Here's a roundup of our top stories from the past week With a subscription to the Pensacola News Journal you will receive full access to the work done by our journalists and photographers as they head out every day to help inform and explain the important issues affecting your community One of the three people attacked by a shark during a beach outing in Walton County was transported to Ascension Sacred Heart where she will undergo multiple amputation surgeries Ann Gribbin, the mother of 15-year-old Lulu Gribbin, announced Sunday the timeline of how her daughter was attacked by a shark during a mother-daughter trip to Rosemary Beach on Friday Ann Gribbin said she and her friends were walking back from lunch Friday when she found her daughter lying on the beach with wounds from the attack New Chick-fil-A location planned for uptown PensacolaOne of the nation’s most popular restaurant chains could add another location in Escambia County A new Chick-fil-A was proposed for Pensacola on Wednesday that developers currently plan to build in between Bubba’s 33 and the incoming Jim N’ Nicks BBQ restaurant on North Davis Highway Here’s what we know about the recently proposed Chick-fil-A project Full story: New Chick-fil-A location planned for uptown Pensacola Karl and Carol Moody planned to spend retirement living on the water in Grande Lagoon a subdivision in southwest Escambia County they finished building their home and for most of the next decade enjoyed it “It has been a nightmare,” Karl Moody said “We've been dealing with this for a long time so the engineers could take the house apart and see what the heck is going on here.” Moody says what engineers and experts found was a house that was structurally unsound and didn’t meet Florida code Full story: Grande Lagoon home fell apart after shoddy work, couple says. They want builder penalized. The city of Pensacola came out a victor in Florida's $116.5 billion state budget for the coming year a lone bright spot in a budget that saw the vast majority of Escambia and Santa Rosa projects decimated DeSantis vetoed $950 million in programs and projects statewide, including more than $60 million in funding requests for initiatives in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties the bulk of the funding cut from the University of West Florida Escaping the veto pen completely were three projects championed by the city of Pensacola "It’s a great day for the city of Pensacola,” Mayor D.C “The $14.2 million investment in all three of our legislative priorities will help transform our airport and set the stage for Pensacola’s largest attainable housing investment ever."  Full story: Pensacola wins $14M in state budget, $60M vetoed in area Pensacola has once again caught the eye of Southern Living, this time earning a place on its list of Florida’s 17 Most Legendary Restaurants The list encapsulates “dimly lit historic dives and beyond” that have stood the test of time in the Sunshine State “These legendary restaurants aren’t passing fads or trendy Instagram eateries so interwoven in Florida’s history and spirit they’re forever emblazoned into the state’s canon of hospitality,” Southern Living writes "Their counters have heard countless stories their dining room floors have seen thousands of visitors and their locations have been carefully selected to tell a story of place.” it shouldn’t surprise you that Joe Patti’s Seafood at 524 S Full story: Southern Living names Pensacola seafood market one of Florida's Most Legendary Restaurants ItalyChevron VeniceChevron Palazzina GrassiSave this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links With its 150 canals, 400 bridges, and magnificent 16th- and 17th-century palaces and piazzas, it is no surprise that Venice is considered one of the prettiest cities in Europe It's only natural then that the best hotels in Venice offer up baroque bedrooms draped in decadent velvets and contemporary while creative crash pads invite a star-studded cast of culture vultures and creatives Our editors' picks for the best hotels in Venice This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date Every hotel review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that property our editors consider properties across price points that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination and sustainability credentials top of mind a residential area which is becoming a bit of a Venice restaurant hub with nearby Riviera and Balkan-themed Sudest 1401 among the current highlights Read our complete Venice travel guide here Full immersion in local food at the culinary school Only if you can take your eyes off that watery