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Tag: APP Florida on a Tankful

  • Florida farm brings unique Gypsy Vanner horses and their story to life

    OCALA, Fla. — Deep in the heart of Florida’s horse country, one farm is offering more than just beautiful pastures and photogenic horses — it’s giving guests a cultural and historical experience unlike any other.

    What You Need To Know

    • Gypsy Gold Horse Farm in Ocala is the first U.S. home of the rare Gypsy Vanner horse breed.
    • Visitors can take guided tours that provide education, history, and hands-on animal interaction.
    • The farm’s founder imported the first Gypsy Vanner after encountering the breed in Europe in 1995.


    Gypsy Gold Horse Farm is the first in the United States to introduce the rare and striking Gypsy Vanner horse breed to American soil.

    Known for their feathered hooves, flowing manes, and gentle temperament, these horses were originally bred by British and Irish travelers — often referred to as gypsies to pull their ornate caravans.

    “This amazing breed that Dennis has been preserving for over 30 years now. These are amazing, beautiful creatures, and a lot of people that come on these tours aren’t even familiar with the Gypsy Vanner breed,” said Eileen Mahoney, who works with the horses daily at the farm.

    Founded by Dennis Thompson and his wife, the farm is home to more than 30 Gypsy Vanner horses, each with a unique story and heritage.

    Thompson gives weekly tours where he not only introduces visitors to the horses but also shares the journey that brought them here.

    “My late wife and I, in 1995, saw one horse and learned it belonged to a gypsy,” Thompson told a tour group.

    “Spent that day in a gypsy camp and basically became obsessed.”

    The farm has earned TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence four times and remains one of the top-rated attractions in Central Florida. (Spectrum News)

    That encounter sparked a decades-long mission to preserve the breed and honor the culture behind it.

    For Thompson, it’s not just about the horses — it’s about correcting long-held misconceptions about the Romani people.

    “They don’t read and write — that is by choice because they don’t want to lose their culture,” he explained. “So, they have been treated with prejudice for a thousand years.”

    During the tour, visitors meet horses like “Little Big Man,” whom Thompson describes as “a grandson of Kushti Bok,” one of the original horses he imported.

    Guests can also interact with mules and exotic birds, like colorful macaws, all while walking the picturesque grounds.

    Visitors from all over the country have made the trip — some with a deep love for horses, others simply curious.

    “Yes, I’ve grown up with horses. I used to be a jumper — and then I got old,” joked Bonnie Mickley, a visitor from Georgia.

    “It’s so wonderful that people like Dennis are saving this animal,” added fellow visitor Chris Connolly.

    Thompson’s passion is simple.

    “When people come to Gypsy Gold, I hope they get a better understanding of the culture and a better understanding of the horses that they envisioned.” said Thompson

    The farm has earned TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence four times and remains one of the top-rated attractions in Central Florida.

    For more, visit the Gypsy Gold Horse Farm.

    Randy Rauch

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  • Marine lab offers learning through touch

    PANACEA, Fla. — Gulf Specimen Marine Lab in Panacea is a not-for-profit laboratory supplying marine life to schools and research institutions.

    It’s about 30 miles south of Tallahassee in Wakulla County and a stone’s throw from the Gulf.

    “So we have the largest assortment of animals in our touch tanks in North America,” said Aquarist Hunter Eicler. “So we have over 100 species in here.”

    All of these specimens come from northern Gulf Coast.

    And there are special opportunities for children — with a close-to-the-ground aquarium.

    “A horseshoe crab might look really scary, but once you get to touch it and see it up close, you’re no longer afraid of the animal.”

    This is how Eichler learned about sea creatures.

    She grew up here, learning triggerfish are totally “aggro,” nurse sharks uses super suction to vacuum in food and all these animals deserve our efforts to keep their worlds safe.

    Virginia Johnson

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  • Sea Cow recovery continues as ZooTampa revamps critical care home

    TAMPA, Fla. — Manatees loooooove romaine lettuce.

    What You Need To Know

    • ZooTampa‘s construction continues at Manatee rescue and rehabilitation center with plans to open in spring of 2026

    • Will be renamed “Florida Waters,” and will host life from fresh to salty to brackish waters

    • Caretakers monitor manatees daily for any behavior change as a result of construction

    • MAP: View more Florida on a Tankful locations


    It’s something you can verify yourself at ZooTampa’s manatee habitat, where Senior Curator of Florida and Marine Life Molly Lippincott is in charge of their care.

    “So we’ve been working on this project for almost five years — the construction itself has been about two years,” said Lippincott.

    This project is an overhaul of the manatee rescue and rehab facilities.

    “Florida Waters” will be their new home.

    Waters in plural because manatees live in fresh, salt and brackish waters.

    A hard hat tour revealed a new freshwater “Otter Oasis” habitat, double the size of their current digs.

    There is also a partially completed walkthrough of a mangrove forest, leading to the underwater manatee viewing in their saltwater tank.

