Travel Florida - 2018

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FloridaBeachInsider.com A Special Advertising Section of the Tampa Bay Times

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| Sunday, June 24, 2018 | Tampa Bay Times

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No summertime blues here ith apologies to rocker Eddie Cochran, there is a cure for the summertime blues, and he wouldn’t have had to look any further than the

Sunshine State. Beautiful beaches, thrilling theme parks, fishing, boating, hiking, biking, charming small towns, magnificent big cities and much more all add up to a summer that would chase away the blues — or any other malady. Each year, more vacationers are finding that Florida is the perfect place to relax and unwind, and that the only “blues� are in the skies and the surrounding warm waters. Summer in Florida is seductive, appealing and hard to resist. And best of all, it’s summer nearly year-round! In this travel section, we’ll share some of what makes Florida the best vacation destination in the world. — Tom Wuckovich, editor

FloridaBeachInsider.com A Special Advertising Section

of the Tampa Bay Times

The Travel Florida special section is published by the Marketing department of the Tampa Bay Times. Publish Date: Sunday, June 24, 2018 Marketing Manager: Chris Galbraith

Editor: Tom Wuckovich

Graphic Designer: Susan Halttunen Contributors: Marc Atchison, Lisa Codianne-Fowler, Doug Kelly, David Monforton, Dave Scott Copy Editor: Bob Sitten For any questions or comments, please email cgalbraith@tampabay.com

#-#. floridabeachinsider.com

for more information.

Tampa Bay Times | Sunday, June 24, 2018 |

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Florida offers

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According to Gov. Rick Scott, Florida is on pace to entertain more than 120 million visitors this year, a record-breaking number and 8 million more than last year. The surge in tourists can be attributed to a number of things, like the pleasant climate, ease of access and myriad fun and exciting activities. Sunshine State attractions continue to add new and innovative exhibits, rides and games to keep guests coming back for more every year. Here are a few examples of new activities and places to experience.

)) '* T .T )1,3T ,%T /.-T( 1T,# The newly rebranded Tampa attraction opened Roaring Springs, a ride designed with families in mind, so it isn’t very big or very scary. The water ride takes 15-20 people in a raft for a journey along a flowing stream and then to the thrill of a three-story splashdown. Steel beams holding up the ride have been painted to look like an oak tree. Spanish moss hangs from the tree while an imitation osprey nest sits at the top of the structure. Riders climb to the treetops in the raft that suddenly turns and makes a three-story plunge while forcing out a shower of water on each side as it splashes down. The attraction is made to resemble an Old Florida town with a boathouse and food stand offering gourmet fare such as fish tacos with spicy remoulade, conch fritters and bourbon iced tea served in mason jars with touches of mint. After the ride, guests exit through the gift shop where photos of the event can be purchased.

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| Sunday, June 24, 2018 | Tampa Bay Times

!)& ( T*, '# , -T." T , .T !)T Virtual reality technology is combined with roller coaster thrills for a rollicking race against Lego mini-figures in the latest new attraction at Legoland, The Great Lego Race. It’s the first virtual reality roller coaster experience designed for kids with animated action taking place on the ground and in the air. The race pits guests against a pirate, wizard, surfer and pharaoh as they steer Lego vehicles like a rocket-powered windsurfing rig, a stylish scooter fueled by espresso and an ornately canopied bed carried by mummy servants. Equipped with VR headsets, riders will experience action from every direction in a dazzling environment where everything is made of Lego bricks. Guests must be at least 6 years old and 48 inches tall in order to wear the headset. See attractions on Page 6

Tampa Bay Times | Sunday, June 24, 2018 |

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From attractions on Page 4

),& T) ,-T( 1T .., .#)(A family raft slide splashed into Aquatica, SeaWorld’s water park, this spring. Ray Rush, a fully loaded water adventure, combines three unique slide elements into one action-packed attraction the entire family can enjoy. At nearly 60 feet tall, Ray Rush first launches riders at 33 feet per second with water jets propelling rafts into the first of several enclosed tube sections. Next, riders will swirl into a colossal translucent sphere that spins the raft around the slide walls. Finally, riders will drop into an openair halfpipe that resembles the shape of a manta ray. Rafts will soar back and forth on the wings of the manta before entering the final section, which ends with a splash. Ray Rush has a height requirement of 42â€? to appeal to families with children and will accommodate up to four riders per raft. It’s located on the north side of the park next to Walkabout Waters. As the sun goes down on select nights, the park comes alive with the glow of Electric Ocean, which takes guests into an exotic underwater world filled with dazzling lights, electrifying dance music and a brilliant evening energy. Throughout the night, guests can experience exciting shows, returning summer classics and a host of new food and drink options. The evening culminates with a family-friendly party before Ignite lights up the sky in a spectacular fireworks finale. Electric Ocean is included with park admission and takes place through Sept. 2. Next spring, Sesame Street Land is on tap to replace the Shamu’s Happy Harbor play area on the south end of the park, and will have wet and dry play zones and locations from the TV show. The attraction also will include a daily parade that features Elmo, Big Bird and other characters. Infinity Falls, a new attraction that opened this summer at SeaWorld, is the park’s first attraction to tell a story beyond the ocean and share a message of water conservation through the adventure of a white-water river expedition. Visitors board one of 15 eight-passenger rafts that feature custom theming and dĂŠcor resembling supplies found on real white-water rafting expeditions. The circular raft design puts riders face-to-face and allows friends and family to enjoy this exhilarating attraction together. Aboard the raft, riders embark on an adventure through a lush rainforest environment inspired by some of the world’s most incredible freshwater ecosystems. The new attraction features the world’s tallest drop on a river raft ride and allow visitors to experience the exhilaration of rapids. An innovative elevator takes the rafts to the top of the ride’s 40-foot drop. The new attraction is the centerpiece of a newly themed area designed to resemble the base camp of explorers and scientists. After riding Infinity Falls, the entire family can explore the village and take part in interactive experiences that combine play with education to create a positive impact on freshwater ecosystems, reinforcing “Park to Planetâ€? in real time. SeaWorld’s Animal Ambassadors will also provide up-close encounters with animals native to South America.

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| Sunday, June 24, 2018 | Tampa Bay Times

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Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo welcomed two new babies to the park’s array of animals. On Dec. 1, 2017, a baby pygmy rhino named Holly Berry was born to mother Zsa Zsa and will be on display at the hippo habitat. The little rhino was named by naming contest winner Jordan Thurmond, chosen from 1,000 entries. Also new at the zoo is a baby female Bornean orangutan born to Dee Dee on Jan. 6. She joined a group of seven of the endangered primates at the zoo. The proud father is named Goyang. Kisiri, one of Busch Gardens’ white rhinos, gave birth to a baby female rhino named Winnifred on Oct. 3, 2017. She weighed 140 pounds after just 3 days, according to Busch Gardens’ veterinarians.

The white rhino is native to the southern part of Africa and is the largest of the five rhinoceros species. Winnifred will likely weigh more than 3,000 pounds when she reaches adulthod. You can see the family at the park’s Serengeti Plain. Not to be outdone, Biiti, a giraffe, gave birth to a baby girl on St. Patrick’s Day. Named Patty, the calf, at just a few days old, was already 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighed 105 pounds. She also lives on the park’s Serengeti Plain.

