Accent On Tampa Bay #250, May/June 2019

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Accent On Tampa Bay

AccentOnTampaBay.com

Vol. 34, Issue 250 May/June, 2019 Publisher Albert F. Martino, Jr. Senior Editor Melissa Wolcott Martino Sales Barbara McGovern Graphic Designers Missy Lynn Contributors Mary Lou Janson Vicki Kolb Michael Martino Barbara McGovern Marty Peters Deborah Quigley JoAnn Ryan Photographer Melissa Wolcott Martino Proofreader Beau deCatta Cover photo shared by Hugh Jackman PR PUBLISHED ON LINE BY

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PUBLICATIONS

St. Petersburg, FL (727) 577-5500

e-mail AccentMagazine@aol.com

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LOCAL FOCUS EVENTS Wed, May 15

DRAG QUEEN BINGO. It’s time again for Drag Queen Bingo benefiting the Humane Society of Pinellas. This event is always a crowd-pleaser and tables fill up fast, so be sure to RSVP as soon as possible! Ten prizes will be available to the lucky bingo winners. 100% of bingo card sales benefit the shelter, and there will be a 50/50 drawing, so please help fill the house.7:30 pm – 9:30 pm. RSVP to Hamburger Mary’s Clearwater at 727-400-6996. 28910 US Hwy 19 N, Clearwater. www.hamburgermarys.com/clearwater/

Fri, May 17

TAMPA BAY BOAT SHOW. Ahoy Mates. Chart your course to the Tampa Bay Boat Show. This event showcases area boat dealers and manufacturers, the latest in boating and fishing supplies. Seminars on Saturday and Sunday. Free admission. Friday and Saturday 10-6; Sunday 10-5. Florida State Fair, 4800 U.S. 301, Tampa, FL. www.tampabayboatshows.com

Sat, May 18

BLUES BIRTHDAY BASH HONORING STERLING ‘MR. SATAN’ MAGEE. Carroway + Rose and The

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Enroy Foundation Inc. present a special screening of the new documentary film “Satan & Adam,” celebrating the life and music of Gulfport local blues legend Sterling Magee, aka “Mr. Satan” and his blues partner Adam Gussow. Watch the trailer and learn more about this unlikely duo’s miraculous story at http://satanandadamfilm.com/ The event is open to public with suggested donation $20 (or whatever you can truly afford) going to the Enroy Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 committed to the visual and performing arts in the Tampa Bay area, with an emphasis on collaborative, educational, and environmental projects. The foundation will award the funds gathered from the event to the family of Mr. Magee. 6 - 9 p.m. Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S. www.facebook.com/events/1046892455499917/ 97X BARBEQUE MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL. 97x Barbeque Music and Arts Festival with live music from Taking Back Sunday, Blue October, Flora Cash, Grandson, Oliver Tree, Shaed, and Matt Maeson. A full day of music plus a celebration of the arts with live paintings and art installations. 97X BBQ VIP Experience powered by Grow Financial features dinner, 2 free Bud Lights, private restrooms and access to the PopUp acoustic performances. www.97xonline.com/bbq2019/

2 SEAGRAPES 2019.

The SeaGrapes wine and food event is the signature fundraiser for The Florida Aquarium. The event features more than 100 types of wine and delicious foods from numerous local restaurants.

100% of the proceeds from your ticket purchase support the mission, including endangered species conservation programs. Enjoy an amazing wine

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and food experience complete with live entertainment while strolling among 8,000+ animals and plants that call the Aquarium home. VIP 7 PM. General Admission 8-11 PM. The Florida Aquarium, Tampa. w w w. f l a q u a r i u m . o r g / s e a grapes

is a fundraiser benefiting their mentoring programs for at-risk children.

This bean bag toss tournament is a fun way to make a big impact for kids in our community. At Rec Dec hosted by the Tampa Bay Club Sport. Players get 3 games of cornhole, 3 drink tickets, FUN, and good karma for helping a great cause.

Bar tabs as prizes, plus Rays tickets for sponsors. 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM. (813) 769-3636. www.give. bbbstampabay.org/ge/cornhole

TAMPA BEER RUN. A fun 5K run or walk with beer stops every

.75 mile on the course. Registration includes, the run or walk, beer on the course, a 16 oz beer at the finish, a Tampa Beer Run t-shirt and beer glass, along with one amazing after-party and festival including music, food, and drinks. 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Use code: HSTB2019 to help animals when buying tickets - the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. Al Lopez Park, 4810 N Himes Ave, Tampa. www.active.com/ tampa-fl/running/distancerunning/tampa-beer-run-2019

TAMPA BAY FLY FISHING FILM TOUR. The 2019 Fly Fishing Film Tour will be stopping in Tampa Bay at Hyde Park Village for an evening of fun benefiting Tampa Bay Waterkeeper. There will be a silent auction with guided trips and gear, refreshments from Sweetwater Brewing, and much more. The event starts at 3:00pm for the silent auction and films start at 6:30pm. Hyde Park Village, 1602 West Snow Circle,Tampa. https://flyfilmtour.com CORNHOLE FOR A CAUSE. The Young Lawyers Division of the Hillsborough County Bar Association invites you to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. Their Annual Cornhole for a Cause www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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LOCAL FOCUS

May 18-19

Fri, May 24

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TICA INTERNATIONAL CAT SHOW. Cat Lover’s Paradise and fun for all ages. Learn about cats. Find that purrfect feline for your family. Shop with vendors, take photos. Skyway Cat Club. 9 am until 5 pm. The Minnreg Hall, 6340 126th Avenue North, Largo, FL 33773. www.skywaycatclub.com/

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TAMPA THEATRE TO CELEBRATE THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM OPENING NIGHT WITH ‘FRANKLIN STREET FARMER’S MARKET’ EVENT. Tampa Theatre will host the Tampa debut of the Chesters’ new film, The Biggest Little Farm. Already a film festival favorite at Sundance, Toronto, Telluride and others, the documentary chronicles John and Molly’s eight-year quest as they trade Los Angeles apartment living for 200 acres of barren farmland and a dream to harvest in harmony with a sometimes unforgiving environment.

To celebrate opening night, the landmark movie palace Tampa Theatre has called together some of the Bay area’s best small farms, sustainable businesses, and environmentally friendly entrepreneurs for a Franklin Street Farmer’s Market from 5:30-7:30 pm under the marquee. Guests can enjoy samples, sales and information from a growing list of organizations.

This free community event will take place from 5:307:30pm, in conjunction with Downtown Tampa’s Fourth Friday. Tickets for the 7:30 pm screening of The Biggest Little Farm are available for purchase at the Franklin Street Box Office and online at www.tampatheatre.org

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Busch Gardens Newest Coaster TIGRIS!

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re you afraid of kitty cats? Amp up or tamp your fear on Busch Gardens’ newest ride, Tigris! This is a triple-launch steel roller lissa e M y coaster, and is Florida’s tallest launch Coaster. It is the ninth coaster eb verag o c & s in the park’s collection. Tigris catapults riders through an array of looping twists Photo with forward and backward motion, breath-taking drops, a 150-foot skyward surge, and an inverted heartline roll, reaching a top speed of more than 60 miles per hour. Tigris races riders along more than 1,800 feet of steel track. Here are a few photos from the opening night event. For more information, visit BuschGardensTampaBay.com

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LOCAL FOCUS

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Sat, May 25

5K HONOR OUR HEROES. Oldsmar Cares hosts the community’s VFW post and will hold the 5K “Honor Our Heroes” Memorial Day Race as part of their Veterans Outreach efforts to honor the men and women who have served in our armed forces and now call Tampa Bay their home. Two pre-race events will be held at the Tampa Bay Brewing Company on Racetrack Road, provide lots of opportunity to mingle with community of individuals and businesses. After the run, there will be plenty of food and beverages, awards, and music. www.oldsmarcares.org

Enjoy live music, tons of margaritas, games, shopping, great food options, and end the night with a bang with the largest fireworks show in the area.Must be 21+ to attend. Rain or Shine. No Refunds. Julian B Lane Riverfront Park, 1001 North Boulevard, Tampa, FL. www.TampaMargaritaFest.com TAMPA BAY GREEKFEST: DIVINE UNITY LUAU. This year’s Luau will feature food trucks, merchandise vendors, and festive spirits. On the main stage will be local/national R&B/Hip-Hop artists and DJs. Chairs, blankets, and umbrellas strongly encouraged. No outside food or drinks. 10am. Perry Harvey Sr Park, 900 E Scott St., Tampa.

May 25-26

TAMPA BAY MARGARITA & MUSIC FESTIVAL 2019. The Tampa Bay Margarita & Music Festival is Florida’s largest celebration of Margaritas and Live Music. Celebrate America’s favorite drink, the Margarita, and spend Memorial Day weekend at the festival.

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CLEARWATER MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL. This family-friendly and FREE event takes place memorial weekend. Enjoy live music, local artists, classic cars, a kids zone, fireworks and more at Coachman Park. Fine art displays, dozens of fun attractions and highlights, and the Taste of Clearwater Food Garden.

National recording artists will be performing all afternoon and evening on the stage, as well as juried visual artists presenting the heritage and the culture of Clearwater. Admission is FREE. www.clearwaterartsfestival.com

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The Don CeSar Spa

Oceana

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nowing that I was heading to the beautiful Don CeSar Spa Oceana located in the famous “Pink Palace” right on the Gulf of Mexico already had me in a relaxing mood. Knowing that I was going to try out the spa’s newest skincare line had me intrigued.

Would it work on my aged skin?

The Spa Oceana is very serene and has just about the best view imaginable to relax after a treatment, be it any one of their variety of massages, facials, manis, pedis, etc. The spa has 16 treatment rooms, including some couple’s treatment rooms, as well as steam rooms, whirlpools, and the wonderful rooftop relaxation area overlooking the pool and gulf.

Since I was having a facial, I was placed in a sunny ocean view treatment room and was pampered by the very capable Gina Robinson. I was experiencing the G.M. Collin “Sea C Spa” treatment, which is supposed to help reverse the signs of aging and energize the skin. At age 75, was I too late?

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Story and photos by Melissa W. Martino

The treatment lasts for an hour and uses G.M. Collin products exclusively. It starts with cleansing and exfoliation. Then, an antioxidant is applied, followed by seaweed patches which are activated with a continuous (and lovely!) massage of lotion, dissolving them and infusing them into the skin. A thermal mud mask contributes to the feeling of tranquility.

Then, the big reveal. Yes! I can say that there was a difference in my skin even after only one treatment.

To achieve your goal, you need several more treatments, then regular maintenance. I have posted my before and after one-treatment photos, and am not sure if the difference shows, but I can see and feel it.

G.M. Collin has gained respect throughout the skincare industry with it’s innovative formulas that have earned the praises of both the scientific and cosmetic communities.

The Don CeSar is located at 3400 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach, FL. For more information, please call 727-360-1881, or visit www.doncesar.com

Before and after my Sea C Spa treatment

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Facial treatment room

Rooftop relaxation area.

Gina Robinson

The view from the relaxation rooftop area. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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LOCAL FOCUS

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SUNSET MUSIC FESTIVAL. Prepare for a sensory overload of electronic goodness with top-notch visual and audio production for the electronic music festival. Festivities take place on Sat and Sun with shows beginning at 3pm and running until midnight. The lineup features a cross-section of genres including house, techno, trance, bass - and everything in between.

Talent lineup: 12th Panet / 4B / Alison Wonderland / Audien / Blunts & Blondes / Bonnie x Clyde / Chris Lake /

Decadon / Destructo / Dion Timmer / Dnmo / Dog Blood (Skrillex :: Boys Noize) / Dombresky / Droeloe / Fisher / Flux Pavilion / Gabriel & Dresden / Gammer / Ganja White Night / Getter / GG Magree / Holly / Ilan Bluestone / Illenium / Kaskade (Sunset Set) / Lick / Liquid Stranger / Mat Zo / Matt Medved / Oliver Smith / Omnom / Peekaboo / Phantoms / Rusko / Said The Sky / Steve Darko / Subtronics / Tchami / Walker & Royce / Weiss / Will Clarke / Yael / Zedd / Zedds Dead Raymond James Stadium, 4201

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North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL. www.smftampa.com

May 26

UPSTAIRS/DOWNSTAIRS HENRY PLANT MUSEUM.

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Step back in time and enjoy the single-character performances that bring turn-of–the-century Tampa Bay Hotel staff members and guests to life. Each character is based wholly or in part on actual hotel staff and guests. Based on original research conducted by the Henry Plant Museum, these characters recreate the attitudes and mores of a bygone time, along with the sorrows and joys of their existence.

Catch a glimpse of life at the Hotel through the eyes of each individual character. From the reminiscences of Henry Plant himself on what led him to build such a palace, to the letters home written by a SpanishAmerican War soldier, you will learn more about the time period through each character’s particular vantage

point. Performances are 30 minutes and are included with admission to the Museum. This season will begin on September 3rd. Arrive early as limited seating is available on a first-come first-served basis.

2:00 PM - 2:30 PM. 401 W. Kennedy Boulevard Tampa. www.plantmuseum.com

Mon, May 27

FLORIDA ORCHESTRA BRASS QUINTET TO PERFORM FREE MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT AT THE MALL AT SUNDIAL. The outdoor performance starts at 6 pm and features patriotic music, American folk songs, popular show tunes, and jazz. The Brass Quintet features top members of The Florida Orchestra, including Principal Trumpet Robert Smith, Assistant Principal Trumpet Ken Brown, Principal Horn David Smith, Principal Trombone Joel Vaisse, and Principal Tuba William Mickelsen. www.FloridaOrchestra.org

Fri, May 31

BLAST FRIDAY. Legendary all-American frontman and guitarist Mark Farner commands the stage with the same intensity and outpouring of love as he did at 20 during the summer of ’69, and his fans are still flocking to the Captain. Food trucks and vendors will be serving a wide variety of freshly prepared specialty food and beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages that will be available for purchase.

Concert goers are welcome to bring

their lawn chairs to watch the concert. www.rutheckerdhall.com/ event/blast-friday-mark-farner

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY. The Tampa Bay Veterans Alliance will host its annual Memorial Day Ceremony from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Florida Veterans Memorial Plaza at Crest Lake Park, 201 S. Glenwood Ave. The event will include speeches and appearances by elected officials and guest speakers. Residents are invited to salute veterans and honor the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation. www.facebook.com/ events/2174238966131829/ www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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LOCAL FOCUS

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Thru June 6

FLORIDA ORCHESTRA CONCERTS TO AIR ON CLASSICAL WSMR - Listeners can tune in to live recordings of select Florida Orchestra Masterworks concerts on Classical WSMR 89.1 and 103.9 FM radio.

Concerts from the 2018-2019 season will air at 7 pm Thursdays. Most are conducted by Music Director Michael Francis. The full Tampa Bay Times Masterworks concerts are being recorded live all season long at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg, and Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. www.FloridaOrchestra.org

an original creative idea of any medium to life. The final winner will receive a $25,000 cash prize to bring their idea to life. The Most Imaginative Bartender regional semi-finalists will be announced this July. The submissions will be narrowed down to 100 top bartenders from across North America who will compete for a chance to represent their hometown as one of just 12 mixologists from across the continent. The regional finals competitions will take place throughout September before the finalists travel to Laverstoke Mill, for an immersive journey to discover the home of Bombay Sapphire. The finals will then take place in Chicago in February 2020 where North America’s Most Imaginative Bartender will officially be announced. https://mostimaginativebartender.punchdrink.com/

Thru June 30

CALLING ALL LOCAL MIXOLOGISTS: BOMBAY SAPPHIRE OPENS ENTRIES FOR 13TH MOST IMAGINATIVE BARTENDER COMPETITION - Over the next two months emerging bartenders can submit their most imaginative cocktail creations for the chance to compete amongst North America’s top mixology talents from the region. The competition is unveiling a reformatted structure with new non-profit partner Tales of the Cocktail Foundation and new media partner PUNCH. Also new to the program, the Creative Grant Challenge will task the top 12 competitors will to bring

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TradeWinds Island Resorts Hosts “Away” Game Watching Parties on the Beach

radeWinds Island Resorts are inviting baseball fans to head out to St. Pete Beach for fun-filled, family-friendly game watching parties all season long. The action takes place at RumFish Beach Resort by TradeWinds. The games will be broadcast on a huge screen directly on the beach and Rays Radio will broadcast live.

The Rays Street Team will also be on-hand with fun giveaways. Food and beverages including cookout items and buckets of beer will be available for purchase. Coolers are not allowed, but fans are encouraged to bring their own beach chairs, umbrellas and towels. Guests can try the

WipeOut Surf Simulator and are encouraged to stay after the game to enjoy live music, sunset drink specials and s’mores. Open to the public.

Admission is complimentary.

Sun, May 19 – 1:05 p.m. – vs. NY Yankees Sun, June 9 – 1:05 p.m. – vs. Boston Red Sox Sun, July 14 – 1:05 p.m. – vs. Baltimore Orioles Sun, Aug 25 – 1:05 p.m. – vs. Baltimore Orioles Sun, Sept 29 – 3:07 pm – vs. Toronto Blue Jays

RumFish Beach Resort by TradeWinds– Beach front, 6000 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach www.JustLetGo.com/Rays or call (877) 444-7297 14

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e n o y r e v e r o f n u F d n u o r a d n a n i

SANFORD Story and Photos by Mary Lou Janson

Photo courtesy of Orlando North Seminole County

(unless otherwise noted)

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Finding the perfect location for a Florida vacation is a matter of personal preferences and priorities.

Some seek theme park thrills. Others crave the tranquility of the coast.

Then there are those that want offthe-beaten path adventures by day and more mainstream pleasures like fine dining and locally brewed beers at night.

What if you could have it all? A place to use as a base that is within an easy drive of beaches and big attractions? A place that gets you one with nature with activities for all ages? And a place that is carving out a reputation as a dining destination plus boasts a growing craft beer community?

Set your sights on Sanford, a charming community just north of Orlando that offers scenic beauty, outdoor adventures, a downtown lined with locally owned and operated businesses and lots of waterfront from its perch on the southern shores of Lake Monroe.

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HIGHLIGHTS OF A RECENT STAY IN SANFORD INCLUDED THE FOLLOWING:

• Ride Lime takes you away in a covered golf cart that carries up to 10 passengers for a guided tour through picturesque neighborhoods, historic sites, a lakefront drive and insights into some of the colorful - some may say corrupt - individuals who shaped this city. If you are fortunate to get Dan Ping as your driver you will be in the company of an experienced newspaper writer, editor and publisher as well as the source of local intel featured on The Bokey web site.

