Florida’s Fourth Estate

Florida may be known for its sunshine and beaches, but few realize the state was once a cinematic hub, rivaling Hollywood itself.

During this edition of Florida's Fourth Estate, hosts Ginger Gadsden and Matt Austin along with guest, UCF professor David Morton, unearth Florida's forgotten role in the early film industry.

 Hard to believe but Jacksonville once rivaled Hollywood.

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Florida’s beaches have made headlines in the past thanks to the huge volume of cocaine that frequently washes up.

These instances are the result of drug traffickers from Central and South America who attempt to smuggle cocaine and other narcotics into the United States.

Matt and Ginger explore what this means for sharks and other ocean life, with Dr. Tracy Fanara.

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Florida's Fourth Estate recently hosted Steve Pan, the General Manager and part-owner of 321 Boat Rentals and Clubs, based in Melbourne, Florida. Steve shared his journey from Swiss banking to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the boating industry. If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a boat or simply enjoy the thrill of being on the water, this episode is for you. We explore the ins and outs of boat rentals, the benefits of joining a boat club, and Steve's inspiring personal story.

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In the latest episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate, Tony Talcott, the digital producer behind some of the most viral stories on ClickOrlando, takes listeners on a journey through Florida’s quirkiest and lesser-known stories.

With a knack for uncovering the strange and unusual, Talcott has made a name for himself by finding and sharing these captivating tales.

“Florida’s history is full of interesting and quirky stories,” Talcott shares during the podcast, reflecting on his passion for these unique discoveries.

From towns with odd names to mysterious vigilantes, Talcott delves into the bizarre yet fascinating corners of the Sunshine State.

One of the standout stories discussed in the podcast is the origin of Taintsville, a small community in Seminole County.

As Talcott explains, “They didn’t really feel like they had a lot of identity, so a lot of the folks around there used to joke, ‘Well, we t’aint in Oviedo, and we t’aint in Chuluota.’”

This playful origin story, based on the town’s location between Oviedo and Chuluota, is a perfect example of the local humor that often defines Florida’s communities.

Talcott also addresses the infamous myth surrounding loofahs in The Villages, which many believed were being used as a secret code for swingers.

“It seems like it was a joke that was made by a drag queen a few years back,” Tony clarifies, debunking the widely spread rumor.

Instead, he discovered that the decorations on cars and golf carts were simply a way for elderly residents to find their vehicles in crowded parking lots.

In another fascinating revelation, Talcott discusses the mysterious anti-gravity monuments found in Florida.

These monuments were commissioned by millionaire Roger Babson, who, according to Tony, “really had a bone to pick with gravity” and blamed it for various societal issues, including the death of his sister.

Babson’s unique mission to “wage a war on gravity” led him to fund scientific research aimed at overcoming this natural force, resulting in these unusual monuments.

The podcast also highlights the story of Ratman, a viral sensation at the University of Central Florida (UCF).

As Tony recalls, “There was a viral video online of some guy in a rat costume... stopping a supposed bike thief on the campus.”

The video, which was part of a student film project, quickly gained attention, with many students mistaking it for a real-life superhero incident.

Talcott’s top story, however, is about the hidden “Ginger Ale Spring” near I-4 in Longwood.

This spring, which smells of sulfur, was once used by a ginger ale plant.

“They thought this was gonna be the next big thing,” says Talcott, but the business never took off, leaving behind this curious relic in the woods.

Tony Talcott’s dedication to uncovering and sharing these stories has not only entertained but also educated many Floridians.

As he puts it, “Finding out other folks like these stories too just makes me super happy.”

For those eager to explore more of Florida’s hidden gems, Tony’s articles and appearances on ClickOrlando are a must-follow.

Whether it’s the bizarre origins of a town’s name or the truth behind urban legends, Tony Talcott continues to shed light on the peculiar and captivating stories that make Florida one of the most interesting places in the world.

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The Birth of a Frozen Delight

Michael Keller, CEO of Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, joined anchors Ginger Gadsden and Matt Austin on Florida’s Fourth Estate to share the captivating origin story of this beloved brand.

