Watch the skies...

If you have never seen one before, you really should make time to travel over to the east coast to watch the space shuttle Discovery lauch after NASA managers on Friday cleared it for launch on a construction mission to the International Space Station.
Liftoff of the 125th shuttle mission, the first of five planned for this year, is scheduled for 9.20pm EDT (0120 GMT on Thursday) from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission had been on hold to resolve safety concerns with the ship's fuel pressure valves.
"We're feeling really, really good," shuttle launch director Mike Leinbach told reporters at a press conference. "It's great to have a launch date."
The shuttle will deliver the final set of U.S.-manufactured solar wing panels to the station, a $100billion project of 16 nations that has been under construction for more than a decade.
NASA is scheduled to complete station assembly next year and retire its three-ship shuttle fleet. The shuttle program has been the cornerstone of U.S. human space exploration for nearly 30 years. The replacement vehicles, designed to travel to the moon as well as the space station, are scheduled to debut in 2015.
During the previous shuttle launch in November, one of the three valves cracked, raising questions about what could happen if the damage was more severe or if it occurred at a more critical time during ascent.
Managers replaced Discovery's valves with spares that have made fewer flights and ordered extensive tests and analysis to understand worst-case scenarios.
After four launch delays, the managers felt confident the ship was safe to fly and unanimously decided to proceed with a launch attempt next week. "The vehicle is in great shape," said shuttle program manager John Shannon.
So why not head over to watch this incredible spectacle for real. We guarantee you won't regret it.
FYI, it looks something like this...

What's on in the Sunshine State

Florida is a big old place, and as one of the top vacation destinations in the world there is always something going on. We would try to trawl the web to find you all the interesting diary events and bring them to you in one handy list.
But why would we when the good folks at the Orlando Sentinel have done such a thorough job?
Here is their guide to what's on in Central Florida over the next month. For the full listing, check here

