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Hi Tampa Bay, Alex here to let you know about a concert taking place at The Patel Conservatory at David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts tomorrow!
Jazz Jamm is taking place on Wednesday, May 9, at 7 p.m. in the TECO Theater.
Students from the Patel Conservatory’s jazz classes will come together to perform in this jazz concert, under the direction of James W. Crumbly, Jr.
Regularly priced tickets start at $12. Tickets may be purchased by calling 813.229.STAR (7827), in person at the Straz Center Ticket Office or online at www.strazcenter.org.
The Patel Conservatory offers classes for children and adults of all experience levels in all kinds of dance, music and theater. More information about the Patel Conservatory is available by calling 813.222.1002 and by visiting www.patelconservatory.org.
Enjoy the show!
Check back with us often for more information on Things To Do In Tampa Bay!
Hey everyone! Travis back...but with a special guest. Scott from the Florida State Fairgrounds is going to be giving us some updates about what there is to see, do, interact with, and much more out at the Fairgrounds. They have some really cool Tampa Bay Area Events happening, so make sure you keep checking back. Take it away Scott -
You would never believe how hard it actually was to live 120 years ago in rural Florida. No internet connection, no electricity, no air conditioning, and no iPhone. Dirt roads dotted the landscape, travel was done by horse, and cattle roamed wild and was hunted by cowmen with an entrepreneurial spirit. The word Pioneer comes to mind when thinking about these early settlers, and right here in Tampa you can experience first hand the experiences that these people had to endure.
Many places around the Tampa Bay area offer history experiences in museum settings, but none like Cracker Country Living History Museum. This museum is part of the Florida State Fairgrounds, and is open for public events only a few times a year. Interpreters sport bonnets and straw hats, and guests step into rural Florida’s history as it was in 1898.
See for yourself how the pioneers lived with the actual buildings that have been moved from places in Florida to be curated and refurbished on the fairgrounds. Some of the crafts that guests will be able to participate in cutting out paper dolls, making period toys, sewing fabric dolls, cornhusk dolls, stuffing potpourri sachet, bookmark weaving, and quilting. All of the museums buildings will be open to explore as well as being able to dip candles, twist rope, play with hoop catchers, pull and eat taffy, make a postcard, and laundry, a kids favorite.
A special event, Make and Take Craft Day on May 5th will feature craft making from the 1800’s plus all the buildings and hands-on activities that visitors enjoy. The museum will be open from 10am - 4pm, and admission is $7 for adults, students (six to twelve years old) and senior citizens are $6, and children 5 and under are admitted free. Additionally, all of the crafts that a visitor makes are included in the admission price. Visit their Facebook page at “crackerycountrylivinghistory” to download a discounted admission coupon.
So if your looking to start your weekend with a family fun activity, and your a history buff, Cracker Country is the place to be on Saturday afternoon.
And there you go...thanks Scott! Like we said, Scott will be back with more updates about what's happening at the Florida State Fairgrounds, but next time without the introduction!!
See everyone back here with more updates and great things to do in Tampa Bay!
Good morning Tampa Bay, Alex here with some exciting news from Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo.
With the hatching of a Marabou stork and births of a royal antelope, squirrel monkey and two waterbuck, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is home to five spring offspring.
In February, the Zoo had its first successful hatching of a Marabou stork and welcomed a tiny royal antelope. These new offspring can be found nesting in Safari Africa, in a habitat adjacent to the giraffes and zebras.
A common squirrel monkey was born March 14 to experienced mother “Cappi.” These petite primates live in large groups in moist, tropical forests throughout Central and South America. Squirrel monkeys have short grey or olive-color fur and with distinct yellowish-orange legs. Swing by Primate World to see these lively little monkeys, weighing only about 1-1.5 pounds each.
A waterbuck calf was born on March 17 and another March 24. Unlike their name implies, waterbuck are not aquatic animals. They are a type of antelope found in savannah grasslands gallery forests and woodlands south of the Sahara. At the Zoo, find the waterbuck herd along the path of the Safari Ride.
Make sure to check out these spring offspring during your next visit to Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo and visit all of the new offspring.
Check back with us often for more information on Things To Do In Tampa Bay!
The Patel Conservatory’s NGB, Next Generation Ballet, dancers have been given the opportunity to perform a group piece at the upcoming YAGP Gala at the David A. Koch Theatre at Lincoln Center in New York City on April 27, 2012. The dancers received this honor by winning the Outstanding School Award at last year’s Youth America Grand Prix Final.
