The Tampa Bay 100

 

Bringing Together Gender Equality & Live Art

Beth Houghton, executive director of the St. Petersburg Free Clinic, is one of the panelists who will discuss gender equality.

The United Nations Association of Tampa Bay is hosting an event to raise awareness of gender equality and women’s empowerment called UNIFIED.

UNIFIED is an interactive, live-art fundraiser that includes a panel discussion with local leaders on how to collectively drive tangible change in gender equality. The panelists include Lorna Taylor of Premier Eye Care and Beth Houghton of St. Petersburg Free Clinic.

The July 27 event at the Morean Center for Clay will showcase local and international artists. Proceeds from a live auction will benefit CASA.

Tickets are $100 each; or $90 for groups of five or more.

– Olivia Kresic, B2 Communications

 

Pride Parade Colors Downtown St. Pete

More than 200,000 people are expected to attend Florida's largest Pride celebration. (Photo courtesy of St. Pete Pride)

Celebrate diversity with the many St. Pete Pride events, like a concert or special beer tasting, June 21-25.

The main event, the St. Pete Pride Celebration and Parade, takes place Saturday, June 25. It moves to a downtown route along Bayshore Drive this year, but it still promises as many sequins, beads and feathers as years past. Attend for free, or pay to get a better view from the Bleachers at Straub or The Glamstands.

Cap the fun with live entertainment and LGBTQ+ friendly exhibitors at the St. Pete Pride Street Festival in the Grand Central District on Sunday.

– Alina Hall, B2 Communications

 

“The Beer Project” Celebrates Art

Sample local brews that were inspired by artwork at The Beer Project. (Photo courtesy of the Museum of Fine Arts)

The Beer Project is back!

The annual event, held on June 9 this year, showcases a variety of local brews inspired by works at the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg.

Fifteen local independent brewing companies are taking part, including Flying Boat Brewing Co., Big Storm Brewing Co. and Cigar City Cider & Mead.

Attendees can view galleries and sample exclusive Florida-themed beer in celebration of the upcoming Skyway exhibit, which celebrates local art made in Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota counties.

Tickets are $75; or $30 for designated drivers. Proceeds help preserve the art in the museum’s collection.

– Alina Hall, B2 Communications

 

Barenaked Ladies Headline Margarita Festival

The Tampa Bay Margarita Festival served 50,000 margaritas last year and featured artists like DJ Fresh. (Photo courtesy of Big City Events)

The Tampa Bay Margarita Festival is back and promising to be better than ever.

The fifth anual event at Curtis Hixon Park on Saturday, May 27 features Barenaked Ladies as the headliner and a host of new signature drink flavors.

Last year’s event was hot and the margarita lines were long. This year organizers plan to double the number of bartenders and revamp the payment system to get the lines moving. They also announced new “cool zones” to help people beat the heat with misters.

Tickets range from $25 to $3,000 for a private, all-inclusive cabana for 10.

– Alina Hall, B2 Communications

 

‘Hurricane Hunters’ Help Raise Awareness for Preparedness

The tail of one of the Hurricane Hunters. These aircraft are outfitted with the latest technology to measure inside a storm.

June 1 is a marker for Floridians: The start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season. Whether you’ve experienced Andrew, Wilma or Matthew, remember that every storm is different, and now is the time to prepare.

That was the message from National Hurricane Center Director Dr. Rick Knabb during the 2017 Hurricane Awareness Tour May 7-12, which stopped in Orlando and Miami. The tour educated and reminded East Coast residents about hurricane preparedness.

The ever-cool “Hurricane Hunters,” U.S. Air Force Reserve WC-130J aircraft, NOAA G-IV aircraft and the NOAA WP-3D Orion research aircraft, were also featured.

– Anna Alexopoulos, The Tallahassee 100

 

 

On Behalf of a Grateful Nation

The nation takes time Monday to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country.

Memorial Day, the last Monday in May, to some means a long weekend to celebrate the beginning of summer, or when one may officially wear white for the season.

Others confuse the military tribute with another holiday – Veterans Day – when we thank generations of brave men and women who served in the armed forces.

