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Tag: Jeff Butera

  • Tampa Museum of Art tries to solve mystery of ‘Mysterious People’

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    TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Museum of Art has launched a new exhibit called “The Etruscans: A Mysterious Italian People.”

    What You Need To Know

    • The Tampa Museum of Art has launched a new exhibit called “The Etruscans: A Mysterious Italian People”

    • It’s a collection of about 70 donated objects from the ancient Etruscan civilization, which was located near current-day Tuscany in Italy

    • The exhibit will be on display through spring of 2027


    It’s a collection of about 70 donated objects from the ancient Etruscan civilization, which was located near current-day Tuscany in Italy.

    Historians consider the Etruscans “mysterious” because very few of their own writings about their way of life have survived.

    “We know so very little about them, other than artifacts they left behind,” said Branko van Oppen, curator of Greek and Roman Art at the Tampa Museum of Art. “What we do know about the history of the Etruscans comes from Roman and Greek writers, who were writing as outsiders.”

    That’s why van Oppen is so excited about this exhibit. It offers a chance to learn about the “mysterious” Etruscans by seeing some of the objects they would use in daily life, including the glasses they would drink from, the plates they would eat off and the art they would display.

    “Step back in time a little bit. Place yourself in the minds of other people and other civilizations, and look at some of the differences of that civilization but also to understand how little humanity has changed,” van Oppen said.

    The exhibit will be on display at the Tampa Museum of Art through spring of 2027. 

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  • All info, one place: Manatee County tries new hurricane approach

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Manatee County is utilizing a new technological system during hurricanes that integrates all data into a single place. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Hurricane Milton made landfall near Manatee County, and Hurricane Helene caused significant damage in the same area

    • Manatee County leaders used to run separate programs with all their hurricane data, what some called “siloed systems” 

    • They are now utilizing a system that integrates all relevant hurricane data into one place 

    • Emergency management officials say the change will make their hurricane response more informed and more efficient 


    Previously, Manatee County had to switch between different programs — what some call “siloed systems” — to access data on:

    • Rain totals
    • Wind speed
    • Forecasts
    • Lift station metrics
    • Shelter occupancy
    • Power outages
    • Road closures
    • Evacuation routes
    • Damage totals

    Now, using a program run by a company called Peregrine, Manatee County can click through all of that data in a single place.

    “We make our decisions based on the most current information we have at the time,” said Jodie Fiske, Manatee County’s Director of Public Safety. “At no point are we making a decision on evacuations or opening shelters without looking at the most up-to-date data we have.”

    Fiske said having real-time damage estimates – which even show which areas of Manatee County have received the most damage – will be most valuable. She said this will help the county offer the most-detailed damage estimate when asking for state or federal aid.

    Manatee County set up what they call the “GIS Room,” with six monitors showing all the information in real time.

    The Peregrine system also logs historical data, allowing emergency management leaders the ability to compare current storms to past storms. 

    “Manatee County’s deployment of Peregrine last year demonstrated the power of real-time data integration and historical analysis in managing complex storm response operations,” said Peregrine CEO Nick Noone. “Together, we’re ensuring Manatee County has the tools and capabilities to protect lives and safeguard critical infrastructure when it matters most.”

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  • They ‘got the bug:’ VW fans bring Volkswagen show to St. Pete

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — St. Petersburg is bringing back a Volkswagen show.

    The city approved “VDubs on the Pier,” a celebration of all things VW.

    Organizers say you can expect more than 100 classic or custom Volkswagen vehicles, along with music, food and merchandise.

    “It was almost a pipe dream to bring it back,” said co-event organizer Joe Person. “We’re gonna go down in history with this awesome event.”

    The event is happening on Saturday from noon until 5:00 p.m.

    The show will happen at Spa Beach, located at 600 2nd Avenue NE in St. Petersburg.

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  • Mystery solved: Sleuthfest comes to St. Pete

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    Sleuthfest, a conference for mystery, thriller and suspense fiction writers, returns to St. Petersburg for its annual event.

    The event happens May 15-18 at Hilton Bayfront in St. Petersburg.

