Accent On Tampa Bay #217, Jan/Feb 2016 by Accent On Tampa Bay Magazine

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Accent

On Tampa Bay

AccentOnTampaBay.com

Vol. 28, Issue 217 Jan/Feb, 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 by: Matthew Murphy PUBLISHED ON LINE BY

AM PUBLICATIONS savethemanatee.org www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

St. Petersburg, FL (727) 577-5500

e-mail AccentMagazine@aol.com

LOCAL FOCUS Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Starts the New Year By Partnering With Humane Society of Tampa Bay During the month of January, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa will be supporting the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. On January 19 and January 20 (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.), as well as on January 28 and January 29 (9 a.m.to noon), property team members will be volunteering at the charity’s facility located at 3607 North Armenia Avenue in Tampa. A charity slot tournament will be held at Hard Rock Cafe on Friday, January 29, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. This event is open to the public. The entry fee for the tournament will be $10 and 50 percent of those proceeds will be donated to the charity and 50 percent will be added to the prize pool. Tickets can be purchased at the Rock Shop beforehand or upon entry to the event. Also on January 29, a red carpet ceremony featuring local community members and Humane Society of Tampa Bay staff and volunteers will begin at 6 p.m. and will precede a benefit concert in Hard Rock Cafe by local performer Ella Jet. TAMPA BAY SENIOR EXPO AT COLISEUM - Mon, Jan 25 The Tampa Bay Senior expo is returning to the Coliseum in downtown St. Petersburg. This is a special event designed to help seniors make the most of the their golden years. Meet local professionals to attain soundness of mind and body, learn how to live longer, better, and happier, check out new ideas to improve your lifestyle and sense of well-being, from 10am-3pm. Stroll through the more than 50 exhibits and learn the benefits of being healthy; being pain free or reducing your pain levels. Find out what’s new in alternative medicine, nutrition, organic foods, being GREEN and so much more…including financial planning and home improvement. The Coliseum, 535 4th Ave. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Compiled by Vicki Kolb

Thurs, Jan 28 Nine amazing dogs adopted from animal shelters and rescues are ready to show the world what rescue animals are made of at Mutts Gone Nuts comedy dog act. This family-friendly show will be presented at 7pm at Largo Cultural Center. Enjoy the incredible high flying frisbee dogs, tightwire dogs, dancing dogs, magic dogs and of course, the one and only...Sammie the Talking Dog! The mutts will perform with their human co-stars, Scott and Joan Houghton, who have brought their unique blend of physical comedy and circus arts to audiences from Las Vegas to Tokyo. www. LargoArts.com or call (727)587-6793. FATHOM EVENTS at SELECT CINEMAS: www.fathomevents.com Florence and the Uffizi Gallery - Wed, Jan 27 - Florence and the Uffizi Gallery is a multi-dimensional journey of the city that was once the cradle of the Italian Renaissance. Journey through the most beautiful and representative works of art of the period from Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, Raphael, Leonardo and Botticelli, with a detailed central chapter dedicated to the very treasure house containing their masterpieces: the Uffizi Gallery. This feature includes the breathtaking “Adoration of the Magi” by Leonardo Da Vinci, which will be brought back to life in 2016, after several years of restoration, and unveiled in an exclusive premiere on 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.

Rescue Dogs Perform at Mutts Gone Nuts at the Largo Cultural Center -

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Card Game Pizza Party - Thurs, Jan 28 11 am – 3 pm. $12. Garden Club of St. Petersburg, 500 Park St. N, St. Petersburg. Fundraiser for plants in Coconut Park. Spend the afternoon playing cards, games and enjoying lunch. www.gardenclubstpetersburg.org Thurs, Jan 28 – 117th Annual St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce Meeting 6 – 9 pm. Members receive two free tickets, $40 additional for members, $50 non-members. The Mahaffey Theatre, 400 1st St. S, St. Petersburg. a celebration of the accomplishments of the past year, recognition of community leaders and a discussion of the vision for the future of the Chamber and our community. www.stpete.com/events Oldsmar’s Centennial Celebration - Fri, Jan 29

Experience Gasparilla! January 23 - 30 Named for legendary pirate, Jose Gaspar, who terrorized the coastal waters of West Florida during the 18th and early 19th centuries, Tampa Bay’s destination-wide annual Gasparilla celebration kicks off each January with a full schedule of exciting pirate-themed events. From a four-mile long parade of pirates and period memorabilia on display, to specialty packages and a waterfront half-marathon, the entire city of Tampa unloads untold Gasparilla treasures for visitors and locals to plunder. Arrive early and experience the Children’s Gasparilla Extravaganza. On Saturday, January 23, one week before the full pirate invasion begins in all its spirited revelry, younger swabs and their families enjoy their own special celebration. An alcohol-free event, the extravaganza includes a children’s parade, preschooler stroll, parachute jump team, “piratechnics” and much more. The event takes place

This is a celebration of Oldsmar’s heritage that promotes awareness of the history, present community, and creates lasting legacies as they move into the future, There will be fun, family-oriented activities and venues, with live music by the Black Honkeys, fun with Mr. Pickles, vendors and a Kids Fun House. www.oldsmar100.com Sat, Jan 30 – Pinellas Folk Fair 10 am – 4 pm. $5 suggested donation. Heritage Village, 11909 125th St. N., Largo. Sponsored by Pinellas County Historical Society bringing a day of folk, gospel and blues throughout historic Heritage Village. Family friendly festival. www.pinellascounty. org/heritage Sat, Jan 30 – 3rd Annual MUSE Awards 7:30 pm. $100+Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. St. Pete Arts Alliance recognizes the contribution of artists to the community. Continued

along Bayshore Boulevard from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. On Sat, Jan 30, the Gasparilla Flotilla sets sail at 11:30 a.m. from the south end of Hillsborough Bay. Led by the world’s only fully-rigged pirate ship, the Jose Gasparilla, a flotilla of pleasure craft follows along to participate in the annual reenactment of the historic pirate invasion. Upon landing at the waterfront Tampa Convention Center (TCC), the Mayor will hand over the keys to the city and the official celebration begins. The Gasparilla Invasion Brunch runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at TCC, followed by the 3.8-mile long Gasparilla Parade of Pirates in downtown Tampa from 2 to 5:30 p.m., including more than 90 elaborate floats, 14 marching bands, and more than 50 distinct Krewes. Along Kennedy Boulevard in downtown Tampa, the Gasparilla Pirate Fest Street Festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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Proceeds benefit the programs of the St. Pete Arts Alliance. www.stpeteartsalliance.org Sat, Jan 30 and Sun, Jan 31 – Fort DeSoto Nature Walks 10 – 11 am. $5 parking. Registration required. Fort DeSoto Park, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde. Featured in this walk will be the Beach. Registration required – 727.582.2267, option 8. Humane Society of Pinellas PET FESTIVAL - Sat, Jan 30 The Humane Society of Pinellas (HSP) announces Bright House Networks presents the Pet Festival, 9am-1pm, 300 Carillon Parkway in St Pete. This interactive event features fun for the whole family. Adopt your next best friend at Pet Festival, where adoptable pets will be available from HSP and many other area rescues. HSP’s Mobile Medical Center will be on hand, offering affordable vaccines & microchips, so bring your pet. Join in on the Pet Walk. Registered walkers receive a wag bag full of event swag. There will be lots more fun including shopping at people and pet vendors, as well as demonstra-

