Monthly Archives: January 2013

event: Juan Gomez: the Legend Behind Gasparilla The Pirate

This weekend is Tampa’s annual Gasparilla Festival when the infamous Spanish pirate Jose Gaspar arrives to turn the city into a Mardi Gras festival. Historians have found no evidence in the existence of Gaspar nor his harem of kidnapped beauties … Continue reading

Posted in florida history | Leave a comment

sports: I Remember Ron Fraser As My First Interview

The recent death of college baseball coach and legend Ron Fraser reminded me he was my first interview as the sports editor at U. of Miami. Baseball was not a BIG sport at the U, but Fraser said that would … Continue reading

Posted in florida history | Leave a comment

sport: Bouldering In Florida Is “Blowing Rocks”

Some rockclimbing Arizona friends asked me – can you go bouldering in Florida, the flattest state? The answer is YES – in a somewhat odd way. While most Florida climbers work out at gyms or even try some canal walls, … Continue reading

Posted in florida history | Leave a comment

civil war: Battle of Brooksville

On January 18, 19, and 20, the 22th annual BROOKSVILLE RAID takes place 10 miles west of town at the Sand Hill Boy Scout Camp on Hwy 50. The battle represents a time in July of 1864 when Federal forces … Continue reading

Posted in florida history | Leave a comment

Temple Terrace Has National Register Golf Course

The Temple Terrace (FL) Golf Course, designed by Tom Benelow in 1922, was added to the National Register of Historic Places, the first Florida golf site on the Register. Temple Terrace was one of America’s first golf communities. Although the … Continue reading

Posted in florida history | Leave a comment

HAPPY 500th TO FLORIDA (B. 1513)

This year this blog will feature Ponce de Leon: The Man and the Myth; events of 150th anniversary of Civil War in Florida; My Favorite Hotels, Restaurants, Parks, Historic Sites, and More. Also, special Walt Disney World insider information and … Continue reading

Posted in florida history | Leave a comment