Among the new foods at the 2023 Florida State Fair are Watermelon Sweet Tea, Mexican Street Corn Sundae, Nacho Mama, and yes, Tampa Cuban Funnel Cake. Each year, the Florida State Fair offers visitors its typical assortment of midway rides, games, agricultural exhibits, and events — including Florida's Largest Home Show and the Florida RV Supershow. What's not typical, however are the array of unique — and some might say bizarre — food offerings. This year's fair is no exception, includes a twist on a signature Florida dessert, and a dish that combines Tampa's rich history and the yearly staple that's a must for most fair-goers. Check out all this years new food below! The 2023 Florida State Fair runs from February 9 through 20, and boasts the largest Midway in the USA, a robust agricultural program, a circus, interactive animal exhibits and new attractions each year. As the first State Fair of the year, the Florida State Fair is the first to debut new and all of the unique fair foods visitors have come to know and love. It’s affordable family fun at its best. Visitors can purchase their tickets in advance on the fair's website along with select Wawa locations. All The New Food Of The Florida State Fair For 2023 Walking Nacho Dog If you're in the mood for a hot dog, this one features a bit of a kick, with jalapeño peppers, chips, and a cheese sauce. Mexican Street Corn Sundae Another Latin take on a typically American dish. It features french fries, but with a Southwestern flavor. The fries are topped with warm Chile con Queso cheese, sweet corn, cilantro lime crema, and topped with Cajun shrimp or sirloin steak. Fried Key Lime Pie Key lime purists might struggle with this one. The dessert that Florida helped make famous is served in a cup, along with bits of mini-doughnuts and a graham cracker crumble, and coated with buttercream frosting. If that wasn't sweet enough, throw in a white chocolate topping and whipped cream. Watermelon Sweet Tea If you need to wash down all of that key lime sweetness, try a sweet tea with a dose of watermelon juice. You can even make it an "Arnold Palmer" by adding some fresh-squeezed lemonade. Tampa Cuban Funnel Cake Sandwich It's everything that makes a Tampa Cuban sandwich famous — Spanish pork, smoked ham, Genoa salami, Swiss cheese, dill pickles, and mustard. But instead of being pressed inside Cuban bread, it's assembled with funnel cakes that are pressed and topped with doughnut glaze. Here's your interesting take on sweet and savory. Sweet Potato Apple Pie Here's another blend of sweet and savory. A baked sweet potato, topped with butter, cinnamon, sugar apples, and whipped cream. (Come to think of it, you may want to put this on your Thanksgiving dessert list). Nacho Mama The name might actually be more interesting than the dish itself. Nacho fans will appreciate the blend of homemade corn tortilla chips topped with tenderloin steak and everything else we love about nachos (including jalapeños, sauteed peppers and onions, green onions, nacho cheese, and ranch dressing). Mangonada If a sweet watermelon tea isn't your thing, perhaps a slushy mix of mangos topped with a sweet tangy syrup, lime tangy salt, and a spicy tamarind stick is more to your liking. Cookie Taco Supreme One definitely for the sweet-tooth and S'mores fans. A chocolate chip cookie serves as the taco shell and is filled with S'mores ice cream and topped with Oreos and a chocolate dip. And, of course, whipped cream. Cowboy Quesadilla Another Southwestern influence. This "Texas-sized" quesadilla is filled with barbecue chicken, black beans, corn, and cheese.

A new Burger King is coming to the ever growing O-Town west development on Palm Parkway The home of the Whopper, burger chain Burger King will soon be expanding here in Orlando with a new location set to open in the popular O-Town West development. The restaurant will be located at 7730 Palm Parkway, Suite 150, near Portillo’s Hot Dogs and White Castle, which happens to be the world's largest White Castle! O-Town West is a master-planned development comprised of nearly 350-acres of land, and includes hotels, restaurants, shopping and more. The development has proven popular with locals and tourists, with new openings happening on a weekly basis as the project continues to grow in popularity. Recent openings include a new Publix store, with the new headquarters for Marriott Vacations Worldwide currently under construction, and a luxury hotel development on the way. No details are know when the new Burger King will be opening, but, of course we will let you know!

