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Finding Florida
Finding Florida
Finding Florida: Here There Be Mermaids
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| Mitch Traphagen Photo |
Do mermaids really exist? In a little place called Weeki Wachee they do...
Story | Mermaid Gallery | Video
Dec 7, 2006, 23:58
Finding Florida
Finding Florida: The Paradise Down The Road
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| Mitch Traphagen Photo |
...Coming here is a little bit like going to your parent’s home after a decade or so and finding your bedroom as you left it. It’s a good feeling...
Story | Gallery
Nov 24, 2006, 23:08
Finding Florida
Finding Florida: Getting Into The Spirit Of Things
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| Photo Illustration By Mitch Traphagen |
...I am a skeptic. I have always maintained a rather rational, Einstein-ian view of the world and the future: Basically, no one can see it because it hasn’t happened yet. I did not exactly believe in mediums and psychics and the like.
But that view was about to be significantly challenged.
Click Headline For Story...
Aug 31, 2006, 23:50
Finding Florida
Finding Florida: Riding To Christmas Town
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| Mitch Traphagen Photo |
MOUNT DORA, FL – Despite what you may have heard, there is no nightlife in Mabel, Florida. In fact, there really is nothing at all in Mabel. Sure, just down the road in Stuckey there is commerce – unfortunately that commerce consists entirely of a septic system company but at least that’s something. But perhaps it was the nothingness that made the trip so pleasant – it was in distinct contrast to the hectic pace in Tampa Bay.
Fortunately for me, however, Mabel was just a town I blew through on the way to my real destination. I was on my way to a place where people talk just a bit more slowly and where they take Christmas very seriously.
Dec 22, 2005, 23:18
Finding Florida
Finding Florida: Looking Through The Eyes Of A Tourist
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| Mitch Traphagen Photo |
COCOA BEACH, FLA – I hate hearing my voice on tape. I hate it because I sound like I have a golf ball in my mouth when I talk. Not coincidentally, that is how most people from Minnesota talk. After more than 10 years in Florida, I still haven’t managed to lose the whole golf-ball-in-the-mouth thing.
So, I decided to use that "attribute" for a story. I decided to Find Florida as a visitor from the Midwest would Find Florida. I would look for Florida through the eyes of a tourist.
Click Headline For Story...
Aug 4, 2005, 23:48
Finding Florida
Finding Florida: The End of The Chapter
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| Mitch Traphagen Photo |
CEDAR KEY - I am sitting under the shade of a veranda complete with swing benches and a little table I am using to write these words. The ocean breeze is a cool and welcome respite from the hot pre-summer day.
Across the street, perhaps 75 yards away, is a narrow beach. A crabby looking snowy egret is primping himself and two dolphins are lazily swimming just a few yards offshore.
May 27, 2004, 22:05
Finding Florida
Finding Florida: Lost in Miami
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| Mitch Traphagen Photo |
MIAMI - Being lost in Miami is not as desirable as it might sound. The big problem is every conceivable group of people is there waiting to kill you. Just fill the ethnicity in the blank: "I'm from (Cuba, Russia, Puerto Rico, Iowa, etc.) - mess with me and I will kill you." That message is clearly coming from their eyes as they try to burn holes with their stare, just praying for a hint of a challenge from you.
May 6, 2004, 07:00
Finding Florida
Finding Florida: Back to the Good Old Days
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| (Mitch Traphagen Photo) |
ST. JAMES CITY, FL - It is literally a stones throw away from some of the most expensive property in Florida. In fact, from where the road ends you can look out over the water and see the shores of Sanibel Island and the seven figure real estate prices that island commands. It is such a short distance away but in reality, there is a time warp between the islands of Sanibel and Pine.
Apr 8, 2004, 06:55
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