    Nearby large cylinders columns will be filled with moon jellies — all floaty and aglow.

    And just across from them, a ceiling to floor aquarium filled with fellow Florida reef dwellers.

    And finally, a planned tank of brackish water with animals that live there — at the mouths of rivers, etc.

    The construction has happened as the zoo continues rescuing and rehabbing injured manatees.

    Closing it for expedited construction was not an option.

    “There are only two critical care facilities currently in the state of Florida. We are the only nonprofit critical care facility, the largest in the world.”

    So they planned building around manatee care, covered the viewing areas and tested the waters.

    “So we worked hand in hand with them to do behavioral observations as well as we put a hydrophone in the water every day to listen to the noise — and their vocalizations,” said Lippincott.

    So far so good, she says — the mission of conservation and education continues.

    “It’s something that we love sharing with the community, and we need the community to care just as much as we do,” said Lippincott

    It’s community members who spot manatees in distress and call for help.

    On the front lines to save the gentle sea cows.

    ZooTampa plans to open the facilities in the spring of 2026.

    And visitors will once again have access to the underwater viewing theatre, in addition to meeting all the animals that live in the manatee’s water world — whether fresh, salty or brackish.

    Virginia Johnson

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  • 3 Brothers Boards brings visitors face-to-face with wildlife on Silver River

    MARION COUNTY, Fla. — For more than 10,000 years, humans have been drawn to the serene waters of the Silver River near Ocala — a place where Florida’s ancient past still lingers.

    What You Need To Know

    • 3 Brothers Boards offers guided paddleboard tours on the Silver River, showcasing its crystal-clear waters and abundant wildlife

    • Visitors frequently encounter manatees and rhesus macaque monkeys, making it a unique eco-tourism destination in Florida

    • The company was founded 17 years ago by Justin Murray and his brothers, who began building their own high-quality paddleboards

    • Each board features the signature of their late brother Jason, honoring his memory and keeping him part of every journey

    When mastodons and giant ground sloths roamed the peninsula, the river was already a source of life.

    While those prehistoric giants have long disappeared, Silver River has become home to a new, unexpected variety of creatures that continue to awe visitors.

    “This river just has a wow factor,” said Justin Murray of 3 Brothers Boards, a Daytona paddleboard outfitter and tour company.

    The water is so clear that few of its aquatic inhabitants can remain hidden — including the gentle manatees often seen grazing beneath the surface.

    “So, the manatees eat hundreds of pounds of grass every single day,” Murray explained.

    Every week, Murray and his team guide guests through this pristine spring-fed waterway, using custom-made paddleboards — some with transparent bottoms offering an unmatched view of the river bottom below.

    “Being able to see them on the paddleboard is definitely way easier than when you’re lower to the water in a kayak,” he said.

    Murray and his brothers began their journey 17 years ago, inspired by the natural beauty surrounding them and a growing need for quality paddleboards.

    That idea launched 3 Brothers Boards.

    “This is the largest artesian spring in the state of Florida. We have over 550 million gallons of water come out of this spring — every single day,” Murray said.

    Though his younger brother Jason has since passed, his legacy lives on in every board.

    “If you look at the bottom of every board we’ve ever made, we have his handwritten signature that we got off his schoolwork just so he can be part of making the boards and part of that process. Like to think he’s with us every time we hit the water,” Murray said.

    The wildlife visible along the trip on the river is abundant — including deer, birds and pigs.

    In addition to manatees and birds, one unexpected group steals the spotlight: rhesus macaque monkeys. About 400 of them roam the area — descendants of monkeys accidentally released in the 1930s, contrary to the myth that they were part of Tarzan film productions.

    “The monkeys that we have here are rhesus monkeys. And for many years, people believed that the monkeys were here from the Tarzan films,” Murray said. “However, after looking into every Tarzan film that was filmed here, there was never any rhesus monkeys used in those films.”

    For Murray, the river is more than just a tour destination — it’s a sanctuary of natural wonder.

    “Most people who even live in Florida (in) their entire lives have never seen such a diverse array of wildlife in one spot,” he said.

    The 3 Brothers Boards store is located in Daytona Beach.

    For more on its paddleboard adventures, visit 3 Brothers Boards.

    Randy Rauch

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  • Discovery Flight gives everyone the chance to fly a plane over Orlando

    ORLANDO, Fla. — Thousands in the United States have earned their private pilot’s license, often after four to eight months of training — but you don’t need any of that to experience the thrill of flying a plane.

    What You Need To Know

    • Discovery Flights let people of any age, even without a license, take control of a small aircraft with an instructor
    • A 12-year-old named Simon recently flew over Lake Apopka and downtown Orlando during his hands-on aviation experience
    • The flight also includes a full pilot pre-check, teaching participants about safety and aircraft controls
    • Orlando Flight School offers these one-hour flights near the Orlando Executive Airport as part of an introductory flying program


    At Orlando Flight School, anyone can sign up for a discovery flight, which is a one-hour experience that lets you take the controls of a real aircraft, no license required.

