January 2018 Events Listing for Pinellas County

North and South Straub Parks, Bayshore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. Stroll along the pedestrian walkway of St. Petersburg’s waterfront and see thousands of holiday lights and decorations including the unique snowflake lights.

6 – 10 pm, Free, 2719 Oakdale Street S, St. Petersburg. This event is among the largest and longest running home displays in the United States. One-half acre in size, approximately 1/4 million lights. 727.822.5562

Times vary, Free to attend, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N Ashley Dr., Tampa. The park is transformed with the sights, sounds and activities of the holidays for children and adults of all ages featuring 10 boutique, specialty drinks and treats and a 5,000-square-foot ice skating rink ($13).

11:30 am, Cost of lunch, Belleair Country Club, One Country Club Lane, Belleair. Social, lunch and program. Military Officers retired, active duty, former officers, spouses, widows invited. LTC George Smith 727.786.5578.

5:30 – 10 pm, Free, Central Ave., between 2nd & 3rd Streets, St. Petersburg. Monthly street party with music, food and beverages for purchase. Proceeds benefit Breakfast Optimists Club. www.firstfridaystpete.com

6 – 10 pm, Free, Beach Blvd., Gulfport. The streets are lined with artisans, entertainment and gourmet goodies. Shops, galleries and restaurants

open late. www.visitgulfportflorida.com

11:30 am – 1 pm, Free, 2940 110th Ave. N, St. Petersburg. This free presentation covers Pinellas County’s integrated solid waste management system; including waste-to-energy, sanitary landfills, recycling programs, and the household electronics and chemical collection center (HEC3). www.eventbrite.com

8 pm, $16, Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center, 4951 78th Ave. N, Pinellas Park. Dwight Icenhower is one of the best Elvis tribute artists in the world. He’s performed with many of Elvis’s original musicians and won a ton of awards including the “World Championship” three times. www.etix.com/ticket/v/11231

10 am – 4 pm, Free, Heritage Village, 11909 125th St N, Largo. Pinellas Weavers Guild members will demonstrate fiber crafts including weaving, spinning and other portable fiber projects, answer questions about fiber crafts, share holiday stories, recruit potential new weavers and spinners, and generally have an old fashioned good time. 727.582.2123

11 am – 5 pm, Free, Art Pool Galleries, 2030 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. This market with an artsy slant includes local arts, Etsy crafters, vintage and retro goods, jewelry and plants.

6 – 8:30 pm, $40 – $250, Temple B’nai Israel, 1685 S. Belcher Rd., Clearwater. An inspiring evening that will help attendees learn how to stop feeling like spectators and start empowering change in their own backyards. 727.531.5829 www.tbiclearwater.org/Events/Brockovich.aspx

10 – 11 am, Free for MFA Members/Included in admission to MFA, Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive. NE, St. Petersburg. Ms. Colton portrays the fictitious Assistant Costume Designer Sue Anne Puckett on the set of a new film. 727.894.4638 www.mfastpete.org

4:30 – 6 pm, Free to the public, TradeWinds Island Grand Resort 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. Dozens of local businesses offering products and services you need for your business and your home. Spin the prize wheel, sample delicious food and more. Info@TampaBayBeaches.com 727.360.6957www.facebook.com/events/725013594363637

Times vary, $10 – $40, American Stage, 163 Third St. N, St. Petersburg. Live staged readings of five new plays from five exceptional up-and-coming playwrights from Tampa Bay and beyond. 727.823.7529

Thursday, Friday, Saturday – 8 pm/Saturday, Sunday – 2 pm, $18 online/$20 lobby, Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S, Gulfport. A drama that tells the story of Alan Turing, a brilliant mathematician, who cracked the German Enigma code which helped win World War II.

1:30 pm, $22 – $25, Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Petersburg. Jude Law stars in the stage production of Obsession, broadcast live from the Barbican Theatre in London. Ivo van Hove directs this new stage adaptation of Luchino Visconti’s 1943 film. www.livehdstpete.com

5 – 9 pm, Free, including trolley. Art districts throughout the city of St. Petersburg. An evening of art, opening receptions and galleries galore. Free trolley offers transport between the different districts. www.stpeteartsalliance.org/artwalk

6:30 – 9:30 pm, Free, MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry) Parking Lot, 4801 E Fowler Ave., Tampa. Enjoy an evening of space exploration through MOSI’s telescopes. 813.987.6000 www.mosi.org

