Boy charged for killing of two British tourists in Florida

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested and charged for the suspected killing of two British tourists in Florida.

James Kouzaris, 24 and James Cooper, 25, had been on holiday with family and friends in the Gulf coast town of Sarasota.

Their bodies were found peppered with bullets in a deprived residential area renowned for gang violence.

Sarasota Police Captain Paul Sutton told new agency AFP: “It’s unusual in that it’s public housing, there’s no open businesses, and they are in the area just before 3 in the morning.”

“The men were on a family vacation and staying in Longboat Key, a nearby beach resort community,” he added.

“One of the victims’ parents were travelling with them. It’s a horrible incident.”

The two men, both graduates of the University of Sheffield, did not have a car.

The motive of the murders has yet to be established, although police suspect it might have been a street robbery or a drug deal that went wrong.

Police confirmed neither of the men were in possession of drugs, although they would not say whether they had cash or weapons.

The area is a hotspot for gangs.

They had been staying on the upmarket island city of Longboat Key, about 12 miles from the less affluent area where they were killed.

Mr Kouzaris, from Northampton, was a guest of the Cooper family, from Warwick who were on holiday in the area.

“Both victims were white,” said Sarasota Police Captain Paul Sutton.

A spokesman for the British consulate in Miami said: ‘British consular officials can confirm that two British nationals were killed in Sarasota, Florida, on April 16. Next of kin have been notified.

Shootings of tourists re rare in the U.S. but in November 2009 Thomas Reeve was gunned down while drinking with friends in a Texas bar.

Safari Wild will have to wait on Commission

The proposal is an outgrowth of a controversy over an animal-oriented tourist destination called Safari Wild that was proposed in the Green Swamp Area of Critical State Concern.

A hearing officer last year struck down Polk County's approval of the project because it violated several county regulations.

This is the second time the proposed regulation had been continued because of questions about whether the regulations needed to be better defined.

"I don't think this is ready for prime time," Commissioner John Ryan said.

He said he wanted to exempt Class I and II wildlife from being part of agritourism.

Class I animals include lions, bears, apes, rhinoceros and other large animals that are potentially dangerous. Class II animals include monkeys, smaller cats, antelopes and other less dangerous animals.

Dr. Stephen Wehrmann, a veterinarian who is one of the owners of a game ranch that could take advantage of the ordinance, argued antelopes and other hoofed animals fall under the state definition of livestock and shouldn't be restricted.

Ryan said he'd be willing to discuss a revision, but said he wasn't sure a lot of situations involved legitimate agriculture.

"I don't see a zoo on a farm," he said.

The unanimous vote for continuance came following a series of failed motions to recommend approval and then denial. The first motion tied 3-3. The second failed 4-2.

Assistant County Attorney Jan McDonald recommended commissioners consider the issue when they were fresher.

The case didn't come up until after 7 p.m. during a meeting that had begun at 9 a.m.

The case, which planners had been trying to fast track to the commission, had been scheduled for a public hearing before the Polk County Commission next Tuesday.

Wehrmann is co-owner of the licensed exotic game farm off Moore Road that also is the site of the proposed Safari Wild tourist attraction.

Florida Wildlife Ranch is a scaled-back version of Safari Wild that Wehrmann said could attract some tourists -- he's not really sure what the market is -- to provide some income to pay for running the ranch that contains 160 exotic animals ranging from various species of African antelope to Indian rhinoceroses.

The main issue isn't whether farms may be great places to bring tourists, but whether there are adequate controls on issues such as traffic and noise to protect adjacent rural landowners.

A state administrative law judge last year quashed Polk County's approval of Safari Wild, concluding county officials ignored their own growth plan and development regulations.

The ruling came after officials at the Florida Department of Community Affairs, which oversees development permits in the Green Swamp Area of Critical State Concern, challenged the county's decision.

Lois Murphy, a sixth-generation Floridian whose family owns a ranch near Wehrmann's property, was one of the prime critics of Safari Wild and the county's handling of it.

She asked planners to take more time reviewing the proposal.

