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The origin story of TheGrint Tour

• Author grinter001
• Published June 27, 2023
• 0 comments Join the Conversation

“Why did we start TheGrint Tour? What’s the back story?”

Back in 2012 when we started TheGrint, our biggest challenge was to spread the word. So one of the first things we did was to offer our services for free to a group of golfers that had a weekly league. Now that I think about it, they were so kind to let us help, we were just two kids with a crappy website (and we worked so hard to make sure we met all their needs).

What we learned was incredibly useful in terms of understanding golfer behaviors and patterns. But more importantly we learned that seeing what golfers do with our eyes was going to be fundamental. Something that seems obvious to many businesses, but that so many startups miss.

So once we had a first version of our app and live leaderboards, we decided to organize an event ourselves with one main focus: to see how people were using our app. Our first event was in Grand Cypress in Orlando Florida. It was actually a pretty good event and showing of 50 or so players. And of course we lost money but we learned so much and TheGrint Tour was born.

I confess there was a very personal motivation behind this

While bringing our golfers together in the real world and learning about their needs would be enough of an excuse, there is one more personal dream I had when we started this.

I always wanted to play all the famous courses: #2, Pebble, Sawgrass, etc. But doing so was not just a matter of having the money, there were so many other limiting factors.

TheGrint Tour and in particular its National Events make going to major venues so easy. Frankly it comes down to money and all of the other factors are out of the picture.

And I know that saying “it just comes down to having the money” doesn’t solve the main issue. For most people money will be the limiting factor. But if your dream is to play Pebble, and you can save enough money to go, then you can forget about all the other limiting factors like organizing it, spotting a reservation or finding a foursome to go with.

Below are just a handful of courses that we’ve played recently.

Why do we keep running these?

Mainly it has become an amazing way to supercharge the engagement of our communities. These events are a great way to bring Grinters together, and find opportunities to play competitive golf by the rules in a friendly and welcoming environment.

We have this unique opportunity to interact with our community in the physical world instead of just through a phone/computer screen. And it makes all the difference in the world. We keep learning so much by simply talking to or observing our golfers in these events.

So, if you haven’t played in one of our events yet go checkout TheGrintTour.com to see if you have events in your area. And if you do, go and play — you won’t regret it. Around 80% of our first time golfers play at least one more round with us on TheGrint Tour!

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• Virtual Tour and Competition

Playing in Grint Tournaments

By JC1959 November 8, 2021 in Virtual Tour and Competition

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I decided to try my hand at some "real" golf and joined the Grint, after getting enough rounds in the have a official grint handicap I went to my 1st Event that just happened to be in town at one of the nicer Courses.

Having played it a few times I know the layout so that felt like a advantage, we got rained out the day of the Tournament and it was rescheduled for a few months later and I actually did pretty good coming in second in my flight and quite honestly had the best putting day of my life with just about everything going in and even chipped in twice. So I was very energized and looked forward to more Tournaments, that's were things starting going downhill with my perception of the way the Tournaments are ran.

Has anyone else played in these Tournaments and what was your feeling on sandbagging?

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• 1 month later...

Honestly I had no idea Grint did ran tourney's. 

As for Sandbagging goes, the people that do this and they know who they are should throw their clubs in a lake, then take a long walk off a short pier.  

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Sub 70 3 utility 19*

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• 11 months later...

Mr. Mushball

On this topic the next The Grint Tour is up for signup.  It's happening at The Ocean at Kiwah Island, a bucket list course for sure.  It's happening at the wrong time of the year and I'm way to busy to be able to take time out to do it, but I'm jealous of whoever from the forum that can go.  Anyone thinking of signing up?

It actually doesn't seem unreasonably priced all things considered, but that may just be the addict in me talking.

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RH player shooting ~112 in Portland, Oregon.  New to the game and improving every week!

• 4 weeks later...

Golfspy_CG2

Well it’s not the Grint.  But here’s an outing that is going to be a blast and a good value.   

Tom the Golf Nut

On 11/8/2021 at 5:55 AM, JC1959 said: Has anyone else played in these Tournaments and what was your feeling on sandbagging?

I have seen it all. Sandbaggers, downright cheaters and people delaying turning in their score card until they find out the score to beat. The bigger the stakes the bigger the cheaters.

If you can find a tournament with walking marshals or as long as you have to keep your opponents score then it’s harder for cheaters to cheat. You can research comments on the past events to see what others are saying.  In general you will enjoy competitive play it’s just a few bad apples to give you a bad taste. Normally they get caught or called out and eventually banned.

