Accent On Tampa Bay #218, Feb/March 2016

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Accent

On Tampa Bay

AccentOnTampaBay.com

Vol. 28, Issue 218 Feb/March, 2016 Publisher Albert F. Martino, Jr. Senior Editor Melissa Wolcott Martino Sales Barbara McGovern Graphic Designers Missy Lynn Contributors Vicki Kolb Sandy Lee Michael Martino Barbara McGovern Marty Peters Deborah Quigley JoAnn Ryan Photographer Melissa Wolcott Martino Proofreader Beau deCatta Cover Photo courtesy of: Bay Area Renaissance Festival

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savethemanatee.org www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

AM PUBLICATIONS St. Petersburg, FL (727) 577-5500

e-mail AccentMagazine@aol.com

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LOCAL FOCUS Tampa Bay Rowdies Host Suncoast Invitational - thru Feb 27 Some of Major League Soccer’s top teams will participate in the Suncoast Invitational, including the New York City F.C., Philadelphia Union, New York Red Bulls, D.C. United and the Montreal Impact, in addition to the host Rowdies. Games will be on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. with all games played at Al Lang Stadium except those on Wed, Feb 24, which will take place at the Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex in Clearwater. www. rowdiessoccer.com.

TB Lightning Watch PartIES - Feb 28 – Puck drops 12:30 pm. $10 parking. Guy Harvey Outpost, Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. Join Thunderbug and the Lightning Girls to watch the game on the big screen on the beach. Games and prizes. Food and beverage specials. www.tradewindsresort.com/ lightning 8th Annual St. Pete Jazz Festival - Feb 24 - 28 Varying locations and times. Annual event featuring renown local Jazz musicians with a concert each evening of the festival in varying locations. For line up and details www.stpetejazzfest.com THE ARMED FORCES HISTORY MUSEUM MILITARY SURPLUS FLEA MARKET - Feb 26 - 27 8am to 3pm. The event will take place at the warehouse directly next door to the museum. This is a rain or shine event. The Military Surplus Flea Market will feature items from WWI through to current conflicts. Items include helmets, goggles, boots, canteens, badges, patches, inert ordnance, tents, camo netting, cots, trunks, military movies, ammo boxes, bayonets, field radios, mine detectors, tools, uniforms, military pictures, posters, mess kits, military vehicles, trailers, generators and much more.

The Taste of Chicago food truck will be on hand selling breakfast and lunch items. Admission to the flea market is free. www.armedforcesmuseum.com

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Compiled by Vicki Kolb

12th Annual Gulfport’s Get Rescued Feb 27 Gulfport’s Get Rescued is one of the largest animal rescue events in the state, with all profits to benefit participating non-profit rescue groups. Animal rescue organizations, many appearing with adoptable pets, take over Beach Blvd. to raise money and awareness for their causes. Additionally, animal-related vendors, artists and crafters offer their wares to festival-goers. Pet Related activities will include a pet parade with adoptable pets, pet care education, pet services, a pet food and supplies drive, animal rescue groups, free samples, training demos, Canine Massage, food, music & more. Each year, thousands of attendees, many accompanied by their own canine companions, make their way to Gulfport to participate in what has become a beloved tradition. Well behaved pets and their leashed people are welcome. The daytime event is free for the public to attend, with plenty of free parking in and around the area. 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. 727-322-5217. 3101 Beach Blvd. S, Gulfport, FL 33707. www.GulfportsGetRescued.com Tails at Twilight at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom - Feb 27 The Get Rescued evening celebration, Tails at Twilight, is a popular component of a full day of festivities that begin with Gulfport’s Get Rescued. Later in the evening, after the pets have gone to bed, all are invited to a lively evening of fun for humans that will also donate to the important cause of animal rescues. The evening will include fun music and dancing, catered hors d’oeuvre, a cash bar, and festive décor will add to the party atmosphere.

Opportunity drawings will take place during the evening. All proceeds from ticket sales, after expenses, will be donated to rescue groups participating in the evening event. Live and silent auctions will offer a chance to support participating non-profit rescue groups with a variety of auction items up for bids including travel, hotel stays, art, wine and food, pet

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accessories, restaurant gift certificates, an African Safari and much more. Rescue groups solicit their own items and will receive 100% of proceeds from their auctions. Tickets for the Get Rescued Evening Celebration are a $25 donation. Advance tickets are recommended, however, a limited number of tickets may be available at the door at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. South. 813-495-9039. www.GulfportsGetRescued.com CHARITY VOICES AGAINST BRAIN CANCER ANNUAL TAMPA RUN/WALK FUNDRAISER Sat, Feb 27 Beginning at 8:30 AM. The fun-filled, fitness-inspired fundraiser, which is open to all, will take place at Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park at 106 Old Water Street in Tampa, Florida. The day will feature a 5K Run, 3K Scenic Walk, Kids Races as well as family activities and live music and entertainment. Funds raised will go towards the advancement of research and all donations will be earmarked for Floridabased institutions that are committed to finding a cure for cancer. www.jointhevoicestampa.org

Hard Rock Cafe hosting Gasparilla Music Foundation Benefit Event - Sat, Feb 27 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. This event which will feature a charity slot tournament, red carpet ceremony, benefit concert and check presentation of funds raised for the month is open to the public. The slot tournament has an entry fee of $10 and 50% of those proceeds will be donated to the charity and 50% to the prize pool. Tickets can be purchased at the Rock Shop or upon entry of the event. In advance of the Foundation’s Gasparilla Music Festival, Seminole Hard Rock Tampa has committed to hosting a series of events to celebrate the festival. Hard Rock Cafe will be the site for a special Kickoff Party on Friday, March 11, for the Gasparilla Music Festival which is scheduled for March 12-13 in Curtis Hixon Riverfront Park, and Kiley Garden Park and will feature musical acts from a wide variety of genres on several stages and cuisine from the region’s top restaurants. www.tickeyfly. com Tampa Bay Rays Fan Fest - Sat, Feb 27 Times TBD. Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg. An opportunity for fans to meet the players and have Continued

Blues Walk 2016 - Fri, Feb 19, 9:00pm Taking place in the Cleveland Street District, this event will have everything from local blues music to “blues” themed specials from various Cleveland Street District businesses. Plus, with each business you visit, you can submit more entries to win 2 VIP tickets to this year’s Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival!”

Feb 20-21 @ Coachman Park Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival will continue the blues filled weekend at Coachman Park with a wide variety of seafood delights from over 15 of your favorite restaurants around Clearwater.

SAT, FEB 20 - Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Davy Knowles, Patrick Sweany, Kg & The Girls, Franc Robert SUN, FEB 21 - Beth Hart, Nikki Hill, Grady Champion, Flow Tribe, Nate Currin, Tc Carr & Bolts Of Blue

Coachman Park, 301 Drew St., Clearwater, FL 33755 • www.clearwaterseablues.com/ www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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some fun as the 2016 Rays season gets closer. www.raysbaseball.com

TAMPA THEATRE HOLLYWOOD AWARDS NIGHT - Sun, Feb. 28

South East Guide Dogs Walk-A-Thon - Sat, Feb 27 8:30 am. Fundraising event. Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Dr. NW, St. Petersburg. Join in the effort to raise funds for Southeast Guide Dogs to help everyone enjoy life to the fullest. 3K, raffles and prizes. www.guidedogswalkathon.org 58th Annual Queen of Hearts Ball - Sat, Feb 27 Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park ,960 Carillon Drive, St. Petersburg. Black tie gala, benefits Clothes to Kids, providing the children of Pinellas County quality clothing. shodges41@gmail.com / 727.573.3594

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The Florida Strawberry Festival March 3 - 13

Each spring, the Florida Strawberry Festival rolls out the red carpet to welcome visitors from throughout the Sunshine State and the world. Guests come to enjoy exhibits of agriculture, commerce, industry, livestock, fine arts, horticulture, and crafts. The fabric of American life is woven into the Festival through social events, contests, youth developmental programs, top-name entertainment, and parades with glorious floats and high-stepping marching bands.

More than 10,000 acres of strawberries are planted annually in the local area. The diverse farm production includes strawberries, citrus, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, squash, okra, peppers, beans, dairy products, eggs, ornamental horticulture, tropical fish, beef cattle, swine and other related products.

For all the headline concerts on the Wish Farms Soundstage — which take place at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. each day — there are about 3,000 free seats available for all shows in the Morrow Steel Free Grandstand.

Reserve seat tickets are available for $15 and up (varies by show), while supplies last.

HEADLINERS: Thurs, March 3 - Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra, Charley Pride, Josh Turner; Fri, March 4 - Mickey Gilley, Big & Rich; Sat, March 5 - Lecrae, Cheap Trick; Sun, March 6 - Shenandoah, Donny & Marie; Mon, March 7 - Gene Watson, Lonestar; Tues, March 8 - Dick Fox’s Golden Boys starring Frankie Avalon, Fabian & Bobby Rydell, Trace Adkins; Wed, March 9 - Ray Stevens, Martina McBride, Thurs, March 10 - Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Oak Ridge Boys, Casting Crowns; Fri, March 11 - Tanya Tucker, Cole Swindell; Sat, March 12 - Merle Haggard, Charlie Wilson; Sun, March 13 - echosmith, The Band Perry 8

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tion includes a limo ride around the block and a walk along the red carpet past adoring fans and paparazzi, with “Roan Jivers” announcing each star-studded arrival. Inside, the OSCAR Red Carpet Live pre-show telecast will begin at 7:00 p.m., followed by ABC’s live coverage of the Academy Awards. 711 N. Franklin Street, Tampa, FL 33602. (813) 274-8982. www.

TampaTheatre.org Dispatches from the Gulf - Mon, Feb 29 7 pm premiere. Free. The Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg. View the world premiere of this documentary focusing on the BP Oil Spill and the effects upon the Gulf. Following will be a panel discussion of the film. www.dispatchesfromthegulf. com Phillies/Blue Jays Start Spring Training - Tues, March 1 The Toronto Blue Jays get ready for the upcoming season at Dunedin’s Florida Auto Exchange Sta-

dium, while the Philadelphia Phillies hold their Spring Training games just down the road at Clearwater’s Bright House Stadium. There are four more teams (Yankees, Pirates, Orioles and Tigers) all located within an hour’s drive.The Phillies will play the Blue Jays on Tuesday, March 1, at 1 p.m. in an exhibition spring training game. www.MLB.com Harlem Globetrotters at Amalie Arena Wed, March 2 7:00 pm. On the court, the Globetrotters’ 90-year celebration will feature some of the greatest athletes and entertainers on the planet. With a star-studded roster featuring Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard and Cheese Chisholm– plus female stars TNT Maddox and Sweet J Ekworomadu* – the Globetrotters’ one-of-a-kind show is unrivaled in the world of family entertainment.

FATHOM EVENTS at SELECT CINEMAS: www.fathomevents.com PRETTY IN PINK - Feb 14 & 17 - Teen sensations Continued

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isit charming Tarpon Srings and take a trip to the Greek Islands without the air fare. At the Sponge Exchange you can enjoy a cold brew, great food, a handmade cigar, wonderful gifts, beautiful clothes and first class jewelry. If you can’t find what your looking for at the Sponge Exchange, you don’t need it!

www.thespongeexchange.com Five Fish • The Men’s Store • Five Fish Fresh Produce Joey’s Boutique • Sunshine Accessories Five Fish and Five Fish • Life is Good • Columbia Leather Duncan’s Ice Cream • Vegetable Ivory • Blu a Gift Boutique Suzies Summer Swimwear • Cottonseed Casual Wear Hala’s Boutique • Mary K’s Boutique • Sock Exchange Destinations • Funny Bones • Pelican Gifts • Leather Factory Blingin Buddha • Cottonseed Casual Wear • Carribongo Cotton Parch • The Candy Barrell • 40 Mama’s Reataurant Eurasian Landy II • The Sweet Spot • Eurasian Lady Anclote Brew • Katina’s Greek Market www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Molly Ringwald and Andrew McCarthy drew raves for their starring performances in this bittersweet love story by John Hughes. She’s a high school girl from the wrong side of town. He’s the wealthy heart-throb who asks her to the prom. As fast as their romance builds, it’s threatened by the painful reality of peer pressure. Relive the glory days when this classic high school love story returns to the big screen.

IMAGINE DRAGONS IN CONCERT: SMOKE + MIRRORS - Wed, March 2. Filmed as part of Imagine Dragon’s current world tour, the set list features hits such as Demons, I Bet My Life and the Grammy Award-winning Radioactive from their platinum-selling debut album “Night Visions.” Other tracks performed as part of the concert event include Shots, Gold and the never before played live Thief.

Queen: A Night in Bohemia - Tues, March 8.

This event features the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers’ 1975 concert specially restored and re-mixed for the big screen. This screening will commemorate the recent 40th anniversary of Bohemian Rhapsody and showcase the first-ever live recording of this recordbreaking song.

For theaters and times, visit www.fathomevents. com First Friday Downtown - Fri, March 4 5:30 – 10 pm. Free. Central Ave., between 2nd & 3rd Streets, St. Petersburg. Monthly street party with music, food and beverages for purchase. Proceeds benefit Breakfast Optimists Club. www.firstfridaystpete.com Sunlit Festival 2nd Annual Celebration of Literature, March 4-13 Literary and other arts & cultural circles will intersect during the second annual SunLit Festival, a weeklong springtime celebration of literature, again raising the profile of the City of the Arts. The Festival will bring together various literary organizations and arts disciplines to celebrate literacy, literature, reading, and writing for ten days of “Litertainment.” The Arts Alliance will partner with Keep St. Pete Lit, the St. Petersburg Public Library System, Lighthouse Books, Antiquarian Book Fair, The Kerouac House, Wordier Than Thou, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, Bloom Arts Center, Horror WritContinued

HISTORIC FISHING VILLAGE & BOARDWALK

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ocated on the waterfront at Johns Pass, this quaint turn-of-the-century fishing village is Pinellas County’s #1 tourist attraction. Over one hundred merchants inhabit the Village with unique retail shopping, a variety of restaurants, the local fishing fleet, dolphin watching and shelling tours, boat rentals, parasailing and jet skiing. Plenty of parking: There is metered on-street parking located conveniently throughout the Village, as well as a new state-of-the-art multi-level parking garage adjacent to Bubba Gumps and Hubbards Marina. The beach is a short stroll away. Conveniently located near St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Tampa, and just a short drive to the Orlando area. Open daily!

12901 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach, Florida Located on the Gulf-to-Intercoastal pass between Madeira Beach and Treasure Island

(727) 394-0756 • johnspassvillage.net

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Pasco Water Fest 2016 - Feb 19 - 21

The Bayou Business Association, Visit Pasco, the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Tampa Bay Storm have partnered-up to host the Pasco Water Fest 2016 in the City of Port Richey’s Waterfront District. Pasco Water Fest will exhibit local businesses and the unlimited outdoor activities West Pasco County has to offer. The Pasco Water Fest kicks off Fri, Feb 19 at 6 p.m. with the “Pithla-Poker Run Pub Crawl” starting at Rum River. While Crawlers visit participating businesses, they will be collecting playing cards with the hope to turn in the winning hand and receive prizes at Whiskey River at 9 p.m.

“Be an Island Boat Raft-Up” starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Boaters will position their vessels in Miller’s Bayou and tie up to each other to create an island of boats. The Guinness Book of World Records has been notified about the event. The world’s record for a boat raft-up is 1651. Folks with boats, kayaks, canoes and jet-skis are welcome to join in the fun. It’s a free event but the Bayou Business Association is asking for a contribution of $20 that will go toward the Beautification of the Pithlachascotee River Bridge Project. The BBA hopes to get enough participation to break the world record.

