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Fort De Soto – Quartermaster Storehouse Museum
Fort De Soto Park, the largest park in the Pinellas County park system, is located in Tierra Verde (FL) at the mouth of Tampa Bay on the Gulf of Mexico and consists of 1,136 acres made up of five interconnected islands (keys). The largest island is Mullet Key, where the Quartermaster Storehouse Museum is located.
Battery Laidley was the primary defense and Battery Bigelow was the secondary defense for Fort De Soto. Even though Battery Bigelow was destroyed during the hurricane of 1921, the Fort De Soto batteries were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. Visitors can walk through Battery Laidley, home to the last four surviving carriage-mounted 12-inch seacoast mortars in the continental United States.
In the 1990s, historical interpretation was provided to park visitors with the creation of the display room, room descriptions, and a history booklet, about Battery Laidley. Visitors thought the battery comprised the entire post, not realizing that there were 29 wooden buildings and structures as part of the former military post. Construction of the Fort De Soto gun batteries and various post buildings began in 1898 and continued through 1907. The Quartermaster Storehouse building was originally built as a Post Exchange. The army post remained active until 1910. A caretaking detachment was left in charge of the post. During the 1920s and 1930s, hurricanes hit the area, damaging the buildings. The post buildings were sold for salvage and torn down in 1939.
With the reconstruction of the post’s brick roads and cornerstones of the post buildings in the mid-1990s, the historical trail leads park visitors from Battery Laidley to the locations of former post buildings. Park staff, volunteers, and visitors discussed the reconstruction of one or more of these buildings. The concept became a reality in 1999 when the Friends of Fort De Soto, Inc., a citizen support organization, applied for and received a matching grant from the state Historical Museums Grants-in-Aid Program for museum exhibits.
Using historical photographs, Army engineering condition reports, and government documents, the architect worked diligently to duplicate the size, scale, and massing of the original Quartermaster Storehouse building. The reconstructed 833-square-foot wooden building was built entirely by park staff. The head carpenter acted as the site contractor and the park’s mason laid the brick footers. Employees worked to install the cedar shakes on the roof, while others painted the exterior of the building.
At first glimpse, inside the museum, visitors see the post’s quartermaster surrounded by supplies he would have issued to the soldiers. Wall panels reveal the earliest history from the 16th century when Spanish conquistadors encountered the Tocobaga Indians in the Tampa Bay area and several panels on the Spanish-American War and its impact on the Tampa Bay area.
The wall panels are complemented by a touch-screen computer program with information, images, narration, and historical film clips. Visitors can learn about the earliest area history to present day information on the Friends of Fort De Soto, nature trails, and other park features. Three display cases contain Spanish-American War items, recovered artifacts from the park, and World War II military history, including an original practice bomb from the Mullet Key Bombing Range that was found in the park. A porch scene provides a glimpse of daily life with a woman’s dress, a deck of playing cards, a rattlesnake skin, and other items from the early 1900s period. The largest wall panel is a combination of three photographs showing the post buildings. Since most park visitors are unfamiliar with the army’s coast artillery corps, one wall panel provides the history, photographs of soldiers in uniform, and contains patches and pins. The museum officially opened on Veteran’s Day – November 11, 2000.
With this historical addition to Fort De Soto Park, the County hopes to spotlight the historical significance that Fort De Soto played in the history of the United States.
Fort De Soto Park’s Quartermaster Storehouse Museum project received a meritorious award in the category of non-residential restoration/rehabilitation from The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation during the 2001 Annual Statewide Preservation awards program held in Jacksonville on May 19, 2001.
A place of historical significance . . . in Paradise Found!
ABOUT FORT DE SOTO PARK:
The Park is home to beach plants, mangroves, wetlands, palm hammocks, hardwoods and scores of native plants. Each of these species plays a vital role in the preservation and protection of the natural environment.
Whether you are sitting on the beach or kayaking near the still water’s edge at Fort De Soto, you find yourself absorbed in the abundance of natural beauty for as far as the eye can see. The complexity of the ecology is not immediately apparent, but the park offers the greatest diversity of systems just about anywhere. Emerging from the wealth of bird life, sea life, wild life and plant life is the majestic tapestry called Fort De Soto.
Another amazing example of the importance of the park’s natural ecosystems is the more than 290 species of birds that have been documented by ornithologists. The beach also provides refuge to the loggerhead sea turtle, which nests between April and September.