"I have a fear that this is more about tourism than about agriculture," she said, explaining she's afraid the result could be to weaken agriculture.

"I don't think a (development code change) should be driven by one case; that seems strange to me," she said.

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http://www.newschief.com/article/20110408/NEWS/104085138/1021/news01?Title=Safari-Wild-will-have-to-wait-on-Commission

Rick Scott To Tour Across US For Florida Tourism

Gov. Rick Scott will tour across United States to promote Florida Tourism. Gov Rick Scott along with Florida Tourism will organize Share a Little Sunshine Tour starting March 1.

The aim of this tour is to encourage tourism in Florida. Gov. Rick Scott and his team will begin two day tour in Orlando which will move to Washington, Philadelphia, New York City and Chicago.

Visit Florida has aimed at the destinations recently suffered from the extreme cold weather. Gov. Rick Scott aims to encourage tourists from these cities to travel the Sunshine State of Florida.

This tour has been organized to boost tourism in Florida which suffered a major setback after the Gulf Oil Spill in April 2010. Several beaches in Florida were ruined by the tar balls. Even though oil spill affected less than 5 per cent beaches in Florida, media coverage exaggerated the situation.

All beaches of Florida are not clean and ready to host tourists. To attract tourists, Visit Florida has come up with several unique ideas. Share a Little Sunshine Tour is one of them.

During the tour 120 people will be selected randomly through the call-in to CBS Radio station in Chicago. These people will travel to Orlando along with Gov. Rick Scott in a chartered plane from Chicago to spend a four day stay.

Read More

http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=1644

Florida arrest over "Bloody Valentine's Day" threat

MIAMI (Reuters) - A Florida man who allegedly wished his girlfriend a "Happy bloody Valentine's Day" and threatened to cut off her head with a knife and choke her with a belt was arrested by police, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office said on Monday.

Nathan Hemby, 33, of Key Largo was arrested on Sunday after his 50-year-old girlfriend dialed 911 after locking herself in the bathroom. She told officers he had been threatening her in recent days with a knife, a box cutter and a screwdriver.

According to the victim's testimony cited in the sheriff's office report, she said he held his hand over her mouth, put the knife to her throat and told her he was going to cut off her head and "grind up her body to sell for meat."

She said he had also threatened to choke her with leather belts hanging on the wall of their apartment and had taken a pair of her underwear, telling her he was going to "add it to his collection of the other girls he had to do this to."

The officers who responded to the call discovered her underwear tucked in the back of his shorts and the weapons and belts described were all found in the apartment.

Disney Dream not just for youngsters

From the outside, and it's easy to see how different the Disney Dream is from other 4,000-passenger cruise ships.

The design is "classic, evoking a sense of romance," said senior creative vice president Joe Lanzisero, whereas other similar-size ships have lost their classic shapes.

Maybe that's one sign things will be a little different on this ship.

Once aboard, passengers will notice another thing that sets the Dream apart from other cruise lines: There are no casinos.

Having a casino on board one of the company's ships is "totally inconsistent" to what Disney is all about, Disney Cruise Line President and CEO Karl Holz said.

"I cannot in a million years imagine that," he said. "We offer a unique Disney product, a family cruise product that is uniquely Disney in all we do."

But that's not to say the Dream is strictly kids' stuff.

This is where the ship makes its distinction from other ships in the Disney fleet. There's something aboard for everyone in the family, even the adults.

When Disney first dipped its toe into the cruise industry, it was family-oriented in just about everything.

But it is Disney, after all, filled with pixie dust, magic and technological amazement. With the Dream, the key was amazing the adults as well as the children.

Watery thrill

Let's start with the Aqua Duck, the first water coaster at sea. When looking at the ship from the outside, the see-through coaster is the first thing you notice.

The Aqua Duck takes cruisers on a 760-foot-long ride that shoots out 10,000

gallons of water per minute and includes a segment that extends off the ship, high above the ocean.

"We looked at the ship and thought, 'We want to do a roller coaster, but not the norm,' " said Peter Ricci, show design and production manager and one of the Aqua Duck's designers.