Orlando has a new “ICON” IDL Parent LLC, owners of the I-Drive 360 entertainment complex on International Drive, has announced a new name for its towering 400-foot centerpiece, the Coca-Cola® Orlando Eye, which is now ICON Orlando. In a marketing campaign, guests will be encouraged to “Find their Iconic Moment” at the 18-acre complex, which has also been renamed ICON Orlando 360.

Fast & Furious: Supercharged at Universal Orlando This brand-new attraction includes all of the characters from the hit movie franchise and will immerse parkgoers into the underground headquarters of the Fast family. Hit songs from the films’ soundtracks fill the rooms while memorable scenes from the films play in the background. Guests are also invited to attend a race after-party and the character Tej arranges for a custom party bus to take attendees there — but just as the party is getting started, Dom calls with an urgent message that an enemy has infiltrated your location, and a high-speed chase ensues. You will have to keep up with the team as they help you escape from danger. The attraction features 15 supercharged Fast & Furious cars for guests to check out and take photos, including Dom’s Dodge Charger and Letty’s Turbo Truck. The ride employs the virtual line system that allows visitors to select a time to ride the attraction instead of long waits in line.

Disney Hollywood Studios to debut Toy Story Land People who fell in love with Toy Story when it hit the theaters in 1995 – and its two sequels – will get a chance to experience what it’s like to be shrinking when Toy Story Land opens on June 30. Set on 11 acres, the attraction is designed to give guests the sensation of shrinking to the size of a toy as they explore Andy’s backyard.

Guests can enjoy 365 days of ICONic fun for only $69 (plus tax). The price includes unlimited entrance to the site. Annual pass holders can also bring a friend at a discounted rate. Other changes on the horizon at ICON Orlando 360 include the high-tech Justice League: A Call for Heroes experience at Madame Tussauds Orlando; and the Orlando StarFlyer, a massive swing ride that will give extreme thrill seekers one-of-a-kind, open-air views from 425 feet up.

Andy’s backyard will be surrounded by giant building blocks, game board pieces and a restaurant called Woody’s Lunch Box. Hollywood Studios will stay open longer, from 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m. daily starting July 1 for a limited time.

Enjoy a new state park Pack up the family and the picnic basket and head to Florida’s newest state park, Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park in High Springs. The park is nestled along the Santa Fe River about 20 miles northwest of Gainesville. Visitors can stroll through scenic hiking trails, fish along the river, kayak, canoe, admire the lush foliage that surrounds the park or check out some of the other springs on site, including Little Blue Spring, Naked Spring, Kiefer Spring and Johnson Spring. Pavilions provide shade and a place to eat. Food and beverages are also sold at a concession stand.

Hard Rock comes to Daytona Beach Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach brings the global brand’s iconic vibe and energetic beat to a wide stretch of Florida’s world-famous Atlantic shoreline. The 200-room beachfront property features renowned, brand-exclusive offerings and amenities, including The Sound of Your Stay® music program, offering complimentary use of Fender guitars and Crosley record players for in-room jam sessions, as well as a full-service Rock Spa® and Salon, a Rock Shop® and a Body Rock® Fitness Center. The hotel also includes the signature Sessions restaurant and bar, the open-air Wave Terrace and 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, including a versatile ballroom terrace. The beachfront pool features an expansive party deck and outdoor pool bar and grill.

Disney brings back after hours ticket

New mermaids in Weeki Wachee Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, one of Florida’s oldest roadside attractions, has added some new faces to its underwater entertainment. The park auditioned about 250 women for an opportunity to become one of eight new mermaids to perform year-round at the spring. The spring is so deep that the bottom has never been found. Each day, more than 117 million gallons of clear, fresh 74-degree water bubbles up out of subterranean caverns. The basin of the spring is 100 feet wide with limestone sides, and where the mermaids swim, 16 to 20 feet below the surface, the current runs a strong 5 miles an hour. It’s quite a feat for the mermaid to stay in one place against that current.

Walt Disney World fans can now visit the park on select nights this summer when it reintroduces its separate ticket event called Disney After Hours. It allows visitors to enjoy lighter crowds during the busiest time of the year at the theme park. After Hours nights run 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on 11 nights from late June to mid-September. Tickets bought in advance are $119 for adults or kids at Disneyworld. disney.go.com. Annual passholders can get the tickets for $89. After Hours dates are June 28 and 30; July 7, 9, 14, 21 and 28; Aug. 4, 11 and 30; and Sept. 20.

The mermaids will perform two shows a day, as they have since 1947.

New drop slides at Adventure Island

DID YOU KNOW

Adventure Island, the 30-acre water park adjacent to Busch Gardens, added a pair of drop slides called Vanish Point that will put riders inside a capsule where they wait for the floor to vanish and go into a free fall. It is the first new attraction at the park since 2015.

Busch Gardens and SeaWorld have brought back the popular Preschool Card for 2018.

The 70-foot-tall tower offers a choice of two 425-wave paths once you step into one of the two skyboxes. Vanish Point is the second drop slide in Florida for SeaWorld Entertainment, the parent company of SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Adventure Island.

Busch Gardens has also brought back the once popular free beer giveaway, handing out two free 7-ounce beers to guests 21 or older. The tradition will continue through Aug. 5 at the Garden Gate Café.

The card allows kids 5 and under who are Florida residents to visit the parks free through Dec. 31. Residents must register online at either park and redeem the card at a Busch Gardens or SeaWorld ticket window.

Tampa Bay Times | Sunday, June 24, 2018 |

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A BUCKET

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HERE IS A LIST OF THINGS � IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER �� THAT MAY APPEAL TO VISITORS AND LONG�TIME RESIDENTS. IT’S A FLORIDA BUCKET LIST, BUT DOESN’T NEARLY ENCOMPASS ALL THAT THERE IS TO DO HERE… THE DRY TORTUGAS Florida’s hundreds of parks each have their own particular appeal. Most are easily accessible, but the Dry Tortugas National Park is remote, surrounded by open water and steeped in history. About 70 miles west of Key West, it features crystal-blue waters, outstanding marine life swarming around coral reefs, numerous sea birds and the legendary Fort Jefferson, once the largest brick structure in the Americas. The site beckons with tales of sunken Spanish ships and active treasure holes along with its exceptional historical narrative.

TUBING THE ICHETUCKNEE RIVER Many adventurous people have told those that nothing beats climbing onto a large truck inner tube and floating leisurely down the fabled Ichetucknee River in North Florida. Between May and September, it is the premier activity in the area of Fort White, Northwest of Gainesville, and you float through six miles of shaded hammocks and wetlands before the river joins the Santa Fe River. Several vendors offer tube rentals.

HENRY B. PLANT MUSEUM One of the most magnificent hotels in Victorian America was built

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| Sunday, June 24, 2018 | Tampa Bay Times

right here in Tampa in 1891. Henry B. Plant, an industrialist who built a network of railroad and steamship lines, constructed the hotel to attract well-heeled northerners to the city, at the time a sleepy and sparsely populated fishing village. The hotel eventually became the University of Tampa and houses the museum, which gives an authentic representation of the hotel in its heyday. Its exhibits consist of original furnishings and artifacts from the era to showcase the history of the building and the city.

WATCH A ROCKET LAUNCH The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers opportunities to watch rockets blast off from the Space Center and adjacent Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Location availability is different for every launch and viewing from the main visitor complex is always included with daily admission if the launch takes place during operating hours. The areas are LC-39 Observation Gantry, Apollo/Saturn V Center, NASA Causeway and the main visitor complex. Watching launches on TV doesn’t do them justice, I am told. Plan in advance: Tickets sell out quickly.

