Tampa Bay Emergency Information

Happy Friday Tampa Bay, Alex here to let you know about some of the events taking place at the Encompass Insurance Pro-Am this weekend.

As many of you may know, the events kicked off this week at TPC Tampa Bay with some professional practice rounds and the Laser Spine Institute Challenge. Today was the start of the Encompass Insurance Pro-Am and it will continue throughout the weekend. You won't want to miss out on all of the fun taking place at the course this weekend! Check out some of the events taking place, listed below.

Saturday, April 14: Tampa Bay Lightning Day;  Encompass Insurance Pro-Am of Tampa Bay Round 2:     7: 15am; Live Performance by One Night Rodeo, immediately following play.

Sunday, April 15: Encompass Insurance Pro-Am of Tampa Bay Round 3: 9: 15 am; 18th Green Ceremony with a Special Presentation by the US Military, following play. 
 
The Tampa Bay Pro-Am Foundation, Inc. has built a legacy of giving back significantly to the community through this event. . In the past twenty-four years, the tournament has contributed over $9 million to area charities. The 2012 recipients are Homeless Emergency Project-HEP (with funds supporting the Campaign to Bring Our Veterans All the Way Home) and the USF Foundation in memory of Lee Roy Selmon.

This is the perfect way to spend a weekend outdoors with friends and family. Head on over to TPC Tampa Bay to be a part of of this fun event for a great cause! For ticket information, click here.

Have a wonderful weekend! Check back with us often for more information on Things To Do In Tampa Bay!

Hi everyone. We're excited to have a guest blog today by Joe Laing with El Monte RV Rentals!  Here you go:

Whether you are planning a family RV vacation to Tampa Bay or have Tampa on your Florida itinerary and plan to fly in to take in the sights, there is high adventure waiting for you in this exciting city. Sometimes even Tampa residents get so involved in their workaday world, they forget there are so many things for the whole family to do right at home.

Of course, you can't neglect the most important attractions in town. The first family adventure should be the famous Busch Gardens. This theme park has rides, shows and plenty of animal exhibits. Take the sky lift ride and get a unique view of the wildlife. Another must-see is Serengeti Safari at Busch Gardens, an unforgettable trip of over 65 acres of African Plain where you'll enjoy getting up close and personal with zebras, ostriches and much more.
 
When you love animals and sea life, Tampa Bay is the place to come. The Florida Aquarium offers an educational and interactive experience with touch tanks that allow kids to get "hands-on" with fascinating creatures. They also provide a Wild Dolphin Cruise so you can see some amazing dolphins in their natural habitat – Tampa Bay.

Something tells me it's all happening at the zoo, and Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo is no exception. Visit this highly rated zoo! The animals will love it if you do. The Big Cat Rescue is worth a visit, too. This is a large sanctuary dedicated to big cats, with over 100 lions, cougars and more.

Be sure to take the family to see the Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center just south of Tampa. If visiting from November through April, you'll see manatees, an endangered species that finds love and attention here. Other times of the year, you can play games, see the butterfly gardens and experience a hurricane simulator. Best of all is the free admission.

Adventure Island has 30 acres of water rides, and if you desire a day of swimming in a giant wave pool, playing in waterfalls or rushing down a corkscrew slide, you'll love it here. The Florida sun isn't quite as ferocious when you visit this theme park.

The historic neighborhood of Ybor City is a wonderful place to soak up some interesting history. One of the best ways to absorb that history is to engage in the Secret City Walks, where you stick those headphones on your head and get a self-guided audio tour. This experience really brings the ghosts of Ybor City to life for the whole family.

No matter if you have an RV camper or car, you will find it extremely rewarding to drive over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, keeping an eye out for the dolphins that often appear in the water below. Great views are yours to behold from this marvelous bridge. You can also fit in some fishing from the nearby pier. Make it a point to stop at Bayshore Boulevard, a sidewalk that has the claim to fame of being the longest sidewalk in the world. Winding along the bay, you will truly enjoy the 4.5-mile stroll.