Later Saturday evening at Catches Waterfront Grille the Cotee River Charity Classic Fishing Tournament will hold their Captain’s Meeting at 5 p.m., followed by the Captain’s Dinner 6:30 p.m. There will be raffle prizes and a silent auction. Folks will have an opportunity to buy a chance to fish in the tournament with a celebrity athlete from the Tampa Bay Lightning or Tampa Bay Storm. wwwbayoubusinessdistrict.com

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ers Association, St. Petersburg Shakespeare Festival, Poetry Nuts, and Studio @ 620.

Grand Central District to Host 11th Annual Chili Cookoff - Sat, March 5 1800 block of Central Avenue. www.grandcentraldistrict.org The GCDA is hosting its 11th Annual Chili Cookoff from 12pm-5pm. The Chili Cookoff serves as a fundraiser for GCDA, a non-profit organization. The event will include the chili competition, live music, beer sales, a variety of vendors and chance drawings.

THE BAY’S WILDEST PARTY IS BACK! - Sat, March 5 www.wild941.com/ws2016/ WiLD Splash is one of the hottest music festivals of the year and is a celebration of hip hop music and summertime, drawing crowds each year to Clearwater Beach, Florida.

7th Annual Boogie Woogie Blues Piano Stomp - Sat, March 5 8 pm. The Palladium, 253 5th Ave N., St. Petersburg. Two Grand Piano’s and five of the nations hottest artist. Sold out past three years. www.mypalladium.org 11th Annual Pink Flamingo Tour of Homes - Sat, March 5 11 am – 5 pm. Tour begins at Boca Ceiga Yacht Club, 4600 Tifton Dr. S, Gulfport. Explore the eclectic, creative homes -this year themed for collectors. www. pinkflamingohometour.com Blueprint Gala – Great Gardens - Sat, March 5 Renaissance Vinoy, 5th Ave. N, St. Petersburg. This Gala is an annual fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity.

Private VIP dinner rooms available. Exquisite setting, food, and entertainment, www.habitatpinellas.org The Wheels, Wings & Beer Classic Car Show at the armed forces museum - Sat, March 5 2050 34th Way N, Largo, FL 33771. 727.539.8371. armedforcesmuseum.com The event will feature approximately 50 classic and vintage cars vying for first, second and third prize trophies voted by guests in attendance. Each guest will receive free wings, dressing, celery, chips and salsa.

Carmada 2016 at Gasparilla Festival of 14

the Arts at Raymond James Stadium March 5 - 6 Carmada 2016 includes a dozen custom art cars on display, live vehicle painting, free hands-on art with the NOMAD Art Bus, tunes from DJ Blenda and DJ Mega, the Bluebird Books Bus, and more.

Stroll through Kiley Garden to see featured artists painting on vintage VWs and other cool rides right before your eyes. An art car is any standard vehicle modified into mobile artwork through application of paint, sculptural embellishment, and other techniques. www.gasparillaarts.com/attend-thefestival/kiley-garden Easter Bunny Photo Experience to open at Tyrone Square - Wed, March 2 - 26 6901 22nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710. www. simon.com/mall/tyrone-square-mall The Easter Bunny will arrive at Tyrone Square on March 2 to set up the Bunny Photo Experience, which will be open until Sat, March 26. On Sun, March 6 and Sun, March 13, Tyrone Square will offer Caring Bunny, an event that gives children with special needs the chance to participate in the Easter Bunny photo experience.

EASTER BUNNY TO HOP INTO GULF VIEW SQUARE MALL - March 5, 13 & 19 www.simon.com/mall/gulf-view-square Easter Bunny Photo Experience – March 5 - 26 Sensitive Bunny – March 13, from 9 - 11 a.m.

Gulf View Square’s annual Sensitive Bunny event will offer families that have children with special needs a subdued environment to participate in the Easter Bunny Photo Experience.

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny - March 19, from 9 - 10 a.m.

PICNIC IN PLANT PARK - Sun, March 6 Henry B. Plant Museum, 401 West Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33606. 813.258.7302. www. plantmuseum.com Roll back the clock a century and join an old fashioned picnic starting at 10 am, in Plant Park.

Bring your blanket, pack a picnic basket and invite family and friends to experience the pleasures of a simpler time. Relax in the shade, or test your Victorian sporting prowess with challenges of hoops & sticks, croquet, horseshoes, badminton, and threelegged races. Victorian table games will be offered including dominoes, checkers, jacks or tiddlywinks.

There will be strolling models in vintage clothing, live theater, and continuous entertainment on Center Stage.

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RUN FREE: THE TRUE STORY OF CABALLO BLANCO TO PREMIERE IN TAMPA - March 8 “Run Free: The True Story of Caballo Blanco,” a feature-length documentary about ultra-running legend Micah True, will screen at the Tampa Pitcher Show in Tampa, FL, at 6:30 p.m. Micah True, better known as Caballo Blanco - the White Horse - was the focal character of Christopher McDougall’s 2009 best-selling book “Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen” about the Tarahumara Indians of north-

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ern Mexico. Also known as the Rarámuri, or Running People, they are some of the best long-distance runners in the world. The film was also named the Best Documentary at the 2015 Arizona International Film Festival. A percentage of the film’s profits, including from DVD sales, will go to benefit Norawas de Rarámuri (Friends of the Running People), the non-profit agency founded by Micah True to preserve traditional Tarahumara culture. 14416 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. www.runfreemovie.com Continued

Huzzah and Cheers for 38 Years!

ourney back in time as more than 100 merchants contribute to the atmosphere of this charming 16th century village. Experience live armored jousting, 12 stages of entertainment, 7 theme weekends, and fun and food for the whole family! The Bay Area Renaissance Festival is a first-class experience whose 38th season begins on February 6th and ends on March 20th. The Festival is open weekends, with a special day for schools and seniors on Festival Friday, March 11th. The Festival is open from 10 am – 6 pm rain or shine. Admission at the gate: Adults $20.95; Children 5-12 $12.95; four and under are free!

Parking at the Bay Area Renaissance Festival is always free! Discount tickets are available at participating Walgreens stores and at MOSI or online at www.BayAreaRenaissanceFest.com

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Happy Hour with Historian: Spring Training - Thurs, March 10 6:30 pm. Suggested $5 donation. Cash Bar. St. Petersburg Museum of History, 335 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. Charles Fountain discusses the history of Spring Training in Tampa Bay. www.spmoh.org Hard Rock Cafe Tampa Calls Artists To Rock For Chance to Perform in Ibiza and Win $50,000 - Register by March 11 On Wednesday, June 1, up-and-coming local artists and music acts will have a chance to rise to international stardom by performing in the world’s largest, one-day music showcase taking place at participating Hard Rock Cafes around the world, including Hard Rock Cafe Tampa. Musicians who are interested in participating can register online at HardRockRising.com through Friday, March 11, for a chance to win $50,000, a professionally-produced music video, a Fender Instruments prize pack and an all-expenses-paid trip to perform at Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza.

TAMPA BAY BOAT SHOW AT TROPICANA FIELD - March 11 - 13 Tropicana Field-Downtown St Peterburg.

The Tampa Bay Boat show offers pontoons, Cruisers, Center Consoles, Inflatables, Jet Skis, exhibits and more. Florida Fishing School Seminars Series Fri thru Sun. Take part in a series of presentations by the area’s top fishing guides and local experts. After you have found your dreamboat explore the many exhibits of the clothing, electronics, sunglasses, accessories and so much more. Admission is free. Friday and Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm.

Day Out with Thomas: The Ready, Set, Go Tour 2016 - March 11 - 13 & 18 - 20 Thomas the Tank Engine invites little engineers to team up with him for a day of family fun at Day Out with Thomas: The Ready, Set, Go Tour 2016.

Children everywhere can join Team Thomas when the #1 Engine pulls into Florida Railroad Museum on March 11-13 and March 18-20. Day Out with Thomas is a fun-filled event that provides children of all ages the opportunity to climb aboard and take a ride with Thomas as well as participate in Thomas & Friends themed activities. For two back-to-back weekends, little engineers and their families are invited to take a 25-minute ride on their favorite engine, meet Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway and enjoy a day of Thomas & Friends activities. Rides are 9:00 Continued

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he Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival returns this spring with wild flavors and concerts for every taste. Concerts from musical legends, sensational new culinary selections – including duck tacos, lobster ravioli, truffle fries and almond coconut truffles – and an expanded selection of more than 120 wines, craft brews and cocktails from around the world.

Guests must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. For more information, visit buschgardens.com

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artist lineup includes: Sat, March 5 - TBA; Sun, March 6 - Huey Lewis & The News; Sat, March 12 - Goo Goo Dolls; Sun, March 13 - O.A.R.; Sat, March 19 - George Thorogood & The Destroyers; Sun, March 20 Mercy Me; Sat, March 26 - Chino y Nacho; Sun, March 27 - Third Eye Blind; Sat, April 2 - The Commodores; Sun, April 3 - Andy Grammer; Sat, April 9 - Chris Young; Sun, April 10 - The AllAmerican Rejects; Sat, April 16 - Meat Loaf; Sun, April 17 Lynyrd Skynyrd; Sat, April 23 - Gente de Zona; Sun, April 24 - Jordin Sparks

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am through 3:45 pm rain or shine. www.ticketweb. com/dowt or call 866.468.7630. 12210 83rd St. East, in Parrish.

Suncoast Quilting Circle Quilt Show March 11 - 12 Today’s Pleasures….Tomorrow’s Treasures XVI “Reaching for the Stars”. Judged Quilt Show, Vendor Mall, Boutique, Silent Small Quilt Auction, Quilters Walk Raffle, Community Service Display, Make & “Share” Booth, Free Sewing Ma-

chine Raffle, Opportunity Quilt Raffle, Children 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult.

Minnreg Hall, 6340 126th Avenue, Largo FL 33773.

Free Parking. 727-821-9093. www.SuncoastQuiltingCircle.org

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he Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg has been conducted since 2003 (with a year’s absence in 2004). It has been the season opener seven times, including every year since 2011. Several active drivers including reigning Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg winner Juan Pablo Montoya have claimed wins at the track, along with his Team Penske teammates Helio Castroneves (three times) and Will Power (twice), as well as Graham Rahal and James Hinchcliffe (once each).

RACING SERIES: Verizon IndyCar Series, Indy Lights, Pro Mazda Championship, USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda, Pirelli World Challenge Championships, Robby Gordon’s SPEED Energy Stadium Super Trucks.

EVENT ENTERTAINMENT: Bright House Speed Zone; Verizon IndyCar Series Fan Village; Beer Gardens; Driver Autograph Sessions; Interactive games & exhibits; Music. www.gpstpete.com

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Senior Excursion to Yacht Starship – Dye the River Green - Sat, March 12 9 am – 4 pm. Departs St. Pete Beach Community Center, 7701 Boca Ceiga Dr., St. Pete Beach. www. spbrec.com Treasure Islettes Fashion Show - Sat, March 12 11 am. Treasure Island Community Center, 1 Park Pl., Treasure Island. Lunch and Spring fashion show with auctions and prizes. Benefits City beautification projects. 727.360.9181.

TARPON SPRINGS ROTARY CLUB 5th Annual Corks, Forks & Craft Brew - Sat, March 12 Presbyterian Church on the Bayou, 409 Whitcomb Blvd., Tarpon Springs, FL. Fine Wines & Premium Craft Beers. Delicious Appetizers & Delightfully Sinful Desserts. 3 Auctions: Elegant Baskets, Silent, & 50/50, Music from 1940’s to Today. Net Proceeds will fund Take Stock in Children scholarships and other Rotary approved local and international projects.

727-935-5352. peggymarie@aol.com

the ship “the most historically correct Columbus replica ever built.” In 2005, the ‘Pinta’, also a caravel, was launched in Brazil and was the first ship to site land in the New World. Historians consider the caravel the Space Shuttle of the fifteenth century. Both ships tour together as a new and enhanced ‘sailing museum’ for the purpose of educating the public and school children. The public is invited to visit the ships for a walk-aboard, self-guided tour. Admission charges are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $6 for students 5 16. Children 4 and under are free. The ships are open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. No reservations necessary. www.ninapinta.org MacDill AirFest 2016 - March 19 - 20 MacDill’s 2016 AirFest features the United States Air Force Flight Demonstration Squadron, the United States Air Force Thunderbirds. Also featured will be aerial performances by both military and civilian aviators. Static aircraft will be displayed, including many of the Department of Defense’s cargo, fighter and special purpose aircraft. www.macdill.af.mil/

HUMANE SOCIETY OF PINELLAS FUR AFFAIR March 16 The Humane Society of Pinellas and Saint Pete MRI will hold the 2016 Fur Affair at Earthscapes Garden Room, 816 Alt. 19 N. in Palm Harbor from 6:309pm. Guests will enjoy assorted signature dishes in tapas size portions provided by a variety of local restaurants, local craft beers, wines and sweet treats plus live entertainment and raffle and auction opportunities all for a donation of $35 before 3/11, $40 after. Please RSVP at weblink.donorperfect.com/furaffair. (727) 797-7722.

COLUMBUS SHIPS PINTA AND NINA TO LAND IN TAMPA - March 18 - 30

The ‘Pinta’ and the ‘Nina’, replicas of Columbus’ Ships, will be docked at the Tampa Convention Center, 333 South Franklin Street, until their departure.

The ‘Nina’ was built completely by hand and without the use of power tools. Archaeology magazine called

Salute to Our Military - Sat, March 19 10 am – 5 pm. Free. Horan Park, 7701 Boca Ciega Dr., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706. The new Horan Park venue will feature a competition car show, food, beer, wine, vendors, military exhibits and live music. The family friendly, fun day begins at 10:00 AM and will also include a silent auction, a kids fishing tournament, military vehicles, a military enlistment ceremony and the One Blood - blood mobile. Free admission, complimentary parking is available. 727-322-5217. www.spbrec.com Safety Harbor’s 9th Annual Golf Tournament - Sat, March 19

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LOCAL FOCUS

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Presented by Rotary Clubs of Dunedin Waterside & Safety Harbor. Spend the day on a championship golf course that sits at the northern tip of Tampa Bay. Registration and lunch 12:00 pm, Shot Gun start 1:00 pm. Hosted by Eastlake Woodlands Golf & Country Club. 1055 East Lake Woodlands Parkway in Oldsmar. 727-725-0951.

Mad Hatter’s Masquerade Ball - Sat, March 19 8 pm. Artpool Gallery, 2030 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Costumed event – mask or hat required.

Fashion, art and amazing creativity. www.artpoolrules.com You Must Love Dogs Fest Mix n’ Mingle March 19 Guests can expect live performances from wellknown country singers Jessica Lynn and Jo Dee Messina, as well as dog-friendly competitions, a 42ft doggy diving pool, performances from the World Champion Frisbee Dogs, lots of kids’ activities like face painting, and interactive inflatables for all ages

and more. Proceeds will go directly to benefit the SPCA Florida. 10am to 6pm at Raymond James Stadium, 4201 North Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33607.

813-369-1204. www.youmustlovedogsfest.com 50th Anniversary of the Dunedin Highland Games - March 26 - April 2 www.dunedinhighlandgames.com With kilt-clad athletes battling it out in traditional Scottish athletic events, competitions in piping, drumming and dancing, and celebrations of the tastes and traditions of Scottish culture, Highland Games are a unique experience. Highlights include: Celtic Kick Off – March 26. Free concert in Weaver Park. Pipers on the Pier, dancers, music by Soulbender, vendors and more.

