Things to do in St. Petersburg Florida while on Vacation

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO REOPENS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Visitors should expect to see a number of new measures at the parks. - Ashley Carter

UNION: THOUSANDS OF DISNEY WORLD WORKERS TO RETURN THIS MONTH
The theme parks are set to reopen in July with new safety measures. - Ashley Carter

MUSIC AND MOVEMENT: TAMPA BAY MUSICIANS RESPOND TO LOCAL PROTESTS AND VIOLENCE
A dozen Tampa Bay songwriters and performers find words for their thoughts on the local protests and police interactions - Scott Harrell

CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES ON UNIVERSAL'S UNANNOUNCED JURASSIC PARK COASTER
No details have been officially released about the coaster. - Ashley Carter

THESE NEW TAMPA BAY RESTAURANTS ARE THRIVING DESPITE THE PANDEMIC. HERE'S HOW THEY'RE DOING IT.
“Business has been very good,” one owner tells us. “We’re on a wait all the time.” - Scott Harrell

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO WELCOMES BACK SOME VISITORS TODAY
Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to speak at Universal, where some invited guests and passholders will be allowed back to the theme park. - Spectrum News Staff

THE WHEEL AT ICON PARK REOPENS WITH NEW SAFETY MEASURES
The Wheel has been closed since March. - Justin Soto

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO TO REOPEN SELECT HOTELS THIS WEEK
The hotels will implement new safety measures. - Ashley Carter

BOK TOWER REOPENS IN LAKE WALES
Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales is reopening to the public June 1. It closed on March 13 due to the coronavirus pandemic. - Stephanie Claytor

SUN N FUN HOLDS ONLINE AIRSHOW AMID PANDEMIC
Organizers hope the event brings in funds for scholarships, programs. - Stephanie Claytor

PLANE SPOTTING HAS BECOME A POPULAR HOBBY THAT’S TAKING OFF
There are some rules you must follow when plane spotting. - Caitlin Wilson

BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA'S REOPENING PLANS GET COUNTY APPROVAL
Plans include mandatory face masks and temperature checks. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY WORLD WANTS TO BEGIN REOPENING PARKS ON JULY 11
The parks have been closed since mid-March. - Ashley Carter

SEAWORLD PROPOSES REOPENING TO PUBLIC ON JUNE 11
The theme parks have been closed since mid-March. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY WORLD, SEAWORLD TO PRESENT REOPENING PLANS TO TASK FORCE
The theme parks have been closed since mid-March. - Ashley Carter

ST. PETE PINBALL ARCADE MUSEUM REOPENS WITH NEW SAFETY MEASURES
The Pinball Arcade Museum in St. Pete has reopened after being closed for weeks due to COVID-19. - Jorja Roman

ASTRONAUT MIKE MASSIMINO TALKS “SURREAL” EXPERIENCE OF SPACEFLIGHT, FUTURE EXPLORATION
Massimino is a veteran of two space shuttle missions and four spacewalks. - Allison Walker Torres

ANIMATRONIC FROM CULT FAVE SHOWBIZ PIZZA PLACE GETS UPGRADE
A maker of animatronics is giving us exclusive access to unveil his latest and most advanced version of a popular character. - Allison Walker Torres

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO WILL REOPEN ITS PARKS ON JUNE 5
The parks have been closed since mid-March. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY WORLD COULD SUBMIT REOPENING PLANS NEXT WEEK
The parks have been closed since mid-March. - Ashley Carter

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO REOPENING PLAN GETS ENDORSEMENT FROM ORANGE COUNTY MAYOR
The plan has been sent to the governor for approval. - Ashley Carter

LEGOLAND FLORIDA TO REOPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON JUNE 1
Legoland will reopen with reduced capacity and new measures in place. - Ashley Carter

ST. PETE PRIDE EVENTS OFFICIALLY CANCELED FOR 2020
State's largest Pride celebration cited uncertainty and lack of clear guidance prompted decision. - Spectrum News Staff

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO PROPOSES PLAN TO REOPEN PARKS IN JUNE
The theme parks have been closed since mid-March. - Ashley Carter

LEGOLAND FLORIDA TARGETS JUNE 1 REOPENING, STILL NEEDS STATE APPROVAL
The park has outlined a number of new safety measures. - Ashley Carter

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: 5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT WINTER PARK BOAT TOURS
The Winter Park Scenic Boat Tours are a long running business that take guests on an hour long tour through the waters and canals of Winter Park. - Caitlin Wilson

