Back in January we reported that Trail's End Restaurant at Walt Disney World was scheduled for a refurbishment that what would change the restaurant forever, and now it's been confirmed via the Walt Disney Word website. Trail’s End Restaurant at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground which first opened in 1974, is closing for refurbishment on April 17, 2023, and will cease to exist as a table service restaurant, with the popular location re-imagined as a quick service outlet. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Trail’s End was an all you can eat buffet experience, but when the restaurant reopened in 2021, it was changed to a family-style restaurant, now sadly 2023 will really be Trail's End, as the restaurant is transformed into a quick serve location. The new food location will have a “marketplace concept with expanded quick service options,” It's not known what will happen to P and J’s Southern Takeout now that a new quick serve is in the works. Thankfully the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review will not be affected and will remain unchanged according to reports.

Irish based Primark, a discount Fashion, Home & Beauty retailer, and one of the leading brands on the high streets of the United Kingdom, and Ireland is coming to the Florida Mall, Orlando. More recently Primark have been opening US stores including a Florida store at Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise, which opened in 2020. The new Orlando Store is sure to be a hit with locals, and Brits alike looking for a great deal. In what is a case of musical chairs, the new store is taking over the retail space that is currently the home of Forever 21, with Forever 21 moving into the space that was Selfie WRLD next to Carlo's Bakery, which has also moved into a new space in the Florida Mall near Macy's. In addition to having an entrance inside the Florida Mall, the new Primark store will have its own direct access from the parking lot. The 50,000 SF space is next to American Girl, H & M, and Zara. Construction is estimated to begin in April this year, with the transformation of the space expected to cost in region of $2 million. The main contractor is J Raymond Construction Corp, who are currently looking for sub-contractors for the project. Primark is a low-priced retailer carrying a wide range of product selection including homeware, women’s and men’s clothing, children’s, beauty, accessories, and more. The store is known for its rock-bottom prices, which are lower than competitors such as H&M. You can pick up a dress for as little as $4 or pair of high-heels for $10. The retailer was first opened in Ireland using the name Penney’s, but had to re-brand to Primark after expanding outside of Ireland. This was due to the American retailer JC Penney which had the name Penney’s already registered in the United Kingdom. Throughout Ireland, the retailer continues to be branded under its original name of “Penney’s.” Primark offers a huge selection of Disney merchandise, including a newly launched Disney 100 range. The retailer even has Disney Cafe's in a selection of its UK stores including Birmingham and Belfast, that serve Mickey waffles and more! We can't wait for Primark to open in Orlando, we hope you are too!

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay have revealed a President's Day FLASH SALE! Don't miss out on the thrills and adventures at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and save up to 50% on tickets! But hurry, you only have until this Monday, February 20! Guests can take advantage of great deals on single day park admission to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, or you can opt for a 2 park ticket which can be used at any combination of SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island. But, don't forget this very limited-time sale is only available now through Monday, February 20. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Single-Day Ticket Save up to 50% Valid for one visit on date selected to Busch Gardens. When you purchase your single-day ticket you will also choose the date of your visit. Ticket Only $132.99 $66.00 each Single-Day Ticket + All-Day Dining Add All-Day Dining and eat all day during your visit. Ticket + All-Day Dining $182.98 $106.00 each Two Park Ticket Limited Time Offer: Second Park Free! Enjoy two parks for about $67.50 per 4park at any combination of 4 theme parks: SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island. Ticket Only $197.99 $129.99 each Two Park Ticket + All-Day Dining Add All-Day Dining and eat all day during each park visit for as little as $35 day. Ticket + All-Day Dining $279.97 $199.99 each Three Park Ticket Enjoy three parks for $53.33 per park at any combination of our theme parks: SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island. Ticket Only $214.99 $159.99 each Three Park Ticket + All-Day Dining Add All-Day Dining and eat all day during each park visit for about $35 per day. Ticket + All-Day Dining $364.96 $264.99 each Four Parks: Unlimited Visits + Free Parking Enjoy all four Florida parks for $57.50 per park and get unlimited visits for 14 consecutive days and free parking at any combination of SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island. 4 Parks + Unlimited Parking Unlimited Visits + FREE Parking $269.99 $229.99 each

