The Shields Painting Difference: Perfection with Every Brush Stroke
Many painting companies in Florida rely on flashy marketing and big promises to try and attract new clients. But when it comes time to work, they fall short of their promises. This is often due to a lack of experience, qualified painters, and a drive to overachieve. At Shields Painting, we do things a little differently than other painting companies in Citrus County. We believe that a professional paint job should be as close to perfect as possible. Our goal is to leave you 100% satisfied, whether we're touching up an old residential paint job or performing a complex commercial project. It might sound simple, but we achieve that goal through honesty, hard work, beautiful results, and reasonable pricing.
As a family-owned and operated painting company in Weirsdale, FL, we strive to provide personalized, professional, and friendly service. Shields Painting has been in business since 1968 for a good reason. Whenever possible, we go the extra mile to make sure our customers are happy. Unlike some of our competition, we want to know all about your house or business painting project: your vision, your preferences, your challenges, and your goals. When we understand your needs, we can present you with a fantastic final product - one that you're proud to show off to friends and neighbors.
At Shields Painting, we combine our extensive experience with time-tested, meticulous painting processes, resulting in the highest quality painting results around. As a painting contractor in Citrus County, we can take on a variety of residential, commercial, and industrial projects in Florida.
A few of our most popular painting services include:
- Interior Painting
- Exterior Painting
- Residential Painting
- Commercial Painting
- Cabinet Painting
- Ceiling Painting
- Fence Painting
- Sign Painting
- MUCH More!
Our commercial, industrial, and residential painting contractors take the proper steps to protect your property and belongings while we work. Our team will clean up after ourselves, so your property is left clean and free of debris when we're done. After all, we think there's only one way to do a job, and that's the right way.
Painting Services

Eco-friendly & clean work area.

PDCA Certified Member.

Your Go-To House Painting Company in Weirsdale, FL
Your home is a haven of relaxation and solitude. It is uniquely you - a place where you can express who you are through style and design. Whether you need interior touch-ups for your crown molding or a new exterior coat of paint, hiring a reliable painting contractor is the best way to get quality results.
At Shields Painting, we know how important it is to have a home that highlights your tastes and personality. That's why we offer an extensive array of residential painting services in Citrus County. As tempting as it might be to try a DIY paint job, without the proper skills and experience, there is a good chance that the results will turn out less than satisfactory.
High-quality painting requires skill, experience, and patience. If you're a homeowner who needs residential painting services but doesn't have the time, patience, or skills to handle the job, look no further than Shields Painting. We offer accuracy, precision, and longevity with each paint job we perform. Our customers choose Shields Painting for their home because they receive:
- Free Quotes with Detailed Project Breakdowns
- Affordable Pricing
- Expert Painting Contractors
- High-Quality Paint Products
- Combo of Traditional and Modern Techniques
- Well-Maintained Tools
- Unmatched Craftsmanship
- Friendly, Personalized Service
- Good Old-Fashioned Hard Work!
The majority of our house painting services come in two forms: interior and exterior.
Interior Residential Painting
As an interior painting contractor with decades of experience, our expert technicians have developed an interior painting process that maximizes quality and emphasizes customer satisfaction. We understand that interior painting goes beyond aesthetics. It protects your ceilings and walls and helps you sustain a healthier place to live for your family. When only the finest craftsmanship will do inside your home, Shields Painting is here for you.
Our seasoned team of painting experts and craftsmen is dedicated to respecting your space and providing you with the look and feel you're craving inside your home. Whether you bought a new house and want to make it your own or need minor touch-ups but have no time, Shields Painting is ready to tackle the job, no matter how small or large.
Unlike some painting companies, our interior house painters take the time to get the details right, every time. For instance, color is only one aspect of your interior paint job. The paint sheen or finish is just as important. Certain finishes are better for living rooms and bedrooms than in kitchens and bathrooms. We'll help you find the right finish and paint colors for your home, so you don't have to worry about touch-ups or repainting.
Some of our most popular interior house painting services include:
- Ceiling Painting
- Popcorn Ceiling Removal
- Living Room Painting
- Bathroom Painting
- Basement Painting
- Color Consultations
- More

Cabinet Painting
Citrus County cabinet painting deserves its own section on this page because it requires more time, skill, and quality paint than most sections of your home. If your home's cabinets are built into its woodwork, replacing them can be obnoxiously expensive. Compared to the cost of installing new cabinets, painting your kitchen cabinets is much more affordable.
At Shields Painting, we specialize in transforming old cabinets into new, gorgeous features that are just as usable as they are beautiful. Each step of our cabinet painting process is meticulous and thorough. And we'll take care of the entire job, from cleaning, prep, and sanding to priming, painting, and reassembly. This unique service lets you enjoy a brand-new look in your kitchen without having to go into debt by replacing your cabinets.
Whether your cabinets are new, but you want to change their color or you'd like to transition wood cabinets to a painted finish, Shields Painting has the expertise and experience to give you a new look you'll love.