Feb. 26-Mar. 8: Florida Strawberry Festival, Plant City. Strawberry celebration dating back to 1930. Features daily entertainment by some of music's biggest stars, and competition ranging from cook offs and strawberry shortcake eating to clogging contests. Also includes agriculture shows, livestock, a baby contest, and the Midway with more than 60 rides. At Plant City Festival Grounds. Admission. 813-752-9194. www.flstrawberryfestival.com
Mar. 7: Wing Break '09, Orlando. Sample tasty wings from 10 to 12 of Orlando's top chicken wing purveyors. Event was created to provide residents and visitors an engaging way to get outside while savoring what makes life wonderful – good wings, drinks and friends. Includes wing-eating contest, vote for people's choice on best overall wing at festival, and a variety of live entertainment and performers. At Waterford Lakes Town Center. Free admission, free parking; purchase tickets for wings. 404-841-8335. www.K92Fmwingbreak.com
Mar. 7: Kidfetti Music and Fun Fest, Ocala. This is an action-packed event of child-focused cultural activities and family-oriented interactive workshops for children of all ages as well as their parents and caregivers. It features performances by nationally recognized, youth-oriented entertainers as part of a large outdoor music and cultural festival focusing on the importance of protecting and nurturing children's mental and physical wellness. 352-291-5462. www.kidfetti.com
Mar. 7: Third Annual Red Ribbon Historic Homes Tour, Crystal River. Learn some history of Crystal River by touring historic buildings and homes in the Crystal Street and Michigan Town areas. Co-sponsored by Crystal River Heritage Council and Citrus County Chronicle. Admission. 352-563-0097 or 423-0048. http://www.visitcitrus.com/calendar_text.asp
Mar. 7: St. Cloud Life Extravaganza, St. Cloud. Many feature activities for the family to enjoy are Taste of St. Cloud, Wing Wars, Dessert Fest, Kid's Fair and more. At St. Cloud Civic Center. Admission. 407-892-3671. www.stcloudflchamber.com
Mar. 7-8: Weeki Wachee Swamp Fest, Weeki Wachee. A good, old-fashioned family fun festival presented by three community organizations. Includes swamp food, swamp costume contest, arts and crafts, entertainment, drawings and more. At Linda Pederson Park at Jenkins Creek. Donation. 352-596-3987. http://www.wwswampfest.com/
Mar. 7-8: Azalea Festival, Palatka. One of Florida's oldest festivals, enduring for 63 years and surviving WWII, floods and financial disaster. Held in the historic downtown area and Memorial Park. 386-328-1503. http://www.flazaleafest.com
Mar. 7-8: Market Fest at Water Tower Place, Celebration. Art, crafts, food. Free. 352-344-0657. www.tnteventsinc.com
Mar. 7-8: Second Annual Leesburg Fine Art Festival, Leesburg. Featuring more than 120 fine artists and craftsmen, festive food and live entertainment. Presented by Leesburg Center for the Arts. Downtown. Free. 352-365-0232. www.ffea.com/events
Mar. 7-8: Floral City Strawberry Festival, Floral City. Primary focus of the event is, of course, the celebration of strawberries - by the berry, by the flat, atop shortcake or covered in chocolate. These and more are among the many strawberry delicacies offered to tempt the palette. Each day includes continuous live entertainment, contests, children's games and activities, and more than 200 arts and craft booths. Special features include an antique car show, pony rides, rock climbing wall, pie eating contest, Strawberry Princess pageants, and continuous children's activities. At Floral Park. Admission. 352-726-2801. www.visitcitrus.com/calendar_text.asp
Mar. 10: Moonlight Carillon Concert at Bok Sanctuary, Lake Wales. Hear the famous 60-bell Singing Tower in a moonlight concert that will feature music including selections from The Sound of Music. At Historic Bok Sanctuary. Admission. 863-676-1408. www.boksanctuary.org
Mar. 13: Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, Daytona Beach. Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra returns to Daytona Beach. Performance at 7 p.m., Keith Lockhart, conductor. 386-671-3461. www.peabodyauditorium.org
Mar. 13-15: Gulf Coast Rhythm and Ribfest, Palmetto. The nation's top Rib Masters from Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Ohio and Florida will serve their award-winning specialties as they compete for this year's coveted 2009 Gulf Coast BBQ Champion award. Entertainment includes a variety of local, regional and national bands performing a mix of Country, Blues, Jazz, Pop, and Rock, and for children, the Interactive Kid Challenge Fun Zone. At Manatee County Fairgrounds. Admission. 941-746-7470. http://www.gulfcoastribfest.com/
