Drinks with Floridaman

Florida’s beaches are more than just white sand and overpriced piña coladas—they’re battlefields of history, environmental concerns, and heated debates over which one reigns supreme. But they're also full of childhood memories for natives. In this episode, we dive into what our beaches say about us as Floridians, from buried treasure to shark-infested waters and more. Also, RIP to our original host. 😢☠️

What does it really take to start and run a successful small business in the Sunshine State? From the challenges of Florida’s transient culture to navigating local laws, weather, and a unique workforce, we’re breaking it all down. The roundtable shares personal stories, hard-earned lessons, and a few chaotic experiments gone wrong. Is it all sunshine and profits, or is there more to the hustle? Whether you’re dreaming of launching your own gig or just curious about what keeps Florida businesses afloat, this episode dives into the gritty, fun, and unpredictable reality of being an entrepreneur in Florida.

From the saga of redoing the Rays' stadium to the redevelopment of iconic Old Florida areas, we’re diving into the controversial world of sports and entertainment districts. Real talk--who truly benefits once the promises have been made? Are these hubs a genuine boost to local economies or a form of exploitation? How do they reshape housing, transportation, and the culture of our communities? We’re not pulling any punches on this episode as we explore the balance between progress and gentrification, asking tough questions about who really benefits when Florida builds big.

Links Covered in This Episode

Babe Ruth's diet
Boiled peanuts brand
John's Pass re-development in Madera Beach
Central Ave in St. Petersburg
Channelside in Tampa
Once-sleepy Dunedin, Florida
Damage to to the Trop
Historic Fenway Hotel
Rays' game of chicken
St Pete subreddit
Cost for the new Rays' stadium
Historic St. Pete Pier
Dunedin municipal battle to keep nightlife
Bars in Dunedin Florida in the 1930s
History of the Devil Ray's
New Trop development plan
Tampa Bay Magazine
Callaloo's Southern comfort food
History of St. Pete College
The historic Deuces neighborhood
Historic Ybor City
The Castle and the Senator
The Shoe Licker in Ybor
Spring training in Florida

As the year wraps up, we’re crafting our very own Florida bucket list for 2025—an ode to what the next year might hold for the Sunshine State. From putting a Floridaman on Mars to rare Florida plants and more, we’re covering the must-dos, must-sees, and maybe a few "why nots." Whether you're chasing adventure, nostalgia, or just the perfect Insta photo, this episode is packed with Floridian flair. Let’s close out the year with a list that’s as weird and wonderful as the state itself.

We know that Florida isn’t exactly considered a winter wonderland, but that doesn’t mean we don’t bring the holiday cheer—our wild way. In this low-key episode of Drinks with Floridaman, we dive into the big debate: does Florida even have real holiday traditions, or are we just slapping tinsel on a palm tree and calling it a day? From seriously sandy Santas to unique local celebrations, we’re breaking down what makes the holidays in Florida special (or not). And, after all, who really wants to shovel snow? 🎄☀️

Links Covered in This Episode

Pinellas Park vs Kenneth City
Robert's Christmas World
Florida orange harvest during winter
Coral Reef Orange Juice
Historic Florida grove stands
Yellow Banks Groves in Largo, Florida
Boat parades
Florida native sand pine
Suwannee Lights
Dade City Lights
St Augustine Night of Lights
The Kookaburra Coffee
Heritage Village in Largo, Florida

Is Florida REALLY the chaotic state the world thinks we are or is there more to the story? In this episode of Drinks with Floridaman, we sit down with Ray Roa, Editor-in-Chief of Creative Loafing Tampa Bay, to dissect Florida’s wild reputation in the media.  Grab a drink and join us as we unpack Florida’s image, the media’s role, and what it all means for the future of the Sunshine State.

In this untamed episode, we’re reflecting on Florida’s wild and unpredictable reputation, unpacking the major headlines and memes that have shaped how the rest of the country sees the Sunshine State. From hurricanes to political chaos, we explore what it is about Florida that sparks such fascination and bewilderment. Tune in for a look at what makes Florida… well, Florida.

Links Covered in This Episode

Magic Mike Florida stripper
2 Live Crew
Weapon X Mason Ale Works
Billy Daggers
Aviator Gin
Bath salt zombie
Hanging Chads, 2000 Election
Andrew Gillum scandal
Port Richey Mayor and Deputy Mayor
Pasco County in Tampa Bay
Floridaman Birthday Game
Challenger tragedy live on TV
Gawker, Bubba, Hulk, Thiel
Bubba kills pig
Elien Gonzalez
Hurricane Andrew journalist story
Memento Mori
1930s Depression Real Estate
Hurricane houses selling after storm
Love Burn festival

The Memes Covered in This Episode
Lady having sex with dolphin?
Lieutenant Dan arrested after storms
Hurricane American Flag Man
Floridaman saves dog from alligator
Black man dropkicks alligator
Miami Mall Alien Riot
Cross-country NASA diaper drive
Disney fights Ron DeSantis
DeSantis marriage

On our first special Halloween episode, our roundtable digs deep into the hidden stories lurking beneath Florida’s sunny façade. From chilling deaths to bizarre local legends, they explore the state’s more sinister elements. The Sunshine State isn't only beaches and theme parks—there's a shadowy side that’s just as captivating. Grab your drink and join the conversation as we uncover the mysteries that make Florida truly unique.

Links Covered in this Episode

• Al Capone in St Pete's Jungle Prada
• Medicine Man 
• 1970s Florida serial killer cop 
• Native American relocation
• Tocobaga & the Philippe Park myth
• Bath salt cannibalism
• Key West's Robert the Doll
• Southern Gothic literary tradition
• Greg's Official Spooky Wench Etsy
• The boys were drinking from these crystal skull mugs 
• Devil's Den spring system
• Gainesville's Devil's Millhopper
• Ben McDaniel's death at Ponce de Leon's Vortex Springs
• History of cave diving deaths in Florida
• Monkeys in Florida
• Florida's legendary cryptid, the Skunk Ape
• Dunedin's Hammock Park Howler
• The parrot fish
• Miami's mythical Coral Castle
• Peace River and prehistoric shark teeth off Florida's coast

In this episode, From Punk Rock to Public Office, we sit down with Shane Warth, a Dunedin local running for city commissioner. A former counter-cultural rebel with a flair for shaking things up, Shane brings a fresh and unorthodox approach to civic leadership in Florida. We dive deep into Tampa Bay politics, touching on broader issues that impact the entire state. From community engagement to the role of local governments, we explore how a new generation of Florida leadership is redefining what's possible for small-town Florida. Tune in for an insightful and energizing discussion.

In this special episode, we dive into the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which left devastation across Florida, including massive flooding in Tampa Bay. With another monster hurricane now heading straight for Tampa--Hurricane Milton--and with the rare west-to-east path, emotions are running high. Although our roundtable recorded this pre-Milton forming, we’ll talk about what makes these storms so unpredictable, how Floridians prepare, and the cultural impact hurricanes have on the state's identity. Tune in as we share personal stories, discuss the challenges ahead, and explore how Florida keeps bouncing back.