MacDill Happenings

Come out to downtown Tampa to the historic Tampa Theatre and see a classic Charlie Chaplin silent movies “City Lights” & “A Dog’s Life“. “City Lights” begins with an uproarious skewering of pomp and formality ends with one of the most famous last shots in movie history and tickles the funny bone that in 1998 it was named one of the American Film Institute’s Top-100 American Films. Talkies were well entrenched when Charles Chaplin swam against the film making tide with this classic that is silent except for music and sound effects. The story, involving the Tramp’s attempt to get money from an operation that will restore sight to a blind flower girl, provides the star with an ideal framework for sentiment and laughs. The Tramp is variously a street sweeper, a boxer, a rich poseur and a rescuer of a suicidal millionaire. His message is unspoken, but universally understood: love is blind. “A Dog’s Life” (short) is a literal expression of Charlie Chaplin’s identification with the underdog. When his canine companion digs up money buried by thieves, the Tramp and his friend Edna get a chance at a better life. Ticket prices start at $9 with military, senior and children’s discount price of $7. Tampa Theatre Built in 1926 as one of America’s most elaborate “movie palaces”, the Tampa Theatre today is a historical treasure of Tampa. Located in downtown Tampa, the Theatre is easily accessible from I-275 and I-4. Designed by famed theatre architect John Eberson, the Tampa is a superior example of the “atmospheric” style of theatre design. Inside the Tampa, audiences are transported to a lavish, romantic Mediterranean courtyard replete with old world statuary, flowers, and gargoyles. Over it all is a nighttime sky replete with twinkling stars and floating clouds. Tampa Theatre was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, is a Tampa City Landmark, and is a member of the League of Historic American Theatres. There is on street parking nearby and parking lots within walking distance. Remember the street parking meters are not in service during the Federal holilday so parking at street meters is free. Just across the street from the Marriot Courtyard at Cass and N. Florida is a self-service parking lot that charges $5 for parking before 6pm and $3 after 6pm. If you ever come to watch a show it’s a tradition to hang out at The Hub, downtown Tampa’s classic dive that’s located two doors down, before or after a theater outing.

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On 28 Jan from 11am to 4pm at Largo Central Park, Touch-A-Truck and Florida Clown Day will take place with plenty of trucks, loud horns and smiling faces.  Sponsored by the city of Largo, the event is in its 17th year and brings out fire trucks, dump trucks, motorcycles, buses, military vehicles, a Bayflight helicopter, 18 wheeler, and more. Kids of all ages will enjoy inflatables, train rides along Largo Central Railroad, Rocketship Car rides around the block, and a delicious food court in the middle of the park. Children can climb in the trucks, bounce on inflatables, have their face painted, ride the train, and enjoy delicious food. Florida Clown Day, brought to you by the Uptown Clown Alley, will feature over 100 clowns from all across the state of Florida. All ages are welcome to this free event. Wristbands are required for some activities and can be purchased for $5 at the event. Limited on-site parking is available and free event shuttles will be offered from Largo High School. Individuals may park and walk from Largo Middle School. Largo Central Park is located at 101 Central Park Drive, Largo 33771. Over the last 10 years, the Largo has developed such landmark projects as Largo Central Park, the Largo Cultural Center, and the new Largo Public Library. Downtown redevelopment is currently underway, as evidenced by the changes to West Bay Drive and the upcoming Clearwater-Largo Road Streetscaping project. Tucked away on tree-lined Vonn Road is the Largo Golf Course. This par 62 executive course was renovated in early 2007 to offer USGA standard greens and an enhanced golfing experience. Largo Golf Course’s 3,335 yards of family fun features eight par 4 and ten par 3 holes, great for the beginner or the pro looking for an exciting round. Bi-weekly Saturday morning Golf Scrambles offer a chance to join in the fun and take a swing at some great prizes. Largo is across the bay from MacDill AFB and is easily accessed by using the Gandy Bridge and is a 30 to 40 minute drive depending on traffic.

