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Former UCF defensive coordinator Paul Ferraro filed a lawsuit against UCF for wrongful termination in Orange County and is seeking at least $15,000 in damages. View the full article

The MLS players union released its latest player salary updates and Orlando City midfielder Kaká has the highest salary in MLS history at $6.66 million. View the full article

Orlando's century-old record of 22 rainy days in September was tied Monday when thunder and a heavy downpour made another afternoon appearance. View the full article

An ex-cruise ship worker admitted to a federal judge Monday that he brutally beat, raped and tried to throw a passenger overboard because he believed she insulted his mother. View the full article

The developer of a controversial apartment building in the heart of College Park will likely have to reduce the scale of the project to move forward, the Orlando City Council decided Monday. View the full article

George Zimmerman lived in trailer on island off Maryland George Zimmerman lived in trailer on island off Maryland View the full article

Orange County judges bash 'magic black box,' grant defendants access to its software. Orange County judges bash 'magic black box,' grant defendants access to its software. View the full article

It’s the details that make you feel like you’re in another world at a Disney Park, and horticulture plays a huge role in creating that feeling. When you’re walking through the untamed jungles of Adventureland in Disneyland park, you may notice the towering bamboo plants near Tarzan’s Treehouse. As you’re strolling through the wooded mountains of Grizzly Peak at Disney California Adventure park, you see the colorful California foliage. These are some of the magical details created every season by the Disneyland Resort Horticulture team. Here are some things you might not know about horticulture at the Disneyland Resort: The Jungle Cruise tree canopy stands as tall as 100 feet.More than 3,600 annuals make up the smiling face of Mickey Mouse at the entrance to Disneyland park.With approximately 18,000 trees and 125,000 shrubs, the Disneyland Resort is one of the largest gardens in Southern California.Twenty-two topiary animals and characters call the Disneyland Resort home.The oldest living tree at the Disneyland Resort is a two-foot-tall Mugho Pine, which is more than 150 years old. Guests can find this tree during a cruise on the Storybook Land Canal Boats in Fantasyland.What is your favorite detail of the landscape panorama at the Disneyland Resort? Five Things You Might Not Know About Horticulture at the Disneyland Resort by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

It was nothing particularly out of the ordinary back then: a small-town political debate over funding for the arts during tough economic times. View the full article

Shykeem Pitts, recruited by Marshall University, dead at 21, according to Haines City police. Shykeem Pitts, recruited by Marshall University, dead at 21, according to Haines City police. View the full article

The band Hanson (“I Will Come to You”) will take to the stage tonight at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in the event’s Eat to the Beat concert series. Earlier today, the band, which is made up of brothers Isaac, Taylor and Zac Hanson, took a break from performing to showcase their their new beer brew, Mmmhops Pale Ale, to Epcot guests in the Festival Center. Hanson will take the stage tonight at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. at the America Gardens Theatre and shows are included in theme park admission. The remaining acts in this year’s Eat to the Beat concert series are: Sept. 30-Oct. 2 – Air SupplyOct. 3-5 – STARSHIP starring Mickey ThomasOct. 6-8 – Sugar RayOct. 9-10 – FuelOct. 11-12 – Sister HazelOct. 13-14 – Richard MarxOct. 15-16 – Billy OceanOct. 17-19 – Night RangerOct. 20-22 – Smash MouthOct. 23-24 – Jim BrickmanOct. 25-26 – Los Lonely BoysOct. 27-28 – Wilson PhillipsOct. 29-31 – Dennis DeYoung, original member of STYXNov. 1-2 – 38 SpecialNov. 3-5 – Boyz II MenNov. 6-7 – David CookNov. 8-10 – Big Bad Voodoo DaddyHanson Appears at Eat to the Beat Tonight by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Shopping alert. Whole Foods Market is opening a store in Altamonte Springs. Jeremy Jones, a corporate spokesman, confirmed the plans but would not give an address or opening date. However, a Facebook post at Fleet Feet Sports included a comment that the Seminole County location is moving... View the full article

