Monthly Archives

June 2018

Fries Fit For a King

If you are anywhere near the downtown area of Tampa, Florida and you are looking for an italian place to dine and chill out, make sure to drop by FarmTable Cucina. This restaurant offers one of my favorite styles of dining, It’s casual, family-style with sharing plates and authentic dishes that combine the highest quality ingredients to bring flavor to every bite.

The Italian-inspired style of dining is who FarmTable was always meant to be. It’s been an evolution and now we can celebrate and enjoy what it has become. FarmTable Cucina is an Italian-inspired restaurant that focuses on fresh, house-made cuisine influenced by seasonal, regionally sourced and carefully curated ingredients. Favorite dishes include house-made pastas, pizzas and fresh breads. The full bar offers handcrafted cocktails, craft beer and wines by the glass.

FarmTable Kitchen began as a small-plate beer-and-wine-only bar, no reservations, then added a ticketed prix-fixe, multi-course tasting menu, dining room. St. Petersburg residents pushed back — they wanted a full menu, reservations, a full bar. Mina and partner Don Pintabona obliged.

This restaurant is located in the downtown St. Petersburg area, just a few blocks from Beach Drive and inside a newer outdoor mall. The downstairs area of the space is dedicated to a market. From the second you enter you encounter delicious looking food and tremendous smells. The restaurant itself is located above the market and it is a very modern and chic space.

The decor makes it feel like you are located inside a working industrial kitchen. From the second you enter you encounter delicious looking food and tremendous smells. In addition to a standard sandwich station and meat counter, the store area had a poke station, ramen bar, and a dozen other hot food areas. It is hard not to get a least a little excited after seeing that.

So if you are planning to visit Tampa,Florida and you are within visiting distance make sure to drop by this place and don`t forget to taste their duck fat fries and their burger, I heard it was to die for especially for those who love fries.

Photo Credit: https://www.yelp.com/

Attractions Cities of Florida Tampa

The Busch Garden

Busch Gardens is home to one of the largest zoos in the U.S. , it has a beautiful and manicured landscape of roller coasters, water rides, themed kids’ play areas and character interactions that stray from Florida’s dominant mouse paradigm. In short it is a zoo with rides! I believe this is the perfect equation for an unforgettable family getaway.

There are three reasons why families particularly enjoy spending a day at Busch Gardens: the beautifully landscaped grounds, activities that appeal to every age range, and opportunities to see exotic animals up close and even feed them by hand; over 2,700 animals, from aardvarks to zebras, are housed here in surprisingly natural environments that are spread across 335 acres. And of course this is NO Disney and they have shorter hours of operation. But there is NO shortage of friendly helpful staff and things to do.

Busch Gardens’ free-roaming habitat for African wildlife is thought to be the largest such environment outside of Africa, and zebras, giraffes, hippos, lions, gorillas, chimpanzees and more call it home. That is why we would occasionally find ourselves entrenched in lush scenery as we explored the park, almost as if we’d entered a jungle. That’s one of the things that makes Busch Gardens so unique, which is emphasising on animals and their natural habitats in addition to having thrill rides.

Whether you’re looking for a zoo-like experience complete with kangaroos eating from your hand and safari trips across a realistic savannah, live shows that cater to your two year old and let him cuddle with Elmo, or thrill rides that will keep the teens in your entourage thinking you’re the best parents around, Busch Gardens is that rare theme park that offers a heavy dose of something for every age child.

You can tour the entire park in one day, but devoting two days to your visit will let you explore all of the attractions at a more leisurely pace. So consider tacking on a few extra days while you’re in these parts to make the most of your family vacation.

Photo Credit: https://www.mymeenalife.com/

Cities of Florida Schools Schools Tampa

List of Schools in Tampa

Children throughout Tampa wake up each Monday through Friday and head out to school, lunch and books in hand. While they may bemoan another day filled with reading, writing and arithmetic, they are receiving their education from one of the highest ranked school districts in the state.

Hillsborough County School District has a policy of offering a dynamic cross-section of schooling options because they understand that a “one size fits all” education doesn’t coalesce with their community. These include Walton Academy of the Performing Arts and two teen parent schools. Among the public schooling options are magnet and charter schools.