Fort De Soto was named America’s Top Beach for 2009-10 by TripAdvisor, the world’s largest online travel community. In 2005, “Dr. Beach,” named Fort De Soto the nation’s #1 Beach. Annual park attendance averages more than 2.7 million visitors. Click here to learn more about upcoming Fort De Soto Park events.
Fort De Soto Park
3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde, FL 33715
Park Office (727) 552-1862
Automated Information Message: (727) 582-2267FREE ADMISSION! (Donations accepted.)
CREDITS: www.PinellasCounty.org. 4/24/11.
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Florida Botanical Gardens
Discover How Florida Grows Everyday!At The Florida Botanical Gardens!
With spring approaching, Pinellas County gardeners are getting ready for a riot of colorful blooms, including Bougainvillea, Hibiscus, Jasmine, Magnolia, and Oleander, to name a few. There’s even an array of flowering plants with a uniquely Florida “beach” theme at this time of year . . . including Beach Sunflower, Coral Creeper, Coral Honeysuckle, Shell Flower, and Shrimp Plant!
The Florida Botanical Gardens inspires and educate visitors by showcasing flora, fauna and natural resources in surroundings that promote environmentally friendly techniques. With over 30 acres of cultivated gardens and 90 acres of natural areas, the Florida Botanical Gardens are a unique local treasure.
The Gardens beautiful outdoor classroom is the perfect place to learn about plants, animals and responsible gardening.
Discover Florida’s wildlife, habitats and why our natural areas are so important.
Home gardeners, as well as flower and plant enthusiasts, will want to visit the Seasonal Garden Display. These beds are created to show off the best flowering annuals for use in Florida gardens. Plantings are changed three times a year. This area is a great place to see what’s growing (and what to plant) at this time of year!
For family fun, riddle me this . . . What is yellow and green and fun all over?
The Children’s Trail at Florida Botanical Gardens, of course!
Follow Flora on this Trail Just for Kids!
Flora will show you weird and wonderful things as you explore the Florida Botanical Gardens.
With the aid of a map (available for download on the Garden’s website or at the Garden’s Welcome Center), start at the Butterfly Garden, hike over to the boardwalk Tree Station, and scan for wildlife with the binoculars near the pond. Then stroll through the Fruit Garden, while the Garden’s mascot, Flora, teaches fun facts about Florida fruits. It is fun for kids of all ages!
You may wish to visit the Garden’s neighbor, Heritage Village, where you will find a fascinating collection of historical buildings lovingly restored to their original condition with fascinating interpretation including a host of knowledgeable docents to help you understand the buildings you enjoy.
Shopping is made easy at the Botanical Bounty Gift Shop. The shelves are “blooming” with gift ideas to accommodate the wishes of friends and family.
Visit Florida Botanical Gardens website and click on the Seasonal Guide to discover what is blooming in Pinellas County right now!
Many of the website’s featured plants can be found in Pinellas County’s parks and preserves, as well as in backyard gardens! In addition to the seasonal guide chart, you can find tips and fact sheets on the care and maintenance of popular garden plants from the Pinellas County Extension.
Bring the family and spend a day. The Florida Botanical Gardens are open every day of the year and admission is free!
Discover Paradise in Pinellas County . . . we refer to it as Paradise Found!
Open daily from 7A to 7P.
Located at 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33774.
Website: http://www.flbg.org
For information call: 1+ 727-582-2100
CREDITS: Images and content provided courtesy of The Florida Botanical Gardens. Florida Botanical Gardens is part of the Pinellas County Cultural, Education & Leisure Department. www.flbg.org. February, 2011.
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Holiday Lights in The Gardens
Discover Paradise in Pinellas County!Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Florida Botanical Gardens and the holiday season.
See how more than 425,000 colorful lights can transform Florida Botanical Gardens into a holiday wonderland. Children admitted free.
Suggested $2 donation for adults. All pets must be on leashes. Sponsored by the Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation.
Gift and Plant Sale – December 12 – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Dog Parade – December 26 – 3:00 p.m.
For information, call (727) 582-2100
Vendors wanted weekends or nightly. For information, call (727) 582-2247.
Interested in volunteering for this community event? If so, contact Florida Botanical Gardens and ask for Chuck Scaffidi.
Help the Foundation and the community by sponsorship and/or donations for this exciting event. Send your tax-deductible gift to Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation at 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33774. Attention: Holiday Lights.To watch videos of last year’s event, visit http://www.flbg.org/foundation.htm.
