REAL ID sample

Planning To Fly or Cruise Soon? Make Sure You Have REAL ID.

April 7, 2025Posted inFlorida News, Florida Travel, National News
Sample REAL ID for Florida
Sample REAL ID from Florida DMV

As of May 7, 2025- just one short month from now- significant changes will take effect regarding identification requirements for Americans. With the coming enforcement of the REAL ID Act, individuals who want to board US domestic flights or enter government facilities will need to possess a REAL ID-compliant form of identification (And yes, Florida’s cruise terminals count as a government facility). There are only a few exceptions, such as states that issue what is known as “Enhanced ID” – Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont.  The government says REAL ID requirements will be strictly enforced. Here’s how to make sure you are ready.

10 Things In Florida You Probably Didn’t Know About

10 Things In Florida You Probably Didn’t Know About

March 25, 2025Posted inEntertainment, Florida Travel, Off The Beaten Path, Things to Do and See in Florida, Vacation In Florida
Woman in room at Jules Undersea Park Key Largo
Photo: Jules

Florida is famous for its sunshine, beaches, and theme parks – but it also hides some truly quirky stuff. Beyond the usual attractions, the Sunshine State boasts odd historical tales, unique geography, curious wildlife, and cultural surprises. Here are ten fun and little-known places and facts about Florida that might just amaze you. If you’re looking for things to do or see in Florida, here’s a good start.

Diving with manatees

Swim With Manatees in Crystal River

February 19, 2025Posted inFlorida Travel, Florida Wildlife, Things to Do and See in Florida
Snorkeling with Florida or West Indian manatee, Crystal River, Florida

From the “Things to Do in Florida” department – Crystal River, Florida, is known as one of the best places in the world to experience an up-close encounter with the gentle giants of the sea—manatees. Every year, thousands of visitors flock to this charming coastal town to witness the slow-moving, curious creatures that have captured the hearts of nature enthusiasts and marine conservationists alike. As the only place in the United States where it is legal to interact with manatees in the water, Crystal River offers a unique and unforgettable wildlife experience, and one suited for the whole family.

Weekend Fun in Florida: Your Guide to Events on February 8-9, 2025

Weekend Fun in Florida: Your Guide to Events on February 8-9, 2025

February 5, 2025Posted inFlorida Travel, Things to Do and See in Florida
Tallahassee Highland Games
Tallyhighlandgames.com

As another beautiful Florida February weekend approaches, there are plenty of things to do catering to both residents and visitors. From art festivals and state fairs to cultural celebrations and conventions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a curated list of notable happenings across the Sunshine State:

The Bardin Booger

The Bardin Booger: Florida’s Own Bigfoot

January 20, 2025Posted inAnother Roadside Attraction, Florida Travel, Florida Wildlife, Things to Do and See in Florida
A depiction of the “Bardin Booger” via Jaxlore.com

Florida, known for its sunny beaches, theme parks, vibrant wildlife, and nightlife, has a rich tradition of eccentric lore of ghostly legends and even cryptids — animals that resemble humans but often have ape-like characteristics as well.

“Thar Be Whales Here!”

“Thar Be Whales Here!”

January 6, 2025Posted inFlorida Travel, Florida Wildlife
A North American right Whale breeches off of the Atlantic coast. Photo: Nick Hawkins / ifaw.org
A North American Right Whale breeches off of the Atlantic coast. Photo: Nick Hawkins / ifaw.org

“Thar Be Whales Here” is more than just a movie line made famous by Engineer Montgomery Scott in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home – it’s a fact that many Floridians are not aware of. For few months each year, the majestic creatures do indeed swim just off of Florida’s east coast.

Santas of all Sorts Showed Up for Annual Surf’s Up Spectacular!  

Santas of all Sorts Showed Up for Annual Surf’s Up Spectacular!  

December 25, 2024Posted inFlorida News, Florida Travel, Things to Do and See in Florida
Surfing Santas emerge from the waves at annual Cocoa Beach charity fundraiser. Image by Richard P Gallagher /FMN
Surfing Santas emerge from the waves at annual Cocoa Beach charity fundraiser. Image by Richard P Gallagher /FMN

 

COCOA BEACH, FL — The 16th annual Surfing Santas event transformed Cocoa Beach into a sea of red and green on a chilly and foggy Christmas Eve morning, as hundreds of Surfing Santas traded their traditional sleighs for surfboards. The unique holiday spectacle, which began in 2009 as a family outing, has now become one of the Space Coast’s most cherished traditions, drawing thousands of spectators to watch the festive surfing extravaganza.