Florida’s Fourth Estate

Ghost stories abound at Rockledge, Florida eatery, Ashley's Tavern. While there are several ghost stories associated with Ashley’s, the most popular is the tale of Ethel Allen, a 19-year-old woman who reportedly frequented the tavern in the 1930s. The back of the restaurant’s menu discusses the tale and the posthumous hauntings, which have been reported throughout the building. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This may have been Mount Dora’s best-kept secret — that is, until now. Tucked away in a forgotten corner of Mount Dora sits a Cold War-era nuclear bomb shelter with a crazy history. Known locally as the “Mount Dora Catacombs,” this 5,000-square-foot shelter — billed as the largest of its kind — was part of a plan over 60 years ago for members of several local families to hide out in the event of a nuclear apocalypse. Matt and Ginger talk to someone who has uncovered this modern time capsule. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not only is the Neptune Memorial Reef the world’s first underwater cemetery — it’s also set to be the largest man-made reef on the planet. The cemetery is located 40 feet underwater in Biscayne Bay, over three miles off the coast of Miami Beach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A local Pharmacist named Dr. Simba who talks to big cats. This is the kind of storyline usually reserved for Hollywood. Dr. Simba Witz is the CEO of the Central Florida Animal Reserve. The big cat sanctuary is run entirely by volunteers. The sanctuary neither breeds its animals or operates for profit, "If you're coming here, you're not coming here because you're padding someone's salary. You're coming here because these are the monies we use to provide food, provide medical care," says Dr. Witz. The facility opened in 2017. About a quarter of the budget comes from guided tours, "If someone is going to be serious about the challenges these species face. Then, we have to start where we all agree which is we want these animals out in the wild," says Dr. Simba. The challenges are also financial. If you think meat at the grocery store is getting expensive, try buying it by the ton, "We have all experienced a little touch of inflation in the last couple of years," Dr. Simba says with a hint of sarcasm. When Dr. Simba walks tours around the collection of tigers, lions, and other large charismatic megafauna you will hear him making a distinct chuffing sound. Then, he says, "I see you." He says the felines don't understand the words, but he feels they perceive his intention. The chuffing sound can take some practice, "New volunteers spend a lot of time drooling," Dr. Simba says. If you would like to book a tour for your family or corporation, you can find more information on the Central Florida Animal Reserve website, https://cflar.org/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ORLANDO, Fla. – Walt Disney World is part of the fabric of Florida, but did you know the theme park almost ended up in St. Louis instead of Orlando? University of Central Florida History professor Dr. Jim Clark said Walt Disney had his eye on the “Show Me” state well before he began eyeing the “Sunshine State”. But a fight over beer changed everything. After successfully introducing the public to Disneyland in California, Clark said Disney was looking for a second location. The animation mogul considered Niagra Falls and another area near Washington, D.C. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you live in Florida, you have probably heard of sinkholes. It’s when the ground caves in, often bringing down everything on top of it. Roads, businesses and homes have all been impacted. Dr. Manoj Chopra has researched sinkholes and erosion at the University of Central Florida and said much of Central Florida is part of “Sinkhole Alley.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Another look back at one of the best interviews we had in 2024. At age 16, most kids are thinking about getting their driver’s license or making TikToks, except for Tiffani Gay, who is focused on changing the world with her award-winning invention. By combining two technologies used in everyday life, Gay is striving to get results for the over 2.2 billion people worldwide with visual impairments. The Orlando Science Schools sophomore joined Matt Austin and Ginger Gadsden on Florida’s Fourth Estate to explain the story and the science behind an electronic headset she created. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the best episodes of 2024. Jennifer Gomez paints a rosy picture of her upbringing. Her mom was a neurologist. Her Dad is a psychiatrist. She is the youngest of seven children. She said all of her siblings are successful. But as a child, she didn’t see their success as enviable. She saw it as boring. She told Matt Austin and Ginger Gadsden on Florida’s Fourth Estate, when she thought of their lives she thought, “Your life looks really boring, going to work every day, doing these routine mundane things.” She said she wanted excitement, and she found it in targeting wealthy homes and stealing some of their most prized possessions. Altogether, she said she burglarized hundreds of homes: “I don’t actually know the number, I’m going solely by what the detectives said and what was in my paperwork. It was 200, on paper, documented, that you can find.” Now Gomez is coming clean sharing her stories on social media and warning people to stop doing simple things that make them and their homes a target. For starters she said to stop making assumptions, “These people would look at me in these neighborhoods, communicate with me, look me straight in the eyes, and never suspect anything because of the way that I look.