Jan 28 - 31

tions and Ghira’s Goodies: crafts and activities for kids. humanesocietyofpinellas.org/ TFO Gala and Concert - Sat, Jan 30 The Florida Orchestra’s grand event of the season is the Second Annual Fundraising Gala and Concert. The night of glitz and glamor will be a celebration of Music Director Michael Francis, conducting his inaugural TFO gala concert, and stars Michael Feinstein, singing straight from the heart of the Great American Songbook. The gala concert is 7 p.m. at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg. The event benefits TFO and will help sustain its service to the community. Last year’s gala, with cellist Yo-Yo Ma, raised more than a half-million dollars to support the orchestra. www.floridaorchestra.org The Florida Orchestra’s first-ever ‘Sing Out! Tampa Bay’ concert - Register by Feb 1 for April 26 Show This spring new Music Director Michael Francis will lead The Florida Orchestra’s first-ever “Sing Out! Tampa Bay” concert, a sing-along event that features a community chorus performing onstage with the orchestra for one night only. “The beauty of a singing

Albert Whitted Park

Ma’Ceo is an acrobatic and equestrian extravaganza featuring daredevil stunt work and unparalleled beauty. Combining traditional dressage, aerial performance, Cossack riding and vaulting, performed by world-class acrobats and riders, Ma’Ceo is truly an unforgettable experience. Ma’Ceo presents rich acoustic music in a gypsy setting that sets the scene for an action packed performance. An unrivaled cast of artists from around the world attempt death defying stunts, display dexterous feats, creating breathtaking images alongside their equestrian brothers. The amazing artists from Ma’Ceo have also performed in well renowned shows such as Cavalia, Cirque Du Soliel, Arabian Nights, and Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey. Nearly ten different breeds of beautiful and exotic horses perform the most classic of riding styles from dressage to gypsy acrobatic bareback riding in a high-energy, fully choreographed, multi-cultural experience that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. Albert Whitted Park, Downtown St. Petersburg, FL. www.maceocirco.com 8

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event is that everybody can participate,” said Maestro Francis. “It is the most natural form of musical communication. Just imagine the power of bringing together so many people as one community, with one voice.” There are two ways to participate. Community chorus: A diverse group of about 250 singers will rehearse and perform onstage with The Florida Orchestra. No experience or audition is necessary. Audience chorus: Simply sing along from your seat on select pieces. Repertoire will include classical works such as Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus and Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, as well as popular pieces such as You Raise Me Up, Amazing Grace and favorite American songs. The debut event will be from 7 to 9 pm, Tuesday, April 26, at the Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S, St. Petersburg. Admission is pay what you can. second annual Bradenton Area River Regatta - Sat, Feb 6 The 2nd annual Bradenton Area River Regatta will offer a spectacular assortment of fun-filled fam-

ily entertainment, all free on and along the shores of the Manatee River. The fastest inland boats on water, Powerboat Superleague Racing, will electrify the Manatee river, while the quickest, most nimble jets skis in the world—HydroCross—return to provide breath-taking drama all day long. There will be two courses for convenient viewing from either Palmetto or Bradenton. Action-packed schedule of music, powerboat and jet ski racing and other extreme sports in one dusk–to–dawn family festival. Staged mostly along the Bradenton Riverwalk in 2015, this year’s event will have an increased presence in Palmetto, broadening the footprint on both sides of the Manatee. Singer Brandon Heath will be performing on Palmetto’s Riverside Drive where you will also find the racing pits and the kids’ zone. Regal Railways Presents Model Toy Train & Hobby Show - Sat, Feb 13 Vendors will be on hand selling various types of collectibles and much more, as well as a running train layout and videos for the kids to enjoy. Lunch will be 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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HISTORIC FISHING VILLAGE & BOARDWALK

ocated on the waterfront at Johns Pass, this quaint turn-of-the-century fishing village is Pinellas Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 â&#x20AC;˘ johnspassvillage.net

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provided for a small fee. Early Bird admission by Reservation only. Show admission (9am-2pm) is $5 adults, children 12 & under are free. Something for everyone!! 5850 K of C Drive, Port Richey, FL 34468. www.regalrailways.com 2016 Cattle Baron’s Ball - Sat, Feb 20 The American Cancer Society’s Cattle Baron’s Ball will be held at the Tampa Armature Works building on February 20. Festivities begin at 6:00 pm, with a fun filled evening that includes a silent and live auction, followed by an amazing dinner, and fabulous live entertainment. Water Works Park, 1910 North Ola Avenue, Tampa, FL 33607. Brides For The Arts Wedding Expo at the Largo Cultural Center - Sun, Feb 21 The Largo Cultural Center will host its second annual wedding expo from 12-3pm. The Center will team up with wedding and event professionals in the Tampa Bay area to transform its event spaces into a fantasy wedding wonderland filled with beautiful décor. Couples looking to tie the knot will have the opportunity to interact with vendors from various categories, see the hottest trends of 2016 and find everything you will need to plan your your big day. www.

