Tampa Bay Area 2024

TAMPA BAY AREA | FL | 2024

1 The Science of Laughter 2 Starting A Family 4 Good Eats 6 Event Calendar 14 Street Food Delights 18 Community Resources 20 Service Directory

The The Science Science of of Laughter: Laughter: Why Why We We Love Love to to Chuckle Chuckle Laughter is often called the best medicine, and for good reason. It’s a universal language that transcends borders and cultures, bringing joy and connection to people worldwide. But have you ever wondered why we love to chuckle so much?

In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating science of laughter, the benefits it brings, and why it’s such a fundamental part of the human experience.

The Biology of Laughter: A Brainy Affair When you laugh, your brain releases a cocktail of feel-good chemicals. Endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, flood your system, creating a sense of euphoria and reducing stress. Laughter also triggers the release of dopamine, a continued on page 10

neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This chemical rush is why we often feel so good after a hearty laugh.

The Social Glue: Connecting Through Chuckles Laughter isn’t just about feeling good; it’s also a powerful social tool.

Evolutionary scientists believe that laughter evolved as a way for early humans to bond and strengthen social bonds.

When we laugh with others, it signals trust and positive interaction, reinforcing social connections.

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Starting a Family Carlos A. Amaris, CRPC®

Financial Advisor | Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor SM

Michael A. Sneeringer, Attorney / Partner Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP

The decision to start a family is a big step in life and one that requires careful financial planning,especially for the LGBTQ+ community. The choices of family creation methods such as adoption and surrogacy can cost tens of thousands of dollars. As we approach National Adoption Month awareness in November, the need for early financial planning becomes more critical. The number of LGBTQ+ families is forecast to increase in the upcoming years. Research from the Family Equality Council shows 63 percent of LGBTQ Millennials are thinking about expanding their families, either as first-time parents or by having additional children.

Some state laws and regulations make accessing surrogacy difficult by creating barriers, as well as uncertainty regarding the determination of parentage--and these challenges may add to the expense of surrogacy from a legal standpoint. This uncertainty can arise when the child is born. It also can arise even before the child is born if the parents have chosen to petition a court for a pre-birth order. Such orders require hospitals to list the intended parents on the birth certificate at the time of the child’s birth instead of going through the process later on.

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When evaluating the cost of adoption either domestically or internationally, or foster care or choices such as in-vitro fertilization and gestational surrogacy, the financial costs can fluctuate from $2,600 to over $60,000. Obviously, this does not include the ongoing cost of childcare and education, and this cost can increase exponentially for a special needs child. On average childcare increases a family’s expenses anywhere from 16% to 30% of their annual income.

Once adoption, foster care or surrogacy is complete and a child enters the picture, steps must be taken. First, proper estate planning must be initiated for the parents. A Will and standby guardian for minor child are an excellent start for any new parent to determine who cares for the child if the parents become ill or deceased.

Second, if a minor’s guardian is chosen to take care of the minor child it follows that someone or some institution should be named to care for the child’s money if the parents pass away prematurely.

This “Trustee” or guardian of the minor’s property can and should be somebody different from the person who takes care of the minor child on a day-to-day basis. Sometimes a financial advisor’s parent company has a trust company option to undertake this crucial role. Lastly, once the minor child reaches the age of majority, it is imperative that the child then fills out his or her own estate planning documents to name a person (probably the newly adult’s parents) to serve as his or her financial and health care decision maker in the event of a catastrophic health event. A parent cannot make health care and financial decisions once his or her child reaches the age of majority. This can be problematic if the child travels far for a college or a job. Such newly adult child may also have a Will prepared to dispose of his or her own property. At a minimum, the child could name a transfer on death or pay on death beneficiary for his or her own bank and financial accounts.

Basis estate planning does not have to be cost prohibitive. Working with the correct estate planning attorney can yield benefits. Each estate plan should be tailored to meet the family’s needs. An estate plan, once put in place, should be revisited on an annual basis especially as the chosen standby guardians for the minor child age or the family dynamic changes.

So, if you’re contemplating starting or expanding your family, consider hiring a financial planning professional and estate planning attorney to guide you through this important phase of life.

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Restaurants Ulele Rustic-chic site for native Floridian fare, with barbacoa grilling & house-brewed beers.

1810 N Highland Ave, Tampa, FL 33602 Phone: (813) 999-4952 | Web: ulele.com

Oak & Ola Hip restaurant with a roof terrace & regular live music crafting cocktails, pizzas & refined mains.

1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33602 Phone: (813) 773-1901 | Web: oakandola.com

Daily Eats Sandwiches, veggie bowls & all-day breakfast in an upscale, modern diner space.

