Festival kick-offs and more: 9 things to do in Central Florida this weekend
ORLANDO, Fla. — Mardi Gras, festivals and more are kicking off this weekend in Central FloridaSee our list of top 9 events below. Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorldSeven Seas Food Festival returns to SeaWorld Friday and runs through May 7. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 19 Universal Mardi Gras Details announced for this year's Mardi Gras celebration at Universal Orlando Resort. 48th Mount Dora Arts FestivalA nationally ranked fine arts festival, the 48th Mount Dora Arts Festival returns Saturday and Sunday in historic downtown. Mardi Gras Street PartyThe Mardi Gras downtown Street Party in Maitland lasts from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Independence Lane.
wftv.comBig cooldown coming after cold front moves through Central Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. — Central Florida will be partly sunny and cool Thursday after a cold front moved through overnight. High temperatures in our area will only reach the mid-60s Thursday afternoon. Big cooldown coming after cold front moves through Central FloridaThursday night will be even colder with lows in the 30s and 40s for some. Read: SeaWorld announces culinary dishes, concert lineup for Seven Seas Food FestivalTemperatures in Orlando will drop down to 44 degrees by early Friday morning. Read: 2022 one of the warmest years on record, NOAA scientists sayTemperatures will rebound this weekend with highs in the 70s and 80s.
wftv.comHere’s how you can get an inside look at SeaWorld Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. — A popular event will offer guests the opportunity to have behind-the-scenes access to learn more about animal care and conservation efforts. SeaWorld’s Inside Look program runs this weekend and next, and the Inside Look experiences are included with regular park admission. Guests can get up close with animal specialists in talking about their roles in caring for sharks, manatees and more. READ: 9 things to do this weekend in Central Florida“At SeaWorld Orlando, we are always looking for ways to inspire guests to be advocates for animal conservation,” said Kyle Miller, Park President of SeaWorld Orlando. See a detailed look at available experiences here.
wftv.comRain and storm chances go up Thursday as front moves through Central Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. — A front moving through Thursday will bring scattered rain and storms to parts of Central Florida. Watch: Hurricane debris piles picked up after Channel 9 gets involvedThe high temperature in Orlando should be around 77 degrees in the afternoon. Rain and storm chances go up Thursday as front moves through Central FloridaLow temperatures in Central Florida will dip into the 40s and 50s overnight. Read: SeaWorld and Aquatica offering year-round admission for some Florida kidsFriday will be sunny with high temperatures in the 60s. Central Florida will have great weather this weekend with comfortable days and chilly nights.
wftv.comNear record highs Wednesday as front moves closer to Central Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. — Central Florida will be cloudy and warm Wednesday. Watch: OCFR releases drone video of rescue at The Wheel at ICON ParkThere will be a 20% chance of seeing a passing shower today in Central Florida. Near record highs Wednesday as front moves closer to Central FloridaA front is set to arrive Thursday and the storm system will lower our temperatures and increase our rain chances. Read: Manatee with watercraft wound rescued, transported to SeaWorld for careHigh temperatures for Thursday will be in the 70s and storm chances will be around 40%. Central Florida will have much cooler conditions Friday with high temperatures in the 60s and lows in the 40s in the evening.
wftv.comGreg Warmoth Reindeer Run, a 25-year tradition, returns this weekend
ORLANDO, Fla. — For 25 years, runners, walkers and the community have come together at the Greg Warmoth Reindeer Run for a great cause: supporting families of children battling cancer. On Saturday, thousands will wake up early and head to SeaWorld for the popular event. It’s not about who wins, but about having fun as a community and raising money for families whose holidays will be spent in the hospital. READ: 9 things to do in Central Florida this weekendThe three-mile path takes runners and walkers through SeaWorld which will be decked in holiday cheer. And even though it’s Central Florida, snow will be in the forecast.
wftv.comWorld’s biggest theme park trade show kicks off in Orange County
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The world’s biggest theme park industry trade show is being held this week in Orange County. Channel 9 got an inside look at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) expo. Photos: World’s biggest theme park trade show kicks off in Orange CountyExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 8 World’s biggest theme park trade show kicks off in Orange CountyThe event is the globe’s largest convention for the attractions industry. Read: Walt Disney World to raise ticket prices at theme parksMore than 30,000 people will attend the IAAPA gathering at the Orange County Convention Center. There are more than 1,000 companies from across the world on display this year, which is 25% more than last year.
