paradise ANOTHER DAY IN
THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND SUN CITY CENTER
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...now what?
WELCOME TO PARADISE Almost every day, someone walks into the chamber with a “deer caught in the headlights” look. They approach one of our wonderful volunteers and beg us for assistance. “My grandkids are coming for their summer vacation and will be here for two weeks! What do I do with them while they’re here?” It might be some variation on this theme. Maybe it’s the neighbors from back up North visiting or perhaps it’s over the Christmas holidays. It doesn’t matter. Folks here want to keep their guests entertained and they’re not looking to spend a fortune at Disney to do it. I understand. The thought of keeping two teenagers occupied for 14 days is a daunting one. The last thing you want to hear is “I’m bored!” So we’ve put together this destination guide filled with
great ideas of places to go, things to do and people to meet. There are unique experiences, such as a Wild West train ride or an encounter with manatees. Love the circus? Visit the Showmen’s Museum. What about a delicious dinner on the waterfront with a guaranteed sunset view? We have it all right here in this beautiful guide. We love it here so much we’ve chosen to live here year-round. We think once you’ve experienced the area, you’ll want to call this place home, too! If we can be of any further assistance to you, please stop by and visit us or just give us a call. Make your visit here exceptional!
Dana Dittmar, CEO
Sun City Center Area Chamber of Commerce
Dexter Charles and Dana Dittmar
CONTACT INFORMATION 1651 Sun City Center Plaza Sun City Center, FL 33573
sccchamber.com
813-634-5111
dana@sccchamber.com
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PUBLIC GOLF COURSES IN TAMPA BAY
1,000,000
$
FULL-TIME LOCAL RESIDENTS
22,000
COST OF CYPRESS CREEK
BOOKS AT THE SUN CITY CENTER LIBRARY
137 ARTS AND CRAFTS CLUBS
455
4½
10
COMMUNITY TENNIS COURTS
OF LUSH AL GARDENS TE’S FAMOUS N GARDENS
FEET (IN LENGTH) OF THE 1940S STEAMSHIP S.S. AMERICAN VICTORY IN DOWNTOWN TAMPA
1, 00 1,300
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ANIMALS AT LOWRY PARK ZOO IN TAMPA
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361 361 36 61
AVERAGE A VERAGE ERAGE RAGE AGE GE E NUM N NU NUMB NUMBE NUMBER OF O F SUNNY UNNY NNY DA D DAY DAYS PER P ER R YEAR YE R YEA
469 2,000
73°
AVERAGE ANNUAL TEMPERATURE
ACRES TO EXPLORE AT NEARBY E.G. SIMMONS PARK – A BIRD-WATCHER’S PARADISE!
+
13
MILE DIESEL TRAIN RIDE AT THE FLORIDA RAILROAD MUSEUM IN PARRISH
4,895
AUTOGRAPHED BASEBALLS IN THE WORLD’S LARGEST COLLECTION AT THE ST. PETERSBURG MUSEUM OF HISTORY
PIECES OF ART INSIDE THE DALÍ MUSEUM IN ST. PETE
300,000
4 400
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things to do
UN FOR UN O EVERYONE V ON O N FUN
S
By Gina Vivinetto
un City Center residents donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to travel far to find fun. Choose from exciting attractions right in the immediate area, or take a short drive to explore the offerings in surrounding cities. From wildlife preserves and state-of-the-art museums to botanical gardens and high-tech golf, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never been a shortage of things to do in our area. Here are a few suggestions.
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Top Golf 10690 Palm River Road, Brandon, FL 33619 813-298-1811 topgolf.com/us/tampa ¨ 26 minutes $$$-$$$$ Practice your swing, grab some grub and enjoy a cocktail at Top Golf, a 65,000-square-foot indoor entertainment complex where players hit microchipped golf balls into glowing portals on a futuristic driving range. Players can rent their own “hitting bays” by the hour, with each bay accommodating up to six players for maximum family fun. The three-story venue is also packed with flat-screen TVs and full-liquor lounges, as well as offbeat and delectable food offerings like gourmet sushi and donuts.
Sunken Gardens 1825 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704 727-551-3102 sunkengardens.org ¨ 44 minutes $ See flamingos and other exotic birds, bright orange koi fish and thrillingly colorful foliage as you stroll through Sunken Gardens, one of Florida’s oldest attractions. For more than a century, Sunken Gardens has allowed visitors to sneak away from city life and spend tranquil time amid 4½ acres of tropical plants, lush trees, ponds, waterfalls, a Japanese garden and much more.
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Ruskin Family Drive-In Theatre 5011 U.S. 41 N, Ruskin, FL 33572 813-645-1455 ruskinfamilydrivein.com ¨ 15 minutes $ Remember drive-in movies? Relive yesteryear by taking in a double feature at this authentic family-owned drive-in, which has been operating since 1952. Admission to two movies is just $6 per person, and $1 for kids 5-8. Open daily, rain or shine. Cash only. (Dogs on leashes allowed.)
Florida Railroad Museum 12210 83rd St. E, Parrish, FL 34219 941-776-0906 frrm.org ¨ 15 minutes Free-$$$$ Learn about Florida’s rich railroad history, see trains up close and take a 13-mile round-trip ride on a diesel train at this museum dedicated to preserving Florida’s rich railroad history. See the museum’s trains Wednesday – Sunday for free.
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Locomotive excursions (Saturdays and Sundays only) cost $14 for adults and $10 for kids age 3-11. Special events throughout the year include a murdermystery dinner train, train robbery reenactments, Thomas the Tank Engine events for little ones and more. Check website for a schedule. Big Cat Rescue 12802 Easy St., Tampa, FL 33625 813-920-4130 bigcatrescue.org ¨ 48 minutes $$-$$$ See more than 100 lions, tigers, leopards, bobcats, cougars and other large felines at Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, one of the world’s largest accredited sanctuaries dedicated entirely to protecting exotic cats from the wild. Guided tours, feeding tours and night tours are available. Visitors must book tours in advance.
, 941-366-5731 selby.org ¨ 47 minutes $$-$$$
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Chihuly Collection 720 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727-896-4527 moreanartscenter.org/chihuly ¨ 40 minutes $$ See world-renowned glassblower Dale Chihuly’s breathtaking works at the Chihuly Collection’s sleek new building in downtown St. Pete. Take a guided tour through the museum’s eight galleries or simply explore Chihuly’s ethereal glass sculptures and dramatic large-scale installations on your own. The airy, light-filled building was designed to showcase the collection, which features an iconic 20-foot sculpture created especially for the location.
