May 28, 2010

It’s Hot in Northwest Florida

Filed under: Apryl's Florida, Around Florida — Administrator @ 8:32 am

By Apryl Chapman Thomas

It’s hot in Northwest Florida this summer, and I’m not talking about the temperature, either. There’s a lot going on for all ages. In addition to miles and miles of beaches, you’ll discover the opening of a new airport, performances by Le Grand Cirque and more.

On May 23, the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), located in Panama City Beach’s West Bay, opened for business. The airport hosts Southwest Airline (which has daily non-stop flights from Houston, Nashville and Orlando) and Delta Airlines, with daily nonstop flights to/from Atlanta and Memphis. It is the first commercial airport to be built from the ground up in 15 years. The airport has been designed to achieve LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Currently, it features seven gates, an Audubon Environmental Kiosk, two restaurants, two shops, business center, regional information center and seven car rental counters.

While talking about Panama City Beach, Miracle Strip is back. If you grew up or vacationed in the area anytime between the early 1960s through the late 1990s, this amusement park was probably part of your vacation. Today, at Pier Park, you can relive some of those memories. Recently opened is the Hangout Party Pavilion, available for rent by groups.

Starting on Memorial Day weekend, enjoy performances by Le Grand Cirque at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin’s Town Center. Eight weekly shows through August 15 are scheduled in the Grand Arena. While waiting for the show to start, enjoy shopping along Grand Boulevard.

In addition to the beaches, there are numerous outdoor adventures to enjoying, including YOLO boarding on Western Lake, zip lining at Sandestin’s Baytowne Wharf Village, and kayaking around Crooked Island, west of Mexico Beach.

Nothing can cap off a summer vacation better than attending a regional event; luckily, Northwest Florida has a full summer calendar. Catch the the Blue Angels practices on various Wednesdays in Pensacola, Billy Bowlegs Festival on June 3-7 in Fort Walton Beach, Digital Graffiti in Alys Beach on June 12, and the 14th annual Scallop Festival on August 7-8 in Port St. Joe.

May 26, 2010

Baby Animals in Florida

Filed under: Around Florida — Administrator @ 2:32 pm
Image courtesy SeaWorld

Image courtesy SeaWorld

To celebrate the middle of the week, today on the Florida Monthly blog we’re showcasing cute baby animals!

On April 11, a tawny frogmouth chick was welcomed into the world at SeaWorld Orlando. In less than a year, six chicks were hatched at SeaWorld; they’re each doing extremely well. Up until recently, tawny frogmouths were facing extinction in North America. Within the past ten years, however, SeaWorld, in association with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, was able to breed 24 chicks. This little guy, who’s being fed by his mother, is just one of them. Tawny frogmouth birds typically grow to be between 9 and 21 inches tall.

Image courtesy Busch Gardens

Not long after, on April 21, Busch Gardens announced the arrival of two endangered baby red-ruffed lemurs. Now grown a bit, the babies can be viewed by guests in the park’s Jambo Junction, where they live with their parents Maditra and Bozeny. They are the first lemurs to be born at the attraction. At the moment, they currently weigh just under half a pound. They should grow to be about 8 to 10 pounds.

Image courtesy Busch Gardens

Watch out little bird, it looks like the lemur may want your worm!

May 24, 2010

Filmed in Florida

Filed under: Around Florida, Lauren's Florida — Administrator @ 10:24 am

Burn Notice promo image, courtesy USA

By Lauren Gibaldi

Have you ever noticed just how many TV shows are filmed here in Florida? It’s true movie sets seem to stay in Los Angeles and New York City, but TV shows are quickly surrendering to the Sunshine State’s many amenities. This year, six reality TV shows are set in Florida, five of which in Miami. Meanwhile, many other scripted television dramas are continuing to call Florida home.

Reality Shows Coming to Florida for the First Time
First, there’s the ever popular (and ever crazy) MTV reality series Jersey Shore, which is relocating to Miami for its second season. The tan Italians are sure to make their mark on Miami Beach. (Should we expect to see an increase in Snookie hair poofs?)

