Smooth Jazz Cruise host, Norman Brown, will introduce live jazz performances by Nick Colionne, Boney James, Mindi Abair, Larry Carlton, Heather Headley, Acoustic Alchemy, Greg Adams, Marlon Meadows, Steve Cole, Shilts, Steve Oliver, Chieli Minnuci, Michael Lington, Alan Hewitt and Althea Rene, among others. Daily performances are scheduled in the afternoons and all evening, and all musicians will perform their show at least twice during the cruise to accommodate all guests.

Autograph and interview sessions, as well as late night jam sessions are part of the jazz experience. Exclusive Singles Travel International amenities include a $50 shipboard credit, welcome aboard party with open bar, breakfast and happy hour club each day, singles seating for dinner, and farewell party. And of course, Singles Travel International invites all single guests to the big game party on February 1st for football’s greatest game of the year. More here.

Cape Canaveral, FL - Space shuttle Atlantis (foreground) sits on Launch Pad A and Endeavour on Launch Pad B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At the left of each shuttle are the open rotating service structures with the payload changeout rooms revealed. The rotating service structures provide protection for weather and access to the shuttle. For the first time since July 2001, two shuttles are on the launch pads at the same time at the center. Endeavour will stand by at pad B in the unlikely event that a rescue mission is necessary during space shuttle Atlantis’ upcoming mission to repair NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, targeted to launch Oct. 10. After Endeavour is cleared from its duty as a rescue spacecraft, it will be moved to Launch Pad 39A for its STS-126 mission to the International Space Station. That flight is targeted for launch Nov. 12.

According to the Cape Canaveral Launch Schedule, on Oct 10 - Space Shuttle Atlantis, NASA Mission STS-125, will service the Hubble Space Telescope. Space shuttle Atlantis’ upcoming 11-day mission is the final shuttle flight to NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. Five spacewalks are planned to install new instruments and thermal blankets, repair two existing instruments, refurbish subsystems and replace gyroscopes and batteries. The result will be six working, complementary science instruments with capabilities beyond what is now available, and an extended operational lifespan through at least 2013. The seven-member crew will enhance the observatory and ensure cutting-edge science. It puts in place advanced technology that improves the discovery power of Hubble by 10 to 70 times.

On Nov 12, Space Shuttle Endeavour, Mission STS-126, will visit the International Space Station. Endeavour will carry a reusable logistics module that will hold supplies and equipment, including additional crew quarters, a second treadmill, equipment for the regenerative life support system and spare hardware. STS-126 is the 27th shuttle mission to the International Space Station.

Panama City Beach, FL - The Bay Point Marriott Golf Resort & Spa wants to help you have a great “Staycation” this summer without ever leaving your neighborhood. With summer rates starting at $129 for Bay, Okaloosa, Walton and Escambia County Residents,* this unbeatable “Stay-cation” Panama City Beach Vacation Package is the perfect opportunity to escape the ordinary, even if you can’t get too far away this summer.

Be amazed with this hotel’s $24 million dollar renovation that includes a total transformation of all of their Panama City Beach lodging, including their 316 spacious guest rooms and golf villas. Enjoy the complimentary boat shuttle for registered guests to number one ranked Shell Island via their very own, Bay Point Lady. Be challenged on two championship golf courses, including the only Nicklaus Design Course in North West Florida, then relax by one of five pools while the kids have fun at the exciting Kid’s Camp that takes place at the hotel.

Indulge in the Serenity Spa at Bay Point, which is the region’s premier full-service spa, salon & fitness center - a 12,000 square foot state-of-the-art oasis of relaxation. Southern Living said, “The fabulous new Serenity Spa is the best in Panama City Beach,” and it was also awarded as “Best Spa” by Panama City Living Magazine. So rest and rejuvenate, and retreat to the Panama City Beach, FL spa resort for a simple summer getaway, close to home.

The Bay Point Marriott is located at 4200 Marriott Drive in Panama City Beach, one of the best Florida Panhandle Beaches.

