ILovetampafl4: July 2015

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Walker’s Philadelphia cheesesteak mockery

Several Philly tourists not amused with Scott Walker crashing their lunch. Overheard: “Stand in line with the rest of us.” “Who is that?” — Jenna Johnson (@wpjenna) July 28, 2015 This is silly but sometimes you just gotta stop, smell the roses, and indulge in some mockery of Scott Walker’s cheesesteak choices. It’s the standard more »

Tampa Bay No. 2 in hotel job growth

The number of people employed by Hillsborough County’s hotel industry grew by more than 6 percent in 2013-14, outpacing every major destination in Florida and all but one nationally, according to new industry figures.

The report by Headlight Data looked at salaried hotel workers in the 50 largest counties in the U.S. The data were drawn from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, according to Headlight Data.

Hillsborough County placed No. 2 nationally with a hotel job-growth rate of 6.12 percent. The only county with a faster rate of hotel job growth was Davidson County (Nashville), Tenn.

Hillsborough County had 6,170 salaried employees working directly for hotels in 2014 compared to 5,813 the previous year, according to Headlight Data.

Nashville is one of the 10 destinations nationally that Hillsborough County competes directly with for both leisure and convention business. Many of those other destinations were also on the Headlight Data ranking, albeit below Hillsborough County.

“These numbers show the direct impact tourism has on Tampa Bay’s economy,” said Santiago Corrada, president and CEO for Visit Tampa Bay, Hillsborough County’s destination management organization. “Each of these new jobs ripples outward, creating more jobs far beyond the hotel industry. Many of these new hospitality workers will have the chance to move up in the industry, building their careers and their community as they go.”

Visit Tampa Bay’s most recent estimate is that tourism supports more than 78,000 jobs in Hillsborough County and contributes more than $3 billion to the local economy.

Hillsborough County’s hotel industry expanded in 2014, adding three new hotels – the Epicurean in Hyde Park, the Aloft Tampa (above) and Le Méridien Tampa, both downtown. All three hotels have about 130 rooms each. Le Méridien restored the abandoned 1905 federal courthouse at Florida Avenue and Zack Street, a project that has won accolades from Conde Nast Travel. The Aloft restored an empty former bank building at Kennedy Boulevard and Ashley Drive. The property overlooks the Kennedy Boulevard Plaza segment of the Tampa Riverwalk.

Local hotel jobs will continue to grow in the coming years as new hotels open in Ybor City, downtown and the West Shore Business District.

The job growth represents more than simply more hotels, however, Corrada said.

“These numbers reflect the growing popularity of Tampa Bay as a travel destination,” Corrada said. “As demand for hotel rooms has risen, our hotels have added more staff to accommodate those new visitors. That makes the visitor experience even better – and creates those happy memories that bring visitors back to Tampa Bay.”

Walker’s Philadelphia cheesesteak mockery

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Zoo gets new leader of the pack

Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo is getting a new CEO.

Joseph A. Couceiro is leaving the frigid north (Chicago's Brookfield Zoo) after three years there to return to Tampa Bay's balmy climes. He starts work at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo Aug. 17.

Couceiro's new job means a return to Florida and to the Tampa Bay area.

During his 30 years in marketing and senior leadership at zoos and theme parks, Couceiro spent time at Busch Gardens Tampa and its Orlando-based sister park, SeaWorld.

He was vice president of marketing for Busch Gardens Tampa from 2000 to 2003. He was promoted to vice president of marketing for all five Busch Entertainment Corp. parks in Florida, including SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, Aquatica, Busch Gardens and Adventure Island. In 2006, he rose to the top marketing position at BEC as chief marketing officer and executive VP. In that role Couceiro was responsible for the worldwide marketing and sales for all ten SeaWorld/Busch Gardens attractions.

Courceiro takes the lead at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo as the zoo comes off it's five-month Zoominations program, which filled the zoo with illuminated silk-and-steel sculptures created by workers from Szechuan, China.

For more information go to www.LowryParkZoo.org

10 Reasons Tampa Bay Is Awesome

Regardless of the time of year there are always tons of fun activities to participate in all year round!

Daily Sunshine

We aren’t called the sunshine state for nothing! We even have a perfectly built in afternoon rain shower in the summer so you can get a quick nap around 3 p.m. and get a little rest before enjoying a night out.

Outstanding Restaurants

Fun fact, Tampa Bay is the launching pad for many national restaurant concepts. We have dozens of delicious spots popping up all the time and some of the most creative chefs in the country.

Rich History

Tampa has no shortage of interesting history, from the rise of cigars in the early 1900s to becoming a hot spot for music in the 40s and 50s, there is something for history buffs of every kind.

Delicious Craft Beer Scene

With more than 25 breweries within 10 square miles plus multiple tour options you can get a taste of Tampa safely.

Roller Coasters and Waterslides

If you love roller coasters Busch Gardens has 10 awesome thrill rides, and Adventure Island right across the street with dozens of water slides.

Boating and Water Activities

When you want to get out on the water you have multiple options: you can rent a boat, enjoy a water taxi tour, try out a water bike, get yourself a kayak or take a paddle on a paddleboard.

Pool Parties

Whether or not you have some local friends we have a few happening restaurants/bars that host a fantastic pool party!

Outdoor Fun

With so many parks, bike paths, beaches, and waterfront sidewalks it is easy stay active with the family any time.

Broadway Shows

The Straz Center for Preforming Arts is located right inside our vibrant downtown district, close to fantastic restaurants and nightlife. So come on out and catch a show!

Arts, Museums, and Animals

From photography and museums to aquariums and zoos you can enjoy some culture in the morning and be hanging out with stingrays by lunch!

Selling New Homes In FishHawk Ranch Lithia Florida 33547

Fishhawk Ranch located in Lithia Florida features singly family homes, villas,and townhomes.Fishhawk Ranch is surrounded by nature trails and offers fantastic ammeneties. Fishhawk Ranch has short sale, bank owned foreclosures,and new home builder opportunities.

Fishhawk Ranch offers a plethora of ammeneties including an aquatic park with alagoon stlye pool and waterslide in addition to the Osprey Club which features a heated junior size olympic swimming pool, indoor fitness center,lightedtennis courts, basketball courts, and movie theater.

You want more right? How bout the Fishhawk County Sports Complex where the kids can play Football, Baseball, Soccer, Lacrosse, and more. With eight ballfields, four soccer/football fields and batting cages there are plenty of activities for the children. Park Square is the place to hang out with friends and family, you can enjoy dinner and drinks within the bistros,cafes, and restaraunts or just hang out in the outdoor living room with fireplace. Park Square holds special events like the Summer Concert Series and Farmer’s Market.

