Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/3106
ration, Cuban dining and colorful nightlife. The Westshore District is just miles from downtown and minutes from the Zagat's-rated number one Tampa International Airport. This upscale retail center offers first- class hotels and venues, near Tampa's largest variety of restaurants, entertainment and shopping plazas, including International Plaza and Bay Street and Westshore Plaza. With more alternative meeting venues for off-site group functions, North Tampa has Busch Gardens, Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo and MOSI – the Museum of Science and Industry. The University of South Florida – with the on-campus Sun Dome – is a popular locale for lectures, sporting events and concerts. Acclaimed for its diverse attractions and venues, warm weather and equally warm hospitality, Tampa Bay's choices of where to meet, stay, dine, unwind and have fun are limitless, comfortably accommodating all tastes, time- lines, travel and meeting needs. To experience one of the nation's foremost meeting destinations, go to www.Visit- TampaBay.com. PENSACOLA With beautiful beaches and a historic dis- trict filled with African-American history, the Pensacola Bay Area is the perfect place for your next meeting. Come relax on our pris- tine shores and explore our African- American heritage, which dates back 450 years. Whether hosting a classic, large event or a creative, small meeting, meeting planners find plenty of ideas in the Pensacola Bay Area. From beachfront to downtown includ- ing traditional, urban, natural and historic settings, flexible function space totals more than 150,000 sq. ft. There are also plenty of options during your free time. Play a round of golf on a sce- nic course. Take a deep sea fishing trip. Watch our world-famous Blue Angels. Delight in our fresh seafood and Southern soul food. Learn about our rich heritage at the African-American Heritage Society. See Florida's oldest church or a pre-Civil War brick fortress that was built by African-Americans. Step inside a fur- nished colonial home owned by a free Black woman. Visit one of the only cemeteries in the country where slaves and nobility are buried side by side. Celebrate with us during our many free festivals and events. The Pensacola Bay Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is here to help with any of your meeting plan- ning needs. From site visits, food selection and trans- portation to registration and welcome gifts, we can work with you to ensure a successful event. To start planning your meeting, call (800) 874-1234 or go to www.Meet- InPensacola.com. Black Meetings & Tourism February/March 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com Florida Special Advertising Section Photo Credit: Pensacola CVB 48 Pensacola Naval Air Station