Sticks of Fire: a Tampa blog

I took off from work to spend a couple days with the soon-to-be 3rd grader.  Having exhausted my patience with crafts, games, Barbie, and SpongeBob on day one, I thought we should get out of the house for a second day of fun.

I didn’t have a spare hundred bucks laying around for a theme park, so I figured I’d try to keep the nearly-eight-year-old happy without spending a bunch of dough.

Not only did we have a good time, but I got out of it without spending much at all.  In fact, after breakfast, I didn’t spend a thing.

We started out at Dunkin’ Donuts.  Yep - the Rays won the night before, and When the Rays Win, You Win!  So we each enjoyed a free donut for breakfast with all the old folks!  With my coffee and her milk (and, ok, another donut for each of us), we got out of there for about $5. 

Next we went to the library.  There is a lake and a park adjacent, so we took our time walking around a bit.  We looked for frogs on the lily pads (none), butterflies near the flowers (a handful), and dragonflies everywhere else (a bunch).  We successfully avoided all fire ant mounds.

Once inside, she immediately found the library’s toys for smaller ones, and the little girl had fun with them for quite a while.  She then walked the entire juvenile section - over a dozen aisles! -  looking for a good book or three.  I convinced her to put Junie B. Jones (First Grader) back on the shelf and keep the Goosebumps story, The Girl Who Cried Monster.  She also grabbed a big Narnia book.

Then we went off to the mall!  Not to buy anything, but to play in the kids’ play area.  She towered over the other kids, and had fun getting chased around.  I found out later that there is a 42 inch limit to that play area. Luckily, no one kicked us out.  But I was getting hungry, and we left anyway.

We went home, where I taught her how to make a double-decker peanut butter sandwich.  She thought a triple-decker would be a good idea, but seeing as how I am the daddy, I had to put my foot down.

But just because we were home doesn’t mean that we were done for the day.  On to the pool!

The City of Tampa has a dozen parks with pools, and they are all free to use. We went to the Spicola Family Pool at DeSoto Park (we love DeSoto Park!) and spent the afternoon there in the Palmetto Beach neighborhood.

Like the pool at Sulphur Springs, Spicola has lap lanes, two waterslides, and a giant waterspouting mushroom-looking thing that kids love. They even have a shade tent where a daddy can comfortably read his own library book!

On the way home, we stopped at the McKay Bay Nature Park, part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.  It was fun for about 20 minutes.  We saw unusual birds and big spiders on bigger spider webs.  In our one bad decision, we picked a random trail that wound through the brush.  Although we didn’t get bit, we were chased right back into the car by a cloud of mosquitos!

The kid will tell you she had a great day (although she was not much impressed by the mosquito attack)!  Daddy had a great day, too, watching his daughter be a kid.

It wasn’t difficult, either. Just go and use the amenities that are available to you!

For Free!

The Red Bull Flugtag was presented here on Saturday, for the first time in Tampa Bay, and I attended with a group of friends along with another 110,000 people or so. The arrow in the photo indicates roughly where I was. See me? I’m jumping up and down and waving! Hello!

In case you’re not familiar with it, Flugtag, a German term meaning “Flying Day”, consists of teams of people building homemade, human-powered flying machines and piloting them off a 30-foot high deck in hopes of achieving flight. They never do, though.

So it’s basically the Superbowl of putting on ridiculous costumes, building stuff and pushing it off a ledge into water. And yes, this is as funny and entertaining as it sounds. When it comes to free entertainment, it’s hard to beat people falling into water. Include costumes and flying machines that don’t - just adds bonus points.

Tampa is one of three cities to host the event this year, the others being Chicago and Portland, Oregon later this summer. Red Bull has sponsored about 40 of these so far and we (Tampa) set an attendance record, more than doubling the 50,000 that had been projected. I’m not surprised; literally everyone I spoke to for the last two weeks was planning on going. I think event planners were caught off guard:

• It was scheduled to begin at 1:00 and we got there at 11:00 when gates were supposed to open. But it was obvious that a lot of people had gotten in and set up camp much earlier than that, as evidenced by us ending up where we did.
• In spite of previously published warnings about things that wouldn’t be allowed in, there weren’t even cursory bag searches taking place, at least not at the gate where we entered (right outside the convention center).
• Food and beverage locations were few and far between, which was a matter of major concern because with that many people packed in that tightly, smack in the middle of the day, smack in the middle of July (why didn’t they schedule it for later, like around dusk?), remaining hydrated was of vital importance. Just because we were closer to the hospital than the launch pad doesn’t mean I wanted to go there. Eventually, even though we drank plenty of fluids, our group just couldn’t hang so we left around 2:00 and watched the rest of it from The Press Box. We had a good time but it was just too hot and too crowded to be enjoyable after a while.
• A group of people who were probably a little put out would be those presenting and attending METROCON which was taking place simultaneously at the Tampa Convention Center. Some of the more elaborately costumed anime fans might have had legitimate concerns about being mistakenly tossed into the drink by overly lubricated enthusiastic Flugtaggers.
• I don’t think there were nearly enough police officers on hand to handle traffic. We left well before the end and we still wound up stuck in pretty thick traffic on the way out. I can’t even imagine what it was like when the event was over.
• Lastly, I don’t understand why the city didn’t take advantage of the event to publicize the Riverwalk. After all, that’s really where it took place. For all the publicity the event got leading up to the big day, there was never a mention of Mayor Iorio’s legacy project and it’s proximity to the convention center as well as all the exciting cultural/dining/retail shopping opportunities offered in downtown Tampa…or will be some day…hopefully. I don’t know. It just seems like somebody in marketing would have thought of that, that’s all.

