Florida Attractions Association Releases RSS Feed

Shoppers' Critique International Announces 2012 Theme Park Super Six Winners

noemail@floridaattractions.com — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 15:00:00 GMT

(Orlando, FL - November 20, 2012) Shoppers' Critique International, one of America's largest and oldest customer intelligence companies, and the leading provider of consumer data to the theme park and attractions industry, has announced the 2012 Super Six winners as follows: Northeast Region: Canada's Wonderland, Cedar Fair Entertainment Mid-Atlantic Region: Dutch Wonderland, Palace Entertainment Southeast Region: Legoland Florida, Merlin Entertainments Group Midwest Region: Silver Dollar City, Herschend Family Entertainment Southwest Region: Sea World San Diego, Sea World Parks & Entertainment Northwest Region: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation The 2012 field features all first time winners, and the debut of winning parks for Palace Entertainment, Merlin Entertainments Group and Herschend Family Entertainment. Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the only company to have claimed at least one finalist prize in each of the three...

Be the Dinosaur' Exhibit Returns to the Imaginarium

noemail@floridaattractions.com — Sat, 09 Jun 2012 15:15:00 GMT

'Be the Dinosaur' Exhibit Returns At the Imaginarium Science Center June 8th - September 3rd Who: Guests of All Ages! What: Be the Dinosaur Exhibit Where: Imaginarium Science Center 2000 Cranford Avenuein Downtown Fort Myers When: June 8th - September 3rd Open Mon. - Sat. 10 am to 5 pm & Sun. Noon to 5 pm Journey back in time over 65 million years and Be the Dinosaur! This interactive and engaging exhibit returns to the Imaginarium June 8th for a summer showing of prehistoric proportions. Learn about the dinosaurs that once roamed, their habitat, diet, and predators, then enter the simulator prepared to Be the Dinosaur in the virtual world. It's eat or be eaten so the race is on to learn all you can to survive! The Be the Dinosaur exhibit is like no other, combining the eye-popping dinosaur skulls and models that are the hallmark of dinosaur exhibitions with advanced...

Clyde Butcher Photographic Exhibition Extended at Museum of History thru July 28

noemail@floridaattractions.com — Sat, 09 Jun 2012 15:00:00 GMT

The Museum of History extends special traveling art exhibit: The Photographic Journal of Clyde Butcher The Museum is extending the exclusive exhibit, 'The Photographic Journal of Clyde Butcher,' at the Museum of History through July 28thto continue its year-long celebration of the 30thanniversary of the Museum. Clyde Butcher's dramatic black-and-white photographs that embody nature, the environment, and the iconic landmarks he captures are, to the appreciating eye, magical. But the story of their pursuit is so much more. It's a journey through an incredible process that's about to be shared by one of the world's renowned masters of the medium, black-and-white fine art photography. Through July 28th, the Museum of History will continue hosting, 'The Photographic Journal of Clyde Butcher.' Marking his own three decades in photography, Fort Myers native Clyde Butcher has designed and developed a unique exhibition for the Museum to commemorate...

Heritage Days Open House at Manatee Village Historical Park

noemail@floridaattractions.com — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 18:00:00 GMT

Heritage Days Open House, a history festival, takes place at Manatee Village Historical Park, 1404 Manatee Avenue East, (State Road 64), Bradenton, Florida on Saturday, March 17 from 11 am to 3 pm. Step aside from the fast pace of urban culture for four intriguing hours to experience a slower pace of life. Enjoy toe-tapping music, dance, stories, poetry and song throughout Manatee Village Historical Park provided by The Fiddle Crabs Old Time String Band, Hank Mattson the Cracker Cowboy Poet, and the New World Celts Dance Team.