Mar. 13-15: All-Florida Championship Rodeo, Arcadia. 81st annual. Includes Calf Scramble, Mutton Bustin', barrel racing, Shootout and more. Admission. 800-749-7633. http://www.arcadiarodeo.com
Mar. 13-22: Firefighters' Indian River County Fair, Vero Beach. Since 1980, proceeds from this event have supported Indian River County Burn Fund, high school scholarships, Fairground Improvements and other charitable activities. At county fairgrounds. Admission. 772-562-2974. http://www.firefightersfair.org
Mar. 13-22: Sarasota County Fair, Sarasota. 73rd annual, featuring exhibits, midway rides and fair food. At Sarasota County Fairgrounds. Admission. 941-365-0818. www.sarasotafair.com
Mar. 14: St. Patrick's Day Open Horseshoe Tournament, Beverly Hills. The Beverly Hills Horseshoe Club is located in central Florida just off state road 491 in the beautiful city of Beverly Hills. There are 24 clay courts on the grounds, mostly in shaded areas and open during daylight hours seven days a week for anyone who wishes to play or practice. The Club holds a full schedule of sanctioned tournaments on the second Saturday of the month,September through the end of the season in February or May. 352-746-4058. http://www.visitcitrus.com/calendar_text.asp
Mar. 14-15: Nature Coast Civil War Reenactment, Crystal River. This living history reenactment, the 12th annual, will once again be held at the Holcim Mine property seven miles north of Crystal River. Authentic costumes, modern concessions, battle reenactments both days at 2 p.m. Admission. 800-587-6667. www.crystalriverreenactment.org
Mar. 15-16: Fort Cooper Days, Inverness. Includes living history demonstrations, period arts and crafts, entertainment, food and refreshments. Second Seminole War battle reenactments that depict events taking place during the construction of the Fort will be held daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. At Fort Cooper State Park. Admission. 352-726-0315. http://www.floridastateparks.org/fortcooper/default.cfm
Mar. 17: St. Patrick's Day at Bok Sanctuary, Lake Wales. Enjoy special carillon music featuring lively Irish melodies during two afternoon concerts. Free with admission to Gardens. That evening there is a special authentic Irish Dinner followed by a lively evening of high-spirited music and dancing (be prepared to get pinched by a leprechaun if you forget to wear green). At Historic Bok Sanctuary. Fee charged. 863-676-1408. www.boktowergardens.org
Mar. 18-21: 57th Annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. Sebring. Each year on the third Saturday of March, Sebring International Raceway hosts thousands of race fans from around the world to witness the historic 12-hour classic. All the legends have raced at Sebring, including Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, Dan Gurney, Stirling Moss, Juan Manuel Fangio, Phil Hill and dozens of others, driving race cars built by the world's great manufacturers such as Ferrari, Porsche, Jaguar, Audi, Ford, Maserati, Aston Martin and Nissan. Gates open on Wednesday and remain open 24 hours a day through Saturday's title race. Admission. 800-626-RACE. www.sebringraceway.com
Mar. 18-May 31: International Flower and Garden Festival, Lake Buena Vista. Spring special event filled with flowers, gardens, topiaries, live music and educational events. See millions of blooming flowers and a vibrant collection of specially themed topiaries. Meet with top horticulturists at one of the many Garden Town Programs and learn helpful gardening tips. Attend public demonstrations of advanced gardening techniques from around the world or get up-close with hundreds of colorful butterflies inside Minnie's Magnificent Butterfly Garden. Enjoy music under the stars at the Flower Power Concert Series. At Walt Disney World's EPCOT. Admission. 407-W-DISNEY. http://www.disneyworld.com/flower
Mar. 20-22: Tampa Bay Blues Festival, St. Petersburg. Each year since 1995 Tampa Bay Blues Festival has been staged at Vinoy Waterfront Park on the shores of Tampa Bay, with popular St. Petersburg Pier serving as a brilliant backdrop. The festival established itself as one of the world's preeminent blues music events, having presented more than 195 of the world's greatest blues performers. In addition to world class music, you can enjoy arts and crafts, taste treats from seafood and barbecue to Cuban cuisine, plus premium beer and wine. Admission. 727-502-5000. www.tampabaybluesfest.com
