Gatorland, Orlando

Growing up in Kissimmee in the 1960s, the choice of tourist attractions was pretty limited. Owen Godwin’s Gatorland was about it. Today, I toured Gatorland with its President Mark McHugh. Mark has an interesting history in the attractions industry, having once been a killer whale trainer at SeaWorld.

Gatorland received national media attention in 2006 when the world-know attraction caught fire destroying the main entrance and gift shop, but sparing the gapping alligator mouth entrance and all of the exhibits and animal habitats.

Construction of the new entry building with ticketing and admissions and gift shop are all well underway and slated for completion. Gatorland is a consummate old-Florida attraction. The front area with large gator ponds, a gator wrestling arena, the gator “jump-a-roo” show, swamp boardwalk, reptile exhibits, and a waterpark.

Walking the paths and trails of Gatorland brought back fond memories of life in Kissimmee in an era when nothing could beat the thrill of a train ride around a pond full of Florida gators.

Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, Key West

This morning, I visited another old Key West historic attraction, the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. The attraction is managed by Mike Morawski. Earlier this week I was hosted by Mike and his wife Marilyn for dinner in Key West. Mike shared with me some insight into operating an attraction in Key West. Mike is a former Chairman of the Board of the Florida Attractions Association, and has a keen instinct in matters of business and politics.

At the Hemingway home, I was hosted by Jacque Sands, who is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the historic site. My guide was Ray who shared with our group the history of the home, the Hemmingway years, his wives, tales, the Key's first swimming pool, and of course, the famous 6-toed cats which are descendants from Hemingway's days in Key West.

Historic Tours of America, Key West

I had an opportunity to meet with Chris Belland, a true visionary in the attractions industry. In Key West, Historic Tours of America operates Conch Tour Train Key West, Old Town Trolley Tours® Key West, Key West Aquarium, Key West Shipwreck HISTOREUM® Museum, and Harry S Truman Little White House.

The company also operates Trusted Tours, an attractions ticket web site.

I had a chance to visit with Piper Smith, another long-time freind of the Florida Attractions Association.

Theater of the Sea, Islamorada

Nestled in the natural beauty of the Florida Keys, about mid-way down the oversea highway lies Theater of the Sea, one of Florida’s original sea life parks. Using what had been a rock quarry for Henry Flagler’s ill-fated railroad, the quarry now features pools of aquatic sea life. I toured with Maureen Lamarra who explained the history of the McKenney family who has operated the park for 3 generations.

The mangrove-lined pools offer guests an intimate glimpse at turtles, sting rays, tropical fish, and the park features dolphin, sea lion, and parrot shows.

With a strong message of preservation and education the park is a treasure to explore.

Coral Castle, Homestead

Another wonderful Florida attraction, and full of unusual, mystery, intrigue, and a love story is Homestead’s Coral Castle. Sylvia Villafana is the Coral castle’s manager and she and her staff provided a morning to remember with a look at the amazing creation of Ed Leedskalnin, a Latvian immigrant, who single-handedly built the Coral Castle without the aid of any modern construction equipment.

The Coral Castle is an architectural wonder, and is a case study in astronomy, physics, earth science, space science, natural forces, and the supernatural.

Fruit and Spice Park, Florida City

My 3rd stop today was a true gem…Fruit and Spice Park in Florida City, about an hour’s drive south of downtown Miami.

I was greeted by April Rosenick, Sales Manager. After our meeting I was given a wonderful tour of the 35-acre park by guide Iva. The park was essentially destroyed by hurricane Andrew, and has since been restored with a master plan featuring hundreds of specimens of plants and trees from around the world.

The park is one of those places that will surprise you in its quality of presentation and mission, and a staff obviously dedicated to fulfilling the Park’s mission.

After my tour, I met Chris Rollins, the Park Manager.

Miami Science Museum

Next stop, the Miami Science Museum. I met Raj Sarangapani, the museum’s CFO. Raj is a Miami native, who recently retuned to South Florida from the Seattle area. After our meeting, I toured the museum.

Currently, the museum is featuring a spectacular exhibit “The Dinosaurs of China.” The exhibit was a joint project of archeologists and scientists from the Miami Science Museum and from education institutions in China. The exhibit featured a look at the discovery of ancient fossils in China.

The museum also features a planetarium, some space and earth science exhibits and an outdoor nature center.

The Miami Science Museum will be moving to the Bicentennial Park with a major expansion in a plan to incorporate a new museum center in Miami.

Historical Museum of Southern Florida, Miami

Today, I visited 3 Florida Attractions.

First, the Historical Museum of Southern Florida. I was greeted by Bob McCammon, President & CEO of the museum, and Kristie , the facility’s Marketing Manager. After our meeting, I toured the museum.

