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Historic Downtown Sanford: Craft breweries, restaurants, gastropubs, events, tours, things to do in Sanford, FL

Food · Drink · Events · Music · Tours

 We are a community driven blog that promotes the Historic Downtown Sanford District in Central, Florida as a food & beverage destination to a global audience for tourism, film locations, community events & investment.

Experiences

St. Johns Rivership Co Unique River Cruise Experience Under New Ownership

Over the last few years, Historic Downtown Sanford has become a recognized and preeminent destination within Central Florida for its events & experiences. From large scale neighborhood-infused music festivals to outlandishly fun sofa races, from golf cart & e-bike rentals along the Sanford Riverwalk to enjoying a craft brewery or food tour, from taking in award-winning shows and plays to browsing at art festivals, there is an overwhelming array of things to do in Historic Downtown Sanford.

Among the plethora of options, one of Sanford’s most classic and unique experiences, the St. Johns Rivership Co. and its flagship vessel the Barbara Lee, has taken tens of thousands of guests up the St. Johns River in their turn-of-the-century style paddleboat. In September of 2023, the Wyatt family purchased the business, and under their ownership, patrons can look forward to a revitalized and refreshed version of this authentic ‘Old Florida’ delight, along with first-class food, drink, and fun!

Meeting with new owner Michelle Wyatt on the Barbara Lee, I was quickly impressed by both the scope and speed of the upgrades and enhancements already in place, and the vision of what’s to come. Acquiring the St. Johns Rivership Co. on September 7, 2023, the Wyatts are now the third family to operate a dining experience aboard a Rivership from the Historic Downtown Sanford Marina since 1982. The Wyatt family successfully ran a software business for 22 years in Maryland, with a focus on event management and mobile app solutions. Michelle’s extensive experience in business development, her strategic vision, and focus on providing an elite guest experience to each guest already has the St. Johns Rivership Co. pointed in the right direction.

Wyatt appreciates that what her family bought is more than just a boat, and more than just a restaurant. The Barbara Lee is the only authentic sternwheeler sailing the St. Johns River, measuring 105 feet from stem to stern, and capable of having 194 guests lounge within its five stories and myriad decks, making it the perfect space to host events of varying sizes. Built in 1986 and extensively refurbished in 2012, the ship is a replica of the traditional stern wheel style boats that ran on the St. Johns River back during the mid to late 1800s, featuring ornate wrought iron railings and massive wooden paddle wheels. While cutting a path across Lake Monroe in Sanford, the Barbara Lee looks all at once part something out of a Mark Twain novel and 100% a good time. “We bought an experience,” said Wyatt. “We’re excited to give this great experience its next chapter.”

The Wyatts have wasted no time implementing many positive changes, including online ticket sales, equipping the Barbara Lee with WiFi capabilities, and enhancing the audio-visual capabilities on board. “Where I can immediately help this business is with the guest experience,” says Michelle. “This vessel and this business is a dining experience that has become a part of people’s lives.”

Wyatt’s passion for hospitality and appreciation for providing exceptional experiences to customers has now been directed towards this historic and historically relevant attraction housed in the Downtown Sanford Marina. Plans are unfolding over the next few months to refurbish the interior, including carpets and lighting, along with planned upgraded and modernization to the building located on Marina Island that serves as the St. Johns Rivership Co.’s ticket office. Additionally, “cross-generational” activities to attract and engage a younger generation such as “Pirates and Mermaids” and “Sailing with Santa” events are part of the vision, along with monthly drink specials and other exciting events.

Back to the “experience” you are getting when you set sail up the river on the Barbara Lee, the St. Johns Rivership Co. is a premier river cruise operator that showcases the stunning beauty and rich history of the St. Johns River region. This is a one-of-a-kind dining experience that combined food, drink, relaxation and picturesque waterfront locations. As the Marina Island Master Plan set forth by the City of Sanford comes into fruition, with the proposed bar, restaurant, and café overlooking the water and the fully refreshed and reorganized marina, Wyatt aims to have the St. Johns Rivership Co. anchored right amidst the action, adding to the amazing things there are to do in Historic Downtown Sanford.

