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Iconic 88-year-old restaurant reopens after 2024’s hurricanes
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PASS-A-GRILLE, Fla. — An iconic 88-year-old restaurant finally reopened in Pass-A-Grille Beach following the 2024 storms.

The Seahorse Restaurant opened its doors this month after nearly 1-1/2 years of work.
What You Need To Know

The Seahorse on Pass-A-Grille Beach has reopened

It’s been closed since 2024 after hurricanes Helene and Milton

The owners made the restaurant look just like it did before the storms

Customers and the owners say they are thrilled that the 88-year-old restaurant has reopened
The restaurant sits right on the water.

“It’s been established since 1938 and is an iconic restaurant here in Pass-A-Grille,” said Anayeri Gomez, the owner and general manager of the Seahorse.

It hasn’t always been easy. The restaurant took on 7 feet of water from Hurricane Helene.

Not long after, the owner said Milton finished what Helene started.

“We had about probably up to here on water. Everything was gone,” she said, pointing to a spot on the wall.

The damage was so extensive that the city of St. Pete Beach condemned the building. But after nearly 1-1/2 years of work, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in renovations, the Seahorse finally reopened on Feb. 6.

“We were able to recreate everything and put it back together the way we remember it,” Gomez said.

Many of its customers have been coming to the now-historic building for decades. Regular customers Michael and Sue Valind were pleasantly surprised to see the same tables and décor from years ago.

“When people come down, we always take them to our favorite places. And since we were dating in 1983, we’ve been coming to the Seahorse, and so this is our first time back since it’s opened,” Sue Valind said.

The restaurant is already very busy making breakfast, lunch and packing to-go orders. Hungry customers are once again eating the meals they know and love from many of the same employees who worked there before the storms. The owners did have to hire some new people, though.

Gomez is asking for a little patience as they get settled back in.

She said it won’t be long before restaurant operations are back to normal.

“It feels great to see all our community back here, our customers and our friends and family. It’s an amazing feeling,” Gomez said.

It’s been a long road to recovery, but for the Seahorse, it has finally come to an end.
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Tyler O’Neill

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February 14, 2026
‘Mercy’ unseats ‘Avatar: Fire & Ash’ atop the box office
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NEW YORK — With a winter storm blanketing a large swath of the country, Hollywood had its quietest weekend of the year at the box office. The Amazon MGM sci-fi thriller “Mercy” dethroned “Avatar: Fire and Ash” from the No. 1 spot with $11.2 million in North America, according to studio estimates Sunday.
What You Need To Know

Some 250 theaters were forced to close, from Texas to Maine, according to data firm Comsore. More than 140 million Americans were under winter storm warnings, depressing moviegoing

“Mercy,” a $60 million thriller starring Chris Pratt as a man in a near-future standing trial before an AI judge, was the top new release

“Fire and Ash” has now cleared $1 billion internationally, but its domestic haul ($378.5 million) is well off the pace of the other two films

The lead movies in Thursday’s nominations — “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another” — long ago completed their theatrical runs, but a handful of nominees saw strong business
Some 250 theaters were forced to close, from Texas to Maine, according to data firm Comsore. More than 140 million Americans were under winter storm warnings, depressing moviegoing.

But the weekend was never going to be a blockbuster one, anyway. “Mercy,” a $60 million thriller starring Chris Pratt as a man in a near-future standing trial before an AI judge, was the top new release. It arrived with withering reviews (20% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) and an equally poor reception (a “B-” CinemaScore) from audiences.

That was still enough to finally dislodge James Cameron’s third Pandora epic from its monthlong perch atop the box office. “Avatar: Fire and Ash” slid to second place with $7 million. While The Walt Disney Co. release is starting to peter out domestically, it remains a top draw overseas. It took in $28.1 million internationally in its sixth weekend.

“Avatar: Fire and Ash” isn’t going to come close to the box-office heights of the previous two “Avatar” movies. The 2009 original grossed $2.9 billion and the 2022 sequel, “The Way of Water,” tapped out at $2.3 billion. “Fire and Ash” has now cleared $1 billion internationally, but its domestic haul ($378.5 million) is well off the pace of the other two films.

The “Oscar bump” that films once saw following nomination is largely a thing of the past. The lead movies in Thursday’s nominations — “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another” — long ago completed their theatrical runs. But a handful of nominees saw strong business.

Chloé Zhao’s “Hamnet,” nominated for eight Oscars including best picture, collected $2 million in its first weekend of wide release. The Shakespeare drama, starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, has been in theaters for two months, steadily increasing its theatrical footprint. It’s up to $17.6 million domestically and $42.1 million worldwide.

Josh Safdie’s “Marty Supreme,” nominated for nine Oscars, earned $3.5 million in its sixth weekend of release. The A24 title, starring Timothée Chalamet, this week cross $100 million globally. It’s made $86.2 million domestically thus far.

But newer releases struggled. “Return to Silent Hill,” the third installment in a horror series kick-started with 2006’s “Silent Hill,” opened with $3.2 million. Though Sony released the 2006 film and Open Road distributed the 2012 follow up, the low-budget “Return to Silent Hill” was put out by Iconic Events.

In its second week of release, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” dropped swiftly. The Sony release, directed by Nia DaCosta, opened last week to a disappointing $13.3 million in sales despite good reviews. But its second weekend was even worse, dropping 71% with $3.6 million.

Other new releases flopped. Roadside Attractions’ “H Is For Hawk,” starring Claire Foy, took in just $150,000 from 472 theaters. Sony’s “Clika,” about a migrant worker with music aspirations, managed only $1.2 million in 522 locations.

Top 10 movies by domestic box office

With final domestic figures being released Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore:

1. “Mercy,” $11.2 million.