Overall, it was fun but there is a lot of room for improvement if/when it comes back.

(Cross posted at Ridiculously inconsistent trickle of consciousness)

Th Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission offers free gator-hunting classes:

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is offering alligator hunters no-cost, three-hour classes to help them prepare for the Aug. 15 – Nov. 1 statewide alligator harvest. Reservations are not required to attend a class.

Attendance is not mandatory for licensed hunters, but the FWC recommends that participants attend, especially if they have not previously hunted for alligators. Class topics include preparing for the hunt, hunting techniques and safety, harvesting and processing, caring for your alligator hide and alligator hunting rules and regulations. Also, persons who do not have an alligator harvest permit can attend if they want to learn what hunting alligators is all about.

As it says, you don’t have to sign up. Just show up on Aug. 2, 1-4pm at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. Hwy. 301 N. (use the Orient Road entrance). For directions, call 800-345-FAIR (3247) or visit www.floridastatefair.com.

All hunt permits have been sold for this year; however, alligator trapping “agent” permits are available for $52. Agent permits enable permit holders to assist a licensed trapper in taking alligators but only in the presence of that trapper.

For those of us not interested in playing with native critters who can eat us, you can learn all about the dinosaur descendants by downloading the FWC’s All About Gators Coloring Book from the kids & gators section of the website.

Mark your calendars! Deep Carnivale:A Celebration of Words is now scheduled for Saturday, September 27, 10 a.m. — 5 p.m.

Here’s a partial event description from the Deep Carnivale website:

This literary festival aspires to bring Florida authors, writers and poets and related vendors together to share in a celebration of literature and writing with the Tampa Bay community. Approximately 70 poets, fiction writers, and songwriters as well as visual artists presented work at the first event in 2007. There are events for all ages.

There will be four sound stages for readings and live music. Literacy and arts activities will be available for ages from 2 through middle school and workshops available to adults of all ages. The schedule is currently under construction and will be announced around September 1.

One goal is to excite all children and young adults about the pleasures of reading and using the written and spoken word creatively in its many wonderful and diverse forms. Another goal is to illuminate the numerous talented writers living in our community, and a third goal is to provide a new opportunity to emerging authors to develop their audience.

Visit www.deepcarnivale.com for more as the schedule develops or to read about the 2007 festival.

Anyone interested in participating (authors, performers, food/book vendors, etc.) or volunteering is encouraged to contact Deep Carnivale director David Audet at daudet(at)hccfl.edu.

Nine central Tampa developments will be open this Saturday for the Urban Tour of Homes.

Discover what Urban Living is all about! For one day only, 9 of the hottest developments in Tampa will be open to the public! Take a personal tour through some of the Bay Area’s most exclusive new residences and find out why so many people are deciding to calling the city “Home.”

Urban living! It sounds very exciting, doesn’t it?

Participating Developments include Skypoint (777 N. Ashley Drive), Ventana (1238 E. Kennedy Boulevard), The Slade (119 N. 11th Street), Grand Central at Kennedy (1208 E. Kennedy Boulevard), Victory Lofts (101 S. 12th Street), West End Tampa (301 N. Rome), InTown Homes (2008 N. Albany Ave), Harbour Place City Homes (501 Knights Run Rd.), and the Towers of Channelside (445 S. 12th Street).

Five are in Channelside, and there are one each in northeast downtown, Harbour Island, West Tampa, and North Hyde Park. Neither the website nor the printable flyer include any information on parking or transportation between the developments, so (outside of Channelside) you may have to experience these non-walkable places with your own car…

Tampa I Am went last year, and St. Petersblog(spot) took photos.

This is OUR weekend, moms, and we should do whatever we want!

It felt really good to write that!

Of all the holidays in the calendar, I love Mother’s Day weekend the best (possible exception - my birthday)!

Now, if I get my way this weekend, I will be on the boat Saturday, listening to JGLB Saturday night and sleeping half the day away on Sunday! I’m pretty sure I will get my way because my little one will be at her mom’s this weekend and the older one is scheduled to work Saturday and a double shift on Sunday.

