Things to do in St. Petersburg Florida while on Vacation

DISNEY KEEPS SMALL NUMBER OF WORKERS HOME OVER CORONAVIRUS CONCERNS
The workers recently returned from a trip to Italy. - Ashley Carter

CHEF'S KITCHEN: CONCH FRITTERS AND SUMMER BURGER
The Shack Riverfront Restaurant & Tiki Bar's Conch Fritters and Summer Burger. - Allison Walker Torres

SEAWORLD ATTENDANCE, REVENUE CONTINUE TO RISE WITH NEW CEO
The company is adding new attractions at its parks every year. - Ashley Carter

ON THE TOWN: "SHOUT! THE MOD MUSICAL" BRINGS GROOVY 60'S STYLE TO STRAZ STAGE
SHOUT! The Mod Musical is opening at the Straz Center on Wednesday, February 25. - Kim Leoffler

BOB IGER STEPS DOWN AS DISNEY CEO; BOB CHAPEK TAKES OVER
The announcement was made late Tuesday afternoon. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY REVEALS MENUS FOR EPCOT FLOWER AND GARDEN FESTIVAL
The festival runs March 4 through June 1. - Ashley Carter

SEAWORLD ORLANDO'S ICE BREAKER COASTER REACHES TWO MILESTONES
The new coaster is scheduled to debut this spring. - Ashley Carter

ADVENTURE ISLAND SETS OPENING DATE FOR SOLAR VORTEX
The new attraction will be America's first dual tailspin water slide. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY TO ADD "IMPOSSIBLE" PRODUCTS TO THEME PARK MENUS
Disney is expanding its plant-based food options. - Ashley Carter

2020 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL KICKS OFF THIS WEEK
The 85th Florida Strawberry Festival takes place February 27 through March 8. - Spectrum News Staff

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO SHARES NEW IMAGES OF DOCKSIDE INN AND SUITES
The new hotel will make its debut on March 17. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY SETS OPENING DATE FOR MICKEY SHORTS THEATER
The experience will debut with an exclusive new Mickey short. - Ashley Carter

ON THE TOWN: 5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT "MEAN GIRLS" AT THE STRAZ
Tina Fey has turned her hit movie “Mean Girls” into a musical and it’s on stage through this weekend at the Straz Center. - Kim Leoffler

DISNEY ROUNDS OUT LINEUP FOR EPCOT'S GARDEN ROCKS CONCERTS
The concerts take place during the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. - Ashley Carter

SCOTT WEINGER, VOICE OF "ALADDIN," COMING TO MEGACON ORLANDO
The fan convention runs April 16-19 at the Orange County Convention Center. - Ashley Carter

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: HISTORIC FLORIDA THEATER A STAPLE IN DOWNTOWN JACKSONVILLE
The 1927 theater was one of 13 other theaters on the Jacksonville riverfront, now it is the only historic theater to remain in the city. - Caitlin Wilson

BABY YODA ANIMATRONIC TOY TO BE RELEASED THIS FALL
The toy moves its hands, lifts its arms and makes noises. - Ashley Carter

MCDONALD'S UNVEILS SCENTED CANDLES THAT SMELL LIKE QUARTER POUNDER
Scents include pickle, ketchup, cheese and beef. - Ashley Carter

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: 5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT BOGGY CREEK AIRBOAT ADVENTURES
Discover what Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures has to offer. - Caitlin Wilson

DONALD DUCK, ORANGE BIRD PASSHOLDER MAGNETS COMING TO EPCOT FLOWER & GARDEN
The festival runs March 4-June 1. - Ashley Carter

REGAL EAGLE SMOKEHOUSE OPENS AT EPCOT
The restaurant features barbecue dishes from across the country. - Ashley Carter

DAVE BAUTISTA, WRESTLER AND GUARDIAN OF THE GALAXY, COMING TO MEGACON
One of the guardians of the galaxy is coming to Orlando in April. - Spectrum News Staff

SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY'S WORSHIP GROUP REACHING LOFTY MUSICAL HEIGHTS
Musical students and staff with Southeastern University Worship have been writing and recording music for several years. - Stephanie Claytor

ON THE TOWN: 5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT EPCOT'S BACKSTAGE GREENHOUSES, TOPIARIES
5 things to know about Epcot's backstage greenhouses and topiaries - Allison Walker Torres

ON THE TOWN: 5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT "SPIRIT LINES"
“Spirit Lines” is currently on display at the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art in St. Petersburg. - Kim Leoffler

