What’s New in Florida – Spring 2010
Exhibits and shows
DAYTONA BEACH – Southeast Museum of Photography presents Double Exposure: African-Americans Before and Behind the Camera until May 30. The exhibit showcases vintage photographs from the Amistad Center for Art & Culture’s historical collection of art and photo-based art by contemporary African-American artists. This landmark exhibition highlights African-American history, as well as the history of photography and includes photographs, albums, and cased images, as well as contemporary art that incorporate vintage photographic imagery. For more information, please visit www.smponline.org or call (386) 506.4475.
DELRAY BEACH – The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens presents the Masterpieces of Japanese Laquerware from the Collection of Dr. Elizabeth E. Force until June 13. This exhibition introduces Morikami visitors to Japanese lacquerware through 40 superb examples from the 18th and 19th centuries. Some of these pieces include ornately decorated medicine cases, incense containers, document-storage boxes, writing sets and pieces from a local private collection. For museum hours and admission prices, please visit www.morikami.org or call 561-495-0233.
Dining
PENSACOLA – Scheduled to open this spring, The Grand Marlin, will feature upscale beach cuisine, an outside deck on Santa Rosa Sound, a private dining room, bar and live music. Bryan Housley, operating partner of Atlanta’s Ray’s on the River will serve as manager, while award-winning chef of the Virginia Highland’s Murphy’s, Gregg McCarthy, will serve as executive chef. Visit www.thegrandmarlin.com for more information.
Festivals and events
TALLAHASSEE – “Leap into Springtime” is the theme of this year’s 42nd Annual Springtime Tallahassee. A jubilee of parades, concerts, crafts and amusements make up Tallahassee’s largest community-wide celebration and one of the largest festivals in the Southeast. www.springtimetallahassee.com
SARASOTA – The 2010 Sarasota Open is scheduled for May 8-15, 2010 at the new Tennis Gardens Stadium at the Longboat Key Club. This Men’s ATP/USTA Professional Men’s Tennis Tournament, where top players in the world compete, is expected to attract more than 25,000 patrons. For those who want to do more the view the match from the stands, The Longboat Key Club is seeking volunteers to help with all aspects of the event. Visit www.sarasotafl.org for more information.
NAPLES – Naples Zoo participates in one of the largest Earth Day celebrations on record, Party for the Planet, on April 24. Visitors to Naples Zoo, as well as millions of other zoo and aquarium visitors across North America, will party for the planet with family fun activities and learn the latest ways to be kind to their wallet and the environment. Visit www.napleszoo.org for more information.
Attractions
ORLANDO – Wet ‘n Wild – Orlando is introducing a new spin on spring break with the Wet ‘n Wild Spring Break Beach Bash. Continuing daily through Saturday, April 10th, the Beach Bash will feature a live DJ, music, contests, dancing and prizes. Wet ‘n Wild’s Spring Break Beach Bash activities begin at 10a.m. and continue throughout the day. Call (407) 351-1800 or (800) 992-9453 or visit on the web at www.wetnwildorlando.com.
KEY WEST – Paddlefish Kayak Expeditions connects families to nature through first-class sea kayaking tours and multiday expeditions. Nature lovers can explore isolated mangroves, paddle remote glades, cast a line or soak in the scenic landscapes. Adventurers can experience backcountry kayak excursions, kayak snorkeling, hiking excursions, Everglades multiday sea kayaking expeditions and much more. For tour times, rates, tickets and information, call (305) 517-3666 or visit www.paddlefishkayaking.com.