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do Wayne Brady, Joey Fatone and Wesley Snipes have in common? They all had the same teacher for theatre class in Central Florida. Karen Rugerio served as the Theatre Director for Dr. Phillips High School for 27 years. During those decades, Rugerio brought up a variety of future stars on screen and stage. She started at Jones High School when she first came to Orlando. Wesley Snipes was in her first class, "I still talk to him on the telephone all the time." Snipes even flew Rugerio and her partner out when the movie Blade opened in theaters. Snipes also flew her out when he made it on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With a mullet, a fishing rod, and an unstoppable sense of humor, Jake Hutcheson transforms flooded streets into a reel-worthy moment When Hurricane Milton drenched Orlando in October, most people stayed indoors to avoid the post-storm chaos. But not Jake Hutcheson. The 24 year old saw the flooded streets of College Park as an opportunity-an opportunity to go fishing. Armed with a rod, a mullet, a sense of humor and a sense of adventure, Jake turned Edgewater Drive into his own personal fishing spot, creating a viral moment that left people laughing at what they had just witnessed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Morgan talks about the University of Florida President, their boosters, and more. He also talks about his decision to become a lawyer and why he decided to invest in the creation of "Wonderworks". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a candid and wide-ranging conversation on Florida's Fourth Estate, prominent attorney and businessman John Morgan didn't hold back on his thoughts about the current political climate in the United States. From discussing campaign finance to the deep divides between political parties, Morgan's remarks paint a picture of a system that, in his view, is increasingly driven by special interests and polarization. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Crusade for Marijuana Legalization In this episode, John Morgan, often dubbed "Pot Daddy," shares his fervent pursuit of marijuana legalization. Reflecting on his journey, Morgan says, "What drives me? I look at all this as political philanthropy. Me raising the minimum wage... Medical marijuana... It's about giving us what the people want, not what a few special interests want." Morgan also opens up about the recent passing of his brother, Tim, underscoring the personal motivations behind his public crusades. "I probably cried every day for a month," he admits, highlighting how this loss has only deepened his commitment to his causes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Florida may be known for its sunshine and beaches, but few realize the state was once a cinematic hub, rivaling Hollywood itself. During this edition of Florida's Fourth Estate, hosts Ginger Gadsden and Matt Austin along with guest, UCF professor David Morton, unearth Florida's forgotten role in the early film industry. Hard to believe but Jacksonville once rivaled Hollywood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Florida’s beaches have made headlines in the past thanks to the huge volume of cocaine that frequently washes up. These instances are the result of drug traffickers from Central and South America who attempt to smuggle cocaine and other narcotics into the United States. Matt and Ginger explore what this means for sharks and other ocean life, with Dr. Tracy Fanara. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Florida's Fourth Estate recently hosted Steve Pan, the General Manager and part-owner of 321 Boat Rentals and Clubs, based in Melbourne, Florida. Steve shared his journey from Swiss banking to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the boating industry. If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a boat or simply enjoy the thrill of being on the water, this episode is for you. We explore the ins and outs of boat rentals, the benefits of joining a boat club, and Steve's inspiring personal story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the latest episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate, Tony Talcott, the digital producer behind some of the most viral stories on ClickOrlando, takes listeners on a journey through Florida’s quirkiest and lesser-known stories. With a knack for uncovering the strange and unusual, Talcott has made a name for himself by finding and sharing these captivating tales. “Florida’s history is full of interesting and quirky stories,” Talcott shares during the podcast, reflecting on his passion for these unique discoveries. From towns with odd names to mysterious vigilantes, Talcott delves into the bizarre yet fascinating corners of the Sunshine State. One of the standout stories discussed in the podcast is the origin of Taintsville, a small community in Seminole County. As Talcott explains, “They didn’t