FloridImagine.Com Blog

Florida’s new primary seat belt law went into effect at midnight. They are serious about it, too.

The Florida Highway Patrol plans to strictly enforce the law that makes seat belt violations a primary offense. Police have been able to ticket unbelted motorists since 1986 but only if stopping them for another traffic violation such as speeding.

“We’ve always had a zero tolerance policy for some time and we’re gonna continue with that,” said Highway Patrol Lt. Chris Miller. “If we do stop you, you can expect a ticket. We won’t be giving any warnings.”

Troopers, though, will be passing out informational flyers to motorists on the road at their public offices to get the word out about the new law.

Motorists can be ticketed if either they or their front seat passengers fail to buckle up. All passengers under 18 also are required to wear seat belts regardless of where they are sitting.

The penalty is a $30 fine plus administrative and court costs.

I’m switching from “usually do” to “always do”.

Central Florida will be offering some of the best fireworks this weekends and several locations will be spectacular. Disney, of course, will put on a great show. Peggy Macdonald suggests some of the best viewing spots in the WDW complex, as well as some other tips for Disney firework viewing.

Don’t want to head to Disney? Alexa Crosby is counting down the July 4th in Central Florida; top 10 places to be for free or cheap.

There’s plenty to do, and plenty to see. Have a great Independence day!

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We now return to our regular programing.

Fantasy of Flight is a great place to visit for die hard aviation enthusiasts or people with just a casual interest. And now Florida residents can see it for less.

Dads can get in free June 18 — 21 with the purchase of any full-price admission, including adult, senior or youth.

Florida residents can take advantage of $8 off discounts on adult admissions June 22 to July 31. Attraction visitors must present proof of residency. Meanwhile, the attraction is offering from July 1 to Sept. 30 a free admission with the purchase of a full-priced ticket for people who work in the service industry, which includes bars, hotels and restaurants.

I really recommend visiting Fantasy of Flight. The wide variety of exhibits will keep you and your family entertained for hours.

You can follow FloridImagine.com on twitter. We are @FloridImagine there.

I am a big sports fan, but basketball, especially professional basketball, is way down on my list of sports to follow. It also doesn’t help that I grew up just across the Delaware from Philadelphia during the Dr. J era, so I may not be the best one to comment on the series. Anyone else want to “take the ball”?

That being said, the Magic are leading the series 3 games to 2. Game six is tonight in Philadelphia at 7:30.

Florida Lawmakers have passed a bill making wearing seat belts a primary offense.

State lawmakers passed legislation that allows law enforcement to cite drivers for not wearing their seat belts. Currently, they can pull you over for another violation but not wearing a seatbelt is a secondary violation.

Additionally, anyone under the age of 18 has to wear a seatbelt, no matter where they are sitting in the car and pickup truck drivers can only have as many passengers as they have seat belts.

Governor Crist has indicated that he will sign the legislation.

Trinity Broadcasting Network, the parent company of Orlando area attraction The Holy Land Experience, has purchased a seven acre office complex adjacent to the park.

Trinity Broadcasting Network, which pulls in $200 million in annual revenue, said it has no immediate plans to redevelop the property, the Bay Colony Technology Center. Instead, it intends to move its 10-person administrative staff into one of two buildings on the tract, and eventually plans to open a television studio there.

For more about The Holy Land Experience visit www.holylandexperience.com

Space Mountain, one of Walt Disney World’s most popular attractions, will close for renovations later this year.

Disney reported today that the Magic Kingdom ride will close April 19 so that the 34-year-old attraction can be freshened up. Park officials expect the ride to reopen later in the year, but no date has been set.

The Florida RV SuperShow is coming to the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, January 14th – 18th.

The 2009 SuperShow will break the record for both manufacturer’s space and supplier’s booth space. “We will have more Suppliers’ booths than ever before and a record amount of Manufacturer space,” said Marketing Director David Kelly. “With the addition of new entertainment and more seminars, we’re anticipating record crowds this year. We’re also renewing the 2-day pass so the public will have two full days to see everything at the SuperShow at no additional cost.”

The theme of the 2009 Florida RV SuperShow is “Fun is Right Around the Corner”. With more families looking into RVing as a travel option and trying to stay closer to home, “Fun is Right Around the Corner,” seemed like an appropriate theme for the 2009 SuperShow. With a record amount of RVs on display and educational seminars, the SuperShow is the place to trade-in your old RV or get all the information you need to get acquainted with the RV lifestyle. And some of Florida’s finest campgrounds and resorts will have booth exhibits to show attendees the best camping opportunities found anywhere.

There will be plenty of free entertainment and all of the RVing information you could possibly want.

For more information on the 2009 Florida RV SuperShow contact the Florida RV Trade Association at 10510 Gibsonton Drive, Riverview, Florida 33569, (813) 741-0488, or visit our web-site at www.frvta.org.