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  • Florida History Today
    • TB Times: St. Augustine coming to grips with civil rights history
    • Strawberry Festival organizers collecting material for new history book
    • Tarpon Springs' Greektown added to National Register as Traditional Cultural Property
    • Volunteers begin cleanup of historic Ocala cemetery
    • Jax museum presents 'Megalodon,' biggest-ever shark
    • Proposed museum switch generates anger in St. Pete
    • Report: Ocala's original cemetery lying in ruins
    • Rock and Roll Hall of Fame seeking camera-wielding Elvis fans
    • Service of Florida Jews in World War II focus of new WLRN doc
    • Seventeen honored for Big Bend preservation efforts
    • Long dresses, long pants, no shorts: Life before AC was uncool
    • Sunken shipwrecks are being turned into "parks" off Florida coast
    • Run-down Dunedin hotel to be rebuilt in same architectural style
    • Painting at Ringling Museum leads scholar to discover slavery roots of Spanish painter Juan de Pareja
    • Hampton Inn in downtown Bradenton gets state historic preservation award
    • Civil War re-enactment draws criticism in Holly Hill
    • New documentary spotlights Anna Maria Historic Green Village
    • Tampa-area NAACP launching effort to save historic rooming house
    • Ride on "America's Movie Train" this weekend in Ocoee, Winter Garden
    • Tampa's historic Kress building set for reimagination
    • 67-year-old shipwreck off Florida identified
    • Florida History Today - Project studies South Florida native communites
    • Florida History Today - Tarpon Springs halts Sponge Docks upgrades
    • Florida History Today - Compromise reached on Tequesta circles preservation
    • Florida History Today - Sears homes remembered in Sanibel
  • On this day in Florida history - August
    • Aug. 15, 1887 - Eatonville becomes one of first all-black towns in U.S.
    • Aug. 13, 2004 - Hurricane Charley kicks off unusually active 'cane year
    • Aug. 12, 1981 - Developed in Boca Raton, first PC released by IBM
    • Aug. 11, 1987 - Santeria church vows to sacrifice animals despite Hialeah ban
    • Aug. 10, 1981 - Tragic discovery confirms death of missing Adam Walsh, 6
    • Aug. 9, 1956 - Reporters look down noses covering Elvis in Daytona Beach
    • Aug. 8, 1896 - Cross Creek, Yearling author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings born
    • Aug. 6, 1868 - Great Seal of the State of Florida adopted by Legislature
    • Aug. 5, 1763 - Britain takes over Pensacola, expands slavery over two-decade Fla. rule
    • Aug. 4, 1842: U.S. gives free Florida land to settlers willing to fight Seminoles
    • Aug. 1, 1939 - Florida Highway Patrol formed; to begin with 60 troopers
  • On this day in Florida history - July
    • July 31, 1962 - Actor, tax evader Wesley Snipes born in Orlando
    • July 30, 1956: Delta Burke, star of tabloids and television, born in Orlando
    • July 28, 1896: With railroad into town, city of Miami incorporated
    • July 27, 1816: U.S. forces obliterate 300+ free blacks, Indians at 'Fort Negro'
    • July 26, 1876 - Daytona incorporated, named after founder Matthias Day
    • July 25, 1884 - St. Petersburg Times debuts as West Hillsborough Times
    • July 25, 1957 - Country star, actress Pam Tillis born in Plant City
    • July 23, 1836 - Cape Florida Lighthouse attacked by Seminoles
    • July 22, 1964 - First 536 home lots sold in new city of Coral Springs
    • July 21, 1821 - St. Johns and Escambia become first two Florida counties
    • July 20, 1969 - U.S. astronauts walk on the moon
    • July 19, 1952 - Skynyrd guitarist Allen Collins is born; stardom and tragedy await
    • July 18, 1940 - Winners of St. Pete mayor's safety slogan contest announced
    • July 17, 1821 - Spain officially transfers Florida to United States
    • July 16, 1943 - Former 'Canes, Dolphins, Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson born
    • July 15, 1997 - Killer gigolo guns down Gianni Versace at South Beach mansion
    • July 14, 1921 - Florida's most famous 'cracker cowboy' dies at 58
    • July 13, 1927: Officials dump $250k in liquor into Gulf Stream
    • July 10, 1972 - First of two major party conventions opens in Miami Beach
    • July 9, 1957 - Pass-a-Grille and three other towns form St. Pete Beach
    • July 8, 2011 - Last space shuttle launched from Cape Canaveral
    • July 7, 1983 - 'Operation Everglades' drug bust rocks Everglades City
