Town News

Oyster Bar Hudson FL : Skinnys Bar and Grill of Pasco County

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 18:02:32 GMT

A bar and grill in Hudson, FL has added a local favorite to their restaurant menu; flavored steamed oysters and raw oysters. If you're living in Pasco County or surrounding areas such as Spring Hill, Brooksville or New Port Richey, then we recommend checking out Skinnys Bar and Grill; an Oyster Bar in Hudson FL. Live music and entertainment as well as the great food has made Skinnys a success story in West Pasco, but with the new edition to their menu, we'd expect nothing great things from them in the future. We even spoke with the restaurant owner, Patrick Sullivan, and he's even mentioned that they are planning to add additional seating in the near weeks to accommodate the large crowds. He also mentioned that they had to hire extra help just to keep cranking out or shall we say shucking out the oyster orders. Who would have thought that "Oysters" would help the economy and create jobs? If you're in the area or happen to be driving along US 19 in Hudson, FL, then may we suggests checking out this fine establishment.

Skinnys located at

13228 US Highway 19, Hudson, FL 34667.

Phone: 727-863-4400 http://skinnysbarhudsonfl.com/

Coupons for Skinnys Bar and Grill in Hudson FL

Tampa FL Day Spa Coupons | Tampa FL Salon Coupons | townspree

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 15:35:04 GMT

Take a moment out of the holiday rush and pamper yourself for a change. Get your nails done, perhaps a haircut or massage to really look smashing throughout the holidays. We've located some great offers from some outstanding local shops in the Tampa Bay area to help you save some serious dough. Below is today's featured coupon offers. You can browse ALL townspree Salon Coupons by visit this link here: Tampa FL Day Spa Coupons

Fresh, Delicious Food = Happy Customers : China Fuji, Valrico, FL

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 12:06:46 GMT

The philosophy of China Fuji Valrico, Florida: Fresh, Delicious Food = Happy Customers!

A healthy diet is imperative to sustaining well being; eating well and limiting foods that really do not promote a healthy lifestyle is where we would all like to be. While it is easier to maintain this healthy lifestyle eating at home, it is more difficult when dining at restaurants. We just want to know what’s really in our food when we order off restaurant menus. One restaurant that we recently checked out was China Fuji in Valrico, FL. We investigated and inquired, and here's what we found: No preservatives, only the freshest of seafood, meats and vegetables: Authentic, delicious recipes + the freshest of ingredients = happy customers. That's the kind of math we like. It all adds up to the perfect dining experience!

Carrollwood's Crush Tan Spa has 11 year anniversary

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 18:01:07 GMT

Crush Tan Spa Carrollwood is celebrating their 11th year anniversary and wants their customers to share in the celebration for the entire month of AUGUST by receiving UNLIMITED TANNING (level one) for only $11. So go and join them today and SAVE BIG while celebrating with them at one of their 3 convenient locations in the Tampa Bay area. Here's a coupon link for more details: http://www.townspree.com/Deals/PostId/174/Crush-Tan-Spa-Carrollwood-Unlimited-Tanning-Coupon

Team Synergy Baseball - CP Select - Charity Golf Classic

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 17:58:14 GMT

Calling ALL Tampa Bay Area Golfers and Businesses!

Help support the neighborhood as (2) local youth traveling baseball teams (Team Synergy and CP Select) of Tampa, FL (Citrus Park) are sponsoring a charity golf tournonment to help fund the upcoming season.

The great people over at Shorti's Deli in Carrollwood, FL have done their good deeds by providing their delicious food during the 11am registration time as well as sponsoring a hole.

If you are interested in participating, there are several ways to do so:

Sign up as a single individual and be matched up with a team for a $90 single entry fee: (includes: green fees, cart, & dinner)
Sign up a team for a $450 team entry fee: (Includes registration for 4 players as well as hole sponsorship.)
Promote your business with a $100 Hole Sponsorship: (Includes business promotional signage at a single hole.)
Promote your business with a $200 Cart Sponsorship: (Includes business promotional signage displayed on up to 36 golf carts.)

Remember that 100% of the money raised will help with the costs of the upcoming season for both teams. Team Synergy is a properly formed, not-for-profit, IRS 501(c) 3 corporation: Synergy Baseball, Inc.

If you're interesting in signing up, print the registration form below and follow the instructions as described.

sponsored advertisement from Shorti's Deli

Pasco County Fireworks Show 2012 - The Angelus House

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 23:01:31 GMT

Pasco County Fireworks Show June 30th 2012 - The Angelus House

When you think of charity, what comes to mind? Donations of time and money or maybe even taking some of your used possessions to the local Goodwill. Don Surenkamp of Patriotic Fireworks in Pasco and Hernando counties gives the biggest fireworks show in the state. The show is offered to The Angelus, an assisted living community, which is for people who have cerebral palsy.

This is Don's 4th annual show at The Angelus House and he has managed to raise over 100k for the residents by doing what he loves, “blowing stuff up”. He has had some help this year from the good people of Remax Sunset Realty. The fireworks were the inspiration; however, they will begin at the end of this show. Gates open at 2 pm and music will kick off at 3:30 pm. Appearances range from The Sweeny Family Band, Nunes at Night, Ricks Stoots, Pete Hunt, and Headlining is Jo Dell. There will be a wide variety of music to make everyone happy.

Look forward to beer vendors, BBQ's, and a lot of games for the kids. This is on 30 acres of fun so come ready to have a great time. The firework's show starts at 9 pm and is $2 per person or $10 per vehicle. Please keep in mind, all proceeds from this event go towards the residents of The Angelus House making certain they get the help they need.

If you want to purchase fireworks, be sure to check out The Angelus House's sponsor: Ron's Patriotic Fireworks & Halloween Superstore

Tampa Catering | Catering Company in Tampa Bay | Chef on the Bay

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 22:53:19 GMT

Catering in Tampa Bay just got a lot more Fabulous

Chef Charlie has a passion for food and a knack for catering. If you are planning a small office event or a wedding reception of 200 guests, Chef on the Bay can deliver a gourmet experience tailored to your individual taste. Every detail is impeccable from preparation to presentation. Make the next office event you plan special. With their in-home cooking service, they can provide dinner for you and your guests. Chef Charlie offers a weekly lunch menu with items that will make your mouth water. Chef on the Bay has an exotic food selection as well as an assortment of menu items such as Grilled Portabella, Crab Cake Burgers, and Ultimate Grilled Cheese with Bacon and Tomato accompanied by homemade soups. Chef on the Bay offers a catering experience with incredible flair and flavor such as the fresh homemade bread baked daily. Next time you plan a catering event in Tampa Bay, make sure to give Chef Charlie a call. You will be pleasantly surprised and wowed at how she can turn your event in to a culinary experience.

Chef on the Bay
http://www.chefonthebay.com
Clearwater, FL
727-286-8131

4th of July Fireworks Shows Tampa 2012 - Events & Things to do July 4

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 13:07:17 GMT

4th of July St Petersburg, FL - Fireworks Show at The Pier

Well, it's a judgment call, but we're going to start out with the fireworks in the fine city of St. Petersburg, at the city's icon, the Pier. There's a full day of family-oriented activities. It starts at noon with Bus Stop, a classic rock band that'll play at The Pier's courtyard stage until 3:00 p.m. Then there's a switcheroo to country-and-western music, with Kim Betts and the Gamble Creek Band. They play from 4 to 7 p.m. Nestled in between the two shows is an act called Baby Grand in the Sand, which is essentially a guy named Joe Lombardo playing his baby grand piano. Lombardo will then play from 7 to 8 p.m., when soulRcoaster takes the stage, playing pop rock hits until 11 p.m. That's the music. There will also be face-painting from noon to 9 p.m. And for those who would like to leave their faces as they are, who would actually like to take their faces and put them on a different body, there's Dance Heads," a video set-up where people can star in their own videos, then take a DVD copy of the video home with them. By the way, you get to pick your own song. This is available from 2 to 5 p.m. Need more? From 1 to 8 p.m., Fritz, a balloon-twisting, unicycle-riding funny man, will be out and about, drawing chuckles from the crowd with his hilarious antics. And the Power Skipper will be there, too, from 1 to 5 p.m. with leaps and bounds almost in Superman's league. There will also be the "One Man Band," who will be strolling about The Pier's grounds from 4 to 8 p.m. That'll take you almost right up to the fireworks, which begin at 9 p.m.

4th of July Fireworks Show - Coachman Park - Clearwater, FL

Another city that's taking the time to put together a nice July 4^th event is Clearwater. It's at Coachman Park, which, like The Pier, is on the water, the Intracoastal Waterway, to be exact. This free event begins at 4 p.m. There will be lots of children's activities, including games, face-painting and a mascot parade. The Mostly Pops Orchestra, which has some 40 musicians, is scheduled to play at 7 p.m. or so, and they will be accompanied by singers John Wilson, the WTVT Fox 13 anchor, and his wife, Mary K. Wilson, who teaches singing at St. Petersburg College. The fun-filled day will end at 9:30 p.m. with fireworks that are synchronized to music. Clearwater boasts this is the largest fireworks display in the Tampa Bay area. Any questions? You can call (727) 562-4700.

Tropics Boat Tours Fourth of July Cruise in Clearwater, FL

Now, if the Coachman Park fireworks are to your liking, or if you live in Clearwater or north Pinellas, or if you are making the jaunt across Tampa Bay from Hillsborough County, we have a suggestion. Tropics Boat Tours, which is at 25 Causeway Blvd., Slip 5, (or right across from the Pier 60 parking lot in Clearwater) is offering a special July 4^th tour. You can go on a sunset cruise aboard Tropics' dandy two-level boat, and catch the fireworks from the boat's second, open top deck. The cruise lasts two and a half hours. Boarding is at 7:30 p.m., with a departure scheduled for 8 p.m. For more information, seeTropics Boat Tours July 4th Cruise

Treasure Island Florida Independence Day Fireworks Show on the Beach

The fireworks at The Pier and Coachman Park are essentially at city parks. If you want to watch fireworks, with your toes in the sand, you have a couple of options. Treasure Island's fireworks are on the beach, at 104^th Avenue and Gulf Boulevard, and they begin at 9 p.m. St. Pete Beach has fireworks, too. They will be launched from a barge in the Gulf of Mexico, directly west of the Dolphin Village Shopping Center, which is at 4615 Gulf Blvd. The fireworks begin when it gets dark. All the regular beach and parking ordinances will be in effect. Want more information? Call (727) 367-2735.

Channelside July 4th 2012 Fireworks Show Tampa Florida

The big fireworks in Tampa are at Channelside, the residential and entertainment district at 615 Channelside Drive just east of downtown Tampa. They begin at 9 p.m. You might consider watching the display from the Florida Aquarium, which is only charging $10 after 3 p.m. Typically, the aquarium charges $21.95 for an adult. This way, you can avoid the crowds. Another way to view the fireworks is from the Yacht Starship, which is offering a special July 4^th cruise and dinner from one of their splendid yachts. Yacht Starship also has a yacht in Clearwater, so you can sign up for a dinner cruise there, and catch the Coachman Park fireworks. For more information, go to: Yacht StarShip

Sparklebration Dade City 2012 - Pasco County Fairgrounds 4th of July

There are also some fireworks in Pasco County, but they are nowhere near the water. One, called Sparklebration, is at the Pasco County Fairgrounds at 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City. Gates open at 4. Admission is $5, parking is $5, but kids 12 and under get in for free. There's a lot going on at this event. Critters to pet. An Elvis impersonator. At least three eating contests (water melon, apple pie and hot dogs). Pony rides. A funny hypnotist. And musical delights such as the fetching Laura Dewees. Bring your lawnchair and blankets, but don't bring any booze or coolers.

Sims Park New Port Richey fireworks show - Pasco County June 30

There is also another fireworks display in Pasco County, but it's not on the fourth. This one is at Sims Park in New Port Richey's historic downtown, and it's on June 30, from 2 to 11 p.m. There will be arts and crafts on display, a Miss Firecracker contest, and a kids' activity area, plus a bunch of bands, including the nationally-known Aerosmith cover band called Draw the Line. For more information, go to: New Port Richey Main Street

July 4th 2012 Busch Gardens Fireworks Show

Busch Gardens has the unique distinction of having fireworks on July 4^th AND June 30 AND pretty much on every night from June 9^th through August 12. It's more of a celebration of the summer than it is a celebration of Independence Day. In fact, it's called Summer Nights. They are set off after that spectacular mix of rock music and acrobatics called Kinetix, that takes place at the Gwazi Park stage. While you are there, try the Cheetah Hunt ride in the dark. Yikes.

Jalapeno Mexican Grill in Tampa is featured in BayPop Summer Edition!

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 13:50:51 GMT

Way to Go, Miguel!

It seems Jalapeno Mexican Grill Tampa is getting more and more popular. Miguel Espinosa's happening restaurant -- which is probably the only Mexican restaurant in Tampa which also serves sushi -- just got a nice little write-up in the summer edition of Bay Pop Magazine, a lifestyle glossy that covers the Tampa Bay area. On page 120, writer Eric Snider does a great job profiling the restaurant. And we applaud him for homing in on the restaurant's quesadillas -- the fresh ingredients used, and the meticulous way in which they are prepared. We would have mentioned the flan, but who's to quibble. Nice work all.

Read About Jalapeno Mexican Grill here: BAYPOP Magazine - Page 121

Sponsored Ad

O'Brien's Irish Pub in Plant City Hosting Charity Golf Tournament!

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 12:19:32 GMT

Golfing for Those Less Fortunate

Well, it's time again for one of the biggest charitable events of the year in Plant City -- the golf classic sponsored by O'Brien's Irish Pub (the Plant City O'Brien's, obviously, for those of you who don't know there are O'Brien's Irish pubs in Tampa and Brandon). The classic is in its sixth year, so naturally, it's called the Sixth Annual O'Brien's Plant City Golf Classic. It takes place on June 23, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and it'll be at the Walden Lake Golf and Country Club. This is a great opportunity to get out there, play some golf, and enjoy good company - and it's all for a good cause. This year, the beneficiary of the Plant City's community's philanthropic effort is the United Food Bank & Services of Plant City, a good group whose mission is to eradicate hunger in East Hillsborough County, and help folks become self-reliant.

If you are interested, you should sign up now, as the tournament is limited to 36 paid teams. Go to: O'Brien's Plant City Golf Classic

Fee Includes:
Golf, Range Balls, Lunch, Beverages, Goody Bags, an O’Brien’s Golf Shirt, Award Ceremony & Buffet @ O’Brien’s Plant City.

Sponsored Ad

Gator Fred's Tampa Announces Killer Deals for Camps and Kids!

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 14:17:36 GMT

When It's Hot, Go to Gator Fred's. He's Offering Some Great Deals.

Gator Fred's Fun & Party Center, one of the best Tampa indoor jump house and play arenas around, has figured out what to do with those little bundles of energy during these hot, sweltering months in the Sunshine state. There are two groups that need to keep on reading. One? Parents. The second group? Day camps. Both are often at a loss as to what to do with their little charges, especially when it's raining. Fred Medina, the owner of Gator Fred's Tampa, has come up with a couple of ideas designed to give your kids something to do -- and save you some money.

Whatcha Gonna Do With All Those Kids?

First, we'll deal with the camps, you know, like the YMCA, for instance. If the activities directors at these camps need some ideas, Fred suggests they book in advance two-hour time slots at Gator Fred's so the kids can take advantage of its 11,000 square feet of bounce houses and numerous play areas. Gator Fred's will only charge $5 per child (it's usually $8 to get in the door). And, on top of that, he'll throw in a $50 mark-down from what it usually costs the camps to bring a big bounce house to their facilities. Since the bounce houses usually cost upwards of $100, we're talking close to 50 percent off.

But Mom, It's Raining Outside......

Now, let's talk about those parents with their kids at home. Fred is offering this: for $30, a parent can bring a child to Gator Fred's for 30 days in a row. Now, remember it usually costs $8 for one day, so this is quite a deal. We suggest moms buy it, just to have it in their back pockets if the need arises. For two kids, Fred's only going to charge you $50 (not $60, as you might expect). And three kids? $70, not $90.

And remember, Gator Fred's is one of the few places open seven days a week.

Additional Information

Learn more about this Indoor Play Center by visiting their profile: Gator Fred's Fun & Party Center

Gator Fred's Tampa
5360 Ehrlich Road
Tampa Florida 33625
Phone: 813-264-1700

Press Box Sports Emporium in Tampa has June 9 fight!

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 11:09:41 GMT

The Boxing Event of the Year!

It's Manny Pacquiao versus Timothy Bradley in the World Boxing Organization's Welterweight Championship fight, straight from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. But you don't have to go to Las Vegas to catch what many believe is THE boxing event of the year (though going to Vegas WOULD be fun). You can watch it at Walter's Press Box Sports Emporium and Eatery starting at 9 p.m. on June 9. Some think this will be Pacquiao's most contested fight in a while, others think Bradley's in for a whooping. See for yourself at the Press Box while you enjoy a couple of beers and maybe some of the fine food there. The Press Box, after all, is south Tampa's premier sports bar.

Watch the fight at Press Box Sports Emporium & Eatery

222 S. Dale Mabry Hwy
Tampa, FL 33609
813-876-3528

Sponsored Ad

Prime Time Sports Grill in Tampa Airing WWE's No Way Out!

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 09:00:26 GMT

Are You Ready for Some Wrestling?

