Tampa Bay Emergency Management

• 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...

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 Tampa Bay, Alex here to let you know what is going on around the area this weekend. If you are looking for something fun to do, you have come to the right place!

Carnival Couture - August 14, 2010
The Ritz Ybor presents a captivating collection of Tampa Bay's most provocative, show-stopping performers from the wild and sexy to the graceful and powerful.
Venue: The Ritz Ybor, Tampa, FL
Time: 7:00p

Thai One On For the Tigers- August 14, 2010
Come spend a wonderful evening and support the tigers and other animals at Elmira's Wildlife Sanctuary while we celebrate the birthdays of our two youngest tigers, Cort and Lexi! Admission includes:* Authentic Thai Dinner* One year membership to Elmira's* Live music from Code Blues Band* A twilight tour of the animal's sanctuaryTickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Check out http://www.elmiraswildlife.org/ for more info!
Address: 13910 Seminole Trail, Wimauma, FL 33598
Times: 4-8 pm
Admission: $25 in advance, $30 at the door

Dance World's Back-To-School Health, Fun and Fitness Expo- August 14, 2010
Dance World Announces Health, Fun & Fitness EXPO Tampa, FL – August 5, 2010. Dance World will hold a FREE back-to-school Health, Fun and Fitness Expo on Saturday, August 14 from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the University Mall, 2200 East Fowler Avenue (located on 2nd level, parking garage food court entrance, near movie theaters). Free health screenings will be given including BMI, cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar screenings. Additionally, there will be give-aways, entertainment and healthy food samples. This event will feature interactive demonstrations on “How to Eliminate Pain, Stress and the Effects of Aging” by internationally-renowned expert Dr. Ramon Nunez. Entertainment will include a salsa show, free dance lessons and performances by professional competitive dancers. A special musical performance will be given by singer-model-actress-TV host Ann Poonkasem aka Ann P. www.annponline.com. Sponsorships and vendor tables are available. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Faces of Courage Foundation, Inc., a charity that helps children with cancer. www.facesofcourage.org Come join in the fun and dance for a better world. About Dance World Dance World is a full service dance fitness studio featuring a large selection of popular dances from Salsa to Hip Hop with professional instructors. A fun and hip alternative to the gym, dance fitness combines the benefits of exercise with the fun of dance and music. Dance world offers a full array of dance fitness programs, including weekly classes, children’s lessons, corporate events, work-life programs, special events and health-wellness programs. No contracts, no monthly fees, student discounts. HABLAMOS ESPANOL. For more information, visit www.DanceWorldTampa.com.
Address: 2200 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33612
Times: 12pm - 5pm
Admission: FREE

Tampa Bay Storm Playoffs vs. Orlando Predators – August 14, 2010
The number three (#3) seed Tampa Bay Storm will host the number four (#4) seed Orlando Predators in the American Conference Championship Game Saturday, August 14 at the St. Pete Times Forum with kickoff at 7:30pm.  The winner goes on to the ArenaBowl!
 
Don’t miss the American Conference Final with individual game tickets starting at $15.
 
PREGAME FESTIVITIES BEGIN AT 4:30 PM!
Storm players walk the red carpet & greet fans!
Kids Activities, games, arts and crafts & Live Music!
$3 Draft Specials at Shots & Free Hot Dogs on Plaza (4:30pm – 5:30pm)
Venue: St. Pete Times Forum
Time: 4:30pm


Rocky Horror Picture Show Live – August 14-15, 2010
"Rocky Horror Picture Show" will be performed by a local live cast of The Cheap Little Punks at the Tampa Pitcher Show. The show is preformed every other weekend on Friday and Saturday nights. The theater offers a full liquor bar and a full menu.
Time: Sat- 11:30pm, Sun- 2:30p
Venue: Tampa Pitcher Show