The former Haven Lounge reopens as The Conduit in Winter Park tonight, Friday January 6. The Winter Park alternative music venue, The Haven Lounge on Aloma Avenue has been home to metal shows for years here in Orlando, and it gets a new lease of life from tonight, January 6, when it officially reopens with a new name and new owners. The Conduit is the new name, and the new owners are Pete Olen of Endoxa Booking, Will Walker of Will's Pub, and Jerry Dufrain of Tampa's Orpheum. The venue has been closed for a few weeks while it received a makeover, and tonight it opens its door with a busy weekend of three shows ahead, ready to put the venue through its paces! Friday, January 6 Brojob, Slackjaw, Sever the Memories, Enbringer, Murder Afloat, & Odium Rot The first show in the new room and its a banger! Saturday, January 7 Orchestra in Black, Divided Truth, and More A great rock show for Saturday night with local bands in the spotlight Sunday, January 8 Goatwhore, Caveman Cult, Heraklieon, and Intoxicated The first big national in the room, and its a biggie! A metal bill that is going to rock the new venue to its core! Check out The Conduit on Facebook for details on all the shows this weekend!

Get on the starting blocks for a day at the pool to soothe the aches and pains of the Walt Disney World Marathon! Not for the first time during a runDisney race weekend, Walt Disney World is offering a 50% discount on Disney's Blizzard Beach water park tickets for runDisney runners and their families. Walt Disney World Marathon runners and up to 3 guests can enjoy 50% off 1-day water park tickets to Blizzard Beach through January 10th. Purchase with valid race bib at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex during Expo hours, or at Blizzard Beach water park. BUT Don't forget that Blizzard Beach will be closed on Sunday, January 8, due to the marathon road closures.

The Eagles have extended the Hotel California tour which will now include an encore performance in Tampa in March. Take it easy folks, The Eagles are returning to Tampa in March for an encore performance of the Hotel California tour. The band brought the tour to Tampa back in February 2022, and they loved performing the album so much, the guys are back to give us more! Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit, with Vince Gill will once again take to the stage at Amalie Arena, this time on March 28 at 8 p.m. Plus, if you’re up for a road trip, you can catch them the night before, March 27 in Jacksonville at Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena! Hotel California will be performed live in its entirety from start to finish, accompanied by an orchestra and choir, then after a short intermission the band will perform a full set of their greatest hits. Tickets for the tour will go on sale January 13 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster, with presales beginning January 12 at 10:00 a.m. Hotel California is the third best-selling U.S. album in history, certified 26-times Platinum by the RIAA. After its release in 1976, it topped the charts and won two GRAMMY Awards for "New Kid in Town" and "Hotel California." Several of the songs from the album have never been performed since the original “Hotel California” tour. The band’s Their Greatest Hits 1971-1977 is the best-selling U.S. album in history, with the RIAA certifying the collection at 38-times Platinum. In today’s faddish, fractured, rock landscape, the Eagles retain an appeal that transcends both generation and genre, cementing the band’s role as enduring musical icons. As the best-selling American band of the ’70s, and one of the top-selling acts of all time, the Eagles have sold more than 150 million albums worldwide, scored six #1 albums and topped the singles charts five times. They have won six GRAMMY Awards, were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, in their first year of eligibility and received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2016.

