Tampa Florida News

Hey everyone!  Travis here with some great Tampa Bay entertainment news!  It's been a while since we've done a giveaway, so we are going to try this again. 

Hopefully you have all heard about the brand new production at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center - Wonderland, Alice's New Musical Adventure.  if you haven't heard, just check out the previous blog by clicking here. 

Well, we have two tickets to give away for the performance on Thursday, Dec. 3 at 7:30 at the Performing Arts Center. 

These will be Facebook giveaways, so don't forget that you have to be a fan of the Visit Tampa Bay Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/visittampabay). 

We'll be doing the giveaway on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 10am, so make sure you are there and ready to answer a trivia question. 

The first 10 correct repsonses have a chance at the tickets.  so, we'll see you then! 

And keep checking back for more updates about cool Tampa Bay entertainment options and other things to do in Tampa Bay.
 

Hi all...Travis back for some Tampa Bay entertainment news for all of you sports and lifting fans out there. 

You may have heard, but the Raw Unity Power Lifting Championship is coming to town, and if you haven't heard, just click here to read the previous post from the Tampa Bay Sports guys!

Well, they have 5 spots available in the female division, 6 spots available in the heavyweight division, 8 spots available in the bench only division and 8 spots available in the deadlift only division.

So, if you are interested and meet the lifting requirements, get signed up soon! 

If you are interested in competing at Raw Unity then please check out the qualifying totals to see if you qualify for the meet...just click here.  
 

If you have not qualified and would like to apply for a spot, then simply send a “lifter resume” to erictalmant@yahoo.com.  Please include videos or links to videos if you would like to improve your chances.

Also, if you aren't a "lifter" but you know some who may be interested, pass the word to any and all lifters that may be interested. 

The roster that has been assembled is arguably one of the best that the sport of powerlifting has seen in a long time. 

If you want to see the current roster,just click here. 

Oh, and you can also attend if you just want to see the action.  I will definitely be heading out to see this one! 

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

Hey everyone...Travis here with some great Tampa Bay entertainment news!  This time, we are heading out to St. Petersburg for the 21st Annual Northeast Exchange Club Ribfest. 

It's Nov. 13-15.  This Ribfest marks its 21ST year of helping a variety of youth-oriented causes “one rib at a time”. 

This three-day charity fundraiser features the best barbeque ribs in the World, plus national touring artists playing classic and southern rock and country hits.

You can also catch Hell on Wheels, the nation’s leading BMX action stunt show, along with a Classic and Custom Car Show.  Tickets are on sale, so hurry up.  Just make your way to www.ribfest.org to get the full scoop (and slab of ribs)!

And they'll have plenty of napkins, so don't worry.  I hope everyone enjoys, and keep checking back for more great Tampa Bay area events and other great things to do in Tampa Bay.
 

Hey everyone!  Travis here with some cool Tampa Bay entertainment news!  Phil Vassar will return to rock the Dallas Bull's stage on Friday, Nov. 13 - the only chance Vassar fans will have to see him in the Sunshine State during his current tour.

This guy's a singer, songwriter, piano player... and one heck of a performer!  here's some info they just sent us:

From his tousled blond tresses to his charming, heartfelt lyrics, Vassar was born to be a country performer. While he hails from Virginia, Vassar got his start after opening an Italian restaurant in Nashville with a friend, where he began performing cover songs as well as some melodies of his own. Shortly thereafter, Vassar began co-writing songs for some of country's greatest, including Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson and Neal McCoy.
 
The lead off single to Vassar's self-titled debut album, "Carlene" was followed by "Just Another Day in Paradise," which served as his first Number One hit as a country singer. In 2002, he co-wrote and performed a charity single called "Words Are Your Wheels" to promote literacy.

Released exclusively through Wal-Mart stores, this song featured guest vocals from Kenny Chesney, Brooks & Dunn, Martina McBride and Sara Evans. Vassar's 2008 album titled Prayer of a Common Man produced what might be his most well-known hit, "Love is a Beautiful Thing."

Like we said, it's at the Dallas Bull!  The Bull was recently named "Tampa's most popular nightclub" by the Tampa Bay Times and upholds their reputation by housing 20,000 visitors each month and catering to a variety of attendees.

Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the cost of attendance is $9.95 in advance through Ticketmaster or www.Dallasbull.com. Tickets are $15 at the door.  So make sure you plans and head out to enjoy this cool Tampa Bay entertainment. 

And keep checking back as we'll keep brining you more great things to do in Tampa Bay, and information about other Tampa Bay area events. 

 

Hey everyone!  Travis here.  This is just a quick post, but when I heard about this Tampa Bay entertainment news, I had to share! 

We all remember the book from when we were younger (especially if you are from my generation, which will remain a mystery), but now we get to see the movie, and we get to see it on IMAX. 

