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Tag: On The Town

  • Small Business Saturday is a chance to shop local and meet neighbors

    Small Business Saturday is a chance to shop local and meet neighbors

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — It’s a family affair for Marina Williams at ARTpool Gallery in St. Pete — her husband, her mom, her 3-year-old Naomi and her trusty sidekick Franklin are all in the game.

    What You Need To Know

    • Small Business Saturday is on Nov. 25 this year and shines light on more than 33 million companies in the U.S.

    • The event started in 2010 by credit card company American Express

    • U.S. Small Business Administration co-sponsored in 2011

    • ARTpool Gallery, Vintage Clothing and Vinyl Records, 2030 Central Ave., St. Pete

    “Shopping small is such an amazing part in keeping your local community flowing and growing through the year,” said Williams.

    ARTpool is celebrating 15 years as a mom-and-pop shop on Central Avenue.

    Small Business Saturday started in 2010, sponsored by American Express, and the U.S. Small Business Administration started to co-sponsor the event in 2011.

    Meanwhile, Williams has been curating holiday looks since July.

    “I love their really over-the-top numbers,” said Williams, sorting through the holiday sweater rack. These pieces from the 80s and 90s inspired the Ugly Sweater parties of the modern era.

    “I don’t want to blend in,” Williams said, holding up a navy-colored specimen. “I mean, how fun is that?”

    Williams also repurposes and upcycles old jewelry, creating looks for all tastes. 

    But her favorite retail activity by far?

    Styling the holiday windows with one of the greatest finds of her vintage curating career.

    “Oh my gosh, I’m about in a backhand spring!” Williams said, showing off the 1950s Radio City Music Hall Rockettes costumes.

    “It has been such a dream come true to get to style these mannequins and celebrate the history of the Rockettes, bringing them here to downtown S. Petersburg,” said Williams of the blue sequined short dresses with fur trim.

    And she’s not just here on Small Business Saturday — she’s here every Saturday. 

    This weekend is filled with sales and fun.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Russell’s Parmesan-Crusted Shrimp Linguini

    Russell’s Parmesan-Crusted Shrimp Linguini

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — Nestled up to Lake Ivanhoe, Russell’s is a neighborhood eatery with international flavors.

    French Top Chef Emmanuel Clement has cooked all over the world.

    “I had good training,” he said. Very good training. Very classic French-based, which almost everyone uses worldwide now.”

    His best-seller at Russells, though, isn’t French at all — Parmesan-crusted shrimp linguini.

    “People love it,” he said, smiling. “People just love this dish.”

    So let’s cook!


    Parmesan Crusted Shrimp Linguini

    Recipe for 4

    Shrimp 24 each

    Chopped shallots 3 oz

    Linguini 16 oz

    Chardonnay 2 cups

    Spinach 10 oz

    Heavy cream 3 cups

    Parmesan 2 cups

    Nutmeg 1 pinch

    Salt 1 tsp

    Pepper 1 tsp


    Instructions:

    1. Sweat the shallots in butter, no color

    2. Add Chardonnay and reduce low heat by 5 mins

    3. Add heavy cream and bring to boil

    4. Add spinach roughly chopped, half of Parmesan, and cook for 10 mins, stirring a couple of times

    5. Add salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cook another 5 mins on low heat

    6. Reserve on the side in same pan


    For the Linguini and the Shrimp:

    2 quarts water

    1 Tbsp virgin olive oil

    1 Tbsp salt

    1. Bring to a boil, water, oil and salt; add linguini and cook 10 mins

    2. While the pasta is cooking, bread the shrimp in the other half of the Parmesan and crust in a non-stick, preheated pan for 3 mins each side

    3. Add linguini in the pan with the sauce and stir

    4. Pour linguini in 4 plates and top with the shrimp

    5. Bon appétit!

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    Allison Walker

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  • Raise a glass to The Choir of Man at the Straz Center

    Raise a glass to The Choir of Man at the Straz Center

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Connor Going’s heading to work at “The Jungle” — he’s a poet and he’s needed at this pub.

    His assignment?

    What You Need To Know

    • On the Town visits The Choir of Man musical

    • It’s at the Straz Center

    • Address: 1010 N. Macinnes Pl., Tampa

    • It’s taking place through Dec. 10

    “Sing some songs, play a few instruments, have a few beers, entertain the locals and have fun,” Going said.

