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New tourist changes coming to Venice in 2024

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Upcoming Tourist and Visitor Rule changes in Venice, Italy

From June 1, the Venice City Council will limit walking tours to a maximum of 25 people per group, bringing them into line with the maximum size of tour groups in Venice’s museums. Tour groups will also be banned from stopping on bridges or in narrow streets and passageways. The city has also prohibited the use of loudspeakers.

Here’s everything you need to know about Venice’s new tourist rules for 2024.

What is the city tax in Venice 2024?

Venice is set to introduce a €5 entry fee for day visitors from April 25, 2024, in a bid to combat overtourism. The entry fee must be paid by everyone over 14 years old.

When does the Venice entry fee come into effect?

Day trippers will need to pay an entry fee on days in 2024. This is during the first peak tourism period of 2024 (April 25 to May 5), each weekend in May and June, plus the first two weekends of July.

The day-tripper entry fee will only apply during peak hours from 8:30am to 4pm. Those arriving later for dinner or a concert won’t have to pay.

Who has to pay to enter Venice?

All day-trippers over the age of 14 must pay the fee. Those staying overnight in Venice accommodation will not have to pay but will still need to register via the new system.

Residents of Venice and the wider Veneto region (and their relatives) will not have to pay an entry fee. People with disabilities, students enrolled to study in the city, and those visiting the city for the day for health reasons or a sporting event or concert are also exempt.

Do I need to register to enter Venice?

Yes. All visitors, including day-trippers, will need to pre-book their visit through an online booking platform that launches on January 16.

Even those exempt from paying the day-tripper fee will have to register to enter Venice. That includes people who are staying in accommodation in the city. 

Upon booking, visitors will receive a QR code that they can then scan at electric turnstiles located at Venice’s main access points, including the main train station, to gain access to the city. Officials say they will also check people’s QR codes at random.

Authorities say this new system will allow them to have a better understanding of how many people will be coming and going and prepare accordingly. The idea is that they will be able to apply more resources in areas like waste management and traffic control on busy days.

Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, FL

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What is Grand Prix?

The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (referred to colloquially as the “Monaco of IndyCar”) is an IndyCar Series race held in St. Petersburg, Florida. In most years since 2009, the race has served as the season opener (or at minimum, the first race held on U.S. soil).[1] The race is held annually in the spring, with the exception of 2020, when it was postponed until October due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The race takes place on a temporary course, utilizing downtown streets, and one runway of Albert Whitted Airport. The event dates back to 1985, with IndyCars first competing in 2003.

What is Grand Prix’s hisotry?

The inaugural 1985 event was organized by William T. McVey, president of the McBri Corporation in Tampa and a member of IMSA and the SCCA. The SCCA Trans-Am Series held a race on a St. Petersburg downtown waterfront circuit from 1985 to 1990. Can-Am also competed in 1985. Local residents and businesses complained about noise, and the event was eventually put on hiatus. Driver Jim Fitzgerald was killed in a crash during the 1987 race.[4][5]

From 1996 to 1997, the St. Petersburg race was revived on a different course around Tropicana Field (about one mile west of the original waterfront course). Along with the Trans-Am Series, support races included U.S. FF2000, World Challenge, Pro SRF and Barber Dodge. The event subsequently went again on hiatus for several years.[3]

In 2003, the event was revived again for the Champ Car World Series. A new, modified version of the original 1985 waterfront circuit was created.

For 2004, the event was cancelled due to a dispute between the promoters, furthermore, the bankruptcy and liquidation of the CART series into the new Champ Car World Series saw a shakeup of the calendar. When the race returned in 2005, it switched to the IndyCar Series, marking the first non-oval event for the Indy Racing League. In 2007, the race weekend was expanded to include an American Le Mans Series event.

Andretti Green Promotions would later take over promotion of the event.[6] Starting in 2014, Firestone took over as title sponsor.

Official site: 

https://www.gpstpete.com/

When? March 8-10, 2024

Holidays in St. Peterburg December 2023

Activities, Rest, Tour, Vacation

We have tons of holiday activities in Tampa Bay area:

