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HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS
To
Fallen tree on public property ....... https://bit.ly/44YHuNf
To get trash can repaired/replaced https://bit.ly/3B0CCds
Report missed trash pick up .........https://bit.ly/4722CUS
Report mosquito related issues .... https://bit.ly/3rHcenU
Tampa Police Dept. vacation watch request https://bit.ly/3OrSY6H
Report to city of Tampa overgrown lot complaint https://bit.ly/44F169H
Report to city of Tampa sewer odor complaint https://bit.ly/3Y6r7vY
Enjoy Cookies with Santa in Cory Lake Isles!
Get ready for a festive treat, Cory Lake Isles! Santa Claus is coming to town, and he’s bringing the holiday cheer to our community. Join us for the Free Cookies with Santa event on Sunday, December 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This family-friendly gathering is the perfect way to celebrate the season. Santa will be making a special appearance to meet with children, listen to their holiday wishes, and pose for photos.
While you’re there, enjoy delicious cookies and a cozy atmosphere filled with holiday spirit.
Whether you’re young or young at heart, this event is for everyone in the community. Come make memories with your neighbors and bring your holiday joy!
We can’t wait to see you there! All are welcome to share in the magic of the season.
Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa is bigger and brighter in 2024!
The holiday season is here and ZooTampa is ready for its most festive and brightest Christmas in the Wild to date. Tampa’s premiere outdoor family holiday event will begin lighting up the nights on November 29 and continues for 16 twinkling nights through December 23, 2024.
The Zoo has transformed into a holiday wonderland full of magic and cheer, with special animal connections and Signature Encounters, expanded light displays, festive entertainment, and delectable seasonal food and drinks.
What’s NEW for Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa 2024?
Every year, the creative team at ZooTampa works on bringing your family NEW exciting ways to experience Christmas in the Wild and this year, they’ve put together some pretty cool events and photo opportunities made out of holiday lights!
• The Realm of the Nutcracker: The holiday classic story, cherished by audiences of all ages, comes to life during a modern dance party featuring Clara, the Nutcracker, Rat King, and sugarplum fairies.
• Mrs. Claus Storytime: Create unforgettable memories with the first lady of the North Pole as she reads Christmas stories and sings Christmas carols.
• The Forest of Fantasy: Four dazzling light shows transform the zoo with twinkling lights and festive music. Shows are every 15 minutes and feature snow and special appearances by the Snow Queen and her dancing snow fairies.
• Even MORE larger than life illuminated animal sculptures: a wildlife journey in lights will be placed through the zoo for beautiful photo ops for guests of all ages. New additions include a manatee and her calf, a flamingo family, penguins, and much more.
Guests looking to give back this holiday season can stop by the Animal Giving Tree. Funds raised will support animal enrichment, which provides physically and mentally stimulating toys, activities, and
environments which helps enhance their well-being. Additionally, the Giving Tree helps support ongoing veterinary care and daily nutrition needs for all of the animals, including sick, injured, and orphaned manatees.
• Rockin’ Wreath: The Ituri Pass walkthrough will be lined with interactive lite Christmas wreaths and playing your favorite rock ‘n’ roll versions of Christmas carols.
• Holiday House Light Show: Guests can enjoy a festive holiday light show playing continuously through the night in front of ZooTampa’s own holiday house.
• Snowasis: Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? Guests can feel nostalgic with the entire family as they’re surrounded by 32 snow-flocked Christmas trees and hanging snowflakes making it a true winter wonderland.
• Ticky Tacky Christmas: Roaring Springs transforms into Tacky Christmas, where holiday decorations get silly.
• Randolph’s Reindeer games: Meet Randolph in person and play some of his favorite holiday games.
• Holiday Signature Encounters: On all event nights, guests can make their evening even more magical by upgrading their experience with a Holiday African Penguin Encounter or a Holiday Indian Rhino Encounter featuring the opportunity to get up close to amazing animals.