    • July 6, 2003 - 'Hillbillies' star Buddy Ebsen, raised in Orlando, dies at 95
    • July 5, 1928 - Elks begin arriving for 1st Florida national convention
    • July 4: Florida celebrates America's Independence Day
    • July 3, 1971 - Doors singer, Melbourne native Jim Morrison dies
    • July 2, 1961: Key West icon Ernest Hemingway dies; cats live on
    • July 1, 1951: St. Pete woman's burning death baffles investigators
  • On this day in Florida history - June
    • June 1, 1937 - Amelia Earhart leaves Miami to begin final voyage
    • June 2, 2008 - Bo Diddley, 79, dies at his home in Archer
    • June 3, 1961 - Arrest made in case that leads to 'right to an attorney'
    • June 4, 1939 - Jewish refugee ship turned away from Florida coast
    • June 5, 2013 - Zephyrhills woman, 84, claims $590 million Powerball jackpot
    • June 6, 1990 - Broward Judge rules 2 Live Crew album 'obscene'
    • June 7, 1928 - Two elections workers shot in Tampa ballot box heist
    • June 8, 1888 - First train rolls into terminus "St. Petersburg"
    • June 9, 1903 - Flagler's Breakers Hotel burns down in Palm Beach
    • June 10, 1991 - South Florida learns it will get new major league baseball team
    • June 11, 1953 - Sabal Palmetto palm becomes Florida's state tree
    • June 12, 1913: With first bridge, Miami Beach is open for business
    • June 13, 1974 - Askew appoints first female Cabinet member
    • June 14, 1966 - FSL's Miami and St. Pete set record for longest baseball game
    • June 15, 1822: City of Jacksonville founded, named after Andrew Jackson
    • June 16, 1955 - Judge Chillingworth and wife go missing
    • June 17. 1942 - German U-boat saboteurs land at Ponte Vedra Beach
    • June 18, 1983 - Sally Ride becomes first American woman in space
    • June 19, 1972 - Hurricane Agnes makes landfall in Panhandle
    • June 20, 2003 - Non-profit Wikipedia established in St. Petersburg
    • June 21, 1926 - Miami barbers don't want to be called 'chirotonsors'
    • June 22, 1990 - Florida bans thong bikinis in state parks
    • June 23, 1938 - Marine Studios, 'world's first oceanarium,' opens
    • June 24, 1987 - S. Fla's most famous resident, Jackie Gleason, dies at 71
    • June 25, 1981 - Dolphins QB Bob Griese retires after 14 seasons
    • June 26, 1964 - Governor orders extra police to riot-torn St. Augustine
    • June 27, 1964 - State tells Daytona: Stop price-gouging your tourists
    • June 28, 1911 - Big Cypress Indian Reservation created by President Taft
    • June 29, 1931 - Monticello hits 109 degrees -- hottest-ever for Florida
    • June 30, 1975 - Cher marries Daytona Beach's favorite son Gregg Allman
  • On this day in Florida history - May
    • May 1, 1562 - Jean Ribault arrives at St. Johns River, claims Florida for France
    • May 2, 1936 - Panama City Beach incorporated in Bay County
    • May 3, 1901 - Jacksonville burns to the ground
    • May 4, 1990 - Execution goes awry as flames, smoke shoot from head
    • May 5, 1961 - Alan Shepard becomes first American in space
    • May 6, 1965 - Rolling Stones play Clearwater, write 'Satisfaction' riff
    • May 7, 1940 - Voting machine shortages create long wait at polls
    • May 8, 1923 - Killings of work camp prisoners detailed in hearing
    • May 9, 1981 - Sinkhole swallows house, five Porsches in Winter Park
    • May 10, 1781 - Spanish Gen. Bernardo de Gálvez captures Pensacola
    • May 11, 1996 - ValuJet Flight 592 crashes into Everglades
    • May 12, 1997 - Tornado hits Miami, poses for photos, videos
    • May 13, 1955 - Jax fans chase Elvis after show, tear off his clothes
    • May 14, 1973 - Skylab launches new era of space study...and toys
    • May 15, 1947 - Florida State College for Women goes co-ed, renamed FSU
    • May 16, 1929 - Lake City mob lynches grocer after wife shoots chief
    • May 17, 1980 - Not guilty verdict triggers three days of rioting in Miami
    • May 18, 1955 - Educator Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune dies
    • May 19, 2004 - Drugstore chain owner Jack Eckerd dies at 91
    • May 20, 1913: Henry Morrison Flagler dies in his home at Palm Beach
    • May 21, 1956 - Police close beach after catching black, white teens talking
    • May 22, 1931 - Canned rattlesnake goes on sale from Arcadia
    • May 23, 1898 - School for Deaf & Blind issues first diplomas
    • May 24, 1931 - Writer develops Planet of the Apes storyline for Miami
    • May 25, 1961 - JFK challenges nation to land on moon within decade
