Things to do in St. Petersburg Florida while on Vacation

GASPARILLA 2022: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
This year's Gasparilla Pirate Fest is expected to be the biggest one yet! - Spectrum News Staff

YE MYSTIC KREWE OF GASPARILLA PIRATE LOOKS TOWARD GROUP'S INCLUSIVE FUTURE
The people of the krewes of Gasparilla in the Tampa Bay area are marauders, partiers and fundraisers! - Virginia Johnson

UNIVERSAL'S NEW POLICY ENDS COVID-19 TESTING FOR UNVACCINATED EMPLOYEES
The previous policy required employees to be fully vaccinated or undergo weekly COVID-19 testing. - Ashley Carter

SEAWORLD SHARES POV VIDEO OF ICE BREAKER COASTER
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Ahead of the official opening of its Ice Breaker coaster, SeaWorld Orlando is giving fans a chance to experience it virtually. - Ashley Carter

AFTER YEAR AWAY, BROADWAY CONCERTS BACK AT EPCOT ARTS FESTIVAL
The festival runs through Feb. 21. - Ashley Carter

KEEPERS OF THE HISTORY OF GASPARILLA: PLANT MUSEUM CURATOR OPENS TREASURE TROVE
Plant Museum host to secrets of Gasparilla Pirate Parade orgins - Virginia Johnson

‘LORD OF THE RINGS’ CAST ADDED TO MEGACON ORLANDO LINEUP
The fan convention is set for May 19-22. - Ashley Carter

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: JG RANCH WELCOMES GUESTS FOR ANOTHER SEASON OF STRAWBERRIES
They are open year-round, but if you'd like to pick strawberries, they say the next batch will be at its best by the end of January. - Caitlin Wilson

ARTIST TENDS TO BISHOP MUSEUM DINOSAURS AS THEY VACATION ON QUIET MANATEE COUNTY FARM
Dino Don DinoVentures uses Manatee County farm as a wintering ground for creature creations in his North American Traveling exhibition - Virginia Johnson

BOB SAGET, BELOVED TV DAD OF 'FULL HOUSE,' FOUND DEAD IN ORLANDO HOTEL
Saget was found dead in an Orlando hotel room, according to authorities. - Associated Press

THE FORCE IS BOLDLY GOING ... TO ST. PETE'S FIRST COMIC CON
It’s St. Petersburg's first Comic Con! And we met one man who planned to be there in heroic fashion. - Trevor Pettiford

USF FRATERNITY BROTHERS TO COMPETE IN THE STOMPDOWN EXPERIENCE
The Stompdown Experience at the Florida State Fairgrounds attracts local fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi from USF. - Virginia Johnson

CHEF'S KITCHEN RECIPE: FUNO-DILLAS
Chef's passion is cooking with autistic kids to show them pure joy in the kitchen. - Allison Walker

NEW YEAR'S ROSE PARADE MARCHES ON DESPITE COVID-19 SURGE
A year after New Year’s Day passed without a Rose Parade due to the coronavirus pandemic, the floral spectacle celebrating the arrival of 2022 marched on despite a new surge of infections - Associated Press

CHEF'S KITCHEN: CHRISTMAS COOKIES BENEFITTING CULINARY STUDENTS
Second Harvest Food Bank's top chef makes special holiday cookies to benefit students. - Allison Walker

ACTOR OFFERS GLIMPSE OF BACKSTAGE, PRE-SHOW LIFE DURING JACOB MARLEY'S CHRISTMAS CAROL AT AMERICAN STAGE
Actor offers glimpse of backstage, pre-show life during Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol at American Stage - Virginia Johnson

AVAST! GASPARILLA WILL RETURN. BUT PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT, MATEY
Mayor Jane Castor and others said the return of Gasparilla is a welcome bit of normalcy. But they stress that protecting the environment is paramount. - Associated Press

MUSIC PRODUCER, 8 OTHERS KILLED IN DOMINICAN PLANE CRASH; PLANE WAS HEADING TO ORLANDO
The plane had departed from El Higüero airport for Orlando. - Associated Press

FRENCH HORN PLAYER BRINGS THE BUTTERY VELVET IN UPCOMING HOLIDAY BRASS CONCERT
Principal French horn player David Smith of the Florida Orchestra talks about the magic behind upcoming Holiday Brass concert. - Virginia Johnson

