Tampa Bay Evacuations

HART wins the State's Best "Outstanding System" Award

Thursday, November 12, 2009 by Convention Sales

Well here I am again, Linda Mummert giving you the low down on Tampa Bay's very own Hillsborough Area Regional Transit has won the title of "Outstanding Transit System" by the Florida Public Transportation Association.

HART was awarded with this prestigious honor at its recent annual conference in Jacksonville. The Outstanding Transit System award emphasizes achievement in efficiency and effectiveness, as measured by both quantitative and qualitative factors.

As part of the award process, HART submitted ridership and productivity numbers for the past three years, showing consistent growth.

Fiscal management is another important measurement, and HART demonstrated effective financial control by monitoring all related financial activities to ensure revenues, costs and cash flow are in compliance with stated objectives. In the last year, the implementation of efficiencies in various services and processes led to a savings of more than $1 million, which HART has been able to direct back into its Tampa Bay transit service.

In addition, HART's achievements in safety, operations, customer service, staff development, policy administration and marketing and community relations were considered.

The award recipients are chosen by the distinguished FPTA Organizational Awards Committee, which is comprised of the FPTA Executive Director, a representative from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), and a representative from the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) at the University of South Florida.

On another note, HART also provides door-to-door paratransit service, Travel Training. and manages the TECO Streetcar system which provides transportation to shopping in Tampa Bay, our entertainment districts in Channelside, Hyde Park and Ybor City. The streetcar is a wonderful alternative for our visitors and convention attendees to get around Tampa Bay and our local attractions.

They have won my HART and I am sure yours. Let's give our HART team a high five for winning the Best in the State Award! Over and out for now. Stay tuned for more Tampa Florida news.

What's Happening Downtown Tampa

Tuesday, November 10, 2009 by Partner Pulse

Tampa Downtown Happenings

This week in downtown Tampa:

    * Hey pasta lovers, has the Tampa Convention Center got a deal for you! If you attend Tampa Bay Meetings or just have access to the Convention Center Tampa in downtown and just can’t get enough pasta, then make sure you are at the Convention Center Tampa today (11/09) and again on Tuesday, November 17th for the United Way Pasta Luncheon. This is an “all you can eat” event. For only $6.00 you can have as much pasta as you want and know that those carbs are going to a great cause. Click here for more information.

* Mayor Iorio invites you to join her at Cotanchobee/Fort Brooke Park on Tuesday (11/10) at 10:00 a.m. for an event that will honor our armed forces. This should make the Tampa Florida News and for details, click here.

* Veterans Day will be celebrated in downtown on Tuesday (11/10) in Joe Chillura Courthouse Square. Get details about this important event by clicking here.

    * Impromptu Players of Stageworks Theatre will present a Staged Reading of “The God of Isaac.” This is a hysterical comedy by James Sherman and directed by Andrea Graham. The event will take place on Saturday (11/14) from 6:30pm & 9:00pm at Dolce Vita Lounge, Channelside Cinemas (601 Channelside Dr). Tickets are a $25.00 Contribution for general seating or $35.00 Contribution for the reserved section. For tickets call Andrea Graham at (813) 784-6832 or click here. This is a benefit for Stageworks Outreach Programs for At Risk Kids

Also in November:

    * "Aurora Borealis III", Blake's Fine Arts Open House, will take place on November 17th from 6-8 p.m. The marching band will kick off the event at 6 p.m. sharp. This magical torch-lit event will feature strolling performers and musicians in the courtyard as well as choreographed performances on stage by harpists, actors, guitarist, singers and dancers. Journalism and creative writing students will showcase their talent through the spoken word and live broadcasts. Bronzed dancers will be positioned on pedestals as living statues in the courtyard. Video and visual art imagery will be projected on the outside of the building. The gallery and visual art studios will be open to showcase student talent with demonstrations in stained glass, jewelry, photography, printmaking and ceramics. The Fine Arts Faculty will be present in the theatre lobby to answer questions about the individual magnet programs. The Urban Teaching Academy will be available to answer questions. Prospective students and their parents are welcome. The event is free and open to the public! The school is located at 1701 North Boulevard in downtown Tampa. Come to "Aurora Borealis III" and enjoy all of the offerings that this downtown magnet school has to offer!

Ah, the holidays in Tampa Bay!

    * Come experience the innocence and charm of a Victorian Christmas. Escape the commercialism and stress of a modern Christmas and capture the warmth and joy of an old-fashioned holiday with your loved ones. The Henry B. Plant Museum presents the 28th annual Victorian Christmas Stroll from December 1st to 23rd, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm daily.