    Except this pub, “The Jungle,” is at the Straz Center in Tampa. And it’s the setting for The Choir of Man, a British musical.

    The show originally debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2017, to accolades.

    There’s singing, dancing and drinking.

    I mean to say — the audience members get a beer — it’s a whole thing. They have a tap on the stage.

    Going showed us his pre-show routine on his stage with a beer tap.

    There’s a choreographed warmup and a stretch sequence — each seven minutes — and the entire cast takes part.

    Then there are vocal exercises with piano harmonizing.

    And finally — in wardrobe and makeup, Going explains his minimalist look.

    “I guess since I am the poet, the sort of the neutral voice of the group, just a simple black jeans and white T-shirt,” Going said.

    Going says the show’s first tour of the United States in 2018 was intense.

    “Did 32 states over six months. That was a whirlwind. I don’t know what even happened,” Going said.

    Here it’s practically a mini-residency — one place through Dec. 10.

    “The bar, particularly in the UK, symbolizes a place of community where anyone, whoever you are, can come and be yourselves and have a good time and feel at home,” Going said. “And that’s what we hope the folks out here are gonna feel like.”

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Former Bay area resident produces ‘Journey to Bethlehem’ movie

    Former Bay area resident produces ‘Journey to Bethlehem’ movie

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    TAMPA, Fla. — A Christmas musical titled “Journey to Bethlehem” opens in theaters this week. It was co-written, co-produced and directed by Adam Anders, who spent his high school years in Lakeland. While Anders was taking his high school classes by correspondence courses, he also studied bass at the University of South Florida.

    What You Need To Know

    • Sweden native Adam Anders spent high school years as jazz prodigy at USF

    • Anders came up with “Journey to Bethlehem” movie idea while visiting wife Nikki’s family in Iowa at Christmas 17 years ago

    • Antonio Banderas stars as king Herod

    • Anders says he attempted to stay true to the Biblical nativity story in the musical

    Anders has spent the past couple of decades as a successful music writer and producer, selling more than 100 million records. He often collaborates with his wife, Nikki.

    Anders said he came up with his original vision for the movie while visiting Nikki’s family at Christmas in Iowa about 17 years ago.

    “There was nothing to watch,” he said. “There was no Christmas movie, especially about the nativity, which is what Christmas is about. That’s when I first had the idea: I’d love to do a musical to tell what Christmas is about through song.”

    One of the stars of the movie is Antonio Banderas, who plays the part of king Herod. Anders lightheartedly said he stalked Banderas in Spain, where Banderas was leading a stage production. He went to several of the productions before he got a few minutes to make a pitch for the movie part.

    “He was snapping his fingers in the show all the time and changing the lighting,” Anders said. “And he was doing this thing, and I was blown away because before I ever met him or thought of him, king Herod in my movie snaps his fingers.” That coincidence helped Anders convince Banderas to be in the movie that was already set to be filmed in Spain.

    Christian rap star Lecrae plays the part of the angel Gabriel in the movie. “And I thought it would be incredible to have angel Gabriel embodied in this guy who has this presence, who is also one of the humblest, kindest men I have met,” Anders said.

    The movie is a combination of music, drama, a love story and even humor. Even though creative license is used in the story, Anders said he attempted to be faithful to the Biblical nativity story.

    Anders is hoping “Journey to Bethlehem” will be an annual tradition for the entire family.

    ”It really is a reminder of what Christmas is all about in a way that whether you are a believer, whether you’re not, whether you just celebrate Christmas or you just love musicals, it’s for all of you.”

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    Rick Elmhorst

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  • ‘Buy a Vet a Beer’ program at Bayboro Brewing in St. Pete

    ‘Buy a Vet a Beer’ program at Bayboro Brewing in St. Pete

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    ST. PETERSBURG Fla. — Looking for a block party to buy a U.S. Armed Forces Veteran a beer?


    Bayboro Brewing offers their “Buy a Vet a Beer” program to all patrons this Saturday.

    Brewery owner and U.S. Marine Corps Veteran James Coleman started it as a “pay it forward” opportunity.

    “I didn’t think it would get past 10,” Coleman said, standing in front of a door filled with rows and rows of Xs. “So each X is, uh, 10 beers,” Coleman said.

    The brewery is looking at more than 400 free beers for veterans starting at 11 a.m.

    “It’s more of a recognition of PTSD with community support, and not so much the stereotypical round table, ‘We’re at the VA where guys don’t want to go,’” Coleman explained.

