Vol. 5, Issue 1, January 2019
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NEW TAMPA’S FAVORITE MONTHLY DIRECT-MAIL MAGAZINE
Bakas Equestrian Center Brings Dreams to Life for Handicapped Riders By Lisa Stephens Since 1987, Bakas Equestrian Center has been providing an opportunity for handicapped students to learn to ride, compete or fulfill their dreams of recreational horse riding. “We meet their needs,” said Danni Johnson, Senior Recreation Therapist, of the handicapped riders at the facility. Danni has been with the facility since she was
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: From the Editor.........................5 GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club.............................6 Florida Hospital Receives National Honor for Patient Experience..................................9 Tech Talk with Bob...............10-11 The City of Oldsmar Could Soon Have An Olympian!.............12-13 Garage Guru.............................18 Busch Gardens® Concert Series...19
16 years old. “I was a barn brat,” he revealed. But this “barn brat,” who started as a volunteer herself, has since become one of the experienced staff members among students at the facility. Back in 1987, John Bakas approached Hillsborough County about opening a facility that would provide handicapped students an opportunity to ride horses. Today, this county owned facility, along with a non- profit group, which provides funding for equipment, scholarships for students and maintenance for the hooves of the horses enables handicapped students to come and experience an opportunity for therapy or recreational riding they can’t get anywhere else. According to Danni, the students who come to ride regularly range in ages from 4 to 78 years old. “We even have veterans and MS patients who come for therapy rides,” she said. She also explained their biggest population of riders is diagnosed with autism. “We provide a program for each rider,” she explained. “Some are geared for Special Olympics and
some are here for general recreational riding,” she said. She went on to explain that the Special Olympics are for those who suffer with mental impairments. To accommodate the students who did fall within that category, but still wanted to compete, their original Program Director, Beth Harre
and, another staff member Pat Vannetta, created the Challenge Show. This was created 15 years ago. The Challenge Show enables students with physical challenges, such as a loss of limb, blindness or paralysis to compete as well. If students do not fall under the “mental See “Bakas” on page 16
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As 2019 starts, many people around the world will be optimistically setting themselves New Year’s resolutions. According to a YouGov poll, the most common aspirations for the coming year in the U.S. are; to eat healthier, get more exercise and save more money. Almost one third, perhaps being more realistic, answered that they never bothered with any resolutions. I used to set highly unattainable resolutions every year when I was in my early twenties, but that quickly changed. As I grew older, not being able to keep my highly unrealistic resolutions by February, March or even late January, increased my levels of anxiety and gave me terrible feelings of hopelessness, so I stopped. That does not mean I don’t set short-term and long-term goals for myself anymore; it just means that I stopped making unrealistic resolutions, and I stopped thinking of the New Year as a catalyst for sweeping all my diehard habits and character traits. I started thinking that every new year we should focus more on reflecting on our past year’s behavior and promise ourselves to make small positive lifestyle changes, that will lead to a healthier and happier life. Often, what we don’t realize is that the problem isn’t that we aren’t capable of sticking to our
resolutions— it’s that we need to do a better job making resolutions that are actually achievable. Otherwise, it’s almost like setting yourself up to fall short. Change is hard, but not impossible. If you want to set yourself up for the best chance of success start by making smaller resolutions. You think: “I am going to get in the best shape of my life, I will not eat junk food ever again, I will work out five times a week, and get a promotion.” All great aspirations, but creating a resolution that is too big sets you up for failure. Are you going to be able to swear off french fries completely? Unlikely. Limiting your junk food cravings to only once every couple of weeks would be much more achievable. If you were someone who never worked out before, are you going to go to the gym five times a week? Start with two times, then after a month or two, raise it to three times a week, and so forth. Your body needs time to adjust to a new physical routine, and starting too strong will only cause you to feel overwhelmed, and you’ll be more likely to give up. We’re also more likely to achieve our resolutions when we make them public. Use social media to let all your close friends and relatives know of your goals and have them hold you accountable. That way it’s harder to back out! Celebrate small successes. I cannot stress that enough! I always had
unrealistic goals about my weight. I would say: “I want to lose 40lbs in 2 months!” And I would beat myself up for only losing 11. Any weight loss is progress! So if that sounds like you too, don’t feel discouraged. If your focus is just on the endgame, it’s easy to feel hopeless and to want to give up. Rather than waiting until you’ve shed all the weight, give yourself a “Yay, me!” celebration each time you drop 5! Remember that it’s only HUMAN to slip up, as long as you get back on track! Having a lapse is more common than you think. In fact, over 75 percent of resolution makers slip up within the first two months. Some get so upset that they completely give up. But that will not be you! Acknowledge your screwups but get right back on track. Figure out a way of preventing it from happening again. Just whatever you do, don’t give up and believe in yourself! Reaching that goal weight, developing better eating habits, or getting into a regular fitness routine are all healthy lifestyle changes that are worth sticking with for more than just a few months. Those good habits should not have a deadline; they should be a lifelong commitment. Good luck!
