โYouโre doing it wrong:โ Thanksgiving doโs and donโts for a successful and delicious dinner
If youโre waking up at 4 a.m. to start Thanksgiving dinner just to end up serving dry meat and drama to your family โ youโre probably doing it all wrong. Here's a handy list of Thanksgiving do's and dont's to make your day a scrumptious success.
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Target already planning on no Thanksgiving Day shopping for 2021
FILE - In this Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020 file photo, people walk through the parking lot at a Target store in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)Itโs not even Valentineโs Day and Target is already making 2021 holiday plans. The retailer announced it will be closed on Thanksgiving Day again. Target and other retailers were closed this past Thanksgiving to help reduce crowds and flatten the curve amid the coronavirus pandemic. Target also announced its holiday sales for November and December were up more than 17% from the year before.
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Testing demand remains high post Thanksgiving
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ Orange County officials continue to report high demand for COVID-19 testing following the Thanksgiving holiday. Most coronavirus testing sites in Florida reopened Friday after closing for Thanksgiving. The state-run walk-up testing site in Volusia County remained closed Friday and will reopen Monday at 8 a.m. Experts say those who want to get tested after hosting or attending a large gathering should wait a few days after Thanksgiving. Different COVID-19 tests have varying accuracy, Banerjee said.
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Salvation Army serves thousands of free Thanksgiving meals to Central Florida families
ORLANDO, Fla. โ From turkey to stuffing and all the traditional holiday sides, The Salvation Army is making sure families across Central Florida are getting a Thanksgiving meal this year. Usually, people will line up outside the building and eat dinner inside the gymnasium at The Salvation Army but this year, to-go meals were prepped and distributed for safety reasons. [TRENDING: No new COVID-19 numbers on Thanksgiving | Florida Rep says Trump should pardon himself | 15-year-old girl dies after overdosing]FREE THANKSGIVING MEALS: Volunteers are here now preparing meals at the Salvation Army that will go to people in need. People have worked cooperatively,โ said Captain Ken Chapman, area commander of The Salvation Army Orlando. Anyone interested in volunteering with or donating to The Salvation Army can learn more about the available opportunities by visiting SalvationArmyOrlando.org or calling 407-423-8581.
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Orlando Magic host Thanksgiving breakfast for Central Floridaโs homeless community
ORLANDO, Fla. โ Orlando Magic players and staff members woke up early Thursday to host a Thanksgiving breakfast for members of Central Floridaโs homeless community. Retired NBA player and Magic community ambassador Bo Outlaw and his family were also a part of the event Thursday morning. Orlando Magic host annual Thanksgiving event at the Coalition for the Homeless during the COVID-19 pandemic. (WKMG)John Beard, who said heโs had a very trying year, said he was grateful to have received a meal on Thanksgiving Day and thanked the Magic for their generosity. Thanksgiving breakfast was prepared for more than 400 homeless men, women and children at the Coalition, according to a news release.
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Families fly out of Orlando on Thanksgiving eve
ORLANDO, Fla. โ On a night that is typically busy at Orlando International Airport, the lines for security were short to nonexistent. Michael Lux said that he and his daughters are heading home to Austin after spending a week at Orlandoโs theme parks. He said that once they return, they plan to invite family over for Thanksgiving, but he understands if some family members donโt feel comfortable attending, given their recent travels. Weโve done everything we can to protect ourselves and others.โAirport officials estimated about 36,000 passengers were expected to pass through on Wednesday. Despite health officials urging people not to travel, he said that itโs a family tradition that he didnโt want to miss.
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Bargoers head to downtown Orlando for โDrinksgivingโ
ORLANDO, Fla. โ The night before Thanksgiving has earned the nickname โDrinksgiving.โ The day is recognized as one of the biggest nights for bars. The popular holiday is spurred by the after-work crowd, college students home for break and others looking to take advantage of the long holiday weekend. โThatโs giving us an indication that Church Street is probably going to be busy and Orange Avenue is probably going to be busy,โ he said. Given the pandemic, Green said patrons will see tightened restrictions by limiting capacity to 50% to avoid the spread of COVID-19. โWeโre doing temperature checks, obviously face masks and everything else we need to do,โ Green said.
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Orange County coronavirus testing sites close early due to demand ahead of Thanksgiving
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ Two busy coronavirus testing sites in Orange County closed its line hours early Wednesday as cars lined up around the location to get tested for the virus ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. The testing site at Barnett Park operated by Orange County Health Services experienced an increased interest before the Thanksgiving holiday, officials said. Amanda Salisbury, of Winter Garden, was in line with her daughter before the testing site opened around 8:30 a.m. Wilson was also getting testing ahead of the holiday to be safe around his family. โThatโs the main reason for the test going to see family.โThe state run virus testing site at the Orange County Convention Center also stopped accepting new people in line early on Wednesday.
6 ways to make virtual Thanksgiving entertaining for everyone
With many medical experts urging Americans to make this yearโs Thanksgiving scaled down, many of us will probably only see people in our โbubble,โ so holiday is going to feel a little bit different. Thanks to technology, you can still gather with your extended family.
