The oldest Red Lobster in the restaurant is closing its doors after 56 years.
The news was confirmed by the Tallahassee Democrat, the major newspaper where the closing restaurant is located. The restaurant in Tallahassee is the "chain's oldest continuously-operating location," the newspaper reported. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, the restaurant tried a "grand re-opening" to stay afloat, but it didn't work.
Red Lobster has been shrinking its footprint nationwide for the last few years due to financial issues. “I have cooked over a hundred meals a day, sometimes 150,” grillmaster Horace Williams told the Democrat. “I take pride in the food. I cook it to make it look presentable. Like I could go out and eat it myself.”
In March, the chain reported recovery signs nationwide with increased sales and a fresh menu.
The Tallahassee Red Lobster Restaurant Will Close Its Doors for Good on May 24
In this photo illustration, a cooked lobster is displayed on a plate at a Red Lobster restaurant.
(Photo Illustration by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
The restaurant won't be open much longer.
"The final day of operation of the restaurant on North Monroe Street is Sunday, May 24," the Tallahassee Democrat wrote, adding that the restaurant's manager confirmed the closure news.
Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun told The Wall Street Journal last February that the chain “needed to get smaller."
In a 2024 court filing in a bankruptcy action, Red Lobster said, "the Debtors currently operate more than 530 casual seafood restaurants primarily located across the United States and Canada with nearly 36,000 employees." The motion revealed the chain was planning to close 23 more locations.
In June 2025, a federal judge approved the chain's reorganization plan, according to CBS News. When Red Lobster filed for bankruptcy, several reasons were cited. The filing came "following years of mounting losses and dwindling customers while it struggled to keep up with competitors," noted CBS News. According to CBS, around that time, the chain's ownership decided to reduce its footprint to "simplify the business."
As of August 2024, TODAY wrote, "Red Lobster closed 83 locations earlier this year, bringing its total shuttered stores to 106 now." According to the Tallahassee Democrat, that year, "In 2024, "17 storefronts in Florida were among the 126 that closed nationwide."
A Man Named Bill Darden Opened the 1st Red Lobster Restaurant in 1968 in Lakeland, FL
Red Lobster describes its Florida origin story on its website. "Before there was Red Lobster, there was Bill Darden, a man passionate about making delicious, high-quality seafood available and affordable to everyone, including people who lived far from the coast and regardless of race, gender, religion or economic means," the chain wrote. "What was once a single, family-owned restaurant in Lakeland, Florida, now has over 500 locations around the world."
In 1968, "Bill Darden opens the first Red Lobster in Lakeland, Florida," the chain noted. Two years later, "Red Lobster catches the attention of General Mills. Backed by their resources, Red Lobster restaurants rapidly multiply from coast to coast."
In 1974, Red Lobster debuted popcorn shrimp. By 1983, the chain had expanded to Canada. The iconic Cheddar Bay Biscuits debuted in 1992. In 2014, "We begin charting a new course as an independent company," Red Lobster wrote. In 2015, the chain added salmon to its menu.
A weed whacker, also known as a string trimmer or weed eater, is an essential lawn care tool for keeping your grass neatly trimmed. Beyond the benefits of removing weeds, a string trimmer can be used to create clean edges around your lawn, cut grass around trees and fences, trim hard-to-reach areas, and achieve a professional-looking finish.
Ready to take your lawn care skills to the next level? Here’s everything you need to know about how and when to use weed whackers.
What Is Weed Whacking?
Weed whacking is a lawn maintenance practice that uses a power tool called a weed whacker, string trimmer, or weed eater to trim grass in tight spaces, such as around trees and along fences, and create nicely cut edges. It is a must-have tool for lawn care, helping you access and trim areas a lawnmower can’t reach.
Types of Weed Whackers
When you look for a weed whacker, you have three choices to choose from: gas-powered, electric corded, or battery-powered. Plus, you can choose between a straight shaft and a curved shaft. Each of these models has many benefits, but also some downsides that you should know about.
Gas-powered weed whackers are the go-to tools for landscaping tasks, especially among lawn care companies and homeowners with large properties to maintain. One of the biggest benefits is that a gas-powered string trimmer can run for a long time and you only need to stop to add more fuel.
Pros
Unlimited run time (as long as you refill the gas)
Top choice for landscapers
Many models and prices to choose from
Cons
Emits fumes and a strong gasoline smell
Noisy
Corded Weed Whacker
Corded electric weed eaters have the lowest price among all other types: gas- and battery-powered. They are easy to get started and provide unlimited running time, literally. However, the reach is limited to the length of the extension cord.