Watch heritage artisans demonstrate their craft, civil war soldiers re-enact daily life, arts, crafts and antique collectors display their wares and collectibles. Visit the museum to see Edwardian bridal fashion, hear the cattle stories of the historic Florida Cracker Trail, and enjoy fascinating quilts and N-gauge model trains. Play with toys from yesteryear then stop to enjoy favorite refreshments for sale by visiting food vendors.

Explore landmarks dating from 1860-1920 including "Old Cabbage Head", and an operating Boat Works. Browse through a great selection of local and regional history books, unique gifts and souvenirs at the Museum Shop, “The Whistle Stop”.

In the spirit of the generous residents of the early Village of Manatee, help us “Fill a skiff boat and country wagon” with non-perishable foods by bringing a can of food or two with you to benefit The Food Bank of Manatee.

Admission and parking are free. For more information please call: (941) 741-4075

Discover Treasure! The Exhibition at the Imaginarium Science Center

noemail@floridaattractions.com — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:00:00 GMT

Go on a modern-day treasure hunt at the Imaginarium Science Center! The expedition for treasure begins January 14th 2012 at the Imaginarium in Fort Myers where guests will use modern technology and the tools-of-the-trade to uncover a variety of treasures, as well as the science, history, stories and personalities behind this contemporary quest. For centuries, the appeal of hidden riches, promises of great fortune and caches of untold prizes have lured treasure hunters seeking fame, fortune, and answers. Treasure-buried treasure, sunken treasure, attic treasure-has an allure that has drawn people in for some amazing adventures throughout history. Now, the Imaginarium brings the hunt to you with an interactive exhibition that puts the gold in your hands! Treasure! explores the history of treasures and treasure hunting, the technology and tools used to find it and the people and personalities that hunt for treasure-like you! Guests will discover artifacts of ancient...

Community Classes at the Deering Estate at Cutler

noemail@floridaattractions.com — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 19:00:00 GMT

The Deering Estate at Cutler offers a variety of enriching community classes in a relaxing atmosphere and historic setting. For more information, or to register, please call the Deering Estate Ticket Office at 305-235-1668 ext. 233. Beginning Yoga Instructor: Marlene Shulman Practice postures and focused breathing techniques that will help you achieve a sense of well-being and self-control while strengthening your body. Tuesdays, October 4 - November 8; 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Wednesdays, October 5 - November 9; 10 am - 11:30 am Cost: $60 for a 6 week session plus a one-time $12 annual registration fee. Vinyasa Yoga Instructor: Zamanta Archibold For beginning and intermediate participants. The intention of this class is to move in a consistent flow. Vinyasa means breath-synchronized movement. The technique utilizes the flow of one's inhalations and exhalations in coordination with the poses, better known as Asanas. This...

CELEBRATE FLORIDA GREENWAYS AND TRAILS MONTH THIS OCTOBER

noemail@floridaattractions.com — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 19:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release: Oct. 3, 2011 Contact: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us CELEBRATE FLORIDA GREENWAYS AND TRAILS MONTH THIS OCTOBER ~Florida's state greenways and trails are perfect venues for fall hiking, bicycling, horseback riding and paddling~ Florida Greenways and Trails Month 2011 poster featuring the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail. TALLAHASSEE- Governor Rick Scott proclaimed the month of October as Florida Greenways and Trails Month, celebrating the important recreational and economic benefits of Florida's greenways and trails. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Florida Park Service, Office of Greenways & Trails welcomes this annual occasion to recognize communities throughout the state as they host events on the more than 600 miles of beautiful greenways and trails in Florida...

