Tampa Bay summer events listings

ATTRACTIONS

ADVENTURE ISLAND, 10001 Malcolm McKinley Drive, (813-987-5660). This 30-acre water park features a huge variety of amusements, including slides, corkscrews, water falls, a wave pool, children's water playground and other family attractions. Additional amenities include outdoor cafes, picnic and sunbathing areas, gift shops, arcades and a white-sand volleyball complex. The park is open daily March through October; hours vary. Single-day passes are $39.95 adults, $35.95 ages 3-9; children 2 and younger enter for free ($10 parking fee). Combo tickets for Busch Gardens and Adventure Island are also available. adventureisland.com.

ANIMAL KINGDOM, I-4 East to Walt Disney World exits, (407-939-6244). This Disney attraction is a hybrid zoo theme park running the gamut from "wild creatures of southern Asia" to gibbons and other exotic animals. Top attractions include the jungle safari, a Jeep-style tour through the bush; and Dinosaur, a virtual encounter with beasts of the past. Open daily; hours vary from week to week. Single day passes are $79.88 adults, $67.10 ages 3-9 (free for tots 2 and younger); Disney combo ticket packages and discounted multi-day passes are also available. disneyworld.disney.go.com.

AQUATICA, 5800 Water Play Way, Orlando, across from SeaWorld, exit 71 (888-800-5447). SeaWorld's brand spanking new water park opened its gates to the public in March. Aquatica's highlight is Dolphin Plunge, which features 240-feet of clear tubes that spiral through a lagoon with black-and-white Commerson's dolphins; other offerings include restaurants, 36 slides, a lazy river, interactive play areas, 80,000-square-feet of sandy beaches and plenty else. Open daily; hours vary. Admission is $44.95 adults, $38.95 ages 3-9 (children 2 and younger enter for free). Parking is $12. aquaticabyseaworld.com.

BIG CAT RESCUE, 12802 Easy St., Tampa (813-920-4130). This 45-acre facility is the world's largest nonprofit sanctuary for big cats who've been abused, abandoned or are retired from performing. More than 100 lions, leopards, cougars, tigers, lynx, caracals, bobcats, ocelots, servals and others call it home. The 90-minute guided tours are offered at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Mon.-Fri., and at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Sat. (ages 10 and up only); admission is $25 per person. The one-hour Kid's Tour (for children 9 and younger, $15) is offered 9 a.m. Saturdays. Feeding tours, photo tours and night tours available for $50 per person; other tour options also available. With an original receipt from a veterinary showing you neutered or spayed your pet or adopted a fixed animal from a shelter within the past year, a free day pass is available. bigcatrescue.org.

BUSCH GARDENS, 3000 E. Busch Blvd., Tampa (813-987-5082). This 300-acre African-themed park and zoo boasts more than 2,000 animals, some scattered across a mock Serengeti Plain, some swinging in the trees of the Myombe Reserve. Attractions include a three story tree house playground, Land of the Dragons, a replica of King Tut's tomb, roller coasters like Kumba, Montu, Gwazi, and the newest, SheiKra, and plenty of other rides. Edge of Africa features hyenas, giraffes and other jungle creatures, and a variety of guided Jeep tours allow guests to feed, observe and learn about giraffes, ostriches and other animals (for an additional charge). Visitors can also choose from an assortment of shows, restaurants and gift shops. Open daily; hours vary from week to week. Admission is $69.95 adults, $59.95 ages 3-9, and for Florida residents, this includes unlimited admission through the rest of the year (children 2 and younger enter free); parking is $12 (combo Sea World and Aquatica tickets also available). buschgardens.com.

CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM, 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater (727-441-1790). The nonprofit aquarium is dedicated to public education, marine research, and the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sick or injured dolphins, sea turtles and river otters. Visitors can see all of these rescued animals in addition to hourly animal care and training presentations, underwater viewing of native sharks and fish, standard and "hands-on" exhibits and more. New renovations have given the aquarium a facelift and features include a 100-seat widescreen theater, windows in the dolphin pool and an expanded gift. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.- Thurs., 9 a.m.-7p.m. Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. Admission is $11 adults, $9 seniors, $7.50 ages 3-12. cmaquarium.org.

DISCOVERY COVE, 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando (877-434-7268). This reservations-only, man-made aquavaganza features swim areas where visitors can actually splash about with bottlenose dolphins and rays, snorkel among exotic fish in a coral reef lagoon, wade in freshwater pools and rivers, hand feed birds and relax in hammocks. The prefab Tahitian-style day-resort boasts sandy white beaches, thatched huts and a "high level of personal attention." Only 1,000 guests are admitted per day, so reservations are required. Open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily. Admission is $289 and includes all cove adventures, a freshly prepared meal, free access to amenities (snorkel gear, wet suits, towels, lockers, beach umbrellas, chairs, hammocks and a personal guide), and a 14 consecutive day pass to Sea World or Busch Gardens; for $189, you get all of the above, minus the dolphin swim. discoverycove.com.

ELLENTON ICE AND SPORTS COMPLEX, 5309 29th St. E., Ellenton (941-723-3663). The 115,000-square-foot site features two NHL-sized rinks for public and inline ice skating, youth and high school ice hockey league opportunities, video games, and a fitness center. Admission is $8 adults, $6.50 seniors, free for children under 3. $3 skate rental. Hours vary. ellentonice.com.

EPCOT CENTER, I-4 East to Walt Disney World exits (407-939-6244). In the land where pigs and carrots sing, this renowned Orlando attraction makes learning fun. Be sure to check out Mission: SPACE, a thrilling interactive adventure. Future World features informative displays about technology and science, and Test Track takes visitors on the longest, fastest ride in the Disney Triumvirate, where guests see and feel the Arctic cold and desert heat, then zip along at 65 mph. Open 9 a.m.-9p,m. daily. Single day passes are $79.88 adults, $67.10 ages 3-9 (free for tots 2 and younger); Disney combo ticket packages and discounted multi-day passes are also available. epcot.com.

FANTASY OF FLIGHT, 1400 Broadway Blvd. S.E., Polk City, (863-984-3500). An aviation-themed attraction that feautres vintage aircraft culled from one of the world's largest private collections, themed immersion experiences, flight simulators, interactive exhibits like The Tuskegee Airmen - They Dared to Fly and a multimedia tribute to the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots), A Passionate Pursuit, restoration and backlot tours and more. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.Admission is $28.95 adults, $26.95 seniors, $14.95 ages 6-15. fantasyofflight.com.

THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa (813-273-4000). This impressive downtown Tampa attraction focuses on Florida marine life and habitats. See indigenous sea creatures displayed in more than a million gallons of fresh and saltwater, an invasive species exhibit, limestone caverns, underground aquifer, beaches and marshlands, hands-on shark and ray exhibits, Eco-Tours on a 64-foot catamaran (for an additional price), dive shows and more. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission is $19.95 adults, $16.95 seniors, $14.95 ages 11 and younger (kids 2 and under enter for free). flaquarium.org.

FLORIDA BOTANICAL GARDENS, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo (727-582-2100). See what's in bloom at this cute, 182-acre park, which is filled with native Florida plants and exotic tropicals displayed in both natural and formal gardens. The park is also a natural habitat for Florida wildlife and serves as part of Pinewood Cultural Park, its neighbors Heritage Village and Gulf Coast Museum of Art. Open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. Free admission (donations welcome). flbg.org.

GATORLAND, I-4 East to exit 62, 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando (800-393-JAWS). Established in 1949, this place claims to be the alligator capital of the world, and hey, who wants to argue? Step through the gaping gator mouth entrance, take the swamp walk and watch gators lounge, stroll down a wooden boardwalk through a canopy of trees and enjoy a view of the 110-acre natural habitat from a three-story observation tower, or check out the park from the safety of the Iron Horse train. There's a petting zoo (sorry, no gators), reptilian shows, an aviary, educational programs, and Lilly's Pad, a water fountain park for kids. After working up an appetite, sample smoked gator ribs and deep-fried gator nuggets at Pearl's Smokehouse. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission is $22.99 adults, $14.99 ages 3-12. gatorland.com.

HISTORIC SPANISH POINT, 337 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (941-966-5214). An environmental, archaeological and historic site featuring a prehistoric Indian mound, pioneer homestead buildings, trails, boardwalks, a butterfly garden and gardens from the estate of Mrs. Potter Palmer. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun. Admission is $9 adults ($8 Florida residents and seniors), $3 ages 6-12; children 5 and younger enter for free. historicspanishpoint.org.

ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE, Universal Studios grounds, 1000 Universal Studios Plaza (East I-4 to exit 75A), Orlando (407-363-8000). This mega-theme park dazzles visitors of all ages and tastes with five distinct islands in which to indulge. Visit Seuss Land, which is based on the popular children's books, or check out Marvel Superhero Island. Jurassic Park lets you ride the Dueling Dragons inverted roller coaster with two trains speeding, at times, 12 inches apart. The Triceratops Encounter is a peek at virtual 'saurs -- including a 24-foot Triceratops that feels, acts, smells and even defecates like the real prehistoric pets. Hours vary from week to week. Admission is $73 adults, $63 ages 3-9; children 2 and younger enter for free. universalorlando.com.

LEBARGE TROPICAL CRUISES, U.S. 41 at Marina Jack's, Sarasota (941-366-6116). A fun and unusual way of exploring Sarasota's marine life and history, Le Barge offers three different tours in addition to private charters, special events and late night cruises. Dolphin watch cruises depart at 11 a.m. Tues., Thurs., Sat.; narrated sight-seeing cruises depart at 2 p.m. daily; sunset cruises with live entertainment, a light menu and a full bar depart between 7 and 9 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Tickets are $20 for the dolphin and narrated cruises ($15 children 12 and younger), and $23 all ages for the sunset cruise (children 3 and younger ride free). lebargetropicalcruises.com.

MAGIC KINGDOM, I-4 East to Walt Disney World exits (407-934-7639). Visit your old pals Mickey and Minnie and enter the hub of Florida tourism. Get sick on the spinning Mad Tea Party ride, laugh at the Pirates of the Caribbean's animatronic mateys, watch the kiddies ride around in circles on Dumbo and pilot your own star cruiser in the interactive Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. Hours vary from week to week. Single day passes are $75 adults, $63 ages 3-9 (free for tots 2 and younger); Disney combo ticket packages and discounted multi-day passes are available as well. disneyworld.disney.go.com.

MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS, 811 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota (941-366-5731). The lovely waterfront gardens boast a living (6,000-plus) orchid collection and more than 20,000 plants spread generously over the 9.5-acre property. Other features include distinctive areas like the Bamboo Pavilion and Banyan Grove, a koi pond, the Christy Payne Mansion (a historic home that holds rotating botanical art and photography exhibits), an indoor rainforest, a butterfly garden and a dart frog collection. This is a great place for plant and outdoor enthusiasts, tourists, out-of-town guests, and anyone seeking solace from the daily grind. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission is $17 adults, $6 ages 6-11 (free for members and children 5 and younger). selby.org.

MOTE MARINE LABORATORY, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota (941-388-4441). Mote's aquarium features everything from the puffer fish and seahorses to sharks and anglerfish and sea stars as well as touch pools and other interactive exhibits. Visit the Mammal Center, where Mote biologists rehabilitate sea turtles, whales and dolphins, and make sure to check out the giant (dead) squid on display, preserved in all its colossal-eyed grandeur. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission is $17 adults, $16 seniors, $12 ages 4-12 (free for kids 3 and younger); eco boat tours are offered daily by Sarasota Bay Explorers and combo tickets are $36 adults, $29 ages 4-12 (free for children 3 and younger). mote.org.

MGM STUDIOS, I-4 East to Walt Disney World exits (407-824-4321). If you love movies but hate L.A. (and who doesn't?), this park offers a behind-the-scenes look into the film industry. Battle with the evil Empire in Star Tours, a simulated ride inspired by the Star Wars movies; delight in rock star treatment via MGM's Rock 'n' Roller Coaster; catch the popular Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular; take the Backstage Studio Tour; and much more. Hours vary from week to week. Single day passes are $75 for adults, $63 for ages 3-9 (free for tots 2 and younger); combo ticket packages and discounted multi-day passes are available as well. Disneyworld.disney.go.com.

