The Florida Alligator Festival: Reviving The Spirit Of 'Old Florida'

In the depths of South Florida, a peculiar celebration unfolded, one that paid homage to the state's rugged heritage. The second annual Florida Alligator Festival took place near the majestic Big Cypress National Preserve, a vast expanse of wetlands teeming with wildlife. This event sought to revive the traditions of 'Old Florida,' a bygone era characterized by a fearless and adventurous spirit.

At the heart of the festival lay the time-honored practice of alligator wrestling, a spectacle that drew crowds and sparked both awe and trepidation. The art of wrestling these ancient creatures, with their scaly skin and formidable jaws, required a unique blend of skill, strength, and bravado. It was a testament to the unyielding bond between humans and the wild, a connection that had defined Florida's identity for centuries.

The festival's organizers aimed to recapture the essence of 'Old Florida,' an era when the state's untamed wilderness and pioneering settlers forged a distinct culture. This cultural revival was not merely about entertainment, but about preserving a piece of history, one that was rapidly fading into obscurity. As the festival attendees gathered to witness the alligator wrestling demonstrations, they were reminded of the importance of respecting and appreciating the natural world.

The second annual Florida Alligator Festival was held near the Big Cypress National Preserve in South Florida, seeking to revive 'Old Florida' ...

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Taylor Swift Parties In Fort Myers Cape Coral Bonita

Here are our top things to do this weekend and beyond, including Taylor Swift album-release parties, Gator Mike's new fall festival and other Halloween events. Plus a look at what's ahead in October. This new, family-friendly event celebrates Halloween all month long with 12 playful, Florida-themed skeleton scenes (vote for your favorite); a pumpkin-painting patch; food and craft vendors; circus performers; a trunk-or-treat station; field games; deejayed music for kids; a monster truck; and more.

Bones & Bales replaces Gator Mike's long-running Frightmare on 78 haunted attraction. Noon to 6 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in October. $10 admission ($5 for ages 10 and younger). Gator Mike's Family Fun Park, 35 N.E. Pine Island Road/State Road 78, Cape Coral. 574-4386 or gatormikes.com Parrotheads and trop-rock fans can party with boat drinks, live bands, raffles, giveaways and a best-dressed parrothead contest at this new three-day festival.

Friday through Sunday, Oct. 3-5. Free except for events in Fins Up! Beach Club. Those are free for the resort's overnight guests, but everyone else needs a $75 day pass.
Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach, 251 Crescent St., Fort Myers Beach. MargaritavilleResorts.com/Margaritaville-Beach-Resort-Fort-Myers-Beach/ParrotPHest A spooky rock musical based on Stephen King's book and movie about a bullied teenaged girl who discovers she has telekinetic powers.

Everything comes to a head at a bloody, vengeance-filled senior prom.
Oct. 3-12. $24-$39 ($16 for students). The show is intended for mature audiences. Arts Bonita Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 495-8989 or artsbonita.org The annual family festival returns bigger and better, organizers say, with live entertainment, games, craft stations, costume contests, vendors, food, resources for parents, and lots of raffles and giveaways.

Organized by Kiwanis Club of Cape Coral. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. Free admission. Cultural Park, 544 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral. capecoralkiwanis.org/kidsfest or facebook.com/kiwanisclubcapecoral Alternative viewpoints and findings: See here

Sweeping New Florida Law Targets Using AI To ‘Nudify' People In Photographs

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A sweeping new law in Florida that took effect Wednesday makes it illegal to produce sexual images of a person using artificial intelligence or similar technologies without their permission. The new law also allows people whose photographs were manipulated that way to sue those responsible in civil court.

Martin couldn't be reached immediately for comment because he was still in jail. He was being appointed a public defender on Thursday for his arraignment scheduled next month, but no lawyer had yet been assigned to represent him. The versions of the images of the girls nude on Martin's phone included remnants of their clothing that had been digitally removed and showed deformities on the girls' arms and legs, which a deputy wrote in court records "is common on AI-generated imagery." His phone also contained the same, unaltered images of the girls wearing clothes, court records said.

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The Cool Hand Behind The Panthers' Ice

In the scorching heat of South Florida, a unique profession thrives, one that requires precision, patience, and a passion for ice. Graham Caplinger, one of only 32 NHL ice technicians, has spent 32 years perfecting his craft, with 20 of those years dedicated to the Florida Panthers. As he approaches his 20th anniversary with the team, Caplinger shares with WPTV Anchor Mike Trim the intricacies of his role and the growth of hockey enthusiasm in the region.