SUNSETS AT PIER 60, CLEARWATER BEACH Florida’s sunsets are truly spectacular. Pier 60 sunsets are so extraordinary that Clearwater Beach holds daily festivals for 364 days a year from two hours before until two hours after sunset, weather permitting. The nightly celebration includes artisans, crafters and street performers.

AIRBOAT TOUR OF THE EVERGLADES Florida’s River of Grass spans nearly 1.5 million acres, consisting of marshes, lakes and sawgrass prairie teeming with incredible wildlife. It would be impossible to see it in one short visit, but to cover the most territory, take an airboat tour. It can reach the more remote parts of the Glades where wildlife like alligators, snakes and more than 300 species of birds live. The ecosystem supports a network of plants and animals that can’t be found anywhere else on the planet.

SOAR LIKE A BIRD There are a few ways to see Florida from the air: hot air ballooning, by glider plane or vintage aircraft come to mind. But to soar above the earth by yourself like a bird, nothing comes closer than hang gliding. Wallaby Ranch between Tampa and Orlando is the first and largest aerotow hang gliding flight park in the world. The park is surrounded by natural Florida woodlands and Tampa native Malcolm Jones is the most experienced hang glider pilot in the world.

SOUTH BEACH-WORTHY? Is it really a “sunbathe-all-day, dance-all-night party central” where a hip look and the right price gets you in the door behind the velvet rope? All the reported glitz and glamor is a pretty heady concoction, but what lies beneath the hype is the most interesting. Can an ordinary tourist find his place in this pleasure paradise? It’s certainly worth knowing.

A LEAP OF FAITH For those who love to fly… Are you ready to make the jump (out of a perfectly good airplane) just to experience skydiving? After working up the courage, visit nearby Zephyrhills’ Skydive City and experience a thrill like none other.

Tampa Bay Times | Sunday, June 24, 2018 |

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houseboat rentals are available from $825 to $3,300 depending on the size of the boat and the season. Folks can preview the offerings and the marina at hollybluff.com or call 800-237-5105.

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If this boat were on land it would be the penthouse suite at the Ritz Carlton. It contains two roomy private bedrooms, one with a king-size bed and the other with twin beds. Both have their own bathrooms. There is also ample closet space and a chest of drawers in each room. The kitchen boasts a large refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, oven and generous cupboard space. A dining area and bar are in the living room, with a couple of armchairs, a fold out sofa bed and a large TV. The boat can be piloted from the enclosed living area as well as the top deck, which contains another bar, chairs and chaise longues. Bath towels, linens, dishes, pots and pans, corkscrews and silverware are all supplied. A propane grill is located on the front deck, as well as another table and four chairs. A gas-powered generator powered the air conditioning system, stove, refrigerator and other such appliances. Other items recommended, but not supplied, include binoculars, bottled water, salt and pepper, sun block,

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| Sunday, June 24, 2018 | Tampa Bay Times

mosquito repellent, personal toiletries and snorkeling. There are many houseboat vacation locations throughout the United States, but only five that have commercial locations along their waterways where boats can pull in. Two are in Florida: this one along the St. Johns, the other on the Suwannee River. Towns along our route included Astor, a quaint waterfront tourist community; and Sanford, which bills itself as a historic district dating back to 1836. Since the maximum speed for this floating hulk is about 10 knots, many folks leisurely cruise along, impressed by the dense, attractive foliage on both banks of the river. Florida is the country’s third most populous state, but that isn’t evident as boaters float along this isolated river inhabited only by fish, reptiles, birds and other wildlife.

Tampa Bay Times | Sunday, June 24, 2018 |

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TO TAKE IN THE SIGHTS

IF YOU GO Dolphin Landings Charter Boat Center 727-360-7411 • dolphinlandings.com Key Sailing 941-346-7245 • siestakeysailing.com Southwest Florida Yachts 800-262-7939 • swflychts.com Florida Yachts Charters 800-650-6940 • floridayachtscharters.com

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ho doesn’t love Florida’s award-winning beaches and world-renowned attractions? For residents, many staycations are often centered around them. But there’s another way to experience the Sunshine State: from the outside in. A sailing excursion, whether it’s for a few hours or a few days, provides a splashy perspective and unique memories to last a lifetime. Wake up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and step on deck to greet the day. Plunge into Florida’s sparkling waters before breakfast and get face-to-face with a colorful fish or two. While under sail, catch some rays with a pina colada in hand. Most charter companies encourage you to bring along your jam; my genre of choice is Jimmy Buffett or Bob Marley. When cruising — especially with captain and crew — “don’t worry ’bout a ting� becomes my mantra. Have you ever barbecued on the back of a boat? A succulent steak tastes even better when prepared with a backdrop of a setting sun as red as the flames of the grill. At night, fall asleep to the sound of gentle waves

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rhythmically caressing the hull. If time allows for an overnight trip or longer, plan to bring enough food and beverages for the duration of your trip. You will most likely receive a grocery list beforehand, so you can select what you want to be stocked on board and waiting for you. It is customary to provide the same for your captain and/or crew if you won’t be sailing the boat yourself. Note: It’s also customary to tip your captain and take him or her out to dinner the last night of your trip. Packing couldn’t be easier. Toss some casual clothes, bathing suits, hats and light-soled shoes into a duffel bag or soft-sided luggage. Don’t forget insect repellant and sunscreen, as you will be living outdoors most of each day. If you can’t commit to more than a day’s sail, consider a half-day or evening sail as an add-on to a land-based vacation. You will be astounded at the sight of a sunset from the beautiful bay, gulf or ocean.

)' T#-T1" , T." T"/&&T#You don’t have to travel far to experience our paradise from the water. Dolphin Landings Charter Boat Center, tucked behind a jumble of condos and shopping centers along Gulf Boulevard in St. Pete Beach, offers access to more than 40 boats throughout Tampa Bay. Dolphins is a hub for a variety of charter experiences, from sunset sails, fishing and party boats to weeklong private charters. They also offer complimentary sailing trips the first Sunday of each month for people with health challenges and their caregivers, as part of the Soothe Our Souls (SOS) program. Escape for a short dolphin sighting sail aboard the Fantasea, a 46-foot Morgan with a ketch rig (i.e., two masts). Capt. Randall took the helm, and along with first mate Susi, a British transplant and captain herself, deftly maneuvered the boat through the waters of Boca Ciega Bay. Only minutes after leaving the dock, they raised the sails and cut the motor. Silence, gentle breezes and ‌ dolphins! They rode alongside us for most of the two-hour sail, leaping and rolling. Farther south, Key Sailing is rated as Sarasota‘s No. 1 sailing charter. Capt. Tim and his wife, Jan, offer two- to four-hour cruises along the gulf coastline aboard Key Breeze, their 41-foot Morgan. A favorite is the sunset sail, accompanied by Jan’s descriptions of the waterfront homes of famous area residents, Brian Johnson and Jerry Springer to name a couple.

