Guide to Florida

06/18/2026

Florida heard “longest day of the year” and decided bedtime was optional. From Busch Gardens Summer Nights and SeaWorld’s Electric Ocean to sunset gatherings at Pier 60 and Mallory Square, the state is making the most of every glowing, sparkly, after-dark minute.

Think drone shows, fireworks, dance parties, waterfront performers, and sunsets that absolutely know they’re the main character.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay SeaWorld Orlando Sunsets at Pier 60 Festival

https://guidetoflorida.com/stories/solstice-nights-skyline-lights

06/17/2026

Florida dads are skipping the crowded brunch line and heading straight for the good stuff: fishing rods, race bibs, BBQ, dolphin tournaments, and outdoor games.

From Oakland Park’s Father’s Day Fishing event to Marathon’s Dolphin Derby, Tallahassee’s Festival of the Sun, and Davie’s 5K fun, this year’s celebrations are less “another gift bag” and more “remember when Dad tried to bait the hook?” That’s the kind of memory worth keeping.

Oakland Park Two Conchs Charters Sovereign Roots Fit to Be Tied Father's Day 5K

Hook, Line, & Dad Time! - Guide to Florida.

06/16/2026

Nearly 200 mango varieties in one place? Homestead understood the assignment. The Summer Fruit Festival returns June 20-21 at Fruit & Spice Park with tropical tastings, local food, fruit sundaes, sangrias, workshops, vendors, lawn games, and enough mango bragging rights to humble your grocery-store fruit bowl.

Come curious, come hungry, and leave fully convinced that a mango is definitely not just a mango.

Fruit & Spice Park

The Produce Aisle Could Never - Guide to Florida.

06/12/2026

Healthcare news with a sci-fi twist, but in the best possible way. Memorial Healthcare System is bringing robotic-assisted kidney transplant surgery to South Florida, helping patients and living donors face a major procedure with smaller incisions, faster recovery, and a little less “this sounds terrifying” energy.

It is a big step for advanced care close to home, and another sign that Florida’s healthcare boom is not just growing. It is getting smarter.

Memorial Healthcare System

Robots Are Scrubbing In! - Guide to Florida.

06/11/2026

Beach traffic? No thanks. Theme park prices? Hard pass. Splash pads are the summer MVP for families who want the kids cooled off, worn out, and happily entertained without turning the day into a logistical circus.

From Dunedin to Gainesville, Lake Mary, Lakeland, and Spring Hill, these community splash spots bring big water fun with way less stress. Pack the sunscreen, grab the towels, and let the spray jets do the parenting for a minute.

City of Dunedin Florida - Government Depot Park City of Lake Mary Municipality Hernando County Government

Splash, Dash, & Stay Cool! - Guide to Florida.

06/10/2026

Summer travel starts long before the first beach selfie. It starts with the suitcase that actually zips, the bike rental that beats traffic, and the paddleboard plan that makes “just going to the beach” feel like an actual adventure.

From Premier Travelware and Bronx Luggage to Jupiter Watersports and Bikes Plus More, Florida travelers are leveling up the getaway before they even hit the water. Flip-flops are optional. Better planning is not.

Premier Travelware Bronx Luggage Jupiter Watersports Bikes Plus

Bags Packed. Beach Bound. - Guide to Florida.

06/09/2026

Port Orange is giving summer exactly what it asked for: cold beer, good food, live music, and a perfectly reasonable excuse to stay out late.

The 2026 Summer Brew & Food Fest returns June 12-13 with craft brews, tribute concerts, family fun, and plenty of local flavor. Come for the beer walk, stay for the Queen tribute, and consider dinner handled.

Port Orange Community Trust Triton Cay Daytona Bronx House Pizza Pozzyvibes Bounce and Bang Fitness Almighty Queen

Pour It Out, Port Orange! - Guide to Florida.

06/05/2026

Florida students may have found the academic version of extra fries at the bottom of the bag. The new FACT U.S. History framework could help high schoolers earn college credit before graduation, saving time, money, and future freshman-year stress.

With workforce needs growing fast, this pilot is more than homework. It’s Florida trying to build a faster, smarter path from classroom to career.

Florida Department of Education

History Class, Reimagined - Guide to Florida.

06/04/2026

Disney summer has officially entered main character mode. From Bluey meetups and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! to GoofyCore dance parties, water park perks, and kids burning enough energy to qualify as park transportation, Walt Disney World’s Cool KIDS’ SUMMER is built for families going full vacation mode.

Expect castle photos, Mickey snacks, stroller naps, and at least one bubble wand purchase nobody planned but everyone accepts.

Walt Disney World Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels

Bibbidi Bobbidi Summer! - Guide to Florida.

06/03/2026

Florida Pride season is showing up with beach weather, waterfront concerts, drag, dancing, street fairs, wine tastings, and enough sequins to challenge the sunshine.

From St Pete Pride’s massive downtown celebration to Key West’s wonderfully chaotic lineup and Fernandina Beach’s hometown parade energy, June is looking loud, colorful, and very committed to keeping the party going. Sunscreen encouraged. Sparkle basically required.

St Pete Pride Key West Pride B E R T H A: Grateful Drag Fernandina Beach Pride

Loud, Proud, & Fully Booked! - Guide to Florida.