Visit MarriottBayPoint.com or call 1-800-644-2650 and ask for the Florida “Staycation” Rates and promotional code LCGD, for more information on this luxurious property.

Looe Key, Florida Keys - “Reefpublicans” and “Democrabs” are to congregate in the Lower Florida Keys Saturday, July 12, when the 24th annual Underwater Music Festival puts an undersea spin on the upcoming 2008 presidential elections.

The quirky underwater concert takes place at Looe Key Reef, an area of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary located approximately six miles south of Big Pine Key. Each year, the subsea songfest draws as many as 600 divers and snorkelers to explore the colorful diversity of marine life that characterizes North America’s only living coral barrier reef.

The 2008 festival is to salute November’s “eel-ections” with underwater appearances by divers costumed as “Barackuda Obama,” “Hillary Clintuna” and “John McClam” among other political notables.

Set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the marine musical event is staged by Keys radio station WWUS 104.1 FM, locally called U.S. 1. Music is broadcast underwater via Lubell Laboratory speakers suspended beneath boats positioned at the reef, and the playlist typically ranges from humpback whale songs to marine-themed ditties such as the Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine” and Jimmy Buffett’s “A Pirate Looks at 40.”

“We also feature the work of local Keys musicians, who often have a unique vision of life in the Keys and on the water,” said event founder and organizer Bill Becker of U.S. 1. “This year, of course, we’re planning to add contemporary musical spoofs of the political process.”

Participants might even catch the scuba-diving “presidential hopefuls” tooting their own horns — pretending to play underwater musical instruments like a trom-bonefish and sax-eel-phone sculpted by Florida Keys artist August Powers.

While election “afishionados” are encouraged to enjoy the bipartisan party at Looe Key Reef, the concert also has a serious focus: promoting preservation of the Florida Keys’ unique coral reef ecosystem. The musical broadcast incorporates diver awareness announcements, prepared by Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary officials, offering tips on how people can enjoy the ocean while minimizing their impact on the reef and overall marine environment.

Divers and snorkelers eager to participate in the 2008 Underwater Music Festival can reserve space aboard boats run by Lower Keys dive operators. Visitors and residents with their own boats can launch from public ramps and marinas throughout the area.

For information about dive charters and accommodations in the Lower Florida Keys, contact the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce at (800) 872-3722 or (305) 872-2411, or visit the Florida Keys Web site at www.fla-keys.com or the chamber’s Web site at www.lowerkeyschamber.com.

Miami, FL - Doral Golf Resort & Spa, a Marriott Resort, is offering golfers the opportunity to play against other amateurs in three summer tournaments on its two famed Miami golf courses, the Blue Monster and Great White. As regular golf fees on these courses start at $125 and $210 respectively, the summer tournaments offer golf aficionados (men and women) the chance to play like the pros and enjoy the festivities, including complimentary food and beverages, while saving over 50% on golf fees. Below are further details:

• Summer Solstice Slam - $175 per person*
On Wednesday, June 18, golfers will thank the grass gods with this golf-’til-you-drop event on the longest day of the summer. The 54-hole event spans dawn to dusk on the famous Blue Monster and Great White courses. For those brave enough to take on the marathon golf event, food and beverage will be provided. Golfers save over 50%!

• Blue/White Aggregate Tournament - $150 per person*
Offering the best of both worlds, this Thursday, August 28 event invites duffers to take on the Blue Monster Golf Course and the Great White for one low rate, which includes complimentary continental breakfast and lunch. Prizes include a three-day/two-night Championship Golf package for two and complimentary tee times for four on the Blue Monster and Great White courses. Gift certificates will also be awarded for Closest to the Pin, Longest Drive and Most Improved Score. Golfers save 60%!

• Blue Monster Day at Doral - $100 per person*
Take your TigerQ. Starting from the professional tees used at the 2008 World Golf Championship - CA Championship, golfers will compete on one of the PGA Tour’s most difficult courses on Monday, September 29. An additional challenge will be set up on the 9th hole: any duffer who can “Beat the Pro” will win a $50 gift certificate that can be used towards a relaxing massage at The Miami Spa at Doral, dinner at Champions Bar and Grill or at any of the resort’s retail shops. Golfers save over 50%!

