South Shore Sports & Entertainment Dec 2023

SOUTH SHORE SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT December 2023

s t n e v E y a d ! i l Ho tion i d E

Busch Gardens The Ringling Museum Light Shows & Entertainment

About the Publisher

Publisher Joanne Durann

Photo Credit Allie Serrano

Joanne Durann has written for The Examiner, Yahoo.com, Axs, Out On The Town Magazine, as well as a writing instructor. She has authored multiple books, new articles, and entertainment pieces. She has interviewed the likes of Geoff Tate, Mark Daly, and Rudy Sarzo, among others. After a successful career in education, Joanne’s passion for the Florida lifestyle and the Tampa Bay area landed her in Apollo Beach. Joanne has worked in the Real Estate industry at Keller Williams with the Lovitch Group since her move to Florida from Pennsylvania and loved what she did. Joanne has a certification from the University of Michigan in Negotiations, has studied remotely with Harvard University, and is a member of The Working Women of Tampa Bay, WISE Tampa Bay, and the National Association of Professional Women. In her spare time, she loves traveling with her husband and going to concerts and Bucs and Lighting Games. She works with multiple charities and on community events.

Contact us: 267-980-6427 apollobeachpublishing@gmail.com

Managing Editor: Trish Stoecker Trish is a 32-year combat Army Veteran, who spent the better part of her last twelve years in uniform stationed at The Pentagon in Washington, DC. While there, her assignments included organizing major Army infrastructure and entertainment programs, including The Army Birthday Ball, Total Army Analysis, and Organization Days for the Senior Army Leadership and Army Staff Sections. Trish is also a published author with numerous credits including The Knoxville News-Sentinel, Florida Women Magazine, and Lakeside Life.

December Holidays Universal Human Rights Month

Dec 1st

Rosa Park’s Day

Dec 5th

World Trick Shot Day

Dec 7th

Hanukkah Starts / Pearl Harbor Day

Dec 9th

World Techno Day

Dec 13th

National Violin Day

Dec 16th Day

National Chocolate Covered Anything

Dec 18th

National Twin Day

Dec 20th

Go Caroling Day

Dec 21st

World Snowboarding Day

Dec 24th

Christmas Eve

Dec 25th

Christmas Day

Dec 30th

National Bacon Day

Dec 31st

New Year’s Eve

Travel from Tampa to the World Barcelona, Spain Joanne Durann

Barcelona, Spain, is a hop, skip, and a long plane ride from Tampa International. However, the beautiful streets, tempting food, and warm, inviting people make it well worth the visit. Barcelona is rich in history and culture and has unique and diverse architecture, making it a top tourist attraction!

No matter the time of year, the tree-filled streets are stunning to walk down, from the Spring and Summer filled with green leaves to the fall colors and the winter lights that adorn them for the holidays. With several beautiful beaches along its coastline, such as Barceloneta Beach and Bogatell Beach, visitors can enjoy the Mediterranean Sea, relax in the sun, and participate in various water sports and activities.

Known for its unique and diverse architecture, the city is famous for the works of renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, including the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà. These architectural masterpieces are must-visit attractions. Barcelona has a thriving arts and culture scene. The city has many museums and art galleries, including the Picasso Museum and the Joan Miró Foundation. The city's history, traditions, and festivals, such as the La Mercè festival, are also integral to its cultural heritage.

Catalan cuisine is at the heart of Barcelona's food palette; you can savor classic dishes like paella, tapas, seafood, local wines, and cava (Spanish sparkling wine). The streets are lined with cafes everywhere! Don't forget the many food markets the city has to offer.

For the shopper in your life, Barcelona has a plethora of shopping from the highest of high-end retailers to the everyday mom-and-pop shops to fit anyone's needs, budgets, and tastes.

