Tampa Florida News

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!

It's Linda Mummert here with more exciting news about an upcoming convention in 2014.

Tampa Bay & Company is excited to announce that the destination will welcome Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in 2014 for its Southern Region Conference.  Over 3,000 attendees are expected to gather for the conference, producing over 3,000 hotel room nights and $1.7 million on delegate spending.  

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world. A sisterhood of more than 200,000 predominately Black college educated women, the Sorority currently has over 900 chapters located in the United States, England, Japan (Tokyo and Okinawa), Germany, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Republic of Korea.

The Southern Region was formed in 1926 at the 8th National Convention of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  The Southern Region holds the distinction of being the largest of the seven regions of the Sorority, with over 200 chapters spread across the diverse area that is Alabama, the Bahamas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee. For more information about Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. visit www.deltasigmatheta.org.  

Well that's all for now.  Stay tuned for more Tampa Bay conventions news.

Hello there folks! Jerm here with an update for you on a recent visit we took to visit our friends over at the Courtyard Tampa Westshore/Airport!

This was my first visit and I was really looking forward to it, as I have always heard great things about Courtyard properties so I knew I was in for a treat. Believe me when I say, that the Courtyard hotel offers the perfect location, close to area attractions and just three miles from the airport.

When you talk about state of the art, it all starts with the lobby at this place. Never seen such cool items that enhance the guest experience quite like this!

The state-of-the-art lobby features a new, more personal arrival experience that is sure to delight even the most traveled road warrior. Some of the highlights include:

• GoBoard® - The signature GoBoard®, an interactive, touch screen informational display panel, located in the lobby, allows you to access driving directions, view local weather, find a local restaurant, and catch up on all the latest news. Did I mention its all TOUCHSCREEN! How awesome is that exactly.
• Business Library - Get connected with free high-speed Internet access, as well as complimentary printing services.
• Media Pods - For more privacy, guests can work or relax in one of the comfortable media pods, featuring free wireless high-speed Internet access, power outlets for cell phone chargers and laptops, and a flat-screen TV with personal remote control.
• Theater Lounge - At the end of the day, enjoy a little time outside the room by relaxing in our Theater Lounge. This area is perfect for watching that all-important sporting event and more.

Enough talk about technology, lets talk about where you will spend most of your time... the room! Whether you like King Bedrooms, Double Bed Guest rooms, or Suites, these guys got you taken care of for when you are ready to get to the room and relax from a long day of travel, or long day of exploring Tampa Bay!

The spacious suite guest rooms feature separate living rooms and additional amenities including a TV in each room, microwave, mini-refrigerator and dry bar. I laid down on one of the beds, and was almost asleep five minutes later, so when you think comfortable beds, think Courtyard!

Each room is also equipped with complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access also, while sticking to that technology theme.

If you are looking to unwind and get away from technology for a second, the patio and outdoor space enables guests to unwind in cozy comfort, enjoy the outdoors, retreat from the hustle and bustle and even be inspired to work outdoors. On a beautiful day like today, there is no place I'd rather be.

If you are in the need to put food in your belly, they got you covered as well! The Bistro provides high quality, freshly prepared meals and beverages in a quick serve café environment. Breakfast features Starbucks coffee and a wide selection of pastries, egg sandwiches, and healthy fruit and yogurt parfaits. In the evening, The Bistro offers fresh hot sandwiches, entrée salads, soups and a selection of craft beers and quality wines.

All in all, its a pretty sweet option if you are looking for a great place to lay your head, while enjoying tons of awesome amenities. For more info, be sure to check out their website and get to booking!

Be sure to check it out on your travels and stay tuned in for more updates on things to do in Tampa Bay!

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!

Its Linda Mummert here with exciting news about our Convention Sales Department.
Tampa Bay & Company has announced two staff promotions: Alex Kaptzan will fill the role of Vice President of Convention Sales and Services, and Holly Laverentz will now serve as National Sales Manager.  

“Alex has been a valuable asset of this team for over six years and has helped lead the convention sales and services team to new levels,” stated President/CEO of Tampa Bay & Company Kelly Miller.  “Additionally, Holly’s work on the services team for nearly a decade has prepared her for her new role and will translate well with the meeting planners and groups she will work with.”

In his new role as Vice President of Convention Sales and Services, Alex will be responsible for leading the company’s Tampa-based convention sales and convention services teams, as well as the company’s satellite representatives in Washington, D.C. and Chicago, Ill.  