• JFish350 and cnosil

I have been watching the scores for the last few Grint Tournaments here in Central Florida and the sandbagging continues with folks that claim to be 8-12 caps shooting in the 70's under tournament conditions on some fairly tough courses, of course any 8-12 cap can have a stellar round and put up a sub 80 score.

But it always seems to be the same people doing it, how do their caps not go down? unless they are not posting low scores as a rule. It takes away from wanting to pay the money if the Grint Management is going to consistently turn a blind eye to this type of behavior. It does seem to be the guys that play a lot of the Tournaments that are doing it so I guess they don't want to piss off the regulars.

caryncgolfer

On 12/21/2022 at 11:15 PM, Tom the Golf Nut said: I have seen it all. Sandbaggers, downright cheaters and people delaying turning in their score card until they find out the score to beat. The bigger the stakes the bigger the cheaters. If you can find a tournament with walking marshals or as long as you have to keep your opponents score then it’s harder for cheaters to cheat. You can research comments on the past events to see what others are saying.  In general you will enjoy competitive play it’s just a few bad apples to give you a bad taste. Normally they get caught or called out and eventually banned.

In the book ‘Tales from Q School’ some of the guys actually leave early and have their caddies call them with the score.  I recommend this, just leave and no need to worry about the cheats.  Surely someone will send you a postcard if you win.

The Mad Bomber

Everybody is going to hate me and this is going to get called the worst take ever, but just don't play net events. This whole idea that "golf is unique because people with different skill levels can compete against each other on a level playing field"...is just GARBAGE. It's nonsense, hogwash, HOT TRASH. The whole handicap system sucks to begin with and the fact is that people cheat. Always have, always will. And the better your handicap gets, the more you're going to get screwed by the handicap system to boot. Gross events are the only way play on a level playing field. And even then, in the book referenced above, 'Tales from Q School', even those guys had to deal with cheaters - in professional events! Scrap the handicap system...burn it all!

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On 12/22/2022 at 4:04 AM, JC1959 said: I have been watching the scores for the last few Grint Tournaments here in Central Florida and the sandbagging continues with folks that claim to be 8-12 caps shooting in the 70's under tournament conditions on some fairly tough courses, of course any 8-12 cap can have a stellar round and put up a sub 80 score. But it always seems to be the same people doing it, how do their caps not go down? unless they are not posting low scores as a rule. It takes away from wanting to pay the money if the Grint Management is going to consistently turn a blind eye to this type of behavior. It does seem to be the guys that play a lot of the Tournaments that are doing it so I guess they don't want to piss off the regulars.

My question on this if it is a grint tourney is, Can Grint check when scores are posted for certain people?  What I mean is, When I play I use the Grint app and my score automatically goes in with one issue. I have to upload it, hit and hold the button for this to happen. I do this every time except if I am playing in scramble or event where all my strokes aren't used for a score. 

• knotthead17

On 2/24/2023 at 3:28 PM, The Mad Bomber said: Everybody is going to hate me and this is going to get called the worst take ever, but just don't play net events. This whole idea that "golf is unique because people with different skill levels can compete against each other on a level playing field"...is just GARBAGE. It's nonsense, hogwash, HOT TRASH. The whole handicap system sucks to begin with and the fact is that people cheat. Always have, always will. And the better your handicap gets, the more you're going to get screwed by the handicap system to boot. Gross events are the only way play on a level playing field. And even then, in the book referenced above, 'Tales from Q School', even those guys had to deal with cheaters - in professional events! Scrap the handicap system...burn it all!

I'm not against this at all. It always feels weird to get "beat" by someone that you are much better than. Competitive sports are about being as good as possible and I'm not sure the handicap system helps 

• Alan Scalzi and The Mad Bomber

On 4/25/2023 at 4:56 PM, knotthead17 said: I'm not against this at all. It always feels weird to get "beat" by someone that you are much better than. Competitive sports are about being as good as possible and I'm not sure the handicap system helps 

Just imagine if they did this in other sports. You race Usain Bolt, but you start 43 meters down the track from him. And you “win”. How is that a win?!? It’s not, and anyone starting down the track like that should just accept that they suck and race straight up against people as slow as them. Golf is the only major sport that makes “winners” out of losers.