See more than 20,000 tropical plants – including more than 5,500 beautiful orchids – at the world-renowned Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, famous for its large collection of epiphytes. Stroll the sprawling grounds and be enchanted by the koi pond, butterfly garden, bamboo garden, fern garden, an herbarium and more. Bringing kids with you? There’s also a special nteractive Children’s Rainforest Garden where little ones can play and earn. Museum of Science and Industry MOSI) 4801 E Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33617 813-987-6000 mosi.org ¨ 34 minutes $$-$$$ Love STEM stuff? Trek to MOSI to learn about science, technology, space, robotics and other fun stuff through more than 400 exciting
interactive exhibits. The kid-friendly museum is also home to a state-ofthe-art IMAX X® Dome theater, where moviegoers can take in documentaries about the deep blue sea, outer space, animals, geography and more. S.S. American Victory y Mariners Memorial and Museum Ship 705 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602 813-228-8766 americanvictory.org ¨ 32 minutes $ - $$ Climb aboard the historic S.S. American Victoryy and learn about the role this fully functioning 1940s-era steamship played in WWII and the Korean and Vietnam wars. Visitors can explore the ship’s radio and gyro rooms, hospital, galley, weaponry, steering stations and more. Book ahead to tour the ship with a docent. Open Sundays and Mondays from
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Dinosaur World 5145 Harvey Tew Road, Plant City, FL 33565 813-717-9865 dinosaurworld.com ¨ 33 minutes Free-$$ Meet more than 200 life-size dinosaurs at the outdoor Dinosaur World, a family theme park where dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages can stroll winding boardwalks and spy a huge Tyrannosaurus rex, as well as a Saltasaurus, Dilophosaurus and hundreds more. Little ones can also participate in interactive fossil digs and play in the dinosaur-themed playground.
noon to 5 p.m., and Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tom and Jerry’s Airboat Rides 68 N. Main Terrace, Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538 321-689-8918 airboattoursorlando.com ¨ 80 minutes $$ -$$$$ Ever seen an alligator up close? Tom and Jerry’s Airboat Rides in Central Florida has been taking adventurers on tours of beautiful Lake Panasoffkee for more than 30 years. Expect to see plenty of Florida gators, deer, wild hogs and birds on a fun-filled 60-minute tour.
Clearwater Jolley Trolley 410 N Myrtle Ave., Clearwater, FL 33755 727-445-1200 clearwaterjolleytrolley.com ¨ 60 minutes $ Enjoy a relaxing tour of Clearwater Beach and its surrounding coastal towns on the Clearwater Jolley Trolley, a charmingly old-fashioned trolley that’s as cheap as it is fun. The red trolley takes passengers all around downtown Clearwater and the beach, then makes its way to nearby Dunedin, Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs. Special seasonal trolleys take passengers right to spring training games and music festivals. Check website for routes and schedules.
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Florida Aquarium 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602 813-273-4000 flaquarium.org ¨ 34 minutes $$-$$$ Get up close to more than 20,000 aquatic plants and animals at this famed aquarium. Touch a bamboo shark, meet adorable penguins, and learn all about the ecosystems of Florida and the rest of the world. Feeling adventurous? Certified scuba divers are invited to swim with sharks, eels and more in the aquarium’s Coral Reef Exhibit. Bringing little ones? The newly renovated Splash Pad outdoor water play area for kids is scheduled to reopen this summer. Open daily.
Red Hawk Ranch Native American Retreat 4110 CR 579 S, Wimauma, FL 33598 813-634-5352 redhawkranchnativeamericanretreat.com ¨ 15 minutes Free (donations welcome) Pack a picnic, practice your tai chi or simply soak up nature and enjoy watching the springfed creek and waterfalls at this serene 18-acre retreat. Visitors can walk a labyrinth, bring a dish to the Native American circle on designated Saturdays each month and
West Campus Nature Trail W Del Webb Blvd., Sun City Center ¨ 5 minutes Free Stroll the trail and see native plants and exciting wildlife, including woodpeckers, ospreys, eagles and slithering snakes. Pack bottled water and bug spray for a day of exploring real Florida. Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo 1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa, FL 33604 813-935-8552 lowryparkzoo.com ¨ 35 minutes $$-$$$ Bring the whole family to Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, named the country’s No. 1 zoo for kids by Parentss magazine. Wildlife lovers can get up close to more than 1,300 animals, including elephants, tigers, giraffes, leopards, rhinos and orangutans. The nonprofit zoo spans 56 acres and specializes in the conservation of endangered wildlife. Bishop Planetarium, South Florida Museum and Parker Manatee Aquarium 201 10th St. W, Bradenton, FL 34205 941-746-4131 southfloridamuseum.org ¨ 32 minutes $$ Enjoy the immersive virtual journeys through the cosmos at the planetarium; visit Snooty, the world’s oldest manatee (born in
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1948!) in the aquarium; or see fossils and more at the cultural museum. This facility offers something for every kind of science lover, including frequent lectures, special events and a new “Think + Drink” nighttime discussion series on the second Wednesday of each month. Enjoy wine, beer or soft drinks as you listen to talks about cutting-edge developments in the science world. Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales, FL 33853 863-676-1408 boktowergardens.org ¨ 75 minutes $-$$ One of famed architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.’s most famous works, Bok Tower Gardens invites visitors to stroll charming pathways through lush ferns, palms, oaks, pines and flowering foliage. The paths also feature recesses and resting spots, where you can sit and observe the neo-Gothic Singing Tower itself, which echoes through the gardens at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. each day.
Elmira’s Wildlife Sanctuary 13910 Seminole Trail Wimauma, FL 33598 813-634-4115 elmiraswildlife.org ¨ 12 minutes $$ See and learn about the birds, tigers, bears, lemurs and more exotic animals that are cared for at this nonprofit sanctuary, where visitors can participate in 60- to 90-minute tours.
public parks
Gamble Plantation Historic State Park 3708 Patten Ave., Ellenton, FL 34222 This popular state park features the only surviving plantation house in South Florida. Tours of the house are offered six times each day, Thursday through Monday.
Little Manatee State Recreation Area 215 Lightfoot Road, Wimauma, FL 33598 This aquatic preserve is a must for nature lovers. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home to a winding river, shaded trails, equestrian trails, campsites, fishing, canoeing/kayaking and more.