Alex joined the Tampa Bay & Company sales team in 2006 as the Director of Convention Sales.  Prior to joining Tampa Bay & Company, Alex served as the Director of Sales as the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina for over five years.  

In her new role as National Sales Manager, Holly Laverentz will oversee the Small Meetings Market for Tampa Bay & Company.  Holly previously served as Senior Housing Manager and has been with the company for nearly 10 years.  Prior to joining Tampa Bay & Company Holly served as the Catering Convention Services Manager at the Hyatt Regency Tampa.  

Congratulations to both Alex and Holly!!  Well, it is over and out for now.  Stay tune for more exciting Tampa Bay Conventions news.

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!
 

Hello folks! Jerm here with some Frozen Four College Hockey news for you as we draw ever so close to college hockey's premier event!

If you haven't already heard, this past weekend the four teams that will battle it out for college hockey supremacy will descend upon Tampa Bay next week to do battle at the Tampa Bay Times Forum!

New York’s Union College defeated University of Massachusetts-Lowell, Michigan’s Ferris State overpowered Cornell, Minnesota upset the No. 4 ranked North Dakota and Boston College conquered Minnesota-Duluth to advance to Tampa.

No. 3 ranked Union College will face Ferris State at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 5, while No. 1 ranked Boston College will meet Minnesota at 8 p.m.  The winners of these games will face each other at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 7 in the championship game.

For more information about the championship, log on to www.NCAA.com.  For more information about the NCAA Frozen Four in Tampa Bay, including ticket information, visit www.NCAA.com/FrozenFour or www.VisitTampaBay.com/FrozenFour.

I don't know about you guys but I am super pumped about this one and can't wait for next week as fans, teams alumni and all will be here to support their respective teams!

We'll be giving you much more information as the days go buy so be sure to check back with us early and often to get all of the latest updates! In the mean time, be sure to get your tickets and we'll see you 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 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.

Hello Tampa Bay, Alex here with an opportunity for you to get involved with a local Film Festival.

The Sunscreen Film Festival is taking place at Bay Walk in St. Petersburg from April 19- 22, 2012… and they are looking for volunteers!

Apply today!  Click here, to fill out the application. Please ONLY select the slots you are available to work.

If you can’t volunteer, make sure to head on over to the Suncreen Film Festival for special screenings, workshops and fun!

Have a wonderful day. Check back with us often for more Tampa Bay Film News!

Julia here again with some great news about a convention in town.

The Florida State Thespian Society (FSTS) arrived in Tampa on Tuesday and will be here until Sunday for their 2012 Annual Festival which is taking place at the Tampa Convention Center.  The FSTS Annual Festival has been held here in Tampa for over 10 years. is considered one of the largest theater festivals in the country.

Approximately 2,500 thespians will participate in the Festival, producing over 6,200 hotel room nights and $2.1 million in delegate spending.  The FSTS is considered one of the largest theater festivals in the country and is committed to presenting the very best work from high schools across the state of Florida.  For more information regarding FSTS, please click here.

Please join us in welcoming this group, as well as all meetings and conventions, to the Tampa Bay area! 

Good morning Tampa Bay, Alex here to let you know about a film festival taking place this month!

Gasparilla International Film Festival is one of Florida's largest and fastest growing film festivals. This year’s festival is taking place at various locations in downtown Tampa & South Tampa from March 29- April 1, 2012. GIFF is dedicated to expanding art opportunities in the Tampa Bay community through the medium and culture of independent film.

Opening Night

Thursday, March 29, 2012
Opening Night VIP Reception @ Tampa Theatre
  - 6 7:30p.m.
  - $55 (includes film screening, sampling from restaurants, beer/wine)

Opening Night Film @ Tampa Theatre
  - 7:30p.m. - 10pm (general admission doors open at 7:30 p.m.,    film starts at 8p.m.)
  - $12 (film only ticket)

Opening Night After Party
- 10.pm. - Close @ TBD
- Open to public / free

Purchase your tickets for the opening night today!

Check back often for Gasparilla International Film Festival event updates and for more Tampa Bay Film News!

Hi Tampa Bay, Alex here with some casting information.

MTVN  is seeking someone in a family that takes care of everyone and everything.

