Things to do in St. Petersburg Florida while on Vacation

GETMYBOAT OFFERS "SAILGATING" FOR SUPER BOWL LV IN TAMPA BAY
GetMyBoat says "sailgating" is an option to celebrate Super Bowl socially distanced. - Jorja Roman

DISNEY'S JUNGLE CRUISE ATTRACTION IS GETTING AN UPDATE
The attraction's story will be changed to make it more inclusive. - Ashley Carter

“KEEP THE SOUND ALIVE:” REMEMBERING FLORIDA MUSICIAN TOMMY MARA
His children say his real hobby was his family. - Tim Wronka

DISNEY: “FESTIVAL OF THE LION KING” TO RETURN THIS SUMMER
A modified version of the show is on the way. - Ashley Carter

CHEF'S KITCHEN: MOTORWORKS MONSTER AND DEVILS ON HORSEBACK APPETIZER
Motorworks features comfort food, minus the fryer - Allison Walker Torres

LARRY KING’S SON TALKS PIZZA, COVID-19 AND HIS FAMOUS DAD
He and his father were set to launch a new business together last year. But then Larry Sr. tested positive for coronavirus. - Dave Jordan

PHIL SPECTOR, FAMED MUSIC PRODUCER AND MURDERER, DEAD AT 81
Spector was serving a prison sentence handed to him by a Los Angeles jury in 2019. - Yazmin Cruz

BETTY WHITE MARKS 99TH BIRTHDAY SUNDAY; UP LATE AS SHE WANTS
“Since I am turning 99, I can stay up as late as I want without asking permission!” she told The Associated Press in an email. - Associated Press

LIFE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS: VETERAN PIVOTS NEW BREWERY BUSINESS TO SUCCESS IN PANDEMIC
U.S. Marine Combat Veteran James Coleman owns Bayboro Brewery. - Virginia Johnson

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: SET THE SCENE FOR A UNIQUE PHOTO EXPERIENCE AT WALL CRAWL ORLANDO
Wall Crawl Orlando first opened in 2019 as a unique photography experience for a one of a kind photo shoot. - Caitlin Wilson

AMID PANDEMIC, MANATEE COUNTY FAIR GOES ON
The Manatee County Fair is the state’s first fair of 2021 which means amid the pandemic, all eyes will be on them as doors open Thursday. - Angie Angers

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: RELIVE YOUR ARCADE DAYS AT REPLAY MUSEUM
Video games have been around for decades, but with all the new technology and gaming consoles, we may have forgotten just how far they've come. - Caitlin Wilson

FIRST KEN JENNINGS-HOSTED "JEOPARDY!" EPISODE TO AIR MONDAY
Jennings will be the first of what the show described as "a series of interim guest hosts from within the 'Jeopardy!' family." - City News Service

LIFE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS: BROKEN PLATES HELP JUDGMENT DURING PANDEMIC
Susan Curry is a self-taught artist. - Virginia Johnson

FAMED CHEF WOLFGANG PUCK TALKS ADAPTING TO PANDEMIC, INDUSTRY'S FUTURE
The celebrated restaurateur remains optimistic despite challenges brought on by COVID-19. - Will Sayre

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: GO WILD AT SANDLOT OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE PARK
The park is located in Punta Gorda, Florida. - Caitlin Wilson

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: ESCAPE TO THE BUREAU'S ROOMS OF ADVENTURES
The venue features three very different challenges to conquer - Caitlin Wilson

DR. DRE'S BRENTWOOD HOME REPORTEDLY TARGETED WHILE HE'S IN HOSPITAL
Suspects have reportedly been taken into custody. - City News Service

MEGACON ORLANDO 2021 GETS PUSHED TO AUGUST
The convention was initially scheduled for March. - Ashley Carter

CHEF’S KITCHEN: SORT O' REUBEN AND BEACH HIPPIE BITES
Who doesn't like an open-face Ruben sandwich? - Allison Walker Torres

GRAMMY AWARDS SHIFT TO MARCH DUE TO PANDEMIC CONDITIONS
The annual show would shift from its original Jan. 31 broadcast to March 14. - Associated Press