After having immensely popular seasons in New York, Orange County, Atlanta and New Jersey, rumor spread that the Real Housewives series will be set in Miami next. Sadly, the rumors turned out to be false, however Bravo is starting work on Miami Social Club, which is quite the same. Rather than following around Miami housewives, the reality series will focus on Miami elites. Although similar to the channel’s previous Miami show, Miami Social, it’s said to be very different.

The fifth season of Oxygen’s Bad Girls Club is slated to take place in Miami as well. Following self proclaimed “bad girls,” these women, who will share a Miami Beach home, are sure to create a lot of drama – and interest – throughout the county.

Previously posted about, Swamp Men is already on air, showing what it’s like to deal with wild animals within the Florida Everglades.

Reality Shows Staying Put
Filming for the second season of Kourtney & Khloe Take Miami, the spin-off of the Bravo reality show Keeping Up with the Kardashians, is underway in Miami, with the first episode premiering in June. The show follows Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian, socialites and owners of the women’s boutique D-A-S-H.

Brooke Knows Best, the spin-off of reality TV show Hogan Knows Best (which followed legendary wrestler Hulk Hogan and his family), is coming back to VH1 for yet its third season. The show rarely has appearances from the wrestler, instead if focuses on the blooming musical career of his 19-year-old daughter.

A Florida Game Show
Survey says starting this summer, the ever-loved game show Family Feud will be stationed at Universal Orlando. Steve Harvey will start the show off as host. From July through September, the show will be taping an astounding 165 episodes. Let’s hope to be one of the 100 randomly selected people chosen on the street to answer the questions.

Scripted Dramas
Renewed for a ninth season is CSI: Miami, the police procedural television show. As a 2002 spin-off of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, the show took off and remains a popular CBS show. While many of the indoor scenes are shot in California, most location shots are from Miami-Dade County.

USA’s Burn Notice, which premiered in 2007, has been renewed for an additional two seasons this past month. This action/drama show follows intelligence agencies catching criminals. The show is entirely filmed in Miami, with a permanent set built in the former Coconut Grove Convention Center.

Although the Emmy and Golden Glove Award-winning drama Dexter is primarily filmed in California, location shots are filmed around Miami, as it takes place there. The incredibly popular Showtime show follows Dexter Morgan, part-time blood-spatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department, and part time serial killer.

Focusing on a former Chicago cop, The Glades takes place in the fictional Florida town Palm Glades. Filmed almost entirely around the southern portion of the state, the new A&E show premiers this July.

Gone But Not Forgotten
Many television shows have called Florida home over the years, such as the previously mentioned Hogan Knows Best and Miami Social. Others include Miami Ink, Top Chef: Miami, Real World Miami, Real World Key West, 8th and Ocean, Making the Band, and, of course Miami Vice.

Are you excited for any of these? What are your favorite Florida TV shows?

May 21, 2010

Harry Potter Film Stars at Universal

Filed under: Around Florida — Administrator @ 8:30 am

Photo Credit: Kevin Kolczynski, Universal Orlando Resort

Yesterday, Harry Potter film stars Robbie Coltrane, Matthew Lewis, Emma Watson, and Oliver and James Phelps began their sneak peek tour of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter by entering Hogsmeade. The group was invited to Universal Orlando Resort for a first-look at the immersive environment, and spent the day visiting many of the iconic locations made famous in the popular Harry Potter series. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort grand opens on June 18.

Anyone a fan of the books and/or movies? What part of the park are you most looking forward to?

May 19, 2010

Photography in Orlando

Filed under: Around Florida — Administrator @ 9:03 am

While Orlando boasts theme parks and natural springs, the city also has a fantastic art scene. Here are some current and upcoming photography exhibits.