TAMPA BAY COMIC CON 2020 TO GO FORWARD IN JULY
The Tampa Bay Comic Convention announced Tuesday that the 2020 con is still on for this summer. - Spectrum News Staff

DISNEY SPRINGS REOPENING: LIST OF RESTAURANTS, STORES REOPENING
Disney Springs will begin phased reopening on May 20. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY SPRINGS REVEALS NEW REOPENING MEASURES FOR GUESTS
Guests will be required to wear face coverings and undergo temperature checks. - Ashley Carter

EXPERT: DISNEY SPRINGS WILL SET BENCHMARK FOR OTHER PARKS TO REOPEN
The phased reopening of Disney Springs will begin Wednesday, and experts say other parks will be watching. - Justin Soto

TAMPA BAY AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM REVS UP FOR REOPENING
Cerf says the coronavirus shutdown was a bummer, but he’s excited to welcome people back to learn not just about cars, but about history. - Ashley Paul

CHALK ART MURALS BRING COLOR TO WINTER PARK
A former teacher is adding some color to the sidewalks of Winter Park. - Caitlin Wilson

LIFE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS: DOCTOR SAYS BRACE FOR "NEW NORMAL"
Although losing patients to coronavirus remains difficult to accept, Dr. William Velasco believes he is right where he needs to be. - Virginia Johnson

UNIVERSAL CITYWALK REOPENS: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
New measures have been put in place, including mandatory face coverings. - Ashley Carter

UNIVERSAL CITYWALK TO REOPEN MAY 14 IN LIMITED CAPACITY
Guests will be required to wear face coverings and have temperatures checked. - Ashley Carter

JERRY STILLER, COMEDIAN GREAT AND 'SEINFELD' ACTOR, DIES AT 92
Comedian Jerry Stiller has died at 92 - Frank DiLella

SHANGHAI DISNEYLAND REOPENS WITH CORONAVIRUS PRECAUTIONS
It's the first Disney theme park to reopen amid the pandemic. - Ashley Carter

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: TIME TO STOP AND SMELL THE SUNFLOWERS
On the farm, you can explore a 5 acres of sunflowers. - Caitlin Wilson

ROCK 'N ROLL PIONEER LITTLE RICHARD DEAD AT 87
The musician’s son, Danny Jones Penniman, confirmed the pioneer’s death to Rolling Stone, but said the cause of death was unknown. - Spectrum News Staff

DISNEY SURVEYS GUESTS ABOUT RETURNING TO THEME PARKS
The survey asks guests if they'll keep upcoming reservations. - Ashley Carter

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO SENDS NEW SURVEY WITH HYPOTHETICAL REOPENING SCENARIOS
The theme parks have been closed since mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY SPRINGS TO BEGIN PHASED REOPENING THIS MONTH
A limited number of shopping and dining experiences will be open. - Ashley Carter

NOW SHOWING: RUSKIN DRIVE-IN THEATER'S RENEWED POPULARITY REFLECTS NATIONWIDE TREND
The drive-in theater, once seen as a relic of the 1950’s, is experiencing renewed popularity during this time of social distancing. - Trevor Pettiford

SEAWORLD'S DISCOVERY COVE WELCOMES EAGLE RAY PUPS
Four eagle ray pups were recently born at the park. - Ashley Carter

MEGACON ORLANDO 2020 CANCELED AMID CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
New, limited edition event will be held in October. - 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

HERE’S WHAT SEINFELD ACTOR JOHN O'HURLEY WANTS YOU TO KNOW IN TIME OF STILLNESS
John O' Hurley wants to inspire people during the coronavirus pandemic. - Allison Walker Torres

SEAWORLD SURVEY HINTS AT POSSIBLE REOPENING MEASURES
Possible measures mentioned include reduced capacity and face masks. - Ashley Carter

SEAWORLD, BUSCH GARDENS GIVES PASSHOLDERS EXTRA PERKS
The parks have been closed since mid-March. - Ashley Carter

ZOOTAMPA PLANS TO REOPEN IN JUNE WITH NEW SAFETY MEASURES
The zoo will also open with limited capacity. - Ashley Carter

NO REOPENING DATE YET FOR DISNEY WORLD, UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
The theme parks have been closed since mid-March. - Ashley Carter

EVERYDAY HERO: A RANCH WHERE VISITORS CAN GET BACK NATURE
Lynda Fowler runs In The Breeze Ranch, where visitors can ride horses, picnic, hike, go fishing and even swim in a creek. - Bill Murphy

HILLSBOROUGH QUARANTINE FAM BAND GAINS NATIONAL ATTENTION
If being in quarantine had a groove, it would probably sound like the Colt Clark and Quarantine Kids band. - Gabrielle Arzola

