Visitors to Pinellas County and residents alike enjoy the annual Cajun Zydeco Crawfish Festival. 

If you favor good music, and Creole and Cajun food, then you won’t want to miss it! 

There will be live music performed by numerous bands, crawfish races, crawfish eating contests, activities for children, exhibits, art displays, food and beverage booths, and dancing . . . lots and lots of dancing! 

The  family-friendly Festival attracts thousands of participants each year. And, more than ten thousand pounds of crawfish are consumed, although the event also features a variety of food specialties (not all of them hot and spicy). But if you like hot sauce, then this is the place to be!  Various purveyors will offer the concoction for sale. 

It’s a hot . . . hot . . . hot . . . event!  A lively, foot-stomping and booty-shaking activity with some of the best live Zydeco music anywhere!

Another spicy hot reason to enjoy a weekend . . . in Paradise Found! 

EVENT DETAILS:

The event will take place along the water’s edge at Vinoy Park, Fifth Avenue NE at North Shore Drive, in downtown St. Petersburg (FL).   The Festival begins at 4:30P on Friday (3/12) and picks up again at 12N on Saturday (3/13) and Sunday (3/14). 

Admission is free for children aged 10 and younger.  The cost is $12 for Friday or Sunday admission, $15 for Saturday, and $35 for all three days.

For more information about the Cajun Zydeco Crawfish Festival, call (727) 892-5798 or visit www.CajunConnection.org.

CREDITS:  Photos courtesy of www.CajunConnection.org.

Botero, a world-renowned Colombian born painter and sculptor, is known for creating works of art that are united by their proportionally exaggerated, or “fat” figures, as he once referred to them.  Botero graduated from Medellin University in Colombia in 1950, and in following years, studied in Madrid, Florence, New York, and Paris, where he moved in 1973 and where he lives today.

As one can see from the two sculptures that are in temporary residence outside the museum, Botero appears to have fun with his craft, and this theme can be seen throughout much of his work.  If you’d like to get a little of the ‘flavor’ of Botero’s work, you can check out this link at Google Images.  And if you’d like to see either of the images below in its full-screen splendor, just click on the photo.

For information about the Museum of Fine Arts, including location, direction, hours of operation, and more, check out their website.

The Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, located at 1800 Weedon Drive NE, in St. Petersburg, FL, offers educational programs for kids and adults.

From March 4 through May 27, the Center is offering classes, with a new lesson every other Thursday, presented by a local archaeologist.  This free, after-school program is one that “kids and parents can really dig” (according to Andrew DeLong, Staff Writer, for the St. Petersburg Times).

Rae Harper, who is working on her master’s thesis in applied anthropology at the University of South Florida, leads the program, entitled “Project Archaeology: Investigating Shelter.” Her aim is to inspire students to think like an archaeologist by analyzing artifacts and re-creating archaeological sites using familiar materials.  Each lesson affords a different learning exercise related to archaeological research and how to apply that knowledge to an activity.  The lessons include hands-on training and discussion, with the goal of helping students hone their observational skills, use the concept of interference and learn to think critically about the past.

The program is free and is recommended for families with children ages eight and older.

It is Rae Harper’s hope, as an archaeologist, that students will “walk away with a better understanding and appreciation of archaeology, and if I do inspire them to become passionate about school, that would be great.”

Heritage and Natural History . . . It’s all here . . . in Paradise Found!

ABOUT THE CENTER

Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center lies within Weedon Island Preserve and is part of Pinellas County Department of Environmental Management’s Environmental Lands Division (ELD). The Center supports the applied management and ecological monitoring objectives of the division through educational programming and volunteerism. 

The education program at the Center interprets the natural, cultural and archaeological history of the Preserve through interpretive tours and hikes, education programs, exhibits and public outreach activities, presentations and workshops, and other events.

