Swamp Buggy Fever! | WGCU Untold Stories

In Naples, Florida, swamp buggy racing isn’t just a sport — it’s a living tradition captured in the half-hour documentary, Swamp Buggy Fever! Born from the ingenuity of pioneers who built vehicles to navigate the Everglades, this high-octane competition reflects the grit and creativity of Southwest Florida’s past and present. Naples machinist Ed Frank invented the swamp buggy around the 1920s. After World War II, drivers built buggies with leftover airplane tires and jeep parts. Hunting buggies evolved into racing buggies. Swamp buggy racing started in Naples in 1949, and drivers say it’s the only place in the world where the tradition continues. What began as a practical way to explore the Everglades has evolved into a thrilling and deeply-rooted cultural event. The film features iconic and current drivers, vintage footage, and historic race highlights. The Swamp Buggy Races are now held at the “Mile O’ Mud” at The Florida Sports Park. Primary Credits: Janine Zeitlin - Sr. Producer/Writer Tom James - Videographer/Editor Tanner Jenni - Associate Producer Pam James - Executive Producer Mike Kiniry - Narration Watch Live, Stream Anytime. Visit us online at: https://www.wgcu.org Swamp Buggy Fever! | WGCU Untold Stories #SwampBuggyFever! #UntoldStories #WGCU