Florida Tales

Updated September 6, 2024

Florida tales are stories submitted to our website by visitors or written by us.   Most are written by the website author, but some are from people who yearned to tell us stories from their lives in Florida.

Enjoy these stories about life in Florida.

Florida Snakes Are Usually Harmless. Usually.

If you are going to travel or live in Florida it is useful to know which snakes are okay and which ones to be afraid of.

Florida Birds:  Important Part of Natural Florida 

The state is a birdwatchers paradise.  This guide will help you know what you are looking at.

Hitler's Yacht

Built in 1938 as Ostwind, she ended up in a Jacksonville boat yard and was scrapped in a watery grave off Miami Beach.

Before Jaws There Was Gatorland

Grey May's memories of his visits to Gatorland.

Jackie Gleason's Grave
The great entertainer and actor rests peacefully in Doral, Florida.  His epitaph demonstrates his sense of humor.

Jayne Mansfield:  Florida or Bust!
Greg May's story of Jayne's connections to Florida in her tragically short life.

Lewis Plantation and Turpentine Still
This old tourist attraction did okay for a while. It was not in good taste for the changing times, and finally had to close its doors.

The Mount Dora Unity Archway

The children of Mount Dora got together and created a monument to a beloved woman citizen of the city.

Frances Langford's Outrigger Resort
The famous actress and singer and husband Ralph Evinrude owned the resort in Jensen Beach.

The Galvanized Yankee From Florida
The story of a captured Confederate soldier who was released and served with the Union fighting Indians.

Gator Was His Only Name
An old black man was ready to retire but couldn't prove to social security that he was old enough.

The Barefoot Mailman
A series of mailmen walked and rowed from Palm Beach to Miami in a 6 day round trip.  Collectively they were known as "The Barefoot Mailman."

GO TO FLORIDA NOSTALGIA FOR MANY MORE STORIES