For years, Fantasy of Flight in Polk City, FL, has brought these inspirational stories to life in their Women Airforce Service Pilots (W.A.S.P.) exhibit.  In a period of history when our men were heading off to war, women stepped up to the plate to run our businesses, take care of our families and homes, and keep our country running.  In celebration of women’s history month, Fantasy of Flight is offering two unique opportunities to meet the women of W.A.S.P.

On, Thursday, March 25 through Saturday, March 27, 2010, The Living Symposium Series offers “A Passionate Pursuit,”featuring the four of the original WASP’s,  Bernice “Bee” Falk Haydu, Florence Rubin Mascott, Barry Vincent Smith, and Helen Wyatt Snapp.  You will hear, first hand, the stories of these women, who left their homes and families at the height of World War II to serve their country as the first American women to fly for the U.S. Military. This is the stuff of legends, it will inspire you fill you with the spirit of adventure that so many of these women had in common.

If this isn’t enough for you, then you might want to sign up for the “Living Legends Luncheon” on Friday, March 26.  This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have one-on-one time with these amazing women.  This intimate lunch will be held from noon – 1:30 p.m. at the Orlampa Conference Center at Fantasy of Flight. Reservations are $65 plus tax per person; price includes attraction admission after 1:30 p.m. This is a limited availability event so call now to reserve your space at the luncheon.

 One word sums up the fishing in and around Winter Haven area lakes over the last couple of weeks…DEAD! This will continue until the water temperature rises to around 60 degrees and gets the bass thinking about spawning again. Until then expect very few bites and be prepared to fish extremely slow. With water temps from the mid 40’s to low 50’s, Florida bass’ metabolism almost stops completely. Therefore they are not going to eat much. However this does not mean they are impossible to catch, just much much tougher. Don’t expect them to chase down a fast moving lure or come up from the depths to smash a topwater bait. During these cold water periods downsize to smaller lures and fish them much slower than normal. Use 1/8 or 1/4 oz spinnerbaits and rattle baits instead of 1/2 or 3/4 oz versions. Try smaller soft plastics as well, 4-6 inch worms instead of 8-10 inches. Also use tighter wobbling crankbaits and fish a little deeper.
 In the clear lakes fish deeper submerged cover or structure with jerkbaits, rattlebaits, spinnerbaits, and deep diving crankbaits in shad/shiner imitating colors. Also try Texas/Carolina rigged soft plastics such as finesse worms or centipedes. Lizards are also a great choice this time of year. Junebug, watermelon, and blueberry are all colors worth trying. As the water temperature reaches into the mid 60’s start looking for bedding activity to increase especially around new or full moons. Good polorized sunglasses are a must when “hunting” for spawning fish as they can be the difference between catching a big fish and not even knowing it was there. Remember to get a quick photo and release the big bass right where you caught it immediateley so that it may finish making future trophies for us and our children to enjoy some day.
 Fish rattlebaits and spinnerbaits over and through submerged grassbeds such as hydrilla, eelgrass, etc… in dirtier water lakes. White/chartreuse color combinations are usually best bet with spinnerbaits. Chrome or gold colored rattlebaits are hard to beat. When the water warms slightly the flippin’ bite will get better as fish will be moving shallower to spawn. Look for grass, pads, reeds, and cattails growing in sandy bottom areas as these will be the most attractive areas for bass to spawn. Flip Texas rigged craws, creature baits, and other soft plastics with as little weight as possible. Smoke, junebug, black/blue, and watermelon candy colored baits will do the trick.

