Tales From South Florida: History of the People and Places That Shaped South Florida

Buy Me a Coffee to help support the show. Thank you. Heartbreak can shatter some, but for one man, it became the foundation—literally—for a marvel that has baffled engineers and mystics alike. In Homestead, Florida, Edward Leedskalnin built Coral Castle as a tribute to the woman who left him at the altar. Standing just 5 feet tall and weighing only 100 pounds, Ed moved and carved massive coral sto...

Buy Me a Coffee to help support the show. Thank you. Discover the untold story of a Florida legend, Marjory Stoneman Douglas , on a journey through the remarkable life of the woman who gave voice—and fierce protection—to the Florida Everglades. You may recognize her name from a school or street sign, but her legacy runs far deeper. From her roots in Minneapolis to becoming the first female reporte...

If you are lucky, you will meet many people who will mentor you, provide guidance and be a friend. Such a man was Joe Cappello, the Theater teacher at Broward Community college when I was a young man.  Take a TALK Down Memory Lane with me as I recall when Broward College was less than it is today, but it was also so much more. and the people that taught us were the last of their kind. Send Me a Me...

From 1949 to 1985, Ralph Renick was THE single most important News Anchor in South Florida. His informed, straightforward style made you feel comfortable, while his signature sign-off, "Good night and may the good news be yours" was a reassuring comment of hope in dark days.  Many have followed in his footsteps but none have equalled his accomplishments. Take a TALK Down Memory Lane with...

Step into the vibrant world of South Florida’s legendary musicians—singers, songwriters, and trailblazers who redefined the music industry and left an undeniable mark on culture. From the soulful sounds of Sam and Dave to the infectious energy of KC and the Sunshine Band, and the unstoppable reign of Gloria Estefan, these icons shaped the soundtrack of our lives.  Join me as I honor their legacies...

Bonjour, travel lovers!  If you've ever wondered what it's like to swap palm trees for poutine, this one's for you. Season 2 kicks off with a special episode taking you on a journey from sunny South Florida to the charming streets of Montreal —a city our Canadian neighbors call home and one whose residents have given so much to our local economy over the years. For our anniversary,...

Help Support the Show. Thank you. You know this episode could have been titled Meals From South Florida because I recently sent out the following question in a survey; If you have a friend coming to South Florida for the first time, what would be the one restaurant that you would take them to? The answers might surprise you and the #1 absolutely surprised me. Is your fave eating spot on the list?...

Let's take a TALK down Memory Lane to 1983 and an art exhibit that put South Florida, Miami, and Biscayne Bay front and center in the international at scene. Long before the Miami Vice and Art Deco craze an artistic powerhouse duo named Christi and Jeanne-Claude descended on 11 islands in Biscayne Bay and made history. For two weeks, their unique vision regarding the relationship between Flor...

Please help support the show when you BUY ME A COFFEE If you grew up in South Florida in the 1960's - 1980' then the name Chuck Zink is not unfamiliar to you. But to many children of that era he was a superstar known simply as Skipper Chuck; a tv personality, a community fixture and a true south Florida legend. Take a TALK Down Memory Lane as we remember one of our childhood heroes and a...

Take a TALK Down Memory Lane as we continue on our Florida Toad Trip. This podcast episode let's hop in dad's maroon1968 Plymouth Fury and head north to a little town called Lake Wales, where cars roll up hills...backwards, an old chalet now serves people in need, and one of the most beautiful bird sanctuaries anywhere resides at the top of Iron Mountain and is the highest point in all o...

Take a TALK down Memory Lane courtesy of a suggestion by one of you, our invaluable listeners.  Years ago in the pre-Disney days, road trips were a source of escape, excitement and if you were lucky Pecan Log Rolls. These along with a myriad of Florida-themed delights could be found at two different stores: Stuckey's and Horne's.   Once inside you could find lunch, breakfast, coconut pat...

Happy New Year! And what New Year would be complete without recalling the wonder of the Orange Bowl. It was a legendary sports stadium that was home to the only Perfect Season in the NFL and a college football home-winning streak that was unrivalled. Next, what New Year celebration about the Orange Bowl would be complete without discussing one of the most enduring, exciting and exquisite holiday p...

