Gulf Coast Family - February 2020

February 2020

Vol. 13 Issue 2

S o Much t o L ove !

Spring Training Schedule  p. 21

PCS Teacher of the Year David Martinez-Cooley p. 41

The Most Romantic Gift p. 32

Publisher: Editor: Designer: Web Developer:

Rodney Beck Jennifer Beck Michael Crumley Matthew Crumley

For advertising opportunities: sales@gulfcoastfamily.org © Gulf Coast Family Publications 2020

“All you need is Love.

But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.”

– Charles Schulz

Gulf Coast Family Publications P.O. Box 3803, Seminole, FL 33775 Phone: (727) 612-0783 Fax: (727) 865-5135 Gulf Coast Family Newspaper is printed monthly, and is distributed throughout Pinellas County. Gulf Coast Family is available in distribution racks in many local Chick-fil-a restaurants, McDonald’s, CVS Stores, R-Clubs, Joto’s Pizzerias, Carmelita’s, After Hours Pediatrics, and Regions Banks in the county, along with many other restaurants, shopping centers, churches, libraries, government offices, and over 180 day care centers and schools. For questions or comments, call (727) 612-0783 or email rbeck@gulfcoastfamily.org.

Gulf Coast Family Publications encourages your input. To comment on one of our articles or to submit photos and articles for possible publication, simply email articles@gulfcoastfamily.org. Submission of your photos and letters constitutes permission to Gulf Coast Family Publications, publisher of the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper, to use them in all media. All submissions become the property of Gulf Coast Family Publications and will not be returned. We reserve the right to edit as necessary, and all submissions will be used at our discretion.

Phothteo of Month Olivia

No portion of the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper may be reproduced without the express written consent of the publishers. The opinions of contributing writers are not necessarily those of the publishers. Gulf Coast Family Publications assumes no liability for products, services, or statements made by advertisers. Neither Gulf Coast Family Publications nor the advertisers can be held liable for typographical errors, misprints, or misinformation contained herein. The publishers reserve the right to edit and refuse editorial and/or advertising which does not meet the publication’s standards. All rights are reserved.

Look for Gulf Coast Family in these locations:

2 • February 2020

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February 2020 • 3

February 2020

20

34

T ake Me Out to the Ballgame

February We 5 This Recommend That You…

6 Parent to Parent

by Jennifer Beck

7 Movie Night 8 February Fun Facts 9 It’s Great to Create!

10 Reader Photos of the Month Young and the Young at 11 The Heart

by Joy Lancaster

Minor Settlements: 12 Florida Allen v. Montalyan

by Chris Reynolds

Your Child Ready for 14 IsKindergarten?

by Dr. Kira Wilson

15 Heart Gallery Pro Dad: Valentine’s Day, 16 All It’s Not About You

by AllProDad.com

This World With 17 Leave Memories, Not Dreams!

by Gaynel Senka

Diaries: 11 Keys for 18 Dungy Loving Your Family

by Tony Dungy, AllProDad.com

Questions to Get to Know 19 20 Him Better

Focus on the Family

Most Romantic Gift– 20 Take Me Out to the Ballgame 32 The Keep a Lifelong Fascination Spring Training With Your Spouse 21 MLB

by Dr. Greg Smalley Schedule

24 Family Night Out Coupons 26 Kids in the Kitchen Tropical Garden 28 The

by Jené VanButsel Spotlight: Perfectly 29 Species Pigmy

by ZooTampa at Lowry Park

They Lived Happily Ever 30 And After

by Adam Holz, PluggedIn.com

by iMom.com

Happiness is a cotton candy disappearing in your mouth.

10

Reader Photos of the Month

4 • February 2020

on the Family 34 Focus

by Jim Daly

37 Building Community Gulf Coast Family 38 2020 School Guide Success Begins With 40 Math Algebra

by Judy Adorno, Sylvan Learning Center of St. Petersburg

41 Education Spotlight 42 February 2020 Events 46 Weekender

Koen Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

This February we recommend that you…

READ IT

Men Are Clams, Women Are Crowbars

by Dr. David E. Clarke

It’s not news to say that men and women are different . . . what’s worth discussing is how to deal with those differences―including the huge impact of what Dr. David Clarke calls their Crazy Making Differences.

Men Are Clams, Women Are Crowbars looks at the widely divergent ways men and women approach emotional issues, then offers solutions for those couples who want to bridge the gender gap, especially in marriage.

HEAR IT

Si Forever The Diamond Edition

EXPERIENCE IT

by Andrea Bocelli Andrea Bocelli is one of the world’s biggest classical stars – he’s sung for Popes, Presidents and royalty and has performed at many of the greatest concert halls and opera houses, and at major international events including the Olympic Games and the World Cup. He has received a Golden Globe, 7 Classical BRITs and 7 World Music Awards and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Si Forever is an extended special edition of Si, his chart-topping album that he released last year, which features some of the biggest names in pop music, as well as a few of Bocelli’s friends.

SEE IT Florida State Fair

Sesame Street Pirate Kids’ Weekends

Saturdays and Sundays, Feb. 1–16 at Bush Gardens Tampa It’s a Pirate Parrrrrrrty. Join Elmo and friends for a pirate celebration Saturdays & Sundays February 1 through 16 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Young lads and lasses are invited to join in the celebration each weekend, featuring: Pirate character dance parties with your favorite Sesame Street friends, themed story times, a treasure scavenger hunt with beads, exclusive photo opportunities, and color your own pirate bandana and more!

February 6 – 17 The fair returns for the 116th year with a “Discover the Fun” theme. In addition to rides, food, exhibits, entertainment, animals, attractions andshopping, this year the fair guarantees over 100 free things to do. Come out with the entire family and enjoy all the excitement and rides you know and love from The Florida State Fair. Enjoy an amazing line up of concerts and shows! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.floridastatefair.com

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

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SURF IT

wonderopolis.org

Wonderopolis is a place where natural curiosity and imagination lead to exploration and discovery in learners of all ages. Their Wonders of the Day will help you find learning moments in everyday life—ones that fit in with dinner preparations, carpool responsibilities, a stolen moment between breakfast and the bus, or within school curriculum and education programs. This is a great website for kids and teachers alike.

February 2020 • 5

for Rabbit is a frequent choice), and definitely no bacon (for Piglet’s sake!).

Parent to Parent As obscure holidays go, none is so important in our house as “National Winnie-the-Pooh Day,” celebrated on A.A. Milne’s birthday each year.

No one knows the origin of the holiday, and we’re not even sure if “national” refers to the United States, Great Britain, or somewhere else entirely. But my daughter Haylee, who would be a serious contender for the title of “Winnie-the-Pooh’s biggest fan”, has very big plans for the day every year. This is not the sort of holiday where you just watch one little movie. She needs to be surrounded by her stuffed animals, watch a marathon of Pooh movies, and have appropriate snacks – honey obviously, but also something to honor the other characters (carrot cake

Haylee had two disappointments as National Winniethe-Pooh day approached a few weeks ago. The first was that she learned that her uncle, who was of course to be invited to her party, was going to be in England on the big day and wouldn’t be able to attend. That disappointment was at least mitigated by the realization that he would actually be in the place where it all happened.

Then, due to lots of company and some other scheduling conflicts, that weekend turned out to be the only time when we could take my son Daniel to Disney to use up the last two days on a four-day pass before it expired. Now, Disney wouldn’t generally be a problem, except Daniel wanted to go to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, neither of which has a significant Winniethe-Pooh presence. Sometimes you can see Pooh and Tigger in Epcot, but not always.

So we arrived at a compromise.

Dad would take Daniel and Hanna to Epcot, and I would

take Haylee to Magic Kingdom, where one can always count on finding Pooh characters and taking a ride through the Hundred Acre Wood. I even managed to get a reservation for a late lunch at Haylee’s favorite restaurant, Crystal Palace, so we could meet multiple characters without waiting in any lines.

Even though it wasn’t quite like she had pictured it, it turned out to be a great National Winnie-thePooh day for Haylee. She packed up one each of all of her Pooh friends in a giant bag and brought them along. And as a result, the characters at the restaurant definitely recognized her as a top fan – we were there for two parades, and each time, one of the characters came and got Haylee to lead it.

And the icing on the cake was when her uncle returned the next week with a new Pooh stuffed animal from Harrod’s, the same store where the original Winnie-the-Pooh was purchased.

Until next time,

Jennifer

For a romantic Valentine’s day,

express your love with the best Valentine’s Day flowers from Hamiltons Florist! We can help you select beautiful and affordable flowers for Valentine’s day and deliver them to St. Petersburg, FL or nationwide.

6 • February 2020

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Plugged In’s award-winning website and reviews are designed to shine a light on the world of popular entertainment while giving families the essential tools they need to understand, navigate and impact the culture in which they live.

See full reviews at www.pluggedin.com

Sonic the Hedgehog – Feb 12

Sonic tries to navigate the complexities of life on Earth with his newfound best friend -- a human named Tom Wachowski. They must soon join forces to prevent the evil Dr. Robotnik from capturing Sonic and using his powers for world domination.

The Call of the Wild – Feb 19

Buck is a big-hearted dog whose blissful domestic life gets turned upside down when he is suddenly uprooted from his California home and transplanted to the exotic wilds of the Alaskan Yukon in the 1890s, where he experiences the adventure of a lifetime.

Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway – Feb 27

Despite his efforts, Peter can’t seem to shake his reputation for mischief among the other rabbits. Once he adventures out of the garden Peter finds himself in a world where mischief is appreciated, but soon his family come to bring him home.

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February 2020 • 7

Fe b ru a ry FU N FACTS

Celebrating 85 years!

Black History is Our History In honor of Black History Month, Regions Bank is once again offering the Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Essay Contest to high school seniors and college students.

The Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Essay Contest is based on the submission of a competitive essay about an inspirational African-American. To enter, applicants write a 500-word essay about how an African-American has inspired and motivated him or her. Entries will be accepted through February 29th. Contest Official Rules and complete entry details and eligibility requirements are available on the campaign’s website, www.regions.com/ridingforward.

Valentine’s Day has always been about showing your affection for that special someone. For that extra personal touch this year, why not show you care by trying one of the many great Valentine ideas you will find throughout this issue of Gulf Coast Family. If all else fails, remember you can never go wrong with roses!

The Florida Strawberry Festival is ranked as one of the top fairs in all of North America and is a true American experience.

Celebrating its 85th anniversary, this year’s festival runs from Thursday, February 27th to Sunday March 8th. Featuring 24 headline acts, 80 thrilling rides, over 400 vendors and the “best strawberries” anywhere, this year’s Strawberry Festival is sure to be a big hit!

February 14, 2020 February 22, 1959

17th Annual National

Wear Red Day February is American Heart Month, and Feb. 7 is the 17th Annual National Wear Red Day, both drawing attention to cardiovascular disease and the efforts to stop America’s number one killer. Knowing the signs and symptoms of heart attack are crucial to the most positive outcomes after having a heart attack. For information on heart disease, visit www.heart.org.

The inaugural Daytona 500 was run in 1959, and since then NASCAR has grown from its provincial Southeastern roots into a national phenomenon. When it comes to the Superbowl of NASCAR, the Daytona 500 is it! If you haven`t yet experienced the “Great American Race”, you will not want to miss the 62nd running of the Daytona 500 on February 16th.