Kissimmee Chain

 Like all other Florida fisheries the Kissimmee chain of lakes is fishing extremely tough now with the frigid water temperatures. Even some of the top tournament fishermen and guides in the state are finding it a challenge to produce a five fish limit! Icy nights have had the water temperature down as low as 43 degrees, 10 degrees colder than I have ever seen on this chain in my life! The fish have never seen water this cold either and they are acting accordingly. Slow is the name of the game in order to get a bite and with many thousands of acres of cover for them to hide bass can be very difficult to locate much less catch. To make things worse the entire chain is receiving heavy chemical treatments for hydrilla which has the grass dying off and the lakes changing almost daily. Find fish one day in the hydrilla then come back a couple days later to find no grass or fish. The key is finding the thickest stuff around and fishing it slow.
 Lake Toho was the first to receive chemical treatments and although there is still plenty of hydrilla it’s fading fast. Seems most fish have moved shallower in preparation for spawning. Try rattlebaits, spinnerbaits, and jerkbaits around submerged hydrilla. Look for healthiest, thickest grass you can find. Stick with shad/shiner imitating colors. Also look for thick matted vegetation adjacent to good spawning areas. Flip floating mats or gatorvine with 1-1 1/2 oz black/blue, junebug, or watermelon Texas rigged craws or creature baits. Also check bedding areas for spawners as there is plenty of clear water for “sight fishin”. Cast soft stickbaits in junebug, blueberry, and watermelon around shallow emergent vegetation.
  Lakes Cypress and Hatchineah have the healthiest hydrilla beds on the chain as they are the last to receive treatment. Try rattlebaits, spinnerbaits, and jerkbaits around the submerged grass. Check along reedlines with flippin stick as big bedding bass could move in anytime.
 In Lake Kissimmee fish pads, grass, cattails, flags, and reeds growing in hard, sandy bottom areas in 1-4 ft of water. Cast soft stickbaits, swimbaits, or worms around the cover. Flip thicker areas with 1/4-1/2 oz Texas rigged junebug, black/blue, or watermelon craws or creature baits. Also try flipping floating matted vegetation such as water lettuce, hyancinth, pennywart, or mud tussocks especially on colder days. Use 1-1 1/2oz weighted Texas rigged craws or creature baits to penetrate the thick mats. Topwater frogs are worth a shot on warmer days around scattered emergent cover.

Central Florida, where you’ll find beautiful lakes, great bass fishing and Monte Goodman. Monte has made a career of doing what he enjoys and does best as a professional bass guide and successful tournament angler. Guiding and fishing competitively for the past 15 years has given him the experience, skill and knowledge it takes to be a great fisherman. Monte is also a vocal advocate of Florida’s habitat and conservation efforts, supports and practices “catch and release” himself and encourages others to do the same. A member of tournament trails such as FLW, FOMNTT, BFL, and B.A.S.S just to name a few. Credited with well over a hundred local tournament wins, was back to back Angler of the Year in the largest B.A.S.S. affiliated club in the world, and has won numerous Big Bass honors. Monte’s ability to adapt, his versatility and lengthy resume has earned him a reputation anyone would be proud of.

This show, sure to be an eclectic mix of art and party is creating quite a buzz.  “But what is it? It’s not just a concert, an art show, a film or a dance — it’s all of them and more.” says Peggy Kehoe, managing editor for the Polk County Democrat.  

The party will be Saturday February 13, 6:30-10 p.m. at the Polk County Historical Museum, 100 East Main St, Bartow.  Admission is as follows: $15 – General Admission, $12 – Seniors, $10 – Students.

In the spirit of curiosity and exploration, Fantasy of Flight partners with Apollo Paranormal Investigations (API), a non-profit investigative team based in Apollo, Florida, to create this unique experience.  During this night time tour, a limited number of guests are admitted to Fantasy of Flight. Participants are trained in the operation of tools, devices and techniques that investigative professionals use to determine the difference between coincidences and inexplicable phenomenon.  Following the training portion, participants are divided into investigative teams to seek, retrieve and record data throughout Fantasy of Flight.

Due to the overwhelming popularity of this event, Fantasy of Flight opened two additional dates , Saturday, February 20 and Saturday, March 6 for visitors to experience the paranormal.  “We hope that our curious explorers will have experienced what so many of our employees, guests and paranormal researcher have witnessed in the past.”, said Kim Long, General Manager, Fantasy of Flight. 

I know that this adventurer is very excited to experience nightFlight for herself.

If you are interested in joining API and Fantasy of Flight for the nightFlight experience, call or visit Fantasy of Flight.

Mark your calendar now for October 2011 because that is when LEGOLAND Florida is set to debut in Winter Haven. The announcement was formally made just minutes ago at Cypress Gardens, the new home of LEGOLAND. All in all, Merlin Entertainments Group plans to invest $300 million in the park over the next few years, including in time adding accommodations and other smaller attractions–possibly one of their Sea Life aquariums.

