Florahome, Florida

Long before the day Flora Sipprell honored this community with her name and Flora's home in Florida became Florahome, this small piece of Florida history was called home by the Native Americans. They were the first to explore the swamp and hear the screech of the owl and make camp beneath the oak. The swamp, drained by others who came long after those first residence had lost all but their Timucuan name, was for a time settled only by a few hardy individuals tough enough to be called Crackers. The Cracker name was actually said to have come from the sound of the whips used by the early cow hunters or 'Florida cowboys' as they drove their herds through the rough Florida terrain. It has since become a sort of blanket label for those of us born here in Florida or for others who have lived here so long they think they were. But at least in Florahome and other out of the way places like it in Florida, the sound of the Cracker whip can still be heard on occasion wielded by those who's blood is pure enough to deserve the title. As time passed, train tracks were put down from Macon Georgia to Palatka, Florida, and what was now called Florahome was discovered and explored by people from places much farther away than the usual Georgia, Alabama or the Carolinas. It's been said that a good time could be had in Florahome in those days when the train station and the hotels were in operation. Fires however were common back then and with the loss of the train station in 1923, lost as well was much of the business it brought to the area. Today, Florahome, like so many places is a mixture of old and new - where the train once came through, a new bike path promises to bring still more new faces to the neighborhood, and maybe that's as it should be. While some may have just moved here, others have family roots as deep as one of Florahome's tall Magnolias, but if you do live here, you or your ancestors at one time were the new face in Florida and like that first Native American to set foot on this land, heard the screech of the owl and camped beneath the oak decided to make this place we call Florahome, Florida 'home'.




Also on Florahome USA:
The Florahome, Florida History Page

Things to do in Florida Dec 31, 2010 and Jan 1, 2, 2011

Update:
you can find the latest 'Things to do in Florida list' shown either just to the right of the post title or scroll down to the archive also on the right-hand side of the page.

_______________________

Some of the events offered in this week's 'Things to do in Florida Dec 31, 2010 and Jan 1, 2, 2011'  list have been going on a while now, but the window of opportunity is closing fast so if you haven't yet had the chance, this will be your last one before all those holiday lights are put away until next year. The rest of the list is dedicated to that new year and when and where to kick it off right here in Florida. It's a fairly long list, but still only a small sample of all the parties and games that will be going on all over the state. When it comes to sports, Florida serves it on a platter from Jacksonville to Miami and that goes for the celebrating as well. So take a look at the list and whatever things you decide to do in Florida to ring in the New Year, please get there safely and hope you all have a Wonderful and Happy New Year!


List of Things to do in Florida
December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2, 2011

_____________________

Thru — Jan 3
Lake Buena Vista, FL
Disney's Hollywood Studios
The Osborne Family
Spectacle of Dancing Lights

Thru Jan 3
Lake Buena Vista, FL
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade

Thru Jan 3
Lake Wales, FL
Christmas at Pinewood Holiday Home Tour
863-676-1408

Nov - Jan
Orlando, FL
Seaworld's Christmas Celebration
407-363-2259

Thru Jan 2
Largo, FL
Florida Botanical Garden's
Holiday Lights in the Gardens
727-582-2100

Thru Jan 7
Orlando, FL
Special Events at
Leu’s Holiday House
407-246-2620

Thru Jan 1
Orlando, FL
Holidays at Universal Orlando

Thru Jan 20
St. Augustine, FL
Amphitheatre
Winter Wonderland
904-209-0367

Thru Dec 31
Silver Springs, FL
Festival of Lights

Thru Jan 9
Miami, FL
Santa's Enchanted Forest
305-559-9689

Thru Jan 3
Pensacola, FL
The Peacemaker Tall Ship Tours
850-434-1234

Thru Jan 2
Tampa, FL
Downtown on Ice (Ice Skating)

Thru Jan 02
New Smyrna Beach, FL
New Smyrna Beach Christmas Carnival

Thru Jan 2
Boca Raton, FL
Holiday Light Show
561-750-7000

Thru Jan 9
Winter Park, FL
Winter in the Park:
Ice Skating
407-599-3203

Thru Jan 2
Kissimmee, FL
ICE!™ at Gaylord Palms
Featuring 'Twas The Night Before Christmas

Thru Jan 1
Fort Myers, FL
Edison & Ford Holiday Nights
239-334-7419

Thru Dec 31
Punta Gorda, FL
King Fisher Fleet
Christmas Canal Cruises
941-639-0969

Thru Dec 31
Wesley Chapel, FL
Symphony in Lights
813-994-2242

Thru Jan 9
Kissimmee, FL
Osceola Heritage Park
Wonderland of Lights
321-697-3333

Thru Dec 31
Melbourne, FL
Space Coast Lightfest
321-917-9133

Jan 1 - 2
Bushnell, FL
Dade Battlefield Historic State Park
Dade's Battle Reenactment
352-793-4781.

Jan 1 - 2
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Las Olas Fair
954-472-3755

Jan 1 - 2
Fort Myers, FL
Art and Craft Fair
239-489-1221 0r
954-472-3755

Dec 26 - Jan 2
Miami, FL
Miccosukee Indian Arts Festival
305-223-8380

Jan 1 - 2
Naples, FL
Downtown Naples New Year’s Art Fair
239-262-6517

Thru Jan 2
Orlando, FL
Light Up UCF

Dec 31
Jacksonville, FL
New Years Eve Celebration

Dec 31
Tampa, FL
Lowry Zoo Noon Year's Eve!
813-935-8552

Dec 31
Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Noon Year’s Eve Celebration!
904-757-4463

Dec 31
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
New Year's Eve Noon Balloon Drop
904-280-0614