The three-story Center was designed with the help of Native Americans and keeps with their traditions. For example, the orientation of the Center in the Preserve is along the cardinal points of the compass (north, south, east, and west) with the entrance facing east.

A special curved wall is representative of the remarkable pottery of the early Weeden (alternate spelling) Island people who lived on the island some 1,000 to 1,800 years ago. Portions of the Preserve are on the National Register of Historic Places. 

K-12 Programs
Public, private and homeschool teachers find Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center and the Preserve wonderful alternatives to their usual classroom. The Center developed FCAT-approved curricula that broaden students’ knowledge about our coastal environment and the people who once inhabited the area. On-site teacher training can be arranged, as well as field trips for classes.

Information about Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center is online at www.weedonislandpreserve.org or by phone at (727) 453-6500.

CREDITS:  Information for this post provided courtesy of the Weedon Island Preserve website and St. Petersburg Times (Sunday, February 28, 2010, Neighborhood Section, “Kids Learn Basics of Archaeology Free”).

For anyone who does not know Salvador Dali’s works, you can get a pretty good idea of what they’re about by checking out this Google Images site.  And for those that do know Dali’s work, but are not familiar with all of the great things about the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, you should check out the Museum’s web site.  It’s worth looking at - aside from information about the exhibitions at the Museum, you can also learn about special events like the Saturday Family Fun Day and the S’Real Friday Happy Hour, with live music and half price admissions after 5:30 PM.  Think about it - go to Happy Hour, have a couple of drinks, then walk around and take a look at some of the most mind-bending depictions of non-reality imaginable.  Guaranteed to make your Happy Hour even happier.  And, while you’re at it, you might make a new connection with someone else who’s attending - it’s a popular Friday evening event!

The current Salvador Dali Museum is located at 1000 3rd Street South, just to the south of the University of South Florida’s Bayboro campus.  For now. 

And that leads us to the photograph below (please click on the photo to see a higher resolution, full size image), and the really exciting news that I’m posting about.  The Dali Museum will be moving, probably in 2011, if all goes according to plan.  The new Dali home will be a 35 million dollar, 66,450 square foot structure - that’s twice the size of the existing museum!  Included in the layout will be 50% more gallery space than the current museum has, which means that there will be a lot more of Dali’s work on display at any given time.  The museum will feature a huge, futuristic looking glass geodesic structure, giving it a unique look and feel that should provide incredible visual impact in its setting on the waterfront and adjacent to the Mahaffey Theater.

I’ve been watching the progress on the new building since early last summer.  For a long time, it looked just like any new building, with foundation, walls, etc.  But in recent weeks, there has been, as the museum folks might say, surreal progress! The shell of the new structure is complete, and the very Dali-esque glass sculptures that will define the look and feel of the museum, both inside and out, are morphing towards completion. It’s both a bizarre and a beautiful look, and I have to believe that Dali himself would have smiled upon this new museum.

If you’d like more information about the new Dali, follow this link to an FAQ page.

And if you’d like to drive by to take a look for yourself, just head downtown on First Avenue South until you reach the last north/south road, which runs along the edge of the bay, which is BayShore Drive. Take BayShore towards the south, and after you pass the marina and Al Lang Field, you’ll see the Mahaffey Theatre. Right after the Mahaffey is the new Dali. You can’t miss it!

It seems that everyone knows someone, whether a family member, friend, neighbor, or co-worker, who has been impacted by cancer.  The Relay For Life events, which are hosted and held throughout Pinellas County, are a great way to celebrate survivors, remember and honor those who have been touched by cancer, and to fight back through fundraising (or, as I like to refer to it, friendraising).

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in our community, and in communities around the globe, a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, to remember lost loved ones, and to fight back against the disease. At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events and 18 hours in length.

Having lost my neice, Julie, to cancer (at the age of 21), I was proud to be invited to serve as co-chair for the first-ever South Gulf Beaches Relay For Life, which took place at Stetson College of Law in Gulfport, FL.   Now an annual activity, Relay For Life events are hosted throughout Pinellas County, which demonstrates our care and concern for the communities in which we live and work–and for each other.

