U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) on Tuesday published an open letter to Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker and Secretary of the Treasury Jack Lew urging the federal government to amend regulations to legally allow for U.S. hotel operators to build hotels in Cuba.

Unlike a zoo where wild animals are caged, this is an expansive natural setting. Call it a ranch, covering 700 acres. The landscape evokes visions of the Serengeti.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has appointed 18-year maritime industry veteran Serena Melani as the first female captain in its three-ship fleet.

Tampa International Airport has mounted what officials call a "full court press" to lobby the U.S. Department of Transportation for some of the limited commercial flights to Havana expected to begin later this year.

President Obama's administration will announce further measures to ease travel and trade restrictions on Cuba on March 17, ahead of his historic visit to the island nation later this month, U.S. congressional sources said on Tuesday.

The Tampa Bay Rays will become the first MLB team to play an exhibition game in Cuba since the Baltimore Orioles did so back in March 1999. Now a modest ball club in the star-studded American League East Division, the Rays will try this year to find the groove that made it a tough contender a few years ago.