"Strolling In A Perfect Paradise" – August 14, 2010
The Henry B. Plant Museum presents "Strolling In A Perfect Paradise." The gardens of the 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel were touted as the most exotic in the country. This exhibit will showcase the splendor of the gardens within the context of landscape design in the 19th century. Oversized projected images will give guests the sense of truly experiencing the once-magnificent grounds. It will also feature historic images from brochures, newspapers, negative slides, and photographs, along with original decorative pieces and, in the current garden, historic garden markers.
Time: 10:00a to 5:00p
Venue:  Henry B. Plant Museum
Price: adults $10, seniors 65 and older and students $7, children 4-12 $5

"Obscured by Time: The Magic of Florida" – August 14, 2010
Tampa Bay History Center presents the exhibition "Obscured by Time: The Magic of Florida," featuring the art of Hermann Trappman. The exhibit details the natural history of Florida through Trappman's compelling paintings, artifact replicas, fossils, and examples of the resources utilized by ancient Native Americans.
Time: 5:00p
Venue: Tampa Bay History Center

"Dog Sees God: Confessions Of A Teenage Blockhead" – August 14, 2010
Jobsite Theater presents "Dog Sees God: Confessions Of A Teenage Blockhead" in Tampa. Teens struggling with sex, death and identity. A play by Bert Royal and directed by David M. Jenkins.
When CB's dog dies from rabies, CB begins to question the existence of an afterlife. His best friend is too burnt out to provide any coherent speculation. His sister has gone goth. His ex-girlfriend has recently been institutionalized and his other friends are too inebriated to give him any sort of solace. But a chance meeting with an artistic kid, the target of this group's bullying, offers CB a peace of mind and sets in motion a friendship that will push teen angst to the very limits. Drug use, suicide, eating disorders, teen violence, rebellion and sexual identity collide and careen toward an ending that's both haunting and hopeful.
Time: 8:00p
Venue: David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts
Price: $24.50

CATS: At the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts – August 14-15, 2010
There's no better way to introduce your family to the wonders of live theater than with the magic, the mystery, the memory of CATS. What began as a musical about cats after Andrew Lloyd Webber picked up a book of poems in an airport bookshop has become one of the longest running shows in Broadway's history. Winner of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, CATS features 20 of Andrew Lloyd Webber's timeless melodies, including the hit song, "Memory."
Venue: David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts (formerly TBPAC)
Times: Sat. 2 and 8 p.m., Sun. 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Turn up the Volumn - Curtis and Kocab Benefit Concert- August 15, 2010
Benefit concert for the memorial funds for Officer Curtis and Officer Kocab. Live entertainment, balloon artists, face painters, palm readers, hand writing analysis’s and so much more. Come down and support the cause!
Address: 615 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL 33602
Times: 3pm-9pm
Admission: FREE

Goo Goo Dolls – August 15, 2010
Time: 8:00p
Venue: Florida State Fairgrounds: 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheater (formerly Ford Amphitheatre)

Ongoing Events:
August Double Dino Days
MOSI Presents- CSI: The Experience
Summer Nights at Busch Gardens- Ending August 15, 2010
Island Nights at Adventure Island- Ending August 15, 2010
Play & Dine All Day at Busch Gardens- Ticket sales end on September 6, 2010

Hey Tampa Bay, Alex here to tell you about the chef’s responsible for creating some of the fabulous dishes that will be featured during Tampa’s Restaurant Week. 

Tampa Bay is home to a long list of prestigious chefs, known for preparing a variety of fabulous food! Below is a list of a few that will be participating in Tampa’s Restaurant Week.

Kiel Lombardo- Executive Chef, Roy's Tampa
Growing up in upstate New York, Kiel Lombardo watched his uncle and father dish out a nightly feast for their big Italian family. At the age of 15, Kiel took his first job as a prep cook at a local Italian bistro. He later went on to earn a degree in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management at New Hampshire College, and now he is the Executive Chef at Roy’s Tampa. Kiel is responsible for overseeing the menu that features Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine.


