Florida Travel Fanatics

Send us a text We recently made a long weekend trip to Marco Island, Florida, on the southern end of the Gulf Coast.    In this episode we'll share our experiences and give you some ideas about how you can visit Marco Island and tips on restaurants, fishing, lodging, weather, beaches, etc.  We'll also share our experiences at two Tampa Michelin rated restaurants, Clarke's day at the Dunedin Celtic Music and Craft Beer Festival, a trip to the Florida Aquarium, positive changes to TSA's airport security lanes, and some suggestions for winter activities here in Florida. Take our survey on Florida Digital Travel guides:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LTV5ZXQ Our Links  : Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution to help support our Podcast Join our Facebook Group Email  :  contact@FloridaTravelFanatics.com Olivia's Italian Restaurant in South Tampa Street Light Taco in South Tampa The Florida Aquarium in Tampa Dunedin Scottish Arts Foundation Tampa's Gasparilla Pirate Fest Central Florida Scottish Highland Games Florida RV Supershow Marco Island Historical Society Davinci's Italian Restaurant in Marco Island Tigertail Beach, Marco Island (00:00)  Introduction (01:06) What in the Florida have we done lately ?   (12:23) Florida Travel News (18:44) Florida Travel Tips (22:08) Main Topic : Marco Island Trip Support the show

Send us a text The Atlantic Hurricane Season is tricky, especially here in Florida.   We're 2/3rds of the way through the peak of this years season, and it's been quiet but odd.   Join us as we explain it,  and as usual we've got some great Florida restaurants to talk about !   A BBQ brisket sandwich on a donut !   And a Michelin recommended English restaurant in affluent South Tampa.    Our Links  : Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution to help support our Podcast Join our Facebook Group Email  :  contact@FloridaTravelFanatics.com Playalinda Beach Canaveral Seashore - our IG Reel Third Culture Kitchen    our IG Reel Smoke and Donuts, in the Milk District Orlando Bellows Film Lab, in the Milk District Orlando    our IG Reel Orlando Beer Festival in the Milk District in November Weatherman Denis Phillips Facebook Page (00:00)  Introduction (01:13) What in the Florida have we done lately ?   (17:01) Florida Travel News (22:46) Florida Travel Tips (26:27) Main Topic : Hurricane Season 2025 Update September Support the show

Send us a text Join us as we recap our wonderful 37th anniversary getaway to Fort Myers, Florida! In this episode, we share tips for planning a Florida road trip—even when the weather’s a little unpredictable. Hear about our stay in the historic Altamonte neighborhood, just ¾ mile from downtown Fort Myers with walkable access to restaurants, breweries, speakeasies, and more. We explore the Sanibel Causeway, visit Bowman Beach and charming Captiva, cruise through Fort Myers Beach and downtown Naples, and celebrate the 4th of July with $2 oysters and fireworks. Plus, hear about our coastal crawl up Florida’s Gulf Coast through Nokomis, Casey Key, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Coquina Beach, and Holmes Beach. If you’re planning a Fort Myers vacation, Gulf Coast beach trip, or Florida road trip itinerary—this episode is packed with helpful insights and local favorites ! Our Links  : Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution to help support our Podcast Join our Facebook Group Email  :  contact@FloridaTravelFanatics.com OCC Roadhouse.    Our IG Reel  Largo Central Park Performing Arts Center Dunedin Highland Games   Our IG Reel Downtown Fort Myers River District Edison & Ford Winter Estates Izzy's Fish & Oyster Restaurant  Our IG Reel 86 Room Speakeasy  Our IG Reel Downtown House of Pizza Coastal Dayz Brewery Support the show

Send us a text The IndyCar Grand Prix of St Petersburg is something we enjoy every year, and we can't recommend it enough.   Downtown St Petersburg Florida comes alive with incredibly fast cars (up to almost 200 mph) and highly skilled drivers.   In this episode we'll talk about it in detail, and let you know how you can enjoy attending this race.   Our Links  : Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution to help support our Podcast Join our Facebook Group Email  :  contact@FloridaTravelFanatics.com Florida Man Games Website Florida Man Games promo video (watch this!!)  SOF (Special Operations Forces) Demo video from 2024 (incredible!) Tampa's Bay's "Bay Area Renfest"  Key West "Southern Most Air Spectacular" Airshow AirDotShow in Fort Lauderdale AirDotShow in Cocoa Beach AirDotShow at Orlando Sanford Airport Michelin Guide for Florida Restaurants St Pete Grand Prix website Oak and Stone Restaurant Downtown St Pete Craft Beer and Artisan Pizza (00:00)  Introduction (02:16) What in the Florida have we done lately ?   (09:05) Florida Travel News (18:40) Florida Travel Tips (22:29) Main Topic : How to enjoy the Grand Prix of Saint Petersburg Florida Support the show

