Central Florida News

Loggerhead Distillery’s Cocktail Crawl returns to Historic Downtown Sanford this November

Published

4 years ago

October 18, 2022

SANFORD, Fla. (October 18, 2022)-If you’re a fan of Loggerhead Distillery and its delicious small batch craft spirits, November is your favorite month of the year.

The Loggerhead Cocktail Crawl is back for a fourth year in a row, challenging bartenders of the top 15 bars and restaurants in Historic Downtown Sanford to create the best cocktail using Loggerhead’s craft spirits. And yes, Loggerhead Distillery gets to participate this year.

On November 1st residents can pick up their “drink card” at Loggerhead Distillery or any participating business and begin their tastings. Through November, customers can try each cocktail featuring Loggerhead spirits and have the bartender punch their card.

“We’re so excited to be holding this event again,” said Colby Theisen, co-owner of Loggerhead Distillery. “We’re proud watching our favorite businesses participate, and love that our customers get to try some amazing drinks.”

If guests visit at least 5 participating bars and restaurants and turn their card in at Loggerhead before the end of the month, they can get 15% off any product. Visit 10, and they get 15% off and a Cocktail Crawl ’22 shirt. Get the signature cocktail at all 15, and they get 15% off, the shirt, and they will be entered into the drawing for a prize basket featuring Loggerhead products, including spirits, tasting glasses, swag, mixers, and more.

Participating Bars and Restaurants include:

Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe
Tuffy’s Music Box
The Basin
Executive Cigar Shop & Lounge
The District Eatery, Tap & Barrel
The Old Jailhouse
The Station Bar & Grub
The Yardery
El Zocalo Mexican Restaurant
The Wet Spot
Celery City Craft
West End Trading Company
Throwbacks Retro Bar
The Imperial at Washburn Imports
Loggerhead Distillery

“Before, we would host the event and give out the punch cards and collect for the prize, but with our new bar and the recent Florida law, we are able to participate and serve a cocktail in the crawl for the first time, it’s very cool!” said Chris Schmitt, co-owner of Loggerhead Distillery.

Thanks to SB 46, Loggerhead can craft and serve tasty drinks with the liquor they make, and the distillery is planning to expand their existing tasting bar to create the perfect spot to sit and enjoy.

Plus, guests can share their pictures with the hashtags #historicdowntownsanford and #drinkloggerhead for a chance to be featured on Loggerhead’s socials.

For more information on Loggerhead Distillery’s Cocktail Crawl, click here.

Central Florida News

USF Comes Up Short at UTSA as Late Touchdown Seals 31-24 Loss

Published

1 week ago

October 9, 2026

NISEY LOU S.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — USF running back D.J. Crowther (5) crosses the goal line on a 15-yard touchdown run to open the scoring against UTSA Thursday night at the Alamodome. Photo by Stephen Galvin / University of South Florida Athletics.

South Florida held an early advantage and reclaimed the lead late, but UTSA’s second-half execution proved to be the difference Thursday night at the Alamodome.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (FNN SPORTS) — South Florida gave itself a chance to steal a road win Thursday night, but UTSA answered when it mattered most, defeating the Bulls 31-24 at the Alamodome.

USF struck first behind D.J. Crowther, who broke through for a 15-yard touchdown run to give the Bulls an early advantage. Quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. helped keep South Florida’s offense moving throughout the night as the Bulls continued to respond whenever UTSA threatened to take control.

USF stayed within reach from start to finish, but the second half belonged to a UTSA offense that consistently found a way to finish drives.

UTSA Finds Its Rhythm

Running back A’Marion Peterson became the difference-maker for the Roadrunners, finishing with 92 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

UTSA scored on every second-half possession, gradually shifting momentum away from a USF team that continued to battle offensively. The Roadrunners leaned heavily on their ground game while keeping the Bulls from building any sustained separation.

(more…)

Central Florida News

Commissioner Uribe Announces New Date for Hispanic Heritage Festival Due to Weather

Published

1 week ago

October 9, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Commissioner Uribe announced that the Hispanic Heritage Festival has been rescheduled due to weather conditions. The event will now take place Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon at Cypress Grove Park, 290 Holden Ave., Orlando.

The festival will celebrate the rich history, cultures, traditions and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities through live music, dance performances, food and community resources.

Scheduled highlights include:

Live music by youth orchestra The Nucleus Orchestral.
Dance performances featuring Maria Saavedra of FusionFest with Huellas de Colombia, Unidos for Ecuador and Mexico Dansa.
Food from Zaza.
Community resources from 311 and other participants.

Join Commissioner Uribe and the community for a morning celebrating Hispanic and Latino heritage.

NEW DATE: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026
TIME: 9 a.m. to noon
LOCATION: Cypress Grove Park
ADDRESS: 290 Holden Ave., Orlando, FL 32839

Basketball

UPSHOT Announces Professional Women’s Basketball Franchise for Tampa Bay

Published

1 week ago

October 7, 2026

NISEY LOU S.

Jacksonville Waves battle at the rim against the Charlotte Crown during UPSHOT League action in Jacksonville. Photo by Nisey Spruill/FNN Sports.

New team will debut at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027 as fans help shape the franchise’s identity

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — UPSHOT League officially announced the arrival of professional women’s basketball in Tampa Bay, with the new franchise scheduled to begin play at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027.

UPSHOT Tampa branding unveiled as the league prepares for its inaugural 2027 season in Tampa Bay. Image courtesy of UPSHOT Tampa.

Owner Morgan Busby introduced the vision behind bringing elite women’s basketball to the region, while Garland Cooper was announced as team president. UPSHOT Deputy Commissioner Taj McWilliams-Franklin also joined the launch alongside local leaders as the organization emphasized community involvement, fan experience and competitive excellence as core parts of the franchise.

FAN INVOLVEMENT: The Tampa franchise does not yet have an official team name. Fans are being invited to submit ideas and take part in helping shape the team’s identity ahead of its inaugural season. Season-ticket deposits and founding membership opportunities are also available.

UPSHOT Tampa President Garland Cooper speaks with media following the announcement of Tampa Bay’s new professional women’s basketball franchise. Photo courtesy of UPSHOT Tampa.

Community outreach began immediately with a “Shoe a Day” initiative supporting young athletes in the Tampa Bay area. During media availability, Cooper also spoke about the importance of giving young girls an opportunity to see what is possible through professional women’s sports.

Hillsborough County Administrator Bonnie Wise and Advisory Board Chair Kathleen Shanahan were among the community leaders in attendance, highlighting the potential economic and social impact of adding another professional sports organization to the region.

INAUGURAL SEASON: UPSHOT Tampa is scheduled to tip off at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027, adding professional women’s basketball to an established Tampa Bay sports market that already includes the Buccaneers, Lightning and Rays.

The team name, branding and additional franchise details are expected to be announced as the organization continues building toward its first season.

– Nisey Spruill is a reporter and photojournalist for Florida National News (FNN), covering major news, sports and special events across Florida and nationwide. Contact sports@FloridaNationalNews.com