2. “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” $7 million.

3. “Zootopia 2,” $5.7 million.

4. “The Housemaid,” $4.2 million.

5. “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” $3.6 million.

6. “Marty Supreme,” $3.5 million.

7. “Return to Silent Hill,” $2.7 million.

8. “Hamnet,” $2 million.

9. “Lord of the Rings,” $2 million.

10. “Primate,” $1.7 million.
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Associated Press

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January 24, 2026
‘Avatar’ and ‘Marty Supreme’ propel strong ticket sales
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NEW YORK — Hollywood wrapped up a turbulent year with big ticket sales for “Avatar: Fire and Ash” and a box-office hit for Timothée Chalamet with “Marty Supreme” over a busy holiday weekend in movie theaters.
What You Need To Know

As expected, James Cameron’s latest trip to Pandora dominated ticket sales, collecting $88 million over the four-day Christmas-to-Sunday period and $64 million on the weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday

In two weeks, “Fire and Ash” has quickly amassed $217.7 million in North America, but the $400 million-budgeted film has been a massive draw internationally, grossing $542.7 million thus far overseas

But much of the heat in theaters over Christmas and on the weekend belonged to “Marty Supreme,” A24’s biggest budget release, Josh Safdie’s 1950s-set table tennis drama collected $27.1 million over the four-day weekend, a smash success for the indie studio

Hollywood is ending the year with its best Christmas Day box office since before the COVID-19 pandemic, a celebratory final note in what’s been a rough year for the film industry
As expected, James Cameron’s latest trip to Pandora dominated ticket sales, collecting $88 million over the four-day Christmas-to-Sunday period and $64 million on the weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday. Though “Fire and Ash” initially opened notably softer domestically than its 2022 predecessor, “Avatar: The Way of Water,” it held better in its second weekend. It dipped just 28%, whereas “Way of Water” fell 53%.

In two weeks, “Fire and Ash” has quickly amassed $217.7 million in North America for The Walt Disney Company. But the $400 million-budgeted film has been a massive draw internationally, grossing $542.7 million thus far overseas. To reach the box-office heights of the previous films, both of which rank among the biggest blockbusters ever, “Fire and Ash” will need to sustain business through New Year’s and early January. If it does, “Avatar” could become the first franchise with three $2 billion movies.

But much of the heat in theaters over Christmas and on the weekend belonged to “Marty Supreme,” A24’s biggest budget release, Josh Safdie’s 1950s-set table tennis drama collected $27.1 million over the four-day weekend, a smash success for the indie studio.

Chalamet went to great lengths to promote the acclaimed release, including appearing atop the Sphere in Las Vegas. The strong opening proved that the 30-year-old star has drawing power beyond most of his contemporaries, and it marked a rare box-office win for a wholly original film. Safdie’s film carries a price tag of about $70 million.

“Marty Supreme” even bested the film most analysts expected to rank number two: Sony Pictures’ “Anaconda.” The big-screen comedy, starring Jack Black and Paul Rudd, collected $23.7 million over the four-day holiday weekend. That’s still good for comedy, a genre most studios have abandoned in recent years. But “Anaconda” (50% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) was surely dinged by poor reviews.

Hollywood is ending the year with its best Christmas Day box office since before the COVID-19 pandemic, a celebratory final note in what’s been a rough year for the film industry. Going into the year, expectations were high for the industry’s first year this decade not marred by pandemic or strike.

“It was a really solid end to a tumultuous year,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for Comscore. “It’s been a roller-coaster ride. I think the best news for the industry — I know we kind of say this every year — but if you look at the lineup for 2026, it’s pretty incredible.”

But domestic ticket sales on the year are ending roughly on par with the disappointing $8.75 billion in 2024. With three days left in 2025, the box-office total is $8.76 billion, according to Comscore. By comparison, in 2019, that total was $11.4 billion.

That’s a worrying development for theaters, which are now nervously watching Netflix attempt to buy one of Hollywood’s most storied studios in Warner Bros. The highest grossing film of the year was a Chinese production, the $2 billion-generating “Ne Zha 2.” The most-watched movie of 2025 was “KPop Demon Hunters,” a movie Sony Pictures sold to Netflix. Even the Oscars are headed to YouTube.

What worked in 2025? PG-rated movies. For the second year in a row, PG-rated movies outperformed PG-13 ones. Domestically, PG films generated $2.87 billion, according to Comscore, while PG-13 movies collected $2.78 billion.

The three biggest Hollywood blockbusters were all PG-rated: “Zootopia 2” ($1.42 billion globally), “Lilo & Stitch” ($1.04 billion) and “A Minecraft Movie” ($958.2 million).

“Zootopia 2” even outranked the newcomers over the traditional weekend. In its fifth weekend, it earned another $20 million. Propelled by “Zootopia 2,” “Lilo & Stitch” and “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” Disney became the first studio since 2019 to cross $6 billion worldwide in the year.

Yet expectations are already growing for a rebound year at the box office in 2026. Among the major titles upcoming are “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” the live-action “Moana,” “Toy Story 5” and “The Mandalorian and Grogu.”

The coming week, when schools are out and many people are off work, should be one of the busiest weeks of the year in theaters. Aside from the top films, a number of other releases will hope to capitalize.

That includes Lionsgate’s “The Housemaid,” the Paul Feig thriller starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried ($46.7 million in two weeks); “David,” the animated David and Goliath film from Angel Studios ($49.8 million in two weeks); Paramount Pictures’ “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants” ($38.2 million in two weeks); and Focus Features’ “Song Sung Blue.”

“Song Sung Blue” may be particularly well-positioned for strong legs. The Craig Brewer-directed film, starring Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman as members of a Neil Diamond cover band, debuted over the holiday weekend with a four-day haul of $12 million. Audience scores (an “A” CinemaScore) have been excellent.

