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The state's noneuphoric-medical-marijuana law cleared a major legal hurdle Wednesday when a judge in Tallahassee upheld it, which allows the state to begin licensing marijuana growers this summer. View the full article

As a part of the Coolest Summer Ever celebration here at Walt Disney World Resort, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park will be celebrating the upcoming release of the Disney Channel Original Movie “Teen Beach 2” with a daily “Teen Beach 2: Beach Party.” The party, which takes place on the shore of the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool, features a DJ spinning retro tunes, beach-themed games, hula hoop contests and more. Parties will be held through July 5. If you plan to visit, keep this in mind – when guests purchase a one-day water park ticket, they can park-hop between the two water parks in the same day that both are open. ‘Teen Beach 2: Beach Party’ Brings Summer Fun to Typhoon Lagoon Water Park by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

When at least five masked men broke open the jewelry case and began grabbing gold chains, store owner Insuk "Sue" Shimochi said instinct and her feisty nature took over. View the full article

When Harriett Lake was 7 years old, she fell in love with a little red coat. View the full article

CBS' "48 Hours" presents its second hour since 1999 on the murder conviction of Crosley Green in Brevard County. View the full article

Anyone who has strolled through Fantasyland at Disneyland park knows the familiar double-honk from the Disneyland Monorail as it begins to make its way around the Matterhorn. Its course takes it past some of our classic attractions, and thanks to some clever maneuvering, Disneyland Chief Photographer Paul Hiffmeyer was able to catch these shots of the Disneyland Monorail as it passed “it’s a small world” and Alice in Wonderland. Which Disneyland Resort attractions are your favorite to spy from aboard the Disneyland Monorail? A Unique Point of View: Disneyland Monorail Visits Fantasyland Attractions by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment team takes outstanding care of the animals at Walt Disney World Resort. You may have seen some of them in action at the Vet Hospital at Rafiki’s Planet Watch at Disney’s Animal Kingdom or explaining some of the studies they are conducting at The Seas with Nemo & Friends at Epcot. But did you know that these same cast members often travel the world to help animals and support conservation projects in the wild? Dr. Natalie Mylniczenko and vet tech Matt Runnells recently traveled to Africa to complete health exams on some of the gorillas at the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education (GRACE) Center, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa. At GRACE, Grauer’s gorillas who are orphaned (typically because poachers killed their parents for the exotic animal trade or bushmeat) receive the care they need and learn the skills needed for reintroduction back into the wild. Our cast members have played many roles with GRACE including designing the facility, engaging in hands-on construction, helping move gorillas and training Congolese staff to care for gorillas. In addition to gorilla care, Disney staff also help promote conservation education among the local residents. During the most recent trip, Dr. Natalie and Matt worked with the GRACE staff to immobilize two gorillas by hand-injecting the gorillas to anesthetize them. This is a huge accomplishment for the staff, as it is a very complex behavior to train and shows their dedication to the work they do. Both gorillas were given complete physicals, and both needed tooth extractions. The exams went very well, and GRACE staff members learned a great deal from Dr. Natalie and Matt. Sharing resources, knowledge and expertise is one way our team supports animals in the wild. Click through the gallery below for images from their latest trip. GalleryWildlife Wednesday: Reports from the Field: GRACE view allWildlife Wednesday: Reports from the Field: GRACE by Rachel Daneault: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

