MacDill Happenings

If you are planning a vacation out of the country, remember that you will need a passport.  Passport processing time takes 4 to 6 weeks.  You can receive expedited service for an additional free that will only take about 3 weeks of processing time. The Arts and Crafts Center on MacDill AFB offer passport photos that can be taken and processed while you wait.  Pictures can be taken M-F from 10am to 6pm.  The cost is only $7.50 for two photos.  To help plan your vacation trip, try the ITT office in the MacDill Exchange.

Known for his romantic ballads during his 40 year career, come listen to Engelbert Humperdick at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater on 19 Feb.  The concert starts at 8pm. Ticket prices are $38 to $75.

Bill Cosby will be performing at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota on 17 Feb.  He will have two shows beginning at 3pm and 7pm.  Tickets are priced at $48 and $58, which includes a $3 surcharge.  Before the 7pm show, enjoy dinner at Michael’s At The Van Wezel in the Grand Foyer.  The Pre-Show dinner will be offered at 5:45, 6:00 and 6:15 and will be buffet-style, complete with a choice of 3 specialty entrees prepared by Sarasota’s famous Michael’s On East.

Playing this Friday at the MacDill AFB theater at 7pm is The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep.  It is a great movie for kids and is rated PG.  On Saturday at 7pm is One Missed Call.  This movie is rated R.   Remember it only cost $3.25 per person to watch a movie, more than 50% off the cost of movie out in town.  Of course, you can get a meduim popcorn and soft drink for $4! 

Take your sweetheart out for a little exercise by taking part in the Sweetheart 5k Run on 14 Feb.  The run starts at 11:30am with a sign up for the run at 11am.  Get a free t-shirt for participating.  The run will start at the Fitness Center.  Call the Fitness Center at 828-4496 for more information.

Stop by the MacDill AFB Library on Tuesdays at 10:30am for Pre-school Story Time.  February is Book Lover’s Month.  On the 13th at 3:30pm is Valentine Story and Craft.  The Library also has a large selection of magazines and newspapers.  If you need to get online, then sign up for a library card to use one of the computers in the computer room. Normal hours for the Library are Mon-Thu 9am-8pm, Fri 9am-5pm and Sat 10am-5pm.

The Vatican Splendors from St Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museum, and the Swiss Guard will be on display at the Florida International Museum in St. Petersburg through May 11.  Come see Michelangelo items and works by Bernini, Giotto, Guercino and others.  Some of the artwork dates back to the 3rd century and some artwork has never been displayed in public.  Hours are 9 am to 6pm Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.  Admission is $20 adults, $17 seniors, $15 military, $13 children 6 and older.  The Florida International Museum is located at 244 Second Ave. N. 

Get ready for Baseball spring training as players start to report to camps starting on the 14th.  In the Tampa area there are an abundance of spring training camps starting with the Yankees in Tampa at Legends Field.  If you are a Yankees fan, then you need to get your spring training game tickets early, because they always sell out!  Of course, the Tampa Bay home team is the Rays who train in St. Petersburg.  The Toronto Blue Jays train in Dunedin.  The Philadelphia Phillies are in Clearwater.  The Pittsburgh Pirates are in Bradenton.  The Cincinnati Reds play in Sarasota.  The Altanta Braves are in Kissimmee with the Cleveland Indians near them in Winter Haven.  Not too far from Tampa, the Minnesota Twins play in Ft. Meyers. 

The SS American Victory, a World War II Victory class merchant marine ship, is anchored at Channelside next to the Florida Aquarium.   The Victory class of merchant marine ship with structural and  araments upgrades replaced well known Liberty merchant marine class during 1944.  The SS American Victory served in WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.  The ship is a working maritme museum and is currently undergoing restoration by volunteers. The ship is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.  Cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children with discounts for veterans, active duty military and seniors.  Children under 3 are free.

Enjoy the beach view and a live band while you eat dinner this evening at SeaScapes Beach Club on MacDill AFB!  From 6pm-9pm SeaScapes is having an Oodles & Noodles dinner that only cost $10 for adults and $5 from 6-12yrs old.  Children 5 and younger eat for free!  There is a play area for kids.  The menu will include: Crositini, Pizza Rustica, an assortment of Pasta, Meat Sauce, Alfredo Sauce, Pasta Station, Prosciutto & Cheese Table, Breads, Garlic Toast, Lasagna, Stuffed Shells, Italian Wedding Soup, Pasta Fagioli, Biscotti, Tiramisu and Fragelico Chocolate Sauce with Raspberry Sauce.