Florida

Marco Island

Located just off the southwestern tip of the FloridaGulfCoast, MarcoIsland is a nice little place to spend some out, away from the big city. Though it’s still very much a resort town, the island is still great for a romantic getaway. Couples can enjoy walking the beaches or sunbathing, or try their hands at some kayaking or fishing. There’s a wildlife sanctuary nearby as well, with all sorts of exotic animals. A

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Mariners Minor League Playoff Recap for September 4

First, news: Fans of the Mariners young pitching can go on a three-day festival of young arms in a few days. Sort of a pitching-prospect-palooza, except that adding "-palooza" to anything is pretty cliche nowadays.

Anyway ... here goes:

Spec's College Nickel Package -- Week 1

1. Football Championship Subdivision

It used to be called Division I-AA, but now that we're in a world in which everyone is above average, they had to call it something else. And, since they don't play in bowls, I guess "championship" was available. But what it really means is you get marching bands and rah-rah college-y stuff without all those big-time headaches and for half the cost.

In Week 1, it also meant ... cashing the guarantee check and stealing a victory:

Media Hijinks - Recycling, Horror and Diesel Dollars

First up on the Media Hijinks agenda, another Hollywood recycling project. This time around, it looks like the powers-that-be want to take the old Westwood flick and convert it into a television series. In case you missed Westworld (and you should not have!), it’s a movie about a western-themed park filled with robots that go crazy and start killing people. And before you panic, let it be known that the people in charge of this new project are Jonathan Nolan and none other than J.J. Abrams. Plus, it’s to be aired on HBO, so it will have all the blood, violence and boobies that you could dream of. With that sort of set-up, I’m actually interested to see what comes of this.

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Alafia River State Park

Just 10 miles south of Tampa you’ll find Alafia River State Park, a lovely outdoor recreational area where you’ll see a wide variety of wildlife—from the Great Blue Heron to American alligators! Be wary of these reptilian predators, but do enjoy the beauty of the Alafia River, the bike paths, and many other outdoor recreation opportunities. You can take a hike together, go camping, ride a horse, take a canoe journey and much, much more. Become mesmerized in the wildness of Florida as you become enamored with one another. Have you visited Alafia River State Park before?

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Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

Make a trip to Tallahassee to see the Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park on your day. Begin your romantic interlude by picking up your paramour with some coffee and breakfast and play a heartfelt music mix on the way. Then explore the park, Botanical Gardens and historical site at your leisure, enjoying the loveliness of nature as you exchange personal stories and questions. Pack a picnic for lunch or grab a bite to eat nearby and explore some more. Have you ever been to this state park in Florida? Tell us what the best exhibit is at the gardens.

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Biscayne National Park

One of the most beautiful parks to meet up at in the state of Florida is Biscayne National Park. You can enjoy nature with other Christian singles in safe groups as you go scuba diving, snorkeling and take part in so many other activities. Start up a potluck and ask your other single friends to each bring a dish, then meet up at the park to eat and spend the day together. Explore the mangrove forest and the various ecosystems found there. Find the beautiful different types of butterflies there, and see if you can spot a manatee. Have you ever been to Biscayne National Park?

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Amelia Island State Park

The salt marshes and coastal maritime forests of Amelia State Park make it a lovely sight to see, but there are plenty of things to do at Amelia Island State Park while you are on a date or out with other singles from Florida as well. There are several beaches you can use for tanning, swimming and snuggling on your favorite blanket. You can go fishing if you want, or try going on a hike. You can ride horses in the park as if you are in a romantic movie with your paramour, or just take a gentle walk together as you take in the scenery. Have you ever visited Amelia Island State Park?

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Florida sinkhole strikes resort near Disney

The Summer Bay Resort in Clermont, FL is about 10 miles away from Disney World. One night this week, a guest watched as a window "blew out." He alerted a security officer who, seeing other windows starting to give way, raised the alarm and evacuated the buildings just in the nick of time. A 60 foot wide sinkhole developed right under the resort, causing one three-story building to collapse and another to sink.

Is it just me, or is Florida particularly scary this year?

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Florida man wrestles shark

A Florida man recently wrestled a 7-foot shark onto dry land, while stunned beachgoers looked on. The man had caught the shark on his fishing line, and decided to bring it in by hand, claiming that it was his "hobby."

This is pretty badass and all, but I feel bad for the shark. They are threatened species, you know!

Image courtesy Slate

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