E.G. Simmons Regional Park 2401 19th Ave. NW, Ruskin, FL 33570 This bird-watcherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paradise is a great place to pull out the binoculars and spy all kinds of feathered friends. The 469-acre park also features waterfront picnic and camping areas and a public beach. Williams Park 9425 U.S. 41, Riverview, FL 33578 This popular park is home to a convenient boat ramp for exploring the Alafia River.
museums
ARTS & LEISURE
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By Gina Vivinetto
un City Center residents live in the midst of some of the world’s most exciting museums and cultural attractions. The Tampa Bay area is recognized as a top destination for the arts, boasting the world-renowned Dalí Museum, the exciting new Chihuly Collection, the legendary Ringling and more. History buffs, railroad aficionados, car lovers and science geeks of every age will find museums to tickle their fancy, too. Spending the day with little ones? You’ll even find museums where kids can learn as they play. Here are some favorites.
Photo by LARA CERRI | Times
PLANT CITY All aboard! The Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum, located in the Historic Train Depot of downtown Plant City, lets visitors see and learn about railroad history. View a collection filled with memorabilia, artifacts and authentic vintage trains. Be sure to stand on the viewing platform that allows glimpses of trains even at night. Closed on Sundays. (813-719- 6989. 102 N Palmer St., Plant City, FL 33563. willafordrailroadmuseum.com)
ST. PETERSBURG The Dalí Museum, located right on St. Pete’s downtown waterfront, features the largest collection of famed Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali’s works outside of Spain. The landmark museum’s stunningly
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bold architecture features a helical staircase and sleek internal spaces that perfectly showcase the artist’s dreamlike paintings, drawings and sculptures. The museum also regularly hosts large exhibitions from Dalí’s groundbreaking art peers, most recently Frida Kahlo, Pablo Picasso and Walt Disney. Open daily. Check the website for hours and special exhibition schedules. (727-823-3767. 1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 thedali.org) For more than 50 years, the Museum of Fine Arts has delighted art lovers with a permanent collection that spans 5,000 years of civilization and includes works by greats like Monet, Cezanne and Renoir. Visitors can also spend tranquil time in the alluring sculpture garden and see the Steuben Glass gallery. The museum hosts movies, lectures and special exhibitions, including the current crowd pleaser “The Open Road: Photography and the American Road Trip,” which runs through June 4. A special exhibit of costumes from Star Wars movies is scheduled for the fall. Open daily. (727-896-2667. 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. mfastpete.org) For decades, the Morean Arts Center, located right on bustling Central Avenue in the city’s mural-drenched downtown, has featured rotating shows of modern and contemporary works by local, regional, national and international artists. Past exhibits have included works by famed modern art masters, including Jasper Johns and Peter Max. The center also hosts community art classes, Photo by SCOTT KEELER | Times
The Dalí Museum
workshops and other educational programs. Open daily. (727-822-7872. 719 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33701. moreanartscenter.org) The ethereal works of world-renowned glassblower Dale Chihuly are admired all over the globe, but his permanent collection is found in a sleek new building in downtown St. Pete’s Central Arts district. The Chihuly Collection offers art lovers eight galleries of Chihuly’s delicate glass sculptures and dramatic large-scale installations. The airy, light-filled building was specially designed to showcase the collection, which features a stirring 20-foot sculpture created for the location. Open daily. (727-896-4527. 720 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33701. moreanartscenter.org/chihuly) Devoted to chronicling the horrors of the Holocaust in tribute to the millions who were killed, the Florida Holocaust Museum features artifacts, photographs, personal testimonies and other collections. The site is also home to a historical library. Throughout the year, the museum hosts author talks, lectures, films and other special events. Open daily. (727-820-0100. 55 Fifth St. S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. flholocaustmuseum.org) Spending the day with the kids? It’s all about the little ones at Great Explorations Children’s Museum, where interactive, hands-on exhibits engage curious and creative young minds. A range of displays and workshops teach kids about everything from health and nutrition to animals and art. Adjacent to Sunken Gardens. Open daily. (727-821-8992. 1925 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704. greatex.org) The Tampa Bay Automobile Museum, just outside of St. Pete in Pinellas Park, is a 12,000-square-foot space dedicated to showcasing groundbreaking cars from around the globe, with a focus on engineering breakthroughs like front-wheel drive and rear engines. See and learn about dozens of vintage cars at the museum, which is also home to the world’s only fully functional replica of the French 1770 Fardier de Cugnot, the world’s first self-propelled vehicle. Closed on Tuesdays. (727-579-8226. 3301 Gateway Centre Blvd., Pinellas Park, FL 33782. tbauto.org)
TAMPA Located right on the beautiful Tampa Riverwalk, the Tampa Museum of Art boasts classical and modern art, with a special emphasis on contemporary works and new media. Housed in a sleek geometric building with translucent ceilings and polished stone floors, the museum hosts a number of exciting festivals and arts events throughout the year. Open daily. (813-274-8130. 120 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602. tampamuseum.org) Next door to the Tampa Museum of Art, you’ll find the Glazer Children’s Museum, a state-of-the-art kids’
$127+(5 '$< ,1 3$5$',6( museum that emphasizes hands-on play and learning. Featuring 170 interactive exhibits about art, engineering, architecture, aviation and more, the museum houses special sections for kids at every age and learning level. Open daily. (813-443-3861. 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602. glazermuseum.org) Love photography? The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts is a small but impressive space dedicated to showcasing the best in 20th century and contemporary photographers. Located on two floors of the Cube building at Rivergate Plaza in downtown Tampa, the museum has featured exhibits by Man Ray, Chuck Close, Ansel Adams, Herb Snitzer and other photography giants. The museum’s current show, “The Boomer List: Photographs by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders,” runs through June 10. Open daily. (813-221-2222. 400 N Ashley Drive, Tampa, FL 33602. fmopa.org) Science geeks love the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), where the STEM disciplines come alive right before your eyes. Learn about science, technology, space, robotics and more through 400 fun interactive exhibits. The kid-friendly museum is also home to a stateof-the-art IMAX® Dome theater, where moviegoers can take in documentaries about the deep blue sea, outer space, animals, geography, and more. Open daily. (813987-6000. 4801 E Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33617. mosi.org) The American Victory Ship Mariners Museum is a fully functioning 1940s-era steamship that invites history
