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Hi and welcome to our blog – your source of Tampa Bay&Company news, events, activities and more! Let us take you through the ins and outs of what's happening in the world of Hillsborough County’s Destination Marketing Organization, and your source of what’s happening in Tampa Bay.

Keep checking back to hear about national and international journalists and reporters that will be on scene in the Bay area, or find out what’s going on in the local Tampa Bay news scene.

Make sure you subscribe to the RSS feed (link to the top-right) to have the latest blog posts available to you, and keep checking back for what’s new and what’s to come! Until next time…

Two New Aussies Arrive at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo!

Thursday, September 2, 2010 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone! Travis back with some Tampa Bay Entertainment information. We are heading out to see our friends at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo! Here's the lastest news -

Summer may be nearing an end, but fall fun has just begun with the arrival of two charming young koalas who flew coast to coast just in time for the holiday weekend at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo.

Dane, a two-year-old male, and Kirrhi, a two-year-old female, have settled in to their new home in Wallaroo Station, the Zoo’s 4.5 acre Australian-themed children’s zoo. The Queensland koala habitat at the Zoo is climate controlled, since these “mates” prefer less humidity than Florida’s climate generally offers.

Kirrhi and Dane will spend as much as 18-20 hours each day sleeping or resting, leaving them about four to six hours of free time for eating and socializing. Koalas rarely leave the trees they live in and use their sharp claws and opposable thumbs to help keep them safely secured to their tree while they sleep and eat. They also have extra thick fur on their back sides to help cushion them while sitting on branches – which comes in handy when you sit all day.

Koalas have especially slow metabolisms, partially due to their diet. They eat only eucalyptus leaves which contain toxic oil that is poisonous to most animals. Koalas have bacteria in their stomachs which can break down the harmful oils, but it still takes most of a koala’s energy just to digest and eliminate the toxins. Eating eucalyptus has an added benefit of providing koalas with most of the moisture they need.

The koala habitat is open daily, during Zoo operating hours. The animals are on loan from The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and are part of the Species Survival Plan under the guidance of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

And there's the exciting news...I don't know about you, but I can tell you that I'm excited about heading out there to see the Zoo's new guests! Have fun if you go...

And keep checking back here for more updates about great things to do in Tampa Bay, or Tampa Bay Area Events info.

Exciting RITZ Ybor September Events!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hello Tampa Bay.. Julian here again with the newest and freshest RITZ Ybor Line-Up of exciting events... there's lots of stuff going on this month, so check this out...

There are two great events for all lovers of the Mixed Martial Arts:

Master Mehrdad’s Muay Thai Classic XXV
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Doors: 6pm, Show: 8pm

Amateurs presented by Art of Fighting
Friday, September 17, 2010
Doors: 6pm, Show: 8pm

And then check out some young and fresh new bands...Eight eclectic bands on two stages celebrate 31 years of community radio in Tampa Bay: Suenalo, Johnny Cakes & the Four Horsemen of Apocalypso, The Hip Abduction, The Cadillac Bombers, Sleepy Vikings, Jim Morey Band and Peace Mole and the Psychedelic Multicolored Litmus Paper Test.. see them all at:

WMNF’s 31st Birthday Bash featuring The Paul Thorn Band, Johnny Cakes & the Four Horsemen, Suenalo and more
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Doors: 6pm, Show: 8pm

So make it a RITZ Ybor month and enjoy these great events! I'll will keep you 100% up-to-date on more stuff happening at the RITZ this and next month... and, of course, all the other exciting Tampa Bay area events!

USF College of The Arts Distinguished Lecture Series: Esteemed Designer, Innovator, and just plain visionary… Bruce Mau!!

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey folks... Julian back again with one more update: “Love your experiments (as you would an ugly child),” “Don’t clean your desk,” and “Make new words” are just a few of the rules that visionary, innovator, designer, and author Bruce Mau lives by. Calling him a visionary seems lofty but then again he tends to tackle the lofty. From his book Massive Change to his most recent The Third Teacher: 79 Ways You Can Transform Teaching and Learning, Mau communicates his vision of changing the design of the world. Again, a lofty challenge, but be assured he will convince you that it’s a lot easier than you think; just don’t clean your desk.

