Love Eat Travel with Michelle Valentine
SouthShore, Florida
SouthShore, Florida
In this adventure-packed episode of Love Eat Travel with Michelle Valentine, Michelle travels to SouthShore, Florida, a coastal region encompassing the towns of Apollo Beach, Riverview, Ruskin, Gibsonton, and Wimauma. Known for its rich wildlife, conservation efforts, deep-rooted history, and fresh seafood, SouthShore offers a unique blend of nature and culture. From meeting manatees and rescued wildlife to digging for prehistoric fossils and exploring the fascinating world of traveling carnivals, Michelle uncovers the hidden treasures of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Michelle Valentine tours a center dedicated to saving manatees; learns about Stanley the rescued bear and exotic birds at a wildlife sanctuary; digs for fossils and explores a fossil museum; enjoys fresh Florida seafood and a tropical cocktail by the water; and discovers the vibrant history of traveling carnivals at a unique museum, uncovering the hidden gems of this coastal region.
Episode Highlights
Tampa Electric Company TECO Manatee Viewing Center
Michelle Valentine’s journey begins at the TECO Manatee Viewing Center, where Lauren Gomez gives her a behind-the-scenes tour of this conservation facility dedicated to protecting Florida’s gentle giants. She learns about the threats facing manatees, the center’s rescue efforts, and how the warm waters from the power plant create a safe haven for these beloved marine mammals. Watching manatees glide through the clear waters is a breathtaking and educational experience.
Tampa Electric Company TECO Manatee Viewing Center
6990 Dickman Rd., Apollo Beach, Florida 33572
(813) 228-4289
Elmira’s Wildlife Sanctuary
Next, Michelle Valentine visits Elmira’s Wildlife Sanctuary, where Robin Greenwood and Suset Aoki introduce her to Stanley, a beloved rescued black bear who has captured the heart of Floridians. Walking through the sanctuary she learns about a variety of exotic birds, turtles, and other four-legged friends. She learns about the sanctuary’s mission to care for animals that can no longer survive in the wild. Getting up close to these magnificent creatures, she gains a newfound appreciation for the dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to give them a safe and comfortable home.
Elmira’s Wildlife Sanctuary
13910 Seminole Trail, Wimauma, Florida 33598
(813) 634-4115
Paleo Preserve Fossil Museum
Michelle Valentine then visits the Paleo Preserve Fossil Museum guided by Patty Moore and AJ Seitz. After the museum tour, she treks outside for hands-on digging through ancient sediment in search of prehistoric fossils. With each find—shark teeth, bones, and shells—she discovers the fascinating history of Florida’s ancient marine life and the creatures that roamed millions of years ago.
Paleo Preserve Fossil Museum
4140 24th Street SE, Ruskin, Florida 33570
Circles Waterfront Restaurant
After working up an appetite, Michelle Valentine heads to Circles Waterfront Restaurant, a beloved dining spot along the Tampa Bay waters. Here, Chef Damien Moore serves her a Florida fresh seafood dinner, complete with locally caught fish. Bartender Taddig Taddigs shakes up a signature beachy fruity cocktail perfect for sipping on during the warm Florida weather. As Michelle Valentine dines by the water, she enjoys the stunning coastal views and learns about the region’s deep ties to the fishing industry.
Circles Waterfront Restaurant
1212 Apollo Beach Blvd., Apollo Beach, Florida 33572
(813) 641-3275
International Independent Showmen’s Museum
Michelle Valentine’s journey concludes with a visit to the International Independent Showmen’s Museum, where Doc Rivera shares his captivating personal stories of traveling carnivals and circus performers. Walking through elaborate exhibits featuring a Ferris wheel, historic wagons, and extensive memorabilia, Michelle Valentine gains insight into the fascinating world of the showmen who entertained crowds across America for generations.
International Independent Showmen’s Museum
6938 Riverview Drive, Riverview, Florida 33578
(813) 671-3503
Accommodations
Blog Articles
About Southshore, Florida
Episode Credits
Host / Producer / Writer
Michelle Valentine
Director / 1st Camera / Audio / Editor / Writer
Lawrence Bakerman
2nd Camera
Brent Solomon
Drone Operators
Cody Groner
Nancy Lopez
Production Assistant
Baja Noel
Special Thanks
TECO Manatee Viewing Center
Elmira’s Wildlife Sanctuary
Paleo Preserve Fossil Museum
Circles Waterfront Restaurant
International Independent Showmen’s Museum
Latitudes Tours
Pine Key Tampa Bay
Pirate’s Pointe Fishing Resort
For WTTW Chicago:
Head of Programming: Lisa Tipton
Director of National Syndication: Christina Pagones
Publicist: Julia Maish
Engineer in Charge: Mark Anderson
A PRESENTATION OF WTTW
Distributed by:
National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA)
© 2023 MICHELLE VALENTINE MEDIA, LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