901 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606 Phone: (813) 868-3335 | Web: ilovedailyeats.com

Have a restaurant you’d like us to feature?

Send in a recommendation for your favorite restaurant to be added to our list.

Be sure to mention why you think they are worthy of being featured and include a link to their website.

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La Terrazza Restaurant

Steelbach

Local mainstay serving homestyle Northern Italian cuisine & wines in a warm-hued storefront space.

1729 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605

Riverfront Southern grill restaurant with al fresco tables in a restored brick streetcar warehouse.

1902 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33602

Yah Mon Caribbean Restaurant

Samaria Cafe

Cozy eatery with table & banquette seating serving Caribbean dishes & hearty sides, plus drinks.

301 W Platt St unit c, Tampa, FL 33606

Haven Sophisticated restaurant featuring New American small plates, wine & cocktails, plus patio seating.

2208 W Morrison Ave, Tampa, FL 33606

Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse Tampa Brazilian steakhouse for all-youcan-eat meats, seafood & salads in a big, white-tablecloth setting.

1108 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33629

Multiple TVs line this unfussy, family-owned American diner with all-day breakfast & Greek items.

502 N Tampa St, Tampa, FL 33602

Watervue Grille Upscale seafood dishes in modern surrounds with craft cocktails on tap, water views & outdoor seats.

700 Harbour Post Dr, Tampa, FL 33602

Bamboozle Cafe Downtown Mainstay for health-conscious Vietnamese & Asian fusion fare, plus vegan & vegetarian dishes.

516 N Tampa St, Tampa, FL 33602

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EVENTS 2024 Jan 5 Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival This 10-day cultural event features speakers, musicians, artists, poets and craftspeople. Events include a music festival, 5K run and other events that increase awareness of African and African American culture and history.

Learn more at tampablackheritage.org.

Jan 13 MLK Dream Big Weekend A weekend-long celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., featuring a music and arts festival, a band showcase with top marching bands across the country, a parade and a family fun day. Learn more at mlkdreambig. com.

Jan 27 Gasparilla Pirate Fest A Tampa classic since 1904, this event features the Gasparilla invasion followed by a full schedule of events, including a parade and street festival featuring food, live music and entertainment. Learn more at main. gasparillapiratefest.com.

Feb 7 Moulin Rouge! The Musical Enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur and glory when Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage. Learn more at stratzcenter.org.

Feb 11 St. Petersburg Distance Classic The annual race offers a marathon, half marathon, 10k, 5k and virtual option. The start/finish line is at North Shore Park, just north of the Vinoy Resort. Learn more at stpetersburgdistanceclassic.com.

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EVENTS 2024 Feb 16 Gasparilla Music Festival Three days of live music across four stages along Tampa’s riverfront plus Tampa’s top restaurants serving up the region’s best dishes and kidfriendly activities. Learn more at gasparillamusic.com.

Feb 29 Florida Strawberry Festival Celebrate all things strawberry and enjoy agriculture, livestock, fine arts and crafts exhibits, top-name entertainment and parades. Learn more at flstrawberryfestival.com.

Mar 9 Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival The Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival features a great day of beer sippin’ (over 60 beers) bourbon tastin’ (over 40 kinds), music listenin’, cigar smokin’ and barbeque eatin’. Learn more at tampa.beerandbourban.com.

Mar 15 Tim McGraw Long proven as a titan of touring across a career spanning more than three decades, the Standing Room Only Tour promises an unparalleled, high-energy show from McGraw. Learn more at timmcgraw.com./tour2024.

Mar TBD Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food & Wine Festival Guests can sip and savor their way through flavorful eats and mouthwatering treats before finding their new favorite brew or cocktail.

Park guests can explore a variety of flavors while enjoying a diverse concert lineup, including acts for all tastes. Learn more at buschgardens.com/ tampa/events.

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the phenomenon of contagious laughter. When someone near you starts laughing, you can’t help but join in, even if you’re not sure what’s so funny.

This contagious nature of laughter is thought to be linked to our mirror neuron system, which activates when we observe someone else’s actions or emotions. In essence, when we see or hear laughter, our brains mimic it, compelling us to laugh along.

The Health Benefits: A Chuckle a Day Keeps the Doctor Away Laughter isn’t just about feeling good; it also offers numerous health benefits. Here are some of the ways laughter can boost your well-being: Stress Reduction: Laughter reduces the production of stress hormones like

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cortisol, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.

Pain Relief: Laughing triggers the release of endorphins, which can temporarily alleviate pain and discomfort.

Improved Immunity: Regular laughter has been linked to enhanced immune function, helping the body fight off illnesses.

Better Mood: Laughter can elevate mood and combat feelings of depression by increasing the release of dopamine.

