The Shields Painting Difference: Perfection with Every Brush Stroke
Many painting companies in Florida rely on flashy marketing and big promises to try and attract new clients. But when it comes time to work, they fall short of their promises. This is often due to a lack of experience, qualified painters, and a drive to overachieve. At Shields Painting, we do things a little differently than other painting companies in Citrus County. We believe that a professional paint job should be as close to perfect as possible. Our goal is to leave you 100% satisfied, whether we're touching up an old residential paint job or performing a complex commercial project. It might sound simple, but we achieve that goal through honesty, hard work, beautiful results, and reasonable pricing.
As a family-owned and operated painting company in Masaryktown, FL, we strive to provide personalized, professional, and friendly service. Shields Painting has been in business since 1968 for a good reason. Whenever possible, we go the extra mile to make sure our customers are happy. Unlike some of our competition, we want to know all about your house or business painting project: your vision, your preferences, your challenges, and your goals. When we understand your needs, we can present you with a fantastic final product - one that you're proud to show off to friends and neighbors.
At Shields Painting, we combine our extensive experience with time-tested, meticulous painting processes, resulting in the highest quality painting results around. As a painting contractor in Citrus County, we can take on a variety of residential, commercial, and industrial projects in Florida.
A few of our most popular painting services include:
- Interior Painting
- Exterior Painting
- Residential Painting
- Commercial Painting
- Cabinet Painting
- Ceiling Painting
- Fence Painting
- Sign Painting
- MUCH More!
Our commercial, industrial, and residential painting contractors take the proper steps to protect your property and belongings while we work. Our team will clean up after ourselves, so your property is left clean and free of debris when we're done. After all, we think there's only one way to do a job, and that's the right way.
Painting Services

Eco-friendly & clean work area.

PDCA Certified Member.

Your Go-To House Painting Company in Masaryktown, FL
Your home is a haven of relaxation and solitude. It is uniquely you - a place where you can express who you are through style and design. Whether you need interior touch-ups for your crown molding or a new exterior coat of paint, hiring a reliable painting contractor is the best way to get quality results.
At Shields Painting, we know how important it is to have a home that highlights your tastes and personality. That's why we offer an extensive array of residential painting services in Citrus County. As tempting as it might be to try a DIY paint job, without the proper skills and experience, there is a good chance that the results will turn out less than satisfactory.
High-quality painting requires skill, experience, and patience. If you're a homeowner who needs residential painting services but doesn't have the time, patience, or skills to handle the job, look no further than Shields Painting. We offer accuracy, precision, and longevity with each paint job we perform. Our customers choose Shields Painting for their home because they receive:
- Free Quotes with Detailed Project Breakdowns
- Affordable Pricing
- Expert Painting Contractors
- High-Quality Paint Products
- Combo of Traditional and Modern Techniques
- Well-Maintained Tools
- Unmatched Craftsmanship
- Friendly, Personalized Service
- Good Old-Fashioned Hard Work!
The majority of our house painting services come in two forms: interior and exterior.
Interior Residential Painting
As an interior painting contractor with decades of experience, our expert technicians have developed an interior painting process that maximizes quality and emphasizes customer satisfaction. We understand that interior painting goes beyond aesthetics. It protects your ceilings and walls and helps you sustain a healthier place to live for your family. When only the finest craftsmanship will do inside your home, Shields Painting is here for you.
Our seasoned team of painting experts and craftsmen is dedicated to respecting your space and providing you with the look and feel you're craving inside your home. Whether you bought a new house and want to make it your own or need minor touch-ups but have no time, Shields Painting is ready to tackle the job, no matter how small or large.
Unlike some painting companies, our interior house painters take the time to get the details right, every time. For instance, color is only one aspect of your interior paint job. The paint sheen or finish is just as important. Certain finishes are better for living rooms and bedrooms than in kitchens and bathrooms. We'll help you find the right finish and paint colors for your home, so you don't have to worry about touch-ups or repainting.
Some of our most popular interior house painting services include:
- Ceiling Painting
- Popcorn Ceiling Removal
- Living Room Painting
- Bathroom Painting
- Basement Painting
- Color Consultations
- More

Cabinet Painting
Citrus County cabinet painting deserves its own section on this page because it requires more time, skill, and quality paint than most sections of your home. If your home's cabinets are built into its woodwork, replacing them can be obnoxiously expensive. Compared to the cost of installing new cabinets, painting your kitchen cabinets is much more affordable.
At Shields Painting, we specialize in transforming old cabinets into new, gorgeous features that are just as usable as they are beautiful. Each step of our cabinet painting process is meticulous and thorough. And we'll take care of the entire job, from cleaning, prep, and sanding to priming, painting, and reassembly. This unique service lets you enjoy a brand-new look in your kitchen without having to go into debt by replacing your cabinets.
Whether your cabinets are new, but you want to change their color or you'd like to transition wood cabinets to a painted finish, Shields Painting has the expertise and experience to give you a new look you'll love.

Exterior Residential Painting
Your home - it's a place that not only keeps your belongings safe. It protects your family and loved ones, too. It's one of your largest investments, and like anything else of value, it should be protected. However, Florida weather can take a toll on your home's structure and paint, lowering your home's value and even putting your family at risk.
