Florida Attractions Association

THE WIZARD OF OZ

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:00:00 GMT

MIAMI – November 19, 2008 – Follow the Yellow Brick Road as the Land of Oz appears at Miami Children’s Museum. It isn’t a trip Over the Rainbow but just to Watson Island to enjoy this treat! In commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of The Wizard of Oz and in conjunction with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Miami Children’s Museum will host The Inspirations of Oz Fine Art and The Ruby Slipper Collections from December 9 – 22, 2008. Miami Children’s Museum is located on Watson Island at 980 MacArthur Causeway, Miami, FL 33132. These limited time exhibitions are free with paid admission to the Museum. These collections are being showcased at the Museum in honor of plans to produce the first official Wizard of Oz traveling exhibit. Being created by Miami Children’s Museum and SPARKS, in conjunction with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, this will be the only licensed and sanctioned traveling children’s museum exhibit and is set to unveil in December 2009. Continued . . . THE...

ForbesTraveler.com Lists The Florida Aquarium in their Best Aquariums in the Country

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:30:00 GMT

IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 20, 2008 Tampa, Fla. (November 20, 2008) – ForbesTraveler.com, one of the most prestigious travel websites for world travelers, announced their top aquariums in the U.S. The Florida Aquarium was included for its diverse guest programs including Dive with the Sharks, Penguins: Backstage Pass and Explore A Shore, the outdoor water fun zone for children. This is the fourth such honor the aquarium has received in as many years. Coastal Living and TripAdvisor.com ranked Tampa’s aquarium in its top 10 aquariums in America and Parents Magazine ranked it in their top five family-friendly aquariums in the country. Thom Stork, president and CEO of The Florida Aquarium, likes the trend. We constantly strive to improve our guest experience, says Stork. With the addition of our new gallery, Ocean Commotion, we feel we have added new and exciting ways for our guests to enjoy the splendor of our aquatic world. The Top Aquariums in America by ForbesTraveler.com...

Blue Man Group: Making Waves Traveling Exhibit at Miami Children's Museum

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Miami Children’s Museum Contact: Lauren Wilbanks 305.373.KIDS (5437), ext. 129 lauren@miamichildrensmuseum.org Blue Man Group Contact: Nancy Hirsch 212.967.3805 nancy@hirschgroup.com MIAMI CHILDREN’S MUSEUM AND BLUE MAN GROUP ARE MAKING WAVES National touring exhibit featuring Blue Man Group opens in Miami on October 25, 2008 Blue Man Group - Making Waves, the national touring exhibit supported by Harman/Becker Automotive Systems and created by the Boston Children’s Museum and Blue Man Group and powered by JBL®, will open at Miami Children’s Museum (MCM), located on Watson Island at 980 MacArthur Causeway, Miami, FL, on October 25, 2008. The 1,500 square foot exhibit - designed to bring together science and art - will take the whole family through a multi sensory exploration of sound that provides an opportunity to play together while discovering the fun of music. Onstage, the Blue Man is one part inquisitive child, one part trickster, and one part superhero...

TERMINIX BRINGS BUGS TO MOSI

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Harry’s Big Adventure November 20-23, 2008, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tampa, FL (November 17, 2008) – Traveling more than 3,000 miles and crossing six states is a big trip for anyone, but imagine doing it as Harry, a three-inch tall praying mantis. Harry, the star resident of New Orleans’ newly opened Audubon Insectarium, is embarking on a three-week journey that will bring him and some of his insect friends to Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry Nov. 20 - 23. The four-day event, presented by Terminix, will give visitors a chance to see, touch and even taste a variety of bugs. Guests will also witness cockroach races and compete in cricket spitting contests. Those who are brave enough will be able to try insect-related dishes prepared by David George Gordon, the world-renowned bug chef and author of The How to Eat a Bug Cookbook. Harry’s Big Adventure will open a lot of people’s eyes to the wonderful world of insects, said Tom Brackett, Terminix president and COO. Insects are...

TIS THE SEASON FOR BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT MOSI!

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Santa Breakfast 10 a.m. – Noon, Saturday November 29, 2008 WHAT: Santa Claus is coming to…MOSI! Skip the lines at the Mall and visit MOSI for a special holiday breakfast with Santa from 10 a.m. – noon, Saturday November 29. Get professional photos* taken with Santa and enjoy fun holiday avities. Reservations required, call (813) 987-6000. (*Photos are an additional fee). Members: Adult $12, Child $10, Non members: Adult $25, Child $20 WHO: MOSI is a not-for-profit, community-based institution and educational resource dedicated to advancing public interest, knowledge, and understanding of science, industry, and technology. With a total size of over 400,000 square feet, MOSI is the largest science center in the southeastern United States, and home to the only IMAX® Dome Theatre in the state of Florida. Kids In Charge! The Children’s Science Center at MOSI is the largest children’s science center in the nation. Disasterville, featuring WeatherQuest, combines...

PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY FOR SUN 'N FUN 2009

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:00:00 GMT

SUN ‘N FUN COMPLEX, LAKELAND, Fla. – (November 17, 2008) –Sun ’n Fun staff and volunteers are ramping up preparations for the 35th annual fly-in, which will be held at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, Fla., April 21-26. Since its beginning in 1975, the annual Sun ’n Fun Fly-In brings together people from around the world for a unique aviation experience. At the heart of the event is the more than 450 educational forums, seminars and hands-on workshops that cover every aspect of aircraft construction and maintenance. Additional topics are offered through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) FastTeam Production Center that operates year–round on the Sun ’n Fun campus. Last year, more than 8,000 visitors attended the Sun ’n Fun and FAA sponsored forums, more than 9,000 participated in Sun ’n Fun’s hands-on workshops, and a record 520 commercial exhibitors showcased the latest in aviation products and technology. ...

THE FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE ENDORSED BY NATIONAL FORUM ON CHILDREN AND NATURE

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 19:00:00 GMT

Coral Gables, FL, November 14, 2008—On November 12, 2008, The Fairchild Challenge received an endorsement from the National Forum on Children and Nature as one of 30 projects nationwide that demonstrate new and creative ways to reconnect kids with nature. The Fairchild Challenge is a free, annual, environmental program that targets teenagers and offers separate but related Challenge options or competitions for middle and high schools. The program is launched annually at the beginning of each school year, and ends with awards ceremonies in May. Students compete in a variety of Challenges, including art, design, writing, research, exploration, debate, performance, school garden creations and school greening initiatives. The program allows schools to accrue points towards earning the Fairchild Challenge award by participating in some or all of the year’s Challenge options. The program is pitched to schools via teachers in a variety of disciplines and is designed to engage...

MOSI ANNOUNCES TICKET SALES FOR THE FLORIDA DEBUT OF DR. GUNTHER VON HAGENS' BODY WORLDS & THE STORY OF THE HEART

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:00:00 GMT

MOSI ANNOUNCES TICKET SALES FOR THE FLORIDA DEBUT OF DR. GUNTHER VON HAGENS’ BODY WORLDS & THE STORY OF THE HEART BODY WORLDS advanced tickets on sale to the public Wednesday, November 12 TAMPA, FL—(November 12, 2008)—Beginning Wednesday, November 12, anyone can buy advanced tickets to see the most intriguing exhibition ever to visit Florida. MOSI announces ticket sales to the general public for the upcoming exhibition BODY WORLDS & The Story of the Heart, which opens for a limited-time engagement beginning Thursday, January 22, 2009. The general public is encouraged to purchase tickets early due to a potential sell out. Created by Dr. Gunther von Hagens, BODY WORLDS & The Story of the Heart features more than 200 authentic specimens, including entire bodies, individual organs and transparent body slices. The exhibit is an unforgettable anatomy lesson that allows visitors to see and understand physiology and health, and gain new appreciation and respect for what it means to...

MOSI ANNOUNCES TICKET SALES FOR THE FLORIDA DEBUT OF DR. GUNTHER VON HAGENS' BODY WORLDS & THE STORY OF THE HEART

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:00:00 GMT

TAMPA, FL—(November 12, 2008)—Beginning Wednesday, November 12, anyone can buy advanced tickets to see the most intriguing exhibition ever to visit Florida. MOSI announces ticket sales to the general public for the upcoming exhibition BODY WORLDS & The Story of the Heart, which opens for a limited-time engagement beginning Thursday, January 22, 2009. The general public is encouraged to purchase tickets early due to a potential sell out. Created by Dr. Gunther von Hagens, BODY WORLDS & The Story of the Heart features more than 200 authentic specimens, including entire bodies, individual organs and transparent body slices. The exhibit is an unforgettable anatomy lesson that allows visitors to see and understand physiology and health, and gain new appreciation and respect for what it means to be human. This special presentation of BODY WORLDS includes a feature on the heart. BODY WORLDS is a collaboration, a joint quest towards enlightenment between donor, anatomist and visitor. Over...