LargoArts.com. (727)587-6751. Collectible Teddy Bear Show and Sale - Sun, Feb 21 Florida’s largest All-Teddybear Show. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Crowne Plaza Westshore, 5303 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa FL 33609. www.bright-starpromotions.com/ 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 Continued

3rd Annual LOCALTOPIA - Feb 6

FREE family-friendly event. Arts Village with NOMADstudio Art Bus - paint your love for St. Pete on their bus + Bluebird Books Bus – giving away free books + Keep St. Pete Lit - pop-up Book Space, local authors & zine makers, Bloom Art Center’s pop-up shop pod, Local artists vending, live painting/creating make & take items, St. Pete’s arts & culture organizations represented, Special Art Installation: “Wishes for Williams Park” Tree created by artist, Derek Donnelly. The Williams Park bus shelters will be removed the week prior to the Festival. Family Village with special, engaging experiences - Tampa Bay Rowdies players will be there kicking balls around with the kiddos, Thank You Mama Family Rest area with rocking chairs, tea, chair massage, changing table & surprises, makeme studio & Morean Arts Center helping families create make & take items, Music & Me’s mini music classes, Great Exploration’s Children’s Museum’s “bubble buckets”, Vendors with children’s family products, 2 bounce houses. Skate Village with skate ramp, DJ Mega spinning all day, Pro skateboarders signing autographs, Ping pong tables. 10 am - 5 pm . Williams Park, 330 2nd Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. $5 Suggested (Minimum) Donation. KeepSaintPetersburgLocal.org/Localtopia

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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

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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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 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 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 Machine Raffle, Opportunity Quilt Raffle, Children 12 and under free when

accompanied by an adult. Minnreg Hall, 6340 126th Avenue, Largo FL 33773. Free Parking. 727-8219093. www.SuncoastQuiltingCircle.org 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 am through 3:45 pm rain or shine. www.ticketweb. com/dowt or call 866.468.7630. 12210 83rd St. East, in Parrish.

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. The Cotee River Charity Classic Fishing Tournament will commence after the Captain’s Dinner and ends Sunday at 3 p.m. The entry fee is $100. The photo catch and release tournament weigh-in will be held at Sunset Landing Marina. The biggest fish wins. First place $4,000, second place $1,000 and third place is $500. Good times will roll into the after party at Hooters on the waterfront. All proceeds from the events will go towards supporting the Bayou Business Association’s objective to achieve success, sustainability and distinction to preserve an everlasting presence in the City of Port Richey. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

TRAVELOGUE

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, s l e g n A e u l B , s e h c a e White B a d n a , y r o t s i H h R ic e r o M t o Whole L

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

Story and Photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino 16

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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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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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BROADWAY SHOWS Disney’s The Lion King - Jan 20 - Feb 14. Winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, this landmark musical event brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. The Lion King also features some of Broadway’s most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Award-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice. 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.

LION KING

For more information, visit Straz Center, 813-229-7827. www.strazcenter.org 24

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THEATER & MUSIC Amalie Arena 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa 813.301.6500 www.amaliearena. com January 16 – Winter Jam 22 – Billy Joel 26 – Wwe Smackdown 30 – Throwdown By The Bay February 4 – Barry Manilow 11 – Andrea Bocelli 20,21 – Amsoil Arenacross 24 – Jeff Dunham 27 – Disney Live American Stage 163 Third St. N, St. Petersburg 727.823.7529 www.americanstage.org/ Boxoffice@Americanstage.org January 20 – Feb 21 – Jitney Capitol Theatre 405 Cleveland Street, Clearwater 727.791.7400. www.rutheckerdhall.com/Venues January 16 – Jane Lynch 20 – Arlo Guthrie 22 – Wyonna Judd

23, 24 – Englebert Humperdinck 25 – Gaelic Storm 27 – Ana Popovic 28 – Colin Hay 29 – David Bromberg 30 – Gary Puckett 31 – Renee Taylor February 2 – Graham Nash 3 – Under The Streetlamp 4 – Jackie Mason 6 – Southern Soul Assembly 8 – The Buddy Holly Story 9 – Rita Rudner 11 – Les Stroud 14 – Roger Randolf Family 15 – Pat Benatar 18 – Melissa Ethridge 20 – Shemeika Copeland CARROLLWOOD CULTURAL CENTER 4537 Lowell Road I Tampa, FL 33618. (813) 269-1310 January 23 - Sisters of Harmony Carrollwood Players Theatre 4335 Gunn Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618 813.265.4000 through January 23 - Diary of Anne Frank - The dramatic true story of eight peoples’ time in hiding in Amsterdam during World War

II as told thru the eyes and words of the eloquent and buoyant, Anne. The play begins the morning the Franks go into hiding and it chronicles the next two years’ events in the tiny secret annex Catherine Hickman Theater 5501 27Th Ave S, Gulfport, 727.893.1070. www.mygulfport.us January 14 - 24 – In The Restroom At Rosenblooms 30 – The Rat Pack Returns Clearwater Jazz Holiday www.clearwaterjazz.com October 2016 The Coliseum 535 4Th Ave. N, St. Petersburg 727.892.5715 www.stpete.org/Coliseum/ Tea Dances Oct - May Florida Orchestra 727.662.7286 www.floridaorchestra.org See venues for dates – Mahaffey Theater, Ruth Eckerd (con’t on next page)

Lebensraum

at Shimberg Playhouse - Jan 8 - 31 Jobsite brings Israel Horovitz to Tampa for a residency. Using a cast of three actors performing quicksilver changes to play dozens of sharply drawn characters, this bold work of penetrating intelligence and wit is based on the fanciful, explosive idea that a German Chancellor might, as an act of redemption, awake from a nightmare and invite six million Jews back to Germany with a promise of citizenship and jobs. What will happen next in this dark comedy? Straz Center.

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FOOTLIGHTS con’t Hall & David Straz Performing Arts Center Gulfport Community Players www.gulfportcommunityplayers.org January 14 - 24 – In The Restroom At Rosenblooms Eight O’clock Theatre 105 Central Park Drive, Largo 727.587.6793, www.eightoclocktheatre.com March 4 - 20 - Superstar ENGLAND BROTHERS PARK 5010 81st Ave N, Pinellas Park, FL 33781. (727) 541-0845 January 24 - Hellyeah, P.O.D February 3 - Europe 13 - Winger & Firehouse

Freefall Theatre Company 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727.498.5205 www.freefalltheatre.com January 16 – February 14 – Our Town Glenridge Performing Arts Center 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota 941.552.5325 www.gpactix.com January 16 – Simon & Son 20 – In The Steps Of Fred Astaire 21 – Miami University Glee Club 23 – Michael Lasser February 3 – A Band Called Honalee 14 – Bria Skonberg 17 – The Lady With All The Answers JIMMY FERRARO’S STUDIO THEATRE 5732 Main Street, New Port Richey, FL 34652 www.ferrarostudiotheatre.com/ Jan 23 - 24 - Jimmy’s “SHIMMY SHOWCASE of STARS”, An All

