The Busch Gardens theme park in Tampa Florida is planning to open a Sesame Street family friendly Safari in March 2010. This will be lots of fun for the whole family and it includes a child’s first coaster ride called Air Grove. It features a friendly blue character wearing a World War 1 pilot outfit and the rear of the coaster features a camel character. This coaster is for children but it maxes out at 23 mile per hour for a thrilling ride and it will be perfect for children and parents to ride together. (photo courtesy: Bush Gardens)

This will be Busch Garden’s newest kid size rides and lots of cool water fun for a memorable experience. Have your children climb in Elmo’s Tree House, fly through the desert with Grover, have a splash in Bert and Ernie’s watering hole or you and your children can have dinner with furry friends. On selected days, the whole family can share breakfast and lunch with Elmo and friends. Let your imagination run wild as you experience the Sesame Street Safari of Fun.

There will be lots of interaction with Sesame Street characters in the new Bush gardens area and ten of these characters will be present all the time. The Cookie Monster, Elmo and the Count will be walking through the Safari of fun at least five times a day and will end the day with a very entertaining stage show. Don’t forget to take pictures with Big Bird who will be stationed in the meet and greet building called Smile with Me. And your child will love new areas called Elmo’s Safari Go-Round, Snuffy’s Elephant Romp, the Count’s Zambezi Rally and Zoe Patra and the Hippos of the Nile. Be sure to take your children to a fun movie called Sesame Street Presents Lights, Camera and Imagination. (photo courtesy: Bush Gardens)

Start planning your Florida travel vacation now and be sure to visit this incredible Sesame Street family friendly Safari that is due to open its doors in March 2010. There will be so much to do at Bush Gardens that it will truly be an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

If you are planning to travel to Florida and get away from the cold winter months, consider Sanibel Island. Located off the Gulf coast of Florida and west of Fort Myers, it is a busy vacation destination for many people during the winter and those who just need to get away. It is a tropical island with lots of coconut trees, delightful tropical foliage where you can watch herons and pelicans fish for their dinner. At Sanibel Island you will also find that much desired slow paced way of life with family friendly activities, golf, fishing, boating, biking, excellent restaurants and gorgeous white sand beaches. (photo courtesy: flickr)

Sanibel Island is known for its beautiful pastel colored seashells that pile up on the beaches. If you love collecting seashell, this is the place to be. Here you will find an abundant collection of unique seashells that come from the Gulf of Mexico to the shores of the island. Tourists from all over the world vacation in Sanibel Island to collect and admire the very colorful seashells and consider them a treasure from the sea. Collecting seashells at Sanibel Island has become a family activity and you will see young and old with buckets collecting them. (photo courtesy: Sandy Ranseth)

Sanibel Island has something for everyone. You can spend time at the famous “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge with over 6,000 acres of mangrove jungles and wetlands and home to many endangered species. Here you will see many manatees, raccoons, alligators and lots of tropical birds. You and your family can also go fishing, boating, biking on a twenty five mile bike path and explore the island, play tennis, shop at unique boutiques with unusual items to purchase and dine at numerous excellent restaurants along the way.

The fun never stops at Sanibel Island and the best part is that you can include your whole family. It really is considered a top Florida destination for families. You can choose to be boating, kayaking, water skiing, fishing, canoeing, playing golf on one of the scenic courses, and playing tennis, bike riding, or just cruise the waterway by boat and rest assured that you will remember your vacation for years to come. Sanibel Island is also a
preferred place for couples who dream about getting married at the beach. If you are planning a wedding, do consider Sanibel Island for your special day and it will be an unforgettable experience. (photo courtesy: ultimatebeachweddings.com)

The Florida Chautauqua Center located in historic DeFuniak Springs, Florida will be hosting their 15th Assembly from January 28 through January 31, 2010 and the theme is “A Journey into the Caribbean.” This is an awesome 4-day conference style event for the whole family to enjoy. The 2010 program will be very exciting this year with the presence of Jenna Bush-Hager (daughter of former President and Mrs. George W. Bush) as a featured keynote speaker. So pack your bags and come on down to the sunshine State and be sure to attend this wonderful event in DeFuniak Springs, Florida.

Just in case you are not familiar with the Chautauqua movement, the original group referred to as “The Mother Chautauqua” began in Northwest New York in 1874. The Florida Chautauqua Assembly, is a non-profit educational program which began back in the 1880’s, lasted until the early 1920’s and was revived again in 1996. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors and it is not religiously affiliated nor politically aligned. The Assembly is held at the Florida Chautauqua Center and it hosts discussions on many topics for the whole family and the community to enjoy.

Here are the speakers and the events that each speaker will cover at the 2010 Florida Chautauqua Assembly. For more information and a complete schedule of events and timeframes, visit the Florida Chautauqua website. Information is being updated daily so do check their website regularly.

