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Tag: On The Town APP

  • Relentless Fear: On The Town at Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Spectrum Bay News 9’s Virginia Johnson and co-worker, Digital Producer DeJanae Phillips, braved Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens.

    What You Need To Know

    • Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay returns for its 26th year

    • One of the newest houses at the Halloween event include “M.A.R.S.,” where guests have to escape a space vessel infected with alien creatures

    • Horror enthusiasts can enjoy five houses, five scare zones, two shows and creepy finger foods

    • Select dates from Sept. 5 through Nov. 1


    The duo walked through M.A.R.S., the newest of the five haunted houses at the celebration—on select dates until November 1st.

    It’s the newest haunt, where a derelict spaceship has crash landed on the Red Planet. Infected crew members are panicked, and the lost souls—are already on a changing journey—half insect, half human.

    These corridors give off a heavy sci-fi horror vibe. Now the M.A.R.S. depravity is only part of the Howl-O-Scream experience.

    Here’s the overall rundown: five houses, five scare zones, two shows and creepy food and drink choices.

    Enter if you dare!


    Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream Map

     

    Howl-O-Scream Photo Gallery

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    Virginia Johnson, DeJanae Phillips

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  • MOSI tackles AI, exhibit offers glimpse

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    TAMPA — Whether you like it or not, artificial intelligence is going to play a pivotal role in the future.

    The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) is now offering you an opportunity to explore that future with a new traveling exhibit.

    It’s called “Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind & The Machine.” It opens Saturday, Sept 6, at the location in Tampa across from the University of South Florida.

    “Our goal in having the exhibition is to make AI real and relevant,” HP Newquist, the exhibit’s creator, told Spectrum Bay News 9.

    There are fun aspects to the exhibit. You can play the classic video game ‘Pong’ and see how AI can teach itself through repetition.

    But there are also more serious aspects to the exhibit. For example, you can see how artificial intelligence is being used in facial recognition and surveillance.

    Newquist recognizes that people have some unease about AI.

    “Can this get out of hand? Could this become ‘Terminator?’ Could it take your job? Could it be the thing teaching your kids? All of these things should be considered,” Newquist said.

    The exhibit will attempt to answer some of these questions from now until the end of the year at MOSI. It’s included in your regular admission.

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    Jeff Butera

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  • A viral-worthy Cotton Candy Cake among the favorites at Fun Spot Orlando

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — Something really sweet is happening at Fun Spot Orlando, and it’s thanks to a special confectioner.

    Nestled within Fun Spot Orlando’s entrance is a shop called the “Sweet Spot.” That’s where you’ll find the park’s bakery chef Tina Brenner. She makes and bakes things you may never have seen before, like a cotton candy cake.

    The cake is a hit for summer, with pastel colors and a viral-worthy cross-section. Think of it as a layer cake, but made of hand-spun cotton candy and a surprise Skittles filling.

    Brenner says she gets her inspiration from online forums, bringing to Fun Spot a variety of sweet treats unlike anything around.

    Some of Fun Spot’s other exclusive sweets include the Unicorn Sundae, which features 3 scoops of ice cream, toppings and whipped cream on a fluffy cotton candy taco shell. Fun Spot also has summer-themed candied apples, cake pops and chocolate-covered Rice Krispy Treats.

    Brenner is 17 years strong with Fun Spot, and she has seen a lot. “I kept seeing the owners’ children grow up,” she said smiling. “It’s really awesome. It’s more of a family than a business.”

    The Cotton Candy Cake can last more than a week in your fridge. She also decorates it according to the season. Up next, Halloween! 

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    Allison Walker

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  • September’s Community Harvest offers chance for patrons to pick charity at meal

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    TAMPA, Fla. — It’s good meals and good feels rolled into one.

    The 1905 Family of Restaurants hosts the Community Harvest, where they ask guests to pick a charity to donate 5% of their restaurant check.