• Think marshmallows are simply sweets for children to eat? You will want a box or two of your own after sampling some of the spirited confections freshly created at Won-

Dan Ping at Ride Lime

Wondermade specialty marshmallows

Black Hammock Airboat Rides 18

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Photo courtesy of Orlando North Seminole County

• A speedy, but smooth, ride aboard a modern airboat across and around Oviedo’s Lake Jesup, courtesy of Black Hammock Airboat Rides, that was an exhilarating way to start the day. Reaching speeds of up to 40 mph and discovering the water beneath your airboat is occupied by the highest population of alligators in the country - well over 10,000 gators - qualifies as an adrenaline rush in my book. The on-site restaurant and bar looked interesting and inviting so factor in enough time for pre- or post-ride refreshments.

dermade. Flavors run the gamut from exotic, marshmallows cooked with champagne and hand coated with 24 karat edible gold, to more traditional like mint chocolate chip. But there are flavors featuring beer, bourbon and Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey. Produced and perfected by a local family, the shop also offers their proprietary brand of ice cream, Wondermade.

And there’s much more to explore like the private island that is the perfect escape for nature lovers, a dining scene that is as diverse as it is delicious and historic Goldsboro, the second black incorporated township in the U.S. Tour the Goldsboro Museum and pick up a “Historic Goldsboro Walking/Driving Tour” map, then visit the Crooms Academy Museum, Goldsboro Art Square and The Goldsboro Heritage & Art Garden which celebrates the area’s farming roots plus provides select local restaurants with organically grown fruits and vegetables. For info, go to Goldsboro West Side Community Historical Association.

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Central Florida’s Island Escape, Zoo and Zip Line Allow hours for relaxation and recreation at Wekiva Island, a lightly developed wilderness area bordered by bubbling springs. Surrounding neighborhoods offer no hint that within their midst is a sun and fun hotspot perfect for canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, volleyball or just grilling and chilling. Purchased by locals Bill and Mary Sue Weinaug in 2008, it welcomes the public year-round for a nominal $1 entry fee, typically collected on weekends. To preserve the environment and minimize the carbon footprints

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SANFORD Continued...

The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens proved to be a popular spot for families during a recent weekend. Well designed with lots of shady spots to sit and play areas for the young ones to work off some energy, highlights include interactive experiences that let guests help feed the animals. Best to visit early morning for a chance to see animal activity. The zoo occupies just 23 acres of a 132-acre wooded area owned

by Seminole County. The canopies provide an exciting pathway for visitors to fly through the treetops courtesy of a zip line trip offered by Seminole Aerial Adventures. A combo zoo and zip line experience could easily fill up an entire day.

Chef Nat Russell at the Tennessee Truffle.

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Photo courtesy of Orlando North Seminole County

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Sanford Brewing Company Beer Flight

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Photo courtesy of Orlando North Seminole County

of the crowds, the entire island is dedicated to eco-friendly practices that include recycling, rainwater collection cisterns and solar hot water panels. Food and drinks are sold on-site along with local arts and crafts. Capacity is 260 people so those in the know show up early and linger for a long time.

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The Westin Lake Mary/Orlando North

Great Places for Foods and Brews When it is time to dine, visitors will discover a terrific selection of dining experiences that typically are one-of-a-kind eating and drinking establishments. Sanford’s accomplished chefs strive to feature locally sourced ingredients whenever possible to showcase the freshest flavors.

Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe (aka That Awesome German Place) has been delighting guests with platters of plump sausages, pork, chicken or veal Schnitzels and specialties like Sauerbraten for more than 17 years. The culinary lineage of this family can be traced to Kyllburg, Germany where the grandparents of the restaurant’s founder owned a butcher shop and where family members originated recipes for many of the menu items. In addition to the 275-seat restaurant, the family owns the neighboring Magnolia Square Market, a true German Delikatessen, and Hollerbach’s Outfitters, which stocks imported, traditional German clothing, including Lederhosen and Dirndl, for women, men and children.

What originated in Orlando before roaming beyond that home to add a second location to the north, is now exclusively the pride and joy of Sanford. The Smiling Bison’s chef/owner Josh Oakley still has plans to expand but it will likely be just above the lovely dining room he now oversees from an open kitchen or somewhere within walking, not driving, distance. Named for the chef’s hometown of Buffalo, N.Y., the September menu included a Smiling Bison Burger and Dry Aged 14 oz. Bison NY Strip at dinner and Bison Burger “MacMuffin” at brunch but nothing else featuring that particular protein. Other temptations that made quite a tasteful impression included the Duck Lover’s Pizza, smoked fish dip featuring trout roe with house made saltines, pastas that are all made in-house and a charcuterie board with assorted house-smoked meats.

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The collective thirst for craft beers has brought an influx of brewhouses, taprooms and gastropubs to Sanford with more on the way. A great place to get the full flavor of what’s happening with beers here is at the Sanford Brewing Company, a nearly two-year-old combination pub, brewery and eatery located in a downtown building that dates back to 1930. Its list of beers and ciders available on tap is nearly as lengthy its menu which features a full array of tasty salads, appetizers, entrees and more that it describes as “Southern gastro comfort food.” Both the beers and the food are rave- and crave-worthy.

The Tennessee Truffle is named for Chef Nat Russell’s home state, he hails from Memphis, as well as a tongue-in-cheek reference to the Tennessee version of a truffle, ramps or what are commonly referred to as wild leeks. This chef is as playful as he is passionate about the Southern-fusion food he is creating. Initially this small, quaint restaurant offered only breakfast and lunch, building its reputation on the modest-sounding Biscuits & Gravy and traditional morning fare as French Toast. Those proved to be not your normal dishes. Russell shakes them up, makes them his own and takes them to a new level.

Now that he has added dinner service, he has lots more ways to play with his food which is good news for his guests.

There’s real appeal to cruising along the river aboard the St. Johns Rivership Co.’s Barbara Lee, an authentic sternwheeler (that means it is powered by paddles that propel the ship along the St. Johns River). Plus, this dinner cruise this is a pleasant way to see the sunset, enjoy the stars when the clouds allow and dine on good food and plenty of it! Enjoy just being out on the water and traveling in a way that few do any more.

The Barbara Lee Sternwheeler 22

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Photo courtesy of Orlando North Seminole County

If Sunday brunch is on your agenda, know to go to Cafe Murano in Altamonte Springs. There are bottomless champagne mimosas for $12 per person, if you choose to indulge, and, to keep the cool vibe going throughout your meal, jazz music from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The freshly made fare is described as “inspired Italian cuisine” that is perfectly prepared, beautifully presented and impossible to resist.

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Getting There: I-4 is the main thoroughfare for cars but there is service from select Florida cities via SunRail, an electric commuter locomotive.

Domestic and international flights are available to the nearby OrlandoSanford International Airport (not to be confused with Orlando Airport).

Where to Stay: The Westin Lake Mary/Orlando North Hotel is easily accessible from I-4 making it a convenient location to see much of the surrounding area. The recently renovated, full-service hotel features spacious guest rooms, a fitness center plus pool and on-site dining as well as several restaurants within walking distance. Shops, a multiplex movie theater and Publix super market are across the street.

Guests are just steps from the Seminole Wekiva Trail that is a pedestrian friendly, paved, and often shaded, path that is ideal for walking, running and cycling. There are a variety of limitedto full-service hotels in the area as well as B&Bs in Sanford. Local investors recently purchased a historic property that originally opened in 1925 as the Mayfair Hotel before it became the Sanford Naval Academy School for Boys. The new owners plan to renovate and re-open the property as a luxury hotel.

http://goldsboromuseum.com https://wekivaisland.com www.centralfloridazoo.org/attractions/saa/ www.hollerbachs.com http://smilingbison.com www.sanfordbrewing.com www.thetennesseetruffle.com www.stjohnsrivershipco.com www.cafemurano.com http://sunrail.com/station/sanford/ www.orlandosanfordairport.com Sculpture along the waterfront at Wekiva Island www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Photo courtesy of Orlando North Seminole County

https://doorlandonorth.com www.theblackhammock.com www.ridelime.com www.wondermade.com

LOCAL FOCUS

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June 1

2019 TAMPA BAY CARIBBEAN HERITAGE MONTH FESTIVAL. The Festival promotes and showcases the Caribbean cultural activities, recognize and encourage the diverse cultures within the Greater Tampa Caribbean-American community and foster family and economic growth opportunities. The event will be including live entertainment, performances from culturally representing Artists, Brands, DJ’s, Arts and Crafts and activities for the entire family – all in an open-air environment. 4-8 pm. www.wicando.weebly.com/

games. Plus live music from Chris McCarty, The Rectifiers, JahFarI and more! And this year’s featured charity is Julie Weintraub’s Hands Across the Bay. www.facebook.com/events/437264226839288/

DOWNTOWN CLEARWATER CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL. The third annual Clearwater Craft Beer Fest is coming to downtown Clearwater 11 am to 11 pm. This free block party features local craft beers from Dunedin’s House of Beer along with food trucks, live art demonstrations, kids’ entertainment, and interactive

SPECIAL WEEKEND EVENTS!

May 18 & 19. JACK HANNA. Join “Jungle Jack” Hanna for a weekend of wild animal shows, autograph signings and special meet-and-greets. The internationally-known animal expert will share animal facts and his travel tales during animal shows.

May 31 - Aug 11. SUMMER NIGHTS. As the sun goes down, the night comes alive. The event features extended hours, energy and coasters that light up the night.

A 4th of July firework celebration like no other during Summer Nights.

Dec. 7 & 8. GUY HARVEY - Meet Guy Harvey and learn about his dedication to conservation and his passion for marine wildlife. Bring your favorite gear for him to sign or purchase Guy Harvey paintings, merchandise and more.

FALL & HOLIDAY FAVORITES: Bier Fest – a unique blend of food and favorite craft beers from around the world and local favorites; Howl-O-Scream*, celebrating 20 years this fall, there is nowhere to hide at Howl-OScream 2019; Christmas Town, with millions of twinkling lights and festive shows.

10165 N McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612 • (888) 800-5447 • www.buschgardens.com 24

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HISTORIC FISHING VILLAGE & BOARDWALK

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

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

(727) 394-0756 • johnspassvillage.net

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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LOCAL FOCUS

Continued

June 2

THEXPOS WEDDING SHOW. Everything you need to plan your Wedding. All in One Place-All in One Day. Meet Over 60 of Tampa’s Best Wedding Professionals.

First 250 Brides to receive $1000 in Bridal Bucks. First 100 Brides to receive a Special Swag Bag. Thousands in Prize giveaways. Grand Prize Honeymoon Giveaway. Latest Fashions Trends with a runway Fashion show. Complimentary Hors d’ oeuvres, Cake Samples, Floral & Décor Designs, Cash Bar, Free Parking, Shop for Jewelry, accessories and more. 12:30 - 4pm. 407497-9710. St. Petersburg Marriott Clearwater, 12600 Roosevelt Blvd N, St Petersburg. www.theXpos.com

TAMPA BAY ANNIVERSARY CONCERT SERIES. Celebrate Master Chorale of Tampa Bay’s 40th Anniversary with a special concert series featuring choral favorites from Carmina Burana, Brahm’s Requiem, and Master Chorale commissions by composers like Eric Whitacre and Stephen Paulus. June 7th, 8:00pm - First Presbyterian Church, 701 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg; June 9th, 7:30pm - Lake Magdalene Church, 2902 W Fletcher Ave, Tampa. www.masterchorale.com

June 7 - Aug 10

FLORIDA CRAFTART PRESENTS: WOOF, MEOW, CHIRP AND SLITHER: ARTISTS INTERPRET THE WORLD OF PETS. Artists Interpret the World of Pets is a juried exhibition at Florida CraftArt of original art that showcases artists’ interpretations of the world of pets. From across Florida, 36 artists created over 100 pieces from jeweled cat collars to ceramic dog bowls and sculptures of pets. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the artists, as well as other art and pet lovers at the opening reception on Friday, June 7 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

June 13 at 5:30 p.m.: Join Mayor Kriseman when he lets the’ cat out of the bag’ about the City’s pet friendly initiatives for St Pete PAWS, and meet some fur friends representing shelter partners and services.

501 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. (727) 8217391. www.FloridaCraftArt.org

June 11 - July 27

Tues, June 4

WOMEN’S GOLF DAY AT INNISBROOK. Complimentary event to celebrate Women in Golf Day, for women interested in the game (no skills required). The event includes a short game clinic with instructor, wine & cheese reception, cooking demonstration, mini spa treatment, sale of golf merchandise and discounts at Innisbrook restaurants, spa and golf shop. Golf clinic: 4-6 PM, wine & cheese reception: 6-8 PM at Market Salamander Grille. Registration is required by May 28, space limited. Ages 14 and over. 727-942-5544 or www.innisbrookgolfresort.com/dine/event-reservations

F. R. I. E. N. D. S. - DOWN SYNDROME WEST FLORIDA BEACH MEETUPS. Meet up at the beach, enjoy the surf, sun, and sand between your toes. Join Melissa Miner and her daughters Jessica, Lillian, and Cayla for a couple hours of fun in the sun. All ages & abilities are welcome. Dates: June 11, 19, 27, July 12, 27. Time: 10:00-12:00+. Honeymoon Island State Park, 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL. $8 per vehicle to park.

Park in the Main Parking lot near the Snack/Gift Shop.

(727)412-4788. melmin@me.com

Thurs, June 6 - 9

TAMPA BAY SUMMER RV SHOW. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Thurs – Sat); 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Sun.) Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 US Highway 301 North.

Tampa. www.frvta.org/show/tampa-bay-summer-rv-show/

June 7 - 9

AWAKE AND SING! MASTER CHORALE OF 26

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

June 11 - Aug 17

THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA TO OFFER FREE INSTRUMENT PETTING ZOOS IN THREE COUNTIES.

ter, 201 14th Ave. SE, Ruskin Wed, July 10, 2 pm: Brandon Regional Library, 619 Vonderburg Drive, Brandon Thurs, July 18, 10 am: Regency Park Branch Library, 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey Thurs, July 18, 2 pm: Hudson Regional Library, 8012 Library Road, Hudson Sat, July 20, 10 am: Healthy Living Community event at Plant City Community Resource Center, 307 N Michigan Ave., Plant City Wed, July 24, 2 pm: Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community Library, 13619 N 22nd St., Tampa

Tues, July 30, 11 am: Lutz Branch Library, 101 W Lutz Lake Fern Road, Lutz Wed, July 31, 11 am: South Holiday Library, 4649 Mile Stretch Drive, Holiday Wed, July 31, 2 pm: Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday Sat, Aug 3, 2 pm: Land O’Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, Land O’Lakes Sat, Aug 17, 10 am: Healthy Living Community event at Lee Davis Neighborhood Service Center, 3402 N 22nd St., Tampa www.floridaorchestra.org

The Florida Orchestra is teaming up with public libraries and other organizations to greatly expand its free Instrument Petting Zoos for kids during the summer. For the first time, TFO will offer 20 events June through August in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas. The Instrument Petting Zoo is a collection of orchestral instruments that kids can handle and try out, with TFO staffers and volunteers on hand to help. The zoo includes violin, cello, trombone, trumpet, flute, various percussion and more. The Instrument Petting Zoo also will be a part of TFO’s new full-orchestra Family Concerts debuting in the fall. TFO’s Instrument Petting Zoo Schedule: Tues, June 11, 10 am: Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., Dade City Tues, June 11, 2 pm: New River Branch Library, 34043 SR 54, Wesley Chapel Thurs, June 13, 2 pm: Bloomingdale Regional Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico Sat, June 15, 4:30 pm: Uptown Music Festival, UACDC, 14013 N 22nd St., Tampa Sat, June 22, 10 am: Healthy Living Community event at SouthShore Community Resource Cenwww.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Dunkin’ and Nail Salons Mashup Photos & coverage by Melissa

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strange but fun mashup is occurring between Dunkin’ and select nail salons in the Tampa Bay area and 9 other cities around the country. Dunkin’ collaborated with Lauren B. Beauty (a vegan-friendly nail polish company) to create 8 cool new nail polish colors and introduced them to several nail salons in the area. These polishes are inspired by Dunkin’s new lattes and Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream flavored coffees. The yummy nail colors include: Slam Dunkin’, Caramel Craze, Cocoa Mocha, Blueberry Crisp, Pretty In Dunkin’, Banana Split, Pistachio Almond Fudge, and Butter Pecan.

I had the opportunity to try some out with a mani-pedi at the great Nail-Tastic Organic Spa in St. Petersburg. I picked out different colors for my fingers and toes, and some waiting patrons liked them so much, they changed their original plans to go with the Dunkin’ colors.

Participating salons include: Nail-Tastic Organic Spa, 5300 4th St. North, St. Petersburg; Nail Gallery, 322 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa; Polished by TC, 12108 N. 56th St. Suite B, Temple Terrace; and Gorgeous Nails & Spa, 11632 Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa.

Dunkin’ Is also offering a $3 gift card to anyone who participates. But Do hurry up! The offer — and the limited edition colors — end June 30.

For more information, please visit: https://news.dunkindonuts.com/blog/dunkin-signature-nail-polish-collection

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LOCAL FOCUS

Continued

Wed, June 12

MEET THE CHEFS 2019. Everyone’s favorite foodie event, Meet The Chefs, is back to kick off the 12th annual Tampa Bay Restaurant Week. Locals will get a unique opportunity to rub elbows with some of the folks behind favorite Tampa Bay area restaurants and menu items. Featuring small plates served by notable Tampa Bay area chefs, each offering up an appetizer, soup or salad, entrée, or dessert option. This is a cocktail-style event with a limited number of tickets available. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. 813-739-4879. The Vault, 611 N Franklin St. in downtown Tampa. www.meetthechefstampabay.com

ence Downtown Clearwater’s eclectic cuisine by visit Station Square Park from 5-10pm. Sample food offerings from different restaurants including Clearsky, Tequilas, Lucky Anchor, La Fondita De Leo and more.

Check out some of the newest restaurants coming to Downtown. Tickets will be available for purchase on the day of the event. www.facebook.com/thedowntownclearwaterscene

June 14 - 16

OPA PALOOZA GREEK FESTIVAL. Head towards the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks to celebrate Greek heritage and Fathers Day at the Opa! Palooza Greek Festival, being held at the Sponge Docks of Tarpon Springs. The event will feature live music the Greek Band ELLADA, belly dancing, food, pastries, spirits, and much more…. all Greek-style of course. There is no admission fee for visitors and the event is pet and family friendly. OPA! Fri, 12 p.m.- 10 p.m., Sat, 10 a.m.10 p.m. and Sun, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. 727-322-5217. Dodecanese Blvd on the Sponge Docks, Tarpon Springs. www.facebook.com/OPAPaloozaGreekFestival/

June 15 - 16

Fri, June 14

TASTE OF DOWNTOWN CLEARWATER. Experi-

2019 SUPERSTOCK USA CHAMPIONSHIP. The Don CeSar is teaming up with Powerboat P1 to host the 2019 SuperStock USA Championship. The two-day event will feature a double bill of high speed P1 AquaX personal watercraft (pwc) action and P1 SuperStock powerboat racing. Florida’s “Pink Palace” will kick off the weekend of races with special viewing parties and events. The festivities fall over Father’s Day weekend, providing the perfect family-friendly way to celebrate the occasion. Racing will take place close to the beach opposite The Don CeSar. Both days are free to attend.