Pros
Best for small yards
Easy to operate
Eco-friendly
Cost-efficient
Lightweight
Cons
Limited to the cord reach
Not as powerful as gas or battery-powered ones
Battery-Powered Weed Whacker
Battery-powered tools, including string trimmers, have become more popular in the past several years. Most cordless weed eaters use lithium batteries and a brushless motor, which makes them efficient and able to run longer. Battery-powered options are a top choice for most homeowners for their ease of use and freedom to use anywhere without a cord.
Pros
Easy to turn on and operate
Best for small- to medium-sized yards
No smells or fumes
Minimal upkeep
The battery may be compatible with other tools from the same brand
First, let’s define a shaft. The shaft in a string trimmer is the body that connects the engine to the cutting head. That can either be straight or curved. The main differences between the two come down to reach, weight, and ease of use.
Straight shafts are the top choice for landscapers because they have a larger reach, making it easier to trim in tight spaces. They work well on large properties, but they are heavier and more difficult to control.
On the other hand, Chrissie Handley, a lawn care specialist at Online Turf, explains, “Curved shafts are the standard options for domestic gardens, they’re easy to use and have great maneuverability, meaning you can strim hard-to-reach corners of your garden.” They are a great option for working in small yards and garden beds and are best suited for homeowners.
Essential Safety Tips For Weed Whacking
Weed whackers are strong power tools that can literally send small rocks or debris flying. It is extremely important that you read the operation manual if you don’t have experience using one. Here are some tips you should follow:
Read, read, and re-read your operation manual. Get familiar with the tool, its features, and the type of string and length you should use.
Wear eye protection, gloves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes.
Remove any large debris, such as rocks and sticks, and anything else that could interfere with the tool's operation.
Grab your weed eater properly and get a good grip on the tool. Practice in a small section first and get used to the tool.
String trimmers can help you cut the edges of your lawn so they're uniform with the areas you can reach with your mower.
Weed whacking takes a little bit of time to get used to, especially when edging the lawn. Be patient, go steady, and you’ll master the ins and outs of weed whacking. Now, here’s how to weed whack your property.
Step 1: Prep the Area
First things first, walk around your property where you’ll be using your weed whacker. Look for and clear any debris that could become a hazard, such as rocks, toys, and twigs. Next, wear your safety gear before getting started.
Step 2: Set and Hold the Trimmer Correctly
Make sure your weed eater is in working condition and has the right string length. Most string trimmers have a self-cutting knife that cuts the string. The knife is about five to six inches from the feeder. A string trimmer requires you to use both of your hands to operate it. Hold each handgrip tightly and keep your balance throughout the cutting process.
Step 3: Use the Right Angle
There are two different ways you can use your weed eater: flat or tilted. When trimming around trees, bed flowers, or under a fence, you should position the weed whacker so it’s flat. You should move in the opposite direction of the trimmer head's spin. Swing left to right if your weed eater rotates clockwise and right to left if counterclockwise.
If you’re edging your lawn, you want to tilt the string trimmer. The tip of the string should be around three inches above the soil.
Step 4: Control Your Speed
Go slow and steady as you move forward and side to side. When working near fences and trees, you’ll want to keep some distance to avoid hitting them.
Step 5: Use the Tip of the Line
Even though the string line is about five to six inches long on both sides, the magic of the cutting happens at the very tip of the string. All the cutting power is there. So you’ll want to be cutting with the tip of the line all the time. This helps prevent unnecessary stress on the string and tangles.
Step 6: Clean up
Once you are done, clean up around your pathways and sidewalks. There will be a lot of soil and grass clippings when you’re done. Use a leaf blower to clear everything efficiently.
Once you get the hang of weed whacking, it is kind of fun, and you’ll get good at it. However, keep in mind these commonly made mistakes that are avoidable.
Using the wrong string thickness. Always buy a string that is compatible with your string trimmer. If you’re not sure, the operation manual should clarify what you need.
Cutting too close to hard surfaces. Although knocking against wood fences, trees, and flower beds won’t damage the trimmer, it will deplete your string.
Using too much string. Weed whackers have self-cutting knives. Leave the string a little longer, but don’t overload it.
Failing to maintain the tool. If you have a battery-powered or corded weed eater, there’s not much maintenance to do, but gas-powered weed whackers require air filter and spark plug replacements.
When to Use a Weed Whacker (and When Not To)
Weed whackers are very versatile because you can use them almost anywhere in your yard, but there are places you shouldn't. Here are some dos and don’ts:
DO use your string trimmer to edge your lawn, in slopes, and tight areas.
