Travel and Tourism
First Emperor Penguin Chick in Over a Decade Hatched at SeaWorld San Diego; Only Place in Western Hemisphere to See These Threatened Species
Published
1 year agoon

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – On September 12, 2023, an Emperor penguin chick was hatched for the first time since 2010 at SeaWorld San Diego. SeaWorld San Diego is the only place on the Western Hemisphere where Emperor penguins can be found, making the hatching a rare and celebratory event. Emperor penguins are currently listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act due to the loss of Antarctic sea ice and rising sea levels caused by climate change.
“Bringing this chick into the world and ensuring her well-being and survival around the clock has been a very rewarding process for me and the entire SeaWorld Aviculture team,” said Justin Brackett, Curator of Birds at SeaWorld San Diego. “Every decision regarding her well-being was made with the upmost care and consideration by our expert team and veterinary staff. We are looking forward to learning more about her and watching her unique personality develop as she continues to grow.”
A recent scientific study found a record low for Antarctic sea ice coverage that is adversely impacting Emperor penguin populations. Four of the five Emperor penguin colonies studied experienced total breeding failure due to the lack of sea ice. Emperor penguins are dependent on sea ice as their habitat for breeding, raising chicks, and molting. Newly hatched chicks lack waterproof feathers required to swim or survive in the ocean.
Katie Propp, Chief Operations Officer at Penguins International said, “Disappearing sea ice is becoming more frequent as our planet continues to warm and is having a devastating effect on penguin populations. The good news is that there is a future for this species if we take action to fight climate change and support organizations like SeaWorld that provide human care and maintain genetic biodiversity for Emperor penguins in their facilities. Seeing these majestic animals up close and educating the public about the threats they face in the wild is paramount to encourage the public to do something to save their wild counterparts.
SeaWorld San Diego is the only place in the western hemisphere outside of Antarctica where people can see Emperor penguins. Penguin Encounter is home to a colony of 17 Emperor penguins, as well as 300 other penguins including King, Gentoo, Macaroni, Chinstrap and Adélie penguins. The exhibit is a 25-degree, snow-filled habitat where the resident penguins can swim and interact within the colony. A colony of warm-weather Magellanic penguins, native to South America, live in a habitat outside the Encounter. Penguin Encounter is also home to nearly 90 puffins and murres.
For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit SeaWorldSanDiego.com. Follow SeaWorld San Diego on Facebook and Instagram for the latest park updates and information.
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Travel and Tourism
Avelo Airlines Expands Lakeland Service with New Nonstop Flights to Nashville
Published
1 week agoon
March 8, 2025By
Willie David
LAKELAND, Fla. (FNN) – Avelo Airlines is soaring to new heights with the launch of its new nonstop route from Lakeland International Airport (LAL) to Nashville International Airport (BNA). Starting today, travelers can enjoy direct flights to Music City twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays. To celebrate the new route, one-way fares start at just $45, available for booking at AveloAir.com.
Convenient & Affordable Air Travel from Central Florida
Avelo Airlines has rapidly expanded its presence in Lakeland, flying nearly 60,000 customers on over 500 flights since its inaugural service. The addition of Nashville marks the airline’s seventh nonstop destination from LAL, joining:
- Charlotte / Concord, N.C. (USA)
- Boston / Manchester, N.H. (MHT)
- New Haven, Conn. (HVN)
- Philadelphia / Delaware Valley (ILG)
- Rochester, N.Y. (ROC)
- San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU)
- Wilmington, N.C. (ILM)
Avelo Airlines Founder and CEO Andrew Levy emphasized the airline’s commitment to providing an easy and convenient travel experience. “Our Lakeland base offers Central Floridians easy access to air travel, especially for customers who value the convenience of a small hometown airport. With today’s launch of service to Nashville and our six other nonstop destinations, travelers can enjoy more time and freedom to explore wherever their journey takes them.”
Lakeland Leaders Celebrate Expansion
City officials praised Avelo’s continued investment in Lakeland’s commercial air travel:
- Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz: “We’re excited to see Avelo Airlines take off with such success! With strong community support, commercial air travel will continue growing at Lakeland Linder International Airport, and Avelo is leading the way with even more exciting destinations like Nashville.”
- Lakeland City Manager Shawn Sherrouse: “Avelo is spreading its wings in Lakeland, and I, like many residents, am thrilled about this new route to Nashville. We look forward to seeing Avelo’s continued growth in our community.”
- Lakeland International Airport Director Kris Hallstrand: “We are excited to welcome travelers from Nashville to Lakeland and Polk County, where they can experience all the wonderful attractions and opportunities our region has to offer.”