While it's true that a beautiful exterior affects your house's value, it shouldn't take thousands of remodeling dollars to make a positive change to your home. There's a fine line between reasonable pricing and top-quality painting, and that sweet spot is what Shields Painting aims for. If you want to transform how your friends and neighbors see your home, never underestimate the power of a professional paint job.
Our exterior residential painting services are designed to boost curb appeal, give your home a fresh look, and help it stand up to Florida's unique weather. But we provide more than that. When you hire Shields Painting for your outdoor painting project, you will enjoy peace of mind in knowing that your home is in truly capable hands. Our goal is to exceed your expectations and help bring out the best in your property, whether you need to re-stain your deck or remove old, peeling paint from your siding.
If you're on the hunt for the very best exterior painting contractor in Masaryktown, FL, look no further than Shields Painting.
Some of our most popular exterior house painting services include:
- Vinyl Siding Painting
- Deck Painting and Staining
- Stucco Exterior Painting
- Wood Exterior Painting
- Porch Painting and Staining
- Soffit Painting
- Fascia Painting
- Window Painting
- Front Door Painting
- Thorough Painting Prep
- More

The Premier Commercial Painting Company in Masaryktown, FL
When it comes to first impressions, your businesses' appearance plays an important role. Your commercial property's paint job factors into its overall aesthetics. A great-looking, well-maintained paint job can mean the difference between a customer walking in your storefront and passing by. Conversely, an old, worn-out commercial paint job can send the wrong message to prospective customers. If you can't take the time to keep up your property's appearance, why would a customer spend their hard-earned money on your products?
The same goes for your businesses' interior paint. Would you want to do business with a company that has peeling paint or unsightly crown molding? At Shield's Painting, our goal is to create a beautiful environment that your customers and employees will love inside and out. When you work with our business painters, you can rest easy knowing we treat your business like it were our own. We always clean up after ourselves and know that operations cannot come to a halt just because we're painting. As such, we'll work with your busy schedule to ensure the job gets done right the first time without disrupting your day-to-day commitments.
With decades of commercial painting experience, we know the demands of a commercial painting project necessitate a disciplined and focused approach from the start. Our team of business painters is committed to delivering quality, on-time results on every project, every time - no excuses

We offer professional business painting services to a variety of building types, including:

01
Industrial Painting
A high level of care and finesse are required to effectively paint an industrial property. At Shields Painting, we know that industrial paint jobs involve much more than aesthetics. That's why our industrial services are customized to your specifications, using industrial-grade materials that stand up to heavy-duty operations.
02
Retail Store Painting
Our commercial painters apply effective, yet appealing interior and exterior paint that stand up to the daily rigors of busy retail environments.


03
Small Business Painting
Do you own a restaurant franchise? Have a small "mom and pop" location that needs a fresh coat of paint? Shields Painting has the resources and reliability to efficiently get the job done the first time. That way, you can focus on serving your customers, not having your business repainted.
04
Healthcare Location Painting
From walk-in clinics to long-term care facilities, Shields Painting is sensitive to your patients' needs. We know you must protect your patient's privacy while maintaining productivity. Our approach to healthcare location painting centers around your schedule to avoid disruptions in care.


05
Apartment Complex Painting
Erase signs of wear and make your apartment complex or multi-family building a more desirable place to live with a stunning, professional paint job.
Florida's Most Trusted Painting Contractor
Shields Painting has been in the business since 1968. In a world where so much has changed, we are proud to uphold the ideals that make us successful: hard, honest work, getting the job done right, and excellent customer service. Providing you with trustworthy, quality work will always take priority over rushing through a project to serve the next customer. That is just not the way we choose to do business.
As professionals dedicated to perfection, we strive to provide a unique painting experience for every customer - one that focuses on their needs and desires instead of our own. Whether you need residential painting for your home or commercial painting for your business, we encourage you to reach out today to speak with our customer service team. Whether you have big ideas about a new paint project or need our expertise and guidance, we look forward to hearing from you soon.

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Latest News in Masaryktown, FL
Top 15 Tampa Bay area events for the week of May 2-8
Tampa Bay Timeshttps://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/entertainment/things-to-do/2022/05/02/top-15-tampa-bay-area-events-for-the-week-of-may-2-8/
Pops in the Park: Pack a blanket and picnic for free music under the stars, a Florida Orchestra tradition for nearly 30 years. Perfect for date night or family time, the show features film scores, Broadway hits and symphonic favorites. Daniel Black conducts. Free. 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Julian B. Lane Park, 1001 N Boulevard, Tampa. 813-259-1610.Riverfest: Riverfest spans the entire length of the Riverwalk including several parks and features family-friendly activities and events showcasing Tampa’s cultural institutions,...
Pops in the Park: Pack a blanket and picnic for free music under the stars, a Florida Orchestra tradition for nearly 30 years. Perfect for date night or family time, the show features film scores, Broadway hits and symphonic favorites. Daniel Black conducts. Free. 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Julian B. Lane Park, 1001 N Boulevard, Tampa. 813-259-1610.
