FEBRUARY 16, 2020

SPRING TRAINING UNDERWAY IN FLORIDA.........

Hope For More of This in 2020

Up and down the state of Florida, spring training camps are open with

exhibition games about to begin.  Here in Sarasota we have the Baltimore Orioles; while a few miles away in Bradenton the Pittsburgh Pirates are preparing for the start of 2020 season next month.

Hard to believe, the Orioles are celebrating their 10th season at Ed Smith Stadium,  and in recognition of that milestone,  are offering several events and promotions throughout the 2020 Spring Training season.   Next Sunday not only do kids get to run the bases, but adults are invited to stay at the park for "happy hour" with discounted drinks and more.  Next week, I'll have additional March special promotions.  


This weekend we are celebrating Presidents Day, honoring two of our greatest George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.  While wearing or eating what you bought at the many specials dedicated to the day, remember two of our best, if not the best.

If you're reading over the weekend, and are wondering what to do Monday, SILL'S Music Mondays has ample room for last minute decision makers. 

One of today's best known classical guitarists, Jason Vieaux gives his take on guitar playing 10:30 am in spacious Church of the Palms 3224 Bee Ridge Rd.  If you can't make the morning session, the program is presented at 3 p.m. at Venice Presbyterian Church 825 The Rialto, Venice Fl.

Ten dollar ($10) tickets are available at the door at both locations.


Hillview St.  from US 41 East to Osprey is home to several outstanding restaurants.  Pacific Rim, Origins, Geckos, and Southside Deli come to mind.  Add recently opened A Sprig in Thyme to the mix.  Moving into the vacated 62 Bistrot location (1962 Hillview), and changing nothing but the menu, chef Scott has created a dinner restaurant on a par with most of our better ones!  The menu is typical of upscale dining, but limited so as to provide the diner with a creative experience.  The prices are no higher than what you expect from our better restaurants.

The open kitchen at the far end of the restaurant adds to the pleasure of the evening, as you can almost guess when your meal is being prepared.  The night we were there, most tables were occupied, but the server and her assistant were able to provide quality service.  Reservations are a must, especially on weekends.  For yours call 941-330-8890.

Tickets are on sale now for the 85th annual Florida Strawberry Festival,  February 27- March 8 in Plant City.  This 11-day community event celebrates the strawberry harvest of Hillsborough County.  Nearly 1/2 million annually attend this event that includes youth livestock shows , rides, exhibits of all types, plenty of strawberry dishes, and lots of entertainment.

Some of the scheduled acts are The Oak Ridge Boys, 

Festival Strawberry Dessert 

Rascal Flatts, Pattie LaBelle, and Reba McEntire.  Tickets for the Festival are $10 and available at the gate.  Reserved seating for the nightly performances are available at flstrawberryfestival.com, 813-719-6680, or day of show.  A complete talent lineup, as well as parking options  is available at flstrawberryfestival.com. 

You can also purchase tickets at all Publix locations where you save $2.00 on Adult & $1.00 on Youth General Admission Tickets thru March 8th.

ACADEMY AWARDS......Parasite won for best picture; I picked for best foreign film.  The director also won.  I picked Quentin Tarantino .  As for acting category, my picks of Phoenix and Zellweger won in Best Actor category.  Overall, the telecast was even more boring than last year.

JIM'S RANT.....Sarasota and the entire state of Florida welcomes "season"; even though it means crowded restaurants and increased traffic.  A reservation, call ahead,  or off-peak easily eliminates the frustration of standing in line to dine.  However, there is no way to avoid north-south traffic; especially route 41.  Tuesday, I had a 3 pm  appointment on US 41.  Fortunately, I gave myself ample time or would have been way late.  Will avoid that one until Memorial Day...JIM....Thanks for reading.  See you next week........

Thanks to Jerry Coleman for Providing Orioles Information