Things to do in St. Petersburg Florida while on Vacation

BATTLE OF THE BANDS RETURNS TO THE FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
Battle of the Bands returns to the Florida Strawberry Festival. - Spectrum News Staff

'JOKER' TOPS BOX OFFICE AGAIN, BEATS 'ADDAMS FAMILY'
'Joker' tops the box office again, beating 'Addams Family' and 'Gemini Man' - Associated Press

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: GHOSTLY ENCOUNTER TOURS IN ST. AUGUSTINE
Here's how to have a "ghostly encounter" in the U.S.'s oldest city. - Caitlin Wilson

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: LILIAN PLACE HERITAGE CENTER AND MUSEUM
The century-old home has its very own ghost. - Caitlin Wilson

ON THE TOWN: 5 THINGS ABOUT "WOMEN ARE BEAUTIFUL" EXHIBIT
Garry Winogrand is considered a grandfather of the street photography genre. - Virginia Johnson

ON THE TOWN: 5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT FANTASM, HAUNT AND HORROR CONVENTION
The first ever Fantasm convention is making its way to Orlando this weekend. - Allison Walker Torres

DISNEY SPRINGS HOTELS EXTEND EXTRA MAGIC HOURS, FASTPASS+ PERKS
The perks are now offered through 2020. - Ashley Carter

ON THE TOWN: NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM
Night at the museum at the Tampa Bay History Center is a gumdrop dream. - Virginia Johnson

"WORLD'S LARGEST BOUNCE HOUSE" COMING TO ORLANDO AREA
This action packed event has both family sessions and adult only sessions. - Spectrum News Staff

EPCOT'S IMPRESSIONS DE FRANCE CLOSES TO ADD "BEAUTY AND THE BEAST"
The attraction will reopen with a few upgrades. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY SKYLINER REMAINS CLOSED AFTER SATURDAY MALFUNCTION
The system experienced "unexpected downtime" on Saturday. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY CEO DODGES QUESTION ABOUT REMOVING TRUMP FROM HALL OF PRESIDENTS
Bob Iger is pleading the Fifth. - Ashley Carter

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: CLUB LAKE PLANTATION FALL FESTIVAL IN APOPKA
Here are five things you should know about the festival. - Caitlin Wilson

“ONCE UPON AN ORCHESTRA” TELLS KIDS’ STORIES IN INTERACTIVE WAYS
The unique event mixes a string quartet with story time. - Krystel Knowles

BEEFED UP SECURITY, WARNING SIGNS POSTED FOR SOME SHOWINGS OF "THE JOKER"
It’s the opening weekend of the "The Joker" and it’s expected to draw large crowds despite the controversy surrounding it. - Matt Fernandez

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: ROBERT THE DOLL IN KEY WEST
Some folks won't even enter the old Key West fort thanks to one menacing exhibit. - Caitlin Wilson

ON THE TOWN: AMERICAN STAGE OPENS "AMERICAN DREAMSCAPE" SEASON WITH "VIETGONE"
The theater's 2019-2020 theme is "American Dreamscape," which they envision as a celebration of the American Dream. - Virginia Johnson

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO OFFERING SECOND DAY FREE DEAL TO FLORIDA RESIDENTS
Tickets must be purchased by December 19. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY PREVIEWS HOLIDAY DECOR PLANNED FOR ANIMAL KINGDOM
Decorations include glowing flowers, lanterns and puppets. - Ashley Carter

WALLENDAS COMPLETE HIGH-WIRE WALK ATOP SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL AND CASINO
Nick Wallenda and his mother, Delila, walked across a tight rope 150 feet in the air. - Angie Angers

SEAWORLD ORLANDO REVEALS PERFORMERS FOR PRAISE WAVE
The Christian music concert series kicks off November 2. - Ashley Carter

BEES FORCE CLOSURE OF UNIVERSAL ORLANDO'S HAGRID COASTER
It was the latest problem for Universal Orlando's newest coaster. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY BRINGS BACK EARLY MORNING MAGIC AT MAGIC KINGDOM
The event includes early access to select attractions. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY WORLD DEBUTS NEW "EPCOT EXPERIENCE" EXHIBIT
The exhibit highlights Epcot's upcoming attractions and experiences. - Ashley Carter

ON THE TOWN: TOMBSTONE TOURS AT MANATEE COUNTY BURIAL GROUND
One group of history lovers is capitalizing on the spirit of Halloween in Manatee County. - Virginia Johnson