THE PIER, 800 Second Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg (727-821-6443). The Pier's five-story inverted pyramid-shaped building is filled with a variety of shops, restaurants and fun stuff for the kids. At the ground level, visitors can take advantage of a myriad of adventure opportunities, from Segway tours to boating and dolphin tours. The 2,000-square-foot Pier Aquarium takes up the second floor and features tanks of native and tropical fish, sharks and other creatures as well as various displays -- A Sea of Sound, Florida Red Tide and Into the Eye: Hurricanes ­-- that focus Florida's environment and ecosystems; new admission rates for the aquarium are $5 general/$4 students and seniors, $2.50 admission on Sundays). The Columbia Restaurant -- located on the fourth floor -- offers a menu of fine Spanish/Cuban food, and on the top floor, visitors can have a frozen drink at Cha Cha Coconuts while taking in a spectacular view of Tampa Bay. Other dining includes Captain Al's and the Dockside Eatery. Hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri.-Sat., and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun.; attractions and restaurant hours vary. stpete-pier.com.

SEA WORLD, 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando, exit 71 (407-351-3600). This aquatic wonderland features live action shows and tanks of exotic marine life. Watch Shamu glide and leap through the water. Let your feet dangle while braving Kraken, a roller coaster that whirls over water and underground at 65 mph. The Journey to Atlantis water flume ride explores the mysterious city on high-speed rails (oh yeah, and a near-vertical 60-foot drop). Visit the Odyssey Circus, take a simulated helicopter ride into the Wild Arctic or travel through Key West, a duplicate of the South Florida paradise, filled with turtles, dolphins and stingrays. Hours vary from week to week. Entry is $74.95 adults, $64.95 ages 3-9, and for Florida residents, this includes unlimited admission through the rest of the year (children 2 and younger enter free); combo Busch Gardens and Aquatica tickets also available. seaworld.com.

SILVER SPRINGS, 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd., east of Ocala on S.R. 40, exit 352 east off I-75 (352-236-2121). This 350-acre nature theme park offers glass bottom boat cruises on Silver River as well as other river cruises; wildlife exhibits featuring a white alligator, Florida panther, bears and more; rides; reptile and snake shows; various dining options; and botanical gardens. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission is $34.99 adults, $30.99 seniors, $24.99 ages 3-10 (children 2 and younger enter free). silversprings.com.

SOUTH FLORIDA MUSEUM AND PARKER MANATEE AQUARIUM, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton (941-746-4131). It's hard to believe Ice Age mammals roamed through Southwest Florida 12,000 years ago, but at the South Florida Museum, visitors can see life-size casts of these extinct creatures. SFM specializes in Florida history from the prehistoric to the present. Check out the Tallant Collection of artifacts, dating from the Paleo-Indian period to the arrival of the Spanish explorers in the early 1500s. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun. (open daily Jan.-April and in July). Admission is $15.95 adults, $13.95 seniors, $11.95 ages 4-12 (free admission for children 3 and younger). southfloridamuseum.org.

SS AMERICAN VICTORY, 705 Channelside Drive, Tampa (813-228-8766). The SS American Victory served during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War as a cargo carrier and is now open to the public for self-guided tours and various special events. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun. Admission is $10 adults, $4 kids 4-12 (free for children 3 and younger). americanvictory.org.

SUNKEN GARDENS, 1825 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg (727-551-3100). Paths meander through this four-acre, 100-year-old garden, which drops 15 feet below street level and combines lush tropical areas with flowing ponds and waterfalls. There's also a Butterfly Aviary with 300 native butterflies, exotic flowering and fruit trees, and wildlife and gardening programs. Hours: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat., noon-4:30 p.m. Sun. Admission is $8 adults, $6 seniors, and $4 ages 2-11 (free for members and children under 2). stpete.org/sunken.

TAMPA BAY GHOST TOURS, locations vary (727-398-5200). Four tours are offered: "Maritime Mysteries & Pirates of the Pass" in John's Pass Village (tours leave 7:30 p.m. daily, $14 adults/$10 ages 11 and younger); "Haunted Halls & Horrifying Hermits" in Pass-A-Grill/St. Pete Beach (6:30 p.m. Wed., Fri. and Sat., $32/$19); "Guys & Ghouls" in Gulfport (8:30 p.m. Tues., Fri. and Sat., $14/$10); and "The Dark Side of the Sunshine City" in downtown St. Petersburg (8 p.m. Tues.-Wed., 8 and 10 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., $14/$10). Reservations are required. www.allthebesthaunts.com.

TAMPA'S LOWRY PARK ZOO, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa (813-935-8552). Recognized today as one of the top three mid-size zoos in the country, Lowry Park Zoo currently features 41 acres of lush, natural habitats. Natural outdoor exhibits of more than 2,000 animals from Florida and similar locales include a Florida wildlife center, manatee hospital, Asian Gardens, Primate World, free-flight aviaries, an Australian-themed children's zoo, and Safari Africa. The park also encompasses rides, shows and hands-on interactive exhibits. Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission is $19.95 general, $17.95 seniors, $14.95 ages 3-11, and free to children 2 and younger. lowryparkzoo.com.

TARPON SPRINGS AQUARIUM, 850 Dodecanese Blvd., Tarpon Springs (727-938-5378). A 120,000-gallon reef tank houses more than 30 species of fish, including nurse sharks, bonnet head sharks, snook and the goliath grouper (aka Jewfish). There's also octopus, live coral, anemones and alligators. Featured diversions include narrated shark and alligator feedings and a stingray petting tank. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun. Admission is $6.75 adults, $6 seniors, $4.75 ages 3-11 (free for children 2 and younger). tarponspringsaquarium.com.

WET N' WILD, I-4 to exit 75A, 6200 International Drive, Orlando (800-992-WILD). This Orlando water park features more than 30 acres of amusements, including several slides with long vertical drops (like the "Brain Wash" extreme tube slide and the "Mach 5" flume ride), the "Disco H20" light and music enhanced tube ride, and a four-passenger toboggan adventure. Other amenities include a kid's park with miniature versions of all the rides, several dining options, and swimwear shopping opportunities at the Breakers Beach Shop. Open year-round; hours vary. Admission is $44.95 adults/$38.95 seniors and children 3-9 (free for ages 2 and younger). wetnwildorlando.com.

WEEKI WACHEE SPRINGS, 6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee (352-596-2062). This attraction includes the world famous Mermaid Shows, riverboat rides, animal shows, scuba diving opportunities, and Buccaneer Bay, a spring-fed water park, beaches, flume rides and more. Add to this the distinction that Elvis visited here once upon a time. Hours vary season to season. Admission is $24.95 adults, $16.95 children 3-10 (ages 2 and younger enter free). weekiwachee.com.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS, 1000 Universal Studios Plaza (East I-4 to exit 74A), Orlando (407-363-8000). This Hollywood-inspired theme park boasts movie-based rides such as Back to the Future, Terminator 2 ... 3D, Twister ... Ride it Out!, and Jaws. You can also see the Nickelodeon set and the house used in Psycho. After you've toured the movies, trek through Citywalk, a 30-acre hot spot featuring a stadium movie theater, shops, nightclubs, and restaurants, including Hard Rock Cafe, NBA City and Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. Hours vary week to week. Admission is $73 adults, $63 ages 3-9; children 2 and younger enter for free. Universalorlando.com. Citywalk hours: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. daily. Admission is free, but some clubs may charge a cover; an all-access Party Pass is available for $11.99, or a Party and Movie pass for $15. universalorlando.com.

GULF COAST BEACHES

ANNA MARIA ISLAND, 40 miles south of Tampa, 7 miles west of Bradenton (941-778-4178). There are three major public beaches on Anna Maria: Coquina, Manatee and Bayfront Park. Coquina (west side of Gulf Drive/State Road 789) is a 96-acre stretch of clean beach popular with both families and kids. Free parking, free trolley rides, lifeguards, concessions, pine tree-shaded picnic tables, restrooms, showers, a playground and nearby boat ramps add to the attraction. Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach (State Road 64 and Gulf Drive) gets crowded easily; it boasts lifeguards, restrooms, picnic tables, an adjacent playground, free parking, showers and concessions, but no shade. The narrow Bayfront Park (316 N. Bay Blvd.) features restrooms, sheltered picnic tables, grills, a playground and great views of Tampa Bay. These beaches also allow fishing.

ANCLOTE KEY, three miles off the north coast of Tarpon Springs (727-469-5942). A 19th-century lighthouse stands on the southern end of this island preserve, which is accessible only by private boat, great for outdoor enthusiasts who prefer to visit the area's less-traveled beaches. Fishing and camping are allowed, and picnic pavilions and grills are located near the camping area at the north end of the island. Open 8 a.m.-Sundown.

BELLEAIR BEACH, Causeway and Gulf boulevards, between Clearwater and Indian Rocks beaches (727-595-4646). The area boasts two miles of sand with several beach access areas, a boat ramp and a municipal marina.

BEN T. DAVIS BEACH, 7650 Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa (813-931-2121). This narrow beach is ideal for those who like to keep their car nearby (or for those who like to tan on the hood), and don't mind the swift-moving traffic on the nearby causeway. It's also quite the scene for jet skiers. Parking isn't usually a problem, and dogs are allowed.

BEER CAN BEACH, Davis Islands Seaplane Basin (Severn and Martinique avenues). Beer Can Beach (really no more than a tiny cove) is especially popular with dog owners. It's not gorgeous, but the easy-to-access area offers breathtaking views of the sunset. There are no restrooms, parking is limited but it's hardly ever crowded.

BEER CAN ISLAND, located at the end of North Shore Road, Longboat Key. This small, uninhabited island -- which can supposedly be reached on foot at low tide, and can definitely be reached by boat via Longboat pass -- has 2,000 feet of primitive coastline and is a favorite spot for fishing, sunning and partying.

BLIND PASS, one mile north of the Charlotte County line on Manasota Key Road, Manasota Key. One of the most isolated beaches on the Key, Blind Pass boasts 2,900 feet of Gulf beach as well as a nature trail with dunes and wildflowers. There are no lifeguards, but there are restrooms and parking is free.

BROHARD PARK, Harbor Drive S., located on the Venice airport property at the southernmost tip of Venice (941-861-9830). The 67-acre beach has a 740-foot fishing pier with bait and snack shops, and public restrooms. The wetland area draws bird watchers from all over. Lifeguards on duty; leashed dogs welcome.

CALADESI ISLAND, accessed by ferry boats from Honeymoon Island State Park, One Causeway Blvd., Dunedin (727-469-5918). Beginning at 10 a.m., an hourly, 70-passenger ferry ride makes the trip to Caladesi Island in 20 minutes (no roads or bridges link it to the mainland). The roundtrip ride is $10 for adults and $6 for children (free for kids under 4); boaters pay a $4 docking fee per day ($9.35 with electric hook-up), and $20 per slip per night. Snorkelers favor the barrier island's Gulf side waters, which boast more than 2 miles of beach; the Bay side features mangroves, slash pine forests and maritime hammocks. A 3-mile nature trail winds through the island's interior. Concessions, restrooms, picnic areas, changing rooms and showers are available.

CASPERSON BEACH, Harbor Drive, south of Venice Airport. Two-thirds of the beachfront has been left untouched, making it a favorite for shell seekers and amorous couples. Amenities include free parking, restrooms, a 1,100-foot boardwalk, picnic area and a lovely nature trail. No lifeguards on duty.

CLEARWATER BEACH, take Memorial Causeway across Clearwater Harbor to beaches (727-562-4800). This beach has two sections -- the northern part at Palm Pavilion and the main beach at the Holiday Inn/Surfside. This is the hot spot for spring break crowds and other hormone-fixated types; families like it for the shallow water and gentle surf. Beach umbrellas and chairs can be rented, and Clearwater's Pier 60 Park Pavilion boasts a spacious playground and a snack bar. Metered parking is $1 per hour during the week, and $1.25 per hour Sat.-Sun.; lot parking by Pier 60 is $1.50 per hour; and cashier-operated lots are $1.50 an hour during the week, $2 Sat.-Sun.