Memorial Day, however, is the time we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom. As is tradition, please remember to lower your flag to the half-staff position until noon, then raise to full-staff for the remainder of the day.

– Christina Johnson, The Tallahassee 100

 

Three Things to Do at the Trop

Ya La’Ford encouraged 20 kids to make life-fulfillment goals and the kids sealed their promises by throwing round baseball-like sponges covered in yellow paint against the wall to finish her mural.

Step out of the heat at the next Rays game and visit these three lesser-known attractions around the park:

1. Visit Ya La’Ford’s mural “Pitching Promises” at Gate 6 inside Tropicana Field; you may have walked by her mural in the Rays’ underground tunnel near Ferg’s Sports Bar.

2. Grab a glass of premium wine or split a bottle with friends from The Wine Cellar on Center Field Street, next to Everglades Brewhouse and Pipo’s.

3. Check out the first base food court to try local seafood plates, like buffalo shrimp with garlic crab fries, at the Fish Shack.

– Kyle Parks, B2 Communications

 

Acoustic Tunes & Classic Movies

"The Princess Bride" is considered a perfect blend of the romance, fantasy, adventure and comedy genres. (Photo courtesy of St. Petersburg Preservation)

It’s May and that means Thursday Movies in the Park are back at St. Petersburg’s North Straub Park.

The evenings feature live music, classic movies and local food vendors along the waterfront. Blankets and low seating are encouraged. Hosted by St. Petersburg Preservation, the events begin at 7 p.m. and are free, but donations are accepted.

Catch a screening of the popular film “The Princess Bride” on May 11, with music by guitar-and-violin duo Jeff and JJ Pattishall. “Footloose” is on tap the following week with an opening performance by acoustic folk group The Joe Milligan Project.

– Alina Hall, B2 Communications

 

Join the Fun on Give Day

High Risk Hope is hosting Princess and Pirates Meet & Greets at 3:30 and 4:15 p.m. on May 2 at CinéBistro in Hyde Park with a free viewing of the movie “Storks” at 4:45 p.m.

Many of the nonprofits participating in Give Day are hosting special events on May 2. Some highlights:

– Join NOMAD Art Bus, Boards for Bros, Bess the Book Bus and others for art, music and more at caravan stops throughout the area. Paint and skateboard from 4:30-6 p.m. at St. Petersburg’s Campbell Park, then join the wrap party at the Skatepark of Tampa.

– Donate to High Risk Hope to receive a $25 voucher for Hyde Park Village, which is also hosting events throughout the day.

– Visit a BurgerMonger location to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay.

– Wilma Norton, Community Foundation of Tampa Bay

 

A Weekend of Tampa’s Italian Culture

Over 35 of the area's top restaurants and catering companies provide Italian dishes and tastings at Festa Italiana on Sunday, April 9. (Photo courtesy of Festa Italiana)

Established in 1997, Festa Italiana Weekend celebrates the rich Italian culture and heritage in Tampa. The Italian Club of Tampa (L’Unione Italiana) hosts the annual multi-day festival April 6-9 at the Italian Club and Centennial Park in Ybor City.

Festa Italiana offers bocce tournaments, wine tastings and a talent show, but it culminates Sunday, April 9, with Tampa Bay restaurateurs serving up Italian dishes and tastings along with musical performances and entertainment for children and adults.

Sunday’s festivities take place from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Ticket prices range from $5 in advance to $75 VIP packages.

– Alana Siceloff, B2 Communications

 

Celebrating Tampa’s Pride

The Tampa Pride Parade on March 25 is one of the earliest Pride celebrations of the year. (Photo courtesy of Visit Tampa Bay)

While St. Petersburg’s pride parade is more well-known, Tampa has a long history of inclusiveness through its GaYbor district in Ybor City. Befitting this tradition, the third annual Tampa Pride Parade will be held in Ybor City on March 25.

Ybor City has been home to gay bars and drag shows since the early ’80s, and in 2015, Gayborhood.com placed Ybor City in the Top 10 Best Gay Travel Destinations in the United States.

The parade travels down Seventh Avenue, starting at 1 p.m., after a tribute to the Orlando Pulse victims in front of Centro Ybor.

