Romantic Getaways In Florida State Parks For A Unique Valentine's Day Experience

Staff inbox at Orlando Magazine:

Orlando Residents Discover Unique Valentine's Day Experiences in Florida State Parks. For those seeking a romantic getaway beyond the ordinary, Florida's state parks offer a serene and natural setting. Managed by Guest Services as part of the Adventures Unbound collection, these parks provide curated seasonal activities and classic outdoor experiences. In Volusia County, DeLeon Springs State Park presents "A Sweet Escape" throughout February. Couples can enjoy a romantic pancake dinner for two at the historic Old Sugar Mill Pancake House, complete with a chocolate rose. A leisurely cruise on the Spring Garden River follows, offering a chance to take in the scenery. The park's 72-degree spring-fed waters invite a refreshing swim, while paddle and hiking trails provide opportunities for adventure. Nearby, Wekiwa Springs State Park offers scenic settings for Valentine's outings. Visitors can enjoy a riverside picnic, kayak or canoe on Wekiwa and Rock Springs Run, or hike winding trails through lush habitats. For a unique experience, rent two kayaks to explore the headwaters of the Wekiva River. In North Florida, The Lodge at Wakulla Springs, nestled in Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, exudes historic elegance. The lodge often hosts special Valentine's Dinner events amidst one of the deepest

Managed as part of the Adventures Unbound⁘ collection by Guest Services, Florida⁘s state parks offer curated seasonal activities alongside classic ...

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Finding Serenity At A Sprawling Florida Resort

People offer suggestions to Guy Fieri of “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives” all the time. That happens to us, too, even though we don't have flashy convertibles, goatees, or catch phrases. Sometimes, readers point us toward a cool off-the-radar hotel or eatery; other times, it's like, “Does your sister-in-law own this place?” Yikes. We kept hearing about the fabulous spa getaways at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort in southwest Florida; one woman went there on a girl's getaway weekend; another pal went with her husband for an escape from the kids, and so on.

Color us skeptical. First of all, this gigantic beachfront hotel has 809 rooms, a dozen restaurants, two golf courses, and four swimming pools. A hidden-away boutique retreat, this is not. (Anyone who reads the Globe's travel section knows we are partial to all things tiny, rustic, and chic.) Secondly, it is crawling with kids.

We know this for a fact; one of us went there with a baby a few years ago. Fun and lively, yes. Peaceful? Heck, no. But with temperatures in Boston hovering around 14 degrees, and Marco Island coming in at a balmy 84 degrees, why not give this sprawling resort a chance? Even if we didn't find inner peace, we'd get some sunshine and a massage.

Getting to 24-square-mile Marco Island, a barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico, is quite easy; it's a 45-minute drive from Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers. The JW (that's what everyone calls it) has a Polynesian-style entrance with a waterfall. The design was intentional; the Mackle brothers, who developed Marco Island in 1962, envisioned the island as a South Pacific-like retreat to rival Hawaii. The Marco Beach Hotel and Villas (now the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort) opened in 1971, and was the largest hotel on Florida's west coast.

Some of that tiki vibe still runs throughout the resort, including Quinn's on the Beach, a restaurant inspired by a tiki bar in Tahiti, and traditional cypress-and-palm chickee huts on the beach. Alternative viewpoints and findings: See here

Lawsuit Alleges Woman Was Lured To Jeffrey Epstein's Private Island For Sex Trafficking

A recent federal lawsuit filed by a Stuart-based attorney alleges that a South Florida woman was lured to Jeffrey Epstein's private island, where she was subjected to sex trafficking. According to the lawsuit, the woman claims she was forced into heinous acts while on the island. This development has sparked renewed scrutiny of the Epstein case. The lawsuit was reported by Yahoo News. The case raises concerns about the ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking. Authorities continue to investigate and prosecute those responsible for such crimes. The lawsuit seeks to hold accountable those who allegedly enabled Epstein's activities.

A South Florida woman claims she was lured to Jeffrey Epstein's private island, where she was forced into heinous acts, according to a lawsuit filed...

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Hundreds Attend Naples Greek Festival Despite Unseasonable Cold

The annual Greek Festival in Naples, Florida, defied the unseasonable cold snap that had descended upon Southwest Florida, drawing in several hundred enthusiastic attendees. Despite the chill in the air, visitors were undeterred, flocking to the festival to sample authentic Greek cuisine, indulge in traditional music, and immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Greece. Local vendors were on hand, offering an array of genuine products imported directly from Greece, adding to the festive atmosphere. Giannakakis, one of the organizers, remained optimistic, encouraging people to "bundle up" and join in the fun. "We have a lot of great food — come warm up, Greek dance, have a great time," she said with a smile. For those seeking a truly immersive experience, the festival provided an opportunity to explore Greek traditions firsthand. Many attendees were experiencing Greek culture for the first time, and the event's warm and welcoming atmosphere made it an unforgettable experience. For more information on this story, FOX 4 News Fort Myers WFTX provided valuable insights into the Naples Greek Festival, offering a glimpse into the event's highlights and the resilience of its organizers and attendees.