Happy Epiphany Day! Celebrate Three Kings Day with an extra special treat available today only at Jaleo If you are visiting Disney Springs today, then don't pass by Jaleo, as they have an extra special treat available today only, Friday, January 6 to celebrate Three Kings Day. Their Roscón de Reyes King Cake is a treat you won't want to miss! Don't miss out, you can pre order now on 321 348 3211, order by the slice, or indulge in a whole crown. At Jaleo in Disney Springs you can kick back, relax and feast on an incredibly impressive lunch-and-dinner menu that showcases the rich, regional diversity of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine. This festive eatery features an extensive variety of tapas—the popular, shared plates of Spain—authentic paellas cooked over a wood-fired pit, cheeses, salads and other signature specialties sure to please. A premier selection of sangrias, Spanish wines and sherries is also available. Imagined through the creative lens of Chef José Andrés and his team, Jaleo brings alive the spirit and flavors of Spain by showcasing the rich regional diversity of Spanish cuisine. Celebrating the traditional as well as the cutting-edge, Jaleo offers a taste of Spain in a festive, stylish, and casual atmosphere. First opening in downtown Washington, DC in 1993, Jaleo has evolved to represent modern Spain at every moment. With each new restaurant in Maryland, Virginia, Las Vegas and Orlando, it embraces the local community while staying true to its roots: providing a comfortable, welcoming space in which to explore, discover and share the incredible spirit of Spain. At Jaleo, plates are designed to be shared. But these are not just any small plates. They’re the best authentically Spanish and local ingredients, simply prepared, and enjoyed with good friends and conversation. Inspired by the traditional dishes of José’s childhood and elevated through his experiences, talents and creativity, Jaleo’s cuisine is authentic Spain with finesse. Along with signature tapas, the savory paellas, superb sangria, and a wide selection of the finest Spanish cheeses, wines, and sherries ensure that you’ll always find something wholly unique and exciting. It’s tradition and whimsy, all in one bite.

The Volusia Hispanic Chamber is excited to invite everyone to this weekend's Latin Festival in Deltona! This weekend is The Volusia Hispanic Chamber's 25th Annual Latin Arts & Music Festival which takes place at the Dewey O. Boster Sports Complex in Deltona. The event takes place on Sunday, January 8, 2023, 11:00 am - 8:00 pm. The music, fresh Latin American cuisine, folkloric art, children's activities, and more will bring big smiles to everyone's faces. Check out the event details below with all the exciting happenings throughout the day.

Did you hear the big news? The giant pink flamingo sculpture at Tampa International Airport now has a name! Hello Phoebe! Back in November, Tampa International Airport held a contest to name the 21-foot big flamingo artwork that's located in the Main Terminal of the airport. When the contest ended in early December, the airport announced that they had received over 65,000 entries! The judges worked through the more than 65,000 entries submitted from all over the world, narrowing the selections down to Cora, Finn, and Phoebe. After putting the three names to the public vote, the airport announced the news Thursday that after more than 37,000 votes were cast to find the winning name, Phoebe came out on top! The airport said that Phoebe received 16,122 votes with Cora coming in a close second at 14,341 votes. Finn finished in third place with 6,779 votes. Bryan M., a 63-year-old retired educator, submitted the winning entry and will receive 4 roundtrip tickets from Silver Airways and 4 VIP passes from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Construction on “HOME” was completed earlier this year, with metal panels and lighting attached to the ceiling as part of the artwork. This gives the illusion of being underwater while looking up at the flamingo This iconic sculpture has garnered international attention and was built after being chosen among more than 700 art proposals submitted from around the world. Phoebe is a sculpture by artist Matthew Mazzotta, who called the art piece "Home," "However, the story of HOME is not about whether someone or something, is originally from here or not," Mazzotta wrote. "The exaggerated scale of the flamingos in HOME puts the lives of these birds in the focus, and puts us, as humans, in awe as they tower above us, reminding us that we all share the same home."