The highly anticipated move, Where the Wild Things Are, is coming to MOSI on Nov. 7!!!  I'll wait for everyone to calm down. 

I'm not sure how long it's running, but it doesn't matter, because it's there long enough for everyone to go see it!!!! 

So, head over to www.MOSI.org to get more details about tickets and this and other shows!  You can bet you'll see me there! 

See you next time as we continue to bring you great things to do in Tampa Bay, as well as tips for what to do, where to stay and so much more! 
 

Hey everyone!  Travis here with some Tampa tourism news.  Plus, it's some really cool Tampa Bay entertainment. 

The Sixteenth Annual ExTRAVELganza, the Bay Area's Premier Vacation & Sports Auction
Featuring the New Tours of Taste, take places on Friday, Nov. 13 from 7-10pm. 

It's happening at the at the spectacular newly opened Mainsail Conference Center!  As far as Tampa Bay hotels go, this one is amazing! 

There is no other fundraising event in the Bay Area quite as extraordinary as ExTRAVELganza, which provides the opportunity to purchase dream travel packages while raising scholarship dollars for hospitality and/or culinary arts students.

And, attendees will be delighted with a spectacular inaugural event - a Titanium Chef Competition with celebrity judge. Seats will be limited for this event.

So, make sure you log on to www.extravelganza.org to get more information about attending...also, they are looking for items for the auction.  So, if you have something you'd like to donate, you can do that as well...just check the site for details. 

See you there.  And keep checking back for more updates about Tampa Bay area events and other great things to do in Tampa Bay! 
 

Hey everyone!  Travis back with some additional Tampa Bay entertainment news!  Bok Tower Gardens has added a new preshow for the 8th annual Sunset & Symphony Fall Concert on November 7.

Area musicians Clint Dockery and James Hudson, an acoustical duo on mandolin and guitar, will perform from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. before the concert begins at 6 p.m.

Event gates open at 3:30 p.m. and tickets are $12 for members and $15 for the general public. The day of concert tickets are $20 and children under 5 are free.

If you're looking for tickets, they can be purchased online at www.boktowergardens.org.

Here are some quick tidbits about the show:

Popular operas, Broadway hits and patriotic favorites will be featured by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of guest conductor Joseph Mechavich with soprano Janette Zilioli.

With this year’s theme, “Fanfare for Opera,” William De Turk, Singing Tower carillonneur, will perform “Round O” from “The Moor’s Revenge” by Henry Purcell, “Gavotte” from “Iphigenie in Aulis” by Christoph W. von Gluck and a selection from “The Magic Flute” by W. A. Mozart.

Visitors are encouraged to bring picnics, lawn chairs or blankets, insect repellent and flashlights. Handicapped parking and shuttle service will be available. The Instrument Petting Zoo will begin at 4:30 p.m. Located on the Garden Activities Center lawn, families can try their hands at a variety of instruments with the help of Orlando Philharmonic musicians.

But, there's plenty more info, so log on to www.boktowergardens.org.

And keep checking back here for more great things to do in Tampa Bay! 

 

Hey everyone!  Travis here with some cool Tampa Bay entertainment news!  In case you haven't heard, MOSI has an awesome new exhibit that hit the floor recently.  It's Mindbender Mansion!

Guests will be required to think outside the box when they enter this new exhibit!  Now, usually I attend these things before I write about them, but from what I heard, I don't need to be there to know this is going to be cool. 

Don't worry, it runs through January 3, so you have some time to plan your trip. 

Visitors must use logical reasoning, mathematics and physical science in order to solve puzzles within the mansion that yield clues needed to unlock the Wall of Fame Vault, which determines if they can join the Mindbender Society.

Each room includes animated videos of real-life inventors and problem solvers. Mindbender Mansion includes 40 individual brainteasers as well as five group activities.

the cost is $23.95 for adults, $21.95 for seniors, and $19.95 for children. Oh, and MOSI members are $3 each.

Just head over to www.MOSI.org to get more details!  And keep checking back here for more great things to do in Tampa Bay, and other Tampa Bay area events. 

 

Hey gang...Travis here with some Tampa Bay enterainment news, as well as some Tampa Bay hotel updates...all in one! 

Pop artist, Jules Burt, former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Mike Alstott, and current Buc defensive tackle, Chris Hovan are the celebrities confirmed so far to participate in the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s annual Angelus Guitar Auction. 

It all takes place tonight at 7p.m. in Floyd’s nightclub at the Hard Rock in Tampa, where one-of-a-kind guitars decorated and signed by Charlie Daniels, Kenny Chesney, and Brooks & Dunn will be auctioned.

Artwork produced by residents of The Angelus will also be available for purchase. All art exhibition and auction proceeds benefit The Angelus non-profit organization for severely handicapped children and adults, located in Hudson.