Fishhawk Ranch boasts some of the best schools in Hillsborough county. Come take a tour of Fishhawk Ranch and you will find out for yourself what a great place Fishhawk is to live.

Below you will find the best new homes with a wide range of price range and floor plans to suit your needs. This new home master planned community features 5,400 square-foot clubhouse State-of-the-art theater with stadium seating Gathering Room with kitchen A fully-equipped gym for both aerobic and weight-training Junior-olympic sized swimming pool and children’s water playground Lighted tennis and basketball courts Playground Welcome Center with a community overview for visiting guests . 2,000 square-foot clubhouse swimming pool picnic area and children’s playground soccer and softball field tennis, basketball, sand volleyball, and roller hockey courts Butterfly Garden 40-acre community park On-site preschool, FishHawk Early Learning Center, offers year-round care for children ages one year to pre-K, as well as morning and after-school programs and a summer camp. A-rated Bevis Elementary (K-5), #1 elementary school in Hillsborough County two years in a row Presently, nearly 20 miles of trails weave throughout FishHawk Ranch. Fishhawk Ranch

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Epicurean Hotel teaches next gen of young chefs

Everything about the Epicurean Hotel oozes luxury. From the elegance of Spa Evangeline to the decadence of dessert shop Chocolate Pi and the rooftop bar The Edge, opulence abounds. But there’s also a heart and soul which some members of the Tampa area Boys & Girls Clubs have experienced in the last month.

Thanks to the efforts of founder Vicki Anzalone, Epicurean Hotel General Manager Tom Haines and Epicurean Chef Max Sherard, the five-class cooking series “Where Love Grows” has been teaching young chefs the art of preparing their own meals.

“This is a great, great way for me to give back,” said Sherard. “I can pass along my gift. If they don’t become the next Top Chef, maybe they can learn to make a few meals for themselves and enjoy it”.

Besides preparing their own lunch each week, the children also learn about healthy eating and how to create meals for themselves at home. Anzalone says the crusade for the Where Love Grows Foundation is to end childhood hunger in Hillsborough County and beyond. She says 28 percent of the children in the county go home hungry every day.

“We have zero budget, but it doesn’t stop me,” said Anzalone, who also uses a group of 8-20 volunteers to help the cause.

Calling the Epicurean “Mecca”, Anzalone has seen the number of students increase by nearly 25 percent in the second year of the program. She was also named a Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hero and is using some of the money to help finance the launch of a mobile cooking program to reach children on a wider scale.

Next on the list is the graduation ceremony on Aug, 5 and taking part in the Tampa Yankees’ “Hope Week” Aug. 18.

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

WI Supreme Court “went well beyond what any court has ever held in opening the floodgates to secret money in politics”

Brendan Fischer of PRWatch was recently interviewed by Janine Jackson of Fair.org. A couple of exerpts: JJ: Well, it sounds as though the charge was that Walker actively sought to skirt finance laws and that the ruling is: Yes, he did, but it’s OK? I mean, help us to understand exactly what happened here. BF: That’s about right. more »

Monday, July 27, 2015

Republican presidential candidates cluster accounts at bank with only 1 branch in McLean, Virginia

Hmmmmm. From Bloomberg: “According to the most recent Federal Election Commission filings, Chain Bridge is the sole bank serving Jeb Bush’s presidential campaign, which reported raising $11.4 million as of June 30, and his allied super-PAC, Right to Rise, which says it’s raised $103 million so far. Donald Trump’s campaign banks at Chain Bridge, and it’s more »

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Trump nails Walker on crumbling roads, deficit, underfunded education, Common Core flip-flops

Times are strange when you’re pleased to hear from Donald Trump, eh? What’s really wild is not only do I enjoy hearing Trump slam Walker, I have to admit that Trump is essentially telling the truth about the state of affairs in Wisconsin and about Walker’s flip-flops on Common Core. Donald Trump says he wasn’t more »

Wisconsinite dissents in chalk: “WEASEL WHORE HOUSE”

The dissent: The chalker, who prefers to remain anonymous, gave me permission to upload this photo here. If you have questions about the use of the word “whore” in Wisconsin see this. You just finished reading Wisconsinite dissents in chalk: "WEASEL WHORE HOUSE"! Consider leaving a comment!Visit bluecheddar.net for more news and opinion. You can more »

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Busch Gardens: 1 of world's top parks

Now the folks at Trip Advisor have reported what we've known all along: Busch Gardens Tampa is one of the top amusement parks in the world.

Trip Advisor included the home of Falcon's Fury, the tallest drop tower in North American, on its list of the 25 best theme parks on the planet. Theme Park Central, aka Orlando, sucked up most of the ink, but Tampa Bay held its own among the competition just an hour down the highway.

The ranking was decided based upon guest reviews of parks all over the globe over the course of a year. The list included historic gems like Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen as well as more modern parks.

Adding to the excitement, Busch Gardens Tampa’s "Iceploration" show was a winner in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest for Best Amusement Park Entertainment. Nominees were chosen by a panel of relevant experts, which included a combination of editors from USA TODAY and 10Best.com, relevant expert contributors and sources for both these media and other Gannett properties. Voters were then given four weeks to vote for their candidate of choice.

Along with shows like "Iceploration," Busch Gardens Tampa combines thrill rides, kid-friendly fun and lessons about wild animals, many of them found mostly in Africa. The park's sprawling Serengeti Plain is home to giraffe, zebras, antelope and ostriches -- all accessible from a distance by steam locomotive up or up close during a journey into the park at feeding time. The park also has a breeding program aimed at helping restore populations of endangered species such as cheetahs and gorillas.

Adding to Busch Gardens Tampa's thrills, the park has begun work on Cobra's Curse, a new family ride that will open in 2016.

“Scott Walker is not Joe McCarthy, but his technique is similar”

This is a bit from an opinion piece by Dana Milbank in the Washington Post: “Scott Walker is not Joe McCarthy, but his technique is similar: He suggests that the nation’s ills can be cured by fighting labor unions (foremost among the “big government special interests” hurting America), even though unions represent just 11 percent more »

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

One of the shady recipients of Walker’s WEDC welfare faces criminal investigation (finally)

As blogger lufthase puts it, “If WEDC had done a simple search on Green Box chairman Ronald Van Den Heuvel before making this loan, they’d have found at least 8 six-figure judgements from 2008 to 2011 against him or the many, many companies he has registered at the same address as Green Box.” Basically, Scott more »

Tampa Bay black history gets reborn

Did you know that R&B legend Ray Charles got his start in Tampa Bay? Or that Martin Luther King Jr. visited Tampa Bay in 1961 as he rose to lead the Civil Rights Movement?