    Event co-chair Cheryl Hollon said the conference focuses on emerging writers in the popular field of mystery writing. In addition to networking opportunities with professional authors, this offers writers an opportunity to learn about forensic technology to solve crimes and the ever-changing world of publishing.

    “Writing a novel sounds easy,” Hollon told Spectrum Bay News 9. “But, oh my goodness, it’s got a lot of moving parts and they all have to be right.”

    You can learn more about the event, including a list of speakers and the schedule, at Sleuthfest.com.

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  • Dozens of authors flock to Tarpon Springs for book festival

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    Tarpon Springs will host its first book festival on Saturday.

    The Gilded Page bookstore is teaming up with the Tarpon Springs Merchant Association to organize the event. More than 100 authors and artists will attend the gathering, which will include panel discussions and opportunities to meet the writers.

    “We love books and we love bringing the community together over a shared love of books,” said Julie Bodwell, owner of The Gilded Page bookstore.

    Among the authors Bodwell expects to attend:

    The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 on E. Court Street in Tarpon Springs. More information is available here.

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  • Dino Dirt: Clearwater sand festival returns with dinosaur theme

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    The Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival has returned on Clearwater Beach.

    Running from April 11-27, the festival features the work of 17 professional sand sculptors.

    The theme for this year’s event, the 11th in the festival’s history, is “DinoShores: A Prehistoric Adventure in Sand.”

    The event drew 200,000 people last year. Organizers are touting a new augmented-reality experience as an improvement this year.

    General admission costs $14 per person. Children three years old and younger get in front.

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  • ‘Try everything,’ says Tampa Bay Empanada Festival organizer

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    Organizers will hold the third annual Tampa Bay Empanada Festival on Saturday.

    They’re promising more than 100 types of empanadas from more than 25 different vendors.

    Co-organizer Stephen McFarlane told Spectrum Bay News 9 that every country has its own kind of an empanada. He says the festival is a celebration of that, where you can try versions you’ve never tried before.

    “My idea was, if you bring a fusion of all those different countries at one event, it’s going to be unique,” McFarlane said. “There will be food there that you’ve never heard before. Try it! Everything at this event is absolutely spectacular.”

    The event is happening on Saturday from noon to 8:00 p.m. at Perry Harvey Sr. Park. You can purchase tickets at TampaEmpanadas.com.

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  • ‘The Quiet Beatle’s’ secret passion on display in Sarasota

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Leaders at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota found a unique subject for their latest exhibit: George Harrison.

    They have launched “George Harrison: A Gardener’s Life” at their Downtown Sarasota Campus. It’s a tribute to the lead guitarist for The Beatles, who also had a passion for gardening.

    After the legendary rock band broke up, Harrison bought an estate outside London with spectacular gardens. Harrison owned the property for the rest of his life, enjoying the quiet of tending to the estate himself.

    “He was looking for solace,” said Jennifer Rominiecki, president and CEO of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. “And he found it in the gardens.”

    This exhibit is a tribute to that love for gardening, as well as Harrison’s music and lyrics. Visitors can enjoy unique displays while listening to Harrison’s music and reading about his life.

    “It’s really a fun way of looking at this portion of George Harrison’s passion,” Rominiecki told Spectrum Bay News 9.

    The exhibit will be at the gardens until June 29. You can find more information here.

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  • They know it’s weird – that’s the point of the Oddities Market

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    It’s a celebration of the odd.

    On Sunday, Feb. 23, Citrus County will host the First Inverness Oddity Market of the year.

    It’s an opportunity to buy unique items like taxidermy, bugs, bones, art, 3D jewelry and other curiosities.

    “I think there’s really something for everybody,” said Allison Doty, a taxidermist who will be one of about 65 vendors at the event. “You have to have an open mind about it.”

    The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. at the Citrus County Fairgrounds, located at 3600 S. Florida Avenue in Inverness. The event is free to attend.

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  • St. Pete Museum focuses on unseen African American work

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    The Woodson African American Museum of Florida is exploring the topic of African American labor.

    From now until March 29, the museum will offer an exhibit focused on the value of African American labor, as well as its frequent invisibility in society.

    The exhibit features the work of artists Krystle Lemonias and Sharon Norwood.

    Lemonias’ works often depicts what she observed with her mother, who worked for years as a nanny.