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Florida families warn against Thanksgiving gatherings as they mourn COVID-19 victims
MIAMI โ At a Miami park that has been turned into a memorial for COVID-19 victims, families and officials gathered Tuesday to honor people who have died as they pleaded with others to avoid Thanksgiving dinners with those outside their home. Hundreds of white corrugated plastic sheets shaped like tombstones, some with names and messages, were staked on the lawn in rows simulating a cemetery. Hospitalizations continued to rise in Florida on Tuesday, with 3,787 patients with the virus, up from 3,748 Monday. โI am standing and asking the community to take the realm of this fight,โ Wilson said. โWe are losing too many people and too many people do not care that this virus is roaring through this country.โ
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HOPEsgiving: Salvation Army handing out 500 turkeys to those in need
ORLANDO, Fla. โ The Salvation Army of Orlandoโs annual Thanksgiving dinner will look a lot different this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. On Thanksgiving Day, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Salvation Army in Orlando will distribute 5,000 pre-packed Thanksgiving meals from its gymnasium on 440 W. Colonial Drive. In addition, the agency is hosting a HOPEsgiving Turkey Drive on Tuesday, two days before Thanksgiving. So you can tell this pandemic has had a very devastating effect,โ Captain Ken Chapman with the Salvation Army said. Itโs a reality millions across the country are still facing as we approach the holidaysBut on Tuesday, some of those struggling families felt a sense of hope with the Salvation Armyโs HOPEsgiving day event.
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Hundreds line up in Orlando amid coronavirus pandemic for free frozen turkeys
ORLANDO, Fla. โ The Pendas Law Firm kicked off its annual Thanksgiving tradition on Tuesday by giving away hundreds of frozen turkeys to families in need. For the 12th straight year, the firmโs staff was on hand to personally distribute a truckload of turkeys at 625 E. Colonial Drive in Orlando. โWeโve decided to continue our annual turkey giveaway, with a feeling that the need is now greater than ever. โIf you have love and kindness in your heart, give it and show it to other people, because weโre all family,โ Hendricks said. In total, Pendas said they gave away between 800 and 1,000 turkeys at Tuesdayโs event and 3,000 statewide between his other five office locations.
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If you fall into any of these categories, donโt attend Thanksgiving dinner
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ With Thanksgiving just days away, Central Florida leaders are reminding residents once again that not everyone should be celebrating this year. Thereโs a potential that you might be shedding the virus and be infectious to others, even if you donโt feel sick,โ she said. โPlease donโt let your guard down during these holidays,โ she warned. โWhen we talk about families, Thanksgiving is one of those family holidays. To keep up with the latest news on the pandemic, subscribe to News 6โฒs coronavirus newsletter and go toClickOrlando.com/coronavirus.
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Coronavirus edition: 11 things every Floridian should be thankful for
(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File) (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press.
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โThis year we need it:โ Heart of Florida United Way gives 1,500 families free Thanksgiving meals
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ Cars lined up at the Orange County Convention Center Saturday morning as hundreds of families received free Thanksgiving meals. Heart of Florida United Way gave out free meals to 1,500 pre-selected families in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties. Michael and Patricia received the free meals through the non-profitโs second annual Thanksgiving Project. Heart of Florida United Way President and CEO Jeff Hayward said they provided families everything they need for the meal. He adds the meal giveaway is just another way theyโre doing their part.
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Travelers at OIA continue flying after CDC warnings
ORLANDO, Fla. โ The Thanksgiving travel period kicked off at Orlando International Airport a day after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidance against holiday travel. Thatโs the best thing we can do.โFrom Friday thru December 1, leaders at Orlando International Airport said they plan to see their highest numbers of passengers since the pandemic began. During the Thanksgiving travel period, airport officials warned that lines could be long, but not in the way you remember them. Travelers may also notice fewer fellow passengers, since TSA data shows airport travel is down 74% since May, and as cases continue to climb nationwide. The busiest Thanksgiving travel day at Orlando International Airport is projected to be Sunday Nov. 29 with 44,347 travelers.
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Orlando veterans receive free food ahead of Thanksgiving
ORLANDO, Fla. โ Hundreds of veterans in Orlando received free food on Friday from produce to meats. โYou donโt find too many people that gives out a lot of food out you know and I really appreciate what they do,โ U.S. Army Veteran Kirk Martinez said. [TRENDING: Gov: Vaccine coming to Florida โrelatively soonโ | CDC: Avoid Thanksgiving travel | Georgia presidential race recount results]Usually, the City of Orlando host a Veterans Day parade each year but with the pandemic, plans changed. Instead, city officials teamed up with the organization Soldierโs Angels and decided to donate 75 pounds of food to 300 veteran families. Navy Veteran Martin Vrooman said he uses food stamps to buy groceries for his family.
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COVID-19 testing demand increases ahead of Thanksgiving Day
Does your county offer rapid testing right now? Does your county offer rapid testing right now? As of right now DOH-Lake does not offer rapid testing for the general public. Learn more at As of right now DOH-Lake does not offer rapid testing for the general public. Does your county offer rapid testing right now?