A “Ceilidh in the Park” – March 31. A traditional Scottish gathering with music and dance, to be held in downtown Dunedin’s Pioneer Park; Celtic Rock Band Off Kilter will perform.

Pipe Band Parade – April 1. Parade of pipe bands and clans march down Main Street. A Tartan Reception and performance by Off Kilter will follow.

Guests are encouraged to dress in formal Highland wear of kilts and tartans.

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he Safety Harbor Art and Music Center will be showcasing a stellar lineup of nationally acclaimed musical acts, when it hosts the Safety Harbor Song Fest on April 2-3, on the town’s waterfront park located next to the Safety Harbor marina and pier. This year’s lineup includes: Otis Taylor, Love & Theft, Ben Sollee, Matt the Electrician, Daphne Willis, Chris Gelbuda, Joe Craven, Anne Harris, The Vespers, The Shook Twins,Honey Honey, Dan Rodriguez, David Jacob Strain, Tall Heights, The Brothers Landreth, The Mastersons, and more, that pull from a range of influences, including blues, bluegrass, country, jazz, pop, world beat and more. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sat, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sun. www.safetyharborsongfest.com/

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‘Twas a Grand Weekend for Sailing on Tampa Bay — especially if you were in the exciting NOOD Sailboat Regatta Series a

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he largest national sailboat racing circuit in the United States, the Helly Hansen National Offshore One Design (NOOD) Regatta series, opened C its 28th season in St. Petersburg with 11 classes and more than 125 competing for the event’s top prize – a trip to the British Virgin Islands to compete in the Helly Hansen NOOD Championship Regatta hosted by Sunsail. NOOD Premiere Sponsor, North Sails, presented daily awards for the top three daily crews in each class. Final awards were presented on February 14, at the culmination of the event, with the top prize going to Skipper John Spierling and his crew aboard the S2 7.9 “Rebel” (Sunsail 44i). They won their fleet, and the competitiveness of their endeavors earned them the top prize. The team travelled from Michigan to compete against other S2 7.9 boats.

For more information on the 2016 Helly Hansen NOOD Regatta series visit: www.sailingworld.com/nood-regattas

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TRAVELOGUE

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If you’ve visited Pensacola before, it’s time to go back.

If you’ve never been, it’s time to check out this Westernmost Florida city and sample the riches it has to offer.

Crowne Plaza Pensacola Grand

Applewood Bacon wrapped Warm Water Lobster Tail at Global Grill

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ou probably associate Pensacola with it’s large Naval Air Station, and may considerate it a “Navy town” — which it is — but it has become so much more with a reenergized downtown and new flourishing businesses. With it’s white sandy beaches and trendy restaurants, Pensacola has become an attractive vacation destination.

I flew in to Pensacola on Silver Airways which offers easy non-stop flights from Tampa and Orlando, and took a hotel courtesy car to the Crowne Plaza Pensacola Grand Hotel, where I was staying, and met up with some friends to begin our three day exploration of the city.

Along with being elegant, the 1912 Crowne Plaza has the extra cool factor of being housed on the site of an old railroad depot for the Louisville and Nashville Railroad (L&N), which has been restored and is incorporated in the hotel lobby and lounges. Many wonderful antiques can be found in the public areas of the hotel. The guest rooms, however, are totally modern with comfortable beds and full amenities, such as 42-inch flat screen TVs, coffeemaker, refrigerator, morning newspaper, and high-speed wireless internet. The hotel is full service, with a restaurant, room service, lounge, heated swimming pool, fitness center, business center, meeting space, and one of my favorite features — a library with a large selection of books for the use of guests.

We began our city tour with a visit to the Historic Pensacola Village, a walkable area with homes, a church, a cultural center and museums.

The T.T. Wentworth Museum is fascinatingly eclectic, as was, apparently, T.T. Wentworth.

The museum building is actually the early 1900’s City Hall. The contents are from the personal collection of Mr. Wentworth, and consist of a broad range of historical items ranging from Native American artifacts to some oddball items (á la Ripley’s Believe It Or Not — shrunken head, petrified cat, etc.) to an exhibit of Coca Cola items, and all manner of things in between. In 1983, Mr. Wentworth’s collection consisted of over 150,000 items.

He claimed he “never threw nothin’ away.” I guess not.

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1871 Dorr House in Historic Pensacola Village

National Naval Aviation Museum

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The Crowne Plaza Pensacola Grand incorporates period antiques into it’s public areas Walking around the historic village takes you back through Pensacola’s interesting history, through the different eras. The city is the oldest European settlement in the USA. Some of the highlights are the 1805 Julee Cottage once owned by Julee Panton, a free woman of color. The 1805 Lavalle House is a French Creole home outfitted in Spanish Colonial. The 1832 Old Christ Church is beautifully preserved and still used for weddings and concerts.

A relatively new museum in the village is The Voices of Pensacola, which is dedicated to preserving Pensacola’s history and cultural heritage through exhibits and as a gathering place for visitors. There is a research area and some special chairs set up with fascinating visual/audio recordings made by people sharing their Pensacola stories.

Crowne Plaza Pensacola Grand guest room.

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Fort Pickens cannons on display A real sense of Pensacola’s military history is at the ruins of Fort Pickens, completed in 1834 and used up until 1947 when it was finally decommissioned. Built to fortify the port after the war of 1812, it was used in the MexicanAmerican War (1847) and again in the Civil War (1861) occupied by the Union army. During the Indian Wars (1887), Geronimo, the famous Apache chief, was imprisoned there. The Harbor Defenses of Pensacola were declared surplus in 1947 and they were ordered deactivated. The fort is now part of the National Park Service.

One evening we caught “Smokey Joe’s Cafe,” a live production at the historic Saenger Theater — a 1925 Spanish Baroque gem which has had a $15 million renovation. It began it’s life as a Vaudeville theater, and then a movie house. It was saved from the wrecking ball in the 70s, and the magnificent structure is now home to opera, ballet, movies, as well as Broadway shows.

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Fort Pickens

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National Naval Aviation Museum Since Pensacola is a big Navy town, what better location for the world’s largest Naval Aviation Museum? This is a really terrific museum with excellent exhibits of over 150 aircraft representing not only the Navy, but the Marines and Coast Guard as well. Four Blue Angel A-4 Skyhawks are suspended from the atrium ceiling in an impressive display, and you can walk around on the flight deck of a replica of the USS Cabot CVL-28 light carrier. Climb up the steps of the VH-3 Marine One helicopter that flew President Nixon on short range flights during the 70s. Oh and there he is, President Nixon, sitting inside. Photo op! There are many hands-on exhibits, movies, and flight simulators for kids and adults alike to enjoy.

On a bluff located on the Pensacola Naval Air Station is the 1859 light house which has seen it’s share of history. It was controlled by the Confederate forces during the Civil War, and the tower received some artillery damage. It is still active today, and is open for tours. Some say it’s haunted (including the Travel Channel and SciFi’s “Ghost Hunters”,) which leads to making it a popular Ghost Tour destination. So of course we went, and yes, it’s a bit creepy at night.

We decided to take a road trip from Pensacola along beautiful 30A to Seaside (less than a 2-hour drive) with a stop at Grayton Beach, and plans for stand up paddling at YOLO Board near Destin, but

Blue Angel A-4 Skyhawks

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the weather had different ideas. If you find yourself near Destin, do head over to YOLO board for an enjoyable afternoon. I’ve done it before there, and it’s a fun experience.

If you’re not aware, Seaside is the town that was conceived as the perfect beach community back in the late 70s, with wood-framed cottages and white picket fences (no two alike next to each other, please) and a town center, from which several other USA towns have been modeled after. You can see Seaside if you rent the movie The Truman Show, starring Jim Carrey, as the town is also a star of the show. I have stayed in a rented cottage there in the past, and it really is the perfect little town. We had lunch at one of the most popular spots in the area, Bud & Alley’s on the beach. It never disappoints.

Robert Overton, Jr., Exec Director Wentworth Museum T.T. Wentworth Museum

Wentworth historical collection

We certainly enjoyed some great dining on this trip, starting with breakfast at the 1912 Restaurant at the Crowne Plaza - generous portions of good food to get the day going.

We had some tasty and educational fun at So Gourmet & Kitchenry, a gourmet shop with a cooking classes.

The shop features a whole raft of different olive oils that you can sample before buying in addition to a salad bar and other specialties. Culinary Chef Sue Shattuck showed us how to make Grouper Florentine, and we all enjoyed the results. Not particularly known for stellar cooking skills, I retained a few things which I have since incorporated in my kitchen: Use butter flavored olive oil instead of butter in cooking, you’ll never miss it. Sea salt is less processed and retains the nutrients (pink Himalayan, medium gray, and French gray.) Fresh raw fish should break when you bend it, not bend. The eyes should be clear not milky, and it should smell like the ocean, not fish. Cooking lesson over.

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Voices of Pensacola Museum preserves the city’s history and cultural heritage

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Jackson’s Restaurant’s attractive decor.

Blackened Swordfish with Cheese Grits and Tasso Gravy at Jackson’s Before attending the show at the Saenger, we stopped in for dinner at the Global Grill, a short walk from the theater. This trendy place gets rave reviews, and so it should. The menu is enticing, the atmosphere is simple yet artsy, and the tapas style food is fabulous. Since we were a genial group, we ordered a bunch of plates and shared such delicacies as: the Applewood Bacon wrapped Warm Water Lobster Tail with smoked Gouda Cheese Sauce, and roasted Red Pepper Coulis, topped with aged Balsamic Reduction; the Blackened Swordfish with Cheese Grits and Tasso Gravy; and the savory Shrimp Cheesecake, with house Bacon, Spinach, smoked Gouda served with red and yellow Pepper Coulis.

Another terrific meal was at the nearby upscale Jackson’s Steakhouse located across from the Plaza Ferdinand VII. Indeed, the restaurant is designed to bring the feeling of the park inside. Under the helm of Chef Irv Miller, Jackson’s is one of the “Fresh From Florida” Restaurants (restaurants that feature fresh ingredients from Florida, including produce grown

by Florida farmers and seafood caught in Florida

Jackson’s award-winning Executive Chef Irv Miller.

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So Gourmet & Kitchenry Olive Oils

So Gourmet Cooking Class

So Gourmet Tasting

waters.) Chef Miller recently released a cookbook, “Panhandle to Pan: 150 Recipes and Stories of Florida’s New Redneck Riviera” which includes some of his favorite Southern influenced recipes and a little humour. I ordered the Yellowedge Gulf Grouper Romesco with Salsa Verde, Sofrito and Spanish Rice Cakes, which was sublime.

It turns out lunch and blues go together quite nicely, and can be experienced at the Five Sisters Blues Cafe, where we had some good old Southern comfort food, while listening to some piped in old favorites.

Our final group dinner was at the very popular Fish House with dockside dining on Pensacola Bay. As you would imagine, they feature fresh seafood, but also serve landlubber fare as well. They are particularly wellknown for their Grits á Ya Ya — spiced Gulf Jumbo Shrimp over spinach, portobello mushrooms, applewoodsmoked bacon, garlic, shallots and cream over a bed of smoked Gouda cheese grits. á Yum Yum! Pensacola has a lot of fun events during the year, so please visit the visitpensacola.com website for what’s happening, and when.

If You Go:

Visit Pensacola - visitpensacola.com Silver Airways - silverairways.com Crowne Plaza Pensacola Grand - pensacolagrandhotel.com/ Historic Pensacola Village - historicpensacola.org/ Saenger Theatre - pensacolasaenger.com National Naval Aviation Museum - navalaviationmuseum.org/ Pensacola Lighthouse & Museum - pensacolalighthouse.org Fort Pickens - nps.gov/guis/planyourvisit/fort-pickens.htm

YOLO Board - yoloboard.com/ Seaside - seasidefl.com Bud & Alley’s Restaurant - budandalleys.com So Gourmet & Kitchenry - sogourmetpensacola.com/ Global Grill - globalgrillpensacola.com Jackson’s Steakhouse - jacksonsrestaurant.com/ Five Sisters Blues Cafe - fivesistersbluescafe.com/ Fish House - fishhousepensacola.com

Blackened Swordfish with Cheese Grits and Tasso Gravy from Global Grill.

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Media Karting Competition

at Andersen Race Park in advance of the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, March 11 - 13

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ocal mayors and media were invited to participate in karting competitions with professional drivers who will be taking part in the upcoming Grand d age an r e Prix races in St. Pete. Mayors challenged each other, with our own St. Petersburg v o C Mayor Rick Kriseman taking the prize.

Cutest driver award goes to the pace car driver, 7-year old Sebastian Weldon, son of the late Grand Prix Champ, Dan Weldon. Sebastian drives his own small version of a kart which is the same design as the large ones.

He’s quite amazing to watch out on the track.

Out of 10 media teams, Accent came in 9th (at least we weren’t last!) Our team consisted of Accent editor Melissa Martino, Cruisin’ Style editor Ray Martino, Kelsi Clark from Firestone Grand Prix, Largo Mayor Woody Brown, and professional driver Eric Filgueiras (USF2000 Series.)

For more information on the Grand Prix, visit http://www.gpstpete.com/ For more information on Andersen RacePark, visit http://www.andersenracepark.com/Home.aspx

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Dan Andersen, owner of Andersen RacePark.

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Local mayors before the race.

Cars representing the different series in the upcoming St. Pete Grand Prix.

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Mayor Kriseman before race.

St. Pete Mayor Rick Kriseman (R) accepts trophy for 1st place.

Eric Filgueiras, USF2000 Series driver getting ready to race.

Melissa Martino, Accent On Tampa Bay editor.

Pace car driver, 7-year old Sebastian Weldon with his own kart.

Pros round the track.

Winning media/pros on the podium. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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BROADWAY SHOWS Matilda The Musical - Feb 23 - 28. “Welcome to the deliriously amusing, heartwarming, head-spinning world of Matilda The Musical. You won’t want to leave.” – Bloomberg News. Winner of 50 international awards, including four Tony Awards, Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Based on the beloved novel by Roald Dahl, Matilda continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages on Broadway and in London’s West End. The Wall Street Journal says, “The makers of Matilda have done the impossible – triumphantly! It is smart, sweet, zany and stupendous fun.”

Beautiful - The Carole King Musical - Apr 26 - May 1. “Beautiful – The Carole King Musical tells the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Along the way, she made more than beautiful music, she wrote the soundtrack to a generation. Featuring a stunning array of beloved songs written by Goffin/King and Mann/Weil, including “I Feel The Earth Move,” “One Fine Day,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “You’ve Got A Friend” and the title song, Beautiful has a book by Tony and Academy Award-nominated writer Douglas McGrath, direction by Marc Bruni and choreography by Josh Prince. The show took home two 2014 Tony Awards.

BEAUTIFUL

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THEATER & MUSIC Amalie Arena 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa 813.301.6500 www.amaliearena. com February 24 – Jeff Dunham 27 – Disney Live March 13 – Rihanna 17 – 20 – Cirque du Soleil American Stage 163 Third St. N, St. Petersburg 727.823.7529 www.americanstage.org/ Boxoffice@Americanstage.org February Through Feb 21 – Jitney March 16 – April 10 – 4000 Miles Capitol Theatre 405 Cleveland Street, Clearwater 727.791.7400. www.rutheckerdhall.com/Venues February 14 – Cruisin’ at the Capitol 14 – Roger Randolf Family 15 – Pat Benatar 18 – Melissa Ethridge 20 – Shemeika Copeland 21 – TFO – Beethoven Piano 4 24 – Darlene Love 25 – Rosann Cash 26 – Robert Klein 27 – Michael Amante 28 – Richard Marx March 1 – Lisa Fischer 2 – The Zombies 3 – The Fab Faux 5 – Herb Albert 6 – Los Lonely Boys 8 – Tony Orlando 9 – David Feherty 12 – Jim Breuer 13 – Jewel 18 – Los Lobos 20 – Judy Collins Carrollwood Players Theatre 4335 Gunn Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618 813.265.4000

www.carrollwoodplayers.org/ February 5 - 27. The Fox On the Fairway takes audiences on a hilarious romp which pulls the rug out from underneath the stuffy denizens of a private country club. Filled with mistaken identities, slamming doors, and over-the-top romantic shenanigans, it’s a furiously paced comedy that recalls the Marx Brothers’ classics.