    “(In that job) she’s visible and invisible at the same time,” Lemonias recalled, saying many African Americans were undervalued and underpaid, despite doing crucial jobs. “I don’t want my family’s contributions to be erased.

    The exhibit is free. The Woodson African American Museum of Florida is located at 2240 9th Avenue S, in St. Petersburg.

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  • Pinellas to crown Taco King

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    TAMPA BAY, Fla. — They’re calling it The Battle of the Bites.

    Pinellas Park hosts Pinellas TacoFest 2025 on Saturday and Sunday.

    Last year, Tampa Bay devoured 25,000 tacos at the event. Organizers hope to exceed the number this weekend, as more than 20 chefs offer 50 different varieties of tacos.

    “It’s going to be amazing,” said Michele Northrup, the event organizer. “We have many, many, many more taco choices this year.”

    At the event, judges will crown “Best Taco in Tampa Bay 2025,” along with winners in categories for chicken, beef, pork and seafood.

    Proceeds will benefit Get Rescued, Inc., helping animals across Florida. The event is free to attend, but you pay for any tacos you eat.

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  • See world in a different way at new Dali Museum exhibit

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    People think of surrealism as an art movement in the painting world. But the famous Surrealist, Salvador Dali, once said his paintings were just “color photography done by hand.”

    That’s the idea behind the new exhibit at the museum in St. Petersburg the bears Dali’s name. The Dali Museum has launched “The Subversive Eye,” a collection of Surrealist and experimental photography collected by David Raymond.

    The exhibit with will feature hundreds of works from dozens of artists, showing early examples of multiple exposure, unusual perspective, cropping and solarization to show the world in a unique way.

    “It’s the idea that the world is different than we assume it to be,” said Peter Tush, senior curator for education at the Dali Museum. “It’s much more irrational and magical.”

    “The Subversive Eye” will be at the Dali Museum through May 4.

    It’s included with general admission to the museum.

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  • Colorful St. Pete art experience adds golf, Christmas flavor

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A fairly new immersive art experience in St. Pete has added some holiday fun.

    FloridaRAMA, which first opened in 2021, is a trippy art gallery that includes hands-on experiences, mysteries, scavenger hunts and optical illusions.

    Until mid-January, they’ve also added what they call “Unchant: Christmas With A Florida Twist.” Many of their exhibits now sport holiday additions. Plus, they’ve built a 9-hole miniature golf course.

    “It’s a weird, wacky, wonderful art museum, where you’re free to explore every room,” said Sarah Hardin, marketing director at FloridaRAMA.

    Hardin said that 75 artists – many of them local – came together to create this world, which offers you about 20 different spaces to explore.

    Mini-golf will be available until Jan. 5. The holiday experience is open through Jan. 13.

    Tickets are available at www.FloridaRAMA.art.

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  • A sparkling show: St. Pete Opera Company presents holiday performance

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A St. Petersburg staple is offering up its holiday performance in mid-December.

    The St. Petersburg Opera Company will present “Holiday Sparkle” at the Palladium Theater.

    It’s a wide-ranging performance that will include pops favorites, a world showcase, Christmas classics and songs from famous Christmas TV Shows (like “A Charlie Brown Christmas”).

    Fourteen singers, four dancers and a 35-piece orchestra will deliver the performance for the opera company, which has operated in St. Petersburg for 19 years.

    “If you’re not a fan of opera yet, this is a great way to come to St. Pete Opera to see what we do,” said Mark Sforzini, the company’s founder and conductor.

    “Holiday Sparkle” runs Dec. 17 and Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m. at the Palladium Theater in downtown St. Petersburg. You can buy tickets on the opera’s website.

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  • Comics and chili: Bradenton shop hosts chili cookoff

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    BRADENTON, Fla. — Bat City Comic Professionals in Bradenton will host Heroic Harvest on Saturday.

    They’re billing it as a free, fun event that includes craft, games and a chili cook-off.

    Michael Wolken will be entering his chili into the cookoff. He told Spectrum Bay News 9 he supports the mission of Bat City Comic Professionals, and loves to cook for others.

    “I love to see their reaction, getting people together with food and having a good time,” Wolken said.