This is a very unique and amazing opportunity that the dancers will get to take part in, performing with some of the world’s top ballet companies! The YAGP Gala is sold out annually, featuring international ballet stars from around the world. The NGB dancers will be performing Shostakovich Suite, choreographed by Richard Cook, and staged by Stark.
This Thursday, April 19th the dancers will be giving a sneak preview to local ballet supporters, staff and press. This will take place at the Patel Conservatory at 6:30 p.m. in room 302. There will also be a Meet & Greet with the dancers after the performance is completed.
Please come out and support this amazing accomplishment! And head over to the Patel Conservatory's website for more information - http://www.patelconservatory.org/.
We'll see you back here for more great things to do in Tampa Bay, as well as other Tampa Bay area events.
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.
Hi Tampa Bay, Al
ex here to let you know about a plant festival coming to the area this April!
The University of South Florida Botanical Gardens will be hosting its 23rd Annual Spring Plant Festival on April 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on April 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This is the perfect time to rethink your garden! What better place to buy your plants than at this event where over 70 vendors will be on site selling plants and plant-related items.
Don’t forget to bring your clippers to sharpen up… M & M Sharpening will be at this event!
On Saturday there will be music and prize drawings ever hour between 11:00 a.m. to 3:00p.m. Don't miss out!!
Admission is $5 for the general public and free for Botanical Garden members and children under 12 years old. Free parking!
For more information please call (813) 974-2329 or www.gardens.usf.edu.
Check back with us often for more information on Things To Do In Tampa Bay!
Hello Tampa Bay, Alex here to let you know about a musical, performed by students in grades five through eight, coming to the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts this April!
The Patel Conservatory Youth Theater will be presenting the musical Once Upo
n a Mattress, April 12-14 and 19-21 in the TECO Theater.
Once Upon a Mattress is the hilarious musical adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, The Princess and the Pea. Unexpected twists and turns keep the audience guessing, in this freshly updated version.
The story of Once Upon a Mattress follows Princess Winnifred as she arrives at Prince Dauntless the Drab's castle and hopes to marry the prince. The prince’s mother, Queen Agravain, insists that her son marry a true princess, who would feel a pea underneath a pile of mattresses. The test begins and true happiness follows. This rollicking spin on the familiar classic of royal courtship and comeuppance provides for some side-splitting shenanigans, all the while interspersed with toe-tapping songs and uplifting melodies.
This musical will be fun for the entire family!
Once Upon a Mattress runs April 12-14 and 19-21, Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays at 2 and 7 p.m.
Hurry and purchase your tickets today! Regularly priced tickets, now through March 29, start at $12. Beginning March 30, regularly priced tickets start at $15. Tickets 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.
Enjoy the show! Check back often for more information on Things To Do In Tampa Bay!
Happy Friday Tampa Bay! Alex here to let you know about a fun Easter Egg Hunt taking place in Tampa Bay!
Grab your Easter baskets! The Christian Family Church and the Nick Capitano Boys & Girls Club invite you to participate in the Annual Children’s Easter Event: “The Great Egg Race” on March 31, at 10:30 a.m.
Join special guests Mayor Bob Buckhorn and former baseball player, Darryl Strawberry, as they join in the family fun day. This is a free event, open to all ages. The event includes an egg hunt, food, games, live entertainment and prizes. This is going to be a blast for the entire family!
Highlights of this year’s event include:15,000 eggs for our egg race, live animals, free food and live entertainment.
The event is located at 1218 East Kay Street, Tampa, FL 33602 (The Nick Capitano Boys & Girls Club).
For more information, call the Christian Family Church office at (813) 802-8736. You can also visit, www.GreatEggRace.com or www.cfctampa.org. “Like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/cfctampa!
Have a wonderful Friday. Check back with us often for more information on Things To Do In Tampa Bay this Easter.
Hi Tampa Bay
, Alex back with some exciting news about a wonderful event taking place in Ybor City!
A Taste of Italy, right in the heart of Historic Ybor City... is celebrating its 15th Anniversary this weekend!
The festivities kicked –off last night with Wines of Italy and they will continue throughout the weekend.
Celebrate fabulous Italian Cinema with Cinema Italiano at The Italian Club with a showing of "Mid-August Lunch" tonight at 7pm and a showing of "Christ in Concrete" on Saturday, March 31 at 7pm.
Admission is FREE, with donations accepted at the door. Espresso, Dolci and popcorn will be available.