* "Light Up the Night with the Downtown Tampa Florida Attractions Association’s Holiday Lighted Boat Parades on Friday, December 4th and Friday, December 18th. Parades will begin at 6:30 PM. Come watch these festively decorated boats illuminate the sky and spread holiday cheer throughout Downtown’s Channel District. The Rough Riders will be accepting Teddy Bear donations during the parade and will be the boat to beat as they light up one of their best floats in honor of this holiday tradition!

The Tampa Downtown Partnership serves as the steward of downtown Tampa, cultivating public and private partnerships, and encouraging downtown’s physical and economic development. As a proactive leadership organization, we act as an advocate for the downtown community.

The Tampa Downtown Partnership fosters Tampa’s vibrant and diverse multi-use downtown neighborhoods and plays a key role in creating a 24-hour urban center where people can learn, live, work and play. Programs such as our Clean and Safe team and our transportation initiatives make accessing and navigating Tampa's downtown an easy and enjoyable experience.

As a membership organization, we are driven to serve the Tampa downtown business community and are empowered by what each member brings to our organization. Together, we strive to improve the collective downtown Tampa community, to be an active conduit of information and resources, to promote a shared vision for Tampa’s downtown, and create and implement the plans that support that vision.

Secret Closeted Love of Musicals: My Own Wonderland

Monday, November 2, 2009 by Partner Pulse

Like many other closeted musical lovers...I rarely expose my wondrous joy at watching the Sound of Music for the fiftieth time. But occasionally a musical comes along that strikes you so directly you are unable to squash that desire to scream its name from the roof tops! The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center has produced just such a musical in Wonderland: Alice's New Musical Adventure.

Rarely does Tampa Bay Entertainment have the ability to produce such an uplifting musical performance. There are no Concerts Tampa that would even come close to rival the outpouring of emotion from Wonderland.

If you had the ability to attend this year's Tampa Bay & Company Annual Luncheon then you, like me, experienced two of the songs from this upcoming musical. It would take a Tampa Bay Evacuations for me to be anywhere but TBPAC's Ferguson Hall on December 5th. Lucky for me...that is my birthday so everyone in Tampa Bay will know to throw in and get me tickets as my present!

Yes...I admit...I was that geek in high school who LOVED theatre and truly longed to be involved professionally with any Tampa Bay Production when I grew up. Of course that was not to be but my love for the theatrical lives on and I attend as many Tampa Bay productions as I can. My most recent favorite musical was Jekyll & Hyde. Not only do I have the entire production of Jekyll & Hyde on disc but I have it memorized as well! I cry every time I hear Someone Like You.

It makes perfect sense that I would be drawn to Wonderland because they both have the same composer, Frank Wildhorn. All of Tampa, Florida will be drawn to hear the music of this man. He moves me to tears and while yes...that is not too terribly difficult I can assure you that you will be moved as well.

If you, like me, are dying for more sneak peaks at Wonderland: Alice's New Musical Adventure then come to the next Tampa Bay & Company Business By the Bay at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center on November 17th at 5:30 p.m. in Carol Morsani Hall. I promise you won't be disappointed!

Guavaween Community Meeting Next Week

Thursday, October 22, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone! Travis here. We bring you so many Tampa Bay area events that we thought we should tell you about the opportunities to get involved in them too. We just got this information from the City of Tampa.

There'll be a Guavaween Community Meeting next Wednesday, oct. 28 at 6:30pm..."In an effort to assist in making this event safe, profitable and efficient for all of us."

It'll take place at the Italian Club Cantina (that's at 1731 East 7th Avenue in Ybor City).

In case you weren't aware, Guavaween 2009 will take place Saturday, October 31 and is one of Tampa's coolest events.

If you want to take a look at some general information and rules for Guavaween, just click here.

If you need to know what streets will be closed and what vendors are participating, click here.

So, make sure you attend and have an impact on this year's Guavaween Festival.

And of course, keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay.

Free Kids on Halloween at Dinosaur World

Thursday, October 22, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone...Travis here with some Tampa Bay entertainment news you've all been waiting for. Ok, ok, ok...you may not have all been waiting for it, but it's still great news.

It's not everyday you get a chance to trick or treat with over 150 life size dinosaurs. But you can on Halloween at Dinosaur World.

Children in costume between the ages ages of 3 to 12 will receive free admission to Dinosaur World on Halloween Day. Halloween treats will also be given to all children who visit. This free admission is valid at all three locations.