spectacle outside: This is still one of the most beautiful hotels in one of the most beautiful which serves gourmet dishes with an emphasis on plant-based and gluten-free options served it’s the staff—from the charismatic general manager right down to the receptionist—who make you feel at home the Nolinski—43 rooms and suites on Calle Larga XXII Marzo the smartest shopping street in town—is different It occupies a 20th-century building constructed not as a grand private residence but as a stock exchange Yet there’s nothing the least bit stock exchange-y about it is subtly animated by rippling lines and wavy undulations Interior designers Yann Le Coadic and Alessandro Scotto have pulled off a nifty trick deploying an adventurous mixture of elements in a way that creates an impression of great restraint and serenity along with a remarkable collection of glassware and displayed with exceptional flair—nowhere more so than in the ravishing little Library Bar on the piano nobile Venetians have a particular fondness for sunny courtyard spaces; Nolinski is a doozy with a small but extremely fetching adjoining bar and dining room in a stupendously domed space with gold-trimmed arches fine-dining restaurant Palais Royal is due to open in spring a protégé of the late Joël Robuchon and much admired for his Hellenic take on classic French cuisine all courtesy of Spanish designer Patrica Urquiola who executed a unique retro-modern makeover when the VRetreats hotel opened in 2021 all with refined art deco-style glass lighting the bolthole was a medieval pilgrim's hostel There are two traditional Altana-raised roof terraces and three internal courtyards and fresh juice—or aperitivo hour in the courtyard possibly one of the most peaceful spots in the crowd-loving city This 16th-century confection is right on the Grand Canal just past the Rialto Bridge—which guests whizz under in the hotel’s glossy Riva to arrive at the palazzo’s jetty flanked by cerulean bricole The 24 bedrooms have been slotted into many of the palazzo’s original spaces But the opulence does not compete with Jean-Michel Gathy’s minimalist B&B Italia furniture At night Venice’s most flamboyant wander in wearing wigs and Ferragamo to dine on frothy crab cappuccino Ca' Pisani is housed in a palazzo built in the late 1500s The 29-room hotel is a mix of minimalist Art Deco inspired by the cool graphics of the 1920s Futurist painters Each room has a bed from a different period offset by funky metallic-silver desks and comfy leather armchairs which attracts a fashionable crowd of local Venetians But that’s exactly why the 32-room Palazzo is so inspiring Based in a former shipping-company head office on the sunny Zattere promenade it's a fresh lagoon breeze in the city of heavy brocade and historical baggage Long-time collaborator Dorothée Meilichzon’s retro design scheme flits from the 1920s to the '80s The soul of the place is the ground-floor restaurant while the rooms feel like very pleasant afterthoughts In an airy ambience where floor tiles wink at Carlo Scarpa’s wonderful 1958 Olivetti showroom in St a menu curated by the team behind London’s Italian Supper Club works light creative variations on traditional dishes from the country’s Adriatic region Now in Venice and working with executive chef Gennaro Balice Sadler is making new waves with a traditional yet unexpected approach—dishes like Venetian-style ox meat or Cappellacci stuffed with shrimp from the lagoon everything is delicately plated to look like a whimsical work of art It’s only a matter of time before the Michelin guide comes calling No distance at all from the crowded main artery leading to Piazza San Marco and it makes you feel slightly conspiratorial With a beautiful blend of international furniture you won't mind even the slightly small rooms This is a special place that will make you feel that you’ve spent your money well stools in the bathroom and toys on the beds along with a kids’ club that runs twice a day until 7 p.m. giving adults a chance to enjoy a fresh Bellini or two at the rooftop Skyline bar—the highest in the city—where from May a turquoise pool is open to guests recently reopened under the command of chef Ivan Fargnoli who spent almost 20 years in China bringing back a vivid set of flavors that infuse his Mediterranean menu Try the double-boiled duck consommé topped with softly spun floss and the wagyu ribeye that gleams pink and sparkles with salt Finish with dark chocolates speckled with Szechuan pepper you’ll understand the Cima Rosa spirit: Old roses scramble up brick walls and age-worn marble carvings peek out through fragrant faux-jasmine an exquisite pastel palette mirrors