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On Sunday, Sentinel reporters Scott Powers and Lauren Roth produced a nice piece of in-depth reporting about how private schools in Florida are becoming increasingly dependent upon state vouchers to fill their classrooms and budgets. (“ More Florida private schools become dependent on vouchers ”) View the full article

In just a few short weeks, we’ll be returning to Alaska where the Disney Wonder will sail through breathtaking scenery and stop at incredible ports of call. This year, we have a selection of brand-new Port Adventures, and I’m so excited to be sharing some of Juneau’s newest excursions with you today! The famous gold rush of the late 1800s put Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, on the map. In fact, the city was named after a prospector named Joseph Juneau, who was one of the first men to strike gold in the city. Your family can have its own gold-seeking adventure on the Family Gold Exploration and the Mendenhall Glacier and Mine Ruin Exploration expeditions. Only Disney cruisers encounter an eccentric prospector mining the hills and join him at his camp. You’ll enjoy the miner’s stories around the fire before leaving with tips of the trade from the prospector himself. On the Family Gold Exploration, your family will also explore the Treadwell Mining District, pan for gold and garnets at the Alaska Gastineau Gold Mine and journey into the abandoned mine at the Maggie Kathleen Tunnel. In the Mendenhall Glacier and Mine Ruin Exploration, you’ll discover even more mine ruins and trails at Douglas Island’s Treadwell Mining District and take in the astonishing sights of the Mendenhall Valley complete with snow-capped mountains and lush green forests. Teens get their own thrilling adventure on the exclusive teen only Canopy and Zip Line Expedition. Disney Cruise Line youth counselors accompany teens for off-road adventure which includes zip lines and two towering sky bridges, ending with an exhilarating rappel from the treetops. Next week, I’ll share with you some of Skagway’s newest Port Adventures, from a campfire breakfast to some friendly competition. Who’s looking forward to kicking off the Alaska season with us? Exciting Expeditions in Juneau with Disney Cruise Line by Arnaldo Zanonato: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Epcot visitors now can get a sneak peek at "Tomorrowland," an upcoming Disney film starring George Clooney. Here are five relatively-spoiler-free things to know about the preview, which run throughout the day. View the full article

Orlando Bike Share, the rental bike program that launched in downtown Orlando in early 2015, announced today that it will now be called Juice Bike Share. And all of the green bikes will be replaced with orange ones. View the full article

Looks like it’s a lovely morning in Adventureland at Disneyland Park (Paris). Photographer Tom Bricker recently stopped through the park and got us this great shot just as the Disney Pirate Galleon, Pirates’ Beach and Skull Rock were just opening for the day. Here young guests can explore the caverns of Davy Jones’ Locker and two pirate playgrounds where they can even walk a plank. Gorgeous skies make for great treasure hunting – isn’t that what they say? For more from the “Good Morning” series, visit the posts below: Good Morning from Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak StationAll Aboard For A Morning Train Ride at Disneyland Resort ParisCarrousel Horses Ready for the Day at Magic Kingdom ParkA Morning View From The PeopleMover at Magic Kingdom ParkSun Rises Over The Land Pavilion at EpcotGood Morning From Pirates’ Beach & Skull Rock at Disneyland Park Paris by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

An "unapproved" and "unnecessary" computer update done this weekend by Florida's testing contractor disrupted testing for thousands of Florida students this morning when they could not log on to the state's computer system, Education Commissioner Pam Stewart told superintendents this morning. View the full article

So, remember a few weeks ago when we announced that some new treats celebrating the “Frozen Fever” film short would be hitting the scene at BOTH Disneyland and Disney World? Frozen fans on both coasts were given a few new sweet snacks to look forward to, including Anna’s Happy Birthday Cupcake and even a slice of Anna’s Birthday Ice Cream Cake at a few select Table Service restaurants. Anna’s Happy Birthday Cupcake Well, with many thanks to awesome DFB Reader Jessie J., we can share a picture and mini review for you today of another of the Frozen Fever Treats: Olaf’s Perfect Sundae Day! She grabbed it at Beaches and Cream Soda Shop — the favorite ice cream stop for many a guest at Disney World . Beaches and Cream Entrance Frozen Fever Treat sign Olaf’s Perfect Sundae Day features hot fudge, mint marshmallows, and brownie bites all topping a huge pile of Birthday Cake Ice Cream (a natural choice for the celebration of Anna’s birthday, just like in the film). YUM! Olaf’s Perfect Sundae Day Jessie shares that, “It’s really tasty, especially the homemade Mint Marshmallows. The Olaf and Sunflower are white chocolate.” Olaf’s Perfect Sundae Day Even those who have been experiencing a little frostbite from the abundance of “Frozen” treats in the parks and resorts these days may be greatly tempted by this flavor combo! Remember to keep an eye out for this one at other Disney World ice cream stops like Hollywood Scoops and the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor. Disneyland guests can look for it at the Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor and Clarabelle’s. Whether you’re celebrating Anna’s birthday — or maybe your own Very Merry Unbirthday — this seems to me like just the treat to enjoy! Would you like to try Olaf’s Perfect Sundae Day? Please let us know with a comment! 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: “Frozen Fever” Sweet Treats at Disneyland and Disney World Review: New! All-American Sundae at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor Review: New and Old Beaches and Cream Desserts View the full article