Carla Selby
Community News GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club The GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club held its first ever Storytime with Santa at Fire Station 22 on December 16, 2018. The event, which was to both celebrate the holiday season and encourage literacy among children and families in our community, included three storytimes with Santa. There were holiday safety tips with Fire Station 22, Touch a Fire Truck, cookies & hot cocoa, and holiday crafts and games. The weather was perfect and the event was well attended by the community as well as firefighters from Fire Station 22 and other surrounding stations. The event included a book drive and the Club was stunned by the generosity of the attendees who donated over 240 books! The plan is donate the books to local schools, Habitat for Humanity homes, and “Little Free Libraries” in the New Tampa area. In fact, the Club has built its own Little Free Library and is currently looking for a location for it. The Club would like to thank the Tampa Fire Rescue Department, Fire Station 22, the firefighters who assisted with the event, and the members of the community who attended. The Club hopes to make Storytime with Santa an annual event. The Club members’ holiday volunteering didn’t end there. On December 20, 2018, Club members assisted with the annual Holiday Party and Special Santa event for the children who are a part of the R.I.C.H. (Resources in Community Hope) House program run by the Tampa Police Department. The free after school programs. located in Sulphur Springs and Robles Park, provide a safe haven for at risk children in high crime or poverty stricken neighborhoods. The Club has been a supporter of the RICH House since 2013. This year, the Club donated socks and underwear for the children, gift cards for the facilities to spend on after school snacks, and games and art and science kits. Members provided homemade baked goods and holiday crafts and games during the party.
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Florida Hospital Receives National Honor for Patient Experience Two Tampa Bay area locations received the 2018 Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award December 11, 2018 (Tampa Bay, FL) – Florida Hospital, soon to be AdventHealth, has announced Florida Hospital Palm Harbor Emergency Room and Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel recently received the 2018 Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award® for achieving and sustaining excellence in the category of patient experience. The award for both emergency and inpatient services is measured through random, voluntary patient surveys and the scores are measured against hundreds of hospitals and emergency rooms across the country. This is the first time Florida Hospital Palm Harbor ER has received the honor. “Our Palm Harbor ER is specifically designed to provide fast, expert care for the entire family,” said Jason Dunkel, President and CEO of Florida Hospital North Pinellas. “This recognition highlights our efforts to continuously improve the patient experience for everyone who receives our care. Every patient who comes through our doors should have the expectation of excellence and the Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award is a testament to our commitment to providing a unique brand of inspired, compassionate care.” The Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award is the highest achievement from the organization in the category of patient experience. This is the third time Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel has received the Guardian of Excellence Award for their inpatient services. “We are dedicated to providing exceptional, whole person care to every patient who chooses us for treatment,” said Denyse Bales-Chubb, President and CEO of Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel. “The Press Ganey award showcases that we are truly
elevating the quality of care and overall health of our patients each time they visit our facility.” The award represents an important recognition from the health care industry’s leader in measuring, understanding and improving the patient experience. About Florida Hospital, West Florida Division of Adventist Health System (soon to be AdventHealth) The West Florida Division of Adventist Health System is a 1,810 bed health care system currently comprised of ten acute-care hospitals including Florida Hospital Carrollwood, Florida Hospital Dade City, Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center Lake Placid, Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center Sebring, Florida Hospital North Pinellas, Florida Hospital Ocala, Florida Hospital Tampa, Florida Hospital Wauchula, Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel and Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, as well as three freestanding offsite Emergency Rooms including Florida Hospital. Central Pasco ER, Florida Hospital Palm Harbor ER and Florida Hospital TimberRidge ER. Additionally, it has one post-acute care facility, Florida Hospital at Connerton Long Term Acute Care, over 45 multi-specialty Florida Hospital Physician Group practices, 15 Florida Hospital Express Care at Walgreens clinics and 6 Florida Hospital Centra Care Urgent Care Centers. The West Florida Division also provides home health
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care in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Hernando, and Polk Counties, as well as parts of Sumter County. For more information, go to floridahospital.com. About Press Ganey Press Ganey pioneered the health care performance improvement movement more than 30 years ago. Today, Press Ganey offers an integrated suite of solutions that enable enterprise transformation across the patient journey. Delivered through a cuttingedge digital platform built on a foundation of data security, Press Ganey solutions address safety, clinical excellence, patient experience and workforce engagement. The company works with more than 33,000 health care facilities in its mission to reduce patient suffering and enhance caregiver resilience to improve the overall safety, quality and experience of care. JANUARY 2019 9
Tech Talk with Bob: When to Buy a New Computer? By Bob Dalles
I receive emails from readers asking if they need to fix their existing computer or scrap it and buy a new one. This is a difficult question to answer without actually inspecting the computer myself. My goal in this column is to give you things to consider before buying a new system. Some people believe that they need to upgrade their existing system or buy a new system every time Apple or Microsoft releases a new operating system (OS). The OS is the basic software on a computer that allows other programs/apps to function. If you use a word
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processing program to write letters, the word processor (WP) needs an OS to help the WP save files, print files, etc. Think of the OS as the stage (platform) where the other programs/apps perform. I could make much more money if I advised my clients to upgrade their OS every time a new one is released. However, I do not advise my clients to jump into a new computer or upgrade their OS unless they need it. My goal is to advise my clients to do what’s best for their current situation. Yes, I want to make money but I want my clients to know that they will get an honest recommendation from me
and only advise them to upgrade if they actually need a newer OS. After all, wouldn’t you be happier
keeping hundreds of dollars in your pocket instead of spending it on something you really don’t need?