• knotthead17 and Alan Scalzi

7 hours ago, The Mad Bomber said: Just imagine if they did this in other sports. You race Usain Bolt, but you start 43 meters down the track from him. And you “win”. How is that a win?!? It’s not, and anyone starting down the track like that should just accept that they suck and race straight up against people as slow as them. Golf is the only major sport that makes “winners” out of losers.

Yeah exactly. Just doesn’t make a lot of sense to me 

I use The Grint but did not know they ran tournaments.

Do you use your Grint handicape?

I Play in SW WA and in the PDX area

I like to walk, I have a Clicgear with all the accoutrements and I am considering getting a V2.

On 4/25/2023 at 3:56 PM, knotthead17 said: I'm not against this at all. It always feels weird to get "beat" by someone that you are much better than. Competitive sports are about being as good as possible and I'm not sure the handicap system helps 

Some local clubs I've seen (or at least larger clubs), have both a net and gross competition with prizes for both.  Not sure if that's typically the case though.

On 2/24/2023 at 5:28 PM, The Mad Bomber said: Everybody is going to hate me and this is going to get called the worst take ever, but just don't play net events. This whole idea that "golf is unique because people with different skill levels can compete against each other on a level playing field"...is just GARBAGE. It's nonsense, hogwash, HOT TRASH. The whole handicap system sucks to begin with and the fact is that people cheat. Always have, always will. And the better your handicap gets, the more you're going to get screwed by the handicap system to boot. Gross events are the only way play on a level playing field. And even then, in the book referenced above, 'Tales from Q School', even those guys had to deal with cheaters - in professional events! Scrap the handicap system...burn it all!

On 4/25/2023 at 6:56 PM, knotthead17 said: I'm not against this at all. It always feels weird to get "beat" by someone that you are much better than. Competitive sports are about being as good as possible and I'm not sure the handicap system helps 

I'm not totally against the handicap system, it works best if you're playing against friends/people you know. It's annoying at tournaments, somehow there's always a couple of 20 handicapers who shoot "career rounds" giving low handicaps absolutly no chance of winning. I only play in events now that have gross and net divisions. I know there's still cheaters out there but at least I feel I have a chance.

• knotthead17 and The Mad Bomber

love the grint. best app out there, except for in the mygolfspy virtual tournament, which gives double points for using a different app, which is why i’m not participating this time around. 

as far as handicap, I follow the rules to the best of my understanding, and I only go out of my way to play with guys who do the same. unfortunately my father in law is a huge cheater, but other than that, my golf groups have been pretty great over the years, with real competition and respect among each other. makes it all worth it for me. 

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Learn how to easily plan your dream trip to Florida!

20 Best Things To Do In Central Florida You Shouldn’t Miss

April 28, 2022 //  by  Florida Trippers

So you’re looking for things to do in Central Florida? You’ve come to the right place!

When you think of Central Florida, you may think of Disney and Universal, but Central Florida is so much more than those theme parks!

Central Florida has some of the best natural springs in Florida , as well as gorgeous beaches. From rooftop bars and breweries to museums, there is something for everyone in Central Florida.

There are so many things to do in Central Florida that it can get overwhelming but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

See the Singing Tower at Bok Towers

Bok Towers is one of the best places to visit in Central Florida if you’re searching for hidden gems .

Bok Towers is situated in Lake Wales, about an hour and a half east of Tampa and two hours south of Orlando. There you can find this beautiful contemplative garden and bird sanctuary.

The Singing Tower sits next to the reflection pool on the 250-acre grounds. You can expect to see a lot of gorgeous wildlife here!

Visiting Bok Towers is one of the best things to do in Central Florida if you’re looking for some peace and quiet.

Make sure to check out our master post on the Best Time To Visit Florida including a breakdown by month, weather, events, and more!

See Exotic Birds at St Pete Sunken Gardens

St Pete Sunken Gardens is one of our favorite things to do in Central Florida. We always take our out-of-town family and friends here because it’s truly beautiful!

The gardens are over 100 years old and have been home to many different kinds of exotic plants and birds since the 1950s. You’ll be able to meet the resident flock of flamingos.

You can even feed to Koi fish at the Koi pond – it’s a great location to get a fab Instagram photo!

We’ve written an entire blog post dedicated to Visiting The St. Pete Sunken Gardens which will tell you everything you need to know!

Take in the Beauty of Beer Can Island

Nestled in Longboat Key in the Sarasota area, you will find the little paradise of Beer Can Island.

