ABSOLUTELY
FLORIDA
THE TABLE
OF CONTENTS OF OUR 3,000 PAGE SITE - OFFERING FREE ACCESS TO VALUABLE
FLORIDA INFORMATION SINCE 1996
FLORIDA'S
PELICANS
A hundred years ago, Florida's pelicans were in big trouble. Their
highly prized plume feathers became more valuable than gold, used for
adorning hats. In 1901, alarmed conservationists led a campaign to protect
these and other waterbirds from market hunters. Learn how this battle
resulted in the start of our National Wildlife Refuge System.
Previously in Absolutely
Florida:
FLORIDA'S KEY DEER
Hardy survivors since the Ice Age, the lives of these tough little
Floridians are in peril because of us . . . Learn what you can do to
keep these unique creatures alive, and where you can see them.
FLORIDA
HOSPITALS
A hospital stay or a procedure at a medical center is almost unavoidable.
Use this guide to find the nearest medical facility, plus a roundup
of the most special Florida hospitals.
Rainy
Day Florida Fun
When it pours in the Sunshine State - why not soak up some culture.
A roundup of our favorite art, historical and special interest museums.
FLORIDA
DAY SPAS
A Day at the SPAAAAAHH!: Where to get smoothed, waxed, polished,
pampered relaxed, refreshed & renewed in the Sunshine State - with
interactive map and plenty of listings & links
CENTRAL
FLORIDA VACATIONS FIT FOR A KING
BUT WITHOUT THE RANSOM! A family vacation
to the Orlando area attractions needn't be costly - read our useful
tips on saving money while having a grand time. Links to deeply discounted
Disney area hotels and lots of listings of the nearby attractions.
ABSOLUTELY HAPPENING NIGHTLIFE
Where to party in South Florida -- the hippest,
coolest hot spots, from Palm Beach to Key West. Reviews of the best
clubs (surprise - they're in South Beach)...plus complete listings of
jazz clubs, live music venues, cozy neighborhood bars, gay bars, and
more.
BIRDS
IN PARADISE
How to make your Florida garden sing by placing
the right plants, plus other tips on attracting songbirds.
FLORIDA'S
BLACK HISTORY
February is Black History Month, when the
nation remembers and celebrates the contributions of its African-American
citizens. Blacks have been part of the Sunshine State since the peninsula
was a swampy, mosquito-infested outpost of the Spanish Crown. Absolutely
Florida cerebrates and salutes them.
ABSOLUTELY
HAPPENING IN 2002
South Florida is a portrait of class in January
with brilliant shows featuring internationally renowned artists. Art
Miami 2002 presents works from over 100 galleries from 24 countries,
while other new galleries are also
finding their place in the Sunshine State.
GULF
COUNTY
Old
fashioned fun in Florida's Panhandle, very much away from it all.
FLORIDA'S
COUNTIES
Interactive
map of the Sunshine State's counties, with links to city and county
profiles and thousands of resources for the visitor or Florida resident.
PUBLISHER'S
NOTE
BUYING
A COMPUTER? BEWARE OF FAKE WARRANTIES - YOU MAY BE THE NEXT CODE RED!
THE
WHEEL DEALS
Ways
to go - Where to find the easiest transport services: limos, bus
shuttles, car rentals, bicycles & more.
THE
WATERCOLOR WORLD OF SOUTH WALTON COUNTY
Paint
yourself into the picture postcard area of 13 beachside communities
along the Gulf of the Sunshine State's Panhandle.
FLORIDA
ON FILM
From Miami to
Micanopy, Florida stars in commercials, music videos, movies and TV
shows. Find out which productions have been shot here, how you can become
an extra, and where the cinemas are.
FLORIDA
FOR REEL
Did you know
you can have stars right under your own roof? Register your home in
Florida's Official Film Location registry, Florida For Reel.
GAY
TRAVEL ISSUE
Florida's balmy
breezes has long attracted a large gay population - find out the places
to stay and play with our listings of gay-friendly hotels, inns and
guesthouses, plus nightclubs and restaurants, and useful links to resources
statewide.