Jan 2
Coral Gables, FL
Junior Orange Bowl Parade
305-662-1210

Dec 31
Pensacola, FL
Pelican Drop Celebration

Dec 31
Panama City Beach, FL
Beach Ball Drop
850-235-1159

Dec 31
Tampa, FL
Light Up Tampa Bay
813-223-4250

Jan 1
Tampa, FL
Outback Bowl (Florida vs Penn State)
813-874-2695

Dec 31
Tampa Bay, FL
Florida Aquarium
New Year's Aqua Eve
813-273-4000

Thru Jan 2
Tampa, FL
Downtown on Ice

Dec 31
Orlando, FL
Times Square Orlando - New Years Eve 2011
321-252-4327

Jan 1
Orlando, FL
Capital One Bowl (Michigan State vs Alabama)
From fcsports.com

Dec 31
Orlando, FL
Bahia New Year's Country Western Hoedown
407-660-8811

Thru Jan 6
Orlando, FL
Cirque du Soleil

Thru Jan 2
Miami, FL
Kooza Cirque du Soleil

Dec 31
Cocoa, FL
Cocoa's Family New Years Event
321-639-3500

Dec 31
Tampa, FL
UHCCF'S New Year's Eve Parade and Band Blast

Jan 1
St. Cloud, FL
Forever Florida
New Year's Day Celebration
1-866-85-4EVER OR 1-407-957-9794 ext 1

Dec 31
Key West, FL
Dachshuund Walk
305-293-8019

Dec 31
Jacksonville, FL
Cheerin' in the New Year!

Jan 1
Jacksonville, FL
Gator Bowl (Mississippi State vs Michigan)

Gainesville, FL
'Downtown Countdown' New Year's Eve Celebration
352-393-8746

Dec 31 - Jan 2
Miami Beach, FL
South Beach New Year's Eve Festival

Dec 31
Miami, FL
Bayfront Park New Years Eve
305-358-7550

Dec 31
Daytona Beach, Florida
New Year's Eve on Main Street
386-295-5102

Dec 31
Naples, FL
New Year's Eve Fireworks
Contact: 239-213-7120

Jan 1 - 2
Naples, FL
Downtown Naples New Year's Weekend Art Fair
239-262-6517

Dec 31
St. Augustine, FL
Beach Blast Off!
904-377-2766

Dec 31
Key West. FL
Dropping of the Conch Shell

Jan 3
Miami Gardens, FL
Discover Orange Bowl
(Stanford vs Virginia Tech)

Dec 31
St. Petersburg, FL
First Night St. Petersburg 2011
727-823-8906

Dec 31
Key Largo, FL
New Year's Eve Fireworks on Blackwater Sound
305-451-4502

Dec 31
Sarasota, FL
Downtown New Year's Eve Block Party!

Dec 31
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Downtown Countdown

Dec 31
Port St. Lucie, FL
Tradition
Fireworks in Tradition Square
772-340-3500

Dec 30 - Jan 1
Live Oak. FL
New Year's Trail Ride
386-364-1683

Dec 31 - Jan 3
Salute to Vienna
Perfomances:
Dec 31
Clearwater, FL
Coral Springs, FL
Jan 1
Sarasota, FL
West Palm Beach, FL
Jan 2
Miami, FL
Jan 3
Fort Myers, FL

Dec 31
Seaside, FL
Countdown Seaside

Thru Feb 14
Destin, FL
Baytowne on Ice (Skating)
850-267-8000

Dec 31
Pensacola, FL
Saenger Theatre
Celebrate the New Year!
850-595-3880

Jan 2
Pensacola, FL
Pensacola Civic Center
Ice Skating

Dec 31
Orlando, FL
Nickelodeon Suites Resort
Annual Slime Drop

Thru Jan 2
Osprey, FL
Heritage Holidays
941-966-5214

Sundays Jan 2 - May 29
Tampa, FL
Upstairs/Downstairs at the Tampa Bay Hotel
813-254-1891

Dec 31 - Jan 1
Jacksonville, FL
Holiday Ice Skating Specials
904-399-3223

Dec 31
Jacksonville, FL
TOAST! TO THE NEW YEAR! with
The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra
904-633-6110

Jan 2
Jacksonville, FL
ABA Basketball
Jax Giants vs Georgia Gwizzlies
904-630-3900

Dec 31
Jacksonville, FL
First Baptist Church of Atlantic Beach
New Year's Night Watch Service
904-246-4341

Dec 31
Sunrise, FL
Bank Atlantic Center
Panthers vs Montreal Canadiens
954-835-7000

Jan 1
Tampa, Florida
St. Pete Times Forum
New York Rangers vs Tampa Bay Lightning
813-301-6500

Jan 1
Miami, FL
American Airlines Arena
Miami Heat vs Golden State Warriors
786-777-1000

Jan 1 - 2
Miami, FL
Ziff Ballet Opera House
Disney's Beauty and the Beast
305-949-6722

Dec 31 - Jan 1
Tallahassee, FL
Special Holiday Hours at
Florida Historic Capitol Museum
850-487-1902

Jan 1 - 2
Fernandina Beach, FL
Fort Clinch State Park
First Weekend Union Garrison
904-277-7274

Jan 2
Fort Pierce, FL
Sunrise Theatre
Howie Mandel
772-461-4775

Thru Jan 2
Fort Myers, FL
Barbara B. Mann Hall
Young Frankenstein ("That's Frahn-ken-steen")
800-440-7469 or 239-481-4849

Dec 31
New Smyrna Beach, FL
The Party's on Flagler also
1st Annual New Year's Eve Black Tie Event

Dec 31
Kissimmee, FL
Old Town Rocks in the New Year!
407-396-4888

Dec 31
Celebration, Florida
New Years Eve Bash and
“Celebration Weekend”

Dec 31
Mexico Beach, FL
Celebrate Twice Beaches New Year's Eve
850-229-7800 or 850-648-8196

Dec 31
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Noon Year's Eve and
Downtown Countdown
Facebook
561-340-1600

Dec 31
Jacksonville Beach, FL
Adventure Landing
New Year's Eve Balloon Drop at Noon
904-246-4386

Jan 2
Stuart, FL
Riverwalk Jazz

Ice Skating in Florida

Florida running Events

Florida Biker Events

Florida Car Shows

Day in Florida History

Whether you're a Native Floridian, a history buff or just visiting the state, make January 8th 2011 your own Day in Florida History at DeLeon Springs State Park. Rain or Shine!

