Celebrate the Florida lifestyle in the tastiest way possible, with a meal on the water. Orlando has no shortage of outdoor dining restaurants, and even though we aren't on the beach, there are numerous waterfront restaurants. Level up your date by dining at one of these scenic restaurants.

You're about to discover the best Orlando waterfront restaurants, plus a few that are nearby and worth a little drive for dinner with a view.

Waterfront Restaurants Orlando

4201 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32806

You'll feel like you've escaped to the beach when you head to this waterfront restaurant in South Downtown – the SoDo District. In fact, you'll be at The Waterfront Orlando.

This is one of our favorite seafood restaurants in Orlando and during the day it is a kid friendly restaurant. By night, it becomes a lively but relaxed hangout spot with cold drinks and laid back vibes.

211 Eola Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32801

Locals love Relax Grill. This Lake Eola restaurant is popular at the end of a long workday or during the weekend. It is especially popular each Sunday thanks to the nearby Lake Eola Orlando Farmers' Market.

On the menu you'll find American Mediterranean cuisine with lots of lighter fare that is perfect for dining outdoors with a view of the lake.

215 S Orlando Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

Welcome to one of the most romantic restaurants in Orlando. Hillstone Restaurant has been a staple of the date-worthy dining scene for many years. If you're looking for a date idea to get all dolled up and live the good life, this is the place.

Book your reservation about 30 minutes before sunset if possible so you can enjoy the golden hues reflecting on the lake. It's one of our favorite places to watch the sunset in Orlando.

301 E Pine St, Orlando, FL 32801

Another classic Orlando restaurant, 310 Lakeside is date-worthy. The atmosphere is less waterfront and more about the modern American menu. While the views are not as plentiful as other waterfront restaurants on our list, being near Lake Eola has its moments.

4963 New Broad St, Orlando, FL 32814

While hotspots like Winter Park and Winter Garden get all the attention when it comes to walkable destinations, Baldwin Park should not be overlooked. And Colibri Mexican Cuisine Baldwin Park has some of the best waterfront dining in Orlando.

Sip handcrafted margaritas, nibble authentic Mexican fare, and take in the lakeside views. This waterfront restaurant is perfect for date night or a gathering with friends. Bring out of town guests here too.

Feature image of this article from @colibriorlando

13615 Sachs Avenue, Orlando, FL 32827

Head to one of the most Instagram worthy restaurants in the Orlando area. Canvas Restaurant & Market is a staple of Lake Nona restaurants. Not only does it have waterfront dining and views, but there is gorgeous modern art too, including the iconic Lake Nona Glass House.

550 N Palmetto Ave, Sanford, FL 32771

The Orlando area can thank the St. Johns River for the plentiful seafood we get to enjoy inland. While the seafood does not come from the St. Johns River itself, its connection to the coastline made getting seafood a lot easier before transit on the highways was an option.

St Johns River Steak & Seafood in Sanford harkens back to those early days. Enjoy dining along this legendary river and raise a glass to a touch of coastal life here in Orlando.

4301 N Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32804

The folks that own and operate Grills Lakeside Seafood Deck and Tiki Bar here in Orlando also operate two Grills locations on the Atlantic coast of Florida. So they know a thing or two about waterfront dining.

I love bringing out-of-town guests here because Grills Lakeside in Orlando gives those beachy Florida vibes without a trip to the coast. The seafood is fresh, the drinks are cold, and the lakeside views are marvelous. And the small playground is great if kids are coming along.

2356 Black Hammock Fish Camp Rd, Oviedo, FL 32765

If you're ready for some backwater adventure, head to Oviedo and the Black Hammock area. OId Florida is alive and well here. You can hop aboard an airboat ride and explore.

The Lazy Gator Bar at Black Hammock has waterfront views, casual eats, and cold drinks.

2997 FL-44, DeLand, FL 32720

If casual and relaxed is your speed, head to the DeLand area for some riverside dining. St. Johns River Grille is as casual as they come. Sit on the screened-in porch, order up some fish dip and cold drinks as you watch the boaters go by.

