The Florida Madcaps

Send us Fan Mail 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 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 htt...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, the Madcaps share their favorite natural areas that they have visited around  Tallahassee.  Here are a few points that we discussed: Lake Talquin State Park https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/lake-talquin-state-park Lake Talquin State Forest https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Lake-Talquin-State-Forest Alfred B. Maclay G...

Send us Fan Mail 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. Please subscribe!  Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a sp...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 Magnit...

Send us Fan Mail 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. https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/CrystalRiverTearsheet16.pdf Crystal River Preserve State Park https://www.floridastateparks.org/pa...

Send us Fan Mail 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.   Homosassa Springs (home of Lu the Hippo) https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/ellie-schiller-homosassa-spri...

Send us Fan Mail 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.   Please subscribe!  Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a spr...

Send us Fan Mail 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. Please subscribe!  Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a spring...

Send us Fan Mail 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 a...

Send us Fan Mail This week the Madcaps discuss the basics of backcountry camping in Florida.  From the fundamentals to our favorite spots, we have you covered! Some of the agencies in Florida that offer primitive or backcountry camping are: Florida Forest Service https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Our-Forests/State-Forests/State-Forest-Recreation?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA_aGuBhACEiwAly57M...

Send us Fan Mail 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.   Fort Mose located in St Augustine https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/fort-mose-historic-state-park Prospect Bluff is located North of Apalachicola.   https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/flor...

Send us Fan Mail 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.    Here are some links to the areas we discussed. Bald Point https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/bald-point-state-park Ochlocknee River https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/ochlockonee-ri...

Send us Fan Mail 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 738 Environmental Management https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2024/738  SB 1126 Regulation of Auxilary Containers https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2024/1126/ByCat...

Send us Fan Mail 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. 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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.  https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/kissimmee-prairie-preserve-state-park Please subscribe!  Shares and reviews are much appreciated!...

Send us Fan Mail 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. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/jonathan-dickinson-state-park. Please subscribe!  Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to b...

Send us Fan Mail 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:...

Send us Fan Mail This week the Madcaps cover the parks and natural areas around Seminole County and how it has prioritized conservation while being close to Orlando. https://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/departments-services/leisure-services/parks-trails-and-natural-lands/ Please subscribe!  Shares and reviews are much appreciated! Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to b...

Send us Fan Mail 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-m...

Send us Fan Mail 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/ Please subscribe!  S...

Send us Fan Mail 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." To order Steve's Book "Sacred Waters" https://upf.com/authorbooks.asp?lname=EARL&fname=STEVEN The Ichetunknee State Park Website https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-...

Send us Fan Mail 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 recorde...

Send us Fan Mail Charles Bronson State Forest is located near Christmas, Florida has trails and camping.  it also borders a number of other important conservation areas such as Orlando Wetlands Park and Little Big Econ State Forest.  One of the more notable trails is the Joshua Creek Trail Loop which is a bit longer than nine miles, it also traverses a number of different habitats. Charles Bronson...

Send us Fan Mail This week we discuss how we can help protect Florida's fragile environment when it is under assault from special interests, apathetic regulators, and political greenwashing.   This week we have our first repeat guest.  Ryan Smart is the executive director of the Florida Springs Council which not only engages in legal battles to protect the springs but also directs advocacy ef...