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A Florida man shrieked and squealed as he reeled in a 500-pound goliath grouper while kayaking in Sanibel. View the full article

LONGWOOD -- Brian Furgione doesn't look like the stereotypical teacher. View the full article

Two Central Florida attorneys were disciplined recently by the Florida Supreme Court, including a Lake Mary attorney who was accused of misrepresenting facts about her own daughter’s criminal case, according to court documents and a news release from the Florida Bar. View the full article

This week our Learn to Draw animation series continues with a lesson on how to draw another member of the “Big Hero 6” team – it’s Fred, the fun-loving, comic-book aficionado of the group. Grab a pencil and paper and let Animation Academy’s Don Shane give you step-by-step instructions. Want to learn how to draw Baymax or Hiro from the film? Or another Disney character? Check out our full list of tutorials below. For previous animation tutorials on some of your favorite Disney characters, check out the list below: Anna from ‘Frozen’ Baymax from ‘Big Hero 6’ Buzz Lightyear from ‘Toy Story’ Donald Duck Dopey from ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ Flynn from ‘Tangled’Genie from ‘Aladdin’GoofyGrumpy from ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ Hiro from ‘Big Hero 6’Jack Skellington from ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’Olaf from ‘Frozen’ Olaf from ‘Frozen’ Special Edition Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Pascal from ‘Rapunzel’ PlutoScrooge McDuck from ‘Mickey’s Christmas Carol’ Stitch from ‘Lilo and Stitch’ Sorcerer Mickey from ‘Fantasia’ Tinker Bell from ‘Peter Pan’Winnie the Pooh Learn to Draw Fred From ‘Big Hero 6’ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

I'm watching American Music Machine group perform at Epcot, but I'm playing "Name That Tune" at the same time. The new a cappella group moves rapidly through excerpts of more than 30 songs in 20 minutes. View the full article

Professional wakeboarder Michael Kyle Evans has been arrested after deputies said he robbed a 7-Eleven last weekend. View the full article

What Orange County students -- and staff -- post on social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube is now being monitored by their school district to "ensure safe school operations," the district announced this morning. View the full article

Universal Orlando is touting a reimagined experience for water-park fans when Volcano Bay opens in 2017. View the full article

Universal Orlando’s new water park, Volcano Bay, will open in 2017. View the full article

Universal Orlando's new water park, Volcano Bay, will open in 2017. View the full article

Sailing with us to a tropical destination before or after a stay at Walt Disney World Resort is the ultimate family vacation. I could spend all day telling you why you should add a Disney cruise to your next parks and resort trip, but I’ll keep it short with these top five reasons . . . It’s a hassle-free vacation with the thrills and frills of Disney. You’ll quickly discover the convenience of cruising, especially as you only unpack once during your journey to multiple exotic destinations. What’s more, you’ll stay in world-class accommodations, eat food prepared by first-rate chefs and be entertained morning until night like only Disney can do.It’s the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. One day you can zip line from tree top to tree top on a Port Adventure in the rainforest, and the next day you can stay put in a hammock on Castaway Cay. There’s no shortage of fun onboard or in port, but with so many options to recharge, you won’t need a vacation from your vacation when you return home.A 3- or 4-night cruise is a great way to test the waters. For those of you who are new to cruising, our shorter sailings allow you to see if cruising is the right fit for your family. And since most onboard activities, entertainment and dining options are included in the price of your cruise, you’ll know just what to budget. You’ll have magical experiences you can’t get anywhere else. From regal gatherings with princesses to dance parties with Mickey and the gang on our private island, Castaway Cay, a Disney cruise gives you the chance to interact with characters in a whole new way. And speaking of Castaway Cay, most of our cruises from Florida stop at this tropical paradise reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests. With two Disney Cruise Line homeports in Florida, it’s never been easier to make both a cruise and resort stay part of your Disney vacation. Port Canaveral and Miami are within driving distance of Walt Disney World, making it convenient to stay at one of our resorts and enjoy all four theme parks before or after visiting tropical destinations on a cruise to the Bahamas or Caribbean. If you have questions about planning a Disney getaway that includes both a Disney Cruise Line voyage and a Walt Disney World Resort stay, head on over to DisneyParksMomsPanel.com. The knowledgeable panelists will help make it your family’s most magical vacation yet. Those of you who’ve already enjoyed a Disney land and sea vacation, tell us, what are your best tips? The Ultimate Land and Sea Family Vacation with Disney Cruise Line by Jonathan Frontado: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Mickey’s Birthdayland became Mickey’s Starland at Magic Kingdom Park this week in 1990. A few of the local residents gathered by the town sign to commemorate the name change. Mickey’s Starland eventually became Mickey’s Toontown Fair in 1996. Now, of course, it’s home to Storybook Circus, where you can fly on an elephant, feel the thrill of The Barnstormer or visit some familiar friends at Pete’s Silly Sideshow. Disney Days of Past: Mickey’s Birthdayland Becomes Mickey’s Starland at Magic Kingdom Park by Nate Rasmussen: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the United States of meddling in FIFA's affairs and hinted that it was part of an attempt to take the 2018 World Cup away from his country. View the full article

