Things to do in St. Petersburg Florida while on Vacation

DISNEY WORLD TO ADJUST EPCOT AFTER 4 PASSES DUE TO REDUCED PARK HOURS
Epcot will be closing earlier next month. - Ashley Carter

5 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BINGE THIS YEAR’S SHARK WEEK
Shark Week is touted as TV’s longest-running week of programming. - Allison Walker Torres

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SHERIFF LAUNCHES COLD CASE PODCAST
It’s called “Unfinished Business.” - Dale Greenstein

DISNEY WORLD TO REDUCE THEME PARK HOURS NEXT MONTH
The reduced operating hours will start September 8. - Ashley Carter

LIFE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS: RECREATING THE FAIR EXPERIENCE
The Fairgrounds is playing host to a newly imagined event - the “Fair Food Frenzy,” a pop-up, fair-food drive-through. It's got all your favorites! - Virginia Johnson

FEAST ON THIS - FOOD HALL TO OPEN AT ST. PETERSBURG'S HISTORIC MANHATTAN CASINO
With many chefs out of work, the new venue could give them a fresh start. - Trevor Pettiford

WALMART DRIVE-IN MOVIE SERIES COMING TO PARKING LOTS NATIONWIDE
Walmart has partnered with the Tribeca Film Festival for a nationwide series of drive-in movies. - Scott Harrell

DISNEY WORLD TO MAIL TINKER BELL MAGNET TO PASSHOLDERS
The exclusive magnet will be mailed out this month. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY TO RELEASE "MULAN" ON DISNEY PLUS IN SEPTEMBER
The live-action film will be available at an additional cost. - Ashley Carter

BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA ADDS MORE DATES TO SUMMER NIGHTS
Adventure Island also adds another operating day to its calendar. - Ashley Carter

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO REVEALS PERKS FOR PASSHOLDER APPRECIATION DAYS
Passholder Appreciation Days run August 10-September 30. - Spectrum News Staff

SEAWORLD ORLANDO EXPANDS OPERATING SCHEDULE THROUGH LABOR DAY
The park will now also be open on Thursdays for a limited time. - Ashley Carter

SPLASH MOUNTAIN RIDE VEHICLE TAKES ON WATER WITH RIDERS ON BOARD
Video shared on Twitter shows the ride vehicle underwater. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY WORLD DEBUTS NEW SHOW AMID ACTORS' UNION DISPUTE
Some live shows at the resort remain closed. - Ashley Carter

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO ROLLS OUT NEW FLORIDA RESIDENT TICKET DEAL
The deal is only available for a limited time. - Ashley Carter

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE SEVERAL ATTRACTIONS
The closures will take effect in August. - Ashley Carter

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: DRIVE ALONG NATURE AT LAKE APOPKA WILDLIFE DRIVE
Here's what you should know before you visit. - Caitlin Wilson

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: SEE HOW MOONSHINE IS CRAFTED AT SUGAR SAND DISTILLERY
Here are five things you should know about the one-of-a-kind distillery. - Caitlin Wilson

LEGO ASTRONAUT MODEL ARRIVES AT LEGOLAND FLORIDA
The model is made out of 66,000 Lego bricks. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY WORLD, ACTORS' UNION RIFT KEEPS SHOWS IN THE DARK
Members of the union have released competing videos depicting their feelings on the stalemate. - Ashley Carter

BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY CELEBRATES ARRIVAL OF RARE BABY ECHIDNA
The baby echidna, also known as a puggle, can been seen at the park's Animal Connections. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY’S MAGIC KINGDOM DETHRONES UNIVERSAL’S ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE IN TRIPADVISOR RANKINGS
Universal's Islands of Adventure held the spot for the last five years. - Ashley Carter

YBOR CITY CLUB OWNER FRUSTRATED WITH CLOSURE AS RESTAURANTS REMAIN OPEN
Tom DeGeorge of Ybor City's Crowbar is frustrated with what he sees as a double standard between bars and restaurants - Scott Harrell

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO REDUCES THEME PARK OPERATING HOURS
The parks will be closing an hour earlier or opening an hour later next month. - Ashley Carter

CHEF'S KITCHEN: SUNSET GRILL'S PEACH BERRY PIE
Owner of Sunset Grill in Clearwater, Chef Zukie Tzekas, bakes up a peach berry pie. - Melissa Eichman

SEAWORLD ORLANDO SETS MOVIES FOR NEXT FLICKS AND FIREWORKS EVENT
The event includes fireworks and food trucks. - Ashley Carter

