We are sure you're aware of the potential pandemic of swine flu which is sweeping across America at the moment. As reported widely, Florida has so far escaped any instances of the disease, but as the Tampa Tribune reports, that should be no reason for complacency.
While no cases of swine flu have been reported in Florida, county health departments around the state have a surveillance system in place to detect the new strain of influenza.
"We're monitoring this along with the federal government," said Steve Huard, spokesman for the Hillsborough County Health Department.
Health officials use a reporting system for cases of flu. If any cases of the strain are diagnosed, the results will be sent to Tallahassee and then to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The state health department will take direction from the CDC, Huard said.
As the number of confirmed cases of swine flu in the United States climbed to 20, federal officials declared a public health emergency today and warned the public to prepare for widespread outbreaks.
Tampa International Airport has not received any alerts from U.S. Customs and Border Protection or the CDC about procedures to screen arriving or departing passengers, said Brenda Geoghagan, the airport spokeswoman.
However, there are procedures that could be put in motion to screen passengers as well as protect airport workers.
The screening could involve questioning arriving or departing passengers about recent illnesses or their health.
Any screening of passengers arriving on international flights would fall to the Customs bureau. For domestic flights, screening would be done by airport and airline workers as passengers depart.
"There probably would be multiple layers," Geoghagan said.
The local health department routinely alerts the airport of outbreaks of contagious diseases.
Read the full story here
Thursday 30 April 2009
Tuesday 28 April 2009
Flights for (much) less
Hurry, there's still time to take advantage of this special offer from Southwest Airlines, as highlighted on the travel website www.jaunted.com
Not to be outdone by JetBlue with their one-day sale, Southwest Airlines started their own promotion. They’ll be offering fifty percent off their Wanna Get Away fares from a different destination each day. Initially, there were a few clues to help you identify the secret locations, but now that they’ve revealed the first one we just have to wait and see.
Tuesday’s special city was Philadelphia, and it looks like you can get some pretty decent deals —like $50 each way to select cities in Florida. The sale says it's for flights to Philly, but we found half-off fares leaving the city as well. You need to purchase today of course, and must travel May 1 through June 10. Unfortunately, Memorial Day weekend is their one blackout time period.
To book your flight head over to their website and make sure you enter the promotional code LUVPHL. Continue to check them out through Monday, and see what other deals they have to offer. Let’s just hope another low cost carrier jumps in with a new sale next week; we’re starting to like this cheapo fare war thing.
So click on over and see how much you could save.
Not to be outdone by JetBlue with their one-day sale, Southwest Airlines started their own promotion. They’ll be offering fifty percent off their Wanna Get Away fares from a different destination each day. Initially, there were a few clues to help you identify the secret locations, but now that they’ve revealed the first one we just have to wait and see.
Tuesday’s special city was Philadelphia, and it looks like you can get some pretty decent deals —like $50 each way to select cities in Florida. The sale says it's for flights to Philly, but we found half-off fares leaving the city as well. You need to purchase today of course, and must travel May 1 through June 10. Unfortunately, Memorial Day weekend is their one blackout time period.
To book your flight head over to their website and make sure you enter the promotional code LUVPHL. Continue to check them out through Monday, and see what other deals they have to offer. Let’s just hope another low cost carrier jumps in with a new sale next week; we’re starting to like this cheapo fare war thing.
So click on over and see how much you could save.
Friday 24 April 2009
British hit by tax rise
The British Budget, which was released on Wednesday, did not contain much in the way of good news for families hoping to travel by airplane.
According to The Times newspaper, taxes on air fares will more than double after the Government pressed ahead with plans to increase air passenger duty (APD).
It said: "Despite complaints from the beleaguered travel industry, the taxes on all flights will increase sharply for the second time in two years. The increases, which were mooted in the PreBudget Report last year, will penalise long-haul flights and premium tickets most heavily."The tax on a single economy flight to Australia will increase from £40 to £85 by the end of next year. This is a quadrupling of the rate since 2007, when the duty was only £20. A family of four going on holiday to Florida will pay £480 in taxes for return economy tickets from next year. This rises to £960 if they travel in premium economy, business or first class."Travel companies reacted angrily to the increases, which they claim will endanger jobs in the industry. Dermot Blastland, managing director of Thomson Holidays, Britain’s largest tour operator, said: “We find it outrageous that despite clear briefings explaining why this tax is unfair and unjust, the Government continues to carry on regardless.”
It's still great value if you travel to Anna Maria Island and stay in one of our luxury villas. Just visit www.annamaria.com for the best in affordable luxury vacation rentals.
