Category Florida History
The Smathers Project: George Smathers on Civil Rights
As part of our continuing look at George Smathers record here is a clip from Florida Memory where Smathers talks about Civil Rights, party caucuses and joining the southern filibuster against Civil Rights legislation.
Looking back at the life of Congressman Charles Bennett
On this week’s Florida History Podcast,we look back at the life of Congressman Charles Bennett with a special contribution from Florida Squeeze writer and former Bennett staffer, Scott Gaillard. We also discus our upcoming Florida Squeeze series on Senator George Smathers. You can listen to the Florida History Podcast on Anchor (which hosts our show), Spotify, Google, Apple Podcasts, Radio Public, Breaker, Overcast, Castro or Pocket […]
It’s time to take a closer look at George Smathers and his legacy in Florida.
The late Senator George Smathers (D-Florida) was a close friend of JFK, LBJ and Richard Nixon. His name is adorned on some of several sites in this state including the University of Florida library system and the most popular beach in Key West. Smathers image has been defined by two things – on the positive […]
Remembering Congressman and Governor Millard Caldwell
On this week’s Florida History Podcast we discuss the record and legacy of Governor Millard Caldwell who led the state during World War II. You can listen to the Florida History Podcast on Anchor (which hosts our show), Spotify, Google, Apple Podcasts, Radio Public, Breaker, Overcast, Castro or Pocket Casts. Overcast, Castro, Spotify, Radio Public and Breaker have App Store apps for free which enable you […]
The 1974 Governor’s Race
This week on The Florida History Podcast, we discuss the 1974 Florida Governor’s Race. Governor Reubin Askew originally didn’t want to run for re-election. He eventually choose to run for a second term as Governor. In the race, he overcame a well-funded Democratic primary challenger, the Citrus baron Ben Hill Griffin and Lt Gov. Tom […]
Eastern Airlines in Florida – January 1987
Eastern Airlines as we’ve discussed often was a major part of the growth of Florida, shuttling tourists from cold weather locations in the winter and serving as the primary driver of business travel to the state all year. From the 1930’s until 1987, Eastern was the largest airline in Florida, but by the end of […]
No Florida History Podcast this week
We have several podcast episodes in the mixer so to speak but none ready for release this week. We’ll be back with a new episode next Tuesday. Thanks again for listening.
Florida History Podcast future topics
Open thread – leave ideas for future topics in the comments section.
Josiah Walls – Florida’s first African-American Congressman
On this week’s Florida History Podcast, we discuss the unique experience of Josiah Walls, Florida’s first African-American Congressman. Walls, like so many Freedman in the Reconstruction South experienced the highs of political empowerment and then the lows of disenfranchisement and isolation once Democrats retook complete control of the state. You can listen to the Florida […]
Changes coming to The Florida History Podcast
After completing our 125th episode last week, we’re making some big changes to The Florida History Podcast, effective immediately. We’ve had complaints, justifiably so about our production levels and about the audio quality of my co-host Robert Buccellato, particularly on recent shows. We’ve upgraded our production board as well as our audio mixer. Sound quality […]
The Florida Squeeze 