Tampa Bay PR Blog

Hey everyone...Travis back with a Tampa Bay area hotels update, regarding one of the great Tampa Bay area events.  It's from our friends at the InterContinental Tampa hotel, and I'll just go straight in to the details:

WHO: InterContinental Tampa is centrally located in the heart of Tampa Bay, offering guests the most convenient access to world-class shopping, dining, entertainment, sports and the area’s most memorable attractions.

The property is the official hotel sponsor of the fourth annual Gasparilla International Film Festival, which takes place March 18-21, 2010.  One of Florida’s largest and fastest-growing film festivals, the Gasparilla International Film Festival takes place in downtown Tampa and South Tampa.  Each year, the festival features an average of 100 films from around the world at a variety of venues, with an additional focus on local productions.  Categories for the 2010 festival include: horror, comedy, documentary, international, young filmmaker (under 25 years old), North American Drama, short film, Florida Focus and a sidebar celebrating Tampa’s Cuban heritage.

The film lineup for this year’s festival has not yet been completed, but a preliminary peek has “Street Dreams” – a film about a skateboarder’s struggle to stardom – and “Endure” – the story of a detective investigating a fatal car crash – have already been added to the marquee. Both films were partially shot in Florida. For up-to-date festival details, please visit www.gasparillafilmfestival.com.

WHAT: The InterContinental Tampa is offering rates for filmgoers as low as $149 per night (double occupancy), including a complimentary breakfast buffet for two in Shula’s Steak House for patrons attending the Gasparilla International Film Festival (March 18-21, 2010).

WHEN: Gasparilla International Film Festival rate is available March 18-21, 2010. (Subject to availability).

WHY: InterContinental Tampa is conveniently located near many of the screening venues for the Gasparilla International Film Festival.  The property boasts a rooftop pool with spectacular views of the bay and city; a state-of-the-art fitness center; and crowd-pleasing on-site dining at Shula’s Steak House.  InterContinental Tampa surrounds guests in contemporary comfort and offers personalized service from a gracious and friendly staff in a warm, distinctive atmosphere. The InterContinental Tampa’s award-winning “In the Know” concierge directs guests to popular Tampa Bay destinations, as well as local hideaways.

WHERE: Located at 4860 West Kennedy Boulevard in Tampa, Florida, the InterContinental Tampa is convenient to downtown Tampa.  With all of the amenities the InterContinental name ensures, the AAA Four Diamond property offers complimentary wireless high-speed internet in guestrooms and public areas of the hotel, as well as complimentary transportation to the airport and nearby shopping and dining. 

HOW: To reserve the special Gasparilla International Film Festival rate at InterContinental Tampa, please call (866) 402-0758 and mention rate code IPE10 or visit www.intercontampa.com.

And there you have it...so get going and make your reservations.  See you back here for more updates and great things to do in Tampa Bay. 

Hey gang...Travis back with some amazing Tampa Bay entertainment for you.  Comedian Jim Florentine (aka Crank Yankers’ Special Ed) is going to headline at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Monday, March 8!  Here are the details:

If you hate telemarketers, you might just love Jim Florentine. In 2001 the comedian released his CD, “Terrorizing Telemarketers Volume 1” and after it played on the Howard Stern Show it shot to number two on the Amazon.com CD list.

The CD features a series of recorded telephone conversations, often with Florentine receiving calls from those pesky, aggressive telemarketers on whom he quickly turns the tables by being deliberately, and hilariously difficult.

Florentine will appear in Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s state-of-the-art Event Tent on Monday, March 8 at 8pm!  Tickets are only $20 at the Hard Rock Shop and all Ticketmaster outlets. Oh, and the doors open at 7pm.

Jimmy Kimmel and Adam Carolla liked his prank calls so much they hired Florentine for their then new show “Crank Yankers”, on Comedy Central. Florentine’s characters, Special Ed and Bobby Fletcher became a hit. So much so that Eminem mocked beating up Special Ed on the MTV Music awards show in 2004. The character is still played at various sporting events across the country to fans’ delight.

So, make your plans to be out there and enjoy the show.  And as always, keep checking back here for more great things to do in Tampa Bay, and other Tampa Bay area events.
 

