Teens and Parents, Don't Miss the VyStar Financial Fitness Reality Fair To Master Essential Financial Skills
The one thing teens and parents seem to agree on is the importance of knowing how to manage money. Financial knowledge is considered important to achieving life goals by 93% of teens and 97% of parents. The VyStar Financial Fitness Reality Fair will teach those important financial skills at a unique, free event designed to engage more than 200 teenagers (ages 13-18). This immersive simulation exposes participants to real-world financial challenges, with a focus on budgeting and creating financial
Central Florida Zoo, Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation to Host 4th Annual Indigo Blues BBQ
Enjoy a day of great blues music and mouthwatering BBQ at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, while making a difference. On Saturday, February 8, the Zoo’s Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation (OCIC) is celebrating the fourth annual Indigo Blues BBQ. This popular event will feature two live music sets from local favorite musicians The Smoking Jackets, a BBQ tasting trail available for pre-purchase, reptile presentations from expert staff, and so much more—all while supporting the Zoo’s
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Announces New Date For Rescheduled Sunset At The Zoo
Guests at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens can start 2025 with some extra fun! The Zoo will celebrate Hispanic Culture and Heritage with Sunset at the Zoo on Jan. 24, 2025. The event is presented by Verizon. The event was originally scheduled for September but was postponed twice due to hurricanes. Sunset at the Zoo allows guests to enjoy some extra-hours fun—with an added twist. The Zoo will close at 3 p.m. and reopen at 4 p.m. for Sunset at the Zoo. Guests can enjoy wild fun
Central Florida Zoo Offers More Nights To Experience Asian Lantern Festival: Into The Wild, Presented By Publix
There are even more nights to experience the magic of Central Florida’s favorite holiday tradition! This year, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has added more nights to its popular Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, presented by Publix. The event is extended select nights through Jan. 19, 2025, from 6 to 10 p.m. “We are excited to offer more nights with more opportunities for people to enjoy this magical event and create memories,” CEO Richard E. Glover, Jr. “The extension through
Experience The Magic Of Asian Lantern Festival: Into The Wild, Presented By Publix On Special Sensor
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is offering a chance for everyone to experience the magic of Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, presented by Publix. On January 7 and 14, the festival will hold special sensory nights. With sensory-friendly modifications to create an inclusive environment, guests of all abilities can enjoy the lantern displays. The accommodations will include reduced lights and sound levels, offering an accessible experience for everyone. Two guest entry times will be
Santa To Make Stop At Asian Lantern Festival: Into The Wild, Presented By Publix
Santa Claus is coming to town, and he’s making a special stop for two dates in December. Jolly old St. Nick will add a special touch of holiday magic to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens’ Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, presented by Publix. The head elf will be there Dec. 13 and 20 from 6 to 9 p.m. It’s the perfect way for families, especially those with kids to celebrate the season! Just like other nights of the festival, guests can stroll a 3/4-mile path around the Zoo and take
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens welcomes Orlando Sanford International Airport as new sponsor for Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, presented by Publix
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is soaring to new heights with another sponsor of Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, presented by Publix. The Zoo today announced that Orlando Sanford International Airport will sponsor two of the event’s iconic displays. The popular Central Florida holiday tradition runs from 6 to 10 p.m. on select nights Nov. 15, 2024, through Jan. 19, 2025. Guests can expect a whole new experience with familiar magic, featuring new, larger-than-life lanterns. Orlando
Asian Lantern Festival: Into The Wild, Presented By Publix, Now Open At Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
One of the most popular holiday traditions in Central Florida is now open at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens! Guests can see dozens of all-new, larger-than-life, hand-constructed lantern displays, plus an enchanting holiday section, at this year’s highly anticipated Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, presented by Publix. Guests can celebrate the Year of the Dragon as they stroll a 3/4-mile loop around the Zoo and enjoy dazzling lanterns illuminated by thousands of LED lights with
Veterans, Active Military To Receive Free Admission To Central Florida Zoo In Honor Of Veterans Day
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is proud to honor the military community by offering free admission to all veterans and active military members Nov. 9-11. The annual tradition, which is sponsored by Orlando Health, celebrates those who have served and continue to serve our country. "We are incredibly grateful to our veterans and active military for their service, and show our appreciation through this event for the fourth consecutive year," said CEO Richard E. Glover, Jr. "We are excited
Pro-Tech Air Conditioning & Plumbing Service Returns As Sponsor Of Popular Dragon Lantern At Asian Lantern Festival: Into The Wild, Presented By Publix
The spirit of the Year of the Dragon will be celebrated this year in an exciting way at this year’s Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, presented by Publix. The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is proud to announce Pro-Tech Air Conditioning & Plumbing Service is the sponsor of the popular dragon lantern. “The dragon lantern is always a showstopper, and it’s fantastic to have Pro-Tech sponsor it again this year,” said CEO Richard E. Glover Jr. “We’re proud to work together to make it a
Wekiva Island To Host Seafood Boil To Benefit Central Florida Zoo