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If you thought last weekend’s Gasparilla event was big, then get ready for an even bigger weekend.  This weekend’s Gasparilla Pirate Fest is huge! Last weekend’s event was focused on children so this weekend’s event will be for adults.  Just take this in mind when trying to decide if you should bring children.  People are little more rowdy during this event.   The Pirate Fest Street Festival, which will take place along Ashley Drive, from Kennedy to Cass Street, runs from 10am to 10pm. However throughout the downtown and Channelside district of Tampa, there will be huge number of Gasparilla events. The Gasparilla Invasion takes place from 11:30am to 1pm. The Jose Gasparilla pirate ship will be sailing into Tampa with cannons firing and flags unfurled accompanied by hundreds of smaller boats. The Jose Gasparilla sets sail at the south end of Hillsborough Bay at 11:30 am, sails north to Seddon Channel (between Davis Island and Harbour Island), continues north and docks at the Tampa Convention Center at 1 pm. The Gasparilla Pirate Fest Street Festival features stages with live entertainment, food, and the Gasparilla Midway. The Gasparilla Parade of Pirates begins at 2pm and is scheduled to end at 5:30pm. The parade begins at Bay to Bay Boulevard and Bayshore Boulevard. It continues along Bayshore Boulevard to Brorein Street, turns east on Brorein Street, then north on Ashley Drive. The parade ends at Cass Street & Ashley Drive. The Gasparilla Pirate Fest Stage will be at Curtis Hixon Park this year. Parking is always a big issue because there will literally be a hundred thousand of people attending this event. Make sure you get out early. Parking is available at lots throughout downtown Tampa and Ybor City. If you park in Ybor City, you can use the TECO streetcars to get to the parade. Parking at the Centro Ybor Parking Garage or the Palm Avenue Garage costs $1 for the first hour and $4 for over 3 hours. The TECO streetcar conductor sells a 1-day Unlimited Ride for $5.

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On Mondays at MacDill Lanes active duty personnel and their immediate dependents can bowl on Mondays for only $5. This special is only available on Mondays from 11am to 7pm and includes as many games as you want and shoe rental. MacDill Lanes offers 12 lanes of top quality bowling with automated scoring and pinsetters. Bowling is great family fun and is great way to keep the kids from getting bored! There is pro shop that has everything that you need for bowling including the latest balls that can be drilled to you hand size, bags, shoes and other accessories. The snack bar has great food at a reasonable price. The snack bar is open at 11am on Sunday to Friday and at 1pm on Saturday and closes one hour before the lanes close. The normal hours for MacDill Lanes are Mon-Tue 11am to 5pm, Wed-Thu 11am to 8pm, Fri 11am to midnight and Sat 1pm to midnight. Regular per game rates are from 11am to 5pm is $2, and 5pm-8pm is $2.50. On Saturday from 1pm-8pm, the cost is $2.50. On Friday and Saturday night from 8pm to midnight, Xtreme Bowling with glowing pins and balls and flashing lights takes place with a charge of $3 per game. MacDill Lanes also has a birthday party special for $100 for 10 kids. The birthday special includes 2 games of Xtreme Bowling, shoe rental, table and chair set up, decorations and a choice of hot dog, fries and a soft drink or pizza and soft drinks.

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If you want to know where you can definitely see a manatee in Tampa, then stop by the The Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center . As the water cools down in the Bay, the manatees know that they can always find warm water at the Center. You will be able to see them along the warm-water discharge canal at Tampa Electric’s Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach, features a wooden boardwalk over the water, a garden and habitat displays, a snack bar, and decks from which to view the manatees.  At the center visitors can see a tidal walkway showcasing vibrant Florida plants and birds, butterfly gardens, and educational building. Ideal for all ages, the Manatee Viewing Center features a new mangrove exhibit, butterfly gardens, an expanded gift shop and Tampa Electric’s largest installation of solar panels. The Manatee Viewing Center is home to Tampa Electric’s largest photovoltaic (PV) installation. With a capacity of 23.8 kilowatts, the solar panels can generate up to 37,500 kilowatt-hours annually. That’s enough electricity from a renewable source to offset the carbon dioxide four average-size cars could produce in one year. Not emitting that amount of carbon dioxide is equal to planting 7.5 acres of trees. The center is open from 10 am to 5 pm daily. Admission and parking are free. Any donations you choose to make to the center are greatly appreciated and go directly toward the purchase and maintenance of educational exhibits and publications that can help teach more visitors about the manatee and the many animals and plants that share its habitat.

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Come out with some friend to the Channelside District of Tampa for new adventurous food and some movie entertainment all outdoors in the gorgeous Tampa evening at Flicks and Food Trucks. On Thursday January 19, there will be 10-15 gourmet food trucks offering everything from Burgers to Vegetarian Bites for sale. The event takes place at The Grand Central off of Kennedy. The trucks and flicks will be there from 6pm to 10pm. There will be independent short films (10-15 minutes each) provided for all to enjoy for free. The Independents’ Film Festival (IFF), an annual project of Tampa Bay Arts and Education Network, showcases student and independent film from around the world, while maintaining a focus on the Florida filmmaker. One of the longest running established film festivals in Florida, IFF supports creating a community of creative minded individuals who celebrate the art of the moving image. Expect to find something for anyone discerning palate. Cigar City Brews will be available on draft at the Pour House! The event is 21+, so bring your IDs and bring cash for beer and food. Please plan to expect waiting in line for your orders. While the food is worth the wait, it does not come fast because it’s not “fast food”. These are full blown restaurants on wheels and food is made to order. Consider it similar to tailgating: Most people stand and eat at Food Truck events. If you are one who likes to sit and eat, then stake out a spot on a curb or bring a chair! Vendors appreciate small bills v.s 10’s & 20’s. Some trucks do take Credit Cards, but many do not. There is an ATM on site through the courtyard area. There is a rarking garage located at Grand Central at Kennedy (900 spaces / Free for 2 Hours).

