Finding Florida.net - Travel, Fun, and Life in the Sunshine State

Jack Russells Need Rescue - North GA and FL

2009-01-24T11:23:00.004-05:00

I'm posting this right from an e-mail that we received from Marilyn Wolf - local dog trainer.

There is a puppy mill in North GA that has a lot of Jack Russells that need rescuing. There is a woman out of Bradenton who is coordinating the rescue efforts. She has gotten a couple of private pilots who are willing to fly the dogs from GA to St. Pete/Clw airport once a month. The problem is she needs more fosters (or permanent homes). There are everything from puppies to senior dogs. The worst thing is they live outside and you know how bad it has been here. In the Georgia Mtns. it's been worse. The older dogs are super skittish and need a lot of patience. If anyone can help or knows someone who can, please let me know. THANKS!

questions@barkparkdogdaycare.com

Marilyn Wolf, BS, CPDT

Pet Trainer & Behavior Consultant

New Port Richey, FL

www.KorrectKritters.com

727-372-9825

Doggie Cakes - Dog Bakery and Boutique
5644 Main Street in New Port Richey. (Google Map)

Hours:
Tuesday - 10 am - 6 pm
Wednesday - 10 am - 6 pm
Thursday - 10 am - 2:30 pm
Friday - 10 am - 6 pm
Saturday - 10 am - 6 pm
Sunday - Closed
Monday - Closed

Summer Classic Movie Series - Tampa Theatre

2007-04-07T15:24:00.000-04:00

I plan on seeing a few movies at the Tampa Theatre this summer. So far I have only seen a music performance there, but I hear it is an amazing place to see a film. There's still time to plan a few Sunday afternoons of popcorn and a movie. Check it out.

Summer Classic Movie Series (Full Details)
May 27 - August 27, 2007

Every Sunday at 3pm
$7.50 unless otherwise noted

Beach Blanket Bingo
Sunday, May 27 at 3pm

Rope
Sunday June 10 at 3pm

Top Hat
Sunday, June 17 at 3pm

The Thin Man
Sunday, June 24 at 3pm

(TBA)
Sunday, July 1 at 3pm

Touch of Evil
Sunday, July 8 at 3pm

Gone With the Wind
Sunday, July 15 at 3pm

(TBA)
Sunday, July 22 at 3pm

(TBA)
Sunday, July 29 at 3pm

Blazing Saddles
Sunday, August 5 at 3pm

Bedknobs & Broomsticks
Sunday, August 19 at 3pm

"Tampa Theatre has been a beloved and fiercely protected community treasure since 1926 and is one of America 's best-preserved examples of grand movie palace architecture. Tampa Theatre is maintained by the city of Tampa and managed by the Arts Council of Hillsborough County , with additional funding and support provided by the Tampa Theatre Foundation, a nonprofit organization. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a Tampa City Landmark." (TampaTheatre.org - quotation)

Tampa Theatre
711 Franklin Street
Tampa, FL 33602
TampaTheatre.org

Box Office
weekdays (Mon-Fri 10-5); evenings & weekends (between 1/2 hour before the first showtime and 1/2 hour after the last showtime)
(813) 274-8982

Best Burgers Ever - Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries

2007-04-07T14:13:00.000-04:00

Normally I wouldn't go out of my way to write about a chain restaurant, as I'm a fan of unique and off-the-beaten path dining, but I know cheeseburgers and have finally found the best - Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries.

There are many restaurant options in the USF area, and when this place popped up I thought about trying them every time I drove by. I finally made it and have been back with friends and family many times.

The menu is simple - burgers made with fresh ground beef, 100% kosher hot dogs, and real fries made from fresh potatoes - cooked in peanut oil. The service and atmosphere is friendly. Munch on fresh peanuts while you wait or with your meal.

According to their website, "Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries began as a family run business in 1986 focusing on serving the best burgers possible. There are Five Guys restaurants all along the East Coast, but the philosophy is the same. Five Guys focus continues to be on the quality of the food."