    What You Need To Know

    • The 1905 Family of Restaurants hosts the Community Harvest, where 5% of checks go to charity patrons pick in the month of September 

    • The group owns the historic Columbia Restaurant, located in Tampa, Sarasota, St. Augustine, Clearwater Beach and Celebration

    • Other Restaurants include Cha Cha Coconuts in Sarasota, Ulele and Casa Santo Stefano in Tampa
    • The 1905 Family of Restuarants has raised $4.4 milion in 27 years


    The group owns Cha Cha Coconuts in Sarasota, Ulele and Casa Santo Stefano in Tampa. They also own the historic Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City.

    Casa Santo Stefano sous chef Enzo Pardo is familiar with the tradition.

    “You get to pick your own charity if you like, if you don’t see one that listed on the card. Write one in, we will make sure the money goes there,” said Pardo.

    In 27 years, the restaurant group has given $4.4 million to more than 400 Florida nonprofit organizations.

    “It feels good doing it. But what really feels good is when people that benefit come in and talk to us and let us know how beneficial that funding has been, how much it has changed their lives. And that’s when we’re like, ‘Wow, we’re really doing something good for the neighborhood,’” Pardo said.

    Community Harvest continues throughout the month of September.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Geckofest: After 25 years, Gulfport gathering stays weird

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    GULFPORT, Fla. — Twenty-five years and still weird.

    That’s the theme of this year’s Geckofest in Gulfport, where artists thrive and live music rules — and contortionists like Nicholas Stainback squeeze their bodies through tennis rackets.

    What You Need To Know

    • Geckofest is taking place in Gulfport Saturday for the 25th year

    • It will take place on Beach Boulevard  from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

    • The event is free to attend


    Stainback started his career as an escape artist, contortionist and crazy balancing entertainer at Geckofest when he was 15.

    He purchased a Playstation gaming system with his paycheck.

    “Geckofest really just means a lot to me,” Stainback said

    Street performers, art, stages, live music and unique creators are part of this celebration. Gulfport is rich with creative folk — from movie makers and mosaic masters, to book binders.

    Gulfport resident Maria Rapajic runs her organic dog treat business in Gulfport along with her mom, Mirjana Rapajic, who creates animal clothing accessories.

    Like little bow ties. With Santas on them.

    “I started coming to Gulfport 30 years ago when my grandmother actually lived in this house,” said Maria Rapajic, putting dehydrated duck and chicken feet into Luv Bites Dog Treats bags.

    “And once I moved here, it gave me the chance to be part of the community,” she said. “And doing Geckofest allows me to contribute and have a great time.”

    Geckofest will be held on Beach Boulevard from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday in Gulfport.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Halloween Horror Nights unleashes the ultimate nightmares this Friday

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal Orlando Resort’s 34th Halloween Horror Nights event begins Aug. 29 with a new sinister lineup lurking throughout the park.

    “We are toxifying and mutating,” said Lora Sauls, Universal’s assistant director of Entertainment Creative Development.

    Some houses are based on well-known icons for those who follow the horror franchises. That includes “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” where guests follow a night security guard in an abandoned themed-entertainment center.

    “It is bringing something to life, immersing guests in the ‘thing’ that they’ve seen,” said Matthew Flood, Universal’s senior show director with Entertainment Creative Development. “So, that film is the incredible experience of being in a defunct pizzeria, and these haunted animatronics are chasing you.”

    Another of the 10 HHN haunted houses is based on the “Terrifier” movie franchise. This house oozes with a new sense of terror that takes guests into Art the Clown’s gruesome Funhouse. This is also the house where you’ll smell things that are hard to forget.

    “We do use scents in a lot of our houses,” Flood said while laughing. “But Terrifier is the worst offender this year.” (HINT: feces)

    Universal’s top chefs are also unleashing a brand-new menu of food and drinks that pays homage to some houses and most feared characters.

    The haunting good time runs through Nov. 2. 

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    Allison Walker

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  • Halloween Horror Nights unleashes the ultimate nightmares this Friday

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal Orlando Resort’s 34th Halloween Horror Nights event begins Aug. 29 with a new sinister lineup lurking throughout the park.

