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Tag: APP Things to Do

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

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    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.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • 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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  • 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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  • Easter events ‘egg’-spected to take place across Tampa Bay for 2025

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    BY

    Spectrum News Staff

    Tampa

    UPDATED 12:05 PM ET Apr. 03, 2025
    PUBLISHED 12:51 PM ET Mar. 12, 2025
    PUBLISHED 12:51 PM EDT Mar. 12, 2025

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Tampa History Center features ‘Invisible Immigrants’ Spanish history exhibit

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    TAMPA, Fla. — An international exhibition showcases world history — one story at a time. And Tampa is part of that story.

    “Invisible Immigrants Spaniards in the U.S. (1868 – 1945)” was in Spain for four years, and now makes its first stop in the United States.

    “You know the name of the exhibit is ‘Invisible Immigrants,’” said Rodney Kite-Powell. “But that’s from the Spanish perspective. You know, so many of the people that left there never came back. And so, to those families, they disappeared.”

    Rodney Kite-Powell is a Curator and Historian at the Tampa Bay History Center where the exhibition is focusing on Spanish immigration from the 1860s to the 1940s.

    “There were two curators — one Spanish and one American — who interviews hundreds and hundreds of descendants of these Spanish immigrants,” said Kite-Powell. “And their intention really was to make an exhibit as if you are walking into those scrapbooks that they were looking at.”

    And the city of Tampa shows up in this life-sized scrapbook, thanks in part to the cigar industry at the turn of the 20th century.

    The exhibition also documents Spanish immigrant reaction as fascism took hold in Spain.

    A 90-year-old film shows protestors in Tampa making fishing tackle to raise money for anti-fascism forces during the Spanish civil war.

    When dictator Francisco Franco took power, immigrants gave up going home for good and became citizens.

    “Here in Tampa, I think we almost took Ybor City and West Tampa for granted. Not every town has those kinds of ethnic and urban enclaves that still have such a rich history,” said Kite-Powell.

    Your final stop in this exhibition — a map spanning from ceiling to floor — that shows cultural landmarks in Ybor City and West Tampa and provides opportunities to learn more about the Spanish influence in the Tampa Bay area.

    “Invisible Immigrants. Spaniards in the U.S. (1868 – 1945)” will be on display at the Tampa Bay History Center through Aug. 3.

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    Virginia Johnson

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

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    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.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Patty’s Crumb’s Bakery serves up a gluten-free Fluffer Nutter Cookie

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    BARTOW, Fla. — Looking to show some gluten-free love to your special someone?

    Whether it’s your best pal or the person of your dreams, they’ll likely love you exponentially more than they did before — thanks to Lizbeth Ramirez of Patty’s Crumb’s Gluten-Free Bakery in Bartow.

    She offers a gluten-free Fluffer Nutter Cookie: 

    This recipe makes 8 extra-large cookies.

    Ingredients:

    • 1/2 c butter
    • 1 c peanut butter
    • 1 c sugar
    • 1/2 c brown sugar
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 1/2 c All-purpose gluten-free flour
    • 1 tsp baking soda
    • 1/4 tsp salt
    • 16 oz tub of marshmallow fluff

    Directions:

    1. Prep marshmallow fluff by filling into piping bags or sandwich bags.
    2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
    3. Beat butter in mixer or with hand mixer until soft.
    4. Add peanut butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until combined.
    5. Add eggs and vanilla extract. Beat until combined.
    6. Combine gluten-free flour, baking soda, and salt together. Slowly add to wet mixture. Combine well.
    7. Using a 4-ounce cookie scoop, scoop all your cookie dough and place on a lined baking sheet or pan.
    8. Snip the tip or corner of the piping or sandwich bag that is filled with marshmallow fluff.
    9. Flatten out a dough ball and generously squeeze marshmallow fluff into the center of the flattened dough ball. Then carefully fold dough closed, encasing the marshmallow fluff inside. (Spillage of fluff is normal).
    10. Continue filling all your dough portions.
    11. You can immediately bake or freeze from here. If freezing, store in airtight freezer safe Ziplock bags or containers.
    12. To bake, place onto lined parchment sheet or cookie pan, bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
    13. Rotate halfway.
    14. Cookies are ready when it looks slightly browned.
    15. Remove from oven and allow to cool for at least 30 minutes as fluff will be extremely hot.
    16. Store left over baked cookie in an airtight container, stored in a cool dry place.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • 43rd annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival returns

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    CORTEZ, Fla. — The Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival is back this weekend.

