MacDill Happenings

The Rays are doing great at the Trop! They swept the San Diego Padres on Sunday and today the Red Sox are in town for a 3 game series. The first pitch will be thrown at 7:10pm. Gates will open 1 1/2 hours prior to game time. Matt Moore is trying to get his 7th win without a loss in tonight’s game. The bats have come alive with Longoria winning AL Player for the Week Award for his great hitting last week. Speaking of hitting, James Loney has been a fantastic pickup for the Rays. He is hitting .376 after getting a home run in Sunday’s game. Get to the game early and have that pre-game tailgate party! The first 100 cars with four or more people inside can park for free an hour before the game starts. After that parking will cost $15 to $30. You can find some private lots around the Trop that may only charge $10, so make sure that you look around. Tropicana Field is located directly east of I-275 in St. Petersburg. The dome is visible from the highway. I-375 and I-175 both veer off of I-275 and feed into Tropicana Field. From MacDill AFB, The Trop is about a 30 minute drive. Tropicana Field is the world’s only professional sports facility that features live cownose rays. The Rays Tank opened in 2006, and is located just behind the right center field wall. Through a unique partnership with the Florida Aquarium, there are over 30 rays that fans can touch and feed throughout the game. In the Left Field Street area, fans can participate in a baseball-themed game show, take their picture on a Topps baseball card, and personalize their own jersey. Left Field Street also features the Grand Slam Alley with Midway-style games. Right Field Street was renovated to include numerous activities for younger baseball fans. Kids can play in the Rays Baseball Carnival, a real working carnival that includes Tip-a-Jug, Ring Toss, and more. Fans can take their swings against computer images of real Major League pitchers in a batting cage or test their arms in the speed pitch, both found in the Rookie Challenge. Right Field Street also features popular kids-themed areas such as Raymond’s Art Studio and Raymond’s Living Room. Center Field Street features the Cuesta-Rey Bar, as well as the Everglades BBQ Smokehouse, located in center field. The specially tinted windows of the restaurant make up a 130-foot-wide hitting background, yet still allow patrons of the restaurant to watch the game. Also found on Center Field Street is the Brewhouse, The Captain Morgan Deck, the Rays Team Store, and the MLB Alumni Office.

MacDill Happenings is brought to you by Militarybyowner Advertising, Inc., your resource for MacDill AFB Off-Base Housing!

In honor of the arrival of warm weather, Haagen-Dazs ice stores around the country will offer Free Cone Day on Tuesday. From 4pm to 8pm, you can receive one free ice cream cone. The Westfield Citrus Park Mall and International Plaza each have a Haagen-Daz ice cream shop. The Westfield Citrus Park mall has over 150 shops including restaurants so come out and celebrate the first day of summer for the kids and moms get ready for the kids to be home during the summer! The mall is located off the Veteran’s Expressway just north of Tampa International Airport, so access to MacDill AFB, Tampa Airport and the Gulf beaches is pretty quick depending on the time of day. The Citrus Park area of Tampa started as orange groves and has evolved to one of nicest neighborhoods in Tampa. The Citrus Park area also touches the neighborhoods Westchase, Waterchase, Westchester, Mandolin, and Nine-Eagles, Fawn Ridge, Fawnlake and Countryway.  Located in Hillsborough County, the schools in the Citrus Park neighborhood are provided by Hillsborough County Public Schools. International Plaza, adjacent to Tampa International Airport, is one of the most distinctive shopping and dining destination of Florida’s West Coast. There are 3 very fashionable department stores, and over 200 specialty shops. Bay Street at the Plaza is a wonderful outdoor shopping area of fine restaurants and small boutiques. It’s a great place for a meal and stroll afterwards.

MacDill Happenings is brought to you by Militarybyowner Advertising, Inc., your resource for MacDill AFB Off-Base Housing!

Come out to North Straub Park in St. Pete for Music and Movies in the Park this Thursday. This free event is sponsored by St. Petersburg Preservation (SPP). SPP is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and preserving important and significant places of St. Petersburg’s history. North Straub Park located on the downtown waterfront. The music portion will be provided by the John Kelly Band starting at 7pm. This St. Pete will entertain you with their acoustic alternative country music. The movie tonight is the classic 1993 romantic comedy “Sleepless in Seattle”. Tom Hanks stars as Sam Baldwin, a widowed father who, thanks to the wiles of his worried son, becomes a reluctant guest on a radio call-in show. He’s an instant hit with thousands of female listeners who deluge his Seattle home with letters of comfort. Meanwhile, inspired in equal parts by Sam’s story and by classic Hollywood romance, writer Annie Reed played by Meg Ryan becomes convinced that it’s her destiny to meet Sam. The music on Thursday starts at 6pm. Music will be provided by “Hot Rod Hornets” with their fantastic rockabilly sound. Admission is free, but you can rent a chair for $5. Or you can bring a chair or blanket! The weather should be good on Thursday. It would be a great time to have a picnic, but alcohol is not allowed in the park. The closest public parking lots to North Straub Park are: BayWalk (Midcore) Garage – 117 2nd St N, 2nd Ave N Lot – 231 2nd Ave N, Wachovia Center – 150 2nd Ave N and BayWalk (Midcore) Garage – 117 2nd St N. St. Pete is about a 30 minute drive from MacDill AFB.