ON THE TOWN: EXPERIENCE THE HISTORY OF TRANSPORTATION IN TAMPA BAY DIGITALLY IN "HOW WE MOVE"
“How We Move” is a digital exhibit that takes you through the history of transportation in the Tampa Bay Area. - Kim Leoffler

SEAWORLD SHARES UPDATE ON ANNUAL PASSES, TICKETS
The parks have been closed since mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY WORLD, UNIVERSAL ORLANDO, OTHER THEME PARKS COULD REOPEN AT THEIR OWN DISCRETION
The theme parks have been closed since mid-March. - Ashley Carter

WATCH: DISNEY WORLD TO STREAM “HAPPILY EVER AFTER” FIREWORKS SHOW
Watch the popular Magic Kingdom fireworks show at home. - Ashley Carter

'SPIDER-MAN,' 'DOCTOR STRANGE,' 'THOR' SHIFT RELEASE DATES
Dates for sequels to “Doctor Strange,” “Spider-Man: Far From Home” and “Into the Spider-Verse.” - Associated Press

ON THE TOWN: PICK BLUEBERRIES WHILE SOCIAL DISTANCING AT STARKEY BLUEBERRY FARM
Picking blueberries is a great way to get some fresh air while also practicing social distancing. - Kim Leoffler

SEAWORLD, BUSCH GARDENS RELEASE BACKGROUNDS FOR YOUR ZOOM CALLS
The backgrounds feature animals and roller coasters. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY WORLD OFFERS WAY TO CELEBRATE EARTH DAY AT HOME
It's also Animal Kingdom's anniversary. - Ashley Carter

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO SURVEY HINTS AT POSSIBLE POST-CORONAVIRUS PARK CHANGES
The theme parks have been closed since mid-March. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY, UNIVERSAL EXECS JOIN GOVERNOR’S REOPEN FLORIDA TASK FORCE
Florida's theme parks have been closed since mid-March. - Ashley Carter

ON THE TOWN: KIDS ART PROJECT IDEAS FROM AN ART TEACHER
If you're lucky enough to have empty TP rolls, here's what you and your kids can create with them. - Allison Walker Torres

BUSCH GARDENS TURNS IRON GWAZI BLUE TO HONOR HEALTH CARE WORKERS
The park also illuminated its entrance in blue as show of support. - Ashley Carter

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: CITRUS TOWER GIVING HOPE AND LIGHTING UP CLERMONT
The Florida Citrus Tower owners still light up the Clermont skies nightly with holiday lights. - Caitlyn Jones

BRIAN DENNEHY, TONY-WINNING STAGE, SCREEN ACTOR, DIES AT 81
Brian Dennehy, the burly actor who started in films as a macho heavy and later won plaudits for his stage work, has died. - Associated Press

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: WALKING TRAILS AND BIRD WATCHING
There are many places to go to enjoy nature. - Caitlin Wilson

WWE TO REDUCE EXECUTIVE PAY, FURLOUGH STAFF DUE TO CORONAVIRUS
The company has announced a series of cost-cutting measures. - Ashley Carter

MEGACON ORLANDO ASSEMBLES GUEST LINEUP FOR JUNE CONVENTION
The convention was rescheduled because of the coronavirus pandemic. - Ashley Carter

ON THE TOWN: TAMPA BAY HISTORY CENTER GOING DIGITAL
The museum has created a “Museum at Home” tab on their website, featuring many different offerings for people to enjoy while their doors are closed. - Kim Leoffler

LIFE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS: MUSEUMS DELIVER EXPERIENCES THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA
Priscilla the Mastodon, who usually greets visitors as they enter the Great Hall at the Bishop Museum, is lonesome. So are her caretakers. - Virginia Johnson

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO VIDEO SERIES OFFERS BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK
Learn the science behind some of Universal’s popular attractions. - Ashley Carter

ON STAGE AT HOME: BROADWAY’S BIGGEST STARS OFFER MESSAGES OF HOPE AND INSPIRATION
Watch "On Stage At Home," a special two-night event featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda, Marisa Tomei and many more. - Spectrum News Staff

ON THE TOWN: GET INVOLVED WITH THE STRAZ CENTER ONLINE
The Straz Center has several online options for people to get involved while their stages are dark: - Kim Leoffler

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO EXTENDS CLOSURE THROUGH "AT LEAST" END OF MAY
The resort is temporarily closed because of the coronavirus pandemic. - Ashley Carter

