Floridianestates

If you have ever considered taking a vacation in Florida one of the first things that comes to mind might be Disney World. If youve seen it all or are on a budget, try these other Florida attractions suited for all ages.

1. SkyScapes Balloon Tours

You can take a private balloon ride for couples or groups. Advance reservations are required because they only schedule one flight per day. Flight amenities include a Champagne Toast, when you will learn about ballooning and how it all got started. The After Flight Celebration will include a light snack of fruit and cheese and a First Flight Certificate to commemorate your first flight. Weekends fill up fast so its best to reserve at least two weeks in advance.

2. Flying Tigers Warbird Museum

This museum has a large collection of restored planes from the WWII era. There are many aircrafts on display and available for flight. Some of the aircrafts include – B-52, B-25 Mitchells, P-51 Stearmans, C-47 Dakota, a Vampire and many more. A truly historical spot for everyone to enjoy.

3. Reptile World Serpentarium

You don’t have to like snakes to go – in fact, those afraid of them can get quite a rush. There are a large collection of snakes from around the world and kept in their own natural environment. You can attend a venom harvest demonstration, where you can learn about the process of harvesting venom that saves peoples lives.

4. Gatorland

Florida is the natural home of many alligators, and this private wildlife preserve has hundreds of them. Gatorland is also home to several crocodiles, flamingos and a variety of other animals as well. There is a nature walk and train ride, and also a petting zoo, but you won’t be able to pet alligators unless theyre babies and being held by a trainer.

5. Old Town

Old Town boasts a collection of over 300 classic cars. Its premiere attraction is the shopping area where you can go through over 75 specialty stores, taking on 18 thrilling rides and dining at 8 delicious restaurants.

6. Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament

At this highly themed event you can enjoy simpler times. Enjoy feasting on a hearty dinner that is served to you by a wench as you watch a Princess profess her love for her Knight and a betrayal is unveiled as the King addresses his audience. During intermission you will see an outstanding performance of horse tricks and a falcon show.

July 25, 2006 (Dublin, Ohio)- Training camps are opening up all over America and two of the most celebrated ones in college football are the University of Miami and Florida State.

Disturbing reports out of the Sunshine State indicate that two of their players were involved in a dangerous shooting incident over the weekend. This is definitely something you should know about if youre into sports betting.

Reserve safety Willie Cooper was shot in the buttocks when confronted in his yard Friday morning by an unknown person who fled after another player returned gunfire. Police said Cooper was able to walk after being shot and the injury wasnt believed to be serious, but he was taken to a hospital for treatment.

After Cooper was shot, teammate and roommate Brandon Meriweather pulled a pistol from his pants pocket and fired three times at the person who jumped a fence and fled with another person in a car, police said. It was unclear if the assailant was hit.

Cooper and Meriweather told police that they noticed a suspicious car parked outside their home near campus shortly after 6:30 a.m. When they went outside to investigate, a person crouched next to the house jumped up and shot Cooper.

The house is owned by Hurricanes defensive backs coach Tim Walton and was rented to players with approval from the schools compliance office. Cooper, a junior, has played mostly on special teams for three years. He is listed as a second-team safety on the spring depth chart.

Meriweather is a standout safety for the Hurricanes.

Please, would somebody tell me that I am not the only one that finds this story just a bit disturbing? I have a 17 year old son who has not been even close to being out of bed at 6:30 am on a summer day, so that in itself raises the flag. Isnt it convenient that an assistant coach happens to own a house and rents it to two of the players? Miami coach Larry Coker was quite calm over the whole affair and suggested that he was not even sure how many players owned guns on the team.

Over in Tallahassee, Bobby Bowden has suggested that all of his players guns are under lock and key and when they go hunting they are required to sign out their weapons of choice.

When asked if the sign out policy was enforced, Bowden suggested that he hasnt given it a second thought. Knowledge is power in online gambling.

Are you ready for some football?

Bob Acton

www.sportsbook.comOnline Sports Betting

Florida Panhandle Part 3 – The Apalachicola National Forest And Apalachicola Barrier Islands

Enjoy the Apalachicola National Forest is a mix of swamp, spring, savannah, hiking and canoeing terrain – perfect for exploring.

The most exhilarating way to explore is to hike along one of its many trails or to canoe, from one of its many boat launches, down the Ochlockonee River.

The Apalachicola National Forest is the largest national forest in Florida consisting of two great rivers, the Ochlockonee and the Sopchoppy.

There are numerous campgrounds and picnic areas throughout the Forest so you do not have to be an athlete to enjoy it.

Take a look at Wakulla Springs which is west of the forest, and is one of the deepest natural springs in the world. The scenery is primitive and has understandably, been the setting for films such as the Tarzan films.

Apalachicola Barrier Islands

Apalachicola, an old town south west of the forest, is the state’s oyster capital. The three marvellous Barrier Islands are across the bay.

One of these is St George Island – a 28 mile barrier island. It is still the least inhabited and is unspoilt, even though you can get there by road. Its miles of white sand beaches are uncrowded, great for swimming and catching a variety of fish. You can see many gracious wildlife like turtles.

Take a break from the beautiful seashore and visit one of the many restaurants serving fresh local seafood such as oysters of course.

Or go shopping on the Island for clothing, beach stuff, gifts and art.

Another of the Barrier Islands is Little St George Island. Perfect for those who like a measure of isolation. The island is about 75 miles from Tallahassee and is reached by bridge and causeway from US 98.

You can camp for free, but bring your own facilities. There is of course, the white sand beaches, bird watching (ospreys and eagles), wildlife (yes, and racoons) and last but definitely not least – fantaastic fishing.

The third of the Barrier Islands is the St Vincent Island. You can only get there by boat.

But is has many fresh water lakes and salt water swamps. It is a birdwatchers paradise.

Florida Gators received on Monday their first NCAA Championship title after a basketball game played against UCLA Bruins which final score was 73 57. UCLA has already won 11 NCAA titles.

More than 43,000 fans were at the limit of their emotions cheering at their favorite team. Florida won the first 17 games of the season and then got better.

Joakim Noah, who took care of keeping Floridas opponents away from the rim, jumped into a press table and after some Gator-like movements ran toward the crowd to hug his father and other members of his family. Noahs father is the former French Open tennis champion Yannick Noah.

Joakim Noah or the outstanding player of the Final Four, as he was named, scored 16 points, nine rebounds and six blocks. With this, Noah has set a new record of blocked shots during an NCAA title game.

Corey Brewer, Taurean Green and Humphrey were also named for the All Final Four Team, joining Noah with this distinction.

The Gators were playing its second title game. They lost the first one against Michigan State in 2000. On the other hand the Bruins were trying to achieve their 12th title and increase their record of most national championships.