For safety purposes, children must be accompanied by an adult (no kidding, right?!). This discount is valid only during business hours and is not part of any evening activities.

Free children admission covers all exhibits including the Dinosaur Walk, Fossil Dig, Prehistoric Museum, Boneyard, Movie Cave, Mammoth Garden, Skeleton Garden, Deinonychus Island, Carnivore Boardwalk and other location specific activities.

so, whether you're a kid or not, get out there and explore.

And keep checking back for more great Tampa Bay area events for Halloween, and other great things to do in Tampa Bay!

Sunset Cinema...a must attend event!

Saturday, October 17, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Travis here with some Tampa Bay entertainment that is good for the whole family. You can join the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department for a sunset movie at Medard Park in Planty City.

They are showing the famed Shrek next Sat. Oct. 24. The movie starts at 7:15pm and the gates open at 5:15pm...so get there early. Here are some Q&A for you -

WHERE CAN I PARK? Enter Medard Park at Turkey Creek Road and you will be directed to the FREE parking area by an attendant.

HOW WILL THE FILMS BE SHOWN? they project the movies on a high-quality digital rear-projection system on a giant, inflatable 50-foot wide screen. Dual, synchronized digital projectors will produce an image that is luminous and crisp, and a powerful sound system will allow guests to enjoy the movie from almost anywhere in the park.

WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE? Way before the film begins. You can arrive as early as 5:15pm for Shrek. Part of the fun will be arriving early to picnic, toss a Frisbee, people-watch and enjoy the early evening with your friends and neighbors. Prior to the film, you might even see yourself on the big screen as snapshots of guests at the park are flashed upon the screen.

WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS? The Tampa area is known for the scattered showers that are prominent during the late afternoons. The dark sky can intimidate and it may look grim for an outdoor movie, but don't let that scare you away. We will show a movie in light rain. We will only stop the show for safety reasons if there are very strong winds or lightning in the vicinity. Otherwise...the show will go on!

WHAT SHOULD I BRING? Along with your friends and family, you might want to bring blankets, compact beach or lawn chairs, your own snacks, beverages, and rain gear if the weather is iffy. If you like to toss nerf balls or Frisbees, bring them. If you like to read, bring a book to read prior to sunset and the start of the movie.

WHAT FOOD, BEVERAGES AND MERCHANDISE WILL BE AVAILABLE? Tampa Theatre will provide all Sunset Cinema concessions and merchandise booths, featuring a traditional theater concessions stand offering popcorn ($2), candy ($3) soft drinks ($2) Gatorade, bottled water ($3), and juice boxes for the kids ($1). Fun souvenirs like official Sunset Cinema Frisbees and picnic blankets will also be available. Proceeds from concessions and merchandise sales help support Tampa Theatre’s year-round artistic and educational programming, and offset the cost of producing Sunset Cinema events.

CAN I BRING MY DOG(S)? Well behaved pets are allowed as long as they are kept on a leash. Please clean up after your pets. We love our dogs just as much as you, but we will revisit our policy if pet owners are inconsiderate of others, or if the large crowds, darkness and abrupt loudness of the movies make pets disruptive to others.

HOW MUCH DO TICKETS COST? Admission is FREE!

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS? e-mail gargoyles@tampatheatre.org – "our small but intrepid staff will answer e-mail questions within 24 hours (Monday through Friday)."

So, get the friends and family ready, and go have some fun.

we'll see you here next time for more great things to do in Tampa Bay and other Tampa Bay area events.

More FREE Events!

Thursday, October 15, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone...Travis here with more, FREE, great things to do in Tampa Bay! that's right, I said FREE!

It starts with Pops in the Park! The Florida Orchestra will perform a free Pops in the Park Concert this Friday, October 16, at 7 p.m. at River Tower Park in the Sulphur Springs area of Tampa.

Attendees may bring their own picnic dinners to the concerts or purchase food from food vendors at the parks. Attendees are invited to make canned food donations to Tampa Bay Harvest’s food bank services in the Tampa Bay Area. For concert information, call 727.892.3337 or 1.800.662.7286, or visit www.floridaorchestra.org.

Next, there's a Fire Station Open House hosted by Tampa Fire Rescue and Neighborhood & Community Relations this Saturday, October 17 from 10 am to 1 pm at Station 10 in East Tampa. It's at 3108 North 34th Street. Lots of fun and great picture opportunity! So, take the kids and get out there!