After a three-year absence, the No Way Out wrestling smackdown returns to the big screen in a pay-per-view event you can catch at Prime Time Sports Grill, that happening Carrollwood sports bar at 14404 North Dale Mabry Highway. It's on June 17, and it starts at 8 p.m. Broadcast from the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, N.J., Now Way Out is featuring three exciting match-ups -- John Cena vs. Big Show in a steel cage match; Sheamus vs. Alberto Del Rio for the world heavyweight championship; and CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Kane for the WWE championship. Del Rio and Sheamus are, of course, vying for the grandest prize, but the Punk-Bryan-Kane contest should be the most entertaining, as fans wonder whether Kane will be used as a pawn, or how.

Working Women of Tampa Bay has Networking Event at Tate & Tilly's

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 09:27:01 GMT

Come June 12, Working Women of Tampa Bay is paying a visit at Tate & Tilly's, that cool collection of chic boutiques. WWOTB is a group of enterprising entrepreneurs that does what it can, which is a lot, to generate synergy for female professionals and women business owners. As a matter of fact, it’s won a couple of networking awards in a contest sponsored by the Tampa Bay Business Journal. The event at Tate & Tilly’s begins at 6.30 p.m., and it’s called Girls Night Out. There will be cocktails and scrumptious cupcakes courtesy of Li’bb cupcake -- and networking and networking and networking. Oh, and everyone will receive a swag bag courtesy of WWOTB. In case you’ve forgotten, Tate N Tilly’s is located at 14349 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa. If you’re interested, and you should be if you are of the feminine persuasion, sign up here: Working Women of Tampa Bay Networking Event

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Bloomsday Tampa 2012 | O'Brien's Irish Pub In Brandon Florida

Wed, 30 May 2012 12:33:51 GMT

In Honor of the Great Writer, James Joyce

You know an Irish pub is a true, legitimate Irish pub if it celebrates the writer, James Joyce. Now, the English majors out there know Joyce as one of the titans of twentieth century literature, the artist who changed the model of the novel pretty much by announcing he could tell a story any damn way he pleased. The Irish folks know him as one of their own, a conflicted Catholic who liked joking around – and who loved Ireland.

Always a Great Place to Meet, Regardless of the Occasion

Bloomsday is the day selected by the Irish world to celebrate Joyce. Here’s the thing. It’s not on Joyce’s birthday and it doesn’t mark Joyce’s death. It’s on June 16. Why? Well, the entirety of Joyce’s extremely long masterpiece, “Ulysses,” takes place on a single day, and it’s June 16, 1904. Okay, so we explained June 16. Now, why Bloomsday? Where did that come from? Well, Leopold Bloom, an ad salesman, is the main character of “Ulysses.” So the Joyce aficionados decided every June 16 would be the day to celebrate Joyce, and they decided to name it after the main character in his most famous novel. You know these folks are readers. Only with true readers are the works more important than the author.

There once was a man from Beirut ...

Now, you know O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Family Restaurant, which is at 701 W. Lumsden Road, in Brandon, is a true Irish pub because it is, as far as we can tell, the only one celebrating Bloomsday 2012 on June 16 in the greater Tampa Bay area. There will be a lovely dinner that evening, a pint or two, traditional Irish music and a limerick competition (Joyce was famous for his puns). Local artists will also have on display paintings and sculptures, and you may buy a piece of art you like if you so desire. If you are interested in going, or in entering the limerick competition, go to the web site: Bloomsday at O'Brien's

O'Brien's Irish Pub & Grill
701 West Lumsden Road
Brandon FL 33511
813-661-9688

Mangroves SoHo Restaurant in Tampa Holds Anniversary Party

Wed, 30 May 2012 10:07:48 GMT

Sixteen Years of Good Food and Good Times

In the restaurant business you have to be good, maybe great, to survive. Mangroves SoHo qualifies. It’s been in Tampa for 16 years, and, to celebrate, the chic enterprise is holding a special anniversary party on June 8. For starters, Mangroves SoHo is bringing in for entertainment a couple of artists who have quickly established themselves among the top acts in their fields in west central Florida. One is Lisa Casalino, who, in the span of a couple of years, has transformed herself from a former teacher and real estate agent into one of Tampa’s top jazz singers. Her phrasing is dead-on, and she can swing with the best of them. The other is Dj Dmz, who routinely mixes dance beats for Mangroves SoHo. Another draw for the anniversary party is a cool gesture by Mangroves SoHo -- complimentary cocktails from 8 to 10 p.m.

You should come. Mangroves Tampa has always been a beautiful club and restaurant, with a décor that may remind you of Miami’s South Beach. But it now has a new look, with new colors, new lighting and newly-designed walls. This is another reason to come to the anniversary celebration. Structurally, the place is still its magnificent self. As many know, it’s one of the few places with two levels of dining – PLUS outdoor dining – and a 60-foot stain glass lighted bar that has become legendary. The menu has become legendary, too, with a nice mix of quality seafood and beef selections, prepared with passion and grace. Mangroves SoHo is located at 208 South Howard Ave. in upscale Hyde Park. Like we said, you should come.

Mangroves SoHo
208 S. Howard Ave
Tampa, FL 33606
813.258.3302

Golf Summer Camps Kids Tampa Bay - Silverado Golf Course Zephyrhills

Tue, 29 May 2012 14:14:30 GMT

Golf Summer Camps for Kids in Zephyrhills, Florida

Listen up young golfers. There's a really cool juniors' golf camp at the resplendent Silverado Golf & Country Club in Zephyrhills later this month. It begins June 25th and runs through June 29. There might be a second camp, but that's not assured, so if you're interested in improving your game, we advise you sign up as soon as possible. The camp begins at 9 a.m. and lasts until noon. Kids from 8 years old to 15 can participate. It costs $150 per young golfer, and, to guarantee your spot, you need to pay in advance. The camp is limited to 24 players. The price of the camp covers golf instruction, lunch, and, on the last day of camp, a 20-foot ice cream sundae. That's not one 20-foot ice cream sundae for everyone. Everyone's got to share. To sign up, best call the Pro Shop at (813) 788-1225.

Pasco County Marina has Customer Appreciation Day | Hudson FL

Fri, 25 May 2012 12:30:47 GMT

Boaters, Party Down. Come To Customer Appreciation Day

Okay, boat owners in Pasco County. Listen up. On Sunday, May 27, Skeleton Key Marina is having a special “Customer Appreciation Day.” It begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. It’s sort of a pot-luck affair, with customers chipping in. One is already promising to roast a pig. Another is bringing pasta salad. There will also be hamburgers and hot dogs for the kids. And music, courtesy of a professional sound system. “The customers get to know each other and we’re welcoming new customers, to let them know what we’re all about,” said Jeff Schuyler, the marina harbor master.

BYOB. But they'll provide the fun

Also welcome are boat owners who buy fuel from Skeleton Key Marina, and who may keep their vessels in nearby canals. “It’s going to be a nice party,” Schuyler said. “You can’t miss us.” The food is free, but it’s BYOB in the alcohol department. “Bring your cooler with you and have some fun,” Schuyler said. Skeleton Key Marina is at 6300 Clark St. in Hudson, and is closer to the Gulf of Mexico than any other marina in Pasco County. To learn more about the marina, go to: Pasco County Marina

Hair Salon in Clearwater FL Offering High-End Keratin Treatment

Tue, 22 May 2012 15:03:57 GMT

Luscious Hair from Metro Hair and Spa...Just In Time for the Summer

Ladies. What better way to prepare for the hot summer months than to have your hair done, and done the right way. We suggest Metro Hair Salon and Spa, which has three locations in Pinellas County. Metro Hair is currently offering the Brazilian keratin treatment by SADOC, and it’s one of the few in the area that is doing so.

Sadoc Keratin is Not Just Any Treatment.

SADOC's formula contains oil extracted from seeds found in the argan tree, which is found principally in Morocco. This precious oil does a great job repairing those split ends. Right now – and up until June 30 – Metro Hair will give you the SADOC keratin treatment, plus a free haircut, for only $200 (which amounts to a discount of more than $100). Now, you may also want to consider the salon’s hair-coloring treatment. It’s by Alfaparf. Alfaparf is famous for providing products that contain extracts from the bamboo shoot, and these extracts help repair the hair before the coloring process. At the end of the treatment, your hair looks and feels great. And, because of Alfaparf's use of natural ingredients, the sun won’t have as easy a time damaging your hair as it has in the past.

To learn more about this Metro Hair Salon & Spa of Clearwater visit this link: Hair Salon Clearwater or call 727-539-7797

Best Graduation Cakes Tampa Bay | A Better Cheesecake Clearwater FL

Tue, 22 May 2012 11:14:22 GMT

Graduation Cakes Tampa Bay | A Better Cheesecake Clearwater

It's graduation season. Ceremonies are in full swing – especially at high schools. There are at least 18 high school graduations in Pinellas County in June, and some 27 in Hillsborough.

Now, we know some parents believe they should be the ones celebrated for their children getting that diploma. Oh, how parents have tolerated their teens – their surliness, their leaving everything to the last minute, and, with the girls, the inexplicable bursting into tears. But let’s face it. If your kid is getting that high school diploma, he or she has had something to do with it. What's wrong with a good pat on the back, after spending years pointing a finger in their faces? And what better way to pat them on the back than to order a special cake for them? You know they already like sugar. Have lived off sugar, frankly, for the last four years, if not longer.

This is where Carolyn Janssen comes in. Janssen is the owner of A Better Cheesecake, a long-time bakery specializing in cakes that's located at 2519 N. McMullen-Booth Road in Clearwater. Janssen was once an artist and she brings an artist's flair to her concoctions. We know your teen is primarily interested in the sugar and icing on the cake, but Janssen can transform its shape into virtually anything without sacrificing its delicious taste. She's done cakes in the shape of flip flops, poker tables, cars, pigs, sunglasses, and, yes, she has put together cakes topped with a graduation cap, with a diploma attached. We're sure if you wanted your cake to represent your alma mater's mascot or insignia, she could probably do it in her sleep. Her customers already know this. Last year, she did separate cakes for a pair of graduating twins and in years past for graduating triplets. If you are not one of her customers, you should obviously become one.

Graduation Cakes Clearwater | A Better Cheesecake of Tampa Bay

"A Better Cheesecake" of Clearwater also makes wedding cakes, birthday cakes, and cakes for pretty much any occasion. For more information on this awesome bakery, visit this link: Clearwater Bakery

A Better Cheesecake

2519 N Mcmullen Booth Rd Ste 507
Clearwater, FL 33761
727-725-2295

Don't forget to click and use this printable coupon on your next cake order.

GattiTown Clearwater and Pinellas County Sheriff Has Safety Day

Mon, 21 May 2012 15:18:32 GMT

GattiTown and Pinellas County Sheriff's are Promoting Safety at a Fun Place

Everyone knows GattiTown Clearwater is a good place for kids to let loose and have some fun, but the folks there also want to do their part in helping kids be safe. To that end, the business is teaming up with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office for a special safety day this Saturday, as part of the sheriff’s office’s "Live Safe" program. There will be two educational safety presentations at GattiTown, one at 11 a.m. and another at 12:30 p.m. Typically, deputies tell parents and children to be on the look-out for certain behaviors, so the children can remain safe. But they manage to mix in some fun, too. For instance, the kids will leave their fingerprints on a card and have their photos taken. Then, cards with the child’s name, fingerprint and portrait will be given to the parents. This is all free. There's something else that's free, too – the kids' buffet. To get that, an adult has to pay the adult price to eat at the buffet. It’s a killer deal.

Sharon Britton Tampa Art Exhibit | Urban Body clothing on display too

Fri, 18 May 2012 12:29:07 GMT

Art, Jewelry, Clothing, On Display at Salon!

Sharon Britton, an intellectual property attorney, didn't start painting until a couple of months ago. It came about through happenstance. Her 5-year-old daughter wanted an art show at the house, and Sharon, being the conscientious and fun mom she is, obliged by buying a bunch of supplies. At some point the family decided to do one painting together. Then Sharon discovered a kind of yearning in herself: She wanted to paint something on her own. She did one bright, fantastically-colored painting, then another, and she really hasn’t stopped since. Her husband and two children are enthralled with her work, naturally, but so are some connoisseurs.

On the evening of May 24, you can check out Britton’s art work at Kensington Salon and Spa at 715 S. Howard Ave., Suite 100, in Tampa. There’s a special showing, from 6:30 p.m. to 9, with a complimentary glass of wine. Though showcasing Britton's work is the evening’s primary purpose, there will be a couple of other things you can take in. There will be some clothing on display, courtesy of Urban Body Clothing, which is next door at 711 S. Howard Ave., Suite 100, and whose products we’ve featured a couple of times on townspree.com. And there will be some jewelry on display, courtesy of stella and dot. One more bonus. If you go, you will receive a 20 % off gift voucher for any services you might purchase in the future at Kensington’s.

Summer Camp at Children's Salon in Tampa

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:14:45 GMT

Tampa Sweet & Sassy offers Summer Camps in 2012

Sweet & Sassy has always been one of our favorite small businesses. You see, mothers bring their daughters here so the daughters can get little makeovers, you know, mini-manicures, cute little haircuts, that kind of thing. Stephanie Diaz, who runs the Sweet and Sassy at 14361 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa, enjoys letting little girls be princesses for the day.

Glam Week Summer Camp Details

Starting June 12, she'll be starting a summer camp called Glam Week. It runs Tuesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and each day has a theme. You can drop your daughter off for just one day of the week if you’d like, or she can go all four days. These glam weeks go on until Aug. 17 , so it’ll work if you don’t have anything planned for a particular week, or if you just want to drop your kid off for a couple of hours so you can go get a facial yourself. It costs $35 if you want to drop your daughter off for a day, and $129 for the four-day packages. Oh, and while we are on the subject of cool deals, we’d like to mention that every Tuesday, anyone four years old or younger gets a haircut for $10. And Tuesday through Friday, if a parent pays for a haircut for one child, the price of the second haircut is cut in half.

Have any additional questions?

Sweet & Sassy of Tampa (Citrus Park)
14361 N. Dale Mabry Hwy
Tampa FL 33618
(813) 963-5437

Tampa Bay Area Cleaning Service Starts Helping Veterans!

Wed, 16 May 2012 13:05:11 GMT

Veterans Recuperating from Medical Conditions Get Their Homes Cleaned for Free

With Memorial Day fast approaching, we thought we’d give some props to Maid To Order, which has just expanded its philanthropic non-profit venture to include veterans. (Memorial Day, as you remember, is a time to pay tribute to our fallen soldiers.) Now, Maid To Order, a house-cleaning business, has long helped breast cancer patients, through its non-profit “Love Thy Neighbor,” by cleaning the women’s homes for free. “Love Thy Neighbor” also accepts donations of services from other businesses, in case the breast cancer patient needs some help with some other problem, like, say, a leaking faucet or a dirty carpet. This month, the folks who run Maid to Order have decided to expand “Love Thy Neighbor” to include veterans undergoing medical treatment. (We realize they can’t offer this service to able-bodied veterans, too, since such a move would drive the family-owned business into bankruptcy). If you are a business or a person who wants to help either breast cancer patients or recuperating veterans, there are a couple of ways to reach out. You can contact Maid To Order at (727) 384-6243 or office@mailtoorderfl.com, or you can make a donation at the Love Thy Neighbor website

Serving Pinellas and Hillsborough

Learn more about: Made to Order Inc
(727) 384-6243(MAID)
http://www.maidtoorderfl.com

Free Seminar in Tarpon Springs on Health and Fitness.

Fri, 11 May 2012 10:50:50 GMT

A Free Seminar to Help You Look and Feel Great.

Are you feeling bad about the way you look? Are you feeling depressed or low-energy? Many people think they know what to do and never incorporate it into their lifestyle. Are you making a good faith effort with diet and exercise, but you’re not getting the results you want? You need help with some professional advice. On the morning of May 19, in Tarpon Springs, two professionals will be at PMR Elite Fitness & Massage in Tarpon Springs to help you. Connie Russo, the owner of PMR, is a licensed massage therapist and a certified personal and group fitness instructor. The other professional is Gloria Constantas, who is a licensed hypnotherapist and a counselor. The pair are giving a free seminar that begins at 8:30 a.m. and lasts until 10 a.m. Connie and Gloria will talk about the benefits of exercise, strength training, aerobics, good nutrition, as well as other things. In short, they’ll tell you how to reshape your body – and your lifestyle. Connie will inspire you as she instructs you how to stretch and perform certain exercises. If you go, be sure to wear comfortable clothes and gym shoes, and bring a towel and water bottle.Remember. This is a free event. There will be door prizes, and specials on training sessions, massages and foot detoxification.

PMR is located at 40735 U.S. 19.

Shephard's Beach Bar in Clearwater Rated Best in Florida

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:09:52 GMT

Shephard's is The Best of its Kind...Sort of.

Well, FloridaBeachBar.com on Tuesday released its list of the state’s best beach bars, and Shephard’s Beach Resort Backyard Tiki Bar on Clearwater Beach won a couple of awards. It was named the second-best overall beach bar in the state and the absolute best beachside bar in the state. Yeah, we were a little confused about that distinction, too, as the absolute best overall beach bar – Jimmy B’s Beach Bar in St. Pete Beach – is also ON THE BEACH. There’s sort of an easy answer, however. FloridaBeachBar.com just wants to share the love among more than one winner. For instance, the third best overall beach bar for 2012 is the Paradise Bar & Grill on Pensacola Beach, which was also named the best waterside beach bar because it isn’t really located on a cracker-jack beach the way Shephard’s tiki bar is, but is still technically on the water. Are you still confused? Sorry. We tried. Maybe we shouldn’t be so anal about it. I mean, this is a best-beach-bar contest, so maybe the ones running the contest had a few margaritas before they announced the results, and just got a little sloppy-happy drunk, you know, the way any barfly might before he starts throwing his arm around any stranger who happens to sidle up next to him to order a drink. Like we said. Share the love.