Top 10 movies by domestic box office

With final domestic figures being released Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore:

1. “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” $64 million.

2. “Zootopia 2,” $20 million.

3. “Marty Supreme,” $17.5 million.

4. “The Housemaid,” $15.4 million.

5. “Anaconda,” $14.6 million.

6. “David,” $12.7 million.

7. “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants,” $11.2 million.

8. “Song Sung Blue,” $7.6 million.

9. “Wicked: For Good,” $5.3 million.

10. “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2,” $4.4 million.
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Associated Press

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December 27, 2025
North Carolina teen carving own path in music despite family name
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FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Fayetteville native Durrell Babbs Jr. is on a journey to recognition, through his music.

Despite the fame and success of his parents, 17-year-old Babbs said he wants people to know him for who he is and his own sound.
What You Need To Know

Durrell Babbs Jr. released his first song “Christmas Songs” in 2024

Babbs is relaunching the song this year

The Fayetteville native says he will release new song in 2026
His father is R&B singer Tank, and his mother is Fayetteville radio personality Alysse Stewart.

This week, Babbs is relaunching a song he released last year titled “Christmas Songs,” about the holiday and the joy it brings.

Through the soulful beat and catchy chorus, Babbs said he wanted to promote feel-good music, especially during the holidays, when families come together and bond.

He said his music is for all ages, but he really wants to reach the younger generations.

“I wanted to make something that everybody can resonate with, even though there’s a lot of bad days, there’s always good days to come right after,” Babbs said.

At just 7 years old, Babbs began piano lessons.

“And after that, I kept going. I kept learning songs and songs,” he said.

Many people might assume his inspiration came from his parents, but Babbs said it’s his love for the melody, for the keys, for the rhythm and for what he calls good vibes.

“Might not be able to reach out to everybody, but people around the time will still know about it and might try to listen to it. So I might be able to reach everybody in the end,” he said.

Babbs is carving his own path trying to inspire younger generations to use their talents for good.

“You got to give the gift, make everybody happy around the world,” he said.

Babbs said he plans to audition for UNC School of the Arts in Winston-Salem in his senior year.

He said he will also release a new song in 2026 and that there might be more holidays songs in the near future.

Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.
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Jatrissa Wooten

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December 26, 2025
‘Wicked: For Good’ soars to a $226 million global debut
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Universal Pictures’ two-part “Wicked” gamble continues to defy gravity at the box office. Just a year after part one brought droves of audiences to movie theaters around the country, even more people bought opening weekend tickets to see the epic conclusion, “Wicked: For Good.” According to studio estimates on Sunday, “Wicked: For Good” earned $150 million from North American theaters in its first days in theaters and $226 million globally.
What You Need To Know

Not only is it the biggest opening ever for a Broadway musical adaptation, unseating the record set by the first film’s $112 million launch, it’s also the second biggest debut of the year behind “A Minecraft Movie’s” $162 million

Universal began rolling out “Wicked: For Good” in theaters earlier this week, with previews on Monday ($6.1 million from 1,050 theaters) and Wednesday ($6.5 million from 2,300 theaters)

Second place went to “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t” with $9.1 million in its second weekend, followed by “Predator: Badlands” with $6.3 million in weekend three

Thanksgiving is often one of the biggest moviegoing frames of the year, Dergarabedian said, and both “Wicked 2” and “Zootopia 2” will benefit
Not only is it the biggest opening ever for a Broadway musical adaptation, unseating the record set by the first film’s $112 million launch, it’s also the second biggest debut of the year behind “A Minecraft Movie’s” $162 million.

“The results are just fantastic,” said Jim Orr, who heads domestic distribution for Universal. “Some films can deliver a false positive when tickets go on sale early but these results speak for themselves.”

Universal began rolling out “Wicked: For Good” in theaters earlier this week, with previews on Monday ($6.1 million from 1,050 theaters) and Wednesday ($6.5 million from 2,300 theaters). By Friday it was playing in 4,115 North American locations and had raked in $68.6 million. IMAX showings accounted for $15.5 million, or 11%, of its domestic haul — a November record for the company.

IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond said in a statement that the strong market share shows, “our momentum carries into demos and genres beyond our traditional core, including families.”

As with the first film, women powered opening weekend, making up around 71% of ticket buyers according to PostTrak exit polls. Critics were somewhat mixed on the final chapter, but audiences weren’t: An overwhelming 83% of audiences said it was one they would “definitely recommend” to friends. As far as foot traffic is concerned, the box office tracker EntTelligence estimates that about 2 million more people came out for “Wicked: For Good’s” first weekend than for “Wicked’s.”

Jon M. Chu directed both “Wicked” films, starring Cynthia Ervio and Ariana Grande. The first film made over $758.7 million worldwide and received 10 Oscar nominations (winning two, for costume and production design ). The question is how high “Wicked: For Good” can soar. Combined, the two films cost around $300 million to produce, not including marketing and promotion costs.

“The first film paved the way,” Orr said. “It’s really become a cultural event I think audiences are going to be flocking to theaters for quite some time to come.”

Two other films also opened in wide release this weekend, but further down on the charts behind a buffet of holdovers. Searchlight Pictures opened its Brendan Fraser film “Rental Family” in 1,925 theaters where it earned $3.3 million. The Finnish action film “Sisu: Road to Revenge,” a Sony release, also played in 2,222 theaters. It earned an estimated $2.6 million.

Second place went to “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t” with $9.1 million in its second weekend, followed by “Predator: Badlands” with $6.3 million in weekend three. “The Running Man” followed in fourth place with $5.8 million, down 65% from its debut last weekend.