We've saved one of the best for last (ok, they are all the best, but still). this one's a little far off, but start planning now...Walk with the Mayor! Mayor Pam Iorio invites you to participate for Walking with the Mayor - Keeping Tampa Fit on Saturday, November 7 at Rowlett Park (Shelter 218), located at 2501 River Hills Drive.

Mayor Iorio initiated Walking with the Mayor – Keeping Tampa Fit in 2005 and walks are held twice a year. The goal of the walks is to encourage citizens throughout Tampa to incorporate additional physical activity into their lifestyles for better health.

For more information, just contact the Tampa Parks and Recreation Department at (813) 274-8615.

So, get out, have fun, and do it all for FREE!!!!! See you back here soon for more great things to do in Tampa Bay, and other awesome Tampa Bay area events!

It's happening at the Florida State Fairgrounds!

Thursday, October 15, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone! Travis here with some great Tampa Bay area events taking place at the famed Florida State Fairgrounds throughout the rest of the month! From cool concerts and equestrian shows to retail and deli expos...the Fairgrounds has it all.

So, let's get to it shall we...take a look:

Oct. 16: Concert - Brad Paisley: Brad Paisley will perform in concert with special guests Dierks Bentley and Jimmy Wayne at the Ford Amphitheatre at the Fairgrounds. Ticket prices are $57.75 and $47.75 for reserved seating, $29.75 for lawn area seating, and $99 for a 4-pack of lawn tickets. For the latest concert information and to get more details, visit www.livenation.com.

Oct. 16-17: FWRHA Horse Show: The Florida Walking and Racking Horse Association (FWRHA) will host a two-day, two judge horse show for all levels of riders in the Charlie Lykes Arena. The show starts at 10 a.m. each day. Entry fees vary based on the entry category. Admission and parking are FREE for spectators. if you need more details, just head over to www.fwrha.org.

Oct. 16-18: Tampa Bay Boat Show: The St. Petersburg Times presents the boating event of the season featuring millions of dollars of inventory in new boats and watercraft on display in the Expo Hall. Visitors can shop for the boat of their dreams, check out special exhibits with the latest in supplies and accessories, or see one of a series of Florida fishing school seminars. The area's top fishing guides and local experts will provide great tips and secrets to learn how to catch the big one. Event hours are Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is FREE for all ages. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. For more details, visit www.tampabayboatshows.com.

Oct. 17-18: Gun Show & Sale: One of Florida's premier gun shows returns to the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center for two days. The Suncoast Gun Show and Sale features firearms-related accessories including gun parts, gun-related tools, knives, cases, locks, cartridge boxes and belts, and ammunition for collectors. Show hours are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, children 12 and younger are admitted free. All persons under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Plus, the Concealed Weapons/Firearms Safety Course fee is $45 per person. The classes are offered on both days at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and last approximately two hours. All students must attend the range training and the range fee is $5. Appointments are not needed for these classes, nor are firearms. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus for each time a vehicle enters the grounds. For more information and online admission coupons, visit online www.suncoastgunshows.com.

Oct. 17-18: Slamfest Custom Car & Show: Mini Madness presents its 18th annual custom car and mini-truck show featuring over 1,400 custom vehicles on display at the Charles M. Davis Special Events Center and outdoors at the Fairgrounds. Activities include a burnout competition, car club games and on-site vendors selling merchandise. Thousands of dollars in giveaways and prizes will be awarded to Best of Show for import car, domestic car, and mini and full size truck/SUV categories.

Event hours are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission is $15 per person each day and free for children ages 12 and younger. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. For more information, visit www.minimadness.com.

Oct. 30: Concert - Styx & REO Speedwagon: Styx will perform in concert with special guests REO Speedwagon and Night Ranger at the Ford Amphitheatre. Ticket prices are $59.50, $39.50, $29.50 and $19.50 for each reserved seat or $60 for a 4-pack of reserved seating tickets. The lawn area is closed for this concert. Rain or shine. For the latest concert information about Ford Amphitheatre events, visit online www.livenation.com or call 813-740-2446.

Oct. 31-Nov. 1: Florida's Largest Fall Home Show: Held in the Expo Hall, Florida's Largest Fall Home Show provides a one-stop marketplace to see the latest products and services in remodeling, decorating, landscaping and furnishings for the home. Show hours are Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ticket prices are $8 for adults; seniors ages 55 and up pay $7 each, and children under 12 enter free with an adult. Parking is $5 per car or $10 per RV or bus. For more information, visit www.bighomeshow.com or call Turner Exposition at 813-677-6925.