– Katie Wilcox, B2 Communications

 

Firestone Grand Prix Revs up in St. Pete

The Firestone Grand Prix is part of the Verizon IndyCar Series, one of the premier open-wheel racing series in the U.S. (Photo courtesy of Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater)

The Firestone Grand Prix returns to St. Petersburg March 10-12 with high-speed (and loud) racing. Drivers race at speeds in excess of 170 mph on the 14-turn, 1.8-mile street course along the city’s picturesque waterfront.

Past track champions Helio Castroneves and James Hinchcliffe return this year. “Dancing with the Stars” fans might recognize their names: Castroneves won in 2007 and Hinchcliffe placed second this year.

The Firestone Grand Prix festivities include entertainment, games, fan zones and autograph sessions. While there are 13 races this year, the main event starts at noon on Sunday, March 12.

– Katie Wilcox, B2 Communications


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Strawberries, Rides & Country Music

Try a unique spin on Plant City's famous fruit during the festival. (Photo courtesy of Visit Tampa Bay)

The Florida Strawberry Festival, named one of Top 40 Fairs in North America, returns to Plant City March 2-12. It began in 1930 to celebrate Plant City’s bountiful strawberry harvest, and today, visitors can enjoy strawberries prepared in every way imaginable – from traditional strawberry shortcake to strawberry pizza.

The festival’s family-friendly attractions include carnival rides, art exhibits and livestock shows. See the daily concert series with stars like Willie Nelson, The Blues Brothers, Patti LaBelle, Rascal Flatts and more.

Festival tickets start at $10 for adults. Spots in the grandstand seating for concerts are included with festival admission.

– Alana Siceloff, B2 Communications


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PGA Golf, and Toby Keith, Too

Charl Schwartzel took home the Valspar Championship trophy in 2016. (Photo courtesy of the Valspar Championship)

The Valspar Championship returns to Tampa Bay this year March 9-12 at the Innisbrook Golf Resort in Palm Harbor.

The tournament is a big deal in the golf world with 144 PGA Tour golfers vying for top position, but it also benefits several local charities. Last year, more than $2 million was raised.

Country music singer Toby Keith will headline the Valspar LIVE! Concert after play on Saturday evening, and admission to the show is free to ticket holders on that day.

Single day tickets range from $39-$50; kids 15 and under are free with a paid adult.

– Alana Siceloff, B2 Communications


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Bucs to Lead Knight Parade

Thousands of people will line Ybor's Seventh Avenue clamoring for beads, coins and other trinkets tossed from floats. (Photo courtesy of the Knight Parade)

The Knight Parade, hosted by the Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago, is the largest illuminated parade in the southeast. Its history dates back to the 1970s.

Thousands of participants from Tampa Bay area krewes join the Knights each year. This year, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take top billing as the grand marshal, along with special guest The Glazer Family Foundation.

The parade rolls down Ybor City’s Seventh Avenue starting at 7 p.m. on Feb. 11. Revelers should arrive early to get a good spot along the route as they fill up fast, or purchase bleacher seats online.

– Katie Wilcox, B2 Communications

 

Land, Ho! Pirates Invade Tampa for Gasparilla

The Jose Gasparilla is the world’s only fully-rigged pirate ship. (Photo courtesy of Visit Tampa Bay)

For over 100 years, Tampa has prepared to face the “threat” of the legendary José Gaspar during the annual Gasparilla Invasion. On 11:30 a.m. Jan. 28, 500+ pirates will swarm Tampa’s waters to “take the city” aboard the Jose Gasparilla, pirated by the Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla.

When the ship docks at the Tampa Convention Center, Tampa’s mayor will surrender the “Key to the City” to the pirates, who then take to the city to celebrate their plunder in the Parade of Pirates.

The 2 p.m. parade features over 90 floats, 50 pirate krewes, and 350,000 expected attendees.

– Katie Wilcox, B2 Communications

 

3 Fun Facts About the College Football Championship

The Jan. 9 College Football Playoff Championship will feature a rematch between Clemson and Alabama. (Photo courtesy of Visit Tampa Bay)

The College Football Playoff National Championship will make its debut in Tampa at Raymond James Stadium at 8 p.m. Jan. 9. The championship is expected to bring more visitors and more money to the Tampa Bay area than the 2012 Republican National Convention.

