In this episode of 'The Sunshine Republic: What's Cool in Alachua County,' join us on a vibrant journey through North Central Florida's breathtaking landscapes, unique cultural hubs, and exhilarating outdoor adventures. 

We're unveiling the wonders of Alachua County, from the wild savannas of Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park to the intriguing sinkhole at Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park. 

We'll guide you through awe-inspiring exhibitions at the Florida Museum of Natural History, enthralling experiences at the University of Florida's Bat Houses, and beautiful vistas at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. 

You'll also delve into the fascinating world of art at the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, experience animal magic at Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, and step back in time at the Morningside Nature Center's Living History Farm. 

So come along, buckle up, and let's explore the countless marvels Alachua County has to offer!

Baseball has a rich history in the state of Florida, dating back to the early 1900s. Here's a brief overview of the history of baseball in Florida from then until now.

Read more at https://thesunshinerepublic.substack.com/p/baseball-in-florida-from-past-to

The "Florida Man" meme refers to a recurring news trend where bizarre and often criminal incidents involving men from Florida are reported in the media. This meme gained traction on social media platforms as users began sharing outrageous Florida Man headlines and mocking the state's residents. While Florida has a higher population than many other states, the frequency and unusual nature of the incidents reported have made Florida Man a cultural phenomenon. Some attribute the trend to Florida's open public records laws, which make it easier for journalists to access and report on criminal activity, but others suggest that there may be something unique about Florida's culture that leads to such strange behavior. The Florida Man meme has spawned merchandise, podcasts, and even a card game, cementing its place in popular culture.

Here’s 50 of our favorite Florida Man and Florida Woman stories; https://thesunshinerepublic.substack.com/p/50-favorite-florida-man-stories

You heard there was great beer in Florida? You heard RIGHT!

Florida's microbrewery industry has experienced significant growth in recent years. The state is home to more than 350 craft breweries, and the number of microbreweries continues to grow each year.

One reason for the growth of microbreweries in Florida is the state's favorable climate. With a warm and sunny climate, Florida is an attractive location for both tourists and residents, which provides a steady demand for craft beer.

The Florida microbrewery scene has also been aided by favorable laws that have made it easier for small breweries to operate. For example, Florida's laws allow breweries to sell their products directly to consumers, which has helped to promote the growth of taprooms and tasting rooms.

In terms of beer styles, Florida's microbreweries offer a wide range of options, including traditional styles like pale ales, stouts, and lagers, as well as more experimental and unique flavors. Many Florida breweries also source local ingredients to create unique and distinctive beers.

Read more here: https://thesunshinerepublic.substack.com/p/84-of-the-best-microbreweries-in

Kayaking in Florida is a unique and special experience because of the state's abundance of waterways and diverse natural environments. Florida has over 12,000 miles of navigable waterways, including rivers, lakes, springs, and the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, which provide endless opportunities for kayaking enthusiasts.

One of the unique features of kayaking in Florida is the presence of mangrove tunnels. These narrow waterways lined with tangled mangrove roots are a distinctive feature of Florida's coastal areas and provide a breathtaking and immersive experience for kayakers. Florida also has many rivers and springs with crystal-clear water, which allow kayakers to see a variety of marine life, including fish, manatees, and even dolphins in some areas.

Kayaking in Florida also allows paddlers to explore the state's diverse ecosystems, from the Everglades' freshwater marshes and sawgrass prairies to the cypress swamps of the Okefenokee and the barrier islands along the state's coasts.

In addition, Florida's temperate climate allows for year-round kayaking, and the state's parks and protected areas provide many opportunities for kayaking adventures, including guided tours, rentals, and access to launch points.

Overall, kayaking in Florida is a unique and memorable experience, offering a chance to explore the state's beautiful natural landscapes and diverse ecosystems while enjoying a fun and engaging outdoor activity.

Read more here: https://thesunshinerepublic.substack.com/p/100-florida-kayak-spots-you-simply

Snorkeling is very popular in Florida due to the state's warm waters and abundance of marine life. Florida has some of the best snorkeling spots in the United States, including coral reefs, shipwrecks, and crystal-clear springs. Snorkeling in Florida is a great way to explore the state's diverse marine ecosystem and see a variety of colorful fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and other sea creatures. Many of the popular snorkeling sites in Florida are easily accessible from the shore, making it a great activity for families and people of all ages. 

Here’s seventy great sites - in alphabetical order!

https://thesunshinerepublic.substack.com/p/70-florida-snorkel-sites-you-may

Listen in to learn about:

• The Flora of the southern United States.
• Chapman’s Rhododendron - found exclusively in the Sandy Pinelands of West Florida.
• 15 native palm species
• Mangrove forests in the Everglades.
• Gigantic air plants
• The oldest living thing on the earth.
• Hardwood Hammock soil is rich andhumus and is arable.
•  Florida’s ferns and more

Welcome again to another episode of the Sunshine Republic. Today we'll continue on our examination of the southernmost state, which is a guidebook written in the late 1920s. About the state of Florida. Let's continue with geology and paleontology. The far reaching Floridian plateau includes not only the state, but an even greater surrounding area that lies less than 50 fathoms beneath. The Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. primarily an offspring of the sea and bearing the marks of its marine parentage. plateau was built up largely during the most recent of five geologic eras, and is the youngest part of the United States and land infant but 45 million years old. During the convulsive age of mountain building, the Floridian plateau remained comparatively calm, only rising and falling in a rolling motion. The down dip into the Gulf of Mexico. Process still continues. The last 25,000 years the plateau being on an axis that runs obliquely up the peninsula from Key West to a point below Fernandina. has lifted six feet at Miami dropped 30 feet at Pensacola Paleozoic Era of Earth history. 

Enjoy a reading of the 1929 The Guide to the Southernmost State, as JJ takes us through the travelers' second visit plus an exploration of natural Florida 

The Four Florida Writers You Can't Ignore: Buffett, Hiassen, White & MacDonald.

That's just our pick for the top four, of course any list is subjective so you may want to start with this list from wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Writers_from_Florida