    While they are trying to give away all the free beers, patrons — and veterans especially — will leave nearly as many free beers this weekend.

    That’s where Head Brewer Aaron Hutchings comes in.

    He is currently checking the latest keg of Bayboro’s popular American lager Hideaway Light. But he started his day in research and development.

    “We are making a maple chocolate wheat,” said Hutchings. “We just got done boiling, we are chilling it down now.”
    The beer is the brainchild of assistant brewer Thomas Ludwig.

    When it gets to 68 degrees, it goes into a fermentation barrel, and Hutchings “pitches the yeast” on a small batch set-up.

    “Gives a chance to share some fun and interesting things we did not try before,” said Hutchings.

    Hutchings ferments the beer in a converted chest freezer. And it’s on to loading the latest Hideaway Light, their American Lager.

    “Similar to the Bud Light — it’s our take on it,” Hutchings said. It’s the creation of three brewers.

    “So we sat down one day after work and cobbled this recipe together, and it’s turned into our biggest seller,” said Hutchings.

    Hutchings wheels his fresh keg to the refrigerated room behind the bar and sets it up to tap. It’s one of dozens of choices for veterans at the brewery.

    Hutchings says brewing beer is part mad scientist work and part workout. He shuffles the full keg into position, joining the others, some stacked three high.

    For him, this is his retirement gig after his work in law enforcement at the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

    “I end up working more now that I’m retired,” he said, making air quotes when he got to retired.

    The payoff after all the work — a taste.

    At the bar, Hutchings pours a pint of Hideaway and holds it up to the light.

    “Cheers, this is the ultimate test right here,” he said, smelling and tasting the lager.

    “It’s delicious,” Hutchings said, smiling.

    And ready for a veteran. For free.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • End of an era: Tampa ‘Pawnfather’ auctions off his treasures

    End of an era: Tampa ‘Pawnfather’ auctions off his treasures

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    TAMPA, Fla. — This weekend marks an end of an era for one Bay area business. The owner of Capital Pawn Shop, along Busch Boulevard, is retiring.

    What You Need To Know

    • Capital Pawn auction will be held Saturday

    • Auction will take place at the shop, 2525 E Busch Blvd., starting at 10 a.m.

    • Joseph Cacciatore will have hundreds of items available

    On Saturday morning, Joseph Cacciatore is auctioning off hundreds of items, from Rolex watches to signed sports and music memorabilia.

    There’s a bank document signed by Ernest Hemingway. There’s even a painting, signed to a Tampa crime boss, lined with news clippings of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. All of it will go to the highest bidder.

    Watches will be among the items auctioned off Saturday. (Dalia Dangerfield/Spectrum Bay News 9)

    Cacciatore, who calls himself the Pawnfather, said it’s time for a new chapter, but he’ll miss the place.

    “I don’t know how long I can stay retired to be honest with you, and it’s not about the money,” Cacciatore said. “It’s about meeting people, from the richest to the richest, to the poorest to the poorest and everyone in between.”

    The auction starts at 10 a.m. Saturday. (Dalia Dangerfield/Spectrum Bay News 9)

    Cacciatore launched his pawn shop about 30 years ago.

    He said he won’t sell everything. Some of the items hold a special meaning for him.

    And if he gets too bored in retirement, Cacciatore said he may open another shop in Pasco County.

    Saturday’s auction starts at 10 a.m.

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    Dalia Dangerfield

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  • Fox squirrels meet match at Plant City fall farm festival

    Fox squirrels meet match at Plant City fall farm festival

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Charlotte Weronik knows how to find her way out on the farm.

    “If you do the maze correctly it’ll be one mile,” she explained, “It is five acres. It has a lot of twists and turns and little stops with scarecrows and mirrors and tables and decorations that you can take nice pictures in.”

    The fifth grader volunteers here at the Fox Squirrel Corn Maze in Plant City.

    She hasn’t missed a weekend, and she helps set up too.

    She looks through the hundreds of little funky gourds near their pumpkin house, which clearly a witch lives there. “When pumpkins feel really light and hollow and they have all these spots, it means that they are going bad,” said Weronik.

    Her next job? Weronik drops a peace offering.

    “I am putting sunflower seeds around the base of the tree,” she said.

    That’s because it will distract the fox squirrels from eating all the pumpkins.

    “It’s a very good snack for them, but this kind of distracts them from that,” Weronik said.

