The warm springtime weather that Florida is so famous for has arrived as well as visitors from all over our country and from different locations throughout the world.

If you are heading down to our gulf beaches this week, we have ordered our traditional spring weather for you. Several of the area activities continue this coming week as well as new events taking place this weekend.


Florida International Museum continues with Vatican Splendors and next week, the hours will be extended to accommodate the many travelers here for spring break (Beginning Wednesday, March 26th, the Museum will extend hours on Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. with the box office closing at 7:00 p.m. and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with the box office closing at 5:00 p.m.). This exhibit with approximately 200 extraordinary works of art and objects of history from the Vatican and Vatican Museums are displayed through recreated settings such as the Tomb of Saint Peter and the Sistine Chapel. Many objects date back to the third century. From the relics of Saint Peter to items from the election of Pope Benedict XVI, this exhibition comprises one of the largest Vatican collections ever to tour North American. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday hours are 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. with the box office closing at 5:00 p.m.


Remember you can purchase tickets at our Beach Welcome Center for Busch Gardens Theme Park as well as tickets for the annual Renaissance Festival that continues until April 6th. The Beach Welcome Center will be opened on Saturday 9:00 to 5:00 as well as during the week Monday through Friday. Closed Sunday. Make the Beach Welcome Center your first stop for valuable information about the area as well as brochures, maps and coupons for area attractions, restaurants and shops.


SPRING ECOFEST – March 22nd. McGough Nature Park (also known as turtle park), located at 11901 146th Street N. in Largo, is celebrating the first weekend of spring with their Spring Ecofest. Live music, food, games, a bounce house for children, a guided hike through the park as well as many exhibitors will be on hand to add to the springtime celebration. Festivities begin Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. and conclude Saturday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. Free admission and free parking.


EASTER SUNDAY – March 23rd. Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary located at 19328 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores. Eggs will be filled with candy and treasures and hidden on the sanctuary grounds and on the beach. There will be a grand prize for the child that finds the “Big Bird Egg.” Children need to bring their own baskets and be accompanied by an adult. Following the Easter Egg Hunt, there will be a Uniquely Decorated Basket Contest with the most creative baskets winning prizes. Free refreshments will be available. Tour the largest wild bird hospital and rehabilitation center in the United Sates by participating in the educational guided tour at 3:00 p.m. (Additional parking is across the street at the Fifth/Third Bank).



BASEBALL FAN?

The Tampa Bay area is the home of Spring Training for the Toronto Blue Jays, the
Tampa Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies.

Toronto Blue Jays - March 11, 1977, when the Toronto Blue Jays beat the New York Mets 3-1, the Blue Jays played at Grant Field in Dunedin which was one of the oldest stadium used in the Grapefruit League, dating back to 1930. By 1989, the Blue Jays were working on a plan to replace Grant Field with a new stadium and spring-training facility. Dunedin invested $2.4 million into a new stadium and Dunedin Stadium became the new spring-training home of the Toronto Blue Jays in 1990 – renamed Knology Park in 2004.

There might be time for a game or two and during the spring break holiday week; the following games will be held at Knology Field:

March 23 1:05 p.m. Toronto Blue Jay play the New York Yankees
March 25 1:05 p.m. Toronto Blue Jays play the Tampa Bay Rays
March 26 7:05 p.m. Toronto Blue Jays play the Cincinnati Reds
March 27 1:05 p.m. Toronto Blue Jays play the Houston Astros

Contact 727-733-0429 for tickets or on-line at www.bluejays.com for additional information.



New York Yankees – Generating over 200,000 fans each spring, the New York Yankees Spring Training began February 1996 in Tampa. With a 10,386-seat capacity, Legends Field is the largest ballpark to host Spring Training in Florida. Located on a busy highway in a big city isn’t what one would expect from the normal Spring Training facility, but fans are the first to admit that the New York Yankees are not your typical baseball organization. The Yankees play about half of the spring schedule at night (7:15 p.m.), which makes the games easier to attend for the average fan. Legends Field hosts more night games than any other ballpark in the Grapefruit League. According to a February 14th news release, Legends Field will be renamed for owner George M. Steinbrenner.

Hoping to see the Yankee’s during your vacation week? The games are as follows:
March 22 1:15 p.m. NY Yankees play the Tampa Bay Rays
March 24 7:15 p.m. NY Yankees play the Philadelphia Phillies
March 27 1:15 p.m. NY Yankees play the Pittsburgh Pirates

Contact 800-279-4444 to order tickets by phone.



