Things To Do In SW Florida

Universal Studios theme park will introduce a “Wicked” experience that includes retail and snacks next month.  Its opening will be roughly one month before the first installment of the “Wicked” movie series arrives in theaters.

At Universal, park guests can expect to see themed merchandise and fashion, movie costumes and props, plus sweet treats inspired by “Wicked.”

The store will be in a space near the park entrance that housed the UNIVRS store and also sold merchandise related to Hello Kitty and Betty Boop.  The structure stands between Today Cafe and Minion Land.

An artist concept provided by Universal shows a yellow-brick road leading up to the entrance.

The “Wicked” film, a Universal Pictures presentation, is based on the stage musical, which was based on a 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire. It centers on “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” witch characters Glinda and Elphaba. It debuts in theaters Nov. 22, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo with Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Peter Dinklage and Bowen Yang in the cast. It is directed by Jon Chu (“Crazy Rich Asians,” “In the Heights”). read more

By The Associated Press

The risk of a strike at Boeing appears to be growing, as factory workers complain about a contract offer that their union negotiated with the giant aircraft manufacturer.

The president of the union local that represents 33,000 Boeing workers predicted that they will vote against a deal that includes 25% raises over four years and a promise that the company’s next new airplane will be built by union members in Washington state.

“The response from people is, it’s not good enough,” Jon Holden, the president of the union local, told The Seattle Times newspaper.

Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers in the Seattle area and machinists at other locations in Washington and California are scheduled to vote Thursday on the Boeing offer and, if they reject it, whether to go on strike beginning Friday.

Union members have gone on social media to complain about the deal. Hundreds protested during a lunch break at their plant in Everett, Washington, chanting, “Strike! Strike! Strike!” according to the Seattle Times. read more

STUART (CBS12) — The future of a Brightline station on the Treasure Coast is once again uncertain.

After hours of debate and public input, Stuart leaders decided to hit the brakes on adding a Brightline stop.

During a lengthy meeting that lasted until 11 p.m. Monday, two main issues were discussed. The first was whether to cancel the ground lease agreement with Brightline, which was decided with a 3-2 vote. The second was whether to cancel the updated agreement with Martin County, which was also decided with a 3-2 vote.

However, this doesn’t mean the idea of a Treasure Coast stop is entirely derailed.

“We’re confident that tonight’s actions don’t reflect the wishes of the majority of business owners and residents who have supported Brightline’s efforts to bring a station to Martin County. We’ll work with all cities and counties in the Treasure Coast to determine next steps for a Brightline station,” Ben Porritt, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs with Brightline, told WPEC-CBS12. read more