Bradenton, Florida -- Many visitors to Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, and on the mainland, in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, have discovered the destination’s commitment to green lodging. Known collectively as Florida’s Gulf Islands, the area has 29 hotels and resorts participating in the Southwest Florida Water Management District water conservation program, and 11 other properties that are certified Green Lodging by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Together these properties offer a variety of recycling and towel and linen reuse programs, and utilize eco-friendly cleaning agents, Energy Star appliances and energy-efficient light bulbs. A few select accommodators, however, have taken the next step in their commitment to conserve and protect Florida’s natural resources by adding sustainable practices that leave a lighter footprint on the environment, and provide cost savings.

From luxury beach resorts to Superior Small Lodgings, Greater Fort Lauderdale boasts 33,000 hotel rooms throughout this vibrant destination from Hollywood to Deerfield. In addition, several new hotels conveniently located just minutes from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Port Everglades cruise port and the Broward County Convention Center have opened in 2009 and a few are on the horizon for 2010. Hotels include the 157-room, Fairfield Inn & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port, opened November 2009; Choice Hotels’ 119-room Cambria Suites Fort Lauderdale/Dania Beach, opened in January 2010. Crowne Plaza Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port opened in February 2010 with 150-rooms. Hyatt has plans for two new properties, the 149-room Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Airport-South, opened in January 2010 and Hyatt Summerfield Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport-South, opening March 2010 with 143 rooms.

Orlando, Florida -- AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI), today announced new seasonal service, beginning in May, between many of its destinations, including: San Antonio to/from Baltimore/Washington and Orlando; Allentown, Pa., to/from Atlanta and Orlando; Asheville, N.C., to/from Tampa and Orlando; Wichita to/from Orlando; and Harrisburg, Pa., to/from Atlanta.

Miami, Florida -- Since January 12, 2009, all travelers from countries in the Visa Waiver Program are required to pre-register online before entering the United States. Travelers can apply for authorization online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/, where they are asked to provide information similar to what is currently submitted on a green I-94W form on arrival in the US.

Islamorada, Florida -- The annual Bay Jam music festival is slated for Saturday, March 20, at the TIB Bank of the Keys Amphitheater at Founders Park, mile marker 87 bayside on Plantation Key. Concertgoers can revel in the sounds of an eclectic range of musicians from midday through sunset and into the night from the hammocklike performance center set against the aqua waters of Florida Bay.