With more than two-dozen incredible destinations to choose from, Adventures by Disney allows you to see the world while finding your inner foodie. From creating traditional svele pancakes in Norway and crafting handmade pasta and pizza in Italy to harvesting rice in Laos or grape stomping in Greece, you can immerse yourself in local flavor and cuisine no matter which itinerary you choose. Here are my top 5 unique hands-on food experiences: 1. Vietnam – The Adventures by Disney trip to Southeast Asia allows you to savor the regional cuisines of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. In Hoi An you can participate in a private cooking class, where you’ll learn how to make some of Vietnam’s delicious traditional dishes. You will even get to pick your own fresh ingredients and spices at a local market with the help of an expert chef. 2. Greece – As you explore the picturesque Cretan countryside, you’ll get the chance to learn from a shepherd how to make your own cheese pie with honey. In Arolithos, learn how to make your own tsaziki dip, made of a spicy yogurt mixed with cucumbers. You’ll also get to enjoy Greece’s famous moussaka in Delphi, which is an eggplant/potato dish that was part of the Ottoman Empire cuisine. 3.) South Africa – In Stellenbosch, the heart of Cape Dutch wine country, it’s time to roll up your sleeves for an interactive pastry making class hosted by the renowned Institute of Culinary Arts. Learn to prepare Koeksuster, an Afrikaans pastry akin to deep-fried fritters dipped in orange-scented syrup. Then devour your fresh creations as you sip Rooibos tea – a famous Afrikaans combination! 4. Nashville – Our newest Long Weekend itinerary, Nashville, brings together the best of Southern cuisine and country music history. Here you’ll have the chance to create your own BBQ sauce to take home! You’ll also get to try your hand at making fluffy, buttery biscuits, a true Southern staple. 5. Germany – Explore the storybook splendor in Germany as you taste your way around castles fit for a royal family. Raise your stein to beer tastings at a local brewery, then put your own twist on rolling and shaping your own fresh pretzel creation at the Striffler Bakery in Rothenburg. The city’s oldest bakery, Striffler’s has been making their famous pretzels since 1644! I don’t know about you, but talking about all this amazing food is making me hungry! Check out AdventuresbyDisney.com for even more ways to tantalize your taste buds. Top Five Hands-On Food Experiences with Adventures by Disney by Andrae Gill: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

