The Florida Madcaps

May 15 2024 8
The Florida Madcaps Podcast artwork

A podcast about Florida’s conservation and recreation. There is much more to Florida than theme parks and overcrowded beaches. Three veteran Florida enthusiasts Chris, Chelsey, and Ryan share their travel experiences and perspective for exploring the Sunshine State.  Each episode will delve into the natural and fascinating aspects of  Florida, including the trails, springs, history, ecological issues, and recreational opportunities.

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West Central Florida State Parks

May 15 2024 31 mins  
Send us a Text Message.This week the Madcaps discuss their favorite parks and hiking destinations that are in West Central Florida from scrub to Native American mounds, the Madcaps discuss a few parks in this area.Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.flori

Endless Variety: Exploring Florida's Habitats

May 08 2024 31 mins  
Send us a Text Message.This week the Madcaps discuss some of Florida's amazing habitats, from the limestone trails of the Florida Keys, to the ancient dunes of Lake Wales Ridge, we talk about many different habitats of Florida and what makes them special.Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up

Paddle Guides Kim and Ashley discuss the Wild and Scenic waterways of Central Florida

May 01 2024 34 mins  
Send us a Text Message.This week we were fortunate enough to have Kim and Ashley join us who do tours on one of the two designated Wild and Scenic Rivers in Florida the Wekiva River (including Rock Springs Run and The Emerald Cut). This week we listen to some of the fascinating aspects of the river and some of the more interesting events that they have observed while guiding paddle

Wakulla Springs State Park

Apr 24 2024 30 mins  
Send us a Text Message.This week the Madcaps discuss the fascinating state park. Wakulla Springs! The spring, trails, boat tours, and elegant lodge were all discussed. Check out the park website:https://www.floridastateparks.org/WakullaSpringsPlease subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs

Natural areas to visit around Tallahassee

Apr 17 2024 28 mins  
Send us a Text Message.In this episode, the Madcaps share their favorite natural areas that they have visited around Tallahassee. Here are a few points that we discussed:Lake Talquin State Parkhttps://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/lake-talquin-state-parkLake Talquin State Foresthttps://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Lake-Talquin-State-ForestAlf

Recreating around Osceola National Forest

Apr 10 2024 29 mins  
Send us a Text Message.This week the Madcaps talk about the Florida National Scenic Trail through Osceola National Forest as well as state and county recreation areas. We discuss history, natural features such as waterfalls, and hiking along the St Mary's River.Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and s

Florida Legislative Session Wrap up and Budget Review

Apr 03 2024 43 mins  
Send us a Text Message.This week the Madcaps welcome back Ryan Smart, executive director of the Florida Springs Council. We discuss the various bills that we covered in previous podcasts and what their fate was during this session. Ryan Smart also guides us through the budget that is being sent to the governor for signing including how funding for Florida's various environmenta

Gopher Games a Documentary About the Plight of the Gopher Tortoise.

Mar 27 2024 28 mins  
Send us a Text Message.This week the Madcaps talk with Brent Fannin the director of Gopher Games, a documentary highlighting the plight of the vanishing gopher tortoise population in Florida. This week we discuss how loose regulations and aggressive development is causing habitat loss for the venerable gopher tortoise. Film Premier (free admission) is on Saturday, March 30th at 3:1

Crystal River: Springs, History, and Adventure

Mar 20 2024 28 mins  
Send us a Text Message.In this week's episode, we discuss Crystal River, Florida. There is plenty to do from visiting springs, hiking, Native American historical sites, and much more. Info regarding manatees at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge.https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/CrystalRiverTearsheet16.pdfCrystal River Preserve State Parkhttps://www.floridas

Mermaids, Manatees, and a Hippo. Homosassa & Weeki Wachee Springs

Mar 13 2024 30 mins  
Send us a Text Message.This week the Madcaps discuss two very well-known springs in Florida. Weeki Wachee and Homosassa Springs. Both springs were once Florida attractions before being acquired by the state. Now they still function yet with a more conservation-minded experience. Homosassa Springs (home of Lu the Hippo)https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/ellie-schille