Tampa Bay's African American history, once centered in Central Avenue on the northwest corner of downtown, was largely erased decades ago by Urban Renewal and the construction of I-275.

Community leaders began the process of acknowledging the deep roots of Tampa Bay's black residents this morning when they broke ground for the redevelopment of Perry Harvey Sr. Park.

The park sits where Central Boulevard once formed the core of the black business and social scene in the first half of the 20th Century.

When it reopens -- in time for the 2016 Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival, if all goes as planned -- the park will encapsulate the role black leaders like its namesake (a leader of the local longshoremen's union and music promoter) had on the community. It will include a section about Tampa Bay's role in the Chitlin' Circuit -- the chain of black music and comedy venues across the Southeast and Midwest.

The park sits amid other monuments to Tampa Bay's black history, including St. Paul's AME Church, now preserved as a community center, and the former boarding house known as Jackson House.

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Round-up of Wisco news: Walker puzzled by gayness, Walker v. G.A.B., 20 wk. abortion ban, MORE

These seem like the key WI political stories from the last 3 or 4 days. If I missed something, please do leave it in a comment. WALKER AND GAYNESS This is how conservative blog NewsMax frames it: Gay marriage opponent and Republican presidential candidate Scott Walker said in a CNN interview broadcast on Sunday he more »

Monday, July 20, 2015

“Governor Walker, why are you trying to break my family apart?” – Leslie Flores

Because a new poll shows that Donald Trump polls nationally at 24% among Republican registered voters while Walker polls 13% I have to admit that I have no idea whether Walker’s comments to this family have an impact positive or negative within the Republican Party base. This guy’s tweet sums up their bigoted wingnuttery: "Obama's more »

Epicurean hosts 7-week chef showdown

Ever dream about attending Food Network’s “Iron Chef America?”

Now you have the chance to witness a local version of that world-famous program.

And it’ll be epic.

Starting next Monday, July 27, Tampa Bay’s Epicurean Hotel will open its in-house kitchen theater to the Epic Chef Showdown. Eight of Tampa Bay’s best chefs will cook off against each other over the next seven weeks. At the end, the last chef standing will be crowned Tampa Bay’s Epic Chef.

Each contest will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Epicurean Hotel is at 1207 S. Howard Ave. Tickets will be $75. The evening includes a four-course meal with win pairings inspired by participating restaurants and the Epicurean’s one Élevage.

The event’s a friendly cooking competition for a good cause: Feeding America Tampa Bay, a charity that provides food to Tampa Bay’s neediest families through area food banks.

Popular local restaurants, including Mise en Place, The Refinery and Rooster and the Till, will send chefs to compete in the showdown.

This showdown is what you would expect from any cooking competition on Food Network: creativity, skill and beat-the-clock tension you can cut with a Santoku.

So come out to support your favorite local restaurant a worthy cause at the same time.

Judges will be Whitney Miller, the first U.S. winner of the Fox-TV show “Master Chef,” sand Creative Loafing contributor David Morris. They’ll be joined by a celebrity chef to be named later. The final round will be judged by Simon Majumdar, a frequent judge on Food Network shows “Iron Chef America,” “The Next Iron Chef,” and “Beat Bobby Flay.”

Get your tickets for Tampa Bay’s Epic Chef Showdown now.

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Iowa is smelling the BS around Walker’s Kohls speech

Iowans are learning that Scott Walker doled out over $68 million to Kohls. It’s undermining his “brown bag government” schtick. Excellent! If they keep pulling at loose threads on his stories they’re going to turn up tales of unaccountable millions in corporate welfare he gave out through WEDC. Des Moines Register has the story: Some more »

Saturday, July 18, 2015

Half-cent transit plan divides Democrats in Hillsborough commission race

TAMPA — Hillsborough County's failed 2010 ballot referendum to raise the sales tax by a penny to pay for transportation improvements was a litmus test of sorts for local Republican candidates.

Friday, July 17, 2015

Looks like my governor is cruisin’ through Iowa in a big gay RV

I sent this to George Takei Dear George: This is a photo of Scott Walker’s new RV. I must say, all I can see is an equal sign with those two red bars on the right. And when I see a red equal sign I am reminded of the red equal sign which you encouraged more »

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Appeal of John Doe decision to SCOTUS unlikely according to Hasen

This is from Hasen’s “Analysis of Wisconsin John Doe Ruling: Bad News for Campaign Finance Laws” U.S. Supreme Court review? The dissent notes that under the U.S. Supreme Court’s Caperton decision, the failure to recuse in this case could be a due process violation. At least theoretically, that’s an issue which could go to the more »

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

FHP: Five injured in wrong-way crash on Memorial Highway in Tampa

TAMPA — An elderly driver traveling the wrong way on Memorial Highway Wednesday night caused an accident that sent five people to the hospital, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Rays' Archer allows one run in 1-plus innings in All-Star debut

The Rays All-Star gets four outs, gives up a homer.

5 Ways to Unlock Tampa Bay

KID ROCK with FOREIGNER (Saturday)

The full name's a mouthful: Kid Rock Presents: Kid Rock’s First Kiss: Cheap Date Tour with special guest Foreigner. You’ll know all the words to all the songs, trust me. The show’s at MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre. Go here for tickets.

BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S (3 p.m. Sunday)

Is there anything more glamorous than Audrey Hepburn eating a croissant in a tiara? The Tampa Theatre reminds us why this picture made Ms. Hepburn such an icon. Also, there's George Peppard long before he was chewing cigars in the A-Team. And Andy Rooney just plain chewing the scenery. The largely unscripted party scene alone is worth the price of admission.

SAM SMITH (Tuesday)

Extend the weekend when British crooner Sam Smith comes to Amalie Arena with Gavin James as his guest performer in support of his self-titled album. Tickets are on sale here.

SUMMER NIGHTS/ISLAND NIGHTS (all weekend)

SUMMER NIGHTS (weekends through August 16): Experience Busch Gardens Tampa after the sun goes down when Summer Nights’ festival atmosphere fills the park after dark. DJ’s pump music through the cool evening air while the rides like Cheetah Hunt and Falcon’s Fury take on a new feeling at night. Busch Gardens Tampa season pass holders can get up to two people in for $25 each during Summer Nights.

