Things to do in Florida April 29, 30, - May 1, 2011

As you're looking for things to do in Florida April 29, 30, - May 1, 2011 you may notice one event that occurs only in the Sunshine State. It's of course the launch of the space shuttle and if all goes well, the Endeavour will be leaving the launch pad Friday at 3:47pm. The launch will be especially meaningful for the commander of the Endeavour, Mark Kelly with the recovery of his wife, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords a triumph even before the mission begins. Delving a little deeper into this weeks list of things to do in Florida April 29, 30, - May 1, 2011 it's encouraging to see a number of events centered around helping others. Whether through education or financial aid, it should be clear by now that extending a hand to those in need can no longer be restricted solely to our own little corner of the world and organizations like Generational Thinkers International in Ghana recently posted on Florahome USA or events like the Church of the Palms' Stone Soup Sunday to be held May 1st in Delray Beach FL remind us all no matter where we live, we all need to work together because are not so different when it comes to the heart. Please remember though, charity need not be a 'Martyr Mambo'. With National Dance Week running from April 22nd to May 1st, feel free to fox trot, tango or samba like Kendra Wilkinson did on Dancing with the Stars last night. Poor Len Goodman was in a sweat. And oh yes, May 5th is our National Day of Prayer Of all the things to do in Florida April 29, 30, - May 1, 2011 or anytime thereafter, nothing could be more important than that. Ya'll have a good one.

Vehicle Assembly Building - Kennedy Space Center, FL

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The Things to do in Florida list is usually posted each Wednesday

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Things to do in Florida April 29, 30, - May 1, 2011


April 29
Kennedy Space Center, FL
Space Shuttle Endeavour Launch

April 30 - May 1
Apopka, FL
Apopka Art and Foliage Festival

April 30
Jensen Beach, FL
“Cruzin’ for Sight” Poker Run
772-225-0242

April 30
Bradenton FL
DeSoto Grand Parade
941-747-1998

April 30
Clewiston, FL
Sugar Festival
863-983-7979

April 30
Cooper City, FL
Founder's Day Celebration
954-437-2600

April 29 - 30
Fernandina Beach, FL
Amelia Island
Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival
866-426-3542

May 1
Delray Beach, fl
Church of the Palms
Stone Soup Sunday
561-276-6347

April 29
Inverness, FL
Arbor Day Celebration
352-726-2611

April 30
Inverness. FL
Sheriff’s Office Summer Safety Expo
352-726-4488

April 28 - 30
Live Oak, FL
Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park & Campground
Suwannee River Jam
386-364-1683

April 29 - May 1
Pensacola, FL
Crawfish Festival
850=433-6512

May 3 - 4
Pensacola, FL
Blue Angels 2011 Homecoming Air Show
850-434-1234

April 30 - May 1
Punta Gorda, FL
Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center
Charlotte County Chamber Of Commerce
Spring Home and Garden Show
941-639-5833

April 28 - May 1
Sandestin, FL
Wine Festival

April 30 - May 1
Siesta, Key, FL
Siesta Fiesta
954) 472-3755

April 30
Coconut Grove, FL
Miami Reggae Festival

April 30 - May 1
St. Petersburg, FL
Florida West Coast Bromeliad Society
Green Thumb Festival

April 29 and 30
Miami, FL
NBA Playoffs
Miami Heat vs. Philadephia 76ers

April 30
Jacksonville, FL
Tree Hill Nature Center
Joseph A. Strasser Butterfly Festival
904-724-4646

April 30
Tequesta, FL
Mother Earth by the Sea Festival

April 30
Kissimmee, FL
Bluesmasters Music Festival
321-697-3333

April 27 - May 1
Key West, FL
Key West Songwriters' Festival

April 30
Tampa, FL
International Dragon Boat Races
813-223-3700

April 29 - May 1
Brooksville, FL
Sertoma Youth Ranch
StringBreak Music Fest

April 29
Tampa, FL
Florida State Fairgrounds
(Ask Gary Amphitheatre)
Tim McGraw

April 27 - May 1
St. Augustine, FL
Florida's Birding and Photo Fest

April 30
Vero Beach, FL
Vero Beach Museum of Art
Children's Art Festival
772-231-0707

April 30
Sarasota, FL
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Dance Art & Food Festival
800-826-9303
941-953-3368

April 30
Miami, FL
Art of Storytelling International Festival
305-375-5576

April 30
St. Petersburg, FL
Science Festival
727-803-9799 ext. 206

April 28 - May 1
Jacksonville, FL
Metropolitan Park
World of Nations Celebration

April 29, 30, and May 1
Melbourne, Silver Springs and Niceville, FL
Jars of Clay
The King Center in Melbourne - April 29
Silver Springs - April 30
Mattie Kelly Arts Center - May 1
also don't miss
The Northwest Florida Symphony Concert -
Beauty and Strength at Mattie Kelly April 30

April 30
Fort Walton Beach, FL
Cox Youth Fitness Day
850-857-4573

April 29 - 30
Orlando, FL
Orange County Convention Center
Show of Champions Armwrestling

April 30
Boca Raton, FL
Life Is Art Boca Center
South Florida Artist Fair

April 30
Royal Palm Beach, FL
Adopt-A-Thon
561-333-1100

April 30
Orange Park, FL
Clay County Cruzers presents-
'Rev it UP!' Spring Car Show
for Wounded Warrior Project
904-562-9333

April 30 - May 1
Gainesville, FL
Poorman’s Hamfest & Computer Show

April 29 - May 1
St. Augustine, FL
Gamble Rogers Folk Festival

April 30
Pembroke Pines, FL
Florida Citrus Model Train Society
Toy Train Show
954- 473-6376
954- 253-0413

April 30 - May 1
Largo, FL
Suncoast Model Railroad Spring Show
and Open House
727-523-1860

April 30
Orlando, FL
Spring of Life Crawfish Festival
and Silent Auction
Box Office 407-384-9211