488 W Highbanks Rd, DeBary, FL 32713

Another super casual spot on the water is Swamp House Riverfront Grill in DeBary. Most of the dining room does not actually overlook the water, but it's worth a visit. Even if you're not able to snag a seat with a view, just being on the river is enough to satisfy that craving to dine on the water.

Parking is limited at this popular spot so get here early!

1104 Lakeshore Blvd, St Cloud, FL 34769

Cast your worries away as you dine on the water's edge at Crabby Bill's St. Cloud. Another family owned and operated spot with locations out on the coast, you'll feel like you've gone coastal even though you're inland.

Whether you sit inside or outside you can bask in beautiful views of East Lake Toho in the Lakefront Park Marina.

700 Bloom St, Celebration, FL 34747

If you prefer to stay sophisticated then Lakeside Bar + Grill located inside the Bohemian Celebration Hotel offers romantic date night vibes. Situated on the small lake of downtown Celebration, Florida you'll experience small-town charm, just down the road from Walt Disney World.

15790 SE 134th Ave, Weirsdale, FL 32195

Experience a beachy getaway for the day, without heading to the busy beaches near Orlando. Not only can you dine right on the massive lake, but at Eaton's Beach Sandbar and Grill you can rent jet skis and more to go out on the water.

I stopped here with my husband during a little Florida road trip and we loved it! There are two dining rooms, one upstairs and another downstairs. Plus plenty of outdoor dining and multiple bars make it possible for everyone to enjoy the views. The menu features Florida and Louisiana influences including Fried Shrimp and Gator Tail.

181 S Joanna Ave, Tavares, FL 32778

Mount Dora gets all the love in this part of town, but Tavares is also on Lake Dora and worth a visit. The Kalua Beach Bar is perfect for casual lakeside dining near Orlando. Depending on what side of town you're on, Tavares is 30 – 45 minutes away.

Start your day at the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive then head 30 minutes down the road to Kalua Beach Bar for cold drinks and casual eats like Chicken Wings, Burgers, or Blackened Fish Tacos. This spot is one of the most quintessential waterfront restaurants.

BONUS IDEA – Tiki Bar & Grill Local dive situated on the shores of Lake Minneola serving casual fare, gorgeous sunset views 508 S Main Ave, Minneola (352) 394-2232

Waterfront Restaurants at Disney World

Soak up the magic of Walt Disney World coupled with dining on the water. These waterfront restaurants at Walt Disney World are date worthy.

As Student Government elections wrap up Wednesday, some senators fear for the upcoming year as half of the senate seats will remain vacant.

Liberal Arts and Sciences senator Obi Agba, a junior majoring in political science, said this year’s election held only 16 candidates, with only one not being an incumbent. In contrast, last year’s election saw 39 candidates run.

“We face a major scarcity in potential leaders,” Agba said. “I believe that part of the scarcity is partly due to the outdated resources on our website, which has long been a topic of discussion amongst our organization.”

Agba and student body President Jacob Ludwig, a senior double majoring in economics and political science, agreed that updating the web page for Student Government to make information more accessible will help with the problem.

“The idea is that, for students who may be inexperienced with Student Government [or] who may not understand the processes and everything, updating those resources can help them understand more and be more involved,” Agba said.

Ludwig said that student constituencies could appoint representatives to the senate to fill vacancies until a new senator is elected.

The senate voted 21-0 to grant the rodeo club $30,000 for their 2023 Cyclone Stampede 60th Anniversary, with funds allocated to make the event free for student attendees.

Connor Pickhinke, a junior majoring in animal science and a member of the club, said the rodeo has had more than 1,000 attendants with four shows over two days.

“We have student-athletes coming from all over the Midwest coming into our university, and we’d love to fill the stands and be able to afford this event and make it as representative of Iowa State as possible,” Pickhinke said.

Pickhinke said the majority of the expenses for the event would be going to the rodeo stock contractor who will provide the animals at the rodeo.

The senate voted unanimously to allocate $588.18 to the Agricultural Marketing and Management Organization (AMMO) to attend the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Kentucky.

