Tallahassee, Fla., USA – Beyond Florida's 825 miles of beaches, visitors discover new attractions, hotel renovation and inaugural events through the state. Here is a summary of some of the latest news in Florida tourism.

Attractions

NORTHERN REGION 

Frank Brown Park - Panama City Beach – Spring 2016.  Thousands of athletes will meet to compete at the 200 acre sports complex (featuring 9 softball/baseball fields, an Olympic pool and aquatic center, 4 tennis courts, 4 multi-purpose football fields, an indoor gym, and walking/biking/running trails) that is getting a $4 million upgrade. 

CENTRAL REGION 

Daytona Rising - Daytona Beach – January 2016.  Race fans are already rejoicing over the DAYTONA Rising Project – a $400 million overhaul that's transforming Daytona International Speedway into the world's first true motorsports stadium.  This world-class facility with premium amenities and unparalleled conveniences will open in January 2016. By the numbers – three new concourse levels that will span the front stretch; five expanded and redesigned fan entrances called 'injectors'; 11 social areas dubbed 'neighborhoods,' each the size of a football field with open sight lines and dozens of video screens to capture the on-track action; more than 60 new luxury track side suites with patios; 17 elevators and 40 escalators in the new grandstand; and, 101,500 new 20”-21” grandstand seats featuring backs and arm rests. In addition, more than 7,000 solar panels will be installed making the sports complex one of the top five largest solar installations at a professional sports venue in the country.

Skull Island: Reign of Kong - Orlando – Summer 2016. Universal Orlando Resort announced a new groundbreaking attraction opening in summer 2016 at Universal's Islands of Adventure. “Skull Island: Reign of Kong” will honor one of the most monumental figures in movie history, King Kong. Guests will board large vehicles and explore ancient temple structures while encountering hostile natives and fending off unspeakable terrors.

Frozen Ever After - Orlando – 2016. EPCOT announced plans to open a new “Frozen” ride in early 2016, called “Frozen Ever After.” The Maelstrom ride, located in the Norway pavilion of the World Showcase, will be renovated into this new attraction based on Disney's popular animated film. The ride will take guests to Arendelle during the kingdom's Winter Festival, featuring favorite characters and music from the film, all with cutting-edge technology.

Star Wars Launch Bay – Hollywood Studios, Orlando – 2016. New Star Wars offerings have landed at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The Star Wars Launch Bay offers guests the chance to interact with characters from the film franchise. The adventure continues on Star Tours, which has been enhanced to feature new characters and journeys from Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Younglings can get in on the fun over at Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple which allows young guests to step into the shoes of a Jedi in training. 

Mako - Orlando - Summer 2016. SeaWorld Orlando announced plans for Mako, a brand new 200-foot-tall coaster opening in summer 2016. Named for one of the ocean's fastest known sharks, it will be Orlando's tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster, reaching speeds of 73 mph as it races along 4,760 feet of steel track. SeaWorld's new hypercoaster will be the centerpiece of the newly themed two-acre plaza. The surrounding realm will be fully shark themed, providing guests with the opportunity to learn about the impact humans have on sharks and why these animals are critical to the environment.

Disney Springs - Orlando - 2016. Walt Disney World Resort is currently developing the multi-year transformation of Downtown Disney into Disney Springs. Featuring an eclectic and contemporary mix from Disney and other noteworthy brands, this new expansion will double the number of shops, restaurants and other venues for guests to explore, to more than 150 establishments. New retail tenants include APEX by Sunglass Hut, Art of Shaving, Chapel Hats, Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC, Havaianas, Sanuk and Sound Lion.

Cobra's Curse - Tampa – 2016. Busch Gardens Tampa announced plans for a new family thrill ride called Cobra's Curse, opening 2016. This spin coaster will be the only one of its kind in the world, featuring a vertical lift and taking riders on a whirlwind adventure of exciting explorations. Key features of the ride will include an 80-foot snake icon, a trek over the park's Serengeti Plain and the mysteries of an Egyptian archaeological excavation.

The LEGO® MovieTM 4D A New Adventure - LEGOLAND – 2016. LEGOLAND® Florida Resort will premiere “The LEGO® MovieTM 4D A New Adventure” in early 2016. The new 4D animated film will feature the popular characters from The LEGO® MovieTM and use elements such as wind, water, smoke and special lighting effects. The larger-than-life experience will bring the film's main characters, Emmet and Wyldstyle, back together with their friends for another awesome adventure.

