Wait Five Minutes

A Day Inside the Florida Legislature

I shadowed Rep. Anna V. Eskamani for an entire day in January of this year, winding the hallways of our legislature, meeting politicians, sitting in on their meetings, and witnessing their debates in committees. This week, we're talking about the inner workings of life in state government, and life as a legislator in 2024.

Pick up your copy of FLORIDA! right here!

 

Thank you Rep. Anna V. Eskamani for hosting me for the day. Check out her website right here.

Read House Bill 87 right here, about black bears.

Read House Bill 395 right here, about historical monuments. 

Read more about black bear attacks in Florida here. 

Read more about driver's licenses and gender identity here.

 

All of the music was originally composed.

Buster's Florida Disaster

In the 1930s, St. Petersburg, Florida, became a spot for filmmakers to attempt to relaunch their career. It was a short-lived and disastrous endeavor that produced only three movies - and a new chapter in the failing career of a Hollywood legend. 

Pick up your copy of FLORIDA! right here!

 

Check out the main source for this episode, Camera Man by Dana Stevens!

Read more about the history of Weedon Island!

Watch Buster Keaton's movie Sherlock Jr. or watch this clip from Seven Chances discussed in today's episode!

 

All of the music was originally composed.

Satchel Paige and the Original Miami Marlins

In 1956, Satchel Paige pitched in the biggest game in minor league baseball history. He was fifty years-old, the ageless wonder, making an appearance in Florida near the end of his long, storied and career. And somehow, that wasn't the end. All that, plus Miami baseball, a no-hitter record, and the surprising Cuban baseball rivalry in the 1940s.

(CORRECTION: At 23:30, the year 1955 is said. In actuality, the year was 1958, as mentioned in the previous sentence.)

Pick up your copy of FLORIDA! right here!

Read more about Satchel Paige in Miami right here!

 

All of the music was originally composed. 

Zora's Last Dance

What White Publishers Won't Print by Zora Neale Hurston

In 1957, The Fort Pierce Chronicle started publishing a newspaper aimed at the local Black community. Enter Zora Neale Hurston, near the end of her life, looking for a new opportunity. The rest is a history we are still looking to preserve.

 

Thank you to Gregory Enns of the Indian River Magazine for his help! If you have any copies of the Fort Pierce Chronicle, find out where to send it to right here!

 

All of the music was originally composed. 

The Real McCoy

During Prohibition, rum running had a king. Based out of Florida, with a special brand of criminal dealing, Bill McCoy became known for his truth in advertising - and his ability to avoid capture. Until he couldn't any longer. That, plus the history of rum, more musical theater references, and an invitation to Nevada.

Pick up your copy of FLORIDA! right here!

 

Thank you to Claire White from the Mob Museum! Check out the museum, and pay them a visit if you're ever in Las Vegas!

 

All of the music was originally composed.

Buffalo Bill Brings the West to Florida

During his farewell tour, the great showman of the West, Buffalo Bill Cody brought his show to Florida. What did the show look like, and how did it change over its four decades of existence? That, plus Annie Oakley, 1940s musicals, and one scathing review!

Pick up your copy of FLORIDA! right here!

 

Thank you to Jeremy Johnston from the Buffalo Bill Center of the West! Check out their incredible museum right here!

Read more about Annie Oakley in Florida right here!

Read more about Bill Cody's history right here!

 

All of the music was originally composed.

The 2023 Holiday Special

Happy Holidays! Today we dive into a handful of stories: of rebuilt schoolhouses and holiday decor, of festive slashers and a Florida Christmas tree all our own.

Thank you to the Sanibel Historic Museum and Village for having me!

Thank you to Rachel Williams from the Orange County Regional History Center for her story, and for joining the show this year!

Thank you to Tim Anderson from the Enzian Theater here in Orlando!

Thank you to Jack Prator from the Tampa Bay Times! Read his full story about Florida Christmas trees right here!

 

All of the music was originally compossed.

 

See you on February 5th!

When The Circus Came to Florida

In Sarasota, Florida, there is a historic home, an art museum, and two buildings dedicated to the circus all in one property. We dive into the Ringling, looking for clowns and trains and the incredible history of the Greatest Show on Earth.

Pick up your copy of FLORIDA! right here!

 

Check out the Ringling and plan your visit here!

 

All of the music was originally composed.

Photographers, Newsmen & Beauty Queens

This week, we go searching through a stack of magazines for new faces and new stories that reveal bits of Florida's rich and complex past. Topics include Spaceship Earth, a diving fin, circus photography, Civil War veterans, Apollo 11, Florida Citrus Queens, and Henry Flagler.

Pick up your copy of FLORIDA! right here!

 

Read more about Walter Cronkite and EPCOT here!

Read more about John Hinde in Florida here!

Read our friend Gabrielle Calise's article about alligators here!

 

I do not own the rights to the Walter Cronkite audio used in this episode. Below are links used in the episode.

You are There

Spaceship Earth Walter Cronkite

 

Unless otherwise stated, all music used in this episode is originally composed.  

The Town That Would Be Orlando

After the Second Seminole War, a man came to Florida to found a town that he would name after himself. His legacy would be one of violence, but his name lasts as the predecessor to Orlando. Plus, a mystery and a surprising connection.

Pick up your copy of FLORIDA! right here!

 

Thank you to Rachel Williams from the History Center! Plan your trip to the Orange County Regional Historic Center here.

 

All of the music was originally composed.