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO REMAINS MUM AS IT WORKS ON NOT-SO-SECRET RIDE
Based on what’s been completed so far, the coaster looks like it’s going to be an intense thrill ride. - Ashley Carter

WHAT IT'S LIKE INSIDE THE NBA "BUBBLE" AT DISNEY WORLD
Almost two dozen teams, plus media members, are in quarantine during play at ESPN Wide World of Sports. We talked with one of them. - Allison Walker Torres

DISNEY WORLD BANS FACE MASKS WITH VALVES OR HOLES
Disney World has updated its face mask policy again. - Ashley Carter

OLIVIA DE HAVILLAND, THE LAST LIVING "GONE WITH THE WIND" STAR, DIES AT 104
Oscar winner Olivia de Havilland, best known as the kindly Melanie in “Gone With the Wind,” has died - Associated Press

REGIS PHILBIN, LEGENDARY TELEVISION PERSONALITY AND HOST, DIES AT 88
Legendary television personality Regis Philbin has died at 88 - Associated Press and Spectrum News Staff

FLEETWOOD MAC CO-FOUNDER PETER GREEN DIES AT 73
Lawyers representing the family of Peter Green, the co-founder of Fleetwood Mac, say he has died. - Associated Press

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: UP CLOSE WITH TAMPA'S MARINE LIFE AT ST. PETE PIER
The St Pete Pier officially reopened to the public earlier in July, and it has new activities for visitors to take on. - Caitlin Wilson

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO SAYS NO HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS IN 2020
"We know this decision will disappoint our fans and guests. We are disappointed, too," Universal said. - Ashley Carter

NEW DISNEY+ ANIMAL SHOW TAKES VIEWERS INSIDE DISNEY'S ANIMAL KINGDOM
The new show will debut this fall on the streaming service. - Ashley Carter

AMC THEATRES, REGAL AND CINEMARK DELAY REOPENING PLANS
The decision comes amid shifting movie release dates. - Ashley Carter

JUSTIN BIEBER'S INTENTIONS TO GO ALL AROUND THE WORLD ARE NOW REALITY: 2021 TOUR DATES RELEASED
He'll be heading to Summerfest in 2021. - Aly Prouty

DISNEY WORLD TO MODIFY RISE OF THE RESISTANCE VIRTUAL QUEUE AGAIN
Distribution times for the virtual queue are changing. - Ashley Carter

MEGACON ORLANDO CANCELS “LIMITED EDITION” FALL EVENT
The decision comes amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. - Ashley Carter

SEAWORLD, BUSCH GARDENS OFFERING FREE ADMISSION TO VETERANS
The deal is good through November 11. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY WORLD'S WINE AND DINE HALF MARATHON WEEKEND TO BECOME VIRTUAL RACE
The change was made due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY WORLD ROLLS OUT NEW TICKET OFFER FOR FLORIDA RESIDENTS
The Disney Magic Flex Ticket can be used on non-consecutive days. - Ashley Carter

CHEF’S KITCHEN: SMOKED CHEDDAR MAC ‘N CHEESE AT CITY WORKS DISNEY SPRINGS
"It's cheddar cheese, it's bacon, it's chicken, it's pasta, cream. You can't go wrong," said Chef Cory Hoekstra. - Allison Walker Torres

SEAWORLD ORLANDO SETS DATES FOR MODIFIED ELECTRIC OCEAN EVENT
The event will include a new fireworks show and live entertainment. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY WORLD ADJUSTS FACE MASK POLICY FOR EATING AND DRINKING
The update says visitors should remain stationary when eating and drinking while masks are off. - Ashley Carter

LIFE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS: RUNNING ART MUSEUM DURING PANDEMIC
With more cancellations than events this year, these are difficult times for arts organizations. But one is Bradenton is moving forward. - Virginia Johnson

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: SCALLOPING IN THE GULF
Scalloping season began July 1, and runs through September 30. - Caitlin Wilson

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO HOLDING AUDITIONS FOR HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS
The event is set to run select nights Sept. 10-Nov. 1. - Ashley Carter

SEAWORLD ORLANDO OFFERING MODIFIED VERSION OF SEVEN SEAS FOOD FESTIVAL
The park reopened to the public last month. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY WORLD PUTS MARY POPPINS, SPACESHIP EARTH PROJECTS ON HOLD
Disney said it's currently evaluating the projects. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY WORLD PERMANENTLY CLOSES PRIMEVAL WHIRL, RIVERS OF LIGHT
With Disney World reopening its theme parks after a months-long closure, two attractions and one nighttime spectacular will not be returning. - Ashley Carter

