After nearly a year of planning, and months of anticipation and yearning for warm weather and Florida beaches, our 2015 CFSA Winter Seminar begins in just a few days! We have a great crowd preregistered for this popular annual event, wonderful sponsors eager to greet attendees, some dynamic speakers, and exciting and fun activities for our members, families, and guests. Next week’s weather forecast “promises” sunshine and mid-70’s each day!
Here is the final schedule:
Thursday, March 5, 2015
8:00 a.m. CFSA Poolside Cabana Opens (same time each day)
6:30 p.m. Welcome Reception & Dinner on Outdoor Gulf-View Lawn
Friday, March 6, 2015
8:00 a.m. Buffet Breakfast
9:00 a.m. Business Session and Educational Program
12:00 p.m. Stephen K. Newcomer Memorial Golf Tournament
12:30 p.m. Clearwater Marine Aquarium “Behind-the-Scenes” Tour
Evening Dinner on Your Own
Saturday, March 7, 2015
8:00 a.m. Buffet Breakfast
9:00 a.m. Business Session & Recognitions
9:30 a.m. Educational Program
11:30 a.m. Philadelphia Phillies vs. Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training Game
6:00 p.m. President’s Reception
7:00 p.m. President’s Dinner & Dance
We wish safe travels to all CFSA members who will be joining us in Clearwater Beach, Florida. If you’re not attending this year, then please look for our 2015 Winter Seminar Photo Montage (sponsored by Tiedemann-Bevs Industries) in a few weeks to see what you missed!
Optional Activities
We still have a limited number of tickets available for the optional activities on Friday and Saturday, so please contact CFSA as soon as possible if you are interested in signing up. Here is a brief description.
Friday, March 6th: Clearwater Marine Aquarium “Behind-the-Scenes” Tour
Go behind the scenes at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a unique nonprofit hospital dedicated to rescue, rehab and release of marine animals. Numerous forms of marine life are permanent residents at the aquarium, all of which have serious injuries that prevent their return to the wild. The aquarium’s best-known permanent resident is Winter, a bottlenose dolphin who was rescued in December 2005 after having her tail caught in a crab trap. Her injuries caused the loss of her tail, and the aquarium fitted her with a prosthetic tail which brought worldwide attention to the facility. Winter later starred in the 2011 film, Dolphin Tale, and its 2014 sequel, Dolphin Tale 2, shot partially on location at the aquarium. Other animals permanently housed at the facility include sharks, sea turtles, American river otters, pelicans, and sting rays. This tour will take you through the aquarium’s open-air critical care facility, an area closed to the general public.
Saturday, March 7th: Major League Baseball “Grapefruit League” Spring Training Baseball Game in Clearwater: Philadelphia Phillies vs. Toronto Blue Jays
The Philadelphia Phillies have been coming to Clearwater each spring since 1948. They now train at one of the newest venues in the Florida Grapefruit League, Bright House Field. The ballpark offers some of the best sight lines of any Spring Training ballpark and all of the blue-colored seats are angled toward the infield; in fact, the ballpark feels a lot smaller than its 8,500 capacity. A 50-feet-wide by 10-feet tall ‘Tiki Pavilion’ just beyond the left field fence will allow fans the option of sitting on a barstool to watch the ballgame and choosing from a wealth of drinks. A kids play area, located down the left field line, will keep the little ones busy and also includes a kid-sized menu. All attendees will be seated behind home plate and will receive a $10 voucher to be used toward food or beverage at Bright House Field. Food is moderately priced and there are a wide variety of food options, including Delco’s Cheesesteaks, Lee Roy Selmon’s Barbecue, Boar’s Head Cuban Sandwich, as well as standard ballpark favorites including hot dogs, brats, and pretzels.