According to The Times newspaper, taxes on air fares will more than double after the Government pressed ahead with plans to increase air passenger duty (APD).
It said: "Despite complaints from the beleaguered travel industry, the taxes on all flights will increase sharply for the second time in two years. The increases, which were mooted in the PreBudget Report last year, will penalise long-haul flights and premium tickets most heavily."The tax on a single economy flight to Australia will increase from £40 to £85 by the end of next year. This is a quadrupling of the rate since 2007, when the duty was only £20. A family of four going on holiday to Florida will pay £480 in taxes for return economy tickets from next year. This rises to £960 if they travel in premium economy, business or first class."Travel companies reacted angrily to the increases, which they claim will endanger jobs in the industry. Dermot Blastland, managing director of Thomson Holidays, Britain’s largest tour operator, said: “We find it outrageous that despite clear briefings explaining why this tax is unfair and unjust, the Government continues to carry on regardless.”
It's still great value if you travel to Anna Maria Island and stay in one of our luxury villas. Just visit www.annamaria.com for the best in affordable luxury vacation rentals.
Tuesday 21 April 2009
Pets fly away...
Taking your four-legged friends on holiday can be a bit of a pain, but there is good news for them and for you.
Beginning in July, newcomer Pet Airways is slated to begin service to five major cities, with plans to expand service to other cities before the year is out – but for pets only.
The initial schedule will include flights between New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles. Alysa Binder, founder and executive vice president of Pet Airways, said, "For us, it's all about the safety and the comfort of the pets."
Binder and husband Dan Wiesel were inspired to begin the unusual service after shipping their Jack Russell Terrier, Zoe, from the San Francisco area to South Florida, and considering an alternative for pets traveling in cargo holds.
Operated by Suburban Airlines, the airline plans to use 19-seat Beech 1900s, but without the seats. The planes’ interiors will be climate-controlled and well-lit, a far cry from accommodations offered to pets transported in airliner cargo holds.
“Pawsengers” will be accompanied by a flight attendant to care for their needs enroute, according to The South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Pets will be welcomed at check-in counters, and owners can track the flights on the company website.
Although the company is currently advertising lower introductory fares, tickets are expected to run about $250 each way, varying on pet sizes and needs, Binder said.
See http://petairways.com/ for more information.
Beginning in July, newcomer Pet Airways is slated to begin service to five major cities, with plans to expand service to other cities before the year is out – but for pets only.
The initial schedule will include flights between New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles. Alysa Binder, founder and executive vice president of Pet Airways, said, "For us, it's all about the safety and the comfort of the pets."
Binder and husband Dan Wiesel were inspired to begin the unusual service after shipping their Jack Russell Terrier, Zoe, from the San Francisco area to South Florida, and considering an alternative for pets traveling in cargo holds.
Operated by Suburban Airlines, the airline plans to use 19-seat Beech 1900s, but without the seats. The planes’ interiors will be climate-controlled and well-lit, a far cry from accommodations offered to pets transported in airliner cargo holds.
“Pawsengers” will be accompanied by a flight attendant to care for their needs enroute, according to The South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Pets will be welcomed at check-in counters, and owners can track the flights on the company website.
Although the company is currently advertising lower introductory fares, tickets are expected to run about $250 each way, varying on pet sizes and needs, Binder said.
See http://petairways.com/ for more information.
Friday 17 April 2009
United getting tough on big passengers
Bloomberg reports bad news for those of us who are too big to fit in one seat on an airplane.
About 34 percent of Americans are obese, double the rate from 30 years ago, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Only one state, Colorado, has an obesity rate of less than 20 percent. This might affect quite a few of us then...
Bloomberg, April 15 - United Airlines, the third-largest US carrier, may force some obese travelers to buy a second seat when flights are full and other passengers complain about being cramped.
The policy brings practices at UAL Corp’s United in line with those at the other five biggest US carriers including Delta Air Lines Inc. The rule took effect today after being adopted in January, said Robin Urbanski, a United spokeswoman.
United passengers previously “had to share their seat with the oversized guest” on full planes, Urbanski said. Chicago-based United acted after receiving “hundreds” of public complaints each year, she said.
“It’s going to perpetuate that negative stigma that’s already associated with obesity,” said James Zervios, a spokesman for the Obesity Action Coalition, a nonprofit advocacy group in Tampa, Florida. Airline seats already “could use a few extra inches of room on all sides,” he said.
To read the full story click here
About 34 percent of Americans are obese, double the rate from 30 years ago, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Only one state, Colorado, has an obesity rate of less than 20 percent. This might affect quite a few of us then...