This is one of the great things to do in Central Florida if you’re looking for an adventure and want to feel like you’re being transported to an oasis in the middle of nowhere. It definitely doesn’t feel like Florida at all!

This is actually one of Terrence’s favourite photography locations, and I’m sure you can see why! The beautiful driftwood makes the perfect backdrop!

Beer Can Island can be a little tricky to get to if you don’t know where you’re going, but don’t worry! Our post about Beer Can Island has all of the information on how to reach it.

Explore Outer Space at the Kennedy Space Center

There is so much to do at the Kennedy Space Center, which makes it one of the best family-friendly activities to do in Central Florida.

The Kennedy Space Center is not only one of the most well-known NASA bases in the world, but it’s also one of the best museums in Florida .

Located on Merritt Island in Cape Canaveral, you’re able to watch space shuttle launches from here.

The Astronaut Training Simulator is one of the most popular Central Florida attractions. This simulator at Kennedy Space Center allows you to go inside the Atlantis Space Shuttle and see replicas of the Mars Rover. It really is a ton of fun, and one of the best things to do in Central Florida!

Take a Dip in the Crystal Clear Waters of Kelly Park/Rock Springs

If you’re looking to visit one of Florida’s natural springs as one of your things to do in Central Florida, then look no further than Kelly Park!

The waters are known for being crystal clear and the Rock Springs Run is nature’s perfect lazy river. The water is a consistent 68F, which we think is the perfect temperature, especially in the cooler months!

We love Kelly Park because you can go camping and have picnics here, making it a really great spot for a day out with family and friends.

If Kelly Park is catching your eye, read our Tips for Kelly Park blog post for further information about this gem.

Go Scuba Diving at Wekiwa Springs

Can you believe that this beautiful natural spring is just 16 miles from Orlando?! This makes this Central Florida attraction a perfect day trip from Orlando!

Wekiwa Springs is one of Florida’s best secret paradises. With miles of trails just waiting to be explored and emerald springs calling your name how can you resist?

You can go swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and canoeing at this spring. Plus, at only $2 a day, this makes Wekiwa Springs one of the best cheap things to do in Central Florida.

If you’re wanting to find more springs near Orlando , you can check out our blog post!

See the Manatees at Blue Springs State Park

Okay, we are firm believers that seeing manatees has to be one of the most fun things to do in Central Florida, ever!

The 72F water is now home to over 485 manatees after astounding conservation efforts. It truly is a sight to behold!

This does mean that water activities such as swimming and scuba diving are closed during manatee season, which is during the winter, but don’t worry, there are a ton of other fun activities to do!

You can go camping, birding, and even take riverboat tours daily from 10 am to 1 pm. Listen to a two-hour narrated nature and ecological tour as you cruise along the St. Johns River.

Take a Trip to the Historic District in Ocala

If you’re interested in history and architecture, then visiting the historic district in Ocala is one of the best things to do in Central Florida.

Fort King Street has played a huge part in Ocala’s history and remains one of the most popular residential neighborhoods in Ocala. It’s even part of the National Register.

All of the homes in the Historic District were built prior to 1930, which will really make you feel like you’re stepping back in time!

For more things to do in Ocala , you can check out our blog post.

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Orlando

What better way to see Orlando than from above!? This is one of the most fun things to do in Central Florida, but definitely not for the faint-hearted!

Orlando Balloon Rides can take you on a balloon ride every day of the year (weather permitting of course).

Each flight lasts for 45-60 minutes and you will ascend several thousand feet into the air! Your pilot will point out points of interest as you gaze down at Central Florida in a way you’ve never seen before.

Just goes to show that there are cool things to do in Orlando that aren’t theme parks !

‘Sea’ The Aquatic Life at The Florida Aquarium

Located in Tampa, Florida, this 250,000-foot aquarium is one of the best things to do in Central Florida for families, friends, and even dates!

The aquarium is home to more than 7,000 aquatic plants and animals from both Florida and around the world. The Florida Aquarium is a leader in aquatic conservation, education, and supporting programs for wildlife.

There are a lot of fun experiences to do here too, such as Wild Dolphin Cruises and Penguin Backstage Passes where you can interact with African Penguins!

Take a Hike at Flatwoods Park Trail

This is one of the most fun things to do in Central Florida for adventure lovers. Flatlands Park Trail is one of the best hikes in Tampa , but is also a great trail for cycling too!