HAVANA,
FLORIDA IS SMOKING AGAIN
This historic
little town a few miles north of Tallahassee is known as "North
Florida's Arts and Antiques Capital." Havana is a haven for shoppers
and art lovers who are tired of malls and big chain stores.
Portrait
of Clyde Butcher
Famed
Florida photographer Clyde Butcher is a master at capturing nature's
whimsy and drama.
A portrait of this inspired and inspiring artist.
Florida's
Fires
The
2001 Fire Season turned out to be a real scorcher. Find out why and
where, plus tips on driving in smoky conditions.
Florida
Deep Sea Fishing
What
to expect on the other end of your line, plus a comprehensive list of
deep sea fishing guides throughout the Sunshine State.
Florida's Flora
Named
the "Land of Flowers" by Ponce de Leon in 1513, Florida's
gorgeous flowers and plants are still world renowned. Learn which dazzling
varieties of exotic fruits, wildflowers and trees you may encounter
here
PARCHED!
Search the tourist-postcard
blue sky for signs of a cloud. You won't find one. It's dry out there.
But exactly how dry is it? And why?
Free
vacations can cost you plenty
Beware
of phone calls and emails declaring you've won a free trip - you will
get what you pay for and possibly much worse!! Find out how the scam
works....
Florida
Message Board
Check in with us
at the Florida Message Board, find specific information, share your
ideas, make plans & more.
Orlando
Done Differently
Offering
so much more to enjoy than Mickey, Shamu and Indiana Jones, Orlando's
World class cultural scene is thriving
ARTIGRAS
in Jupiter
The Palm
Beach area's largest art festival has found a new home at the Abacoa
Town Center in Jupiter, attracting more than 350 fine artists and artisans.
Join the more than 150,000 other art lovers who are expected to turn
out on February 17, 18 and 19.
FAMILY
FRIENDLY TO THE MAX
KidSuites at the Holiday Inn Family Suites in Lake Buena Vista gives
young visitors their own space.
2001
Florida Spring Training Schedule
Twenty Major League Baseball teams play their exhibition games in Florida
during Spring Training. Click for team schedules, stadium directions,
ticket info, nearby lodging and more.
Temptation
at the Miami Boat Show
Think you're ready to make that big purchase? Don't go overboard while
making such an important decision. Tips on going full steam ahead cautiously
2001
EVENTS CALENDAR
Statewide
compilation of listings for Florida festivals, concerts, conventions,
shuttle launches, art shows, performances and much more! Use our Interactive
Map to locate the city and plan your schedule.
NOSE-TO-NOSE
WITH THE MANATEES
Every
year between October and May, West Indian manatees winter in the warmer
waters of the Sunshine State. Snorkelers, divers and swimmers come from
all over the world for a chance to swim or interact with these gentle
creatures in their natural habitat.
FLORIDA'S
EXCLUSIVE REAL ESTATE
Looking for
true luxury living? Consult our list of top-notch Realtors.
FLORIDA'S
MAJOR MALLS AND SHOPPING CENTERS
It's that
time of year! Check our interactive map or search our database for the
mall nearest you.
BOCA
RATON
This exclusive
town on Florida's Southeast coast glitters with the Mizner touch.
BUSCH
GARDENS ADVENTURE
For a one
of a kind family experience, this venerable adventure park not only
offers a slice of the African Wild, but some of the best roller coasters
on earth.
TRIVIAL FLORIDA
Impress your
friends with Florida stuff & nonsense
ALL-SEEING 4-LEGGED GRADUATES
The Hard
Working K-9s of Palmetto, Florida
WACKY
PANHANDLE
There are
plenty of exits off the beaten path in Northwest Florida - drive through
funeral homes, wildlife chapels & more
THE
MYSTERIOUS CORAL CASTLE
Considered
by some to be a place of power, this extraordinary "kingdom"
of coral carvings near Homestead Florida was created single-handedly
by a 97 lb. man as a monument to his unrequited love.
:Hail
CeSar!
The 4-star
Don CeSar Resort - called simply "the Don" by those in the
know - looks like something out of a fairy tale: a big, ornate, candy-pink
castle that rises from the sugary sands of St. Pete Beach.