Thousands of runners and their families are in Orlando for the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, celebrating its 30th anniversary. This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, which took place in January 1994, and to celebrate, the 2023 event is a cool weekend full of 90’s retro vibes, iconic Characters and more! The weekend started early this morning, Thursday January 5, with the Walt Disney World 5K, with the race starting at 5 am. Congratulations to all runners of the 2023 Walt Disney World 5K presented by State Farm! Take a look at a few highlights from this morning’s very colourful event, thanks to runDisney. This mornings 5K was a 3.1-mile adventure through EPCOT! It was an exhilarating way to kick-start a weekend brimming with Disney fun. Characters at EPCOT today to cheer the runners on including Donald Duck! Max was on hand too for some awesome phot ops. Even Tarzan and Turk put in an appearance! The JAMMitors were providing entertainemnt to the early morning runners. Congratulations once again to all the runners, it was a fun morning, and a great way to kick start the weekends celebrations. STILL TO COME THIS WEKEND! Next up is the Walt Disney World 10K, tomorrow morning! January 6, 2023 Start Time: 5:00 AM Eastern Time Enjoy maximum fun on a magical 10K run! This 6.2-mile race has an abundance of dazzle and entertainment along the way, and is an ideal choice for runners seeking a good test of their endurance. Walt Disney World Half Marathon January 7, 2023 Start Time: 5:00 AM Eastern Time Join Donald and Daisy Duck as your fine feathered friends host the 13.1-mile adventure through the Disney theme parks! Be surprised along the way by delightful Character sightings and entertaining moments as you join inspired runners from around the world. This race will be a blast from the parks’ past – hopefully you’ll be faster than dial-up internet! Walt Disney World Marathon January 8, 2023 Start Time: 5:00 AM Eastern Time Join Mickey, Minnie and friends for an extraordinary 26.2-mile race and encounter delightful surprises as you run the course with magical surprises as you travel through the 90’s and through each of the four theme parks! It’s runDisney's longest distance event––and you’ll earn boasting rights as a Walt Disney World Marathon finisher! Dopey Challenge January 5 to 8, 2023 Start Time: 5:00 AM Eastern Time Complete all 4 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend races on pace and earn: 4 individual events medals Goofy’s Race and Half Challenge medal Dopey Challenge medal That’s a grand total of 6 medals in one weekend! Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge January 7 and 8, 2023 Start Time: 5:00 AM Eastern Time Show your Goofy side over 2 racing days spanning 39.3 miles! Get started with the Half Marathon on Saturday, followed by the Marathon on Sunday. Complete both races on pace to earn your Half Marathon and Marathon finisher medals––plus, get the coveted Goofy medal! You’ll need to register for the Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, which includes both races, in order to be eligible for the challenge medal. Bib Pick-Up Participants must attend the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo at least one day prior to their first event to pick up their race bib. Wednesday, January 4, 2023 | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Thursday, January 5, 2023 | Noon - 6:00 PM Friday, January 6, 2023| 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Saturday, January 7, 2023 | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM You must have a valid ID in order to pick up your race bib (driver's license, passport, military ID or government-issued ID), and you may not pick up another adult participant's race bib. gEAR Bag Check gEAR Bag Check is available for the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K. A clear plastic bag will be issued to you at Packet Pick-Up to be used for gEAR Bag Check service. No other bag will be accepted. At race completion, your number will be used to verify your bag when you pick it up. Valuable items should not be checked. The Event Staff is not responsible for any lost, damaged or stolen items. runDisney Health & Fitness Expo Participants must attend the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo at least one day prior to their first event to pick up their race bib and participant shirt. Wednesday, January 4, 2023 | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Thursday, January 5, 2023 | Noon - 7:00 PM Friday, January 6, 2023 | 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Saturday, January 7, 2023 | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM runDisney Health & Fitness Expo Merchandise Ready to show off your accomplishments? Be sure to check out this year’s merchandise collection which showcases the race weekend artwork in a variety of logo performance apparel and “I Did It!” finisher products including shirts in multiple styles and jackets. Spectators Support your favorite runDisney participant by tracking their progress throughout their entire adventure-filled weekend of fun and magic. Special offer just for runDisney runners! Race week only! Just for the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend participants and up to three Guests, enjoy a one-day ticket to Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park for just $32.00 + tax! Offer valid 1/3/23 through 1/10/23. Tickets can be purchased at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Box Office or at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park Ticket Window using your official race bib. All parties must be present at time of purchase.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on the Space Coast is bringing back its Fly With An Astronaut Experience for 2023. Explore the birthplace of America’s space program, Kennedy Space Center as part of a small exclusive group led by a veteran NASA astronaut. The Fly With An Astronaut tours will begin in 2023 on January 13, 14, and 15, where you will join a veteran NASA astronaut on their journey in what it took for them to become an astronaut and let them be your guide behind the gates of Kennedy Space Center. On January 13, join vetran astronaut Mark Lee who flew on four shuttle missions, including Atlantis, Endeavour and Discovery, then on January 14 and 15, your guide will be Brian Duffy who also flew on four shuttle missions, twice as a pilot and twice as mission commander. A catered lunch will be provided back at the main visitor complex where your astronaut guide will reflect on their personal accounts and experiences followed by a question and answer session with the group. You will also receive a special pin and autographed card before moving on to the next part of your experience. Next, you will enter Space Shuttle Atlantis for a guided tour and a private viewing of the pre-shows The Flight and Coming Home. Then, board the Shuttle Launch Experience to feel what it's like to launch into space on a shuttle traveling 17,500 mph, accompanied by a veteran NASA astronaut! The Fly With An Astronaut Experience is $206 for adults and $181 for children ages 3 to 11, with Admission to the visitor complex included.with the price. To learn more about this exciting experience, visit kennedyspacecenter.com.