MacDill Happenings is brought to you by Militarybyowner Advertising, Inc., your resource for MacDill AFB Off-Base Housing!

Actor-musician Gary Sinise with his Lt Dan Band will be performing at Curtis Hixon Park on Friday 10 May as part of a his nationwide tour to raise money to build “smart” homes for severely wounded troops. The concert starts at 7pm and will raise funds for medically retired Marine Sergeant Mike Nicholson, who lost three limbs in Afghanistan in an IED attack. Organizers hope to finish a dozen homes by the end of the year. Gates will open at 6pm. Tickets are $35 and $70 for VIP seating. VIP seating is general admission within the VIP area. VIP tickets will have chair seating. General admission lawn tickets will not have chairs. Those with general admission tickets may bring their own chairs or blankets. There will be food and drink for sale including alcohol. Food is 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. Get it to go! You can also bring a picnic dinner and don’t forget the blankets and chairs! 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. The show will go on rain or shine, but so far it looks like no rain. 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 listen to a concert on a Friday evening or any evening and support a great cause. 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.

MacDill Happenings is brought to you by Militarybyowner Advertising, Inc., your resource for MacDill AFB Off-Base Housing!

Today is Cinco de Mayo! This day celebrate a victory of Mexican forces over French forces in 1862 at the Battle of Puebla. They are too numerous to list, but this is big day for every Mexican restaurant. Expect food and drink specials at a minimum from your favorite Mexican eatery. Many restaurants will have a mariachi band serenading customers! If the weather clears up, then you can head over to Vinoy Park in St. Pete for some outside fun! The Cinco de Mayo Latin American Celebration will take place at Vinoy Park. The celebration starts at 11am and ends at 6pm. Come out and listen to the live music. Do a little dancing on giant outdoor dance floor, and made take a Latin dance lessons. There will be a show car and monster truck display. Checkout the tourism showcase and learn about things to do and see in the Tampa Bay area. If you want to have a little Mexican beer, then you can stop by the Dos Equis beer garden. If you get hungry, then there will be food trucks there with something for everyone! From Cuban sandwiches to food from the iconic Taco Bus and offering from various restaurants, you won’t know where to stop or where to end! Tickets will be $13 at the gate. There are parking structures available and some on street parking. It maybe warm so make sure you bring a hat, sunblock, sunglasses and bring a chair or blanket to sit on to enjoy the fun. Or you might need to bring an umbrella! Please leave pets at home and outside food or drink is not allowed.

MacDill Happenings is brought to you by Militarybyowner Advertising, Inc., your resource for MacDill AFB Off-Base Housing!

How about saving a little money and taking the family out for something fun and free! Take a free train ride in Largo Central Park in the city of Largo. But donations are appreciated! Kids and adults can experience large-scale model-railroading with a ride on the Largo Central Railroad. There are approximately 1.2 miles of main line track with numerous passings running through beautifully landscaped Largo Central Park. The Largo Central Railroad (LCRR), founded in 1991, was built and is now maintained through the work and dedication of the LCRR club members and through generous donations for visitors. The train runs the first full weekend of each month from 10am to 4 pm. There is no charge for the train ride but donations are welcome. Call (727) 585-9835 for more information or if you are interested in the joining the LCRR club. Largo is a community of more than 74,000 residents and continues to grow through annexation. Over the last 10 years, the City 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.

MacDill Happenings is brought to you by Militarybyowner Advertising, Inc., your resource for MacDill AFB Off-Base Housing!

Curtis Hixon Park in downtown Tampa will be the location of Funk Fest 2013 on Friday and Saturday. On Friday, the show will include three-time platinum album artist Keyshia Cole and ’80s rapper Doug E. Fresh. Doug E. Fresh was part of the Get Fresh Crew that released “The Show” and “La-Di-Da-Di” which are considered two of the all-time greatest early hip hop classics. Also appearing will be 90′s hit R&B group Jagged Edge. On Saturday, headliners include Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam, the SOS Band, Salt-n-Pepa and Anthony Hamilton. Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam are best known for two songs “Head to Toe” and “Lost in Emotion” released in 1987. With their hit songs “Push It,” “Tramp,”"Shake Your Thang,” “Shoop” and “Whatta Man,” Salt-n-Pepa were the first female rap crew. Tickets can be purchased online. Tickets range from $40 to $140. On Friday, gates open at 5pm and the show starts at 7pm. On Saturday, gates open at 3pm and the show stars at 5pm. Please don’t bring video recorders. Outside food, drinks, coolers, tents, umbrellas and pets are not allowed. 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 a Thursday evening or any 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. The good thing about this park is that is centrally located in Tampa. Just a 15 minute drive from MacDill AFB and about 20 to 30 minutes from Brandon, FishHawk Ranch, New Tampa, Clearwater and St. Pete.