BRUCE MAU LIVE

Thursday Sept 2, 2010
7pm USF Theatre 1
Free and open to the public
Reception and book signing to follow
in the Contemporary Art Museum

Bruce Mau Student Talk-Back
Friday, Sept. 3, 2010
10am- Noon
USF Theatre II
Free and open to all students and faculty

Informed by 25 years of studio experience in design innovation and collaboration with some of the world’s leading artists, institutions and businesses, Bruce Mau has made the simple commitment to connect his life and work to education and human development. Motivated by the idea that we need to rethink our future and the way we will live in it, he asks in his widely successful Massive Change, “Now that we can do anything, what will we do? What if life itself became a design project?”

Bruce Mau’s newest book, The Third Teacher (Abrams, April 2010) which he and his studio co-authored with OWP/P Architects and VS Furniture, presents a collection of ways that design can transform teaching and learning for students, families and teachers to thrive in tomorrow’s world. Mau is engaging USF courtesy of the College of The Arts Distinguished Lecture Series (formally Talk of The Arts), and sponsored in part by the Arnold and Louise Kotler Memorial Endowment, Macy’s Distinguished Arts Lecture/ Performance Fund, Lee and Victor Leavengood CAM Endowment, Stuart S. Golding Eminent Chair in Modern & Contemporary Art, and Sam M. Gibbons Endowed Chair in Architecture and Urban Design.

If for no other reason than to satisfy a curiosity, join us Sept. 2 at 7pm in Theatre I.

Bruce Mau Live is a free event and open to engage:

    game changers
    adventurers
    challengers
    innovators
    artists
    optimists
    entrepreneurs

… and of course anyone who is working on any of the above. After all, according to Mau, 9. Begin anywhere, 10. Everyone is a leader. You should really check this one out! In the meanwhile, I'll keep you posted about all the stuff happening in Tampa Bay including the most exciting Tampa Bay area events!

Gaspar Ballet at Straz Center!

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hello guys.. Julian back with some more awesome entertainment news for those that love really good and exciting ballet! Gaspar-A Pirate Fantasy, a swashbuckling ballet, is being restaged locally after a 16 year absence from the Tampa Bay area. Creator/Choreographer Christopher Fleming will produce the original, full-length classical ballet at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts on January 30, 2011 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm to coincide with Tampa’s annual Gasparilla Festivities. The original score is by Tampa Bay’s own David Goldstein, M.D. The Richard and Sharon Sanchez Family Foundation has agreed to be the presenting sponsor.

Gaspar-A Pirate Fantasy tells the tale of Tampa Bay’s most famous pirate, José Gaspar. The pirate/love story will include local dancers and performers as well as students from the Patel Conservatory. The production will feature principal dancers from New York and Philadelphia.

All proceeds from the ballet will go to local non-profits including the Tampa Bay Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Florida Chapter of Operation Homefront, as well as Drew’s Shoes, a charity dedicated to providing dance shoes for underprivileged children. Tickets on sale through the Straz Center ticket office.

This sounds really cool to me! Check back soon here often, so we can keep you up-to-date with all the exciting things to do in Tampa Bay and Tampa Bay events!

Columbia Rolls Back Prices for “1905 Day”

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hi all. Travis back with another Tampa Bay dining update. The Columbia Restaurant is one of my favorite restaurants of all time, so I am really excited about this announcement.

On Sunday, September 19, The Columbia Restaurant rolls back the prices for “1905 Day” to celebrate the 105th ANNIVERSARY of the fourth and fifth generation family-owned business. As has been the tradition since their 75th Anniversary, the Columbia has developed a special menu with the prices of yesteryear for this day.

“1905 Day” takes place at the Columbia Restaurants in Tampa’s Ybor City, Sarasota, St. Augustine, The Pier in St. Petersburg, Sand Key on Clearwater Beach and Celebration. All Columbia Restaurants are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.

