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Tag-Archive for "Tampa Bay beaches"

DaVinci The Genius and the Secrets of the Mona Lisa at MOSI Tampa Jun 02

DaVinci The Genius and the Secrets of the Mona Lisa will be at MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry, for a limited engagement.

This is the exhibition’s first appearance in the southeastern United States and will shed light on DaVinci’s contributions to modern science.

While DaVinci is widely known for his Renaissance era artwork – he had numerous contributions to the fields of science and technology. From mankind’s first flying machines and scuba gear to musical and time-keeping instruments, DaVinci’s well documented thoughts helped to create some of the world’s greatest inventions.

DaVinci – The Genius takes visitors on a journey through DaVinci’s thoughts, with reproductions of his most famous renaissance art in actual size, a series of anatomical sketches, and entertaining and educational presentations in 3D of the Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, the Vitruvian Man and the Sforza Horse.

MOSI – DaVinciThe exhibition includes opportunities for visitors to try several of DaVinci’s inventions. Additionally, children can express their genius by participating in activities in the DaVinci children’s area.

The Secrets of Mona Lisa, uses patented infrared technology and intense illumination to scan the Mona Lisa and virtually peel away layers of varnish applied over centuries.

The camera was able to uncover how the Mona Lisa looked as she was originally painted, including layers of over-painting, restoration and attempts at preservation – even identifying the individual pigments that DaVinci used.

These amazing revelations are displayed in gallery style and in full on super size, high resolution prints, with the largest being the 14 ft x 10 ft giant infrared of Mona Lisa.

Throughout the exhibition’s run, MOSI will be offering a number of DaVinci events, including artist sketch nights, Italian cooking demonstrations, young inventors events and a DaVinci discussion series.

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Need a Getaway from the Beach – Florida Vacation Rentals Day Trip Mar 11

Looking for something to do on those rare cloudy days while in the Tampa Bay area? Well you may not know this, but Tampa is home to one of the top rated Zoos in the country, in addition to having miles of white sand beaches.

The Lowery Park Zoo located off Exit 48 on I-275 features over 2,000 animals for your family’s enjoyment. The latest addition is a furry little guy named Bundaleer. He’s a Koala visiting from Australia and is a must see for kids of all ages.

Tampa Zoo

Bundaleer - Hanging out in Tampa

In addition to the Koala and other animals, the park hosts a variety of activities designed to fill every visitor’s needs. From interactive exhibits to the heart thumping one-of-a-kind Gator Falls Log Flume there is something for everyone in your party!
You can see more on the Lowery Park Zoo on their website: loweryparkzoo.com.

Lowery Park Zoo Tampa Bay

Enjoy your Florida Vacation in the Central Gulf Coast


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Caladesi Island – The Spot for your Next Florida Vacation Jan 18
Visit Caladesi from Any Central Gulf Coast Rental

Visit Caladesi from Any Central Gulf Coast Rental

A secluded sun lover’s dream, Caladesi Island State Park was ranked the number one beach in the continental USA by Dr. Beach in 2008. The island, just off the coast of Dunedin north of Clearwater Beach, is accessible only by private boat or ferry, which runs hourly from Honeymoon Island State Park.

Sink into the soft white sand for a day of relaxation or some of the great outdoor activities available such as kayaking, bird watching and hiking on the three mile stretch of beach.

The island is also known for some of the best, arguably the best, shelling of anywhere on the gulf coast of Florida. Many vacationers find shells not found anywhere else along the Gulf Coast Beaches!

Hours of Operation

Caladesi Island State Park is  open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Directions

Caladesi Island is accessible only by boat or ferry. The ferry service to Caladesi leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park hourly beginning at 10 AM.

By Boat: From Marker 14 on the Dunedin Causeway Channel, which runs parallel to the causeway between Hurricane Pass and the Intracoastal Waterway, follow a compass heading of about 212 degrees for approximately 1 mile. Follow the channel markers into the Caladesi Island State Park marina.

Driving Directions to Honeymoon Island From Orlando: I-4 west to I-275 south to SR-60 west. Cross Courtney Campbell Causeway, then turn right on US Hwy 19 north. Turn Left on Curlew Rd.. Follow until you cross Dunedin Causeway, to Honeymoon Island State Park for Caladesi ferry.