Things to do in Florida Dec 23, 24, 25, 26, 2010

Update:
you can find the latest 'Things to do in Florida list' shown either just to the right of the post title or scroll down to the archive also on the right-hand side of the page.

_______________________

Among the things to do in Florida for this Dec 23, 24, 25 and 26 2010, there are a few special events planned and and at least one more boat parade in Tampa, FL so don't miss that one. Other events are ongoing keeping the Holiday Spirit alive right into the New Year. For those who wish to attend a Christmas Eve or Christmas day service and are not currently a member of a church or may be away from home, there are many churches all over Florida who would love to welcome you and a few of these have been added to the list this week. Also be sure to check out the ice skating links and the special 'Ice Skating in Florida' post listing places in Florida which regularly offer opportunities to enjoy ice skating. It's a busy week with lots of things to do here in Florida, so have a great time and have a Very Merry Christmas!

____________________________________

List of Things to do in Florida
December 23, 24, 25, 26, 2010:

_____________________


Thru Dec 23
Fort Myers, FL
Christmas Through A Child's Eyes

Select Dates Thru Dec
Disney's Magic Kingdom
Lake Buena Vista, FL
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

Thru Dec 30
Disney's Epcot
Lake Buena Vista, FL
Holidays Around The World
Candlelight Processional

Thru Jan 3
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Lake Buena Vista, FL
The Osborne Family
Spectacle of Dancing Lights

Thru Dec 24
Downtown Disney
Lake Buena Vista, FL
Festival of the Seasons
407-934-7639

Thru Jan 3
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Lake Buena Vista, FL
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade

Thru Jan 3
Lake Wales, FL
Christmas at Pinewood Holiday Home Tour
863-676-1408

Nov - Jan
Orlando, FL
Seaworld's Christmas Celebration
407-363-2259

Thru Jan 2
Largo, FL
Florida Botanical Garden's
Holiday Lights in the Gardens
727-582-2100

Thru Jan 7
Orlando, FL
Special Events at
Leu’s Holiday House
407-246-2620

Thru Jan 2
Orlando, FL
Light Up UCF

Thru Jan 20
St. Augustine, FL
Amphitheatre
Winter Wonderland
904-209-0367

Thru Dec 31
Silver Springs, FL
Festival of Lights

Thru Jan 1
Orlando, FL
Holidays at Universal Orlando

Dec 10-12, 17-23 and 26-30
Tampa, FL
Lowry Park Zoo
Wild Wonderland
813-935-8552

Thru Jan 9
Miami, FL
Santa's Enchanted Forest
305-559-9689

Thru Jan 3
Pensacola, FL
The Peacemaker Tall Ship Tours
850-434-1234

Thru Dec 23
Pensacola, FL
Civic Center
Holiday Skates (ice skating)
800-745-3000

Thru Jan 2
Tampa, FL
Downtown on Ice (Ice Skating)

Thru Dec 23
Tampa, FL
Victorian Christmas Stroll
813-254-1891

Thru Jan 02
New Smyrna Beach, FL
New Smyrna Beach Christmas Carnival

Thru Jan 2
Boca Raton, FL
Holiday Light Show
561-750-7000

Thru Dec 23
Miami, FL
The Nutcracker
305-949-6722

Dec 26 - Jan 2
Miami, FL
Miccosukee Indian Arts Festival
305-223-8380

Thru Jan 9
Winter Park, FL
Winter in the Park: Ice Skating
407-599-3203

Thru Jan 2
Kissimmee, FL
ICE!™ at Gaylord Palms
Featuring 'Twas The Night Before Christmas

Dec 26 - 30
Key West, FL
Florida Keys Art
Guild Art Festival
305-897-9098

Thru Dec 30
Boca Raton, FL
Holiday Fun-Tacular
561-347-3900

Dec 26
Coconut Grove FL
King Mango Strut Parade
305-401-1171

Dec 26 - 27
Delray Beach, FL
Holiday Art & Craft Fair
954-472-3755

Thru Jan 1
Fort Myers, FL
Edison & Ford Holiday Nights
239-334-7419

Dec 26
Lakeland, FL
Polk Museum of Art
Kwanzaa Celebration
863-688-7743

Thru Dec 31
Punta Gorda, FL
King Fisher Fleet
Christmas Canal Cruises
941-639-0969

Thru Dec 31
Wesley Chapel, FL
Symphony in Lights
813-994-2242

Dec 26
Sarasota, FL
The Nutcracker
941-953-2258

Thru Dec 24
Live Oak, FL
Spirit of the Suwannee
Music Park & Campground
Suwannee Festival of Lights
386-364-1683

Thru Dec 24
Melbourne, FL
Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol
321-723-6935

Thru Jan 9
Kissimmee, FL
Osceola Heritage Park
Wonderland of Lights
321-697-3333

Thru Dec 30
Miami, Fl
Miami Seaquarium
Winter Nights and Lights Celebration

Dec 23
Tampa, FL
Boat Parade of Lights Holiday Spectacular
813-404-3471

Thru Dec 23
Fort Myers, FL
Calusa Nature Center
and Planetarium
Holiday Arbor Lights
239-275-3435

