Awesome Florida! Florida's Vacation and Beach Guide

Old Florida Lighthouse Gets New Life

Sun, 8 Mar 2009 08:47:21 -0400

The 153-year-old lighthouse on Florida's uninhabited Little St. George Island is up and running again after it was destroyed by storms more than three years ago. But this time, it has a new location where it can be enjoyed by more visitors.

Disney Offers New Discounts for Florida Residents

Tue, 3 Mar 2009 04:43:31 -0500

With attendance down this year, Walt Disney World is offering incentives for in-state residents to come and enjoy time at the Florida parks. From now through May 20, Disney is selling a pair of one-day park passes for $99 for anyone who resides in The Sunshine State.

Florida Panther Population on the Rise

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 08:48:51 -0500

While the Florida Panther is still on the endangered species list, the state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports that numbers of the animal are on the rise, increasing from about 35 in the early 1990s to a total of about 100 that were counted in 2008.

Finding Affordable Flights to Orlando

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 08:40:30 -0500

Orlando, home to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando, and a number of other family-oriented attractions, is a favorite of vacationers from all over the world. Such fun, however, is not inexpensive. One place you can save money on your travel budget is by getting a cheap flight to Orlando.

Florida is named "Best Trails" State!

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 06:13:04 -0500

The American Trails organization has proclaimed Florida the "Best Trails" state, recognizing the Sunshine State for "its vision, initiatives and management of its statewide trails system." The award is given by the organization every two years in recognition of "contributions of volunteers, professionals, agencies and other leaders who are working to create a national system of trails for all Americans," notes a press release issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Daytona Beach Gears up for Bike Week

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 08:23:34 -0500

Beginning February 27, motorcycle enthusiasts will gather in Daytona Beach for what has been a tradition since 1937. Daytona's annual Bike Week is a 10-day festival that attracts literally tens of thousands of bikers to Daytona and the greater Volusia County area, featuring dozens of motorcycle-related events, including the annual Daytona 200, a Honda-sponsored motorcycle race that takes place at the International Speedway.

Universal Orlando Celebrates Mardi Gras

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 08:22:40 -0500

Universal Orlando theme park will be celebrating a New Orleans-style Mardi Gras for 13 weeks as they present their annual Mardi Gras Celebration and Concert Series, which began on Feb. 7 and continues until April 18. The Mardi Gras festivities at the popular theme park take place each Saturday evening and include top names in entertainment, a parade, a variety of New Orleans Cajun and Creole cuisine, and lots of colorful confetti and Mardi Gras beads in traditional colors of green, gold, and purple.

Florida Tourism Bureau Backs Offshore Drilling

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 06:09:17 -0500

With a change of position that has surprised a number of environmental organizations, Florida's Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus has announced that it now supports exploration for oil and natural gas off the state's coast, provided any rigs remain at least 30 miles offshore.

Florida Strawberry Festival, Feb 26 - Mar 8

Mon, 9 Feb 2009 19:50:34 -0500

Dubbed a "Hometown Salute to America", Hillsborough County's Florida Strawberry Festival has been a much-anticipated spring event since its inception in 1930. Held each year in Plant City – the Strawberry Capital of the World, located between Brandon and Lakeland, this festival has been continuously touted as one of the "Top 50 Fairs in the U.S."

Florida State Fair - Feb 5-16

Mon, 9 Feb 2009 19:48:26 -0500

Think Florida's way too urbanized to have a real country fair? Think again! Florida's annual State Fair is one of the most anticipated family events in the Sunshine State. Celebrated for the first time in 1904, the fair always draws tens of thousands of visitors. Scheduled this year (2009) to take place Feb. 5 - 16, the Florida State Fair is held each year at – where else? – The Florida State Fairgrounds in the Tampa Bay area. This 355-acre complex may not be your typical fairground – with its grand expositional halls and entertainment venues, but it's the perfect spot for this yearly event and accommodates droves of Floridians who wouldn't dream of missing the fair.

Oranges Make It through Deep Freeze; Tomatoes Affected

Sat, 7 Feb 2009 08:48:10 -0500

Despite frigid temperatures that had the mercury dipping below freezing, Florida citrus growers are reporting that they've made it through the recent bouts of cold weather in fairly good condition.

Discovery Cove Offering Dolphin Valentine Packages

Mon, 2 Feb 2009 06:54:33 -0500

Looking for something extra special for your Valentine this year? If you take her/him to Orlando's Discovery Cove, the resident dolphins will participate in your Valentine's Day surprise.