    The Heroic Harvest, which also includes prizes for best superhero costume, runs from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Bat City Comic Professionals is located at 915 Manatee Ave. East in Bradenton.

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  • Tampa family again performing their Nutcracker twist

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    TAMPA — For the 17th straight year in Tampa, the Jansen Dance Project will present “Goin’ Nuts,” a modern-day twist on the classic “The Nutcracker” ballet.

    Troy and Kristen Jansen founded the Jansen Dance Project. Troy Jansen also wrote “Goin’ Nuts,” a contemporary re-imagining of “The Nutcracker,” almost 20 years ago. For the past 17 years, the studio’s student dancers have performed it around the holidays.

    “His inspiration was taking the classic ballet and making it a modern-day, contemporary version that we can laugh about during the holiday season,” said Jacqueline Jansen, Troy Jansen’s daughter and the musical theater program director at the Jansen Dance Project.

    In this version, a father dreams about dancing turkeys, football players and a trip to New York City. He ultimately learns a lesson about appreciating the family around him.

    Jacqueline Jansen has performed in the musical every year it has been in production. She’s now passing her knowledge on to the 7th through 12th graders in the studio’s pre-professional tier.

    “I’ve never met students who are so passionate about musical theater in general,” Jacqueline  Jansen said. “One of the closest-knit groups – I absolutely adore working with them. They are so respectful, so joyful, eager to be here but also eager to learn.”

    The Jansen Dance Project will perform “Goin’ Nuts” on Saturday, Nov. 16. There are two performances (2 p.m. and 7 p.m.) at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd., Tampa, FL 33647).

    You can buy tickets at www.JansenDance.com

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  • Pinellas kids bake, create to help hurricane victims

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Pinellas County kids will run a Kids Market on Saturday to raise money for hurricane relief.

    Almost 20 children, ages 6-18, will run booths selling baked goods and homemade jewelry and crafts. The money collected will go to Convoy of Hope’s hurricane relief efforts.

    The kids market is the brainchild of 9-year-old Megan Lardner and her mother, Brandice.

    Megan’s teacher lost her house to the hurricanes. Her mother felt like focusing on helping others would be the best way to address the sadness so many were feeling.

    “As an adult, when things happen that affect those around us or worldwide, I often don’t know what to do with my emotions about them,” Brandice Lardner said. “One of the best things to do is serve those in need.”

    Megan, who has previously raised money for the Humane Society, baked cookies and made bracelets for the kids market.

    “I think it’s fun (to make the bracelets). But I think the more fun part is getting to see people’s faces when they get them,” Megan said.

    The kids market will happen at Grace Family Church (1199 East Bay Drive in Largo) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov 9.

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  • Pinellas Park offers barbeque, rodeo as hurricane distraction

    Pinellas Park offers barbeque, rodeo as hurricane distraction

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    PINELLAS PARK, Fla. — Pinellas Park is hosting its annual Public Works BBQ Cook-Off & Rodeo this Saturday at England Brothers Park.

    The event offers barbecue, live entertainment and a rodeo.

    The Public Works Department is hosting the event, which will be held at 5010 81st Avenue North from noon until 10 p.m.

    The city sees the event as offering families a distraction from the stress Hurricanes Helene and Milton have caused.

    Entertainment Schedule:

    • Noon – Full Throttle band
    • 2 p.m. – Crownz
    • 3:30 p.m. – Welcome Ceremony
    • 4 p.m. – Mixed Signal
    • 4:30 p.m. – Rodeo
    • 6 p.m. – WOR – A Tribute To Women of Rock
    • 8 p.m. – TL Jentgens

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  • A guide to Florida’s 6 constitutional amendments on the ballot

    A guide to Florida’s 6 constitutional amendments on the ballot

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    In addition to voting on candidates, Florida voters will also get the opportunity to decide on six constitutional amendments that will appear on your ballot.

    Below, we have outlined what each amendment would do, why supporters back the amendment, and why detractors oppose it.

     

    Amendment 1

    What it would do: Makes school board races partisan

    Currently, a candidate for school board in Florida does not have to say whether they are a Republican, Democrat or Independent, nor does party affiliation appear next to their name on the ballot.

    If this amendment passes, that would change.