wftv.comReport: Theme park attendance was a roller coaster in 2021
The annual report, which was released last Friday, usually ranks theme parks by attendance but held off on doing that in the 2021 report because of disparities in operating conditions worldwide — and even within countries. Instead, it compared 2021 attendance with pre-pandemic 2019 attendance. But even in the U.S., theme parks operated under different conditions in 2021, even when they were owned by the same company. Attendance at the next busiest theme park, Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif., was only 45% of its pre-pandemic level in 2021, but up 133% over 2020. Attendance at Chinese theme parks in 2021 was about half of what it was pre-pandemic, and only about 25% above 2020 figures.
wftv.com‘High Surf Advisory’: SeaWorld Orlando to reveal details Tuesday on new roller coaster
ORLANDO, Fla. — SeaWorld is getting ready to give an update on a brand-new roller coaster. SeaWorld posted video on social media showing the ride speeding through waves, along with the hashtag “High Surf Advisory.”Read: SeaWorld Orlando wants your help to name this baby dolphinThe park is set to reveal more details Tuesday. Photos: SeaWorld Orlando to reveal details Tuesday on new roller coasterExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 SeaWorld Orlando to reveal details Tuesday on new roller coasterRead: Halloween: 9 Central Florida events to get you excited for spooky seasonChannel 9 will have a crew at the theme park and will provide more details on Eyewitness News. Read: SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream: What to know before you goClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. ©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comHalloween: 9 Central Florida events to get you excited for spooky season
Central Florida has plenty of events going on this month to help. Channel 9 compiled a list of nine Halloween-themed events happening throughout October:Spooktacular at SeaWorldSeaWorld Orlando’s family-friendly Halloween event is back for some seasonal fun. Happening Friday: Halloween Horror Nights returns to Universal Orlando (WFTV)Mickey’s Not-So-Scary HalloweenMickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is back at Magic Kingdom. Science Night DEADThe fan-favorite, adults-only night at the Orlando Science Center is getting all dressed up for Halloween on Oct. 22. ZombietoberfestGet your costumes ready for the Audubon Park Garden District’s Night Market with Zombietoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
wftv.comCrumpet the manatee returns to the wild after rehab stint at SeaWorld
ORLANDO, Fla. — It’s a big day for Crumpet the manatee. After a six-month rehab stay at SeaWorld, he’s returning to the wild on Thursday. Crumpet was first spotted in distress at FPL’s Manatee Lagoon in January. A couple of weeks later, rescuers caught up with Crumpet at Port Everglades and transported him to SeaWorld in Orlando for treatment. On Thursday, Crumpet will be loaded into the transport truck by SeaWorld staff members to be released at Anchorage Park in North Palm Beach.
wftv.comSeaWorld’s Craft Beer Festival: What you can expect
SeaWorld’s Craft Beer Festival: What you can expectORLANDO, Fla. — SeaWorld Orlando’s Craft Beer Festival kicks off Friday with a party for craft beer lovers. The festival will feature more than 100 craft brews, wines, seltzers, and cocktails. READ: Baby dolphin stuck in crab trap off Florida beach rescued, brought to SeaWorldSeaWorld Orlando’s Craft Beer Festival will be held on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Aug. 5 to Sept. 5. More information about the festival can be found here. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.
wftv.comSeaWorld Orlando announces more details for Howl-O-Scream, limited-time sale
READ: SeaWorld adjusts height requirement on Ice Breaker ride days after openingHaunted house “Beneath the Ice” and the bar, Tormented, will also return. In addition to the seasonal scares, guests will be able to take nighttime rides on the new roller coaster Ice Breaker, as well as Mako and Manta. READ: SeaWorld announces 7th roller coaster, opening in 2023Howl-O-Scream runs select nights from Sept. 9 through Oct. 31. SeaWorld is offering a “sinister sale” through July 31, with Howl-O-Scream tickets as low as $29.99. READ: Blumhouse hits ‘The Black Phone,’ ‘Freaky’ heading to Halloween Horror NightsWATCH: SeaWorld announces 7th roller coaster, opening in 2023 SeaWorld announces 7th roller coaster, opening in 2023 (SeaWorld Orlando)Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comPregnant sea lion found wandering California golf course
A pregnant sea lion spotted at a resort’s golf course was escorted back to the beach by rescuers. Pregnant sea lion found wandering California golf course The sea lion, seen here basking in the sun on the golf course. Pregnant sea lion found wandering California golf course Lifeguards who assisted rescuers with releasing the animal back into the ocean dubbed the animal "Bogey." (SeaWorld Animal Rescue)“She was comfy, cozy on the golf course,” Jeni Smith, a program supervisor for SeaWorld Animal Rescue, told KSWB. Pregnant sea lion found wandering California golf course The animal did not appear to be in danger or distress when rescue crews arrived.