Jason Maddens- Executive Chef, Jackson's Bistro
Jason Maddens left his studies in Aerospace Engineering at West Virginia University in 2003 to pursue a career in cooking. Upon graduation from Washington D.C.'s prestigious L' Academie de Cuisine, in Gaithersburg, Maryland, he began his training at 2941 Restaurant in Washington D. C, becoming a sous chef after two years. Leaving the D. C. area in 2007, his travels have taken him to every corner of the European continent, as well as his own country. Chef Madden’s newest tenure has begun at downtown Tampa’s well-know Jacksons Bistro, Bar & Sushi. A sous chef since April 2008, Chef Jason has recently assumed control of the 20,000 square foot facility as Executive Chef.


Marty Blitz- Owner/Proprietor/Head Chef, Mise En Place
As a young adult, New York native Marty Blitz owner and head chief, apprenticed under European-trained Master Chef Milos Cihelka at the Golden Mushroom, a well-known restaurant outside Detroit, through the prestigious American Culinary Federation. Blitz's career actually began though, at age 12 when he started working in his neighborhood Jewish delicatessen. Blitz has since spent his nearly 30 years in the industry expanding a culinary repertoire that now includes the Southeast’s many cultures and flavors. Under his guidance Mise en Place’ expanded both its catering business and its in-house capabilities growing from  six-table diner in 1986 to its current evolution as a full-service restaurant seating up to 240 people and preparing as many as a 1,000 meals in an evening.



Gabriel Silva- Executive Chef, The Palm Restaurant
Executive Chef, Gabriel Silva was born in Montevideo, Uruguay. He moved to South Florida where he attended Florida Culinary Institute in Palm Beach County and graduated at the top of his class in 1992. While in Palm Beach, Chef Gabriel worked as an Executive Sous Chef for 4 and 5 star hotels such as the Palm Beach Gardens Marriott, Sheraton City Place and The Breakers Hotel. Gabriel he joined the Palm team as Sous Chef in 2004 and was promoted to Executive Chef in January 2008.


Fabrizio Schenardi- Executive Chef, Pelagia Trattoria
Fabrizio Schenardi, executive chef of the Tampa Bay fine dining restaurant Pelagia Trattoria, first honed his culinary and pastry skills while studying and training in Italy, where he learned the essence of Italian cuisine. A native of Rivoli, Italy, Schenardi incorporates flavors from his homeland into many of his most popular dishes at our Tampa Airport Restaurant. Diners enjoy his creativity daily at Pelagia Trattoria, a one-of-a-kind Tampa Bay fine dining experience that adjoins the Four Diamond- rated Renaissance Tampa Hotel International Plaza.



Kory Foltz- Chef de Cuisine, Oystercatchers 
Kory Foltz has been in the foodservice industry for over 15 years, five of which has been with Hyatt Corporation. Prior to accepting the position as Chef de Cuisine at Oystercatchers, his work at the Grand Hyatt Tampa has included Chef de Cuisine Petey Brown's, acting Banquet Chef, as well as working in every outlet of the hotel.

 

Shane Schaibly-Director of Food and Beverage, The Melting Pot
Shane Schaibly is the Director of Food and Beverage for The Melting Pot restaurants. On the culinary side, Shane is responsible for overseeing the research and development and cost planning for all of The Melting Pot’s menu offerings.  He creates and assists in the procurement of all new menu items for The Melting Pot’s signature Big Night Out menu, which changes every March and September and is loosely themed around a different region of the world each time.  He works closely with The Melting Pot’s vendor partners and research and development chefs to ensure that the fondue chain is putting out more than exceptional food every time!


Chad Johnson- Executive Chef, SideBern's
Johnson, who has been at the helm of SideBern's since 2007, has been featured in USA Today, the Tampa Tribune, Boca Raton Magazine, Florida Living Magazine and was a finalist in the 2008 Copa Jerez Sherry Pairing Competition. At SideBern’s, Johnson focuses on serving guests products that are locally sources(within an hour and a half from the restaurant) and emphasizes seasonal, premium ingredients. Her prepares them using modern cooking techniques that highlight the ingredient’s inherent flavors and this is what continues to keep guests returning.