Send us a text We love travel planning, and have never considered using a travel agent.  Why would we ?  You can do everything online, right ?   Well, we recently had a conversation with our good friend Chance Williams, a travel agent.  He opened our eyes to the value of using a travel agent, and we learned that most travel agents don't charge you anything for their services.   And they have access to information, bookings, discounts, etc.  and special access only for travel agents with airlines, cruise lines, hotels, resorts, etc.   In this episode we interview Chance and he explains how it all works, and how a travel agent can book a trip for you, or validate and improve on a trip you've already put together.    Buckle your seatbelt and learn, just like we did !   YouTube Video Podcast version of this episode Chance Williams contact info :   832-725-8666 info@bonnechancetravel.com Chance.EvoTravel@gmail.com Our Links  : Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution to help support our Podcast Join our Facebook Group Email  :  contact@FloridaTravelFanatics.com Krewe of St Yago Knight Parade, Ybor City Tampa Orlando Solar Bears Hockey Team SS United States Conservancy Website Grand Prix of Saint Pete Indy Car Race Weekend Tampa Bay Area Renaissance Festival (00:00)  Introduction (01:17) What in the Florida have we done lately ?   (08:40) Florida Travel News (13:08) Florida Travel Tips (19:05) Main Topic : How to Enjoy professional and college sports in Florida Support the show

Send us a text Winter is a great time to be in Florida !  In this episode we'll talk about winter activities, travel suggestions, and give some locals tips on how to maximize a winter trip to Florida.     Bring a sweatshirt !  Our Links  : Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution to help support our Podcast Join our Facebook Group Email  :  contact@FloridaTravelFanatics.com Instagram Page for Nosey Goat Coffee Shop in downtown Tampa "Eating at a Meeting" Podcast page Knight's of Saint Yago Pirate Parade in Ybor City Tampa Florida's Grapefruit League Spring Training Baseball games Our Podcast episode on Kayaking and Stand Up Paddleboarding in Florida Our Podcast episode on Bike Riding in Florida Our Podcast episode on Hiking in Florida Our Podcast episode on how to enjoy Florida Manatees VisitFlorida.com landing page for Winter Activities (00:00) Introduction (00:54)  What in the Florida have we done lately ?   (10:30) Florida Travel News (16:37) Florida Travel Tips (20:37) Main Topic : How to Enjoy professional and college sports in Florida Support the show

Send us a text We recently spent a long weekend in the Florida Keys !   This has been a Bucket List trip for us for quite awhile, and we had an amazing trip and we're glad to share it with you !   There's a lot to talk about, so we're splitting this into two episodes.   In this second of two episodes, we'll talk about the trip back from Key West and and overnight stay in Islamorada, as well as a fun stop we made in the Everglades on our way back to our home in Tampa. Our Links  : Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution to help support our Podcast Join our Facebook Group Email  :  contact@FloridaTravelFanatics.com Mel's Hot Dog Restaurant near Busch Gardens Tampa Tampa Citipass (great price on 5 major attractions in Tampa) Local Miami news story about the new Publix with boat dock in Hollywood Beach VisitFlorida.com article about Holiday Boat Parades in Florida FloridaRambler.com comprehensive list of Holiday Boat Parades in Florida Trans Siberian Orchestra website Ragged Edge Resort and Marina, Islamorada Mangrove Mike's breakfast cafe, Islamorada History of Diving Museum, Islamorada Clyde Butcher's Everglades Photography Gallery Support the show

Send us a text We recently spent a long weekend in the Florida Keys !   This has been a Bucket List trip for us for quite awhile, and we had an amazing trip and we're glad to share it with you !   There's a lot to talk about, so we're splitting this into two episodes.   In this first episode, we'll talk about the 8 hour drive from Tampa to Key West, including lunch in Key Largo.   We hope we can give you some tips and ideas for your own Keys trip !!  Our Links  : Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution to help support our Podcast Join our Facebook Group Email  :  contact@FloridaTravelFanatics.com PayByPhone parking app ParkMobile parking app Key Largo Fisheries Market Cafe and Marina AirBnb for 1019 Varela Street in Old Town (amazing!) Oasis Restaurant First Flight Restaurant Faustos Grocery Store Frenchies Cafe Hemingway Home & Museum Support the show