NAPLES, Fla. — The annual Greek Festival returned to Naples this weekend, offering visitors a full slate of authentic Greek food, music and cultural...

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Southwest Florida's Vibrant Cultural Scene: Events And Attractions To Warm The Winter Months

Information column from USA TODAY:

The social season in Fort Myers reveals itself with a vigor that would surely satisfy the most discerning of sensibilities. Our local landscape, though often dictated by the warmth of the sun, finds itself temporarily humbled by an unexpected chill. This postponement of the Wonder Gardens’ ninetieth anniversary until the twenty-eighth of March is a heavy blow to those who find solace in the company of ancient flora and feathered residents. Nature dictates terms. We must wait.

While the gardens rest, the Hooters of Fort Myers prepares a celebration of forty years that defies the gravity of time. On Saturday, the thirty-first of January, the air will be filled with the harmonies of One Night Rodeo and the scratching of pens as Selena Sanchez and Emily Hagedorn grace the premises for a calendar signing. It is a curious thing to see forty years of history condensed into a single afternoon of drink specials and signatures. A wall of gratitude. Public displays of local affection. The 2026 Hooters Calendar presents a vision of perpetual summer that many find quite agreeable.

Music serves as the great equalizer of spirits. In Lehigh Acres, the Rock 'n Blues & Brews Fest emerges as a meritorious endeavor. Five bands will perform at Veterans Park, turning the Saturday air into a tapestry of rhythm. The Rotary Club’s scholarship fund is a noble cause. Nonperishable gifts for the pantry. A community that feeds itself while it dances is a community of high character. Prosperity through song.

At the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, a most radical reimagining of the Bard’s work awaits the curious spectator. & Juliet suggests that the young Capulet might have found more joy in Paris than in a tomb. It is a bold stroke. Shakespeare met with the melodies of Britney Spears and Katy Perry creates a sensation that is as startling as it is lively. To see Juliet choose life over a tragic end is a correction to history that many hearts have long desired. Pop anthems for the soul. A Tuesday through Sunday engagement. Limited seats remain for those who value a spirited departure from the melancholy.

• Wonder Gardens Anniversary: Rescheduled for March 28 due to uncooperative cold.
• Hooters 40th Birthday: Features Selena Sanchez, Gracie Williams, and live music on Jan. 31.
• Lehigh Acres Festival: Rock and blues for charity; donations of food are highly encouraged.
• Broadway in Fort Myers: & Juliet brings a pop-infused alternate ending to the stage in early February.

Additional Reading for the Discerning Resident

• A History of Botanical Preservation in Southwest Florida
• The Evolution of the Modern Pop Musical on Broadway
• Community Philanthropy and the Impact of Local Rotary Clubs
• Architectural Highlights of the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall

Here are our top things to do this weekend and beyond, including the Wonder Gardens' 90th anniversary party and the Broadway pop musical "& Juliet.

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Florida House Advances Comprehensive Healthcare Bill Amid Debate

A recent development in Florida's healthcare landscape has sparked intense debate. The Florida House has advanced a comprehensive healthcare bill that aims to reform regulations and align with federal changes in programs such as food stamps and Medicaid. According to Mike Redondo, the bill's sponsor, the proposal seeks to bolster Florida's competitiveness in the labor market, enhance access to care, and promote free-market approaches in healthcare. Critics, however, express concerns that eliminating the Certificate of Need (CON) process could worsen the existing shortage of healthcare workers. Steve Bahmer, president and CEO of LeadingAge Southeast, notes that repealing CON would increase demand, exacerbating the scarcity of healthcare professionals in the state. This development has significant implications for Florida's healthcare sector. For more information, CBS News provides an in-depth look at the issue (www. cbsnews. com / miami / news / florida-house-major-healthcare-bill / ).

A Florida House panel Thursday backed a wide-ranging plan that seeks to trim health-care regulations and carry out federal changes in programs such ...

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Local Girls' Basketball Teams Gear Up For Postseason Competition

Author comments from USA TODAY:

As district tournaments commence on February 2, teams are gearing up for a thrilling postseason. The Stingrays of Seacrest appear poised to repeat as district champions, boasting a ranking over 100 spots higher than their competitors, according to the FHSAA. Led by freshman point guard Dailin Degado and senior Sofiia Kiritsa, who is recovering from injury, this defensive-minded team is a force to be reckoned with. Donahue, led by the Halisky sisters, Veronica and Angie, who average 24 points per night, is likely to be their title game opponent. In another district, the Sentinels are favored to win, having won 14 of their last 15 games, led by Brown University commit Nalah Smith. However, First Baptist and St. John Neumann are capable challengers, with the Lions' freshman Sammy Nara emerging as a top 3-point shooter and the Celtics' experienced senior class, including Mylee Van de Wouw, posing a threat. The Bulldogs of LaBelle are the team to beat in their district, entering the postseason with momentum after winning their last two games and scoring over 50 points in both victories. Junior Aariah Johnson has been a strong two-way

District tournaments will commence locally starting Monday, Feb. 2, and so it's time to preview what to expect in 2026 district play.

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