Displaying items by tag: Downtown Clearwater

Do You Believe in Magic?
Interview with an Illusionist… By Megan Brazil

Clearwater FL December 31, 2008 - When I heard that David Copperfield was coming to town I got incredibly excited. My excitement was twofold, David is not only a magnificent illusionist (who I never miss a chance to see his show) but I have known him for years through my late brother Chappy Brazil who was also a magician and a friend of David Copperfield’s. So, when TBI asked me to do the interview with him, I jumped at the opportunity to give TBI readers insight into the mystical world of a magician.

The Interview

Megan: How has magic changed since you began as a magician, for you, and for the audience?

David Copperfield: “After so many years, it all comes down to loving what I do and keeping up with the times. Performing my show is something I constantly think about. When I am on the road and heading to my next venue, I think about my audience: ‘Is it a college town or a family town? Should I make the music LOUDER for College kids?’ New tricks are added, old ones are dropped... so it stays fresh. But it’s the randomly selected participants from the audience that make it fresh each and every show; which has also provided some of the best comic relief of the day!

Ruth Eckerd Hall Restores “Capitol”

Clearwater FL, December 31, 2008 - Downtown Clearwater is undeniably expanding. With the recent sprouting of  towering condos and tasty restaurants, the city’s growth can no longer be hidden. The downtown area is now expanding in a new direction. A performing arts center.

From the penthouse of the Waters Edge building, Mayor Frank Hibbard and Robert Freedman on behalf of Ruth Eckerd Hall delightedly announced Ruth Eckerd Hall’s purchase of The Royalty Theatre, with the intention of  injecting Downtown Clearwater with a shot of culture. The creation of a performing arts center is expected to stimulate the economy of Downtown Clearwater by increasing and strengthening the arts presence which in turn  will draw people and businesses to the downtown area, hopefully creating the right environment in which private businesses can prosper.

The Royalty Theatre will be returning to its roots, as well as its original name, The Capitol Theatre. “I’m starting that trend right now,” joked Mayor Hibbard. The name of the theatre changed to The Royalty Theatre in the 1990’s when it was purchased by The Royalty Theatre, a local community theatre company.

The 20th Annual “Say No to Drugs” Holiday Classic 5K - 10K Run

Clearwater Florida, December 20, 2008 - Once again, a team of over 200 volunteers ranging from local business executives to children of the community worked together to orchestrate what has become one of the premier races in the Tampa Bay area. Top runners in prior years have included six-time World Ironman Triathlon Champion Mark Allen, Canadian Olympian Peter Maher, American Olympian Ronnie Holassie, Swiss Olympian Dan Otz as well as local Clearwater stars Mary Level-Menton and Judy Mercon-Maguire.

This year Heather Gollnick, 5-time Ironman champion and past national and world champion at national and world duathlon level, placed 4th overall.

The 20th Annual Say No to Drugs Holiday Classic drew 940 runners. “Last year we had 805, which was our previous highest ever year. What makes this [statistic] even more spectacular is that, this year, we were up by 140 runners with 3 other races taking place the same morning in Tampa, St. Pete and Tarpon Springs – with one of them sponsored by ESPN! Last year we were the only race on that day, so [this year] we’re especially pleased…” Race Director Chris Alexander proudly remarked.

Hibbard Proclaims Human Rights Week

Clearwater FL, December 10, 2008 - It was a chilly day for the gold coast of Florida; nevertheless, there was a lot of warmth at the Pangea Café in downtown Clearwater. It seems there is another holiday to be celebrated in addition to the traditional ones. December is Human Rights Month for the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights and the 60th Anniversary of this auspicious event was about to be honored by Poets and Youth for Human Rights.

On December 10th, 1948 led by the courageous Eleanor Roosevelt, the nations of the world united with the conviction to guarantee 30 rights to mankind. Clearwater was celebrating in its own way as it had for the past few years with poetry and a special reading of the Declaration. Adding to the honor of the occasion was a proclamation from Mayor Frank Hibbard declaring Human Rights Week and the inaugural presentation of the Clearwater Humanitarian Awards.

Sarasota, Florida, December 29, 2008  – The St. Armands Circle Art Festival returns for its 6th anniversary on January 31 and February 1, 2009. Admission is free and open to the public.

