Tampa Bay FL 7

WHAT ARE ANNUITIES?

An annuity is an investment vehicle that can provide a guaranteed income for an individual or their spouse. It is a contract with an insurance company or financial institution where you contribute money upfront and at a specific time receive payments back over the course of your lifetime. There are several advantages to investing in an annuity. First, it is tax deferred which means no taxes until you begin taking the income. Second, you can choose a fixed rate annuity where you will always receive the

same amount regardless of market conditions. Third, you will receive payment even if you receive more than your original investment. Fourth, there are annuities with death benefits for heirs.

There are many different types of annuities, all of which have different features, benefits and costs but they fall into three main categories: fixed, fixed index and variable. There are two types of payout options- deferred and immediate.

FIXED ANNUITY

A fixed annuity is based on a set interest rate and can increase in value over time. It guarantees income payments over your lifetime with the possibility of death benefits for heirs. There are two ways to purchase - either through a lump sum payment or a series of payments that increase the value of your annuity and therefore the total payout.

VARIABLE ANNUITY

A variable annuity’s value will depend on market conditions and will rise and fall with the stock market. This means the possibility of a higher interest rate when the market is strong but in a weak market, the annuity could even lose value.

INDEXED ANNUITY

An indexed annuity is based on the performance of a particular market index and the value of the annuity will be based on that particular index. Interest will be based on the index’s interest rate.

WHY BUY AN ANNUITY?

It is a good opportunity to be sure you have the resources to cover your essential monthly expenses such as mortgage or rent, insurance, utilities , travel, etc. The best thing about an annuity is that it does not run out no matter your age or the value of the investment. Start by analyzing your monthly expenses to figure out how much

income you need to cover basic bills. Don’t forget to consider and plan for inflation. When considering an annuity, the most important thing is to be sure to understand what you are investing in. They are complicated investments. Work with a trusted financial adviser to ensure your understanding of the risks and potential returns.

FENG SHUI

IN COLOR & DESIGN

Feng Shui, which literally means wind and water, is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in the theory of Yin and Yang. It is the ancient Chinese practice of using energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment by organizing furniture, art, plants, and other objects within any given space or room to create peace and harmony.

It has been used for centuries to determine building sites such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, which is built on a north-south axis with the main entrance facing south. It was believed to be the most propitious direction according to the feng shui masters. Additionally, the pyramid addition to the Louvre in Paris, Trump Tower in Manhattan, and the Sydney Opera House in Sydney have all been influenced by feng shui principles.

In interior design, feng shui is a tool to help design a room that makes you feel good and enhances health, prosperity, harmony and balance for a joyful life.

Chinese philosophy is all about opposites - masculine and feminine, dark and light, warm and cold. Additionally, there is a focus on the 5 elements which are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These symbolize qualities such as stability, wisdom, growth and creativity. Decorating with the five elements is meant to bring joy and balance to your life.

According to Better Homes and Gardens, you can feng shui your home with a few simple tips:

Clear your home of clutter and open up the flow of traffic. This will create an atmosphere of calm by creating a welcoming entryway. Adding feng shui plants and positioning furniture in relation to the door will give a feeling of

control and empowerment, creating balance. And don’t forget to use feng shui with your color selections.

The bedroom is the most important room for applying the principles of feng shui since we all spend so much time there. It is important to have the bed face the door but not straight-on. It is preferable to have a wall behind the bed so that you are aware if anyone is entering your space. This is referred to as command position. Use soft and muted pastel colors or earthen tones that you’d find in nature. Plants are not recommended for the bedroom as they are active and produce energy which is not conducive to the calm environment required in the bedroom. However, they are desirable throughout the rest of the home. Some of the best plants include lucky bamboo, orchids, jade, snake or rubber plants.

Although there is no scientific basis for the use of feng shui in design, it is about making your environment a healthy and happy one for your family, so why not give it a try.