HOLY LAND EXPERIENCE TO LAY OFF 118 EMPLOYEES AS STAGE SHOWS END
The attraction is also shutting down most of its departments. - Ashley Carter

"DOCTOR WHO" STARS BILLIE PIPER, CHRISTOPHER ECCLESTON SET FOR MEGACON
The convention will take place April 16-19. - Ashley Carter

BUSCH GARDENS TO CELEBRATE MARDI GRAS THIS WEEKEND
The event will feature themed food and entertainment. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY TO GIVE CINDERELLA CASTLE A "GOLDEN" MAKEOVER
The makeover is set to be completed this summer. - Ashley Carter

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: SHARE A KISS UNDER ST. AUGUSTINE'S LOVE TREES
The love trees of St. Augustine hold a unique lore and legend. - Caitlin Wilson

FORMER DOME GRILL SLATED TO BECOME THREE-STORY RESTAURANT
Getting a major overhaul to become the Central Park Food Hall. - Trevor Pettiford

ON THE TOWN: CIRQUE ITALIA'S WATER CIRCUS IN LAKELAND
The new 2020 tour of Cirque Italia’s Water Circus is in town this weekend in Lakeland. - Kim Leoffler

DISNEY'S ANIMAL KINGDOM TO CELEBRATE EARTH DAY'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY
The celebration will include special activities and entertainment. - Ashley Carter

UNIVERSAL PARKS & RESORTS LAUNCHES "LET YOURSELF WOAH" CAMPAIGN
The new brand campaign features Kenan Thompson and Arturo Castro. - Ashley Carter

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO HIRING FOR 1,500 POSITIONS
Part-time, full-time and seasonal positions are available. - Ashley Carter

CONTEST OFFERS OVERNIGHT STAY IN DISNEY'S CINDERELLA CASTLE SUITE
The contest benefits the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation. - Ashley Carter

MYTHBUSTERS' ADAM SAVAGE HEADED FOR MEGACON ORLANDO
The fan convention will be held April 16-19 at the Orange County Convention Center. - Ashley Carter

MEGACON ORLANDO ADDS ALICIA SILVERSTONE TO CELEBRITY LINEUP
The fan convention will take place April 16-19. - Ashley Carter

ON THE TOWN: TAMPA BECOMES WALKABLE ART MUSEUM THROUGH MURAL PROJECT
As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words.mJerry Cahill let’s his painting do the talking. - Ashley Paul

BUSCH GARDENS' TIGRIS MAKES USA TODAY'S 10BEST LIST
The coaster was named one of the best new attractions of 2019. - Ashley Carter

SEAWORLD REACHES $65 MILLION SETTLEMENT IN "BLACKFISH" LAWSUIT
The lawsuit claimed former executives misled investors about the film's impact. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY WORLD RAISES PRICES ON ANNUAL PASSES
The price increase went into effect Tuesday on the official Disney World website. - Ashley Carter

"STAR WARS" STAGE SHOW ENDING AT DISNEY'S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away is coming to an end, Disney says. - Ashley Carter

BACKSTREET BOYS BRINGING DNA WORLD TOUR TO TAMPA
The Backstreet Boys have announced a second North American tour that kicks off July 10 in New York. - Spectrum News Staff

WHO ARE THE YOUNGEST OSCAR WINNERS OF ALL TIME?
Young Hollywood has certainly provided years of entertainment but how well have they been rewarded for it? - Rick Adams

BRAD PITT, LAURA DERN, 'PARASITE' WIN AT ACADEMY AWARDS
Brad Pitt has won his first acting Oscar at the 92nd Academy Awards. - Associated Press

SCI-FI, ANIME, COMIC BOOK FANS GATHER AT 6TH ANNUAL SPACE COAST COMIC CON
Last year's event was canceled due to Hurricane Dorian. - Greg Pallone

DISNEY SHOWS OFF MARQUEE FOR MICKEY & MINNIE'S RUNAWAY RAILWAY
The new attraction officially opens March 4. - Ashley Carter

SEAWORLD MAKING CHANGES TO DOLPHIN SHOWS
Trainers will no longer ride on the dolphins. - Ashley Carter

CITY WORKS EATERY OPENS AT DISNEY SPRINGS
The new restaurant is located next to the NBA Experience. - Ashley Carter

RESERVATIONS FOR DISNEY'S STAR WARS HOTEL TO OPEN LATER THIS YEAR
The multi-day vacation experience is set to debut in 2021. - Ashley Carter