BAY AREA RADIO DJ CAMPS OUT FOR EIGHT-DAY TOWER TOY DRIVE
The 10th Annual Orlando's Toy Drive kicked off Saturday with the DJ climbing a 30-foot tower that overlooks Dale Mabry Highway. - Fadia Patterson

CHEF'S KITCHEN: CHRISTO'S CAFE'S PEPPERONI BREAD & CHICKEN DE CHRISTO
Sanford joint shows off incredibly comforting flavors of Italy. - Allison Walker

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS STROLL GIVES A GLIMPSE OF 1900S TAMPA
The Henry B. Plant Museum in Tampa celebrates 40 years of the Victorian Christmas Stroll in the historic Tampa Bay Hotel, now Plant Hall at UT. - Virginia Johnson

THE TOUCH OF NATURE AND BEAUTY OFFERED IN WONDERLAND DESIGN CLASSES
Wonderland Floral Art and Gift Loft in St. Petersburg offers monthly design classes for the touch of nature. - Virginia Johnson

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA AWARDS HONORARY PH.D. TO TOM PETTY
The rock star was born in Gainesville and died more than four years ago. - Associated Press

MICHELIN GUIDE TO AWARD FLORIDA CHEFS AND BOOST BUSINESS, FOR A PRICE
The prestigious food guide’s judging is underway in Florida, and so are negotiations on the deal to bring Michelin Guide to the state. - Ashleigh Mills

ORLANDO, ORANGE COUNTY TO DECLARE DEC. 3 WALT DISNEY WORLD DAY
Disney World marked its 50th anniversary this year. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY APPOINTS SUSAN ARNOLD AS BOARD CHAIR, REPLACING BOB IGER
Arnold will take over the role on Dec. 31 when Iger leaves the company. - Ashley Carter

CHRISTMAS MOVIE WITH LOCAL CONNECTIONS SHOWN AT ST. PETE PIER
The movie Elfette Saves Christmas was mostly shot in Pinellas County and features a St. Petersburg native as the main character. - Josh Rojas

GIFT OF A PROPER ENGLISH TEA EXPERIENCE AT CHATTAWAY'S ENGLISH TEA ROOM IN ST. PETE
Afternoon Tea offered as the gift of an experience this holiday season from Chattaway in St. Petersburg - Virginia Johnson

CHEF'S KITCHEN: DISTRICT SOUTH KITCHEN & CRAFT: FRESH COCONUT GROUPER BITES, BECAUSE FLORIDA
In honor of their first month open, we paid a visit to Chef Cody Tiner, who is also a familiar face from previous Chef’s Kitchen stories. - Virginia Johnson

A MILLION BULB CHECKS AND CURIOUS CAMELS AT DOVER'S FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
The Festival of Lights includes 1 million LED lights, about eight camels, a bunch of goats and one Santa. - Virginia Johnson

45-YEAR-OLD LIGHT SHOW FLIPS SWITCH AT ST. PETE'S NEIGHBORHOOD
After more than four decades, the Oakdale Street S. Christmas Light Display is officially open for the holiday season. - Saundra Weathers

ONE MORE BOOTH: ST. PETE BEACH CRAFTER WITH HEALTH ISSUES MAKES THIS SHOPAPALOOZA HER 'JOYFUL' LAST SHOW
Shopapalooza brings hundreds of crafters and small businesses to Vinoy park, including Stacy O'Roarke from Amelia's Wreaths of Joy on St. Pete Beach - Virginia Johnson

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: FAMILY KEEPS PRIMATE SANCTUARY ALIVE IN PALM HARBOR
The nonprofit, in operation since the 1940s, is now home to 130 rescued animals. - Caitlin Wilson

TAMPA BAY DOWNS SHOWCASES OPENING DAY OF HORSE RACING WITH NEW IMPROVEMENTS
Following a year of COVID restrictions, the team at Tampa Bay Downs used the off-season to make some improvements to the property. - Angie Angers

CHEF'S KITCHEN: NEW JOINT NORTH ITALIA FEATURES TUNA CRUDO
Restaurant Row's newest neighborhood Italian joint features a hard(er)-to-come-by dish. - Allison Walker

EPCOT’S GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY COASTER TO OPEN NEXT SUMMER
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will feature a reverse launch. - Ashley Carter

VIDEO: CIRQUE DU SOLEIL CEO TALKS 'DRAWN TO LIFE,' COLLABORATION WITH DISNEY
Daniel Lamarre, CEO of Cirque du Soleil, talks with Spectrum News' Attractions Insider Ashley Carter about the company's new show at Disney World. - Ashley Carter