Mar. 21: Kowtown Festival, Kissimmee. Celebrate Kissimmee's birthday with a family-friendly festival that honors the city's cattle ranching heritage. Enjoy live entertainment, unique games, food and festivities. At Toho Square. Free. 407-846-4643. www.kissimmeemainstreet.com
Mar. 21-22: Palm Harbor Art and Craft Festival, Palm Harbor. Fine art and crafts, music, food. Florida Avenue downtown. Free. 352-344-0657. www.tnteventsinc.com
Mar. 26-28: International Rum Festival, Ybor City. Largest rum festival in the nation. Features dozens of world class spirits, industry experts and master distillers, authors, aficionados, master mixologists, judges and celebrities. Seminars cover a mix of history, culture, distillation, mixology, tasting techniques, culinary demonstrations and consuming news. Also includes an outdoor BBQ and a formal rum tasting dinner. 727-947-3522. http://www.polishedpalate.com/events/irf/2009/
Mar. 26-29: Sunnyland Antique and Classic Boat Society Show, Tavares. 22nd annual gathering at Lake Dora. View antique boats on land and in the water, plus amphibious cars, Jersey Speed Skiffs, antique woody cars, and antique canoes. Also live entertainment, nautical flea market, Sunnyland Ships Store, food court, beer garden, tour boats and train rides. At Wooten Park. Admission. 352-742-6338. www.acbs-sunnyland.com/show/index_show.php
Mar. 27-29: SPIFFS 2009 Folk Fair, St. Petersburg. A world celebration of food, culture and entertainment, presented for the 34th year by St. Petersburg International Folk Fair Society, Inc. (SPIFFS). Ethnic villages capture the flavor of each country, and costumed villagers demonstrate crafts and prepare ethnic food specialties. Visitors eat their way around the world, moving from village to village. Folk dancing and music similarly offers outstanding performances and demonstrations. At Vinoy Park. Admission. 727-552-1896. www.spiffs.org
Mar. 27-29: Spring Car Show and Swap Meet, Daytona Beach. This popular car show and swap meet, set inside Daytona International Speedway's infield, showcases more than 3,000 collector cars and trucks. 386-255-7355. www.daytonabeachcarshows.com
Mar. 28: Family Tree Climbing at Bok Sanctuary, Lake Wales. Tackle the challenge of trying to scale one of the tall live oak trees, climbing 60-80 feet high above the ground, or just sit in the harness to study the environment, Singing Tower carillon and rolling hills of citrus. An international sport, Family Tree Climbing is led by qualified trainers and the tree is prepared by an arborist. Participants use ropes, harnesses and helmets for safety. Reservations and release forms required. At Historic Bok Sanctuary. Fee charged. 863-676-1408. www.boksanctuary.org
Mar. 28-29: Battle at Narcoossee Mill, St. Cloud. Authentic reenactment of a Civil War battle. Roam through civil war camps, watch the mounted cavalry ride back from the past, and enjoy music from the era of the Rebelaires. Educational and entertaining for all ages. Held at Ralph V. Chisholm Park in Narcoossee. Admission. 407-931-7003. http://www.jacobsummerlin.org
Mar. 28-29: Images in Art Festival, Cape Canaveral. Fine art and craft, food, music. Second annual. At Manatee Sanctuary Park. Free. 352-344-0657. . www.tnteventsinc.com
Mar. 28-29: Fourth Annual Garden Expo and "A Fair to Remember," Stuart. Annual Garden Expo with educational seminars and vendors plus Biennial Flower Show featuring exotic horticulture and award-winning design arrangements presented by The Garden Club of Stuart. At Martin County Fairgrounds. Free. 772-283-1529. http://www.gardenclubofstuart.org
Mar. 28-29: Chocolate Festival, Melbourne. Brevard's best chocolatiers, pastry chefs and restauranteurs come together with community volunteers to raise funds to support programs that improve the lives of women. Guests may sample chocolate confections, cakes and desserts, then vote to select "Brevard's Best Chocolate Fix." In addition, there are beverages, appetizers, entertainment by local musicians, and an Emerging Artist Showcase. At Front Street Park Community Center. Admission. 321-729-0755. www.zontaspacecoast.org
Mar. 28-29: Downtown Sarasota Craft Festival, Sarasota. Begun in 2002, this popular craft show takes place annually on the last Saturday and Sunday of March, with approximately 200 crafters exhibiting their wares. Downtown. Free. 941-957-1877. www.escape-to-sarasota.com/sarasota-calendar-of-events.html

