St. Petersburg, Russia, St. Petersburg, Florida: Namesake Cities celebrates both cities' important anniversaries. St. Petersburg, Russia is commemorating the 300th anniversary of its founding by Peter the Great in 1703 and St. Petersburg, FLorida is celebrating the centennial of its incorporation as a city in 1903. The exhibit highlights the many astounding parallels and differences between the two cities and their founders through panels, exhibit cases with artifacts from both Russia and Florida and a video. For more information, call 727-894-1052.

Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay Devil Rays battle teams like the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. Spring Training starts in March. Tickets are available for as low as $4. For more information, call 1-888-FAN-RAYS (326-7297) or 727-825-3250.

These 70 photographs, brought together by Carol Halsted of the Michigan Opera Theatre, capture expressive moments and bodies. The exhibition includes dance pioneers, modern greats, as well as figures from classical ballet. This exhibition is part of the St. Petersburg 300/100 Anniversary Celebration. For more information, call 727-896-2667.

Photographer Clyde Butcher is the premier photographer of Florida's wilderness. This exhibit displays Butcher's images that are as oversized as the man himself, giant black-and-white portraits of primeval paradise that connect people to their disappearing natural heritage, captured with a primitive wooden box camera. For more information, call 727-894-1052.

Artist Margaret Tolbert gives the viewer a fresh perspective on the watery makeup of Florida's tropical environment. Her paintings, often presenting views from beneath the water's surface, transcend pictorial depiction and move into the experiential world of the spiritual connection of mankind with the environment. For more information, call 727-518-6833.

Master photographer Anna Tomczak's hand-colored images use discarded fragments of times past. In recent years, Tomczak has explored the new large-format Polaroid camera and has produced innovative works in her immanent reflective style, which will be on display at the Gulf Coast Museum of Art. For more information, call 727-518-6833.

Ceramic sculptor, Barbara Sorenson, pushes the boundaries for the capacity of clay as a monumental medium. Several of Sorenson's new large-scale clay sculptures will be on display at the Gulf Coast Museum of Art. For more information, call 727-518-6833.

A series of quilts, designed by nationally known artist Rebekka Seigel, honors twelve inspiring women of the 20th century. For more information, call 727-822-3693.

The 12th Annual All Florida Exhibition will be jurored by Richard Vine, managing editor of Art in America, one of America's premier magazines devoted to art. Mr. Vine has selected 33 works of art from 500 entries for the exhibition. For more information, call 727-822-7872.

Tampa artists Kathie Olivas and Brandt Peters, husband and wife, bring their works to the Center along with Brandt's talented parents, Karen and Michael Peters. This new collective body of work, featuring mixed media paintings, drawings, digital imaging and installation, focuses on the perceived notions of the home and family unit. For more information, call 727-822-7872.

In 2001, former St. Petersburg Times illustrator, David Williams, received a Florida Individual Artist Fellowship and spent the month of July 2002 working in a studio in Florence, Italy. There, he learned a printing process called cyanotype, which uses sunlight and hand-coated paper to produce a vivid blue an dwhite unique print. This exhibit showcases Williams' new works. For more information, call 727-822-7872.

This exhibit offers the experience of optical illusions, depth and distance, contrast, perspective, mirrored effects and prisms. A large-scale interactive exhibit, Maze is designed for children of all ages. For more information, call 727-822-3693.

"Parallel Lives" is the poignant memoir of two Florida teenagers caught in a changing world of racial acceptance and persecution in the 1950s and 60s. Their stories paint a vivid portrait of a state torn apart by prejudice and fear while chronicling the rich, dreamy joys of childhood in rural Florida. For more information, call 727-823-7529.

Camp Create, The Arts Center's Summer Art Camp program for kids, offers a different hands-on learning experience for any student in a variety of media. Kids learn about art, artists, the creative process and ideas influencing how we see the world. For more information, call 727-822-7872.

This event is sponsored by the Gulfanatics Dive Club and is open to freedivers and divers of all ages. Admission is $50 in advance for adults and $35 in advance under 18 years of age. For more information, call 727-934-6474.

The Gulf Coast Museum of Art hosts summer camp for young artists between the ages of 6 and 13. Classes meet Monday through Friday during this two-week session. Tuition per class is $100 for museum members and $115 for non-members. Lab fees are additional. The deadline to register is June 3. In addition to the June session, there is also a July session that runs from July 14-25. For more information or to register, call 727-518-6833, x203.