Bloomberg, April 15 - United Airlines, the third-largest US carrier, may force some obese travelers to buy a second seat when flights are full and other passengers complain about being cramped.
The policy brings practices at UAL Corp’s United in line with those at the other five biggest US carriers including Delta Air Lines Inc. The rule took effect today after being adopted in January, said Robin Urbanski, a United spokeswoman.
United passengers previously “had to share their seat with the oversized guest” on full planes, Urbanski said. Chicago-based United acted after receiving “hundreds” of public complaints each year, she said.
“It’s going to perpetuate that negative stigma that’s already associated with obesity,” said James Zervios, a spokesman for the Obesity Action Coalition, a nonprofit advocacy group in Tampa, Florida. Airline seats already “could use a few extra inches of room on all sides,” he said.
To read the full story click here
Tuesday 14 April 2009
Florida, anything but the Pitts
Here's a story from Pittsburgh news channel WTEA TV, encouraging residents to take off for some great deals - including heading down to Florida.
Now may be the right time for vacationers looking to escape the April showers of Pittsburgh in favor of sunnier pastures to cash in on travel deals.
Airfare to popular destinations like Florida, New York, Las Vegas and Boston has been dropping.
"From airfare to hotel to food to activities, it gets kind of pricey. If we could get something where everything is included, we'll be good to go," said Maria Dravecky, who is planning a vacation with her husband.
Ponzio travel agent Vicky Sammartino said airlines, cruise lines and hotels have been worried about a lack of business, prompting some of them to cut prices in half from last year.
"Book now. This is a great time," encouraged Sammartino.
Roundtrip flights to Boston and New York have been found for less than $100.
Sammartino recently booked a couple for a five-night stay at the Belaggio in Las Vegas for $550 per person, including airfare.
She also made arrangements for a family of four on a week-long Caribbean cruise for about $2,000.
Sammartino said the key to finding the best deals is being flexible with travel dates, which doesn’t always make things easier.
"It makes it harder because now there are a lot of deals and there are more places we have to choose from," said Dravecky.
Now may be the right time for vacationers looking to escape the April showers of Pittsburgh in favor of sunnier pastures to cash in on travel deals.
Airfare to popular destinations like Florida, New York, Las Vegas and Boston has been dropping.
"From airfare to hotel to food to activities, it gets kind of pricey. If we could get something where everything is included, we'll be good to go," said Maria Dravecky, who is planning a vacation with her husband.
Ponzio travel agent Vicky Sammartino said airlines, cruise lines and hotels have been worried about a lack of business, prompting some of them to cut prices in half from last year.
"Book now. This is a great time," encouraged Sammartino.
Roundtrip flights to Boston and New York have been found for less than $100.
Sammartino recently booked a couple for a five-night stay at the Belaggio in Las Vegas for $550 per person, including airfare.
She also made arrangements for a family of four on a week-long Caribbean cruise for about $2,000.
Sammartino said the key to finding the best deals is being flexible with travel dates, which doesn’t always make things easier.
"It makes it harder because now there are a lot of deals and there are more places we have to choose from," said Dravecky.
Friday 10 April 2009
Knockout fares from Tyson
The news website knoxnews.com had some good news for travelers in Tennessee looking for low airfares at McGhee Tyson Airport after Allegiant Air announced Wednesday it is slashing fares on Florida flights to and from 55 US cities, including Knoxville.
One-way flights between McGhee Tyson and Orlando, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale each will be $49 and nonstop flights between McGhee Tyson and Sarasota-Fort Myers will be $59 as part of a promotion. The tickets must be purchased before April 22 and travel completed by Sept. 30.
But it's not just travelers from McGhee Tyson who will benefit, Allegiant's deals are nationwide.
So what are you waiting for? Get online, get on the phone, and get on a plane, Florida is ready and waiting for you right now.
Reservations for the flights may be booked online at Allegiant's Web site - www.allegiant air.com - and the Airport Authority's site, www.tys.org, or through the Allegiant's reservation system at 702-505-8888.
One-way flights between McGhee Tyson and Orlando, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale each will be $49 and nonstop flights between McGhee Tyson and Sarasota-Fort Myers will be $59 as part of a promotion. The tickets must be purchased before April 22 and travel completed by Sept. 30.
But it's not just travelers from McGhee Tyson who will benefit, Allegiant's deals are nationwide.
So what are you waiting for? Get online, get on the phone, and get on a plane, Florida is ready and waiting for you right now.
Reservations for the flights may be booked online at Allegiant's Web site - www.allegiant air.com - and the Airport Authority's site, www.tys.org, or through the Allegiant's reservation system at 702-505-8888.