The Deering Estate at Cutler presents the 2011-2012 Living Artist Concert Series

noemail@floridaattractions.com — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 16:30:00 GMT

For music enthusiasts, the Deering Estate Chamber Ensemble presents superb concerts intimately set in the historic Stone House Ballroom. Internationally acclaimed musicians collaborate with world-renowned guest composers, artists, and talented youth performers as part of the Deering Estate at Cutler's Living Artist Concert Series. The 2011-2012 Living Artist Concert Series kicks-off on Sunday, October 23rd, with Sonic, Solar Waves featuring the work of Franz Liszt, Clara Schumann, Joachim Raff, Fanny Mendelssohn and Ferdinand Hiller. Friday, November 18, 2011 Voices through the Oceans Italian Guest Mezzo-Soprano Victoria Schneider Malipiero, featuring works by Franz Schubert, L.V. Beethoven, Robert Schumann, Ricardo Malipiero Sunday, January 22, 2012 Winds, Seeds and Birds Guest clarinetist Margaret Donaghue and bassoonist Luciano Magnanini. featuring works by Rebecca Clarke, Mikhail Glinka, Fanny Mendelssohn and Johannes...

Maximo's 40th Birthday Celebration

noemail@floridaattractions.com — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 15:00:00 GMT

Contact: Molly Ebersold, Sales & Marketing Manager St. Augustine Alligator Farm (904) 824-3337 ext. 10 zoosales@alligatorfarm.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Alligator Farm Celebrates 1,250 Pound Crocodile's 40th Birthday St. Augustine, FL (September 1, 2011) -The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park will celebrate the 40th birthday of Maximo, the zoo's largest living crocodilian on exhibit, October 8, 2011 by hosting a party for visitors of all ages. Guests are invited to enjoy a scavenger hunt, face painting, prizes and give-aways from 2:40 p.m. until 5:40 p.m. The celebration's key moments will be Maximo's feeding, the croc cake cutting and a feeding at the Alligator Lagoon to round out the day's events. All of the festivities are included as part of regular admission to the park. Maximo hatched in 1971 from an egg collected by aborigines along the Edward River on Australia's...

Spooktober at Zoo Miami - october 15 - 31, 2011

noemail@floridaattractions.com — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:00:00 GMT

MIAMI, FL - September 15, 2011 - Enjoy a host of Halloween festivities during Spooktober at Zoo Miami. If you dare, enter Dr. Wilde's Creepy House, a full-scale haunted house at Dr. Wilde's World from October 15 - 31. If dressing up and partying is your thing, show up to the third annual adults-only costume party, The Monster Masquerade, benefiting the Zoological Society of Florida (ZSF) October 22. If you love food trucks and haunted houses, tell your teens, and join us for Teen Fright Night with Food Trucks October 27. The entire family can also enjoy Halloween at the zoo at night during the second Spooky Zoo Nights October 28 & 29, and during the daytime at the annual Zoo Boo October 29 & 30. Dr. Wilde's Creepy House, a 7,000 square-foot haunted house, is guaranteed to send chills up and down your spine when it debuts October 15 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. We will make your every fear come to life! Roaches take over the kitchen while cats take over the home of a deceased grandma!...

Edison & Ford Winter Estates to begin Emerging Inventors Early Learning Classes

noemail@floridaattractions.com — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 17:00:00 GMT

Media Release - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Chris Pendleton, President & CEO Lisa Sbuttoni, PR/Marketing Director 293-334-7419 NEW - Emerging Inventors Early Learning Classes Set to begin at Edison & Ford Winter Estates FORT MYERS, FLA(September 7, 2011) The Edison & Ford Winter Estates newest education program series is a child and parent class for children ages 1 - 3 years and their parents to involve children and families in informal learning at the world famous historical site. Grandparents and caregivers are invited and neighborhood groups are also encouraged to attend. The classes will be themed based and combine science, invention, story book reading and hands-on activities and include immersion into the historic gardens, historic buildings and museum. The Learning Classes will be offered year-round twice a month from 9 a.m....