    Set up also calls for someone to test the equipment, so she bounces on the jump pad under large oak trees covered in Spanish moss.

    “Sometimes it’ll be way too puffed up that it’s very hard or it will be very floppy and hard to bounce on, but right now, it’s pretty good,” Weronik explained.

    Weronik discovered this Florida-style fall celebration thanks to her aunt and the event organizer, Lisa Steward.

    “I like helping her with flowers and unloading pumpkins like I am right now,” Weronik said.

    She’s the only 9-year-old kid she knows with her advanced seasonal celebration skills.

    “It’s a very unique experience and it’s quite fun,” Weronik said.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Manos Kranias develops a new dessert for the Holy Trinity GreekFest

    Manos Kranias develops a new dessert for the Holy Trinity GreekFest

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — A third-generation Greek baker will debut a new dessert at this year’s GreekFest at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Clearwater.

    What You Need To Know

    • Manos Kranias grew up in Greece and follows in the tradition of his father and grandfather. 

    • Manos Bakery is on Drew Street in Clearwater. 

    • New desert is a combination of two Greek classics baklava and galaktoboureko.

    • The desert will debut at this weekend’s Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church GreekFest.

    A third-generation Greek baker will debuting a new desert at this year’s GreekFest at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Clearwater.

    Manos Kranias grew up around bakeries in Greece and decided to follow in the tradition of his father and grandfather. “As long as I remember, I was 5, 6, 7, I was playing with flour. It’s in my blood. That’s whatever I do, I do it with love,” Kranias said at his bakery on Drew Street in Clearwater.

    Kranias loves to pass out samples of his creations to new customers. “That’s my satisfaction when I see people happy with the products I bring out there,” he said.

    Kranias will be supplying the festival with the new creation he developed at the request of festival organizer John Pantelis. It’s a combination of two Greek classics, baklava and galaktoboureko.

    “Baklava has a multiple layers of fila dough and a filling of walnuts, bread crumbs, syrup and cinnamon. The galaktoboureko part of the desert is a custard filling. I think it’s going to be a big hit because, like I said earlier it’s heaven. It’s delicious,” said Manos.

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    Rick Elmhorst

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  • Growing a decade-long nightmare one creepy effect at a time

    Growing a decade-long nightmare one creepy effect at a time

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    PLANT CITY, Fla. — It’s been 10 years and now Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail in Plant Ciity is turning up the fear up to 11.


    It’s the creepy brainchild of Zack Glaros. He started in 2014 with five scare actors.

    “Our first night we were officially open we had three guests come through and I’m like ‘oh my gosh! What is this? Is this the right thing to do?’ Here we are 10 seasons later. We have upwards of 90-100 volunteers every night,” Glaros said.

    And lots more visitors — sellout crowds.

    One of Glaros’ OG creators is Calvin Hogan.

    Hogan created dozens of special effects for this year’s newest attraction — a haunted hayride.

    “This event — it’s kind of nice to say that it has grown with me. So, we’re kind of like siblings in a way,” Hogan said, smiling.

    Hogan continues to hang out with his scary little sibling because he loves to facilitate fear.

    “After every year that I learn more and more new tricks, I can apply that to the next season,” said Hogan. “It’s really rewarding to learn and soak up — just build cool stuff and scare people. It’s super rewarding. Most rewarding job I’ve ever had.”

    Can’t get enough of the spookiness, no problem. They will be open through Nov. 4.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Florida Keys native performs at Busch Gardens’ Cirque X-Scream show

    Florida Keys native performs at Busch Gardens’ Cirque X-Scream show

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    TAMPA, Fla. — How does a day begin for a fire stunt aerial artist?

    What You Need To Know

    • Tammy Firefly, a Florida Keys native performs in the Howl-O-Scream show “Cirque X-Scream” at Busch Gardens

    • Firefly visited Busch Gardens when she was a kid

    • Howl-O-Scream run select nights through Oct. 31

    “When I wake up, I have a pretty strong yoga practice to kind of like center and ground myself,” Tammy Firefly said.

    Firefly is the star of the Howl-O-Scream Cirque X-Scream show at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. When she gets into hair and makeup at the park, she visualizes her routine.

    There’s not much room for error.

    “I go up with one arm and I have 25-foot flames, fully immersed and surrounding me,” Firefly said. “So this tiny little body disappears and all you see is a ring of fire.”

    Next, Firefly hits the mat backstage to warm up.