Magnet Schools
Magnet schools offer students a more exploratory education. Students must show a strong interest in the field of study of their chosen magnet school in order to be considered for enrollment. Even though magnet schools educate studies concentrated in a specific field, they are funded by the state and school district and must adhere to the performance standards just like traditional public schools. Most students of magnet schools go on to complete post-secondary education in their field of study. Magnet schools, listed with their field of study, in the New Tampa area include:

Cahoon Elementary, Animal Science
Dunbar Elementary, Math/Science/Technology
Lee Elementary, World Studies
Lincoln Elementary, International Studies/International Baccalaureate
Lockhart Elementary, Foreign Language & Global Studies; Visual/Performing/Communication Arts
Lomax Elementary, Math/Science/Technology
MacFarlane International Studies/International Baccalaureate
Muller Elementary, Environmental Studies; Visual/Performing/Communication Arts
Philip Shore Elementary, Visual/Performing/Communication Arts
Rampello Kindergarten through 8, Cultural Arts & Humanities

Charter Schools
While magnet schools offer highly concentrated curriculums, charter schools offer highly specialized teaching styles. Charter schools are owned and operated privately with subsidization through Hillsborough County School District and the State of Florida. They are just as accountable as traditional and magnet public schools through FCAT testing (more on this under “Standards”, below.)

Charter schools often require parents to commit to a number of hours of volunteer work throughout the school year. They also require that parents understand their particular charter, or contract. Examples of charter school options include those that teach in Montessori style, Core Curriculum or Independent Study (distance learning.)

Any student that qualifies for public education in Hillsborough County may apply to attend a charter school, regardless of how far or close the student lives from the school.

Standards
The Sunshine State Standards, or SSS, are the uniform educational criteria for each grade level from Kindergarten through graduation. All public and most private schools in Florida have adopted these standards and teach material so that students will meet or exceed them.

In 1998, the State of Florida began testing students based on the criteria to gauge the effectiveness of the SSS. A consortium of educators and instructional professionals from around the United States came up with the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, or FCAT.

Students are tested annually from third grade through eleventh. Reading and math tests are given each year. Writing is assessed in all grades except fifth and eleventh grades. Science knowledge is tested in fifth, eighth and tenth.

Beginning in the 2005-2006 school year, students are required to successfully pass the tenth grade test to qualify for a regular high school diploma upon graduation. Students scoring less than a passing grade on any of the subjects tested are offered subsequent testing opportunities during their eleventh and twelfth grade years.

According to 2005 testing scores, Florida students scored at or above the national average in fourth grade reading, fourth and eighth grade writing, fourth grade science and fourth grade mathematics. All other grade levels and areas of study that were compared showed Floridian students were close to national averages and gaining ground.

Gorrie Elementary, located just a mile from the University of Tampa in West Tampa, scored highest of all elementary schools in fourth grade reading and mathematics among all Hillsborough schools tested in 2006. Roosevelt Elementary, located in the Palma Ceia area, scored highest for fourth grade writing skills of all Hillsborough County schools during 2006.

Terrace Community Middle School, a charter school located just south of New Tampa, scored highest among all eight graders tested in 2006 in Hillsborough County middle schools for math and science. Wilson Middle, located in the Davis Island community, scored highest among eighth graders in reading and writing.

Palma Ceia area’s Plant High School scored highest among all Hillsborough County tenth graders for math, reading and writing in 2006.

New Tampa schools showed remarkable staying power and above average scores for each of their six elementary, two middle and two high schools. Each school scored 300 or more in all subjects tested in 2006, for grades four, eight and ten.

Private Schools in Tampa
Some families in the New Tampa area prefer a religious or college preparatory private school for their children to receive their education. While the list of private education options is copious, below is a list of a few of the most prominent private schools in the area, as well as their particular specialty.

Berkeley Preparatory School operates to create well-rounded, college bound students. They provide education from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. The teachers and staff strive to educate students beyond reading, writing and arithmetic; they offer competitive sports and arts as well as numerous clubs and community service projects.

The Academy of Holy Names is one of the oldest private schools in the Tampa area, having been founded in 1881. Their pre-kindergarten through eighth grade offers excellence in education to both boys and girls. Ninth through twelfth grade classes are restricted to an all-female student body. The school’s teaching are based on the Catholic faith. Students are not required to be of the Catholic faith to attend, though nearly three-quarters are.

The Jesuit School is an all-boy school with a reputation for turning out high-achieving graduates. This school was founded 18 years after the Academy of Holy Names. Jesuit School education includes numerous missionary and community service opportunities for its students. Students are not required to be members of the Jesuit Church.

In 2002, a three-decade old school began unpacking boxes in their new, state of the art facility across from its former home at the University of Tampa. Tampa Preparatory School serves students and their family from sixth grade through twelfth. Tampa Prep doesn’t offer remedial classes, their program was designed to offer challenging coursework in core subjects as well as a wide diversity of other subjects – fine art, computer technology, music, dance, theater, golf, track, swimming, volleyball, soccer, baseball, basketball and wrestling.

Co-ed students at Tampa Catholic High School receive their education in the three R’s as well as the three purposes set forth by the Catholic faith – teaching the Message of God as revealed in Christ and through His Church; building Community through fellowship in the life of the Holy Spirit; and providing opportunities for Service to the community. After school, students continue their education by taking part in some of the nearly two dozen clubs and extra-curricular activities. Tampa Catholic’s philosophy is to educate the entire student- mind, body, and spirit.