 
Chef John Saxton- Executive Chef, Urban Culinary Cuisine
John Saxton, Executive Chef at Urban Culinary Cuisine Café, has always had a passion for great food. John was once a Chef's Apprentice, learning from Chefs from around the world, at the infamous "Windows On The World" on the 107th Floor of the World Trade Center in NYC. He was asked by Barbara Smith to assist her in developing her first restaurant, B. Smith's, located on 8th Avenue in NYC. Johns extensive career and passion for food has led him to open Urban Culinary Cuisne Café. Known simply as “Chef” by the locals, his experience has influenced the development of his own signature menu ranging from “u[scale cuisine” to “southern comfort food” to very sensual desserts.


Daniel Desmond- Executive Chef, Saddlebrook Resort
Daniel Desmond, Executive Chef at Saddlebrook Resort since 1998, is responsible for all resort restaurants, menu creation, nutritional needs for the resort's sports program and private school as well as a staff of over 70 people.
Chef Daniel is heavily involved in all aspects of the resort’s signature restaurant.  Dempsey’s Steak House, Tropics Restaurant and Lounge, The Poolside Café and Bar, The Coffee Bar, the resorts Pasty Shop, as well as the Banquet Kitchen, which prepares all banquet meals for meeting groups as well as social events at Saddlebrook.


Mark Heimann- Executive Chef, Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club 
The Vinoy Executive Chef graduated from the Kendall Culinary School in Chicago and held several culinary positions throughout the Chicago area before joining the Vinoy in May of 1995.  As the Executive Chef of the award-winning historic hotel. Mark oversees the Vinoy's five superior restaurants, each featuring its own unique ambiance and cuisine, from the resort's signature dining room of Marchand's Bar & Grill to the more casual Alfresco. Also responsible for the resort's award-winning banquet department, Chef Heimann hosts extravagant gatherings with an imaginative culinary style that has become a Vinoy trademark.

 
Jonathon Luft- Executive Chef, InterContinental Tampa
After discovering a passion for cooking while watching his grandmother growing up, Jonathan Luft has amassed over 15 years of experience cooking in luxury resorts and properties across the country. As Executive Chef at InterContinental Tampa, Luft has elevated the level of fine dining at one of Tampa’s best steak houses and the city’s newest luxury hotel. He came to Tampa to take the helm of Shula’s Steak House and InterContinental Tampa after the restaurant and hotel underwent an $18 million dollar revitalization. Luft has enjoyed re-establishing Shula’s as an area favorite serving specialties such as fresh seafood, heavenly desserts and the Shula’s Cite, which less than 2% of all steaks qualify for.




Gerado Bayona- Corporate Chef, Columbia Restaurant
Geraldo is the Corporate Chef for the Columbia Restaurant Group. He is based out of the flagship Columbia Restaurant in Tampa's Historic District of Ybor City. He was named Corporate Chef in 2005, and works closely with all the Columbia Restaurants to assure that the family's century old recipes, ingredients and food meet Columbia Restaurant's high standards while at the same time creating new recipes and keeping up with the food trends.



Ben Bowman- Executive Chef, Mitchell's Fish Market
Executive Chef Ben Bowman attended the Columbus College of Art and Design from 1996-2000 and has 15 years of experience in the restaurant business under his belt. His journey includes eight years with Cameron Mitchell Restaurants of Columbus, Ohio.



Kelly Marshall- Executive Chef, Wyndham Tampa Westshore
Executive Chef Kelly Marshall has been cooking professionally for fifteen years and has spent five of those years at the Wyndham Tampa Westshore (formerly known as the Quorum Hotel Tampa) overseeing the Blue Water Grill restaurant and catering operations for their 12,000 square feet of banquet space.


