Golf Tampa Bay

Hey there College Hockey fans! We're one week away from the puck dropping at the Tampa Bay Times Forum for the 2012 NCAA Frozen Four Hockey Championships in Tampa Bay!

I hope that all you fans are as excited as we are here in Tampa Bay to host all you Golden Gopher, Eagle, Bulldog, and Dutchmen fans! Here is a list of the fan hotels so you can go ahead and get to booking your stay in Tampa Bay!

These rates are subject to change and will fill up fast so be sure to contact the hotel first to confirm! When making your reservations, be sure to mention the promo code “College Hockey Fan Housing” to receive discounted rate. All hotel rates listed below do not include tax rate of 12% (subject to change without notice).

For information on these properties, visit: http://www.visittampabay.com/visitors/hotels/ visit our website for a comprehensive listing!

Downtown Accommodations (approx. 1 mile from Forum)

Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Tampa
102 E Cass St. Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 229-1100
Rate: $199.00

Howard Johnson Plaza Downtown
111 W Fortune St. Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 223-1351
Rate: $99.00

Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown Tampa
101 East Tyler St. Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 221-4224
Rate: $219.00

Westshore/Airport Accommodations

Renaissance Tampa Hotel International Plaza
4200 Jim Walter Blvd. Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 877-9200
Rate: $144.00

Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
2900 Bayport Dr. Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 874-1234
Rate: $129.00 - $179.00

Intercontinental Tampa
4860 W Kennedy Blvd. Tampa, FL 33609
(813) 286-4400
Rate: $134.00

Marriott Tampa Westshore
1001 N. Westshore Blvd. Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 287-2555
Rate: $185.00

The Westin Tampa Bay
7627 Courtney Campbell Cswy. Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 281-0000
Rate: $145.00 - $185.00

Crowne Plaza Tampa Westshore
5303 W Kennedy Blvd. Tampa, FL 33609
(813) 289-1950
Rate: $129.00 - $139.00

Doubletree Hotel Tampa Airport Westshore
4500 W. Cypress St. Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 879-4800
Rate: $89.00

Ramada Tampa Airport Westshore Hotel
1200 N Westshore Blvd. Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 282-3636
Rate: $79.00

Embassy Suites Hotel Tampa Westshore
555 N Westshore Blvd. Tampa, FL 33609
(813) 875-1555
Rate: $169.00 - $189.00
    Mainsail Suites Hotel and Conference Center
5108 Eisenhower Blvd. Tampa, FL 33634
(813) 243-2600
Rate: $129.00 - $149.00

Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore
2225 N Lois Ave. Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 877-6688
Rate: $99.00 - $109.00

Wyndham Tampa Westshore
700 N Westshore Blvd. Tampa, FL 33609
(813) 289-8200
Rate: $134.00

Sheraton Suites Tampa Airport Westshore
4400 West Cypress Street, Tampa, Florida 33607
813.357.6126
Rate: $99.00

Doubletree Guest Suites Tampa Bay
3050 N Rocky Point Dr. Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 888-8800
Rate: $129.00 - $169.00

Chase Waterfront Suite Hotel
3075 North Rocky Point Drive East, Tampa Florida 33607
(813) 281-5677
Rate: $129.00 - $199.00

Hyatt Place Tampa Westshore
4811 W Main St. Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 282-1037
Rate: $134.00 - $154.00

Emerald Greens Golf Resort
13941 Clubhouse Dr. Tampa, FL 33618
(813) 961-9400
Rate: $209.00

Sailport Waterfront Suites
2506 N Rocky Point Dr. Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 281-9599
Rate: $129.00

That's all for now, but keep checking back with us for more College Hockey related updates!

Good afternoon everyone, Alex here to let you know about a fun way to kick off Gasparilla early. 

With the Gasparilla Parade quickly approaching, the parties are already starting to begin.

On Thursday, January 19, former NFL linebacker Ryan Nece is hosting the
Kickoff to Gasparilla party at Gaspar’s Grotto in historic Ybor City.

The party will be held from 5:30-8:30p.m. on the patio of the World Famous
Gaspar’s Grotto located at 1805 E. 7th Ave. in Tampa’s Ybor City. DJ Papi
of Wild Out Entertainment will provide the entertainment throughout the
evening.

There is no admission or cover charge to attend the party, but guests are
encouraged to enjoy dinner and drinks, as Gaspar’s will donate a portion
of the night’s proceeds to the Ryan Nece Foundation.

