April 30, 2010

National Geographic Goes Wild in the Everglades

Filed under: Around Florida — Administrator @ 10:22 am


Deep in the Florida Everglades, trained professionals risk their lives everyday to rescue, relocate and rehabilitate wildlife. These men, called Swamp Men, are part of the Billie Swamp Safari, located in Big Cypress Swamp. There, more than 1,600 animals roam free on the thousands of acres, offering visitors face-to-face encounters. Guests often find ostriches, American bison, African élan, wild alligators, venomous snakes, wild hogs, raccoons and many other swamp animals. The park’s goal is to educate audiences, as well as immerse them in the wild, while keeping in accordance with the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s love and harmony with nature.

This May, National Geographic’s sister channel, Nat Geo WILD, is premiering a new series entitled Swamp Men, which follows the staff of Billie Swamp Safari. Premiering Monday, May 3 at 10 pm ET, the program will showcase how these animal wranglers’ skills are tested every day. From catching alligators to luring black bears, each member is willing to get down and dirty as they face a new adventure within the murky swamp.

Ed Woods, park director, said “This is part of the Everglades. This is a dangerous place. If you ain’t careful, you could get hurt real bad out here.”

Swamp Men airs every Monday at 10 PM ET on Nat Geo WILD. For more information, visit www.natgeowild.com

Photo Courtesy National Geographic

April 23, 2010

Old Florida Celebration of the Arts

Filed under: Events — Administrator @ 12:00 pm

Cedar Key’s Annual Festival
By Sandra Buckingham

If curiosity hasn’t yet inspired you to visit the town selected by the USDA as Florida’s Rural Community of the Year for 2009, then mark April 24th and 25th on your calendar for an excursion to the western terminus of State Route 24.  That’s when you’ll have the added incentive of enjoying Cedar Key’s annual Old Florida Celebration of the Arts.

Unlike many art festivals and most craft fairs, this one is juried to ensure original artistry and fine craftsmanship. Over a hundred artists chosen to participate this year will compete for $10,000 in prize money and another $10,000 in purchase awards. The charming and historic Second Street will become a pedestrian-only mall for this weekend event, both sides lined with booths displaying art and fine crafts in many different media ñ oils, acrylics, prints, jewelry, ceramics, photography, stained glass, woodwork, sculpture, fiber and textiles.

A few steps beyond the booths is City Park, where children will have sidewalk chalk art, face painting, a playground and beach. You can listen to music in the park while lunching on seafood and desserts prepared and sold by local school, civic and church organizations. You won’t soon forget the Garden Club’s homemade lemonade or Tony’s World Champion clam chowder.

For more information, visit www.cedarkeyartsfestival.com

April 22, 2010

The Owls Who Put Stump Pass Beach State Park on the Map

Filed under: Around Florida — Administrator @ 12:00 pm

The owls in their nest. Photo courtesy Stephen Petersen

By Betty Baust
Park Ranger, Stump Pass Beach State Park

Stump Pass Beach State Park is a 1.3-mile strip of beach in Southwest Florida with abundant fossilized sharks’ teeth, beautiful shells and a nature trail that winds through native vegetation on its way down to the Pass. This is what attracted visitors to the park on a daily basis, until December 23, 2009, when a Great Horned Owl decided to take up residence in an old abandoned osprey’s nest along the nature trail.

For 30 days the female owl sat vigilantly on her eggs, through some of the worst Florida winter weather on record.  Frigid 25 mph winds ruffled her feathers, as cold front after cold front blew through the area, but the diligent female owl never budged. Early morning visitors to the park were sometimes rewarded with a sighting of the male owl having just fed his mate.

Meanwhile, the news began to spread about the nest and visitors waited and watched with great anticipation for the first glimpse of the owlets. The question of the day was “Have they hatched?” Right on schedule on February 8, 2010, the first little gray ball of down was discovered. Shortly thereafter, the second puff ball showed itself.

The word got out that the owlets had hatched. Hoards of photographers with huge lenses began to trek the mile down the trail to photograph this spectacular event. Many people remarked that this was one of the most amazing nature events they had witnessed.