Now that you know who is responsible for cooking your food at some of Tampa’s local restaurants, why don’t you go give it a try during Tampa Bay's Restaurant Week 2010, which will be in Tampa from August 29- September 6, 2010.

Check back often for updates on Tampa Bay dining and where to eat in Tampa Bay!
 

1. Who holds the Storm single-game record for most touchdown passes with ten?
2. What team did the Storm defeat to claim their first two Arena Bowl titles?
3. What former Storm quarterback guided the team to four out of five Arena bowl titles and is one of six players in Storm history to have his number retired by the team?

Hey Tampa Bay, looking for something fun to do this weekend? Well, if so you have come to the right place. I, Alex, have created a list of fun things happening around the area this weekend!

Suncoast Business Expo- July 24, 2010
If you have never owned a business and wanted to know how, this event is for you. Seminars on tax advantages, lead generation, customer service, how to buy a franchise, how to buy and sell a private business, promotional products and more. There will be some of the top home based businesses and business opportunities in Florida giving their business briefings all in one location. Save time and money with one stop shopping. Find the Business that right for you. Doubletree Airport Hotel Convention center, 4500 West Cypress Street Tampa Fl 33607.www.suncoastbusinessexpo.com
Address: 4500 W Cypress St., Tampa, FL 33607
Times: Saturday and Sunday 9-5
Admission:  $10

The Devine Equine III *** Horses helping veterans- July 24, 2010
Celebrate the healing power of horses while viewing beautiful equestrian art created by local artists at Great Art & Frame. Proceeds from sales help support Quantum Leap Farm's therapeutic equestrian programs, which now include equine assisted self exploration as well as therapeutic riding and carriage driving. Your participation will help disabled veterans, civilian adults, and children receive the benefits of equestrian therapy at Quantum Leap Farm.
Address: Great Art & Frame, 9906 W. Linebaugh Avenue, Tampa, FL 33626
Times: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Admission: Free

Metrocon- July 24, 2010
Celebration of Japanese popular entertainment, including anime (animation), manga (comics), J-pop and J-rock music, cosplay (costume design and performance) and video games. Also includes a film festival and Fantasy Masquerade.
Address: 333 S Franklin St., Tampa, FL 33602
Times: Noon
Price: $10-$55

Surf & Turf, Wine & Dine – July 25, 2010
Come into Charley’s Steak House this season and choose from a summer-exclusive Surf & Turf menu with sommelier-chosen wine pairings for each course. Our specialized menu offers the highest quality turf items with the freshest seafood available, paired with exotic wine from across the globe. Patrons can indulge in this Surf & Turf, Wine & Dine summer feature with the number one rated restaurants in all of Orlando, according to Orlando Magazine.
Venue: Charley's Steakhouse

The Music Man- July 24, 2010
The CCC Community Theatre will present Meredith Willson’s The Music Man on Friday, July 23 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, July 24 at 3 pm.
The Music Man is a musical with book, music, and lyrics by Meredith Willson. The show is based on a story by Willson and Franklin Lacey. The plot concerns con man Harold Hill, who poses as a boys' band organizer and leader, and sells band instruments and uniforms to naive townsfolk before skipping town with the cash. In River City, Iowa, prim but progressive Marian, the librarian, sees through him, but when Hill helps her younger brother, Marian begins to fall in love with Harold. Harold, in turn falling for Marian, risks being caught to win her. 
In 1957, the show became a hit on Broadway, winning five Tony Awards, including “Best Musical”, and running for 1,375 performances. The cast album won the first Grammy Award for "Best Original Cast Album". The show's success led to revivals and a popular 1962 film adaptation and a 2003 television remake. It frequently is produced by both professional and amateur theater companies.
Address: 4537 Lowell Rd., Tampa, FL 33618
Times: July 16 at 7:30 pm, Saturday, July 17 at 3 pm, Friday, July 23 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, July 24 at 3 pm
Venue: Carrollwood Cultural Center