From noon until 7:00 p.m. on “1905” Day, guests will enjoy the Columbia Restaurant’s world-famous Spanish cuisine for the prices they might have paid in the “good ole days”.

Menu items will include: Chicken & Yellow Rice “Ybor” for $2.95, Boliche (eye round of beef) for $2.95, Merluza “A la Rusa” for $2.95, Columbia’s Original “1905 Salad” for $1.95, Sangria for $.95 cents, flan for $.50 cents, and their richly brewed American coffee for $.05 cents.

But note that on this day only, reservations are not accepted, and take-out items are not available. And, also, the Columbia Café on the Riverwalk at the Tampa Bay History Center in Downtown Tampa will not offer the "1905 Day" menu, but will be open and serving from their regular menu.

So, make your plans to get out and enjoy the treats! And we'll see you back here for more updates about great things to do in Tampa Bay and Tampa Bay area events.

Tampa Bay Fishing Update

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone. Travis back with a Tampa Bay fishing update for you. Yeah, I know you love to spend time on the Tampa Bay area beaches, but when you feel like getting off the sand and heading in to the water, then listen up. Here's the latest fishing update from Capt. Stewart Ames -

Redfish become the primary inshore fishing target during the heat of summer in the Tampa Area and this August was no exception. Water temperatures actually exceeded the ninety degree mark on several days, which had even the heat tolerant redfish moving a little slower than usual. Fishing was best on the high and outgoing tides.

Residential docks and grass flats with good water movement appeared to be the most productive locations. As has been the case all season, most of the fish caught were of good quality. Pinfish bobbered a half a foot off of the bottom or cut baits were most productive. Looking forward into September, redfishing should only get better as days get shorter and daytime temperatures start to moderate a little bit. Schooling fish should be easier to find as well, setting the stage for double digit catch days.

Although Tampa Snook Fishing is best during May, June and early July, quality fish can still be caught in the late summer months by the persistent angler. Those interested in targeting a large specimen should night fish with big baits such as grunts and ladyfish.

The best times are during strongest tidal movement. As is almost always the case with snook, let the baits float naturally through the snook's lair with no weight unless the current is very strong. Likely hangouts for these larger fish include the deep cuts near local passes, jetties, and around lighted docks known to harbor big fish. Snook are present in the same locations during the daylight hours, but seem more reluctant to eat when the sun is high.

At some point in September, water temperatures will begin to drop. This cooler water will trigger a migration of mangrove snapper to our near shore Pinellas County Reefs in large numbers. Last year, this fishing lasted from late September to December. On days where the tides are weak and inshore fishing a little tougher, a trip 4 - 5 miles offshore to these reefs can be great "Plan B". By aggressively chumming, hundreds of snapper can be brought to the stern of your boat.

Although wary on some days, they can be hooked on every cast on others. Free-lined shrimp or a small whitebait dropped back into the slick is the best technique for regular hookups. Larger fish are typically found towards the back of the slick. If this approach does not pay off, take the same bait and drop it directly to the bottom with as little weight as is needed to hold it stationary. Do not move the bait at all. Just wait for a tug. Snapper will approach a bait like this and circle it, sometimes for minutes, before they pick it up. Once the snapper are effectively chummed up, rig a couple of heavy action spinning rods with a steel leader above the hook.

Take larger baits such as threadfin herring or big pilchards and cast these baits, on balloons, well back into the chum slick. Place these rods up above where they are out of the way and just wait. While everyone is actively focusing on filling out their snapper limits, a drag will start screaming as a larger predator has inhaled one of these ballooned baits. In September, this could be a Spanish mackerel, bonita, cobia, barracuda or shark...any of these providing an interesting diversion from snapper fishing.

With August in the rear view mirror, fishing will only get batter for the next few months. The best days to inshore fish during the month of September are the 5th through the 11th and the 20th through the 26th so plan your fishing trips with these dates in mind.

And there you have it. Good luck and good fishing. And in the meantime, keep checking back here for more things to do in Tampa Bay and other Tampa Bay area events.