CORTEZ BEACH, between Fifth and 13th streets off Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach. There's only 140 feet of beach here, but it's nevertheless a favorite among boaters and beachcombers alike. There's even a concession stand and showers in the public restrooms.

EGMONT KEY, 4905 34th Street S., St. Petersburg. Accessible by boat only, this small wildlife refuge is located between Anna Maria Island and St. Pete Beach. Part of the island's north and south ends are closed to the public but the open areas feature secluded, pristine beaches good for swimming, fishing, and picnicking. Egmont also boasts a working lighthouse originally constructed in 1858, as well as the ruins of Fort Dade. For ferry information, call the state park headquarters at 727-893-2627.

FORT DE SOTO BEACH, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde (727-582-2267). The undeveloped local beaches at this park are some of our favorites. Serene, raw and rarely crowded, Fort De Soto's five interconnected islands offer forested areas with picnic tables. The 1,136-acre park has a 238-site family campground, two piers, floating docks for boat access, canoe and kayak rentals, a 6.8-mile recreational trail and pavilions with grills. Grill reservations are available. Parking is free, but tolls cost 85 cents.

INDIAN ROCKS BEACH, Gulf Boulevard, between First and 28th avenues (727-595-2517). The 2.7 miles worth of beach has numerous access points, the most popular (1700 Gulf Blvd.) featuring restrooms and plenty of nearby shopping and dining. Parking (50 cents per hour) is often at a premium.

LIDO BEACH, one half-mile southwest of St. Armand's Circle on Ben Franklin Drive, Lido Key. This is a popular stop for locals due to its convenient location, easy parking, rest rooms and 15 acres worth of unspoiled waterfront. Further up Lido Key is North Lido Beach, which has considerably less parking and no lifeguards.

LONGBOAT KEY BEACH, along Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. There are two beaches here, North Longboat Key Beach (accessible at Jay, Coral, Palmetto, Seabreeze, Broadway and Gulfside roads) and Longboat Key Beach (accessible at Bay Isles Road, Neptune Avenue and Buttonwood Drive). The limited access to these beaches is part of what makes them so popular; indeed, there is very little parking at either. See some of Sarasota and Manatee County's most expensive real estate while sauntering along the waterfront.

MADEIRA BEACH, Gulf Boulevard between 128th and 154th avenues, between Clearwater and St. Pete beaches (727-391-9951). Tourists and locals alike love this large beach. A rock cooking grill and a few picnic tables are available, and coolers are welcome (no bottles). Archibald Memorial Park offers a pavilion, restrooms and parking. Nearby John's Pass Village (129th Avenue E. and Gulf Boulevard) features a fishing pier and boardwalk with stores, restaurants and parking. Metered parking is $1 per hour.

MANASOTA BEACH, at the west end of Manasota Beach Road, Manasota Key (941-493-0037). Small and large shelters dot this quarter-mile beach, great for shell-collecting and relaxing. The lifeguard station is manned year-round and there's a 620-foot dock that continues as a boardwalk winding through the mangroves.

NOKOMIS BEACH, directly west of Albee Road Bridge, Casey Key. At only one-fifth of a mile long, Nokomis Beach is a tiny jewel in south Sarasota County. It's popular with families and fishermen, and features rest rooms, concessions, picnic shelters, a boat ramp and boardwalk.

NORTH JETTY PARK, located on the southern tip of Casey Key, Sarasota (941-316-1172). Arguably one of the best places on the West Coast for surfing, the beach features restrooms, picnic shelters, volleyball and horseshoe courts, concessions and lifeguards on duty year 'round.

NORTH REDINGTON BEACH, located on Gulf Boulevard between 164th and 174th avenues in the town of Redington Beach, Pinellas County (727-321-1158) or (727-391-4848). Quiet and secluded, this beach is great for reading a book without interruption or gettin' it on with your honey. The beach has six public accesses along Gulf Boulevard.

PALMA SOLA CAUSEWAY, Manatee Avenue W. and Palma Sola Bay, Manatee County (941-742-5923). On the local bus route, this beach is 3,000 feet long, and located on both sides of the causeway. Amenities include picnic tables and boating facilities.

PALMER POINT, Beach Road on the southern tip of Siesta Key and the northern end of Casey Key. This primitive beach has no lifeguards or restrooms. If you want to see Siesta Key the way the dinosaurs saw it, this may be the closest you'll come.

PASS-A-GRILLE, Gulf Way, between First and 22nd avenues in southern St. Pete Beach (727-363-9247). This gay-friendly stretch of sand is one of the nicest beaches in the Bay area, and it's directly across from the popular Hurricane restaurant. Restrooms with showers and concessions are available, including a snack bar with great grouper sandwiches. Metered parking is $1.25 per hour, $5 for the day.

PICNIC ISLAND BEACH, 7404 Picnic Island Blvd., Port of Tampa (813-274-8615). Despite its location in an industrial area near MacDill Air Force Base, this beach is quite peaceful. The small stretch of sand is seldom busy and offers a great view of the Bay. There's a small fishing pier (not that you'd want to eat anything you caught), grills and shelters. Lifeguards are on duty Memorial Day through Labor Day.

REDINGTON SHORES, Gulf Boulevard between 174th and 183rd avenues (727-397-5538). Quiet, pristine beaches can be accessed at the County Park, 18220 Gulf Blvd. Parking is free.

SAND KEY PARK, 1060 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater (727-588-4852). This 95-acre beachfront park is overwhelmingly popular during the sunny, temperate seasons and offers a stunning view of the sun setting across the Gulf of Mexico. In addition to swimming and fishing, the park features a boardwalk, a playground, a picnic area, great bird watching, restrooms, showers and umbrella/cabana rentals. Open 7 a.m.-dark, with lifeguards on duty every day from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Metered parking is 75 cents per hour.

SANIBEL AND CAPTIVA ISLANDS, 23 miles W.S.W. of Fort Myers, off I-75 (239-472-1080). These barrier islands, approximately two hours south of Tampa Bay, are well worth the drive. The island beaches are rated among the best shelling grounds in the world and can be reached via a toll bridge on the Sanibel Causeway for $3 round trip. Beach area's include Bowman's Beach, on Sanibel's northwest end; Gulfside Park, off Casa Ybel Road; and Lighthouse Park, at Sanibel's southern end. All offer public access. Sanibel is the more rustic of the two, while Captiva has more rowdy beach bars and restaurants. Pets are not allowed on Captiva beaches. Parking is $2 per hour.

SHELL ROAD BEACH, located off Shell Road on Siesta Key. It's hard to find, though the line of cars down to the end of the block offer some indication of where the beach is. No facilities, just a quiet alcove of coastal bliss.

SIESTA BEACH, at Beach Road and Ocean Boulevard on Siesta Key (941-861-7275). This 40-acre park is roughly an hour south of Tampa Bay, and consists of nature trails, concessions, soccer and softball fields, tennis and volleyball courts, playground and picnicking facilities, and year-round on-duty lifeguards. And although there are 800 parking spaces, you better get there early if you want one. Siesta's pristine white sands are 99-percent quartz, pulverized to a fine powder; the sand's so reflective it feels cool on even the hottest days.

SUNSET BEACH, W. Gulf Boulevard, St. Petersburg. This beach, located between Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach, runs along a small road that continues after Gulf Boulevard turns toward St. Pete Beach. Caddy's Waterfront makes a good landmark: a classic beach bar (9000 Gulf Blvd.), always busy inside and out. The beach's charm and popularity as a surf spot is partially attributed to its inaccessibility and difficulty to find. Public access parking.

ST. PETE BEACH, along Gulf Boulevard (727-367-2735). This 1.5-mile-long beach located just north of the Don CeSar is conveniently situated near a variety of popular beach bars and restaurants. A favorite spot with the locals. Parking meters cost $1.25 per hour or $5 for the day.

ST. PETERSBURG MUNICIPAL BEACH, 11260 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island (727-360-3278). The municipal beach is one of the widest in Florida, stretching a quarter mile from the water to Gulf Boulevard. The beach has five volleyball courts, a small playground, concessions, showers, picnic tables, grills and restrooms.

TIKI GARDENS BEACH, 10601 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach (727-549-6165). This popular beach-access park was once a tiki-themed amusement center. It features basic beach amenities, including benches, water fountains, restrooms and a 170-spot parking lot.

TREASURE ISLAND BEACH, Gulf Boulevard and 112th Avenue, Treasure Island (727-549-6165). Treasure Island's beach is wide and busy. A nearby selection of restaurants and stores makes it feels like a little piece of the Jersey shore right here in Florida; access at 10400 Gulf Blvd.

TURTLE BEACH, located on Midnight Pass Road near the south end of Siesta Key (941-861-5000). Picnic shelters, free boat ramps, restrooms, dune walkovers, volleyball, playground equipment and more available. Walk for miles down the beach all the way to Casey Key. Prehistoric petrified sharks teeth buried in the sand make nice little souvenirs. No lifeguards on duty.

VENICE MUNICIPAL BEACH, Venice Avenue W. at the Gulf of Mexico (941-486-2626). This is a fully stocked beach that comes complete with restrooms, volleyball courts, picnic tables, an pavilion and a lifeguard station. It's also a great place to hunt for shark's teeth.

Visit tampabaybeaches.com or bestbeaches.org for further info.

SUMMER CAMPS AND WORKSHOPS FOR KIDS

AMERICAN STAGE, 211 Third St. S., St. Petersburg, 727-823-1600, xt. 201, americanstage.org. Campers explore the art of musicals and perform their own production in "Making Marvelous Musicals" (ages 5-17, June 29-July 24, $500). In "Drama-Rama!!," campers learn about acting, design, stage craft and more with either a Dr. Seuss, underwater, or hero theme (ages 5-11, June 8-June 12, July 27-31, or August 3-7, $150). "Intro to Acting" teaches teens the basics of acting and includes a showcase (ages 12-17, June 8-12, $150). "Puppetry Fun" has campers making puppets and writing scripts to star them in (ages 5-11, June 15-19, $150). "Scene Study" further trains campers in scene study (ages 12-17, June 15-19, $150). "Comedy and Clowning" teaches the art of comedy (ages 5-11, June 22-26, $150) while "Sketch Comedy" gives campers the chance to learn about short sketches and perform some in a showcase (ages 12-17, June 22-26, $150). "Directing Lab" offers campers skills on theater direction (ages 12-17, July 27-31, $150). "Shakespeare's a Blast" explores Shakespearean plays (ages 5-17, August 3-7, $150). And a "Playwriting Workshop" allows campers to learn about and create short plays in a showcase (ages 12-17, August 10-14, $150). Pre-care and after-care programs are available for $25 and $50, respectively, with the exception of "Making Marvelous Musicals," which costs $100 for pre-care and $200 for after-care.

THE ARTS CENTER, 719 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-822-7872, theartscenter.org. The Arts Center offers summer art camps in one-week sessions for ages 5 to 15, and these camps cover ceramics, sculpture, painting, jewelry making, photography, digital imaging, weaving and printmaking. Weeklong sessions run June 8-Aug. 14 and are $140 per week per child. Call for a brochure or more info.

BIG CAT RESCUE, 12802 Easy St., Tampa, 813-323-3265, bigcatrescue.com. Summer campers ages 8 to 15 learn about big cat habitats, diets, adaptations and conservation issues, and enjoy explorations of the 45-acre "campus," scavenger hunts, and keeper demos of feedings and behavioral training with the cats. Other diversions include arts and crafts, games and movies. Four-day sessions run June 15-Aug. 6. Class size is limited; cost is $190 for each 4-day session.

BUSCH GARDENS ADVENTURE CAMP, 3000 E. Busch Blvd., Tampa, 877-BGT-CAMP, buschgardens.org. Busch Gardens, one of North America's largest amusement parks and zoos, has day camps for kids from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, plus weekend and resident camps for grades four through adult. The camps emphasize the animal aspect of Busch Gardens, with hands-on encounters and conservation activities. Camps run June-August. Week-long day camps for grades K-8 start at $240 per participant; week-long resident camps for fifth graders to college students range from $825-$1200.

