The good old Bradenton Herald has come up trumps again with a calendar of culinary events going on near us on Anna Maria this coming next few weeks.
Here it is in full, but feel free to follow this link to the Herald site.
Prix fixe: Harry’s Continental Kitchens on Longboat Key, is reopening from summer vacation on Oct. 9, and to celebrate will debut a Fall-inspired Prix Fixe menu. The four-course dinner offers a choice of vichyssoise or gazpacho, then a roasted Golden Beet salad with Chevre cheese, an ahi tuna carpaccio topped with a three-olive tapenade or steamed Prince Edward Island mussels in a poblano pepper-coconut milk. The third course is Salmon a la Orange on a bed of toasted orzo or a grilled filet mignon topped with smoky corn and tomato salsa that is served alongside a crispy butternut squash and Yukon Gold potato croquette, third choice is baked jumbo shrimp De Jong with mozzarella, croutons and a lemon garlic butter sauce. Last is Harry’s dessert of the day. The prix fixe menu is offered5-9 p.m. and is $29 per person or $43 per person with chosen premium wine pairings. Reservations are strongly recommended. Information: 383-0777 or www.harryskitchen.com.
Casa Italia cooking classes/events: Casa Italia, 2080 Constitution Blvd, Sarasota, will hold the following cooking classes:
1. Spanish Cooking Class and Lunch with Fatima Soriano, 11 a.m. Oct. 9. Menu includes gaspacho Andaluz, garlic shrimp, green beans and peas with serrano ham and Canary Islands roasted bananas. Cost: $40. A copy of the recipes will be provided.
2. Indian Cooking Class and Dinner with Nita & Raj Mathur featuring vegetarian Indian dishes, 3:30 p.m. Oct. 11. Cost: $75. A copy of the recipes will be provided.
Reservations can be made by calling (941) 924-1179. Gift certificates are available.
3. Giuliano Hazan has a new cook book out, his fourth, titled “Thirty Minute Pasta,” containing 100 recipes that can be prepared in half an hour or less. Hazan will be signing copies of the book at Casa Italia from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 17.
Wine events
Weekly wine tasting: Harry’s Continental Kitchens, 525 St. Jude’s Drive, Longboat Key, will hold wine tasting events 5-7 p.m. Thursdays, beginning Oct. 15. Cost: $10 , proceeds to benefit the Longboat Key/Lido Key/St. Armands Key Chamber of Commerce. The wine tasting is located at Harry’s Gourmet Deli and Take-Out. There will be small appetizers offered along with a large wine selection to taste. Information: 383-0777 or www.harryskitchen.com.
Free tasting: WineStyles Lakewood Ranch, 8225 Nature’s Way, San Marco Plaza, is offering a free wine tasting presented by Rhianna Brandt of Winebow Brands International, 5-7 p.m. Oct. 9. Call 306-5804 or visit www.winestyles.net/lakewoodranch.
Mattison’s Riverside: 1200 First Ave. W., Bradenton, hosts Tuesday Tasting 5-7 p.m., offering the opportunity to sample a variety of wines from a featured vineyard, varietals or regional. This is a free event with light appetizers offered. For reservations, call 748-8087 or visit www.mattisons.com.
Wine tastings: The Waterfront Restaurant, 111 S. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. holds wine tastings from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursdays. Cost: $10. Information: 778-1515.
Friday, 9 October 2009
Monday, 14 September 2009
Boxing clever on the island trolley
Fans of the fare-free Island trolley can now donate to keep the trolley chugging along from one end of Anna Maria to the other. Donation boxes in the place of fare collection boxes were installed last week on all six Island trolleys as part of an effort to raise money to keep the trolley a free service to the public.
The small boxes are not to be confused with fare boxes, which the county also installed on the trolleys. If the donation boxes work, along with plans by various heads of commerce on the island to raise funds, the fare boxes won’t be necessary.
They are led by David Teitelbaum, a developer, resort owner and member of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council, who came up with a plan to raise the money through the private sector and donations from riders and citizens to pay for the trolleys after it was announced a couple of months ago that county funds would no longer stretch far enough to keep them free.