Thru Dec 31
Melbourne, FL
Space Coast Lightfest
321-917-9133

Ice Skating in Florida

Florida running Events

Florida Biker Events

Florida Car Shows


Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Services
________________________________________

Dec 23 - 24
Longwood, FL
Northland Church
407-949-4000

Dec 24
Tampa, FL
New Beginnings Christian Church
813-837-3451

Dec 24
Orlando, FL
Discovery Church
407-855-3140

Dec 24 - 25
Pembroke Pines, FL
Holy Sacrament Episcopal Church
954-432-8686

Dec 24 - 25
Parkland, FL
Mary Help of Christians
Catholic Church
954-323-8011

Dec 24
Kissimmee, FL
First Christian Church
407-847-2543

Dec 24 - 26
Orlando, FL
St. Nicholas Catholic Church
407-351-0133

Dec 24
Panama City, FL
Northstar Church
850-215-4812

Dec 24
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Harbour Church
954-876-0307

Dec 24
Pensacola, FL
First Methodist Church of Pensacola
850-432-1434

Dec 24
Jacksonville, FL
St. John the Divine-Greek Othodox Church
904-396-5383

Dec 24
Boca Raton FL
Spanish River Church
561-994-5000

Dec 24
Delray Beach, FL
Lakeview Baptist Church
561-276-3937

Dec 24 - 25
St. Augustine, FL
Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church
386-439-2791

Dec 24
Bradenton, FL
Faith Christian Church
941-746-5711

Dec 24
Jacksonville, FL
All Souls Anglican Church
904-268-4600

Dec 24
South Miami, FL
South Miami Lutheran Church
305-665-2562

Dec 24 - 25
Sebastion, FL
St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church
772-589-2770

Dec 24
Celebration, FL
Community Presbyterian Church
407-566-1633

Dec 24
Largo, FL
First Baptist Indian Rocks
727-595-3421

Dec 24
Brandon, FL
First Baptist Church
813-689-1204

Dec 24 - 25
Gainesville, FL
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
352-372-4721

Dec 24
Pensacola, FL
Olive Baptist Church
850-476=1932

Dec 24 - 25
Melbourne, FL
Ascension Catholic Church
321-254-1595

Dec 24
Tallahassee, FL
Bradfordville First Baptist Church
850-893-0893

Dec 24
Winter Haven, FL
First Presbyterian Church
863-294-3121

Dec 16 - 24
Fort Walton Beach, FL
First Baptist Church
Hosts Live Nativity at the Santa Rosa Mall
850-243-3163

Dec 24 - 25
Tallahassee, FL
St. John’s Episcopal Church
850-222-2636

Dec 24 - 26
Cape Coral, FL
Faith Presbyterian Church
239-542-2858

Dec 24 - 26
Sarasota, FL
Grace Baptist Church
941-379-6301

Dec 24
Gainesville, FL
First Presbyterian Church
352-378-1527

Dec 24 - 25
Spring Hill, FL
Holy Trinity Orthodox Church
352-686-6050

Dec 24
Gainesville, FL
Creekside Community Church
352-378-1800

Dec 24 - 25
Orlando, FL
St. John Vianney Catholic Church
407-855-5391

Dec 24
Boca Raton, FL
Boca Raton Community Church
561-395-2400

Dec 24 - 25
Sarasota, FL
St. Margaret of Scotland Episcopal Church
941-925-2525

Dec 24
Jacksonville, FL
Terry Parker Baptist Church
904-744-6577

Dec 24 - 25
Miami, FL
Cathedral of Saint Mary
305-759-4531

Dec 24 - 25
Palm Coast,FL
Saint Thomas Episcopal Church
386-446-2300

Dec 24 - 26
Coral Springs, FL
Lutheran Ministry in Christ
954-752-6566

Dec 24
Milton, FL
Christian Life Church
850-623-4017

Dec 24
Key West, FL
Glad Tidings Community Church
305-296-5773

Dec 24
Sarasota, FL
Bee Ridge Presbyterian Church
941-921-5355

Dec 24
Lakeland, FL
First Alliance Church
863-688-2250

Dec 24
Tallahassee, FL
Fellowship Presbyterian Church
850-893-0617

Dec 24 - 25
Orlando, Flo
Cathedral of the Incarnation
407-843-2886

Dec 24
Gainesville, FL
Servants of Christ Anglican Church
352-271-1188

Dec 24 - 25
Sanibel, FL
St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church
239-472-2173

Dec 24
Port Orange, FL
Spruce Creek Baptist Church
386-767-5381

Dec 24
St Petersburg. FL
Christ United Methodist Church
727-822-3343

Dec 24 - 26
Miami, FL
Trinity Cathedral Episcopal Church
305-374-3372

Dec 24 - 26
Leesburg, FL
St. James Episcopal Church
352-787-1021

Dec 24- 25
Deerfield Beach, FL
St. Ambrose Church Catholic Church
954-427-2225

Dec 24
Shalimar, FL
Shalimar United Methodist Church
850-651-0721

Dec 24
Crystal River, FL
Crystal River Church of God
352-795-3079

Dec 24
Windermere, FL
Orlando, FL
First Baptist Church Windermere
407-876-2234

Dec 24
Orlando, FL
First Baptist Church
407-425-2555

Dec 24
Pensacola, FL
St Luke United Methodist Church
850-477-3145

Dec 24
Gulf Breeze, FL
St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church
850-932-2861

Dec 24 - 26
Sarasota, FL
Grace Baptist Church
941-379-6301

Dec 23
Gainesville, FL
Trinity United Methodist
352-416-3008

Florida Ice Skating

While there may not be as much ice skating in Florida as in the north, there are a few arenas, sportsplexes and ice skating rinks in the state offering a wide range of ice skating opportunities for the novice and professional alike. Here's a list of popular ice skating locations in Florida including links to their websites and numbers to call for specific times and activities. There are also special times during the colder months when ice skating is offered for a limited time so keep the 'Things to do in Florida' post in mind when looking for those. Hopefully with the aid of this list (and maybe a little driving) you will find the perfect place to enjoy ice skating in Florida.