DON’T use a weed whacker to remove weeds from your garden beds, even if you think you can maintain control. You'll likely end up whacking your prized flowers or vegetable plants. Just pull the weeds out or use a manual tool.
DO trim your grass when it is dry. “Only use a [weed whacker] when the lawn is dry, similar to mowing, trying to mow/trim a wet lawn can tear the grass blades, giving you uneven results and potentially damaging them, making them susceptible to disease,” Handley notes.
DON’T try trimming if the lawn is wet. The moisture will make the string and tool wet, and the grass clippings will stick to your tool, making it messy.
Make sure to keep your weed whacker working at its highest level with proper maintenance.
Debris and grass clippings can stick to the tool. Clean your tool after each use.
Refill the fuel before each use.
Charge your battery after each use, once it has cooled off.
Replace the string with the right string thickness.
Inspect the guard and head before using the tool.
FAQ
What is weed whacking?
Weed whacking is a lawn care practice that uses a weed eater to edge lawns, trim near and beneath fences, and trim grass and weeds around trees.
How do you use a weed whacker properly?
Firmly hold the weed whacker with both hands, start trimming slowly, and keep a consistent pace. You can use your weed eater in a flat or tilted position. The flat position is used for trimming around trees and fences, whereas the tilted positions are used to edge the lawn.
Should you weed whack before or after mowing?
The general practice is to weed-whack after mowing your grass. You have a better view of where you need to trim and edge your grass. However, weed-whacking before mowing the grass is also common practice. Do what works best for you.
Why is my weed whacker not cutting well?
Your weed whacker may not be cutting well because your string is worn down, the engine isn’t working properly, or the battery doesn’t have enough charge.
Can you weed whack wet grass?
You can, but it is not recommended. When you weed-whack wet grass, it is messy, and the grass clippings and debris stick to your tool. Also, it can make a mess in your pathway or near vinyl fences and could be harder to clean.
One-hit wonders are an essential part of music history. Every decade has featured various singers and acts who weren't around for a long time, but definitely had a good time with their only noteworthy songs.
In some cases, one-hit wonders have a shelf life that extends for decades after their release. Such is the case with Wheatus' "Teenage Dirtbag," which was the Long Island rock band's only major hit back in 2000 and still resonates to this day.
In fact, when Rolling Stone's Maura Johnston released her ranking of the 50 best one-hit wonders of the 2000s in May 2025, "Teenage Dirtbag" came in at No. 1. The "defiant" teenage anthem--based on the real life of Wheatus guitarist and vocalist Brendan B. Brown--has carved out its own space in music history.
Meaning of "Teenage Dirtbag" is not subtle
In a 2012 interview with Tone Deaf, Brown revealed he was inspired to write "Teenage Dirtbag" by his childhood growing up on Long Island at the height of the "Satanic Panic" of the 1980s.
"It came from the summer of 1984 on Long Island, when I was 10 years old," Brown said. "That summer in the woods behind my house, there was a Satanic, drug-induced ritual teen homicide that went down; and the kid who did it was called Ricky Kasso, and he was arrested wearing an AC/DC T-shirt.
"That made all the papers, and the television, obviously; and here I was, 10 years old, walking around with a case full of AC/DC and Iron Maiden and Metallica – and all the parents and the teachers and the cops thought I was some kind of Satan worshipper. So that's the backdrop for that song."
The lyrical references to Keds, tube socks and IROC cars are distinctly 1980s, and Brown made clear there was a rebellious tone to the chorus' most memorable line.
"So when I sing: ‘I’m just a teenage dirtbag’, I’m effectively saying: ‘Yeah, f--k you if you don’t like it. Just because I like AC/DC doesn’t mean I’m a devil worshipper, and you’re an idiot. That’s where it comes from,'" he told Tone Deaf.
The No. 1 one-hit wonder of this century--so far
Rolling Stone put "Teenage Dirtbag" atop its list of the best one-hit wonders since 2000, immediately ahead of songs like "Lip Gloss," "I Wanna Be Bad," "Tipsy" and "The Reason."
"Its quiet-loud-quiet verse-chorus-verse structure reveals the furtive emotions roiling underneath metalheads’ Slayer T-shirts; its protagonist’s offering of “two tickets to Iron Maiden, baby,” to his object of affection shows that he’s savvily bringing her to a full-on arena spectacle, and not just a scuzzy club show," said Rolling Stone's Johnston. "Somehow, “Teenage Dirtbag” didn’t make the Billboard Hot 100 after its release in 2000 — a fact that radio programmers should hang their heads in shame over, as it not only made but reached Number One or Number Two on charts everywhere else in the world. It still has “hit” written all over it and the staying power to prove it even a quarter-century after its release."
While it didn't crack the Hot 100, "Teenage Dirtbag" did peak at No. 7 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, and reached No. 1 on the weekly charts in Australia, Austria and Belgium, along with No. 2 in five other countries.
Hard core golf fans knew it was only a matter of time before Alex Smalley got his first career win, but they likely didn't anticipate it could come at the PGA Championship.
Smalley has been rising up the ranks of the PGA Tour for the past two years and has finished in the top 20 in each of his past four tournaments. He started to focus on the game of golf early in his young sporting career.
“I would say when I was relatively young," he said when asked when he started focusing his career on golf. "I can't give you an age exactly. I played a few other sports growing up, but it's been strictly golf ever since I was 10. So probably somewhere in that 10, 11-year-old range, maybe a little earlier than that."
“Anybody who wants to play golf for a living dreams of winning on the PGA Tour when they're younger. I recognize that I have an opportunity to do that tomorrow. I recognize that it's on a stage that's a little bit larger than most other Tour events. I'm trying to downplay that as much as I possibly can just to make it seem like any other golf tournament, because essentially that's all it really is."
Alex Smalley Appears to be Dating Chelsea Groves
Shortly before the 2026 golf season kicked off, Duke director of social media Chelsea Groves shared a photo to social media alongside Smalley, a former golf star for the Blue Devils – where he outlasted Scottie Scheffler in one tournament.
"In the season of feeling grateful," the caption of the photo read.
It's unclear if the two met at Duke, but they share a connection with the school. Smalley was an All-ACC Honors and All-ACC Selection several times during his collegiate playing career, including ACC Student-Athlete of the Year title in 2019.
Groves, meanwhile, attended Butler University and posted a photo from the basketball court.
Smalley leads the PGA Championship by two shots of a collection of golfers at four-under including Hideki Matsuyama, Ludvig Aberg and Jon Rahm, among others.
He tees off alongside Matti Schmid at 2:35 p.m. ET.
Yellowstone has turned into a franchise, sparking spinoffs, including prequels, and shows that are inspired by it. With so many spinoffs to choose from, it's interesting to contemplate which one has become fans' favorite.
Of course, nothing will ever replace the original Yellowstone series, starring Kevin Costner as John Dutton, a Montana rancher who is determined to protect his family's land at all cost.
The prequels 1883 and 1923 began tracing the Dutton family tree, explaining their connection to the land on which the modern-day Dutton ranch sits. However, another spinoffs focuses on the continuing saga of feisty Dutton daughter, Beth, and her ranch manager husband, Rip Wheeler.
And it's that show, Dutton Ranch, that occupies the top spot on the site Ranker. That's fast, though, considering it debuted on May 15 on Paramount.
Dutton Ranch Showcases Its Main Characters' 'Intense Chemistry'
(L-R) Finn Little, Annette Bening, Kelly Reilly, Cole Hauser, Natalie Alyn Lind, Christina Alexandra Voros, Juan Pablo Raba, Hart Denton and Berto Colon attend Paramount+'s "Dutton Ranch" New York premiere at AMC Lincoln Square 13 on May 12, 2026 in New York City.
(Photo by John Lamparski/WireImage)
As Ranker explains, fans appreciate that Dutton Ranch contains two of the original series' most popular characters.
"Long-time viewers will appreciate how this series keeps the fire alive for favorite characters Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler," Ranker wrote. "Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser return to bring their intense chemistry to this continuation of the original storyline."
Fans of Yellowstone knows that Rip was taken in by the Dutton family when he was a teen and needed shelter from a family tragedy.
Explains Ranker: "This show acts as a direct anchor to the original series by keeping the core heart of the ranch alive for the audience."
What Are the Other Top 'Yellowstone' Spinoffs?
Occupying second place on Ranker's list? The Madison. This show contains a new cast of characters but also occurs in Montana. Third place? The prequel 1883, which traced the Dutton family ancestors' journey and tragedies.
Lawmen: Bass Reeves was number four. Fifth place? 1923, another prequel, which continued the saga with Harrison Ford playing a Dutton.
In Dutton Ranch, Beth and Rip, and their informally adopted son Carter, have moved to Texas. Fans of Yellowstone will remember that the ranch was sold to the indigenous tribe in the area.
Beth Dutton's Character Will Be More 'Dangerous' in the Spinoff
John Dutton, Costner's character, was murdered in the original series, and his name is evoked several times in Dutton Ranch, giving the show additional linkage to the original, according to Page Six.
Dutton Ranch executive producer Christina Alexandra Voros told Page Six that Beth's character will grow more "dangerous" in the spinoff.