"PROP BETTING" ON THE SUPER BOWL, AND WHY MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T
You can make some weird and wild bets on things happening during the Super Bowl, just probably not in Florida. - Scott Harrell

TANYA ROBERTS DEAD AT 65 OF COMPLICATIONS FROM URINARY TRACT INFECTION
Roberts, who was 65, was taken to the hospital after collapsing on Christmas Eve. - City News Service

LIFE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS: ZOOM, CHEESE AND FOOD BLOGGING
A Tampa Bay area food blogger is the new face of Cheeselandia—a group promoting Wisconsin cheese. It started with a Zoom call. - Virginia Johnson

DISNEY TO OFFER PRE-RECORDED “FANTASY IN THE SKY” FIREWORKS FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE
You can watch Disney World fireworks from home. - Ashley Carter

HERE'S HOW AREA ATTRACTIONS ARE CELEBRATING NEW YEAR'S EVE
Some area attractions are offering modified celebrations for New Year's Eve. - Ashley Carter

FROM HOPPIN' JOHN TO CHAMPAGNE: 9 NEW YEAR'S EVE FOOD SUPERSTITIONS
With a new year comes new resolutions -- health-related ones, often. But first, one more day or two of eating. - Christie Zizo

BAY AREA ENTERTAINMENT VENUES HOPE COVID RELIEF BILL SERVES AS LIFELINE
The COVID-19 relief bill signed by the president on Sunday allocates $15 billion in grants to live entertainment venues. - Ashley Paul

"GILLIGAN'S ISLAND" ACTRESS DAWN WELLS DIES OF COVID-19
Wells, who portrayed farm girl, Mary Ann, was 82. - City News Service

HEALTH OFFICIALS URGE FILM CREWS TO CONSIDER PAUSING ACTIVITIES
Should the film industry be shut down during the COVID-19 surge? - City News Service

ZOOTAMPA ANIMALS OPEN CHRISTMAS PRESENTS OF THEIR OWN
Christmas gift giving also happens in the wild. - Niamh Larkin

KOBE, RBG, CHADWICK BOSEMAN, ALEX TREBEK: REMEMBERING THOSE WE LOST IN 2020
In a year defined by a devastating pandemic, the world lost icons who helped define their genres. - Associated Press and Spectrum News Staff

30 YEARS AFTER MOVIE'S DEBUT, "EDWARD SCISSORHANDS" HOME STILL CAPTIVATES
The Tampa Bay-area house used as the main filming location was recently bought by a couple with a special connection to the movie. - Sarah Blazonis

MICHAEL JACKSON'S NEVERLAND RANCH SOLD TO BILLIONAIRE
The asking price of the property was $100 million in 2016 then dropped to $67 million a year later. It was sold for $22 million. - Associated Press

'EDWARD SCISSORHANDS,' NOW 30, WAS FILMED AT THESE TAMPA BAY LOCATIONS
Perhaps the world's weirdest Christmas movie was shot in Lutz, Lakeland and beyond. - Scott Harrell

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: RUSTY ANCHOR'S TOURS GET FESTIVE
A trip around Lake Dora provides a unique view of holiday lights - Caitlin Wilson

JEREMY BULLOCH, BOBA FETT IN FIRST "STAR WARS" TRILOGY, DIES
Bulloch died at a London hospital from health complications after years of living with Parkinson’s disease. - Associated Press

GATORLAND HOSTING FIRST-EVER HOLIDAY HO HO HO-DOWN EVENT
The event takes place select dates this month. - Ashley Carter

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: TIME TO GO SNOW TUBING
You can now go snow tubing in Florida. - Caitlin Wilson

FLORIDA STATE FAIR MOVED TO APRIL BECAUSE OF PANDEMIC
The fair's Board of Directors has postponed the event until April. It was originally scheduled for February 11-22. - Spectrum News Staff

BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY TO OFFER MODIFIED NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION
Visitors can celebrate during the day or at night. - Ashley Carter

ON A MISSION: TOM CRUISE INSISTS ON SOCIAL DISTANCING ON SET
Cruise launched a rant at colleagues on the set of his latest movie after he reportedly spotted two workers failing to respect social distancing. - Associated Press

MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS ORLANDO SETS OPENING DATE
The new attraction is located at ICON Park. - Ashley Carter

TOM HANKS ON HIS COVID-19 DIAGNOSIS AND JOURNEY TO RECOVERY
Hanks was one of the first high-profile figures to be diagnosed with coronavirus. - Bianca Rae

ST. PETE'S CHRISTMAS HOUSE A LOCAL HOLIDAY TRADITION FOR 42 YEARS
Half a million lights and a staggering electric bill. - Scott Harrell

CHEF'S KITCHEN: CASA SANTO STEFANO'S SPAGHETTI AL NERO CON PULPO
This black-ink pasta recipe features octopus. - Virginia Johnson

DISNEY WORLD SETS REOPENING DATES FOR 3 RESORTS
Disney announced reopening dates for All-Star Movies Resort, Disney's Beach Club Resort, and Disney's Wilderness Lodge next year. - Spectrum News Staff

HIS BEST SHOT: WHIPPET NAMED BOURBON WINS TOP PRIZE AT AKC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Bourbon dethroned a Pekingese named Wasabi for coveted Best in Show honors and a $50,000 prize on Sunday in Orlando. - Pete Reinwald

CHARLEY PRIDE, COUNTRY'S FIRST BLACK SUPERSTAR, DIES AT 86
Pride released some 60 albums and sold more than 25 million records during a career that began in the mid-1960s. - Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS STAGE AND SCREEN ACTOR CAROL SUTTON DIES AT 76
Sutton died from complications from COVID-19. - Associated Press

FORMER DISNEY MUSICIANS FIND NEW HOLIDAY HOME AT JOLLY CREEK
The Jolly Creek Society Orchestra performs during the new holiday event. - Stephanie Bechara

TAMPA BAY'S INDEPENDENT MUSIC STORES CHANGE THEIR TUNE DURING COVID
Are you listening to music at home during COVID? Thank these local businesses. - Scott Harrell

DISNEY EXPANDS STREAMING SERVICES GLOBALLY, HIKES DISNEY+ PRICE
Seeking to reassure investors after an uncertain year, the Walt Disney Company touted upcoming projects across its entertainment properties Thursday. - Christie Zizo

TAYLOR SWIFT SURPRISES FANS WITH ANOTHER ALBUM DUE TONIGHT
“To put it plainly, we just couldn’t stop writing songs,” Swift wrote in social media posts Thursday morning. - Associated Press

WANT TO BUY A PLAYSTATION 5? GOOD LUCK WITH THAT
The season's must-have gaming console is extremely hard to find. - Scott Harrell

REMEMBERING BEATLES LEGEND JOHN LENNON 40 YEARS AFTER HIS PASSING
Typically, Beatles fans would gather today at Central Park’s Strawberry Fields in NYC near Lennon's apartment to pay tribute to Lennon's legacy. - Spectrum News Staff

ENTIRE BOB DYLAN CATALOG ACQUIRED BY UNIVERSAL MUSIC
Bob Dylan’s entire catalog of songs, which reaches back 60 years, is being acquired by Universal Music Publishing Group. - Associated Press and Spectrum News Staff

DAVID LANDER, "LAVERNE & SHIRLEY" ACTOR, DIES AT 73
Lander died Friday in Los Angeles, surrounded by his wife, daughter, and son-in-law. - Associated Press

HOW WILL FLORIDA THEATERS ADJUST TO WARNER BROS. STREAMING ANNOUNCEMENT?
Warner Bros. announcement about streaming movie premieres all next year comes as a major blow to theaters, especially those privately owned. - Krystel Knowles

LIFE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS: LUXURY BOAT BUILDER THRIVING DESPITE THE PANDEMIC
“I never wake up not wanting to go to work, I can tell you that.” - Virginia Johnson

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: SEE ST. AUGUSTINE'S HOLIDAY LIGHTS FROM SCHOONER FREEDOM
During this time of year, tours go out at sunset to experience St Augustine’s Night of Lights - Caitlin Wilson

