| Gosh, Cara, as a native of St. Petersburg, Fla. I am curious what they will reply...(WHEN will they reply?) Maybe this forum is a little slower to pick up responses than some I am used to. Let me recommend my area, the "Suncoast." A peninsula directly west of Tampa, on the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. For more than 100 years we have welcomed visitors as crucial to our economy and community life. I think we have everything nice (except NYC level arts culture and schools...and relief from humidity May through October...but then, we would be totally UNAFFORDABLE if we had those things!). 3 Big performing arts centers among Tampa, St. P, and Clearwater that bring in or produce many, many shows. Community theater is everywhere and many depend on "snowbirds" to attend, perform, build sets, usher, etc. Dinner theaters also cater to the retired set. Bowling is "around." Florida has recently instituted "no smoking" in all public buildings including restaurants and in bars that serve a sizable menu, so that affects bowling alleys. Lawn Bowling, Bocche Ball, Shuffleboard... you will still find all of these outdoor games played. Dancing? For the retirement set? Oh yes! Both city-sponsored and commercial ballrooms. Everywhere!! And "Snowbirds" are important to us as volunteers. "Meals on Wheels" and every other aspect of community life are helped by our visitors. The traffic may be lighter when May comes, but we do miss them - it is nice to have people come here to warm up and relax! Here are some links that will give you information: http://www.sptimes.com http://www.stpete.org
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/index.asp I hope this helps! Let me know if I can help further. | 