Attractions Cities of Florida Tampa Travel

The Florida Aquarium

The Florida Aquarium in downtown Tampa is a wide-ranging facility and a home to more than 20,000 beautiful sea creatures. Here you will find an assortment of both common and unique sea life including: tiger sharks, massive sea turtles, stingray, jellyfish, seahorses, leafy dragons, and even a Grouper Goliath. Experience sharks, alligators, penguins and much more! Immerse yourself in interactive programs like Dive with the Sharks, Shark Swim and Swim with the Fishes or take a Wild Dolphin Tour on board the Bay Spirit II, a 72-foot powered catamaran.

They also offer special Behind the Scenes experiences like Penguins: Backstage Pass are unique and exciting as you come face to beak with our adorable penguins. You can also check out the numerous hand on experiences available featuring: stingray, starfish, and horseshoe crabs. Here’s your chance to touch these beautiful creatures with your own hands! After exploring all the exhibits inside, splash away at the Aquarium’s new water play area, The Splash Pad!

In addition to the exhibits mentioned above, for an extra fee, you can purchase special additions. Here’s a listing of the various options available:

– Backstage Penguin Encounter – A 30-minute experience where you will get to pet penguins and observe them in a close setting.

– Dolphin Cruise – A 75-minute cruise with plenty of opportunities for sightings.

– Stingray Feeding – A tour providing additional information on stingrays with the opportunity to hand feed one yourself.

– Swimming with the Fishes – Swim with the fishes in the Coral Reef Gallery

– Diving with the Sharks – Certified scuba divers can swim with the sharks in the Coral Reef Gallery.

– Behind the Scenes Tour – See what happens after hours in the aquarium, including food preparation and feedings. You will also get to observe areas traditionally closed to the public.

A word of advice visit on a weekday for fewer crowds and a more relaxing experience. There are several rocking chairs and seats set up to relax and enjoy the tanks, However, on the insanely crowded weekends in can be hard to walk around, let alone relax.

Also, Check Groupon, Living Social, and Amazon Local for deals. You can save as much as 50% by using these sites. Or pick up a brochure with a coupon for $3 off each admission (available in the Tampa Visitors Center).

Oh! And one more thing, don`t forget to bring your favorite camera and be ready to take unlimited photos of captivating and candid moments on your trip.

Attractions Cities of Florida Tampa Travel

A One of a Kind Adventure Park in Tampa

When planning a trip to visit Florida, because of its size and must-see tourist attractions, one must prepare through proper planning and research. Amongst the list of must to go places is Tampa, Florida. Here you can locate one of the largest animal attractions at Busch Gardens Tampa.

The 335-acre adventure park’s habitats offer views of some of the world’s most endangered and exotic animals. For the best animal sightings, go to their habitats early, when it’s cooler. You can experience up-close animal encounters on the Serengeti Plain, a 65-acre free-roaming habitat, home to reticulated giraffes, Grevy’s zebras, white rhinos, bongos, impalas, and more. Myombe Reserve allows you to view lowland gorillas and chimpanzees in a lush, tropical-rain-forest.

The park has eight areas, each with its own theme, animals, live entertainment, thrill rides, kiddie attractions, dining, and shopping. A Skyride cable car soars over the park, offering a bird’s-eye view of it all.

Added up-close tours are available, including a 6-hour zookeeper-for-a-day program and a nighttime safari by lantern light. Tour components and prices are subject to change without notice and park admission is required, but not included.

The Jungala exhibit brings Bengal tigers to center stage and puts them at eye level allowing you to view them from underground caves and underwater windows. The big cats are just one of the reasons the theme park attracts some 4.5 million visitors each year.

It’s a don’t-miss attraction for children and adults who can see, in person, all those wild beasts they’ve watched on Animal Planet and they’ll get better views of them here than at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has more than 2,000 exotic animals living in natural-style environments. If you want to beat the crowds, start in the back of the park and work your way around clockwise.

Photo credit: www.undercovertourist.com

Cities of Florida Florida Travel

Planning A Romantic Beach Wedding In Florida

When you think of Florida what do you think of? I think of FUN! As a child I spent time in Florida every year and we had fun at the beaches, fun at the Theme parks, just plain old fun was had every time we visited Florida. Now that I’m planning my wedding, I’m looking for the ideal spot to hold the ceremony, I keep thinking about the beach wedding I’ve always dreamed of as a little girl.

For those of you whom have never been to Florida, it’s a peninsula state located in the Southeastern portion of the United States. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, Citrus groves, The Everglades and Theme Parks. It’s also known as the place that many people like to spend their days in retirement. It’s no wonder why Florida is one of the top vacation destinations in the world.

