WOW A LOT OF FUN FOR A LOW PRICE

Hello all,

Florida has an abundance of things to do and see. Though the theme parks are the the most popular of things, they are also the most expensive! I've compiled a list of some of the lesser known places, that are just as fun and much easier on the pocketbook.

1. MOSI- (Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa)- this place is awesome. My family has been several times, and it has never disappointed us. Adults are just $26.95, children $20.95.

2. Gatorland-(in Orlando) Everything you want to see about alligators! Plus they have an aviary, petting zoo, animal shows and a zipline. Adults $23.99, children $15.99.

3. Lowery Park Zoo-(in Tampa)  This is a very nice zoo. My family has been here many, many times. They also have a train ride, and awesome shows. Adults- $29.99, children $22.95.

4. Wonderworks-(in Orlando) This is a really fun hands on experience the whole family can enjoy! There is so much to do and see, you can get lost here all day. They even have a magic dinner show here for a seperate fee.  Adults-$26.99, children $20.99.

5. Ripleys-(in Orlando) There are many oddities to see here. It also has hands on activities. Adults-$19.99, children $12.99.

6. WeekieWachi-(Springhill) This is one of the oldest attractions in Florida. One one side is Buccaneer Bay which boasts 2 water slides, a tiki bar, lazy river tubing,  and swimming in their springs. But be warned the water is COLD!! Stays a steady 72*. The other side you;ll see an underwater mermaid show, an animal show, and a boat ride. Adults- $13.00, children $8.00.

7. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks-(Tarpon springs) There is a lot to see and do in Tarpon springs. They have many one of a kind shops to browse, and delicious local Greek bakeries and restaurants.  They also have a local aquarium where the kids can pet and feed baby stingrays. Adults-$7.75, children $5.75.

Whichever you choose I'm sure you'll have a great fun filled time!!

SPOTLIGHT STORY- TONY WOOL AND ACTION FAB

Hello all

My Spotlight Story this week is about veteran welder Tony Wool and the company he works for Action Fabrication and Truck Equipment Inc. Everyone in southwest Florida knows if you need something welded or fabricated quickly and right you go to Action Fab. Action Fab is a family owned business located in Tarpon Springs. They treat their employees and customers like family.  And Action Fab knows to send you to one of their professional welders like Tony Wool, their longtime veteran welder.

Tony can weld and create anything you can imagine. He has 25 years experience in welding. He knows all phases of welding, Hes an expert in mig, tig, arc, oxy-acetylene, brazing  and aluminum welding. Hes helped create many truck designs for Disney , TECO , Rush Truck,  and Nextran to name a few. Tony has helped his company outlast many others. " We welcome competition", Tony says, "because we know we're the best!" Tony has been a mentor to many of the younger welders employed there. They all know if you have a question, ask Tony! He would be a great asset to any company he works for. He hopes one day to transition to be a welding instructor. He even has time to help others for fun as pictured below with him welding as a Storm Trooper for GISHWHES.

So if you're company has a new truck design concept you're not sure about, give the professionals at Action Fab a call. Tell them you want Tony on it. He'll do it quick and he'll do it right! The company is located at 1476 L and R Industrial Blvd., Tarpon Springs, Florida, 34689.

TOP 10 BEST CITIES TO LIVE IN FLORIDA

Hello all

Florida has many beautiful cities and each have a lot to offer. I've compiled a list of my top 10 best cities to live in Florida. I've based it on  certain  factors- schools, jobs, low crime, and what the city has to offer. Here are my top 10:

10.  Sanibel Island

9.  Cape Coral

8.  Boca Raton

7. Venice

6.  Dunedin

5. Oviedo

4. Winter Springs

3. Orlando

2. West Palm Beach

1. Naples

I know some may disagree. I didn't include some of the bigger cities like Tampa, St. Pete.,  Fort Lauderdale, and Miami. But once you factor in the traffic headaches and crime from those cities, they didn't make the cut!