So what are you waiting for book yourself one of the Florida luxury villas or an Orlando holiday rental to enjoy your vacation

Read More

http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110206/LIFE/102060310/0/LIFE/Disney-Dream-not-just-youngsters?odyssey=nav|head

Nightlife for February 9, 2011

Cruising….Literally!

If you were out and about just about anywhere in Fort Lauderdale or Wilton Manors—or South Florida in one of your Florida luxury villa, as a matter of fact—you know that more than 5,000 gay men and Lesbians were in town, anxious to depart on the world’s largest gay cruise. Yes, Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas, one of the two largest cruise ships in the world, sold out within weeks for a seven night cruise that departed Sunday evening to celebrate Atlantis’ 20th anniversary.

And, if you thought last weekend was crazy, get ready for this. All 5,000 boys and girls—mostly boys—will be returning this weekend, but the region will also be welcoming nearly 3,000 fresh cruisers departing on RSVP Vacations’ 25th anniversary cruise on Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam.

For those of you who missed the opportunity to party at sea, just head out to the bars and clubs. Here’s your chance to serve as a “Good Will Ambassador” to all those cruisers who are looking to kick off or wind down the vacation of a lifetime. We think it might be just as good as the “real” thing.
In the meantime, there’s plenty to do across South Florida this week. Here’s a look at some of the highlights:

Wednesday, Feb. 9

They don’t call Wednesdays “Hump Day” for no reason! If you’re feeling a little nasty tonight, head over to Cubby Hole, one of Fort Lauderdale’s popular bear bars for Eddie’s Encore Underwear Night. “Bare” your undies and enjoy 2-4-1 cocktails beginning at 9 p.m. Cubby Hole is located at 823 N. Federal Hwy, but don’t blink, you might miss it. Pardon the pun, but park in the rear.

Thursday, Feb. 10

On Thursdays in Miami Beach, chances are you’ll find the ladies at MOVA Lounge, 1625 Michigan Ave. DJ Zehno is in the booth, spinning the best of the ‘80s, ‘90s and today’s music and there are plenty of drink specials, too. The party jumps into high gear at 10 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 11

Miss Kitty hosts the Sexy Bear contest at Bill’s Filling Station, 2209 Wilton Dr. Whether you’re a muscle bear, cub, otter or grizzly, turn on your mojo—and take off your shirt—and you could take home the $100 prize.

Saturday, Feb. 12

The Manor Complex on Wilton Drive is getting a jump on Valentine’s Day with a special party, “I Feel Love,” featuring special guest DJ Terrance Lally. Unlike dinner on Monday night, there’s no cover to this extravaganza, making it the cheapest date night in town.

Sunday, Feb. 13

Edison Farrow and Omar Gonzalez present Jump! Sundays tonight at Lux (formerly Liquid) nightclub, 1439 Washington Ave. in South Beach. There’s no cover, DJ Jarell is in the booth, and you get to enjoy the Jump! Dancers, too, at this fun weekly party. This is definitely the place in Miami Beach to be tonight.

Monday, Feb. 14

You’re on your own with this one. Don’t forget to pick up the flowers and chocolates, and for gosh sakes, make a reservation for dinner at the restaurant of your choice! For those of you who don’t have boyfriends, girlfriends or whatever, well, pick a bar and drink away your sorrows. Better yet, find a new friend online!

Let Florida State Parks Light Up Your Holiday Season

 

Holiday cheer and spirit are filling the air and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is encouraging Floridians to step out of their Florida villas and into the Florida State Park and enjoy the festive magic and splendor of a holiday light display. Featuring millions of bright lights draped across beautiful landscapes, these state park exhibits are the perfect venue to celebrate the holiday season.

“From intricate and dazzling to simple and elegant state park light displays are a result of dedication and hard work from volunteers and employees sharing their holiday spirit,” said DEP Florida State Parks Director Donald Forgione. “I encourage everyone to take a break from the busy holiday schedule and to come soak up the spirit with their family and friends.”