Downtown Sanford Marina 433 N. Palmetto Ave. Sanford FL 32771 (321) 441-3030 www.stjohnsrivershipco.com

Daniel R. Lewis

Daniel R. Lewis is an Attorney, Realtor, and entrepreneur who is one of Sanford’s most prominent business leaders. Attorney Lewis has served on the board of directors for the Sanford Chamber of Commerce, as a Commissioner on the City of Sanford Planning and Zoning board, runs a large non-profit entity, and has otherwise been involved in countless large-scale growth projects in Sanford, Florida. He is a two-tour United States Air Force veteran who served his nation in time of war, is heavily involved in a variety of local civic, community, and charitable functions, and owns the most recognized legal practice in Sanford.

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Home » Orlando Attractions » Distraction Attractions » St Johns Rivership Co.

St Johns Rivership Co.

• Location: 433 N. Palmetto Ave. Sanford, Florida 32771
• Phone: (321) 441-3030
• Website: http://www.stjohnsrivershipco.com/

Things to do at St Johns Rivership Co.

Here's a totally different way to experience Florida,  its wildlife, its beauty, and its warmth. All while enjoying the very best in chef-prepared cuisine, live entertainment and endless hospitality in climate-controlled comfort. Family-owned and operated, the St. Johns Rivership Co. is the latest in a long line of sternwheelers that have been serving and sailing the St. Johns River for centuries. 

Did You Know?

Interesting & useful facts

Measuring 105 feet from stem to stern, the ship was built in 1986.

All enclosed decks are climate controlled by air conditioning and heating.

All narrated cruises include your choice of chef-prepared entrée, live entertainment, and endless hospitality.

Photos of St Johns Rivership Co.

News About St Johns Rivership Co.

5 Things to Know About Sea Turtle Season on the Space Coast

Florida’s Space Coast is a sea turtle’s paradise, with 72 miles of coastline, there’s plenty of space for these incredible marine animals to make their nests and…

All Aboard St Johns Rivership

Glancing out across Lake Monroe from the marina in historic Sanford you might be fooled into thinking you'd gone back in time 100 years. Making its way…

The Barbara-Lee

Welcome to the Rivership Barbara-Lee. The only authentic sternwheeler sailing the St. Johns River. Measuring 105 feet from stem to stern, the ship was built in 1986 and was extensively refurbished prior to its inaugural St. Johns cruise in 2012. Featuring ornate wrought iron railings and massive wooden paddle wheels, the five-story rivership accommodates up to 194 guests, making it ideally suited to host events of varying sizes. Plus, all enclosed decks are climate controlled by air conditioning and heating.

Grand Salon Deck

Seats 94 and features an elevated Main Stage, dance floor and well-stocked bar

Mezzanine Deck

Seats 40 and offers views of the paddlewheel and Main Stage

Lookout Deck

Seats 60 and features its own dance floor with a “lookout” through to the Main Stage.

Paddlewheel Deck

A covered open-air deck overlooking the wheels allows you to stay out of the sun while enjoying unobstructed views of the river and its wildlife.

Captain’s Deck

The topmost, open-air deck featuring benches and the captain’s steering cabin

Sip perfectly Poured Cocktails As You Stroll The Decks.

The Barbara-Lee features a well-stocked bar and a professional bartender ready to serve a glass of wine, beer or one of our Signature Cocktails. BEVERAGE MENU

Cruises & Fares

The Barbara-Lee departs from Historic Downtown Sanford almost daily. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED TO CRUISE.

All narrated cruises include your choice of chef-prepared entrée, live entertainment, and endless hospitality, as well as a well-stocked bar. Lunch cruises depart the dock in downtown Sanford Wednesday through Sunday with dinner cruises available on Saturday nights.

