Tampa Bay Area Events

• Multiple auditoriums and meeting locations able to accommodate small and large groups alike.
• Planning, scheduling, logistics management.
• Comfortable, over-sized leather theatre seating with swivel tables, ideal for taking notes or savoring meals.
• And much more...

• Poolside Beach Bungalows *Based on availability
• King and Queen Beds
• Private Patios connecting to the pool (some of these even have hammocks)
• Free Wifi access
• Vintage light fixtures
• 32 inch HD television

• Square One Burgers
• Ella’s Folk Café
• Aja
• Café Hey
• Sideberns
• Fly Bar
• Datz
• The Columbia Cafe
• Splitsville

Greetings everyone while I hope you have enjoyed your summer days and with the fall season upon us its never to early to begin planning for the holidays!
 
So if you are still undecided as to where to host your holiday event, well look no further because here’s another one of Tampa’s best kept secret...The InterContinental Tampa

The InterContinental Tampa hotel can accommodate your group size from 5-700guests, featuring 17,000 square feet of flexible space, divisible ballroom & their multi-tiered amphitheater.  The catering professionals at the InterContinental Tampa can provide you with their expertize in organizing a flawless, memorable holiday event with their creative menus that your guests won’t stop talking about. 

As an added bonus to your organization when you book your holiday event before September 30, 2010  you will also receive the following offers:

• Complimentary Gift Certificate for your Gift Raffle
• Complimentary Upgrade to Deluxe Bar
• Complimentary Guest Suite for your designated VIP

For more information on how to have a fantabulous event contact the Catering professionals:
Patty Fernandez, Director of Catering 813-286-4032 or pfernandez@intercontampa.com
Robert Hayden, Senior Catering Manager 813-286-4033 or rhayden@intercontampa.com

Note that this offer is not valid on previously contracted holiday event

So as you make your list … be sure to check out the Intercontinental  Tampa hotel for your next holiday event or your next meeting. 

That's it for now folks, but stay tuned in for more updates on Tampa Bay meetings and Tampa Bay conventions the whereabouts of the Convention Sales Tampa Bay team!

Hey everyone!  Travis back with more Tampa Bay Entertainment options for you.  One of my favorite places in Tampa Bay is the Museum of Science and Industry.  Now, if you've never been there before, or even if you have, you need to make a trip soon.  They have tons of stuff happening the rest of the month, so take a look -

Teacher Appreciation - Every Sunday in September.  Teachers receive one FREE general admission to MOSI on Sundays during September.  (remember that this cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts)  There is a limit of one offer per household and excludes special engagement films. You must mention offer and present a valid teacher ID or pay stub to receive discount.

Grandparent’s Day on Sept. 12, 2010 - Free admission for a grandparent on Sept. 12, 2010 with the purchase of a full-priced general admission ticket (child or adult).  Again, this cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts and there is a limit one offer per household. Grandparent and grandchild(ren) must be present at time of ticket purchase and this excludes special engagement films. You must mention the offer to receive discount.  And as some added excitement, Motts applesauce will also be there on this day from 2–4p.m. handing out samples of applesauce and apple juice.

Dia de la Familia - Saturday, Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.  Two free child admissions with each paid adult admission in celebration of the Day of the family for Hispanic Heritage Month.  This is a perfect chance to come out and enjoy with the family. 

$5 Day on Saturday, Sept. 18 from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. - Guests are invited to enjoy MOSI exhibit galleries and an IMAX standard film for the special admission price of $5.  What a deal!!!!!!

National Museum Day on Sept. 25, 2010 - BOGO off any ticket type.  Free ticket must be of equal or lesser value and cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. Limit of four (4) offers per household and excludes special engagement films. You must mention offer to receive discount.

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration from Sept. 15 – Oct. 15, 2010 - In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, MOSI is offering $10 off general admission. Cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. Limit of four (4) offers per household. Excludes special engagement films. Must mention offer to receive discount.

SkyWatch at MOSI on:
Saturday, September 25, 2010  - See Jupiter at its closest approach to Earth
Saturday, October 23, 2010 - Howl at the full moon during our Hall-o-Boo Event

See the universe up-close and personal through MOSI’s telescopes. Gaze at planets, star clusters, the Moon, and other celestial showpieces. Get your questions answered by MOSI’s astronomy staff and MARS Club members. Join us outside by MOSI's Butterfly Garden for a night of star gazing! Please Note – clear skies are required to use the telescopes. Weather conditions like rain or clouds will force the cancellation of the skywatch event. Viewing begins after sundown.

Space Shuttle Celebration Tour on Sunday, September 12 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. - For more than 30 years, the Space Shuttle program has inspired dreams, advanced the sciences, and gave us insight into the human condition as explorers.

Join the MOSI Education Team for a memorable experience that commemorates the people, technology, and missions of NASA’s Space Shuttle program. Ride in style aboard a coach as your space educator prepares you for your visit to the Kennedy Space Center with a special presentation. While the space shuttle Discovery on the launch pad for the final space shuttle launch, we will explore the living history of space exploration and its future. Includes transportation, admission, and guided tour.  the program fee is $105 or $79 for MOSI member. 