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So, how do you know if you need a newer OS? If your computer is running Windows 7 should you upgrade to Windows 10? I always say, “do not upgrade unless you have a program/ app or piece of hardware (printer, scanner, etc.) that requires the newer OS.” If your computer functions properly there is no need to upgrade just because a newer OS has been released. One trap users fall into with a newer OS, (by either upgrading their current computer or buying a new system) is that some of their existing hardware or software is not compatible with the newer OS. This is a big issue for those users who are running Windows XP and jump to Windows 10. They sometimes learn
that their printer or a program no longer works with the newer OS. Now they have to spend even more money on a new printer and new program. Yikes! Most hardware/software manufacturers design their products to eventually become functionally obsolete. That is why I always advise my clients to schedule a “pre-purchase consultation” with me so we can determine what an upgrade is really going to cost them. It is money well spent because if we determine that you need to upgrade, you will be more knowledgeable when you walk into a store or shop online. Every client who has done that is happy because they bought what they needed and was not
“upsold” to something they didn’t need. Clients who schedule pre-purchase consultations typically find that they usually save more money on their new computer purchase than what they paid for the consultation. I’m not saying that sales people in these stores are looking to take advantage of you, it’s that they don’t know your whole story (since they don’t come to your home or office) to truly determine what best suits you. Some clients have even paid me to accompany them to the store as liaison between them and the sales person. We’ll also browse the internet with you if you prefer to buy online. Some of the emails I receive ask me to recommend a make and model for an upgrade. I will not do that because it is not my intention to endorse or denounce any particular brand publicly in this column. Plus without an onsite pre-purchase consultation it would not be appropriate for me to make a recommendation. However, if we do have a pre-purchase consultation we will discuss brands and
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model numbers that are suitable for your specific needs. Let’s quickly touch on hardware. The main issue with laptop/notebook computers is the battery not holding a charge anymore and/or getting extremely hot when connected to the power supply. In this is case the battery can be removed to lower the heat produced by the laptop. However, this only works if you plan to keep the computer in one place. If you need mobility then replacing the battery is cheaper than buying a new computer. As long as there are no software issues, most hardware issues can be resolved for less money than a new purchase. Have a tech question? Email it to TechTalk-TBNL@ BobTheComputerGuy. NET. Questions will be selected by the popularity of a topic and answered in this column. If you have a more urgent need or have a unique situation you may schedule an appointment with one of my Professionally Certified Technicians by calling 727534-4000. Until next time, stay safe on the internet!
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The City of Oldsmar Could Soon Have An Olympian!
Written by Carla Selby
For talented 20 year-old Oldsmar resident Andre Lacroix, his love of all things BMX began when he was a young boy. He was first introduced to the sport by his father Ken, who brought him to the BMX track in Oldsmar, Florida when he was only three years old to watch a National competition. That day Andre got to feel the adrenaline with every jump and had the opportunity to meet a lot of the pro’s. Needless to say, Andre was hooked. “I want to be just like them,” said young Andre to his father… and that he surely did. Andre has been riding the Oldsmar track for about 17 years now and it has definitely paid off. BMX has
