Neighborhood notebook
By LORRIE LYKINS, Times Correspondent
Published January 30, 2008
GULFPORT
first Friday calls for art walk along beach boulevard
Looking for an arty way to kick off the weekend? Check out the First Friday Art Walk in the downtown arts district. Art, craft and food vendors will line the boulevard, and musicians will provide entertainment that can be heard throughout the waterfront district.
When: 6 to 10 p.m. Friday.
Where: Beach Boulevard.
Info: Call 302-9299.
Greetings from Florida at memorabilia show
The Gulfport Chamber of Commerce and the city of Gulfport will co-host the Floridiana Festival at the Gulfport Casino on Saturday.
The daylong show and sale of vintage Florida souvenirs, memorabilia and tropical kitsch will also feature artwork by the Florida Highwaymen.
Highwaymen to participate in the event include James Gibson, Willie Reagan, Issac Knight, Robert Lewis and Roy McLendon. Experts will provide free valuations of Florida art brought in for inspection.
There will also be continuous screenings of old Florida tourism films, and a documentary on the Florida Highwaymen. Admission is $6.
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Where: Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S.
Info: 321-8454 or www.hulahula.biz.
ST. PETE BEACH
Beach Theatre offers film, concert, game
If you're in the mood for some sci-fi fun, drop by the Beach Theatre on Saturday. The theater's free Saturday morning matinee series welcomes kids of every age. This week's screening is1964's Hercules vs. the Moon Men.
When: 10 a.m. Saturday.
Where:Beach Theatre, 315 Corey Ave.
Info: Call 360-6697 or visit www.beach-theatre.com.
Other events this weekend at the Beach Theatre include two live telecasts: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band in concert Saturday and the Super Bowl on Sunday.
According to Mike France of the Beach Theatre, Springsteen has a long-held affinity for small hometown movie theaters.
Because of this, Springsteen has committed to supporting fundraisers to help historic movie palaces. Emerging Pictures will partner with the theater for a high definition, Dolby Digital presentation of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band performing live in Barcelona.
All box office proceeds will be earmarked to help underwrite restoration costs at the theater. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online or at the box office. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. There will be one show only at 8 p.m.
Admission is free Super Bowl Sunday to watch the biggest football game of the year in high definition on a huge screen with Dolby Digital surround-sound.
Beer, wine, popcorn and hot dogs will be available for purchase. Call 360-6697 or check the theater Web site www.beach-theatre.com for more details.
Dance the night awayat the community center
Bob and Pegs perform dance music every Thursday at the St. Pete Beach Community Center. Come alone or bring a partner for an evening of swing, foxtrot, waltz, rumba, samba, tango and line dancing.
When: 7 to 9:30 p.m. Thursdays.
Where: St. Pete Beach Community Center, 7701 Boca Ciega Drive.
Info: Call 363-9245.
Kids can reach out, touch city vehicles
St. Pete Beach's fourth annual Touch-a-Truck Family Fun Day is next weekend at the St. Pete Beach Community Center.
Trucks and municipal vehicles of all shapes and sizes will be on exhibit for kids to check out.
A moon bounce house and a pottery creation station by Practically Pikasso will also be available.
This event is free.
When: 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 9.
Where: St. Pete Beach Community Center, 7701 Boca Ciega Drive.
Info:Call 363-9245.
What's the deal? Social card games, a bit of fun
If you enjoy playing cards, plan to attend the card party at the St. Pete Beach Community Center next week.
When: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Feb. 9.
Where: St. Pete Beach Community Center, 7701 Boca Ciega Drive.
Info: Call 363-9245 to sign up.
'Sense and Sensibility' first on book club list
The St. Pete Beach Public Library will host a discussion group devoted to the works of Jane Austen.
Members of the Jane Austen Book Club will read one title each month then meet for discussion.
The new program series begins Thursday and runs through June.
The first selection is Sense and Sensibility; multiple copies are available for checkout at the library.
When: 2 p.m. the last Thursday of the month and 10:30 a.m. the following Saturday through June.
Where: St. Pete Beach Public Library, 365 73rd Ave.
Info: Call 363-9238 for information.
The Beaches Neighborhood Notebook is compiled by Times correspondent Lorrie Lykins. E-mail news to SPTimeslistings@yahoo.com or snail-mail it to Lorrie Lykins, Neighborhood Notebook, P.O. Box 4954, Seminole, FL 33775. Deadline for inclusion in the Wednesday Neighborhood Times is 5 p.m. the previous Friday.