The student organization looks to improve students’ real-world marketing and business operations focused on agriculture, according to the student organization database. The conference provides networking opportunities with equipment dealers and industry representatives.

The Equestrian Club – Western Team is a student organization that promotes the sport and discipline associated with competitive horse riding, according to the student organization database. The club was granted $659.81 to cover travel and registration costs for competition semifinals in Weirsdale, Florida.

The team will compete for two days in four classes with an $85 registration fee per class. The senate voted 23-0 in favor of the proposal.

The bill was originally set to be addressed by the senate before their next meeting. However, off-campus senator Nicholas Tansey, a senior in political science, moved to waive the first reading, noting that the club’s competition is next week.

At their next meeting, the senate is set to address a proposed change to the bylaws which would offer stipends to directors of project-based opportunities.

Agriculture and life sciences senator Jennifer Holliday, a junior in agricultural studies, said the senate would need to vote to approve the work before issuing the stipend.

“The president and vice-president would meet with the director after a certain point in the semester hits and reflect on everything they have done so far to see if they are meeting the standards granted,” Holliday said.

The senate is also set to address a contract funding the Analysis and Social Services Evaluation Team (ASSET) for the fiscal year 2024. If passed, the contract will fund 5% of their fiscal budget ($268,541) through fiscal year 2024.

The senate will also address amendments to its contract with the Iowa State Daily. The amendment would add a one-year extension to the contract as well as increase the Daily’s funding to $540,000 per year and add a new cancellation process to the contract.

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WEIRSDALE, Fla. (WCJB) - On Thursday morning just after nine o’clock Marion County Fire Rescue units were called to a mobile home fire in Weirsdale where the roof was engulfed in flames.

“Usually when I come out of the house she sometimes sits on her porch so I always glance over to see if I want to wave to her. Well I glanced over and at the same time I heard the fire department show up and then I immediately called her because I didn’t know if her boys were in the house,” said neighbor Billie Smith.

Several crews arrived on the scene quickly putting the fire out. They searched the home and no one was inside.

But when Smith called her neighbor she was devastated because the family has been going through a lot.

“She lost her husband in October to COVID so she’s been out working odd jobs, she’s cleaning houses, doing lawn work. Her boys are our for summer so she’s trying to spend time with them as well as working.”

Fire officials said the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The grandmother who lives behind the family’s home said her youngest grandson was thinking about his dad when he saw his home in ruins.

“He was crying so emotionally he kept grabbing his little eyes because he wanted to be strong but he couldn’t and he kept saying my daddy’s pictures, but what about my daddy’s pictures. They’re burned he said they’re burned.”

Red Cross came out to assist the homeowners but now the inside of the home and roof were destroyed.

They’ll have to find a way to pick up the pieces and find a new place to call home.

If you would like to help you can click on the link below.

Mobile home fire

Copyright 2022 WCJB. All rights reserved. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

For the Star-Banner

This Fourth of July looks like another year without any officially sponsored fireworks displays open to the public in Marion County.

Locally, a check with government officials and social media has turned up no word of a sponsored firework display open to the public on or around Independence Day.

In the past, the Ocala Jaycees organized God & Country Day, a full-day July 4 festival that always ended with a massive firework display. But that tradition stopped after 2019, and attempts to reach parties involved with the festival were unsuccessful.

This weekend:Fun things to do this weekend in Ocala/Marion County

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Ocala/Marion housing crisis?:More inventory needed to quell rising home values, rent costs

Ashley Dobbs, City of Ocala marketing and communications manager, said the city does not have any firework displays planned for the Fourth of July. Ditto for Marion County government.

Ashley Lopez, public information officer with Ocala Fire Rescue, said her agency had issued no fireworks permits as of June 28.

James Lucas, her counterpart at Marion County Fire Rescue, said his agency issued three permits: one for a residents only event on July 1 at a gated community in southwest Ocala; one for a private event in south Marion on the Fourth of July; and the third for a private event on July 7 at a youth camp.