The journey began with Jeremy Litwack, a passionate entrepreneur from South Jersey. Inspired by the classic Italian ice (or “water ice” as it’s known in Philly. Please don’t try to pronounce “water ice” like they do in Philly. It won’t end well for you) of his hometown, Jeremy began experimenting with recipes as early as 1988 while attending the University of Delaware.

From Push Cart to Brick-and-Mortar

Litwack’s dream wasn’t just about creating a delicious product; it was about sharing it with the world. He started small, peddling his perfected Italian ice from behind a pushcart, sometimes even on rollerblades. He was a hockey player so he knew what he was doing. The journey led him to Florida, where in 1996, he opened the first Jeremiah’s Italian Ice location in Winter Park, Orlando.

Growing Pains and Breakthroughs

Like many great businesses, Jeremiah’s faced its share of struggles. Litwack was bringing a northeastern concept to the sunny state of Florida, and it took time to catch on. Early on, there were quiet days, with few customers and even fewer sales, but Litwack’s belief in his product never wavered. He focused on grassroots efforts, building the brand one customer at a time, even going so far as to place coupons on the windshields of cars parked in his lot. What can we say, the guy had an insatiable drive.

A Franchise Success Story

In 2019, Litwack and his team decided to take Jeremiah’s to the next level by franchising. The first franchise locations opened in 2020, and within just a few years, the company expanded to nearly 130 stores across 11 states. The growth has been phenomenal, and the brand shows no signs of slowing down. When Matt Austin Asked the CEO about growing too fast, Keller explained they take great pains to make sure each location lives up to the Jeremiah’s promise of quality.

A Taste That Stays with You

When, FFE host, Ginger Gadsden got to taste Jeremiah’s Italian ice during the podcast, she couldn’t help but rave about the unique, layered flavors. The blend of Italian ice and custard creates a taste sensation that keeps customers coming back for more. Ginger’s reaction was priceless, likening the experience to a wine tasting where the flavors continue to unfold with each bite.

The Future of Jeremiah’s Italian Ice

Looking ahead, Jeremiah’s has big plans. With a goal to expand to 300 stores within a few years, the company is poised for continued success. New products and flavors are on the horizon, promising to delight customers in new and exciting ways.

A Sweet Legacy

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice has grown from a single pushcart to a nationwide franchise, all while staying true to its sweet roots. As Michael Keller puts it, the future is bright, with endless possibilities for growth and innovation. Whether you’re in Florida or across the country, one thing is clear: Jeremiah’s is here to stay, one cup of delicious Italian ice at a time.

The original Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, which opened in Winter Park, is still open for business and located at 6864 Aloma Ave.

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A teen scientist from Orlando has developed a potion from beer that might help save the ailing honeybee population.

18-year-old Atreya Manaswi has devoted the last five years of his life to saving the bee population. The young man has worked with the United States Department of Agriculture, University of Florida and spoken in front of the United Nations.

It all started when a friend’s grandfather told the teen about the huge decline in bees. Manaswi, only 12 years old at the time, promised the man he would find a solution. “Something is happening to them within the past few decades,” said Manaswi.

And the numbers back up his claims. According to the USDA, commercial honeybee populations have been dropping for years. Manaswi started attending conferences and lectures. Before he knew it, the preteen found himself inside a lab researching solutions.

“It’s really intimidating at first. I was 12 years old, and I didn’t really know what I was doing,” Manaswi said.

Manaswi decided to target two specific problems the bees are having: The pests and the pesticides are hurting colonies the most.

Soon the budding scientist started testing different solutions inside a small trap in the hive. The goal is to lure tiny pests called the small hive beetle which drown in the solution while the bees go about their work. If left to their own devices, the beetles destroy eggs, honey, and pollen stores in the comb while spreading diseases in the hive.

After countless trial and error, Manaswi found a compound made of beer that was able to entice the beetles at an exciting rate.

“It’s actually 33 times better than the organic agent beekeepers are previously using which was apple cider vinegar,” Manaswi said.

The teen scientist also says his compound is way less expensive than traditional pesticides. It costs about $14 to get started.