:
MARCO
ISLAND
Rising out of the Ten Thousand Islands in Southwest Florida, this outpost
of civilization makes a perfect place to stay while exploring the Everglades
-- as well as a beautiful weekend getaway for lovers, golfers, families,
and conventioneers.
:AIRPORT
ADVENTURES
Is your
plane on time? No delays between flights? Too bad! There's more to do
in some of Florida airports than look at your watch - check out our story
on neat things to do in Florida's Airports.
FLORIDA'S
GREAT INDOORS: FT. MYERS
If
fate rains on your vacation plans, it's not a complete disaster - there's
lots of fun out of the sun, too! This month, Absolutely Florida launches
this helpful series with the inside scoop on Ft. Myers.
DEEP
THOUGHTS
Ever
wonder who else might be with you while swimming in the ocean? Publisher
Barbara Bose's reflects on overcoming her fear of the unknown.
FLORIDA
HIKING GUIDE
Florida's
flat terrain and abundant wildlife makes hiking a walk in the park...use
our handy guide to locate the nearest trails, nature paths, slogs and
more through an interactive map with links to detailed trail descriptions,
contact numbers, links and types of flora and fauna you're likely to
encounter.
THE
SHELL PEOPLE of Southwest Florida
Long
before there was a Fort Myers, there were shell mounds built by the Calusa
Indians, an ancient tribe which thrived on the abundant seafood in the
region. Learn about these mysterious and fierce people whose ancestors
dated back 12,000 years.
:FLORIDA
HIGHER EDUCATION
Thinking
of the Sunshine State for your higher education? Check out our profiles
of the top 8 institutions, plus an interactive map with links to comprehensive
listings of Florida Universities, Private and Community Colleges, even
available online courses.
DAYTONA
BEACH
If Life's a
Beach, Then This is the Capital -
for surfers, spring breakers, bikers and regular folks too. Stay &
play where the beach goes on forever. Click here for our Daytona
Beach City Profile, with links to area lodging, dining, attractions,
events and more.
FLORIDA
BOATING
Most boating
enthusiasts would consider Florida to be the boating capital of the world
- warm, sunny weather and the effects of the gulf stream combine to make
Florida THE place to be for boaters.
NAPLES,
FLORIDA
"1,000
miles south of Naples, Italy where roses bloom in December." What's
new in this charming town on the Gulf of Mexico. Where to stay, dine,
shop, tour and explore.
WHEN
WHAT'S HAPPENING WHERE
Find out
what's going on in your favorite Florida city:
events, conventions, festivals, arts, happenings, parades, and lots more
fun in the sun in Absolutely Florida's statewide Events Calendars.
PLAY
BALL! Spring
Training
Complete
schedules of major league baseball Florida-based Spring training, with
interactive map.
Millennium
Disney Style
The
new millennium lasts all year with spectacular fireworks, new attractions,
non-stop entertainment and international sounds, tastes and styles Walt
Disney World and Epcot Center. See where to stay to enjoy yourself in
grand Disney fashion!
52
Cool Florida Destinations
A city
profile for each week of the year. History, lodging, dining, attractions,
nature, and lots more!
Florida's
Fun for the Disabled
Traveling can be a hassle for anyone - imagine if you have a disability.
This month Absolutely Florida presents the top Florida disabled-friendly
resorts, inns and hotels, plus which attractions cater best to the physically
challenged, and some great transportation alternatives.
The
Collins Avenue Story
From a coconut plantation to a billion dollar boulevard, Collins Avenue
has a history all its own. Tour these famous 12 miles of glitz and glut,
with an interactive map and historical photos.
Traveling
with Pets
Next trip into the sunshine, why not bring the person who loves you the
most? Find a useful listing of pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, beaches
and parks - plus an interactive map of 24-hour vets around the state.
Florida's
Space Coast
Due east of Orlando, Florida's Space Coast mingles high technology with
unspoiled nature.
Kennedy
Space Center
Better than any theme park, Kennedy Space Center is the real deal
- where men and women touch the stars. It's the only facility in the
country for human-occupied flights. Find out the best spots to view
launches, and what to expect.
Space Coast City Profiles
Titusville, Cocoa & Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral, Port Canaveral.
