We Love Carmine’s Crabcakes, Ybor City

YBOR CITY – We love this tasty Italian restaurant! It is Carmine’s, a Tampa Classic.

Very often, the Columbia gets the historic attention in Tampa, and why not; they are the oldest game in town. But Carmine’s is an often overlooked spot just down the street in Ybor City.

Exceptionally clean, and well priced, it is known for their Devil Crab, which has a saucier and creamier taste than the Maryland deviled crab, which is more of a paprika-flavored conglomeration of crabmeat. Go with the family for early dinner on weekends, as Ybor is less of a scene, and its easy to get a table.

Hint: Ybor is a GREAT stopoff point for just after you arrive from Tampa International Airport. It’s close to the Interstate and is an easy place to grab a bit of old Florida character.

For more info, see Carmine’s Seventh Avenue, 1802 E 7th Ave., Tampa, FL 33605, (813) 248-3834.

Weeki Wachee Calendar Girls Make A Mermaid Swim

WEEKI WACHEE - Florida’s mermaid attraction Weeki Wachee has issued a 2009 Mermaid Calendar, a first ever.

It’s $19.95 from them, online. Photographer Andrew Brusso has “captured the magic and essence of the Weeki Wachee Mermaids” as never before. Order them at www.weekiwacheeonline.com.

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Doubletree Trees Exhibit at Orlando Science Center

ORLANDO - On September 27, the Nature Explore “Exploring Trees Inside and Out” Traveling Exhibit opens at the Orlando Science Center through January 4, 2009. The Orlando Science Center is the third location to showcase the “Exploring Trees Inside and Out” traveling exhibit after more than 200,000 visitors have enjoyed the exhibit at the Pacific Science Center in Seattle and the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis.

“Doubletree Hotels and the Arbor Day Foundation have worked together to encourage kids and adults of all ages about the importance of trees in our everyday lives,” said Mary Beth Parks, vice president of brand marketing for Doubletree Hotels. “`Exploring Trees Inside and Out’ is a natural extension of this growing relationship, which we hope will inspire thousands of people in Orlando, the state of Florida and cities across America to get out and explore the natural wonders outside their front doors.” Read more

Panama City’s New Runway Zone

PANAMA CITY – The Panama City – Bay County International Airport Authority announced in a press release its intention to construct a 10,000-foot main runway at the new airport in West Bay, subject to necessary permits.

Earlier, the Airport Authority had approved an 8,400-foot concrete runway with the option to extend it to 10,000 feet, if funding became available. The Florida Legislature, during its 2008 legislative session, awarded the airport an additional $4.5 million in funding to lengthen the runway to 10,000 feet.

The Airport Authority has begun the permitting process for the runway extension. The change in runway length is not expected to impact the construction schedule. The Airport Authority currently expects to open the new airport on Memorial Day 2010. “We appreciate the tremendous support we have received from the State of Florida for this new airport,” said Airport Authority Chairman Joe Tannehill. “The State knows how important this new facility is to the future of air service and economic development in Northwest Florida. It is an investment in the future of the Panhandle – and the future of Florida.”

“From the beginning, our goal has been to build a new airport capable of serving the transportation and economic development needs of our region for decades to come,” said Tannehill.

“Our focus now must turn to marketing our new facility to commercial airlines, transportation and logistics businesses and other aviation and defense companies we have targeted as potential tenants of the new airport,” said Tannehill.

Construction of the $318 million state-of-the-art airport began in January 2008 and is now nearly three months ahead of schedule. The runway has been graded and paving is scheduled to begin in early October, four months ahead of schedule.

The two-mile long main airport entry road has been completed, 80 percent of the storm sewer pipes are in place and the parking lot’s curbing and lime-rock base will be completed by the end of September.

“Construction of the new airport is going very well,” said Randy Curtis, the airport’s executive director. “It is truly amazing to see 10 years of planning coming to life.”

Briefs: More Simply Orange Drinks

APOPKA – Simply Orange Juice Company continues its expansion beyond the orange grove with the launch of two new premium juices, Simply Orange with Mango and Simply Orange with Pineapple. “Consumers love our great tasting, premium Simply Orange juice,” said Layla Baughn, associate brand Manager for Simply Orange, in a Business Wire release.

In just over five years, the Florida-based Simply brand portfolio has flourished by offering consumers premium, 100% not-from-concentrate juices and lemonades and limeades with a fresh fruit taste. Simply Orange is one of a number of Florida-born citrus drinks including Bradenton-born Tropicana and Florida’s Natural, part of Citrus World of Lake Wales. Brands associated with Florida’s Natural include, Growers Pride, Bluebird, Texsun, Adams, Vintage and Donald Duck.

Review: Phillippi Creek Village Restaurant, Sarasota

Always popular, convenient and cheap, the waterfront Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar is a yearly ritual for thousands of Sarasota visitors.

Situated on Phillippi Creek a few minutes south of downtown on Tamiami Trail, it is close to Siesta Key and nearby land-side snowbird neighborhoods like the Beneva corridor, The Landings, Gulf Gate and Palmer Ranch.

You won’t miss the restaurant while driving down Route 41, Tamiami Trail. The restaurant is where Tamiami crosses Philippi Creek on a small, man-made island where a giant fiberglass shark hangs between the signs.