According to the Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper, 'The next step [is] to sell advertising inside and outside the trolleys. Teitelbaum also wants to sell the rights to name the trolleys to private and commercial entities. Finally, he wants to raise money through a Real Florida Festival similar to the way the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival raises money for the Florida Institute of Saltwater Heritage.'
Good luck to him, we say. And we should all do everything we can to help keep this vital tourist transport system free for all.
The small boxes are not to be confused with fare boxes, which the county also installed on the trolleys. If the donation boxes work, along with plans by various heads of commerce on the island to raise funds, the fare boxes won’t be necessary.
They are led by David Teitelbaum, a developer, resort owner and member of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council, who came up with a plan to raise the money through the private sector and donations from riders and citizens to pay for the trolleys after it was announced a couple of months ago that county funds would no longer stretch far enough to keep them free.
According to the Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper, 'The next step [is] to sell advertising inside and outside the trolleys. Teitelbaum also wants to sell the rights to name the trolleys to private and commercial entities. Finally, he wants to raise money through a Real Florida Festival similar to the way the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival raises money for the Florida Institute of Saltwater Heritage.'
Good luck to him, we say. And we should all do everything we can to help keep this vital tourist transport system free for all.
Thursday, 20 August 2009
Hire authority
Anna Maria Island is so popular among visitors from around the world because it is a small, friendly place. And thanks to the free island trolley, nowhere takes very long to get to.
But if you want to get there under your own steam, why not hire your own transport?
You can explore the island with a bike or kayak from Beach Bums rentals With a large, meticulously maintained, rental fleet of bikes, kayaks, surreys, sunfish sailboats, golf carts, baby equipment and beach supplies, they even have a marine biologist on staff to conduct kayak eco-tours.
Visit www.beachbumsami.com for more information.
There really is only one company to trust with your Anna Maria Island vacation, and only one website you need to visit. Click on www.amisland.com for the very best in vacation rentals on the island. From two-bed cottages, to huge homes for the whole family, waterside, gulf front, secluded, we have it all.
But if you want to get there under your own steam, why not hire your own transport?
You can explore the island with a bike or kayak from Beach Bums rentals With a large, meticulously maintained, rental fleet of bikes, kayaks, surreys, sunfish sailboats, golf carts, baby equipment and beach supplies, they even have a marine biologist on staff to conduct kayak eco-tours.
Visit www.beachbumsami.com for more information.
There really is only one company to trust with your Anna Maria Island vacation, and only one website you need to visit. Click on www.amisland.com for the very best in vacation rentals on the island. From two-bed cottages, to huge homes for the whole family, waterside, gulf front, secluded, we have it all.
Friday, 7 August 2009
What to do, where to do it
Here's another of those wonderful guides to everything in August and September from the folks at the Orlando Sentinel. We do love these, make sure you visit their website for more details.
Aug. 29-Sept. 7: 53rd Annual Jaycees Pioneer Days, Englewood. Taste of Englewood and entertainment will take place daily during the weekend at Pioneer Park. Carnival, arts and crafts, vendors and more. 800-603-7198. www.englewoodchamber.com
Sept. 1-30: Orlando Magical Dining Month, Orlando. Thrill-seeking travelers from around the globe know Orlando for its world-class attractions and sunny resorts, but local foodies experience a different kind of thrill when they indulge their senses at Orlando's extensive dining facilities. This September, visitors can have a rare opportunity to indulge in some of the area's fine dining restaurants. Participating restaurants will offer three-course prix fixe dinner menus for $20 or $30, with $1 from each meal donated to a local charity. 407-363-5872. orlandomagicaldining.com
