Things To Do In SW Florida

Four Central Florida restaurants shut down the week of Sept. 17-23, according to data from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Orange

Twin Peaks at 8350 International Dr. in Orlando shut down on Sept. 20. Inspectors found 20 violations, three of which were a high priority. Those violations included food not cooled within the proper time frame, flying insects and multiple food items held at the wrong temperatures.

Officials revisited the restaurant on Sept. 21. They found 10 violations and issued a time extension for the flying insects. A follow-up inspection was required.

On Sept. 22, inspectors conducted the final inspection. They found nine violations and none were a high priority.

The restaurant met inspection standards.

Volusia

Cruisin Cafe at 900 Main St. in Daytona Beach shut down on Sept. 22. Inspectors found 23 violations, eight of which were a high priority. Those violations included roach excrement, rodent activity, uncovered rodent bait and a stop-sale on food due to it not being in a wholesome condition. read more

An upcoming exhibit at Orlando Science Center has an extremely local focus. “Backyard Adventures” will encourage visitors to examine nature right outside their backdoors.

The displays will look at biological interactions between plants and insects, the science that leads to giant vegetables and the math behind laying pavers. Activities will include a stroll through a digital garden to see plants grow in sped-up time and a chance to “discover the outdoors from the perspective of a bee,” the science center says.

“Backyard Adventures,” created by Australia-based Scitech and produced by Atlanta’s Imagine Exhibitions, will open at Orlando Science Center on Oct. 1 and remain at the Loch Haven Park museum through Jan. 9.  It will be available at noon on opening day and preceded by a 10 a.m. preview for science center members.

“This particular exhibition is powerful in its ability to bring the joy and thrill of science home for visitors of all ages. We hope that ‘Backyard Adventures’ inspires people to get curious, make discoveries and explore the wonders that exist in their own backyards,” Imagine Exhibitions’ Tom Zaller said in a news release. read more

Country singer Thomas Rhett, his wife Lauren Akins and their four daughters pose during their visit to Magic Kingdom theme park for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World.  Their costumes were inspired by the animated films “Tangled” and “Encanto.”  Rhett’s Home Team Tour recently made stops at Amway Center in downtown Orlando and in Jacksonville.