the colors visible through the front windows This is a grown-up kind of place for travelers who love Venice and know it sufficiently well the Michelin-starred restaurant and hotel on Mazzorbo (an island linked to Burano by a footbridge) stylish rooms and suites are loft-style with an international feel A living room/kitchen in each room provides coffee machines and a place to consume a complimentary picnic breakfast that's brought to guests from the nearby Venissa mother house which also hosts the reception where a discreet amiable staff will accompany you across the bridge to your perch Guests can tour and participate in tastings at the vineyard or join sommelier walks through the gardens to pick wild herbs and mix them into botanic cocktails 2024Race across the lagoon in a water taxi and pull up at the dock on Isola delle Rose—the private island where JW Marriott Venice is located—and you may feel like you’re in a Bond film There are contemporary options in the main hotel building beautifully sleek suites with plunge pools and private gardens and even a villa with private pool that houses up to seven guests If you’re seeking international style far from crowds but you should only do dinner here one night; go somewhere with more atmosphere for the rest of your time You can take tea in the garden and cocktails in the salon It's the grandness of the grande dames you’ll be bowled over by Ponte Antico's décor: Venetian plush taken to its most playful extreme Then you get to marvel at the location; after all there are few more romantic places in the city for sipping an aperitivo than the Ponte Antico’s tiny terrace The breakfast at Al Ponte Antico is legendary; guests rave about the things that staff can do with the humble egg with quaint plush banquettes inside or a little canal-size balcony Oltre il Giardino looks more like a country villa than a city hostelry and the windows and doors opening onto the lovely patch of exuberant greenery provide a great contrast with oh-so-urban Venice outside There are six options in the main house: doubles with the occasional splash of something startling The villa that houses the hotel was the home of Alma Mahler Lounge in the garden between sightseeing stints and you'll soon realize why Oltre il Giardino is so handy but there are restaurants and bars aplenty and both the train station and the main sights are also within reach injects contemporary pizzazz into a 19th-century palazzo But this is style without unnecessary attitude: The vibe here is warm it's a true draw for many of the hotel's return guests The staff will make you feel immediately at home With its smart Paola Navone–designed furniture this is a perfect place for quiet contemplation there’s a comfortable reading room with a baby grand piano And luxurious chocolates at turndown are a sweet touch setting up shop in a rather sad old ostello on the Giudecca island and giving it a sharp designer makeover while preserving the building's historic architectural features Some folks will love this un-touristed offshoot which has a view across the water to Piazza San Marco; others will be irritated by the fact that there’s no way to the center other than a (rather expensive) ferry Rooms range from private singles or doubles with ensuite bathrooms to 16-bed shared dorms Generator guests spread across the quiet footpath on Giudecca island basking in the sun and taking in the view across the water Al Ponte Mocenigo is a rare phenomenon in Venice: stylish Expect a warm welcome from two owner-managers who will make you wonder whether you misheard the price which may explain why this little place by the San Stae vaporetto stop draws everyone from budget tourists and Venice habitués to families and single travelers Did we mention the superb carved marble well in the courtyard You don't even need to step out of the hotel to feel immersed in the history of this unique city up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse We understand that time is the greatest luxury which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world Schools were closed and the National Weather Service issued regular watches and warnings Tuesday as severe storms moved through Florida Several tornadoes were reported Tuesday morning: one near De Funiak Springs and another near Panama City Numerous damage reports have been coming in from Lower Grand Lagoon near Panama City Beach and Marianna, including an RV park where search and rescue operations were underway Whether damage was caused by tornadoes or straight-line winds will be determined by the National Weather Service after an on-scene survey Also to be determined will be exactly how