On Saturday, March 31, Festa Italiana is hosting a free day of festivities for the entire family to enjoy. Festa Saturday features the annual Bocce Ball Invitational Tournament in Centennial Park, an assortment of Italian food, the Italian Idol Competition and much more.
Festa Italiana's 15th Annual Event takes place on 
Sunday, April 1, when Centennial Park and Historic Ybor City host over thirty Tampa Bay area restaurants and caterers. The Taste of Italy tent will feature classic Italian dishes, cocktails and much more.
What better way to spend your weekend than outdoors in Tampa Bay, enjoying delicious Italian food, fun games and great music with friends and family? I don’t think anything can beat that… Don’t miss out!
Festa Italiana benefits the Italian Club Restoration Fund.
For more information, please visit: www.FestaItalianaTampa.com
I hope you all enjoy the festa! Check back with us often for more information on Things To Do In Tampa Bay!
Hi Tampa Bay, Alex here to let you know about some possible fashion news we just received.
Socialite fashion designer Lilly Pullitzer recently released a "State of Mind" patch design, where each patch represents a U.S. state. She plans to release an entire "State" collection of five prints (representing five states) in the coming months.
The five states she chooses will depend on which states show her the most love on her Facebook page through a contest... This is where we need your help!
To ensure Florida gets selected for a print in her latest collection, we need you to tell your fans, followers and industry vendors to go to Lilly Pullitzer's Facebook page and vote for Florida. Also. encourage your Twitter followers to vote for Florida and to include #FloridaLovesLilly at the end of each related tweet.
We want Florida to win, and we would love your help!
Have a wonderful day! Check back with us often for more information on things to do in Tampa Bay!
Good morning Tampa Bay, Alex here to let you know some great news about The Westin Tampa 
Bay!
Recently, The Westin Tampa Bay was ranked the #1 Hotel in Tampa by the U.S. News & World Report.
Wondering why The Westin received this recognition? According to U.S. News & World Report there was quite a few reasons... The brilliant view of Old Tampa Bay from all 255 rooms, the ultra-comfortable rooms (featuring the trademark heavenly beds) and the gracious front desk staff.
Guests also appreciate having access to the heated indoor pool, gorgeous beach and tasty-in house restaurant. The Westin Tampa Bay suggests you order from the delicious prix-fixe menu at The AQUA Bar and Grille during your visit!
Next time you are looking for a wonderful hotel and/or a great place to eat, keep The Westin Tampa Bay in mind!
Check back often for more information on things to do and Tampa Bay Hotels!
Hi everyone! Travis here with your update about the latest and greatest things to do in Tampa Bay - more specifically at MOSI! Here's what the largest science center in the Southeast US has going on throughout April:
What about Autism? A USF Reel-to-Real Event
Tuesday, April 3
6 – 9 p.m.
Science Works Theater
To celebrate World Autism Awareness Day, health and education professionals and the general public are invited to learn more about current advances in understanding autism. In the movie Rain Man (1988, rated R), an older brother (played by Tom Cruise) learns about autism as he cares for his brother (played by Dustin Hoffman). A panel of experts in autism will discuss current knowledge and therapies after the film.
Program fee: $10 per person
Registration is available by calling 813-987-6000.
Shooting Saturn on Saturday
Saturday, April 14
7 – 10 p.m.
Saturn is at its closest position to Earth which is perfect for photographing this beautiful ringed planet and its moons. Join MOSI as we use cameras, telescopes and other technologies to capture the night sky. We will bring the expertise and telescopes; you bring your cameras and a sharp eye. Together, we will learn to shoot Saturn. Enjoy an interactive Planetarium show and a viewing of Saturn Ring World.
Program fee: $35 per person; $50 per couple
MOSI member: $26 per person; $40 per couple
Mummies of the World
Friday, April 27
The highly-anticipated Mummies of the World exhibition will debut at the Museum of Science & Industry on Friday, April 27. With its astounding collection of 150 specimens and objects, Mummies of the World is the largest exhibition of real human and animal mummies and related artifacts ever assembled. The exhibition will offer you a rare chance to experience naturally and intentionally preserved mummies from around the globe, and will reveal the importance of science in studying ancient life. Tickets are currently on sale and you can find more information by visiting our website at www.mosi.org.
Star Wars Inspired Jedi Academy Camp-In
Saturday, April 28 beginning at 6 p.m. until Sunday, April 29 at 10 a.m.
