Ghost stories abound at Rockledge, Florida eatery, Ashley's Tavern. While there are several ghost stories associated with Ashley’s, the most popular is the tale of Ethel Allen, a 19-year-old woman who reportedly frequented the tavern in the 1930s. The back of the restaurant’s menu discusses the tale and the posthumous hauntings, which have been reported throughout the building.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
10:29
Long-lost nuclear bunker below Central Florida finally uncovered. Here’s what happened
This may have been Mount Dora’s best-kept secret — that is, until now.
Tucked away in a forgotten corner of Mount Dora sits a Cold War-era nuclear bomb shelter with a crazy history.
Known locally as the “Mount Dora Catacombs,” this 5,000-square-foot shelter — billed as the largest of its kind — was part of a plan over 60 years ago for members of several local families to hide out in the event of a nuclear apocalypse.
Matt and Ginger talk to someone who has uncovered this modern time capsule.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
8:22
World’s first underwater cemetery is off a Florida beach.
Not only is the Neptune Memorial Reef the world’s first underwater cemetery — it’s also set to be the largest man-made reef on the planet.
The cemetery is located 40 feet underwater in Biscayne Bay, over three miles off the coast of Miami Beach.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
23:57
Meet Dr. Simba: The Central Florida Pharmacist Who Talks to Big Cats
A local Pharmacist named Dr. Simba who talks to big cats. This is the kind of storyline usually reserved for Hollywood. Dr. Simba Witz is the CEO of the Central Florida Animal Reserve. The big cat sanctuary is run entirely by volunteers. The sanctuary neither breeds its animals or operates for profit, "If you're coming here, you're not coming here because you're padding someone's salary. You're coming here because these are the monies we use to provide food, provide medical care," says Dr. Witz.
The facility opened in 2017. About a quarter of the budget comes from guided tours, "If someone is going to be serious about the challenges these species face. Then, we have to start where we all agree which is we want these animals out in the wild," says Dr. Simba. The challenges are also financial. If you think meat at the grocery store is getting expensive, try buying it by the ton, "We have all experienced a little touch of inflation in the last couple of years," Dr. Simba says with a hint of sarcasm.
When Dr. Simba walks tours around the collection of tigers, lions, and other large charismatic megafauna you will hear him making a distinct chuffing sound. Then, he says, "I see you." He says the felines don't understand the words, but he feels they perceive his intention. The chuffing sound can take some practice, "New volunteers spend a lot of time drooling," Dr. Simba says.
If you would like to book a tour for your family or corporation, you can find more information on the Central Florida Animal Reserve website, https://cflar.org/.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
18:58
Best of 2024: How a fight over beer landed Walt Disney World in Orlando instead of St. Louis
ORLANDO, Fla. – Walt Disney World is part of the fabric of Florida, but did you know the theme park almost ended up in St. Louis instead of Orlando?
University of Central Florida History professor Dr. Jim Clark said Walt Disney had his eye on the “Show Me” state well before he began eyeing the “Sunshine State”.
But a fight over beer changed everything.
After successfully introducing the public to Disneyland in California, Clark said Disney was looking for a second location.
The animation mogul considered Niagra Falls and another area near Washington, D.C.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Florida’s Fourth Estate looks at everything from swampy politics to a fragile environment and even the crazy headlines that make Florida the craziest state in the Union. Ginger Gadsden and Matt Austin use decades of experience as journalists to dissect the headlines that impact Florida. Each week they have a guest host who helps give an irreverent look at the issues impacting the Sunshine State. Big influencers like Attorney John Morgan, renowned Florida journalists and the scientists protecting Florida’s ecosystem can often be found as guests. Look for new episodes every week, and visit ClickOrlando.com for the latest WKMG News 6 coverage of Orlando and beyond.
New Zealand