Tickets for special events are available for purchase online. www.p1superstock.com/SuperStockUK.ink

Wed, June 16

7th ANNUAL GREAT FATHER’S DAY RACE.

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Are you ready for an exciting Father’s Day in Tampa? Celebrate together at the 7th annual family 5K. Registered participants will receive free race pictures, a dry-fit T-shirt, and a goodie bag. There will be prizes and awards for top finishers in age categories. Everyone will receive a medal. Rain or shine.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay is the charity partner. 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM. Al Lopez Park, 4810 North Himes Ave, Tampa. www.greatfathersdayrace.com/ POSTCARD INN CELEBRATES FATHER’S DAY WITH CARS, COFFEE, POOL AND BBQ. Beginning at 8am in front of the Postcard Inn on the Beach, they are having a real day of fun for all Dads. Classic Car Cruise in from 8am until 10am, all who participate will receive a free cup of Kahwa Coffee and donuts from P.S. Grind. Also offering a BBQ lunch. For families that come,

the pool will be open to those who dine there. Father’s Day only, from 10am-3pm. Fee for parking. www.postcardinn.com

June 20, July 18, Aug 15 DALÍ MUSEUM’S SIGNATURE SUMMER SERIES RETURNS.

The Dalí Museum’s Cult Classics outdoor movies series features three female-focused films: “Heathers”- 6/20; “Clueless” - 7/18;

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

and “Mean Girls” - Aug 15. This St. Petersburg summertime staple is a no-admission cinematic experience open to the public and features a host of food trucks and local craft beer vendors to choose from.

Guests are invited to don duds inspired by their favorite flicks.

Seating is limited and spots fill up quickly, so guests are encouraged to come early to claim a spot at the Museum’s Avant Garden. These guests are also encouraged to take advantage of their early arrival and experience Museum galleries after hours on the night of the movie at a reduced $10 admission. Doors open and vendors start serving at 7 p.m. Movies begin at 8:30 p.m. The event is held rain or shine (movies and tastings are moved inside during inclement weather). Please bring only low-seating lawn chairs.

No pets, coolers, outside food or beverages are permitted. www. thedali.org/cult-classics-2019/

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June 21-23

TAMPA BAY HOME SHOW. Great exhibits, giveaways, door prizes, seminars, and more. See the latest trends in home remodeling: from kitchen and baths to flooring, to windows and home protection. Everything for the home - inside and out. Meet the home improvement experts at the show. Free admission and Free parking. Daily giveaways to the first 1,000 people in the door. 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM both days. Tropicana Field. www.10times.com/tampa-bayhome-show

Special Operations Command. Athletes from the U.K. Armed Forces, Australian Defence Force, Canadian Armed Forces, Armed Forces of the Netherlands, and the Danish Armed Forces. Team members are military service members or veterans with upper-body, lowerbody, and spinal cord injuries; traumatic brain injuries; visual impairment; serious illnesses; and post-traumatic stress. www.DODWarriorGames.com

June 23

TAMPA BAY YOGA FESTIVAL. The local yoga community will come together to spread good vibes, will hold a class per hour with a different yoga instructor, will have local healthy food vendors, food trucks, local yoga & health focused market style vendors. Will be a fun gathering of happy yogis, good music & good food. 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM. Water Works Park, 1710 North Highland Avenue, Tampa. www.eventbrite.com/e/ tampa-bay-yoga-festival-tickets-55099598382

Sat, June 29

June 21-23

ST. PETE PRIDE 2. Celebrate the power and beauty of diversity with over the top floats, lavish costumes, incredible live performances, and a firework spectacular along St Pete’s downtown waterfront.

Fri., 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm. - SP2 Concert is a fundraising event to assist in funding various Tampa Bay community organizations. A mix of various bands and local singers will warm up the crowd as attendees cool down with Bud Lite and Absolut Vodka beverages.

Beverage sales benefit the St Pete Pride Community Grants Program.

Sat, 2-11pm - Parade. The Parade kicks off at 7:15pm. 5,000 people swish and saunter along St Pete’s Bayshore Dr in an array of sequins, beads, leathers and feathers, with more than 200,000 people cheering them on.

PEACE, LOVE, AND ROCK & ROLL CONCERT BENEFITING THE FHM. The Florida Holocaust Museum presents a special one night only concert by Peace of Woodstock. The popular exhibition Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution will close on June 30th. Join the community in celebrating the life of this legendary promoter and Holocaust refugee with one last special event. A live concert by Peace of Woodstock, who will perform their 90-minute Woodstock Tribute Show. Additionally, there will be a silent auction of autographed rock and roll posters. All proceeds will support the work of The Florida Holocaust Museum. Please secure your tickets 727.820.0100. Space is limited. 55 5th Street S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. www.FHMGraham. givesmart.com

June 21 - 30

DOD WARRIOR GAMES AT MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE. 300 wounded, ill or injured active-duty and veteran military athletes descend upon Tampa Bay. This year, Warrior Games athletes will represent the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and 32

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Thru June 30

BOW WOW HAUS. The Outdoor Arts Foundation, in partnership with Reeves Automotive, present an innovative exhibit of the world’s most artistically designed and fabricated dog houses. The dog houses, built by high-profile architects, will be on display at the Grand Court at International Plaza through the end of June!

International Plaza And Bay Street, 2223 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa, FL 33607. (813) 342-3790. www.shopinternationalplaza.com/event/77269/bow_wow_haus

Sat, July 27

TAMPA THEATRE’S 8TH ANNUAL BEERFEST FUNDRAISER. Movie-Themed “Ferris Brewer’s Day Off” Event on Saturday, July 27 features Tampa’s Top Craft Brews and Independent Restaurants. Tampa Theatre is going to celebrate Ferris Brewer’s Day Off

from 7:00-10:00pm with an evening of craft beers and local brewers, plus snacks and samples from some of the city’s top independent restaurants. BeerFest guests are invited don their cheetah-print vest and sneakers, dress as their favorite Ferris Bueller character, or come in a costume inspired by the movie. Patrons must be 21 or older to attend BeerFest; valid Government-issued ID is required for entry. A limited-capacity premium sampling begins at 7:00 p.m. Grand sampling ticketholders can enter at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the Tampa Theatre Box Office or online at www.TampaTheatre.org THE NICKEL RIDE TURNS OVER NEW LEAF WITH RELAUNCH OF IMPROVED ELECTRIC RIDESHARE FLEET. The Nickel Ride, a free on-demand electric rideshare company has relaunched its fleet of six electric cars in its St. Petersburg location and replaced them with 2019 Nissan LEAFs. The Nickel Ride has operated in St. Pete since August, 2018. Since the launch, the company has received support from a multitude of local organizations, include Car Free Living St. Pete and the PSTA. After ten months, the company has experienced a significant increase in ridership, which was a driving factor behind enhancing its fleet of Nickel Rides. With the relaunch of the new and improved electric cars comes a host of opportunities for businesses and the community members of St. Pete alike. The Nickel Ride will be significantly expanding its service area to cover a larger area of St. Pete, which will include routes to St. Pete Beach and back. www.thenickelride.com

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Cheddar’s

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SCRATCH KITCHEN

Story and photos by Melissa W. and Al Martino

We’ve passed by a Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen countless times and never stopped in to eat. Sometimes we look at a casual chain restaurant and figure “meh, probably just bland, nothing special food.” We finally tried Cheddar’s out of curiosity and were super-surprised. Everything we tried was excellent, and the menu is vast.

The food is homemade, and fresh as can be. It isn’t called a Scratch Kitchen for nothing. Plus — and a big plus — the prices are very attractive, and portions are generous.

Cheddars has been serving classic dishes since 1979, originally in Arlington, Texas, and now has 172 restaurants nationwide. The most recent in the Tampa Bay area is in Clearwater.

Cheddar’s is warmly lit and decorated with brick and earth tones, so it has an inviting atmosphere right off the bat. Our servers were quite friendly and knowledgable about the menu and how the food is prepared. The menu is largely made up of comfort food, not fussy. Cheddars’ guest favorite dishes are their hand-breaded Chicken Tenders, hand-battered Monte Cristo sandwich, Homemade Chicken Pot Pie and House Smoked Baby Back Ribs. Some of the newer items on Cheddar’s menu are Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, Better Than Mom’s Meatloaf and Texas-Sized Nachos.

Continued...

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Cheddar’s Painkiller cocktail A tower of crispy Onion Rings

Flaky honey butter croissants.

Texas-sized nachos with spinach dip. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Cheddar’s Continued We ordered the Cheddar’s Painkiller cocktail, which was absolutely delicious, but better suited for dessert, with Pusser’s rum, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, orange juice, toasted coconut rim, topped with nutmeg.

For an appetizer, we ordered the Santa Fe Spinach Dip, a tasty creamy cheese spinach dip topped with sour cream and served with freshly fried tortilla chips; and the Homemade Onion Rings, fresh-cut, and hand battered - so crispy and tender. We were advised to definitely try the Honey Butter Croissants, which we gladly did. They were very flaky, golden brown and drizzled with house-whipped honey butter.

For entrees, we had the Grilled Salmon, blackened, and served over rice, with a side of freshly made Coleslaw and a flavorful Broccoli Cheese Casserole. I can’t say Better Than Mom’s Meatloaf is better than my mom’s because that would be really rude, but it is mighty tasty! I am very fussy when it comes to ribs, and rarely order them if I’m not sure they’re going to be great. I took a chance on ordering Cheddar’s House Smoked Baby Back Ribs, made with homemade rub, slow-smoked in-house and grilled with a honey BBQ sauce, and served with crispy French fries.. They were excellent, and my new go-to in the Tampa Bay area for ribs.

Always leaving a little room for dessert, we ordered the Hot Fudge Cake Sundae, homemade fudge cake topped with vanilla ice cream, covered with homemade hot fudge, whipped cream, chopped nuts, and a cherry. The cake was very moist — delish!

We are so pleased we decided to give Cheddar’s a try, and have been back several times, and have never been disappointed.

The Clearwater Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is open Monday through Sunday for lunch and dinner and is located at 2655 Roosevelt Boulevard, Clearwater.

For more information, please call (727) 536 - 7770, or visit www.cheddars.com

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Grilled Salmon over rice.

Hot fudge cake sundae

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MARKETS & WALKS TUESDAY

EVERY TUESDAY MORNING GULFPORT’S FRESH MARKET - 9am-3pm - Oct - April; 9am-2pm - May - Sept. Vendors offer a variety of produce, including local, organic and hydroponic fruits and vegetables when available. Vendors also offer local honey, teas, herbs, seafood, Florida grass-fed beef and other locally raised meats, eggs, cheeses, fresh breads, pastries, nuts and granola, gourmet, vegetarian/vegan and ethnic foods, candy, garden plants, fresh flowers, bath and body products, jewelry and much more. www.gulfportma.com/gma-events/ tuesday-fresh-market

THURSDAY

1ST THURSDAY NIGHT ROCK THE PARK CONCERT - Rock the Park is held at Tampa’s Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on the 1st Thursday of the month. A monthly music series showcasing musical talents of all genres. This FREE event is pet and family-friendly. Starts at 6:30pm. www.facebook.com/RockThePark 3RD THURSDAY TAMPA FLICKS AND FOOD TRUCKS - The Gourmet Food Truck Fun is paired with Independent short Flicks and Live Music. 10-15 gourmet food trucks offer everything from Burgers to Vegetarian Bites. 6pm – 10 pm, Rain or Shine. The Grand Central at Kennedy. 1208 E. Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602. www.tampabaymarkets.com/ flicks-and-food-trucks

1ST FRIDAYS ART IN THE HEIGHTS - First Friday Art in the Heights is at participating galleries, studios, and small businesses, from 7 to 10. Art After Hours features restaurants and bars in the area, from 9 to midnight. Several Seminole Heights and Tampa Heights neighborhood art galleries, studios and small businesses extend their hours so that you can see a slew of new art at different venues all in one outing. www.facebook.com/FirstFridayArtintheheights/

1ST FRIDAY GULFPORT ART & GALLERY WALK. The streets are lined with artisans, entertainment and gourmet goodies. Shops, galleries and restaurants open late. 6 - 10 pm, Free. Complimentary parking is available nearby with courtesy trolley rides available to and from off-site parking areas. Beach Blvd., Gulfport. www.visitgulfportflorida.com

SATURDAY

2ND SATURDAY ARTWALK AT THE EDGE. The Waterfront Arts District, Central Arts District, EDGE District, Grand Central District, and the Warehouse Arts District become one arts destination for the St. Petersburg Second Saturday ArtWalk. 40 artist’s studios and galleries from 5-9 p.m. Rain or shine. www.stpeteartsalliance.org/artwalk

FRIDAY

1ST FRIDAY NIGHT ST. PETE. Monthly street party with music, food and beverages for purchase.

Proceeds benefit charitable efforts. 5:30 - 10 pm, Free, Central Ave., between 2nd & 3rd Streets, St. Petersburg. www.firstfridaystpete.com

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3rd SATURDAY ART & GALLERY WALK. The streets are lined with artisans, entertainment and gourmet goodies. Shops, galleries and restaurants open late. 6-10 pm. Free. Rain or shine. Complimentary parking is available nearby with courtesy trolley rides available to and from off-site parking areas. Beach Blvd., Gulfport. www.visitgulfportflorida.com

round from 10am-2pm on Cleveland Street. Shop over 100+ vendors, fresh local produce, live music and more. Pet friendly. Free parking. Coachman Park, 301 Drew St, Clearwater, FL 33755. www.myclearwater.com/Home/Components/Calendar/ Event/2675/987

EVERY 4TH SATURDAY PINELLAS ARTS VILLAGE. 4 pm - 8 pm. Free Event. Food, Drinks & Art. The Pinellas Park Creative District is not yet a formal district, but rather a growing concentration of artists and creative businesses, in an area of the city that is emerging as a new venue for arts-related events. This area currently extends from the 5600 Block north of Park Boulevard, to Park Station located at 5851 Park Boulevard and housing the Pinellas Park / Gateway Chamber of Commerce, Pinellas Park Art Society, and Pinellas Park Historical Society. www.pinellas-park. com/367/Pinellas-Arts-Village

1ST SUNDAY ST PETE MARKET - Oct thru April. The market features local artists and crafters, mimosas, live music and free chair massages, flowers, artisan soaps, gourmet sauces, handcrafted jewelry, local art, soy candles, home decor and other curated products crafted or sourced locally. Noon to 4 pm. Free admission. Caddy’s on Central, 217 Central Ave, St Petersburg 33701. 727-637-5586. www.stpetesundaymarket.com

EVERY SATURDAY CITRUS PARK MALL INDOOR MARKET. 10am -4 pm. Sample the Best Rum Cakes in Tampa. Meet talented Artisans and Fine Handcrafters. Bring the kids - relax and join paint classes from 1- 4 pm. Market in The Park, Westfield Citrus Park Mall, 7814 Citrus Park Town Center Mall, Tampa FL 33625. www.marketatthepark.com/

SUNDAY

2nd SUNDAY SEMINOLE HEIGHTS MORNING FALL MARKET. May through Sept 11 am - 3 pm; Oct through April, 10 am to 2 pm. 60+ vendors.

A mixture of Fresh Produce, Plants, Herbs, Fresh Baked Goods, Take Home Foods, Hand Crafts and Ready to Eat Lunch Bites. The front lawn of Hillsborough High School, 5000 N. Central Ave. Tampa, FL 33603. www.tampabaymarkets.com/seminoleheights-sunday-morning-market EVERY SUNDAY HYDE PARK FRESH MARKET. 125+ vendors selling a mixture of fresh produce, eggs, plants, herbs, fresh baked goods,take home foods, hand crafts,and ready to eat lunch bites. 10am - 3pm year round. Hyde Park Village, 742 S. Village Circle, Tampa FL 33604. www.tampabaymarkets.com

CITRUS MALL EVERY SATURDAY YBOR CITY MARKET. May Sept - 9am-1pm; Oct - April - 9am-3pm. Featuring regionally grown produce and ornamental plants, fruits and vegetables, herbs and cut flowers, prepared foods, gourmet foods/baked goods, arts and crafts, jewelry, woodworking, bath and body products, candles, pet treats, honey, fine cigars, unique gifts, unique and quality collectibles, and some import items. Free admission and parking. Pets welcome. Centennial Park, 1901 19th Street, Tampa, Fl 33605. www.ybormarket.com/ EVERY SATURDAY DOWNTOWN CLEARWATER FARMERS MARKET - Every Saturday year-

EVERY SUNDAY COREY AVENUE SUNDAY MARKET - October thru May. 80 vendors. 10am – 2pm. Corey Avenue Between Boca Ciega Ave and Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, Florida 33706. www. tampabaymarkets.com/corey-avenue-sundaymarket

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COOLSTUFF

X A R T C I S MU

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All music is available on www.Amazon.com

MICHAEL DULIN My Beloved

y Beloved is an intensely personal album by pianist/ composer Michael Dulin. It is a beautifully melodic and passionate testament to enduring love, inviting you to live your own love story through 12 romantic solo piano songs. My Beloved blends classic and contemporary influences to create a beautifully melodic collection that critics are saying “Is Like A Long And Passionate Love Letter” and “Makes Every Time You Listen To It Feel Like Valentine’s Day.” Live and relive the magic of great love, through the prism of these timeless and evocative love songs. www.michaeldulin.com

STEVE TYRELL That Lovin’ Feeling On That Lovin’ Feeling, Steve Tyrell celebrates what he calls “the Great American Songbook 2; the next generation of the Songbook,” recording seminal rock era classics penned by legendary songwriters who are also longtime friends. While sharing the magic of timeless songs by such songwriting teams as Carole King and Gerry Goffin, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil and as well as Burt Bacharach, Neil Sedaka, and Carole Bayer Sager, That Lovin’ Feeling also has spirited guest vocal appearances by B.J. Thomas, Neil Sedaka and Bill Medley in addition to backup singer Judith Hill and Tyrell’s daughter Lauryn Tyrell. The set also includes instrumental contributions by Stoller, Chuck Leavell, and saxophonist Dave Koz.

