Covering All Things Florida
After months of costly delays, the legendary SS United States, once the fastest ship to cross the Atlantic, finally left its longtime home in Philadelphia on February 19, 2025. Its ultimate destination? The warm waters off Florida’s Gulf Coast.
When one thinks of moonshining — making illegal liquor — more often than not an image of the Appalachian mountains is the first thing that comes to mind. While it’s true that the hollers and hilltops of North Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky were hotbeds of moonshining, there was also a great deal of activity here in the Sunshine State, the effects of which can be felt even today.
Florida’s relationship with moonshine and bootlegging is as rich and complex as the state’s vast, varied landscape. From the early days of the Prohibition era to the modern revival of craft distilleries paying homage to illegal whiskey-making traditions, the Sunshine State has long been home to an underground economy of illicit liquor production. Florida’s dense swamps, rural backroads, and expansive coastline provided the perfect conditions for moonshiners and smugglers to thrive both then and now. While often romanticized in popular culture, the business of illegal alcohol in Florida was fraught with danger, ingenuity, and ongoing battles between outlaws and law enforcement, some of which continues even today.
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.
In a news release Tuesday, NASA and SpaceX announced they are moving forward with adjusted launch and return timelines for the upcoming crew rotation missions to and from the International Space Station (ISS).
Bob, Breton, and Contender. What do these three names have in common? They are all Great White Sharks that have been identified as hanging out off of Cape Canaveral during the last couple of weeks!
Marine researchers from OCEARCH have recently tagged their largest male great white shark yet, Contender, off the Florida-Georgia border. According to OCEARCH, Contender Measures nearly 14 feet in length and weighs approximately 1,653 pounds.
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:
Walt Disney World announced last week plans to repurpose its former $400 million Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser resort hotel into office space for Disney’s “Imagineer” employees. After being open for only 18 months, the hotel was closed on September 2023. Since the closure, Star Wars Fans have speculated that the hotel would still be repurposed into some type of Star Wars related attraction, but last week’s announcement put an end to their hopes.
Living in Ohio, many of my family and friends flock to Florida for their annual vacations. And can you blame them? From a tropical climate to sandy beaches, Florida has a lot to offer both visitors and residents alike.
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.
Hey Parrotheads! The Coral Reefer Band is bringing the island vibes back to Florida with a tribute to Florida’s adopted native son in Jacksonville. Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 15, 2025, as Daily’s Place transforms into a tropical paradise for the “Keep the Party Going: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett” tour.
If you haven’t flown through Tampa International Airport (TPA) lately, you’re in for some exciting changes in 2025. Often hailed as one of Florida’s top airports, TPA today announced a slate of upgrades to make your travel experience even better.