many tornadoes struck the Panhandle It's possible the same tornado could have impacted multiple locations Damage video and photos have been posted throughout the morning on social media The storm threat moved into Northeast and Central Florida Tuesday afternoon and tornado watches were issued across more than 30 counties by early afternoon Damage photos, videos: Videos, photos posted across social media after reported tornadoes in Florida National Weather Service to survey Florida tornado damage6:45 p.m.: Surveys of the tornadoes in Bay and Jackson counties are scheduled for Wednesday, NWS said in a statement Tuesday afternoon The agency plans to send three teams to survey suspected tornado damage with final assessments not expected until later in the evening 6:35 p.m.: Tornado warning issued for Titusville 5:30 p.m.: Tornado warning issued for Orlando and Conway and Azalea Park until 6:15 p.m 5:36 p.m.: A special marine warning was issued for waters off the Volusia-Brevard County line to Sebastian Inlet and including Flagler Beach until 8:30 p.m. Winds greater than 50 knots and waterspouts are possible 20 to 60 nautical miles out Waterspouts explained: Florida gets the most lightning strikes, shark attacks ... and waterspouts. 5:06 p.m.: Tornado warning in effect for Palm Coast 5 p.m.: The following Florida counties remain under a tornado watch until 9 p.m., according to the National Weather Service: BrevardCharlotteCitrusDesotoHardeeHernandoHighlandsHillsboroughLakeLeeLevyManateeOrangeOsceolaPascoPinellasPolkSarasotaSeminoleSumterVolusiaTornado warning issued for Tampa, Pinellas Park4:12 p.m.: Tornado warnings issued for Tampa 4:10 p.m.: The threat of damaging winds and tornadoes continues from far northeast Florida to the Gulf of Mexico this afternoon, according to the National Hurricane Center's Storm Prediction Center Low-level and deep-layer shear remains impressively strong across these areas in association with a mid/upper-level cyclone centered over the mid-Mississippi Valley/Midwest The line of storms is expected to maintain its intensity as it moves eastward across the northern and central Florida peninsula Peninsula over the next couple of hours Scattered damaging winds up to 60-70 mph should remain the primary severe threat but the threat for embedded tornadoes continues Tornado warning issued for Jacksonville Beach4:05 p.m.: Tornado warnings issued for Jacksonville Beach Palm Valley and Atlantic Beach until 4:30 p.m 3:54 p.m.: Tornado warning issued for Interlachen until 4 p.m 3:50 p.m.: The National Weather Service has issued a special marine warning for St Augustine and Flagler Beach until 5:45 p.m Severe thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts were located along a line extending from the waters of St 3:45 p.m: Tornado warnings issued for Palm Harbor Citrus Park and Tarpon Springs until 4 p.m 3:21 p.m.: Tornado warnings issued for Reddick 2:48 p.m.: Tornado warning issued for Gainesville 2:19 p.m.: Several tornado watches are in effect across Florida this afternoon Conditions remain favorable for tornadoes (some strong) and a few isolated instances of large hail according to the NWS Storm Prediction Center 1:51 p.m.: A tornado watch is in effect until 6 p.m Tornado watch in effect for Marion County until 6 p.m.1:18 p.m.: A tornado watch is in effect for Marion County 1:13 p.m.: Tornado watches have been until 9 p.m 12:44 p.m.: The NWS Storm Prediction Center said a line of thunderstorms will move quickly eastward this afternoon posing a threat for severe/damaging winds and a few tornadoes" across Florida Storms will approach the Florida peninsula over the next couple of hours Collier County Public Schools "has been monitoring this evening's severe weather forecast "Out of an abundance of caution, school and district sites will be closed after 6:30 p.m extracurricular activities (athletic & performing arts practices) Storms moving across North Florida could have wind gusts up to 70 mph12:25 p.m.: Storms moving east across North Florida National Weather Service Jacksonville issues severe thunderstorm warning for Jennings EST.The storm will contain wind gusts to 70 mph "If you receive a severe thunderstorm warning alert Damaging straight line winds near 70-mph are moving through our western counties," forecasters said The Florida Division of Emergency Management tweeted "We are beginning to see impacts from the severe weather that is making its way across the Panhandle "Technical Rescue Teams are currently being deployed to complete damage assessments in impacted areas Please remain in your homes until the storm has passed." Wind gusts could hit 70 mph as storms continue to