River Visit Luncheon Cruise – Wednesday 11am to 2pm River Escape Lunch Cruise – Thursday 11am to 3pm Saturday Luncheon Cruise – Saturday 11am to 2pm Dinner Dance Cruise  – Saturday Evenings 7:30pm to 10:30pm Sunday Luncheon Cruise – Sunday 11am to 2pm

*PLEASE NOTE BOARDING BEGINS 30 MINUTES BEFORE DEPARTURE

THE BARBARA-LEE MENU

Once you’ve been seated, you’re able to select your entrée from The Barbara-Lee Menu. Should you have questions, helpful staff are on hand to answer them. Upon selection of your meal, you simply give your menu slip to your server. Then, just sit back and relax or take a stroll about the ship.

Entrées are chef-prepared to your liking and served with side salad, freshly baked rolls, chef’s choice vegetables and dessert.

USDA choice cut prime rib prepared to your specifications. Served alongside buttery mashed potatoes.

Tropical Chicken

Slow-roasted chicken breast with Parmesan and a savory mango-pineapple chutney atop rice.

Chicken Marsala

Chicken breast prepared in a Marsala sauce reduction with mushrooms and Parmesan and served alongside buttery mashed potatoes.

Chicken Parmesan

Grilled chicken breast with Parmesan cheese and marinara sauce alongside pasta and a side of chef’s choice vegetables.

Salmon Fillet

Thick-cut salmon prepared with your choice of Lemon Butter Sauce or Teriyaki Glaze atop rice.

Roasted Vegetable Lasagna

Layers of slow-roasted vegetables, pasta, marinara sauce and three kinds of cheese. Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in our signature Caesar dressing, with homemade croutons and Parmesan topped with your choice of grilled Chicken Breast or Salmon Fillet.

St Johns Rivership Shuttle

COURTESY SHUTTLE

For your comfort and convenience, a Courtesy Shuttle is available for groups of 8 to 14 guests. Shuttle availability varies. Prior booking required. Must have same pickup and drop-off location. Maximum 40-mile distance.

• 321.441.3030
• [email protected]
• 433 N. Palmetto Ave. Sanford, Florida 32771

St. Johns Rivership Co.

THE BARBARA-LEE MENU

LUNCH AND DINNER

Tropical chicken, chicken marsala, chicken parmesan, salmon fillet, meatless spaghetti meatballs, entrée caesar salad, first mates meal.

SIGNATURE COCKTAILS

World famous bloody mary, paddle wheel, captain’s punch, blue mermaid, st. johns sunrise.

Bud | Bud Light

Miller lite, michelob ultra.

— HOUSE WINES —

Chardonnay / merlot / cabernet, white zinfandel, — white wines —, pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc, — red wines —.

Mionetto Prosecco

Non-alcoholic.

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Barbara Lee River Boat Cruise at... - Historic Downtown Sanford

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• Florida (FL)    
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• Sanford - Things to Do    
• Historic Downtown Sanford

Barbara Lee River Boat Cruise at Sanford Florida.

Took the Barbara Lee Riverboat cruise from the St Johns River Port at Sanford. It is such a lovely town and a great place to visit. The port there is easy parking and the Barbara Lee is a great Lunch or Dinner experience. I have done with a group then with my son and daughter. Can't go wrong for a nice day out or a special celebration.

Downtown Sanford has come a long way. The streets are great for a casual walk before dinner. The German rest. is great and a lot of fun.

A great, historic downtown with great, unique shops, restaurants and a thriving late night bar scene.

Downtown Sanford has become a nice stop for a pub crawl. They have several eclectic and friendly pubs that are much more than the typical corner bar. Everything is within staggering distance and parking is typically easy to find.

I'm at a loss as to why downtown "historic" Sanford has so many high reviews. Perhaps all the shop owners and members of the Sanford Chamber of Commerce wrote them to try and boost the local economy. The "area" consists of about 4 blocks down 1st street and a short side street closed to vehicle traffic, that have been paved with bricks, I suppose to add some charm. There are a few more shops and restaurants four or five blocks south on Palmetto but it is not an inviting stroll. Much of the surrounding neighborhood feels abandoned. There are large overgrown empty lots and what appeared to be an abandoned grocery store. There were several bars that did not feel inviting if you weren't a local. The "waterfront" is essentially a marina that has a bait shop to wander through. There is nothing particularly interesting about the town or the area and brick-paved streets notwithstanding, it isn't even a little bit charming. Overall, downtown Sanford gives the impression of a reluctant host, forced for economic reasons to dress up and pretend to be something it isn't and doesn't particularly want to be.

