Pinellas County adopts short-term rental ordinance for unincorporated areas

The Pinellas County Commission has adopted a new ordinance aimed at increasing oversight and accountability for short-term rental properties in unincorporated areas of the county. The ordinance establishes a certification process for rental owners, sets safety and occupancy requirements and outlines rules on parking, noise and inspections. The goal is to preserve quality of life … Read more

Sneak peek: LEGOLAND Florida’s SEA LIFE Aquarium set to debut in May (PHOTOS)

LEGOLAND Florida Resort provided an early look at its upcoming SEA LIFE Florida Aquarium, during a behind-the-scenes hard hat tour. The new attraction, described as the world’s first “Theme Park Under the Sea,” is scheduled to open on May 23, 2025. “SEA LIFE Florida is designed to be a child’s first aquarium experience,” said Franceen … Read more

Hillsborough County sets record $1.16 billion in tourism revenue for 2024

Hillsborough County’s tourism industry hit another milestone, in 2024, generating a record $1.16 billion in taxable hotel revenue, according to Visit Tampa Bay. The figure marks an $80 million, or 7.4%, increase from the previous record set in 2023. This is the county’s third consecutive year surpassing $1 billion in hotel revenue and the fourth … Read more

Peak Surf Park secures land in Pasco County, targets 2027 opening

Rendering of a planned surf park in Pasco County featuring a wave lagoon, palm-lined beach, and surfers in a resort-style setting

Peak Surf Park plans a surf-focused destination in Pasco County as part of a large-scale mixed-use development, targeting a 2027 opening.

St. Regis Longboat Key Resort opens on Florida’s Gulf Coast

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts has opened The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, the largest development on the island in 50 years. The beachfront resort, developed by Unicorp National Developments, features design work by 10 Design, HBA Miami and Dutch East Design. The resort spans 18 acres with 800 feet of private beach, offering luxury … Read more

Lakeland Linder Airport is having a ‘moment’ and there’s more to come

In mid-June, Kris Hallstrand did something not out of character for an airport executive: she boarded a plane and took a flight.  But this was no ordinary flight – for Hallstrand, her airport or its community.  That Lakeland to New Haven, Connecticut trip was the first commercial outbound flight for the Lakeland Linder International Airport, … Read more

Oasis Bay Suites to open in the heart of Tampa’s amusement parks and attractions

Oasis Bay Suites, located in the middle of northern Tampa’s “amusement district,” has announced that its grand opening will take place July 1st. The fully renovated hotel will feature 155 guest suites overlooking the pool surrounded by tropical landscaping, an expansive sundeck, cabana and restaurant and bar. Each pet-friendly two-room suite features a decorated living … Read more

St. Pete-Clearwater International adds new, Allegiant non-stop flight destinations to Evansville, IN & McAllen, TX

New routes to St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) in Florida, includes Evansville, Indiana via Evansville Regional Airport (EVV), and McAllen, Texas via McAllen International Airport (MFE). St. Pete-Clearwater Int’l Airport Director Tom Jewsbury “looks forward to welcoming Evansville and surrounding southern Indiana, Illinois, and Northern Kentucky communities to convenient, non-stop flights to St. Pete-Clearwater.” Jewsbury … Read more

Make waves this summer: Dive into 101 days of one-of-a-kind adventures  

If you’re among the many people facing the annual question of what to do this summer, look no further than the sun-soaked vibes of Greater Fort Lauderdale. With 24 miles of golden beaches, endless one-of-a-kind attractions and epic summer events, across its 31 vibrant communities, our curated “101 Days of Summer” list has you covered. … Read more