Things To Do In Gulfport

The Fanboy Expo, like stepping through the screen of a blockbuster superhero movie, brings comic and movie fans face-to-face with their favorite characters, actors, and artists. For two days, costumed attendees hob-nob with the Highlander, talk shop with Jerry "The King" Lawler , or chat with Lorenzo Lamas about his much publicized transition from starring in Renegade to opening his petting zoo, Lorenzo Lamas' Llamas. In addition to meeting celebrities from silver and small screen sci-fi and fantasy hits, comic book fans can also pick their favorite artist and creator's brain, snagging an autograph in the process. Should they find themselves in need of a new action figure or collectable t-shirt, fans can make their way to a number of merchandise and memorabilia dealer booths throughout the event space.

The sounds of crunching leaves break the otherwise still air, causing a pair of laser-tag teammates to slow their breathing and crouch down low. One of them puts a finger to her lips and peers over a fallen log, catching sight of an opponent before carefully aiming her laser gun in his direction. The sensors strapped to his head detect the hit, disengaging his gear for up to three seconds and rendering him unable to retaliate. This is a common scene at Mission Quest Adventures, where players cavort in an outdoor arena while clutching weapons loaded with laser beams. Adrenaline levels spike as warriors dive under bushes and dodge behind trees, aiming for victory in organized games such as capture the flag, last person standing, and pantomimed bowling.

Professional soccer officially returned to Tampa Bay on May 8, when a crowd of more than 8,000 fans watched the Rowdies play their debut home game at Steinbrenner Field. Currently headed up by Scottish coach and retired professional footballer Paul Dalglish, the Rowdies are chest-trapping, banana-kicking, and head-butting their way back into the world of black-and-white-spotted balls. Watch them take on the Minnesota Stars, who are ably coached by Manny Logas and hungry to work their way up the 2010 standings. Sideline seats get frenetic fans close enough to observe the fantastic flairs of Division II soccer savants as they attempt to sneak the European pigskin between an opponent’s legs and through the goal zone. Since it's a Thursday game, fans can also take advantage of Thirsty Thursdays, featuring $1 beers from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

If there’s one team to emulate in professional sports, it’s the New York Yankees and their 27 championships. Since becoming the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the big league Yankees in 1994, the Tampa Yankees have grown into a minor league clone of their MLB brethren—they’ve won five Florida State League titles, including back-to-back years in 2009-10.

Further strengthening the Yankee bond, the T-Yanks play all their home games at George M. Steinbrenner Field, the Spring Training facility of the Bronx Bombers. A scaled-down replica of Yankee Stadium, Steinbrenner Field is an 11,000-seat facility brimming with Yankee lore. The 31-acre complex even has a Monument Park, which honors the organization’s greatest players and beer vendors.

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Largo Cultural Center, which has presented the community with year-round entertainment and more than 40 artists this season, will host the cheerful event that will have the audience tapping their feet and bobbing their heads in glee. Tried and true sing-alongs and holiday hits will provide the soundtrack for this interactive auditory experience. The woodwinds and strings behind the operation will be manned and womanned by the highly talented string quartet Arioso, which is composed of members of the Florida Orchestra. Both Santa fans and scrooge groupies, or scroogies, will get in the yuletide spirit during an upbeat performance that’s capable of melting hearts and passing snowmen.