Ok, so that was a lot of info, but believe it or not, there is much more going on at the Fairgrounds throughout the rest of October! So, get out there and have some fun!

And as always, keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay, and other Tampa Bay area events.

Tampa International Airport Nationally Ranked!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009 by Convention Sales

Ahoy Mateys,

My name is Linda Sadler Mummert and I may be the oldest one blogging (a real novice), but I guarantee you will be kept in the loop on what’s happening in our Tampa Bay area.

Tampa International Airport was ranked third nationwide as the best in the country by
CondeNast Traveler Magazine. This 2009 Business Travel Awards’ naming TIA third best was released in their October Magazine. TIA ranked highest in comfort and design, one of six criteria that included location and access, ease of connections, customs and baggage, food, shops, amenities and perceived safety and security.

Way to GO TIA!!!! You made us proud! Keep up the good work and we will be #1 next year. Over and out for now. Keep an eye out for my next exciting blog and more meetings related things to do in Tampa Bay!

Back to School Health and Safety Fair tomorrow!

Friday, August 14, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone! Travis here with some cool Tampa Bay entertainment options for you. This is a great deal from the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI)...

You can join MOSI and Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine on Saturday, August 15 for everything you need to prepare, protect and inspire your child before they go back to school. The fair will have Health & Wellness, Safety, Private Schools, Childcare and Learning Centers, Local Resources, Afterschool Programs, Tutors, Children’s Retailers and more!

***The first 100 kids at the event will get a free back-to-school goodie bag filled with supplies and goodies from Tootsville.com and MEAD...very cool, right???!!!

The special $10 admission ticket includes MOSI, Kids In Charge!, ANIMATION featuring Cartoon Network and more! And it all happens tomorrow, Aug. 15 from 9am to 4pm, so make the plans to be there...it'll be worth it!

To get even more info about this event, call 813-949-4400 or visit www.mosi.org. Or, just let us know and we'll find the info for you too!

We hope to see you out there. And as always, keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay, and info on other Tampa Bay area events!

Cab Plus Upscale Taxi at Your Service!

Monday, August 10, 2009 by Partner Pulse

Hello there everybody! Brook here from Cab Plus and I just wanted to introduce myself and our company!

We have been in business for the past ten years providing transportation service with chauffer driven clean and safe luxuries Lincoln town cars yet we charge fares by the meter as a taxi cab.

We try and give you that luxury VIP feel but without the luxury VIP fare! Even your favorite Tampa Concierge Cinny McCaulley uses us ona regular basis, and if Cinny says it then it must be true!

A better service doesn’t have to cost arm and a leg, and we have proved that. So if you need a ride, be sure to give us a ring at 813 288-8888, Toll free 1-866-276-0882 Or reserve your ride online at our website.

Be sure to stay tuned to this blog as we give you more updates about us and how we serve the Tampa Tourism community! Have a good day and be sure to get out and enjoy this great Tampa Bay weather!

Filmmakers Expose the Food Industry

Wednesday, July 22, 2009 by lindsey norris

Greetings! Intern Katy here to tell you all about Tampa Bay Film and the efforts of a couple health conscious filmmakers.

For a couple weeks now we've been telling you all about the film InGREEDients, an expose by local David Burton on how hydrogenated oil is raising levels of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, which is showing this Friday at the Art Institute of Design and Technology. Lindsey and I are both attending and we hope to see you there!

David Burton isn't the only filmmaker who is making movie about food. In Food, Inc., Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation's food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that has been hidden from the American consumer with the consent of our government's regulatory agencies, the USDA and FDA. Kenner also reveals how our nation's food supply is now controlled by a handful of powerful corporations that put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers, as well as the environment. If you've read and enjoyed ( the term "enjoyed" meant as loosely as possible, of course) the book Fast Food Nation, then this is right up your alley. Food, Inc. opens this Friday, July 24, 2009, at Tampa Theater. Click here for showtimes and for more information on the film itself, go to the Food, Inc. website.

I'd also like to remind you all one more time that the Tampa/St. Pete 48 Hour Film Project films will premiere tonight at Channelside Cinemas. The films have been split into two screenings, one at 6:30pm and another at 9pm. It's bound to busy so show up early!

Come out to support Tampa Bay film at one of the many Tampa Bay area events going on this week!

If you're looking for a good bar this holiday weekend...

Wednesday, July 1, 2009 by Partner Pulse

TBT recently released their Top 100 Tampa Bars issue, right in time for the long 4th of July weekend.

