Author Archives: floridatraveler

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About floridatraveler

Emeritus Professor of History and travel and textbook writer M. C. Bob Leonard makes the Sunshine State his home base. Besides serving as content editor for several textbook publishers and as a college professor, he moderates the FHIC at www.floridahistory.org

Florida Films Don’t Score EW’s Top 100 Films List

Posted on July 14, 2013 by floridatraveler

Entertainment Weekly recently published its Top 100 Films of All Time and sadly Florida located films barely appeared. JAWS scored at 18th but it was Jaws II (see pic) that was filmed in Navarre Beach. SOME LIKE IT HOT was … Continue reading →

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Harry Potter Is Going Two Park At Universal

Posted on July 14, 2013 by floridatraveler

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is expanding for a 2014 opening at Orlando’s Universal Studios, but in a unique way for theme parks. Dragon Alley and London Town is being built within the Universal Studios Florida theme park. It … Continue reading →

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Hail To Florida’s Manatee Rehab Hospitals

Posted on June 29, 2013 by floridatraveler

Last spring the red tide killed over 300 manatees in Southwest Florida. Fortunately, many people called 1-888-404-3911, the Rescue Manatee Line at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Dozens of volunteers brought sick manatees to one of Florida’s rehab … Continue reading →

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Don’t Blame Mosquitoes For All Summertime Florida Bites

Posted on June 24, 2013 by floridatraveler

You’re at the beach and the sun is pouring down its mid-day rays and you feel a bite on the back of your neck. “Ow, darn Florida mosquitoes!” Sorry, but salt-marsh mosquities with their long striped legs and either golden-brown … Continue reading →

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Hail The Queen of Florida – Our Favorite Snail

Posted on June 19, 2013 by floridatraveler

Conchs are eatable gastropods very popular as a seafood dish in southern Florida and the islands.  People see conch shells on the beach in Florida and don’t identify them with the food. The Queen Conch, also called the pink conch, … Continue reading →

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If It’s Summer It’s Watermelon Time

Posted on June 14, 2013 by floridatraveler

Years ago when I attended FSU I went to a June Watermelon Festival in Chipley (Washington County). I see that after 57 years the Watermelon Festival is still going on strong – this year on June 28-29th. In the winter … Continue reading →

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One Day Florida Will Swath Ship to Havana

Posted on June 1, 2013 by floridatraveler

The Key West Express (photo above) is a high speed catamaran that takes travelers from Fort Myers Beach to Key West in less than four hours. It is presently Florida’s only long distance coastal above-water boat. I am sad to … Continue reading →

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St Luke’s Cataract & Laser Institute

Posted on May 21, 2013 by floridatraveler

Sitting on the quiet banks of the Ancloate River in Tarpon Springs is St. Luke’s Cataract & Laser Institute, a tribute to the work of Dr. James Gills, the man who has performed more surgeries than any other eye surgeon … Continue reading →

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Best Oceanfront Florida Bed and Breakfast Inns

Posted on May 20, 2013 by floridatraveler

Summer is on the way and its time for Floridians to hit the beaches. Instead of giant and costly resorts and high rise condos, we like those rare commodities: a great bed and beakfast inn DIRECTLY ON THE BEACH. Here … Continue reading →

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Sanibel Island Backs Preservation As Much As Conservation

Posted on May 7, 2013 by floridatraveler

Sanibel and Captiva Islands are well known for their strong rules protecting the environment, but the islands are equally supportive of preserving the islands’ past. The Sanibel Historical Village and Museum has saved an entire village of island history: 1896 … Continue reading →

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