DOCUMENTARY ON SPACE GHOST ACTOR ACCEPTED INTO 2 FILM FESTIVALS
A short documentary by a Florida Southern College professor about voice actor and artist George Lowe has been accepted into two film festivals. - Rick Elmhorst

DISNEY: FASTPASS+ RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE FOR MICKEY & MINNIE'S RUNAWAY RAILWAY
The new attraction opens March 4 at Disney's Hollywood Studios. - Ashley Carter

BUSCH GARDENS RELEASES LINEUP FOR FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
The festival also features 25 new food items. - Ashley Carter

SEAWORLD ADDS SEAN PAUL, VANILLA ICE TO SEVEN SEAS FESTIVAL LINEUP
The festival kicks off February 7. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY ANIMATRONIC LOSES HAND ON CAROUSEL OF PROGRESS
A picture posted to social media shows the animatronic without a hand. - Ashley Carter

KIRK DOUGLAS, INFLUENTIAL ACTOR AND MOVIE STAR, DIES AT 103
The iconic star was one of the last surviving members of Hollywood's Golden Age. - Associated Press

IT'S FAIR TIME! FLORIDA STATE FAIR RUNS UNTIL FEBRUARY 17
The 2020 Florida State Fair will take place at the Florida State Fairgrounds. - Spectrum News Staff

RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT DISPLAY SET FOR FLORIDA STATE FAIR
The exhibit will include shrunken heads and other odd items from Ripley's collection. - Ashley Carter

ESTEFAN KITCHEN NOW OPEN AT MARGARITAVILLE'S SUNSET WALK
The Cuban restaurant comes from Gloria and Emilio Estefan. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY'S DOMESTIC PARKS SEE RISE IN ATTENDANCE, REVENUE
The parks had a 2 percent attendance increase, executives said Tuesday. - Ashley Carter

"PARASITE" IS FIRST KOREAN FILM NOMINATED FOR BEST PICTURE OSCAR
A professor of Korean film says it's as if Korean won the World Series. - Jo Kwon

SEAWORLD ORLANDO OFFERING BOGO TICKET DEAL
Buy one SeaWorld ticket, get ticket to another park free. - Ashley Carter

WATCH: DISNEY HOSTS SUPER BOWL VICTORY PARADE AT MAGIC KINGDOM
Disney live-streamed the parade from the Magic Kingdom. - Ashley Carter

TAMPA BAY'S SUPER BOWL LV IS NOW ON THE CLOCK
Exactly one year from now, Raymond James Stadium will be packed — front and center on the world stage for Super Bowl LV. - Adria Iraheta

DISNEY DROPS NEW ACTION-PACKED "MULAN" TRAILER DURING SUPER BOWL
The movie arrives in theaters on March 27. - Ashley Carter

"BAD BOYS" TOPS BOX OFFICE FOR 3RD STRAIGHT WEEK
The film earned $17.6 million this weekend. - Associated Press

WATCH: THIS YEAR'S SUPER BOWL ADS CELEBRATE "BAHSTON," BEATS, BELOVED DOGS
Which brand did it best? Watch these Super Bowl ads and decide. - Audrea Huff

ON THE TOWN: 5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE "I AM" EXHIBIT IN ST. PETE
The “I Am” exhibit is currently on display at the Morean Arts Center in St. Petersburg - Kim Leoffler

BLAIR WITCH PROJECT CO-CREATOR FILMS NEW HORROR ANTHOLOGY IN BAY AREA
The Hollywood director with Orlando roots filming a new horror anthology called "Black Veil." - Josh Rojas

ON THE TOWN: HERE'S WHERE YOU CAN SEE BATMOBILE, HERBIE, ECTO-1 AND MORE
Dezerland is touted as Florida's largest indoor attraction at 1.2 million square feet. - Allison Walker Torres

DISNEY WELCOMES TWO NEW BABY ANIMALS TO ANIMAL KINGDOM
Look for them the next time you visit the park. - Ashley Carter

WILLIAM SHATNER, GEORGE TAKEI SET FOR MEGACON ORLANDO
The convention will take place at the Orange County Convention Center. - Ashley Carter

BUSCH GARDENS OFFERS PEEK AT IRON GWAZI COASTER
The new coaster is expected to open this spring. - Ashley Carter

NEW TAMPA BAY TIMES FOOD CRITIC SERVES UP LIST OF ICONIC TAMPA-AREA RESTAURANTS
Helen Freund, who compiled this list, moved from New Orleans the summer of 2019 to join the Times as its food critic. - Melissa Eichman

