Staycations are Special at Beso del Sol Resort

In need of a getaway but short on time? Indulge in a weekend “staycation” at Beso Del Sol Resort, a waterfront condominium resort in Dunedin on the shore of beautiful St. Joseph’s Sound. Close, yet far removed from the hustle and bustle of nearby Clearwater Beach, Beso del Sol — which means “Kiss of the Sun”— is the perfect destination for couples who want to get away from it all without getting too far away.

Enjoy modern studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units with waterfront or garden view balconies. Relax poolside to soak up the sun, bicycle on the Pinellas Trail, kayak to beautiful Caladesi Island or hop aboard the Jolley Trolley to explore the area from Clearwater Beach to Tarpon Springs.

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Around the Towns

Four Area Seniors Win Performing Arts Awards
Four area high school senior won $3000 scholarships in the First Annual Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute’s “Dare To Dream” awards. All of the winners maintain a better than B average in their regular school studies.

Rachel Salzman(1), a 17-year-old senior at East Lake High School, took first place in two categories—Drama and Vocal. Rachel has studied at the Marcia P. Hoffman Institute for more than two years and maintains a 4.1 grade point average in school. She is active in the Broadway Theater Project and volunteers at the St. Vincent DePaul Soup Kitchen and Homeless Emergency Project.

Two of the winners are seniors at Seminole High School. Cameron MacMillan (2) took First Place in the Instrumental Classical category. He has studied for five years at the Hoffman Institute and is a member of the Pinellas Youth Symphony and Serenade Strings orchestras. Aaron Lehrian (4) captured first place in the Jazz Category. Aaron has studied at the Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute for two years, primarily in Jazz and is part of Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Big Band and Jazz Combo. He was selected as the All-State Jazz Pianist last year.

Jessica Sullivan (3) of Palm Harbor University High School won first place in the dance category. She also has studied at the Hoffman Institute for four years in tap and Jazz and is part of the Thythm and Sole Tap Ensemble. Jessica is involved with her Student Council , is in the International Baccalaureate Program, volunteers with Suncoast Hospice, Clearwater Marine Aquarium and UNICEF and is a member of both the National and English Honor Societies.

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St. Pete Scene

Nuestra Cruz: 51”x35” by Eduardo Camejo-Garriga.

Owner of Galerías Bohemia Brings Cuban Art to St. Petersburg
Eduardo Camejo-Garriga, a contemporary Cuban artist who participated in this year’s Salute to the Arts event, revealed a couple of things that can be expected this year at his art gallery in St. Petersburg, Galerías Bohemia, located at 649 Central Avenue.

Currently, Camejo-Garriga has 26-year-old artist Alejandro Tejeda Mora exhibiting at the gallery and plans to have a reception for the young Cuban artist sometime in April. Tejeda Mora’s exhibit titled “Identitad” reveals the passion and personality of life in Havana, Cuba.

“We have people come into the gallery and see his [Tejeda Mora] stuff and think they are photographs,” Camejo-Garriga said. All of the large-scale paintings of “Identitad” are done in oils.

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Oldsmar Outings

Celebrate the Red, White and Blue at Oldsmar’s Freedom Fest
The Upper Tampa Bay Chamber is proud to honor those who have sacrificed so much for the freedoms Americans enjoy every day. Every year the chamber hosts Freedom Fest on Memorial Day weekend to recognize police officers, firefighters, first responders, and active duty and retired military.

The three-day fest will be from 5 p.m.-10 p.m. on Friday, May 24, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday, May 26, on State Street in Oldsmar. This is the fifth year in a row for the Freedom Fest celebration.

Live music and entertainment will be provided throughout the three days. On Friday, local legends Stormbringer will rock the stage. Two big names will grace the stage on Saturday, including Cross-Eyed Larry and the Greg Billings Band. Brother Phil and The Black Honkeys will wrap up the event on Sunday.

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Harbor Happenings

Bizarre Safety Harbor House Appears on RoadsideAmerica.com
America is full of roadside oddities that are worth at least one trip, and Safety Harbor has its own bizarre attraction. Dubbed the “Bowling Ball House” or “Whimzeyland,” the eclectic collection of paint and yard sculptures is located at 1206 3rd St and was featured on www.roadsideamerica.com, which is an online blog guide to offbeat tourist attractions.