Tampa Bay Storm vs Alabama Vipers: MillerCoors Beer Tasting- July 24, 2010
The Tampa Bay Storm and 97X invite you to a special MillerCoors Beer Tasting on the West Plaza of the St. Pete Times Forum prior to the game on Saturday, July 24 from 5:30 – 7:30pm. (Sample craft and specialty beers from our friends at MillerCoors)
Admission: $15 gets you a general admission ticket to the game, plus admission to the 2-hour pregame beer tasting.
$25 gets you a lower level end-zone ticket to the game, plus admission to the 2-hour pregame beer tasting.
If you’ve already got a ticket to the game – don’t miss out on the fun! Get your admission to the beer tasting for only $10!
Times: July 24 from 5:30 – 7:30pm
Venue: St. Pete Times Forum

Cinematic Situation “Tampa’s Premier Fashion Show” – July 24, 2010
Powered By: Vybe Nation
Time: 7:00pm
Venue: Club Skype
Age Suitability: None Specified

Tampa Bay Rowdies Vs. Miami – July 25, 2010
Address: One Steinbrenner Dr., Tampa, FL 33614
Times: 4:00 pm
Venue: New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field

Obscured by Time: The Magic of Florida" – July 25, 2010
Tampa Bay History Center presents the exhibition "Obscured by Time: The Magic of Florida," featuring the art of Hermann Trappman. The exhibit details the natural history of Florida through Trappman's compelling paintings, artifact replicas, fossils, and examples of the resources utilized by ancient Native Americans.
Venue: Tampa Bay History Center

Wisin & Yandel "La Revolución" Tour- July 25, 2010
Top-selling Latin Urban artists Wisin & Yandel are returning to the United States this summer for the second leg of their successful “La Revolución” U.S. Tour.
Address: 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL 33602
Times: 8pm
Admission: Tickets start at $40.25

Events taking place all Summer long:
Summer Nights at Busch Gardens
Play & Dine All Day at Busch Gardens
Summer Classic Movie Series
Island Nights at Adventure Island
Cyber Bowling at Pin Chasers
Kids Eat Free at Thai Thani and Oishi in Channelside

Have a fun weekend and check back next week for more information on fun Tampa Bay events and things to do in Tampa Bay!

• Sample craft and specialty beers from our friends at MillerCoors!
• $15 gets you a general admission ticket to the game, plus admission to the 2-hour pregame beer tasting.
• $25 gets you a lower level end-zone ticket to the game, plus admission to the 2-hour pregame beer tasting.
• If you’ve already got a ticket to the game – don’t miss out on the fun! Get your admission to the beer tasting for only $10!

Hey everyone.  Travis back with some great Tampa Bay Lightning news...although you usually don't get that sort of info on here...today you are! 

The Tampa Bay Lightning have acquired two-time 40-goal scorer Simon Gagne from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for defenseman Matt Walker and a fourth-round draft pick in 2011 today

Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman said, “In adding Simon to the Lightning today, we acquire a very talented player that will play along side our top forwards. With his combination of speed and skill we are excited to have him with us and grateful he was willing to waive his no movement clause. This trade not only makes us a better team in the short-term, it helps create long-term flexibility for us, which all along has been one of our top priorities.”

Gagne, 6-foot, 195 pounds, has played in 664 career NHL games, all with the Flyers, recording 259 goals, 72 power play goals, 11 shorthanded goals, 47 game-winning goals and 524 points with a career plus-143 rating. He has put together two seasons with 40 goals or more, four with 30 goals or more and seven with 20 or more. Gagne ranks ninth on the all-time Philadelphia goals list, 10th for points and 11th for power play goals. He was awarded the Bobby Clarke Trophy, given annually to the Flyers’ most valuable player, following both the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons.