Thanksgiving Weekend Events at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Fort Myers, FL(November 10, 2008) – The first Annual Edison Garden Market giving and a designer showcase are two added activities at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates on Thanksgiving Weekend. The Estates will be open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM until 5:30 PM and closed on Thanksgiving Day. Throughout the weekend more than 30 vendors and special tent sales will offer a wide variety of unusual plants including orchids, bamboo, bromeliads, fruits and vegetables, edibles and gift items for the garden and home. On Friday, an Estates Tent Sale will mark the beginning of the holiday weekend with special sales for holiday shopping as vendors set up for early sales. The Garden Market is a free event located in the Estates Garden Shoppe and the area near the Banyan Tree. The Designer’s Showcase also opens Thanksgiving Weekend in the Edison Caretaker’s House. It is a collaborative project of the Design Institute at Southwest Florida College, the International Design Center...

EXTREME, AN IMAX DOME THEATRE FILM AT MOSI

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:00:00 GMT

WHAT: Filmed with IMAX cameras, Extreme combines incredible extreme sport action with narration from athletes and an eclectic, contemporary soundtrack as it explores the paradox of human nature: facing fear from the edge of life. Viewers can see and experience the adventure of skiing and snowboarding remote untouched mountain peaks, climbing vertical frozen waterfalls and surfing some of the largest waves ever surfed and windsurfing gale force winds. This film includes some of the best athletes in the world including a number of present, past and future champions. . WHO: The IMAX Dome motion picture system projects images of unsurpassed size, clarity, and impact onto a dome-shaped screen providing 10,500 square feet of visual imagery. The IMAX Dome image is ten times larger than a conventional 35mm frame and three times larger than a standard 70mm frame. The sheer size of the film frame, combined with the unique projection technology, is the key to the extraordinary...

Bok Tower Gardens 14th Annual Christmas at Pinewood Holiday Home Tour

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:00:00 GMT

14th Annual Christmas at Pinewood Holiday Home Tour Once Upon A Time… A Storybook Christmas Bok Tower Gardens November 28 - January 4 Lake Wales, Fla. – It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Bok Tower Gardens where Santa’s helpers are busy transforming the 20 room 1930s Pinewood Estate into a magical wonderland. A favorite family tradition for the holidays, the Christmas at Pinewood holiday home tour will be open November 28 through January 4. Sponsored by AT&T Real Yellow Pages, Progress Energy and Winter Haven Hospital, this year’s theme is Once Upon a Time… A Storybook Christmas. Central Florida designers and volunteers have created elaborate decorations to bring beloved childhood stories to life. Room designs will include The Night Before Christmas, Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, Snow White, Alice in Wonderland, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, Aladdin, and Tchaikovsky’s fairytale ballet, The Nutcracker. ...

Introduce Your Children to Ours at Marineland

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 19:45:00 GMT

Marineland is pleased to announce the names given to the three dolphin calves born at the Dolphin Conservation Center during the summer. The young dolphins made their debut to the public during the months of June and July. After much consideration, the following Timucuan names were selected in honor of the native population that resided in this area prior to colonization. Roxy’s female calf has been named Tocoi (pronounced TOE-KOY), which means water lily. Betty’s male calf born just prior to one of the more violent storms seen in the area has been given the name Aqe (pronounced AH-KAY), meaning storm. Dazzle’s male calf, now called Tomo (pronounced TOE-MOE), translates as guide. The calves exhibit distinct personalities and are a delight to observe. While all three youngsters continue the appearance of thriving, Marineland staff members remain guardedly optimistic about all three reaching adult status. Population biologists generally do not consider a dolphin to be alive and...

Warren Zeiller Passes

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:00:00 GMT

We have learned of the passing of Warren Zeiller, a Past Leader of the Florida Attractions Association, 1983-1984. He held a B.S. degree from Colorado State University and a M.A. in Business from Michigan State University. After his service in the U.S. Navy as a submariner, he was employed by the Miami Seaquarium for twenty-five years. During that time he worked as a diver, announcer, trainer and general manager of the Miami Seaquarium.

Warren authored four books about marine life and south Florida - Tropical Marine Invertebrates of Southern Florida and the Bahama Islands (Wiley, 1974), Tropical Marine Fishes of Southern Florida and the Bahama Islands (Barnes, 1975), Introducing the Manatee (University Press of Florida, 1992), and A Prehistory of South Florida (McFarland, 2005).

He also served as the director of the Tropical Everglades Visitor Association from 1987-1997.

Warren and his wife, Chardy, have continued to enrich the Florida Attractions Association by their presence at our functions. He will be missed.

Service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday November 15 at Stanfill Funeral Home (305-667-2518), 10545 S. Dixie Highway, Miami.