JAMES HALL Lattice

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ailed as “A warm-toned lyrical player” with “harmonic sophistication” (Kirk Silsbee, Downbeat Magazine), James Hall is a versatile trombonist/composer re-imagining professional musicianship for the millennial generation. Intricately weaving together voices, melodies, ideas and genres, Lattice is the alluring and inventive release from trombonist/composer James Hall.

The album is built around the harmonious combination of Hall’s dexterous trombone and the virtuosic flute playing of Jamie Baum, a study in contrasts that proves remarkably pliable and expressive through Hall’s inspired vision.

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www.stevetyrell.com

LINDA RONSTADT Live In Hollywood

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www.rhinorecords.com

IVE IN HOLLYWOOD features amazing performances from a concert that Ronstadt recorded in 1980 for her HBO television special. Recorded at Television Center Studios in Hollywood, the concert captures Ronstadt at the peak of her reign as America’s most popular female rock singer. In concert, she was joined by an outstanding band. The CD has powerful renditions of her biggest hits – “Blue Bayou,” “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” and “It’s So Easy” – plus a previously unreleased six-minute jam of “You’re No Good.” The concert also showcased a trio of Top Ten hits from Ronstadt’s album – Mad Love – with performances of “I Can’t Let Go,” “How Do I Make You” and “Hurt So Bad.”

KEVIN SUN Trio

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rio features bassist Walter Stinson and drummer Matt Honor on a set of complex compositions, devised from close study of the jazz tradition. On Trio, Sun crafts era-spanning compositions that are as propulsive and swinging as they are intricate and challenging. Sun appears on tenor as well as clarinet and the rarely-seen C-melody saxophone. While to the listener these songs offer knotty melodic lines and shape-shifting rhythms that are tricky but enticing to navigate, for Sun, each one posed a unique challenge. Sun’s supple clarinet can be heard on “Loading Screen” and the elegiac “Deliver the Keys.” The C-melody comes to the fore on the album’s sole standard, “All of Me,” www.thekevinsun.bandcamp.com

QUINSIN NACHOFF FLUX Path of Totality

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uinsin Nachoff’s Flux communicates a colourful palette of conceptual reasoning and musical expression in this release featuring saxophonist David Binney, pianist/keyboardist Matt Mitchell, drummers Kenny Wollesen and Nate Wood, plus a clutch of guest artists. Saxophonist/composer Nachoff’s overarching inspiration arose from the moon’s total eclipse of the sun in 2017. That event became a dramatic, natural metaphor for the band’s evolutionary creative process. www.whirlwindrecordings.com/

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1010 N. W.c. Macinnes Place, Tampa.

813-229-Star. www.strazcenter.org

BROADWAY SHOWS

KINKY BOOTS - May 17- 19 Winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Choreography, KINKY BOOTS, Broadway’s huge-hearted, high-heeled hit returns to the Straz Center. With songs by Grammy and Tony award-winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper, this joyous musical celebration is about the friendships we discover and the belief that you can change the world when you change your mind. Inspired by true events, KINKY BOOTS takes you from a gentlemen’s shoe factory in Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan. Take a step in the right direction and discover that sometimes the best way to fit in is to stand out!

COME FROM AWAY - June 4 - 9. The true story of the small town that welcomed the world. The New York Times Critics’ Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them.

Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness

turned into trust, music soared into the night and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. Don’t miss this breathtaking new musical written by Tony nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and helmed by 2017’s Tony-winning Best Director, Christopher Ashley. Newsweek cheers, “It takes you to a place you never want to leave!” On 9/11, the world stopped. On 9/12, their stories moved us all.

ROCK OF AGES - June 11 - 16. Broadway’s best party is turning up the volume to ten! Nominated for five Tony Awards, ROCK OF AGES captures the iconic era of 1980s Hollywood. Featuring the music of hit bands such as Styx, Poison, Twisted Sister, Whitesnake and more, this tenth anniversary production will have you ready to rock!

THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL - July 9 - 14. This “winning adaptation” (The Hollywood Reporter) of the best-selling Disney-Hyperion novel by Rick Riordan, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is “electrifying!” (Newsday).

The Greek gods are real, and they’re ruining Percy Jackson’s life. As a son of Poseidon, Percy has newly discovered powers he can’t control, monsters on his trail, and is on an epic quest to find Zeus’s lightning bolt to prevent a war between the gods. Nominated for three Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical, The Lightning Thief is “mesmerizing” and proves “lightning can strike twice!” (TheaterMania).

THE LIGHTNING THIEF

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Straz Center, www.AccentOnTampaBay.com 813-229-7827. www.strazcenter.org

THEATER & MUSIC AMALIE ARENA 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 813.301.6500. www. amaliearena.com May 28 - Ariana Grande with Normani and Social House June 25 - Luis Miguel. His versatility lands him in different genres such as pop, bolero, mariachi, big band and romantic ballads.

June 29 - ADAM SANDLER

AMERICAN STAGE 163 Third St. N, St. Petersburg 727.823.7529. www.americanstage.org/ May 17-19 - American Songbook Series featuring Paul Wilborn & Blue Roses: Let’s Misbehave May 29-June 30 - Long Day’s Journey Into Night

ASOLO REPERTORY THEATRE 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 800.361.8388 www.asolorep.org Thru June 1 - SWEENEY TODD.

May 15 - Toad the Wet Sprocket May 23 - David Crosby & Friends May 24 - Lords of 52nd Street May 26 - THE RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS

May 31 - Countess Luann de Lesseps Jun 7 - Yngwie Malmsteen Jun 8 - Steve Earle & The Dukes Jun 13 - CAL Led Zeppelin I Jun 15 - Live On Mars-Tribute to Bowie Jul 21 - CAL Pink Floyd’s The Wall

CARROLLWOOD PLAYERS THEATRE 4335 Gunn Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618 813.265.4000. www.carrollwoodplayers.org/ May 31 - June 22 - The Jungle Book Musical

June 6-23 - Around the World.

CAPITOL THEATRE 405 Cleveland Street, Clearwater 727.791.7400. www.rutheckerdhall.com/venues www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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FOOTLIGHTS con’t

CENTRAL PARK PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 105 Central Park Dr, Largo. 727.587.6793. www.largoarts.com May 17 - Soul Circus Cowboys June 15 - Emo Philips with Danny Bevins June 21 - CHRIS MCCARTY. The charismatic performer writes several of his songs and has been noted to take his audience on a pop-rock musical journey. This event is free to attend.

DALLAS BULL 3322 US 301 North Tampa, FL 33619. 813-987-2855 www.dallasbull.com/ May 17 - Tracy Lawrence. Tracy Lawrence is one of the most recognizable voices in Country music with songs such as “Paint Me A Birmingham,” “Time Marches On,” “Alibis,” and “Find Out Who Your Friends Are.” The entertainer has enjoyed twentytwo songs on the Billboard top ten charts with eighteen number one singles, selling over thirteen million albums.

ECKERD COLLEGE 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Petersburg. Miller Auditorium.

727.864.7600. www.eckerd.edu/metopera The Met in HD Series. Live high-definition broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera.

EIGHT O’CLOCK DINNER THEATER 105 Central Park Dr, Largo. 727-587-6793.

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www.largoarts.com Thru May 19 - AVENUE Q. Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Book. Filled with gut-busting humor and a delightfully catchy score (not to mention puppets), Avenue Q is a laugh-out-loud musical and a truly unique show that has quickly become a favorite for audiences everywhere. Although the show addresses humorous adult issues, it is similar to a beloved children’s show; a place where puppets are friends, monsters are good and life lessons are learned. Contains adult language, content, and puppet nudity. Parental discretion advised.

July 12 - 14, 18 - 21 - YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. Mel Brooks adapts his legendary comedy into a brilliant stage creation. Frederick Frankenstein (Fronken-steen) inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania.

With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor (Eyegore), and a leggy lab assistant, Inga, Frederick finds himself in the mad-scientist shoes of his ancestors.

“It’s alive!” With such memorable tunes as The Transylvania Mania, He Vas My Boyfriend, and Puttin’ on the Ritz, Young Frankenstein is scientifically proven, monstrously good entertainment!

FLORIDA ORCHESTRA 727.662.7286. www.floridaorchestra.org See venues for dates – Mahaffey Theater, Ruth Eckerd Hall & David Straz Performing Arts Center

FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE 1241 North Palm Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236. (941) 366-9000. www.floridastudiotheatre.org Thru May 24 - Wednesday’s Child. Dramatic new play that explores motherhood, passion, and the thin line between right and wrong.

Starting April 19. FST Improv Presents: Life’s a Beach, a short-form, revue-style show.

Thru June 9 - The Wonder Years - A musical ride Continued

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FOOTLIGHTS con’t through the boomer years.

Continuing every Saturday is FST Comedy Freestyle, a free-form improv show that removes the prescribed format and rules of other types of improv.

Starting April 20, FST Comedy Freestyle challenges cast members to “follow the funny” and initiate a new scene or storyline whenever inspiration strikes.

FRANCIS WILSON PLAYHOUSE 302 Seminole St., Clearwater, Florida 33755. 727446-1360. www.franciswilsonplayhouse.org/ Thru May 19 - CHESS. Chess is used as a metaphor for romantic rivalries and the US-Soviet rivalry during the Cold War. June 27 - 30 . Best of Broadway.

FREEFALL THEATRE COMPANY 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-498-5205 www.freefalltheatre.com Thru June 9 - Buyer and Cellar

July 13 - Aug 4 - UNDER FIRE

AMALIE ARENA

ARIANA GRANDE Tues, May 28

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he Sweetener World Tour is the fourth concert tour by Ariana Grande, in support of her fourth and fifth studio albums Sweetener and Thank U, Next. Brittany Spanos from Rolling Stone said “Grande’s new world tour is full of emotional drama, iconic looks, and undeniable hits”. Chris Richards of the Washington Post said “Ariana Grande reached the height of her fame by making heavy feel light”. He praised her vocals stating that “Grande’s voice is equal parts breathy and acrobatic, and she knows how to hit a big note like she’s whispering it”.

Recently, Grande closed out Weekend One of Coachella in style, putting together a set that included special guests, stunning visuals, and of course her undeniable voice

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FOOTLIGHTS con’t

HCC YBOR MAINSTAGE THEATRE 6402 Olympia Ave, Tampa, FL 33634. 813-690-4983. www.spanishlyrictheatre.com July 26 - 28. Ybor City Cinderella.

JANNUS LIVE 200 1st Avenue N., St Petersburg, FL 33701. 727565-0550 www.jannuslive.com May 16 - Whitechapel - Chaos And Carnage Tour May 18 - The Original Wailers May 28 - Trey Anastasio May 31 - Blackbear – Dead 2 World Tour w/ Gashi Jun 20 - Bowling For Soup + Reel Big Fish Jun 27 - Yacht Rock Revue Jun 28 - Citizen Cope Jun 29 - Streetlight Manifesto: Thieves In The Night Tour

JOBSITE THEATER Shimberg Playhouse at the STRAZ 48

www.jobsitetheater.org Thru June 2 - HEDDA. Hedda, still mourning the father she adored, returns from her honeymoon with a husband she doesn’t love, to a flat they can’t afford and a pregnancy she doesn’t want. Trapped by her past and terrified by her future, bored by her life but too cowardly to walk away from it, she finds herself caught between three men. Ultimately, something has to give. In this updated version of Ibsen’s classic, set in 21st-century Notting Hill, young British playwright Lucy Kirkwood reworks the Hedda Gabler tale into a daring glimpse at her choices from a woman’s point of view.

MAHAFFEY THEATER 400 1St St. S, Bayfront Center, St. Petersburg, 727.892.5767. www.themahaffeytheater.com May 29 - Tyler Henry - The Hollywood Medium.

Tyler Henry Is The Star Of E! Entertainment’s Hit Television Show, Hollywood Medium.

June 19 - The Mighty O.A.R. Summer Tour 2019 With American Authors June 20 - Todd Rundgren: The Individualist Tour June 30 - Tedeschi Trucks Band: Wheels Of Soul Tour MIDFLORIDA CREDIT UNION AMPHITHEATER Florida State Fairgrounds, 4802 US Hwy. 301 N, Tampa 813.740.2446. www.ticketmaster.com/venue/107257 May 24 - RASCAL FLATTS: SUMMER PLAYLIST TOUR

June 9 - Hootie & The Blowfish: Group Therapy Tour June 26 - Rockstar Energy Drink Disrupt Festival www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

NYNE (NOT YOUR NORMAL ENTERTAINMENT) 137 S Parsons Ave. Brandon, FL 813-356-8067. www.nyneshows.com June 14 - 15 - Cabaret

THE PALLADIUM 253 5Th Ave N, St. Petersburg. 727.822.3590. www.mypalladium.org May 17-21 - St. Petersburg Opera: Suor Angelica & Gianni Schicchi.

May 23. The Florida Orchestra: Inside Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 May 29 - Tampa City Ballet June 2 - Dio Returns!

June 7 - Nate Najar & Adrian Cunningham: Swing is the Thing June 21, 23, 25, 28, 30 - St. Petersburg Opera: Madama Butterfly

PINELLAS PARK PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 4951 78th Ave. N, Pinellas Park. www.pinellas-park.com May 18 - Beach Boys Tribute June 15 - Moody Blues Tribute

POWERSTORIES THEATRE 2015 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa FL 33606. 813-2532000. www.powerstories.com Thru May 19 - Conversations in Bed Continued

AMALIE ARENA Friday, July 5

HUGH JACKMAN

THE MAN. THE MUSIC. THE SHOW.

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cademy Award®-nominated, Golden Globe and Tony Award-winning performer, Hugh Jackman’s first world tour will see him performing hit songs from The Greatest Showman, Les Miserable and more from Broadway and film, accompanied by a live orchestra.

Jackman has made an impression on audiences of all ages with his multi-hyphenate career persona, as successful on stage in front of live crowds as he is on film. From his award-winning turn on Broadway as the 1970s singer/songwriter Peter Allen, to his metal claw-wielding Wolverine in the X-Men franchise, Jackman has proven to be one of the most versatile actors of our time. He garnered his first Academy Award® nomination, for Best Actor, in Tom Hooper’s Les Misérables. His performance as Jean Valjean also earned him a Golden Globe Award, as well as SAG Award® nominations, and a BAFTA Award nomination.

Most recently, he was nominated for his role as P.T. Barnum in The Greatest Showman.

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FOOTLIGHTS con’t

RITZ YBOR 1503 E 7th Ave., Tampa, Fl 33605. 813-248-4050. www.theritzybor.com/ May 17 - Midnight Tyrannosaurus - Mutation Tour May 18 - Boris (Sunset Saturdays) May 20 - Mischief Mondays May 31 - Blanke June 7 - Yultron - Slave to the Rave Tour June 13 - Slushii - Monster Energy Outbreak June 14 - Galantis June 17 - Sleep June 21 - Brondo June 28 - Ekali – Spring Mini-Tour

RUTH ECKERD HALL 1111 N. Mcmullen Booth Rd, Clearwater.

727.791.7400. www.rutheckerdhall.com May 16 - Chelsea Handler May 17 - Kristin Chenoweth May 18 - Larry The Cable Guy Jun 1 - Happy Together Tour Jun 5 - “Weird Al” Yankovic Jun 18 - Brit Floyd

SKIPPERS SMOKEHOUSE 910 Skipper Rd, Tampa, FL 33613, (813) 9710666. www.skipperssmokehouse.com/ May 16, 23, 30, June 6,13, 20, 27 - Grateful Dead Nite w/ Uncle John’s Band May 17 - Geri X, Mountain Holler + Brighter Poet May 18 - WMNF Presents: HGWT’s End of the World Music Fest May 22 - Bob Dylan Birthday Bash – Kettle of Fish, Passerine, Grant Peebles & Steve Arvey May 25 - Drive Thru Church – Steve Connelly & Ed Woltil w/ Ricky Wilcox and the Moonsnakes May 31 - Legendary JCs + Time Out Girls June 14 - JAH MOVEMENT

June 15 - Sean Chambers Band June 22 - Eddie Turner + Gracie Curran June 28 - Damon Fowler + Jason Ricci

SARASOTA OPERA HOUSE 61 N Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, 941.359.0099. www.sarasotaopera.org May 18 - Coppelia May 19 - La Forza del destino-Film May 23 - Yoga Warrior Poses May 31 - Doctor Zhivago June 2 - Mayerling - Ballet Film June 16 - Faust - Opera Film June 28 - An American in Paris June 30 - Three Ballets - Ballet Film

SIDESPLITTERS COMEDY CLUB 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33618.

(813) 960-1197. SEE Footlights AD FOR ACTS. www.sidesplitterscomedy.com/ 50

STAGEWORKS THEATER 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd., West Bldg., #151, Tampa 813.374.2416. www.stageworkstheatre.org May 31 - Jun 16 - Four Guys Named Jose and Una Mujur Named Maria Aug 2 - 11 - The Hundred Dresses

ST. PETERSBURG OPERA COMPANY 727.823.2040 www.stpeteopera.org Mornings, Afternoons, Evenings and Cocktail with the Maestro. Various performance locations.

May 17-21 - It’s A Puccini Festival. Two Puccini one-act operas. SUOR ANGELICA - In the tragedy Suor Angelica, a nun must face the truth about her past and confront her judgemental aunt who has arrived at the convent for purposes of her own. GIANNI SCHICCHI - In Gianni Schicchi, the Donati Family really puts the fun in dysfunctional as they squabble over the inheritance from Cousin Buoso. Ultimately they hire a crooked lawyer to rewrite the will, but the

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outcome is not what they expected.

June 21 - 30 - Madama Butterfly. Cio-Cio San renounces her family and religion to be with the man she loves. She is unwavering in her faith that Pinkerton will return to Japan to take his proper place as her husband and father to their child, but the American naval officer has his own cultural ideas of marriage.

STRAZ CENTER 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa 813.229. STAR www.strazcenter.org May 15 - An Evening with David Sedaris

MAY 31 - The Southern Momma Cledus T Judd Comedy Experience.

June 1 - Broadway’s Eric Petersen Sings “Swinging Thru Broadway” June 6 - 23 - Mad theatre presents Man of LaMancha TAMPA THEATRE 711 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602. www.TampaTheatre.org Thru June 6 - Limelight Speaker Series.