Riverfest: Riverfest spans the entire length of the Riverwalk including several parks and features family-friendly activities and events showcasing Tampa’s cultural institutions, local musicians and restaurants. The festival includes Taste of Riverwalk on Friday night and TacoFest on Saturday. There is also a full concert series of local bands on the main stage in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and a balloon glow at sunset both nights. Other activities include a wiener dog derby, sidewalk chalk artists and a standup paddleboard invasion. Free. 4-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday. Riverwalk, Tampa. 407-697-0038.
Florida Wiener Dog Derby XII: Watch dachshunds of all ages and sizes scramble in seven racing divisions to see who crosses the finish line first. Approximately 300 dogs will compete in races and other contests including best kisser, best tail, best nose, speed trap and P-Nut Butter Lick. Benefits Low Rider Dachshund Rescue of Florida, Skyway Dachshund Rescue, DARE Dachshund Adoption Rescue and Education and Save Our Cocker Spaniels (SOCKS). Free, race/contest fee starts at $11. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N Ashley Drive, Tampa. 407-502-0852.
T.J. Miller: The actor and comedian best known for starring in Silicon Valley and the How to Train Your Dragon series and playing Weasel in the Deadpool films has chosen Tampa to film his next comedy special, The Philosophy Circus. $42. 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday, 7:30 and 10 p.m. Saturday. Improv Comedy Theater, 1600 E Eighth Ave., Tampa. 813-864-4000.
Sunflower Season Farm Fun: Make your way through a maze of towering sunflowers at this farm festival with hayrides, a tree house play area, Tumbleweed Rollers, jumbo foosball, pitcher pump duck races, sunflower crafts, pedal tractors, access to the harvest barn, picking fields access and visits with farm animals. $10.75, 2 and younger free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Sweetfields Farm, 17250 Benes Roush Road, Masaryktown. 352-279-0977.
Star Wars Night: This Is the Way: Emperor DJ Tom Gold and Master Jedi DJ KC Killjoy spin the latest industrial/goth/EBM/electro/noise and synth pop for this May the Fourth Be With You celebration with drink specials, Vulcan Death Grip shots, light saber floggings, a Wookiee howling contest and costume contest. $20. 10:30 p.m.-3 a.m. Saturday. The Castle, 2004 N 16th St., Tampa. 813-247-7547.
Literary Drag Show: “Welcome to Dragwarts” is a literary cabaret show that features drag, burlesque and other performers taking the stage to celebrate the world of Harry Potter. 18 and older. $20-$25 at wordierthanthou.com. 7-9 p.m. Thursday. Mirror Lake St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club, 559 Mirror Lake Drive N. 727-822-2083.
American Stage in the Park: After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, American Stage returns to the outdoor park stage with Footloose — The Musical, based on the 1984 film of the same name. $21-$53. 8 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. Demens Landing Park, 100 First Ave. SE, St. Petersburg. 727-823-7529.
Iconic: Portrait Edition: Morean Arts Center takes over Seventh Street N and Morean Glass Studio for this fundraiser featuring a variety of activities inspired by the art of portraiture. Walk the red carpet in your most iconic look, view artists in action as they paint portraits of unique individuals vying for judges and people’s choice awards at the end of the evening. You can also paint your own pop art portrait, and there will be other hands-on activities. $150. 7-10 p.m. Saturday. Morean Arts Center, 719 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-822-7872.
Lead Foot Fiesta: Cinco de Mayo Festival: This traditional fiesta adds an automotive twist with Latin dancing, Luchador wrestling, a low rider car show, mariachi band and a concert by Tito Puente Jr. $10. 5 p.m.-midnight Saturday. Lead Foot City, 17109 Old Ayers Road, Brooksville. 844-532-3366.
Cinco de Mayo Street Fiesta: The 30th annual celebration features mariachi Guadalupe, Grupo Folklorico Mahetzi, free salsa lessons, Orquista Infinidad, a Mojinganga parade, a drum line and dancing. No cover (food/drink additional). 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Thursday. Casa Tina’s, 365 Main St., Dunedin. 727-734-9226.
Mom’s Night Out: If you’ve ever cared for a child, pet, houseplant or anything else, you’re invited to a free screening of Magic Mike as part of the Film Tampa Bay Series, which features local films, filmmakers, actors and locations. Free. 7 p.m. Thursday. Tampa Theatre, 711 N Franklin St. 813-274-8286.
Jimmy Failla: The New York City cabdriver turned standup comic who hosts Fox News Radio talk show Fox Across America and has been on AXS TV’s Gotham Comedy Live performs. $32. 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Improv Comedy Theater, 1600 E Eighth Ave., Tampa. 813-864-4000.
Maxwell: Three-time Grammy-winning and multiplatinum artist Maxwell performs with Anthony Hamilton and Joe. $70.25-$130.25. 8 p.m. Saturday. Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 813-301-6500.
The Band’s Visit: In The Band’s Visit, a band mysteriously brings a desert town to life in tantalizing ways. $46.50-$101.50. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday. David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N MacInnes Place, Tampa. 813-229-7827.
Bearss? Wimauma? Masaryktown? Here’s how to pronounce the tricky names around Tampa Bay.
Tampa Bay Timeshttps://www.tampabay.com/florida/2019/05/28/bearss-wimauma-masaryktown-heres-how-to-pronounce-the-tricky-names-around-tampa-bay/
Welcome to Florida Wonders, a series where readers submit their questions about the Tampa Bay area and Florida and Times journalists find answers.Reader T. J. Chaltry, 28, wanted to know: What’s the correct way to say Bearss Avenue and other tricky names around town?Chaltry heard that Bearss is pronounced as if it rhymes with fierce. But not everyone agrees with him.“I say that and everyone looks at me like I’m illiterate," he said.There are also other street names that he stru...
Welcome to Florida Wonders, a series where readers submit their questions about the Tampa Bay area and Florida and Times journalists find answers.
Reader T. J. Chaltry, 28, wanted to know: What’s the correct way to say Bearss Avenue and other tricky names around town?
Chaltry heard that Bearss is pronounced as if it rhymes with fierce. But not everyone agrees with him.
“I say that and everyone looks at me like I’m illiterate," he said.
There are also other street names that he struggles with — for example, Brorein, which trips up even longtime Tampa residents.
“I say it different every time,” Chaltry said.
We consulted local historians, books and newspaper clips in the Times archives and longtime reporters in our most far-flung bureaus to track down answers.
Here’s how to really say these names — and where they came from in the first place.
Adamo Drive
Where did the name come from? The road that connects Brandon to downtown Tampa is named for Dr. Frank S. Adamo. The Ybor City-born son of Italian immigrants was a surgeon who served as the Hillsborough County medical director until he left to join the Army Medical Corps in 1941.
According to the Times archives, Adamo was captured by the Japanese during the Battle of Corregidor and held captive in the Philippines for 2 1/2 years. He was awarded the Legion of Merit for creating a new gangrene treatment while he was still a prisoner. He returned to Tampa after being rescued from Japanese captivity in 1945.
“He came back here and was always just a voice in the medical community here," said Andy Huse, historian and librarian at USF’s special collections.
How do you say it? “Everyone wants to say Adam," Huse said. “Adam-oh.” But the proper Italian pronunciation is actually uh-DAH-mo.
Amalie Arena
Where did the name come from? Formerly known as the Tampa Bay Times Forum and the Ice Palace, the arena’s moniker changed again after Amalie Oil gained naming rights in September 2014.
How do you say it? AM-uh-lee, rhyming with family. Times reporter Christopher Spata wrote a story about the pronunciation of the arena in 2017.
Bearss Avenue
Where did the name come from? The Bearss family were pioneers of the citrus industry in Hillsborough County, according to the Times archives. The family owned a 45-acre orange grove since the 1800s
How do you say it? Even though most people say the word as “bears,” the family pronounces it bierce (rhyming with pierce or fierce).
Brorein
Where did the name come from? Brorein Street, which continues over the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa as the Brorein Bridge, is named after Carl Brorein Sr. He was the son of William G. Brorein, who founded the Peninsular Telephone Co. (now GTE) in 1902. Carl also served as president of the company.
There’s another Brorein aside from the street and bridge —Camp Owen J. Brorein. The Odessa-based Boy Scouts of America camp is the oldest one in the Greater Tampa Bay Council. According to Times archives, the camp is named for a scout who was fatally injured at the camp when “a stump-blasting project misfired.” Owen was the nephew of William Brorein.
How do you say it? Brorein is of the most heavily debated names on the list. One Tampa Reddit user pointed out that even local news anchors say it different ways.
Barbie Alderson, office support specialist for the city of Tampa at Transportation and Stormwater Services, says she and everyone else at the office — which handles the city’s street signs — say bro-REEN. We weren’t able to reach anyone from the Boy Scout camp, but the voicemail message also pronounced it like that. You can sing Brorein to the tune of Dolly Parton’s Jolene to help you remember.
Demens Landing
Where did the name come from? The name honors Peter Demens, a Russian nobleman born as Pyotr Alekseyevich Dementyev. Demens defended the czar as a captain in the Imperial Guard. The story goes that Demens was inspired to come to America after a friend in Paris told him about a wonderful place called Florida, said Rui Farias, executive director of the St. Petersburg Museum of History.
Demens was in the lumberyard business in Florida, and when the owner of the Orange Belt Railway couldn’t pay off his debt to him, Demens gained ownership of the company. He is credited with extending the line to Pinellas County. The first train arrived in downtown St. Pete on June 8, 1888, carrying just one man.
John Constantine Williams, the richest man in Michigan, owned the land where St. Petersburg was founded. He wanted to call the area Williamsville. But Demens’ railroad brought the growth that allowed the city to grow and become what it is today.
“This is kind of what creates us,” Farias said.
There is a myth that says Williams and Demens flipped a coin on Central Avenue to see who would win naming rights. The story isn’t true, but ultimately the city did become St. Petersburg, after Demen’s hometown. Demens Landing is an homage to him, too.
How do you say it? According to a sign by the landmark, the correct pronunciation is deh-MENS.
“It’s definitely not demon’s landing,” said Farias, who explained that Demens’ original Russian name doesn’t even sound close to the word demon. “I try to correct it one person at a time.”
Dunedin
Where did the name come from? According to “Brief History of Dunedin, Florida 1965," the area was already named Jonesboro. This name came from George L. Jones, who put up a sign bearing that name over his general store in 1877. Two Scottish men, J.O. Douglas and James Summerville, arrived in the area a few years later. They did not like the name Jonesboro, so they asked local leaders if they could add a post office and name it Dunedin. Soon the town itself became known as Dunedin.
Dunedin is the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh, where the two men hailed from. There is also a town in New Zealand with the same name.
How do you say it? This name is one of the most likely ones to trip up visitors, who often guess a version of doon-done. According to Dunedin’s website, the correct pronunciation is done-EE-din.
Lutz
Where did the name come from?The Hillsborough town is named for two brothers, C.E. and W. P. Lutz, who helped to bring the railroad to the area.
How do you say it? Loots. According to a Tampa Reddit user, the slogan “Lutz, rhymes with boots,” used to appear on bumper stickers and T-shirts.
Masaryktown
Where did the name come from? This Hernando County town is named after Tomas Masaryk, the founder and first president of Czechoslovakia.
The idea for the name came from Josef Joscak, the editor of a New York-based Czech newspaper. Joscak had written a number of stories encouraging fellow Czechoslovakians to join him in sunny Florida and went on to found the community in 1924.
How do you say it? According to reporters in our Hernando County bureau, the proper pronunciation is muh-ZER-ick-town.
Pinellas
Where did the name come from? The area’s thick wilderness, filled with pine trees, left a mark on the Spanish settlers who came to the area.
“The Spanish called it ‘Punta Pinal,’ or ‘pine point,’ because there were so many pine trees,” Farias said.
Maps from the late 1800s label modern-day Pinellas Point as “Pt. Pinelos.” Eventually, this became Pinellas.
How do you say it? According to the archives, some old timers and longtime residents call it PINE-ellis. Newer imports go with pin-EL-lis.
Thonotosassa
Where did the name come from? Thonotosassa comes from the Seminole-Creek words meaning “flint is there.” The Hillsborough County town shares the name with Thonotosassa Lake, which is near a handful of flint quarries, according to the book Places in the Sun.
How do you say it? Tho-no-ta-SASS-a.
Weeki Wachee
Where did the name come from? The name for this Hernando County river also comes from the Seminoles. It means “little spring.”
How do you say it? WEE-key WAH-chee.
Withlacoochee
Where did the name come from? There are two Florida rivers with this name. The southern one runs through Pasco and Hernando counties. The book Florida Place Names states: “The name is taken from the Creek we, ‘water,’ thlako, ‘big,’ and chee, ‘little,’ or little big water."
How do you say it? with-la-KOO-chee.
Wimauma
Where did the name come from? The town in Hillsborough County is named after a mashup by the first local postmaster. In 1903, Captain C.H. Davis created the word by combining letters from the names of his three daughters — Wi from Wilma (who also went by Willie), mau from Maude and ma from Mary.
How do you say it? WHY-mama.
Ybor
Where did the name come from? Ybor City is named for the man who founded it, Vicente Martinez-Ybor. The Spaniard was also responsible for bringing the first cigar factory to the area in 1885. By the time the industry reached its peak in Tampa during the 1920s, there were about 200 cigar factories in the area.
According to Times archives, Ybor founded the first brewery in Florida. The 200th anniversary of his birth was in September 2018.
How do you say it? Eee-bore.
How do people around town usually say these names? We took to the streets to find out:
What questions do you have about the Tampa Bay area or Florida? Fill out the form below or email your inquiries to floridawonders@tampabay.com.
Need inspiration? Here’s what other readers were curious about:
7 pumpkin patches around the Tampa Bay area to visit this fall
Jillian Olsenhttps://www.wtsp.com/article/entertainment/pumpkin-patches-around-tampa-bay-visit-fall/67-1faf23d9-882e-4024-abd6-6e3a97f42609
TAMPA, Fla. — Fall doesn't feel like, well, fall in Florida. But that doesn't mean we have to miss out on all the fun!While the temperatures might be bringing the heat we've tracked down seven pumpkin patches that are sure to give you fall vibes.The best part? Most patches offer more than just pumpkins. Some have hayrides, sweet treats, photo spots and more.So, grab your friends and head on out to whichever spot piques your interest (you can probably leave your flannels at home.)Ever want to step into a pump...
TAMPA, Fla. — Fall doesn't feel like, well, fall in Florida. But that doesn't mean we have to miss out on all the fun!
While the temperatures might be bringing the heat we've tracked down seven pumpkin patches that are sure to give you fall vibes.
The best part? Most patches offer more than just pumpkins. Some have hayrides, sweet treats, photo spots and more.
So, grab your friends and head on out to whichever spot piques your interest (you can probably leave your flannels at home.)
Ever want to step into a pumpkin house? Well, now's your chance. Gallagher's Pumpkins and Christmas Trees offers several photo-ops in addition to a wide selection. The locally owned business also has food and drinks, a petting zoo, a bounce house and live music on the weekend.
Dates & Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. (pumpkin patch is seasonal)
Cost: Varies based on purchase.
The self-described "Pumpkin HQ" is offering a selection in every shape and size. On the weekend, you can take part in a corn maze, dummy steer roping, a gigantic slingshot and pony rides during your visit
Dates & Hours:
Saturday - Sunday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
* Runs until Oct. 24
Admission: Up to $11 per person + tax and fees, children under 2 years old are free.
The area's pop-up pumpkin patch is back! And all the proceeds from the patch go to benefit the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.
Dates & Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday - Sunday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
* Runs until Oct. 31
Cost: Varies based on purchase.