Hey everyone!  Travis back with some information about some awesome Tampa Bay entertainment.  Our friend Tommy Duncan over at SticksofFire.com will be an insider at the Florida State Fair this year (including spending the night there).  Here's some info from his blog -

"In an attempt to get involved with social media, some folks at the fair thought it might be neat for a local blogger to come in and show everyone what goes on behind the scenes.  But I get the impression that they think bloggers are insane."

Well guess what folks...he decided to do it. 

So you can log on to his website (www.sticksoffire.com) and get the inside scoop in to the Florida State Fair.  He'll be doing everything there is to do, and you can even ask him questions, and he'll do his best to find the answers. 

So, make sure you log on now, read the rest of the Fair blog, and keep up with what's happening out there.  Trust me, this will be worth following! 

See you back here for more great things to do in Tampa Bay, and other Tampa Bay area events. 
 

Hey everyone!  Travis here with a reminder that we will be giving away 4 tickets to the Florida State Fair today, tomorrow, and Thursday on the Visit Tampa Bay Facebook Fan page (www.facebook.com/visittampabay). 

Since we will be doing Facebook giveaways, that means you have to be a fan of the VisitTampaBay Facebook fan page.  so head over there now (www.Facebook.com/visittampabay.com) and become a fan.

At 11am this morning, we will post a trivia question and the 1st 10 correct replies to the post have a chance to win the tickets.

But, like I said, we are doing a bunch of them, so don't worry if you don't win the first one. the giveaway are:

Today (Feb. 2) at 11am
Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 2pm
Thursday, Feb. 4 at 11am

So mark your calendars now and be there for a chance to win. 

In case you didn't know...the Florida State Fair is running Feb. 4-15 at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa.  Just click here to get more info:  http://floridastatefair.com/state-fair.

This is some great Tampa Bay entertainment, and one of the best values in Tampa Bay...so make sure you are participating. We'll see you on the VisitTampaBay Facebook fan page a little later.

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

Hey everyone.  Travis back with more great things to do in Tampa Bay.  The Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts is celebrating its 40th anniversary in downtown Tampa on March 6th and 7th, 2010.

Returning to its roots alongside the Hillsborough River, the free festival will take place in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, just outside of the newly constructed Tampa Museum of Art. 
 
Considered one of Florida’s premier cultural events, the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts ranks among the leading juried arts festivals nationwide that feature both fine arts and crafts. 

Nearly 300 accomplished artists representing 13 different media disciplines are selected from more than 1,000 applicants to exhibit their original works in this celebrated two-day show. Artists vie for $75,000 in cash awards, including the coveted $15,000 Raymond James Financial Best of Show Award, in addition to a generous purchase awards program.

Attendees enjoy the free festival, filled with outstanding art from renowned and emerging artists, exceptional live music and creative children’s activities. This all means that you have no reason not to come out, so make your plans now! 

Dates:
Saturday, March 6th – Festival hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Awards – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 7th – Collector’s Showcase: 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. Festival hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
 
For more information, visit www.gasparilla-arts.com.

See you there everyone.  And of course, keep checking back here for other Tampa Bay area events and Tampa Bay entertainment options.
 

Travis back everyone!  the David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts is one of Tampa's best venues, and they have some great news.  That's right, they have announced their 2010-2011 Best of Broadway Tampa Bay series.  Here's the scoop -

It will be a dream season in 2010-2011 at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts.  Filled with Tony® Award-winners, audience favorites, stunning classics and amazing spectacle, the Straz Center’s 2010-2011 Bank of America Best of Broadway Tampa Bay season is full of fun, passion and excitement.

Shows scheduled on the Broadway series include Billy Elliot, the 2009 Tony Award-winner for Best Musical; Hair, the 2009 Tony Award-winner for Best Musical Revival; the Tony Award-winning revival of West Side Story; the holiday spectacle of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and the family favorites Shrek the Musical and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.  The series also will include 9 to 5: The Musical, the Apollo Theater revival of Dreamgirls, a production of Forbidden Broadway, produced by the Straz Center, and the eagerly anticipated return of Jersey Boys.