• Gingerbread Jubilee: Join Mayor Mo-
lasses and the citizens of Gingerbread Village as they invite all of our guests to celebrate Christmas alongside them at an unforgettable jubilee.
• Ice Cavern: The Africa tunnel transforms into a winter wonderland this holiday. Have your camera ready to remember the moment you step inside the cavern surrounded by glowing lights!
• North Pole Lane: Meet the Tree Princess, send a letter to Santa, play with elves, do some holiday shopping and visit with jolly St. Nick in the special area
• Illuminate: A calming area that highlights the beauty of candlelight with hanging lanterns and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.
• Candy Cane Carousel: Embark on an unforgettable ride with red and white lights sprinkled all around the carousel for a candy cane celebration.
• Caribbean Christmas: Transport to the Caribbean with a festive display of colorful lights.
Essential Event Details:
• Christmas in the Wild takes place on 16 select nights from November 29- December 23, 2024
• Event dates are: November 29 (member night), Nov. 30-Dec.1, Dec. 6-7, Dec. 12-15, and Dec. 17-23.
• General admission tickets are $29.95 and are available in advance at zootampa.org.
• Members and Pay for a Day, Come Back All Year ticket holders are FREE (there is a $5 reservation fee which will be reimbursed upon entry in the form of a $5 voucher valid for food and merchandise on the night of the reservation.)
• Event capacity is limited. Date and timespecific tickets and reservations are available online.
• Reservations are strongly encouraged and the only way to guarantee admission.
Dive into a magical blend of holiday cheer at Santa’s Scientific Workshop!
Step into the excitement of Santa’s Scientific Workshop, where every moment has hands-on holiday fun for the whole family! Meet Santa Claus and share your holiday wishes. Even better, create your own letter to Santa and send it straight to the North Pole with the Museum of Science & Industry’s magical mailbox.
Cozy up with a cup of warm hot chocolate and unleash your creativity as you decorate your very own holiday cookies. Whether you’re young or young at heart, this fun-filled activity will ignite your holiday spirit. Let your imagination run wild as you design festive cookies to enjoy or share with loved ones.
Santa’s Scientific Workshop is a blast for all ages, so bring the whole family for a day of laughter and holiday cheer. Along with the hands-on activities, you’ll groove to holiday music, indulge in delicious seasonal treats, and soak in the festive atmosphere that makes this event unforgettable.
Celebrate the season’s sweetest treats, dive into the holiday spirit, and make lasting memories with family and friends. Don’t miss the magic of Santa’s Scientific Workshop—where fun and festive traditions come to life!
Details
• Tickets on sale NOW!
• Registration is required, space is limited
• Open to members and non-members of all ages
• Check-in for Santa’s Scientific Workshop at the MOSI Box Office at 4801 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33617
• The event is not weather-dependent and will remain open rain or shine.
Chanukah Festival!
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening of light, joy, and celebration! On Wednesday, December 25, at 5:30 p.m., head to City Hall Plaza for Tampa’s biggest Chanukah Festival, where the community will come together to light up the night in Downtown Tampa.
This family-friendly event offers something for everyone, with a host of exciting activities and treats, including:
• Appearances by local dignitaries
• Hot latkes, doughnuts, hot popcorn, and cotton candy
• Kool Krafts, raffle prizes, and human bowling
• An obstacle course, face painting, and fun with DJ Jake
• A sports combine, Johnny’s Photo Booth, a balloon artist, and a stilt walker!
Indulge in authentic Israeli doughnuts and delicious kosher Chinese food, available for purchase.
This free event is open to all—no RSVP required. Bring your family and friends to celebrate the season, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and create lasting memories.
Generously sponsored by The Bank of Tampa and an Anonymous Donor. For more details, visit www.ChanukahintheCity.com. Don’t miss this magical celebration of community and tradition!
Snow In Florida!