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It’s Great to Create!

Make Valentine’s Day extra-special with easy-to-make crafts. These two fun and festive Valentine’s Day craft ideas make perfect February craft activities for the family as well as adorable Valentine’s Day gifts for that special someone.

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You need: • Empty bottles (glass for older kids and plastic for younger kids) • Valentine’s Day stickers • Construction paper • Yarn or ribbon • Markers or Crayons

Directions: 1. Clean bottles and remove all labels.

2. Have children decorate the bottles with stickers and markers.

3. Have children personalize messages on the construction paper.

4. Roll paper and tie with yarn and insert in bottle.

5. Seal bottle, tie ribbon around top and give to that special someone.

These bottles make great table decorations.

Valentine’s Photo Frame You need: • Empty heart shaped candy box • Favorite photo • Scissors • Craft knife • Glue

Directions: 1. Clean out chocolate box and print out a favorite photo to match the size.

2. Trace the heart shape on the photo and cut the photo to fit in the candy box.

3. Glue the photo into the heart box.

4. Cut three sides of a rectangle into the top of the candy box with the uncut edge at what is the top of the heart.

5. Fold the rectangle down and that will be the stand for the frame.

6. Glue the top of the box (with the stand) upside down to the bottom of the box with the picture inside.

7. Let Glue dry and give finished frame to your sweetheart.

February 2020 • 9

Reader

PH TOs

Send us Your Best Photos

YOUR KIDS COULD BE IN GULF COAST FAMILY!

Send your funny parenting stories to articles@gulfcoastfamily.org.

Or email photos of your kiddos having fun at home, school, or anywhere in-between to myphotos@gulfcoastfamily.org. * Please send high resolution photos if possible.

{of the month}

Daisy

Samantha rts understand.

Kindness is a language all hea

James Anyone can be cool, but awesome takes practice.

Noah I solemnly swear that I am up to NO good.

I’m not spoiled, my master is just well trained!

Little Elsa There is joy and wonder everywhere when you see the world through the eyes of a child.

Emma

Life is a beautiful ride!

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GREEN

by Joy Lancaster

When I was teaching kindergarten, the month of February was always the time to celebrate our wonderful country, the United States of America. Children at that age are just becoming aware of the differences between their city, state, and country. If I asked my students what country they lived in, most of them would say, “Florida.”

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It was always fun finding ways to awaken a feeling of patriotism in their young minds. We learned about George Washington and made a paper plate face with a cotton ball wig. The face of Abraham Lincoln was graced with a black beard made by tracing their hands onto black paper.

It is never too early to begin teaching our little ones to have a love and pride for our great country. Maybe your grandkids have watched animated films about the people who stand behind the founding of our country. Check with your local library for more of these DVDs and also for the beautiful picture books that are available.

Let’s be sure our grandchildren experience all that makes our community unique among so many other great places to live here in the USA. Since we are blessed with beautiful weather most of the year, why not take advantage of the many outdoor activities along the Gulf Coast?

For starters, we have a movie star right here in Clearwater—Winter the dolphin! The Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary is another great place for little ones to see our community at work. The Looper Trolley in downtown St Petersburg is fun just for the ride, but also a great way to get a new view of our beautiful waterfront. For children who are a little older, take them to visit City Hall and let them see our city officials at work. One of the many responsibilities we, as grandparents, enjoy is to plant seeds in children’s hearts which will Grandparent's Tip grow into a greatChildren love to sing. Find a er awareness of catchy patriotic CD, and play it in their community your car’s CD player. You will be and their country. amazed how quickly little ones can learn anything that is set to music!

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February 2020 • 11

Florida Minor Settlements: Allen v. Montalyan

by Chris Reynolds

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle accidents are the number one cause of death in the United States for minors.

Each year, approximately 167,000 children are injured and 1,100 are killed in motor vehicle crashes.

Unsurprisingly, there are many automobile accident settlements involving minors. Florida has multiple laws to protect minors in these situations. One of the stated policy reasons for this is to prevent the parents or legal guardians from spending the settlement money before the child becomes an adult at age 18.

There are two important things that may or may not be required for settlements for minors: (1) approval by a court of

the settlement; and (2) appointment of a guardian ad litem for the minor who will represent the interests of the minor.

Guardian Ad Litem Florida Statute 744.3025 requires that anytime there is a settlement where the gross amount is $50,000 or greater, the court must appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the minor’s interests.

Further, in any case with a gross settlement that exceeds $15,000, the court may, at its discretion, appoint a guardian ad litem for the minor.

Under Florida Statute 744.387, if the net settlement amount (after reduction of medical bills, attorney’s fees and costs, etc.) that will go to the minor exceeds $15,000, the court must appoint a guardian ad litem as well.

Court Approval Some cases are settled before any lawsuit is filed, of course. However, these rules still apply to pre-suit settlements. For those cases where a lawsuit has been filed, every settlement must be approved by the court.

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If the injury claim for the minor is settled before the filing of any lawsuit and the gross settlement amount is less than $15,000, there is no general requirement to get court approval.

If the gross settlement is greater than $15,000 and the net amount to the minor is less than $15,000, but no lawsuit is filed, court approval of the settlement is required, though there is no obligation to appoint a guardian ad litem.

Some courts in Florida (but not all) require that even if the gross settlement amount is less than $50,000 and the net amount to the minor is less than $15,000, the money must be put in a depository account and that money can only be removed from the account with Court approval.

Allen v. Montalvan In this case, multiple minor children were injured in a motor vehicle collision.

Specifically, there was one adult who died, one adult who was injured, and three children who were injured. The at-fault party had only $50,000 total in insurance to cover all of these people.

The $50,000 was given to the attorneys for the adults and children, but the insurance company did not specify how much was for each person. The attorneys ended up giving $25,000 to each adult, and gave none for the children. No court approval for this settlement was obtained.

A couple of years later, the mother of the children filed a claim for injuries on behalf of the children. The insurance company asked the court to dismiss the claim, stating that the claim was already settled.

Though the trial court initially agreed with the insurance company and dismissed the claim, the mother appealed on behalf of the children, and the appellate court disagreed.

The appellate court reasoned that the gross settlement amount was $50,000, and since it involved children, a guardian ad litem was required. Accordingly, the initial settlement was not proper and the claim was still open for the children.

As you can see, minor settlements can become very complex depending on many factors. If you or a loved one knows a minor who has been injured due to the negligence of someone, please call the experienced trial attorneys at Corless Barfield Trial Group for a free consultation to discuss your options.

Mr. Reynolds hails from St. Petersburg, graduated from Northside Christian High School, Eckerd College, and Stetson University College of Law. He lives in Pinellas with his wife and three boys, all of whom attend Keswick Christian School. Mr. Reynolds also has parents living in Pinellas County and a sister who recently returned from overseas as a Christian missionary.

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February 2020 • 13

Is Your Child Ready For Kindergarten?

Five Key Skills To Assess

Kindergarten comes quickly! The first day of Kindergarten is filled with excitement and emotion as we launch our little ones off to start formal schooling. One of the greatest measures of success for the kindergarten year is your child’s academic and socialemotional readiness. Now is a good time to assess areas of strength and areas still being developed in your child. As the parent, you have the privilege to come alongside your child and help build their skills, confidence and security. What a fun and important job. Let’s get started: In determining readiness for kindergarten, parents should consider several things: general knowledge, vocabulary, attentiveness and focus, curiosity and desire to learn, and social and physical maturity. While these skills are further developed in kindergarten, a certain level is needed for a successful first year of formal education.

General knowledge

General knowledge is gained through read aloud books, exploring, and engaging children in conversation about the world around them. A child ready for kindergarten should know basic colors, shapes, be able to recognize most letters of the alphabet and may know the sounds of several letters. They should also recognize numbers to ten, be able to count to

by Dr. Kira Wilson, Director, Covenant Academy

20, recognize and create patterns, and understand ordinal numbers.

Vocabulary

A child’s vocabulary entering kindergarten has been shown to determine academic success.

Vocabulary is acquired through read aloud and discussion with an adult.

Engaging conversation and learning activities such as cooking, creating art projects, visiting the library, and exploring together will help to increase vocabulary.

Attentiveness and Focus

Social and Physical Maturity

The ability to focus on instruction or a task is important for successful learning in the classroom. Readiness for kindergarten means the child can follow instruction and stick with a task for five to ten minutes. Read aloud activities or project learning are good ways to increase attentiveness.

Social and physical maturity is seen in the child’s ability to take turns, share with others, listen, communicate, have command of their body, hold a pencil, write their name, and use scissors.

Kindergarten is a place for learning social skills and further developing physical maturity.

Curiosity and Desire to Learn

This is not an exhaustive list of skills for kindergarten, but it will help you assess and prepare for this important step in your child’s life. It is not expected that these skills be mastered.

Some children will know all their letters and sounds — maybe even be reading when they enter kindergarten,

A curious mind is easy to teach.

Young children are like sponges, soaking up new information minute by minute. Exposing them to a variety of experiences helps their curiosity to grow. Explore the outdoors, involve them in household chores and projects, include them in your hobbies, let them get their hands dirty, create and build, and engage in sports.

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while others will have a reasonable grasp of these skills. Both will be successful.

Covenant Academy is currently offering kindergarten screenings on Wednesday, April 29. Registration is $25 and is currently open for a limited number of children. We will provide an individualized assessment of your child’s current readiness skills and how you can best support them. Learn more online at www.covenantacademyfl.org/ academics/elementary or call us at 727-317-5526 to reserve your spot!

Dr. Kira Wilson is the Director of Covenant Academy in Pinellas County. With more than 30 years in Christian education, her passion is to encourage and equip teachers and parents to develop in children a love for learning and a love for God. She cherishes family time with her husband of 38 years, three children, and two grandchildren.

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INFORMATION NIGHTS! February 17, 7 p.m. & April 6, 7 p.m.

Do you have room in your heart and home for a waiting child?

Jacob Age 8

Photo courtesy of Julie Semancik

Jacob is kind, loving and thoughtful. He would describe himself as funny, caring and excited about life!

In his free time, Jacob likes to go to the beach, watch Power Rangers and read books, especially, anything Dr. Seuss related! Jacob is known for his sweet tooth. His favorite foods are cake and brownies.

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Jacob’s favorite super hero is Superman because he thinks everyone should do the right thing. His favorite animals are zebras, sharks and giraffes. In a perfect world, Jacob would like everyone to be nice and pick up their trash and no bullies please!

Jacob’s ideal family would go camping, watch sports and be adventurous!

Yaromie Age 17

Photo courtesy of Angela Clifton Photography

Yaromie wants to serve her country as a Marine someday.

But for now, Yaromie is happiest when she gets to hang out with her friends, as well as watch movies, like her favorite, Captain Underpants. She also loves going to the mall, mostly to look at shoes, especially if they are Converse.

Yaromie also loves the colors red and black, the TV show Catfish, and Fetty Wap. At school, her favorite subjects are reading, math and history. If you’re serving pizza or tacos, Yaromie is there, but she will pass on sandwiches.

Yaromie’s ideal family will have parents who like to spend time together as a family – playing Monopoly on rainy days or going to the park or beach when it’s sunny out. Siblings would be a bonus!