buffs to climb aboard and explore. Learn about the role the ship played in WWII and the Korean and Vietnam wars, and take a tour of its radio and gyro rooms, hospital, galley, weaponry, steering stations and more. Call ahead to arrange a tour with a docent. Open daily. (813-228-8766. 705 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602. americanvictory.org) Step right up! The International Independent Showmen’s Museum is an enormous museum dedicated to preserving the history of traveling circuses and carnivals in America. The 52,000-square-foot museum houses a vintage Ferris wheel and carousel, as well as plenty of other memorabilia, artifacts, posters, signs and more. Its exhibits recall an era when traveling shows trekked across the nation to offer family-friendly entertainment – and exotic sideshows. Open Saturday and Sunday only. (813671-3503. 6938 Riverview Drive, Riverview, FL 33578. internationalindependentshowmensmuseum.org)
SARASOTA Launched in 1931 by John and Mable Ringling (of Ringling Bros. Circus fame) and now under the stewardship of Florida State University, the Ringling is the official state art museum of Florida. The sprawling museum boasts 31 galleries of rare antiquities, works by old masters, contemporary art and exhibits from around the world. The museum’s architecture alone is enough to take your breath away: a Venetian Gothic
Ringling Museum
palazzo-style main building and Italianate courtyard invite visitors inside to explore the vast collectionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 40,000 pieces. The museum also regularly hosts special exhibits
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and performances, films and other events. Open daily. (941-359-5700. 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243. ringling.org)
beaches
BEACH ESCAPES
T
he annual average high temperature in the Tampa Bay area is 82 degrees, so it’s unsurprising that visitors flock here year-round from all over the world to bask on our awardwinning beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. And from Sun City Center, it’s a reasonable drive to all of them. Whether you’re in the mood to hike among the pines, kayak through mangroves, explore sea grasses and birds or just stretch out and relax on the soft, white sand, you can’t do better than the many beaches less than an hour from your front door.
Tranquil, unspoiled beaches A six-year improvement and renovation project was completed in October, making Apollo Beach – roughly 20 minutes from Sun City Center – a great option for a quick jaunt to the beach. Part of the Apollo Beach Nature Preserve, the beach has new rock breakwaters that were installed to cut down on shore erosion, and improvements were made to the pavilion and restrooms, as well. The beach is popular with dog owners and is close to Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center. (Tip: You’re more likely to see manatees in cooler months, when they’re
drawn to the warm water at the plant.) Just west of Bradenton in Manatee County is the barrier island Anna Maria, a consistently highly rated vacation destination with an Old Florida village vibe and miles of great beaches. At the northern part of the island is low-key Anna Maria Beach, a large beach that extends around the tip of the island, offering a variety of spectacular views. You can walk (although it would take two hours) to Manatee Beach in the city of Holmes Beach. Manatee is a public beach known for shallow and particularly clear water that makes it great for snorkeling. Lifeguards are on duty during the day, and there are concession stands, picnic tables, showers and even a playground for the kiddos. From Manatee Beach, you can hop on a boat tour to Egmont Key, a former military base that’s now a state park and wildlife refuge. The uninhabited preserve boasts superior bird watching, lovely trails to traverse and a historic lighthouse to explore. Farther south on Anna Maria is quiet Bradenton Beach, where you’ll find tons of vegetation, including Australian pine trees, soft white sand, clear water and possibly (probably) some dolphins. But if you’re in the mood for activities, you can rent kayaks, paddleboards
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and bikes nearby. Before heading home, visit the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum and stroll the quaint stores and art galleries on historic Pine Avenue, which locals refer to as “the greenest little Main Street in America.” For a wonderful dinner (or happy hour drink) right on the beach while watching the amazing sunset, top your day off at the Beach House Restaurant. Want to explore all of Anna Maria’s beaches? Ride the Manatee Trolley, which carts you all over the island and Longboat Key for free.
More bustling beaches Florida dominates the first five spots on TripAdvisor’s 2017 Travelers’ Choice list for best beaches in the country. Siesta Key is No. 1, and coming in at No. 3 is St. Pete Beach, just over the Sunshine Skyway on I-275. There’s plenty of ubiquitous, sugary sand and gently lapping, warm turquoise waters to enjoy, but St. Pete Beach also offers tons of amenities, such as kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals. Plus, there are bars, restaurants and shopping nearby in downtown St. Pete. Harry’s Beach Bar in the Sirata Beach Resort is a local favorite and the oldest bar on St. Pete Beach, featuring a patio with fire pits right on the beach. A popular dinner spot nearby is the RumFish Grill Restaurant, part of the Guy Harvey resort. Eat seafood
under the round, gaping eyes of more than 30 species of fish indigenous to the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay in the wall-length tank built on the Animal Planet show Tanked. If you want to step it up a notch and bask in some Old Florida glamour, make a reservation at the awardwinning Maritana Grille at the historic Loews Don CeSar, the 1920s-era landmark hotel known as the “Pink Palace.” At the southern tip of St. Pete Beach is Pass-a-Grille Beach, which, in addition to being another fantastic beach to luxuriate upon, offers all the charm of a cute beach town, with ice cream parlors, restaurants and shops that feature souvenirs and the work of local artists and artisans. A bit north up the coast is kitschy Treasure Island Beach, a long beach dotted with palm trees. Stroll, jog or bike on the paved path (that’s lit at night) along the beach behind the 1940s- and 1950s-era motels that run through Treasure Island, a vacation throwback that’s still a popular tourist destination with plenty of dining, shopping and nightlife options. From the walkway, you can pop into several beachfront hotel bars and restaurants. Farther north still is the No. 4 beach this year, according to TripAdvisor: Clearwater Beach. It’s often crowded with tourists, but still retains a laid-back, fun vibe. It’s a great place to book boat tours, dinner cruises and sunset helicopter rides, and to rent or take lessons in standup paddleboarding, sailing, parasailing and kayaking.
dining
Fiore’s Sunshine Café
DINING DELIGHTS
O
ne of the great things about living in Sun City Center is that you can enjoy the warmth and laid-back vibe of a small town while having some of the best restaurants in the state within a short drive. And the number of great choices – many with beautiful waterfront views and live entertainment – grows every year, with options to sate any food craving and at a variety of price points. Check out one of these top-notch eateries the next time you’re looking for a quick bite after a day at the beach or shopping or want to splurge at an award-winning fine-dining restaurant.