Times vary, Registration fees vary, Sirata Beach Resort, 5300 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach. Several Kids Dashes (50 to 300 yards), a 10K, 5K, 3.8 Mile Beach Fun Run and a Half Marathon separated by a couple post-race parties, free concert and a beach bonfire. www.stpetebeachclassic.com/race-info

10 am – 5 pm, Free, Public Beach at 104th Ave., Treasure Island. Be amazed by talented kite flyers from all over the U.S. Representatives from Revolution Kites and Prism Kites will be giving flying demonstrations and allowing people a chance to learn how to fly. www.facebook.com/biggestbeachkite

Sunday – Friday 7 pm/Saturday 8 pm, Free, Eckerd College, Miller Auditorium, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Petersburg. Visiting professional poets and authors, including Tim Dorsey and Laura Lippman, give evening readings. events@eckerd.edu 727.864.7979 www.eckerd.edu/news/events

Chasen Galleries, 1830 S Osprey Ave., Suite 102, Sarasota. An impressive and highly-curated collection by world-renowned Pop Art Icons Romero Britto, Peter Max, Jim Dine, Robert Rauschenberg and Roy Lichtenstein.  Personal appearances by Romero Britto. All artwork will be on exhibition and available for acquisition. RSVP’s requested: art@chasengalleries.com or 941.260.5787 www.chasengalleries.com/sarasota

2 pm, $18 Member/$22 Non-member, Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center, 324 Pine Street, Tarpon Springs. In this living history presentation, audiences will gain a glimpse into Eleanor Roosevelt’s life and hear the heartfelt story of one of the 20th century’s most remarkable women. 727.942.5605

1 – 3 pm, $35, Painting with a Twist Studio, 2527 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Invite your friends, sip your favorite beverage and enjoy step-by-step instruction with our experienced and enthusiastic local artists. Benefits St. Petersburg Audubon Society.

www.paintingwithatwist.com/studio/stpetersburg/event/1271949/

1 – 3:30 pm, $40 – $50, Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, 400 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa. You’ll learn how a pro photographer uses 5 of the leading apps to edit photos on her phone. 831.221.2222 www.fmopa.org

11 am, Free, Parade starts at the St. Pete Pier at 11 a.m. and ends at 16th St. S, across from Tropicana Field. Following the parade, enjoy a Family Fun Day at Tropicana Field featuring a kids’ zone, entertainment, an education drive, day of service programs and more from 2:30 – 8 pm. www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/events-calendar/mlk-national-parade-family-fun-day/3487

10 am – 3 pm, Free, The Coliseum, 535 4th Ave. N, St. Petersburg. A great opportunity to look at ways to further develop your skills for the jobs of today and review the bright career prospects of tomorrow. www.eventbrite.com/e/tampa-bay-job-career-fair-tickets40155802085?aff=es2

1 – 2 pm, Free, Sunshine Center, 330 5th St. N, St. Petersburg. There are treatment options for back pain, and understanding the causes and symptoms is key to preventing it in the first place. Presented by St. Petersburg General Hospital. www.stpetegeneral.com/calendar/index.dot

6:15 pm, Free, Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa. Dr. Motta will discuss the feeding adaptations of sharks, from jaws to teeth. Complimentary reception at 5:45. 813.273.4000 www.flaquarium.org

10 am, $45 Members/$55 Non-members, The Club at Treasure Island, 400 Treasure Island Causeway, Treasure Island. Ronell Douglass, Sub-Grandmaster of the Ohara School of Ikebana will demonstrate Japanese floral arrangements. Lunch is included and will be followed by an auction of beautiful gift baskets. Register: 727.729.9445 or

5:30 pm, $35 Members/$40 Non-members, Riverwalk Tent, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 North W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa. Unwind with friends at this cocktail reception to kick off the 2018 opera season. Munch on savory Spanish tapas and sip on a refreshing sangria or cocktail of your choice, while the Opera Tampa singers entertain with beautiful Spanish melodies. www.operatampa.org

10 am – 3 pm, $55 Members/$70 Non-members, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 S Palm Ave., Sarasota. Experience the joy of monoprinting without a press thanks to the gelli plate, a product that looks and feels like gelatin and can be used again and again. 941.366.5731 www.selby.org

6 pm, Free, Dalí Museum, One Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg. Introduces audiences to emerging opera artists through dynamic 30-minute performances. 727.823.3767 www.thedali.org