This is how FloridaBeachBar.com came up with the winners. First, people were allowed to vote for their favorite beach bar on the contest web site, and thousands spoke out, bringing up the names of some 200 bars. But you know how those things go. Individual bars encourage their patrons to vote, or maybe vote themselves, or buy votes, the same way dictators in the third world buy votes before sham elections, so things can get skewed. I mean, a guy can pay enough people to vote for his bar, and technically win, even though it’s located on a retention pond in Polk County. So, FloridaBeachBar.com decided to include in the process its own beach rankings, before issuing the list. Naturally Shepard’s and the other two had the highest rankings even before folks started inputting their votes.

Local Art Show 2012 in Tampa Bay | Featuring Beck Gallery of Lutz FL

Tue, 08 May 2012 12:38:16 GMT

Take a Short Trip to the Napa Valley in Tampa at Toast Wine and Café with Beck Gallery....

Tana Brackins, the owner of the Beck Gallery in Lutz, went to the Napa Valley last September and, in the course of four days, took 900 photographs. That’s right. Nine hundred photographs. We divided 900 by four and realized Tana took on average 225 photographs per day. If, like many people, Tana slept eight hours a day, she took roughly 14 photographs an hour, or about one every five minutes. Yikes.

Right now, Tana is going through her output to select 20 to 25 black-and-white shots that will be featured at a special event, on May 26, at the Toast Wine and Café bar at 14921 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard in Tampa. It’s not just the art that should be a draw. There will be fine wine and cigars, too. Here’s the tie-in, as they say: Nice photographs of the Napa Valley, taken during the so-called “crush” season, when the grapes are harvested, that will be on view as wines from small producers from the Napa Valley are offered by Toast Wine and Café. Get it? This special melange of pleasures will be offered twice the 26th – from 1 to 3 p.m., and from 8 to 11 p.m. Go, and transport yourself to the Napa Valley. Oh, and it's free (except for the cigars). For more info:

http://www.thebeckgallery.com/upcoming-events

Grind House Bar & Grill has Cinco de Mayo Party!

Fri, 04 May 2012 12:59:04 GMT

The Grind House Bar & Grill in Clearwater has a way of celebrating special holidays with special specials, and Cinco de Mayo is no exception. The partying begins in earnest at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 5 (duh). The pub, which is located at 1500 N. McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater, is offering 99-cent tacos, $5 fish tacos, $2.50 margaritas and coronas, plus shots of Patron tequila at $5 a pop. And, as usual, the Grind House has its usual excellent food, like the chicken enchiladas. Plus there will be give-aways -- hats, t-shirts, that kind of thing. So go on down

More Details on The Grind House Facebook Page

Grind House Printable Savings

Mother's Day Tampa Bay 2012 | Florist in Tampa | Brunches in Tampa

Fri, 04 May 2012 11:51:52 GMT

Mother's Day Brunch and Flower Recommendations for Tampa Bay 2012

Ah yes, Mother’s Day. It’s the day we recognize our mothers for the gentle heroes they are, the ones we turned to for some understanding when we did something wrong, who brought us chicken soup when we were sick. Mother’s Day is also the day mom can out-and-out refuse to cook, with obvious justification. So why not take her to brunch? And buy her flowers while you’re at it. We’ll first suggest restaurants, then florists, then anything else we can think of.

The Garden Shed Florist in Clearwater FL

One of our favorite florists in the area is the Garden Shed Florist in Clearwater. It has a wide variety of blooming and green plants, as well as fresh arrangements. If you have an arrangement delivered (in the city of Clearwater, more or less), mom gets a free Mother's Day Mylar balloon. You can call them at (727) 725-0841 or 1-800-652-3444. The Garden Shed also has a great web site, through which you can place an order. It's http://www.mygardenshedflorist.com/

A-Bow-K Florist & Gifts

Want flowers delivered in Lutz? You might want to try A-Bow-K Florist & Gifts, at 17420 U.S. Highway 41 N., in Lutz. They have a whole bunch of special bouquets for mom, with everything from pink roses to fresh spring flowers. You can call them at (813) 949-5683 or 1-800-505-5683.

Downtown Tampa Florist

Downtown Tampa? Try Downtown Tampa Florist at 705 W. Platt St. We like the lavendar love bouquet, the passionate purple tulips, and the daisy daydreams. They have some cool extras like stuffed animals and chocolate specials. You can call them at 1-888-325-8056 or order at their web site at http://www.downtowntampaflorist.net/mothers-day-flowers-97c.asp?topnav=TopNav

Now we'll get into the Mother's Day Brunch recommendations in Tampa

The Columbia Restaurant - Ybor City - Tampa, FL

Naturally, the Columbia Restaurant is having Mother’s Day specials at its six locations peppered throughout the state of Florida. The three we’re recommending – because they are in the area – are in Ybor City, in St. Petersburg at The Pier, and in Clearwater Beach on Sand Key. If you went to any of them for Easter brunch, you know what quality to expect. One of the Mother’s Day entrées that has our collective mouths watering is something the Columbia calls the mahi-mahi “Torremolinos” – a grilled piece of boneless mahi-mahi topped with Gulf shrimp, sundried tomatoes and caper saffron sauce. It’s served with snap peas and yellow rice. To make reservations, go to http://www.columbiarestaurant.com/reservations.asp. At the Columbia Cafe, on the Riverwalk in Tampa, which is open, you can see the water, but there are no Mother's Day specials.

Bon Appetit Restaurant Mother's Day - Dunedin, FL

Some of those Columbia restaurants have waterfront views – like the one at The Pier in St. Petersburg. One restaurant in Pinellas County that has a killer waterfront view is the Bon Appétit restaurant in Dunedin, from where you can see St. Joseph Sound, Honeymoon Island, and Caladesi Island. The Mother’s Day buffet, which runs from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., is in the Crystal Ballroom, and the selections are tremendous, whether it’s the breast of chicken with marsala sauce, or that old stand-by, roast prime rib of beef au jus. It’s 44.95 per person, plus gratuity and tax. If you prefer a sit-down dinner, there’s that, too, in the dining room, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. The rack of lamb with the pistachio crust looks yummy. To make an online reservation, please go to: http://www.bonappetitrestaurant.com/reservation.html.

SHOR Restaurant Mothers Day - Clearwater Beach

Another spectacular view is available at the SHOR restaurant, located on the second floor of the resplendent Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa (The address for both hotel and restaurant is 301 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach). We’re guessing the street is called Gulfview Boulevard because, you know, you can see the Gulf of Mexico from it. In any event, SHOR’s is offering a Mother's Day brunch. It lasts from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Price for an adult is $45; for a child, $21. There will be a seafood bar, a vegetable and bruschetta station, a soup station, made-to-order omelets, and old war horses like prime rib and turkey. You can call the restaurant at (727) 373-4780 or make a reservation online by going to the restaurant’s web site at http://www.shorgrill.com/hpr/shor/en/clearwater/events_specials.html

Island Way Grill Mother's Day - Clearwater Beach

Down the street is the Island Way Grill, at 20 Island Way, Clearwater. There mom can also get a view of the water, though it’ll be the Intracoastal Waterway she’s staring at and not the Gulf of Mexico. The Mother’s Day buffet runs from 10 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. It’ll have a breakfast and lunch feel to it in the beginning and then switch over to a dinner feel at around 3 and 4 p.m. It’s a tad more extravagant than the typical Island Way Grill buffet. There will be four different cuts of meat (and, if’s anything like the Easter Sunday brunch, there will be a pig roast), along with a pasta station, sushi rolls, peel-and-eat shrimp, and crawfish, as well as salads, fruits and an array of desserts. The cost is $31.95 for an adult, and $12.95 for children ten years old and under. To make a reservation, call the restaurant at (727) 461-6617.

Chart House - Tampa, FL - Mother's Day 2012

On the other side of Tampa Bay, the Chart House, which is at 7616 W. Courtney Campbell Causeway, also offers a Mother’s day brunch with a waterfront view. It begins at 10 a.m. and lasts until 2:30 p.m. For an adult, the cost is $39.95. Children 12 years old and under can eat for $14.95. It'll be a special menu – with entrees including prime rib, pork loin and tilapia with a macadamia nut crust. You can make reservations online at their website, which is http://www.chart-house.com/opentable_form.asp, or you can make a reservation by phone by calling (813) 289 7773.

Rusty Pelican Mother's Day - Tampa, FL

Another restaurant on the Tampa side of the bay, that has a pretty nice view, is the Rusty Pelican, at 2425 North Rocky Point Drive. Its Mother’s Day brunch buffet begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m., and if you are interested you better make a reservation now (since the block of time from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. is already taken). It’s $46 for an adult, and children 6 to 10 can eat for $21. There’s a meat carving station, a raw seafood bar, pastas, omelets, and favorites like bananas foster, plus a so-called chocolate fountain, which showcases desserts. To make a reservation, you can either call the restaurant at (813) 281-1943, or make a reservation online at http://tampa.therustypelican.com/rustypelicantampa/contact_us.aspx

Yacht StarShip Tampa - Mother's Day 2012

So far, we put forward some restaurants that have waterfront views. Another option is to dine with the water all around you. You can do that on the Yacht Starship Tampa. There are two brunch cruises, with boarding at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. And there’s one dinner cruise, with boarding at 5:30 p.m. The price for adults is $44.95 (plus tax, port fee and gratuity), and $29.95 for children (plus tax, port fee and gratuity). To make a reservation, go to: http://www.yachtstarship.com/#!special-events

Tim Meadows Comes to Tampa Side Splitters

Wed, 02 May 2012 13:54:50 GMT

SNL Alum Tim Meadows has rescheduled appearance at Side Splitters to May.
Funny man has done spoofs on O.J., Oprah and Michael.

Tim Meadows, one of the longest running cast members on Saturday Night Live, was supposed to come to Side Splitters Comedy Club on March 29, but he rescheduled. The new dates are May 17, 18, 19 and 20, according to the comedy club's web site. (With two shows on that Friday, two shows on that Saturday).

Meadows is known for his send-ups of famous African-Americans, including Tiger Woods, Ike Turner and Sammy Davis Jr. Anyone remember the 2000 film, "The Ladies Man?" The one where his character, a radio host, claims to have had sex with every type of woman under the sun? It's become something of a DVD classic.

How about the Herman Cain's sexual harassment training video he did? Did you see it? It's funny.

If YouTube videos are to be believed, Meadows doesn't recreate his famous SNL characters during his stand-up routines. He tends to do things like riff on his kids being half-Jewish, how he gets confused with the actor Don Cheadle, or silly things stars like Rihanna do. Whatever he says at Side Splitters is sure to be hilarious.

For tickets, visit this link: Tim Meadows at Side Splitters 2012

Tampa Bay Beaches | Family Activities in Tampa | Things to do Tampa

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 21:52:56 GMT

Parents are often at their wits' end when it comes to figuring out things to do with their young'uns (not the teenagers, they're into "The Hunger Games,"). So we are going to run a general blog on children's activities in the Tampa Bay area as we come across them. Some of them will be free. Some won't. Some will occur repeatedly. Some won't. Here we go.

One of the best - and certainly one of the cheapest – places to take your kids is the beach. Typically, the only thing you have to feed, aside from your child, is the parking meter.

But we'd like to give you a couple of safety tips before we give you a run-down of the area's selections. Make sure you watch your kids like a hawk as they frolic in the surf. Make sure you have applied plenty of sunscreen on those kids -- and yourself -- before you start watching them frolic in the surf. And be careful about allowing them to use floatable devices in the water. While we don't have the same concerns here about rip tides that they do on the east coast, a nice wind can carry that float, with your kid on it, out to sea in no time.

Okay, here are our selections. (As an added bonus, we're including the number of parking spaces at each beach when that information is available).
First, we'll tackle the beaches on the Gulf of Mexico because, you know, you'd rather be swimming in the Gulf than in Tampa Bay or, say, a retention pond in Polk County.

Beaches along Southern Pinellas County - Tampa Bay Beaches

St Pete Beaches | Pass-A-Grille | Upham Beach

Image Credit: Source

It's easy to drive to because of Interstate 275, and it was recently named TripAdvisor's No. 1 Beach. Now that the spring breakers have returned to school, and the snowbirds have gone home, it might not be that difficult an excursion.
There are several beaches in this beach city with public access -- the one on Pass-A-Grille, which is at the southernmost tip of St. Pete Beach, and which has 616 metered parking spaces, as spelled out in the 90s by Pinellas County and the state. (Their report is old, yes, but Pinellas is pretty developed, so we doubt there are that many more parking spaces now than there were then).
There are two farther north, the one across the street from the Publix supermarket in the Dolphin Village shopping plaza at 4655 Gulf Blvd. (235 metered spaces, per same report); and Upham Beach, at 6800 Beach Plaza (198 metered spaces). These are all solid family-oriented beaches.
For a more complete portrait of what the city has to offer, check out these web sites: The best of St Pete Beach and St Pete Beach Offical Site

Fort DeSoto Park - Dog Friendly Beach in Tampa Bay

Image Credit: Source

Often also vying for best-beach-in-the-country is Fort DeSoto Park, which is in the same general area as St. Pete Beach. This is also a dog friendly beach. For info, go to: Fort DeSoto Park
There are 3,252 parking spaces, two dog parks, a fishing pier.

Treasure Island FL | Area Beaches in Florida

Sunset Beach

Image Credit: Source

A few minutes north of the St. Pete Beach beaches is one NOT so family-oriented. This one is for the young and in-shape and partying crowd. It's called Sunset Beach and it stretches from 79th to 81st avenues in Treasure Island. But beware. There are fewer than 100 spaces.

Treasure Island Municipal Beaches

There are two other municipal beaches in Treasure Island -- one at 104th Avenue (67 spaces); and another one at 112th Avenue (139 spaces). See Treasure Island Beaches

Madeira Beach and John's Pass Village Things to do

There are also three beaches in Madeira Beach: Archibald Park (120 spaces); County Park (104 spaces); and one at the southern tip of the city, across Gulf Boulevard from Johns Pass Village, with roughly 130 spaces. They are all mapped out at this web site: Madeira Beach Official Site

Beaches along Northern Pinellas County FL

Indian Rocks Beach, FL

If you've noticed, we started at the southernmost point of Pinellas County and are proceeding north. We're not going to go into too much detail on the ones where access and parking is a little tricky. It's great that Indian Rocks Beach has 27 points at which you can get onto the beach, but parking is a little dicey. One at 1700 Gulf Blvd. has 79 metered spots. The city's web site is Indian Rocks Beach
In Redington Shores, there's a beach at 18200 Gulf Blvd., with 170 spaces. See: Redington Shores

Clearwater Beach, FL - Tampa Bay's Most Popular Beach

Image Credit: Source

Okay, now we have arrived at the big enchilada of the Gulf beaches – Clearwater Beach, where just about everybody goes. According to the city's web site, there are 803 spaces in lots of varying size peppered throughout the barrier island, plus 270 spots on the street. See the web site at: Clearwater Beach Offical Website
For a little less hustle and bustle, drive west over a resplendent bridge and go to Sand Key County Park, which is a combination park- and- beach, and which has 674 metered spots.

Honeymoon Island State Park - Best For Shelling

Photo Credit: Justin Wright

We're going to continue our tour north, with a quick jag to a couple of beaches known for their natural beauty. The first is Honeymoon Island State Park, which can be reached by driving across the Dunedin Causeway. In addition to the beach, there is a park with several nature trails, and many shells to collect. According to that old report we have mentioned, there are 1,005 paved and 3,000 unpaved spots. There are various entrance fees to the park, depending on when and how you are arriving, but no parking fees per se. For more information, go to:

Caladesi Island State Park near Duneidin FL

From that same causeway in Dunedin, you can take a ferry to Caladesi Island State Park, which is one of the only completely-natural islands off Florida's gulf coast. In addition to a luscious beach, there is a three-mile nature trail through the island´s interior and a three-mile kayak trail through the mangroves and bay. For more information, go to:

Tarpon Springs Area Beaches

Back to the mainland. Farther north remain the only two significant Pinellas County beaches we haven't discussed, both of which are in Tarpon Springs. One is Sunset Beach, at 1800 Gulf Blvd., which has 70 paved spaces, according to that old report; the other is Fred Howard Park, at 1700 Sunset Drive, which has 784 paved parking spaces, and 100 additional unpaved ones on the causeway leading to the park. For more information on Fred Howard Park, go to: Tarpon Springs Area Beaches

Beaches in Pasco County FL

Okay, we're going to continue north, into Pasco County, but with an advisory. We won't have the number of parking spaces. In a way, it doesn't matter as much, because the beaches in Pasco County are not so much final destinations for outsiders as they are for the locals. Ergo, there are fewer people fighting over parking spaces. And the locals already know about these beaches, so we're going to give you names, addresses, and the links, and that's about it. (And we are including only those parks where people can swim, because that's what people go to beaches for primarily).

Here's a few.

