County puts lights out on holiday in the park
By KATHY FERGUSON
Article published on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2005  |
SEMINOLE – In contrast to the last two years, Lake Seminole Park is downright dark this holiday season.
That’s because the Lights Under the Stars holiday light display event was canceled for this year, according to Leah Hoffman, parks and recreation operations manager for Pinellas County.
“We are postponing the event until further research can be done to seek ways to make it more cost efficient for taxpayers,” said Hoffman.
The county is hoping to reduce the costs for contracting for electrical supply and improvements on light and display quality.
In the past, more than 25,000 vehicles took the 2-mile, 40-minute winding course through the park’s large animated light displays that peppered the landscape. Several archways of holiday lights covered the roadways. Refreshments were offered in a concession area.
While the admission was $10 for cars, motorcycles and minivans, Hoffman said, that cost wasn’t the issue.
“The entrance fee falls within the range of similar shows around Florida and the nation,” she said. Hoffman is hopeful the event will be offered in the future.
But all the holiday spirit is not lost. Hoffman encourages citizens to visit the light display at the Florida Botanical Gardens. For the entire month of December, the gardens will be decorated with thousands of lights that can be enjoyed every evening from 6 until 10.
A kick-off celebration on Saturday, Dec. 3, from noon until 10 p.m., will feature fun, family oriented, hands-on programming focused on multicultural traditions, arts and crafts, food and the spirit of giving. The Extension Program, Heritage Village and Gulf Coast Museum also will offer special events.
The Pinewood Cultural Park is located at 12175 125th St. in Largo.
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Article published on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2005
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