Avelo Airlines took flight for the first time today from Delaware Valley's Wilmington Airport (ILG) to Orlando International Airport (MCO). Avelo Airlines' inaugural flight departed for Orlando at 10:00 am, the first of five nonstop Florida destinations Avelo begins serving this week. Very low one-way fares starting at $49 are available at AveloAir.com. To commemorate today's inaugural flight to MCO, Avelo's Chairman and CEO welcomed customers aboard with a commemorative boarding pass before joining the flight himself. Officials from Avelo and the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) celebrated the occasion with University of Delaware mascot YouDee the Blue Hen and Delaware State's Too-Fly Hornet who participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony in front of Avelo's jetliner ready for takeoff for Orlando. Avelo Airlines Chairman and CEO Andrew Levy said, "Delaware Valley – it's time to say Hello, Avelo! Last October, we announced our plans to bring convenient, affordable and reliable air service to the Delaware Valley region. The strong booking trends we are seeing across all five Florida routes make it abundantly clear that people throughout this four-state region are excited about the faster and easier way Avelo will get them to The Sunshine State. We're equally excited about the Wilmington-based team we are building, as well as the opportunity to support ILG's neighboring communities and contribute to Delaware's economic growth." U.S. Senator Tom Carper said, "Like so many Delawareans, I am excited to say hello to Avelo as the airline returns commercial service to Wilmington Airport. Keeping our local airports safe, convenient, and operational is an all-hands-on-deck effort, and I welcome Avelo Airlines' commitment to our region. This commercial air travel presence will support our local economy, create good-paying jobs, and help maintain a nurturing environment for business growth—a win-win-win for the First State." Delaware Governor John Carney said, "We are excited to welcome Avelo Airlines to Delaware. Avelo provides passengers from our region an affordable and convenient way to travel. Recent investments in Wilmington Airport's infrastructure will lead to an effortless travel experience. Thank you to Avelo for choosing Delaware." New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer said, "Avelo Airlines at the Wilmington Airport provides a low cost/low stress alternative to travel. We are excited our residents will have more options when planning their trips and look forward to even more growth and places to visit." Delaware River and Bay Authority (the airport operator) Executive Director Thomas J. Cook said, "We're excited that Avelo Airlines has chosen to bring its low-fare, quality service to the residents and visitors to the Delaware Valley region. We believe Avelo's decision to schedule daily flights here illustrates our airport's appeal to the low-cost airline community. If you're looking to avoid the hassles of a big city airport, Wilmington Airport is for you. Avelo's new ILG base will enable nonstop flights to five popular Florida destinations: Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Fort Myers(RSW), Orlando (MCO), Tampa (TPA) and West Palm Beach (PBI). Avelo will fly to Fort Lauderdale on Thursdays and Sundays; Fort Myers on Mondays and Fridays; Orlando on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays; Tampa on Thursdays and Sundays; and West Palm Beach on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The Psychedelic Furs are BACK and coming to the stage Hard Rock Live Orlando o Friday, May 19. The hard-touring Psychedelic Furs are heading back out on the road again this spring, announcing a 13-date U.S. tour in late April and May that the band says is the “first leg” of its 2023 touring plans. The newly announced shows open April 28 in Phoenix and run through a May 20 date in Miami Beach, hitting Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana along the way. Tickets on sale this Friday at 10 am. Richard Butler and Co. in 2020 released Made of Rain, the band’s first new album in nearly three decades — since the 1991 release of World Outside, which spawned the modern-rock radio hit “Until She Comes.” The Psychedelic Furs Tour Dates TApril 28: Celebrity Theatre, Phoenix, AZ April 29: Rialto Theatre, Tucson, AZ May 2: House of Blues, Dallas, TX May 3: Tower Theatre, Oklahoma City, OK May 5: ACL Live at The Moody Theater, Austin TX May 6: Aztec Theatre, San Antonio, TX May 7: House of Blues, Houston, TX May 10: Manship Theatre, Baton Rouge, LA May 12: House of Blues, New Orleans, LA May 16: Florida Theatre, Jacksonville, FL May 18: Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater, FL May 19: Hard Rock Live Orlando, Orlando, FL May 20: Miami Beach Bandshell, Miami Beach, FL