International Observe the Moon Night, SEEING THE MOON… in a whole new light! on Saturday, September 18 from 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.  YOu can take a guided tour of the moon at the first ever International Observe the Moon Night! Participate in an annual event looking at our closest astrological neighbor, the Moon.

Gaze through binocular and telescopes to see the many geological features of the lunar landscape. Hear lunar talks by local experts and participate in hands-on lunar inspired activities. Share the excitement of lunar science and exploration with other amateur sky watchers. Limited seating is available for the lunar shows in the Saunder’s Planetarium. Advance reservation recommended. The program fee is : $12 per person, MOSI member: $9 per person. 

FUEL THE FUTURE DAY on Saturday, September 18 from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. - This is your chance to be an automotive engineer of the future! Explore ideas for alternative ways to fuel cars. Piece together new vehicle designs using Legos®, race electric and fuel cell cars and discover this high-powered world of engineering with the help of experts and demonstrations.

Check out cars of the future and meet their local inventors. Visit the Under the Hood cart and learn about the Automotive X PRIZE, a $10 million contest to engineer the “car of the future.” Take part in hands-on activities for the entire family throughout the day.

And there you have it...everything happening at MOSI for the rest of the month.  So, get out there and have some fun.  And keep checking back here for more great things to do in Tampa Bay and other Tampa Bay area events. 
 

Hey everyone!  Travis back with some Tampa Bay Entertainment information.  We are heading out to see our friends at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo! Here's the lastest news -

Summer may be nearing an end, but fall fun has just begun with the arrival of two charming young koalas who flew coast to coast just in time for the holiday weekend at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo.

Dane, a two-year-old male, and Kirrhi, a two-year-old female, have settled in to their new home in Wallaroo Station, the Zoo’s 4.5 acre Australian-themed children’s zoo. The Queensland koala habitat at the Zoo is climate controlled, since these “mates” prefer less humidity than Florida’s climate generally offers.

Kirrhi and Dane will spend as much as 18-20 hours each day sleeping or resting, leaving them about four to six hours of free time for eating and socializing. Koalas rarely leave the trees they live in and use their sharp claws and opposable thumbs to help keep them safely secured to their tree while they sleep and eat. They also have extra thick fur on their back sides to help cushion them while sitting on branches – which comes in handy when you sit all day.

Koalas have especially slow metabolisms, partially due to their diet. They eat only eucalyptus leaves which contain toxic oil that is poisonous to most animals. Koalas have bacteria in their stomachs which can break down the harmful oils, but it still takes most of a koala’s energy just to digest and eliminate the toxins.  Eating eucalyptus has an added benefit of providing koalas with most of the moisture they need.

The koala habitat is open daily, during Zoo operating hours.  The animals are on loan from The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and are part of the Species Survival Plan under the guidance of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. 

And there's the exciting news...I don't know about you, but I can tell you that I'm excited about heading out there to see the Zoo's new guests!  Have fun if you go...

And keep checking back here for more updates about great things to do in Tampa Bay, or Tampa Bay Area Events info.
 

• Singers,
• Comedians,
• Spoken Word Poets,
• Live Bands,
• Entertainers, Magicians, Unique Acts, etc...

Hey Tampa Bay, Alex here to tell you about a Gala that will benefit The Gulf Coast Iguana Sanctuary and Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Rescue, Rehab, and Release Program.

Lizard Live II, a Gala Fundraising Event, will take place on Saturday, September 25, 2010 at the Sirata Beach & Conference Center on St. Pete Beach.
 
The fundraiser, called, “Lizard Live II” will occur in the Majestic Ballroom of Sirata Beach Resort from 7 PM to ? for a night of drinks, live appetizers, silent auction, live auction, music and dancing.  This year’s MC continues to be Rhonda Shear accompanied by The Lizard Ladies and the music will be provided by Tom Gribbin and The Saltwater Band.

Tickets for this benefit are $50.00 in advance; $65.00 at the door; and, $1,500 for a sponsor table of 10, which will also get the sponsor special recognition on the new Iguana Habitat to be built on the premises of Sirata Beach Resort.  Tickets will include 2 drinks and light appetizers.  Wear your best green outfits, as there will be prizes, a silent auction, a live auction and lots of FUN!

The Gulf Coast Iguana Sanctuary is a newly created Not-For-Profi,t co-sponsored with Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Rescue, Rehab, and Release program,  that rescues and provides habitat for abandoned Iguana's in Pinellas County. The sanctuary includes educational components on green iguanas in the State of Florida and the responsibility of raising exotic reptiles.

As a result, of its rescue efforts, the current habitat no longer is large enough for its inhabitants, and others, still to be rescued.  Part of the proceeds will also go to The Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Rescue, Rehab, and Release program. The Sirata Beach Resort and Conference Center is located at 5300 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706. 

For more Information & Reservations, contact Lenne Nicklaus-Ball, 727-363-5148, or e-mail, LizardLive@sirata.com.  You can now make a tax deductible donation.

