The 117th annual Greek Orthodox Epiphany celebration is expected to attract thousands to the sponge-diving capital.

TARPON SPRINGS, FL — Tarpon Springs is preparing to commemorate Jesus Christ's baptism with the city's 117th annual Greek Orthodox Epiphany ceremony Friday, the largest such ceremony on the continent, attracting more than 20,000 people each year.

Epiphany, meaning "appearance of God," celebrates Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. According to the gospels, during the baptism the voice of God is heard saying, This is my Son in whom I am pleased." Then the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove descends upon Jesus, the son of God, revealing the Holy Trinity to humankind for the first time.

First celebrated in 215 A.D., Epiphany s held on the last day of the Dodecameron, the 12 days succeeding Christmas, and is considered one of the most sacred Greek Orthodox celebrations.

After several years of subdued celebrations due to the pandemic, this year's event will kick off Thursday with the Tarpon Springs Blessing of the Fleet at the Sponge Docks on Dodecanese Boulevard from 1 to 3 p.m. The Rev. Athanasios C. Haros of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral and other clergy will bless the sponge boats and divers as those gathered remember the sponge divers who lost their lives in the often-dangerous deep sea-diving pursuit.

The observance will continue Friday at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 36 N Pinellas Ave., with the Orthos at 8 a.m., the Archierarchail Liturgy at 9 a.m., followed by a procession of clergy, altar servers, visiting dignitaries, the dove bearer, choir members, teen divers and children dressed in traditional Greek costumes to Spring Bayou where His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, leader of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, will bless the waters with holy water in a symbol of the sanctification of the Jordan River with the presence of Jesus.

Each year, a high school- or college-age member of the cathedral choir, typically a young woman, is chosen as the dove bearer, carrying a caged dove during the procession and then releasing the bird, symbolizing the Holy Spirit, during the ceremony at Spring Bayou.

This year, that honor goes to 17-year-old Elena Gonatos, the daughter of Emmanuel and Voula Gonatos. Gonatos is a lifelong member of St. Nicholas and has been singing in the choir since she was 8 years old.

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She is also a part of the St. Nicholas dance ministry and an active member of the theater program at East Lake High School. She plans to attend the University of Florida to study law.

Gonatos follows in the footsteps of two aunts who also served as dove bearers: Helen Gonatos Cauthorn in 1983 and Mary Gonatos Deffigos in 1987. For a full list of past dove bearers, click here.

The much-anticipated dive for the Epiphany cross, which dates back to 1920 in Tarpon Springs, will follow. The archbishop will cast the cross into the bayou and throngs of young men ages 16 to 18 will dive into the waters in pursuit of the cross. The diver who retrieves the cross is considered blessed for the year. For a full list of past cross retrievers, click here.

The Epiphany ceremonies will continue with Glendi, which was canceled during the pandemic. The Greek Orthodox celebration from 2 to 7 p.m. highlights traditional Greek food, drinks, music and dancing. This year's event will feature performances by well-known Greek recording artist Dionysis Kornilakis, who plays the Cretan lyra, a pear-shaped, three-stringed bowed musical instrument; Pelagos Entertainment, a well-known Greek-American band based in New Jersey; and Greek folk dance troupes.

The event will also include food trucks including Meli Greek Street Donuts, Wheelin N Grillin, Rusty Bellies Bite, SofteeKing, Anclote River Grill, Maggie on the Move and Gigglewaters.

The free Glendi will take place at the Spanos-Pappas Community Center, 348 N Pinellas Ave.

The event will conclude on Saturday at 7 p.m. with the Epiphany Ball featuring dinner and dancing. Click here for tickets.

Once again, Lekkas Photography & Video, the official photographer of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, will be photographing and videotaping this year's ceremonies. Click here to see more photos and videos.

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Rays will split their spring training between the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista and Tropicana Field because their own facility on Florida's Gulf Coast was damaged by Hurricane Ian, the team said Tuesday.

The Rays announced earlier this month that they would not be able to host spring training at their facility in Port Charlotte because repairs to their complex could not be made in time for spring training. The Rays have trained in Port Charlotte, which is about 90 minutes south of St. Petersburg, since 2009.

Ian, a powerful Category 4 storm, struck southwest Florida's Gulf Coast in late September.

The Atlanta Braves did spring training at the Disney complex for 21 years before relocating in 2019 to CoolToday Park in North Port, Florida, which is also on Florida's Gulf Coast.

"We are thankful for Disney's willingness and ability to accommodate our unexpected Spring Training needs," Rays team president Matt Silverman said in a statement. "ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will provide our players and coaches with first-class facilities for their annual ramp up to the season."

The agreement allows the team's major and minor league players to begin workouts at the complex in early February. They will then move their major league operations to St. Petersburg, while minor league workouts and games will continue at the stadium on Disney's property.