    The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) hosts this event annually and members say it took a great deal of support to make it happen after the storms.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival is back this weekend

    • This year, the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage hopes to raise $100,000 — proceeds will go toward funding the conservation and restoration of the fish preserve

    • This year’s theme, “Swamped but Never Sunk,” reflects the struggles Cortez has faced during the hurricanes and how the community has persevered through hardship

    “It was definitely a decision that FISH approached the community about because this community had suffered so much damage from both of the hurricanes Helene and Milton,” FISH board member Angela Collins said. “But the decision was made to move forward and celebrate the resilience of this community. Also, it’s just a great way to again bring support to our commercial fishermen and their families.”

    And that’s exactly Randy Rickard’s mission—every time he makes food, he aims to have fun.

    He also makes sure that everyone else is having fun, too.

    “Well, I was born and raised cooking food,” he said.

    Rickard has been serving hot meals at the historic Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival for 35 years.

    “It’s part of our lifeblood, how we survive. It’s a fabulous festival—it’s how we survive,” he said.

    This year’s theme, “Swamped but Never Sunk,” reflects the struggles the town has faced during the hurricanes and how the community has persevered through hardship. Many feared the festival wouldn’t happen this year.

    “It feels good to come back, to see the community bounce back from the massive disasters down here,” Rickard said.

    The festival’s proceeds also help protect the nearby fish preserve, which Rickard says is vital to the area.

    “I hope it never goes away because it’s part of the preservation of the area. As you saw coming up the road, there’s a lot of building, a lot of development, a lot of land disappearing. This festival helps preserve both the land and the commercial fishing industry,” he said.

    This year, FISH hopes to raise $100,000.

    All proceeds will go toward funding the conservation and restoration of the fish preserve.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Tampa Bay celebrates Black History Month 2025

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    BY

    DeJanae Phillips

    Tampa


    PUBLISHED 5:00 PM ET Feb. 05, 2025
    PUBLISHED 5:00 PM EST Feb. 05, 2025

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    DeJanae Phillips

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  • Lunar New Year events across Central Florida and Tampa Bay

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    FLORIDA — From Central Florida to the Tampa Bay area, many will be coming out to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

    The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year, starts on the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends on the first full moon.

    That means this special new year will start on Wednesday, Jan. 29, and ends Wednesday, Feb. 12.

    The Lunar New Year is correlated with certain animals of the Chinese zodiac. For 2025, it is the Year of the Snake.

    Many Asian countries from China to South Korea and Vietnam celebrate the Lunar New Year.

    Here is a list of events across Central Florida and Tampa Bay to cheer in the Lunar New Year.

    Tampa area:

    Central Florida

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    Anthony Leone

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  • Crayola Experience Orlando offers free admission for kids with Preschool Days

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — In honor of the Crayola’s inaugural Global Creativity Week, Crayola Experience Orlando is encouraging creativity in children with the announcement of their Preschool Days from Jan. 27 – Feb. 28.

    The event features free admission for kids ages 4 and younger. Children can enjoy attractions such as Toddler Town, Scribble Square, Stomp and Play, Model Magic, and Create + Play.

    On Feb. 11, guests can visit during Toddler Tuesday for Crayola products designed specifically for toddlers to play with during that time.

    The offer must be redeemed at Crayola Experience Orlando’s admissions counter and guests will need to present a copy of their child’s birth certificate or passport to verify their age.

    Visit Crayola Experience Orlando’s website for more information.

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    DeJanae Phillips

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  • Events honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day around Tampa Bay

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    BY

    Spectrum News Staff

    Tampa

    UPDATED 6:12 AM ET Jan. 20, 2025
    PUBLISHED 3:11 PM ET Jan. 16, 2025
    PUBLISHED 3:11 PM EST Jan. 16, 2025

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival returns with new dishes, concert lineup

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — SeaWorld Orlando is kicking off 2025 with the return of its Seven Seas Food Festival, running on select dates from Jan. 31 – May 4. 