From north of Tampa: I-75 south to I-275 south to Hillsborough Ave. exit. West to slight left at Curlew Rd. then follow SR-586, crossing Dunedin Causeway, to Honeymoon Island State Park for Caladesi ferry.

From Bradenton and South: I-75 north to I-275 north to Roosevelt Ave. exit . Stay right on SR-686 west when SR-688 forks to left. Right (north) on McMullen Booth Rd to cross over the Bayside Bridge. Left on Curlew Rd.. Follow SR-586, crossing Dunedin Causeway, to Honeymoon Island State Park for Caladesi ferry.

Park Fees

$6.00 per boat. Limit 8 people per vessel.

$2.00 per kayaker.

Entrance fees at Honeymoon Island State Park are eight dollars per vehicle up to 8 people or four dollars for a single driver.

$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

The ferry travels to  for a four-hour stay.

Caladesi Island Ferry fees are ten dollars per adult and six per child between four and twelve- Under 4 years old is no charge.

NO PETS ARE PERMITTED ON THE FERRY.

Picnic Pavilion Rental Fees:

$30.00 per day plus tax but plan ahead. Dates book early so call at least two weeks ahead of time for all Pavilion reservations.

Boat Camping Fees:

$24.00 per night, plus tax, reservable sites.

$1.00 per foot, plus tax, nonreservable sites.

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Florida Vacation Rentals Booking Quickly – Plan Your Vacation Today Jan 08

pbpool2

Now is the time to start planning your Summer Vacation because spring along the Florida Gulf Coast is booking up fast.  If you are headed to the Tampa Bay Beaches or the Southwest Beaches along Florida’s west coast there are plenty of options for you and your family when it comes to accommodations. Beach Front Vacation Rentals offer substantially more room than a comparably priced Hotel plus all the conveniences of home.

Below is a list of the most recently posted Vacation Rentals at Florida Gulf Vacation. You can also Search by Beach or Search by Map to find the best possible accommodations for your needs.

MOST RECENT FLORIDA VACATION RENTAL ADDITIONS AT FLORIDA GULF VACATION

Destin
1 Property Info:

3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 1-10
Style:
2 Bathrooms

Property Rates:

From $ p/week night
From $ p/wkend night
From $ 1075 p/week
From $ 1200 p/month
Minimum Stay: 7 Nights

Description:

Light House Beach House. Newly Renovated 3 bedroom, 2 bath, with private pool, close to the beach.

Destin

2 Property Info:

3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 1-8
Style: Beach House
2 Bathrooms

Property Rates:

From $ p/week night
From $ p/wkend night
From $ 975 p/week
From $ p/month
Minimum Stay: 7 Nights

Description:

Crystal Cottage, 3 Bed/2 Bath, Private Pool, Close to Beach, Sleeps 8

Destin
3 Property Info:

5 Bedrooms, Sleeps 1-14
Style: Beach House
3.5 Bathrooms

Property Rates:

From $ p/week night
From $ p/wkend night
From $ 1150 p/week
From $ p/month
Minimum Stay: 7 Nights

Description:

5 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath Beach House Private Pool, Sleeps 14, Close to the beach.

Destin
4 Property Info:

5 Bedrooms, Sleeps 1-17
Style: Beach House
5.5 Bathrooms

Property Rates:

From $ p/week night
From $ p/wkend night
From $ 1500 p/week
From $ p/month
Minimum Stay: 7 Nights

Description:

5 BEDROOMS, 5.5 BATHS, PRIVATE HEATED POOL, GULF VIEW SLEEPS 17

Destin
5 Property Info:

6 Bedrooms, Sleeps 1-16
Style: House
4 Bathrooms

Property Rates:

From $ p/week night
From $ p/wkend night
From $ 1600 p/week
From $ p/month
Minimum Stay: 7 Nights

Description:

Brand New, “Jewel by the Sea”, A Treasure Found! 6 Bedroom, 4 Bath, Private Heated Pool, Beautiful Gulf Views.

Panama City Beach
6 Property Info:

3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 1-8
Style: Beach Front Condo
2 Bathrooms
Water Front

Property Rates:

From $ 165 p/week night
From $ 165 p/wkend night
From $ 1000 p/week
From $ p/month
Minimum Stay: 3 Nights

Description:

Beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom 1600 sq/ft 3rd floor condo is sure to please. 2 beach front masters with king beds and 3rd bedroom has twin sized bed.