Although this weekend the box office was more of a winner takes all scenario, “Wicked: For Good’s” success is vitally important for the exhibition industry as a whole as it enters the final weeks of the year.

“It sets up a very strong final homestretch of the year,” said Paul Dergarabedian, Comscore’s head of marketplace trends.

After the slow fall season, the Thanksgiving blockbusters could not arrive soon enough. Early next week, “Zootopia 2” enters the mix and is also expected to drive big crowds to the cineplex over the holiday break.

Thanksgiving is often one of the biggest moviegoing frames of the year, Dergarabedian said, and both “Wicked 2” and “Zootopia 2” will benefit. Last year “Wicked,” “Moana 2” and “Gladiator II” helped power a record five-day frame.

The running domestic box office is currently hovering around $7.5 billion, according to Comscore. Before the pandemic, the annual box office would regularly hit $11 billion, but the post-pandemic goal has lessened to $9 billion. The big question now is whether titles like “Wicked: For Good,” “Zootopia 2” and “Avatar:Fire and Ash” can push the industry over that threshold.

Top 10 movies by domestic box office

With final domestic figures being released Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore:

1. “Wicked: For Good,” $150 million.

2. “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t,” $9.1 million.

3. “Predator: Badlands,” $6.3 million.

4. “The Running Man,” $5.8 million.

5. “Rental Family,” $3.3 million.

6. “Sisu: Road to Revenge,” $2.6 million.

7. “Regretting You,” $1.5 million.

8. “Nuremberg,” $1.2 million.

9. “Black Phone 2,” $1 million.

10. “Sarah’s Oil,” $711,542.
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Associated Press

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November 22, 2025
Long lines, fun, and Florida heat: Universal’s new Epic Universe finally opens

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ORLANDO — For the first time in 25 years, another major theme park has opened in Orlando.

And with it, are long lines in the Florida heat.

Fans showed up before dawn to enter the new attraction. But only 30 minutes after the official opening, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry climbed to a whopping 5-hour wait.

Later in the afternoon, wait times dropped, with Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry at about 3 and a half hours.

Here are some of the wait times as of around 4 p.m. on Thursday:

Other rides saw wait times of 30 minutes or more.

Guests got a major head start, getting through the entrance at 6:30 a.m.

Some of the first guests sprinted straight to the attraction they’ve been thinking about for years.

Others meandered by the Chonos portal for a family picture.

Spectrum News noticed a few families who are already die-hard Dark universe fans, even dressing the part.

“To have a land that is dedicated to that genre honors Halloween Horror nights, but in a family-friendly way, but still captures the edge of horror nights, I’d say was a unique achievement,” said fan Alexander Yates.

Bethany Brown of Spring Hill said: “We are definitely heading straight to Dark Universe once we get in there! And then take it all in and meander around Celestial Park and just take in the atmosphere. Because, again, we’ve been waiting for so long.”

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Spectrum News Staff

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May 21, 2025
Gulfport Gecko Amalgamated Marching Band to perform in WMNF’s Tropical Heatwave

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GULFPORT, Fla. — In a funky little town in Pinellas County, a band rehearses under conductor Toffer Ross.

“We do this to promote that which is Gulfport,” said Ross.

The Gulfport Gecko Amalgamated Marching Band is officially sponsored by the Gulfport Merchants Chamber of Commerce. They are prepping for WMNF 88.5’s Tropical Heatwave Music Festival in Ybor City on Saturday, May 10.

Like a lot of musicians, Danielle Donohue is returning to the musical fold.

“I started in 2019 with this band,” said Donohue. “But I did play in high school.”

The roster has about 80 musicians, twirlers and dancers strong, and they normally gather 20 to 30 band members for many gigs.

Ross says once you are immersed in the world of music, you never leave it.

“We’re known for our arts community, our tolerance and our good time,” said Ross.

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Virginia Johnson

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May 6, 2025
5 things to know SeaWorld’s newest attraction: Expedition Odyssey
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ORLANDO, Fla. — Theme park enthusiasts will soon be able to board a brand-new ride at SeaWorld Orlando.

Expedition Odyssey is celebrating its grand opening on Friday, May 9. Here are five things to know:
1. Expedition Odyssey is an indoor ride and is touted as an adventure that blurs the line between simulation and reality.
2. Guests will soar through glaciers, tundra, and the frosty depths of the Arctic Ocean. Expect to bump up to all kinds of wildlife, from polar bears and orcas to beluga whales.
3. All the video on the ride was shot in remote Arctic locations — exclusively for this ride. “Whoever thought you could take all of this custom filming equipment and mix it with cutting edge technology, and create something that we truly say doesn’t just show you the Arctic, but takes you to the Arctic,” said Conner Carr, SeaWorld Orlando Rides & Engineering Corporate VP.
4. It’s a family-friendly thrill, meaning kiddos at least 39 inches tall can get on it.
5. The adventure isn’t over, even after you get off the ride. Guests will experience face-to-face encounters featuring real Arctic animals inside the new habitat at Expedition Odyssey. If you want to get even closer, there’s a behind-the-scenes experience that lets people stand poolside with some of the marine mammals, learning firsthand about their behaviors and conservation.
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Allison Walker

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May 1, 2025
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay welcomes a new president, new world and meerkats
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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.”
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Virginia Johnson

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April 16, 2025
FIRST LOOK: Super Nintendo World at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe
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ORLANDO, Fla. — Spectrum News got a first look at Epic Universe, Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, which is set to open on May 22.

The highly anticipated park will include five themed worlds: Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk and Dark Universe.

Here is a closer look at Super Nintendo World, including photos, attraction highlights, food options and more.

