Burt Bacharach and Dinah Shore In Fort Lauderdale

FORT LAUDERDALE – This photo is from the Florida Memory Project, taken by Roy Erickson in 1971. We posted it because it was such a personal glimpse into two great musical talents of the last 50 years.

Vintage Florida State Football Film

TALLAHASSEE – From the Florida Memory project, a vintage film of the Florida State Seminoles football team in practice at the beginning of the 1963 season.

That season, Bill Peterson was head coach and Bobby Bowden was an assistant coach. The film was produced by the Florida Development Commission.

Remembering Vim Silent Movies in Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE – Florida has a long history with the movies. During the silent era, Jacksonville almost became Hollywood, with a number of movie studios setting up there.

The Florida Memory project has a collection of images from that era.

The Vim Comedy Company, based in Jacksonville and New York, was one of several film studios operating in the Jacksonville area in the first three decades of the 20th century. Here, from left, back row, Mr. Kirby, Ethel Burton Palmer, Bob Eddy. Middle row, Vina Daniels, (?), Jack Gardner, Budd Ross. Front row, Dan Kenover.

Vintage Outboard Motors in Pensacola

PENSACOLA – Amusing video of vintage outboard motors at Barber’s Marina.

Mr. Toad’s No Longer Wild Ride, 20,000 Leagues and Disappeared Retro Disney

LAKE BUENA VISTA – Many folks come to Walt Disney World and look for classic rides such as 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride and other iconic attractions from the 1970s.

This fall, Disney brought out a few for viewing at EPCOT.

First, nice that they kept them around. But it might be more fun to run them, eh?

Lego Man Needs Permanent Home On Siesta Key

SARASOTA – We do hope the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office lets him free! And perhaps Sarasota can find him a permanent home at Siesta Key, where he washed up, like Moses, on the beach.

Do you agree? Where should he stay?

Taking a Flying Pan Am Boat to Havana

MIAMI – As Pan Am gathers for a reunion in Miami, here is a view of the great Pan Am clippers leaving Miami for Havana.

Tampa Adds Flights to Havana

TAMPA – Tampa International Airport on Sept. 8, 2011 launched its first nonstop flight to Havana, Cuba, after nearly 50 years. It was operated by Xael Charters and partner Sky King Inc.

In June, the Airport’s five-member board of directors adopted a financial incentive program for airlines which could bring more international service to Tampa. One new international flight can translate to an estimated $150 million in economic impact to the Airport and the regional economy bringing approximately 1200 well-paying jobs and business development.

With longstanding ties to Cuba, the Tampa area is one of 12 other U.S. airports to have been granted rights, including Miami, New York and L.A.

On Saturday, September 10, 2011, ABC Charters along with American Airlines launched its inaugural flight from Tampa to Havana, with a third weekly flight beginning in October by Island Travel and Tours, Ltd.

Remembering the Jupiter Island Club, Hobe Sound

HOBE SOUND – The Jupiter Island Club was one of the classic early resorts of Florida. Even today, Jupiter still connotes an exclusive place where certain folk gather.

Below, a video from YouTube user Lipwak, showing the club in its heyday, with white-jacketed waiters and all. Take a look at the video below; anyone else have memories of Jupiter from the mid 20th century?

Nazi Painting Surfaces at Tallahassee’s Mary Brogan

TALLAHASSEE – A painting, stolen by the Nazis, has apparently surfaced at the Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science. The painting is “Christ Carrying the Cross Pulled Up by a Soldier” and was on loan from a museum in Milan. It was painted by Girolamo Romano 1538.

It will be in Tallahassee even though the exhibit has closed; officials hope it can be re-united with its rightful owners.

See www.thebrogan.org.

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