Ice Skating in Florida
_____________________


Clearwater Ice Arena
Clearwater, FL
727-536-5843

Saveology.com Iceplex
Coral Springs, FL
954-341-9956

Daytona Ice Arena
South Daytona, FL
386-322-4848

Ellenton Ice & Sports Complex
Ellenton, FL
941-723-3663

Skatium
Fort Myers, FL
239-321-7510

Jacksonville Ice & Sportsplex
Jacksonville, FL
904-399-3223

The Ice Factory
Kissimmee, FL
407-933-4259

Palm Beach Skatezone
Ice and Inline Center
Lake Worth, FL
561-963-5900

Glacier Ice and Snow Arena
Lighthouse Point, FL
954-943-1437

Kendall Ice Arena
Miami, FL
305-386-8288

RVD Sportsplex Ice Den
Orlando, FL
407-916-2550

Pines Ice Arena
Pembroke Pines, FL
954-704-8700

Space Coast Iceplex
Rockledge, FL
321-504-7500

Tampa Bay Skating Academy
Oldsmar, FL 813-854-4010
Countryside (Westfield)
Clearwater, FL 727-723-7785

History of Florahome, Florida - Landmarks

The Coddingham's former home

Helping to preserve the history of Florahome, this anonymously contributed photo of one of Florahome, Florida's oldest landmarks was taken in the mid to late 1970s. Talk about changes in Florahome - this now privately owned residence was once home to the Station Master back when you could still travel to Florahome by train. Comparing this photo to the one just above the  'About Florahome USA'  link, the Coddingham's would surely be proud to see their former home has since been updated and remains one of Florahome, Florida's most recognizable landmarks.

Also on Florahome USA:
The Florahome, Florida History Page

____________________________

Things to do in Florida Dec. 17, 18, 19, 2010

Update:
you can find the latest 'Things to do in Florida list' shown either just to the right of the post title or scroll down to the archive also on the right-hand side of the page.

_______________________

As the day we celebrate our Lord's birth approaches, the list of things to do in Florida 2010 has gotten longer - especially for Dec 17, 18 and 19. You'll find many holiday traditions included - like the retelling of Charles Dicken's 'A Christmas Carol' or 'The Nine Lessons and Carols' begun at King's College, Cambridge in 1918 and now broadcast worldwide each year. This 24th of December you can hear this famous program direct from Cambridge online and maybe it will become a tradition for you and your family as well. Of course not everything on the list has been around that long - the young megastar, Justin Bieber will be spending a couple of his holidays this season here with us in Florida. With kids these days suffering a severe shortage of true role models, this performer has so far proven himself worthy of the title taking seriously the words ' to whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required. With his goal from this tour of building 15 schools for those less blessed than himself, he will hopefully continue to demonstrate a maturity and attitude of responsible so many celebrities lack. Justin's concerts and many others all over Florida along with boat parades, home tours and other merry-making activities complete the list of things to do in Florida this weekend. So look it over, find something to do and have youself a merry little Christmas NOW!

______________

List of Things to do in Florida
December 17, 18, 19, 2010:

______________

Thru Dec - 23
Fort Myers, FL
Christmas Through A Child's Eyes

Select dates Nov - Dec
Disney's Magic Kingdom
Lake Buena Vista, FL
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

Now thru Dec 30
Disney's Epcot
Lake Buena Vista, FL
Holidays Around The World
Candlelight Processional

Now thru — Jan 3
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Lake Buena Vista, FL
The Osborne Family
Spectacle of Dancing Lights

Now thru - Dec 24
Downtown Disney
Lake Buena Vista, FL
Festival of the Seasons
407-934-7639

Now thru Jan 3
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Lake Buena Vista, FL
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade

Now thru Jan 3
Lake Wales, FL
Christmas at Pinewood Holiday Home Tour
863-676-1408

Now Thru - Jan
Orlando, FL
Seaworld's Christmas Celebration
407-363-2259

Now thru Jan 2
Largo, FL
Florida Botanical Garden's
Holiday Lights in the Gardens
727-582-2100

Now thru Jan 7
Orlando, FL
Special Events at
Leu’s Holiday House
407-246-2620

Now - Jan 1
Orlando, FL
Holidays at Universal Orlando

Now thru Jan 20
St. Augustine, FL
Amphitheatre
Winter Wonderland
904-209-0367

Now Thru - Dec 31
Silver Springs, FL
Festival of Lights

Dec 10-12, 17-23 and 26-30
Tampa, FL
Lowry Park Zoo
Wild Wonderland
813-935-8552

Dec 18
Miami, FL
American Airlines Arena
Justin Bieber Concert
General info: 786-777-1000
Ticket Info: 786-777-1250

Dec 19
Tampa, FL
St. Pete Times Forum
Justin Bieber Concert
Forum Main Office: 813-301-6500
Ticketmaster: 800-745-3000

Dec 17 - 19
St. Augustine, FL
Community Nutcracker
904-810-5670

Dec 18
St. Augustine, FL
Candlelight Tours of Villa Zorayda
904-829-9887

Select dates thru Dec 19
Gainesville, FL
Hippodrome
A Christmas Carol and This Wonderful Life
352-375-4477

