In this episode of Tales From South Florida,Take a TALK Down Memory Lane as host Bill Monty explores the founding and evolution of Hollywood, Florida — from scrubland and marshes to a planned, grand “City By the Sea.” Learn how developer Joseph Wesley Young, Jr. laid out wide boulevards, man-made lakes, a beachfront promenade, and a dream community that became one of Broward County’s and Florida's most beloved seaside towns.

We trace the ups and downs — the 1920s boom, the 1926 hurricane, post-WWII growth — and how today’s Historic Downtown and the laid-back beachfront Broadwalk still echo Young’s original vision.

Hit play to stroll through Hollywood’s past — and don’t forget to visit talesfromsouthflorida.com for more stories from our region’s roots.

Mentioned in this episode:

Interview with Filmmaker, Joseph Greco:

Growing Up in South Florida

Historic Hemingway's Restaurant in Hollywood

Text me your favorite South Florida memory.

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Click the Leave A Message link above to text Bill Monty...FREE!
Share your Memories here: Send a voice message to TalesFromSouthFlorida
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Share your South Florida memories with us at Talesfromsouthflorida@gmail.com or leave us a voice mail
at 754-800-3170. Be sure to tell us your name and the best way to contact you as well as the story you'd like to tell.

It's Part 2 of the TFSF reminiscences of celebrating the holidays in South Florida in yesteryear. This time though, I'd like you to join me on a special TALK Down Memory Lane as I recall our annual Christmas trips to Little Rock, Ak.

These were incredibly special times, wish I'd appreciated that back then, and no matter your past celebrations I think you'll find some part of you and your family in this tale From South Florida.

Don't forget to scroll down and record your south Florida memory.

12.11.24

Happy Holidays!

#christmas #lasolasblvd #winterfestboatparade #littlerock

Text me your favorite South Florida memory.

Support the show

Click the Leave A Message link above to text Bill Monty...FREE!
Share your Memories here: Send a voice message to TalesFromSouthFlorida
Visit our website at Tales From South Florida

Want to be a guest on Tales From South Florida? Send Bill Monty a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17520056164340322cfae84a5 - Search

Share your South Florida memories with us at Talesfromsouthflorida@gmail.com or leave us a voice mail
at 754-800-3170. Be sure to tell us your name and the best way to contact you as well as the story you'd like to tell.

The holidays in South Florida might be different than in other parts of the country but they are no less memorable.
Join me as I recall the people places and events from those December traditions of yesteryear and today that warm our hearts.
From driving around town to enjoy entire neighborhoods aglow with Christmas lights, to caroling with high school friends, to celebrating the annual Winterfest Boat Parade, this is the first of two holiday episodes to bring joy and smiles light up the season.
Be a part of the fun. Click below to leave a message about your favorite holiday memory, gift, or tradition and your tale may be used in a future episode*.

* Submitting a recording provides permission to use your story and/or voice in a future episode with no expectation of compensation by the show, host, or producers unless otherwise specified by you.

12.4.24

Text me your favorite South Florida memory.

Support the show

Click the Leave A Message link above to text Bill Monty...FREE!
Share your Memories here: Send a voice message to TalesFromSouthFlorida
Visit our website at Tales From South Florida

Want to be a guest on Tales From South Florida? Send Bill Monty a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17520056164340322cfae84a5 - Search

Share your South Florida memories with us at Talesfromsouthflorida@gmail.com or leave us a voice mail
at 754-800-3170. Be sure to tell us your name and the best way to contact you as well as the story you'd like to tell.

In this episode of Tales from South Florida, we dive deep into the 100ʳᵗʰ anniversary of the iconic Freedom Tower in downtown Miami. We trace its journey from a 1925 newspaper skyscraper to the famed “Ellis Island of the South” for Cuban refugees, and now a restored museum celebrating migration, memory and hope. Join us for a warm and conversational stroll through Miami’s past, present and cultural heartbeat.

#FreedomTower #Miami history #Cuban exile #immigrationSouthFlorida #centennial celebration #historiclandmarksMiami, #SouthFloridaculture

Text me your favorite South Florida memory.

30 second promo for Bill Monty's Guide for Getting Older

Support the show

Click the Leave A Message link above to text Bill Monty...FREE!
Share your Memories here: Send a voice message to TalesFromSouthFlorida
Visit our website at Tales From South Florida

Want to be a guest on Tales From South Florida? Send Bill Monty a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17520056164340322cfae84a5 - Search

Share your South Florida memories with us at Talesfromsouthflorida@gmail.com or leave us a voice mail
at 754-800-3170. Be sure to tell us your name and the best way to contact you as well as the story you'd like to tell.

Halloween is coming soon and there are almost as many scary stories about Florida to be told than there are waves at a beach. And it seems that some of them may be true.

Yes, I know, legends abound everywhere but in Florida we grow them big, loud, and...smelly?

You've heard of Bigfoot? Sasquatch? The Abominable Snowman? Well get ready to meet, our very own Skunk Ape.