Jenna Bush-Hager
Jenna is the daughter of former President and Mrs. George W. Bush. After teaching at a public school for almost two years, she took a leave of absence to work at a shelter as part of an internship for UNICEF’s Educational Policy Department in Latin America. She returned to her teaching position after her internship and now works as a reading coordinator at a school in Baltimore, MD. Jenna is the author of a book called “Ana’s Story” about the life of a 17 year old mother living with HIV whom she met in the Caribbean. (photo courtesy: Florida Chautauqua)

•    ”Teaching in the Caribbean” – A presentation by Jenna Bush-Hager.

Dean DeBolt
Dean is University Librarian for Special Collections at the University of West Florida in Pensacola. He has lectured widely on the American Chautauqua Movement and the history of the Florida Chautauqua including presentations at the New York Chautauqua and the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly. (photo courtesy: Florida Chautauqua)

•    Chautauqua History Trolley Tours of DeFuniak Springs – An overview of the original Florida Chautauqua Assembly.

•    History of the Florida Chautauqua Movement – Dean will discuss how the Florida Chautauqua was founded and why. He will also discuss how DeFuniak Springs was created, the individuals that led the Florida Chautauqua and why it was called the Great Southern Chautauqua.

Judy DeBolt
Judy is retired from the University of West Florida. She has given presentations on “Gone with the Wind” and the “Titanic” since 1999 and has presented these to historical groups in Pensacola, FL as well as previous Chautauqua Assemblies in DeFuniak Springs.

•    Story of the SS Morro Castle – Judy will discuss the tragic story of the SS Morro Castle luxury cruise ship of the 1930’s that caught fire going from Havana Cuba to New York City. She will talk about the improvements that have been made to prevent this from happening again.

John Bussert
John is a steel drum entertainer and is passionate about protecting parrots in the Caribbean and around the world. He performs throughout Florida at various events and always brings a message about the protection and proper care of parrots. (photo courtesy: Florida Chautauqua)

•    ”International Port of Call” Welcome Party – Enjoy live steel drum music by John Bussert and meet many of the performers and greeters that will make the Assembly journey an unforgettable experience.

•    Tea with Steel Drum Performer John Bussert – John will explain how steel drums work and will weave his story with live music enjoyed throughout the Caribbean islands and nations. This will be a time to enjoy live steel drum music while you sip tea and envision your next trip to the Caribbean.

•    Parrots of the Caribbean – John will give an introduction on his many parrots of the Caribbean and explain how he and others are working to protect them from smuggling and abuse.

Dr. Colleen Vasconcellos
Dr. Vasconcellos received her PhD in Atlantic History from Florida International University and is a visiting assistant professor in the Department of History at the University of West Georgia. She has taught classes on Abolitionism in the Atlantic World, Slavery in the Caribbean and Colonial Latin America, but her research centers on children in the Atlantic World, more specifically slave children in Jamaica. (photo courtesy: Florida Chautauqua)

•    Slavery in the Caribbean – A discussion of how the processes of colonial exploitation and the domination of sugar monoculture in the Caribbean led to the formation of plantation societies and the enforcement of slavery in the Caribbean. She will also discuss conditions under slavery, the different levels at which slavery was resisted and finally overthrown.

•    Slavery, Abolition and Childhood in Jamaica, 1750-1838 – This is an interesting discussion on roles and experiences of Jamaican slavery and how they shifted from burden to investment and back to burden with the British abolitionist movement being the catalyst.

Dale Arrowood
A master falconer, Dale is co-founder and leads a company called Winged Ambassadors an organization in Sharpsburg, GA that brings educational bird shows to schools, scouting events, and fairs. He has dedicated his life to educating the public about the significance of eagles, hawks, owls, falcons and vultures using non-releasable birds he found injured. (photo courtesy: Florida Chautauqua)

•    Birds of Prey – An interactive demonstration featuring non-releasable birds trained for educating audiences of all ages. You will learn the differences and similarities between a variety of raptor and owl families, birds of prey that exist in the Caribbean, and the necessity of the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

Michelle Murillo
Michelle is an actress from Melbourne, FL and is playing the role of lady pirate Mary Read during monologue teas and special events throughout the Florida Chautauqua Assembly. She captures the persona of Mary Read perfectly and even visited the Old Gaol in Port Royal, Jamaica where Mary Read died from complications of childbirth. (photo courtesy: Florida Chautauqua)

•    Tea at the Trial of Lady Pirate Mary Read – Sip your tea and enjoy your crumpets while you listen to “Lady Pirate Mary Read” as she explains what happened at her trial in the 1700’s and why she was accused of piracy in the Caribbean.

•    Tea with the Tyrants – Have some tea with the Lady Pirates of the Caribbean, the infamous Mary Read and Anne Bonney and learn about their sea mischief and trials.

