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Travel and Tourism

JetBlue sets date for start of flights between US and London

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JetBlue Airways said Wednesday it will start transatlantic service late this summer, competing against bigger rivals on the lucrative route between New York and London.

The New York-based airline said it will start daily flights between JFK and Heathrow airports on Aug. 11, and add daily trips from JFK to London’s second-biggest airport, Gatwick, on Sept. 29. It plans to add Boston-London flights next year.

JetBlue wanted to start the flights earlier than mid-August but was delayed, partly by the process of proving to regulators that it could operate long over-water flights safely. The late launch means JetBlue will miss most of the peak summer travel vacation season. However, travel between the United States and the United Kingdom is still restricted because of the coronavirus pandemic, and it’s not clear when restrictions will be eased.

“Given that the U.K. remains closed, we didn’t feel a ton of pressure to open earlier in the summer,” JetBlue President Joanna Geraghty said in an interview. “This gives us a couple more months. We are pretty optimistic that by then things will be ready to go.”

Before the pandemic, New York-London was among the most lucrative and highly competitive airline routes on the globe. It was popular with high-fare corporate travelers moving between two great financial hubs.

JetBlue believes it can undercut other airlines on price by using fuel-efficient and smaller, single-aisle Airbus jets with 117 economy seats and 24 lie-flat seats in a premium service that it calls Mint.

JetBlue said fares will start at $599 and £329 in economy and $1,979 and £999 in Mint. The latter is several hundred dollars cheaper than mid-August business-class fares displayed on Google Flights for rivals such as American Airlines, British Airways and Icelandair.

New entrants frequently offer deals when they start on new routes. Sometimes the bargains go away quickly.

JetBlue wants to offer more flights but found it difficult to break into Heathrow, where takeoff and landing slots are hard to get. The daily JFK-Heathrow flight will arrive in London after 10 a.m., which is later than many business travelers like.

“The times are not what we would have preferred,” Geraghty said, “but we also think they are times that are very workable for a large number of customers.”

JetBlue is looking next at expanding into continental Europe, where it would run into more competition from American, Delta and United. Among the cities being considered are Paris and Amsterdam, Geraghty said.

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Business

Avelo Airlines Expands Lakeland Base with Atlanta, Detroit Flights and Second Aircraft

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LAKELAND, Fla. (FNN)Avelo Airlines is expanding its footprint at Lakeland International Airport (LAL) with the return of nonstop service to Atlanta (ATL), the launch of new spring training flights to Detroit (DTW), and the addition of a second based aircraft to its growing Central Florida hub.

The expansion follows 18 months of successful operations at Lakeland International and reflects strong community support and Avelo’s commitment to offering convenient and affordable air travel for Central Florida passengers.

Avelo’s new service lineup includes:

  • Detroit (DTW): Begins February 11, 2026, with twice-weekly flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

  • Atlanta (ATL): Begins February 13, 2026, offering five flights per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

With the addition of these routes, Avelo will now serve 10 nonstop destinations from its Lakeland base.

Flights will be operated with Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, known for their comfort and reliability. Introductory one-way fares start at $34, and tickets are now available for booking at AveloAir.com.

Avelo’s expanded service to Atlanta will provide travelers with greater flexibility and access to key connecting destinations, while the new Detroit route will cater to spring training visitors and those traveling between Florida and the Midwest.

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Food & Drinks

ICON Park Celebrates Florida Residents with Exclusive Dining, Drink, and Attraction Deals

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ICON Park Celebrates Florida Residents with Exclusive Dining, Drink, and Attraction Deals

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN)ICON Park is showing love to Florida residents this fall with an array of exclusive savings across its restaurants, bars, and attractions — and Florida National News is spotlighting this vibrant International Drive destination for our foodies and drink lovers. From family outings to date nights, Floridians can savor great food, fun, and entertainment for less — all in one place.

Exclusive Florida Resident Offers

Participating ICON Park venues are offering limited-time perks for residents who present valid Florida identification. From meal specials and drink discounts to attraction savings, the deals vary by location — with some running through November 2025 and others extending into early 2026.

Dining and Drink Highlights

  • Brother Jimmy’s BBQ – Florida Resident Lunch Special: choose one of five dishes and a beverage for $15, Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m., through Nov. 30.

  • Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips – Enjoy 15% off food and non-alcoholic beverages with a valid Florida ID. Valid all day, every day.

  • I Café De Paris – Take 15% off all items through Dec. 31, 2025.

  • Juan Valdez Café – Mix and Match Combo: 16 oz latte or chai with marble cake or cheese bun for $8.45, through Dec. 31, 2025.

  • Ole Red Orlando – Florida residents receive 20% off food and non-alcoholic beverages daily.

  • Uncle Julio’s Orlando – Get $5 off your meal with a $20+ purchase, valid daily through Feb. 2026.

  • The Winery and Tasting Room by Brewlando – Enjoy $5 Tosso Rosé and $5 pints (select choices) Monday–Friday, 3–7 p.m., with valid Florida ID.

Attraction Savings

  • Museum of Illusions Orlando – Admission $17.99 per person, Monday–Thursday through Nov. 20, 2025.

  • The Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds Orlando & SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium – Get $5 off admission for Florida Resident Tickets purchased online 24 hours in advance.

  • Orlando Slingshot – Receive $5 off ride admission through Nov. 20, 2025.

A Destination for Locals

“These offers are our way of saying thank you to the community that supports ICON Park year-round,” said Chris Jaskiewicz, CEO of ICON Park. “We’re proud to be a place where locals can relax, celebrate, and make memories — whether it’s grabbing a bite, catching live entertainment, or taking in the view from The Orlando Eye.”

ICON Park continues to be a favorite gathering spot for both locals and visitors, offering free parking, free admission, and endless options for food, fun, and relaxation in a walkable setting.

For a full list of participating venues and offer details, visit:
ICONParkOrlando.com/deals-tag/florida-resident

_________________________________________________________________________________________

FNN Good News & Reviews | News@FloridaNationalNews.com

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Travel and Tourism

Avelo Airlines Expands Lakeland Service with New Nonstop Flights to Nashville

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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

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