    • May 26, 1845 - Florida holds first statewide election
    • May 27, 1965 - Mysterious land deal near Orlando revealed
    • May 28, 1935 - Now controversial "Old Folks At Home" becomes state song
    • May 29, 1967 - Woman jailed after 25 kids found in station wagon
    • May 30, 1989: Claude Pepper dies after 60 years of public service
    • May 31, 1539 - DeSoto comes to Florida, changes continent forever
  • On this day in Florida history - April
    • April 1, 1926 - Air Mail service begins in four Florida cities
    • April 2, 1513 - Juan Ponce de Leon lands in Florida
    • April 3, 2006 - Gators basketball team win first-ever national title
    • April 4, 1933 - NASCAR 2nd generation leader Bill France Jr. is born
    • April 5, 1925 - 'Great Miami Tornado' kills 5, destroys 250 homes
    • April 6, 1959 - Seminole Tribe votes to support building "Alligator Alley"
    • April 7, 1890 - Author, Everglades crusader Marjorie Stoneman Douglas born
    • April 8, 1923 - News of "lost" Tamiami trail blazers heats up
    • April 9, 1921 - Whites kicked out of West Palm Beach "colored" town
    • April 10, 1766 - John Bartram ends journey through Carolinas, Ga., Florida
    • April 11, 1986 - FBI shootout in Dade prompts cops' need for more powerful guns
    • April 12, 1981 - Space Shuttle launched for first time
    • April 13, 1951 - Marion County sheriff killed by forged check suspect
    • April 14, 1528 - Bumbling conqueror Pánfilo de Narváez lands near Tampa
    • April 15, 1896 - Henry Flagler's railroad arrives in Miami for first time
    • April 16, 1915 and 1917 - Aviation takes two steps forward
    • April 17, 1961 - U.S. launches failed Bay of Pigs invasion in Cuba
    • April 18, 1957 - Florida to U.S.: Integration ruling unconstitutional
    • April 19, 1930 - First Publix store incorporated in Winter Haven
    • April 20, 1967 - Orange Juice becomes official state beverage
    • April 21, 1924 - NY's infamous 'Bobbed Haired Bandit' caught in Jax
    • April 22, 2000 - Elian Gonzalez seized in raid, returned to Cuba
    • April 23, 1982 - Keys secede from Union, create Conch Republic
    • April 24, 1965 - Orlando honors hometown astronaut with John Young Day
    • April 25, 1966 - Gov. Haydon Burns says his plane trailed by UFO
    • April 26, 1920 - Crop shippers seizing ice, creating shortage
    • April 27, 1969 - 1,000 students help during FSU admin building fire
    • April 28, 1985 - World's tallest sand sculpture built at Treasure Island
    • April 29, 1980 - U.S. braces for magnitude of Mariel Boatlift
    • April 30, 1915 - Broward County created, named after former governor
  • Hontoon Changling: The ancient owl carving that represents the wrong tribe
  • The Fierce Competition for Rollins College
  • The Hidden History of Everglades City
  • The Legend of Jose Gaspar
  • Burdine's: Sunshine Fashions & The Florida Store
  • Follow the Dollar - Horse breeding brings big money to Central Florida
  • In Cassadaga, the Seance Room is where they talk to the dead
  • St. Petersburg leaders worked overtime to promote their city
  • Paradise for Sale: Florida's Booms and Busts
  • Feature - The Curtiss-Bright Cities
  • Feature - Collected Works of South Florida pioneer Byrd Spilman Dewey
  • Facebook links - Spring Breakers riot in Fort Lauderdale
  • Features Index
  • Secret Florida life of the author of one of SF's greatest novels
  • Casey Stengel was a Daytona Beach troublemaker
  • True stories about The Real McCoy
  • Daytona's Deadliest Air Crash: Aug. 10, 1937
  • Blog - Zora Neale Hurston's Life on Florida's East Coast
  • Blog - Florida's Worst Freezes
  • Blog - Washtub baths and pot-bellied stoves in 1930s Florida
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    • Mandarin Museum Welcomes Military Families as a Blue Star Museum
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    • Museum of Seminole County History announces Paranormal Tour
    • Florida Living History Inc. presents
    • Dunedin Museum Timeline - May 2014
    • School District of Palm Beach County - Hatian Heritage Month events planned
    • Fort Lauderdale Historical Society - launches effort to save 1905 New River Inn
    • Orange County Regional History Center honoring Judge Belvin Perry Jr. at John Young History Maker Awards
    • Fort Lauderdale Historical Society - New Exhibit shows how South Floridans Beat the Heat before AC
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Fairs and Festivals