The series is presented in the Straz Center’s acoustically perfect Carol Morsani Hall, the largest on the west coast of Florida, with more than 2,600 seats. Forbidden Broadway will run in the intimate 280-seat cabaret-style Jaeb Theater.

The 2010-2011 Bank of America Best of Broadway Tampa Bay season features:

9 to 5: The Musical
Oct. 19 – 24, 2010
9 to 5: The Musical is a hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era. This new musical comedy, direct from Broadway, is based on the hit movie and features Dolly Parton's original hit title song along with her new Tony Award- and Grammy®-nominated score.  The book is by Patricia Resnick (co-writer of the original screenplay) and Tony Award winner Joe Mantello (Wicked) directs. 

Tony winner Andy Blankenbuehler (In the Heights) provides the choreography. 9 to 5: The Musical tells the story of three unlikely friends who conspire to take control of their company and learn there’s nothing they can’t do – even in a man’s world. Outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic, 9 to 5: The Musical is about teaming up and taking care of business ... it’s about getting credit and getting even.

Forbidden Broadway
Oct. 26, 2010-Feb. 27, 2011
Forbidden Broadway is a cabaret revue sharply spoofing show tunes, characters and plots of contemporary and current Broadway musicals. Created and written by Gerard Alessandrini and directed by Alessandrini and long-time collaborator Phillip George, the original version of the revue opened on Jan. 15, 1982, at Palsson’s Supper Club in New York City and ran for 2,332 performances.

It has been rewritten several times to include parodies of newer shows and has taken on many different incarnations including Forbidden Broadway Goes to Rehab, Forbidden Hollywood and Forbidden Broadway: Special Victims Unit. Forbidden Broadway has mocked popular shows like The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked and Les Misérables and notable Broadway personalities including Carol Channing, Kristin Chenoweth, Elton John, Bernadette Peters, Patti LuPone, Mary Martin, Idina Menzel, Ethel Merman, Stephen Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Forbidden Broadway will play in the Straz Center’s Jaeb Theater.

Dreamgirls
Nov. 16 – 21, 2010
Catch the dream!  Direct from Harlem’s world famous Apollo Theater in New York City, a sensational new stage production of Dreamgirls comes to the Straz Center featuring American Idol finalist and Sarasota native Syesha Mercado as Deena Jones. Full of onstage joy and backstage drama, Dreamgirls tells the story of an up-and-coming, 1960s singing girl group, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune.

With music by Academy® Award nominee Henry Krieger and book and lyrics by Tony and Grammy Award-winner Tom Eyen, Dreamgirls features the unforgettable hits “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” “One Night Only” and “Listen.” Broadway director and choreographer Robert Longbottom (Bye Bye Birdie Broadway revival) and co-choreographer Shane Sparks (television’s So You Think You Can Dance), along with some of Broadway’s top designers, re-envision this Tony- and Academy Award-winning musical so it sparkles like never before! 

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
Nov. 30-Dec. 5, 2010
Get ready to discover a delightful new show that’s as fresh and rare as newly fallen snow! The classic holiday tradition White Christmas comes to the stage at last, as a brand new Irving Berlin musical direct from Broadway.

Brimming with such Berlin hits as “Blue Skies,” “How Deep Is the Ocean?” and, of course, the unforgettable title song, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas tells the story of two showbiz buddies putting on a show in a magical Vermont inn and finding their perfect mates in the bargain. Full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas promises to be a merry and bright theatrical experience for the whole family!

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Jan. 18-23, 2011
“Tale as old as time, true as it can be.” Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, the smash hit Broadway musical, is coming back to Tampa. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, this eye-popping spectacle has won the hearts of more than 35 million people worldwide. This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers including “Be Our Guest” and the beloved title song. 

Experience the romance and enchantment of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Straz Center! Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress.  If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

Billy Elliot the Musical
Feb. 2-18, 2011
Tampa is about to be electrified by Broadway’s “best musical of the decade” (Time Magazine). Thrilling audiences worldwide and winning 10 Tony Awards in 2009, including Best Musical, “the best show you will ever see” (New York Post) is coming to the Straz Center’s Carol Morsani Hall. Billy Elliot the Musical is a joyous celebration of one young boy’s triumph against the odds.

