About this episode

The episode explores the history of Tom Gaskins Cypress Knee Museum and its significance as a roadside attraction in Florida.

Craig takes us to the little fishing village of Cortez on the Gulf side for his latest "Florida Phoenix" column. Tom Gaskins Cypress Knee Museum was a popular roadside attraction in Palmdale during the 50s, 60s, and 70s. The business hung on until 1998, but Disney and the interstates have mostly disappeared these quirky, small, once-cherished tourist stops. Writer Amy Bennett-Williams from the Fort Meyers News-Press visited many times and met Gaskins. She shares her memories of the Cypress Kn...

People in this episode

Host: Chadd Scott

Guest: Amy Bennett-Williams

Topics covered

• history
• tourism
• roadside attractions
• Florida culture
• Cypress Knee Museum

Keywords

• Cypress Knee Museum
• Tom Gaskins
• Cortez
• Florida tourism
• roadside attractions
• Amy Bennett-Williams
• Fort Meyers News-Press

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Fort Meyers News-Press

Books & works: Florida Phoenix

Places: Cortez, Palmdale, Florida

More episodes of Welcome to Florida

• Episode 315: Gulf Sturgeon · July 21, 2026 · 45 min
• Episode 313: Charles Broley and Bald Eagles · July 7, 2026 · 34 min
• Episode 312: Ma Barker Shootout · June 30, 2026 · 46 min
• Episode 311: The Revolutionary War in Florida · June 23, 2026 · 40 min
• Episode 310: Keys Wreckers · June 16, 2026 · 38 min

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