The growth of the owlets was phenomenal. Each day brought a change of color, new feathers or more activity.  The mother owl was beginning to get squeezed out of the nest and in a few weeks took refuge in a nearby tree. Sometimes out of sight, but always on guard, which she proved when a pesky Peregrine Falcon took a drive at the owlets. Out of nowhere like a silent stealth bomber, she dove in to protect her young.  The father owl had done his job of keeping the owlets well fed each night, which was proven by the number of Royal Tern remains found each morning on the beach.

Friendships were forged under the owls’ nest and much to everyone’s chagrin on March 17, 2010, the owlets fledged. The larger one flew in the wee hours of the morning and spent the day in the vegetation under the tree. The second one took the plunge late that afternoon making it to a nearby tree. We are pleased to report the owlets and their parents are still hanging around at the park.

Some may have heard owls calling at night or seen one sitting on a limb at dusk, but few get to witness the entire nesting process of a Great Horned Owl from a mere fifty feet away. It was an unforgettable and rewarding experience for Florida State Parks.

April 19, 2010

Bringing Broadway to Florida

Filed under: Around Florida — Administrator @ 12:00 pm

Xanadu, playing in Orlando. Photo © Paul Kolnik

For those looking for a night of Broadway theater, but can’t afford a plane ticket to New York City, look no further than right here in Florida. Through Broadway Across America, popular Broadway productions visit the state every year. With stops in Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami and Orlando, each city offers their own selection of esteemed plays from Mary Poppins to Grease. Although the season has already started, here’s what’s left for the months of April, May and June.

Fort Lauderdale:
Located at the Au-Rene Theatre – Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Riverdance – April 30 through May 2
Mary Poppins – June 10 through 27

Jacksonville
Located at the Moran Theatre – Times Union Performing Arts Center
Grease – April 27 through May 2
Chicago – May 21 through 23

Miami
Located at the Ziff Ballet Opera House – The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
Spring Awakening – May 11 through 16

Orlando
Located at the Carr Performing Arts Centre
Xanadu – April 27 through May 2
Spring Awakening – May 18 through 23
Chicago – June 15 through 20

Tickets are on sale for all April shows, and most May productions. They can be purchased through Ticketmaster, or at the box office the day of the performance. Season tickets are also available for those interesting in seeing all that Broadway has to offer.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.broadwayacrossamerica.com

April 15, 2010

Celebrating Libraries in Florida

Filed under: Events, Lauren's Florida — Administrator @ 12:00 pm

Neil Gaiman supports libraries. Image courtesy ALA.

By Lauren Gibaldi

April 11-17 marks National Library Week. The week was designated by the American Library Association to celebrate the values of all types of libraries and librarians. Florida itself has an amazing library system, spanning across the state and hitting each county. It also has some culturally and historically significant buildings to explore.

Established in 1886, the Walton-DeFuniak Springs library is the oldest in the state that is still used for its original purpose. Although some improvements have been made, it looks just as it did back when it opened on December 20.

The Supreme Court Law Library, located in the south wing of the Supreme Court Building in Tallahassee, is the oldest state supported library in Florida. It has been around since 1845.

The library operating in the oldest building is the St. Augustine Historical Society Research Library. Located in the Segui-Kirby Smith House, it is part of the 36 Spanish Colonial houses remaining, and dates back to the late 1700s. It was established as a free public research library in 1895.

Of course, many of the younger buildings are just as historic, offering glimpses of their county’s past. In addition, each library continuously offers free programs and resources to all of their patrons, from typing and language classes to take, to books and DVDs to rent. Many even mail books to those who order them online or via the phone. Some counties (Palm Beach, Escambia, Miami-Dade, St. Johns, Gadsden, to name a few) even operate bookmobiles, driving around town throughout the year and bringing books to the people.

Libraries are a fantastic resource for anyone looking to explore, dream and, ultimately, learn.

Which library is your favorite?

April 12, 2010

Celebrate the Stars

Filed under: Around Florida — Administrator @ 12:00 pm

Imagine what it would be like to view the galaxy without the interruption of light. It’s possible this weekend.

The Seventh Annual Dark Sky Festival is set to take place April 17 from 6-11 p.m. in Harmony. This family-friendly event lets guests explore the marvels of astronomy, with telescopes and very low light conditions. Set along the streets, sidewalks and park in Harmony Town Square, this event will include activities, games and bounce houses for children. Various exhibits will be on display, and local dance teams, musicians and choirs will perform. Gatorland will be bringing animals to touch, and the Orlando Science Center will be presenting a theatrical performance.