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

DATES TOURNAMENT

JUNE 3 - 9

JUNE 10 - 16

JUNE 17 - 23

JUNE 24 - 30

JULY 1 - 7

JULY 8 - 14

JULY 8 - 14

JULY 15 - 21

JULY 22 - 28

JUNE 29 - AUG 4

AUG 5 - 11

The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday + Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, Ohio

U.S. Open #

AUG 12 - 18

AUG 19 - 25

AUG 26 - SEP 1

+ Signature Event

* Schedule subject to change

Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (Course No. 2), Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina

Travelers Championship + Highlands, Cromwell, Connecticut

Rocket Mortgage Classic Detroit Golf Club, Detroit, Michigan

John Deere Classic TPC Deere Run, Silvis, Illinois

Genesis Scottish Open ^ The Renaissance Club, North Berwick, Scotland

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, USA NETWORK, PEACOCK

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

TBA Event TBA, TBA GOLF

Barracuda Championship Tahoe Mountain Club (Old Greenwood), Truckee, California GOLF

3M Open

TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minnesota

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

Olympic Men’s Golf Competition # Le Golf National, Paris, France GOLF

Wyndham Championship Sedgefield Country Club, Greensboro, North Carolina

EDEX CUP PLAYOFFS

FedEx St. Jude Championship TPC Southwind, Memphis, Tennessee

BMW Championship Castle Pines Golf Club, Castle Rock, Colorado

TOUR Championship East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, Georgia

# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored

^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE TAMPA BAY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

JUNE

JUNE

15 | JUNETEENTH FEST

The Annual Juneteenth Festival is back! Join us as we produce another family-friendly Cultural Extravaganza. Get ready to enjoy entertaining live DJ’s, slingshot car shows, artistic dance performances, musical guests, KidsZone, and so much more! All of this entertainment was wrapped up by retail vendors, community resource booths, and a variety of food vendors! For more info visit: roctheblockinc.com

JULY

JULY 14 | ROCKY HORROR SHOW

The antici … pation is over for Jobsite’s spin on the OG kitschy rock ‘n’ roll sci-fi gothic musical! Straightlaced Brad Majors and Janet Weiss, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter as they look for a phone to call for help. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/4vxch38p

JULY 21 | ICE CREAM FESTIVAL

Enjoy ice cream and other sweet frozen treats from over a dozen vendors serving their best creations from soft serve, craft scoop ice cream, gelatos, popsicles, and more. Be the judge and vote for the Best Ice Cream Award in Tampa Bay. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/y4pvum56

AUGUST

AUG 17 - 18 | HOME SHOW

Tampa Home Show is an international trade show and exhibition on Custom cabinets, kitchens & baths, sunrooms, awnings & decks. Tampa Home Show will feature elite contractors from all categories including irrigation, garden displays, tree experts, pools & spas, interior design specialists along with outdoor design consultants, and so much more. For more info visit: tampahomeshow.com

AUG 23 - 25 | THEATRE FESTIVAL

Our mission is to unite artists and theater lovers within and beyond

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE TAMPA BAY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

the Tampa Bay Area for an amazing weekend of education and entertainment. For more info visit: tampabaytheatrefestival.com

SEPTEMBER

SEPT 22 | FALL FEST

This event will feature local businesses and family resources providing interactive exhibits for our guests, giveaways, swag bags and more! Plus great food and entertainment makes this a great way to spend the day! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/3jt793n8

OCTOBER

OCT 11 - 13 | OKTOBERFEST

Get your lederhosen ready as the annual German beer festival Oktoberfest returns. This multi-day event is filled with beer, dancing and German food. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the wide range of craft breweries the “Gulp Coast” has to offer. For more info visit: oktoberfesttampa.com

OCT 17 - 20 | JAZZ HOLIDAY

Four days of swinging jazz surrounded by warm breezes and wafts of sea-salty air. At the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, you’ll not only be treated to a warm atmosphere, you’ll also take in the sounds of top musical performers. For more info visit: clearwaterjazz.com

OCT 24 - 27 | AUTO SHOW

This automotive extravaganza rolls into the Tampa Convention Center with hundreds of the latest cars, trucks, crossovers and more. Showgoers are invited to check out the newest rides, sit behind wheels, experience the latest incar technology and even take a test drive right at the show. From car buffs to consumers, the Tampa Bay International Auto Show offers something for everyone! For more info visit: autoshowtampa.com