💫 MORE EPIC UNIVERSE COVERAGE:

This world brings video games to life with its attractions, dining, shopping and interactive experiences inspired by the Super Mario franchise, and for the first time in the United States, Donkey Kong Country.

Guests will first enter Super Mario Land through the iconic green pipe, and then be greeted by familiar landmarks and characters including Mount Beanpole, Princess Peach’s Castle, Bowser’s Castle, Koopas, Goombas, Piranha Plants, spinning coins, “?” Blocks and more. And from there, they can venture through Donkey Kong Country.

PHOTO GALLERY:

Here are more details of what to expect at Super Nintendo World, according to Universal Orlando:

Super Mario Land

The colorful landscapes of the Mushroom Kingdom come to life in Super Mario Land, where guests can experience:

Main Attractions 🎢🎭
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge: Guests can join Team Mario and battle Team Bowser for the Golden Cup in this attraction, which fuses augmented reality, projection mapping technology and elaborate environments to bring the fun of the Mario Kart video game series to life in a ride-through experience.
- Yoshi’s Adventure: The attraction will make its U.S. debut. On this family-friendly ride, guests of all ages will enjoy views of Super Mario Land as they join Yoshis and travel through Mushroom Kingdom landscapes in search of glowing eggs, encountering many familiar characters along the way.
- Meet and Greets: Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad characters will meet, greet and interact with visitors throughout various areas in Super Mario Land.
Food Options 🍔🥤
- Toadstool Cafe: At Toadstool Cafe, guests can enjoy a variety of dishes inspired by the world of Super Mario and its characters, including Mario and Luigi-themed burgers, Super Mushroom Soup, Piranha Plant Caprese and Fire Flower Spaghetti and Meatballs. Guests will also get glimpses of several Toads cooking up culinary creations through virtual windows as they dine inside the restaurant.
- Yoshi’s Snack Island and Turbo Boost Treats: Guests can pick up treats, snacks and beverages at the walk-up dining locations.
Shopping 🛍️🧸
- 1-UP Factory and Mario Motors: These retail locations feature souvenirs, apparel and toys inspired by their favorite Super Mario characters and adventures.
Donkey Kong Country

At the edge of Super Mario Land, guests will discover an entrance that leads them to Donkey Kong Country, where they can explore the tropical landscape from the video game series, complete with tall trees, waterfalls and landmarks such as The Golden Temple. Here, guests can enjoy:

Main Attractions 🎢🎭
- Mine-Cart Madness: Ride a mine cart as it careens through the jungle to help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong protect the coveted golden banana on this first-of-its-kind family coaster. Mine-Cart Madness will send riders on an adventure, and they will experience the maneuvers that they’ve seen Donkey Kong and the mine carts perform in the video games — including getting blasted out of a barrel and seemingly jumping over gaps as they speed along a rickety track.
Food Options 🍔🥤
- The Bubbly Barrel: A selection of tropical menu offerings in the middle of the jungle, all inspired by the Donkey Kong Country video game franchise and its characters.
Shopping 🛍️🧸
- Funky’s Fly ‘n’ Buy: Donkey Kong’s friend, Funky Kong, transformed his airplane into an open air jungle market. Find a variety of Donkey Kong-themed clothing, souvenirs and more.
Power-Up Bands

Guests can play interactive games throughout Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Countr in the form of Power-Up bands, which can be purchased at various retail spots in Universal Studios Hollywood as well as inside Super Nintendo World at the 1-UP Factory store. With the Power-Up Band, guests can collect digital coins by punching “?” Blocks and playing interactive activities, collect digital stamps on attractions, earn digital keys to unlock an exclusive showdown against Bowser Jr., and discover other hidden surprises.
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DeJanae Phillips, Anna Wronka

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April 14, 2025
Newly born Masai giraffe makes debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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ORLANDO, Fla. — A newly born Masai giraffe named Tucker made his Walt Disney World debut on Monday at Animal Kingdom’s Harambe Wildlife Reserve alongside his mom, Mara.

Tucker is the first giraffe calf born at Walt Disney World Resort since 2021. The Masai giraffe is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with around 30,000 giraffes remaining globally, according to Disney.

Disney has partnered with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to help protect and conserve the iconic species. Through the AZA’s Species Survival Plan, Disney has welcomed the births of a variety of animals, including Hartmann’s mountain zebras, cotton-top tamarins, a rare addax, and an endangered Sumatran tiger cub, Disney said in a release.

Guests can take a trip on Kilimanjaro Safaris to view the variety of wildlife that call Animal Kingdom home, including Tucker the giraffe.

Tucker the Masai giraffe calf at Animal Kingdom (Courtesy: Walt Disney World)

Over the next few weeks, guests will get the chance to witness the calf’s development journey, as he takes his first steps and explores his surroundings.

As an AZA-accredited facility, Animal Kingdom has an on-site veterinary care hospital and a team of specialized care experts providing the highest standard of care to Tucker and the park’s other animals.

Disney said the calf’s birth contributes to the genetic diversity and health of the Masai giraffe population, ensuring that future generations can enjoy seeing the animals.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Disney Conservation Fund continues to support organizations at the forefront of critical conservation efforts, directing more than $132 million to programs and communities working to protect wildlife, inspire action, and promote environmental resilience.

Tucker the Masai giraffe calf at Animal Kingdom (Courtesy: Walt Disney World)

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Spectrum News Staff

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April 7, 2025
Seven years of biscuit and tang in Tampa, celebrated
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TAMPA, Fla. — This sport has been part of St. Pete for more than a century.