While every Relay For Life is different, there are certain traditions at all Relays, no matter where they are held. These traditions help participants celebrate, remember, and fight back.

Celebrate - The Survivors Lap
Relay starts with a Survivors Lap, an inspirational time when survivors are invited to circle the track together and help everyone celebrate the victories achieved over cancer. The Survivors Lap is an emotional example of how Relay participants are creating a world with more birthdays–like those of each individual on the track.

Remember - The Luminaria Ceremony
After dark, people who have been touched by cancer and loved ones who have been lost to the disease are honored and remembered during the Luminaria Ceremony. Candles are lit inside bags filled with sand, each bears the name of a person touched by cancer, and participants often walk a lap in silence.

Fight Back - Fight Back Through Fundraising
There is a chance to fight back against cancer through fundraising.  In addition to what the fundraising teams do before the Relay, there are endless fundraising opportunities onsite.  From food, face painters, crafts and more, Relay teams have plenty of ways for participants and visitors to support the fight against cancer.

No matter where you are, there’s a place for you at Relay.  You can make a difference by signing up online to start your own team or by simply making a donation.

Thanks to Relay participants, the American Cancer Society is helping create a world with more birthdays . . . a world where cancer can’t claim another year of anyone’s life.

Survivors are the reason we Relay.  They make up a group of nearly 11 million strong who are finding their way through the cancer experience and fighting back against the disease. At Relay For Life, Survivors are always the guests of honor.

The Luminaria Ceremony is the opportunity for people to come together to remember loved ones lost to cancer and honor those who have won their battle. This is one of the most moving parts of the event that you will not want to miss. Honor or remember someone at Relay For Life with a luminaria.

Just another special way that we care and share . . . in Paradise Found! 

Visit the 2010 Relay For Life of Gulf Beaches, FL website to learn more, to donate, or to sign up to participate. 

To register your team or to participate in the survivor activities, visit www.relayforlife.org/gulfbeachesfl. 

Or, for more information, contact Nancy Williamson, Team Development Chair, at 727-581-9644 or ACS Community Representative, Christine Hartman, at christine.hartman@cancer.org or 727-812-7026. 

CREDITS:  Relay For Life Logo courtesy of the American Cancer Society and ACS Relay For Life.  Event photos (from 2004 South Gulf Beaches Relay For Life) courtesy of yours truly. 

2010 marks the beginning of a new decade and officially marks the City’s 100th birthday!

The public is invited to help celebrate the new decade with an old tradition at the Gulfport First Friday Art Walk on Friday, February 5 from 6-to-10PM.  Plan to participate in this historic milestone and absorb Gulfport’s authentic “Old Florida” atmosphere.

Peruse the work of over 50 artists and crafters, as well as authors, antique dealers and entertainers stretched over a half-mile up and down scenic Beach Boulevard. While browsing the art and craft booths, don’t miss Gulfport’s unique shops, boutiques and galleries. Enjoy dinner at one of over a dozen fine restaurants within the Art District, now one of the foremost dining destinations in the Bay Area. Live entertainers will be appearing at venues throughout the Village. Observe the talented artists at work all along Beach & Shore Boulevards.

Gulfport Art Walk takes place on the First Friday and Third Saturday of every month, year-round. Parking is always available, the event is free, and free trolley rides are available from off-site parking areas, including nearby Catherine Hickman Theatre and Gulfport Public Library.

CENTENNIAL ART WALK DETAILS:

When:  6 to 10PM, Friday, February 5, 2010
Where:  3129 Beach Blvd. in Gulfport, FL
Cost:  Admission and Parking are FREE.
For More Information:  Call 1-866-278-9255 or visit www.GulfportMA.com.

This event is pet and family friendly!