The Florida Orchestra 2010/2011 Coffee Concert Series in St. Petersburg and Clearwater!

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey Tampa Bay.. Julian here with great news for all music and concert lovers out there: The Florida Orchestra (TFO) announced programming and artists for its 2010/2011 morning Coffee Concert series under the direction of Alastair Willis, now in his third season as coffee series conductor at TFO. The orchestra will continue to offer a seven-concert series of familiar symphonic favorites at the Progress Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg on Thursday mornings at 11 a.m., as well as a new three-concert series being added at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater on Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m. This new Clearwater series is presented by the Herman Forbes Charitable Trust.

Programming for the Coffee Concerts covers favorite themes and movements from such well-known works as Bernstein’s West Side Story, Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess, Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, Britten’s Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra and Dvorak’s New World Symphony. Soloists on the series include TFO’s Principal Clarinetist Brian Moorhead, performing the second and third movements from Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in A major, and the 2010 Sphinx Competition Winner, violinist Gareth Johnson, playing the second and third movements of Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto.

Taking place in a relaxed setting with a casual format, the conductor talks to the audience about the music and the composers during the performances. Prior to all concerts, complimentary coffee and Krispy Kreme doughnuts are served in the lobby of the hall, and pre-concert conversations by the conductor and various orchestra musicians are offered in the concert hall one hour before curtain time. The 7-concert series in St. Petersburg starts at $134, and the 3-concert series in Clearwater starts at $58. For more information or to purchase a series package, call The Florida Orchestra Ticket Center at 727.892.3337 or toll free at 1.800.662.7286, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For information or to purchase tickets online, visit www.floridaorchestra.org.

All of the Coffee Concerts will be led by Grammy-nominated conductor Alastair Willis, whose talents regularly place him in front of such orchestras as the New York Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Chicago Symphony, St. Louis Symphony, Detroit Symphony, Houston Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony, Oregon Symphony and San Diego Symphony, among others. He has also occupied a variety of conducting posts, including resident conductor of the Seattle Symphony, assistant conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops orchestras and music director of the Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra.

Seven Concerts – October through May
Progress Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater
Thursday Mornings at 11 a.m. in St. Petersburg

Three Concerts – January, March & April
Ruth Eckerd Hall
Wednesday Mornings at 10 a.m. in Clearwater

For programming, schedule, and tickets click HERE! So treat youself to some really good music for breakfast! I'll be back with more news and updates around Tampa Bay area events and fun stuff to do in Tampa Bay!

Buy One Get One at MOSI!

Monday, August 30, 2010 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone. Travis back with some great things to do in Tampa Bay, and at a great price. We are heading over to the largest science center in the Southeast US for a great deal!

Celebrate Labor Day this weekend at MOSI with Buy-One Get-One FREE admission to MOSI’s exhibit galleries, CSI: The Experience, one IMAX® Dome Theatre film, and much more!

Don’t miss your chance to see the limited-engagement exhibition, CSI: The Experience, at MOSI until Monday, September 6. This is the last weekend to view this exhibit, and it would be a crime to miss it! Get it...crime!!!!

It's from September 4 - 6, so don't miss your opportunity. The offer is valid with the purchase of a full-priced general admission ticket (child, adult or senior). Must mention offer at box office in order to redeem.

Have fun and let us know how it was. And of course, keep checking back here for more Tampa Bay Events and Tampa Bay Entertainment options.

World's Best Sporting Events - And Tampa Could Have One!

Thursday, August 26, 2010 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone. Travis back with some interesting Tampa Bay sports news, and a request for help. Each year, SportsTravel presents awards for the World's best sporting events, and they are all based on votes...which is where you come in! We need everyone to vote for the sporting event Tampa Bay hosted - the 2009 NCAA Women's Volleyball Tournament.

Voting is now open for the 2010 SportsTravel Awards, so you can head there now! It takes less than two minutes to cast your vote for Tampa Bay to have one of the world's best sporting events.

You just have to go to www.SportsTravelMagazine.com and click on the "SportsTravel Awards" button. Voting is open now through September 13, 2010.