April 30
Cooper City, FL
Ft. Lauderdale Region of the
Antique Automobile Club of America
Founder's Day Car Show
954-755-0907
or
954-755-1723

April 30
Tampa, FL
Asia Fest

April 30 - May 1
Plant City, FL
Keel and Curley Winery
4th Annual Blueberry Festival
813-752-9100

April 28 - May 1
Sarasota, FL
Florida Winefest and Auction
800-216-6199
941-952-1109

April 30 - May 1
Riverview, FL
Winthrop Art Festival

April 30
Clearwater, FL
Ruth Eckerd Hall
Earth Wind and Fire

April 30
Jacksonville, FL
Arena Football
Jax Sharks vs. the Orlando Predators

April 30 - May 1
Carrabelle, FL
Forgotten Coast Open Golf Tournament
850-697-9606

April 30
Various location in FL
March of Dimes
March for Babies

April 30 - May 1
Tampa, FL
The Florida Aquarium
Splash Bash
813-273-4000

April 29 - May 1
Fort Myers, FL
Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall
Stomp

May 1
Naples, FL
Bayfront Boat Show
239-682-0900

May 1
Fort Myers, FL
Edison Estate
“Celebrating Bromeliads” (exhibit opening)
239-334-7419

April 29 - May 1
Gainesville, FL
Baseball
Gators vs. Ole Miss

April 28 - May 1
Cocoa Beach, FL
HMGS-South (Historical Miniature Gaming Society)
RECON 2011

April 30
Port Charlotte, FL
Healthy Kids Benefit 5k Run/ 1 Mile Walk
941-629-9622

May 1
Stuart, FL
Lyric Theatre
A Dance for Everyone

April 29 - 30
Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville Landing
National Dance Day

April 30
Tampa, FL
Taste the Best of Tampa Bay

May 2
Mami, FL
American Airlines Arena
Happy Birthday Dwayne! ('The Rock')
Kmart presents WWE Monday Night Raw

May 1
Naples, FL
Taste of Collier

April 29 - May 1
St. Petersburg, FL
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Los Angeles Angels

Ice Skating in Florida

Florida Running Events

Florida Biker Events

Florida Car Shows

Florida Horse Shows

Florida Zoos

The Things to do in Florida list is usually posted each Wednesday.
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Also on Florahome USA:

Theatres and Performing Art Centers in Florida

Car Museums in Florida

The Florida Art and Artist List

Florida Pirates and
Maritime Museums

Gardens in Florida

Florida Science Museums


Music, food, art, theatre - things to do in Florida April 29, 30, - May 1 2011

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The City of Palatka

Palatka, Florida

So let's cut to the chase. For those not from around here, the city of Palatka, Florida is Florahome's nearest Walmart. Not that Florahome suffers from any Walmart envy - our Dollar General is just fine thanks, but if you're looking to buy a car or you'd like to see a movie before it comes out on DVD, Palatka is only a few minutes drive. Okay - it's just the one theater,... but still. Palatka also hosts the Azalea Festival every spring and if you keep up with Florida's events on Florahome USA's, Things to do in Florida list, you'll be seeing the Blue Crab Festival showing up there in May. The Blue Crab Festival is a major deal in Palatka as the weather heats up and Florida becomes Flip Flop World. No, Palatka doesn't have a Flip Flop World but if you're in the market, that big store they have there is currently offering rollback prices. "ATTENTION!!!... CUSTOMER NEEDS ASSISTANCE IN FLIP FLOPS!" Really, the City of Palatka, much like Florahome was always intended to be a wonderful place to live or visit and though in many ways they already are, both have had their share of setbacks and have yet to realize their full potential. Improvements continue to be made however and as the above picture indicates the city of Palatka is well on its way to becoming the North Central Florida jewel it was always meant to be.

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For those planning to visit Palatka or if you'd just like to learn more, offered below are maps and other information to help familiarize you with the city.

For those unfamiliar with the area, the tiny bulls eye on the map above indicates where Palatka is located in the state of Florida.

Click to enlarge

If you enlarge the above map, you will see in the upper left-hand corner where Florahome is in relation to Palatka. Following Florida State Road 100 heading east from Florahome one of the first things you'll see as you reach Palatka is the Palatka Municipal Airport. The orange square on the map just to the right of the airport indicates the location depicted in the next map showing you have two options if you've just gotta have those flip flops.

Moody Road will take you straight to Walmart or continuing on to 19 and making a right will not only take you to Walmart but also Home Depot, Lowes, Krystal, The Golden Corral, the Mall,... well you get the idea. The Putnam Community Medical Center aka the hospital is indicated on the map by the red letter H, and the Library as well as St. Johns River State College are also in this same area. If you choose to stay on SR 100 or 'Reid Street', you may decide to check-in at The Holiday Inn Express in the west part of town or maybe the Budget Inn just a little further down on the right. You will also pass the old train depot which is now a model train museum for all you train buffs. Another point of interest in Palatka, FL frequently mentioned on Florahome USA and one you won't see just anywhere in Florida is Ravine Gardens State Park. Watch for the signs on the right as you near the downtown section. This next map depicts what has always been the City's main attraction even before William Bartram's famous travels, The St. Johns River, and here you will find more accommodations if you plan to hang around for a while.

The Bronson Mulholland house is also on this side of the bridge offering a chance to revisit a special chapter in Palatka history and discover what nineteenth century life in Florida was really like. The Blue Crab Festival and other events take place along the river and through the downtown area so this is the place to be if you happen to find yourself in the neighborhood around the latter part of May. Crossing the bridge into East Palatka, you'll see the Putnam County Fairgrounds along with favorite eating spots like Corky Bells Seafood Restaurant or Musselwhite's, but one thing you won't find is Walmart. Maybe they just don't wear flip flops on that side of the river.

For more about Palatka, Wikipedia provides an excellent overview of The City.