UPDATE: Thank you for the wonderful “Happy Anniversary” messages. We’ve reached our limit and are no longer taking emails for a chance to receive a poster. Please keep checking the blog for future opportunities. Over the weekend, we celebrated a special day for the Disney Parks Blog – our five year anniversary. It’s an exciting milestone for us that would not have been possible without your consistent support and participation during the years. We’ve paved our path one story at a time on the Blog and we’re thrilled to let you know that there are even bigger plans to grow in the future as we continue to offer the latest, official information about Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Cruise Line and Disney vacation experiences worldwide. Today, we wanted to pause and say thank you with a special photo we’ve saved just for the occasion. The bird’s-eye view of Cinderella Castle was captured by author and Walt Disney World photographer Kent Phillips earlier this year – and it’s one of our favorites. You can win this poster today if you’re one of the first 150 people to email us a “Happy Birthday Disney Parks Blog” greeting of no more than 50 characters in length (which could be a simple “Hi” or “Happy Birthday Disney Parks Blog” greeting) to WDW.Sweepstakes@Disney.com and include your full name and mailing address in the email. Once the potential winners are determined, we’ll send notifications via email. See the sweepstakes rules and eligibility requirements here. Thank you again for all of the support and be sure to keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog as we continue to grow. Sweepstakes open only to persons who, upon entering, are not deemed minors in their jurisdiction of primary residence and are legal residents of, and physically located within, the 50 United States or D.C. Limit one (1) entry per person/per email address. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Subject to complete Official Rules. Ends 09/29/14. The Disney Parks Blog Celebrates Five Years of Storytelling by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Just wait until you see what merchandise events we have headed your way this October at the Disneyland Resort! October 4 – 5: Haunted Memories will be setting up shop inside WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District for the month of October. Look for appearances by Eddie Allen from 1-4 p.m. on Oct. 4, 5, 25 and 26. Learn more. October 11: Artists Jasmine Becket-Griffith, Bryan Fyffe, Jeff Granito, Sydney Hanson and Jerrod Maruyama will take part in an artist signing from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District, as we celebrate the release of some of their latest works. Learn more. October 17 – 19: Join us as we welcome back Precious Moments doll designer, Linda Rick, who will be on hand for the release of her new Halloween collection, among other fan favorites. Meet Linda October 17–19 and October 24-26 at China Closet on Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland park. Learn more. October 18: Disney Legend Alice Davis, Don Hahn, Mindy Johnson, Paula Lowery, Disney Legend Marty Sklar, Lella Smith and Charles Solomon will be on hand for a special appearance and signing of Marc Davis: Walt Disney’s Renaissance Man from 9–11 a.m. at the Disneyana Shop on Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland park. Learn more. October 25: Artist Noah will take part in an artist signing from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District, as we celebrate the release of his latest work Cruisin’ With My Girl. Learn more. Artist in Residence: Appearing at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District throughout the month is artist Miss Mindy. Look for artist showcases on the following dates: October 3, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 and 26 from 6:30 – 9:30p.m. Learn more. Which events have made your list of things to do? October 2014 Merchandise Events at the Disneyland Resort by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

In case you didn’t know, today is National Coffee Day. And we all know that java lovers don’t check their passion for this Drink of Life when they step foot inside the Big Purple Gates! There are the big headliners in the Disney coffee game. With Starbucks at two parks and Downtown Disney (and coming soon to Disney’s Hollywood Studios), you’re never far from your favorite coffee beverage. And Joffreys coffee stands inside and outside the parks lure us with those fresh coffee smells and giant doughnuts. But what if you’re looking for something a little different? Today, we have a few suggestions for other spots to indulge in some really unique coffee treats in Disney World. Tipsy Ducks in LoveLooking for a coffee drink with a little “cheer” involved? Try the Tipsy Ducks in Love at the Joy of Tea in the China Pavilion at Epcot. Besides the crazy fun name, this refreshing Iced Mocha comes with two additions to make it extra special — a shot of Bourbon and a crown of Whipped Cream. Tipsy Duck It’s the perfect drink for strolling the Promenade on a hot day. Or enjoy it after dinner as dessert! Cappuccino Chocolate CupcakeSpeaking of dessert, one of my favorite ways to enjoy coffee is in cupcake form. So when the craving strikes, head over to Toy Story Pizza Planet in Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a Cappuccino Chocolate Cupcake. Since I prefer to get my coffee buzz with liberal amounts of other flavors thrown in, this mammoth cupcake is perfect! The coffee flavors are very subtle, and take a backseat to the chocolate. But it’s a flavor that’s more complex than your garden variety chocolate cupcake. Cuppuccino Cupcake And the whipped Buttercream Frosting and Toffee and Nut Bits that complete this classic are a nice addition. Victoria & Albert’sBut if you’re looking for a coffee experience, you must try Victoria & Albert’s. Oh, sure. We know that you aren’t just going to drop by V&A and order a paper cup of joe to go. But if you’re looking for yet another reason to make an advance dining reservation at Disney’s top dining spot, great coffee might be it. The vacuum press coffee pot that you find here is truly unique — it’s the only one of its kind featured at Disney. And coffee connoisseurs insist that it’s one of the best methods for brewing. Coffee at Victoria and Albert’s Besides, it makes for great beverage theatre! Want Even More Tips About Where to Enjoy The Best of Everything Edible in Disney World?If you’re looking for more ideas for where to find great coffee and coffee-flavored treats, check out The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining. With tips for finding coffee in all four corners of the resort, plus an FAQ for locating your caffeine fix, we’ve got you covered. But we go beyond cups of joe to help you find unique coffee treats as well! You can choose from The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks, The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks, or the The DFB Guide to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios Snacks! Better yet, grab a bundle of all the Snack Guides and save…a bundle! With color photos and reviews of over 500 snacks in the Disney World theme parks, plus bonus features like our handy FAQs and indexes for finding all of your favorites, our Guides offer you tips and planning tools for making the most out of your Disney trip! Where is your favorite spot to enjoy a coffee fix in Disney World? Leave your suggestions in 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: Happy National Margarita Day!Tip from the DFB Guide: Three Great Ways to Save on Food at Disney WorldNews! Joffrey’s Coffee Named As Official Disney Coffee Provider View the full article