Artists Todd and Kiaralinda bought the house in 1985 when it was still just an ordinary small, brown house. Todd and Kiaralinda turned the property and house into a work of art. The house is adorned with bright colors, murals and painted bowling balls. The surrounding yard is decorated with wacky sculptures, tiles and even crazier colors. Half of the year the artists spend their time traveling to art shows to sell their work or to network.

The pair started the home makeover when they saw a special at a flea market giving away 10 free bowling balls per person. The artists grabbed friends and soon 60 bowling balls were lined up on the property of Whimzey. An old gazebo was acquired from the Kapok Tree and modified to fit the property. The artists frequently host concerts there.

Whimzey proved to be motivating as Katie Bush used Todd and Kiaralinda’s home as inspiration for a children’s book, which she used for her thesis. Bush passed and traveled from Atlanta to do a book signing for “1206 3rd St” at Whimzey last year.
The artist couple is also responsible for the soon-to-be-opened SHAM-c (Safety Harbor Art and Music Center). The house is open during the daytime and it is free to wander through Whimzey. For more information, visit www.roadsideamerica.com.

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Dunedin Doings

Friends of Island Parks Seek Funds for New Caladesi Discovery Center
The Friends of the Island Parks is accepting donations to fund the building of the new Caladesi Discovery Center, which will allow visitors to experience the nature of the “Real Florida.” The 25-foot observation deck and exhibits will provide visitors a panoramic view of Florida’s wildlife as well as educate people on the island’s cultural history.

The Discovery Center will cost an estimated $750,000, with $600,000 to be used for construction of the tower and the remaining $150,000 for exhibits of Caladesi’s history, wildlife and habitat.

So far, several community businesses and groups have become “Eagle Sponsors” and donated $10,000 toward the new discovery center. Those sponsors include the Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce, J. Michael Cheezem, the Henry Scharrer Memorial Fund, JMC Resorts, the Sandpearl Resort, Clearwater Gas, Swiss American Society and Ocean Properties. Other donations have been received as well.

To learn more about the Caladesi Discovery Center, visit www.CaladesiDiscoveryCenter.com

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Clearwater Capers

Fun ‘N Sun Event Takes Over Cleveland Street April 20
If you have a love for classic cars, blues music and great food, then the Blues Bikes & BBQ Star Spectacular is the event for you! On Saturday, April 20, the Bright House Networks sponsored event will take over Cleveland Street from Fort Harrison and East Avenue in Downtown Clearwater from 5 p.m.-11 p.m. This is the first Saturday night event of Clearwater’s Fun ‘N Sun Week. Guests will enjoy the sounds of some of the top blues musicians while enjoying food discounts and $1 draft beers from local restaurants. And all of this excitement is for free! Parking will be available in garages on Park Street and Garden Avenue.

FATCO presents the Selwyn Birchwood Band, the 2013 winner of the International Blues Competition in Memphis. Other performing bands include the Belloise Brothers, Tempests, Invasion Band, Rockin Randall and His Honkabilly Blues Band, Milton James Trio, The Jam Band, Treble Hooks, and Blue Tropics. Participating restaurants and businesses include Anytime Fitness, Big B’s Eatery, Café Milano, Capital Beer House, Hispania Tapas Bar & Café, Gisselle Sanchez Floral & Event Design, Marilyn’s Corner Store, Chiang Mai, The Path, Top 40, The Loft, Tony’s Pizza, Roma NYC, Rose’s Jewelry, Street Side Café, One Stoppe Shoppe, and Salon Bravo.

Check out the Bikes Blues & BBQ Star Spectacular event website at ClearwaterStarSpectacular.com. Contact David Allbritton at 727-481-5102 or at starspectacularevent@gmail.com for more information. Check MyClearwater.com/funnsun for information regarding the week-long Fun ‘N Sun Festival in Clearwater.

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Clearwater Marine Aquarium Offers Two Exhibits for the Price of One!

No visit to the waterfront destinations in the area would be complete without a visit to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium—home to the now-famous Winter, the bottlenose dolphin. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a permanent marine biology learning center that is home to a variety of rescued sea animals.

Its first bottlenose dolphin resident, “Sunset Sam,” was rescued and given a permanent home in the center in 1984. By the 1990s it was renamed the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA), an internationally respected center for animal care, public education and marine research. Visitors to CMA have an opportunity to see the sea life and experience free talks and shows about a variety of topics.