Anclote River Park, 1119 Baillies Bluff Road, Holiday, FL
Moon Lake Park, 8985 Lake Dr., New Port Richey, FL (you'd be swimming in a lake here, not the gulf).
Robert K. Rees Memorial Park, 4835 Green Key Road, New Port Richey, FL
Hudson Beach aka Robert J. Strickland Memorial Park, 6345 Clark St., Hudson, FL

Here's the link for all of them: Visit Pasco

Here's one more:

Brasher Park, 4951 Koons Road, Port Richey, FL Brasher Park

Other Less popular Tampa Bay Area Beaches

Up to now, we've been discussing those pristine beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. Now we are headed east, to beaches that do not overlook the gulf, but rather different bays. Like the Pasco beaches, some of these will primarily be of interest to local denizens, and not tourists. Others are for those that like to bring their dogs, which you can't do generally at Gulf beaches.

Gulfport Beaches | Gulfport FL

In Gulfport, there's a beach in the city's waterfront district, overlooking Boca Ciega Bay. It might be a good place to go if you're checking out Gulfport for other reasons. Here's the link: Gulfport Beaches

Maximo Park Beach | St Petersburg FL

There is also a beach in St. Petersburg that overlooks Boca Ciega Bay. It's Maximo Park, at 6500 34th St. S., and while it has other attractive features, its beach is on the small side. Two other St. Petersburg beaches are located on the city's downtown waterfront – one is at North Shore Park, Second Avenue Northeast, and the other one is at The Pier. For information on all three of these beaches, see: Saint Peteresburg Beaches

There are also two rather popular beaches along causeways or bridges linking Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. People tend to like them because there are no parking meters to feed, they can bring their dogs, and they can drink their beer, preferably out of a can. One is the informally named Gandy Beach, which is on the south side of the Gandy Bridge. There's no link to give you because it's an informal place people know by word of mouth, not through Facebook. The other one is the Courtney Campbell Causeway Beach, which is on the western end of the Courtney Campbell Parkway.

Ben T. Davis Beach - Courtney Campbell Causeway Beaches

On the eastern end of the Courtney Campbell Causeway is one of Tampa's few beaches - the Ben T. Davis Beach, at 7740 W. Courtney Campbell Causeway. This one has lifeguards from Memorial Day through Labor Day, according to Tampa's web site. So does Picnic Island Park, in Port Tampa.

Here's another one in Tampa, but it doesn't have lifeguards: Davis Islands Park, 864 Severn Ave.

For information on Tampa's few beaches, go to: Tampa Beaches

Summer Camps Tampa 2012 | Summer Sports Programs

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:56:46 GMT

Looking for a guide to Athletic Summer Camps in the Tampa Bay Area? Then look no futher, If there's a camp out there designed for a particular sport, be it tennis, soccer, or bowling, we'll find it. Below we've listed several sports camps to assist you in keeping your kids active this summer. If you're looking for a summer camp designed for the Arts, we've got you covered there too. We recently wrote a blog about Arts & Music here: Summer Art Camps Tampa 2012.

Hillsborough Community College Summer Camp 2012 | Tampa FL

There are a couple of nice sports camps at the Hillsborough Community College tennis courts complex at 3901 Tampa Bay Blvd. in Tampa. They are run by Tampa Tennis. One is a tennis camp, naturally. Players are divided into groups to address their skill level. The ages of the kids range from 4 to 16, and the camp is held Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon. You can pick a weeklong camp from June 11 through Aug. 17. During the same time period, Tampa Tennis also offers a sports jam camp, where attendees play golf, soccer, baseball, basketball and flag football, in addition to tennis. For more information go to: HCC Summer Camp 2012

University of Tampa Summer Camp 2012 in Tampa FL

The coaches at the University of Tampa have some great summer sports programs – boys' baseball camps, boys' basketball camps, girls' basketball camps, boys' soccer camps, girls' soccer camps, softball camps, volleyball camps. They are held at a variety of places. If interested, it's best to go to the website, which has links to the individual programs. The web site is: UT Sports Camp Summer 2012

Extreme Youth Sports Summer Camp Program in Tampa FL

Extreme Youth Sports has a summer sports camp, which you would expect with a company name like that. The interesting thing about Extreme Youth Sports camps is that the company has three locations, which we are going to give you, so you can decide which is closest to your home. The one in Tampa is at 4920 Newkirk Drive. The one in Brandon is at 1118 N. Parsons Ave., and the one in Riverview is at 13498 US Highway 301 S. It's our understanding that Extreme You Sports caters to specific neighborhoods. Included in the summer camp program is an array of offerings – karate, flag football, soccer, and kickball, among others. But there's also dancing and arts and crafts. The web site is: Extreme Youth Sports Summer Camp 2012 Tampa Bay

The Seal Swim School | Swimming Summer Camps in Lutz FL

Okay, this is a sports camp of a certain kind. The Seal Swim School offers a program for children 4 to 12 years old that includes swim lessons. It runs from June 11 through Aug. 17, and you can either sign up for a week or the whole summer. We like this program because there are two counselors for every 15 kids. And there's extended care so you don't have to break your neck in traffic trying to pick your kid up by a certain time. The location is at 19501 Holly Lane in Lutz. Here's the web site: Summer Swimming Camp 2012 Lutz, FL

Tampa Bay Skating Academy Summer Camp in Tampa FL

Now here are a couple of cool camps. Literally. They are run by the Tampa Bay Skating Academy. One is at the academy's Countryside facility at 27001 U.S. 19 N. and it's to improve your figure skating. There is one one-week camp in June, another in July. These are not for beginners; they are geared toward kids who are pretty good figure skaters to begin with. Now, to learn how to skate, you would have to go to TBSA's facility in Oldsmar, which is at 255 Forest Lakes Blvd. in Oldsmar. They have a cool ice skating summer camp for kids 4 to 12 and they welcome beginners for this one. It runs June 11 to Aug. 3, and the all-day camps are a week long. For more information, go to: Skating Camp Tampa Bay 2012

Tampa Bay Lightning Summer Camp in Brandon FL

Speaking of skating, the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team holds a summer camp in Brandon, at the Brandon Ice Sports Forum, from July 9 through July 13. It begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m. Each day is devoted to helping both boys and girls improve their hockey and power-skating skills, and to become more physically conditioned. For more information, go to: Tampa Bay Lighting Summer Camp 2012

Bayside Gymnastics and Cheerleading Summer Camp Programs in St. Pete FL

Bayside Gymnastics and Cheerleading, at 4400 34th St. N., in St. Petersburg, has gymnastics summer camp for children 5 to 13 years old. Sessions start June 11 and run through Aug. 17, and both half- and full-day camps are available, with post-camp day care. Among other things, the children are run through a slew of gymnastics exercises, which should leave them stronger and more flexible. For more information, go to: Gymnastics and Cheerleading Summer Camp in St Pete

Apollo School of Gymnastics Summer Camp in Clearwater

Another gymnastics school offering summer camp sessions is the Apollo School of Gymnastics, at 2140 Range Road, Clearwater. Here, too, you'll learn gymnastics, plus arts and crafts and other cool stuff. There is a field trip every Wednesday, and every Thursday is Splash Day, which sort of stands for outdoor water play. Full- and half-day sessions are available. The Apollo's web site is: Gymnastics Summer Camp - Clearwater FL

Clearwater Christian College Sports Camp in Clearwater

Clearwater Christian College, at 3400 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd., has several sports camps, but it should probably be pointed out that the coaches emphasize these camps are in a Christian setting. Overnights are available. There is a one-week camp for girls' basketball (ages 8 to 17), for boys' basketball (8 to 17), and for soccer (8 to 17), and there are two one-week camps for female high-school volleyball players. For more information, and to register, go to the college's web site: Sports Camp in Clearwater

Clearwater Community Sailing Center Summer Camp Programs

The Clearwater Community Sailing Center, at 1001 Gulf Blvd., in Clearwater has an excellent summer camp program with an emphasis on, you guessed it, sailing. Campers can be 5 to 17 years old, and at the end of the summer is a regatta, which is sort of appropriate. The weeklong camp sessions begin June 4 and end Aug. 10, and there's a week off in July. Windsurfing is also offered, as long as you are at least ten years old. There are a whole lot of other cool things about this camp. High-speed catamaran sailing is available. And there's a camp designed for disabled kids. Check it out at: Sailing Summer Camp

Eckerd College Watersports Summer Camps in St Petersburg FL

Eckerd College, at 4200 54th Ave. S., has one of the most impressive summer camp programs in the Tampa Bay area. Here you can receive instruction in sailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, and saltwater fishing. The reason the college can offer such a stunning selection of water sports is that it is located on Boca Ciega Bay. Kids 6 to 17 can find something. Sessions run from June 4 through August 3, and they run in the afternoon or in the morning, but not both. For more information, go to: Watersports Summer Camps in St Petersburg FL

GameBreaker Lacrosse Camps | Summer Programs in Tampa

Get this. There is even a lacrosse camp in Tampa, though it lasts for only a week. It's run by GameBreaker Lacrosse Camps, a national company. There will be three groups of young lacrosse players – one group of kids in the third, fourth and fifth grades, another composed of kids in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades, and a third made up of kids in the ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth grades. The camps typically last from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Tampa's week-long camp is at Anderson Elementary School June 11 through June 14. There are separate camps for both boys and girls. For more information, go to: Lacrosse Summer Camps in Tampa

Indian Rocks Christian School Summer Camps in Largo FL

The Indian Rocks Christian School, at 12685 Ulmerton Road, Largo, has an impressive summer sports camp lineup and is one of the few, we believe, that has a wrestling camp. There are also a football camp, a cheerleading camp and a golf camp among the school's ten offerings. The camps last a week, and they start on June 11 and end on July 13. For more information, go to: Sports Summer Camps in Largo FL

Innisbrook Golf Summer Camps in Palm Harbor

Naturally, you would expect the Innisbrook Golf and Spa Resort, at 36750 U.S. 19 N., to have a golf clinic, and it does. It also has a tennis camp. They run from June 11 through Aug. 16. The tennis camps run Monday through Thursday, and there are sessions for children 3 to 10 years old, 6 to 10, and 10 to 18. The golf clinic is for kids 7 to 16. There is also an interesting session that incorporates tennis instruction, golf instruction and swimming. This one's for kids 7 to 14. For specific times and prices, go to the resort's web site at: Golf Summer Camps in Palm Harbor

Martial Arts Advantage Summer Camp in Tampa

For the aspiring martial arts practitioner, Martial Arts Advantage, which has two locations, has both half-day and full-day camps. One location is at 234A E. Bearss Ave. in North Tampa; the other, at 3311 S. Dale Mabry Highway in south Tampa. The first week of camp begins June 11, the last Aug. 13, and each week has a particular theme (we like ‘board breaking camp.'). You get a break in price if you register before May 11. For more information, go to the web site at: Karate Summer Camps Tampa

Tampa Bay Rays Summer Camp in St. Petersburg, FL

The Tampa Bay Rays are holding summer camps for baseball players, but not all of them are in the Tampa Bay area (one is in Port Charlotte). The camp that we know of that's local is the senior advanced camp, for children 14 through 17, that runs from June 18 through 22. It's at the Raymond Naimoli Sports Complex, at 7901 30th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL. For more information, go to: Tampa Bay Rays Summer Camp 2012

USF Summer Camp for Kids in Wesley Chapel

The University of South Florida has some great soccer camps and they're all over the place – at the USF campus, the West Chase soccer fields, the JC Handley complex in Brandon, the Wesley Chapel District Park, and the Fishhawk Sports Complex, among other places. There are also some outside the Tampa Bay area, but the ones in the Tampa Bay area run June 11 through July 25. For more information, go to: Summer Camps in Wesley Chapel

We're sure we missed some, but we think we nabbed more than we missed. If you know of any other great Summer Programs in the Tampa Bay area, feel free to comment below.

Summer Camps Tampa 2012 | Summer Art Programs

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:13:24 GMT

The following is a guide for Summer Camps in the Tampa Bay Area - more specifically summer art programs for kids. These summer programs geared toward the artistically-inclined child – a future Baryshnikov, a future John Coltrane, a future Marlon Brandon, a future Jackson Pollock. Now, there are weeks-long summer camps in the Tampa Bay area that include classes on the arts. We're going to leave those for another day. These camps focus on artistic activity exclusively. And here's the thing. While these don't start until June, you have to register pretty much now. In fact, one of them is already full. Go figure. So read, pick one, and sign up your loved one.

Hillsborough County Summer Art Camp Programs 2012

Summer Camp Programs at the Straz Center for The Performing Arts

The Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center for The Performing Arts Summer Program in Tampa kicks off on June 11, with classes galore – including an intensive ballet class for children from the second through twelfth grades; musical theatre dancing, including tap, for children from the second through eighth grades; and a four-day class designed so children from second through fourth grade can explore all the instruments played in an orchestra and maybe decide to pursue one. For more information see: Patel Conservatory Summer Program 2012

Tampa Museum of Art Summer Camp Classes 2012

The Tampa Museum of Art has a series of art classes for children ages 6 to 14, and the classes are all a week long. What's interesting about the series is that your child can go for either a half-day or the full day. Another thing that's interesting is that children close in age attend the same classes: One, for instance, is for kids 9 to 11, another for kids 6 to 8. These classes are for kids interested in drawing and painting, working with materials and mixed media. For more information, go to: Summer Art Classes at The Tampa Museum of Art

The Dance Center in Brandon Summer Camps 2012

The Dance Center in Brandon has three interesting camps – the Ballerina Princess Camp for girls 4 to 6, Ballet Arts Camp for children 7 and older (for both the beginner and the experienced), and the Acrobatics Summer Camp. Registration has already begun, but the classes weren't full as of early April. The place is located at 161 East Bloomingdale Ave., Brandon. For more information, go to: Summer Programs at The Dance Center - Brandon FL

Florida Academy of Performing Arts Brandon FL Summer Camps

The Florida Academy of Performing Arts has an all-day camp for kids ages 5 to 9, from June 25 through June 29. Among the offerings are beginning guitar, beginning violin, and acting. There's a second camp for the same age group, from July 9 to July 13, with the same offerings. The academy also has two sets of all-day camps for 9 to 12 year olds. The first is from June 18 to June 22, the second from July 23 through July 27. The offerings are the same as they are for the younger set. The camps are held at the Music Showcase, at 402 Oakfield Drive, Brandon, FL. For more information, go to: Summer Camps at the Florida Academy of Performing Arts Brandon

Florida Museum of Photographic Arts Summer Camp in Tampa

The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, in downtown Tampa, is offering photography classes this summer for two age groups – 7 to 10 years old, and 11 to 15 years old. Each is five days long. The two week-long classes for the younger group begin on June 25 and July 16; for the older group, June 18 and July 9. You should really call them at (813) 221-2222, and check with their web site, for further information. Here's the web site: Florida Museum of Photographic Summer Program

Musical Auditions for "Thoroughly Modern Millie Junior" by Stage Works

Aspiring actors in the 8th to 12th grade age group (that is, students who are entering those grades this fall) are encouraged to audition for the musical, "Thoroughly Modern Millie Junior," which is being produced by Stage Works in downtown Tampa. Auditions are on April 15, May 6, May 20, and June 10. For their auditions, students should prepare a musical number in the style of the show, have a CD to go with it, and also prepare a monologue. The camp is from July 9 through July 27, with performances of the show on July 27, 28, and 29. For more information, email actupforkids@yahoo.com

The Tampa Theater Film Camp 2012

Now, just to impress upon you how important it is to sign up your kid immediately, we're going to mention The Tampa Theatre Film Camp, where kids from grades three to seven go to a one-week camp to learn the basics of film-making. According to the program's web site, all eight half-day classes are sold out. Don't believe us: Check out the web site: The Tampa Theatre Film Summer Camp

Pinellas County Summer Camps for Art, Theater & Music

The Hoffman Institute at Ruth Eckerd Hall Summer Camp in Clearwater

The Hoffman Institute at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater also has a series of arts-oriented summer programs which also begins on June 11. These are designed for children ages 8 to 18. Some are for kids as they prepare to join their high school jazz band. For others, such as a theatre production, children have to audition. Some are modeled after popular shows, such as "Glee;" others after classics, such as "The Tempest" by William Shakespeare. For more information, go to: Ruth Eckerd Hall Summer Camps 2012

First Presbyterian Church Summer Theater Program | St Petersburg

In St. Petersburg, there's a summer theater program run at First Presbyterian Church by American Stage. There is one set of classes for children 5 to 12 years old, including some concentrating on comedy, clowning and mystery theatre. Another is for children 13 through 17 years old: one class is a short week-long session on improvisation, another is a three-week class culminating in a performance of a version of "Fiddler On The Roof." There are many, many more for both age groups, spread out over the summer months. For more information, go to: American Stage Summer Camp at First Presbyterian Church St Pete

The Dali Museum 2012 Summer Camps | St. Petersburg FL

The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg has an interesting camp, and, apparently, a popular one. It's called the Junior Docent Program. Yeah, we didn't know what a docent was, either, until we looked it up. In the museum business, a docent is someone who helps others understand the works of art they are seeing. In this one-week camp, kids 9 to 12 years old are exposed to the works of Dali in the museum, then, after the week, they give a presentation as to what they've learned. Sound far-fetched? Well, last we heard, the program was sold out, with folks signing a waiting list. For more information, go to: Summer Camps at The Dali

Musical Theater Camp at St. Petersburg College for kids 2012

St. Petersburg College has a lot of summer programs, but the one that focuses exclusively on the arts is a musical theatre camp for grades six through twelve. It begins July 9 and lasts until Aug. 3, and culminates in a performance of "Godspell." The program takes place every day from 9 am to 3 pm, at the SPJ campus in Clearwater at 2465 Drew St. For more information, please see the college web site at: SPC Summer Camps for kids

Abba Dabba Theatre Camp | Perkins Elementary & Seminole High

We love the name of this one: the Abba Dabba Theatre Summer Camp 2012. One of the camps is at Perkins Elementary School in St. Petersburg, the other at Seminole High School in Seminole. They are for kids four to 18 years old, and typically last a week or two weeks. The offerings are pretty cool, and include improvisation, acting and musical theatre. For more information, please see: Abba Dabba Theatre Summer Camps

Oakhurst United Methodist Church Summer Camps 2012 | Seminole

Here's another one with a pretty cool name, and an appropriate one, too, considering what kind of camp it is: The Bravo Center for the Performing Arts. It runs its summer camp at Oakhurst United Methodist Church, at 13400 Park Blvd. in Seminole. It's for kids 6 through 17. There are two three-week camps, and they last from 9 am to 3:30 p.m. Here's a special bonus – pre-camp and post-camp day care is available, so you don't have to break your neck in traffic trying to pick up junior. For more information, please see: The Bravo Center for the Performing Arts

BB's Dance & Circus Arts of Tampa Bay - Summer Camp Clearwater

This camp is for the prospective circus performer. BB's Dance & Circus Arts of Tampa Bay runs classes during the school year, too, but from June 11 through August 17, it holds what it calls summer intensives on such topics as contortion, juggling, hand-balancing and trapeze. Anyone from eight up can take these classes, which run one to three weeks (depending on what part of the summer you're interested in) from 9 am to 3 pm. The place is in Clearwater, at 1610 N. Hercules Ave. For more information, visit: BB's Dance & Circus Arts Summer Program

Largo Cultural Center Summer Theatre Camp in Pinellas County

The Largo Cultural Center has some cool summer theatre camps. One, for children 8 to 13 years old, is called "Seussical Jr.," and centers around the character, Horton the Elephant. That one runs from June 11 through June 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The other is for children 12 to 18, and runs from July 16 through Aug. 4. This one's called "The Music Man Jr.," and it's about a fast-talking con-man who eventually sees the light. For more information, go to: 2012 Summer Theatre Camp at Largo Cultural Center

Indoor Jump House in Tampa Gets a Massage Chair

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 21:04:30 GMT

Tampa Bounce House Has Something New For Moms And Dads. "Florida Fun Jump" adds Massage Chair to Pamper Parents While Children Play

Competition is pretty stiff in the bounce house industry. So says Patti Anselmo, who with her husband owns Florida Fun Jump, that fun place at 11238 W. Hillsborough Ave. where your kids can jump around on inflatables without getting hurt.

