Hope Kent  

Pirates of every shape, size and color descend on St. Petersburg's Vinoy Park every November for the Florida Pirate Festival. This event showcases various forms of interactive theater that celebrate the legendary Caribbean pirate tradition. The park becomes overrun with all things pirate, but also manages to include music, rides, comedy, cannons, storytelling, artisan crafts, nighttime fire shows and great food as well as a plethora of pirates!

The injuries sustained by various birds in the area are seen as just temporary by the caring professionals at the Suncoast Bird Sanctuary. This prominent avian hospital rehabilitates thousands of feathered creatures who need a little extra care. Creatures from birds to raptors are treated and then released, but several of the injured specimens make their permanent home here. The sanctuary has gotten lots of attention for breeding Eastern brown pelicans in captivity. As many as 500 "patients" can occupy the facility at one time. When you visit this attraction, you can see an impressive variety of winged creatures that include herons, egrets, cormorants, seagulls and more.

Enjoying a show with Broadway production values and stellar performances is a real treat when you're watching it at The Mahaffey Theater. You'll marvel at the unwavering skills of the many talented actors and actresses who deliver some truly unforgettable on-stage moments. Whether it's a musical production, a band or an orchestra or a seasonal favorite, it's definitely showtime at the Mahaffey, downtown St. Petersburg's true theatrical beacon.