Save the Kissimmee Kast Shuffleboard Courts

KISSIMMEE - In an unwise decision, civic leaders in this town are planning to demolish the town’s shuffleboard courts. They date from 1941 and are the Kast Shuffleboard Courts.

That news according to The Daily City blog. The blog has photos and a whole story on the issue. Read more

Orlando, Action City

ORLANDO - Did you know Orlando was Action City, USA? Yes, you can take the convertible to the private plane, and then cruise Interstate 4 home, in Action City!

Remembering Ocala’s Six Gun Territory

OCALA - One of the great pre-Disney attractions of Florida was Six Gun Territory in Ocala. It was a true western town, with regular shootouts, one of which was shown here. There was also a saloon, fair and Mexican cantina. It closed in the 1980s.

Time For When You Need It Bad

Time to get the old commercial out. “When you’ve got it bad, we’ve got it good” was the slogan. It was run when the weather got cold in the Northeast and Midwest, and it did wonders.

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.

Hunting for White Ibis in Orange Lake

ALACHUA COUNTY - One of the great pleasures of Florida birdwatching is the white ibis (Guara alba). In the evening, they tend to pick insects in lawns and fields, and in most cases are not afraid of humans, and so come in close enough so you can get a good look. Often, they are in groups; if you are lucky,  you can spy a mother and her young. Read more

Religion at Cypress Gardens; Bring Back Day of Discovery

WINTER HAVEN - Setting a TV show in Florida gives it insta-background. Swaying palm trees, easy weather for filming.

Such was the idea of the ministry of the religious program Day of Discovery, which for years filmed many of its TV shows at Florida’s Cypress Gardens. SEE FUNKY COOL VIDEO HERE Read more

USS Hoyt Vandenberg Sinking Set for Late May Off Key West

KEY WEST - The highly anticipated sinking of the world’s second-largest ex-military ship to be deployed as an artificial diving and fishing reef is almost here. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission continues to work with its project partners on final preparations for the ex-U.S.S. Hoyt Vandenberg to be safely sunk in late May at a site about 6 miles south-southeast of Key West in 140 feet of water. Read more

Great Florida Icons: Ximenez-Fatio Caracava Cross

ST. AUGUSTINE - One of the best known historic houses in St. Augustine is the Ximenez-Fatio, built starting in 1798. The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America’s state chapter bought the house in 1939, and together with the National Park Service, the state, Carnegie Foundation and other groups, helped begin St. Augustine’s historic preservation programs.

One of the most extraordinary items found on the site is the Caravaca Cross, which is believed to have become popular in the 17th century to celebrate the end of the plague. In July of 2002, archaelogists found the cross in a trash pit. Named for a hillside town in southeastern Spain, it was found with other artifacts from around 1650, which dates it from early Spanish occupation and made it a candidate for one of the great early icons of Florida.

Leslee Keys, executive director of the Ximenez-Fatio House, told the local papers at the time that the cross was found on the “10th dig on the property. We didn’t expect to find anything that unusual,” Keys said. “The greatest value to all of us is that it’s so rare and so early.” She said the cross predates the Castillo de San Marcos which was begun in 1672 and the Cathedral-Basilica of St. Augustine begun in 1793.

Contact: Ximenez-Fatio House, 20 Aviles Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084, 904-829-3575; if you like the cross you can Order a replica online

Florida Architecture Explored July 20-22 With Steve McCurry Photos

ORLANDO – The Orange County Regional History Center will host “Looking East,” an exhibit by world renowned photographer Steve McCurry, and “Culture Quest: Florida Architecture 101: From Chickees to Cottages.” From August 21 – October 4, Looking East will allow visitors to the history center a chance to view the stunning photographs taken by Steve McCurry.

This collection includes some iconic images, such as the green-eyed Afghan girl recently featured in a National Geographic Greatest Portraits exhibition. Culture Quest is a three-day immersion experience of “Architecture with a Florida Twist.” This exhibit will reveal some of the rich history that Central Florida has to offer; helping people understand the many styles of structures from the region’s very early days to the present, including forts, family dwellings, public structures and more.

Buildings, such as the History Center and other points of interest in the area, will be explored; experts in the field will lead various discussions and field trips. Hands-on activities enhance this three-day adventure July 20 – 22. See www.thehistorycenter.org

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