In addition to Florida Fun Jump, there are two other bounce houses in the immediate area, and Anselmo heard through the grapevine that at least one of them had a massage chair. Anselmo likes to stay competitive in her field, so she got one, too.
This is how it works. Someone sits in the chair, inserts a dollar, and feels the chair giving her or him a massage about the neck and lower back for two minutes, Anselmo said. Florida Fun Jump gets 50 cents for each dollar.
It's hard to tell how many people have put that dollar into the chair, which was acquired roughly a month ago. The business that owns the chair has yet to come by and take the cash out, so Anselmo has no way of knowing the number of adults who have actually been massaged by the automated piece of furniture.

What she does know is that some people have tried using the massage chair as a place to sit, but an automated voice urges them to put a dollar in once their derriere has landed. Apparently there's no such thing as a free ride on the chair – or an uninterrupted sit.
The chair isn't the only thing Patti and her husband have brought in so parents have something to do while their children play. Florida Fun Jump also has a treadmill, stationary bicycle, and an elliptical machine. Unlike the massage chair, however, they don't cost anything.
On the other hand, a buck for a massage ain't a bad deal, especially in this economy.

Indoor Fun Center at Florida Fun Jump

11238 W. Hillsborough Ave.

Tampa, FL 33635

813-814-5867

Chef On The Bay | Fundraiser | Clearwater, FL

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 15:33:20 GMT

"Chef On The Bay" will provide FREE food at a fundraiser, to help raise money so a U.S. serviceman can come home to see his family.

She was a German girl. He was a U.S. Army serviceman stationed in her homeland. They met. They fell in love.
Since they wed more than a dozen years ago, Kerstin and Staff Sgt. Greg Dixon either lived together, or managed to visit one another without breaking the bank – even when Dixon was stationed in Iraq.
When Dixon was in Germany, moving from assignment to assignment, the couple either lived together, or were able to see each other on a frequent basis. That went on for something like ten years.
Then Dixon was assigned to the MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa in 2005. Kerstin loved the Sunshine State and made many friends. Then Dixon was assigned to Fort Carson in Colorado. She followed him.
While at Fort Carson, Dixon learned he was going to be stationed to South Korea. Rather than leave his wife behind in Colorado, he decided to move her back to Florida, where she had those friends, and where, as a result, she would be less lonely than if she had stayed in Colorado.

When he was in Iraq, the military paid for Dixon's flight so he could see his wife. He was eligible under the military's rest and recuperation program, which is designed for servicemen in combat zones.

But South Korea is a different story. Dixon can have a month's leave, but the U.S. government is not picking up the tab for the flight.

That's why there will be a fundraiser at the Pro Shop Pub in downtown Clearwater on April 14. It'll be from 4 to closing.

Kerstin expects there will be a half dozen baskets filled with wines, liquors and other goodies that will be auctioned or raffled off. Rounds of golf, donated by Cove Cay Country Club, will also be auctioned off, as will some tickets donated by the Tampa Bay Rays. (The tickets are for the match-up with the Orioles, AND the follow-up concert by LL Cool J). Other businesses have chipped in, too. Chef On The Bay is catering the event for free. Kerstin guesses she has to raise an amount in the neighborhood of $1,600, for a round-trip ticket, so her husband can visit in July.
So, if you are in the neighborhood, or if you support our troops, it might be a good idea to drop by. We imagine Staff Sgt. Greg Dixon would very much like to see his wife.
And their teenage son, too.

Event Catering by Chef on the Bay

http://www.chefonthebay.com

Fundraiser Detials: April 14, 2012 from 4pm to closing.

Pro Shop Pub
840 Cleveland Street
Clearwater, FL 33755
727-447-4259

Easter Brunch Recommendations for Tampa Bay 2012

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:28:37 GMT

Easter Brunch Recommendations for Tampa Bay 2012

You may not know this, but Easter is considered the unofficial end of the snowbird season in Florida. After Easter weekend, those people lucky enough to split their year between two temperate climes head back to Michigan, Indiana, Canada, etc.
Easter is also a great time for because breaking bread with the family. It is really important, because Easter, in addition to its religious significance, is also one of the few holidays when people make it a point to go out and eat brunch. Restaurants make it a point of serving good ones. We have called around to the popular hot spots and have put to together some great recommendations for places to eat for Easter Brunch in the Tampa Bay area.

If anyone has their favorites or recommendations of places to eat Easter brunch in the Tampa Bay area, feel free to comment below. We would love to hear about other great places that we may have missed.

The Columbia Restaurant - Ybor City - Tampa, FL

The Columbia Restaurant is open for Easter, and they are all over the place, so you should have no problem finding one close to you. The most famous one is in Ybor City in Tampa. But there's one in Sarasota, on St. Armands Circle, another in St. Augustine, another at The Pier in downtown St. Petersburg, another on Sand Key in Clearwater Beach, and one in downtown Celebration. Though it's understood The Columbia will be serving Easter favorites like baked Virginia ham or roast leg of lamb, you should probably check their web site, pick the one you want to go to, and call it for particulars, including pricing. Details were not etched in stone as of St. Patrick's Day. The website is http://www.columbiarestaurant.com/. (You can also make reservations on the website). Since this is Florida, many are interested in a brunch with a waterfront view. It should be pointed out you get one at the Columbia at the Pier, and the one on Sand Key. At the Columbia Cafe; on the Riverwalk in Tampa, which is also open on Easter, you get a waterfront view, but no Easter menu.

Bon Appetit Restaurant Easter Brunch - Dunedin, FL

Another restaurant with a waterfront view is the Bon Appetit restaurant in Dunedin, which is located at 150 Marina Plaza. Upstairs, in the ballroom, is a buffet from 12 to 6 p.m. Among the offerings: roast leg of spring lamb and Easter ham rubbed with a Bourbon molasses orange glaze. Among the desserts: Viennese raspberry pudding. The buffet costs $39.95 plus gratuity and tax. Children under 10 years old are half price.
Downstairs there's Easter dinner. You could start out with the roasted tomato bisque, then follow it up with saute;ed veal medallions with Applewood-smoked bacon, mushrooms and chardonnay cream. For dessert, we're digging the cappuccino cheese cake with black raspberry puree. Dinner costs $45 plus tax and gratuity, and, as with the buffet, children under 10 are half price. For the entire selection, for either the buffet or the dinner, go to the restaurant's web site http://www.bonappetitrestaurant.com/ and click "Our Menus." You can also make a reservation on their web site. To make a reservation by phone, call the restaurant at (727) 733-2151.

SHOR Restaurant Easter Brunch - Clearwater Beach

Another restaurant, on the Pinellas County side of the bay, which is offering Easter brunch with a view of the Gulf of Mexico, is the SHOR restaurant. It's located on the second floor of the resplendent Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa (The address, obviously, of both hotel and restaurant is the same: 301 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach). For adults the brunch costs $45, for children under 12, $21. There will be a seafood bar, a soup station, and chefs doling out prime rib, cured ham and buttermilk mashed potatoes. It's from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can make a reservation online at the restaurant's website at SHOR Restaurant at Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach.

Island Way Grill Easter Brunch - Clearwater Beach

Down the street is the Island Way Grill, which is located at 20 Island Way, Clearwater Beach, and which also offers a view of the water (though it's the Intracoastal Waterway you'll be staring at, not the Gulf). An Easter buffet there runs all day, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For adults, it'll cost $31.95 plus tax. For children 10 and under, it'll be $10.95.

Chart House - Tampa, FL - Easter Brunch

On the other side of Tampa Bay, the Chart House which is at 7616 W. Courtney Campbell Causeway, also offers an Easter brunch buffet with a waterfront view. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. and the buffet lasts until 2:30 p.m. For an adult, the cost is $39.99. Children 12 years old and under can eat for $14.99. It'll be a special menu. We just don't know the details yet. You can make reservations online at their website or you can call (813) 289 7773.

Rusty Pelican Easter Brunch - Tampa, FL

Another Tampa restaurant offering an Easter brunch with a waterfront view is the Rusty Pelican, which is at 2425 North Rocky Point Drive. Specifically, it's advertised as an Easter Sunday champagne brunch. The price for adults is $46.00. For children six to ten years old, it's $21 (Children 5 and under are free). It begins at 10 a.m. and lasts until 3:30 p.m., and it's pretty lavish, with a menu that includes leg of lamb, roast beef, and an array of fish, such as crab, tuna and salmon. Champagne and mimosas are included. You can make a reservation on the restaurant's web site: http://tampa.therustypelican.com/rustypelicantampa/.

Yacht StarShip Tampa - Easter Brunch 2012

We've been emphasizing Easter brunches offering water views, but there's actually one scenario where you can feast and have water all around you. That would be on the Yacht StarShip, which is at 603 Channelside Drive in Tampa. Boarding for one cruise is at 10:30 a.m. (it returns at 1 p.m.); boarding for the second cruise is 2 p.m. (it returns at 4:30 p.m.) It's $44.95 for adults and $29.95 for children (not including tax, a port fee, and gratuities). There's a full cash bar on board, and Peter Cottontail will be available for pictures.

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse - Tampa Easter Brunch

Now, just because a restaurant doesn't offer a waterfront view doesn't mean the decor isn't exquisite or the food less than mouth-watering. We all know Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, which is located at 4322 West Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa, as the place with 100 wines by the glass, something you don't see very often. But it is also known for offering a three-course brunch. It begins at 11:30 a.m. and lasts until 3 p.m. It is $34.95 for adults, and $16.95 for children 12 and under. The children's entrees are particularly interesting -- where else can you find filet mignon and baked potato fries? And one adult entree -- filet mignon Benedict -- we're not sure we ever heard of before. Get the complete menu and make a reservation online by going to their website: http://www.flemingssteakhouse.com/locations/fl/tampa.

Easter Events Tampa Bay 2012 - Easter Egg Hunts

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 14:28:21 GMT

Easter Events and Egg Hunts Tampa Bay 2012

Easter egg hunts...It used to be the adults would hide those tiny plastic oblong orbs behind trees or under furniture, and the kids would make a go of it. But these little searches in the Tampa Bay area have gotten bigger, and way more interesting...

Now, you can look for those eggs while riding a horse, or swimming under water. And sometimes those eggs are dropped from the sky by helicopters (We're not kidding). And, if you'd rather watch a bunch of apes, rather than children, look in their environs for that special cache, well, you have that option, too (Again, we're not kidding).

So, here's a run-down of those interesting Easter egg hunts. And don't worry. We've included many of the garden-variety hunts, too, you know, the kind where the adults have hidden those plastic eggs under rocks, in the crook of trees, in ditches...

2012 Horseback Easter Egg Hunt in Tampa Bay Area

The Saddle Up Riding Club, which is based in Pinellas Park, is sponsoring an Easter egg hunt on horseback. You literally get ponied up on horseback and look for eggs that are hidden in buckets on the club's property at 6080 94th Ave. Children from 1 to 16 can take part, but we imagine the adults are keeping a close eye on the toddler equestrians. No reservations needed. Just go there and ride. Oh, and bring your own Easter basket. The hunt is on Saturday, April 7, from 3 to 6 p.m. There are also animals to pet. To participate in the egg hunt costs $5. There are games, too; they cost $1. Food and drinks cost $1 to $3. There will be snow cones, pop corn, cotton candy, hot dogs and drinks. For more information, you can call (727) 520-3132 or go to: http://www.saddleupridingclub.org/whats_new.html.

Helicopter Easter Egg Drop at Cypress Point Community Church

Our second favorite offering is the Bunny Egg-stravaganza & Helicopter Egg Drop at Cypress Point Community Church, which is at 15820 Morris Bridge Road in Tampa. This hunt is on Saturday, April 7, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There are actually three helicopter drops: one at 10:45 a.m., another at 11:45 a.m., and a third at 12:45 a.m. All told, some 25,000 plastic eggs will be dropped, and some will contain candy and toys. Children are separated by age groups in three fields, so they don't trample each other trying to gather up eggs. And only children up through the last grade in elementary school can participate (Middle schoolers and high schoolers are supposed to help supervise). There are also other activities, such as a bounce house and face-painting. Admission is free. For more information, call (813) 986-9100 or take a gander at http://www.cpcconline.com/calendar.php?pageID=5.

Underwater Easter Egg Hunt - St Pete Beach Pool 2012

Our third favorite egg hunt is in St. Pete Beach, and it's called the Fifth Annual Underwater Easter Egg Hunt and Spring Festival. It's on Saturday, April 7, and it begins at the St. Pete Beach pool. There are three underwater Easter egg hunts, so every child gets a chance to dive and grasp. Kids line up at the pool gates, and are allowed to participate on a first-come, first-dive basis. Bring mesh bags to gather up the eggs. The cost is $4 per child, but the accompanying adult gets in for free. After the egg hunt, families can cross the street and go to Horan Park, where there will be lots of free family fun, including bounce houses, games, face painting and more. All of this is at 7701 Boca Ciega Drive. The number of the recreation department is 727-363-9345. The web site is at http://www.stpetebeach.org/component/k2/item/55.html.

2012 Easter Events at the Lowry Park Zoo

Okay, let's change it up a bit. Let's say you don't have children, don't particularly like children, and you are too lazy to take part in an adult Easter egg hunt yourself. Oh, and you watch the Discovery Channel. At the Lowry Park Zoo, there's an Orangutan Egg Hunt. That's right, on April 6, at 11 a.m., you can watch the zoo's Bornean orangutan family have their own hunt. You know those apes know their encased environment like the back of their...Whatever. The egg hunt is included with the price of admission. For more information, go to: http://www.lowryparkzoo.com/calendar_events.php.

But that's not all the egg-hunting going on at the zoo. There is also the Tricera-tots Egg Hunt Holiday Class. Here, pint-size paleontologists learn about creatures that have laid eggs both now and back in the day. And there will be an egg hunt, naturally, so youngsters are encouraged to bring their baskets. On three days, April 4, 5 or 6, one 1½ hour class is held from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. You have to register online no later than a week before a class. You can do so at: http://www.lowryparkzoo.com/_education/calendar_zoo_school.html. There is also a fee to get into the class that is not associated with admission to the zoo. For an adult and child to take the class together, it costs $20 for an annual zoo pass holder. For someone who does not have an annual pass, it's $25.

First Presbyterian Church Easter Egg Hunt 2012

On Friday, April 6, beginning at 4 p.m. and ending at 6:30 p.m., there's a Good Friday Easter Egg Hunt on the front lawn of at the First Presbyterian Church in St. Petersburg, which is located at 701 Beach Drive, N.E. All children up to 12 can participate. There will be the hunt, an Easter story, crafts and music.

Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve Easter Egg Hunt 2012

On April 7, beginning at 10 a.m., there is an Easter egg hunt for children under ten years old in Indian Rocks Beach, at the Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve, at 903 Gulf Blvd. There will be an Easter bunny, and games, arts, crafts and refreshments. For further information, contact Randy Schwab at 727-595-6889 at the Indian Rocks Beach public services department, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The web site is http://www.indian-rocks-beach.com/docs/Easter%20Egg%20Hunt%20-%202012.pdf.