Not surprising, Florida is becoming a popular spot to have wedding ceremonies. In particular the St. Petersburg and Clearwater area, this is on the Gulf Coast. These two cities are reportedly hosting 8,500 weddings annually. The beaches on this coast are some of the most beautiful in the world, which make an exciting and romantic backdrop for a wedding.

One of the reasons that Florida’s gulf coast is so popular is that there are so many options for the bride and groom to choose. Yes, you can have a beautiful beach wedding but there are some magnificent Botanical Gardens here also. The Tampa Bay lighthouse is used for some weddings as well as a number of unique and exotic locations. With so many options to choose from, it’s no surprise as to Florida’s rise as one of the top wedding destinations!

Privacy and romance are top consideration when planning to perfect Florida wedding. Most of the companies that offer beach weddings are geared towards small parties under 60. When considering my budget I was happy to find that the wedding beach pricing was indeed affordable. Prices range from modest to extravagant; there is definitely something for every bride and grooms budget.

Guests will be treated to a memorable experience too. The beach setting of thundering ocean waves, snow white sand and warm soothing sun create an atmosphere of bliss for everyone attending the ceremony. As the bride and groom proceed through the ceremony, it’s said that all in attendance are moved by the beauty and romance of the beach setting. The soon to be newlyweds are not only providing memories that last a lifetime for themselves but for their guests as well.

Yes, Florida does look like a great wedding destination spot. If you haven’t considered planning an exotic wedding do you self a favor and look into it. You may want to contact your travel agent or an online service to check to see if flying to Florida will be in your budget. I did and found that the cost would be far less than a traditional wedding at home. Naturally we’ll remember this special day where ever we choose to hold it but having the choice of being married in a romantic location like one of Florida’s breathtaking beaches or a traditional indoor wedding, the beach wedding just seems so much more special. Little did I know that my dream wedding as a little girl may very well be the wedding that becomes my reality.

Cities of Florida Miami Schools

Choosing and Living the Profession of Your Dream

In almost everyone`s childhood, often if not everyone, one goes through the stage of getting asked of what they would want to be when they grow up. One common answer would be becoming a pilot and travel around the world. Wherein sometimes there are instances where you would imagine being inside your cockpit and maneuvering your aircraft as you sail the skies. If not an Engineer, who creates, build and innovate things to help make exploring the unknown things in the aviation world and life itself easier for everyone.

Lucky for those who reside in Daytona Beach, Florida you can be a step closer from achieving your dreams of becoming the captain of your own aircraft, the chief engineer of your own assembly line. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University helps you live your dream and teaches you the essentials of attaining the profession you desire.

Serving approximately 5,700 undergraduates and 600 graduate students, the 185-acre Daytona Beach campus offers a traditional residential college experience to enhance our world-class, highly-ranked academic programs. Their campus provides you with what you need from sports facilities, accommodation and recreation to spiritual life needs. offers excellent support for flight training, research and industry partnerships.

The Daytona Beach Academic Colleges meet the needs of aviation or engineering students of the 21st century and set the standard in high-level quality education demanded by the profession. The university sees to it that their students are fully equipped with the skills, knowledge and right amount of professionalism as they venture the field of profession they choose.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University also offers other courses and adds to the many things to consider why Miami, Florida is absolutely the best place to settle down and build your own life.

Cities of Florida Miami Schools

Education Leads To A Brighter Future

When deciding on life changing matters like, place to settle and live there are crucial criteria to fill in before arriving on a conclusion such as accessibility, cost of living, salary and education for the children. Amongst all variables the most important one would be the quality of education available, because this will play a crucial role in determining the future of their children.

And that is why a lot of people are considering to settle in the Miami, Florida area because of a certain well-known school called University of Miami. The University of Miami has three campuses on more than 400 acres in Miami-Dade County locations stretching from Coral Gables and the city of Miami to South Dade.

One of the courses they offer and take pride on is Marine and Atmospheric Science, this was established in 1943 and since then it has grown from its modest beginnings in a boathouse to be one of the nation’s leading institutions for oceanographic and atmospheric research and education.

Originally a tropical marine biological facility, the Marine Laboratory initiated a program of studies leading to the Master of Science degree in 1949. Today the Rosenstiel School has a faculty of over 80 who conduct sponsored research while offering studies leading to the Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Professional Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees.

The Rosenstiel School strives to be in the forefront of basic and applied research as it applies to the ocean, atmosphere and global environment, with particular emphasis on subjects of societal significance.

To maintain the high-quality standard of education they offer, Applications for incoming freshmen are processed and reviewed by the Office of Admission. Enrollment in the Undergraduate Marine Science and Atmospheric Science Programs is selective and highly competitive. Admission decisions are based on the secondary school record, SAT/ACT score, counselor’s evaluation and the applicant’s essay.

Life is all about choices, that is why it is always best to consider and weigh things in choosing the best option for a brighter future.

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