    What You Need To Know

    • SeaWorld Orlando announced the return of its Seven Seas Food Festival on select dates from Jan. 31 – May 4, 2025

    • Officials said the festival will expand its concert series to include Friday night performances in addition to Saturdays and Sundays

    • The festival will feature a new array of flavors spanning from Ireland, Mexico, Germany, Asia and beyond

    • View the list of new dishes and concert headliners below


    Guests can enjoy an array of internationally inspired dishes and a lineup of live performances. This year, officials said the festival will expand its concert series to include Friday night performances in addition to Saturdays and Sundays.

    The festival will feature a new array of flavors spanning from Ireland, Mexico, Germany, Asia and beyond, officials said. View the list below.

    The Caribbean Market

    • Jamaican Jerk Chicken — Seasoned Jamaican chicken leg with celery micro greens
    • Pork Pincho — Grilled pork skewer with tangy BBQ sauce and grilled Cuban bread
    • Island Rice and Peas — Yellow rice garnished with red beans and green scallions

    The Italian Market

    • Garlic Toast Chicken Parmigiana — Pan seared, thick garlic toast topped with breaded chicken, marinara and mozzarella cheese
    • Tiramisu — Topped with chocolate ganache

    The Indian Market

    • Veggie Samosas — Potato and pea samosas with Indian red pepper hummus
    • Cardamom Chocolate Torte Cake — A balance of bittersweet cardamom-infused ganache cake 

    The Irish Market

    • Reuben Egg Roll — Corned beef and sauerkraut egg rolls with Thousand Island dipping sauce 
    • Guinness Chicken Sausage — Grilled chicken sausage, roasted potatoes, Vidalia onions and chicken gravy
    • Strawberry Pouffe — Shortcake stuffed with berries and cream

    There are also cocktails that guests can sip while exploring the park, including:

    • Frozen Golden Margarita — Tequila, lime, sweet and sour
    • Island Time — Rum, pineapple juice, grenadine, club soda
    • Blueberry Whiskey Smash — Whiskey, lemon, blueberry, topped with lemons and blueberries
    • Atlantic Breeze — Gin, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, seltzer water
    • Negroni — Gin, Campari, sweet vermouth
    • Orange Crush — Vodka, candied orange, triple sec, orange juice
    • Lychee Bliss — Vodka, lychee liquor, lime

    The Seven Seas Food Festival concerts will be held at Bayside Stadium and will feature a variety of genres, including pop, rock, Latin, reggae and country. All performances are included with park admission.

    Headliners include:

    • Luis Fonsi (Latin Pop)
    • Mitchell Tenpenny (Country)
    • Sara Evans (Country)
    • Boys Like Girls (Alternative)
    • ZZ Top (Rock/Blues)
    • Expose (Electronic)
    • LeCrae (Hip-Hop)
    • Warrant (Rock)
    • Molly Hatchet (Rock)
    • Starship featuring Mickey Thomas (Rock)

    More performers will be announced at a later date, officials said. Learn more about the Seven Seas Food Festival, tickets and annual passes on SeaWorld Orlando’s website.

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    DeJanae Phillips

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

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    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)

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    Randy Rauch

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  • 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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  • Local holiday happenings across Tampa Bay

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    BY

    Spectrum News Staff

    Tampa


    PUBLISHED 6:30 AM ET Dec. 14, 2024
    PUBLISHED 6:30 AM EST Dec. 14, 2024

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • ‘Savor the Season’ Holiday Festival at Ananda Farm on Terra Ceia Island

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    TAMPA, Fla. — The sun shines down on the sunn hemp at Ananda Farm on Terra Ceia Island — right where their corn maze should be. 

    “September rains hastened the planting transition. A lot of the crops just can’t take it. And then throw 100 miles an hour winds on it. And you end up with corn that looks like this,” said farm owner Chris Boss, holding a remnant of a corn plant with a damaged cob.

    What You Need To Know

    • Ananda Farm on Terra Ceia Island

    • ‘Savor the Season’ Holiday Festival going on until Dec. 15

    • Event runs Fridays (3 to 8 p.m.), Saturdays (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and Sundays (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

    • Located at 579 Ken Hubbard Road, Terra Ceia

    Boss is undeterred, moving forward with multiple flower fields — snapdragons and zinnias to start.