A bomb threat has been called in to Clermont Middle School, hours after a bomb threat at South Lake High School forced the evacuation of students and staffers, a Lake County sheriff's official said. View the full article

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend is returning soon to Walt Disney World Resort. This weekend of runDisney events takes place on October 3-4, and includes a nighttime Disney Villain Hollywood Bash at Disney’s Hollywood Studios following the 10-miler on Saturday. If there was a race I’d like to run, this would be the one due to my love of all things Tower of Terror. The merchandise events development team recently shared with me some of the merchandise create for this event which I thought you’d like to see. Like previous runDisney events, there will be a variety of apparel items offered this year including both long and short sleeve options. I love this year’s artwork, especially the map on the back of the “I Did It” tee. The black jacket is also a nice addition and will contain glow-in-the-dark ink. Other items will include limited release pins including one with Hitchhiking Ghosts from The Haunted Mansion that will also glow-in-the-dark. Guests will also find a car magnet, water bottle, hat, and, my favorite, a silver necklace with a Maleficent-themed running shoe. We will also have a black Disney ear hat for the Kids’ Races that will contain the logo with Donald Duck dressed for Halloween. To find these items and more, I invite you to attend the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. On Friday, October 3, 2014, the Expo will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. On Saturday, October 4, 2014, guests can visit the Expo from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. I wish all participants the best of luck during the race and watch out for those Disney Villains! The Twilight Zone® is a registered trademark of CBS, Inc. and used with permission pursuant to a license with CBS, Inc. Picture If You Will Merchandise for The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Florida ranks near the bottom when it comes to opportunities for teachers, according to a new study. It was the "eighth worst state for teachers" on the list that ranked the 50 states and Washington, D.C. View the full article

Lauren Rowe visited Magic 107.7 on Monday morning to fill in for Leslye Gale, another former Channel 6 anchor. View the full article

This week’s “Caption This” image shows one of my favorite desserts in all of the Walt Disney World Resort – it’s the Kitchen Sink, which can be found at Beaches & Cream. It sure looks like these kids have a challenge on their hands. What should their strategy be for finishing this one? Go ahead and “Caption This” photo in the “Comments” section below. Caption This: Fun with the Kitchen Sink by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Want to see an example of newspapers blatantly promoting a candidate? View the full article

The Orchid Garden, a hidden gem in downtown Orlando, has undergone a $2 million renovation by Tremont Realty Capital and is back in business. View the full article