WARNER BROS. WILL RELEASE 2021 FILMS SIMULTANEOUSLY IN THEATERS, ON HBO MAX
Warner Bros. will release 17 films in 2021, including "The Suicide Squad" and "The Matrix 4." - Susan Carpenter

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: DRIVE THROUGH LIGHTS ON JETER ROAD IN CELEBRATION
The neighborhood decorates 11 homes and adds a light show and Christmas soundtrack - Caitlin Wilson

LIFE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS: ART HELPING MAKE SENSE OF WORLD
"There are a lot of opportunities hidden under the rubble,” explained opera singer Eric Ferring. - Virginia Johnson

ELLIOT PAGE, STAR OF “JUNO,” “UMBRELLA ACADEMY,” COMES OUT AS TRANSGENDER
"I want to share with you that I am trans, my pronouns are he/they and my name is Elliot," Page wrote on social media. - Rachel Tillman

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN SETS OPENING DATE FOR SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
The new land will feature a Mario Kart attraction. - Ashley Carter

JOLLY CREEK HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OFFERS OUTDOOR HOLIDAY FUN
The event runs select nights through January 2. - Ashley Carter

BACK TO THE FUTURE: TAMPA BAY BUSINESS RECREATES CLASSIC TIME-TRAVELING DELOREAN
The project has been about a year in the making. - Trevor Pettiford

SANTA CLAUS GOES DIVING WITH THE FISH AND THE SHARKS AT THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM
Here are the dates and times you can visit the jolly old elf taking a dive with the fish, rays, and sharks at the Florida aquarium. - Spectrum News Staff

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: DRIVE THROUGH DAYTONA SPEEDWAY'S MAGIC OF LIGHTS
There are so many ways to get into the Christmas Spirit in Florida. One of the truly unique ways takes off at the Daytona International Speedway. - Caitlin Wilson

AMID CORONAVIRUS, HISTORIC GARDEN THEATRE REMAKES “MATILDA”
Child actors inspire Winter Garden venue to keep masks on performers, as well as patrons. - Pete Reinwald

SNOWCAT RIDGE, FLORIDA'S NEW SNOW PARK, ADDS MORE SNOW TO INDOOR PLAY AREA
The park has filled its Arctic Igloo with thousands of pounds of more snow. - Ashley Carter

LIFE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS: RESTAURANT OWNER AND DAUGHTER FIGHTING THROUGH PANDEMIC
Veronica Danko's work ethic is what she has to offer her daughter Ava Vellines as the high school senior prepares to leave for college. - Virginia Johnson

CHEF'S KITCHEN: ADRIANA’S CHICKEN EGGPLANT PARMIGIANA
This recipe is a favorite of Orlando chef Isabella Morgia di Vicari of The Meatball Stoppe. It was her Mamma's and can be served for Thanksgiving - Allison Walker Torres

A GRAMMYS SAVAGE: BEYONCÉ LEADS WITH 9 NOMINATIONS
The pop star’s anthem about Black pride scored multiple nominations Tuesday. - Associated Press

TREVOR NOAH OF "THE DAILY SHOW" TO HOST GRAMMYS ON JANUARY 31
The Recording Academy and CBS made the announcement on Tuesday. - City News Service

“JEOPARDY!” TO RESUME FILMING WITH KEN JENNINGS AS INTERIM GUEST HOST
Producers for the show said there is no long term replacement host "at this time." - Rachel Tillman

ST. PETERSBURG PIER NOMINATED AS TOP NATIONAL ATTRACTION IN USA TODAY POLL
You can vote for the St. Pete Pier in a 10Best Readers' Poll of top national destinations. - Scott Harrell

BRUCE, THE LAST "JAWS" SHARK, DOCKS AT THE ACADEMY MUSEUM
Bruce, the fiberglass shark made from the “Jaws” mold, is ready for his close-up. - Associated Press

SNOWCAT RIDGE, FLORIDA'S FIRST SNOW PARK, OPENS TO THE PUBLIC
Visitors can go tubing and play in the snow. - Ashley Carter

BLACK FRIDAY: ATTRACTIONS, THEME PARKS ROLL OUT DEALS
The deals include discounts on tickets and passes. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY WORLD, UNIVERSAL ORLANDO ATTRACTIONS WIN THEA AWARDS
The attractions are the latest recipients of the annual awards. - Ashley Carter