.R-T)(&3T( ./, & The tiny barrier islands of Lee County are strung together like pearls, with a common thread of reverence for nature. One of the most desirable sailing destinations in the country, here we experienced everything from jungle-like wilderness to refined elegance. We met up once again with our finned friends, as the waters of Pine Island Sound boast the largest population of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in the world. Other companions you’ll enjoy throughout your sail are brown pelicans, cormorants, terns and osprey. Sanibel Island is home to J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, teeming with birds, bobcats, otters and more. Cayo Costa State Park is one of the largest uninhabited barrier islands in Florida, where you can wander through the mangroves into a picture-perfect postcard of sea oats, sand dunes, clear gulf waters, miles of white-sand beach and a kaleidoscope of seashells glistening along the shore. Nearby Cabbage Key is the place to stop for a meal. Rustic and welcoming, the Cabbage Key Inn and Restaurant looks much as it did when it was built in 1938 by playwright Mary Roberts Rinehart, with one exception: The walls of the restaurant and bar are covered with thousands of signed dollar bills, all left by visitors over the last 65 years. Money that falls off the wall is donated to local children’s charities and marine research. Jimmy Buffett and Julia Roberts are among the signatures you’ll see. In contrast, the private island of Useppa presents fine dining in a gentrified ambiance. Guests of Southwest Florida Yacht Charters are privy to this exclusive experience.

)(R.T ),! .T3)/,T 3Sailing with Florida Yacht Charters out of Key West should be on your list of mustdos. The bedroom alone of the 45-foot Hunter was more spacious and well-appointed than in some luxury hotels. This aft cabin featured a queen-size bed, cushioned sitting area, desk and mirrored vanity, shower with built-in seat and all bath amenities. The first stop after an easy two-hour sail was Sands Key, about 8 miles southwest of Key West. Part of the only living coral reef in the country, stretching from Miami to the Keys, Sands Key is home to an old lighthouse and some of the best snorkeling in the world. And since the Keys are warmed by the Gulf Stream, the water is temperate year-round. Continue south to the little-known islands of Woman Key and Man Key before heading back to Key West for Mallory Square’s famous sunset celebration.

If you love being out in the fresh air, swimming in turquoise waters and living the life of a castaway with amenities, nothing can compare.

Tampa Bay Times | Sunday, June 24, 2018 |

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Tampa Bay Times | Sunday, June 24, 2018 |

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If there’s one thing to remember about “best of� lists, it’s that it’s often best not to play favorites. Dr. Beach has his annual list of the best beaches in the United States, and Florida always manages to be in the Top 10. This year, Grayton Beach State Park in the Panhandle landed at No. 3, while Caladesi Island State Park in Dunedin was No. 7. His list depends on meeting 50 criteria, including sand quality and air temperature. But as your online guide to the Sunshine State’s best beaches, FloridaBeachInsider.com has plenty to say on the subject. We think picking the best beaches comes down to deciding what you want out of a trip to the surf and sand. It’s not so easy choosing an overall winner, but you certainly can find a place that is the best at something important to you.

Best beach to surf New Smyrna Beach is credited to having the best waves for surfers, who will find the best water in the inlet. Just drive onto the beach and head out with your surfboard to find killer waves. Just keep in mind that it just so happens NSB is also the shark attack capital of the world. National Geographic says that anyone who has ever swam in NSB waters has come within 10 feet of a shark.

Best beach for your dog There are a limited number of beaches that allow dogs, and most of those require you to keep Rover on a leash. Rover doesn’t want that. Rover wants to run free! And Rover can do that at Fort De Soto Park south of St. Petersburg. A 400-yard stretch of sand is available for off-leash frolicking, and there’s a fenced-off area to let the pups run wild on land. There are picnic tables and water fountains for humans and canines alike – plus, you know, access to what is probably the best county park in the entire state.

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Jupiter Beach has 2 ½ miles of beach set aside for pooches, and an annual festival dedicated to four-legged friends.

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Cocoa Beach, just south of NSB, is a world-famous spot for surf competitions and pro surfers, including native son Kelly Slater.

Best beach for kids

Best beach to bike If you’re looking to ride a bike on the sand, Jacksonville Beach features several bike rental shops that rent wide-tired cruisers. You won’t run out of beach, with over 20 miles to bike. Plus, there are lots of bike trails nearby to keep you occupied off the sand.

)(), & T' (.#)(< In addition to having great camping,

St. Joseph’s Peninsula allows bikers along the sand during low tide, or you can stick to the road along the beach.

When we say “best beach for kids,� we mean a place full of stuff to keep them occupied. As if visiting a giant sandbox weren’t enough, it’s always fun when there are things for the tykes to do. That’s why Daytona Beach wins the top spot for us, with a cluster of funfilled attractions right by Main Street Pier. The boardwalk features an amusement park, an arcade, a park, a pizza joint, a candy store and scads of resorts and watersports rental places. Mind the schedule so you know if there’s a motorcycle rally or auto race in town.

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Best beach for camping

scene with lots of festivals and amusements, and frankly, the sand and surf are better.

There are lots of overnighting options around the coasts, some with more amenities than others, but the best balance for us is

T. H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park

in St. Joe. The panhandle park features access to St. Joseph Bay and the Gulf of Mexico and offers excellent paddling and bird-watching opportunities. The white-sand beach is a major draw, and there’s plenty of space for everyone. Plus: There are both tent and RV sites available across two campgrounds.

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Read more about Florida’s beaches, including links to travel deals and travel guides to help you plan your trip, at

FloridaBeachInsider.com

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If you want to try your hand at sleeping on the sand, we recommend primitive camping on Shell Key off Tierra Verde. There are no amenities at all, so pack your boat well.

Best beach food Sure, you could hit Miami or Tampa Bay for some better-known restaurants, but we’re talking the best place to eat right off the beach. For that you’ll have to head up to Seaside in the panhandle, about halfway between Destin and Panama City Beach. Adjacent to the Seaside Amphitheater along Highway 30A is a collection of vintage Airstream travel trailers that have been converted into myriad eateries, serving fare ranging from grilled cheese to barbecue to dessert, across the street from the sand. (There are bunches of traditional brick-and-mortar bars and restaurants along Central Square, too.)

)(), & T' (.#)(< Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island

has a surprising number of quality haunts, including Florida’s oldest continuously operated saloon (which doesn’t serve food) and a burger joint in a converted gas station (which obviously does serve food).

Tampa Bay Times | Sunday, June 24, 2018 |

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If there’s one thing to remember about “best of� lists, it’s that it’s often best not to play favorites. Dr. Beach has his annual list of the best beaches in the United States, and Florida always manages to be in the Top 10. This year, Grayton Beach State Park in the Panhandle landed at No. 3, while Caladesi Island State Park in Dunedin was No. 7. His list depends on meeting 50 criteria, including sand quality and air temperature. But as your online guide to the Sunshine State’s best beaches, FloridaBeachInsider.com has plenty to say on the subject. We think picking the best beaches comes down to deciding what you want out of a trip to the surf and sand. It’s not so easy choosing an overall winner, but you certainly can find a place that is the best at something important to you.

Best beach to surf New Smyrna Beach is credited to having the best waves for surfers, who will find the best water in the inlet. Just drive onto the beach and head out with your surfboard to find killer waves. Just keep in mind that it just so happens NSB is also the shark attack capital of the world. National Geographic says that anyone who has ever swam in NSB waters has come within 10 feet of a shark.

Best beach for your dog There are a limited number of beaches that allow dogs, and most of those require you to keep Rover on a leash. Rover doesn’t want that. Rover wants to run free! And Rover can do that at Fort De Soto Park south of St. Petersburg. A 400-yard stretch of sand is available for off-leash frolicking, and there’s a fenced-off area to let the pups run wild on land. There are picnic tables and water fountains for humans and canines alike – plus, you know, access to what is probably the best county park in the entire state.