Dec 1st

Freak Out Fest – Black Honkeys FREE EVENT

Dec 6th

DVSN Working on My Karma Tour

Dec 8th

Roosevelt Collier’s Jimi Meets Funk X Steeln Peaches

Dec 9th

Action Bronson Presents: Dr Bachlava & Human Growth

Dec 10th

Dark Star Orchestra

Dec 20th

EEM Triplin: Still Pretty North American Tour

Dec 28th

The Elovaters Endless Summer Tour

Dec 30th more

Mersiv w/Eazybaked, Meduso, Zen Selekta, &

Dec 31st

Papadosio NYE w/Mystic Grizzly, Mindex, 5am & Funshway

Hormone

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Schedule

USF Women’s Lacrosse!

USF was delighted to announce Mindy McCord as their new 2324 women's lacrosse head coach who is being assisted by Paul McCord and Brittany Orashen. The all-new team, which will not start playing in full games until 2025, start out with twenty-seven student athletes; twentyone first-year students, six transfers and one of which is a graduate student. They expect at least thirteen more to be signed by the time this issue hits the internet.

Their key values are family and love for the sport at heart and expect all their student athletes to play with that vigor. They are highly motivated to keep up all their good grades in their chosen fields of study.

After making their public debut in late October to the public, the girls put on a show for members of the press and multiple groups of boosters in November. Sharing the vision that they are shooting for as well as thanking the people behind the money that got them started.

Lacrosse is a fast-paced sport played with a small rubber ball and a long-handled stick called a crosse. The game is typically played on a field, and the objective is to score goals by shooting the ball into the opposing team's goal. The game is played between two teams, each consisting of attackers, midfielders, defenders, and a goalkeeper. The game begins with a face-off at the center of the field. Two players from opposing teams crouch down and the official places the ball between their crosses. When the whistle blows, they try to gain possession of the ball. Possession changes when a team loses the ball due to a turnover, a shot that misses the goal, or a save by the opposing goalkeeper. Lacrosse games are divided into quarters or halves, depending on the level of play. Each quarter or half has a specified duration.

Raymond James Stadium Dec 3rd

Panthers vs Bucs

Dec 22nd

Gasparilla Bowl

Dec 24th

Jaguars vs Bucs

Dec 31st Saints vs Bucs Jan 1st Reliaquest Bowl

Christmas at Busch Gardens Area Fun for All!!

Busch Gardens Christmas Town is a holiday event held at Busch Gardens theme parks in Tampa Bay, Florida. The event runs through the Christmas season, transforming the parks into winter wonderlands with festive decorations, holiday lights, and seasonal entertainment.

During Christmas Town, visitors can enjoy a variety of holiday-themed attractions and activities. The parks are adorned with millions of twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere. Special holiday-themed shows and performances take place, featuring festive music, dance, and storytelling.

Kids can visit Santa Claus and share their Christmas wishes in a festive setting at Santa Workshop. The park's attractions may be open and decorated for the season, providing a unique experience.

There are Seasonal foods, warm, festive treats, and beverages. Along with great holiday shopping.

A Stroll Through Elegance: Exploring the John Ringling Museum in Sarasota Trish Stoecker

Nestled along the sun-kissed shores of Sarasota, Florida, the John Ringling Museum stands as a testament to the intersection of art, history, and opulence. This cultural gem, perched on a sprawling 66acre estate, invites visitors into the lavish world of the American circus magnate, John Ringling. Beyond the dazzling Big Top, Ringling legacy extends to a magnificent museum that promises a captivating journey through time and artistic brilliance. If you are a fan of early 20th – century historic luxury homes, then this is a can’t miss. From now through the holidays, it is beautifully decorated with ornate trimmings from the period.

As visitors step onto the grounds of the John and Mable Ringling Museum, they are immediately greeted by the grandeur of Ca ’d’Zan, (pronounced kah-da-zan and means “The House of John” in Venetian language) the Venetian Gothic mansion that served as the winter residence for John and his wife, Mable Ringling. This architectural marvel is a testament to the couple's love for the extravagant, with its intricate details, opulent furnishings, and panoramic views of Sarasota Bay.