Two Seminole County mainstays are coming together this November for a good cause. Wekiva Island is bringing back its Seafood Boil event with proceeds benefitting the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. Attendees can enjoy a low country seafood boil with a pound of jumbo shrimp, steamed clams, potatoes, corn and sausage. Tickets will also include three pours of 3 Daughters Brewing beers. The event will run from 3 to 7 p.m. on a new date due to flooding from Hurricane Milton—Nov. 16. Tickets
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Welcomes St. Johns Rivership As Sponsor Of Cotton-Top Tamarin
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is setting sail with the St. Johns Rivership, as part of its mission for wildlife conservation. The Zoo is thrilled to announce St. Johns Rivership is the new sponsor of the cotton-top tamarin habitat. The Zoo’s habitat sponsorships help provide for animal residents’ needs and allow the Zoo to continue with its mission to inspire children and adults to act on behalf of wildlife. “We can’t thank St. Johns Rivership enough for their sponsorship of the
Central Florida Zoo’s Zoo Boo Bash, Presented By Orlando Health, Set To Kick Off This Weekend
You’re invited to the wildest Halloween celebration in town! The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Garden’s fan-favorite, Zoo Boo Bash, presented by Orlando Health, kicks off this weekend with lots of tricks, treats and not-so-scary fun for all! The annual Halloween party will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 19-20 and 26-27. Last admission is at 3 p.m. It was originally scheduled to start October 12-13 but was postponed due to Hurricane Milton. The family-friendly event will feature
Central Florida Zoo’s Zoo Boo Bash, Presented By Orlando Health, Set For Three Weekends Of Festive Fun
Calling all ghouls and goblins, you’re invited to the wildest Halloween celebration in town! The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Garden’s fan-favorite, Zoo Boo Bash, presented by Orlando Health, returns for three weekends of tricks, treats but not-so-scary fun for all! This year’s Halloween party takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on October 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27. The family-friendly event will feature treat stations and fun activities. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to dress their best and
Asian Lantern Festival: Into The Wild, Presented By Publix, Returns For 5th Year At Central Florida
One of Orlando’s most enchanting holiday traditions is back for another year of magic at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens! The dazzling displays of Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild will return on select nights from November 15, 2024, to January 19, 2025. Central Florida’s well-known grocery store, Publix, will also return as the festival’s presenting sponsor. And in the Year of the Dragon, the popular dragon lantern will make its return to the festival! “We are excited to
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage And Culture During September’s Sunset At The Zoo, Presented By Verizon
Join us at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens for the last Sunset at the Zoo of 2024! On Sept. 27, the Zoo is proud to celebrate Hispanic heritage and culture. The event is presented by Verizon. The Zoo reopens at 5 p.m. and offers wild fun until the sun goes down. Enjoy a variety of activities including themed storytime for kids and families, music and live entertainment, crafts, keeper chats and much more! Several vendors and food trucks are scheduled to be in attendance, and
Congratulations to our Seminole Business Award Winners
Last week, we celebrated success. We celebrated commitment. We celebrated hard work and determination. At the Seminole Business Awards we celebrated the businesses and organizations who are making a difference in our community every day. They are creating jobs and economic impact and giving back to non-profits who need our help. This year was a different experience as attendees were able to hear from our winners. They talked about their journey, their heartbreaks and what helped grow their
Support The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens With Your License Or Registration Renewal
During the month of September, customers at the Seminole County Tax Collector’s Office are invited to donate to the Zoo When: September 1-30, 2024 Where: All six Seminole County Tax Collector’s Office (Lake Mary, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Winter Springs, Sanford, Oviedo) What: Seminole County residents can help support the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens when they visit the Tax Collector’s Office. During the month of September, residents renewing their driver’s licenses or
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Welcomes New Otter
An otter-ly adorable new face is making a splash at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens! Recently, the Zoo welcomed a playful otter named Fern. She joins fellow otter, Molly, in the Zoo’s North American river otter habitat. Otters are incredibly intelligent and social, and Fern has quickly adapted to her new home with Molly. “Fern's arrival at the Central Florida Zoo not only provides an opportunity for fun, but also raises awareness about an important native species,” said CEO
Celebrate Native American & Alaska Native Culture and Heritage During August’s Sunset at the Zoo
Join us for a Native American & Alaska Native cultural celebration during our fourth Sunset at the Zoo event of 2024! The Zoo reopens at 5 p.m. and offers wild fun until the sun goes down. Enjoy a variety of activities including themed Storytime for kids and families, music and live entertainment, crafts, keeper chats and much more! Several vendors and food trucks are scheduled to be in attendance including, Honey B’s Ice Tree, O Sweet Minis, Fry Bread Truck and GoJuice. Concessions will also be
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Welcomes Five Guira Cuckoos
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens just got a little bit more cuckoo … in a good way, with some new feathered friends! Recently, the Zoo introduced five female Guira cuckoos to the South American Bird Habitat. These active and vocal birds tend to flock together, often spending time on the ground foraging for insects, as well as up in the trees. Guira cuckoos are relatives to the greater roadrunner and are excellent hunters. Sharing their habitat with the two Violet Turacos, and
The Finalists Are...