St. Pete's Snowfest is back! Join for a delightful winter celebration filled with fun for the whole family on Saturday December 7, from 9am to 2pn at North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Drive in St. Petersburg. Enjoy thrilling toboggan slides for both adults and children, bounce around on exciting inflatables, and unleash your creativity at our arts and crafts tents.
For just $5, you can grab a wristband that covers all activities. Purchase yours online or at any City recreation center until December 6 at noon, or get them on the day of the event. (Please note: wristbands do not include food truck purchases.)
Holiday Volunteer Opportunities for the Entire Family in Tampa Bay
The holiday season is a perfect opportunity to teach children the joy and importance of giving back to their community. By volunteering their time and talents, kids not only make a meaningful impact on the lives of others but also learn valuable lessons in empathy, teamwork, and responsibility. Acts of service can inspire a lifelong commitment to kindness and civic engagement. Together, families can create cherished memories while making a difference, spreading holiday cheer in the most meaningful way possible. This year, more than ever, many people and places around Tampa Bay need extra support in the wake of backto-back hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Volunteering as a family is a great way to get everyone involved, not only during the holidays but year-round. Lucky for us, plenty of local organizations make it very easy for you and the kids to volunteer your time together.
Help Sort Food at Feeding Tampa Bay
Help Feeding Tampa Bay reach its goal of a HungerFree Tampa Bay by 2025. Did you know kids as young as five years old can volunteer at Feeding Tampa Bay with their parents? It’s a wonderful way for kids to actively give back to those in our community while learning at the same time. Kids can help sort foods into bins—a great time to talk about different vegetables and foods while
practicing their reading skills too.
This past May, Feeding Tampa Bay moved into a brandnew 215,000 square foot warehouse, which allows for four times as much cold and freezer storage space. There is also a new volunteer space, community pantry, 11,000 square foot kitchen, and more.
Family Night is a popular volunteering event that happen once a month and often book up fast. It’s geared for kids of all ages to volunteer with their parents in the warehouse while taking part in fun activities while they’re there.
Register for warehouse volunteering and learn more about all volunteer opportunities: feedingtampabay.org.
Volunteer with Metropolitan Ministries
The Holiday Tent is a popular volunteer spot for families with kids ages 8 and older. There is one tent in Tampa and two in Pasco County. Duties include helping to sort donations that come in and even helping families shop the tent.
Metropolitan Ministries anticipates serving more than 37,000 families this holiday season with meals and toys which means they need thousands of volunteers this holiday season alone. There are 15 volunteer sites throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties including the Holliday Tents.
If your kids aren’t old enough to volunteer in the Holiday Tent, consider taking them on a shopping trip to
pick up food and toys and then drop-off donations at the Tent closest to you. It’s a fun experience and the kids get to see all the volunteers in action to show they truly are making a difference.
Learn more about volunteering at Metropolitan Ministries: metromin.org/volunteer.
Ring the Bell with Salvation Army as a Family
Kettle Bells will keep ringing through Dec. 24. The entire family can take part in the Red Kettle tradition that began back in 1895. Money raised goes
process. To learn more about the Toys for Tots program, visit tampa-fl.toysfortots.org.
Volunteer with the kids at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay
You can volunteer as a family at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.
The Paws for Literacy program allows children ages 5-12 to read to animals after school. Children under 16 can volunteer with a parent or guardian to walk dogs, play with cats and clean kennels. The Teen Program for ages 12-15 allows kids to earn 20 hours of volunteer
to local families for help with food, shelter and emergency assistance. You can learn more about how to take part in Tampa’s Salvation Army Kettle Bell program by visiting salvationarmyflorida.org. There are more than 100 locations throughout Hillsborough that are perfect for you and your family to ring the bells and keep the tradition of giving going.
Help collect and sort toys for Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots is the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve program for helping families in need have the holiday season they deserve by collecting and distributing Christmas gifts.
