Tales From South Florida: Stories of the People, Places, and Events That Shaped South Florida
Tales From South Florida is a storytelling podcast exploring South Florida history, old Florida landmarks, forgotten towns, and the people who shaped Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and beyond.
Take a Talk Down Memory Lane as we uncover the stories that time almost forgot…
The Hollywood Sportatorium, Pirates World, Rascal House, Pioneer City, and Sunrise Musical Theater. The Coral Castle. If these names spark fun-filled memories, well, you are in the right place.
Don't miss out on the adventure – be sure to LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE to immerse yourself in the stories that make our corner of the Sunshine State truly unique.
Join the FUN at our website, https://www.talesfromsouthflorida.com
Comments or questions write to us at talesfromsouthflorida@gmail.com or call at 754-800-3170.
Episodes
64 episodes
Pioneers of South Florida: Hugh Taylor Birch and The Bonnet House
Take a TALK Down Memory Lane and explore the life and legacy of Hugh Taylor Birch, the Chicago businessman whose land purchases helped shape Fort Lauderdale’s development. The story continues through his daughter Helen Birch Bartlett and her hu...
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Season 2
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Episode 23
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15:25
Sunrise Musical Theater & Musicians Exchange
Indoor venues for concerts were hard to find back in the day. Your choices were...well, one. The Hollywood Sportatorium. Until 1976 that is. Then in a little town called Sunrise, known mostly for condos, delis and retirees, a magical place was ...
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Season 1
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Episode 27
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11:45
Yamato: South Florida's Forgotten Town
Once upon a time there was a small agricultural community founded by a group of immigrants looking for a better life. The whole enterprise was successful for a brief moment in time. Now it exists as the name of a road in Boca Raton and in the b...
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Season 2
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Episode 22
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9:17
Hacienda Village, Ojus and Lazy Lake-South Florida Small Towns
Join me, Bill Monty, on a nostalgic "Talk Down Memory Lane" as we uncover the hidden gems in this Tale from South Florida! Amid the hustle and bustle of our sprawling suburbs, there’s a treasure trove of charming small town...
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Season 1
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Episode 26
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11:42
Revisting the Hollywood Sportatorium with New Music
One of the first episodes in the Tales From South Florida podcast series was a TALK Down Memory Lane to recall an old steel hanger of a concert venue that captivated the hearts, souls and memories of most of us who lived here from the early 197...
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Season 2
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Episode 21
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20:25
Arthur McDuffie and the 1980 Miami Riots
In this powerful episode of Tales From South Florida, we Take a TALK Down Memory Lane to one of the most painful and defining moments in Miami history—the killing of Miami resident Arthur McDuffie, the police cover-up that followed, and ...
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Season 2
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Episode 20
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9:59
The Day It Snowed in Miami
It was a day unlike any other in modern memory for South Floridians.January 19, 1977. The Day It Snowed. In South Florida. For approximately 1 1/2 hours, little snow flurries dotted the landscape normally home to green grass and, ...
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Season 2
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Episode 19
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10:12
Adventures in Miami-Parrot Jungle, Jungle Island, Monkey Jungle
It's a jungle out there, South Florida. Miami has been home to some of the best, most unique theme attractions anywhere, so let's Take a TALK Down Memory Lane to recall what was and what still is in animal adventures in our little corner of the...
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Season 2
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Episode 18
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10:32
Hollywood, Florida: Joseph Young's Dream
In this episode of Tales From South Florida,Take a TALK Down Memory Lane as host Bill Monty explores the founding and evolution of Hollywood, Florida — from scrubland and marshes to a planned, gra...
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Season 2
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Episode 17
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13:22
Miami’s Freedom Tower: The Ellis Island of the South
In this episode of Tales from South Florida, we dive deep into the 100ʳᵗʰ anniversary of the iconic Freedom Tower in downtown Miami. We trace its journey from a 1925 newspaper skyscraper to the famed “Ellis Island of the South” for Cub...