CAMP CRISTINA, 9840 Balm Riverview Road, Riverview, 813-677-8400. At this YMCA camp, children ages 6 to 15 and up enjoy horseback riding, rock climbing, high ropes, canoeing, drama, shooting sports (BB gun, riflery and archery), arts and crafts, environmental education, sports and team-building in a day camp ($130 per child per week). There are also one-week specialty camps in paintball, science ($160) and Specialty Extreme Team Camps focusing on team building and sports ($150) as well as Leaders-in-Training programs for ages 13-15 ($100) June 8-Aug.21. Transportation is offered from YMCAs in Carrollwood, New Tampa, Seffner, Valrico, South Tampa and West Tampa, and is included in the fees.

CAMP PINKY, Pink's Painted Cottage, 2710 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-821-8399, pinkyspaintedcottage.com. St. Petersburg's pottery-painting house offers several summer camps on pottery painting techniques, clay, fused glass and canvas art for kids ages 3-14. Other single-day classes are offered throughout the summer as well. Seven four-day sessions are offered: June 9-12, 23-26 ages 6-14, $155; June 16-19, and July 14-17 and 28-31, ages 3-5, $155-$175; July 21-24 and Aug. 4-7, ages 6-14, $155-$175.

CARROLLWOOD CULTURAL CENTER SHINE WITH THE ARTS SUMMER CAMPS, 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa, 813-269-1310, carrollwoodcenter.org. Children ages 2 to 14 can choose from 22 different weeklong day camps that focus on four key arts-inspired subjects: movement and performance (like "Kids Yoga" "Broadway Kids" and "Folk Dancing"), music ("Multicultural Shoes Music," "Beginning Orchestra from Beethoven to Blue Grass"), art ("Artist Tools & Tricks of the Trade" "Cartoon"), and construction and engineering ("Paper Airplanes" "Team Building Robotics"). June 8-July 17, $90 CCC members per week, $100 nonmembers half-day camps per week/$180 members, $200 general full-day camps, per week.

CITY OF CLEARWATER CAMPS, 727-793-2339, myclearwater.com. The City of Clearwater Recreation Department offers a variety of camps for students throughout the summer. Camps focus on sports, arts, theater, music and water activities. Camp sizes are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to Clearwater residents. Camps take place at various recreation centers (grades 1-9, June 8-Aug. 21, $75 with a Play Pass, $100 with a Recreation Card, $125 non members).

CITY OF ST. PETERSBURG CAMPS, 727-893-7441, stpete.org. St. Petersburg offers several playcamps for kids grades 1-6, and teen camps for grades 7-9. June 8-Aug. 21, $62-$65 per week, $679-$724 for 11-week sessions. Fee assistance is available for eligible St. Petersburg residents; camps are held at participating centers. Call for session information and location.

CITY OF TAMPA CAMPS, offered at 30 separate Bay area community centers, 813-274-8615, tampagov.net/parksandrec. Students ages 5 to 17 enjoy a packed schedule of programs in art, theater, dance, sports (tennis, basketball, softball, baseball, volleyball, gymnastics), aquatics, ecology and snorkeling. Prices start at $70 per child. Camps run June 8-Aug. 14. Space is limited. Several separate one week specialty camps are also offered. "Kids Create Art" explores Salvador Dali (ages 8-12, June 8-12, $75); "Mangrove Marcus Aquatic Adventure Camp" allows campers to discover various parks and environmental sites (ages 8-12, five one-week sessions run June 15-July 20, $100); and "Joe Abrahams Sports Camps" are filled with fitness-related fun (ages 6-12, nine one week sessions run June 8-Aug.3, $85).

DUNEDIN FINE ART CENTER, 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin, 727-298-3322, dfac.org. DFAC continues its annual summer camp programs, with more offerings than ever for ages 4.5 -- 14. Among the one-week offerings are "Mini-Masters" (ages 4.5-5 years, 9 a.m.-noon Mon.-Fri.), "Sizzlin' Summer / Visual Art" (ages 6-10, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon.-Fri.), "Sizzlin' Summer / Musical Theater" (ages 6-10 years, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon.-Fri.), "Art Squad" (ages 11-14, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon.-Fri.). June 3-Aug. 21. Call for prices.

ECKERD COLLEGE SUMMER WATERSPORTS CAMPS, 4200 54th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, 727-867-1166, eckerd.edu/waterfront. The Eckerd College Waterfront Program offers instruction in sailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, kayaking, saltwater fishing, and exploring marine life for students of various ages (6-18) at various levels; located on Boca Ciega Bay in St. Petersburg. One week sessions run June 1-July 31 and range from $160 to $300.

FLORIDA AQUARIUM AQUACAMPS, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa (813-367-4087, flaquarium.org. On-site camps include interactive activities, crafts and detailed aquarium tours. Aquatots (ages 3-4) and Aquakids (ages 5-6) are cool programs for toddlers (starting at $26 members, $33 general). There's also a variety of day camps for grades 4-8, including "Travel Camps," "Island Hopping," "Go Green!" and "Animal 911." Field trip camps cover animal rehabilitation, kayaking, water sports, fishing, scuba diving and more (staring at $205 members, $255 general). Camps take place June 8-Aug. 14.

FRANCIS WILSON PLAYHOUSE SUMMER DRAMA WORKSHOP, 302 Seminole St., Clearwater, 727-446-1360. Students ages 11-18 learn choreography, movement, acting and scene work, musical theatre, playwriting, composing and basic stage craft in this single-session, month-long workshop. July 12-Aug. 1, $400 general, $375 for returning students.

GREAT EXPLORATIONS: THE HANDS-ON MUSEUM DAY CAMP, 1925 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-821-8992. Great Explorations offers day camps for ages 5-15. Weeklong camps explore various art and science themes via hands-on activities. June 8-Aug. 14. Camps start at $150 for nonmembers, $130 for members (discounts offered for five weeks or more).

GULF COAST ARTISTS' ALLIANCE KIDS SUMMER ART CAMPS, Artists' Way Cooperative Gallery, 1403 Cleveland St., Clearwater, 727-446-1708, gcaa-fl.org. Professional artists teach these GCAA-hosted summer camp classes in painting and drawing, sculpture, pottery, mixed media, fiber arts, mosaic tile and jewelry classes for kids ages 8 and up with special sessions for teens. June 8-July 31, 9-11:45 a.m. and 12:15-3 p.m. half-day session ($40 per week), 9 a.m.-3 p.m. full-day ($75 per week).

HERITAGE VILLAGE, 11909 125th St. N., Largo, 727-582-2426, pinellascounty.org/heritage. Kids ages 4-11 can enjoy traditional arts and crafts activities from the 1850s though the 1940s, hiking, storytelling, games, cooking, field trips, historical house tours and more. $3 per camper, with a group minimum of 20 campers/1 chaperone per 15 campers).

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY 2009 SUMMER FUN CAMPS, 813-635-3500, hillsboroughcounty.org/park. A supervised playground program at 43 locations for ages 6 and up. June 8-Aug. 14, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri., $300.

INSIGHT STUDIO, 1906 N. Armenia Ave., Studio 305, 813-390-3422. Children 8 to 17 are invited to come and familiarize themselves with the art of photography. Supplies and field trips are included, and returning students enjoy new experiences each week. Weeklong sessions begin May 29 and run through the week of Aug. 7; hours are 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and cost is $150.

IN THE BREEZE RANCH 13TH ANNUAL SUMMER CAMP, 7514 Gardner Road, Tampa, 813-264-1919. Each summer camp student (ages 5-16) is assigned their own horse, and in addition to plenty of horseback riding and horse care learning opportunities, students enjoy picnics, arena games and hayrides. June 8-Aug. 28; hours are 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Cost varies from $25 to $70 per child per day.

LARGO RECREATION & PARKS SUMMER CAMPS, at various sites in Largo, 727-518-3016 or 727-586-7455, largo.com. Largo Recreation, Parks & Arts offers a huge variety of weeklong summer camps and sports camps for preschoolers through 17-year-olds. May 22-Aug. 21. Prices and specific camp dates vary; visit the site for more info.

LEEPA-RATTNER MUSEUM OF ART SUMMER ART CAMP, Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art, SPC-Tarpon Springs Campus, 600 Klosterman Road, Tarpon Springs, 727-712-5226, spcollege.edu/central/museum/camp. This camp -- for ages 6-13 -- offers an array of art experiences to its campers. Weeklong day sessions run July 6-10 and 13-17, and are $150 per week (museum members receive a $25 discount).

MARCIA P. HOFFMAN PERFORMING ARTS INSTITUTE, 1111 McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater, 727-712-2706, rutheckerdhall.net. Ruth Eckerd Hall's arts education institute offers a variety of classes for ages 3-18 in one- to four-week sessions. Areas of instruction include music, visual arts, dance and creative dramatics. Classes are designed to encourage creativity, imagination, self-expression and exploration of the arts. June 8- Aug. 7. Prices range from $135 to $575.

MOSI SUMMER SCIENCE CAMPS, Museum of Science and Industry, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, 813-987-6000, mosi.org. MOSI easily offers more of a variety of summer camps than anyone else in the Bay area, with programs for pre-schoolers to grades 10. June 8-Aug. 21. Cost is $119-$450 per week; discounts apply for MOSI members. Space is limited.

NATURE CAMP SERIES, Moccasin Lake Nature Park, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, 727-462-6024. The park offers a series of five-day camps that include exploration of Moccasin Lake Park, games, crafts, and activities aimed at introducing children to nature and science. Camps for ages 6-11 run June 8-Aug. 21. Call for prices.

NATURE'S CLASSROOM, 13100 Verges Road, Thonotosassa, 813-987-6940. The environmental studies center offers weeklong camps to Hillsborough County children grades 4 to 7. Activities include programs on outdoor survival, native flora and fauna, and photography. June 5-30, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. daily. Camps are $80 each, with one free camp sponsored by Florida Water Management. Call for details.

PATEL CONSERVATORY, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, 1010 MacInnes Place, Tampa, 813-222-1002, patelconservatory.org. Chill out with the Patel Conservatory's offering of summer programs, including an arts sampler, ballet camp, rock and hip-hop schools, and musical theater. Programs run June 8-Aug. 21. Prices range from $100 to $690; call or visit the website for details.

THE PIER AQUARIUM, 800 Second Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg, 727-895-7437. Students enjoy a basic marine education in addition to marine-related arts and crafts, and field trips on floating classrooms and to local museums, nature preserves and seashores. Activities June 9-Aug. 8. Ages and prices vary. Call to register; limited space available.

TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS BASEBALL CAMP, One Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, 727-825-3306. Youths 6-13 learn all the basics of baseball from the city's best baseball coaches. May 29-July 21, $200. Satellite hitting clinics occur at various locations June 12-23 ($60).

SUMMER SAILING AND WINDSURFING CAMPS, Clearwater Community Sailing Center, 1001 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater, 727-517-7776. Four different sailing options are offered to ages 8-18. June 8-Aug. 10. $250 (scholarships available) Call for more info.

SUNSCREEN FILM FESTIVAL SUMMER CAMP FOR FILMMAKERS, Studio@620, 620 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg, 727-420-0566, sunscreenfilmfestival.com. This two-week summer camp for youngsters gives them the chance to learn how to conceive, write, shoot and edit movies. The camp concludes with a mini-festival to showcase the resulting creations. creative output of the campers. July 6-17, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. $500 (includes equipment).

TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART, 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa, 813-274-7328, tampamuseum.org. The museum offers weeklong, full and half-day art camps covering a wide variety of media, including photography, drawing, sculpting and painting. Ages 6-10; June 22-July 31. $150 half-day, $225 full-day (members receive a $50 discount). Call for details.

TAMPA'S LOWRY PARK ZOO, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa, 813-935-8552, xt. 232, lowryparkzoo.com. At "Zoo School," students grades K-8 learn about nature, science and animals while trekking through the zoo, exploring the behind-the-scenes workings and cooling off in water play areas. Adventure camps include animal encounters, keeper talks, educational shows, game, crafts and more. June 2-Aug. 14. $145 per week members/$165 nonmembers.