Other interesting facts:

– The 35-pound trophy is handmade, standing 26.5 inches tall and constructed from 24-karat gold, bronze and stainless steel.

– This year marks the first outdoor site for the championship.

– The game site is determined through a bidding system, much like the Super Bowl, and is booked through 2020. Next up – Atlanta.

– Alana Siceloff, B2 Communications

 

Coastal Holiday Celebrations

The Treasure Island Boat Parade is one of the most popular boat parades. (Photo courtesy of Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater)

Without snow in sight, it’s a bit different to celebrate the holidays in Tampa Bay. Opt for a decidedly Floridian option: a boat parade.

The Treasure Island Lighted Boat Parade has been called “Las Vegas on water.” Residents adorn boats with holiday decorations and parade with holiday cheer through Boca Ciega Bay.

The 31st annual parade on Dec. 11 departs from at The Club at Treasure Island at 6:20 p.m. and arrives at John’s Pass at 8:15 p.m. Some of the best public viewing areas are located on the Blind Pass Bridge and Treasure Island Causeway Bridge.

– Alana Siceloff, B2 Communications


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Annual Market for Unique Handmade Gifts

Shop 150 specialty merchants at the Holiday Gift Market. (Photo courtesy of Junior League of Tampa)

What started as a hobby for 30-year-old Janeé Scarle a year ago has turned into a thriving business. Scarle owns Old City Calligraphy, which custom makes hand-lettered signs, invitations and home decor.

She is this year’s winner of a grant from The Junior League’s Young Women’s Entrepreneur Program (YEP), which boosts the potential, leadership and influence of female business owners in our region. She also received a free booth at the annual Holiday Gift Market, set for Nov. 10-13 at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

Scarle’s unique handpainted chalkboards, ornaments and wine glasses make great holiday gifts.

– Laura Fontanills, B2 Communications

 

Epicurean Paradise in St. Pete

The "casual chic" grand tasting will be held in North Straub Park.

Tampa Bay’s renowned chefs, passionate epicureans and wine enthusiasts are coming together to savor culinary selections and sip wine, cocktails and craft beers during the St. Pete Wine & Food Festival, Nov. 2-6.

Tickets to the second annual festival’s signature events – Grand Tastings – start at $95 and include tasting selections from over 100 world-class wines and bites from local eateries, along with cooking demonstrations. Other festival events include the Tacos & Tequila Festival and BEER Night St. Pete as a tribute to the area’s burgeoning craft beer industry.

The festival supports the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance and Waterfront Parks Foundation.

– Alana Siceloff, B2 Communications

 

Smokin’ Barbecue and Hot Bands

Tampa Pig Jig attracts thousands of barbecue and music fans to Downtown Tampa.

Tampa Pig Jig started six years ago as an intimate backyard barbecue competition among friends. Today, it’s one of Tampa’s signature events with more than 7,000 barbecue and music fans converging at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.

To date, Pig Jig has raised more than $1M for NephCure Kidney International, a nonprofit committed to finding a cure for two debilitating kidney diseases – FSGS (focal segmental glomerulosclerosis) and nephrotic syndrome.

Rock band O.A.R. headlines this year’s event on Saturday, Oct. 22. For $40, enjoy live music and games while 50 amateur barbecue teams battle for awards and bragging rights.

– Laura Fontanills, B2 Communications

 

Jazz Holiday Hits High Note

The lively jazz festival has been going strong for 37 years. (Photo courtesy of Clearwater Jazz Holiday)

More than 40,000 music fans attend Clearwater Jazz Holiday each year to hear a blend of jazz, funk and soul artists perform against a backdrop of sunsets and sea breezes.

The music festival has long outgrown the flatbed truck where it started 37 years ago to host national superstars like Earth, Wind & Fire, Chicago, Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy, Gladys Knight and the Avett Brothers in Coachman Park.

Headliners for this year’s festival, Oct. 13-16, include Kool & The Gang, the Commodores, Daryl Hall, Trombone Shorty and rocker Grace Potter. At $16 per day, general admission tickets are a bargain.

– Mike Brassfield, The Tampa Bay 100


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