Make sure you continue to check back here (and add us to your RSS feed if you have not already) to get the latest news AND photos as the construction begins and Cypress Gardens is transformed into LEGOLAND Florida. We will have exclusive access to the site as it is transformed and will post updates regularly.

While we are never big on posting entire press releases on here, this is straight from us and some great quotes and details on the big news:

A press conference today attended by a host of elected officials, including Governor Charlie Crist and U.S. Representative Adam Putnam, confirmed that Cypress Gardens has been purchased by Merlin Entertainments – the second largest attractions industry company in the world and also owner of LEGOLAND Parks worldwide.  Members of the media and invited guests gathered at Florida’s first theme park – Cypress Gardens – to unveil the plan to continue the park’s legacy of attracting a multitude of visitors to Polk County.  The new park will be named LEGOLAND Florida. 
“I am delighted to be here today to announce what I believe will be one of the most exciting and important projects in which Merlin Entertainments has ever been involved,” said Nick Varney, chief executive officer for Merlin Entertainments. Merlin Entertainments introduced LEGOLAND Florida to a spellbound audience who received oranges made of legos.  “The development of a LEGOLAND Park in Florida is a perfect opportunity for us here in the heart of what is the biggest family tourist centre in the world – and I believe it will bring a unique new experience to Florida,” said Varney. 

LEGOLAND Florida will be Merlin Entertainments thirteenth attraction in the United States, with four more in the development phase.  LEGOLAND Florida will be the fifth LEGOLAND Park worldwide and the only one on the East Coast – with the others in California, Denmark, England and Germany.  “LEGOLAND is an extraordinary concept – specifically developed for children between the ages of 2 and 12 and their moms and dads, of course,” said Varney.  LEGOLAND offers families spectacular rides, shows and even model building challenges.
Merlin Entertainments is the second largest attraction company in the world, second only to the Walt Disney Company.  LEGOLAND California is the fastest growing theme park in the United States, realizing a 6 percent growth in visitation in 2009.  The park was also recognized by Amusement Today as the country’s best theme park for children for the sixth consecutive year.
The partnership between Merlin Entertainments and Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing had a major impact as the final site for LEGOLAND Florida was selected.  The Polk County Board of County Commissioners’ (BoCC) support for Polk County’s tourism industry was evidenced by a “can do” attitude and spirit of cooperation to partner with Merlin Entertainment Group to take their vision, as well as Polk County tourism, to new heights.  The BoCC’s commitment to tourism, and more specifically the historic site of Cypress Gardens, has been strong throughout the years.  They purchased Cypress Gardens’ original 30 acres in 2003 and continued an ongoing investment through sales and marketing support.  “We are looking forward to working with Merlin Entertainments.  Their record speaks for itself.  Their exciting plans for the site, the jobs LEGOLAND Florida will create and their commitment to Polk County is something my colleagues at both the local and state level really welcome,” said Bob English, chairman of the Polk County Board of County Commissioners.
 Additionally, during the press conference, Governor Crist and a host of legislators offered their support in the building of LEGOLAND Florida.  “We are extremely happy that the future of Cypress Gardens is secure.  LEGOLAND is one of the most exciting names in family attractions and a welcome new addition to Florida,” said Governor Crist. 

 “This is a huge success story for Polk County that will have a significant impact on Polk County as a tourism destination.  LEGOLAND Florida and its connection to Merlin Entertainments provide worldwide visibility for Polk County,” said Mark Jackson, director of Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing.  Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing has already begun working with Merlin Entertainments on a cooperative partnership that will help promote the park and the tourism industry in Polk County.
In addition to the impact the park will have on Polk County’s tourism industry, the effect on economic development in the area will also get a massive boost. With the announcement from Merlin Entertainments, an international company, one of the Central Florida Development Council’s goals is closer to fruition. “We have been working with the international community for quite some time and today’s announcement reinforces Polk County’s commitment to international companies,” said Central Florida Development Council Director Tom Patton. “This news will certainly bring more awareness to Polk County and shows that we are a destination for international-oriented companies and investment.”