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Jupiter Beach has 2 ½ miles of beach set aside for pooches, and an annual festival dedicated to four-legged friends.

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Cocoa Beach, just south of NSB, is a world-famous spot for surf competitions and pro surfers, including native son Kelly Slater.

Best beach for kids

Best beach to bike If you’re looking to ride a bike on the sand, Jacksonville Beach features several bike rental shops that rent wide-tired cruisers. You won’t run out of beach, with over 20 miles to bike. Plus, there are lots of bike trails nearby to keep you occupied off the sand.

)(), & T' (.#)(< In addition to having great camping,

St. Joseph’s Peninsula allows bikers along the sand during low tide, or you can stick to the road along the beach.

When we say “best beach for kids,� we mean a place full of stuff to keep them occupied. As if visiting a giant sandbox weren’t enough, it’s always fun when there are things for the tykes to do. That’s why Daytona Beach wins the top spot for us, with a cluster of funfilled attractions right by Main Street Pier. The boardwalk features an amusement park, an arcade, a park, a pizza joint, a candy store and scads of resorts and watersports rental places. Mind the schedule so you know if there’s a motorcycle rally or auto race in town.

)(), & T' (.#)(< Clearwater Beach features a lively pier

Best beach for camping

scene with lots of festivals and amusements, and frankly, the sand and surf are better.

There are lots of overnighting options around the coasts, some with more amenities than others, but the best balance for us is

T. H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park

in St. Joe. The panhandle park features access to St. Joseph Bay and the Gulf of Mexico and offers excellent paddling and bird-watching opportunities. The white-sand beach is a major draw, and there’s plenty of space for everyone. Plus: There are both tent and RV sites available across two campgrounds.

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Read more about Florida’s beaches, including links to travel deals and travel guides to help you plan your trip, at

FloridaBeachInsider.com

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If you want to try your hand at sleeping on the sand, we recommend primitive camping on Shell Key off Tierra Verde. There are no amenities at all, so pack your boat well.

Best beach food Sure, you could hit Miami or Tampa Bay for some better-known restaurants, but we’re talking the best place to eat right off the beach. For that you’ll have to head up to Seaside in the panhandle, about halfway between Destin and Panama City Beach. Adjacent to the Seaside Amphitheater along Highway 30A is a collection of vintage Airstream travel trailers that have been converted into myriad eateries, serving fare ranging from grilled cheese to barbecue to dessert, across the street from the sand. (There are bunches of traditional brick-and-mortar bars and restaurants along Central Square, too.)

)(), & T' (.#)(< Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island

has a surprising number of quality haunts, including Florida’s oldest continuously operated saloon (which doesn’t serve food) and a burger joint in a converted gas station (which obviously does serve food).

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Best beach for couples Many of the more secluded beaches in Florida scream romance, but one in particular has everything you need for the ideal couple’s getaway. Destin, in the panhandle, has spaces far from the crowds, with powdery sand and turquoise waters that add to the romantic feel. Couples can cruise through town during the day, have candlelit dinners on the beach and take private sailing charters at sunset.

)(), & T' (.#)(<T With its laid-back vibe and rich history as

the oldest city in the U.S., St. Augustine can put anyone in a lovey-dovey mood.

Best beach to party If you want a true Spring Breakers-meets-The Hangover experience, pack plenty of water and head to Key West. The town is regularly credited as having the most bars per capita in the entire country. Begin your evening at the nightly Mallory Square Sunset Celebration, featuring a full slate of street performers, then head to Duval Street, famous for its nightlife. And if you really want to be part of a one-ofa-kind party, visit Key West in October for its annual Fantasy Fest. It’s a 10-day wild celebration filled with parades and costumes — and a whole lot of drinking.

)(), & T' (.#)(<TPanama City Beach is the place to be

for Spring Break, even as local government has cracked down on the partying recently with special Spring Break laws that apply only during the month of March.

Best beach to get away from it all

Best beach to see and be seen This is a no-brainer, right? We all know that South Beach in Miami Beach is the end-all, be-all of the social set. Nightclubs, restaurants, overpriced drinks, Art Deco hotels and towering beach resorts define Florida for millions of visitors from across the world. Keep in mind that the quality of the actual beach is secondary. And if you need a break, head up the island a smidge and get all the same stuff without the crowds in North Beach.

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Fort Lauderdale isn’t as fancy as its neighbor to the south, but it’s a long beach with a lot of bars that fuel the social scene.

Whether you’ve had a tough week at work or one of your in-laws got on your nerves, Caladesi Island State Park off the coast of Dunedin is the perfect place to escape from the stress. The only way to get to the island is by boat; The easiest way is to take the ferry from Honeymoon Island State Park to the north. The soundtrack here is limited to the waves and the wildlife. It is just the beach and you.

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Much farther south is Bahia Honda State Park, an undeveloped oasis in the middle of the Keys. Because the park is relatively small, you often won’t find too many people there at once, offering some respite from more crowded islands.

Read more about Florida’s beaches, including links to travel deals and travel guides to help you plan your trip, at

FloridaBeachInsider.com

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, -/, -

await in Sebastian Inlet

IF YOU GO

•

Capt. Hiram’s Resort offers a pool, Blackfin’s Riverfront Grill and SandBar Beach Club, Coral Bar, boutique, eco-tours, boat rentals, fishing charters and hosts private weddings and parties with rooms and suites offering all modern conveniences. Its marina is a short hop across the Intracoastal Waterway to Sebastian Inlet.

•

Two local museums offer looks at the history of the 1715 Plate Fleet wrecks and display treasure. The McLarty Treasure Museum provides absorbing details about the wreck. 13180 North Highway A1A, Vero Beach, 772-589-2147. At Mel Fisher’s Treasures, you can hold a genuine gold treasure bar in your hand. 1322 U.S. Highway 1, Sebastian, 772-589-0435, melfisher.com.

•

Bring along a good metal detector to find buried objects. Carl “Fizz� Fismer, a Tampa resident who’s worked the wrecks off Sebastian Inlet as well as galleon sites worldwide, observes that most beach treasure hunters are in too much of a hurry. He advises sweeping the detector’s search coil slowly just above the sand, so the signal has time to hit a metallic object and relay it to the detector.

You’re strolling on a beach when a yellowish glimmer in the sand catches your eye. You stoop, scoop, and – lo and behold, it’s a gold doubloon! Impossible? Hardly. It’s happened to many modern-day treasure hunters, and with a little know-how, you may get in on the action, too. The epicenter of such gold fever is Sebastian Inlet, a bridged waterway fronting the Atlantic Ocean about midway between West Palm Beach and Cape Canaveral on State Road A1A. Old Spanish treasure coins and artifacts were discovered on the beaches and in the surf in 1959, earning the region the name of Treasure Coast. History tells us that a flotilla of 12 Spanish galleons left Havana for Spain in July 1715, carrying riches accumulated over two years from Central and South America. A violent hurricane sank all but one of the ships near the shorelines. Only five have been discovered, yielding millions of dollars worth of artifacts and treasure. Much of the booty consists of silver bars and coins. Silver in Spanish is plata, and thus the wrecks became known as the 1715 Plate Fleet. More shipwrecks lie along Florida’s coast, and just recently a 48-foot section of a ship’s hull from the 1700s washed ashore off Ponte Vedra.

