U.S. 41 Zoning Overlay Meeting

From County Staff:

 

For the last 9 months, county staff and the U.S. 41 Zoning Overlay Working Committee (composed by property owners, business representatives and citizens) have been working on defining alternatives to improve the appearance of U.S 41 between Big Bend Road and the Little Manatee River. This is one of the main objectives for implementing the Apollo Beach and Ruskin Community Plans.

 

You are invited to an important project meeting scheduled for next week.  We will be summarizing the final recommendations of this project.

Below the details of this meeting:

 

Date:   TUESDAY, February 21st

Time:   6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Place:  South Shore Regional Library

15816 Beth Shields Way

Ruskin, FL 33573

 

Your input is very important!

 

Information and staff presentations of previous meetings of this project can be found at:

 

http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/pgm/zoning/cpiongoing/US41.cfm

U.S. 41 Project - Visual Preference Survey- Sept 29th

From Hillsborough County Planning Dept:

Dear Citizen,

Improving the appearance of U.S Hwy. 41 is one of the main objectives for implementing the Apollo Beach and Ruskin Community Plans. Hillsborough County staff have been working with the community and other stakeholders to explore the development of a zoning overlay district along U.S. Hwy 41 between Big Bend Road and the Little Manatee River. 

An important workshop has been scheduled next week. Workshop attendees will have the opportunity to indicate their preference among a series of images that illustrate various designs and planning alternatives that could be considered for U.S. Hwy. 41.  You will be able to rank photos based upon your preference and see the results of the participants instantly! (see attached flyer)

Date:   Thursday, September 29th

Time:   6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Place:  South Shore Regional Library

15816 Beth Shields Way

Ruskin, FL 33573

Your input is very important for this project. Come and joint us!

Information, staff presentations and minutes of previous meetings of this project can be found at:

http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/pgm/zoning/cpiongoing/US41.cfm

If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us

Jose Fernandez

Principal Planner

Development Services

Planning and Zoning Division

Hillsborough County BOCC

p: 813.307.3435  |  f: 813.272.5348

e: fernandezjr@hillsboroughcounty.org

w: http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org

Sun City Center Fresh Market

This Sunday, May 22 - 2011 10am - 2pm
Kings Point and Sun City Center; America's premier retirement community will host their very own Open Air- Fresh Market Event sponsored by Minto Development and presented by Tampa Bay Markets!
Address to Google: The physical address is 1900 Clubhouse Dr. Sun City Center FL 33573 . From I-75 you take exit 240A, east on SR 674/Sun City Center Blvd., turn right onto Kings Blvd (gatehouse), turn right onto Clubhouse Dr.
About the Market Day:
The Sun City Fresh Market at Kings Point will support our mission and cater to another community that is looking to buy fresh and local products. The Market will be located in a grassy event space provided by Kings Point Country Club. This Market Day will feature a minimum of 50+ Vendors selling only fresh, local, homemade, handcrafted and eco-friendly products.
55 Vendors -- Highlights Include:
Old Classic Tunes & Live Broadcast by WDUV www.wduv.com, Live Elvis Impersonator, Ethnic & Unique Ready to Eat Food Court, Gourmet Take Home Foods, Hydroponic & Conventional Produce, Exotic Plants, Herbs, Orchids, Gourmet Cheese, Fresh Baked Breads and Baked Goods, Pasta, Honey, Art, Handmade Jewlery, Candles and more!
Open to the public. Shaded seating and bathrooms on site. Bring your the family and dogs! See you there!

Ruskin Elementary 50th anniversary

From the pages of this week's Observer News :

"Ruskin Elementary will celebrate their 50th anniversary from 10am-2pm on Saturday, May 14. The program begins at 10:30am in the cafeteria.
Activities include: student performances, time capsule opening, historic picture walk, classroom tours, book fair, car show, and a 1950s lunch with hamburgers, hot dogs and floats. Former students, staff and community members are welcome."

Sounds fun!

Air Pollution Advisory Issued

I guess these past 2 days were not the best days to be spending so much time in the field...
Hillsborough County News May 11, 2011:
Air Pollution Advisory Issued In Hillsborough County For Today
The Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County (http://www.epchc.org/) has issued an Air Pollution ADVISORY due to elevated levels of the pollutant OZONE (http://www.epchc.org/ozone.htm).
This advisory was in effect as of 3 p.m. yesterday, May 10, and remains in effect until dusk today, Wednesday, May 11.
OZONE (http://www.epchc.org/ozone.htm) levels reached 66 parts per billion (PPB) at the E.G. Simmons Park monitoring station yesterday afternoon, and were forecasted to stay at a high level, resulting in an eight-hour average greater than the acceptable standard of 75 PPB. A level of 76 PPB for an 8 hour average translates to an Air Quality Index (http://www.epchc.org/current_air_quality.htm) of 101.
Air Quality Index values from 101 - 150 are considered Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory ailments, the elderly, or the very young may want to take this into consideration when planning any outside activities.
For more information, contact: Tom Tamanini, Environmental Protection Commission, Air Management Division at 813-363-8815.

