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Tag: Randy Rauch

  • Shoot 360 opens data-driven basketball facility in Vero Beach

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    VERO BEACH, Fla. — It’s a nondescript building where basketball players from around the area come to take their game to the next level.

    At Shoot 360 in Vero Beach, athletes of all ages step onto the court to train with a mix of traditional coaching and advanced technology designed to measure every move.

    What You Need To Know

    • Shoot 360 is bringing high-tech basketball training to Vero Beach, using smart sensors and real-time analytics to help players sharpen their skills

    • Coaches combine traditional instruction with video screens and machines that give athletes instant feedback on every pass and shot

    • Students say the technology helps them understand what they’re doing right — and wrong — so they can improve faster

    • Owners say the same technology is used by nearly every NBA team and is now accessible to everyday players on the Treasure Coast

    Coach and General Manager Charlie Miller says the instant feedback is what sets the program apart.

    “You’re going to get immediate, immediate reaction on how or when you pass the ball correctly or incorrectly on the screen,” Miller said.

    Large one-on-one screens guide players through drills, offering face-to-face instruction through video coaching.

    During workouts, Miller can be heard encouraging athletes, saying, “Good job, good job.”

    Miller says the system allows players to track progress over time.

    “You come in here, there are different levels, and you can always measure how much you’ve gotten better in here. So, this technology makes it a little bit different in play,” he said. “This measure has accuracy and precision right here.”

    Vittoril Mangieri, 13, has been playing basketball for nine years and has trained at Shoot 360 for the past two years.

    He says the technology has helped him improve.

    “As you can see here, this helps with your ball handling. And if you’re having a tough time getting better, if you’re having a tough time not knowing what you’re doing wrong. The machines here, the technology will really help you,” Mangieri said.

    Full- and half-court systems track every shot, showing players detailed data on their performance.

    Student Ryan Radocaj says the feedback helps her understand her success.

    “If I’m making them, you know, show me why I’m making them, and they’re all in the green. That’s a good shot,” she said.

    Owner Arthur Andrews says the technology matches what professionals use at the highest levels of basketball.

    “28 or 29 of the NBA teams use the exact same shooting technology. And so, these are billions of shots that have been loaded in, data analyzed,” Andrews said.

    Shoot 360 now has 60 locations across the country, including its Vero Beach facility.

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    Randy Rauch

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  • Central Florida Zoo’s Rhino Encounter offers hands-on experience with giant

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    SANFORD, Fla. — From immersive exhibits to intimate animal encounters, the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a busy zoo where learning comes to life.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens offers visitors a rare chance to get up close with a 2.25-ton rhinoceros, through its Rhino Encounter program

    • Guests can touch, feed and learn about rhinos while gaining insight into their care, diet and conservation

    • The program helps educate the public while supporting efforts to protect endangered rhinos in the wild, zookeepers say

    • The Rhino Encounter is available Friday through Monday, with pricing set at $25 for annual pass holders and $30 for non-pass holders

    It is focused on connecting people with wildlife in meaningful ways.

    One of the most unforgettable experiences is meeting PJ, the zoo’s 2.25-ton rhinoceros.

    Visitors can touch the massive animal and quickly realize just how unique the moment is.

    “It’s almost like hard, like stone. But you can, like, feel him breathing. It’s so warm. Still,” one visitor said during the encounter.

    Guests also get a behind-the-scenes look at how PJ is cared for, including feeding time.

    “And then he gets a few flakes of alfalfa hay,” a keeper explained.

    Rhinos may eat like horses, but on a much larger scale, consuming more than 100 pounds of food each day.

    Senior hoofstock keeper Maggie Funk describes PJ as far more approachable than many expect.

    “These guys are, like, gentle giants. He’s really sweet,” Funk said. “He really loves the interaction with people. And he loves getting scratches from them, too.”

    Visitors had their own creative ways of describing what it feels like to touch a rhino.

    “Imagine, like a mushy basketball,” Josh Brandel of Altamonte Springs said.

