The African American Heritage Trail in St. Pete includes 20 or so informational historical markers…read morealong 9th Avenue South and 22nd Street. The area was home to African American businesses, theaters, a casino, and churches and is now home to Chief's Creole Cuisine, Lorene's Fish House, and several other African American businesses, shops and eateries. There are also several churches. It's interesting to travel back in time and learn about the life here during segregation including the cultural traditions of St. Pete's African American community. Signage discusses the business owners, the civic associations, and the art institutions that developed in the area. Here's the website with links to the historical markers: http://www.stpete.org/historic_preservation/african_american_heritage_project/index.asp Here's an article about the trail: http://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/african-american-heritage-trail-to-open-in-st-petersburg-saturday/2191912

Sarasota Bayfront is such a beautiful place to spend an evening, the bay views are amazing, and you…read morecan walk around and take pictures. The night views in Sarasota Bayfront are absolutely stunning. The views are really picturesque. There's plenty of parking, and there's a tiki bar right on the water, which makes for a really great experience.

Sarasota is blessed with so much natural beauty and as well as man made beauty. There is so much to…read moresee and do here! One of the fun things is Bayfront Park, which is located at the south end of the Ringling Causeway. There, you have the Marina Jack's II filled with beautiful boats and yachts to admire as you walk on the paved pathway around the park by Sarasota Bay. They have a 2 stiry restaurant there also. Birdlovers can enjoy pelicans, seagulls, egrets, and many other varieties of birds flying around. The views of the Bay, the Banyan trees, flowers, and palm trees in this park are a sight for sore eyes. I especially love the giant Unconditional Surrender statue of the sailor and nurse kissing and celebrating the end of WWII. If you get hungry or thirsty, there is O'learys for food and drinks to enjoy by the water. There is a huge parking lot for free parking with wheelchair accessiblability. Dogs are welcome as long as you clean up after them. An enjoyable and unforgettable excursion!

This is a very popular bridge in the Sarasota-Siesta Key-Longboat areas because of their…read moreconnection. The RCB was reconstructed in the early 2000s and is supposed to last for 75 years. It is a favorite with pedestrians, runners and walkers, fishermen, mommas with baby strollers, tourists, bicyclists, and dog-walkers. There is a walkway built on the bridge, which measures about .6 miles one way or 1.3 miles there and back. Good exercise. You can also walk over to the Bayfront Park in Sarasota, which is located on the north end of the bridge. Bird Key Park is located at the south end of the bridge. Both parks are worth visiting. At night, the bridge is lit up with bright royal blue lights. In the evenings, it is pretty crowded with people watching the sunset! I love it. We traveled over it at least twice a day while we stayed in Sarasota.

The John Ringling Causeway, known as the Ringling Bridge, is a 4 lane bridge in Sarasota, Florida…read morethat connects Sarasota to Lido Key, St. Armands Key & Bird Key. It's a vital hurricane evacuation route for barrier island residents. This segmental box girder bridge is 3,097 feet long and 65 ft tall.

Fantastic evening at the Field club in the Grill room with friends! This is a private members only…read moreclub on the Sarasota waterfront with tennis facilities, pool and multiple dining areas and well worth the visit if you get an invite from a member! The building is historic with many great touches, and the food and service did not disappoint! Salmon and fillet were both outstanding as were the tuna and shrimp appetizers. Desserts were also absolutely delicious and large portions easy to share. If you're in the mood for something sweet, cold and delicious after dinner, try the Whisper! Thanks for a fantastic evening!

The Field Club is a private country club that seems to be pretty exclusive. I attended a wedding…read morethere so I am reviewing that experience. And quite frankly, it was wonderful. The ceremony was located on a beautiful lawn area looking right out into the water. That was followed by cocktail hour which was located at a nearby event room with an outdoor patio. Then we moved into one of the dining rooms for the reception. My meal was salmon and it was fantastic, as were all of the servers and bartenders all evening. It was a great wedding and I'm glad I got to experience this place.

The feel of this library is nice, big, roomy, and mostly inviting. The children's area is nice for…read morethe little ones to read books and play. It would be nice to have an event calendar state what is the story time themes are, not just the time. My biggest complaint is by the front door. There were 5-7 gentleman loitering outside, almost blocking the doors. We were inside for about an hour and they were still there when we were leaving. 14.06.2024

One thing I love about Manatee county and its public institutions is the commitment to the…read morecommunity and social awareness. Nothing short of that was the event I attended at Central Library on 4/21/18. The library hosted a fashion show that featured area students that designed dresses made from trash & other found / discarded items. What these young people came up with was absolutely miraculous, and the juxtaposition of those beautiful creations over the fact that we have a massive waste crisis on out hands in this world was really moving. One dress was made entirely of green soda bottles curled and extruded to create a flowing, bouncing ensemble mirrored by a hairdo of similar curl and body donned by the model. Another outfit top was made almost exclusively with a young lady's grandfathers old ties. Very creative! This is why I live in this part of Florida, and why I will continue to support the community and events they offer for many years to come.

Excellent resource in Apollo Beach for tourists and locals. There is a massive amount of pamphlets…read moreand brochures to satisfy everyone taste. Each wall has business cards for almost every service available. The racks with brochures also have many coupon deals and % off deals to sightseeing venues or restaurants. They also provide flyers for seasonal events such as crafts fairs, arts festivals etc. For anyone looking for something to do whether from the area or not I am sure you will find something that peaks your interest ranging from free to small entrance fees as well as things to do with children of all ages, the family, solo or couples. If in the area I recommend just perusing their shelves as you may find a hidden event or attraction you didn't know existed. Shopping here is free which is always good and what you discover may be free as well.

I find it very interesting how many cemeteries are called Greenwood Cemetery…read more Greenwood Cemetery is the fourth oldest cemetery in St. Petersburg, Florida and it dates back to February 1, 1897. I often walk and explore cemeteries and find it not only peaceful, but I always am touched at the reverence that our society embraced f9r their dearly departed. If you are in the area and are fascinated by graveyards, come see this.

This is marker commemorates the history of Mr. Beall and his shop that became Bealls. His civic…read moreroll in bringing the Cardinals to town for spring training is also noted.