Love to visit parks and take part in many different outdoor activities? Lettuce Lake Park offers canoe rentals, fishing, hiking and a lovely path to take a bicycle. Another popular park to take a nice little trek through the woods is Al Lopez Park, 132 acres of great wildlife and a pond where you can throw in a line.

Speaking of canoeing, the perfect place to get away from the crowds is Hillsborough River State Park. Once you move away from the main picnic area, you will get some solitude and relaxation in the fragrant woods. This state park has an RV campground as well as tent camping. Hiking is great here too. Of course, if you prefer the beach you can take the Courtney Campbell Causeway over to Clearwater, and make your way right to Clearwater Beach. Walk out on the pier and enjoy the fresh salt air. The sand is clean and white.

Once back in Tampa, you may wish to see some of the museums in the city. There are many, but you can get a unique view of some of Tampa history at the Henry B. Plant Museum, once an opulent hotel where Teddy Roosevelt and Babe Ruth stayed. Another site you shouldn't miss if the Museum of Science and Industry, with over 450 hands-on activities that the kids will love.

Yes, Tampa offers much adventure for any family, whether exploring on an RV vacation or touring by car.

About the Author
Joe Laing is the Marketing Director for El Monte RV Rentals. You can see more great RV vacation ideas in their Monty's Musings RV Travel Blog. Be sure to check their Florida Rentals page for a luxury motorhome for a Florida vacation adventure.

Hello there again college hockey fans! Jerm back here with another update on all things NCAA Frozen Four Hockey in Tampa Bay! As you already know, this year's installment of the NCAA Frozen Four will held at our very own Tampa Bay Times Forum.

The Tampa Bay Times Forum, is Florida’s premier entertainment venue and home of the 2004 Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning and Five-Time Arena Football Champion Tampa Bay Storm!

What you also may not have known that the Tampa Bay Times Forum has recently under went a 40 million dollar transformation! As a Frozen Four College Hockey Fanatic, you'll get to see and experience all of these amenities first hand next Thursday and Saturday as you watch your team's battle it out on the ice!

To wet your whistle a bit before the puck drops, here are 5 quick cool, quick facts about the new Tampa Bay Times Forum:

As you can see, when it comes to the fan experience, the folks over at the Tampa Bay Times Forum have you the fan top of mind! Of course you know however, that there are even more new cool things going on at the Forum, and we'll be back later with another post to tell you more about those features!

All of these great enhancements are part of the Tampa Bay is New Now initiative! For more information, visit www.TampaBayIsNewNow.com to learn more. That's all for now folks, but keep checking back in for more college hockey updates!

Hi Tampa Bay, Alex here to let you know that the Gasparilla Music Festival is coming to the area this spring!

The Gasparilla Music Festival will celebrate the best of Tampa Bay’s diverse music scene, highlighting local emerging acts to nationally recognized headliners.  This festival will attract over 20,000 music enthusiasts and young professionals to downtown Tampa.

A  press conference for this festival will be taking place on Tuesday, February 7th at 10 a.m. on the Tampa Museum of Art Terrace. At this press conference, the GMF Board Members will be announcing the date of the festival, sponsors, vendor details and event information.
 
So... stay tuned for more information on the Gasparilla Music Festval.

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

Hi Tampa Bay, Alex here to let you know that the Tampa Bay Pro-Am has selected the Homeless Emergency Project (HEP) as its first charity beneficiary for the April 2012 Tournament 

The Homeless Emergency Project’s mission has been to provide homeless and very low income individuals and families with housing, food, clothing and support services necessary to obtain self-sufficiency and improved quality of life.

**The second charity will be announced at a later date.** 
 
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.
 
Check back with us often for more information on the 2012 Tampa Bay Pro-Am and for more information on Tampa Bay Sports.

Have a wonderful evening!

Hey everyone!  Travis back with another update about some great things to do in Tampa Bay.  Of course I love the entire area, but one of our most unique areas is historic Ybor City.  And they are kicking the New Year off the right way...with a ton of Tampa Bay area events! 