Boating Flea Market, Apollo Beach

Saturday, May 14, 8am - 2pm, Huge Boating Flea Market sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 75 - Ruskin, and hosted by Lands End Marina, Apollo Beach Blvd., Apollo Beach.
Sellers' Tables - $20 each. For tables or tents call Ray Stewart at 813-645-2130.

'Old Florida' programs at our local library

Florida Kids Pioneer Day at the SouthShore Regional Library
Wednesday, May 11 at 2 p.m. For ages 5-12. This is a school early release day.
SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin
What was life like for the pioneers of Florida? Before televisions, electricity, or cars? Join us and find out as we play games, make crafts, recipes, and listen to stories about the people who pushed America's boundaries.
Funding for this program provided by the Friends of the SouthShore Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit http://www.hcplc.org/.
The views expressed in this program are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Hillsborough County, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries, or the Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County, Inc. who do not endorse the presenter(s).

Hillsborough Reads: A Land Remembered at the SouthShore Regional Library
Thursday, May 19 at 2 p.m.
SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin
Spanning more than one hundred years, A Land Remembered by Patrick D. Smith highlights Florida's rich cultural heritage by following the fictional MacIvey family through the challenging wilderness and the developing Florida landscape.
For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit http://www.hcplc.org/.

Hillsborough Reads: Patrick Smith’s Florida – A Sense of Place at the Ruskin Branch Library(Documentary Film)
Wednesday, May 25 at 1 p.m.
Ruskin Branch Library, 26 Dickman Drive S.E. in Ruskin
Join us for a book to film discussion on A Land Remembered by Patrick D. Smith - our featured Hillsborough Reads selection for May 2011. We will be screening the documentary film Patrick Smith’s Florida: A Sense of Place as he takes viewers on a nostalgic journey through Florida.
Hillsborough Reads is a partnership program between the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library and the Tampa Bay History Center. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit http://www.hcplc.org/. The views expressed in this program are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Hillsborough County, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries, or the Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County, Inc. who do not endorse the presenter(s).

Meetings for New Hillsborough County Commission District Boundaries

Public Input Needed To Form New Hillsborough County Commission District Boundaries
The boundaries of Hillsborough County Commission Districts 1 through 4 are changing, and public input is needed on how that should be done.
Per County Charter, Commissioners must reapportion and redistrict every 10 years following the Federal Decennial Census. Each single-member district is to have a population representation as near to equal as possible. Since Commission Districts 5 through 7 are countywide districts and include all residents of Hillsborough County, this process will not affect them.
There are many ways to provide public input - attend one of ten public meetings, attend one of two public hearings, or comment online. Details on the Redistricting effort can be found on the Web at www.hillsboroughcounty.org/redistricting/.
Each public meeting listed below will follow the same format and present the same information. Possible new districting boundaries can be reviewed at each meeting site before the meeting, at the four regional libraries and the C. Blythe Andrews Library, and online at the Web link above.
The Redistricting  public meetings in South Shore are:
Wednesday, May 11; 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
South Shore Regional Service Center
410 30th St. SE in Ruskin
Thursday, June 2, 2011; 10 a.m. to Noon
Sun City Center Community Association
1009 North Pebble Beach Blvd.
Greater Sun City

The Redistricting public workshop and public hearings are:
Public Workshop- Tuesday May 24; 1:30 p.m.
2nd Floor Board Room – County Center
601 E. Kennedy Blvd. in downtown Tampa
Commissioners will discuss alternatives to proposed district boundaries.
Public Hearing- Thursday, June 9; 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
2nd Floor Board Room – County Center
601 E. Kennedy Blvd. in downtown Tampa
Commissioners will discuss alternatives to proposed district boundaries.
Public Hearing- Monday, June 20; 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
2nd Floor Board Room – County Center
601 E. Kennedy Blvd. in downtown Tampa
Commissioners will adopt new district boundaries.