Families with young children can set up toy drives to collect donations in October, November and December. Those with children over 16 can volunteer in the warehouse in the sorting
work by working with animals and assisting with the Humane Education program. Volunteers in the Teen Program do not need to have a parent or guardian present.
Donations such as towels, pet food, and cleaning supplies are also always welcomed. Humane Society has a special Pet Pantry where those in need are able to come pick up food and supplies at no charge. It’s normally open twice a week though they sometimes have to open up on additional days due to natural disasters and during the holidays.
Volunteers can also collect items from the wish list to donate to the Humane Society. Register for a volunteer open house or learn more about volunteering opportunities at the Humane Society by visiting humanesocietytampa.org.
Deliver food with Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels provides hot, healthy meals to homebound and senior members of the community who live independently in their own homes. The Produce on Wheels (POW!) program delivers fresh, healthy produce free of charge on the third Saturday of every month. Meals on Wheels also provides holiday gift bags of books, games, snacks, juice and toiletries the third Saturday in December.
Meals on Wheels has also partnered with The Humane Society of Tampa Bay to deliver free bags of pet food through their Animeals program. Although drivers must be 18 and older, children of any age can tag along to deliver meals, produce, pet food, and gifts.
Children can help make the day brighter for seniors by riding along with their parents for meal delivery or by making gifts for the seniors to keep them from being lonely. You can visit mowtampa.volunteerhub.com to sign up to deliver meals.
Participate with Kids Helping Kids Pasco County
This nonprofit was established in 2018 by local mom Michelle Patel and they’ve already made a big difference in Pasco County.
The goal is to encourage kids to give back to their community through small acts of kindness like preparing bags of food, packing and donating backpacks of school supplies, and meeting Christmas Wish lists.
Drives are scheduled for Christmas. To learn more, visit their Facebook page: Facebook.com/KidsHelpingKidsPasco
Donate to and volunteer with Clothes to Kids
Young ones can learn about this charity’s mission to provide free new and quality used clothing to low-income or in crisis school-age children. Then, they can help by going through their closets and choosing items to donate items for local
kids in need.
Your kids can even help you shop for brand new clothes to donate. To find out what Clothes To Kids needs right now and how to donate, visit clothestokids.org.
Contribute to Goodwill’s Bookworks program
Since 1999, this program has put books into the hands of 40,000 kids in our eight-county area each year. To volunteer, you and your kids can donate new or gently used books or even host a book drive of your own. Kids ages 10 and up can also volunteer by becoming a Story Reader in local classrooms or helping sort, clean and prepare books for donation. Learn more at goodwillsuncoast.org
Decorate snack bags for the Ronald McDonald House
The Roland McDonald House has many opportunities for the whole family to get involved.
More ways to give back in Tampa Bay:
ORGANIZE A DRIVE WITH THE KIDS TO GIVE BACK
Children under 14 can help by making and decorating snack bags for families in the hospital, collecting items for the wish list drive, and holding penny drives to support the families.
If you have children ages 14 and up, you can volunteer by preparing dinner for resident families at one of the four Tampa Bay Ronald McDonald Houses. To learn more about Ronald McDonald House and the volunteering opportunities available, visit rmhctampabay. org.
Don’t forget about your school, PTA, church, community organizations, local diaper banks and other non-profits your family supports. While it’s hard to find organizations where very young kids can volunteer, you can get the philanthropy seed planted early by encouraging them to donate their gently used toys, books and clothing. They can also host fundraisers or food drives. One of our favorite trends is asking for donations for a selected non-profit instead of birthday gifts!
Local hospitals often need donations for their Child Life Departments which helps support children and teens during their stay at the hospital. Wish list items include baby toys, board games, Play-Doh, Legos and more.
• St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital: https://www.give2stjoeskids.org/wishlist/ • Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital: https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/Giving
If the kids aren’t quite old enough to volunteer their time, encourage them to organize a drive to collect items like food for Feeding Tampa Bay and Metropolitan Ministries. You can also hosts a drive to collect much needed items like diapers and other baby supplies.
