The Great Florida Bigfoot Conference Is Stomping Into Central Florida

The Great Florida Bigfoot Conference is stomping into Central Florida this spring.

Florida is known for sunny beaches, warm weather and theme parks. But there is a darker and more mysterious side to the state as well. For decades, people have reported sightings of a creature known as the Skunk Ape, a cousin of Bigfoot, that is said to roam the swamps and forests of Florida.

Reports of the Skunk Ape were particularly common in the 1950s and 1970s. The Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization has archived hundreds of alleged sightings across almost every county of Florida going back to 1955. One of the most famous encounters was in the 1970s. Two Palm Beach County sheriff's deputies reported that an ape-like creature stalked them through a grove before they shot at it. They followed a trail of footprints that led them to a pushed down fence with hair snagged in it. Despite several witnesses, no body or evidence was found.

Sightings continue to this day. Forty-eight out of the sixty-seven counties in Florida have reported sightings since 2010. One of the more recent sightings was in 1997. A photograph of a dark upright figure in the swamp was taken by the Ochopee Fire Control District Chief. Within two weeks, over fifty people reported alleged sightings of a hairy creature within the Big Cypress National Preserve.

Whether the Skunk Ape truly exists or not remains a mystery.

On April 22nd, Bigfoot enthusiasts will converge on Ocala's World Equestrian Center. This Bigfoot (and Skunk Ape!) celebration and research project is returning to Central Florida for a third year. There will be lineup of special guests that include Bigfoot researchers, investigators and authors talking about their experiences with this elusive creature. Also at the conference, a Skunk Ape roundtable, pictures with Bigfoot and the Skunk Ape and vendors.

You can find more tickets and more information on The Great Florida Bigfoot Conference in Central Florida here

We're pretty lucky to live in a place where others come on vacation and some Florida cities have made a list of the best in America for a staycation.

In recent years, the trend of staycations has been on the rise. It’s a great way to relax and recharge without the hassle of traveling. And as prices keep going up, staycations offer affordable ways to take a break from the stress of everyday life.

Staycations are also much more convenient than traditional vacations. Especially with little kids or a bunch of kids, you won't have to worry about packing and impatience at the airport. Or in the instance of Home Alone, leaving one behind. You can enjoy your vacation at your own pace, without feeling rushed. And, of course, if you don't go far, you’ll have the comfort of your own home to return to.

If you’re looking for ways to make your staycation feel like a real vacation, consider staying at a hotel or renting a vacation home. Then you'll have the excitement of a new environment, while still enjoying the comfort of a familiar location. You can also try new restaurants and cafes, visit tourist attractions, or explore local parks and trails.

Travel Lens looked at the most popular tourist destinations in America and used five factors to put together a list of the best cities for a staycation. Things they considered included cost, warm temperatures, safety and locations with the most restaurants and the most attractions. There's plenty around the country, but if you want to stay in the Sunshine State, four Florida cities made the list of the best in America for a staycation.