Indian Shores
7 Property Info:

2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 1-6
Style: Condo
2 Bathrooms
Water Front

Property Rates:

From $ 122.5 p/week night
From $ 122.5 p/wkend night
From $ p/week
From $ p/month
Minimum Stay: 7 Nights

Description:

Beautiful Totally renovated gulf front condo at Sandcastle I, Indian Shores

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Holidays are Great on our Florida Beaches Nov 16
Time to Get Ready for the Holidays on the Tampa Bay Beaches! Here is a short list of just a few of the Holiday Happenings in the area this Christmas Time

Florida Botanical Gardens Holiday Lights in the Gardens Display

gardenlights

Each year, thousands of visitors celebrate the season by strolling and seeing the Gardens transform into a holiday wonderland with more than 425,000 twinkling lights. This year’s Florida Botanical Gardens Holiday Lights in the Gardens celebration begins Saturday, November 28, and runs through Sunday, Jan. 3, from 6 to 10 p.m. The Gardens display some of the finest formal gardens, scenic landscapes and natural habitats that unfold across 150 acres in the heart of Pinellas County. More than 25 gardens and display areas delight nature enthusiasts with flora, fauna and natural resources. This special event is free to children under 12 with a donation of $2 per adult suggested. Florida Botanical Gardens is located at 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, Florida.

The gardens are open year-round, every day from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Old Fashioned Christmas

dunedinxmas Delightful Downtown Dunedin hosts an “Old-Fashioned Christmas” on December 4.   The

evening includes musical entertainment from local churches, horse and carriage and train rides. Jingle Bell Village includes Santa, children’s holiday crafts and an opportunity to make your own “s’mores”. More info: Dunedin Parks and Recreation Department, 727-812-4530

Miracle on Cleveland Street
You’re invited to help Clearwater light up downtown and kick off the holiday season. Santa will visit downtown Clearwater from 6 to cwxmas7:30 p.m. on December 4. Catch Fox 13 reporter Charley Belcher as he joins city officials to light up the holiday tree in Station Square Park at 7:30 p.m. Judging of this year’s annual Holiday Wreath Decorating Contest will immediately follow. Enter your own original wreath creation, or drop your ballot in the box to pick the People’s Choice Award.

Breakfast with Santa
On December 5, have breakfast with Santa at downtown St. Pete’s Museum of Fine Arts from 9 to 11a.m. Event includes breakfast buffet with an appearance by Santa. $10 for children $15 for adults includes breakfast and admission to the museum.

Santa Holiday Parade

The city of St. Petersburg will hold its annual holiday extravaganza on December 5. A parade travels through downtown to the waterfront at 10a.m. The St. Petersburg Lions Club and the City of St. Petersburg invite you to celebrate the holiday season with marching bands, floats and to welcome Santa to sunny St. Petersburg. Families will love “Snowfest” directly after the parade from 11a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities include toboggan slide, climbing wall, Glice skating and much more holiday fun! Admission is $5.

Christmas in the Village
John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk celebrates the holidays with an arts and crafts show including seasonal music at a holiday festival on December 12-13.

St. Pete/Clearwater Area Illuminated Boat Paradesmbb

December 5th

St. Pete Beach Boat parade viewing party with tree lighting at the St. Pete Community Center at 5pm.

December 5th
Dunedin’s annual lighted boat parade at the Dunedin Marina. Good viewing from Edgewater Park and the Fishing Pier.

December 12th
Clearwater Beach Island Estates Yacht Club Memorial Holiday Parade passes by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Island Way Grill and then meanders through several canals before heading to Coachman Park around 8 pm.

December 12th

Downtown St. Petersburg, Bruce Watters Jewelers Illuminated Boat Parade is one of the largest lighted boat parades in the area and is viewable from The Pier and downtown waterfront starting at 6:30pm.

December 13th
Treasure Island Lighted boats line up at Yacht and Tennis Club at 7PM for a trip around the intercoastal side of Treasure Island.

December 19th
Viewable from the John’s Pass Boardwalk and Village the Madeira Beach boat parade includes both a small boat and a large boat category, starting at 6:15pm.

December 20th
Beaches boat parade at the Boca Ciega waterway is sponsored by the Town of Redington Beach and takes place from 6:00-10:00pm

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