MARCH 5 - 6. The Cripple of IRishmaan in Black Box Staged Reading. Set on a remote island off the west coast of Ireland in 1934, this very Irish play is a strange comic tale in the great tradition of Irish storytelling.

MARCH 11 - 26. GETTING THE GOLD - On the eve of her 80th birthday, wealthy Cammy Cobb fears she is about to be murdered by her son in law or her only daughter. She confides in her granddaughters, but they attribute her fears to age and a recent stroke. Family dynamics have Cammy protecting herself with a pistol, disinheriting her daughter, and blindly trusting her granddaughters.

Catherine Hickman Theater Gulfport Community Players 5501 27Th Ave S, Gulfport, 727.893.1070. www.gulfportcommunityplayers. org February 14 – Elvis – Concert Experience 26 – Miss St. Petersburg March 3 – 13 – The Supporting Cast Clearwater Jazz Holiday www.clearwaterjazz.com October 2016 Coconuts Comedy Club 5501 Gulf Blvd. St. Pete Beach 727.360.5653 (JOKE) www.coconutscomedyclubs.com Open Mike on Tuesdays www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Shows: Wed - Sat, 9pm FEBRUARY 17, 18 – Danny Bevins, Larry Myles 19, 20 – Chris Matson. Chris Barnes 24 – 27 – Carmen Ciricillo, Carl Rimi March 2 – 5 – Pat Duax, Ken Evans 9 – 12 – Charlene Mae, Mike Adams 16, 17 – Doug Canney. Steve Arik 18, 19 – John Murray, Helen Keaney Eckerd College OPERA 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Petersburg Miller Auditorium March 5 – Manon Lescaut w w w. e c k e r d . e d u / m e t o p e r a 727.864.7600.

Eight O’clock Theatre 105 Central Park Drive, Largo 727.587.6793, www.eightoclocktheatre.com March 4 - 20 - Superstar Florida Opera Festival Artistic Director – Daniel Lipton Straz Center for the Performing Arts. 1010 North W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa, Florida 33602 www.operatampa.org February 19 – Cosi Fan Tutte 19 – Opera League Member Appreciation 25 – March 3 – La Traviata Open Rehearsal March 5 – Opera Tampa Gala 6 – II Volo 11 – Impressionario Society Reception 11 – 13 – La Traviata Florida Orchestra 727.662.7286 www.floridaorchestra.org See venues for dates – Mahaffey Theater, Ruth Eckerd Hall & David Straz Performing Arts Center (con’t on next page) 37

FOOTLIGHTS con’t Florida Suncoast Opera Guild www.FLsuncoastoperaguild.org March 17,18 – With the Maestro

the world.

19 – Cyrus Chestnut 20 – Sarasota Concert Band JIMMY FERRARO’S THEATRE

STUDIO

Freefall Theatre Company 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg.

727.498.5205 www.freefalltheatre.com Through February 14 – Our Town March 12 – April 10 – Sondheim on Sondheim Glenridge Performing Arts Center 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota 941.552.5325 www.gpactix.com February 14 – Bria Skonberg 17 – The Lady with All the Answers 20 – Robin Spielberg 27 – Cynthia Sayer March 9 – Music of Harry James 12 – George Winston - one of the most recognized solo pianists in

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THRU MARCH 6 - Murder at the Howard Johnson’s. All is fair in love? Even murder? That’s the question posed by this hilarious suspense comedy about a love triangle in a Howard Johnson Motor Inn. You’ll laugh every minute at this screwball comedy as the tangled triangle careens on its roller coaster plot -- A mystery until the very end!

Largo Cultural Center 105 Central Park Dr, Largo 727.587.6793 www.largoarts.com February 12, 13 – Rita Hayworth 17 – Shotgun Wedding 18 – Senior Talent Show 19 – Mandy Barnett 21 – Wedding Expo March 4 – 20 – Jesus Christ Superstar 7 – Simply Streisand

5732 Main Street, New Port Richey, FL 34652 www.ferrarostudiotheatre.com/

Mahaffey Theater 400 1St St. S, Bayfront Center St. Petersburg, 727.892.5767 (con’t on next page)

March 4 - 20

global phenomenon that has wowed audiences for over 40 years, Jesus Christ Superstar is a timeless work set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally-known series of events... seen, unusually, through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. It seems especially fitting that the first rock opera – created as a concept album at the end of the turbulent ’60s – should have at its center a social and political rebel.

Jesus’ meteor-like rise in renown provides, as the title suggests, a parallel to contemporary celebrity worship.

As his radical teachings are evermore embraced, Judas increasingly questions the enlightened motives of this new prophet, resulting in betrayal. Christ’s final days are dramatized with emotional intensity, thought-provoking edge, and explosive theatricality. Propelled by a stirring score, by turns driving and majestic, satirical and tender, the Tony Award-nominated Jesus Christ Superstar illuminates the transcendent power of the human spirit with a passion that goes straight to the heart.

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FOOTLIGHTS con’t www.themahaffeytheater.com February 14 – Todd Rundgren 19 – Wild Kratts LIVE 20 – TFO Beethoven’s Piano # 4 21 – Loretta Lynn 24 - Travis Tritt - 2014 marked the 25th anniversary of Tritt’s music career, which was busy with a heavy tour schedule in support of his new album titled The Calm After.

25 – Tribute to BeeGees 27 – TFO Ravens & Brahms 28 – Disney LIVE 29 – Dispatches from the Sea March 3 – TFO – Rhapsody in Blue 5 – TFO – Red Hot Blues 6 – Disney’s Fantasia Concert 7 – Tony Bennet 17 – Frank Sinatra Jr. 19 – Two Man Group Midflorida Credit Union Amphitheater - Florida State Fairgrounds 4802 Us Hwy 301 N, Tampa, 813.740.2446 www.ticketmaster.com March 26 - Chicago And Earth, Wind And Fire: Heart And Soul Tour

The Palladium 253 5Th Ave N, St. Petersburg 727.822.3590 www.mypalladium.org February 14 – The Hitmen 17 – Palladium Chamber Players 19 – The Rat Pack Together Again 40

20 – Coo Coo Ca Choo 21 – Tribute to Herbie Hancock 24 – James Varnado Jazz 25 – Bird & Diz 26 – The Silvano Monasterios Trio 27 – Chris McDonald – Elvis March 2 – Girls Night: The Musical 4 – Mindi Abair 5 – Boogie Woogie Piano Stomp 6 – The McCartney Years 10 – It was a Good Year 13 – Songs of Judy Garland 19 – Ukulele Orchestra Plant City Church of God 2103 Mud Lake Rd., Plant City.

(813) 752-0989. www.africanchildrenschoir.com The African Children’s Choir melts the hearts of audiences with their charming smiles, beautiful voices and lively African songs and dances. The program features children’s songs, traditional Spirituals and Gospel favorites. Concerts are free. A free-will offering is taken at the performance to support African Children’s Choir programs, such as education, care and relief and development programs. 7:00 pm.

Ruth Eckerd Hall 1111 N. Mcmullen Booth Rd, Clearwater . 727.791.7400 www.rutheckerdhall.com February 14 – TFO – A Valentine’s Pops 16 - 21 – The Book of Mormon 22 - 108 Years of Broadway 23 – Joseph and the Amazing Techno-colored Dreamcoat 24 – Vince Gill / Lyle Lovett 25 – Experience Hendrix 26 – Kristin Chenoweth 27 – Cinderella 28 – TFO – Ravel & Brahms 29 – Women of Ireland 29 – The Beach Boys March 1 – Josh Gorban 2 – TFO Rhapsody in Blue 2 – Steve Miller Band 3- 20 – Cash on Delivery 4 – Willie Nelson www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

5 – Moody Blues 6 – Barbara Eden 6 – TFO – Red Hot Blues 13 – TFO – Brahms – A German Requiem 14 – Adam Lampert 15 – The Young Irelanders 17 – Joe Satriani 18 – Saturday Night Fever 19 – Do Wop 20 – Bullets over Broadway SACRED GROUNDS 4819 E. Busch Blvd., Tampa, FL, 33617. 813-983-0837. www.sacredgroundstampa.com/ MARCH 12 - The Black Atlas. Drawing on the heaviness of Dredg and Queens of the Stone Age, vocal baritone of The National and ethereal qualities of Pink Floyd, The Black Atlas will soon release his third EP this year, Equinox.

Sarasota Ballet 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota 941.359.0099 www.sarasotaballet.org Tickets 941.351.0099 x 101 February 15 – Showcase Luncheon 17 – Lecture – History 26 -28 – Smuin Ballet 29 – 25th Anniversary Gala March 7 – Film Series 14 – Showcase Luncheon 16 – Lecture Series Sarasota Opera House 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota 941.359.0099 ext.101 www.sarasotaopera.org February Through March 19 – Aida 13 – March 11 – Fidelio 19 – Concert at Noon 27 – March 18 – Battle of Legnano March 4 – Concert at Noon 4 – Covers at Three 9 – Artist Choice Concert 17 – Young Verdi Concert 18, 19 – The Score and Beyond (con’t on next page)

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FOOTLIGHTS con’t 20 – Verdi Grand Finale SIDE SPLITTERS COMEDY CLUB Premiere Comedy Showplace www.sidesplitterscomedy.com 2938 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa.

Name touring comedy acts, plus local up & comers.

FEBRUARY 11 - 14 - Tommy Blaze 18 - 20 - Tommy Johnagin 21 - Tampa Bay Comedy Tournament Elite 8 25 - 28 - Joe Machi MARCH 3 - 5 - John Caparulo

6 - GIs of Comedy Funraiser 9 - Tampa Bay Comedy Tournament Elite 8 Part II 10 - 13 - Jon Reep *Special Event* 12 - Ken Miller 18 - Joe List 24 - 26 - Drew Lynch *Special Event* 31 - April 2 - Nick DiPaolo *Special Event* A Simple Theater The Biniger Theater, Eckerd College. 4200 54Th Avenue S, St. Petersburg. 727.864.7811 www. asimpletheatre.org February 16 – The Death of Walt Disney March

15 - Bent SOFT WATER STUDIOS 515 22nd Street South, St. Pete, FL 33712. www.softwaterstudios.com/ FEBRUARY 19 - 20 - 2nd Annual Fantasic Ekphrastic. A writers work is brought to life by an actor.

St. Petersburg City Theatre Located Just Off I-275 At 4025 31St. St. South, St. Petersburg, 33712. Box Office:tickets / Information 727-866-1973. www.spcitytheatre.org March 10 – 20 – Agatha Christie’s Black Coffee. A physicist dies after consuming a poisonous beverage; enter Hercule Poirot, one of Christie’s most beloved slueths, to solve the mystery.

St. Petersburg Jazz Festival Various locations in St. Petersburg www.emitseries.org www.stpetejazzfest.com February 24 – James Varnado Jazz 25 – Bird and Diz 26 – Silvano Monasterious Trio 27 – Helio Jazz Orchestra 28 – Post Festival Jazz Jam St. Petersburg Opera Company 727.823.2040 www.stpeteopera.org Various performance locations February 14 – Love is in the Air 18 – Creative Collaborations 27 – High School Vocal Competition 42

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March 6,7 – With the Maestro 12 – Opera Express 17, 18 – With the Maestro Stageworks Theater 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd., West Bldg., #151, Tampa, 813.374.2416. Www. stageworkstheatre.org March 8 – The Speak Tank 10 – 27 – Inherit the Wind. Two great lawyers face off in a smalltown courtroom with the eyes of an entire nation upon them. The accused? A high school teacher. His crime? Teaching evolution. Loosely based on the real-life Scopes Monkey Trial, Inherit the Wind is an edge-of-your-seat legal drama and a riveting look at the age-old conflict between science and faith.

State Theatre 687 Central Ave., St Petersburg, FL February 20 - MUTEMATH

24 - Robert DeLong 25 - Gilby Clarke 27 - Less Than Jake Straz Center 1010 N. W.c. Macinnes Place, Tampa . 813.229. Star Www. strazcenter.org February Through 14 – Disney’s Lion King 19 – 21 – Cosi Fan Tutte 19 – TFO – Beethovens Piano No. 4 20 – Chris Mann 20 – Enchanted Kingdom Fairy Tales 21 – Mike Tozier – Lie & Local 21 – Patti LaBelle 23 – 28 – Matilda the Musical 23 – Stranger in a Strange Land 24 – Mersey Beatles 24 – March 120 – Vanya & Sonja & Masha & Spike 25, 29 – La Traviata Open Rehearsal 26 – TFO – Raven & Brahms 27 – Cameron Carpenter

27 – Francesca GIogianni Live & Local 28 – Tampa Bay Symphony March 1 – April 1– Murder for Two 2, 3 - La Traviata Open Rehearsal 4 – TFO – Red Hot Blues 5 – Opera Tampa Gala 6 – II Volo 7 – Antje Duvekot 11 – Amy Morgan Live & Local 11, 13 – La Triviata 12 – Behind the Scenes of SNL 12 – Itzhac Perlman 20 - The Audience Broadcast THE STUDIO @620 620 1st Ave. South, St. Petersburg FL 33701. 27-895-6620. www.studio620.org MARCH 6 - Nate Najar 21 - The Shadow Box

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Nick DiPaolo

March 31 - April 2 Nick DiPaolo: In this day of watered down comedy Nick Di Paolo’s brutally honest performances remind us of what great stand up should be funny, socially relevant and a little bit reckless. Nick began his career in his hometown of Boston and twoyears later, made the jump to New York, where he found his seething, sarcastic style was welcomed with open arms by New York audiences at such clubs as Catch a Rising Star, Caroline’s and The Comedy Cellar. His range has allowed him to perform on shows as tame as ‘The Tonight Show,’ yet as edgy as HBO’s ‘Young Comedians Special’, ‘Late Night with David Letterman’ and Conan O’ Brien.

SideSplitters is located at 12938 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa. www.sidesplitterscomedy.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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MARCH 4 - 5 - Bob Goldthwaite

Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Society 727.596.7142 February 23 – Silas Dent Steakhouse March 8, 24 – Silas Dents Steakhouse

TAMPA THEATRE 711 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602. www.TampaTheatre.org Classic Movie Series “Rewind” MARCH 4 - The Warriors (1979). 10 p.m.

25 - Repo Man (1984) 10 p.m.

Tampa Bay Symphony 727.827.8087 www.TampaBaySymphony.org Performances in various locations February 21 – SPC Arts Auditorium 23 - The Palladium 28 - The Straz Center

Van Wezel 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941.953.3368 www.vanwezel.org February 17 – Neil Berg – Broadway 18 – Michael Feinstein 23 – Patti LaBelle 24 – Moscow Festival Ballet 25 – The Beach Boys 26 – Vince Gill / Lyle Lovett 27 – Kristin Chenowerth 28 – Josh Gorban

TAMPA IMPROV 1600 E 8th Ave. Suite C-112, Tampa, FL 33605. 813-864-4000. www.improvtampa.com/

29 – Australian Bee Gees March 1 – Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra 2 – McCartney Years 3, 4 – Joseph and the Techno-colored Dreamcoat 6 – Moody Blues 9 – Disney’s Fantasia Live 10 – Joffrey Ballet 11- Gordon Lightfoot 16 – Saturday Night Fever 17 – The Young Irelanders West Coast Players 21905 Us 19 N. Clearwater 727.437.2363 www.wcplayers.org March 4 – 20 – Same Time Next Year

Disney Live!

Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic February 27 - 1:00 & 4:00 PM Shows www.amaliearena.com/

Open the door to reveal mesmerizing worlds of unforgettable Disney moments and grand illusions with Disney Live! Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt. Join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and the comical duo of Donald and Goofy as 25 of your favorite Disney characters surprise and captivate at every turn of the knob! See the Fairy Godmother transform Cinderella’s rags into a beautiful ball gown in a split second; the Toy Story gang defy the dimensions of Andy’s toy box with the help of the green army men; and the spectacular stage debut of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider as they rise into the sky amidst the floating lanterns. With special appearances by Snow White, Tinker Bell and Aladdin’s Genie, you never know what to expect or who might join in the fun. In Disney Live! Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic you hold the ultimate key to unlocking your imagination.

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AMALIE ARENA

RIHANNA: The Anti World Tour Sun, March 13

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lobal superstar, Grammy Award-winner and multiplatinum selling artist, Rihanna, announced THE ANTI WORLD TOUR. The tour, produced by Live Nation, will kick off in North America on Friday, February 26, 2016 at Viejas Arena in San Diego, CA with nearly 40 shows lined up, including a stop at AMALIE Arena March 13, 2016 at 7:30 PM. Rihanna has become a modern music, entertainment and fashion icon. As an accomplished performer, she has sold 54 million albums and 210 million digital tracks worldwide making her the top-selling digital artist of all time.

She’s released 7 albums in 7 years, achieved 13 Number One singles and won 8 Grammy Awards. She is the most viewed artist on Vevo/YouTube with over 7 billion views and 23 Vevo certified videos, the most of any artist. She is also one of the biggest artists on Facebook with over 81 million friends.

www.amaliearena.com/

TORUK: The First Flight

by Cirque du Soleil March 17 - 20

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ORUK – The First Flight is a live immersive multimedia spectacle that brings to the stage the breathtaking world of James Cameron’s AVATAR. Through a riveting fusion of cutting-edge visuals, puppetry and stagecraft buoyed by a soaring cinematic score, Cirque du Soleil applies its unique signature style to James Cameron’s imaginary world and “makes the bond” between two kindred artistic visions that capture the imagination. Narrated by a “Na’vi Storyteller” and populated by unforgettable characters, TORUK – The First Flight is a mythical tale set thousands of years before the events depicted in the film AVATAR, and before any humans ever set foot on Pandora.friends.

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So much to love at The Florida Orchestra in February True love is wild. Crazy. Passionate. Just like Beethoven with The Florida Orchestra. In fact, there are lots of concerts to love in February, from a special FINAL FANTASY® video game show to A Valentine’s Pops to Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4. And just like chocolate, you can never get enough. Here are the sweetest picks: Distant Worlds: music from FINAL FANTASY® (Feb. 6): Featuring one of the most popular video game franchises ever, your favorite characters come to life on the big screen as the orchestra performs live, under the direction of Grammy winner Arnie Roth at the Mahaffey Theater. One night only! Tickets start at $25.

A Valentine’s Pops (Feb. 12-14): Date night! Take your sweetie to a night of romantic music from The Beatles, Love Story, West Side Story and even Star Wars. All with Stuart Malina conducting and playing piano, and Maren Weinberger on vocals.

What’s not to love?

Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 (Feb. 19-20): Popular pianist Shai Wosner returns for Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4, as Michael Francis conducts this Tampa Bay Times Masterworks concert.

Also: American Aaron Copland’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Appalachian Spring, and Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Symphony No. 6.

Maximilian Hornung

Shai Wosner

Michael Francis

Ravel & Brahms (Feb. 26-28): Michael Francis is joined by pianist Javier Perianes for his TFO debut on Ravel’s jazz-infused Piano Concerto in G Major. Also: Brahms’ groundbreaking Symphony No. 1, and Andrew Norman’s colorful Unstuck. Don’t forget to ask about free Classical Kids tickets for ages 5-18 for this and all Tampa Bay Times Masterworks concerts.

The Florida Orchestra: Masterworks and Pops tickets are $15, $30 and $45 at floridaorchestra.org or 727.892.3337 and 1.800.662.7286. The orchestra regularly performs at the Straz Center in Tampa, Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg, and Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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GREY SALT OPEN IN SEMINOLE HARD ROCK Story and photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino & Al Martino

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nder the helm of New York celebrity chef Marc Murphy, the new Grey Salt Restaurant opened it’s doors in the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Tampa recently. Occupying the space that housed the Green Room, the Mediterranean cuisine restaurant seats 240 guests, and has a light and airy minimalist decor reminescent of a beach boardwalk spot, featuring washed blonde woods and blue and white accents.

Small planters of rosemary dot the restaurant for some green touches.

The opening party was a very tasty tasting indeed, with passed hors d’oeuvres, charcuterie, artisan cheeses and breads, and carving stations. The bar served specialty cocktails such as Pete’s Dragon, Rosé Sangria, and Strawberry Spiked Lemonade. Speaking of lemons, jars upon jars filled with lemons constitute the whole back wall of the restaurant. Another short wall is filled with firewood for the woodburning grill.

We look forward to seeing (and tasting) the full menu items.

Grey Salt is located in Seminole Hard Rock Tampa, 5223 N. Orient Road, Tampa, FL 33610 www.greysalt-restaurant.com/

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COOLSTUFF! M

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MAGIC OPENER

Open Any Beverage Top www.magicopener.com

agic Opener easy open bottle opener is the simplest, most convenient way to open any beverage top, anywhere. With magic Opener easy bottle opener, struggling to open stubborn caps is a thing of the past. Magic Opener is the only tool you’ll need to tackle bottle tops, aluminum pull tabs and metal caps; making it the perfect companion for camping, boating, beach barbeques and more.

Ergonomically shaped, magic Opener provides relief from painful straining and joint pain for those suffering from limited hand strength or arthritis.

The Magic Opener Extreme combines all the benefits of the original magic Opener with the added benefit of a pet food opening function in a 4-in-1 tool.

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HOT STRAW Reusable Straw for Hot Coffee www.hotstraw.com

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ot Straw is the only straw that is safe for hot liquids.

It is made of a sturdy BPA Free, FDA Approved plastic that can sustain the heat of a cup of coffee or tea preventing potentially harmful chemicals from leaching into the beverage. Hot Straw’s shape fits into the opening of a coffee cup lid, making it a spill stopper that you can drink from and it is sustainable, reusable and dishwasher safe. It will last for thousands of uses, and is made with a recyclable material. The dualhole designed allows you to sip hot liquids safely, and protects teeth from coffee/tea stains. The inspiration for Hot Straw came from helping Parkinson’s patients enjoy a healthy & spill free morning coffee. 5% of all profits are donated back to Parkinson’s Reaserch.

ZIPZ Single Serve Wine

www.zipzwine.com/

Ever find yourself at a ball game, barbecue or poolside where the only beverage options are varieties of beer? Thanks to Zipz, you can now enjoy a glass of premium wine anywhere. Zipz is single serving of 100% premium, California wine in four varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Grigio. The Zipz glass is made from high-quality, PET plastic that looks and feels like traditional glassware, but is safe for use outdoors, at events and on the go. Each glass is covered in a patented Clean Wrap to keep the wine fresh and the glass clean from handling, and is 100% recyclable.

Enjoying a glass of Zipz is easy: (1) Unzip the wrap; (2) Twist off the lid; (3) Peel off the seal and enjoy.

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TRAVELOGUE

Gasparilla Inn & Club

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Casual Florida Elegance

Story and photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino & Al Martino

f we could conjure up the perfect Florida getaway, it would greatly resemble the historic Gasparilla Inn & Club located on Gasparilla Island in Boca Grande (near Port Charlotte on Florida’s West Coast.) It is out-of-the-way — in a good way — since the island has a low population and a state park on one end. The Gasparilla Inn is the star of the show on the island with it’s gorgeous golf club, tennis club, beach club, spa and pool, and being mere steps to a natural Gulf beach.

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he Neo-Classical style Inn has a historic designation since it was first opened in 1913. In the beginning it hosted such wealthy notables as J.P. Morgan, Henry DuPont and Henry Plant, with folks arriving by train and yacht. Having gone through expansion renovations and refurbishments through the years, it now has charm that is reminiscent of old Key West—in the grandest way. Predominantly white furniture with soft pastel fabrics and muted color wallpaper create a most welcoming and tranquil ambiance throughout the Inn. The guest rooms are appointed in the same colors to carry the theme throughout.

When we checked in we were given the key to our room. The key was an actual key! When was the last time you saw one of those in a hotel? The guest room hallways are wide and well lit, adorned with paintings, mirrors, and the occasional console table and chairs. We even spotted an end table with an old fashioned wired phone. So charming.

Walking through the impressive sunlit lobby (more like a large comfortable sectioned living room) we were trusting that our guest room would be of equal standard, and we were not disappointed. The oh-so-comfy bed, bedding and amenities are superior. The bright room of pastel colors can’t help but put you in a cozy mellow mood.

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e loved the look of the inn, but thought it might be too “girly” for a lot of men, so we queried several of the male guests, and they said they found it very comfortable and “homey.” BZ’s Bar lounge has more masculine colors and decor, and the Inn Dining Room has a St. Augustine feel with white tablecloths, dark woods and palm trees scattered throughout.

The Gasparilla Golf Club, with a beautiful Pete Dye designed par 72 golf course, is set along the waters edge for spectacular views, and has a full pro shop on site, as well as golf lessons by PGA professionals. If tennis is more your thing, there are seven tennis courts and a pro shop that offers tennis lessons as well. Relax at the Beach Club, enjoy the spa and fitness center, and take a dip in the pool which faces the Gulf. Fishing and shelling expeditions from the dock are available at the full-service marina. All manner of vacation recreational needs are met through the Gasparilla Inn with bicycle, kayak, and wakeboard rentals available. There are even some croquet courts if you are so inclined.

There are several dining choices within the Gasparilla Inn property, The Outlet Restaurant and The Inn Bakery serve breakfast and lunch, The Pink elephant serves lunch and dinner, and (our fave) the Inn Dining Room serves breakfast and dinner. Of course, room service is available all day for Inn guests.

There are other options at certain times throughout the year as well.

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lthough our visit to the Inn wasn’t on our anniversary, we felt like it was, and can’t imagine a better place to spend it. We enjoyed a splendid dinner in the Inn Dining Room, with impeccable service, ambiance and food fare. We were seated at a cozy table for two overlooking the lush Inn grounds, and began our memorable meal with Gulf Shrimp Cocktails, a Caesar Salad that was almost too pretty to eat, and a colorful Medley of Beets Salad. For entrees we ordered a Pork Tenderloin with mixed vegetables, and a Line-Caught Swordfish, both of which were sublime. Dessert was a delectable Crème Brûlée.

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he Inn has a resort wear dress code for some of the public areas and dining, which is a welcome change from anythinggoes t-shirts, cutoffs and flip flops that have become the norm just about everywhere. Guest appearance also contributes to the elegance of the Inn. The Gasparilla Inn is not just a place to sleep and go off elsewhere. This was our destination.

We turned off the cell phones and TV, took a stroll over to the golf course, then the unspoiled beach, and found a cozy nook back in the Inn to read our real page-turning books.

We will be returning to the Gasparilla Inn because we are so drawn to it, and cannot imagine a more perfect place to truly relax and get away from it all. Maybe next anniversary?

For more information about the Gasparilla Inn & Club, please call 941-964-4535, or visit www.the-gasparilla-inn.com/

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AT T R ACT I O NS TAMPA B AY A RE A ADVENTURE ISLAND 10001 N Malcolm McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612.

(888) 800-5447. www.adventureisland.com Adventure Island is a water park across the street from Busch Gardens. The park features 30 acres of water rides, dining, and other attractions.

The Real Music Series continues through March 5.

Moving and grooving to incredible live music spanning from the 1950s to today. Concerts are held at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. FREE with park admission.

Real Music 2016 Lineup:

Armed Forces MILITARY Museum 2050 34th Way N., Largo 727.539.8371. www. armedforcesmuseum.com The Armed Forces History Museum is dedicated to preserving military history and providing education to the public of the many sacrifices made to protect our freedom. Museum features full-size recreations of scenes from military history & WWII armored vehicle rides.

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 1101 Country Club Way S, St. Petersburg 727.893.7326. www.stpeteparksrec.org/ boyd-hill.

Tram Tours Saturdays, Guided Tours, Classes.

Brooker Creek Preserve 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. 727. 453.6800 www.brookercreekpreserve.org BUSCH GARDENS 10165 N McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612, (888) 800-5447. www.seaworldparks.com/BuschGardens

Feb 15-20 - Strawberry Fields Feb 22-27 - The Glenn Miller Orchestra Feb 29-March 5 - Chubby Checker CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767.

(727) 441-1790. www.seewinter.com/ CTA rescue. Home of dolphins “Winter” and “Hope” the inspiration for the movies “Dolphin Tale,” and “Dolphin Tale 2”, this aquarium exhibits marine mammals & sea turtles. continued

A Botanical Experience Awaits You...

• Discover the beauty of a 100 year old botanical paradise.

• Explore cascading waterfalls, beautiful gardens, more than 50,000 tropical plants and flowers, and walk through a butterfly encounter.

• Experience a guided tour, special event or workshop. $8 Adults; $6 seniors 62+; $4 ages 2 - 11 1825 4th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL • 727-551-3100 60

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CRACKER COUNTRY Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 US-301, Tampa, FL 33610. (813) 627-4225. www.crackercountry.org/ Cracker Country, a rural Florida living history museum, was established in 1978 by Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Carlton, Jr. so future generations might better understand and appreciate Florida’s rural heritage.

FLORIDA AQUARIUM 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602. (813) 2734000. www.flaquarium.org Explore and learn about marine life at The Florida Aquarium. For all ages. Exhibits • Journey to Madagascar • Wetlands Trail • Bays and Beaches • Coral.

Florida Botanical Gardens 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo , 727.582.2100. www. flbg.org Free. Friendly dogs welcome on leash. Closed weekends & County Holidays.

February 14 – Valentine’s Group Wedding FLORIDA HOLOCAUST MUSEUM 55 5th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. (727) 8200100. www.flholocaustmuseum.org Features collection of works of art, photographs and historical artifacts.

Fort De Soto Park Tierre Verde. 727.552.1862. www.pinellascounty. org/park/05_Ft_DeSoto.htm One of the world’s best beaches. Guided Nature Walks – Sat & Sun. GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602. (813) 443-3861. www.glazermuseum.org/ Hands On Fun for the Whole Family. 170+ Exhibits.

170 Interactive Exhibits · Field Trips · Birthday Parties.

The Tampa Story Listening Booth will be open the entire month of February allowing guests to hear audio clippings of Tampa’s famous African American residents.

Every Friday in February at Noon and 2pm, guests can then record their own stories as librarians will be at the Museum for short interviews. Their stories will then be stored in the Tampa Hillsborough Library Cooperative’s online digital collection.

GREAT EXPLORATIONS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM 1925 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704. (727) 8218992. www.greatex.org/ Science and humanities exhibits allow visitors to touch, move and actually become part of several piec-

es.

