Explore every episode of the podcast The Florida Madcaps
Dive into the complete episode list for The Florida Madcaps. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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As Bad As it Is: The Advocates Guide to Florida Legislature Fundamentals
In this episode, the Madcaps joined by Ryan Smart, a Florida politics insider discuss the upcoming strategy to inform and organize environmental advocates for the upcoming 2025 legislative session and to oppose further attempts to develop our conservation lands. This means along side the usual Madcaps episodes we will be rolling out weekly legislative-focused episodes as well. These episodes will be titled “As Bad As It is” and will feature discussions about the legislative process in Florida, how it affects our environment, and what we can do about it.
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This week the Florida Madcaps discuss parks in the southwest corner of Florida focusing on Fakahatchee Strand State Park and Collier-Seminole State Park. There are some unique hiking experiences as well as opportunities to enjoy some iconic Florida flora and fauna to enjoy in this area from Ghost Orchids to the Florida Panther.
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This week the Madcaps discuss various aspects of recreating in Florida and encounters with venomous snakes. Our special guest, Bree, shares important information about our valuable snake population. Bree can be found at @hiberniahistory and @using.my.outside.voice on Instagram.
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With the withdrawal of the development plans for the nine state parks in the very recent rearview, the Madcaps discuss the parks that were threatened around 30A, mainly Topsail Hill and Grayton Beach and what makes them special. Our guest this week is Celest Cobena with Beach to Bay Inc., who talks about the history and natural majesty of the parks!
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Just a few days ago plans to develop a few Florida State Parks were uncovered and made public. The plans where uncharacteristic of the Florida State Park mission of resource based recreation. Massive hotels, golf courses, pickleball courts, and more were planned and in some circumstances would drastically alter some of the park's habitats. In this episode, the Madcaps are joined by Casey Darling Kniffinn the Conservation Policy Director for the Florida Wildlife Federation discuss the concept plans for nine Florida State Parks and the consequences of completing such developments as well as offer some suggestions for those who want to oppose the development plans.
The Florida Wildlife Federation has a blog about the development plans for the parks which can be found here:
Casey is the Conservation Policy Director for the Florida Wildlife Federation and previously served as the Advocacy Coordinator for Florida Oceanographic Society. She earned a B.S. degree in Biology from Florida State University and a M.S. degree in Marine Biology at the College of Charleston. Casey serves on the Friends of the Everglades Science and Policy committee as well as the Young Friends committee. She is the co-lead of the River Kidz, a youth advocacy group focused on clean water in the St. Lucie Estuary and Indian River Lagoon and is a Rivers Coalition board member. She is passionate about environmental policy, advocacy, and science along with a commitment to protecting Florida’s diverse ecosystems. Born and raised in Florida, she enjoys snorkeling, paddling, and hiking with her family in Hobe Sound.
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If you want beautiful views of the rapids of the Hillsborough River and CCC construction or amazing hiking near the Green Swamp you can find plenty to do at both of these state parks and they are less than half an hour from each other. This week the Madcaps discuss their experiences at these Central Florida state parks.
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This week the Madcaps have a special guest, Imani to discuss whether gatekeeping benefits Florida's natural areas. With Florida surpassing a population of 23 million and the boost in post-pandemic popularity of springs, beaches, and trails many are upset with the condition that they are in and place social media as the culprit. This week we discuss our individual views on gatekeeping.
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This week the Florida Madcaps discuss what can be expected when visiting Myakka River State Park. This park has it all: CCC history, gators, birding, trails, and wetlands.
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This week the Madcaps discuss the importance of clean-ups and the events that they have participated in. There are a variety of organizations that host clean-up events, or you can do it solo while you you spend time in nature.
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This week the Madcaps are joined by Florida Trail Association (FTA) Advancement Committee Chair Tiffany Bright to discuss the upcoming FTA Brews for Views event where anyone can support the Florida Trail Association by grabbing a beer and scanning the barcode on a provided cocktail napkin at the following locations:
Also we cover opportunities to get involved with the FTA (which all the Madcaps support). For inquiries simply email chelseys@floridatrail.org for more information.