If you can get to one of the following cities in Florida you can have the best burger ever. Altamonte Springs, Brandon, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Margate, Naples, Orlando, Palm Beach Gardens, Pinellas Park, Miami Beach, Tamarac, Tampa, Vero Beach, and West Palm Beach.

Here's the one I frequent...

Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries
University Collection Mall
2702 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33612
Phone: 813-977-4400
Map

Am I right or what?

Googling Green Orlando

2006-05-31T08:20:00.000-04:00

The Earth Day Network and Google Maps have teamed up to create an environmentally friendly tour of Orlando and other parts of America including, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. This site has been live for about a week, but seems to be a great idea - especially if we get the word out.

Listed are: Chamberlin's Market & Café, Disney's Port Orleans Resort, Horse World Riding Stables, Orlando Science Center, and Forever Florida. Each location is defined on the Google Map, includes the address, website link, and often an audio tour. Switch to satellite or hybrid view for closer inspection of the terrain.

The homepage is also very interesting. Scroll through the search tips for more clues about using Google Maps to find green resources. You will learn that you can search for "environmentally friendly hotel" or "organic spa" and Google will take care of it. Amazing.

Comments or other tips are welcome. Have fun.

Florida Hurricane Preparation Sales Tax Holiday

2006-05-21T10:04:00.000-04:00

Today begins Florida's 12-day hurricane preparation sales tax holiday. The state has posted a tip sheet for the sale and being prepared. The six page document does a great job of explaining the rules and even includes cell phone chargers and batteries among the expected radios, candles, lanterns, generators, tarps, coolers, storm shutters, and other items. There are price caps on each item, so refer to the sheet.

The Florida sales tax holiday ends June 1, just in time for the official start of the 2006 hurricane season. Do take advantage of this opportunity, the tax savings is expected to save Floridians about $41 million.

Florida Division of Emergency Management

Hurricane Preparedness Week - May 21 - 27, 2006

You should be able to answer the following questions before a hurricane threatens:

What are the Hurricane Hazards?
What does it mean to you?
What actions should you take to be prepared?

Save 9.5 Million Acres of The Emerald Coast

2006-03-16T06:29:00.000-05:00

I just received an announcent from BioGems, A Project of the Natural Resources Defense Council which calls for assistance with saving over 9.5 million acres of pristine beaches, longleaf pine forests, rare coastal dune lakes and sandhill upland lakes in Florida's northwestern shore - The Emerald Coast.

What's at stake: Largest remaining stretch of unspoiled beaches and wetlands in Florida; habitat for sea turtles and other imperiled wildlife

Threatened by: Large-scale commercial and residential development

Animals include: Sea turtle, Gulf sturgeon, red-cockaded woodpecker, bald eagle, Florida black bear

Full details are available on their website: http://www.savebiogems.org/emeraldcoast/

The site makes it easy to send an e-mail of support for saving this area important members of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Federal Aviation Administration.

The original announcement had a request stating that, "The editors of the 'Panama City News Herald' have issued an urgent call for local opinions on whether real estate developers should be allowed to destroy the unspoiled beaches and wetlands of northwest Florida." If you would like me to forward you the message which has some contacts and some writing content, send me an e-mail.

Florida's nature and protected wild spaces are the greatest resouce that the state has other than sunshine. It is not citrus, tobacco, sports, or traditional tourism. These items do contribute to the economy and security of Florida, but you can't replace an ecosystem. Keep Florida special for future generations. Thanks, Jason

Tampa Theatre - Aimee Mann - Chuck Prophet

2006-02-24T06:55:00.000-05:00

Saturday - February 18, 2006 - Aimee Mann and Chuck Prophet entertained in the historic and unique Tampa Theatre. If you are looking for a magical place to bring a date and see a seated musical performance, look no further than this Tampa landmark. I admit that this was my first visit in the fourteen years that I have been here. Do yourself a favor and view their event schedule and sign-up for the weekly newsletter. There are over 600 events a year including: tours, special events, classic and new films. I'm going to be a regular.