Called “the most inspiring show I’ve seen in years” by Ben Brantley of The New York Times, the story follows Billy’s journey as he stumbles out of the boxing ring into a ballet class and discovers his dream to dance.  Billy Elliot is brought to life by the Tony-winning creative team — director Stephen Daldry, choreographer Peter Darling and writer Lee Hall — along with music legend Elton John, who has written what the New York Post calls “his best score yet!.”  Billy Elliot will enchant the dreamer in all of us. Contains adult language.

West Side Story
March 1-6, 2011
More than 50 years ago one musical changed theater forever.  Now it’s back on Broadway mesmerizing audiences once again. From the first note of Leonard Bernstein’s score to the final breath, West Side Story soars as the greatest love story of all time. Directed by Tony Award-winner Arthur Laurents, West Side Story remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever, transferring Romeo and Juliet to the streets of New York. “So exciting it makes you ache with pleasure.” – John Lahr, The New Yorker

Jersey Boys
March 23-April 17, 2011
Jersey Boys, the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, makes its triumphant return to Tampa. Directed by two-time Tony Award-winner Des McAnuff, Jersey Boys won four 2006 Tony Awards including Best Musical and continues to set new weekly box office records at the August Wilson Theatre, where it has remained among the five top-grossing shows in New York since it opened. 

Jersey Boys is written by Academy® Award winner Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio, lyrics by Bob Crewe and choreography by Sergio Trujillo. Intended for mature audiences. Contains authentic Jersey language.

Shrek the Musical
May 3-8, 2011
Based on the popular Dreamworks film, Shrek the Musical tells the story of a swamp-dwelling ogre who goes on a life-changing adventure to reclaim the deed to his land. Joined by a wise-cracking donkey, this unlikely hero fights a fearsome dragon, rescues a feisty princess and learns that real friendship and true love aren’t only found in fairy tales. You’ll be a believer after seeing this fun-filled fantasy.  Songs include “Make a Move” and “Big Bright Beautiful World.”

Hair
May 24-29, 2011
Winner! Best Musical Revival 2009 Tony Award! The Public Theater’s new Tony-winning production of Hair is the most electric celebration on Broadway! This exuberant musical about a group of young Americans searching for peace and love in a turbulent time has struck a resonant chord with audiences young and old. Hair features an extraordinary cast and dozens of unforgettable songs, including “Aquarius,” “Let the Sun Shine In,” “Good Morning, Starshine” and “Easy To Be Hard.”

Its relevance is undeniable. Its energy is unbridled. Its truth is unwavering. It's Hair, and it's time. “If this explosive production doesn’t stir something in you, it may be time to check your pulse.” (Variety) Intended for mature audiences: While many find this show suitable for young adults (13 and older), parental discretion is advised. There is a dimly lit 20-second scene with nudity that is non-sexual in nature.

The 2010–2011 Bank of America Best of Broadway Tampa Bay series is presented by the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. Those interested in purchasing season tickets should call the Straz Center Ticket Office at 813.229.STAR (7827) or outside the Tampa Bay area at 800.955.1045 or visit www.strazcenter.org for more information.

Wow, I know that was a lot of information, but trust me, you'll want to head on to the website, or give a call, to get the rest of the details.  yOu can bet you'll see me at a few shows. 

Have fun everyone.  And we'll see you back here for more great things to do in Tampa Bay and other great Tampa Bay area events.

Hey gang...Travis back with some more Tampa Bay entertainment options from our friends at the History Center.  The Tampa Bay History Center continues its children’s program, A Little History, on Saturday, February 13 from 10 to 11:30am.

This month’s theme will be Pioneer Life. The History Center’s early childhood educators will entertain and enlighten with stories, songs, crafts and other age-appropriate activities related to the History Center’s exhibits and galleries. Saturday’s program will highlight pioneers from the 1800s who lived and worked in Florida’s rugged wilderness.

A Little History is open to children ages 3 to 5 with an adult companion. Programs are held one Saturday per month from 10-11:30 a.m. Each program is $10 per child and $6 per adult.