Philadelphia Phillies – Bright House Field is the home for the Phillies’ Spring Training games. Previously training at the Jack Russell Memorial Stadium, the Philadelphia Phillies began their 2004 season in the newly built Bright House Networks Field. Bright House Networks Field retained the legendary Tiki Bar, now bigger than ever, serving 250 for spring-training games and serving as a popular gathering place during the regular season. The grassy outfield seating area stretches across the entire outfield putting fans close to the action and to players in the bullpen. Grass seating is popular with families and a large playground area is located adjacent to the outfield seating in the left-field corner featuring a special kid-sized concession stand offering kid-friendly treats.

The ballpark, built in Florida Spanish Mediterranean style, has a terra-cotta exterior and tiles decorated with current and historic Phillies logos. The concourses are exceptionally wide with a spacious gift shop. Most of the seats in the ballpark are theater-style seating. Bright House Networks field is located next to US Highway 19 which runs north-south through Clearwater and located close to plenty of shopping and restaurants. Concessions are plentiful and located in back of the concourse as well as in each corner. (Right in back of home plate is a concession stand featuring Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, with buns flown in from Philadelphia’s Amorosa bakery).

Built next to the Phillies’ permanent workout facility, the located is ideal allowing the team to centralize all the spring and minor-league facilities on one campus.

Want to catch a game? Check the availability for one of the following games:

March 22 1:05 p.m. Phillies play the Tigers
March 25 1:05 p.m. Phillies play the Reds
March 26 1:05 p.m. Phillies play the Yankees

Contact the box office for tickets 727-442-8496

Located just off the west coast of Pinellas County, between Clearwater and St. Petersburg, are 10 barrier islands connected together by a stretch of white sandy beach. We are hoping you have decided to make this your vacation destination. As one of our many visitors, you will discover the tranquility the gulf coast has to offer. Beginning with 27 miles of white sandy beach, great attractions, outstanding restaurants and unique shops, there is something for everyone that will make your vacation a memorable one.
As you cross the bridge into Indian Rocks Beach, you will see our Vacation Rental Office just off to the left on 2nd Street. As you stop to retrieve your accommodation keys and meet our reservation staff, take a few minutes to visit the Beach Welcome Center next door.

MARCH 2008 – March 7th our Beach Welcome Center hosted the Beach Welcome Center Annual Luau with an exciting evening for guests to enjoy live music, exhibits, food and drinks as well as the opportunity to win some fantastic door prizes. Everyone seemed to enjoy the participation and performance of the Busch Gardens Marching Band followed by local musicians performing relaxing, traditional island music that everyone seemed to enjoy. The Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary exhibited one of the recuperating patients from the bird sanctuary. Impressive Designs and Florida Wines hosted a wine tasting with many of the Florida wines producing ultra-premium citrus, tropical and berry wines. Made 100% from fresh squeezed juice, their gold medal citrus, tropical and berry wines remain unequaled and unduplicated with their success attributed to the use of quality fruit and the alchemy of a great wine maker. We had a varied selection of foods as our restaurant members featured delectable items for sampling. Beach Welcome Center Members offered additional items as treats and gifts.
With a wealth of beach area information, the Beach Welcome Staff is ready to assist you. With local area information, brochures and information about the famous Orlando attractions, our staff has numerous tidbits of information about our local parks, restaurants and attractions right here in Pinellas County. The Beach Welcome Center sells tickets to the Busch Gardens Theme Park, located just 45 minutes from our beaches. Our one day pass ($67.50/adults and $57.00/children 2-9) can be used continuously any of the following seven days. There is something for everyone at Busch Gardens. From America’s first dive coaster, Sheikra, some 200 feet up and 90 degrees straight down with zero floor, the Tangayika Tidal Wave jungle journey that ends in a drenching 55-foot drop, or Gwazi the area’s largest, fastest double wooden roller coaster to a more quiet visit to enjoy the many shows, animal habitats and beautiful scenery that is just a short drive from here.