Clyde Butcher: Big Cypress Swamp and the Western Everglades: March 20 – July 25
The Orlando Museum of Art is proud to host a Florida favorite within their gallery this summer. The Clyde Butcher exhibit features 40 stunning large-format black and white photographs, as well as a video documentary depicting the beauty of the Western Everglades. Some favorites displayed include Moonrise, Cape Romano and Gaskin Bay 5. For more information, visit www.omart.org

Snap!: May 20 – 23
Celebrate the photograph with Snap!, a four-day event held in downtown Orlando. This exhibition showcases the work of prominent international and national photographers, as well as local talent. Located in various galleries, cafes, boutiques and pop-up exhibition spaces throughout downtown, the event was created to inspire the community, and educate both novice and professional art enthusiasts. More than 50 artists will be exhibited, including Douglas Kirkland, and Lionel Deluy. There will also be an exhibit entitled “Hello from Florida: Photographs from Across the Sunshine State,” which will feature the work of 14 Florida photographers, as well as a documentary. Throughout the week, be sure to expect artist appearances, book signings, photography workshops, VIP parties, community art projects, performance art, and cross-over events. For more information, visit www.snaporlando.com

Orlando Landmarks: Photo Transfers by Barbara Ery: June 5 – August 8
The Orange County Regional History Center is featuring the work of Barbara Ery this summer. In this exhibit, 30 photo transfers will be on display, depicting Orlando landmarks such as the Mt. Vernon Inn, The Plaza Theatre, the Johnson’s Diner sign, the McNamara Pontiac sign and more. Ery’s work is done on film, and then transferred using the Polaroid Transfer Process, which includes developing images on watercolor paper. Each photo has a dreamy, old-fashion feel. For more information, visit www.thehistorycenter.org

May 17, 2010

Kid-friendly Museum Exhibits

Filed under: Around Florida — Administrator @ 10:25 am

At Science in Toyland, kids learn how to build houses using everyday building blocks.

Sometimes, it’s hard to get children interested in art or science. Thankfully, museums have found ways around this, with their new interactive exhibits that are sure to keep children coming back for more. Here’s a sampling of what’s in store this summer:

CSI: Crime Scene Insects: May 8 – January 17
This interactive exhibit at Gainesville’s Florida Museum of Natural History explores the fascinating world of forensic entomology. While the popular TV show focuses on crime scene investigations, CSI: Crime Scene Insects offers guests the opportunity to learn how maggots, flies and beetles help solve crimes everyday, through hands-on activities and mock investigations. Teaching the origins of entomology, visitors can discover the stages of a fly’s life, learn about being a forensic entomologist, and explore the five stages of decomposition as they open morgue drawers to view models of corpses in each stage. Kids can even fully emerge themselves in the setting and investigate a crime scene. For more information, visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibit: May 15 – September 12
The famed children’s book by C.S. Lewis is brought to life at Jacksonville’s Museum of Science & History this summer. The 5,000-square-foot entertainment and educational exhibit will offer visitors the opportunity to tour the land of Narnia, complete with authentic costumes, props and set dressings from the films based on the books. Visitors will enter a three-dimensional setting that combines the wonders of science with aspects of fantasy. Videos will play that teach museum goers about animals: why they choose their homes, and how they use eye contact, color and sound to communicate. An area featuring King Miraz’s Castle will allow visitors to create an arch while learning principles of design and architecture. Another area will allow guests to feel the weight of protective armor worn while filming the movie’s battle scenes. Kids can also design their own versions of characters featured in the films, by mixing and matching elements from the mythical creatures of Narnia. For more information, visit www.themosh.org

Science in Toyland: May 29 – September 12
The South Florida Science Museum in West Palm Beach is premiering Science in Toyland, and exhibit that lets children engage in science-themed activities by using everyday toys. Children can learn the center of gravity through a tournament of tops or trigger a chain reaction in a domino challenge. The 3,000-square-foot interactive exhibit utilizes toys such as cars and tinker toys to demonstrate scientific principles and encourage children to experiment. The museum hopes to provide curious minds of all ages with an entertaining and education journey through science and technology. For more information, visit www.sfsm.org

May 12, 2010

Where to Go for the Latest on the Oil Spill

Filed under: Apryl's Florida, Around Florida — Administrator @ 9:14 am

By Apryl Chapman Thomas

All eyes continue to watch the growth and movement of the oil spill in the Gulf. And the counties in Florida that are in the wake are taking the necessary action and precautions.

To keep up with the latest developments, as well as how the areas are coping, here are some helpful sites.