Spring is in the air and Island H20 Water Park is getting to dive into their 2023 season on March 10, and the Kissimmee water park has recently announced a fun packed season of special events including the return of the popular foam party weekends, and the Dive In Movies. The water park located next to Margaritaville Resort Orlando, and the Promenade at Sunset Walk, features more than 20 experiences, including several exhilarating drop slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and a children’s area to ensure fun for the whole family. April 8 - April 30 Egg-Stravaganza Hop on over to Island H2O Water Park Saturdays & Sundays from April 8-April 30 for Egg-Stravaganza! Find the eggs hidden around the park and win prizes. Included in admission! May 6 - May 28 Celebrate Mom The perfect Island Getaway for mom? A day in Private Domain! Moms can experience a relaxing getaway complete with a massage, specialty mom-osas, & more! June 2 @ 6:30 pm - August 4 @ 9:00 pm Island H2O Dive-In Movie Nights Spend your Friday nights under the stars with family-friendly movies on the largest digital screen in Central Florida! Dive-In Movie Nights are included in admission. June 3 - August 6 DJ Nites Bring your best moves to Live! Lagoon Wave Pool for DJ Nights June 23 Noche De San Juan August 12 - August 27 Foam Party Island H2O will be cranking up the tunes and adding FOAM! Every Saturday & Sunday, kids will be able to dance in a mountain of foam and bubbles while grooving to their favorite music. Then catch a spin on a water slide or lazy river to keep the party going! Included in admission! September - October Football Weekends October 7 - October 29 Mermaid & Pirate Weekends Ahoy, Mateys! A NEW adventure begins at Island H2O Water Park! Every Saturday and Sunday in October, come meet a magical mermaid and join a pirate’s swashbuckling crew! Then spend the day searching for pirate treasure with a scavenger hunt! Show off your mermaid magic or pirate power with a water resistance face paint, glitter or airbrush tattoo! On Saturdays, swim over to Live! Lagoon Wave Pool and enjoy a pirate or mermaid movie! A perfect way to spend your weekends with adventure in October! Included in admission! Island H2O offers refreshing family fun, enjoy a journey on a lazy river, float in a wave pool, splash in an area for kids, play together in an interactive splash zone, challenge body and tube slides, compete on racing slides, take a spin on giant raft rides, and relax in the adult pool or a private cabana. Right now at Island H20 you can become a Season Passholder for ONLY $8.57 per month, plus taxes and fees, payable in seven easy payments. Not only do you get unlimited visits for the entire season, you get exclusive benefits just for passholders. Passholder Benefits: FREE Parking! Free Friend Ticket 2023 (must be used by 5/29/23) Free Souvenir Drink Bottle ($5 refill) in 2023 Special Discounts at Select Sunset Walk Locations UNLIMITED Visits in 2023 The regular pass price is $109.99, and with this offer the price is only $59.99, saving you $50! Purchase your passes now.

SeaWorld Orlando have announced a President's Day Weekend Flash Sale, and the best news is that you can save up to 50% OFF tickets! Guests can take advantage of great deals on park admission to SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove, and Aquatica. This very limited-time sale is only available now through Monday, February 20. SeaWorld Single-Day Ticket Save up to 50% Valid for one visit on date selected to SeaWorld Orlando. When you purchase your single-day ticket you will also choose the date of your visit. Ticket Only $132.99 $66.00 each Single-Day Ticket + All-Day Dining Add All-Day Dining and eat all day during your visit. Ticket + All-Day Dining $182.98 $106.00 each Two Park Ticket Limited Time Offer: Second Park Free! Enjoy two parks for about $67.50 per 4park at any combination of 4 theme parks: SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island. Ticket Only $197.99 $129.99 each Two Park Ticket + All-Day Dining Add All-Day Dining and eat all day during each park visit for as little as $35 day. Ticket + All-Day Dining $279.97 $199.99 each Three Park Ticket Enjoy three parks for $53.33 per park at any combination of our theme parks: SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island. Ticket Only $214.99 $159.99 each Three Park Ticket + All-Day Dining Add All-Day Dining and eat all day during each park visit for about $35 per day. Ticket + All-Day Dining $364.96 $264.99 each Four Parks: Unlimited Visits + Free Parking Enjoy all four Florida parks for $57.50 per park and get unlimited visits for 14 consecutive days and free parking at any combination of SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island. 4 Parks + Unlimited Parking Unlimited Visits + FREE Parking $269.99 $229.99 each