Personnel at the City of Belleview and Dunnellon Chamber of Commerce both indicated no Fourth of July fireworks events were planned in their areas.

Eaton's Beach Sandbar & Grill will host a fireworks show for patrons of the Weirsdale restaurant. Details are on the Eaton's Beach Facebook page.

There are other ways to celebrate this holiday weekend

Even if the night sky will be blank on July 4, there are other ways to celebrate this holiday weekend.

Dobbs, from Ocala, noted that the Levitt AMP Ocala Music has its finale on Friday, July 1. It will include a special patriotic opening performance by the Ocala Symphony Orchestra. The event will be held from 7-9 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex, 1510 NW Fourth St., Ocala.

"This is a great way to kick off your holiday weekend," Dobbs wrote in an email.

Also:

Ocala won't be the only community with blank skies

Marion County's lack of public fireworks appears to be a result of having no sponsor or organizing entity. Other communities are losing fireworks shows for different reasons.

Published reports about firework show cancellations nationwide since 2020 cite reasons including the pandemic and dry conditions. An Associated Press report published June 27 details factors including “supply chain issues."

James Kyne of KYNEX,INC., puts on firework shows in North Florida and South Georgia. He attributed the cancellation of firework shows this year to a shortage of fireworks, drivers and technicians.

"Obviously, July 2020 there were fewer shows because the cities canceled them, but the last two years the fewer displays has nothing to do with budgets or the cities. Display companies are canceling their displays because there has been a nationwide fireworks shortage, there is a labor shortage, Pyro technician shortage, and recently an increase in difficulty in getting CDLs because of a new law," Kyne wrote, in part, in an email.

"I had (three shows) on Sunday because an out of state company seems to have canceled all or most of their shows in Florida. We have been lucky and haven’t had to cancel any ourselves. While we had to work hard to get product, and in some cases pay much much more, our big issue is manpower. It is difficult finding people to work for any amount of pay," he wrote.

"This year specifically the shortage is because most of our product comes from China, and they shipped the containers a few weeks too late, so a lot of product is being delivered after July 4th," hurting some firework companies, Kyne stated.

“As far as budget, we have seen about a 50% increase in the price of fireworks since COVID. Most of this is because freight costs per container have increased by an order of magnitude. Most of my shows have increased their budgets to compensate for that,” Kyne wrote.

Kyne stated a typical professional firework show in North Florida costs $1,000 per minute.

If you buy your own fireworks, be careful

Anyone trying fireworks at home should note the Consumer Protection Safety Commission's safety tips, including:

The full list can be read at: https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks

Marion County Animal Services Director Jim Sweet reminded the public of the effect of fireworks on pets.

"Frightened pets fleeing the sudden, bright lights and loud noises from fireworks may become disoriented once they get far enough away to settle down, " he stated.

"Marion County Animal Services offers microchips for $15 to make it easier to reunite owners with their lost pets. We’ve had so many successful reunification stories because of microchips that we’ve made it a standard part of the adoption package," Sweet stated.

Star-Banner correspondent Angela Durrell contributed to this report

Last Updated on January 31, 2023

Florida springs are popular travel destinations, and Alexander Springs is no exception! Alexander Springs is in Ocala National Forest, not too far from state parks like Blue Spring and De Leon Springs.

Approximately 60 miles north of Orlando and 80 miles southeast of Gainesville, the Central Florida recreation area is in the northeast corner of Lake County. It is known for being one of the only first-magnitude springs in Florida.

Top Places to Visit Near Alexander Springs Recreation Area

These are our recommendations on the top places to visit near Alexander Springs Recreation Area, including nearby places to eat, stay, and shop during your trip.

You can find tasty diner food, relaxing accommodations, and timeless shops. Check out all the places you can visit on a journey to this sub-tropical oasis.

Alexander Springs Recreation Area

Alexander Springs is a first-magnitude spring, meaning, on average, the spring head discharges approximately 100 cubic feet of water per second. That is hundreds of gallons of water!