Gulf Beaches Historical Museum 115 10th Ave, St Pete Beach 727-552-1610. www. gulfbeachesmuseum.com Only museum dedicated to the preservation of history of the local barrier island. Preserving island history for tomorrow’s generation.

Gulfport History Museum 5301 28th Ave. S, Gulfport. 727-327-0505. www. gulfporthistoricalsociety.org Free Admission HENRY B. PLANT MUSEUM 401 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606. (813) 2541891. www.ut.edu/plantmuseum March 18 - Dec 23 - DOGS IN ART. This exhibit continued

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ig Cat Rescue is the largest accredited sanctuary in the world dedicated entirely to abused and abandoned big cats. It is home to over 100 lions, tigers, bobcats, cougars and other species most of whom have been abandoned, abused, orphaned, saved from being turned into fur coats, or retired from performing acts.

BCR has 14 species of cats, many of whom are threatened, endangered or extinct now in the wild.

Their dual mission is to provide the best home they can for the cats in their care and educate the public about the plight of these majestic animals, both in captivity and in the wild, to end abuse and avoid extinction.

BCR has built enclosures in a natural habitat with foliage and shelter on 55 acres in the Citrus Park area of north Tampa. They provide the best nutritional and medical care possible, and have conditioning and enrichment programs to provide the cats physical and psychological well being. The sanctuary is primarily supported by donation.

BCR, 12802 Easy Street, Tampa. For tour times and reservations, call 813-920-4130, or visit www.

BigCatRescue.org

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brings together paintings, sculptures, textiles, decorative arts and more from the late 19th and early 20th centuries featuring man’s best friend. This fascinating exhibit showcases sporting dogs, working dogs, dogs at play, pets, and in domestic settings.

Heritage Village 11909 125th St N, Largo. 727.582.2123. www.pinellascounty.org/Heritage Free 21-acre living history museum. New exhibit Boathouse display. Sundays – Speaking of History.

LOWRY PARK ZOO 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604. 813) 935-8552. www.lowryparkzoo.org Lowry Park Zoo, a globally recognized accredited zoological society in Tampa. The 56-acre zoo offers rides, animals and fun.

14 – Total Eclipse of the Heart 21 – 27 – Natl. Engineers Week New exhibit: The Coleman-Lienhart Savage Garden, containing carnivorous plants from around the world and wetlands plants from closer to home. Get a glimpse of the captivating and beautiful world of carnivorous plants and their incredible ability to adapt to inhospitable habitats. Participation is free with general admission.

Safety Harbor MUSEUM 329 Bayshore Boulevard South, Safety Harbor. 727724-1562. www.cityofsafetyharbor.com/573/MuseumCultural-Center Ghost Tour - Every Sat at 7:30 p.m. History Tours begin at 10 a.m. 727-687-8785 for reservations.

SUNKEN GARDENS 1825 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704. (727) 551-3102. www.sunkengardens.org/

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens 811 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, 941.366.5731. www. selby.org Through March 3 – New American Botanicals February through March 23 – Orchid Evenings 14 through March 27 – The Orchid Show Mote Aquarium 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, 941.388.4441. www.mote.org Science, Education, Aquarium MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY (MOSI) 4801 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33617. (813) 9876000. www.mosi.org Largest children’s science center in the US Gaze skyward - Saunders Planetarium. IMAX Dome Theatre. Over 450 Hands-On Activities. Zip Line.

February

Sunken Gardens is a botanical paradise in the midst of a bustling city. As St. Petersburg’s oldest living museum, this 100 year old garden is home to some of the oldest tropical plants in the region.

Stop by and see the Camellias! Large, striking camellia blossoms in all shades of pink, white, and red are beginning to put on a show. Stroll through the Camellia walk to see this Southern favorite before it’s too late!

March 12, 10:30 a.m. – “Compost Magic” - Learn simple ways to turn your kitchen waste into garden gold.

March 19, 10:30 a.m. – “Veggie Gardening in Florida” Learn how to beat the heat, sandy soil, bugs, and rains of Florida to grow the vegetable garden you’ve always wanted.

April 9, 10:30-12:00 p.m.–“Succulent Wreath Workshop”. Jamie O’Berry, guides you through creating a wreath, a mix of succulents, lavender, and expert knowledge on the proper care of these plants.

April 16, 10:30-12:00p.m. – “Butterfly Gardens Galore” Create the perfect environment for attractcontinued

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ing and keeping butterflies in your garden.

April 30, 10:30-12:00 p.m. – “Propagation Techniques” Make your own free plants over and over again.

Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary 18328 Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores. 727.391.6211. www.seabirdsanctuary.com Largest non-profit wild bird hospital sanctuary .

FREE. Donations accepted. Tours.

TAMPA BAY HISTORY CENTER 801 Old Water St, Tampa, FL 33602. (813) 2280097. www.tampabayhistorycenter.org/ Exhibits include coverage of the Tampa Bay area’s first native inhabitants, Spanish conquistadors, and historical figures who shaped the area’s history, as well as a reproduction of a 1920s cigar store.

Through April 17 – Exhibition – Florida Souvenirs February - 24 – Florida Conversations TAMPA THEATRE 711 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602. (813) 2748981. www.tampatheatre.org/

red carpet past adoring fans and paparazzi, with “Roan Jivers” announcing each star-studded arrival. Inside, the OSCAR Red Carpet Live pre-show telecast will begin at 7:00 p.m., followed by ABC’s live coverage of the Academy Awards. There will be a cash bar all night long, and those guests who stay until the Best Picture is announced at the end of the telecast will enjoy doughnuts and coffee in the lobby. Guests are encouraged to show off their star status with a movie-themed costume, or let the glamour of Hollywood inspire an outfit.

Weedon Island Preserve 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg.

727.453.6500, www.weedonislandpreserve.org WEEKI WACHEE SPRINGS www.weekiwachee.com/ Weeki Wachee Springs is a natural tourist attraction located in Weeki Wachee, Florida, where underwater performances by “mermaids”, women wearing fish tails as well as other fanciful outfits, can be viewed in an aquarium-like setting in the spring of the Weeki Wachee River. A waterpark, Buccaneer Bay, and boat rides are also part of the attraction.

Orlando Area AMWAY CENTER 400 West Church Street, Orlando, Florida 32801.

407.440.7000. www.amwaycenter.com/ Feb 27 - The Harlem Globetrotters March 6 - Nicky Jam

A restored classic theatre showing modern independent and classic films. Pre-show Wurlitzer organ concerts.

Tampa’s majestic movie palace is presenting an all-new classic movie series and the return of one of its most glamorous events, the Hollywood Awards Night Academy Awards viewing party. The Best Picture Classics Series features seven iconic Best Picture winners that span 10 decades of cinematic excellence, with show times at 3 p.m. Sundays, through Feb. 21.

Now in its 17th year at Tampa Theatre, the Hollywood Awards Night Red Carpet Reception begins at 7:00 p.m., Sun, Feb 28, and includes a limo ride around the block and a walk along the

CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOO & BOTANICAL GARDENS 3755 NW Hwy 17-92, Sanford, FL 32771. www.centralfloridazoo.org/ See over 500 animals representing 205 species.

Take to the sky and enjoy an aerial adventure course, ZOOm Air Adventure Park or bring your flip-flops and swimsuit to cool-off in the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground. See domestic animals in the Children’s Zoo, or see the Southeast’s largest collection of venomous snakes and non-venomous reptiles in the Herpetarium.

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL - LA NOUBA Disney Springs. www.cirquedusoleil.com/lanouba Enter the Attic of Make-Believe. A door opens and two worlds collide. The mundane meets the marvelous. Dreams and nightmares intertwine. La Nouba is an unforgettable journey into a world both threatening and exhilarating, frightening and famil-

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iar, calling on individual and collective memory, to uncover passions thought to be lost long ago.

DINOSAUR WORLD 5145 Harvey Tew Rd, Plant City, FL 33565. (813) 717-9865. www.dinosaurworld.com/florida/ Dinosaur World features over 150 life-size dinosaur sculptures in over 20 acres. Fossil dig, Dino Gem Excavation, Geode Cracker and more.

ESPN WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS COMPLEX 700 South Victory Way, Orlando, FL 34747. (407) 541-5600. www.espnwwos.com/ For pro and amateur athletes, coaches and fans, featuring over 170 events.

GATORLAND 14501 S Orange Blossom Tr, Orlando, FL 32837.

(407) 855-5496. www.gatorland.com/ A 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve located along South Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando showcasing thousands of alligators and crocodiles including four extremely rare leucistic “white” alligators. The freeflight aviary, petting zoo, one of a kind animal shows, natural alligator breeding marsh, and the “thrilling” Screamin’ Gator Zip Line.

THE HOLY LAND EXPERIENCE 4655 Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32811. (407) 8722272. www.holylandexperience.com Christian theme park. HLE conducts weekly church services and bible studies for the general public.

KISSIMMEE AIR MUSEUM - WARBIRD ADVENTURES 233 N Hoagland Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34741. (407) 870-7366. www.warbirdadventures.com/air_museum The Kissimmee Air Museum is located at the Kissimmee Gateway Airport in Kissimmee, FL. It houses vintage aircraft from World War II to the Vietnam War 68

including an outdoor showroom.

LEGOLAND www.MerlinEntertainments.biz THE LEGO MOVIE 4D A NEW ADVENTURE -

Merlin Entertainments is partnering with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and The LEGO Group to bring a new 4D animated film featuring the popular characters from The LEGO Movie. The LEGO Movie 4D A New Adventure is bringing back some of the original voices, and will introduce a new villain. The LEGO Movie 4D A New Adventure follows a new journey for Emmet, Wyldstyle, Unikitty, Benny and MetalBeard after they receive a mysterious invitation leading them to a new theme park where all of the rides are based on the characters’adventures in The LEGO Movie. But not all is as it seems as the heroes are once again thrust into the middle of an evil secret plot, only this time, it will be up to the audience to use their Master Builder skills to help save them. Using elements such as wind, water, smoke and special lighting effects, the larger-than-life experience brings the film’s main characters, Emmet and Wyldstyle, back together with their friends for another adventure.

LEU GARDENS 1920 N. Forest Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32803.

407.246.2620. www.leugardens.org BUG INVASION! – Through April 15. David Rogers’ Big Bugs, an outdoor exhibit of gargantuan insect sculptures displayed throughout the gardens. The exhibit will feature 10 larger than life insects made from all natural materials such as wood, bark and twigs. Various woods such as willow, red cedar, black walnut and black locust are used to create these massive insects.

The materials along with the design give the sculptures a sense of motion.

MADAME TUSSAUDS 8401 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819. 866-

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630-8315. en/

www2.madametussauds.com/orlando/

Madame Tussauds Orlando has announced the arrival of Scarlett Johansson and Zac Efron for a limited time only - in the attraction’s A-List Party Room.

Millions of people have flocked through the doors of Madame Tussauds since they first opened over 200 years ago and it remains just as popular as it ever was. Pose for the paparazzi’s on the red carpet with today’s biggest celebrities.

there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy at the newest aquarium in Orlando.

SEAWORLD / DISCOVERY COVE 7007 Sea World Dr, Orlando, FL 32821. (888) 8005447. www.seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando/ It’s time again to eat, drink and rock at SeaWorld Orlando’s Bands, Brew & BBQ festival every Sat and Sun, Feb 13 through March 6. The event honors America’s heroes. SeaWorld is offerimg a special discount for enlisted men and women and veterans during this event featuring live concerts from top classic rock and country musical artists, tasty BBQ and thirst-quenching brews. BBQ options go from smoky and spicy to sweet and tangy, there are options for every craving.

Smash Mouth - Sat, Feb 13 Gladys Knight - Sun, Feb 14 Scotty McCreery - Sat, Feb 20 Dennis DeYoung - Sun, Feb 21 Alabama - Sat, Feb 27 Foreigner - Sun, Feb 28 Steve Miller Band - Sat, March 5 Daughtry - Sun, March 6

OLD TOWN 5770 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746. (407) 396-4888. www.myoldtownusa.com/ Old Town is an amusement park with rides and outdoor shopping mall. Wednesday night is the Little Darlins’ Street Party while a cruise of classic cars are the free entertainment every Saturday night. A rock and roll band (specializing in tunes from the 1950s and the 1960s) plays prior to the classic car cruise.

ORLANDO CITRUS BOWL 1 Citrus Bowl Place, Orlando, Florida 32805. www. orlandocitrusbowl.com/ ORLANDO EYE 8401 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819. 866228-6438. www.officialorlandoeye.com The Orlando Eye is one of the newest attractions in Orlando and the largest observation Ferris Wheel on the East Coast.

ORLANDO SEALIFE AQUARIUM 8449 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819. 866622-0607. www.visitsealife.com/orlando/ Sea Life Orlando will transport you into a magical underwater world filled with a dazzling array of amazing creatures. From face-to-face encounters with sharks, to a hands-on touchpool experience,

SeaWorld offers roller coasters, rides, shows, tours, attractions & family-friendly activities for thrill seekers and animal lovers. At Discovery Cove, swim with bottlenose dolphins, feed tropical birds, play inches from a family of otters, and even walk on the ocean floor - all in one day.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS / ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE / WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER www.universalorlando.com/

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versal Orlando Resort. Take part in all-new experiences as well as returning fan favorites such as film talent Q&A sessions, special panels and demonstrations, A Celebration of Harry Potter Expo, and more.

EAST COAST (CENTRAL) FLORIDA DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, Fl32114. 800-748-7467. www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com

Be a part of A Celebration of Harry Potter at Uni-

Since Opening In 1959, It Has Been The Home Of The Daytona 500, The Most Prestigious Race In Nascar.

Feb 21 - Experience the DAYTONA 500 like never before as 58 years of history on the high banks will be showcased in the world’s first motorsports stadium. Wider seats, upgraded amenities, and unmatched sightlines make for a more immersive experience at racing’s richest tradition.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER Cape Canaveral, FL 32899. www.kennedyspacecenter.com

New Interactive Gameplay Experience – Cosmic Quest. Cosmic Quest engages and inspires young guests known as “trainees” by immersing them in a number of STEM-based (science, technology, engineering and math) space adventures while teaching them about NASA’s current and future space science and exploration.

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23rd Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

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resh farm market flavors at the festival’s Outdoor Kitchens, new Disney character topiaries, interactive play gardens and

live rockin’ music will shower spring surprises on park guests.

Donald Duck’s mischievous nephews, Huey, Dewey and Louie, will make their topiary debut with Donald and Daisy at the park’s front entrance garden, and Ranger

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March-2 thru May-30

Mickey Mouse in topiary form will appear for the first time to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Parks Service launched in 1916 to conserve the country’s natural scenic treasures.

Fresh garden produce, savory bites and sweet treats will be abundant at the festival’s Outdoor Kitchens, returning for a fourth year with guest favorites and new food and beverage offerings.

When they’re not noshing along the World Showcase promenade, festival guests can dig in for a hands-on experience during Disney-led gardening seminars or grab a seat for pop musical performances during the Garden Rocks concert series at the outdoor America Gardens The-

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atre.

In a horticultural nod to the brightest star in Earth’s orbit, Disney gardeners will paint the landscape with golden colors that will begin with a

Floral Sun garden behind Spaceship Earth and yellow “sunbursts” that pop up across the Future World landscape. By night, twinkling lights will shine across festival gardens.

New culinary creations will star at the festival’s Outdoor Kitchens where, for the fourth festival year, guests can taste garden- and spring-inspired food and beverages and have their complimentary Garden Passports stamped.