TALLAHASSEE — From education to mental health and tax cuts, most key issues before the Legislature are in limbo as the House and Senate wage war over health-care spending for the poor. View the full article

Freddie Gray, a Baltimore man injured during an arrest by Baltimore police last week, died Sunday morning at Shock Trauma, according to family members and a hospital spokesperson. View the full article

Florida's Department of Health has confirmed two cases of measles in two unvaccinated adults in Indian River County. View the full article

Orange County Sheriff's Deputy Gregory Popp was arrested and charged with DUI Sunday morning while driving back from a Jimmy Buffett concert. View the full article

Did someone say cupcakes?!?! As I’m sure you know, Disneyland has a rather big birthday coming up. The resort will celebrate its 60th Anniversary in July. But you don’t have to wait until the middle of Summer to have your cake and eat it too! On May 22, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure will debut some fun (and delish) treats to mark Disneyland’s Diamond Anniversary Celebration. While cupcakes are usually more of an East Coast Disney thing than a West Coast one, when Disneyland does ‘em, they’re incredible. Beginning May 22, find a Lemon-flavorored Cupcake at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe. Why lemon? It’s the perfect flavor to celebrate the Victorian theme of Main Street USA. Disneyland Diamond Anniversary Cupcake, Available at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe Disneyland Diamond Anniversary Cupcake, Available at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe Similar Cupcakes will be available at Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe in Disney California Adventure — but the flavor will be Orange there to represent the 1930s vibe of Buena Vista Street. In addition to the cupcakes, Disneyland will release lots of new, limited-time beverages. I gotta say — I’m a little perplexed why they’d offer five different drinks that look and sound incredibly similar. Enchanted Cherry Apple Frozen Lemonade from Troubadour Tavern Honey Bee Frozen Lemonade from Hungry Bear Restaurant But I’ll reserve judgement until I get to try a few! I think I’m mostly looking forward to the Frozen Pomegranate Silver Sparkler from Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe. Frozen Pomegranate Silver Sparkler at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe Lucky Fortune Tea Mango and Red Passion Fruit, Available at Lucky Fortune Cookery Wild Raspberry Rapids Frozen Lemonade at White Water Snacks And of course, there will be plenty of merch to commemmorate the event. After all, it’s not everyday you turn 60. And the Balloon Popcorn Bucket is sure to sell out fast. Balloon Popcorn Buckets Look for LOTS more details as we inch closer to the the celebration — set to kick off on May 22 with an all-night celebration at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure! Which Diamond Anni Treat are you looking forward to trying? Comment below and let us know what’s tops on your list! 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: “Frozen Fever” Sweet Treats at Disneyland and Disney World News! New Cupcakes Debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios News! Walt Disney World 40th Anniversary Cupcake! View the full article

Jackson is being held in Alachua County Jail on a $150,000 bond Jackson is being held in Alachua County Jail on a $150,000 bond View the full article

Presidential candidate Marco Rubio says the United States must do whatever is necessary, including going to war, to stop Iran from becoming a nuclear power. View the full article

HOUSTON (AP) — A Texas sheriff said Saturday that he could not arrest and charge a veterinarian shown in a Facebook post bragging about killing a cat with a bow and arrow unless an investigation determines the picture of the dead cat is genuine. View the full article

Orlando police responded to a stabbing incident on North Orange Avenue early Sunday morning. View the full article