Get ready to party as the Big Easy makes its way to Universal Orlando Resort for this year's Mardi Gras celebrations that sees Universal Studios Florida transformed into the biggest party this side of the Bayou. Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval will run from from February 4, 2023, through April 16, 2023, and this year's mouthwatering food dishes are inspired by global Carnaval celebrations—representing 17 different countries across 70 unique menu items. So, let’s get this party started. Here’s a roundup of some of the top foods for Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval, stomach, don’t fail us now! Mofongo Trio Flight Inspired by Carnaval Ponceño in Puerto Rico, this iconic dish is presented in three delectable servings. The base for each is a traditional mix of smashed green plantains, bacon, garlic, and chicharrones and topped three different ways: traditional, shrimp criolla, and crispy chicken chicharron with mayo ketchup drizzle. My favorite was the shrimp criolla topped one because of the extra kick from the Creole spices. Pav Bhaji* (pronounced pav baa-jee) Don’t let the name intimidate you. This popular Indian street food is a thick, vegetable stew with a medley of veggies and spices including potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, ginger and garlic with a buttery-toasted Hawaiian roll on the side. It definitely made me feel like this is one of those “like my mama used to make” comfort foods. I could feel the love in every bite. And a little tip: skip the spoon and use the bread to dip in the stew and let the warmth and fragrant spices delight your senses. *Vegetarian Baja Shrimp Ceviche Tostada This light and refreshing Mexican dish features citrus-blend marinated shrimp topped with avocado crema, chopped jalapeño (not spicy), cotija cheese, shaved red onion and micro cilantro on a crispy blue tortilla. The crunch factor combined with the fresh and citrusy ingredients was such an unexpected delight. Dirty Cauliflower Rice* A vegan twist on the traditional New Orleans staple, this comfort food is a blend of cauliflower rice, black-eyed peas, meatless sausage crumbles, the holy trinity mix of celery, onions, and green bell peppers and authentic Cajun spices. I loved the heartiness and variety of textures in this dish. *Vegan Rod Polse There are so many new countries represented in this year’s food lineup and Denmark is one of them. In addition to Frikadeller meatballs served in a Danish gravy and topped with apple butter, the menu also includes Rod Polse, a chef’s favorite. This Danish red, skin-on hot dog is topped with curry remoulade, pickled cucumber, crispy onions and fresh dill and served on a toasted top-split bun. This is not your average ballpark hot dog. It’s milder in flavor and the toppings have a tanginess to them that leaves you wanting more. Indonesian Purple Sticky Rice Pudding* (a.k.a. Bubur Ketan Hitam) Beautiful and heavenly is how I would describe this dessert. Honestly, I could have eaten at least 2 if not 3 bowls… it was that good. Made with purple long-grain rice, sweetened condensed coconut milk, diced mango and shaved coconut, this is a light and delicious treat that will transport you to the shores of Indonesia with every spoonful. *Vegan Vegan Churros* When it comes to creating new menu items, the chefs at Universal Orlando Resort find inspiration from everywhere, including suggestions from Passholders, guests and Team Members. The vegan churros are a direct result of listening to guests’ dietary needs and desire to enjoy this sought-after treat. These pint-sized churros are coated in cinnamon-sugar and come with two dipping sauces: chocolate and coconut agave nectar. I’m really hoping these find their way into the parks year-round. ¡Delicioso! *Vegan Brigadeiros (pronounced bri-ga-DAY-ros) The best way I can describe this classic Brazilian dessert is a trio of chocolate fudge bombs. They’re little bites of confectionary heaven made with sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder and butter (of course) and rolled in either hazelnuts, chocolate sprinkles or Mardi Gras color sprinkles. And yes, they are too good to share (sorry, not sorry). Liège Waffle Couldn’t wrap up the dessert section without giving some love to the Liège Waffle, from Belgium. The dough is fluffy, the strawberries are fresh, the whipped cream is so creamy. Make sure to take a bite with all the layers. Even More Places to Sample Mardi Gras Eats The Mardi Gras flavors are going beyond the gates of Universal Studios Florida, allowing even more guests to experience the International Flavors of Carnaval. In Universal CityWalk, themed kiosks will feature Tastes of the Mediterranean (Greece and France, and Belgium — the Liège Waffle is fantastic!), Tastes of the Islands and the Best of New Orleans. Near the Port of Entry in Universal’s Islands of Adventure, guests can revel in authentic New Orleans cuisine including shrimp gumbo, jambalaya, beignets and King Cake. And next door at Universal’s Volcano Bay, Muffuletta Long Board Pizza is on deck.