ISLAND NIGHTS (weekends through August 8): Adventure Island’s water rides keep flowing after the sun goes down. Summer is a great time to experience the thrills of the new Colossal Curl raft ride and everything else the park offers. A trip along the Lazy River takes on a new dimension under a star-filled sky.

HIT THE WATER DOWNTOWN (all weekend)

Take advantage of the City of Tampa’s newest boat docks on the Hillsborough River by hitting the water. Choose your vehicle: eBoat, paddleboard, water bike or your personal kayak or watercraft. The docks and kayak launch at Water Works Park give you a way and a reason to explore more of the watery artery that flows through the heart of the city. You might even see a manatee or two.

Monday, July 13, 2015

Green, Coral and Ivory Rustic Wedding | Rocking H Ranch

Rustic Lakeland Outdoor, Barn Wedding | Rocking H Ranch It was a family affair for Megan and Charles’ rustic outdoor wedding ceremony, which took place on their family’s property, Lakeland wedding venue Rocking H Ranch. Megan started the day getting ready in the Higgenbotham’s plantation home, while Charles, the grandson of ranch owner, Marty Higgenbotham, and […]

The post Green, Coral and Ivory Rustic Wedding | Rocking H Ranch appeared first on Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Blog & Planning Site.

$5.9M settlement is announced in chokehold death

New York $5.9M settlement is announced in chokehold death

Baby Wildebeest Born at Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens Tampa recently welcomed a baby white-bearded wildebeest to the more than 12,000 animals that call the park home. The male calf was born on the morning of July 7 on Busch Gardens’ Serengeti Plain and weighed approximately 40 pounds.

The gestation period for wildebeest is between 8-9 months and wildebeest calves can stand and run within 3-7 minutes after birth. Additionally, calves will nurse for most of the first year and will follow their mothers as they move with the herd.

White-bearded wildebeest are native to Kenya and Tanzania in eastern Africa, and adults can weigh as much as 600 pounds for males and 500 pounds for females. Busch Gardens’ guests can see the baby, along with the rest of the wildebeest herd, by booking a Serengeti Safari or by taking a ride on the Serengeti Express Railway.

Take advantage of LIMITED-TIME OFFERS this summer in Tampa. Receive $15 Busch Gardens Bucks when you buy a 2015 Fun Card online. Or, if you're a Pass Member, bring up to two friends for $25 each!

Visit buschgardens.com for more information. Plus, be the first to know about new events, special deals and future announcements by following the park’s blog at BuschGardensTampaBlog.com, or “like” the Busch Gardens Facebook page, and follow @buschgardens on Twitter and Instagram.

Can you tell when freshness is beyond the pale?

We all know that India Pale Ales should be consumed as fresh as possible. Hop volatilization occurs rapidly, meaning that old IPAs end up tasting stale and unbalanced — all bitter, and no aroma or subtle hop flavor. That's no good.

Saturday, July 11, 2015

Pope gushes about Paraguayan women during Mass in Caacupe

In his visit, he declares a small church the world's newest basilica.

Busch Gardens summer deal lets pass holders bring a friend for $25

Busch Gardens on Friday announced a summer deal for Fun Card holders that allows them to bring a friend to the Tampa theme park for $25 — a savings of more than $70 — and they are throwing in $15 in Busch Gardens Bucks for anyone who buys a Fun Card online. The $97 Fun Card gives a visitor unlimited access to Busch Gardens through …

Friday, July 10, 2015

Rays beat Astros in series opener

Win has key hits, strong pitching from start to finish.

Busch Gardens: Bring a friend for $25

Busch Gardens Tampa has a special deal for season-pass holders and the people who call them friends: Pass holders can get up to two friends each into the park this summer for $25 a piece.

Sounds like a recipe for fun during Summer Nights.

Prepare to have lots of friends, pass holders.

The deal is one of two Busch Gardens Tampa announced this week:

$15 Busch Gardens Bucks with a 2015 Fun Card

For a limited-time, receive $15 Busch Gardens Bucks when you buy a 2015 Fun Card online. Guests can enjoy again-and-again access to Busch Gardens through Dec. 31, 2015 and use Busch Gardens Bucks on dining, shopping or tour reservations on the first visit. Busch Gardens Bucks must be redeemed by Sept. 30 and will be valid only on the date the voucher is redeemed at the park. For more information, visit buschgardenstampa.com.

Pass Members & Fun Card Holders: Bring a Friend for $25

Pass Members and Fun Card holders can bring up to two friends for only $25 each this summer and share the excitement of fireworks and thrill rides in the dark during Summer Nights. This limited-time offer is valid for one visit to Busch Gardens and is only available through Aug. 16. Restrictions apply. Log onto the Pass Member Website for more information.

Thursday, July 9, 2015

State Supreme Court ruling shakes up Florida's political landscape

The state high court tosses the old and orders new congressional district maps to be done in 100 days. The Florida Supreme Court tosses the old and orders new congressional district maps to be done.

Lessons for Businesses on the Confederate Flag

flag1

Amongst the growing debates over the removal of the Confederate flag it seems the real watershed moments happened with a Tweet from Mitt Romney.

Take down the #ConfederateFlag at the SC Capitol. To many, it is a symbol of racial hatred. Remove it now to honor #Charleston victims.

— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) June 20, 2015

He trended for hours with the support of the Twitter-Verse after his tweet stating why the flag should be removed. Social media is once again being used as a tool to denounce a brand. In this case a flag from the past.

Following South Carolina’s governor, Nikki Haley, decision to remove the Confederate flag from the capitol, many big businesses decided to pull Confederate items from their shelves. Within one day Sears, Walmart, Ebay, Etsy, and Google made this defining change. Following, sales increased 5,000 percent on items with the Confederate flag on Amazon, but not long after they to removed these items as well.

In an interview with CNN Virginia governor, Ralph Northam, stated “The business community — they have a lot of say and power all over the country, whether it’s on religion or ethnicity or LGBT issues… When you’re running a business, you must have the doors open and welcome diversity.” The business community has spoken, despite the possible gain; they don’t want to be associated by something like the Confederate flag.

While discussing the Confederate Flag in 1863 at the Rebel congress in Richmond William Tappan Thompson, a newspaper editor who has often been quoted for the flag’s purpose, stated:

As a national emblem, it is significant of our higher cause, the cause of a superior race, and a higher civilization contending against ignorance, infidelity, and barbarism. Another merit in the new flag is that it bears no resemblance to the now infamous banner of the Yankee vandals.