For Flip Flops:

Walmart Supercenter
1024 S State Road 19
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 328-6733

Accommodations in the city of Palatka:

Quality Inn & Suites Riverfront
201 N. 1st Street
Palatka, FL, US, 32177-3703
Phone: 386-328-3481
Fax: 386-329-9907

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Palatka Northwest
3813 Reid St, Palatka, FL 32177
(800) 345-8082
Front Desk: 1-386-325-2500
Fax: 1-386-325-2501

Budget Inn
100 Moseley Ave Palatka, FL 32177
386-328-1533

William Penn Motel
100 Federal Street
Palatka, FL 32177-3799
386-328-1587

Sleep Inn & Suites
3805 Reid Street
Palatka, FL 32177
Phone: 386-325-8889
Fax: 386-325-7779

Crystal Cove Resort
133 Crystal Cove Drive
Palatka, Florida 32177
386-325-1055

Azalea House Bed & Breakfast
220 Madison Street
Palatka, FL 32177-3531
386-325-4547

Palatka Daily News
Palatka Downtown
Places to eat in Palatka, FL
Palatka Municipal Airport
Ravine Gardens State Park (check out these beautiful photos)
The Bronson-Mulholland House
100 Madison Street
Palatka, FL 32177-3529
386-329-0140
The Larimer Art Center
Parks and Recreation
Putnam Athletic League
Palatka Real Estate
WPLK AM 800
HOPE FM 91.3

Palatka Public Library (Make sure you click Palatka on this link)
601 College Road
Palatka, FL 32177-3873
386-329-0126

Putnam Historic Museum (next to the Bronson-Mulholland House)
Street Address
100 Madison Street
Palatka, FL 32178
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 35
Palatka, FL 32178
phone: 386-325-9825

Let's get down to business:

City of Palatka (website)
Putnam County Chamber of Commerce

Also on Florahome USA:

Keystone Heights, Florida
Grandin, Florida
Interlachen, Florida
Melrose, Florida
A Place Called George's Lake

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The City of Palatka - Florahome USA
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Things to do in Florida April 22, 23, 24, 2011

Of the many things to do in Florida April 22, 23, 24, 2011, ninety three percent of them include eggs. That number is really just a guess but one quick look at the list this week and it's pretty obvious Easter is here. It's no accident Easter happens in the spring with flowers being the perfect illustration of our Lord's resurrection celebrating the renewal of life as they rise up from the ground reaching toward Heaven. All those eggs in their bright spring flower colors are a reminder to kids and kids at heart to be happy for the life we are given and to be grateful to the one who gives it. The Easter Bunny, a life giving symbol himself as it were, will also be making numerous guest appearances around the state. Carrying over from last week, there are still a few more things to do in Florida April 22, 23, 24, 2011 having to do with Earth Day. Though it may be true that the health of our Gulf is nearly back to where it was before the BP oil spill, we still have a long way to go in bringing it up to the level it should be. This is true not only of the planet's oceans but the land and air as well and these Earth Day events planned around this weekend provide the perfect starting point. If you missed Jimmy Buffett last week you will have another chance to see him, while another celebrity we haven't seen in Florida for a while - Tom Jones will also be here providing the ladies with some hot entertainment --- My My My Delilah! So have a Happy Easter and hope you find some great things to do in Florida April 22, 23, 24, 2011.

The Things to do in Florida list is usually posted each Wednesday

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Things to do in Florida April 22, 23, 24, 2011

April 23
Marianna, FL
Florida Caverns State Park
Earth Day
850-482-9598

April 23
Bradenton, FL
Easter Egg Hunt
941-742-5974

April 23
Brooksville, FL
Chinsegut Birding and Wildlife Festival
352-754-6722

April 23
Cape Coral, FL
Mike Greenwell’s Bat-A-Ball and Family Fun Park
Easter Bunny Trail
239-574-4386

April 22 - 24
Carrabelle, FL
Riverfront Festival
850-697-2585

Homosassa, FL
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Earth Day Egg-Stravaganza
352-628-5343

April 22 - 24
Cocoa Beach, FL
Ron Jon Easter Surfing Festival
321-799-0493

April 23 - 24
Davie, FL
Flamingo Gardens and Wildlife Sanctuary
30th Anniversary Orchid Show & Sale
954-473-2955

April 23
Daytona Beach, FL
Run Forrest, Run! Easter Beach Run

April 22- 24
Fort Myers, FL
Dunbar Easter Celebration
239-489-9338

April 23
Fort Myers Beach, FL
Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Coloring Contest
239-652-6002

April 23
Fort Myers, FL
Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium
Egg-cellent Easter Eggstravaganza!
239-275-3435

Thru April 23
Orlando, FL
Universal Studios
Mardi Gras

April 22, 23 and 24
Palmetto, FL
Children's Parade, Easter Egg Hunt
and Sunrise Service

April 21 - 23
Panama City Beach, FL
Gulf Coast Charity Horse Show
800-722-3224

April 23
Sanibel, FL
Children's Spring Fesival
239-472-4538

April 22
Sarasota, FL
Easter Fest
941-879-3345

Estero, FL
Koreshan State Historic Site
Earth Day
239-992-0311

April 14 - 23
Tallahassee, FL
New Horizons: Original Works Festival
850-644-6500

April 24
Point Washington, FL
Eden Gardens State Park
Easter at Eden Gardens
850-267-8320

April 23 - 24
Melbourne, FL
Art Festival
321-722-1964

April 23
Fort Pierce, FL
Hooked on Music Festival

April 23
Parrish, FL
Florida Railroad Museum
Cotton Tail Special
941-776-0906

April 23 - 24
Jacksonville, FL
Mandarin Art Festival
904-268-1622

April 23 – 24
Dunedin, FL
Dunedin Life & Light Lantern Parade

April 23
Jacksonville, FL
Metropolitan Park
Ecofest
404-993-3080

April 23
Punta Gorda, FL
Dragon Boat Festival

April 23
Homestead, FL
Spring Fling “RUNWAY GOES TO THE DOGS”

April 24
White Springs, FL
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Easter Sunrise Service
386-397-2733

April 23
Sarasota, FL
Fairgrounds
The Take Over Festival

April 23
Tampa, FL
USF Botanical Gardens
Earth Day Tampa Bay 'Pride of Place'
813-974-5397

April 23
Greenacres, FL
Egg’stravaganza

April 23
Pensacola, FL
High Heel Dash
850-435-9222

April 23
Pensacola, FL
Civic Center
Disney on Ice presents:
Let's Celebrate!