Select Nights Sept. 4-Nov. 1: Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Lake Buena Vista. Each fall, guests are invited to dress in costumes and trick-or-treat throughout the Magic Kingdom from 7 p.m. to midnight (after regular park closing). The boo-free bash includes a parade and bewitching fireworks spectacular. Admission: Tickets start at $53 for adults, $46 for children 3 to 9. 407-824-4321. www.Disneyworld.com
Sept. 5: Labor Day Block Party, Daytona Beach. Main Street closes to traffic for this holiday block party with music, games, entertainment, vendors and lots of fun. Free admission. 386-255-9300. www.daytonabeach.com/calendar.cfm
Sept. 5: First Saturday Jam, Barberville. On the first Saturday each month visit the Pioneer Settlement for entertainment and fun for the entire family. 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Includes informal music jams, free workshops, food, and a barn-style dance at 3 p.m. 386-749-2959. www.pioneersettlement.org
Sept. 5: Suncoast Corvette Show, St. Petersburg. Classic Corvettes surround The Pier 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. 727-821-6443. www.stpete.org/events/september.asp
Sept. 5-7: Sponge Docks Art and Craft Festival, Tarpon Springs. Fine art, fine craft, food, music. At The Sponge Docks. Free. 352-344-0657. www.tnteventsinc.com
Sept. 6-7: Pioneer Days Festival, Dade City. Annual festival on Labor Day weekend, with early Florida history recreated through Civil War reenactments, children's activities and authentic craft demonstrations. At Pioneer Florida Museum. Free admission, free parking. 352-567-0262. www.dadecitychamber.org
Sept. 7: Salsa En St. Pete for Labor Day, St. Petersburg. Labor Day at The Pier brings us Salsa Dancing in the Courtyard with Greg Richardson, from B.A.I.L.E., from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. At Pier's Waterside Courtyard. Free. 727-821-6164. www.stpetepier.com
Sept. 11-12: 27th Annual Night of Joy, Lake Buena Vista. Night of Joy, which takes place at Disney's Hollywood Studios, includes a star-studded collection of some of today's most powerful voices in contemporary Christian music. Tickets start at $49.95. 407-824-4321. www.disneyworld.com
Sept. 11-12: Rock the Universe at Universal Studios, Orlando. Chart-topping Christian music stars from across the nation perform at the annual two-day concert event at Universal Studios. The event is designed to highlight the diversity within today's exploding Christian music scene. Admission: One night $49.99 plus tax, two nights $75.99 plus tax. 407-363-8000. www.rocktheuniverse.com
Sept. 12: 26th Annual Raft Race and Family Fun Day, Homosassa. In what may be the craziest competition in Florida, dozens of hand-made, improvised "rafts" will race down the Homosassa River in two separate races, one with rafts propelled only by human effort, the other allowing mechanical propulsion. Roads will be lined with vendors of all types, contributing to the fun atmosphere. There will be a kid zone with rides and attractions as well as face painting. Live music will follow the race before the winners are announced and trophies awarded. At Homosassa Riverside Resort and The Shed at Macrae's on Homosassa River. 352-628-4444. www.visitcitrus.com
Sept. 12: Opening Gala Concert, Merritt Island. Celebrate the inaugural concert of the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra with four electrifying and monumental works. 6 p.m. At First Baptist Church of Merritt Island. Admission $10 per person. 321-536-8580. www.spacecoastsymphony.org
Sept. 13: 26th Annual Homosassa River Raft Race, Homosassa. A local tradition for a quarter century, this event features two races -- one for man-powered vessels, the other for mechanically propelled vessels. The roads will be lined with vendors contributing to the fun atmosphere and a kid's zone offers rides, attractions and face painting. Live music will follow the race before the winners are announced and trophies awarded. At Homosassa Riverside Resort and The Shed at MacRae's on the Homosassa River. Admission $5 adults, $1 children 6-17. 352-628-4444. www.visitcitrus.com/calendar
Sept. 14: Birthday Carillon Concert at Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales. This concert will honor the Singing Tower's first carillonneur on his birthday with some of his favorite tunes. Anton Brees,1897-1967, was appointed carillonneur by Edward Bok in 1928 and served in that position for nearly 39 years. Free with general Gardens admission and for members. 863-676-1408. www.boktowergardens.org/calendar
