USS Hoyt Vandenberg Sinking Set for Late May Off Key West
May 1, 2009
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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
April 28, 2009
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
April 27, 2009
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
Visit Paul Rudolph’s Riverview High School Masterpiece In Sarasota
April 25, 2009
SARASOTA - If you are an admirer of Modern architecture, go by and visit Paul Rudolph’s Riverview High School in Sarasota before it is torn down.
Riverview, built in the International Style, is located just off Route 41 on Proctor Road near Swift. Sadly, the Sarasota School Board decided they had to demolish the school in 2008. We can’t hate the Sarasota School Board too much for the decision, however wasteful. Sarasota County, after all, erected the building to rave international notices in 1958, and reaped the glory and fame therein. Read more
Morgans Miami on Conde Nast Cover
April 21, 2009
NEW YORK – The Mondrian in South Beach is featured on the cover of Conde Nast Traveler’s May issue. The hotel is owned by Morgans Hotel Group Co. (NASDAQ: MHGC), a boutique hotel chain. Read more
Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis at The Colony
March 31, 2009
PALM BEACH – The incomparably wonderful Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis are at The Colony in Palm Beach this week and next.
The duo, part of the Fifth Dimension, will play at the Colony’s Royal Room Cabaret. They will perform March 31 to April 4 and March 7 through 11.
Hits include Up, Up & Away, Aquarius/Let the Sun Shine In, Wedding Bell Blues and One Less Bell to Answer. Their newest LP is The Many Faces of Love.
See more about them on their website, www.mccooanddavis.com or make reservations at the Colony’s Website.
Top Five Places To See Florida Mermaids
March 29, 2009
Florida is full of mermaids. Pretty ones. Live ones!
You just have to look underwater, where mermaids live. A quick roundup of mermaid haunts; these aren’t the only ones, just the easiest ones to find. Here are the top five, with two runner ups: Read more
Cypress Gardens Belles Are Back!
March 23, 2009
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| Southern Belles from Cypress Gardens |
WINTER HAVEN – Cypress Gardens Adventure Park is open again and has renamed itself Cypress Gardens with an adjacent Splash Island Water Park.
The park closed last fall. It will open again on March 28, with a new leader who knew and worked with the founding Pope family. Bill Sims is a former executive vice president of Cypress Gardens who worked with the Popes from the early 1970s until 1985, when the park was sold for the first time. Read more
Buzz Aldrin at Kennedy Space Center
February 10, 2009
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER – Witness space history at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex May 2 as more than 25 Hall of Fame astronauts, including Buzz Aldrin and John Young, gather to induct three of America’s finest Space Shuttle commanders into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. (321) 452-2121. www.kennedyspacecenter.com.
Pensacola’s 450th Anniversary
February 10, 2009
PENSACOLA – In June, the world’s third largest tall ship, Juan Sebastián de Elcano, will sail into the Pensacola Bay to commemorate the 450th Anniversary of the discovery of Pensacola. The ship will dock at the downtown Port of Pensacola, where visitors will have the opportunity to meet the crew at public and private events. (850) 432-1450. www.celebratepensacola.com.