Gulf Beaches Rotary Easter Egg Hunt - Treasure Island

Further south, in Treasure Island, there is the Gulf Beaches Rotary Easter Egg Hunt. It, too, is on Saturday, April 7, and begins at 10 a.m. It's at the Treasure Island Community Center Park, at One Park Place and 106^th Avenue. There will be an Easter hat and bonnet contest, an egg hunt, obviously, and a visit from the Easter bunny. For information, call (727) 360-4121 or (727) 367-2303. The web site is: http://www.mytreasureisland.org/calendar/calendarnew.htm.

HorsePower for Kids | 2012 Easter Weekend Event

A farm called HorsePower for Kids, which is located at 8005 S. Racetrack Road, Tampa, is also having an egg hunt on April 7, from noon to 5 p.m. It takes place during the Spring Fest. In addition to the egg hunt, there will be pony rides, hay rides, face painting, and a chance to pet some farm animals. All of this is included in the price of admission -- $6 for adults, and $10 for children - and you get a hot dog and a drink, too. If you'd like, you can come back for a drum circle at $6 p.m. that lasts until 10 p.m. Admission for the drum circle is $3 whether you are an adult or child, and you can rent a drum for $5. Refreshments will be available for purchase. The web site is: http://horsepowerforkids.com/.

Northdale Park Tampa FL - Easter Egg Hunt 2012

Also on Saturday, April 7, there is an Easter egg hunt at Northdale Park, 15550 Spring Pine Drive, Tampa, that is sponsored by the Northdale Civic Association and the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department. It begins at 10 a.m. and lasts until 11 a.m. Children 10 and under can participate, and admission is free. Registration begins at 9 a.m. (FYI. The Easter bunny will be around for pictures). The way this hunt is configured, the eggs that a child has found can be redeemed for candy and prizes. There is also a free drawing for baskets donated by the Northdale Civic Association and local merchants. The web site is: http://www.northdale.org/Northdale/Events/.

Riverhills Park Temple Terreace Easter Event 2012

There is also an Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 7, at Riverhills Park, which is in Temple Terrace behind Riverhills Elementary School. This one is being put on by a special group with a long, complicated name. The name of the group is the GFWC Temple Terrace Juniorettes, a group of young women ages 12 to 18 who fall under the auspices of the General Federation of Women's Clubs (that's what the GFWC stands for). Got that? In any event, they are running this hunt. Activities begin at 10 a.m., and the hunt begins at 10:30 a.m. Admission is $3. Admission is $3. There will be crafts, games, face-painting, refreshments, the egg hunt, of course, prizes, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the kids should bring their own baskets. Advance tickets are not required. The money raised will go toward Relay for Life, to benefit the American Cancer Society. For more information, contact Joyce Johnston, at (813) 985-3533.

Tampa's Bethel Church - Easter Weekend 2012

Tampa's Bethel Church, which is located at 1510 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, is also holding an Easter egg hunt, dubbed an EGGstravaganza. It's on April 7, from 9 a.m. to noon., and it's a free event. In addition to the egg hunt, there will be carnival games, food and drinks. For more information, call (813) 238-2348. The church's web site is: http://www.betheltampa.org/.

Coachman Park in downtown Clearwater | Easter Event 2012

There is also a rather beautiful Easter event at Coachman Park in downtown Clearwater. It starts at 11 a.m. noon at the park, which is at 301 Drew St., and it ends at 2 p.m. The Easter egg hunt begins in earnest at 12:30 p.m. In addition to the hunt, there will be a petting zoo, pony rides, a giant inflatable slide, and an appearance by the Easter bunny. In the interest of safety and fairness, the groups of children are divided into age-appropriate categories for the hunt. Parents are encouraged to have their children bring baskets with them. Admission is free, though there is a small charge for rides and refreshments.

Palm Harbor Community Activity Center Easter Event

We also heard that the Palm Harbor Community Activity Center was having a good one April 7. Another one is at England Brothers Park in Pinellas Park, also on April 7. Yet another is at the Tarpon Sports Complex in Tarpon Springs, also on April 7. Now, we're going to move onto appearances by the Easter bunny.

On Easter Sunday, the Easter bunny is scheduled to make an appearance at United Skates of America, at 5121 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa, and, of course, he'll be on skates. Typically, United Skates charges $5 for admission, plus an extra $2 to rent skates, so you can skate either from 1 to 4 p.m., or 5 to 8:30 p.m., on Sundays. But on this Sunday, Easter Sunday, you pay the same amount and can skate from 2 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and come and go as you please. The web site is: http://www.usa-skating.com/dynamic.asp?schimg=feat_sch.gif&sel=5&LinkID=4. The telephone number is (813) 876-5826.

WestShore Plaza Easter Bunny - Tampa, FL

The Easter bunny is also hanging out at the WestShore Plaza, in the center court. And he'll be doing so until April 7. He'll be there Monday through Thursday, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. (with a break from 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.), Friday and Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (with breaks from 1 to 1:45 p.m., and 4:30 to 5:15 p.m.), and Sunday (this would be April 1, NOT Easter Sunday), from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., (with a break from 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.). Westshore's web site is http://www.westshoreplaza.com/event/visits-and-photos-with-the-easter-bunny/2145397215. Westshore's technical address is 250 WestShore Plaza, Tampa.

Hyde Park Village Photo with Easter Bunny 2012

The Easter bunny - or, should we say, another Easter bunny - is also hanging out in Hyde Park Village, at 1621 W. Snow Circle, Tampa, between the Wine Exchange and Tommy Bahama. This rabbit sort of has his little cottage, and is willing to be photographed. He's been hanging out there a bit, but he's going to be around for a little bit longer, on March 31, from 12 to 8 p.m. on April 1, from 12 to 6 p.m., on April 6, from 12 to 8 p.m., and on April 7, from 12 to 6 p.m. You might want to pick March 31 as the date you go down there, because, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., there's a Bunny Hop and a family-friendly EGGstravaganza featuring, among other things, a counting horse, a bounce house, and face painting. For more information, please go to http://www.hydeparkvillage.net/event/bunny-hop-a-free-family-eggstravaganza/2145394679.

Bodybuilder Zack Khan Comes to Tampa Bay Area

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 12:46:05 GMT

World-Famous Bodybuilder Comes To Two Vitamin Supplement Stores

"The Freak," "King Kahn," and "King Kong Kahn." The 31-year-old bodybuilder, who was born in Pakistan, divides his time between the United Kingdom and the United States. He suffered some injuries some time ago, but he's working his way back to the stage. In the process, he has made a series of motivational videos for Nutrex Research, a company that makes and markets an array of supplements, including the popular Hemo-Rage shots.
He is currently on a nationwide tour on behalf of Nutrex, and has two stops in Tampa on March 31. He is expected to stop in at DNC Supplements, at 4115 Gunn Highway, Tampa, at 10 a.m. for a few hours. Then, at 3 p.m., he'll stop in at Southern Muscle, 2056 Badlands Drive, in Brandon, for a couple of hours.If you are an aspiring or professional bodybuilder, you should probably try to make it to one of his appearances.
The videos he's made in concert with Nutrex appear on the Nutrex Research web site, and separately on YouTube. You should watch them if you're trying to motivate yourself to get off the couch and work out.You should also watch them if you want some sort of insight as to why The Freak works out. Sure, it's to achieve your personal best. But Kahn also says it's a kind of meditation for him, a way to deal with stress and anger. Kahn will sign autographs at the appearances, and there will be free T-shirts and swag bags.

2012 Cystic Fibrosis Fundraiser - Clearwater, FL

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 07:42:06 GMT

2012 Cystic Fibrosis Fundraiser - Grind House Bar & Grill Clearwater

Every morning, 4-year-old Skai Coughlan is fitted with a high-frequency chest-wall oscillation vest and a mask is placed over her mouth. The vest vibrates to shake the mucus free from her airways, so it's easier for the little girl to cough the mucus up. The mask pumps in a steroid concoction aimed in part to prevent her airways from becoming inflamed while her chest is being shaken. Skai sits in a high chair as she undergoes this treatment twice every day – at 6 a.m. every morning, and at 6 p.m. every evening. She needs to do so because she suffers from cystic fibrosis, a genetic defect that, among other things, causes a potentially fatal build-up of mucus in the lungs.

Michelle Clewer, the owner of the Grind House Bar and Grill in Clearwater, became acquainted with Coughlan because Clewer's daughter, who's slightly older than Skai, went to pre-school with Skai before Skai was pulled from the program because of her health. Clewer noticed a few things, like the fact Skai couldn't play with other children because the exposure to other children's bacteria could land her in the hospital. "This is an evil disease," Clewer said. She decided to do something about it.

On March 31, there will be a fund-raising event at the Grind House Bar and Grill, which is located at 1500 McMullen Booth Road, in the Bayside Bridge Plaza, next to a Publix supermarket. The proceeds will go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, which is searching for a cure. There was a time when children who suffered from cystic fibrosis didn't make it to elementary school; now many make it to their 30s. But their lives are difficult. Just ask Skai.

At the fundraiser, which lasts from 7 to 11 p.m., there will be Budweiser and vodka girls coming in with free bottles, there will be raffles, there will be auctions. Gift cards to places like TGIF and Smoky Bones are among the prizes, as well as a year-long membership at a health club, and a Tampa Bay Lightning hockey stick signed by No. 16, Teddy Purcell. Clewer has gone around the plaza in which the Grind House Bar and Grill is located, and solicited some gifts for the event. This will be the second time Clewer has put together a benefit for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in Skai's name. Last year the pub raised roughly $5,000, and Clewer said this one is more elaborate so perhaps more will be raised.
Whatever one gives is tax exempt. Skai's mother, Mary Coughlan, who is partnering with Clewer for the fundraiser, has a letter from the IRS to prove it. The two women also have the blessing of the foundation itself, having been named volunteer ambassadors for the organization. They've got all their bases covered for an event that's sure to raise money for a good cause.

Rescue Me at Skinny's | All Children's Hospital Benefit

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 12:33:25 GMT

Skinny's Bar & Rescue Me at Skinny's Special Benefit for All Children's Hospital

Chef Al Notaro of Rescue Me at Skinny's is grateful.

His son, Keoki, was born six weeks premature. The infant had a slow heart rate and trouble breathing. If it weren't for All Children's Hospital, God knows what would have happened to the little boy. Now six months old, it looks like Keoki is going to be OK.

To express his appreciation, Notaro, who runs the restaurant's kitchen at Skinnys Bar & Grill, and Maria Little Bear, Notaro's significant other and the boy's mother, have arranged a special benefit this Saturday (March 24) at the popular Hudson establishment. The All Children's Hospital Guild Pasco Branch is also helping sponsor the event.

All parties involved hope this will be the first of many fundraisers at Skinnys, to be held once a year, to benefit the children's hospital.
As a flyer for the event states, the benefit for All Children's will start at noon at the bar and grill, which is located at 13228 U.S. 19 N. And it will take place come rain or shine. There will be activities for adults and children alike. For instance, for the kids there'll be a bounce house, face painting and a man who can make just about anything out of balloons.

For the adults, there'll be live bands, Chef Al's barbeque buffet, and a wing-eating contest at 630 p.m. If the parking lot gets full, there will be shuttles to and from nearby lots.

To raise money there will be, among other things, a silent auction.

Event Items that will be Auctioned

Sports Apparel & Items donated by the following professional sports teams...
- Autographed Tampa Bay Lightning Jersey
- Miami Dolphins stuff
- Jacksonville Jaguars items
- NASCAR memorabilia
- Jacksonville Jaguars goodies
Other Auction Items Include...
- Autographed picture of Mariah Carey
- Signed picture and book from Sean Astin aka Daniel Ruettiger aka "Rudy"

The inspirational movie "Rudy" is about a pint-sized dynamo who fulfills his dreams, despite the odds, of playing football for Notre Dame. We hope that turns out to be Keoki's fate, too.

So come out, have a good time and support a worthy cause -- all at the same time. Tickets are $20 at the door, $15 if you buy them in advance. The prices covers the buffet and free drinks. Children 14 and under are free.

Pasco County St Patricks Day Celebration at Skinny's Bar

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 10:35:16 GMT

Skinny's Bar - Hudson, FL - St Patrick's Day Event

We don't know how many Irishmen there are in Pasco County. But whether you're Irish or not probably doesn't matter on St. Patrick's Day, where everyone seems to be Irish, at least for 24 hours, or until they pass out.
In any event, if you live in Pasco County, and you want to celebrate Ireland's biggest holiday, try Skinnys Bar & Grill. Or, to be more precise, try the restaurant inside Skinnys Bar & Grill, which is called Rescue Me at Skinnys. There, Chef Al Notaro is preparing some specialties in honor of the O'Connors and Malloys of the world.
There's all-you-can-eat corn beef and cabbage (including carrots and potatoes) for $12. Just want one plate? Seven bucks.

Now for the drink specials.

One dollar Lucky Charm Jello shots.
Two dollar green beers.
Three dollar shamrocked shooters
Three dollar nutty Irishman shots
Four dollar Jameson shots
Five dollar baby Guinnesses

The bar keeps at Skinnys didn't make these drinks up. They are made all over the place on St. Patrick's Day. Some of the recipes involve Bailey's Irish Cream Liqueur, which probably does a nice job of coating the stomach before the alcohol hits the blood stream.
For St. Paddy's Day entertainment, Skinnys has hired Big Foot. No, not that tall, hairy whatever-you-call it that used to be a staple on late-night grainy black-and-white television. No, we're talking about the rockin' classic rock band that plays everything from Elvis to Pink Floyd. (this band even has a saxophone player). Big Foot wants you to get up and dance when they play. After a couple of those nutty Irishman shots, you'll probably be game. They play from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
So go to Skinnys and get your Irish on.

Pinellas County Salon Expands | The Spa at Salon du Soleil

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:22:11 GMT

Pinellas County Salon Expands | The Spa at Salon du Soleil

For some time now, the Spa at the Salon du Soleil offered its suite of services at 16701 Gulf Boulevard in North Redington Beach. It rented 800 square foot of space at ground level, in a spot nestled in a quaint, but modest one-story strip mall.

What a difference a slight move makes.
The business on Thursday left that quaint, modest strip mall, and moved into a 1,600-square-foot spot in a newly-refurbished two-story building at 16741 Gulf Boulevard, with an entranceway that's a few feet off the ground. It's just up Gulf Boulevard, but it might as well be a world away.

"We've really moved up," said owner Ariel Starr-Ries. The new space has two private spa rooms which have their own private bath, and the ceilings are 10 to 11 feet high. Starr-Ries has to make some interior decorating decisions. At the end of the day, she said, "It's going to be really nice."

She was too busy to elaborate on her plans Thursday afternoon, as she was moving and still performing pedicures and the like, but she later emailed us their specials offers to celebrate her new home.

The BIG one? Twenty percent off everything!

Other great ongoing specials?

Free haircut with color or highlights
Free eyebrow wax with any service until the end of March
Spa pedicure and spa manicure for $45
Couples massage. $120. Deep Tissue. For an hour
Twenty dollars off all 90 minute massages
Peter Coppola Keratin Complex. $89. (Regular:$225)
Men's Cut. $15 (Usually $25)
Full Highlights and Low Lites. $99. (Regular $150)

Wow. Hurry & go take advantage of them. These offers are only available for a limited time.

2012 Scuba Diving Expedition in Florida | Jim's Dive Shop | Townspree

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 10:08:47 GMT

2012 Scuba Diving Expeditions in Florida | Jim's Dive Shop

Jim's Dive Shop has three trips planned for Boynton Beach -- one next weekend, one in April, and one in May. Roughly ten miles south of West Palm Beach, the selected diving excursion site is chock full of marine life, easily seen in clear water.
The cost of each two-day trip is $210. For that, you get a two-tank dive Saturday afternoon, a two-tank dive Sunday morning (plus air fills for that day), plus hotel accommodations at a Holiday Inn Express. If you want those fills Sunday to be Nitrox, the cost jumps to $230. And gear rentals are not included. By the way, it's two people per hotel room.
The group will be diving from the Starfish Enterprise. We have embeded a video below from Jim's Dive Shop Facebook page that shows a dive in February in the Boynton Beach area.

This video requires Flash Player: You can also view it on Jim's Dive Shop Video Gallery on Facebook
The exact dates of the excursions are: March 17 and March 18, April 28 and April 29, and May 19 and May 20. Check out Jim's March 10 newsletter for any details we might have missed. We've embeded their news letter below or you can just follow this link: Jim's Dive Shop Newsletter

And, if you are interested, give Jim's Dive Shop a call to make a reservation. The number is (727) 393-3483.

Social : Mobile : Payments - 2012 Upcoming Tech Conference

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 22:29:26 GMT

Social Mobile Payments - Upcoming Orlando Tech Conference 2012

Let's face it. There's so much going on with technology these days, with new products and services coming out almost daily, it's hard to keep up. And look who you're hearing this from - Townspree.com, one of the start-ups working toward a small-business listing and coupon registry. Even we have a hard time staying abreast of what everyone else is doing. And we're in the business.

That's why we decided to do a little write-up on this two-day conference we heard about, even though the conference is in Orlando, which is sort of beyond Townspree territory, at least for now. A fellow by the name of Bruce Burke, of Gulf Bay Consulting, set it up, and it lasts two days, from April 11 to April 12, and it's at the Marriott World Center Resort.

Technically, the conference is called Social Mobile Payments Conference and Exhibition, but you can tell from the companies who'll have representatives present that a lot more will be discussed than just consumers paying for stuff on their iPhones while they're sipping a latte at a Starbucks.