Winter’s fame from the movie, “Dolphin Tale,” caused an expansion of the facility from its long-time location on Windward Passage to the new second location in downtown Clearwater. “Winter’s Dolphin Tale Adventure” will take you inside the movie with re-built scenes, movie images, and a variety of actual props used in “Dolphin Tale,” all donated by Alcon Entertainment, producer of the film.

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Local Irish Author Launches New Novel

Book cover of “KItty’s Hive” by local author Ann O’Farrell

(By Lynn Thorn)

To celebrate Saint Patrick’s weekend local Irish author, Ann O’Farrell, will be launching her new novel, “Kitty’s Hive,” with a book signing at the Celtic Shop of Dunedin on March 16. Ann is a founder member of the Dunedin Library Writer’s Group, and has given numerous talks on Ireland and her novels in local settings and book clubs. Her most well-known work is the Irish trilogy, “Norah’s Children,“ a heartwarming, heart-wrenching, story of five young children orphaned and adopted into very different families. “Kitty’s Hive“ is also set in Ireland but is a change of pace for the popular author from dramatic saga to a more light-hearted tale.

Kitty O’Connor is an Everywoman. She is all things to all people and her many roles will be recognized by women everywhere. She is a wife, a mother, a daughter, a housekeeper, employer, friend, nurse, and neighbor, and all these roles collide in a chaotic twenty four hours when her wayward nephew arrives at her home, on the run from the British police.

Set in suburban Dublin in1953, “Kitty’s Hive“ is packed full of excitement, tension, pathos, and humor. Kitty must care for the fragile, bedridden, Alphonsus, the endearing young Danny, her bickering daughters, and her irascible father, Sean Lynch. When an investigating Sergeant Hennessy eyes the family’s maid with more than a professional scrutiny, and Kitty’s husband adds fury and friction to the mix, her position becomes almost impossible.

Local author Ann O’Farrell will be at The Celtic Shop of Dunedin on March 16.

Ann holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from Trinity College, Dublin, and worked in Ireland as a theater director, designer, and tutor in Drama Therapy in Trinity College before retiring to Florida with her husband, John.

Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day with a conversation on Ireland and “Kitty’s Hive“ with Ann at The Celtic Shop March 16th from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Chi Chi’s Academy Needs Volunteers

The First Tee of Clearwater at Chi Chi’s Academy needs some volunteers who are willing to help raise money for this important program. Volunteers will work 3½ hour shifts each day from Thursday, March 14, through Sunday, March 17, during the upcoming PGA Tournament at Innisbrook’s Copperhead Course.

Volunteers will be selling tickets for an exciting 50/50 raffle, with half of the total proceeds going to Chi Chi’s First Tee of Clearwater program and the other half going to winner whose ticket is drawn. All of the volunteers will receive a parking pass and a free ticket to the event for the day they are helping. You may invite a friend to volunteer with you, or adults may have someone under 18 accompany them.

The top ticket seller will win a Sunday Brunch for four at Island Way Grill on Island Estates, four rounds of golf at Chi Chi’s and six tickets to the upcoming Art ParTee (formerly Art in the Park) at Raymond James. That’s a total value of $800.

Shifts for the volunteers will be from 8:30-Noon, 11:30-3:30 and 2:30-6 p.m. Nancy Agnew of the Chi Chi Youth Foundation needs 10 volunteers for each shift each day. To sign up to help contact her at nancy@chichi.org with your shift preference. Be sure to include your name, address, phone number and email.

Bon Appétit

Pensare Italian Bistro
799 Highland, Dunedin, 727-786-2222
“Ciro” is back in Dunedin, and lovers of Italian food can once again enjoy his delicious Old World Italian style food at the newest restaurant on Main Street, Pensare Italian Bistro & Wine Bar. Ciro Mancini is known throughout the area for his authentic Old World Italian cooking, made from scratch with only the finest ingredients. The restaurant’s owners, Michel and Robin Rey, are excited about bringing Ciro back as their restaurant’s executive chef and new manager.

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This is Oldsmar

Community — that seemingly indescribable feeling that bonds people from different walks of life with a deep sense of purpose. This is Oldsmar.