  • Enchant Christmas Village, November 24 – December 31, 2023 in Tropicana Field 
  • December 8, 6:30pm, South Pasadena Lighted Boat Parade. Kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on the northeast side of Pasadena Isle, just outside Marine Max St. Petersburg, then follows the coastline of South Pasadena, going under the Corey Causeway Bridge, then through the inlets near Harbourside Condominiums and Bay Island Condominiums, ending behind Causeway Village and The Fountains. There’s a viewing party at Barbara Gilberg Habitat, 1600 Pasadena Ave. S, St. Petersburg.
  • December 9, 6pm, Festival of Lights Boat Parade, Madeira Beach.  Madeira Beach’s 57th annual lighted boat parade begins at the American Legion Post 273, travels all the finger canals through the city and ends at John’s Pass
  • December 9, 6pm Clearwater Yacht Club Annual Holiday Boat Parade. The annual Clearwater Yacht Club Holiday Boat Parade can be seen from waterfront restaurants and hotels. The parade launches just north of the Mandalay channel bridge, following its traditional route heading north, and boats will be judged as they pass by the Clearwater Yacht Club. Cash, trophies, and prizes will be awarded for several categories, including a grand prize. 
  • December 16 6pm, Treasure Island Holiday Boat Parade. FUSION Viewing Party 5-9pm
  • December 23, 6pm, Holiday Lighted Boat Parade in Tampa,  Tampa Riverwalk
  • December 24, 6-7pm , St. Petersburg Pier
  • December 2-31, Checkout shows and events at Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater (400 1st St S, St. Petersburg, FL). Shows include “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, “a Very Broadway Christmas”, The Illusionists – Magic of Holidays, Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet, and more!
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The Artistry of Polymer Clay Flowers: Beauty That Lasts Forever

Local artists

Flowers have always been a symbol of natural beauty and ephemeral charm. Their delicate petals and vibrant colors evoke a sense of wonder and joy. But what if you could capture this beauty in a timeless form? Enter the world of cold porcelain flowers, an enchanting and versatile art form that allows artisans to create stunningly realistic floral sculptures that endure for generations. In this blog, we’ll delve into the captivating world of cold porcelain flowers, exploring their history, the artistic process, and the enduring allure of these exquisite creations.

Cold porcelain, often referred to as “porcelain clay” or “air-dry clay,” is a type of modeling material that differs from traditional kiln-fired porcelain. It was originally developed in the 19th century as a cost-effective alternative to traditional porcelain. Unlike its heat-fired counterpart, cold porcelain air-dries at room temperature, eliminating the need for a kiln.

The art of crafting flowers from cold porcelain emerged as artisans realized the potential of this pliable and versatile medium. Cold porcelain allowed artists to capture the intricate details, shapes, and colors of real flowers while ensuring their creations remained lightweight and enduring. The result was a blossoming of creativity and innovation in floral sculpture.

Creating cold porcelain flowers is a meticulous and artistic process that requires patience, skill, and an eye for detail. Here’s a simplified overview of the steps involved:

Material Preparation: Artisans choose high-quality cold porcelain clay and colorants to achieve the desired hues for their flowers.

Shaping: The clay is carefully molded into petals, leaves, and other floral components. Each piece is shaped and textured to mimic the real thing.

Assembly: The individual components are delicately assembled to create the lifelike structure of the flower, paying close attention to proportion and arrangement.

Detailing: Artisans add fine details, such as veins on leaves and natural color gradients on petals, to enhance the realism of their creations.

Drying: Unlike traditional porcelain, cold porcelain air-dries over a period of hours to days, depending on the thickness of the clay. This makes it ideal for sculptors who don’t have access to a kiln.

Finishing Touches: Once dried, artisans may apply a clear sealant to protect the flower and enhance its sheen.

 

Cold porcelain flowers offer several advantages that contribute to their enduring appeal:

Permanence: Unlike real flowers, cold porcelain flowers do not wither or fade. They remain as beautiful as the day they were crafted, becoming cherished heirlooms.

Customization: Artisans can create flowers in any species, color, or size, allowing for personalized and meaningful creations.

Durability: Once dry, cold porcelain becomes hard and resilient, making these flowers suitable for various applications, from jewelry to home decor.

Symbolism: Cold porcelain flowers can carry personal significance and symbolism, making them ideal gifts for special occasions and celebrations.

Artistic Expression: Crafting cold porcelain flowers is a form of artistic expression that enables artisans to convey the beauty of nature through their unique vision.

 

At Majestic Beach Condo, we are privileged to collaborate with talented artisans who specialize in crafting exquisite cold porcelain flowers. Each creation is a work of art, designed with meticulous attention to detail and a passion for preserving the beauty of nature. We believe in supporting local artistry, and we are delighted to connect you with these remarkable pieces. You can reach out to our artisans via their website or our contact form, expressing your interest in cold porcelain flowers. By supporting these local talents, you not only acquire a work of art but also contribute to the flourishing of our creative community.

Cold porcelain flowers are a testament to the enduring appeal of nature’s beauty and the boundless creativity of artisans. These exquisite sculptures not only capture the essence of real flowers but also offer a timeless reminder of the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into their creation. Whether used as decorative pieces, jewelry, or meaningful gifts, cold porcelain flowers continue to captivate hearts and inspire awe, proving that art has the power to make beauty last forever. Plus, with local artisans ready to craft customized cold porcelain flowers, you can bring the eternal allure of blooms into your life with a touch of community support.

Majestic Beach Condo
Majestic Beach Condo