We’re dining “Under the Sea” today at Epcot’s Coral Reef Restaurant! Learn About: Coral Reef RestaurantEpcot Restaurants Disney World RestaurantsAnd if you’re wondering if it was all part of my plan to insert that song in your head for the rest of the day, the answer is “Yes.” (Insert evil laugh here. ) Coral Reef is one of only two Table Service Restaurants in Epcot’s Future World (the other being Garden Grill), and the only one open for lunch, which is the meal we’re having today. But first things first: in order to eat at Coral Reef, you’ve got to find it. Just head to “The Living Seas…” whoops! I mean, “The Seas with Nemo and Friends” Pavilion. And once you get your fill of the birds chanting “Mine, Mine, Mine,” just hang a right… The Seas Pavilion … and head as far as you can towards the back. (The outdoor sign will help, too.) Heading to Coral Reef Coral Reef sign So, now we’ve found it! Let’s head in… AtmosphereAs per usual with Disney dining, there are some fun details to take in here, starting right at the entrance. Entrance Seahorse door handle The dining room is well-concealed for the “big reveal” to come, but touches in the check-in area (which expands into a fairly large hallway) give several indications as to what awaits you once you dine. Octopus at Check in Octopus at check-in counter What are those lights, anyway? Jellyfish? Check-in area hallway Glass fish behind check-in counter But as fun as it always is to check out the little things, the truth of the matter is that everyone is here to see one, single, MAJOR “detail.” The aquarium! Coral Reef Dining Room Yep — the dining room has giant picture windows that look right into the massive Living Seas aquarium. It’s like you’re dining in a submarine. Coral Reef Dining Room And here’s an interesting thing about Coral Reef: in most restaurants, several of the tables for two are often tucked on the outer perimeters, and sometimes that can lend to a feeling of being a little removed from the atmosphere. At Coral Reef, many of the tables for two receive “front rows seats” for the big show. Our table for two was right next to this table for four. Coral Reef Seating in front of aquarium Our server presented Fish Guides to us, so we could identify some of the marine life swimming by. Fish Guide Fish Guide Being that close contributed just a little extra to an already unique experience. I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves… Aquarium views Aquarium views Aquarium views Though I gotta say, this felt almost a little too close for comfort… Stingray Photobomb In all seriousness, I did use the zoom a bit there , but not much! Overall, it truly is beautiful, and certainly makes for a memorable experience. And most tables at Coral Reef have a pretty decent view of the “show.” Most will experience stadium-style seating, with the booths being rounded out to face the the aquarium (though there are also more standard tables for smaller parties as well). One criticism would be that the tables really are packed in there, to maximize the number of diners at each seating. Some tables might be a little close for my taste. Booths and tables in upper levels One last bit of atmosphere: when I mentioned “Under the Sea,” I was only being a teeny bit facetious . If you look up at the ceiling, blue-green light reflections give the fun impression that you are dining under water. Ceiling light effects And with the scene set, it’s time to dive (completely intentional water-themed restaurant pun!) in! EatsOur server brought us nicely warm bread and butter with black sea salt to enjoy while looking over our menus. Rolls Butter with black sea salt You know we’re always down for apps… Appetizer menu First, we selected the Coral Reef Sriracha Shrimp. Sriracha Shrimp The shrimp were nice and plump, and I loved the kick of the sriracha chili sauce over the tempura batter. I’m not even as big a shrimp fan as my husband is, but we both agreed these were delicious. Shrimp closeup The rice noodles under the shrimp are mainly just a super crunchy garnish, but more than anything I enjoyed the appearance of them. For whatever reason, the translucent, almost “bubbly” appearance of the noodles just fit somehow in the underwater setting. Rice noodles You may recall that we recently sampled the octopus dish at Le Cellier, and since it’s becoming more of an option at Disney World restaurants as of late, we figured we should give the Charbroiled Octopus a go here, too. At Coral Reef, it’s served with Mediterranean Potato Salad and Grilled Lemon. Charbroiled Octopus I’d never tried octopus before, and found that the flavor was surprisingly mild without being bland and not overly “fishy.” I really don’t want to use that word twice (it’ll come up again