The celebration commemorates the emancipation of slaves in America and is the oldest African-American holiday in observance in America. The 12th Annual Juneteenth of Tampa Bay features three days of activities. Saturday's free "Family Fun Festival" is from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Campbell Park. It includes live entertainment from local and regional musical acts, African American Dance Troupes, Storytelling, Face Painting, youth workshops, historical presentations, Food Vendors and more. Sunday features a "Gospel Extravaganza" at a designated African American Church and on Wednesday a "Candle Light Vigil" will be held at Vinoy Park. For more information, call 727-821-3833.

The Tampa Bay Feline Fanciers Cat Club hosts this show that will feature all breeds of pedigreed cats, including the popular leopard-like Bengal, the hairless Sphynx, the lovable Ragamuffin, Persian and many more. Cat toys, unique gifts, clothing and supplies will be available. Kittens are also available. The show lasts from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. For more information, call 727-866-9648.

This event is held on the weekend closest to July 4th. The city of Clearwater celebrates the July 4th weekend with a "Taste of America" food expo and concerts in Coachman Park. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. on the 4th of July. For more information, call 727-562-4813.

The Florida Aquarium celebrates the Fourth of July holiday with Freedom Fest outside the Aquarium and along Channelside Drive. This event features music, strolling entertainment, food vendors, stilt walkers, jugglers, barber shop quartet, face painting, family entertainment, hands-on exhibits, marine exhibits and a fireworks display. For more information, call 813-273-4030.

The City celebrates the Fourth with a day-long gala of exhibits, entertainment, food and a giant fireworks display over the waterfront. For more information, call 727-893-7494.

Festivities begin at 10 a.m and the day includes a sandcastle contest, games, live music, a children's pageant, a parade and of course, fireworks beginning at 9 p.m. Activities are located on Shore and Beach boulevards as well as Gulfport Beach. For more information, call 727-893-1070.

Dunedin celebrates Independence Day at Edgewater Park with live entertainment, arts & crafts vendors, children's activities including pony rides, a petting zoo and a moonwalk. Food vendors will also be stationed around the park. For more information, call 727-298-3260.

The Pier will have all day activities to celebrate Independence Day, including live music in the courtyard, entertainment, childrens' activities and prize drawings. Fireworks will begin at 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 727-821-6443.

This three-day camp features professional instruction in all phases of baseball by Dunedin Blue Jays players and coaches. Children ages 6 - 16 are welcome. Sessions run from 9 a.m. to noon each day and campers will receive a ballpark lunch at the conclusion of each camp session. For registration forms and more information, call 727-733-9302.

Dancing and youth abound in the high-energy musical about a town in mid-America that resisted dance and the youth who sought to change their minds. Presented by Eight O'Clock Theatre. For more information, call 727-587-6793.

Mere Mortals is a compilation of six short plays that are funny, fresh and thought provoking. The plays range from the story of a man who goes in search of his personal nirvana, to a chance meeting between a couple that turns into a sure thing. For more information, call 727-823-7529.

The annual juried Studioworks> exhibition presents the work of the Museum's instructors and students. The exhibition is designed to demonstrate the strength of the Museum's teaching program. All media, including painting, mixed media, photography and ceramics, will be included in the exibition. For more information, call 727-518-6833.

The art departments of Pinellas County's private and public high schools are invited to select works to be submitted for inclusion in this professionally jurored county-wide exhibit. The exhibition is designed to demonstrate the high caliber artwork being created by high school students in Pinellas County and to recognize the important role of art education in the school system. For more information, call 727-518-6833.

The Gulf Coast Museum of Art hosts summer camp for young artists between the ages of 6 and 13. Classes meet Monday through Friday during this two-week session. Tuition per class is $100 for museum members and $115 for non-members. Lab fees are additional. For more information, call 727-518-6833, x203.

The tournament takes place on Clearwater Beach south of Pier 60. 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. For more information, call 941-383-7617.

Tarpon Avenue between Ring and Pinellas Avenues in Tarpon Springs is the location for this event, which is a mix of auctions, food and drink and live jazz music. Events begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. For more information, call 727-937-6109.