It’s an easy place to take kids. In front, there is a giant alligator and turtle for the kids to climb on if families have to wait for a table. By the front door, there are cut out and painted “pillory and stock” shellfish creatures, so the family can pose for pictures. Upon arrival, not only did our waitress bring us a play toy with fish stickers, but she brought her a kids meal order of shrimp within 5 minutes, at least. The restaurant’s location on the water also meant that the views of the creek can keep little one amused.

The food is not studied or pretentious. It’s shellfish, fish or basic grilled burgers. There are no napkins; brown paper towels are on rolls at the end of the table. If it’s busy on a Friday or Saturday night (or at high season) expect to wait a half hour or so. You can easily keep yourself amused by drinks outside, or a walk around the docks and nearby shops.

The restaurant is near the new Philippi Landing development and nearby boatyards. It has excellent docks (hardly used) that make it a perfect nighttime boat destination along the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.

Info: See Philippi Creek Village Restaurant and Oyster Bar, at 5353 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231, (941) 925-4444 or email at
creek2@comcast.net

Briefs: Abingdon at Tradition Partners with PGA

Port St. Lucie, FL, August 30, 2008 – Abingdon at Tradition, a master-planned, full-service retirement community in Port St. Lucie, has entered into an exclusive partnership with the PGA Country Club, whereby each independent member will be granted an associate membership to the Club which is also located Port St. Lucie, Florida.

“Many of our members are avid golfers, so this partnership is a natural fit for our community,” said Jonathan Collins, Abingdon at Tradition Executive Director. Developed by Senior Living Communities, an owner and operator of premier retirement communities throughout the southeast, Abingdon at Tradition, a gated, luxury retirement community which is scheduled to open in the fall of 2009, will offer 70 single-family homes, 160 condominium-style villas, 26 enhanced-living villas as we as 48 assisted-living apartments, 24 memory care apartments and 24 skilled-nursing apartments. See www.Abingdon-Tradition.com.

Top Haunted Florida Events from Hauntworld Magazine

With Halloween right around the corner, Hauntworld Magazine (www.hauntworld.com), the haunt industry’s leading trade publication, has announced the official list of top haunted attractions. The lists includes many Florida theme parks and events including:

1. Universal Studios Horror Nights, Orlando, www.halloweenhorrornights.com
2. Knott’s Scary Farm – Los Angeles, CA – http://www.halloweenhaunt.com
3. Phantom Fright Nights, Kennywood Amusement Park, Pittsburgh, PA www.kennywood.com
4. Universal Studios Horror Nights – Hollywood, CA, www.halloweenhorrornights.com
5. Tampa Busch Gardens, Tampa, FL, www.howl-o-scream.com
6. Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, VA,  www.howl-o-scream.com
7. Kings Island Haunt, Cincinnati, OH, www.visitkingsisland.com
8. Cedar Point Haunt, Sandusky, OH, www.cedarpoint.com
9. Six Flags Fright Fest, Freehold, NJ, www.frightfest.com
10. Old Tucson Studios Nightfall, Tucson, AZ,  www.oldtucson.com

Top Haunted Amusement Attractions 2008

1. House of Horror, Universal Studios Hollywood, www.universalstudioshollywood.com
2. Disney World Haunted Mansion, www.disney.com
3. Ghostwood Estates – Kennywood Amusement Park, Pittsburgh, PA, www.kennywood.com
4. Towers of Terror – MGM Studios, Orlando, FL, www.disney.com
5. Revenge of the Mummy Ride, Universal Studios Hollywood, www.universalstudioshollywood.com

Stirling Sotheby’s Auctions Florida Condos

ORLANDO - Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty will host a global auction of selected luxury homes and properties at the renowned Ginn Resorts – Reunion, Bella Collina and Hammock Beach – all in the heart of Central Florida.

• Ginn Reunion Resort is a luxury golf community that offers recreational amenities to create the ultimate family vacations. The resort features three signature golf courses designed by Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson.
• Hammock Beach is a luxury beachside resort on Florida’s East Coast, featuring two championship golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson.
• Bella Collina is a luxury lakeside community that brings a touch of Tuscany to Central Florida, and features a golf course designed by Nick Faldo.

More than twenty homes, ranging in price from £163,500 to £2.1 million, are expected to be auctioned on October 25, 2008 at 11:00 am EDT. Stirling Sotheby’s will announce its formal house line-up on September 25. Properties will be available for sale in person or online. (SOURCE: Business Wire)

Rushdie, Spiegelman Big Names in 2008 Miami Bookfair

MIAMI–The celebration of Miami Book Fair International’s 25th Anniversary kicked off on Sept. 18, 2008 when the Book Fair Board of Directors and the leadership of Miami Dade College unveiled plans for the Fair, along with this year’s official poster, at Texas de Brazil restaurant in Miami Beach. The Florida Center for the Literary Arts at MDC, presenter of the Book Fair, also shared its season’s plans.

“The Book Fair is not only the premier cultural event of Miami Dade College, but I believe of the region,” said Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón, president of Miami Dade College and co-founder of the Fair. “In 25 short years, it has grown into the nation’s most respected literary gathering.” Read more

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