Florida Tonight: Axolotl Mascot, Halloween Haunts, and Concerts

Florida Tonight's New Mascot and Aquarium Exhibit

• 💡 A new axolotl mascot named Sochi has been introduced at the Florida Aquarium, with "Sochi" meaning "flower" and "regeneration" in the Aztec language.
• 🧠 Sochi will help educate the public about axolotls, which are endangered and possess remarkable regenerative abilities, including regrowing hearts and limbs.
• 🌊 The Florida Aquarium has also opened a new Tide Pool exhibit as part of a $45 million expansion, featuring axolotls and other marine life.
• 🎮 Axolotls have gained popularity, partly due to their presence in the game Minecraft, making them an "it" animal for education and conservation efforts.

Halloween Events and Italian Dining

• 🎃 SeaWorld Orlando is launching its Hall of Scream event starting September 5th, featuring haunted houses, scare zones, and Halloween-themed bars.
• 🍝 Bernini, an Italian restaurant in Eore City, is celebrating its 30th anniversary, known for its traditional Italian dishes with an American spin, served in a historic 1896 bank building.
• 👨‍🍳 The owner, a fourth-generation Tampa native, aims to create a family atmosphere, with some original menu items still available after three decades.

Summer Concerts and Viewer Engagement

• 🎤 Several major artists are performing in Florida this month, including Kesha, AR Rahman, The Weeknd, and Little Big Town.
• 🎟️ Tickets are available for various concerts across West Palm Beach, Tampa, Miami Gardens, and Orlando.
• 🎯 Florida Tonight is hosting a summertime bingo game where viewers can submit their own photos of items on the bingo cards to help the hosts win.
• 🎁 A random viewer who submits photos for the bingo game will receive a special surprise from the Florida Tonight team.

Local News and Viewer Photos

• 🚨 Lakeland PD conducted high-water rescue training in preparation for hurricane season.
• 🐊 A deputy in St. Augustine captured an alligator from a pool bare-handed and released it into a pond.
• 🚗 A new crocodilian habitat called the Crocosum has opened at the Florida Aquarium in Tarpon Springs, focusing on rescued animals like Donkey the alligator and Captain Hook the crocodile.
• 📸 Viewers are encouraged to submit their Florida-themed photos, such as fireworks over a lighthouse or a sunset, to [email protected].