February 7, 2011

Black History Month

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Three Florida State Parks will be presenting living history reenactments in celebration of Black History Month.

FLIGHT TO FREEDOM
Fort Mose Historic State Park, St. Augustine, FL
Saturday, February 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

One event will highlight the journey of those fleeing slavery in the Carolinas on their way to Fort Mose, the first legally sanctioned free black settlement in the United States. Meet travelers headed to Fort Mose, listen to drumming and music and learn about colonial weapons. Children’s activities, guided tours and food vendors will be available.

Although nothing remains of the fort, the site was listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1994 for its importance in American history. In 2009, the National Park Service named Fort Mose as a precursor site on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.

BATTLE OF OLUSTEE REENACTMENT
Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park, Olustee, FL
Friday-Sunday, February 18-20, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This park commemorates the site of Florida’s largest Civil War battle, which took place February 20, 1864. More than 10,000 cavalry, infantry and artillery troops fought a five-hour battle in a pine forest near Olustee. Three U.S. Colored Troops took part in the battle, including the now famous 54th Massachusetts. The battle ended with 2,807 casualties and the retreat of Union troops to Jacksonville until the war’s end just 14 months later. In 1912, when many living Civil War veterans still attended reunions, the battlefield became the state’s first historic site. This living history weekend features a Civil War-era battle reenactment, period music concerts, reenactments of the lives of white and black civilians during the war and more.

CIVIL WAR HERITAGE DAYS
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, Key West, FL
Friday-Sunday, February 25-27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This event offers visitors a glimpse of what life was like at Fort Taylor in the 1860s, with more than 100 reenactors presenting living history programs including artillery demonstrations, campsite visits, a sea battle and blockade runner trial, land skirmishes, and other performances.

February 1, 2011

Everglades Seafood Festival

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Experience all the fun of a country fair at the Everglades Seafood Festival in Everglades City, this February 4, 5 and 6. Listen to live country music, enjoy fresh seafood, purchase homemade arts & crafts, and more during this three day event.

Around 50,000 visitors from all over state are expected to turn out for the event. Set in front of City Hall, guests will be able to listen to top country music acts performing atop the big stage. All around, the streets will be blocked off so guests can stroll the craft booth lined streets at ease. Or, they can enjoy some of the freshly caught and prepared seafood at one of the picnic tables. There will be carnival rides and games set up for children.

Everglades City, on the fringes of the Ten Thousand Islands in Southwest Florida, is known as the “stone crab capital” for its harvest of these delicious delicacies. The City was settled in the 1880s and was once the seat of Collier County, as evidenced by the majestic old Courthouse building which is now Everglades City Hall. When the population density shifted to Naples, the little remote town returned to its self-sufficient roots.

In 1970 residents held the first Seafood Festival to pay for playground equipment in the city park, named after long-time mayor Daniel W. McLeod.

The goal is still to raise funds for local good causes and scholarships. A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization called the Betterment Association of the Everglades Area, Inc., runs the Festival.

For more info, visit www.evergladesseafoodfestival.com or call (239) 695-4100.

January 28, 2011

Dance Parties

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While it’s easy to find spots around the state to take dance lessons, it’s not always easy to find true, authentic period-specific dances. Yet, lucky for you, a few are coming.

Civil War Cotillion
On January 29th, visit the Collier County Museum’s Main Lecture Hall for a performance of Killing of Mr. Watson. This performance is based on the Everglades’ most notorious villain. Afterward, stay for the Civil War dance! Period costumes are suggested, but not required. The one-time special event marks the 150th anniversary of Florida’s Secession from the Union. Tickets to the play are $10, but admission to the dance is free. Light refreshments will be served.

Jane Austen Dance Party
On March 3 at 5:30pm, visit the Orlando Shakespeare Theater for Shall We Dance? A Jane Austen Dance Party. Learn how to dance Regency style with lessons taught by the play’s choreographer, W. Robert Sherry. Lessons are beginner friendly and no experience is necessary. Partners are not required, as in the late 1700s it was customary to change partners frequently. Come in comfortable dress and shoes. The lesson is $15. Stay after to see the theater’s performance of Pride and Prejudice at 7:30pm.

January 25, 2011

Happy Birthday, Lu!

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The Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in Homosassa Springs is celebrating the 51st birthday of their hippopotamus, Lu, tomorrow (January 26) at 10:00 a.m. The birthday party will be open to the public.

In celebration, Lu will receive his own birthday cake prepared by the park’s Wildlife Care Department. Those in attendance will sing “Happy Birthday” to the hippo and enjoy cupcakes and refreshments.

Lu is the state of Florida’s only honorary citizen hippo.

For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org/HomosassaSprings

January 13, 2011

Explore Fakahatchee

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The Fakahatchee Discovery Series, sponsored by the Friends of Fakahatchee, is hosting a Coastal Cruise through the mysterious mangroves of the Ten Thousand Islands on Saturday, January 22.

The event begins at 3:00 p.m. with a discussion on the history of the Ten Thousand Island, specifically Fakahatchee,  at the Everglades National Park Ranger Station in Everglades City. From there, participants will be ferried to Fakahatchee by the Everglades National Park Boat Tours. The guided boat tour will offer commentary on the birds, plants and marine life (including dolphins) that are seen throughout the journey. Once at Fakahatchee Island, a naturalist will guide guests along the island, pointing out plants and animals along the way. Guests will visit the graveyard and shell mound while there. On the return journey, the boat will pass a famous rookery where birds can be seen settling down for the night. The event will conclude around 6:00 p.m. in Everglades City. While there, enjoy the area’s signature stone crabs and other delicacies.