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given Andre the opportunity to travel the entire country, mostly South America. He has now become one of the riders that he used to look up to as a young boy. Proof that dreams do come true. In case you didn’t know, Oldsmar is home of one of the top BMX tracks in the United States. This track hosts the USA BMX Gator National each year. Points earned at the Elite Level at this event are utilized for qualifying for the 2020 Olympics for each rider. Andre and his family credit the city of Oldsmar for building such a great BMX facility. Family is the single most important influence in a child’s life, and Andre’s parents
support and encouragement have definitely made a huge difference in his life. “My parents are the biggest influence on my life. Unlike a lot of parents who force their kids into college and other things, they allowed me to take a shot at my dream and I feel so blessed for that,” said Andre. His mother’s Peruvian citizenship has also played a big factor in Andre’s professional career. “Having a dual citizenship with the country of Peru, where my mother was born, has played a huge factor in my life, and has allowed me to ride for the Peruvian National Cycling Team,” said Andre. He has recently represented Peru in the South American Games in Cochabamba, Bolivia and
aspires to medal in the 2019 PAn-American Games in Lima, Peru in July of next year. In 2016, Andre won the National Championship in Peru. “I also won several state titles as an amateur and placed top 25 in the country several times.” Having a positive support system is key for anyone trying to excel and reach for their dreams and Andre has been blessed with an incredible group encouraging individuals. “I’d like to thank John and Blake Sawyer for providing me with the best BMX products in the world; Ssqueared Bicycles and Answer products. My family of course, as they all support me so well, and my
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amazing and caring group of friends who all push each other to be better every day,” said Andre. Andre’s plans as of now, include finishing off a great season with the help of his coach, Domingos Lammoglia, and recuperating from a sports related injury. “I tore my PCL in my right knee about four moths ago, so I have been trying to get all my power back from the downtime I had then,” said Andre. He is also preparing for the Pan American Games that will take place in 2019. “With the Pan American Games being held in Peru, I know a lot is expected of me and I’ll be ready to show out when the time comes!” His goal is to qualify and compete in the 2020 games in Tokyo, Japan. Oldsmar could possibly have an Olympian! I am personally very excited
for Andre and wish him nothing but the best in the competition. I will refrain myself from saying “Break a leg,” because we all know it could happen… so good luck Andre! When questioned about his main goals and expectations Andre had this to say, “I want what just about every BMX rider who takes it seriously wants… an Olympic Gold Medal! So that definitely is my main goal! I also have goals of becoming a world finalist and contender for USA BMX Pro Series #1 Pro Title.” With such ambitions and determined mindset, we’re pretty sure Andre will succeed in achieving all his goals. With every dream there’s obstacles though, and even though Peru pays for most of Andre’s travels and entrance
fees, they cannot fund him entirely. This is where Andre has thought out of the box. He established an S corporation “LaCroix BMX LLC,” in hopes to get corporate sponsorship from local companies. “In exchange I will advertise the company via Instagram, Facebook and on my Jersey and number plate all US and International races, including the Pan-American games,” said Andre. “For major sponsors I Will be giving back to the community in the name of the sponsor by hosting a one-day BMX clinic at a local track for free to all riders in the name of the sponsor.” The reason for the S corporation is so that a sponsor could utilize the sponsorship for marketing and tax purposes. Andre wants every young athlete out there to “Reach for the stars! As cheesy as
