In 1942, as U-boats prowled Florida's coast sinking ships within sight of shore, Nazi Germany launched an even bolder attack - Operation Pastorius. Four Nazi agents landed on Ponte Vedra Beach, carrying explosives and cash for a two-year sabotage campaign against American infrastructure. While their mission failed spectacularly, this forgotten chapter of Florida history reveals how our state became an actual battleground during World War II. From Jacksonville hotels to unmarked graves, discover the true story of the Nazi infiltration that brought global conflict directly to Florida's shore.

In this episode of Mysteries of the Marsh, we delve into the intriguing story of George Colby, a trance medium whose vision led him to the Florida wilderness in the late 1800s. Guided by his spirit guide, Seneca, Colby founded what would become Cassadaga, the oldest continuously operating Spiritualist community in the American South. From his early life in New York to his prophetic journey south, we explore how one man’s sight transformed a patch of Florida land into a spiritual refuge. Join us as we uncover the mysteries of Colby’s visions, the founding of Cassadaga, and the profound impact of Spiritualism on the region’s history.

It was supposed to be an ordinary crossing. But in 1980, a quiet night on Tampa Bay ended with the worst peacetime disaster in Coast Guard history — and just months later, a second tragedy struck the same stretch of water. This episode traces the collision that sank the USCGC Blackthorn, the heroism of one young sailor who refused to abandon his shipmates, and the catastrophic bridge collapse that followed. Two disasters, one broken channel — and a legacy still etched into Florida’s waters.

In 1888, a man in a decaying uniform was found deep in a Marianna cave—alive, and claiming he’d fallen asleep there nearly 40 years earlier during the Second Seminole War. This week, we dig into the strange legend of Florida’s sleeping soldier, where myth, geology, and lost time all collide underground.

Join us as we return from hiatus with our longest episode yet, exploring the bloody reign of the Ashley Gang - Florida's most feared band of outlaws. From daring bank heists to Prohibition rum-running, this saga of frontier justice follows John Ashley and his crew as they terrorized South Florida in the early 1900s. Discover how this moonshiner's son became a folk hero to some, a murderous criminal to others, and how his legendary glass eye came to symbolize an era when Florida was still wild and untamed.

Featured music:"Beast" by Cold Cinema"Hard Justice" by Darren Curtis"Train Robbery" by Hayden Folker

Florida's waterways hide mysterious giants according to local legends - enormous turtles so big they've been mistaken for islands. From the Punta Gorda hurricane rescue of 1932 to the Walking Island of the Everglades, these stories have been passed down for generations. Wildlife expert Ally Moran helps us explore the fascinating truth behind these tales and the real impressive turtles that call Florida home.

Follow us on Instagram @MysteriesoftheMarsh

When a hurricane struck Florida's coast in 1715, it sank eleven Spanish galleons laden with unimaginable wealth. While some wrecks have been found along the Treasure Coast, the San Miguel vanished without a trace. Explore how this maritime disaster shaped Florida's identity and the enduring mystery that continues to captivate treasure hunters three centuries later.

I've hidden two references to a famous novel somewhere in this episode! Can you find them?

In the maze-like waterways of Florida's Ten Thousand Islands, a sugar plantation owner named Edgar Watson built an empire on blood and fear. This episode follows the rise and violent fall of Florida's most notorious outlaw—from his mysterious past to his brutal reign at Chatham Bend to his final confrontation on the porch of Smallwood's Store. When an entire community decides enough is enough, frontier justice comes swiftly and without mercy.

Special thanks to these incredible musicians whose work helps bring our stories to life:

• Hayden Folker for "Cast Aside," "The Journey," and "Train Robbery"
• Myuu for "Don't Die On Me"

Follow Mysteries of the Marsh on Instagram for historical photos, behind-the-scenes content, and updates on new episodes dropping every Saturday.