Lot of old shops, brick roads on the Lake, easy to spend hold day, or days their there walking and looking or and buying lo

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Florida on a Tankful: Taking a Riverboat Cruise on the St. Johns River

SANFORD, Fla. — The historic St. Johns River is an iconic spot in Sanford where you can take in the views from many different vantage points, but on the water is where you'll find the most relaxing adventure. 

What You Need To Know

Explore st. johns river while learning its history the riverboat cruise also offers meals learn more about the st. johns rivership co..

You can cruise the river in style aboard the St. Johns Rivership Co.’s classic riverboat. 

“We hope this means as much to Sanford as us. At one point there were about 150 paddlewheel boats that ran the St. Johns back in the 1800s, so it's just the perfect boat for the river and the history of the area," said co-owner Bill Maloney. 

This historic paddlewheel boat has been in Maloney's family. Since the ‘80s, his parents started up the business and he and his siblings carry on the dream. 

Aboard these three-hour cruises, you'll see all the sights while enjoying plenty of entertainment from live music to guided narration and history on the river to a delicious three-course meal... 

It's a perfect way to get better acquainted with the beauty of Sanford all while spending the afternoon on a little slice of history

Reservations are required for all tours. The company offers lunch and sunset dinner cruises.

LATEST NEWS

St. Johns Rivership Company and the Barbara-Lee

Introduction.

Text-to-speech Audio

The Barbara-Lee docked at Monroe Harbour Marina

a full view of the Barbara-Lee from Lake Monroe

The Barbara-Lee

A view of the Barbara-Lee from an old dock

Food on the Barbara-Lee

Musical entertainment on the Barbara-Lee

A nice famliy eating on the Barbara-Lee

Bow of the Barbara-Lee

Barbara-Lee viewed from a passing boat

Backstory and Context

The Sanford River Ship Company is a corporation that offers lunch and dinner cruises on the St. Johns River. It is located at 433 N. Palmetto Ave, Sanford, FL 32771. Their ship is named the Barbara-Lee and it's named after the owners’ deceased beloved mother (Kellam). The cruise starts from the marina and continues around an island nicknamed Chicken Island by locals. This takes about 3 hours and gives you enough time to eat, enjoy the onboard entertainment and look around at the natural beauty that is the St. Johns River. Barbara-Lee is an old remodeled steam-powered stern-wheeler form the gulf coast and was made in 1986 and refurbished to a dinning cruise ship in 2012 (Stjohnsrivershipco). This five-story boat has massive wooden paddle wheels, is colored red and white, has lights on it during the Christmas season, can accommodate up to 194 guests, making it a fantastic venue to host a small to medium sized event. The 2 paddle wheels at the stern operate independently which makes steering of the ship easy for experienced helmsmen. The decks are called the Grand Salon Deck, Mezzanine Deck, Lookout Deck, Paddle Wheel Deck, and the Captain’s Deck (Stjohnsrivershipco ). The Barbara-Lee follows other St. Johns River boats named Grand Romance and the Rivership Romance. Barbara-Lee is owned by a family named Sternberg. The father is Bill; the mother was Barbara. Their son is John and there are two sisters. They are from Traves, Michigan and they used to own a restaurant called The Bean Pot (Kellam). Bill Maloney, the original owner, used to own the Rivership Romance that was docked at Monroe Harbour Marina. The old company failed when Rivership Romance had maintenance issues with its hull (Clarke).