You’ll have some great opportunities to go see some wildlife on your hike- including armadillos, hawks, turtles, and maybe even deer if you’re lucky.

The hike is 7 miles long and is dog leash-friendly. Parking for the hike is only $2, which makes it one of the best cheap things to do in Central Florida.

Have a Beer at Coppertail Brewing Company

Located in downtown Ybor, Coppertail is named after the owners’ five-year-old’s mythical sea creature who lives in the Tampa Bay! Taking a tour of the brewery is one of the most fun things to do in Central Florida if you’re into beer.

You can take tours of the 100-year-old two-story taproom, which is totally a fun date idea to do in Tampa . Best of all, the tours are only $7!

Beers on tap include Unholy a Belgian Trippel, Free Dive an IPA, Independent (a pilsner), Night Swim (a porter), 6th-anniversary Hop Skull 10.5% ABV IPA, Oktoberfest, Purple Drink (a sour), and 10.6% ABV Nitro Stout.

Dive Into Devil’s Den

If you are intrigued by the natural springs in Florida, visiting Devil’s Den is another of the best things in Central Florida you can do. This hidden gem, located north of Ocala, is absolutely stunning.

Devil’s Den is a prehistoric spring, with extinct fossils in the dry cave above the water.

To swim and snorkel in this spring, be aware that there is a fee, and reservations must be made before you go. For more information, check out our full post with tips for visiting Devil’s Den .

Visit the Don Cesar

There’s really no missing the iconic Don Cesar Hotel located in St Pete Beach! Whether you’re staying the night at this luxury resort or just visiting during the day, it’s one of the best things to do in Central Florida.

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped inside The Great Gatsby at this stunning pink palace. It’s the perfect backdrop for a photoshoot session with your friends.

With the building’s beauty comes a fascinating history too. From the days of its being a playground for the rich and famous to its serving as a convalescent center for airmen coming home from World War II, the Don Cesar has lived many lives. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in Central Florida!

Take a Bioluminescent Kayaking Tour

We believe this is one of the best things to do in Central Florida, as it is so unique. Kayaking through bioluminescent algae may even be a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Bioluminescence is one of the coolest natural phenomena in nature. It truly does look like magic! Think of fireflies, but blue and in the water.

There are a few places where you can see bioluminescent life in Florida and it’s definitely something that we highly recommend. It won’t be an experience you will forget anytime soon!

Explore Historic Mount Dora

Just northwest of Orlando is the small town of Mount Dora, and exploring this historic town is one of the best things to do in Central Florida for those looking for a quaint getaway.

Mount Dora is known for its historical buildings and antique shops. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time! Explore places like the Donnelly House, a Victorian home built in 1893, which can now be rented out for events.

For a unique historic experience climb aboard the Royal Palm Railway Experience, a restored 1940s locomotive that journeys through the Golden Triangle of Mount Dora, Tavares, and Eustis.

Have a Drink at a Rooftop Bar in Orlando

There are so many rooftop bars in Orlando you will be spoilt for choice!

Rooftop bars are a great way to take in some of the best views that Orlando has to offer. It’s one of the best things to do in Central Florida for a date or for a night out with some friends.

Whether you are looking for something sleek and luxurious or cool and chilled, there will be a rooftop bar in Orlando for you.

Relax at Honeymoon Island State Park

Honeymoon Island State Park is one of the best state parks in Florida! It’s one of the best places to visit in Central Florida.

This barrier island across Saint Joseph’s Sound has both sandy beaches and a rocky coastline with driftwood trees. There are three separate beaches on the island: Main Beach, Dog Beach, and North Beach.

You can do many of the classic things to do in Central Florida like relaxing on the beach, surfing, or hiking the trails on the island. We have a whole post about Honeymoon Island with more info!

Cool Off in Juniper Springs

Juniper Springs is another of the best natural springs in Florida. It’s also another one of the best cheap things to do in Central Florida as it’s only $6 to visit this beautiful place. You can find Juniper Springs, among others , located within the Ocala National Forest.

Take a dip in the clear blue water or pay a little extra to rent a canoe and paddle around. It is a popular spot to cool off on hot days, so get there early to avoid the crowds!

And yes, you may need to keep an eye out for alligators, but they usually keep to themselves.

Explore Fort Desoto

Fort Desoto has not only some of the best beaches in Florida , but is a unique blend of natural beauty and Florida history. Visiting Fort Desoto Park is one of the best things to do in Central Florida, as it is considered a “coastal playground.”