There were a number of children from a local elementary school who were rotating through teaching stations around the museum with talented guides engaging the students
in interactive lessons on the history of southern Florida.

The museum features a display on the Miami Circle. A new museum facility is in the planning stages for Bicentennial Park site in Miami. The expansion will present the story of how and why southern Florida became an international community.

The lobby features drawing by Florida everglades native Rob Storter. His drawings offer a glimpse into life in the ‘Glades during the early part of the 20th century.

The Historical Museum of Southern Florida is a great facility, and an asset to the citizens of Miami-Dade and all of South Florida.

Miami Bound

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Dow Museum of Historic Homes (Old St. Augustine Village), St. Augustine

Our meeting was hosted by the Dow Museum of Historic Homes (formally Old St. Augustine Village). Following the meeting, Lenore Welty, Museum Administrator, provided a tour of the 7 historic homes built on the site. The site covers a city block and features a viriety of historically significant architectural and cultural features. The homes date from 1790 to the 20th Century.




Museum Administrator Lenore Welty with Chairman Steve Geis and I.

Lightner Museum, St. Augustine

Our first stop in St. Augustine was the historic Lightner Museum. The museum’s Executive Director Robert Harper provided a brief tour of the institution’s impressive collection of art, sculpture, Tiffany glass, music boxes, and natural science specimens. Following the tour, Bob treated the Board of Director’s to Lunch at the Alcazar Café.

Lightner Museum Executive Director Robert Harper and I in the newly restore grand hall.

Board Members enjoying lunch before our meeting.

First Board Meeting Tomorrow

Tomorrow, Mike and I will drive from Tallahassee to St. Augustine for my first Board of Director's Meeting.


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Panama City Beach

Today, I drove down to Panama City Beach. It was the first time I’ve been in that part of the state in about 10 years. The last trip was for a Governor's Conference on Tourism held at the Marriott Bay Point. The city has changed a lot.

Hurricane Ivan, in 2004, was the impetuous for much of the change. The hurricane destroyed many of the older gulf-side "mom & pop" motels. In there place, many new high-rise condominiums have been built or are under construction.

In spite of what you may think about the number of condos being built on the Gulf Coast of Florida's panhandle, one thing is perfectly clear...they're being built because people want to vacation there. The beautiful blue-green gulf waters are spectacular. Walking on the white sand beach yesterday, I was several schools of dolphins, horseshoe crabs, sting ray and a turtle.

Nearby, is St. Andrew's State Park, a beautiful park with fishing, camping, nature trails, snorkeling, and a nature center.

Wednesday in Tally

Linda left early this morning to fly to Portland to spend a couple of weeks with her son, daughter-in-law and their 2 kids. Linda loves her grandchildren!

I had a great lunch today with Kris Dake, our Wachovia banker for the Association. We discussed the economy, the business and housing climate in Tallahassee, and other general business matters. He hosted lunch at Kool Beanz, a great local restaurant, eclectic décor and menu, and very generous portions.

This afternoon, I met with Judy Gray, President & CEO of the Florida Society of Association Executives. The Florida Society of Association Executives' misssion: to serves its members and advances the association profession through a community of knowledge sharing, education, advocacy and business modeling. They offer various opportunities to meet with other Association Executives throughout the year. Judy has an impressive resume, leading chambers of commerce, associations, lobbying groups, and telecommunications companies. She’s a “go-to” person, and offered extraordinary insights into association management.

After the turkey...

My family has returned to Williamsburg, VA. I miss them already. We had a great week, and shared Thanksgiving with Anita's sister and her family and Anita's parents.

Happy Thanksgiving

Staff "Retreat"

Linda, Mike and I spent the past 2 days in a retreat planning the next year of events for the Florida Attractions Association.

Florida Attractions Presented "Big E" Awards at IAAPA Show

Florida Attraction Association members who were presented Big E Awards by IAAPA for excellence in live entertainment:

Best Female Show Performer
Winner – Grace Beauchesne – Busch Gardens Africa – Tampa, Fla., United States

Spirit Award
Runner Up – Manivane Yang – Busch Gardens Africa – Tampa, Fla., United States
Winner – Tamra Franze – Busch Gardens Africa – Tampa, Fla., United States

Best Overall Production: $2,000,001 or More
Runner Up – “Universal 360 A Cinesphere Spectacular” – Universal Orlando Resort – Orlando, Fla., United States
Winner – “Shamu Rocks”– SeaWorld – San Diego, Calif., and Orlando, Fla., United States

Pirates Dinner Adventure - Orlando, Yo Ho & Arrrrrr!

Tonight, my son and I enjoyed the Pirates Dinner Adventure near International Drive in the heart of Orlando. We had a swash-buckleling good time. The adventure begins is a seaside village theme preshow area and continues into the main theater with a full-size, rigged pirate ship floating in a lagoon.