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it sounds, don’t let anyone put you down and work hard every day!” Fantastic words of encouragement for any young kid with hopes and dreams of making it big in a particular sport.` Andre concluded his interview with the following message to the community; “Please come out to the local track in Oldsmar, it’s taken me all over the world! I have also opened my own company ‘LaCroix BMX’ in hopes of finding cooperation’s that are willing to help me meet my goals. I will also be marketing all companies who support me.” You can contact Andre directly by emailing him at lacroixbmx@gmail.com with any marketing inquiries. You can also follow him on instagram @andrelacroix.
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“Bakas”-
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impairment” requirement of the Special Olympics, this event would allow them to compete. Looking for a volunteer opportunity? Look no further than Bakas Horses for Handicapped. If you’re a high school student, hours served at this facility qualify for the Bright Futures Scholarship. They do welcome students as well as adult volunteers. If you have a passion for horses and a love to help the handicapped, this is certainly the place for you! Volunteers range in age from 12 to older. No horse experience is necessary and the staff will train you on the skills you’ll need to help the organization. To get started as a volunteer, visit the website to download the volunteer application.
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Volunteer activities include cleaning out the barn area, prepare the horses for classes, grooming and assisting with arts and craft activities with students. If you’re still looking for an opportunity to help, but can’t put in the hours to show up physically, there are many sponsorship opportunities. Consider sponsoring one of their 15 horses that help handicapped students! According to Danni, it costs the facility $120 per horse every six weeks to keep them in shoes! There are many levels of sponsorship you can provide. Overall costs for each horse is $3000 per year. They welcome monthly and yearly sponsorship for each of their horses. Sponsorship covers Ferrier costs and equipment for each horse. The horses on site are all donated. Kermit, 27 was donated when his owner went away to college. According to Danni, “She still visits on a regular basis when she’s home from college.” They welcome donated horses, but advise these horses are used for handicapped students. “We can’t take injured or broken animals because we can’t afford the vet bills for that and we are not a ‘rescue’ facility,” she said. According to Danni, working with students is the best part of her job. “I love to put the rider with the horse that best suits them,” she said. To see the excitement on the faces of their students is her reward. “For our Special Olympics students, their accomplishment is our accomplishment. We feel what they feel,” she expressed. And for the parents of these students, Danni said they’re all so appreciative. “We have parents who come to us and explain that their child isn’t verbal, but after several lessons, we see them giving commands to their horses.” Regular sessions can range from weekly to monthly sessions. Sessions include trail rides, games, arts and crafts and riding lessons. The lessons are geared specifically to each student. If students express an interest in Special Olympics or other competitive opportunities, they’re paired with a horse and a plan to meet those goals. “We push them to meet the max of their potential,” said Danni. “This is a sport the handicapped can compete in and it gives them an obtainable goal to work for,” she said. She went on to explain that many even excel at the goals each student sets for themselves. Bakas Equestrian Center is currently searching for sponsors for their upcoming fundraiser horse show. Bakas Charity Open Pleasure Circuit Series will be held at Lake Park. Please visit their website for more information on how you can help with that endeavor and other volunteer and sponsorship opportunities. Bakas Equestrian Center for Handicapped is located at 11510 Whisper Lake Trail, Tampa 33626. Visit their website at bakasridingcenter.com to learn more about sponsorship and volunteer opportunities or call 813-264-3890. For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
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Garage Guru
What’s going on with my car?