She also indicated that it's not like Beth and Rip get to simply fade into peaceful, domesticated life. A show wouldn't pay true homage to the original if it wasn't violent. “You really see these two people who have fought so hard to try to finally have peace. And no matter how badly they want it, war keeps coming to their doorstep," she told Page Six.
According to Fox News, the Yellowstone franchise, which was created by Taylor Sheridan, carries the strategy of introducing country music stars as characters. For example, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill starred in 1883.
The PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club is well underway with moving day offering the world's best a chance to surge up the leaderboard and get into contention for the final round on Sunday.
A number of golfers have taken advantage of the perfect playing conditions on the course with golfers like Chris Kirk, Justin Rose and Xander Schauffele making a sizable charge.
Advantageous conditions and much more friendly pin locations are making low scores possible, but Aronimink is still showing its teeth with three golfers at three-over for the day, another at six-over and the poor Brian Campbell pulling up the rear at 16-over for the tournament and 12-over on the day.
As the golfers settle into the challenging course, spectators lining Aronimink's more than 7,000-yard sprawl will want to avoid the mistakes I made while attending the first round.
I was invited to attend the first round of the PGA Championship as part of the Visit PA campaign highlighting the many sporting events coming to Philadelphia over the next few months - like the PGA Championship, World Cup and the Major League Baseball All-Star Game.
While there, I made a few mistakes.
Don't Wait to Spend at the Merch Tent
Upon arriving at the course, the welcome entrance sends you straight into the merchandise tent which can be better described as a massive sporting goods store rather than just a measly tent.
Apparel from seemingly every major brand from Peter Millar, which was the most-crowded section amongst golf fans, to Adidas to Nike were chalked full of eerily similar choices and shirt patterns. While hard core golf fans know the rise in cost of apparel over the last few years, those new to the game will get a slight case of sticker shock while staring down the barrel of a $135 shirt.
The hats were the most sought-after item in the tent, with hoards of fans going against the crowd in order to grab their wanted item before it was gone.
When I arrived just after 8:30 a.m. ET, the crowd in the tent was strong. Seemingly hundreds if not thousands of golf fans were packed in like sardines just hoping for the chance to spend a few hundred dollars in the gift shop.
I returned to the tent hours later, around 2 p.m. ET, hoping to locate a token of my appreciation for my wife watching our nearly two-year-old daughter for the week while I wondered around the year's second major. The seemingly perfect gift caught my eyes, but not before a woman was able to jump in and grab the necessary size.
Don't Get Stuck Chasing the Stars
Not long after leaving the merch tent (my first attempt, that is), I meandered past the 18th green in between holes No. 9 and No. 18 as I attempted to find the Visit PA suite flanking the 17th green and 18th tee.
Gary Woodland, Jason Day and Sam Burns were making their way from the fairway onto the green on the 18th hole at the time, causing a massive road block of fans attempting to sneak a peak at how the pros go about their business on the greens.
As Keith Mitchell, Billy Horschel, Ian Holt made their way off the 18th green to the front nine, a fracas of fans made it nearly impossible to walk down between the 9th and 18th. After finally ambling down the 18th, I attempted to cross, but was stopped in my tracks by officials holding off the walkway while Cameron Smith battled with an errant tee shot.
As Smith, who eventually made bogey on the hole, spoke with a rules official and took nearly 20 minutes for his next shot, the crosswalk was closely guarded. A return around the 18th would have wasted even more time so nearly a half hour was wasted attempting to get across the fairway.
Following a marquee group with big names can generate excitement, but also a healthy wait with a potentially limited view. Those hoping to just catch a glimpse of the course should follow a lesser-known group or simply navigate their way around the course while actively avoiding groups containing the like of Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler, among others.
Don't Spend $35 on a Cocktail Just for Memorabilia
My final piece of advice is to protect your wallet. If you plan on spending big at the merch tent, I'd avoid getting lured into a $35 cocktail just to hold a plastic cup featuring the course layout for the rest of the day.
That piece of advice should be taken with a small grain of salt as I thoroughly enjoyed the Elijah Craig small batch, black tea and lemonade cocktail that resided in the plastic cup for a grand total of 20 minutes before it was gone, leaving me with the sticky remains of freshly pressed lemon juice coating the cup.
The cup, meanwhile, will likely see the inside of the dishwasher for a handful of washes before the decals start peeling. Wanting to own a piece of the PGA Championship is a problem, but paying the price of two New York City cocktails for a plastic isn't the best use of $35.
This list isn't the complain, attending the PGA Championship in person is well worth it to see the scale and enormity of the venture alone. It's simply to explain some pitfalls that may come with the territory of attending a major.