Public Meeting To Discuss the U.S. 41 - May 12

From: HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY NEWS April 22, 2011
Hillsborough County Holding Public Meeting To Discuss the U.S. 41 Zoning Overlay District
Hillsborough County invites the public to attend an introductory open house on the proposed U.S. 41 zoning overlay district.
The purpose of this meeting is to discuss creating a zoning overlay district along U.S. 41 between Big Bend Road and the Little Manatee River as part of implementing the Apollo Beach and Ruskin Community Plans.
The overlay district will not affect the current zoning of properties, but will address establishing standards to improve and enhance the physical appearance of the U.S. 41 corridor. Standards typically address landscaping, signage, architecture and site design.

Staff will make a presentation at 7 p.m. describing intended outcomes, as well as an overview of the process that will be followed. Staff will also be available to provide information and answer questions. Please attend. We need and welcome your input. You may stop by anytime between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Date: Thursday, May 12
Time: 6 p.m.-8p.m.
Place: South Shore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin
All meeting facilities are ADA compliant. For additional assistance, please call us. Translation will be available to Spanish- speaking residents.
For more information, please call Steve Valdez, Client Services, at 272-5275 (TTY: 301-7172). Para información, llamar al 272-5275.
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For Children’s Week- Read a Book

Read a book. Give a book. Support Florida Children’s Week
Join the Children’s Week campaign at We Give Books, the new online reading community, where by simply reading free digital children’s books you help put books in the hands of children in Florida who don’t have them.
Visit www.wegivebooks.org with a child in your life and read some of your favorite children’s books online – anytime you like, no matter where you are – for free.
And with each digital book you read, we’ll give a brand-new book to a great local Children’s Week partner.

Support Children’s Week simply by signing up and reading at www.wegivebooks.org/campaigns/united-way-of-florida
What is We Give Books?
We Give Books combines the joy of reading with the power of helping others, offering caregivers and educators an easy, engaging way to encourage children to become motivated readers and lifelong givers.
We Give Books also helps some of the world’s best and most inspiring literacy organizations, spreading the word about their essential work and sharing books with the young people these organizations support.
Who Is Behind It?
We Give Books has been created by the Penguin Group and the Pearson Foundation. The Penguin Group provides the free, always-growing digital library of great children’s titles that you can read any time you like, no matter where you are. The Pearson Foundation helps share brand-new versions of these books – and thousands more – with great nonprofit organizations from around the world.
We hope that We Give Books proves to be a way that young children, together with their parents or caregivers, can come to appreciate the power of reading — and of giving — as much as we do.
Always Learning….
We Give Books sets a specific book donation goal for each charity. You will have the ability to track donations to all of the charities we support – knowing that, when the goal has been reached, you were part of the success. Together, we aim to donate a million books this year alone!
Best of all, the We Give Books program provides the opportunity to create a "teachable" moment for children. Not only will they be able to choose to read from hundreds of books in our growing digital library, but reading together at www.wegivebooks.org can be an occasion to teach your child about the power of giving, and the important work that our nonprofit partners do on behalf of children worldwide.

Formatted flier http://www.childrensweek.org/local/WGBFlyer.pdf
WE GIVE BOOKS - A Pearson Foundation Initiative www.wegivebooks.org

Urban Agriculture

Via TomorrowMatters listserv:

FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
University of South Florida

Urban and Community Design Program, School of Architecture & Community Design, College of The Arts
&
Dr. Kiran C. Patel Center for Global Solutions
Present
Urban Agriculture: Imperatives, opportunities and challenges at the neighborhood scale

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

10:00 am - Noon

USF's Dr. Kiran C. Patel Center for Global Solutions

CGS Building, Room 131

USF Tampa
Pamela Jo Hatley, J.D.

Rick Martinez, Executive Director, Sweetwater Organic Community Farm

Jim Kovaleski, Urban Homesteader and Itinerant Farmer

Presentations and a panel discussion will address the following questions:
. What is urban agriculture? What does it include? What are the approaches?
. When is food production enhanced or hindered by neighborhood design, land use or zoning regulations?
. How much food can be produced in an urban neighborhood? What is the role of permaculture and other innovative approaches to food production?
. Why should neighborhood design and planning efforts consider community gardens, farmers markets and community supported agriculture (CSAs) within the context of social, economic and ecological sustainability?
Organization in conjunction with ARC5931.002: Sustainable Neighborhood Development
-- FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC --
For more information, contact: Shawn Landry at landry@arch.usf.edu

Library programs at SouthShore

Viral Video at the SouthShore Regional Library


Tuesday, March 8 at 5 p.m.

SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin
FREE
Mix digital images, music downloaded using Freegal, our new music database, and sound effects so you can create your own sick music video for YouTube. We will even upload a select few on our YouTube channel and Studio 813 Web site.
Registration opens one hour prior to the event. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit http://www.hcplc.org/.
Media/Event Contact:
Lorri Robinson/Branch Supervisor

Chili Cook-off, Flea Market and Classic Car Show

From:  Hillsborough County News
February 17, 2011
Chili Cookers and Eaters Needed Feb. 19
What: Chili Cook-off, Flea Market and Classic Car Show
When: Saturday, Feb. 19
Where: E.G. Simmons Park, 2401 19th Ave. N.W. in Ruskin
Cost: No fee for chili cookers
$3 to sample the chili
$12 for flea market vendors
$2 park entry per vehicle; Free with annual parks pass
Registration: www.hillsboroughcounty.org/parks

Chili cookers and flea market vendors are needed for the Annual Chili Cook-off, Flea Market and Classic Car Show to be held Saturday, Feb. 19 at E.G. Simmons Park in Ruskin. Attendees may purchase a bowl of chili for $3 to taste the various recipes and vote for their favorites. Chili tasting and judging begins at noon.

There is no entry fee for chili cookers. However, contestants need to prepare at least five gallons of their favorite chili. Cookers compete for cash prizes paid out to the top three chili recipes, as well as a trophy for the best decorated booth.

Flea market vendors will be selling their goods at the outdoor market. The cost is $12 for a 12 X 12 space. Vendors must provide their own tables and may rent more than one space. The flea market opens at 8 a.m.

This year's event will also feature a Classic Car Show which begins at 10 a.m.
This event, hosted by the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department, and benefits the Friends of the County Parks, a 501 (3) (c) not-for-profit group that promotes financial and community support to the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department.

Applications for chili cookers and flea market vendors are available on the Parks Web site at www.hillsboroughcounty.org/parks. Look under " PRC News."
Call (813) 671-7655 for additional information.
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Multi-Chamber Mixer

From Ruskin Chamber's weekly Memo (sent to members but I'm sure there are folks (perhaps potential members?) who would like to meet some of our local business owners/managers)

Tuesday, March 15, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm, Join us for a wee bit o' cheer! RUSKIN-SOUTHSHORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MULTI-CHAMBER MIXER at The Resort and Club at Little Harbor, 611 Destiny Drive, Ruskin 33570. FREE. Don't miss this special opportunity to meet business leaders from local chambers: Greater Riverview, Apollo Beach, Sun City Center and Ruskin-SouthShore. RSVP (not required but appreciated) by March 11 to 813-645-3808 or ruskinadmin@earthlink.net. Sponsored by The Resort & Club at Harbor AND the Ruskin-SouthShore Chamber. .

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss at the SouthShore Regional Library
Sunday, Feb 27 at 2 p.m.
SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin
FREE
There are stories and cake on a plate.
A craft you can make, so mark the date.
Lots of fun to partake, so don't be late.
It will be great, can't hardly wait!
For school age children ages 5-12. Funded by the Friends of the SouthShore Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit http://www.hcplc.org/.
The views expressed in these programs are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Hillsborough County, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries, or the Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County, Inc. who do not endorse the presenter(s).
Media/Event Contact: Lorri Robinson/Branch Supervisor

Local Prescribed Burn set

If you smell smoke in Ruskin it may be this...

From Hillsborough County News; February 1, 2011
Prescribed Burn Scheduled for Feb. 1 in Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve

The Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department, in cooperation with the Florida Division of Forestry, will be conducting a prescribed burn today, Tuesday, February 01 at Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve, 3709 Gulf City Road in Ruskin. The burn will last one day. The purpose of the burn is for site restoration.
For more information, residents should contact the Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department at (813) 672-7876.
Prescribed burns are part of the management plan objectives for lands operated by the Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department, and is an essential tool to maintain and, often, restore the delicate Florida ecosystems. These burns maintain the biological diversity of our natural areas and ensure public safety through the reduction of hazardous fuels in a balance between natural lands and urban living environments.
Additional information about prescribed burns is available at http://hillsboroughcounty.org/parks/resources/publications/prescribedfireinformation.pdf
###

Annual Chili Cook Off, Flea Market and Car Show

E.G.Simmons County Park has a nice beach too!

Saturday, February 19, E.G. Simmons Park Annual Chili Cook Off, Flea Market and Car Show
at E.G. Simmons Park, 2401 19th Ave NW, Ruskin, FL 33570,
Ph: 813-671-7655.
$2 Park Entry Fee.
Flea Market: 9:00 am, Car Show: 10:00 am, Cook Off: Noon.
Needed: Chili Cookers, Car Enthusiasts and Flea Market Vendors.
Cash Prizes for Best Chili. Beer will be served this year. Hamburgers, Hotdogs, and Sausage also available.

