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Florida

Cities of Florida Florida Orlando Restaurants Restaurants

Bubba Gump in Florida

When you visit Orlando, Florida it is mandatory that you stop by one of the outlets of the townsfolk restaurant favorite Bubba Gump. Yes, you heard it right. For those who have already watched the movie Forrest Gump (Portrayed by Tom Hanks) I believe it was somehow discussed and explained in the movie the origins of the company named Bubba Gump. If not a short recap of the movie is an autobiography story of a military man named Forrest Gump and the people he met and inspired in his life. In which, one of them was Benjamin Buford “Bubba” Blue. Who had a vision of putting up a shrimping business after the Vietnam War.

The Bubba Gump Shrimp Company Restaurant and Market is an American seafood restaurant chain inspired by the 1994 film Forrest Gump. … The first Bubba Gump restaurant opened in 1996 in Monterey, California by Rusty Pelican Restaurants in partnership with Viacom. Like the name suggests, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.’s menu consists mostly of shrimp dishes and other seafood, as well as Southern and Cajun cuisine. The restaurant offers dishes named after characters in the movie, like Jenny’s Catch and the restaurant’s bestseller Forrest’s Seafood Feast

Food is the hero at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. that is why they strive their best to always cater the needs and deliver on what their customers expect. Their menu specializes on different recipes with shrimp as the primary ingredient and other seafoods. Restaurants have standard theme, in which they display movie memorabilia throughout the restaurant. Guests can play Forrest Gump movie trivia and can signal their waiter with a “Stop, Forrest, Stop” sign. Also, since the restaurant was inspired by the movie, they offer a 10% discount to all military.

Cities of Florida Florida Restaurants West Palm Beach

Italian Cuisine at Its Finest

Living in paradise can be tough. With so much sunshine and beauty all around – there are so many decisions to make about things to do. For instance: ‘Will we spend the day shopping or going to a local festival?’; ‘If we decide to go shopping, will it be at an indoor mall or outdoor mall?’; ‘Do we go boating or relax on the beach?’.

I took an unexpected trip to southern Italy the other night without a passport or luggage. In fact, I wandered the Amalfi Coast and took in its flavors without leaving Palm Beach Gardens. La Masseria, the 4-month-old restaurant on the PGA dining corridor, has this effect on an unassuming diner. It brings a sliver of an Italian vacation, a glimpse of the authentic, to the table.

La Masseria got its start in New York and Rhode Island before heading south to Palm Beach Gardens. To find nuanced flavors that remain true (to Italy, not New York) is a lovely thing. During the years, clientele who lived up north and vacationed in South Florida requested a La Masseria near their summer homes; and to their relief, it has arrived.

The restaurant offers upmarket style without fussiness, from the crisply suited hosts to the rustic bread basket and the welcome saucer of lentils in olive oil (for spooning atop the bread). The place is stylish yet understatedly set. It’s a good spot for a dressy lunch or a special-occasion dinner. But should you amble up to the door, casually dressed for a weeknight bite, you’ll be welcome just the same.

South Florida is filled with some of the best places to eat in the world. From seafood restaurants on the water to the best steakhouses inland – the Palm Beaches have got you covered.

Photo Credit: www.jupitermag.com

Cities of Florida Florida Restaurants

Must Try Food When in Florida

One of the joys and things to look forward to in travelling is the thrill of exploring new foods, delicacies, cuisines and specialties. In fact, travelers who consider themselves gourmands often base their destinations on the food they want their palate to experience. A good example is when you say stone crabs, rock shrimp, Apalachicola Oysters, Cuban sandwiches and key lime pie then there`s no place better than Florida to indulge yourself with these treats.