Heritage Village hosts this living history event in its 20th year as Union and Confederate troops battle. The event includes artillery demonstrations, infantry drills and the big battle. Period crafts and other items will be for sale at the event. Admission and parking are free. The USS Ottawa and the 79th New York Highlanders reenacting groups will perform from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Artillery demonstrations and infantry drills will be held on the hour. Other activities include the Officers Call, a court martial, and the Grand March. Food will be available for purchase. Bring comfortable seating or ground cover for the battle. For more information, call 727-582-2123.

American Stage and the LiveArts Peninsula Foundation present the New Visions Series for 2003, entitled The Floridians. This series of readings of six short plays and six new folk songs features famous Floridians such as Harriett Beecher Stowe and Harry T. Moore and lesser-known heroes like St. Petersburg’s The Vegetable Man and trained monkey Johnny Brown. They will be brought to life through the thoughts, words and songs of artists including Bill Leavengood, Bob Devin Jones, Lila Donnolo, Michael Updegraff, Larry Parr, Doug Cooney and Lee Ahlin. For more information, call 727-823-1600.

Learn how to prepare you and your family in the event of a hurricane. The expo will feature a theatre presentation, GIS evacuation zone look ups, vendor and nonprofit fair. For more information, call 727-464-5197.

The 5K Run begins at Pier 60 shelter and goes along the beach. They also feature a 1-mile fun run that begins at 6:45 p.m. The 5K begins at 7 p.m. For more information, call 727-736-3562.

Ringo Starr, the famous beatle drummer, gets a little help from his friends John Waite, Paul Carrack, Colin Hay, percussionist Sheila E and saxophonist Mark Rivera. Concert begins at 8 p.m. For more information, call 727-791-7355.

The Palm Harbor Chamber hosts the golf tournament to help promote businesses in the area. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. Shotgun start at 1 p.m. Dinner, an awards presentation and gifts will follow. For more information, call 727-784-4287.

This kid-friendly event is hosted by the hands-on museum in downtown St. Petersburg. The exhibit include ghostly sights and surprises throughout the month. For more information, call 727-821-8992.

This tournament for children with disabilities is always held the first Saturday in October. Fishing will be done on Clearwater's Pier 60. To register, call the Clearwater Municipal Marina at 727-462-6954 between 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. M-F. For more information, call 727-462-6954 or 727-789-5399.

The Fourth Annual Festival & Nature Expo features the best of Florida birding with 25 field trips throughout the region, internationally known bird and wildlife experts and an exciting Nature Expo. The Festival offers a conservation mission with proceeds going to the management of Shell Key Preserve, one of Florida's most important areas for shorebirds. For more information, call 727-464-7200.

In its 24th year, the annual Jazz Holiday brings together all veins of jazz music together in 4 days of free entertainment at Coachman Park in downtown Clearwater. From bebop to blues, from big band to the compositions of Frank Zappa, there is something for everyone. For more information, call 727-461-5200.

We have not received the official date for this event, but it is usually held in October. This weekend festival features German music, food, beer and wine, along with full midway, carnival, art/crafters, American food and business vendors. Come enjoy the interactive games and activities such as log sawing, keg hurling, stein holding and the annual Waitress Races. For more information, call 813-855-4233.

Held every year on the last Saturday in October, this year's event is the 31st Annual Outdoor Peoples Fair with arts, music and games and is a celebration of peace, freedom, justice and creativity. Located at Lakeview Park on Lake Maggiore, 20th St. & 26th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, the event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 727-327-6726 or 727- 896-0310.

This 5K event runs along the coast of Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs. The race begins at 7:30 a.m. Proceeds from the race benefit the Clean Beaches Council and the Blue Wave Program. Blue Wave is the nation's first environmental beach management program. For more information, call 727-464-7200.

The Pinellas County Historical Society presents this jubilee with more than 125 craftspeople displaying and selling their homemade goods. The event features pioneer and Victorian craft demonstrations, live entertainment, a petting zoo, historic house tours and food. The jubilee runs 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For more information, call 727-582-2123.

The Tarpon Springs Historical Society conducts guided tours of this historic cemetery with re-enactments of selected early residents. Portrayals of these historic figures give visitors an unusual overview of the area’s history. There is no charge for the tour, which runs 10 a.m. to noon. For more information, call 727-943-4624.

