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  • New thrill ride nicknamed ‘Screamin’ Swing’ at Busch Gardens

    New thrill ride nicknamed ‘Screamin’ Swing’ at Busch Gardens

    TAMPA, Fla. —They don’t call it the “screamin’ swing” for nothing.

    What You Need To Know

    • Serengeti Flyer opens Febraury 27

    • Annual pass holders get weekend preview

    • Nicknamed Screamin’ Swing

    • 90-second ride goes 135 feet high and 68 miles per hour

    “Think about a swing set you rode as a kid, and someone gave you a big push. This is the ultimate push,” said Neal Thurman, president of Busch Gardens.

    The new Serengeti Flyer at Busch Gardens is taller than any swing of its kind.

    Thurman calls it a “really smooth” experience with unbelievable views, swinging visitors 135 high at 68 miles per hour.

    Members of the media joined members of the local chapter of the American Coaster Enthusiasts for a preview to the Feb. 27 opening.

    Kalin Profitt said he took 30 or 35 turns on the 90-second ride. “I think it’s kind of a fun experience being able to float up on your seat like an astronaut,” said Profitt about the multiple moments of weightlessness.

    “It’s exciting. You don’t get that on a flat ride like that. I think it’s unique.” There are two swings holding ten people in the front and back. Forty people in all swish back and forth. The first time the swing goes backward, you can feel the power behind the pendulum motion.

    Riders see the heavens on the upswing and then the earth below on the downswing. But you are also weightless, so you think maybe for a second you pulled your parachute chord, it did not engage, and you are hurtling to your doom.

    The theme park has nearly a dozen thrill rides to its name, but also likes to emphasize its animal encounters and conservancy mission.

    Virginia Johnson

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  • Performer talks about bringing the Carnival fun to Busch Gardens

    Performer talks about bringing the Carnival fun to Busch Gardens

    TAMPA, Fla. — Mardi Gras marks the end of Carnival season, but not at Busch Gardens.

    What You Need To Know

    • Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens continues weekends through March 5

    • Several parades will be held each day, with beignets and other New Orleans-style offerings

    • Performers like Devin Collins bring the joie de vivre

    From the expert glitter application on his face to the green Chucks on his feet, Devin Collins is the walking embodiment of Mardi Gras ensconced in purple, green and gold — the holiday colors.

    “Basically, anything you that you throw at any of our performers, we learn it, we master it, we throw it in the show,” said Collins.

    Devin Collins started here with stilt walking in 2008, so the intricate Mardi Gras stage make-up is no big deal.

    It’s prepping and performing with his friends that puts Collins at ease, especially in the moments before they go live in the park.

    “There’s so much love and passion here within our Busch Gardens family, so we really like to just show that to our guests,” Collins said.

    Couple the performers with New Orleans jazz, and the crowds get wise quick. It’s parade time.

    “The vibe? they’re ready to party!” Collins said about the crowds, over the cacophony of music and clapping.

    The best part comes last — throwing the beads.

    “We have fun, the kids love this,” said Collins. “We get to bring a smile to everybody’s faces.”

    Happy Mardi Gras, Devin Collins.

    Virginia Johnson

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  • Beers for Barres: Local Breweries to support party for ballet

    Beers for Barres: Local Breweries to support party for ballet

    TAMPA, Fla. — If you’d like to learn to fly in ballet, then you start from the ground — getting on your rehearsal soft shoes.

    Brandon Ballet’s Courtney Moody is getting ready for rehearsal on the studio floor before heading to the barre.

    “We do lots of different stretches, lots of things to get warm, get moving,” she said.

    If the stretches look easy for Moody, it’s because she’s been a ballerina for about two decades and helps teach it now, too. 

    “I’m so grateful to have that opportunity to continue doing this as a career,” said Moody.

    In addition to excerpts from Swan Lake, they have something brand new to offer.

    “This is a new ballet called the Iron Flower,” said Brent Townend, the Ballet’s Assistant Artistic Director. “We are premiering a 15-minute excerpt.”

    As an artist, Moody says she is moved by the story of the dance.

    “It’s very important to me to have that is somewhat near my hometown where I can continue to dance and share this art form with others,” said Moody. 

    Breweries taking part in Beers for Barres:
    -Three Bulls Tavern & Brewery
    -Bullfrog Creek Brewing Company
    -Magnanimous Brewing Company
    -3 Daughters Brewing Company
    -Woven Water Brewing Company

    Virginia Johnson

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  • Once a school bus, Krewe of Zingaro float now a dream and beer carrier

    Once a school bus, Krewe of Zingaro float now a dream and beer carrier

    TAMPA, Fla. — Preparations got underway for a Krewe about to join in on the biggest pirate party in Tampa Bay.