Due to its geographical location the availability and abundance of the crustaceans mentioned above, Florida has become the primary go to place for travelers to experience and enjoy affordable seafood. So which foods are uniquely Floridian? Let us list down the must foods to try when in Florida:

Stone Crab Claws

-Although the body of the stone crab is not eaten, this seasonal prize possession for fisheries from October through May is a must for all avid seafood eater. You just can’t get enough of these sweet, meaty claws served chilled and pre-cracked with a side of mustard sauce.

Florida Rock Shrimp

– One of several shrimp species found in the deep waters along the Gulf coast Florida to Florida, as well as the eastern shore off Cape Canaveral, rock shrimp are highly sought after for their uncanny similarity in taste and texture to that of lobster meat.

Apalachicola Oysters

-Also known as Boss Oyster, these colossal oysters are sweet and highly valued among bivalve enthusiasts. Often it is best to enjoy scenic riverfront dining and the freshest oysters are served directly from water-to-table.

Spiny Lobster

They may not have claws, but they more than make up for it with their meaty bodies, which proportionally have more meat than Maine Lobsters.

Cuban Sandwiches and Every other Cuban Dish

Close proximity to Cuba and a large immigrant population means Florida has the best Cuban food in the country.

The list goes on, so If you’re planning a visit to Florida anytime soon bare in mind that some of these delicacies are seasonal.

Attractions Cities of Florida Florida West Palm Beach

Enjoy Nature at Its Best

When scheduling a trip to Florida, you’re going to need a great place to bring the whole clan together for a day of fun on and off the water. Okeeheelee Park, one of many spectacular Florida spots, is a perfect destination to take your West Palm Beach boat rental for a day of family-friendly fun. When you make it to Okeeheelee Park, you’ll see why it’s such a popular destination for Florida visitors and residents alike.

At 900 acres, the sprawling Palm Beach County regional park on the north side of Forest Hill Boulevard, east of Florida’s Turnpike, is bigger than the 850-acre Florida Atlantic University campus in Boca Raton. Like many places in South Florida, it gets its name from the Seminoles. Reports at the time said county commissioners named it the Seminole word for “pretty waters.” The county now says the word means “quiet waters.” The Seminole tribe says that because Miccosukee is an unwritten language, exact translations are hard, but the closest might be “okee-hee-thee,” which means “good water.”

The park should have been named “big delays.” Bought in 1973, it didn’t open its first phase for eight years and $6 million in work and wasn’t officially completed until 1996.

For eight years, only junk cars and squatters used the tract while the county planned and eventually completed landscaping, waterways, athletic fields and buildings. Its first phase was dedicated in 1982. The nature center opened in 1992 and the golf course in 1995. The park was officially completed with the opening of the racquet center in 1996.

Today, the park offers fishing, water skiing, boating, 14 athletic fields, six volleyball courts, five children’s play areas, eight tennis courts, a nature center and trails, a golf course and 40 picnic shelters.

The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Lighted basketball and tennis court facilities are open until 10 p.m., and lighted athletic fields are open until 11 p.m. So why not take your West Palm Beach boat rental to Okeeheelee Park for a day of exhilarating fun on and off the water?

Photo Credit: http://discover.pbcgov.org

Attractions Cities of Florida Florida West Palm Beach

The Four Pillars of Art

The Society of the Four Arts, a non-profit cultural organization, is located at the base of the Royal Park Bridge on Palm Beach. They welcome members and arts and entertainment enthusiasts throughout South Florida to the island. Sculptures, architecture, and manicured gardens are just the first of countless noble arts displayed on the grounds of the Society.

The Society of the Four Arts was founded in 1936, and the main goal was to offer quality cultural programming to the growing resort community of Palm Beach. Each year, the Four Arts features a lineup of culture programs, art exhibitions, films, concerts, notable speakers, and more for you to enjoy.

Society of the Four Arts is located in Palm Beach on Royal Palm Way, with beautiful sculptures, a botanical garden, two libraries, a state of the art educational facility, and a list of calendar events throughout the four buildings on the property.