    Flight instructor Parker Mayhorn recently helped 12-year-old Simon Rodriguez Gasca do just that.

    “I’m about to let a 12-year-old fly a plane,” Mayhorn said just before takeoff.

    Simon’s discovery flight began like any other — with safety checks and instructions through a headset.

    The two took off from Orlando Executive Airport, and shortly after, Simon was at the controls.

    “Some get a little bit nervous, but once you’re in the air for a good five minutes, you get used to it. And you know not many people can say they flew in a plane,” Mayhorn said.

    Simon piloted the plane over Lake Apopka and downtown Orlando, enjoying the view while learning to steer, turn and stay on course.

    “Flying the plane, there are some bumps that give you little goosebumps, but it’s actually very easy fun,” Simon said.

    Before ever getting off the ground, participants learn everything a licensed pilot does before takeoff.

    That includes checking fuel levels, control surfaces and safety protocols.

    “Take the flaps and put it all the way down. You remember how to check the quantity? Good. So right now, we’re taking a sample of the fuel to make sure we have the correct type of fuel and that there’s no contaminants,” Mayhorn said while instructing Simon during the pre-check.

    “You have to check everything to keep the plane and ourselves safe,” said Gasca.

    While flying may seem intimidating, Mayhorn says the controls of a small plane are actually simple to understand.

    “For example, over here you have your airspeed, which shows you how fast you’re going. Your altimeter, which shows you how high you are,” Mayhorn said while pointing to the control panel inside the plane.

    For Gasca, the experience was unforgettable.

    “I guess everybody should do it because it feels amazing,” he said.

    Orlando Flight School is next to the Orlando Executive Airport.

    For more information about discovery flights, visit Orlando Flight School.

    Randy Rauch

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  • Cedar Key Historical Society Museum reopens a year after Helene

    CEDAR KEY, Fla. — Cedar Key is a piece of old Florida. Home to spectacular sunsets and resilient residents like Anna White Hodges. 

    This is what recovery looks like one year after Hurricane Helene’s arrival.

    “With Helene it was so serious,” said White Hodges, Executive Director of the Cedar Key Historical Society Museum.

    As the storm moved north through the Gulf into the Big Bend region in late September 2024, waves covered the island.

    “Outside the building — eight feet,” said White Hodges.

    The reinforced historical building took in four.

    Volunteers moved the artifacts but lost everything else.

    In their recovery, they found new ways to share the story of the island.

    The museum shows remnants of the people who fished the island shores before colonizers arrived.

    And it tells the Civil War story with a model of the USS Fort Henry, part of the Union’s naval blockade off Cedar Key.

    “The union was going after blockade runners. And that’s when they got too close to the shoreline. And that’s when the militia, the southern militia, they shot at them,” said White Hodges.

    A wooden tombstone marked the grave of a Union soldier from the gunboat.

    Today, the peaceful waters are the subject of aquaculture at the museum, where the town stands now.

    The residents of this small island rebuilt this space.

    And, in turn, have become part of its history.

    Virginia Johnson

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  • Snorkeling in the Florida Aquifer at Devil’s Den

    WILLISTON, Fla. — Welcome to Devil’s Den in Williston, Florida. 

    It’s less of a den and more of what’s called a karst- an exposed spring filled with 72 degree water.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Devil’s Den spring exposed betwee 115,000 and 126,000 years ago

    •  Animal bones on spring floor helped date collapse– mastadons, saber-tooth cats and giant Jefferson sloths

    •  Once a local swimming hole, now open for snorkeling and scuba training with 50,000 visitors a year — from around the world

    • Wet suits, snorkel gear available for rent; weekedays are less busy


    “Everything you see and here at one time was soft limerock and it took millions of years to erode away, and eventually sometime between 115 and 126,000 years ago, the roof caved in and exposed the Florida aquifer,” said Don Standridge, one of the Den’s caretakers.

    The animals fell in and could not escape.

    Their fossils helped date when the top rocks collapsed, exposing the spring.

    “Mastodons, saber tooth cats, giant Jefferson ground sloth,” Standridge said. “They took that off the bottom.”

    But for Standridge, Devil’s Den was just a local swimming hole.
     
    “And would have a blast. We were able to jump from the top. None of this was here—no ladder, stairs,” said Standridge.

    A tight stairwell to the spring is a newer edition.

    “But we would actually build fires over on that ledge, and you’d swim till you got cold and you’d get up by the fire and warm up and then go swimming again,” said Standridge.

    Beneath that ledge, about 50 feet down, is the spring, sending up 72-degree water.

    “It comes through nice and slow and goes right back into the aquifer,” said Standridge.

    The spring draws an international crowd of about 50,000 people every year.