The purpose of the Dark Sky Festival is to underscore the importance of protecting dark skies, which benefit both people and wildlife. Due to the event’s efforts, an ordinance now requires lighting within the county to be protective of dark skies. Aside from protecting all living creatures, dark skies also make the stars exceptionally beautiful.

For more information, visit www.darkskyfestival.com

April 8, 2010

Children’s Week 2010

Filed under: Events — Administrator @ 12:00 pm

2010 Community Innovation Award Winners Announced

Healthy Jacksonville, a Childhood Obesity Prevention Collaboration, the Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital Teen Xpress collaboration, The Kinship Service Network of Pinellas County, and Quality Counts, Palm Beach County’s Quality Rating Improvement System will be recognized in Tallahassee next week and awarded the 2010 Children’s Week Community Innovation Award. The event is hosted by the United Way of Florida and The Lawton Chiles Foundation and is co-chaired by U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, U.S. Senator George LeMieux, and former U.S. Senator Bob Graham, among other community leaders.

These wonderful local organizations and individuals will be recognized for working together to make a difference in the lives of children and families. The United Way of Florida and The Lawton Chiles Foundation designed this new Award and luncheon at the University Center Club located inside FSU Doak Campbell Stadium on the campus of Florida State University to recognize the collaborative work that is being done in communities across the state. “I’ve traveled all over the state, and it is amazing to see how communities and people join together to solve problems” said Bud Chiles, President of The Lawton Chiles Foundation.

Nineteen collaborative programs were reviewed and four were selected by the independent Southeast Evaluation Association to represent a statewide collection of community innovations. On April 12 in Tallahassee, the awards will be presented to these outstanding community collaborations at the Children’s Week Community Innovation Awards Luncheon keynoted by Carmen Nazario, Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services.

“We want to provide policy makers in Tallahassee with a glimpse of the innovation that is taking place in neighborhoods and communities statewide, so hopefully they can replicate these innovative ideas in other communities across Florida,” said Ted Granger, President of United Way of Florida.

Children’s Week is the largest statewide civic education event for children and families in Florida. For more information about the awards, or Children’s Week 2010, please visit www.childrensweek.org or e-mail info@childrensweek.org

Luncheon tickets are $25 each. A limited number of tickets are available on a first come, first served basis. Please visit www.thechildrensforum.com/registration to purchase your ticket today.

April 5, 2010

Florida Director Makes it Big

Filed under: Fun Floridians — Administrator @ 12:00 pm

This month, screening at both the Florida Film Festival and the Tallahassee Film Festival, is Adam Bower’s feature-length film New Low. The film is about a neurotic 20-something (Wendell) struggling to figure out which girl he belongs with: the best or the worst one he’s ever known. Filmed on a small budget throughout Gainesville, New Low took five weeks to make during August and September of 2008. Most of the equipment was borrowed, and all of the crew and cast members were friends. Bowers himself was the writer, director, producer, editor and lead actor.

Since production wrapped, the film became an official selection of the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.

Bowers, a graduate of the University of Florida, grew up in Dunedin and now lives in LA. Florida Monthly had a chance to speak with him about his sudden success, and the truth behind the film.

Florida Monthly: Before creating New Low, what experience did you have with film?
Adam Bowers: My first year of college at UCF I applied to film school, but didn’t get in. I forgot to apply my second year. One of my friends was up at UF getting a telecommunications degree. He basically treated it as a film degree, so I moved up there and did the same thing. I made a few shorts in college with people I met, friends, and other comedians [from the Gainesville improv troupe Theatre Strike Force].

FM: Why did you choose Gainesville to film New Low? What was it like filming there?
AB: After graduating from UF, I wanted to move to LA and make a movie. But making a movie in LA is hard – there are permits and unions. So, instead, I stayed and made New Low with friends. It was much cheaper and pretty cool to film. I made it where I lived, so I knew the locations and people. People never make movies there, so it was easier. I mean, I got to shoot at a hospital, which never would have happened in LA, and everyone was really into it. People were excited that we were shooting in a small town.

FM: What was your inspiration for the film?
AB: Well, it’s partly autobiographical. I’ve dated terrible, mean girls. I knew they were bad, but I kept dating them. I was frustrated, I mean, why couldn’t I meet a nice, cool girl? So, then I met this girl at a protest rally. She was cool and surprisingly selfless and giving. We started hanging out a lot. But then I realized that we had nothing in common, and nothing to talk about. I couldn’t get it to work – I was more into the idea of dating her, than actually dating her. Then I realized that I just work better with terrible girls. So I started to question – do I deserve these terrible girls?