    “We are toxifying and mutating,” said Lora Sauls, Universal’s assistant director of Entertainment Creative Development.

    Some houses are based on well-known icons for those who follow the horror franchises. That includes “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” where guests follow a night security guard in an abandoned themed-entertainment center.

    “It is bringing something to life, immersing guests in the ‘thing’ that they’ve seen,” said Matthew Flood, Universal’s senior show director with Entertainment Creative Development. “So, that film is the incredible experience of being in a defunct pizzeria, and these haunted animatronics are chasing you.”

    Another of the 10 HHN haunted houses is based on the “Terrifier” movie franchise. This house oozes with a new sense of terror that takes guests into Art the Clown’s gruesome Funhouse. This is also the house where you’ll smell things that are hard to forget.

    “We do use scents in a lot of our houses,” Flood said while laughing. “But Terrifier is the worst offender this year.” (HINT: feces)

    Universal’s top chefs are also unleashing a brand-new menu of food and drinks that pays homage to some houses and most feared characters.

    The haunting good time runs through Nov. 2. 

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    Allison Walker

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  • Paintings of Morgan Pierce, who died at 17, on display at Plant City gallery

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    PLANT CITY, Fla. — A Plant City art gallery will offer a special art exhibit this weekend, honoring the legacy of a Bay area girl who died far too young.

    The Red Calliope Art Gallery on Evers will display the work of Morgan Pierce. Doctors diagnosed Morgan with neuroblastoma when she was just five years old. She died in 2020 at the age of 17.

    But in the 12 years she fought cancer, Morgan also created powerful works of art.

    “Through treatment, art was a way for her to express herself but also a form of therapy for her,” said Emily Pierce, Morgan’s mother.

    “It was an outlet for her. It was something she could do to stay busy and she enjoyed doing it,” added Clint Pierce, Morgan’s father.

    The event runs from 4-6 p.m. Sunday. It benefits the No More Umbrellas Foundation. That’s a foundation Morgan parents started, providing financial support for kids fighting cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. (No More Umbrellas Foundation)

    The artwork caught the attention of Rachel Dummeldinger, owner of Red Calliope Gallery on Evers in Plant City.

    “They’re not just the doodles of a little girl. There’s so much texture and depth,” Dummeldinger said. “She was giving us an invitation to pay attention to who she is and what she was doing through. That, coming from a child, it’s a big deal.”

    Dummeldinger said she would be “careless and remiss” if she didn’t try to share the artwork with others. So she is hosting an art exhibit of Morgan’s paintings at the gallery on Sunday afternoon.

    The event runs from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. It benefits the No More Umbrellas Foundation, a foundation Morgan’s parents started, providing financial support for kids fighting cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

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    Jeff Butera

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  • Couture designer creates identities for runway show in Dunedin

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    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — It’s got to be wearable.

    Artistic.

    And made from unconventional items.

    We’re talking about some of the guidelines for “Wearable Art 19: Blurred” at the Dunedin Fine Art Center’s annual runway show.

    Artist Vanessa Froehling is one of the designers in the Saturday, Aug. 23 show.

    This year, Froehling’s theme is “Under Construction,” and she has created more than 40 pieces for the 19th annual runway show.

    “I consider myself a maker of identity,” said Froehling, standing among dresses from the last two shows.

    “And this is a constant reminder of where I’ve come since this last year or the different ideas I can have. It’s a constant reminder to just be authentic and stay grounded.”

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Tarpon Springs Hippie Fest returns, with peace and love

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    TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. — A family-friendly festival of peace and love is taking place Saturday.

    Tarpon Springs Hippie Fest is back in the Bay area, taking place at the Sponge Docks.

    For nearly 15 years, the festival has celebrated community, live music and the arts with tie-dye activities and a vintage car show.

    The event is from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.