"We are thrilled to be bringing Major League Baseball back to Walt Disney World Resort," Disney Sports vice president Faron Kelley said in a news release. "We're always looking for top tier events, like the Rays' Spring Training for our guests to enjoy at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex."

The Rays have played three regular season games at the Disney facility, winning all three against the Texas Rangers in 2007. The next year, the Rays swept the Toronto Blue Jays, improving their record to 6-0 at the Walt Disney World Resort stadium.

The Rays said earlier this month that the team and Port Charlotte officials intend to develop a restoration plan for the Charlotte Sports Park.

"We are all disappointed for the residents of Charlotte County and the fans there. The community is in the thoughts and hearts of the Rays, and the team will continue to support recovery efforts," the team said then in a statement.

BOCA RATON, Fla. —

Several new businesses are coming to Boca Raton in 2023, and developers and city leaders say this expected growth is just a snapshot of what to expect in the coming years.

Restaurant Row off of Town Center Road in Boca Raton will have four new restaurants with outdoor seating starting in the spring and summer.

Restaurant Row is located in Midtown Boca, which spans from Palmetto Park Road to Yamato Road and Interstate 95 to St. Andrews Boulevard.

One of those restaurants is El Camino, which already has locations in West Palm Beach and Delray Beach right now. Management of El Camino says the Boca Raton location will be the largest one when it opens this summer.

"I'm super excited," said Francis Lake, vice president of operations for Modern Restaurant Group. "Personally, my thoughts are that’s going to be our busiest location. It’s an ideal location.

"Boca Raton is certainly hot right now, so having the foresight to be a part of Restaurant Row and opening up there is something we’re thrilled about," said Lake. "The project itself with Restaurant Row, there are some other hot restaurants going in there. We felt we were an ideal fit with the quality of food and beverage that we bring to the forefront."

Commercial real estate broker Athan "Tom" Prakas of Prakas & Co. has sold a lot of the property in Midtown Boca.

"I think Midtown Boca is a boom area because of how it’s located, between the turnpike and I-95,” said Prakas. "The average age, of course, has dropped over the last ten years. It’s a younger demographic. There’s a lot of families. There’s a lot of influx from all over the country that’s coming to Florida."

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Red Pine, an authentic Chinese restaurant, will open at the One Town Center tower off of Military Trail. There will also be various businesses leasing new office spaces in the area, creating apartments, stores, restaurants and medical space.

Prakas expects Midtown Boca to experience some of the most growth in the county in the coming years.

"You realistically have the catalyst, which is Town Center Mall, which brings 15 million visitors a year to the area and then spread out from there, you have 26 million square feet of prime, Class A office space in a couple-mile radius,” said Prakas. "It's a live, work, play area, and that’s why the mixed-use plays into that. The apartments, the condos, the retail, the restaurant, the shopping areas. I think that this is where people want to be, and I think Midtown Boca is booming because of the influx of people from all over the country."

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Mayor Scott Singer says he thinks Boca Raton is not only one of the fastest-growing parts of South Florida but the whole country.

"We’re already seeing tremendous investment in the Midtown area of Boca Raton," said Singer. "We have a spec office project that’s proposed next week. We’ve got Restaurant Row. We’ve got other major brands coming here, like Gallaghers Steakhouse and Meat Market. It’s an exciting time for Boca Raton and this area.

"We’ll continue to manage our growth responsibly as we’ve done so for the last 50 years, so we’ll continue to progress as a world-class city that attracts major businesses and much investment but also keep our small-town charm," said Singer. "Boca Raton is unique, not just among the county, but among all American cities of our size. We have a much larger business strength for a city of our size, a quality of life and neighborhood feel, safe streets, safe neighborhoods, great schools, a proximity to the ocean and major transportation like Brightline. It’s no wonder companies, and businesses want to come here."

Click here for more information regarding the city of Boca Raton's plans for growth moving forward.

VIDEO: Deer crashes through window of Pennsylvania restaurant

More than 250 mobile homes will be available to rent soon in Spring Lake, after the Board of Aldermen on Monday approved a rezoning request.

In a 4-1 vote, the board rezoned 5.67 acres on Dacha Lane from R5A residential district to R6A more restrictive residential district to accommodate additional mobile homes.

Time Out Communities, a Florida-based company that manages mobile home parks, has proposed putting 288 new mobile homes in a vacant park on Dacha Lane. The land, which people now use as a trash dumping ground, has been empty since Hurricane Matthew, according to attorney Richard Fox.

“This is all done by Time Out Communities for the betterment of the community,” Fox said.

Last week, the Cumberland County Joint Planning Board recommended approval of the rezoning request in a 4-3 vote. Annette Massari, senior planner of Cumberland County, said that there were concerns about this request because “mobile home development was not something the town wanted to prioritize.”