IAAPA: GIVE KIDS THE WORLD TO ADD INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE
The attraction will allow kids to learn about the process of creating animatronic characters. - Ashley Carter

MARRIED ARTISTS EACH CHOSEN FOR FLORIDA CRAFTART FESTIVAL SHARE LIFE AND WORKSPACE
Nick Reale and Shelly Steck Reale are married artists both chosen for the Florida CraftArt Festival. - Virginia Johnson

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FEST RELEASES 2022 EVENT ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP
The Florida Strawberry Festival has released its lineup of headline entertainment artists for the 2022 event. - Spectrum News Staff

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: MILITARY GRADE OFF ROADING ADVENTURE IN CLERMONT
Experience a military grade off roading adventure in Clermont. - Caitlin Wilson

ICE SKATE ON THE BEACH IN DOWNTOWN ST. PETE
Just feet from the sandy beach on St. Pete Pier, the city is preparing to open an outdoor ice skating rink just in time for the holiday season. - Angie Angers

TOUR OF LEGOLAND PIRATE HOTEL OFFERS IMMERSIVE VIBE FOR LITTLE SCALLYWAGS
Legoland's Pirate Hotel offers Tampa Bay area residents chance to live out their buccaneer dreams. - Virginia Johnson

CLYDE BUTCHER TO ATTEND EXHIBITION OPENING AT CLEARWATER LIBRARY
Clyde Butcher Exhibit "America's Everglades" in Clearwater's Main Library - Virginia Johnson

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: EXPLORE THE COUNTRY MARKET AT SHOWCASE OF CITRUS
Florida on a Tankful: Explore the country market at Showcase of Citrus - Caitlin Wilson

FLORIDA STORIES LIVE FOREVER THANKS TO CRAIG PITTMAN'S LATEST BOOK
Craig Pitman reigns as the OG Curator of Florida Stories in his latest book "The State You Are In: Florida Men, Florida Women and Other Wildlife - Virginia Johnson

HISTORIC KENWOOD'S BUNGALOWFEST TO FOCUS ON OUTDOOR SPACES AND ART
The popular St. Pete walking tour is this Saturday. - Scott Harrell

KENNY CHESNEY TO KICK OFF HERE AND NOW 2022 TOUR AT RAYMOND JAMES STADIUM
The newly announced stadium tour line-up includes major country music artists Old Dominion, Dan + Shay, and Carly Pearce. - Spectrum News Staff

HERE ARE YOUR TAMPA BAY HALLOWEEN EVENTS FOR 2021
They're so good it's scary. - Scott Harrell

LEAD FOOT CITY IS FULL SPEED AHEAD IN BROOKSVILLE
Florida is the land of theme parks. But what about one just for car lovers? - Tim Wronka

RINGLING BROS. CIRCUS TO RETURN, BUT ANIMAL-FREE
The circus shut down four years ago after a roughly 150-year run, due to pushback from animal rights activists and a decline in ticket sales. - Angie Angers

22 BLOCKS OF ST. PETE’S CENTRAL AVE TO GO CAR FREE ON HALLOWEEN
Nearly two miles of Central Avenue will be closed to cars on Halloween so people can explore the area without having to worry about traffic. - Angie Angers

OLIVIA RODRIGO LEADS AMA NOMINATIONS WITH SEVEN
Bad Bunny, Doja Cat and Giveon earned five AMA nominations each. - City News Service

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: SCARE ACTORS SCARE UP A SCREAMING GOOD TIME AT SCREAM-A-GEDDON
Scare actors scare up a screaming good time at Scream-a-geddon - Caitlin Wilson

SIR HENRY'S HAUNTED TRAIL: A HOMEGROWN ATTRACTION
Son tranforms family land into haunted trail with support from wife, dad, family and friends - Virginia Johnson

PERSONALITY SHINES BEHIND MASK IN PHOTOGRAPH AT POLK MUSEUM OF ART
Hindsight exhibition at Polk Musuem of Art tracks 2020's unprecendented year - Virginia Johnson

CHEF'S KITCHEN: RAGLAN ROAD'S BROWNIE, PAYING HOMAGE TO WALT DISNEY'S GRANDFATHER
Walt Disney's grandfather was born in Ireland. So, a special Irish Ale is joining in on a Walt Disney World 50th anniversary dessert. - Allison Walker