And, for more Pinellas County holiday events, check out the Events Calendar at http://www.pinellascounty.org/Events/default.htm.
The Florida Botanical Gardens is a Pinellas County Government Program.
Have a Happy Holiday Season . . . In Paradise Found!
CREDITS: Florida Botanical Gardens. www.flbg.org. 2010. Pinellas County, FL, official website. www.PinellasCounty.org.
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Happy Thanksgiving!
One thing that is great about living in Paradise Found, is that–collectively–we are a caring community.At this time of year, many people throughout Pinellas County share the blessings of the season and this special time of year.
We have much to be thankful for. I especially wish to thank those who give of themselves, donating time and money, to help others. And, I wish to thank the members of our Armed Forces, and their families, for their service and sacrifice (respectively).
On my blogpost, I wish to call attention to two activities that are taking place in Pinellas County during Thanksgiving.
Enjoy a Free Thanksgiving Day Meal at Pilgrim Church
Join in the fun of a non-denominational dining experience to celebrate and give thanks!
Pilgrim Church will serve a free, traditional Thanksgiving meal from Noon to 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day in the Fellowship Hall. No RSVP is required and there are no eligibility requirements.For information, call (727) 347-1226.
When: Thursday, Nov 25th
Time: Noon – 4:00 p.m.
Where: Pilgrim Church, 6315 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg.
What: Arrive any time between Noon and 4 p.m. to enjoy a free, hot, home-style, traditional Thanksgiving meal. The dinner will take place in the church hall, but is not a religious event. ALL are welcome.Join the group for a wonderful Thanksgiving. Enjoy the food, the company, the stories.
And, next year, if you would like to add your cooking talents to the event, contact the Inskeep family and let them know you would like to help next year.
Suncoast Haven Serving a Free Thanksgiving Meal on 11/25 and 11/26
The Suncoast Haven of Rest Rescue Mission, 5625 Park Blvd., will also be open to anyone living in Pinellas County who would like a free Thanksgiving meal, or who would like to volunteer to help serve the meal. Meals begin at 1 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Volunteers should arrive at noon, diners at 1 p.m.For information, call (727) 545-8282.
Everyone has something to be thankful for. Have a Safe & Happy Thanksgiving . . . In Paradise Found!
CREDITS: Excerpts from 2010 St. Petersburg Times. In Print: Sunday, November 21, 2010. A special “thank you” to Kate Sullivan and my fellow writer members of www.WordSmitten.com.
St. Pete Times Article: http://www.tampabay.com/news/briefs/thanksgiving-meals-at-pilgrim-church-suncoast-haven/1135293.
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St. Petersburg Waterfront Parks Centennial
Get ready to celebrate!A year-long 100th birthday party for the magnificent downtown waterfront parks, the defining feature of beautiful St. Petersburg, Florida is underway as part of the Downtown Saint Petersburg Waterfront Parks Centennial!
Events planned for the Centennial will have something for everyone-from youngsters to the young-at-heart, from history buff to photography buff, from movie fan to sports fan. Free activities in all of the downtown waterfront parks, with eight stages featuring music for every taste. An events schedule is featured online at www.stpeteparks100.org.The Centennial Celebration honors the decisions of early civic and business leaders, acknowledges those who have fostered expansion of the waterfront parks, and looks at ways to preserve and enhance the parkland and open marine vistas for the next century.
Let’s party . . . in Paradise Found!
For more information about Party in the Parks, including where to park and get the shuttle, the entertainment schedule and the full list of participants, check out the below link or visit www.stpeteparks100.org.
Volunteers are needed to help with Party in the Parks on November 6. Volunteers will be expected to work at least a three-hour shift and attend a short training session. Volunteers will receive a free t-shirt. If you can help, go to the “volunteer application form” link on the above website for more information.
HISTORY
In early 2009, St. Petersburg Preservation president, Will Michaels, convened a community meeting to gauge the interest in organizing a celebration to commemorate the centennial of the creation and dedication of waterfront park in downtown St. Petersburg. Encouraged by the enthusiasm of the meeting participants, a steering committee was formed and soon ideas for events were being brought forward and discussed. Additional volunteers stepped forward, fundraising started and artist Carrie Jadus stepped up to create a beautiful centennial commemorative poster. Soon, a centennial celebration with multiple events to be held over the course of 2010 was in the works! In October 2009, City Council declared 2010 to be the waterfront parks centennial year, the centennial poster was unveiled and a kick-off reception was held at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, itself celebrating its centennial. The centennial celebration is for all to enjoy, visitors and residents alike, and to acknowledge the incredible foresight of William Straub, Perry Snell and the other city leaders who had the vision and commitment 100 years ago to turn the waterfront of a small but growing town into a beautiful green necklace open to all to use. Today, that vision remains and makes St. Petersburg special! Celebrate this city’s glorious waterfront!