Sharks feeling the bite

If you think times are tough for us in economic terms at the moment, spare a thought for the sharks, who are having a pretty lean time of it themselves.
According to a story on Reuters, even the sharks are feeling the impact of the global economic slowdown.
It says: Shark attacks on humans dropped worldwide in 2008 to their lowest level in five years, apparently because the recession has curtailed seaside vacations, University of Florida researchers who compile the annual tally have said. They confirmed 59 shark attacks on humans in 2008, down from 71 the previous year and the fewest since 2003.
"I can't help but think that contributing to that reduction may have been the reticence of some people to take holidays and go to the beach for economic reasons," said George Burgess, who directs the International Shark Attack File at the university.
"We noticed similar declines during the recession that followed the events of 2001, despite the fact that human populations continued to rise," he said in a reference to the September 11 attacks.
The number of shark attacks in the United States, which typically accounts for about two-thirds of the global total, dropped to 41 last year from 50 in 2007. Thirty-two were in Florida, which has a higher concentration of sharks because its warm waters are home to species not found in cooler regions.
As in past years, surfers were the victims of most of the world's attacks, 57 percent. Sharks often mistake them for prey.
"The splashing of arms and particularly the kicking of feet at the water's surface where visibility is poor is provocative to sharks," Burgess said.

Actually, on second thoughts, as far as humans are concerned, this might just be one of the big positives to come out of the economic downturn...

You can't get friendly with a crocodile...

Alligators are as much a part of Florida as sunshine and Mickey, but their reptilian friends, the crocodiles, are not always so warmly welcomed by those who live in the Sunshine State.
But help is at hand after a new study has revealed that the temporary use of magnets to disrupt the internal navigation of federally and state-protected American crocodiles, which have been spotted most often in neighborhoods of Miami-Dade and Monroe counties in Florida.
“Scientists in Mexico have reported success in using magnets to break the homing cycle,” said Lindsey Hord, crocodile response coordinator for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
A report in the Sun Sentinel newspaper says: When crocodiles show up where they don’t belong, they’re typically captured and transported to a suitable habitat as far away as possible, according to commission officials. “Unfortunately, they usually return,” said spokeswoman Gabriella Ferraro.
As part of the study, trappers have been told to attach magnets to sides of the reptile’s head where it’s captured. The magnets are supposed to disorient the crocodiles and disrupt their navigation so they can’t find their way back.
Besides protecting crocodiles from vehicles and other hazards that could injure them if they try to return, the magnets could also help keep more of them in the wild.
Generally, if a crocodile returns three times, and under certain other circumstances, it gets placed into captivity. An estimated 2,000 crocodiles are thought to be in the wild in South Florida.
And remember the old song from Peter Pan: Never smile at a crocodile...
We don't have crocs on Anna Maria Island. Come and find out why it is consistently voted the top secret tourist destination in Florida. Visit Anna Maria Vacations to find out more and check out some of the best vacation rentals money can pay for.

Charity begins at home

Here's a story from Florida's News Channel 7, about what you can do to help Florida's economy in the short term. And, according to their report, it starts much closer to home than you might think.
Florida business leaders want stimulus money spent on infrastructure. Tax groups, economy experts, and construction contractors have looked at different ways to spend the money, and they have a plan to spend half of Florida’s 12 billion stimulus dollars to create 150-thousand jobs.
As state tax revenues dwindled this summer, so did the road construction jobs they funded. Since September road builder Craig Elmore has laid off 50 workers.
“We’ve been in business for 56 years and I don’t know how much longer we can go on if we don’t get some help.”
Help is around the corner as Florida looks for ways to spend 12 billion federal stimulus dollars. State Senator Mike Fasano is siding with business leaders who say the 1.3 billion earmarked for roads should be used as soon as possible.
“It’s making certain that every dollar goes to exactly what it’s suppose to, resurfacing, building and repairing.”
Some of the money could be spent to update water treatment plants and pipelines.
“Getting money to stimulate change in infrastructure makes it better for you and me to drink water and it also puts people to work.”
And if the money begins to trickle down, businesses and retailers are asking consumers to shop locally. An estimated 12 billion dollars that could be spent in Florida stores is being spent online or in other states.
And for every 100-thousand of those dollars spent out of state, one Floridian loses their job… causing businesses to close their doors.
Floridians are not only being encouraged to shop locally, business leaders are also asking them to take instate vacations.

