Legendry, best-selling Florida author Craig Pittman 🗿 joins our roundtable to get into what makes Florida beautiful, bizarre, and most importantly, worth fighting for. We'll be talking about everything Florida, including the wildest stories from his new book, Welcome to Florida. This episode hits with history, humor, and a heartfelt plea for Floridians to care... but also, to act, as we ask: can we save the the state we love before it's too late? 🌴🐊 👉 And be sure to pick up Pittman's new book, Welcome to Florida: True Tales from America's Most Interesting State.
Ah, Florida... land of sunshine, dolphins, cheap rent, and second chances. But is the dream still alive or just another faded promise baking on the side of the interstate? In this episode, the roundtable cracks open some raw conversation about the rising cost of living, Florida’s broken housing market, and whether everyday folks are being priced out of the life they were told they could build here. From personal stories of being pushed out of hometowns to debates about what’s changing Florida more—newcomers or lost locals—we ask whether the Florida Dream still exists, or if it’s morphed into something else entirely.
Bootleggers, biker bars, and backyard militias, we're going to the wrong side of the tracks, where Florida’s outlaw spirit thrives. From the Prohibition-era coasts to modern meth labs, the crew unpacks what makes Florida’s lawless streak so enduring (and strangely lovable). Come for the history, stay for the swampland shootouts and Ponzi-scheme legends.
Florida isn't exactly known for its tame education system. Yet, we survived Florida’s schools—but how? In this episode, our roundtable takes on the challenge of education in the Sunshine State: from overcrowded classrooms and underpaid teachers to alligators in the parking lots and drug deals in the halls. We share our own wild stories growing up in Florida’s public schools, while also asking if there’s any hope for the future. Plus: education alternatives, private vs public vs charter, and whether any of it's actually working. It’s a chaotic ride through Florida’s classrooms, with just enough humor to keep you from crying.
Florida isn’t just a place—it’s us. And it's our collection of memories, wild stories, near-misses, and fun moments that stick with you forever. In this special episode, we hit the streets (and our inbox) to ask audience members--everyday Floridians--two simple questions: What’s the most unforgettable thing you’ve ever experienced in Florida? and What does Florida mean to you? The answers? As unpredictable as the state itself. From encounters with nature that felt straight out of a documentary to chaos on the backroads that could only happen here, this episode is a raw, real look at what makes Florida, well, Florida. Buckle up—these are the stories you won’t hear anywhere else.
What does it take to build something unique in Florida—a community that’s more than just another tourist trap? This week, we sit down with Michael Bryant Sr., founder of Dunedin Brewery, to talk about how he helped turn a small-town idea into Florida’s oldest craft brewery and, in the process, helped shape an entire community. From the challenges of keeping a business authentic in a state that thrives on reinvention to what Florida towns should be doing to build culture, this is a conversation about vision, grit, and making your mark. Grab a drink and join us.
Florida is known for its chaos... and that’s exactly why we love it. But how do you turn this lawless paradise into home? In this episode, we’re diving into what it really takes to build authentic connections in a state where millionaires, outlaws, retirees, and weirdos all collide. From dive bars to backyard fish fries, from historic small towns to neon-drenched party beaches—what makes a real Florida community, and how do you find your people in the madness?
Forget the tourist traps—Florida’s real flavor is hidden in the dive bars, fish shacks, and greasy spoons that locals swear by. It's where there's magic and memories. 🍔🍻 From backroad BBQ joints to beachside watering holes with questionable decor, we’re diving into the spots that make this state deliciously unruly. Got a favorite? Grab a drink and let’s debate the finer points of damn fine dining.
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. 😢☠️
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.
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? 🎄🌞
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.
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.
In this episode, we sit down with Shane Warth, a strongly local political candidate for once-sleepy coastal city Dunedin, Florida. But Shane is anything but conventional when it comes to politics. From his Gen X roots in punk rock ethos to his no-nonsense approach to local politics, Shane represents a new wave of leadership ready to offer a different vision for Florida's future.
In this special episode, we dive into the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which left devastation across Florida, including massive flooding in Tampa Bay. Even as Hurricane Milton was forming and approaches, we’re talking about what makes these storms so unpredictable, how Floridians prepare, and the cultural impact on the state's identity.
In this bold episode, the roundtable dives into the world of leadership in Florida, exploring how a new generation is stepping up to challenge the status quo. From questioning outdated practices to calling out the need for innovation, we're talking about how Gen X and Millennials are rethinking community leadership at a pivotal time for the state.
In this special episode, our roundtable sits down with our very first guest, a true jewel of Old Florida—Grandma Rose. That's right, in our typical unconventional style, we’re kickin' back, sippin' drinks, and boomin' with the Boomers.
In this episode of Drinks with Floridaman, we delve into the changing landscape of Florida’s once-vibrant small towns. From vanished communities to those teetering on the edge of losing their character, we explore how gentrification and unchecked development are reshaping the state.
Forget what you’ve heard—Florida is more than kitschy souvenirs and Jimmy Buffett cover bands. In Episode 3, we dive into the overlooked and untapped creative pulse that’s been growing in the Sunshine State for decades.
You know that there's more to the Sunshine State than meets the eye. In Episode 2 of "Drinks with Floridaman," we venture beyond the overhyped tourist traps to uncover a few of Florida's hidden gems.
In this inaugural episode, our hosts dive headfirst into the heart of the Sunshine State to answer the burning question: Who is Floridaman, really? Join our roundtable of native & life-long Floridians as we peel back the layers of this cultural phenomenon and explore what it means to be a true Floridian in the 21st century.