UNIVERSAL'S MARDI GRAS MIXES NEW FLOATS, FOOD AND MUSIC
The celebration runs February 1-April 2. - Ashley Carter

4 RIVERS SERVES UP 2 FOOD VENUES AT DISNEY'S ESPN SPORTS COMPLEX
The Grill, The COOP have arrived at the Arena. - Spectrum News Staff

CHEF'S KITCHEN: BRANZINO AND ESPRESSO PANNA COTTA BY HEMINGWAY'S
Check out these recipes inspired by Ernest Hemingway. - Allison Walker Torres

CAST OF "THE OFFICE" COMING TO MEGACON ORLANDO
The convention takes place April 16-19. - Ashley Carter

LEGOLAND FLORIDA CONTEST OFFERS TICKETS, HOTEL STAY
The contest ends February 2. - Ashley Carter

SMOTHERED AND COVERED: WAFFLE HOUSE BRINGS VALENTINE'S DINNER TO FLORIDA LOCATIONS
Does anything say Valentine's Day more than hashbrowns and eggs? - Spectrum News Staff

POLK COUNTY YOUTH FAIR HAPPENING ALL WEEK: HERE'S WHAT'S GOING ON
The Polk County Youth Fair is happening all week at the Stuart Center in Bartow, located at the intersection of E. Clower Street and US Highway 17. - Stephanie Claytor

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: 5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT PIONEER VILLAGE AT SHINGLE CREEK
Here are five things you should know. - Caitlin Wilson

AVAST YE! 5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT GASPARILLA 2020
The Gasparilla 2020 celebration has arrived. Thousands of revelers are expected to line Bayshore Boulevard Saturday for the invasion and parade. - Dalia Dangerfield

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: 5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT BILLIE SWAMP SAFARI
The park spans more than 2,200 acres of natural Florida. - Caitlin Wilson

ON THE TOWN: "SKELETON CREW" ON STAGE IN ST. PETERSBURG
“Skeleton Crew” is currently being performed by the American Stage Theater Company in St. Petersburg - Kim Leoffler

LEGOLAND FLORIDA OFFERS DEAL ON THEME PARK, WATER PARK ADMISSION
The deal is only available for a limited time. - Ashley Carter

HERE'S WHAT THE M&M'S STORE AT DISNEY SPRINGS WILL LOOK LIKE
The new store is expected to open this year. - Ashley Carter

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD SET FOR UNIVERSAL'S EPIC UNIVERSE
The new theme park is set to debut in 2023. - Ashley Carter

SMUGGLERS RUN AT DISNEY'S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS GETS FASTPASS OPTION
Visitors can make reservations for dates on and after February 19. - Ashley Carter

ALADDIN'S MENA MASSOUD SET FOR MEGACON ORLANDO
MegaCon Orlando will be held April 16-19. - Ashley Carter

SEAWORLD: SEVEN SEAS FESTIVAL CONCERT LINEUP REVEALED
Boyz II Men, Trace Adkins and more set to perform. - Ashley Carter

"NAUGHTY BOY:" MONTY PYTHON STAR TERRY JONES DIES AT 77
Terry Jones, a member of the Monty Python troupe that revolutionized British comedy, has died at 77 - Associated Press

BTS TO MAKE WORLD TOUR STOP AT ORLANDO’S CAMPING WORLD STADIUM
The popular K-Pop group will perform in Orlando on May 14. - Alicia Soller

BEHIND THE CONSTRUCTION WALLS OF SEAWORLD'S ICE BREAKER COASTER
The new multi-launch coaster is set to debut spring 2020. - Ashley Carter

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT SEAWORLD'S NEW ORCA ENCOUNTER SHOW
The new show dives deeper into the behaviors of whales. - Allison Walker Torres

COLD SNAP CLOSES ORLANDO WATER PARKS
Central Florida is dealing with another round of low temps. - Ashley Carter

'PARASITE' WINS AT SAG AWARDS, SO DO PITT AND ANISTON
“Parasite” has officially infected this year’s award season - Associated Press

DISNEY CEO BOB IGER'S PAY DROPS TO $47.5 MILLION
In the previous year, Iger made $65.6 million. - Ashley Carter

TV PILOT WRITTEN BY SPECTRUM NEWS PRODUCER TO DEBUT AT SUNSHINE CITY FILM FESTIVAL
Nathanael Paul says he hit a low point in 2017 and wrote the show in one night. - Angie Angers