Make your plans to attend Florida's greatest historical and cultural festivals.
Listings compiled with help from VisitFlorida.com

July

South Florida

FESTIVAL OF NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP SOCCER WEEKEND –Party hearty at the beach and watch the final two games of the World Cup on a 21-foot LED screen. Also featured: live bands, food from a variety of cultures, exhibits, a kids’ zone and a footvolley (it’s a hot new sport) tournament.
When: July 12-13
Where: Pompano Beach, near the Fishing Pier
Web: theheartbeatfoundation.org

MANGO MADNESS NO. 1: 22nd ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL MANGO FESTIVAL – Immerse yourself in all things mango: lectures, smoothies and culinary demonstrations. Also: a yummy mango brunch, lots of fun activities for kids, botanical art and a fantastic international fruit market.
When: July 12-13
Where: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Miami
Web:  www.fairchildgarden.org

MANGO MADNESS NO. 2: MANGOMANIA TROPICAL FRUIT FESTIVAL – The 18th annual event is a celebration of all the local fruit grown on Pine Island. Mangos, for sure – but also lychee, jackfruit, longan, papaya and chocolate pudding fruit. Fun diversions include mango-tossing and pie-eating contests, live music and kids’ activities.
When: July 19-20
Where: Pine Island
Web: www.floridascreativecoast.com

XXIX INTERNATIONAL HISPANIC THEATRE FESTIVAL OF MIAMI – You’ll be able to see some of the best theater companies from Latin America, Europe and the United States. This year, the IHTF honors Argentina in recognition of its contributions to Latin American Culture.
When: July 10-27
Where: Various venues throughout Miami-Dade County
Web: www.teatroavante.com

