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Chihuly Collection Downtown St. Petersburg

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When you think of priceless collections of art, many people think of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York or the Louvre in Paris but Tampa Bay has it’s own center of culture and arts right in St. Petersburg thanks in part to museums such as the Morean Arts Center.

The Morean Arts Center features contemporary art from local artists and a 10,000 square foot permanent collection of blown glass from artist Dale Chihuly.

Since it’s  July 2010 unveiling in downtown St. Petersburg, the Chihuly Collection has attained star status in a city rapidly turning into a cultural mecca. The St. Petersburg installation is the only permanent collection of Chihuly’s work, anywhere.

Chihuly Collection

Part of Chihuly’s “Sealife Stoppers” series, resemble fragile, finely sculpted marine creatures made from hand-blown glass bursting with lustrous color and texture. Sea flora and fauna are recurring themes in many of Chihuly’s creations, and seem very much at home in the Collection’s downtown, bayfront Beach Drive location.

Be sure to include a stop at the Chihuly Collection the next time you’re looking to boost your cultural quotient. The Collection recently moved and is now located at 720 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg. They’re open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Call them at 727-896-4527 or visit them online at moreanartscenter.org.

After your visit to the Chihuly Collection, take a stroll of less than a mile to the Glass Shop & Hot Shop, and witness resident glass artists creating unique pieces while a narrator explains each step of the process from vision to completion. The Hot Shop is located at 719 Central Avenue (on the corner of 1st Ave N & 7th St). For more information call them at 727.822.7872.

This is another reason why we love living in St. Petersburg, FL.  Are you ready to make your move?

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in March 2013. It has since been updated and edited for clarity and cohesiveness.

 

3 Benefits to Being a Florida Resident

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Considering a move to Florida? We have three great benefits of being a Florida resident.

Your Money

Florida law is protective of its residents’ money and assets. It is one of the seven states in the nation that do not have an income tax. There are also no state inheritance tax, no state estate tax, and no gift tax. An appeal for many business persons and celebrities is asset protection provided by Florida law. Asset protection extends well past a person’s primacy residence. The “Save Our Homestead” program protects homeowners from experience an annual increase in property assessments of more than three percent.

Entertainment

Tourism is a huge portion of Florida’s economy with Disney, Universal, and Busch Gardens properties being some of the biggest draws. Theme parks aren’t just for tourists though and being a Florida resident gets you some awesome perks including resident pricing, ample time to visit the parks, and the benefits of season passes for multiple visits. There’s also the benefits of visiting the parks during slow times like weekdays and the off season.

In addition to the theme parks, Florida’s entertainment also includes outdoor activities such as golf, water sports, tennis, and activities within state and national parks. Florida is also hosts numerous ports for cruises to numerous destinations.

3 Benefits to Being a Florida Resident

The Weather

They don’t call us the “Sunshine State” for no reason. Florida has long been a destination for those chasing seventy degrees. While it may not be seventy degrees year-round, Florida does boast a warm and sunny climate. The winters are mild with the occasional cold snap. The spring and summers are hot and humid, with coastal areas like Tampa Bay being more temperate than inland areas.

Ready to Become a Florida Resident?

It’s relatively easy to become a Florida resident. Once you’ve settled on a home, you need to file a Declaration of Domicile, this is especially important if you spend part of the year in another location. Obtaining a Florida driver’s license and registering your vehicles with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles are the next steps in establishing your residency. Finally, update your voter registration and all your tax documentation to reflect your new Florida location.

2016 Summer Concerts in Tampa Bay

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Just as the weather starts to warm, so do the concert venues in the Tampa Bay area.  The 2016 summer concerts in Tampa Bay are show stoppers, global phenomena, and some classic favorites. We have a list of the must-see acts between now and Labor Day.

April

2016 Summer Concerts in Tampa Bay

Courtesy of Flickr user – EMR –

  • Pearl Jam April 11 8:00 p.m. Amalie Arena
  • Beyonce: The Formation World Tour April 29 7:00 p.m. Raymond James Stadium
  • ZZ Top Hell Raisers Tour April 29 8:00 p.m. Ruth Eckerd Hall
  • Boston: 40th Anniversary Tour April 30 8:00 p.m. Ruth Eckerd Hall

May

  • Evanescence May 2 8:00 p.m. Ruth Eckerd Hall
  • Styx May 13 7:30 p.m. Ruth Eckerd Hall

June

2016 Summer Concerts in Tampa Bay

Photo Courtsey of Flickr User Jeaneeem

  • Ellie Goulding June 2 7:00 p.m. Amalie Arena
  • Darius Rucker June 3 7:00 p.m. MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
  • Journey & The Doobie Brother June 10 7:00 p.m. MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
  • Weezer and Panic! At the Disco June 15 7:00 p.m. MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
  • Chris Cornell June 16 8:00 p.m. Ruth Eckerd Hall
  • Keith Urban June 17 7:00 p.m. MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre

July

2016 Summer Concerts in Tampa Bay

Photo Courtesy of Flickr User Ted Van Pelt

  • Vans Warped Tour 2016 July 1 11:00 a.m. Vinoy Park
  • SlipKnot July 2 6:30 p.m. MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
  • Modest Mouse with Brand New July 9 7:00 p.m. MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
  • Dierks Benthley, Randy Houser, Cam & Tucker Beathard July 16 7:00 p.m. MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
  • Dave Matthews Band July 27 7:30 p.m. MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre

August

  • The Go-Go’s August 2 8:00 p.m. Capitol Theatre
  • Brad Paisley with Tyler Farr and Maddie and Tae August 27 7:00 p.m. MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre

What shows will you see this summer? Tell us about the best concert you ever saw in Tampa Bay.

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.