Today, Friday, February 17, 2023 it was announced that the Florida Department of Agriculture has reached an agreement with the owner and operator of the Orlando FreeFall attraction at ICON Park where 14-year-old Tyre Sampson's fell to his death in June last year. According to documents released today, Orlando Eagle Drop Slingshot will NOT operate the Drop Tower anywhere within Florida and will NOT reapply for a permit to do so in the future for this ride or any similar style of ride. The state have also made it clear that there is no prohibition on Orlando Eagle Drop Slingshot from dismantling the Orlando FreeFall ride. It's interesting to note that Orlando Eagle Drop Slingshot had already stated last year that they would be dismantling the attraction at ICON Park following the end of the investigations. The family of Tyre Sampson have already made it clear that they want the ride to be dismantled before March 24, the first anniversary of the the teen's death. Also, the agreement to not operate the ride only applies to the Orlando FreeFall, not any of the other numerous rides that Orlando Eagle Drop Slingshot operates in Central Florida. As well as agreeing not to operate the ride in Florida, the owners have already paid the fine of $250,000 that the state announced on November 22 last year, when it was revealed that the state had filled an administrative complaint alleging multiple violations of Florida law in relation to the tragic death of the teenager Tyre Sampson. Tyre Sampson, 14, tragically died during his spring break trip earlier this year to Orlando, when he fell from the Orlando FreeFall ride at Icon Park. On November 22, Florida officials announced an administrative complaint alleging multiple violations of Florida law in relation to the tragic death of the teenager totalling $250,000. Sampson, a 14-year-old from Missouri, fell from the ride on March 24, sparking an ongoing series of lawsuits and investigations surrounding the tragic incident. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried immediately launched an investigation into the accident, and an independent forensic engineering firm hired in the investigation into the fatal fall found the operator of the thrill ride manually adjusted the sensors in the seat he was in, which made the ride unsafe. Fried said that the operator of the Orlando FreeFall made “manual adjustments to the ride resulting in it being unsafe” and allowed the harness’ restraint opening to be “almost double” of the normal opening range. “These misadjustments allow the safety lights to illuminate, improperly satisfying the ride’s electronic safety mechanisms that allow the ride to operate even though Mr. Sampson was not properly secured in the seat,” Fried said following the report’s release. “As noted in the report, there are many other potential contributing factors that may have played a role in the incident. And that is what our department is continuing to investigate.” An autopsy report revealed Tyre Sampson weighed 383 pounds and according to a manual produced by the manufacturer of the ride, Funtime Thrill Rides, the maximum weight allowance for Orlando FreeFall is listed as 286 pounds. Weeks after the boy’s fatal fall, attorneys for his family formally filed a lawsuit against Funtime Thrill Rides, the manufacturer; Slingshot Group, the owner-operator in Florida; and ICON Park, which leased the space. The lawsuit alleges the ride’s operators should have known that riders could be “subject to unreasonably dangerous and foreseeable risks, and that serious injury and death of the occupants in the ride could result.” In light of the investigations, lawmakers released a draft proposal to strengthen the state’s safety regulations for amusement park rides, calling for stricter signage requirements, training, safety systems and random inspections. Tuesday November 22, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and State Senator Geraldine Thompson held a press conference, sharing new details regarding the investigation. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said that her department has issued an administrative complaint against Orlando Eagle Drop Slingshot, LLC, alleging multiple violations of Florida law in relation to the investigative findings. The investigation into Sampson’s death found that a safety sensor had been adjusted on two of the attraction’s seats, which allowed a gap of up to 7 inches between the harness and seat to accommodate larger patrons. According to Tuesday’s complaint, the gap set for the remainder of the ride’s seats was only 3.33 inches. The investigation also revealed that the ride attendants were specifically instructed to seat larger guests in the two adjusted seats. Fried announced that the manipulation of the sensors allowed to the ride to start and “led directly to his fall.” Additionally, the ride’s maintenance manual set a weight restriction of 286 pounds for riders, Sampson weighed approximately 383 pounds. “There was intent to change the sensors on there. Whether it rises to criminal intent will be up to the discretion of not only the sheriff’s office but the ultimate prosecutors of that county, if they so choose, to bring criminal charges,” Fried commented. The investigation also showed the attendants lacked proper training for the attraction. “The department’s investigation revealed there was minimal training conducted on the ride. A training manual did not exist,” she said. “Neither of the attendants nor the operator had read or seen the manufacturer manual, nor had an operating document been provided to the attendants or operators (who) were on duty.” The complaint also lists other issues that officials say contributed to Sampson’s death, including that loading procedures were not followed when placing the teen in the ride, the ride’s operator was “an unsupervised trainee who had been on the job for only three days", and records of daily inspections and maintenance were “deficient". Fried said the administrative complaint was submitted with a total of six counts against Orlando Eagle Drop Slingshot, LLC, with each carrying a fine of at least $10,000. In all, the complaint is seeking a total fine of at least $250,000, calls for the company to cease and desist specified activities, and would revoke the Orlando FreeFall’s permit. Fried also said that she has instructed her staff to forward their findings to the Orange County Sheriff's Office to consider criminal charges. State Sen. Geraldine Thompson said the very first bill that she is going to file as a member of the Florida Senate is the ‘Tyre Sampson Law.’ "We had a 14-year-old young man with a promising future," Thompson said. "He was a five-star athlete and he fell out of this ride because things were adjusted that were contrary to the directions of the manufacturer." Thompson commented that the fine being imposed is to show that there are consequences to not following laws in the state of Florida. Since the tragic death, state officials have been planning to propose legislation to “help prevent the kind of tragedy that happened to Tyre from never happening again.” State Sen. Geraldine Thompson said the legislation, which she said would be called the Tyre Sampson Law, would address multiple issues, including signage, inspections, training and more. “When the millions of people who visit Florida come to this state, we want them to know that there is oversight, that there is accountability, that there are inspections, that there are requirements for training,” she commented. Following the November 22 report, in December, Orlando Eagle Drop Slingshot requested an “administrative hearing” to challenge the fines and penalties.