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This week the Madcaps have Fletcher Jacob, the president of the Florida Speleological Society (FSS) discuss the basics of caving in Florida. More info on the FSS can be found at, https://www.floridacaving.com/
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This week the Madcaps discuss Cedar Key. This episode covers the history, food, and unparalleled beauty that make Cedar Key one of the amazing destinations of Florida.
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This is our first reposted episode! Almost a year ago we published this summer hiking & recreating safety episode and decided to republish it due to the relevance that it has this month with the multiple heat warnings that have been issued so far. It has been slightly modified for your listening pleasure.
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This week the Madcaps discuss some of the public lands that make up Indian River Lagoon as well as the recreational opportunities that exist there. No episode would be complete without the discussion of the environmental challenges that exist from the past to the present.
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This week the Madcaps discuss the various aspects of how hurricanes can impact recreation in Florida from trail closures to coastal geographic changes.
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While summer brings some fantastic recreating weather, it also brings crowds to our outdoor spaces. This week the Madcaps discuss how they navigate recreating in Florida's natural areas during the peak season.
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This week the Madcaps were treated to a hike through Split Oak Forest with the President of the Friends of Split Oak Forest, Valerie Anderson. Afterwards, we recorded an episode right at Split Oak and Valerie outlined the current struggle to protect a conservation property that was originally set aside for Gopher Tortoise Habitat to mitigate the almost 100,000 killed during development with Florida's "Pay to Pave" program as well as to offset the effects of development that were occurring in that area in the 80s and early 90s.
Valerie outlines the importance of the habitat at Split Oak Forest and forewarns about the feeble legal protections that conservation lands in Florida have.
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This week the Madcaps discuss their favorite parks and hiking destinations that are in West Central Florida from scrub to Native American mounds, the Madcaps discuss a few parks in this area.
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This week the Madcaps discuss some of Florida's amazing habitats, from the limestone trails of the Florida Keys, to the ancient dunes of Lake Wales Ridge, we talk about many different habitats of Florida and what makes them special.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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/
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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This week the Madcaps Reflect on the trails that we have individually or collectively found challenging either due to weather, location, or trail conditions. Tune in to hear some great hiking stories and spots!
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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.
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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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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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.
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.
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/
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In a continuation of a previous episode that we did, the Florida Madcaps and guest Imani discuss the interesting things they have seen along the roadside during our combined hundreds of thousands of miles of road-tripping throughout Florida.
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From the Gulf of Mexico to the St Johns River is the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway., which was once planned to be the Cross Florida Barge Canal. The park is named after the famed environmental activist who opposed the canal and was instrumental in getting it deauthorized. The barge canal was about thirty percent complete when construction ceased. Now it is a 110-mile linear state park.
This week we discuss a few of the notable places along the greenway along with some of the challenges that it still faces.
The official website for the Cross Florida Greenway.
https://www.floridastateparks.org/Cross-Florida
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This week we discuss maintenance teams along the Florida National Scenic Trail. Maintenance teams ensure the trail is marked and traversable. Also volunteers can enjoy some of the best of Florida's outdoors during multiday trail maintenance opportunities.
Florida National Scenic Trail Volunteer Resources:
https://floridatrail.org/volunteer-resources/
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This week we cover the various aspects of Ichetuknee Springs State Park with former ranger Steve Earl. We also discussed Steve's book about Ichetuknee called "Sacred Waters."
This week on Madcaps, join us for an in-depth exploration of the Florida National Scenic Trail. From the southern terminus to the northern terminus and every scenic point in between, we not only cover the trail's geography but also dive into its rich history, providing a comprehensive perspective on this captivating outdoor adventure.
Please note that this episode was recorded a few months ago to prepare for Chelsey’s maternity leave. Trail conditions and closures may change from what is stated here.
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