MacDill Happenings

Plan for 4th of July in Brandon.  Enjoy a parade and then at night check out the fireworks display at Brandon Town Center Mall.   The Fourth of July parade starts at 10 am at West Lumsden Road and South Parsons Avenue. Attractions will include floats, blaring sirens, patriotic music, marching bands and more. The parade will travel north on Parsons, turn west on West Robertson Street and end at the Publix parking lot west of Kings Avenue. Make sure you get there early for a good spot. It is going to be hot so along with the chairs and water bring sunscreen or something for shade. Then, the Westfield Brandon mall will light up the night skies for the fifth annual Brandon Blast starting at 9 p.m. The best viewing area will be the southeast corner of the mall closest to State Road 60 and Interstate 75. The best way to get to the mall for the show is using the back entrances off of Causeway Blvd or Providence Lake Rd. Bring your chairs and refreshments! Since this is Florida, you might want to bring the bug spray to keep the bugs from biting you!

If you’re new to Tampa and want know where to take your dog out to enjoy the great Tampa weather and get a little exercise, then you’re in luck!  In the Tampa area, there are 4 dog parks spread throughout the county.  In the northern part of the Tampa area, there is the Carolyn Meeker Dog Park located in Lutz.    In the northeast part of Tampa, there is Logan Gate Dog Park. In Seffner just east of I-75 and north of MLK, is the Mango Recreation Center.  Just north of Tampa International Airport is West Park.  In each park there is a play area featuring 5 acres with a 6 foot galvanized chain link fence with double gated entries. Each area is split into two separate access areas for small and large dogs. In addition, there are water fountains for people and dogs, picnic tables, shelters, dog washes, a hitching post, and doggie mitt receptacles.  Hillsborough County has dog park rules and regulations, and a brochure to make sure you know what to do and what to expect.

If you haven’t had the chance to get out a play a little golf this summer, the PARTAKE special is a perfect reason to get out and play.  During special days in July from 12-6:30pm for only $5 you get 9 holes, a golf cart and rental clubs.  If you want to play 18 holes it is only an extra $5.  On 8 July, Wing personnel are eligible.  On 14 July, CENTCOM personnel are eligible.  On 21 July, SOCOM personnel are eligible.  On 28 July, JCSE personnel are eligible.  If you are a new golfer or want to take out your shop for a little fun-time in the afternoon, this is a perfect opportunity!   You also receive entry forms to participate in a drawing for prizes!

In celebration of being named “Tampa’s favorite stain” in a contest by Tide and Citysearch, Kojak’s House of Ribs will be giving away free barbecue ribs starting from 2pm to 4 pm this Saturday, June 28. This past January, Tide partnered with Citysearch to conduct a nationwide poll to reveal “America’s Favorite Stains” – the stains that result from enjoying the people, places, and moments Americans love best. The contest was held in 25 cities across America , with winners ranging from Nathan’s Hot Dogs in New York City to Johnny’s Po-Boys in New Orleans. Kojak’s is located in south Tampa on Gandy Blvd just west of Bayshore Blvd. If the weather is good, you can enjoy the outside on the big outdoor porch or just eat inside. The restaurant is located in an old house with plenty of character.  If you are ever in the south Tampa area during lunch, Kojak’s has a great daily lunch special from 11am to 4pm that include a 1/4 chicken with two sides for only $5.25.  Kojak’s is only about 10 minutes from MacDill AFB.

