Chris Hounchell REALTOR

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Award-winning Florida real estate Broker PROUDLY SELLING IN PINELLAS, HILLSBOROUGH, PASCO, MANATEE & SARASOTA COUNTIES since 2004.

Top 5 Golf Courses in Tampa Bay

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With pleasant weather year round and some spectacular views, it’s no wonder Tampa Bay is home to some amazing golf courses.  We’ve compiled a list, in no particular order, of the top five golf courses in Tampa Bay.  Whether you’re looking to for a day on the links or a weekend getaway filled with golf and other activities, the area has something for everyone.

Top 5 Golf Courses in Tampa Bay

  1. Copperhead at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club, Palm Harbor.  This semi-private course is host to the PGA’s Valspar Tour Championship.  The 18 hole course has a 71 par.  In addition to the golf, it also offers dining, accommodations, a driving range, and a site to host events.  It was also included in Golf Magazine‘s “Top 100 Courses You Can Play.”  Website | (727) 942-2000
  2. TPC Tampa Bay, Lutz.  Not only does TPC Tampa Bay offer 18 holes with a 71 par, it also boasts a world-class practice facility.  The course is a moderate length of 6,898 yards and open to the public.  Rates vary depending on the season. Website | (813) 949-0090
  3. Pine Barrens at World Woods, Brooksville.  Pine Barrens is styled after the famed Pine Valley in New Jersey with a mix of native vegetation and pine trees.  Rank #63 in the world by Golf Digest the course is 6,458 yards with a 71 par and both greens and fairways are covered in Bermuda grass.  The course is open to the public.  Website | (352) 796-5500
  4. Club Renaissance, Sun City Center. This course has two distinctive nines, the front nine offers an open feel with wide fairways and greens; the back nine, however, requires more precision as it was developed through conserved lands and space is at a premium.  The course is semi-private, a moderate length of 6,701 yards with a par 72.  Website | (813) 633-1015
  5. Saddlebrook Resorts, Wesley Chapel.  Saddlebrook offers two courses, the Saddlebrook and the Palmer, the latter designed by Arnold Palmer.  The courses are 6,564 and 6,469 yards respectively appealing to a range of golfers.  The is an array of wildlife to be found on the courses.   In addition to the golf, the resort offers 800 suites ranging from 1 to 3 bedrooms, a spa, 45 tennis courts, and an in-resort village.  Website | (813) 973-1111

9 Holiday Celebrations in the Tampa Bay Area

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If you’re looking for something to do during the holidays, the Tampa Bay area is full of excitement and festivities.  From ballet to ice skating, there’s a holiday celebration for everyone.

“17th Annual Salute to Vienna” a concert performed by the Strauss Symphony of American. Concert runs from December 31st through January 3rd at Ruth Decker Hall.  Ticket prices range from $35-$100.  More info: www.rutheckerdhall.com

“A Christmas Carole” by Charles Dickens.  Starring David Mann as Ebeneezer Scrooge.  Show runs from now until December 24th at the freeFallTheatre.  Ticket prices range from $23 – $46.  More info: freefalltheatre.com

A Christmas Carole

“Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer – The Musical” based on the beloved children’s TV Christmas special.  Show runs from now through December 24 at the The Lakeland Center.  Ticket prices range from $27.50 – 57.50.  More info: thelakelandcenter.com

“Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker” the story of one girl’s Christmas dreams.  Ballet is performed multiple times December 28th at the Mahaffey.  Ticket prices range from $32 – $97.  More info: www.themahaffey.com

“Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown” an exhibit showcasing the connection between the “Peanuts” characters and the holiday season.  Exhibit runs from now through January 11th at the Tampa Bay History Center.  Ticket prices range from $7.95 – $12.95.  More info: www.tampabayhistorycenter.org

Tampa’s Downtown on Ice the seasonal ice rink is now open.  Tickets are $10 per person for a 90 minute skating session and includes skate rentals.  More info: www.tampasdowntownonice.com

Holiday Lights in the Gardens the Florida Botanical Gardens decorate their grounds with more than 750,000 lights. Exhibit runs from now through December 31st.  Ticket prices are $4.  More info: www.flbg.org

Nights of Shimmering Lights a two mile drive through display. Display opens daily at dusk from now through December 30th at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds.  Ticket prices range from $15 – $20 per car.  More info: www.hillsboroughcountyfair.com

Ice Palace at International Plaza The Plaza is transformed into an ice palace featuring a light show and scenes from Disney’s “Frozen”.  Exhibit runs from now through December 24.  Admission is free.

Tampa Bay’s Top Employers

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When thinking of a thriving corporate metropolis many people overlook the Tampa Bay area but in truth it’s home to many large corporations employing thousands of employees in fields ranging from technology to healthcare.  If you’re looking to begin a career or take the next step in an established career, Tampa Bay employers may have a position for you.  Below we have a list of the top employers in the Tampa Bay region.

Technology & Communications

Verizon Communications, multiple locations

Tech Date, Clearwater

IBM, Hillsborough

Bright House Networks, Pinellas

Healthcare

BayCare Health Systems, multiple locations

HCA West Florida, multiple locations

Tampa General Hospital, Hillsborough

Florida Hospital, multiple locations

Lakeland Regional Medical Center, Polk

Humana, HIllsborough

WellCare Health Plans, Tampa

Downtown Tampa

Finance & Insurance

Citigroup, Hillsborough

Progressive Insurance, Hillsborough

GEICO, Polk

USAA, Hillsborough

State Farm Insurance, Polk

JPMorgan Chase, Hillsborough

MetLife, Hillsborough

SunTrust Banks, Hillsborough

Miscellaneous

Publix Super Markets, multiple locations

HSN, St. Petersburg

TECO Energy, Hillsborough

Mac Dill Air Force Base, Tampa

Busch Gardens, Hillsborough