Once a retiree’s activity, it now inspires players of all ages. We’re talking about shuffleboard!
What You Need To Know

Shuffle’s Seventh Birthday Party Weekend is March 21-23

Events are scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Celebrations include live entertainment, a drag show, an art showcase and shuffleboard tournaments

Shuffle in Tampa is one of the few places in the states with indoor regulation-size shuffle board courts
The St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club opened in 1924, and other clubs sprang up in true Florida fashion.

The sport has undergone a modern, vibrant resurgence.

Case in point: Shuffle in Tampa is celebrating seven years in business.

It’s one of the few places in the states with indoor regulation-size shuffle board courts.

Co-owner Jennifer Evanchyk says they’ve worked hard to build a social community.

“And just good vibes all of the time,” said Evanchyk, of their Tampa Heights neighborhood stop.

The vibes are all biscuits and tang.

A tang is the apparatus used to push discs, or biscuits, across the shuffleboard court.

Your goal is to push the discs into a triangle divided into seven sections — with scores of 10, -10, eight or seven.

“Anything on the line is a zero,” Evanchyk said.

Worse than zero — sliding into the base of the triangle — called the Kitchen.

“So anything that lands inside the Kitchen is a negative 10,” Evanchyk said.

But the best part is the “strategery.”

“And you are encouraged to knock your opponent out,” said Evanchyk.

Or knock them into the Kitchen!

Evanchyk says the seventh anniversary is both amazing and unbelievable, considering some things the world endured — the COVID-19 pandemic, economic issues, social concerns and political uncertainty.

“It sometimes feels like 20 years ago, and sometimes it feels like a year,” Evanchyk said.

In that spirit, Shuffle is using the celebration as a fundraiser for Ukraine.

Evanchyk’s grandfather is Ukrainian.

“We are just on the side of the oppressed,” Evanchyk said.

Evanchyk and her co-owner, Danielle O’Connor, have built a community strong enough to help one another.

All done with a tang and biscuit.

Weekend celebrations include live entertainment, a drag show, an art showcase and shuffleboard tournaments.
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Virginia Johnson

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March 18, 2025
ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’ to return to University of Florida in March
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida will be hosting ESPN’s pre-game show, “College GameDay,” on March 1, officials announced Saturday.
What You Need To Know

The University of Florida will be hosting ESPN’s pre-game show, “College GameDay,” on March 1

The show will take place ahead of the No. 2 Florida Gators men’s basketball team’s game vs. No. 7 Texas A&M Aggies

Admission for the event is free, and no tickets are required, university officials said

Get additional information on the UF men’s basketball website
The show will take place ahead of the No. 2 Florida Gators men’s basketball team’s game vs. No. 7 Texas A&M Aggies.

Admission for the event is free, and no tickets are required, university officials said. Gates at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center will open at 8:30 a.m. for students and 8:45 a.m. for the public. Parking for the show will be first-come, first-served in Lot 25 and Garage 7 located next to the arena.

March 1 will mark the show’s sixth visit to Gainesville and the Gators’ 10th time playing in the GameDay-featured game. The last time UF hosted the show was in 2017.

Rece Davis, Andraya Carter, Seth Greenberg, Jay Williams and Pete Thamel will be on site with Jay Bilas joining the show remotely, officials said.

Get additional information on the UF men’s basketball website.
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Spectrum News Staff

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February 21, 2025
WDW offers 4-day Discover Disney Ticket deal to Florida residents
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ORLANDO, Fla. — Walt Disney World Resort is bringing back the Discover Disney Ticket deal for Florida residents in 2025.

Starting Tuesday, Jan. 7, residents can purchase the ticket deal that includes four or three days to Disney theme parks.

The two ticket options include:
- Four-day ticket for $240 — $60 per day
- Three-day ticket for $225 — $75 per day
Guests can use their tickets to visit the parks between Jan. 13 through May 23. Visits do not have to be on consecutive days.

Guests can upgrade their ticket with the Park Hopper or Water Park & Sports add-ons.

The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts also runs from Jan. 17 to Feb. 24, during the Discover Disney Ticket deal period.

And for all the animal lovers, guests can now view three new lions — Mshango, Zahara and Neema — at Animal Kingdom on the Kilimanjaro Safaris savanna.

Plus, Disney Resort hotels are offering guests a new benefit — anyone staying at a Disney hotel can enjoy admission to a Disney water park on their check-in day as part of their stay.

For more information on the ticket deal, visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers/florida-resident-discover-disney-ticket-2025/.
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Spectrum News Staff

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January 6, 2025
SAGES produces plays that focus on senior issues involving senior actors
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PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — The Seniors Actors Guild and Education Services’ motto is “plays with purpose.”

By mixing comedy and drama into plays around issues that affect seniors, SAGES aims to empower older adults through their performances.

Letty Mendoza, who is starring in the play Defying Gravity, said acting in plays that are aimed at older adults is important to her.

“We do plays with purpose about issues that affect seniors and nobody else was doing anything like that,” she said.
What You Need To Know

SAGES aims to empower older adults through plays with purpose

Their next performance of Defying Gravity in on Sept. 14 in Dunedin

All plays surround issues that affect seniors using senior actors
From plays about falling to others about phone scams and driver safety, SAGES puts on plays that involved senior issues while using senior actors.

“People have had to take away grandpa’s car keys or their father’s car keys and they know how difficult it is,” she said. “So we try to present it in a funny way, but it’s a serious subject so we want to get a lesson in there.”

SAGES Co-Founder Christine Hamacher said they put on these plays to empower seniors.

The topics may not be easy to talk about but by doing so, Christine said they can help older adults continue the quality of life they deserve.

“People don’t want to talk about aging and the things they are afraid of. Fear is a big part of that,” she said. “Working on this particular issue, defying gravity, which is about fall prevention, we’re able to help people stop falls. We’ve actually worked with 911 and our fire rescue to reduce the number of falls in Pinellas County for the first time ever.”

