathy talk about Gulfport: What to do, where to eat, and how to enjoy the small city by the sea. Links we mentioned Outside Kayak Clam Bayou Hike Clam Bayou Culture & Live Music Gulfport History Museum Gulfport Arts Center Art in the Yard ArtJones Walking Tour Blueberry Patch North End Taphouse The Tiki on Shore & 56th The Gabber Newspaper Shop & Eat Gulfport Beach Bazaar Brenda McMahon Gallery Stella's Sundries Pia's Let It Be Ice Cream Gulfport Brewery (try Disston Lager!) Find Rick on Twitter @OldFLA and online at RickKilby.com. Support the showWant more Florida? 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 and Instagram: @CathySalustri Have a Florida question or comment? Love the show? Hate it? Let us know – email us at cathy@floridspectacular.com.

This week, The Florida Spectacular welcomes CJ Oliverio, who talks about Florida springs, how to enjoy them, and which ones are his favorites. Cathy and Rick also celebrate the 101st episode and talk about why it's ill-advised to scuba dive with gators. CJ Oliverio is the CEO and founder of Play Hard Florida Adventures, a team of tour guides who offer adventures across the state. His business has a mission to support Florida environmental nonprofits. Links we mentioned Play Hard Florida Water State Festival The State of Water art exhibit Florida Springs Institute Florida Springs Council King's Bay Itchetucknee River Florida's Most Wasteful Crop Links we didn't mention but you may like Current problems Support the showWant more Florida? 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 and Instagram: @CathySalustri Have a Florida question or comment? Love the show? Hate it? Let us know – email us at cathy@floridspectacular.com.

This week Rick and Cathy explore a few "truths" about Florida, from the Seminole Tribe's origins to the real story about Ponce de Leon and the Fountain of Youth. Things we mentioned Seminole Tribe of Florida Fountain of Youth Florida: The forgotten colonies during the American Revolution What does it mean to be a cracker? Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum. Find Rick on Twitter @OldFLA and online at RickKilby.com. Support the showWant more Florida? 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 and Instagram: @CathySalustri Have a Florida question or comment? Love the show? Hate it? Let us know – email us at cathy@floridspectacular.com.

This week, Rick and Cathy take a trip to Winter Park, talking about their favorite places, things you should do (and eat!) while you're there, and why, despite all the changes, Winter Park's still a special Florida place. Links we mentioned Eat Bosphorous Turkish Food Austin's Coffee Stay Alfond Inn Experience Casa Feliz History The Langford Hotel El Cortez Apartments Winter Park Library Read what Cathy and Rick have written about Winter Park. Art at the Alfond Barnie's (and the historic courtyard) Dinky Dock Park Mr. Rogers at Rollins College Morse Museum Polasek Museum Rollins College Scenic Boat Tour Sunrail commuter train Winter Park Farmers Market Winter Park History Museum Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival Support the showWant more Florida? 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 and Instagram: @CathySalustri Have a Florida question or comment? Love the show? Hate it? Let us know – email us at cathy@floridspectacular.com.

This week, Florida adventurer, springs advocate, and all-around good guy Ryan Worthington joins Rick and Cathy once again to talk about Florida's springs. The trio talks about challenges facing Florida Springs, how to enjoy the springs without doing any harm, and, of course, a few of their favorite springs. Find Ryan on Instagram, and check out his podcast, The Florida Madcaps. Links We Mentioned The Florida Springs Council Has Our Love of Springs Become a Fatal Attraction? HB 359 Bill Belleville Springs We Mentioned Blue Hole Clifton Springs Gilchrist Blue Springs Seminole State Forest Springs (state site to get the code to gain access and a post from Rick about these springs) Another column from Rick about Florida springs. Shark's Tooth Spring Three Sisters White Sulphur Springs Wall Springs Find Rick on Twitter @OldFLA and online at RickKilby.com Support the showWant more Florida? 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 and Instagram: @CathySalustri Have a Florida question or comment? Love the show? Hate it? Let us know – email us at cathy@floridspectacular.com.

The Angola settlement along the Manatee River lasted for roughly 50 years. Uzi Baram, a professor at New College of Florida, speaks about the enslaved people who escaped to Spanish Florida in search of freedom. They settled near the Manatee River. Here's some of what we know of their stories. Want to know more? Visit Reflections of Manatee, Bishop Museum, and watch this video with Uzi. Rick's post, Celebrating Sacred Ground Links We Mentioned Looking for Angola Back to Angola Festival Fort Mose Prospect Bluff De Soto National Memorial Rick Kilby's blog post on Angola. Find Rick on Twitter @OldFLA and online at RickKilby.com. Support the showWant more Florida? 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 and Instagram: @CathySalustri Have a Florida question or comment? Love the show? Hate it? Let us know – email us at cathy@floridspectacular.com.

Meet Bernadette Reeves, who, as a teenager in Lincolnville, marched for civil rights. Today, she gives tours and talks about the civil rights movement – and how what happened in St. Augustine led to the passage of the Civil Rights Act. Links & Places we mentioned The Corner Market More about taking a civil rights tour with Ms. B. Lincolnville Museum Google map of Lincolnville Rick's post about the Civil Rights movement in Florida and the Quadracentennial Find Rick on Twitter @OldFLA and online at RickKilby.com. Support the showWant more Florida? 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 and Instagram: @CathySalustri Have a Florida question or comment? Love the show? Hate it? Let us know – email us at cathy@floridspectacular.com.