The Esther B. O’Keeffe Gallery Building, designed by the famous architect Addison Mizner, is home to the art exhibits and a top of the line auditorium with sounds and lighting for concerts, broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera, and lectures.

The newest Four Arts’ facility is the Dixon Education Building, and is home to the cultural education programs. The building was landmarked and originally built in the 1920’s as Palm Beach’s public-school building, but in 2013 the building was renovated by the Four Arts, modernizing the interior for 21st century style learning. The education building has classrooms, an art studio, and even an apartment for visiting artists when in town.

The final building on the campus, is the Four Arts Botanical Gardens, showcasing 7 demonstration gardens to show the different styles of landscaping and plants, and also providing information on plants that can survive the heat.

Located next to the gardens, is the Phillip Hulitar Sculpture Garden. The garden features an outdoor-museum feel showcasing elegant sculptures, pavilions, and has become a top destination for visitors to South Florida. The garden is open 7 days a week and the admission is free.

Photo Credit: https://stargroupinternational.com

Attractions Cities of Florida Florida Tampa

A Unique Theatre Experience

Built in 1926, the Tampa Theatre is a luxurious movie palace featuring a unique mix of architectural styles including Italian Renaissance, Byzantine and Greek Revival. It presents foreign and classic films regularly along with specialty concerts and other programs. Tampa’s majestic movie palace hosts 600+ events each year, including contemporary films, classic movies, concerts, corporate events, educational programs, weddings and tours. The recently restored historic landmark has been called “One of the Most Spectacular Theaters in the World” by CNN and one of “15 Things You Must Do in Tampa” by the Huffington Post.

Even if you’re not in town for a film screening or performance, visitors highly recommend a stop at the beautifully ornate Tampa Theatre. When it was built in 1926, the theater was considered one of the world’s most elaborate theaters. Designed by architect John Eberson, the interior features a 900-pipe Wurlitzer organ and was constructed to look like a Mediterranean garden with flowers and gargoyles. Take a look at the ceiling and you’ll spot 99 bulbs meant to resemble stars in the night sky. If you can’t attend a show here, consider taking a tour instead.

Prior to each movie, a gentleman playing an organ ascends upward where he can be seen and then shortly thereafter descends that makes for a unique experience. Interestingly, the theatre is a not-for-profit, which is a good thing because it appears at the movies anyway that attendance is low.

This is the perfect place for a romantic date. The opulent theatre dates has been renovated numerous times. But its spectacular architecture and ambiance lives on. It’s a hidden jewel. Many people haven’t even heard of it despite all of the movies and special events that take place

Tampa Theatre is a grand and opulent movie house often featuring the best new, limited releases (that you won’t find @ the multiplex), and the classics that you missed and must see properly presented on the big screen.

Photo Credit: https://photonews247.com

Cities of Florida Florida Restaurants Restaurants Tampa

Something Fun and Different

Located in St. Petersburg’s historic Old Pasadena neighborhood, Alesia Restaurant serves fresh, rustic cuisine in a bright contemporary setting. Founded by three partners Sandra Ly-Flores and Erika Ly, and another co-owner, Paul Hsu. It is amazing to learn that they had never been in the restaurant business prior to opening Alesia. It turns out that Alesia is the name of the street they grew up on.

French, Vietnamese, and Chinese upbringings, Alesia Restaurant is the culinary embodiment of these childhood influences and the eclectic mix of dishes and flavors they were naturally raised with. This delightful restaurant is worth the trip for both its fabulous food and contemporary atmosphere, including a great, pet-friendly outdoor patio and a large beautiful outdoor dining room. It’s one of the prettiest and simple hangouts around town, and it’s the perfect place to linger over a latte or share a Cheese platter, which includes a selection of European cheeses served with fresh grapes and toast points.

What Alesia does well is keep the menu simple. There are no countless iterations of the same dish, no wide-selection of condiments to override inherent flavors, just variegated, well-curated dishes which encourage the simple pleasure of enjoying good food. The French, Asian, and Vietnamese dishes are so different from what is usually served in area restaurants, which was a great change of pace.