That's all it takes, so help out Tampa Bay and cast your vote today!

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

South West Florida Bicycle United Dealers (SWFBUD) Bicycle Bash is moving to the next level!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hi guys... Julian back again with even more news for you: In 2010, SWFBUD's popular Bicycle Bash is moving to the next level -- and a new home, Flatwoods County Park in Hillsborough County on Nov. 7, the first Sunday in November. Click Here for a map to the location on Morris Bridge Road off Interstate 75 outside Tampa.

The 2010 Bicycle Bash Classic, Presented by Cure on Wheels will continue to feature its fun bicycle exhibitor/vendor village -- but this year the bicycle festival will also include live bicycle riding in Flatwoods Park outside Tampa.

The synergy of bicycle exhibitors and bicycle activities is designed to get people excited about biking and increase the profile of bicycling in the Tampa Bay market -- two of SWFBUD's goals. The Flatwoods venue for bicyc

ling is among the most scenic for cycling in Florida, offering activities for both road bicyclists and mountain bikers.

This year's Bicycle Bash -- now in its fifth year -- will also host the Cure on Wheels charity bike ride, which raises money for local cancer research. For the second consecutive year, SWFBUD and the Bicycle Bash is proud to have Cure on Wheels as the presenting sponsor for the Bicycle Bash festival.

SWFBUD (South West Florida Bicycle United Dealers) is an alliance of nine Tampa Bay
area retail bike dealers and two lawyers who hold the annual Bicycle Bash event to
celebrate bicycling and grow cycling in the Tampa Bay region. SWFBUD also lobbies local governments throughout the year to commit more resources to bicyclists.

SWFBUD will be partnering with Hillsborough County for this year's Bicycle Bash, as
Hillsborough County will serve as a co-sponsor. SWFBUD is also partnering with the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, which will help promote and market the Bicycle Bash Classic, Presented by Cure on Wheels.

To see a video of last year's Bicycle Bash, click here. To read the Bicycle Bash press release, click here.

If you want to be a vendor or sponsor at the 2010 Bicycle Bash Classic, Presented by
Cure on Wheels, contact Alan Snel at alansnel@yahoo.com.

So as you can see, coming back here often really pays off... we keep you up-to-date with all the exciting events and things going on in the Tampa Bay area!

Straz Center for the Performing Arts establishes Next Generation Ballet!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hello folks... Julian back here with more interesting news from Tampa Bay! I am happy to announce that Tampa's cultural landscape will get a great new addition!

The David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts (formerly the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center) has established an exciting new ballet company in Tampa - Next Generation Ballet (NGB).

Peter Stark, chair of the dance department at the Patel Conservatory, will become artistic director of NGB. He plans to prepare outstanding young talent for professional employment through high levels of instruction, coaching and performing opportunities. Stark is an international coach of ballet wunderkinds and is bringing former student Jeffrey Cirio, (Princess Grace Award recipient), to Tampa to dance in the inaugural production of The Nutcracker.

In NGB, apprentice company members can participate for two to four years and will dance in two annual productions. Dancers in this first season will dance in The Nutcracker in December, along with guest artists from New York City Ballet and Boston Ballet, and in A Midsummer Night’s Dream on May 14, 2011. Additionally, NGB dancers will be utilized in Opera Tampa productions, including the season opener, The Merry Widow.

Since Stark joined the Patel Conservatory, after directing Orlando Ballet School for a decade, five families have relocated to Tampa from Orlando to train with him and the other instructors at the Patel Conservatory Youth Ballet.

“Peter and I wanted to find a way to produce local dance of international quality that would also be financially sustainable. The idea of a company that is geared toward young performers on the cusp of their career made sense and supported the Patel Conservatory’s mission of educating young dancers, allowing them to gain valuable stage experience in a fully professional setting,” said Wendy Leigh, vice president of education at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts.

NGB is modeled after the successful New World Symphony in Miami, Fla., which brings together professionals with students in the area of classical music. In the 2010-2011 season, NGB will feature eight apprentice dancers, 12 trainee dancers and the finest students from the Patel Conservatory Youth Ballet’s 250-member student body. Guest artists from New York City Ballet and Boston Ballet will also perform with NGB.