Holiday Lights & Jungle at Sarasota Jungle Gardens

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:00:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HOLIDAY LIGHTS & JUNGLE NIGHTS SELECT DATES BEGINNING NOVEMBER 28 THROUGH DECEMBER 28 Sarasota Jungle Gardens November 6, 2008 3701 Bay Shore Road Sarasota, FL 34234 Sarasota Jungle Gardens kicks off its fifth annual Holiday Lights & Jungle Nightswith an even bigger and brighter display for the 2008 season! Over 65 lighted displays illuminate ten acres of paved jungle trails! The lights range from season traditional to exotic animals like macaws and lemurs. This display of lights promises to bring joy and holiday cheer to all who attend. The lighted displays will range in size from six foot flamingos to a twenty-one foot, three dimensional Christmas tree with over four-thousand lights and a seventeen foot elephant! The monkeys are sure to please everyone with their antics as you wind your way to the Open Gardens. Once in the Open Gardens you will be greeted with more fantastic lighting displays. Hors d’oeuvres and...

'TIS THE SEASON FOR BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT MOSI

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:00:00 GMT

WHAT: Santa Claus is coming to…MOSI! Skip the lines at the Mall and visit MOSI for a special holiday breakfast with Santa at 10 a.m., Saturday November 29. Bring an appetite for this buffet-style breakfast. Fun holiday activities for families will be held throughout the day. Reservations required, call (813) 987-6000. Members: Adult $12, Child $10, Non members: Adult $25, Child $20 WHO: MOSI is a not-for-profit, community-based institution and educational resource dedicated to advancing public interest, knowledge, and understanding of science, industry, and technology. With a total size of over 400,000 square feet, MOSI is the largest science center in the southeastern United States, and home to the only IMAX® Dome Theatre in the state of Florida. Kids In Charge! The Children’s Science Center at MOSI is the largest children’s science center in the nation. Disasterville, featuring WeatherQuest, combines education and 10,000 square feet of interactive...

Bok Tower Gardens Presents Veterans Day Concerts with Free Admission for Military

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Bok Tower Gardens Presents Veterans Day Concerts with Free Admission for Military Lake Wales, Fla. – Bok Tower Gardens will offer free admission to all branches of the military, active, retired and disabled for Veterans Day on November 11. Special carillon concerts will be performed by the 60 bell Singing Tower carillon at 1 and 3 p.m. to pay tribute to the brave men and women serving our country and those who have given their lives while preserving our freedom. Present a valid driver's license along with a DD214 or other active military identification to receive the free admission and 50 percent off the admission for up to three accompanying guests. Our founder Edward W. Bok fought to bring an end to world wars by donating $100,000 when he created the American Peace Prize in 1923, explains David Price, president of Bok Tower Gardens. We have an ideal setting to think about world peace and remember America’s fallen heroes while listening to patriotic concerts as you walk...

Selby Gardens Awarded $250,000 Grant

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:00:00 GMT

(November 6, 2008 - Sarasota, FL): Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice has awarded a $250,000 grant to the Children’s Rainforest at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. The grant will support the building of a new treetop garden—the first canopy garden in the United States—designed to provide a safe, natural place for young children and their families to develop a life-long appreciation for the living world through outdoor play, discovery and learning. The idea of a children’s garden at Selby has been under consideration for nearly a decade but gained impetus when Sarasota realtor Susan McLeod joined the Selby Gardens Board of Trustees. McLeod contributed seed money to explore the idea and has spearheaded the effort to bring it to fruition, recruiting a committee of local mothers and grandmothers and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars towards the $2.75 million dollar project. The committee plans to raise an equal amount of endowment funding for upkeep and programming in the...

FAA-Supported Constitutional Amendments Pass

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 10:00:00 GMT

The 3 Florida Constitutional Amendments supported by the Florida Attractions Association reached a 60% approval marging by Florida voters and will become law. Changes and Improvements Not Affecting the Assessed Value of Residential Real Property Yes for Approval No for Rejection Total 4,144,825 2,716,536 % Votes 60.4% 39.6% Property Tax Exemption of Perpetually Conserved Land; Classification and Assessment of Land Used for Conservation Yes for Approval No for Rejection Total 4,640,963 2,142,536 % Votes 68.4% 31.6% Assessment of Working Waterfront Property Based Upon Current Use Yes for Approval No for Rejection Total 4,745,577 1,985,048 % Votes 70.5% ...

Florida Attractions CCE Endorsed Candidates Victorious!

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Florida Attractions CCE Endorsed candidates for the Florida Legislature, with one exception, were successful in their election campaigns. Here are the results from the General Election: Florida Senate Charles S. Dean (R) District 3 - Baker, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Levy, Madison, Marion, Suwannee, Taylor Stephen Wise (R) District 5 - Clay, Duval, Nassau, St. Johns Mike Fasano (R) District 11 - Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas J. D. Alexander (R) District 17 - DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Highlands, Okeechobee, Polk, St. Lucie Nancy C. Detert (R) District 23 - Charlotte, Manatee, Sarasota ...