Dec 18
Boca Raton, FL
Holiday Boat Parade
561-338-7594

Dec 17 - 18
Key West, FL
Holiday Historic Inn Tour
305-295-1334

Dec 17 - 19 and 21 - 22
Key West, FL
Nutcracker Key West
305-295-7676

Dec 18
Big Pine & the Lower Keys
Lower Keys Lighted Boat Parade
305-872-0106

Dec 17 - 19
Edgewater, FL
Close To The Edge
Music and Art Festival

Dec 18 - Jan 02, 2011
New Smyrna Beach, FL
New Smyrna Beach Christmas Carnival

Dec 19
New Smyrna Beach, FL
Eldora State House -
Holiday Open House
386-427-4094

Thru Jan 2
Kissimmee, FL
ICE!™ at Gaylord Palms
Featuring 'Twas The Night Before Christmas

Dec 18
Kissimmee, FL
the First United Methodist Church
Festival of Carols
407-846-6257

Dec 18
Panama City, FL
Christmas Celebration
850-785-6146

Dec 18 - 22
Vero Beach, FL
Holidays at McKee
772-794-0601

Dec 18
Jacksonville, FL
Bead & Jewelry Show
904-854-6200 or 770-739-0057

Dec 18 - 19
Sarasota, FL
Arts and Craft Show
941-379-0951

Now - Dec 31
Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville Equestrian Center
Holiday Lights Spectacular

Dec 17 - 18
Sarasota, FL
A Night in Bethlehem
941-366-9903

Dec 17
Clearwater, FL
Handel's "Messiah"
727-447-3469

Dec 17
Mount Dora, FL
Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra
The Glorious Sounds of Christmas
352-589-1500

Dec 17
Tampa, FL
St. Mark Annual Christmas Production
Amahl and the Night Visitors
813-907-7746

Dec 17
Palm Beach, FL
Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea
Christmas Concert & Community Carol Sing
561-655-4554

Dec 17
Pembroke Pines, FL
Taft Street Baptist Church
Movie Night
A Christmas Snow
954-983-1413

Dec 17 - 19
Newport Richey, FL
First Baptist Church
The Singing Christmas Tree
727-849-4210

Dec 18 - 19
Casselberry, FL
Community United Methodist Church
"Home for Christmas" Musical
407-831-3777

Dec 18 - 19
Tarpon Springs, FL
Performing Arts Center
"Amahl and the Night Visitors"
727-942-5605

Dec 16 - 19
Miami Beach, FL
World’s Greatest Indoor Flea Market
305-974-1924

Dec 18
Tampa, FL
Christmas in the Country
813-627-4225

Dec 18
Homosassa, FL
Homosassa River
Christmas Boat Parade
352-422-7150

Dec 18
Orlando, FL
Santa farewell Festival and
Holiday Pet Costume Contest
Infophone 407-898-3130

Dec 18 - 19
Tampa, FL
Tampa Railfair and
Model Train Show and Sale
813-949-7197

Dec 18
Middleburg, FL
Middleburg Christmas Festival

Dec 18
Jacksonville, FL
SafeHouse of Jacksonville
Children's Christmas Party
425-4228

Dec 17 - 19
Naples, FL
Naples First Church of the Nazarene
LIVE NATIVITY
239-263-2115

Dec 16 - 19
Naples, FL
Philharmonic Center for the Arts
Holiday Pops
239-597-1900 or
800-597-1900

Dec 18 - 19
Vero Beach, FL
First Baptist Church
Handel's Messiah
772-567-4341

Dec 19
Sebastion, FL
St. Elizabeth's Epicopal Church
Christmas Pageant and Caroling
772-589-2770

Dec 17 - 19
Venice, FL
Venice Theatre
A Christmas Carol
941-488-1115

Dec 19
Sarasota, FL
St. Boniface Episcopal Church
Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols
941-349-5616

Dec 17 - 19
Pensacola, FL
The Nutcracker
850-595-3880

Dec 19
Inverness, FL
First Lutheran Church
Nine Lessons and Carols
352-726-1637

Dec 18 - 19
Fort Myers, FL
Southwest Florida Symphony
239-418-1500

Dec 17 - 19
Palm Coast, FL
"Christmas in the Country 1864"
386-446-7630

Dec 19
Daytona Beach, FL
A Christmas Carol
386-671-3462

Dec 19
Port Orange, FL
First United Methodist Church
Christmas Cantata
386-767-6161

Thru Dec 19
Winter Garden, FL
A Christmas Carol:
A Ghost Story of Christmas
407-877-4736

Dec 17 - 23
Miami, FL
The Nutcracker
305-949-6722

Thru Jan 9
Winter Park, FL
Winter in the Park:
Ice Skating
407-599-3203

Dec 19
Gainesville, FL
First Presbyterian Church
Nine Lessons and Carols
352-378-1527

Dec 16 - 18
Okeechobee, FL
Okeechobee Christian Church
Journey Through Bethlehem
details not yet on website so call
863-467-7858

Dec 17 - 18
Haines City, FL
Walk Through Bethlehem
Nothing on website so
better call 863-229-8065

Thru Jan 2
Boca Raton, FL
Holiday Light Show
561-750-7000

Dec 18
Miami, FL
MOC Holiday Boat Parade

Dec 18
Destin,FL
The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Lantern Parade
850-267-8119

Florida Biker Events

Florida Car Shows

Travel Cheap, Travel Safe, Travel Smart!

During the holidays it's especially desirable to travel cheap, safe and smart but the links offered here provide practical tips and services you can use throughout the year. Here in Florida as elsewhere, most people want a cheap way to go when they travel and if your planning to fly, the best airfares can be found quickly at airfarewatchdog.com Of course finding the airfare fast is one thing - getting through the airport fast is another but there are a few tips that might just speed things up a notch. Most people still travel by car which means an extra emphasis on the word, safe. This advice given by the Better Business Bureau is sound and something we need to be freqently reminded of. Unless you're staying with friends or relatives (good luck with that) you're probably looking for a cheap --> hotel room with a five star rating (good luck with that too). Actually at Hotel Accomodation Deals, you may get pretty close so check their site out as well. As far as eating goes, the best advice is to ask the locals, they're usually the real experts on that score. There is of course no guarantee for a perfect trip, but these links are a great package and worth the time if you want to travel cheap, travel safe and travel smart.