Strengthened Relationships: Sharing laughs with friends and loved ones fosters stronger social

bonds and increases feelings of connectedness.

The Laughter Perscription: Make Time for Chuckles Incorporating laughter into your daily life is a simple yet effective way to improve your well-being. Here are some tips to get your daily dose of giggles: Watch Comedy: Enjoy a funny movie, stand-up comedy show, or your favorite sitcom to trigger laughter.

Spend Time with Funny Friends: Surround yourself with people who have a good sense of humor and enjoy sharing laughter.

Laughter Yoga: Join a laughter yoga class or practice laughter exercises at home to reap the benefits of intentional laughter.

Find Humor in Everyday Life: Seek out the humor in everyday situations and don’t take life too seriously.

Share Funny Stories: Share funny anecdotes and jokes with friends and family to create laughter-filled moments.

Embrace the Chuckles Laughter is a powerful and joyful force in our lives. It connects us, reduces stress, and brings a myriad of health benefits.

So, the next time you find yourself in the midst of hearty laughter, remember that you’re not just having fun—you’re also giving your brain and body a much-needed boost.

Embrace the chuckles, share a joke, and let laughter light up your life. After all, as the saying goes, laughter truly is the best medicine!

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EVENTS 2024 Apr 9 Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival The Tampa Bay Wine and Food Festival celebrates the culinary talents of chefs and gastronomic masters in Tampa, St. Petersburg and the surrounding areas. The event will support and benefit local charitable initiatives in the Tampa Bay area with Community Initiatives Foundation’s EAT SMART campaign. Learn more at tampabaywff.com.

Apr 14 Bern’s 27th Annual Winefest The area’s premier wine tasting event is a celebration of culinary experiences from the area’s most talented chefs, complemented with the best wines from around the world. Learn more at bernswinefest.com.

Apr TBD Fiesta Italiana Festa Italiana started in the spring of 1997 and is an annual, multi-day event that honors Italian culture and heritage. The event serves as one of the primary fundraisers for the Italian Club Building & Cultural Trust.

Learn more at fiestaitalianatampa.com.

May 3 Riverfest This two-day event includes family-friendly activities and events showcasing Tampa’s culture, music and cuisine. Learn more at thetampariverwalk.com.

May 25 Sunset Music Festival Sunset Music Festival is one of Tampa’s biggest summertime events. Held Memorial Day weekend, dozens of musical artists transcend to Raymond James Stadium for an unforgettable event. Learn more at smftampa.com.

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May TBD Ford Cuban Sandwich Festival Enjoy live music, cultural entertainment and the best Cuban sandwiches in the world; featuring contestants and chefs from all over the world competing for the grand prize, a ticket to compete in the World Food Championships! Learn more at cubansandwichfest.com.

Jun TBD St. Pete Pride Florida’s largest LGBTQ+ Pride celebration occurs annually in June.

Events include one of the country’s largest pride parades, a Sunday street carnival, family day and more. Learn more at stpetepride.org.

Jun 11 Les Misérables Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption. Learn more at strazcenter.org.

Jul 4 Boom by the Bay Tampa’s premier Independence Day celebration, featuring family-friendly activities, live entertainment, apple pie eating competition and a fireworks display. Learn more at tampa.gov.

Jul Bier Fest Each weekend, enjoy delicious brews, new recipes and seasonal offerings from fan-favorite breweries and live music in between epic thrill rides at the park. Learn more at buschgardens.com.

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Street food is more than just a meal; it’s an experience.

It’s the sizzle of skewers on a grill, the aromatic spices wafting through the air, and the sizzling woks that create an irresistible symphony of flavors. Here are some of the world’s most beloved street food traditions: 1. Thailand: Mango Sticky Rice ~ In Thailand, street food is a way of life. You can’t visit without savoring pad Thai, a stir-fried noodle dish bursting with flavors. And don’t forget to indulge in mango sticky rice, a sweet and fragrant dessert that’s the perfect balance of creamy and chewy.

2. Mexico: Tacos and Elote ~ Taco stands are a staple in Mexican street food culture, offering an array of fillings like al pastor, carne asada, and carnitas. Pair your tacos with elote, grilled corn slathered with mayonnaise, continued on page 16

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cheese, and chili powder—a taste explosion in every bite.

3. India: Samosas ~ Indian street food is a flavorpacked paradise. Try chaat, a savory snack that combines crispy fried dough with chickpeas, yogurt, and tangy chutneys. For something heartier, try samosas - deep fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes are a must-try.

4. Vietnam: Banh Mi ~ Vietnamese street food offers a fresh and aromatic experience.

Sample a steaming bowl of pho, a fragrant noodle soup infused with herbs and spices. Or grab a banh mi, a delectable sandwich filled with grilled meats, pickled veggies, and a burst of fresh herbs.