Send us a text In this special "double hurricane" episode, we'll talk in depth about Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which hit Florida within 13 days of each other.    We live fairly close to the Gulf of Mexico and experienced it first hand.   We didn't spend much time editing this episode because we wanted you to hear it within just a few days after Milton and hear our experience and perspective.   This episode was recorded just 6 days after Milton, which gave us time to see the aftermath first hand.   As we recorded this episode, there are still flooded roads and homes, thousands without power, and life is just starting to go back to normal here on the affected areas of Florida.   Our thoughts and prayers go out to all people affected by these storms, including people in Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and especially western North Carolina.    Our Links  : Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution to help support our Podcast Join our Facebook Group Email  :  contact@FloridaTravelFanatics.com Support the show

Send us a text Sporting events are very popular in Florida, whether it's professional or college sports.   In this episode we'll talk about how you can enjoy Florida sporting events including football, hockey, baseball, basketball, soccer, golf, and auto racing.    No matter what time of year you're in Florida, there's always a sporting event to attend.  Our Links  : Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution to help support our Podcast Join our Facebook Group Email  :  contact@FloridaTravelFanatics.com Denis Phillips Facebook weather reports Playlinda Brewing Company Dixie Crossroad Seafood Restaurant Miami Carnival Florida Rambler blog post with Oktoberfest calendar Daytona 500 info Gran Prix of St Petersburg (00:00) Introduction and hurricane update (13:17) Florida Travel News (13:40) Florida Travel Tips (15:31) Main Topic : How to Enjoy professional and college sports in Florida Support the show

Send us a text Our Links  : Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution to help support our Podcast Join our Facebook Group Email  :  contact@FloridaTravelFanatics.com Links from this podcast episode: Apple Podcast on the Web:   Podcasts.Apple.com Ozona Blue Grill Ozona Brewing Company Autonomous Wheelchairs at the Miami Airport Tropical Smokehouse restaurant(s) Big John's Alabama BBQ in Tampa Tampa Bay Sun Football Club Bern's Steakhouse Foot Truck Haulover Park Haulover Marine Center Haulover Park Beach Haulover Park Beach Clothing Optional Area Oleta River State Park Timo Restaurant Cut 38 Steakhouse O'Limas Peruvian Gastropub Rustiko Italian Restaurant, Surfside (00:00) Introduction (03:42  ) Florida Travel News (05:39  ) Florida Travel Tips (11:47) Main Topic : How to Enjoy The "Other" Miami Beach Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message. Venice Beach, Florida is a sister city to Venice, Italy and it shows.  It's a beautiful place with a quaint downtown area, a stunning beach, great restaurants, and plenty of fun things to do.   In this episode we'll talk about the area and suggest some fun things to do regardless of the time of year.    From The Bean Depot to Clyde Butcher's photo studio, you'll find something in this episode that'll interest you.   We also talk about going through Tropical Storm Debby, the new Rays baseball stadium, and how to enjoy Miami Spice restaurant months. Our Links  : Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution to help support our Podcast Join our Facebook Group Email  :  contact@FloridaTravelFanatics.com Links from this podcast episode: Denis Phillips (local Tampa Bay weatherman) Facebook Page  MLB's information on the new Tampa Bay Rays stadium Miami Spice Restaurant Months information newspaper article:  new Mote Aquarium in Sarasota Downtown Venice Florida Visit Florida page on Things to do in Venice Clyde Butcher's Photo Studio (free!) Fins at Sharky's restaurant on the beach Facebook page for The Bean Depot Cafe & Museum (00:00) Introduction (04:12) Florida Travel News (10:47) Florida Travel Tips (16:03) Main Topic : How to Enjoy Venice Beach Florida Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message. Florida is a great place to travel to, but it's also a great place to travel FROM.  In this episode we'll talk about quick trips just outside Florida, from Caribbean cruises to the Bahamas, driving to New Orleans from the Panhandle, or even a trip  to Cuba.    Our Links  : Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution to help support our Podcast Join our Facebook Group Email  :  contact@FloridaTravelFanatics.com Links from this podcast episode: 4th of July celebration at St Pete Pier 4th of July Fort Lauderdale Pub Crawl Tampa Airport Photography Awards Exhibit (00:00) Introduction (05:16) Florida Travel News (08:48) Florida Travel Tips (11:27) Main Topic : How to Enjoy Florida's Off the Beaten Path Beaches Support the Show.