Activities at Florida’s state parks are plentiful. Up and down the state, there are ample things to do throughout the month that entertain the young, young-at-heart and even the four-legged ones. On Saturday, December 11 alone, some of the scheduled events include:

• The Santa Paws 5K Run & Pet Parade – Held at Highlands Hammock State Park, it’s an event the whole family can enjoy. Afterwards, Santa Paws will be available for canine photo ops. In the evening, guests can pack their baskets of goodies and enjoy The Tammerlin Christmas Concert in the picnic area.

• At Weeki Wachee Springs State Park magical performances by former mermaids representing the 1940s to the 1970s will take you back to the attraction’s early years.

• If you like games, you’ll enjoy the Wildlife Jeopardy Program about turtles at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. From noon to 12:30, information Jeopardy-style will educate and entertain attendees of all ages.

• Grab those fishing poles and head out to Colt Creek State Park for ‘Fishing with Santa’. Join the big guy in a little friendly competition to see who catches what from Mac Lake. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will provide poles, bait and tackle free of charge; children ages 15 and under do not need a fishing license.

• Put on your running shoes for Jack’s 50K and 25K Trail Race on the Joe Kenner Trail in Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach alongside the Intracoastal Waterway. All entrants will receive shirts and finisher awards and Overall Male and Female winners will receive special handcrafted trophies.

• The annual Winterfest Boat Parade at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park features more than 100 boats decorated with holiday lights. Local personalities, Indian arts and crafts, the Lucky Lottery tent, and prizes and games galore will be going on throughout the day, and Santa and Billy the Marlin will make special appearances.

• Celebrate John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park’s 50th anniversary. Park entrance will be waived so all can join in the celebration which includes guest speaker, world-renowned oceanographer and underwater explorer Dr. Sylvia Earle. Learn about the park’s history from John D. Pennekamp’s descendants along with former park staffers.

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, White Springs
December 4-31, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Experience the ultimate high voltage holiday of more than four million lights on display including the majestic oak trees adorned with thousands of lights, an antebellum museum dressed in full holiday splendor, Santa’s runway and more. Admission is $2 per person and includes complimentary hot chocolate and popcorn. For more information, call (386) 397-4331.

CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW
Three Rivers State Park, Sneads
December 10 and 17, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Three Rivers State Park invites visitors to a scenic drive through the park to enjoy all the beautiful light displays. Admission is waived for the event. For more information, call (850) 482-9006

To learn more about these events, click on the park link, then click ‘Things to do’, events. To learn about all December events, go to http://www.floridastateparks.org.

Free Admission to Pennekamp Park Heralds 50th Anniversary Celebration

Free admission to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is available Saturday, Dec. 11, during a special 50th birthday celebration planned for that day.

Be a part of the golden anniversary and chart your plans for this day from your Florida villas

The golden anniversary of the park at mile marker 102.5 on the Florida Keys Overseas Highway offers a variety of events beginning at 9 a.m. the culmination of 11 days of events in Key Largo honoring America’s first undersea preserve.

Scheduled activities include an Environmental Expo featuring ecological and historical exhibits, oral histories shared by past park managers and staff as well as a featured keynote presentation by Dr. Sylvia Earle, a renowned oceanographer and Time magazine’s first “Hero for the Planet.”

Souvenir anniversary medallions and lapel pins are to be available while supplies last, as well as posters of an underwater scene, created for the park’s 50th by artist Wyland.

Pennekamp Park 50thSlated for the expo are some 40 organizations representing Florida Keys and national conservation groups including the Coral Restoration Foundation, The Dolphin Research Center, The Turtle Hospital, Florida Keys national wildlife refuges, Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, The Nature Conservancy, History of Diving Museum, National Parks and Conservation Association, the Florida Park Service and the Wyland Foundation Youth Ambassadors for the Planet.

Visitors also can enjoy the park’s popular water activities — at regular concession prices — including viewing the reef on glass-bottom-boat or snorkel and scuba tours, as well as canoeing and kayaking on mangrove-lined waterways.

A visitor center featuring a refurbished 30,000-gallon aquarium, as well as nature trails, picnic pavilions and two beaches round out the variety of offerings at Pennekamp.

