Things To Do In SW Florida

IAAPA is adding another site to its expo lineup. The attractions industry association will debut its IAAPA Expo Middle East in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in 2026.

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, based in Orlando, already has major trade show-style events in the U.S., Asia and Europe. The announcement was made during IAAPA Expo Europe, held in Amsterdam this week.

“This region is experiencing tremendous growth and innovation, and we are eager to support and elevate the industry here,” IAAPA president Jakob Wahl said in a news release.

“Our expo will provide a platform for networking, learning, and discovering new opportunities. We look forward to creating a valuable experience for all attendees and participants,” he said.

Among the attractions in UAE is SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the first SeaWorld park outside of the United States.

IAAPA Expo Middle East will be held March 30-April 2 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. It will feature a large exhibit floor, educational sessions, behind-the-scenes tours and interactions with industry leaders. read more

By Dalia Ramirez | NerdWallet

A few weeks ago, someone attempted a break-in at my house in the middle of the night. For the first time, my family realized we needed a security system — immediately.

We discussed the most critical factors for our convenience and safety, and I compared those with my experience reviewing home security equipment from various providers.

We chose and installed a DIY system that was easy to set up and operate from a mobile app and had no long-term contract or ongoing fees.

Our previous safety measures

My family locked our doors at night, but sometimes not while we were out for the day. We have had an alarm sticker on a front-facing window that’s likely been there longer than we have, with no alarm system to match.

However, our somewhat relaxed attitude toward security didn’t match our town’s property crime rates. To my surprise, my neighborhood ranked above the national average for property crime in 2022, earning a “C” grade from CrimeGrade.org.

Our attempted break-in experience was a sobering reminder that just because something hasn’t happened before doesn’t mean it won’t, and that it’s much better to be safe than sorry. read more

Four Central Florida restaurants shut down following health inspections the week of Sept. 15-21, according to data from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Orange

Santora’s Pizzeria at 5 W. Silver Star Road in Ocoee shut down on Sept. 17. Inspectors found nine violations, two of which were a high priority for flying insects and rodent activity. A second inspection the same day had six violations, but none was a high priority. The restaurant requires a follow-up inspection but is not a danger to the public. It has been reopened.

Seminole

Jax 5th Ave Deli & Ale House at 951 Greenwood Blvd. in Lake Mary shut down on Sept. 21. Inspectors found 10 violations, two of which were a high priority for roach activity and food held at the wrong temperatures. Officials conducted a second inspection on Sept. 21. They found nine violations and issued a time extension for the food temperature violation. The restaurant met inspection standards. It has been reopened.

Hungry Howie’s at 430 S.R. 436, Suite 103 in Casselberry shut down on Sept. 19. Inspectors found 11 violations, three of which were a high priority. Those violations included roach activity, a missing vacuum breaker and a spray hose hanging below the rim of the sink. read more

A union seeking to organize onboard Brightline workers in Florida is accusing management of hindering the effort, and has asked the U.S. Department of Transportation to consider blocking future federal funding for the high-speed railroad.

In a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the Transport Workers Union of America alleges the company has “repeatedly and aggressively blocked these workers from exercising their right to freely be represented by the union of their choice. Brightline Florida has engaged anti-union law firms to delay a vote to organize and they are actively pressuring workers to oppose unionizing.”

The letter, dated Sept. 19, is signed by John Samuelsen, the TWU president based in Washington. The union says it represents 155,000 workers in the airline, railroad and other transportation-related businesses.

In August, a majority of 104 onboard service workers employed by Brightline Florida requested to form a union. The railroad employs an estimated 600 workers. The service workers include lead attendants and on-board attendants who sell food and drinks and assist passengers with amenities. Their hourly wages range between $20 and $23 an hour, a TWU spokesman said. read more

Kissimmee is drawing fire from pilots, students and aviation experts over plans to raise revenue for the airport by charging a fee to land planes there — something that has been free since it opened in 1940.

Kissimmee Gateway Airport would charge $3 per 1,000 pounds of aircraft weight for each landing by a transient plane — one not based at the facility. The fee is projected to generate $400,000 to $500,000 in revenue annually based on airport landings in 2023.

Despite pushback from more than a dozen people during public comment Sept. 17, city commissioners unanimously adopted the ordinance to assess a fee. However, they delayed implementation and will hold another public hearing Oct. 1.

Opponents argue it sets a dangerous precedent across the state that could lead to safety issues and decrease traffic at the airport.

Pilot Johnny Baize told commissioners the fee might push pilots to use airports which, unlike Kissimmee, don’t have control towers — a factor that contributed to the crash that killed his son. read more