Casual and family-friendly Fiore’s Sunshine Café, a bright, sunny local favorite for breakfast in Ruskin, now serves dinner, too. In addition to the all-you-can-eat Friday fish fry, the new owners put fish tacos, burgers and lasagna on the menu. They also encourage community groups to use the restaurant as their meeting place and artists to submit work to be displayed in the restaurant. (813-633-3344. 3808 Sun City Center Blvd., Ruskin. sunshinecafesuncitycenter.com) Stop by family-owned Sage Biscuit Café in Bradenton on your way to Bradenton Beach for phenomenal biscuits, eggs Benedict or chocolate chip pancakes for another
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fantastic, casual and vegetarian-friendly breakfast option. (941-792-3970. 6656 Cortez Road W., Bradenton. sagebiscuitbradenton.com) Historic as well as fun, the Star Fish Company is a beloved kitschy spot on the dock in Cortez, a quaint fishing village in the northern part of the Sarasota Bay. It opened as a fish market in the 1920s and added a restaurant in the ’90s that continues to draw locals and tourists today. Enjoy a cold beer and Southern fare such as fried oysters, bay shrimp, grits and hush puppies while watching boats pass in and out of the marina, as well as views of Longboat Key and mangrove islands. (941-794-1243. 12306 46th Ave. W, Cortez. starfishcompany.com) Pizza-loving locals go nuts over the variety as well as the price point of the pizza buffet at Fire & Stone Pizza in Bradenton. On Wednesday night (check website or call to confirm), get soup, salad, pizza made in a brick-lined oven and soft-serve sundaes for less than 10 bucks. Fire & Stone also serves hot sandwiches and a variety of locally made beer. (941-792-5300. 10519 Cortez Road W, Bradenton. fireandstonepizza.com) Whether you’re in the mood for some lively entertainment or a hearty, casual meal (or both), you can’t go wrong at Sandpiper Grille and Bunkers Pub in Sun City Center. Locals love hanging at the friendly bar,
and its lovely patio overlooks the golf course. In addition to classic menu items such as coconut shrimp, prime rib and blackened chicken Alfredo, the Sandpiper offers live music and karaoke. (813-634-7900. 1702 S Pebble Beach Blvd., Sun City Center. thesandpipergrille. com)
Diners are encouraged to “share tables and make friends” at Ruskin restaurant Old Castle, an authentic German spot that serves rave-worthy schnitzel. Try the Berlin curry sausage potato pancakes and sample some great beers, too. (813-633-3331. 3830 Sun City Center Blvd., Ruskin. oldcastlerestaurant.com) If you’re in St. Petersburg and in the mood to sit outside and enjoy a beer and a burger, grab a picnic table on the patio of the venerable (since 1951!) Chattaway, a kooky but charming blend of Old Florida and English tearoom. The large outdoor area has a koi pond, bathtub planters and, often, live music. Locals recommend the burgers, lobster bisque and sweet potato fries.
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(727-823-1594. 358 22nd Ave. S, St. Petersburg. thechattaway.com)
Date-night worthy Build your own Bloody Mary at the DIY bar during brunch at Latitudes Apollo in Apollo Beach. Latitudes’ menu changes frequently, but lunch and dinner options recently included chicken Florentine, a stuffed portobello mushroom cap with goat cheese and spinach, coconut shrimp, peppercorn seared tuna with wasabi and ginger, and steak and blue cheese flatbread. Ask about early bird and happy hour specials and the live music calendar. (813-645-9700. 131 Harbor Village Lane, Apollo Beach. latitudesapollo.com)
Latitudes Apollo
Voted best new restaurant in the state by Florida Trend magazine, The Mill in downtown St. Pete offers refreshing cocktails in its beautiful, well-stocked rustic bar and excels in pulling off modern takes on comfort food classics, such as their lamb shank pot pie; house-made potato chips; the fried green tomato, baked egg and sausage brunch item smothered in hollandaise on a cornmeal waffle; and the black pepper cheesecake dessert. Brunch on the outdoor patio, and don’t miss the popular watermelon bruschetta. (727-317-3930. 200 Central Ave., downtown St. Pete. themilldtsp.com) Pier 22’s prime location on the Bradenton Riverwalk overlooking the Manatee River means you can enjoy some of the area’s best oysters, Bloody Marys, and Cuban and Monte Cristo sandwiches while taking in gorgeous views of the water from their big, lovely patio. A perfect, relaxing spot to recharge after shopping at the outlets or visiting the South Florida Museum, Pier 22 offers an impressive happy hour menu and great weekly specials, as well. Seafood is the star here, but there are plenty of “landfood” options as well, including chicken cordon
bleu, pork osso buco and rack of lamb. (941-748-8087. 1200 First Ave. W, Bradenton. pier22dining.com) Why save waterfront dining for dinner when you can take exquisite views of St. Joseph Sound and Honeymoon and Caladesi Islands while eating brunch on the patio at Bon Appétit in Dunedin? Try the cornflake-crusted French toast or poached egg Creole for brunch, or settle in for a romantic dinner later with fresh seafood, steak and roasted chicken entrees, classic key lime pie and a chocolate martini. It’s also a great spot for special events such as weddings and is accessible by boat. (727-7332151. 148 Marina Plaza, Dunedin. bonappetitrestaurant. com)
Special occasion splurges A hands-down area favorite among many locals, Anna Maria Island’s Beach Bistro offers award-winning fine dining with breathtaking views of the beach. Beautifully plated dishes include bouillabaisse, Colorado lamb, gulf shrimp, foie gras and duck fat roasted potatoes. Indulge your sweet tooth with desserts such as praline key lime pie or the restaurant’s version of a Dark and Stormy cocktail, made with candied ginger. Beach Bistro has been honored with Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for a dozen years and consistently receives top ratings from Zagat. Bon Appetit magazine included it in its list of most romantic restaurants in Florida. (941-778-6444. 6600 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. beachbistro.com) Sure, its name is kind of hipstery, but don’t let it keep you from dining at edison: food + drink lab, an unpretentious Tampa restaurant that has snagged awards for its food, wine list, cocktails and ice cream as well as the No. 1 spot on the Tampa Bay Times’ 2016 list of best restaurants in the Tampa Bay area. The cheese board is perfect for sharing, and stand-out entrees include the seared duck breast and sea scallops with tomatillo okra fricassee. (813-254-7111. 912 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. edison-tampa.com) A few years ago, the masterminds behind Tampa’s Bern’s Steak House transformed SideBern’s into Haven, an upscale wine bar and eatery that offers impressive selections of charcuterie, 60 cheeses and 300 varieties of bourbon in addition to innovative seafood dishes and salads and mouthwatering desserts. (813-258-2233. 2208 W Morrison Ave., Tampa. haventampa.com)
Landmark destination dining Founded in 1905 by a Cuban immigrant, Columbia Restaurant is the oldest in Florida; its management has stretched over five generations in its 112-year history. Located in Tampa’s historic Ybor District, the Columbia serves Spanish and Cuban cuisine and family specialties