"Tampa Theatre has been a beloved and fiercely protected community treasure since 1926 and is one of America 's best-preserved examples of grand movie palace architecture. Tampa Theatre is maintained by the city of Tampa and managed by the Arts Council of Hillsborough County , with additional funding and support provided by the Tampa Theatre Foundation, a nonprofit organization. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a Tampa City Landmark." (TampaTheatre.org - quotation)

W.M.N.F. listeners and new fans enjoyed the solo performance by Chuck Prophet, who did a fine job in opening the evening. He traveled way light and did alternate tuning changes on one guitar. The songs and interaction with the audience were personal and warm. Check out Chuck's website and songs on I-Tunes. He will bring the band to the Silver Anniversary of Tropical Heatwave in Ybor City, May 20, 2006, so mark your calendars.

Aimee Mann was angelic and every note sung was amazing. In support of her latest release, "The Forgotten Arm", she illustrated many of the songs with background story and projected images from the album art on the movie screen. The CD tells a story of a boxer and lover, a road trip, addiction, separation, lonliness, and hope. Listen to three full tracks: "Dear John", "King of the Jailhouse", and "Goodbye Caroline" on her website. Her I-Tunes page, includes five solo albums. If she is visiting your town, do not miss this show.

Tampa Theatre
711 Franklin Street
Tampa, FL 33602
TampaTheatre.org

Box Office
weekdays (Mon-Fri 10-5); evenings & weekends (between 1/2 hour before the first showtime and 1/2 hour after the last showtime)
(813) 274-8982

Spring Baseball - 18 MLB Teams - Here in Florida

2006-01-22T10:25:00.000-05:00

Baseball fans across the country can look forward to April 2, 2006 for the opportunity to go to the ballpark for a day of fun. Here in the Sunshine State, 18 Major League teams are in spring training and playing exhibition ball in the Grapefruit League.

The action takes place in many cities, so you don't have to travel far, and tickets are not too expensive. I have plans on checking out the Yankees soon, as I'm close to Tampa and a New Jersey transplant since 1992. If you think it's still too cold to swim, plan some trips to the stadium near you, and take advantage of a Florida tradition.

Click here for details on teams, locations, tickets, and fan merchandise.

BODIES...The Exhibition - Leaving Soon

2006-01-21T19:40:00.000-05:00

MOSI - Museum of Science and Industry - Tampa "BODIES...The Exhibition" was extended until April 2, 2006. If you are local, you have been hearing about this show a year before it was installed. Controversies over ethics, and legal issues of permits have all quieted down. If you have been planning to see BODIES, you were given an extra month.

Human bodies have been dissected and preserved through a process known as plastination, or polymer preservation. The exhibit is wonderfully planned and artistically arranged to display muscular, nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. In many cases, the focus is on one element such as the arteries, veins, and capillaries which are amazingly isolated and intact without flesh.

The best deal is to see the show "After Dark". Save about $5 and view the exhibit with adults who hit the show after work or with couples who are pondering their mortality. It was very well attended on the evening that I went, but I hear it is even more crowded during the day. See it at night - Monday - Friday 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. | Saturday - Sunday 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

I wonder how MOSI will top this amazing run? Hopefully it can import shows that are as sensational as this one in the future, but in the duration it may have gained some new passholders and guests who will visit the rest of the museum, the IMAX theatre, and bring friends.

Photography is not allowed by the public, but news sources with photos online include:
The St. Petersburg Times
National Geographic

Busch Gardens - Amazing Deals on Passes

2006-01-21T19:10:00.000-05:00

Busch Gardens - Tampa Bay is currently offering a great deal on passes for Florida residents. Pay for a day, and come back all year with a 2006 Busch Gardens Fun Card. According to their site; "Enjoy unlimited general admission through December 31, 2006 for only $57.95 for adults and $47.95 for children ages 3-9." The Fun Cards will not be sold after May 31, 2006.