Duffers can sign up for all three events for $400 per person*. Room rates start at $149 per night.** For reservations or additional information, please call golf sales office at (305) 591-6401.

Situated on 650 tropical acres, the award-winning Doral Golf Resort & Spa, a Marriott Resort is one of Miami’s premier resorts. All 693 luxuriously- appointed Miami accommodations, including 96 suites, boast individual balconies/patios, guest-controlled air conditioning, direct-dial telephone with two-lines for high-speed Internet or fax access, electronic safes with rechargeable capabilities for your laptop, and more.

Featuring five 18-hole championship golf courses, including the famed Blue Monster, the Doral is continuously ranked one of the country’s leading golf destinations. The European inspired Spa at Doral offers guests more than 100 spa services, 52 treatment rooms, an on-site registered dietician/nutritionist and state-of-the-art exercise center. For dining, guests can choose from five delectable restaurants in Miami, Florida including Windows on the Green, The Atrium, Terrazza Restaurant and Caf , Champions Bar & Grill and Bungalou’s Bar & Grill. Located only seven miles from Miami International Airport, the hotel also features the acclaimed Arthur Ashe Tennis Center, Jim McLean Golf Center, The Blue Lagoon aquatic recreation area and nine retail shops. For more information or to make a reservation, call (800) 71-DORAL or visit http://marriott.com/hotels/travel/miadl.

Key West, Florida Keys — Revelers in Cuban dress are scheduled to conga from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico Friday night, May 23, to kick off Key West’s ninth annual Cuban American Heritage Festival. The festivities are to continue through Sunday, May 25, with events celebrating the island city’s rich and colorful Cuban heritage.

Led by Comparsa Key West, the festival’s official dance troupe, the conga line is to step off at 8 p.m. and proceed down mile-long Duval Street from the ocean to the gulf. Members of the public are invited to put on their dancing shoes, grab their tambourines and join the fun.

Located just 90 miles from Cuba, Key West was the site of nearly 150 cigar factories in the mid to late 1800s, when the island city welcomed thousands of Cuban immigrants seeking greater personal and political freedom. Tickets are $50 per person, and seating is limited but there are plenty of things to do in Key West so don’t wait. For reservations, call (305) 295-9665. The family-oriented Cuban American Heritage Festival showcases the vibrant culture and customs these individuals brought with them to Key West.

Midway along the procession’s route, dancers and revelers are to pass the historic San Carlos Institute, where Jose Marti launched his 1892 drive for his homeland’s independence.

Conga celebrants are to proceed to El Meson de Pepe, 410 Wall St. at Mallory Square, for a lively Latin dance party. The gala is to begin at 9:30 p.m. and feature the rhythms of the popular band Caribe. Admission is free.

Saturday, May 24, El Meson is to be the site of a cigar dinner and silent auction that celebrate Key West’s cigar-making legacy. Presented by the Fuente Newman Cigar Co. and starting at 7 p.m., the night is to include a full dinner, wine and a selection of fine cigars.

The cost of this quintessential Cuban-style evening is $75 per person. For reservations, call Jose Diaz at (305) 360-0738.

Sunday morning is to bring a fun-filled party for children and families. The Fiesta de Niños is to be staged at the White Street Pier overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at White Street and Atlantic Boulevard. Scheduled activities include an old-fashioned children’s fishing tournament and a traditional domino tournament for kids, grandparents and attendees of all ages. Admission is free.

If the fiesta sparks an appetite for Latin cuisine, “A Taste of Havana” should satisfy it. Starting at 7 p.m. Sunday, diners can enjoy a progressive dinner featuring outstanding food from Key West’s leading Latin restaurants. Participants will be whisked from place to place by trolley during the unique progressive dinner.