    Maggie Holley of Mount Dora added, “Hard to describe it. Rough. But, yeah, I feel the basketball kind of feel. I get that.”

    Emily Geist of DeBary shared a similar reaction, saying, “It’s actually kind of soft. Well, it’s hard to describe.”

    Like his wild counterparts, PJ loves to eat.

    Funk, who acts as both caretaker and chef, explained his daily diet.

    “So he gets two full bales of this coastal hay back here,” she said. “And then this alfalfa hay is his favorite food that we use for a lot of training.”

    That training happens inside PJ’s rhino chute, where he learns behaviors essential for his health and safety.

    Keepers guide him through actions like lifting his feet and opening his mouth for exams.

    “Pitch foot. Good boy. Good job,” Funk can be heard saying during one session.

    According to Funk, the training is critical for veterinary care.

    “He comes in here for all of his vet care that can include anything from a blood draw to foot care, to anything the vets need to look at,” she said.

    The Central Florida Zoo’s Rhino Encounter blends education, conservation, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering visitors a chance to connect with the second-largest land mammal on the planet while supporting efforts to protect rhinos for generations to come.

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    Randy Rauch

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  • View wild birds at Marine Science Center’s expanded aviary in Ponce Inlet

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    PONCE INLET, Fla. — Sitting in the shadow of the iconic Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is the Marine Science Center, where birds native to Florida find a home to share their stories with visitors. 

    The expanded aviary allows guests to see seabirds up close, including pelicans, gulls, and other coastal birds recovering from injury or illness, or those that can no longer go into the wild.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet has expanded its aviary and added a new education center
    • The aviary is home to birds recovering from injury or illness and those that can no longer survive in the wild
    • Visitors get rare, up-close encounters with pelicans, gulls, owls, and other Florida wildlife
    • The center has helped tens of thousands of animals while educating the public about conservation
    • MAP: View more Florida on a Tankful locations


    Nearly every day, education manager Shell Rossi introduces wildlife to guests, turning each visit into a hands-on learning experience.

    “Look what he’s doing with his head,” Rossi said during a presentation. “What’s he doing? Oh, look at that.”

    She encourages engagement, explaining animal behavior in real time.

    “He’s going to grab his food with his claws, and he’s going to squeeze it,” she said. “Everybody, give me your best squeeze.”

    Rossi said the Marine Science Center’s number of rescues speaks for itself.

    “Because we’ve helped 19,000 birds since opening, and 28,000 reptiles,” she said.

    While rehabilitation and release is always the goal, Rossi said some animals can’t return to the wild and instead become ambassadors for education.

    One of them is Bubba the owl.

    Pelicans are among the most common patients at the center’s animal hospital.

    “We get a lot of pelicans that come in — 90% have fishing line injuries,” Rossi said, highlighting the impact humans can have on wildlife.

    The Marine Science Center is more than just a bird sanctuary.

    Inside the new education center, visitors can meet snakes and gopher tortoises, study animals under a microscope, and attend a variety of presentations throughout the day.

    “Try and do animal presentations during the day,” Rossi said. “So, people could spend half an hour or three hours here.”

    Among her favorite moments is feeding the seahorses, and Rossi hopes visitors leave with a deeper connection to wildlife.

    “I hope that people would walk away with a newfound love of an animal that they have never seen before, and never been able to touch before, and then want to continue learning about it and wanting to help it,” she said.

    The Marine Science Center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

    Admission is $8 for anyone older than 13, $5 for kids aged 3 to 12, and free for children 2 and under.

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    Randy Rauch

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  • Live venom extractions at Reptile Discovery Center in DeLand

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    DELAND, Fla. — A DeLand operation is quietly doing life-saving work one venomous bite at a time.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Reptile Discovery Center and Medtoxin Venom Laboratory in DeLand houses some of the most dangerous snakes on Earth, extracting venom used for antivenom, pharmaceuticals, and global research
    • Director Carl Barden says venom from “about 25 or 30 different species” is processed and shipped worldwide, turning deadly toxins into lifesaving treatments
    • The work comes with real risk—Barden has survived 11 snakebites, including a cobra bite that nearly killed him—but he says the danger is comparable to other high-risk jobs
    • The center is also open to the public, offering live venom extractions, educational exhibits, and up-close views of snakes responsible for bite problems around the world


    The Reptile Discovery Center and Medtoxin Laboratory is home to some of the most dangerous snakes on the planet, where venom is carefully extracted, studied, and transformed into life-saving treatments around the world.