Add SeaWorld or Adventure Island to your Busch Gardens Fun Card and double your fun. There are lots of pass combinations, with and without free parking.

Although I originally planned to buy the Fun Card for just Busch Gardens, I found the "SeaWorld Orlando & Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Silver Passport" to be the deal for me. It includes parking, can be used for a full-year from purchase (possibly from activation), and allows monthly EZPay Payments with my credit card. It is $94.95 for Adults and is not limited to Florida residents.

These prices are really excellent, considering the usual single-day admission costs. Looking for something fun to do with part of your tax refund - this is it.

Sight and Sole Walk - Universal Studios Orlando - Free - March 4th, 2006

2006-01-16T11:04:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, March 4th, 2006 The Sight and Sole Walk will be held at Universal's Islands of Adventure, Orlando, FL. A minimum of $75 must be raised to walk and receive a two-park ticket. Ticket is only good for admission to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure on March 4th, 2006. All proceeds benefit programs at Lighthouse Central Florida (LCF) a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. Last year, LCF served 718 children and 4139 adults who are blind or have low vision through quality programming and referrals.

I have participated in this event before, when it was held at Epcot®, and it is a fun way to help out a good cause and to build awareness for the needs and efforts of LCF. Many people form teams with members from their school, business, community, or families; but individuals are also welcome. Pre-registration is recommended for large teams - (407) 898-2483.

It's an early day - registration begins at 6:30 am followed by a kick-off event and breakfast at 7:00 am. The walk is more symbolic than marathon and concludes after possibly a half-hour at 8:15 am. At that time there is a brief ceremony.

Post-ceremony you receive your tickets to enjoy the day at both Universal Parks. Click here to learn more about Lighthouse. You can also register online or print out a form to gather sponsors and attend this event. I plan on donating the $75 and then any sponsors that assist me are extra. With 501(c) 3 status, this is also tax deductiblee and more fun than your usual donations. Thanks Universal for hosting the event - See you there.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens - Uber Opulence

2005-12-11T04:38:00.000-05:00

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Coconut Grove, Florida was a wonderful place to spend part of the day. Vizcaya was built by agricultural industrialist James Deering, who wintered on the property from 1916–1925. Today, the incredible European-inspired estate includes a main house filled with art and furnishings, ten acres of gardens on Biscayne Bay, and a hardwood native forest. Below is a photo of the amazing roots of a local banyan tree.

It is a National Historic Landmark and an amazingly beautiful Florida destination. Built between 1914 and 1916, the estate originally included 180 acres and a farm designed after Northern Italian villages of the day. John Deering died in 1925. In 1926 a major hurricane damaged the grounds and formal gardens. In 1952 the County purchased the estate and remaining grounds at a very reasonable price from the heirs. It was extensively renovated and demands lots of upkeep.

It was interesting to visit in the early Florida winter. The air was crisp and smelled of moist fall leaves. The sounds of fountains in the background reminded me of a babeling brook. Among the banyon and hardwood trees, I noticed many wild coffee plants and young papaya trees. I was lucky enough to see a night anole lizard, native of Cuba. These can grow to eighteen inches long, head to tail and even eat other lizards.

Cameras are not allowed in the house, but the formal gardens, exterior statuary, and archetecture are a dream come true for photographers. There are so many elements to study from the immensity of the estate to the minute details of an orchid. I took this shot because I like the modern street signal and antique light. It shows how Coconut Grove has grown up and how valuable it is to preserve its history.

The orchids are new to Vizcaya and are available through a million dollar donation from the David A. Klein Foundation. There is an area of orchids outside and they are seen in various places in the house.

I love the color of the vegetation on this weathered shoreline wave breaker. The upper steps and dry seaweed deposit shows a past level of Biscayne Bay.

The tree damage from hurricane season is still being cleared and pruned. More hurricane Wilma photos are available on the Vizcaya website. Wilma lashed out at statues, trees, and many archetectural elements in our highest storm count season yet.

