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

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-schiller-homosassa-springs-wildlife-state-park

Weeki Wachee Springs (Home of the famous mermaids)

https://www.floridastateparks.org/WeekiWachee

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Ryan can be found on Instagram at: the_fl_excursionist

Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

This week the Madcaps discuss some of the wildlife that may have notorious reputations yet are not as harmful as they may seem.  Snakes, gators, bears, and more are discussed this week by the Madcaps who have encountered them all in the wild.  

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Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.com

Ryan can be found on Instagram at: the_fl_excursionist

Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

This week we enjoy the perspective of Florida outdoor adventures from the entire Sunshine State Seeker family.  They discuss adventures that are suitable for all family members as well as some tips on how to make them enjoyable for everyone.

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Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps

Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.com

Ryan can be found on Instagram at: the_fl_excursionist

Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

This week the Florida Madcaps welcome back Ryan Smart, Executive Director at the Florida Springs Council to discuss the 2024 Florida Legislative Session so far as it has just passed the halfway point.  We discuss bills affecting our springs, Florida Wildlife Corridor, Black Bears, single-use plastics, and much more.

This year we are covering the legislative session more intently as the bills passed have a significant and lasting impact on the areas of Florida that we treasure most.  It is our hope that those who treasure the uplands, springs, beaches, and other natural areas of Florida will be called to help protect them by advocating for their expansion and protection.  

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Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.com

Ryan can be found on Instagram at: the_fl_excursionist

Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

This week the Madcaps discuss the basics of backcountry camping in Florida.  From the fundamentals to our favorite spots, we have you covered!

Some of the agencies in Florida that offer primitive or backcountry camping are:

Florida Forest Service

https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Our-Forests/State-Forests/State-Forest-Recreation?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA_aGuBhACEiwAly57Mc5Hb-nNXvSwr2wbHL__wdY-6odoUCVdGLl33Ti7hdkwKB0yXbRy6RoCKkkQAvD_BwE

Florida State Parks Primitive Camping

https://www.floridastateparks.org/primitive-camping

National Parks Camping in Florida

https://www.recreation.gov/camping/gateways/1039?gclid=CjwKCAiA_aGuBhACEiwAly57MQFjGfP9ht0Uke0R6CS-dYRuC-mR6rMUoskvt9eb-7bYYQGXIDarZBoC_ngQAvD_BwE

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Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps

Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.com

Ryan can be found on Instagram at: the_fl_excursionist

Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

This week the Madcaps discuss two sites in Florida that have a significant historical significance, particularly with those that were seeking freedom from slavery and oppression.  

Fort Mose located in St Augustine

https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/fort-mose-historic-state-park

Prospect Bluff is located North of Apalachicola.  

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/florida/recarea/?recid=83634

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Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps

Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.com

Ryan can be found on Instagram at: the_fl_excursionist

Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

This week the Madcaps discuss a few parks are areas they have visited along the Forgotten Coast.  We talk about albino deer, seaside camping, and as always....hiking.   

Here are some links to the areas we discussed.

Bald Point

https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/bald-point-state-park

Ochlocknee River

https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/ochlockonee-river-state-park

St George Island

https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/dr-julian-g-bruce-st-george-island-state-park

Tate's Hell State Forest

https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Tate-s-Hell-State-Forest

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Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps

Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.com

Ryan can be found on Instagram at: the_fl_excursionist

Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

This week our guest is Ryan Smart of the Florida Springs Council he discusses the bills that will negatively impact our environment making their way through this legislative session.  Links to the bills are:

SB 738 Environmental Management
https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2024/738 

SB 1126 Regulation of Auxilary Containers
https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2024/1126/ByCategory

SB 1620 Surplus Lands
https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2024/1620

SB 632  Taking of Bears
https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2024/632

Also if you want to see the Florida Springs Council's opposing argument to SB 738 check this video out.  The discussion of the bill starts at one hour and eighteen minutes into the feed, if you want to skip ahead.

https://www.flsenate.gov/media/videoplayer?EventID=1_0tevmxaq-202401101030&Redirect=true

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Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps

Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.com

Ryan can be found on Instagram at: the_fl_excursionist

Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

This week  Chelsey and Chris share their passion for "Swamp Hiking" or hiking where there is standing water and give tips on techniques, gear, and things to know.

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Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps

Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.com

Ryan can be found on Instagram at: the_fl_excursionist

Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

The 54,000 acres of Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park is the largest intact dry prairie left in Florida, it used to span millions of acres.  As the 2nd largest park in Florida, it offers excellent stargazing, hiking, and camping. 


https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/kissimmee-prairie-preserve-state-park

Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!

Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps

Questions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.com

Ryan can be found on Instagram at: the_fl_excursionist

Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en