The ideal temperature for the ice, a crucial factor in Caplinger's work, is a mere 60 degrees. However, achieving and maintaining this temperature in South Florida poses significant challenges. The opening and closing of crowd-filled doors, humidity, and dew points all impact the delicate balance of the ice's temperature. Fortunately, advances in equipment over the past three decades have made Caplinger's job more manageable.

A five-member crew assists Caplinger in his duties, which include maintaining the boards and glass surrounding the ice, as well as operating the Zamboni machine that cleans and shaves the ice before adding more water. The process of creating the ice begins in August, with the refrigerating unit cooling the arena's concrete floor to 15 degrees.

SUNRISE, Fla. — Florida Panthers games don't happen without ice— and the ice doesn't happen with Graham Caplinger.

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National Parks To Remain Partially Open During Government Shutdown

As the government shutdown looms, Americans are left wondering what services will remain operational. National parks, a staple of American recreation, will not be entirely closed. Instead, they will be partially open, albeit with significant limitations. More than 60% of federal park employees are expected to be furloughed, according to the Interior Department's contingency plan.

This drastic reduction in staffing will undoubtedly impact the overall visitor experience. Basic services such as restroom cleaning and trash collection will continue, thanks to recreation fees. Some national park services may receive funding from state, local, or tribal governments, pending approval. However, parks without publicly accessible areas will be closed during the shutdown.

Buildings requiring staffing, including visitor centers, permit offices, gift shops, and park-managed concessions, will also be closed. USA TODAY reports that the Interior Department has outlined these measures in a contingency plan. The plan aims to strike a balance between maintaining some level of service and mitigating the effects of the shutdown on national parks.

The decision to partially open national parks during the shutdown is a departure from past government shutdowns. In 2013, national parks remained open, while in 2018, they were completely closed.

While some services Floridians rely on such as Social Security , veterans benefits and mail delivery will continue, what happens to national parks?

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The Mysterious Disappearance Of Fisher In The Florida Swamp

In the swampy depths of Florida, a mystery had unfolded, like a tantalizing thread pulled from the fabric of reality. A woman, identified as Fisher, had vanished, leaving behind only whispers and worry. Her disappearance was shrouded in an impenetrable veil of uncertainty, as detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division embarked on a quest to unravel the tangled skein of her fate.

On September 30, 2025, the St. Lucie County deputies received a distressing report: a vehicle had careened off the canal bank and into the water, near the intersection of Indrio Road and Johnston Road. The authorities arrived at the scene, only to find the car abandoned, with no sign of Fisher. The search for her began in earnest, with the sheriff's office deploying an array of resources - the Aviation Unit, Drone Team, Dive Team, and K-9 Unit - to scour the area.

As investigators pored over the fragments of Fisher's last known movements, they discovered that she had planned to stay at an Airbnb for two nights, but the location of this temporary refuge remained a mystery.

Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division are continuing to investigate as part of this ongoing investigation.

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Tropical System May Bring Rain And Thunderstorms To Florida This Weekend

A tropical system might brew near Florida, casting a soggy shadow over the region this weekend. As Hurricane Imelda dissipated into a post-tropical cyclone, forecasters shifted their attention to two potential disturbances in the Atlantic. One of these systems, located near South Florida and the southwestern Bahamas, had a 10% chance of developing into a tropical entity within the next two to seven days.

This fledgling system was expected to meander northwestward across Florida and into the Gulf, bringing with it an increased threat of rain and thunderstorms. The National Weather Service Miami warned of showers and thunderstorms erupting every afternoon and evening from Thursday through Sunday. A slight risk of excessive rainfall loomed over South Florida for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, potentially causing localized flooding in urban areas.

Residents in east coast metro areas could expect 2-3 inches of rain through Sunday morning, with isolated areas possibly seeing 4-6 inches. AccuWeather's Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva cautioned that the western Caribbean and southern Gulf warranted close monitoring due to exceptionally high ocean heat content. The information in this article was first published in "Sun Sentinel".

Hurricane Imelda weakened into a strong post-tropical cyclone Thursday while forecasters monitored two other potential tropical systems in the ...

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Arts Festival Announces 2026 Lineup With Eclectic Mix Of Artists

Author comments from Sun Sentinel:

The Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival is set to make a triumphant return to Sunshine Grove after a two-year hiatus, with a lineup that nods to its original eclectic vibe. The festival, scheduled for March 19-22, 2026, will feature a diverse array of performers, including Americana duo The Lumineers, electronic music flagbearer Fisher, and multigenre vocalist T-Pain. The Lumineers, known for their foot-stomping, guitar-driven sound, top the bill alongside Fisher, who has built a reputation as a master of melodic basslines.