Vizcaya is self-sustaining through visitors, private functions and weddings, model photo shoots, the gift shop, donations and fund-raising. Their website VizcayaMuseum.org has additional details on the history of Vizcaya, upcoming events, and information on support.

Basic tours are free and run every 15 to 30 minutes from the main entrance. Our guide, Stan was friendly, informative, and fun. I learned that the father of sculptor, Alexander Calder designed the wave-breaking stone barge in the bay, how to recognize Rococo, Baroque, Neo-Classical, and Renaissance furniture and decor in the Vizcaya house, and lots of features that I would have overlooked. The tour adds a tremendous amount and on a positive note, leaves you wanting more.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
3251 South Miami Avenue
Miami, Florida 33129
Open Daily: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
House Closes: 5:00 pm - Garden Closes: 5:30 pm

305-250-9133

Miracle Mile - A Window Shopper's Dream

2005-12-11T04:16:00.000-05:00

If you love to shop and eat, add Miracle Mile to your list of must see places in the Miami area. It is situated on Coral Way between Douglas and Le June in Coral Gables, Florida.

In 1940 a developer created the name to add flair. The mile comes from the walk down one side and back down the other. It seems like more than a mile today, but what a pleasant walk. Even if the stores are out of your price range, and believe me they very well could be, the window shopping is fun. If you get caught in the rain, like we did, the many colorful awnings can keep you dry.

There are a number of world famous bridal shops as well as jewelry stores, gift shops, stationery stores, European furniture stores, galleries, clothing stores, and much more on this street. The official website ShopCoralGables.com claims over 170 shops and 40 places to eat.

During our walk, we stopped for lunch at John Martin's Irish Pub and Restaurant and had a nice time. The place was huge and yet cozy. I would recommend it, but there are so many choices. There may be someplace else that fits your style.

Parking is not too much trouble as there are meters and angled spots on every inch of the street. I read in a guide book that high prices and competition from other malls draw some of the traffic away from the mile. You not only feel safe here, but could very well feel underdressed at times. During the week your dining clientele includes lots of business men in ties, smartly dressed female executives, and stay-at-home wives with gold cards. I'm not sure how it is at night or on the weekends, but I'm sure that at any time - the better you dress the more courteous your service in both the shops and restaurants.

Coconut Grove Village - Activity Hub

2005-12-11T03:43:00.000-05:00

Coconut Grove Village is worth visiting if you are a tourist to Coconut Grove, Florida. For locals, I imagine that it's a nice place to dine and be entertained weekly. The Village consists of a few square blocks with CocoWalk, an open air mall; Streets of Mayfair, a mall on Grand; and other shops and restaurants on side streets and nearby.

CocoWalk is the most centralized area and features outdoor cafes, restaurants, a 16-screen movie theatre, comedy club, shops, and bars. Open Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday until midnight. Restaurants and nightclubs remain open until 3 a.m.

You will not have the parking woes that you find at South Beach. The Village claims to have over 2000 parking spaces (including the parking garage).

To learn more about Coconut Grove, visit CoconutGrove.com.

The Grand Cafe - Grand Bay Hotel - Coconut Grove

2005-12-11T02:40:00.000-05:00

The Grand Cafe - Grand Bay Hotel - Coconut Grove, Florida serves Northern Italian cuisine in an upscale atmosphere. I had considered staying at this hotel but instead selected the Mayfair Hotel and Spa. To see what I may have missed, I planned a dinner at their restaurant.

The Grand Bay Hotel is almost right across the street from the famous Monty's Raw Bar by the way. If you are looking for casual fun, Monty's is a good choice. At The Grand Cafe you will not feel out of place if you want to dress up for an evening out. The decor was elegant and included various exotic, cut flower arrangements. I found the dinner menu to be surprisingly limited, and some guests may have difficulty in making an enjoyable selection if they do not like seafood or red meat.