wftv.comNew Electric Ocean event debuts at SeaWorld Orlando. — KnightNews.com
SeaWorld’s premier Summer Event, ‘Electric Ocean’ has returned to Orlando with brand-new offerings for guests to experience from now until Sept. 5Exclusive Drinks will be offered during the event based on each of the thrilling rides such as Mako Kraken and the newly opened Ice Breaker located throughout the park. Photo by Andrew CarsonSEAWORLD ELECTRIC OCEAN FOOD REVIEW! Rescue tails night vision is a new attraction for the event where guests will meet some exotic nocturnal animals in a fun and educational presentation about animal rescue. The biggest pluses for the event are the summer and ride themed drinks and food items. The empanadas are much better than your average theme park food offering and the Mako themed cocktail is a personal favorite.
knightnews.comCheers! Free beer returns to SeaWorld Orlando for the summer
Video: SeaWorld sees increased financial recovery since pandemic closures SeaWorld says its finances are doing better than earlier in the pandemic. The theme park announced this week that its free rotating tap beers have returned this summer for guests 21 and older. READ: SeaWorld announces 7th roller coaster, opening in 2023Guests can get one free seven-ounce beer from Waterway Grill Bar per park visit every day through Aug. 4. The beer is available from 10:30 a.m. until an hour before park closes, SeaWorld said. The beer on tap will rotate throughout the summer, allowing guests to try something new every time they visit, SeaWorld said.
wftv.comElectric Ocean to light up SeaWorld again this summer
ORLANDO, Fla. — This summer is about to get electric at SeaWorld Orlando. The park announced Thursday that its Electric Ocean festivities will return this season, promising fun summer days and fiery summer nights. Also new this year is Rescue Tails: Night Vision, a nocturnal version of Rescue Tails where guests get to meet rescued animals and learn about their unique stories, SeaWorld said. The daytime Rescue Tails will return, as will Elmo Rocks for younger guests. For an additional costs on Saturdays, Lakeside Grill Happy Hour will take place from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m., offering themed food and beverages.
wftv.comSea lion once saved from San Diego highway now saved from city storm drain
SeaWorld rescue team picks up wayward sea lion that wandered near highway (NCD)SAN DIEGO — A sea lion who made headlines earlier this year for blocking a major highway was rescued once again, this time from a storm drain under a bridge. >> Read more trending newsThe animal was spotted near a storm drain under the National City Bridge on April 7, UPI reported. In January, the same 200-pound sea lion was found on the center median attempting to cross California Route 94, as we reported at the time. Had the sea lion followed the storm drain, he would have been led back to the same freeway interchange where he was found in January. “We want him in a safe situation,” Jeni Smith, a SeaWorld Rescue team supervisor, told the newspaper.
wftv.comSeaWorld surpasses major rescue milestone
ORLANDO, Fla. — SeaWorld has surpassed a major milestone in rescues. It said it has rescued 40,000 injured, sick and orphaned animals. SeaWorld has rescue teams in Orlando, San Antonio and San Diego. The SeaWorld team of veterinarians and animal care experts have been caring for animals for more than 50 years. “Rescue and rehabilitation can save the lives of individual animals, and in some cases supports the preservation of endangered and threatened species, like the Florida manatee.
