New exhibit traces a century of Florida filmmaking
Before Hollywood became the center of the movie business, filmmakers were already setting up cameras in Florida.
“Cinema in the Sunshine State,” opening Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Tampa Bay History Center, explores more than a century of moviemaking across the state through more than 50 original artifacts. The exhibit includes rare film ephemera, 1920s theater projectors, Edison-era cameras and Tampa Theatre marquee letters gathered from institutions statewide.
The exhibit follows Florida’s film history from the arrival of motion picture cameras in the late 1890s through productions featuring Tarzan, Esther Williams and the Creature from the Black Lagoon. It also shows how Jacksonville became an early center of American filmmaking and how Florida’s warm climate, natural landscapes and distinctive communities drew generations of filmmakers.
The exhibit marks the Tampa Theatre’s centennial as well. Original furnishings, blueprints and architectural elements reveal the craftsmanship behind one of the Tampa Bay area’s most recognizable landmarks.
“Cinema in the Sunshine State” runs through March 21, 2027, in the Wayne Thomas Gallery. The Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Water St., Tampa, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $18.95.
More history programs in Tampa
The Tampa Bay History Center has a full fall calendar. Register at tampabayhistorycenter.org.
Friday, Sept. 18: The USF Black Alumni Society marks the University of South Florida’s 70th anniversary and the 65th anniversary of Ernest Boger becoming the university’s first Black student. The evening of history, conversation and music begins at 6 p.m. at Tampa’s Black History Museum.
Saturday, Sept. 19, and Nov. 21: Two new walking tours explore Ybor City through the stories, places and people that shaped Cigar City.
Oct. 3: A pickling workshop at 10 a.m. on the Upper Terrace, overlooking the Garrison Channel. The hands-on class covers the basics and is designed for beginners.
Oct. 24: Volunteers are needed for the 15th annual A Night at the Museum, with costumed characters, family photo ops and Halloween activities for children.
Nov. 4: National Geographic photographer Mac Stone shares the stories and images behind his new book, “Cypress: The Last Old-Growth Swamps,” at 6:30 p.m. as part of the Florida Conversations series.
Nov. 11: A History Lunch Cruise aboard CRAFT Tampa, boarding at 11:15 a.m. Historian Rodney Kite-Powell narrates a tour of the military conflicts, institutions and turning points that shaped Tampa. Includes a chef-prepared lunch.
Nov. 13: Golden Hour: Sunset in Sevilla, a black-tie fundraiser with a flamenco theme, at 5:30 p.m.
Stage West gets ready for ‘The Addams Family’
SPRING HILL — Get ready to embrace the wonderfully weird. “The Addams Family” comes to Stage West Playhouse on Oct. 16-18 and Oct. 23-25.
The musical comedy follows Wednesday Addams as she falls in love with a “normal” young man, and chaos ensues. The show mixes clever humor, heartfelt moments and toe-tapping music.
Stage West Playhouse is at 8390 Forest Oaks Blvd. Tickets are available at the box office. For show times and details, visit stagewestplayhouse.org.
Health officials issue no-swim advisory at Rogers Park
BROOKSVILLE — The Florida Department of Health in Hernando County has issued a no-swim advisory for Rogers Park, 7244 Shoal Line Blvd., because of water quality concerns.
Swimming is not recommended until further notice. The health department will announce when conditions improve.
The advisory does not affect the park’s hours. Visitors should stay out of the water and follow posted guidance while it remains in effect.
Vacancy opens on Planning and Zoning Commission
BROOKSVILLE — Hernando County is accepting applications for one regular seat on the Planning and Zoning Commission. The opening is for District 3, and the term expires Dec. 31, 2028.
The commission advises the County Commission on rezoning and other land use matters. Terms of the five regular seats coincide with those of the five county commissioners; the two alternate seats are appointed countywide.
Applicants must be Hernando County residents and registered voters. The positions are unpaid, and an appointee may be designated an alternate. Because agenda packets and correspondence are distributed digitally, members must have computer access, basic computer skills and their own laptop for meetings.
Applications are available at the county administrator’s office, 15470 Flight Path Drive, Brooksville; by calling 352-754-4002; or at HernandoCounty.us/committees. Email applications to Administration@hernandocounty.us by 5 p.m. Sept. 25.
For more information about a specific board or committee, call the county administrator’s office at 352-754-4002.
Water district to hold virtual workshop on land use rules
The Southwest Florida Water Management District will hold a virtual public workshop at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, on proposed updates to its land use rules.
The public can join through Microsoft Teams at bit.ly/4wAXz9e. Google Chrome is recommended for compatibility. To take part by phone, call 786-749-6127 and enter conference code 149-562-370#.
The district will accept public comment on the draft update through Wednesday, Sept. 23, at WaterMatters.org/recreation/land-use-rules-update-and-public-comments.
Suncoast Credit Union awards nearly $3.75 million for education
TAMPA — The Suncoast Credit Union Foundation will award nearly $3.75 million in grants for the 2026-27 school year, supporting students from kindergarten through college.
The total is a 13% increase over the previous year. The foundation supports the education, health and emotional well-being of children in communities served by Suncoast Credit Union.
Literacy is a major theme in this year’s funding. Grants will pay for early literacy initiatives in Hillsborough County, family literacy programs in Lee County, book vending machines in Hernando and Charlotte counties, literacy and school supply initiatives in Levy County, and early language and literacy programs at Florida Gulf Coast University.
Other grants will fund artificial intelligence training for teachers and college readiness and workforce development programs.
“Our members help generate funds every time they use their debit or credit card, a unique way to see that money reinvested back into the community,” said Jeff Kunberger, executive director of the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation. “This type of commitment underscores our ‘people helping people’ philosophy, quite literally, and we’re thrilled to deliver that support to students across Florida.”