If you’re as excited as we are about the upcoming 24-hour celebrations to kick off summer at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, then this was another great week to be checking the Disney Parks Blog. This week, we offered 24 suggestions on how you can make the most of this year’s 24-hour celebration at the Walt Disney World Resort. It begins on May 22, and here are some of our favorites: Challenge yourself to get as many photos with Disney characters as possible. The My Disney Experience App will have the latest on appearance times.Join the late night dance parties in your pajamas. That’s what Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Chip, Dale and Goofy will be wearing!Show your #DisneySide by wearing a costume. (Check out the guidelines here).Check Jennifer’s original story for the complete list and let us know what you’re planning during the 24-hour celebration. Also, opening on May 22 as part of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, the new “Paint the Night” parade will feature some of the most innovative floats, vibrant costumes, dazzling special effects, unforgettable music and energetic performances ever presented at Disneyland Resort. Shawn shared a behind-the-scenes look at performer rehearsals with the Fiber Fairies from the opening unit and the Cars Crew, who join Mack Truck and Lightning McQueen. Check Shawn’s original story for more details about the “Paint the Night” parade. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. Closer Look at Nighttime Entertainment and More Coming for Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration – Hear thoughts from Steve Davison, vice president of Parades and Spectaculars, Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment, on the new nighttime spectaculars currently in development … and watch to the end for your first look at the “Cars” story from the new “Paint the Night” parade! A Taste of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration – The kickoff of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration is right around the corner, and we have more details to share about some of the new food and beverage offerings sure to dazzle your taste buds. Mickey Mouse and Friends to Wear Sparkling New Ensembles for Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration – We’ve already shared some of the sparkling new decor, entertainment and merchandise coming for the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration beginning May 22. Some of our biggest stars will also sparkle for the celebration! Disney Parks After Dark: Astro Orbitor Revisited at Disneyland Park – Disneyland Resort Chief Photographer Paul Hiffmeyer shares some special photos of this classic attraction, both in motion and at rest. Learn to Draw: Sorcerer Mickey from ‘Fantasia’ – This week’s Learn to Draw animation tutorial series continues with a lesson on how to create your own Sorcerer Mickey. Disney Days of Past: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Constructed – Surrounded by over 45 acres of savanna, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge continues to be one of the most spectacular hotels at Walt Disney World. In September 2000, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge was beginning to take shape as construction continued on what is now known as Jambo House. Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