Between the coastline, picnic and camping areas, and fort history there is plenty to do in Fort Desoto. Located off of St. Petersburg, it consists of five keys: Madelaine, St. Jean, St. Christopher, Bonne Fortune, and Mullet.

Explore the ruins of the unique Fort Dade or snorkel around the submerged Battery Bigelow.

And that’s our list of things to do in Central Florida! As you can see, there is plenty more to do than the theme parks. We hope you have found something to your liking and we hope you enjoy whatever you decide to do!

THE 10 BEST Central Florida Tours & Excursions

Central florida tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. One-Hour Airboat Ride Near Orlando

2. Clear Kayak or Paddleboard Manatee Adventure

3. Silver Springs: Clear Kayak Wildlife Adventure

4. Manatee Adventure, Airboat, Lunch, Wildlife Park with Transport

5. Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Wild Florida Admission with Optional Lunch

6. Kennedy Space Center Admission Ticket

7. Silver Springs Glass Bottom Kayak Tour!

8. 30-Minute Airboat Ride, Lunch, Gem Mining and Park Admission

9. Glass Bottom Kayak Eco Tour through Rainbow Springs

10. 90 Minute Pontoon Cruise in Florida

11. WonderWorks Orlando

12. Glass Bottom Kayak Tours of Silver Springs

13. Clear Canoeing and Wildlife Sightseeing at Silver Springs

14. Everglades Airboat Tour near Orlando Florida

15. Orlando Sightseeing Tour with Optional Boat Cruise

16. The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show in Orlando

17. 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes

18. Wander & Eat in Orlando's Hidden Main Street District

19. Kennedy Space Center Adventure with Transport from Orlando

20. Fun Spot America Theme Parks - Orlando

21. Central Florida Adventure Park - Authentic Dude Ranch Experience

22. Gypsy Gold Horse Farm Tour

23. Saint Augustine Day Trip from Orlando

24. SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

25. Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney

26. Central Florida Everglades Airboat Tour from Orlando

27. Manatee Discovery Kayak Tour for Small Groups near Orlando

28. Titanic - The Artifact Exhibition Ticket

29. Private Helicopter Night Tour Orlando Parks (31miles or 48miles)

30. Orlando Airport MCO and Hotels Private Transfer to Port Canaveral

What travelers are saying.

• Tammy R 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Highly recommend, Bry was great! This guided tour was great and Bry made it that way! She is very personable and showed and talked to us about our surroundings during the tour. We had a special treat with the Solar eclipse going on during our tour! We saw birds, turtles, fish,gators and manatees! Such a treat to enjoy this natural area. Read more Review of: Glass Bottom Kayak Tours of Silver Springs Written April 9, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Manatee Adventure, Airboat, Lunch, Wildlife Park with Transport
• One-Hour Airboat Ride Near Orlando
• Clear Kayak or Paddleboard Manatee Adventure
• Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Wild Florida Admission with Optional Lunch
• Silver Springs: Clear Kayak Wildlife Adventure
• My VIP Tour
• Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Rides
• American Ghost Adventures
• Real Florida Adventures
• Virtual Disney Vip Tours
• GuideMe VIP
• Ecoventure Tours
• The Rusty Anchor Mount Dora
• Orlando Fishing Guide
• The Living Water Boat Cruises
• The Paddling Center at Shingle Creek
• Wild Willy's Airboat Tours
• White Glove Orlando Tours
• Peace Paleo Adventures
• Razzor Ranch

Welcome to Obsessive Compulsive Birding, LLC

I specialize in general as well as customized birding tours, in and around Central Florida, to fit the wants and needs for making a successful birding experience. I have Merritt Island NWR virtually in my backyard here on the Space Coast, as well as other outstanding Central Florida birding hotspots. If in Orlando for business, vacation or visiting the theme parks and need an escape to nature I have just the remedy to get away from the busy city environment.

Tours can be personalized to acquire target species to add to those ever growing life lists as well as Florida specialties that everyone seeks such as Florida’s only endemic species the Florida Scrub-jay plus Limpkin, Roseate Spoonbill, Crested Caracara, Snail Kite and Purple Gallinule. I am also well versed in the identification of Florida butterflies, dragonflies & damselflies.

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Solar eclipse 2024: Follow the path of totality

Solar eclipse, worried about eclipse damage to your eyes don't panic.