Members of the Tampa Bay History Center will receive a $2 discount for both children and adults. One adult must accompany every two children. Space is limited, pre-registration is required.

For more information on A Little History, visit www.tampabayhistorycenter.org.  And here are some other that are coming up: 

March 13 - Strawberries!; April 17 - Junior Archaeologists; May 15 - Museum Mysteries.

Have fun learning...and we'll see you back here for other Tampa Bay area events and great things to do in Tampa Bay. 

Hey everyone!  Jessica here with a quick Tampa Bay sports reminder... Don't miss the University of South Florida Bulls in action tomorrow night!!!  That's right, the leading ladies of USF's Women's Basketball team will be taking on the Villanova Wildcats at the USF Sun Dome at exactly 7:00 p.m.

The Bulls, who are coming off of a 64-47 win over Cincinnati, are looking for their fourth BIG EAST win of the season!  Tickets are still available at GoUSFBulls.com under "women's hoops" but, if you can't make it out to the game, you're still in luck... you can catch all the action by logging onto BullsVision Premium for live audio streaming (accessed through GoUSFBulls.com).

Don't forget your green and gold and of course your cheering voices as we support local collegiate athletics!  (And although I was once a Philadelphia girl) I must admit I'm looking forward to a USF victory tomorrow, so "Go BULLS!"

Check back soon for more exciting Tampa Bay area events and Tampa tourism!! 

Hey everyone...Travis back with an update from our friends at the Tampa Bay History Center.  Black History Month at the Tampa Bay History Center kicks off on February 1 with the opening of Shades of Greatness: Art Inspired by Negro Leagues Baseball (and exhibit I plan to attend at least once). 

On loan from the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, this multimedia collection of artwork highlights an often-overlooked part of baseball history. The exhibit also includes objects and photos of Tampa and Florida Negro League teams and players from various private collections as well as the Tampa Bay History Center’s collection.

The exhibit will be on display until April 25th, 2010 in the Third Floor Gallery and is included in the History Center’s general admission price.

Then, on February 14th, the History Center welcomes Dr. Canter Brown, Jr., Professor of History at Ft. Valley State University in Georgia, for a lecture -- The Flowering of Tampa’s African American Community at the Dawn of the Twentieth Century.

His presentation will focus on Tampa between the years 1898 and 1905 when Tampa’s African American population began to grow in number. Following his presentation, Dr. Brown will hold a book signing for his new publication, The Varieties of Women’s Experiences: Portraits of Southern Women in the Post-Civil War Century.

The event will take place in the History Center’s TECO Hall at 2:00 pm and is free and open to the public.

Next, on February 18th at 10:30 am, the History Center’s Book Group will meet to discuss The Odyssey of an African Slave, by Sitiki, a powerful narrative of the life of an African-born slave recently published by University Press of Florida.

The book group discussion will be followed by a visit from the book’s editor, Patricia Griffin, on February 21st at 3:00 pm as part of the Florida Conversations Lecture Series. Florida Conversations is co-sponsored by the University of South Florida Libraries Florida Studies Center and the Tampa Bay History Center.

The lecture will take place in the History Center’s TECO hall and is free and open to the public.

Finally, on February 20th at 3:00 pm, the History Center welcomes Dr. Raymond Doswell, Vice President of Curatorial Services of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri.

Dr. Doswell will discuss the History Center’s traveling exhibit, Shades of Greatness, and how the exhibit reflects the history and social thread of the Negro Leagues from roughly 1920 through 1960. Dr. Doswell’s lecture will take place in TECO Hall and is free and open to the public.

So there you go...get out and celebrate Black History Month at the Tampa Bay History Center.  And keep checking back here for more great things to do in Tampa Bay, and other Tampa Bay area events.

Hey there everyone!  Travis back with some information about some Tampa Bay entertainment that you will definitely want to hear. 

Broadway's biggest blockbuster is flying back to Tampa Feb. 3 for a limited engagement through Feb. 28 only!  You can save over $30 on tickets to see WICKED.  The Straz Center is offering SPECIAL PRICING for the following performances:
 
$63* tickets (regularly $91): Feb. 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m.
$53* tickets (regularly $91): Feb. 4 at 2 p.m.
 