So, we wanted to bring the highlights of what's happening in Ybor City in January.  Here you go:

January 5 - 26, 2012
Gil DeMeza Exhibition
Hillsborough Community College’s Ybor Campus Art Gallery presents a solo exhibition by Professor Emeritus of the University of Tampa, Gil DeMeza. The gallery and exhibition are free and open to the public.
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. most weekdays | HCC Ybor City, Performing Arts Building, Palm Ave & 15th Street, www.hccfl.edu/yc/art-gallery.aspx

Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Community Redevelopment Agency Board Meeting
Members of the Tampa City Council sitting as the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) will hold a special meeting in Ybor City this month to hear community comments about development service and issues affecting Ybor City.
6 p.m. | HCC Ybor City Campus, Ybor Building, Ybor Room, 2001 N. 14th Street, Tampa

Saturday, January 14
Ybor Art Association Open House
Meet member artists at the Ybor Art Association open house.
6 - 9 p.m. | Ybor Art Colony, 1523 ½ E. 7th Ave, Tampa | www.yborart.org

Wednesday, January 17, 2012
MLK: A Dream Set in Stone
Celebrate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy with words of inspiration from Dr. Shawn Robinson, and keynote speaker LTC Craig Myatt. The event will also include staff, faculty and student performances.
11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. | HCC Ybor City Campus, Ybor Building, Ybor Room, 2001 N. 14th Street, Tampa

Artist Reception: Gil DeMeza
Gil DeMeza, Professor Emeritus of the University of Tampa, is featured in a solo exhibition at Hillsborough Community College’s Ybor Campus Art Gallery throughout January. Join DeMeza for a reception and gallery talk. The gallery and exhibition are free and open to the public.
5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. | HCC Ybor City, Performing Arts Building, Palm Ave & 15th Street, Tampa www.hccfl.edu/yc/art-gallery.aspx

Thursday, January 19
Bay Area Concierge Association Meeting
Members of Bay Area Concierge Association (BACA) are invited to experience Ybor City at their January meeting.
6 - 8:30 p.m. | Don Vicente de Ybor Inn, 1915 Avenida Republica De Cuba, Tampa | www.bayareaconcierge.com

Friday, January 20
Emerge Tampa Bay’s Invasion 2012
Celebrate "A Night At The Oscars" with Tampa Bay's rising. Professionals of all ages are invited to network with Tampa Bay's premier young professionals and enjoy entertainment, drinks, delectable food, a photo booth, dancing, and more. 
7:30 - 10 p.m. | The Ritz Ybor, 1503 E. 7th Ave, Tampa | www.EmergeTampa.org/invasion

Saturday, January 21
Gasparilla Children’s Parade
The annual Tampa event features a pre-schoolers stroll, parade, fireworks and precision parachute jump from the United States Special Operations Command Jump Team.
11 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. |  along Bayshore Boulevard | www.gasparillaextravaganza.com  

Sunday, January 22, 2012
Chamber Music Series with Bryce Westervelt
HCC Visual and Performing Arts presents Schubert’s Die Schone Mullerin: The Complete song cycle by Franz Schubert to Poems by Wilhelm Muller with Bryce Westervelt, tenor and Timothy McReynolds, piano.
3:00 p.m. | HCC Ybor City, Performing Arts Building, Main Stage Theater (second floor), Palm Ave and 15th Street, Tampa
http://www.hccfl.edu/YC.aspx

January 27-29
Gancho Tampa
Proceeds from the multi-day festival benefit Metro Wellness & Community Centers, St. Pete Pride and GaYBOR District Coalition.
various venues, including The Ritz YBOR and Ampitheatre
www.ganchotampa.com

Saturday, January 28
Mafia Tour by Cigar City Magazine
Scott M. Deitche, author of Cigar City Mafia and The Silent Don: The Criminal Underworld of Santo Trafficante Jr., will take an intimate group on a two hour stroll to old gambling palaces, street corners where some mobsters met their demise, and restaurants where wise guys like famed boss Santo Trafficante Jr. held court. Tickets must be purchased by January 26.
5:30 p.m. | King Corona Cigars, 1523 East 7th Avenue, Tampa
www.CigarCityMagazine.com/shop

Gasparilla Invasion and Pirate Fest
An annual Tampa tradition, the 2012 Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest features the historic Gasparilla Invasion and Parade of the Pirates presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, and the Gasparilla Pirate Fest Street Festival.
11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. | along Bayshore Boulevard, Davis Island, downtown Tampa, Harbour Island
www.Gasparillapiratefest.com

As you can see, the fun starts today, so make sure you mark your calendars and get out to experience historic Ybor City.  Have a great time and we'll see you back here for more Tampa Bay Entertainment options. 

