Category Archives: florida history

The Dennis the Menace Masonic Lodge

Posted on March 6, 2013 by floridatraveler

Union County (Lake Butlker) is one of Florida’s least populated counties. There is one high school, one middle school, and one elementary school. But it has a most unusual Masonic Lodge. The 1905 Community School has long been converted into … Continue reading →

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Florida’s Unwanted Immigrant Problem Is Booming

Posted on March 3, 2013 by floridatraveler

Last month’s Burmese python hunt in the Everglades killed 68 snakes, one 14 feet 3 inches long. Still, the snakes are killing off small animals and destroying gator eggs in record numbers. Other unpopular Florida visitors include the world’s largest … Continue reading →

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food The Best Key Lime Pie In Florida?

Posted on March 3, 2013 by floridatraveler

This is the time of year when tourists are hunting for key lime pie to take back up North. Key lime pie should be made from fresh lime juice, real whipped cream, and home made gragham cracker. My BEST OF … Continue reading →

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Busch Gardens Has Teamed Up With The Cast of Madagascar

Posted on February 15, 2013 by floridatraveler

Kids rush to Disney World to meet Mickey Mouse. Teens floak to Universal for Harry Potter and Super-heroes. Now Busch Gardens has a little celebrity power. (Those Madagascar films netted $1.8 billion in revenue.) Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, … Continue reading →

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Best Places To View Florida’s Manatees

Posted on February 8, 2013 by floridatraveler

During the cold winter months, Florida’s wonderful manatee (sea cow) population head up river to warm springs and go to the warming waters of bay power plants. It is the best time for non-divers to get close to viewing manatees. … Continue reading →

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Florida State Fair’s Cracker Country

Posted on February 8, 2013 by floridatraveler

The Florida State Fair just opened in Tampa off US 301 and I-4. The Fair contains the usual anusement rides, livestock competitions, and diverse free entertainment. Of importance to history buffs, it is the opportunity to see the historic Cracker … Continue reading →

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event: Juan Gomez: the Legend Behind Gasparilla The Pirate

Posted on January 23, 2013 by floridatraveler

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 →

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sports: I Remember Ron Fraser As My First Interview

Posted on January 21, 2013 by floridatraveler

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 →

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sport: Bouldering In Florida Is “Blowing Rocks”

Posted on January 15, 2013 by floridatraveler

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 →

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civil war: Battle of Brooksville

Posted on January 13, 2013 by floridatraveler

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 →

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