More details are at www.fla-keys.com/pennekamp50. Key Largo visitor and accommodations’ information is at www.fla-keys.com/keylargo or 1-800-822-1088.

Read More

http://www.newmanpr.com/2010/12/01/free-admission-to-pennekamp-park-heralds-50th-anniversary-celebration/

Florida Skating Academy's Holiday Roller Skating Show is Dec. 12

Siobhan Boismier and Eric Hadley will perform in the Florida Skating Academy’s Holiday Roller Skating Show at Spinnations Skating Center in Port Richey.




For more than a decade, the Florida Skating Academy's Holiday Roller Skating Show has been one of the highlights of the season. The fast-paced, colorful two-hour show has featured world and national champion skaters of all ages. It's no surprise that tickets go quickly, so advance purchase is highly recommended. This year's show at 2 p.m. Dec. 12 at Spinnations Skating Center in Port Richey promises to be as exciting as previous ones. "The (show) will feature U.S. competitors just returning from the World Championships in Portugal," said Angela Serini, publicist for the organization.

Topping the 20-act show will be senior world-class pairs skaters Siobhan Boismier of New Port Richey and Eric Hadley of Melbourne; world-class singles skater John Burchfield; Junior World figure skater Erica Sheley; and national champions Tabitha Clark, Meghan Boyce, and Lorenzo and Francesca Bertoglio.

Others in the show are the 11-member "Golden Rollers" and the "Kids" Class, Bronze Class and Florida Skating Academy senior club members.

The skaters will perform to songs from the 1930s through the present, such as Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy; Anchors Aweigh; Sing, Sing, Sing; At Last; Boogie Shoes; Shake Your Groove Thing and Frosty the Snowman.

Doors will open at 1 p.m. for people who have purchased tickets in advance. Tickets can be purchased at the door, if available, at 1:45 p.m. The show starts at 2 p.m.

So what are you waiting for book your tickets soon and enjoy the occasion which will be as fabulous as the Florida villas you are put up with. For those planning to holiday book your tickets and your Florida vacation rentals in advance to enjoy your holiday which will be one of your best Florida vacations

Read More

http://www.tampabay.com/features/performingarts/florida-skating-academys-holiday-roller-skating-show-is-dec-12/1137752

Boat parades: A unique Florida holiday tradition

Let's face it, Floridians, we don't do the holidays in the Sunshine State the way they do up North.

In previous Postcards installments, I've written about my family's tradition of heading out to the beach on Christmas Day for a game of touch football in the sand — not something that's an option, say, in Idaho.

Here's another holiday tradition that's unique: The holiday boat parade.

Hey, anyone can decorate a house. When you're putting lights on a houseboat, it's something different.

For the tourists this will be a great sight of Florida, for those who are confused about where to go here are some places you could consider to visit during your stay at Florida.

Once you step out of your Florida Villas There are an assortment of floating festivities, including:

•46th Annual St. Johns River Christmas Boat Parade: This year's flotilla is slated to cast off at 6 p.m. on Dec. 11 at Catfish Bend (Marker 36) north of Whitehair Bridge on the St. Johns River in DeLand. It travels south, finishing at roughly 8 p.m. at the north end of Lake Beresford.

There are a few recommended spots to watch from shore, including Ed Stone Park, at State Road 44 in DeLand and the Lake Beresford Yacht Club. For entry information and other details, call 386-801-5685.

11th Annual Halifax River Yacht Club Christmas Boat Parade: It begins at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 4 north of the Seabreeze Bridge on the Halifax River. From there, the boats travel south to the basin in front of the Halifax River Yacht Club, then turn into the north basin at the Daytona Beach City Marina for judging.

Viewing is available anywhere along the river or on downtown bridges at Seabreeze and Main streets or International Speedway Boulevard. For details, visit dbchristmasboatparade.com or call 386-255-7459.

