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• “Dolphin Tale” – Clearwater Aquarium

  Written by Connie Langhorst No Comments
  Last Updated: October 4, 2010

  

  Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd and Morgan Freeman are in negotiations to star in “Dolphin Tale,” Warner Bros.-based Alcon Entertainment’s inspirational animal tale being directed by Charles Martin Smith.  The movie will be a 3D release, perhaps becoming the first family film in this current climate of 3D frenzy to go with the format.

  “Dolphin” is inspired by the true story of a dolphin named Winter rescued off the Florida coast and taken in by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

  ABOUT THE CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM
  The Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit, working aquarium dedicated to public education, marine research, and the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured or stranded marine life.
  CMA serves as a connection between the marine environment and Tampa Bay community. More than 500 dedicated volunteers assist in continuing efforts to protect Florida’s fragile marine environment.  Each year, more than 150,000 people come to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to learn about dolphins, sea turtles and other wonders of the sea, but few know the fascinating history behind the big blue building near Clearwater Beach. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium recently celebrated its 30th Anniversary and takes this opportunity to look back fondly on its growth from a tiny exhibit into an internationally-known animal care and environmental education facility.

  The CMA volunteer program utilizes citizens willing to donate their time for the benefit of our fragile marine environment. Volunteers assist in conducting educational presentations, running the front desk and gift shop, and helping with animal care and rehabilitation. Volunteers are selectively placed with various Aquarium programs. CMA values its volunteers and acknowledges that their actions promote positive attitudes toward education and conservation. Year-round volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Students between the ages of 14 and 17 may apply to CMA’s Junior Volunteer Program, which is held each summer from June until August. The deadline for applications to this program is in late April of each year. Requirements for the program may vary from year to year so applicants are encouraged to be in contact with CMA after the first of the year for more information and the exact deadline date.

  Another inspiring reason why life is amazing. . . in Paradise Found!

  Clearwater Marine Aquarium
  249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767
  (727) 441-1790
  Hours of Operation
  Monday – Thursday 9am – 5pm
  Friday & Saturday 9am – 7pm
  Sunday 10am – 5pm

  Observed Holidays
  New Years Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day

  About Winter the Dolphin:  www.seewinter.com
  About Winter the Dolphin - For Kids:  www.winterstail.com
  

  

  

  CREDITS: Information and images used in this post provided courtesy of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium website, www.seewinter.com. Copyright 2004-2009 – Clearwater Marine Aquarium 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767.  Telephone Number: 1 (727) 441-1790.

• Reasons to Smile . . . In Paradise Found

  Written by Connie Langhorst No Comments
  Last Updated: July 13, 2009

  I had “high hopes” of posting this yesterday.  But (seemingly smiling) rays of sunshine and the day’s temperate climate led my husband and I to the car for a spontaneous travel adventure to Disney World Resort® in Orlando (FL). 

  This destination point, for people from around the world, is located only a short car ride from the South Gulf Beaches of Pinellas County (FL).

  Disney World Resort® features Magic Kingdom Park, Hollywood Studios, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, Animal Kingdom, and Epcot Center Theme Park, with its Future World and World Show adventures.

  The Resort offers discounted vacation packages for Florida residents, free admission on your birthday, thrill rides, daily parades, and an amazing fireworks show every evening!  There’s plenty of dining options, learning exhibits, live shows and concerts, and holiday-themed events.  And, all of this is located near Pinellas County for families and kids at heart (of any age) to enjoy!   

  A must see destination to the south of the South Gulf Beaches area is The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota (FL).  The Museum features masterwork paintings and sculptures by American, European, and Asian artisans. The Museum’s volunteers are super friendly and offer golf cart rides to points of interest, including the Ringling’s private estate, Ca’ d’Zan Mansion, the Circus Museums, and Historic Asolo Theater. 

  
  The grounds surrounding the Museum are breathtakingly beautiful, especially Mable Ringling’s beloved flower garden, with its multitude of colorful roses and marble statuary.  There’s a great restaurant, gift shop, and guest services, too.  While there, you might encounter a famous clown or aerialist willing to share fascinating stories of their life in the circus (as happened when my husband and I recently visited).

  The Orlando area is home to other thrilling destination points, such as SeaWorld® and Universal Studios Orlando®, Where Blockbusters Come to Life!. 

  Pinellas County residents don’t have to go far to experience an adventure!  Tampa Bay is graced with numerous exciting and top-rated destination points, including Busch Gardens® and The Florida Aquarium®.  Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoological Gardens® was recently rated (again) as ”The Best Zoo in the U.S.” by Parents Magazine. 

  Our museums, parks, nature trails, and historical sights are second to none! (Check out Bob Horn’s post about the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg to understand why!)

  No . . . I didn’t post this yesterday, as intended.  But I’m smiling.  Relishing the memory of a leisurely drive and fun afternoon in a wonderful world of make believe. 

  Humming a happy tune, I realize how fortunate we are to have truly magical travel destinations so near to us–close enough, in fact, to enjoy each and every day.  And each place is capable of making fairytale dreams come true!

  Now that’s worth smiling about . . . in Paradise Found!

  Thanks for visiting!

  Photos courtesy of The John and Mable Ringling Museum (Taken by Connie Langhorst)

• Clearwater

  Written by MyPinellas.com No Comments
  Last Updated: April 27, 2009

  Clearwater’s sugar-white sands and warm Gulf of Mexico waters have made it a popular vacation destination – and an incredible place to live. Overlooking the Gulf and connected with its famous beach by a scenic, two-mile causeway, Clearwater offers the perfect combination of work and play.

  The Beach
  Clearwater Beach has been named the “Best City Beach on the Gulf of Mexico.” Three miles of beachfront – all public – offer some of the best shelling, sunning and sailing opportunities anywhere, with fun shops and restaurants dotting the landscape. The newest highlight of Clearwater Beach is the nearly complete 3,000-ft. BeachWalk. The winding beach-side promenade is invigorating the personality of an already lively destination.

  The Clearwater Marina houses the largest recreational fleet of fishing boats on Florida’s west coast, while the nearby located Clearwater Marine Aquarium introduces visitors to the dolphins, stingrays and sea turtles that populate the area’s waters. The city is also in the permitting stage of constructing 132 new slips with easy access to downtown. Pier 60 hosts a nightly family-oriented festival celebrating the sunset with outdoor art, music and entertainment.

  In Clearwater, vacation starts every Friday.

  Lots to do Inland
  Coachman’s Park hosts popular community events, including the annual Clearwater Jazz Holiday. Ruth Eckerd Hall is the city’s cultural treasure, the only performing arts center in the state to be designated a Major Cultural Institution.

  Multitude of Home Styles
  Clearwater’s 109,000 residents enjoy a wide selection of homes, from a golf front villa in a master-planned community to a gulf front condo in an elegant high-rise. Many single-family homes, ranging from modest bungalows to upscale luxury residences serve the city’s diverse population. Many residents opt for homes with boat slips to take advantage of Clearwater’s waterfront location.

  The city’s size offers a large variety of public and private school choices and its own police and fire departments.

  “Clearwater is already a great place to live and in five years when the new downtown marina is complete it’s going to be even better – for residents and tourists alike. It’s a continually improving community.” Frank Dane, seven-year resident.

  
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  Factoids:
  Population: 109,000
  Land Area: 25.3 Sq. Miles
  Median Age: 41.8

  Points of Interest: Public Beaches – offers some of the best shelling, sunning and sailing opportunities anywhere, 3,000-ft. BeachWalk, The Clearwater Marina, The Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Pier 60, Coachman’s Park, The annual Clearwater Jazz Holiday, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Golfing.
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