Florida is a great place to celebrate the 4th of July !   In this episode, we'll discuss several unique locations around the state to enjoy fireworks shows and other celebratory activities like watermelon eating contests, food trucks, live music, a drone show, etc.      Our Links  : Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution to help support our Podcast Join our Facebook Group Email  :  contact@FloridaTravelFanatics.com Links from this podcast episode: Grace Family Church Tampa Easter Sunday Service at Raymond James Stadium on YouTube Cleveland Street Market, Downtown Clearwater Pierogi Grill Facebook Page, in Clearwater AuthenticFlorida.com 16 places to Celebrate the 4th of July in Florida Fort Myers 4th of July, including fireworks cruises   Support the Show.

Florida is famous for well known beaches like Miami Beach, Clearwater-St Pete, Sanibel Captiva, Daytona Beach, and Fort Lauderdale.    In the third and final episode of this series, and we'll talk more about lesser known beaches that experienced Florida travelers and locals often prefer.   From Jacksonville Beach all the way around the state to Dog Island, we'll talk about some fantastic beaches and beach towns that many of you have never heard of.     Our Links  : Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution to help support our Podcast Email  :  contact@FloridaTravelFanatics.com Florida Avenue Brewing, Tampa NOAA's website for hurricane forecasts 1st Annual Jacksonville Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ Festival on June 15th (2024) Gale Force Twins YouTube Channel 00:00) Introduction (03:25) Florida Travel News (06:52) Florida Travel Tips (12:04) Main Topic : How to Enjoy Florida's Off the Beaten Path Beaches Support the Show.

In this episode we interview Walt Disney World expert, Lou Mongello.   Lou is a legend in the world of travel podcasting, with his WDW Radio podcast that started in 2005 !   Lou has been going to the parks since they opened in 1971, and lives in Orlando and is very passionate about all things Disney.   In this episode, talks about the magic of the Disney experience, why he still enjoys it so much, and gives great tips to both Disney newbies and Disney experts.    A published author, keynote speaker and business coach, Lou truly enjoys what he does and it  shows!   We greatly enjoyed doing this interview, and we know you'll enjoy listening to it.    Watch this interview on YouTube Lou's WDW Radio Website Lou's Instagram WDW Radio YouTube Channel Lou's YouTube Channel (coaching, speaking, Momentum Group, etc) Lou's TwitterX Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution to help support our Podcast Email  :  contact@FloridaTravelFanatics.com  00:00) Introduction (02:04) Florida Travel News (13:33) Florida Travel Tips (16:13) Main Topic : How to enjoy Walt Disney World interview with Lou Mongello and his WDW Radio podcast Support the Show.

In our first official interview podcast episode, we are thrilled that we've been able to interview Jacksonville Beach local Alban Brooke, who just happens to be the head of marketing for Buzzsprout, our podcast hosting company.   Alban loves living in Jax Beach, and he's always willing to talk about why he loves it and share tips and suggestions for people who may want to visit there.   Whether you're a golfer coming to play the awesome courses, or an avid traveller looking for a Florida trip that's a little more "off the beaten path", this trip is for you.    As Heather always says, "travel like a local" !    Alban's suggestions from this episode :   Beaches Mayport: "Industrially raw, with a strong naval and fishing presence." Atlantic Beach: "Tranquil and suburban, occasionally veering into the mundane." Neptune Beach: "Small-town charm meets trendy up-and-coming energy." Jax Beach: "Vibrant social scene with a mix of bars, festivals, and surf culture." Ponte Vedra: "Affluent and exclusive, focused on luxury and status." Where to stay Ponte Vedra Inn ($550/night)Pool, gym Restaurants on the ocean Ocean Course Lagoon Course One Ocean ($200/night) Palms ($215/night) Things to do Beaches: Surf, swim, sunbathe, beach cruise Intercostal: fish, kayak, small hikes, Explore: Hanna Park up in Mayport, beach access, pond, trails Shop: shop in Atlantic Beach Town Center Golf: TPC Sawgrass, Jax Beach, get onto private course Restaurants & bars LunchHanger Bay - Hellfire Ramen, fried chicken, Saporro beer Angies Subs/Angies Grom - Peruvian Sub with knick nack, toasted on white, fries with ranch, sweeeet tea Bearded Pig - Brisket, beans Casual DinnerValley Smoke - Brisket and bourbon Taco Lu - Banging shrimp, carne royal, and Deer & Beer (Dos X Amber) Nice dinnerO-Ku North Beach Fish Camp - Blackened Catch with Grits, Collards & Tasso Ham GravySeafood should be fresh caught from Mayport that day Dwights - Sea Bass, ravioli, glass of wine BarsLemon Bar - Lime gatorade Casa Marina rooftop - mixed drinkskipping Margarittaville and Surfer Mangos After the bars - Biggies Pizza Over the ditch Jax Zoo Jaguars game Jumbo Shrimp Jax Theater Towncenter to shop Alban Brooke Head of Marketing, Buzzsprout LinkedIn | Twitter Support the Show.

