Scallop and Music Festival returns
HUDSON – Thousands of seafood lovers, families and music fans are expected for the second annual Scallop and Music Festival, Pasco County’s signature coastal celebration.
Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources and Florida’s Sports Coast are planning three festive weekends of entertainment July 24–27, Aug. 1-3 and Aug. 8–10 at Sunwest Park, 17362 Old Dixie Hwy. Parking costs $5 parking or get in with Pasco County Parking Pass.
Some of the attractions at the festival include a 5K race, crafts, games, kids zone, live music, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming and a volleyball tournament.
Visit mypas.co/PascoScallopMusicFest25 to see the full schedule.
Apply for Tampa Bay Community Water Wise Awards
DADE CITY – The Tampa Bay Community Water Wise Awards Program recognizes individuals and businesses committed to water conservation and environmental protection.
Participants use the best, most attractive, Florida-friendly landscaping as well as irrigation systems or techniques that minimize water waste.
Applications are being accepted through July 31. Visit https://awards.tampabaywaterwise.org/ for details.
Youth can audition for show
BROOKSVILLE – Live Oak Conservatory will begin holding auditions for its Youth Theatre Program due to the growing number of interested students.
A mandatory parent meeting and auditions start at 10 a.m. Aug. 23. Callbacks are set for Sept. 2 and 4 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Classes begin Sept. 9. Upcoming productions include “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr.” (Nov. 13–23) and “A Christmas Carol” (Dec. 11–14).
RSVP to to receive audition details.
Live Oak offers performing arts classes and private music lessons for ages pre-K to 18.
Details: liveoaktheatre.org/conservatory
Tarpon Springs hosts Groovy Hippie Fest
TARPON SPRINGS – Break out the bell-bottoms … Hippie Fest returns with live tribute bands, a vintage VW car show, bohemian vendors, vegetarian eats and a hula hoop contest.
The free, family-friendly event celebrates peace, love, and retro vibes with music, photo ops, and handcrafted goods from 2 to 9 p.m. Aug. 16 at the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, 735 Dodecanese Blvd.
Visit the Tarpon Springs Hippie Fest Facebook page (facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064793226915) for updates.
UK comedian to perform at Tampa Theatre
TAMPA – UK comedy star Kevin Bridges brings his Live North American tour to Tampa Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7.
With five tours, five specials, and over 1.5 million tickets sold, Bridges is known for his sharp wit and relatable humor. This marks his first U.S. tour. The show is for adults.
Tickets range from $39.25 to $59.25 plus fees. Get them at the Franklin Street Box Office and TampaTheatre.org.
Pretty Vee to perform at Tampa Theatre
TAMPA – Comedian Pretty Vee brings her Why Am I Like This? tour to Tampa Theatre at 8 p.m. Sept. 26.
Known for her bold characters—like Sharoonnn, the no-nonsense Jamaican auntie—Pretty Vee blends comedy, storytelling, and raw energy in this one-woman show.
Tickets went on sale July 18 at the Franklin Street Box Office and TampaTheatre.org. Prices range from $25 to $35; VIP tickets cost $78.50 plus fees.
New floating docks coming to Gandy Boat Ramp
TAMPA – Renovations have begun at Hillsborough County’s most popular boat ramp.
The project will replace the existing floating docks and gangways at Gandy Boat Ramp, 5108 W. Gandy Blvd., Tampa. It is expected to be completed by Aug. 11.
The Gandy Boat Ramp has a total of six lanes for boats; at least four lanes will remain open at all times while work is underway. No additional lanes will be added.
The $278,000 project is funded by a combination of fishing and boater registration fees collected under Florida Statute 328.72 that are returned to Hillsborough County for maintaining and operating boat ramps and boating facilities.
IMAG celebrates 30 Years
FORT MYERS – The IMAG History & Science Center invites the community to its 30th Birthday Celebration with hands-on activities, animal shows, science demos, crafts, food trucks and a foam party.
Percy, IMAG’s 110-pound tortoise, will be there. Guests can also preview new fall STEM programs.
The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 16 at the venue, 2000 Cranford Ave. Get 30% off adult admission. Kids get in free.
On the web: theIMAG.org