If you're looking for more than just pumpkins, Sweetfields Farm also offers a corn maze, hayrides and pumpkin bowling among other fall festive activities. You will need to buy tickets in advance to attend.
Dates & Hours: Runs until Nov. 7. Hours vary based on your ticket time slot.
Admission: $9.75 per person + tax and fees, children under 2 years old are free.
It's back! Stop by the pier's Family Park to take your pick from the waterfront park's patch. Did we also mention the amazing views?
Dates & Hours: Dates and times vary from Oct. 9 - Oct. 17
Cost: Varies based on purchase.
Immerse yourself in pumpkins galore at the farm's Fall Pumpkin Festival. Guests can also enjoy hayrides, a petting zoo, a corn pit and bounce pillow.
Dates & Hours:
Friday & Saturday: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Admission: $12.50 per person, children under 2 years old are free. Parking is $3.
The 30th annual festival has just a little bit of it all. From train rides to a barnyard playground there's enough to keep the kids (and kids at heart) busy.
Dates & Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on select weekends until Oct. 31.
Admission: $12 per person, children 10 and under are free. Parking is $5.
* The event is cash only.
5 things to do with kids in Tampa Bay this week: May 17-23
Tampa Bay Timeshttps://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/2021/05/17/5-things-to-do-with-kids-in-tampa-bay-this-week-may-17-23/
1. Sunflowers: Visit HarvestMoon Fun Farm in Masaryktown, south of Brooksville, for a sunflower u-pick event on the weekends. You can pick flowers along their mazelike paths and also enjoy a petting farm, ball zone, hill slide, swings and tree house. There is a $10 minimum flower purchase per person over age 16 for the cash-only event, which runs through May 30. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. To make a reservation, see ...
1. Sunflowers: Visit HarvestMoon Fun Farm in Masaryktown, south of Brooksville, for a sunflower u-pick event on the weekends. You can pick flowers along their mazelike paths and also enjoy a petting farm, ball zone, hill slide, swings and tree house. There is a $10 minimum flower purchase per person over age 16 for the cash-only event, which runs through May 30. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. To make a reservation, see harvestmoonfunfarm.com. 15990 Stur St., Masaryktown.
2. SA’EY’AMA: The Power of Brass in the Kingdom of Benin: This display at the Sulphur Springs Museum and Heritage Center focuses on the ancient African empire of Benin, one of the inspirations for Black Panther’s Wakanda. Benin’s ancient bronze-casting techniques produced some of the most magnificent art of Africa, much of which was plundered by colonial powers. Masks and social distancing are required. Free admission, donations much appreciated. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays. 1101 E River Cove St., Tampa. 813-935-9402. sulphurspringsmuseum.org.
3. Big Bird Fly-In: The Hernando Aero Modelers remote control airplane club is hosting a fly-in on Saturday. Several large remote-controlled airplanes of various shapes, flight capabilities and colors will be on display and in the air. Some shaded seating is available, or you can bring your own lawn chairs. Food and drinks are available for purchase. It if rains, it will be held Sunday. $3, or $5 per carload. 9-11 a.m. Saturday on the field by the Cemex entrance, 16301 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Brooksville. 352-540-5532.
4. Sesame Street Kids Weekends: This is the last weekend families can enjoy spring-inspired fun at Busch Gardens with the Sesame Street gang. This week is Everyday Heroes Weekend. Guests will have a chance to join the Everyday Heroes Club by earning special badges for Bravery, Helping, Manners, and more. Police officers, firefighters and other local heroes will be honored, and emergency vehicles will be on display. In addition, there will be crafts, a springtime maze in Gwazi Field, dance parties and visits with animal ambassadors. Face masks are required. 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Busch Gardens, 10165 N McKinley Drive, Tampa. 813-884-4386.
5. Jazz on the Lawn: Gather family and friends and bring a chair or a blanket for a night of live jazz music on the lawn at St. James United Methodist Church. Parents can turn it into a date night by checking their kids into the Kidz Fun Zone (preschool through elementary only). Free. Food and drinks available for purchases. 6-9 p.m. Saturday. 16202 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa. 813-971-4790. stjamestampa.org.
Where to find Tampa Bay light displays, tree lightings and holiday parades
Tampa Bay Timeshttps://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/entertainment/things-to-do/2021/11/24/the-holidays-are-merry-and-bright/
It’s the most wonderful time of ... well, you know. Here’s a look at events across the Tampa Bay area that will be making spirits bright this holiday season.Enchant Christmas: Tropicana Field is transformed into a winter wonderland with a Christmas light maze and village, ice skating trail, an artisan market, visits with Santa and a hunt for gifts taken by a mischievous elf. $35, $32 seniors/military, $25 ages 3-17, 2 and younger free. Opens Nov. 26. Hours and dates vary. Through Jan. 2. Check ...
It’s the most wonderful time of ... well, you know. Here’s a look at events across the Tampa Bay area that will be making spirits bright this holiday season.
Enchant Christmas: Tropicana Field is transformed into a winter wonderland with a Christmas light maze and village, ice skating trail, an artisan market, visits with Santa and a hunt for gifts taken by a mischievous elf. $35, $32 seniors/military, $25 ages 3-17, 2 and younger free. Opens Nov. 26. Hours and dates vary. Through Jan. 2. Check enchantchristmas.com. Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg. 315-558-2623.
