4 Jul 12
Enduring Tropical Storm Debby Developed in the Gulf of Mexico and becoming a tropical storm on June 23, 2012. Debby is the earliest fourth named storm on record. On June 26th at 5:00 PM Debby made landfall in the “big bend” area of FL near Steinhatchee. Name used in 2006 & 1994.
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4 Jul 12
Passed by Holy Land Experience It is a living, biblical museum that takes you 7000 miles away and 2000 years back in time to the land of the Bible. Its combination of sights, sounds, and tastes will stimulate your senses and blend together to create a spectacular new experience.
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4 Jul 12
Passing exit for Florida Citrus Tower More than 500 ft above sea level, this 226-foot-tall structure built in 1956 is the highest observation point in FL. Once the most famous landmark of Clermont and the area, was built to observe the miles of orange groves; now a view of developments.
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4 Jul 12
Traveling along Florida State Road 33 The 57-mile state road runs north from Lakeland in Polk County at US Route-92 to Okahumpka in Lake County at US Route-27. Much of the road traverses through mostly rural farmland north of Interstate-4 exit 38.
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4 Jul 12
Passed road to Safari Wilderness ranch After five years of raising exotic wildlife from Africa & Asia on a 260-acre ranch, is now open for guided safari tours. Guided tours by vehicle, camel, or horse-drawn carriage. See the small animal/bird interactive area or 2-story viewing platform.
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4 Jul 12
Passing exit for Legoland This site opened in 2011 what was originally Cypress Gardens (1936-2010). The Florida location is the largest of the five interactive Lego theme parks worldwide. Caters to families & children ages 2-12. It has more than 50 rides, shows & attractions.
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4 Jul 12
Passed Sea World exit One of many theme parks to visit. The centerpiece is the show with Shamu and his aquatic friends. There are water rides and exhibits galore! Something for all ages and plan on spending the day. Many interactive and "petting" zoo type opportunities.
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4 Jul 12
Visiting Orlando, Florida History dates back to 1838 & the height of the Seminole Wars & was incorporated in 1875. Basketball’s Orlando Magic calls the city home court. Once known solely for cotton, cattle & citrus industries; now a leading worldwide vacation destination.
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4 Jul 12
Stop in downtown Orlando, Florida 79th largest US city, over 238,000 people, is a 110 sq-mi. city that is the county seat for Orange County. Originally named Jernigan after a settler & militia commander. Today’s name derived from a Shakespeare character or a fallen sentry is unclear.
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4 Jul 12
Traveling in Orange County, Florida Established in 1824 as Mosquito County & took up much of Central Florida. In 1845 renamed Orange County for the fruit that constituted it’s main product, & most of the area created new counties. Nowadays citrus has been replaced by land development.
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4 Jul 12
Passing Disney's custom utility pole This unique structure is seen at exit 62, "World Drive," the main entry to Disney World from Interstate-4. Mickey's ears are even lit up after dark! When the kids see this they know Mickey is not far away... no more "are we there yet?"
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4 Jul 12
Traveling on Florida State Road 559 The 10-mile state road is located entirely in Polk County, Florida. Runs north from Auburndale at US Route-92, crossing Interstate-4 (exit 44) to Polk City at State Road-33. It straddles the shorelines of Lakes Ariana & Juliana.
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4 Jul 12
Stop near Fantasy of Flight Aviation-themed attraction showcasing vintage aircraft from the world’s largest private collection; simulators, interactive exhibits, tour of aircraft maintenance areas, restoration & back lots, daily aerial demonstrations and rides are available.
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4 Jul 12
Passed through Osceola County, Florida Named for an “Indian” leader Osceola whose name means "Black Drink Cry[Asi Yaholo]." In 1887, Osceola was named a county, having been created from both Orange and Brevard Counties. Numerous tourist spots in Kissimmee along US-192 like Old Town.
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4 Jul 12
Passed exit for Green Meadows Farm 1964, petting farms founded by Bob & Coni Keyes. In 1988, FL farm became second of eight US farms operated by the family. Tours, activities & hands-on learning that will delight & amaze people of all ages! Over 300 farm animals are your teachers.
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4 Jul 12
Stop along Florida State Road 535 Kissimmee-Vineland Road begins at US Route-192 in Kissimmee of neighboring Osceola County heading north, ending in Lake Buena Vista, formerly of unincorporated community of Vineland.
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4 Jul 12
Stop near Lake Buena Vista, Florida The 5-square mile Disney managed city derived its name from California street where Disney HQ is located. Mostly known for being home to the Walt Disney World Resort. Created in 1967 as City of Reedy Creek then changed to present name in 1969.
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24 Jun 12
Passed exit for Marchant Stadium & Tigertown Spring training home to Major League Baseball’s Detroit Tigers since 1966 when the 5,000-seat stadium was opened. Named for former Lakeland parks & recreation director credited for keeping Tigers & their minor league affiliate in town since 1934.
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24 Jun 12
Traveling on Florida's Interstate-4 From the day President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, the Interstate System has been a part of our culture. The 1st I-4 segment opened 1959. Current route completed in 1971, 132 miles - Tampa to Daytona Beach.
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24 Jun 12
Stop along road to State Trail 29-mile paved rail-trail is one of Florida’s most rural. Named for Polk County, FL native that served as an Army general. Runs through Polk, Lake & Sumter Counties. Landscapes include the Green Swamp, wildlife, former citrus lands & cattle ranches.
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