Simply use promotion code "TBCO" when ordering tickets online, by phone at 813.229.STAR (7827) or in person at the Straz Center Ticket Office.
 
In case you aren't familiar with Wicked, here's the overview:
Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the land of Oz. One – born with emerald green skin – is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular.

How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good makes for "the most complete and completely satisfying new musical in a long time" (USA Today).

(just remember that ticket prices do not include applicable service charges. Subject to availability. Offer not valid on Premium seating or previously purchased tickets and cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer may be discontinued at any time.)
 
and I had to throw this line in there...from the Center: "Great seats are still available. Purchase your tickets today, or you’ll be green with envy."  Sorry, I thought it was funny.  
 
CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS TO REMAINING PERFORMANCES. 

See you back here for more Tampa Bay area events and other great things to do in Tampa Bay.

Hey everyone!  Travis here.  The Haiti disaster is top of mind with everyone right now, which is why I wanted to share this bit of news.  The Tampa Port Authority is pleased to announce that one of its major cement and aggregate tenants, Andino Cements USA, LLC, engaged in humanitarian efforts to bring critical relief to the people of earthquake-ravaged Haiti, January 18—20.

Because of damaged, unusable port facilities at Port-au-Prince, Dominican Republic-based Cementos Andino opened its port terminal to accommodate ships bringing relief supplies and provide for a staging location for loading of the goods onto a barge, subsequently destined for Jacmel, southwest of Port-au-Prince. 

More than 300 of the company’s own employees helped to load food, water and supplies onto a barge from the D.R. to neighboring Haiti.  Some employees contributed money toward the purchase of supplies.  The relief effort also involved participation from the Red Cross, United Nations and World Bank.

And...here's something cool.  The company’s efforts have already been recognized by the Dominican Republic’s government as a significant gesture of good will and kindness.

I know that a lot of people and organizations are out there helping out, so I'd like to send a heartfelt THANK YOU to them as well. 

See you back here for Tampa Bay area events, great things to do in Tampa Bay, and yes, even news like this...
 

Hey everyone...Travis back with a reminder that we are giving away tickets to the Florida State Fair today and tomorrow, and next week, on the Visit Tampa Bay Facebook fan page...www.facebook.com/visittampabay. 

The Florida State Fair is running Feb. 4-15 at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa.  Just click here to get more info:  http://floridastatefair.com/state-fair. 

We will be doing Facebook giveaways, which means you have to be a fan of the VisitTampaBay Facebook fan page.  so head over there now (www.Facebook.com/visittampabay.com) and become a fan. 

Today at 1pm, we'll post a trivia question.  The 1st 10 correct replies to the post have a chance to win the tickets. 

But, like I said, we are doing a bunch of them, so don't worry if you don't win the first one.  We'll do giveaways today and tomorrow (Jan. 28).  Then, we'll also do giveaways next week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (opening day of the fair), Feb. 2-4.  But the times vary, so stay tuned!!!! 

This is some great Tampa Bay entertainment, and one of the best values in Tampa Bay...so make sure you are participating. We'll see you on the VisitTampaBay Facebook fan page at 1pm tomorrow. 

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

Hey everyone!  Travis here with great news...we are going to be giving away a bunch of tickets for you and 3 friends (aka: a family 4-pack of tickets) to go to the Florida State Fair! 

In case you didn't know...the Florida State Fair is running Feb. 4-15 at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa.  Just click here to get more info:  http://floridastatefair.com/state-fair. 

We will be doing Facebook giveaways, which means you have to be a fan of the VisitTampaBay Facebook fan page.  so head over there now (www.Facebook.com/visittampabay.com) and become a fan. 

Then, tomorrow afternoon at 1pm, we'll post a trivia question.  The 1st 10 correct replies to the post have a chance to win the tickets. 

But, like I said, we are doing a bunch of them, so don't worry if you don't win the first one.  We'll do giveaways tomorrow and Thursday, Jan. 28.  Then, we'll also do giveaways next week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (opening day of the fair), Feb. 2-4.  But the times vary, so stay tuned!!!! 