10 am – 4 pm, Free with Gardens admission/membership, Sunken Gardens, 1825 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. Kid’s crafts, scavenger hunt, and free tree seedlings! 10:30 am – 11:30 am – Tree Talk and Stroll. 727.892.5715

11 am – 5 pm, Free admission, Largo High School, 410 Missouri Ave., Largo. Student battle of the bands, chili cook-off, silent student art auction, carnival games, food trucks, bounce houses, free games & kids activities. Proceeds benefit the Largo High PTSA. www.facebook.com/events/367383900368982

1 – 6 pm, $15 – $75, Vinoy Park, 701 Bay Shore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. More than 60 craft beers & cocktails to sample, tons of delicious bacon dishes, live music, games and prizes.

6 – 10 pm, Free, Beach Blvd., Gulfport. The streets are lined with artisans, entertainment and gourmet goodies. Shops, galleries and restaurants open late. www.visitgulfportflorida.com

2 – 8 pm, $20 – $100, St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club, 559 Mirror Lake Dr. N, St. Petersburg. A leisurely bike ride through downtown St Petersburg wearing your finest tweed or other fashionable vintage followed by an after party. Proceeds benefit the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club.

10:30 am – 3 pm, 3745 Ninth Ave. N,. Friends of the St. Petersburg Main Library fund-raiser for the library. $5 per item, or three items for $12. Dealers will evaluating items such as toys, dolls, books, documents, jewelry, glassware, china, Asian items, cameras, military memorabilia (no guns), and musical instruments. No furniture. 727.893.7724 www.gardenclubstpetersburg.org

8 am – noon, Free, St. Pete Beach Community Center, 7701 Boca Ciega Dr., St. Pete Beach. Shop over 75 vendors. Someone’s trash is another’s treasure. Call 727.363.9245 for more information. Vendor space is limited and cost is $15. www.spbrec.com/special-events

10 am – 5 pm, Free, Corey Avenue, St. Pete Beach. A variety of jewelry, pottery, ceramics, photography, painting, clothing and much more, all handmade in America, will be on display with an expansive Green Market. www.artfestival.com/festivals/st-pete-beach-corey.area.craft-festival

7:45 – 11:30 am, $15 Each, Ft. De Soto County Park at the North Beach parking lot, in the NW corner. Shorebird specialists John and Nancy Ogden will teach you how to identify the birds wintering on Pinellas beaches.  Whether you’re a new birder or a seasoned expert, these classes will help you separate the peeps from the plovers. www.stpeteaudubon.org

2 pm, Free, Heritage Village, 11909 125th St N, Largo. Safety Harbor celebrated its Centennial in 2017, but its history stretches back to the time of the Tocobaga. Join Warren Firchein and Laura Kepner, co-authors of “A Brief History of Safety Harbor, Florida”, to discover truths hidden in this special city’s past. 727.582.2123 www.pinellascounty.org/Heritage

2 – 4 pm, $12 Members/$15 Nonmembers, Dunedin Fine Art Center, 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin. An entertaining account of Whistler’s genius, his turbulent career, and his extraordinary achievements as a pioneer Modernist painter in Victorian England. 727.298.3322 www.dfac.org

10:30 – 11:30 am, $15, Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive. NE, St. Petersburg. Michael Francis, The Florida Orchestra’s Music Director and renowned conductor, explores the iconic music of the Star Wars films. 727.894.4638 www.mfastpete.org

11 am – 3 pm, $12, Garden Club St. Petersburg, 500 Sunset Dr. S, St. Petersburg. All you can eat pizza and salad. Bring friends and cards or a board game. To reserve your spot, mail check made out to GCSP to Liz Coerver, 2634 66th Terr. S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712 by January 17.

1 – 6 pm, Free, Magnolia Auditorium, Five Towns, 7950 58th Ave. N,

St. Petersburg. Health screenings and demonstrations featuring natural products for the home and people’s health and products that are geared for the elderly. www.facebook.com/events/633691993686201

11:30 am – 1 pm, Free, Begins at the south end of Hillsborough Bay and docks at the Tampa Convention Center. The Gasparilla Flotilla – led by the Jose Gasparilla teeming from bow to stern and capstan to crow’s nest with swashbuckling YMKG pirates – creates a spectacular sight as she heads up Seddon Channel towards downtown Tampa.