Exterior Residential Painting
Your home - it's a place that not only keeps your belongings safe. It protects your family and loved ones, too. It's one of your largest investments, and like anything else of value, it should be protected. However, Florida weather can take a toll on your home's structure and paint, lowering your home's value and even putting your family at risk.
While it's true that a beautiful exterior affects your house's value, it shouldn't take thousands of remodeling dollars to make a positive change to your home. There's a fine line between reasonable pricing and top-quality painting, and that sweet spot is what Shields Painting aims for. If you want to transform how your friends and neighbors see your home, never underestimate the power of a professional paint job.
Our exterior residential painting services are designed to boost curb appeal, give your home a fresh look, and help it stand up to Florida's unique weather. But we provide more than that. When you hire Shields Painting for your outdoor painting project, you will enjoy peace of mind in knowing that your home is in truly capable hands. Our goal is to exceed your expectations and help bring out the best in your property, whether you need to re-stain your deck or remove old, peeling paint from your siding.
If you're on the hunt for the very best exterior painting contractor in Weirsdale, FL, look no further than Shields Painting.
Some of our most popular exterior house painting services include:
- Vinyl Siding Painting
- Deck Painting and Staining
- Stucco Exterior Painting
- Wood Exterior Painting
- Porch Painting and Staining
- Soffit Painting
- Fascia Painting
- Window Painting
- Front Door Painting
- Thorough Painting Prep
- More

The Premier Commercial Painting Company in Weirsdale, FL
When it comes to first impressions, your businesses' appearance plays an important role. Your commercial property's paint job factors into its overall aesthetics. A great-looking, well-maintained paint job can mean the difference between a customer walking in your storefront and passing by. Conversely, an old, worn-out commercial paint job can send the wrong message to prospective customers. If you can't take the time to keep up your property's appearance, why would a customer spend their hard-earned money on your products?
The same goes for your businesses' interior paint. Would you want to do business with a company that has peeling paint or unsightly crown molding? At Shield's Painting, our goal is to create a beautiful environment that your customers and employees will love inside and out. When you work with our business painters, you can rest easy knowing we treat your business like it were our own. We always clean up after ourselves and know that operations cannot come to a halt just because we're painting. As such, we'll work with your busy schedule to ensure the job gets done right the first time without disrupting your day-to-day commitments.
With decades of commercial painting experience, we know the demands of a commercial painting project necessitate a disciplined and focused approach from the start. Our team of business painters is committed to delivering quality, on-time results on every project, every time - no excuses

We offer professional business painting services to a variety of building types, including:

01
Industrial Painting
A high level of care and finesse are required to effectively paint an industrial property. At Shields Painting, we know that industrial paint jobs involve much more than aesthetics. That's why our industrial services are customized to your specifications, using industrial-grade materials that stand up to heavy-duty operations.
02
Retail Store Painting
Our commercial painters apply effective, yet appealing interior and exterior paint that stand up to the daily rigors of busy retail environments.


03
Small Business Painting
Do you own a restaurant franchise? Have a small "mom and pop" location that needs a fresh coat of paint? Shields Painting has the resources and reliability to efficiently get the job done the first time. That way, you can focus on serving your customers, not having your business repainted.
04
Healthcare Location Painting
From walk-in clinics to long-term care facilities, Shields Painting is sensitive to your patients' needs. We know you must protect your patient's privacy while maintaining productivity. Our approach to healthcare location painting centers around your schedule to avoid disruptions in care.


05
Apartment Complex Painting
Erase signs of wear and make your apartment complex or multi-family building a more desirable place to live with a stunning, professional paint job.
Florida's Most Trusted Painting Contractor
Shields Painting has been in the business since 1968. In a world where so much has changed, we are proud to uphold the ideals that make us successful: hard, honest work, getting the job done right, and excellent customer service. Providing you with trustworthy, quality work will always take priority over rushing through a project to serve the next customer. That is just not the way we choose to do business.
As professionals dedicated to perfection, we strive to provide a unique painting experience for every customer - one that focuses on their needs and desires instead of our own. Whether you need residential painting for your home or commercial painting for your business, we encourage you to reach out today to speak with our customer service team. Whether you have big ideas about a new paint project or need our expertise and guidance, we look forward to hearing from you soon.

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Latest News in Weirsdale, FL
15 Scenic Waterfront Restaurants Orlando – Around Town and Nearby
Dani Meyeringhttps://orlandodatenightguide.com/2023/03/waterfront-restaurants/
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 ...
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.
Fewer candidates running for StuGov senate
Andrew Storeyhttps://iowastatedaily.com/274803/news/fewer-candidates-running-for-stugov-senate/
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 resource...
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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A family of four’s home is destroyed from a fire in Weirsdale
Taylor Simpsonhttps://www.wcjb.com/2022/06/18/family-fours-home-is-destroyed-fire-weirsdale/
To keep up with the latest local news subscribe to our TV20 newsletter HERE and receive news straight to your email every morning.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 gl...
To keep up with the latest local news subscribe to our TV20 newsletter HERE and receive news straight to your email every morning.
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.
Copyright 2022 WCJB. All rights reserved. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
No show: Once again, Ocala/Marion County won't have a public fireworks display on July 4
Andy Fillmorehttps://www.ocala.com/story/news/2022/06/30/no-public-july-4-fireworks-displays-ocala-marion-county-florida/7772011001/
For the Star-BannerThis 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, ...
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
Downtown Ocala restaurant news:Mark's Prime Steakhouse has new owner; upgrades planned
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
Alexander Springs + Nearby Places to Eat, Stay, & Shop
Breanna Ramoshttps://authenticflorida.com/alexander-springs-nearby-places-to-eat-stay-shop/
Last Updated on January 31, 2023Florida 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 ...
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
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