Mote Marine Laboratory Receives New Grant to Advance Study of Coral Reef Health

noemail@floridaattractions.com — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 17:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release: 9-7-11 Contact: Hayley Rutger, public relations coordinator, 941-388-4441, ext. 365, hrutger@mote.org Mote Receives New Grant to Advance Study of Coral Reef Health The Dart Foundation has awarded a $180,000 grant to Mote Marine Laboratory for research designed to give coral reefs a fighting chance against the global threats of climate change and disease. This is the second grant awarded to Mote's coral reef researchers by the Dart Foundation - a private family foundation based in Mason, Mich. We are happy to support this research, which we believe will protect and revitalize coral reefs all over the world, said Ariane Dart, representative of the Dart Foundation. The two-year grant will support ongoing Mote research on...

Florida 511 provides time-saving traffic info

noemail@floridaattractions.com — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 16:00:00 GMT

The Florida Department of Transportation's (FDOT) toll-free Florida 511 Traveler Information System provides traffic information on all of Florida's interstates, toll roads and many other metropolitan roadways. Travelers can call 511 or visit FL511.com for information, including crashes, congestion, construction and emergency evacuation information in English and Spanish. FL511.com features the same traffic information as the phone call along with hundreds of traffic cameras. In addition to the 511 phone call and website, Florida travelers can now learn about roadway conditions by downloading FDOT's new 511 application for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. The Florida 511 app features text and audio updates on congestion, incidents, construction, travel times and more. The free app gives traffic information based on GPS location, cities and regions and/or registered My Florida 511 routes. To download the app, search Florida 511 on the iTunes...

WEEKI WACHEE SPRINGS STATE PARK ADMISSION FEE NOW INCLUDES BUCCANEER BAY WATER PARK

noemail@floridaattractions.com — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 13:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release: Sept. 1, 2011 Contact: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us WEEKI WACHEE SPRINGS STATE PARK ADMISSION FEE NOW INCLUDES BUCCANEER BAY WATER PARK ~Just in time for Labor Day Weekend, admission fees will be all-inclusive~ Visitors at Buccaneer Bay Water Park enjoy the natural, cool spring water at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park in Hernando County. WEEKI WACHEE- Just in time for the extended holiday weekend, the Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Florida Park Service will no longer charge a separate fee for entrance into Buccaneer Bay Water Park at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. The change in fees will be made effective tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 2, 2011, and continue indefinitely. We are excited to announce...

Celebrate September as Florida Literacy Month in a State Park

noemail@floridaattractions.com — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 23:00:00 GMT

CELEBRATE SEPTEMBER AS FLORIDA LITERACY MONTH IN A STATE PARK TALLAHASSEE- In honor of Florida Governor Rick Scott signing a proclamation designating September as Florida Literacy Month, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Florida Park Service will celebrate with special events at state parks and libraries statewide. The fifth annual Florida Literacy Month will be celebrated in conjunction with International Literacy Day on Sept. 8 and National Library Card Signup Month. Florida's state parks will offer free* entrance on Sunday, Sept. 11 to visitors who bring a library card, library book or who donate a new or gently-used, family-friendly book. We're excited to celebrate literacy in state parks for the fifth year in a row, said DEP's Florida Park Service Director Donald Forgione. State parks are the...

VISIT FLORIDA launches Florida Fan Game

noemail@floridaattractions.com — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:00:00 GMT

VISIT FLORIDA Launches Florida Fan Game State's No. 1 Industry to Crown No. 1 Fans by Inviting Friends and Family TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (September 1, 2011)- Tomorrow as we celebrate the start of college football season, VISIT FLORIDA - the state's official tourism marketing corporation - will launch the Florida Fan Game, a contest to help Florida's tourism-based economy and show which university has Florida's best fans. The Florida Fan Game is an initiative of VISIT FLORIDA's Share A Little Sunshine program, engaging Floridians to support tourism by inviting friends and family to visit the Sunshine State. VISIT FLORIDA has teamed up with six major Florida universities for the contest. The competing schools are Florida A&M University, Florida State University, University of Central Florida, University of Florida, University of Miami and University of South Florida. There...