    When you visit this laboratory, it’s a good idea to keep a safe distance.

    Here, some of the world’s most deadly snakes are laid out, and venom is methodically extracted from one dangerous snake at a time.

    “Venoms are produced here from about 25 or 30 different species, and they are processed and shipped all around the world,” said Carl Barden, director of Medtoxin Laboratories at the Reptile Discovery Center.

    Barden and his wife, Mara Barden, work as a team, safely guiding the reptiles to naturally bite down so venom can be collected.

    “We’re passionate about the work that we do here. It has a real-world impact—antivenom and a lifesaving drug,” Carl Barden said.

    That venom is used for antivenoms, pharmaceuticals, and research, with refrigerators full of compounds ready to be shipped.

    “This is the antivenom refrigerator,” Carl Barden said. “And this is where we store snakebite serums — antivenom from all over the world.”

    Some of that serum is kept solely in case Barden himself is bitten, and antivenom he would take with him to a nearby hospital to save his life, and it’s happened before.

    “I’ve had 11 snakebites in the last 35 years of collecting snake venom,” he said. “One of those was a cobra bite. That particular bite almost killed me, put me on a ventilator for 14 hours.”

    Despite the danger, Carl Barden believes the risk is no different from other professions.

    “If you look at the deaths from snake bites and snake handlers, the numbers are actually fairly low,” he said.

    Medtoxin is more than just a snake lab.

    Visitors are welcome to learn about reptiles and their role around the world, watch venom extractions from a front-row seat, and explore an outdoor walking trail home to various creatures.

    “So, things like king cobras and black mambas, kaboom vipers, puff adders,” Carl Barden said. “All of those snakes are on display at the Discovery Center, so people can come and see animals that are responsible for snake bite problems around the world.”

    Snakebites are a fascinating paradox: Snake venom, while deadly, holds the key to its own lifesaving treatments.

    The Reptile Discovery Center is open to the public Thursday through Sunday.

    Admission is $13.50 for adults, $12.50 for children ages 4 to 17, and free for children 3 and under.

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    Randy Rauch

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  • Officials say increase of abandoned boats in Florida waters is outpacing cleanup

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    DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — State officials say the number of derelict and abandoned boats in Florida waterways is increasing faster than they can be removed, leaving hundreds of vessels scattered around the state.

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida officials say the state is dealing with more than a thousand derelict and abandoned boats statewide
    • Storm damage and high repair costs are driving many owners to walk away
    • Abandoned vessels create navigation hazards, environmental risks, and neighborhood eyesores
    • The state has spent millions removing boats and is urging owners to use a free turn-in program



    Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials say these boats are more than just unsightly — they pose serious risks to boaters, harm the environment, and frustrate waterfront residents who often have no authority to remove them.

    On the water, the scale of the problem is easy to spot.

    Shonda Kennedy, with Orion Towing, Salvage & Marine and TowBoatU.S., has spent two decades pulling abandoned and damaged boats from Florida waters, from St. Augustine to Titusville.

    Within minutes of heading out, she points out a sunken 27-foot sailboat that she said was left behind after its owner walked away.

    “We are looking at a derelict vessel that has been left to die,” Kennedy said.

    Kennedy said many of the boats she encounters can be nearly impossible to see, especially in low light.

    “At night, you’re not going to see this,” she said, explaining how submerged and partially sunken vessels can become hidden dangers for other boaters.

    Kennedy said others are pushed ashore during storms, turning them into long-term eyesores for nearby homeowners.