really feel like they had a lot of identity, so a lot of the folks around there used to joke, ‘Well, we t’aint in Oviedo, and we t’aint in Chuluota.’” This playful origin story, based on the town’s location between Oviedo and Chuluota, is a perfect example of the local humor that often defines Florida’s communities. Talcott also addresses the infamous myth surrounding loofahs in The Villages, which many believed were being used as a secret code for swingers. “It seems like it was a joke that was made by a drag queen a few years back,” Tony clarifies, debunking the widely spread rumor. Instead, he discovered that the decorations on cars and golf carts were simply a way for elderly residents to find their vehicles in crowded parking lots. In another fascinating revelation, Talcott discusses the mysterious anti-gravity monuments found in Florida. These monuments were commissioned by millionaire Roger Babson, who, according to Tony, “really had a bone to pick with gravity” and blamed it for various societal issues, including the death of his sister. Babson’s unique mission to “wage a war on gravity” led him to fund scientific research aimed at overcoming this natural force, resulting in these unusual monuments. The podcast also highlights the story of Ratman, a viral sensation at the University of Central Florida (UCF). As Tony recalls, “There was a viral video online of some guy in a rat costume... stopping a supposed bike thief on the campus.” The video, which was part of a student film project, quickly gained attention, with many students mistaking it for a real-life superhero incident. Talcott’s top story, however, is about the hidden “Ginger Ale Spring” near I-4 in Longwood. This spring, which smells of sulfur, was once used by a ginger ale plant. “They thought this was gonna be the next big thing,” says Talcott, but the business never took off, leaving behind this curious relic in the woods. Tony Talcott’s dedication to uncovering and sharing these stories has not only entertained but also educated many Floridians. As he puts it, “Finding out other folks like these stories too just makes me super happy.” For those eager to explore more of Florida’s hidden gems, Tony’s articles and appearances on ClickOrlando are a must-follow. Whether it’s the bizarre origins of a town’s name or the truth behind urban legends, Tony Talcott continues to shed light on the peculiar and captivating stories that make Florida one of the most interesting places in the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Birth of a Frozen Delight Michael Keller, CEO of Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, joined anchors Ginger Gadsden and Matt Austin on Florida’s Fourth Estate to share the captivating origin story of this beloved brand. The journey began with Jeremy Litwack, a passionate entrepreneur from South Jersey. Inspired by the classic Italian ice (or “water ice” as it’s known in Philly. Please don’t try to pronounce “water ice” like they do in Philly. It won’t end well for you) of his hometown, Jeremy began experimenting with recipes as early as 1988 while attending the University of Delaware. From Push Cart to Brick-and-Mortar Litwack’s dream wasn’t just about creating a delicious product; it was about sharing it with the world. He started small, peddling his perfected Italian ice from behind a pushcart, sometimes even on rollerblades. He was a hockey player so he knew what he was doing. The journey led him to Florida, where in 1996, he opened the first Jeremiah’s Italian Ice location in Winter Park, Orlando. Growing Pains and Breakthroughs Like many great businesses, Jeremiah’s faced its share of struggles. Litwack was bringing a northeastern concept to the sunny state of Florida, and it took time to catch on. Early on, there were quiet days, with few customers and even fewer sales, but Litwack’s belief in his product never wavered. He focused on grassroots efforts, building the brand one customer at a time, even going so far as to place coupons on the windshields of cars parked in his lot. What can we say, the guy had an insatiable drive. A Franchise Success Story In 2019, Litwack and his team decided to take Jeremiah’s to the next level by franchising. The first franchise locations opened in 2020, and within just a few years, the company expanded to nearly 130 stores across 11 states. The growth has been phenomenal, and the brand shows no signs of slowing down. When Matt Austin Asked the CEO about growing too fast, Keller explained they take great pains to make sure each location lives up to the Jeremiah’s promise of quality. A Taste That Stays with You When, FFE host, Ginger Gadsden got to taste Jeremiah’s Italian ice during the podcast, she couldn’t help but rave about the unique, layered flavors. The blend of Italian ice and custard creates a taste sensation that keeps customers coming back for more. Ginger’s reaction was priceless, likening the experience to a wine tasting where the flavors continue to unfold with each bite. The Future of Jeremiah’s Italian Ice Looking ahead, Jeremiah’s has big plans. With a goal to expand to 300 stores within a few years, the company is poised for continued success. New products and flavors are on the horizon, promising to delight customers in new and exciting ways. A Sweet Legacy Jeremiah’s Italian Ice has grown from a single pushcart to a nationwide franchise, all while staying true to its sweet roots. As Michael Keller puts it, the future is bright, with endless possibilities for growth and innovation. Whether you’re in Florida or across the country, one thing is clear: Jeremiah’s is here to stay, one cup of delicious Italian ice at a time. The original Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, which opened in Winter Park, is still open for business and located at 6864 Aloma Ave. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A teen scientist from Orlando has developed a potion from beer that might help save the ailing honeybee population. 18-year-old Atreya Manaswi has devoted the last five years of his life to saving the bee population. The young man has worked with the United States Department of Agriculture, University of Florida and spoken in front of the United Nations. It all started when a friend’s grandfather told the teen about the huge decline in bees. Manaswi, only 12 years old at the time, promised the man he would find a solution. “Something is happening to them within the past few decades,” said Manaswi. And the numbers back up his claims. According to the USDA, commercial honeybee populations have been dropping for years. Manaswi started attending conferences and lectures. Before he knew it, the preteen found himself inside a lab researching solutions. “It’s really intimidating at first. I was 12 years old, and I didn’t really know what I was doing,” Manaswi said. Manaswi decided to target two specific problems the bees are having: The pests and the pesticides are hurting colonies the most. Soon the budding scientist started testing different solutions inside a small trap in the hive. The goal is to lure tiny pests called the small hive beetle which drown in the solution while the bees go about their work. If left to their own devices, the beetles destroy eggs, honey, and pollen stores in the comb while spreading diseases in the hive. After countless trial and error, Manaswi found a compound made of beer that was able to entice the beetles at an exciting rate. “It’s actually 33 times better than the organic agent beekeepers are previously using which was apple cider vinegar,” Manaswi said. The teen scientist also says his compound is way less expensive than traditional pesticides. It costs about $14 to get started. For all his work, Manaswi has won a cacophony of prizes, most recently the Barron Prize. The organization selected 15 young heroes making positive change in the ecosystem and improving the environment. The beer blend is currently under peer review to see if other scientists can replicate the low-cost, eco-friendly, and effective answer for the bees and beekeepers. Manaswi has racked up many awards and many bee stings along the way to success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jennifer Gomez paints a rosy picture of her upbringing. Her mom was a neurologist. Her Dad is a psychiatrist. She is the youngest of seven children. She said all of her siblings are successful. But as a child, she didn’t see their success as enviable. She saw it as boring. She told Matt Austin and Ginger Gadsden on Florida’s Fourth Estate, when she thought of their lives she thought, “Your life looks really boring, going to work every day, doing these routine mundane things.” She said she wanted excitement, and she found it in targeting wealthy homes and stealing some of their most prized possessions. Altogether, she said she burglarized hundreds of homes: “I don’t actually know the number, I’m going solely by what the detectives said and what was in my paperwork. It was 200, on paper, documented, that you can find.” Now Gomez is coming clean sharing her stories on social media and warning people to stop doing simple things that make them and their homes a target. For starters she said to stop making assumptions, “These people would look at me in these neighborhoods, communicate with me, look me straight in the eyes, and never suspect anything because of the way that I look.” She added, “Everybody that’s here to hurt you or cause you harm doesn’t look the way your mind thinks they look. There’s no stereotype.” Gomez pointed out she lived in wealthy communities and had wealthy friends and that the things they do to protect themselves often helped her plot against them. She said signage indicating which surveillance company a homeowner used, notifications that they had a pet, and large bushes helped her better plan her home burglaries. She said she also tried to target homes that were closer to the front of the community. She pointed out, “The last thing I wanted was to burglarize a home and then be stuck way in the back of the neighborhood and have to come out and possibly pass police officers or whomever.” However after breaking into hundreds of homes Gomez did eventually come across a homeowner, then police, and was arrested. She said she spent time behind bars on three separate occasions and even gave birth to her child when she was incarcerated. After getting out, Gomez said she turned her life around and is now committed to helping others avoid becoming a target. You can learn more about Gomez on Florida’s Fourth Estate. You can download the podcast from wherever you listen to podcasts or watch anytime on News 6+. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices