Explore Florida   

Albert Whitted Airport, one of the few surviving downtown airports in America, has been a waterfront staple of the Sunshine City for nearly a century. Birthed out of an era of optimism and rapid transformation of the aviation industry, the airport today finds itself at a crossroads between heritage and progress in a city with increasingly limited expansion space. This lecture explores the history of the city’s iconic airport, from its namesake aviator to its uncertain future.

This fall, the Explore Florida program takes a close look at transportation in the Sunshine State. We'll explore everything from pirate ships to hot air balloons. Join us as we celebrate Florida with two noted Florida experts who will take you through Florida on steamboat and by rail.

It's an all-day celebration with guest speakers Rick Kilby and Seth Bramson. Kilby will speak about Florida springs and how boats used Florida rivers for transport, and Bramson will talk about Florida railroads—especially Henry Flagler. They're both Florida rock stars, so don't miss this very special day!

Schedule of Events:

• 9:00 a.m. Walk-in registration begins. Coffee and donuts will be available
• 9:30 a.m. Explore Florida Introduction
• 10:00 a.m. Short Talks with Explore Florida Instructors
• 11:00 a.m. Steamboats and Springs with author Rick Kilby
• 11:45 a.m. Break for lunch on your own
• 1:00 p.m. Floridian Member Overview. Preview upcoming excursions and book club events
• 1:30 p.m. Florida Rails with author and collector Dr. Seth Bramson
• 3:00 p.m. Wrap-up/Break

Cost:

• Members: $30
• Nonmembers: $45

While St. Petersburg is famous for being the birthplace of commercial aviation, Albert Whitted Airport also boasted a successful Goodyear blimp base that once played a key role in the city’s promotional efforts. Providing lofty views above the Sunshine City during the Depression years, the blimp was one of the city’s most recognizable figures during the pre-WWII years. From marriages to world records, scandals to celebrities, the blimps wove themselves into the fabric of the region and provided many residents with their first memories of flight. This lecture explores the largely-forgotten history of the airships that once carried the name of St. Petersburg throughout America.

An interactive, discussion-based class, led by Florida travel writer Cathy Salustri, exploring new and different places to visit in the Sunshine State. Topics will include backroads to travel, places to visit, different places to stay, and must-see restaurants, towns, and attractions. Come with your questions! You can also email Cathy questions or places you'd like to know more about in advance of the class at cathysalustri@gmail.com.

Kayaking in Florida is fun, easy and accessible -- anyone can do it! Learn about different places to paddle in Florida, what makes them worth seeing, and learn what you need to know to go paddling!