The winners are:

Ultimate Drinking Destination
Hyde Park Café

Ultimate Irish Pub
Four Green Fields

Ultimate Party
Jackson’s Bistro

Ultimate Corner Bar
The Hub

Ultimate New Club
Aja Channelside

Hyde Park Cafe's Rafael Martinez was voted Tampa Bay's Ultimate Bartender 2009.

Also listed as top destinations for the bar scene are:

Fly Bar & Restaurant
Splitsville
Hattrick’s
TAPS Wine & Beer Merchants
The Retreat
Howl at the Moon

More proof that downtown Tampa is an excellent place for your Tampa Bay entertainment needs! Stay safe and perhaps I will see you out and about this holiday weekend!

Stay tuned for more things to do in Tampa Bay!

Ride, Rock, & Roll with Disney Radio at MOSI

Tuesday, June 16, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Good afternoon all! Jessica here with, yes, another great Tampa Bay Area Event!! The Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) is hosting it's 3rd annual "Ride, Rock, and Roll" event this Saturday, the 20th from 11:00AM to 1:00PM. Radio Disney invites everyone to get ready for summer in a safe fashion with fun activities for kids, including: a helmet design contest, skateboard shredder races using mini-finger skateboards, and a bicycle obstacle safety course.

Participants have the chance of winning a skateboard, bicycle, or a fingerboard (including safety gear)! Also, skateboarding and cycling professionals will be on site to put on an exciting show for all guests... The best part --- this event is FREE with paid MOSI admission on Saturday, June 20th.

And just in case you are unfamiliar with this exciting facility, here is a little information about the Museum of Science and Industry here in Tampa... MOSI is a not-for-profit, community-based institution and educational resource dedicated to advancing public interest, knowledge, and understanding of science, industry, and technology. With a total size of 400,000 sqaure feet, MOSI is the largest science center in the southeasatern United States, and home to the only IMAZ Dome Theatre in the state of Florida.

If you haven't visited this great form of Tampa Tourism already, this Saturday is the time to stop by! Enjoy all that science has to offer with this complimentary, annual "Ride, Rock, and Roll" event!!!

Check back soon for more Tampa Bay Entertainment and Tampa Bay Events...

From Roars to Purrs....

Wednesday, June 10, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hi everyone! Jessica here, telling you about my exciting morning here in Tampa. I had the privilege, along with the Tampa Bay Film Commission, of receiving a private tour of the Big Cat Rescue Center!

This non-profit educational sanctuary is a 501(c)3 charity dedicated to the care of exotic cats. The trained senior caregivers along with numerous volunteers and interns maintain the grounds of this fascinating sanctuary while ensuring visitor safety. The 45 acre large Big Cat Rescue Center is home to 200 animals, including more than 100 big cats (representing 20 species and sub species of wild cats). Their mission is to provide permanent homes for unwanted wildcats while educating the public in order to eliminate the causes of abandonment and abuse among these animals.

This was a great opportunity to learn about numerous big cat species as well as come face to face with some of the rarest breeds in the big cat world. My favorite was the cougar, Enya! (She started purring & even whispered a cute “meow” as we walked away).

So, if you are looking for a neat experience while in Tampa Bay I would suggest checking out this great site. Big Cat Rescue is one of the best Tampa Bay tours… but don’t worry about the donation cost because all of the proceeds go straight to the healthy care of the animals. Check out <bigcatrescue.org> for more information.

I look forward to keeping you posted on more exciting Tampa Bay Area events & Tampa tourism!!

Hurricane Season is almost here...and here's an event to prepare...

Tuesday, May 26, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone! Travis here with an update about an event this weekend at MOSI. Given the time of year it is, this is an event that you need to make it out to. It's the 2009 Hurricane Expo at MOSI!

Here are the details -

The City of Tampa and Hillsborough County, in conjunction with the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI), will host the 2009 Tampa Bay Hurricane Expo from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, at MOSI. Admission to the Tampa Bay Hurricane Expo is FREE!

This year, the Tampa Bay Hurricane Expo theme is “Run From the Water, Hide From the Wind” and will feature seminars on the importance staying safe this season by knowing the possible threats to your community, knowing your evacuation zone, and what preparation steps to take if you are required to evacuate your home due to an impending hurricane.

The 2009 Tampa Bay Hurricane Expo has been added to the list of drop-off sites for the multi-county initiative, Operation Medicine Cabinet™. The City of Temple Terrace Police Department will be responsible for the collection of unused or expired medications during the Expo.