SOUTHERN REGION

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens in Punta Gorda, Fla. – Charlotte County – Fall 2016. A 50 million year old stone fossil of a palm frond taken from a mountain top in Wyoming serves as the inspiration for the logo and signature sculpture of the new Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens. Seven large-scale sculptures will adorn the landscape of the 27-acre property. Flowering trees will bloom throughout the year and more than 15,000 sq. ft of boardwalks and docks are planned. Sculptures have been installed and the master plans for the Gardens were developed in 2010. The property is developed and primarily financed by the Roger E. and Linda A.Tetrault Foundation, a 501 c. (3) private foundation. This will be one of the largest endowments for a botanical garden in the state of Florida. www.peacerivergardens.org

 

The Gallery - The Florida Keys – 2016. The Gallery, a new Key Largo venue showcasing local art, has opened in Miller's Village at 102991 Overseas Highway. The shop features 10 artists who are local to South Florida and who specialize in a wide variety of handmade items.

 

Wild Bird Explore - The Florida Keys – 2016. The Florida Keys Wild Bird Center in Tavernier has expanded its Mission Wild Bird building at 92080 Overseas Highway to include Wild Bird Explore. Wild Bird Explore features a series of interactive exhibits including streaming videos of bird releases and hospital activities, Cornell University's Lab of Ornithology eBird kiosk, a children's build-a-bird puzzle section, interactive bird migration maps, and a section on bird anatomy with X-rays, articulated skeletons and more.

 

The Casino @ Dania Beach - Fort Lauderdale – 2016. After a $60 million complete makeover, the former Dania Casino & Jai Alai has reopened as The Casino @ Dania Beach with 900 Las Vegas-style slot machines, 24-table card room, live Jai-Alai, and Stage 954 for comedy and concerts. Smash Mouth (Mar 5), Foreigner (Mar 11), Ralphie May (Mar 18), Gabriel Iglesias (Apr 1) and Air Supply (Apr 16).

 

Brain Drain at Rapids Water Park – Riviera Beach – April 2016. Brain Drain is a capsule-style slide where the floor drops out from under guests, sending them on a 70-foot free fall down twists and turns. For more information, 

 

Hotels and Resorts

 

NORTHERN REGION

 

Sawgrass Marriott – Ponte Vedra Beach – 2016. The iconic Sawgrass Marriott is nearing the completion of a resort-wide, $25 million “refresh.” Enhancements will be seen throughout its 511 guestrooms/villas, resort pool area, modernized front desk area, hotel façade, the Sawgrass Spa and Cabana Beach Club. Other exciting facets of the project are a new “Butler Serviced” guest wing, and soon-to-be-launched The American Gator Club restaurant.

 

CENTRAL REGION

 

The Edison - Disney Springs Orlando – 2016. The Edison, similar to its sister location in Los Angeles, is the third new venue announced to open at Disney Springs. With a theme that centers around a 1920s-period electric company with live entertainment, classic American food and craft cocktails, the industrial gothic space will have 35-foot ceilings and a number of themed areas

 

Frontera Fresco - Disney Springs Orlando – Summer 2016. The new Mexican dining concept from Chef Rick Bayless, will open at Disney Springs in summer 2016. Chef Bayless is a six-time James Beard Foundation winner, aiming to showcase the gourmet Mexican cuisine that has made him a culinary legend at Frontera Fresco.

 

STK Orlando -Disney Springs Orlando – 2016.  STK Orlando joins the host of new venues coming to Disney Springs in early 2016. The upscale steakhouse blends two concepts into one-the modern steakhouse and a chic lounge. Unique features include a live DJ, high-energy atmosphere and a sleek environment designed to encourage guests to interact and mingle.

 

Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine - Disney Springs Orlando – Summer 2016. This restuarant owned by celebrity Chef Art Smith, is bringing a taste of real Florida to a new restaurant opening in summer 2016 at Disney Springs. The restaurant will showcase the cuisine of Chef Smith, who was born and reared in the town of Jasper, Fla., on the Florida-Georgia border. After 25 years of preparing award-winning meals for celebrities and heads of state, he is making Florida his home once again.