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Season 2
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Episode 16
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11:50
The Skunk Ape: Florida's Bigfoot
Halloween is coming soon and there are almost as many scary stories about Florida to be told than there are waves at a beach. And it seems that some of them may be true.Yes, I know, legends abound everywhere but in Florida we grow them b...
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Season 2
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Episode 15
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13:40
From Hollywood to Hollywood: Interview with Hometown Filmmaker Joseph Greco
Hollywood, Florida is turning 100 this year! But what do you get a city that’s celebrating a full century of sunshine, stories, and South Florida style?In this special centennial episode, we’re honoring one of Hollywood’s own — a hometow...
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Season 2
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Episode 14
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46:34
Gambling SoFla Style: Jai Alai, Cruises to Nowhere, and Old Time Casinos
The history of gambling in South Florida is as colorful as it is nostalgic. On this TALK Down Memory Lane, we dive into the world of smoky jai alai frontons, the thrill of betting on Joey and other players, and those unforgettable “cru...
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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13:56
Happy International Podcast Day!
We're celebrating International Podcast Day today! Thank you for your support of my podcasts, Tales from South Florida and Bill Monty's Guide for Getting Older, BUT, if you've ever wondered what I listen to, I'm gonna tell you here.I hop...
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Season 2
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Episode 13
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11:10
WPLG Local 10 Breaks Free: A New Era in South Florida Broadcasting
On August 4, 2025, South Florida media history was made. After more than 60 years as a major TV network affiliate, WPLG Local 10 boldly stepped away to reinvent itself as an independent powerhouse in Miami-Fort Lauderdal...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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30:40
The Gilded Age of South Florida: Addison Mizner
In this episode of Tales From South Florida, we wrap up our series on the Gilded Age of South Florida with my favorite figure from that era: Addison Mizner. And "character" is the perfect word to describe him.From ...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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13:56
The Gilded Age of South Florida: Vizcaya and The Deering Brothers
If The Gilded Age ever took a detour to South Florida, Charles and James Deering would be front and center—visionaries whose influence shaped more than just opulent estates. In this episode of Tales From South Flor...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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12:06
Key Biscayne: Paradise with a Past
🏝️ Key Biscayne: Paradise with a Past It’s been a haven for pirates, parrots, porpoises—and even presidents. Nestled just off the coast of Miami, Key Biscayne is one of South Florida’s most breathtaking gems. From sun-kisse...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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10:50
Flamingo Gardens: A Florida Legacy in Bloom
🌴 Step into Old Florida Charm at Flamingo Gardens 🦩 Travel back in time and uncover the roots of one of Broward County’s most beloved family-friendly destinations—Flamingo Gardens in Davie, Florida. From lush botanical gardens and...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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11:55
Mystery in Stone: The Coral Castle
Heartbreak can shatter some, but for one man, it became the foundation—literally—for a marvel that has baffled engineers and mystics alike. In Homestead, Florida, Edward Leedskalnin built Coral Castle as a tribute to the woman who left him at t...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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11:15
Pioneers of South Florida: Marjory Stoneman Douglas
Discover the untold story of a Florida legend, Marjory Stoneman Douglas, on a journey through the remarkable life of the woman who gave voice—and fierce protection—to the Florida Everglades. You may recognize her name from a school or st...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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9:26
Remembering Broward Community College and R.I.P. Joe Cappello
If you are lucky, you will meet many people who will mentor you, provide guidance and be a friend. Such a man was Joe Cappello, the Theater teacher at Broward Community college when I was a young man. Take a TALK Down Memory Lane wi...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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11:10
Ralph Renick: May the Good News Be Yours
From 1949 to 1985, Ralph Renick was THE single most important News Anchor in South Florida. His informed, straightforward style made you feel comfortable, while his signature sign-off, "Good night and may the good news be yours" was a reassurin...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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11:46
Musicians from South Florida
Step into the vibrant world of South Florida’s legendary musicians—singers, songwriters, and trailblazers who redefined the music industry and left an undeniable mark on culture.From the soulful sounds of Sam and Dave to the infectious e...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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14:53