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday it is investigating what the Pentagon called an inadvertent shipment of live anthrax spores to government and commercial laboratories in as many as nine states, as well as one overseas, that expected to receive dead spores. View the full article

You can’t keep video game developers out of work for long in the Orlando area. View the full article

The New Orleans Pelicans could give the Orlando Magic competition for Scott Skiles’ coaching services. View the full article

A sixth grader from Orlando Science Middle School advanced Wednesday to the semifinals of the 2015 Scripps National Spelling Bee. View the full article

The Epcot Food and Wine Festival will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2015, and today, we’re starting to get an idea of what this year will include. We have updates on everything from food to new attractions, so let’s get to it! NEW Booths and DishesWhile we anticipate lots and lots more announcements about new food items, we’re getting our very first glimpse of some eats that will debut in the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booths! The Scotland Booth is back and will debut a brand new drink, the Scottish Citrus Thistle! A Grilled Sweet and Spicy Bush Berry Shrimp with Pineapple, Peppers, Onions and Snap Peas will be a highlight at the Australia Booth, and the New Zealand Booth will tempt guests with a Seared Venison Loin with Wild Mushroom Ragout and Kumara Dumpling. Other new dishes will include Pepper Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese (what WHAT?!??!?) at the Farm Fresh Booth. But I super hope that amazing Hash returns in 2015! Farm Fresh Marketplace Of course, we are crossing our fingers and hoping that plenty of dishes that we love return as well. We do know that the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup is returning to the Canada Booth! Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup Will Once Again Join the Festival Line Up So we can breathe a collective sigh of relief there. New Special EventsWe cannot wait to check out a brand new festival Premium Event — the French Family Meal Traditions Lunch, which will take place on Fridays and Sundays. If the French Family Meal Traditions Lunch is Anything Like the Parisian Breakfast, We Can’t Wait! A brand new premium party, the Rockin’ Burger Block Party, will also take place on select dates. More details to come about that one! NEW Artists Debuting and Familiar Favorites Returning to Eat to the Beat Concert SeriesTaking in an Eat to the Beat Concert as the sun goes down is a great way to enjoy your evening at the festival. And this year, we have some brand new acts to choose from. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Performing at Eat to the Beat New acts Tiffany, Everclear, Maxi Priest, and Chaka Khan will take the stage at the America Pavilion in 2015. They’ll be joined by several returning acts, including Wilson Phillips, Smash Mouth, The Pointer Sisters, Jo Dee Messina, Boyz II Men, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. (No word on Hanson, yet, kiddos — stay tuned!) Celebrity Chefs to Appear at the 2015 Food and Wine FestivalOne of the most fun aspects of the festival is catching a low cost culinary demonstration with celebrity chefs. 2015 will see the return of many favorites. Look for Cat Cora, Robert Irvine, Jamie Deen, Rock Harper, Kenny Gilbert, and Buddy Valastro at Culinary Demos and Special Events. Cake Boss, 2011 Sweet Sundays Event Chef Cat Cora Book Signing at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival The festival will also welcome back chef and cookbook author John Ash, who appeared at the very first festival in 1996! Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak Scavenger HuntAlso new for 2015 — everyone’s favorite rat chef Remy will be joining the party with Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt! Kids from 4 to 94 can go on the hunt throughout World Showcase to find little hidden statues of Remy. There will be special maps and stickers, and you may even win a prize! French Cheese with a Side of Remy Returning AttractionsAfter an absence in 2014, the Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog will once again return this year! Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog Is Back at the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Also, the Chase Lounge will again offer Chase Card Members a place to stop and relax for a spell, while they enjoy complimentary refreshments and more. Chase Lounge I’m SO excited to hear more about the festival — can’t wait!! Stay tuned to the DFB’s 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Page and the DFB Newsletter for all the latest! News! The DFB Guide to the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival e-Book is now available for Pre-Order! And speaking of preparing, GET ON THIS! This 200+-page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever. Pre-order your 2015 edition today, and download the 2014 guide for FREE — immediately! Your purchase includes several bonus items as well — including a full daily schedule of events at the Festival and a printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World! Use code Chefs at check-out for a $3 discount! Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for all the latest breaking Epcot Food and Wine Festival News! What are you looking most forward to at the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival? Leave a comment and let us know! 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! 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule Preliminary Dates News! 2015 Epcot Food & Wine Festival DATES! News! 2015 Epcot International Flower and Garden (PLUS FOOD!) Festival Details Announced View the full article

Maitland Police found 180 marijuana plants and arrested five people after searching a home on Robinhood Court Wednesday morning, a lieutenant said. View the full article

Detectives are at an Orange County apartment complex investigating the death of an 8-month-old child, officials said. View the full article

The pilot of a small plane that hit an antenna at Melbourne International Airport Wednesday afternoon was arrested, an airport spokeswoman said. View the full article

Alysa Whetro, with her crutches nearby, watched reluctantly Wednesday as her Central Florida Gliders track team went through drills at Lake Brantley High School. View the full article

SeaWorld Orlando will debut a shark-inspired roller coaster named Mako next summer that will have a top speed of 73 mph and a drop from 200 feet — the fastest, tallest, longest thrill ride in Central Florida, the theme park said Wednesday. View the full article

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