TAMPA THEATRE, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa, 813-274-8287, tampatheatre.org. The "Kids Make Movies" camp shows students how to create movies on Mac computers with iMovie and Garage Band programs using footage they shoot with film and digital cameras. Grades 3-12; dates and times vary depending on age. June 8-July 17. Cost is $165 per session.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa 813-974-2014. USF offers dozens of impressive summer programs and camps in a variety of subjects, including sports, music and science. There's also Summperplay, an interdisciplinary three-week program for students of the arts; courses cover theater, dance, web design, photography and fine arts, music, story writing and an introduction to Spanish through the arts. Prices range from $120 to $300. Camps occur June 1-July 31.

YMCA CAMPS-ST. PETERSBURG, 727-541-5951. Camps are available for grades K-8. Activities include games, swimming, hiking, canoeing, field trips, arts and crafts, and athletics. June 8-Aug.21. Costs and programs vary; scholarships are available to low-income families.

YMCA CAMPS-TAMPA, 813-229-9622, tampaymca.org. Camp programs provide full-day activities for ages 5-15. June 8-Aug.21. Call your nearest YMCA for more information. Costs and programs vary by location; scholarships available to low-income families.

MUSEUMS

ART

THE ARTS CENTER, 719 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-822-7872. With five separate galleries, the center boasts a wide range of art by locally, nationally and internationally known artists. Currently on display: Jasper Johns Prints: Things the Mind Already Knows, a 40-year retrospective of printmaking by revered pop artist Johns, who's known for his use of simple image language (letters, numbers, targets and flags), and on loan from the John and Maxine Belger Family Foundation collection, through May 30. Upcoming: Wild Spirits: Lenné Nicklaus-Ball, Candace Knapp, and Felipe Packard & Ricardo de la Vega, a trio of exhibitions featuring Bay area sculptors who work share an eye for vivid color, tactile qualities, and a whimsical feel that appeals to both adults and children. June 12-Aug. 15; and Re:Member September, the center's annual non-juried members' exhibition, Sept. 4-27. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Free admission. theartscenter.org.

DUNEDIN FINE ART CENTER, 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin,727-298-3322. Exhibitions featured through May 24: craft-ed!, guest curated by Mindy Solomon and consisting of works by emerging artists of the Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts Artists-in-Residence program; Charles Parkhill, which includes sculptures made of new and recycled materials by the designer artist; and Kim Michelle Coakley, a show by an artist who combines her talents as a painter, draftsman and printmake to create vibrant, surreal, atmospheric pieces. Also on display: Dreamscapes: Windows to Other Worlds, the 2008-09 hands-on installation at DFAC's David L. Mason Children's Art Museum, through Aug. 1. Upcoming: New Quilts from an Old Favorite: Sawtooth, an annual international quilting competition hosted by the Museum of the American Quilter's Society in Kentucky and featuring modern-made quilts created using a traditional block pattern, and I.Q. Innovative Quilters, a biannual themed exhibit and small quilt silent auction to benefit DFAC educational programs by DFAC's resident quilting guild, I.Q., June 12-Aug. 9. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat., 1-4 p.m. Sun. Free admission (DLM museum admission $4 general, $3 seniors, free members and children 2 and under). DFAC.org

FLORIDA MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS, 200 N. Tampa St., Suite 120, downtown Tampa (813-221-2222). This week, the nonprofit photography museum opens The Disappeared: Native American Images from The Drapkin Collection, which includes more than 60 historic vintage photographs of Native Americans taken by historians, adventurers and photographers (like Earle McClees, Edward S. Curtis, Joseph Kossuth Dixon, William Henry Blackmore, Seth Eastman, the Gerhard sisters and others), and drawn from the collection of Clearwater Beach's Dr. Robert and Chintranee Drapkin, May 21-July 25. Also featured: Barranquilla, Puerta de Oro de Colombia or Barranquilla, Colombia's Golden Gate, May 21-July 4. Upcoming: Children's Spring Showcase, July 11-25; and Ninth Annual Members' Show, Aug. 2-Sept. 5. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat. Admission is a suggested $4 donation. fmopa.org.

LEEPA-RATTNER MUSEUM OF ART, SPC-Tarpon Springs Campus, 600 Klosterman Road, Palm Harbor (727-712-5762). Much of the museum's permanent collection includes works by figurative expressionist Abraham Rattner (1893-1978) and his stepson, Allen Leepa (b. 1919). LRMA currently hosts Florida Artist Group: 58th Annual Exhibition, a juried show of paint, ink, pencil, photography, mixed media and sculpture by 80 Florida-based artists who are members of the Florida Artist Group, with a complementary presentation of five works created by internationally-known artist Sam Gilliam, the juror for this year's show, through July 19. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat. (open until 9 p.m. Thurs.), 1-5 p.m. Sun. Admission is $5 adults, $4 seniors (free for children and students). spjc.edu/central/museum.

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, 255 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg (727-896-2667). MFA's impressive permanent collection contains several thousand works extending from antiquity to today, and ranging from European works from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries by Monet, Cézanne, Monet, Renoir and others, to American Works from the 18th and 19th centuries by anyone from Georgia O'Keeffe to Robert Henri, to an ever-expanding photography collection, to Greek and Roman antiquities -- Roman sculptures, Peruvian gold, carved wood shrines, and plenty else. The museum recently completed a two-story wing to its building for special exhibits. Currently, MFA presents More Than Words: Illustrated Letters from the Archives of American Art, an exhibit of 58 original, hand-illustrated letters from such celebrated artists as Alexander Calder, Thomas Eakins, Andy Warhol and Andrew Wyeth, among others, through July 19; Andy Warhol Portfolios: Life and Legends, which includes more than 70 screen-prints by the pop master (classics like "Campbell's Soup I (Cream of Mushroom)," and portraits of anyone from Marilyn Monroe to Superman), as well as portraits of Warhol by Keith Haring, through Aug. 16; Developing the Collection: Recent Acquisitions of Photography, nearly 50 images by Knud Knudsen, Clarence White, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Lee Miller, Carrie Mae Weems and William Wegman, through Sept. 6, and New Additions: Recent Acquisitions of Modern and Contemporary Prints, which includes more than 40 prints from the recent 400 added to the museum's collection by Alexander Archipenko, Miguel Covarrubias, Lesley Dill, Adolph Gottlieb, Pat Steir, Victor Vasarely and others, through Sept. 20. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. Admission is $12 adults, $10 seniors, and $6 students with I.D. and ages 7-18 (free to children 6 and younger). fine-arts.org.

RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota (941-359-5700). If you're a local, you already know about it. If you're a tourist, you probably plan on seeing it. Here's what you can expect: in the permanent collection are works by Rubens, Poussin, Hals and others. More than 10,000 works are on display, as is Ca d'Zan, the winter residence of circus magnate John Ringling, and a work of art itself. Elsewhere on the grounds is the Circus Museum, which features costumes, a circus-in-miniature and the 1952 film The Greatest Show on Earth (filmed in Sarasota) running in a continuous loop. The Circus Museum's Tibbals Learning Center is also open, spotlighting Howard C. Tibbals' enormous miniature circus. Currently on display is CYRK: Artistry from the Polish Poster School, a selection of 21 Cyrk posters designed between 1965 and 1977 by the graphic Polish artists who collaborated on the promotion of the state-backed circus, through June 30; a loaner from the Crocker Art Museum, Language of the Nude, which includes 60 rarely-exhibited drawings that investigate the nude, its place in the creative process, and ideals and desires it reflects in European art, through July 26; Picturing Eden, an exhibit organized by George Eastman House in Rochester, NY, and consisting of artworks by 37 artists from six countries, through Aug. 2; and Dangerous Women, visual representations of femme fatales like Judith, Susannah, and Salome from the Italian Baroque period through the 20th century, May 23-Oct. 11. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily. Admission is $20 adults, $17 seniors 65 and up, $7 children ages 6-17, students, military and teachers with valid I.D., and free for members. ringling.org.

SALVADOR DALÍ MUSEUM, 1000 Third St. S., St. Petersburg (727-823-3767). Featuring the most comprehensive collection of Salvador Dalí's works in the world, the museum holds several key masterworks that wear you out just looking at them. ("Hallucinogenic Toreador," anyone?) Visitors also get an excellent overview of Dalí's major themes, symbols, influences and inspirations. Currently, the museum in collaboration Nelson Poynter Memorial Library at USF-St. Pete presents visualKultur.cat (visual culture catalonia), an exhibit spotlighting the achievements of Dalí's native Catalonia via artists' books and applied graphic arts from the 1960s through the present by Dalí, Joan Miro, Tapies, the Barcelona/New York Actar publishing company and many others, through June 16. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon.-Wed. and Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thurs., noon-5:30 p.m. Sun. Admission is $17 adults, $14.50 seniors, military, teachers and police/firemen with ID, $12 students, $4 children 5-9 (free admission for children 4 and younger; $5 admission 5-8 p.m. Thursdays). salvadordalimuseum.org.

TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART, 2306 N. Howard Ave., Centro Espanol, Tampa. (813-274-8130). TMA is still at its interim location while construction on the fancy new facility in downtown Tampa is completed in early 2010. Until then, the permanent collection remains in storage while museum continues to present a changing schedule of exhibits. The latest is BIT, BYTE, DOT, SPOT: postdigital art, a showcase of digital art and exploration of the ways that changing technology is prompting new artmaking techniques; featuring interactive works by students and professors from five Florida colleges and universities (Manatee Community College, Ringling College of Art & Design, University of Florida, University of Tampa, and the International Academy of Design & Technology), through July 11. On display in downtown Tampa as part of the Drawing in Space: The Peninsula Project, Sculpture by John Henry (a public art project featuring monumental work by sculptor John Henry at seven Florida cities across the state) is "Big Max," a Henry sculpture located at MacDill Park on the Riverwalk through May 31. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Sat. Admission is free. tampamuseum.org.

USF CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM, located on West Holly Drive at USF-Tampa, 4202 E. Fowler Ave. (813-974-2849). CAM currently presents Sixty Minutes, which examines the variation and complexity of the artistic process via videos by artists Olaf Breuning, Kate Gilmore, Luis Gispert, and William Villalongo alongside interview-based profiles of each artist, through July 2; and Museum at Work, a behind-the-scenes peek at the process for photographing and documenting collection with CAM curator Peter Foe that answers the question, "What do museums do behind closed doors?" through July 25. Upcoming: Blind Landscape, several recent large-scale freestanding sculptures, a new series of drawings and a commission for the West Gallery by internationally-known artist Tersita Fernandez, Aug. 17-Oct. 10. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 1-4 p.m. Sat. Free admission. ira.usf.edu.

HISTORICAL

AMERICAN VICTORY SHIP AND MUSEUM, 705 Channelside Drive, Tampa (813-228-8766). Odyssey Marine Exploration displays some of its most advanced underwater technology in a Shipwreck Exploration Technology and Pirates exhibit. Highlights include a full-scale model of a side scan-sonar towfish (used to locate shipwrecks on the ocean floor) and a life-size model of ZEUS, Odyssey's eight-ton Remotely Operated Vehicle. The pirate display includes "Pirate Ports," an exploration of life at sea when pirates ruled the oceans and seas. Landlubbers can also practice hoisting pirate flags and learn to tie common knots that were necessary for seafarers' survival. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun. Admission is $10 adults, $4 children. americanvictory.org.

DR. CARTER G. WOODSON AFRICAN-AMERICAN MUSEUM, 2240 Ninth Ave. S., St. Petersburg, 727-323-1104, woodsonmuseum.org. Named for the father of Black History Month, this museum focuses on the culture, history and achievements of African-Americans in St. Petersburg and beyond. Open 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Mon., Wed. and Fri. Free admission (donations appreciated).

THE DUNEDIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM, 349 Main St., Dunedin (727-736-1176). Operated by the Dunedin Historical Society, the museum contains 2,000 artifacts, 2,500 photographs and a library containing 200 volumes of local and Florida history. Among the living history programs is Dunedin Cemetery's "History Comes Alive," in which actors portray long-gone locals and tell tales of the area's pioneering families and industries. The society also sponsors the Pinellas Vintage Base Ball League, where players don reproductions of authentic equipment and uniforms, and play by 1890s rules. Temporary exhibits include Video Stuff: Electronic Gaming Through the Years, a hands-on display that focuses on the evolution of the modern video game from Pong to Wii and XBox 360, through May 31; and Election History In America and Pinellas County, which includes photos, posters and artifacts from America's presidential election history with a special section dedicated to Florida and Pinellas voting history, through early June. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Sat. Admission is a suggested $2 donation. dunedinmuseum.org.

