Daytona Beach: Thrills abound as the Budweiser Speedweeks roar into the Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 14-22. Events leading up to “The Great American Race,” the Daytona 500, on Feb. 22 include the doubleheader of the 80-lap Lucas Oil 200 and the Sprint Unlimited on Feb. 14. A variety of ticket prices and travel packages is available. Info: daytonainternationalspeedway.com.
Olustee: The Olustee Festival, Feb. 13-15, features a variety of events including a parade, craft show, 5K and 1-mile fun run, the Blue Grey Square Dance, a parade, pageants and the 39th annual re-enactment of the Civil War Battle of Olustee. The festival is 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and the battlefield hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The battle re-enactment starts at 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Info: olusteefestival.com.
Tampa: The Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival on Feb. 14 will feature 60 beers, 40 bourbons and lots of barbecue. The event, at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, is from noon to 6 p.m. Ticket options include a ticket for the Regular Saturday session (2 to 6 p.m.) for $35 and a VIP ticket for the Bacon and Whole Hog Saturday session (noon to 6 p.m.) for $75. A Designated Driver ticket is $25. Info: beerandbourbon.com.
Steinhatchee: The Steinhatchee Fiddler Crab Festival displays original creations of artists and craftsmen on Feb. 13-15. Also on the agenda are fiddler crab races, live entertainment, bungee jumping and children’s activities. Food vendors will be on hand. Info: steinhatcheeriverchamber.org.
Sarasota: The 27th Annual Downtown Sarasota Festival of the Arts showcases paintings, photography and sculptures of local and national artists on Feb. 14-15. The event, on Main Street, is free. Festival hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Info: escape-to-sarasota.com.