This is a unique opportunity to learn about the outer islands and the communities that existed years ago. It’s a true Old Florida treat for anyone wishing to discover the area, and see how it has barely changed.

Back in the 1900s, farmers and fishermen settled around Fakahatchee Bay, west of Chokoloskee, and made a living for themselves. They farmed fruits and vegetables and fished for mullet, frequently selling their products in Key West. While it may have just been thought of as a swamp with ghost orchids and Florida panthers, Fakahatchee was actually a thriving community, completely with schoolhouse. Today memories remain, along with as unspoiled landscape and a vast array of foliage.

For information about the Fakahatchee Coastal Cruise, visit www.friendsoffakahatchee.org. Places are limited, so make any reservations by January 17.

January 10, 2011

New Dali Museum in St. Petersburg

Filed under: Around Florida, Events, Lauren's Florida — Tags: , , — Administrator @ 11:01 am

Tomorrow, January 11, marks the grand opening of the new Dali Museum in St. Petersburg. Throughout January, a number of events will be held to mark the occasion. Fans of Dali from around the world can experience this new museum, and celebrate the artist’s  works.

The new Dali Museum will have 2,140 pieces of the artist’s work, including 96 oil paintings and eight master works measuring over 5-feet. It’s the largest collection of Dali’s work outside of Spain. The new building expanded to 66,400 square-feet (more than doubling the previous 30,000 square-feet bilding). It will including a permanent collection gallery, special exhibition gallery and children’s gallery. The exhibition space grew from 7,000 square feet to 15,000 square feet. In addition, the museum will have a theater that’s open for films, lectures, recitals and concerts; a library for public use by appointment; and gardens open and free to the public.The exterior of the building, offering a waterfront view, features 900 different triangular-shaped glass panels, nicknamed the “Glass Enigma.”

On Tuesday, January 11, the public is invited to participated in a procession from the current museum to the new museum’s location, eight blocks away. It starts at 10 a.m. and features entertainment, a dedication program, and a ribbon cutting, complete with Spanish Royalty present. Festivities will conclude at 3pm.

The museum will officially be open to the public the following day, January 12, at 10:00am.

The new address is 1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg, 33701. For more information, call (727) 823-3767.

January 5, 2011

Snapshot: A Day in the Life of Florida Libraries

Filed under: Around Florida, Events, Lauren's Florida — Tags: — Administrator @ 9:48 am

According to the Florida Library Association, more people visit Florida’s public libraries each year than Florida’s major theme parks. In 2009, almost 89 MILLION people visited Florida’s public libraries compared to just over 67 million visits to the major theme parks.

To showcase the impact Florida’s libraries have, the FLA is hosting “Snapshot: A Day in the Life of Florida Libraries.” This effort will answer the question: what happens every day in Florida libraries?

On January 25, participating libraries will host various events, showcasing what their venue has to offer. They’ll document the events by taking pictures and then uploading them to the Snapshot day Flickr account. These libraries will also be collecting customer comments and statistics on usage, learning ways to improve their offerings. The FLA website will present the results.

“This project is a great opportunity for individual libraries to shine,” commented John Callahan, FLA President. “Libraries and library supporters statewide are probably thinking ‘What can I do today to show what we do for our community?’ We hope all types of libraries will take the next step and help us show the variety of services and activities that occur every day in libraries across Florida.”

Snapshot Day  was originally created by the American Library Association. It has already taken place in many other states, with positive results.

Interested in learning more about your local library? Check it out on January 25th and help showcase how amazing our state’s libraries really are!

For more information, visit www.flalib.org/snapshot_day

January 3, 2011

Happy 2011!

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Happy 2011 from all of us here at Florida Monthly!

What are you looking forward to this year? We’re excited about all of the festivals happening throughout the state. Looking for one to go to? Check out our list!

December 7, 2010

It’s the Holiday Season

Filed under: Around Florida, Events, Lauren's Florida — Administrator @ 9:21 am

Want to know what’s going on this holiday season? Check out our inclusive list of December festivals and events! We’ve got everything from antique fairs to plays to Santa greetings. There’s even a chance to see Frosty dance, as he is above.

Photo courtesy Pensacola Children’s Chorus. Christmas on the Coast will be this December 10 and 11 at 7:30m and December 12 at 2:30pm at the Pensacola Saenger Theatre. Tickets $18-$30. More information: www.pensacolachildrenschorus.com.

November 12, 2010

Annual Creek Tribe Pow Wow Celebration

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Held in Pace at the Florida Town Park on Escambia Bay, the Annual Creek Tribe Pow Wow Celebration  will feature Native American dancers and drummers performing in their regalia and Native American storytellers sharing the history of the Creek people.  A variety of artisans will sell Native American jewelry, clothing, art, and pottery, while concessions will include Indian fry bread and roasted Indian corn.

The Santa Rosa County Creek Indian Tribe invites everyone to come out November 20-21 to experience the majestic beauty of the tribe from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.!

More information: (850) 994-4882 or www.santarosacountycreekindiantribeinc.com

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