The rodeo will also take to the streets of downtown Lakeland once again with a parade that will feature cowboys, cowgirls, horses, cattle and decorated floats parading through the streets of downtown Lakeland starting at the corner of Bay Street and Tennessee Avenue continuing south on Tennessee to Lemon Street, turning right (west), crossing South Florida Avenue and arriving at rodeo headquarters, The Lakeland Center. Sheriff Grady Judd will be the Grand Marshall. Parade attendees are invited to The Lakeland Center Box Office immediately following the parade for a free Rootin’ Tootin’ Root Beer Festival with refreshments and family fun from 11am-1pm. Ticket purchasers will receive a special Buy One/Get One Free ticket discount from 11am-1pm. The Box Office will be open for ticket purchases from 10:00am-1:00pm.

To find out more about all the rodeo weekend happenings or to get tickets, check out The Lakeland Center website.

A reception with refreshments to meet the artist will follow the concert and tickets are $25 or $20 for members.  Call 863-734-1221 or e-mail phrestina@boktower.org for reservations.The Music at Pinewood concert series offers a chamber music experience in the intimate performance setting in the 20-room mansion at Pinewood Estate. One of the finest examples of Mediterranean-style architecture in Florida, Pinewood Estate showcases the elegance and grandeur of a 1930s winter retreat with its antique furnishings, Tunisian tiles and intricate woodwork.

Upcoming Music at Pinewood concerts include “Dance in Music” with pianist Dr. Joseph Schwartz on February 21 and “Romance of Spain” with Vladimir Svoysky on March 14. Visit www.boktowergardens.org for more information.

 One word sums up the fishing in and around Winter Haven area lakes over the last couple of weeks…DEAD! This will continue until the water temperature rises to around 60 degrees and gets the bass thinking about spawning again. Until then expect very few bites and be prepared to fish extremely slow. With water temps from the mid 40’s to low 50’s, Florida bass’ metabolism almost stops completely. Therefore they are not going to eat much. However this does not mean they are impossible to catch, just much much tougher. Don’t expect them to chase down a fast moving lure or come up from the depths to smash a topwater bait. During these cold water periods downsize to smaller lures and fish them much slower than normal. Use 1/8 or 1/4 oz spinnerbaits and rattle baits instead of 1/2 or 3/4 oz versions. Try smaller soft plastics as well, 4-6 inch worms instead of 8-10 inches. Also use tighter wobbling crankbaits and fish a little deeper.
 In the clear lakes fish deeper submerged cover or structure with jerkbaits, rattlebaits, spinnerbaits, and deep diving crankbaits in shad/shiner imitating colors. Also try Texas/Carolina rigged soft plastics such as finesse worms or centipedes. Lizards are also a great choice this time of year. Junebug, watermelon, and blueberry are all colors worth trying. As the water temperature reaches into the mid 60’s start looking for bedding activity to increase especially around new or full moons. Good polorized sunglasses are a must when “hunting” for spawning fish as they can be the difference between catching a big fish and not even knowing it was there. Remember to get a quick photo and release the big bass right where you caught it immediateley so that it may finish making future trophies for us and our children to enjoy some day.
 Fish rattlebaits and spinnerbaits over and through submerged grassbeds such as hydrilla, eelgrass, etc… in dirtier water lakes. White/chartreuse color combinations are usually best bet with spinnerbaits. Chrome or gold colored rattlebaits are hard to beat. When the water warms slightly the flippin’ bite will get better as fish will be moving shallower to spawn. Look for grass, pads, reeds, and cattails growing in sandy bottom areas as these will be the most attractive areas for bass to spawn. Flip Texas rigged craws, creature baits, and other soft plastics with as little weight as possible. Smoke, junebug, black/blue, and watermelon candy colored baits will do the trick.

Kissimmee Chain

 Like all other Florida fisheries the Kissimmee chain of lakes is fishing extremely tough now with the frigid water temperatures. Even some of the top tournament fishermen and guides in the state are finding it a challenge to produce a five fish limit! Icy nights have had the water temperature down as low as 43 degrees, 10 degrees colder than I have ever seen on this chain in my life! The fish have never seen water this cold either and they are acting accordingly. Slow is the name of the game in order to get a bite and with many thousands of acres of cover for them to hide bass can be very difficult to locate much less catch. To make things worse the entire chain is receiving heavy chemical treatments for hydrilla which has the grass dying off and the lakes changing almost daily. Find fish one day in the hydrilla then come back a couple days later to find no grass or fish. The key is finding the thickest stuff around and fishing it slow.