move through11:59 a.m.: The National Weather Service Tallahassee warned that storms moving through the area will contain wind gusts up to 70 mph A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued until 1:30 p.m Ron DeSantis arrived for the State of the State speech just minutes after heavy rain and winds had the rest of the city sheltering in place He opened his speech by noting that every other government building in Tallahassee is closed except for the Capitol. He said he had declared a state of emergency to ensure impacted residents could get assistance "We will handle whatever fallout there is from these dangerous tornadoes," he said The state of emergency includes 49 counties: Alachua Tornado threat easing for Leon, Wakulla but don't rest easy yet11:34 a.m.: The tornado threat has cleared Leon and most of Wakulla counties according to the National Weather Service Tallahassee there is a potential for embedded tornadoes along a line of storms moving east into south-central Georgia and the rest of the Big Bend "There are many reports of trees down so be extremely care on the roads." "@FLSERT continues to monitor impacts from the severe weather event that is impacting Northwest Florida and moving East.     I urge all Floridians to continue to listen to orders from local officials and to remain indoors until the weather has passed," Gov. Ron DeSantis tweeted 11 a.m.: Tornado warning issued for Jefferson Crews with the Florida Department of Transportation are working across Northwest Florida, clearing debris from roadways and helping first responders with traffic control Motorists were encouraged to monitor weather reports and road conditions and be on the lookout for debris and flooded roads Leon, Gadsden counties under tornado warning10:43 a.m.: A tornado warning has been issued for Leon and Gadsden counties until 11:15 a.m a confirmed tornado was located 10 miles southwest of Midway Hazards include damaging tornado and quarter-size hail 10:25 a.m.: A potential tornado will skirt northwest portions of Leon County and likely cross Highway 20 in the next few minutes the National Weather Service Tallahassee warned Tornado warning issued for Midway, Jamieson, Norfleet10:22 a.m.: A tornado warning has been issued for Midway The National Weather Service reported a 75-mph wind gust at Mexico Beach at 9:31 a.m.Several trees are reported down across Leon County Tornado warnings continue in several areas9:31 a.m.: A tornado warning is in effect for Sneads the National Weather Service reported a 106-mph gust in Blue Mountain Beach and a gust to 87 mph in Navarre where a thunderstorm measured an 80-mph gust just before 6:39 a.m. and a trained spotter reported a tornado in Bay County A Weather Service radar detected a tornado debris signature in a storm moving east of Marianna and into Jackson County around 7:30 a.m Tornado warning issue for Chipley8:42 a.m.: A tornado warning has been issued until 8:15 a.m 8:01 a.m.: A tornado watch remains in effect for Okaloosa County until 8 a.m 7:56 a.m.: A tornado warning has been issued for southwest Walton County until 7:15 a.m a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 7 miles southeast of Destin 7:50 a.m.: A tornado warning has been issued for Miramar Beach Santa Rosa Beach and Blue Mountain Beach until 7:15 a.m 7:47 a.m.: "Pure chaos in Lower Grand Lagoon as a destructive tornado just ripped through," according to Jay Lesyk on X Lower Grand Lagoon is located southeast of Panama City Beach in Florida's Panhandle 7:46 a.m.: Tornado warning issued for Holmes and Walton counties untikl 7:30 a.m 7:37 a.m.: The National Weather Service Tallahassee reported a tornado has just crossed Interstate 10 southeast side of Marianna 7:32 a.m.: "A tornado-warned storm" is moving northeast at 55 mph across southeastern Okaloosa County Seek shelter if you are in the path of this storm the National Weather Service in Tallahassee warned 7:26 a.m.: The National Weather Service has cleared a tornado watch for Escambia County 7:22 a.m.: A tornado warning has been issued for Marianna, Malone, Grand Ridge until 7 a.m. CST, according to the National Weather Service, Tallahassee. 