. .#(!T., -/, Plenty of interesting finds can come while simply walking a beach and keeping a watchful eye for anything out of the ordinary. Besides long-lost treasure, valuables lost by modern beachgoers can also be found, such as gold and diamond rings, watches, bracelets and coins. Sebastian resident John Brandon has been conducting treasure hunts on the 1715 Plate Fleet wrecks for decades, and his public presentations include dazzling displays of gold ingots and a 75-pound silver bar. “Like a hunter in the woods, a treasure hunter is always looking for clues,� Brandon said. “Certain shapes, colors and structures often point to treasure buried deep below the surface.� Most treasure is found by salvagers with boats trolling magnetometers or equipped to direct prop wash downward, to blow away sand to the bedrock. But beach finds do occur regularly, particularly after a big storm blows through off the Atlantic. Park Service specialist Ed Miller oversees the McLarty Treasure Museum south of Sebastian Inlet on A1A, where the survivors of the Plate Fleet wrecks made camp.

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“It’s public domain between the lowtide mark to the mean high-tide, and that’s where you can hunt for treasure on the beaches,� Miller said. “Finders, keepers� generally applies to what you can recover on public domain property. But since regulations often change regarding treasure hunting, always check before you go with the local municipality or the Park Service (FloridaStateParks.org). You can visit Sebastian Inlet for just a day of treasure hunting, but many visitors stretch it to a vacation because the area offers several attractions. We brought our dog because Capt. Hiram’s Resort (hirams.com, 772-388-8588) is pet-friendly, as are the beaches and many restaurants. The resort offers tours of the Intracoastal Waterway into the Indian River Lagoon and San Sebastian River, where along the way dolphins, manatees, alligators, turtles and a huge variety of seabirds can be seen. Another great way to enjoy nature’s bounty is a one-hour inland airboat ride. Capt. Lawrence Kyzer narrates via headsets as the airplane engine screams and you whip over the swampy water. Kyzer will point out dozens of alligators, turtles, great blue herons, egrets, and ospreys. (FloridaCrackerAirboatRide.com, 772-563-0001). Anglers in Sebastian Inlet State Park on A1A will enjoy the jetties on both sides of the inlet where snook action is particularly good. A catwalk across a portion of the inlet is also a popular fishing spot. There’s a small bait and tackle shop, as well as the nearby Sebastian Fishing Museum. No trip should lack for good eats, and a number of local restaurants offer varying cuisines and ambiances. The Inlet Grill at Sebastian Inlet State Park serves burgers, wraps and sandwiches, but the highlight is going to the top floor of the building with a view of the inlet and beach. The sound of the pounding surf is tranquilizing. Outriggers Bar and Grill in Micco (Outriggersbar-n-Grill.com, 772664-1112) is a cozy restaurant wrapped around a marina. After sampling the scrumptious chocolate-caramel turtle brownie dessert, we nearly walked on our knees to the kitchen to praise the chef. Dinner at Chill & Grill in Vero Beach (ChillandGrillVeroBeach.wordpress.com, 772-562-5477) is a real treat with outstanding service. While the crab cakes and ribeye steak won’t disappoint, nothing can compare to the barbecue pork nachos — simply the best nachos we’ve ever munched. Lunch and dinner at Capt. Hiram’s Blackfin’s Riverfront Grill is delectable, but don’t miss the crab cake eggs benedict for breakfast because each bite is heavenly. So don’t let that gold fever go untreated. Get a treasure-hunting transfusion and start claiming your share of booty in Sebastian Inlet.

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FLORIDA’S

TOP " -

Like any other Top 10 list, it’s only someone’s opinion. For example, TripAdvisor recently announced its list of top beaches, naming Clearwater Beach the best beach in the U.S. for 2018. It’s lofty praise from the popular travel site, which also had Clearwater Beach at No.1 back in 2016. Six Florida beaches landed at various spots across the top 10 and a total of eight made the top 25. If you’re planning for your Florida beach vacation, the state certainly has plenty of options. Here are a few to consider:

1. Siesta Key, Sarasota (Sand is 99 percent quartz)

2. Fort De Soto Park, South Tierra Verde (Named Best Family Beach by Parents magazine)

3. St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Port St. Joe (Striking coastal dune formations)

4. St. Andrews State Park, Panama City Beach (Dr. Beach once called this the best beach in America)

5. Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key (Best place to beachcomb in Florida)

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THE CHESTERFIELD HOTEL 561-659-5800 • chesterfieldpb.com Looking for coastal quarters? Luxury seekers will find extravagance at the Chesterfield Hotel in Palm Beach, which extends its award-winning service to pets, with a Very Important Pet package that includes a welcome basket with toys and treats to take home. The Chesterfield also provides dog sitting and walking services, a pet-oriented room service menu, grooming service, leashes and litter boxes, and dog and cat first aid kits.

EPIC HOTEL • 305-424-5226 • epichotel.com Downtown Miami’s Epic Hotel invites you to “bring your furry, feathery or scaly family member” no matter its size, weight or breed, with no pet deposit required. The ultra-luxe resort even has a director of pet relations on staff who welcomes pets by name. Hotel amenities include plush pet-bed loaners, food, water bowls and mats, a concierge list of nearby pet-friendly restaurants, parks, groomers and pet boutiques, and a nightly wine reception where pets are welcome to join the party.

In Florida, every dog has its stay WHEN IT COMES TO PAMPERED POOCHES, FLORIDA HAS MANY “TAILS” TO TELL. PET-FRIENDLY PROPERTIES ARE PREVALENT IN EVERY CORNER OF THE STATE AND SOME HAVE UNIQUE OFFERS FOR YOUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS. HERE ARE A FEW FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION. THE ALFOND INN • 407-998-8090 • thealfondinn.com One of the most prominent pet-friendly locals is smack in the center of the state: The Alfond Inn at Rollins, voted Florida’s No. 1 Hotel by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler. Your furry friends will love the Alfond’s VIP Pup Package, which offers a host of amenities: two nights in a dog-friendly guest room, complimentary keepsake water bowls, signature treats at turndown, tennis balls and a complimentary ThunderShirt, a special soothing vest that gives dogs a “hug” as it applies a gentle, constant pressure for a calming effect. In keeping with the hotel’s philanthropic mission, for each VIP package booked, a donation will be made to the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando. The boutique hotel celebrates the growing trend that has unfolded this year: faithful animal companions joining the bride and groom as they take their vows. Whether the beloved pooch is a ring bearer, a flower pup or a member of the bridal party or simply struts down the aisle, there’s no question that dogs are taking a bigger role in weddings.

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In addition to its elegant design, artwork and culinary expertise, the inn features tranquil outdoor settings where everyone can feel relaxed for photo ops, receptions and al fresco weddings on the courtyard lawn. When the celebration heads inside to the Park Avenue Ballroom or one of the private dining rooms, the inn will arrange complimentary onsite services through the local doggy daycare provider. Each wedding at the Alfond is customized and will be the only celebration taking place in the hotel at the time, allowing plenty of attention for the entire bridal party and the Pup of Honor. The Alfond Inn at Rollins is located in Winter Park, also referred to as “Winter Bark,” the historic, walkable city known for its welcoming dog-friendly shops, more than two dozen dog-friendly restaurants and sidewalk cafes, and a 23-acre green space on Lake Baldwin, where dogs can run off leash during specific posted hours.