So that's a pretty clear message. Shop local and take vacations in-state if you want to help out. And for the very best vacation rentals in Anna Maria Island, visit the website annamaria.com and grab yourself a piece of affordable luxury in paradise...

Get crabby in Cortez

We don't usually recommend that you stray too far from Anna Maria Island but this weekend we will make an exception.
That's because this weekend is the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival and a crowd of 30,000 people is expected to visit the historic waterfront community on the shore of Sarasota Bay.
There are many reasons to go along and join in the fun, not least the promise of live entertainment, some yummy food and drink, and displays of traditional arts and crafts.
This year it's time to get crabby - stone crabby that is which are harvested along Florida’s west coast from the Florida Keys north and Cortez is a major port of call for the claws. You'll be able to enjoy crab cooked in all the ways you can imagine - so don't have a big breakfast whatever you do.
Admission is $2, and children under 12 are free. The fun starts at 10am and runs to 6pm on both Saturday and Sunday. If you want to park up and walk along, off site parking is available at Sugg Middle School, 3801 59th St. W, Bradenton, or Coquina Beach Bayside, Bradenton Beach, with a shuttle bus service to Cortez for a $2 round-trip fee. You could also park east of the village off Cortez Road and enjoy a 10-minute walk.
The Anna Maria Islander newspaper reports that proceeds from the 27th annual festival will support expansion of the FISH Preserve and restoration of vitally important wetland habitat. The preserve is 100 bayfront acres just east of the village, dedicated as a nature preserve.
The blessing of the fleet and an awards ceremony is scheduled for noon Saturday. Winners of The Islander newspaper-sponsored Cortez Crab Cookoff will receive their awards on stage at noon. And the winning restaurant in the crab cake category, Banana Cabana of Bradenton Beach, will have a booth at the event with a menu including owner Michael Rapport’s “Mango Island Crab Cakes". Yum yum!
Entertainment features the Richard Culbreath Group, Sunshine Express Cloggers, Gumbo Boogie Band, The Alternators, Gulf Drive Band and the Manatee River Bluegrass Band.
It promises to be a great weekend, so get along there and enjoy yourself.

Visit Florida quizzed on spending habits

The fallout from the investigation into the spending habits of Visit Florida continues, with senators spending a second day quizzing officials about their decision to employ a Missouri vendor to field telephone calls about Sunshine State vacations.
Yesterday, as reported in the Palm Beach Post, they questioned executives of the non-profit corporation, which receives more than half of its cash funding from the state, about salaries, travel expenses and the $587,000 contract which has since been canceled and will now go to a Florida-based business.
The report read: Senate Majority Leader Alex Diaz de la Portilla, who serves on the committee, said he telephoned the Kansas City-based vendor Tuesday afternoon and four out of five times an operator was unable to tell him where the capitol of Florida is located.
Visit Florida received $35million from the state this year, and Gov. Charlie Crist put back in $5 million lawmakers had tried to take away for advertising during a budget-cutting exercise earlier this year.
The Senate Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Committee today learned that at least one Visit Florida executive earned a $50,000 bonus last year and that the five highest paid officials there earn collectively more than $800,000 annually. Visit Florida president Bud Nocera earns $222,000 per year.
Crist said he expected the salaries to be trimmed as lawmakers are struggling to come up with ways to handle a $5 billion spending gap in next year's budget and deal with a $700 million shortfall before the end of this fiscal year in June.
"This is not a time when high salaries are the kind of order of the day. I think we'll probably see some reductions," Crist said. He said he would defer to the legislature regarding whether some executives should be fired.
Visit Florida also spent more than $1million for staff to travel internationally to promote the state, officials told the committee.
And they paid $500,000 for non-employees - travel agents, meeting planners and others - who don't live in Florida to visit the area.