On the Scene: Visit Tampa Bay’s National Travel and Tourism Lunch (PHOTOS)

Visit Tampa Bay, and more than 500 of its partners, honored the impact of unsung heroes in Tampa’s hospitality industry during their National Travel and Tourism Week Luncheon, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa.

Eleven members of the Tampa Bay community were recognized for the role they play in shining a spotlight on the region and creating extraordinary experiences for visitors, including Andrea Gonzmart Williams, of the Columbia Restaurant and 1905 Family of Restaurants, who was honored with the Gonzmart Family Tourism Ambassador of the Year Award for her dedication to Tampa Bay’s culture, community and tourism.

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The second-largest planetarium in the United States is now open, at Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry. Daily space and science shows are now included in general admission. MOSI’s new Digital Dome Theatre—an 82-foot-wide, 330-seat venue—replaces the museum’s previous 46-seat planetarium, featuring a 10,000-square-foot NanoSeam screen and a projection system.  The first student field trip

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On the Scene: Inaugural MeGala (PHOTOS)

Mega Service Solutions, a second-generation family-owned and veteran-run facility management and commercial cleaning company, held its first MeGala, at the Cuban Club, in Ybor City.  All proceeds from this year’s event benefitted Action Zone, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans and military spouses succeed in building businesses.

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On the Scene: Art show in Ybor City spotlights local women entrepreneurs (PHOTOS)

More than 250 people gathered at Hotel Haya, in Ybor City, to celebrate International Women’s Day with the debut of “WOMAN,” the first solo art show by Tampa-based artist Courtney Pasterchick. The event, supported by 10 women-owned businesses, featured music by DJ and singer Lolo Mayhew, complimentary cocktails from 21 Seeds Tequila and sweet treats

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The Will’s Way Foundation of Tampa Bay presented an evening of elegance and philanthropy at the Wings, Wheels, & Hearts Gala. Set against the backdrop of Sheltair Tampa, the event featured Tampa cuisine, craft cocktails and local brews. 

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