For more information about the Heart Gallery visit www.heartgallerykids.org or call 727-258-4806.

February 2020 • 15

not only have to open her own doors but has to get the kids in the door herself.

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To be more romantic, don’t make things about your happiness but about your wife’s happiness instead. When you do that, you’ll be romantic in her eyes. And Valentine’s Day will be just an extension of the natural romantic that you now are. Here are 4 ways you can make Valentine’s Day and your marriage not about you but about your wife.

1. Set her apart.

It’s here, fellas. Valentine’s Day is upon is.

To some, the mere thought may cause you to break into a cold sweat. It’s the one day of the year where we are supposed to be, no, have to be romantic with our spouse.

Well, Valentine’s Day is really not the only day of the year we are supposed to be romantic, but it is one of those days where we are encouraged to do so and may be judged if we’re not.

For those of us who don’t know the meaning of the word romantic or who don’t have a romantic bone in our bodies, it can be a challenge. For those of us who struggle in the romance department, there is a trick, a hack that can help you be the most ro-

mantic person on every day of the year. It’s simple, but not easy. When it comes to Valentine’s Day, it’s not about you—and neither is your marriage.

When we understand this and act according to it, romance will be easy. Try this: Think back to your dating days before you and your spouse were married. One of your biggest priorities was making things about her. The restaurant, the date night activity, the clothes or cologne you wore, the doors you opened for her. You made it about her.

Then you got married. Maybe you chose to go wherever to eat, date nights disappeared, and she didn’t always smell the fresh fragrance of cologne on you. Now, she may

Your wife has a spot that nobody else can or should occupy. Not your kids, your parents, your golfing buddies, your boss, or anybody. Let her know this and let others know this, with your words and actions.

2. Take on the hard stuff on her behalf.

Ever heard of “good cop, bad cop.” Sometimes you have to be the “bad cop” in your

marriage in order to keep her looking good.

Being willing to have the next couple of difficult conversations with your kids or family members. Do whatever you can to take some of the heat off of her. Volunteer for some of the harder cleaning items around the house, particularly the ones you know she hates.

3. Love her like you’d want to be loved.

You probably treat yourself pretty darn good. You do your best to encourage yourself, to take care of your body and do what you think is best for you. Do that for your wife. Love her in a way that makes her feel loved. Be sure to find out her love language first.

4. Get close and intimate with her.

Intimacy is doing or sharing things with a person that you don’t do with anyone else.

Do that with your wife. Share your deepest feelings, concerns, fears, dreams, and anything else. Don’t hold anything back, and don’t let anything get between you and her.

When you do these things you will have no problem being romantic, and your wife will know Valentine’s Day and your marriage is not about you, but your love for her.

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Leave this world with

Memories, not Dreams!

by Gaynel Senka

How would you describe planning a family vacation? Exciting? Promising?

Overwhelming? Stressful? The answer to this can be any and all of these at the same time! Family vacations are so exciting to look forward to and experience together, but they can also be stressful to plan and with so many options available can also be overwhelming! Let’s start with the assumptions that a family vacation is a huge benefit to your family, and is something you definitely want to do!

Now, where do you start?

Choose your adventure!

Where do you want to go? What do you want to experience? Living in Florida gives us so many options as we look to plan a family vacation. Do we make a short drive to Orlando for a visit to the

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theme parks? Do we book a cruise and visit the Bahamas or Caribbean? Do we hop on a flight and visit one of many tropical destinations that are within a half-day trip? I’d suggest deciding on what destination you want first.

Plan ahead!

While it’s true that on occasion you can score a last-minute deal on a cruise or hotel, in general the best rates are going to be available months or even years in advance. You’ll get the best selection and choice of accommodations. It also forces you to put it on your calendar and plan the rest of “life” around those dates. If you know what you’d like to do, consider putting a deposit down a year or so ahead of time. This gives you the time to make payments on your upcoming trip, and secure the best prices for your dream vacation! I always suggest figuring out the cost of your vacation up front, what you want to spend,

and then breaking it down into payments you can afford each month. Also, going on vacation and not having the cost follow you home is a wonderful way to add to the enjoyment of your trip!

Know your options!

When you get there, what are you going to do? Where are you going to eat? Do you want accommodations with a kitchen where you can prepare meals in your room? Would you prefer a dining package that covers the cost of your meals in advance? If you booked an all-inclusive, what exactly does that mean? What is included and what isn’t? (hint: they’re all a little bit different!) What are the must-do’s wherever it is that you’re going?

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I don’t charge any fees, and will do everything I can to find the perfect vacation for your family, that fits your budget, and helps you create amazing memories! Contact me for a free, noobligation quote on your family’s next adventure!

February 2020 • 17

11 KEYS FOR

LOVING YOUR FAMILY

DUNGY DIARIES

by Tony Dungy

In the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain, Derek Redmond believed he could win a silver medal for Great Britain. After five years of daily training and eight operations on his Achilles tendons, Derek had won the first two heats and was running in the semifinals of the 400 meters. Things were going as planned until, coming out of the first turn, he heard a snap and felt a sharp pain in his left leg. Derek went down in a heap on the track as he realized that his left hamstring had exploded, and with it, his dreams of an Olympic medal. He got to his feet and began to run—hop, really—to finish the race.

He later said that he was determined to finish and therefore waved off the race officials, who were running toward him with a stretcher.

And then he felt a hand on his shoulder.

18 • February 2020

Redmond began to push the hand of assistance away until he turned to find himself looking into the face of his father, Jim. When Jim Redmond had seen what had happened to his son, he had pushed his way out of the crowd and onto the track and rushed to tell Derek that he didn’t have to finish. But when Derek insisted that he complete the race, Jim said they would do it together.

that they’re okay, to help them see that failure isn’t final and that when they take their next steps, they will not be alone. Quality time is important. Being actively engaged with our children in their schoolwork or their activities or by simply reading a book is important.

But they need quantity time, too, and lots of it. Even if there’s nothing special on the agenda, they need to know that we’ve chosen to be in the room or in the house with them, over all other interest competing for our time.

a leader around your home, but 1 Be lead for the benefit of your wife and

Along with your children, your wife should be a priority in your life. Here are keys for loving your family well.

most important decisions you will ever make.

Derek cried into Jim’s shoulder as they walked the remainder of the course, and race officials continued to come to their side in an effort to assist the pair.

Jim now was the one who waved them off, later saying he didn’t understand Spanish and wasn’t going to be stopped from being with his son.

Our children need to know that we’re there to help them pick up the pieces of their shattered dreams, to tell them

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

children, not for your own benefit.

your wife breaks 2 Give daily responsibilities.

from her

3 Make memories. your vows sacred. Sometimes 4 Keep better comes after worse. you are not married, be careful in 5 Ifselecting a spouse. It is one of the

present with your family 6 Be emotionally and physically.

—

7 Be careful what you say and do.

8 Write notes to your children.

9 Honor those in authority over you. careful with the authority and 10 Be influence that you’ve been entrusted with.

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February 2020 • 19

Take Me Out to the Spring training gets into full swing in February here in Florida, and for families who have a passion for our national pastime, spring training is the ideal time to see your favorite players at their pre-season best – having fun, willing to sign autographs and open to mingling with the fans. At Spring Training, you can watch players like Kevin Kiermaier and Miguel Cabrera take morning batting practice in settings so intimate it feels as if they could just as easily be at your neighborhood ball field.

As any true fan of baseball will tell you, Spring Training is not just about the game, it’s about the experience. Here are some tips to ensure that you and your family have an enjoyable day at the ballpark.

•B ring your glove: Arrive at the park for morning workouts about 10am and you’ll see balls flying out into the parking lot.

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•S ay cheese!: Spring Training is jam packed with Kodak moments, so have your camera ready.

• Relax!: The absolute best part about a family spring training trip is the simplicity of it.

• Autograph please? Bring a couple new Sharpies and maybe a extra ball or two. The best opportunities are after morning workouts from about 10 to 11 a.m.

This February and March, make it a point to take the family to a Spring Training ballgame and just maybe, you’ll start a fun new tradition. Of course, be prepared. Once might not be enough as the kids will be begging to go to more games.

•G et good seats: Spring Training ballparks are much smaller than their major league counterparts, so nearly every seat seems close to the field.

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Date Sun Mon Thu Fri Mon Tue Thu Sat Sun Thu Fri Tue Wed Sat Sun

Feb 23 Feb 24 Feb 27 Feb 28 March 2 March 3 March 5 March 7 March 8 March 12 March 13 March 17 March 18 March 21 March 22

Opponent Houston Astros New York Mets Houston Astros Tampa Bay Rays Miami Marlins Baltimore Orioles St. Louis Cardinals Miami Marlins Detroit Tigers New York Yankees Miami Marlins New York Mets Houston Astros New York Mets St. Louis Cardinals

FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches 5444 Haverhill Road West Palm Beach, FL 33407 (561) 500-HITS (4487) fitteamballpark.com

St. Early Jerome Childhood Center We are offering an Upscale Blend of high quality Clothing, Shoes & Accessories in an inviting “boutique” setting.

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To advertise, call 727-612-0783

You will also find Furniture, Household Goods, Toys and more.

All proceeds support the ministry of Keswick Christian School.

We are committed to Community Investment through participation in a FREE Clothing Voucher program.

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February 2020 • 23

Your Neighborhood Favorite Since 1974…

VALID FOR DINE-IN, TAKE-OUT & DELIVERY

We all know that eating out often can add up! So, it’s important to know where the best deals are for the family. Here are some great places in the Tampa Bay area that are family friendly and are offering some great specials.

NO OTHER COUPONS, DISCOUNTS, OR OFFERS APPLY

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(727)

397-6661

(727)

544-5611

Banquet Room Available

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TAKE-OUT CATERING

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Family Owned and Operated for over 40 Years!!!

{ SMOKIN’ OFFER} HERE’S ONE FOR YOU!

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24 • February 2020

any purchase of $25 or more!

with any other special, Please present coupon when ordering. Not valid 3-31-20. Limited to one Discount, promotion or coupon. Enjoy through locations in Pinellas y’s Coupon per household. Good at participating Sonn GCF and Hillsborough Counties Only.

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

FRESH FOOD FAST Dine-In or Drive-Thru Catering

eatPDQ.com US

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Catering Available for Tenders, Sandwiches, Salads Spend over $100 in catering With this ad. Valid at Pinellas Park and St. Petersburg PDQ only. Expires 3/31/2020.

BUY ONE TENDERS, SALAD OR SANDWICH COMBO MEAL

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www.gulfcoastfamily.org

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

Valid at Pinellas Park and St. Petersburg PDQ only. Expires 3/31/2020.

February 2020 • 25

in the kitchen This year before you freeze your strawberry bounty from the Florida Strawberry Festival, why not try this delightful dessert. This delicious and easy treat did not take long at all for the kids to make and it took even less time for the family to devour it.

Strawberry Cupcakes • 1 package white cake mix • 1 small package strawberry gelatin • 4 egg whites

• ⅓ cup vegetable or canola oil • 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries • ½ cup water

• ⅓ cup butter • 2 ½ cups powdered sugar • Additional fresh strawberries for garnish

1. Combine cake mix, gelatin, egg whites, and oil in a large mixing bowl. Beat until well blended.

2. Mash strawberries in their juice. Set aside ¼ cup for icing, and add remaining berries and water to cake batter. Mix well.

3. Pour batter into 24 lined or greased cupcake pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 18 minutes. Cool completely.

4. Combine butter and reserved strawberries in a small mixing bowl.

Gradually beat in powdered sugar until spreading consistency.

5. Frost cupcakes and garnish with fresh strawberry halves, if desired.

26 • February 2020

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Here is a super easy stromboli recipe that you can prepare in no time for the big game day or any time you’ve got a hungry crowd. This hearty appetizer is a real crowdpleaser in our home and the beautiful thing about stromboli, is you can layer in whatever ingredients you like.

Pepperoni Stromboli • 1 loaf frozen bread dough, thawed • 2 eggs, separated • 2 tbsp. oil • 1 tsp. dried oregano • 1 tsp. dried parsley flakes

• ½ tsp. garlic powder • ¼ tsp. pepper • 4 oz. sliced pepperoni • 8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese • 1 tbsp. Parmesan cheese

1. On a lightly floured surface, roll bread dough into a 15-inch by 12-inch rectangle.

2. Combine egg yolks, oil, oregano, parsley, garlic powder and pepper. Spread over dough.

3. Arrange pepperoni slices over egg mixture and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.

4. Roll up dough starting with a long side. Pinch ends to seal.

5. Place seam side down on a lightly greased baking sheet. Lightly beat egg whites and brush over top.

6. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes.

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

February 2020 • 27

28 • February 2020

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Pinellas Academy is a SACS Accredited Charter School offering:     

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Perfectly Pygmy The best things come in pygmy packages – that’s the saying, right?

Pygmy hippos, as their name implies, are smaller than their Nile hippo relative. At full grown, pygmy hippos weigh in at only a few hundred pounds and stand only about three feet tall. Our pygmy hippo family consists with mom, Zsa Zsa, dad, Pogo, and baby, Holly Berry.

They may be “small”, but their personalities are huge.

Proud papa Pogo is an easy-going, gentle hippo. He likes stretching himself across the steps of his pool to keep half his body in the water, and half out in the sun. If you have children, there is a chance Pogo will come straight to the viewing window of his habitat to inspect them – makes for a great photo and memory!

Natural Habitat

Rivers running through West African forests.

Range

Found primarily in Liberia.

Size

Experienced mother, Zsa Zsa, plays that role very well! She spends her days with little Holly Berry and teaching her the pygmy hippo ways.

While she can sometimes be stern, she is also extremely patient and accommodating with her playful girl.

Rounding out our perfect pygmy family is Holly Berry. The little bundle of joy made her debut weighing 9 lbs. at just 5 days old and proceeded to steal the hearts of everyone who saw her little rolls.

Her name came to fruition with a naming competition in partnership with Hyppo Gourmet Ice Pops.

After a thousand suggestions, tons of cuteness, and hundreds of pops – Holly’s name was revealed and it is fitting. She is sweet as a berry and truly a holly little girl. With every day, she gains confidence and independence. She still sticks close to mom but is not afraid to push her boundaries. We can’t wait to watch her grow up and hit her next milestones – budding teeth and solid foods.

350-600 pounds can reach 6 feet in length.

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(727) 330-9449

Diet Details

www.pinellasacademy.com www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Mainly consume grasses, leaves, shoots and fallen fruits from forest.

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

February 2020 • 29

And They Lived Happily Ever After DEARLY BELOVED, we are gathered here today, at the neighborhood Cineplex, to witness the union of two people in holy matrimony.

Though big-budget Disney remakes, superhero films and sci-fi sagas from a galaxy far, far away often get the most attention at the box office, movies about marriage remain a cinematic staple.

That’s because good movies depend on interesting conflicts, and marriage offers no shortage of storytelling fodder in that department, whether we’re talking about Hallmark romances, silly romcoms or serious dramas.

We may snicker at the contrived situations and the stilted dialogue that Hollywood often delivers, but the fact is that we do indeed have high expectations of marriage. And movies tap into those “happily ever after”

longings, sometimes in ways that are constructive, other times in ways that quietly reinforce unhealthy expectations of what love and marriage are all about.

So let’s take a look at the potential perils and promises of onscreen relationships, especially when it comes to how they influence our perceptions of marriage.

Unrealistic expectations?

Most of us like happy endings, and most movies give us exactly that. In fact, we typically get mad when they don’t. And when it comes to relationship movies, happily ever after often comes wrapped in passion, intensity and neatly resolved conflict. The message: The world is a better place now that these two people have finally worked through all their issues.

pluggedin.com

by Adam Holz, PluggedIn.com That desire for a happy ending is, I believe, hardwired within us. We long for a world where broken places are healed, where rough edges are filed down, where the most unlikely couples somehow navigate their differences and discover that true love can conquer any and all obstacles. Classic rom-coms like Sleepless in Seattle, You’ve Got Mail, My Best Friend’s Wedding, Notting Hill, Hitch and Crazy Rich Asians — not to mention virtually every movie on the

Hallmark Channel — are built on this same narrative template.

While I am well aware of their derivative nature, I actually like these kind of movies. I’m a romantic at heart.

But I sometimes face the temptation to compare my marriage of 15 years (with three kids) to a nice, neat, feel-good story that’s completely wrapped up in the two hours. And if I’ve had a recent conflict with my wife, or we’re dealing with some unresolved issue in our marriage or family, these films can make me feel like there’s something wrong with my own relationship - that it’s not as good as what I’ve just seen on the big screen.

In those moments, I have to remember that rom-coms are essentially fantasies and that

Sleepless in Seattle

MOVIES THAT INSPIRE CONVERSATIONS If you and your spouse are looking for an evening of uplifting entertainment, consider the following films. These movies just might inspire you and lead to heartfelt and honest conversation about love, marriage and family (Note: Some of these movies are rated PG-13, so be sure to check out PluggedIn.com if you have any questions about a film’s content.)

• Father of the Bride

• A Beautiful Mind

• Up

• The Incredibles

• Shadowlands

• Wonder

• Marley & Me

• Julie & Julia

• Fireproof

• Ever After

The Incredibles

Wonder Ever After

Fireproof 30 • February 2020

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

We might laugh at Hollywood’s ideas about marriage, but movies have the capacity to both undermine and inspire our relationships.

Crazy Rich Asians life in the real world isn’t always neat and tidy.

Catalysts for conversations and inspiration And yet… a well-told story has the capacity to move our hearts, to unlock feelings and ideas we weren’t even aware of. Movies can inspire us to be better people — to make

us want to love our spouse with more intentionality, more understanding, more forgiveness. Films can open the door for us to talk about weaknesses, faults and foibles that might otherwise be difficult to acknowledge.

what faithfulness looks like for the long haul and in the face of loss or struggle.

A Beautiful Mind, for example, depicts a wife who struggles to love a husband with schizophrenia. In Shadowlands, we see C.S. Lewis’ faithful love for his wife, Joy Davidman, as she succumbs to terminal cancer.

Sometimes, movies also provide a powerful portrait of

Turns out that “happily ever after” is a lifelong journey, one full of triumphs and troubles, victories and setbacks. Some movies powerfully remind us of this reality, some inspire us, and some prompt us to laugh at ourselves. Just remember that it’s on us to recognize that our nagging marital problems

A Beautiful Mind

aren’t going to be solved in two hours at the Cineplex.

Shadowlands

MARCH 2, 2020 WWW.TRINITYCOLLEGE.EDU www.gulfcoastfamily.org

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

February 2020 • 31

The Most Romantic Gift — Keep a lifelong fascination with your spouse

by Dr. Greg Smalley American couples spend billions each Valentine’s Day. Romantic cards, candy, flowers, candlelit dinners and even expensive jewelry — are these what true romance is all about? I’m not knocking such gestures, and this year I’ll likely buy some items on that list. But these things are mere romantic tokens. Gifts and dinner dates can enhance romance, but they do not define romance. Some couples fail to understand its essence and have instead replaced the heart of romance with symbolic tokens and obligatory outings.

Proverbs 5:18-19 aptly describes the heart of romance: “Rejoice in the wife of your youth….May you always be captivated by her love”. True romance is more about being captivated by your spouse than buying flowers or chocolate.

Captivation is all about curiosity and interest – being allured by your spouse.

Intentional Connection When I was first dating Erin, getting to know her was fascinating. We spent hours talking about her feelings, thoughts, beliefs, opinions, fears, desires, needs, hopes and dreams.

However, after we’d been married for a few years, we encountered a romance buster – we became accustomed to each other. We gradually stopped asking questions and started believing that we knew everything there was to know about each other.

Every marriage has areas that are working well and areas that could use improvement.

In order to have a healthy marriage, it’s important to evaluate these areas and give them the attention they need.

Here’s the great news: Romance and passion don’t have to naturally fade. I learned to nurture romance by renewing my mindset daily. I changed my attitude from seeking comfort in the familiar to remaining curious. When I pursue staying current with Erin’s inner world, I’m captivated by her feelings, needs, fears, hopes and dreams, which is the very stuff that I spent hours learning about during our dating, engagement and early marriage years.

Learn how to live before you learn how to make a living

Lifelong fascination True romance is a deep, lifelong fascination with your mate. As you renew your curiosity, your wife or husband will seem even more alluring.

Your spouse and your marriage relationship are always changing; there’s something new to discover every day. Being a lifelong student of your spouse and learning all you can about her or him is the most romantic gift you will ever give on any day of the year.

Dr. Greg Smalley is vice president of Marriage and Family Formation at Focus on the Family and the author of several books, including Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage.

this is motherhood

We build circles of women who love each other like family, because raising humans is beautiful and hard, and having each other to lean on is life-giving.

Those two years are still the best years of my life, and I would never trade them for the world.

– Benjamin Ward Jack Wyrtzen Center New York Campus

TRACS accredited www.wordoflife.edu

JAN

10

Second Friday of each month 9 a.m. – Noon Breakfast and Childcare Provided

Sept 13 | Oct 11 | Nov 8 | Dec 13 | Jan 10 | Feb 14 | Mar 13 | Apr 10 | May 8

Starkey Road Baptist Church 8800 Starkey Road, Seminole

New York | Florida | Ontario, Canada | South Korea

32 • February 2020

For moms from pregnancy to kindergarten.

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

(727) 397-1654 mops@srbc.org www.srbc.org/mops www.gulfcoastfamily.org

You’re Invited…

JOHNNY HALL AND ONE VOICE MISSION PRESENT THE:

oneVoice

hym n FREE sing WORSHTIP EVEN

R

Come join your voice as we confess our faith and worship our living Savior together.

SUNDAY | FEB 16 | 2020 | 6PM Starkey Road Baptist Church, 8800 Starkey Rd, Seminole, Florida

Doors open at 5:30PM

We will be singing the “Old Favorite Hymns” from a specially prepared Hymnal - those songs you know and love! - led by Johnny Hall, our concert guest vocalist.

This is a free, non-denominational event. An offering will be taken.

Don’t miss this wonderful worship experience!