    In this week’s On the Town, Spectrum Bay News 9’s Erica Riggins takes you on a preview.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Florida Aquarium wants to bring you to water habitats around the world

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    TAMPA, Fla. — It’s a chance to learn about the animals that live in tide pools in the Pacific Northwest with a recreated habitat at The Florida Aquarium.

    The tide comes in every 30 seconds at the Pacific Northwest tide pool exhibit at The Florida Aquarium.

    “It’s called a surge, and it’s actually what these animals are looking for in the wild,” said curator Chrisy Barrett, witness to another habitat opening at the Tampa institution.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Florida Aquarium offers a new Pacific Northwest tide pool exhibit

    • See more than 200 invertebrates in 50-degree water

    • Water surges every 30 seconds to mimic the tide

    • This the 10th habitat at the aquarium


    It’s 60 feet of available touch tank-style exploring, all at a crisp 50 degrees, with more than 200 invertebrates you can gently learn about.

    Of course, Barrett is a fan of all water creatures, like anemones and star fish, but her favorites have hard exoskeletons — squat lobsters and spot prawn.

    In addition to water temperatures, the exhibit also replicates the atmosphere, changing from day to night every 20 minutes.

    All of this fits into the flow of The Florida Aquarium’s shared purpose — to save marine life.

    So they make you love them, one squishy or hard invertebrate at a time.


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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Power of Earth, Flow of Oceans in upcoming Morean Center for Clay show

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Charles Morrison fell for clay as a college junior, using his chops as a defensive end on the football field to pressure clay into shape.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Morean Center for Clay: Power of Earth, Flow of Oceans has a new exhibition

    • It’s called Earth and Ocean

    • The address is 420 22nd St. S., St. Pete

    • It’s open on Saturday, Aug. 9, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.


    The artist in residence at the Morean Center for Clay uses a coiling technique in his work.

    “I just love, you know, making a hand-built pot, throwing some interesting textures on there and putting it in a wood fire,” said Morrison.

    Fellow artist-in-residence Nina Samuels grew up near Savannah, and now she’s here.

    Coastal life has informed her art. She created brightly colored buoy-type vessels and submerged them long enough for barnacle growth.

    In addition to creating in their own professional working spaces, both artists also teach at the center during their time there.

    “I like being able to share my passion for the clay with other people,” said Samuels.

    “Anytime I can inspire someone to express themselves creatively,” said Morrison. “I feel like I’m doing a good job.”

    They enjoy passing on the love of art — like the teachers and artists before them.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Tampa Bay Comic Convention kicks off at Tampa Convention Center

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    TAMPA —It’s not hard to find experts in any genre of pop culture at Tampa Bay Comic Convention.

    It’s the people who double down on the fun, and go in character.

    “What’s not to love, dressing up meeting people who share a common interest,” said Daniel Kuhlmeyer of Brandon, also Gandalf the Grey of Lord of the Rings.

    Princess Bubblegum from Adventure Time showed up, Kim Possible fought super villains, and a pack of Star Wars R2 units rolled on their own down the convention center halls.

    Their realms may be different. But they share the same spirit.

    Organizers expect 40,000 to 50,000 attendees over the three-day event. And for some fans, it’s a return to childhood.

    Edan Hernandez is talking about Pokémon cards. The 90s baby has returned to his former passion.

    “I’ll tell you right now. The Pokémon community is great,” said Hernandez.

    This is the first Comic Convention ever for Hernandez, his fiancé Johanna Hernandez and 10-month-old Emilia.

    Here’s his take on day one, hour two.

    “It’s very colorful. There’s a lot going on. There’s nowhere to sit except you’re outside the convention room, so you gotta maintain your awareness, gotta maintain your physical fitness cause you’re gonna keep walking all day,” Hernandez said.

    Not a problem for this soldier, who also didn’t have to dress up. Whatever he wears — it’s a hero’s get up.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Traveling exhibit showcasing life, legacy of Vincent Van Gogh makes way to Tampa

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    TAMPA, Fla. — A traveling exhibit is bringing the artwork of Vincent Van Gogh to life.