The popular Pirate Fest Weekends at LEGOLAND Florida, ends this Sunday, February 19. This is you last chance to join the pirate invasion fun with exclusive LEGO characters meet-and-greets, pirate-themed shows, LEGO build activities, themed food and more! This year's Pirate Fest has a brand new highlight, the all new Pirate River Quest which had its grand opening on January 12, 2023. Once aboard your boat, set sail with a rowdy crew of LEGO pirates on Captain’s orders to explore the murky waters and retrieve the lost treasure, stolen by a troop of mischievous monkeys. Journey through the uncharted waters of the legendary Cypress Gardens and discover the secrets protecting its canals, as this all-new story unfolds brick by brick into a family-friendly treasure hunt. Adventure awaits you at LEGOLAND on the Pirate River Quest! This weekend is your last chance to enjoy Pirate Fest Weekends at LEGOLAND Florida, read on for all the fun family activities you can enjoy, all including in the price of admission! The Quest for Riches Ye young pirates be wantin’ to earn some treasure, eh? Gather yer crew and explore excitin’ lands - from the jungle of Pirate’s Landing to the underwater Sunken Ship Lagoon, then end ye journey at the bustlin’ Hearties’ Harbor. Along your quest, collect at least SIX stamps, ye might find a special pirate treasure to claim! Meet Arrrgh LEGO Pirate Crew Our pesky crew of LEGO Pirates (always on the hunt for gold!) return to anchor at LEGOLAND shores for the ultimate pirate invasion. Fine buccaneer recruits like you, will have the chance to meet-and-greet with Captain Redbeard and his loyal friends. Don’t miss the perfect chance to steal ye special pirate selfie before they face the blue ocean! Thar's Shows on the Horizon Ye better warm yer legs matey, pirate-themed shows include sword-fightin’, music of the seven seas, dancing, and that’s right, TREASURE! Ye best not set sail before ye witness the daring feats that all pirates must perform before they cross the line in Brickbeard’s Watersports Stunt Show with EPIC gravity-defying stunts and more!

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art has announced that a new installation of of Lamps and Lighting—Tiffany and His Contemporaries is coming to the Winter Park museum this March. The new installation is turning the spotlight on the lamps of American artist and designer Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848–1933). Opening on Tuesday, March 7, the exhibition will showcase lamps created by Tiffany Studios (1902–32) and other examples by makers of the era. Morse Members will have a first look during the Museum’s spring reception on Monday, March 6. While Tiffany was an international success before his first lamp was even made, his signature style of lighting extended his popularity across America from the 1890s to this day. As described in a 1904 catalogue, Tiffany’s richly colorful leaded-glass lamp shades produced “the effect found in our floral and geometrical windows.” One of more than thirty-four objects on view will be a new acquisition to the Morse collection: a workbench collected by John Dikeman (1882–1967). Dikeman was the head of the Tiffany Studios lamp department until it closed in the 1930s. His workbench and lamp form help illustrate the process used in the creation of a lamp and offer insight into the fabrication of the complex lamps produced in America. Alongside Tiffany’s works will be designs and examples by other decorating firms from the time when the rapid adoption of electricity was fueling innovations in the art of lighting. More highlights of the refreshed exhibition include treasured objects, such as the magnificent wistaria library lamp, c. 1901, designed by Clara Driscoll (1861–1944), the head of the Women’s Glass Cutting Department at Tiffany Studios. The shade’s conventionalized floral forms and naturalistic coloration demonstrate the influence of Impressionism and Japonesque aesthetics that were popular at the time. More jewels from the Museum’s collection will be on view, including the Greek Key- and Gentian-design lampshade sample panel that offers even more insight into the lamp production process at Tiffany Studios. Workers would have used sample panels to select just the right piece of glass for lampshade patterns, an essential step to producing lamps. The Morse Museum houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848–1933), including the chapel interior he designed for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, and art and architectural elements from his Long Island estate, Laurelton Hall. The Morse is owned and operated by the Charles Hosmer Morse Foundation. The Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation provides additional support. It receives no public funds. For more information about the Morse Museum, please visit morsemuseum.org.