NOVEMBER

NOV 2 - 3 | SAVOR ST. PETE

Savor St. Pete is an exciting twoday celebration of food, wine

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE TAMPA BAY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

and craft beer in the downtown waterfront. The festival delivers a palate-pleasing, star-studded weekend destination event showcasing the talents of renowned wine & spirits producers, brew masters, chefs, and amazing culinary personalities! For more info visit: savortheburg.com

NOV 8 - 17 | RESTAURANT WEEK

Our innovative approach to a restaurant week includes highlighting other aspects of culinary businesses including catering services, food trucks, and culinary products. This helps stimulates the local economy and presents full access to the Black culinary industry which is a key ingredient to the American culture. For more info visit: blackrestaurantweeks.com

DECEMBER

DEC 1 - 31 | FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Join us for an expanded holiday light spectacular that will envelop you and your family in an en-

chanting environment blanketed in more than a million lights from entrance to exit. Young and young at heart will enjoy the nearly 2 MILE drive-thru immersive experience of continuous light features followed by a festive walking visit to Santa’s Village, full of attractions, holiday goodies and visits with Santa! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/457swkpa

DEC 7 | BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL

Enjoy six hours of traditional bluegrass music from national band Kody Norris Show, Amanda Cook Band, and Florida band Born Lonesome. Located in the shady picnic area near the north beach and wooded hiking trails. Come enjoy our food vendors, Children’s Area, Lawn Chair seating. For more info visit: honeymoonislandbluegrassfestival.com

JANUARY

JAN 25 | PIRATE FEST

For more than a century, the bold buccaneers of Ye Mystic Krewe of

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE TAMPA BAY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

Gasparilla have sailed the seas in relentless pursuit of the treasures nestled in the heart of Tampa. They’ve reappeared year after year, much to the delight of local souls and visiting adventurers alike. For more info visit: gasparillapiratefest.com

FEBRUARY

FEB 6 - 17 | STATE FAIR

If you like animals, exciting rides, live music or delicious food, the Florida State Fair has something for you. Featuring an agricultural exhibit that holds more than 6,000 animals and more than 100 rides, there’s a good reason that this state fair has been going on for more than one hundred years. Come visit the Florida State Fair for its family-friendly atmosphere and delightful attractions! For more info visit: floridastatefair.com

FEB 8 - 9 | ARTS FEST

Together our artisans will create an outdoor gallery of stunning,

original and handmade art from works in painting, photography, sculpture,mixed-media, fiber art, metalwork and much more. If you do not find exactly what you want, commission a unique, original piece of art made expressly for you! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3DZuf2O

FEB 13 - 16 | COLLARD GREEN FESTIVAL

As we approach our 8th year, TBCGF Inc. remains committed to promoting food and health equity. We aim to ensure that everyone has the ability and opportunity to grow, access, and consume healthful foods, and live a healthy life, regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or other factors. For more info visit: tbcgf.org

MARCH

MARCH TBA | AIR FEST

It’s our honor and privilege to host this free event, featuring an amazing variety of military and civilian

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE TAMPA BAY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

fight performances. Tampa Bay AirFest promises to be packed with heart-pounding aerial performances and family friendly activiites. For more info visit: tampabayairfest.com

APRIL

APRIL 5 | HIGHLAND GAMES

Take a day trip to Scotland via Dunedin’s Highland Games. The annual festival that taps into this Florida town’s Scottish roots features pipe bands, dancing and competitive games and sports, like the tossing of the caber. For more info visit: dunedinhighlandgames.com

APRIL 11 - 13 | BLUES FESTIVAL

Each year since 1995, some of the biggest names in blues music have taken the stage at the Tampa Bay Blues Festival. With acres of plush grass and palm trees, Vinoy Park is the perfect setting for one of the world’s biggest and best blues concerts. For more info visit: tampabaybluesfest.com

MAY

MAY 2 - 3 | RIVERFEST

Riverfest is a public, two-day, free event that is held the first weekend in May each year. The festival spans the entire length of the Riverwalk including several parks and features family-friendly activities and events showcasing Tampa’s cultural institutions, local musicians and restaurants. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/mnvnv7uj