Celebrate the Star Wars saga by enrolling your family in MOSI’s Jedi Academy for an evening of excitement and out of this world fun! Build your lightsaber and train in the art of dueling with a Jedi Master / stunt coordinator. Test your fighter piloting skills in space battles, build droids out of candy and use the force to run through the Jedi Temple obstacle course. Learn about travelling to other planets and the science behind Star Wars technologies and aliens. Enjoy a Star Wars-inspired dinner in preparation for a night that will be more fun than a barrel of Ewoks. Dinner and breakfast included. Preregistration is required.
Program fee: $105 per parent-child team; $60 per additional child
MOSI member: $79 per parent-child team; $45 per additional child
National Take Back Drugs Day
April 28
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
In conjunction with the DEA, MOSI will be a drop-off site for prescription drugs.
As you can see, they have a ton of great things going on, so make your plans to get out there and see what they have to offer. We'll see you back here for more great Tampa Bay area events!
Hi Tampa Bay, Alex here to help you get a start on your Easter dining plans.
If you have been on the hunt for a great Easter meal, The Columbia Restaurant is open and including special Easter features to the menu.
The Columbia Café on the Riverwalk in Tampa is also open on Easter Sunday. You are welcome to enjoy a more casual meal from the regular menu at the cafe. Easter features are not offered. Indoor or outdoor waterfront seating available without reservations.
Easter Features
Roast Leg of Lamb “Dali” - Domestic lean leg of lamb, marinated with red wine, garlic, lemon and oregano, roasted with potatoes in a rich gravy. Served with 
“Good Rice”, spring vegetables and mint jelly. $19.95
Baked Virginia Ham - Hand carved ham topped with an orange sauce. Served with real mashed potatoes, candied yams and vegetable medley. $19.95
Entrees served with Caesar Salad and hot Cuban bread. Try Columbia’s Original “1905” Salad for $2.95 extra.
Chocolate Tres Leches - A light sponge cake in a mixture of three milks and rich chocolate. $5.95
Strawberry Malaguena - Fresh strawberries marinated in Spanish Amontillado Sherry, brown sugar and fresh mint. $5.95
Sangria de Cava - Spain’s wonderful bubbling cooler made with Spanish Cava (Champagne), Torres brandy and liqueur, with citrus juices. One taste will transport you to the sunny coast of Spain. Pitcher $19.95
This sounds like the perfect place to enjoy a great Easter meal. I hope you all enjoy the featured menu items too! Call to make your reservations today!
Check back with us often for more Tampa Bay dining news.
Hi everyone. Travis back with some great things to do in Tampa Bay, as well as some ways to get you outdoors and enjoying the weather! Here are some events and activities for you to take part in, all taking place at Hillsborough County's Parks and Recreation Centers:
The Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department will hold a FREE Double Dutch class for boys and girls ages 11 - 17. For more information, contact Toi Powell or Tasha Mingo, Ruskin Recreation Center, at 813-672-7881.
What: Double Dutch Class For Girls & Boys
Where: Ruskin Recreation Center, 901 6th St. SE in Ruskin
When: March 21 – May 9 on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Registration: Is FREE, by March 19
The Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department will hold a FREE Hip Hop Line Dance Class for boys and girls ages 11 – 17. For more information, contact Toi Powell, Parks, Recreation and Conservation, at 813- 672-7881.
What: Hip Hop Line Dance For Girls & Boys
Where: Apollo Beach Recreation Center, 664 Gulf & Sea Blvd. in Apollo Beach
When: March 22 - May 10 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Registration: FREE, by March 20
The Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department will hold an Individual 3-Point Basketball Shoot-Out competition for anyone age 12 and above. Registration includes trophies for the winners. For more information, contact Keystone Park at 813-264-3819.
What: Individual 3-Point Basketball Shoot-Out
Where: Keystone Park, 17928 Gunn Highway in Odessa
When: Saturday, March 24 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Fee: $5 Early Registration, $10 Game Day Registration
The Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department and ZUMBA with Erika are holding a Zumbathon to benefit County Parks programs and the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Augie’s Quest to cure Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
What: Zumbathon
Where: Gardenville Recreation Center, 6219 Symmes Road in Gibsonton
When: Saturday, March 24 from 10 a.m. – Noon
Registration: Saturday, March 24 at 9 a.m.
Fee: $10 donation, vendor tables $20 donation
More information: contact Heather Cobb, Gardenville Recreation Center, at 813- 672-1120.
The Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department is hosting a youth basketball league for boys and girls ages 7– 12. This basketball league is designed to encourage self-esteem, recreation and physical activity. Cost includes a t-shirt and trophy.
What: Youth Basketball League
Where: Ruskin Recreation Center, 901 6th St. SE in Ruskin
When: March 27 - May 10, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Registration: Begins March 12
Fee: $30 per child, $25 for Rec2Six participants
More information: contact Joy Robinson, Ruskin Recreation Center, at 813-672-7881.
Join Hillsborough County’s Bakas Equestrian Center as they host the Area Special Olympics Equestrian Championships. Competitions include: Trails obstacle course; showmanship; pole bending speed event; barrel racing speed event; drill team; English and Western equitation; and dressage.
Riders from Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties will compete for top places in order to move up to the State Championships to be held in May. Concessions are available.
What: Area Special Olympics Equestrian Championships
Where: Bakas Equestrian Center, 11510 Whisper Lake Trail in Tampa (For directions, visit www.bakasridingcenter.com. It is not recommended to use MapQuest as this website does not provide accurate directions)
When: Friday, March 30, from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., and Saturday, March 31, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Registration: FREE
And there you go...plenty of ways to get you involved in Hillsborough County's Parks and Recreation centers! If you sign up...have a great time! And we'll see you back here for more great things to do in Tampa Bay!
Calling all outdoor lovers! We have a quick announcement we want to bring your way (it just came in to us)!
The Lake Dan Preserve pedestrian and horse riding trails are fully open to public access now that the restoration work is complete. In fact, these projects were completed two-weeks ahead of schedule (not to mention on budget)!!!
Back in early February, Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation staff temporarily closed portions of the Lake Dan Preserve and horse riding trail to implement habitat restoration projects. Though the restoration work was restricted to the citrus grove and adjacent pine flatwoods, it involved the use of heavy equipment incompatible with recreational activities, such as hiking or horseback riding.
This restoration work was done to improve habitat conditions important to Sherman’s fox squirrel and gopher tortoise, as well as other wildlife species and plants native to west-central Florida. In addition, these activities will help restore the historic open canopy and diverse herbaceous groundcover of the pine flatwoods ecosystem, while enhancing public safety by reducing excess vegetation in the preserve, which acts as fuel for wild fires.
So, grab your horse or bike and head down there to see what it's all about. And we'll see you back here for more exciting information about things to do in Tampa Bay and other Tampa Bay area events.
Looking for more information about great Tampa Bay Entertainment options at area parks, head over to the Parks and Rec page - http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/parks/
Hi everyone. Travis here with some quick information about a local resident competing for a prestigious title. June Kittay is a proud competitor in the 2012 Ms. Florida Senior America Pageant! June will be on the national stage, and so will Tampa Bay, as she moves through the process.
A letter form pageant organizers stated that "June has contributed a wealth of knowledge and enhanced and educated her community on topics such as healthy aging, fitness, health, anti-aging medicine and much more. As a firm competitor in the state pageant and an Integrated Fitness Professional, June will dazzle the judges in personal interview, evening wear, philosophy of life and dance as her talent."
It continued, "The Ms. Senior America Pageant is the world's first and foremost pageant to emphasize and give honor to women who have reached the "Age of Elegance." It is a search for the gracious lady who best exemplifies the dignity, maturity and inner beauty of all senior Americans. The Ms. Senior America philosophy is based upon the belief that seniors are the foundation of America, and our most valuable treasure. It is upon their knowledge, experience and resources that the younger generation has the opportunity to build a better society.
Locally, June is the CEO of Tampa Bay Bodies, which specializes in healthy aging, where June is an integrated fitness instructor, speaks to groups, run classes and seminars in health and wellness, and much, much more. If you're looking for more info on June and what she offers, head over to www.junekittay.com.
And let's support her in her quest for Ms. Florida Senior America!
We'll see you all back here for more updates about area residents, as well as details on great things to do in Tampa Bay and Tampa Bay area events!!!
Hi everyone. Travis here with some delicious information about dining in Tampa Bay. For those of you who have been to Season's 52, you know how amazing it is. And if you haven't been, put it on your list of things to do as soon as possible!
Season's 52 will be launching their new Spring menu on March 20, which means you'll have some great new options to choose from. We just got this info directly from them, so we're sending it to you:
Known for its seasonally inspired menus and fresh approach to dining, Seasons 52 meets the demands of today’s culinary-savvy consumer, offering a complete dining experience with great tasting foods and positive lifestyle benefits – a concept that is “right for the times.”
