Welcome to Florida

• Episode 283: Marijuana Smuggling in the Everglades

  The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is proud to acknowledge that it didn't follow science when recommending a black bear hunt.Our guest this episode is documentary filmmaker Rob Hoovis. In November of 2025, he premiered "Outlaws of the Everglades," a film detailing the marijuana smuggling pipeline from Central America and the Caribbean that flowed through the 10,000 Islands area of rural southwestern Florida during the 1970s and 80s.Our "Florida Black History" YouTube channel has been updated with our past episodes on Fort Mose, Harry and Harriette Moore, and Reconstruction and Freedmen in the state.The next state legislative session is weeks away with the groundwork already being laid in Tallahassee. Jason Garcia's "Seeking Rents" and Ryan Smart and Ryan Worthington's "As Bad As It Is" are the two best podcasts to keep you informed on all the treachery.Nature DisturbedMother Nature is one weird ladyListen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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• Episode 283: Florida in the 1930s

  With the gubernatorial election less than a year away, now is the time to ask the crowded field of candidates about their positions on conservation and the environment.Three episodes ago, we discussed the impact America's lead-up to World War II had on Florida, bringing hundreds of thousands of servicemen and dozens of military installations to the state. That was the 1930s. In this episode with Florida author and historian Gary Mormino, we discussed what else was going on across the state during the 1930s - the heart of the Great Depression.If the Jeffrey Epstein scandal interests you, here's the link to our previous episode with Julie Brown, the Miami Herald investigative journalist who would not let the story die, even after Epstein initially got away with it.Nature DisturbedMother Nature is one weird ladyListen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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• Episode 282: Smalltooth Sawfish

  Residents in Crystal River are worried about a sand mine disrupting their drinking water and springs.The smalltooth sawfish is one of the most unusual looking animals in the animal kingdom. Tonya Wiley has been studying the species for more than 25 years, most recently with her Havenworth Coastal Conservation organization. Tonya joins us to discuss this endangered species, how it has hung on in Florida while being wiped out elsewhere, and the latest threat to its survival.If you see a sawfish, call 844-472-9347 (1-844-4SAWFISH)."Welcome to Florida" patrons receive exclusive access to our weekly Florida Conservation Newsletter for only $5 per month.Nature DisturbedMother Nature is one weird ladyListen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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• Episode 281: Florida's Trilingual Newspaper

  Folks in the Panhandle are upset about a scheme to swap 200 acres of National Forest land to build a county recreation area.Our guest this episode is Patrick Manteiga, second generation owner, publisher, and columnist at the Tampa-based La Gaceta newspaper. La Gaceta is the state's - and the nation's - only trilingual newspaper.Filling in for Chadd Scott his episode is Florida author, podcaster, and newspaper publisher Cathy Salustri.Nature DisturbedMother Nature is one weird ladyListen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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• Episode 280: Florida During World War II

  The local Audubon Society chapter and residents in Sarasota took on the country's largest homebuilder - and WON!Florida was an essential training and support location for military operations during World War II. Anthony D. Atwood is a military historian who authored "State of War: A History of World War II in Florida." He joins us to discuss how Florida shaped the War and how the War shaped Florida.For only $5 per month, you can support "Welcome to Florida" by becoming a monthly patron. Patrons receive exclusive access to our weekly Florida Conservation Newsletter.Nature DisturbedMother Nature is one weird ladyListen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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