May 25 - Joe Jackson: Four Decades Tour June 6 - Platon July 25 - An Evening With Colson Whitehead

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JUNE 9

ith the rich, bluesy vocals of Darius Rucker and harmonies of guitarist Mark Bryan, bassist Dean Felber and drummer Jim “Soni” Sonefeld, Hootie & the Blowfish have sold over 25 million records worldwide to date after their melodies hit the airwaves in 1994 with hits such as “Hold My Hand,” “Let Her Cry” and “Only Wanna Be With You.” As the two-time GRAMMY Award winners celebrate the 25th anniversary of their Diamond-certified debut album Cracked Rear View, they now embark on tour in support of their forthcoming sixth studio album with Universal Music Group Nashville. They will bring their show to the MidFlorida Credit Union on June 9.

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FOOTLIGHTS con’t TARPON SPRINGS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 324 Pine St, Tarpon Springs, FL www.tarponarts.org/ May 17 - Broadway Blockbusters June 7-8, 14-16 - Love, Lies, and the Doctor’s Dilemma.

June 22 - 23 - Disney’s Aladdin, Jr. June 28 - 30 - Tarpon Arts Film Festival July 12 - 14, 19 - 21 - THE DIXIE SWIM CLUB

an urgent debate about race, history, and power.

July 26 - Aug 25 - Scorch. For Kes, falling in love for the first time happened online. But the exhilarating fantasy quickly turns into a terrifying reality when the young teen is accused of criminal conduct. Inspired by real cases of ‘gender fraud’, Scorch is a touching and provocative story of love through the eyes of a gender-curious teen.

USF YUENGLING CENTER 4202 East Fowler Ave, Tampa, Fl 33620. (813) 9743111 www.yuenglingcenter.com/ June 28 - Lauren Daigle “Look Up Child World Tour” VAN WEZEL 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-953-3368 www.vanwezel.org June 21 - Friday Fest 2019: Big Night Out. A grooving six-piece dance band performing Latin, R&B and Island dance music.

July 27 - The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra

URBANITE THEATRE 1487 Second Street, Sarasota, FL 34236. www.urbanitetheatre.com May 31- June 30 - The Niceties. Zoe is called into her professor’s office to discuss her paper about slavery’s effect on the American Revolution. What begins as a polite clash in perspectives explodes into

VILLAGIO CINEMAS AT CARROLLWOOD 11778 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618. www.hellonheelsrhps.com Every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW WITH LIVE CAST. The Rocky Horror Picture Show with Live cast Hell on Heels. Join in for a night of sinful indulgence in classic RHPS style. Live cast, call backs, liquor, lingerie, plush reclining seats, and plenty of fishnets to go around.Time warp into the early hours of the morning.Make Fridays into a tradition of Transylvanian cultural appreciation, complete with plenty of virgin sacrifices. Doors for the show open around 11:30 PM. Preshow begins at 11:45, and every show ends with a meet-and-greet with the cast and crew.

WEST COAST PLAYERS 21905 Us 19 N. Clearwater, 727.437.2363. www.wcplayers.org May 31 - June 16 - FIVE WOMEN WEARING THE SAME DRESS. During an ostentatious wedding reception at a Knoxville, Tennessee, estate, five reluctant, identically clad bridesmaids hide out in an upstairs bedroom, each with her own reason to avoid the proceedings below. As the afternoon wears on, these five very different women joyously discover a common bond in this wickedly funny, irreverent, and touching celebration of the women’s spirit from the author of the famed television series, Six Feet Under.

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The Florida Orchestra Does Big, Bold Beethoven

hen The Florida Orchestra revs up in the fall, its Masterworks series will be powered by Ludwig van Beethoven, the greatest composer in classical music. Seem like an exaggeration? Not really.

“Beethoven is the greatest composer because he took all that life threw at him and turned it into inspirational art that still unites humanity today,” says Music Director Michael Francis, who is programming all of Beethoven’s symphonies and major concertos over two seasons in honor of the 250th anniversary of the composer’s birth. “We’ll use Beethoven as a framework to explore deeper issues of his life and music, such as perseverance, hope and heroism. Then we’ll ask: Who are the Beethovens of today? Who are the people reflecting our society through music?”

Among the 10 or so Beethoven works on the schedule are rare performances of the supersized Mahler arrangements of both Beethoven’s Fifth and Eroica Symphony -- often called “Beethoven on steroids.” Both are the original works, with a few tweaks, performed by an orchestra much larger than Beethoven could have ever imagined. TFO has never played the Mahler versions before. Other Beethoven works include his third and fourth piano concertos, his violin concerto and his fourth Eric Whitacre

Michael Francis

and eighth symphonies.

But the Masterworks series isn’t all about Beethoven. In another first, TFO welcomes superstar American composer and conductor Eric Whitacre in November for Deep Field: A Cosmic Experience, which also will mark the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, with stunning Hubble Telescope video and The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay singing in the aisles. Other highlights include Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons directed by TFO Concertmaster Jeffrey Multer on violin; Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto with TFO Principal Clarinet Natalie Hoe; Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 with Joyce Yang; and the Rascher Saxophone Quartet performing a piece by modern American master Philip Glass.

THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA: Performs regularly at the Straz Center in Tampa, Mahaffey in St. Petersburg and Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater.

Concert series are on sale now at floridaorchestra. org or 727.892.3337 and 1.800.662.7286. Single tickets go on sale Aug. 12.

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Looking Good Compiled by Melissa Wolcott Martino

JEWELRY JUNKIE Leather Cuffs

For more information please visit www.thejewelryjunkie.com

he Jewelry Junkie collections are complete T with earrings, necklaces, chokers, rings, bracelets and more! Each piece has a unique

touch of leather, gemstones, and beads. No matter your personal style, The Jewelry Junkie’s versatile pieces can be worn with a casual look or even a night out on the town. The pieces include features such as: All products and materials manufactured in the USA, in Dallas, TX. Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, cuffs, rings, and chokers feature genuine leather, gemstones & pearls.

The piece shown here contains genuine chunks of African turquoise, which is sewn on to a genuine leather cuff with two adjustable snaps.

The entire length of bracelet is 3/4” by 9”, and adjusts with snaps. Each piece is created by hand, so no two are identical. Prices vary from $8 - $40, based on piece.

DONA BELA SHREDS Unique Fashion Neckwear

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ona Bela Shreds upcycles fabric remnants into one-of-a-kind creations, designing beautiful neckwear and headwear that stand out for their style and environmental impact. All Shred neckwear designs and color combinations reflect current fashion trends and are designed in-line with seasonal color palettes. Lightweight, whisper-soft and comfortable (no tension headaches here), The Dona Bela Shreds team designs unique pieces using the leftover fabric from this season’s must-have wardrobe. The results are colorful, one-of-a-kind pieces. Designed and handmade in Des Moines, Iowa.

The DB Shreds Donate Back program donates a percentage of proceeds each month to selected foundations in line with the company’s values, like Water.org, Women Strong, Feeding America, Dress for Success, Toys for Tots and more.

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OZNaturals

Cold Processed Skincare

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ZNaturals is setting a new standard in natural skincare.

Furthering the brand’s commitment to nature, the environment, and sustainability, OZNaturals utilizes a unique manufacturing system called Cold Processing to formulate a variety of moisturizers, serums, toners, exfoliants and masks. Without the use of heat or petrochemicals in the formulation, this process takes place at room temperature, which allows the active ingredients to remain fresh and potent as intended. In addition to being environmentally friendly, it also eliminates the need for harmful preservatives or known toxins such as phenoxyethanol and sodium benzoate. Combining the best of science with the power of nature, OZNaturals is creating high quality, effective and affordable skincare formulations, safe for all ages and skin types. OZNaturals Skincare Collection includes cleansers, exfoliators, masks, toners, serums, moisturizers and eye treatments for daily skin care regimens. Prices range from $15.49 to $19.99.

www.OZNaturals.com

LAVISH LEATHERS Lightweight Earrings

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avish Leathers is owned by sisters, Amber & Sienna. Raised in a family where creativity ran wild, they were taught at a young age the joy of creating and sharing it with others. Their line is whimsical and energizing - and they are constantly at the drawing table, coming up with new designs and fresh takes on old classics. You will fall in love with these ultra light and very stylish handcrafted leather earrings.

Most come in several sizes — large, medium, small and minis. All hooks are nickel free. Items are handcrafted and custom orders are welcome.

For more information please visit www.lavishleathers.com

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ATT RACT I O NS & MUS E UMS E V E N TS

Tampa Bay Area ARTpool Gallery 2030 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727.324.3878 artpoolrules.com

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 Tram Tours Saturdays. Guided Tours, Classes

movies), and a choice between the Museum of Science and Industry and the Chihuly Collection. The included tickets are valid over a period of nine consecutive days, beginning with the first day of use.

The mobile ticket will work in the same manner as printed CityPASS ticket booklets, although instead of scanning a printed ticket at the attraction, the visitor will scan their phone. Mobile tickets, as well as ticket booklets, can be purchased online.

CHIHULY COLLECTION 720 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg. 727.822.7872. www.moreanartscenter.org Only permanent collection of Dale Chihuly’s work.

TAMPA BAY CITYPASS MOBILE TICKET OPTION www.citypass.com/tampa City Pass, the company that specializes in packaging discounted admission to attractions in 12 North American destinations, has a mobile ticket option for its Tampa Bay CityPASS program. An advantage of the Tampa Bay mobile ticket, as well as all future mobile ticket programs for other CityPASS partner destinations, is that it is delivered to the purchaser’s phone in the language the buyer selected when they first visited the CityPASS website. The Tampa Bay CityPASS program includes prepaid admission to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay theme park, plus four additional attractions: The Florida Aquarium, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, Clearwater Marine Aquarium (home to Winter and Hope, stars of the Dolphin Tale 56

CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767.

(727) 441-1790. www.seewinter.com Clearwater Marine Aquarium is home to rescued dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays, nurse sharks and more. Winter the dolphin’s story of survival, after the injury that caused her to lose her tail, has impacted millions of people around the world. A major motion picture, Dolphin Tale, highlighted her life story in 2011. The sequel, Dolphin Tale 2, features the story of Hope, a young resident dolphin.

Thru JAN 6 – Winter’s Wonderland

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.

CRAFTSMAN HOUSE 2955 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, 727.323.2787. www.craftsmanhousegallery.com Gallery-Cafe-Pottery Studio 2nd Saturday Gallery Walk

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DALÍ MUSEUM One Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg, 727.823.3767. www.thedali.org

DR. CARTER G. WOODSON AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM 2240 9th Ave.S, St. Petersburg. www.woodsonmuseum.org

FLORIDA CRAFTART GALLERY 501 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, 727.821.7391. www.floridacraftart.org Second Saturday Artwalk Mural Walk on Saturdays

FLORIDA HOLOCAUST MUSEUM 55 5th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. (727) 8200100. www.flholocaustmuseum.org THRU JUNE 30 - BILL GRAHAM AND THE ROCK & ROLL REVOLUTION.

The museum presents the historic voice of one segment of the St. Petersburg Florida community in the perspective of local, regional, and national history, culture and community.

One City Chorus – Mondays 7 Pm DUNCAN MCCLELLAN GALLERY 2342 Emerson Ave. S, St. Petersburg, 813.760.6600 www.dmglass.com 2nd Saturday Gallery Walk DUNEDIN FINE ART CENTER 1143 Michigan Blvd. - Dunedin, 34698. 727.298.

DFAC - www.dfac.org

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 Trai, Bays and Beaches, Coral.

FLORIDA BOTANICAL GARDENS 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo , 727.582.2100. Closed weekends & County Holidays. www.flbg.org The Florida Botanical Gardens inspires and educates visitors by showcasing flora, fauna and natural resources in motivational surroundings that promote environmentally friendly techniques.

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This exhibition explores the extraordinary life of renowned music promoter Bill Graham (19311991) who helped launch and promote the careers of countless rock & roll artists. As a promoter and manager, he worked with iconic artists including the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Santana, Fleetwood Mac, the Who, Led Zeppelin, the Doors, and the Rolling Stones. It also traces the indomitable spirit of a man brought to the United States as an eleven-year-old Jewish refugee fleeing the Nazis, fueling a lifelong passion and advocacy for social justice. Treasured photographs and artifacts from Graham’s early life and career will be on loan from the Graham family. An installation of “The Joshua Light Show”- the trailblazing liquid light show conceived in 1967 by multimedia artist Joshua White, which served as a backdrop to many Graham-produced shows - will be customized by White specifically for the exhibition. It will be one of several gallery components designed to evoke the sights and sounds of the era.

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Adventure Island Summer Party

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Story and photos by Melissa W. and Al Martino

dventure Island Tampa’s Celebration of Summer was ushered in by a party at Mango Joes Cafe in the park. We got a sneak peek at the new cabanas and taste treats offered for the season. A couple of Busch Gardens’ sweet Animal Ambassadors were on hand to greet guests — Emmit, a screech owl, and a two-toed sloth named Harry were both handled by Busch’s Zoo Educator, Trevor Suich.

The park has something for everyone, from the adrenaline rush of the 70-foot drop on the Vanish Point slide to the fun Endless Surf wave pool to the relaxing rambling lazy river, and plenty more.

For dining, you can head over to Surfside Cafe for burgers, foot-long hot dogs, chicken strips, and fresh salads. Mango Joe’s has smoked chicken, ribs, BBQ pork sandwiches, chicken strips, fresh salads, and frozen cocktails. Duval Street Grill offers freshly prepared fajitas, with chicken or steak, along with other grilled items. Kurrents has grab-and-go items, and there are several more dining and drink options in the park.

Cabana rentals include loungers, a locker, mini-fridge with water bottles, ceiling fan, and meal vouchers for 4 - 6 guests. The new “super” cabanas include the aforementioned, plus plush seating and furnishings, meal vouchers for 8 guests, and a selection of larger-than-life lawn games.

The park is open from March to October, hours vary during the different months. For more information, please visit https://adventureisland.com/

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FLORIDA MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS 400 N. Ashley Drive, Cube 200, Tampa, FL 33602, 813-221-2222. www.fmopa.org

FLORIDA RAILROAD MUSEUM 12210 83rd St East, Parrish, FL 34219. 941-7760906. www.frrm.org

The Florida Railroad Museum was founded in 1982, and many train cars, cabooses, an ex-fruit growers express refrigerated car, a stainless steel baggage car plus others were donated, purchased and traded. Since then, they have received a former Pennsylvania RR sleeper, the “Bradenton,” two retired cars which were purchased from Ringling Brothers Circus, the ”Short Leaf Pine” and a 89-foot flatcar which they converted into an open-air car. The FRRM sponsors A Day Out with Thomas, the Little

Engine That Could; A Month of Steam; the Easter Bunny Special; the Pumpkin Patch Express at Halloween; the North Pole Express during the Christmas season; annual Veterans Day Von Kessinger’s Express, a (WWII special event); North/South Days; and Hole in the Head Gang, a train robbery event.

Complimentary rides are given to moms and dads on Mother’s and Father’s Days, to kids accompanied by adults during the summer and to Southeastern Guide Dogs for training purposes.

FORT DE SOTO PARK Tierre Verde. 727.552.1862. www.pinellascounty. org/park/05_Ft_DeSoto.htm The park offers the greatest diversity of systems just about anywhere. Emerging from the wealth of bird life, sea life, wild life and plant life is the majestic tapestry called Fort De Soto.. Guided Nature Walks – Sat & Sun. GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602. (813) 443-3861. www.glazermuseum.org/ OCEAN SANDBOX! Move and shape the sand to create the ocean’s topography. Sculpt mountains, islands, underwater channels, and caves to see augmented reality marine landscape come to life with ocean creatures, treasure chests, and more SUNSHINE SUNDAY: Last Sunday Of Every Other Month 10am - 1pm. This program is a limitedengagement event for children with special needs and their caregivers. Children can explore the Museum with lights and sounds turned down and sensory

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.

• Experience a guided tour, special event or workshop. $10 Adults; $8 seniors 62+; $4 ages 2 - 11 1825 4th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL • 727-551-3100 62

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adapted tools, special programs, and community resources at their fingertips.

GREAT EXPLORATIONS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM 1925 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704. (727) 821-8992. www.greatex.org/ Science and humanities exhibits allow visitors to touch, move and actually become part of several pieces.

GREAT CONNECTIONS - The second Sunday of month is open 10am - 12pm for special needs families. www.greatex.org/programs/great-connections/ MEMORY MONDAYS - First Monday of the Month.

A free monthly program for adults with memory loss, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Memory Mondays will be a private event focusing on art, music, and movement activities for adults with memory loss and their

families and caregivers. Memory Mondays is a social engagement opportunity providing activities that encourage stimulation for people with early stage Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Memory Mondays is a program that will provide a relaxing way for people living with memory loss and their caregivers to interact with others in a casual, judgment-free, non-clinical setting.

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. Free Admission. www.gulfporthistoricalsociety.org The Gulfport Historical Society preserves and celebrates Gulfport culture and history through exhibits and programs that educate and inspire the community and visiting public.

HENRY B. PLANT MUSEUM 401 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606. (813) 254-1891. www.plantmuseum.com/ Thru Dec 22. Henry Plant: He’s More Important CONTINUED

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ig Cat Rescue is the world’s largest accredited sanctuary devoted to big cats. The nonprofit sanctuary is home to more than 70 lions, tigers, leopards, cougars, servals, caracals, and

various other exotic cats.

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.

The facility offers a variety of guided educational tours at 14 set times during the week. Be aware that most tours are not open to children ages 9 and under. All ages tours are held Saturdays at 12 pm. They also offer private tours, field trips, birthday parties, and other events.

BCR, 12802 Easy Street, Tampa. For tour times and reservations, call 888-316-5875, or visit www.BigCatRescue.org www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Than You Thought. 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. A special exhibit in honor of Henry Plant’s 200th birthday.

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.

IMAGINE MUSEUM 1901 Central Ave., St. Petersburg www.imaginemuseum.com Contemporary American Studio Glass.

JAMES MUSEUM OF WESTERN & WILDLIFE ART 150 Central Ave, St. Petersburg. www.thejamesmuseum.org The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art revives interest and passion about the history of the American West. The tenacious spirit of Native American, pioneer and immigrant cultures embodies the history of our country. See works in oil, in ink, and stone from the private collection of Tom and Mary James.

www.selby.org MONDAYS – Yoga in the Garden

MOREAN ARTS CENTER 719 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. 727-8227872. www.moreanartscenter.org/ Chihuly Collection

MOTE MARINE LABORATORY & AQUARIUM 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, 941.388.4441. www.mote.org Science, Education, Aquarium MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS 255 Beach Drive. NE, St. Petersburg, 727.894.4638. www.mfastpete.org/

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.

LOWRY PARK ZOO 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604. 813) 9358552. www.lowryparkzoo.org MANATEE VILLAGE HISTORICAL PARK 1404 Manatee Ave. E (SR 64), Bradenton. www.manateevillage.org Free open-air history museum MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS 811 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, 941.366.5731.

