Tampa Apartment Living

Photo Credit: (iStockPhoto/jhorrocks)

Set on Florida’s west coast, Tampa offers professional sports teams, endless sunny days and miles of gorgeous beaches. Tampa Bay residents who live along the waterfront of Hillsborough Bay and Old Tampa Bay enjoy scenic views and proximity to the sandy beaches of the Gulf Coast in St. Petersburg and Clearwater. But if you’re ready to get out of your apartment to attend something fun and different, check out the variety of Tampa family events going on as the weather in Tampa heats up.

Free Birthdays at Dinosaur World
What: Kids ages 3-12 receive free admission at Dinosaur World on their birthdays, with proof of their birthdays.
When: Now through Dec. 31, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Dinosaur World, 5145 Harvey Tew Rd., Plant City, FL 33565
Cost: Free (Adults pay regular admission.)

MOSI Summer Science Camp
What: The Museum of Science and Industry offers Summer Science camps for ages 2 through high school, where children can participate in experiments, creative projects and adventures.
When: Now – Aug. 20
Where: Museum of Science and Industry, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33617
Cost: Varies; visit www.campfun.org/20mosuscca.html for details.

Island Nights at Adventure Island
What: Enjoy live music, authentic entertainment, island-inspired cuisine and family-friendly activities at Adventure Island.
When: From 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from now until Aug. 14
Where: Adventure Island, 10001 McKinley Dr., Tampa, FL 33612
Cost: Included in regular ticket admission, which is $37.95-$74.95 per adult and child, depending on how many parks and days are included in the pass you purchase.

Summer Classic Movie Series
What: All summer long, classic Hollywood films such as “Casablanca” and a special sing-along edition of “Mary Poppins” at Tampa Theatre.
When: 3 p.m. on Sundays and some Saturdays from now – Aug. 29
Where: Tampa Theatre, 711 Franklin Street, Tampa FL 33672
Cost: $9; $7 for Tampa Theatre members

CSI After Dark
What: Be a part of an interactive exhibit that makes you the crime scene investigator. Learn scientific principles and investigative techniques as you try to solve one of three crime scene mysteries.
When: 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. from now – Sept. 6
Where: Museum of Science and Industry, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33617
Cost: Adults, $12, seniors, $11 and children 2-12, $10

Nickelodeon Presents Storytime Live!
What: This musical adventure features four shows: “Dora the Explorer,” “The Backyardigans,” “Ni Hao, Kai-lan” and “The Wonder Pets.”
When: July 31-Aug. 1; Sat. 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 5:30 p.m., Sun. 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 5:30 p.m.
Where: David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa, FL 33602
Cost: $15.25-$38.25, depending on seats and performance time

Pinellas Goes Back to School Bash
What: This event aims to close out the summer in style with dance contests, after-school program information, educational demonstrations, a clothing swap, trading tent, face painting and more.
When: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Aug. 8
Where: The Pier, 800 Second Avenue N.E., St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Cost: Free

Photo Credit: (iStockPhoto/Alija)

When the time comes to look for senior housing, so many options are available, from independent care to assisted living, from affordable to luxury apartments.

Reasons for moving to senior-friendly apartments vary and can include going through a divorce, becoming financially unable to continue making payments on a mortgage, death or relocation of relatives or friends, needing emotional support, desiring more close-to-home social activities, selling a home to free up equity or just a desire to be rid of home and garden maintenance.

If you feel a bit overwhelmed by all of the options, just learning what all of your choices are can help you decide what the right senior apartment is for you or a loved one. Most adults 55 years old and up will want to look into two types of senior living communities: independent living and assisted living.

Independent Living
These communities usually have a wide range of recreational and social activities and are designed for independent seniors who can live on their own but desire a secure, community-oriented environment. They offer little or no health services, such as on-site pharmacies or nursing care, but they have a variety of services on the campus, such as laundry facilities, transportation or cafeterias. Some of these villages have age restrictions (typically 55-plus), and some don’t. Some independent living complexes have constant planned events, such as socials, group outings and exercise classes, and others offer minimal activities.

To select the right independent living community, ask your loved one or determine for yourself how active and social you want to be in your new space. Do you crave the quiet of retirement, want non-stop activities or a combination of both? If you’re going to sell your car, find a place that has access to transportation or is in walking distance to grocery stores, shopping venues, post offices and similar businesses. If your health is generally good, an independent living apartment is perfect.

Assisted Living
Assisted living facilities combine housing, personalized support services and healthcare. They are for those who need some assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming, some medication assistance and dressing, but for the most part, are able to function on their own. Assisted living apartments usually include meals, some housekeeping and laundry services, but do not provide the skilled medical care provided in a nursing home.

In choosing an assisted living facility, you must determine if you need assistance with medications, as the regulations on that differ from state to state. If you are healthy but only require assistance with routine daily activities, assisted living communities are ideal for you.

Pulling off a surprise party takes skill, organization, stealth and a fair amount of luck. If you want to plan one for a relative or friend, you’re likely to find the task is difficult, but immensely rewarding. Should it go off without the guest of honor finding out, you will feel doubly rewarded for the effort.

Photo By: Luke Sugars

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