Geoff Brumfiel

Nell Greenfieldboyce

Junior Espejo looks through eclipse glasses being handed out by NASA in Houlton, Maine. Used correctly, eclipse glasses prevent eye damage. Joe Raedle/Getty Images hide caption

Junior Espejo looks through eclipse glasses being handed out by NASA in Houlton, Maine. Used correctly, eclipse glasses prevent eye damage.

Tens of millions of Americans will have spent the day staring at a total solar eclipse, and at least a few of them may become worried that they inadvertently damaged their eyes.

But experts say there's no need to panic — the vast majority of eclipse viewers are probably fine. And even if somebody did strain their eyes, the effects could be temporary.

During the 2017 total solar eclipse it's estimated that 150 million Americans viewed the event. There were around 100 documented cases of eye damage across all of America and Canada, according to Ralph Chou, an expert on eclipse eye safety with the University of Waterloo in Canada.

Far more people turned up in emergency rooms worried that they'd damaged their eyes. Many complained of watery eyes or blurred vision, but in most cases they were fine, according to Avnish Deobhakta, an ophthalmologist at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, one of the largest eye hospitals in the nation.

The reason it's hard to do real damage is simple — the human eye has evolved to avoid staring directly at the sun.

"It's so bright that we're not actually capable of looking at it without either tearing or sort of not really feeling comfortable staring at this ball of light," Deobhakta says.

Shots - Health News

Here's what it looks like when you fry your eye in an eclipse.

In the rare case that someone does damage their eyes, that damage usually shows up as a blurry spot in the field of vision , hours or up to a day after watching the eclipse. In about half of cases, the problem fixes itself, but permanent damage can sometimes occur.

Anticipating the post-eclipse ocular anxiety, at least one eye clinic in Buffalo, N.Y., is offering free eye checks immediately after the eclipse on April 8.

It's always a good idea to get your eyes checked, whether or not there's an eclipse. So if you're worried at all, go ahead and use the opportunity to schedule your annual exam.

• eclipse eye damage
• 2024 eclipse

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Why the U.S. Needs a Federal Grant Program for Individual Artists (Guest Column)

More artists with funding means more art. The greater the creative output of our nation, the greater the diversity of voices with the potential to gain an audience.

Every passing day, a new statistic emerges that would make any aspiring artist, producer, or songwriter feel foolish for trying to fund their dreams. 

Over 100,000 songs get ingested to Spotify daily, but the vast majority of them fail to surpass the 1,000-play mark. Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group, and Universal Music Group reported record profits in 2023, but those numbers are largely driven by a small number of star artists. A 2017 study showed that out of 7,000 bands tracked, only 21 managed to headline a venue with a capacity exceeding 3,000. Limited opportunity and long odds face artists who don’t have significant industry backing. 

Victoria Monét, Black Music Action Coalition Join Forces on Music Grant

Trending on billboard.

What are musicians — and, frankly, writers, visual artists, filmmakers, or any creators — in need of resources to do when corporations appear more risk-averse than ever? 

Why do we need a grant system for individual artists?

While art is often considered a luxury rather than a public good, it has been shown to provide both cultural enrichment and economic stimulus. 

In 2023, Americans for the Arts found that the nonprofit arts and culture industry provided 2.6 million jobs, generated $29.1 billion in tax revenue, and provided $101 billion in personal income to U.S. residents. These numbers include the individuals who benefit from public arts funding to become working artists, who tour, show their work at museums, and fill movie theaters. 

Producers Are Struggling to Get Paid — Even Some Who Work With Travis Scott

America’s nonprofit and for-profit arts sectors work together to promote cultural growth as much as they stimulate economic activity locally and nationally.

Public funding for the arts has remained relatively steady in absolute terms. However, inflation-adjusted spending on the arts by local governments has declined consistently throughout the 2000s. Local arts agencies now receive 27% less in funding than they did in 2001.

Other countries have shown a better system can exist. 

For 37 years, Canada’s FACTOR grant program has supported Canadian recording artists in meaningful ways. 

FACTOR covers costs that traditionally require the debt financing of a label deal: recording, music videos, and tour funding chief among them. 

Notable FACTOR recipients launched into successful careers include Jessie Reyez , Grimes , Charlotte Cardin , BADBADNOTGOOD and TOBi.  Drake ’s vaunted company October’s Very Own has also received a variety of grants from Canadian governmental sources — including funding for the 2014 OVO Fest.