I had an amazing time in Disneyland last week, celebrating the kick-off of their Diamond Anniversary year! Sleeping Beauty Castle decked out for the Diamond Anniversary And, of course, as is the case anytime a Disney park celebrates a big milestone, they brought out tons of special treats. From dressed up candy apples… Diamond Celebration Minnie Apple …to diamond glow cubes… Specialty beverages with diamond glow cubes …to the most incredible popcorn buckets ever… Disneyland Balloon Popcorn Bucket …it was a blast just wandering the park noshing on all of the latest goodies. But, of course I had to see what the 60th Anniversary cake pops were all about! Disneyland 60th Anniversary Cake Pops These guys were just too cute, and it had been…well, probably years…since I’d had a Disney cake pop, so it was time to grab one in the name of research! As you can see, Mickey’s all decked out in his diamond blue tux on this cake pop. The cake is coated in milk chocolate, dipped in white chocolate, and covered with glittery blue sugar. Close Up of Disneyland Mickey Mouse Cake Pop I was expecting dark chocolate disks as the ears, as that’s what they use in the Mickey hat brownie; but these were white chocolate disks instead. The cake itself is standard cake pop — super moist and molded into a little ball shape. The flavor on this was great — deep, rich chocolate…like eating a not-quite-cooked-all-the-way-through brownie. Yum! Inside Disneyland Mickey cake pop Overall, the flavors and textures on this one were great. It was suuuuper sweet, and suuuuper chocolatey, as would be expected. And though it’s relatively small, I was on chocolate overload by the time I was through! If you’re looking for a sweet treat that won’t break the bank and will still allow you to eat a meal after an hour or so, this is a great one to try! You can find ‘em all over Disneyland at all of the standard stops — Marceline’s, Candy Palace, Trolley Treats, etc. Have you tried a Mickey Mouse cake pop? Let us know in the comments below! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: News! New Eats and Drinks Debut to Celebrate Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary Review: Mickey Mouse Beignets at Disneyland’s Mint Julep Bar Special Eats and Treats for Disneyland’s 24 Hour Diamond Anniversary Celebration View the full article

Dr. Cindy LaRoe dabs her paintbrush into a gray tube of paint and spreads it along the canvas in the living room of her Eustis home. View the full article

It wasn't hard for someone to get a prescription for their favorite narcotic from this "pain clinic," investigators say. View the full article

In resigning from her post Tuesday, Circuit Judge Linda Schoonover wrote that she is "unable to complete my term due to a physical illness that prevents me from performing my duties." View the full article

A recent Sentinel story cataloged the many projects underway next to SunRail stations. View the full article

Hello from The Big Apple! New York, New York. The City that Never Sleeps. New York City is an iconic destination, and it’s a place I have visited many times (and it’s the locale I’m writing you from right now). It’s also filled with seemingly endless entertainment, which is why, despite my many visits, I still feel like I’ve only scratched the surface of seeing everything that this most famous of U.S. cities has to offer. That’s why I’m excited to say that the next time I visit the Empire State will be on an Adventures by Disney New York City Long Weekend vacation. While this trip visits some of the legendary sites you would expect to see on any vacation to New York City, such as Central Park and Broadway, it also visits places you probably haven’t discovered yet, such as the Prop Room at the New Amsterdam Theatre, as well as hidden gems, such as the Tenement Museum. These are places that I’ve certainly never seen before, and through Adventures by Disney I’ll get to experience them in unique ways that I simply couldn’t do on my own, such as learning a Broadway dance number from a professional choreographer. I’ve also visited our other Long Weekend destinations, San Francisco and Nashville, several times before. And yes, I’ve been to Napa and the Grand Old Opry. These are places you’d expect to visit during a vacation to these cities, and Adventures by Disney will take you to see these sights as well. However, with Adventures by Disney you don’t just visit a winery in Napa, you also take part in wine blending (for the adults) and olive oil activities (for the Junior Adventurers). In Nashville, not only will you get to see a show the Grand Ole Opry, you’ll also go backstage for a tour, as well as a private dinner experience and line-dancing lessons. On all of our trips you get to experience the very best of what these cities have to offer, while also discovering places and experiences you probably wouldn’t uncover on your own. And that’s what makes them so special. I can’t wait to share my Adventures by Disney New York City Long Weekend vacation with you later this summer. Until then I’ll share this little sneak peek I recently got of the New Amsterdam Theatre, where the Broadway production ALADDIN is currently playing. And yes, that is me standing on the stage! These are the types of exclusive experiences you get with Adventures by Disney. Uncover Hidden Gems on Adventures by Disney Long Weekend Vacations by Amanda Adler: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