MY DISNEY EXPERIENCE APP ADDS NEW FEATURES AMID PARKS CLOSURE
The app now has recipes and other activities. - Ashley Carter

COMPANY OFFERING $200, FREE DISNEY+ IN “DREAM JOB” CONTEST
Get paid to watch Disney movies. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY TO SUSPEND REMAINING DISNEY INTERNSHIPS AND PROGRAMS THIS MONTH
Disney World and Disneyland remain closed until further notice. - Ashley Carter

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: BORED AT HOME? GET CRAFTY WITH HOMEMADE SOAPS, CANDLES.
Make your own soaps and candles at the comfort of your home, all while practicing social distancing. - Caitlin Wilson

DISNEY WORLD TO PAUSE MONTHLY ANNUAL PASSHOLDER PAYMENTS
The theme parks have been closed since mid-March. - Ashley Carter

WATCH: BUSCH GARDENS' HERD OF ELEPHANTS GO FOR A SWIM
The theme park has been sharing updates about its animals. - Ashley Carter

BAY AREA STANDUP COMEDIAN TALKS COMEDY DURING A PANDEMIC
Comic Chris Georges agreed that people could do without April Fool's Day this year, but also said laughter is still the best medicine. - Tim Wronka

HILLSBOROUGH SHERIFF'S OFFICE TAKING TIPS IN "TIGER KING" COLD CASE
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister is asking the public for tips - Spectrum News Staff

UNIVERSAL CONTINUES WORK ON NEW PARK AMID CONORAVIRUS PANDEMIC
The new park, Epic Universe, is scheduled to open in 2023. - Ashley Carter

RIPLEY'S OFFERING VIRTUAL EXPERIENCES FROM ITS AQUARIUM, ODDITORIUM
The free experiences include daily broadcasts, downloadable activities. - Ashley Carter

TAMPA-AREA EXOTIC ANIMAL HANDLER ON "TIGER KING": "IT'S LIKE WATCHING MY WORST NIGHTMARE"
Vernon Yates owns a big-cat wildlife rescue in the Tampa Bay area is one of the characters in Netflix's popular docuseries "Tiger King." - Gabrielle Arzola

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO EXTENDS CLOSURE THROUGH MID-APRIL
Universal's theme parks will remain close a little longer. - Ashley Carter

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: THROWING AXES DURING SOCIAL DISTANCING
Axe On Axe Off takes social distancing under consideration. - Caitlin Wilson

ACCLAIMED PLAYWRIGHT, ST. PETE NATIVE TERRENCE MCNALLY DIES FROM COVID-19 COMPLICATIONS
Born in St. Petersburg in 1938, Terrance McNally was renowned for his award-winning works such as "The Fully Monty" and "Kiss of the Spider Woman" - Gabrielle Arzola

DISNEY'S ANIMAL KINGDOM WELCOMES NEW BABY ANIMALS
Disney World is temporarily closed, but the animal care team is still working behind-the-scenes. - Ashley Carter

STUCK AT HOME? HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO PASS THE TIME
From early movie releases to free workouts, we have a list. - Ashley Carter

ON THE TOWN: GLAZER CHILDREN'S MUSEUM LAUNCHES AT-HOME ACTIVITIES ONLINE
"GCM at Home" is a new section on the museum's website featuring activities and lessons for families to do together. - Kim Leoffler

CONFIDENTIAL SETTLEMENT REACHED IN HULK HOGAN’S $110M LAWSUIT AGAINST COX RADIO
The former professional wrestler claimed in the lawsuit that he was a victim of “radio wars" between DJs Mike “Cowhead” Calta and Bubba Clem. - Josh Rojas

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL TEMPORARILY LAYS OFF 95 PERCENT OF STAFF AMID CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
The job cuts affect more than 4,000 employees. - Ashley Carter

BUSCH GARDENS BRINGS PARK TO FANS WHILE CLOSED
The theme park is sharing videos on its social media channels. - Ashley Carter

MISSING THE THEME PARKS? VISIT THEM VIRTUALLY
You can explore Disney World and Universal Orlando from home. - Ashley Carter

SPRING PASTA DISH AT THE KITCHEN AT WATERGARDEN
How about a simple but yummy spring pasta dish. - Melissa Eichman

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL POSTPONES "DRAWN TO LIFE" PREVIEWS AT DISNEY SPRINGS
The new show was scheduled to begin previews March 20. - Ashley Carter

AMC CLOSES ALL US THEATERS AMID CORONAVIRUS CONCERNS
The company says its theaters will be closed for at least 6 to 12 weeks. - Ashley Carter