S1E09. Shadows in the Sunshine: Uncovering Florida’s Darker Side

Drinks with Floridaman

On our first special Halloween episode, our roundtable digs deep into the hidden stories lurking beneath Florida’s sunny façade. From chilling deaths to bizarre local legends, they explore the state’s more sinister elements. The Sunshine State isn't only beaches and theme parks—there's a shadowy side that’s just as captivating. Grab your drink and join the conversation as we uncover the mysteries that make Florida truly unique.
Links Covered in this Episode

• Al Capone in St Pete's Jungle Prada
• Medicine Man
• 1970s Florida serial killer cop
• Native American relocation
• Tocobaga & the Philippe Park myth
• Bath salt cannibalism
• Key West's Robert the Doll
• Southern Gothic literary tradition
• Greg's Official Spooky Wench Etsy
• The boys were drinking from these crystal skull mugs
• Devil's Den spring system
• Gainesville's Devil's Millhopper
• Ben McDaniel's death at Ponce de Leon's Vortex Springs
• History of cave diving deaths in Florida
• Monkeys in Florida
• Florida's legendary cryptid, the Skunk Ape
• Dunedin's Hammock Park Howler
• The parrot fish
• Miami's mythical Coral Castle
• Peace River and prehistoric shark teeth off Florida's coast

Chapters

1. Wild drinking & bants (00:00:00)

2. Episode introduction (00:05:58)

3. What is the strangest, scariest, most mysterious Florida thing you've heard about or experienced? (00:07:12)

4. Is the allure of Florida more its myths or its realities? (00:24:05)

5. What do the abandoned dreams & haunting tragedies say about Floridians? (00:36:21)

6. How do Florida's natural environments shape our spooky stories? (00:44:56)

7. Why are Floridians so fascinated by our hidden secrets & dark tales? (00:55:15)

8. How do the myths & legends shape our understanding of Florida's future? (01:00:40)

9. Outro & drunken convo (01:01:43)