•Marathon's Boot Key Harbor Lighted Christmas Boat Parade: Watercraft ranging from dinghies to yachts will cruise the harbor in a sparkling procession starting at dusk on Dec. 11. Best viewing sites include Lazy Days South, Marathon Marina, Sombrero Dockside Lounge and Burdine's Waterfront. (305-743-9629; bootkeyharbor.com/christmas_parade).

•Key Largo Boat Parade: This year's theme for the parade on Blackwater Sound is "Under the Sea," marking the 50th anniversary of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. It starts at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11. (305-451-4502; keylargoboatparade.com)

•Winterfet Boat Parade: The 39th 'Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade' will have Cirque Shows, holiday displays, BMX racers, a floating airplane, dancers, music and dazzling floats. Selected as the kick-off event for the City of Fort Lauderdale's Centennial, this year's parade will be held on Dec. 11. The Grand Marshal is current Dancing With the Stars cohost and former winner Brooke Burke. Tickets to view the parade at the Grandstand Viewing Area are $16 for children and $21 for adults. For more information call Winterfest, Inc. at 954-767-0686

Read More

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/os-fla-destinations-boat-parades-112820101127,0,701325.column

Pygmy hippopotamus born at Zoo Miami

At Florida's Zoo Miami, the recent birth of a pygmy hippopotamus is cause for big excitement.

The baby, a female, is the first of her species to be born at the zoo in more than two decades and the first offspring for 18-year-old mother Kelsey. "It is testimony that the zoo is doing all of the right things in order to make this normally shy animal comfortable enough to reproduce successfully and to be a great mother," Ron Magill, the zoo's communications director, said in a statement.

Pygmy hippos, like the more familiar Nile hippos, are native to parts of Africa, but pygmy hippos' range is much smaller than that of their larger cousins. Their habitat includes parts of Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and the Ivory Coast, and it's believed that fewer than 3,000 of them remain in the wild.

Zoo Miami is asking members of the public to help name the new baby by voting for their favorite name in an online poll. Name choices are Nzuri (Swahili for "beautiful"), Nyumbani ("home"), Leona (a play on Sierra Leone) and Asali ("honey," a tribute to another Zoo Miami hippo who died last year).

See another photo of mother and baby after the jump!

So what are you waiting for head out from your Florida Villas  to have a look at this cute new arrival and more species other than the homo sapiens at the Florida zoo

Read more

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2010/11/pygmy-hippopotamus-baby-zoo-miami.html

Florida Gulf Vacation's Thanksgiving Special

Florida Gulf Vacation announced today a Thanksgiving Week special on all new and renewing Vacation Property Listings between today and midnight on Thanksgiving Day. Florida vacation rental property owners can now add their property to over five hundred beach and Disney vacation rentals listed on the site for just $72 for two full years of listing.

To take advantage of the Thanksgiving Listing Offer owners need only register as an owner on the site and then enter their information or email Florida Gulf Vacation via the Contact us at the top of each page and send over the information and they will build the listing for you. It doesn't get any easier or more cost effective than that.

Go to: http://floridagulfvacation.com/OwnerRegister.php to get started

or visit http://www.fabvillas.com/ to book some exciting Florida holiday villas

Dancers heading to Florida bowl

Sixteen students from a Potters Mills dance studio will dance at the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando, Fla., next month.

“It’s a celebration of what the kids have accomplished over the last eight years of the studio,” said Sarah Mason, who along with her husband, Chuck, runs and owns the Pennsylvania Academy of the Arts at 200 Old Fort Road.

Organizers offered Mason’s students slots at halftime celebrations for other bowl games. But Mason chose the Orlando game because it was open to performers eight years and up — that, plus the location is nice for families who want to incorporate the trip into their Christmas vacations.

The bowl game will take place Dec. 28, and Mason expects to receive the choreography instructions later this week. Mason’s 16 students range in age from 9 to 18 and have experience with tap, jazz and ballet.

“It’s a pretty diverse group,” Mason said.

To help pay for the trip, Mason and the students will host a quarter auction fundraiser Sunday at the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Potters Mills, located along U.S. Route 322, just west of the state Route 144 intersection. Doors open at 3 p.m. and the auction starts at 4 p.m.