April 23
Pensacola, FL
Community Easter Egg Hunt

April 23
Gainesville, FL
Gator Fly-in and Classic Car Competition

April 22 - 24
Naples, FL
Easter Bunny
with eggs for the animals at the zoo!

April 23
Gainesville, FL
First Annual Red Ribbon Run

April 24
St. Augustine, FL
Easter Parade
904-824-4991

April 21, 22, 23 and 25
Hollywood, FL - 21
Clearwater,FL - 22
Orlando, FL - 23
Naples, FL - 25
Tom Jones

April 23
Spring Hill, FL
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Wacky Egg Hunt
352-592-5656

April 23
Lakeland, FL
Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO)
(theatrical rock)
"Beethoven's Last Night"

April 23
Haines City, FL
Easter Egg Hunt
863-421-3700

April 24
Cocoa, FL
Bridal Open House - Sweet as Candy!
321-639-3500

April 24
Lake Wales, FL
Bok Tower Gardens
60-bell Singing Tower carillon
and the Lake Wales Chorale
Easter Sunrise Service

April 24
Clearwater, FL
Easter Egg Hunt in Coachman Park

April 22 - 24
Miami, FL
Miami Seaquarium
Bunny Palooza
305-361-5705

April 23
Delray Beach, FL
Easter Bonnet Pet Parade

April 23
Siesta Key, FL
Siesta Key Village
Easter Egg Hunt & Games

April 23 - 24
The Villages, FL
The Villages Easter Weekend Craft Festival
(Spanish Springs Town Square)

April 23
St. Petersburg, FL
Easter Spectacular at Crisp Park

April 23
Largo, FL
Spring Ecofest and Arbor Day Celebration

April 23
Largo, FL
Family Oasis Worship Center
Free Family Fun Carnival / Open House
727-415-7023

April 23
Jupiter, FL
Wheels Across The Pond
British Classic Car and Bike Show

April 23
Pembroke Pines, FL
Egg Hunt Triathlon & Duathlon
1-561-354-5941

April 23
Jupiter, FL
Easter Egg Hunt

April 23
Ocala, FL
Jay and the Americans
352-854-3670

April 23
Sebastion, FL
Earth Day Festival
772-918-8868

April 21 - 24
West Palm Beach, FL
Palm Beach County Convention Center
Disney Live! Mickey’s Magic Show
561-366-3000

April 23
West Palm Beach, FL
Cruzan Amphitheatre
Jimmy Buffett

April 23
Panama, FL
Panhandle Bikers for Babies Charity Event

April 23 and 24
Panama Beach, FL
Frank Brown Park - 23rd
Easter Egg Hunt
also
Panama City Beach, FL
Zoo World - 24th
Easter Egg Hunt

April 23
Panama City, FL
Earth Day

April 23 - 24
Miami, FL
Zoo Miami
Egg Safari
305-251-0400

Ice Skating in Florida

Florida Running Events

Florida Biker Events

Florida Car Shows

Florida Horse Shows

Florida Zoos

The Things to do in Florida list is usually posted each Wednesday.
_________________________________________

Also on Florahome USA:

Theatres and Performing Art Centers in Florida

Car Museums in Florida

The Florida Art and Artist List

Florida Pirates and
Maritime Museums

Gardens in Florida

Florida Science Museums


Music, food, art, theatre - things to do in Florida April 22, 23, 24, 2011

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Florida Science Museums

Science has never been more important and Florida science museums play an essential role stirring a kid's imagination and keeping that curiosity alive even into adulthood. Here's a list of some of those museums and other sources of science education available to the public in Florida.

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Boca Raton, FL
Boca Raton Children's Museum
498 Crawford Blvd.
Boca Raton, FL 33432
561-368-6875

Boca Raton, FL
Children's Science Explorium
300 S. Military Trail
Boca Raton, FL 33486
561-347-3912

Bradenton, FL
South Florida Museum
Bishop Planetarium
and
Parker Manatee Aquarium
201 10th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34205
941-746-4131

Cocoa, FL
Brevard Community College
(BCC) Planetarium and Observatory
1519 Clearlake Rd
Cocoa, FL 32922
321-433-7373

Davie, FL
Buehler Planetarium and Observatory
Broward Community College
3501 SW Davie Road
Davie, FL 33314
Planetarium Phone: 954-201-6681
Observatory Phone: 954-201-6315

Daytona Beach, FL
MOAS (Museum of Arts and Sciences)
352 S. Nova Road
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
386-255-0285

DeLand, FL
Gillespie Museum
Stetson University
234 E. Michigan Ave.
DeLand, FL 32723
Mailing Address:
Stetson University, Unit 8403
421 N. Woodland Blvd.
DeLand, FL 32723
386-822-7330

Fort Walton Beach, FL
Emerald Coast Science Center
139 Brooks Street
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-664-1261

Fort Lauderdale, FL
MODS (Museum of Discovery and Science)
401 Southwest 2nd Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
954-467-6637

Fort Myers, FL
Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium
3450 Ortiz Avenue
Fort Myers, FL 33905
239-275-3435

Fort Myers, FL
Imaginarium Hands-on Museum and Aquarium
2000 Cranford Ave
Fort Myers, FL 33916
239-321-7420