later), but that really is the best way I can think to say it. I also liked the bit of char. The texture was tender and I’d describe it as meaty — somewhat like a scallop, though I did find it a bit chewy as well. I would totally get the shrimp again, but for me, the Octopus was a one-time thing. I have no problem with the preparation, but personally speaking I couldn’t get past the vision of the suction cups . Still, if Octopus is a bit of an adventure that you might be up for, I think this is a solid place to give it a try. When it came time for entrees, our terrific server said the Seared Mahi Mahi continues to be one of the two most popular entrees at Coral Reef. Coral Reef Entree menu — Part 1 Coral Reef Entree menu — Part 2 I’d enjoyed this dish here once before, and on this visit I found the Seared Mahi Mahi to be a consistently good choice again. The fish is flavorful and very tender.  I love the accompanying jasmine rice with cilantro, but it’s the tropical flavors of the coconut-lime sauce that really put this over the top for me. All the flavors and seasonings just come together really well. Seared Mahi Mahi Seared Mahi Mahi close up After enjoying the Sriracha Shrimp, the shrimp that accompanies the Mahi Mahi definitely seems like more of an afterthought, and is not a highlight of this dish. Overall, though, I think the Mahi Mahi remains a great option for those who don’t have a huge fish palate, but would like to give the seafood a try here. Cross section of Mahi Mahi Before moving on to my husband’s entree, I should mention that the other dish that ranks up there on the “Top Two” list for entrees is the Grilled New York Strip Steak. The photo below is NOT from our most recent visit (and the sides are a bit different now), but since my husband and I went seafood heavy on this most recent visit, I wanted to share this pic to put landlubbers at ease that there are options for you at Coral Reef. (The steak is very good. It’s not an afterthought on the menu.) Grilled New York Strip Steak To see a full review of the visit that included the New York Strip, just click here. My husband chose the Seared Rainbow Trout, served with a warm salad of white beans, arugula, tomatoes, and bacon, dressed with Aged Balsamic Vinegar and brown butter. Seared Rainbow Trout Unfortunately, this dish didn’t fare as well as the Mahi Mahi. My husband describes it as “overly-fishy” (there’s that word again!), and while you obviously expect and even anticipate a fish flavor (what with it being fish and all ), it struck him as a bit too strong, and not as fresh. He also thought that the texture was somewhat tough. Bite of Rainbow Trout He wasn’t a huge fan of the bean salad, either. To be fair, he doesn’t tend toward bean salads, but he wasn’t anticipating that it would make up such a huge part of the dish. Fortunately, dessert was up next and Coral Reef serves one of his favorites in all of Disney World… Dessert Menu … which is the signature Chocolate Wave served with Raspberry Gelato. The Chocolate Wave You may recall that the last time we tried this dessert, it unfortunately didn’t live up to expectations. I’m happy to report that on this most recent visit, the Chocolate Wave was back on its game! Chocolate Wave closeup I should note that there was no “lava” (or melted chocolate) oozing out of it. But it was served piping hot and had that delicious, fudge-y, not-quite-cake-yet-but-not-entirely-melted inside texture (if that’s a thing ) that pairs so nicely with the crisp outside and makes for a truly decadent finale. Inside the Chocolate Wave And with that, it’s time to say goodbye to our friends… Aquarium view OverallAs always, I still tend towards World Showcase for my favorite Table Service restaurants in Epcot for cuisine. But I think Coral Reef is a good candidate for the try-at-least-once list, and for some, it’s made its way to a tried-and-true tradition. I like seafood, but it’s not my favorite. Still, dining while viewing the aquarium is just plain fun, and the decor is total retro-Epcot. Have yourself an Old School EPCOT night — and if you’re visiting Coral Reef in the next few days after this is published, be sure to top off your visit by being one of the last riders from now until forever on The Maelstrom (it’s last day in operation is October 5th), for a real “back-in-the-DAY” experience. Have you dined at Coral Reef? If so, what did you think? 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: Coral Reef RestaurantGuest Review: Coral Reef RestaurantReview: Trail’s End Restaurant Lunch View the full article

SAN DIEGO — Blake Bortles could not lift the Jacksonville Jaguars to an upset win on Sunday, but the former UCF star did enough to raise the hopes of a franchise. View the full article