Don’t feel bad for me, I already received my card and gift from the little one with a BIG kiss and hug, and she should always spend mother’s day with her mommy! And I know my older one will HAVE to serve me that day, because I will go to the restaurant to make sure of it!  HA!

So what do you have planned?  Here are some ideas:

Saturday May 10 - Vinyl Records and CD Show from 8am until 3pm at the Holiday Inn Express, 4732 Dale Mabry, Tampa. I found this interesting for fans of the record player! This show is going to feature 45’s and LP’s covering the oldies, pop, rock, classical and everything in between. They will also have record supplies and even some CD’s. FMI call 727-251-9458. If anyone sees a beige plastic record player with a hinged top, it’s mine from my teen years and I miss it very much!

Saturday May 10 - Free Kids Movie at 10am at the Beach Theatre, 315 Corey Avenue, St. Pete Beach. This is the second time the Beach Theatre has made my list.  “Why” you ask?  Because it offers FREE movies!  This Saturday you can take your kids there to see Grease starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. This is my daughter’s favorite movie of all time, and I really feel it is timeless. Also, 5/17 The Black Stallion and 5/24 Nancy Drew: Troubleshooter will be shown to kids for free. FMI call: 727-360-6697 or go to beach-theatre.com.

Saturday May 10 - The Princess and the Pea, 11am, Largo Cultral Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo. This performance will cost you from $5-$7. a valuable lesson will be taught to the entire royal court about first impressions, personal decisions and true love in this toe tapping musical. I have only read this book a million times as a child, I think this live play would be fun for a family outing.

Sunday, Mothers Day, May 11 - A Mother’s Day Brunch at Don Vicente De Ybor Historical Inn 1915 Republica De Cuba Avenue, Ybor City, seatings at 11am and 1pm. This beautiful inn would be a nice change from Denny’s, McDonalds or the Golden Corral buffet! I say spend a little on Mother’s Day!  Of course, I am biased, but c’mon, get off your wallet, MOM is worth it!  The price is $32 for adults and $12 for kids. You will need to call and RSVP (make reservations) and you can get the menu choices as well, call 813-241-4545. For more info you can also go to DonVicenteInn.com.

Sunday, Mother’s Day, May 11^th, A Mother’s Day Celebration at the Red Rose Inn 2011 N. Wheeler Street, Plant City at 4pm. This famous hotel (famous in Plant City, at least) is having a grand celebration with live entertainment, a full buffet, desserts, and a flowing pink and lilac chocolate fountain. It will cost up to $29.95.  I have been to the Red Rose and it is very nice and I’m sure this will be a very special time for all the moms!

Like most of my friends and co-workers, my family and I are feeling the pain of rising gas prices, higher grocery bills and not to forget the utilities constantly going up. I have always been one to clip coupons, sign up for contests, and I shop at the local consignment shops; but now that is not always enough.

We have cut back on going out to dinner, we try to run all the errands we have in the best route possible and we stay in more than we used to. I have mentioned before that if it’s FREE it’s for ME.  Well Tampa Bay area offers a lot of FREE events.

Take a look at the following list I pulled from TBO.com.  Remember, these are just the events that piqued my interest; you may find several more that pique yours!

Remember to stay happy and healthy - we need to get out and have fun, so don’t stay indoors just to save money.  I encourage you to utilize what our city offers and enjoy.

Friday April 25, 2008 will be a good night, there are FREE concerts to go to, one on each side of the bay:

• Q-Fest Classic Rock Concert in Coachman Park, Clearwater. This concert is part of the 55th Annual Clearwater Fun ‘N Sun Festival This part of the event is from 4pm-11pm on Friday and is for all ages. Featuring: Starship starring Mickey Thomas, Rare Earth and Invasion. Admission is free but you can buy reserved seating for $20. You can go to www.myclearwater.com for the entire weekend line up!
• Friday Extra Concert Series in Lowry Park, Tampa. Sun City Swing Band with The Smokers Band will play in the bandshell outside of the Zoo grounds and they begin jamming at 7pm.  Admission is FREE!   I have been to this event when the JGLB has played and what fun! People take blankets, chairs, coolers, food and just have a blast. Make sure to have some bug spray though, summer time in Florida gets a little “creepy.”