This place is easily a hidden gem in the St. Pete / Pasadena area. The ambience inside and outside is great, the staff are very attentive and friendly. The Asian-French-inspired (colonial) offerings are good. If you like traditional favorites like Pho or Bun, you will not be disappointed. The pho or noodle soup has a hint of sweetness; the bún or rice vermicelli noodles are served with skewers of glistening grilled pork or shrimp; the traditional bánh mi has a firm jalapeño kick to it if you order it spicy. These are the dishes you should try your first time there.

What can I say? Great food, great service and great wine selection. I would call it French-Vietnamese-Asian. But not fusion. Each cuisine seems to be able represented without falling into confusion.

Photo Credit: www.afar.com

Cities of Florida Florida Travel

The Hogwarts Express to Florida

One of the many go to places when you are in Florida is the Universal Resort Orlando. This Universal Studio stands out amongst other others because of it`s Harry Potter Theme Concept. The experience basically gives you a feel of the Harry Potter world and let`s you experience living in one. This starts by taking a ride in the Hogwarts Express, in order to ride the Hogwarts Express, we had to purchase the Park-to-Park ticket that gives you access to both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks.

You will board the Hogwarts Express through, Hogsmeade Station and when the train pulls up, you’re in awe of this magical locomotive. It seems so real as there is even steam coming out of the smokestack. The staff then directed us into our compartments and we were seated with other guests (up to 6 people in one compartment).

Once the train started moving, we saw images on the digital window of various Harry Potter characters and mythical creatures like centaurs. The whole ride was so entertaining and we loved all the little details they put into this train ride. The ride ends at King’s Cross Station where we walked through an even larger train station and you see boards above with schedules and times. The ambience give`s you a feel of being in the streets of London.

Right off the station is Diagon Alley, if you are a fan of the Harry Potter franchise I would assure you, as soon as you left the King`s Cross Station area you would be flabbergasted of the details and the things you would see at Diagon Alley. From quirky little shops to dragons sitting on top of buildings to wand shops , mystical pet shops , cauldrons; you name almost all of the necessities a new Hogwarts student needs.

It is strongly recommended that you try and join the festivities like practicing your spells with your wand. Although you need to buy the wand (A very good souvenir though) but upon purchasing the wand it comes with a set of instructions and a map where you can perform the spells and interact with the place. Note: The activity is like a puzzle you need to solve , but don’t worry you will have a lot of “friends” to help you solve them along the way.

Don`t get me wrong Universal Resorts Florida doesn’t feature Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Ride only this place also features Transformers, Despicable Me, Rip Ride Rockit, and The Simpsons Ride. At Islands of Adventure, there’s Spider-Man, Skull Island and Jurassic Park , and more …

If dropping by Universal Studios Florida isn’t a good reason enough to be in Florida, well I guess dropping by makes it mandatory for all thrill seekers and Harry Potter fanatics out there.

Cities of Florida Schools Schools Tampa

List of Schools in Tampa

Children throughout Tampa wake up each Monday through Friday and head out to school, lunch and books in hand. While they may bemoan another day filled with reading, writing and arithmetic, they are receiving their education from one of the highest ranked school districts in the state.

Hillsborough County School District has a policy of offering a dynamic cross-section of schooling options because they understand that a “one size fits all” education doesn’t coalesce with their community. These include Walton Academy of the Performing Arts and two teen parent schools. Among the public schooling options are magnet and charter schools.