Also, many great raffle prizes will be up for grabs, including two tickets to Gasparilla Bash 2012 on Bayshore, a gift certificate to Skydive City, a round of golf for four at Tampa Palms Country Club, a two-night weekend stay at the Hilton
Carillon and more!

Proceeds from food and beverage sales, as well as raffle ticket sales, will
benefit the Ryan Nece Foundation.

Enjoy a great party! Check back with us often for more information on Things To Do In Tampa Bay.

Happy Friday Tampa Bay, Alex here to let you know about a golf fundraiser and open house taking place at Crescent Oaks Country Club this January.

On Saturday, January 21 at 3 p.m., Jamie Farr, M*A*S*H star, is hosting a 9-Hole Golf Scramble and Dinner to benefit the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Police Athletic League (PAL) at the Crescent Oaks Country Club in Tarpon Springs. The event is by donation, and 100% of the contributions benefit the Pinellas Sheriff’s Police Athletic League. 

Farr will also be hosting a public Open House and Golf Equipment Demo Day from 10a.m. to 3p.m. on Jan. 21. 

Guest will be able test all the latest golf equipment from Titleist, Taylor Made, Nike, Cleveland, and Callaway and win over $2,000 in prizes such as golf memberships, rounds of golf, golf equipment and restaurant gift certificates in hourly drawings and putting contests. No purchase is required, and the event is free.

As part of the Open House event, Crescent Oaks Country Club will also be showcasing area businesses and its newly remodeled Clubhouse, Banquet Events Center, new Fitness Center, Tennis Facility, and Restaurant, which are now open to the public for the first time in the club’s 21 year history. 

PAL  provides the youth of Pinellas County alternatives to violence, gang involvement and substance abuse through community service and sports programs, education and recreation.  Crescent Oaks Country Club is underwriting all costs of the event, and Jamie Farr is donating his sponsorship.

Enjoy a fun game of golf for a great cause! If you are interested in registering to participate in this fundraiser, call (727) 937-4653.

The Crescent Oaks Country Club is located at 3300 Crescent Oaks Boulevard in Tarpon Springs, off Eastlake Road a mile north of Tarpon (Keystone) Avenue.

I hope you have a wondeful weekend. Check back with us often for more information on Things To Do In Tampa Bay and for information on Tampa Bay Sports.

Hi everyone!  Travis back with some cool information about Sports in Tampa Bay.  In case you haven't heard, the event formerly known as the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am is returning as the Tampa Bay Pro-Am.  This is the the premier Champions Tour event of the year, and it's played at TPC Tampa Bay!  Here's some information from the release that was sent out:

The Tampa Bay Pro-Am Foundation, Inc. has announced that the event formerly known as the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am, the premier Champions Tour event, is returning in 2012 with the new name Tampa Bay Pro-Am. In addition, Tampa Bay Lightning have been added as host of the 2012 golf tournament. This partnership, born out of a mutual commitment to serving the Tampa Bay community, will join together two professional sports properties in the area, officially making it the Tampa Bay Pro-Am hosted by Tampa Bay Lightning.  Through this co-promotional marketing partnership Tampa Bay Lightning Day will be added to the schedule of events, as well as, free grounds admission will be offered to Tampa Bay Lightning season ticket holders. The 2012 Tampa Bay Pro-Am hosted by Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates the tournament’s 25th year of existence, April 9-15, at TPC Tampa Bay. 

“The Tampa Bay area has continued to produce one of the most thriving and unique experiences on the Champions Tour. Our professionals look forward to playing in this event and city each year. We are excited to be coming back here in 2012 and we look forward to continued success in the Tampa Bay market with the Tampa Bay Pro-Am,” said Champions Tour President Mike Stevens.

Tournament officials are still seeking a title sponsor for the 2012 event and beyond, however, through additional support from Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa Bay & Company, and existing sponsors, the tournament will kick off its 25th year in the Tampa Bay area.  As it moves forward without a title sponsor, the event is looking for support from the entire Tampa Bay community to insure its continued success and longevity.

Pay attention now, becuase here's a quote from us: “Tampa Bay & Company and the Pro-Am have been longtime partners,” said Tampa Bay & Company CEO, Paul Catoe. “Taking our involvement to the next level is a great opportunity to highlight and promote our great destination. The Tampa Bay Pro-Am is just one more reason that Tampa Bay continues to be the premier destination for visitors.”