Dessert made up for the dinner choices and even featured an excellent chocolate souffle, sorbets, cheesecake, and other delectables.

If you live nearby and are looking for another restaurant to add to your repertoire, this is a worthy of your time; however, visitors to Coconut Grove should check out some of the more famous establishments such as Baleen, Bice, or Red Fish Grill, Norman's, or Havana Harry's in Coral Gables. I have not visited all of them, but they are highly rated.

Grand Cafe
2669 South Bayshore Drive
Coconut Grove, Florida
305-858-9600
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Mayfair Hotel & Spa - Coconut Grove - Classic Chic

2005-12-10T20:15:00.000-05:00

I recently had the pleasure of being a guest at the Mayfair Hotel and Spa in Coconut Grove, Florida. The location in the heart of CocoWalk was perfect. It is almost completely finished with its ten million dollar renovation. Upon completion luxury condos starting in the $200,000 range will be incorporated into the hotel.

The architecture and decor of the building was the most unique that I have seen in a hotel. The style incorporates Spain, the Far East, and a touch of Art Nouveau. Kimpton Hotels, which currently has 38 hotels, renovates properties around the world and keeps many of the original elements in working order.

It was nice to stay in a place that his taste and history as CocoWalk seems like such a recent addition to this very old and charming neighborhood. The style is very organic from the moment you enter the hand-carved entrance doors.

Each room opens to a view of the open-air courtyard and its reflecting pools, tropical plants, green patinated caste bronze flying birds and artistically welded, wall-mounted lighting features. Explore the hotel and the array of secluded seating areas via open, spiral staircases or a pair of antique glass elevators.

The staff was excellent, courteous, and made us feel welcome. When we arrived, our bellman gave us the much appreciated tour of our room and its special features. Our wall-mounted 42" flatscreen television was an obvious plus, and it could be angled to be seen from various parts of the room including the jacuzzi on the private balcony.

All rooms are suites, feature beautiful marble and tile from the bathroom to the individual balcony. The furniture and decor were fabulous and very functional. Room amenities included twenty-four hour room service, Miami Herald at the door, a mini-fridge, microwave, two sinks, large automatically lit closets, and luxurious bathtub. Little things that were a nice touch included the hairdryer, extending wall mirror, cotton balls, and q-tips.

Hotel benefits were access to the fitness center, salon and spa, Ginger Grove Restaurant, free wireless internet access, coffee and tea in the lobby each morning, and the free cocktail or wine each evening.

The internet was only reliable in the courtyard or lobby. The signal was not strong enough to penetrate all that tile in our fourth floor room. Mayfair is beginning to incorporate internet access and keyboards on the plasma televisions.

Our off-season rate through orbits was very reasonable - $199 plus tax. This may change as the rooftop pool with bar and private cabanas opens in 2006. A second restaurant, the Mayfair Grill is also almost complete. At check-out be prepared to find a $25 a day valet parking charge on your bill. This is fairly standard for Miami. I was surprised to not find a fee for the daily cleaning service.

I would highly recommend this hotel to guests looking for the perfect blend of luxury and eccentricity. You will hear various city sounds especially via an open terrace door, so request a room on the fourth or fifth floor if you want to distance yourself. Condos are also being constructed across the street and some rooms will have this to contend with.

The chain has an extremely socially conscious attitude. They recycle to a high-degree, print on recycled paper with soy ink, and use environmentally friendly cleaning products, and pesticide-free organic coffee. Kimpton donates and promotes social responsibility via The National AIDS Fund, The Trust for Public Land, Dress for Success and many other programs.

The Kimpton Hotels brochure mentions a South Beach property to open in Fall 2006.

Ginger Grove Restaurant - A Hidden Treasure

2005-12-10T13:01:00.000-05:00

Ginger Grove Restaurant, located in the Mayfair Hotel and Spa, Coconut Grove features romantic atmosphere, great food, and attentive staff. If you are a Coconut Grove regular and tire of the Cheesecake Factory, Hooters, and the other bar/restaurants; give this new, lavish dining room a try. There is no signage to let you know it is even there, so if you bring a date they will be very impressed with your intimate knowlege with the Grove.