Culinary Fun at Florida Food and Wine Events

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 05:21:57 -0500

Most of us love to eat. And pair that food with a great glass of wine and you have the ultimate in dining experiences. That's why Florida's many food and wine festivals are so appealing. They bring together the best chefs the world has to offer for weekends full of tasty delights combined with top-notch vintages that truly complement the food with which they are being paired. For the attendee, the result is a treat for the palate.

Beaches of Florida

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 06:45:03 -0500

In Florida, there are two major attractions. One is the magical land that's home to a famous mouse and a host of other characters. But for many people, Florida's real stars are the magnificent beaches that line the state's coast. The beaches of Florida are second-to-none in the U.S. and each year, tens of thousands of individuals head to them for a relaxing vacation, or make their way to Florida for the winter, content to be dubbed a "snowbird".

Florida State Fair - February 5-16

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 06:33:12 -0500

Twelve days of all types of entertainment, music, rides, games, exhibits, food and shopping. Special Events days include a variety of shows (some free with ticket purchase). Something for everyone. Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 US HWY 301 N www.floridastatefair.com

Growing Hotel Chain Opening Locations in SW Florida

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 06:32:24 -0500

One of America's fastest-growing hotel chains arrived in Southwest Florida at the end of the summer and continues to eye more locations for its low-cost facilities.

Museum Opens New Blues Exhibit

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 01:36:57 -0500

The Museum of Florida History in Tallahassee is welcoming a new exhibit guaranteed to appeal to music lovers of all ages. Dubbed "Florida's Got the Blues!", the exhibit will focus on musicians who pioneered and advanced the blues genre of music during the early-to-mid twentieth century in Florida.

The Florida Aquarium

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 07:43:09 -0500

As aquariums go, The Florida Aquarium in Tampa is truly one of the finest. Ranked by Parents Magazine as one of the top 5 kid-friendly aquariums and listed in the top 10 aquariums by TripAdvisor, a travel site that posts ratings and comments by "regular" people, this expansive facility boasts more than 200,000 square feet of exhibits and about 20,000 aquatic plants and animals from around the world, especially Florida.

Manatees Flock to South Florida

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 07:42:24 -0500

Due to an abundance of colder temperatures further north, Florida's manatees have been making their way to South Florida in huge numbers, prompting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to warn boaters to beware of the cumbersome sea mammals.

10 Reasons to Vacation in Florida

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 11:43:21 -0500

Florida fanatics don't need an excuse to make their way to The Sunshine State for a little R&R, no matter what time of the year it may be. But those who don't know this beautiful southern state as well as those Florida aficionados may not be aware of all the wonderful things waiting for them in the U.S.'s 4th most populous state. There are myriad reasons to vacation in Florida, but here are the top 10. . . Drum roll, please!

Florida Economy Strongly Tied to its Coastline

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 11:42:38 -0500

A study released by the Florida Oceans and Coastal Council reports that Florida's coastal economy contributed over $562 billion in revenue to the state and Florida's ocean economy contributed $25 billion in the year 2006, the last year for which statistics are currently available.

St. Augustine - A Unique Honeymoon Destination

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 21:16:21 -0400

Being the oldest city in the U.S., St. Augustine, Florida, has everything from a rich history to beautiful pristine beaches. European architecture gives it a charm and a romantic flavor that no other city in the U.S. can claim and everywhere a person looks, there are breathtaking views to be had. For the couple looking for a truly unforgettable experience, St. Augustine is a great honeymoon destination.

Florida Tourism Officials Saying "No" to Offshore Drilling

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 09:03:07 -0400

Florida tourism officials want their voice to be heard in regards to offshore drilling along the Florida coast and have embarked on a letter writing campaign that will make their opinions clear to lawmakers throughout the state.

Tampa Rays on their way to MLB World Series!

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 19:30:03 -0400

In a nail-biting series, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays win MLB American League Championship Series. This advances them to the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

10 Ways to Save Money on a Florida Vacation

Sat, 18 Oct 2008 08:54:47 -0400

A Florida vacation, especially for those looking to escape the cold weather of the north, is a dream come true, filled with world-class attractions, sandy beaches, and plenty of sun and warm weather. While Florida remains one of the most affordable destinations in the U.S., these days it never hurts to find some ways to save money on your next Florida vacation, providing more dollars with which to enjoy Florida's abundant sunshine and ample attractions. Here's a list of the 10 best ways to save money on a Florida vacation.

Florida's Stone Crab Season Now Open!

Sat, 18 Oct 2008 08:53:24 -0400

Start melting the butter! Florida has officially opened its 2008-2009 stone crab season and this wonderful shellfish will soon start appearing on restaurant menus and family dinner tables throughout the Sunshine State.

Florida Most Popular with International Home Buyers

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 06:38:26 -0400

International real estate purchases in Florida account for more than one-fourth of all foreign home purchases made in the United States, notes a report released this week by the National Association of Realtors.

