Affordable fun can still be found around Pinellas
When pinching pennies, these inexpensive entertainment opportunities top the list
By LEE CLARK ZUMPE
Article published on Monday, Aug. 4, 2008  |
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| Photo by LEE CLARK ZUMPE |
| Admission is free to the Florida Botanical Gardens, one of the county’s most beautiful and tranquil destinations. |
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PINELLAS COUNTY – Times may be tough, but there’s no need to sacrifice fun, particularly since there are a number of inexpensive entertainment options available in Pinellas County.
For starters, the Pinellas County Parks and Recreation Department maintains more than 4,100 acres of some of the area’s most beautiful natural wonders and outdoor vistas. Pristine Florida landscapes include award-winning beaches, tranquil lakes and lush wooded areas.
Many county parks and preserves host recurring guided hikes, nature walks, special programs and even canoe trips. For instance, Nocturnal Adventures with Lowry Park Zoo, a free program that allows participants to encounter creatures that usually only come out at night, will be offered on Saturday, Aug. 9, 1 to 2 p.m., at Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. To register, call 453-6800.
For more information about Pinellas County Parks and Recreation Department programs, visit www.pinellascounty.org/park.
Visitors can explore 30 acres of cultivated gardens every day of the year at the Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, and admission is free.
Showcasing flora, fauna and natural resources, the campus features demonstration gardens, including a patio garden, herb garden and tropical fruit garden; formal gardens, including the wedding garden with topiaries, a tropical walk and a tropical courtyard; and natural areas, including an aquatic habitat demonstration area and a native plant garden.
Sunset Sounds, a free concert series sponsored by the city of Largo, will feature Panakolada on Friday, Aug. 8, 7 to 9 p.m., at Ulmer Park, 301 West Bay Drive.
Panakolada, a group of live steel drum performers, will serve up sizzling tropical beats. Offered on second Fridays, the concert series will continue in September with Liz Pennock and Dr. Blues.
During the summer, S’Real Fridays are offered Fridays, 5 to 8 p.m., at the Salvador Dalí Museum, 1000 Third St. S., St. Petersburg.
During the weekly event, admission is half-price at $7.50. S’Real Fridays feature a blend of music, art and libation. Live entertainment is offered in a café setting. Attendees may also view silent films or enjoy a complementary nacho cheese fountain and a cash bar.
Currently on exhibit at the museum is Women: Dali’s View, a selection of over 90 works from the permanent collection (painting, drawing, watercolors, prints and objects) representative Dalí’s various creations of the female image.
Scheduled performers for August are as follows:
- Aug. 8 – Guisando Caliente Latin Jazz Quintet, Latin jazz
- Aug. 15 – Freddy Montes y su Son, Cuban jazz
- Aug. 22 – Urban Gypsies, world music
- Aug. 29 – PBS, jazz and world fusion
In addition to S’Real Fridays, admission to the Salvador Dalí Museum is $5 on Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m.
Free kids’ matinees will be shown on Saturdays, 10 a.m., through August, at Beach Theatre, 315 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach.
The theater, in conjunction with several sponsors, has put together a lineup of classic films for the family. The schedule includes:
- Aug. 9 – “The Princess Bride,” Rob Reiner’s adaptation of William Goldman’s novel, 1987.
- Aug. 16 – “The Little Shop of Horrors,” Roger Corman’s farce featuring a young Jack Nicholson in a supporting role, 1960.
- Aug. 23 – “E.T.”, Steven Spielberg’s classic film about a friendly alien, 1982.
- Aug. 30 – Three Stooges Festival, sponsored by Buttons, Bangles and Beads.
Call 360-6697 or visit beach-theatre.com.
Movies in the Park is set for Saturday, Aug. 30, 8 p.m., at England Brothers Band Shell, 5120 80th Ave. N.
Children’s entertainment will precede the movie screening which will begin around 8:45 p.m. Admission is free. Concession sales will benefit the Pinellas Park Fire Fighters Benevolence Fund, which is used to assist fire victims in Pinellas Park.
The fire department hopes to make Movies in the Park a monthly event. The city is seeking local businesses willing to assist in funding licensing rights to screen movies. Also being sought are musicians interested in volunteering time to perform at the events. Call Nick DelGrosso at 727-687-4494 or email HYPERLINK "mailto:ndelgrosso@pinellas-park.com" ndelgrosso@pinellas-park.com.
The Family Movie film series is offered on Saturdays, 2 p.m., at the Seminole Community Library, 9200 113th St. N. Films are suitable for all ages. Free popcorn and sodas are provided by Friends of the Library.
The following films are scheduled for August:
- Aug. 9 – “Charlie the Lonesome Cougar”
- Aug. 16 – “Cars”
- Aug. 23 – “Mee-Shee: the Water Giant”
- Aug. 30 – “Flushed Away”
Send free and affordable entertainment and cultural opportunities to entertainment@TBNweekly.com.
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Article published on Monday, Aug. 4, 2008
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