Singing / Dancing / Comedy Revue, to benefit the “Angels of Gratitude” scholarship fund, which provides lessons for performing arts students in financial need. The production will feature the infamous Belly Dance Troupe Sahirnee, singers Dee Etta Rowe, Sara DelBeato, Heather Spillane, Tracie Callahan, Elizabeth S. Phillips, with comedy by Jared Michael Shari, and Jerry Cowling as Mark Twain. Special guest star, Broadway performer Jimmy Ferraro will be singing, accompanied by Music Director, Bill Cusick on piano. Largo Cultural Center 105 Central Park Dr, Largo 727.587.6793 www.largoarts.com January 16 – The Emperor’s New Clothes 16 – Pete Yarrow 17 – One Piano, Four Hands 21 – Orlando Transit Authority (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. Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo FL. www.eightoclocktheatre.com 26

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FOOTLIGHTS con’t 23 - Women of Motown - the Sounds of Soul with a special tribute to the great female singers of Motown featuring the Sisters of Harmony. The Sounds of Soul are known for their recognizable choreography, distinct harmonies, and flashy, up-scale stage persona as they cover hits by The Temptations, The Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, The Supremes, Lionel Richie,Tina Turner, Barry White, and more. 24 – Sinatra Forever 25 – Alter Eagles 28 – Mutts Gone Nuts 30 – Franco Attesti February 4 – Girls Night Out Comedy - Stand up comedians Aniria, Juanita Lolita and Trish Keating will combine forces to present one of the funniest Girls Night Out. 5 – The Rat Pack Together Again

8 – Piece Of Woodstock 12, 13 – Rita Hayworth 17 – Shotgun Wedding 18 – Senior Talent Show 19 – Mandy Barnett 21 – Wedding Expo Mahaffey Theater 400 1St St. S, Bayfront Center St. Petersburg, 727.892.5767 www.themahaffeytheater.com January 16 – TFO Fabulous Forties 23 – TFO – Mozart & More 29 – TFO – Th Music Of U2 30 – The Florida Orchestra Gala February 3 – William Shatner 5 – Masters Of Illusion 6 – TFO – Distant Worlds 11 – TFO – Viva Italia! 12 – Use Your Voice Tour 13 – TFO – A Valentines Pops 14 – Todd Rundgren

19 – Wild Kratts Live 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. 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 January (con’t on next page)

MEMPHIS THE MUSICAL Jan 21 - Feb 7

Memphis is set in the places where rock and roll was born in the 1950s: the seedy nightclubs, radio stations and recording studios of the musically-rich Tennessee city. With an original score, it tells the fictional story of DJ Huey Calhoun, a good ole’ local boy with a passion for R&B music and Felicia Farrell, an up-and-coming black singer that he meets one fateful night on Beale Street. Despite the objections of their loved ones (Huey’s close-minded mama and Felicia’s cautious brother, a club owner), they embark on a dangerous affair. As their careers rise, the relationship is challenged by personal ambition and the pressures of an outside world unable to accept their love. Coming Up: Agatha Christie BLACK COFFEE - March 4 - 20 LITTLE WOMEN - April 15 - May 1 PRELUDE TO A KISS - June 3 - 19

St. Petrsburg City Theatre, 4025 31st St So,, St. Petersburg FL 33712; 727-866-1973. www.spcitytheatre.org

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FOOTLIGHTS con’t 15 – Scott Stapp 16 – La Lucha 22 – Double Pleasure 29 – Ward Smith & Friends February 5,7,9 – The St. Petersburg Opera 12 – Whitney James 13 – Love & Laughter 14 – The Hitmen 19 – The Rat Pack Together Again Ruth Eckerd Hall 1111 N. Mcmullen Booth Rd, Clearwater . 727.791.7400 Www.rutheckerdhall.com January 17 – Adam Trent 17 – TFOThe Fabulous Forties 19 – Jackson Browne 20 – Temptations & Four Tops 21 – Star Trek – Concert 23 – 42Nd Street 24 – Peppa Pig Live 24 – Tfo – Mozart & More 25 – The Jive Aces

26 – In The Mood 29 – John Prine 30 – Dancing With The Stars 31 – The Tenors February 1 – Frankie Valli 4 – 2Cellos 5 – Yanni 5 – Brad Noblitt 6 – Annie 10 – Tfo – Viva Italia 10 – Dianna Ross 11 – Deana Martin 12 – Alan Parsons Project 13 – R5 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 A Simple Theater The Biniger Theater, Eckerd College. 4200 54Th Avenue S, St. Petersburg. 727.864.7811 www.asimpletheatre.org January 20 – Kimberly Akimbo February

16 – The Death Of Walt Disney 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 January 22 – Feb 7 – Memphis Stageworks Theater 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd., West Bldg., #151, Tampa, 813.374.2416. Www. stageworkstheatre.org January 16 – Stageworks Theatre Gala 22, 23 – A Ghost Of A Chance February 3 – The Speak Tank 4 – 21 – In The Blood - In this modern day riff on The Scarlet Letter, Hester La Negrita, a homeless mother of five, lives with her kids on the tough streets of the inner city. Her eldest child is teaching her how (con’t on next page)

Rita Hayworth: The Heat Is On! Starring Quinn Lemley

February 12 - 13 This sexy, witty musical features QuinnLemley, known for her resemblance to Hayworth, from her flowing red hair to show stopping performances – Backed by a 12 piece big band under the direction of Daniel Lincoln. Costumes by Wendall Goings (Rock of Ages) Written and directed by Carter Inskeep (Always Patsy Cline.) This 90-minute musical journey reveals the rise and fall of Columbia Pictures greatest star, Rita Hayworth. Conflicting worlds of fantasy and reality with riveting stories of marriages to Orson Welles & Prince Aly Khan and co-stars Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. Featuring over 20 hit songs from her life and career, Put the Blame On Mame, Bewitched, Zip –and iconic films, Gilda, Pal Joey, Cover Girl and more performed by Lemley. Largo Cultural Center 105 Central Park Dr, Largo • 727.587.6793 www.largoarts.com

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FOOTLIGHTS con’t to read and write, but the letter “A” is, so far, the only letter she knows. Her five kids are named Jabber, Bully, Trouble, Beauty and Baby, and the characters are played by adult actors who double as five other people in Hester’s life: her ex-boyfriend, her social worker, her doctor, her best friend and her minister. While Hester’s kids fill her life with joy—lovingly comical moments amid the harsh world of poverty—the adults with whom she comes into contact only hold her back. Nothing can stop the play’s tragic end.