At Busch Gardens Tampa Bay you can now catch the cutest animal presentation ever! The all-new animal presentation located at the Pantopia Theater, Rescue Tails, features amazing animals, where you will hear inspiring tales of rescues while learning about the importance of conservation. You’ll hear the unique stories of many incredible animals, such as a porcupine, opossum, grey fox, kinkajou, skunk and birds of prey in this fun and educational presentation. Find out more about Rescue Tails and all the amazing shows at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay here

Island H20 Water Park in Kissimmee is getting ready to kick off their 2023 season on March 10, and right now they have an unbeatable deal on season passes for a whole season of fun. The water park located next to Margaritaville Resort Orlando, and the Promenade at Sunset Walk, features more than 20 experiences, including several exhilarating drop slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and a children’s area to ensure fun for the whole family. Right now at Island H20 you can become a Season Passholder for ONLY $8.57 per month, plus taxes and fees, payable in seven easy payments. Not only do you get unlimited visits for the entire season, you get exclusive benefits just for passholders. Passholder Benefits: FREE Parking! Free Friend Ticket 2023 (must be used by 5/29/23) Free Souvenir Drink Bottle ($5 refill) in 2023 Special Discounts at Select Sunset Walk Locations UNLIMITED Visits in 2023 The regular pass price is $109.99, and with this offer the price is only $59.99, saving you $50! Purchase your passes now. Island H2O offers refreshing family fun, enjoy a journey on a lazy river, float in a wave pool, splash in an area for kids, play together in an interactive splash zone, challenge body and tube slides, compete on racing slides, take a spin on giant raft rides, and relax in the adult pool or a private cabana. The park offers a choice of comfortable cabanas, you can choose from three luxury cabana options, Standard, Cabana Suite, and Adult. Team members provide full service to cabana guests. Enjoy everything from a tasty frozen beverage to an entire meal in your cabana. Cabanas include a mini-fridge with with 4 bottles of water, a safe, charging station, a table, chairs, and chaise loungers. For more details on Island H20 Water Park check out their website.