Boosting Central Florida Tourism & Economy
Avelo’s growing network is a major win for Central Florida’s tourism industry. Visit Central Florida Director of Marketing Mark Jackson highlighted the economic benefits:
- Increased tourism brings more revenue to Polk County businesses
- Nearly 42,000 jobs in Polk County were supported by tourism last year
- For every 159 visitors, one job is created
- Tourism savings: Each Polk County household benefits from nearly $1,000 in tax savings
“Thanks to Avelo Airlines, it is easier for travelers from around the country to experience Central Florida. We welcome Nashville to Polk County, where the real Florida magic happens,” Jackson added.
With affordable fares, convenient flight schedules, and easy access to major destinations, Avelo Airlines continues to reshape travel in Central Florida.
_______________________________________________________________________________
J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Travel and Tourism
Avelo Airlines Extends Florida Flights to Labor Day 2025 with $49 Fares
Published
4 months agoon
November 26, 2024By
Willie David
CENTRAL FLORIDA (FNN NEWS) – Avelo Airlines has announced an exciting extension of its Central Florida flight schedule through Labor Day 2025, giving travelers more opportunities to explore top destinations with affordable fares. Customers can now book flights from Lakeland (LAL), Orlando (MCO), and Tampa (TPA) for travel through September 2, 2025.
Travelers can take advantage of one-way fares starting at just $49, making summer vacations or weekend getaways more accessible than ever. Reservations can be made at AveloAir.com.
Statements from Avelo Airlines
“Central Florida – It’s time to start planning summer travel, and we are excited to extend Avelo’s Florida flight schedule through Labor Day 2025,” said Trevor Yealy, Avelo Airlines’ Head of Commercial. “With Avelo’s everyday low fares and industry-leading reliability, now is the perfect time for travelers to get a head start on booking their summer vacations or long-weekend getaways. Avelo offers somewhere for everyone – from award-winning beaches to outdoor adventure destinations, to cultural and entertainment hotspots and more.”
Available Central Florida Routes
From Lakeland International Airport (LAL):
- Boston / Manchester, N.H. (MHT)
- Charlotte / Concord, N.C. (USA)
- Nashville, Tenn. (BNA)
- New Haven, Conn. (HVN)
- Philadelphia / Wilmington, Del. (ILG)
- San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU)
- Rochester, N.Y. (ROC)
From Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Tampa International Airport (TPA):
- New Haven, Conn. (HVN)
- Philadelphia / Wilmington, Del. (ILG)
- Wilmington, N.C. (ILM)
Extended Schedules at Other Airports:
Avelo Airlines has also extended its flight schedule through Labor Day 2025 for Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), Fort Myers’ Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), and Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ).
What’s Next for Avelo Travelers?
With the extended schedule, travelers can start planning trips to a variety of destinations offering everything from sun-soaked beaches to cultural and entertainment experiences. Avelo’s commitment to low fares and reliable service makes it easier than ever to lock in summer plans well in advance.
FUN FACT: Hello, Avelo!
For those wondering, Avelo is pronounced UH-VELL-O, rhyming with “yellow” or “jello.”
________________________________________________________________________________
J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com
Travel and Tourism
CFHLA PAC and PC Board of Directors congratulate election night winners in the City of Orlando races, and Florida House District 35 primary race
Published
1 year agoon
November 8, 2023
ORLANDO, Fla. – Today, the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association (CFHLA) PAC and PC Board of Directors congratulated the winners of the City of Orlando races, as well as the primary election winner of the open Florida House of Representatives, District 35.
This includes City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer; Tony Ortiz, City Commissioner, District 2 (unopposed); Patty Sheehan, City Commissioner, District 4; Bakari F. Burns, City Commissioner, District 6; and Erika Booth (R), Florida House of Representatives, District 35.
Each of the winners were endorsed by the CFHLA PAC and PC.
“CFHLA PAC and PC would like to congratulate all of our endorsed candidates, who truly understand the importance of tourism and the positive impacts it has on our community,” said Jay Leonard, General Manager of the Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort Area, and the Chairman of the CFHLA PAC and PC. “We targeted these elections as the top races for the hospitality industry and we look forward to working with each of these pro-hospitality champions, as we ensure that our region remains the best place to work, play, live and visit.”
Robert Agrusa, President and CEO of the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association went on to say, “CFHLA looks forward to working with Mayor Dyer and the rest of the Orlando City Commission, as we advance policies that will continue to provide a positive economic impact and support for the employees of the hospitality industry, as well as the entire Central Florida region. Additionally, each of these leaders are willing to face the challenges confronting our community and are focused on providing transportation and workforce housing solutions that will improve the quality of life for all residents of our community.”
Currently a member of the Osceola County School Board, Ms. Booth has now advanced to the General Election that will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.
The Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association’s mission is to represent the Central Florida Hospitality Industry, by setting the standard of excellence through advocacy, collaboration, education, recognition, and service. As the largest regional lodging association in the United States, CFHLA represents approximately 80 percent of the more than 129,500 hotel rooms in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties, and more than 500 “supplier” organizations that do business with the hospitality and tourism industries.
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