An innovative new “Fab Five” play garden featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto and Don-

ald Duck topiaries will debut with musical instruments built into children’s outdoor climbing systems.

Anna and Elsa topiaries will travel to the Norway pavilion festival landscape, and nearly 100 topiary characters, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Lady and the Tramp, Simba and Peter Pan, will animate the Epcot landscape surrounded by sweeping garden beds and exhibits.

The Garden Rocks concert series will present pop bands with music spanning four decades.

More than 10 mini-gardens will surprise guests around every corner. A new edible flower garden near Morocco pavilion will showcase petals with flavor.

The Butterflies on the Go garden will return with the story of the Monarch’s epic journey across the continent and will feature butterflies emerging from their chrysalises.

Disney gardeners will lead weekend how-to Gardening Seminars at the Festival Center, where guests also can pick up signature festival merchandise. Guest experts will conduct complimentary seminars on a wide range of gardening and outdoor living topics.

When the sun sets, illuminated topiary and play gardens will glow brightly for an after-dark festival experience.

Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party Offered at Disney’s Hollywood Studios A sweet new way for guests to have even more out-of-this-world Star Wars fun runs through March 19, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party happens nightly beginning one hour prior to the “Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular” fireworks show. Guests can enjoy a selection of sweets as the night sky erupts with impressive fireworks, set to the memorable Star Wars themes of all time, including selections from Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

On the menu, guests will enjoy lots of Star Wars-themed treats, including the popular droid and Darth Vader cupcakes and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Guests can purchase tickets for this special Star Wars offering by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dine or calling 407-WDW-DINE.

For more information, call 407-934-7639. Check online at www.DisneyWorld.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Gaming Scene Las Vegas

Residency at Hard Rock - Feb 17 - Mar 5 www.hardrockhotel.com/Vegas

Twisted Vegas to Debut this February at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino www.twisted.vegas Beginning this February, Las Vegas will be delivered the ultimate French treat: Alex Goude, a wildly popular French celebrity, and his new live production show, Twisted Vegas. A show about the show, Twisted Vegas is an all in one, all-you-can-handle, insanely interactive Las Vegas highlight reel for everyone to enjoy. Set within the famed walls of the International Theater at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (the same room where Elvis gave his most legendary performances), Goude and his talented cast will usher in a new era for high-concept Las Vegas entertainment, importing (and then exporting to the stage) Las Vegas’ most impressive large-scale singing and dancing productions, world-class magicians, artistic circus shows, contortionists, dancers, singers and even a scene-stealing finale.

The Australian Bee Gees Show Celebrates Five Years at Excalibur Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas www.excalibur.com The Australian Bee Gees Show – A Tribute to the Bee Gees at Excalibur Hotel & Casino is celebrating five years on the Las Vegas Strip. The show has had 1,600 performances and over 320,000 audience members come and enjoy this award-winning tribute to the famous brothers Gibb. Capturing the look, sound and personality of one of the most successful groups in music history, they are considered, “The best Bee Gees tribute in the world!” according to the official Bee Gees Fan Club, Miami, USA. Rascal Flatts “Rhythm & Roots” 9-Show

Multi-Platinum selling trio Rascal Flatts will return to The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas for a nine-show residency from Wed, Feb 17 to Sat, March 5. Rascal Flatts (Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney) wowed fans and critics last Feb as they performed the first-ever country residency at The Joint.

Due to the run’s overwhelming success, the trio will once again make the venue their home with new shows that will highlight the original Rascal Flatts sound that fans know and love.

Human Nature to Launch “Jukebox,” at The Venetian Las Vegas - March 9 - Dec 30 Human Nature’s brand new show “JUKEBOX,” is specially crafted for its home at The Venetian. Australia’s Human Nature has set the Strip on fire and kept sold-out audiences dazzled and dancing during their internationally celebrated “MOTOWN Show.” “JUKEBOX” will include Human Nature’s foursome backed by a dynamic six-piece band and world-class dancers, as Continued....

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Las Vegas cont they celebrate a mix of pop classics with doo-wop, boy band with Bandstand, soul standards with Motown… and even some “Uptown Funk.”

Pitbull to return to The Axis at Planet Hollywood Resort& Casino - March 12 - 26 www.caesars.com/planet-hollywood Global music superstar Pitbull will return to Planet Hollywood with his show, “Time Of Our Lives Las Vegas.” The international music sensation plans to make this show even bigger than the last engagement, which originally debuted last fall and was praised by fans and critics alike.

The Scintas at The Plaza Hotel & Casino Feb 19 - May 14 www.plazahotelcasino.com Having performed for hundreds of thousands of people over the years, the Scintas have become a fixture in Las Vegas for the past 16 years with their signature comedy, musical prowess, and knack for spot-on impressions. The show spans several generations, blending classic music of all styles from musical icons such as Dean Martin, Ray Charles, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and Bruno Mars with relatable humor that leaves the audience feeling like they’re hanging out with family.

Billy Idol Announces Residency at House of Blues - March 16 Billy Idol: Forever will feature Idol, his longtime guitarist Steve Stevens, and the rest of Idol’s band at the top of their game, performing songs from throughout Idol’s extensive catalog, including “Rebel Yell,” “White Wedding,” “Dancing With Myself,” and many more.

A CAPTIVATING EVENING WITH SOPHIA LOREN

at the Venetian - March 26 www.venetian.com As breathtaking today as she was when she first burst onto the scene in the 1950s, renowned actress Sophia Loren has captivated audiences for over five decades. Accumulating honors throughout her career, from five Golden Globes to a Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement award, the iconic legend of the screen will share her talent March 26th at 8pm for a once-in-a-lifetime event of Hollywood glamour and old-world charm.

Jennifer Lopez Debuts New Show “Jennifer Lopez: All I Have” at Planet Hollywood - thru June

The spectacular show features Lopez’s hit songs, including “On The Floor,” “Jenny From The Block,” “Get Right” and “Love Don’t Cost A Thing.” A truly unique production supported by a five-piece live band and 16 dancers, showcasing extravagant costumes and stateof-the-art technology in sets, lighting, video and special effects, the audience experiences Lopez up close and personal, yet larger than life. Seamlessly interweaving different parts of the life of Jennifer Lopez - the Actress, the Dancer, the Pop Star - Lopez’s Las Vegas show truly portrays who she is, where she’s been and where she’s going.

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Hong Kong Cafe Now Open at The Palazzo Las Vegas www.palazzo.com The Hong Kong Café is now open and serving lunch, dinner and late night dishes at The Palazzo. The allnew restaurant is brought to life with a dynamic fusion of Asian cuisine and Western fare. Signature dishes include rice roll with XO sauce; Macau-style roasted pork belly; fried fish ball with curry; Chinese sausage and preserved pork belly over steamed white rice; panseared scallop with Szechuan pepper sauce; and Vietnamese King Seafood noodle soup; to name a few. In addition, the restaurant also features regional Chinese cuisine, drawing from Cantonese, Taiwanese, Vietnamese, Szechuan and other Asian cooking styles.

Raiding the Rock Vault at The Tropicana Fri thru Wed (dark Thursdays) www.troplv.com/ “Raiding the Rock Vault” pays homage to rock’s greatest hits from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. The show’s all-star lineup includes Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Howard Leese [Guitar] (Heart), Robin McAuley [Lead Vocals] (Survivor), Doug Aldrich [Guitar] (Whitesnake), Paul Shortino [Lead Vocals] (Quiet Riot), Jay Schellen [Drums] (Badfinger), Andrew Freeman [Lead Vocals and Guitars] (The Offspring), Michael T. Ross [Keyboards] (Lita Ford), Hugh McDonald [Bass] (Bon Jovi), and outstanding female vocalists Carol-Lyn Liddle (Masters of Rock) and Stephanie Calvert (Starship).

ARIA Resort Redefines Guest Experience with Launch of NEW In-Room Technology

DEAL ME IN with Mark Pilarski www.markpilarski.com/

VIDEO POKER Dear Mark: I have been playing video poker since its beginnings, recording to date well over 100 royal flushes.

This weekend, I hit two consecutive Royals in a row, which was a first for me. What are the odds of this happening? I was playing on a 10-7

Reimagining the guest experience with modern-day convenience, ARIA Resort & Casino has collaborated with Crave Interactive to create the largest-ever installation of the provider’s in-room hotel tablets. The tablets will offer a hyper-tailored guest experience with new amenities such as digital in-room dining orders, one-touch spa service requests and an endless stream of news in multiple languages. The new tablets have been created specifically for ARIA and its distinct array of services.

Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas Resorts Launch Self Check-In and Key Retrieval Kiosks Citywide Caesars Entertainment debuts new self-check-in kiosks at its Las Vegas Resorts, beginning with The LINQ Hotel & Casino, Flamingo Las Vegas and Caesars Palace. This is the first fully integrated self-checkin program in Las Vegas that incorporates email, text, web, mobile app and kiosks. The rollout of the new kiosk program is the latest stage in a technology solution to completely automate the check-in process, eliminating wait times.

The ‘Aces of Comedy’ at The Mirage www.mirage.com Aces of Comedy newcomers Tracy Morgan, Bill Maher, Jim Norton and Sebastian Maniscalco will ignite evenings of laughter when they join longtime favorites on the Terry Fator Theatre stage at The Mirage. Renowned comedian Ron White, the witty Kathy Griffin and the hysterical Daniel Tosh, among others, also return for another hilarious season of comedy.

Double Bonus Poker game. Dave R. Your video poker gaming timeline, Dave, must have begun in 1979, as that is when Si Redd, by combining a solid-state processing unit with a TVlike monitor, introduced Draw Poker.

I am partial to your game of choice, Dave, as a 10/7 (10 for a full house and 7 for a flush) “Double Bonus” machine not only offers a bonus payout for four aces, but this variation of video poker has a theoretical return of 100.2 percent when played with perfect strategy.

The frequency of Royal flushes

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depends on your playing expertise. If you are employing optimal play on a 10-7 Double Bonus Poker game, you will average, theoretically, a Royal every 48,048 hands.

Going all the way back to the game’s inception, back-to-back Royals is an event that the vast majority of video poker players have never witnessed and never will. With your example, you just multiply 48,048 X 48,048 and the odds of hitting back-to-back Royals are 2,308,610,304 to one. After your first, though, the Royal after that has the same one in 48,048 chance of hitting.

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Gaming Scene cont Biloxi What’s happening at the Beau Rivage www.beaurivage.com

Located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the Beau Rivage is a beautiful resort destination — very convenient for Tampa Bay area folks looking for either an exciting time, or a relaxing time, or both — the Beau has it all. With a partnership with Sun Country Airlines, the resort has an exclusive package that includes a round trip non-stop jet flight, ground transfers, and two nights in a luxurious guestroom — starting at only $299 per person (double occupancy). The flight takes only an hour and fifteen minutes and leaves from the St. Petersburg-Clearwater Airport.

Golfers will definitely want to experience Fallen Oak, Beau Rivage’s Tom Fazio-designed golf course, with it’s dramatic elevations and beautiful magnolia trees, ponds, streams and wetlands. The newly-remolded course is player-friendly and more strategic. With some bunkers removed, the remaining bunkers have been rebuilt creating a much more strategic course. In addition, 15 of the hallmark live oak trees were repositioned to add to the Fallen Oak experience.

A visit to the Beau’s spa and salon will show Epicurean treatments unique to the Gulf Coast, and a perfect place for a Girlfriend Getaway with their special “Pamper Parties.”

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The dining opportunities at the Beau are wonderfully varied - from the simple Snacks Deli to the exceptional BR Prime (the Beau’s signature steak and seafood restaurant), and every thing in between. Guests have eleven restaurants to choose from, as well as several bars. The popular Terrace Cafe Terrace Café offers a delicious new twist on café dining. A new menu celebrates classic southern favorites, fresh and healthy alternatives, and a number of savory specialties to satisfy every appetite.

Reservations for air-inclusive travel packages may be made by calling 877-462-2328. www.beaurivage.com UPCOMING ENTERTAINMENT Jay Leno - Feb 19 Martina McBride - Feb 26 Michael Bolton - March 4 Chaka Khan - March 11 Rodney Carrington March 18 - 19.

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Looking Good PHILIP KINGSLEY

HAIR STYLING PRODUCTS

www.philipkingsley.com/ leek and shiny hair styles can instantly transform into a wet, frizzy mess once S exposed to the elements. Tame hair with the Philip Kingsley styling products and don’t let the weather let you look or feel any less than your best.

Philip Kingsley Smooth Cream tames curly, frizzy hair types. It’s a protective styling cream that smoothes hair, adds shine, and helps to prolong the life of color treatments.

Philip Kingsley Straight Hair smoothes, straightens and controls frizzy or curly hair. It’s a heat activated gel, rich in botanical extracts, that temporarily smoothes and straightens while protecting against heat and UV. Philip Kingsley Weatherproof Hair Spray is a powerful formula suitable for all hair types and provides volume and hold to hair, rain or shine with no stickiness. The spray leaves the hair smooth, frizz free and protected from the elements. It extends the life of color treated hair as the spray contains polyamide sunscreen to prevent color fade, silicone and lanolin which has anti static properties to reduce frizz and surface resins to add volume and hold. Pure aloe Vera leaf juice soothes and nourishes the hair and scalp, leaving the hair manageable and silky smooth.

FINDERS KEY PURSE Key Keeping Purse Accessory

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n easy keys find every time — no more digging around in your purse. With the Finders Key Purse, all you do is attach the clasp to your key ring and hook it onto your purse with the charm side facing out. a lot of different cute and fun designs are available — one of which is sure to fit your personality.

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KISS MY FACE K

Sun Care Products

iss My Face offers wildly effective sun care products with a range of options that effectively block harmful UV rays with the use of Antioxidant Defenders, which include Vitamin C and E, Green Tea, Goji Berry Extract, Olive Oil, Shea Butter and Aloe. Their Air Powered sprays effortlessly delivers sunscreen without the use of chemical propellants. These are ideal for those hard to reach areas, such as behind the legs. Tattoo Shade is a formula designed to keep tattoos looking sharp with its protective skin shield. Kiss My Face Sensitive Side SPF 30 has 3 in 1 non-irritatring protection for sensitive skin with three times the hydrating protection.

Kiss My Face sun care products utilize natural mineral sun blocking agents, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide and effective sunscreens to provide full broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. The Kiss My Face sun range is entirely free of parabens, oxybenzone and artificial fragrances.

www.kissmyface.com/

Arcopedico Super Comfortable Mary Janes www.arcopedicoshoes.com/

by Melissa Wolcott Martino

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rcopedico is a high-quality women’s comfort shoe brand specializing in lightweight, anatomicallydesigned, arch- and circulation-supporting shoes that are hand-made in Portugal. They have a wide variety of shoes to choose from, and I especially like my navy Leina model Mary Janes (pictured here), which weigh just 5 oz. a pair, and are amazingly comfortable.

A Lytech upper with an elastic strap ensures an easy on and off, and a secure fit. The removable cushioned insole keeps your feet feeling comfortable and gives you the option to accommodate your own custom orthotics. This shoe also has a polyurethane outsole for plenty of durability. Think traveling, shopping — or just padding around the house. They also come in grey, beige, black, brown, purple and red, with very cool slight shimmer. The shoe is vegan, machine washable, air dry.

Once you put them on, you may never want to take them off.

Visit the Arcopedico website to see all the other models and colors in this very comfortable line.

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Looking Good MOTT & BOW

www.mottandbow.com

Quality and Affordable Jeans

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reat style starts with quality staples. A well-made pair of jeans can transform a look – that’s where Mott & Bow steps in. This premium and affordable collection of men’s denim, is made from the finest Turkish fabrics and utilizes a hand crafted finishing process to provide a style with the perfect fit. Exemplify cool simplicity with over six washes, styles and fits.