    “When I do yoga, It clears out the cluster in my mind,” she said, while stretching her arms over her head in a low lunge. “I’m able to focus.”

    She calls her practice a game-changer.

    Firefly dips her torches in camp fuel and sprays herself with a mixture of water and fire retardant. Fire stunt performing has taken her around the world. It’s full circle for this native Floridian.

    “I’m from the Florida Keys,” she said. “I used to come here as a kid and to be here performing in my element as a professional fire artist is super rewarding.”

    Learning to dance with danger, for Firefly, is worth the risk.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Artist lets abstract work tell its own story

    Artist lets abstract work tell its own story

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Michael McCoy allows gravity to play an elevated role in his world, along with anything from his daily life.


    This is what presently sits in front of his camera: half of a day-and-a-half-old lemon on a white stand, with a white piece of paper serving as a backdrop.

    His goal as he pours black and gold paint over the fruit?

    “Seeing something ordinary in an extraordinary way,” McCoy explained, as he sprinkled shattered tempered glass over the lemon.

    The fine art abstract photographer is creating “a moment” in his Ybor City studio.

    A moment that will never exist again.

    The moment McCoy captured in studio is entitled, “The Lemon in Question.” (Courtesy: Michael McCoy)

     

    “It’s just something that I haven’t seen before, and that’s what I like making,” said McCoy.

    The Tampa artist is preparing for his upcoming show, “Observations of Creation,” as he prepares to open his new gallery, Michael McCoy Studio Art Gallery on Saturday.

    There are more than 50 pieces — each an original moment — made over the last five years.

    “Being able to freeze it, magnify it and see it this way, you could see the stories unfolding,” he explained, holding a piece.

    The artist says what some see in this unfolding is more about their story than the art’s.

    “I want people to learn the truth about themselves in these pieces,” McCoy said.

    Pieces of art from everyday life.

    The moment McCoy captured in studio is entitled, “The Lemon in Question.”

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Creatures of the Night take over ZooTampa

    Creatures of the Night take over ZooTampa

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Before the first pumpkin smash. Before the fun and the fear. Before the vampires and the vikings.

    Alex Crow brings Creatures of the Night to life at ZooTampa. One haunted area at a time.

    What You Need To Know

    • Creatures of the Night on select dates through Oct. 29

    • ZooTampa at Lowry Park

    • 12 attractions

    • Eerie Scale: 1 to 3 pumpkins

    Crow oversees the Halloween fun at ZooTampa — and Spectrum Bay News 9 caught up with them on their final run-through.

    Families of employees are the test subjects.

    “This is the first time our actors get to play with some guests, so we are making sure they are bringing the characters to life — and making sure every area feels alive,” said Crow.

    Entertainer Amanda Kronhaus, the pumpkin-smashing baker Lucilla Lumpkins in the Scarecrow Junction, says introducing little revelers to theatre is a treat.

    “Children may be getting to see a show for the first time,” said Kronhaus.

    Crow guides his group of willing test subjects past the vampires at the zoo entrance and the clown at the carousel.

    “Alright, our next stop is gonna be troll cave,” said Crow, as he ushered the group past a massive animatronic troll with smokey flatulence.

    It was a hit.

    “One of the little kids just told us 10 out of 10, so I will take this to my heart,” said Crow.

    If you should survive the Troll Cave, you may also get to meet some Vikings.

    After a few raucous beats, viking dancers rock out, do a kick line formation and then throw out a Tae Kwon Do- style sidekick.

    Little costumed dancers vibe with the vikings as they break formation post-performance.

    Crow is observing this all from the sidelines — giving a few notes and high-fiving a performer who then thrusts her hands in the air and lets out a “Woo!”

    Crow says it’s great to see it coming together.

    “You put it on paper, you plan it, plan it, plan it,” said Crow. “I’m just so relieved. This is amazing.”

    The event Crow began spearheading in August is ready to open.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Come for the wholesome; stay for the horror

    Come for the wholesome; stay for the horror

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    ODESSA, Fla. — It’s a wholesome vibe at Raprager Family Farm during their Fall Pumpkin Festival. But there is more to the party. 


    The Haunted Farm. is an event that is a lot “Hauntier” at night. 

    “You have all this space,” said owner Justin Raprager. “You don’t even need all of the props or the scare actors – it’s just spooky out here.”