It broke more than just records. View the full article

"19 Kids and Counting" could return to TLC's schedule, despite the recent controversy surrounding the show. View the full article

On Memorial Day, Disneyland park guests lined Main Street, U.S.A. during the daily flag retreat ceremony to pay respect to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Dozens of veterans, reservists and active duty members of the armed forces came to participate in the ceremony. During his official dedication of Disneyland park, Walt Disney said Disneyland is dedicated to “the hard facts that have created America” – a sentiment evidenced by this photo. Memorial Day Flag Retreat Ceremony at Disneyland Park Honors Fallen Soldiers by Kevin Rafferty, Jr.: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Duke Energy will build a facility near Epcot that will provide solar power to Walt Disney World. View the full article

Duke Energy is building a facility near Epcot that will provide solar power to Walt Disney World. View the full article

Joining other weather teams, government forecasters on Wednesday called for a slower-than-normal hurricane season, adding fuel to the debate over whether the 20-year era of tropical intensity is finally drawing to an end. View the full article

Imagine sitting at the end of Main Street U.S.A., looking at Cinderella Castle, the ragtime pianist serenading you as you bite into a juicy all-American hotdog. Is there anything better? Twenty years ago today, Casey’s Corner opened, pleasing hungry guests and baseball fans alike. Decorated with vintage baseball souvenirs and photos, Casey’s Corner has been hitting it out of the park since 1995. Guests enjoy tasty favorites like the Barbecue Slaw Dog, Corn Dog Nuggets and Ball Park Nachos. Last year, we reimagined the interior to accommodate even more fans with additional seating. Talk about a home run! Casey’s Corner – Hitting Lunch Out of the Park for 20 Years at Magic Kingdom Park by Rachel Brent: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Some of you may remember last year when I wrote a post detailing some of the best things about living in Florida. View the full article

The Disney Parks Blog team kicked off the Coolest Summer Ever here at Walt Disney World Resort last Friday by holding a special event for 500 of our readers, which included breakfast at Magic Kingdom Park and a special opening-day screening of the new film, “Tomorrowland.” GalleryPHOTOS: Step Inside Our Disney Parks Blog ‘Tomorrowland’ Breakfast & Screening view allDuring the event, our guests had a private breakfast at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe and participated in a exclusive photo op featuring a jet pack and suit used in production of the film. They were then shuttled to AMC Downtown Disney 24 for a private screening of the film. Afterwards, our guests were made honorary Tomorrowland recruiters and were sent back to Magic Kingdom Park with special Tomorrowland pins to give away. Check out the video above for a look inside the event. Disney Parks Blog Readers Enjoy #Disney24, ‘Tomorrowland’ Screening by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Joe Williams, who became a fixture at Lake County sporting events during more than 36 years as a sports writer for the Orlando Sentinel, died Tuesday night. View the full article

The new roller coaster at SeaWorld will be shark-themed and part of a new "realm" at the theme park when it opens next summer. It will be named Mako after a speedy species of shark. View the full article

Summer may just be getting started, but I’m already looking forward to fall and the return of my favorite event at Magic Kingdom Park, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. And this year’s party will be extra fun with the introduction of an all-new show on the Castle Forecourt Stage. In “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular,” the mischievous Sanderson Sisters from Disney’s “Hocus Pocus” return to the mortal world for one night during the Halloween season. With only a few hours to run amuck, the three sisters decide to use their magic to throw the best, evil Halloween party this side of the graveyard! With the help of the Disney villains, Winifred, Mary and Sarah gather together sinister shadows, nefarious nightmares and the power of their frightful friends to conjure the ultimate Hocus Pocus Party Potion and cast a spell on everyone in the Magic Kingdom Park. “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” features appearances by Dr. Facilier, Oogie Boogie, Maleficent and other great Disney villains, along with dancers, projections and special effects that combine to make this new show a not-to-be-missed Halloween treat. “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” will be presented exclusively during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, held select nights at Magic Kingdom Park from September 15 – November 1, 2015. New Show at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Will Cast a Spell on You by Shawn Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article