According to the CDC, around 3 million older adults are treated for fall injuries in emergency departments every year.

Letty said those watching their plays may know about falling risks, but through this medium, they’re educated in a much more entertaining way.

“You could stand up in a lecture hall, give a lecture on it and it would be so boring,” she said. “But people remember when it’s a play, when you got a little bit of humor and a little bit of pathos and a little bit of tragedy.”

The next performance of Defying Gravity will be on Sept. 14 in Dunedin, and it is free.
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Matt Lackritz

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September 2, 2024
View a time machine up close at the DeLorean Motor Company in Orlando
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ORLANDO, Fla. — Very few cars portrayed in films have had a bigger impact that the DeLorean.

The DeLorean made its public debut in 1981, with close to 9,000 of the futuristic cars produced.
What You Need To Know

General Manager of DMC Florida Robert Gadocha said the car captured the public’s attention from the start, but the movie franchise took it to another level

The Orlando facility is one of three locations in the country that still deals, sells and maintains the one-of-a-kind vehicles

The company has over 40 classic DeLoreans on hand, all of which are in pristine condition

The tour is free, and you can call 407-203-2300 to reserve a time
General Manager of DMC Florida Robert Gadocha said the car captured the public’s attention from the start, but the movie franchise took it to another level.

“Well, the love for it stems from the ‘Back to the Future’ trilogy. Everyone that sees the car loves the car,” said Gadocha.

The Orlando facility is one of three locations in the country that still deals, sells and maintains the one-of-a-kind vehicles.

The company has more than 40 classic DeLoreans on hand, all of which are in pristine condition.

“We get people in the shop that bring their children, 5 to 10 years old, dressed like Marty. They love the car and everything about it,” said Gadocha.

Guests can request a tour of the shop to see — depending on the day — how the famous stainless-steel exterior is polished, engines being worked on, and visit a showroom that includes a completed time machine, like the one featured in the Back to the Future movies.

“Yes, we welcome guests here. We give them a quick tour and show them what we do inside and out,” said DMC owner Tony Lerardi.

They also provide historical videos so guests can learn about the car’s unique history, beyond the films, including the car’s famous inventor John DeLorean.

James O’Brien visited DMC one day and decided to purchase a DeLorean and convert it into a time machine.

“When I was 6, and I first saw the film, for me, that was the car. So, I ended up building a time machine from scratch,” said O’Brien.

He said he had no idea when he started building the time machine, but he watched videos, consulted with DMC and sought advice from the DeLorean Club of Florida, an organization that has more than 200 DeLorean loving owners around the state.

DeLorean Club members meet several times a year with usually a stop in Orlando.

The British-born time machine owner said the biggest problem he has when driving the vehicle around Central Florida is people forcing him off the road to stop and take pictures.

“There’s about 5,000 DeLoreans left in the world. So, when people see them, they love the car. They love the movie franchise, and people want to take videos and pictures,” O’Brien said.

He now plans to rent out his classic time machine equipped with every working gadget, including a flux capacitor for time travel.

Reservations are required to tour the DeLorean Motor Company in Orlando. The tour is free, and you can call 1-407-203-2300 to reserve a time.
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Randy Rauch

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August 30, 2024
ZooTampa opens Stingray Shores exhibit for guest experiences
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TAMPA, Fla. — ZooTampa is opening its stingray exhibit, Stingray Shores, for guest experiences.
What You Need To Know

ZooTampa Animal Encounters now include a stingray experience

Southern and cownose stingrays populate the exhibit

Handlers trim barbs, and rays are raised hand-fed

Stingray Shores offers daily interaction opportunities
It’s another way the zoo is trying to connect people with the wild, taking a step into the 76-degree water habitat.

That’s right — in it.

ZooTampa’s Kayla Cary is one of the zoo professionals leading the way in this hour-long experience.

It starts with educational components and preparations for meeting rays in the habitat.

“So, while you are in the waters, they may come all around you and even straight up to you,” Cary said. “It’s completely OK. They are very curious animals. It’s OK, and we are entering their space.”

Cary’s been working in their space for two years.

“A lot people have misconceptions about stingrays,” she explained.

And at ZooTampa, she said, it’s even safer than the wild. Zoo staffers trim each ray’s barb.

Rays have their own dispositions. They are food-motivated. And their mouths feel like little vacuum cleaners.

Because rays sometimes burrow in the sand on Tampa Bay’s beaches, Cary shows the stingray shuffle, shuffling her feet to move forward through the sand.

“By doing this movement, this will alert the stingray we are coming near them and allow them to move,” Cary said. “They can sense vibrations in the sand.”

Moving people from fear to understanding of the wild kingdom is part of ZooTampa’s mission.

The goal is to change perceptions and help protect the future of the animals and their environment.
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Virginia Johnson

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March 13, 2024
St. Pete teen, dog Phoenix place 3rd at Brooksville dog show
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BROOKSVILLE, Fla. — It’s the highest concentration of pure-breed canines in the state of Florida. We’re talking about the AKC Florida Gulf Coast Cluster—10 days of all-breed dog shows and competitions in Brooksville.
What You Need To Know

AKC Florida Gulf Coast Cluster at Classic Park in Brooksville is 10 days of all-breed dog shows and competitions

The second week of competition is scheduled Jan. 17-21

The annual all-breed dog show is the largest of its kind in the state of Florida
That’s where we met Gemma Eldridge and her blue-eyed baby — who looks like a smallish version of Australian Shepherd to the untrained, civilian eye.

“So this is Phoenix. She is a Miniature American Shepherd,” Eldridge said, as she bathed him in a big blue doggy tub.