Countless people contribute to Oldsmar’s deep-rooted community. Oldsmar Cares provides families in need with food and clothing. East Lake Rotary Club and the Moose Lodge adopt families during the holidays. Community Policing Officers reach out to Oldsmar elementary schools and community groups to ensure help is distributed so that no child is turned away.

Safety Harbor Neighborhood Family Center provides weekend food packs for hungry children and assists in after school tutoring. Community Policing Officers started Holiday Sharing Fund to provide bikes, locks, and helmets to children in need. They coordinate cone courses, teach bicycle safety, and inspect bikes for safety.

Oldsmar Mayors and City Councils have consistently contributed to the community for decades. Traditions include the Mayors’ Breakfast with the Safety Harbor Mayor to raise money for local community groups, a City Relay for Life team, the Margaritaville challenge which benefits All Children’s Hospital, and the Christmas in July softball challenge which benefits the Holiday Sharing Fund.

City employees dedicate their work days to community building. They go the extra mile, partnering to help with solutions and develop opportunities. Employees build long-term relationships with both residents and businesses. Some employees have been community building for over 30 years!

Citizen volunteers support the City through Friends of the Library and Friends of Oldsmar Fire Rescue. Oldsmar Historical Society, Top of the Bay Garden Club, Oldsmar Community Organic Garden, and Woman’s Club further connect residents and non-residents alike. Residents serve on boards, make decisions, and give recommendations to City Council.

From Nielsen with over 800 employees to the single-owner business creating laser etched art, all contribute in essential ways. Through acts of charity, through the Chamber of Commerce, or through direct communication, they provide invaluable perspective and insight.

Our community — his, hers, yours, and mine. Explore Oldsmar virtually on Facebook (OldsmarFlorida) or online (MyOldsmar.com). Explore Oldsmar literally — Oldsmar Days & Nights is right around the corner! Everyone is welcome, young or old, person or business, first time or hundredth time. Oldsmar is your community. Welcome to Oldsmar.

Romantic Getaway at Safety Harbor Resort and Spa

Searching for the perfect way to spend this Valentine’s Day? Celebrate the Holiday of Love with a romantic getaway at Safety Harbor Resort and Spa.

Amidst the hustle and bustle that our daily lives bring our way, it can often be challenging for couples to find quality time to spend alone – just the two of you. Without question, we are all busier than we used to be but it’s important for couples to realize that leisure hours do exist in their lives and they have exciting choices in how to enjoy them – especially around Valentine’s Day.

Nestled on 22 lushly landscaped acres overlooking the peaceful waters of Tampa Bay,
the historic Safety Harbor Resort and Spa is perhaps one of the world’s most romantic destinations; a place where senses are revived, intimacy renewed and time spent together is forever treasured.

Upon arrival, a casual yet elegant setting immediately informs you that you are in store for something very special. Spacious guestrooms and suites – many with balconies boasting stunning views, decadent dining and Florida’s only natural mineral springs spa paired with highly personalized service throughout the resort ensure a memorable and romantic stay.

This Valentine’s Day or any special occasion, couples are vowing to spend more time together to relax, revitalize and yes, romance…
your Safety Harbor Resort and Spa getaway awaits!

Sweetheart Sampler
A 25-minute Spa Massage and 25-minute Spa Refresher Facial. $109

Heart’s Delight
Choose from a 50-minute Deep-cleansing European Facial or 50-minute Swedish Massage, then select a Shampoo and Style or Makeup Application and Spa Aroma Pedicure, with choice of Lunch or Afternoon Tea. $199

The Two of Us
Relax together with a 50-minute Couples Massage and two Spa Aroma Manicures. $279

Spa Gift Card
Not sure what to get that someone special?
A spa gift card will allow him or her to choose the service of their choice.

Cupid’s Escape
This romantic overnight package includes a Romantic Dinner for Two, one night room accommodation, welcome champagne, and your choice of 25-minute Spa Massage or Spa Refresher Facial per person. $299

St. Pete Scene

Events Raise Funds for Treatment of Brain Tumors
There are two great fundraisers planned by the American Brain Tumor Association to find treatment for brain tumors. The first is the Breakthrough for Brain Tumors 5K Run & Walk on Saturday, Feb. 9, at the Tampa Bay Times Forum, 401 Channelside Dr. in St. Petersburg.

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Oldsmar Outings

Kamira-Shutterstock.com

Oldsmar Days and Nights Showcases Classic Florida
If you enjoy classic cars and classic rock, then head on over to R.E. Olds Park during the “Oldsmar Days and Nights” March 22-24. Admission and parking are free to Oldsmar’s longest running festival.

