The following is Scott Fais' weekly blog detailing discoveries made while traveling through Florida and along the road of life.
Randy Kline just may be Florida's most patient man. Randy (no relation to Calvin) doesn't make a living selling underwear, but rather go-kart rides.
For the past four decades, a small lot off U.S. 17-92 in Maitland (also known as "Fern Park" in these parts) has stood still and thrived. What is now the nation's oldest family-owned go-kart track continues to pack them in. Trust me, I know. I've spent three weekends circling the same track.
I had hoped to bring you this story during the Daytona 500 weekend. It didn't happen.
For Florida on a Tankful, this is the best of times. It's also the worst of times in my corner of the newswheel (that's what we in the 24-hour cable biz call our hourly programming cycle). If you noticed a change in the quality of our video over the past few weeks, there is good reason. I've trashed the tapes.
Starting with our Swim With The Manatees story four weeks ago, I began editing our pieces on a Dell Latitude D830 laptop before FTPing (is that a proper word? After some research, my online editor, Heather, checked the proper spelling) the story back to the TV station over a wireless phone line.
Since our dip with the sea cows mentioned above, I have also begun shooting on a new HD-ready Panasonic P2 camera. We first used this camera for action shots last week in our Olde Florida Ride story. The new camera records video and audio not on a tape, rather a card. These cards are then popped into the laptop and with a little magic, PRESTO! I have instant access to footage from our adventure. From there, I craft the story you see on TV and On Demand, or that's how it is suppose to work.
There's not enough room in cyberspace to detail all we've learned about the new gear in recent weeks, except to say I've now visited the Lil 500 three times in three weeks. And Randy could not have been more understanding.
Unlike the latest news gathering technology, Randy's Lil 500 refuses to change (the complex doesn't have a Web site) with the times.
No arcade. No mini-golf. No bumper boats. No fuss. It's the same place in 2008 that it was in 1968 when Randy rode around in the family station wagon with his father as the pair wore a hole in the sand when making the track. Randy doesn't change either, or so I thought. After my first two visits, I thought Randy's trademark "mullet" hairstyle was an icon. That's until he cut it last week (but he claims it will grow back).
Today, you'll find three go-kart tracks at Lil 500. Each one is different. Each one is designed to inspire. The speed may not be great here, but the results are. I witnessed children with little self-esteem climb behind the wheel, only to watch them crawl back out following a race with a sense of accomplishment.
The family track allows 5-year-olds to drive themselves! Especially designed two-seat vehicles allow adults to ferry younger brothers and sisters. The intermediate track allows 8-year-olds to drive, while drivers need to be 10 years old to race around the fast track.
Driving and talking on camera can be tough. On the open road, it's forbidden. On the go-kart track, it's a challenge.
Fortunately good help here at "The Newschannel" is easy to find. News 13 Meteorologist Dave Cocchiarella and his family joined me in pursuit of the pole position. Dave (who has also spent time as a one man band) donated part of an afternoon during our first shoot attempt.
My big Hollywood plan? Dave would drive a two-seat car as photographer Michael Bekemeyer rolled tape, rather cards. I rode in a second kart and played to the camera while being driven by Dave's children (see the slideshow above). After a few dress rehearsals, we became a well oiled machine. Too bad the sound on the card didn't work. Hence trip 2 and 3 to Lil 500.
Honestly, after visiting three times in three weeks, I know why the Lil 500 continues to be a haven from high prices (rides are $4) and a place where memories are made. Grandparents routinely bring their grandchildren and go along for the ride.
Speaking of memories while traveling, another fleet of vehicles recently captured my imagination. Central Florida is home to Mardi Gras every Saturday night now through April 19. Universal Studios Florida does a great job of creating a family friendly event. Universal Orlando recently invited Central Florida On Demand to open the parade while riding aboard the lead float. Fellow On Demand hosts John Handiboe, Seshmi Robertson and Brooke Cheatwood and I got dressed and experienced the "Big Easy," Florida style.
The park was packed (to see Handiboe no doubt) for the parade and concert series following it. When our "Title Float" came out of the gate, we faced a wall of energy. Screaming, waving, and pleading from the crowd who wanted nothing more than an extension of our love, as displayed by a pair of gold, green and purple gems, the traditional colors of Mardi Gras. Green stands for faith, purple is a sign of justice, and gold represents power.
The act of serving as a bead tosser takes a lot of power. I found joining what is known as the "Krewe" to be a lot like working on an assembly line:
Grab a strand. Eye a target. Toss your jewels.
Grab a strand. Eye a target. Toss your jewels.
Grab a strand. Eye a target. Toss your jewels.
I tried to keep track, but failed. Without a doubt, each of us tossed more than 500 pairs of beads. Take a peek at the slideshow above for some behind the scenes images.
After the float stopped rolling, my legs felt like Jell-O. I didn't realize it while riding and tossing, but you quickly start to balance your weight, much like a surfer. Shifting from one leg to the other, I did a two-step dance in place that could have doubled as a workout.
But float-jockeying isn’t only for TV people. You can too! For an additional charge, you too can climb aboard a float and start tossing. Learn more here. You'll have a blast. Just be ready to surf.
In closing, growing pains are always part of any new voyage. I'm fortunate to have a team behind me who supports my efforts with our new equipment. The digital gear will allow us to go further and discover more places, without being tied to the edit bay. Fort Myers, Naples and Key West productions are on the calendar.
We share a big stare. I've always felt it's an honor to bring you places where memories are made. And as I enter year number two as "Captain Tankful," we'll really start to see all of Florida, all on a Tankful.
Until next week from Ft. Myers, safe travels!
-SCOTT
Know of a place Scott needs to visit On A Tankful with his new digital gear? Drop him a line at sfais@cfnews13.com.