Even if many see this flag as a part of history it is clear that to others it’s more than history, and many are coming around to see what is so offensive. Some are calling upon the flag as representing treason, while others are standing firm it is a matter of preserving the past.

Whether you own a business/brand big or small attention to the overall conversation must be made. This flag has been a reminder to many:

Core values of a brand are always under question;
Social media is an immediate sounding board to public opinion whether you like what is said or not;
Celebrating a past must be handled with care. People are looking ahead and many would prefer to deny any large issues exist today which are from the past.

What do you think about the recent conversation about the confederate flag and businesses? As a business owner would you consider displaying historical items which are offensive to many?

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Above Promotions is a digital marketing and public relations agency with B2C clients that promote brands in the food, fashion and family entertainment industries. We build and protect brands by creating and executing digital resources to sell products or build positive public sentiment. From a local to international market, Above Promotions Company can provide the exposure that goes above your expectations. Visit http://www.abovepromotions.com today.

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Althea Tyrell is a communications assistant with Above Promotions Company. She is a student with the University of South Florida.

Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: Brand, confederate flag, crisis, history, Marketing, Mitt Romney, Nikki Haley, north, race, racism, south, southern, william tappan thompson, yankee

Congratulation to Kim Christ Kanatzar from The Zest Team at HomeXpress. For Closing a Brand New K.Hovanian New Single Family Home In Riverside Bluff.

Congratulation to Kim Christ Kanatzar from The Zest Team at HomeXpress. For Closing a Brand New K.Hovanian New Single Family Home In Riverside Bluff. The Talbot 4,213 Sq Ft 2 Stories 6 Beds 4.5 Baths 3 Car Garage . Special thanks From K. Hovnanian Homes for making it happen.. Need any Advice on New Homes in Tampa/Bradenton Area. Please Call Kim Christ Kanatzar @1-813-401-4467

Search all the Riverview FL homes for sale here in list view or below. Riverview has fast become one Tampa Bay’s hottest community and a great place to call home. Did you know Riverview was voted for CNN’s top smallest communities in America? We love our Riverview community and would the opportunity to help you buy your dream home, whether you are looking to relocate to the Riverview area, a first time home buyer, or are already a resident.

We are experts in the Riverview community including keeping up to date with all the local new home builders home inventory. Please contact us so we can help you buy a new home as we will negotiate on your behalf to make sure you get the best possible deal. Our service is completely free for you as a home buyer

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5 Ways to Unlock Tampa Bay -- with Sharks!

It must be said: Sharks are cool. Celebrate some of the oldest, most beautiful and misunderstood creatures of the deep this weekend as Shark Week takes a bite out of Tampa Bay.

CELEBRATE SHARK WEEK (Friday through Sunday)

Sharks are the stars of the Florida Aquarium’s enormous coral reef exhibit. Learn more about them and their cartilaginous cousins the skates and rays when the aquarium turns to up the shark love. Shark-themed activities will dominate the weekend’s events. The schedule includes:

* A shark-themed scavenger hunt throughout the Aquarium

* Interactive shark games and learning activities

* Special (Underwater) Guest Speaker – Marine Scientist and Author Dr. Ellen Prager (3:15 p.m. July 10)

* Special (Underwater) Guest Speaker - Shark Expert Dr. Dan Huber (11 a.m. July 12)

SHARK CON (Saturday)

Dive into the deep end of learning about sharks when SharkCon returns to the Florida State Fairgrounds. You’ll find touch tanks where kids and adults can interact with sharks and horseshoe crabs. Exhibits from the Florida Aquarium, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, Mote Marine Laboratory and SeaWorld will teach you things you never knew about the oceans and their top predators. There’ll also be classes in paddleboarding, net casting and fishing. And since Shark Week isn’t Shark Week without cheesy shark movies, you’ll get to see three of the best of the worst (and, hopefully, you’ll be more amused than afraid).

“JAWS” (9:30 p.m. Saturday)

Detecting a theme so far? Repeat after me: It’s just a movie. Not that it matters. Steven Spielberg’s classic thriller still chills the blood 40 years after it first terrified movie-goers with that fin breaking the water and those ominous cello chords. Alas, Spielberg’s movie – and Peter Benchley’s book before that -- also took a pretty big bite out of human-shark relations, helping to turn a vital part of the aquatic ecosystem into everybody’s favorite Big Bad. “Jaws” is part of SharkCon. Underwater videographer Jillian Morris Brake, executive director of the Oceanicallstars conservation media group and the creator of the SHARKS4KIDS education program, will provide a short introduction to the showing at the Tampa Theatre.

ANDY WARHOL AND PRINTMAKING (through Sept. 20)

The Tampa Museum of Art’s new show, "In Living Color: Andy Warhol and Contemporary Printmaking from the Collections of Jordan Schnitzer and His Family Foundation," stars the man who made Pop Art famous through his jarring portraits of famous faces, such as Marilyn Monroe and Mao Tse-Tung. You can both of them along with dozens of other works by Warhol and others at the exhibit. You start with this review by Tampa Bay Times art critic Lennie Bennett.

TAMPA BAY STORM (July 11)

Catch Tampa Bay’s arena football team as they take on the Orlando Predators at 7:30 p.m. at Amalie Arena. Football in the summer – and air-conditioning. Tickets are available here.

Talks not begun on Stamkos contract extension

The Lightning and captain Steven Stamkos haven't begun negotiations for a contract extension, agent Don Meehan said Wednesday.

Stage Planner: Freefall, American Stage seasons close with a light touch

Two local theaters are finishing their seasons on an upbeat note with shows opening this week. Here's a look at what's in store.

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Baltimore mayor fires police commissioner amid homicide rise (w/video)

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Stonegate At Ayerworth Glen Riverview Florida New Home Community in High Demand

Lennar Homes Stonegate At Ayerworth Glen Riverview Florida

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Coast Bike Share: 10,000 and counting

Coast Bike Share, Tampa Bay’s bike rental service, has reached 10,000 members after less than a year in business.

Coast Bikes’ sturdy, blue machines can be found at stations throughout downtown. With new bike lanes and paths, they make it easy to move around Tampa Bay, whether you’re running a quick errand downtown or exploring the Tampa Riverwalk!

All you need is a smart phone and a credit card to get started. The Coast Bikes app gives you a day filled with adventures in Tampa Bay.