Holiday celebration

Penns Valley Community Church is hosting a free Thanksgiving meal to celebrate the holiday.

The event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, at the Old Gregg School Community and Recreation Center, 106 School St. in Spring Mills.

Penns Valley Community Church leaders are partnering with other churches to host the event, and they’re encouraging resident to join them and bring a neighbor or friend in need.

Read more: 

http://www.centredaily.com/2010/11/17/2345722/dancers-heading-to-florida-bowl.html#ixzz15deRq2ab

Florida Golf Vacations

There are over 1100 golf courses in Florida, ranging from public courses to private membership only. Flat, open resort courses exist side by side with more traditional links courses.

Given the huge tourism industry that exists in Florida, it comes as no surprise to find that golf  vacation rentals are available to suit all tastes and budgets.

Golf in Florida is available rear round. From May through October the courses are seldom crowded, usually allowing for a leisurely round. Many private courses are open to the public at that time.

Major courses are often part of a resort complex and packages are available that incorporate several rounds of golf in combination with resort accommodation plus access to all the resort facilities.

Signature courses abound throughout the state with designs by many of the greats such as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Greg Norman.

Read More
http://www.go-florida.net/florida-golf.htm

Stone Crab season

15 October 2010 the long-awaited Stone Crab season starts in the Florida Keys official . Every year at this time  hundreds of thousands of kilos of Florida's delicious crabs are brought from the sea. The claws of newly caught Stone Crabs are first steamed, cracked and eventually served in melted butter or spicy mustard sauce.

It is noteworthy that despite the large quantities that are consumed every year, there is no danger to the existence of Stone Crabs is because  of the ability of crabs to grow again.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission  about 40 percent of the annual Stone Crab income comes from the waters of the Keys - this makes the region to Florida's main supplier of world-renowned delicacy.

Grab your crabs at your Florida Vacation Rentals

The Stone Crab 2010/2011 season lasts until 15 May 2011.

Outside of Miami: the Biltmore Hotel

Coral Gables has been in the years 1920  planned on a classy suburb on the outskirts of Miami. Four monumental gates (the most beautiful of them being the Douglas Entrance on Tamiami Trail) leads to the heart of Coral Gables: The shopping area is lively with exclusive shops such as Miracle Mile, jewelers, antiques dealers, art galleries and elegant restaurants. 

Overgrown with orchids Venetian Pool, a public swimming pool with grottoes and waterfalls, is fed by underground springs. Coral Gables landmark, however, the Biltmore Hotel. The highly visible pastel splendor construction dates back to 1926. The style: opulent, Mediterranean, the architecture is reminiscent of the Spanish hacienda-style. Here Hollywood stars come and go. Namely,  South Beach is too crowded, too noisy and hysterical. The leisure offer is simply overwhelming: its own golf course, tennis courts, fitness center, and - you can not emphasize enough - the Biltmore is equipped with the largest hotel pool in the USA - (Tarzan ') Johnny Weismuller was here once as lifeguard! Poolside palm trees, hibiscus and bougainvillea, the guys at the pool bar serves cool drinks and tasty sandwiches are a treat. 

In the extensively renovated hotel spa was equally devoted an entire floor. The spa on the seventh floor, offers a great view of Miami (in the evening and at sunset!) A feel-good atmosphere at its finest sceneries. Water, glass, bamboo, and refined furnishings make for a fine design and massage treatments to leave no wishes unfulfilled.  Palme d'Or at the fine restaurant, chef Philippe Ruiz to contemporary French cuisine ensure the place is fully booked even on weekdays often. The wine list will  amaze even the most demanding connoisseur.