Rick and Cathy talk about some off-the-beaten-path places in Florida that have not-often-discussed historical significance. Here's their Top 5 places to visit where you can soak in some unusual Florida history. Ma Barker HouseNew Smyrna Beach & The Turnbull ColonyRosewoodMicanopyA Concentration Camp at Egmont KeyLinks we mentioned New Smyrna Museum of History Sugar Mill Ruins The Turnbull Colony Cedar Key Museum State Park Cedar Key Historical Society Museum Rosewood marker Ocoee Massacre exhibit Micanopy Historical Society Museum Herlong Mansion B&B Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings State Park Wood & Swink General Store and Post Office Egmont Key State Park Support the showWant more Florida? 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 and Instagram: @CathySalustri Have a Florida question or comment? Love the show? Hate it? Let us know – email us at cathy@floridspectacular.com.

Cathy and Rick take a road trip to Winter Garden, which has a definite back-to-nature-meets-bougie vibe that only a Florida city can have (and we mean bougie in the best possible way!) Take a listen, then grab your keys and go explore Winter Garden on your own! Eat Plant Street Market Food Hall (including Crooked Can Brewery!) Thai Blossom Yellow Dog Eats See Winter Garden "Marina" Trailer City (next to the "marina") Do Central Florida Railroad Museum Lake Apopka North Shore Wildlife Trail Oakland Nature Preserve Ocoee Parking Lot Bluegrass Jam West Orange Trail (Read Rick's article) Nehrling Gardens Winter Garden Heritage Museum Support the showWant more Florida? 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 and Instagram: @CathySalustri Have a Florida question or comment? Love the show? Hate it? Let us know – email us at cathy@floridspectacular.com.

This week Cathy and Rick take a virtual road trip to Gainesville, talking about their favorite things to do, eat, and see when they're in town. They also delve into the history of Waldo/Archer Road (SR 24) that runs from Yulee to Cedar Key, how to stay in an on-campus hotel at UF, and where you can find an elevator with an honest-to-god elevator operator. Links we mentioned See & Do: History & Nature Haile Homestead Homes (and its talking walls) Florida Museum and the Butterfly Rainforest Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park Matheson Museum Bat Houses Rum 138 Kayaking Gargoyles on UF Campus See & Do: Music & Culture The Hippodrome Theater Lightning Salvage Harn Museum of Art (check out the Vickers Collection) 4th Avenue Food Park (check for live music schedules) See & Do: Fests The Fest The Bash Eat & Drink Leonardo's Pizza Satchel's Pizza and Satch Squared Dragonfly (Sushi/Asian) Lillian's Music Store 4th Avenue Food Park Sleep Reitz-Union hotel on campus at UF Sweetwater Inn Find Rick on Twitter @OldFLA and online at RickKilby.com. Support the showWant more Florida? 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 and Instagram: @CathySalustri Have a Florida question or comment? Love the show? Hate it? Let us know – email us at cathy@floridspectacular.com.

A special guest this week as Stacey Matrazzo, Executive Director for the Florida Wildflower Foundation joined the show. She is the co-author of Native Plants for Florida Gardens, which she wrote with botanist/restoration ecologist Nancy Bissett. Stacey has a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and a master’s degree in liberal studies from Rollins College, where she is also an adjunct professor. A native Floridian and certified Florida Master Naturalist, she spends much of her free time kayaking, hiking, birding and photographing Florida’s amazing natural environments. Find resources on how to select, grow and maintain native plants at FlaWildflowers.org. Links we mentioned: noblenativegardens on Instagram Florida Wildflower Growers Cooperative (order Florida wildflower seeds!) Green Isle Gardens in Groveland Find great colorful native plants (like tropical sage) at a Florida Association of Native Nurseries retailer (plantrealflorida.org) Find resources on how to select, grow and maintain native plants at flawildflowers.org Find Rick on Twitter @OldFLA and online at RickKilby.com. Support the showWant more Florida? 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 and Instagram: @CathySalustri Have a Florida question or comment? Love the show? Hate it? Let us know – email us at cathy@floridspectacular.com.

Downtown St. Pete has exploded with growth, people, and food – but that's not what we're talking about this week. Instead, Rick and Cathy talk about places in St. Pete not in the downtown area that most tourists never see. Take a listen, and get started planning your next road trip to explore Hidden St. Pete! Things to Do freeFall Theatre Sunken Gardens Parrot shows and Bird Shows around Florida. Places to Eat Mullet's Fish Camp Nueva Cantina Atwaters Baker's Hogley Wogley El Cap Elsewhere Gardens of Christ at Sarasota Jungle Gardens Find Rick on Twitter @OldFLA and online at RickKilby.com. Support the showWant more Florida? 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 and Instagram: @CathySalustri Have a Florida question or comment? Love the show? Hate it? Let us know – email us at cathy@floridspectacular.com.