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Columbia Restaurant
such as black bean soup, authentic Cuban sandwiches, the award-winning 1905 salad topped with ham and Swiss cheese, tapas and entrees such as red snapper baked in garlicky gravy and topped with roasted almonds. Don’t miss the nightly Flamenco show, and be sure to explore the beautiful restaurant before you leave, too. (813-248-4961. 2117 E Seventh Ave., Tampa. columbiarestaurant.com) You’ll need to plan ahead to visit Tampa’s wildly popular Bern’s Steak House, which has become an institution since opening in 1956. But once you snag a reservation and walk through its dark-paneled rooms, you’ll marvel at its award-winning wine cellar, stellar service, prime aged steaks and extensive caviar menu and celebrated dessert room to satisfy any sweet craving imaginable. (813-251-2421. 1208 S Howard Ave., Tampa. bernssteakhouse.com) For 30 years, Mise en Place in downtown Tampa has served modern American excellence, from the impeccable service to its frequently changing, innovative menu. For a refreshing culinary experience, try one of their tasting menus; a recent menu featured veal scaloppini in a butternut squash leek fondue and anchocoriander-crusted shrimp. (813-254-5373. 442 W Grand Central Ave., Tampa. miseonline.com)
shopping
M TO O SHOP S O TIME
T
ons of shopping options are just a short drive from Sun City Center. Spend a few hours bargain hunting at an outlet mall, or browse locally owned boutiques on quaint streets in retail areas rich with small-town charm. It’s easy to find whatever you need – and a few things you didn’t know you needed – at these spots bound to give your credit cards a run for their money. Nestled in one of Tampa’s most historic and beautiful residential neighborhoods, Hyde Park Village is a tree-lined retail district with a Pottery Barn, Sur La Table Anthropologie and Brooks Brothers (to name a few) and a variety of great dining options, including Bar Taco, a restaurant that offers innovative takes on Mexican street tacos, Timpano Chophouse and Goody Goody, an openair retro diner with delicious burgers and pie. (813-2513500. 744 S Village Circle, Tampa. hydeparkvillage.com) Like any great mall, Westfield Brandon offers a variety of shopping options in a range of price points, with high-
end specialty retailers such as Coach, Michael Kors, Lush, Loft and Apple; mid-range stores such as Lane Bryant and Express; and big anchor stores such as Dick’s Sporting Goods, JCPenney and Dillard’s. Westfield Brandon also has options for quick snacks, such as Great American Cookies and Auntie Anne’s Pretzels; fast food such as Subway and Chick-fil-A; and finer dining options such as Ryuu Japanese Steakhouse. (813-661-6255. 459 Brandon Town Center, Brandon. Westfield.com/brandon) Bright, airy and modern, WestShore Plaza in Tampa opens doors two hours before the stores open for mall walkers’ convenience, and houses more than 100 retail stores, an AMC 14 Theater, a food court and several restaurants, including Mitchell’s Fish Market. Macy’s offers personal shopping services, as well. (813-286-0790. 250 WestShore Plaza, Tampa. westshoreplaza.com) Find luxury designer brands Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Burberry at Tampa’s International Plaza and Bay Street, as well as more accessible but still higher-end department
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stores such as Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom and 200 other specialty stores. Step outside into the “outdoor lifestyle center,” a cute, village-like part of the plaza, to do some more browsing or eat at Bar Louie or Brio Tuscan Grille. (813-342-4790. 2223 N Westshore Blvd., Tampa. shopinternationalplaza.com) Shop designer brands such as Michael Kors, Calvin Klein and Polo Ralph Lauren in two massive Simon centers nearby: Ellenton Premium Outlets in Ellenton and Tampa Premium Outlets in Lutz. Both are well laid-out outdoor malls with plenty of strategic shade, pleasant fountains, children’s play areas and food courts with outdoor seating. Both locations offer Brooks Brothers, Ann Taylor, Armani and J.Crew outlets to name just a few of the 130 stores. (Tip: Consult a map before you go to figure out your best navigation plan.) (Ellenton location: 941-723-1150. 5461 Factory Shops Blvd., Ellenton. premiumoutlets.com/outlet/Ellenton. Tampa location: 813-909-8716. 2300 Grand Cypress Ave., Lutz. premiumoutlets.com/outlet/tampa)
Hyde Park Village
Enjoy beautiful waterfront views while you browse the shops of John’s Pass, a charming and historic fishing village in Madeira Beach in Pinellas County. In addition to a lovely boardwalk, arcade and winery, John’s Pass has tons of fun shops to peruse. Shop women’s clothing in the many boutiques, local wines and olive oil, locally made jewelry and woodcrafts, cigars, sugar and teas and countless souvenirs, then enjoy some fresh seafood (or pizza, or crepes) at one of the many restaurants with waterfront dining. (727-394-0756. 12901 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach. johnspassvillage.net) Just a half hour away via I-75, The Mall at University Town Center offers high-end clothing, accessories and housewares shopping, with department stores Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s and Dillard’s; retailers Stuart Weitzman, Mayors/Rolex, Michael Kors, Lilly Pulitzer; and Williams Sonoma and Crate & Barrel. The bright center also boasts top-quality dining options including restaurant and steakhouse the Capital Grille and Seasons 52 wine
$127+(5 '$< ,1 3$5$',6( bar. Sophie’s, a spot inside Saks, offers craft cocktails and delicious, fresh dishes made with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. (941-552-7000. 140 University Town Drive, Sarasota. mallatutc.com) There are also plenty of gourmet, specialty food shopping options in and near Sun City Center. New in Cypress Village Plaza is Bulk Food Superstore, where you’ll find a dizzying variety of supplements, grains, beans, spices, candies, nuts and chocolates, as well as locally made honey and coffee and personal care products such as soap and lotion. The superstore is also great for those on restricted diets looking for gluten- or sugar-free ingredients. If you don’t see what you need, just ask: The owners are happy to accommodate customers’ requests for specific items. (813-938-1605. 3804 Sun City Center Blvd., Ruskin. bulkfoodsuperstore.com) About a half-hour away in downtown St. Petersburg
WHAT:
Bulk Food Superstore
WHERE:
3804 Sun City Center Blvd. Sun City Center, FL 33573 813-938-1605 bulkfoodsuperstore.com
WHEN:
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday–Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