Brought to you by Christian Brothers Automotive, New Tampa and Wesley Chapel
Traveling North to Cold Country. What should I be thinking about? Dear Garage Guru,
“My wife and I will be driving to Minnesota to visit the kids. I am planning to have the oil changed and the car looked over before we head out. Other than the normal things to check, should I be thinking about anything for the cold weather we will be going into?” GOOD QUESTION! Glad to hear you are thinking about the cold weather. Cold weather means different things. It could be temperatures in the 20’s and 30’s. Or it could be really coooold where temperatures are below zero for days or weeks at a time. People that live in very cold areas often install permanent additions to their cars like engine and radiator heaters, battery blankets, and snow tires. You don’t necessarily want to make those permanent changes if you are just visiting. For our conversation, let’s assume you are going into 20 and 30 degree weather. • First, consider getting a roadside assistance membership such as AAA or one your insurance may offer. There are so many ways this could be of use to you so you don’t get stranded in the cold. • Second, if you will be driving in snow and ice, consider buying tire chains and keeping them in the trunk. Remember, tire chains go on the drive tires – front tires on front wheel drive cars and rear tires on rear wheel drive cars. • The coolant in your radiator (also known as antifreeze) is probably 50/50 which means 50% antifreeze and 50% water which is normal. If you are going to 20 to 30 degree weather your
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50/50 coolant should be fine. But, if you are going into zero degrees, consider increasing the percentage of antifreeze by draining a gallon from your radiator and replacing it with a gallon of 100% antifreeze. There is no need to change it again when you return. • Here’s what is often overlooked – your windshield washer fluid! If it freezes it could crack your reservoir. We recommend draining the washer fluid you have now and filling with zero degree windshield washer fluid that you can find at most car parts stores. Then run your windshield sprayers a little to ensure the zero degree fluid fills through the hoses as well. When you return, no need to change it. And you can add normal fluid later when it is needed. • Don’t be surprised if your tire pressure sensor reads low pressure as you get into colder weather. Just add air back up to the normal pressure. There is a sticker inside your driver door jamb that shows the recommended tire pressure. When you return to warmer weather the pressure sensors may come on again indicating higher than normal pressure. If so, just release some of the pressure to get back to
normal. • Final suggestion, on snowy or icy roads, try to find a big truck to drive behind. The truck will create good tire tracks and clear the way in front. And, drive with your tires in the truck’s tire tracks. When you get back, it’s a good idea to go through a car wash with underside sprayers. This will help remove the salt that may have been spread on the snow which likes to corrode the underside of your car. That’s about it. Enjoy your drive and “Go Vikings!” until you return when it’s “Go Bucks!” of course. We are eager to hear about your car concerns. Is your car acting up or have you wondered about how some part of your car works? Drop us a note at: Marty.labarbera@cbauto.net, and we will offer our honest opinion. Christian Brothers Automotive, where we care for your family by caring for your family car.
