The Florida Madcaps

Send us Fan Mail Recently, there have been three instances of gator bites around waterways here in Florida.  Unfortunately, one of them was fatal.  Today, we have gator expert Chris Gillette on to discuss gator safety and mannerisms.   Info on Chris's wildlife sanctuary, Bellowing Acres, can be found at: https://bellowingacres.org/ Social media and online store can be found at: https://www.in...

Send us Fan Mail This week we have two special guests and discuss the facets gatekeeping on social media here in Florida.  Gatekeeping is often posting images or video of an area without disclosing the location. Our guests are: Tessa Skiles, who is a conservationist, underwater photographer/cinematographer, and impact producer known for her evocative, immersive storytelling that reveals the beauty...

Send us Fan Mail This week, we interview our very own Chris Stevens new book that we authored with Sandra Friend.  An atlas a nd breakdown of over 1000 trails in Florida.  We talk with Chris about the book, the process, and some of the features that make it great! To get the book, go to: https://floridapress.org/9780813081588/hikers-guide-to-the-sunshine-state-second-edition/ Please subscribe!  Sh...

Send us Fan Mail This week the Madcaps share some of their preferred alternatives to traveling the interstates around Florida.  Backroads often can take a path through Old Florida and some interesting roadside attractions. Please subscribe!  Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspr...

Send us Fan Mail Parks discussed during this video: Shoal River Headwaters State Park https://www.floridastateparks.org/shoalriverheadwaters Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/fred-gannon-rocky-bayou-state-park Torrey State Park https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/torreya-state-park Defuniak Springs https://www.visitsouthwalton.com/...

Send us Fan Mail This week, the Madcaps discuss their favorite visitor centers and small museums. Here are the links for the ones that were discussed. Guy Bradley Visitors Center on Flamigo Key https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/gbvc.htm John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park https://pennekamppark.com/environmental-education/ Boyd Hill https://www.stpeteparksrec.org/parks___facilities/boyd_hill....

Send us Fan Mail This week, the Madcaps discuss the best visitor centers, small museums, and interpretive displays that can be found in the natural areas of Florida! Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum https://www.ahtahthiki.com Gumbo Limbo https://www.myboca.us/2485/Gumbo-Limbo-Nature-Center Stephen Foster https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/stephen-foster-folk-culture-center-state-park Orlando W...

Send us Fan Mail This week's guest is Matt Caldwell, President of the Florida State Parks Foundation.   We discuss what the  Foundation does to improve our state parks. To become a member of the Florida State Park Foundation: https://floridastateparksfoundation.org/membership/individual-and-family-membership/ To learn more about the Florida State Parks Foundation: https://floridastateparksfou...

Send us Fan Mail This week, our guest is Kristin Anderson, the Programs & Community Engagement Lead with Conservation Florida.  We discuss Conservation Florida's mission to conserve natural areas here in Florida and some of their upcoming events.  To learn more, go to: https://conservationfla.org/ Please subscribe!  Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the F...

Send us Fan Mail This week the Madcaps were joined by Bri, the Community Engagement Manager for the Florida Trail Association as we discuss the details of the 2nd annual Florida Trail Fest.  This year, the FTA staff has been hard at work making the trail fest significantly larger and more engaging than last year.   For the Florida Trail Fest schedule and details, click here Vendors scheduled to at...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we spoke with Elizabeth Filippelli of Duval Audubon!  We discussed some of the perils that birds face, particularly in urban settings, and how the average Floridian can make a difference.  Below are some of the links that we mentioned during the episode: Bird Friendly Toolkit:  https://duvalaudubon.org/bird-friendly-toolkit/ Lights Out Account on Instagram:  https...

Send us Fan Mail Returning "Madcap" Lars Andersen of Adventure Outpost (who is looking for an assistant for anyone who's interested) discusses some of his vast knowledge of the Ichetucknee River and the surrounding area. Please subscribe!  Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://w...

Send us Fan Mail This week, the Madcaps discuss the Florida Trail Thru hike kick-off in Big Cypress in South Florida and their time camping, hiking, and meeting hikers who are hiking the entire Florida Trail. Please subscribe!  Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.or...

Send us Fan Mail This week, our returning guestis  Lars from Adventure Outpost.  Lars discusses some of the paddling opportunities on the Ocklawaha River during the drawdown of the Rodman pool.  Also, Patrick Connolly (from our previous Torreya Hike Episode) joins us as well. To book a tour with Lars go to https://adventureoutpost.net/ and see his calendar of guided paddles. Please subscribe!  Sha...

Send us Fan Mail In this podcast, the Madcaps discuss the various hiking events and programs that occur statewide and locally.   Please subscribe!  Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.com R...

Send us Fan Mail With the "downdown" of the reservoir, much if what is underwater is currently exposed until January.  Lost springs, old forests, and Florida history are visible now.  The Madcaps discuss their experiences exploring the Rodman Reservoir.   Please subscribe!  Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a...

Send us Fan Mail This week the Madcaps reflect on the podcast as well as balancing volunteering, exploring Florida, and life in general. Please subscribe!  Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gma...

Send us Fan Mail This week, we have an incredible guest, Bob Lee, who spent decades in law enforcement in Florida.  He has some amazing stories about his detective work to track down poachers, chase down illegal fishermen, and survive a boat sinking at night in gator infested waters. More info on Bob can be found here:  https://bobhlee.com/ Bob's books can be found here: https://www.amazon.co...

Send us Fan Mail Please subscribe!  Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.com Ryan can be found on Instagram at:  https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/ Chris and Chelsey can be found...

Send us Fan Mail This week, the Florida Madcaps have a special guest, Martin Uman who is a professor emeritus with the University of Florida and has worked six decades in the field of lightning.  In this episode, he discusses some interesting facts about lightning and answers our questions when it comes to recreating in Florida in the presence of lightning.   Please subscribe!  Shares and reviews...

Send us Fan Mail This week, the Madcaps discuss some of the graves, cemeteries, and pioneer burial grounds they have seen while hiking in Florida and visiting small towns. Please subscribe!  Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps Questions and comments can...

Send us Fan Mail This week, the Madcaps discuss some of the weird things they have encountered on the trails as they have explored Florida.  From burnt underwear to unattended fruit bowls, this episode has some of the more light hearted aspects of hiking. Please subscribe!  Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs a...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode the Madcaps discuss a few of the many ghost towns that exist in Florida.  These are settlements that are long gone and have few visual reminders.  Towns discussed: Ethel https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/historic-town-ethel Ellaville: https://abandonedfl.com/the-town-of-ellaville/ Indian Key; https://www.floridastateparks.org/IndianKey Oleno https://www.flori...

Send us Fan Mail Fresh out of the Venomous Handling Course (hosted by the Rattlesnake Conservancy), Ryan and The Madcaps learn all things venomous snakes and about the great work the Rattlesnake Conservancy is doing to conserve a largely unappreciated species that is vital to our environment here in Florida. Website: http://savethebuzztails.org Venomous Handling Certification Course schedule: http...

Send us Fan Mail This week is part 2 of 2 of our podcast of National Public Lands Day and Florida's National Parks.  Started in 1994 and occurring on the 4th Saturday in September, National Public Lands Day celebrates our public lands with volunteer opportunities and events.  Many of our national parks are free, so we decided to discuss the significant ones in Florida!  Enjoy! https://www.nps...