 

Brewstillery - Winter Park – 2016. Winter Park Distilling Company announced plans for a new facility that combines a craft brewery, taproom and retail showroom at a new location in the City of Winter Park. The “Brewstillery” will be the first-of-its-kind in the State of Florida. It is set to open in 2016, featuring tours on a daily basis.

 

Opal Sands Resort – Clearwater Beach – February 24. Ocean Properties' stunning new luxury resort with a sleek, mid-century vibe and a gently curving façade fronting the Gulf of Mexico, will bring another world-class option to Clearwater Beach—and a new level of sophistication to the entire Gulf Coast. All 230 guest rooms boast unobstructed views o the Gulf's emerald waters, and 17,000 square feet of waterfront meeting space make it the perfect choice for business or pleasure.

 

Outdoor Kitchen and Edible Garden – Bok Tower Gardens – April 2016. Bok Tower Gardens announces the opening of the all new Outdoor Kitchen and Edible Garden on Saturday, April 9th at 9am. Located adjacent to the Visitors Center, this new area offers a modern design in harmony with the landscape and allows guests to enjoy a celebration of fresh food and culinary programming. The opening of this much anticipated area is part of the largest capital expansion campaign ever undertaken by the Gardens in its 87-year history.

 

SOUTHERN REGION

 

Courtyard Marathon Florida Keys – Florida Keys – January 2016. The new hotel will feature panoramic bay views and a white sand beachfront. Located at 2146 Overseas Highway, the hotel will feature 83 contemporary guest rooms, some with balconies overlooking Florida Bay, and 12 deluxe suites. Hotel guests can enjoy an infinity pool, fitness center, pool bar and on-site casual dining. Other amenities include on-site parking, local restaurant dinner delivery and more than 14,000 square feet of total meeting space.

 

Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort – Fort Lauderdale – 2016. The new $147 million, 349-room Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort is now open on the Broadwalk, featuring eight restaurants/bars, three pools, full-service St. Somewhere Spa, and 30,000 sq. ft. of flexible function space.

 

Siesta Beach Renovations – Sarasota County – 2016. Winner of TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Award for Best Beach in North America in 2015, Siesta Beach received a $21.5 million improvement including new playgrounds for children, 150 additional, free parking spaces and a renovation of a Sarasota School of Architecture pavilion. 

Hilton West Palm Beach - The Palm Beaches – January 2016. This 400-room hotel will be connected to the Palm Beach County Convention Center by an enclosed walkway, and will add a new dimension to the county's tourism appeal. The property will offer two ballrooms and eight conference rooms, as well as additional event space. It will also feature a 225-seat restaurant named “Manor,” which will showcase the talents of renowned local chef Matthew Byrne of the acclaimed eatery, Kitchen. 

 

Christopher's Kitchen - The Palm Beaches – February 2016. A second location for the popular vegan restaurant, Christopher's Kitchen, is slated to open in West Palm Beach in February 2016. Owned and operated by Chef Christopher Slawson, the restaurant will use honest techniques and ingredients that maximize real nutritional value for healthful results. Joining Slawson's first location in Palm Beach Gardens, the new eatery will be a place where casual elegance and an unrelenting passion for the finest organic living food can harmoniously co-exist.

 

Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club & Spa - Marco Island – 2016. The Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club & Spa has completed the first phase of a $250 million transformation that will ultimately result in its rebranding to the first JW Marriott Beach Resort in the continental U.S. The resort now has 716 newly renovated and enhanced guestrooms, new dining options, a re-imagined lobby and lots of amenities while work continues on a new resort tower. The new Tiki Bar that opened in Winter 2016 offers a retro-cool setting, an extensive menu of rums and rum-based drinks, all just steps from the pool and the beach. When all work is complete, the resort will debut on January 1, 2017 as the JW Marriott Beach Resort Marco Island. A new tower will feature celebrity chef driven restaurants, new meeting space, a luxurious new adults-only pool deck and much more.

1500 South – Naples – 2016. Celebrity chef Art Smith brings a new restaurant concept to Naples in 2016. His 1500 South waterfront restaurant is located at Naples Bay Resort and will feature something new and different. “I will be pairing Southern American food with what I just saw in Milan at the World's Fair. Italian families understand the love and power of food so the pairing is perfect,” said Smith. “For Naples' sophisticated diners this will definitely be a one of a kind menu with a lot of surprises,” Smith added. Art Smith is an acclaimed chef and was Oprah's personal chef for more than a decade.