Coast Bike Share has 30 stations spread across downtown, Ybor City, and Davis Islands. It’s adding new stations on the University of South Florida campus north of downtown as well- so there is more to explore!

After only being open for seven months, Coast Bike Share riders have traveled 70,630 miles so far! That's like biking around the earth nearly nine times! It’s also a great way to exercise. Eat a big lunch? Bike off the calories riding that pretty blue bike. It's also a great way to incorporate a workout into your daily life. So no more excuses on why you don’t have time to work out because now you do.

And who wouldn’t want to beat the heat while taking a breezy bike ride downtown? It's easier and more fun than walking.

To celebrate their 10,000th member, the Coast Bike Share folks are offering a special deal: Ride all day for$15 in July.

They’ve also lined up activities each weekend this month to celebrate biking in Tampa Bay. Do the words “pool party” get you pedaling? Or maybe “pedals and pints?” Grab a blue bike and join the fun!

For more information go to https://coast.socialbicycles.com/

Amid Confederate flag debate, 'Unity Flag' group hopes to raise different banner

TAMPA — Aaron McCrae was cruising along Interstate 4 with a friend from out of town, listing all the reasons he loves Tampa Bay, when his visitor paused and pointed up. "What's that about?" he asked.

NTSB: 2 killed when F-16, small plane crash; jet pilot safe

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. — An F-16 fighter jet smashed into a small plane Tuesday over South Carolina, killing two people and raining down plane parts and debris over a wide swath of marshes and rice fields.

Road to Nowhere: Homeless bused out of St. Pete, but then what?

There is no verification that passengers end up where someone will care for them.

Red Sox 4, Marlins 3

Red Sox 4, Marlins 3 BOSTON — Xander Bogaerts drove in three runs with a bases-loaded single in the seventh, bolstering his chances for a spot in the All-Star Game. Bogaerts, one of five candidates for the final AL opening, had two hits to raise his batting average to .304. Wade Miley struck out nine and Travis Shaw picked up his …

Subway suspends ties with spokesman Fogle after raid at home

ZIONSVILLE, Ind. — FBI agents and Indiana State Police raided the home of Subway restaurant spokesman Jared Fogle on Tuesday, removing electronics from the property and searching the house with a police dog, two months after the then-executive director of Fogle's foundation was arrested on child pornography charges.

The Oaks at Shady Creek Riverview Florida New Home Community in High Demand

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The Grove at Summerfield Crossing Riverview Florida New Home Community in High Demand

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HomeTeam 100

MAKING NEWS U.S. WOMEN START WORLD CUP CELEBRATIONS

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Fitz says Walker was involved in attempted ax of open records law

I’ll keep this brief. Here’s the headline: Scott Fitzgerald: Scott Walker’s office was involved with open records changes The most important thing to take away is that Fitz and the boys will make another effort to cut you and the world off from legislative records: “I think it’s something that there are many different entities more »

The Pointe at Summerfield Crossing Riverview Florida New Home Community in High Demand

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Chanel trumps cash in Greece's crisis economy

Some Greeks decide to spend their money rather than watch it vanish in the crisis.

One Direction reunites — in wax at Madame Tussauds in Orlando

All five original members of the British boy band One Direction have reunited — in wax.

Greece delays offering new plan on debt

BRUSSELS — Frustrated and angry eurozone leaders fearing for the future of their common currency gave the Greek prime minister a last-minute chance Tuesday to finally come up with a viable proposal on how to save his country from financial ruin.

Things to do for July 10 and beyond

10 Today Theater in the Park: Elementary and middle school students present an adaptation of Disney's Frozen, set under the trees with large fans blowing. This performance is the culmination of a one-week acting camp. 6 p.m. $5, children free. Dunedin Community Center, 1920 Pinehurst Road. (828) 226-4209.

Donald Trump isn't backing away from immigrant comments

Facing a backlash, he mocks the media and says, "Give me a break!''

West End Townhomes South Tampa Florida New Home Community in High Demand

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Amid Confederate flag debate, 'Unity Flag' group hopes to raise different banner

Steps to Avoid the Game of Loans

Accepted the one word your family has been anticipating to hear for several months. After looking at the second page of the acceptance letter you start seeing the thousands of dollars due for just one semester. Thousands of questions race through your head like buzzing bees. Did we take all the steps necessary to help our child succeed? Did I save enough? Do I need to take out a loan? Will I be able to pay off the loan in four years?

In 2014, the Credit Bureau Experian reported 40 million Americans had at least one outstanding student loan. On average, borrowers have around four student loans each with an average balance of $29,000. Since 2008, the balance for these loans has increased by five thousand dollars. According to U.S. News, 17 percent of borrowers have fallen behind resulting in the nation’s $1.2 trillion owed in college loans.

However, there are a few ways you can start preparing for those fees. Several banks including Suncoast Credit Union offer several resources such as CU Succeed which covers topics such as paying for college, budgeting, and information on using credit cards. Suncoast’s newsletter also contains content about investing, trends, and tips on how to save money.

Practical Money Skills for Life offers free advice for becoming better at money management. It’s a great resource for educators, parents and students to begin down a positive path of smart saving. This site also provides advice on how students can start their job search preparing them for life after graduation.
The Road to Financial Independence: A Guide for 20-Somethings is full of valuable advice about money management, renting your first apartment, to buying a car and everything in between.

How to save:

Every penny counts. Try to set aside money even if it’s a few dollars a day. After a year those few dollars will add up to a lot of money that can be used to pay off loans.
Make goals. In order to budget it is best to set short-term and long-term goals.
Start early. The earlier you start saving the longer your money will stay in your savings and in turn it will collect interest.
Only borrow what you know you can pay back. Don’t take out more than you need, as you will end up owing more. Know the exact amount you need to take out and calculate how much you can easily attribute. The goal is to owe less on your loans then what your starting salary would be. By checking sites such as PayScale parents can lean what the starting pay is for your child’s dream job. Deduct the amount you are earning from any part-time jobs, scholarships, and grants. All of these factors should be deducted before loans come into play because it is money you can easily pay back.
Know how long you have to pay off loans. By being prepared you will have less to worry about when graduation rolls around as most loans make students repay everything once the student graduates.
Try cooking more. As tempting as it is to go out to eat all the time, cooking can save students a lot of money. Think about purchasing a lower cost meal plan or opting out to making your own meals. Face it; by the end of the week most students if they have a meal plan where they eat fifteen meals a week, most likely they will end up wasting the extra meals.
Remember saving doesn’t mean you have to be a stickler with your money. Reserve one day a week as a “cheat day” where you can plan on going out but it never hurts to save a few dollars by bringing coupons or using apps that help you save.
As a first time loan user ask others for advice. Seek guidance from recent graduates, parents, and the financial aid office.