2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT

SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

MAY 25 - SUN 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 26 - MON 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

MAY 26 - MON 8:15 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

MAY 27 - TUE 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 27 - TUE 8:15 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - WED 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - WED 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 29 - THU 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

MAY 29 - THU 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - FRI 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - FRI 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 31 - SAT 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 31 - SAT 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 01 - SUN 11:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 01 - SUN 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 02 - MON 11:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 02 - MON 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 03 - TUE 11:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 03 - TUE 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 04 - WED 11:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 04 - WED 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 05 - THU 3:00 PM 1/2 Finals Singles Ladies’

JUN 06 - FRI 2:30 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 06 - FRI 5:30 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 07 - SAT 3:00 PM Final Women’s Single

JUN 08 - SUN 3:00 PM Final Gentlemen’s Single

DATE

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

JULY 1 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round

JULY 2 - TUE 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round

JULY 3 - WED 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round

JULY 4 - THUR 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round

JULY 5 - FRI 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round

JULY 6 - SAT 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round

JULY 7 - SUN 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round

JULY 8 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round

JULY 9 - TUE 11:00 AM

JULY 1- WED 11:00 AM

JULY 11 - THU 1:00 PM

Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals

Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals

Ladies' Singles Semifinals & Mixed Doubles Final

JULY 12 - FRI 1:00 PM Men's Singles Semifinals

JULY 13 - SAT 2:00 PM

JULY 14 - SUN 2:00 PM

Ladies' Singles Final & Men's Doubles Final

Men's Singles Final & Ladies’ Doubles Final * Schedule subject to change

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

TRAIN EXPERIENCES Wonderful

If you haven’t traveled by train, you might like to try it. There are so many fantastic train trips available across the world. They offer opportunities not available any other way. There’s never the hassle of driving and missing the beautiful and scenic countryside. They are eco-friendly,

comfortable, relaxing and also offer refreshments. Trains start and end their journeys in cities and will transport you through diverse and incredible landscapes.

Here are a few amazing train trip options:

JACOBITE TRAIN BERNINA EXPRESS

If you are traveling in Scotland, be sure to check out the Jacobite. This journey is often described as the greatest rail journey in the world. It takes you 84 miles in total from Fort Williams in the highlands of Scotland to the most westerly stop in Arisaig. It passes by lakes and rivers including Lake Nevis, the deepest in Europe and through charming villages. There is a stop in Glenfinnan which was made famous as the site of the Harry Potter films. Then it is on to Mallaig which was founded in 1840 and is now a busy fishing port. It is a great spot for a walk or some shopping and dining. Try the fish and chips! Then take the return trip or consider taking the ferry to Skye and the Small Isles.

In Switzerland, be sure to check out the Bernina Express which is a 90 mile journey from Tirano in northern Italy to Chur in southeastern Switzerland. Highlights include unparalleled panoramic views of the steep peaks of the Swiss Alps, charming villages and shimmering lakes. With 55 tunnels through the mountains and numerous bridges and viaducts, the vistas are stunning. Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland and the old town is actually car-free. The train has earned UNESCO World Heritage Designation due to its architectural features and long history.

SKAGWAY RAILROAD RAILROAD MUSEUM

In Alaska, don’t miss the Bennett Lake Scenic Journey. A trip through history that began with the gold rush of 1898 when men sought routes to the Klondike and the White Pass. It began in Skagway and continued to British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. The train climbs from sea level to 3,00ft - a true marvel of engineering. Travel in a vintage train from Skagway to Carcass in the Yukon Territory. See snow capped peaks, forests, sparkling lakes, and amazing waterfalls. Visit Bennett Station and the White Pass Museum. You can do a walk through an old gold rush town. Then ride through remote sections of the lake that are otherwise only available by hiking the Chilkoot Trail.

In Parrish, Florida, visit the Museum and see the historic trains of the old South. Or take the 6-mile ride on an early 1900s train from Parrish to Willow to see a rail collection and exhibition. Also they host special train events including a train robbery experience.