As part of the non-profit David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, the Patel Conservatory offers dance classes for children and adults in ballet, hip-hop, jazz, modern, Flamenco, Latin ballroom and tap, as well as camps and classes in music and theater. More information is available by calling 813.222.1002 and by visiting www.patelconservatory.org.

That's it for now but check back for more updates and news around cultural events, institutions and fun arts and culture in Tampa Bay related stuff!!

Cracker Country DVD Giveaway Contest!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey Tampa Bay.. Julian here with a great way to start the school year! Enter this exciting giveaway contest and learn about rural Florida's past...

With the school year beginning, Cracker Country offers you a gift! Cracker Country, a living history museum located on the Florida State Fairgrounds, is giving away 5 copies of their Electronic Field Trip film “School Days.” The film follows the life of Kate and Levi Moore as they go to school, complete their lessons, and interact with their family. Join them on their journey and find out what it was like to live in a rural Florida community in 1898!

To enter, send an email to beckerj@doacs.state.fl.us

o    Include your full name
o    Address
o    And description of how you plan on using the film

The first five individuals to send this email will win!

To find out more information about Cracker Country or their Electronic Field Trips program please visit www.crackercountry.org or call 813-627-4225.

So this is it for now, but come back soon for more great contests, events and things to do in Tampa Bay! I'll keep you posted!

FUNDRAISER FOR FAMILIES OF FALLEN OFFICERS AT AIRHEADS TRAMPOLINE ARENA!

Monday, August 23, 2010 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey Tampa Bay... Julian here with an exciting event that serves a great purpose:

AirHeads Trampoline Arena in Carrollwood is hosting a fundraiser to benefit the families of fallen Tampa Police Officers, Jeff Kocab and Dave Curtis. Friday, August 27 and Saturday, August 28, AirHeads will donate 25% of all full price jumping sales to the families.

“The incredibly brave men and women of the Tampa Police Department are the unsung hero's of our community. Hosting a two day fundraiser to benefit the fallen officers' families is just a small way for us to show our appreciation, compassion, and support. We encourage kids and adults of all ages to come out and receive the gift of giving while having a great time jumping and flying in our Trampoline Arena,” said Rich Heruska, co-owner of AirHeads.

The indoor trampoline arena has 11,000 square feet of trampoline jumping for all ages. Guests can enjoy a cardio workout while bouncing off the floor and walls. There’s even dodgeball for the competitive spirit.

AirHeads is located at 5072 W. Linebaugh Ave. The first hour of jumping is $12, and $10 for each additional hour. There is no charge for parents, friends and others who prefer to sit back and enjoy watching the high flying action. The arena is open Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information about the Fallen Officers’ Fundraiser or AirHeads Trampoline Arena, log on to www.airheadsusa.com or call 813-AIR-HEAD (247-4323). Visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/airheadsusa.

Have fun jumping around and bouncing off the floor and walls! I'll be back soon with more updates and news on Tampa Bay Area events, resorts and charities! So check back!

Columbia Restaurant's 13th Annual Community Harvest

Wednesday, August 18, 2010 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone. Travis back with some Tampa Bay entertainment that is for a good cause. The world-famous Columbia Restaurant does this each and every year, and it's time for us to show some more support! Here's the scoop -

Let your appetite do the giving while you support local non-profit groups in Florida by dining at any Columbia Restaurant or The Columbia Cafe during the entire month of September for lunch or dinner during the 13th Annual Columbia Restaurant Community Harvest program.

Through this program, The Columbia donates 5% of all guests’ lunch and dinner checks to the charitable organizations chosen by their customers during the month of September. The Community Harvest takes place in all of the Columbia Restaurants; Tampa’s Ybor City, Sarasota, St. Augustine, The Pier in St. Petersburg, Sand Key on Clearwater Beach, Central Florida’s Town of Celebration, and at the new Columbia Café on the Riverwalk in Downtown Tampa.