The story line was creative. The cast was excellent with a number of very talented stunt actors. They showed their abilities to sing, dance, ad-lib, complete daring (and dangerous) stunts, and acrobatics, while captivating the audience with drama, comedy, and pirate-style mischief.

A holiday finale capped the show. I won’t give it away…you’ll be amazed.

The menu consisted of turkey and dressing with all the accompaniments and a choice of pork loin or shrimp and lobster. I had the shrimp…and cleaned my plate.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner adventure, set sail for Pirates Dinner Adventure in Orlando.

Charlie Bray

I had the pleasure of meeting this afternoon with Charlie Bray, President & CEO of IAAPA.

2 Florida Attractions Recognized by IAAPA, Receive Brass Ring Awards

Two of our Florida Attractions Association members received Brass Ring Awards last night for outstanding promotions.

The Miami Seaquarium won a Brass Ring in the Print Ad category. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex won 3 awards, recognized in the Marketing Collateral, Media Kit, and PR Campaign categories.

Congratulations!

International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA)

I’m off to Orlando for the annual International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo this week. The Expo fills the North/South building (1/2 million square feet) of the Orange County Convention Center and draws 1000 vendors and 25,000 buyers from 85 countries. Add workshops, training sessions, roundtables, alliance meetings, and this will be a non-stop, whirlwind week.


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Roar N Soar this weekend @ Fantasy of Flight

Looking for something exciting to do this weekend? Get your speed on! Click this banner for Roar N Soar:

Everglades Wonder Gardens - Bonita Springs, FL

Everglades Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old U.S. 41, Bonita Springs. Open daily: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (239) 992-2591

Today, I had the pleasure of visiting Everglades Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs, Florida. The attraction is celebrating its 71st anniversary and is owned by David Piper, Jr., whose grandfather founded the zoological and botanical park.

The gardens have a mature tree canopy with a diverse display of native Florida plants, trees and flowers. There are many animals on display, including variety crocodiles, alligators, turtles, snakes, iguanas, peacock, deer, and bears, to name a few.

The gift shop building features a museum dedicated to Florida’s natural history.

When travelling in the Naples area, I highly recommend a visit to Everglades Wonder Gardens and enjoy a visit to one of Florida’s original natural attractions.

Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club & Spa - Outdoor Pool

Paradise

Yesterday's evening reception was hosted by the Marco Island Marriott's General Manager Rick Medwedeff. We toasted our meeting with a glass of champagne as the sun sank over the Gulf of Mexico.

The resort has just completed a major facelift and the property is paradise. We toured the facility, including their extensive meeting, trade show, and convention spaces. They also have a world-class spa. Most remarkable is the dedication of the resort's staff -among the best service I've ever experienced.

Florida Society of Association Executives

Mike Coleman (l), Director of Recreation for the Marco Island Resort and Spa and me on the beach for evening reception for the FSAE CEO Council.
FSAE CEO Council participants on the beach of Marco Island, enjoying sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.

Florida Society of Association Executives CEO Council, following the meeting at the Marco Island Marriott Resot & Spa. The Council meets periodically to give professional Association leaders the opportunity to explore common concerns, challenges and solutions facing their organizations. Information and resources are shared in a confidential, comfortable roundtable. The meeting was facilitated by Judy Gray, CEO of the FSAE.

On the Road to Marco Island

Today I travelled from Tallahassee to the Marco Island Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa to participate in the Florida Society of Association Executives CEO Council.



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"Just Remember"

Donna Ross’ last words to me today after serving as President & CEO of the Florida Attractions Association for 19 years…“Just Remember…you now have the best job working for the greatest association of the greatest attractions with the greatest members and the greatest staff in the greatest state in the greatest country in the world.”

Thank you, Donna. I couldn't agree more.

From Donna, as recorded in the Florida Attractions Association Guest Book:

My thanks to the attractions of Florida

to the Boards of Directors over the years

to the very outstanding staff

to the many friends of both the Association and of me personally

to the newest CEO

to the gifted past leaders

to the Allied Members

for 19 wonderful years as CEO & President.

Those were special years spent with special people and are now special memories.

With sincere appreciation and heartfelt love-

Donna Ross

T-minus One Day & Counting

Donna Ross and I spent the day reviewing the status of the numerous projects and activities of the Florida Attractions Association. She prepared a detailed briefing book and captured essential information and incorporated it into the notebook. She's very detail-oriented.

Over the past 19 years, Donna has made a tremendous contribution the Florida Attractions Association.

Big shoes to fill, no doubt!

Donna & Staff

Donna welcoming me to the Association office.













With the FAA Staff.















Photo of the professional staff of the Florida Attractions Association in Tallahassee...Linda Cloud, Donna Ross, and Mike Donaldson.

The Beginning

...and so, my new adventure begins.