FM: So does Wendell [the main character] end up with the bad girl in the end?
AB: You’ll have to see it to find out!

FM: When creating New Low, were you expecting it to have so much success?
AB: It’s already gone light years further than I expected. I mean, I edited it in my bedroom in LA on a laptop. I expected to have to pass it out, ask people to watch it. I wasn’t going to submit it to Sundance, but a friend convinced me on the last day of submissions. I got the phone call  – it was crazy. It changed the opportunities I have available now. It opened doors.

FM: What are you working on now?
AB: Meeting people, writing bigger studio, mainstream ideas. It’s tricky, I’m used to these smaller films and I have to think more high concept. I have to shift gears.

FM: You’re an actor, director, writer, producer. If you had to choose one, what would you be?
AB: I love both directing and writing. If I had to choose—I’d pick writing. I love creating the funny scenes.

New Low will be at the Tallahassee Film Festival April 10th at the FSU Student Life Cinema (9:30 pm) and April 11th at the Regal Miracle 5 Theater (1:15 pm). It will play at the Florida Film Festival on April 15th at the Enzian Theater (7:30 p.m.) and April 17th at the Regal Winter Park Village movie theater (4:00 p.m.).

April 2, 2010

Tallahassee and Sarasota Film Festivals

Filed under: Events, Lauren's Florida — Administrator @ 12:00 pm

Still from the film The New Year, which will be screening at the Sarasota Film Festival

By Lauren Gibaldi

Film festivals abound this time of year. Along with the Florida Film Festival, movie-lovers can also enjoy the Tallahassee and Sarasota Film Festivals. Each offers an exciting lineup and very special events.

Tallahassee Film Festival
Up north, view more than 70 films from around the world at the Tallahassee Film Festival. Featuring workshops, after parties and special events, this 3rd annual festival will be held from April 8-11.

Of the more than 200 films submitted, the top films will be screened throughout Tallahassee, offering locals and visitors a worldly array to choose from.

It all starts with an advanced screening of That Evening Sun. Later in the night, at Hotel Duval, dine with other movie-goers at the Opening Night Reception. After that, enjoy documentary feature films, narrative feature films, Q&A’s, shorts and more. Panel discussions and workshops will be held on screenplay pitching and writing; digital film making; film music, financing and distribution; and acting in films.

On April 9, screen Galaxy Quest outdoors at Kleman Plaza. This family friendly event is free for the public.

One notable film screening will be the Florida made Thespians (April 10), which follows four high school theatre troupes as they audition, rehearse and compete in the largest high school theatre festival in the world. The documentary, directed by Warren Skeels, was the first recipient of the Film Florida’s Don Davis Film Finishing Fund.

Sunday, enjoy the world premier of the short film Um Medico Rural (A Country Doctor) and then the full-length film Dust. The Closing Night after party will be held at Fermentation Lounge.

All of the films will be screened between Regal Miracle 5 Theater, FSU Student Life Cinema, All Saints Cinema and FAMU SJGC Lecture Hall. There’s easily something for everyone at this relatively young, but extremely strong festival.

Individual and weekend pass tickets can be purchased online or in person. For more information, visit www.tallahasseefilmfestival.com or call (850) 201-9499.

Sarasota Film Festival
Down south, the 12th annual Sarasota Film Festival is set to take place April 9-18. This star-studded event is full of events, programs and, of course, movies. Guests can enjoy an array of films from documentaries to narrative features to shorts. Ten Florida-made films will be showing, including Bullfrogs on my Mind, Daniel and Abraham, Deadly Closure, Endure, For Once In My Life, Joel and Julie, Loving the Bad Man, The New Year, Payton’s Song, and Prime of Your Life.

The whole festival kicks off April 9th with the screening of The Extra Man, starring Kevin Kline, Paul Dano, John C. Reilly and Katie Holmes at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. After, stay at the hall and enjoy the Opening Night Dessert Soiree, or travel to Ceviche for the Opening Night After Party.