A native of Ste. Foy, Quebec, Gagne was selected to the NHL All-Star Game in 2001 and 2007. He was also named to the 2000 NHL All-Rookie Team. Gagne has missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs just twice during his 11-year NHL career. He has played in 90 career Stanley Cup Playoff games, recording 32 goals and 47 points.

Gagne played in 58 games with the Flyers last season, recording 17 goals, five power-play goals, four game-winning goals and 40 points. He missed much of the first portion of the season due to injury and returned to action December 19. He amassed 16 goals and 35 points in the 49 games after he returned to the line-up. His 18:37 in average ice time ranked third among Flyers forwards.

So, let's welcome him to Tampa Bay!  And keep checking back here for other Tampa Bay Lightning updates, along with more great things to do in Tampa Bay and Tampa Bay area events.
 

Hey everyone.  Travis here with an offer you can't refuse.  We are giving away Tampa Bay Storm tickets, and you could be the lucky winner!  As usual, this will be a Facebook giveaway, so you have to be a fan of the Visit Tampa Bay Facebook page, which is at www.Facebook.com/VisitTampaBay. 

Ok, here's the deal - on Monday, July 19 at 10am, we are going to post a trivia question, and we are looking for as many answers as we can get!  Why you ask????  Becuase of all the correct answers, we will randomly pick 5 names, and those 5 people get two tickets to see the game. 

The tickets are for the Storm game being played on Saturday, July 31, so it's going to be a great weekend event.  But remember, you have to be a fan of the Visit Tampa Bay Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/VisitTampaBay.com), and then you have to be on the page at 10am on Monday, July 19 (this coming Monday), and then you have to answer the question correctly for a chance to win...that's all!!!!! 

See you then.  And don't forget to keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay and other Tampa Bay area events.
 

Hey Tampa Bay.. Alex here to let you know that for the second consecutive year, Expedia travelers rated InterContinental Tampa among the world’s best hotels on this year’s Expedia Insiders’ Select list.

The Expedia list formally recognizes individual hotels worldwide that consistently deliver excellent service, a great overall experience and a notable value. The full list represents only a small percentage of the world’s top hotels from the more than 110,000 hotel properties offered on Expedia.

The 2010 Expedia Insiders’ Select list is compiled based on the more than one million Traveler Opinions hotel reviews collected by Expedia, combined with a value rating and the local market expertise of more than 400 Expedia employees in local markets worldwide, resulting in an easy-to-browse list that provides travelers with a powerful way to find the perfect hotel using the trusted insight of other travelers like them. The list showcases the diverse selection of travel destinations and hotel properties.

InterContinental Tampa is one of more than 30 independent, upscale hotels, resorts and conference centers by Destination Hotels & Resorts, the fourth largest independent hospitality management company in the country. The AAA Four Diamond property offers a rooftop pool with spectacular views of the bay and city; a state-of-the-art fitness center; and outstanding on-site dining at the world-famous Shula’s Steak House. 

Guests can also enjoy gourmet Illy coffee products and “fare on the go” at Caffé, and an extensive cocktail menu at Shula’s No Name Lounge.

Make sure you reserve a room at one of the world’s best hotels, InterContinental Tampa,  today!  For more information and reservations, please call the InterContinental Tampa at (866)402-0758 or visit www.intercontampa.com. Check back often for more information on Tampa Bay's Attractions & Hotels! Thanks and stay tuned in for more updates on things to do in Tampa Bay from me and the rest of the Tampa Bay team!

• Ticket booth volunteers will be responsible for managing ticketing lines and being a general ambassador for tall ships.  Must be able to stand for an hour at a time.
• Ship volunteers will be responsible for managing lines, communicating wait information, stamping passports, and being a general ambassador for tall ships.  Must be able to stand for an hour at a time.