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CDC urges people not to travel for Thanksgiving
All rights reserved)One week before Thanksgiving, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is advising Americans not to travel for the holiday. The agency made the comments during a conference call on Thursday. The recommendation comes as coronavirus cases surge throughout the United States. [TRENDING: County prepares for vaccine | Remote learning continues in spring | โWeโre failing:โ Mayors call for COVID-19 action]The CDC says traveling right now could spread the virus from one part of the country to another. But for those who are still planning to travel, the CDC urges people to wear masks, social distance and wash your hands frequently.
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Americans to spend more on Thanksgiving despite pandemic hardships, survey found
Despite the pandemic, Americans are still planning to spend hundreds of dollars on Thanksgiving dinner. A new survey from Lending Tree, an online loan marketplace, found that Americans will spend an average of $475. About 2,000 Americans answered the online survey. It makes sense since families are having smaller gatherings because of the pandemic. According to the survey, hosts are expecting about nine people at the thanksgiving table this year.
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Hereโs how to get huge discounts on Thanksgiving food at Walmart
The nationโs biggest retailer is teaming up with a tech company to offer huge discounts on a holiday meal. Walmart teamed up with Ibotta for a Thanksgiving promotion this year. According to Ibotta, customers shopping for food at Walmart online can get 100% cash back on nine traditional Thanksgiving items. To get the deal, first people have to download Ibottaโs extension and link it to their Walmart account. To learn more about the 100% cash back offers, check out Ibottaโs website.
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Second Harvest Food Bank gives away 1,000 turkeys ahead of Thanksgiving
The Thanksgiving season has kicked off at Second Harvest Food Bank as 1,000 frozen turkeys were distributed throughout the community. โThis comes just in time for Thanksgiving for a lot of families that are struggling in these economic times,โ Second Harvest Food Bank Chief Development Officer Greg Higgerson said. โItโs going to be a big, big help,โ Higgerson said. As many as 40% of the people who need help with food right now are looking for food for the first time in their lives,โ Higgerson said. In addition to the frozen turkeys, Second Harvest also donated other food items to help complete Thanksgiving meals.
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AAA projects fewer Thanksgiving travelers due to coronavirus pandemic
Because of the pandemic, AAA is forecasting fewer people will travel for Thanksgiving this year. These key factors make up what could be the โthe lowest Thanksgiving travel volume in four years, and the largest yearly decline since the Great Recession,โ AAA said. pic.twitter.com/RTtDh3RMRz โ AAA Travel (@AAA_Travel) November 11, 2020AAA is projecting 50 million Americans will travel this Thanksgiving. These figures could be even lower, AAA said, as Americans monitor the pandemic and follow renewed quarantine restrictions. U.S. Thanksgiving Travel VolumesYear Total Travelers Automibile Air Other (Bus, Train, Cruise) 2020 50.6 M 47.8 M 2.4 M 353,000 2019 56 M 49.9 M 4.58 M 1.5 M Change -9.7% -4.3% -47.5% -76.2% Fewest Travelers Since 2016 2017 2019 2001* Lowest on RecordFlorida Thanksgiving Travel Volumes
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These retailers are staying open on Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving Day will certainly be different for some amid the coronavirus pandemic. Social distancing precautions have caused some families to cancel holiday meals or adjust the way in which they gather. [TRENDING: Disney World increasing capacity | 250,000 space fans to drive near Cape for launch | Meteor shower coming soon]Retailers have also adjusted to the current times and many have elected to stay closed on Thanksgiving Day when normally they would be pushing Black Friday deals early. However, there are still a group of stores that have chosen to stay open on the holiday, according to BlackFriday.com. Here are the stores staying open on ThanksgivingBass Pro Shops: Opens at 8 a.m.Bealls: Open from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.Big Lots: Open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.Cabelaโs: Open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.Claireโs: Open from 5 p.m. to midnightCVS: 24-hour locations openDollar General: Open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.Family Dollar: Open but hours vary by storeFive Below: Open from 6 p.m. to midnightFred Meyer: Normal hours of operationKmart: Open from 6 a.m. to midnightMeijer: Open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.Modellโs: Open from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.New York & Company: Opens at 6 p.m.Palais Royal: Open from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.Peebles: Open from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.Rite Aid: 24-hour locations are openStage Stores: Open from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.Victoriaโs Secret: Select stores are openWalgreens: 24-hour locations are open
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These retailers will be closed on Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving is a special time of year as family and friends gather to celebrate what they are thankful for and enjoy a good meal. Through the years, Black Friday shopping has leaked into Thanksgiving Day, meaning retailers were staying open and employees were having to work instead of spending time with those they love. With the coronavirus pandemic still in full swing across the U.S., many retailers have adjusted their Black Friday shopping hours and are choosing to stay closed on Thanksgiving Day this year. [TRENDING: Disney World increasing capacity | 250,000 space fans to drive near Cape for launch | Meteor shower coming soon]Many retailers have shifted more deals online, which also helps employees get the day off to unwind before the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear. Here are the retailers that have announced closures on Thanksgiving, according to BlackFriday.com.