But there's a ton more info on this event, so go to www.tampabayhurricaneexpo.com to get more details. Attendees will also get great deals on exhibits at MOSI, so make sure you take a look.

Until next time, keep checking back for other updates on great Tampa Bay area events and other things to do in Tampa Bay.

MOSI Teams up with Local Cancer Center to Offer FREE Lectures!

Wednesday, May 20, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone! It's Lisa here and I am here to tell you about something that is FREE, educational and fun taking place at one of our Tampa Florida attractions this summer!

MOSI and Moffitt Cancer Center will be offering free educational lectures to the public this summer! Talks will focus on nutrition, lung cancer, smoking cessation and sun safety, something I am sure we could all use a refresher on!

All lectures will be held from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the museum located at 4801 E. Fowler Ave. Lecture attendees will receive a discount to Gunther von Hagens’ Body Worlds, The Original Exhibition of Real Human Bodies & The Story of the Heart - a must-see!

The schedule is as follows:

“The Secret of Eating More and Weighing Less”

Kathy Allen, director of Nutrition Therapy at Moffitt

Wednesday, May 20

“Lung Cancer and Chemoprevention”

Dr. Jhanelle Gray, member of the Thoracic Oncology Program at Moffitt, and Tim Estrella, coordinator of Clinical Research

Wednesday, June 3

“Smoking Cessation”

Nancy Olliver, Inpatient Smoking Cessation Nurse

Wednesday, June 10

“Sun Safety and Skin Cancer Awareness”

Dr. Jonathan Zager, member of the Cutaneous Oncology Program at Moffitt

Tuesday, June 23

Get in to MOSI this summer for your free lecture and your discounted admission to BODY WOLRDS! Stay tuned for more things to do in Tampa Bay.

See you there,
~Cheers!

South Tampa Bar Offers Lifting Hand to Falling Drivers...

Friday, May 1, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone...Travis here with some info that I had to share. If you are familiar with South Tampa at all (and probably even if you aren't) you've heard of MacDinton's. This place has some of the best Tampa Bay area events around!!!!

Well, last week, MacDinton’s launched a pioneering initiative to promote responsible drinking and optimize road safety within the South Tampa area.

By partnering with designated driver company Zingo, MacDinton’s is offering all their patrons a free service to drive customers and their vehicles home, seven-days-a-week!

We all know that some bars have offered free taxi rides during specific holidays, the MacDinton’s-Zingo association ensures that all customers have the option to utilize the Zingo designated driver service – for free – every day of the year.

Here's a quote from one of the co-owners of MacDinton's - “We are committed to improving safety on our highways,” said Barry O’Conner, “we live in a car-centric social environment and by partnering with Zingo we aim to dramatically reduce the risk of accidents and the number of DUI’s throughout our community.”

Plus, with over 2,000 customers visiting MacDinton’s each week, many of who leave their vehicles in the neighboring streets overnight, this would certainly help out the parking situation!

There's the quick scoop! But if you want to learn more about MacDinton's, head over to www.macdintons.com. And if you're interested in finding out more about Zingo, read below:

Zingo Transportation Inc. was established in Atlanta, GA in 2005 and currently operates within 22 cities and 8 states throughout North America. Unlike a regular taxi service, Zingo’s trained and qualified designated drivers chauffeur both the clients and their vehicles safely home, utilizing collapsible motor-scooters that fit in the trunk of any sized car.

Once the vehicle and clients are safely at their residence, the Zingo designated driver continues on to the next customer using the Zingo motor-scooter. Zingo Tampa has been serving the community since 2007, garnering praise and acknowledgement from Hillsborough County Sherriff David Gee and Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio.

Until next time, stayed tuned for information about great things to do in Tampa Bay, and other Tampa Bay area events and information.

Tampa Bay Video Awards & More

Wednesday, April 29, 2009 by lindsey norris

Hi Gang. A quick apology for the typo in Monday's blog entry about the Tampa Bay Video Awards hosted by TBCN. I said I would have the results Tuesday but the event was Tuesday night so unless I posses a pyschic ability I am currently unaware of, that's clearly not possible. Alas, here are the results from last night's Tampa Bay Video Awards hosted by Tampa BAy Community Network.