NAPLES BAY RESORT • 866-605-1199 naplesbayresort.com Naples Bay Resort in pet-friendly Naples welcomes dogs up to 40 pounds, or larger at the discretion of the general manager. Pooches can join you on the patio at Fred’s Food, Fun & Spirits, named for the owner’s dog, where waiters will bring your dog a cool drink. There are three offleash dog parks in town and leashed dogs are welcome on Keewaydin Island, accessible by boat.

BAYFRONT MARIN HOUSE HISTORIC INN 904-824-4301 • bayfrontmarinhouse.com Voted the No. 1 Hotel in St. Augustine on TripAdvisor, Bayfront Marin House Historic Inn is a romantic B&B that welcomes dogs up to 75 pounds. Your pup will be fawned over by the attentive staff and treated to a relaxing, luxurious getaway. Food and water bowls are available, as are pet treats, loaner leashes and puppy popsicles during the summer months. St. Augustine is full of pet-friendly restaurants and boasts miles of pet-friendly beaches and attractions.

ROLLING WAVES BEACH COTTAGES • 941-383-1323 rollingwaves.com For more casual digs, consider Rolling Waves Beach Cottages on Longboat Key. This secluded island oasis consists of eight self-contained cottages perched directly on the powdery, white beach, and the owners permit pets of any type, size and number as long as they are wellbehaved. Bring steaks for the whole family — each unit is equipped with an outdoor charcoal grill, among many other conveniences.

BEACHSIDE INN • 850-650-9099 • destinbeachsideinn.com Expect your pets to be treated like special guests at the cozy Beachside Inn in Destin. One or two dogs per room are welcome and there is no weight limit. Pets are allowed in every part of the inn, including Camille’s Sidewalk Café, open for breakfast and lunch. While dogs are not permitted on the beach, Scenic Gulf Drive features paved sidewalks for enjoying leisurely walks adjacent to the beach. ALOFT HOTELS has an Animals R Fun program (ARF), giving a little special treatment to furry family members. Aloft pets receive a complimentary ARF kit that includes their own bowl, picker-upper bags, tasty treats, a dog tag, pet toys and their own signature bed. Aloft welcomes dogs up to 40 pounds. This chic boutique hotel chain has locations in Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Orlando and Miami.

THE RITZ�CARLTON • ritzcarlton.com The Ritz-Carlton offers a refined pet-friendly package for dogs and cats with exceptional amenities and has varying pet weight restrictions by location. Guests are always welcome to travel with their pets at the Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale; the Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami; the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island; the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota; and guests at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples, can order a delicious meal for their furry friends off the curated doggie menu, including items like Chicken Paw Pie, a doggy version of a chicken pot pie; and Screw Tail Rice, made with fried brown rice, carrots, peas, zucchini and cage-free eggs. At time of publication and unless otherwise stated, pet deposits and/or fees are required. For a complete list of pet-friendly accommodations in Florida, visit bringfido. com, visitflorida.com or contact the tourism bureau of your destination city.

DID YOU KNOW? A free app that can help pet owners find nearby veterinarians, groomers, shelters and pet-friendly restaurants, stores and parks at home or while traveling. Called Pawscout, it has real-time mapping that makes it easy to connect with pet lovers throughout the U.S. and Canada. Pawscout also pairs with an inexpensive and smart ID tag that uses Bluetooth to track your pet’s movements. The tag stores a digital profile with your pet’s medical records, behavior traits and owner contact information. Pawscout’s Virtual Leash option even sends your smartphone an “out of range” alert if your pet wanders more than 300 feet away from you. The American Kennel Club recently released its list of the 50 most popular dogs in America. The No. 1 breed? Labrador retrievers, for their tendency to be both easygoing and athletic at the same time. akc.org According to VisitFlorida, the most dog-friendly places in Florida are St. Augustine, Amelia Island, the Space Coast, Daytona Beach, the Palm Beaches, Fort Lauderdale, Naples, the beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel, Sarasota, St. Pete/Clearwater, Mexico Beach and Panama City Beach. visitflorida.com.

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% T T #. T)/.T) T & T &),#

Florida is renowned for its sunswept beaches, eclectic shopping, endless sightseeing and, of course, award-winning dining. Locals and tourists alike enjoy the melting pot of flavors, ambiance and even heartwarming history of our state’s fabulous restaurants. If you are considering a stay near any of these nine classic restaurants, they should be on your menu to try. Bud and Alley’s, Seaside, South Walton Named after a dachshund and a cat, this down-home gathering place has been a Seaside tradition for more than 25 years. The restaurant/ beach bar was founded by a couple of surfing buddies and remains all about “good food, good people and good times.� Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, the view can’t be beat. The menu spans breakfast, lunch and dinner and sports a varied selection, with items prepared only from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. A breakfast favorite is the scrambled egg and bacon sandwich made with ciabatta, smoked gouda and avocado. For lunch and dinner, you’ll find fresh seafood, salads, chicken, pork and a tender 7-ounce center-cut filet. Stay for sunset: The rooftop celebration is spectacular. Hours: 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily, open later in season. 850-231-5900. budandalleys.com

Bayou Bill’s Crab House, Panama City Beach Straight from local fishermen to your plate, Bayou Bill’s offers a raw oyster bar, special crab feast, shellfish, fish and classic po’ boy sandwiches. The crab feast includes your choice of Alaskan snow crab legs, blue crabs and Alaskan dungeness crabs. Other special dishes include chargrilled chicken, fish and steak, as well as pastas and decadent desserts. It’s a family-friendly place, also offering photo ops with live alligators. Open daily at 5 p.m.; closing time varies. 850-235-1010. bayoubills.com

Columbia Restaurant, Ybor City, Tampa Go to the flagship Columbia restaurant on any night except Sunday for a riveting flamenco dance performance — a cultural complement to the restaurant’s internationally acclaimed cuisine. Founded in 1905, the landmark serves authentic Spanish and Cuban cuisine. Among its many must-try menu items are Columbia’s Original “1905â€? Salad, Spanish bean soup, the Original Cuban Sandwich, Pompano en Papillot, Roast Pork a la Cubana, Chicken and Yellow Rice Valenciana, Filet Mignon Chacho, cafĂŠ con leche and flan. Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. 813-248-4961. columbiarestaurant.com

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Casa Marina 1925 Hotel and Restaurant, Jacksonville Beach

Toasted Mango Cafe, Siesta Key, Sarasota

The grande dame of Jacksonville Beach, the charming Casa Marina, built in 1925, is an alluring historical landmark and the last remaining piece of Northeast Florida’s Prohibition era. The Rooftop restaurant and bar presents an unrivaled ocean view, serves lunch and dinner and has a live DJ on Friday and Saturday nights. Food specials at happy hour hint at the creative food and beverages offered here, such as spicy shrimp sautÊ with fruit salsa mint beurre blanc, and a cucumber lychee martini, one of many delightful concoctions on the martini list. Signature tapas are served throughout the day Tuesday through Friday. Sunday brunch consists of an unforgettable feast of delicious egg dishes, fresh seafood, roasted carvings, pasta and salads, warm homemade breads and decadent desserts. Hours: Monday-Thursday 3 p.m.-12 a.m.; Friday 3 p.m.-1 a.m.; Saturday 1 p.m.-2 am.; Sunday 12 p.m.-12 a.m.; Sunday brunch 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 904-270-0025. casamarinahotel.com