19 – 21 – Cosi Fan Tutte 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 Suncoast Society

Dixieland

Jazz

727.596.7142 February 9 – Silas Dent Steakhouse Sunday Jazz Jams Manhattan Casino, 642 22nd St., St Petersburg. 727.824.72221 www.themanhattancasino.com Sponsored by Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Assoc., FREE admission every Sunday Tampa Bay Symphony 727.827.8087 www.TampaBaySymphony.org (con’t on next page)

Straz Center 1010 N. W.c. Macinnes Place, Tampa . 813.229. Star Www. strazcenter.org January 6 – 31 – Lebensraum 15 – TFO Fabulous Forties 16 – Vocalosity 17 - Skylight 19 – Where The Wild Things Live 20 – Feb 14 – The Lion King 22 – TFO – Mozart & More 22 – Slocan Ramblers 23 – Mike Tozier - Live & Local 23 – The Hot Sardines 24 – Alan Cumming 24 – Will Hoge 28 – The Intergalactic Nemesis 29 – Johnnyswim 31 – Opera 101 31 – Christie Lenee – Live & Local February 2 – Cosi Fan Tutte Open Rehearsal 3 – Black Violin 6 – Roberto Debourg Live & Local 8 – Birds Of Chicago 11 – Andrea Bocelli 11 – 14 – Sex Tips For Women From Gay Men 12 – Tfo – Valentine’s Pops 13 – Greg West Live & Local 13 – Post Secret www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

FOOTLIGHTS con’t Performances in various locations February 11 – Symphonic Chat 21 – SPC Arts Auditorium 23 - The Palladium 28 - The Straz Center TAMPA THEATRE TampaTheatre.org Jan 29 - Jim Jefferies: The Freedumb Tour. Regarded as one of the fastest rising stars in the comedy world, Australian comedian Jim Jefferies has made a cottage industry out of bad behavior. Never one to shy away from a drink, a smoke or a fight, Jefferies knows just how to push his audiences’ buttons with his brutal, unflinching honesty. He gets away with jokes that most comedians wouldn’t touch due to his ability to both charm and offend the crowd in equal measures. Van Wezel 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941.953.3368

Www.vanwezel.org January 15 – Lisa Lampanelli 16 – Air Supply 17 – Paul Anka 20, 21 – 42Nd Street 24 – Wyonna Judd 25 – Abba Mania 27 – Renee Fleming 28 – Frankie Valli 29 – Dancing With The Stars 30 – Joshua Bell February 2 – Yanni 4 – Masters Of Illusion 9 – 14 – Book Of Mormon 13 – Key Chorale 17 – Neil Berg – Broadway 18 – Michael Feinstein West Coast Players 21905 Us 19 N. Clearwater 727.437.2363 www.wcplayers.org Jan 15 – Feb 7 – Calendar Girls

OPERA

4200 54th Ave. S, St. Petersburg Miller Auditorium The Met in HD Series Live high-definition broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera w w w. e c k e r d . e d u / m e t o p e r a 727.864.7600 . January 16 - Les Pecheur de Perles 30 - Turandot 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 January 31 – Opera 101 February 2 – Cosi Fan Tutte Open Rehearsal 11 – Andrea Bocelli 19 – Cosi Fan Tutte Florida Suncoast Opera Guild www.FLsuncoastoperaguild.org January

Eckerd College

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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. 34

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BILLY JOEL

AMALIE ARENA - Fri, Jan 22

egendary musician Billy Joel will perform at AMALIE Arena in Tampa on Friday, January 22, at 8:00 PM. Billy Joel is one of the highest grossing touring artists in the world. Having sold over 150 million albums globally, Billy Joel’s music has remained among the most popular in the world. The singer/ songwriter/composer is the sixth best-selling recording artist of all time and the third best-selling solo artist. n 2014, Billy Joel received both The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, which honors living musical artists’ lifetime achievement in promoting the genre of song as a vehicle of cultural understanding; entertaining and informing audiences; and inspiring new generations, and the once-in-a-century ASCAP Centennial Award, which is presented to American music icons in recognition of their incomparable accomplishments in their respective music genres and beyond.

Thurs, Feb 11

ocelli, who now calls South Florida his second home, will treat fans to a unique repertoire, combining the most beloved arias, crossover hits, special love songs and new music from his latest album, Cinema, all to celebrate the romance and magic of Valentine’s Day. In Tampa, Andrea Bocelli will be joined by conductor Eugene Kohn, soprano Maria Aleida and the Bella Musica Orchestra for an unforgettable evening. Thrilling audiences for over 20 years, Andrea Bocelli exploded onto the world’s stage with his hit, “Con te Partiro” (and later it’s arrangement as a duet with Sarah Brightman with the title “Time To Say Goodbye”), and has since sold over 80 million records and performed countless worldwide tours.

ONE LAST TIME! Special Guest Dave Koz Thurs, Feb 4

fter performing more than 400 concerts at the Las Vegas Hilton and Paris Las Vegas from 2005 through 2011, Barry Manilow has limited his concert appearances. The ONE LAST TIME! Tour is a major undertaking and as Manilow said, “is my way of thanking everyone for their years of support…one last time!” The GRAMMY, TONY, and EMMY Award-winning musician’s career skyrocketed to superstardom when his mega hit song, “Mandy,” topped the charts in 1975. Special guest DAVE KOZ will be joining Manilow on this show date. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

FOOTLIGHTS con’t 21, 23 – Harem Today, Gone Tomorrow St. Petersburg Opera Company 727.823.2040 www.stpeteopera.org Various performance locations February 5, 7, 9 – The Abduction from the Seraglio Sarasota Opera House 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota 941.359.0099 ext.101 www.sarasotaopera.org January 23 – Opera Gala 26 – Meet the Artists 30 through March 19 – Aida February 6 through March 12 – Cosi Fan Tutte 13 – March 11 – Fidelio 19 – Concert at Noon

dance Sarasota Ballet 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota 941.359.0099 www.sarasotaballet.org Tickets 941.351.0099 x 101 January 29 through February 1 – Balanchine, de Valois & Graziano

COMEDY Coconuts Comedy Club Longest running comedy club in Florida. 5501 Gulf Blvd. St. Pete Beach 727.360.5653 (JOKE) www.coconutscomedyclubs. com Open Mike on Tuesdays Shows: Wed - Sat, 9pm January

13 - 16 - BC Murphy 20 - 23 - Quevaughn Bryant 27 - 30 - Darryl Lenox February 3 - 6 - Tim Moffett 10 - 13 - Danny Bevins SIDE SPLITTERS COMEDY CLUB Premiere Comedy Showplace www.sidesplitterscomedy.com 2938 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa. Name touring comedy acts, plus local up & comers. JANUARY 21 - Dr. Dirty John Valby 22 - 23 - Dom Irrera 23 - Crumpled Napkin Show 24 - Steve Miller 28 - 31 - Dale Jones 31 - Comic’s Night Out FEBRUARY 4 - 7 - Johnny Beehner 11 - 14 - Tommy Blaze 18 - 21 - Tommy Johnagin 25 - 28 - Joe Machi

Joe Machi

February 25 - 28 Since moving to New York City to pursue comedy Joe Machi has racked up some ;impressive gigs: • Finished 4th on season 8 of NBC’s Last Comic Standing. • Performed stand up on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. • Became a regular on Red Eye with Greg Gutfeld on Fox News. • Won the 2013 NY Comedy Festival’s Funniest Comedian Competition. • Won the 2010 NY Underground Comedy Festival’s Emerging Comics Competition.