"The Pro-Am will carry on the reputation of providing the best hospitality, fan interaction and party atmosphere on the Champions Tour,” said Amy Hawk, tournament director of the Tampa Bay Pro-Am hosted by Tampa Bay Lightning. “Spectators’ will continue to feast on food from the various OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC concepts (Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill), as well as, Lee Roy Selmon’s. We will work hard to continue the tradition of hosting high profile celebrities and the best professional golfers on the Champions Tour in Tampa this April,” concluded Hawk.

As always, there will be a full slate of celebrities playing in the tournament, including: Ronde Barber, Derrick Brooks, Craig T. Nelson, Joe Theismann, and Lightning Founder Phil Esposito, who will also serve as the Honorary Chairman of the event in 2012.

The 2012 Tampa Bay Pro-Am hosted by the Tampa Bay Lightning will take place on April 9-15 at TPC Tampa Bay in Lutz, FL.  Tickets are available for purchase by calling the tournament office at 813-265-4653 or visiting www.tampabayproam.com.

If you have never been to this tournament before, let me tell you that it's awesome!  The atmosphere is phenomenal, and you get to see some really good golf...and usually some really funny moments.  So have fun and let us know how it was!  Maybe I'll see you out there.

Until then, keep checking back here for more info on great things to do in Tampa Bay and other Tampa Bay area events.

oh, and thanks to Michael Heape Photography for the photo of Kenny Perry!

On Jan. 1, 2012, Tampa Bay & Company will debut its 2012 Travel Planner to visitors, residents, partners and the Tampa Bay community. The newest edition of the Travel Planner is packed with the traditional information about the destination such as how to get around, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and various area services that are available.

The top golf cities are selected based on five standards: climate (number of playable days), cost, number of public courses, quality of public courses and accessibility (number of active golfers versus number of courses). The lower a city’s average in the criterion, the higher it finished in the overall ranking.

For climate, Tampa averaged five. For cost, amount and quality of public courses, Tampa averaged 24, 19 and 22, respectively.  In regards to accessibility, Tampa averaged 32. Altogether, Tampa averaged 20.4, placing the city in the top five of the best golf cities in the U.S.That's it for now, but stay tuned in for more Tampa Bay sports news and updates!

For the complete listings, visit http://www.golfdigest.com/golf-courses/2011-10/top-20-cities-for-golf#ixzz1Z58VQxLC.

Happy Friday Everyone, Alex here with some good news for all of you who love to play Golf!

Crescent Oaks Golf Club will be open for public play, while still maintaining an exclusive membership. The new club opens Saturday, October 1, 2011.

This is the first time the course has been open for public play since it was founded in 1989!!

Crescent Oaks is located in the East Lake area of north Pinellas County. It has always been known as one of the more popular clubs around the area due to its interesting golf course layout with long, wide fairways on 198 acres abutting the Brooker Creek Preserve.
 Crescent Oaks also has a driving range, practice putting green and short game area.

The course will be undergoing some remodeling very soon! They are planning to re-do all of the bunkers, repair bridges and cart paths, restore fairways, landscape, renovate inside the clubhouse and add a state-of-the-art radio controlled irrigation system.  Also, new golf carts will be arriving next week!!

The seasons are changing, and it's almost time for perfect golf weather! Get together with your friends to play on this newly renovated course!

To make a Tee Time to play Crescent Oaks, call 727 937-4653 (GOLF).  The club is open 7 days a week.  For more information on Crescent Oaks go to, www.crescentoaksgolf.com.

Address: 3300 Crescent Oaks Blvd., Tarpon Springs, 34688.  (All guests will be admitted through the Crescent Oaks community gate off Eastlake Road just north of Keystone Road)

**Join the Crescent Oaks Community at the Parade of Golf Carts on Friday, September 30 from 6-7p.m. to celebrate the re-opening of the Golf Club.  Residents will decorate their carts and compete for prizes.

Have a wonderful weekend and check back with us next week for more information on Things To Do in Tampa Bay and on Tampa Bay Golf!

Hi Tampa Bay, Alex back with an event update! Those of you who enjoy playing golf or spending time outdoors with friends and family, should head on over to the 6th Annual Heritage Golf Classic Fundraiser next weekend!

The Heritage Golf Classic Fundraiser is taking place on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at Westchase Golf Club.

Tee Time: 8:00a.m. Luncheon Reception: 12- 2p.m.

Entry Fee: Individuals $100, Foursome: $350

Spend the day playing golf for a great cause! Register today at www.blackheritage.org.

Have a great weekend and check back with us next week for updates on Things To Do in Tampa Bay.

Hey Tampa Bay, Alex here to remind all of you that Tampa Bay Fashion Week is coming up this month!