The Sarasota Film Festival is known for their In Conversation series, where guests can interact with film stars. This year, the impressive lineup features Kevin Kline (featured in the festival’s The Extra Man) on April 10, Don Hahn (director of the festival’s Waking Sleeping Beauty) on April 11, Patricia Clarkson on April 17, and Vincent D’Onofrio (featured in the festival’s Don’t Go Into the Woods) on April 18. Other special events include the Cinema Tropicale Celebration (April 14), Night of a Thousand Stars (April 16) and 2010 Filmmaker Tribute to John Landis (April 17). On April 16, guests can watch a live staged reading with Steve Buscemi, as his new film is performed.

The Sarasota Film Festival’s Outreach and Education Program is hosting YouthFest this year, which will inspire, educate and entertain the community through free film making, film critique, screenwriting, and movie screening programs. There will be three short film programs, and more than 15 narrative and documentary features. On April 11, celebrate the accomplishments of the program’s students with Hollywood Nights Student Cinema Showcase. Then, on April 12, the Youth Screenwriters Circle LIVE! will present readings from student screenplays.

On April 18, the festival will conclude with a screening of Saturday Night, a documentary by actor James Franco which shows the process of creating one episode of the famed TV show “Saturday Night Live.”

Tickets for the films and events can be purchased online, by phone, or at the box office. Guests can purchase individual tickets, or film packages. The films will be screened at the Regal Cinemas Hollywood 20, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall,  Sarasota Opera House and the Florida Studio Theater,

For more information, visit www.sarasotafilmfestival.com or call (941) 366-6200.

April 1, 2010

Film, Sweet, Film: Florida Film Festival 2010

Filed under: Events, Lauren's Florida — Administrator @ 12:00 pm

Enzian Theater in Maitland

By Lauren Gibaldi

The 19th Annual Florida Film Festival is set to hit Central Florida this April 9-18. A variety of films will be screened, each one hand picked after thousands were submitted. Bringing out the film lover in everyone, the 10-day affair offers special events, film programs, parties and more.

Premiering the best in current cinema, as well as decadent arrays of food and wine, the festival is one of the most respected regional film events in the country. A range of special guests are set to appear this year, including actors Emma Stone (Zombieland, Superbad), Kieran Culkin (Igby Goes Down, The Cider House Rules) and Samm Levine (TV’s “Freaks and Geeks”).

The festival’s theme this year is “Film Sweet Film.” Each movie evokes a true sense of home, a feeling everyone is familiar with, asking the audience “What film captures your notion of home?”

It all starts off April 9 with the Opening Night Film and Party: No Grits, No Glory! This includes a viewing of Stone and Culkin’s Paper Man (also featuring Jeff Daniels, Lisa Kudrow and Ryan Reynolds), as well as a reception at the Enzian. Guests include celebrated chefs Matt and Ted Lee and Robert Stehling. After that, an assortment of films will be shown as the week goes on, including spotlight films The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky, I Am Love, and Solitary Man.

Although films from all over the world will be screened, there are a few Florida specific ones as well. Florida writer, director and producer Adam Bowers will show his film New Low on April 15 and 17. Selected for Sundance, the movie was completely filmed in Gainesville. Florida director Lisa Mills will premier her documentary The Young Composers Challenge on April 11 and 18. The film follows young composers as they flock to Orlando to attend a one-day workshop, which helps them create their own classical composition. Florida Shorts: Best of Brouhahaha will feature 15 Florida made short films, from live-action to computer animated.

With more than 60 films screening, and many more short films intermixed, there’s definitely something for everyone.

Embracing the traditional idea of Southern hospitality, the Florida Film Festival will also offer an array of food-themed events. Aside from the opening nigh reception, there will be a celebrity chef signing at Borders in Winter Park with Chefs Matt and Ted Legg, Martha Foose, and Michel Nischan (April 10); Southern Comfort: Luncheon and Discussion (April 10); Tennessee Williams’ Southern Gothic “Family” Reunion (April 10) and Dial B For Bacon: Josh’s Southern Brunch (April 11).

Tickets may be purchased online, by phone or at the Enzian theter. Guest may purchase individual tickets for each show, or film and event packages. A printable schedule is available at the festival’s website.

The event is set to take place in Orlando and Winter Park between the Enzian Theater, the Plaza Cinema Cafè and the Regal Winter Park Village. Additional events will occur around town as well. For more information, visit www.floridafilmfestival.com or call (407) 629-1088.

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