SideSplitters is located at 12938 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa. www.sidesplitterscomedy.com 36

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www.dolphinlandings.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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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

COOLSTUFF! M

! n e h c t i K e In Th

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 youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

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

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 Westâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;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 canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 runs 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

January 18-23 - Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone Jan 25-30 - The Drifters Feb 1-6 - Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals Feb 8-13 - The Diamonds 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. 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 50

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(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. 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. 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 pieces.

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 The Henry B. Plant Museum, located in the south wing of the original Tampa Bay Hotel, features original continued

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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opulent furnishings and artifacts from the hotel collected by Mr. and Mrs. Henry Plant. Educational exhibits and events of the late Victorian period, the beginning of Florida’s tourist industry, and the early years of the City of Tampa. 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. January 30 – Folkfest 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.

Gaze skyward - Saunders Planetarium. IMAX Dome Theatre. Over 450 Hands-On Activities. Zip Line. January 23 – 31 – Gasparilla BOGO February 13,14 – 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. 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 13 – The Orchid Ball 13 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 February 5 – Tea for the Sea MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY (MOSI) 4801 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33617. (813) 9876000. www.mosi.org

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. Jan 23, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Arbor Day Celebration – Tree Talk and Stroll led by Sunken Gardens’ horticulture foreman, Robert Funari, highlighting the best trees for your yard with tips on planting, pruning, and more. Kid’s crafts, a scavenger hunt, and free tree seedlings while supplies last. Pre-registration encouraged. Free with garden admission. Jan 30, 11:30 a.m. – Orchids 101, orchid specialist, Louis Del Favero, answers all your orchid questions; from caring for common and unusual specimens to the best ways to mount and basket these beguiling plants. Free with garden admission. Feb 6, 10:30 a.m. Budding Botanists, Growing Veggies Without Soil!, Kids build their own simple hydroponic system while discovering how to grow veggies with the gardening technique of the future.

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Pre-registration required, $5 fee for each child’s materials plus garden admission. Recommended for ages 6+. Feb 13, 11:30 a.m. Growing Roses in Florida. Grow your own roses this Valentine’s Day. From plant selection to growing conditions, to care and feeding, learn all the tricks and tips. Pre-registration encouraged. Free with garden admission. Feb 20 - 21, Ikebana in the Gardens. Wander the garden paths and gaze upon unique ikebana designs. Demonstrations of this Japanese art form will be held from 11-2 on Feb 20 and 12-2 on Feb 21. Free with garden admission. 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. January 16 to April 17 – Exhibition – Florida Souvenirs February 2 – Revolution 6 – My Doll and Me 24 – Florida Conversations TAMPA THEATRE 711 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602. (813) 2748981. www.tampatheatre.org/

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, Jan. 10 – 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 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/ Jan 30 - Def Leppard Feb 2 - Barry Manilow 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

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

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Screamin’ Gator Zip Line.

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.

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.

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL - LA NOUBA Disney Springs. www.cirquedusoleil.com/lanouba

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 including an outdoor showroom. LEGOLAND www.MerlinEntertainments.biz THE LEGO MOVIE 4D A NEW ADVENTURE JANUARY 29

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 familiar, 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” 58

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.

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LEU GARDENS 1920 N. Forest Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32803. 407.246.2620. www.leugardens.org BUG INVASION! – Jan 15 – 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. 866630-8315. www2.madametussauds.com/orlando/ en/

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/

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. There are many reasons for this enduring success, but at the heart of it all is good, old-fashioned curiosity. Pose for the paparazzi’s on the red carpet with today’s biggest celebrities. 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/ January 23 - Monster Jam

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, 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/ SeaWorld offers roller coasters, rides, shows, tours, attractions & family-friendly activities for thrill seekers and animal lovers. At Doscovery 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.

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During Wild Days, encounter amazing animal friends. You’ll explore their world like never before through fun, interactive games, up-close experiences and fascinating learning sessions with SeaWorld’s animal experts at over 14 Explore Zones. During these three unique weekends, Jan 16 – 31. Wild Days is included with SeaWorld admission. UNIVERSAL STUDIOS / ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE / WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER www.universalorlando.com/

Be a part of A Celebration of Harry Potter at Universal 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 60

Beach, Fl32114. 800-748-7467. www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com

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

The official site for Kennedy Space Center. Visit NASA’s launch complex, astronaut hall of fame, or see a rocket launch all just an hour from Orlando. Jan 21 - 26 - Meet an Astronaut: Wendy Lawrence. Come face-to-face with veteran NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. She has flown into space four times on three different shuttles. The astronaut presentations and an interactive Q&A aims at inspiring children and adults alike to strive for excellence while learning about the various adventures of highly skilled space explorers. Feb 2016 TBD Rocket Launch: SpaceX Dragon CRS-8. Experience the thrilling sights and sounds of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch as it as it lifts off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station carrying the Dragon on a resupply mission to the International Space Station.