    “This vessel came ashore or hit the shoreline at the last storm,” Kennedy said, adding that tracking down the responsible owner is often the biggest challenge.

    “The hardest part is trying to find the original owner,” she said.

    FWC officials said identifying ownership can be complicated, particularly when boats have changed hands multiple times or were acquired cheaply online.

    “Sometimes it’s a challenge to determine, ‘OK, whose boat even is this?’” said FWC public information officer Bradley Johnson.

    According to FWC, there were more than 1,000 abandoned boats statewide at the start of 2025.

    The agency maintains an interactive map to track known derelict vessels, and has removed 478 boats so far this year.


    Storms remain a major factor, but officials say many owners underestimate what it takes to repair and maintain a damaged vessel.

    “You may think you’re able to get that vessel seaworthy again, and then find out it’s a bigger job than you thought,” Johnson said.

    Salvage and towing costs can run into the thousands of dollars, leading some owners to abandon boats rather than fix them.

    Others take on free or deeply discounted boats through social media, unaware of the true cost of making them safe.

    “Now your vessels in that derelict condition, and you may not have the means or the ability to get it off the water,” Johnson said.

    Leaving a derelict vessel behind is a first-degree misdemeanor in Florida, punishable by a $100 fine.

    Repeat offenders can face third-degree felony charges.

    In 2025 alone, the state spent more than $9 million recovering abandoned boats, prioritizing removals based on environmental damage and navigation hazards.

    Kennedy said the problem often starts with unrealistic expectations.

    “When people went out and bought these vessels new or used, they had no idea the amount of money and time it takes in order to maintain these vessels,” she said.

    FWC is encouraging boat owners who can no longer afford their vessels to take advantage of the agency’s Vessel Turn-In Program.

    Owners who have received a written citation or warning can apply to have their unwanted boat removed from Florida waters and destroyed at no cost — a step officials say can prevent boats from becoming the next derelict hazard.

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    Randy Rauch

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  • Stetson Mansion reopens as Florida’s ‘Christmas Mansion’ for 2025 holiday season

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    DELAND, Fla. — The historic Stetson Mansion — once the winter retreat of hat magnate John B. Stetson and among the first homes in the world wired by Thomas Edison — has once again opened its doors as the spectacular “Christmas Mansion.”

    What You Need To Know

    • The historic Stetson Mansion in DeLand has transformed into the lavishly decorated “Christmas Mansion”

    • Owners Kayla and Frank Jennings say the estate draws nearly 20,000 visitors each holiday season

    • The Gilded Age home showcases original Tiffany-stained glass, intricate woodwork and early Edison-installed electrical features

    • Ten holiday-themed rooms highlight the history and legacy of John B. Stetson

    Owner Kayla Jennings begins decorating as early as June, describing the transformation as “bigger and grander than I could have ever expected. Thank goodness that Christmas is my favorite holiday.”

    Spanning nearly 10,000 square feet, the estate becomes a dazzling holiday showcase, featuring elaborate décor across ten themed rooms.

    Co-owner and husband, Frank Jennings, helps prepare the massive Gilded Age estate, noting, “We usually get around 20,000 people to tour the mansion for that time period.”

    Visitors are welcomed inside by Kayla — “Hello. Welcome to the Stetson Mansion. Come on in,” — where they discover Florida’s first luxury estate, built in 1886 and once home to John and Elizabeth Stetson.

    “This was John and Elizabeth Stetson’s winter home. They were our first snowbirds,” she adds.

    Inside, guests can admire an array of architectural styles and original craftsmanship, including stained-glass windows gifted by famed artist Louis Comfort Tiffany.

    “We have the original stained-glass windows. They were gifts from Mr. Louis Comfort Tiffany. We have over 10,000 panes of glass,” Kayla explains.

    The home was also groundbreaking for its time, featuring steam heat, running water and electricity installed by Thomas Edison himself.

    “We are the first home to have steam, heat, electricity and running water in the state of Florida,” Frank says.

    The master suite has been transformed this year to showcase special memorabilia commemorating the legacy of the Stetson brand.