Fox replied that concerns about aesthetics were unfounded, since the homes by Time Out Communities would be newly built in 2023 with “modern, upscale” amenities. “These defy that stereotype,” he said.

The Florida company is planning to invest more than $6.2 million in the mobile home park — without using Spring Lake tax dollars, according to Fox. This will include 24-hour security patrols and potentially a gate.

State takes issue:State takes issue with Spring Lake board's actions, including violation of open meetings law

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The monthly rent for mobile homes with two-, three- and four-bedrooms would cost at least $550, according to the Time Out Communities website.

While there were concerns about a mobile home park in general, the rezoning request was only for 5 acres out of the 32-acre lot. Fox said that about 240 mobile homes were coming to Spring Lake regardless of the vote on Monday. The board was just deciding if the park would have an additional 40 homes.

“If this rezoning doesn’t happen, it’s not the end of the world,” Fox said. “But it is a waste of income for the community.”

Fox added that the additional 40 homes would boost retail in the town and increase the tax base.

In addition, the town had already spent tax dollars constructing water and sewer lines on Ducha Lane, which the current property owner Kenneth Smith said would be “money spent down there that you’re not getting money back on.” The property has been on the market for years.

Fox did not say when the company expected the homes to be ready for occupants. He gave the board documents with additional information on the proposed development, which he did not hand out to members of the public.

Alderman Raul Palacios said it was “refreshing” to see new development. He made a motion to approve the rezoning request, with Robyn Chadwick, Sona Cooper and Adrian Jones Thompson supporting and Marvin Lackman opposing.

More apartments in the works

The board also approved rezoning 2 acres on Shell Drive from commercial to residential to allow for a future apartment complex. The property is currently vacant.

The complex will be an expansion of Waterford Apartments, also located on Shell Drive. A one- to two-bedroom apartment costs between $1,210 and $1,540 per month, according to its website.

"It's a nice little development out there," Palacios said.

The rezoning goes against the town's land use plan, which calls for light industrial in that area. However, Massari said that planning staff can update the map to reflect that change.

The 2-acre lot is adjacent to a residential area, which is why the joint planning board unanimously recommended its approval, which the Spring Lake board did.

New interim town manager

In addition, the board officially hired Joe Durham as interim town manager.

This approval was a last-minute addition to the agenda. The agreement, which Palacios said was dated April 18, was not included in the background information before the meeting.

The board swore Durham into office on March 28.

On April 5, the state Local Government Commission, which took over the town's finances in October, said that the board dismissed an interim town manager and swore in a new interim manager without taking a public vote on either. The LGC also said that the board swore Durham in without a contract in place.

Other news:Legality of $1 million loan to Spring Lake questioned by state officials

On April 12, Mayor Kia Anthony responded with a letter that said the board had not officially hired Joe Durham as interim town manager because the contract had to be approved by the commission. She also said that the previous interim town manager resigned and that the manager's contract was ended by the Mid-Carolina Council of Governments.

The board on Monday said the LGC had consented to the agreement with Durham.

In other news from the meeting, the board:

Reporter Ivey Schofield can be reached at ischofield@gannett.com.

Living in Florida has many benefits, one of which is that summer is almost practically year round. We aren’t called the Sunshine State for nothing! Our weather makes enjoying the many lakes in Central Florida an ideal option for a date day. The Winter Park Chain of Lakes is one of our favorite destinations. And there are many other options too.

To help you plan your next outdoor adventure, we put together a Guide to Orlando's Best Lakes where you can enjoy swimming, fishing, kayaking, or just simply having a lovely day with someone special. Plus, we share an introduction to the best natural springs near Orlando.

Updated August 2022 by Dani Meyering

ORLANDO LAKES

There are plenty of Orlando lakes for a great date or activity with friends. And a magnificent collection of lakes in one spot is the Winter Park Chain of Lakes. This group is connected by navigable canals.

Residents of the area tend to take full advantage of the beauty and recreation these Orlando lakes offer. But visitors to Orlando would be remiss to overlook the Winter Park Chain of Lakes.

A fun way to explore the Winter Park Chain of Lakes is in a clear kayak with Get Up and Go Kayaking. They have locations all around the state of Florida, including Winter Park.

Our favorite way to explore the Winter Park Chain of Lakes is with an experience that has been offered in Central Florida for many decades. The Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour is a must-do. You'll cruise along Lake Osceola, Lake Virginia, and Lake Maitland, navigating narrow canals between each lake while learning about numerous estate homes, Rollins College, and Winter Park history.