VOICE

MISSION

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MISSION

SRBC.ORG www.gulfcoastfamily.org

VOICE

8800 8800Starkey StarkeyRoad Road Seminole Seminole EST 1981 Florida Florida33777 33777

|

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ONE ONE

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8800 Starkey Road Seminole Florida 33777EST 1981

S P O N S O R E D B Y: Starkey StarkeyRoad Road Baptist BaptistChurch Church

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EST EST1981 1981

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To advertise, call 727-612-0783

February 2020 • 33

LEARNING TO BE CIVIL IN A DISAGREEABLE SOCIETY

with Jim Daly Q: Every time I turn around, there’s another example in the news or on social media about people fighting over issues of race, politics, religion, moral beliefs, etc.

I’m beginning to lose hope that there can ever be peace in our land. What are your thoughts?

Jim: It’s clear that America is deeply divided, on many fronts. But a lot of that conflict is driven by an idea that’s fundamentally untrue: the perception that disagreeing with someone means you disrespect them as a person—or even hate them. It doesn’t have to be that way.

Beliefs can be polarizing. But differing perspectives don’t have to cause us to lose our sense of dignity for one another. That means we can vigorously defend what we believe, but we can do it with civility and respect.

The key is grasping and applying a core value that’s guided our nation for over two centuries: a person’s value is the result of qualities beyond what we see at first glance.

This is why my Christian faith emphasizes the profound worth of every human being. People don’t deserve dignity because they’re the right height, shape, color, political

persuasion or any other label. All human beings have immeasurable worth simply because it’s endowed them by their Creator.

Our conversations about societal issues have to start— and continue—in that context. And it works. Some of the people I consider to be my friends are activists who fight for ideas that directly oppose my deeply held beliefs. We disagree over almost every political and social issue. But we’ve still been able to build genuine friendships, because we show one another respect even though we hold radically differing opinions. None of us believes our opposing views have to turn into animosity or hatred toward one another. That civility allows us to find common ground.

WHAT CONSTITUES ACCEPTABLE AND UNACCEPTABLE FILMS

simple questions to always ask (and train your daughter to always ask).

Q: Our 14-year-old daughter was invited to an overnight video marathon at a friend’s house. The plan was to binge-watch a series of horror films that we wouldn’t ordinarily view in our household. We chose to not let our daughter attend. But when I spoke with the friend’s mom, her reply was “Whatever—it’s only a movie.” Do you think we were too restrictive?

Bob Waliszewski, Director, Plugged In: I’ll admit I’m not a fan of the horror film genre or its recent spin-off commonly called torture porn. Because of that, it would be easy for me to quickly answer your question with a “you did the right thing—case closed.” But the question is best answered in a bigger context of what constitutes acceptable and unacceptable films. I like to boil down the “in-bounds vs. out-of-bounds” dilemma to a few

The first is this: Will watching this film (or watching this TV show, listening to this song, playing this video game) make me a better person? Will it encourage me to be more honest, compassionate, generous and noble? Will it challenge me to care about others more, make a greater difference in this world, and better respond to life’s trials?

If the answer to the above questions is yes, there’s still another factor to consider. Even if the film is inspiring, encouraging and uplifting overall, does it contain some content that would be counterproductive to my overall mental/ spiritual health?

I say all this because it’s arguable that a few “horror” movies might fit the bill. But again, the place to start is not just films of this type, but to put all movies—no matter the genre—to the tests above. PluggedIn.com provides detailed content reviews to help you with this process.

TO KNOW HIM AND LIVE THAT OTHERS MAY KNOW HIM You will be encouraged, challenged and have opportunity to grow in your personal relationship with Jesus Christ!

34 • February 2020

Small groups

10:00 am Worship Service

Developing deep rooted relationships with God and each other

6:00 pm Youth Group / Adult Small Groups Senior / Young Married / College & Career / Teens

102nd Ave N

Seminole Blvd

Ulmerton Rd

113th St N

Come Alive!

Sunday

Bryan Dairy Rd

Park Blvd

Seminole Assembly 10600 113th Street N

727-391-9788 www.seminoleag.org

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

TRUE INTIMACY IN MARRIAGE IS WORTH THE SACRIFICES Q: I’m getting married in June. My fiancée and I want to have a great lifelong relationship, so we’re asking various people for advice and input. What’s your perspective?

Achieve Your

At LIFT ACADEMY, all children are celebrated as unique and special individuals. Our experienced, compassionate staff are dedicated to uncovering each student’s gifts, developing confidence and nurturing academic and social success.

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I think part of the answer lies in what we expect from relationships. The primary reason we’re attracted to people is because of the way they make us feel. Now, I want as much as anyone to experience good feelings in my marriage. But superficial emotions like that aren’t enough of a foundation to sustain a relationship or to create deep, fulfilling intimacy. That’s because as soon as the good feelings disappear, so does the person’s commitment to the relationship. It’s why people abandon friendships. And it’s why people give up on marriages.

True love is something quite different. Love is patient and understanding. And, yes, love can be hard. It sacrifices for someone else and chooses to stay with them in spite of their faults. Instead of running away, love faces challenges head on, so it can break through to something richer and more meaningful. As one person put it, love is “seeing the darkness in another person, yet resisting the impulse to jump ship.”

Very few things in life are as enriching as true intimacy in marriage. The path to authentic, soul-fulfilling intimacy in a relationship isn’t always strewn with rose petals; sometimes there are a few thorns along the way. But it’s definitely worth the work.

LIFT UNIVERSITY is designed for neuro-diverse students who can benefit from the college experience, including those with intellectual disabilities, developmental delays, autism, and a variety of learning disabilities.

LiFT U is a person centered transition program, offering students a unique and highly individualized opportunity to further their education while developing skills necessary for independence.

• Mathematics • Reading Comprehension • Life Skills

• Budgeting • Career Readiness • Gardiner and McKay Scholarships accepted

LIFT UNIVERSITY AT OAKHURST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 13400 Park Blvd Seminole, Fl 33776 727.258.7659 l i f t u n i v e r s i t y @ l i f t a c a d e m y. o r g

INDEPENDENCE

LEARNING

Jim: Every couple wants a loving marriage that’ll endure for the long haul. So it’s worth asking, “Why do so few relationships seem to actually experience that kind of genuine intimacy?”

Bridge the Gap to College

UNIVERSITY

Pinellas Preparatory Academy, Inc Award Winning Art Departments Music / Spanish / Athletics Challenging Curriculum Afterschool Clubs Technology Integration

2300 S. Belcher Road, Largo, FL 33771

Call 727-536-3600 to schedule a school tour.

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

FOR TOMORROW

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

PPA is a high performing, tuition free, public charter school for highly motivated students in grades K-8.

Our highly trained, award winning teachers offer a private school education in a family atmosphere.

Accepting Applications for 2020-2021 February 2020 • 35

with Jim Daly

DON’T FORGET TO HAVE FUN WITH YOUR KIDS Q: Our family schedule is pretty crazy, and it seems like we’re all just getting busier. We’re trying to make changes, but meanwhile I’m concerned about staying connected with our children in what little “free time” we have. What do you suggest?

Jim: Parenting can certainly be challenging, and it’s easy to let the serious business fill every hollow. But sometimes you just have to know when to be playful.

I’ll share a personal example. I came home from work one day just as my boys came dragging into the house from the backyard. Troy was limping and Trent had a black and blue mark emerging on his chin. “What happened?”

I asked. Troy said, “Don’t jump on the trampoline with Mom. She landed on my ankle.” Then Trent said, “Her knee cracked me right in the jaw.”

Obviously, that playtime didn’t go so well, but believe it or not, it did have a positive outcome. First, it was a moment we all still laugh about. But more importantly, Jean’s playfulness drew the boys closer to her. The bum ankle and sore jaw are long forgotten, but my boys will always remember their mom taking time out of her busy schedule to play with them.

That’s a great reminder for every parent. The pressures of adult life can make us a little too serious sometimes. Be playful. Play board games, wrestle on the floor, throw the ball around. Find something your children like to do and join them. It’ll deepen your relationship with them, and they’ll see you as more than a disciplinarian or someone who cooks dinner and does the laundry. They’ll see you as someone who really enjoys spending time with them whenever you can. And to a child, that equals feeling loved.

HOW TO HANDLE A TODLER TANTRUM Q: I’m a first-time parent, and my son is just getting to the “toddler tantrum” stage. I’m a bit overwhelmed— how do I handle these episodes?

Danny Huerta, Vice President, Parenting and Youth: That may depend on the reason for the tantrum. Is your child hungry or tired? If so, offering a snack or a nap may be all it takes to nip a tantrum in the bud.

However, if your child is frustrated over not getting his way, the best thing to do is ignore the outburst. The last thing you want to do is give in or drop everything in an effort to appease your little one. This will teach him that negative behavior pays off.

Once your child does calm down, explain that screaming won’t work and that you need him to use words.

If the tantrum continues, however, you may need to use a time-out. Place your toddler somewhere without toys or entertainment, and wait for him to quiet down before allowing him to rejoin the family.

It can also be helpful to identify those triggers that set your child off. If, for instance, your toddler tends to throw a fit when it’s time to leave a fun setting, prepare him in advance. A five-minute warning can go a long way toward heading off a tantrum.

Finally, remember that toddler temper tantrums are perfectly normal. And, if they’re handled correctly, your child will soon learn healthier ways to express emotions. For more ideas about raising young children, visit FocusOnTheFamily.com.

Jim Daly is president of Focus on the Family, host of the Focus on the Family radio program, and a husband and father of two.

A safe and loving place where children have fun learning

REGISTER NOW FOR 2020 Ages 2 through *VPK (*9 – 12) Full Time / Part Time Hours 7:30 – 5:30 Phone: 727.573.1012 Email: preschool@feathersoundchurch.com 36 • February 2020

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

Classes are Filling Up!

13880 Feather Sound Drive Clearwater, Florida 33762 www.gulfcoastfamily.org

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Pinellas Park Title Co. » A+ rated with BBB. » In business for over 32 years. » We close anytime, anywhere at no extra charge.

