Seize the day

By Compiled by KATHLEEN LANG

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 21, 2000

Things to do

Have close encounters with 1,500 exotic animals for only $1 admission today during Lowry Park Zoo's Dollar Day. Featured critters include Florida manatees, primates, birds, alligators, camels and much more. The zoo is at 7530 N Boulevard, Tampa. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (813) 935-8552.

Today the Palladium Theater presents two entertainment events for all ages. Music is Ageless Concert features 200 elementary school students from Pinellas County in their yearly instrumental band concert at 2 p.m. Free.

At 7 p.m. today the Chamber Ballet Company presents excerpts from Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote and Dracula. Tickets are $12, $10 seniors and students, $8 ages 9 and younger. The theater is at 253 Fifth Ave. N, St. Petersburg. Call (727) 822-3590.

Turn your dial to WUSF-FM 89.7 for two musical events tonight. Sunday Symphonies features the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet at 7 p.m. From 9 to 11 p.m., the Gulf Coast Showcase airs Florida Pro Musica's Orchestra and Chorus with the Berlin Philharmonic performing a recent release of Mozart's Requiem. Call (813) 974-4890 or (800) 741-9090.

If you're in the market for something exotic to show off to your neighbors, then head to Manatee Civic Center, One Haben Blvd., Palmetto, for the Manatee Chapter of Rare Fruit Council International's annual rare fruit tree sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today. Featuring more than 3,000 trees, expert advice, books, jams and jellies and a special fertilizer. Free admission. Call Pete Ray at (941) 723-2380.

Things to view

Test the waters with a few of our toothy and sometimes dangerous neighbors today when WEDU airs Shark Mysteries: Unlocking the Secrets of the Gulf. Florida's west coast is home to an abundance of marine life, including at least two dozen shark species. The documentary includes more than 40 years of research by Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota. 3 p.m.

Take a peek into the private homes of the country's hottest chefs and restaurateurs tonight on Home & Garden Television's House Specials. Featured digs include a townhome in Sarasota owned by chef and cookbook author Marcella Hazan. 9 p.m.

-- Reach Kathleen Lang at lang@sptimes.com.