WWE'S "THUNDERDOME" SHOW MOVING TO TROPICANA FIELD IN ST. PETE
After spending the entire COVID-19 pandemic operating out of Orlando, WWE is making its way across I-4 to the Bay Area. - Jon Alba

"WONDER WOMAN 1984" COMING TO HBO MAX CHRISTMAS DAY
"Wonder Woman 1984" will be on HBO Max to stream on December 25. - Paco Ramos-Moreno

ST. PETERSBURG COMICS LOVER CREATES OWN BRAND, MAGAZINE
Once a medium associated exclusively with children, comics are now the foundation of a multibillion-dollar, multigenerational pop-culture industry. - Scott Harrell

CHEF'S KITCHEN: PARKSHORE GRILL'S BUTTERNUT SQUASH GUACAMOLE
Chef Tyson Grant puts a fall twist on guacamole - Virginia Johnson

LIFE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS: LEATHER STORE OWNER, MOTHER MAKES LIFE ADJUSTMENTS AMID PANDEMIC
Amber Roberts shares what life has been like during the pandemic. - Virginia Johnson

DISNEY WORLD TO BRING BACK SOME RECENTLY CUT ENTERTAINMENT, PARKS CHAIRMAN SAYS
About 700 union performers were let go amid massive layoffs at the company. Many shows remain closed at the theme parks. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY RELEASES TEST FOOTAGE OF NEW GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY COASTER
The footage shows “omnicoaster” vehicles in action, rotating as they make their way along a track. The coaster is under construction at Epcot. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY SHARES PEEK INSIDE STAR WARS: GALACTIC STARCRUISER HOTEL ROOM
New renderings presented by Disney Parks Chairman Josh D'Amaro show a queen-size bed and two bunks inside a "cabin" of the ship-themed hotel. - Ashley Carter

EPCOT’S RATATOUILLE RIDE ON TRACK TO OPEN IN 2021, DISNEY EXEC SAYS
Disney Parks chairman Josh D'Amaro shared the update Monday during an IAAPA Expo virtual conference. - Ashley Carter

CHRISTMAS TOWN RETURNS TO BUSCH GARDENS FOR SOCIALLY DISTANT HOLIDAY CHEER
The theme park will transform into the North Pole once again this year. - Ashley Paul

LIFE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS: FULL-TIME RV-ERS WORKING PANDEMIC-FRIENDLY JOBS AROUND THE COUNTRY
“The pandemic cut down on traffic, so there's no road noise.” - Virginia Johnson

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: FLORIDA TIKI TOURS
If you're looking for an interesting, fun way to get a tour of Madeira Beach, Florida Tiki Tours may be for you. - Caitlin Wilson

INSIDE GAYLORD PALMS’ I LOVE CHRISTMAS MOVIES EXHIBIT
The exhibit features scenes recreated from popular Christmas movies. - Ashley Carter

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: NEW SMYRNA BEACH'S SUGAR MILL RUINS
Florida has plenty of unique history around the state, especially surrounding the Sugar Mill Factory ruins you can still see today. - Caitlin Wilson

CHEF'S KITCHEN: TIMES SQUARE DINER'S PRIME RIB AND CRAB STUFFED LOBSTER TAIL
Times Square Diner's version of the menu favorite redefines the term "oversized" - Allison Walker Torres

FLORIDA CRACKER, WITH JJ GREY, PREPARES FOR FIRST CONCERT SINCE PANDEMIC STARTED
The Florida Cracker is arguably the place for the younger crowd in Hernando County when the sun goes down and the street lights come on. - Katya Guillaume

TAMPA FILMMAKER PENS LOVE LETTER TO LOCAL CRAFT BEER WITH NEW DOCUMENTARY
James Blankenship is in post-production on a documentary about the craft beer scene in Tampa Bay - Scott Harrell

ALEX TREBEK, BELOVED "JEOPARDY!" HOST, DIES AT 80
Trebek "passed away peacefully at home," the show confirmed in a tweet. - Spectrum News Staff