Travel a few miles from the beaches and resorts of Southwest Florida and a different, darker side of the Sunshine State surfaces. The area has always been a draw for people looking to get away, but its grim timeline has left a mark not easily wiped away. Its history is filled with pirates, corrupt politicians, and people looking to disappear. The same beautiful skies that attract people today may be the reason why some people never leave. It makes for a colorful past but also some scary ghost stories.

In Arcadia, the spirits of tormented children rise from the grave to play tag near their headstones. A murdered fisherman walks on water near Marco Island, screaming with the voice of a hog. Walking through downtown Fort Myers may mean walking into the ghost of man in a top hat who hops from building to building to check up on you. And it all might be caused by a curse on an old Spanish tyrant.

Christopher Balzano, author of Haunted Florida Love Stories and Haunted Ocala and host of the award-winning podcast Tripping on Legends, brings you the creepiest ghost stories from the area. Part urban legend and folklore and part real life experiences, he travels from town to town to tell you the stories the locals are obsessed with and haunted by. From historic Venice to the cemeteries of Punta Gorda and Arcadia to the haunted Singing River of Bradenton, these are the kind of stories you grew up hearing and the kind that made you lose sleep. Fun and sun has never been so creepy.

…and now the littles can get involved as well.

The Ghostly Tales of Southwest Florida takes a look at some of the same stories, but is written for ages 8-13. Imagine if Haunted Southwest Florida and Haunted Florida Love Stories had a love child with Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. Each story has its own unique storytelling voice to match the ghostly legend. See the story of the Pig Fisherman, the Tales of the Trestle, and the ghosts of Myakka River State Forest told in a new way designed to engage and creep out the kids.

Explore the darker side of Fort Myers with Christopher Balzano during the dark on a hauntingly unforgettable walking tour with True Tours.

Check out Christopher Balzano’s books, including the newly released Haunted Southwest Florida.

Feel free to call our new phone number during our live shows to get involved, share a legend you’ve heard, or to just ask a question at (813) 418-6822.

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You can contact us with questions, comments, and your favorite legend or tidbit of folklore at spookytripping@gmail.com.