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MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY (MOSI) 4801 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33617. (813) 9876000. www.mosi.org Gaze skyward - Saunders Planetarium. IMAX Dome Theatre. Over 450 Hands-On Activities. Zip Line.

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REPLAY AMUSEMENT MUSEUM 119 Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs www.replaymuseum.org An Interactive museum with 100 pinball games, video games and other amusements from the past.

RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN Crossley Gallery, 2400 Old Bradenton Road on the Ringling College campus, Sarasota, FL.

RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, 941.359.5700.

www.ringling.org Mondays FREE admissions all day. Thurs – Art After 5 Thurs – Art After 5 Fri – ROAR – Ringling Order of Art Readers Fri & Sat – Bayfront Garden Tours First Sat – Kid’s Quest, Family Workshop

SAFETY HARBOR MUSEUM 329 Bayshore Boulevard South, Safety Harbor.

727-724-1562. www.cityofsafetyharbor.com/573/Museum-Cultural-Center The Safety Harbor area has long been an ideal place to live. From the earliest peoples (20,000 B.C.E.) who hunted giant mammals on a peninsula twice the size of present day Florida, to our present city of dedicated preservationists, Safety Harbor has an impressive history.

SAFFORD HOUSE MUSEUM 23 Parkin Ct., Tarpon Springs. www.tarponarts.org Restored Victorian home built in 1883.

SEASIDE SEABIRD SANCTUARY 18328 Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores. 727.391.6211. www.seabirdsanctuary.com Located on the Gulf Coast, the Seaside Seabird

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Sanctuary is staffed by experienced professionals and dedicated volunteers who rescue and rehabilitate sick, injured, and orphaned birds. This is the largest non-profit wild bird hospital sanctuary. More than 100 birds live in the sanctuary, representing 20 species.Tours are available. FREE admission. Donations accepted. (727)391-6211. www.seabirdsanctuary.com

SOUTH FLORIDA MUSEUM 201 10th Street West, Bradenton FL 34205. (941) 746-4131. www.southfloridamuseum.org/

www.spmoh.org Schrader’s Little Cooperstown is made up of more than 4,800 baseballs, documents, story boards and video screens – connects America’s national pastime with historical events from the region and around the world.

ST. PETERSBURG PRESERVATION WALKING TOURS Central Ave. & 2nd St, St. Petersburg (Oct. - Apr.) 727.824.7802. www.stpetepreservation.org National Register listed downtown. Free for members. Suggested donation non-members.

ST. PETERSBURG SCULPTURE EXPERIENCE 780 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727.316.1718. www.facebook.com/St-Petersburg-Sculpture-Experience-661090064029529/ Jon Hair Monumental Sculpture combines art, rock and roll and the biggest sculptures you’ve ever seen in one place. More than 100 sculptures from life size to giant size.

ST. PETERSBURG WALKING MURAL TOURS Departing from Florida CraftArt, 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Murals and history behind them.

727.821.7391 www.floridacraftart.org SUNCOAST PRIMATE SANCTUARY 4600 Alt Hwy 19, Palm Harbor, FL www.suncoastprimates.com/ The Suncoast Primate Sanctuary is home to over 100 animals with various backgrounds that had no where else to go. They all have unique personalities and characteristics. Scheduling a visit to the sanctuary and consider “adopting” one of the animals.

The Parker Manatee Aquarium, designed to house three adult manatees, holds nearly 60,000 gallons of water, including a medical pool. The pool offers both deep and shallow water, allowing the manatees to maintain natural feeding behaviors. An exhibit area within the facility helps to educate the public about manatee anatomy and offers above and below water viewing. The Museum’s Parker Manatee Aquarium is a second stage rehabilitation facility which provides a temporary home for manatees that will be released back into the wild after having received treatment from an acute care hospital.

ST. PETERSBURG MUSEUM OF HISTORY 335 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg. 727.894.1052

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

Explore Sunken Gardens’ winding paths, exotic birds, turtles, butterflies, and flowers on a self-guid-

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ed scavenger hunt at your leisure. You may just win some Florida wildflower seeds to celebrate Earth Day all year long. For all ages. Free with paid admission or membership.

1825 Fourth Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33704.

TAMPA BASEBALL MUSEUM A traveling exhibit featuring seven of Tampa’s top baseball professional will be on display. The future museum is located in the historic home of Al Lopez, Tampa’s first professional player, manager and Baseball Hall of Fame inductee. The Lopez house is a “casita” in the style of a typical cigar-worker’s home.

It has been extensively rehabilitated to preserve its exterior look and character and accommodate the museum’s exhibits on the inside. When completed, the museum will present 130 years of Tampa’s baseball history and heritage. 2003 N. 19th St., Tampa, Florida 33605. (813) 247-1434. www.TampaBaseballMuseum.org

TAMPA BAY AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM 3301 Gateway Centre, Pinellas Park.

727.579.8226, www.tbauto.org

Unique collection of vintage cars and vehicles.

Cousteau Society Artifacts on exhibit.

TAMPA BAY HISTORY CENTER 801 Old Water St, Tampa, FL 33602. (813) 2280097. www.tampabayhistorycenter.org/

TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, 813.259.1720. www.tampamuseum.org Friday - Art on The House - 4 to 8 pm Saturday - Art Spot for Families

TAMPA THEATRE 711 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602. (813) 2748981. www.tampatheatre.org/ A restored classic theatre showing modern independent and classic films. Pre-show Wurlitzer organ concerts.

TARPON HERITAGE MUSEUM 100 Beekman Ln., Tarpon Springs. www.tarponarts.org History and culture of the Greek community.

TARPON SPRINGS HISTORIC DEPOT MUSEUM 160 E. Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs. 727.943.4624 Free Admission. www.tarponspringsareahistoricalsociety.org The Historic Train Depot Museum houses the office and Archives of the Tarpon Springs Area Historical Society, which has filled the old station with exhibits telling the story of Tarpon Springs’ past.

USF BOTANICAL GARDENS 4202 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL, 813-974-2329. www.gardens.usf.edu

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USF CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM 4202 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa. 813. 974.4133. www.ira.usf.edu

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WEEDON ISLAND PRESERVE 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg.

727.453.6500, www.weedonislandpreserve.org Ever wonder what archaeologists do with all that stuff they dig up at archaeological sites once the fieldwork is finished? Learn all about how artifacts and other archaeological material get processed in the laboratory; so, we can use them to learn about the past. You will get the chance to sort through, identify, and wash artifacts and other material from real archaeological sites. One Friday a month.

WEEKI WACHEE SPRINGS www.weekiwachee.com/ A natural tourist attraction 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.

THE YBOR CITY MUSEUM STATE PARK Visit the Museum located in the 1923-era Ferlita Bakery, where you will find exhibits on the cigar industry, the immigrant groups who settled Ybor City, the social clubs and mutual aid societies, and important events and eras related to Ybor City’s unique cultural heritage. A special exhibit, Traces of Cuba, iis on display and you can see the bakery’s original ovens. Take a break in the lush and picturesque Museum Garden or tour the “casita,” representative of a typical cigar-worker’s family home. 1818 Ninth Avenue, Tampa. 813-247-6323. www.ybormuseum.org/visit-the-museum

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The Dali Museum Presents

Magritte & Dali Coverage and photos by Melissa W. Martino

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he Magritte & Dali exhibit at the Dali Museum is the first time the two surrealist icons have had a solo pairing.

Magritte & Dalí takes viewers on a journey from the late 1920s to the early 1940s, the period when the two artists spent significant time together and displayed their works in the same Surrealist exhibitions.

Although both had very different and distinctive approaches to their respective paintings, they were equally committed to implementing practices that challenged reality and generated fuller freedom of imagination and experience. Their works also employ several shared themes which are explored throughout the exhibition. Over 30 works are on display including photos of the artists.

Visitors will enjoy the special interactive “cloud room” and the opportunity to capture images of themselves intermingled with surrealist icons & symbols.

The exhibit continues through May 19, 2019.

For more information, please visit www.thedali.org

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Both artists interpreted the Venus de Milo. Dali on the left, and Magritte on the right.

Museum goers can have fun taking selfies with interactive Dali and Magritte iconic paintings.

This one is based on Magritte’s Son of Man.

Dali Museum Executive Director, Dr. Hank Hine, in the exhibit’s “Cloud Room”.

Magritte (L) and Dali (R) both used holes as a method of “looking through”, compounding the inner and outer visions.

Magritte’s The Single Player. Both artists were intrigued with the theme of baseball. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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S D V D COOLSTUFF!

All DVDs are available on www.Amazon.com

THE GOOD FIGHT 2nd Season

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tarring Emmy Award winner Christine Baranski, The Good Fight Season Two is available as a 4-disc set featuring all 13 episodes plus deleted scenes and a gag reel. With the world going insane and the Chicago murder rate on the rise, Diane (Baranski), Lucca (Cush Jumbo), and Maia (Rose Leslie) and the rest of the law firm find themselves under psychological assault when a client at another firm kills his lawyer for overcharging. After a copycat murder, the firm begins to look at its own clients suspiciously, while Diane battles with a new partner at the firm.

Meanwhile, Maia becomes harder and tougher after her parents’ scandal puts her on trial and Lucca is brought back into Colin’s (Justin Bartha) orbit.

THE LOVE BOAT Season 4, Vol 1

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ome aboard, we’re expecting you.” Set sail on the cruise ship Pacific Princess on Aaron Spelling’s 1977-86 series that followed a different group of passengers each week as they traveled to exotic locales in search of love. Your crew consisted of Capt.

Merrill Stubing (Gavin MacLeod), Dr. Adam Bricker (Bernie Kopell), ship’s purser Gopher (Fred Grandy), bartender Isaac (Ted Lange), and cruise director Julie McCoy (Lauren Tewes). Season four starts out strong with “Friends and Lovers / Sergeant Bull / Miss Mother” bringing future Oscar winner Tom Hanks on deck. Also along on the cruise is Nipsey Russell. They loaded this episode of up with a lot of star power including Darren McGavin, Debbie Reynolds, Peter Graves, and Rue McClanahan.

NCIS The 15th Season

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onfronting cold cases, running secretive stings, and chasing down kidnappers are all part of the job for the unsung heroes of the Major Case Response team in the suspense-packed Season 15 of NCIS. As the team continues to search the jungles of Paraguay for Special Agents Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) and Timothy McGee (Sean Murray), the cases keep coming in this 6-disc, 24-episode set. Co-stars Pauley Perette, Emily Wickersham, David McCallum, Brian Dietzen, Rocky Carroll, Duane Henry, and Wilmer Valderrama are joined by Maria Bello as Special Agent and forensic psychologist Jacqueline Stone to solve suspicious suicides, run protection details and face the crimes and the criminals that threaten our country.

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BILLIONS Season 3

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eason three of BILLIONS finds Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti) and Bobby Axelrod (Damian Lewis) in a world that has shifted on its axis. Both men are still determined to destroy the other, but must also battle for their own survival amidst new forces and powerful enemies. Wendy Rhoades, Chuck’s wife and Axe’s performance coach, is all in for both of them, an uneasy and dangerous position for her, and one that ultimately puts her to a decision that could alter the direction of her life irrevocably.

Money, power, justice and revenge are all on the line for each of these characters.

DYNASTY Season One

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n a modern re-imagining of the iconic primetime soap, the extravagant Carrington family returns. Including all 22 episodes and bonus content, Dynasty centers on the lavish and powerful Carrington family as they defend their throne agains the Colbys, new rivals and threats, and even each other. Including wealth, power, deception and doubledealing, the Carringtons’ rocky relationships still manage to prove the theory that family sticks together no matter what. Dynasty stars Grant Show, Nicollette Sheridan, Elizabeth Gillies, Sam Adegoke, and James Mackay.

WWW.NETFLIX.COM

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Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Storybook Dining at Artist Point with

Snow White

Story and photos by Melissa W. and Al Martino

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haracter dining is always fun for the whole family, and the newest experience at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is Artist Point’s Storybook Dining with Snow White. Artist Point is a foodie favorite amongst Disney diners, and now has an added twist to the menu with clever titles, new flavors, and surprise interactive visits from characters from the classic tale.

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rtist Point has been transformed into the Enchanted Forest with several trees and twinkling lights that change with the arrival of characters. Of course, the ambient music is beloved tunes from the Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs movie. Tabletops have tiered serving plates shaped like lily pads to hold appetizers and desserts. The menu is presented in a weathered leather bound portfolio, with items titled to fit in with Snow’s story.

Lights flicker as a character (or two) emerge from a door and greet diners and pose for selfies throughout dinner. Snow is charming and bubbly as one would expect, and the dwarfs (Dopey and Grumpy) fit their personalities as well. The Queen can be a bit frosty by design, but will graciously pose for (must-have) photos with diners.

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Storybook Dining

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ur evening started off with some wickedly good cocktails, An Enchanted Apple (Skyy Citrus Vodka, DeKuyper Pucker Sour Apple, and White Cranberry Juice), The Smoking Mirror (Johnnie Walker Black, Wildberry, Lime, Rosemary Smoke), Alchemy (Uncle Val’s Gin Vodka, Agave, Lime, Cucumber) and Evil to the Core (Patrón Silver Tequila, Habanero, Blackberry, Orange Juice).

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e can pretty much guarantee there will be no poison apples in your dining experience, but plenty of good cooking. Appetizers included Hunter’s Pie with chicken, black truffle, and stone fruit preserve; a Winter Squash Bisque was cleverly served in a black cauldron; and Wicked Shrimp Cocktail with soy, miso, avocado, Thai chili, and greens served in a glass canning jar.

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ur group ordered several different entrees, so we were able to sample each. Cottage Seafood Stew was made with shrimp, bay scallops, mussels, tomato, and fennel.

Brother’s Grimm Roasted Chicken had confit potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, apples, and chestnut butter. The Royal Prime Rib Roast (a table favorite) came with horseradish mashed potato, haysmoked carrots, a popover, and au jus.

Always room for dessert! The shared desserts were Miner’s Treasures with sponge cake, chocolate gems, berry panna cotta; Fairy Tale Gooseberry Pie with meringue, gooseberry; and “Poison” Apple, white chocolate-apple Mousse, sour center. OK, so there was a poison apple after all - but this one won’t kill you, just make you feel happy! And then there’s Hunter’s Gift to the Queen, a royal box containing crackled maple popcorn and ganache hearts.

We were a table of adults and thoroughly enjoyed the character dining experience as much as any of the children in the restaurant. We’re all just big kids anyway, aren’t we? $35 to $59.99 per adult Storybook Dining with Snow White is located in Artist Point Restaurant at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. For more information and reservations, please call (407) 939-5277 or visit disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/

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EPCOT INTERNATIONAL

Flower & Garden FESTIVAL Thru June 3

Photos by Melissa W. and Al Martino

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ew sights, sounds and flavors of spring envelop Walt Disney World Resort guests at the 26th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. This year’s festival is full of lush new topiary whimsy, edible delights, gardens to play in and an expanded lineup for the Garden Rocks Concert Series. The 90-day event features dozens of Disney-crafted topiaries and beds of multi-colored blooms will transform the Epcot landscape into a floral extravaganza. Nearly 70,000 festival blooms surround the lakes in Future World, while on the water, hundreds of colorful minigardens have been set afloat. Concert line up includes: March 15-16: Wang Chung “Everybody Have Fun Tonight” March 17-20: Simple Plan “Perfect” March 21-22: Ambrosia “Biggest Part of Me” March 23-24: Magic Giant “Set on Fire” March 25-27: Air Supply “All Out of Love” March 28-29: Berlin featuring Terri Nunn “Take My Breath Away” March 30-31: The Smithereens “Top of the Pops” April 1-2: Rick Springfield “Jessie’s Girl” April 3-4: Christopher Cross “Sailing” April 5-7: The Spinners “Working My Way Back to You” April 8-9: Dennis DeYoung, original member of the group STYX “Come Sail Away” 80

April 10-11: John Michael Montgomery “I Love the Way You Love Me” April 12-13: Sister Sledge “We Are Family” April 14-16: Night Ranger “Sister Christian” April 17-19: Sister Hazel “All For You” April 20-21: Steven Curtis Chapman “Cinderella” April 22-23: TobyMac “The Elements” April 24-26: Lonestar “Amazed” April 27-30: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO “Evil Woman” May 1-4: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone “I’m Henry VIII I Am” May 5-7: Don Felder, Formerly of the Eagles “Hotel California” www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

May 8-9: A Flock of Seagulls “I Ran (So Far Away)” May 10-11: Marshall Tucker Band “Heard It in a Love Song” May 12-13: Peabo Bryson “If You’re Ever In My Arms Again” May 14-15: Richard Marx “Right Here Waiting” May 16-19: STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City” May 20-21: Colin Hay of Men at Work “Who Can It Be Now?” May 22-23: War “Why Can’t We Be Friends” May 24-27: The Guess Who “American Woman” May 28-29: Jon Secada “Just Another Day” May 30-June 1: Blood, Sweat and Tears “Spinning Wheel” June 2-3: Eddie Palmieri “Vamonos Pa’l Monte”

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

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Orlando Area

FROM STAR WARS TO SESAME STREET, ORLANDO WELCOMES NEW IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES FOR FAMILIES AND FANATICS OF ALL AGES. NEW THEME PARK THRILLS Orlando theme parks have experienced unprecedented growth within the past five years, with expansions including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, Pandora - The World of AVATAR and brand-new waterpark Volcano Bay. The thrills continue in 2019 with brand-new immersive lands, rides and experiences to excite both first-time and return visitors.

THRILL RIDES AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY ATTRACTIONS An all-new roller coaster thrill ride is coming to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Replacing what was once the “Dragon Challenge” double coaster, it is expected to be one of the most highly-themed coaster experiences that Universal Orlando has ever created.

New family thrill ride, KareKare Curl at SeaWorld’s Aquatica offers riders a high-adrenaline, weightless adventure as they “climb” a vertical wave wall.

The first-ever Mickey-themed ride-through attraction, “Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway,” will open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests will enter the world of “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts using new technologies to bring the flat cartoon world to life.

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy,a live show opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in early 2019, will feature beloved characters from the Cars movie series.

NEW IMMERSIVE LANDS Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, a new land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, opens late-fall 2019. Set on the remote planet Batuu, the area will feature two signature attractions, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, putting guests in the cockpit of the famous space ship, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, where an escape from The First Order turns into all-out battle.

A new Sesame Street-themed land at SeaWorld Orlando is scheduled to open in spring 2019. Guests can explore the iconic neighborhood, including the famous 123 stoop, exciting rides, the park’s first-ever parade, beloved characters and interactive experiences.