Fort Pierce, FL
Smithsonian Marine Station
PUBLIC EXHIBIT
420 Seaway Drive
Fort Pierce, FL 34949
772-462-FISH

Gainesville, FL
Florida Museum of Natural History
University of Florida Cultural Plaza
SW 34th Street and Hull Road
PO Box 112710
Gainesville, FL 32611-2710
352-846-2000

Jacksonville, FL
MOSH (Museum of Science and History)
1025 Museum Circle
Jacksonville, FL 32207
904-396-6674 ext. 210 or 711 for hearing impaired

Kennedy Space Center, FL
Kennedy Space Center
SR 405
Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899
321-449-4444

Lakeland, FL
Explorations V Children's Museum
109 N. Kentucky Avenue
Lakeland, FL 33801-5044
863-687-3869

Miami, FL
Miami Children's Museum
980 Macarthur Causeway
Miami, Florida 33132
305-373-KIDS (5437)

Miami, FL
Miami Science Museum
3280 South Miami Avenue
Miami, FL 33129
305-646-4200

Naples, FL
C'MON (Children's Museum of Naples)
Super Science and Amazing Art
PO Box 111116
Naples, FL 34108-0119
239-598-5058

Orlando, FL
WonderWorks Orlando
9067 International Drive,
Orlando, FL 32819
407-351-8800

Orlando, FL
Orlando Science Center
777 East Princeton Street
Orlando, FL 32803
407-514-2000
Toll Free: 888.OSC.4FUN

Panama City, FL
Science and Discovery Center of Northwest Florida
308 Airport Rd
Panama City, FL 32405
850-769-6128

Sarasota, FL
G-WIZ The Science Museum
The Blivas Science and Technology Center
1001 Boulevard of the Arts
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-309-GWIZ (4949)

St. Petersburg, FL
Great Explorations Children’s Museum
1925 4th Street N,
St. Petersburg, FL 33704
727-821-8992 or 727-823-4657 (TTY)

Tallahassee, FL
Tallahassee Museum
3945 Museum Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32310
850-575-8684
Info line: 850-576-1636

Tallahassee, FL
The Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science
350 South Duval Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
850-513-0700

Tallahassee, FL
Pat Thomas Planetarium at FSU
Dept. of Physics
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL 32306
850-644-1194

Tampa, FL
MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry)
4801 E. Fowler Ave. (across from the USF Sun Dome)
Tampa, FL
For immediate assistance: 813-987-6000
Toll free: 1-800-995-MOSI (6674)

West Palm Beach, FL
South Florida Science Museum
4801 Dreher Trail North,
West Palm Beach, FL 33405
561-832-1988

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Things to do in Florida April 15, 16, 17, 2011

There are so many things to do in Florida April 15, 16, 17, 2011 - by the time you finish reading this list, the events will all be over. Just kidding - though there really are so many things to do in Florida this week that even Lady Gaga made sure her tour dates for Florida were scheduled for the middle of April with special appearances in Florahome and Sopchoppy. KIDDING! - Florahome is still adjusting to all the traffic from the new Farmers Market. Another celeb performing here in Florida this week is our own JIMMY BUFFETT! Yes Jim is ALL OURS. April 16th is Jimmy Buffett Day by the way, being so declared for all the guy has done for the state of Florida, for the earth and of course for his home town - Margaritaville. And oh yes dude, the Beach Boys (Help Me Rhonda!) will also be here jamming with John Stamos at Universal in Orlando on the 16th. Speaking of Universal, it's great having even more visitors from the UK stopping by the park these days having a particular interest in a certain new attraction there. Hearing those accents throughout the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter really makes Hogwarts feel like Hogwarts. Thanks also to UK guests visiting Florahome USA - you're always welcome here. Of all the things to do in Florida April 15, 16, 17, 2011 - please remember April 22 is Earth Day and you can already begin celebrating by attending at least one of the many Earth Day events set for this weekend. With the tragedy in Japan reminding us of our responsibility to the planet and its environment, these events help us to discover new ways each of us can contribute. It wasn't that long ago the oil spill off the Florida coast threatened our own state. Thankfully, through prayer and the dedicated efforts of a great many, the beaches today are as beautiful as ever and there are still a whole lot of things to do in Florida April 15, 16, 17, 2011.

Visit The Nature Conservancy - Florida

The Things to do in Florida list is usually posted each Wednesday.

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Things to do in Florida April 15, 16, 17, 2011


April 13 - 17
Bunnel FL
Flagler County Fairgrounds
Flagler County Fair and Youth Show

Thru April 16
Eustis, FL
Lake County Fair
352-357-7111

Thru April 16
Brooksville, FL
Hernando County Fair
352-796-4552

Thru April 17
Maitland, FL
Florida Film Festival
407-629-1088

Thru April 17
Sarasota, FL
Sarasota Film Festival

April 13 and 15
Sarasota, FL
La Musica
International Chamber Music Festival
“A Musical Jubilee”

April 15 - 16
Apalachicola, FL
Antique & Classic Boat Show
850-653-8678

April 16
Belle Glade, FL
Black Gold Jubilee Festival
561-996-2745

April 16 - 17
Cape Coral, FL
Cape Coral Home & Garden Show
866-466-6300

April 15 - 16
Cape Coral, FL
Cardboard Boat Regatta

April 15 - 16
Chipley, FL
Falling Waters State Park
Legends and Lore
850-638-6130

April 16 - 17
Coral Gables, FL
Plant Show and Sale Presented by
the Bromeliad Society of South Florida
also on the 16th
Plants and People Program for Alzheimer's
and on the 17th
Sunday Sounds at Fairchild
305-667-1651

April 15 - 17
Cortez, FL
Small Craft Festival
941-708-6120

April 15 - 17
St. Augustine, FL
St. Augustine Sunrise Rotary presents
Rhythm and Ribs Festival 2011