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February 2020 • 37

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Cornerstone Christian School

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Anona Christian Center

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727-593-5437 anona.com; find us under the Grow tab

2yr – VPK

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VPK – 8th

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1yr – 4yr

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Belleair Montessori Academy

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Blessed Sacrament Catholic School

5

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3yr – 8th

Center Academy Palm Harbor

727-781-2986 centeracademy.com

4th – 12th

727-541-5716 centeracademy.com

5th – 12th

12

classicalconversations.com

Pre-K – 12th

13

727-954-8856 ccschool.com

VPK – 12th

14

727-733-1438 cornerstonechristianfl.org

VPK – 8th

15

Classical Conversations

Over 30 locations in Pinellas & Hillsborough 10 11

#

5

Cathedral School of St. Jude

6710 86th Ave N, Pinellas Park

Community Christian School of Five Oaks

7900 22nd Ave N, St. Petersburg

Cornerstone Christian School

317 Milwaukee Ave, Dunedin

16

Feather Sound Christian Preschool 727-573-1012 feathersoundpreschool.com

38 • February 2020

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32

9

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9th – 12th

Center Academy Pinellas Park

9

19 33 24 50 15 46 27 3

727-449-2247 cchs.us

34054 US 19 N, Palm Harbor

Scan this barcode with your QR enabled smart phone to see our complete online school directory. Or visit www.gulfcoastfamily.org

16

2

Calvary Christian High School

600 58th St N, St. Petersburg

6

28

29

Pre-K – 8th

110A N McMullen Booth Rd, Clearwater

12

43

4

727-391-4060 blessedsacramentcatholicschool.com

11501 66th Ave N, Seminole

6

Grades 3yr – 12th

Bay Pines Lutheran

3

35 36

14 30 45

384-5500 x 220 farragut.org

501 Park St. N, St. Peterburg

49 8

31

11

Pinellas County

Contact Information

727-542-6294 covenantacademyfl.org

727-733-1438 cornerstonechristianfl.org

BELLEAIR MONTESSORI

2020 Gulf Coast Family

School

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13 17 25 42 37

26

20

41

18 48 44

22 39

34 10 1

40

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Contact Information

Grades

727-799-1618 myccacademy.org

Infant – 8th

727-542-6294 covenantacademyfl.org

K – 10th

Delphi Academy of Florida

727-447-6385 delphifl.org

Pre-K – 9th

Faith Academy Preschool

727-391-9788 seminoleag.org

2yr – VPK

Countryside Christian Academy

1850 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater

Covenant Academy

5495 Park Blvd, Pinellas Park 1831 Drew St, Clearwater

10600 113th Street, Seminole

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First Baptist Preschool Center Holy Family Pinellas Park Catholic School 727-544-9465 727-526-8194 fbcpp.org/preschool holyfamily-school.com Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

20

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727-393-9100 keswickchristian.org www.gulfcoastfamily.org

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School

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

30 31 32

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Feather Sound Christian Preschool

13880 Feather Sound Dr, Clearwater

727-595-2112 ctklc.org/preschool Grades

727-573-1012 feathersoundpreschool.com

2yr – 5yr

727-544-9465 fbcpp.org/preschool

2yr – 6yr

33 34 35 36

727-526-8194 holyfamily-school.com

2yr – 8th

37

727-596-4342 ircs.org

Pre-K – 12th

727-393-9100 keswickchristian.org

Infant – 12th

First Baptist Preschool

250 78th Ave NE, St. Petersburg

Indian Rocks Christian School

12685 Ulmerton Road, Largo

Keswick Christian School

10101 54th Ave N, St. Petersburg

Lakeside Schristian School

1897 Sunset Point Rd, Clearwater

Learning Adventures Preschool

4401 38th Ave N, St. Petersburg

727-239-7808 lakesidechristianschool.org 727-527-3180 www.AtLearningAdventures.com

LiFT Academy

727-434-8322 liftacademy.org

13400 Park Blvd, Seminole

Loving Arms Christian Preschool

727-595-2112 ctklc.org/preschool

11220 Oakhurst Road, Largo

Morning Star School

4661 80th Ave N, Pinellas Park

727-544-6036 morningstarschool.org

Northside Christian School

727-541-7593 x 247 nck12.com

Oakhurst Learning Center

727-596-3411 oakhurstlearningcenter.com

7777 62nd Ave N, St. Petersburg 13233 102nd Ave. N., Largo

Pinellas Academy of Math & Science

1775 S Highlands Avenue, Clearwater

727-330-9449 pinellasacademy.com

Pinellas Preparatory Academy

727-536-3600 pinellasprep.org

2300 S Belcher Rd. #100, Largo

727-793-2400 platoacademy.net

2045 Palmetto St., Clearwater 1601 Curlew Rd., Palm Harbor 7100 142nd Ave. N., Largo

thru #

36

K – 12th 2yr – 5yr age 5–18+ 2yr – 5yr

40 41 42 43

K – 12th 45 VPK – 12th 46 2yr – Pre-K 47

thru #

41

Plato Academy (Continued)

10888 126th Ave., Seminole 3901 Park St. N., St. Petersburg 2795 Keystone Rd, Tarpon Springs 8812 Old County Road 54, New Port Richey

727-793-2400 platoacademy.net

K – 8th

727-576-1772 fbcstpete.org

2 yr – Pre-K

Rainbow Preschool

727-397-5759 oakhurstumc.com

2 yr – VPK

Rosie’s Play School

727-526-1038 rosiesplayschool.com

2 yr – VPK

Rosie’s Play School

727-526-1038 rosiesplayschool.com

1 yr – VPK

Rosie’s Play School

727-521-6931 rosiesplayschool.com

Infant – VPK

727-544-1106 shsaints.org

Pre-K – 8th

727-535-8512 shadycreekpreschool.com

2 yr – VPK

727-456-7511 shorecrest.org

3 yr – 12th

727-797-1186 skycrestchristianschool.org

1 yr – 8th

727-596-9491 stjeromeearlychildhoodcenter.org

2 yr – VPK

727-360-1113 sjvcs.org

VPK – 8th

727-522-3000 stpetechristian.org

K – 8th

727-781-3808 westlakechristianschool.org

2 yr – 8th

Promiseland Preschool

1900 Gandy Blvd., St. Petersburg 13400 Park Blvd, Seminole 4500 38th Ave. N., St. Petersburg 501 39th St. N., St. Petersburg 2869 54th Ave. N., St. Petersburg

Sacred Heart Interparochial School

7951 46th Way N, Pinellas Park

Shady Creek Preschool

2095 Belleair Rd, Clearwater

Shorecrest Prep

5101 1st St NE, St. Petersburg

Skycrest Christian School

129 N. Belcher Road, Clearwater

St. Jerome Early Childhood Center

10895 Hamlin Blvd, Largo

St. John Vianney Catholic School

K – 8th 48 K – 8th

K – 8th

39

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

39

44

#

727-793-2400 platoacademy.net

38

49

Plato Academy

30

727-544-6036 727-541-7593 x 247 morningstarschool.org nck12.com MORNING School Grades S T A R S C H O OContact L Information

Contact Information

5495 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park

Holy Family Catholic School

26

#

MORNING STAR SCHOOL

FOR TOMORROW

727-434-8322 liftacademy.org

16

25

24

#

INDEPENDENCE

LEARNING

#

50

St. Petersburg Christian School

2021 62nd Ave N, St. Petersburg

Westlake Christian School

1551 Belcher Rd, Palm Harbor

Westside Christian School

11633 137th St N, Largo

727-517-2153

westsidechristianschool.com

K – 12th

# 46 47 St. Jerome Early Childhood Center

#

727-526-1038 rosiesplayschool.com

727-596-9491 stjeromeearlychildhoodcenter.org

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

727-360-1113 sjvcs.org

February 2020 • 39

Math Success Begins With Algebra Judy Adorno, Director, Sylvan of St. Petersburg In today’s society, everyone, not just those who are mathematically inclined, must understand algebraic concepts and be able to work with technology. Changes in society and new expectations of colleges and employers have revolutionized math curriculums. Success in algebra often correlates to success in college, so it is very important for today’s students to do their best with this critical subject.

Parents can sometimes feel intimidated because they lack experience with updated math teaching and technology. What practical steps can be taken to ease parental concerns and help families build confidence in this new approach to middle and high school mathematics?

What Parents Need to Know

Students who take advanced mathematics courses during high school, and begin to study algebra during middle school, are at an advantage. Traditionally, students cannot take a higher-level mathematics class

RAISING THE NEX

TG

in high school until they have successfully completed Algebra 1.

can restrict a student’s college options and limit their career aspirations.

it allows students to easily absorb and retain crucial math concepts.

What Parents Can Do

Fortunately, parents can nurture and build comprehension by blending common sense and state-of-the-art technology to ensure a positive learning experience. Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of tutoring to all ages, grades and skill levels, believes, in order to make competent decisions, children must learn to analyze facts and understand complex situations.

Persuade children to take additional math classes. Many students indicate that they do not plan to take math classes beyond their school requirements. Math classes offer critical learning skills that are needed throughout life. Success in algebra correlates with success in higher education and learning reasoning skills. Taking additional math classes helps children to become logical, independent thinkers.

According to research from Ohio State University’s Center for Cognitive Science, math technology and how-to instructional videos allow students to “come to the understanding themselves using their critical thinking skills instead of relying on memorization.”

Encourage children to take algebra early in their educational careers, if they are academically ready. Students who do not take courses covering algebraic concepts early in their schooling risk missing important opportunities for growth. By the end of junior and senior years, students who have not planned ahead, have fewer options in what classes they can take and may not be able to complete prerequisite courses. This

Incorporate technology. Technology should support math instruction and students should be encouraged to use all of the modern tools at their disposal to gain an understanding of the underlying reasoning and computations used in problem-solving.

Educators believe that infusing learning aids and technology during in-school math instruction and homework completion provides an advantage at test time because

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40 • February 2020

of five oaks

To support your child’s math learning, parents must believe that everyone can learn mathematics, and that learning math is essential to lifelong success. Experts agree that parents can encourage a positive attitude towards mathematics by boosting a child’s confidence and competence. Studies indicate that people who have experienced long-term difficulty with a subject tend to give up quicker than those who have met with success. Therefore, it is important for parents to intervene as soon as a child exhibit signs that he is struggling with a concept.

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ccschool.com McKay, Step Up For Students, and Private Scholarships available Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

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Riverview Pinellas Park Palm Harbor

813 909-9442 813 677-7777 727 541-5716 727 781-2986

www.CenterAcademy.com www.gulfcoastfamily.org

District names inaugural Emerging Teachers of the Year Music teacher named district’s 2020 Teacher of the Year

Courtney Titcomb, a first-grade teacher at Azalea Elementary School, and Olivia Crawford, a language arts teacher at Largo Middle School, were named the district’s inaugural Emerging Teachers of the Year.

David Martinez-Cooley, a music teacher at Leila G. Davis Elementary, has been named Pinellas County Schools’ 2020 Teacher of the Year. The award was presented Wednesday night during the Evening of Excellence at Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg.

All 131 nominees were also recognized at the event.

Courtney Titcomb, a first-grade teacher at Azalea Elementary Schooi, named Emerging Teacher of the Year for elementary.

Olivia Crawford, a language arts teacher at Largo Middle School, named secondary Emerging Teacher of the Year.

Martinez-Cooley has worked with the Pinellas County Schools for more than 12 years. He earned Master’s degrees in Music Education and Mathematics Education from the University of Florida. Martinez-Cooley is a recognized leader among Pinellas music educators. He serves on the district’s textbook adoption committee to choose new digital resources for the district’s elementary music students and he helped with revising and refining the district’s grade level key learnings. He has a very successful music program at the school and that success is due to his willingness to always find new and unique ways of engaging his general music students.

David Martinez-Cooley will now represent the district in the state Teacher of the Year competition sponsored by the Florida Department of Education.

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

The Emerging Teacher of the Year program brings recognition to exemplary new teachers who are

in their second or third year of teaching. These teachers have demonstrated excellence through representation of the district’s core values. Two teachers are selected, one from elementary and one from secondary.

Titcomb and Crawford, along with district teachers, were celebrated at the annual Evening of Excellence on Wednesday, January 29, 2020, at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg.