MISSION STATEMENT
The Waterfront Centennial Committee has been formed to commemorate and to celebrate the decisions of our early civic and business leaders, which for a century have guided the expansion of the original downtown waterfront park to a green sweep of parkland, from North Shore to Albert Whitted. This unique string of waterfront parks defines the character of St. Petersburg, regularly serving as the scenic focus of city celebrations and events.
The mission of the Waterfront Centennial Committee is:
To commemorate the beginnings of our system of downtown waterfront parks through sponsorship and support of appropriate events in 2009 and 2010
To honor those city leaders, both in government and private enterprise, who had the foresight to assemble the land for our first waterfront park and to establish a strong priority for using our downtown waterfront land for public purposes
To promote awareness of the history of our waterfront parks, and to recognize on this Centennial the centrality of the waterfront parks in forming the character and charm of downtown St. Petersburg, and of the entire city
To envision ways to preserve and enhance our downtown waterfront parks and open marine vistas for the next century.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Carrie M. Jadus was born in Tampa, Florida in 1976 and grew up in the burgeoning city of Saint Petersburg. Hailing from many generations of artists, it was no surprise that Carrie had inherited the artist mind. Her family always encouraged her artistic ability and creativity and Carrie knew her destiny was to be an artist. In her teenage years, her parents encouraged her to attend Pinellas County Center for the Arts (PCCA) at Gibbs High School where her skills where honed and she was trained to work with a large variety of mediums. While attending Gibbs, she won several awards and her art was exhibited in several prominent bay area museums.
After graduating from high school, Carrie traveled within the United States and to Europe, seeking adventure at each opportunity. It was in Europe that she developed a deep admiration for the impressionist and how they were able to capture the moment “like a glimpse of a dream.” She eventually returned to her home city of St. Petersburg, where she fell in love and married. Though Carrie continued to work on illustrations, portraiture and remained involved in the art community, she chose a different path for a time and attended a Tampa university, where she earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Electrical Engineering. With a blossoming career as a young engineer, all seemed to be going as planned. However over the years, there was a growing sense that her life was moving in the wrong direction. As time ticked on, Carrie had a vivid realization that, if she stayed on the edge of the artist’s world and denied her true talent, her life would be one full of regrets. Equipped with an artist’s heart and the discipline of an engineer, she began to pursue her art full time. Today Carrie is working as a Tampa Bay Area Artist and her art is shown in galleries and belongs to private collections all over the world. To see some of her work or to contact Carrie, go to www.carriejadus.com.
CREDITS: www.stpeteparks100.org. Waterfront Parks Centennial Celebration.
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“Dolphin Tale” – Clearwater Aquarium
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 – 5pmObserved Holidays
New Years Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas DayAbout 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.
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Hammers & Heartstrings Ball
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County is creating homeownership opportunities for people and families with the help of this community. We’re building together because we believe that a community where everyone has a decent place to live is a matter of conscience and action. Come build with Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County!Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County will host their fourth annual dine-and-dance fundraiser on Saturday, September 25, 2010. Their Hammers & Heartstrings Ball takes place at the Don CeSar Beach Resort and Spa and benefits Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County and families waiting for their chance to build a better life.
Mission Statement
Putting faith into action, Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County promotes family stability by providing innovative and affordable housing solutions to qualified individuals and families. In partnership with our community, we work toward our ultimate goal of eliminating substandard housing throughout the county.Volunteer
Get Involved in a Mission that Will Change Lives — Including YOURS!
What makes Habitat’s mission unique? You do! Volunteer opportunities make it possible for thousands of people to get active in our community and make a difference in the lives of children and families. Building a new home (or a remodel) takes time and money, but seeing a family get the keys to a home you helped build is inspiring. Come out and volunteer. Come make a difference.If you are looking to help the environment, help build your community, meet new people, have fun, make a difference or earn community service hours, come volunteer at the Habitat ReStore, a non-profit retail outlet where new and gently used construction items, home improvement products and furniture are sold at discounted prices. Often people want to donate these things for use in Habitat homes. However, it is not practical, efficient or economical to try to adjust plans to accommodate most donated materials. The ReStore is Habitat’s solution for turning these donations, from environmentally concerned individuals and businesses, into money to build homes for families. Volunteers are needed to assist with off-loading donations, stocking the showroom, assisting customers and other administrative duties.