    “The advent of social media getting the word out about this place is insane,” he said.

    Standridge added that the Devil’s Den owner will not develop the land, nor sell bottled spring water.

    “He’s a conservationist. He wanted people to be able to see it and enjoy it,” said Standridge.

    And in 2026, they are creating a museum for the finds from this prehistoric spring to add to the experience at Devil’s Den.

    Virginia Johnson

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  • Let’s Plant It teaches customers about plant parenthood in Brevard County

    VIERA, Fla. — Some 200 million Americans own at least one houseplant. That is 66% of the population, according to Statista.

    What You Need To Know

    • Let’s Plant It is a retail location where visitors come in and learn the proper way to pot, plant and maintain houseplants

    • Visitors can walk in, pick a pot, a plant and put it together themselves using a shovel and dirt and then decorate it with accessories

    • The store offers a wide variety of plant species from which to choose

    • There are two locations, including Viera and Melbourne


    Many people call themselves “plant parents,” a term that first surfaced from the millennial generation in 2010 often referring to their plants as children or pets.

    Laura Cage jokes about being the biggest “pot dealer” in Brevard County, referring to the number of potted plants she sells each month.

    “I love plants,” Cage said.

    She has turned a passion for potted plants into a place where anyone can come get their hands dirty.

    Guests can walk in without a reservation and go to work planting their favorite houseplant.

    “We do get a lot of first-time plant parents that come in. They want to get into plants, but they’re a little bit afraid,” Cage said. “So, they’re not sure. And this is a great place to get started.”

    Let’s Plant It has everything someone would need to build the perfect houseplant. 

    There are several stations where guests stand and scoop potting soil into pots they choose, along with accessories such as shells and rocks to bring accent to the final creation.

    Cage created the concept not only for her love of plants but also realizing that many people don’t know how to pot plants properly and keep them alive.

    “They all get to pick out their plants and pots and decorations. But in the end, everybody has created something that is unique to them,” Cage said.

    The plant lover tries to handpick as many plant species as possible that she sells in her shop. Cage visits nurseries across Central Florida looking for one-of-a-kind plants that will intrigue store guests to grow.

    One of her top sellers is the Swiss cheese plant known as Monstera deliciosa.

    “I think they like the uniqueness of the holes in them,” Cage said.

    The popular shop even has a candle bar for those who want to create something that smells good and needs no water.

    The shop is open to all ages.

    There are two locations, one in Melbourne and the other in the shops at the Avenue of Viera.

    For more, visit Let’s Plant It.”

    Randy Rauch

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  • The No. 1 rule at Garage of Art Chaos: Try to lose control

    LARGO, Fla. — It’s a unique way to blow off steam, and walk away with a piece of art.

    It’s the Garage of Art Chaos.

    Anna Tellme, a lawyer turned educator turned creator, opened the space this year.

    What You Need To Know

    • Garage of Art Chaos 

    • 2648 McMullen Booth Rd., Largo

    • Number one rule: Lose control, be like a kid

    • Sessions last about an hour, and you leave with your painting covered for transportation


    And it’s a tricked-out garage, black-light lit, with all matter of tools for art — but no brushes. Tools like slingshots, spinning canvas holders, tennis rackets and a basketball hoop.

    “And it looks like — kind of like me, you know, like a dark space with some splashes of bright color,” said Tellme. “Our rule No. 1 is try to lose control and try to feel as a kid. Because we control too much in our lives.”

    Letting go here starts with adding protection: two layers of clothing protection from head to toe and then, little paint balloons are waiting for you.

    Then it’s time to paint.

    Throw darts at the canvas, swing a tennis racket at it, or slam them into a basketball hoop — all the while taking your canvas along to catch the flying paint. Under the black lights, the fluorescent colors explode.

    “After 15 minutes spending here, they getting crazy,” said Tellme. “I can hear how they scream, how they laugh.”

    Virginia Johnson

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  • Tour the wild waters of Terra Ceia Bay with Captain D of Day Trippin Boat Tours

    TERRA CEIA BAY, Fla. — There are places you can’t get to in Florida unless you’ve got a boat and a fantastic sense of navigation. 

    At the opening of Tampa Bay, in sight of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Captain D of Day Trippin Boat Tours takes visitors through the mangroves, onto sandbars and into Terra Ceia Bay, along with husband and fellow Captain Ricky Gullet.

    The commercial anglers are using their deep knowledge of these waters to wow visitors, like by navigating the old mosquito control ditches inside Rattlesnake Key.

    “This like our own little area over here,” Gullett said.

    And throughout the trip, there are opportunities to put names and facts to birds and marine mammals.

    “It’s such an amazing thing to share the beauty of what we have out here,” said Dea Gullet, who helps operate the charter as Captain D. “You have civilization just a stone’s throw away, but you also have untouched, beautiful, pristine land.”

    The couple’s hope is to build up love and wonder for these wild places that might help to keep them that way.