For all his work, Manaswi has won a cacophony of prizes, most recently the Barron Prize. The organization selected 15 young heroes making positive change in the ecosystem and improving the environment.

The beer blend is currently under peer review to see if other scientists can replicate the low-cost, eco-friendly, and effective answer for the bees and beekeepers.

Manaswi has racked up many awards and many bee stings along the way to success.

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Jennifer Gomez paints a rosy picture of her upbringing. Her mom was a neurologist. Her Dad is a psychiatrist.

She is the youngest of seven children.

She said all of her siblings are successful.

But as a child, she didn’t see their success as enviable.

She saw it as boring.

She told Matt Austin and Ginger Gadsden on Florida’s Fourth Estate, when she thought of their lives she thought, “Your life looks really boring, going to work every day, doing these routine mundane things.”

She said she wanted excitement, and she found it in targeting wealthy homes and stealing some of their most prized possessions.

Altogether, she said she burglarized hundreds of homes: “I don’t actually know the number, I’m going solely by what the detectives said and what was in my paperwork. It was 200, on paper, documented, that you can find.”

Now Gomez is coming clean sharing her stories on social media and warning people to stop doing simple things that make them and their homes a target.

For starters she said to stop making assumptions, “These people would look at me in these neighborhoods, communicate with me, look me straight in the eyes, and never suspect anything because of the way that I look.”

She added, “Everybody that’s here to hurt you or cause you harm doesn’t look the way your mind thinks they look. There’s no stereotype.”

Gomez pointed out she lived in wealthy communities and had wealthy friends and that the things they do to protect themselves often helped her plot against them. She said signage indicating which surveillance company a homeowner used, notifications that they had a pet, and large bushes helped her better plan her home burglaries.

She said she also tried to target homes that were closer to the front of the community.

She pointed out, “The last thing I wanted was to burglarize a home and then be stuck way in the back of the neighborhood and have to come out and possibly pass police officers or whomever.”

However after breaking into hundreds of homes Gomez did eventually come across a homeowner, then police, and was arrested.

She said she spent time behind bars on three separate occasions and even gave birth to her child when she was incarcerated.

After getting out, Gomez said she turned her life around and is now committed to helping others avoid becoming a target.

You can learn more about Gomez on Florida’s Fourth Estate. You can download the podcast from wherever you listen to podcasts or watch anytime on News 6+.

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A teen inventor helping the visually impaired now focuses on artificial intelligence and saving the world from oil spills.

Tiffani Gay is heading into her senior year of high school. She also hopes to catch the attention of her dream university, Harvard.

The world has changed a lot since Gay last appeared on Florida’s Fourth Estate. After going viral on our YouTube channel, Gay got a call from the Tamron Hall Show.

“Without you, I don’t think I would have gotten that opportunity,” Gay said.

She has become known around the world for her invention that can help visually impaired people navigate using radar instead of guide dogs or a cane.

“I’m getting replies from inventors in Switzerland and inventors here locally asking to collaborate on a host of different projects,” Gay said. “The next project I’m working on is an electromagnetic system that is capable of separating oil from water.”

She recently won first place from NOAA for her research in this field. She is hoping to one day use the technology to help animals impacted by oil spills in the ocean. Another new passion involves social issues.

Gay has noticed one common theme in her science classes.

“It’s kind of overbearingly full of men right now,” she said.

Gay was one of two girls in her high-level science classes.

“I felt like making a mistake would make me and all of the other women in the room look less intelligent,” she said.

So, she and her partner in class co-founded Girls Who Code.

Every Wednesday, they mentor 2nd to 4th grade girls. The little ladies started out shy.

“As the months passed, I watched them become more interactive with the classroom,” Gay said.

Gay and her friend brought in robots and made the classroom a living breathing experience.

This busy high schooler said keeping this intense schedule isn’t easy, but a tight-knit friend group keeps her grounded.

“We are the closest friend group ever,” Gay said.,

She went to prom with a group of girls who had been together since middle school. She looks to them for balance.

“Just having that great group of friends who are all really ambitious has been very important to me,” Gay said.

As for the future, Gay will have a lot of options for college. One institution stands above the rest.