    “So, the master suite this year has a lot of his memorabilia. It has a lot of history that we’re going to bring to the tour,” Kayla says.

    The mansion also once hosted some of the world’s most prominent figures, including the Mellons, Vanderbilts, Carnegies, and even the King and Queen of England.

    “We had the Mellons, the Vanderbilts, the Carnegies, and the King and Queen of England several times here as well,” Kayla recalls.

    With its elaborately decorated grounds, historic charm and thousands of twinkling lights, the Jennings say the mansion delivers holiday spirit for all ages.

    “It’s suitable for all ages. And it’s an amazing sight to see,” Frank says.

    The Christmas Stetson Mansion is open from Nov. 1 through Jan. 18. Admission is $29.50 for adults and $19.00 for visitors 17 and younger.

    For reservations and more, visit the Stetson Mansion.

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    Randy Rauch

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

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

    What You Need To Know

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Thompson’s passion is simple.

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

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

    For more, visit the Gypsy Gold Horse Farm.

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  • St. Augustine’s Fountain of Youth Park offers more than just a legendary sip

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    ST. AUGUSTINE Fla. — In the heart of St. Augustine, the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park marks the spot where legend says Ponce de León searched for eternal youth.

    What You Need To Know

    • The park features the reconstructed site of the first successful Catholic mission in the continental U.S.
    • Visitors can explore burial grounds, Timucua artifacts and remains from the original Spanish fort
    • The park blends archaeology, Native American history and Spanish colonial heritage — all beyond the myth of magical water


    Today, it offers visitors a glimpse into the state’s early history through archaeology, native culture and centuries-old stories.

    When you think of St. Augustine’s Fountain of Youth…

    Here at one of the state’s oldest tourist attractions is a glimpse into Florida’s ancient past, where its history is brought to life.

    Like the country’s first Catholic mission located in St. Augustine.

    “It is the reconstruction of the first successful Catholic mission in the continental United States,” said Shane Ohara, tour guide at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

    Missionaries came to the spot serving as a military and religious base for Spain.

    They aimed to gain a foothold in North America and convert native populations to Christianity — Native Americans known as the Timucua.

    “This would be 4,000 years prior to 1565. And Saint Augustine is established by the Spanish,” said tour guide Anthony Cappel.

    Guests at the Fountain of Youth can visit burial grounds and marked sites of early structures, where archaeologists uncovered Timucua remains, artifacts from 1565 and the first Spanish fort.

    “There is a burial ground that they found in the 1930s. And those are all Catholic burials of the Timucua people,” said Cappel.

    One after another, people line up — of all ages — to taste the famous fountain.

    Pets are no exception, as many bring their dogs.

    Many guests who come to the park have been there before.

    Karyn Berger visited the place in 1976.

    She believes the fountain is a state of mind.

    “The fountain of youth is what you make of it, what you believe in yourself,” said Berger, visiting from North Carolina

    Guests learn from guides about the explorer — but in a story lacking evidence he was truly in search of the Fountain of Youth.

    “So, this would have been a natural meeting spot for them to move to essentially free or interact with Ponce de León. We have no record of the conversation between the headman or the chief of the village and Ponce,” said tour guide Elizabeth Lynch.

    The park features historical presentations, roaming peacocks and a rich blend of Native, foreign and American cultures that left behind many mysteries.

    Admission to the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is $22.95 for adults, $9.95 for children ages 6 to 12, and free for kids under 5.

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

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

    What You Need To Know

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    That idea launched 3 Brothers Boards.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The 3 Brothers Boards store is located in Daytona Beach.

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

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

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

    What You Need To Know

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    For Gasca, the experience was unforgettable.

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

    Orlando Flight School is next to the Orlando Executive Airport.

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

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  • Visit rescued animals at Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge in Orlando

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — It’s a place where the cute, the hungry, the mysterious, and smart often end up because their lives are in jeopardy. 

    “We’ve been receiving squirrels, at least ten each day, since last month,” animal technician Frida Acavedo-Sanchez said.