Before hundreds of miles of highways crossed the state of Florida, even before railroads took over the nation, steamships were used in Florida for travel, transportation, and trade (Robison). Steamships were faster than sailboats and could travel longer distances. Historian Arthur E. Francke Jr. wrote that steamships were a vital part of the Second Seminole War. Camp Monroe was the southernmost point for steamships to transport troops and supplies as the Seminole War was going on. The camp was later renamed to Fort Mellon, the name honored Captain Charles Mellon who was killed by Seminoles during the war (Robison). Nine named steamships alongside thirty other unnamed steamships served Fort Mellon in 1837. The steamships were chartered by the army during the Second Seminole War. This was the first extensive use of steamships in warfare, according to Francke (Robison). They were also used to trade goods from Tampa Bay to Cuba and the Caribbean. Flagler in the 1890s built hotels along the Biscayne Bay and used steamships to carry passengers to the different hotels (Gannon). Steamships contributed to the Florida economy by attracting rich northerners to come and enjoy nice, warm Florida weather so they could get away from the cold (SJRWMD). By 1885 cities along the river grew as the local economy flourished (St. Johns Riverkeeper).

The St. Johns River which runs in a northernly direction, interestingly, was discovered in the early 1500s by Spanish seamen. After warfare over the years with the French, the Spanish named the river Rio de San Juan which means St. Johns River (SJRWMD). The name has stuck and many people live along the river, traverse the river for pleasure and of course the Barbara-Lee travels along it daily twice a day. Since 1890 many changes have occurred to the local economy transitioning businesses away from just using the river as a source to transport goods such as lumber and citrus. The Barbara-Lee contributes to the local Sanford economy since guests spend money in beautiful Sanford.The river has such an interesting history that in 1998 it was designated an American Heritage River by President Clinton. The St. Johns is the only river in Florida and one of only 14 rivers in the entire United States to receive this prestigious national recognition (St. Johns Riverkeeper).

The Barbara-Lee is a beautiful experience on the St. Johns River with delicious home-made food and known for their sticky buns. Seeing its huge paddles move the rivership as you have lunch or dinner on the St. Johns River is amazing. The age of the paddle boat is passed, however, the company is popular and many people from all over Florida and elsewhere book trips aboard it (Kellam). Besides their own website, many people learn about this experience via word of mouth. The Orlando Sentinel also featured this interesting boat cruise available on the St. Johns River out of Sanford, Florida.

Clarke, Sara K. “Sanford Gets New Riverboat for St. Johns Dinner Cruises.” Orlandosentinel.com , Orlando Sentinel, 10 Oct. 2012, https://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-sanford-new-riverboat-cruise-20121010-story.html

"Historical Facts about the St. Johns River.” SJRWMD , St. Johns Water Management, https://www.sjrwmd.com/waterways/st-johns-river/facts

 “History.” St. Johns Riverkeeper , St. Johns Riverkeeper, 1 Jan. 1970, https://www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org/about-us/our-river/history/.

The History of Florida , edited by Michael Gannon, University Press of Florida, 2013. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/scc-ebooks/detail.action?docID=5399402.

Kellam, Dolores. Personal Interview. 8 Oct. 2019

Robison, Jim. Seminole Countys Centennial: Celebrating a Century of Success . The Donning Company Publishers, 2013.

“St. Johns Rivership Co.: Home.” Stjohnsrivershipco , St. Johns Rivership Co., 2016, https://www.stjohnsrivershipco.com/

Courtesy of Cynthia Haller

https://www.historicdowntownsanford.com/visit-historic-downtown-sanford-florida/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYc1XU92Xh8

https://www.stjohnsrivershipco.com/

Additional Information

• A short and informative video about the Rivership
• The website of the St. Johns Rivesrhip Co.

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Rivership Romance

Type: Day Trips , Food & Wine , Romantic , Tours and Excursions

Last updated on June 29, 2015

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433 N Palmetto Ave Sanford, FL 32771

407-321-5091

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• 5 Clearwater Beach Day Trip with Pirate Cruise
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407- 408- 5200

BARBARA LEE!

Sanford, FL

  Saturday March 16,  2024

  $145 .00!

   * Narrated St. John’s River cruise aboard the Barbara Lee !