Fashion Week will be taking place September 20- 24, 2011.

Fashion Week celebrates the fashion scene in The Bay Area, while showcasing Tampa Bay's unique style. This event brings talented fashion and accessories designers to The Bay Area to showcase their work for local and national retail buyers, boutique owners and consumers.

Fashion Week Schedule of Events:

Tuesday, September 20- Red Carpet Reception
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Art Institute of Tampa

Wednesday, September 21- VIP Model Behavior Cocktail Reception
Time: 6-9p.m.
Location: Element, 808 N. Franklin Street, Downtown Tampa
Don’t miss the signature VIP Model Behavior Cocktail Soiree hosted by Cambria! Come meet Cheryl Tiegs, iconic supermodel and spokesperson for Cambria, as well as featured designers from Tampa Bay Fashion Week 2011, sponsors, models and elite fashion followers. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and complimentary wine/bar, fabulous raffle prizes, photo opportunities and more!

Thursday, September 22- Swanky Soiree
The second annual Swanky Soiree event is proud to announce its participation in the 2011 Tampa Bay Fashion Week. The event will feature local designers Alla-K and John William Barger III as well as fine artist Don Kobasky. In addition to the world-class art and fashions, Swanky Soiree will host 15 local restaurants, chefs, bakeries and coffee shops – all benefiting Brookwood Florida.

Friday, September 23- Designer Runway Show & FWTB Boutique
Time: Doors Open at 6p.m. for the FWTB Boutique. Runway shows start at 7p.m.
Location: Innisbrook Golf & Spa Resort, 36750 U.S. Highway 19 North, Palm Harbor, FL

Saturday, September 24- Private Party - Invitation Only

I hope you all have plans to attend the many events happening during Tampa Bay's Fashion week. Enjoy the high- fashion and artistic energyhappening all week!

For more information on Fashion week, check out http://www.fashionweektampabay.com/ or http://fashionweektampabayblog.com/. 

Have a wonderful day and visit often for updates on things to do in Tampa Bay!

Hi everyone, are you in need of something fun to do on 4th of July? If so, Alex here to tell you about the perfect event!

The Temple Terrace 4th of July Parade and Festivities is taking place on Monday, July 4th and will begin at 10am. The day will include a parade, variety of festivities, good food, live entertainment and a beautiful fire work show.

The parade route begins at Whiteway Drive and Gillette Avenue, travels south on Gillette to Druid Hills Road, then turns west to Ridgedale Avenue where it will turn south and disband in the parking lot of Temple Terrace Elementary School.  The parade length is approximately 2 miles long.

The evening festivities begin at 7 p.m. at the first fairway of the Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club (200 Inverness Avenue).

There will be a variety of food and beverages including:  hot dogs, hamburgers, snow cones, cotton candy, popcorn, lemonade, sodas and water available for you to purchase. 

Entertainment will be provided by the 50’s and 60’s band “Shout” from 7 to 9 p.m.   Singers with Masque Community Theatre of Temple Terrace will also perform. (Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the evening.)

The evening will end with a spectacular fireworks display, which will begin at approximately 9:15 p.m.

What better way to spend your 4th of July than with a parade, festivities, entertainment and a beautiful fire work display?

For more information contact the Greater Temple Terrace Chamber of Commerce at 813-989-7004 or ltice@templeterracechamber.com.

Tell your friends about this annual event. It seems like a blast!


Check back often for more information on Things To Do In Tampa Bay!

Good morning everyone, who is looking for a great place to eat this weekend? Well if you are, Alex here to tell you who made USA Today’s Top 10 Restaurants in Tampa Bay.

Bern's Steak House
Located in the Hyde Park region, Bern's Steak House serves up such fare as filet mignon, porterhouse and Chateaubriand. bernssteakhouse.com

The Columbia
Situated in the Historic Ybor neighborhood, the Latin-themed Columbia offers such tapas dishes as spiced ground beef empanadas, crab cakes and sauteed shrimp in chili pepper columbiarestaurant.com

Restaurant BT
Restaurant BT lies near the Palms Ceia Golf and Country Club. The restaurant provides a host of Vietnamese dishes, including spring rolls, cabbage and herb salad and Vietnamese bouillabaisse with seafood like calamari and salmon. restaurantbt.com

Estela's Mexican Restaurant
Located on Davis Islands, Estela's Mexican Restaurant features dishes that include rice and beans, while they  highlight such offerings as enchiladas, burritos and tacos.