British singer-songwriter Sam Smith will be making a tour stop at Orlando’s Amway Center on July 26. Multi-platinum, GRAMMY, BRIT, Golden Globe and Oscar- winning artist/songwriter Sam Smith today announced GLORIA the tour – their first North American run since 2018. The 27-city headline outing kicks off on July 25 in Miami, before Smith returns to Orlando’s Amway Center on Wednesday, July 26. Smith will be supported by special guest Jessie Reyez Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, January 23 at 10 a.m. ET.

Universal Orlando Resort and Orlando’s Right Rail Coalition has announced plans to finance, construct, and operate a SunRail station at the Orange County Convention Center, near the new Epic Universe site! In major news for Orlando tourism, and a welcome boost to the I-drive tourism district, Orlando’s Right Rail Coalition and Universal Orlando Resort today, Thursday January 5 announced significant progress toward realizing the vision of commuter rail connectivity throughout Central Florida – one of the fastest growing regions in the nation – with the creation of the Shingle Creek Transit Utility Community Development District. Through the creation of the new Shingle Creek Transit Utility Community Development District, this limited-purpose public entity will plan, finance, construct, operate, own and maintain the new Orange County Convention Center SunRail station, not only benefiting their own resort including the nearby, under construction Epic Universe, but benefiting the entire I-Drive tourism corridor. Plus, having a station at the Orange County Convention Center will boost the ability of the convention center to market itself across the globe, and thus winning new convention business. This advances a key priority for SunRail — the Sunshine Corridor Program. The program creates a commuter rail line between the Orlando International Airport and the Orange County Convention Center — expanding SunRail and connecting Central Florida communities across the region. The Sunshine Corridor will also connect residents and visitors to Brightline, the privately run intercity rail line currently serving Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and — coming in 2023 — the Orlando International Airport rail terminal. “We are one step closer to creating a multi-directional commuter rail system that benefits our entire region,” said John Sprouls, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Universal Parks & Resorts. “The new SunRail corridor and convention center station will make it easier for residents to get to work, the airport and to the places they love. And it will enable business growth within the International Drive area and across the region.” “The Sunshine Corridor is critical to moving our workforce. Creating a transportation network that connects our workers to their jobs, our residents to our airport, and allows our visitors to have options when they travel is essential,” said City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Chairman for the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission. “We’ve known for years that connectivity between the airport and International Drive area will be essential to our entire region’s future,” said Maria Triscari, President of the International Drive Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors Orlando’s Right Rail – a coalition that advocates for an inclusive, regional mass transit plan and supports the Sunshine Corridor Program. “This new station is great news for our entire community.” Universal Orlando will pledge 13 acres of land to the District at no cost to taxpayers to be used for the convention center station with inter-modal capability and a substantial section of rail corridor. Based upon its investment in Epic Universe, Universal will also: Support the District’s financing of up to $125 million in private activity bonds to be used to fund the rail corridor and convention center station, which should allow the District to issue bonds on more favorable terms. Support the operation and maintenance of the station so there is no cost to Orange County taxpayers (currently estimated at $2 million annually). Along with its partners in the Orlando Right Rail coalition, contribute to and collectively support the District’s guarantee of $13 million in annual ticket sales for the Sunshine Corridor – the current estimated yearly operating costs for the corridor. There are more than 800 community development districts in Florida. The districts are public entities and are commonly used to help communities create needed infrastructure such as roads, water and sewer facilities and other projects traditional government bodies may not be able to finance and build.