Join me for another TALK Down Memory Lane as we explore another of the many Tales From South Florida.

Related Episode - Haunted South Florida:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2260646/episodes/14045911

Text me your favorite South Florida memory.

Support the show

Click the Leave A Message link above to text Bill Monty...FREE!
Share your Memories here: Send a voice message to TalesFromSouthFlorida
Visit our website at Tales From South Florida

Want to be a guest on Tales From South Florida? Send Bill Monty a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17520056164340322cfae84a5 - Search

Share your South Florida memories with us at Talesfromsouthflorida@gmail.com or leave us a voice mail
at 754-800-3170. Be sure to tell us your name and the best way to contact you as well as the story you'd like to tell.

Hollywood, Florida is turning 100 this year! But what do you get a city that’s celebrating a full century of sunshine, stories, and South Florida style?

In this special centennial episode, we’re honoring one of Hollywood’s own — a hometown talent who traded our palm-lined boulevards for the glitz of Hollywood, California. It’s a journey that bridges two coasts and two versions of the same dream: from the beaches of Broward County to the backlots of the entertainment capital of the world.

Take a TALK Down Memory Lane as Bill Monty speaks with Joseph Greco — writer, director, producer, and filmmaker. In 2006, Joseph released his award-winning film Canvas, starring Marcia Gay Harden and Joe Pantoliano, filmed right here in South Florida. The story, based on Joseph’s childhood memories, beautifully captures the heart and soul of our community — featuring familiar neighborhoods, streets, and landmarks that Hollywood locals will instantly recognize.

And here’s the best part: on November 1 at 7:30 p.m., Canvas will be shown at Cinema Paradiso in Downtown Hollywood, followed by a Q&A session with Joseph Greco and some of the film’s producers and crew. It’s sure to be an unforgettable evening, and you’re invited!

🎟️ Tickets are free but limited, so right after you listen to this episode, visit cinemahollywood.org/cinema to reserve your spot and maybe we'll meet because I will be there too.

Mentioned in this episode: Growing Up in South Florida:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2260646/episodes/14845263-growing-up-in-south-florida

Making Lemonade Out of Lemons:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2192481/episodes/17643192-when-life-hands-you-lemons

Text me your favorite South Florida memory.

Support the show

Click the Leave A Message link above to text Bill Monty...FREE!
Share your Memories here: Send a voice message to TalesFromSouthFlorida
Visit our website at Tales From South Florida

Want to be a guest on Tales From South Florida? Send Bill Monty a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17520056164340322cfae84a5 - Search

Share your South Florida memories with us at Talesfromsouthflorida@gmail.com or leave us a voice mail
at 754-800-3170. Be sure to tell us your name and the best way to contact you as well as the story you'd like to tell.

The history of gambling in South Florida is as colorful as it is nostalgic. On this TALK Down Memory Lane, we dive into the world of smoky jai alai frontons, the thrill of betting on Joey and other players, and those unforgettable “cruises to nowhere” where the real destination was the blackjack table.

From Meyer Lansky and the mob’s early casinos in Hallandale, to the neon-lit days of the SeaEscape and SunCruz ships, all the way to the modern Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, South Florida has always been rolling the dice on chance, money, and dreams.

So, grab your chips, place your bets, and take a gamble with us on this episode of Tales From South Florida.

#SouthFloridaHistory #MiamiNostalgia #FloridaCasinos #JaiAlai #MeyerLansky #HardRockCasino

Mentioned in this episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2260646/episodes/14707224

Text me your favorite South Florida memory.

Support the show

Click the Leave A Message link above to text Bill Monty...FREE!
Share your Memories here: Send a voice message to TalesFromSouthFlorida
Visit our website at Tales From South Florida

Want to be a guest on Tales From South Florida? Send Bill Monty a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17520056164340322cfae84a5 - Search

Share your South Florida memories with us at Talesfromsouthflorida@gmail.com or leave us a voice mail
at 754-800-3170. Be sure to tell us your name and the best way to contact you as well as the story you'd like to tell.

We're celebrating International Podcast Day today! Thank you for your support of my podcasts, Tales from South Florida and Bill Monty's Guide for Getting Older, BUT, if you've ever wondered what I listen to, I'm gonna tell you here.

I hope that you will give these independent podcasters a listen because they are the heart and soul of podcasting around the world.

So, hit that play button and let's get started.

Text me your favorite South Florida memory.

30 second promo for Bill Monty's Guide for Getting Older

Support the show

Click the Leave A Message link above to text Bill Monty...FREE!
Share your Memories here: Send a voice message to TalesFromSouthFlorida
Visit our website at Tales From South Florida

Want to be a guest on Tales From South Florida? Send Bill Monty a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17520056164340322cfae84a5 - Search

Share your South Florida memories with us at Talesfromsouthflorida@gmail.com or leave us a voice mail
at 754-800-3170. Be sure to tell us your name and the best way to contact you as well as the story you'd like to tell.