Once a wild frontier considered uninhabitable by early explorers,
these cities are now a unique combination of high-tech and all-natural.
Where else can you watch a space launch from a kayak, surrounded by
exotic flora and fauna?
Florida's
Birds
As a major destination for migrating birds and their admirers, the Sunshine
State is teaming with hundreds of exotic species, some seen nowhere
else.
Florida
Aviation
One look overhead
will show you that there's a lot more up there than just commercial planes
up there. That's because The Sunshine State offers ideal conditions for
all sorts of "experimental" aircraft --seaplanes, ultralights,
hang gliders, sail planes, as well as small jets, biplanes, and helicopters.
All of these types of aircraft can be seen in one place at the Sun 'N
Fun Fly-in in Lakeland, located in central Florida. Learn about the airshow,
where to land your plane,where to enjoy the huge variety of airborne experiences.
PALM BEACH
Where the genuine
glitterati gathers for the best of everything - shopping, dining, lodging,
and more.
FLORIDA
TENNIS!
If you're visiting the Sunshine State, remember to pack your racquet.
Use our interactive map to find the nearest USTA Florida member courts.
FLORIDA
CITRUS
The sweet history
of Florida's incredible industry, plus a primer on the varieties of oranges,
tangerines, grapefruits you can find at the supermarket.
FLORIDA'S
PESTY POPULATION
A Survival Guide to Florida Insects: Find out how to avoid a sting, a
bite, a rash, a shock, a burn or a fright from one of Florida's many crawling,
flying, and/or slithering creatures.
FLORIDA'S
STATE PARKS
Absolutely Florida
is proud to introduce the Florida State Parks' website.
Lakeland
and Lake Wales, Florida
High points of the state's highest points
Polo
Anyone?
Palm Beach Polo
is where the world's horsey set gathers in the winter. Schedule, history
and a little namedropping.
HOMOSASSA
A perfect spot
for seniors, fishers and nature lovers in Florida's Big Bend area.
CLEARWATER
BEACH
Looking for a pleasant family destination that's away from it all, but
not too far? Clearwater Beach just might be the place.
SARASOTA
Sarasota beckons all those who want to relax and soak up some culture.
Click our links to explore some of the great opportunities which await
you when visiting this gorgeous part of Sunshine State.
FLORIDA'S
NUDE BEACHES
Where to dare
to bare: Not every beach in Florida tolerates the human form in all its
glory - in fact there's only one legal nude beach in the state. Find out
the other off-the-beaten-path sunning spots with our interactive map,
plus listings of nudist colonies and nudist clubs.
FLORIDA
WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS
Florida is well
known as a vacation resort location - did you know many can cater to your
wedding and honeymoon plans? Check our new section for fun ideas, listings
of resorts and historic places which can be the perfect setting for your
big day.
Florida
Information
LISTINGS
Useful All-Florida
listings for travelers, Florida residents, and those seeking map-based
listings that help you find your way around the Sunshine State.
New This Month:
ONLINE
RESERVATIONS!
Search
flight availabilities for any airline, anywhere!
MAPS
Get the lay
of the land before you get here! Print out detailed maps of your destination
of choice.
WEATHER
Want to know
what to pack? Check out Absolutely Florida Interactive Weather Map with
links to satellite and weather cams throughout the state.
Services
ECO-TOUR
ADVISOR
Enjoy Florida
natural beauty with the spirit of adventure - camp, sail, dive, ride,
canoe, kayak and much more. Let Absolutely Florida's Eco-Tour Advisor
book a custom eco-tour designed just for you.
PERSONALS
Don't
be lonely when you get here! Find another traveler in our personals
section, email them through our FREE confidential Absolutely
Yours Florida Personals section, or get to know each other in the Virtual
Tiki Bar Chat Room.
PERSONALS
TIKI BAR CHAT ROOM
NOW OPEN!
Get together with friends anywhere, anytime. Get acquainted with another
traveler before you even get here. Find them in the Personals section,
arrange a meeting in the bar. Completely confidential. Over 18, please!
Instructions on
how set your browser to enjoy Absolutely Florida the way it was designed
to be. Hyperlinks to free helper applications such as the latest versions
of Netscape and Explorer.
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