Travel and Tourism

Now through December 31; Guests play at any ICON Park attraction and receive FREE pulled pork sliders from Brother Jimmy’s BBQ

Published

2 years ago

November 1, 2023

ORLANDO, Fla. – To celebrate fall gatherings with friends and family, ICON Park in Orlando is offering free Southern BBQ for all guests who come play at the entertainment destination’s famous attractions and fun activities.

Now through Dec. 31, guests who visit any of ICON Park’s eight attractions and game rooms can show their same-day receipt and receive a FREE order of BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders from Brother Jimmy’s BBQ, a Southern scratch kitchen (one per party, dine-in only).

The signature appetizer includes three sliders piled high with award-winning, North Carolina-style pulled pork, made from scratch and smoked in-house for 16 hours, inside pillowy, soft buns.

“There is no greater season than fall to extend Southern hospitality, and we’re excited to offer a free taste of our famous Carolina BBQ to all guests who come out and play with our neighboring ICON Park attractions,” said Mike Daquino, owner and operator of Brother Jimmy’s at ICON Park.

Guests can choose from any eight attractions in the 20-acre complex for the free special — with choices for kids and adults alike — including soaring 400 ft. high on The Wheel, coming face-to-face underwater with marine life, posing with famous wax celebrities, playing in escape rooms, virtual reality experiences and axe throwing games, riding an exquisite carousel or boarding a miniature train.

Participating attractions include:

The Wheel, with its 400 ft. views across Florida
The Carousel on the Promenade
Museum of Illusions Orlando
Max Action Arena
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
SEA LIFE Aquarium
In the Game/7D Motion Theater
Pearl Express Train

Brother Jimmy’s BBQ, the Southern scratch kitchen

Brother Jimmy’s was founded 35 years ago in New York City, with the mission to spread the gospel of real Southern BBQ and warm Southern hospitality to new audiences. The legendary institution moved to Orlando just last year to expand its ability to share Southern scratch cooking with the world on an even larger scale.

The restaurant is famous for its slow-cooked North Carolina BBQ and making every single dish from scratch daily, in its on-site kitchen with the original recipe book. Over 100+ recipes are followed to create each sauce, side dish, smoked meat and dessert the restaurant serves.

“In the spirit of true Southern hospitality, we proudly make every dish we serve from scratch,” said Daquino. “There are no frozen or pre-made foods. We like to say the only thing we don’t make ourselves are the Oreos, although we do coat them with our own sweet batter recipe before deep-frying!”

In addition to the signature BBQ sliders, other popular dishes include:

Louis-style jumbo ribs (rubbed with 21 spices, smoked for 11 hours)
Competition-winning Black Angus brisket (smoked for 14 hours)
“Grilled Mac-and-Cheese and Smoked BBQ” sandwich on Texas Toast

Homemade sides and appetizers include favorites like fried pickles, hand-cut fries loaded with cheese and smoked BBQ meats, hushpuppies with maple butter, and crispy cauliflower roasted with buffalo sauce.

Committed to uniting families and friends with Southern hospitality in an affordable way the restaurant also offers free meals from the children’s menu for kids 10 and under with the purchase of an adult entrée, all day, every day.

For adults, the bar offers plenty of Southern spirits including Mason Jar Cocktails, Swamp Water and Trashcan Punch, and airs live football games every weekend with half-price wings and half-price pitchers of Brother Jimmy’s custom ale (every Saturday and Sunday, from noon to 8 p.m. at the bar).

Business

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

Published

6 months ago

November 12, 2025

Willie David

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.

Food & Drinks

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

Published

6 months ago

October 23, 2025

Willie David

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

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FNN Good News & Reviews | News@FloridaNationalNews.com

Travel and Tourism

Avelo Airlines Expands Lakeland Service with New Nonstop Flights to Nashville

Published

1 year ago

March 8, 2025

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.

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J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
News@FloridaNationalNews.com