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WALT DISNEY WORLD!
Disney World opened to the public in October 1, 1971. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY REVEALS MORE ABOUT STAR WARS: RISE OF THE RESISTANCE
Excitement doesn't seem to be waning on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, the second attraction set to open at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. - Ashley Carter

"CLUELESS" ACTRESS ARRESTED IN FLORIDA
Actress and former Fox News contributor Stacey Dash was arrested on Sunday in Pasco County and charged with domestic battery. - Spectrum News Staff

BRICK OR TREAT RETURNS TO LEGOLAND FLORIDA IN OCTOBER
The event includes characters, fireworks and trick-or-treating. - Ashley Carter

CONSTRUCTION SET TO BEGIN ON FLORIDA AQUARIUM EXPANSION IN APOLLO BEACH
The Florida Aquarium's Center for Conservation fill feature new greenhouses, a new lab and a new visitor center. - Jorja Roman

VIDEO: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DISNEY SKYLINER
Disney’s Skyliner is the newest mode of transportation at Disney World. - Ashley Carter

BUSCH GARDENS ANNOUNCES RETURN OF SESAME STREET "SAFARI OF FUN" WEEKENDS
The Halloween event runs every weekend in October. - Ashley Carter

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: FLORIDA ORANGE GROVES WINERY
Instead of using grapes, the winery uses all different types of fruits to handcraft their wine. - Caitlin Wilson

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO TO INCREASE STARTING PAY FOR MANY JOBS NEXT YEAR
Universal to raise wages for many jobs to $13 an hour. - Ashley Carter

SEAWORLD ORLANDO SETS DATE FOR INAUGURAL "RESCUE RUN"
The new race will take place January 25. - Ashley Carter

UNIVERSAL REVEALS ROCK THE UNIVERSE CONCERT LINEUP
The Christian music festival returns January 24-25. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY SHARES NEW LOOK AT STAR WARS: RISE OF THE RESISTANCE
The new attraction is set to open in December at Galaxy's Edge. - Ashley Carter

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: PEACE RIVER WILDLIFE CENTER IN PUNTA GORDA
Here are five things you should know about the sanctuary. - Caitlin Wilson

CHEF'S KITCHEN: LAMB KEFTA KEBABS FROM THE WINE ROOM
Here's the recipe for a dish at The Wine Room. - Allison Walker Torres

DISNEY: MICKEY SHORTS THEATER SET FOR HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
The new attraction is set to open spring 2020. - Ashley Carter

DISNEYLAND PRESIDENT TAPPED TO LEAD WALT DISNEY WORLD
Josh D'Amaro will take over for George A. Kalogridis. - Ashley Carter

VIRGIN ATLANTIC ADDS MILLENNIUM FALCON DECAL TO 747
The airplane will make trips from London to Orlando. - Ashley Carter

GRATEFUL DEAD'S ROBERT HUNTER DEAD AT 78
The family did not release a cause of death. - Associated Press

ON THE TOWN: TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART SPOTLIGHTS ASSEMBLAGE IN NEW EXHIBIT
"Ordinary Extraordinary: Assemblage in Three Acts" will be on display through January 26. - Virginia Johnson

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ‘80S POP ICON TIFFANY’S NEW MUSIC
We caught the pop star at Epcot's "Eat to the Beat." - Allison Walker Torres

MADAME TUSSAUDS ORLANDO TO UNVEIL JAMES BOND WAX FIGURES
All six versions of 007 are coming to Orlando in October. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY WORLD TO ADD MORE PLANT-BASED DISHES AT RESTAURANTS
The new dishes will arrive in October. - Ashley Carter

KENNY CHESNEY CHILLAXIFICATION TOUR 2020 COMING TO TAMPA
The Chillaxification tour will bring a diverse lineup including Florida Georgia Line, Old Dominion and Michael Franti & Spearhead. - Spectrum News Staff

DISNEY TO RELEASE "RISE OF THE RESISTANCE" SNEAK PEEK THURSDAY
The highly-anticipated ride is set to open December 5 at Disney's Hollywood Studios. - Ashley Carter

SEAWORLD OFFERS FREE TICKETS TO STRANDED THOMAS COOK TRAVELERS
The offer comes after the UK travel company abruptly shut down. - Ashley Carter