    “It’s awesome. I mean, it’s beautiful here,” said Gullett.

    Virginia Johnson

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  • Busch Gardens Tampa Bay welcomes a new president, new world and meerkats

    TAMPA, Fla. — Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is undergoing a $37 million upgrade that will bring new life to the 66-year-old theme park.

    What You Need To Know

    • Jeff Davis is the new president of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island, arriving in February from SeaWorld San Antonio

    • A $37 million investment at the 66-year-old theme park helped create a new world, new costumes and a new habitat

    • New world Wild Oasis is set to open in spring as a kid-centric immersive rain forest experience

    • A new colony of 20 meerkats will get a new and expanded habitat near Africa


    The funds helped create a new world called Wild Oasis, set to open this spring. The kid-centric immersive rain forest experience will replace Jungala.

    For guests who frequent the park, you will also notice new costumes matching the tropical birds who will live in the new world.

    Near the edge of Africa, a new and expanded meerkat habitat is under construction for a colony of 20 animals that are currently quarantining in the park.

    Adult guests are also getting a new bar at the entrance of the park.

    This comes all in part, thanks to Busch Gardens’ new president, Jeff Davis.

    Davis arrived from Sea World San Antonio in February, eager to do his part to ensure the park runs for another 66 years.

    “There’s, you know, park presidents before me. Park presidents are gonna come after me,” said Davis. “It’s just my time to help the park grow and be successful, and it’s an honor to be part of that.”

    Virginia Johnson

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  • Dig into Florida’s past and find ancient artifacts at Big Dig Florida

    DADE CITY, Fla. — Looking for evidence of ancient cultures isn’t something exclusive to remote spots in faraway lands.

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida on a Tankful visits The Big Dig Florida

    • Current dig site in Dade City, south of Buddy Lake

    • Artifacts from 3,000 to 8,000 years ago

    • Different sifting, searching options for day of discovery


    You can do it right here in Florida.

    Just south of Buddy Lake in Pasco County, the ground is releasing evidence of people living here thousands of years ago.

    Rob Jones of Big Dig Florida is looking for it.

    And you are invited.

    “What we are really after are the tools used by ancient Native Americans — arrowheads, projectile points and tool that they used to skin hides,” said Jones.

    Jones started looking for artifacts in Florida as a teen — turning a hobby into his profession this year.

    The first artifact Jones found was at 19 in a Gainesville backyard while studying at the University of Florida.

    “So this area here, this is an 80-acre block. We have about 50-55 acres that are dry that we can dig on,” said Jones.

    Nearby sites made this area attractive to Jones.

    So he leased the land and started moving it to find artifacts.

    “And come to find out it’s absolutely rich with them,” said Jones.

    Jones teaches visitors about ancient Florida at his different sifting stations.

    “And so this area was under water for millions of years, millions of years ago,” said Jones.

    That’s how ancient people found and used fossilized coral for tools and weapons.

    “Anywhere between 700, 800-years-old all the way up to about 11,500-years-old,” said Jones.

    Jones hopes activities like this will make people excited about history — the ancient history of the Sunshine State.

    Virginia Johnson

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  • Dade City’s Joy-Lan Drive-in celebrates 75 years

    DADE CITY, Fla. — The sun has gone down in Dade City.

    What You Need To Know

    • Joy-Lan Drive-in celebrates 75 years

    • It is located at 16414 U.S.-301, Dade City
    • Joy-Lan Drive-in is open Wednesday through Sunday
    • There is a Sunday swap shop from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m.


    And light is leaving the sky.

    Just in time for Joy-Lan Drive-in to fire up its first feature of the night. This mainstay of Dade City is celebrating 75 years of waiting for the dark.

    “So I started my first job in the box office,” said Chip Sawyer, who had to get promoted to popcorn, and now heads the company running the drive-in 15 years later.

    Drive-in movies may have peaked in the mid-20th century, but they still maintain a presence in the Tampa Bay area.

    And they got a shot of popularity during the pandemic, as a naturally distanced group event.

    Joy-Lan Drive-in is located on U.S. Highway 301 in Dade City. (Spectrum News)

    All of this is the legacy of Sawyer’s grandfather, Harold Spears.

    “He was a stern boss, but he was still a grandfather,” said Sawyer. “I could always see him kind of look at me, kind of a bit proud so that was fun.”

    Spears started there in the 1950s and stayed until he passed away in 2017.

    In that time, some things have changed.

    “Everybody thinks it’s the crazy silver film reel. But now we’re in the 21st century. Now we get digital files,” said Aiden Kender, who runs the projection room.

    Satellite downloads come to a server, and Kender loads them into the projection machine.

    And if the movies are pre-digital age, they show in what looks like a zip drive.

    “The whole movie’s right in there,” said Kender.

    Joy-Lan Drive-in is located on U.S. Highway 301 in Dade City. (Spectrum News)

    Technical advances keep the retro attraction up and running.