30th ANNUAL UNDERWATER MUSIC FESTIVAL – This quirky concert for divers and snorkelers emphasizes reef preservation and is a whole lot of fun. This year’s theme is “Diving with the Stars.” You can also meet August Powers, who crafts all the marine-life influenced instruments. A new Powers’ creation this year is “Belushi Blue,” a guitar-like fish sporting a hat and shades.
When: July 11-12
Where: Looe Key Reef (about six miles south of Big Pine Key) for the Saturday concert and the Key Deer Shopping Plaza in Big Pine Key for the Friday meet-August Powers event.
Web: fla-keys.com/calendarofevents

FLORIDA SUPERCON & ULTRACON OF SOUTH FLORIDA – Not one, but two events that feature comic books, anime, manga toys, action figure toys, cosplays, video games, pop culture celebrities and much more as vendors display and sell items from their collections. Also on hand: a slew of famous comic book creators.
When & Where: July 3-6 at the Miami Beach Convention Center for Florida Supercon and July 19-20 at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale for UltraCon of South Florida.
Web: floridasupercon.com and ultraconofsouthflorida.com

HEMINGWAY DAYS – The 34th annual Papa-fest features readings, a museum exhibit of rare Hemingway memorabilia, a zany “Running of the Bulls, a three-day marlin tournament, street fair and, of course, the famous Look-Alike Contest
When: July 15-20
Where: Various locations in Key West
Web: fla-keys.com/hemingwaymedia

BUGFEST BY-THE-SEA DIVE FESTIVAL – Win thousands of dollars by catching big bugs – as in lobsters. It’s timed to coincide with Florida’s mini-season. Also included: bug-hunting seminars, a wreck-diving workshop with legendary diver John Chatterton, underwater photo and video contests, a lobster cook-off and much more.
When: July 27-Aug. 2
Where: Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
Web: lbtsevents.com/bugfest-by-the-sea

DEERING ESTATE AT CUTLER FEE-FREE “P.L.A.Y.” DAY –Bring your family and friends and enjoy complimentary admission as well as hands-on eco-art activities, science discovery programs and historic house tours.
When: July 20
Where: Deering Estate at Cutler, Miami
Web: www.deeringestate.org

THE KEY LIME FESTIVAL – The second annual event is a yummy celebration of Florida’s state pie. Includes, of course, pie-eating and pie-making contests, but also much more: an attempt to make a world-record largest Key Lime pie, the Key Lime Bar Sip & Stroll and Miss Key Lime Pie and L’il Miss Key Lime pageants.
When: July 3-5
Where: Various locations in Key West
Web: www.keylimefestival.com

STANDING ON CEREMONY: THE GAY MARRIAGE PLAYS – This night of one-act plays features a unique blend of comedy, drama and wry monologue in a look at the recent changes in gay marriage. Among the playwrights: Moises Kaufman, Wendy MacLeod, Mo Gaffney and Paul Rudnick.
When: July 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26
Where: Laboratory Theater of Florida, Fort Myers
Web: laboratorytheaterflorida.com

BIG NIGHT IN LITTLE HAITI – Enjoy free compas and kreyoljazz music, plus arts and crafts, yummy Haitian food and much more.
When: July 18, 6-10 p.m.
Where: Little Haiti Cultural Center Plaza, Miami
Web: bignightlittlehaiti.com

GOING TO PIECES – The Art of Nathan Sawaya featuring "In Pieces," is a collaboration between internationally renowned LEGO artist Nathan Sawaya and famed photographer Dean West. It’s the first time this exhibition is on display in Florida.
When: Through Aug. 17
Where: The Art and Culture Center of Hollywood
Web: Click here


Central Florida

DUNEDIN ORANGE FESTIVAL – Quaint Dunedin celebrates its little-known citrus history with a mojo cook-off, the crowning of Miss Dunedin Orange Queen and – new this year – Orange Fest After Dark, featuring adult beverages and live music beyond sunset.
When: July 12
Where: Dunedin
Web:  dunedinorangefestival.com