“During the spring, farmers’ markets and grocers are full of fresh, vibrant produce such as rainbow carrots and vine-ripened tomatoes,” said Cliff Pleau, Senior Director of Culinary at Seasons 52. “We are inspired by these bright spring flavors to create memorable dishes that excite the palate. By pairing them with fresh foods, such as Columbia River Steelhead Trout, and using natural cooking techniques like wood-fire grilling, Seasons 52’s menu delivers flavorful, thoughtfully-prepared dishes for spring.”
Guests will delight in new spring menu items including:
• Artichoke & Goat Cheese Flatbread – with leaf spinach, balsamic onion and roasted peppers
• Artichoke-Stuffed Artichoke Leaves – with organic arugula, Parmesan cheese and balsamic glaze
• Tomato & Haas Avocado Salad – with organic arugula, balsamic glaze and grilled bruschetta
• Columbia River Steelhead Trout – with spring vegetables, basmati rice and lemongrass sauce
• Spicy Snow Peas & Shiitake Mushrooms – with roasted almonds
• Lamb T-bone Chops – with asparagus, truffle mashed potatoes and red wine glaze
• Tiger Shrimp Penne Pasta – with spring asparagus and oyster mushrooms in a light lemon-basil sauce
In addition, two new cocktails will be featured on the spring menu – Strawberry Kir Royal (Fresh Strawberry-Infused Prairie Organic Vodka, Organic Agave Nectar and Zardetto Prosecco) and Strawberry Basil Fusion (Fresh Strawberry-Infused Prairie Organic Vodka, Fresh Basil, and Organic Agave Nectar).
Master Sommelier George Miliotes has also updated his “Drink These Before They Become Famous” list, a handpicked selection of must-try wines for the season. This season’s selections include:
• Aveleda Vinho Verde, Portugal ’10/’11 – Crisp and light with just a hint of sweetness and sparkle, this varietal it is the perfect aperitif wine to enjoy with an assortment of flatbreads.
• Lioco Indica Rosé, Mendocino ’11 – A totally natural wine with lovely aromas and flavors of ripe, red raspberries and strawberries and a pleasantly dry finish; goes with just about everything on the menu.
• Zardetto Prosecco, Treviso NV – Everyone loves Prosecco! Produced in the northeast of Italy, this is one of the finest sparkling wines and tastes excellent alone or with a dash of fruit juice.
• Botani Moscatel, Sierras de Málaga ’10 – Neither sweet nor dry, this Spanish wine is packed with fruit flavors and a round finish. It pairs beautifully with white fish or shellfish.
• Allegrini Palazzo della Torre Corvina Veronese ’08/’09 – Supercharged with a second fermentation from dried grapes, this wine is medium bodied but with a long and potent red fruit finish – a perfect accompaniment to any meat dish, from pork to lamb.
Seasons 52 changes the menu four times a year with weekly fresh features to truly capture the flavors of the season. Each valued guest can be guaranteed the highest quality fresh food, prepared without compromising great taste or a rich and complete dining experience. Nothing on the menu is more than 475 calories, from the signature flatbreads and appetizers, to all entrees and its popular mini indulgence desserts.
Now, I don't know about you, but my mouth is already watering. Like I said, this is a great place to go get some amazing food, so make sure you stop by. If you've been there before, let us know what you thought!
We'll see you back here for more dining information, not to mention great things to do in Tampa Bay!
Good morning Tampa Bay! Alex here to let you know about a great show for all ages, coming to the area.
Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream is bringing Disney’s newest princess stories and most beloved fairytale to the ice in a sensational live production coming to your hometown!
This brand-new ice spectacular, featuring scenes from Tangled; The Princess an
d the Frog; and Cinderella, will be visiting the Tampa Bay Times Forum from May 17th to May 20th for seven performances.
Performance Schedule:
Thursday, May 17 at 7:00 p.m.
Friday, May 18 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 19 at 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 10 at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Purchase your tickets beginning Friday, March 30 at 10:00 a.m. Tickets are $75 (Rinkside Dining), $45 (VIP), $34, $30 and $16. Ticketmaster service charges and facility fees not included.
Tickets are available at disneyonice.com or ticketmaster.com, at any Ticketmaster outlet, by calling 800-745-3000, or at the Tampa Bay Times Forum office. For group ticket sales and information, call 866-248-8740.
Have a great day! Check back with us often for more information on Things To Do In Tampa Bay!
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