Florida is famous for well known beaches like Miami Beach, Clearwater-St Pete, Sanibel Captiva, Daytona Beach, and Fort Lauderdale.    In the second episode of this series we'll talk about lesser known beaches that experienced Florida travelers and locals prefer.   From Seaside Beach all the way around the state to Perdido Key, we'll talk about some fantastic beaches that many of you have never heard of.   This is part 2 of a 2 part series ! Cigar City Brewery Taproom Tampa James Beard Awards Florida Sportsman Project Dreamboat in Stuart Tampa Bay Kids Triathlon Space Coast Burger Battle North Beach Park, Amelia Island Boneyard Beach Velano Beach Cocoa Beach Ron Jon Surf Shop Cocoa Beach Vero Beach Juno Beach Loggerhead Marinelife Center Delray Beach Fort Zachary Taylor State Park Beach TigerTail Beach Yoga on the Beach, Key West Fort Desoto Park Beach Sand Key Park Fort Island Beach State Park Cape San Blas Mexico Beach Rosemary Beach Grayton Beach (00:00) Introduction (07:37) Florida Travel News (16:48) Florida Travel Tips (19:31) Main Topic : How to enjoy Florida's Off the Beaten Path Beaches Part 2 Support the show

Florida is famous for well known beaches like Miami Beach, Clearwater-St Pete, Sanibel Captiva, Daytona Beach, and Fort Lauderdale.    In this episode we'll talk about lesser known beaches that experienced Florida travelers and locals prefer.   From Fernandina Beach all the way around the state to Perdido Key, we'll talk about some fantastic beaches that many of you have never heard of. Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution to help support our Podcast Email  :  contact@FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our Youtube video for Playalinda Beach walk Our Youtube video for Perdido Key Florida Man Games Florida list of "U-pick" farms   Brightline Train mailing list Easter Sunday Service at Raymond James Stadium Tortuga Music Festival schedule Episode #11, How to have a great Florida beach day Fernandina Beach Downtown Guide St Augustine Beach New Smyrna Beach Playalinda Beach Hutchinson Island Beaches Blowing Rocks Preserve Bahia Honda State Park Beach Cayo Costa State Park Boca Grande Beach Lovers Key State Park Pass a Grille Beach Caladesi Island Beach Honeymoon State Park Beach  Fred Howard State Park Beach St George Island Beaches Navarre Beach Perdido Key Beach  (00:00) Introduction (05:19) Florida Travel News (08:19) Florida Travel Tips (15:54) Main Topic : How to enjoy Florida's Off the Beaten Path Beaches Support the show

Roadtripping in Florida can be a lot of fun, but sometimes you just don't want to drive when you're traveling !    In this episode we'll talk about way to get around in Florida that don't involve driving, which includes a regional Florida airline, train travel, ferries, and water taxis.    Our Links  : Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution to help support our Podcast Email  :  contact@FloridaTravelFanatics.com Join our Private Facebook Group Episode Links: PGA Tour's Players Championship MLB's Grapefruit League Spring Training Baseball games Orlando Weekly Tampa Bay Airfest at MacDill Air Force Base Easter Sunday Service at Raymond James Stadium Tampa with Grace Family Church Our episode 14 on How to Road Trip in Florida Brightline Trains Florida Amtrak rail travel Amtrak Auto Train Key West Express ferries Pensacola Bay City Ferry Blue Angels practices Tampa to St Pete Cross Bay Ferry (00:00) Introduction (04:43) Florida Travel News (08:59) Florida Travel Tips (16:38) Main Topic : How to enjoy Florida without driving Support the show