RED, BRICK AND BOOM – LEGOLAND Florida turns ordinary fireworks into millions of exploding Lego bricks, thanks to special glasses and extended evening hours. Four days of Independence Day-themed games and displays end in a special light show finale.
When: July 4-7
Where: Winter Haven
Web: florida.legoland.com
COKE ZERO 400 – A favorite Independence Day weekend event for decades among NASCAR fans, this Sprint Cup Series stock car race always fulfills the adrenaline fiends while satisfying the family experience, with BBQ stations everywhere and a huge fireworks display after the race.
When: July 5
Where: Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach
Web:  daytonainternationalspeedway.com

CALADIUM FESTIVAL – In its 24th year, this festival honoring the leafy, colorful plant now embraces all types of flowers, foliage and herbs, and features the area’s growing grape and wine industry, plus vehicle shows, arts and crafts and live entertainment.
When: July 25-27
Where: Lake Placid
Web:  lpfla.com/caladium.htm

FAMILY OUTFEST – As an encore of sorts to June’s Orlando Gay Days, the Family Outfest is devoted to embracing diverse and LGBT families, designating special days to recommended Disney parks and Universal Studios, and a Saturday festival in downtown Orlando. 
When: July 2-5
Where: Orlando
Web:  familyoutfest.com

A SCI-FI 4TH OF JULY – Forego the typical Uncle Sam-themed July 4 experience and hit Celebration Town Center dressed as your favorite science fiction movie character. Enjoy a synchronized fireworks display set to a sci-fi themed soundtrack, live music, kids’ activities and a special tribute to American veterans.
When: July 5
Where: Downtown Celebration
Web:  celebrationtowncenter.com
4TH OF JULY IN TAVERES – The small city of Tavares shuts down streets from 3 p.m until fireworks time, transforming into a massive celebration with an interactive splash park, a parade with colorful floats, a photo booth, a bungee ride, face-painting and food trucks.
When: July 4
Where: Tavares
Web:  tavares.org

LEESBURG’S 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION – Families can watch from their boats as Lake County’s biggest and best fireworks display, set to booming music, launches from a barge in Venetian Cove. Get there before the free ice cream runs out.
When: July 4
Where: Venetian Gardens, Leesburg
Web:  4thofjuly.leesburgpartnership.com

KIWANIS MIDNIGHT RUN – A true midnight run, this fundraising 10K and 5K event, lined by luminaries through Honeymoon Island park and over a bridge, typically draws more than 2,000 participants. Walkers and beginners can enter a one-mile walk/run prior to the longer races.
When: July 3-4
Where: Dunedin
Web: kiwanismidnightrun.com

REPLAY AMERICA: THE ULTIMATE 80s FESTIVAL– Relive the days of big hair, Commodore 64 and leg warmers at Ruth Eckerd Hall, where popular 80s bands such as The Go Go’s, Martha Davis & The Motels, Patty Smyth and Pete Byrn of Naked Eyes play their most ubiquitous hits of that decade.
When: July 5
Where: Clearwater

Central Florida (cont.)

THUNDER ON THE RIDGE – National recording artist and jazz trumpeter Michael Ray headlines a lively concert lineup, followed by Polk County’s largest fireworks display. Hit the beer garden and food tents in between acts.
When: July 4
Where: Haines City
Web:  thunderontheridge.com

SIZZLIN’ SUMMER BASH TASTE OF THE BEACHES – Sample foods from more than 30 of the Pinellas County beaches’ best restaurants and buy a $25 wristband for unlimited adult beverages. Dance to the Hunks of Funk and bid on the silent auction.
When: July 19
Where: St. Pete Beach
Web: tampabaybeaches.com