    Starting in 2026, candidates would have to disclose their party affiliation.

    Supporters believe it offers more information to voters. Opponents argue politics should stay out of education.

    Amendment 2

    What it would do: Enshrine a right to hunt/fish in Florida’s constitution

    You already have the right to hunt and fish in Florida. But if this amendment passes, it would preserve that right in the state’s constitution and stand as a blocker to any future challenges to hunting and fishing.

    Supporters believe that’s valuable. Opponents argue it’s unnecessary and might hinder attempts to protect animals from barbaric forms of hunting or fishing.


    ABOVE: Amendments 1, 2, 5 and 6 explained

    Amendment 3

    What it would do: Legalize recreational marijuana use

    Medicinal use of marijuana is already legal in Florida. If this amendment passes, recreational marijuana use would become legal too.

    Under the amendment, people 21 and older would be legally allowed to possess three ounces of marijuana at a time.

    Existing Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers would be authorized to sell the marijuana. The state would control the process of licensing other entities to cultivate, process and sell marijuana.

    Supporters believe marijuana does not need to be outlawed like other substances, would allow law enforcement to focus on stopping more deadly drug use and create an additional tax base for Florida.

    Opponents argue legalizing marijuana might create a smell in public, hurt quality of life and unfairly benefit certain corporations.

    Amendment 4

    What it would do: Protect abortion rights up to “viability”

    Currently, Florida outlaws abortion after six weeks of a pregnancy. If this amendment passes, it would protect access to abortion up to “viability.”

    Viability is not defined in the amendment, though most doctors suggest it would be the 23-24 week mark.

    This amendment would put Florida’s abortion policy back in line with federal protections that used to exist under the Roe v. Wade ruling.

    Supporters believe the Florida legislature went too far with its six-week abortion ban, and that the government should not be involved with these decisions.

    Opponents argue the amendment is misleading, too vague and the life of the fetus should be protected.

    Amendment 5

    What it would do: Incorporate inflation into how homestead exemptions are determined

    Currently, Florida homeowners are given a homestead exemption on their primary residence. Right now, that includes a $25,000 exemption on property taxes.

    If this amendment passes, that $25,000 exemption can be adjusted for inflation.

    For example, if the Consumer Price Index shows four percent inflation, the homestead exemption would also go up four percent (from $25,000 to $26,000).

    Supporters argue the homestead exemption becomes less valuable over time if inflation is not factored in.

    Opponents fear the loss of tax revenue might hurt budgets for necessary government services.

    Amendment 6

    What it would do: Repeal a program giving statewide candidates public campaign funding

    Currently, candidates for statewide office in Florida (Governor, Attorney General, Chief Financial Officer, Agriculture Commissioner) can accept public money to campaign, in exchange for agreeing to certain rules on spending limits.

    If this amendment passes, that program would no longer exist.

    Supporters believe that money would be better spent on other things. Opponents argue taking the option of public money away would make it harder for non-wealthy candidates to run, and give more power to wealthy donors.

    These amendments need 60 percent support from voters to become part of the Florida constitution.

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  • MOSI gets gross: New exhibit features ‘pee, poop, vomit, snot and barf’

    MOSI gets gross: New exhibit features ‘pee, poop, vomit, snot and barf’

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    TAMPA, Fla. — The Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) in Tampa has launched a new exhibit this fall called “Grossology.”

    Presented by Florida Blue, it’s an exploration of what the MOSI CEO John Smith calls “the impolite science of the human body.”

    At MOSI’s “Grossology” exhibit, you can:

    • The Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) in Tampa has launched a new exhibit this fall called “Grossology”
    • Attendees can pump “Burp Man” full of soda and watch him belch

    • You can also test your nostrils to find out whether a smell comes from your mouth, armpit or foot 

    • And you can talk to Nigel Nose-It-All about what makes our noses run


    “It’s all about the disgusting stuff that happens in your body that we normally don’t talk about,” he said. “It’s a safe place for kids and their adults to explore the body and what makes them tick.”

    The exhibit is based on the best-selling non-fiction children’s book by Sylvia Branzei.

    “Grossology” will be at MOSI through Jan. 5. MOSI is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Regular admission to the museum covers the cost of visiting Grossology.

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