Travel and Tourism

Spooky Light Shows, Bark-o-Ween Puppy Pawty, Football specials and More

Published

3 years ago

October 7, 2023

ORLANDO, Fla. – Cooler weather and spooky celebrations have arrived in Central Florida, and ICON Park is joining the fun and getting in the fall spirit.

All month long, the 20-acre entertainment destination will have family-friendly themed experiences, events and specials for kids, adults (and even dogs).

FALL FOOTBALL HEADQUARTERS

This fall, enjoy fun-filled weekends at ICON Park, without missing a second of the big games.

Each weekend of football season, NFL and college football games will be broadcast on the giant screen (10 ft. by 20 ft.) inside The Wheelhouse at ICON Park. The Wheelhouse is ICON Park’s indoor hall with a giant bar, dining, and attractions for all ages, and will also offer gameday drink specials like select beers for $4.
Also new this fall for beer lovers, ICON Park supports local brewers as the Wheelhouse bar launches a new series of custom craft beers from Brewlando – Orlando’s newest and largest brewery.
- The new choices include four German-style crafted beers: the Brewlando Hoffner Hefe, the Brewlando Brewliner Weiss, the Brewlando Oktoberfest (Amber Lager) and the Brewlando 501 Oatmeal Stout.

For BBQ with your game, Brother Jimmy’s BBQ airs live football games on its many screens every Saturday and Sunday and offers half-price wings and half-price pitchers of Brother Jimmy’s custom ale from noon to 8 p.m. at the bar.
At Buffalo Wild Wings at ICON Park this month, all TVs are focused on football every Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, and there are drink specials like $4 Goose Island Wild Herd Beer, $4 shots of Screwball Whiskey and beer buckets for the table.
At Tin Roof, enjoy live music and football every weekend with live games airing on Saturdays and Sundays, game day food platters and drink specials like $3 Jell-O shots, $5 Fireball shots and $18 pitchers of Bud Light.

HALLOWEEKEND at ICON Park (Oct 26- Oct. 31)

ICON Park is offering a long Halloweekend of fun! Starting Thursday, Oct 26 through Halloween on Tuesday, Oct. 31, the park will offer free and discounted tickets, a haunted holiday light show and spooky photo ops.

“Wheely” Big Fun for Costumed Kiddos
- Bring your little princess, astronaut or cowboy out to ICON Park from Oct 26 to 31 for a FREE ride on the Carousel on the Promenade. Offer is valid for all costumed kids ages 12 and under.
- Your costumed kiddo also will get the whole family 50 percent off tickets for, ICON Park’s signature attraction, The Wheel, so families can take in the views of Orlando together on their own private, air-conditioned capsule (up to five tickets.)
Haunted Holiday Light Show
- Gather outdoors on The Lawn to be immersed in The Wheel’s popular annual light and fog show, as 64,000 LED lights dance 400 ft. in the air while fog drifts across the lawn at your feet. Shows will take place nightly, beginning this Saturday, October 7^th through Tuesday, October 31^st.
  - Sundays through Thursdays — 8:30 p.m.
  - Fridays and Saturdays — 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
- Best Spooky Selfie Spot
  - Every night in October, the 400-foot Wheel is the ultimate Orlando Halloween photo spot for selfies, as it illuminates the skyline with a magnificent color-scape of orange, purple, green and red lights.

Halloween Fun at Museum of Illusions

Museum of Illusions is transforming its most popular exhibits to truly immerse guests in the spooky spectacle, all throughout October.
- Guests can get lost in a haunted mansion, encounter supernatural creatures and experience optical trickery that defies the laws of physics.
- Each weekend in October, guests can solve riddles, decode illusions and unlock hidden doors to discover hidden candy treasures as they explore the museum.

Bark-O-Ween Bash: Spooktacular Puppy Pawty: Friday Oct 13, 6 – 8 p.m.
- One of Museum of Illusions’ most popular events is back. On Friday, October 13 from 6 to 8 p.m., the museum will be hosting a puppy party with dog-friendly treats, tons of adorable photo ops and a costume contest with a prize of $150 for the winning pup and their owner. Tickets will be $29.99 and include admission for the owner and their pet.
Eerie Enchantments: A Haunting Halloween Soiree: Saturday, Oct. 28
- If you’re looking for a unique Halloweekend celebration in Orlando, you won’t want to miss Museum of Illusions’ “Eerie Enchantments: A Haunting Halloween Soiree” on Saturday, October 28. The event will feature a cash bar, a costume contest with prizes, photo ops with Halloween-themed illusions and more spooky surprises.

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

7 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

_________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

_______________________________________________________________________________

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