METROCON – In the world of anime obsession, this event is internationally famous, drawing up to 10,000 fans dressed as Japanese animation, video game and comic book characters. The human chess match is fascinating to watch, whether you’re into these genres or not.
When: July 11-13
Where: Tampa Convention Center, Tampa
Web:  metroconventions.com

SARASOTA BOAT RACES AND OFFSHORE RACING FESTIVAL– A thrilling boat race at Lido Key Beach is preceded by a downtown boat parade, a block party, a bikini contest and fireworks.
When: July 3-6
Where: Sarasota
Web: suncoastoffshore.org

ANIME FESTIVAL ORLANDO – Not to be confused with Tampa’s MetroCon, the Anime Festival Orlando is a smaller but intense gathering of anime and comic book fans dressed as their favorite characters and engaging in dances, workshops, game shows, karaoke, video game contests, an artist showcase and trivia contests.
When: July 25-27
Where: Wyndham Orlando Resort, Orlando
Web: animefestivalorlando.com

North Florida

SCALLOP SEASON -- Don’t have the patience to sit in a boat staring at a drifting fishing line for hours on end? Try scalloping. All you need is a saltwater fishing license, snorkel, mask and dive flag — all easy to obtain from local outfitters. The rest is simple. Just start skimming the surface of St. Joseph Bay over the gorgeous grass beds of the Florida Aquatic Preserve looking for the telltale glowing blue eyes along the edge of the shells. The 2014 scalloping season begins July 1.
When: July 1-31
Where: St. Joseph’s Bay
Web: visitgulf.com/scalloping

NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE PHOTOGRAPHS — The photographers making images for the New York Times Magazine capture beauty and tragedy, glory and grit, movement and transformation in its glossy white pages. Kathy Ryan, the magazine’s director of photography, reviewed more than 1,500 issues of the magazine to pick images depicting war-torn countries, Hollywood’s fabulous old guard, New York after 9/11 and more for this exhibit.
When: July 1-31
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, Jacksonville
Web: mocajacksonville.org

EL GALEON TOUR — Experience 16th-century life aboard El Galeón, a full-scale reconstruction of a Spanish galleon used by the country to roam the little known waters of the Atlantic Ocean from Spain to the “New World.” Embark on a self-guided walking tour above and below deck while making time to talk to the ship’s current crew about ship life. El Galeón was just featured in NBC’s new TV show Crossbones.
When: July 1-15
Where: St. Augustine Municipal Marina
Web: www.elgaleon.org

LA FLORIDA: 500 YEARS IN THE PLACE OF FLOWERS --Tourists flock to Florida for our sugar-sand beaches and myriad amusement parks — only to be also wowed by the state’s natural beauty. John Moran, a Gainesville nature photographer whose work has appeared in National Geographic and Smithsonian, captured the rainbow-hued, flower-filled visions of paradise in large-format photography.
When: July 1-31
Where: Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville
Web: http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu

NIGHTTIME EDUCATIONAL BEACH WALKS — Explore the Gulf Coast beaches under the stars with George Grey, the Okaloosa County’s Sea Turtle Coordinator for almost two decades. Learn about sea turtles’ nesting habits and other beach wildlife on this free guided walk. Reservations are required.
When: July 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31
Where: Okaloosa Island and Destin
Web:  emeraldcoastfl.com

APALACHICOLA INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION — Enjoy an old-fashioned Fourth in historic coastal Apalachicola with a red, white and blue-themed golf cart and bike parade, ice cream social and fireworks. And because it IS Florida, stuff yourself with fried shrimp and Low Country boil instead of the more traditional hot dogs and hamburgers.
When: July 3
Where: Lafayette Park, Apalachicola
Web: saltyflorida.com

STARS & STRIPES AT SEASIDE: A JULY 4TH CELEBRATION -- Embrace your flag-waving, patriotic fervor and dress in red, white and blue for a day of “God Bless the USA” festivities beginning in the morning with the Annual July 4th parade along State Road 30A and concluding with the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra’s concert and fireworks finale under the stars. The lawn fills up quickly so arrive early to get a prime location.
When: July 4
Where: State Road 30A and the Seaside Amphitheater, Seaside
Web: www.seasidefl.com