Once you discover Gulfport, Tampa Bay’s “best kept secret,” you’ll want to come back for more! 

Just another day of history and fun . . . in Paradise Found! 

For more information on many other Gulfport events, go to www.ExploreGulfport.com or www.GulfportFlorida.us.

The Gulfport Art Walk and event recorded information line is 866-ART-WALK.

 

CREDITS:  Press release and Art Walk photos courtesy of Gulfport Merchants Association website.  www.Gulfportma.com.  Poster art by Mike Darras (”The Peace Man”) courtesy of www.DomainHomeAccessories.com. 

We are proud to call the communities that comprise Pinellas County home.  Because we live and work here, it is important to us to support area neighborhoods–and we do so in many ways. 

Here’s another example of community collaboration–the upcoming Fidelity National Title and Pet Pal Animal Shelter “Wish List” Drive.

According to the big-hearted, animal-loving folks at Pet Pal Animal Shelter, many furry friends have been surrendered to their facility, often left behind after hours by owners who, as a consequence of relocation or economic hardship, are unable to care for them.  This situation has burdened the Shelter with the expense of caring for these animals in need.  

Pet Pal Animal Shelter is a “No Kill” shelter that serves the Greater Tampa Bay Area and needs to continue their work as a non-profit 501(c)(3).  If you wish to lend a hand, consider joining Fidelity National Title (an affiliate PRO member) and Pet Pal Animal Shelter in support of the Shelter’s upcoming “Wish List” Drive. 

Visit Pet Pal Animal Shelter online at www.petpalanimalshelter.com.  This insightful website has all the information you need to get involved and even includes photos of adoptable pets!  If more convenient, to learn more, simply stop by Fidelity National Title’s Pasadena office to pick up a brochure or drop off a donation.  This office will assist Pet Pal Animal Shelter with donation collections throughout the month of February.

A list of needed items is included below, along with some snapshots of cute dogs and cats that are waiting to be adopted! 

Have a heart . . . Realtors and affiliate members of PRO do! 

Just another excellent example of caring and sharing . . . in Paradise Found! 

LIST OF PET PAL SHELTER NEEDS:   

Doggie Desires:

* Sturdy LARGE Dog Toys * Nylabones * Large and XL Kongs * New or Used Dog Crates

* Large Basted Rawhides * Comfortis Flea Control * Dog Beds * Dog Treats

* Sheets * Blankets * Advantix * Frontline Flea/Tick Control * Towels

 Kitty Care:

* Cat Toys * Cat Litter * Disposable Scratching Posts * Comfort Zone Plug-Ins

* Rescue Remedy * Cat Bowls (Crock) * Towels & Blankets * Advantage Flea Control

* Cat Beds * New or Used Cat Carriers

Shelter Needs:

* New Large Capacity Front Load Washer/Dryer * Bleach * Pooper Scoopers

* Laundry detergent * Dawn dish detergent * Paper Towels * Fabuloso

* Gift Cards to Home Depot, Lowes, etc.  * Industrial Mops * Greased Lightning

* Tools * Bags * Sponges * Wheelbarrow

Medical Needs:

* Flax Seed Oil Capsules * Fish Oil Capsules * Nail Clippers *Bandage Material

*Gauze *Vet Wrap * Milk Thistle * Tono Pen

PHOTO CREDIT:  Photos provided by Pet Pel Animal Shelter.

Many people take the opportunity to utter (often under their breath) a commitment to a New Year’s resolution.  Getting more exercise is often at the top of the list, and there is no easier way to keep a commitment to getting more exercise than participating in any one of a number of fun activities at Ft. De Soto Park in Tierra Verde, FL.

Whether you enjoy hiking, jogging, skating, kite boarding, surfing, swimming, kayaking, bicycling, or the causal ease of camping, collecting shells on the beach, a museum tour, boat ride, fishing from the pier, bird watching, or a leisurely walk with a furry friend at the doggie park and beach, there is an activity for every person at every skill level at Ft. De Soto Park! 