MacDill Happenings is brought to you by Militarybyowner Advertising, Inc., your resource for MacDill AFB Off-Base Housing!

Stop by the  Bay Palms Golf Complex on MacDill AFB during May and check out all the golf specials. The special for the month is $120 for a foursome which includes carts and green fees. Also on Mondays or Wednesdays if you play after 11am, there is a 2 for 1 special which includes carts and green fees during May. On Wednesdays during May, there is also a 9 hole scramble from 5pm to 7pm. Normal golf rates are based on rank and run from $10 to $25. The per person cart rate for 18 holes is $12 and for 9 holes it is $7. The free active duty clinic runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 1pm, but you have the buy a bucket of balls. There is a drop-in junior clinic every Saturday for $3. It runs from 8:30am to 9:30am. Bay Palms Golf Complex was named ‘Best Golf Program in the Air Force’ for 2002. There are two 18-hole, par 72 courses. The challenging South Course runs along the bay. The North Course offers a prefect opportunity to work on your game. The complex has a lighted practice putting green, a 24-hour-a-day lighted driving range where a bucket of balls is only $1, a practice chipping green and sand trap areas. 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! The Complex is open daily from 6:30am to 5:30pm. The Grill is open daily from 6:30am to 2:00pm. Whether your home is in Brandon, FishHawk, St. Pete or New Tampa, you can’t find a more affordable golf course. It’s a great place to stop in after work and play a couple of holes or hit a bucket or two at the driving range before going home!

MacDill Happenings is brought to you by Militarybyowner Advertising, Inc., your resource for MacDill AFB Off-Base Housing!

Check out the Harbour Island Art Walk today. Starting at noon, you can browse work from local artists which will include fashion, jewelry, and arts and crafts. Maybe you will find something unique for your home or garden. Enjoy the live music. The Walk will be outdoors on the waterfront at 800 Post Harbour Drive. This is directly across the Garrison Channel from Tampa Bay Times Forum. Vendors will be offering food and drink. Harbour Island is an island neighborhood within the city limits of Tampa. The island consists of mostly private residential areas, including high-rise condos, apartments, row houses, single-family homes and large houses, as well as a yacht club. It’s very conveniently located near MacDillAFB which is about a 10 minute car ride away. Or you can take your bike along Bayshore Boulevard to get to MacDill AFB. Nearby to Harbour Island is the Channelside District. Channelside is an entertainment and residential area of Tampa. Home to the Channelside shopping area, Florida Aquarium, and the Tampa Bay Times Forum, home to the Tampa Bay Lightning and numerous concerts and shows. Downtown Tampa is also near Harbour Island and also has wonderful entertainment venues and residential opportunities. The Straz Center for Performing Arts is located in downtown Tampa. With 5 performance theaters, and the Patel Conservatory which offers more than 100 classes in dance, theater and music to children and adults, the Straz Center is a cultural jewel of Tampa. The historic Tampa Theatre located in downtown features a wide range of independent, foreign, and documentary films on a daily basis. Built in 1926, the Tampa Theatre is a one of America’s best-preserved examples of grand movie palace architecture.

MacDill Happenings is brought to you by Militarybyowner Advertising, Inc., your resource for MacDill AFB Off-Base Housing!

The Cleveland Street District in downtown Clearwater is having Blast Friday with a free concert from Firefall. Blast Friday runs from 5:30pm to 10pm. Firefall will perform on the Cleveland Street Stage directly in front of the Capitol Theatre. Firefall was well known for a very popular string of hits in the 70′s including “You are the Woman” and “Just remember I love”. The exact performance time has not been published but it will probably be sometime around the middle of the festival. This free street festival will feature a variety of vendors, as well as food, beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages. Live music will playing during the entire time of the festival. The band’s biggest hit was “Amie” and they are still a popular in demand live band. Blast Friday was established as downtown Clearwater’s free, family-friendly street festival. Supported by the City of Clearwater, the Cleveland Street District and the Downtown Development Board and produced by Ruth Eckerd Hall On The Road, Blast Friday hosts 10 events per year bringing more than 40,000 people to downtown Clearwater. Come out explore the unique shops or try out the one of a kind restaurants. It’s a great place to find that special Christmas gift and relaxing way to spend a Friday evening. Clearwater is the county seat of Pinellas County and is located on the highest coastal bluff in Florida. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Clearwater is over 108,000 residents. Two major airports are conveniently nearby: Tampa International Airport and St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport. The downtown area is the gateway to the beautiful Clearwater beaches. Clearwater is about a 30 minute drive from MacDill AFB.

MacDill Happenings is brought to you by Militarybyowner Advertising, Inc., your resource for MacDill AFB Off-Base Housing!