 Lake Toho was the first to receive chemical treatments and although there is still plenty of hydrilla it’s fading fast. Seems most fish have moved shallower in preparation for spawning. Try rattlebaits, spinnerbaits, and jerkbaits around submerged hydrilla. Look for healthiest, thickest grass you can find. Stick with shad/shiner imitating colors. Also look for thick matted vegetation adjacent to good spawning areas. Flip floating mats or gatorvine with 1-1 1/2 oz black/blue, junebug, or watermelon Texas rigged craws or creature baits. Also check bedding areas for spawners as there is plenty of clear water for “sight fishin”. Cast soft stickbaits in junebug, blueberry, and watermelon around shallow emergent vegetation.
  Lakes Cypress and Hatchineah have the healthiest hydrilla beds on the chain as they are the last to receive treatment. Try rattlebaits, spinnerbaits, and jerkbaits around the submerged grass. Check along reedlines with flippin stick as big bedding bass could move in anytime.
 In Lake Kissimmee fish pads, grass, cattails, flags, and reeds growing in hard, sandy bottom areas in 1-4 ft of water. Cast soft stickbaits, swimbaits, or worms around the cover. Flip thicker areas with 1/4-1/2 oz Texas rigged junebug, black/blue, or watermelon craws or creature baits. Also try flipping floating matted vegetation such as water lettuce, hyancinth, pennywart, or mud tussocks especially on colder days. Use 1-1 1/2oz weighted Texas rigged craws or creature baits to penetrate the thick mats. Topwater frogs are worth a shot on warmer days around scattered emergent cover.

Central Florida, where you’ll find beautiful lakes, great bass fishing and Monte Goodman. Monte has made a career of doing what he enjoys and does best as a professional bass guide and successful tournament angler. Guiding and fishing competitively for the past 15 years has given him the experience, skill and knowledge it takes to be a great fisherman. Monte is also a vocal advocate of Florida’s habitat and conservation efforts, supports and practices “catch and release” himself and encourages others to do the same. A member of tournament trails such as FLW, FOMNTT, BFL, and B.A.S.S just to name a few. Credited with well over a hundred local tournament wins, was back to back Angler of the Year in the largest B.A.S.S. affiliated club in the world, and has won numerous Big Bass honors. Monte’s ability to adapt, his versatility and lengthy resume has earned him a reputation anyone would be proud of.

On January 30 and January 31, visitors will be able to experience “Crossing the Moat,” the rare opportunity to walk across the moat that surrounds the Singing Tower for a closer look at the Great Brass Door. Special carillon concerts will be held at 1 and 3 p.m. Visitors can view the carillon performances on the video monitor located behind the Japanese Lantern and meet carillonneur William De Turk near the Information Booth following the concerts. Also on January 30, visitors are invited to a free reception to meet artists Arthur Morris and David Price. The exhibit featuring “Birds as Art” photography by Morris, sponsored by Canon, and “Winged Creation” sculptures by Price, sponsored by Andy Thornal Company, will be on display at the Visitor Center through April 1. At 6 p.m., join the artists for a reception sponsored by Andy Thornal Company, Lakeridge Winery and Lake Wales Medical Center. Following the reception and gallery walk, guests are invited to attend an audio visual presentation and book signing with Morris. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Call the Garden Campus office at 863-734-1221 or e-mail phrestina@boktower.org for registration.

On February 1, special carillon concerts will be held at 1 and 3 p.m. The National Historic Landmark was dedicated in 1929 as a gift of gratitude from Dutch immigrant Edward Bok, a humanitarian, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and world peace advocate who provided $100,000 for the American Peace Prize in 1923. Today it has more than 700 acres of citrus groves, woodland gardens and conservation lands where visitors can explore breathtaking sights around every corner of the meandering garden paths.

 Admission is $10 for adults and $3 for children ages 5-12. Members and children under 5 are admitted free. Call 863-676-1408 or visit www.boktowergardens.org for more information.