Dine with Diego at Zoo Miami - August 27, 2011

noemail@floridaattractions.com — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 21:00:00 GMT

Have an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet with your family and friends and meet Diego! Members: $29.95 per child age 3-12, (children two and under are free), $27.95 per adult (tax included) Non-members: $35.95 per child age 3-12 (children two and under are free), $33.95 per adult (tax included) Includes: Zoo admission, monorail all-day pass, buffet lunch and refreshments in an air-conditioned location, zany straw (zoo animal themed hard twisty straw) and a meet and greet with Diego! Every paying child will receive a plush and a photo with Diego. Every adult will receive a large souvenir cup with unlimited refills for the day. Lunch buffet includes: Fresh sliced deli meat: roasted turkey and ham Assorted breads Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and assorted cheese Seasonal whole fruit Kettle cooked chips Carrots and dip Fresh baked cookies Fruit punch, lemonade, and water Check-in: 9:30 – 11 .am. at Main Entrance Lunch at Oasis Grille Lakeside Pavilion: 11a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Diego Meet and Greet: 12 – 12:20pm Additional gifts (for children two and under who are admitted free): Plush: $8.56 each (tax included) Picture: $5.35 each (tax included) Zany straw: $2.68 each (tax included) Please contact the Group Sales Department at 305-251-0400, ext. 84941 or 84942 by Tuesday, August 23, to reserve your seat. Reservations are required and space is limited. For more info, visit www.zoomiami.org.

St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum offers rare glimpse into piratical depths with new app

noemail@floridaattractions.com — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 21:00:00 GMT

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (August 10, 2011)- Get your landlubbin' hands on the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum App before you visit this top attraction for a glimpse into an educational and exciting journey that takes you back more than 300 years to the Golden Age of Piracy! Take a high-energy video tour with celebrity founder and pirate historian Pat Croce. See select artifacts from one of the world's largest collections of authentic pirate artifacts. Navigate through awe-inspiring exhibits with our touch-sensitive treasure map. Spy timber-shivering interactives. And even check out other local attractions and plan your St. Augustine trip! Imagine exploring the Pirate Museum from anywhere in the world, said Michael Croce, vice president of business development for Pat Croce & Co. It's all about enhancing our visitors' experience before, during and after their visit to the museum and to St. Augustine. The app, created by Utah-based GeoQuest Technologies, is...

Edison & Ford Winter Estates Summer Garden Talks and Plant Sales

noemail@floridaattractions.com — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 13:00:00 GMT

Media Release - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Chris Pendleton, President & CEO Lisa Sbuttoni, PR/Marketing Director 293-334-7419 Photo attachments: Plants for sale at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates Garden Shoppe, Dwarf Poinciana and Yesterday Today Tomorrow Estates Garden Shoppe Summer Plant Sale and Garden Talks Edison & Ford Winter Estates FORT MYERS, FLA (August 10, 2011) On Aug. 12 and 13, from 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., all garden items in the Edison & Ford Winter Estates Garden Shoppe will be 20% off. Plants, books, seeds, supplies and garden art as well as heritage plants propagated in the Estates nursery, annuals, herbs, fruit trees, butterfly plants, and landscape items will be on sale. Estates horticulturists will be available throughout the day to answer questions on Florida gardening. Admission to the Estates Garden Shoppe is always free...

Book by Mote Marine Laboratory scientist is most comprehensive ever on North American sharks

noemail@floridaattractions.com — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 14:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release: 8-2-11 Contact:Hayley Rutger, Mote Public Relations Coordinator, hrutger@mote.org or 941-388-4441, ext. 365 Announcing The Sharks of North America by Oxford University Press New Book by Mote Scientist is Most Comprehensive Compilation Ever About North American Sharks Jose I. Castro, one of the world's leading shark experts, published the most complete field guide to North American sharks more than 25 years ago. Now, his new book The Sharks of North Americaprovides an even more comprehensive look at one of the ocean's most interesting predators. The Marbled catshark,...