    But bring out the props and scare actors he does. They’re effective for striking terror in guests after the sun sets. The Fall Pumpkin Festival is the dayside counterpart to the fear fest. Think hundreds of hens, along with ducks and geese waddling up to you at the petting zoo. There are pregnant goats and an emu named Taz.

    “He was the first emu that we’ve ever hatched,” said Raprager. “It was really crazy and interesting. They are so big and dinosaur-like in some instances.”

    Raprager and his family purchased the farm after selling a background checking business.

    “This is semi-retirement for us and we want to have fun,” said Raprager. 

    And spread it to the greater community, one headless skeleton and pregnant goat at a time.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Tampa avian artist meets seabird sanctaury amabassador ahead of talk

    Tampa avian artist meets seabird sanctaury amabassador ahead of talk

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    INDIAN SHORES, Fla. — There is a screech owl named Rufus who lives in Indian Shores.

    What You Need To Know

    • John Costin is a Tampa avian artist and wants people to approach his feathery subjects
    • ‘Etched Feather: A History of the Printed Bird’ will be on display through mid-October

    The small, but mighty bird of prey is currently an animal ambassador at the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary.

    Rufus will be “co-hosting” an event at the Tampa Bay History Center, along with avian artist John Costin.

    It’s part of the History Center’s “Sangria and Stories” series, taking place Thursday, Sept. 21.

    Costin’s avian artwork work is currently featured at the Tampa Bay History Center — in “Etched Feather: A History of the Printed Bird,” on display through mid-October.

    After taking thousands of pictures of birds in the wild, Costin says the injured birds are fortunate to get this level of care.

    “It’s really positive and optimistic to see that,” said Costin, a Tampa artist who lives in Ybor City.

    Avian artist John Costin and his wife Janet Costin. Costin called his wife  “my inspiration” when discussing his artwork. Photo by Bobby Collins/ Staff

    His interest in birds took off after he moved from Detroit in the early 1970s and replaced pigeons with wood storks, sandhill cranes and red-shouldered hawks.

    Costin hopes his art shows his deep appreciation for birds and the people who help them.

    Costin will also be speaking at the History Center during the Florida Birding and Nature Festival Oct. 12 – 15, 2023.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Model builder brings charm to Legoland’s Brick-or-Treat

    Model builder brings charm to Legoland’s Brick-or-Treat

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    WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — It’s spooky enough for thrilling squeals, but mild enough to avoid nightmares.

    We’re talking about Legoland Florida’s Brick-or-Treat Halloween celebration, on select dates from Sept. 16 through Oct. 29.

    What You Need To Know

    • Legoland Florida Brick-or-Treat has Entertainment, character meet-and-greets, fireworks, spiderwebs and, of course, candy

    • It’s open on  select dates from Sept. 16th – Oct. 29

    • Master Model Builders prepare the park for the holidays- from huge hanging ghosts to tiny trick-or-treaters in Miniland, U.S.A.

    There are live shows, character meet and greets—and of course trick-or-treating.

    The park is decked out with ghosts and spider webs, and some of the best holiday touches are also the smallest.

    That’s thanks to master model builders like Angelisa Perazzo. She creates the spooky touches for Miniland U.S.A.

    “I am obsessed with holidays,” said Perazzo.

    We caught up with Perazzo when she was making tiny black cauldrons.

    “These little cauldrons that I’m creating right now are going to be filled with candy so that our Minilanders can actually grab candy out of them and give them to our little trick-or-treaters,” she said.

    All these tiny touches take thousands and thousands of tiny building blocks to make a reality. And the Master Model Builder’s Workshop is filled with rows of shelves, each holding bins of LEGO pieces.

    “We don’t like keeping our Lego really messy,” she explained.

    Before this, Perazzo managed a business.

    Now she’s managing the fun times in Miniland, U.S.A. Perazzo has been a master model builder for nine years, but she started in the Education department.

    “I came into Miniland, and I just fell in love,” explained Perazzo. “I just couldn’t help myself, and I’ve been here ever since.”

    Perazzo calls it a dream job.

    “I hope that kids will absolutely love this,” said Perazzo.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream comes early for more fear

    Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream comes early for more fear

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens is in a 24-year record of horrible, scary, terrible, hilarious, breathtaking fear.

    What You Need To Know

    • Howl-O-Scream returns early this year at Busch Gardens

    • The event takes place on select nights  from Sept. 8 to Oct. 31

    •  It features five scare house, six scare zones and a new show

    • Look out for the stilt walkers acting like statues, Zombie Elvis and maggot sprinkles on your bloody cupcakes

    Because you can’t scream it out at work, they invite you to come here for some restorative fear scream therapy at Busch Gardens. Best of all for all the horror lovers — the fear starts a few weeks early this year.