At 13, Eldridge has already been showing dogs for five years. She’s in their pre-show routine.

This human-animal duo was one of 1,772 vying for excellence on Day 1 of the 10-day event at Florida Classic Park.

Eldridge has come to the show every year.

“It’s really fun because I love animals and dogs and the people here are really nice,” Eldridge said.

After walking Phoenix to the Grooming Pavilion, she stared blowing out her hair.

The air is cool, and Phoenix stands still on a grooming table while Eldridge speaks to us and her. And this all started after Eldridge walked into the Dog Training Club of St. Pete with her first dog. She was 8.

“I started there and kept on going,” she said.

She credited members of the club for teaching her how to groom and present in the ring. Then there was a 4-H canine group where she learned more.

Fast forward to today — she’s also at American Kennel Club competitions. Now washed, dried and brushed, Eldridge escorts Phoenix from the Grooming Pavilion to Ring 10.

Once we get there, Eldridge retrieves her competition number. And then it’s time.

She enters the ring for the Junior Showmanship Competition. She parades the dog solo and with the group. And Phoenix is totally calm during all of it. Even up on a table with a judge touching him – zero reaction.

All the while Eldridge is smiling with love and offering treats.

The AKC offers this to help groom future dog show enthusiasts like Eldridge — the rules are the same as the adults.

Today’s outcome: Third Place!

“It’s great because I got her as a puppy because I wanted a dog to show,” she said, petting Phoenix outside the ring. “I’ve trained her ever since I got her. She’s just like a wonderful dog.”

Every competition brings Eldridge closer to her goal making Phoenix a champion.
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Virginia Johnson

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January 17, 2024
Summer Circus Spectacular in final week of 18th annual show
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SARASOTA, Fla. — Before the lights. Before the cheers. Before the performance — it’s a quiet stage and an empty house.
What You Need To Know

Summer Circus Spectacular continues through Saturday, Aug. 12

One-hour show filled with circus arts

18th year at the Historical Asolo Theater at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota

Created by Pedro Reis, founder and CEO of the Circus Arts Conservatory
Tersit Dersu is the opening act for the Summer Circus Spectacular at the Historic Asolo Theater at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota.

Dersu warms up by softly bouncing balls off a clear apparatus that she and the crew wheeled on stage.

“Juggling is practice and patience,” she said.

Dersu adds more balls to the flow, creating a double two-bounce roundabout of a circle whirring of white.

She said she knew at 15 that she was destined to perform.

“It’s been like 10 years of practicing,” she said.

“Circus makes the impossible possible,” said Pedro Reis, the founder and CEO of the Circus Arts Conservatory. “They’re juggling. There’s aerial, there’s grace. It’s a combination of movement and dance.”

Reis started the show after retiring from his own international adventures on the high wire.

Dersu’s performance skills have taken her from her native Ethiopia to stages around the world.

“You do what you love, you travel,” she said.

Dersu said meeting and working with people from different countries and cultures has been amazing.

“I love my job,” she said.

And when she does her job, the crowd — they love it too.
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Virginia Johnson

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August 8, 2023
Come to Jeep Beach 2023 for fun, and ticket to win one helps community
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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Jeep Beach 2023, the world’s largest Jeep event, wraps up its 20^th year this weekend in Daytona Beach.
What You Need To Know

Sunday is the last day for Jeep Beach 2023 in Daytona Beach

The event features obstacle courses, vendors, concerts, food and activities for kids

A Jeep Beach parade will be held right on Daytona Beach on Sunday

As part of the event, tickets can be purchased to win a drawing for a new Jeep
The event is dedicated to all things Jeep, with obstacles courses to cruise through, concerts, vendors selling industry merchandise, all kinds of food and drink, activities to keep children busy and a Jeep Beach parade Sunday on Daytona Beach.

Jeep Beach 2023 activities will continue through Sunday in Daytona Beach. (Spectrum News/Joh Ficurilli)

Everett Flaitz, an electrician and Jeep enthusiast who last year won the iconic event’s drawing for a new Wrangler, calls Port Orange home after moving to Volusia County five years ago from Ohio.

“We love the warm weather, the beaches and — uh, uh — we don’t have to worry about shoveling snow,” Flaitz said as he cruised in his Wrangler, Jeep’s most popular model.

Flaitz bought a ticket, didn’t think anything of it, and then he heard the words, “You are the winner!”

“I’ve never won anything in my life — so it’s incredible we won this,” said Flaitz, who had purchased another Jeep for his wife just before they won in 2022.

Now they have two Jeeps.

It’s not just “a” car to get from Point “A” to Point “B,” he said.

“You can just use them on the beach, go off-roading or just drive ‘em around as your everyday vehicle,” Flaitz said.

So, how exactly did he enter to win? He bought a $50 ticket.

What’s most rewarding to Flaitz is knowing the proceeds from the drawing stay local.

“That $50 you spend to win the Jeep, it goes to charity,” he said as he drove his yellow Jeep on the powdery sands of Daytona Beach.

Jeep Beach organizers’ goal this year is to give away $1 million to charities in Volusia and Flagler counties. The funds raised go to programs, not overhead costs, they said.

It’s not too late to get in on this year’s drawing on Saturday. The $50 ticket for a shot at this event’s Jeep can be purchased online.

The 2023 Jeep being given away this year is a flamboyant red called “punk’n,” and it comes with special Jeep Beach badging that pays homage to Daytona International Speedway and the 20^th anniversary of Jeep Beach.

It also comes with a trailer from tinycampers.com that is fully equipped, with features such as a kitchen, a TV and creature comforts inside. Its roof extends to an A-frame, so you can put the children on top and mom and dad on the bottom during off-road adventures.
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Ybeth Bruzual

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April 28, 2023