Year after year, the St. Armands Circle Art Festival in Sarasota, FL makes the list of Sunshine Artist Magazine’s top art shows in the country.

Despite the sluggish economy and a tough retail environment, Howard Alan Events, the festival’s promoter, says that it has not deterred crowds from attending its art fairs around the U.S. and is optimistic about the success of the St. Armands Circle Art Festival. Howard Alan, president, comments, “In today’s economy, people are not buying a new car or taking a big vacation, but they are still treating themselves to art.  They may be more conservative in their buying habits, but they are still buying.” Alan elaborates, “Art is an investment that’s tangible. You can hang it on the wall and enjoy it as it appreciates in value, as opposed to a piece of paper that you file away in a drawer.”

Clearwater FL  December 17th, 2008 - The Humane Society OF Pinellas Is excited about our upcoming, unique event that has been added to our schedule! Mark your calendars now so that you don’t miss out on this spectacular event taking place at Coachman Park, Downtown Clearwater on Saturday, January 31, 2009 from 10am-4pm. 

The City of Clearwater & The Wag Mag present - THE ULTIMATE TAILGATE PAWTY - To benefit the Humane Society of Pinellas

Football fever will be in the air, as Raymond James Stadium in Tampa is the sight of the season ending Big Game.  So we have decided to have a little tailgating fun of our own, for our own furry, fuzzy and feathered friends.

High School Students Sought for Nagano, Japan Exchange Program

CLEARWATER, FL December 26, 2008  –  The City of Clearwater is now accepting applications from students in grades nine through 12 interested in traveling abroad as part of an exchange program with Clearwater’s sister city, Nagano, Japan.

This year, four students will be accepted into the program who will travel to Nagano for two weeks during summer 2009. Participants will be immersed in the country’s language and culture as they stay with local families. In addition, they will visit and give presentations to junior and senior high schools in the Nagano area, and get involved in educational exchanges.

TAMPA, FL. - December 19, 2008.  We all know that this time of year brings much joy and excitement, but it can be a bit hectic too.  For a relaxing end to the holiday season, "Discover the Past" at Cracker Country and take a tranquil stroll back in time on Saturday, January 3, 2009 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Experience the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Florida in 1898 at our "Discover the Past" event.  Relive rural Florida history through a variety of hands-on experiences including spinning and weaving, butter making, toys and games, and corn shuck doll making.  You can also learn about the art of making cane syrup and help make a rope along with much more.  Admission is $6, children ages six to 12 years old and senior citizens enter for $5, and kids five and under are admitted free.

Venice, Florida  December 22, 2008  – The Downtown Venice Craft Festival celebrates its 2nd anniversary on January 24 – 25, 2009, as Main Avenue in downtown Venice is transformed into an outdoor craft art showcase complete with 150 crafters with affordable original works available for sale. Admission is free and open to the public.

In order to ensure a superior event with quality affordable original crafts, all of the local and national crafters have been hand-selected from hundreds of applicants by American Craft Endeavors, producers of the top outdoor craft festivals in the country.

Whether you are a craft enthusiast or looking for that unique one-of-a-kind gift item, there is something for everyone. From folk art, pottery, handmade jewelry and paintings, to personalized gifts, handmade clothing, scented soaps and body products, a full spectrum of craft art mediums will be on display and for sale with prices ranging from as little as $3 to $3,000.

The Luxury Apartment Community Sets a New Standard for Quality Living in Tampa

Tampa FL  December 11, 2008 - With the opening last month of The Vintage Lofts in the historic district of West Tampa better known as Hyde Park North, a new standard has officially been set. Developed by the Zaremba Group, The Vintage Lofts host six fabulous buildings, four stories each with 249, class-A apartment homes. The community is now the area's premier destination for luxury living. With two beautifully furnished models now open and luxurious apartment homes ready for immediate occupancy, it provides residents a highly convenient, upscale lifestyle less than one mile from downtown Tampa.

"This is a community truly like no other," comments Barbara Favreau, Property Manager at The Vintage Lofts. "Everything about it is outstanding…from the beautifully designed models to the lavish landscaping to the amazing location. It's already becoming a very popular community in the short time we have been open."