    What You Need To Know

    • A traveling exhibit highlighting the life, artwork and legacy of Vincent Van Gogh has arrived to Tampa

    • “Van Gogh— The Immersive Experience” has already welcomed millions of visitors worldwide, showcasing Van Gogh’s work in new and unique ways
    • Visitors take a journey through Van Gogh’s paintings, stepping through his most famous works from The Sunflower Field to The Starry Night
    • The exhibit will be open Wednesday, July 23, and will remain in Tampa through the rest of summer


    It’s called “Van Gogh — The Immersive Experience” and highlights the life, artwork and legacy of the famous artist.

    “It is an incredible deep-dive using immersive technologies into the world of Vincent Van Gogh,” said John Zaller, Chief Creative Officer for Van Gogh — The Immersive Experience.

    On display in a warehouse space off Dale Mabry Highway stands a monument to one of the world’s most iconic artists. An exhibit showcasing the life and legacy of Vincent Van Gogh.

    “We’re seeing objects that are relatable, but objects that have this emotional power to them that connect with us in very moving ways,” said Zaller.

    The traveling exhibit has already welcomed millions of visitors worldwide, showcasing Van Gogh’s work in new and unique ways.

    “Here, in this wonderful meditative space, you can see those dozens of paintings come to life,” says Zaller. “And it’s a great way to tell the story of Van Gogh’s technique and his approach.”

    The exhibit takes visitors on a journey through Van Gogh’s paintings, both mentally and physically, allowing anyone the chance to step through his most famous works.

    From The Sunflower Field to The Starry Night.

    “People spend hours in here just being enveloped in the works of the artist,” said Zaller.

    There is also a virtual reality experience, where visitors can put on a pair of VR goggles, taking a trip through Van Gogh’s world and allowing an even more enchanting journey.

    “It really is that voice of Van Gogh, that work of Van Gogh, that brings people in,” Zaller said. “But, then what we find is that those who haven’t spent a lot of time thinking about art are now thinking about art. They start to patronize their museums, they start to study art more and the artist within them awakens.”

    Bringing a fresh approach to the world of Van Gogh. 

    ‘Van Gogh — The Immersive Experience’ will be open starting Wednesday, July 23. The exhibit will remain in Tampa through the rest of summer.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Palm Harbor turns 100, plans celebration

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    PALM HARBOR, Fla. — Palm Harbor is celebrating its 100th birthday.

    On July 15, 1925, the city’s official name was changed from Sutherland to Palm Harbor. This weekend, city leaders will celebrate a full century under that name with multiple events.

    • Commemorative Proclamation, 10 a.m., Palm Harbor Museum
    • Family-Friendly Event, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Harbor Hall and historic White Chapel, with local vendors, food trucks, nonprofit organizations
    • City Celebration, 6 p.m., Pop Stansell Park, with live music, food, fireworks

    “We are so excited,” said Nancy McKibben, a Pinellas County coordinator who represents unincorporated county communities. “We have a wonderful history here.”

    There will also be a pop-up exhibit depicting the community’s history, developed by the Palm Harbor Museum.

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    Jeff Butera

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  • Vaults open for Tampa’s 138th birthday during Archives Week

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    TAMPA, Fla. — First off, happy birthday Tampa!

    It’s the big 138!

    It’s also Archives Awareness Week in Tampa.

    In honor of the week — a chance to look into one of the City of Tampa’s Historical Vaults.

    Behind an unassuming set of locked doors at Tampa International Airport sits archival treasure.

    Stephanie O’Driscoll is one of its keepers.

    And every drawer she opens tells a story.

    Like an ad for the “1971 Jet Airport of the Future,” the modern-day TIA.

    O’Driscoll – a records analyst, curated the airport’s upcoming historical exhibition with documents and news clippings going back for more than a century.
    “There’s going to be a lot of things people haven’t seen before,” said Driscoll.

    And maybe a few things they have.