    Other animals attacked many of the squirrels brought to the Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge.

    “A lot of them are either cat attacks or dog attacks. So, pets that are not, like, leashed or kept inside,” Acavedo-Sanchez said.

    What You Need To Know

    • Since 1989, the Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge has rescued injured wildlife throughout Central Florida

    • An average of 3,000 to 4,000 annually — or 10 animals per day — are dropped off at the Orlando facility

    • The nonprofit rescues and rehabilitates a variety of animals, hoping to return them to the wild

    • The faculty is open to the public (by reservation) where guests can walk through and see many of their animal ambassadors

    Every day, one after another, people drop off injured animals at the front desk of the facility needing rehabilitation. 

    “But a lot of times they come in, they have injuries. And so, we have to assess the injuries that they have,” refuge executive director Debbie Helsel said.

    For over 25 years, Helsel has been treating injured wildlife. 

    It’s non-stop examining, moving creatures around the grounds, hand-feeding animals and making room for new patients. She said there is one reason animal injuries are not going away soon.

    “We’re doing so many things to the environment that it’s making it much more difficult for them to survive,” Helsel explained.

    Some 3,000 to 4,000 injured creatures end up at the refuge each year, which measures out to around 10 per day. Often, they don’t have enough cages and space for everyone.

    By appointment, guests can visit the facility and get to meet some of the ambassador animals.

    Those animals can’t return to the wild, and the Orlando facility gives them a permanent home.

    That includes owls, foxes, bobcats and tortoises. 

    Helsel hopes guests learn something about wildlife when they visit.

    “The goal really is for them to be in the wild where they’re supposed to be, not in a habitat where they have to spend the rest of their life,” she said.

    The nonprofit relies on donations.

    Self-guided tours and guided tours are available for $10 per adult, and children under 3 are free.

    Visit the Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge for details.

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

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

    What You Need To Know

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

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

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

    • There are two locations, including Viera and Melbourne


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

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

    “I love plants,” Cage said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The shop is open to all ages.

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

    For more, visit Let’s Plant It.”

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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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  • 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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  • View a time machine up close at the DeLorean Motor Company in Orlando

    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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  • Shiloh Baptist Church in Orlando will house over 100 men displaced by fire

    Shiloh Baptist Church in Orlando will house over 100 men displaced by fire

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — Challenges continue for leaders at the Coalition for the Homeless this weekend following Wednesday’s fire that displaced 237 residents.

    What You Need To Know

    • Wednesday’s fire at the Coalition for the Homeless displaced 237 residents
    • Shiloh Baptist Church will take in over 100 men displaced by the fire
    • The church is providing meals to the homeless provided by outside organizations
    • The church expects to house the men in their gymnasium for the next 7-10 days

    The homeless shelter is still uninhabitable, and it may be weeks before some of their residents can move back on campus.

    Shiloh Baptist Church in Orlando took in 147 men from the shelter Thursday night and is expecting the same through the weekend.

    Other men have gone to additional shelters spread across Central Florida.

    Shiloh Baptist Church Senior Pastor Derrick Williams says their location at Jackson and Terry streets make them the ideal spot to house the homeless.

    “It turns out we were centrally located, to many of the persons we are serving kind of live and move about in the downtown area,” said Williams.

    He said the church gymnasium has been turned into a temporary shelter to help the community.

    “We can probably sleep up to a 150 people. I was told last night we were able to accommodate 147 people,” said pastor Williams.

    The church has some bathrooms for the men to use, but additional facilities had to be brought in and placed outside so the guests can shower and clean up.

    Oscar Gonzalez of the Clean the World organization says it’s important for the men to clean up and feel good about themselves and bathing is the only way to do that.

    Clean the World provided a mobile shower and bathroom trailer for the church.

    “This unit is completely self-sustained. We don’t need water, we don’t need power, we just need people,” said Gonzalez.

    Williams said he has had conversations with both the coalition and city asking him to house the homeless for at least 7 to 10 days or possibly even longer.

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