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23rd Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

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

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

Gaming Scene Las Vegas Rock of Ages at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino - starting Jan 25 www.riolasvegas.com

The award-winning musical ROCK OF AGES moves to a new home January 25 at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino after it concluded its run at The Venetian Las Vegas. ROCK OF AGES will perform nightly at 7:30 PM. Jubilee at Bally’s Las Vegas Plans to Perform Final Show - Feb 11 www.caesars.com/ballys-las-vegas Donn Arden’s Jubilee at Bally’s Las Vegas, the most iconic and longest-running show on the Las Vegas Strip, expects to perform its final show on Thurs, Feb 11. While Jubilee in its current form is expected to close as of February 11, the opening of a new showgirl production at Bally’s is currently being explored. Rascal Flatts “Rhythm & Roots” 9-Show Residency at Hard Rock - Feb 17 - Mar 5 www.hardrockhotel.com/Vegas 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. 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. 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. 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 all-

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Las Vegas cont new 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). 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. Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino Opens Fresco Italiano

www.westgatedestinations.com Westgate Las Vegas opened its newest fine dining restaurant, Fresco Italiano. Featuring hearty Italian favorites served family-style, Fresco Italiano features a vast selection of delicious homemade pizzas, signature pastas, entrees and classic desserts. Encore Player’s Club at Wynn Provides Innovative Gaming Experience for Millennials www.wynnlasvegas.com Wynn Las Vegas ushered in a new era in casino gaming with the recent opening of Encore Player’s Club. Built specifically to appeal to millennials, Encore Player’s Club will offer interactive and social games and mobile sports betting prominently showcased in a luxury lounge environment complete with a live DJ. The Buffet at Wynn Las Vegas Re-Opens with an Expanded Menu, New Look, and State of the Art Technology www.wynnlasvegas.com/

The Buffet at Wynn Las Vegas has unveiled the restaurant’s new concept, which elevates the traditional buffet to that of a more sophisticated dining experience, through the addition of unique dishes, a more intimate atmosphere, and state-of-the-art audio technology in both the kitchen and dining room. Among the new dishes featured are Frank Sinatra’s family

Raiding the Rock Vault at The Tropicana 66

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recipe of spaghetti and meatballs, Jonah crab claws, Guinness-braised short ribs, and made-to-order items such as Peking duck buns and fresh sushi. Live action stations create a visual experience for guests to watch food prepared from start to finish and include the openflame Woodstone parilla grill, the first of its kind in North America, serving proteins, including rodizio style South American BBQ; a rotisserie wall providing slow roasted meats such as prime rib and whole roast lamb stuffed with rosemary and garlic; and a giant rotating griddle for chefs to prepare fresh pancakes at breakfast and street tacos for lunch and dinner. To complement the meal, guests can choose from The Buffet’s bottomless bever-

DEAL ME IN with Mark Pilarski www.markpilarski.com/ Unorthodox bets can work in those final moments of a tourney Dear Mark: Your reference to splitting 10s in the last round of a tournament reminds me of my favorite casino story: Dice isn’t my game (I have only one game—21) but once I stopped by a dice table to witness the last roll in a tournament. One player, who was in the middle of the pack and not likely to win anything, put all his money on the boxcars prop bet. A pair of sixes showed up and he won the tournament, which led me to conclude that what happens in the last round of any tournament a) is insane and b) has nothing to do with reality. Bob W. Few players, Bob, have the knack to track those final frenzied moments of a tournament. It is tough enough figuring out your remaining bankroll, let alone an opponent’s. Still, depending upon the game, I am not going to chalk up the last round of a tournament as “insane” or “having nothing to do with reality.”

ages program that includes choice of mimosa; Bloody Mary; wine; or unexpected options, including four domestic, international and craft beers; red or white sangria; or the seasonal “Endless Pours” cocktail. Lagasse’s Stadium at the Palazzo, Newest Broadcast Studio on the Las Vegas Strip www.emerilsrestaurants.com/lagasses-stadium The Palazzo Broadcast Studio is home to both Yahoo Sports Radio’s Sports X Radio featuring Ken Thomson, weeknights from 7 PM to 10 PM PT and Ballin’ Live featuring former NBA sharp shooter Tracy Murray and basketball analysts Van Coleman and Brett Grant on Tuesday nights from 5 PM to 7 PM PT.

When it comes to a crap tournament, successful players that are ahead will mirror every bet of those competitors who are close behind. This can prevent their rivals from ever catching up. If the closest challenger places $1,000 on the 6 or 8 or Pass Line, the aware leader will mimic that play. When you are slightly behind, you close the gap on the front-runner by betting the polar opposite. If he or she is betting $500 on the Pass line, you would bet $500 on the Don’t making for your winning when that player loses. Another way to catch up is by making proposition wagers that pay off in large amounts, such as that boxcar proposition bet you mentioned. True, the odds are poor on these long-shot bets, and I would never recommend these wagers for conventional play. But I have seen a few tournaments won employing these come-from-behind long shot bets especially in the latter stages of a tournament. When it comes to a blackjack tournament, the most important thing to remember is that all players are competing against the same dealer. The implication of this is that players tend to have similar outcomes on any given hand. If the dealer busts, the results on the table tend to be the same, a win. If the dealer has a blackjack, everyone loses. In most instances, the eventual winner of a blackjack tournament tends to play each hand correctly. And, obviously, winners usually have better cards than their competitors. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

However, in those final moments, you can gain ground by both betting and playing your hand differently than the others at the table. One thing I do recommend for those seeking to increase their skills for a blackjack tournament is to play as many FREE online tournaments as possible. (Please note that I am not encouraging online gambling here, just you playing with no skin in the game). Playing countless hands, especially at high speeds, helps you figure out how to keep from getting knocked out, especially when you get to elimination hands, betting strategies, hand play, understanding position, and chip counting. When it comes to slot tournaments, I recommend shifting tactics and concentrating strictly on your play and NOT gawking at the scores of your neighbor. There is but one strategy when it comes to slot tournaments. Get as many spins as possible and develop skills at pushing the spin button with split-second precision. The skillful tournament player is keenly aware that the machine will not spin again until the winning credits have been tallied, then displayed on the screen. Timing is everything. A few precious seconds here or there can sometimes be the decider on whether you advance to the next round or not. All that said, Bob, it sure helps to get lucky along the way, for it is the hot player who always passes for a genius. 67

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.” 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 O.A.R. - Jan 29 Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo: We Live For Love Tour - Feb 6 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

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.

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Arcopedico Super Comfortable Mary Janes www.arcopedicoshoes.com/

by Melissa Wolcott Martino

rcopedico is a high-quality womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 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

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Quality and Affordable Jeans

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 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.

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.

Carrollwood Cultural Center GALLERY 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa. (813) 269-1310. www. carrollwoodcenter.org Thru Jan - Roxanne Tobaison Thru Jan - Suncoast Kid’s Place: Expressions of Grief & Hope Thru Feb - Mark Gonzalez Feb - Art From the Heart Feb - Deborah Rodriguez March - The Exhibiting Society of Artists (TESA) Thru August - Peter Stilton

Dunedin Fine Art Center 1143 Michigan Blvd. - Dunedin, 34698. 727.298. DFAC - www.dfac.org

Chihuly Collection 400 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg , 727.822.7872 ext. 5102. www.moreanartscenter.org Only permanent collection of Dale Chihuly’s work. Thru Jan 31 – Encounters in Glass 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. Dali Museum One Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg, 727.823.3767 www.thedali.org Jan 23 – June 12 – Disney and Dali: Architects of the Imagination.