Hey Tampa Bay.. Alex here with a list of fun events and activities happening in and around the Bay Area this weekend:

1. Mary Poppins – June 4- June 6, 2010
Mary Poppins made her way into Tampa in early May, but will be heading out after this weekend. Make sure you head over to the David A. Straz. Jr. Center of Performing Arts June 3- June 6, 2010 to see the best combination of the original stories by P.L Travelers, and the beloved Walt Disney film, Mary Poppins.

 2. Taste of Pinellas- June4- June 6, 2010
The annual Taste of Pinellas returns to the Bay area at Vinoy Park on June 4th(5:00pm-10:00pm), Saturday, June 5th (11:30am-10:00pm) and Sunday, June 6th (12:00pm-7:00pm).  There will be food and import beers from a number of restaurants including Fresco's, Parkshore Grill, Courtside Grille and Crabby Bills, as well as an outdoor stage with different acts playing every night, including country star Martina McBride. If that wasn't enough, there will be plenty of games and crafts to keep everyone entertained!
This event will be located at Vinoy Park on 501 5th Avenue, NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 and will cost $5 per day on Friday and Saturday, Free on Sunday.

3. Goodwill Wedding Gown Sale- June 4, 2010
This Friday and Saturday morning the Goodwill Superstore will be hosting The Fourth Annual Goodwill Wedding Gown Gala. They will have hundreds of designer gowns on sale in all sizes and styles, with prices up to 85 percent off retail. The gowns are all new and would normally retail from $500 to $1,250. The sale begins at 6 a.m. Friday at the Goodwill Superstore, 3929 Tampa Road, Oldsmar. If brides don't find what they're looking for there, a new batch of dresses will go on sale at 6 a.m. Saturday at the Wesley Chapel Goodwill, 2390 Willow Oak Drive,Wesley Chapel.
There won't be any jewelry on sale this year, but there will be lots of bridal accessories including new garter belts, toasting glasses, guest books with quill pens, print-your-own invitation kits, picture frames, bridal shoes and veils.

4. Walk like MADD- June 4, 2010
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) will be hosting the 2010 Tampa Bay Walk MADD 5k, noncompetitive fundraising walk on Friday, June 4th. The walk begins at 7pm at the USF Campus in Tampa. For complete information and to register or donate visit WalkLikeMADD.org

5. Kris Pierce is Appearing at the Wagon Wheel Flea Market- June 5, 2010
Kris Pierce of Krispsoundz Entertainment will be appearing at the Wagon Wheel Flea Market in Pinellas Park, Florida on Saturday, June 5th. The flea market will be open from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Kris Pierce will be appearing between the hours of 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at the Wagon Wheel Flea Market 7801 Park Blvd. Pinellas Park, FL. 33781

6. Night in the Islands- June 5, 2010
On Saturday, June 5, from 6 - 11 pm, the City of Tarpon Springs will present A Night in Islands –a free event on the world famous Sponge Docks. Enjoy Greek music, dancing, dining and other activities under the stars at the Sponge Docks. The event features live music by Ellada, Greek dancing, and free lessons in tavli (Greek backgammon) offered by players from the World Tavli Association.
Address: Dodecanese Blvd. between Hope & Athens Streets, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

7. Facing the Late Victorians: Portraits of Writes and Artist from the Mark Samuals Lasner Collection- June 5, 2010
This Saturday, June5, 2010 will be the last day The Henry B. Plant Museum will hold the exhibition that examines noted Victorians through portraits. This exhibit will provide visitors with the opportunity to come face to face with famous British poets, painters, novelists, playwrights and illustrators. Admission is a suggested donation of $5 per adult, $2 for children under 12. The exhibit will be open from 10:00AM to 4:00PM at the Henry B. Plant Museum located on 401 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, Fl 33606

8. Carole King and James Taylor Tour- June 5, 2010
St. Pete Times Forum at 8:00pm

9. Tampa Bay Storm vs. Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz – June 5, 2010
St. Pete Times Forum 7:30pm

I hope you attend a few of these wonderful Tampa Bay events over the weekend.