Brenda Rees
Brenda is a local actress who plays the part of Octavia Walton-Le Vert who was a local historical figure that traveled the world and befriended many famous people. Brenda has been a frequent presenter at the Florida Chautauqua Assembly in recent years on “Shaping Florida,” John Wesley in “Spanish Florida” and “A Portrayal of Octavia Walton-Le Vert.” (photo courtesy: Florida Chautauqua)

•    Monologue Tea with Octavia Walton Le Vert – Enjoy tea and dessert as you step back in time and explore the world of travel through the eyes of an incredible and historical Northwest Florida figure. Octavia Walton Le Vert (played by Brenda Rees) was known as a published woman, author and writing peer of Harriet Beecher Stow and Louisa Mae Alcott back in the 1800’s and Walton County Florida is named for her father. Octavia’s grandmother, Dorothy Walton, wife of Declaration of Independence signer George Walton, was captured during the American Revolution War and taken prisoner to the Caribbean. Octavia will be brought to life through her Florida territorial days, adventures, and stories with the rich and famous of the world.

Brian Staples
Brian owns the “Brian Staples Animal Reserve and Rescue” in Clayton, Washington which is home to animals that have been confiscated at the United States border during illegal importation or abandoned and abused animals. He shares his story about the protections of animals around the world through his remarkable presentations and shows. (photo courtesy: Florida Chautauqua)

•    Monkeys of the Caribbean – Brian will discuss the different species of monkeys on some of the islands of the Caribbean. You can even hold one during the discussion so bring your camera.

•    Animal Magic Show – See a fascinating show featuring monkeys and other exotic animals seen at the Florida Chautauqua’s Camp Conservation exhibit.

Justin Kiefer
Justin is Chief Meteorologist at WMBB-TV in Panama City, Florida. He received his degree in Meteorology from Florida State University and previously worked as a Meteorologist in Tallahassee, Tampa-St. Petersburg and Hartford, CT. He has been awarded the Connecticut Associated Press “Best Weathercast award and was awarded the “Best Weathercast” from the Florida Associated Press. (photo courtesy: Florida Chautauqua)

•    Climatology in the Caribbean – Justin will discuss how the climate of the Caribbean is critical to the severe weather that hits the United States every year. He will also discuss the origins of hurricanes and how weather experts gauge conditions in the Caribbean that impacts our nation during the hurricane season.

Jim Wainwright
Jim is an Open Water Scuba instructor and has over thirty years of diving experience. Through his use of light, shadow and contrast, his art and photography seem to come to life and there is a true story behind every picture he takes. He is an accomplished writer, artist and photographer and recently had an exhibit at the Museum of Natural History in Raleigh, NC. (photo courtesy: Florida Chautauqua)

•    The World of Underwater Photography – Underwater photographer and artist Jim Wainwright will teach some tricks to using disposal underwater cameras and how to get the best underwater photos.

Dr. Britt Poulson
Dr. Poulson has a B.A. degree in English from Allegheny College, an M.A. in guidance from George Washington University and a Ph.D. from Penn State University. He was a professor at Penn State and Florida State Universities and a Director of curriculum for several Florida school districts. Back in the 1970’s, Dr. Poulson created an academic competition called the Big Bend High School Bowl, and in the 1980’s he created a senior citizen bowl competition that once had statewide competition in Orlando. (photo courtesy: Florida Chautauqua)

•    Chautauqua Challenge Brain Bowl – Get ready for a challenge by Dr. Poulson on what you’ve learned from the “Journey into the Caribbean” keynote presentations, sessions and exhibits. It’s time to put your brain to the test and have some fun as this entertaining session will give real meaning to your Chautauqua experience. Don’t worry, no one will be put on the spot or embarrassed.

Wayne Sconiers
Have you ever wondered where your ancestors came from? Wayne Sconiers of DeFuniak Springs will introduce you to the world of genealogy and show you how to trace your own family history.

•    Genealogy – Even if your roots are on the islands of the Caribbean, Wayne will show you where to look and how to get started in finding family data. He will show you everything you need to know to preserve your family history for generations to come.

Dr. Don Rapp
Dr. Rapp taught for 34 years at the University of Illinois, University of Georgia and was Professor Emeritus at Florida State University in the field of Child Development and Gerontology. He is also a certified personal trainer by the American College of Sports Medicine, a motivational speaker, and also originated Kinetic Arts Training designed to enhance balance. (photo courtesy: Florida Chautauqua)

•    Better Balance can be Learned – Dr. Rapp will discuss how to improve the quality of our lives with better physical balance. He will also provide many fall prevention ideas and simple and safe exercises that anyone can do.

Tom Melville
Tom is an American cricket player, teacher and interpreter who has introduced cricket to many people at festivals and fairs. He is a graduate of the University of Wales where he learned cricket and now lives in Wisconsin. (photo courtesy: Florida Chautauqua)

•    Caribbean Cricket for the Baseballer – Tom will discuss the history and role of cricket in West Indian culture.

Evening Performance

This will be a “Celebration of Nations Multi-Cultural Dance Performance.” Here you will meet the “Vendors of the International Marketplace” through their dance performances. Enjoy dancing and music from around the world in a live presentation of costumes, songs and dances.

For more information on this awesome event, call 850-892-7613 or email Florida’s Chautauqua President, Christopher Mitchell at cmitchell002@panhandle.rr.com. Visit the Florida Chautauqua website frequently as new information is added daily.