  * Tour the scenic waters & natural wildlife of the real Florida !

  * Enjoy a chef prepared multi-course sit-down luncheon !

  * Experience live musical entertainment onboard your cruise !

   * All taxes, gratuities and port charges are included*!

  * Deluxe motor coach transportation !

  * Personalized V.I.P. service with onboard host/hostess !

352-558-7000

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Welcome to Boat Tree Marina

Located on the water in Central Florida on the St. Johns River

Boat Tree Marina is Central Florida’s largest on the water boat dealer. Visit our full-service marina located directly on the St. John’s River in Sanford, just outside of Orlando, to begin your boating lifestyle experience today!  Services we offer include wet and dry boat storage, used boat sales, new boat sales featuring Crest luxury pontoon boats, boat consignments, boat rentals, and a ship store.  Our parts and service department has Volvo, Yamaha, and Suzuki certified technicians to handle any of your repair needs.  Come see us on the water or conveniently off I-4 in the Port of Sanford!

Featured Boats

2023 Crest Classic DLX 220

Price: $58,982

Sanford, Florida

2023 Crest Caribbean RS 230 SLC

Price: $85,881

2023 Crest Classic DLX 220 SLRC

Price: $68,670

2023 Crest Classic Platinum 220 SLC

Price: $76,417

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Delta IV Heavy rocket launch: What we know about it, when to look up in Palm Beach County

Can a rocket launched from cape canaveral be seen in palm beach county, florida depending on the weather and trajectory, sometimes yes.

Delta IV Heavy , we're ready for your fiery − and final − show. The last launch ever for United Launch Alliance's powerful rocket is one you won't want to miss.

The Delta IV Heavy rocket will attempt to launch at 12:53 p.m. EDT Tuesday, April 9, to deliver NROL-70,  a National Reconnaissance Office mission, to space from  Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station .

Will it be visible from Palm Beach County?

Weather permitting, the Delta IV Heavy rocket launch should be visible in many parts of Florida and the Bahamas when it lifts off. And, as a bonus, the launch window occurs around lunch time so consider making this a "lunch and a launch" event.

Here's what we know about the very powerful rocket and best places to watch the launch .

Is there a launch today? Upcoming rocket launch schedule for SpaceX, ULA, NASA in Florida

What is Delta Heavy? When does Delta 4 Heavy rocket launch in Florida?

Delta Heavy refers to United Launch Alliance's Delta IV Heavy rocket. The ULA rocket made history for its transportation of the NASA  Parker Solar Probe  in 2018 and the first orbital test flight of the Orion crew capsule in 2014.

How big is Delta IV Heavy rocket? What’s the size and power of ULA Delta IV Heavy rocket?

The Delta IV Heavy rocket has three Delta IV core stages together. According to the ULA website, each rocket engine produces up to 702,000 pounds of thrust. With this performance, one can see why ULA dubbed it "the most metal." These engines are not small either. Just one engine weighs about 14,876 pounds and is 17 feet in length.

Powered by liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, the Delta IV Heavy appears to "set itself on fire" just before liftoff as buoyant hydrogen gas, which is used to cool down the rocket before launch, ignites and burns off. The fiery start may look frightening, yet it's part of the process.

Browse the photo galleries or video attached to this story.

Check the ULA map! Who can see Delta IV Heavy launch from Cape Canaveral? Visibility extends Miami to Tampa

Is there a rocket launch today in Florida? On Tuesday, April 9, ULA Delta IV Heavy rocket may launch

The Delta IV Heavy will soar skyward on its historic 16th and final mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station with a classified payload on the NROL-70 national security mission, conducted in tandem with the National Reconnaissance Office and the Space Force’s Space Systems Command. The massive rocket launches the NRO's heaviest satellites. The missions that Delta IV Heavy carried were not all related to science; many were for navigation and U.S. security. Delta IV transported mostly NRO, US Air Force, and US Space Force payloads, getting them safely to their orbit or destination.

The Delta IV Heavy made its debut in 2004.