wftv.comSeaWorld announces additional concerts for Seven Seas Food Festival including Boyz II Men, Chase Bry
ORLANDO, Fla. — SeaWorld Orlando has announced even more opportunities for guests to rock out as part of the Seven Seas Food Festival. READ: SeaWorld to double size of its critical care space for manateesThe theme park has added five more weekends of concerts as part of its festival lineup. The Seven Seas Food Festival features more curated tastes inspired by cultures around the world from more than 200 chefs and mixologists, and 24 festival marketplaces, including new additions Ireland and Sicily. READ: Time to break the ice: SeaWorld debuts new roller coasterClick here for more information. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comGo slow, look out below: Here’s how Floridians can help keep manatees safe
With that in mind, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is asking Florida residents and visitors to help keep manatees safe, especially while out on the water. That means it’s crucial for Florida boaters to stay alert and avoid manatees while traveling through Florida’s waterways. From April 1 through Nov. 15, seasonal manatee zones require boaters to slow down in certain areas to prevent manatees from being injured or killed by motorboats or personal watercrafts. You can help protect manatees by following these simple guidelines:READ: 55 tons of lettuce fed to Florida’s starving manateesWear polarized sunglasses to help spot manatees. Follow posted manatee zones while boating.
wftv.comOfficials: Florida manatees eat 'every scrap' in food trial
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — (AP) — One thing wildlife officials have learned during the winter experimental feeding program to help manatees avoid starvation is that if you feed them, they will come. “They've eaten every scrap of food we've put out,” said Scott Calleson of the U.S. It wasn't clear the manatees would eat the lettuce when the unprecedented program began in December. But as warm spring weather continues, the manatees are beginning to leave the feeding site to find natural food elsewhere. As successful as the feeding program has been, officials say people must remember it remains illegal for individuals to feed manatees on their own.
wftv.comOfficials: Florida manatees eat 'every scrap' in food trial
One thing wildlife officials have learned during the winter experimental feeding program to help manatees avoid starvation is that if you feed them, they will come. Manatees have eaten virtually all of the estimated 160,000 pounds (72,500 kilograms) of lettuce provided at a warm-water power plant site where manatees typically congregate during cold months, officials said Wednesday during a virtual news conference. “They've eaten every scrap of food we've put out,” said Scott Calleson of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
news.yahoo.comSeaWorld teams up with Georgia Aquarium to save two orphaned manatees
ORLANDO, Fla. — SeaWorld has teamed up with Georgia Aquarium to continue to help rehabilitate two orphaned manatees that were rescued in December. SeaWorld and Georgia Aquarium have already been involved in a multi-year partnership for marine animal rescue and conservation. On Monday, SeaWorld and Georgia Aquarium announced that two juvenile orphaned manateesRead: 4 young manatees flown from SeaWorld Orlando to Columbus Zoo for treatmentwere transferred from SeaWorld’s Rescue Center in Orlando to Georgia Aquarium to free up critical care space at SeaWorld’s Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. Read: Wildlife officers rescue manatee on Merritt Island after several attemptsThe manatees being cared for by Georgia Aquarium will not be on display to the public. “Georgia Aquarium has been involved in manatee research and health assessments for several years, but this is the first time we will have manatees under our care,” said Eric Gaglione, VP of Zoological Operations at Georgia Aquarium.
wftv.comSeaWorld sees increased financial recovery since pandemic closures
ORLANDO, Fla. — SeaWorld says its finances are doing better than earlier in the pandemic. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 26 SeaWorld Orlando announces new rollercoaster for 2022 (SeaWorld Orlando)Five million guests visited SeaWorld parks across the country in the last quarter. WATCH: A guide to the new rides hitting SeaWorld parks across the U.S. in 2022That’s almost double the year before. SeaWorld sees increased financial recovery since pandemic closuresFor all of 2021, revenue was at $1.5 billion dollars, up from $1 billion in 2020. READ: SeaWorld Abu Dhabi on track for 2022 completionSeaWorld says its recovery since the pandemic closures is well underway.
wftv.comSeaWorld adjusts height requirement on Ice Breaker ride days after opening
ORLANDO, Fla. — SeaWorld’s newest roller coaster, Ice Breaker, opened to the public on Friday and has already experienced some growing pains. Over the weekend, SeaWorld changed the minimum height requirement for the coaster, raising the minimum from 48 to 54 inches. “Ice Breaker is one of the most anticipated coasters of 2022 and it has been extremely popular among guests since opening Feb. 18,” SeaWorld said in a statement. Ice Breaker is a little over a minute long and has close to 3,000 feet of track. Read: Rents reach ‘insane’ levels across Florida and US with no end in sight“Ice Breaker is a one-of-a-kind thrill ride which complements our existing exhilarating ride portfolio perfectly.