But what happens after graduation if your graduate hasn’t found a job and time’s up.

Betsy Mayotte, a director of regulatory compliance at Saltmoney.org, an organization that authored “60+ ways to get rid of your student loans (without paying them)” offers some advice on paying student loans.

“When we counsel people, what we get all the time is that people don’t know all these options exist, these lower payments, these programs,” Mayotte says. “They think it’s either you pay (your student loans), or you get in trouble. And it’s just not like that.” Mayotte mentions there are many jobs that are eligible for loan forgiveness including public sector and humanitarian positions.

The student loan forgiveness program offers five options for repayment.

The first is a Standard Payment which allows the borrower to pay a fix amount each month for life on the loan. The amount you would pay is determined by the borrowed amount, interest rate, and term of the loan.
Another option is called a Graduated Repayment, meaning the borrower would make lower payments until they graduate. After graduation the payments would increase every two years.
The third option is called an Income Contingent in which the borrower would make payments passed on their income, loan balance, interest rate, and family size.
The fourth option called Income Based Repayment bases payments on the income and family size. With this option the loan and interest rate are not calculated into the monthly payment resulting in the borrower being responsible for paying 15% of their income as a monthly payment.
The last option Pay As You Earn has the lowest monthly payment and uses 10% of their income as payment. This option however is harder to qualify for.

What if I have a remaining balance after the end of my term? For Income Contingent, Income Based, or Pay As You Earn repayment plans, your loan balance would be forgiven at the end of the term. The downside is that it takes 25 years of making consecutive payments for the remaining amount to be forgiven. However, Mayotte warns borrowers shouldn’t take jobs just to have their loans forgiven, or take out too much debt. Many of the programs are budget based so there’s a possibility that funds could disappear by the time your child graduates.

The post Steps to Avoid the Game of Loans appeared first on Tampa Bay Parenting.

#MomLife

We have all seen those posts on Twitter. “Just went for a 4 mile run, baby is sleeping like an angel, making a smoothie with nothing but healthy kale and I am not even tired in the slightest! #MomLife!” or “Sooooo lucky my teenagers and I have never fought, what hormones? #MomLife”. I think it is safe to say that those types of posts make you want to roll your eyes so hard that you will see the front of your brain. So instead, we bring you posts from real moms around the internet who are living the dream: cheerios in their hair, sticky fingers coloring on the walls and all. This is the real #MomLife

The post #MomLife appeared first on Tampa Bay Parenting.

Monday, July 6, 2015

I have to ask: Are the Old Boys down at M.J.Sentinel shitting their pants right now?

Plenty of facebook commenters and at least two bloggers have proposed that the JFC’s attack on WI open records law is actually a set-up to eventually make Walker look the hero. As in, they think that the “dirty dozen” on the Joint Finance Committee conspired to nuke open records law with the budget add-on called more »

Cigar City beers among the world's best

Tampa Bay's leading hometown brewery showed the world what our growing craft-beer scene can do, taking some of the top awards at the U.S. Open Beer Championship last week.

Judges taste-tested 4,000 beers and ciders from across the U.S. and around the world. More than 20 international entries spanned the globe from Australia to China to Belgium to Venezuela.

After all the foam had settled, Tampa Bay's Cigar City Brewing ranked No. 5 on the list of top 10 breweries in the world based on the number of beers that place first and second in their competition categories. Cigar City was the only Florida brewery to make the Top 10 and, along with Charleston, S.C.'s Revelry Brewing, the only one on the list from the East Coast.

Cigar City’s medals include:

Gold: Zhukov’s Imperial Stout (the second year in a row).
Gold: Bolita imperial brown ale.
Silver: Florida Cracker, its Belgian witbier.
Bronze: Big Sound, strong Scottish ale.

The Cigar City brewpub also earned two medals.

Gold: Cacique robust porter.

Bronze: Popol Vuh chocolate beer.

Top things to do in Tampa Bay the week of July 6-12

America II: Extreme Mud Wars: This wildly popular day of mud slinging returns to Spa Beach on Saturday and Sunday with more than 600 people competing in ultimate football, an obstacle course, joust pit, belly bumper pit, mud tug-of-war, the eliminator, dodge ball and mud ball frenzy. It's free for spectators; $400-$450 for competing …

Nationals 3, Giants 1

Nationals 3, Giants 1 WASHINGTON — Wilson Ramos snapped a tie with a sixth-inning homer, Jordan Zimmermann pitched seven solid innings and the Nationals swept the Giants. Zimmermann has allowed one run over 22⅔ innings in his past three starts. Brandon Crawford homered for the Giants.

San Francisco AB R H …

Your attention please, Independence Day-celebrating Wisconsinites. Still LOTS of alarming BS in that last minute add-on to the WI budget.

Wisconsin’s Governor has released yet another Orwellian decree. It asserts that despite the fact that a radical stripping of open records law was tucked into Thursday’s “motion 999″ that the changes were “never intended to inhibit transparent gov’t in any way“. That’s special. Let’s assume I can pretend that Scott Walker and associated Republican legislators more »

Sunday, July 5, 2015

“The burning churches south of the Ohio River are a striking reminder that fascism thrives in America”

The note below appears at the blue cheddar blog with Tom Neale’s permission. The burning churches south of the Ohio River are a striking reminder that fascism thrives in America; for one of fascism’s most telling characteristics is its racist component. The demonized other is essential to this evil. In the wisdom traditions it is more »

Friday, July 3, 2015

UPDATED: Walker will “make changes” / WI Legislature aims to destroy public access to drafting docs. IT TAKES EFFECT JULY 1st.

UPDATE: Gov. Scott Walker plans to work with lawmakers to change heavy restrictions on public records before the state budget is voted on, his spokeswoman said Friday. “Prior to the budget going to the full Legislature for action, Governor Walker plans to work with legislative leaders to make changes to the provisions included in the more »

Where to Find Fireworks in Tampa: Channelside Events

Independence Day marks the celebration of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776; hence the birthday of the United States. And as Floridians, we find plenty of ways to celebrate with fireworks, backyard BBQ’s, parades, festivals, and just spending time with the people we care about the most.

There’s never a shortage of ways to celebrate or say “Happy Birthday,” and Channelside Tampa Bay Plaza has plenty of ways this Fourth of July to do just that.