Saddle up because Beyonce is back with a bang, and she's coming to Florida! Queen Bey took to Instagram early Wednesday morning, February 1, to announce that her long-awaited Renaissance World Tour 2023 will officially kick off this year. The highly anticipated tour, produced by Parkwood Entertainment and promoted by Live Nation — is set to kick off in Europe on May 10 at Friends Arena in Stockholm, Sweden before touring overseas in Cardiff, Edinburgh, Sunderland, Paris, London, Marseille, Amsterdam, Warsaw and more. The North American leg of the tour begins on July 8 in Toronto, Canada before hitting 25 U.S. cities including Philadelphia, Nashville, Louisville, Minneapolis, Chicago, Detroit, East Rutherford, Boston, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Charlotte, Atlanta, Miami, St. Louis, Phoenix, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Inglewood, Vancouver, Seattle, Kansas City, Dallas, and Houston, oh and a date in Tampa! . Queen bey will take to the stage at the Raymond James Stadium this summer on August 16. For complete ticket information, visit tour.beyonce.com.

The 16th Annual UCF-Orlando Jazz Festival is returning to the Nicholson Auditorium on the UCF Campus on Friday, February 24, and Saturday, February 25. With two nights of performances, the 16th Annual UCF-Orlando Jazz Festival will bring the finest in jazz music to the Central Florida community. Friday will feature Sarah Hanahan (pictured) (alto sax), Alex Claffy (bass) and The Jazz Professors. Saturday will feature Terumasa Hino, Leroy Jones (pictured), Tom Parmerter, Richard Drexler, Alex Claffy and Clarence Penn trumpet extravaganza and celebration of life for Dan Miller. Tickets are available now. General admission is $25, with tickets for UCF Faculty/Staff $10 each.

Canadian rocker Bryan Adams announced his 2023 So Happy It Hurts Tour with iconic group Joan Jett and the Blackhearts on last night’s episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The tour will hit 26 cities across the U.S. this summer, with stops including New York City, Boston, Denver, Phoenix, San Francisco and more. The tour produced by Live Nation, includes a stopover at Tampa’s AMALIE Arena on Wednesday, June 21 at 7 pm. Tickets to the So Happy It Hurts Tour go on sale Friday at 12 pm. The upcoming tour is in support of Bryan Adams’ 15th studio album, “So Happy It Hurts,” which was released March 11, 2022 via BMG. “So Happy It Hurts” is also nominated for Best Rock Performance at the upcoming 2023 Grammy awards, taking place this Sunday, February 5. About Bryan Adams Bryan Adams has the reputation of being one the most exciting live musicians in the world. His energetic vocals and stage presence have proven to entertain for over 40 years. With 17 studio albums and four new studio albums in 2022 including, “So Happy It Hurts” (nominated for a Grammy) and “Pretty Woman – The Musical”. In addition to Classic pt. I and pt. II, which feature new recordings of his greatest hits, released digitally and in ATMOS with Platoon, are also available physically with BMG. His songwriting has garnered him numerous awards and accolades including three Academy Award nominations, five Golden Globe nominations and a Grammy Award and 20 Juno Awards. Bryan Adams is a Canadian singer/songwriter who will be playing the USA, Japan, South Korea, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand and more, all in 2023. About Joan Jett & the Blackhearts Joan Jett grew up during a time when rock ‘n’ roll was off limits to girls and women, but as a teenager, she promptly blew the door to the boys’ club right off its hinges. After forming her band the Blackhearts in 1979, with whom Jett has become a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, she has had eight platinum and gold albums and nine Top 40 singles, including the classics "Bad Reputation," "I Love Rock 'N' Roll," "I Hate Myself For Loving You" and "Crimson and Clover." With a career that has spanned music, film, television, Broadway and humanitarianism, Joan Jett remains a potent force and inspiration to generations of fans worldwide. As a producer, she has overseen seminal albums by Bikini Kill and the Germs' LA punk masterpiece ‘GI.’ Jett and co-founder Kenny Laguna (her longtime producer and music partner) founded Blackheart from the trunk of Kenny’s Cadillac after countless rejections from no less than 23 labels. 40 years later, Blackheart is a thriving entertainment company producing music, film and television and continues to champion emerging bands. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts continue touring the globe with headlining shows alongside fellow rock legends like The Who, Green Day, Heart and Foo Fighters. After two COVID-19 postponements the group returned to the road during summer 2022 for The Stadium Tour with Def Leppard, Motley Crue and Poison. 'Bad Reputation,' a documentary about Jett's life, premiered to critical acclaim at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival and is now available for streaming.

Bed Bath & Beyond have announced that it will shutter 87 stores on top of the hundreds of stores across the U.S. already announced for closure. Amid talks of filing for bankruptcy protection, Bed Bath and Beyond released a new list this week of 87 stores that will close, including another two stores here in Central Florida. The stores at 397 North Alafaya Trail in Orlando’s Waterford Lakes area and 2239 East Semoran Blvd. in Apopka are the latest Central Florida stores which are set to close. Central Florida stores already closed or in the process of being closed are: 5295 International Drive, Suite 100, Orlando 1115 Vidina Place Suite 175, Oviedo 111 Towne Center Blvd, Sanford 7187 Coastal Blvd, Brooksville The latest closures come as the retailer tries to stave off bankruptcy, with the company admitting that it was in default on loans and did not have the funds to repay them. The closures could be too little too late, as Reuters reported that the housewares company may file for bankruptcy protection this week and it has already found liquidators to shut the new slate of stores unless a buyer can be found soon.

It was on New Year's Eve, December 31, that the lights went out high above I-Drive as the entertainment district's iconic attraction The Wheel at ICON Park lost power, sparking dramatic scenes as firefighters climbed the massive structure to rescue stranded passengers. Now one month, The Wheel is still not spinning, as work continues to get the ride back up and running. For the first time since the incident, we have seen the attractions impressive LED Lights coming back on in recent nights, but the attraction itself is still closed and definitely not moving. ICON Park say that crews have been inspecting thousands of components to determine the reason why the 400-foot observation wheel lost power, and are working on ways to upgrade the attraction to avoid similar incidents in the future. No reopening date has revealed, with park officials admitting that inspections are still c “This work is time-consuming and hindered by current supply-chain issues,” ICON Park said in a statement. “After our process and inspections are complete, and then state inspectors approve, The Wheel will reopen.” A statement from ICON Park reads "This work is time-consuming and hindered by current supply chain issues. After our process and inspections are complete, and then state inspectors approve, The Wheel will reopen. This methodical approach is consistent with our dedication to providing enjoyable experiences for our guests.” ICON Park on International Drive was hosting a New Year's Eve party, December 31, when the entertainment centres observation wheel, known simply as The Wheel lost power, resulting in a multi hour rescue operation by Orange County Fire Rescue to safely bring dozens of passengers back down to the ground. At the time of the power failure there were 20 pods occupied on the ride, with Orange County Fire Rescue confirming that they had to rescue 62 people left trapped inside the pods during the incident. Officials said no one was hurt, and ICON Park confirmed in a statement at the time saying, “The Wheel lost power Saturday night and we’re working with the Orange County Fire Department to safely evacuate guests.”