Have this place on your must visit list and dont get too lazy as you will be  pampered  in all of florida especially the luxurious florida villas

Canoe Escape

Located just 10 minutes from Busch gardens, Canoe Escape believes that a canoe is the ideal place from which one can enjoy the beauty of nature. This one is a trip not to be missed as it is a peaceful ride once you leave your luxurious Florida villa to escape from the buzzing streets to nuzzle with nature and wildlife. Canoe escape offers choices of the trips ranging from 2 hours to a whole day. If you are a first timer it would be a great experience to learn about paddling and the best option would be to take a two hour trip to view the wildlife. Great blue heron white ibis Florida red-bellied turtle alligator and anhinga are the species that are seen for sure. Deer red - winged blackbird belted kingfishers are often seen too. The seasonal birds like the roseatte spoonbill yellow-crowned night heron blue-gray gnatcatcher wood stork are spotted at certain times in the year.

Alligators are said to be predators for humans and highly dangerous but if you are not going to disturb them they are not going to even interfere with you. As you move along the canoe you will be gazing at a dozen alligators that might get into underwater due to the reclusive nature and over the 18 years at Canoe escape which is a cypress swamp, a home for the gators there has been no untoward incident by them. If you are a person who is a little mischievous and can’t resist feeding or teasing the gators then you better stay back at your Florida vacation rental home as Canoe Escape is a place which respects nature and is not pleased with the ideas of those who want to tamper with it.

 

Hillsborough River is the home for thousands of animals and is filled with lots of surprises bends and of course abundant wildlife. There are also special events that occur occasionally so just check the website http://www.canoeescape.com and be on track.

St Petersburg Honda Grand Prix

A city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States, St Petersburg before thought as the perfect destination for retired people to enjoy their calm life in the green benches and get excited at the thought of playing shovelboards has now made a transition into a buzzing city boasting of museums, art galleries and much more entertainment making it Vivacious for the vacation visitors.

One of the attractions here is the Honda Grand Prix having an Indy-style course with race cars, sharp turns the cars are let to roar on a 1.8-mile, 14-turn running along bayshore drive it is a visual treat to watch. Race weekends take place in the bright house, adding to the excitement are face painting, racing simulations, rock climbing, bungee jumping and much more exciting things in the racecourse’s vicinity.

Tickets are priced at $25 for Fridays and Saturdays and $40 on Sundays. Giving the worth for your money it is the best place to race to when you decide to temporarily retire from your Florida Vacation Homes

For more information on how to get tickets and about Honda Grand Prix please visit

http://goflorida.about.com/od/thingstodoinstpete/a/grandprix.htm

Astronaut Hall of Fame Titusville Florida

Had you thought foreclosures were an issue related to the world then read on to know it has affected the United States Astronaut Hall Of Fame too. Initially situated in Melbourne it went to the foreclosures in 1990 and then after many attempts of privatization it came into the hands of NASA who have seen the hurdle off. Now this tourist spot is located in Titusville Florida and you cannot miss it as it is put up just in front of the Kennedy Space center. 

This is one of the must visit places for the space geeks boasting of astronaut memorabilia it’s also the world’s largest. The United States Astronaut Hall Of Fame is really amazing as the design seems to be inspired by the sci fi films giving a dark feel with halogen lights something which all of us can relate to The Star Wars movie. They have also given the perfect finish with the audio clippings of rocket roaring, Nixon and Kennedy speeches, astronaut voices and more space related audios chasing you all over the place.

There are exhibits of Jim Lovell's Boy Scout sash, Buzz Aldrin's high school football jersey, Deke Slayton's Mercury survival knife, goggles and flight gloves of John "MIG Mad Marine" Glenn, Gus Grissom's controversial space suit and more spaceman outfits & accessories.

The Hall of fame have accomplished one of the tough feats by short listing 66 astronauts from around 275 Americans who defied gravity. Situated on a quiet corner it just brushes up your memory if you are a space buff keeping note of the men who made it outside the world alive.

The most exciting part of the United States Astronaut Hall Of Fame is "Astronaut Adventure" where the tourists can take their trip to space by strapping themselves to get a feel of the moon gravity, space shuttle cockpit scheduled for landing and also they have accomplished to get the aroma of the moon. 

The hall of fame is a great place to visit for the space buffs but at time you find some of the programs irritating. If you could sit through Star Wars Movie n times then you would love this place for the rest of the big no to sci-fi audience, relax yourself in your Florida Vacation Home.