    And a grandfather’s lessons keep customers coming back.

    “He knew what was right and what was wrong as far as drive-ins and how to treat people,” said Sawyer. “And how to treat customers. We still use a lot of that philosophy today.”

    It’s a philosophy Sawyer believes will have customers coming in for another 75 years.

    Joy-Lan Drive-in is located on U.S. Highway 301 in Dade City.

    It shows first-run movies and family classics Wednesday through Saturday nights. And first thing Sunday morning, there is a swap shop from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m.

    Virginia Johnson

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  • Busch Gardens’ new Wild Oasis realm features animals, a splash pad and more

    TAMPA, Fla. — Get ready to experience another part of the wild world at Busch Gardens theme park in Tampa.

    What You Need To Know

    • Wild Oasis slated for Spring opening in former Jungala space 

    • South American rain forest ecosystem with more than 200 new animals

    • Enchanted Falls Splash Pad, Habitat Hideaway viewing area and interactive Tree Top Drop in construction

    • Rope tunnels and mazes through Wild Oasis with four stories of viewing

    After years of being closed, the world of Jungala is now being reimagined as a South American ecosystem called Wild Oasis with animals, a splash pad, canopy walk and a drop tower.

    “We are really excited to welcome capybara, giant anteaters, squirrel monkeys and a variety of exotic birds to Habitat Hideaway,” said Zoological Curator Kayla Wendzell.

    The new animals will live in Wild Oasis, the former Treehouse Trails.

    The new kid-friendly realm is set to open in the spring of 2025.

    Creators say this new world compliments the park’s current offerings.

    “We were already, sort of telling stories of rainforests of Africa and Asia in the park,” said Wild Oasis creative lead Nick Pelisek. “And so this was a great opportunity to introduce a whole new ecosystem.”

    And considering Florida’s ecosystem — there’s also a splash pad in this rainforest.

    The old Jungala drop tower is coming down for a deluxe, 35-foot-tall new drop tower.

    “As part of the ride experience, we are adding digital screens to either side so riders can enjoy a movie-like experience while on the ride,” said Wild Oasis Project Manager Tony Perry. “There’s surround sound, and we’ve also got lasers on this ride, which is super fun.”

     

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Former pet monkeys get a new lease on life in the trees of Primate Paradise

    OSTEEN, Fla. — In a trend on social media, people are showing off the pet monkeys they own, often to generate revenue for their animals.

    What You Need To Know

    • Primate Paradise is a safe space in Osteen where monkeys that were once pets get a new lease on life

    • The primates live on a 20-acre property where they live in the trees in an open-air habitat

    • Fifteen capuchin monkeys currently live at the nonprofit sanctuary

    • Andy and Mary Wasko have been rescuing the primates from pet owners who can no longer care for them since 1993

    Experts say owning a primate may not be a good idea for most people.

    A refuge for rescued monkeys at Primate Paradise in Osteen, Fl. (Spectrum News/Randy Rauch)

    Owners are often forced to give up their monkeys because they can no longer take care of the animals.

    That is where Andy and Mary Wasko come in, caring for animals at their sanctuary in Osteen.

    The couple has dedicated their lives to animals that people can no longer care for.

    The Waskos tend to open their nonprofit to guests who are thinking about getting a pet monkey, with the hopes of talking them out of their plan.

    “They get to feed Miley. She is a favorite, usually, because she usually likes to lay her head in your hand,” Mary said.

    A refuge for rescued monkeys at Primate Paradise in Osteen, Fl. (Spectrum News/Randy Rauch)

    The couple of 50 years created Primate Paradise in 1993. 

    The property is in Volusia County, offering 20 lush acres near a lake, surrounded by tall trees that make a home for 15 capuchin monkeys. 

    The animals get to live up in the trees in a large open-air habitat as opposed to being locked up in cages by their former owners.

    “They don’t want to live in small cages. They don’t want to be dressed up or wear a diaper. And as a result, they start giving their owners trouble,” Mary explained.

    The couple says capuchin monkeys sometimes turn on their owners, often with aggression, and the owners don’t know what to do and usually want to get rid of the animals.

    A refuge for rescued monkeys at Primate Paradise in Osteen, Fl. (Spectrum News/Randy Rauch)

    When someone drops off their pet to the couple, it is often heartbreaking for the owner having to surrender a primate they can no longer take care of.

    “It’s difficult for the owner and it is hard for us to see that, but it’s the best decision for the monkey,” Andy said.  

    When a new monkey comes to the sanctuary, they can’t just release it into this open-air habitat. 

    It first needs to go into lockdown, where it will learn the social skills of being a wild monkey.

    “Capuchins locked up their entire life don’t know how to interact with other monkeys and slowly need to be introduced to their treetop freedom,” he said.

    “These monkeys have a lot of needs that their owners are totally unaware of.”

