Cold snap tests Florida wildlife as Gatorland keeps animals warm
A blast of cold weather sweeping across Florida has raised questions about how the state’s wildlife copes with unusually low temperatures, particularly reptiles that thrive in warmer conditions. At Gatorland in Orlando, animal care teams have taken extra steps to keep animals comfortable during the cold snap.
A blast of cold weather sweeping across Florida has raised questions about how the state’s wildlife copes with unusually low temperatures, particularly reptiles that thrive in warmer conditions. At Gatorland in Orlando, animal care teams have taken extra steps to keep animals comfortable during the cold snap.
Theme parks roll out major concert lineups for upcoming festivals
Central Florida theme parks are lining up a packed slate of concerts and festivals this winter and spring, pairing major music acts with food-focused events at SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Orlando Resort, and Walt Disney World.
Central Florida theme parks are lining up a packed slate of concerts and festivals this winter and spring, pairing major music acts with food-focused events at SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Orlando Resort, and Walt Disney World.
Chocolate shop warms up during cold snap on National Hot Chocolate Day
As a cold snap settled across Florida, a Tampa chocolate shop marked National Hot Chocolate Day with special promotions to warm up customers ahead of a busy weekend. Hampton Chocolate Factory, located at Sparkman Wharf in Tampa’s Channelside district, showcased specialty hot chocolate topped with melted chocolate rims, handmade marshmallows, and toffee bark.
As a cold snap settled across Florida, a Tampa chocolate shop marked National Hot Chocolate Day with special promotions to warm up customers ahead of a busy weekend. Hampton Chocolate Factory, located at Sparkman Wharf in Tampa’s Channelside district, showcased specialty hot chocolate topped with melted chocolate rims, handmade marshmallows, and toffee bark.
Women-only jiu-jitsu studio builds strength, safety and community
Inside a small studio in Pasco County, women are learning Brazilian jiu-jitsu while also finding confidence, support and a sense of belonging. She-Devil Jiu Jitsu, based in New Port Richey, offers a women-only training environment that members say feels both empowering and safe.
Inside a small studio in Pasco County, women are learning Brazilian jiu-jitsu while also finding confidence, support and a sense of belonging. She-Devil Jiu Jitsu, based in New Port Richey, offers a women-only training environment that members say feels both empowering and safe.
Gasparilla pirate ship prepares for annual invasion of Tampa Bay
As Tampa readies for its annual Gasparilla celebration, the iconic pirate ship Jose Gasparilla is undergoing final preparations ahead of its highly anticipated arrival. The event, which transforms the city into a sea of pirates, parades, and beads, is a decades-old tradition that blends spectacle with local history.
As Tampa readies for its annual Gasparilla celebration, the iconic pirate ship Jose Gasparilla is undergoing final preparations ahead of its highly anticipated arrival. The event, which transforms the city into a sea of pirates, parades, and beads, is a decades-old tradition that blends spectacle with local history.
Plant City woman turns heads by raising kangaroos
Kinsey Lawton, along with Amanda Keys and Vanessa Fletcher, is drawing attention in Florida for her unusual pets: baby kangaroos. The trio runs Hey Sister and Co., a boutique in downtown Plant City, where customers can meet the marsupials.
Kinsey Lawton, along with Amanda Keys and Vanessa Fletcher, is drawing attention in Florida for her unusual pets: baby kangaroos. The trio runs Hey Sister and Co., a boutique in downtown Plant City, where customers can meet the marsupials.
Florida home with pirate cave, 22 themed rooms goes under contract
A Pinellas Park home that has captured attention online for its quirky, over-the-top design is now under contract, with the new owners planning to turn it into an Airbnb.
A Pinellas Park home that has captured attention online for its quirky, over-the-top design is now under contract, with the new owners planning to turn it into an Airbnb.
Former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett to tour Florida
Legendary guitarist Steve Hackett, former lead guitarist of progressive rock band Genesis, is bringing his “Best of Genesis and Solo Gems” tour to Florida next month, marking his only U.S. stops for the tour.
Legendary guitarist Steve Hackett, former lead guitarist of progressive rock band Genesis, is bringing his “Best of Genesis and Solo Gems” tour to Florida next month, marking his only U.S. stops for the tour.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden hosts annual chocolate festival
Chocolate lovers will have a new reason to visit Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden this weekend as the popular Chocolate Festival returns, offering tastings, workshops, and experiences centered on cacao.
Chocolate lovers will have a new reason to visit Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden this weekend as the popular Chocolate Festival returns, offering tastings, workshops, and experiences centered on cacao.