Student artworks on display at the Dunedin Fine Art Center More than 100 elementary school students were honored on this past January for having their artworks selected for the Creative Start Elementary Schools Exhibit. The exhibit, which features art by students from schools beginning with the letters A-M, are on display at the Dunedin Fine Art Center. Congratulations to all of the PCS students chosen for the exhibit and our student award winners!

Award of Merit: Daria Proykova, Academie DaVinci Dylan Meyer, Brooker Creek Elementary Dieudonne Sathoud, Fairmount Park Elementary

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

Honorable Mention: Kayla Bell, Melrose Elementary Remy Boomgarden, Lake St. George Elementary Jesus Baltazor-Lopez, Belleair Elementary

February 2020 • 41

February 2020

Events

February 1 - 29 BUSCH GARDENS REAL MUSIC REAL MASTERS Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s longest running concert series returns! This amazing concert series brings unique acts to Stanleyville Theater, including firstrate tribute acts, acrobatic performances and chart-topping artists from the greatest musical eras. Grab a seat in the climatecontrolled Stanleyville Theater and see these memorable acts live at Busch Gardens. www.buschgardens.com February 1 - 29 UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S MARDI GRAS 2020

scavenger hunt with beads, exclusive photo opportunities and special pirate crafts and more! www.buschgardens.com

history comes to life in LEGO® bricks during “Brick History,” a new exhibit at the Tampa Bay History Center. The exhibit features ­­­28 meticulously crafted models, each depicting a person, moment or discovery that altered world history. www.tampabayhistorycenter.org February 1 - 2 ELMO’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AT SEAWORLD Join Elmo and his furry friends as they celebrate Elmo’s Birthday! Enjoy an interactive DJ dance party, a coloring station, a scavenger hunt, and photo opportunities. Don’t miss this weeklong party for Elmo in select locations around the all-new Sesame Street Land at SeaWorld! www.seaworld.com

February 1 MONSTER JAM Don’t miss Monster Jam this January at Raymond James Stadium. You can see the massive trucks up close, meet your favorite drivers and crews, get autographs, take pictures and enjoy other family-friendly activities. It’s an unforgettable part of the Monster Jam experience where special connections are made and lifelong fans are born. This is Monster Jam. www.monsterjam.com February 4 - 14 BE WINTER’S VALENTINE

February 1 A GALA EVENING WITH BERNADETTE PETERS

It’s unforgettable springtime fun for everyone. Enjoy our 25th anniversary Mardi Gras celebration with nightly parades with outrageous street performers, colorful costumes and countless beads flying through the air. Catch some of the biggest names in music live in concert on select nights. Plus you’ll enjoy authentic New Orleans bands each night and mouthwatering Cajun food available for purchase. It’s 25 Years of Party, only at Universal Studios Florida. www.universalorlando.com February 1 - 24 2020 EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT Catch captivating performances everywhere you turn at the Epcot International Festival of the Arts. The event features visiting artists, an array of foodie delights and opportunities for guests to embrace their own inner artists.

Immerse yourself in a world of color, culture and creativity when the Festival of the Arts returns this February! www.disneyworld.disney.go.com February 1 - 16 BRICK HISTORY Featuring key figures from Mozart to Martin Luther King and recent history from mobile phones to the moon landings, 42 • February 2020

The multiple award-winning Broadway, film and TV star joins the Florida Orchestra at the Mahaffey Theater for heartfelt renditions of songs by Sondheim, Rodgers & Hammerstein and more. Michael Francis conducts. A great concert for a great cause: your Florida Orchestra. www.floridaorchestra.org February 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 & 16 SESAME STREET SAFARI OF FUN KIDS’ WEEKENDS AT BUSCH GARDENS Ahoy mateys! Join your favorite Sesame Street crew decked out in pirate gear Saturdays and Sundays February 1 through 16 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. New this year, families can meet Aloysius Snuffleupagus, affectionately known as Snuffy, during the first ever Snuffy Weekend. Young lads and lasses are invited to join in the celebration each weekend, featuring: Pirate character dance parties with your favorite Sesame Street friends, themed story times, a treasure

Visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium through February 14th for Be Winter’s Valentine!

Bring a Valentine’s Day card for Winter or any of the CMA’s resident, rescued animals and kids 12 and under will receive $9.99 admission. There are also special Valentine’s dive presentations at 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., a giant Valentine’s Day card you can sign, photo opportunities with “Be Winter’s Valentine” photo frame theme and Valentine’s themed enrichment for the CMA’s resident rescued animals www.seewinter.com February 4 TODDLER TUESDAYS AT ZOO TAMPA In honor of Manatee Awareness Month, this month’s Toddler Tuesday will be all about manatees. Join us as we read “Kobee Manatee: Heading Home to Florida” by Robert Scott Thayer and “A Manatee Morning” by Jim Arnosky. After the readings, stick around for an exclusive animal mingle. www.zootampa.org February 4 CHILDREN’S BOARD OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FREE TUESDAY The Glazer Children’s Museum proudly presents a Free Admission Tuesday

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

program held on the first Tuesday of every month, between 12-7pm. Join us and great partners like WEDU PBS for free, family fun. www.glazermuseum.org February 4, 6, 8, 13, 15, 25, 27 & 29 TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING HOME GAMES The Tampa Bay Lightning have become one of the NHL’s must-see franchises.

Without a doubt, the Lightning are one of the best experiences in sports, and a visit to Amalie Arena makes it easy to see why.

This January make plans to come out and “Be the Thunder” as the Bolts take on the Vegas Golden Knights, the Pittsburgh Penguins, the New York Islanders, the Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Chicago Blackhawks and the Calgary Flames. www.nhl.com/lightning February 5 CIRQUE DIABOLO AT THE TAMPA THEATRE Tampa Theatre and SRO Promotions are proud to announce Cirque Diabolo, appearing LIVE on Tampa Theatre’s historic stage at 7:30pm Wednesday, Feb. 5.

With an array of the best performers from around the world, Cirque Diabolo presents a new generation of Cirque-style show.

The electrifying and mesmerizing Cirque Diabolo will be performing incredible feats of strength and beauty on stage, as well as breathtaking aerial performances. www.tampatheatre.org

February 5 THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA PERFORMS AT THE MFA Join the Museum of Fine Arts as The Florida Orchestra gives a special, intimate performance of Darius Milhaud’s Creation du Monde and Igor Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale, inspired by the exhibition.

Concert will be conducted by TFO Associate Conductor Daniel Black, and narrated by local actor Becca McCoy. www.mfastpete.org February 6 - 17 FLORIDA STATE FAIR Experience 12 days of thrill rides, amazing agricultural exhibits with over 5,000 animals and fantastic fair food. Don’t www.gulfcoastfamily.org

forget the fun games, shopping, cultural exhibits and FREE entertainment also at the fair! Parking is free! See you at the Fair! www.floridastatefair.com February 7 BILLY JOEL IN CONCERT Legendary musician Billy Joel will return to Tampa, Florida to perform at AMALIE Arena on Friday, February 7, 2020. Billy Joel is one of the biggest concert draws in the world and continues this achievement with an impressive run of sold-out consecutive stadium shows and concert arenas. Having sold 150 million records over the past quarter century, scoring 33 consecutive Top 40 hits, Billy Joel ranks as one of most popular recording artists and respected entertainers in history. The singer/songwriter/composer is the sixth best-selling recording artist of all time and the third best-selling solo artist. www.amaliearena.com February 7 - 29 SEVEN SEAS FOOD FESTIVAL AT SEAWORLD

Get your taste buds ready, because SeaWorld Orlando’s Seven Seas Food Festival is back! Savor over 180 mouthwatering options – from international cuisines to domestic and imported craft beers to unique wines. Sample from more culinary markets than ever before – including Caribbean offerings and delectable sweets. And to top it all off, SeaWorld is bringing their most diverse lineup of live performances ever to the stage – featuring rock, country, Latin, Christian, and more! www.seaworld.com February 8 RAYMOND JAMES POPS PRESENTS MUSIC OF BOND...JAMES BOND Be stirred, not shaken, by more than 50 years of music for the world’s most famous spy. Michael Francis conducts.

Performances will be held at the Mahaffey Theater and at Ruth Eckerd Hall. www.floridaorchestra.org www.gulfcoastfamily.org

February 8, 15, 22, 29 DILLYDALLY WITH DALI Children can discover the creative world of Dali through games, puzzles and arts + crafts activities which educate and encourage family interaction. Dillydally with Dali takes place under the direction of the museum’s Family Programs Coordinator in the 1st floor Education Classroom. www.thedali.org February 9 ROCKET LAUNCH: ULA ATLAS V SOLAR ORBITER Solar Orbiter is an international cooperative mission between the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA and will soon study the sun. The mission seeks to answer questions like how the sun is able to create and control its heliosphere, the surrounding bubble of magnetic fields. Solar Orbiter will orbit the sun, nearing as close as 26 million miles away from the star.

After launch, it will take 3 years to reach this elliptical orbit around the sun. The spacecraft has been developed by Airbus Defence and Space. www.kennedyspacecenter.com

planet. Drawing from lessons he learned while exploring Europe, Central America, Asia and the Middle East, Steves outlines how by traveling thoughtfully people can make their trip an investment in a better world and take home the greatest souvenir: a broader perspective. The discussion will be followed by an audience Q&A. www.tampatheatre.org February 13 - 16 PATEL CONSERVATORY PRESENTS THE JUNGLE BOOK, KIDS! Banished by the ferocious tiger, Shere Khan, a human boy named Mowgli and his friends, Bagheera and Baloo must rally their fellow animal friends into battle to restore peace throughout the jungle.

Specially adapted from the classic Disney animated film and performed by students ages 7-10, Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS! features a host of colorful characters and all your favorite songs from the movie. www.strazcenter.org February 13 MASTERS OF ILLUSION

The hit CW television series and America’s largest touring magic show, Masters of Illusion, returns to Ruth Eckerd Hall. This 21st century magic show is unlike anything you have seen before - filled with modern illusions and arts of deception, performed live on stage. Audiences will be held at the edge of their seats by the jaw-dropping grand illusions, and laugh out loud at the hysterical comedy magic as performers from around the world combine fantasy, fervor and flair with magic created in front of their very eyes. www.rutheckerdhall.com February 14 ANDREA BOCELLI IN CONCERT FOR VALENTINE’S DAY The world’s most beloved tenor delivers this special Valentine’s Day concert after his sold-out 2018 performance at Amalie Arena. Andrea Bocelli, hailed as one of the most romantic voices of our time, performs an evening of soaring arias, crossover hits and music from his No. 1 Billboard album Si perfectly designed to celebrate the day of love. www.amaliearena.com

February 10 AN EVENING WITH RICK STEVES AT THE TAMPA THEATRE In a lively and fun presentation, Rick Steves will discuss travel with a goal of good stewardship and a responsibility to be an ambassador to, and for, the entire To advertise, call 727-612-0783

February 15 - 29 PAW PATROL: ADVENTURE PLAY AT GCM Celebrate the month of February with the all new exhibit at the Glazer Children’s Museum, PAW Patrol: Adventure Play.

