May 1, 2013
By Alicia Squillante With tourism websites like Kayak, Travelocity and Expedia filled to the brim with great deals on exciting destination packages that would normally seem out of the average American’s price range, the need to acquire a passport becomes priority number one. The great news is that in recent years, obtaining a passport has(…)
Apr 1, 2013
By Alicia Squillante Recently the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), located at 4801 E. Fowler Ave. in Tampa, unveiled it’s newest exhibit, Sea Monsters Revealed. The exhibition, which will remain at MOSI until September 2nd of this year, explores the wonders of the oceans and the sea creatures that inhabit its depths in(…)
Jan 31, 2013
By Alicia Squillante Just off Bell Shoals Rd. near FishHawk resides a little slice of heaven beside the Alafia River, complete with shady oak trees, pasture-land and a little dog named Doodle that anxiously awaits rides in an electric golf cart. Here is where Red and Nell Glass call home, and it is also here(…)
Jan 22, 2013
By Alicia Squillante Not long ago I was able to dine at the Olive Garden across from the Westfield Mall in Brandon, located at 2602 W. Brandon Blvd., which was recently renovated, and was pleasantly surprised at how graciously I was welcomed. I was greeted instantly by one of the lovely hostesses and was taken(…)
Jan 6, 2013
By Alicia Squillante Attention all bird enthusiasts! Rich’s Backyard Birds in Lithia will be hosting the first annual Big Birding Weekend from 5 p.m. Friday, January 25 to 5p.m. Sunday, January 27. It is completely free to participate and you can form groups up to five people and spend the entire weekend competing in the(…)
Dec 2, 2012
By Alicia Squillante If someone were to tell me that a slice of sweet Southern pie was to be found right here in our own backyards, a month ago I would have been skeptical. However, such a slice can be found at none other than the Palmer House Bed & Breakfast in Lithia. It is(…)
Dec 2, 2012
By Alicia Squillante Sitting by a warm, crackling fire with two enormous puppies curled up at my feet, the snow falling gently on the porch rails, the chickadees and finches hopping around in the soft white snow. This may sound like the intro to the great American novel, but it’s actually just a sample from(…)
Oct 31, 2012
By Alicia Squillante Have you ever found yourself wanting to learn more about the plants and animals that call our state home, but just don’t have the time or money to dedicate to traditional college courses? The Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP), created by the University of Florida, might be the perfect option for you.(…)
Sep 30, 2012
By Alicia Squillante Lush green fairways, soft white sand traps and beautifully crisp landscaping await as Buckhorn Springs Golf and Country Club recently re-opened after a summer-long grounds renovation project. Beginning late last spring, the renovations included replacing the greens with Champion Bermuda grass, an ultra-fine variety of grass that presents better consistency and gives(…)
Sep 30, 2012
By Alicia Squillante The nights are noticeably cooler, the days seem slightly shorter and the leaves are beginning to descend en masse; fall is coming and with it all the usual suspects will be coming around regarding fall and winter events. One such event will be arriving on Sunday, October 21 at Curtis Hixon Park:(…)