For more information about the Cuban American Heritage Festival, visit www.cubanfest.com or call (305) 295-9665.

For lodging information in Key West, contact the Key West Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-LAST-KEY (800-527-8539) or visit the Florida Keys & Key West Web site at www.fla-keys.com.

Cape Canaveral, FL – The seventh group of Space Shuttle astronauts has been named to the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Veteran Space Shuttle Astronauts John E. Blaha, Robert D. Cabana, Bryan D. O’Connor and Loren J. Shriver will join an elite group of American space heroes as they are inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Earlier inductees represent the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab and Apollo-Soyuz programs.

Each inductee brings their own chapter to the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Blaha, the third American to live aboard the Russian Mir Space Station; Cabana, the commander of the first International Space Station assembly mission; O’Connor, commander of the first shuttle mission dedicated to life sciences; and Shriver, commander of the mission to deploy the Hubble Space Telescope, will bring the number of space explorers enshrined in the Astronaut Hall of Fame to 70.

They will join the ranks of legendary space pioneers like Neil Armstrong, John Glenn, Alan Shepard, Sally Ride and John Young. The public ceremony at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will be held Saturday, May 3 at 3:00 p.m. View the Cape Canaveral Launch Schedule for times and dates of upcoming launches. More than 25 astronauts have accepted invitations to attend and honor the latest inductees including Scott Carpenter, John Young, Bob Crippen, Al Worden and Walt Cunningham. As part of the weekend celebration, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will feature autograph sessions, book signings and public presentations with current Hall of Fame astronauts, including Bob Crippen, Robert “Hoot” Gibson, Story Musgrave, and Ed Mitchell on May 3 and 4. A schedule of events can be found at /astronaut_induction.

The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is included with admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Induction weekend ticket packages are available for $70 plus tax for adults and $50 plus tax for children and include the following:

• Two-day Admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame
• Reserved seating at the Induction Ceremony at 3:00 p.m.
• Commemorative poster of the 2008 Inductees
• A special Apollo 16 Lunch With the Astronauts on May 3 at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will be hosted by Apollo 16 “moonwalkers” John Young and Charlie Duke
• U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction weekend tickets are available by telephone at 321-449-4400 or online at www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Local accommodations are also available.

The 2008 inductees were selected by a committee of current Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials and flight directors, historians, journalists and other space authorities. The process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, created in 1984 to support students seeking careers in science and technology. To be eligible, an astronaut must have made his or her first flight at least 17 years before the induction year and must be retired at least five years from NASA’s astronaut corps. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen, NASA-trained and must have orbited the earth at least once. Committee members receiving ballots evaluate not only an individual’s flight accomplishments but also how he or she contributed to the success and future success of the U.S. Space Program in post-flight assignments. For more information, log on to www.AstronautScholarship.org.

The Florida Keys are truly a Caribbean paradise that stretches from Key Largo to Key West. Key Largo is well known divers and snorkelers with clear water it’s the easiest Key to get to. Islamorada is the Gamefish Capital of Florida with both offshore fishing and inshore fishing for bonefish and tarpon. Bahia Honda Key is one of the most natural of the Florida Keys and popular with campers and snorkelers. And Key West is party central with Duval Street and the Annual FantasyFest.

Tampa

Tampa Florida is a busy metro area similar to other cities across the nation. What makes it special is it’s semi-tropical seaside location and the culture, which are considered by many as one and the same. Ybor City located in Tampa’s Latin Quarter, has become the new “South Beach”. Complete with clubs, restaurants and eclectic shops, the region has a strong Cuban flavor complete with merchants selling hand rolled cigars.

Tampa is also home to Busch Gardens, one of the most popular attractions in Florida and for good reason, Beer. But beer is not the only reason to visit Busch Gardens, there are roller coasters like the SheiKra and Gwazi. Busch Gardens is also home to Animal Attractions.