The heroic PAW Patrol pups need your help in Adventure Bay! You and your family will join Marshall, Chase, Skye, Rubble, Everest, Rocky, Zuma, and Tracker as you explore your unique abilities, overcome challenges, and help friends. No job is too big, no pup is too small! www.glazermuseum.org February 15, 16, 22, 23 & 29 BAY AREA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL Queen Katherine Parr and her royal court invite one and all to this 16th Century European village featuring 12 stages of exciting entertainment. Over 80 artisans fill the Festival marketplace to display and sell their handcrafted wares for a truly unique shopping experience. Patrons can interact with hundreds of memorable characters roaming the village streets as well as view live armored jousting throughout the day.

Come celebrate the Renaissance Festival’s newest season by visiting the Festival grounds in Tampa, FL. Huzzah! www.bayarearenfest.com February 15 THE BEACH BOYS - 12 SIDES OF SUMMER The unforgettable harmonies and classic sound of The Beach Boys will bring “Good Vibrations” back to Ruth Eckerd Hall after their sold-out performances in 2018 and 2019. Every ticket purchased includes a digital download of Mike Love’s new album, 12 Sides of Summer.

Performing a career spanning range of material from their early surf rock classics to masterpieces like “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” and “God Only Knows”, to later hits including “Kokomo”. www.rutheckerdhall.com February 2020 • 43

Florida-related theme. Discover what life at sea was like for an 18th century privateer, listen to a young couple navigating changing social attitudes during the 1960s, or hear about the home front in 1940s Tampa during WWII. Free with admission. www.tampabayhistorycenter.org

February 20 - 23 DISNEY PRINCESS HALF MARATHON WEEKEND Enjoy a Royal Race Weekend! It’s an enchanting occasion for princesses and princes of all ages, featuring events for all skill levels, coveted regal medals and Disney entertainment! Meet some of your favorite Disney Princesses, pose for photos and make your way to the finish that ends happily ever after! www.rundisney.com February 22 TAMPA BAY HISTORY CENTER’S LIVING HISTORY SATURDAYS Get face-to-face with Florida history during Living History Saturdays! Each month, a living historian will tell stories, show artifacts and give a short presentation on a different

February 22 MINECRAFT MANIA AT MOSI You’ve dug dirt, punched a tree, slayed a zombie or twenty . . . now it’s time to put those skills to the test in MOSI’s Minecraft Mania! Play on custom-designed individual and multiplayer worlds and scenarios found only at MOSI. Each week will feature a new adventure where you will learn useful tips and tricks that will guide you on becoming a Minecraft Designer, Adventurer, and even Master. www.mosi.org February 24 IL VOLO: THE BEST OF 10 YEARS The acclaimed, powerhouse Italian pop trio Il Volo returns to the United States as part of a world tour in celebration of their 10year anniversary and their new album 10 Years – The Best Of. The new album pays homage to the career of three unique voices that have crossed national borders, sold millions of records and climbed rankings worldwide. www.strazcenter.org

February 27 - March 8 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL The Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City rivals any state fair in the country with its agricultural displays, livestock shows, arts and crafts, local food, headline music concerts and huge carnival midway. The entertainment line-up, year after year, is extraordinary. You will not want to miss this truly Florida tradition! www.flstrawberryfestival.com

a consummate performer, sensational storyteller and knock-out musician. Candid, familiar, funny and fresh, Tesh creates the feeling that he’s performing just for you.

An audience favorite around the world, Tesh delivers a delightful evening of songs you love and stories you’ll remember forever. www.strazcenter.org February 29 BUSCH GARDENS FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL In 2020, a world of taste awaits at the sixth annual Food & Wine Festival. The festival features new and exciting dishes, plus some of the biggest acts in musical entertainment will take the stage every weekend on Festival Field. Food and beverage is

February 28 JOHN TESH: SONGS & STORIES FROM THE GRAND PIANO An evening with entertainment golden boy John Tesh is not just a concert; it’s an event. From his years on Entertainment Tonight, Tesh became a household name, evolving from a beloved personality into

Feb 15 - May 25 The heroic PAW Patrol pups need your help in Adventure Bay! Join Marshall, Chase, Skye, Rubble, Everest, Rocky, Zuma, and Tracker as you explore your unique abilities, overcome challenges, and help friends. No job is too big, no pup is too small!

44 • February 2020

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

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FEBRUARY 2020 TampaBayParenting.com

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not included with park admission and is available for an extra fee. www.buschgardens.com February 29 LEAP WITH THE FISHES AT THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM 2020 is a Leap year – which means an extra day to celebrate 25 years of The Florida Aquarium – and we’re gonna party all night long with a lineup of fun activities! Join us for Leap with the Fishes – on Saturday, February 29th. During this exclusive 21+ sleepover, our guests will see the Aquarium in a new light, in the dark. www.flaquarium.org

February 29 THE RUSSIAN NATIONAL BALLET THEATRE PRESENTS SLEEPING BEAUTY Relive the timeless fairytale LIVE on stage performed by one of the top touring ballet companies in the world. Sleeping Beauty, replete with a king and queen, fairies both good and evil, a beautiful princess and dream prince, magical stage effects, and courtly splendor is choreographed to the music of Tchaikovsky. www.rutheckerdhall.com

February 29 GASPARILLA FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS Every year, downtown Tampa transforms into one giant outdoor museum when hundreds of artists gather for the Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of Arts.

Imagine some of the world’s preeminent artists, hand-selected from over 1,000 submissions, all in one place. From pottery and photography to glass, digital mediums, paintings, mixed media, wood and water colors, it’s an imaginarium of the senses.

The 45th annual Gasparilla Festival of the Arts is certain to inspire. www.gasparillaarts.com February 29 DINOS ALIVE! AT ZOO TAMPA Explore the zoo and discover species not seen for thousands of years! With life-size animatronic dinosaurs plus fun activities, like fossil digs, the whole family will surely have a DINO-mite time. www.zootampa.org

Have an Event?

Email submissions to events@gulfcoastfamily.org for consideration or visit our online calendar at gulfcoastfamily.org.

ST

T IM E

IN TH E

U .S .

AT THE TAMPA BAY HISTORY CENTER

A walk through history in LEGO® bricks

NOW OPEN Featuring key figures from Mozart to Martin Luther King Jr., and events like the Boston Tea Party and the Moon Landing, see pivotal moments in world history come to life in LEGO® bricks.

SAVE Up To $5 on Tickets!

Use o f f er code: S X F E B • E x pir e s: 2 / 1 4 / 2 0

Offer code can be used toward purchase of up to eight (8) Reserved Seat Tickets. Limit one (1) offer code per transaction. No double discounts. Must be redeemed at time of ticket purchase.

Tickets are subject to availability. Restrictions, exclusions and additional charges may apply. Excludes premium seats. Tickets at market pricing. Redeem offer at venue box office or ticketmaster.com.

©2019 The LEGO® Group. Brick History is not sponsored, endorsed or otherwise supported by the LEGO Group.

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

@tampabayhistory

Smithsonian Affiliate

DECEMBER 2019 TampaBayParenting.com

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1911421

RAYMOND JAMES STADIUM FEB 15 801 Water Street • 813.228.0097 Tampa Riverwalk tampabayhistorycenter.org

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

Competitors shown are subject to change. © 2019 Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

FEBRUARY 2020 TampaBayParenting.com

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February 2020 • 45

The Gulf Coast Family Weekender

FRIDAY

FEB

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Disney’s International Festival of the Arts Walt Disney World Epcot disneyworld.disney.go.com

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

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2 Super Bowl LIV

Experience the ultimate cultural celebration as food, art and entertainment perfectly merge into this 4th annual event!

Florida State Fair www.floridastatefair.com

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Raymond James Stadium www.monsterjam.com Rays Fan Fest Tropicana Field tampabay.rays.mlb.com

FREE EVENT. Meet your favorite players, tour the Rays clubhouse, and more!

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Dancing with the Stars: Live Ruth Eckerd Hall www.rutheckerdhall.com Featuring fan favorite professional and troupe dancers in a brand-new production showcasing every type of dance style as seen on ABC’s hit show Dancing With the Stars

John Tesh: Songs & Stories from the Grand Piano Straz Center www.strazcenter.org

Watch the best riders in the world compete when Monster Energy AMA Supercross returns to Tampa!

22 Bay Area Renaissance Festival: Highland Fling MOSI www.bayarearenfest.com

29

Lightning Hockey Amalie Arena lightning.nhl.com

The Tampa Bay Lightning host the Calgary Flames at Amalie Arena.

GO BOLTS! 46 • February 2020

Busch Gardens Tampa

www.buschgardens.com

Ahoy mateys! Join your favorite Sesame Street crew decked out in pirate gear from 11 – 4. Included with park admission.

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The Big Bounce Monster Energy Ruskin Recreation Center Supercross www.thebigbounceamerica.com Raymond James Stadium www.raymondjamesstadium.com Public Service

Andrea Bocelli Amalie Arena www.amaliearena.com

Bocelli’s fans will be treated to a repertoire of soaring arias, crossover hits, and famed love songs in honor of the Valentine’s season. With support from the Opera Tampa Festival Chorus.

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Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

Announcement… This is NOT your typical bounce house! The Big Bounce America is the largest inflatable event in the world!

23

Florida Strawberry Festival Plant City flstrawberryfestival.com

The Florida Strawberry Festival is an 11-day event celebrating the strawberry harvest of Hillsborough County. Each year, over 500,000 visitors enjoy the festival’s headline entertainment, livestock shows, rides, exhibits and, of course, its strawberry shortcake.

1

Sleeping Beauty – Russian National Ballet Ruth Eckerd Hall MARCH www.rutheckerdhall.com Relive the timeless fairytale LIVE on stage performed by one of the top touring ballet companies in the world. www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Now Hiring Apply online at www.rclub.net

Strengthening children, families & communi�es since 1976

49 Convenient Loca�ons in the Tampa Bay Area VPK offered at All 10 Early Learning Academies High Quality Before & A�er School Care in 49 loca�ons throughout Pinellas County Na�onally Accredited Early Childhood Educa�on Centers & VPK, Head Start and Early Head Start throughout Pinellas & Hillsborough Coun�es ♦ Free 21st Century Community Learning Centers in Middle Schools ♦ Special Services for children 0-5 years with special needs and/or social emo�onal/ behavioral challenges ♦ HIPPY (Home Instruc�on for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) a na�onal model early Literacy program with excellent school readiness results ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

R’Club Offers a Variety of Volunteer Opportuni�es

For more informa�on contact Zureida Gonzalez 727-578-5437 ext. 2944

Happy Workers an R’Club Early Learning Academy

Lic. #52511737517

www.rclub.net

Preferred Child Care Provider of the Tampa Bay Rays www.gulfcoastfamily.org

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

February 2020 • 47

Say it all.

Their A Home for Christian Families

OPEN HOUSE February 12, 9am March 11, 9am April 15, 9am

As a Christian school united by common beliefs and values, it is no wonder Keswick has become something much larger.

Students, families, faculty, and staff are bound together as a community of believers united in a single mission and purpose. It’s an atmosphere where warmth and love are demonstrated daily, and where families enjoy a wonderful peace of mind knowing they have made the right educational choice for their child.

That, will make you smile.

Experience Keswick for yourself: www.KeswickChristian.org or call 727.393.9100 for a cheerful tour.

Infants – 12th grade 10101 54th Avenue North St. Petersburg, Florida 33708

www.KeswickChristian.org FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE