Serendipity in Tampa
by Stephen-KarenConn
Karen and I had a very serendipitous experience when we were sailing out of Tampa. At the table next to us on the ship were a couple of very dear old friends, Ernest and Ann Roberts. I had known Ernest and Ann since we attended college together in Tennessee in the early 1960s, but had not seen them for many years.
Having unexpected old friends on the Cruise made the entire experience much more enjoyable. Upon returning to Tampa Ernest and Ann took the day to show us a bit of the city where they have lived for the past 28 years. The photo here is of Ernest and Ann in front of the Northwest Tampa Church of God, a growing congregation of which Ernest is the Senior Pastor. If you're ever in Tampa why not drop in and visit Ernest and Ann and their church. Tell them that Stephen sent you. You'll make a couple of great new friends.
Address:
Northwest Ministries (Church of God)
5131 Gunn Highway
Tampa, FL 33624
Telephone:
(813) 961-7278
Northwest Tampa Church of God
Gasparilla Parade
by Kushelkitten
The last Saturday in January the city honors Jose Gaspar, a pirate who terrorized the Florida coast in the late 17-early 1800 's.
The event starts out with the "Pirates" setting sail from Balast Point and ends with the Mayor turning over the city to them. Thus starts the Gasparilla Parade.
Crowds of thousands flock to Bayshore to watch the the parade consisting High school marching bands play and service clubs called Krews who dress as pirates and toss candy and beads to the children, and the Krews' floats. Quite and event.
There is also a night parade that takes place in Ybor City.
Centrol Espanol de Tampa
by Ewingjr98
Centrol Espanol de Tampa was established in Ybor City in 1891 as a Hispanic ethnic and social club. The current building was completed in 1912 in Spanish, Moorish and French Renaissance-influenced architecture. Inside is a lobby, theater, cantina, and ballroom, most of which are still open to the public today. Though abandoned for several years, it was restored in the 1980s and became a National Historic Landmark in 1988.
Today the old club still operates as a theater, restaurant, and offices. From Centro Ybor you can at least check out the fancy entranceway, marble floors, and Tiffany lamps.
Not too far away, on North Howard Avenue is the El Centro Español of West Tampa, which was constructed in 1912 for the same purpose.
Visit Dunedin
by Ewingjr98
Dunedin is home to Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island State Park. The town's best feature, one really lacking from a lot of this area's cities, is the traditional Main Street with local shops and restaurants. Dunedin is also home to the Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training facility. This is such a comfortable small town, it's amazing to discover 35,000 people live here.
Dunedin was founded by Scottish immigrants in 1899, and its name comes from the Scottish word Dùn Èideann, which means Edinburgh. The towns maintains its Scottish roots with the annual Dunedin Highland Games
Sky Diving
by tampa_shawn
There are two places to Sky Dive out of Tampa - Zephyrhills and Lake Wales
Both offer Tandom jumps for the uncertified as well as training
If it is your first time be sure to get the video - mine is wild
Skydive City in Zephyrhills
(800) 404-9399
http://www.tampaguide.com/frLink.asp?SiteLink=http://www.skydivecity.com
4241 Skydive Lane
World Skydiving Center in Lake Wales
440 Airport Road
(941) 678-1003
Area: East of Tampa
I-4 East to exit 15 (County Line Rd.) south to Hwy 60. East thru Bartow to Lake Wales. Take Airport road to hanger on right.I-4 East to exit 15 (County Line Rd.) south to Hwy 60. East thru Bartow to Lake Wales. Take Airport road to hanger on right.
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The city from the Westshore/Airport area
RAYMOND JAMES STADIUM, TAMPA
Marco's and Mr. Empanada
Feeding the giraffe