Sept. 16-20: Orlando Hispanic Film Festival, Orlando. This competitive film festival, which takes place at Orlando Fashion Square mall, recognizes independent filmmakers from around the world who integrate the Hispanic culture in their work and expose the talent of Hispanic actors, directors, producers, screenwriters and cinematographers. Admission (specific fee not determined at press time). 321-274-1570. www.ohfilmfestival.com
Sept. 18-19: Doctors, Lawyers and Weekend Warriors Surf Benefit, Sebastian Inlet. Surfing event to benefit local charities. Limited to 75 contestants; $125 entry fee. At Sebastian Inlet State Park. Regular park entrance fees apply. 321-727-8100. www.floridastateparks.org/sebastianinlet/Events.cfm
Sept. 18-20: Orlando Home Show, Orlando. Central Florida's leading and largest consumer showcase of new products and services for home remodeling and interior décor. The show features local, regional and national experts in remodeling, building, decorating and landscaping; instructional how-to seminars; giveaways; contests; and more than 600 exhibits with the industry's latest products. Admission $9 adults, $5 children 6-12, free 5 and under. 407-685-9800. www.orlandohomeshow.com
Sept. 19: Classic Auto, Bike and Truck Show, St. Petersburg. Quarterly auto, bike and truck show coordinated by Richard Gormont. At The Pier Side Courtyard, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 727-331-9684. www.stpetepier.com
Sept. 22-27: Global Peace Film Festival, Orlando. Guests can celebrate the art of film and its power to promote new understanding. Held in conjunction with the UN's International Day of Peace, the festival promotes the art of motion picture to further the goal of peace on earth, beyond anti-war, ideology and activism. Events will take place at Gallery at Avalon Island, Rollins College, Winter Park Public Library and the Orlando Science Center and will include film programs, panels, parties and a special concert. Admission $8 per film. 407-224-6625. www.peacefilmfest.org
Sept. 24-27: New Smyrna Beach Jazz Festival, New Smyrna Beach. Music fills the air as bands play at several locations throughout the Flagler Avenue shopping district. 386-423-9760. www.marcmontesonpromotions.com
Sept. 25-26, Oct. 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 22-24, 29-31: Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens, Tampa. This fall, guests should be watching their backs as Howl-O-Scream celebrates a decade of diabolical scares with its 10th year of terror at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. For 17 select nights in September and October, the Gulf coast's premiere adventure park transforms into a park-wide nightmare of inescapable fear with seductive surprises around every turn. Devious creatures infest Busch Gardens' 335 acres with dark, sinister, adult-targeted fun, including more all-new haunted houses than ever before, spine-tingling scare zones and thrilling live stage shows. Even the streets themselves aren't safe from the wandering hoards and other terrors of the night, and bone-chilling roller coasters keep the screams coming all night long. Howl-O-Scream 2009 will leave you begging for mercy and screaming for more. 813-987-5280. www.buschgardens.com
Sept. 25-26, Oct. 1-4, 8-11, 15-18, 21-25, 28-31: Universal's Halloween Horror Nights, Orlando. In its 19th year, the event is considered one of the world's largest, most elaborate Halloween celebrations. Guests will experience live mega-horror movies with this year's theme of "Ripped from the Silver Screen" which includes first-hand takes on not yet released films such as "The Wolfman" and "SAW VI." Universal enlists a "scream team" of designers to research the human psyche and its deepest fears so guests can confront all the physical and psychological horrors of the movies. Admission $69.99. 407-363-8000. www.halloweenhorrornights.com
Sept. 25-Nov. 8: Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, Lake Buena Vista. From the seasoned connoisseur to the knowledge-seeking amateur, this popular event attracts a diverse audience to sip, sample and savor treasures from some of the world's most famous wineries and celebrated chefs. Guests can boost their wine IQ at any of the hundreds of wine and beer seminars and polish their culinary skills at the numerous demonstrations and tastings. Admission included in regular park admission -- adults $75, children 3-9 $63, 2 and under free. 407-824-4321. www.disneyworld.com
Sept. 26: Folkfest St. Pete, St. Petersburg. Musical celebration and art show featuring folk, outsider and intuitive artists. At Central Avenue between 11th and 13th Street North. 727-825-0515. www.creativeclay.org
Sept. 26: St. Johns River Paddle Battle, Orange City. Canoe and kayak races to celebrate National Public Lands Day. There will be a ten-mile race and a four-mile novice race. At Blue Spring State Park. 386-775-3663. www.floridastateparks.org/bluespring/Events.cfm
Sept. 26-27: Fiesta del Coqui, Orlando. The annual "Fiesta del Coquí" lets guests party with the coquí and enjoy live music, crafts and activities, demonstrations and much more celebrating the Hispanic culture. Visitors can enjoy fabulous regional cuisines, dance to the sounds of local bands, and be entertained by local dance groups, all celebrating Puerto Rico. At Central Florida Zoo. 507-323-4450. www.centralfloridazoo.org
Aug. 29-Sept. 7: 53rd Annual Jaycees Pioneer Days, Englewood. Taste of Englewood and entertainment will take place daily during the weekend at Pioneer Park. Carnival, arts and crafts, vendors and more. 800-603-7198. www.englewoodchamber.com
Sept. 1-30: Orlando Magical Dining Month, Orlando. Thrill-seeking travelers from around the globe know Orlando for its world-class attractions and sunny resorts, but local foodies experience a different kind of thrill when they indulge their senses at Orlando's extensive dining facilities. This September, visitors can have a rare opportunity to indulge in some of the area's fine dining restaurants. Participating restaurants will offer three-course prix fixe dinner menus for $20 or $30, with $1 from each meal donated to a local charity. 407-363-5872. orlandomagicaldining.com
Select Nights Sept. 4-Nov. 1: Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Lake Buena Vista. Each fall, guests are invited to dress in costumes and trick-or-treat throughout the Magic Kingdom from 7 p.m. to midnight (after regular park closing). The boo-free bash includes a parade and bewitching fireworks spectacular. Admission: Tickets start at $53 for adults, $46 for children 3 to 9. 407-824-4321. www.Disneyworld.com
Sept. 5: Labor Day Block Party, Daytona Beach. Main Street closes to traffic for this holiday block party with music, games, entertainment, vendors and lots of fun. Free admission. 386-255-9300. www.daytonabeach.com/calendar.cfm
Sept. 5: First Saturday Jam, Barberville. On the first Saturday each month visit the Pioneer Settlement for entertainment and fun for the entire family. 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Includes informal music jams, free workshops, food, and a barn-style dance at 3 p.m. 386-749-2959. www.pioneersettlement.org
Sept. 5: Suncoast Corvette Show, St. Petersburg. Classic Corvettes surround The Pier 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. 727-821-6443. www.stpete.org/events/september.asp
Sept. 5-7: Sponge Docks Art and Craft Festival, Tarpon Springs. Fine art, fine craft, food, music. At The Sponge Docks. Free. 352-344-0657. www.tnteventsinc.com
Sept. 6-7: Pioneer Days Festival, Dade City. Annual festival on Labor Day weekend, with early Florida history recreated through Civil War reenactments, children's activities and authentic craft demonstrations. At Pioneer Florida Museum. Free admission, free parking. 352-567-0262. www.dadecitychamber.org
Sept. 7: Salsa En St. Pete for Labor Day, St. Petersburg. Labor Day at The Pier brings us Salsa Dancing in the Courtyard with Greg Richardson, from B.A.I.L.E., from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. At Pier's Waterside Courtyard. Free. 727-821-6164. www.stpetepier.com
Sept. 11-12: 27th Annual Night of Joy, Lake Buena Vista. Night of Joy, which takes place at Disney's Hollywood Studios, includes a star-studded collection of some of today's most powerful voices in contemporary Christian music. Tickets start at $49.95. 407-824-4321. www.disneyworld.com
Sept. 11-12: Rock the Universe at Universal Studios, Orlando. Chart-topping Christian music stars from across the nation perform at the annual two-day concert event at Universal Studios. The event is designed to highlight the diversity within today's exploding Christian music scene. Admission: One night $49.99 plus tax, two nights $75.99 plus tax. 407-363-8000. www.rocktheuniverse.com
Sept. 12: 26th Annual Raft Race and Family Fun Day, Homosassa. In what may be the craziest competition in Florida, dozens of hand-made, improvised "rafts" will race down the Homosassa River in two separate races, one with rafts propelled only by human effort, the other allowing mechanical propulsion. Roads will be lined with vendors of all types, contributing to the fun atmosphere. There will be a kid zone with rides and attractions as well as face painting. Live music will follow the race before the winners are announced and trophies awarded. At Homosassa Riverside Resort and The Shed at Macrae's on Homosassa River. 352-628-4444. www.visitcitrus.com
Sept. 12: Opening Gala Concert, Merritt Island. Celebrate the inaugural concert of the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra with four electrifying and monumental works. 6 p.m. At First Baptist Church of Merritt Island. Admission $10 per person. 321-536-8580. www.spacecoastsymphony.org
Sept. 13: 26th Annual Homosassa River Raft Race, Homosassa. A local tradition for a quarter century, this event features two races -- one for man-powered vessels, the other for mechanically propelled vessels. The roads will be lined with vendors contributing to the fun atmosphere and a kid's zone offers rides, attractions and face painting. Live music will follow the race before the winners are announced and trophies awarded. At Homosassa Riverside Resort and The Shed at MacRae's on the Homosassa River. Admission $5 adults, $1 children 6-17. 352-628-4444. www.visitcitrus.com/calendar
Sept. 14: Birthday Carillon Concert at Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales. This concert will honor the Singing Tower's first carillonneur on his birthday with some of his favorite tunes. Anton Brees,1897-1967, was appointed carillonneur by Edward Bok in 1928 and served in that position for nearly 39 years. Free with general Gardens admission and for members. 863-676-1408. www.boktowergardens.org/calendar
Sept. 16-20: Orlando Hispanic Film Festival, Orlando. This competitive film festival, which takes place at Orlando Fashion Square mall, recognizes independent filmmakers from around the world who integrate the Hispanic culture in their work and expose the talent of Hispanic actors, directors, producers, screenwriters and cinematographers. Admission (specific fee not determined at press time). 321-274-1570. www.ohfilmfestival.com
Sept. 18-19: Doctors, Lawyers and Weekend Warriors Surf Benefit, Sebastian Inlet. Surfing event to benefit local charities. Limited to 75 contestants; $125 entry fee. At Sebastian Inlet State Park. Regular park entrance fees apply. 321-727-8100. www.floridastateparks.org/sebastianinlet/Events.cfm
Sept. 18-20: Orlando Home Show, Orlando. Central Florida's leading and largest consumer showcase of new products and services for home remodeling and interior décor. The show features local, regional and national experts in remodeling, building, decorating and landscaping; instructional how-to seminars; giveaways; contests; and more than 600 exhibits with the industry's latest products. Admission $9 adults, $5 children 6-12, free 5 and under. 407-685-9800. www.orlandohomeshow.com
Sept. 19: Classic Auto, Bike and Truck Show, St. Petersburg. Quarterly auto, bike and truck show coordinated by Richard Gormont. At The Pier Side Courtyard, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 727-331-9684. www.stpetepier.com
Sept. 22-27: Global Peace Film Festival, Orlando. Guests can celebrate the art of film and its power to promote new understanding. Held in conjunction with the UN's International Day of Peace, the festival promotes the art of motion picture to further the goal of peace on earth, beyond anti-war, ideology and activism. Events will take place at Gallery at Avalon Island, Rollins College, Winter Park Public Library and the Orlando Science Center and will include film programs, panels, parties and a special concert. Admission $8 per film. 407-224-6625. www.peacefilmfest.org
Sept. 24-27: New Smyrna Beach Jazz Festival, New Smyrna Beach. Music fills the air as bands play at several locations throughout the Flagler Avenue shopping district. 386-423-9760. www.marcmontesonpromotions.com
Sept. 25-26, Oct. 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 22-24, 29-31: Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens, Tampa. This fall, guests should be watching their backs as Howl-O-Scream celebrates a decade of diabolical scares with its 10th year of terror at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. For 17 select nights in September and October, the Gulf coast's premiere adventure park transforms into a park-wide nightmare of inescapable fear with seductive surprises around every turn. Devious creatures infest Busch Gardens' 335 acres with dark, sinister, adult-targeted fun, including more all-new haunted houses than ever before, spine-tingling scare zones and thrilling live stage shows. Even the streets themselves aren't safe from the wandering hoards and other terrors of the night, and bone-chilling roller coasters keep the screams coming all night long. Howl-O-Scream 2009 will leave you begging for mercy and screaming for more. 813-987-5280. www.buschgardens.com