Overnight Success Is Very Rare in Music — And There’s Data to Prove It 

In Sweden, robust arts education in public schools combined with an internationally-minded grant system contribute to the small nation’s outsized influence on popular music abroad, particularly in the United States where Max Martin ’s Swedish pop sensibilities have dominated Billboard charts since Bill Clinton was in office. 

While in America, artists can gain access to grants through institutions like the Guggenheim Memorial Foundation or the Henry Luce Foundation, or via state institutions, there is no unified federal mechanism for arts funding akin to FACTOR or the Swedish Arts Grant Committee. The National Endowment for the Arts has an impressive grantmaking operation but does not give direct grants to individual artists.

Introducing the CREATE Art Act.

We need a better system. 

In 2024, we are working to bring the CREATE Art Act to the American public. Created by Congressman Maxwell Frost , a drummer and musician himself and the first Gen-Z person ever elected to the United States Congress, the CREATE Art Act proposes a novel grant system for individual artists of all disciplines.

Megan Thee Stallion’s New Release Strategy: Indie… With an Assist From a Major

CREATE grants go beyond international models in the way they target emerging artists, those creators who may not yet have the good fortune of making a living off of their art or wish to avoid potentially injurious record and publishing deals. Recipients must show net earnings of less than $50,000 in the previous five years and not more than $400,000 in the previous 20 years from their art. The art produced must be relevant to the community and accessible to the public. The grants include: 

• Progress Grant – Up to $2,000 to support a year of artist activities.
• Project Grant – Up to $100,000 per project that can be used over two years.
• Live Performance Grant – Up to $35,000 for live performances.
• Development Fund – Up to $10,000 to pay the living and working expenses of artists
• while they research, write, or cultivate stories or projects.

The purpose of the program is twofold. 

First, and simply, more artists with funding means more art. The greater the creative output of our nation, the greater the diversity of voices with the potential to gain an audience, shift perspectives, inspire future generations, and tell new American stories. 

Second, more artists creating means more economic activity in a sector experiencing an algae bloom of creators and consumers.

Global Music Revenue Continued to Rise in 2023. So Why Are Some Music Orgs Sounding the Alarm?

The current media landscape cuts a more jagged figure than ever. No monoliths. No starmakers. No obvious paths to success. 

In a time of such noise and fragmentation, artists find it as hard as ever to fund their dreams and more difficult than before to cut through the clutter. 

The CREATE Art Act would plant a foot on the right path forward, opening up possibilities for generations of American artists to come.

The first member of Generation Z to be elected to Congress, Maxwell Alejandro Frost is proud to represent the people of Central Florida (FL-10) in the United States House of Representatives. As a young Member of Congress and Afro-Latino, Congressman Frost brings a fresh, progressive perspective to an institution formerly out of reach for young, working Black and Latino Americans.

Jon Tanners is a manager, writer, and entrepreneur based in Los Angeles. He manages Grammy-winning, multi-platinum producers Dahi, Michael Uzowuru, and Take A Daytrip and is also co-founder of CreateSafe.

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How Tesla Planted the Seeds for Its Own Potential Downfall

Elon musk’s factory in china saved his company and made him ultrarich. now, it may backfire..

Hosted by Katrin Bennhold

Featuring Mara Hvistendahl

Produced by Rikki Novetsky and Mooj Zadie

With Rachelle Bonja

Edited by Lisa Chow and Alexandra Leigh Young

Original music by Marion Lozano ,  Diane Wong ,  Elisheba Ittoop and Sophia Lanman

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When Elon Musk set up Tesla’s factory in China, he made a bet that brought him cheap parts and capable workers — a bet that made him ultrarich and saved his company.

Mara Hvistendahl, an investigative reporter for The Times, explains why, now, that lifeline may have given China the tools to beat Tesla at its own game.

On today’s episode

Mara Hvistendahl , an investigative reporter for The New York Times.

Background reading

A pivot to China saved Elon Musk. It also bound him to Beijing .

Mr. Musk helped create the Chinese electric vehicle industry. But he is now facing challenges there as well as scrutiny in the West over his reliance on China.

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The Daily is made by Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Mike Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, John Ketchum, Nina Feldman, Will Reid, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Susan Lee, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Dan Farrell, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Summer Thomad, Olivia Natt, Daniel Ramirez and Brendan Klinkenberg.

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Katrin Bennhold is the Berlin bureau chief. A former Nieman fellow at Harvard University, she previously reported from London and Paris, covering a range of topics from the rise of populism to gender. More about Katrin Bennhold

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