Things To Do In SW Florida

SpaceX took the biggest piece of the pie, but United Launch Alliance and newcomer Blue Origin will divvy up nearly $13.7 billion in national security launches to be assigned over the next five years, the Space Force announced Friday.

The National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 2 announcements made by the Space Force’s Space Systems Command anticipate giving Elon Musk’s SpaceX more than $5.9 billion, ULA more than $5.3 billion and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin nearly $2.4 billion, among more than 54 expected missions to be awarded through 2029.

The Space Force expects launches to fly about two to three years after being awarded, so the contracts will be for launches through 2032.

“Today’s award culminates nearly three years of government and industry partnership to increase launch resiliency and capacity,” explained Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen, program executive officer for the Space Force’s Assured Access to Space program, a role she holds on top of running Space Launch Delta 45 out of Patrick Space Force Base. “The result is assured access to space for our national security missions, which increases the military’s readiness.” read more

Carnival Cruise Line announced Sunday details on new ships including its next sister ship to Carnival’s Mardi Gras coming to Port Canaveral.

Carnival Festivale will be the fourth of the line’s Excel-class ships debuting in the spring of 2027 and taking over Mardi Gras’ longer Caribbean itineraries. Mardi Gras will remain at the port but shift to short three- and four-night Bahamas voyages.

“As new ships are introduced, this will allow us to upgrade capacity and hardware in key markets, with a particular focus on short cruises,” said Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy. “With short cruises on Mardi Gras, our guests who may not have the time to take a weeklong vacation can experience all the amazing features of our Excel class.”

Similar to 2021’s Mardi Gras, 2022’s Carnival Celebration and 2023’s Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Festivale is being named after one of the cruise line’s original vessels, the TSS Festivale, which it converted from an ocean liner and began sailing in 1978. read more

LPGA golfer Paula Creamer and former baseball player Shane Kennedy just flipped an investment property in Windermere for $6.175 million after adding a resort-style pool and an “entertainment wing.”

The 8,203-square-foot home on Worsham Court in Isleworth sold last week for more than double its 2022 purchase price, but the pair had spent millions on the renovation.

“It’s beautiful, very modern, lovely fixtures. They added over 2,000 square feet. Most of it was an entertainment wing on one side of the house,” said Michelle Corbin, Luxury Properties Specialist with Isleworth Realty.

Public records show the buyer is Francis Webster.

The entertainment area includes a bar and second kitchen near the outdoor kitchen close to the stunning pool.

“There wasn’t a pool before. The previous owners had filled all that in. [Creamer and Kennedy] took everything out and revamped it.” Corbin explained. “There is a fire pit in the center of the pool. It’s fun, we had 14 realtors in it at a brokers’ open.” read more

By Gretchen McKay, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (TNS)

PITTSBURGH — With restaurants closed and stay-at-home orders in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during the early months of the pandemic, Americans responded in the only way they could at meal time.

We started cooking at home more than ever before, even though it was harder than ever to find some ingredients on store shelves. And all the while, grocery stores had to alter their occupancy levels and traffic patterns to allow for social distancing.

We also took up baking in record numbers, particularly of bread as friends shared sourdough starters or re-discovered long-forgotten bread machines in our basements, leading to flour and yeast shortages all over the country.

“With COVID I was able to get that love of cooking and baking back,” shared Peg Morrow of Ellwood City in an email. “My bread baking skills certainly improved with practice. I combed the internet and the Post-Gazette for new recipes trying new procedures never before attempted.” read more

Potterheads may well lose their minds when Epic Universe opens next month. Universal Orlando’s next theme park features a “Harry Potter”-inspired attraction that’s exhilarating, imaginative, and, at times, jaw-dropping.

The ride, dubbed Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, is one of the noteworthy Epic offerings that folks are experiencing as the park moves through its previews for key audiences, including Universal employees and, on Saturday, members of the media.

The attractions remain in “technical rehearsal” before Epic Universe opens to the public May 22. Without being too terrible of a spoiler, here are initial impressions of upcoming attractions.

Taking Umbridge

The storyline of Battle at the Ministry (part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic) revolves around the trial of Dolores Umbridge, a villainess in the “Potter” series, and riders see a lot of her (actress Imelda Staunton). They also see Harry, Hermione and Ron more than they do in Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride at Universal Studios theme park. read more