Sept. 25-26, Oct. 1-4, 8-11, 15-18, 21-25, 28-31: Universal's Halloween Horror Nights, Orlando. In its 19th year, the event is considered one of the world's largest, most elaborate Halloween celebrations. Guests will experience live mega-horror movies with this year's theme of "Ripped from the Silver Screen" which includes first-hand takes on not yet released films such as "The Wolfman" and "SAW VI." Universal enlists a "scream team" of designers to research the human psyche and its deepest fears so guests can confront all the physical and psychological horrors of the movies. Admission $69.99. 407-363-8000. www.halloweenhorrornights.com
Sept. 25-Nov. 8: Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, Lake Buena Vista. From the seasoned connoisseur to the knowledge-seeking amateur, this popular event attracts a diverse audience to sip, sample and savor treasures from some of the world's most famous wineries and celebrated chefs. Guests can boost their wine IQ at any of the hundreds of wine and beer seminars and polish their culinary skills at the numerous demonstrations and tastings. Admission included in regular park admission -- adults $75, children 3-9 $63, 2 and under free. 407-824-4321. www.disneyworld.com
Sept. 26: Folkfest St. Pete, St. Petersburg. Musical celebration and art show featuring folk, outsider and intuitive artists. At Central Avenue between 11th and 13th Street North. 727-825-0515. www.creativeclay.org
Sept. 26: St. Johns River Paddle Battle, Orange City. Canoe and kayak races to celebrate National Public Lands Day. There will be a ten-mile race and a four-mile novice race. At Blue Spring State Park. 386-775-3663. www.floridastateparks.org/bluespring/Events.cfm
Sept. 26-27: Fiesta del Coqui, Orlando. The annual "Fiesta del Coquí" lets guests party with the coquí and enjoy live music, crafts and activities, demonstrations and much more celebrating the Hispanic culture. Visitors can enjoy fabulous regional cuisines, dance to the sounds of local bands, and be entertained by local dance groups, all celebrating Puerto Rico. At Central Florida Zoo. 507-323-4450. www.centralfloridazoo.org
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
We want cafe to stay on the beach
It's an Anna Maria Island institution, but the powers that be have decided that the Cafe on the Beach will not get a new tender automatically when its lease runs out. But, according to the AMI Sun newspaper, the locals have been showing their support to the popular restaurant.
It reports that more than a thousand patrons have added their names to a petition asking county commissioners to renew the lease with the current concessionaires at Manatee County Public Beach. All but Commissioner Carol Whitmore voted to put out a request for proposals rather than sign off on a five-year extension to the lease with the current concessionaires.
Gene Shaefer and Dee Percifield-Shaefer have held the beach concession since 1992 under the name of P.S. Beach Associates.
Commissioner John Chappie, who voted in favor soliciting new bids on the concession, said at an Island Kiwanis Club meeting July 25 that he will ask the county to reconsider the vote on July 28.
We hope they do, who else is going to serve us unlimited pancakes and sausage while we sink our feet into the sand?
Don't just visit Anna Maria Island, stay here. For the very best in vacation rental properties visit www.amisland.com and spend your vacation in a real home from home.
It reports that more than a thousand patrons have added their names to a petition asking county commissioners to renew the lease with the current concessionaires at Manatee County Public Beach. All but Commissioner Carol Whitmore voted to put out a request for proposals rather than sign off on a five-year extension to the lease with the current concessionaires.
Gene Shaefer and Dee Percifield-Shaefer have held the beach concession since 1992 under the name of P.S. Beach Associates.
Commissioner John Chappie, who voted in favor soliciting new bids on the concession, said at an Island Kiwanis Club meeting July 25 that he will ask the county to reconsider the vote on July 28.
We hope they do, who else is going to serve us unlimited pancakes and sausage while we sink our feet into the sand?