April 16
Amelia Island, FL
Katie Ride (and walk) for Life
904-491-0811

April 16
Frostproof; FL
April Fun Nite
“Caribbean Night”
863-635-9112

April 16
Gulfport, FL
Gulfport Springfest
727-344-3711

April 16
Tallahassee, FL
Florida A & M University
Tallahassee Diamond Championship
(cheer and dance competition)

April 16
Lakeland, FL
Children's Festival
863-687-3869

April 14 - 17
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Eissey Campus Theatre
Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival
561-207-5900

April 13 - 17
Panama City Beach, FL
Seabreeze Jazz Festival
800-722-3224

April 16 - 17
Panama City Beach, FL
Spring Fling 2011 Car & Truck Show
800-722-3224

April 14 - 16
Daytona Beach, FL
Mary Mcleod Bethune Performing Arts Center
Dreamgirls

April 15 & 17
Plant City, FL
Buckler’s Craft Fair

April 16 - 17
Port Charlotte, FL
Charlotte County Nautical Flea Market
and Seafood Festival

April 15 - 16
Sarasota, FL
Municipal Auditorium
Gem, Jewelry, and Bead Show
941-928-3042

April 16
Sarasota, FL
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
Party on the Pass
941-388-4441 ext. 509

Thru April 17
Tampa, FL
Bay Area Renaissance Festival
800-373-0357

April 14 - 16
Live Oak, FL
The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park
Wanee Festival

April 15 - 16
Vero Beach, FL
Hibiscus Festival

April 15 - 16
Port Orange, FL
Lakeside Jazz Festival
386-756-3872

April 16
Pensacola, FL
Wine & Art Festival

April 16
Pensacola, FL
Saenger Theatre
Pensacola Symphony Orchestra
Pictures at an Exhibition
850-595-3880

April 16
Orlando, FL
UCF Book Festival

April 16
Vernon, FL
Orange and Bluegrass Festival
850-773-8112

April 16
Naples, FL
Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center
FREE Earth Day Festival
239-262-0304

April 16
Daytona Beach, FL
NCA/NDA Daytona Beach International Championship
(cheer and dance competition)

April 16
Daytona Beach FL
Florida Lighthouse Day

April 16 - 17
Starke, FL
Bradford County Strawberry Festival

April 15 - 16
Monticello, FL
Southern Music Rising Festival

April 16
Orlando, FL
Sevendust & Music Festival at Tinker Field
Earthday Birthday!
407-849-2000

April 16
Lakeland, FL
Lake Mirror Amphitheatre
Child of the Sun Jazz Festival
and Urban Triathlon

April 16
Holmes Beach, FL
Holmes Beach Founder’s Day Celebration

April 16
St. Augustine Beach, FL
Sea Turtle Festival

April 16
Venice, FL
Suncoast BBQ Bash

April 15 - 16
Lake Wales, FL
BBQ at Triple Canopy Ranch

April 15 - 16
Miami, FL
United Way Miami
Wine and Food Festival

April 16
Tampa, FL
Tampa-Hillsborough County Storytelling Festival
813-931-2106

April 16 - 17
St. Petersburg, Florida
Mainsail Arts Festival

April 15 - 16
Marianna, FL
Marianna Arts Festival
and BBQ Cook-Off
aka The Paint-N-Pork Fest

April 16
Ocala, FL
"ART IN THE PARK"
Sidewalk Chalk Festival

April 15 - 16
Madison, FL
Down Home Days Festival
850-973-2788

April 16
Titusville, FL
Earth Day Festival 2011
at the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary

April 15 - 17
Orlando, FL
Orange County Convention Center
Central Florida Home & Garden Show

April 16
Orlando, FL
Leu Gardens
Rose Show
407-324-3797

April 16
Sopchoppy, FL
FSU Coastal & Marine Laboratory
Spring Open House
850-697-4120

April 16
Winter Park, FL
Mead Botanical Garden
Earth Day Celebration

April 16
Jacksonville, FL
Guns and Hoses Charity Boxing

April 15 - 17
Jacksonville, FL
Metro Park & Marina
Southeast US Boat Show
also
Blessing of the Fleet on the 17th
2 p.m.
Hogan Street Gazebo, Northbank Riverfront

Thru April 17
Homestead, FL
Homestead RC Raceway
IFMAR 1/8 World Championship

April 16
Coral Springs, FL
EarthFest
954-344-1117 or 954-345-2112

April 17
Coral Springs, FL
Special Olympic Car Show
954-344-1833

April 15, 16, and 17
(in order)
Clearwater, FL - Ruth Eckerd Hall
Orlando, FL - Universal
West Palm Beach, FL - Kravis Center
The Beach Boys with special guest John Stamos

April 16
Lutz, FL
Traverse benefit 'Fun Show'
(horse show)
813-416-8482

April 15 and 16
Orlando and Tampa, FL
Lady Gaga
Orlando - Amway Center - 15th
Tampa - St. Pete Times Forum - 16th

April 16 - 17
Largo, FL
Skyway Cat Club Show

April 16
Fort Walton Beach, FL
Northwest Florida Fairgrounds
Arts and Craft Show
850-862-0211

April 16
Ocala, FL
Hog for Hope - Poker Run
352-351-2479

April 16 - 17
Kissimmee, FL
Critter Con All Pet Expo

Thru April 16
Eustis, FL
Lake County Fair

April 16
Tampa, FL
Florida State Fairgrounds
1-800-ASK-GARYAmphitheatre
Jimmy Buffett

April 16
Kissimmee, FL
Osceola Heritage Park Expo Hall
Florida Finals
Cheer & Dance Classic

April 15 - 17
Sarasota, FL
Suncoast Boat Show
954-764-7642
Toll Free: 800-940-7642

April 16
Brooksville, FL
Train Show

April 15 - 17
Ocala, FL
MONSTER JAM!
(monster trucks)

April 15 - 16
Melbourne, FL
Wickham Park
Runaway Country - Space Coast Music Fest

Thru April 24
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Au-Rene Theater
Wicked

April 17
Orlando, FL
The Plaza Live
Suddenly Seniors: The Musical

April 14 - 16 and 17
Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville Symphony
Holst’s The Planets
April 17
Jacksonville Symphony River Classic
(music, food, run, & Fun!)