 

Shima Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar - Sanibel Island – 2016. The only Japanese Steakhouse on the Southwest Florida beaches is at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa on beautiful Sanibel Island.   Voted Best Waterfront Dining in Southwest Florida, Sundial recently added a fourth dining option, Shima Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar.  At Shima, guests can look forward to an authentic Japanese experience as their meal is artfully prepared right before their eyes at the hibachi grill.  Shima also features sushi perfectly orchestrated to delight the senses.  Combining culinary entertainment and the freshest, high quality ingredients, Shima provides a culinary experience of cookery and art.  Serving dinner Tuesday through Saturday, reservations may be made at sundialresort.com/eat.

 

Inaugural Events

 

NORTHERN REGION

 

Scottish Festival & Highland Games – Panama City Beach – March 5.  The family friendly event celebrates Scotch-Irish culture, raises funds for charity, and showcases traditional Celtic games and food. The event will be held at the Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater. 

 

Inaugural Spring Jam – Panama City Beach – April 7-9.  Including headliners Rascal Flatts, Thomas Rhett and Chris Young, among more than 15 performing acts. The event will be held at the Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater, steps from the beach and adjacent to Pier Park in Panama City Beach.

Inaugural Jeep Beach Jam - Aaron Bessant Park – May 11-15. Just steps from one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, thousands of Jeep owners and enthusiasts will gather for 5 days of family-friendly fun, sun, music and Jeeps. http://www.jeepinbeachjam.com/ 

 

Inaugural Nashville Songwriters Tour – Panama City Beach – April 9 and May 20. Audiences at this free event will get to meet and listen to Nashville songwriters as they perform a 2 hour show on the beachside deck of the Boardwalk Beach Resort Condominium. http://www.boardwalkbeachresort.com/

Battle at the Beach Police Rodeo – August 4-6.

 

CENTRAL REGION

 

First Annual ShrimpFest Festival – Indian River County – February 2016. ShrimpFest will feature Fresh from Florida succulent shrimp grown locally by Florida Organic Aquaculture,LLC at their sustainable, land-based farm in Fellsmere. Select restaurants throughout Indian River County will each prepare a mouth-watering recipe, and festival attendees can enjoy full meals or sample each dish to vote for their favorite!

 

Inaugural Stella Artois Florida Cheese Festival – DeLand – April 16. Cheese lovers, rejoice! A new can't-miss event is coming soon to Florida. The city of DeLand will host the inaugural Stella Artois Florida Cheese Festival, Saturday, April 16. This first-time festival will include over 35 varieties of cheese for fromage lovers to savor and sample. floridacheesefestival.com.

 

Non-Stop JetBlue Flight from New York City (JFK) to Daytona Beach (DAB) - January 2016.

Orlando Pride – Orlando – 2016. Orlando City Soccer Club and National Women's Soccer League announced an exciting addition to Orlando's sports teams: a women's soccer team called the Orlando Pride. In 2016, the Orlando Pride will play at the Orlando Citrus Bowl, but will transition to the new stadium when it's completed next year.

 

SOUTHERN REGION

 

Florida Panther Festival – Naples Zoo – November 5. In November, the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens will present the Florida Panther Festival with special presentations, children's activities and a panther-themed hike.

 

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About VISIT FLORIDA

As the Sunshine State's No. 1 industry, tourism was responsible for welcoming 105 million visitors in 2015 who spent $89.1 billion and employing 1.2 million Floridians. According to the Office of Economic and Demographic Research, for every $1 the state invests in VISIT FLORIDA – the official tourism marketing corporation for the state of Florida – $3.20 in tax revenue is generated. VISIT FLORIDA promotes tourism to Florida through sales, advertising, promotions, public relations and visitor services programs. As a public/private partnership, VISIT FLORIDA serves more than 11,000 tourism industry businesses, including major strategic alliance partnerships with Busch Gardens Tampa, Disney Destinations, The Hertz Corporation, LEGOLAND Florida Resort, SeaWorld Parks & Resorts Orlando, Simon Shopping Destinations and Universal Orlando Resort. To learn more about VISIT FLORIDA, please go to VISITFLORIDA.org or follow us on our industry social media channels: SunshineMatters.org, Facebook and Twitter @FloridaTourism.