5. Greece: Gyros & Souvlaki ~ Greek street food is a Mediterranean delight. Indulge in a gyro, a pita wrap filled with tender slices of roasted meat and topped with tzatziki sauce and veggies. For a quick bite, grab a souvlaki skewer, often made with succulent marinated chicken or pork.

6. Japan: Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki ~ Japan’s street food scene offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Try takoyaki, octopus-filled dough balls drizzled with savory sauces. Or savor okonomiyaki, a savory pancake loaded with toppings like cabbage, pork, and mayo.

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7. Morocco: Tagine & Harira Soup ~ Moroccan street food is a sensory explosion. Taste tagine, a slowcooked stew that combines tender meats, vegetables, and aromatic spices. And don’t miss harira soup, a hearty tomato and lentil soup that’s a Moroccan comfort food staple.

8. United States: Hot Dogs/Pretzels ~ Street food isn’t limited to international flavors. In the U.S., you can’t beat the classic charm of a hot dog cart or a soft pretzel stand. Add your favorite toppings and sauces for a taste of American street food tradition.

Exploring global street food culture is like taking a whirlwind tour of the world’s flavors and traditions. Each street vendor, food cart, or bustling market stall offers a unique opportunity to savor authentic dishes and connect with locals. Whether you’re strolling through the vibrant streets of Bangkok or sipping soup in a Moroccan medina, street food is an adventure waiting to be devoured. So, grab a plate, dig in, and let your taste buds take you on a journey you’ll never forget!

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METRO HEALTH, WELLNESS, & COMMUNITY Metro Inclusive Health is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides quality health and wellness services that are inclusive, relevant, supportive & represent the lifetime continuum of the diverse people in our community.

METROTAMPABAY.ORG | 727-321-3854 LGBT WELCOME CENTER The LGBTQ Welcome Center offers an important community service to all that live, work and visit St. Petersburg, FL and surrounding area, providing information on areas of interest, where to stay, shop and eat. The LGBTQ Welcome Center also serves as a resource and a hub for the LGBTQ community, providing a safe space for LGBTQ youth and programming to serve the community with meeting space for local LGBTQ organizations. LGBTWELCOMECENTER.COM | 727-201-4925 GLSEN As GLSEN was founded by a group of teachers in 1990, we knew that educators play key roles in creating affirming learning environments for LGBTQ youth. But as well as activating supportive educators, we believe in centering and uplifting student-led movements, which have powered initiatives like the Day of Silence, Ally Week, and more. GLSEN.ORG | 212-727-0135 RAINBOW RECOVERY CLUB Rainbow Recovery Club serves thousands of community members in various Recovery Groups by providing them with a safe, inclusive, and supportive place for meetings and fellowshipping. RAINBOWRECOVERYCLUB.ORG | (813) 648-4271 OUT & EQUAL Out & Equal is the premier organization working exclusively on LGBTQ workplace equality. Through our worldwide programs, Fortune 500 partnerships and our annual Workplace Summit conference, we help LGBTQ people thrive and support organizations creating a culture of belonging for all. OUTANDEQUAL.ORGV

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ANIMAL SHELTER

Humane Society of Tampa Bay........................................................................9 DESSERTS

The Peach Cobbler Factory Tampa.................................................................9 FINANCIAL PLANNING

PAMG Advisors - Private Asset Management Group..................................... 7 HEALTH

Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates....................................................19 WINDOWS & DOORS

Clearwater Window and Door........................................................................15

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EVENTS 2024 Aug 14 Zach Bryan “Quittin Time Tour” Country megastar Zach Bryan will be performing songs from his latest self-titled album. He’ll be joined on this leg of the tour by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit. Learn more zachbryan.com.

Aug 25 The Smuggler – A Thriller in Verse Step into a secret speakeasy (with a real working bar) to hear a twisty story with unsavory characters and shady shenanigans. Learn more at strazcenter.org.

Sep 8 Busch Gardens Halloween Tampa’s premier Halloween event takes over the entire park with haunted houses, scare zones, sinister shows and more. Learn more at buschgardens.com.

Oct 19 Tampa Pig Jig Each fall, the Tampa Pig Jig brings incredible live music, delicious food, ice-cold beer and a fierce corporate barbecue competition to downtown Tampa’s waterfront. Learn more at tampapigjig.com.

Nov 8 Tampa Tattoo Arts Festival The Tampa Tattoo Arts Festival, the world’s biggest tattoo convention tour, is back in Tampa. Get inked by top local, national, or international artists and find all tattoo supplies. Learn more at 10times.com