Posts
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
St. Pete revs up once again
Here's what's going on this weekend in the Tampa area: ST. PETERSBURG - A full weekend of racing is already in gear in St. Petersburg. The festivities officially started with a Thursday night parade down Central Avenue. It featured last year's champ, Will Power, and this year, Budweiser added a float and its world-renowned Clydesdale horses. A big party followed at North Straub Park where fans got the opportunity to meet the drivers. "Anytime we bring in the Honda Grand Prix, it brings 150,000 people to a downtown spot. So the hotels are filled, restaurants will be packed, there's a lot of economic impact with this event," Mayor Bill Foster offered. "And then, of course, you've got the impact of a three-hour commercial on national television." The weekend of racing wraps up with the main event, Sunday's Honda Grand Prix. There are several closures in the downtown area. Through race weekend, the following roads will be closed or have limited access: For more traffic and parking information, click on over to the city's website.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
Harlem Globetrotters at St.Pete Times Forum
March 12 : 7 p.m.
Watch these guys, dribble, pass and dunk like never before. The legendary Harlem Globetrotters are celebrating their 85th consecutive season of tearing up the court with their magical 2011 "4 Times the Fun" World Tour that stops in Tampa at the St. Pete Times Forum on March 12, 2011. Don't miss your chance to watch two of their performaces that day. The first is at 2 p.m and the second is 7 p.m. More information can be found atwww.harlemglobetrotters.com.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
March Teacher Month
Here's an interesting event for Tampa Bay for the month of March:
Free teacher with a guest every day in March to Dinosaur World. Valid teacher ID required. Click here to visit their website
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Recycling fishing line for marine life
Here's an interesting article about our marine life here in Florida: TAMPA - Many people consider Florida to be the fishing capital of the world. But with so many anglers comes a lot of fishing line. Images of dolphins and turtles tangled in fishing line or nets are disturbing and unforgivable. "As an environmental scientist, as a person who loves the outdoors, I like wildlife and I feel bad when I see them suffering in a way like that," said Kevin Misiewicz, an environmental scientist with Tampa Bay Watch. Fishing line causes needless suffering, due to some anglers' improper disposal of it. Florida's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's produced a video on fishing line recycling to put stop the suffering. A popular reminder of this is Winter the dolphin. Her tale was amputated after it became entangled in fishing line. Most animals aren't as lucky -- especially birds. Misiewicz explained, "The hooks will get lodged under the wing, the wing gets pinned down, and then they can't fly. If they can't fly, they can't catch food, if they can't catch food they can't feed their young, and often times the whole nest can parish." There is a way to prevent these disasters: monofilament fishing line recycling bins posted at many major fishing areas. Misiewicz helps clean the bins. While cleaning, he notes items of garbage that are not supposed to be in it. Click here to learn more.
Friday, February 25, 2011
BALLROOM DANCERS GO TOE-TO-TOE IN TAMPA BAY DANCE-OFF
TAMPA, FL - Ballroom and Latin dancers from around the country are gathering for the 10th Annual Florida Superstars Dancesport Championships, being held in Tampa next week. Wearing their most enchanting outfits, dancers hope to dazzle the judges as they compete for $85,000 in cash and prizes at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Downtown Tampa, where the ballroom will be decked out in a Venetian Masquerade theme. "This is an exciting and glamorous spectator sport where cheering for your favorite couples is all part of the fun," said Michael Chapman, event organizer. "You'll see amazing dancers of every age and skill level, from talented professionals and youths to dedicated students dancing with their teachers, just like on Dancing with the Stars. See them perform the Cha Cha, Rumba, Waltz, Quickstep, Jive and more. The competition runs morning to night, so you can come for a session or stay for the entire day." Click here to continue reading.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Lady Gaga's Monster Ball Tour
See this hot, controversial, meat-wearing pop sensation live at the Forum on April 16, 2011 at 8 p.m. Lady Gaga has captivated audiences around the globe with her stunning international smash, The Monster Ball tour, presented by Virgin Mobile. In 2010 the tour has taken her throughout Europe and North American, where she received rave reviews everywhere she stopped. With the majority of North American dates already sold out, Lady Gaga has announced she will be extending her North American 2011 tour, now including a stop at Tampa's St. Pete Times Forum on Saturday, April 16. The 2011 North American Monster Ball Tour, produced globally by Live Nation and presented by Virgin Mobile, will begin on February 19th, 2011 at Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall, taking her spectacular show to top arenas and a host of new cities. Click here to continue reading.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Valentine's Day Events