The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, located at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, will add two new plaques to its walls this year. Veteran astronauts Roy Bridges and Senator Mark Kelly, who have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in furthering NASA’s mission of exploration and discovery, have been selected to receive one of the highest honors in their industry. The announcement was made by Curt Brown, board chairman of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, which stewards the selection process. Roy Bridges will be coming home to his Kennedy Space Center family, where he served as Center Director from 1997 to 2003. Mark Kelly will be reuniting with his own family during the weekend when he celebrates with his identical twin brother, Scott, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame with the class of 2020. This will be the first pair of siblings and the first set of identical twins to both hold a place in the esteemed group. Mark Kelly will also be the second sitting Senator to be inducted, following John Glenn’s placement in 1990. “This year’s class is another example of excellence from our space program," said Curt Brown, board chairman of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. “The Hall of Fame has inducted 105 individuals with this honor; this year's nominees are perfect examples of the accomplished individuals who are inducted each year. Both Kelly and Bridges represent the committed spirit of exploration, bravery and teamwork that make our space program a continued success. We are proud and honored to have them join the ranks of the space pioneers recognized in the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.” An official ceremony and gala will take place at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on May 6, 2023. Set against the historic and stunning backdrop of the Space Shuttle Atlantis®, the ceremony will be attended by a number of astronaut legends. Following the induction, the newest Hall of Fame members will be celebrated at an evening black-tie event hosted by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. Bridges and Kelly each have had distinguished careers, centered around their love of space and science. Major General Roy D. Bridges, Jr. (STS-51F) Roy D. Bridges (Major General USAF, ret.) was selected as an astronaut in 1980. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and Purdue University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering management and a master’s degree in astronautics, respectively, Bridges has dedicated his career to the air and space industry. As a pilot, test pilot and astronaut, he flew 4,460 hours in a variety of aircraft including the F-100, F-104, YA/A-10, A-37, OV-99 (space shuttle Challenger), C-11, F-15, T-37, and T-38. In July 1985, he piloted the space shuttle Challenger for the eight-day Spacelab 2 mission. The main mission objective for STS-51F was to verify performance of Spacelab systems, determine interface capability of the orbiter, and measure the spacecraft environment. Experiments performed covered life sciences, plasma physics, astronomy, high-energy astrophysics, solar physics, atmospheric physics and technology research. Bridges went on to serve as Center Director of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center from 1997 to 2003, where he was responsible for NASA’s Space Shuttle and International Space Station (ISS) launch processing and operations as well as the acquisition and launch of NASA’s expendable launch vehicle missions. Between 2003 and 2005, he served as the Center Director of NASA’s Langley Research Center, where he directed aeronautical and space research programs before joining Northrop Grumman. Bridges retired from his position as Technology Services’ Director responsible for Department of Energy business with Northrop Grumman in January 2019. A retired U.S. Air Force Major General, Bridges has served at Wright-Patterson AFB OH as the Air Force Materiel Command Director of Requirements; Commander, Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards Air Force Base CA; Commander, Eastern Space and Missile Center, Patrick AFB FL; and Commander, 412th Test Wing, Edwards AFB CA. Among the awards Bridges has received are the National Nuclear Security Administration’s highest honor – the Administrator’s Distinguished Service Gold Award – in 2017, as well as NASA’s Outstanding Leadership Medal, the Presidential Meritorious Executive Award, the Northrop Grumman Award for Excellence, and many military honors. Senator Mark Kelly (STS-108, STS-121, STS-124, STS-134) Mark Kelly (Captain, USN, ret.) has served as a U.S. Navy combat pilot, a NASA astronaut, and is now serving as a U.S. Senator for Arizona. Kelly earned his bachelor’s degree in marine engineering and nautical science from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and later a master’s degree in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. As a Navy pilot, he made multiple deployments aboard the aircraft carrier USS Midway and flew 39 combat missions in Operation Desert Storm. He has logged more than 5,000 flight hours in more than 50 different aircraft and has over 375 carrier landings. Kelly retired from the Navy with the rank of Captain. In 1996, he was selected as an astronaut in the same NASA class as his identical twin brother, Scott. Kelly’s first of four trips into space were as pilot of STS-108 in December 2001, during which he helped deliver equipment, supplies and additional crew members to the ISS. He then served as pilot of STS-121 aboard Discovery, the second “Return to Flight” mission following the loss of Columbia in February 2003. STS-124, also aboard Discovery, in May of 2008 was Kelly’s first mission as commander. Kelly and his crew delivered the pressurized module for the Japanese Lab to the ISS. He retired from NASA in 2011 after commanding space shuttle Endeavour on its final flight, STS-134, which delivered the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer to the ISS. Kelly has spent more than 50 days in space – traveling over 20 million miles. As U.S. Senator for Arizona, he serves as chair of the Airland subcommittee on Senate Armed Services, which oversees the Army and Air Force planning, operations and programs. He also sits on the Environment and Public Works and the Energy and Natural Resources Committees. Senator Kelly is the recipient of two Defense Superior Service Medals, Legion of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, and multiple Air Medals. He lives in Tucson with his wife, former Congresswoman, Gabby Giffords. Kelly has two daughters, Claire, a graduate of Arizona State University, and Claudia who lives in Tucson, is a student at the University of Arizona and is the mother of Kelly’s two-year-old granddaughter, Sage.

Walt Disney World have advised guests visiting the resort next weekend that certain roads within the resort will be impacted by road closures and diversions. The runDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend returns toWalt Disney World resort on February 23-26, 2023. Fortunately most guests will see little impact by the closures, as the roads will only be affected very early on Saturday morning, February 26, from 4 - 7:30 am. The following roads will be closed to all traffic: World Drive Northbound ramp to Buena Vista Drive Eastbound World Drive North to Buena Vista Drive East World Drive South ramp to Buena Vista Drive East World Drive South ramp to Buena Vista Drive West World Drive Southbound to Buena Vista Drive Buena Vista Drive West Ramp to World Drive South Guests driving around property on those dates should make sure to obey all posted signage and race officials.