Don't just visit Anna Maria Island, stay here. For the very best in vacation rental properties visit www.amisland.com and spend your vacation in a real home from home.
Tuesday, 21 July 2009
All's well that ends well
We love a happy turtle story on Anna Maria Island, and so the events of Monday morning came as a nice surprise.
According to a report in the Port Charlotte Sun, two loggerhead sea turtles were put back into Sarasota Bay and reported to be swimming with renewed vigor after Mote Marine Laboratory's Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital nursed them back to health.
Mote staff and volunteers released the adult female that was stranded on March 29 near Siesta Beach, and a subadult female that was stranded May 15 between Egmont Key and Anna Maria.
Both turtles dug their flippers into the sand and rushed seaward, the agency reports.
Padme and Ahsoka were suffering from lethargic loggerhead syndrome, an illness of uncertain origin that can immobilize loggerhead sea turtles, a threatened species protected by federal law. Thankfully they set off okay and were fitted with chips so Mote staff can locate them in the future.
Don't just visit Anna Maria Island, stay here. For the very best in vacation rental properties visit www.amisland.com and spend your vacation in a real home from home.
According to a report in the Port Charlotte Sun, two loggerhead sea turtles were put back into Sarasota Bay and reported to be swimming with renewed vigor after Mote Marine Laboratory's Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital nursed them back to health.
Mote staff and volunteers released the adult female that was stranded on March 29 near Siesta Beach, and a subadult female that was stranded May 15 between Egmont Key and Anna Maria.
Both turtles dug their flippers into the sand and rushed seaward, the agency reports.
Padme and Ahsoka were suffering from lethargic loggerhead syndrome, an illness of uncertain origin that can immobilize loggerhead sea turtles, a threatened species protected by federal law. Thankfully they set off okay and were fitted with chips so Mote staff can locate them in the future.
Don't just visit Anna Maria Island, stay here. For the very best in vacation rental properties visit www.amisland.com and spend your vacation in a real home from home.
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
Take care in the gulf
Sorry to say, here's another tale of the danger associated with beaches from this week's Herald Tribune. This time it concerns riptides, those unseen currents which can sweep bathers and swimmers off their feet.
It says: Lifeguards have shut down sections of some beaches so they can keep a closer eye on swimmers who brave the rough waters. Red warning flags, indicating unsafe conditions, are being flown on most public beaches.
Even with those precautions, more than a dozen swimmers have required rescue on Coquina Beach in the past two weeks. Almost 50 rip-current rescues have taken place on Sarasota beaches in the last month.
Rip currents are formed when water builds up between a sandbar and the shore. The pressure builds until the water breaks through the sandbar, causing a powerful current - similar to a fast-moving river - that can pull swimmers out into the Gulf.
In May of last year, rip currents dragged three swimmers to their deaths on unguarded beaches on Longboat Key.
Read the full article here
So again the message is take care. We want you to keep coming back to Anna Maria Island!
There really is only one company to trust with your Anna Maria Island vacation, and only one website you need to visit. Click on www.annamariavacations.com for the very best in vacation rentals on the island. From two-bed cottages, to huge homes for the whole family, waterside, gulf front, secluded, we have it all.
It says: Lifeguards have shut down sections of some beaches so they can keep a closer eye on swimmers who brave the rough waters. Red warning flags, indicating unsafe conditions, are being flown on most public beaches.
Even with those precautions, more than a dozen swimmers have required rescue on Coquina Beach in the past two weeks. Almost 50 rip-current rescues have taken place on Sarasota beaches in the last month.
Rip currents are formed when water builds up between a sandbar and the shore. The pressure builds until the water breaks through the sandbar, causing a powerful current - similar to a fast-moving river - that can pull swimmers out into the Gulf.
In May of last year, rip currents dragged three swimmers to their deaths on unguarded beaches on Longboat Key.
Read the full article here
So again the message is take care. We want you to keep coming back to Anna Maria Island!
There really is only one company to trust with your Anna Maria Island vacation, and only one website you need to visit. Click on www.annamariavacations.com for the very best in vacation rentals on the island. From two-bed cottages, to huge homes for the whole family, waterside, gulf front, secluded, we have it all.
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