It’s time for lunch at Gasparilla Island Grill in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort! Learn About: Gasparilla Grill and GamesGrand Floridian Disney World RestaurantsThe Grand Floridian dining scene is primarily defined by unique dining experiences such as Victoria and Albert’s (Disney World’s AAA Five-Diamond Restaurant) and Afternoon Tea as well as two signature restaurants (Citricos and Narcoossee’s) and character meals at 1900 Park Fare. It’s also home to one of my very favorite Disney meals in all of history: the Grand Floridian Burger at the resort’s more casual Table Service restaurant, the Grand Floridian Cafe (the name doesn’t convey the highlight of the dish: it’s the lobster-topped burger you may have heard about). Even among all that, the Grand Floridian still remains a place where you can grab a quick Counter Service bite 24 hours a day thanks to to Gasparilla Island Grill. Gasparilla Island Grill sign The last time we paid a visit it had recently been through a refurbishment, changing from Gasparilla Grill and Games to its current name. While not much has changed in the way of atmosphere since that visit, the menu differs somewhat from its immediate post-refurb offerings, so we’re back to grab a quick bite (or three!) at Gasparilla Island Grill! Gasaprilla Island Grill entrance AtmosphereThe general vibe at Gasparilla Island Grill is decidedly — and expectedly — Floridian! Creamy colors, pale greens, and lots of natural sunlight keep it airy, while the lush, darker greens and palms associated with the state of Florida are represented in the seating decor. Gasparilla Island Grill indoor seating Gasparilla Island Grill indoor seating Second seating area At the same time, the resort’s Victorian style is reflected in the light fixtures (check out those hidden Mickeys!), and by a small display of dish and glassware. Lighting Lighting Dish display Dish display Though not known for tons of Disney detailing, the basic scene here is very pleasant in that it’s fresh, clean, and simple. Perhaps the most unique feature to Gasparilla is the amount of high-backed booths lining the perimeter. They do allow for a certain feeling of privacy in what can be a bustling place, depending on the time of day. Booth seating Outdoor seating is also available; however, it wasn’t much in use on the day my friend and I visited, due to to some classic spring showers. Outdoor seating on a rainy day Once the rain lightened up, I stepped outside once more to grab this picture of the Castle view (you can see it in the distance). Castle view from Gasparilla In the late evenings, Gasparilla Island Grill is a really nice place to grab a pre-bedtime Mickey Premium Bar and take a seat outside to enjoy “Wishes,” especially since the music for the show is piped in here, too. But we’re here for lunch, so let’s step back inside to see what’s on the menu! EatsSimilar to the other Deluxe Resort food courts, the setup here is relatively small compared to a Value or Moderate Resort food court such as Art of Animation’s Landscape of Flavors or Caribbean Beach’s Old Port Royale. Still, in typical resort food court fashion, Gasaprilla features all the classics such as a Grab and Go selection and a bakery case. Grab and Go Refrigerator next to Salad Station Grab and Go Item Sign Bakery Case Whole Fruit Grab and Go Rice Krispy Mickey Treats My friend and I, however, met up for a late lunch, so we focused on the Hot Grill Station. Hot Grill Station Several food court standards are featured here, like burgers, flatbreads, and chicken breast nuggets. However, you can find a few items unique to Gasparilla as well, including Stromboli (both meat and a veggie version), and a Hot Turkey Sub. Hot Grill Menu Hot Grill Menu Hot Grill Menu We noticed the Daily Chef Special on an additional sign: Pulled Pork Nachos. Chef Special Facing the Hot Grill station, a Create-Your-Own Salad Bar is also located to the right. Create-Your-Own Salad Bar Create-Your-Own Salad Bar Create-Your-Own Salad Bar Ultimately we stayed with the Hot Grill, choosing the Grand Gaspy Burger, Sausage and Pepperoni Stromboli and the Hot Turkey Sub. In order to keep the lines from building up in the small food area, they utilize a number system at Gasparilla. After placing your order with the Cast Member at the food station, they will present you with a write up of your order that you can bring immediately to the cash register (as opposed to the larger food courts where you wait for your meal to be handed to you). Cash Registers At the payment counter you’ll receive a number for your order, so a Cast Member can deliver your order to your table when it is ready. Our Number at the Table Starting with the Sausage and Pepperoni Stromboli served with marinara, I have to say I was immediately impressed with how substantial this dish is. The portion is just huge! Sausage and Pepperoni Stromboli Closeup on Sausage and Pepperoni Stromboli While I couldn’t get a decent shot of it, the dough is indeed pinwheeled inside like a traditional stromboli. Why I’m picky about that, I have no idea, really. But there you go. Stromboli filling Stromboli filling The flavor was terrific, with some nice spice from both the pepperoni and the sausage, and I liked the bubbly bread crust. But I found the amount of sausage to be overwhelming for my tastes and wished it had some more variety with the other fillings (onions, mushroom, mozzarella, and pepperoni). My husband was the recipient of the leftovers, though, and as a would-do-a-Chicagoan-proud type of sausage fiend, he thought it was excellent. The Hot Turkey Sub made its debut in December as the seasonal “Holiday Turkey Sandwich.” I was so excited when I found out it remained on the menu past January, and was pumped to finally have a chance to give it a whirl. This Thanksgiving-any-time-of-year sandwich features all of the favorites from a holiday meal: turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce all topped with gravy. And again, the only word to describe the portion is HUGE. Hot Turkey Sub My friend had enjoyed this sandwich previously and says it is now the only thing she orders at Gasparilla. So, with that endorsement, it was time to dig in. Of course, you kind of need to decide how to tackle this one first due to all the fillings! We just ended up treating it as an open-face sandwich. Hot Turkey Sub This one joins the ranks of other Thanksgiving-any-time-of-year sandwiches around Disney World such as the Holiday Sandwich at Earl of Sandwich and the Turkey Sandwich over at Everything Pop. This may spring up some debate, but for me, this one at Gasparilla trumps them all! Much of that is due to the thicker cut of the turkey and the CRAZY amount of gravy (because I heart gravy). For those reasons, I think this one mimics the real-deal holiday meal the absolute best. I LOVED it, and I’m even one of those I-don’t-like-my-foods-touching-eachother types. If you are a fan of any of those other sandwiches, the Hot Turkey Sub is a must-try! By the way, clearly this one’s all about the sandwich, but it’s worth noting that, as with the other sandwiches on the menu, you do get your choice of sides: house made chips, french fries, or cucumber salad are your choices. Cucumber Salad I didn’t care for the Cucumber Salad, finding it far too vinegary. But, with a sandwich of this magnitude, having a lighter option is a great idea. Finally, I couldn’t resist trying the signature dish: the Grand Gaspy Burger (not to be confused with “Great Gatsby.” Pretty cute!). This third pound burger is topped with Tillamook cheddar, pulled pork, barbecue mayonnaise, and fried onions. Grand Gaspy Burger with Housemade Chips Grand Gaspy Burger toppings The rich cheddar provided some good flavor, but I lost the fried onions in the taste due to the dominant seasoning used in the pork and, I believe, in the barbecue mayonnaise. Cross-section of the Grand Gaspy Burger And I definitely need to mention that seasoning, because it was rather unexpected. Instead of tasting like a typical barbecue sauce, it tasted much more like the sauce often used on baked beans, with a sweetness overtaking the expected tang thanks to what I’m assuming was a heavier helping of brown sugar. This might sound strange, but I thought it tasted just like a summer picnic on a bun . Other than that, though, it’s your fairly typical Disney food court burger — pretty well done and not super moist. I liked the spin on it, though. We ended up passing on dessert for this trip… mostly because we’d tried just about all of them before! Unlike its neighboring monorail resorts Quick Service options — the Contemporary’s Contempo Cafe and the Polynesian Village Resort’s Captain Cook’s — the cupcakes at Gasaprilla don’t tend to change very much. The offerings have remained pretty steady over the past couple years, typically featuring a Pina Colada Cupcake, German Chocolate Cupcake, S’mores Cupcake, and Very Berry Cupcake. Here are some shots from previous visits, and you can just click any of the links for the cupcakes to read those reviews. Pina Colada Cupcake S’mores Cupcake German Chocolate Cupcake Otherwise, dessert offerings remain fairly typical, with the exception of a soft-serve ice cream machine. Soft-serve ice cream machine Oh, and I mentioned something about Mickey Bars earlier, didn’t I? Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bars Don’t you just love that sight ? I think it’s a great one to wrap up our visit! OverallThough it’s fairly no-frills, Gasparilla Island Grill offers a pleasant, relaxing atmosphere which I find to be quite peaceful. At the same time, it still manages to come up with a few great surprises like that Hot Turkey Sub. For a relatively small food court, I’d say it more than does the job. And, remember, it IS open 24 hours — one of only a handful of places that can claim that attribute. The overnight menu is minimal, but you can usually get a few hot options like the flatbreads. Even if you’re not staying at the Grand Floridian, Gasparilla Island Grill is accessible by way of boat or monorail from the Magic Kingdom if you’re looking for a calmer place to escape to during your busy park touring day. Here’s hoping you have a GRAND time! What do you think of Gasparilla Island Grill? Please let us know with a comment! 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: Review: The NEW Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa Guest Review: Gasparilla Grill and Games at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Review: Gasparilla Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort View the full article