Tuesday 7 April 2009
The Jamaicans are coming
As of June 25, Air Jamaica will be operating one more flight between Jamaica and Fort Lauderdale, making a total of five daily.
The yet-to-be privatised airline said that this was in anticipation of the busy summer travel season.
“This additional daily flight on our Fort Lauderdale route is in response to passenger demand to and from the South Florida area. We have enjoyed a substantial increase in our load factor on this route since our new schedule was introduced at the end of February and aim to continue providing the best schedule for our passengers”, said Tom Hill, Air Jamaica Chief Revenue Officer.
Air Jamaica previously switched its Florida hub from Miami to Fort Lauderdale, which it said was a more convenient airport for Jamaicans and the Jamaica Diaspora.
The yet-to-be privatised airline said that this was in anticipation of the busy summer travel season.
“This additional daily flight on our Fort Lauderdale route is in response to passenger demand to and from the South Florida area. We have enjoyed a substantial increase in our load factor on this route since our new schedule was introduced at the end of February and aim to continue providing the best schedule for our passengers”, said Tom Hill, Air Jamaica Chief Revenue Officer.
Air Jamaica previously switched its Florida hub from Miami to Fort Lauderdale, which it said was a more convenient airport for Jamaicans and the Jamaica Diaspora.
Friday 3 April 2009
Make Mother's Day special
It's nearly Mother's Day, have you thought about what you're doing for the first special lady in your life? Well, in case you haven;t here are a few ideas from the good folks at the Orlando Sentinel. Most are based around Orlando as you might expect, but if you're near Anna Maria Island, it's not a long drive to get there.
And after all, she's worth it...
Mom always cooks; take her out on Mother's day
Disney's Vero Beach Resort will feature a special Mother's Day buffet on Sunday, May 10. The buffet will feature brunch items until 3 p.m., and thereafter dinner dishes. Price is $28.99 for adults, $16.99 for children. The buffet will be set up at the resort's Shutters Restaurant and seating will be available both at Shutters and Sonya's, the resort's fine dining restaurant. Among the goodies served are New Zealand Mussels, smoked salmon display, carved roasted turkey with citrus cranberry marmalade, California rolls, deviled eggs, forest mushroom chicken breast, Mickey waffles, eggs benedict and an array of desserts. The resort is located at 9250 Island Grove Terrace, on the ocean at Vero Beach. To reserve a table, call 772-234-2180.
Another option for Mother's Day in Vero Beach
Try the Mother's Day specials at singer Gloria Estefan's resort in Vero Beach, Costa d'Este. They offer an a la carte brunch ($25 per person), a three-course lunch ($35 per person) and a four-course dinner ($50 per person) on May 10. The meals will be served at the resort's Oriente Restaurant. Children's meals are half those prices on Mother's Day. The resort is located at 3244 Ocean Drive in Vero Beach. Call 772-562-9919.
Mother's Day Brunch in Naples
The River of Grass Ballroom at the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club will set the scene for a Mother's Day Brunch on from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 10. Complimentary champagne and non-alcoholic beverages are included as well as complimentary valet parking. Cost is $49 per adult, $20 for children ages 6 to 12 and children 5 and under are free (tax and gratuity are extra). The menu includes chilled appetizers, breakfast items, entrees, salad bar, carving station, side dishes, children's buffet, and a variety of desserts including made-to-order crepes. The hotel is at 851 Gulf Shore Boulevard North in Naples. To reserve, call 239-435-4347.
Mother's Day golf package in Sebring
Kenilworth Lodge in Sebring is featuring a Mother's Day package, May 8-10, providing two rounds of golf at a variety of courses, two nights' accommodations, a dinner at a local restaurant, and two continental breakfasts. Cost of the package $127.99 per person, based double occupancy, plus tax. Call 800-423-5939. For details about the lodge, visit www.KenilworthLodge.com.
Mother's Day brunch in St. Augustine
The Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village in St. Augustine will host a Mother's Day Brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 10 at the resort's restaurant, 500 South. The brunch will feature an assortment of cold salads, sushi, fruit and cheese displays, peal and eat shrimp, smoked seafood, fish, beef and chicken entrees, carved meats, made-to-order omelets and a dessert station, chocolate fountain and flambé station. Price is $36.95 for adults and $16.95 for children. Visit www.WorldGolfRenaissance.com To reserve a table, call 904-940-8623.