Thru May 15
Lake Buena Vista, FL
EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival

More Earth Day Celebrations:
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Santa Rosa Beach, FL - April 15 - 16
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

Big Pine Key, FL - 16th
Bahia Honda State Park

Palm Coast, FL - 16th
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Dunedin, FL - 16th
Honeymoon Island State Park

Coconut Grove, FL - 17TH
The Barnacle Historic State Park

Osprey, FL - 17th
Oscar Scherer State Park
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Ice Skating in Florida

Florida Running Events

Florida Biker Events

Florida Car Shows

Florida Horse Shows

Florida Zoos

The Things to do in Florida list is usually posted each Wednesday.
_________________________________________

Also on Florahome USA:

Theatres and Performing Art Centers in Florida

Car Museums in Florida

The Florida Art and Artist List

Florida Pirates and
Maritime Museums

Gardens in Florida

Florida Gardening


Music, food, art, theatre - things to do in Florida April 15, 16, 17, 2011

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No More Monkey Business in NASCAR

The 'No More Monkey Business in NASCAR' isn't a reprimand concerning some new questionable goings on in the world of stock car racing, but rather a reminder of the sport's questionable but highly entertaining antics of the past. Who can imagine in this day and age, a professional race car driver streaking around the track with his pet monkey going along for the ride, yet it really did happen and was all just part of the show back in the early part of the 1950s. The likes of Tim Flock and his hairy pal, "Jocko Flocko" who lasted at least part of that race with his heavy footed owner may never be seen again, but will always be a part of NASCAR's colorful and complex story. Though NASCAR's birth certificate may show Daytona Beach, FL in February of 1948 as the place and time of its beginning, the roots of NASCAR go back much further - back to to the southern Piedmont where young men raced a very different kind of track that deservedly came to be called 'Thunder Road'. Fast, exciting and dangerous in the extreme, Thunder Road was a "speedway" for hauling illegal alcohol - homeschooling for many drivers in stock car's early days. It was also seen by some as the only road out of poverty as these future racing stars carried that wildness and daring with them from the wrong side of the tracks to the racetracks. If anything, NASCAR is a success story filled with as much comedy and drama as any playwright could hope for. The characters are also the stuff of legend beginning with its founder, William "Big Bill" France, a driver himself along with a cast ranging from preachers to politicians. And as for NASCAR's legion of loyal fans, over the years they have ranged from the famous to the infamous. With corporate sponsorships and far better safety regulations, NASCAR's image today is far different than the one it had when Tim Flock took that monkey for the ride of his life back in 1953, but one can't help but feel a twinge
of envy for those at the track that day when there was lot less money in the pocket and a little more monkey business in NASCAR.

_____________________________

Florida Race Tracks
Florida Car Museums
NASCAR.com


If you'd like to learn more about the history of NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Racing), the book - REAL NASCAR White Lightning, Red Clay and Big Bill France, by Daniel S. Pierce is a great read for anyone. It will also give longtime NASCAR fans an even greater appreciation for the sport.



You might also enjoy the 1958 Robert Mitchum Classic -
Thunder Road

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Things to do in Florida April, 8, 9, 10, 2011

This week's list of things to do in Florida April 8, 9, 10, 2011 - just like many of Florahome USA's other 'things to do in Florida' lists, has at least one event that generally grabs your attention causing you to scratch your head and say,... what? As for instance, last week's Florahome USA 'What?' award (just made it up) would definitely have gone to 'International Pillow fight Day'. This event celebrated with two marshmallowy donnybrooks in both Orlando and Jacksonville, FL is without question a greatly anticipated affair by pillow pugilists worldwide, but for those of us out of the loop,... well. At any rate, The video of the Jacksonville bout shown below was chosen for its shorter length but the one in Orlando along with many others all around the world can also be viewed on YouTube. Though opinions may vary, after scanning the list of things to do in Florida for April 8, 9, 10, 2011, Florahome USA is giving this week's, What? award to the Sopchoppy Worm Gruntin’ Festival. Just as the small town of Bostwick FL has risen to fruity fame for its annual Bostwick Blueberry Festival Sopchoppy is fast becoming synonymous with worm gruntin'. Of course it's also clear they have a great sense of humor and the festival promises to be a lot of fun. For those looking for some great music this weekend, other things to do in Florida April 8, 9, 10, 2011 include the Florida Music Festival in Orlando, Ricky Martin performing in Miami on the 9th with Lady Gaga also in Miami on the 13th, the multi/ultra-talented Harry Connick Jr appearing in locations from Miami to Naples - and the list of other upcoming musical events in Florida goes on. There are also more county fairs to enjoy this week and more things to do in Florida April 8, 9, 10, 2011 than can be listed. So start planning now and have a great time this weekend - and if you're not too busy, send us some pictures from Sopchoppy!



The Things to do in Florida list is usually posted each Wednesday

Things to do in Florida April 8, 9, 10, 2011

April 7 - 10
Jacksonville, FL
Veterans Memorial Arena
Disney on Ice

April 9 - 10
Gainesville, FL
Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival
352-395-5355
also
SwampFest Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
University Avenue and SE 1st Street
352-262-7182

April 10
Alachua, FL
Alachua Spring Festival

April 8 - 10
Venice, FL
Sharks Tooth Festival

April 9 - 10
Anna Maria Island, FL
Spring Art and Craft Festival
352-344-0657

April 1 - 9
Live Oak, FL
Suwannee County Fair
386-362-7366

April 10
Gulf Coast Half Marathon
Pensacola, FL

April 7 - 10
Sebring, FL
Sebring International Raceway
Celebration Exotic Car Festival