The spring run known as Alexander Run feeds into Spring Creek. The spring pool is a popular destination with beautiful palm trees, amazing water quality, and an average water temperature of 72 degrees.

Alexander Springs is one of the most visited spots in Ocala National Forest. The spring is located just a few miles away from the St. Johns River, off the area’s main road, County Road 445.

There is a paved parking lot to park at when you arrive. Parking can fill up fast on weekends and holidays, so it is recommended that you get there early.

Alexander Springs Recreation Area has a lot to offer visitors. Of course, taking a dip in the swimming area is many visitors’ favorite part of their trip.

In addition, yogis are known to practice on paddleboards, and scuba divers find this spot to be excellent for scuba diving.

Hikers have great options here, like the Timucuan Trail, a 0.9-mile loop through a palm forest full of cabbage palms. The area also has a trailhead with a blue-blazed trail that connects the area to the Florida Trail, a National Scenic Trail that is about 1,500 miles long.

The recreation area has a concession stand that has a limited quantity of kayak and canoe rentals. You are also able to bring your own kayak or canoe to the springs as well!

There is a shaded picnic area with picnic tables near the spring – the perfect place to enjoy a meal while in Alexander Springs.

The recreation area is a great spot for camping. It has potable water, flush toilets, and bathhouses. There are 67 campsites in the campgrounds, which can accommodate tents and RVs up to 35 feet, though there are no water, sewer, or electrical hookups.

If you need anything while camping, the concession stand sells snacks and groceries, as well as charcoal and firewood if you want to build a fire.

TIPS:

For more information, visit the official USDA Forest Service website.

Alexander Springs Address: Latitude: 29.078245, Longitude: -81.577837, Alexander Springs, FL 32702

Where to Eat Near Alexander Springs: Castaways Restaurant

Castaways Restaurant is a great place to check out during your trip to the Alexander Springs Recreation Area.

The family-owned restaurant is just under eight miles away from the spring and is known for its delicious food and fun theming.

This laidback spot offers a menu that is a mix of seafood dishes and diner fare.

Try any of the tasty seafood appetizers or the broccoli cheddar bites. Don’t miss the awesome specials like surf & turf sliders.

TIPS:

For more information, visit the official Castaways Restaurant Facebook page.

Castaways Restaurant Address: 23525 FL-40 W, Astor, FL 32102

Where to Stay Near Alexander Springs: Runaway Bay Lodge

Runaway Bay Lodge is a wonderful place to stay near Alexander Springs. This lodge is located about 30 minutes away from the recreation area on Lake George. The scenic spot is a favorite amongst many that stay in this region.

Located in Seville, Florida, Runaway Bay Lodge has a variety of different accommodations to choose from. There are waterfront rooms in the lodge, serenity yurts, and other great, cozy options.

Runaway Bay Lodge offers activities on the property. Enjoy yoga, meditation, kayaking, games, and more during your stay.

Guests can use john boats for free. You can also rent motors that will assist you in getting to some great fishing spots.

If you are interested in a boat tour, the lodge offers a private 3-hour scenic boat tour customized to your interests. Whether you are interested in fishing, photography, or seeing the nature of the area, this is a fantastic option!

TIPS:

For more information, visit the official Runaway Bay Lodge website.

Runaway Bay Lodge Address: 1610 Lake George Rd, Seville, FL 32190

Places to Shop Near Alexander Springs: The Orange Shop

The Orange Shop has been around for over 80 years. Located about 50 miles from Alexander Springs, this place is worth the trip! The shop opened in 1936, selling hand-picked seasonal fruit to travelers passing by on US 301.

Not much has changed since The Orange Shop first opened – the spot offers great customer service and the best citrus in the area.

You can purchase all sorts of sweet treats here.

Make sure to check out this timeless Florida shop during your trip!

TIPS:

For more information, visit the official Orange Shop website.

The Orange Shop Address: 18545 US-301, Citra, FL 32113

If you enjoyed this article about top places to eat, stay, & shop near Alexander Springs and are looking for a few other recommendations, check out these suggestions: