FEBRUARY

Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Annual Pancake Breakfast
St. Alban's Episcopal Church, Parish Hall,
Blind pass Road at 85th Ave., St. Pete Beach- 7-11am 
All you can eat pancakes, sausage, orange juice, coffee. $5 donation "All uniformed persons eat free."

Thursday, February 23, 2012
To Life: Celebrating 20 Years,
Progress Energy Center for the Arts
- Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg 6:30pm
Put on by The Florida Holocaust Museum
- 55 Fifth Street South · St. Petersburg,
727.820.0100   www.flholocaustmuseum.org
Annual fundraiser, To Life, proceeds benefitting Museum programs in Holocaust and human rights education.  The 2012 event will mark the Museum’s 20^th Anniversary of service and dedication to the mission of honoring the memory of millions of innocent men, women and children who suffered or died in the Holocaust.  During the To Life: Celebrating 20 Years event, the 2012 Loebenberg Humanitarian Award will be presented to and accepted by Professor Elie Wiesel, Holocaust survivor, recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States Congressional Gold Medal and the 1986 Nobel Laureate Prize for Peace.

Saturday, February 25, 2012
8^th Annual Gulfport's Get Rescued
3007 Beach Blvd. S. -  (727) 322-5217
10AM to 6PM
Gulfport Merchant's Association (GMA) hosts, has evolved to as many as 60 animal rescue groups from throughout the region. One of the largest such events in the state, all profits to benefit participating non-profit rescue groups. Organizations with adoptable pets, take over Beach Blvd. to raise money and awareness for their causes. Additionally, animal-related vendors, artists and crafters offer their wares to festival-goers. Activities include; pet parade (domestic & adoptable pets), pet care ed., pet services, a pet food and supplies drive, animal rescue groups, free samples, training demos, Canine Massage, food, music & Games. Well behaved pets and their leashed people are welcome. No admission and free parking. Attendees encouraged to bring donations of dog and cat food, cat litter and pet supplies.  Sponsor an individual animal rescue group. Additionally, donations of merchandise or gift certificates for the silent & live auctions and chance drawings appreciated.

Sunday, February 26, 2012
Treasure Island Historical Society
Annual fundraiser, 2pm
The T.I. Community Center will be the location for a braised beef tips dinner and entertainment by Dale Williams who sings Sinatra.  www.dalesingssinatra.com Tickets; $20 tickets and further information is available at the T.I. Chamber of Commerce on 107th Ave. or from Sunset Beach resident Donna White: 360-3477, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Come support the Historical Society with a great meal, entertainment and friends.

MARCH

Saturday, March 3, 2012
6^th Annual “Cruise Into Fashion”
Treasure Islettes – Fundraiser – 11am-2pm
Treasure Island Community Center.
This fundraiser will feature apparel courtesy of Macy’s. Cost; $15 donation includes a social hour. Doors open - 11 AM, a noon lunch and the fashion show commencing at 1 PM.
Reservations: RSVP Millie Fant 367-1301 or Carol Lee 360-9181 of the Islettes’ Beautification Committee. The Treasure Islettes, a women’s club founded in 1955, has six committees specifically dedicated to neighborhood beautification, scholarship, and service to the community. The club’s Beautification Committee hosts this spring fundraiser, and all proceeds from this gala event will be used for Treasure Island beautification. Club meets September through May at TI Community Center typically on 4th Monday each month - 7 PM.

Saturday, March 3, 2012
Island Festival
Gulf Beaches Historical Museum
115 10th Ave., St Pete Beach
727.552.1610  www.gulfbeachesmuseum.com
A annual festival celebrated in the street, park and museum. Entertainment, food, crafts and more.

Saturday, March 3, 2012
Southeastern Guide Dogs 26th Annual Walkathon
Vinoy Park, 501 5th Ave. N.E.,
8:30am. Registration; 10am Walk.
Take a 3k walk in the park with everyone's best friend. Live music, raffles, dog massages, silent auction, blindfolded walks with trained dogs. $25 adults, $10 children 12 & under, $5 dogs. 800-944-3647 or www.guidedogs.org/walkathon.

Tuesday to Sunday, March 6 to 18, 2012
St. Petersburg International Baseball
Al Lang Stadium, 230 1st St. S, various times. Watch the 2011 World Cup Championship team from the Netherlands, Team Canada and Team USA take on spring squads from the Tampa Bay Rays, Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Toronto Blue Jays and Atlanta Braves at historic Al Lang Stadium. Tickets and information, 727-551-3000 or www.stpeteinternationalbaseball.com

Saturday, March 10, 2012
Gulfport’s 8th Annual Pink Flamingo Home Tour
Starting at: Stetson University College of Law
1401 61st Street S., Gulfport 10am-5pm
Tickets $15 or pre-sale $13 - Contact Chamber 727-344-3711
Visit: www.PinkFlamingoHomeTour.com for more details
 

Saturday, March 10, 2012
Yard Sale for a Cause
St Pete Beach Recreation Center –
7701 Boca Ciega Dr - St Pete Beach 8am - 12pm
All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society Relay for life Tampa Bay. Wanted; donate items that can be sold. Contact Stephanie at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (727) 328-1700. We need your unwanted treasures to sell!

Sunday, March 11, 2012
5th Annual Mad Hatters’ Tea Party (and Croquet Tournament)
Mirror Lake Recreational Complex
559 Mirror  Lake Drive, St. Petersburg  11am – 4pm
If you’ve ever dreamed of journeying down that Rabbit Hole, join us  at this zany annual charity event to benefit the Friends of Joshua  House Foundation, part of the Children’s Home Society of Florida. Takes plade at the Mirror Lake Recreational Complex and  Shuffleboard Ballroom is transformed into a “Wonderland” of croquet  and lawn game competitions, with a DJ, best costume contest, best  flamingo contest, awards, cash prizes, entertainment, hot dogs,  veggie burgers, side salads, soft drinks, treats, “eat me” cake and  fun for all. Alice-in-Wonderland-themed costumes welcome but not  required. Be creative! Come as one of the cards in a deck, or just  wear red, white and black. Will teach croquet to novices. Children  must be accompanied by responsible adult. Sorry, no pets. $9 per  person for admission and 4 “funtix,” exchangeable for food, snacks,  soft drinks, games.  Visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/MadHattersTea

Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Card Party for Charity
Women’s Chamber of Commerce of the Greater Gulf Beaches, 10:30am – 3pm

A not for profit organization since 1936, will hold their annual “Card Party” and luncheon Wine Cellar, 17307 Gulf Blvd., No. Redington Beach. Play cards - lunch at noon.  Cost: $20 payable at door with reservation.  This includes a raffle.  Reservations - Mary Alice - 866-2688.  All money collected will go to our charity, “Angels Against Abuse”.

Thursday, March 15, 2012
Slavic Folk Dance Extravaganza
St. Petersburg College Music Center, Gibbs Campus,
6605 5^th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 7 pm
- $10 donation - SPC community free with ID.
St. Petersburg International Folk Fair Society (SPIFFS) presents an evening of Ukrainian, Serbian and Russian folk dancing at the St. Petersburg College Music Center. SPIFFS is Tampa Bay’s own United Nations and the only independent non-profit, multi-cultural folk fair organization in the country. Local performing groups will join the visiting Ukrainian Academy Ballet of Dance from Toronto, Canada. The Academy was founded in 1987 by Danovia Stechishin and has trained over 1,000 dancers. The group has traveled to Florida, New York, Taiwan, Brazil, Drummondville, Quebec, Dauphin, Manitoba, Ukraine, Mexico, Turkey, Italy and Korea. This year they celebrate their 25th Anniversary and will be performing at Disneyworld before returning to St. Petersburg for a special performance with The Serbian Pearl Folklore Group and Russian dancers from St. Petersburg Academy of Ballet Art. The event is co-sponsored by the St. Petersburg College.

Saturday, March 17, 2012
Ayurveda, Nutrition & Yoga
8:30 am - 5:30 pm
World renowned Doctor of Ayurvedic Medicine and former Physician for 10 years to the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi will be coming to the Tampa Bay area. Dr. Suhas Kshirsagar BAMS, MD (Ayurveda) a regular featured speaker at Deepak Chopra's premiere event, "Journey Into Healing", will also be offering personal Medical Consultations to those who choose to experience his brilliant energy firsthand on March 16th, the day prior to the event.
- Dr. Suhas is a greatly respected educator, master designer on various Ayurvedic nutritional formulations and prestigious Jyotish Medical Astrologer who will dazzle you with his brilliant energy and abundant pearls of wisdom. Dr. Suhas will be bringing his wife, Dr. Manisha Kshirsagar. Dr. Manisha is a traditionally trained Ayurvedic physician from India born of a traditional Brahmin family. She brings expertise in skin care and holistic beauty treatments based upon her knowledge of panchakarma (detoxification) and her Yogic training.
Dr. Deepak Chopra & Dr. David Simon's "Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga" class will be offered prior to the start of Saturday morning event. Visit www.agendadetails.com.

March 18, April 15, May 20
2012 Music in the Afternoon
A Sentimental Journey with Lew Barrews and The Rhythm Kings
A Nifty Event for Those over Fifty - 2 – 4pm
SPB Community Center Complex
7701 Boca Ciega Dr., St Pete Beach
Come and Enjoy Live music in the beautiful Boca Ciega Room, Light Refreshments will be served
A Free St. Pete Beach Event. Call for Reservation – 727-363-9245
A Recreation Department and Friends of St Pete Beach Production

Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Are you ready to expand your boating knowledge and skills?
7-9 PM.   St Petersburg Sailing Center
250 2nd Ave SE, Demens Landing, St Petersburg
Anchoring, a two hour class presented in one evening by the St Petersburg Sail and Power Squadron, is available to anyone 12 or older.  This seminar explains how to select the appropriate anchor, rode and components and their use depending on sea and bottom conditions.  Tables are used to determine the sizing of your anchor and its components based on the size of your boat.  Materials include USPS's Anchoring Quick Guide and Student's notes with copies of the presentation slides.  This is an essential seminar for all boaters.
Cost: Instruction is Free, Materials $25 per Family.  Maximum of 20 students.  Pre-registration required.  Contact:  Register on-line atwww.boating-stpete.org.

March 23 & 24, 2012
Weekend Events to Fight Fatal Lung Disease
Shipwatch Yacht & Tennis Club Host
Member Kitty Winterhalter Lopez Suffers from Pulmonary Fibrosis
Kitty Winterhalter Lopez has spent much of her life helping tennis tournaments become successful for the love of the game.  Now, her tennis club and friends are holding an event weekend that will allow others to show their love for her and others suffering from a deadly lung disease.   Lopez was diagnosed six months ago with Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF), a disease with no FDA approved treatments and no cure. Shipwatch Yacht & Tennis Club, along with Lopez and her friends, are hosting Breathe On, An Awareness Campaign and Fun(d)raiser For Pulmonary Fibrosis  on March 23 and 24, 2012 with proceeds benefitting the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis (CPF) in its work to support patients and find a cure. The two-day event features: a dinner, dance and silent auction on March 23^rd, and a game day including tennis in which participants can play with the pros,  bocce ball and a luncheon on March 24^th.  The cost is $50 per person for the dinner, dance and auction and $35 per person for the tennis/bocce ball and lunch.  Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.coalitionforpf.org/cpf_events.php.  Online registration ends March 20^th. To learn more about what you can do to help Kitty and patients like her, visit the CPF website at www.coalitionforpf.org, e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 1-888-222-8541.

 
Sunday, March 25, 2012
15th Annual - Pass-a-Grille Home Tour
Tour six delightful homes, the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum, suntan Art Center and enjoy refreshments at the Pass-a-Grille Woman's Club House. Contious shuttle service with free parking. Information www.pagwc.com call 727.543.6518 or 727.543.3409. Tickets; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Friday-Sunday, March 23-25, 2012
Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
Downtown St. Petersburg. Don't miss the world's fastest spring break party as top IndyCar drivers race along the downtown waterfront to kick off the 2012 IndyCar season! Experience the BrightHouse Speed Zone, live music, driving exhibitions and more! Tickets; 877-283-5385 or www.gpstpete.com

Saturday & Sunday, March 31 – April 1, 2012
9th Annual St. Pete Beach Corey Area Craft Festival
Saturday - Sunday, 10AM - 5PM
500 Corey Avenue & Gulf Blvd., Downtown St. Pete Beach
Portion of proceeds benefits St. Pete Beach Corey Area Merchants.
Fine arts and craft show, an eclectic variety of original art, transforms Corey Avenue in downtown St. Pete Beach into a first rate outdoor craft showcase.  A wide variety of unique and affordable handmade crafts on display / sale.  One hundred of the nation’s most talented crafters will be on site for the duration of the show, available to discuss their art and inspiration and even take special orders. The Corey Avenue Merchants Association, responsible for many community programs, will once again host this family friendly craft showcase that has become a tradition in this popular destination. www.CoreyAve.com

Saturday, March 31, 2012
18th Annual Gulfport “Springfest” Street Festival
Along Historic Beach Blvd., 10am - 8 pm
3007 Beach Blvd. S. - (727) 322-5217
Open to the public and dozens of vendors featuring a wide variety of arts and crafts have already signed up to participate. Local and area restaurants will  join with other food vendors offering culinary delights. Live entertainment on two stages all day long. The children’s area with activities, and includes bounce houses, games, face painting and more.
Easter bonnet walking parade - 5pm, audience participation event and everyone welcomed to join in the parade route. Hat contest takes place at south stage, with prizes given for largest and most unique hats. No fee for; admission, parking or trolley rides.

Friday – Sunday, March 30 to April 1, 2012
Festivals of Speed
Renaissance Vinoy Resort/Marina & North Straub Park. Experience vintage and contemporary makes and models of luxury vehicles, custom motorcycles, racing boats and more. Powerboat launch, ride & drives, a yacht hop and sample fine wines, festive cocktails, gourmet goodies, and a cigar bar against the sounds of smooth jazz across the waterfront. www.festivalsofspeed.com

Saturday, March 31, 2012
"The Ducky Event"
All Children's Hospital Guild Beach Branch Fund Raising Event
The Club at Treasure Island
400 Treasure Island Causeway, Treasure Island 6-9pm
Gala event with drinks, hors d'oeuvres, music, live/silent auction. www.achgbeach.org

APRIL

Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Charity Cruise
All Children's Hospital Guild Beach Branch Fund Raising Event
Rhine and Moselle River Cruise, 15 day cruise, included the Florida Horicultural event in Venio and a trip to Bruges, the Venice of the North. Price starts at $4,900. Call Joh Barr, 727.367.4264

MAY 2012

Friday to Sunday, May 11-13, 2012
11^th Annual - John Levique Pirate Days -
John's Pass Boardwalk - Madeira Beach (727) 322-5217
The event celebrates Leveque’s discovery of the John’s Pass waterway following the Great Gale of 1848 and prepares its residents for hurricane season, while fund-raising for The Florida Fisherman Lost at Sea Memorial Fund. John’s Pass Village Association will host a variety of events including; a Pirate’s Ball, pirate sea battle and boat parade, a walking parade, a family treasure hunt, several costume contests, a pub crawl and more. Event also includes; various pirate themed merchandise, food and beverage vendors, along with an abundance of authentic performers. Unrestricted parking available at Madeira Beach Fundamental School,  includes shuttle service to John’s Pass. No charge for admission, but suggested donation of a buck-an-ear to help defray the cost of the event.

JUNE/JULY 2012

Sunday thru Saturday, July 1 to 7, 2012
Miss Florida Scholarship Pageant
Progress Energy Center for the Arts/Mahaffey Theater, 401 1st St. S. Contestants from all over Florida compete in talent, activewear, and evening gown categories for the honor of representing the state in the Miss America pageant. www.missflorida.org