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Sign up now for the 2-Person Scramble Tournament at MacDill AFB Bay Palms Golf Complex on the 21st of January. There is plenty of time to start practicing now! It’s a best ball tournament where each player on the team hits a shot and best shot of the two gets selected for the next shot. It’s an 8am shotgun start. Cost is $30 for members and E1 to E4, $35 for E5 to O3, $40 for O4 and up and $45 for civilians. Price includes green fees, cart, prizes and a pasta lunch after the tournament. Before the tournament, warm up or work on your stroke at the 24-hour a day lighted driving range for only $1 for a bucket of balls. Of course, there are separate chipping and putting greens. The Bay Palms Golf Complex was named ‘Best Golf Program in the Air Force’ for 2002. There are two 18-hole, par 72 courses. The clubhouse has pro shop, restroom/locker areas and a great reasonably price eatery. The South Course is a scenic and challenging courses built along the Bay. The North Course course is a fairly straight course with several water obstacles. Group and private lessons can be arranged through the Bay Palms Pro Shop. The clubhouse has an excellent pro shop with a great friendly staff ready to help you. The snack bar serves a great variety of food and has an especially nice breakfast menu!

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Come out to Curtis Hixon Park for the 12th Annual Tampa Bay Black Heritage Street Festival and enjoy a free music, food vendors, arts and crafts, as well as unique villages. The Artist’s Village will have local and national artists showcase their wide variety of original, ethic artwork. The Author’s Village will have local and national authors showcase their literature. The Children’s Village will have face painting, storytelling, educational activities, arts & crafts, as well as several other intriguing activities for children. The Health Village will offer free health screenings for HIV, diabetes, hypertension, breast cancer, glaucoma, and many other prevalent health concerns. The Corporate Village will have Bay Area businesses. The Festival starts at 10am on Saturday and 11:30am on Sunday. On Saturday, Rose Royce will headline the free musical entertainment.  The beautiful Curtis Hixon Park is located on the waterfront in downtown Tampa along Ashley St between the Tampa Museum of Art and the Sykes building. Food is also available at nearby restaurants including Five Guys Hamburger across the street from the Park and a new nearby Mexican restaurant Urban Cantina located at the corner of Madison and South Tampa. Alcohol is not allowed but well behaved pets are! Curtis Hixon Park has a fenced animal park along the water. This park is one of nicest parks in Tampa. With an interactive playground, wide open flat grass play area, a view of the University of Tampa, and cooling water fountains, this is a great place to relax on during a Tampa evening. Parking is available at the Curtis Hixon parking garage or at nearby public parking lots. On street parking is free in Tampa after 6pm, so you don’t have to place any quarters into the meters! If you’re lucky, you can get a parking spot in front of Five Guys Hamburgers right across the street from the Park at the corner of Ashley and Polk.

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Winthrop Pole Barn in Riverview will be the location of a Food Truck Rally on Saturday 14 January! The rally runs from 11am to 3pm. The Winthrop Pole Barn is located at 11349 Bloomingdale Ave. in Riverview. The nearest cross street is Providence. There will be 10-15 gourmet food trucks offering everything from Burgers to Vegetarian Bites for sale. Expect to find something for anyone discerning palate. Please plan to expect waiting in line for your orders. While the food is worth the wait, it does not come fast because it’s not “fast food”. These are full blown restaurants on wheels and food is made to order. Consider it similar to tailgating: Most people stand and eat at Food Truck events. Expect to see about 2,000 and 3,000 people. If you are one who likes to sit and eat, then you should bring a chair and maybe a portable table if you want to get really fancy! The Winthrop Pole Barn is a pretty big area so parking and seating should not be an issue. Vendors appreciate small bills v.s 10’s & 20’s. Some trucks do take Credit Cards, but many do not. There are some nearby ATM’s in Winthrop Town Center if you forget to bring cash. Riverview is a popular community with people who work on MacDill AFB. Riverview is about a 20 minute drive from MacDill AFB when using the Selmon Expressway. The HART express line which goes non-stop to MacDill AFB has several pickup locations in Riverview.

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