Festival of Lights: A nearly 2-mile drive-thru of continuous light features followed by a festive walking visit to Santa’s Village. The elaborate light displays themed to Florida and traditional winter holidays are complemented by individual representations of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. $25 per car (up to eight people). 6-10 p.m. Nov. 25-28, Dec. 2-5, 9-12 and 16-26. Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Road, Brandon. 813-737-3247.
Christmas in the Wild: The family-friendly holiday event will be open on select nights through Dec. 30 with one of Tampa Bay’s largest light displays, holiday treats and new adventures that will connect guests with wildlife and the spirit of the season. There are six new illuminated light zones, including two light shows across the entire manatee circle. Shows are every 15 minutes. You can also dance and play reindeer games at the Wallaroo Wrap Party. $29.95; $5 reservation fee for members refunded as a voucher. 4-10 p.m. Nov. 26-27, Dec. 3-4, 10-11 and 17-23, 4-9 p.m. Dec. 26-30. ZooTampa at Lowry Park, 1101 W Sligh Ave. 813-935-8552.
Holiday Lights in the Gardens: The botanical gardens will sparkle with 1 million LED lights. Laser lights and lighted figures round out the display. Suggested donation of $10 for ages 13 and up. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Nov. 26-Jan. 2. Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. 727-582-2117.
Glorious Night — A Drive-In Christmas Light Show: A 30-minute drive-in light show featuring Christmas songs, a story of hope and thousands of programmed Christmas lights. Free. 6-10 p.m. Nov. 26-Jan. 2. First Baptist Church Plant City, 3309 James L. Redman Parkway. 813-752-4104.
Christmas Under the Moon: Walk through a light display and a Christmas tree lane, meet Santa and check out the petting zoo, ball zone, hill slide and arts and crafts. $10 ages 3 and up. 6-9 p.m. Nov. 26-27, Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18 and 22-23. HarvestMoon Fun Farm, 15990 Stur St., Masaryktown. 727-326-3256.
Oakdale Light Display: St. Petersburg’s annual light display, with religious tendencies, features more than half a million lights, 18 model trains, water fountains, a 70-foot lighted tree, animated dolls, a 30-foot snowman and more.This display has been featured on HGTV, HSN, NBC’s The Today Show and in People magazine. Free. 6-10 p.m. Nov. 26-Jan. 3. 2719 Oakdale St. S, St. Petersburg. 727-822-5562.
Planning your weekend?
Celebration of Lights: The seventh annual drive-thru light show with family entertainment including the Holiday Train (Fridays and Saturdays only). 6-9 p.m. Friday-Sundays Nov. 26-Dec. 19 and Dec. 20-21. $20 carload, $3 train. 6-9 p.m. Nov. 26-28, Dec. 3-5, 10-12 and 17-21. The Concourse, 11919 Alric Pottberg Road, Shady Hills. 727-233-2968.
Downtown St. Petersburg Waterfront Parks: The parks light up with thousands of holiday lights and decorations. Displays can be found in North Straub Park, South Straub Park, Pioneer Park, Vinoy Park and at the St. Pete Pier. 6 p.m. Nov. 27-Jan. 2. Near 400 Bayshore Drive NE, St. Petersburg. 727-893-7441.
Lights of Lake Park Estates: The neighborhood comes together to put up lights and holiday decorations to raise money for Hospice. 6-10 p.m. Dec. 1-31. Lake Park Drive and 109th Avenue N, Seminole.
Pioneer Christmas: All the museum buildings are open and decorated. Most docents are dressed in holiday period attire. Children’s activities include reindeer games, arts and crafts, cookie decorating and pony rides. There’s also a vintage market with holiday gifts. $5, 4 and younger free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 4. Pioneer Florida Museum, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City. 352-567-0262.
Winter Wonderland: A live Nativity with animals, outdoor lights, live music, fire trucks, Santa and a Christmas marketplace with food and craft vendors. Free, donations requested. 5-9 p.m. Dec. 4. St. Jerome Early Childhood Center, 10895 Hamlin Blvd., Largo. 727-596-9491.
St. Petersburg Tree Lighting: Bring the family and join Mayor Rick Kriseman as he lights the holiday tree and the entire downtown waterfront area. Free. 6 p.m. Nov. 27. North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Drive NE, St. Petersburg. 727-893-7441.
Palm Harbor Christmas Tree Lighting: Start the holiday season with an evening of entertainment, games, a snow play area, holiday hayride, food and vendors. The tree lighting is at 6 p.m. Free. 5:30-9 p.m. Dec. 3. White Chapel/Harbor Hall (CSA Palm Harbor), 1190 Georgia Ave. 727-771-6000.
Pinellas Park Tree Lighting: Mayor Sandra Bradbury, other city officials and residents will participate. Free. 5:30 p.m. Dec. 3. Pinellas Park City Hall, 5141 78th Ave. 727-369-0700.
Tampa Santa Fest and Holiday Tree Lighting: A parade steps off at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 4 beginning at Morgan and Madison streets. It travels west on Madison to Ashley Drive, turns north and ends at Ashley Drive and Cass Street. After the parade, head to Curtis Hixon Park for Santa Fest (3:30-5:30 p.m.), where Santa and Mayor Jane Castor light the holiday tree (5:30-6:25 p.m.). A screening of the 2018 version of The Grinch follows (roughly 6:30 p.m.). Free. Curtis Hixon Park, 600 N Ashley Drive, Tampa. 813-221-3686.