'MAGIC SCHOOL BUS' AUTHOR JOANNA COLE DIES AT AGE 75
Author Joanna Cole, whose “Magic School Bus” books transported millions of young people on extraordinary and educational adventures, has died at age 75 - Associated Press

DISNEY WORLD REOPENS HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS, EPCOT
Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot reopened to the public Wednesday after being closed for four months because of the coronavirus pandemic. - Ashley Carter

LEGOLAND FLORIDA UPDATES FACE MASK POLICY AMID WINTER HAVEN ORDINANCE
Legoland Florida will now require visitors to wear face mask in certain areas of the resort. - Ashley Carter

BUSCH GARDENS ANNOUNCES RETURN OF SUMMER NIGHTS
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is bringing back its Summer Nights event, the theme park announced Tuesday. - Ashley Carter

"GLEE" STAR NAYA RIVERA FOUND DEAD AT CALIFORNIA LAKE
Ventura County Sheriff's officials identified the body of the missing actress after a week-long search. - Associated Press

KELLY PRESTON, ACTOR AND WIFE OF JOHN TRAVOLTA, DIES AT 57
Kelly Preston died Sunday, husband John Travolta said. She was 57. - Associated Press

ZOOTAMPA ANIMALS, STAFF TO BE FEATURED ON NAT GEO WILD SERIES
"Secrets of the Zoo: Tampa" will shine a spotlight on the animals and the staff working tirelessly to keep them safe. - Adria Iraheta

LIFE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS: CONNECTING BODY AND MIND
We asked one bay area yoga instructor how she is facing the multiple calamities in our world. - Virginia Johnson

5 THINGS TO KNOW: TEMPERATURE CHECK KIOSKS COULD BE COMING TO THE PARKS
As Disney World and other theme parks reopen, new kinds of safety procedures are popping up everywhere. - Allison Walker Torres

LEGOLAND FLORIDA FLASH SALE INCLUDES ANNUAL PASS DEAL
The flash sale runs now through July 12. - Ashley Carter

AFTER MONTHS OF STREAMING, BURLESQUE RETURNS TO THE TAMPA BAY STAGE
After months of streaming shows online, Tampa Bay burlesque artists are returning to the stage. - Scott Harrell

DISNEY WORLD UPDATES MASK POLICY, NECK GAITERS NOT ALLOWED
Visitors will be required to wear a face mask at the parks. - Ashley Carter

PASSHOLDERS REACT TO FIRST DAY BACK AT DISNEY WORLD
Passholders were invited to preview the parks ahead of their reopening. - Justin Soto

MEDIEVAL TIMES REOPENS GATES TO ROYAL GUESTS
Medieval Times is lowering the drawbridge and reopening the gates to royal guests this Sunday, July 5. - Spectrum News Staff

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: 5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT LEU GARDENS
Originally an estate, it was donated to the city back in 1961 by a wealthy resident, Harry P. Leu. - Caitlin Wilson

SEAWORLD ORLANDO TO HOLD DRIVE-IN MOVIE, FIREWORKS EVENT
SeaWorld Orlando is transforming its large parking lot into a drive-in movie experience complete with food trucks and fireworks. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY PASSHOLDERS HAVE MIXED REACTIONS ABOUT RETURNING TO PARKS AMID CORONAVIRUS SURGE
This week Disney is holding cast member, passholder previews ahead of reopening. - Justin Soto

CHARLIE DANIELS' LEGACY OF GENEROSITY LIVES ON IN PASCO NONPROFIT
To The Angelus, a group home for the disabled in Pasco County, Monday's news of Daniels' death was especially devastating. - Adria Iraheta

GOV. DESANTIS SAYS DISNEY WORLD IS SAFE TO REOPEN, PRAISES UNIVERSAL
Disney World will begin reopening its theme parks on July 11. - Ashley Carter

SPLITSVILLE AT DISNEY SPRINGS SHARES SAFETY MEASURES AHEAD OF REOPENING
The bowling alley and restaurant will reopen July 10. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY WORLD TO BEGIN REOPENING ITS THEME PARKS THIS WEEK
Here's what you need to know. - Ashley Carter

SEAWORLD'S DISCOVERY COVE OFFERING FLORIDA RESIDENT DEAL
For a limited time, visitors can save 20 percent on reservations. - Ashley Carter