Dine with a great second floor view overlooking Virginia Street and the entrance to CocoWalk. Enjoy a full sensory experience with decor lush with texture, exotic lighting and candles, soothing music, and an Asian fusion menu. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The lounge serves drinks into the night.

Ginger Grove
3000 Florida Avenue
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
Tel: 305.779.5100

Miromar Outlets - Stunning Oasis

2005-12-09T18:37:00.001-05:00

When traveling on I75 between Naples and Fort Myers take some time to visit Miromar Outlets. Choose from a number of nice restaurants with indoor/outdoor dining and experience a very beautiful outdoor mall. Each courtyard joining a section of stores incorporates a different fountain or water feature. The architecture of the buildings and color palette is unique, bold and breathtaking. To top it all off, this outlet is very clean, has ample parking, is right off the highway, and has a charming atmosphere.

Outlet stores with discounted prices include: Banana Republic, Borders, Bose, Brooks Brothers, Off 5th Saks Fifth Avenue, Polo Ralph Lauren, Zales, and more in addition to about 100 regularly-priced stores.

Download a PDF map of mall layout and stores by category.
Map and Directions to Miromar Outlets.

Everglades Radio Network

2005-12-09T18:35:00.003-05:00

Motorists travelling across Alligator Alley on I-75 from Naples, through the "River of Grass," The Florida Everglades, can tune in to the Everglades Radio Network on 98.7 WFLP-LP and FM 107.9 WFLU-LP. In addition to the well produced, taped broadcasts about the Everglade's history, heritage, flora and fauna, environmental issues, events and activities; you can hear live weather and traffic conditions.

A Press Release from the State of Florida indicates that 18,000 motorists cross Alligator Alley daily. This broadcast is a great teaching tool for anyone willing to listen, and can be very entertaining for children on the hour-long stretch of highway.

While listening, view an amazing variety of birds on the drive including: kingfishers, herons, ibis, wood storks, anhingas, hawks, osprey, turkey vultures and many more as you drive. Your passengers should see alligators at almost every clearing on the sawgrass banks, especially during the dry season - December through April. If you have the time, safely pull over and take a closer look for turtles, swimming otters, and other critters.

To learn more about the Everglades and Florida's environment, listen live, and visit the links on the site for the Everglades Radio Network.

It's Freezing in Florida

2005-11-27T08:33:00.000-05:00

If you are around Orlando this holiday season, you might want to visit "ICE! at Gaylord Palms" for lots of fun and crisp 9 degree weather. ICE! is open daily from November 19 - January 2, 2006, including holidays, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Ticket prices are higher on weekends, but still are under $20 - adults and $10 - children. Guests staying at the hotel who buy special packages to ICE! enjoy a priority entrance opportunity and other treats.

This frozen holiday attraction is hand-crafted from nearly two million pounds of ice! According to the Gaylord Palms website, "This year, ICE! will feature several new and revised scenes, including a heartwarming Victorian holiday scene, a vibrant new Santa's Toyland, and a majestic Church in the Woods. Back by popular demand is the beautifully lit ICE! bridge, that you can actually walk over, and the breathtaking life-size nativity carved completely of crystal-clear ice. And, of course, three fantastic ice slides will return amid a towering Christmas Castle." For more details and a video about this unique holiday experience click here.

The hotel is also amazing and includes four and a half acres of architectural and botanical marvels under their signature glass dome. Gaylord Palms is divided into four unique locals: St. Augustine, Key West, the Everglades, and Emerald Bay. For amazing photos, click here. Let the parking attendant know that you are visiting ICE! and make a special trip through the hotel for a stroll and lunch. Parking is $7. I go out of my way to visit botanical gardens in Florida and although this is not an official one, I spent lots of time viewing the thousands of amazing orchids, philodendrons, elephant ears, bromeliads, trees, and exotics that thrive in the pest-free, climate controlled environment.