    A refuge for rescued monkeys at Primate Paradise in Osteen, Fl. (Spectrum News/Randy Rauch)

    During this time of year, they are busy keeping the primates warm during Florida’s cold weather spells.

    Huts located around the property have heaters that kick on anytime the temperature drops below 60 degrees.

    “Rain does not bother them. Heat does not bother them. Hurricanes don’t bother them. The cold bothers them,” Andy said.

    Primate Paradise is a nonprofit, and there is no charge to visit and even feed their monkeys.

    They prefer people that visit have a serious interest in wildlife or someone who is thinking about getting a monkey as a pet, where they will teach them the challenges of raising such an animal.

    You can reach Primate Paradise by calling 407-321-7217.

    A refuge for rescued monkeys at Primate Paradise in Osteen, Fl. (Spectrum News/Randy Rauch)

    Randy Rauch

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  • Florida Orange Groves Winery makes 43 varieties

    SOUTH PASADENA, Fla. — It’s a winery on the way to the beach, right in Pinellas County, with wine slushy machines.

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida on a Tankful visits Florida Orange Groves Winery
    • It is located at 1500 Pasadena Ave. S. in South Pasadena
    • Florida Orange Groves Winery features tours, tastings and weekend charcuterie boards


    The Florida Orange Groves Winery is located in South Pasadena.

    And Lance Shook is the third generation in his family to make fruit wine there — 43 varieties — like the Hurricane Class 5, a tropical white sangria.

    “It’s a blend of pineapple, watermelon, passionfruit, key lime and mango — it’s our bestseller,” said Shook.

    The production facility behind the retail area and lounge holds massive stainless-steel vats with wine being filtered and prepped for bottling.

    And don’t forget — fruit wine slushies.

    Virginia Johnson

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  • Giraffe Ranch in Dade City offers guests a unique wildlife experience

    Giraffe Ranch in Dade City offers guests a unique wildlife experience

    DADE CITY, Fla. — Know a giraffe lover? Heads up!

    The safaris at the Giraffe Ranch in Dade City could make you a hero.

    What You Need To Know

    • Giraffe Ranch gives guests the opportunity to get close to meerkats, zebras, ostriches, deer and antelope as well as giraffes

    • The working ranch and preserve is in Dade City

    • The “safari” stops give guests a chance to learn about the animals, and in some cases, feed them

    • More Florida on a Tankful adventures


    The working ranch and preserve boasts animals from around the world.

    The menagerie “meet and greet” begins the moment you arrive with otters who vocalize and poke their hands out of their enclosure.

    Guests fall in love.

    “They want to feed them. They sign up for a feeding,” said guide Chris Landry.

    Each stop on the safari is a learning opportunity.

    And guide Landry has all the intel.

    “We have zebras, ostriches, deer, antelope,” he said.

    Landry started at the ranch as an intern.

    Eight years later, he’s the manager.

    “I always want to go into the animal field. I didn’t think I was going to get this close,” he said.

    “This close” is a giraffe lowering its neck and ducking into the safari truck to nuzzle while scanning the truck for leaves.

    Landry introduces us to his animal pal — the giraffes Kai and his roommate Everdale.

    And around the corner is Phil the giraffe and his family.

    “So Phil has one daughter so far. She’s about a year-and-a-half,” said Landry. “Georgetta is his mate- she’s due to give birth any day. Now the baby is going to be about 6 feet tall and weigh about 150 pounds.”

    Georgetta will be pregnant for more than a year.

    That’s different from the nearby meerkats — it’s 11 weeks for them.

    Plus, only the dominant female gets to have babies.

    The group, called a mob, is matriarchal.

    Feeding the animals inside their enclosure is one of the animal experiences offered at the ranch.

    The food was red grapes.

    Landry explains how to make sure the animals stay comfortable. (You let them come to you. You don’t reach out and grab or try to pick anyone up. You try to remain low key and gentle. You don’t jump around.)

    They are gentle and come to you. They know you have the grapes. They are very orderly.

    Seeing all this, one could understand why Landry has remained at the ranch for so long.

    “Well, it’s different every day. You have animals giving birth. Animals growing,” said Landry.

    It’s life unfolding — but better because it’s with animals.

    Virginia Johnson

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  • Drive around in style in a Slingshot in Cocoa Beach

    Drive around in style in a Slingshot in Cocoa Beach

    COCOA BEACH, Fla. — Some have described it as a one-of-a-kind mode of transportation.

    The Slingshot is a vehicle that has been touted as part motorcycle and part car.

    What You Need To Know

    • Slingshots are three-wheeled vehicles that are both two and four seaters

    • Space Coast Slingshots offer guided and self-guided tours

    • Only a driver’s license is needed to operate one


    In most states, the slingshot is considered an “autocycle.”

    Brad Champion is the owner of Space Coast Slingshots in Cocoa Beach and says they are fun to drive.

    “Drive up and down the coast, and just feel the wind, take in the sun and enjoy the beach,” said Champion.