Have you ever wanted a Behind the Scenes peek on podcasting and the people who do it? Join me for this special fifty-minute edition of Tales From South Florida with my friend Dave Campbell, a Canadian podcaster, who invited me to co-host with him on one of his EIGHT podcasts, The How To Podcast Series, which I was delighted to do. In the episode we chat about podcasting, life, and have a good time...

It's Part 2 of the TFSF reminiscences of celebrating the holidays in South Florida in yesteryear. This time though, I'd like you to join me on a special TALK Down Memory Lane as I recall our annual Christmas trips to Little Rock, Ak. These were incredibly special times, wish I'd appreciated that back then, and no matter your past celebrations I think you'll find some part of yo...

The holidays in South Florida might be different than in other parts of the country but they are no less memorable. Join me as I recall the people places and events from those December traditions of  yesteryear and today that warm our hearts. From driving around town to enjoy entire neighborhoods aglow with Christmas lights, to caroling with high school friends, to celebrating the annual Winterfes...

  Buy Me a Coffee to help support the show. Thank you. In this episode, Bill Monty takes you on a nostalgic journey through the beaches of South Florida, recounting unforgettable memories from Hollywood Beach, South Beach, and Haulover Beach. He reflects on the simple joys of childhood, like having the taste of salt water on your lips for the first time, hanging out with friends, and experiencing...

On this episode of Tales From South Florida we look at attorney extraordinaire, Ellis Rubin , who for a time in the 70's through the 90's dominated the South Florida headlines with what one judge called "Psychobabble Defenses". From the Broward couple filming sex acts in their bedroom closet to the the teenager who murdered his neighbor because of TV to being instrumental in ge...

Join us for all of the fun, history and stories that South Florida has to offer on the podcast Tales From South Florida. For more information or to listen, visit TalesFromSouthFlorida.com Send Me a Message Support the show Click the Leave A Message link above to text Bill Monty...FREE! Share your Memories here: Send a voice message to TalesFromSouthFlorida Visit our website at Tales From South Flo...

Buy Me a Coffee to help support the show. Thank you. Indoor venues for concerts were hard to find back in the day. Your choices were...well, one. The Hollywood Sportatorium. Until 1976 that is. Then in a little town called Sunrise, known mostly for condos, delis and retirees, a magical place was built that would host the biggest names in show biz; from Sinatra to Buffett and more. It was the Sunri...

Buy Me a Coffee to help support the show. Thank you. Join me, Bill Monty , on a nostalgic "Talk Down Memory Lane" as we uncover the hidden gems in this Tale from South Florida ! Amid the hustle and bustle of our sprawling suburbs, there’s a treasure trove of charming small towns waiting to be explored. In this podcast episode, we dive into the captivating stories of three unique communit...

Buy Me a Coffee to help support the show. Thank you. Take a TALK Down Memory Lane! Join your host, Bill Monty, as he takes you on a vivid journey to one of Florida’s and the United States' premier destinations: Key Largo and the iconic John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Ever wondered who John Pennekamp was and how this world-renowned underwater park and sanctuary came into existence? Bill...

Take a TALK Down Memory Lane to a different time when America was embroiled in war, protests, nasty politics and it all came down to Miami Beach in a two-month span. Richard Nixon, George McGovern, Hippies, weed, protests, and my Mom and Dad, all in this episode of Tales from South Florida. Send Me a Message Support the show Click the Leave A Message link above to text Bill Monty...FREE! Share you...

Take a TALK Down Memory Lane.  In August 1992, Hurricane Andrew unleashed its fury, tearing through the western side of Dade County with unparalleled force. This devastating storm didn't just bring destruction—it transformed lives.  Host Bill Monty takes you back to those fateful days leading up to the hurricane’s landfall, painting a vivid picture of the tense anticipation and the dramatic a...

Buy Me a Coffee to help support the show. Thank you. Henry Flagler could be called Mr. Florida, as without his vision, his drive and his money, how and when Florida developed into an agricultural staple and tourist destination would have been a very different story. His story is Florida's history. Especially South Florida's. Take a TALK Down Memory Lane with host Bill Monty as he explore...

Buy Me a Coffee to help support the show. Thank you. From Key West to Tampa, William Cooley was one of the first and most influential settlers to Florida. When he finally settled in the New River Settlement in what would become Fort Lauderdale  he made his fame and fortune in farming, wrecking and politics. But one judicial decision would lead to death and terror for his friends and family. Take a...