7:15 a.m.: Jim Cantore shared radar images on X warning residents "Still dangerous tornado heading north towards Alford and Marianna Tornado watch extended until 2 p.m.7:07 a.m.: A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Florida until 2 p.m 6:48 a.m.: The National Weather Service reported a "confirmed large and extremely dangerous tornado" was located near Panama City A tornado warning was extended until 7 a.m northwest Calhoun and southeast Washington counties in the Florida Panhandle 5:55 a.m.: The National Weather Service reported a tornado has been confirmed 11 miles southeast of De Funiak Springs A tornado warning is in effect until 5:515 a.m southwest Holmes and west central Washington counties Schools closed today for severe weather5:50 a.m.: The Florida Department of Education announced school districts in the following counties will be closed Tuesday The Escambia Bay Bridge was closed Monday night to commercial vehicles such as semi-trucks and box trucks due to sustained high winds estimated at around 46-48 mph The bridge will remain closed until further notice Weather radar for TallahasseeTuesday will pose a more dangerous threat with "damaging to destructive winds," when the squall line pushes through the Big Bend region Visitors enjoy the sand and sea at Pensacola Beach Threats worsen as climate change intensifies rain The Florida Panhandle, a prime summer vacation destination for thousands of southeast Louisiana residents, is home to six of the Sunshine State's beaches that most often test positive for fecal coliform bacteria, according to a new report from the Environment America Research and Policy Center Can't see graph above? Click here both Bayou Texar and Bayou Chico empty into Pensacola Bay but neither in the immediate vicinity of a public beach promoted by Visit Pensacola "Due to the known conditions of these two areas permanent signage has been installed warning of the water conditions," said Darien Schaefer "Visit Pensacola continues to work closely with the Pensacola & Perdido Bays Estuary Program to ensure that our beaches are swimmable for all," Schaefer said "The Estuary Program and partners are working diligently to make investments in monitoring efforts identify potential bacterial sources and rectify identified issues through water quality improvement projects we will work to ensure that Pensacola area beaches are a safe destination for both visitors and locals Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville a hotspot for contamination The new report comes from a national study of federal data on water sampling at almost 330 beaches in 29 coastal and Great Lakes states and Puerto Rico About one in 10 beaches surveyed showed concerning levels of fecal bacteria on at least a quarter of the days they were tested Fecal bacteria can lead to stomach problems Common causes for spikes in waterborne bacteria include runoff from streets and other paved surfaces pet waste and manure and fertilizer from farms Threats getting worse as climate change intensifies rain The threat of fecal bacteria in beachfront water is getting worse as climate change increases the number of hard and heavy rains that flush bacteria into drainage systems and waterways Environment America recommends a series of steps to curb fecal pollution: See how 10 swim spots rate in environmental testing Email Drew Broach at dbroach@theadvocate.com. Email Tristan Baurick at tbaurick@theadvocate.com Email notifications are only sent once a day News Tips:nolanewstips@theadvocate.com Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Bangkok, Thailand - 2024 is set to be a momentous year for Centara Hotels & Resorts as Thailand’s leading hotel operator embarks on an ambitious development strategy that will see the launch of iconic new properties reimagined brands and exciting new guest experiences in line with its goal of becoming “The Place to Be” for the world’s travellers and one of the planet’s top 100 hotel operators by 2027 Centara laid solid foundations for its growth in 2023, its 40th anniversary year, with a series of successes including the debut of Centara Grand Hotel Osaka and a string of prestigious accolades such as Kincentric’s “Best Employers Thailand Award” and the “Strongest Brand in Thailand” title for Centara Grand Centara achieved total revenues of THB 9,932 million while EBITDA surged 83% to THB 3,284 million Revenue per available room (RevPAR) increased 19% year-on-year to THB 4,141 as a result of rising occupancy and room rates RevPAR is forecast to reach up to THB 4,300 Centara will build upon this strong platform with more major projects in 2024 Six new properties are on track to open this year: three in Thailand (the 61-key Centara Life Lamai Resort Samui two in Laos (100-key COSI Vientiane Nam Phu and 162-key Centara Plumeria Resort Pakse) and one in the Maldives (145-key Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives) Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives will mark the first phase of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts a brand-new multi-island destination in the idyllic North Malé Atoll just 30 minutes’ by speedboat from Malé’s Velana International Airport The world's fourth family-focused and themed Mirage resort from Centara (following popular resorts in Pattaya underwater-themed resort will feature a full range of facilities centred around a water park it will be complemented by the 142-key Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives enabling travellers to experience two distinct vacation styles And following the unveiling of Centara Life (formerly known as Centra by Centara) late last year the group is now in the process of revitalising its Centara Boutique Collection The company is also seeking opportunities for the expansion of its six diverse brands including the new Centara Reserve and Centara Mirage projects in Thailand with five potential signings in the pipeline Every aspect of Centara’s strategy will be underpinned by its core values of Thai-inspired, family-centric hospitality. CentaraThe1 will be leveraged to drive greater benefits and important digital investments will include an application with loyalty at the heart to increase booking options including a chatbot and other innovations to improve the guest’s experience All corners of Centara’s development are established in a responsible and sustainable way The group is working towards several important environmental targets including a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2029 Further progress was made in 2023 and 2024 as 24 hotels and resorts were certified by Global Sustainable Tourism Council – GSTC the world-leading organisation dedicated to sustainability and social responsibility and 1 hotel was certified by Green Key To learn more about Centara Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand's leading hotel operator Its 90 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives Centara's portfolio comprises six brands – Centara Reserve Centara Life and COSI Hotels – ranging from luxury island retreats and upscale family resorts to affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology The group's newest Centara Reserve brand was unveiled in 2020 as an experiential luxury collection inviting guests to discover a new era of story-driven hospitality starting with Centara Reserve Samui Centara also operates state-of-the-art convention centres and has its own award-winning spa brand Centara delivers and celebrates the hospitality and values Thailand is famous for including gracious service pampering spas and the importance of families Centara's distinctive culture and diversity of formats allow it to serve and satisfy travellers of nearly every age and lifestyle Centara aims to become a top 100 global hotel group while spreading its footprint into new continents and market niches a growing base of loyal customers will find the company's unique style of hospitality in more locations PANAMA CITY BEACH — Every year, millions of tourists flock to Panama City Beach to soak up some sun and have fun but what are the best activities for them to do while they're here Visit Panama City Beach has that list covered.  According to information provided by the group the top five attractions for visitors in no particular order are Shell Island Pier Park and the area's many outdoor parks.  Panama City Beach Spring Break: Booming again. But is it rowdy like back in the day? Shell Island service: Back Porch BBQ finds peace on food boat Waterpark: Shipwreck Island in Panama City Beach to reopen soon you can find your favorite activity aplenty in Panama City Beach," Lacee Rudd wrote in an email. "Banish the word boredom from your vocabulary and set sail on a beach adventure."  For Zach Johnson, owner of Captain Zach's Adventures, Shell Island is a special place because it is one of the last places in Florida left untouched.  While there are many different ways for people to explore the island Johnson said his business takes customers on two-hour excursions through St Andrew Bay and along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico The island is by far one of his most popular stops he added. It's located south of the bay and east of St "If people are into nature and all natural Florida they should definitely check it out and see what it's all about," Johnson said.  he added that some of his best memories on the island were of times spent walking along the shore searching for washed-up pieces of coral and shark teeth.  "There's not one specific thing about the island that stands out," Johnson said it's just a real special place and I know a lot of locals feel that way about it." With about 30 water slides, rivers and pools, Shipwreck Island Waterpark has remained a staple of the community since it opened in 1983.  