FOOD GUIDE: DISNEY SPRINGS ADDS FALL DISHES TO THE MENU
The seasonal dishes will be available for a limited time. - Ashley Carter

HOLY BIRTHDAYS! BATMAN TURNS 80
"Batman Day" was celebrated across the globe September 21. - Spectrum News Staff

DISNEY ADDS ISABELLA ROSSELLINI, MARLEE MATLIN TO EPCOT CANDLELIGHT PROCESSIONAL
More names have been added to the list of celebrity narrators. - Ashley Carter

ON THE TOWN: BUSCH GARDENS' HOWL-O-SCREAM
In a whirlwind backstage tour, we met some of the people who joyfully put the creep in creepy. - Virginia Johnson

SEAWORLD'S HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR KICKS OFF THIS WEEKEND
The event runs every weekend September 21-October 27. - Ashley Carter

RUNDISNEY MAKES CHANGES TO 2020 WALT DISNEY WORLD MARATHON WEEKEND
The event takes place January 8-12. - Ashley Carter

LEGOLAND FLORIDA SETS OPENING DATE FOR PIRATE HOTEL
The theme park also released new photos from inside the hotel. - Ashley Carter

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: 5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT LINGER LODGE
This eccentric mom-and-pop in Bradenton is a true gem. - Caitlin Wilson

CLOCK WINDING DOWN FOR EPCOT'S ILLUMINATIONS FIREWORKS SHOW
The long-running nighttime show will end September 30. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY SHOWS GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY COASTER VEHICLES IN ACTION
The vehicles will rotate 360 degrees as they move along the track. - Ashley Carter

ON THE TOWN: ISLAND PLAYERS OF ANNA MARIA BRING "STEEL MAGNOLIAS" TO LIFE ON STAGE
Steel Magnolias opens the 71st season at the Island Players. - Virginia Johnson

ON THE TOWN: 5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE HYPERDECK VR EXPERIENCE
A new kind of virtual reality is now in Central Florida. - Allison Walker Torres

FELONY CHARGES FILED AGAINST EX-DISNEY WORKER ACCUSED OF STEALING COSTUMES
Authorities say one of the two men facing charges is linked to a case involving the Buzzy animatronic from Epcot. - Ashley Carter

BUSCH GARDENS' OLDEST MALE GORILLA "SIM SIM" DIES
Sim Sim had lived at the park since 1992. - Ashley Carter

PIER 60 SUGAR SAND FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2020 THEME
Lions, Tigers, and Sand Sculptures, Oh My! The Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival has announced their theme for 2020 — "SANDimals, An Animal Adventure." - Spectrum News Staff

"MALEFICENT 2" SNEAK PEEK COMING TO DISNEY'S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil hits theaters October 18. - Ashley Carter

UNIVERSAL ADDS ANOTHER DATE TO HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS
The event runs select nights through November 2. - Ashley Carter

JIMMY BUFFETT'S 2019 TOUR MAKING DECEMBER TAMPA, ORLANDO STOPS
Jimmy Buffett and his Coral Reefer Band are playing Tampa and Orlando in December. - Spectrum News Staff

WATCH: DISNEY SHARES VIEWS FROM DISNEY SKYLINER GONDOLAS
The new transportation system debuts September 29. - Ashley Carter

DARK FORCES TAKE OVER HOGWARTS IN NEW HARRY POTTER SHOW
The darker side of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is now brought to life with an all-new projection show at Universal's Islands of Adventure. - Allison Walker Torres

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: 5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT BOGGY CREEK AIRBOAT ADVENTURES
It's a unique experience in the heart of Kissimmee. - Caitlin Wilson

EXPLORE WHAT IT MEANS TO BE HISPANIC AT USF ART EXHIBIT
Hispanic artists at the University of South Florida invite you to come to the Carolyn M. Wilson Gallery and become part of their family. - Virginia Johnson

UNIVERSAL SETS DATE FOR "DARK ARTS AT HOGWARTS" PROJECTION SHOW
The new show will debut September 14. - Ashley Carter

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: DRIP! ART LOUNGE IN WINTER PARK
Here are five things to know about DRIP! Art Lounge in Winter Park. - Caitlin Wilson

EDDIE MONEY'S FORMER BAND MEMBER RECALLS SINGER'S TALENT
One of his former band members, who last played on stage with the rocker in May, lives in Wesley Chapel. - Cait McVey