Here's a great website to see what you and your love one can do for Valentine's Day in Tampa:
Ah, it's that time of year again - drugstore aisles are exploding with red confetti and singing teddy bears to let you know it's time to pay a little extra attention to your sweetie this Valentine's Day. Fear not, young lovers, you don't have to rely soley on cheesy gifts to show your heart's desire that you care. We've searched out the best romantic dinners, heart-filled events and just plain fun couple activities to make sure you're feeling the love this Valentine's Day! Click here to go to the website to see the events.All the best cupid-inspired events for you lovebirds out there this Valentine's Day
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Time with family, team is precious for Tampa Bay Lightning coach Guy Boucher
Here's a recent article from our Tampa Bay Lightnings: Martin Raymond said he always knew what time it was and he didn't even have to look at a clock. All he had to hear was the knock on his door. Raymond, an assistant coach last year for AHL Hamilton, was renting a basement apartment from his boss and longtime friend, then-Hamilton coach Guy Boucher. "At 11:30 p.m. there always would be someone knocking on my door wanting to talk about the power play, the penalty kill, whatever it was," Raymond said this week. "He'd put the kids to bed and then come knocking at my door." Raymond, now a Lightning assistant, is not as accessible this season, seeing as he has his own place, so Boucher, Tampa Bay's first-year coach, works alone, watching video, pouring over scouting reports and copious notes, sometimes until 4 a.m. It does not matter if he is home or the team is on the road. "My biggest worry is that I miss something, an edge somebody sees that I don't see," said Boucher, 39, in his first NHL season and the league's youngest bench boss. "I'm possessed by the idea I have to find an edge." Click here to continue reading.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
2011 Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Bucs lower cost of some tickets for 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
Holiday ice rink
Here's is an article that not many would have expected in Tampa: I congratulate Mayor Pam Iorio and the city of Tampa for their wonderful foresight with the Curtis Hixon Ice Rink. Who would have imagined that a temporary ice rink would draw over 22,000 ice skaters to downtown Tampa? Who would have envisioned that we would see children playing with snowballs adjacent to the Hillsborough River? And who would have dreamed that the city could arrange such a venue at virtually no cost to taxpayers? My family, like many others, enjoyed the ice rink numerous times during the holidays. We especially enjoyed the laughter, the nightlife and the enhanced ambiance at Curtis Hixon Park. We hope this new tradition continues in Tampa for many years! Rudy Fernandez Tampa Click here to learn more.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Tampa Bay Lightning's Stamkos, St. Louis named to NHL All-Star Game
Here's some news about our Tampa Bay Lightnings:
Times staff
Posted: Jan 11, 2011 12:11 PM
Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos and right wing Marty St. Louis have been named to the 2011 NHL All-Star Game. For St. Louis, it will be his franchise-record sixth appearance in the game, and his sixth straight appearance. He was also selected as a starter in 2003-04. St. Louis has posted 18 goals, 53 points, two power play goals and five game-winners. He ranks second in the NHL in assists, road assists with 21, power-play assists with 21, and tied for second for home assists with 29. Stamkos, who represented the Lightning in the 2008-09 NHL YoungStars Game, will be making his first career all-star appearance in Raleigh. Stamkos has posted 31 goals, 13 power-play goals, six game-winning goals and 57 points in 43 games this season. He ranks second in the NHL for goals and points and is tied for the league lead for game-winning goals. The All-Stars will play in the 2011 NHL All-Star Game on Sunday, Jan. 30 at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. Click here to learn more.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Endless Fondue at The Melting Pot
Do you like fondues? For this whole month of January 2011, The Melting Pot (in Tampa) is giving you Endless Fondue! Read below for details:
Our New Year's Gift to you - Endless Fondue is back for a limited time! $39 per person* January 3rd through January 31stJoin us at The Melting Pot to eat your heart out with endless fondue! Endless Fondue menu includes:Unlimited Cheese Fondue of your choiceUnlimited Salad of your choiceUnlimited Eat Your Heart Out entree includes:filet, shrimp, chicken, teriyaki sirloin and pastaUnlimited Chocolate Fondue of your choice Make your reservations today - Endless Fondue reservations don't last long!
