October 7th, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For information, contact:
Carolyn Masten
SunStream Hotels & Resorts
(239) 765-4111 (office)
@SunStreampr (Twitter)
CarolynM@SunStream.com
www.SunStream.com
SUNSTREAM HOTELS & RESORTS INVITES GUESTS TO THE
23RD ANNUAL AMERICAN SAND SCULPTING CHAMPIONSHIP FESTIVAL
FORT MYERS BEACH, FL – October 7, 2009 – November 3 – 8, 2009 marks the time of the 23rd Annual American Sand Sculpting Championship Festival, where master and amateur artists and enthusiasts alike converge on Fort Myers Beach to be a part of this Southwest Florida annual spectacular. This year marks a major milestone in the competition with the announcement of the “dream team” list of sculptors who share 37 World Championship titles between them. They will have the opportunity to show some of the best sand sculpting skills in the United States, and for the first time ever, this year’s event will be directly tied in with the world championships for sand sculpting. As a qualifying contest, the First Place winner this year will automatically advance to compete for the world title in Seattle next summer. (more…)
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September 16th, 2009
You don’t have to believe the stories of rogues, rascals, pirates, captive damsels and hidden treasure chests to enjoy the magic of southwest Florida’s Lover’s Key. Squeezed between the popular island vacation destination of Fort Myers Beach and the quiet upscale beach community of Bonita Beach, it’s a nature preserve in an unlikely place, with a colorful and embellished history.
If you’re not paying attention, you’ll drive right by Lover’s Key State Park without noticing the sign that marks its entrance. But an increasing number of folks are discovering the park and stopping by for a closer look, especially since the park was featured in a Travel Channel special on Florida’s Best Beaches. (more…)
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August 19th, 2009
History
In 1919, pioneer botanist Dr. Henry Nehrling founded the botanical garden. Respected botanist David Fairchild reflected, “The wildlife is passing. Man is destroying it. Dr. Nehrling loved it and taught thousands to follow his lead.” After Nehrling died, his garden grew wild until Julius Fleischmann restored and expanded it in 1954. Explorers and educators Larry and Nancy Jane Tetzlaff, known as Jungle Larry and Safari Jane, introduced the rare animals in 1969. Larry performed stuntwork in the popular Tarzan films and collected venom during WWII for medicine. Millions gained a new appreciation of the planet’s wonders through their films, TV appearances, and live programs. Today, Naples Zoo continues its mission to delight guests with the natural world and inspire the conservation of our planet’s remaining wild areas and their wondrous inhabitants.
Today
In this tropical setting, guests can take delight at seeing many of their favorite animals like lions, kangaroos and bears. They will also find a botanical collection of exotic plants, mature trees and rare historic tropical gardens. Experience the Zoo’s feature exhibits such as The Fosa: Madagascar’s Legendary Carnivore, Tiger Forest, Leopard Rock, Petrof’s Primate Pavilion, Alligator Bay and African Oasis. And gaze on an array of more rarely seen creatures like African wild dogs or an Asian deer that barks and eats meat. Guests can climb aboard a guided cruise and leisurely observe islands of monkeys, lemurs and apes in their own habitat.
Lions, Tigers and Bears ’09!
2009 marks the 40th anniversary since the Tetzlaff family introduced the wild animals to the historic tropical garden. Coinciding with the 70th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz movie, Naples Zoo is celebrating with Lions, Tigers and Bears ’09! (Oh Nine! Oh My! Cute, huh? Not as cute as the lion cubs, baby porcupine and black bears). See them all during your next visit to Southwest Florida.
The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is conveniently located at 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples, FL 34102. ZooLine: 239-262-5409 or on the web at NaplesZoo.org.
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August 12th, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For information, contact:
Carolyn Masten
SunStream Hotels & Resorts
(239) 765-4111 (office)
@SunStreampr (Twitter)
CarolynM@SunStream.com
www.SunStream.com
DISCOVER A SLOWER PACE OF LIFE AND A TRUE APPRECIATION
OF NATURE AT PORT OF THE ISLANDS RESORT & MARINA
(NAPLES, FL) – The vast biological community known as the Florida Everglades stretches east of Naples, beginning north of town at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, an Audubon preserve and gateway to the South Florida Birding Trail. Endangered wood storks nest in its ancient-growth bald cypress trees. In the depths of the Everglades, alligators, Florida panthers, bob cats, black bears, and nearly 350 species of birds lurk. National and state parks, preserves, and wildlife refuges provide access and recreational opportunities. Port of the Islands Resort & Marina lies nestled in the heart of the Everglades, a perfect spot for a quiet eco-retreat. (more…)
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June 17th, 2009

I’ve been living in Southwest Florida for almost 20 years now (does that make me a native yet?) and have vacationed at the beach most of my life. One of the most frequent questions that people ask while they’re packing and heading off for their Florida vacation is: What on earth should I pack? Here are some practical – and some not-so-common – tips from this beach bum: (more…)
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