• Mission:  ULA's last Delta IV Heavy triple-core rocket will launch on the NROL-70 national security mission.
• Launch window:  12:53 p.m. EDT Tuesday, April 9
• Trajectory:  Due east
• Location:  Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
• Local sonic boom:  No
• Booster landing:  None
• Live coverage:  Starts two hours before liftoff at  floridatoday.com/space .

How to watch ULA Delta 4 Heavy rocket launch from Florida online

Tune in to  floridatoday.com/space  for USA TODAY Network's Space Team live coverage and updates on the last Delta IV Heavy launch, starting about two hours before liftoff. You can download the free app for iPhone or Android or type  floridatoday.com/space  into your browser.

Who can see Delta IV Heavy rocket launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida? Which cities can see Delta IV Heavy liftoff?

ULA provided a helpful graphic (see above) that shows Delta IV Heavy's intended flight path and its launch visibility:

• Launch , Space Coast, Orlando, northern part of the Treasure Coast, Indian River County, Sebastian, Vero Beach, parts of northern part of Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach and Oak Hill
• 1: Launch + 30 seconds , Space Coast, Orlando, northern part of the Treasure Coast, Indian River County, Sebastian, Vero Beach, parts of northern part of Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach and Oak Hill
• 2: Launch + 60 seconds , Space Coast, northern part of Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Treasure Coast, possibly Martin County, possibly St. Lucie County, parts of East-Central Florida like Orlando, near University of Central Florida, Bithlo
• 3: Launch + 90 seconds , visibility extends to Orlando, Sanford, Kissimmee, Daytona Beach, other parts of Central Florida
• 4: Launch + 120 seconds , visibility extends to Port St. Lucie, Lakeland, Sebring, Winter Haven, Palatka, St. Augustine
• About 130 seconds (Port/Starboard, booster jettison), visibility extends to include most of central and East Coast of Florida
• 5: Launch + 150 seconds , visibility extends to West Palm Beach, Ocala, the Village, Sebring, most of central and East Coast of Florida, Tampa, parts of West Coast of Florida
• 6: Launch + 180 seconds , Jacksonville, Gainesville, Tampa, Arcadia, North Port, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale, most of central and East Coast of Florida, parts of West Coast of Florida
• 7:   Launch + 210 seconds , visibility extends to Hollywood, Florida; the Everglades, Hialeah, Miami, most of central and East Coast of Florida, parts of West Coast of Florida
• 8:   Launch + 240 seconds (booster engine cutoff) ; visibility extends to Hollywood, Florida; the Everglades, Hialeah, Miami, most of central and East Coast of Florida, parts of West Coast of Florida. It could include Homestead and possibly Key Largo
• Beyond 240 seconds, Delta IV Heavy should see center booster separation and main engine start, according to the ULA graphic.
• 9: Launch + 270 seconds , most of central and East Coast of Florida, parts of West Coast of Florida
• 10: Launch + 300 seconds , most of central and East Coast of Florida, parts of West Coast of Florida
• Beyond 300 seconds, the graphic shows Delta Heavy payload fairing jettison.
• 11: Launch + 330 seconds , most of central and East Coast of Florida, parts of West Coast of Florida
• Clearwater and St. Petersburg appear to be out of range. Interestingly, the Bahamas and Freeport are in the launch visibility zones.

The above guidelines are estimates based on the graphic provided by ULA.

The best views to watch a rocket launch in Florida is along the beach. However, visibility will depend on weather conditions and people should make sure not to block traffic or rights of way on bridges and to follow posted rules at beaches.

Can I see a rocket launch in West Palm Beach, Florida?

Depending on weather, cloud cover and trajectory, sometimes, yes. People in Palm Beach County can sometimes see a rocket launched from Cape Canaveral. Delta IV Heavy is a massive rocket and will likely be seen, again, weather permitting, in parts of Palm Beach (see ULA graphic above).

Rick Neale  is a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY (for more of his stories,  click here .) Contact Neale at 321-242-3638 or  [email protected] . Twitter/X:  @RickNeale1