THE EDISON-FORD WINTER ESTATES, 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers (239-334-7419). Enjoy extensive guided tours of the neighboring winter estates of inventor Thomas Edison and industrial innovator Henry Ford. Aside from the homes, the seven-acre grounds include lush botanical gardens, one of the first modern swimming pools, a museum featuring more than 200 Edison-created phonographs and, of course, a laboratory. 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily. Tours range in price from $12-$24 for adults, and $1-$11 for children 6-12. efwefla.org.

FLORIDA AIR MUSEUM, Sun 'n Fun Fly-In, 4175 Medulla Road, Lakeland (863-644-0741). This museum and education center tracks 100 years of aviation history with a rather large assortment of vintage aircrafts and aviation artifacts from around the world. Also featured is an extensive collection of Howard Hughes memorabilia, from medals to flight suits to photographs. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat., noon-4 p.m. Sun. Admission is $8 adults, $6 seniors (55-plus), $4 ages 8-12 (kids 7 and under enter for free). sun-n-fun.org/Museum.aspx.

FLORIDA HOLOCAUST MUSEUM, 55 Fifth St. S., St. Petersburg (727-820-0100). Courage and Compassion: The Legacy of the Bielski Brothers, which looks at the "largest armed rescue operation of Jews by Jews in World War II," by brothers Tuvia, Zus and Asael Bielski; Fragments: Portraits of Survivors Photographs by Jason Schwartz, 115 black-and-white photographs of Holocaust survivors, each with a short, personal, handwritten statement by the subject; and Jehovah's Witnesses: Faith Under Fire, a traveling exhibit created for FHM by the Arnold-Liebster Foundation that chronicles the Nazi persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses and the Witnesses' nonviolent resistance. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission is $14 adults, $12 seniors, $10 college students, $6 ages 17 and under. flholocaustmuseum.org.

GULF BEACHES HISTORICAL MUSEUM, 115 10th Ave., St. Pete Beach (727-552-1610). Visitors learn more about the history of Pinellas County's barrier islands via news clippings, photographs and artifacts dating from the 1500s through today. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 1-4 p.m. Sun. Free admission (donations appreciated). pinellascounty.org/Heritage/gulf_beach_museum.htm.

GULFPORT HISTORICAL MUSEUM, 5301 28th Ave. S., Gulfport (727-327-0505). This quaint museum reflects the history of Gulfport from 1867 to 1940.

HERITAGE VILLAGE, 11909 125th St. N., Largo (727-582-2123). This 21-acre, open-air living history village features 28 historic structures reflecting turn-of-the-century lifestyles of Pinellas pioneers. An archive library contains more than 3,500 volumes, along with photos, maps and other materials. Docents in period costumes offer tours and demonstrate embroidery, basket making, pine needle and palm frond weaving, quilting, and much more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Sat., 1-4 p.m. Sun. Free admission (donations accepted). pinellascounty.org/heritage.

HENRY B. PLANT MUSEUM, located on the University of Tampa campus, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa (813-254-1891). A National Historic Landmark, the museum's housed in what was once the luxurious Tampa Bay Hotel. Exhibits include original artworks from private collections, period sporting goods, clothes and décor. The museum also happens to house a permanent Spanish-American War exhibit and mementos from Teddy Roosevelt's frequent visits. The museum presents Upstairs/Downstairs at the Tampa Bay Hotel, a series of single-character vignettes that bring actual turn-of-the-century Tampa Bay Hotel staff members and guests to life, through May 31. On display through Dec. 27: Tarpon Tales and Sport Fishing in Early Florida, which looks at the phenomena of sport fishing from the late 1800's to the 1930's on Florida's west coast via vintage photographs, mounted fish, rods, Edward vom Hofe reels, lures, tackle, gear, nets and souvenir tarpon scales. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Sat., noon-4 p.m. Sun. Admission is a requested donation of $5 for adults and $2 for children under 12. plantmuseum.com.

KORESHAN STATE HISTORIC SITE, I-75, Exit 123, Corkscrew Road just past U.S. 41, Estero (239-992-0311). Before Texas had David, Chicago had Dr. Cyrus Teed. In 1869, Teed had a revelation that he was the Messiah. In 1894, having already changed his name to Koresh, Teed led his wealthy followers to Estero. While the group didn't create a "New Jerusalem," they did manage a self-contained community, with a power plant, printing shop (for their weekly newspaper), bakery, living quarters, an art hall and more. The colony began diminishing after Teed´s death in 1908, and in 1961, the last four members deeded the land to the state. Today, it stands as a testament to one man's religious dementia. 8 a.m. to sunset. Tours are offered 10 a.m. Sat. and Sun., $2 for adults, $1 for kids; admission is $4 per vehicle. Canoes and campsites are also available. floridastateparks.org/koreshan.

PIONEER FLORIDA MUSEUM, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, off U.S. 301 N., Dade City (352-567-0262). Life doesn't seem so hard after visiting this museum, which depicts how the pioneering folk of Florida's past lived. On display are tools of the cracker-era, a turn-of-the-century Porter Steam Engine, a two-story farmhouse from the 1860s, a 100-year-old schoolhouse, and a Methodist church circa 1878. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat. Admission is $5 adults, $4 seniors, $2 students (children 5 and younger enter for free). dadecity.com/museum.

SAFETY HARBOR MUSEUM OF REGIONAL HISTORY, 329 Bayshore Blvd. S., Safety Harbor (727-726-1668). Museum exhibits trace the history of Safety Harbor and the surrounding Tampa Bay area from prehistoric to modern times. Domestic dioramas and displays of fossils, projectile points, shell tools, beads and pottery tell the story of Florida's first people and the arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wed. and Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thurs., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat., 1-4 p.m. Sun. Admission is $4 adults, $3 seniors and youths 7-8 (free for children 6 and under). safetyharbormuseum.org.

TAMPA BAY AUTO MUSEUM, 3301 Gateway Centre Blvd., Pinellas Park, (727-579-8226). Featuring a unique collection of more than 40 automobiles from the 1920s and 1930s that were considered technologically advanced for their time. Automobiles on display include a Tracta, Panhard and Voisin (France), Tatra and Aero (Czechoslovakia), and a DeLorean (Ireland). 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon., Wed.-Sat., noon-4 p.m. Sun. Admission is $8 general, $6 seniors, $5 students and groups of 12 or more (children 5 and younger enter free), tbauto.org.

ST. PETERSBURG MUSEUM OF HISTORY, 335 Second Ave. N.E., on The Pier approach, St. Petersburg (727-894-1052). The Vision exhibit traces the history of St. Petersburg and Pinellas County from prehistoric times to today with creative displays and hundreds of historic photos and objects, like a parlor car from Florida's old Orange Belt Railway. Other highlights include the World's First Airline exhibit, and a gallery devoted to St. Pete neighborhoods and heritage groups. On display now through May 31: St. Petersburg Audobon Society's Centennial Celebration, an exhibit dedicated to Katherine Tippetts and her work in saving Florida's shorebird population from the slaughter of the plume trade, through May 31. Also on display: Greater Pinellas Point Civic Association Exhibit, a timeline of the ecological development of Greater Pinellas Point, beginning with prehistoric times and culminating in today's landscape, through Sept. 13; and Girl Scout Memoribilia, which includes a collection of vintage uniforms, handbooks and more, through Oct. 4. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. Admission is $12 adults, $9 seniors and students, $7 ages 7-17, family of four admission $24 (free admission for kids 6 and younger). spmoh.org.

VETERANS MEMORIAL MUSEUM AND PARK, 3602 U.S. 301 N., Tampa (813-744-5502). This tribute to America's fighting men and women offers a walk through military history, starting in the 1500s. Museum hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat.-Sun. and patriotic holidays. Park hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily. Free admission (donations welcome).

YBOR CITY STATE MUSEUM, 1818 E. Ninth Ave., Ybor City (813-247-6323). The museum and state historic park honors the history of Ybor City's founders, workers and culture via photographs and artifacts from 1886 through today. The complex also features a restored casita, once known as canones (cannons) or shotgun houses, where cigar factory workers lived; a scenic fountain-enhanced garden; and the Ferlita Bakery (listed on the National Register of Historic Places). 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. General admission is $3 (free for children 5 and younger). ybormuseum.org.

SCIENCE AND HANDS-ON

CROWLEY MUSEUM AND NATURE CENTER, 16405 Myakka Road, Sarasota (941-322-1000). The pioneer history area features a museum with Crowley family and Old Miakka area artifacts dating from the late 1870s to the early 1900s, including household furnishings, tools, and items from the original Old Miakka general store and post office. There's also a single-room pioneer cabin, a working blacksmith shop and sugar cane mill, the Tatum House -- a two-story restored 1892 "Cracker" house -- and 190-acre nature preserve complete with meandering trails and a 2,000-foot boardwalk with an observation tower overlooking the marshlands. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Thurs.-Sun. Admission is $7 adults, $3 ages 5-12 (children 5 and younger enter free). cmncfl.org.

G WIZ: THE GULFCOAST WONDER AND IMAGINATION ZONE, 1001 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota (941-309-4949). Sarasota's science and technology facility features newly installed hands-on exhibits every few months by ExploraZone, a well-respected science facility in San Francisco. Currently, G Wiz presents The Inventions of Leonardo Da Vinci, an interpretive exhibition that features reproductions of 16 of Da Vinci's scientific and technical drawings drawings drawings on graphic panels, and hands-on models, through Sept. 7. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.- Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun. Admission is $9 adults, $8 seniors, $6 ages 3-18 (free admission for kids 2 and younger). gwiz.org.

GREAT EXPLORATIONS: THE HANDS-ON MUSEUM, at Sunken Gardens, 1925 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg (727-821-8992). This museum for kids has interactive exhibits like the Fit4Allkidsville healthy lifestyle installation. Other amusements include "Dinosaurs Hollywood Style" as well as a child-size (faux) market place, veterinary office, fire house and plenty else. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat., noon-4:30 p.m. Sun. Admission is $9 ages 2 to 54, $8 seniors (free admission for members and ages 11 months and younger). greatexplorations.org.

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY (MOSI), 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa (813-987-6300). The not-for-profit educational institution is the largest science center in the Southeast. Museum highlights include two replica diplodocus dinosaur skeletons; the IMAX Dome Theatre and its 82-foot hemispherical movie screen; BioWorks Butterfly Garden, an engineered ecosystem that emulates natural wetlands; the Back Woods, 40 acres of special water conservation elements and outdoor exhibits; Kids In Charge! The Children's Science Center, an educational center created from theories about intergenerational play, learning and skill-building; and two permanent exhibits, Demystifying India, which features items reflecting India's history, culture and contributions, and Disasterville, which consists of dramatic simulations that demonstrate the science behind natural disasters occurring throughout the world. On display through June 28: BODY WORLDS: The Story of the Heart. MOSI debuts Dr. Gunther von Hagens' traveling exhibit on the human body and disease, with a special focus on the heart and how it nourishes, regulates and sustains life. Museum hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. General admission for the run of BODY WORLDS: $25.95 adults (ages 13-59)/$22.95 seniors (60-plus)/$19.95 ages 2-12 (includes IMAX film and entry to all exhibits); member admission $16 adults/$12 children/$13.50 seniors; and After Hours admission $18.95 adults/$14.95 children/$16.45 seniors (6-9 p.m. Sat.-Sun. through June 28). mosi.org.

SCIENCE CENTER OF PINELLAS COUNTY, 7701 22nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727-384-0027). The Science Center features a Native-American village, 30-seat planetarium, the Carol Samuels Observatory and its Meade telescope, 600-gallon marine "touch tank," 12 classrooms/labs, White and Xeriscape gardens, and numerous exhibits, including Discoveries by African-American Scientists and Inventors. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri., with planetarium shows on Fridays at 3 p.m. Admission is $5. sciencecenterofpinellas.com.

ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGE PLANETARIUM AND OBSERVATORY, SPC-Gibbs Campus, 6605 Fifth Avenue N., St. Petersburg (727-341-4320). The planetarium's shows are at 7 and 8:15 p.m. every Friday while school is in session (summers included). The domed observatory on the roof of the Natural Science Building houses several telescopes and is open for viewing following the Friday evening shows, weather permitting. Free admission.

PARKS & TRAILS

The following parks and trails are free and open dawn to dusk unless otherwise indicated.

A.L. ANDERSON PARK, 39699 U.S. 19 N., Tarpon Springs (727-943-4085). Dedicated in 1966, this hilly, wooded, 129-acre site overlooks Salmon Bay and Lake Tarpon, and features a boat ramp, a boardwalk and nature trail, a playground, picnic shelters and restrooms. Open daily 7 a.m. to dark.

ALDERMAN'S FORD PARK, 100 Aldermans Ford Park Drive, between State Road 39 and Lithia Pinecrest Road in Hillsborough County, (813-757-3801). This 1,141-acre site has a history: it was one of the first fording spots on the Alafia River and the land encompasses the area where the Alafia River branches into its north and south prongs. The park features a popular canoe launch, several picnic areas, a path/biking loop, and a boardwalk and foot bridges. Open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.

BOYD HILL NATURE PRESERVE, 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg (727-893-7326). This 245-acre preserve is located along the shores of Lake Maggiore, and features include group camping, picnic and playground facilities, although the focus of the park continues to be the three miles worth of nature trail and boardwalks, and the environmental education study center and library. Open 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Tues.-Thurs.; 9 a.m.-.6 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. Trail admission is $3 for ages 17 and older, $1.50 for ages 3-16.

BOCA CIEGA MILLENIUM PARK, 12410 74th Ave. N., Seminole (727-588-4882). The Pinellas County Millennium Time Capsule is located at the entrance to this 184-acre park. Other amenities include an observation tower, a canoe launch, picnic shelters, restrooms and bicycle/pedestrian paths. The park's marshy layout has its environmental benefits as well: the five ponds on the park property serve to treat stormwater runoff and hydrate the wetlands before moving on to Boca Ciega Bay. Open 7 a.m. to dark.

BROOKER CREEK PRESERVE and BROOKER CREEK PRESERVE ENVIRONMENTAL OUTREACH CENTER, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs (727-453-6800). This 8,500-acre wilderness preserve is located in northeastern Pinellas and it supports populations of white-tailed deer, wild turkey, otter, gopher tortoise, bobcat, and coyote, which aren't found anywhere else in the county. The education center features hands-on displays and free educational lectures and activities every week. The four-miles worth of hiking trails are open from 7 a.m. to dusk daily, with two-hour guided hikes every Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. The center is open 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Wed., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thurs.-Sun.

THE CHILDREN'S GARDEN, 1670 10th Way, Sarasota (941-330-1711). With whimsical, delightful sections such as the Sunflower House, Safari Land, Moon Garden, Flamingo Road and Mint Mountain, you're unlikely to find another local park or garden like it. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sun. Admission is $10 for ages 13 and up, $5 for ages 3-12, and free for kids under 3.

CRYSTAL RIVER PRESERVE STATE PARK, 3266 N. Sailboat Ave., and CRYSTAL RIVER STATE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE, 3400 N. Museum Point, Crystal River (352-795-3817). The clear, spring-fed waters around this 30,000-acre refuge are a favorite for manatee sightings, fishing and bird watching. The archaeological site includes a museum of artifacts and some of the largest Indian mounds found in Florida. Guided walking tours are available but require reservations two weeks in advance. The visitor center/museum is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; the park, 8 a.m.-sunset.

DADE BATTLEFIELD HISTORIC STATE PARK, 7200 C.R. 603, South Battlefield Drive, exit 63 off I-75 (352-793-4781). This site marks the battle that started the Second Seminole War. A visitor center contains artifacts and exhibits about the battle; the surrounding park features horseshoe and volleyball courts, a picnic area with covered shelters, and a large rental hall and kitchen. Camping is not allowed. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset; the museum, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $2 per car (up to eight people).

EUREKA SPRINGS PARK, 6400 Eureka Springs Road, Tampa (813-744-5536). This 31-acre botanical park features a greenhouse, trellised walks, interpretive trails, boardwalks, and a picnic area. The prime attraction remains the large collection of rare and unusual plant life collected and nurtured by the late Albert Greensburg, who donated the property to Hillsborough County in 1967. Open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.

FORT DE SOTO PARK, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde (727-582-2267). This 1,136-acre park encompasses five islands at the mouth of Tampa Bay. Camping, fishing, boating and swimming are the most popular pastimes here. Two fishing piers and a bait store attract anglers while the remains of an early fort poke out of the sand at the southern tip of Mullet Key. There's a donation box for visitors, with money benefiting the Friends of Fort De Soto. Open daily 7 a.m-dark.

FRED HOWARD PARK, 1700 Sunset Drive, Tarpon Springs (727-943-4081). Named in honor of a former Tarpon Springs mayor, this 155-acre bayside park offers fishing and swimming opportunities, playground activities, a sheltered picnic area, and a ball field with restrooms and shower facilities. Open 7 a.m.-sunset.

HILLSBOROUGH RIVER STATE PARK, 15402 U.S. 301 N., Thonotosassa (813-987-6771). This 3,950-acre park follows a good stretch of the Hillsborough River and offers visitors a deep glimpse into the charm of old Florida. Native flora and fauna -- including alligators -- abound in this area and are easily spotted by the quiet seeker. Canoe rentals ($8 per hour/$20 for four), a large swimming pool, and two large camping sites make this a popular, sometimes crowded destination. Open daily 8 a.m.-sunset. $4 gate entry fee per carload (up to eight people).

HISTORIC SPANISH POINT, 337 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey (941-966-5214). Burial mounds more than 1,000 years old, a restored 19th-century pioneer home and some elaborate gardens are set against the backdrop of south Sarasota County wilderness. This 30-acre site is convenient enough for a day trip, but offers enough middle-of-nowhere charm to keep visitors coming back. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and noon-5 p.m. Sun. Admission is $9 for adults ($8 Florida residents and seniors), $3 for ages 6-12 and free for members and children 5 and younger. historicspanishpoint.org.

HOMOSASSA SPRINGS WILDLIFE PARK, 4150 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa (352-628-5343). This 168-acre state wildlife park features an underwater observatory, boat trips, nature trails, a children's education center, alligator programs, manatee programs and animal encounters. Creatures to look for include manatees, alligators, crocodiles and Florida snakes. Strolls along the nature trails sometimes offer glimpses at bear, bobcats, otters and cougars (which remain at a safe distance). The park's name derives from its central attraction, a huge 45-foot deep spring from which millions of gallons of fresh, clear water bubble every hour. Open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily (ticket gate closes at 4 p.m.). Admission is $9 for adults, $5 for ages 3-12. Kennels and strollers are available.

HONEYMOON ISLAND STATE PARK, One Causeway Blvd., Dunedin (727-469-5942). One of the few northern barrier islands accessible by car in Pinellas, Honeymoon Island features a popular beach and nature trail, plus facilities for fishing and picnicking. Open 8 a.m.-sunset. Admission is $5 per carload of up to eight people.

JOHN CHESNUT SR. PARK, 2200 E. Lake Road, Palm Harbor (727-669-1951). This 255-acre park on the eastern shore of Lake Tarpon features a canoe trail, a playground, a fishing pier, a volleyball court and a softball field. Formerly known as Brooker Creek Park, Chesnut Park is entirely separate from Brooker Creek Preserve; a golf course is wedged between the two. Open 7 a.m.-dark.

JOHN S. TAYLOR PARK, 1100 Eighth Ave. S.W., Largo (727-588-4847). Surrounding the Taylor Reservoir and Lake, this 122-acre park offers boating, fishing, exercise trails, ball fields, a playground and a disk golf course. A sheltered picnic area with restrooms is available, and there's also an entrance to Pinellas Trail from the park. Open daily 7 a.m. to dark.

LAKE PARK, 17302 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa (813-264-3806). This 600-acre park boasts five lakes, a cypress swamp, and several pine and hardwood stands. In addition to fishing and boating, recreational opportunities include a BMX track, a radio-control car track, archery range, horse arena, trails for hiking or horseback riding, picnic shelters and equestrian facilities. Open 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

LAKE SEMINOLE PARK, 10015 Park Blvd., Seminole (727-549-6156). Bordering the eastern shore of Lake Seminole, this more than 250-acre park features boating facilities, fishing areas, volleyball courts, jogging/exercise trails, playground facilities and sheltered picnic areas. Leashed pets are welcome. Open daily 7 a.m. to dark.

LEMON BAY PARK AND ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER, 570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood (941-474-3065). A favorite location for weddings, this 204-acre picturesque park is dedicated to nature study and has an environmental center where classes are held regularly. Also, guests can enjoy the butterfly garden, fishing, nature trails and picnicking on the grounds. Hours vary.

LETTUCE LAKE PARK, 6920 E. Fletcher Ave., Tampa (813-987-6204). Located near USF-Tampa, this shady, 240-acre riverside park has a scenic 3,500-foot boardwalk and observation tower for bird watching, fitness and biking trails, picnic shelters, and a playground. This is a very popular, often crowded destination. Open 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

LITHIA SPRINGS PARK, 3932 Lithia Springs Road, Lithia; 10 miles southeast of Brandon (813-744-5572). This Hillsborough County park sits on the Alafia River and offers overnight camping (water, electricity), fishing, canoeing (but no canoe rentals) and swimming. Food is sold in the picnic area, while a bathhouse makes even a quick dip in the cool spring waters quite convenient. Open 8 a.m.-7 p.m. daily.

LITTLE MANATEE RIVER STATE PARK, 215 Lightfoot Road, Wimauma (813-671-5005). This 2,400-acre park includes 4.5 miles of steep shoreline along the Little Manatee River, a 34-site campground (water, electricity) and several miles worth of horseback and hiking trails. Fishing, hiking and canoeing are the favorite pastimes. Open 8 a.m.-sunset. Admission is $4 per vehicle.

MAXIMO PARK, 34th Street S. and Pinellas Point Drive S., St. Petersburg (727-893-7335). At the tip of the Pinellas peninsula, this 70-acre waterfront park meets the shores of both Tampa Bay and the mouth of Frenchman's Creek. The park offers excellent boating and fishing opportunities, and the Maximo Beach Archaeological Site is one of the few large shell middens remaining in St. Petersburg, the deposits dating from the late Archaic through the Spanish Contact periods. The beach area features picnic and playground facilities. Open daily 7 a.m.-dusk.

MEDARD PARK, 5726 Panther Loop, Plant City; 2 miles south of State Road 60 off Turkey Creek Road (813-757-3802). This 1,284-acre park has a collection of old mine pits that were converted into a 700-acre reservoir some 20 years ago. Most noted for excellent fishing, the park also features camping, swimming, boating, restrooms and water fountains, horseback trails and a playground. Open 6 a.m.-sunset.

MOCCASIN LAKE NATURE PARK, 2750 Park Trail Lane (off Drew Street, east of U.S. 19), Clearwater (727-462-6024). The park consists of 50 acres of wooded area, a lake, a large educational facility with nature classes, and sheltered picnic facilities. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Admission is $2.79 ages 13 and up, $1.85 ages 3-12.

MYAKKA RIVER STATE PARK, 13207 S.R. 72, Sarasota (941-361-6511). Fifty-three square miles of wetlands, prairies and woodlands constitute one of Florida's oldest and largest state parks. Developed in the '30s, many of the historical buildings (including five rental log cabins) are still in use and family, group and primitive camping is offered as well. Guided tours, bikes, kayaks and canoes are all available for a fee. You may need to use all of them, too; with 39 miles of trails, there is a lot of ground to cover here. Open 8 a.m.-sunset. Admission is $5 per vehicle (two to eight people). myakkariver.org.