Do you feel like you are picking up the slack for your parents? Are you making dinner and cleaning the house instead of hanging out with your friends?  Does your mom put herself first, flaunt herself and embarrass you in the process? Do you feel like you are missing out on the best years of your life? Do you feel like you are parenting your own parent? Is your situation actually a good thing?  Is mom getting back on her feet but needs your help? Do you attempt to hide or downplay your family life?

If you are between the ages of 15-22 and answered yes to the any of the question above than MTV wants to hear your story! 

Send an email to castingcookie@gmail.com and be sure to include your name, telephone number, and a picture of you, your mom and your siblings.

Check back often for more Tampa Bay Film news!

Hey there folks! Jerm here with some pretty awesome news to share!

Hotwire.com® announced the results of its seventh annual Hotwire® Travel Value Index study, and Tampa ranked as one of the Top 10 destinations where travelers can get the most vacation for their money. Just in time for spring break and the summer travel season, the Hotwire Travel Value Index showcases the top 10 cities where consumers planning their next trip can find the best combination of value, entertainment options and attractions throughout 2012.
 
The Hotwire Travel Value Index is based on a statistical model combining both in-house and third-party research. Hotwire evaluates the top 75 U.S. leisure markets, rating them across three individual categories to generate an overall ranking for consumer vacation value. The formula includes: (1) low prices on air, rental car and hotel (50 percent of overall score), (2) discounts on air, rental car and hotel (25 percent of overall score), and (3) affordable entertainment (25 percent of overall score).  
 
The majority of the cities on this year’s list were found to be value destinations in 2011 as well. This year’s index is dominated by Florida cities with Orlando topping the list and Miami coming in 10th, making it an overall value.  According to the Hotwire Travel Value Index, the top 10 U.S. destinations for value vacations in 2012 include:
 
1. Orlando, FL
2. Atlanta, GA
3. Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
4. Houston, TX
5.  Phoenix, AZ
6.  Tampa, FL
7. Denver, CO
8. Charlotte, NC
9. Albuquerque, NM
10. Miami, FL
 

This is pretty awesome news in some elite company from around the state as well as other parts of the country! Be sure to get the word out folks and  tell all your friends and family! We'll be checking back in shortly with more Tampa Bay news and updates!

Hello there folks! Jerm here to tell you about an awesome adventure I recently had at one of Tampa's coolest arts & culture institution!

Last week myself and some of my fellow staff had the chance to go and check out the famed Salvador Dali Museum and get our surreal on!

If you haven't been to the new Dali Museum, then let me tell you that you are missin out!  The Dalí is a work of distinguished architecture, with an Avant Garden, a raining Rolls Royce, a Spanish-themed café, and the bestest museum store around! Salvador Dalí’s amazing art truly has a home designed specifically for this collection.

The Dalí Museum is built to protect the priceless art collection. The design has already attracted the world’s attention and is listed as one of the top buildings to see in your lifetime in AOL Travel News.

We walked around and had a chance to view some of Dali's most famous work like the The Hallucinogenic Toreador, The Ecumenical Council, and The Disintegration of the Persistence of Memory.

The only thing as impressive as the look of this entire building, is the artwork within the walls, and its a must see museum not only in the Tampa Bay Area, but in the country also!

Me and the gang had a blast and we took plenty of photos, which we'll be posting later, so stay tuned in for that! One thing about the Dali Museum in addition to the major works of arts, are the ongoing events and exhibits! Here's just some of the events going on this month:

• Yoga + Dali
• Dali & Science Series: Dali + the 4th Dimension
• Persistence of Memory Memoir Writing Workshop
• Dali & Beyond Film Series: Bunuel's Viridiana
• Opera @ the Dali
• Our Town: Conversations with St. Pete Mythmakers - Tim Clemmons

Be sure to check it out for yourself, though as this is one of those must see things to do in Tampa Bay! We'll be back with more fun updates shortly so stay tuned in!

Hello there folks! Jerm here with some awesome tech news for you about one of the more amazing apps you'll ever come across!

TourWrist, the mobile app launched by local creative agency SPARK, came home from Macworld | iWorld 2012 with a Best in Show award.

As you can imagine, competition for this recognition is quite fierce, and after a review of hundreds of products on display at this year’s event in San Francisco, Macworld editors narrowed the list down to 12 recipients who would receive this prestigious award.

The app, launched commercially in 2011, delivers fully immersive virtual tours to users via mobile phone and tablet devices and features thousands of tours from around the world.

