Free Museum Day in St. Petersburg, Florida

       Free Museum Day in St. Petersburg Florida is held annually each September offering free admission to multiple museums and cultural sites for residents and visitors. It’s a citywide celebration of art, history, and culture where Pinellas County residents and many visitors can enjoy free entry to participating venues. Inspired by the Smithsonian’s Free Museum Day, this annual event makes St. Pete’s cultural offerings accessible to all, encouraging exploration of both world-renowned collections and local gems.

     There were eleven museums that participated. I selected to visit The Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, Museum of Fine Arts and St. Petersburg Museum of History.

So, 1st stop, …….

     The Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, located in St. Petersburg, Florida, is dedicated to preserving, presenting, and interpreting African American history. Named after Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a prominent African American historian and civil rights activist known as the founder of Black History Month.

     Established in 2006, the museum serves as a vital resource for the community, showcasing a variety of exhibits and events that highlight the contributions of African Americans.

https://woodsonmuseum.org/

 

2nd stop:

     Museum of Fine Arts presented New African Masquerades: Artistic Innovations and Collaborations, an exhibition showcasing the work of four contemporary West African artists: Chief Ekpenyong Bassey Nsa, Sheku “Goldenfinger” Fofanah, David Sanou, and Hervé Youmbi, highlighting their unique contributions to masquerade traditions. The exhibition emphasizes individual artists' stories and the cultural significance of their works, challenging historical narratives about African art.

https://mfastpete.org/art/exhibitions/on-view/

 

3rd stop:

     St. Petersburg Museum of History. I focused on the history of the Seminole people in St. Petersburg and their tie to their resistance against U.S. military efforts in the 19th century, with many Seminoles evading capture and maintaining their culture. Today, the Seminoles are recognized as the "Unconquered People," and they continue to celebrate their heritage through traditional ceremonies and community events.

https://historystpete.org/exh.../seminole-people-of-florida/

     Free Museum Day was fun! What a well-coordinated and culturally enriching way to spend the day exploring multiple facets of St. Petersburg’s art and history in a single day!

 

All the best,

GMarie

The Magicians Table, Straz Center, Jaeb Theater in Tampa, Florida

             The Magicians Table invites guests into an intimate world of mystery, illusion, and storytelling. At the theater, the set is constructed like a warehouse of the late magician and carnival owner Dieter Roterburg. This is an interactive two-hour show which combines close-up magic, live theater, and music into one unforgettable evening.

The guests are seated inches away from the most talented magicians, witnessing mind-bending illusions performed right at their tables. Each magician (typically four) brings a unique style and personality, creating a dynamic showcase of close-up magic.

Throughout the evening, Calliope, Dieter’s devoted widow, guides the audience through a theatrical celebration of her late husband’s life. She shares intimate stories, cherished memories, and reflections along with Dieter’s closest friends and fellow magicians. They honor his legacy through a collection of captivating performances filled with curiosity and humor.

For one of the performances, each of us at the table pulled paper instructions from a Top Hat (like playing UNO). The Top Hat landed in front of me, which made me the selected Magician for this set. I donned the top hat and listened to the instructions given to me by one of the participants at the table. In front of me was a pad locked box. Based on the instructions, we had to figure out the four number combo to unlock the box. The first set of the instructions did not deactivate the padlock.

 The last set of instructions informed us to insert the four-digit year of the oldest person at our table. After a query of the table, the older person was born in 1952. I plugged that number into the padlock and the box opened! Inside the box was a folded and sealed letter. 

            On the outside of the letter, it said, “Read Me….” I opened the letter. The first line of the letter informed, “TO BE READ ALOUD.” I read the letter to the table, and this is what it said:

“Remember that our magician was chosen COMPLETELY AT RANDOM – using instructions drawn, in any order, out of the Top Hat.

But every trick needs a kicker…..a PREDICTION.

Our magician could only have been ONE person – as the fates decided.

Take a bow, for you were amazing….

GINA!"

Wow! Who would have thought that inside the locked box was a letter addressed to me!! Now that’s MAGIC!!

Blending comedy, storytelling, live music, and breathtaking magic, The Magicians Table creates an immersive night designed to astonish magic lovers. The Magicians Table run through May 31, 2026, at the Straz Center, Jaeb Theater in Tampa Florida. The experience will be magical!!

https://www.strazcenter.org/events/the-magicians-table/

 

All the best,

GMarie

The Honor Flight Program

On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of volunteering with the Honor Flight program. The program is a nonprofit dedicated to honoring U.S. military veterans, especially those who served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. They are flown for free (including meals and accommodation) to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials honoring their service and sacrifices. They go to see the World War II Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Marine Corp War Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery to include the tomb of the unknown soldier.

Priority is given to aging and terminally ill veterans, since many may not otherwise have the chance to go. Each veteran is accompanied by a volunteer “guardian” who helps them throughout the trip. Donations and volunteers fund the program entirely.           

Veterans from any branch who served during WWII, the Korean War, 

Vietnam War or other eligible eras with an honorable discharge can apply.

 

Do you know a veteran that would want to go on an Honor Flight? 

Are you an organization that wants to provide sponsorship?

Or would you like to volunteer your time?

More information can be found at:  

https://www.honorflight.org

All the best, 

GMarie

Sarasota Film Festival

        The 28th annual Sarasota Film Festival hosted in Sarasota, Florida, showcased the very best in film, presenting a variety to include features and shorts.

        Today, I attended the feature, Fish Fry & Fellowship, which was a film about friendship and community, directed by Paul Ratner and produced by Charles Williams, Durand Adams, and Petra Ratner. The story’s setting is Palmetto, Florida where the community was once segregated, but now come together every Friday to eat fish, catch up and reminisce. The weekly fish fry is what brings them all together resulting in lifelong reunions and friendships.

        A fish fry was to precede the film's screening but one of the notable personalities featured in the film, Manatee County football coach, civil rights icon and WWII veteran, Eddie Shannon, passed away this week at 104 and funeral services were held today. Rest in peace, Sir🙏🏽.

        The film was enjoyable💕and the filmmakers and producers were present for a Q & A session. The festival runs from April 10 to April 19, featuring 200 films: 47 feature films and 39 shorts across various Sarasota venues. Ticket prices range from $20 to $50, so if you get a chance, attend some features and support the Arts. 🎥🎬 

Sarasota Film Festival | Florida's Premier Independent Film Festival | Sarasota Film Festival

All the best,

GMarie

Happy New Year 🎉

Thank you for being a part of my story!

May 2026 bring you success, happiness and
plenty of reasons to celebrate.

New Year, fresh energy and endless possibilities!

Happy New Year to all of you!!❤️🎉🎊🥳

All the best,

GMarie

Happy Veterans Day to All who Served! ⚓

What is your military branches motto?

The U.S. Navy technically does not have an official motto and there are even disagreements over what its official motto might be. Some sources claim that the unofficial motto is "Non sibi sed patriae" - Latin for "Not self, but country", a phrase inscribed above the chapel doors of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. This unofficial motto invokes the spirit of sacrifice that so many sailors and members of our Armed Forces carry with them through their services. 

Happy Veterans Day to All that have served! ⚓

All the best,

GMarie