T-Pain, a pioneer of the hip-hop genre, will bring his signature blend of rap and R&B to the festival. Other notable acts include indie-rockers Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Young the Giant, and Flipturn, as well as the jammy Philly quartet The Disco Biscuits. The festival will also feature a range of DJs and EDM artists, including GRiZ and Alison Wonderland. Rising rapper BigXthaPlug will make his Okeechobee debut, adding to the festival's reputation as a launching pad for emerging talent.

After a two-year hiatus, the Okeechobee Music ⁘ Arts Festival is on its way back to lake-adjacent Sunshine Grove on March 19-22, with a lineup that ...

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Florida Lawmakers To Consider Bill Making It Easier For Places Of Worship To Hire Armed Security

The current proposal, sponsored by State Senator Don Gaetz (R-Pensacola), would waive several licensing and training requirements for armed security volunteers to serve at places of worship. "So that we could even help to try to stop the bleeding and to try to administer first aid until an EMT would get there," said Tomlinson.

Gaetz told Action News Jax his goal is to make security more accessible and affordable, especially for smaller congregations. Here's one of the sources related to this article: Check here

7 Free, Fun Things To Do On The Space Coast For Sept. 26-Oct. 2

Due to potential changes and cancellations, we encourage you to check with presenting organizations about the status of their events.   Famous Faces and Funnies, 3540 W. New Haven Ave., Melbourne, hosts a cosplay and costume swap meet at noon on Sunday, Sept. 28. Sell, trade, network or just hang with cosplay artists and enthusiasts.

Bring your own table and chairs. Admission is free. Visit facebook.com/FFFComics or famousfacesandfunnies.com . The Space Coast Weavers and Fiber Artists will present a program on Kawandi quilting at the Merritt Island Public Library, 1195 N. Courtenay Pkwy, at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27. Kawandi quilts are a type of patchwork quilt traditionally made by the Siddi community India.

The traditional quilts are created using scraps of fabric, often from old clothing, and are characterized by their layered, appliquéd construction and the use of a running stitch. Judith Love Schwab will demonstrate the technique followed by a hands-on workshop. Admission is free, but bring your own materials and tools.

Visit spacecoastweaversandfiberartists.org . Are you planning a community entertainment event?  Email  tgif@floridatoday.com  at least three weeks in advance for consideration for the Things to Do roundup. You might also find this interesting: Check here

South Florida Lawmaker's Bill Seeks To Clarify Open-carry Gun Ruling

Rep. Christine Hunchofsky, D-Parkland, said her bill (HB 63) is intended to close a "perceived loophole" created by the 1st District Court of Appeal's ruling in a case known as McDaniels v. State of Florida. Part of the fallout from the ruling involves a longstanding law allowing concealed-weapons licenses.

That law included prohibitions on carrying handguns into certain places but does not address long guns, such as rifles.
In an interview with The News Service of Florida, Hunchofsky said she filed the bill for the 2026 legislative session to clear up uncertainty about the ruling. "Right now, everybody's scrambling.

We have differing opinions and we just want to bring some clarity to this, and especially given the time we're in, we need to have this clarity," said Hunchofsky, who is slated to take over as House minority leader after the 2026 elections.
Without a legislative fix, the ruling might allow people to openly carry rifles, shotguns and other long guns into places that are off-limits to handguns, including courthouses, legislative meetings, school board meetings, jails, police stations and bars.

Hunchofsky said that lawmakers never intended to allow guns to be brought into such spaces.
House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, and Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, have not indicated whether they intend to address the issue during the session that begins Jan. 13. The interpretation of the ruling's impact has sparked debate among law-enforcement officials, gun-rights advocates and local government officials.

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Southwest Florida's Top High School Athletes Shine In Weekly Poll

In the languid warmth of Southwest Florida, high school athletes shone brightly during the week of September 22-27. The region's top girls athletes were singled out, their achievements celebrated through a poll that invited readers to weigh in on who had performed exceptionally. Each week, a selection committee comprising coaches and school representatives sifts through reports and nominations to identify standout athletes.

These individuals are then featured in a poll on news-press. com and naplesnews. com, where readers get to decide who merits the top spot. The winner of this weekly poll receives a commemorative T-shirt from BSN Sports and a tote bag courtesy of USA Today High School Sports Awards. Voting concludes at 10 a.

m. on Thursday, with the victor announced subsequently on social media platforms. One athlete in particular caught the eye, excelling in multiple events. She dominated the 200 IM and 100 fly, propelling her team, SFCA, to a respectable second-place finish against Riverdale and Mariner. The information in this article was first published in "The Columbus Dispatch".

Each week during the school year, The News-Press and the Naples Daily News select high school girls athletes who stood out the week before based on ...

