Patrick Connolly

Braxton the Handsome Dog keeps an eye on Orlando Sentinel reporter Stephen Hudak as he works.

Codependent pets: How to reduce separation anxiety when owners leave home

August 18, 2020 at 7:58 p.m.

It's a story many pet owners are now familiar with: You've been home for months and spending more time with dogs, cats and other non-human companions while following orders to...

In this cult favorite, you get a look at some comedy's best and brightest before they were stars including Paul Rudd, Amy Poehler, Michael Ian Black and Judah Friedlander. And they bring you one extraordinary summer day of freewheeling makeout culture, log-cabin camps and disco-era short shorts.

Our Top 10 classic summer movie picks to beat the heat

August 10, 2020 at 7:43 p.m.

Summer is a special season for film, and not just because its when studios trot out their loudest, most expensive fare. Filmmakers look to summer for its effects on friendships,...

The snorkel trail at Phil Foster Park in Riviera Beach features natural and artificial reefs and an abundance of marine life. Abandoned shopping carts and boats by the trail became popular spots for photos.

Swim with the fishes: 11 can’t-miss snorkeling spots in Central Florida

August 10, 2020 at 8:49 p.m.

It's the steamy summertime in Florida and many Sunshine State residents are undoubtedly looking for ways to be outside without melting and without intruding upon the six-foot-social distance bubble of...

Banks, a 7-year-old border collie, herds sheep at Linden Hollow Sheep Farm in St. Cloud.

Work Like a Dog Day: Meet Orlando’s working dogs

August 7, 2020 at 6:28 p.m.

Work Like a Dog Day (Aug. 5) is a holiday honoring people who put in that extra bit of hard work to make sure the job is done right. But...

An alpaca gets some attention following an alpaca yoga class at LunaSea Alpaca Farm in Clermont on Thursday, July 30, 2020.

Alpaca yoga offers yogis the chance to find balance, furry friendship

August 7, 2020 at 6:31 p.m.

It's a bright Florida morning as I lay under the shade of live oaks, eyes closed while focusing on my breath. Then, I feel something furry brush against my face....

Knights clash while jousting during a dinner show at Medieval Times in Kissimmee on Wednesday, July 22, 2020.

Pictures: Medieval Times during pandemic times

July 23, 2020 at 7:24 p.m.

Medieval Times, a Kissimmee dinner show, is back performing with a socially distanced audience and performers wearing masks.

Central Florida Explorer Patrick Connolly lounges in a hammock at Rock Springs at Kelly Park.

National Hammock Day: 6 spots to relax and hang in Central Florida

July 23, 2020 at 7:47 p.m.

National Hammock Day is July 22, and Central Florida has no shortage of spots to strap up a hammock and just "hang out" for a little while. While some homeowners...

An anhinga and a great blue heron get into a little shouting match at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive on Friday, July 17, 2020.

Pictures: Animals of Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive

July 28, 2020 at 7:52 p.m.

Hundreds of species of birds can be seen along Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, as well as other animals such as bobcats, alligators and otters.

Sebastian Inlet State Park provides a coastal camping escape on Wednesday, July 15, 2020.

Camping’s comeback: People are vacationing in tents, RVs amid social distancing

July 21, 2020 at 7:28 p.m.

Amid the beautiful backdrop of Yellowstone National Park, Walt Disney World performer Carol Stein hauled out a keyboard stowed in her camper and played a rousing rendition of "America The...

Tubers enjoy crystal-clear spring water at Blue Spring State Park in Orange City on Monday, June 24, 2019.

10 Florida springs to visit this summer

July 2, 2020 at 9:11 p.m.

It's summertime in Florida, which means temperatures that can reach well into the 90s and heat indexes that can spike even higher. While only some of Central Florida's waterparks have...

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