And in case you didn't know, all Columbia locations are open 7-days a week for lunch and dinner.

Here's a bit of background on the Columbia, which everyone should know!

The original Columbia Restaurant was founded in 1905 in Ybor City and is Florida’s oldest restaurant. Locations include the flagship restaurant in Tampa’s historic Ybor City, St. Armands Circle in Sarasota, the historic district in St. Augustine, The Pier in St. Petersburg, Sand Key in Clearwater Beach, Central Florida’s town of Celebration, and the Columbia Café on the Riverwalk in Downtown Tampa. All Columbia Restaurants are owned and operated by the Gonzmart family, fourth and fifth generation members of the founding family.

So there you have it...a great reason to go and enjoy some amazing food!

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

Comfort Suites Tampa Fairgrounds/Casino Grand Opening Event!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey Tampa Bay... Julian here with an exciting new addition to the Tampa hotel landscape: The Comfort Suites Tampa Fairgrounds/Casino Grand Opening Event is set for September 23rd, 2010!

The Red Carpet Grand Opening Gala commemorates this occasion with an “Evening with the Stars” tribute to some of Hollywood’s Showbiz greats!

The Comfort Suites Tampa Fairgrounds/Casino, located on Highway 301 South directly across from the street from the Tampa Fairgrounds, will play host to their own Red Carpet Grand Opening Gala commemorating the formal opening of their newly open hotel property on Thursday September 23rd, 2010, beginning at 4:30 PM.

Guests will be greeted by Joan Rivers* as they make their grand entrance on the red carpet; followed by a ribbon-cutting and toast conducted by the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce to the “all suites hotel” at 5:30 PM. Exquisitely prepared hors d’oeuvres will be presented by the Chefs of the Seminole Hard Rock Casino.

Promptly at 6:00 PM, the “Show Must Go On” with a short entertainment program by some of Hollywood’s “Legendary Ladies” such as Cher*, Tina Turner*, Marilyn Monroe* and Bette Midler* by way of comedy impersonator Holly Faris* who appears in showrooms from Las Vegas and New York to Atlantic City, Europe and the Caribbean.

Attire can range for this after work-event from “Who Are You Wearing – You Look Marvelous” to “I Just Came From Work So Sue My Agent Already”. “The Gala Red Carpet Grand Opening is to enable business guests to see for themselves why nationally recognized tripadvisor.com rates the Comfort Suites Tampa Fairgrounds/Casino the #1 hotel in Tampa out of 158 hotel entries”, states Jeff Morgan, General Manager. Reservations are required by calling 813-868-7770.

Sounds exciting! Enjoy! I'll be back soon with more updates, events and things to do in Tampa Bay!

West Tampa Softball Team Wins 1st Game at Little League World Series

Monday, August 16, 2010 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone. Travis back with an update to a blog that we posted last week. We told you that the West Tampa Softball team was heading to the little league World Series...in case you missed it, find it here: http://blog.visittampabay.com/blog/tampa-bay-pr-blog/0/0/tampa-is-on-the-way-to-the-world-series-do-some-good-and-give.

Well, guess what??!! They won their first game...and not only did they win, they dominated! The game was stopped early and the girls won 16-0! Now that's a great way to start off the tournament.

They have another game tomorrow, and we'll be posting updates as we get them, but let's all wish them luck and keep our fingers crossed that they can bring the title to Tampa Bay!

See you with more updates soon. And keep checking back for more Tampa tourism updates, along with other great things to do in Tampa Bay and Tampa Bay area events.

An Amazing Weekend at the Hampton Inn & Suites Ybor City!

Monday, August 16, 2010 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hi all...Travis back with a follow up to my post last week about my stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites Ybor City. In case you missed that post, check it out at: http://blog.visittampabay.com/blog/tampa-bay-pr-blog/0/0/hampton-inn-suites-ybor-the-place-to-stay

Well, to start off, let me say that the stay there was aboslutely amazing! I have stayed in a bunch of hotels, and I'm not sure I've ever felt so welcomed. From the time I checked in to the time I checked out, they made the experience wonderful.