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FSU Football Player Receives Outpouring Of Support After Harrowing Incident

In the wake of a harrowing incident, a Sanford native and Florida State University football player, Ethan Pritchard, has received an outpouring of support from his community. According to law enforcement, Pritchard was not the intended target of the shooting, nor was anyone in his family. His aunt, Tameka McDaniel, reports that Ethan is showing signs of improvement and is alert, but "not out of the woods yet." As news of the incident spread, a grassroots movement began to take shape.

Tasha Pizarro, through her company's Facebook page, Momma P's Ice Cream Truck, called for "Cards for #35," a nod to Pritchard's jersey number. The effort quickly gained momentum, with hundreds of students from across Florida writing cards and creating posters with messages of support, many emblazoned with "#35 Strong." The sheer volume of cards and posters has left Pritchard's family overwhelmed with emotion.

McDaniel described the reaction of Ethan's aunts and dad as they received the outpouring of support: "We practically melted, honestly, just to see that, you know, the reaction from the community, the towns, the cities. The schools.

Ethan Pritchard, a Sanford native, was not the intended target of the shooting, nor was anyone in his family, according to law enforcement.

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Sunset Viewing In Southwest Florida: Top Spots To Witness The Spectacle

The sun's descent into the Gulf of Mexico is a spectacle that draws many to the Fort Myers and Naples areas. Along this stretch of coastline, beaches offer an unobstructed view of the vibrant sky, painted with hues of burnt-orange, pink, and lavender. Locals and visitors alike flock to these Southwest Florida beaches, where the only cost is often a parking fee, ranging from $2 to $5 per hour or a flat $10. A $6 toll is required to access Sanibel and Captiva islands, a top destination for sunset viewing.

According to USA TODAY, the Sanibel Causeway, which connects inland south Fort Myers to Sanibel Island, is a popular spot for witnessing the sunset. The Causeway beaches, which were destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022, reopened on May 1, much to the delight of the community. For a more serene experience, the Calusa Blueway Canoe & Kayak Launch, also known as Pineland Monument Park, offers a beautiful sunset view.

Located at 13643 Waterfront Drive in the Pineland area of Pine Island, this spot provides an unobstructed view of the sun sinking into the horizon over the Gulf through Captiva Pass.

Almost any beach along the Fort Myers and Naples areas' coastline will do to catch a treasured view of a sunset over the Gulf of Mexico, also known ...

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A Vibrant Celebration Of Music, Art, And Self-Expression

Staff inbox at Orlando Sentinel via Yahoo Entertainment:

Deep in North Central Florida, where Spanish moss drapes the trees like ethereal cobwebs, the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park transforms into a vibrant wonderland each October. The 800-acre site, steeped in lore and legend, welcomes 20,000 festival-goers for Suwannee Hulaween, a celebration of music, art, and self-expression. Michael Berg, co-founder of the festival, describes the park as "a really special site" where attendees feel an undeniable energy.

"We're trying to create an environment that's an escape from the real world," he said. This environment is built on inclusivity, where people from all walks of ___ come together, unencumbered by boundaries of age, gender, race, or identity. Suwannee Hulaween sets itself apart from other festivals with its eclectic lineup of over 75 bands, showcasing a genre-blending mix of jam bands, DJs, and musicians.

The festival's Halloween atmosphere is palpable, with immersive art installations that transport attendees to a psychedelic world. Berg described the experience: "You don't really see the water, you just end up seeing holographic-looking art floating in front of your face.

It's impossible to talk about Florida's jam band and music festival scene without bringing up the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park , a forested ...

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Sarasota's Weekend Events: 80s-Themed Beach Party, Oktoberfest

As the seasons shift, Sarasota awakens to a crisp, cooler breeze, and with it, a weekend packed with vibrant events. The Venice Beach Party, a beloved annual tradition, returns with a totally rad 1980s theme, complete with ___ music from cover bands Careless Whispers and Karate in the Garage. The festivities will feature an array of food trucks, beer, wine, and specialty drinks, all set against the stunning backdrop of Venice Beach. A free trolley will shuttle partygoers from Centennial Park to Venice Beach, and free parking and entry ensure that everyone can join in on the fun.

Just a heads up: no coolers or pets are allowed, so plan accordingly. This rain-or-shine bash is hosted by Venice MainStreet and sponsored by Venice Cooling, Heating, and Plumbing. Meanwhile, Oktoberfest celebrations are kicking off at Edelweiss in Bradenton, promising a month-long extravaganza of German-inspired revelry. Sarasota's first Family Fest takes center stage at the Van Wezel, offering a fun-filled day of activities for all ages.

The Sarasota Opera Food and Wine Festival is also on the horizon, pairing top local restaurants with tantalizing tastings inside its historic venue.

Fall has officially arrived in Florida , and Sarasota is starting to enjoy — just a tad! — cooler weather , along with an exciting lineup of mostly ...