April 9
Davie, FL
Flamingo Gardens
Benefit Flea Market
954-473-2955 ext. 134

April 9
Delray Beach, FL
Circle on the Square Food & Wine Dance Party
561-243-7922

April 9 - 10
Fort Myers, FL
Buckler's Craft Fair

April 7 - 9
West Palm Beach, FL
Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction
480-663-6255

April 9 - 10
Sanford, FL
The St. Johns River Festival of the Arts

April 9
Lee, FL
Town of Lee
Old Time Days
Swap Meet/Yard Sale

April 7 - 10
New Smyrna Beach, FL
NSSA Southeastern Championship Surf Contest

April 7 - 9
Orlando, FL
Florida Music Festival

April 8 - 10
Orlando, FL
The 2011 Great American Pie Festival/National Championships
Sponsored by Crisco®
847-687-2722

April 8 - 10
Palmetto, FL
Gulf Coast Rhythm and Rib Fest
941-746-7470

April 8 - 9
Pine Island, FL
Florida’s Creative Coast Weekends
239-283-4842

April 9
Vero Beach, FL
McKee Botanical Garden
Fairy Festival
772-794-0601

April 9
Sopchoppy, FL
Sopchoppy Worm Gruntin’ Festival

April 9 - 11
Tampa, FL
Bern’s Winefest
813-253-0358

April 9 - 10
Wesley Chapel, FL
Wesley Chapel Celebration of the Arts
813-994-6795.

April 9
Deland, FL
Voulsia County Fairgrounds
Florida Railfair and Model Show and Sale
Charlie Miller: 386-736-8185
Alan Altman: 813-949-7197

April 8 - 10
Winter Park, FL
One Act Play Festival
407-920-4034

April 8 - 9
Tavares, FL
Dragon Boat Festival

April 9
Miami, FL
Miami Art Museum (MAM)
Family Festival
305-375-3000

April 9
Tallahassee, FL
Po' Boys
Crawfish Festival
850-224-5400

April 9 - 10
Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville Fine Arts Festival
904-384-8797

April 8 - 10
St. Petersburg, FL
Tampa Bay Blues Festival
727-502-5000

April 9
Naples, FL
Authors & Books Festival

April 8 - 10
Miami Springs, FL
Springs River Festival

April 9
Land O' Lakes, FL
Florida Estates Winery
Wine Festival
813-996-2113

April 9
Venice, FL
Kimal Event Center
Earth's Garden Festival

April 9
Lakeland, FL
The Lakeland Center
The Women's Show

April 9
Gainesville, FL
Alachua County Fairgrounds
Billetproof Car Show
813-597-3642

April 9
Davie, FL
Old Davie School House Museum
Odd Duck Handmade Indie Bazaar Craftfair

April 9
Jacksonville, FL
2011 Pure Fashion Show!
1-877-297-8499

April 9
Tampa, FL
Florida State Fairgrounds
Tournament of Champions
(cheer and dance competitions)

April 9 and 13
Miami, FL
American Airlines Arena
Ricky Martin on the 9th
also
Lady Gaga on the 13th

April 8 - 10
New Smyrna Beach, FL
New Smyrna Beach Balloon & Sky Fest

April 8 - 10
Naples, FL
Florida Sports Park
8250 Collier Boulevard
Naples, FL 34114
Monster Jam! (monster trucks)
239-774-2701

April 9
Orlando, FL
Orange County Convention Center
U.S Finals
(cheer and Dance Competition)
1-877-5-FINALS

April 9
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Holiday Park (gymnasium)
Florida State Championship
(cheer and dance competition)
239-596-6000

April 6 - 10
Daytona Beach, FL
NCA/NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship

April 9
Port Orange, FL
Southeast Volusia Humane Society's
Spring Fling
386-428-9860

April 10
Orlando, FL
Greyhound Pets of America (GPA)
(GPA)/Go Fun Day!
407-332-4754

April 7 - 9
Blountstown, FL
Panhandle Pioneer Settlement
Panhandle Folk Life Days
850-674-2777

April 9 - 10
Marathon, FL
Boat Show

April 9
Fanning Springs, FL
Fanning Springs State Park
“Springs and Blooms” Garden Festival
352-463-3420

April 10
North Palm Beach, FL
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
Bluegrass Music - The Conch Stomp Band
561-624-6950

April 8 - 10
Floral Park - Citrus County, FL
Native American Intertribal Pow-wow

April 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11
(in order)
Sarasota/Clearwater/Boca Raton/Orlando/Naples FL
Harry Connick Jr

April 9
Orlando, FL
Plaza 'LIVE'
Sing the Magic of the Musicals

April 9
St. Petersburg, FL
Progress Energy Center for the Arts
Mahaffey Theater
The Florida Orchestra presents
HOT! HOT! HOT! A NIGHT AT THE COPA
727-892-5798

April 9
Jacksonville, FL
Florida State College
Northeast Florida Ride for Kids

April 9
Parrish, FL
Florida Railroad Museum
Day Out with Thomas the Tank Engine
941-776-0906

April 8 - 10
Pinellas Park, FL
The 60th H&R Train Show
727-526-4682

Thru April 10
Cocoa, FL
The Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse
Finian's Rainbow
321-636-5050

April 8 - 9
Fort Myers, FL
Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall
Southwest Florida Symphony
The Dream of America

Thru April 10
Milton, FL
Santa Rosa County Fair
850-623-1115

Ice Skating in Florida

Florida Running Events

Florida Biker Events

Florida Car Shows

Florida Horse Shows

Florida Zoos

The Things to do in Florida list is usually posted each Wednesday.
_________________________________________

Also on Florahome USA:

Theatres and Performing Art Centers in Florida

Car Museums in Florida

The Florida Art and Artist List

Florida Pirates and
Maritime Museums

Gardens in Florida

Florida Gardening

The Things to do in Florida list is usually posted each Wednesday

Music, food, art, theatre - things to do in Florida April 8, 9, 10, 2011
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