Kojak's House of Ribs
The family-owned Kojak's House of Ribs dates back to 1978, barbeque spare ribs, chicken and hot links. Drinks include beer, wine and sangria. The restaurant lies in Tampa's Bayshore Beautiful region.

Byblos Cafe
Serving up Mediterranean cuisine like falafels, hummus, gyros and kabobs, Byblos Cafe sits in the city's Palma Ceia region. On some evenings, the restaurant features belly dancers for entertainment. bybloscafe.com

Bella's Italian Cafe
The Soho-based Bella's Italian Cafe features such menu items as spaghetti and meatballs, tortellini primavera and make-your-own pizzas or calzones. The restaurant also offers curbside delivery. bellasitaliancafe.com

Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant
The upscale Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant includes various paellas, gazpacho and grilled and marinated squid. The restaurant also features a Sunday brunch and weekly discounted tapas and sangria nights. ceviche.com

Fly Bar & Restaurant
The Fly Bar & Restaurant lies near the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. Dinner includes such varied dishes as Kobe beef sliders, fish tacos and mac and cheese with truffles. flybarandrestaurant.com

Mise En Place
Mise En Place offers American cuisine amidst a high-end interior complete with cherry wood furnishings, white tablecloths and gold-specked walls. The menu features gourmet cuisine like lobster risotto, Moroccan fried quail and barbecue grilled shrimp. miseonline.com

Click here, if you would like to read  the full article on Tampa’s top 10 restaurants from USA Today.

Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy some great food at one of the great restaurants mentioned above.

Check back with us next week for more information on Things To Do In Tampa Bay!

Hey everyone.  Travis here with some awesome Tampa Bay Entertainment that you need to head out and explore.  The Move It Movement Tour, Cartoon Network’s local market summer tour targeting youth 6-14, in partnership with the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition will feature multiple activity and learning stations presented in a themed, exciting and fun outdoor environment at Tampa's MOSI! 

It happens on June 7 from 11am-3pm and is open to the public with paid MOSI admission! 

Families planning to visit and participate in the Move It Movement Tour can enjoy a host of activities including:

Soccer Shootout Challenge, where kids can take aim and test their shooting skills with a custom soccer goal;

NBA/WNBA FIT Activity Zone, that allows youth to demonstrate their fitness level through basketball;

PGA Chipping Challenge, letting kids test their golf skills on a mobile chipping/putting green;

Crayola, where kids can have fun exercising their imagination and their minds by creating outdoor art, sidewalk games, and original art masterpieces  using Crayola Model Magic Presto Dots™, 3-D Sidewalk Chalk™ and Sidewalk Tattoos™;

NFL PLAY 60 powered by HOPSports introduces kids to various physical activities and exercises via the screen-based HOPSports system featuring NFL PLAY 60 content, martial arts, stuntman drills and more;

Zookeeper™ Leapin’ Lions Challenge, testing focus, balance and strength as kids demonstrate their long-jumping abilities—the activity includes a branded leaping map with animal paw prints, indicating what animal characters from the film they might classify with;

Skate Park Challenge, where BMX and skateboard experts will perform high-flying demonstrations followed by interactive safety and riding tips sessions;

and FDA Spot the Block/Presidential Active Lifestyle Award, a station with an interactive dice game and information to educate youth and families about the nutritional block on food packaging, as well as PSAs and registration materials promoting participation for the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award.

The Move It Movement Tour is part of Cartoon Network’s long-established, award-winning pro-social efforts to provide support and encouragement in the ongoing battle against childhood obesity through such varied activities as daily recess, health & wellness education and active after-school involvement 

This is going to be major cool, so check it out...get more info at www.MOSI.org.  And we'll see you back here for more Tampa Bay area events and other things to do in Tampa Bay. 

Hey everyone...Travis back with another update about some Tampa Bay Entertainment options - and I'll make it short and sweet.  Golfers need to unpack their clubs and get ready to hit the links. 

The Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce is hosting their 17th Annual Golf Tournament in March, which means a ton of fun out on the course for a good cause! 

It all takes place on Saturday, March 19, with a shotgun start at 1pm.  The tournament takes place at Summerfield Crossings Golf Club in Riverview (just south of Tampa), so it's nearby! 

A Team Foursome, which includes Lunch & Dinner, is $350, while Individual Players, also including Lunch & Dinner, is $90.  If you need more information or want to register, head over to www.RiverviewChamber.com.  If you make it out there...have fun! 

See everyone back here for more udpates about great things to do in Tampa Bay!