4 pm, $10, Pass-A-Grille Beach Community Church, 107 16th Ave., St. Pete Beach. Performances by PAGBCC choir director and organist, Dale Williams, assistant organist, Larry Farr and Dale Williams, accompanist for the Tampa Oratorio Singers, adjunct professor at the University of Tampa and keyboardist with the Florida Orchestra. 727.360.5508 www.pagchurch.org

9 am, $30, Locations vary. Visit several local coffee shops and sample their newest and most exciting coffee offerings while learning a little bit about coffee and meeting new friends. www.stpetecoffeetour.com

12:55 pm, $22 Members/$25 Non-members, Eckerd College, Miller Auditorium, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Petersburg. Puccini’s melodrama about a volatile diva, a sadistic police chief, and an idealistic artist has offended and thrilled audiences for more than a century. www.livehdstpete.com/metopera

7 pm Saturday/3 pm Sunday, $25, Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S, Gulfport. Experience the masterful recreation of this legendary trio when seeing Davis, Martin, and Sinatra at The Sands was one of the most popular things travelers to Nevada could do. 727.893.1070 www.mygulfport.us

11:30 am, $18 Members/$20 Non-members, Heritage Museum, 100 Beekman Ln., Tarpon Springs. Join travel writer Nancy Lyon on a tour of Caledonia’s quirkiest, from the renegade Scottish Borders, the Gaelic Western Isles, Viking Caithness, Orkney and the Shetland Islands. Includes box lunch and beverage. www.tarponarts.org

6:30 – 7:30, Free, St. Pete Beach Public Library, 365 73rd Ave., St. Pete Beach. Meet New York Times bestselling author Tim Dorsey and get a copy of his new book The Pope of Palm Beach. Refreshments provided courtesy of the Friends of the St. Pete Beach Library. 727.363.9238

5:30 – 10 pm, Free, Central Ave., between 2nd & 3rd Streets, St. Petersburg. Monthly street party with music, food and beverages for purchase. Proceeds benefit Breakfast Optimists Club. www.firstfridaystpete.com

6 – 10 pm, Free, Beach Blvd., Gulfport. The streets are lined with artisans, entertainment and gourmet goodies. Shops, galleries and restaurants

open late. www.visitgulfportflorida.com

10 am – 5 pm, Free, Williams Park 330 2nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg. St. Pete’s largest “Community Celebration of All Things Local” showcasing over 200 of our city’s favorite independent businesses and community organizations. Family-friendly. www.facebook.com/events/812370572221436

11 am – 5 pm, Free, Art Pool Galleries, 2030 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. This market with an artsy slant includes local arts, Etsy crafters, vintage and retro goods, jewelry and plants. www.artpoolrules.com

11 am – 6 pm, Free, Corey Avenue, St. Pete Beach.  A diverse menu of delectable seafood creations and delicious drinks combined with outstanding live musical performances in a diversity of genres with a marketplace of crafts and fine product selections. www.paragonartevents.com

3 – 4 pm, Free, Northside Hospital, Medical Office Building, Suite 230, 6006 49th St. N, St. Petersburg. A free monthly Stroke Support Group to offer advice and provide shared experiences. Registration: 888.741.5122 or

7 pm, $100, Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive. NE, St. Petersburg. Creative pARTy attire suggested. Events include interactive digital art, pop-up performances, artful by-the-bite dinner courses, creative creature makeup, curated auction items and the Muse Arts Awards.

5 – 9 pm, Free, including trolley. Art districts throughout the city of St. Petersburg. An evening of art, opening receptions and galleries galore.

Free trolley offers transport between the different districts.

1:30 pm, $22/$25, Dan & Mary Miller Auditorium, Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S, St.Petersburg. This charged retelling turns the infamous biblical tale on its head, placing the girl we call Salomé at the center of a revolution.

6 – 10 pm, Free, Beach Blvd., Gulfport. The streets are lined with artisans, entertainment and gourmet goodies. Shops, galleries and restaurants  open late. www.visitgulfportflorida.com

10 am – 5 pm, Free, Veteran’s Park, 5350 31st Ave. S, Gulfport. Formerly Gulfport Masters, this juried art show will feature fine works of art from across the region. SuzFest@gmail.com 727.322.5217

Free, University of South Florida Student Center, 200 6th Ave. S, St. Petersburg.

Multiple panels of distinguished diplomats, military, media, and academic experts will discuss critical international issues of the day. Seating will be on a first come, first seated basis.

stpetersburgconferenceonworldaffairs.com/conference/