Miami

Miami is located at the south eastern and that’s what gives it the unique beaches and water quality. Even though the region is a major population area and shipping port, the clear Gulf Stream waters flush Biscayne Bay and the nearby shoreline. The close proximity of the Gulf Stream also makes offshore fishing some of the best anywhere. Fishing for marlin, mahi mahi, wahoo and king mackerel are available year round.

Miami is also home to a large Cuban population giving the area a Latin flavor that impacts the fashion, food and nightclub atmosphere. There are also professional sports teams like the Miami Dolphins.

Orlando

Orlando Florida is one of the most popular family vacation destinations in the nation, and for good reason, theme parks. Disney, Universal and Seaworld are the most famous. But there are other attractions close by such as Gatorland, Wet N’ Wild and nearby Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex.

Hotels and Resorts around Central Florida cater to visiting families and International Drive offers a shopping experience you won’t find anyplace else. Restaurants and dinner shows are also popular with the visiting families for any budget.

Florida Travel Info

Looking for tips you’ll find Florida Travel Info a valuable source. Florida has beautiful beaches, plenty of theme parks and resort hotels that will make your Florida vacation a memorable experience.

More than 60 sports celebrities are expected to appear at the annual sports fan-fest. The event features Hollywood-style motorcades with athletes, talk shows, sports star conversations, live ESPN telecasts and interactive fun in the ESPN Sports Zone.

Some of the athletes scheduled to take part in the “three-day weekend” event include New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs and wide receiver Amani Toomer, Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, baseball legend Cal Ripken, Orlando Magic All Star Dwight Howard, MLB Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench and the famous Harlem Globetrotters. ESPN personalities scheduled to be part of the lineup include Jay Crawford, Peter Gammons, Mike Greenberg, Orestes Destrade, Mike Tirico, Colin Cowherd, Mike Golic, Linda Cohn, John Kruk, Karl Ravech, Jemele Hill and Trey Wingo.

The roster of participating ESPN personalities and sports celebrities will be continually updated at www.espntheweekend.com. Guests also may visit espntheweekend.com to make reservations, buy tickets and book Disney accommodations for the event.

ESPN The Weekend will feature on-site ESPN telecasts of popular programs, including “Baseball Tonight,” “First Take,” “Mike and Mike in the Morning,” “NFL Live” and interview segments on “SportsCenter.”

In its short history, ESPN The Weekend has become a popular event for fans as well as the athletes who attend each year.

“I am really looking forward to seeing all the fans at ESPN The Weekend,” said Donovan McNabb, a five-time NFL Pro Bowler who will be attending his first ESPN The Weekend. “I’ve heard from teammates and other athletes what a super event it is and I am looking forward to experiencing it for myself and my family.”

Guests also will be able to enjoy all the popular shows and attractions at the theme park during Disney’s “Year of a Million Dreams” celebration. Event activities are included in regular admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The festivities are scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, with a wine tasting and plant preview at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, 5210 College Road, the only frost-free tropical moist forest garden in the continental United States. Visitors who join either the club or the society are admitted free, and members receive a 10 percent discount on their Friday night plant purchases.

Gardenfest is presented jointly by the Key West Garden Club and the Key West Botanical Garden Society.

All day Saturday and Sunday, visitors to the Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden can view and purchase native plants, fruit trees, exotic palms, orchids, bromeliads, flowering plants and more, as well as nature-themed art and crafts.

Private garden tours are scheduled 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The $20 per person price includes complimentary shuttle service to all five private gardens from the Key West Garden Club headquarters at West Martello Tower, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at 1100 Atlantic Blvd., as well as shuttle service to the Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden.

Tickets for the garden tours are available at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden and the Key West Garden Club headquarters, or by calling the organizations at (305) 296-1504 or (305) 294-3210. Credit cards are accepted.

Visitors also can explore the forest and garden, a rich and diverse environment whose attractions include tropical fruit trees, native fragrant plants, native palms, tropical spices and local herbs, champion trees, butterflies and birds.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days a series of free educational workshops on horticultural subjects is to be presented.

For more information, visit www.keywestbotanicalgarden.org or www.keywestgardenclub.com.