Annie’s Project

From UF/IFAS (and don't forget to read her story at http://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/anniesproject/history.shtml) :

Annie’s Project


Risk Management Education for Farm Women

Facilitators: Christa Kirby, Manatee County Extension Interim Director and Livestock Agent
Samantha Kennedy, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent
Crystal Snodgrass, Vegetable Agent
Sponsor: Manatee County Extension Service
University of Florida Extension/IFAS
Manatee County (941) 722-4524
Location: Manatee County Extension Service
1303 17th Street W
Palmetto, FL 34221

When: Weekly sessions on Tuesday evenings from 6-9pm.
Sessions will begin on February 15 and end on March 22.

Website: For registration and more information, visit the Annie’s Project UF/IFAS website at: http://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/anniesproject/index.shtml .

Session topics include:

• Computer Record Keeping
• Developing a Business Plan
• Developing a Vision, Mission & Goals
• Farm succession/Estate Planning
• Insurance
• Interpersonal Skills
• Interpreting Financial Statements
• Marketing
• Women & Money

Registration: $35.00 per person registration fee– Includes materials and a catered meal for the first session. Make checks payable to Manatee County Friends of Extension. This program is limited to 20 attendees

 Mail:

Manatee County Extension Service
Attn: Jennifer Glassburn
1303 17th Street W
Palmetto, FL 34221
Fax: (941) 721-6608 Attn: Jennifer Glassburn
E-mail: jeglass@ufl.edu

January at The Big Draw Studios

From Ruskin's Big Draw Studios:

Greetings Art Enthusiasts,
The Studio has a great lineup for the new year! Our two featured classes, 'Drawing Faces' and 'Painting', have new start dates beginning the first week of January. We will also be hosting The South Sore Arts Council's annual community arts project which has taken on an exciting new form. The first meeting on January 29th at 1pm will serve as an artist and community member exchange focusing on possibilities for community based projects in Ruskin and the South Shore area.
And wow, two new exciting workshops, 'Perception' and 'CoLaboratory', that will replace your "dinner and a movie" for sure!

As always we need your help spreading the word, so if you think your friends would be interested please forward this on.

Thank you and we hope to see you soon!

For more information visit: http://www.ruskinbigdraw.com/

Programs at SS Regional Library

From Hillsborough County News:
January Programs at SouthShore Regional Library
SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin
For more information about these and other FREE programs @ your library®, visit the information desk at the library or call (813) 273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.



Opening Art Reception
Thursday, Jan. 6 at 6:30 p.m.
FREE- The SouthShore Regional Library welcomes artists Diane Simon and Cynthia Wortmann for this interesting show of watercolors and pastels. Diane and Cynthia are accomplished artists and very well known in the SouthShore arts community. Light refreshments and music will be provided. Funding provided by the Friends of SouthShore Regional Library and co-sponsored by the SouthShore Arts Council.

Adult Watercolor Pencil Class
Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 6:30 p.m.
FREE - – Registration required. Limited to 20 attendees;
Join art instructor Melissa Miller-Nece for this popular and informative class. Students will learn different techniques by exploring the many possibilities of this medium. Class is limited to 20 and registration is required. Funded by the Friends of SouthShore Regional Library.

Master Gardener: Vegetable Gardening 101
Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 7 p.m.
FREE- Master Gardener Phil Channell will discuss the basics of vegetable gardening. Co-sponsored by the Master Gardeners of Hillsborough County Extension and the University of Florida.

Heritage Hunting
Saturday, Jan. 15 at 11 a.m.
FREE - Genealogist Sharon Tate-Moody outlines the steps to take in order to find your long lost ancestors. Funded by the Friends of SouthShore Regional Library.

Irish Folk Dance
Sunday, Jan. 23 at 3 p.m.
FREE- Traditional Irish Folk Dancer Jessica Glover performs dance routines and provides a lively discussion about the history behind the dances. Funding provided by Friends of SouthShore Regional Library.

Finding Your Zen Through Painting
Wednesday, Jan. 26 at 6:30 p.m.
FREE – Registration required. Limited to 20 participants;
This four week adult course will explore the Zen of creativity and painting. Join art instructor Anne Walker for this creative painting series of classes, and let your spirit out by expressing yourself through a mandala and paintings of landscape, still life and figures. Funded by the Friends of SouthShore Regional Library.

All About Stars and Planets
Saturday, Jan. 29 at 11 a.m.
FREE; A multi-media astronomy presentation about our near neighbors in space.
Magic for Everyone
Monday, Jan. 31 at 7 p.m.
FREE; Join us for this special magic show featuring magician, Cesar Domico. Enjoy this energized interactive show full of illusions.