Miniature painting by Tim Bowers is shown here at actual size of 3 1/2” X 4 1/2” .

Jan 7 through Feb 7 – Miniature Art Society of Florida’s 41st Miniature Art Exhibition. Artists from throughout the United States and many foreign countries have created hundreds of paintings and sculptures - magnificent gems of fine art in miniature. Twenty four square inches is the maximum image size of the paintings but many are much smaller. A jury has carefully selected, from all ART LINES CONTINUED 74

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ArtLines continued

the entries, only the very finest for display. Jan 17 through March 1 – Love Magnified Jan 17 – March 1 – Cardboard Menagerie Feb 12 – 28 – Small Quilt Challenge Feb 19 through March 25 – Middle School 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 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 Jan thru June 1 - Gohar Dashti: Iran Untitled and Stateless. January 2 – March 25 - Sandra Gottlieb: Earth and Water. GULFPORT CASINO 5500 Shore Blvd. Gulfport, Fl. 33707. http://mygulfport.us/2-cool-art-show/ Jan 30 - 31. 2COOL ART SHOW. This juried fine art and fine craft show takes place from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m. Thirty eight juried fine artists will show and sell their work within the Gulfport Casino. Parking and admission are free for this weekend event. High caliber work from local and statewide artists, including the award winners from the local Gasparilla and Mainsail Art Shows. Gulfport Art Walk 727-322-5217. www.gulfportma.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 prod76

ucts, authors, entertainers and more. Live musicians appear at several venues throughout the waterfront district during Art Walks from 6-10 PM, year round. 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 artists. There is no charge for admission. The event is 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. 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. 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 Jan thru March 13. 50 ARTWORKS FOR 50 YEARS 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 Jan 24 – Marks Made. This exhibition celebrates the pivotal role that women have played in contemporary American printmaking. In addition

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to pioneering artists like Helen Frankenthaler, Lee Krasner, Joan Mitchell, and Anni Albers who often worked in the print medium, women also founded some of the most important print studios in the United States. The printmaking process is an intensely collaborative one, between artist and printer. 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. 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 and highlights memorable achievements in the his-

tory 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 Jan thru March 19. Nature in Glass. Jan thru April 17 – Samurai: Way of the Warrior Jan 18 – Ringling by the Bay Jan 31 – Forks & Corks Event Feb 4 – Ringling Underground Feb 5 through May 1 – Islamic Art Exhibition Feb 15 – Ringling by the Bay Studio @ 620 620 1st Ave. S, St Petersburg, 727.895.6620. www. studio620.org thru Jan 26 – The Gray Lady, an exhibit of artwork by Jimmy Baumgartner. Jan 20 – Chant the Trees 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, Alberto Giacometti, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Diego Rivera, Auguste Rodin, Paul Signac, 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

Buying Tips for New Year’s Travelers A

s the new year commences, many of us find ourselves taking to the skies or roads on trips for business and pleasure. At this busy time of the year, many people find themselves hustling and bustling to new locales for work or play. As an expert appraiser, people often ask me what items are worth at locations around the world. When I travel-- and I travel a lot-- I often meet people who ask me what is a good buy or how to spot a bargain. Here’s the 411 on what to shopping for cool collectibles in many parts of the world.

buys in certain places. While the unique qualities of objects found in far off lands are interesting, be prepared to shop wisely while on vacation or traveling. Negotiate with cash when you can, be knowledgeable about exchange rates, and be sure to fully understand the shipping and return policies. Remember that in many tourist areas and big cities, the prices are inflated in an effort to attract buyers. Stick to your budget and compare prices from shop to shop whenever you can. No matter where you travel, remember that quality equals value.

When collectors travel to various parts of the world, here are some of the collectible items that you may want to shop for in some famed yet fabulous far-off locales: Australia: Coral jewelry Caribbean islands: Giant seashells, Woven handbags China: Paintings Costa Rica: Coffee, hand-made wooden crafts Denmark: Hand-made wood objects Finland: Wool clothing Germany: Contemporary art, knives Greece: Pottery Guatemala: Santos sculptures Italy: Leather goods and fashion accessories Japan: Knives and swords Mexico: Silver, terracotta pottery Middle East: Gemstones New Zealand: Wool sweaters Panama: Hats Turkey: Linens, Tiles Puerto Rico: Mahogany furniture Russia: Matroyskas or nesting dolls South Pacific islands: Basketry, Black pearls Spain: Lladro figurines Of course, this list is not all inclusive, but it gives travelers a good starting point about what types of objects may be good 78

Wherever you shop—at home or abroad—negotiate politely and consider the artisan and the locale when shopping for handmade items. The allure of handmade items is the fact that they demonstrate a special talent and help you to recall a special trip as a keepsake or souvenir. Some of my most favorite collectibles from my travels are those hand-made items that I bought directly from the artisan or those objects that I bought after an exchange with a shop owner or other local resident. I remember clearly the time I watched as a talented Romanian woman crocheted a tablecloth in Bucharest that I now use in my sunroom, how I tried to break the language barrier with a nun at the Vatican gift shop while I shopped for silver rosary beads blessed by the Pope for my mother, and I remember when a local man drew me a map of the local roads so I could find the sculpture studio of a Santos carver in Guatemala. Happy Hunting! Dr. Lori Verderame is an antiques appraiser, nationally syndicated columnist and author, and award-winning TV personality on Discovery’s Auction Kings internationally. With a Ph.D. from Penn State University and experience appraising 20,000 antiques every year, Dr. Lori presents antique appraisal events to worldwide audiences. Visit www.DrLoriV. com or call (888) 431-1010.

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The “I Wanna Go There!” Travel Page

New Orleans, Louisiana The Saint Louis Cathedral

The St. Louis Cathedral is one of New Orleans’ most notable landmarks. Few cities in the world are so identified by a building as is New Orleans. The city is instantly recognized by the cathedral and its position overlooking Jackson Square. This venerable building, its triple steeples towering above its historic neighbors, the Cabildo and the Presbytere - looks down benignly on the green of the Square and General Andrew Jackson on his bronze horse and on the block-long Pontalba Buildings with their lacy ironwork galleries. This is the heart of old New Orleans.