Representatives from some of the tried-and-true veterans will be there, like PayPal, which has found a niche ensuring privacy while businesses and consumers make transactions online, and Cisco, which, among other things, sets up computer networking equipment at businesses.

There will be some up and comers, too. Take ShopSavvy, for instance, which comparison shops for consumers on their mobile devices. Or Zaarly, which hooks up buyers and sellers for goods and services such as renting someone's bike for a day, or getting someone to clean up your house. Or Dwolla, which boasts the nation's cheapest payment network.
There are others we don't have the space to mention. But in the land of George Jetson, it seems like a useful conference. You can hear out the different pitches and see if anything they're saying meets your needs, or, in the accepted lingo, fits your business model.

If you are interested in hearing these companies out, or, if you are interested in showcasing your own high-tech niche, feel free to call Bruce direct at (727) 612-5775, or email him at gbc@gulfbayconsulting.com. And here's the link for conference information: http://magasmedia.cc/SMB/email/SMB.html.

(P.S. Townspree users can save $100 by using the promotional code, "DISCOUNT" at http://www.socialmobilepayments.eventbrite.com.)

St Patrick's Day 2012 Events | Things to do in Tampa Bay

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 21:14:19 GMT

Sure, St. Patrick's Day is a celebration of the Irish. But it's also a day when, if you gave up something for Lent, you can put it back in your life now, and still be OK with The Man (Um, we're talking about God here). Let's say you gave up alcohol, for instance, and you haven't had so much as a drop since Ash Wednesday. Well, now, on St. Patrick's Day, you can drink again.

And you just might end up drinking quite a bit this year. Let us tell you why.

St. Patrick's Day, which is always March 17, falls on a Saturday in 2012, as opposed to a week day. That means you're not working Sunday. And if you're not working Sunday, well, we expect you might drink quite a bit Saturday, even if you didn't give up alcohol for Lent.
Here are a few suggestions as to where you might want to do that. You are going to notice that the vast majority of our suggestions are Irish pubs, since it is an Irish holiday after all, and since the Irish are to pints of beer what the Japanese are to sushi, the Mexicans are to burritos, the Russians are to vodka, the.... Well, you get the idea.

Things to do in Tampa Bay for St. Patty's Day 2012

Flanagan's Irish Pub, at 465 Main St., Dunedin, is having its annual street festival, with Irish singers, dancers and bag pipe players. The entertainment is free. If you're hungry, there will be food for sale outside. Inside the pub will be drinks, obviously, and like the food, it isn't free. The shin-dig begins at 11am and lasts until 1am the following day, after which partyers tend to go into the pub for that one last round.
Farther south, in St. Petersburg, there's the Third Annual Durty Nelly's St. Paddy's Day Block Party, put on by Durty Nelly's Irish Pub, at 149 First Ave. N. It starts at 8am and continues until 3am Sunday. According to Durty Nelly's Facebook page, there will be more than 20 bands, including Less Than Jake and Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. And though Durty Nelly's would prefer you bought your libations at Durty Nelly's, there will be a bunch of other bars open, too. The nearby Hampton Inn, at 80 Beach Drive, N.E.., will give you a special rate if you mention Durty Nelly's. (Be sure you mention Durty Nelly's Irish Pub, as opposed to just Durty Nelly. The concierge might think you're referring to a prostitute). We like the hotel room idea because, after you tie one on, you can walk to a bed instead of getting behind the wheel. Now that's what we call a responsible Irish pub. (If you're interested in cool green T-shirts, go to Durty Nelly's Facebook page).

Across Tampa Bay, other Irish pubs are having parties, too.
One is at Four Green Fields, at 205 West Platt St., Tampa. There's a buffet that begins at 10:45am, and lasts until roughly 2pm For $16.95, you can have all that great traditional Irish food – corn beef cabbage, shepherd's pie, you name it. And there will be traditional Irish music from noon until 2am. If your Irish jig is rusty, you might want to brush up on it.

MacDinton's Irish Pub and Restaurant, at 405 South Howard Ave., is having a party, too. Doors open at 8am, and a cover charge of $10 kicks in at 11am. When you pay that, you can eat at an Irish buffet. There will also be cover bands, Irish dancers and, of course, bag pipe players. Some of all this action will be in the parking lot. And, as always, there'll be specials on Jameson's Irish whiskey. As with some of the other parties, the good times are expected to continue until the place closes Sunday morning. (If you are partial to MacDinton's, but live in Pinellas County and don't want to cross the bay, try the MacDinton's at the Jannus Live entertainment complex in St. Pete.

Live in Carrollwood? Try O'Brien's Irish Pub & Grill, at 15435 N. Dale Mabry Highway, in Tampa. Doors open Saturday at 11am, and they will remain open until Sunday at 2:30am Outside, under a large tent, will be the Shaguars, a cover band whose version of “Do Wah Diddy” is almost as good as Manfred Mann's. They'll start at around 4pm, according to O'Brien's Facebook page. Taking the stage inside at 8pm, and playing, with breaks obviously, until 2am, will be Crystal Blue, one of Central Florida's best classic rock bands. Don't worry. Even with all this rock and roll, O'Brien's is squeezing in the bag pipe players, too.

Now, inevitably, we're going to neglect to mention some Irish pubs and parties, you know, like the Dubliner Irish Pub, which has two locations in Tampa, Finley's Irish Pub and Eatery in Largo, O'Maddy's Bar & Grill in Gulfport, and O'Keefe's Family Tavern and Grill.

But we have to mention the James Joyce Irish Pub, at 1704 ½ E. Seventh Ave., in Ybor City in Tampa. Because James Joyce is to Ireland what William Shakespeare is to England, what Leo Tolstoy is to Russia, what....Wait a minute. We're drawing a blank on those other countries. We don't read Mexican or Japanese books.
But there's another reason why, especially toward the end of St. Patrick's Day, you might want to end up at the James Joyce Pub. Outside the bar, beginning at 8pm, there will be a parade. That's right, a St. Patrick's Day Parade in Ybor City. It lumbers down Seventh Avenue, and it's sort of an informal end to the Gasparilla season, you know, the one where everywhere you turn there seems to be a pirate throwing beads at you from a float. Well, the St. Patrick's Day parade is going to have floats, too, more than 100 of them, but you're as likely to see leprechauns as pirates.

Fashion tip: Wear green. Some of those beads will be green, too.

Speaking of green, we're also hearing that the stretch of the Hillsborough River, in front of Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, will be dyed earlier in the day. It's all part of Mayor Bob Buckhorn's River O'Green Fest. (Buckhorn is Irish, by the way). It's a family-type event, beginning at 10am and lasting until 4pm. There will be games, such as a jig contest and a potato sack race, along with food trucks, and entertainment. And, if you'd like to take a cruise in the green water, you can do so while eating an Irish lunch aboard The Yacht StarShip. That lunch will feature corned beef and cabbage, soda bread, Irish potatoes and, of course, green beer.

Now, aren't you glad you have Sunday off?

Urban Body Clothing Debuts Footware Fit for A King

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:45:10 GMT

If the word, ali'i, was used to refer to you in Hawaii and the Samoa Islands back in the day, it meant you were a chief of sorts, a member of the nobility. These folks were said to have divine power, and could remove curses, like an exorcist we're figuring. We don't know about that. But we suspect they were rocking the best sandals around. At least back then.
Enter OluKai Premier Footware, a company whose shoes and sandals celebrate the ocean lifestyle (especially their flip flops, which are famous, and which can run $90). It makes sense that such a brand would be sold in the Tampa Bay area since there's, uh, a lot of water around here. On the company's web site, OluKai says it spent years researching the Ali'i, gathering the right materials and, finally, designing a shoe fit for a king (or queen). The sandals and shoes in the limited-edition line were made from the finest leather, and were hand-stitched. See for yourself on the company's web site: OluKai Premier Footware.
OluKai says on its website that only a few choice retail outfits have been chosen to sell the shoe (probably because it's a limited-edition series). And Urban Body Clothing Tampa is one of them. The chic clothing store at 711 S. Howard Ave. will have the shoes out for show at a special event this Saturday, March 10, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Out of respect for the Polynesian culture, Hawaiian food and drinks will be served, and cool teak necklaces will be given out as a gift if you buy a pair. You also stand a chance to win a pair of OluKai footware for free just by trying on the new product.

Jalapeno Mexican Grill Tampa Expands Restaurant Menu

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:46:45 GMT

Jalapeno Mexican Grill Expands Restaurant Menu

Jalapeno Mexican Grill has only been open for about six months, at 14913 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Tampa. But it's already established a reputation for delectable cuisine. The flan alone has become kind of famous in the neighborhood.
You'd think owner Miguel Espinosa would rest on his word-of-mouth laurels, as more and more people learn of Jalapeno. Or, you'd think he would at least slow down, maybe take a breather. You'd be wrong.
For a couple of months now, Espinosa has been teaching his sister and brother-in-law how to prepare to perfection the usual fare at Jalapeno's so he, Espinosa, can be freed up to become the restaurant's new sushi chef.

"They're ready for me to step out of the kitchen and go to the sushi bar," Espinosa said Monday, after the lunch rush.

Now, this might seem a little odd at first - a 34-year-old man from Mexico City taking a pass on making tortas, burritos and chiles rellenos so he can prepare food that originated in Tokyo. But Espinosa has been in the restaurant business for quite some time, and he's done everything from bussing tables to washing dishes to tending bar.
He also has considerable experience with sushi. In Tampa alone, for instance, he has spent seven years as a sushi chef - at The Rack in south Tampa, and at the Sakana. Still, on Monday, when Jalapeno's introduced sushi to its customers, Espinosa decided not to get too fancy too quick.

"Today is my first day with it," Espinosa said, "so I started with something really simple."
In time, that should end. Jalapeno has already been serving a kind of sashimi, or Japanese raw fish dish. But the dish has a twist. Espinosa has added some traditional Mexican elements, like chipotle and pico de gallo, and then instead of serving the fish as is, he torches the top of it, essentially cooking it, while leaving the bottom raw. Sounds like an interesting mix of ethnic cooking styles to us.
So go to Jalapeno's and sample some of Espinosa's sushi.
You're sure to find some interesting ingredients wrapped in those rolls of rice.
One of them, we're told, is jalapeno.

CJ's Bar-B-Skew rallies to support General Manager

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 20:37:22 GMT

Local Benefit To Help CJ's Bar-B-Skew's General Manager at "The Garden Restaurant" in St Pete.

Communities and locals come together to support Ernest Carver, General Manager of CJ's Bar-B-Skew, who has been battling cancer.
Julian Lara, one of the owners of CJ's Bar-B-Skew, feels bad that his general manager is waging a battle with testicular cancer. And the reason Lara feels bad isn't only because CJ's, which just opened, isn't flush enough yet to start contributing to its employees' health insurance, but it's also because Carver is a personal friend. The two know each other as disc jockeys. Lara was actually initially reluctant to take Carver on, because he is a friend. But Carver has since thrived in the position.

So, what's one old DJ to do to help out another former DJ? Contact a third DJ, of course, who is also a friend. The name of the third DJ (are you keeping up?) is Ivan Gonzalez, and on Thursday nights, at The Garden Restaurant in downtown St. Petersburg, Gonzalez plays electronic dance music. So, this coming Thursday, on March 8, Gonzalez will do his thing as part of an effort to raise money for his buddy, Carver.
There'll be more than just dancing going on, however. Frank Pizzuro, who's responsible for all that great art work at CJ's, will be doing a painting live. The painting will later be auctioned off during the night, to help pay for the thousands of dollars in unpaid medical bills Carver incurred while staving off cancer. There will also be some live body painting on a few women, Gonzalez tells us. (Who would want to miss that?). There will also be raffles for things like CJ's gift certificates.
The restaurant is located at 217 Central Ave. The fundraiser begins at 8 p.m., and the dancing doesn't stop until 3 a.m. The auctions and other fund-raising stuff will probably wrap up before midnight.

Come on out and support a great cause and dance until the wee hours. We all want to support our local businesses and their great people, it just makes you feel good inside.

Palm Harbor Tanning Salon uses Social Media Games

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 22:06:06 GMT

The Hot Spot Tanning Co. had a fill-in-the-caption contest.

The Hot Spot Tanning Co., is a great place to catch a tan if you live in northern Pinellas, western Hillsborough, or southern Pasco. Recently, it ran an interesting contest on its Facebook page. Or, should we say, a marketing firm called Crowd Smart Media, operated a contest on Hot Spot's behalf on Hot Spot's Facebook page.
In any event, three photographs appeared on the tanning salon's Facebook page, and folks were asked to fill in the caption. (The hoighty-toighty magazine, "The New Yorker", does this, too).
One of the photographs was of a bride holding a golf flagstick while her bridegroom was trying to put a ball into the hole beneath her. Here's the photo, and below the photo are the suggested captions and the winning one.

The winning caption, from Jennifer Falcetano: "I wanna have kids, so let's check out your aim."

Other suggested captions:
"If you get this hole in one, then maybe later you'll get my ......"
"What a girl will do to get a guy to MARRY her."

Here's a photo of a boating scene we believe speaks for itself.

The winning caption, from Heather Sparrow: "Got bait?"

And, finally, here's a photo of a man about to eat a rather large hamburger.

The winning caption, from Tammy Peak Wheeler. "Made sure I wore my helmet....so I don't hurt myself Mmmmnnnn."

Other suggested captions:
"Fat people gotta eat too."
"A big Burger for a big man."
"Can I have some burger with my pickles please."

Tammy Peak Wheeler's caption for the hamburger eater was considered the best of the best – the best caption of the three that won (if you follow) – so Hot Spot Tanning is going to do right by her with free tanning, or free products, or the like, according to Jeremy Bufford of Crowd Smart Media.

(VIDEO) Tommy Blaze is coming to the Tampa Side Splitters Comedy Club

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:54:17 GMT

Image Credit: Side Splitters

Side Splitters Comedy Club is featuring Comedian Tommy Blaze.

In one of his schticks, Blaze speculates that if Adam had just manned up and killed the serpent offering the apple to Eve, life would be different as we know it, and the book of Genesis would be about as long as a pamphlet. He leads up to the line in a much funnier way than I just did in a paraphrase.

Blaze has been around a bit. He has done stand-up on "The Tonight Show" and "The Late Show with David Letterman," has appeared on the television shows, "Home Improvement," "Roseanne," and "Friends," and was one of the stars of "The Newz," a half-hour syndicated sketch comedy series that aired in 1994 and 1995.

On the show, Blaze would often give the sexist point of view as far as male-female relationships went. Perhaps coincidentally, perhaps not, on his comedy tours, Blaze riffs on relationships, often sending up standard advice as stupid. His shows at Side Splitters Comedy Clubs, which begin March 1 and run through March 4, should be good, whether you are a man, or a woman. Not many comedians can pull that off.
For ticket information, go to: http://sidesplitterscomedy.com/calendar.asp.

Tampa Clothing Store Gets New Line of Men's Shirts

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 11:00:55 GMT

Urban Body Clothing of Tampa Gets New Line of Men's Shirts

Urban Body Clothing, which sells both men's and women's clothing at its sleek shop at 711 S. Howard Ave., has just received a new line of designer shirts from Georg Roth Los Angeles. These shirts are worn by celebrities as different as the comedian Kevin Nealon, the actor Eddie Judge, and the country western singer Sean Patrick McGraw.

These lightweight cotton shirts are very, very nice. Because Urban Body Clothing is a relatively small men's boutique, it's probably best to go to the store, check out the shirts and snatch up one if you like it. They start out at $169 apiece and run to about $200. Like we said, these are very, very nice shirts.

Georg Roth was born in Bavaria, Germany, and has been in the fashion industry since he was a teenager. He designs his shirts with a particular lifestyle in mind. He has shirts for travel, play, work, a dinner party, or a pool party. He has been quoted as saying he wants his shirt to put a smile a person's face and make them feel good.

Urban Body is a good home for Georg Roth shirts, since the boutique markets its products as "Clothing for the Good Life."

Tampa Bay Photographer Featured in Local Fashion Magazine

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 21:31:34 GMT

Image Credit: Vocess Magazine

Malibu Tan’s photographer featured in local fashion magazine.

Do you ever wonder how fashion photographers do it? Not do-it, do-it. But take those photographs of models in swim suits? Take your mind out of the gutter for a minute. What we mean is, how do they make those models' bodies glisten in the moonlight? How is it that not a blemish appears? Jairo Andres Guzman obviously knows what he's doing. Just take a look at the photographs on the Facebook page and website of Malibu Tan, the tanning and swimwear business at 9709 Belcher Road in Pinellas Park. He's the artist behind the art.
Apparently we're not the only ones who've become fans of Guzman's work. He is currently the featured photographer in the Spring Fashion Issue of Vocess Magazine, one of the Tampa Bay area's premier fashion magazines.

It’s a nice one-page spread, with a nice reverse-image shot of the handsome Guzman. In the brief, informative article, we learn he was once an entrepreneur who sold his company in 2007. He does landscape, as well as fashion, photography.
He is quoted as saying, "I like to paint with light, capturing who the person really is, not his body or mind, but herself/himself is my goal when shooting." Oh. That's how they do it.

For many samples of his work, go to his Facebook page, under Jairo Andres Photography.

Bodybuilding Competition comes to Tampa Bay Feb 25th

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:35:05 GMT

DNC Supplements still has tickets to the Feb 25th bodybuilding competition in Clearwater.

The competition is called the Clearwater Super Natural Bodybuilding, Fitness, Figure and Bikini Championships (we know, it’s a mouthful), and it is sponsored by, of all organizations, Alaska Bodybuilding Fitness & Figure.