UNION GARRISON -- Welcome to 1864. Think women in corsets and high boots, men doing their daily marching drills and young drummer boys bringing the Civil War-era fort to life. Visitors can interact with these living historians during firearms and cooking demos. Or beat the deep summer heat and enjoy the Fort during the Saturday night candlelight viewing.
When: July 5-6
Where: Fort Clinch State Park, Fernandina Beach
Web: floridastateparks.org/fortclinch/

SUMMER MOVIE CLASSICS AT THE FLORIDA THEATRE — Introduce the next generation to these retro ‘80s fanboy classics: The Never Ending Story, Goonies, Batman (the Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson version) and Gremlins. Arrive early to escape July’s warmth while exploring the lavish and fantasy-inspired Mediterranean Revival interior of the 1920s theatre, one of four historic movie palaces left in the state. Don’t miss the indoor courtyard with its grand balcony and star-filled ceiling.
When: July 5, 12, 18, 26
Where: Florida Theatre, Jacksonville
Web:  floridatheatre.com

PENSACOLA BEACH AIR SHOW -- Grounded for most of 2013 because of budget cutbacks, the Blues are back! The Blue Angels, who call Pensacola Beach home, are airborne again with a 2014 calendar that features 38 appearances nationwide. Catch them on their home turf at the annual air show. Also features Fat Albert, Julian McQueen, Roy Kinsey, Gary Ward, Team Aerodynamix and Skip Stewart.
When: July 11-12
Where: Pensacola Beach
Web: visitpensacolabeach.com

36TH ANNUAL SWAMP STOMP MUSIC FESTIVAL — Spread your blanket under the live oaks and enjoy an acoustic music serenade by singer-songwriters during this Big Bend mid-summer staple. From folk music’s twang to deep Southern blues, the 52-acre park will also delight youth with outdoor games, living history demos and the Tree to Tree zipline adventures.
When: July 12
Where: Tallahassee Museum
Web:  tallahasseemuseum.org

FIESTA DE SAN FERMIN EN PENSACOLA — In Pamplona, thousands run through the city streets, defying death as they are chased by snorting, slobbering half-ton bulls made famous by Ernest Hemingway in The Sun Also Rises. Pensacola’s cheeky (and safety conscious) salute to the “encierro” is to task members of the female roller-derby league wielding wiffle ball bats as bulls chasing down red kerchief-wearing participants in this 2-mile adventure. Other events include a Spanish wine dinner and a procession honoring San Fermin, the Patron Saint of Pamplona.
When: July 17-19
Where: Seville Quarters
Web:  sevillequarter.com

CHRISTMAS IN JULY CRAFT FAIR — Start your holiday shopping early -- really early -- at the Panhandle Pioneer Settlement’s annual craft fair. Pick up goodies such as handmade soaps, baked treats, works by local artisans, quilts and more. Once you’re shopped out take a free guided tour of the settlement.
When: July 19
Where: Blountstown
Web:  panhandlepioneer.org

CHOOSING TO PARTICIPATE LUNCH AND LEARN: WORLD WAR II VETERANS AND THE CIVIL RIGHT MOVEMENT — For this special lecture, veteran and University of North Florida graduate student Bryan Higham will speak on the subject of the African American veterans who used military training to pursue political office and take on leadership roles within the Civil Rights movement from 1945-1960.
When: July 25
Where: The Florida Historic Capitol Museum, Tallahassee
Web: flhistoriccapitol.gov

BEER TRUCK WARS — Sample some of the state’s best craft brews at this event drawing on America’s addiction to gourmet eats served from a kitchen on four wheels. The details are still in the works ... but there will be beer, there will be food and it will be filling.
When: July 26
Where: Francis Field, St. Augustine
Web: www.beertruckwars.com