Florida Citrus Crop Experiences Sizeable Increase

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:41:35 -0400

Florida Citrus Crop Experiences Sizeable Increase According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), this year, Florida’s citrus crop has increased more than thirty percent over last year’s numbers for the same time period, indicating that the state made an excellent comeback after crops were ravaged by a number of hurricanes during the 2006-2007 growing season.

Awesome Florida Store is Open!

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 06:48:54 -0400

Florida treasures, tropical gifts and goodies. Check out the award winning Florida DVD film about the west coast of Florida ranging from the Tampa Bay area to Marco Island. The store also offers tropical beach towels, Florida books, pictures and more. Low prices, always a secure checkout and satisfaction guaranteed!

Florida Beaches are in the limelight again!

Fri, 8 Jun 2007 18:15:00 -0400

Dr. Beach, the world-renowned beach expert, has select 3 of Florida's beaches in his top ten America's beach list.
These include:
- Caladsi Island State Park, Dunedin/Clearwater
- Lighthouse Point Park, Daytona Beach
- Siesta Beach, Sarasota

Awesome Florida now offers hotel information and reservation service.

Fri, 18 May 2007 07:06:04 -0400

Awesome Florida has partnered with a leading on-line hotel reservation company to bring the convenience of researching and making hotel reservations while browsing Florida cities, beaches and planning Florida travel and vacations.

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

Sat, 14 Apr 2007 10:59:42 -0400

Flowers, gardens, concerts, pirates and princesses! It's all at the Epcot flower and garden festival, now through June 3rd.

New at Awesome Florida - Universal Studios Orlando

Sat, 14 Apr 2007 10:59:11 -0400

Universal Studios - This popular Orlando theme park has some awesome rides, 3- and 4-D shows and great attractions. Ride the Revenge of the MummySM for one of the most unique and interesting in-door roller coasters. Experience the awe of a tornado in Twister...Ride it Out®, or the terror of an earthquake in Earthquake®. Spend time with the kids at Shrek 4-D or Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast. Just a few examples of what Universal Studios has to offer at this fantastic Orlando park!

Disney-MGM Studios - new at Awesome Florida!

Tue, 21 Nov 2006 16:07:09 -0400

Another of Disney's fantastic theme parks within the Orlando Walt Disney Resort complex. Disney-MGM Studios offers a collection of TV and movie studio themed attractions and rides.

Florida theme park animal procreation doing well.

Sun, 29 Oct 2006 08:34:57 -0400

Several Florida theme parks are proud with new babies in their animal populations, including a killer whale, a giraffe, a gorilla and a hippopotamus.

Disney decorates & offers vacation events galore!

Sat, 28 Oct 2006 09:35:29 -0400

During the weekend from November 10 to 12, the Walt Disney Resort will host a variety of seasonal events.

Busch Gardens - new at Awesome Florida!

Sun, 15 Oct 2006 11:54:52 -0400

Tampa's premier theme park. This action-packed park offers many interesting and exciting rides, six high performance roller coasters, African-themed shows and exhibits, and a world-renowned animal park including the "Serengeti Plain". Only 60 minutes travel from the Orlando area parks.

Epcot's Food and Wine Fesitival is in full swing. Taste, shop and be entertained.

Fri, 13 Oct 2006 09:22:09 -0400

Epcot's 2006 International Food and Wine Festival runs from October 13, 2006 to November 12 2006. At Epcot's World Showcase, explore and enjoy international and regional flavors of wine, beers, cheeses, deserts, and samplings of main dishes from 26 countries and regions!

Southern Florida Wetland areas depicted in new stamps and post cards.

Sat, 7 Oct 2006 08:11:28 -0400

Southern Florida Wetland areas, plants and animals are depicted in new stamps and postal cards released by U.S. Postal Service.

Hurricane experts downgrade the 2006 forecast predicting below average hurricane season.

Wed, 4 Oct 2006 22:34:32 -0400

Hurricane experts downgrade the 2006 forecast predicting below average hurricane season. William Gray and Philip Klotzbach of the Colorado State Forecast team released a report today that predicts two more named storms, one more hurricane and no more intense hurricanes for the remainder of the hurricane season, which ends November 30.

Disney's Animal Kingdom - new at Awesome Florida!

Mon, 2 Oct 2006 20:50:40 -0400

Real and fantasy animal adventure exhibits, rides and shows
within seven lands including Oasis, Discovery Island®, Camp
Minnie-Mickey, Africa, Rafiki's Planet Watch®, Asia and
DinoLand U.S.A.® Be on guard for the Yeti at Expedition
Everest!