MAY-STRINGER HOUSE GOES FROM HISTORY TO HORROR FOR HALLOWEEN
May-Stringer house in Hernando County is home to Haunted trail - volunteers says the trail comes with real ghosts - Virginia Johnson

MARVEL STARS ASSEMBLE FOR INTERACTIVE DINING EXPERIENCE ON DISNEY WISH
The Disney Wish cruise ship is set to make its maiden voyage June 2022. - Ashley Carter

ED SHEERAN HAS COVID, WILL DO PERFORMANCES FROM HOME
The British pop star said Sunday he has tested positive and will do interviews and performances from his house. - Associated Press

LET COMPUTERS DO IT: FILM SET TRAGEDY SPURS CALL TO BAN GUNS
As a shocked and saddened industry was reminded this week, many productions still use guns — real guns — when filming. - Associated Press

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: DADE CITY COUPLE RAISE PACK OF ALPACAS ON LOCAL FARM
Dade City couple raise pack of Alpacas on local farm - Caitlin Wilson

BEHIND THE SCENES AT DINOVENTURE: LIVING (SORT-OF) HISTORY AT THE BISHOP MUSEUM
Dinosaurs come to life at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton. - Virginia Johnson

ST. PETE BEACH INSTALLS FULLY AUTOMATED PADDLE BOARD RENTAL STATIONS
St. Pete Beach installed four fully automated paddle board rental stations across the city Tuesday. - Josh Rojas

GRAB YOUR SNORKEL, CRUISING RETURNS TO PORT TAMPA BAY AFTER AN 18-MONTH SHUTDOWN
Royal Caribbean is the first cruise line to set sail Saturday after an 18-month shutdown due to the pandemic. - Jason Lanning

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: EXPLORE THE WORLD OF MAGIC AT ALCHEMY AND ASHES
Explore the world of magic at Alchemy and Ashes - Caitlin Wilson

CROWDER JOINS LINEUP FOR ROCK THE UNIVERSE 2022 AT UNIVERSAL
The weekend-long event is scheduled for Jan. 28-30. - Spectrum News Staff

DISNEY REVEALS ENTERTAINMENT EXCLUSIVES FOR VERY MERRIEST AFTER HOURS
“Mickey & Minnie’s Very Merry Memories” is the latest yuletide celebration on stage. - Deanna Gugel

ADVENTURE ISLAND TO OPEN RAPIDS RACER, WAHOO REMIX RIDES IN MARCH 2022
The park is now open all year. - Deanna Gugel

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: FAMILY FUN ON THE FARM AT THIS PLANT CITY FALL FEST
Family fun on the farm at this Plant City Fall Fest - Caitlin Wilson

ADELE SAYS HER NEW ALBUM, '30,' IS BEING RELEASED NOV. 19
A new single, "Easy on Me," is being released on Friday. - Associated Press

UT SENIOR FROM LAKELAND POISED FOR PROFESSIONAL DEBUT AT STAGEWORKS THEATRE
Born to go bad, UT Senior thespian showcases devilish humor as demon summoned in rock horror show Evil Dead: The Musical at Stageworks Theatre. - Virginia Johnson

DOLPHIN TALE PRODUCER LURES NEW FILMS TO PINELLAS COUNTY
Four of those films are thriller type movies for Lifetime. The fifth film is a big budget romantic comedy with a couple of well-known actors. - Josh Rojas

MUSIC ADDS A NEW DIMENSION TO ART AT LAKELAND MUSEUM, COURTESY OF THE LAKELAND SYMPHONY
Lakeland Symphony Orchestra members lay down soundtrack under favorite pieces at the Polk Museum of Art. - Virginia Johnson

GAYLORD PALMS TO OFFER ‘ELF’-THEMED EXPERIENCE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
The resort has shared the lineup for its Christmas at Gaylord Palms event. - Ashley Carter

PRINTMAKER SHARES LOVE OF COLLABORATIVE WORK AT USF GRAPHICSTUDIO
Tim Baker has been making art at USF Graphicstudio for 30 years. - Virginia Johnson

GASPARILLA MUSIC FESTIVAL INVADES DOWNTOWN TAMPA THIS WEEKEND
This year, in addition to your ticket, you’ll also need to provide proof of a negative COVID test, or proof that you’re fully vaccinated. - Fallon Silcox

TAMPA PARKS & REC DEPARTMENT WINS NATIONAL AWARD, REACCREDITATION
Fewer than 200 agencies nationwide are accredited. - Scott Harrell