BAY AREA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL - Also in March (through April 6, 2008) the 2008 Bay Area Renaissance Festival will be taking place at the Museum of Science and Industry located in Tampa, FL – 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. - weekends only. Travel back to the 16th century to the village of Fittlesworth. Discover an enchanted realm of wizards and warriors among gourmet treats and unforgettable entertainment. Wander past eight lively stages and street theater featuring jugglers, magicians, fire eaters and specialty acts. Watch the live armored contact jousting twice daily, human chess matches, maidens faire, peasants, fools and Royalty. Tickets for The Renaissance Festival can be purchased at The Beach Welcome Center ($15.00/adults, $8.00/children).
VATICAN SPLENDORS - Vatican Splendors Exhibit, presently open and continuing through May 11, 2008, is being held at the Florida International Museum in St. Petersburg with an opportunity to experience 2000 years of Vatican art and history. The Florida International Museum has become one of Florida’s premier cultural attractions, and has hosted over 2.5 million visitors from all 50 states and over 100 countries since it opened in 1995. A trip to Rome may not be on your itinerary in the near future but you can enjoy this new exhibit and witness artifacts including a reliquary containing fragments of the bones of Saint Peter, Giotto’s 14th century mosaic “Bust of an Angel,” personal items and tools of Michelangelo and a terra-cotta sculpture by Bernini. The exhibition begins with the foundations of the Church, a recreation of the second century Tomb of Saint Peter, architectural drawings of the original Saint Peter’s Basilica. The exhibit examines the current Saint Peter’s Basilica commemorating its 500th anniversary. Bramante, Bernini, Raphael and Michelangelo are among those who made artistic contributions. Learn about the election of the pope, liturgical celebrations and the significance of the Sistine Chapel in history. The final gallery, Stories of Popes, gives special emphasis to Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. Many objects date back to the third century. From the venerated relics of Saint Peter to items from the election of Pope Benedict XVI, this exhibition comprises one of the largest Vatican collections to tour North America. From culture, history and art, explore how the Papacy has impacted, and been impacted, by the world throughout the centuries.



LOCAL - With the abundance of things to do right here in our local area, we will continually try to feature some of our local attractions. It is apparent you will have to return many times to our area to enjoy all that our Gulf Beaches has to offer. Best to begin right here along our gulf shores.

Gulf Coast Fishing - Many of the visitors to the Gulf Coast area are interested in local fishing. Whether casting a line from the intercoastal waterway or directly from the shores of our gulf beaches, there is an abundance of fish that are popular in this area. Common to our Suncoast waters are Crevalle Jack, Silver Trout, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Bluefish, Snook, Red Drum, Gag Grouper, Cobia, Whiting, Black Drum, Barracuda, Sheepshead, Speakled Seatrout, Flounder, Mangrove Snapper, Bonito, Black Sea Bass, Permit and Florida Pompano. A saltwater fishing license is required for non-residents and can be purchased at all county tax collectors’ offices and many bait-and-tackle shops (obtain on line at marinefisheries.org). Licenses can be purchased for three 3 days at $17.00, seven days at $30.00 or a one-year license for $47.00. The fishing license is not required if you are fishing for recreational purposes from a pier that has a valid pier saltwater fishing license or from a recreational vessel (party boat, charter or for-hire vessel) that has a valid fishing license. Children under 16 years of age do not need a license.

Redington Long Pier - Extending over 1000 feet into The Gulf of Mexico, the Redington Long Pier is located in Redington Beach. Take a walk out onto the Pier for just $2.00. The wooden structure provides some great views back to the shore for those willing to walk its planks. Walk over the Gulf of Mexico, smell the salt water, catch the cooling gulf breezes while sitting along the many wooden benches located along the pier. A prime location to watch many birds that are drawn to the fish smell associated with a real fishing pier. Located close to the famous Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, there is an abundance of local birds to watch - the long-necked herons, colorful pelicans, along with the many seagulls, flighty terns and numerous pigeons just to mention a few.
For a small fee of $10.00 you can fish from the pier without a fishing license. Fishing rods are available for rent. Bait as well as snacks are sold in the little shop at the pier entrance.
Fishing is so popular here in our gulf waters, that numerous fishing boat charters offer deep sea fishing for both half and full day fishing excursions. Whether you wish to join one of the many fishing charters available on a daily basis, or plan a private trip for your family, there are many local sea captains offering private trips for individuals, families and small groups.

Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary - Florida’s Gulf Coast is home to a diverse variety of fabulous native wild birds. While visiting our area, you will see hundreds of different species of waterbirds, landbirds, and birds of prey. If you would like to learn more about these interesting, beautiful creatures, you can visit the famous Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary located along our gulf coast in Indian Shores. Based on the admission of over 7,000 to 10,000 birds per year, Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, Inc. is the largest wild bird hospital and rehabilitation center in the United States.
Founded in 1971 by zoologist Ralph Heath, Jr., the Sanctuary is world renowned for its innovative rehabilitation techniques, and it was the first facility to breed Eastern Brown Pelicans in captivity. The Sanctuary is staffed by experienced professionals and many dedicated volunteers. Similar to a human hospital, it is equipped with emergency facilities, a surgical center, recovery areas, and an outdoor recuperation area. Display areas feature permanently injured birds that have been given a home at the Sanctuary. Any offspring they produce are released into their natural environment. At any given time, the visitor can view in excess of 600 wild birds. A non-profit corporation, The Sanctuary depends solely on donations and the support of caring individuals. The Sanctuary is open 365 days a year, from 9:00 a.m. until sunset, and admittance is always free.