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: EXPLORE THE WORLD OF MAGIC
Get to know what the world of magic. - Caitlin Wilson

LEGOLAND FLORIDA TO HOLD ANNUAL JULY 4 FIREWORKS SHOW
The park will have special socially-distanced viewing areas. - Ashley Carter

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: 5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT PT AIRBOAT ADVENTURES
See exotic fish and wildlife with PT Airboat Adventures. - Caitlin Wilson

DISNEY WORLD PASSHOLDERS CHARGED MULTIPLE MONTHLY PAYMENTS ALL AT ONCE
Passholders were charged for the months the parks have been closed. - Ashley Carter

SPLITSVILLE TO REOPEN AT DISNEY SPRINGS ON JULY 10
The bowling alley will have new health and safety measures in place. - Ashley Carter

BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA REOPENS SAFARI TOUR
The tour will be limited to two groups at a time. - Ashley Carter

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL "DRAWN TO LIFE" TICKETS GO ON SALE
The new show was originally set to debut at Disney Springs in April. - Ashley Carter

CHEF'S KITCHEN: AVOCADO TOAST WITH A KICK AT THE BLIND TIGER CAFE
Chef Fredrick Martinez at the Blind Tiger Cafe in Tampa is giving avocado toast a kick in the latest Chef's Kitchen segment. - Melissa Eichman

NEW JASON BOURNE STUNT SHOW DEBUTS AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
The new show features action-packed stunts and special effects. - Ashley Carter

SEAWORLD ORLANDO TO HOST FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS SHOW
The theme park will host three nights of fireworks for the holiday weekend. - Ashley Carter

NEW T-SHIRTS CELEBRATE HISTORY OF BAY AREA'S GAY NIGHTLIFE SCENE
“When this bar opened as El Goya, it put Tampa on the map of being accepting of gays as well,” said Art Smith. - Ashley Paul

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY PROTECTION
The entertainment company had been about to debut a new show at Disney World in April before suspending production due to the pandemic. - Spectrum News Staff

AMC THEATRES PUSHES BACK REOPENING DATE TO LATE JULY
The company says it incurred a $2.2 billion loss in the first quarter. - Ashley Carter

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO SETS OPENING DATE FOR BOURNE STUNT SHOW
The new stunt show will debut on June 30. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY WORLD PASSHOLDERS SCOOP UP PASSES FOR PARK REOPENING
Disney World will be limiting capacity at its parks - Ashley Carter

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: BECOME A STEWARD OF THE SEA AT MOTE MARINE LAB
Here's what you should know about the Sarasota attraction. - Caitlin Wilson

STUDIO MOVIE GRILL TO REOPEN ITS FLORIDA THEATERS ON FRIDAY
The theaters will offer discount ticket prices for the reopening. - Ashley Carter

5 THINGS TO KNOW: BLAKE SHELTON'S OLE RED ORLANDO
The restaurant is now open at Icon Park in Orlando. - Allison Walker Torres

ORGANIZERS CANCEL 2020 TAMPA BAY COMIC-CON, CITING RISE IN COVID-19 CASES
Organizers said the City of Tampa was uncomfortable with the convention going forward, given the recent rise in positive Covid cases. - Spectrum News Staff

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO ADDS PASSHOLDER DISCOUNTS TO MOBILE ORDERING
Passholders can now apply their discounts in the app. - Ashley Carter

NEW EATERY "COMING SOON" TO DISNEY SPRINGS
The new business joins a growing list of upcoming options. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY WORLD RELEASES LIST OF ATTRACTIONS REOPENING WITH ITS PARKS
The theme parks are set to reopen in July. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY WORLD PARK RESERVATION SYSTEM LAUNCHES WITH GLITCHES
Many users reported issues while trying to make park reservations. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY WORLD REOPENS SOME OF ITS HOTELS AFTER CORONAVIRUS CLOSURE
The hotels have been closed since mid-March due to the pandemic. - Ashley Carter

LIFE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS: TATTOO ARTIST OFFERS TO COVER UP ANY HATE TATTOO FOR FREE
Fredo Ink and Company posted on social media an offer to cover up any tattoo with a message or symbol of hate for free. - Virginia Johnson

DISNEY WORLD TO HOLD PASSHOLDER PREVIEWS NEXT MONTH
The passholder previews will take place July 9 and 10. - Ashley Carter

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DISNEY WORLD’S NEW PARK RESERVATION SYSTEM
Disney World is set to reopen its theme parks in July. - Ashley Carter