wftv.comOrlando man wins top prize of $1M in ‘The Fastest Road’ scratch-off game
ORLANDO, Fla. — An Orlando man has claimed the top prize of $1 million in the Florida lottery’s “The Fastest Road to $1,000,000″ scratch-off game. Officials said Rodriquez purchased his winning ticket from the 7-Eleven store in the 5600 block of Hansel Avenue in Edgewood. READ: Mother finds child left behind in locked Florida daycare centerThe retailer will receive a $2,000 bonus commission for selling the winning ticket. “The Fastest Road to $1,000,000″ is a $30 game that launched in February 2020. It features 155 top prizes of $1,000,000 and over $948 million in cash prizes, officials said.
wftv.com9 things to do this weekend: Daytona 500, Ice Breaker opens at SeaWorld, Sanford Mardi Gras and more
Get ready to break the ice: SeaWorld’s Ice Breaker coaster is opening this weekend! Otronicon will take place at the Orlando Science Center through Monday. The city will host its 8th Annual Sanford Mardi Gras from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. To learn more about the event, click hereThe Orlando Solar Bears will take on the Indy Fuel at the Amway Center on Saturday. If you’re interested in learning more about the event, click here.
wftv.comSeaWorld to build new emergency pools in response to a spike in manatee injuries
SeaWorld to build new emergency pools in response to a spike in manatee injuriesORLANDO, Fla. — (AP) — The SeaWorld theme park in Orlando is opening new pools to care for Florida manatees that are dying from starvation due to poor water quality in their normal habitat. SeaWorld announced Friday that it has added five 40-foot pools to accommodate up to 20 manatees within two weeks. The theme park is one of five facilities in the U.S. taking care of sick and injured manatees. WATCH: Record number of manatees counted at Blue Spring State Park“We are bringing animals in that are skeletons. These animals need long-term care,” said Jon Peterson, chief of zoological operations at SeaWorld who chairs a manatee rescue partnership with government agencies.
wftv.comOn this day: Beloved SeaWorld whale Tilikum died after lung infection five years ago
ORLANDO, Fla. — Five years ago, SeaWorld whale Tilikum died after a lung infection. Tilikum died Jan. 6, 2017, a Friday, surrounded by trainers, care staff and veterinarians, SeaWorld said. Amusement park officials said he was being treated for “a persistent and complicated bacterial lung infection” before his death. Report: Lawmakers discuss possible stimulus relief as omicron spreadsIn 2010, Tilikum killed SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau when he grabbed her after a “Dine with Shamu” show and pulled her into the pool. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.com9 things to do this weekend: Vrbo Citrus Bowl, New Year’s Eve celebrations & more
Here’s a list of nine things happening in Central Florida. READ: Your guide to Central Florida fireworks to ring in the new yearSeaWorld will host its annual New Year’s Eve fireworks on Friday. READ: New Year’s Day superstitions: Don’t wash clothes; do look for a tall, dark, stranger and eat greensNew Year’s Eve fireworks over Avalon Lake begin at midnight. READ: Central Florida Zoo opens ‘Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild’Tickets for the event must be purchased online. Do you always want to be the first to know what’s happening in Central Florida?
wftv.comYour guide to Central Florida fireworks to ring in the new year
Fireworks safety For the first time in modern history, Floridians will be able to legally light off fireworks for the Fourth of July. (wft, wftv.com)From local theme parks to neighborhoods, there are plenty of places across Central Florida to look up on New Year’s Eve for fantastic fireworks displays. Here is your guide to Central Florida fireworks in the area. READ: How to watch ‘Groveland 4: Journey to Exoneration’Avalon ParkNew Year’s Eve fireworks over Avalaon Lake begin at midnight. Mount DoraFood, drinks and live music begin at 9 p.m. ahead of the fireworks at Sunset Park, 230 W. 4th Avenue.
wftv.comSEE: Watch the Orange County Sheriff’s Office take a holiday light helicopter tour
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is spreading holiday cheer with a helicopter tour of Central Florida. The tour shows off holiday decorations across Orange County, including views from Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, ICON Park and more. The sheriff’s office said the tour was completed in 2019 by its aviation section. READ: Santa, Mrs. Claus deliver Christmas surprise by rappelling down the side of Halifax HospitalWatch the tour below:Take a holiday lights helicopter tour of Central Florida with the Orange County Sheriff's Office Aviation Section. pic.twitter.com/VdzLokv8mq — Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) December 21, 2021READ: What time does Walmart, Best Buy, Macy’s, Target and others close on Christmas Eve?
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