is an easy and fun way to spend an afternoon: Sundial St. Pete (formerly known as The Shops at St. Pete), a shopping, dining and entertainment center. In addition to retail shops such as Chico’s, Happy Feet Plus and the Florida Jean Company, Sundial sponsors fun events such as free swing dancing in the courtyard and an “oysters 101” class with renowned chef Ken Tufo. Catch a movie at Muvico Sundial Theater, or dine at eateries boasting award-winning chefs, such as Michael Mina’s and Don Pintabona’s Farm-Table Kitchen. Find gourmet baked goods, a variety of fish and high-quality meats, cheese, wine and fresh flowers to take home, or dine inside or on the patio at Locale Market, which offers lots of options, including Italian food, sushi, burgers and ice cream. Plenty of garage parking and valet parking are available. (727-800-3201. 153 Second Ave., St. Petersburg. sundialstpete.com)
SAVE ON SPECIALTY ITEMS AT NEW BULK FOOD SUPERSTORE By Gina Vivinetto
S
un City Center residents have an exciting new way to shop, thanks to Bulk Food Superstore. Located right on Sun City Center Boulevard, the store invites customers to fill up bags with products – everything from dried fruit and nuts to baking flours and pasta – and then purchase those products by weight. Owners Annette and Brian Brama moved here from Germany last summer to be closer to Brian’s mother, Renate, a Sun City Center resident. “We were here often to visit her and we saw how busy it was,” says Annette. “We thought it was the right place for the store, and we were lucky to get this location.”
Catering to the community What makes the store so special is that the Bradenton couple have taken the bulk store concept and localized it, specifically catering to the Sun City Center community. “We have a lot of gluten-free products and sugar-free products for diabetics and other products for people with special dietary needs,” says Brama. Because there’s nothing else around like it, Bulk Food Superstore has already attracted a steady stream of loyal customers since its January opening. “It’s just taken off,” says Brama. Visitors to the 2,700-square-foot store can choose from
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40 different varieties of nuts and seeds, 10 types of baking flours and nearly a dozen kinds of coffee beans. They’ll also find special sections devoted to spices, loose-leaf teas, and gourmet oils and vinegars.
The bulk bargain While the store’s specialty products make it a haven for anyone transitioning to a new diet, customers often don’t want to buy a 5-pound bag of a product they’ve never tried before, says Brama. Buying from a bulk food store allows them to control the amount they pay for. “You can come in and buy half a pound or a quarter pound of, say, almond flour – because you’re not allowed to eat wheat flour – and, if the recipe works out, great,” she says. “If it doesn’t work out, you haven’t bought a huge amount of flour you don’t want to use anymore.” Customers also get a better value by not having to pay
for the overhead of expensive packaging. The first-time storeowners are committed to working with local merchants as often as they can. They employ two local coffee roasters and a local beekeeper who provides four different kinds of honey. The store also sells select supplements and nontoxic personal care products, including soaps, shampoos, conditioners and aluminum-free deodorants. There’s even a special section devoted to fragrant essential oils. And while much of that sounds decidedly healthminded, Bulk Food Superstore isn’t a health food store, as evidenced by the many barrels brimming with colorful candies and chocolate-covered snacks (not to mention the array of cookies, chips, and pretzels). On any given day, the store is bustling with happy customers filling bags with their favorite items, and that thrills the store’s owners. Says Brama, “We’re very happy we filled a need here.”
sports
Photo by DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times
SPORTS LOVER'S PARADISE
By Gina Vivinetto
The Tampa Bay area is a wonderland for sports lovers. With four professional sports teams to call our own and Major League Baseball spring training, sports fans here can enjoy year-round game hopping. Tampa Bay Lightning Founded in 1992, the Tampa Bay Lightning are one of the most popular professional teams in sports. While the 2016-17 season has been a bit of a heartbreaker, the team has qualified for the NHL playoffs nine times – and won the Stanley Cup in 2004. The Lightning are known for their close relationship with their fans and for giving back to the Tampa Bay area community. At each home game, the Lightning award $50,000 to a community hero. Head coach: Jon Cooper Colors: Blue, black and white Mascot: ThunderBug
Nickname: Bolts Home games: Amalie Arena in Tampa Claim to fame: Won the Stanley Cup in 2004 Tampa Bay Rays The Tampa Bay Rays got their start in 1998 as the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. The team’s first decade was rough, but in 2008 the Rays made their way to the World Series. Though they ultimately lost to the Philadelphia Phillies, the team continued on a red-hot winning streak, making it to the playoffs again in 2010, 2011 and 2013. Last season saw the Rays hitting a nasty rough patch. Here’s hoping 2017 brings some much-needed big wins. Manager: Kevin Cash Colors: Navy blue, light blue, yellow, white Mascot: Raymond Home games: Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg
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Claim to fame: Made it to the World Series (but lost) in 2008 Tampa Bay Rowdies Soccer’s popularity in the U.S. is a relatively new thing, but the Tampa Bay Rowdies have been thrilling fans – off and on – for decades. Originally founded in 1975 as a North American Soccer League expansion team, the Rowdies were actually the first pro sports franchise in the Tampa Bay area and played until 1993. Resurrected in 2008, the team went on to win the NASL championship in 2012. Just this year, the Rowdies joined the United Soccer League, so expect even more excitement at their already-packed home games. Head coach: Stuart Campbell Colors: Green and yellow Mascot: Ralph Rowdie Home games: Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg Claim to fame: Won the Soccer Bowl to become NASL champions in 2012 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Added as an expansion team in 1976, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took a few years to find their footing. (The team famously lost their first 26 games.) But the Bucs turned that around in the 2002 season and won the Super Bowl in their one and only (so far!) Super Bowl appearance in January 2003. Though the Bucs haven’t made it to the playoffs since 2007, the team’s loyal fans are feeling hopeful again after a strong 2016 season found them finishing in second place in their division. Hope is in the air! Head coach: Dirk Koetter Colors: Red, pewter and black Mascot: Captain Fear Nickname: Bucs Home games: Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Claim to fame: Won Super Bowl XXXVII MLB Spring Training With our warm weather and sunny skies, it’s no surprise the Tampa Bay area is a hot spot for Major League Baseball spring training. During February and March, you’ll find five MLB teams – the New York Yankees, the Philadelphia Phillies, the Toronto Blue Jays, the Baltimore Orioles and the Pittsburgh Pirates – warming up for the regular season. Want to watch the pros practice right in your own backyard? Find schedules and stadiums at flasports.com/ spring-training.