    The city of Tampa created a 1960’s voiceover animation of the airport, complete with an explanation of their futuristic people movers for longer walks to bigger planes.

    Here is part of the voiceover explaining their trams.

    “Service, just like an elevator — in cars that are air conditioned and driven by smooth, silent electric motors under automatic control.”

    Dylan Didion is in another archival room a few floors above the first space.

    The records and information manager shows off original charcoal drawings — 1960s sketches of all the possible people movers, including a suspended monorail system.

    It helps give context to what people imagined their future might be, both in the 1960s and today.

    Here’s the best part of this futuristic tram history for Didion:

    “Seeing that rendered out and the different ideas that they had back then,” Didion said. “And how it’s kind of come to fruition today, and where we’re going in the future.”

    Also to be part of the official record — the renderings for 2025’s potential future, the new Airside D, scheduled to open in late 2028.

    And experts like O’Driscoll, Didion and a team of professionals are keeping our official record for the people who come after us.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • What is a sapodilla? Bok Tower celebrates fruit

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    Bok Towers is hosting its Fruit Fest on Saturday, July 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    The festival offers an opportunity to sample numerous types of fruit, learn about fruits and vegetables, buy plants and listen to live music.

    The Caribbean Crew Steel Drum Band will perform from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

    The food sampling happens from noon until 2 p.m.

    Visitors can try dragon fruit, mangoes, mamey, jackfruit, longans, lynches and sapodilla (a tropical fruit with a sweet flavor often described as a pear soaked in brown sugar).

    Admission to the Fruit Fest is included in your admission to Bok Tower Gardens. Fruit sampling does require additional purchase.

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    Jeff Butera

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  • New exhibit honors Winter the Dolphin at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — Doris the Rough-Toothed Dolphin is acclimating to her newish digs at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium—she arrived in June from an aquarium where senior animal care specialist Kelsey Fisher used to work.

    They’re old pals—reunited.

    What You Need To Know

    • New Clearwater Marine Aquarium exhibit “Tales of Winter the Dolphin” looks at Winter the Dolphin’s movie legacy

    • Winter the Dolphin survived the loss of her tail, and inspired two movies and millions of visitors to CMA

    • The exhibit was curated with help of two former CMA interns-turned-staffers

    • Winter’s legacy continues with rescues like Doris the 28-year-old Rough-Toothed Dolphin


    “Oh, it’s amazing. I’ve worked for many, many years to build it,” said Fisher of her relationship to 28-year-old Doris. “It hasn’t been easy at all times. But it’s really rewarding. It’s one of the best parts of the job.”

    She’s memorialized their link by inking the outline of Doris’s tale on the inside of her wrist.

    It’s this kind of love and connection to animals that helped produce their latest exhibit, “Tales of Winter the Dolphin.”

    Winter came to the CMA in 2005.

    She rose to fame as an inspiration after surviving the loss of her tail and was the subject of the 2011 film Dolphin Tale as well as its sequel in 2014.

    Alexis Larson, a film major intern turned full-time CMA staffer, helped curate the exhibit.

    Winter is the reason Larson works at CMA, and wardrobe is her favorite part of the exhibit.

    “So we have multiple costumes from the movies,” she said, pulling out a blouse with a square-cut neck worn by actor Cozi Zuehlsdorff, who played Hazel Haskett.

    Co-curator Haley Cook is also an intern turned staffer—she began her career in 2017.

    She spent four years in the glow of Winter until her untimely death in 2021.

    Cook added in Winter’s favorite enrichment toy—a large-sized rubber ducky—to the exhibition.

    “I think her story is just so magical that it could touch so many people. So I think just I want everyone to remember her legacy,” said Cook.

    All this is here, so the next generation understands just how much they can do – to both protect and care for these creatures.

    It’s a dolphin tale of connection that continues from Winter to Doris and beyond.

    “It’s definitely one of the best parts of the job,” said Fischer, hanging out with Doris. “I think everybody hopes to be able to build one of those extra special relationships starting their career, and I feel very fortunate I have been able to do that.”