Two spunky ladies, determined to bring back the art of service, founded this award-winning diner. Servers are friendly and helpful, lending to the fun, cheerful atmosphere. Discover a large variety of super-fresh breakfast and lunch items; chef breakfast specials include the Sarasota omelet with house-roasted turkey, fresh avocado, spinach, tomato and jack cheese. For lunch, try the tasty toasted mango blackened chicken salad. If it’s Southern comfort food you crave, order the homemade biscuits with sausage gravy. Northerners will appreciate the generous smoked salmon platter served with a “real New York bagel.� Hours: Daily 7 a.m.–3 p.m. 941-552-6485. toastedmangocafe.com

Cafe Alcazar, St. Augustine Lunch in an empty swimming pool? If it’s at Cafe Alcazar, you’ll be served heaping sides of history. Henry Flagler built the Alcazar Hotel and Casino in 1888, now known as the Lightner Museum. The Alcazar boasted the world’s largest indoor swimming pool in its heyday and is now home to the cafe. Fine dining meets casual on the menu, with items ranging from escargot prepared with white wine, garlic butter and fresh herbs, to a classic club sandwich. Enjoy live classical guitar during lunch, and afterward peruse the surrounding shops filled with glittering antiquities. Hours: Daily for lunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 904-825-9948. thealcazarcafe.com.

The Beach House, Anna Maria Island, Bradenton It’s all about “toes in the sand� dining at the Chiles Group trio of restaurants, including MiraMar on Longboat Key and The Sandbar on Anna Maria Island. But if you haven’t been to The Beach House lately, you might not recognize it but for the picture-postcard views, Jimmy Buffett-style music and sumptuous menu items. A recent renovation elevated its ambiance from beach casual to beach chic. While still a come-as-you-are kind of place, the new fluid design with open-air dining on the powdery beach sand makes it more inviting than ever. While their signature grouper sandwich is always a treat, if you like shellfish, you’ll love the new Tower and Castle. Offered in one or two tiers, it’s a decadent presentation of clams, mussels, seasonal crab, oysters, peeland-eat shrimp, fish dip, lobster and optional caviar, all locally sourced whenever possible. Hours: Monday–Thursday 11:30 a.m.– 9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 11:30 a.m.– 9:30 p.m. 941-779-2222. beachhousedining.com

Joe’s Stone Crab, Miami Beach No visit to Miami would be complete without a visit to Joe’s Stone Crab. Not only is the legendary restaurant the place to see and be seen, it was the first restaurant to serve Florida stone crabs, back in 1921. Before then, they were not considered edible. Since then the crabs have become a Florida staple and are considered a delicacy, as they are only available from mid-October through mid-May. Joe’s also serves other fresh shellfish, fish, meat and poultry, and offers a full bar and lengthy wine list. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Sunday-Thursday 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 5 p.m.-11 p.m. 305-673-0365. joesstonecrab.com

Big Pink, Miami Beach Whether you’re hungry or hung over, Big Pink fills the reasonably priced bill. This late-night retro diner is known for its belly-busting portions of classic comfort foods with an imaginative twist. Think fried chicken and waffles benedict with chicken apple sausage, five-egg omelets with a panoply of fillings, or the Big Pink TV Dinner with gourmet selections of teriyaki salmon, chicken or meatloaf. With pizza, pasta, burgers, salads, sandwiches and a huge breakfast selection, the menu is astoundingly varied. The decor is colorful and casual, with large TVs lining the walls. And you can’t miss the signature pink Volkswagen Beetles parked outside, poised for 24-hour delivery. Hours: Sunday –Thursday 8 a.m.–12 a.m.; Friday – Saturday 8 a.m. – 5 a.m.; 305-532-4700. mylesrestaurantgroup.com

Tampa Bay Times | Sunday, June 24, 2018 |

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The past is present in HISTORIC CORTEZ You could easily overlook Cortez Fishing Village while traveling along its namesake road from Bradenton to the Gulf Coast beaches, but you’d be missing out on a chance to learn more about Florida’s celebrated maritime history and culture. As the world around Cortez continued to expand with tract-housing neighborhoods, condominium complexes and destination resort hotels, this small fishing village nestled along the northern edges of Sarasota Bay took steps to protect its community and preserve its past. Resisting so-called progress, residents of this village guaranteed their community will continue to exist in much the same way it has for more than a century by securing its designation as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places. Get your first glimpse into the past at the Florida Maritime Museum, housed in the town’s authentic 1912 schoolhouse on 119th Street W. Inside, you’ll discover how the region’s natural resources shaped its history, from providing Native Americans who first settled here food and transportation, with canoes carved out of trees;

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| Sunday, June 24, 2018 | Tampa Bay Times

to the abundance and variety of seafood that lured fishermen to its shores. Exhibits portray the evolution of the town’s commercial fishing industry through ship models, historic boats and examples of fishermen’s tools ranging from fishing nets to navigation equipment and vintage boat motors. To learn more about the people and culture of Cortez, take a short stroll from the museum and follow the signs to the nearby Cortez Village Cultural Center, hidden behind a tree-lined creek separating the storied structures. The cultural center is housed in a remarkable building formerly known as Monroe Cottage, which was painstakingly refurbished over a number of years by members of the Cortez Village Historical Society and opened to the public in 2016. While the museum focuses on the history of Cortez Village and its commercial fishing industry, the cultural center directs its attention to the Cortez community and the people who’ve lived there since it was settled in the

1880s. Their stories are told through photographs and documents amid period furniture and everyday items from days gone by – an antique doll sitting at attention in a wooden high chair, a neatly pressed military uniform hanging beside photos of Cortez men who fought for our country in a century’s worth of wars, a hand-crank Victrola record player with a disk on its turntable waiting to share the aural secrets concealed within its grooves. At the cultural center, be sure to pick up a Walking Tour Map of The Cortez Fishing Village. It lists 92 points of interest within easy walking distance, including dozens of notable antique homes – many of which are little more than simple cottages. There is a binder in the cultural center containing historical documents and photos related to many of these homes that visitors are invited to look through.

As you exit the cultural center, you have a choice of strolling through the village with map in hand or exploring the 100-acre wildlife preserve only steps away from the door via an unpaved walking trail through its forest of native flora. Whichever path you choose – both if you have time – your visit to the Cortez Fishing Village will not be complete without a stop at the waterfront to see the commercial fishing docks, still in action after nearly 140 years, and the many seafood restaurants serving fish so fresh they are, quite literally, the catch of the day. Whether sitting in a restaurant awaiting your meal or relaxing on a bench on the dock watching the boats and fishermen return with their day’s haul, take a few moments to appreciate this unique community’s place in our modern world. Cortez is home to one of Florida’s last operating fishing villages, and its residents – both past and present – are a resilient bunch, having endured hurricanes, economic struggles and tightened fishing regulations, each threatening their very livelihood. What you see when you look around is as close to “authentic Florida” as you are likely to find, and its mere existence today is a testament to the generations of people who lived here.

IF YOU GO Entrance is free to the museum and cultural center, but donations are accepted – and a critical source of funding to keep their history alive. Florida Maritime Museum: 4415 119th Street West, Cortez, FL OPEN Tues.-Sat., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 941-708-6120 • www.floridamaritimemuseum.org Cortez Village Cultural Center: 11655 Cortez Rd. W., Cortez, FL OPEN Thurs.-Sat., 12-4 p.m. 941-705-4656 • www.cortezvillagehistoricalsociety.org

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| Sunday, June 24, 2018 | Tampa Bay Times

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