Tickets will be for sales at the door for ONLY $10. (This event is for ages 18 and up only.)

Hosted by Chad Brock and Dave McKay of country station WQYK 99.5, the night will feature a silent auction at 7p.m. and a live auction at 9p.m.

PLUS, complimentary hors d oeuvres and wine samplings will be served courtesy of the Seminole Hard Rock.

In case you don't know about the Angelus, here you go:
The residents and students at The Angelus all have cerebral palsy and use wheelchairs for every day functioning. The 20-year-old organization in Hudson, Florida is a place for severely handicapped residents to call home. The Angelus currently has five group homes with 32 residents. With the continued help of the community, the goals and philosophy of the Angelus “a place to live, to love, to learn” will be maintained and the quality of life for the people who cannot help themselves will be assured. Visit www.theangelus.com for more information.

and of course, you can log on to www.seminolehardrocktampa.com to get more info about the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. 

As always, keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay. 
 

Hey gang...Travis back with some REALLY cool Tampa Bay entertainment news!  This just in from TBO.com...The Broadway hit "In the Heights" has won a slew of awards for chasing down and delivering the American dream to theatergoers.

Now fresh from Broadway, the show's national tour begins Tuesday in Tampa at the Performing Arts Center.

The title refers to New York's Washington Heights neighborhood, a barrio teeming with family-owned businesses built by Hispanic immigrants and their children. Central to the story are the owners of a taxi service, who struggled to put their daughter through college — the first in her family to go. Another family owns a beauty salon and a third runs a bodega. Everyone aspires to something better, and they all know it's possible in America.

The multigenerational story is relevant to both Miranda, who grew up in Washington Heights, and to author/playwright Hudes, whose Puerto Rican parents settled in Philadelphia. Miranda wrote a first draft of "Heights" in 1999 during his sophomore year at Wesleyan University. He based the characters and storyline on personal experiences and observations.

Through the next several years, the work developed into a series of successful stagings. Eventually, Miranda and Hudes met and collaborated to fine-tune the production that reached off-Broadway and then Broadway in 2008. While he focused on the music and lyrics, Hudes fleshed out the story and dialogue.

Here are the vitals for 'In the Heights': 

WHEN: Tuesday through Nov. 1; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Morsani Hall, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa

HOW MUCH: $38.50 to $72.50; just call (813) 229-7827 or visit www.tbpac.org.

If you want to read more of this story, including quotes from the cast and writer, click here!

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 some cool news straight from our partners over at the History Center! 

Painter, fight doctor, author and Tampa native Ferdie Pacheco will be at the Tampa Bay History Center on Friday, November 6th for a reception celebrating the selection of his Mahatma Gandhi portrait by the United Nations Postal Administration for inclusion on a new stamp.

The UNPA released the stamp designed by Pacheco on October 3rd, which is not only the International Day of Non-Violence, but also Gandhi’s 140th birthday!  Cool right??!!

The stamp and various other works will be on display in the Tampa Bay History Center’s Museum Store and the Lykes Atrium during the day.

An artist's reception for the stamp unveiling will begin at 5:30 pm.  Light refreshments will be served at the reception.

Now...here's some exciting news.  The event is FREE and open to the public. For more information, visit www.tampabayhistorycenter.org.

And like always, just keep checking back for more great Tampa Bay entertainment news, and updates on other great things to do in Tampa Bay. 
 

• Bad News - We will only have one prize to giveaway this week for Howl-O-Scream. remember in my recent post I said otherwise. Long story short, I am a moron and got my own details confused. Don't hate me though as I promise to make amends.
• Good News - The prize that I do have to give away is a darn good one!

Hey everyone!  Travis here...not with some Tampa tourism updates.  And not with some cool things to do in Tampa Bay.  but with something everybody in Tampa ends up experiencing.  That's right, road work in downtown Tampa! 

good news...it seems to be on schedule.  Bad news, it's still around.  But all in all, it's for the betterment of the area, and it's a good thing.  So, here's your update. 

This is the Tampa UCAP Downtown Water Pipeline Replacement Project update for the week of October 26th.  The Downtown project continues on schedule.

Construction activity will continue on Florida Avenue.  This includes jack & bore activity (a type of tunneling technology) at Twiggs St. and pipeline installation in the two westerly lanes of Florida Avenue from Jackson Street to Kennedy Boulevard. 

Survey work and utility location will begin on Nebraska Avenue between Channelside Drive and Brorein Street.

Starting October 26th, the north parking lane and north travel lane on Madison St., from Morgan Street west to Franklin Street will be temporarily reopened.  These same lanes will be closed again to complete the tunneling activity at the intersection of Florida Avenue and Madison Street in early November. 

Road closures and detours October 26-November 1, 2009
 
Florida Avenue:  The two lanes on the west side of Florida Avenue, starting at Whiting Street north to Twiggs Street, will be closed from Oct. 5 through Nov. 27, 2009.
 
