Things to do in St. Petersburg Florida while on Vacation

MOREAN ART CENTER OFFERS GROWN-UPS ART LESSONS
Classes at the Morean Art Center offer visitors a chance to make the art of their social media feeds - Virginia Johnson

REVISITING FLORIDA HISTORY: TWO FLORIDAS LEFT OUT OF AMERICA'S '13 COLONY'
The St. Petersburg Museum of History head offers a look into Florida's past — during the creation of the United States. - Virginia Johnson

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT SEAWORLD ORLANDO'S ELECTRIC OCEAN
One SeaWorld team member is taking on his first Electric Ocean. - Allison Walker

JUNETEENTH: CELEBRATE FREEDOM, ELEVATE BLACK BUSINESSES
The Juneteenth Business Expo in south St. Pete offers African American businesses exposure to the greater Tampa Bay area. - Virginia Johnson

NEW AQUATIC CENTER IN PALMETTO IS FIRST IN CITY'S NEARLY 125 YEAR HISTORY
Lincoln aquatic center in Palmetto opens just in time for summer and after nearly 125-year wait. - Virginia Johnson

INDIE HORROR MOVIE MAKER PREPS FOR 7TH TAMPA BAY SCREAMS HORROR CONVENTION
Tampa Bay Screams Horror Convention, created by Sean Donohue of Gatorblade Films, offers fear for fun in Tampa all weekend. - Virginia Johnson

FLOATING IN TRASH: ECKERD STUDENT ANSWERS MOTHER NATURE'S CLEAN-UP CALL
Non-profit Keep Pinellas Beautiful offers community-coordinated clean-ups - Virginia Johnson

WAUCHULA FARMERS BRING A TASTE OF HOME TO MARKET FOR TRADITIONAL ASIAN COOKS
Yang Farms in Wauchula brings Asian vegetables to Pinellas Farmers and Flea Market every weekend. - Virginia Johnson

SUNFLOWERS AND GOOD VIBES: SWEETFIELDS FARM TAKES YOU AWAY
Sweetfields Farm in Masaryktown offers a few more weekends of flowers and farm activities - Virginia Johnson

THAI BAKER GETS SWEET RESPONSE AT ASIAN MARKET
Pinellas Farmers & Flea Market at Icot Center in Clerwater offers place for Thai baker to meet new poeple, share her culture through food. - Virginia Johnson

CLYDE BUTCHER REFLECTS ON JAMES MUSEUM EXHIBITION WITH ANSEL ADAMS
“I do these pictures large so you feel like you are there,” said Clyde Butcher. - Virginia Johnson

TACO FEST STRETCHES OUT CINCO DE MAYO PARTY IN MANATEE COUNTY
First annual Taco Fest in Manatee County brings out food trucks, chefs and restaurants to Palmetto. - Virginia Johnson

PICK UP A TITLE AND READ; THE GOAL OF FREE COMIC BOOK DAY IS SIMPLE
Free Comic Book Day is May 7; Tytan Comics in Bradenton is ready for its version of Black Friday, coupled with the Saturday morning downtown market - Virginia Johnson

'BERNINI AND THE ROMAN BAROQUE' ON EXHIBITION AT MFA ST. PETE
The installment will be open through May 8. - Virginia Johnson

WAR, LIES AND TAMPA: PLANT MUSEUM EXPLORES AREA'S PLACE IN SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR OF 1898
Dr. Charles Groh curated the exhibition. - Virginia Johnson

COQUINA BEACH MARKET IS A WAY FOR MAKERS TO MEET THEIR TARGET AUDIENCE
Coquina Beach Market gives makers like Jill Lilly of Metal Latitude Designs a chance to interface with their customers. - Virginia Johnson

WITHOUT A PADDLE ON WEKIVA ISLAND SERVES UP LOBSTER TAIL SANDWICH
Look what's cookin' on Wekiba Island - Allison Walker

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT GATORLAND'S TOP APEX PREDATOR EXPERT
Local gator expert knows nearly 150 gators by name, and performs enrichment to keep them stimulated. - Allison Walker

SAND SCULPTORS GO WILD AT PIER 60 SUGAR SAND FESTIVAL
The Pier 60 Sugar Sand festival is opening for 17 days of sculpting on Clearwater Beach, starting April 8. - Virginia Johnson

PLEIN AIR ART SHOW COMING TO GULFPORT'S FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK
Susan Wiley, a judge in the second annual Gulfport plein air art show, celebrates painting "out in the open" in Gulfport - Virginia Johnson

INTERPRETING FINE ART WITH FLOWERS: ART IN BLOOM TURNS 25
The Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg is set for its 25th Art in Bloom event. - Virginia Johnson

THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM PUTS HUMANS AND PENGUINS AT EYE LEVEL
A new habitat at Tampa's The Florida Aquarium enriches penguins and allows visitors an eye-level view of endangered animals. - Virginia Johnson

ECKERD COLLEGE SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM PREPS FOR MAJOR ANNUAL FUNDRAISER
More than a thousand people will visit the campus in search of boat and water sport bargains. - Virginia Johnson

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT GATORLAND'S COOLEST CATS
At Gatorland, there are two pairs of bests friends: a feline two and two young women obsessed with animal care and enrichment. - Allison Walker

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE MIGHTY ST. PATRICK'S FESTIVAL
5 Things to know about The Mighty St. Patrick's Festival - Allison Walker

LEANING INTO CONSERVATION, ZOO TAMPA BRINGS NEW SPECIES AND NEW SPACES
Leaning into Conservation, Zoo Tampa brings new species and new spaces - Virginia Johnson

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT WEKIVA PAINT OUT
This whole week, you can immerse yourself in a tropical oasis while watching gifted artists in action. - Allison Walker

RETIRED USF PROFESSOR FOCUSES ON ART AND UNCOVERING LOST STORIES FROM THE PAST
Two years ago he bid farewell to a storied half-century teaching career, and now Ray Arsenault is busy as ever - but now with time for grandchildren. - Virginia Johnson

PASSION GEEKS PREPARE FOR SANKOFA CULTURAL BLACK HISTORY MARKET IN TAMPA
Passion Geeks celebrate self healing and self love as they prepare for the Sankofa Cultural Black History Market in Tampa. - Virginia Johnson

TAKING THE COLLARD GREENS INTO A NEW CHAPTER OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HEALTH
The Collard Green Festival started as a church buddy cook-off and is now an event focused on healthier living in the African American community. - Virginia Johnson

FROM PARKING CARS TO RUNNING THEME PARK: HEAD OF PEPPA PIG REFLECTS ON THEME PARK HISTORY
The park is the first of its kind geared toward the preschool crowd. - Virginia Johnson

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE DRAGONS AND FAIRIES ATTRACTION
Where to walk 3/4 mile immersed in original storytelling. - Allison Walker

MATRIARCH LEADS FAMILY CITRUS GROVE THROUGH UNCERTAIN TIMES
Fourth generation poised to take over family grove amidst citrus disease and tree shortages - Virginia Johnson

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT VALENTINE'S DAY "MOB HITS" SHOW
Sinatra. Darin. Dino. The Buzzcatz hope you and your sweetheart celebrate with them on the most romantic day. - Allison Walker

RAPTORFEST: SEE BIRDS OF PREY, SAVE BIRDS OF PREY
The bird of prey program at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve in St. Petersburg flourishes because of Raptorfest and the Friends of Boyd Hill. - Virginia Johnson

LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVAL IS A CHANCE FOR VIETNAMESE COMMUNITY TO SHARE THEIR CULTURE
Lunar New Year celebrations helps enrich culture and fund growing community's renovations at Holy Martyrs of Vietnam Catholic Church in St. Petersburg - Virginia Johnson

TAMPA ISSUES GUIDANCE ON GASPARILLA BEADS, ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
Beads are as synonymous with Gasparilla as the pirates, ships and big crowds. But there is important information to know about them. - 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF ‘DOLPHIN TALE’
“Dolphin Tale,” the film that made Winter the Dolphin famous, is now turning 10! - Tim Wronka

THE EVER-EVOLVING AND CHANGING MURAL SCENE OF ST. PETE
More than 400 murals look out onto the St. Pete landscape - the murals that bathe the city in life. - Virginia Johnson

TAMPA FRINGE FESTIVAL: LEAN, LIVE AND MASKED, FOR YOUR SAFETY
The Fringe Festival is in the middle of its third year, and after a virtual 2020, it’s in person — with audience safety in mind. - Virginia Johnson

MORE THAN COSPLAY MASKS RECOMMENDED FOR TAMPA BAY'S COMIC CON
The Tampa Convention Center is host to a major indoor event this weekend- Tampa Bay Comic Con as the CDC changes recommendations. - Virginia Johnson

EXHIBITION ON TRAVELING CAPTURES ARTISTS' FLIGHTS OF FANCY
What do artists dream of during the isolation of the pandemic? For some, it's travel, and it's part of Florida Craft Art's latest exhibition. - Virginia Johnson

'LEE MILLER: THE WOMAN WHO BROKE BOUNDARIES' FEATURED AT DALI MUSEUM
Lee Miller's dream that later became a reality can now be seen at the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg. - Ashley Paul

OLD ST. PETE BODY SHOP TURNED INTO SPACE FOR ARTISTS TO DISPLAY THEIR CRAFTS
Bruce Allums is the owner of the Atelier De Sosi. Atelier, is a French word meaning "workshop or studio." - Katya Guillaume

PLAY SHOWS BURDEN OF GUILT A HEAVY WEIGHT FOR EXONERATED HARBOR PILOT IN 1980 SKYWAY BRIDGE COLLISION
A new play about the Skyway tradegy explores the life of the pilot harbor who brought the bridge down. - Virginia Johnson

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT UNIVERSAL'S JURASSIC WORLD-INSPIRED FOOD AND DRINKS
As the VelociCoaster debuts at Universal, so does its Jurassic-sized noshes and sips. - Allison Walker

ARKWALK: IT'S MORE THAN WINE AND CULTURE. IT'S BUSINESS.
There may be wine and song, but understand there's an economic strategy in place at Second Saturday ArtWalk in St. Pete - Virginia Johnson

ON THE TOWN: "THE COLORS OF LIFE" EXHIBIT AT THE ART CENTER MANATEE
How did artists get through the pandemic? With more abstract work. - Virginia Johnson

ON THE TOWN: LADY FROM HAVANA A REUNION STORY
If you've waited 20 years to reunite with someone, where do you even begin? - Virginia Johnson

LIFE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS: FOR NEW BUSINESSES, UNKNOWN IS THE "NEW NORMAL"
It’s a beginning forged in fire—new businesses that have only known a pandemic economy. - Virginia Johnson

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT AQUATICA ORLANDO'S RIPTIDE RACE
The new dueling racer attraction in now open. - Allison Walker

LIFE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS: WOMAN FINDS SUCCESS IN NANNY, SWIM COACH SERVICE DURING THE PANDEMIC
When Shannon Foreman lost her job, she enacted her business plan for a nanny swim service. - Virginia Johnson

LIFE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS: PERSONAL SHOPPER STARTS OWN BUSINESS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF HER CLIENTS
Tameka Fountaine's personal shopping business became a lifeline for people trying to survive a pandemic. - Virginia Johnson

LIFE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS: LONGTIME TAMPA CHEF DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER
Bailey is a longtime chef, caterer, foodie consultant, and radio host in the Tampa Bay area. - Virginia Johnson

LIFE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS: VETERAN PIVOTS NEW BREWERY BUSINESS TO SUCCESS IN PANDEMIC
U.S. Marine Combat Veteran James Coleman owns Bayboro Brewery. - Virginia Johnson

LIFE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS: BROKEN PLATES HELP JUDGMENT DURING PANDEMIC
Susan Curry is a self-taught artist. - Virginia Johnson

LIFE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS: LUXURY BOAT BUILDER THRIVING DESPITE THE PANDEMIC
“I never wake up not wanting to go to work, I can tell you that.” - Virginia Johnson

LIFE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS: ART HELPING MAKE SENSE OF WORLD
"There are a lot of opportunities hidden under the rubble,” explained opera singer Eric Ferring. - Virginia Johnson

