BESTBets
Remembering Florida Springs
Tim Hollis, the author of several books related to tourism, has
compiled this book about the development of Florida’s five largest
springs: Silver, Wakulla, Rainbow, Weeki Wachee and Homossa.
Remembering Florida Springs features fun facts and vintage pictures
of the springs using postcards, advertisements, brochures, souvenirs
and more. This detailed book offers readers a visual journey through
the history behind the springs. It also explains how each evolved
from a tourist attraction into a state park and remains a must-see
destination today. To purchase Remembering Florida Springs, go to
seasidepublishing.com.
Coppola
Conducts
Opera Tampa
Opera Tampa will honor Anton
Coppola, its founding artistic director,
at a March 25th Gala. The highlight
of the evening will be the maestro
himself conducting the orchestra,
chorus and soloists in a concert of his
own compositions and favorite works,
including a new piece written to honor
his nephew, acclaimed film director
Francis Ford Coppola. Selections from
his own opera Sacco and Vanzetti and
the world premiere of his new ending
for Puccini’s unfinished Turandot will
also be performed. During the same
evening, the Opera Tampa League
will host a black-tie gala dinner with
premium seating at the concert. For
tickets, call (813) 229-STAR (7827) or
visit strazcenter.org.
Maestro Anton Coppola, who is 100 years
young, is the founding artistic director of
Opera Tampa. He conducted the company’s
productions until his retirement in 2012 and
will conduct a not-to-be-missed concert for
them on March 25.
Chasco Fiesta
The Chasco Fiesta in downtown New
Port Richey will draw people to Sims Park
from March 24th through April 1st for live
concerts, a street parade, a car, truck and bike
show and a boat parade. There also will be a
a carnival throughout the festival. The street
parade will be on Saturday, March 25, and the
car, truck and bike show on Sunday, March 26.
The boat parade will be on Saturday, April 1st
following a performance by Jefferson Starship.
For more information, call (727) 842-6055 or
visit ChascoFiesta.com.
44 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2017
Golden Baton
Award
Mark and Marianne Mahaffey will be
presented with the Golden Baton Award by
the Florida Orchestra Guild of St. Petersburg.
The Florida Orchestra Guild of
St. Petersburg will present its 50th
Golden Baton Award on Saturday, March
25th at the Vinoy Renaissance Hotel in
St. Petersburg. Since 1965, this award has
been presented by the guild to individuals
who have made significant contributions
in leadership to the Florida Orchestra. This
year’s honorees are Mark Mahaffey and
his wife Marianne in recognition of their
continued support of the orchestra. The
luncheon, chaired by Emily Gillespie, will
feature music by members of the orchestra.
To become a sponsor or make reservations,
call Emily at (727) 528-6595. 9