This is some great Tampa Bay entertainment, and one of the best values in Tampa Bay...so make sure you are participating. We'll see you on the VisitTampaBay Facebook fan page at 1pm tomorrow. 

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

Hey gang...Travis back with some really cool Tampa Bay entertainment for you all.  If you know anything about Tampa, you know that Derek Jeter lives in the area, which is really cool for us.  Well, it's also has some benefits when it comes to the events he supports. 

We just got this in, so we had to share it:

Derek Jeter will host the official “Launch Party” at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 to kick-off the Seventh Annual Derek Jeter Celebrity Golf Classic presented by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Derek, along with many celebrity guests will join sponsors and supporters for a cocktail reception with hors d’ oeuvres, dancing, and a silent auction to benefit his Turn 2 Foundation. The evening will end with a live performance by Grammy Award winner, multi-platinum singer-songwriter, Ne-Yo!

Here are the vitals, so we can just get straight to it -

What: Seventh Annual Derek Jeter Celebrity Golf Classic presented by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Expected celebrity guests include: Michael Jordan, Ne-Yo, James Blake, Derrick Brooks, Harry Carson, John Cena, Kevin Connolly, Richard Dent, Trent Edwards, Carl Everett, Andres Galarraga, Ron Gant, Richard “Goose” Gossage, Natalie Gulbis, Ryan Howard, Dale Jarrett, Brittany Lincicome, Tino Martinez, Fred McGriff, Charles Oakley, Jorge Posada, Shelton Quarles, Bruce Smith, John Starks, and many more…

Where: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 5223 North Orient Road, Tampa, Florida 33610

When: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, Time: 6:45pm Media Registration, 7:00pm – 7:30pm Red Carpet Media Derek Jeter interview & photo op.

Parking: Media may valet and parking will be validated upon request. Parking is also free anywhere on property.

Cost: Tickets to the event are on sale now exclusively at the Seminole Hard Rock Retail Store for $500 per person.

In case you wanted to know more about the Turn 2 Foundation:
The Turn 2 Foundation, established in 1996, has awarded more than $10 million in grants to create and support signature programs and activities that motivate young people to choose healthy lifestyles. Through these ventures, the Foundation strives to create outlets for children to achieve academic excellence, develop leadership skills and remain drug and alcohol free. These programs all share the same goal of helping today’s youth become the leaders of tomorrow. To learn more about the Turn 2 Foundation, please visit us at WWW.TURN2FOUNDATION.ORG.           

So, get out your wallets for a good cause, and for the opportunity to meet all of those people!!!!!! 

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

Hey everyone!  Travis back with more great things to do in Tampa Bay.  The 2009-2010 season of Florida Conversations continues in just over a week...on Sunday, Jan. 31 at 3pm. 

The authors of Ditch of Dreams: The Cross Florida Barge Canal and the Struggle for Florida’s Future will be featured this time. 

Here are the details:

For centuries, men dreamed of cutting a canal across the Florida peninsula. Intended to reduce shipping times, it was championed in the early twentieth century as a way to make the mostly rural state a center of national commerce and trade.

Authors Steven Noll and David Tegeder trace the twists and turns of the project through the years, drawing on a wealth of archival and primary sources. Far from being a simplistic morality tale of good environmentalists versus evil canal developers, the story of the Cross Florida Barge Canal is a complex one of competing interests amid the changing political landscape of modern Florida.

Steven Noll is Senior Lecturer in history at the University of Florida. David Tegeder is Associate Professor of History at Santa Fe College.

And here's the best part...Florida Conversations is free and open to the public, so come on out!  You might even learn something. 

For more information, contact the Tampa Bay History Center at 228-0097 or head over to www.tampabayhistorycenter.org.

Until next time, keep checking back for more Tampa Bay entertainment options and cool Tampa Bay area events.
 

Hey everyone!  Travis back with some really cool information about one of the best Tampa Bay area events around. 

The Florida State Fair Authority will honor outstanding African-American and Hispanic individuals at the 2010 Florida State Fair who exemplify a commitment to excellence and enhancing Tampa or Florida’s rich heritage and culture within their respective communities. 