The locally-owned attraction sits off Hutchison Boulevard and was rated by TripAdvisor as the third best waterpark in the U.S for the past three years, according to Buddy Wilkes "The park's staff functions like a family," Wilkes said. "We appeal to families. We take really good care of families .. and we're not just customer-service oriented. We're about that relationship between us and the folks who come (here)." Shipwreck is slated to open for this season on May 15. It will then remain open every day until Aug when it will switch to weekends only until the weekend after Labor Day.  Wilkes also plans for the park to begin construction on a new children's section this fall which he hoped to finish in time for the 2022 season.  "We're expecting a really good summer," he said "I don't know that it will be a record-breaking summer but I do think it will be one of our strongest summers in a long time After we dealt with Hurricane Michael and dealing with the (COVID-19) pandemic Located off the coast of the Upper Grand Lagoon in unincorporated Bay County, Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise is a pirate-themed attraction designed for guests of all ages especially those with children who "need a vacation from their vacation," said Philip Adams owner and captain of the Sea Dragon.  The two-hour cruise takes guests through St Andrew Bay and sometimes along the Gulf of Mexico giving parents a chance to relax while their children are temporarily engulfed into the life of a pirate.  "The kids are involved in pirate activities for the entire two hours," Adams said. "I mean they never even really sit down That gives the parents a little bit of time to sit back and relax (and) drink a margarita or cold beer." 26 feet wide and weighs about 157,000 pounds It was built locally and first put in the water in 1993 said that his uncle opened the business in 1997 He came up with the idea for a pirate cruise after taking a similar excursion while on vacation in South Florida.  "I was born and raised in Panama City," Adams said "I want my business to do good. I want people to enjoy it (and) I want it to add to the ambiance of Panama City." Home to more than 120 stores, Pier Park is "often referred to as Panama City Beach's unofficial downtown," Lee Ann Leonard The outlet mall sits across from the Russell-Fields Pier and hosts a variety of local events including the New Year's Eve Beach Ball Drop.  features 31 gondolas and allows riders to get a bird's-eye view of the Emerald Coast.  Information on the park's website notes that it welcomes more than 50 million visitors each year and has a footprint of more than 2 million square feet.  "Even outside of special events and parades the complex serves as a joyful gathering place for friends and families," Leonard wrote "Pier Park offers a unique mix of shopping For those in search of outdoor activities other than the beach Panama City Beach also offers a variety of parks, ranging from large recreational areas to small neighborhood green spaces.  parks and recreation director for the city.  Ponek said Frank Brown is more of a "traditional sports park," with baseball tennis and shuffleboard courts; and several playgrounds It also features a freshwater youth fishing pond and trail system known as "Gayle's Trails." With more than 24 miles of trails and more than 1 mile of boardwalks the conservation park is perfect for "hikers The park was established by the city with the help of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Its trails range from about half a mile to 11 miles.  "Each one is unique," Ponek wrote in an email of the parks "Panama City Beach is blessed with a beautiful landscape .. (and) parks are valuable to the community as a quality of life issue — We are proud to be known as a great place to visit." Although Panama City Beach boasts "The World's Most Beautiful Beaches," Councilman Phil Chester said that the city has so many other activities that guests can find something new to do each time they visit.  In addition to the attractions listed above the Beach boasts a booming sports tourism market for both youths and adults This is just another reason the city is now known as a year-round destination and not just a summertime retreat.  "Our location offers (visitors) a great family vacation experience that they will remember and want to repeat," Chester wrote in an email "A lot of communities wish they had the many amenities that we have." As a nod to Michael Jordan’s basketball team Jordan Brand releases the perfect Air Jordan 1 Mid to match Dressed in a Blue Lagoon, Grand Purple and White color scheme. 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