At Mott & Bow, they handcraft every finishing process of their jeans and make it look effortless. A lot of the cost of a premium jean is attributed to the amount of labor intensity in the finishing process. If the wash formula consists of resin application, each jean is either sprayed or immersed into a resin mix (the two processes create different looks and feels). And everything that goes through the resin process must be pre-cured and then cured afterwards in an oven. Jeans are scraped in different areas to replicate the distress of normal use.

The brand also offers an at home try on program, where customers can order two pairs for the price of one and return the extra pair free of charge, to ensure the right size every time. For more information, please visit the website www.mottandbow.com

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ArtLines 24th Annual Downtown Dunedin Craft Festival - February 13 - 14 Main Street in Downtown Dunedin, 271 Main Street, Dunedin, FL 34698. www.artfestival.com The Downtown Dunedin Craft Festival Craft features the finest crafters in the country and eclectic exhibits with broad appeal. The array of handcrafted art and affordable items provide an eclectic selection of unique and memorable gifts for Valentine’s Day. The artistic media will include folk art, pottery, personalized gifts, handmade clothing, handbags & accessories, handmade cards, leather, stained glass and much more. A Green Market will offer a wide variety of quality plants including exotics, as well as dips and other gourmet items. Admission is free and open to the public.

2nd Annual Fantastic Ekphrastic Live Performances of Writing Inspired by Visual Art - Feb 19-20 Soft Water Studios in St. Pete’s Warehouse Arts District. Actors perform poetry, prose and plays inspired by the artwork on display. The Fantastic Ekphrastic artists are painters, sculptors and photographers. The writing comes from poets, playwrights, crafters of fiction and journalists. www.keepstpetelit.org

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MUSE Body Art Showcase - Sat, Feb 20 - 8 pm - 12 midnight. Artpool Gallery, 2030 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Adult only - living, breathing canvases painted to celebrate Love & Art. www.artpoolrules.com 3rd Annual St. Petersburg Fine Art Festival - February 20-21 in North Straub Park, 310 Bay Shore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. www.paragonartevents.com The event sets up adjacent to the Museum of Fine Arts and is a ‘boutique’ fine art festival of approximately 120 of Florida and America’s top fine artisans and crafters, including many local and regionally-recognized artists. The festival transforms the grounds of North Straub Park into an outdoor gallery showcasing extraordinary original handmade artwork.

Gulfport Masters Fine Arts Festival - Feb 20 - 21 Veteran’s Park (5350 31st Avenue South). (239) 293-9448. VisitGulfportFlorida.com The first ever two-day Gulfport Masters Fine Arts Festival will take place from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on both days. The event is a juried fine art and fine craft show with purchase awards and other prizes for participating

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ArtLines continued artists. The event is free and open to all and is family and pet-friendly. A wide range of artistic media will be featured, including paintings, photography, glass, wood, metal, furniture and fiber.

ARTpool 2030 Central Ave., St Petersburg, 727.324.3878. www.artpoolrules.com February 20 – MUSE Body Art Show March 5, 6 – Crafty Fest - 11 am - 5pm. Free. ARTpool, 2030 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Vintage, 11 am - 5 pm. Free. Art Pool Galleries, 2030 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. All locally made, vintage and creative items for sale including Etsy artists.

19 – Mad Hatter’s Masquerade BANK OF AMERICA’S MUSEUMS ON US - The First Full Weekend Of Each Month www.museums.bankofamerica.com Bank of America’s Museums on Us offers free weekend access to Bank of America and Merrill Lynch credit and debit cardholders in Tampa and St. Petersburg.

Participating Tampa Bay area museums are: Florida Holocaust Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, and the Tampa Museum of Art. Present your B of A or Merrill Lynch credit or debit card along with a photo ID for free general admission.

Carrollwood Cultural Center GALLERY 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa. (813) 269-1310. www. carrollwoodcenter.org Thru Feb - Mark Gonzalez Feb - Art From the Heart Feb - Deborah Rodriguez March - The Exhibiting Society of Artists (TESA) Thru August - Peter Stilton Chihuly Collection 400 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg , 727.822.7872 ext. 5102. www.moreanartscenter.org Only permanent collection of Dale Chihuly’s work.

February 12 – Luminosity Exhibition Premiere 12 through July 11 – Luminosity Exhibition CORNELL FINE ARTS MUSEUM Building No. 303, 1000 Holt Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789. (407) 646-2526. www.rollins.edu/cornell-finearts-museum/ The museum features European and American paintings, sculpture and decorative arts.

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Dali Museum One Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg, 727.823.3767 www.thedali.org Through June 12 – Disney and Dali: Architects of the Imagination.

Highlighting the unlikely relationship between Walt Disney and Salvador Dali, the multi-media exhibition features paintings, story sketches, conceptual artwork, objects, correspondences, archival film, photographs and audio that showcase the endearing friendship between the two visionary artists with vastly different personalities. Guests will also have the opportunity to view an all-new virtual reality experience from the museum titled Dreams of Dalí, as well as their newly enhanced audio guides.

Dunedin Fine Art Center 1143 Michigan Blvd. - Dunedin, 34698. 727.298.

DFAC - www.dfac.org March 4 - 5 - Trashy Treasures and Contain It at The Dunedin Fine Art Center. Contain It! is being double billed with Trashy Treasures, DFAC’s Art Garage Sale.

They are even going to be serving hot dogs on Friday night. Trashy Treasures runs indoors and Contain It! outdoors. Contain It! is where artists rework the interior of PODS to reflect their unique take on the space. The idea is to have someone step inside each POD and feel transported into the artist’s imagination.

Through March 1 – Love Magnified Exhibition Through March 1 – Cardboard Menagerie Exhibition Dunedin Wine and Art Walk - 2nd Fri of the Month Pioneer Park, Main Street and Douglas Avenue, Dunedin, 34698. www.2ndfridaydunedin.com/ Celebrate the second Friday of the month as downtown Dunedin merchants offer specials and discounts; browse the art exhibits, sip wine at tastings, enjoy food samplings, live entertainment and a drawing. Wristbands to get special offers from merchants and be eligible for prize drawing.

Florida CraftArt Gallery 501 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, 727.821.7391. www.floridacraftart.org

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Second Saturday Artwalk Thru Feb 19 - Role Models. Showcasing the work of 45 ceramic artists from the U.S. Each artist was asked to choose one person who mentored them and also choose another person whom they have mentored.

Florida Museum of Photographic Arts 400 N. Ashley Drive, Cube 200, Tampa, FL 33602, 813-221-2222. www.fmopa.org Through June 1 - Gohar Dashti: Iran Untitled and Stateless.

Through March 25 - Sandra Gottlieb: Earth and Water.

Gulfport 3rd Sat Art Walk 727-322-5217. Free. Beach Blvd., Gulfport. www. visitgulfporftlorida.com The Gulfport Art Walk event features new artists every first Friday and third Saturday each month and includes several different sculpture and paint mediums, jewelry, photography, folk art, upcycled items, handmade/designed clothing and accessories, body products, authors, entertainers and more. Live musicians appear at several venues throughout the waterfront district during Art Walks from 6-10 PM, year round.

MENNELLO MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART 900 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803. (407) 2464278. www.mennellomuseum.com/ Once the private home of Howard Phillips, son of local philanthropist Dr. P. Phillips. Changing exhibitions featuring American art of all genres and time periods,

including original as well as traveling shows.

The Morean Arts Center 719 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. 727822-7872. www.moreanartscenter.org/ Thru Feb 19 - Role Models - Collaborative exhibition with Florida CraftArt. Showcasing the work of 45 ceramic artists from the U.S. Each artist was asked to choose one person who mentored them and also choose another person whom they have mentored.

Sat, March 5 - NIGHT BLOW Glassblowing Party. 7 PM to 10 PM. Join in at the Morean Glass Studio & Hot Shop for a night of glow-in-the-dark fun.

Live glass-blowing demonstrations featuring David Spurgeon, Jeremiah Jacobs and Pauli Maiville. Enjoy rockin’ beats by DJ Rich Ranck, food, beverages and glow-in-the-dark accessories along with some glassblowing.

MORSE MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART 445 North Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789.

407-645-5311. www.morsemuseum.org/ A collection of the work of Louis Comfort Tiffany as well as fine 19th and 20th century American decorative arts.

Museum of Fine Arts 255 Beach Drive. NE, St. Petersburg, 727.894.4638. www.fine-arts.org Through March 13. 50 ARTWORKS FOR 50 YEARS Continued....

www.Netflix.com

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ArtLines continued In honor of its 50th anniversary, the MFA set out to secure 50 new works for its ever-evolving collection. 50 for 50 works range dramatically in medium, geographies, and eras. Works will be alternated throughout the length of the exhibition so that incoming gifts can be represented.

Thru Feb 28 – I Remember Birmingham. This technically innovative and spiritually moving installation is John Scott’s response to the tragic church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama on September 15, 1963. Four girls lost their lives that Sunday morning at the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church.

This dark day occurred just three weeks after the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. I Remember Birmingham (1997) is a ritual piece. It provides a quiet place for people to gather and reflect.

Through May 1 - CONTEMPORARY ARTIST CHRISTIAN MARCLAY. Christian Marclay has taken the art world by storm. He represented the United States in the 54th Venice Biennale and won the Golden Lion for his 24-hour montage, The Clock (2011). Newsweek has named him one of the 10 most important artists working today.

Feb 13 - May 29 – Contemplating Character: Portrait Drawings & Oil Sketches from Jacques-Louis David to Lucian Freud spotlights 152 rare portrait drawings and oil sketches from the late eighteenth into the twentyfirst century, with most from the nineteenth. Artists from 15 countries are represented, with a large number from France and England.

Feb 13 - May 29 – The Art of Classic Guitar draws on the collection of Robb and Susan Hough 88

and highlights memorable achievements in the history of the instrument. Stellar examples from the 1840s to the 1990s will be on view.

Ringling Museum of Art 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, 941.359.5700. www.ringling.org Mondays FREE admissions all day Thru March 6 – Nature – Basch Collection Thru March 19. Nature in Glass.

Thru April 17 – Samurai: Way of the Warrior Feb 15 – Ringling by the Bay Studio @ 620 620 1st Ave. S, St Petersburg, 727.895.6620. www. studio620.org Feb 13 - March 7 - Exhibits by Neverne Covington and Rebecca Skelton who will be featuring figurative works, and explore a new world of intimate images in the Ellis Gallery where the first Florida exhibition by Olga Stamatiou, “A Moment Noticed” will be featured.

As a result of traveling with “Seawall Child”, a nonprofit mobile emergency services vehicle, and acting as an art command center helpIng relief organizations work with children, Olga has created a series of fifty 6 x 6 inch paintings, acrylic on canvas. There will also be a video presentation of “A glimpse of life on the road.”

St. Petersburg’s 2nd Saturday Artwalk www.stpeteartsalliance.org Over 40 galleries and studios in the Waterfront Arts District, Central Arts District, Edge District, Grand Central District, and the Warehouse Arts District come together as one arts destination. ArtWalk is Opening Night where many galleries and studios premiere new works. Some are only open on ArtWalk, and many offer demonstrations and refreshments. Plan to drive, walk or take the trolleys to visit the districts of your choice.

Free parking can be found on 1st Ave N and 1st Ave S from 15th St. to 30th St. and at the Florida Holocaust Museum.

Tampa Museum of Art 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, 813.259.1720. www.tampamuseum.org Feb 12 - May 30. Public and Private—The Figure Examined: Masterworks from the Kasser Mochary Art Foundation. This exhibit presents more than 100 paintings, sculptures, and works on paper by many of the most important artists of the late 19th and 20th centuries, including Mary Cassatt, Edgar Degas, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Diego Rivera, Auguste Rodin, Andy Warhol, and others. Juxtaposing their diverse approaches to a common subject reveals radical stylistic changes, as well as a broad spectrum of political, philosophical, and aesthetic meanings associated with the human form.

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by Dr. Lori Verderame

Loving our Collections L

ove is one of the most common reasons why we collect objects or hand down objects. Objects come with emotions. Most people will not part with a particular item or group of items if they were handed down or amassed by a loved one, family member or friend.

I feel this way about my father’s nutcracker collection and my mother’s canister set. I wouldn’t part with them no matter what!

And when someone stops collecting or is no longer able to collect, sometimes the collection is handed down.

If you can retain a collection for the long term, historically, that collection will increase in value over time. So, hold onto the collection if you can. And, add to the collection when you can and start to familiarize yourself with the collection by learning about its history and market value.

For many, the love of collecting is not only commonplace but it is also comforting. At other times, a collection can be a burden and present new problems. When a collection comes to you from a deceased loved one, the situation may prove difficult. For instance, when Frank, a longtime collector of duck decoys passed away his collection became the property and project of his widow. Like most widows of collectors, Irene was happy that Frank enjoyed the process of collecting throughout their marriage. Now, with no children or interested relatives to take over the collection, Irene is left in a quandary.

She doesn’t want the duck decoys. Reason #1 is that she can’t bear to display the duck decoys as they prompt heartache. The emotional collection reminds Aunt Irene of Frank’s passing. Reason #2 is the overwhelming number of duck decoys now stacked in the basement. Also, the vast collection is unfamiliar to Aunt Irene, a non-collector. She can’t identify the decoys’ sculptors, she can’t identify the regional characteristics of each decoy, and she is uninformed and at the mercy of anyone with information about decoys and their market value. She knows these buyers may take advantage of her. She realizes that auctions may not be the best place to sell the collection because Frank got many of his best decoy bargains by buying at auctions. If a buyer at an auction is getting a bargain then the person selling the decoy at auction must have lost money on the transaction. Since Irene can’t

tell one wooden duck from another, she begins to worry. She doesn’t like the idea of having strangers come into the house to make her an offer on the decoys. She doesn’t know what a good offer looks like, either. If someone wants to make a killing on this collection and buy it for a song, she is in a vulnerable position.

Now, Irene doesn’t know how or if she should get into the market and she doesn’t want to keep the collection. Like many other families of collectors, Irene never thought she’d be left alone with this vast collection.

Tips for this common collecting problem include choose one or two favorite decoys to keep as a remembrance in honor of Frank’s years of collecting, get an appraisal from an appraiser who does not have any financial interest in the decoys—doesn’t want to sell them, doesn’t want to buy them.

Be prepared to pay that appraiser for their expertise and time. Ask the appraiser to tell you the retail value of the decoy collection, not an auction value or insurance value of the collection. Take some time to consider the market information and then make a decision about how you will act. Don’t be hasty. Get information so you can make a good decision.

Dr. Lori Verderame is an antiques appraiser, nationally syndicated columnist and author, and award-winning TV personality on Discovery’s Auction Kings and FOX Business Network’s Strange Inheritance. With a Ph.D. from Penn State University and experience appraising 20,000 antiques every year, Dr. Lori presents antique appraisal events and helps clients evaluate collections. Visit www.DrLoriV.com or call (888) 431-1010.

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The “I Wanna Go There!” Travel Page

Cape Elizabeth, Maine Portland Head Light Portland Head Light is an historic lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. The light station sits on a head of land at the entrance of the primary shipping channel into Portland Harbor, which is within Casco Bay in the Gulf of Maine. Completed in 1791, it is the oldest lighthouse in the state of Maine. The light station is automated, and the tower, beacon, and foghorn are maintained by the United States Coast Guard, while the former lighthouse keepers’ house is a maritime museum within Fort Williams Park.

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