Coral Parties off Fort Lauderdale

FORT LAUDERDALE BEACH -The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP), the Broward County Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department (EPGMD), the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the National Coral Reef Institute (NCRI) announced today that staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis), a federally designated threatened coral species, is thriving off the coast of Broward County. Read more

Fend Off Some Sharks at Mote

SARASOTA - At the Mote Marine Aquarium here, there is a small cabinet of shark repellent brands. During World War II, the Navy tried to come up with ideas, and numerous brands were launched. They didn’t survive. Read more

Deering Estate Hosts Guest Composers

MIAMI – The Deering Estate at Cutler hosts the Living Artist Concert Series. This concert series combines ensemble performances with lectures, visual art exhibits, environmental awareness and interpretive programs, while acquainting residents and visitors with the best of South Florida’s artistic spirit. Concerts are held in the historic Stone House Ballroom. On Oct. 16 the Piano Series “Florida Triad” will feature guest composer Tania Leon and pianist, Jose R. Lopez, in a collaborative historic journey linking music and history from Spain, Cuba, and the United States with South Florida. On Nov. 13 the Chamber Music Series, “Tribute,” will feature the Deering Estate Chamber Ensemble and music by Louis Ferdinand of Prussia, A. Copeland, E. Korngold and Composer in Residence Judith Shatin. Visit www.deeringestate.org .

Yogi Bear Jellystone Adds Acorn Village

MADISON – Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort located in rural Madison County, Florida, has added a new area to its campground called Acorn Village. The new area consists of four large cabins and a commons building for gatherings and meals.

This space is available for family reunions, camps and other large groups. In addition to being surrounded by lots of nature, Jellystone Park also features a waterslide, lake, pool, miniature golf, game room, karaoke, paddle boats and kayaks. Visit www.jellystoneflorida.com and www.yogicampingflorida.com.

Naples Botanical Garden Opens in November

NAPLES – Naples Botanical Garden’s 170-acre tropical garden will open to the public in November 2009. Designed by what the Miami Herald dubbed a “dream team” of internationally renowned landscape architects, Naples Botanical Garden will also include a unique 90-acre nature sanctuary with seven different ecosystems that is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Visit www.naplesgarden.org for more details.

Take a Psychadelic Trip in the Beatles’ Bentley

From FloridaSnapshot.com

SARASOTA - For Beatles fans of and those amused by London’s Swinging Sixties, there is one item that you need to see, namely the Beatles’ 1959 Bentley. It was owned by Apple Records, and ferried all sorts around London.

It lives at the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, where other Beatles’ cars live, including John Lennon’s 300TD station wagon and Paul McCartney’s Morris Mini.

The museum, just across the street from the Ringling Museum complex, has all manner of historic cars. Perhaps the most interesting? Katharine Hepburn’s Crown Victoria.

Visit them at sarasotaclassiccarmuseum.org.