    “And then a really cool mix of Florida wildflowers — about almost 20 flowers all mixed together,” Boss said.

    Boss is showing off the 40-acre Agri-tourism destination on the island of Terra Ceia in northern Manatee County.

    The former palm farm is transitioning to tropical fruits.

    “So a lot of mango, avocado, dragon fruit, passionfruit, banana, pineapple,” said Boss.

    And even with major flooding, damages and high winds, some of the crop survived.

    “We lost probably two-thirds of the mango that was just planted,” said Boss.

    The shoulder high mango trees are now survivors of multiple weather calamities.

    Boss will replant again. He’s undeterred.

    Their nursery is stocked for them and for visitors.

    Little peeps can watch all the action from Ananda’s tree house attraction. It’s one of 15 to explore.

    There are double air pillows, corn-kernel beaches with a wine bar, tug-o-war, gaga ball, tricycle races, giant bubbles, a playground, a treehouse, huge slides, gem mining and swings.

    Boss also has Insta-worthy photo opportunities — think a tractor in a field of flowers or a chandelier topped bench set in a row of palms Boss kept from the old farm — picture perfect beauties.

    Early family feedback has been positive.

    “Adults were really happy to have a space the kids can just run,” said Boss.

    And the rooftop terrace makes it easy for adults to watch them.

    “We’ve got really, really good food. And really, good beer and wine and it’s relaxing,” said Boss.

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    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

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    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.

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    Randy Rauch

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  • Weekend events in Tampa Bay September 21-22

    Weekend events in Tampa Bay September 21-22

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    By

    Spectrum News Staff

    Tampa


    PUBLISHED 3:26 PM ET Sep. 19, 2024
    PUBLISHED 3:26 PM EDT Sep. 19, 2024

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Bringing back a classic: ‘Bull Durham’ hitting the theatre stage

    Bringing back a classic: ‘Bull Durham’ hitting the theatre stage

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    DURHAM, N.C. — A new musical is coming to Duke University, but the story behind it may not be as new as you think.

     

    What You Need To Know

    “Bull Durham, a New Musical” premiers Sept. 10

    Original movie writer Ron Shelton is helping produce the new musical

    Theatre Raleigh Executive Director Lauren Kennedy Brady is producing the show

     

    You’ve seen the Durham Bulls on the field and on the big screen. Now, you’ve got the chance to see them on a stage.

    “These are heavier, cause they’re from the 80s, so they’re heavier than the bats now,” Lauren Kennedy Brady, executive director of Theatre Raleigh, said while commenting on the bats.

    Brady is producing “Bull Durham, A New Musical.”

    “In 2022, Ron Shelton, who is the writer of the movie, wrote me and said, ‘Hey, can we get on a phone call, we wanna do ‘Bull Durham’ again,’ and said, ‘how bout we do Durham in Durham?’ Makes sense to me,” Brady said.

    So for the last three years, Brady, Shelton and a large group of designers, artists and actors have worked to make it happen.

    “You can see the Durham Bulls logo from the ballpark, and this is how the scenic elements will move to make the different locations, and then underneath we have all our costume renderings,” Brady said.

    Brady says the creators hired for this musical did an amazing job of capturing the 80s, when the movie came out.

    And she gives props for some familiar props.

    “A little baby reconstruction for the bus, the Bulls’ bus, when they go out on the road for 17 days, and then you’ll see the little bus go across the front of the stage,” Brady said.

    Brady was a broadway actress for 23 years. Her biggest role, she says, was with “Les Miserables.”

    But now, the Raleigh native is all about producing shows and calls this Bull Durham project her baby.

    “I think they’re excited to have something with broadway potential,” Brady said.

    Brady says about half a dozen Duke theatre shows have gone on to Broadway. She hopes “Bull Durham” gets on that list.

    For now, she’s just excited to bring it back to the community.

    “There’s so much local interest and a lot of love for the movie. It put the bulls not he map, and a lot of places on the map here, and we hope people will come out and get reinvigorated by it,” Brady said.

    Brady says tickets are going fast.

    You can see “Bull Durham, a New Musical” beginning Sept. 10 at Reynolds Industries Theater at Duke. The show runs through Sept. 22.

    Ticket prices vary depending on if you want to see the preview, opening night or the main performances.

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    Evan Sery

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