Hi Tampa Bay, Alex here to share some art news with you.

The Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts will be returning to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in downtown Tampa on March 3 - 4, 2012.

The Gasparilla Festival of the Arts Emerging Artist Program will provide up-and-coming artists who are interested in pursuing a professional career in visual arts with the opportunity to showcase their work to the more than 100,000 art enthusiasts who are expected to attend.

Artists who are selected for the Emerging Artist Program will exhibit free of charge, and will be provided with an individual display tent as well as a $250 expense allowance.

Emerging artists will not compete for prize money against artists in the main show. However, their artwork will be juried by a festival juror of national prominence, and each artist will be eligible to receive the $1,000 Robert and Elizabeth Sanchez Emerging Artist Award.

The winner of the 2012 Emerging Artist Program will also be exempt from the jury selection process for the 2013 festival and will receive an automatic invite to participate in the main show. 

The application deadline is January 12, 2012. For more information, the list of rules and to submit an application, please visit www.gasparilla-arts.com/emerging.htm.

Good luck to all of the artist participating.

Check back often for more information on Arts and culture in Tampa Bay!

• Have a Game Plan - Check out www.premiumoutlets.com before you shop for a center map, sales information and all the details you need to determine your plan-of-attack.  Knowing ahead of time will make shopping less overwhelming when you hit the center on Black Friday.  Also, be sure to check for off-site parking lots in case the main ones are full.   Establish your gift list in advance and be sure to include plenty of special items for yourself – your deserve it.
• Look for the QR Code -  Premium Outlets will be utilizing QR codes for the first time for this sale event providing shoppers with a sneak peak of sales during the big event.  QR codes will be available in newspaper ads as well as on site posters and materials.   The information will be updated on mobile pages on a continual basis and the most comprehensive list of sales will be available during the event. 
• Take Advantage of Extra Perks - Sign up for FREE for the VIP Shopper Club at www.premiumoutlets.com/vip to receive exclusive on-line coupons, a voucher for a free Coupon Book, insider news and info, shopping tips and more.
• Timing is Everything -  Many stores offer extra savings as an incentive for early shoppers but if getting up early is not your forte, shop later in the day - it's a great time to avoid some of the larger crowds.  Some stores will be opening even before midnight on Thanksgiving and the sale doesn't end on Black Friday. Saturday and Sunday will offer great sales as well!  Check the website for details.
• Create a Black Friday Survival Kit - Arm yourself with everything you’ll need to make your shopping experience pleasant.  Be sure to pack emergency snacks including power bars, bottled water as well as practical items such as a digital music player, book or magazine to help pass the time while braving long lines.
• Dress for the Occasion - Pick an outfit that's comfortable, stylish and practical. Wear layers so you can easily try on other pieces over your own tank or tee. The right shoes matter, so wear shoes or boots that slide on and off easily and are comfortable enough for navigating through the center and make waiting in long lines a breeze. 
• Shop with People who Love to Shop - Shopping this weekend is not for the meek and timid.  It is power shopping at its best.  Do it is best to shop with people who also love to shop and enjoy the thrill of the hunt.  Tag team, text what each of you are finding, have one person stand in line for your favorite store while the other person shops. 
• Make Friends with People in Line -  A spirit of camaraderie will not only make the long wait more pleasant, it can also be great if you’re shopping alone and need someone to hold your place in line while you take a quick bathroom break.
  