For more information about the Hammers & Heartstrings Ball or to learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County, visit the organization online at www.habitatpinellas.org or call (727) 536-4755.
Building hope is about believing in a new day . . . in Paradise Found!
CREDITS: Information and some images courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County. www.habitatpinellas.org.
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Pinellas County Beaches
Pinellas County Beaches
An unspoiled, beautiful part of life . . .
. . . in Paradise Found!Pinellas County maintains three major parks along the Gulf Coast. Fort De Soto Park, located in Tierra Verde, at the south end of the county, is one of the largest county parks in the State of Florida, with over seven miles of shoreline.
Sand Key Park, located in central Pinellas County, has almost a half mile of beachfront. Howard Park is a gem located on the Gulf of Mexico in the northern reaches of the county in Tarpon Springs. These parks offer a list of amenities that include picnicking facilities, fishing opportunities and other items of interest to residents and tourists alike.
In addition to these major beach park facilities, Pinellas County has six beach access parks, including Indian Rocks, Tiki Gardens/Indian Shores, Redington Shores, Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, and St. Pete Beach. These beach access parks expand public access, and include restroom and shower facilities. Pinellas County beach access parks are used by almost eight million visitors each year.
There are several fabulous links on the official Fort De Soto Park website, including virtual tour views, a beach access guide and beach finder, a beach and shell guide, a birding checklist for Fort De Soto Park, a Google Earth tour of Pinellas County Beaches, and a water quality guide. This information is also available from the Pinellas County and Visitor’s Bureau websites, too. Helpful links provided below.
Two state parks in Pinellas County, Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Island, provide almost five miles of direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. Honeymoon Island State Park is accessible by car, while pristine Caladesi Island State Park is easily reached by modestly priced public ferry that departs several times per day from Honeymoon Island State Park. Amenities and ample public parking is available within the grounds of Honeymoon Island State Park for both facilities.
In addition to the parks mentioned above, several important municipal parks provide direct beach access, amenities and public parking as well. St. Pete Beach’s Pass-A-Grille and Upham Beaches, Treasure Island’s four city-operated beach access parks, Madeira Beach’s Archibald Park and Clearwater’s North and South Beach Parks are examples of municipally operated beach access facilities.
In Pinellas County, beach access is provided at 31 parks and 135 public easements providing well over 12,000 parking spaces available to the public.
Pinellas County continues to recognize the need for expanding the publicly available beach access points and the desirability of providing properly designed and aesthetically pleasing walkovers. The joint efforts on the part of Pinellas County, the State of Florida, our local beach municipalities and the tremendous citizen volunteer efforts employed in our dune replanting, continue to make our beach access expansion and enhancement program a resounding success.
About Pinellas County Beaches
Occupying a peninsula along the Gulf Coast in the heart of west central Florida, Pinellas County is the second smallest county in the state, containing less than 281 square miles. While small in total area, Pinellas enjoys a long coastline along the Gulf Coast, providing over 35 miles of fine white sandy beaches stretching from Tarpon Springs to Fort De Soto.
With over 3,150 people per square mile, Pinellas County today is by far the most densely populated county in the State of Florida and is second only to Atlanta Georgia’s Fulton County, in the southeastern United States. Large numbers of residents are attracted to the county’s mild sub-tropical climate and strong economy. In 1996, over 4.1 million overnight visitors came to Pinellas County from around the state, the nation and throughout the world. To support the growing needs of our expanding residential population and the large number of visitors drawn to our area, enhancing our beaches, the county’s greatest asset, is vitally important to our overall economy and quality of life in our community.
Spotlight — Fort De Soto named America’s Top Beach – 2008
Pristine Area Favorite Lauded as “Portrait of Tranquility”Fort De Soto Park was named America’s Top Beach 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.
http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_ft_desoto.htm
http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/beaches.htm
http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/virtual_tour_beach_menu.htm
http://www.pinellascounty.org/PDF/BeachGuide.pdf
http://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/?type=beach
http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/pdf/beach-shells.pdf
http://www.pinellascounty.org/resident/recreation.htm
CREDITS: Information courtesy of www.PinellasCounty.org. Photography provided courtesy of my personal photo collection, my friend Brian Greene, and the beach panoramic scene photo provided courtesy of Pinellas County Communications Department
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A Taste of Pinellas 2010
Bring your appetite for fun!A Taste of Pinellas is an annual food and music festival for the whole family, held at Vinoy Park in downtown St. Petersburg in Pinellas County (FL).
