The Orlando Disney/Sea World/Universal Studios blitzkrieg strikes again! Marineland of Florida, the oldest marine park in the country, closed November 98. All workers with the exception of twelve animal caretakers, were canned, including a former Sea World executive who had been brought in to try and save the sixty year old park. Among other things, the park was known for being used to shoot the underwater scenes in the classic "Creature from the Black Lagoon". Marineland was a class act that at one time was the number one tourist attraction in the Sunshine State.

When will people learn that there is more to Florida than the Orlando mega attractions? Sure - Disney can be fun (if you like standing in line for 40 minutes or more to ride a three minute ride in the hot summer months). I also know that for the true vacation adventurer another "world" awaits just outside the metro Orlando area.