Magnet Schools
Magnet schools offer students a more exploratory education. Students must show a strong interest in the field of study of their chosen magnet school in order to be considered for enrollment. Even though magnet schools educate studies concentrated in a specific field, they are funded by the state and school district and must adhere to the performance standards just like traditional public schools. Most students of magnet schools go on to complete post-secondary education in their field of study. Magnet schools, listed with their field of study, in the New Tampa area include:

Cahoon Elementary, Animal Science
Dunbar Elementary, Math/Science/Technology
Lee Elementary, World Studies
Lincoln Elementary, International Studies/International Baccalaureate
Lockhart Elementary, Foreign Language & Global Studies; Visual/Performing/Communication Arts
Lomax Elementary, Math/Science/Technology
MacFarlane International Studies/International Baccalaureate
Muller Elementary, Environmental Studies; Visual/Performing/Communication Arts
Philip Shore Elementary, Visual/Performing/Communication Arts
Rampello Kindergarten through 8, Cultural Arts & Humanities

Charter Schools
While magnet schools offer highly concentrated curriculums, charter schools offer highly specialized teaching styles. Charter schools are owned and operated privately with subsidization through Hillsborough County School District and the State of Florida. They are just as accountable as traditional and magnet public schools through FCAT testing (more on this under “Standards”, below.)

Charter schools often require parents to commit to a number of hours of volunteer work throughout the school year. They also require that parents understand their particular charter, or contract. Examples of charter school options include those that teach in Montessori style, Core Curriculum or Independent Study (distance learning.)

Any student that qualifies for public education in Hillsborough County may apply to attend a charter school, regardless of how far or close the student lives from the school.

Standards
The Sunshine State Standards, or SSS, are the uniform educational criteria for each grade level from Kindergarten through graduation. All public and most private schools in Florida have adopted these standards and teach material so that students will meet or exceed them.

In 1998, the State of Florida began testing students based on the criteria to gauge the effectiveness of the SSS. A consortium of educators and instructional professionals from around the United States came up with the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, or FCAT.

Students are tested annually from third grade through eleventh. Reading and math tests are given each year. Writing is assessed in all grades except fifth and eleventh grades. Science knowledge is tested in fifth, eighth and tenth.

Beginning in the 2005-2006 school year, students are required to successfully pass the tenth grade test to qualify for a regular high school diploma upon graduation. Students scoring less than a passing grade on any of the subjects tested are offered subsequent testing opportunities during their eleventh and twelfth grade years.

According to 2005 testing scores, Florida students scored at or above the national average in fourth grade reading, fourth and eighth grade writing, fourth grade science and fourth grade mathematics. All other grade levels and areas of study that were compared showed Floridian students were close to national averages and gaining ground.

Gorrie Elementary, located just a mile from the University of Tampa in West Tampa, scored highest of all elementary schools in fourth grade reading and mathematics among all Hillsborough schools tested in 2006. Roosevelt Elementary, located in the Palma Ceia area, scored highest for fourth grade writing skills of all Hillsborough County schools during 2006.

Terrace Community Middle School, a charter school located just south of New Tampa, scored highest among all eight graders tested in 2006 in Hillsborough County middle schools for math and science. Wilson Middle, located in the Davis Island community, scored highest among eighth graders in reading and writing.

Palma Ceia area’s Plant High School scored highest among all Hillsborough County tenth graders for math, reading and writing in 2006.

New Tampa schools showed remarkable staying power and above average scores for each of their six elementary, two middle and two high schools. Each school scored 300 or more in all subjects tested in 2006, for grades four, eight and ten.

Private Schools in Tampa
Some families in the New Tampa area prefer a religious or college preparatory private school for their children to receive their education. While the list of private education options is copious, below is a list of a few of the most prominent private schools in the area, as well as their particular specialty.

Berkeley Preparatory School operates to create well-rounded, college bound students. They provide education from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. The teachers and staff strive to educate students beyond reading, writing and arithmetic; they offer competitive sports and arts as well as numerous clubs and community service projects.

The Academy of Holy Names is one of the oldest private schools in the Tampa area, having been founded in 1881. Their pre-kindergarten through eighth grade offers excellence in education to both boys and girls. Ninth through twelfth grade classes are restricted to an all-female student body. The school’s teaching are based on the Catholic faith. Students are not required to be of the Catholic faith to attend, though nearly three-quarters are.