    Its appearance is futuristic looking and has an open-aired feel while operating.

    “It’s a really cool look, a unique style,” said Champion. “They are fun, they’re fast.”

    Champion believes in the Polaris Slingshot so much that in 2020, he started providing tours for guests in Central Florida. 

    “We’ve got people coming from Orlando to do staycations. They come out on date nights, which is one of our more popular items,” he said.

    Guests can ride in a group tour or simply take out a Slingshot with friends and family.

    Enthusiasts will discover Slingshots are built around simplicity.

    Anyone 21 or older with a valid license can drive.

    The company has three locations, including Cocoa Beach, Orlando and St. Augustine.

    One of Champion’s favorite stops on a Slingshot tour is at Port Canaveral.

    “So, these platforms are used to land some of the SpaceX and Falcon 9 rockets. They float them out,” he said, pointing out into the port. “It’s a really cool and unique thing to see in the area and it’s just a short drive from where you pick up the Slingshot.”

    Guests can rent the vehicles in Cocoa Beach inside the Hilton Hotel located on Atlantic Avenue.

    Half rentals start at $159, that includes tax with full day, and overnight rentals are also available.

    Randy Rauch

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  • Penny Lane Museum offers look at Beatlemania

    Penny Lane Museum offers look at Beatlemania

    DUNEDIN, Fla. — Bealtemania brought Penny Lane to Dunedin.

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida on a Tankful visits the Penny Lane Beatles Museum
    • It’s located at 730 Broadway, second floor, in Dunedin
    • Hours are Thursday – Sunday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; admission is free


    We’re talking about the Penny Lane Beatles Museum. And bringing it all to visitors for free is Curator and Docent Harlan Brown.

    Brown is a musician — a drummer — so prepare for him to know how many drummers the Beatles worked with until Ringo Starr came along.

    “I thought I knew a lot about the Beatles when I started to work here,” said Brown.

    He was mistaken.

    Visitors love talking about all things Beatles and how their lives touched — if only for a few moments.

    That’s about how long a fringe jacket was with its original owner, John Lennon.

    “He used to catch in the door of his car, probably the Rolls Royce,” Brown said, smiling.

    So, he left it with family. Most people ask to not only touch it, but wear it as well.

    Same goes for John’s Lennon’s long johns.

    Lennon left them in Denmark with wife Yoko Ono’s ex.

    Now you may smell moth balls when standing here, but it’s not John’s drawers. It’s Beatles merch — everyone wanted a piece of Beatlemania.

    There are moth balls with The Beatles on them.

    “People used them to sell everything, even though they weren’t affiliated with the Beatles organization in many ways,” said Brown.

    It’s all part of our cultural zeitgeist.

    And Harlan Brown is glad to help people remember.

    “And that’s really what the museum is all about is keeping the idea of the Beatles,” said Brown. “And it’s about having fun in it and being entertained by how really amazing they were.”

    Look for the Museum to move to Ybor City in the Fall of 2025 and expand with a few more thousand square feet.

    Virginia Johnson

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  • Penny Lane Museum offers look at Beatlemania

    Penny Lane Museum offers look at Beatlemania

    DUNEDIN, Fla. — Bealtemania brought Penny Lane to Dunedin.

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida on a Tankful visits the Penny Lane Beatles Museum
    • It’s located at 730 Broadway, second floor, in Dunedin
    • Hours are Thursday – Sunday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; admission is free


    We’re talking about the Penny Lane Beatles Museum. And bringing it all to visitors for free is Curator and Docent Harlan Brown.

    Brown is a musician — a drummer — so prepare for him to know how many drummers the Beatles worked with until Ringo Starr came along.

    “I thought I knew a lot about the Beatles when I started to work here,” said Brown.

    He was mistaken.

    Visitors love talking about all things Beatles and how their lives touched — if only for a few moments.

    That’s about how long a fringe jacket was with its original owner, John Lennon.

    “He used to catch in the door of his car, probably the Rolls Royce,” Brown said, smiling.

    So, he left it with family. Most people ask to not only touch it, but wear it as well.

    Same goes for John’s Lennon’s long johns.

    Lennon left them in Denmark with wife Yoko Ono’s ex.

    Now you may smell moth balls when standing here, but it’s not John’s drawers. It’s Beatles merch — everyone wanted a piece of Beatlemania.

    There are moth balls with The Beatles on them.

    “People used them to sell everything, even though they weren’t affiliated with the Beatles organization in many ways,” said Brown.

    It’s all part of our cultural zeitgeist.

    And Harlan Brown is glad to help people remember.

    “And that’s really what the museum is all about is keeping the idea of the Beatles,” said Brown. “And it’s about having fun in it and being entertained by how really amazing they were.”

    Look for the Museum to move to Ybor City in the Fall of 2025 and expand with a few more thousand square feet.

    Virginia Johnson

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