Channelside Bay Plaza is your one stop shop for all Fourth of July festivities this year.

So break out your red, white and blue attire (ladies, those cute American flag cutoff shorts and multi-colored bandanas, and guys, those flag muscle tees and stars and stripes shorts) and head on out to the heart of Downtown Tampa to celebrate the Fourth with the biggest and brightest firework displays, live music and DJ entertainment, food trucks and more.

With access to local restaurants and shopping, bring the family, friends or a significant other and make an entire weekend out of it!

First Fridays Block Party

On July 3^rd, head out to the monthly block party featuring live entertainment, music with Amanda Keller Band and DJ Randy Johnson as well as delicious food and local vendors. Start the birthday celebration a little early.

Watch the Fireworks

On Saturday, July 4^th come out to Light Up Tampa Bay, Tampa’s biggest fireworks celebration. Enjoy live music and food trucks featuring plenty of delicious meals, starting at 5 PM. The waterfront will be open at 6 PM, and stay awhile for the spectacular firework displays that will kick off at 9 PM.

Tampa Bay Refresh Lounge

Quench your thirst at the Light Up Tampa Bay Refresh Lounge where you can enjoy air conditioning, entertainments, complimentary draft beers, VIP waterfront views, and more. The lounge will be open from 6-10 PM. VIP Lounge pre-sale tickets are available for $55, so make sure you grab yours soon!

Parking

Parking will be available at the garage across from the complex, as well as open lots between the St. Pete Times Forum and Channelside.

Fourth of July Dinner Cruises

Yacht’s Starship’s Summer Sunset Sail-aberration cruises will be available on July 3^rd and 4^th. Enjoy a 2.5 hour cruise, reserved table, a buffet of fresh, delicious items, breathtaking water views, while watching the Tampa sunset and put on your dancing shoes and head up to the promenade deck.

Cruise Times
Boards: 6:30 PM
Departs: 7:00 PM
Returns: 9:30 PM

Pricing
Adult – $119.95 (plus tax & $1 port fee)
Child – $59.95 (plus tax & $1 port fee)

Dance, drink, eat and celebrate the Fourth like you never have before at this weekend-long celebration. Happy birthday America!

Ever been to Channelside for the Fourth of July before? Let us know your favorite ways to spend Fourth of July in the comments below or tweet us at Dive In Tampa Bay.

The post Where to Find Fireworks in Tampa: Channelside Events appeared first on DIVE IN Tampa Bay.

15 Reasons to Visit Tampa Bay in July

Tampa Bay is a place built for summer. Fill every day to the fullest.

Shark Week (July 5-12): Get in on some toothy fun at The Florida Aquarium, home to six different species of sharks. The week is tied to Discovery Channel’s annual festival of all things shark.

SUMMER CONCERTS

‘Tis the season for rocking out at Amalie Arena and MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre. The highlights (there’s way more where these came from):

IMAGINE DRAGONS (July 10)

Grammy winners bring their electrifying live show and Smoke + Mirrors Tour to Amalie Arena. The show starts at 7 p.m. Buy your tickets here.

SAM SMITH (July 21)

British crooner Sam Smith comes to Amalie Arena with Gavin James as his guest performer in support of his self-titled album. Tickets are on sale here.

DAVE MATTHEWS BAND (July 29)

Crash into the most popular thing to come out of Charlottesville, Va., since Thomas Jefferson spent that summer in Philadelphia. Some of us (ahem) remember when Dave & Crew were playing bars on The Corner. But we’ll still be at MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre when they come to town.

TAMPA BAY STORM (July 11)

Tampa Bay’s arena football team takes on the Orlando Predators at 7:30 p.m. at Amalie Arena. Tickets are available here.

Tampa Theatre SUMMER CLASSICS (3 p.m., Sundays)

BACK TO THE FUTURE (July 5)

Marty McFly, Doc Brown, a 1.21-gigawatt time machine built from a DeLorean – and a Huey Lewis & the News soundtrack. It don’t get more 80s than that!

TOP HAT (July 12)

Nobody tap dances in movies any more. That should be reason enough to see Fred Astaire in this screwball classic.

BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S (July 19)

Is there anything more glamorous than Audrey Hepburn eating a croissant in a tiara? This picture made her an icon. Also, there's George Peppard long before he was chewing cigars in the A-Team. The party scene alone is worth the price of admission.

SOUND MUSIC SING-ALONG (July 26)

The hills are, well, you know. This year is the 50th anniversary of this particular cinematic classic. Whether you’re 16 going on 17 or you’re just in it for Julie Andrews spinning in an alpine meadow, warm up your pipes and join in the fun. Come dressed as your favorite character for the pre-show costume parade!

Summer Nights (weekends through August 16): Experience Busch Gardens Tampa after the sun goes down when Summer Nights’ festival atmosphere fills the park after dark. DJ’s pump music through the cool evening air while the rides like Cheetah Hunt and Falcon’s Fury take on a new feeling at night.

Island Nights (weekends through August 8): Adventure Island’s water rides keep flowing after the sun goes down. Summer is a great time to experience the thrills of the new Colossal Curl raft ride and everything else the park offers. A trip along the Lazy River takes on a new dimension under a star-filled sky.

Fanboy Expo (July 24-26): Holy fanfest, Batman! TV’s original version of the Caped Crusader, Adam West, and his trusty sidekick, Burt Ward, will headline one of Tampa Bay’s most star-studded fanfests at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. Also on hand will be James Marsters from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and voice actors from Disney’s “Little Mermaid” and “Beauty and the Beast,” which are about to get live-action remakes.

Tampa Bay Comic Con (July 31-August 2): Fans and creators of science fiction and superheroes will converge on the Tampa Convention Center for a weekend of meeting and greeting. Panel discussions will give behind-the-scenes insight into storylines. Celebrities will be on hand to sign and pose. This year’s star attraction will be Princess Leia herself, actress Carrie Fisher, who will bring her famous female hero back to the screen in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”

WARHOL at TMA (through Sept. 20)

A key figure in Pop Art, Andy Warhol challenged perceptions of popular culture, politics, and consumerism. American pop art emerged in the late 1950s in reaction to abstract expressionism. Tampa Museum of Art’s new exhibit spans three decades of Warhol’s career, featuring some of the artist’s most iconic screenprints: portraits of Marilyn Monroe and Mao Zedong (above), the splashy camouflage series, and the controversial Electric Chair portfolio.