Twiggs Street:  The northernmost travel lanes, turn lanes and parking lanes on Twiggs Street from Morgan Street to Franklin Street will be closed beginning October 26th.  There will be one lane open for east bound traffic only.

Motorists traveling west will be detoured north on Morgan Street to Polk Street. The work is expected to be completed by the end of November.  There will be no street parking available in this area.
 
Jackson Street: The northern most travel lane and parking lane on Jackson Street from Franklin Street to Florida Avenue will be closed from October 26 through November  6th. 

Motorists should expect a new traffic pattern during the lane closure.  There will be no street parking available on north side of Jackson Street between Franklin Street and Florida Avenue.
 
Nebraska Avenue:  The northbound eastern travel lane from Channelside Drive to Brorein Street is scheduled to be closed from October 26th to November 30th. 

There will be one lane open for north bound traffic only on the west side of the street. Motorists traveling south will be detoured on Brorein Street.  There will be no street parking available in this area. 

And there's your update...but keep checking back, because as we get this info, we'll share it with all of you. 

And as always, we'll continue posting awesome Tampa Bay area events and other cool Tampa Bay entertainment.
 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hey everyone!  Travis here with a Tampa tourism update.  This is breaking news in from the county, so listen up! 

In today’s regular Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners meeting, the motion carried 7-0 to rename the Tampa Bay History Center building the 'J. Thomas Touchton Tampa Bay History Center.'

The renaming of the building was brought forward by Commissioner Rose Ferlita to honor the dedication and drive Touchton demonstrated to make the new facility a reality. Touchton, the founding chairperson, spent 20 years actively raising both endowment and capital funds for the History Center project. 

Plus, the Touchtons are in the process of donating their historic map collection of more than 3,000 items to the History Center. These maps and charts represent some of the “Florida” map-makers visions that have been created over the past 400 years.

The Tampa Bay History Center is located at 801 Old Water Street in the Channelside District, and serves as the County's official repository for historic artifacts. With a total cost of $52 million, $17 million provided by the County, the History Center includes 25,000 square feet of exhibit areas, featuring 12,000 years of local history, interactive displays and multiple theaters, plus a gallery that features temporary exhibits.

In addition, a research library is staffed by the Hillsborough County Library system. The Columbia Restaurant operates the Columbia Cafe, complete with a replica of the original Columbia Restaurant bar in Ybor City, founded in 1905.

If you want to learn more about the Tampa Bay History Center, visit www.tampabayhistorycenter.org.

and there's your breaking news update!  Check back for more Tampa tourism updates, as well as information on great things to do in Tampa Bay! 
 

Hey everyone!  Travis here with some Tampa Bay sports news...in more way than one.  The USF Bulls soccer team is taking on Dartmouth tonight at the USF Soccer field. 

We'll be out there promoting the 2018/2022 World Cup Bid.  Also, we'll be out there taping a video, so if you want to tell us what you think about our efforts for the World Cup, come on out! 

We'll be there starting at 6:30, and the game starts at 7:30.  The camera crew will be roaming the area, so come and find us!  Plus, if you are looking for some cool Tampa Bay entertainment, USF soccer is quite a show!

And if you can't make it out tonight, just log on to www.gousabid.com/tampabay to sign the petition and show your support! 

We need all the signatures we can get, and it only takes two seconds to sign. 

So, we hope to see everyone out there tonight.  And keep checking back for updates about the World Cup efforts. 

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

Hey everyone!  Travis back with some cool Tampa Bay sports news...kind of.  It's all about the Tampa Bay International Dragon Boat Races. 

The annual poster design contest for the Tampa Bay International Dragon Boat Races has extended its entry deadline from November 1st to November 30th to allow for additional entries to be received. 

The Tampa Bay International Dragon Boat Races will be held for the 7th year on May 1st, 2010.  The poster contest each year yields over 20 entries from local and regional artists.  One lucky winner is picked by a panel of judges and becomes the face of the event for the year. 
 
The winner of the contest receives $750 and the opportunity to be recognized nationally for their talent, as well as the opportunity to work with the Tampa Bay Dragon Boat Institute on future projects. 

This includes the 10th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championship, being hosted by Tampa in August 2011.  The design is included on the event's posters, t-shirts, and event program cover.
 
All entrants to the poster contest will be displayed in a prominent location in the City of Tampa, and will also be available for purchase at the silent auction that the Institute hosts during the Paddler's Party, scheduled for April 30th, 2010.
 
For more information on submission specifications, just go to: http://www.tampabaydragonboats.com/Events/ArtContest/tabid/104/Default.aspx 

Now, it's not exactly Tampa Bay sports news, but it's really cool!  keep checking back for more Tampa Bay area events and other great things to do in Tampa Bay!