The inaugural PGA Chrysler Championship with a purse of $4.8 million will be held on the Copperhead Course at the Westin Innisbrook Resort. The event will feature some of the top names in professional golf one week before the PGA tour championship. Proceeds from all ticket sales will go to area charities. For more information, call 727-942-5566.

London's original creative team brings this production of Starlight Express to the Tampa Bay area. This Broadway musical features two hours of speed, spectacle, excitement and energy. It is a story of hope and love, filled with thrills, stunts and roller-racing action. For more information, call 813-229-7827.

This event in its 13th year features live music from nationally prominent bands focusing on traditional jazz and swing. The Sheraton Sand Key Resort and the Radisson Suite Resort host this musical festival. For more information, call 727-595-1611.

This free walking holiday lights display will encompass Pier 60 Park and will take place during the normal Sunsets at Pier 60 Daily Festival hours. All of the year round festivities (local artisans and crafters and Key West-style street performers) will be included in the holiday program. The event will also feature special holiday events like Beach Santa photos, Snow Days, caroling and children's activities. For more information, call 727-449-1036.

Enjoy Tchaikovsky's holiday classic in all its glory. The event is performed by the West Florida Youth Ballet. The show times for the event are Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sun. 2 p.m. For more information call 813-587-6751.

The Palm Harbor Chamber of Commerce hosts this yearly event that is traditionally held the first weekend in December. More than 240 artists will participate in the crafts fair and thousands of art patrons are expected to attend. For more information, call 727-784-4287.

Celebrate the holiday season with tours of the beautifically decorated Victorian and pioneer homes at Heritage Village, nature walks and exhibits at the Florida Botanical Gardens, train displays, a holiday craft sale at the Extension Service, a holiday film series at the Gulf Coast Museum of Art, multicultural exhibits, ornament making stations, storytelling, music, food and much more! Most activities are from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., but the holiday lighting ceremony starts at 6:00 p.m. at the Florida Botanical Gardens. For more information, call 727-582-2123.

Cars from the 1900s to the present will be judged and awarded prizes at this third annual car, truck and motorcycle show. Attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy for a Christmas present for a child. The show is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 727-525-8061.

The exhibition features seventy-five works on paper by sixty-four artists who have been creating art since the 1930s. Artists represented include Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, Faith Ringgold, Sam Gilliam, Elizabeth Catlett, and Howardena Pindell. For more information, call 727-896-2667.

Luminaries around Spring Bayou in Tarpon Springs are lighted during Christmas Eve making the walkways of Craig Park glow with the holiday spirit. For more information, call 727-943-5523.

"Sundays at the Fort Harrison" which is a weekly open house at the Hotel, lasts from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. This open house includes an in-depth historical tour of the hotel at 2 p.m., the Images of a Lifetime photo exhibition based on the life of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, and Sunday Brunch and dinner at the hotel's Hibiscus restaurant. The Sunday brunch buffet costs $20, dinner entrees range from $8 - $16. Brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., dinner from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. and reservations are not necessary. Tours of the hotel are free and include a complimentary copy of our 75th Anniversary Historical Booklet. Owned and operated by the Church of Scientology, the Fort Harrison is an international religious retreat for Scientologists from across the globe. For more information call 727-467-6860.

Every Sunday evening at 6 p.m. the doors open at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom for dancing until 10 p.m. Live music by the Sig Harder Orchestra. Admission is $6. For more information, call 727-893-1070.

Every 3rd Saturday of the month, Gulfport showcases the galleries and shops that make up its ArtVillage. Guests can browse and enjoy a festive evening featuring art, music and more in this pedestrian-friendly historic district. More than 40 galleries, studios, boutiques and restaurants are featured in this monthly event from 6-10 p.m. Most shops serve free treats and refreshments. For more information, call 727-321-7741.

St. Petersburg closes its main street for a street party on Central Avenue and Third Street in the heart of downtown. This block party features free live music from 5:30 to 10 p.m. For more information, call 727-895-0051.

Every 4th Saturday of the month, Gulfport showcases the galleries and shops that make up its ArtVillage and features a sidewalk sale. Guests can visit the many wonderful shops that feature original paintings, pottery, handmade jewelry, wearable art, sculptures, hand blown glass, collectibles and much more at this village gathering. Gulfport's Art Village features shops, restaurants, cafes and nightspots on Beach Blvd. The sale runs 11 - 3p.m. For more information, call 727-321-0830.