Journalist

Patrick Connolly

Patrick Connolly is a multimedia journalist for the Things to Do team with the Orlando Sentinel and the Central Florida Explorer. A graduate of Ohio University and a Pittsburgh native, he previously interned at the Las Vegas Review-Journal. He enjoys exploring Florida outdoors by paddling, hiking and cycling, and sometimes playing musical instruments in his free time.

Peanut Island is an 80-acre haven for boaters, paddlers and beach enthusiasts who like to soak up sunrays or embark on a snorkeling excursion.

Travel |
An island in the sun: Peanut Island has snorkeling, pristine beaches and overnight options

July 30, 2024 at 3:51 p.m.

Peanut Island is an 80-acre haven for boaters, paddlers and beach enthusiasts who like to soak up sunrays or embark on a snorkeling excursion.

The sun begins to rise over Anastasia State Park, which has four miles of pristine beaches, in St. Augustine on March 8, 2024. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

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Travel |
For beach lovers, Florida’s Anastasia Island is a pristine paradise

July 17, 2024 at 3:46 p.m.

When searching for an idyllic sandy spot to spend sunny summer days at the Florida seashore, look no further than Anastasia State Park, which has four miles of unspoiled beaches...

When Nancy Nemhauser painted her home to resemble Vincent van Gogh's "Starry Night" in 2017, it set off a legal battle that captured people's attention worldwide.

‘Starry Fight’ documentary tells ‘love story’ behind Florida van Gogh house

July 6, 2024 at 6:31 a.m.

When Nancy Nemhauser painted her home to resemble Vincent van Gogh's "Starry Night" in 2017, it set off a legal battle that captured people's attention worldwide.

Take a tour around the Sunshine State to see the tallest, oldest, most haunted and most resilient lighthouses.

Travel |
Lighthouse superlatives: Exploring Florida’s oldest, tallest and most haunted lights

June 14, 2024 at 4:52 p.m.

Take a tour around the Sunshine State to see the tallest, oldest, most haunted and most resilient lighthouses.

The sun rises over the beach at Fort Clinch State Park on Amelia Island. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Travel |
10 Florida summertime destinations for a relaxing getaway

June 23, 2023 at 3:54 p.m.

From Grayton Beach in the Florida Panhandle to Key West, there plenty of Sunshine State destinations worth visiting for a relaxing escape.

A man stands on a paddleboard in the water.

Outdoors |
15 pieces of gear worth packing for summer adventures

June 13, 2023 at 12:27 p.m.

From inflatable paddleboards to mosquito repellers to hammocks, here are items that can enhance summertime outdoor adventures in Florida.