Nominations were reviewed from public submissions; and a group of Fair Advisory committee members slimmed down the list to the top 5 candidates for each category.  The public is encouraged to vote for the individual that they feel best reflects a positive contribution to their heritage and race.

Click here to VOTE NOW.  The voting period ends on Wednesday, January 27 at 11:59 p.m., so vote now!!!!

African-American Nominees for the 2010 Florida State Fair’s World Village Heritage Wall of Fame

1. C. Blythe Andrews, Jr.
2. Reverend Alphonso Leon Lowry, Sr.
3. Dr. Israel Tribble
4. Mordecai Walker
5. Felecia Ann Wintons-Taylor

Hispanic Nominees for the 2010 Florida State Fair’s World Village Heritage Wall of Fame

1. Matilda Garcia
2. Rene Gonzalez
3. Richard Gonzmart
4. Bob Martinez
5. Vicente Martinez Ybor

The top three vote-getters from each category will be recognized on the Heritage Wall of Fame in the World Village area of the 2010 Florida State Fair.  The honorees and/or their immediate family members (if the nominee is deceased) will be invited to an opening day ceremony and presentation on February 4, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. in the Family Theater at the Florida State Fair in Tampa, Florida.

And don't forget that the 106th annual Florida State Fair will take place on February 4-15, 2010.  Just visit www.floridastatefair.com to get all of the details! 

See you back here for more information about Tampa Bay enterainment options and great things to do in Tampa Bay. 
 

Hey everyone...Travis back with some more Tampa Bay entertainment from our friends at the History Center...so you know this is going to be good. 

Former Governor Bob Martinez and former Hillsborough County Commissioner Jan Platt will take part in a panel discussion entitled, VJ Day: Tampa Bay at the End of World War II, at the Tampa Bay History Center.  It happens this Sunday, January 24th at 1pm.

Noted historian Gary Mormino will serve as moderator for the panel which, in addition to Martinez and Platt, will include several other Hillsborough County residents who grew up during the waning years of WWII.

Mormino is the director of the Florida Studies program at USF St. Petersburg and author of Land of Sunshine State of Dreams and The Immigrant World of Ybor City.

thanks to the Frank E. Duckwall Foundation, the lecture is free and open to the Public, so come on out! For more information, contact the Tampa Bay History Center at 228-0097 or on- line at www.tampabayhistorycenter.org.

See you there everyone.  And keep checking back for more things to do in Tampa Bay! 

Hey everyone!  Travis back with some information on some great Tampa Bay area events...actually, it's just one event this time, but is a great one! 

On Saturday, Feb. 20 the Museum of Science & Industry will host the 15th annual Einstein on Food & Wine, bringing a bit of the Italian Renaissance to the Tampa Bay area. Here's the info:

Einstein on Food & Wine combines wine, food, music, and a silent auction to raise funds for MOSI’s educational programs. Tampa Bay vintners will offer tastings on a variety of wines—reds, whites, champagnes, domestic and imported while restaurants offer tastings of delectable food. 

Costs - Einstein on Food & Wine is $60 for MOSI members and $70 for non members. VIP tickets are available for $125. Tickets are $80 the day of the event.

The event opens to all paid guests at 7pm...VIP guests are invited to arrive at 6 p.m. to enjoy an exclusive preview of food and wine throughout the museum. 

At 7 p.m. VIP guests will enjoy a special selection of wine and food inside MOSI’s visiting exhibition, DaVinci - The Genius and The Secrets of  Mona Lisa. Direct from Italy, this world acclaimed exhibition from the Il Genio de Leonardo da Vinci Museo brings to life Leonardo's genius as an inventor, artist, scientist, anatomist, engineer and architect.

Now also including the new and revealing Secrets of Mona Lisa exhibit from Paris, Da Vinci - The Genius is the most comprehensive exhibition ever assembled on the greatest mind that ever lived. An amazing experience and inspiration for the whole family. 

so, for more information or to purchase tickets, call (813) 987-6000 or visit www.mosi.org. You can bet you'll see me out there! 

Until then, keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay and other Tampa Bay entertainment options.