The national adventure park chain Urban Air Adventure Park is set to expand it's Florida footprint as it announces a new location coming to 293 East Altamonte Drive in Altamonte Springs. The company operates over 155 locations across the United States, including 19 here in Florida, including Central Florida locations at Winter Garden and Daytona Beach. The new Altamonte Springs location which is set to open in March will be location in Uptown Altamonte, taking over a space formerly occupied by Marshall’s until the retailer closed the doors last year. Urban Air Adventure Park's are huge indoor attractions, offering a variety of games and activities for visitors of all ages. Typical activities at each location includes rock climbing, bumper cars, mini-golf, trapeze, go-karts, laser tag, bowling, arcade games, ropes courses, and multiple other activities. In addition to activities, locations offer food and drinks for purchase. Jay Thomas, Brand President and CEO of Urban Air said “Urban Air is the largest indoor adventure park operator in the world with over 20 different attractions such as intense ropes courses, Urban Air’s Sky Rider, Battle Beams, laser tag, dodgeball courts, electric Go-Karting, obstacle courses and more. Every park also offers an easy-to-execute, state-of-the-art, fast-casual café." Thomas continued “We are looking forward to increasing our presence in Florida, as we know there is high demand for family entertainment centers in the area.”

A report by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has revealed that employees at Wild Florida Drive Thru Safari Park shot and killed a young male white rhinoceros less than 24 hours after he had only just arrived at the Central Florida attraction last September. Details of the rhino being shot or killed were not publicly known previously, and it's only now that details of the incident have surfaced. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission were called to Wild Florida in Kenansville, about a 45 minute drive from the Orlando area attraction, about a week later following an anonymous tip that stated the shooting of the rhino was unnecessary. The report said no action was taken against the park. The male 2,000-pound rhino, arrived at Wild Florida, which offers airboat tours, a gator park with more than 200 animals and a drive-thru safari, on September 18, 2022. According to the FFWCC report, upon the rhino's arrival at Wild Florida, park workers told investigators that the animal was acting "very wild" and tearing at its enclosure. The report said that the animal eventually calmed down and was left overnight, and the park was closed the next day as a precaution,to let the rhino adjust. The following morning, workers were on site when the rhino broke through the main enclosure. Workers decided to build up the reinforcements on the animal's smaller quarantine enclosure, the report said. Video reviewed by investigators showed the rhino running back and forth and testing the cable fencing, he would leave the enclosure and then enter a stand of cypress in the main enclosure. The rhino kept pushing at the cable fencing and getting stuck in the surrounding wires. When workers saw the rhino break through the main enclosure and run toward cypress trees, park owner Jordan Munn gave the order to shoot, the report said. The rhino was hit several times but managed to escape the trees. Workers followed the dying rhino for ⅓ mile and kept shooting the animal until it fell and died, the report said. Based on shell casings, investigators found 15 rounds were fired. The FWC report said staff then quickly moved the rhino to a burial area and began to bury it quickly because staff feared it would be seen by a helicopter. They left part of the rhino's skull visible from the ground for the FWC investigator. The video footage of the rhino's escape was captured on the safari park's security cameras and corroborated what employees said had happened, the FWC investigator noted in their report. White rhinos are known to be gregarious and calm, Dr. Joseph Okori, WWF Rhino Programme Manager and a wildlife vet said. "White rhinos respond to threats by just running away," he said in an interview on the foundation's website. "They run away, but the problem with them is that they run to a safe distance and stop, they don't run away forever." White Rhino are classified as Near Threatened and around 18,000 animals exist in protected areas and private game reserves. They are the only of the five rhino species that are not endangered. Here is WILD Florida's complete statement issued regarding the incident. For more than twelve years, Wild Florida’s mission has been to provide an unforgettable Everglades experience that promotes a connection with animals while inspiring education and conservation. Unfortunately, we are sometimes faced with unforeseen situations and circumstances that require an immediate response to ensure the continued safety of visitors, staff, neighbors, and, most importantly, animals in our care. In September 2022, a new rhino began to pose an imminent danger to the park at large, and after consultation with leadership and Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) guidelines, we made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize the animal. As an organization, Wild Florida will continue providing the best care for our animal family and promote the importance of conservation through our educational programs.