Getting more exercise in 2010 could not be easier or more fun! 

More interesting facts and information about Ft. De Soto Park follow. 

Have a great year.  I hope to see you at the Park . . . in Paradise Found! 

Fort De Soto Park
3500 Pinellas Bayway South
Tierra Verde, FL 33715
Park Office - (727) 893-9185
Campground Office - (727) 893-9185

Fort De Soto Named America’s Top Beach for 2009
Pristine Area Favorite Lauded as “Portrait of Tranquility”
Fort De Soto Park was named America’s Top Beach for the second consecutive year by TripAdvisor, the world’s largest online travel community.
Citing a “spectacular combination of soft white sand, calm, clear water and a laid-back atmosphere,” the popular online travel network put the park’s North Beach at the top of its annual best-of list, based on TripAdvisor’s Popularity Index. This marks the second time in three years the pristine Pinellas County beach has received top honors on an annual “best-of” list. In 2005 Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, a.k.a. “Dr. Beach,” named Fort De Soto the nation’s #1 Beach!

The largest park within the Pinellas County Park System, Fort De Soto park consists of 1,136 acres made up of five interconnected islands. First opened on December 21, 1962, when the state toll road named the Pinellas Bayway was completed, this park was dedicated May 11, 1963, in perpetuity as a public park. Annual park attendance averages more than 2.7 million visitors.

The 12-inch mortar battery, located at the fort for which the park was named, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Adding to the historical interest at Fort De Soto, two British breech-loading, rapid-fire rifles of 1890 vintage were installed in March 1982. Markers showing the original building locations and a Quartermaster Storehouse Museum add to the park’s historic interest.

Renovation and conversion of the East Beach concession building to a picnic shelter was completed in 1991. This picnic shelter can easily accommodate 200 visitors and you can now make shelter reservations online!

The following amenities complement the Park’s natural and historic features:

Over seven miles of waterfront, including almost three miles of the finest white sand beach in the United States.

An 800-foot-long boat launching facility with eleven floating docks.

A 238-site family camping area with facilities including picnic tables, grills, water, electricity, washers, dryers, sanitary disposal stations, modern restrooms, showers, play areas, and a camp store.

Two large swim centers including a food concession area located at the North Beach Swim Center.

Two fishing piers, one on Tampa Bay (500 feet long) and the other on the Gulf (1,000 feet long). Each pier has a food and bait concession.

Fourteen large group picnic shelters incorporating award-winning aesthetic and functional design features.

Twenty storm-resistant public restroom buildings featured in several national publications.

A snack bar/souvenir shop offering a beautiful view of the Gulf of Mexico.

A 6.8 mile, 12-foot-wide asphalt recreation trail connects the campground with the North and East Beach Swim Centers and the historic fort.

A 2.25-mile recreational canoe trail.

A 1-mile nature trail in the Arrowhead Picnic area, and a 3/4 mile nature trail in the Soldiers’ Hole area provides a glimpse of some the native fauna and flora.

Quartermaster Museum. 

2,200 foot Barrier-Free Nature Trail is a self-guided interpretive trail, providing access to nature for all visitors to Fort De Soto Park, regardless of their physical abilities.

A Dog Park - Fort De Soto has the only dog park where dogs are allowed on the beach in a designated area.  Be sure to review the rules online! 

Youth camping area for organized youth groups such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Church groups, etc.

Follow this link to the Ft. De Soto Park Official Website to view 360º Virtual Tours of the following park amenities:  Gulf Pier, North Beach, Campground, Shelter 14, Pier 1, Boat Ramp, Museum, Fort, Barrier Free Trail, and Dog Park.

CREDITS:  Information and photos courtesy of Pinellas County and Ft. De Soto Park.  Some photos by yours truly.

The coming week offers a time of reflection and rejuvenation.   A glance back at the past and the promise of a new beginning.