COLUMBUS, Ohio — All it took was a two-minute span marked by meltdowns on opposite sides of the field to doom Orlando City. When it was over, the Lions were down a goal, down a man and ultimately down three points. View the full article

A 5-year-old boy drowned in a pool during a party at a downtown Orlando apartment complex Saturday afternoon, police and witnesses said. View the full article

This week's Learn to Draw animation tutorial series continues with a lesson on how to create your own Sorcerer Mickey. http://di.sn/6003fBJc Read more at the Disney Parks Blog: http://bit.ly/1JM...From:Disney ParksViews:3295111ratingsTime:16:53More inTravel & Events

In May, Becky Brushwood will travel to Italy. View the full article

MELBOURNE— Biologists may soon have another biological weapon in their war against the infamous Brazilian pepper tree: an army of jumping plant lice. View the full article

There's nothing quite like seeing "The Sound of Music" -- especially that opening -- on the big screen. View the full article

The BOATHOUSE, the newest eatery to open at Downtown Disney here at the Walt Disney World Resort, officially opened its doors on Monday. The restaurant offers a one-of-a-kind waterfront dining experience that includes a menu of steaks, chops, fresh seafood and much more. The BOATHOUSE also showcases a must-see display of rare watercrafts from the 1930s – 1950s, plus a special fleet of 1960s Amphicars. (Check out Darcy’s original blog post to learn how you can take a ride in one of these beauties). The BOATHOUSE is so unique and visually compelling that we had to share more images with you. Be sure to check out the gallery below. GalleryThis Week in Disney Parks Photos: The BOATHOUSE Docks at Downtown Disney view allThis Week in Disney Parks Photos: The BOATHOUSE Docks at Downtown Disney by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article