LET'S GET TROPICAL! Professional indoor soccer, a sport created so teams in cold climates could play during the winter, was huge in the 1980s. The vibrant Major Arena Soccer League (MASL), formed in 2008, is reinvigorating interest in the sport – and Sun City Center residents have front-row seats to watch it blossom. The Florida Tropics SC, one of the founding indoor men’s soccer teams of the MASL, just finished its inaugural season with a respectable 8-12 record, tying with the Syracuse Silver Knights for third place in the Eastern Division. Home games take place at the Lakeland Center in historic downtown Lakeland, an arena that hadn’t held a soccer game since the Tampa Bay Rowdies last played there in 1984. San Diego, Baltimore, St. Louis and Harrisburg, Penn., all have MASL teams, which play on synthetic turf in indoor arenas around the country and in Mexico. Currently, there are 17 teams in the MASL. Tropics owners seem enthusiastic about the team’s ability to capitalize on the growing excitement about other Florida pro soccer teams, such as the Tampa Bay Rowdies and Orlando City SC. Because the Florida Tropics are such a new team, it’s a great opportunity for locals to get in on the ground floor and, in essence, grow up with the players. Owner and CEO Andrew Haines has said that the Tropics’ presence in Lakeland is a great opportunity for locals to have their own home team to root for. Another plus: Becoming a diehard Tropics fan costs considerably less than it would for other professional sports. But beyond their reasonable prices, the Florida Tropics are likely to draw new fans because indoor soccer tends to be more exciting and accessible than outdoor soccer. It’s faster paced, higher scoring is possible and there’s more contact between the players. Social media is helping to get the word out about the team, and its growing fan base is helping stir the excitement. The accessibility of world-class athletes in a small but growing new league appears to be as appealing to fans as team owners and backers have hoped.
venues
events Mahaffey Theater
JANUARY • Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival • Gasparilla Pirate Fest, Tampa • Downtown Dunedin Art Festiva • First Night St. Petersburg
FEBRUARY
Whether you enjoy taking in a Broadway show or Tosca, modern dance or indoor soccer, stand-up comedy or a Mahler symphony, the area’s many arts and entertainment venues offer exciting fare for everyone. Check websites for schedules. Amalie Arena 401 Channelside Drive Tampa, FL 33602 813-301-6500 amaliearena.com
Mahaffey Theater 400 First St. S St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727-892-5767 themahaffey.com
Asolo Repertory Theater 5555 N Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34243 941-351-8000 asolorep.org
MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre 4802 U.S. 301 N Tampa, FL 33610 813-740-2446 midflorida.com/ amphitheatre
Straz Center for the Performing Arts 1010 N MacInnes Place Tampa, FL 33602 813-229-7827 strazcenter.org Jannus Live 200 First Ave. N St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727-565-0550 jannuslive.com The Lakeland Center 701 W Lime St. Lakeland, FL 33815 863-834-8100 thelakelandcenter.com
The Palladium Theater 253 Fifth Ave. N St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727-822-3590 mypalladium.org Ruth Eckerd Hall 1111 N McMullen Booth Road Clearwater, FL 33759 727-791-7400 rutheckerdhall.com Skipper’s Smokehouse 910 Skipper Road Tampa, FL 33613 813-971-0666 skipperssmokehouse.com
• Florida Strawberry Festi Plant City • Bay Area Renaissanc (through March), T • Florida State Fai • Crawfish Festiv • Fiesta Day, Ybo • Clearwater Sea-Blu
MARCH • Apollo Beach Manatee Festival of t • Gasparilla Arts Festival, Tampa • Gasparilla Music Festival, Tampa • PGA Golf Valspar Championship, Palm Harbor • Tampa Pride Parade • Annual Manatee Arts Festival, Apollo Beach • Firestone Grand Prix, St. Petersburg • MiraBay Dragon Boat Festival and Race, Apollo Beach • Winthrop Arts Festival & Artisan Market, Riverview • Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival (weekends through most of April) • Spring Trade Show, Sun City Center • Fun Fest, Sun City Center
APRIL • Feast with the Beasts, Lowry Park Zoo, in Tampa • Dunedin Highland Games & Festival • Tampa RiverFest • Mayor’s Mac & Chee (part of RiverFest), Ta • Tampa Bay Blues Fes • Festa Italiana, Ybor C • Bern’s Wine Fest, Tam • Fun ’n Sun Clearwate • Clearwater Pier Su Sand Festival • Sunscreen Film Festiv St. Petersburg • Mainsail Art Festival, St. Petersburg • Chamber Cup Classic Golf Tournament, Sun City Center
MAY • SeaGrapes Food and Wine Festival, Tampa • Clearwater Beach Restaurant Week
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JUNE • St. Pete Pride Festival and Parade • Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival, St. Petersburg
JULY • Tampa Red, White & Blue Festival • July 4th Fireworks on the Manatee River, Bradenton
AUGUST • Tampa Bay Lobster Festival, Clearwater
SEPTEMBER • Clearwater Super Boat National Championship • GeckoFest, Gulfport • Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, St. Petersburg and Tampa • St. Pete Oktoberfest
OCTOBER • Clearwater Jazz Holiday • John’s Pass Seafood Festival • International Folk Fest, St. Petersburg • Guavaween Celebration, Ybor City • Trick or Treat Street, Riverview
NOVEMBER • VFW-Ruskin Veterans Day Parade • Ruskin Seafood Festival • Plant City Pig Jam • Ribfest, St. Petersburg
DECEMBER • Apollo Beach Lighted Boat Parade • Tampa Lighted Boat Parade
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