Florahome, Florida is Changing

Florahome Florida is changing. Even as these words are being typed, workers are already on the job making Florida State Road 100 a lot smoother traveling through Florahome. There are other changes taking place as well - some of them, like the newly opened Dollar General or the bike trail scheduled to come through Florahome in 2011 already making the pages of this blog. Change however, is not always easy to swallow and may be especially hard for those in the area who have lived here a good while or others fortunate enough to have lived here all their life. They can still remember waving to Mr. Sykes as they passed through Grandin, hearing the whistle of a train up where the new bike trail is supposed to come through, buying an RC and a Moonpie from Miz Tyre or maybe a beautiful Camelia at Carnes Nursery where the Dollar General now sits. Like it or not though, change is just a fact of life and Florahome, Florida like everything else is changing and will continue to do so. The time may come when even blogs like Florahome USA will be replaced by some service leaving information on Florahome, nothing more than just the dry basic facts. Hopefully though and with the support and contributions of those in and around Florahome who remember the old Florida, Florahome USA while it's still on the web, can at least help make these changing times taste a little less like a rice cake and just a little bit more like a Moonpie.


Also on Florahome, USA:
The Florahome, Florida History Page

__________________________________

Things to do in Florida Dec 10, 11, 12 2010

Update:
you can find the latest 'Things to do in Florida list' shown either just to the right of the post title or scroll down to the archive also on the right-hand side of the page.

_______________________

There are things to do in Florida and things to do in our own neighborhood this this coming December weekend 2010. Beyond the Christmas Parade in Keystone Heights or the holiday events happening in Melrose, be sure you also check out Florahome USA's Bulletin Board and don't miss 'For Unto Ya'll' at the Living Hope Family Worship Center or First Baptist's Walk Through Bethlehem also in Keystone Heights. And bundle up the kids- it's cold out there!


_____________________________________________________

List of Things to do in Florida for Dec 10, 11 and 12 2010:

Update:
For those searching for Orlando's Walk Through Bethlehem, here is the LINK.

Dec 11
Big Pine Key, FL
Island Art Festival
800-872-3722

Dec 12
Brooksville, FL
Historic Tour of Homes
352-796-6026 or 848-7988

Dec 11
Carrabelle, FL
Carrabelle Boat Parade of Lights
850-697-2585

Dec 11
Fanning Springs, FL
Festival of Lights
352-463-9089

Dec 11
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
954-767-0686

Dec 10 - 23
Fort Myers, FL
Christmas Through A Child's Eyes

Dec 11
Gainesville, FL
Holiday Homes Tour
352-378-2280

Dec 10 - 11
Greenville, FL
Greenville Country Christmas Festival
850-948-2251

Dec 11
Gulfport, FL
Holiday Hoopla!
727-322-5217

Dec 11
Hawthorne, FL
'Dreams of Christmas' Festival
352-317-7401

Dec 11
Inverness, FL
Christmas Parade and
Holiday Arts and Crafts Festival
352-726-2611 ext. 1309

Dec 1 - 11
Key Largo, FL
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
50th Anniversary Celebration
305-582-2838.

Select dates Nov - Dec
Disney's Magic Kingdom
Lake Buena Vista, FL
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

Now thru Dec 30
Disney's Epcot
Lake Buena Vista, FL
Holidays Around The World
Candlelight Processional

Now thru — Jan 3
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Lake Buena Vista, FL
The Osborne Family
Spectacle of Dancing Lights

Now thru - Dec 24
Downtown Disney
Lake Buena Vista, FL
Festival of the Seasons
407-934-7639

Now thru Jan 3
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Lake Buena Vista, FL
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade

Now thru Jan 3
Lake Wales, FL
Christmas at Pinewood Holiday Home Tour
863-676-1408

Nov - Jan
Orlando, FL
Seaworld's Christmas Celebration
407-363-2259

thru Dec 10
Orlando, FL
Orlando Puppet Festival

Now thru Jan 2
Largo, FL
Florida Botanical Garden's
Holiday Lights in the Gardens
727-582-2100

Now thru Jan 7
Orlando, FL
Special Events at
Leu’s Holiday House
407-246-2620

Dec 4 - Jan 1
Orlando, FL
Holidays at Universal Orlando

Dec 3 - 12
St. Augustine, FL
World Golf Village
St. John’s County Festival of Trees
904-940-4123

Now thru Jan 20
St. Augustine, FL
Amphitheatre
Winter Wonderland
904-209-0367

Dec 3 - 31
Silver Springs, FL
Festival of Lights

Dec 11
Key Largo, FL
Key Largo Boat Parade
305-451-4502

Dec 11
Largo, FL
Trees & Traditions
(727) 582-2123

Thru Dec 11
Leesburg, FL
Leesburg Main Street Christmas House
352-365-0053

Thru Dec 12
Newpot Richey, FL
Main Street Holidays
727-842-8066

Thru Jan 1
Orlando, FL
Holidays at Universal Orlando

Dec 10 - 11
Perry, FL
Southern Pines Blues and BBQ
850-584-5366.

Dec 11
Port Charlotte, FL
Car Show King Winterfest
786-664-7469 or
Cultural Center of Charlotte County, Inc
941-625-4175

Dec 11 6:00 p.m.
Keystone Heights, FL
Kiwanis of the Lake Region Christmas Parade
352-473-4807

Dec 12
Safety Harbor, FL
Kiwanis Arts & Crafts Show
727-726-4830

Dec 11 - 12
St. Petersburg, FL
Roser Park Art & Craft Festival

Dec 12
St. Petersburg, FL
Candlelight Tour of Homes
727-269-5521.