  
• Be Social -  Black Friday is no longer confined to the Thanksgiving Day paper.  Stores will post information and offer extra discounts on their Facebook and Twitter page.  Follow Premium Outlets on Twitter @premiumoutlets and Facebook:  facebook.com/premiumoutlets for the inside scoop on deals, store openings and more.  Plus, take this opportunity to brag about your find to the world. 
• Don’t Hesitate - If you see it and love it, buy it because it will be gone soon.  Merchandise sells fast and the item may never be sold again, especially during the After-Thanksgiving Weekend Sale when the deals are unbeatable.
• Bring Your Game Face - And…your sense of humor, your patience and your wallet. Smile your way through the crowds and enjoy the thrill of the hunt.  It only takes place once a year and you know you'll be bragging about your savings for the next 364 days. 
• Stick to a Budget - When shopping for yourself, take an inventory of what is already in your closet and buy only what you truly need. When shopping for gifts, know how much you want to spend on each person beforehand.

Good afternoon everyone, I hope you are having a wonderful day so far.  Alex here to let you know that the Arts on 19th St. will be celebrating its last event in Tampa on November 5, 2011.

You won't want to miss this event, so head on over to Singing Stone, on 8th Avenue in Historic Ybor City, for the last Art on 19th St. on November 5th, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
 
*Local original music by John Asumendi will be featured as well as fine art jewelry designs by Tampa's own, Dan Balk*

Art on 19th St. offers the chance to purchase one-of-a-kind hand-made art that was created on site. Many buyers have the ability to request custom pieces.

Singing Stone has opened its doors to the local art community providing a free platform for emerging artists, crafters and musicians during Art on 19th St. Not only does the 'Casa de ART' support 45+ local and regional award winning artists inside the gallery, but on the first Saturday of each month of the past year, they have invited artists to participate and have promoted local business participation. Each artist has demonstrated their medium during this live art event. 

Come show your support and bring a friend to Singing Stone's last Art on 19th St. event on Saturday, November 5th.  (this event is free admission and parking.)

Enjoy the rest of your day and check back with us often for more  Tampa Bay Arts and Culture news.

Hello everyone, are you in need of a nice night out? If so,  Alex here with some information on a great perfomance taking place this July. 

Dancers from around the country will be performing in Next Generation Ballet at the Patel Conservatory/Straz Center for the Performing Arts will hold a performance entitled Summer Fantasy on Friday, July 29, at 7 p.m. in Ferguson Hall.

Guest artists from the Boston Ballet and Trey McIntyre Project will headline the performance, along with 150 advanced pre-professional ballet students from around the United States. The program will display classical ballet standard pieces alongside cutting-edge contemporary work. This exciting showcase will feature some of the finest emerging talent in the nation alongside leading American dancers.

Guest artists Jeffrey Cirio, Lia Cirio and Dylan G-Bowley will perform with the students, who are studying dance at the Patel Conservatory during a five-week summer intensive program. Lia Cirio is a principal dancer with Boston Ballet, and her brother, Jeffrey, is Boston Ballet’s youngest soloist and winner of several international dance awards including the prestigious “Princess Grace of Monaco Award.” G-Bowley, a graduate of the Juilliard School, is a dancer with the contemporary dance company, Trey McIntyre Project.

The Next Generation Ballet’s Summer Fantasy will be performed Friday, July 29, at 7 p.m. in Ferguson Hall at theStraz Center for the Performing Arts.
 
Regularly priced tickets start at $15 and may be purchased by calling 813.229.STAR (7827) or 800.955.1045 outside Tampa Bay, in person at the Straz Center Ticket Office or online at www.strazcenter.org.

Have a wonderful day and check back with us often for more information on fun Things To Do In Tampa Bay!

Hi everyone.  Travis here with some more exciting news about arts and culture in Tampa Bay.  Nearly 200 serious student ballet dancers from around the country and England will begin a five-week summer intensive at the Patel Conservatory today!  

This five-week Next Generation Ballet at the Patel Conservatory/Straz Center for the Performing Arts summer intensive follows a two-week junior summer intensive, in which 99 students from around the Tampa Bay area participated. 

Dancers are coming from England, as well as New York, Texas, Missouri, Minnesota, Connecticut, Wisconsin and several other states to study ballet with some of the country’s finest dance instructors and to perform with professional ballet dancers from Boston Ballet and Trey McIntyre Project.

