Uniquely Florida Attractions E-K

Flipper's Grave - Grassy Key
At Mile Marker 59 on the Overseas highway, two hours south of Miami, is the Dolphin Research Center.    In the courtyard of the center is the grave of Flipper (real name Mitzi), the dolphin that starred in the 1960's TV show, and resided at the facility from 1958 to 1972.  The Center features dolphin and sea lion demonstractions and educational interactions, and you could even swim with a dolphin.  Admission.  58901 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050.  Phone: (305) 289-1121.

Gatorland - Orlando
One of Florida's oldest roadside attractions, Gatorland is a unique natural alternative to theme parks.  It is billed as the "alligator capital of the world" featuring thousands of alligators, crocodiles and other wildlife.  The park features an number of educational shows, as well as the obligatory alligator wrestling, a water splash play area, petting zoo and more.  Believe it or not, this is actually a pretty neat place to visit.  Admission.  14501 South Orange Blossom Trail , Orlando, FL 32837.  Phone: (800) 393-5297.

Holy Land Experience - Orlando
Step back 2,000 years and experience ancient Israel. The Holy Land Experience is a living biblical history theme park run by the TBN Network.  One of the highlights is the Living Waters show, where fountains "dance" to music and lights once the sun goes down.  Admission.  4655 Vineland Rd., Orlando, FL 32811.  Phone: (407) 872-2272 or (800) 447-7235.

Jackie Gleason's Mausoleum - Miami
Located at the Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Cemetery in Miami is the masoleum of Jackie (John Herbert) Gleason, famous for his hole as Ralph Kramer on the tv show "The Honeymooners" in the 1950's.  The cemetery, run by the Archdiocese of Miami, is also the final resting place for a numer of notables including jockey Eddie Arcaro.  Free. 11411 NW 25th St., Doral, FL 33172-1704.  Phone: (305) 592-0521.

Jesus Film Project, The - Orlando
This two-hour plus docu-drama is billed as the most watched film ever, having been viewed by over two billion prople in over 220 countries since its introduction in 1979.  Reportedly, the Jesus Film Project has been attributed to have been the inspiration for 3/4 of all church plantings in the last decade.  It can be viewed at the headquarters of Campus Crusade for Christ's master studios.  Free.  100 Lake Hart Drive, Orlando, FL 32832. Phone: (407) 826-2300.

Jules Undersea Lodge - Key Largo
Ever wonder what is was like to sleep with the fishes?  Well, here you can.  Jules Undersea Lodges is the first totally underwater hotel in the United States, 21 feet below the surface of the ocean in what was formerly the La Chalupa research laboratory.  Diving experience is not needed as classes are offered.  Admission. 51 Shoreland Drive, Key Largo, Florida 33037.  Telephone: (305) 451-2353.

Jungle Adventures - Christmas
Enter this 20 acre nature park through "Swampy", a 200 foot long alligator building.  The park features hundreds of alligators, deep, bears, wolves and even Florida panthers.  You can visit a replica Spanish fort and see how the Conquistadors lived in the 1600's or visit a replica Native American village. Admission.  26205 E Colonial Dr., Christmas, FL 32709-9628. Phone: (407) 568-1354.

Key West Cemetery - Key West

Founded in 1847, this 19 acre cemetery on Solares Hill in Key West is the final home to more people than are actually still living on the island.  It features the monument to the sailors who dies on the U.S.S. Maine in Havana Harbour in 1898, as well as notable tombstones such as B.P. "Pearl" Roberts' "I Told You I Was Sick" and Gloria M. Russell's "I'm Just Resting My Eyes".  Free.  701 Passover Ln., Key West, FL 33041. Phone: (305) 292-8177.