Dec 11
Sanford, FL
St. Lucia Festival
407-665-2489

Dec 10-12, 17-23 and 26-30
Tampa, FL
Lowry Park Zoo
Wild Wonderland
813-935-8552

Dec 10 - 11
Weekie Wachee
Holiday Lights
352-592-5656

Dec 10
Williston, FL
Light Up Williston
352-528-5552

Dec 11
Winter Park, FL
Boat Parade Festival of Lights
407-647-6294

Dec 9 - 11
Eagle Lake FL
Mistletoe Market Place
863-293-4141

Dec 11
Deland, FL
Glitter and Glisten Hloiday Bazaar

Dec 10 - 12
Lake City, FL
Holiday Crafts Bazaar & Festival
386-623-3502

Dec 11
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Art Festival and Craft Fair
561-627-2800

Dec 11
Melrose, FL
Merry Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival
352-473-7966

Dec 11- 12
West Palm, FL
Buckler Craft Fair

Dec 11 - 13
Bushnell, FL
Sumter Fair Craft Show
352-793-2750

Dec 12
Vero Beach, FL
Art in the Park
772-231-0303

Dec 11
Panama Beach FL
Optimist Annual Beach Christmas Parade
850-234-0854

Dec 11
Dade City, FL
Holiday Market and
Country Christmas Stroll

Dec 11 - 12
Cape Coral, FL
Indian Festval
941-924-2784

Dec 10 - 11
Jacksonville, FL
Springfield Home Tour 2010
Holiday on the Park

Dec 9 - 10
Jacksonville, Florida
The Community Nutcracker
904-419-3627

Dec 11
St. Augustine, FL
Holiday Regatta of Lights

Dec 11
Palm Coast, FL
Holiday Starlight Parade

Dec 11
Chumuckla, FL
Chumuckla Redneck Christmas
Parade and Bonfirejam
386-986-2341

Dec 10
Pensacola Beach, FL
Lighted Boat Parade
850-932-1500

December 10-12
Pensacola, FL
Madeline's Christmas
850-432-2042

Dec 10 - 12
Pensacola FL
Pensacola Children's Chorus
Christmas on the Coast
850-595-3880

Dec 11
Fort Lauderdale, FL
2010 FLIFF Winterfest Boat Parade Party

Florida Biker Events

Florida Car Shows

Christmas in Florahome, Florida

Christmas may not be as white here in Florahome, Florida as it is up north - a winter wonderland in North Florida basically means wondering if we'll be wearing sweaters or just sweating when we celebrate with family and friends. We all know however, it's the family and friends part that really makes Christmas special - like that hole Uncle Bob accidentally shot through the roof back in 03 or the year Grandma almost burned down the house when she got to playing that 'Guitar Hero thing' and forgot about her cooking. Christmas in Florahome, may not as bright as in Orlando or Jacksonville, but the lights on our homes or gates are born of the same Christmas Spirit. If you drive down Coral Farms Road at night this time of year or maybe have seen one of the Living Hope Worship Center's past Christmas performances, you'll know the reason for the season is not forgotten here. Really, Christmas in Florahome, Florida is like Christmas anywhere else,... it's not the place we celebrate that's important - it's the place Christmas has in our heart.

You can help preserve the history of Florahome and other places in Florida by sending your information, memories, stories and photos to the email address at the bottom of the page. Please do not send any copywrited material. Thanks

Unique Christmas Cookies!



Christmas Wreath Cookies

If you missed the contest, don't miss these unique Christmas cookies. Many great recipes from The Gainesville Sun and Ocala Star Banner's 2010 first ever Holiday Cookie Contest are all wrapped up like a Christmas package in an easy to use database. With over 100 entries, this database should definitely get bigger with each passing holiday season, but take advantage and bake up some unique Christmas cookies with these recipes right now!

Native American Indian History - Florahome, Florida

  Artifacts  - Florahome, FL

The Native American 'Indians' now known as the the Timucua were the original inhabitants of the Florahome, Florida area and lived in a region extending from Southeast Georgia to Northeast and North Central Florida. Evidence of the Timucua recovered from the Florahome area include pottery artifacts as well as a dugout canoe now featured in the new “Dugout Canoes: Paddling Through the Americas,” exhibit at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville. Sadly, from their first encounter with Europeans in 1513, the Timucua as a people were doomed to extinction succombing to disease, wars and enslavement. According to Wikipedia, there were no more than five left when Florida was acquired in 1821. Wikipedia is probably the best resource on the web for an overall account of the history and culture of the Timucua. Other places to visit either on the web or in person to learn more about the Timucua, are the Florida Living History website, the Old Florida Museum in St. Augustine, the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve in Jacksonville, and of course the Florida Museum of Natural History has many more artifacts and is a great place to explore Florida's past.

For a more in depth study of the Timucua, you might also like to read The Timucua (Peoples of America) by Jerald T. Milanich or the Ripley P. Bullen two book series, The Timucuan Chiefdoms of Spanish Florida and The Timucuan Chiefdoms of Spanish Florida Volume II. Florida resident, Fredric Hitt has also written 3 fictional accounts of the Timucua beginning with Wekiva Winter, followed by Beyond the River of the Sun and The Last Timucuan. There is also a book for younger readers - The Timucua Indians - A Native American Detective Story for ages 9-12.

NEW from Florahome USA
For more on Native American Indians in Florida, you can read Florahome USA's second post on the subject - William Bartram - The Florida Indians

Also on Florahome USA:
The Florahome, Florida History Page