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Busch Gardens® Concert Series The longest-running concert series at Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay returns in 2019 with new acts and returning favorites for park guests to enjoy beginning January 7 through March 16. Each Monday through Saturday, guests can enjoy incredible live music spanning from the 1950s to today, including a dazzling cirque show and ballroom dancing. Live performances are scheduled throughout the day in the climatecontrolled Stanleyville Theater from the following world-class acts: Cirque Vertigo featuring The Wallenda Duo: January 7 -12 & March 11 – 16 The eccentric Cirque Vertigo production creates an experience unlike any other. From effortless aerial feats to adrenalinepumping balancing acts, this award-winning group combines strength, balance, humor, skill and grace into a display for all ages. ARRIVAL from Sweden: The Music Of ABBA: January 14 – 19 Founded by Vicky Zetterberg in the heart of
Sweden in 1995, ARRIVAL from Sweden has quickly become one of the world’s most popular ABBA show band. The band has toured in over 55 countries, appearing on TV and radio shows across the globe. Relive the ABBA spirit by singing along to such classics as Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Take A Chance and many more! Thomas McClary: The Commodores Experience: January 21 – 26 A singer, musician, writer, producer, and performer, Thomas McClary founded the legendary funk and soul band Commodores in 1968. The Grammy-winning group spent a decade on top of the charts. Enjoy smash hits like Brick House, Easy and Zoom at the Stanleyville Theatre this January. Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone: January 28 February 2 Visiting from across the pond, Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone is an English beat rock band that has been changing the face of music since 1964. The British Invasion band has sold 52 million records and recorded 24 gold hits. Dance
along to classic hits such as I’m Henry VIII, I Am and Dandy in a show that will send you back to the 1960s. The Diamonds: February 4–9 Relive the exemplary sound of the 1950s and early 1960s with the kings of that classic rock and roll sound at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay! The vocal quartet The Diamonds took America by storm in the 50s and early 60s with chart-topping hits such as Silhouettes, The Stroll and Little Darlin. The Diamonds combine elements jazz, rock, and pop to create a timeless performance. Ballroom with a Twist: February 11 – 16 America’s favorite touring dance show is back in 2019 with all of your favorite, classic numbers along with dazzling new choreography starring Anna Trebunskaya from Dancing with the Stars, plus finalists from So You Think You Can Dance and American Idol. The 5th Dimension: February 18 – 23 After the launch of their 1967 hit Up Up and
Away, the 5th Dimension catipulted to stardom, winning several Grammy Awards and launching worldwide tours. Head over to the Stanleyville Theatre this February to enjoy iconic hits such as One Less Bell To Answer, Wedding Bell Blues and Aquarius/Let The Sun Shine In. Eaglemania: The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute Band: February 25 – March 2 Since their inception, EagleMania has been thrilling audiences all over the country with their stunning five part harmony and their uncanny ability to emulate the unmistakable sound of The Eagles. Their show at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will consist of the Eagles’ greatest hits, as well as some of the solo work of Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and Joe Walsh. Lorrie Morgan: March 4 – March 9 Selling more than 12 million records worldwide, Lorrie Morgan has been an icon of the country music scene with a career that spans four decades. She was the first woman in her genre to begin her career with three consecutive platinum albums with hits
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like Five Minutes, What Part of No and I Didn’t Know My Own Strength. Don’t miss your favorite performer! Priority Seating options are available for either the 11:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. show times for every Real Music, Real Masters act. Reservations can be made online or in park starting at $9.99 per person plus tax. Catch every show all season with a new Busch Gardens Annual Pass including benefits to enjoy exciting events, world-class coasters, and up-close animal encounters. From Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, guests can select the pass with perks they want most, with value pricing to fit any budget. For a limitedtime, Busch Gardens Annual Passes start as low as $10.99 per month for Florida residents. In 2019, Pass Members can look forward to a year full of fun and unique benefits during the park’s 60th anniversary celebration, including exclusive Member ride time for the spring opening of Tigris, Florida’s tallest launch coaster.
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