MY RECIPE CORNER -DELICIOUS LETTUCE WRAPS RECIPE

Hello all,

I ran across this recipe today for copycat PF Changs lettuce wraps from Pinterest.  It looks delicious . Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground chicken
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, diced
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Sriracha
1 (8-ounce) can whole water chestnuts, drained and diced
2 green onions, thinly sliced
salt and pepper
1 head butter lettuce

DIRECTIONS:

1) Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium high heat.
2) Add ground chicken and cook until browned, drain excess fat.
3) Stir in garlic, onion, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar and Sriracha and cook about 1-2 minutes.
4) Stir in chestnuts and green onions until tender, about 1-2 minutes
5) season with salt and pepper, to taste.
6) Spoon several tablespoons of the chicken mixture into the center of a lettuce leaf and serve!
ENJOY!

WOW GREAT 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS

Hello all,

The 4th of July is upon us and I wanted to post some local places to go to celebrate the holiday:

Channelside  Bay Plaza 4th of July celebration

Tarpon Springs fireworks at Howard Park

Clearwater Celebrates America at Coachman Park

Safety Harbor 4th of July Celebration at Safety Harbor Marina

Sparklebration at Pasco County Fairgrounds

Largo 4th of July Celebration

Family Funfest and Fireworks at SS American Victory Steamship Museum

July 4th Celebration at Florida Aquarium

Everyone have a safe and happy 4th of July! Don't forget the sunscreen!

TOP 5 GAMES OF E3

E3 was last week and we got a lot of new announcements on some great games.

Here is my list of my top 5 games I cant wait to play from E3 by Chris Hauser

5. GOD OF WAR-

I love the original trilogy, it had some of the best combat and a great story.. And this one looks to be more of that! Set in Norse Mythology with the continung story of an older Kratos . This ones gonna be awesome!

4. BATTLEFIELD 1-

Battlefield has always been one of my favorite franchises. The hardcore shooting mechanics and pure destruction that you can bring about on any level has always drawn me to these games. Battlefield 1 is set in a world war 1 era and it looks beautiful.  New guns and clashes and vehicles,  I can't wait for this one!

3. CIVILIZATION 6- 

This game looks like what is needed to fill that turn based strategy niche. It has a new stylized art style over the realistic of CIV  5 I'm not a real fan of, but the outreaching city system they added looks to be real fun!.

2. FOR HONOR-

This new game by UBISOFT may look like a beat-em up style game in the vain of Dynasty Warrior but the elegant combat system comprised of blocks and parring. Its more of a battle of wits than a mindless button masher.

1. SKYRIM REMASTERED-

Dragonborn reborn. Coming to XBOX 1 and Playstation 4 . Whats better than a better looking Skyrim, nothing. Improved water and lighting effects and console modds.  I put a 100s of hours in the original and I cant wait to add more.

These all promise to be great fun! These are just some of many great games shown at E3.

JARED PADALECKIS NEW CAMPAIGN

Hello all,

I wanted to take a minute to talk about the terrible tragedy that occurred here in Florida. On  June 12, 2016 Orlando suffered a terrorist attack at the nightclub The Pulse leaving 49 dead and 53 injured. The senseless tragedy left many speechless and heartbroken,  My heart goes out to all victims and their families. Many people rallied together to help where they could. I've read reports of how many Floridians flocked to blood banks to donate and where the lines stretched for blocks.  One Illinois man taking it upon himself  built and delivered 49 crosses for the victims. It was also reported President Obama and former President  George W Bush both had met with Florida Governor Rick Scott to offer their condolences to Orlando.

  But one particular thing I wanted to draw attention to is the new campaign by Jared Padalecki of the show Supernatural at represent.com/Jared. The campaign features the sale of shirts with the logo "I AM ENOUGH". Quoting from their site, " In addition to finding charities that support the fight against depression, self harm and suicide a portion of the proceeds of the Rainbow tee will be donated to OneOrlando and Equality Florida's Pulse Victims Fund." --Jared
 The shirts sell for $23.99.  Help support if you can a good cause.  

https://www.facebook.com/JaredPadalecki/videos/542111645994435/     ;

https://represent.com/jared/padalecki-i-am-enough-live-yourself-first-for-orlando