Join the fun on the waterfront for taste sensations from local restaurants from throughout Tampa Bay! There will be great live music from national acts, A Kid’s Zone, games, crafts, and more! It’s sure to be a good time and it supports a great cause — the exceptional care that All Children’s Hospital provides for children in need.
A Taste of Pinellas 2010 is scheduled to take place Friday, June 4 from 5P to 10P, Saturday June 5 from 11:30A to 10P, and Sunday, June 6 from 12N to 7P.
Buy tickets online for express and guaranteed entry into Vinoy Park. General Admission only $5 a day on Friday and Saturday, FREE on Sunday! Children 12 and under admitted FREE every day!
To learn more about All Children’s Hospital, check out http://www.allkids.org/.
For an overview of entertainment and contests, list of participating sponsors and restaurants, news, and general information , visit A Taste of Pinellas 2010 online.
Proceeds from A Taste of Pinellas 2010 benefit All Children’s Hospital Telethon.
As a proud member of our Realtor® community, one element of A Taste of Pinellas that is not widely publicized is that many of the event volunteers are real estate professionals who come from throughout the County to support this worthy cause.
Plan to attend . . . support All Children’s Hospital . . . and join the fun!
Just another fun (and rewarding) thing to do . . . in Paradise Found!
CREDITS: Event information, artwork and photos, courtesy of the A Taste of Pinellas 2010 website.
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St. Petersburg International Folk Fair Society
St. Petersburg International Folk Fair
SocietyThird Annual Asian Pacific Rim Festival
England Brothers Band Shell
5121 81st Ave. N., Pinellas Park (FL)
The St. Petersburg International Folk Fair Society (SPIFFS) hosted the Third Annual Asian Pacific Rim Festival on May 15-16, 2010, in Pinellas Park, a vibrant community in Pinellas County (FL). The event featured a ceremonial dragon dance, ethnic cuisine, arts, crafts, fashion shows, martial arts demonstrations, live entertainment, and an Asian beer garden. The event was free and open to the general public (although there was a charge for food and beverages).
If you missed the Festival, don’t fret! SPIFFS plans to host a November Folk Fair in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of St. Petersburg’s waterfront parks!
The General Assembly of the St. Petersburg International Folk Fair Society plans to host the Thirty-Sixth Annual SPIFFS Folk Fair as a part of the special celebration of the 100th anniversary of St. Petersburg’s waterfront parks. On November 3, 4, and 5, the Folk Fair will be open for students from schools in the Tampa Bay area, and on Saturday, November 6, it will be open to the general public. The Folk Fair has been staged on or near Tampa Bay for most of its history, first in the Bayfront Center, and more recently at Vinoy Park and Albert Whitted Park.
SPIFFS is the only independent multi-ethnic organization of its kind in the United States and has been named as a local legacy by the Library of Congress.
Another Gem of Pinellas County . . . in Paradise Found!
Services offered by SPIFFS members:
Speakers Bureau
Folk Artists and ethnic resource volunteers visit schools and other community venues to discuss the heritage of their ethnic group, share their music, dance, arts and crafts, and sometimes demonstrate ethnic food specialties.Language Bank
More than 100 individuals handling over 30 different languages and dialects serve as translators and interpreters for the community in courts, hospitals and schools, and assist local city and county officials with translations for visiting dignitaries.Traveling Ethnic Suitcases
Contain books, videos, music tapes, artifacts, toys and information on the geography, history, arts and culture for students and teachers to explore.Folk Dance Groups
Many members have dance groups which are available to perform throughout the community.For more information about SPIFFS or to become a member, visit their website at www.SPIFFS.org.
St. Petersburg International Folk Fair Society (SPIFFS)
330 5th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701
Telephone: (727) 552-1896The following pictures from past SPIFFS events are truly worth 1,000 words (and then some). Enjoy!
CREDITS: Photos from past SPIFFS events and press release information courtesy of the St. Petersburg International Folk Festival Society website. www.SPIFFS.org.
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