Rising Star Award
The Last One
Garrett Brown
Animation Student

Rising Star Award
The Rescuers
Mark Schonbrun
Documentary Non-Professional

Rising Star Award
The Making of “My Canary Yellow Pumps”
Krystal Brown
Documentary Professional

1st Place
Street Buzz: On the set with Exotic Elegance
Krystal Brown
Entertainment Professional

2nd Place
Unpredictable
Audrey “Pat” McGhee
Entertainment Professional

1st Place
Skimming the Surface
Alexis Muellner & Joni Godlove
Entertainment Non-Professional

2nd Place
Coasting in Unusual Dimensions
Alexis Muellner
Entertainment Non-Professional

3rd Place
The Short-E Show
Erik Mishiyev
Entertainment Non-Professional

Rising Star Award
Traditional Joropo Dancing
Al Frederick
Ethnic/Cultural Non-Professional

1st Place
Autistic License
Mark Schonbrun
Fine/Performing Arts Non-Professional

2nd Place
The Barbers
Ron Dunham
Fine/Performing Arts Non-Professional

3rd Place
Esimena & the Indigo Snake
Mariette Coulter
Fine/Performing Arts Non-Professional

Rising Star Award
Talk of the Town: The Gardasil Debate
Jeanette Abrahamsen
Informational Student

1st Place
Tampa Grapevine – November 12, 2008
Dean S. Chambers
Informational Non-Professional

2nd Place
Tampa Grapevine – Grateful American Coin Organization
Dean S. Chambers
Informational Non-Professional

3rd Place
Spirit of Cigar City
Greg Huskin
Informational Non-Professional

Rising Star Award
I Wish Josh Poole
Inspirational Student

1st Place
Freedom Today
Donna Cameron-Cepeda
Inspirational Non-Professional

2nd Place
Surgery of the Soul
Mark Schonbrun
Inspirational Non-Professional

3rd Place
Manifesting Sons
Katherine Walton
Inspirational Non-Professional

1st Place
Tampa Grapevine – September 11th Special
Dean S. Chambers
News Non-Professional

2nd Place
Tampa Grapevine – November 19 2008
Dean S. Chambers
News Non-Professional

Rising Star Award
School Daze
Josh Poole
Stop Motion
Student

Rising Star Award
Sisters Slumber Party – Safer Sex PSA
Jeff Haynes
Sports/Health/
Fitness Non-Professional

It was a great event - very well executed by TBCN. I look forward to next year!

Dont forget - the Sunscreen Film Festival kicks off tonight with Patrick Wilson's film Passengers. Wilson will be in attendance. Ticket information can be found by clicking here.

And to those of you who've expressed concern over my safety after my Mexican honeymoon, fear not. No piggy flu for me. Healthy as can be!

Until tomorrow...

Save the date - 2009 Hurricane Expo!

Thursday, April 9, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey gang! Travis here with some information that you will want to take note of. Save the date for the 2009 Tampa Bay Hurricane Expo. It's May 30 from 9am to 2pm at a great Tampa Bay attraction, MOSI in North Tampa! Now, we always do our best to bring you the latest Tampa Bay emergency information, but if you can, attend this and hear it for yourself!

The City of Tampa and Hillsborough County are hosting this event...and it's FREE to attend! Plus, Hurricane Expo guests can enjoy MOSI exhibit galleries and one standard IMAX® Dome Theatre* film for only $8 per person.

Here's some info from MOSI -

Held in Kids In Charge! The Children’s Science Center at MOSI, the expo will feature over 40 vendors, educational seminars, emergency vehicles, giveaways (while supplies last) and much more! Tampa Bay Hurricane Expo attendees will enjoy a family-fun event complete with youth activities, presentations by city and county departments and community partners, a special appearance by Dan Noah of the National Weather Service and over 450 hands-on science exhibits inside the Museum of Science & Industry!

Tampa Bay Hurricane Expo guests can also enjoy Gunther von Hagens’ BODY WORLDS & The Story of the Heart, MOSI’s entire exhibit galleries and one standard IMAX Dome Theatre film for only $17 per person (special engagement films not included). For this price guests can tour a unique collection of over 200 authentic human specimens, including whole-body plastinates, organs and translucent body slices inside BODY WORLDS & The Story of the Heart, and experience Disasterville featuring WeatherQuest, a 10,000-square-foot exhibition on floods, hail, lightning, tsunamis and volcanoes, including immersion theatres that demonstrate what it’s like to be in an earthquake, hurricane, tornado and wildfire.

And there you have it...so make sure you make plans to be there! Head over to www.tampabayhurricaneexpo.com to get more info on the event.

And don't forget to keep checking back here for more Tampa tourism information, as well as info on great and educational things to do in Tampa Bay!