Saturday, April 26, 2008 has a lot to offer. I have found FREE events all across the bay:

• Children’s Board 20^th Birthday Party, 1002 E. Palm Ave., Ybor City. My family and I have been to this facility several times working with the foster families of Hillsborough County and have seen some of the work they have done for our community. If you don’t know much about them you should head out for this FREE party. The event runs from 10am until 1pm. There will be a brief program at 10:15am and then the fun begins!   This is all for the children, with face painting, moon walking, balloons, arts & craft activities, and ongoing student performances. You can go to www.childrensboard.org for more information. Don’t forget to visit the Ybor City Fresh Market on your way home.  It will be open until 3pm!
• The Biggest Beach Party Ever, 1507 Bay Palm Blvd, Indian Rocks Beach. Normally you can not truly “party” on the beach, but Indian Rocks has a night set aside for just that! This event runs from 6pm until 11pm.  It’s an evening of beer, wine, and food (cash bar and no coolers allowed). Music will be supplied by DJ Terry Newman and they also plan on having a big bonfire (if weather permits). Sounds like something I would really enjoy! This is a sponsored event and all the proceeds go back to the community through the Rotary Club of Indian Rocks.
• Pops in the Park with the Florida Orchestra, Al Lopez Park, Tampa. The Florida Orchestra will begin at 7:30pm, and there is no listed ending time - it may go all night long!  You can bring coolers, chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets!  Here in Tampa Bay, springtime is the best time to sit outdoors.  Go enjoy the fact that you live in a beautiful community!
• Tampa Theatre’s Traveling Picture Show, River Tower Park in Sulphur Springs. We learned of this event when we visited the Tampa Theatre for the History of Seminole Heights movie debut. The movie will begin at 8pm and will end well, when it’s over! The movie this Saturday is “The Princess Bride” Gates will open at 6pm and you may bring coolers, chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets! They have another movie scheduled for May 17 at Cotanchobee Park in Downtown Tampa, for all the info go to www.tampatheatre.org

After all this you will need to rest on Sunday, or like my house will be… More Spring Cleaning!

Get out and have fun!

This weekend is going to be good, I can feel it already!

Friday night I’m heading out to listen to the JGLB, I really don’t go see my husband’s band as often as I should! They are playing in Clearwater on Friday night at Two Buks (the self-proclaimed rockingest bar in Pinellas !!), if you want to join me.

Here’s what I found for Saturday and Sunday this weekend.

On Saturday morning, I expect to sleep in a bit, but I looked on the TBO community calendar and an event titled RUBBER DUCK RACES jumped out at me! That name alone makes me want to check it out:

Saturday April 12 - Beanies Family Grill and Sports Bar is holding the fourth annual Great American Pink Ribbon Rubber Duck Race at 2202 US 42 South Ruskin from 8am-7pm. I’m very curious on how this is all going to work! The money raised on Saturday will support six people who have signed up to participate in the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation Breast Cancer 3-Day event later this year. Each walker must qualify by raising $2,200, which goes to the foundation. Chula Vista is sponsoring breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m., and Beanie’s will offer barbecue dinners from 1 to 7 p.m. The event also will feature live bands starting at 1 pm, a karaoke contest at 2 pm, games, a cake walk and children’s activities. Each rubber duck costs $5 to race and the ducks are numbered to identify their owners. During the races, which go on all day, they will be placed in a large tank at Beanie’s. The first three ducks to cross the finish line in each run wins prizes. Volunteers are needed to serve meals, clean the grounds and park cars. To help out, call (813) 649-1700.

Saturday April 12 – Kahuna’s is holding the Parrotheads Pig Roast at 10515 Gandy Blvd, just over the bridge in St. Petersburg, beginning at 5pm until it ends! Now my mom is a huge Buffett fan and has told me for years that I should hang out with this great group of people. She has gone to several concerts with them and has always had a blast. I saw this event on Eric Sturm’s list of things to do in Tampa and had to look into if further. Tickets for this event are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. The pictures on the parrotheads website tell a story of games, drinking and drinking games going on with the music of Flip Flop Dave & Tropical Brain Freeze! Sounds like fun to me! For more information go to www.finsup.com. Of Course when you are done eating and drinking you could always zip across the street for some Greyhound racing at Derby Lane!

Sunday April 13 - Keel and Curley Winery offers a Sunday Marketfrom 11am – 5pm. The place is very nice and is located in a quiet corner of our world. The winery sits on 25 acres in Plant City at 5210 Thonotosassa Road, Plant City, and the native owner Joe Keel, owns the winery as well as its blueberry source, Keel Farms. Joe has been growing blueberries in Florida for the past nine years and has recently purchased another 10 acres to plant blueberries in Lithia, Florida. Joe teamed up with Chase Marden, a Vermont native, who had experience developing fruit wines. They partnered to develop a line of wines under the Keel and Curley label and began bottling. The highbush blueberries are hand picked, fermented and bottled right on Keel Farms in Plant City. Tommy and I stopped by here several months ago which turned out to be the re-grand opening after a fire had shut them down for a time. The Sunday Market features wine samples, food, music and crafts. If you are out on a Sunday drive this is worth the stop!

Enjoy yourselves whatever you do and leave a comment to let us know what that might be!