LIVE UPDATES: DISNEY WORLD CELEBRATING HALF A CENTURY IN CENTRAL FLORIDA
Follow along as our Attraction Insider gears up for the celebration. - Ashley Carter

DISNEY WORLD'S 'FIRST FAMILY' REMEMBERS EXCITEMENT OF OPENING DAY
The first family to visit Disney World on opening day 50 years ago remembers "unbelievable" experience. - Rebecca Turco

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: TRAM TOURS RETURN TO MIXON FRUIT FARM IN TIME FOR FALL
The farm even has an animal center. - Caitlin Wilson

TRADEWINDS RESORT BRINGS BUCS BEACH BASH BACK TO ST. PETE BEACH
Cheer on the Super Bowl champs from the sand. - Scott Harrell

FRIDAY NIGHT SHUFFLE RETURNS TO HISTORIC ST. PETERSBURG COURTS
After a pause during the pandemic, the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Court has resumed Friday Night Shuffle: BYOB with music and lessons. - Virginia Johnson

SMASHED! IN BRADENTON OFFERS RAGE RELEASE ON RUMMAGED GOODS
It’s a business based on people’s need to blow off steam. - Virginia Johnson

AUTOPSY: ACTOR MICHAEL K. WILLIAMS DIED OF DRUG INTOXICATION
Williams had drugs including fentanyl, heroin and cocaine in his system when he died Sept. 6 in Brooklyn. - Associated Press

BAY AREA PINBALL PROFESSIONAL LIVING THE GAMER DREAM
Pinball games have evolved, and along with originals, the Replay Amusement Museum in Tarpon Springs carries the latest pinball releases as well. - Virginia Johnson

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: LEARN TO RIDE DIRT BIKES IN BUSHNELL
Learn to ride dirt bikes in Bushnell with Dirt Bike Doug - Caitlin Wilson

SUNCOAST PRIMATE SANCTUARY CELEBRATES THEIR RESCUED ALLIGATORS
Alligators celebrate their birthday very close to one another, so the Gator Crusader is throwing them a party, along with educational presentations. - Virginia Johnson

FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL: EXPLORE THE WORLD OF GAMING INSIDE AN ARCADE BAR
Explore the world of gaming inside an arcade bar - Caitlin Wilson

CHEF'S KITCHEN: HOMEMADE CURRY LAKSA RAMEN BY HAWKERS
Chef Allen Lo dedicates his childhood staple to his beloved grandma. - Allison Walker

HOWL-O-SCREAM: THINK YOU CAN SCARE ME? I LIVED THROUGH 2020!
Howl-O-Scream is turning up the fear volume to 11. Busch Gardens opened the scare fest a week earlier this year- September 10th through October 31st. - Virginia Johnson

GASPARILLA MUSIC FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES FULL 2021 LINEUP, SCHEDULE
It's time to start deciding when you need to be where at Tampa's biggest concert. - Scott Harrell

TAMPA'S GUAVAWEEN WON'T RETURN IN 2021, BUT THERE'S PLENTY TO DO
Here are some alternative Tampa Bay fall events. - Scott Harrell

STRAZ CENTER GUESTS MUST SHOW NEGATIVE COVID TEST OR VACCINATION PROOF
Starting Sept. 18, Straz Center guests will be required to show a negative covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of the performance. - Spectrum News Staff

CHEF'S KITCHEN: USING MARINE BIOLOGY TO PICK THE RIGHT FISH
Black or Red Grouper? One marine biologist says Black Grouper is where it’s at or eating She grilled up a Grouper Reuben at her market in Palmetto. - Virginia Johnson

WHERE TO CELEBRATE OKTOBERFEST IN TAMPA BAY
There are plenty of opportunities to pull on the lederhosen. - Scott Harrell

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT UNIVERSAL'S HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS
After a hiatus last year due to the pandemic, Halloween Horror Nights has returned - Caitlin Wilson

REMY'S RATATOUILLE ADVENTURE SQUEAKS INTO FRANCE PAVILION AT EPCOT
Disney offered a preview of the expanded France Pavilion at Epcot. Remy's Ratatouille Adventure squeaks in as the headliner. - Marisa Silvas

GULFPORT'S GECKOFEST RETURNS THIS WEEKEND FOR 20TH ANNIVERSARY
The annual spate of parties was canceled last year due to COVID. - Scott Harrell