The Junior League of Tampa Diaper Bank
The only diaper bank in Hillsborough County is best served by organizing a diaper drive. Host a “diaper drop” location at home, at a school or daycare or even a community location like dance class, soccer or art class. JLT’s Diaper Bank works with community partners including Metropolitan Ministries, Champions for Children, Children’s Home Network, The Spring and many more. jltampa.org/ diaperbank/diaper-bank-hosta-diaper-drive/
Oasis Network
This grassroots, volunteerdriven organization serves underprivileged students in Hillsborough County, where more than 60 percent of students qualify for free and reduced lunches, and 4,700 students are identified as homeless. OASIS provides them with clothes, shoes and personal hygiene items. To find out how to collect and donate items, visit oasisopportunities.org.
Experience the Magic of the Tampa Riverwalk Lighted Boat Parade!
By Cynthia McIntyre
Mark your calendars for one of Tampa’s most anticipated holiday events—the Tampa Riverwalk Lighted Boat Parade! On Saturday, December 21, 2024, from 6 to 9 p.m., the Hillsborough River will sparkle with beautifully decorated boats as they sail through the heart of downtown Tampa, spreading holiday cheer.
The parade kicks off at the southern tip of Davis Islands, traveling through the Tampa Convention Center basin, past Curtis Hixon Park, and up to the Heights District. The boats will then turn around and make their way to Sparkman Wharf, where judging will take place and the event will conclude.
Spectators can enjoy public viewing
along the route at popular spots like Armature Works, Channel Drive, Curtis Hixon, Davis Islands, Harbour Island, Sparkman Wharf, and Water Works Park. Best of all, this festive event is free to attend!
Register Your Boat or Watch in Style!
Boat registration is now open for this dazzling display. Early registration is $85 for the first 50 boats, so lock in your spot before prices increase closer to the event date.
Prefer to watch in style? The VIP section at Sparkman Wharf offers an unforgettable parade experience. For an early bird rate of $85 per person, guests will enjoy:
• Access to a private viewing area.
• Seating options on the Wharf.
• Delicious Splitsville Classic & Asian-Fusion-inspired menu offerings.
• Two drink tickets.
• Spectacular views of the parade!
The VIP section opens at 7:00 p.m.— don’t miss out on this premium experience! Please note that parking is not included, and tickets are non-refundable.
For more information or to register your boat, email info@thetampariverwalk.com or call 813-221-1539.
Celebrate the holidays with the Tampa Riverwalk Lighted Boat Parade—a festive night to remember!
Aluna's Zodiac
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21) – Happy birthday Sagittarius! Mercury moves direct in your sign, helping to clear up misunderstandings in relationships. You’ll also be more confident about yourself and more authentic in how you’re coming across to others. Mars starts its retrograde, allowing you to have more time to focus on spiritual growth, yoga, and meditation. Taking a short trip to be in nature will energize you about goals for the next year.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 –Jan. 19) – As Mercury and Neptune move direct, pay attention to your dreams for guidance and creative solutions to problems. Meditation also yields insight into issues about intimacy and sexuality. Experiences of betrayal that linger in your heart can be released, while still having healthy boundaries so you’re open to future love. Finances will flow, and you can confront debt or money tensions head on.
Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18) – Mercury is still retrograde, so make connections with old friends. Also get back into activities you love that reflect your authentic self. Mars also is retrograde, which can bring challenges to relationships. Be involved with people who allow you to be yourself fully! It’s important to have matching value systems. It’s also vital your partner honors your intellect. If single, you can meet someone with whom you have loads of sexual chemistry, but it can fizzle early spring when Mars moves direct if s/he doesn’t align with your mind!
Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20) – As your ruling planet, Neptune, moves direct, you’ll be clear about who you are. It could be like waking up from a dream. Are you in a relationship with someone who is right for you? Are you in a job that pays you well and respects work/life balance? Are you taking care of your body
in terms of stress reduction, eating well and minimizing substances? Bond more deeply with your inner voice through meditation and by observing your dreams!
Aries (March 21 –April 19) — Mercury moving direct wants you to deepen your meditation, yoga or other spiritual practices. If sitting meditation makes you agitated, try some type of movement. Don’t think your mind has to be perfectly blank. As an Aries, you are full of vitality. Honor your energy! You can do vigorous breathing or challenging forms of yoga, and then rest for a few minutes after. Walking in the crisp air while being fully present to your surroundings will help your inner connection. Relationships will be more harmonious and your stress level will come down.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20) – Mars retrograde empowers your career over the next five months! Meditate on important goals and create a plan of action. Be patient, since steps can happen slower during this time. Gentle persistence is needed now. Reconnect with friends who share your spiritual beliefs. Focus on people you can trust and that hold your conversations sacred. People who gossip will unsettle you. Work with gratitude lists to see the positive directions in which your life is moving!
Gemini (May 21 –June 20) – Mercury moving direct clears up miscommunication in relationships. Additionally, while Mars going retrograde wants you to investigate the roots of arguments. It could be a project that takes until early March, but the results will be worth it! You can also meditate on the basis for your general life anxiety. You can re-train your nervous system to be calmer. Even deep breathing works wonders on seemingly complex issues. You’ll also have clarity about career direction!
Cancer (June 21 –July 22) – Mars retrograde wants you to focus on finances. You can address overspending or debt issues. You can also meditate and have breakthroughs about prosperity blocks! Mercury moves direct and can clear up health problems. You can even find out about an allergic substance, and eliminating it will really help your immune system. You can also make strides with healing emotional eating.
Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22) – Mars turns retrograde in your sign. It’s time to meditate on how you use your energy. Do you have unresolved anger that drains your vitality? Do you eat foods that aggravate your mind and body? Do you stay in confrontational relationships that don’t grow and evolve? Stand up to the parts of yourself that are addicted to stress. Create a plan of action that soothes your mind, body and spirit! Also be unflinching when you look at your finances to see where you can patch “money leaks”.
Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22) – Mars retrograde wants you to meditate on unresolved anger. Connect with Leo friends going through similar dynamics. Also look at ways you torment yourself with perfectionism and unrealistic standards. You have an “inner mean girl” who needs to be tossed out of your subconscious! Give yourself extra compassion when you recognize you’re doing that. Don’t beat yourself up for beating yourself up! If partnered, believe the lovely things s/he says about you — those observations are true! Mercury turns direct just in time for the holidays. That makes communication with
family so much easier, even if old issues arise.
Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22) – Mercury moving direct clears up communication issues. You’ll also feel more confident about your choices and decisions. As Neptune also goes direct, you can have positive health shifts! You’ll be sleeping better and also have less food or digestion sensitivities. You’ll feel that your mind and body are aligned and strong. Meditation will be easier. You’ll feel like you belong in your own skin! You might start a great new relationship, or feel a rekindling in a current one.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) – Since Mars is retrograde, try to hold back on impulsive changes at work. It’s time to meditate on future career possibilities, yet wait for action until things shape up through February, when Mars moves forward again. Relationship issues clear up. especially if you’ve been having differences about finances. If single, you can meet someone who matches your values and an amazing romance can blossom!
Aluna Michaels is a second-generation astrologer. She also holds a Masters in Spiritual Counseling and has been teaching and consulting for more than three decades. Her book “Spiritual Gifts of the 12 Astrological Signs” is now on Amazon in Kindle version and as an E-book on her website. Aluna is available for appointments in her home, by phone or Zoom. Call (727) 239-7179 (landline, so no texting!) or call/text (248) 583-1663 or visit www.alunamichaels.com