  • Deepwater Horizon provides the latest updates and releases regarding the containment work. The site is updated as soon as any news breaks out.
  • NOAA takes a look at how the weather is affecting the movement of the spill, and has 24-hour projection maps. The site also provides important contact numbers for those who might be interested in volunteering, or those who are  directly affected from the spill.
  • The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has established a toll-free oil spill line, 888-337-3569. The department’s website  has a page dedicated to the oil-spill, a catch-all that includes phone numbers, news and issued responses.
  • VISIT FLORIDA is keeping visitors current on the oil spill as well. They  provide links to coastal area’s CVBs.

When it comes to the destinations themselves, places like Pensacola, Destin, Beaches of South Walton, Panama City Beach and Carrabelle are reporting that beaches are clear and open for visitors, but officials continue to monitor the situation. Each area’s website includes information on their next steps of action, in case tar oil washes ashore.

And it’s not just not the Panhandle, either. Key West is keeping visitors and residents updated on the oil spill, as well.

There are many ways to help out if you’d like to volunteer or donate.  Volunteer Florida has broken down volunteer contact information by counties. Gulf Breeze Chamber of Commerce provides links on volunteer training and more. To donate items, check out places like Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, Loggerhead Marinelife Center and Save Our Shores! Florida.

May 7, 2010

Plein Air Paint-out in North Florida

Filed under: Events, Lauren's Florida — Administrator @ 1:08 pm

By Lauren Gibaldi

Starting today, the great Plein Air Paint-out comes to Florida’s forgotten coast. Hosted every year amid the beautiful outdoors between Mexico Beach and Alligator Point, the event brings out the art lover in everyone.

For ten days straight, more than 20 nationally recognized artists will show off their artistic techniques by painting outdoors. These artists are given the task of capturing the allure of Florida’s Forgotten Coast with just paint and canvas. Later, more than 300 products will be put on display for purchase. All sales will benefit the Forgotten Coast Cultural Coalition, which aims to improve the quality of life for the community. In addition, this year’s event will include exhibits, artist demonstrations, workshops and public receptions.

This premier art exhibition invites guests to stroll along and view the process as the artists create stunning works of art out of nothing.  “There are all kinds of great things going on. There are many demonstrations and opportunities to interact with the artists,” Joe Taylor, chair of the event, stated. In addition, there will be plenty of music playing in the background, shopping opportunities, and art projects set aside for children.

Exhibits will be found in Apalachicola (The Wetroom exhibit), Mexico Beach (The Plein Air Process Exhibit), Carrabelle (The Plein Air Classics exhibit), Port St. Joe (The Richard Carrell Collection and the Fresh Off the Easel Exhibit) and WindMark Beach (The St. Joe Collection). For a complete schedule of the opening of each exhibit, visit their website.

The French phrase “plein air” is simply defined as “open air.” Dating back to the 19th-century, English artist John Constable believed that artists should do away with set formulas and instead trust their own visions and find the truth within nature. Elsewhere, in Barbizon, France a group of artists started to paint every day life and the natural world it exists within. This realistic look at the world through art contributed to the development of impressionism, and started a new trend of painting nature how it’s seen, not as it’s envisioned.

Plein air painting is typically done on location, in the open air, capturing the feel and atmosphere of the moment. Little to no work is done in a studio upon completion, which adds to the difficulty level. Some moments, such as a sunset, only have a limited amount of time to be captured.

The great Plein Air Paint-out on Florida’s Forgotten Coast will take place May 7-17.

For more information, visit www.pleinairfl.com

Five Unique Florida Experiences for Mom or Dad

Filed under: Apryl's Florida, Around Florida — Administrator @ 8:41 am

By Apryl Chapman Thomas

With Mother’s Day almost here and Father’s Day around the corner, forgo the expected flowers and ties and, instead, give them something more unique.

Need some ideas? Here are five exciting things to do right here in the state. Each activity is sure to create some fun memories that will last longer than any gift.

  • Try horse surfing at Palma Sola Bay in Bradenton. This soft-adventure puts you atop a horse, and takes you out during low tide for a walk or a swim.
  • Rent a houseboat on the Suwannee River for two or more days, and bring the whole family along. The 44-foot boats can accommodate up to 10 people. Watch out for the beautiful flora and the always present wildlife.
  • Rather than going to a restaurant, why not catch your own lunch or dinner? Try scalloping in Steinhatchee for a delicious meal. Said to be one of the best places for bay scallops, Steinhatchee offers this unique opportunity that everyone can participate in. Watch where you place the net down to scoop; you might just see other marine life there as well.
  • Get on a board and go YOLO-ing. Test your balance and arm strength as you paddle around Western Lake in Santa Rosa Beach. The boards are wide enough to get a good balance and once you get moving, there may be no stopping you.
  • Swim with the manatees in Homosassa, or dolphins in Key Largo. Or, for a true adrenaline rush, dive with  sharks at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa. For something a little less intense, feed the tarpon at Robbie’s of Islamorada.

Have you done something crazy in the state for Mother’s or Father’s Day? Let us know in the comments!

May 5, 2010

Author Sets Book in Key West-Plus Giveaway!

Filed under: Fun Floridians — Administrator @ 8:48 am

Jennifer Holm likes to write – a lot. The author of many popular children’s novels, including Our Only May Amelia, Middle School is Worse than Meatloaf, and the graphic novel series Babymouse, Holm is a solid name in the literary field. In her newest book, Turtle in Paradise, Holm explores the lives of residents in Key West during the 1930s.

In Turtle in Paradise, eleven-year-old Turtle is sent to live with her relatives in Key West while her mother tries to make enough money to buy them their dream home. Turtle quickly learns that life in Key West is far different from what she’s used to. People don’t wear shoes, everyone seems to be related, no one – with the exception of her immature cousin – is mean, ice cream comes in different – yet delicious – flavors, and it’s extremely hot. The young girl quickly finds herself coming out of her shell, and loving her new city, as she opens up to her new cousins and embarks on a dangerous exploration for buried gold.

Combining fact and fiction, as well as sights and sounds, Holm beautifully shows how life in Key West is similar to paradise, and how one little girl can definitely make a difference.

Florida Monthly had a chance to speak with Holm about her newest book.

Florida Monthly: What inspired you to write Turtle in Paradise?
Jennifer Holm: It was inspired by my great grandmother, who grew up in Key West. She moved from the Bahamas when she was little, and lived in Key West during the turn of the century.

FM: Where did you get inspiration for your title character, Turtle
JH: She was mostly made up. She’s the opposite of Shirley Temple, who was extremely popular in those days. Shirley Temple was kind of hard to watch – she was too perfect, so Turtle is the opposite. She’s more real. I did a lot of research – watched the movies and read the comic books Turtle talks about in order to get into the kid mindset. I listened to the popular radio shows of the time.

FM: Did you visit Key West while writing the story?
JH: Yes. I still have family there, my cousins. My mom used to go down a lot. Actually, when I was there, I went to the library and historical society to research how the Great Depression hit the area. I talked to the locals and eventually learned that some where neighbors with my relatives!

FM: What interests you most about the time period and the place?
JH: I interviewed a lot of people in their 80s and they told me what it was like to be a kid during those days in Key West. It was great – it was always warm, there was tons of lobster to eat, and fruit in the trees. They weren’t impoverished. It was the opposite of soup lines; living was fine in Key West. They were amazingly positive. It was really interesting.

FM: In the book, you mix fact with fiction. Was that hard?
JH: I did a lot of research to make sure it was authentic. I used detailed accounts and spoke with historians. As you’ll see with the end, I had to time the story to interact with the time period to the minute.

If you’re interested in hearing Holm read from her book, see her live in Miami on May 11th at 7pm at Books & Books, or the following day at 7pm at Barnes & Noble.

Giveaway:

Turtle in Paradise is out in stores on May 11, but, thanks to Random House, we have five free copies to giveaway! If you’re interested in winning one of these copies, please leave a comment below by May 9th at midnight. To get an extra entry, Tweet a link to the contest, with the hashtag #FMTurtle. Winners will be contacted on the 10th. Good luck!

For more information on the book, visit Random House and for more information on Jennifer Holm, visit www.jenniferholm.com

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