Click here to learn more.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Bucs eye Luck’s decision
Here's some recent news about our beloved Bucs in Tampa Bay:
By IRA KAUFMAN TAMPA—The Carolina Panthers aren’t the only NFL team monitoring Andrew Luck’s future. The Panthers own the No. 1 overall pick in the April draft and they are hoping Luck, a redshirt sophomore quarterback, declares himself eligible by Jan. 15 instead of returning to Stanford. Luck has been labeled one of the premier quarterback prospects of the past 30 years and Carolina sorely needs a new face for a franchise that bottomed out at 2-14 in John Fox’s final year on the sidelines. NFC South rivals like the Buccaneers are also keenly interested in Luck’s decision. Tampa Bay’s defense already has to face a pair of Pro Bowl quarterbacks—Drew Brees of New Orleans and Atlanta’s Matt Ryan—twice every season. Ryan is only 25 and Brees turns 32 on Jan. 15, the same day that Luck must announce his intentions. Luck could defy conventional wisdom and return to Stanford, especially in the unliklely event that Coach Jim Harbaugh comes back. The NFL’s uncertain labor situation might persuade Luck to bypass the 2011 draft because of the fear a lockout could leave him idle this fall. Click here to continue reading.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Vertical Ventures
Here's a very cool present idea for adventurers out there in Tampa:
Intro-to-Belay Class for Two ($30) or $30 to Spend on Merchandise and Services (Pay $15)
This holiday season put your relationship on the rocks. But instead of stony stares, give your loved one the gift of stony stairs: Spend just $30 for an Intro-to-Belay rock climbing class for two at Vertical Ventures (a $72 value). This wired offer includes gear for two during your visit (including shoes, harness, and chalk bag) as well as a return visit to practice your new skills. Already big time on the (fake) boulders? Opt for $30 in merchandise or other services for just $15. Vertical Ventures was the first indoor rock climbing gym in Florida, and today it has more than 6,000 square feet of climbing. Every wall offers large, top-roped routes and smaller boulder problems, and every day new routes are set -- which will really help alleviate the ups and downs you feel about any type of workout. Leave the haul bag and climb on to today's deal before it hits rock bottom.
Click here to learn more:
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Commission, Waste Management partner to green sporting events
Here is an interesting article to help eco efforts in Tampa Bay: The Tampa Bay Sports Commission and Waste Management plan to help make local events greener. Waste Management (NYSE: WM) will offer recycling services for cardboard, paper, plastics, glass bottles, aluminum cans and other materials for each Tampa Bay Sports Commission sponsored event within the Tampa Bay area. The Tampa Bay Sports Commission is focused on generating social and economic impact through the vehicle of sports and works with more than 100 youth and amateur events on annual basis. The events produce more than 100,000 hotel room nights annually and attract hundreds of thousands of visitors, tourism executives said in a release. “Sustainability continues to be an enormous priority for our community and for our sporting events,” said Rob Higgins, executive director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, in a prepared statement.
Read more: Commission, Waste Management partner to green sporting events | Tampa Bay Business Journal
Monday, November 29, 2010
FCTB Takes Part in Great American Teach In
FC Tampa Bay and some of its players took part in the 2010 Great American Teach In on Thursday, November 18, at four schools around the Bay area. Jeremy Christie, Julian Valentin, Pascal Millien and Chad Burt were among thousands on Thursday who visited schools in Hillsborough County.
The Great American Teach In invites people from all different career backgrounds to the schools to talk with the students on the different careers available to them in the future.
The FC Tampa Bay players spoke with students ranging from 1st grade to 5th grade about what it took to get to the level they have reached and how important dedication and exercise was to that process.
