I read on a friend’s poker blog this morning that the Seminole Indians have made an agreement with the state of Florida that will allow blackjack & baccarat to be played in Florida. Currently, the Seminole Indians operate two such casinos, in Broward and Tampa, and both are booming with business. Craps and roulette won’t be allowed just yet, and that’s got me bummed. I’ve watched Jim play roulette for years and finally bet on my own this weekend in Las Vegas. I played electronic roulette on Friday night and walked away $40 richer, and then lost $80 at a roulette table on Saturday night.

Ghosts are big business for Tampa Bay.

A few years ago, Jim and I went on a ghost tour of Ybor City on a cold January evening. There are similar tours at several locations around the Tampa area, including an old hotel in St. Petersburg. I’ve also done ghost tours in Edinburgh, Scotland, and Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I just found out that should a ghost tour not be spooky enough for you, you can stay at one of these haunted hotels. What a truly hair raising experience!

The closest haunted hotel to my house is the Don CeSar Beach Resort & Spa in St. Petersburg, Florida. Built by Thomas Rowe in 1925, the hotel has had reports of a couple walking hand in hand around the grounds. The couple is presumed to be the spirits of Thomas Rowe and his beloved, Lucinda, who were forbidden to continue their relationship.

As for me, I’m too chicken. I don’t even like staying in a regular, non haunted hotel room by myself…so I will not be booking an overnight stay with the spirits and ghosts anytime soon!

If you’re a fan of Rick Springfield, you’ll want to head to Busch Gardens in May to sing along with Jesse’s Girl. Busch Gardens is presenting the Michelob MusicFest, and each weekend will feature 2 musical acts. The shows are included with the price of admission, so it’s a great way to have a night out with some free entertainment!

May 5: Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
May 6: Rick Springfield
May 12: Kool & The Gang
May 13: Three Dog Night
May 19: Lonestar
May 20: Creedence Clearwater Revisited
May 26: The Wreckers
May 27: The Bangles

A recent article in the St. Pete Times pointed out the recent sale of Centro Ybor in Ybor City, FL. The article stated that Centro Ybor is debt-ridden and that some of the Centro Ybor movie theater may be turned into condos or office space.

I can’t even tell you how disappointed I am to hear that. I love going to Ybor City, from when I started at age 18 by hitting Traxx (or was it Trax? Or Tracks? I never paid attention!) on Thursday nights, to my days with my husband at Bar Tampa, to dinners at The Columbia with co-workers, and a night at The Cherokee with my sister. I love the varied options of clubs and shops and restaurants, and even though Centro Ybor was pretty commercialized and mainstream, it was getting a crowd that normally wouldn’t have considered coming to Ybor City. Seeing condos and offices in it’s place just won’t be the same. Aren’t there enough condos and offices already in Tampa?