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Manatee Agricultural Museum’s ‘Dairy Days of Manatee County’

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — In a time where change happens fast and new technology is evolving around us, a museum in Palmetto is holding on to moments in time — hoping more people can experience the joys of the history that surrounds them in Manatee County.

    What You Need To Know

    • One of the exhibits at the Manatee County Agricultural Museum is called “Dairy Days of Manatee County”

    • It traces the history of dairy farms in the area and shows innovations that have changed the industry in the last century

    • It’s open Tuesday through Friday, as well as the first and third Saturdays of each month, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    History is always around us.

    But Diane Ingram likes to live in history.

    “I think it’s important to know where you came from,” she said.

    And she likes to educate the younger generations.

    “One of the things that is my most favorite things is doing activities and programming for kids,” Ingram said.

    She is the supervisor at the Manatee County Agricultural Museum in Palmetto.

    She has worked there for 23 years since it opened its doors in 2002.

    Ingram is always thinking of ways to engage families in learning.

    “This is helping the kids learn what chickens like to eat. And chickens love worms,” she said.

    The museum is a family-centered experience, offering artifacts and history about agriculture, farming and ranching.

    One of their exhibits is called “Dairy Days of Manatee County.” It traces the history of dairy farms in the area and shows innovations that have changed the industry in the last century.

    “At one point in time, in the 1950s, there were over 30 dairies at one time. Over time, there have been over 60, and most folks don’t know that. Today, there’s only three dairies here in Manatee County, and they’re all owned by the same family,” she explained.

    A lot has changed in the agriculture industry over the years.

    “The agriculture today in Manatee County, other than tourism, is still the largest industry. But each year, it gets smaller and smaller. Land is being sold for development. Land is being sold because farmers and ranchers don’t have children to leave it to,” she said.

    Ingram says the museum’s programs are expanding, and as more families participate, the importance of sharing the history grows.

    “So if we lose that heritage, people who live here now or who come to live here are not going to understand the history of the area,” she said.

    “It’s great for families and kids,” she said.

    As Ingram creates new ways for visitors to learn, she ensures that the history of agriculture in Manatee County will continue.

    The museum offers summer educational programs for kids.

    It’s open Tuesday through Friday, as well as the first and third Saturdays of each month, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    Staff said that the Manatee County Agricultural Museum is part of the historical resources department of the Manatee Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Four ingredients; taste for days

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    RIVERVIEW Fla. — From a stacked roast beef sandwich to fried whole belly clams, this Riverview restaurant serves food New Englanders know and love. 

    We are talking about Beef and Sea.

    It’s where you can “Crush the Can” to celebrate Jaws. It means you drink and crush a can of Naragansett beer just like Captain Quint on Jaws. 

    What You Need To Know

    •  In the Chef’s Kitchen at Beef & Sea

    •  6022 Winthrop Town Centre Ave., Riverview

    •  Serving New England faire

    •  Recipe for potato skins — an app favorite


    And it’s also where the one app everyone wants at there—the potato skins.

    Dan St. Hilaire hails from New Hampshire and his family opened Beef & Sea because they missed food from their hometown.

    “You know, when you go back home, you have to plan your vacation around two things- the people you are gonna see and the food you are going to eat,” said St. Hilaire.

    Ingredients
    4 potatoes
    ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese
    ½ cup bacon crumbles
    ¼ cup dried chives

    Directions
    Bake potatoes at 350 degrees for an hour.
    Once cooled, quarter potatoes.
    When scooping out the potato insides, keep a thick layer potato on the skins.
    Fry the pieces at 350 degrees for three or four minutes or until browned.
    Once drained, top with cheese, crumbled bacon and dried chives.
    Melt cheese in microwave.
    Couple with sour cream, guacamole, hot sauce.
    You can also add more or less cheese—and try whatever cheese you have in your refrigerator.

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    Virginia Johnson

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