    The event offers five haunted houses, brand new entertainment and six scare zones. That includes Sin City Zombies.

    “It is based on a small town outside of Las Vegas,” Busch Gardens’ Victor Tuparov said. “You might even run into Zombie Elvis, which is pretty scary.”

    Their newest house, replacing Death Water Bayou, is D.H. Baggum’s Circus of Fear.

    “This is not your traditional circus — this is a vintage freak show,” Tuparov said. “And the concept of the house is you are trying to escape D.H. Baggum and his army of freaks before he turns you into one of his freaks.”

    The house has a bunk house, animal circus cages with people in them, a freak show, a small theater, a bit top entrance and a dressing room.

    “There’s ‘boo’ holes where our scare actors are hidden, and they come from below,” Tuparov said. “There are scares that come from above. There’s really a dynamic where you don’t know where the scares are going to be coming from.”

    This, I can tell you, is accurate.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Artist devotes time, body to ballet

    Artist devotes time, body to ballet

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    TAMPA, Fla. — A life in the arts may seem like a wonderland, just living in creativity. But trying to manage your time could make you mad.

    Just ask Matthew Doolin of the Tampa City Ballet. He’s stretching out before his part in the Alice in Wonderland ballet rehearsal at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center.

    “Most dancers, including myself, had four other jobs in Tampa,” said Doolin. “Teaching at this dance studio, taking care of these kids, teaching after to school here, being a secretary and bartender.”

    And they come to rehearsals five days a week.

    “It’s insane,” he said.

    Doolin’s solution is becoming a neuromuscular therapist. With that, it’s just two jobs.

    Doolin and the Tampa Ballet Company are part of the inaugural Fall Festival at the New Tampa Performing Center. It’s free for the public to enjoy, and it includes many acts, from Improv to Ballet.

    Saturday morning kicks off with a free showing of Disney’s Encanto.

    “So, I imagine we’ll have a lot of kids out here singing ‘We don’t talk about Bruno,’” said Center Manager Keith Arsenault.

    From the wings offstage, Doolin says he still gets a ping of excitement before hitting the stage.

    Doolin’s connecting and sharing his humanity, even as he portrays the White Rabbit in the Alice in Wonderland ballet.

    He explained his mindset on stage.

    “Is my intention clear? Is what I’m doing going to read to the back of the audience,” said Doolin. “If it doesn’t read, it doesn’t make sense, they’re not interested, they might not come back.”

    So the art is ready, the connection is there, and the audience is all that’s missing.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Largo designer uses unique raw materials for corsets in Dunedin runway show

    Largo designer uses unique raw materials for corsets in Dunedin runway show

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    DUNEDIN, Fla. — They stand behind a low, wide table filled with fanciful pieces of honeycombed wood, dyed leather, cork and copper leaf, all for corsets.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Kelli-Lynn Luckey makes corsets

    •  They will show off their wares at the Wearable Art 17 show on Saturday, August 26 at the Dunedin Fine Art Center

    •  Luckey enjoys playing with color schemes

    Kelli-Lynn Luckey is a corset maker under the name Artemis and Aphrodite.

    “I think I made my first one when I was 12 with my grandma,” Luckey said..

    Since then, Luckey pushed the boundaries of this article of clothing right into Wearable Art 17, the annual all-out art fashion show at the Dunedin Fine Arts Center. The theme for their look: “Enchanted Forest.”

    “I started all these in January, so it’s been a long process to get here,” said Luckey.

    That’s because they costume down to eye color — the models are wearing white contacts.

    “It’s beautiful, but it’s like, haunting,” said Luckey.

    And if the wigs match the aesthetic and the model perfectly, it’s because Luckey made those too.

    “I am a hairstylist and barber by trade,” they said.

    So of course, it only makes sense they would dye their own clothes. They tell us this while showing us a rack of clothing that will accent their corsets. It’s filled with the gauzy, delicate tops modeled on the photo shoot.

    “I just had such a specific color scheme in mind,” said Luckey of their green and soft pinkish hues. “And I really like the distressed look that comes with hand dying as well.”

    Luckey will complete a dozen corsets, using various mediums, like wood, leather and cork. And they’ll finish up a few ornamental exoskeletons as well.