And the attendees get to do a lot more than just dance!  Students generally will study ballet Mondays through Saturdays, with Sundays reserved for fun-filled excursions such as trips to the beach, Busch Gardens, Islands of Adventure, Disneyworld, Adventure Island and the Broadway show Mama Mia at the Straz Center.

Next Generation Ballet at the Patel Conservatory/Straz Center for the Performing Arts recently was awarded the distinction of “Outstanding School” at the world’s largest student ballet competition, the international Youth America Grand Prix in New York City.

On Friday, July 29, at 7 p.m. in Ferguson Hall, students from the intensive program will perform Summer Fantasy with guest artists Lia Cirio and Jeffrey Cirio from Boston Ballet and Dylan G-Bowley from Trey McIntyre Project. The program will display classical ballet standard pieces alongside cutting-edge contemporary work. This exciting showcase will feature some of the finest emerging talent in the nation alongside leading American dancers.

Regularly priced tickets to Summer Fantasy start at $15 and may be purchased by calling 813.229.STAR or 800.955.1045 outside Tampa Bay, in person at the Straz Center Ticket Office or online at www.strazcenter.org.

There is going to be some great Tampa Bay Entertainment, so take advantage now!  And keep checking back here for more great things to do in Tampa Bay. 

Hey everyone.  Travis back with something everyone should attend.  We are coming up on Hurricane Season, and MOSI is hosting their annual Hurricane Expo!  In case you've never attended this event before, it's a great resource as we prepare for Hurricane Season.  Take a look at the details -

It all happens on Saturday, May 21, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The Hurricane Expo is an event produced in conjunction with the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County and it serves to inform and educate the public on the importance of making plans in preparation for any emergency in a fun, family-oriented environment. 

This year’s theme focuses on the Tampa Bay Hurricane of 1921 and will feature photos from that storm, how technology has changed since then and how a storm like that could affect us today.   

The expo will feature multiple vendors who provide either hurricane protection and/or survival products or services to the community.  In addition to the vendor booths, MOSI will have a meteorologist panel for two Q & A sessions featuring our very own local TV meteorologists.  For the children, there will be a bouncy house and balloon animal making. 

While visiting the Hurricane Expo, there are many other fun exhibits at MOSI for guests to experience.  Visitors can experience what it feels like to endure 75 mph hurricane force winds in the Gulf Coast Hurricane exhibit located outside at MOSI.  Another great educational opportunity for guests to learn more about natural disasters is Disasterville.  Disasterville is located on the second floor of MOSI and features 10,000 square feet of interactive exhibits and immersion theaters on the science behind natural disasters including hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, wild fires and much more! 

The Hurricane Expo is free admission and there are discounted rates on this day to visit MOSI including $5 group rates and $8 for MOSI exhibit galleries and a standard IMAX film.  There's a ton of stuff to participate in, so make your plans now! 

And of course, keep checking back here for more great things to do in Tampa Bay and other Tampa Bay area events. 

• $5 IMAX Dome film and a popcorn -May 7 - Purchase one ticket to a standard IMAX Dome film* and one popcorn for only $5. *Exact film title to be determined. Check our Special Offers section on mosi.org for updates.

• $5 Mother's Day - May 7 & 8 - Bring mom to MOSI on Saturday, May 7 or Sunday, May 8 and she gets in for only $5!

• $5 Cafe Special - May 14 - Take a break during your visit to MOSI and enjoy the Cafe's Daily Special for only $5 - made fresh daily by Tampa's own Chef John Sellers of Chef Images.

• $5 off all memberships- May 21 - Enjoy MOSI all year long with $5 off on all memberships.

• $5 Memorial Day weekend -May 28-30 - All active and retired military personnel, EMTs, firefighters and police officers, with valid ID, are entitled to $5 admission in observance of Memorial Day. Additional family members and guests will receive $5 off any admission ticket (up to six people).

• $5 Ride Pass -May 28 - Enjoy one ride on the simulator and use of the Astronaut Training Adventure and EVAC Slide all day for only $5.