The Jesuit School is an all-boy school with a reputation for turning out high-achieving graduates. This school was founded 18 years after the Academy of Holy Names. Jesuit School education includes numerous missionary and community service opportunities for its students. Students are not required to be members of the Jesuit Church.

In 2002, a three-decade old school began unpacking boxes in their new, state of the art facility across from its former home at the University of Tampa. Tampa Preparatory School serves students and their family from sixth grade through twelfth. Tampa Prep doesn’t offer remedial classes, their program was designed to offer challenging coursework in core subjects as well as a wide diversity of other subjects – fine art, computer technology, music, dance, theater, golf, track, swimming, volleyball, soccer, baseball, basketball and wrestling.

Co-ed students at Tampa Catholic High School receive their education in the three R’s as well as the three purposes set forth by the Catholic faith – teaching the Message of God as revealed in Christ and through His Church; building Community through fellowship in the life of the Holy Spirit; and providing opportunities for Service to the community. After school, students continue their education by taking part in some of the nearly two dozen clubs and extra-curricular activities. Tampa Catholic’s philosophy is to educate the entire student- mind, body, and spirit.

Cities of Florida Florida Travel

Planning A Romantic Beach Wedding In Florida

When you think of Florida what do you think of? I think of FUN! As a child I spent time in Florida every year and we had fun at the beaches, fun at the Theme parks, just plain old fun was had every time we visited Florida. Now that I’m planning my wedding, I’m looking for the ideal spot to hold the ceremony, I keep thinking about the beach wedding I’ve always dreamed of as a little girl.

For those of you whom have never been to Florida, it’s a peninsula state located in the Southeastern portion of the United States. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, Citrus groves, The Everglades and Theme Parks. It’s also known as the place that many people like to spend their days in retirement. It’s no wonder why Florida is one of the top vacation destinations in the world.

Not surprising, Florida is becoming a popular spot to have wedding ceremonies. In particular the St. Petersburg and Clearwater area, this is on the Gulf Coast. These two cities are reportedly hosting 8,500 weddings annually. The beaches on this coast are some of the most beautiful in the world, which make an exciting and romantic backdrop for a wedding.

One of the reasons that Florida’s gulf coast is so popular is that there are so many options for the bride and groom to choose. Yes, you can have a beautiful beach wedding but there are some magnificent Botanical Gardens here also. The Tampa Bay lighthouse is used for some weddings as well as a number of unique and exotic locations. With so many options to choose from, it’s no surprise as to Florida’s rise as one of the top wedding destinations!

Privacy and romance are top consideration when planning to perfect Florida wedding. Most of the companies that offer beach weddings are geared towards small parties under 60. When considering my budget I was happy to find that the wedding beach pricing was indeed affordable. Prices range from modest to extravagant; there is definitely something for every bride and grooms budget.

Guests will be treated to a memorable experience too. The beach setting of thundering ocean waves, snow white sand and warm soothing sun create an atmosphere of bliss for everyone attending the ceremony. As the bride and groom proceed through the ceremony, it’s said that all in attendance are moved by the beauty and romance of the beach setting. The soon to be newlyweds are not only providing memories that last a lifetime for themselves but for their guests as well.

Yes, Florida does look like a great wedding destination spot. If you haven’t considered planning an exotic wedding do you self a favor and look into it. You may want to contact your travel agent or an online service to check to see if flying to Florida will be in your budget. I did and found that the cost would be far less than a traditional wedding at home. Naturally we’ll remember this special day where ever we choose to hold it but having the choice of being married in a romantic location like one of Florida’s breathtaking beaches or a traditional indoor wedding, the beach wedding just seems so much more special. Little did I know that my dream wedding as a little girl may very well be the wedding that becomes my reality.