Universal Orlando announces new Fast & Furious roller coaster
Universal Orlando Resort announced plans for a new Fast & Furious-themed roller coaster, marking the latest major attraction coming to the theme park destination.
Universal Orlando Resort announced plans for a new Fast & Furious-themed roller coaster, marking the latest major attraction coming to the theme park destination.
Video sparks debate over possible Great White Shark sighting
A video posted by a Clearwater-area boat captain has sparked online debate after he said he encountered a great white shark off the coast of Dunedin during a New Year’s boat tour near Honeymoon Island State Park.
A video posted by a Clearwater-area boat captain has sparked online debate after he said he encountered a great white shark off the coast of Dunedin during a New Year’s boat tour near Honeymoon Island State Park.
SeaWorld Orlando offers free preschool admission, special events
SeaWorld Orlando is offering a slate of free and family-focused events aimed at young children, Florida teachers and residents, including complimentary admission for preschoolers and educators.
SeaWorld Orlando is offering a slate of free and family-focused events aimed at young children, Florida teachers and residents, including complimentary admission for preschoolers and educators.
Canyons Zip Line & Canopy Tours offers ziplines, horseback, kayaking
Visitors to Ocala can experience high-flying thrills at the Canyon Zip Line, the state’s only location with significant elevation, set in a 100-year-old limestone quarry.
Visitors to Ocala can experience high-flying thrills at the Canyon Zip Line, the state’s only location with significant elevation, set in a 100-year-old limestone quarry.
Contestant previews fears, snakes on ‘Fear Factor: House of Fear’
A Tampa-area school counselor is getting national attention after appearing as a contestant on “Fear Factor: House of Fear,” hosted by Johnny Knoxville.
A Tampa-area school counselor is getting national attention after appearing as a contestant on “Fear Factor: House of Fear,” hosted by Johnny Knoxville.
'Ripped Santa' inspires others to rebuild their lives
Bill Everhart, famously known as “The Ripped Santa,” was told by doctors that his future would be defined by physical limitations, including difficulty walking and using one arm, after a devastating medical diagnosis and multiple surgeries. At 57, he chose a different path. Rather than accepting the prognosis, Everhart committed himself to rehabilitation and fitness, rebuilding his strength and mobility.
Bill Everhart, famously known as “The Ripped Santa,” was told by doctors that his future would be defined by physical limitations, including difficulty walking and using one arm, after a devastating medical diagnosis and multiple surgeries. At 57, he chose a different path. Rather than accepting the prognosis, Everhart committed himself to rehabilitation and fitness, rebuilding his strength and mobility.
Riverdance returns to Florida with new generation of performers
Riverdance, the Grammy-winning Irish dance show, is returning to Florida with a fresh cast for its 30th anniversary tour. The production, known for its iconic music and intricate footwork, will perform in Sarasota, Fort Lauderdale, Clearwater and Jacksonville later this month and next.
Riverdance, the Grammy-winning Irish dance show, is returning to Florida with a fresh cast for its 30th anniversary tour. The production, known for its iconic music and intricate footwork, will perform in Sarasota, Fort Lauderdale, Clearwater and Jacksonville later this month and next.
Musician goes viral with hilarious ode to Orlando
A young musician has captured the essence of Orlando in a song that has garnered millions of views on Instagram, earning praise from none other than Questlove.
A young musician has captured the essence of Orlando in a song that has garnered millions of views on Instagram, earning praise from none other than Questlove.
Woman celebrates 40th birthday with epic Florida-themed party
Alyssa Fetini marked her 40th birthday with a bold Florida-themed celebration, complete with quirky decorations, custom desserts, and a “Florida finest” dress code.
Alyssa Fetini marked her 40th birthday with a bold Florida-themed celebration, complete with quirky decorations, custom desserts, and a “Florida finest” dress code.
Disney plans ‘Monstropolis’ expansion at Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney World is planning a major expansion themed around Pixar’s “Monsters, Inc.,” with a new land called Monstropolis set to open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Walt Disney World is planning a major expansion themed around Pixar’s “Monsters, Inc.,” with a new land called Monstropolis set to open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Conservation groups urge public involvement in manatee protection
Conservation groups, including Florida’s Save the Manatee Club, continue to encourage public involvement through education, rescue reporting, and symbolic manatee adoption programs that help fund research and rehabilitation efforts statewide.
Conservation groups, including Florida’s Save the Manatee Club, continue to encourage public involvement through education, rescue reporting, and symbolic manatee adoption programs that help fund research and rehabilitation efforts statewide.