    Luckey says they can create these supportive garments because of the support they’ve received from other artists and crafts persons, especially people at MakerSpace Pinellas, Tandy Leather, Whole Aveda and Del Favero Oasis.

    “So there’s really a whole team, behind me, helping me and inspiring me along the way,” said Luckey.

    And they’’ll be taking them all down the runway with them to Wearable Art 17.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • One last hurrah for Legoland Florida’s Flight School coaster

    One last hurrah for Legoland Florida’s Flight School coaster

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Wednesday is National Roller Coaster Day, or — as we like to think of it in theme park-laden Florida — every day.

    What You Need To Know

    • Wednesday is National Roller Coaster Day — and the last day anyone will be able to ride the Flying School coaster at Legoland Florida
    • The coaster was the first opened at the park when it opened 11 years ago

    • Legoland Florida President Frank Idris did not released any details about what will come next for the park, other than to say it may be one of the  biggest investments in its history

    The year will be a bittersweet celebration at Legoland Florida, though, as the 11 year-old park is retiring one of its oldest rides — The Flying School Coaster — at the end of National Rollercoaster Day.

    Legoland Florida President Frank Idris has been pretty tight-lipped about what will come next for the park, but did tease at the scope of it.

    “I can’t tell you specifically what we will be doing, but (it is) probably the biggest investment this part has made since its inception, since we opened,” he said.

    So far, Legoland has added rides, hotels and a water park since opening in late 2011 — in addition to the Peppa Pig Theme Park, which opened next door in February of 2022.

    Back at the Flying School Coaster, Bella Deonandan — a queen from Queens who was at the park celebrating her 10th birthday — is waiting to ride.

    Like a lot of kids who show up at Legoland, Deonandan says she’s a creator.

    “I like to build a lot of different things like cars,” she said. “A bunch of Lego cars and a couple engines.”

    She says she doesn’t mind switching vehicles and taking flight — it’s the unknown that Deonandan likes.

    “You don’t know what’s coming, so that’s why it’s really, really fun,” she said.

    Deonandan and her family will be some of the last people learning to fly on the Flying School coaster.

    The coaster flight time is just over a minute with twisty fun and no upside-down fear, and a top speed of 26 mph.

    “It’s like when you start it’s really slow, but when you get up there, it’s really, really fast.,” Deonandan said, pointing to the first hill the coaster climbs.

    Deonandan said this is good practice for next step in her coaster career — which she says will include the faster, bigger, flippier ones.

    “The smaller ones were the start and the big ones are the ending,” she said.

    According to patriarch and coaster enthusiast Kevin Sookra, this is a family goal.

    “I grew up on roller coasters so it’s pretty fun,” he said. “It was my smallest daughter’s (Riya’s) first time, so you guys actually got that on video, so it’s pretty cool. She’s not like her mom — she likes to go on all the rides, and so I love it.”

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Summer Circus Spectacular in final week of 18th annual show

    Summer Circus Spectacular in final week of 18th annual show

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    SARASOTA, Fla. — Before the lights. Before the cheers. Before the performance — it’s a quiet stage and an empty house.

    What You Need To Know

    • Summer Circus Spectacular continues through Saturday, Aug. 12

    • One-hour show filled with circus arts

    • 18th year at the Historical Asolo Theater at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota 

    • Created by Pedro Reis, founder and CEO of the Circus Arts Conservatory

    Tersit Dersu is the opening act for the Summer Circus Spectacular at the Historic Asolo Theater at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota.

    Dersu warms up by softly bouncing balls off a clear apparatus that she and the crew wheeled on stage.

    “Juggling is practice and patience,” she said.

    Dersu adds more balls to the flow, creating a double two-bounce roundabout of a circle whirring of white.

    She said she knew at 15 that she was destined to perform.

    “It’s been like 10 years of practicing,” she said.

    “Circus makes the impossible possible,” said Pedro Reis, the founder and CEO of the Circus Arts Conservatory. “They’re juggling. There’s aerial, there’s grace. It’s a combination of movement and dance.”

    Reis started the show after retiring from his own international adventures on the high wire.

    Dersu’s performance skills have taken her from her native Ethiopia to stages around the world.

    “You do what you love, you travel,” she said.

    Dersu said meeting and working with people from different countries and cultures has been amazing.

    “I love my job,” she said.

    And when she does her job, the crowd — they love it too. 

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    Virginia Johnson

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