During the three days, guests can browse through the vintage collector cars, listen to classic rock music, enjoy carnival rides and games, watch a parade, and devour delicious food provided by Bay area restaurants. There will be arts and crafts vendors too, so be sure to pick up your Oldsmar Days and Nights souvenir!

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Harbor Happenings

Experience the City Through Taste of Safety Harbor!
The 7th annual Taste of Safety Harbor will be from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 21, at the Safety Harbor Resort & Spa. Guests will savor dishes, desserts and wines from approximately 20 area restaurants to tempt the taste buds.

Music and dance performances are planned throughout the evening. Guests will vote for their favorite restaurant to win the “People’s Choice Award,” sponsored by the Clearwater Threshers. An auctioneer will offer valuable prizes in a silent auction with proceeds benefitting the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, contact Susan Petersen at the Chamber, 727-726-2890, or visit www.safetyharborchamber.com.

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Dunedin Doings

Cricketers Plans 3-Day St. Patrick’s Day Party
Cricketers Pub in Dunedin is planning a three-day celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. The “parking lot party” will take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 15-17, in the huge outdoor parking lot at Cricketers. There’ll be plenty of free parking, three tents and a stage with food and drinks served outdoors and free giveaways being distributed by promo girls.

Ddoings-1 Live music will be a big part of the festivities. There’ll be a live band on Friday night, two different groups on Saturday and two groups on Sunday, both afternoon and evening. Highlight of the celebration will be the performance of the popular Greg Billings Band on St. Patrick’s Day Sunday.

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Clearwater Capers

8th Annual Florida Gulf Beaches Halfathon Set for January 20
The Florida Gulf Beaches Halfathon is both one of the most scenic and challenging runs in Florida. The 12-mile run or walk is Sunday, Jan. 20. Race starts at 7:05 a.m.

The course starts at Clearwater’s waterfront of Coachman Park then travels through Downtown to access the Clearwater Causeway. Once over the Causeway, runners will travel south through Clearwater Beach to the Sand Key Bridge, where the turnaround loop will be made at Gulf Boulevard. Runners will backtrack over the Sand Key Bridge and the Clearwater Causeway to end at Coachman Park.

After the race, runners can enjoy food, drinks and live music on the grass of Coachman Park. Awards will be offered to the best runners. Please visit www.ClearwaterRunning.com/halfathon.html for registration and race information.

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Around the Towns

Tarpon Springs To Welcome Thousands of Guests for Epiphany
Each year, on January 6, Tarpon Springs becomes the focal point in the Epiphany Celebration, which Christians commemorate as the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. The St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral is in charge of the celebration at “Epiphany City, U.S.A.,” a nickname given to Tarpon Springs.

Events leading up to the Epiphany Celebration include the Divers Dance and the blessing of the fleet at the Sponge Docks, when the clergy bless the fishermen and their vessels for safe journeys throughout the coming year.

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Around the Towns

Dazzling Holiday Lights Show Is Back!
The dates of this annual community tradition and festive holiday event have been announced! The Florida Botanical Gardens at 12520 Ulmerton Rd in Largo will host the Holiday Lights in the Garden event November 23 through January 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. each day.

Come see the spectacular botanical gardens showcased
in 500,000 sparkling LED lights that are environmentally friendly! Guests will be treated to a special laser light show, holiday music and a new light display in the vinery gardens and McKay Creek Fountains.

The recommended donation of $2 per person grants you a ticket to one of the most dazzling events of the season. Children 12 and under are free. Visit www.flbg.org or call 727-582-2100 for more details.

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Destination Tampa Bay

Category: Destinations Around Town

Staycations are Special at Beso del Sol Resort

Around the Towns

St. Pete Scene

Oldsmar Outings

Harbor Happenings

Dunedin Doings

Clearwater Capers

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Offers Two Exhibits for the Price of One!

Local Irish Author Launches New Novel

Chi Chi’s Academy Needs Volunteers

Bon Appétit

This is Oldsmar

Romantic Getaway at Safety Harbor Resort and Spa

St. Pete Scene

Oldsmar Outings

Harbor Happenings

Dunedin Doings

Clearwater Capers

Around the Towns

Around the Towns