The Seminole Business Awards is just around the corner and don't miss your opportunity to celebrate the success of our local businesses! This year's event is completely revamped as five companies will be honored and featured during our program. You'll hear from their leadership and truly learn more about their vision, their impact and their secret sauce for success. First, a bit of tease on who could be recognized at the event with the list of the final twelve companies! Make sure you send a
VyStar Credit Union Continues Growth in Florida With Opening of First Branch in Lake Nona
Jacksonville, FL — VyStar Credit Union is proud to announce its Lake Nona location is now open at 12251 Narcoossee Road in Orlando, Florida. This is VyStar’s fourth full-service branch in Orange County and 21st in the Central Florida region. The Orlando – Lake Nona Area branch features VyStar’s innovative digital-forward design, which enhances how employees connect with members. This includes interactive touchscreen kiosks that provide helpful financial tools and allow members to quickly explore the latest
Dads, Grandfathers Get Free Admission To The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens On Father’s Day
Celebrate Father’s Day with a deal for dad! All fathers and grandfathers will receive free admission to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens on Sunday, June 16, 2024. Each free admission must be accompanied by a paid admission. Make it a memorable day filled with fun and adventure! Dads and grandpas can keep cool as they stroll along the shaded boardwalks and check out their favorite animals, or chill in the shade while the kids play at the splash pad. Whether he’s into birds, bears,
Sunset at the Zoo kicks off this Friday at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
What: Summer means the fun is heating up in Central Florida, and the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is giving families more time to soak it in—on a budget. Sunset at the Zoo will kick off on Friday, May 24. The Zoo reopens at 5 p.m. and offers wild fun until the sun goes down. Tickets are only $6 when purchased in advance – that’s more than 70% OFF the price of a General Admission Zoo ticket. Or grab a family 4-pack with 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, and 4 drinks for just $44! May’s event
Celebrate Earth Day at the Central Florida Zoo
oin us for the largest combined Earth Day celebration in North America! The Zoo will have interactive activities, crafts and games that represent our love for the planet, including the chance to build a ‘Toad Abode’ for some helpful local wildlife at your own house. This is a party you don’t want to miss. By the time you leave, you’ll feel connected to nature and immersed in conservation. Let’s take action and celebrate! The Zoo will open to the public at 9 a.m., and the Party for the Planet will
FAIRWINDS Credit Union Sponsors Central Florida Zoo’s Bald Eagle Habitat
ORLANDO, FL (March 26, 2024) – The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is proud to welcome FAIRWINDS Credit Union as the new sponsor of the bald eagle habitat. Seminole County Commissioner Andria Herr, Patricia Rawlings representing Seminole County Commissioner Amy Lockhart, Sanford City Manager Norton Bonaparte, Seminole County Chamber president and CEO, Rebekah Arthur, Zoo employees, and guests gathered at the bald eagle habitat for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, March 25. FAIRWINDS has long
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens and SunRail bring back 'Choo-Choo to the Zoo' for Spring Break
All aboard! SunRail and the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens are offering families a fun way to visit the zoo this spring break. Choo-Choo to the Zoo will run Friday, March 15th and then again, March 18th through March 22nd. Visitors can ride SunRail to the Sanford station, and then hop on a free “Choo-Choo to the Zoo” themed shuttle which will transport them to the front gate of the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in less than 15 minutes. Return shuttle times are timed with
Enjoy an Extra Hour at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens This Spring Break
The Zoo will open till 5 p.m. for two weeks of spring break 2024 What: Enjoy another hour to explore your WILD side this spring break! From March 15th to March 29th, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will stay open an extra hour for two weeks of Spring Break 2024. With daily Keeper Chats and an additional feeding time for Barnyard Buddies at 3 p.m., the extra hour gives you extra chances to spend with your favorite animals too!" Final Zoo entry during Spring Break is at 4:15
VyStar Credit Union Opens Fourth Branch in Seminole County Expanding Growth and Economic Impact in
Jacksonville, Florida — VyStar Credit Union is proud to announce its Altamonte Springs location is now open at 151 N. SR 434 in Altamonte Springs, Florida. This is VyStar’s 75th full-service branch and joins branches in Sanford, Oviedo, and Lake Mary in Seminole County. “We’re excited to open our Altamonte Springs branch and expand our credit union’s presence in Central Florida,” said VyStar EVP/Chief Operations Officer Chad Meadows. “VyStar’s fourth branch in Seminole County will provide residents and
VyStar Credit Union Opens Fourth Branch in Seminole County Expanding Growth and Economic Impact in Altamonte Springs
Jacksonville, Florida — VyStar Credit Union is proud to announce its Altamonte Springs location is now open at 151 N. SR 434 in Altamonte Springs, Florida. This is VyStar’s 75th full-service branch and joins branches in Sanford, Oviedo, and Lake Mary in Seminole County. “We’re excited to open our Altamonte Springs branch and expand our credit union’s presence in Central Florida,” said VyStar EVP/Chief Operations Officer Chad Meadows. “VyStar’s fourth branch in Seminole County will provide residents and