 Jeremy Christie spoke at Westshore Elementary School with many groups, which included 1st, 4th and 5th graders who asked question after question about soccer and playing the sport.
“What did you have to do to be a soccer player,” asked a 1st grader, who had many questions written down in her notebook, to Christie. “A lot of hard work and practice on the field. It’s not something that happens overnight – I’ve been working on this since I was 14 years old. That’s more than 12 years of practice,” Christie replied to an in awe student who watched as he juggled a soccer ball while answering her.
Julian Valentin, who visited Westchase Elementary School, and Chad Burt, who visited Alafia Elementary, talked about the motivation and dedication it takes to become any kind of professional athlete and how important school plays into accomplishing your dreams.
“I really enjoyed the Great American Teach In. It’s great to interact with the kids and spend time playing a little soccer with them. I tried to impart to them how to achieve a life of balance, the importance of hard work and good grades, and why I have the best job in the world,” said Valentin.
The students at Deer Park Elementary were visited by Pascal Millien, who shared his story about Haiti and the obstacles he has overcome to be where he is today.
 “It was a pleasure to visit with the students. I feel blessed to have talked to the kids and had so much fun doing it,” said Millien. “I was impressed that most of the kids knew about the struggle of Haiti. That’s when I realized those kids are special and they know about the world around them. They just need our help to make it far in their future.”
FC Tampa Bay would like to thank the students and teachers at Westshore Elementary, Westchase Elementary, Deer Park Elementary and Alafia Elementary for letting FC Tampa Bay and the players speak with them and wish them luck in the rest of the school year.
From: Robyn Huber
TAMPA, FL – The 1Voice Foundation, a non-profit charity dedicated to supporting children with cancer and their families, is working with the Hillsborough County School District to open the 1Voice Academy, the first school in the United State for children with cancer.
The Foundation is kicking off its $5 million capital funding campaign with an open house at the Home Theater Gallery, 3300 S. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa, on Thursday, March 24 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. “Children on treatment who miss school fall behind academically and resent their disease and the alienation it causes even more,” said Mary Ann Massolio, the Executive Director of 1Voice Foundation whose own son passed away from cancer. “Plus, many parents have to miss work to stay home with them. This can lead to financial devastation and add to the 80% divorce rate that parents of chronically-ill children face. The 1Voice Academy will provide children with a safe learning environment while their immune systems are compromised, such as in the 7 to 10 days following chemotherapy.”
“I always have to be vigilant about whether there is a flu or strep going around school,” said Natalie Willis, whose daughter, Mandy, was diagnosed with cancer when she was 7. “Mandy had to miss a lot of days even though she felt well, but she couldn’t risk coming into contact with a sick child. The truth is some parents send their kids to school even with a low fever or other signs of infection.”
“One of the greatest challenges we faced with Daniel were his counts were horrible, but otherwise he felt good,” said Holly Wade, whose 9-year-old son passed away from cancer. “My choice was to have him homebound, and he missed being around people his own age and his own friends. With this Academy, kids can be around classmates who aren’t going to look at you funny because you’re bald, or because you have to get up and throw up, or have an IV bag hanging off of you or a shunt. It’s an opportunity to make these kids feel as normal as possible in the most abnormal conditions you can imagine.”
Holly and her husband, Capt. Bill Wade with Tampa Fire Rescue, will be among the families on hand at the open house.
In addition to offering classes, the 1Voice Academy will offer after-school programs for tutoring, art and music, and will provide support groups and programs for parents and siblings.
About 1Voice Foundation
The 1Voice Foundation began in 2008 when six members of the Tampa Bay community – each having prior experience with pediatric cancer programs – realized organizations focused on research and organizations focused on assisting families were competing for dollars instead of working together. The 1Voice Foundation’s Executive Director is MaryAnn Massolio, who was the executive director of the Children’s Cancer Center for 10 years and who knows firsthand what it’s like when your child is diagnosed with cancer. In addition to researching cures for cancer, The 1Voice Foundation provides resources and support groups for patients and their families, outings for children with cancer, scholarships, and funeral assistance. The non-profit organization currently does not receive any state or federal funding and is dependent on corporate and private donations.