Swampy's Florida

This morning Big Cypress Swampy emerged from a hollow tree in the wilds of the Big Cypress just south of the Tamiami Trail. He lumbered up and out enough to find the great Florida outdoors illuminated in Florida rumbling clouds.

The news is that Big Cypress Swampy did not see his shadow which means 6 less weeks of Florida tourism.

That means the weather should be far more cloudy and rainy and, unfortunately, not get out and visit the great state of Florida. From Gretna in the Panhandle to White Springs down to Fellsmere to Chokoloskee, there is so much to see and do in our great state. So let’s hope the weather clears soon and we can all get out and take advantage to this great opportunity to see Florida.

Swampy’s accuracy has been uncanny for many things, but this is a new gig for him. His pal, Punta Gorda Pete, asked him to take over after 24 years. Punta Gorda Pete first appeared in Orlando atop Orlando City Hall in 1988. He continued there until the building was imploded, as seen in the 1991 film, ‘Lethal Weapon 3′. Pete can’t help but shed a tear anytime he watches his home go up.. and down… in the film. He relocated to Lee County and Matlacha shortly after. The current Matlacha bridge construction lead to sleepless nights and Pete relocated to Sumter County. Pete finally decided to retire after 24 years stressful and busy years predicting tourism and has handed the duties to Swampy, the Swamp Ape.

Swampy is a 7 1/2 ‘ tall fellow who has been the story of many legends for hundreds of years throughout Florida. He recently has come out in public from his home in Ochopee to help more Floridians learn about our great state and all it has to offer.