The heart of the museum lies in the Ringling Art Museum, a treasure trove housing an impressive collection of European paintings, decorative arts, and American masterpieces. Among its highlights is the Museum of Art, which boasts works by the likes of Peter Paul Rubens, Diego Velázquez, and Thomas Gainsborough, among others. Art enthusiasts can lose themselves in the diverse array of exhibitions, from Baroque masterpieces to contemporary sculptures and multimedia presentations. Its numerous exhibition halls are under renovation, and many of its most historic and valuable works are in storage or have been relocated temporarily to other parts of the estate.

No visit to the John Ringling Museum is complete without a journey into the world of the circus. The Circus Museum pays homage to the vibrant and colorful history of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, once known as “The Greatest Show on Earth.” Interactive exhibits, vintage posters, and authentic circus wagons transport visitors to the heyday of the American circus, offering a nostalgic glimpse into a bygone era. It tells the story of the five Ringling Brothers and how they rose from sons of a farmer and harness maker, to the entertainment giants they became. John was the fifth son, but also the company advance man, so he and his wife Mabel rode their luxurious custom Pullman train car all over the country. Indeed, they traveled to Europe to scout potential talent for their show.

Amidst the art and circus spectacle, Mable’s Rose Garden stands as a tranquil oasis on the museum grounds. The garden features a mesmerizing array of roses, sculptures, and fountains. It’s a perfect spot to pause, reflect, and appreciate the beauty that surrounds this cultural haven.

The John Ringling Museum goes beyond being a mere repository of artifacts; it actively engages with the community through educational programs and events. Visitors of all ages can participate in workshops, lectures, and hands-on activities that provide a deeper understanding of the arts, culture, and history encapsulated within the museum’s walls.

A visit to the John Ringling Museum in Sarasota is not just a stroll through a collection of artifacts; it's a journey through the legacy of a visionary who left an indelible mark on American culture. Whether captivated by the grandeur of Ca’ d’Zan, immersed in the world-class art collection, or enchanted by the circus memorabilia, every visitor leaves with a richer appreciation for the vibrant tapestry of history and creativity woven into this extraordinary cultural institution.

For hours of operation, tickets, and more information, please go to https://www.ringling.org/visit/.

Film with Live Orchestra Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas © 2023 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Sat, Dec 2, 2 pm, Mahaffey Theater - Matinee Sat, Dec 2, 7:30 pm, Mahaffey Theater Holiday Brass Feel the power of TFO’s unparalleled brass section as they perform a festive mix of classical and popular holiday favorites.

Thur, Dec 7, 7:30 pm, Church of the Ascension Sat, Dec 9, 8 pm, Tampa Theatre Sun, Dec 10, 2 pm, Palladium Theater Handel’s Messiah With its divine “Hallelujah” chorus, Messiah is the ultimate celebration of holiday joy. A tradition for nearly 300 years. Michael Francis conducts, featuring The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay. Fri, Dec 8, 8 pm, Straz Morsani Sat, Dec 9, 8 pm, Mahaffey Theater Holiday Pops Our most popular concert of the year! Experience the true spirit of the holidays, filled with family and friends, for very merry music at is very best. With two matinees. Conducted by Bruce Hangen, former guest conductor of the Boston Pops.

Fri, Dec 15, 8 pm, Straz Center, Morsani Sat, Dec 16, 2 pm, Mahaffey Theater – Matinee Sat, Dec 16, 8 pm, Mahaffey Theater Sun, Dec 17, 2 pm, Ruth Eckerd Hall – Matinee Sun, Dec 17, 7:30 pm, Ruth Eckerd Hall