“For me right now my dream college is Harvard University,” she said.

She is researching there this summer. Gay appreciates the university’s options for research during undergraduate years. She’s also very interested in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Wherever she goes, we will keep you updated as she takes over the world.

You can hear more from Gay on Florida’s Fourth Estate. The podcast is available from wherever you listen to podcasts or anytime on News 6+.

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If you live in Florida, you have probably heard of sinkholes.

It’s when the ground caves in, often bringing down everything on top of it. Roads, businesses and homes have all been impacted.

Dr. Manoj Chopra has researched sinkholes and erosion at the University of Central Florida and said much of Central Florida is part of “Sinkhole Alley.”

“It goes all the way from Hillsborough County, and close to Tampa, all the way up to Daytona, and it goes through our areas of Maitland and Winter Park,” Chopra told Florida’s Fourth Estate hosts Matt Austin and Ginger Gadsden.

Lake Eola actually started as a sinkhole.

Chopra said part of the lake collapsed through the aquifer and filled with water. He said much of the lake is shallow, but the part that collapsed is very deep.

He pointed out that Lake Rose in Winter Park also started as a sinkhole. It caused a car dealership to collapse and some of the cars were never recovered.

Chopra said there is an easy way to see if a lake started as a sinkhole.

“If you fly over Central Florida, if you see those really round lakes, they’re probably sinkholes, because a sinkhole is typically a funnel that fails the surface and falls in,” Chopra said.

While they are pretty from the sky, they can be concerning and dangerous in residential areas.

The engineering professor said if you have a home in the impacted area, you should check out the Florida Geological Survey map of Sinkholes and learn the history of the area.

Chopra said there are two types of sinkholes: ones that form under sand usually produce depressions before the limestone underneath gives way, but when the ground has a layer of clay under it, like the one in Seffner that suddenly collapsed and killed a man in his sleep, there are little to no warning signs.

Chopra said that’s because the clay acts as a barrier, everything falls apart below, then once everything is gone, the clay barrier falls and everything on top comes tumbling down too.

If you want to make sure the land you are living on is safe Chopra said you can talk to Central Florida experts or get a geotechnical firm to come out and bore into the ground.

To learn more about sinkholes and how they are formed check out Florida’s Fourth Estate.

You can download the podcast from wherever you listen to podcasts or watch anytime on News 6+.

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Alex Lundberg said he has been hunting for fossils for 20 years, but nothing prepared him for what he recently pulled out of the water.

About 10 minutes into a fossil hunting trip to Venice Beach, Lundberg said he spotted something that looked like a piece of wood stuck in the sand.

He told Florida’s Fourth Estate hosts Matt Austin and Ginger Gadsden that he dove down about 25 feet and started dusting it off.

“I kind of recognize it as it’s probably mammoth ivory or mastodon tusk,” he said.

After about 20 minutes the marine biologist was able to unearth it and realized it was indeed a 4-foot-long, 70-pound mastodon tusk.

The animals, which scientists say date back about 23 million years, went extinct about 10,000 years ago. Lundberg said finding something this old in one piece is unusual.

“It was absolutely surreal. I have been fossil hunting for 20 years and I never thought I would find something like this. We find broken pieces of tusk all the time down there, just small pieces, but usually, they don’t stay intact like this they fall apart or storms break them up. I mean the fact that this one stayed in one piece is so surreal and so exciting,” he said.

After cleaning and drying out his discovery, Lundberg said he has been keeping it at his house.

“It’s actually sitting in a Christmas ornament box next to my bed,” he said.

Lundberg hopes he will get to keep it and pass it down to his grandkids, but first, he has to report his finding to the state.

“All vertebrate fossils in Florida found on public land or public water technically belong to the state unless they say otherwise. As amazing as that tusk is, the Florida Museum has way better stuff. They have whole skeletons so hopefully they are not interested in it and I get to keep it, but we will see when it comes time to report it,” he said.

You can learn more about Lundberg, his epic find and how he got his start as a fossil hunter on Florida’s Fourth Estate. The podcast can be downloaded from wherever you listen to podcasts or watch anytime on News 6+.

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