The most recent version of the app now enables users to create and post their own tours using their mobile phone, in addition to exploring the tours that are already available from professional panoramic photographers. I've had the opportunity to see this app in IPhone and IPad environments, and it is quite stunning, what all can be done with it!

Don't just take my word for it though, so be sure to download and try it out for yourself! Also be sure to check out the guys over at Spark on Twitter and Facebook!

That's all for now, folks but be sure to stay tuned in for more updates on things to do in Tampa Bay related apps!

This is Linda Mummert here with some exciting news from our Convention Sales Department.  Our own National Sales Manager Sherri Brown has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Black and Latino CEOs and Corporate Executives in the Tampa Bay region!  The Power Broker magazine, the Small Business Development Center and others have teamed up to publish the exclusive Top 50 magazine highlighting the honorees.  

This is the first time in bay area history that the African-American and Latino communities are uniting on the media stage to reach the largest minority readership ever targeted by a publication in the region.

In addition to being featured in The Power Broker magazine, Brown will also be featured in the digital magazine, the weekly PB e-zine, on The Power Broker website, and through various social media channels.  

Congratulations Sherri!

Over and out for now until next time.... stay tuned in for more updates on Tampa Bay Meetings!

Hey Tampa Bay! Katy here with some exciting news about a few of our partners.

The James Beard Foundation named one of our Tampa chefs and a restaurateur as semifinalists for culinary awards. Chad Johnson of SideBern's was among 20 nominees in the Beard's Best Chef: South category.

Also, the foundation named Richard Gonzmart of the Columbia Restaurant chain as a semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurateur.

Congratulations to both partners on their nominations for these prestigious awards. The finalists will be announced on March 19, so stay tuned in for more Tampa Bay dining news and updates!

Tampa welcomes the American Trucking Associations (ATA) next week for its annual Technology & Maintenance Council Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Expo, taking place Feb. 20-23 at the Tampa Convention Center.  Approximately 3,000 delegates will gather in downtown Tampa for the annual event, producing over 7,400 hotel room nights and $2.2 million in delegate spending.  

2012 marks the third consecutive annual meeting and expo that Tampa has hosted for the ATA.  The purpose of the Technology & Maintenance Council is to improve transport equipment, its maintenance and maintenance management. The Council develops Recommended Engineering and Maintenance Practices that are voluntarily adopted by fleets, OEMs and component suppliers.

The Council also conducts industry surveys and promotes the voluntary cooperation among designers and manufacturers of transport equipment and those who specify, purchase, and manage such equipment. For more information, visit www.truckline.com.

Please join us in welcoming this group, as well as all meetings and conventions, to the Tampa Bay area! 

Well thats all for now but keep coming back for more exciting news & updates as the focus of the Convention Sales team of Tampa Bay & Company is to bring conventions and meetings to Tampa Bay to create positive economic impact for Hillsborough County.

Until then ... THINK TAMPA and stay tuned in for more updates on things to do in Tampa Bay!

Have you ever wondered how you can get involved in fostering the arts in Tampa Bay.  Well, the Patel Conservatory is giving you that chance.  The Patel Conservatory at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts provides high-quality arts enhancement programs for local schools and organizations through outreach partnerships, and applications for the 2012-2013 Community Partnerships program will be available beginning February 20 and will be accepted through March 16.

Each year, the Patel Conservatory works with underserved area schools, Tampa Bay area agencies and community organizations by providing individualized performing arts programming or tickets to shows at the Straz Center. Arts programs may include workshops, master classes or performing arts classes.

In a news release, Wendy Leigh, vice president of education at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, said, “A major part of the Patel Conservatory’s mission is to share the transformational power of the performing arts both here at the Straz Center and out in the community. Our partnership program allows for a wonderful blend of both. We feel so fortunate to have this incredible program that allows us to reach out and work with people who normally wouldn’t have access to our wonderful arts programming and to see the profound difference it makes in their lives.”
 
The application process will include a written application and in-person interview. All previous partners must reapply to be considered. Selection criteria include, but are not limited to, application completion, demographic requirements, geographic location and special needs. 

To receive a partnership application and for more information, contact Tina James at 813.222.1002 or visit www.patelconservatory.org and click on Education Outreach.

We'll go ahead and thank you for your interest...of course we all want to help foster the Arts in Tampa Bay!  We'll see you back here for more updates about the arts, as well as great things to do in Tampa Bay.