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There are few places in the Sunshine State as tranquil and idyllic as the picture-perfect Florida Keys. While visiting there, you can snorkel among sea turtles and dolphins, watch amazing sunsets, sip tropical drinks, and sample lots of key lime pie. With outdoor dining and plenty of outdoor activities, you can even bring your dog along. There’s also a chance for your four-legged friend to go paddle boarding or take a charter boat ride. We tried several options firsthand with Leo, a black Labrador retriever who loves swimming and fetching in the sun. Here are some ideas. Leo, a black…

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis held a groundbreaking ceremony for a major reconstruction project at the Interstate 95/US 1 interchange in Ormond Beach, and state officials announced that the project is starting ahead of schedule. The interchange is one of the oldest on Florida’s highway system and is being rebuilt as part of the state’s Moving Florida Forward initiative. The project was originally scheduled to begin later this year, but has been pushed back at least a year, state officials said. Florida Department of Transportation officials said the project is well ahead of schedule, with some estimates putting it 15 to…

Even as competing airlines continue to increase their presence in Central Florida, Spirit Airlines has significantly reduced its footprint at Orlando International Airport (MCO), cutting more than 1,000 flights in May compared to the same month last year. Spirit plans to operate 2,173 flights (436,031 seats) from Orlando in May 2026, according to data analyzed by Orlando Business Journal based on Cirium Aviation Analytics. This is a nearly 40% decrease from the 3,613 flights (693,736 seats) in May 2025. A spokesperson for the Dania Beach-based airline said the job cuts are related to its ongoing restructuring efforts following multiple bankruptcy…

Looking for an excuse to eat, drink, and have fun this weekend? We’ve got at least three good excuses to do so. With the Kentucky Derby, Star Wars Day, and Cinco de Mayo all happening within a few days, there’s plenty going on in Orlando. From hobby horse racing tournaments to “Big Cat Derby Day” to pub hopping to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, there’s plenty to do in Central Florida this weekend to kick off May. kentucky derby The 152nd Kentucky Derby will feature a full week of events at Churchill Downs, culminating with the highly anticipated Derby Day on…

The Universal Studios Florida theme park is leaning more into the movie side this summer, introducing several movie-related activities centered around Steven Spielberg, “Jaws,” the Minion-Monster combo, and more. This limited-time event, which will be held from May 23rd to August 10th, will feature a behind-the-scenes exhibit of Steven Spielberg’s “Disclosure Day,” scheduled for release on June 12th. The film stars Emily Blunt, Colman Domingo, Colin Firth, Wyatt Russell, and Josh O’Connor (The Crown). At “Jaws,” the park will offer a series of photo ops, interactive experiences, specialty food, and limited-edition merchandise. Minions & Monsters, scheduled to be released on…

It’s timely to note that two Orlando restaurants recently made it to OpenTable’s list of top Mother’s Day brunch options *in the nation.* Congrats to both The Boathouse at Disney Springs and The Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s BoardWalk for making the Top 100 for 2026 … but they’re definitely not the only game in town. Read on for a buncha brunches, among other delicious options, for celebrating the special women in your life on Sunday, May 10. À La Cart SoDo: On May 10, from 2 to 4 p.m. they’ve got the perfect Mother’s Day plan in effect. Head…

Today is the last day for families enrolled in the new prepaid plan to receive a $50 donation to jump-start their college savings As families across the country face rising costs and economic uncertainty, Florida continues to stand out in its commitment to affordable higher education. To help families take advantage of this moment, the Florida Prepaid College Commission today announced limited-time April incentives to reward families who start early. Florida Prepaid College Plans allow families to lock in future college tuition and fees at today’s prices, ensuring protection from inflation, market fluctuations, and rising educational costs. “This is a…

A man known for playing Santa each year at Polk County’s major Christmas event was arrested last week in connection with a sting operation, according to an affidavit. Starting April 20, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with various supporting law enforcement agencies, began a multi-day undercover operation to attempt to identify and locate criminals who use the Internet to exploit children. During the operation, a law enforcement official posed as a “human trafficker” after posting an advertisement inviting teenage daughters to engage in commercial sex acts. The affidavit states 68-year-old Thomas Allen Hicks was taken into custody after…

On Gatorland’s Swamp Walk, you might see snakes, frogs, and perhaps a family of otters. But from now on, you may also come across important facts and history lessons. The attraction has partnered with Conservancy Florida to add more signage to enhance the back-to-nature experience. Readers will learn about Florida’s aquifers, cattle hunting, dead-end logging, classic conservationists like Marjory Stoneman Douglas, and even famous strategist Charles Ponzi. Conservation Florida is a nonprofit land conservation organization working to protect the state’s waters and wildlife habitat. “We feel their mission aligns very well with Gatorland Global,” said Taylor McHugh, director of strategic…

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has approved more than 20 bills in the past week, including bills related to vertiports, teacher training and guidance, drowning prevention, and protected lands. The Florida House and Senate appear to have reached an agreement on a joint apportionment of the 2026-27 budget and are scheduled to begin the budget conference process during another special session on May 12. General revenue allocations for fiscal year 2026-27 will total nearly $52 billion, with the two chambers aiming to close a spending gap of about $1.5 billion. The special session is scheduled to last until May 29, with…