This event is annual, so make plans for next year if it melted before you had a chance to visit.

An Honest Mistake

2005-11-05T12:03:00.001-05:00

Last night at Orlando's House of Blues, I expected The Bravery to be fearless, but didn't anticipate much from the two openers. It was an honest mistake. Having seen the band at the State Theatre in St. Petersburg in July, I knew that the two hour drive would be worth it. After this show, it's all large venues in support of Depeche Mode, including a tour of Europe, so hope you didn't miss it.

By now you are wondering, what did The Bravery not deliver? On the contrary, they did very well but I missed the novice performers that I saw this summer. I liked July's wonderful cover of U2's, "An Cat Dubh", the smaller stage, and the raw innocence that may have been replaced by facial hair and better equipment.

An evolving band, The Bravery tried out two new songs on a supportive crowd, but as I scanned the audience I couldn't find the adoration for "Old Glory" or the other attempt. I missed the in-your-face keyboards and sonic layers of John Conway on these two pieces. The group records on the road with laptop mixing, so they are probably laying these down. Hope they throw in some hooks to keep their run going, because I want more.

The experience was over-the-top thanks to a couple of SummerBirds and some New Roman Times. These Orlando bands put on a great show. New Roman Times were a pleasant surprise and would be worth catching again. I must admit that SummerBirds in the Cellar and of course The Bravery pushed the songs from the Times right out of my head. If not for the SummerBirds' two drummers - yeah you read that right - great synths and tight arrangements - I would have retained more from the Times.

Even Sam Endicott, lead singer of The Bravery had to admit his appreciation of these two local groups, and in reference to the SummerBirds, acknowledged fondly that they were loud. He laughed, looked over at his drummer and said, "when are we going to get another drummer? A second one I mean." Not just loud, but good! I was extremely impressed with the sonic masterpiece that was painted before our very eyes. I want to hear more, and ordered their debut CD, "With the Hands of the Hunter it all Becomes Dead" at 2:17 this morning after the show. New Roman Times' CD, "International Affairs" is available on ITunes. "The Going Away Gift" is an awesome song. I'll be listening to them also.

If you're visiting Orlando, know that House of Blues is a great venue. Get as close as you want to the band, or hang out at casual seating or lean rails. Enjoy a full bar, and you can even get a hotdog, nachos, pizza, pork sandwich, or other easy snacks. It's basically in the land of the Mouse, so security has got it covered and the service is friendly. See you next time.

Animal Kingdom is Expanding

2005-11-01T21:13:00.000-05:00

Disney's Animal Kingdom® Park is usually not in the travel plans for guests who require the dining experiences of Epcot®, or the volume of rides at Magic Kingdom®, but there is a new source of thrills in the works.

Spring 2006 is the launch date for "Expedition Everest", a 200 foot tall mountain roller coaster in the Asia section of Animal Kingdom. The planning and construction have been years in the making.

Will this new ride put this relatively new theme park on the map and into the three-day Park Hopper plans? Possibly, at least for the first year of its opening.

If it has half the fun of Magic Kingdom®'s "Big Thunder Railroad" this could easilly become my new favorite ride. As a gardening enthusiast, I already enjoy the landscaping and plant diversity that this park supports, but a new, major ride is just what it needs to renew interest in other guests. That, and a few great restaurants.

For many, Disney's Animal Kingdom® Park has some catching up to do. If its nahtazu, then what is it?

A Blog is Born

2005-11-01T20:10:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Finding Florida.com blog. I have lived in the state for over 10 years and am always on the lookout for new things to do. Check back soon for updates on my adventures. Welcome to the Sunshine State!

If you are familiar with the original website - I am the same owner. The web is changing and static pages are a thing of the past. The directory will be back someday - in database form, but I think that articles and posts are the way to go right now.