The year that is about to end brought ups and downs to our area’s real estate market.  Throughout Pinellas County, the good news is that our market appears to be rebounding (with record sales per statistics available online at www.tampabayrealtor.com). 

This news is exciting and welcomed.  Still, 2009’s challenges greatly impacted real estate professionals throughout our community.  At year’s end, however, the takeaway is extremely positive and makes me proud to be member of Pinellas Realtor Organization (PRO). 

Throughout Pinellas County and the year, Realtors and affiliate board members worked individually and cooperatively to support numerous nonprofit and community organizations, and charitable events.  This support is especially evidenced during the holidays.

One example is the annual food drive and cash donation collection which takes place in conjunction with the Treasure Island Holiday Pitch Session. 

Hosted by Baird Realty Group, a real estate office located in St. Pete Beach, and attended by Realtors and affiliate board members from throughout the area, weekly pitch sessions provide an opportunity for real estate professionals and service providers to meet and discuss real estate.  Along with others, I regularly attend these meetings to “pitch” property listings , learn about new listings and price adjustments, broker and public open house events, news for the good of the association, and to meet and hear from other board members.  The Holiday Pitch Session is the most special meeting of the year as it presents an opportunity to give back to the community in which we live and work.

The 2009 Holiday Pitch Session was held in early December at Paradise Lutheran Church in Treasure Island.  The room was festively decorated.  There was a towering Christmas tree and everyone who attended was dressed in their finest (and, in some cases, funniest) holiday attire.  Yes, there were a few ugly sweaters and vests, lots of Santa caps, some twinkling name badges, jingle bell earrings and necklaces, and an abundance of good cheer!

The pitch began, as all of the weekly meetings do, with coffee and networking.  However, due to the festive occasion, several affiliate board members volunteered to serve breakfast.  While everyone enjoyed the refreshments, members of a choir (comprised of affiliate board members) sang a holiday song, which they wrote and dedicated to the Realtors in attendance.  The joy in their warbling voices bolstered the already high spirits in the room. 

A couple (she, a Realtor; he, a title company owner) brought their children to the meeting.  The toddler and infant, adorably regaled in festive attire, were surprised to hear jingling bells that announced Santa’s arrival.  Truth be told, many (read: much older) attendees were surprised, too!  The jolly old soul had a hearty laugh that jiggled his jelly-filled bowl of a belly.  The welcomed visitor distributed candy canes and hugs to all.  When he approached, I recognized the sparkle in his friendly eyes (Santa was another affiliate board member sharing good cheer).  The toddler climbed on his lap for the duration of the meeting. 

Once started, we rose to our feet to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.  The process of “pitching” listings and services began in earnest, followed by a discussion of items for the good of the association.  Then, the minister of the church was summoned. 

During the time we were together, working and making merry as Realtors, affiliate board members, and friends, we opened our wallets and hearts, collecting over $550 in cash and box loads of food items.  The cash and food was offered to the minister as a donation to his church.  When presented with this gift, the grateful expression on his face and heartfelt words of thanks made us all feel proud to be a member of our Realtor community.  A roomful of caring people, having faced tough times and good throughout 2009, selflessly giving for the greater good of our community. 

In reflection and with an eye to the future, I intend to take many gifts from 2009 with me into the New Year.  As with each passing year, it has been a time of highs and lows.  As the curtain falls on the passing year, one can only hope that it will rise again on January 1st to reveal the bright sparkle of renewed hope.  Indeed, I plan to carry a considerable amount of pride and gratitude into 2010–for a Realtor community that works cooperatively and embraces the spirit of giving–not just during the holidays, but throughout the year.  This, fellow residents and real estate professionals, is something that we can all be proud of! 

May you and yours have a very Happy New Year . . . in Paradise Found!

PHOTO CREDIT:  Group photo taken at the Treasure Island Holiday Pitch by Michael West of www.michaelwestphotography.com.