Check out the latest movies at the MacDill AFB movie theater this weekend for a great price.  Admission is only $3.25 a person.  This Friday at 7pm watch “Iron Man” starring Robert Downey Jr. This movie is rated PG13 for intense sci-fi action/violence, and sugesstive content. Run time is 129 minutes. Tony Stark is a billionaire industrialist and genius inventor who is kidnapped and forced to build a devastating weapon. Instead, using his intelligence and ingenuity, Tony builds a high-tech suit of armor and escapes captivity. When he uncovers a nefarious plot with global implications, he dons his powerful armor and vows to protect the world as Iron Man. On Saturday at 7pm, watch “What Happens in Las Vegas” starring Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher. This movie is rated PG-13 for sexual/crude content, language and drug reference. Run time is 99 minutes. Two strangers awaken together to discover they’ve gotten married following a night of debauchery in Sin City, and one of them has won a huge jackpot after playing the other’s quarter. The newlyweds devise every-escalating schemes to undermine each other and get their hand on the money, only to find themselves falling in love amid the mutual backstabbing. Don’t forget a medium popcorn and soft drink is only $6!

Get a jump start on your 4th of July celebration. Greater New Port Richey Main Street Independence Day takes place this Saturday from 4pm to 11pm.  Bring the whole family downtown to enjoy classic rock music, food & beverages, the seventh annual “Miss Fire Cracker” Contest; a “Red, WOOF and Blue” Pet Parade; a Classic Car, Truck and Corvette Cruise-in; Beer Garden; kids’ games and much more. The celebration features music including 60’s Groove, 5:30-7 p.m., 7 Bridges (Eagles tribute), 7-9 p.m. and ZOSO (Led Zeppelin tribute), after fireworks. Of course the fireworks start after dark.  This is about a 50 minute drive from MacDill AFB.  Make sure you get there early, last year there were about 25,000 people in attendance.

Liven up the middle of the week by going to Hyde Park Village this Wednesday for the Live Music Series.  “Sweet Spot” will be playing from 6pm to 9pm by the fountain to raise money for the Gasparilla Film Festival.  “Sweep Spot” is one of Tampa Bay’s top modern rock cover band playing a huge spectrum of modern music.  Before or after the show, enjoy one of the many great eateries in the Village.  Before show stroll around the Village and check out all the shopping opportunities. Hyde Park Village in south Tampa is easily accessible from throughout Tampa and is only about 15 minutes away from MacDill AFB. There are 3 free parking garages in the Village.  Picture courtesy of Hyde Park Village.

If you getting to enter your senior year of high school, then get a jump start on scholarships.  The Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund honors the bravery and dedication exhibited by Americans in our Armed Forces who have sacrificed life or limb defending our country by providing educational scholarships to their children.  The deadline to enter is 18 July.  To qualify you must meet specific criteria: The dependent child or a US servicemember who has been killed or permanently disabled (100% VA disability rating) as a result of an operational mission or training accident or who is currently classified as a Prisoner of War or Missing in Action; a high school senior, high school graduate, or registered as a full time undergraduate student, and under the age of 26.

Come and check out the 16th Annual Downtown Venice Craft Festival which concludes today. The outdoor event is free and takes place in Centennial Park on Venice Ave. More than 100 crafters, who were chosen through a juried process, will be at Centennial Park. The crafters will be on hand with creations such as paintings, unique jewelry, personalized gifts, handmade clothing and much more! Visitors will be available to ask questions about techniques, learn the sources of the crafter’s inspirations and purchase fine crafts and collectables suited to fit every taste and budget. Crafts will be available at a wide price range.  Although this is about a 70 minute drive south of MacDill AFB, it is a great opportunity to start exploring Florida!  Picture courtesy of the City of Venice.

Tonight watch the Tampa Bay Rays battle the Houston Astro at Tropicana Field at 6:10pm.  The Rays are only a game and a half out of first place.  Although, they lost a close game last night to the Astros, the Rays have still only lost 5 games at home this season.  If you have four or more people in your car, you can park for free at Tropicana Field.  Make sure you buy your ticket at least 5 hrs before the start of the game.   Ticket prices are raised $2 if they are bought within 5 hours of the start of the game.  You can buy great tickets at the MacDill AFB ITT.  After the game ends, listen to Kool & The Gang.  The first 10,000 fans get a pair of Rays sunglasses.  Tropicana Field is just on the other side of the bay from MacDill AFB and is about a 30 minute drive.