Largo Holiday Tree Lighting and Stroll: Enjoy a maze of light displays and performances by entertainers from around the world. The tree lighting is at 6 p.m., and Santa arrives at 7. Free. 6 p.m. Dec. 4. Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive. 727-586-7415.
Candyland Christmas: The Zephyrhills annual Festival of Lights features the tree lighting and Christmas parade. 4-9 p.m. Dec. 4. 38537 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills 813-780-0000.
Tierra Verde Tree Lighting: Santa arrives at 5 p.m. for the lighting of the tree, with music, a pet parade, raffles and a toy drive. Free. 4-8 p.m. Dec. 4. 1110 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde.
City of Gulfport Tree Lighting: Enjoy an evening of light refreshments and music by the New Horizons Band as Santa joins the mayor and City Council members to light the holiday tree. 6 p.m. Dec. 6. Clymer Park, Gulfport Boulevard S and Beach Boulevard S, Gulfport. 727-893-1118.
Tree Lighting Ceremony: Hear poetry and caroling as Oldsmar’s Citizen of the Year lights the holiday tree. Free. 6 p.m. Dec. 7. Oldsmar City Hall, 100 State St. 813-749-1152.
St. Pete Beach Holiday Lighted Boat Parade: The glowing holiday procession begins near Egan Park and travels south to the Bayway Bridge. Good seats can be found at the viewing party in Horan Park, with live music by Yacht Rock. Free. 6-8 p.m. Dec. 3. Horan Park, 7701 Boca Ciega Drive, St. Pete Beach. 727-363-9245.
Dunedin Holiday Boat Parade and Tree Lighting: Decorated boats parade through the marina, with Santa arriving on the last boat, for a tree-lighting ceremony in Edgewater Park. Includes holiday music, s’mores and visits with Santa. Free. 6-9 p.m. Dec. 4. Edgewater Park, 51 Main St., Dunedin. 727-298-3278.
Dade City Christmas Parade: Pioneer Florida Museum takes over this year’s holiday parade. The parade starts at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Fifth Street, goes west on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to Seventh Street, turns south to Church Avenue, east to Fifth Street and ends in front of the post office. Free. 7 p.m. Dec. 10. Meridian Avenue and Seventh Street, Dade City. 352-567-0262.
Holiday Golf Cart Parade: Bring the family to watch as residents deck out their golf carts in lights and holiday decor for a parade through downtown Oldsmar. $5 registration fee, free to watch. 6 p.m. Dec. 11. Bicentennial Park, 423 Lafayette Blvd., Oldsmar. 813-749-1152.
Boca Ciega Yacht Club Christmas Lighted Boat Parade: The parade enters the Gulfport Municipal Marina at about 6 p.m. It will then travel past the William’s Pier and Casino in Gulfport, past the beaches and into the canals of Town Shores, Pelican Bay, Skimmer’s Point, Bayview Circle, past a portion of Kipps Colony and near PYCC, then along Dolphin Boulevard to the Pasadena Golf Club Estates before swinging across the bay to Isla del Sol and returning to the club’s slips. To enter, make a donation of two unwrapped, new toys, or write a check to Operation Santa in any amount. Free. 6-8 p.m. Dec. 11. Boca Ciega Yacht Club, 4600 Tifton Drive S, Gulfport. 813-323-5852.
Pinellas Park Christmas Parade: The 48th annual one-sided parade travels eastbound from approximately the Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center to Park Place shopping center. The parade can’t be viewed from the westbound side of Park Boulevard because it is open to two-way traffic. Free. 6 p.m. Dec. 11. Park Place Stadium 16, 7200 U.S. 19 N, Pinellas Park. 727-525-7777.
Tampa Lighted Boat Parade: The Friends of the Riverwalk present Tampa’s holiday boat parade at 6 p.m. Dec. 18 along the Hillsborough River. The parade begins at the southern tip of Davis Islands, travels through the Convention Center basin up to the Heights and turns toward Sparkman Wharf. Free. Tampa Convention Center, 333 S Franklin St. 813-221-1539.
Redington and Indian Shores Boat Parade: Decorated boats will travel through the Intracoastal Waterway from just north of the Tom Stuart Causeway Bridge (Redington Beach) to Caddy’s in Indian Shores. The best viewing locations are R.O.C. Community Park in Madeira Beach, the 161st Avenue causeway in Redington Beach, Del Bello Park in Redington Shores and the Park Boulevard Boat Ramp in Indian Shores. Free. 6 p.m. Dec. 19. R.O.C. Community Park, 200 Rex Place, Madeira Beach.
New Port Richey Street Parade: The Holiday Rotary Club and the City of New Port Richey join for a holiday parade featuring an appearance by Santa in his sleigh. Free. 6 p.m. Dec. 11. The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce, 5443 Main St., New Port Richey. 727-842-7651.
Palm Harbor Christmas Parade: Celebrate the holiday season with community leaders, local businesses and even Santa. Free. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 11. The parade begins at 12th Street and Delaware Avenue and ends at 11th Street and Michigan Avenue. 727-784-4287
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