Why, might you ask, is an organization based in Alaska sponsoring a body-building competition in Florida, not to mention Clearwater? Well, this is the answer. Derek Snelson, who is the chief executive officer of ABFF, and who will act as master-of-ceremonies Saturday, has a daughter, Dana Ailor, who’s a nutritionist at Cypress Health Care, in Clearwater. She’s running the show, and he’s helping her.
This isn’t all about nepotism, however. ABFF is emerging as a nation-wide body-building contest force, one that has also run competitions in the states of Washington and Idaho, as well as Alaska. Saturday’s is ABFF’s first venture in Florida.
The contest is a drug-free one, which means contestants are subject to random drug tests, and have to have been drug-free for three years. You wouldn’t expect a nutritionist to get involved in anything but a natural event, would you?
The official deadline for entering the contest was Feb. 18. Folks can still compete as walk-ins. They just have to pay a $70 registration fee, as opposed to a $50 registration fee.

Pre-judging at the high school, which, by the way, is located at 3000 State Road 580, is at 10 a.m., with final judging at 6 p.m. Ticket prices are $10 for pre-judging and $20 for final judging. DNC Supplements is one of only two Tampa Bay area businesses with tickets to pre-sell. It’s located at 4115 Gunn Highway in Tampa. The other business is I’ll Pump You Up, at 505 Howard Court, Suite 200, Clearwater.

Even if you are not a bodybuilder, the contest should be an interesting one. The different competitions include: one for men 176 pounds and under; one for men 176 pounds and over; one for men over 60; a teenage fitness group for females ages 10 to 19; a women’s figure contest for women 50 and older; and, of course, a bikini contest.

Dana tells us that as of Tuesday afternoon, there were 40 registered contestants. One was flying in from Connecticut, another from Alaska, and the rest are from Florida, she said.
We weren’t too familiar with bodybuilding contests before we found out DNC was pre-selling these tickets. We didn’t know, for instance, that contestants sometimes get artificially tanned for the event. (Okay, you can call us dumb now). As a matter of fact, Hot Spot of Sarasota, a tanning salon, will be on deck Friday evening at the host hotel, Baymount Inn and Suites at 265089 U.S. 19 N., in Clearwater, and at the high school Saturday, for the contestants.
Interesting tidbit: So as not to foul the sheets at the Baymount with those Friday night spray-on tans, contestants have to bring their own.

St. Petersburg’s Monthly Art Walks

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:19:55 GMT

The Gift Box, a new business, is now part of downtown St. Petersburg’s Second Saturday Art Walk.

Are you familiar with The Gift Box, the cute little boutique at 408 Beach Drive N.E. that recently did such a spectacular job with its storefront Valentine’s Day display? (We liked the toy chimpanzee holding a heart.)

Well, according to examiner.com, a website that tracks developments in the art scene in downtown St. Petersburg, The Gift Box has been added to the Second Saturday Art Walk.

This walk -- which begins at 5 p.m. and ends at 8:30 p.m., on the second Saturday of each month -- gives art lovers a chance to visit a lot of galleries at once. There is an opportunity here to chat it up with gallery owners and artists, some of whom take it upon themselves to paint during the walk. There are often musicians playing at the galleries.

If you do what the St. Petersburg Downtown Arts Association suggests, the art walk can be a bit of a hike. It suggests you start at the Craftsman House Gallery, at 2995 Central Ave., and walk east on Central Avenue, into the city's downtown.
If you want a shorter walk, we suggest you start at around Seventh Street and Central, and head east. Hopefully, you'll stop by The Gift Box. Maybe both owners -- Linda Albrecht and Judy Bailey, who also run other businesses - will be on hand to talk. Ask them if anyone picked up the chimpanzee for Valentine's Day.
The last walk was Saturday, Feb. 18.

For more information, go to http://www.stpetearts.org/en/3659/Locator-Map.html.

Master Mehrdad's Students Advance to the Next Level

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:44:26 GMT

A dozen kids climbed the ladder of accomplishment in martial arts at Master Mehrdad's.

The smile on Master Mehrdad's face couldn't be any bigger after some of his younger students were put through a grueling set of tasks on Feb. 4, to see if they could proceed to the next level of mastery in the world of martial arts.

That's the conclusion we came to after checking out Mehrdad's Facebook page. There, he posted 40 nice photographs of the students being put through their paces, plus shots of them smiling after they won their various belts.

But don't believe us. Check it out for yourself - the high kicks, the stances, the blows, the belt ceremony, the group shot afterward. It's not easy getting those belts at Master Mehrdad's Martial Arts. Maybe it's because Mehrdad Khan Moayedi (his full name) is a martial arts master, having received training from grandmasters in the Far East and Asia.

Here, black belts aren't granted until a disciple is at least 16.

New Apartments Coming to the Channelside District

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 09:42:26 GMT

Ground broken on new, stylish 356-unit apartment complex in Tampa.

On Monday, Miami’s Related Development broke ground on the 356-unit Channelside Apartments, at 120 Meridian Ave., according to the company. The $55-million project will have four buildings, two parking garages and 4,800 square feet of retail space.
The apartments will be in four four-story buildings. There will be six types of apartments, including 33 studios, 186 one-bedroom apartments, and 133 two-bedroom apartments. There will also be a pool and sun deck area, an urban pathway, a gym, a spa, a room reserved for events and dining, and a club lounge.
The first units are expected to be available in 18 months.

Local Woman Wins a Chamilia Bracelet for Worst Valentine's Ever

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 09:28:02 GMT

Local Woman wins a Chamilia bracelet courtesy of Tate & Tilly in Tampa.

We think one of our merchants – Tate & Tilly, a collection of boutiques at 14349 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa – came up with a pretty nifty idea for a Valentine’s Day contest. In order to win a Chamilia bracelet, folks had to submit stories about their worst Valentine’s Day ever.

We thought the stories would turn on weirdness, or bad behavior. You know – “My girlfriend told me on Valentine’s Day she found a new lover and it was a woman” (not that there’s anything wrong with that). Or: “My husband forgot to celebrate Valentine’s Day, much in the same way he had already forgotten Christmas, my birthday, and all ten of our wedding anniversaries.” (Honey, you should have moved on nine years ago.)
No. Nothing so salacious as that. But Cindy Hegler Stead posted a pretty dismal tale on Tate & Tilly’s Facebook page. It was on Feb. 14, 1993. She and her husband decided to go out to dinner, taking their two-month-old son with them. But, while Cindy was nursing the infant in the ladies’ room at the restaurant, he vomited on her dress and hair. Her husband came to the rescue, only to find their son’s excrement leaking on him, out of the baby’s diaper. Oh. And they left the diaper bag home. It was time to forget the dinner, and leave.

Kathleen Rex-Infelice has a pretty good story, too. Her worst Valentine’s Day was in 2009. On Tate & Tilly’s Facebook page, she said New York had a massive snow storm, with downed tree and wires “all over.” Her husband couldn’t make it home, so she and her 9-year-old daughter tried having a “somewhat” happy dinner picnic in the living room with battery-operated lanterns.

But neither Cindy nor Kathleen could beat out Raylene Dewan from Nova Scotia.

According to Lisa Demmi, who does some social media work for Tate & Tilly’s, Dewan and her husband were getting ready to go out for Valentine’s Day in 1988 when they learned their son got hit by a car. (Don’t worry, he’s okay). But the story takes the cake. Raylene won the Chamilia bracelet.

Rock bands from the 70s swoop down on Tampa Bay

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:06:28 GMT

Rock bands from the 70s swoop down on Tampa Bay.

Is it just us? Or does it seem like déjà vu all over again. There are a whole lot of bands that were popular 40 years ago that are making appearances in the Tampa Bay area this month. And, get this. A lot of them are touring.

Kansas – whose biggest hit was arguably “Dust In The Wind” – played at the Straz in Tampa Saturday. And Lynyrd Skynyrd – whose biggest hit was arguably “Free Bird” – played Sunday at Busch Gardens, as part of Busch Gardens’ Bands, Brew and BBQ series. We would have liked to have gone to the Skynyrd show. We’ve been yelling, “Free Bird,” at other artists’ shows for years, as a joke (because “Free Bird” was such a popular encore for Skynyrd. Get it?) It would have been nice to yell it at a show given by the band that actually had the hit.
But if you missed those shows, you can still get your mullet on. You can still catch Bret Michaels on Feb. 19 at the 5 p.m. show at Busch Gardens, in what is another Bands, Brew and BBQ entry. Michaels was the lead singer for Poison, whose romantic anthem, “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” still gets a lot of air play. Then, on Feb. 26 at Busch, there’s 38 Special, and ON THE SAME DAY, at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, the Doobie Brothers are playing. Remember the Doobie Brothers hit, “Black Water,” with the line, “I’d like to hear some funky Dixieland, pretty mama come take me by the hand?”

And next month, REO Speedwagon is at Busch, and so is Rita Coolidge.

For a last-minute Valentine’s Day gift, try chocolate.

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:34:24 GMT

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend. But she can’t eat them.
For a last-minute Valentine’s Day gift, try chocolate.

Archie Bourne is one of the owners of the Schakolad Chocolate Factory in Tampa. He picked up the phone Monday, but he was kind of in a hurry. “Today is going to be busier than tomorrow,” he said.

On what was the day before Valentine’s Day, Bourne and his crew were trying to help those men and women whose significant others crave chocolate. To that end, they were selling their usual delectable fare, plus some Valentine’s Day specials – strawberries topped with chocolate, and chocolate hearts filled with truffles and ganache. Bourne’s franchise is at 408 S. Howard Ave. in Tampa. But there’s another Schakolad, on the other side of Tampa Bay, in St. Petersburg, at 401 Central Ave., in the Snell Arcade Building. A woman who answered the phone there said they were so busy filling orders, no one had time to talk.

The name “Schakolad” is a combination of two things – the name of one of the founders, Baruch Schaked, and the word, chocolate, according to the company web site. Schaked began his career as a chocolatier in Argentina, while working for his father-in-law, who was the owner of one of South America’s largest chocolate factories. Eventually, Schaked opened a chocolate shop in south Florida, but wanted to sell it to retire. His son, Edgar, however, decided to keep the family legacy going, so dropped plans to work as an engineer and got into the chocolate business.

In 1995, the first Schakolad Chocolate Factory opened in Winter Park, and in 1999, Edgar began franchising the system, the web site says. They are now in more than a half-dozen states, with eight in Florida. At each, the chocolate is made on premises.

Townspree Holiday Dazzle Winner!

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:46:56 GMT

Woman wins freebies at three different salons!

Megan is one of the many people who have – and who will – win free stuff, thanks to Townspree.com and the website’s special relationships with its client businesses. She was ecstatic when she arrived at the Spa at Salon Du Soleil in North Redington Beach in Pinellas County on Thursday to receive her free gifts.

What did Megan receive?

Well, for starters, she received a free $50 gift certificate that she can put toward any salon hair service at Simply Hair, at 3749 Ulmerton Road, in Clearwater. Did you know that Simply Hair won an “Excellent in Customer Satisfaction” award from Celebration Media U.S. last year?

She also won a free microdermabrasion and glycolic peel at the Spa at Salon Du Soleil, you know, the place where Megan went Thursday to pick up her free stuff? By the way, the Spa at Salon Du Soleil is moving, from 16701 Gulf Blvd. to 16741 Gulf Blvd., just a couple of doors down, as of March 1.

Megan also won a free hour-long deep-tissue massage at another location overseen by the Spa at Salon Du Soleil – it’s called Tampa Bay’s Relaxation Room, at 17 Davis Blvd., Suite No. 405, and massages and facials are performed there.

Keep an eye out for other Townspree.com giveaways and sweepstakes!

Mechanical Bull at Skinny's Bar - Hudson, FL

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:39:37 GMT

Did you know that Pasco County now has a mechanical bull?

It’s at Skinnys Bar & Grill on U.S. 19 in Hudson.

Lots of folks know the mechanical bull from the 1980 John Travolta movie, “Urban Cowboy.” We think the mechanical bull might even have moved the plot along in that movie -- something about the Travolta character’s rival teaching Travolta’s love interest, played by Debra Winger, how to ride a mechanical bull. But we really can’t remember, and we’re not going to watch the movie just to find out.

What we do know is that mechanical bulls have managed to survive, sort of like an endangered species. One has turned up at Skinnys Bar & Grill at 13228 U.S. Highway 19 in Hudson. It’s the only one in Pasco County.
According to the owner’s son, Richard Sullivan, this past Saturday (Feb. 12) marked the second time the mechanical bull was featured as part of a special Country-Western night at the popular hang-out. At the mechanical bull’s first appearance, on what would have been the first Country-Western night, 100 consent forms were signed in four hours. That’s 25 an hour, or a little less than one every two minutes. Or… Well you get the idea.

It costs $3 to ride the bull. So, in no time Skinnys should recoup its investment of roughly $5,000 (They did some bargaining to buy the bull, much like an old-timey cowboy would. The seller originally wanted $14,000). And they’ve done a few other things to give the place a saloon feel, like installing swinging doors to a patio that leads out back. So go to Skinnys, and get your hee-haw on.

Tampa Bay Area Valentine's Day Dining 2012

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:33:23 GMT

Places to go for Valentine's Day in Tampa Bay for 2012

Okay, fellas. We'd really like to keep you out of the dog house by making some Valentine's Day recommendations. You know, tell you about some nice, quaint, intimate restaurant where you and your signficant other can make goo-goo eyes at each other, wine glasses in hand, at a table adorned with a white table cloth and some candles. (Maybe we could even tell you which of those restaurants are having Valentine's Day specials). Here's the thing. It's not that those restaurants don't exist. It's just that men with a helluva lot more foresight than you have already laid claim to a lot of those reservations. Here's where you stand.

Armani's at the Grand Hyatt | Tampa, FL

Armani's, at the Grand Hyatt, at 2900 Bayport Drive, in Tampa, happens to have a Valentine's Day special -- $96 per person for one of their multi-course scrumptious meals. The thing is, so many folks have snatched up reservations that the only availability is at 5 p.m. That was as of Monday afternoon. So, make a call. Looks like you'll have to take the afternoon off.

Bern's Steakhouse | Tampa, FL

Bern's Steakhouse, at 1208 South Howard Ave., doesn't have any Valentine's Day specials. It doesn't have to. It's BERN'S for heaven's sake. We recommend you do what the restaurant recommends you do: Go to www.bernssteakhouse.com and make an online reservation no later than 72 hours before you plan to dine. Actually, we recommend you make that reservation NOW.

Whiskey Joe's Bar and Grill | Tampa, FL

Do you remember a place called Castaway's, at 7720 W. Courtney Campbell Parkway, in Tampa.. We do. We wanted to recommend it. Trouble is, it's closed. Now it's called Whiskey Joe's Bar and Grill. There are no Valentine's Day specials. But you can't beat the view.

Melting Pot | Tampa, FL

Now, the Melting Pot in Tampa, at 13164 N. Dale Mabry Highway, in Tampa, has its head on straight. On Valentine's Day, the restaurant has a special involving special cheeses and chocolates for $125 a couple. It's proven popular. As of Monday afternoon, the only spots available were at 3 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. But on Feb. 11, 12, and 13, a couple can get pretty much the same thing for $99 a couple.

Ceviche's | Tampa, FL

The Ceviche's in Tampa, the one that recently moved into 2500 W. Azeele St., doesn't have any Valentine's Day specials. But that hasn't stopped men from reserving so many spots the only ones available as of Monday were at 5:30 and 9:30 p.m.

Six Tables | Tampa, FL

Partial to Six Tables, at 4267 Henderson Blvd., in Tampa? With its hours-long dining experience, we could see why you would be. As of Monday, according to its website, there were some openings on Feb. 10, 11, 13 and 14. But none on the 15th -- it's completely full. Check out their website at www.sixtablestampa.com.

Bernini of Ybor | Tampa, FL

At Bernini of Ybor, 1702 East Seventh Ave., in Tampa, the chef may or may not decide on some last-minute specials. As of Monday afternoon, he had not made up his mind. But the restaurant wants to let you know all pasta and dinner entrees are half price from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. And there'll be some special martinis.

Donatello Italian Cuisine Restaurant | Tampa, FL

Donatello, at 232 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, has its regular delicious menu, plus a special Valentine's Day menu, the details to which were unavailable. As of Thursday morning, however, there were only slots open for 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Toasted Pheasant | Tampa, FL

At the Toasted Pheasant, at 14445 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Carrollwood, there's a Valentine's Day special that runs from Feb. 11 through Valentine's Day -- a three-course meal with a bottle of champagne for $45 per person. But as of Thursday morning, reservations were filling up fast, with only some late night spots available.

Mise En Place Restaurant | Tampa, FL

Mise En Place at 442 W. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 110, Tampa, has a Valentine's Day special -- a three-course meal that costs $70 per person. But you'll have to be patient. There is already a waiting list of about 20 people.

Bella's Italian Cafe | Tampa, FL

Valentine's Day is actually the busiest of the year at Bella's Italian Cafe, 1413 S. Howard Ave., in Tampa. There's usually a special, but as of Thursday morning the managers hadn't decided what it's going to be. Bella's isn't taking reservations -- it's first come, first serve. So if you've waited too long to make a reservation -- and your significant other has the patience of a saint, not minding whether she has to wait to get the special meal -- this could be for you.

Bella Brava | St. Petersburg, FL

At Bella Brava, at 204 Beach Drive N.E., there were still some tables available as of late Thursday morning -- 5:30 p.m., 5:45 p.m., and 6 p.m., but none after that until about 9:15 p.m.