rich 1.0 (4/6/2026) In this episode of One Place, Many Voices, host Nanette Wisesr chats with author Deb Carson about the history of the circus in Pinellas County and her book about her uncle Albert, one Ringling's most famous performers in advance of World Circus Day this month. Becoming FLO: A Mostly True Story by Deb Carson (edited by Nanette Wiser, cover art by Janet Nummi)  Says Carson: It’s Baltimore, 1920. You’re 16. You have four adoring sisters and four disapproving brothers. You are the son of devout Orthodox Jewish immigrant parents who escaped Russian pogroms. Your murderously abusive father is repulsed by your artful interests. You’re harboring a big secret. And an even bigger desire. What would you do?  Most Orthodox Jewish boys at the turn of the 20th century did not run away from home. Did  ot join the circus. Did not find fame. And did not find herself. Flo did. From the shtetl to the Big Top, Flo’s true story inspires.  Despite all odds, through sheer grit and the power of art, Flo’s escape from a father’s violence, a world of anti-Semitism and rampant Queer intolerance takes readers on a remarkable journey; and one that illuminates a path out for those who similarly struggle." Celebrate World Circus Day April 18 at the Ringling' Circus Museum in Sarasota. (https://www.ringling.org/event/world-circus-day/) Come one, come all, and visit us at The Ringling as we join communities around the globe to celebrate the rich history and extraordinary artistry of the circus arts. Enjoy FREE admission to the Circus Museum (Tibbals Learning Center and Historic Circus Galleries) and the Bayfront Gardens. Don’t miss the Tibbals Learning Center and our newest exhibition on the 2nd floor, The Greatest Show On Earth® Gallery! Visit the Historic Circus Galleries, featuring John and Mable Ringling’s railcar, the Wisconsin and John Ringling’s Rolls-Royce, the Silver Ghost. Guides will be available in the Galleries to answer all your questions! Explore with a Circus Costume Seek & Find. Then, design a costume at our art-making tables outside of the Tibbals Learning Center. Check in at the Eco Cart to learn more about our Bayfront Gardens and take a self-guided WonderWalk! Watch a short archival film on the circus in the Historic Asolo Theater. Please note: Free admission applies only to the Circus Museum. The Museum of Art and Ca' d'Zan are not included in the free admission offer. #worldcircusday #becomingflo #circushistory #pinellascountyhistory #heritagevillage #america250 #onevoicemanyplaces #nanettewiser #floridahumanities #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete Radio St. Pete Podcast Archive https://audioboom.com/channels/1842136-radio-st-pete-podcast-archive Audioboom https://audioboom.com 480 95 https://audioboom.com/i/43567894/600x600/c 600 600 <iframe width="100%" height="95" src="https://embeds.audioboom.com/posts/8883669/embed?v=202301" style="background-color: transparent; display: block; padding: 0; width: 100%" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="allowtransparency" scrolling="no" title="Audioboom player" allow="autoplay" sandbox="allow-downloads allow-forms allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-storage-access-by-user-activation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation"></iframe>