LEGOLAND FLORIDA RAISES OVER $126K FOR HURRICANE DORIAN RELIEF
The money will help hurricane victims in the Bahamas. - Ashley Carter

"STAR WARS SHOW" SHARES RISE OF THE RESISTANCE SNEAK PEEK
The attraction is set to open on December 5. - Ashley Carter

BABY ELAND BORN AT DISNEY'S ANIMAL KINGDOM
The calf arrived the morning of Sept. 4. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY TO ADD NEW MESSAGE SIGN AT MAGIC KINGDOM TOLL PLAZA, PERMIT REVEALS
Permit indicates Disney plans to install a variable message sign. - Ashley Carter

SEAWORLD, BUSCH GARDENS REVEAL DETAILS ABOUT 2020 COASTERS
The new attractions are set to debut spring 2020. - Ashley Carter

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO TO HOST ITS FIRST RUNNING WEEKEND
Universal's Epic Character Race will take place Feb. 1-2, 2020. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY REVEALS NAME OF GRAND FLORIDIAN'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST LOUNGE
The new lounge is set to open this fall. - Ashley Carter

THEMED SPORKS NO LONGER AVAILABLE AT STAR WARS: GALAXY'S EDGE
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo now distributing regular forks. - Ashley Carter

CLUB COOL CLOSES AS DISNEY MAKES BIG CHANGES TO EPCOT
Disney says Club Cool will "reopen in a new capacity." - Ashley Carter

CHEF’S KITCHEN: FRENCH TOAST FROM SWEET MAMA'S RESTAURANT
It's Coconut Bananas Foster and Captain Crunch. - Allison Walker Torres

ON THE TOWN: NEW "DAY TO NIGHT" EXHIBIT COMES TO FLORIDA MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS
"Day to Night" features the work of photographer Stephen Wilkes, who digitally combines images taken over an entire day into night. - Virginia Johnson

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT GERARD BUTLER’S NEW MOVIE “ANGEL HAS FALLEN”
This sequel is steeped in today’s headlines. - Allison Walker Torres

HASBRO'S NEW MS. MONOPOLY GAME PAYS WOMEN MORE THAN MEN
New game gives women an advantage over men. - Ashley Carter

HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS: RANKING UNIVERSAL'S 10 HAUNTED HOUSES
Halloween Horror Nights runs select nights through November 2. - Ashley Carter

UNIVERSAL DEBUTS NEW LAGOON SHOW AT HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS
The new show is a tribute to horror — old and new. - Ashley Carter

FIRST RESPONDERS GET FREE ADMISSION TO SEAWORLD ORLANDO THIS MONTH
The deal is available to Florida first responders through September 30. - Ashley Carter

FANTASIA PERFORMING AT TAMPA'S YUENGLING CENTER IN NOVEMBER
Singer-songwriter Fantasia is stopping in Tampa Bay this year on her 29-city, North American Tour. - Spectrum News Staff

NEW POLK MUSEUM OF ART EXHIBIT EXPLORES FRENCH, AMERICAN IMPRESSIONISM
All events are free to attend. - Stephanie Claytor

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: WAGON WHEEL FLEA MARKET IN PINELLAS PARK
Here are five things you should know about this one-of-a-kind market. - Caitlin Wilson

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: MEET BIRDS OF PREY AT FALCONRY ADVENTURES OF ORLANDO
Here’s what you need to know before you learn the art of falconry. - Caitlin Wilson

SEAWORLD ORLANDO BRINGS BACK FUN CARD FOR 2020
For a limited time, SeaWorld is offering the Fun Card for the price of a single-day ticket. - Ashley Carter

LEGOLAND FLORIDA OFFERING $25 TICKETS THIS WEEKEND
A portion of ticket sales will go toward hurricane relief efforts. - Ashley Carter

MADAME TUSSAUDS, SEA LIFE AQUARIUM OFFERING DISCOUNT ADMISSION FOR HURRICANE DONATIONS
The attraction will be collecting supplies this weekend. - Ashley Carter

TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA BRINGING BACK WINTER TOUR TO TAMPA BAY
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra rock group is bringing its Winter Tour 2019 back to Tampa's AMALIE Arena in December. - Spectrum News Staff

UNIVERSAL: FIRST LOOK AT HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS HOUSES
Halloween Horror Nights runs select nights Sept. 6-Nov. 2. - Ashley Carter