LIFE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS: RESTAURANT OWNER AND DAUGHTER FIGHTING THROUGH PANDEMIC
Veronica Danko's work ethic is what she has to offer her daughter Ava Vellines as the high school senior prepares to leave for college. - Virginia Johnson

LIFE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS: LEATHER STORE OWNER, MOTHER MAKES LIFE ADJUSTMENTS AMID PANDEMIC
Amber Roberts shares what life has been like during the pandemic. - Virginia Johnson

LIFE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS: FULL-TIME RV-ERS WORKING PANDEMIC-FRIENDLY JOBS AROUND THE COUNTRY
“The pandemic cut down on traffic, so there's no road noise.” - Virginia Johnson

LIFE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS: NEW BUSINESS, FRIENDSHIP AND SMILES
This week, Virginia meets friends in Bradenton who are teaming on a new business in Bradenton. - Virginia Johnson

LIFE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS: OWNING A NEIGHBORHOOD BOOKSTORE AND THRIVING DESPITE THE PANDEMIC
Alsace Walentine says the “go-local” movement has fueled her business through the pandemic. - Virginia Johnson

LIFE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS: FISHING TACKLING STORE SEES INFLUX OF CUSTOMERS
In the strange and grim lottery of potential COVID-19-related business outcomes, a Pinellas County fishing tackle store is growing. - Virginia Johnson

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT SAVI'S WORKSHOP AT DISNEY'S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
The lightsaber building experience has reopened with new safety measures. - Allison Walker

LIFE IN THE TIME: FASHION SHOW RETURNS AFTER LONG HIATUS
Tampa-based Designer Danielle Brion is preparing for her first in-person fashion show since COVID cancelled her collection launch party this spring. - Virginia Johnson

5 THINGS TO KNOW: SWAN AND DOLPHIN'S NEW FOOD FESTIVAL
Socially-distanced event nights inspired by the popular Food and Wine Classic are taking place over multiple weekends at the Swan and Dolphin Resort. - Allison Walker

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ORLANDO FORUM OF FEAR
Some of the masterminds behind your favorite haunts are pairing up for a first-of its-kind experience. - Allison Walker

LIFE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS: SWITCHING SCHOOLS DURING PANDEMIC
Nine-year-old Lili Spurgeon is feeling OK about her start in distance learning, one that included a change in schools to accommodate online needs. - Virginia Johnson

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT GOBLINS & GIGGLES AT GAYLORD PALMS RESORT
What you need to know about Goblins & Giggles at Gaylord Palms Resort - Allison Walker

ON THE TOWN: 5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT SWIMMING WITH SHARKS AT DISCOVERY COVE
You can swim with sharks again for the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. - Allison Walker

5 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BINGE THIS YEAR’S SHARK WEEK
Shark Week is touted as TV’s longest-running week of programming. - Allison Walker

WHAT IT'S LIKE INSIDE THE NBA "BUBBLE" AT DISNEY WORLD
Almost two dozen teams, plus media members, are in quarantine during play at ESPN Wide World of Sports. We talked with one of them. - Allison Walker

LIFE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS: CONNECTING BODY AND MIND
We asked one bay area yoga instructor how she is facing the multiple calamities in our world. - Virginia Johnson

5 THINGS TO KNOW: TEMPERATURE CHECK KIOSKS COULD BE COMING TO THE PARKS
As Disney World and other theme parks reopen, new kinds of safety procedures are popping up everywhere. - Allison Walker

5 THINGS TO KNOW: BLAKE SHELTON'S OLE RED ORLANDO
The restaurant is now open at Icon Park in Orlando. - Allison Walker

LIFE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS: TATTOO ARTIST OFFERS TO COVER UP ANY HATE TATTOO FOR FREE
Fredo Ink and Company posted on social media an offer to cover up any tattoo with a message or symbol of hate for free. - Virginia Johnson

TAMPA BAY CATCHES FISHING FEVER DURING CORONAVIRUS
Tampa Bay residents take to fishing to get outside and maintain social distance during the coronavirus pandemic - Scott Harrell