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NEW ADVENTURES BEYOND THE PARKS Dezerland Action Park, Orlando’s largest indoor entertainment, events museum complex, will offer 800,000 square feet of family entertainment.

In 2019, the Orlando Auto Museum, one of the largest privately-owned collection of automobilia in the world, will open as part of phase one. The 250,000-square-foot experience will boast over 100 TV and Movie Cars, including dynamic displays of Hollywood Cars, 007 James Bond, Batmobiles, Vespa Scooters, Military and Micro Cars.

Wild Florida is expanding by more than six times its size to add a zipline and drive-through safari, bringing visitors nose-to-snout with giraffes, wild

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THE LEGO MOVIE WORLD Coverage and Photos by Melissa W. and Al Martino

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EGOLAND’s THE LEGO MOVIE WORLD is now open. Clever rides include: Masters of Flight (simulator ride that embeds a unique 180-degree turn); Unikitty Disco Drop (drops, spins and bounces back down); Battle of Bricksburg (Riders are challenged to stop DUPLO aliens from invading and stealing LEGObricks by spraying water at targets.)

Benny’s Play Ship is a playground structure for the littles that love climbing.

Tasty tacos are on the menu at Movie World and come in pink or blue taco shells. The “Sofa-Pilla” bites are a delicious sweet treat - pastry with cinnamon sugar and honey drizzle.

Character photos and of course, shopping for Lego-themed items are all there to enjoy!

www.Legoland.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS

boars and other exotic animals.

Epic Axe Throwing is the first-of-its-kind in Orlando, a rustic “sport” open to anyone over the age of 13.

Guests will have coaches on hand to teach them the art in a safe environment, for a unique new attraction with a competitive “edge.” It opened in late-2018.

NEW RESORTS AND HOTELS Orlando accommodations continue to experience significant growth. By the end of 2019, Orlando is expected to add approximately 6,000 new rooms.

Disney Riviera Resort, the 15th Disney Vacation Club property, is expected to open fall 2019 complete with a rooftop restaurant with views of both Epcot’s and Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ nighttime spectaculars.

The resort will be part of the new Disney Skyliner gondola line, connecting the hotel along with three other properties to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Surfside Inn and Suites at Universal Orlando Resort will open in summer 2019, the first of two new value hotels that will make up Universal’s Endless Summer Resort. The hotels, with rates starting at $100 per night, offer guests a more affordable on-site experience while keeping the perks of Early Park Admission and resort-wide transportation.

Margaritaville Resort Orlando is expected to open early 2019. The waterfront destination resort will feature 175 rooms, 1,000 Margaritaville-themed vacation homes and 300 timeshare units. The resort will also include a dining and entertainment district, a 12-acre water park, wellness center, miles of fitness trails and a destination water taxi system.

NEW ENTERTAINING EATERIES From international celebrity chefs to local culinary superstars, Orlando’s food scene continues to reinvent itself, pleasing both distinguished palates and cashconscious families. Orlando is among the top 10 Best Foodie Cities in America, according to Wallethub.com.

TOURISM DISTRICT Disney Springs welcomes The NBA Experience, a state-of-the-art restaurant, complete with interactive games, and City Works Eatery and Pour House, which will serve 80 beers on tap, shareable American favorites and live sporting events broadcasts on high-definition TVs. Pointe Orlando, an outdoor dining and entertainment complex on International Drive, welcomes The Hampton Social, themed after the New York coastal resort region, and Lotus Asia House, serving Pan-Asian cuisine inspired by street food vendors.

The Orlando Forum’s ROCK Dinner Show is a one-of-a-kind, dining and entertainment experience that brings audiences of all ages through a high-energy musical journey of the Kings of Rock and Pop – from Prince to Elvis to Katy Perry. It opened in late-2018.

DOWNTOWN ORLANDO AND WINTER PARK From the owners of local favorite and nationally-recognized bakery Se7en Bites, comes Sette, a rustic Italian kitchen offering pastas made from scratch.

The operators of one of Orlando’s most popular vegetarian restaurants, Sanctum Café, are bringing this new concept to Winter Park, Proper & Wild, serving plant-based dishes that focus on modern food trends.

The District GastroBar, a new upscale restaurant and bar, inspired by Orlando’s mid-twentieth century African-American music scene, will feature an open-air patio, beer garden, and a menu with Caribbean flare.

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Mickey Mouse Club #MMC30 Reunion

May 18-19

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ouseketeers will reunite for a oncein-a-lifetime weekend with their fans at Walt Disney World Resort and MEGACON Orlando to celebrate their shared experience with one of Disney’s most iconic brands. Hosted by Joey Fatone, proceeds from #MMC30 will benefit Central Florida’s onePULSE Foundation and their efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, and Give Kids The World Village, a nonprofit resort for critically ill children that Walt Disney World has supported for more than 30 years.

Mouseketeers from all seven seasons are planning to attend, including original Mouseketeers Lindsey Alley, Jennifer McGill, Raquel “Roque” Herring, Brandy Brown Pendleton, Braden Danner, David Kater, and members of The Party - Deedee Magno Hall (Steven Universe, Wicked), Damon Pampolina, and Chasen “Chase” Hampton (X-Files, Buffy The Vampire Slayer), who later became co-host of the Mouse Club in its final season. Also planning to attend are veteran actors Nikki DeLoach (MTV’s Awkward), Dale Godboldo (The People v OJ Simpson: American Crime Story), and Marc

Worden (Star Trek: DS9, The Invincible Iron Man), as well as recording artists Rhona Bennett (EnVogue) and Tony Lucca (The Voice). #MMC30 kicks off Saturday May 18th at 12:00 pm with a historic cast reunion panel moderated by Joey Fatone at MEGACON Orlando. Mouseketeers will also be available for pictures and signings throughout the afternoon.

Saturday’s celebration will continue with “Mouseketeers & Memories” at Epcot World ShowPlace at 5:00 pm. The evening will feature dinner, musical performances, and 90’s nostalgia. Guests will also be treated to Lindsey Alley’s performance of “Blood, Sweat, and Mouseketears,” as well as several other activities.

Treasures such as Artist Jennifer Contini’s special #MMC30 collection entitled “Believe in the Magic” 2019 will be auctioned off for charity, along with vacations and backstage concert experiences with some celebrated artists. The night will be topped off by the Epcot fireworks show - IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.

Celebrations at Epcot will culminate with #MMC30’s official After Party starting at 10:00 pm, which will feature musical performances by the Mouseketeers. www.MickeyMouseClubReunion.com

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sculptures in over 20 acres. Fossil dig, Dino Gem Excavation, Geode Cracker and more.

ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS

ANDRETTI KARTING 9299 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819.

407.610.5020. www.andrettikarting.com/orlando/ Fulfil your need for speed at Andretti Karting, anº indoor go-kart facility. It features electronic go-karting, zip lines, bowling, racing simulators, a ‘sky bar,’ rock climbing, laser tag and a full-service restaurant.

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

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

FUN SPOT AMERICA: 20TH ANNIVERSARY www.fun-spot.com Fun Spot America has premiered Headrush 360, a wild new ride at the family-owned theme parks’ original location on International Drive, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month. Standing 40 feet tall, the patriotically painted Headrush 360 is the first part of an overall expansion at Fun Spot’s Orlando theme park.

Climb aboard with up to 11 other people and get turned upside down, sideways and just about every other way imaginable in a fast-paced experience you’ll only find in

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

HAGRID’S MAGICAL CREATURES MOTORBIKE ADVENTURE Opening June 13

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hen it opens on June 13, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure will join the other entertainment experiences in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort and bring an all-new adventure inspired by J.K. Rowling’s beloved stories to life. Guests will join Hagrid’s Care of Magical Creatures class and fly deep into the Forbidden Forest aboard magical motorbikes to brave the mysteries and thrills beyond the grounds of Hogwarts castle to find some of the wizarding world’s rarest magical creatures.

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure will be located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

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Orlando. Headrush also marks the start of Fun Spot’s second growth spurt in five years, with a 15-acre renovation in 2013 bringing wooden roller coasters to both of its Florida parks. Besides Headrush 360 and SkyCoaster, Orlando’s thrills include the Hot Seat swing ride, the spinning Rip Curl and the gravity-defying Enterprise. At Kissimmee, you can go up and down on Screaming Eagles or spin round and round — and then backwards — on Flying Bobs. Orlando’s roller coasters are Freedom Flyer, an inverted steel coaster with a virtual-reality option, and the wooden White Lightning.

At Kissimmee, you can choose between the Rockstar Coaster or the wooden Mine Blower — which also goes upside down.

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

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

IFLY INDOOR SKYDIVING 8969 International Dr, Orlando,Florida. (407) 3374359. www.iflyworld.com/orlando/ Soar at IFLY Indoor Skydiving’s facility next to WonderWorks on International Drive, equipped with two allglass wind tunnels in an open single-story floor plan that allows I-Drive passersby to see fliers in action.

KISSIMMEE AIR MUSEUM - WARBIRD ADVENTURES 233 N Hoagland Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34741. 407870-7366. www.warbirdadventures.com/air_museum The Kissimmee Air Museum is located at the KisCONTINUED

ELECTRIC OCEAN

THROUGH SEPT 1

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hen the sun goes down, the night comes to life at SeaWorld’s Electric Ocean spectacular. Explore exotic worlds of light and music filled with glowing sea creatures, DJ entertainment, and a spectacular display of fireworks.

www.seaworld.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS

simmee Gateway Airport in Kissimmee, FL. It houses vintage aircraft from World War II to the Vietnam War including an outdoor showroom.

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

407.246.2620. www.leugardens.org

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.

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.

OLD TOWN 5770 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746. (407) 396-4888. www.myoldtownusa.com/

1st Monday of the month - STORY TIME is a fun approach illustrating to young children the benefits of reading through songs, rhymes and books. Story Time is for families with infants to 5 years of age. No story time in July and September. Free.

MADAME TUSSAUDS 8401 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819. 866630-8315. www2.madametussauds.com/orlando/en/ JUSTICE LEAGUE - Madame Tussauds Orlando’s “Justice League: A Call for Heroes” will allow guests to jump in on the action as a loyal sidekick to Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman, Henry Cavill’s Superman and Ben Affleck’s Batman. Replica props and costumes related to each superhero character’s wax figure will provide an added dimension of authenticity and realism to the immersive experience.

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.

ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER Orange County Regional History Center, 65 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, Florida 32801. 407-836-8500. www.thehistorycenter.org/ ORLANDO EYE 8401 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819. 866228-6438. www.officialorlandoeye.com The Orlando Eye is the largest observation Ferris Wheel on the East Coast.

ORLANDO MUSEUM OF ART 2416 Mills Ave N, Orlando, FL 32803. (407) 8964231. www.omart.org MENNELLO MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART 900 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803. (407) 246-4278. www.mennellomuseum.com/ 88

ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER 777 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803. (407) 5142000. www.osc.org/

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Exhibits are designed to inspire curiosity and exploration. The Science Live! programs are designed to bring the exhibits to life. Whether it’s a show in the Digital Adventure Theater or a one-to-one interaction with a volunteer at the Crosby Observatory, the live programs create the kind of impact that can last a lifetime.

ORLANDO REPERTORY THEATRE 1001 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803. 407-8967365. www.orlandorep.com Creating experiences that enlighten, entertain, and enrich the lives of family and young audiences.

style, take a set with Hall of Famer Wade Cox behind a Ski Nautique 200. OWC also offers stand up paddleboarding, an outdoor fitness area with climbing rope, a pro shop with the newest Hyperlite gear, a snack bar, & a great beach area with grills and picnic tables.

PIRATE’S DINNER ADVENTURE 6400 Carrier Drive, Orlando, FL 32819. (407) 2065100. www.piratesdinneradventure.com/

ORLANDO SEALIFE AQUARIUM 8449 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819. 866622-0607. www.visitsealife.com/orlando/ Sea Life Orlando will transport you into a magical underwater world filled with a dazzling array of amazing creatures. From face-to-face encounters with sharks, to a hands-on touchpool experience, there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy at the newest aquarium in Orlando.

ORLANDO STARFLYER 7001 International Drive, Orlando. 407-370-5353 . www.magicalmidway.com/starflyer/ At 450 feet tall, the world’s tallest swing ride offers open-air views of the destination for up to 24 guests at once, swinging them through the air at up to 60 miles an hour at top speed.

Set aboard an authentically replicated 18th-century Spanish galleon measuring 46 feet long, 18 feet wide with 40-foot masts, the ship is anchored in a 300,000-gallon indoor lagoon with night sky lighting.

Surrounding the lagoon is a six-sided showroom of six additional ships where the audience is seated.

Voyagers on each of the six ships have their own pirate mascot whom they cheer on as the adventure unfolds with a cast a dozen actors, singers and stunt performers engaging in action-packed exploits, accompanied by cannon blasts, pyrotechnics and plenty of laughs.

In addition, more than 150 guests have the chance to play an actual role in each show as the evil Captain Sebastian the Black leads his crews of renegades on a swashbuckling adventure before your very eyes.

POLK MUSEUM OF ART 800 E Palmetto St, Lakeland, FL 33801, (863) 688-7743. www.polkmuseumofart.org

ORLANDO WATERSPORTS COMPLEX 8615 Florida Rock Road Orlando, FL 32824 Phone: (407) 251-3100. www.aktionparks.com/orlando-watersports-complex/ Orlando Watersports Complex (OWC) is a watersports park designed for wakeboarding, wakeskating, wakesurfing, kneeboarding, and waterskiing. The park has two full-size cable systems, a two-tower system, and a boat lake. The full-size cables are equipped with a variety of Unit features and a few custom signature OWC rails. Schedule a boat lesson, or if skiing is your

SEAWORLD / DISCOVERY COVE 7007 Sea World Dr, Orlando, FL 32821. (888) 8005447. www.seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando/ SEAVENTURE AT DISCOVERY COVE is an innovative “underwater walking tour” through an oceanic world teeming with marine life. Guests wear a dive helmet to feel at home under the sea, and SCUBA certification is not required. During their underwater excursion, guests come eye-to-eye with sharks; touch unique animals, fish and velvety rays; and are surrounded by schools of feeding fish – all with the massive open reef as the backdrop.

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COOLSTUFF

! f l e h s k o o B On The

HUNTING CHARLES MANSON

The Quest for Justice in the Days of Helter Skelter

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by Lis Wiehl with Caitlin Rother

n the late summer of 1969, the nation was transfixed by a series of gruesome murders in the hills of Los Angeles. Newspapers and television programs detailed the brutal slayings of a beautiful actress as well as a hair stylist, an heiress, a businessman, and other victims. In the weeks and months that followed, law enforcement faced intense pressure to solve crimes that seemed to have no connection. Finally, Charles Manson and members of his “family” were arrested.

The trials that followed once again captured the nation and forever secured Manson as a byword for the evil that men do. Former federal prosecutor Lis Wiehl has written a propulsive, page-turning historical thriller of the crimes and manhunt that mesmerized the nation.

A prominent trial lawyer, Lis Wiehl is also a professor at NY Law School and host on the Law & Crime live trial network.

Caitlin Rother is a NY Times best-selling author or co-author of 12 books, and is a writing and research instructor.

Nelson Books • www.thomasnelson.com

THE LITTLE BOOK OF

by Scott Kim BIG MIND BENDERS

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he Little Book of Big Mind Benders is a cornucopia of spatial puzzles, number challenges, wordplay, visual conundrums, and more. The puzzles are categorized by type but distributed throughout the book in a mixed fashion (i.e., a word puzzle next to a number puzzle next to a visual stumper). Readers can move page by page, working different parts of the brain―or easily find their favorite type of puzzle, going from easy to challenging. Test your knack for patterns with Dot Matrix. Put the pieces together in Assemblies. Deduce the secret word in Letter Swap, or untangle the mangled phrases of Lost in Translation. Plus discover cool twists on Sudoku, far-out ambigrams, Wordezoids, mazes, and number crunches.

Answers are included in the back of the book.

Created by puzzle master Scott Kim―a contributor to Games and Discover magazines―and adapted from the bestselling Amazing Mind Benders Page-A-Day Calendar.Kim designs visual puzzles and games for toys and online.

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Workman Publishing www.workman.com

LUCKY DOG How Being a Veterinarian Saved My Life

by Dr. Sarah Boston

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hat happens when a veterinary surgical oncologist (laymen’s term: cancer surgery doctor) thinks she has cancer herself? Enter Sarah Boston: a vet who suspects a suspicious growth in her neck is thyroid cancer. From the moment she uses her husband’s portable ultrasound machine to investigate her lump — he’s a vet, too — it’s clear Lucky Dog is not your typical cancer memoir. She takes us on a hysterical and thought-provoking journey through the human healthcare system from the perspective of an animal doctor. Weaving funny and poignant stories of dogs she’s treated along the way, this is an insightful memoir about what the human medical world can learn from the way we treat our canine counterparts. Lucky Dog teaches us to trust our instincts, be our own advocates, and laugh while we’re doing it.

Dr. Sarah Boston is an associate professor of surgical oncology in the department of small animal clinical sciences at the University of Florida. She is also President of the Veterinary Society of Surgical Oncology. She lives in Gainesville, FL. www.houseofanansi.com

A CHANGE OF FAITH Torn Between Love of God and a Man

by Roger Kazanowski

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s For the first time in the history of the Catholic Church, a vote is passed to allow women to enter the seminaries and become priests. In the wake of this religious revolution, aspiring artist John Adams meets and falls in love with Charlotte Kotlinski, a woman whose influence drives him to artistic greatness. But little does he know, Charlotte intends to join the priesthood.

After the first female priests die under suspicious circumstances and Charlotte’s reputation is thrown under scrutiny by a retinue of lawyers, a global conspiracy begins to take shape. A plan is hatched to discover the culprits and save the remaining priests from a grisly fate. Charlotte finds herself torn between her love of God and her love for John, but she may not live long enough to choose.

In addition to holiding many consulting positions, author Roger Kazanowski has participated in numerous Board of Director positions in both for profit and nonprofit charities. He resides between St. Pete Beach, Florida, Union Lake and Petoskey, Michigan.

Independently published, available on Amazon.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Casino/Resort Gaming Scene Las Vegas THE VENETIAN / PALAZZO www.venetian.com ANITA BAKER - May 31 - June 8. As part of her farewell concert series, R&B music legend Anita Baker will perform for a five-night limited engagement. Baker’s decades-long career has included four platinum and two gold albums. Her unique voice has the sultry vibe of a jazz singer.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF COMING TO THE SMITH CENTER June 4-9 www.thesmithcenter.com A beloved theatrical classic from Tony Award-winner Joseph Stein, and Pulitzer Prize-winners Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, Fiddler on the Roof is the heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and life, love and laughter. This classic musical is rich with Broadway hits, including “To Life (L’Chaim!),” “If I Were A Rich Man,” “Sunrise Sunset,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” and “Tradition.”