Head over to the Sirata Beach & Conference Center on Saturday, September 25, 2010 to enjoy a fun night of drinks, appetizers, music and more, all for a good cause!

Hi all.  Travis back with another Tampa Bay dining update.  The Columbia Restaurant is one of my favorite restaurants of all time, so I am really excited about this announcement. 

On Sunday, September 19, The Columbia Restaurant rolls back the prices for “1905 Day” to celebrate the 105th ANNIVERSARY of the fourth and fifth generation family-owned business. As has been the tradition since their 75th Anniversary, the Columbia has developed a special menu with the prices of yesteryear for this day.

“1905 Day” takes place at the Columbia Restaurants in Tampa’s Ybor City, Sarasota, St. Augustine, The Pier in St. Petersburg, Sand Key on Clearwater Beach and Celebration.  All Columbia Restaurants are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. 

From noon until 7:00 p.m. on “1905” Day, guests will enjoy the Columbia Restaurant’s world-famous Spanish cuisine for the prices they might have paid in the “good ole days”.

Menu items will include: Chicken & Yellow Rice “Ybor” for $2.95, Boliche (eye round of beef) for $2.95, Merluza “A la Rusa” for $2.95, Columbia’s Original “1905 Salad” for $1.95, Sangria for $.95 cents, flan for $.50 cents, and their richly brewed American coffee for $.05 cents.

But note that on this day only, reservations are not accepted, and take-out items are not available. And, also, the Columbia Café on the Riverwalk at the Tampa Bay History Center in Downtown Tampa will not offer the "1905 Day" menu, but will be open and serving from their regular menu. 

So, make your plans to get out and enjoy the treats!  And we'll see you back here for more updates about great things to do in Tampa Bay and Tampa Bay area events. 
 

Hey everyone.  Travis back with a Tampa Bay fishing update for you.  Yeah, I know you love to spend time on the Tampa Bay area beaches, but when you feel like getting off the sand and heading in to the water, then listen up.  Here's the latest fishing update from Capt. Stewart Ames -

Redfish become the primary inshore fishing target during the heat of summer in the Tampa Area and this August was no exception.  Water temperatures actually exceeded the ninety degree mark on several days, which had even the heat tolerant redfish moving a little slower than usual.  Fishing was best on the high and outgoing tides. 

Residential docks and grass flats with good water movement appeared to be the most productive locations. As has been the case all season, most of the fish caught were of good quality.  Pinfish bobbered a half a foot off of the bottom or cut baits were most productive.  Looking  forward into September, redfishing should only get better as days get shorter and daytime temperatures start to moderate a little bit.  Schooling fish should be easier to find as well, setting the stage for double digit catch days.

Although Tampa Snook Fishing is best during May, June and early July, quality fish can still be caught in the late summer months by the persistent angler. Those interested in targeting a large specimen should night fish with big baits such as grunts and ladyfish.  

The best times are during strongest tidal movement.  As is almost always the case with snook, let the baits float naturally through the snook's lair with no weight unless the current is very strong.  Likely hangouts for these larger fish include the deep cuts near local passes, jetties, and around lighted docks known to harbor big fish.  Snook are present in the same locations during the daylight hours, but  seem more reluctant to eat when the sun is high.

At some point in September, water temperatures will begin to drop. This cooler water will trigger a migration of mangrove snapper to our near shore Pinellas County Reefs in large numbers.  Last year, this fishing lasted from late September to December.  On days where the tides are weak and inshore fishing a little tougher, a trip 4 - 5 miles offshore to these reefs can be  great "Plan B".  By aggressively chumming, hundreds of snapper can be brought to the stern of your boat. 

Although wary on some days, they can be hooked on every cast on others.  Free-lined shrimp or a small whitebait dropped back into the slick is the best technique for regular hookups.  Larger fish are typically found towards the back of the slick.  If this approach does not pay off, take the same bait and drop it directly to the  bottom with as little weight as is needed to hold it stationary.  Do not move the bait at all.  Just wait for a tug.  Snapper will approach a bait like this and circle it, sometimes for minutes, before they pick it up.  Once the snapper are effectively chummed up, rig a couple of heavy action spinning rods with a steel leader above the hook. 

Take larger baits such as threadfin herring or big pilchards and cast these baits, on balloons, well back into the chum slick. Place these rods up above where they are out of the way and just wait.  While everyone is actively focusing on filling out their snapper limits, a drag will start screaming as a larger predator has inhaled one of these ballooned baits.  In September, this could be a Spanish mackerel, bonita, cobia, barracuda or shark...any of these providing an interesting diversion from snapper fishing. 

With August in the rear view mirror, fishing will only get batter for the next few months. The best days to inshore fish during the month of September are the 5th through the 11th and the 20th through the 26th so plan your fishing trips with these dates in mind. 

And there you have it.  Good luck and good fishing.  And in the meantime, keep checking back here for more things to do in Tampa Bay and other Tampa Bay area events.