OSCAR SCHERER STATE PARK, U.S. 41, 6 miles south of Sarasota, Osprey (941-483-5956). This park stretches over 1,300 acres and features scrubby flatwoods, mesic flatwoods, tracts of depression marshes, pine forests and a blackwater stream called South Creek. Florida scrub jays abound here, along with bobcats, river otters, bald eagles and alligators. Take the self-guided nature trail, dip into the freshwater lake, rent canoes or have a picnic at this lovely park. Also on the premises is the Lester Finley Nature Trail, specially built to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities. Open 8 a.m.-sunset. Admission is $4 per carload of up to eight people.

PHILIPPE PARK, 2525 Philippe Parkway, Safety Harbor (727-669-1947). Named for Count Odet Philippe, who introduced citrus culture to Florida, this 122-acre park is one of the prettiest in the area. Amenities include a boat ramp, fishing, picnic facilities, a nature trail, two playgrounds and ball fields with restrooms. Part of the original Philippe plantation, the park also claims a large Indian mound, where you can sometimes find old arrowheads, implements and other artifacts left from the earliest natives of the Bay area. There's also a great view from the top of the mound. Open 7 a.m.-dark.

PINELLAS TRAIL, middle entrance at 12020 Walsingham Road, Largo (727-549-6099). Converted from an unused railroad corridor, this 34-mile paved trail is a favorite among hikers, bikers, skaters and more. The trail starts in South St. Petersburg and winds northward through Largo, Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs. Rest stops, service stations, restaurants, pay phones, bike shops, park areas mile markers, water fountains, benches and other various amenities are located along the trail. Open 7 a.m.-dark.

SAWGRASS LAKE PARK, 7400 25th St. N., St. Petersburg (727-217-7256). This site boasts nearly 400 acres of natural land that encompass both Sawgrass and Arrow lakes, and features one of the largest maple swamps on the Gulf Coast. The park features a boardwalk/nature trail, an outdoor classroom, environmental education center, and lots of trees and squirrels. Picnic facilities and restrooms are also available. Open 7 a.m.-dusk daily.

SHAMROCK PARK AND NATURE CENTER, 3900 W. Shamrock Drive, Venice (941-486-2706 or 941-316-1172). Eighty-two glorious acres offering fun activities for active and non-active types alike. Sporty types can jog the trails and play tennis or basketball. Those less inclined to break a sweat can take leisurely strolls through preserved natural habitats for endangered plants and animals, or just swing at the playground. Nature study classes are offered at the environmental center.

SHELL KEY PRESERVE, located at the southern end of Pass-A-Grille Channel (727-464-4761). Each year, thousands of birds take refuge on this 180-acre barrier island/preservation area. Natural features include mud flats, mangrove islands and seabed flats. Don't forget to bring sanitary supplies if you decide to go camping here, because there are none located near the campsites.

E.G. SIMMONS PARK, 2401 19th Ave., 2 miles northwest of Ruskin on Tampa Bay (813-671-7655). This 469-acre bayside park features mangrove shallows and beach line along the shore, making it a popular area for water sports. A boat launch and an 88-site campground with water, electricity and a bath house are available. Open 6 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.

UPPER TAMPA BAY PARK, 8001 Double Branch Road, Tampa (813-855-1765). This 2,144-acre park includes an environmental study center jointly operated by the county Parks Department and Hillsborough Community College. The site includes brackish and saltwater marshes, oyster bars and a mangrove forest - viewable from a boardwalk. Though most of the area is preserved, three nature trails, a playground and picnicking facilities are available. Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

WALSINGHAM PARK, 12615 102nd Ave. N., Largo (727-549-6142). Split by a 100-acre lake, this 350-acre park features boat launches and parking for boat trailers, as well as eight picnic shelters, grills, water fountains, restrooms and playgrounds. The park is partially landscaped with sidewalks through the magnolia, pine and oak trees. Open 7 a.m.-dark.

WEEDON ISLAND PRESERVE, 1500 Weedon Drive, St. Petersburg (727-579-8360). A half-dozen surrounding islands complement this 3,164-acre shore preserve. Mangroves, birds and abundant sea life make Weedon most popular with nature watchers, though visitors also enjoy fishing from the preserve's pier, or attending any of the various programs offered by the educational center. For info on guided hikes, call 727-453-6500. Open 7 a.m.-sunset.

WITHLACOOCHEE RIVER PARK, 12449 Withlacoochee Blvd., 7 miles east of Dade City in Pasco County (352-567-0264). This heavily wooded 260-acre area features picnic shelters, playgrounds, a fishing dock, primitive campsites, a reconstruction of an Indian village, an observation tower and 12 miles worth of nature trails. Swimming and water recreation are popular, too. Open sunrise-sunset.

WITHLACOOCHEE STATE FOREST, Forest Headquarters at U.S. 41 and County Road 476 in Hernando County (352-754-6896). The Withlacoochee State Forest incorporates several separate sites surrounding the town of Brooksville. Its greatest features are the dozens of trails -- for hiking, nature walks, canoeing, horseback riding and bicycling -- widely ranging in length. The forest's Croom district includes camping and recreation sites, one of the nation's finest motorcycle parks (permit required) and a large area for dogs. Informative brochures describing the features of the various districts are available from the forest headquarters.

PERFORMING ARTS CENTERS/THEATER COMPANIES

AMERICAN STAGE THEATRE COMPANY, Tuesdays with Morrie, June 3-28, Raymond James Theatre, 163 Third St. N., St. Petersburg: American Stage christens its brand new theater space with a play adapted from the best-selling memoir by journalist Mitch Albom about what he learned from his former college professor in the last days of the old man's life. There's a certain irony in using this particular vehicle to launch a theater in a city trying to escape its rep as God's Waiting Room, but whatever -- we can't wait to see St. Pete's newest playroom. americanstage.org.

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: SALTIMBANCO, St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa, June 25-July 5: The splendid arena-fied version of this Cirque classic returns to Tampa Bay after dazzling audiences at the Lakeland Center earlier this spring. stpetetimesforum.com.

FLORIDA ORCHESTRA, Oz with Orchestra, Sat. May 23, 8 p.m.; Sun. May 24, 2 p.m., Mahaffey Theater at Progress Energy Center for the Arts: A screening of The Wizard of Oz with the soundtrack digitally removed so that it can be played live by an orchestra. Coffee Concert: American in Paris, Thurs. May 28, 11 a.m., Mahaffey Theater: Gershwin's classic, plus two suites from beloved musicals, Bernstein's Candide Suite and Loewe's Gigi Suite. Broadway By Request, Fri. May 29, 8 p.m., Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center; Sat. May 30, 8 p.m., Mahaffey Theater; Sun. May 31, 7:30 p.m., Ruth Eckerd Hall: A Pops concert featuring selections from hit musicals My Fair Lady, South Pacific, Evita and many more. floridaorchestra.com.

GORILLA THEATRE, Young Dramatists' Project '09: Connections, May 28-June 7, Gorilla Theatre, 4419 N. Hubert Ave., Tampa: Aspiring young playwrights get the full professional treatment, as noted local directors and actors (among them Ami Sallee Corley, Karla Hartley, Curtis Belz and Steve Garland) bring to life five short plays by Tampa Bay high school students on subjects ranging from an IM love affair to World War I. gorilla-theatre.com.

JOBSITE THEATER, Rabbit Hole, June 4-21, Shimberg Playhouse, TBPAC: David Lindsay-Abaire's Pulitzer Prize winner gets its Tampa Bay premiere with Meg Heimstead in the role that won Cynthia Nixon a Tony as a mother dealing with the death of her 4-year-old son. Pericles, Aug. 6-23, Shimberg Playhouse, TBPAC: A new Mafia-tinged adaptation of Shakespeare's play, with music by Tampa Bay power-punk favorite Joe Popp and book by Neil Bonioff and Shawn Paonessa (March of the Kitefliers). jobsitetheater.org.

MAHAFFEY THEATER AT PROGRESS ENERGY CENTER FOR THE ARTS, Florida Orchestra, May 23-24, 28, 31 (see above). Brucie Klay's Dance, Fri. June 5, 6 p.m. American Musical Theatre, Wed. June 10 & Fri. June 12, 7 p.m. LOL: Laugh Out Loud Summer Time Extravaganza, Sat. June 13, 8 p.m.: Comics Chris O Baby, Shang, Rodney Perry, Red Grant and Shawn Harris. "Flute Suite," jazz jam featuring Jose Valentino-Ruiz & Friends, Fri. June 26, 7:30 p.m. An Evening with Il Divo, Sun. June 28, 7:30 p.m. Ron White Behavioral Problems Tour, Fri. Aug. 7, 7:30 p.m.: The cigar-smoking, Scotch-drinking "Blue Collar Comedy phenomenon." mahaffeytheater.com.

THE PALLADIUM, St. Petersburg Opera's La Traviata, Fri. June 5, 7:30 p.m.; Sun June 7, 2 p.m.; Tues. June 9, 7:30 p.m.. The Verdi classic. mypalladium.org.

RUTH ECKERD HALL, Florida Orchestra, May 31 (see above). Wanda Sykes, Thurs. June 4, 8 p.m. Between the White House Correspondents' Dinner and news that she and her partner had twins, the hilarious Ms. Sykes is having quite a year. Steely Dan, Fri. June 12, 8 p.m. Jazz Attack, Sat. June 27, 8 p.m. Boz Scaggs & Michael McDonald, Thurs. July 2, 7:30 p.m.: Blue-eyed, middle-aged soul. Paul Potts, Sun. July 12, 7 p.m.: The UK's star-tenor-out-of-nowhere to whom Susan whatshername kept getting compared. Hippiefest II, Sat. Aug. 11, 7 p.m.: The Turtles, Mountain, Badfinger, Felix Cavalieri bring the summer-of-love nostalgia. Mamma Mia, Aug. 11-16: ABBA-dabba doo! rutheckerdhall.com.

STAGEWORKS THEATRE, Shining City, through May 24, Shimberg Playhouse, TBPAC. Rave reviews and indelible performances make this moving Irish "ghost story" by Conor McPherson a must-see. The Little Dog Laughed, July 9-26, Shimberg Playhouse, TBPAC: Douglas Carter Beane's send-up of celebrity and Hollywood secrets (especially the closeted-male-movie-star variety) features a killer role for an acid-tongued agent that should be catnip for local favorite Julie Rowe. stageworkstheatre.org.

TAMPA BAY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, Shining City, through May 24 (see Stageworks, above). Laugh It Off, Sun. May 24, 7:30 p.m.: Comics from HBO's Def Comedy Jam and BET's Comicview. Florida Orchestra, May 29 (see above). Rabbit Hole, June 4-21 (see Jobsite Theater above). Annie, Fri. June 12-Sun. June 14: The sun'll come out ... well, you know. Respect: A Musical Journey of Women, June 19-Aug. 2: The progress of women from codependence to independence in a revue of Top 40 pop songs from "Someone to Watch Over Me" to "I Will Survive." Stomp, Fri. June 19-Sun. June 21: The exhilarating percussive entertainment in which performers make music with everything from garbage cans to Zippo lighters. Rent, Tues. July 7-Sun. July 12: A new touring production of the Broadway hit featuring original cast members Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp. The Little Dog Laughed, July 9-26 (see Stageworks, above). Pericles: A New Rock Musical, Aug. 6-23 (see Jobsite, above). Grease, Tues. Aug. 18-Sun. Aug. 23: Tony-nominated Best Revival, on tour. tbpac.org.

THE STUDIO @620, Romeo + Juliet, through May 24. Bob Devin Jones' staging of the Shakespeare tragedy starring T. Scott Wooten and Brandii. High Five @ the Studio@620: A multi-event celebration of the Studio's fifth anniversary, including 620 Sideways, a screening of the movie Sideways and discussion with the filmmakers and star Virginia Madsen, May 29 at the Vinoy for $50 with wine and appetizers; Sideways Conversation, a discussion on May 30 at the Studio for free; Theater 620: Shorts and Sweets at American Stage's new theater (see above), with readings by local celebrities, Mon. June 8; Art Auction 620, Fri. June 12; the Social Justice Pioneer Awards Gala, Sat. June 20, honoring Ray Arsenault, Susan Sarandon, john Lewis, Diane Nash and the late John Hope Franklin. studio620.org.

For more on the summer's top pop/rock concerts, see the preview in this week's Arts section p. xx. For complete listings throughout the year, go to cltampa.com/events.