Relaxation is the key for Mom
The Doubletree Grand Key Resort in Key West is offering a Mother's Day Weekend package available May 8-9 that features a free half-hour massage for Mom. Also included are two free adult tickets to Key West Butterfly Conservatory, a late check-out on Sunday, May 10, and complimentary Mother's Day brunch for two adults. Dad gets free parking. Cost is $295 per night for a room with two queen beds; $395 per night for a one-bedroom suite. The package is not valid with other offers or discounts. The Doubletree Grand Key Resort is at 3990 South Roosevelt Boulevard. Call 305-293-1818 for reservations and mention code L-MDW.
Two treats for Mom in Jacksonville Beach
The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra will present Pops at the Beach, a Mother's Day Concert on May 10. The event at the Sea Walk Pavilion is from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is free. Visit www.jacksonvillebeach.org.
Another treat: Adventure Landing on Jacksonville Beach offers free mini-golf play for Mom all day on May 10 when Mom is accompanied by a paying player. Visit www.adventurelanding.com
And after all, she's worth it...
Mom always cooks; take her out on Mother's day
Disney's Vero Beach Resort will feature a special Mother's Day buffet on Sunday, May 10. The buffet will feature brunch items until 3 p.m., and thereafter dinner dishes. Price is $28.99 for adults, $16.99 for children. The buffet will be set up at the resort's Shutters Restaurant and seating will be available both at Shutters and Sonya's, the resort's fine dining restaurant. Among the goodies served are New Zealand Mussels, smoked salmon display, carved roasted turkey with citrus cranberry marmalade, California rolls, deviled eggs, forest mushroom chicken breast, Mickey waffles, eggs benedict and an array of desserts. The resort is located at 9250 Island Grove Terrace, on the ocean at Vero Beach. To reserve a table, call 772-234-2180.
Another option for Mother's Day in Vero Beach
Try the Mother's Day specials at singer Gloria Estefan's resort in Vero Beach, Costa d'Este. They offer an a la carte brunch ($25 per person), a three-course lunch ($35 per person) and a four-course dinner ($50 per person) on May 10. The meals will be served at the resort's Oriente Restaurant. Children's meals are half those prices on Mother's Day. The resort is located at 3244 Ocean Drive in Vero Beach. Call 772-562-9919.
Mother's Day Brunch in Naples
The River of Grass Ballroom at the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club will set the scene for a Mother's Day Brunch on from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 10. Complimentary champagne and non-alcoholic beverages are included as well as complimentary valet parking. Cost is $49 per adult, $20 for children ages 6 to 12 and children 5 and under are free (tax and gratuity are extra). The menu includes chilled appetizers, breakfast items, entrees, salad bar, carving station, side dishes, children's buffet, and a variety of desserts including made-to-order crepes. The hotel is at 851 Gulf Shore Boulevard North in Naples. To reserve, call 239-435-4347.
Mother's Day golf package in Sebring
Kenilworth Lodge in Sebring is featuring a Mother's Day package, May 8-10, providing two rounds of golf at a variety of courses, two nights' accommodations, a dinner at a local restaurant, and two continental breakfasts. Cost of the package $127.99 per person, based double occupancy, plus tax. Call 800-423-5939. For details about the lodge, visit www.KenilworthLodge.com.
Mother's Day brunch in St. Augustine
The Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village in St. Augustine will host a Mother's Day Brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 10 at the resort's restaurant, 500 South. The brunch will feature an assortment of cold salads, sushi, fruit and cheese displays, peal and eat shrimp, smoked seafood, fish, beef and chicken entrees, carved meats, made-to-order omelets and a dessert station, chocolate fountain and flambé station. Price is $36.95 for adults and $16.95 for children. Visit www.WorldGolfRenaissance.com To reserve a table, call 904-940-8623.
Relaxation is the key for Mom
The Doubletree Grand Key Resort in Key West is offering a Mother's Day Weekend package available May 8-9 that features a free half-hour massage for Mom. Also included are two free adult tickets to Key West Butterfly Conservatory, a late check-out on Sunday, May 10, and complimentary Mother's Day brunch for two adults. Dad gets free parking. Cost is $295 per night for a room with two queen beds; $395 per night for a one-bedroom suite. The package is not valid with other offers or discounts. The Doubletree Grand Key Resort is at 3990 South Roosevelt Boulevard. Call 305-293-1818 for reservations and mention code L-MDW.
Two treats for Mom in Jacksonville Beach
The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra will present Pops at the Beach, a Mother's Day Concert on May 10. The event at the Sea Walk Pavilion is from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is free. Visit www.jacksonvillebeach.org.
Another treat: Adventure Landing on Jacksonville Beach offers free mini-golf play for Mom all day on May 10 when Mom is accompanied by a paying player. Visit www.adventurelanding.com
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