I will have to follow up to find out what her name was, but the woman at the front desk was welcoming, attentive and friendly. We got there just a few minutes early (and our room wasn't quite ready), and she even helped us decide where to have lunch. And I must say, she gave us some good options!

When we got back from lunch and went to our room, it had everything we needed...and more! The bed was comfortable, the room was huge, and we felt right at home. Plus, after enjoying an evening out in Ybor City...we had to indulge in some treats from the snack area they have...definitely topped off the night.

Plus, breakfast the next morning was a bit beyond continental. They had everything from bagels and cereal to waffles, eggs and bacon, and breakfast potatos. Talk about a great way to start off the day!

I could probably sit here and sing the praises of this hotel all day, but let's just say that if you are looking for a place to stay in Ybor City, downtown Tampa or the surrounding areas, make sure you keep the Hampton Inn & Suites Ybor City in mind. This is one hotel that knows what it's doing, and they do it right!

A huge thumbs up to the Hampton Inn & Suites Ybor City. If you want, head over to www.tampayborcitysuites.hamptoninn.com to get more info.

And keep checking back here for more Tampa tourism updates, along with other great things to do in Tampa Bay and Tampa Bay area events.

Hampton Inn & Suites Ybor - the place to stay!

Friday, August 13, 2010 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone! Travis here with a Tampa tourism update...and one that I am going to experience first-hand. I was born and raised in the Tampa Bay area, and because I live in the area, I don't get to go out and experience our hotels. Well, that's gonna change right now!

I will be staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites Ybor City this weekend, and I'll be experiencing the best that Ybor City has to offer. In case I didn't mention it, Ybor City is one of my favorite parts of the Tampa Bay area. From the dining and nightlife options to, yes you guessed it, the hotel options, there's so much to see and do.

In case you've never stayed or dropped by the Hampton Inn & Suites Ybor, this place is in the perfect location! It's right on 7th Avenue (yes, the strip) in Ybor. And it's got everything you need...here's the short list -

Automated Teller (ATM)
Baggage Storage
Beverage Area, Complimentary
Breakfast Area, Complimentary
Coin Laundry
Elevators
Local Area Transportation
Luggage Hold
Safety Deposit Box
Fitness Room
Pool

And in case you're in town for business, how about adding -

Audio/Visual Equipment Rental
Business Center
Fax
Meeting Rooms
Photo Copying Service

And all of this is on top of the awesome rooms they have! Obviously you'll be more than comfortable staying there. But don't worry, I'll fill you in first thing Monday morning.

If you've ever stayed there, feel free to chime in and let us know what you thought, but I'll be giving the full review next week. In the meantime, if you're interested in more info about the hotel, visit www.tampayborcitysuites.hamptoninn.com/.

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

Four Bands for a good cause!

Wednesday, August 11, 2010 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone. Travis back with some Tampa Bay entertainment for a good cause. Rock by the Sea is a nonprofit organization that uses music and concerts to raise money to fight pediatric cancer.

The event that is going to be held in Tampa will be on Wednesday, August 18 and will feature four bands and an art show of local artists, as well as a silent auction.

The bands participating are Southside Serenade: local rock band, Hightide Blues: an indie rock band from Nashville, Dirty Shannon: an acoustic duo from Orlando, and Stephen Hunley: singer songwriter from Knoxville. All of the bands are incredibly talented and are traveling to make this event because they believe in the work that Rock by the Sea does.

In the silent auction there will be music memorabilia including signed pictures, posters, cds, tickets, etc. from Zac Brown Band, Collective Soul, Will Hoge, Ingram Hill, and more. There will also be artwork donated by the artists that are featured in the art show.

The event will begin at 6pm and will go until 11pm, or until the bands are done with their collective jam session at the end of the night. It will be held at Club Underground in downtown Tampa at 802 E. Whiting St. 33602.

If you need more info, just head over to www.rockbythesea.org! And keep checking back here for more info about great things to do in Tampa Bay and other Tampa Bay area events.