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Embark on an Exciting Journey: Florida Road Trip Premieres June 8, 2023, with New Host Allison Godlove!
Join us for an unforgettable summer adventure as Florida Road Trip returns with a brand new host, Allison Godlove! Before we hit the road, get to know Allison and discover what's in store for the latest season of Florida Road Trip.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
Allison: I was born and raised near Buffalo, NY and am the oldest of four girls. I got married in March 2022 and live in Tampa Bay with my husband and our 14-year-old beagle, Beamer. I wasn't really a dog person (forgive me) until I met him - and now I'm obsessed. Ask anyone who knows me and this is a shocking fact.
I was a TV News Anchor for 16 years. My career started at SBU-TV at St. Bonaventure University. I made stops in Beckley, West Virginia; Charleston, West Virginia; Knoxville, TN and then finally in Tampa, Florida. Throughout my career I covered stories like the Sago Mine Disaster, the RNC in Tampa, hurricanes, elections, and countless other stories of people who touched my heart and I will never forget. I'm proud to say I'm a 2-time Emmy winner for anchoring and a story I'm incredibly proud of. We were able to get Florida laws changed so firefighters with cancer could get health coverage. It started from a Facebook post about a bill stalled in committee and ended months later with a unanimous vote to give them cancer coverage. It was the most rewarding story of my career because I met firefighters who had cancer and knew the impact it would have on their lives. THAT is why journalism matters.
Q: What inspired you to become the host of Florida Road Trip?
Allison: We are so lucky to live in a place - as the saying goes - where people vacation. But more than beaches and crystal-clear water, Florida has a really rich history. I love that Florida Road Trip features some of the most popular cities but shares their lesser-known stories.
Q: What do you hope viewers will gain from watching Florida Road Trip?
Allison: I hope people gain a deeper love and appreciation for Florida. It’s so much more than a vacation destination. By watching Florida Road Trip you’ll learn how our state was born, who contributed to its growth and how it’s become the place it is today. I really hope people walk away from each episode feeling like they can’t wait to go visit that city.
Q: What do you think makes Florida a unique and exciting destination for road trips?
Allison: People love to explore. They may visit St. Augustine for the “Fountain of Youth,” or Tallahassee to see the State Capitol, or Sarasota for the beaches, but when they get there they’re opened up to so much more than what they bargained for. That’s what makes Florida so exciting. It’s nice and sunny to look at, but it sure does have a lot of unique history.
Q: What are some of your favorite places to visit in Florida, and why?
Allison: St. Petersburg will always have a special place in my heart because it’s the first city I lived in when I moved to Florida. It’s changed so much since then. I love seeing it grow, yet keep a special uniqueness to it. Siesta Key is also a favorite because it’s where my husband and I had our second date. That beach is stunning and I love the beach town feel. And who doesn’t love Key West? It’s an easy place to get to and the trip down there is incredible. I highly recommend the drive from Miami to Key West in a convertible. It’s breathtaking! Make sure to stop at a few places to eat along the way and wear sunscreen. I’ve learned that many times the hard way.
Q: What advice would you give to someone planning a road trip in Florida for the first time?
Allison: My advice would be to be open to new experiences that you weren’t expecting. Take time to learn a little bit about the city’s history. Spend time at the places that draw in tourists, but look for the lesser-known places that will teach you something about Florida. And talk to locals! Ask about the best restaurants, beaches, or activities. That’s how you will truly get to see how wonderful our state is.
Q: What can viewers expect from the upcoming season of Florida Road Trip?
Allison: You’re going to have a lot of “no way!” moments. There were several times on shoots when I said, “I had no idea!” You’re going to learn a lot from stories of people and places that have an impact on our communities. Our backyard has so many incredible stories to tell and I can’t wait for you to hear them on Florida Road Trip!