Boat tours run hourly from 10am-4pm, and are first come, first served. The cost is $16 per person. Dress comfortably and bring water, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

Lake Virginia Location: Winter Park

Besides being a popular launch spot for Paddleboard Orlando tours (they do a $45 beginner-friendly paddle board tour of the nearby chain of lakes every Saturday), Lake Virginia is also home to Winter Park Beach (a.k.a. Dinky Dock). Here you can set out a beach chair under the shade of a live oak, soak up some rays or take a swim.

Be aware,that it's not always safe to swim here in the summer months due to an increase in harmful bacteria in the water. This area is sampled bi-weekly for bacterial contamination. The beach is posted with a ‘no swimming' warning when bacteria counts exceed State of Florida guidelines for swimming areas.

Lake Maitland Location: Maitland

While Winter Park's Lake Virginia gets most of the attention, another sparkling gem is Lake Maitland. This lake is part of most tours and experiences involving the chain, however, it is lovely enough to explore on its own.

Many residents love to launch their boats and other watercraft from Fort Maitland Park. Soon, however, Fort Maitland Park will offer more than just a boat ramp. A new playground, restrooms, and picnic area are on their way! Construction will hopefully wrap up in late fall 2022.

Lake Eola Location: Downtown Orlando

While many people might not think of Lake Eola as a typical “lake,” it is one of the most popular options for Orlandoans looking to have a good time. You can even bring your furry friends, too.

Known for its white and black swans, the lake is located in the middle of Downtown Orlando and features restaurants, the Disney Amphitheater, swan boats to paddle around the lake and a fountain that illuminates at night in the middle of the lake.

Every Sunday from 10am-4pm, there is the Orlando Farmers' Market. Held in the southeast corner of Lake Eola, the market features local vendors who sell homemade crafts, food and art.

Lake Tohopekaliga (Lake Toho) Location: Osceola County

Lake Toho is one of Florida's largest lakes. It is renowned as one of the best fishing places in Florida for catching trophy bass. The lake’s tributary streams headwaters to the Everglades ecosystem. The lake has multiple RV/camping sites and is home to Big Toho Marina. Scenic Brinson Park sits on the shore and has a fishing pier, BBQ grills, picnic tables and access to the Florida Trail.

Lake Toho is also home to Makinson Island, which is situated on the northern third of the lake. This 132-acre island offers approximately 3.5 miles of hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. The island is only accessible by boat or kayak.

Lake Kissimmee Location: Osceola County

Lake Kissimmee has it all when it comes to marine life to sink, hook and catch: bluegill, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and chain pickerel. The best part is you don’t even need to have a boat.

While the lake boasts a boat ramp with direct access to Lake Kissimmee, budding anglers can fish from the marina, dam and canal banks. They also allow kayaking and canoeing on the lake.

Sprawling over 35,000 acres, Lake Kissimmee and its neighboring lakes and creeks of the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes is the place to go to catch some fish. You can also see some wildlife and just relax on the open waters.

Harris Chain of Lakes Location: Lake County

Lake County residents got lucky because instead of just having one option of a lake for fun in the sun, they have eight. The Harris Chain of Lakes are a part of the Upper Ocklawaha River Basin, which is a sub-basin of the St. Johns River.

The lakes that make up this chain include: Lake Eustis, Lake Harris, Little Lake Harris, Lake Dora, Lake Beauclair, Lake Griffin, Lake Yale and Lake Carlton.

Lake Harris is the largest of the lakes, measuring 13,788 acres with an irregular shape. Fisherman’s Cove Marina is one option for enjoying Lake Harris; it has a marina, RV sites, lodging and recreational areas.

Lake Harris and all the other lakes are go-to places for sailors, boaters and even water-skiers alike. Not to mention, there are plenty of bass to go around.

We previously wrote about the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes. You can read that article here.

NATURAL SPRINGS

Wekiwa Springs Location: Longwood

Come swim in the crystal clear waters of Wekiwa Springs. The water is 72 degrees Fahrenheit year round and always beautifully clear. With the springs holding 42 million gallons of water, there are so many water-related activities to engage in.

Wekiwa Springs and Wekiva River can be explored via canoe or kayak, which can be rented onsite by visiting or calling the canoe rental stand at 407-884-4311 or by visiting www.canoewekiva.com. There are also several trails available at Wekiwa Springs State Park, ranging in length from .8 of a mile to 13.5 miles.

While you're in the area, consider visiting Wekiva Island.

Kelly Park/Rock Springs Location: Apopka

Rock Springs is home to Kelly Park/Rock Springs Run, one of the go-to places for tubing in Central Florida. Kelly Park has a free-flowing natural spring that is 68 degrees year round. It's perfect for just relaxing in the sun inside an inner tube. They also have areas to kayak and canoe in. Admission to the park is $3 per vehicle and tubes can be rented outside of the park for a nominal fee.