Holiday Events in Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay Festival Of Lights Now through Dec 31st Hillsborough County Fairgrounds Busch Gardens Now through Jan 7th 10165 McKinley Drive Enchant Christmas Now through Dec 31st 1 Tropicana Drive St Pete Christmas Lane Thurs/Fri/Sat & Sun until Christmas Eve 303 North Lemon Street Plant City Holiday Lights in Largo Central Park Now thru Dec 31st 101 Central Park Drive, Largo Holiday Light in St Pete Now until Jan 1st 400 Bayshore Drive Northeast

Amalie Arena

Bumpy road to the playoffs The Baker Mayfield led Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had a very hot and cold season with many highlights and lowlights. The month of November proved no different as the Buccaneers went on the road to face two of the hottest teams in the NFL right now, the Houston Texans and the San Francisco 49ers. The Buccaneers’ first game in November was against the C.J. Stroud who led the Houston Texans in Houston. The game was an absolute offensive shootout that included nine total touchdowns scored between the two teams. Along with the excitement of seeing nine touchdowns the game ended in dramatic fashion as the Buccaneers entered the last 46 seconds of the game up 37-33. The defense did not keep up with the Buccaneers offensive play and instead allowed the Texans to drive down the field and score a game winning touchdown to ultimately beat the Buccaneers 39-37. After losing in the dying seconds of the game to a very young on fire team like the Texans, the Buccaneers bounced back and comfortably won 20-6 against a struggling Tennessee Titans team. The win against the Titans offered a lot of confidence to the Buccaneers struggling defense as they did not allow a single touchdown to be scored on them and only let up two field goals.

After winning comfortably against the Titans the Buccaneers had to hit the road and travel to California to face one of the most electric star-studded teams in the NFL, The San Francisco 49ers. The Buccaneers enter this game looking to pull an upset and prove they are still a playoff caliber team. The San Francisco 49ers also entered this game with the same mentality as they looked to snap a three-game losing streak. The Buccaneers tried to keep the game close as at halftime they were only down by six points and held an electric 49ers offense to only thirteen points. The second half was a different story though, as the 49ers went on to score two unanswered touchdowns in the third quarter. The Buccaneers did manage to score a touchdown in the fourth quarter, but it was not enough as they went on to lose 27-14. As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter the month of December, they will look to turn their fortunes around and prove to the world they are still a playoff caliber team and can be competitive without Tom Brady leading the way. The Buccaneers currently sit in third place in a competitive NFC South where the difference between them and the first place New Orleans Saints is one game. The Buccaneers will need to assure they pick up wins in their division rival games against the New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, and Carolina Panthers in order to have a strong chance at finishing first in the NFC South and claim their spot in the playoffs.

US 103.5 Jingle Y’all Tuesday Dec 5th 8 pm Thomas Rhett Friday Dec 8th 8 pm The Chainsmokers Sunday Dec 10th 11 am Derek Hough Monday Dec 11th 8 pm John Mulaney Thursday Dec 14th 8pm Trace Adkins The Way I Wanna Go Tour Friday Dec 15th 8 pm

Dec 1st Marauda Realm of the Damned Dec 2nd Femmes & Follies Subtronics Dec 7th / 8th / 9th Anberlin Dec 14th / 15th EPTIC Dec 15th Borgeous Dec 16th Adventure Club Dec 22nd Mau P Dec 23rd Boogie T Dec 29th Sidepiece Dec 30th

Randy Rainbow For President Dec 1st 7:30 How The Grinch Stole Christmas Dec 2nd 2 pm/7:30 pm Family Blessing Dec 3rd 3:00 pm On Your Feet Dec 7th & 8th 7:30 pm Handel’s Messiah Dec 9th 8 pm Bam: Holiday Traditions on the Plaza Dec 13th 10:30 am A Very Broadway Christmas Dec 15th 4 pm/ 8:00 pm Holiday Pops Dec 16th 2 pm/ 8:00 pm Il Divo Dec 19th 8:00 pm A Christmas with Soul Dec 20th 7:00 pm Fortune Feimster Dec 28th 7:00 pm Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet Dec 30th 12 pm / 4 pm / 8 pm

SO LD

!!!