MIRAGE NEWS mgmresorts.com/mirage TERRY FATOR’S NEW SHOW - Terry Fator: The

LADY GAGA Enigma + Jazz & Piano S

ix-time GRAMMYAward-winner, Golden Globe Award-winner and Academy Award-nominee superstar entertainer Lady Gaga will be in residency at Park Theater at the Park MGM resort May-June and Oct-Nov. Her Las Vegas Residency consists of two separate shows: LADY GAGA ENIGMA, a brand-new odyssey of her pop hits built as an experience unlike any other in Las Vegas, and LADY GAGA JAZZ & PIANO, where she performs stripped-down versions of her hits alongside music from the Great American Songbook.

PARK MGM

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VOICE of Entertainment Presents an Evening with the Stars. An Evening with the Stars features the puppets that fans have come to know and love and the introduction to new superstar characters: Willie Nelson; Justin Bieber, David Bowie and Stevie Wonder. In addition, Fator brings the Oceans 11 Rat Pack back to Las Vegas with special appearances by Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin.

SCOTT BRADLEE’S POSTMODERN JUKEBOX HIDEAWAY thru Aug 31. The PJH features a rotating cast of All-Stars guaranteeing a new experience nightly.

The multi-talented collective of more than 100 vocalists and musicians reimagines contemporary pop, rock and R&B hits in the style of various yesteryears, from swing to doo-wop, ragtime to Motown.

allow Las Vegas guests to visit Hoover Dam on their own, or just enjoy Boulder City’s Historic District with its cafes, museums, antique shops, railroad attractions, and cultural charm.

BOULDER CITY EXPRESS LAUNCHES SHUTTLE SERVICE www.nationalparkexpress.com/bce This service increases accessibility for visitors to reach the many attractions in Boulder City such as Black Canyon River Adventures, Lake Mead Cruises, Flightlinez ziplines at Bootleg Canyon, and Desert Adventures Kayak tours. This new shuttle service will also

PARK MGM NEWS www.parkmgm.com AEROSMITH LAS VEGAS RESIDENCY - Thru Dec 4. America’s all-time top-selling rock ‘n’ roll band presents one of the most immersive, state-of-the art audio and video technology experiences in Las Vegas.

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take their fans on a musical journey that further proves their performing pedigree.

Las Vegas JANET JACKSON RESIDENCY METAMOPHOSIS. Global music icon Janet Jackson’s Metamorphosis peels back the layers of the immensely private life of Janet Jackson, sharing her transformation from a young girl with issues of self-esteem to global Icon. The centerpiece of this all new thought-provoking show, will be Janet herself, captivating you through your senses with electrifying visuals, explosive dance numbers, chart-topping hits and fan favorite deep cuts.The show also features a special 30-year anniversary celebration of her ground-breaking album ‘Rhythm Nation.’

SLS LAS VEGAS EVENTS www.slslasvegas.com NEW VARIETY BRUNCH SHOW DEBUTS AT THE SLS HOTEL. Ester Goldberg’s Totally Outrageous Brunch at the SLS Las Vegas Hotel & Casino is an insatiable comedy spectacle filled with awe at every turn. Starring International Glamour Puss Ester Goldberg, along with her cast of talented and unpredictable friends, this show will shock, mock and rock your socks off. Every Saturday and Sunday, with two shows each day.

BALLY’S www.caesars.com/ballys-las-vegas AN EVENING WITH DIONNE WARWICK. Honored with this year’s Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Warwick will entertain audiences with a stunning musical journey of her multitude of hit songs that have made her the second-most charted female vocalist of all time.

FLAMINGO NEWS FINAL SHOWS FOR DONNY & MARIE’S RESIDENCY Thru Nov 16 www.caesars.com/flamingo After entertaining audiences since 2008, Donny & Marie Osmond have announced the final shows of their residency. From the pop-fueled medley of modern mash-ups in the opening number, to songs from each of their latest albums, to the nostalgic nod to their variety-show past in the show’s close, Donny & Marie

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MGM GRAND HOTEL & CASINO: THE NAKED MAGICIANS www.mgmresorts.com

Sleeves up, pants down: The Naked Magicians are bringing their finely chiseled magical and physical talents to Las Vegas from Australia for their first Strip residency. The R-rated magic show, starring Mike Tyler and Christopher Wayne, perform six nights a week at 10 p.m. inside Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club at MGM

PLANET HOLLYWOOD ZAPPOS THEATER May 31 - Sept 21

Grand. Tyler and Wayne, two of Australia’s most famous magicians, bare it all in The Naked Magicians, foregoing top hats and capes for full-frontal illusions complete with magic, muscles and endless laughs.

Left without sleeves or pockets, The Naked Magicians perform mesmerizing feats that are both baffling and entertaining.

THE PALMS EVENTS www.palms.com “’TIL DEATH DO US PART” BLACK AND WHITE WEDDING CHAPEL. graphic designer and visual artist Joshua Vides, best known for his collaborations with everyone from Lebron James to Takashi Murakami, recently debuted one of his signature black and white installations at Palms Casino Resort tucked away inside the Pearl Concert Theater. Recreating Las Vegas’ most iconic venue, A Little White Wedding Chapel, Vides’ newest installation, titled “’Til Death Do Us Part,” is an 800-square-foot black and white wedding chapel made perfect for an instagram-worthy wedding or vow renewal.

THE COSMOPOLITAN NEWS: www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com HUGH JACKMAN’S “GREATEST SHOWMAN” Continued....

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opular for the hit songs “Come On Over,” “Beautiful,” “What A Girl Wants,” “Genie In A Bottle,” “Dirrty,” and more, Aguilera brings her soulful hits and ballads for her first-ever residency show in Las Vegas. Garnering five No. 1 Billboard hits and selling 43 million records worldwide, Aguilera is one of the most successful female artists of all time. Christina is a six-time Grammy Award-winning singersongwriter renowned for her powerful voice and hit songs.

She has achieved five No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart making her the fourth female artist to top the chart over three consecutive decades (1990s, 2000s, and 2010s). She holds the honor of being the only artist under the age of 30 included in Rolling Stone Magazine’s list of the 100 greatest singers of all time. She has served as a coach on NBC’s Emmy Award nominated show The Voice.

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a mirrored wall in the front foyer, lies a room decked out with crystal chandeliers, plush couches, and a handcrafted bar from the 1800s — the actual bar that was used in the film The Greatest Showman starring Hugh Jackman. The bar will feature an extensive list of Scotches, whiskeys and bourbons, as well as craft beers, tequilas, and Champagne.

Las Vegas BAR - Spring.

THE LINQ: THE BRONX WANDERERS CONTINUE TO ROCK LAS VEGAS WITH A NEW SHOW The Bronx Wanderers continue to charm audiences with 90 minutes of America’s Rock ‘N’ Roll songbook all on one stage with a high energy show. Since opening at Bally’s Las Vegas more than two years ago, the father-and-son trio, flanked by their band, has performed more than 800 shows for over 70,000 fans. Audiences can still expect to hear hits spanning from the beginning of Rock ‘N’ Roll right through today’s tunes, including numbers from Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Dion, Queen, Billy Joel and Bruno Mars, as well as some fun additions for the new show at The LINQ. The Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails is combining a grooming parlor and speakeasy. The salon is a premier destination for straight-razor shaves, the Prohibitionera lounge is getting the most buzz. Hidden behind

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HARRAH’S NEWS: www.caesars.com/harrahs-las-vegas ELVIS PRESLEY’S HEARTBREAK HOTEL IN

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CONCERT.

perience, the show features more than 18 Elvis songs that came to define “rock ‘n’ roll” as we know it today, while four giant LED walls present authentic imagery and scenes from his life.

The ultimate Elvis hit-driven, story-telling concert experience. Presenting the music and the story of Elvis’ meteoric rise to fame all in one night’s immersive ex-

DEAL ME IN

with Mark Pilarski

www.markpilarski.com/

Blackjack versus Let-it-Ride

Dear Mark: I read your column in the Detroit Free Press weekly. My friends and I visit Las Vegas a couple of times a year, and frequent the local casinos here in Detroit.

I like to stick to playing table games that have a lower house advantage such as blackjack or craps, but I have some friends that insist on playing Let-itRide, which I can’t stand. And I have watched them win quite regularly in the past few years. I try telling them that the Casino edge is high and over the long

THE STRATOSPHERE: CELESTIA www.stratospherehotel.com Celestia, an all-new, international production made its debut at the Stratosphere. This tour de force of acrobatics, technology, artistry and illusion performs eight shows a week in a unique 200,000-square-foot, stateof-the-art tent located right on the Las Vegas Strip.

Presenting an otherworldly story of love and sacrifice through elite acrobatics and dance, aerial feats, live music, state-of-the-art technology and sophisticated illusion, Celestia brings together a talented troupe of 32 multicultural performers to create an eye-popping, immersive experience.

run they are going to take a beating, but, I just can’t seem to get it across. I was wondering what the House advantage is for these games, and if it makes any sense to join in on Let-itRide more regularly.

Also, what about the side bets on Let-it-Ride where you are adding a $5 chip on trying to hit one of the big jackpots for a royal flush, etc. Dan Y. Your friends, Dan, seem to want to believe that “It’s all just luck,” right? In gambling, it isn’t. Everyone can expect a short-term slice of fortune, but over hundreds of thousands of hands, mathematics and skill always reign supreme.

Basing my answer on your using skill versus luck, over the long run, your game/bet selection trumps theirs.

With blackjack, the house has a 0.5% edge against the basic strategy player; that is if said player is skillfully playing each hand correctly. As for those crap wagers that you mentioned, skill isn’t so much needed, but the correct bet selection is. Placing the 6 or 8 carries a house edge of 1.5% and a Pass line wager is slightly better at 1.4%; even lower when taking www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

odds.

As for your friends clamoring over Let-it-Ride, sure, I will be the first to agree that the game is fun to play, slow enough for the gambling neophyte, and does allow you to pull back two of the three bets. Additionally, it’s played at a slower pace than either blackjack or craps so it won’t gobble up you bankroll that quickly.

My problem with the game, Dan, is that even with perfect play, the casino’s edge on Let-It-Ride is 3.51%, making it almost six times what it is in blackjack when using perfect basic strategy. This columnist has always recommended that players should “Never make a wager that has higher than a 2% house edge” so this game doesn’t meet that standard.

Worse yet, Dan, are the LetIt-Ride side bets that you asked about where for $5 – although I’ve seen it offered for as little as $1 – you are presented with an additional payoff with specified paying hands; these bets carry a doubledigit casino edge making them, “too good to be true.” In general, for most table games, Dan, side bets should always be labeled for what they are: sucker bets.

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several bars.

Reservations for air-inclusive travel packages may be made by calling 888.640.8973.

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

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ocated 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. 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.

EVENTS BANFI VINEYEARDS WINE DINNER - May 23.

Beau Rivage is hosting one of North America’s top wine importers, Banfi Vineyards for a fine evening of wine and food. A six-course wine dinner from 6-9:30 p.m. in Stalla.

LA FETE $50,000 SLOT TOURNAMENT FRIDAY, May 24. Registration begins at noon Friday at any M life rewards kiosk. Once registered kiosk will print receipt with players tournament play time and redeemable gift voucher. Tournament begins at 2 p.m. The top 200 players will be awarded with FREEPLAY. SUPER WELTERWEIGHT BOUT - May 25. Austin Trout meets Terrell Gausha in Super Welterweight bout headlining Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and Fox Deportes Live from Beau Rivage May 25

UPCOMING HEADLINE ENTERTAINMENT May 17 - 19 - ROCKTOPIA May 24 - KANSAS May 25 - LOVE BOXING: TROUT VS. GAUSHA June 8 - Aug 7 - LUNARO CIRQUE STYLE EXTRAVAGANZA June 14 - SINBAD June 21 - NELLY June 28 - BRET MICHAELS Unbroken World Tour July 5 - GARY ALLAN July 12 - THE ISLEY BROTHERS July 26 - AMERICA August 2 - RON WHITE August 31 - THEO VON DARK ARTS TOUR

Fallen Oak, Beau Rivage’s beautiful golf course.

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 98

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Bret Michaels

WWW.BEAURIVAGE.COM/FLIGHT

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by Dr. Lori Verderame

Babe Ruth at Auction M

y job appraising art, antiques, and collectibles at big public events, online, and in private homes in large numbers offers me many opportunities to learn about and share new and fascinating ideas about storage, display, and repurposing of antique and vintage objects.

I learn a lot from my audiences and from my clients and I like to spread around what is a wealth of information about how others are enjoying their collectibles.

Here are some of my favorites: A client for whom I conducted an in-home appraisal had been a long-time pet parent. Devastated when a pet member of her family passed, she started to host their cremated remains in her collection of antique lidded tobacco jars. The jars were made of pewter or silver plate and with the aid of some creative display techniques, she kept a photo of each pet on the mantle near each jar.

My client kept the tobacco jar collection on her mantle. The jars were lined up in the order that she purchased or received each jar and placed her oldest pet’s remains in the first jar she ever collected and continued the tradition down the line for other pets. Her idea made for an attractive and heartfelt display.

Twin sisters shared their late mother’s china service for 12. Each sister got half of the service or an 8-piece place setting for 6 persons. At holiday time, when one sister was hosting the entire family for dinner, she wanted to use all of her Mother’s set, so her sister packed up her share of the set and brought them to her sister’s home. The way she

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packed the fragile china was handy. She packed and transported the china by car wrapped in disposable diapers. The diapers’ sticky tabs made wrapping easy. Once wrapped, the sister packed them tightly in a carry-on roller board suitcase to her sister’s home. The diapers’ padding and the easily portable suitcase kept the china protected in transport.

Use antique and vintage canister sets with lids on the bathroom counter or in bathroom linen closet to hold or store toiletries.

For instance, use the large flour or sugar containers for small washcloths, toothpaste tubes, soap bars, extra toothbrushes, etc. The smaller coffee and tea canisters are good for pocket-size tissues, travel-size shampoo bottles, makeup remover pads and cotton balls. They offer a nostalgic look displayed on the countertop and, in the linen closet, these vintage canisters can keep the chaos of toiletries tidy. When someone opens the linen closet door, the closet looks uniform too. That is what my audience member told me she liked about her bright idea.

There are many more bright ideas concerning putting your antiques and collectibles into everyday use. You can share yours on my Social media pages at twitter @drloriv and www.facebook.com/ doctorlori.

Dr. Lori Verderame is an author and award-winning TV personality on History channel’s #1 TV show, The Curse of Oak Island. With a Ph.D. from Penn State University and experience appraising 20,000 antiques every year from audiences nationwide, Dr. Lori presents antique appraisal events worldwide. Visit www.DrLoriV.com or call (888) 431-1010.

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COOLSTUFF!

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BLUEBIRD BOTANICALS THC-Free CBD Oil

GUARD YOUR ID

Security Rollers, Stamps & Tapes

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ew fraud-fighting technology makes it easier to Guard Your ID when disposing of mail and unneeded documents. No more shredders. Guard Your ID security rollers, stamps and tapes will stop thieves in their tracks. These products help keep others from seeing your private and confidential information. Advanced Rollers mask private information on glossy paper and labels. Guard Your ID Stamps cover more information with just one impression. Unique stamp pattern masks the letters where applied. Guard Your ID Camouflage Tape hides complete sentences or just a single letter. They are easier and safer to use than shredders as thieves can reconstruct shredded paper.

Perfect for bills, bank statements, junk mail and more.

GUMMY Vitamin C Slices

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et enough immune-boosting essential vitamins in a fun and tasty way with Rainbow Light Gummy Vitamin C Slices. Naturally fruitflavored gummies offer super boost of vitamin C plus added vitamin E for immune health and added antioxidant protection.

They are all natural; Contains no eggs, fish, gluten, milk, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, or wheat. These gummies help support healthy skin and blood vessels.

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his blend is perfect for those looking to enjoy CBD oil without the presence of THC. It provides a lower-risk alternative for civil servants and athletes who undergo rigorous drug screenings and consumers with extra sensitivities to THC. It contains isolated CBD extract emulsified in fractionated coconut (MCT) oil, and is 1,500+ mg Hemp CBD per fluid ounce.

The blend is Vegan, GMO-free, gluten free, and sweetener free. Recommended serving size is approximately 15 drops, taken by mouth up to four times per day. $39.95 suggested retail for 1/3 oz.

$12.99 suggested retail for 30 count box.

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TUBSHROOM Strainer Hair Catcher

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nlike regular plugs that go over the drain, TubShroom fits inside, neatly collecting hair around it. When it’s time to clean up, simply wipe TubShroom off and go. No harsh chemicals, no more tangled messes. TubShroom is made out of high grade material making it virtually resistant to corrosion and discoloration. This bathtub drain strainer fits any standard 1.5” tub drain and is guaranteed to catch human and pet hair every time. It’s available in five colors: Clean White, Marine Blue, Neutral Gray, Organic Green, and Autumn Orange. It is not for shower stall drains, but ShowerShroom is!

ShowerShroom fits any standard 2” stand-up shower stall drain. And then there’s SinkShroom which fits a typical sink drain of 1.25” in diameter.

SinkShroom will also catch jewelry and other undesired objects before they clog your drain — all without interrupting the flow of water. $12.99 retail.

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BANANA PHONE A phone with appeal!

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eave the seriousness behind with a Banana Phone. This bananashaped, Bluetooth-enabled, mobile handset connects to your smartphone and lets you talk to your loved ones on a banana. Pair your Banana Phone with your smartphone via Bluetooth and start receiving or initiating calls via Siri or OK Google. It has over 10 hours of talk time and 70 hours of idle time and is rechargeable, with a built in lithium battery with micro USB. The Banana Phone also supports a great cause , as it donates 2% of all revenue to support Gorilla Conservation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. They partner with Gearing Up For Gorillas and The Diane Fossey Gorilla Fund and are certified by 1% For The Planet. $39.99 retail www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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The “I Wanna Go There!” Travel Page

Grand Tetons, Wyoming

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ocated south of Yellowstone National Park and north of the town of Jackson, Grand Teton’s 310,000 acres includes lush valley floors, mountain meadows, alpine lakes and the rising peaks of the Teton Range. While iconic locations like Mormon Row and the Moulton Barns may be the most photographed destinations in the park, Grand Teton’s celestial peaks also provide the perfect setting for nature lovers, outdoor adventurers and road trippers who are looking to explore the park’s incredible landscapes.

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