    What You Need To Know

    • There are more than pirates in Gasparilla: there are Rough Riders, Fire Fighters and Gypsies

    • The Krewe of Zingaro celebrated their 25th anniversary

    • The Krewe is 50 to 60 gypsies strong, doing charitable work throughout the year
    • Most of the Krewe walk alongside their float — an old school bus painted purple and fitted with bathrooms and keg coolers

    The Gasparilla Parade of Pirates kicks off on Saturday, Jan. 28.

    “We are putting some beads on the float,” said James Raulerson, a gypsy with the Krewe of Zingaro.

    The Tampa Bay native knows these plastic trinkets will be vied for like real, precious jewels.

    “Everybody wants beads,” said Raulerson, smiling. He and his Krewe are ready.

    They ride on a mostly purple float. They call her ‘Barney.’

    “It’s our gypsy wagon, an old school bus,” Raulerson said.

    Restrooms are a must for a float crawling down the 4.5 mile parade route and so is room to throw beads, though most of his crew walks.

    And of course, there’s a cabinet to store adult beverages.

    “And here,” Raulerson said, pointing to a cooler sitting just below three taps, “We have a keg, which is nice.”

    With the float loaded, Raulerson checks for safety and design.

    Raulerson noted any ripping fringe or missing lights. The float will get all its superficial design repairs once it’s off the highway and into the staging area. The Krewe will be closer to the end of the parade in spot #111.

    The floats, dignitaries, community leaders, dancers, bands and community organizations will be stretched down Bayshore Boulevard starting at Bay-to-Bay Boulevard, lined up stretching toward Gandy Boulevard.

    Raulerson devotes time and energy to the group’s charities throughout the year, and Gasparilla is a chance to not only celebrate, but also bring a lot of cheering joy for a tiny, inexpensive souvenir.

    “You’re giving beads to people, but they’re so happy. It’s great you’re bringing happiness to people. You never know,” Raulerson said about the people they’re throwing beads to. “That person might be having a horrible week at work or something, and they come out to Gasparilla and get to have fun. It might just change your whole attitude. So that’s the fun part.”

    The Krewe is about 50 to 60 gypsies strong. 

    Virginia Johnson

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  • Tampa family shares experience with son’s case of RSV

    Tampa family shares experience with son’s case of RSV

    HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — As RSV cases spike across the country, a Tampa family is warning other parents how serious the highly contagious virus can be.

    To his family, he’s Zane the Hurricane, but recently, the four-year-old’s parents realized something was off.

    Trevor Hale said he noticed his son was wheezing badly.

    “Overnight, his wheezing got a lot worse, and he even said, ‘Daddy, I’m struggling,” said Hale.

    First thing in the morning, they went to urgent care.

    Hale Family

    “The nurse looked at his stomach and saw his breathing and saw that his kind of chest was concave, looked at it and said if he doesn’t get better after this nebulizer, we’re going straight to the ER where they have a level 1 trauma center,” said Hale.

    Zane caught RSV, a virus affecting the lungs, respiratory system, and breathing. RSV cases are on the rise across the country.

    Symptoms include fever, coughing, and runny nose. Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital explained if your child seems to have a mild case of RSV, keep them hydrated, suction their nose with saline solution to help with congestion, and use pain relievers like acetaminophen if needed.

    Tampa family shares experience with son's case of RSV

    Hale Family

    “If a child is starting to have a bluish or grayish discoloration around their lips, that suggests that they’re not getting enough oxygen and that warrants a visit to the emergency room,” said Dr. Juan Dumois, a Pediatric Infectious Diseases physician.

    Doctors suggest you should also talk to your pediatrician or bring your child into the ER if their ribs look like they’re sucking in or they’re dehydrated.

    Fortunately, Hale said Zane bounced back and has since recovered.

    “He’s bouncing off the walls like a normal four-year-old,” said Hale.

    A huge relief for his family, with a reminder for all parents to keep an eye out for any symptoms that seem out of the ordinary.

    Tampa family shares experience with son's case of RSV

    Hale Family

    “I had no idea it was that severe or it could be that serious or that we might need to go to the ER, so if your child is wheezing and really the chest is not really doing what it should be doing, go to urgent care immediately,” said Hale.

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