Solar Eclipse 2017: Where To Watch Across Tampa Bay, Central Florida

TAMPA, FL – For the first time in almost a century, a solar eclipse will be visible across the entire continental United States. While Florida may be left out of the viewing for the total eclipse, the Sunshine State will still see a near total eclipse for several hours on Monday, Aug. 21.

Most of Florida will see the eclipse somewhere between 65 to 90 percent. The celestial event is due to start at approximately 1:45 p.m., depending on where in the state it’s being viewed. It’s expected to end sometime around 4:15 p.m.

• See also: Get Your NASA-Approved Solar Eclipse Glasses Before It's Too Late

The ability to see the eclipse will also depend upon the weather across the state as well.

Image via NASA

The closest places to Florida to see the total eclipse are in South Carolina, where the path of the sun splits the wedge-shape state in half from the Upstate to the Midlands. For those who wish to stay closer to home and enjoy the partial eclipse, there are number of places across Tampa Bay and Central Florida to watch.

Know of a public event not listed? Let us know at amanda.lamela@patch.com.

This list will be updated as more events are announced:

NASA

NASA’s Total Eclipse 2017 Coverage

Online

While most of its celebrations for the 2017 solar eclipse will take place along the path of totality, NASA has plenty of online resources for the big celestial event. It is also collecting announcements from the public across the country to provide a central database of eclipse-themed events.

For people who won’t be able to travel to any sites along the total eclipse line, NASA will be providing an online stream for people to watch the full eclipse anywhere in the world. The eclipse can be viewed at https://www.nasa.gov/eclipselive. The live viewing site up and running, and has links to related materials and a vast image library.

More eclipse coverage can be found at https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/.

Solar Eclipse Day 2017

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, State Road 405, Kennedy Space Center, FL

Central Florida’s most famous gateway to the starts will celebrate our star’s greatest spectacle in a century at the Kennedy Space Center. The spaceport’s visitor complex will host Solar Eclipse Day 2017 on Monday, Aug. 21 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Rocket Garden.

Experts on space will be on site to meet with guests, answer questions and offer commentary throughout the event. NASA TV’s coverage will live stream content from across the U.S. on the visitor complex’s Jumbotron. Activities for children include safe ways to look at the sun.

For more information, visit https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com.

Museums and Planetariums

MOSI Solar Eclipse 2017 Party

Museum of Science & Industry, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa

The Museum of Science & Industry will reopen its doors to host a party to welcome the 2017 solar eclipse, featuring a wide range of STEM activities. The free event will take place on Monday, Aug. 21 from 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Events will include a space talk, eclipse viewing through telescopes fitted with solar filters and eclipse viewer building. In case of overcast skies, MOSI will air a live stream video of the event from NASA.

“Even though MOSI will be temporarily closed due to renovation, we are excited to share our enthusiasm for the eclipse with the Tampa Bay Community,” said Anthony Pelaez, the MOSI director of innovation. “Events like these are made even more fun when space and science enthusiasts gather together to experience the wonders of our universe.”

For more information, visit https://www.mosi.org/mosi-events/experience-solar-eclipse-mosi/.

Orlando Science Center

777 E. Princeton St., Orlando

The Orlando Science Center will host a celebration for the 2017 solar eclipse on Monday, Aug. 21 from 1 to 4 p.m. Events will include:

• Viewing the eclipse with special glasses and/or solar telescope filters
• Make phone filters to capture photos
• Create solar-themed crafts and art activities
• Calculate eclipse distances and temperatures
• View solar eclipse demos and presentations

The event is free with admission: $20.95 for adults, $14.95 for children age 3 to 11, seniors and students, $18.95, 2 years and younger, free.

The science center will also host a couple of events around the Orlando area that will also feature solar demos, models and activities. Free solar viewing glass will be distributed at each location starting at 12:30 p.m. until supplies last. The event locations are scheduled to take place at:

• Central Park West Meadow, 150 W. Morse Blvd., Winter Park
• Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando

For more information, visit https://www.osc.org/eclipse/.

Eastern Florida State College Planetarium & Observatory

1519 Clearlake Road, Building 19, Cocoa

The Eastern Florida State College Planetarium & Observatory will open its doors on Monday, Aug. 21 at 1 p.m. for the viewing of “The Great American Eclipse.”

“This event is begin touted as The Great American Eclipse because the entire lower 48 states are in line to see at least part of it,” said Mark Howard the director of the EFSC Planetarium.

The eclipse will begin in Brevard County at approximately 1:21 p.m. and continue until 4:17 p.m. The maximum eclipse will occur at 2:55 p.m. when 88 percent of the sun will be obscured.

The observatory is located on the west side of the Cocoa Campus and will be open for the full duration on the event. Solar eclipse glasses can be purchased on-site for $1 each. Staff will be on hand to assist guest on how to view the sun through the telescope, using filters or indirect methods.

For more information, visit http://www.easternflorida.edu/community-resources/planetarium/.

Sports

Lights Out Across America

While Mark Twain once wrote that golf is a good walk spoiled, a seeing a solar eclipse during a round of golf may be enough to forget any bad day on the links.

LeaderboardKing, a Jacksonville-based company that operates live scoring golfing software, will host the Lights Out Across America golf tournament across the country at participating golf courses on Monday, Aug. 21.

Lights Out Across America is open to individuals and groups. Individuals will be placed in groups for the event. One person in each group will enter scores on their phone. Players can also use their phone to see a PGA-like leaderboard for their own event and where they stand nationally.

The event doesn’t take itself too seriously. With only pride on the line for the winners, LeaderboardKing will award prizes nationally for the best outfits. And by best, they mean wackiest, goofiest or anything that stands out. The company’s crack staff of judges will judge all the pictures posted to their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/LBKGolf, and they will send “something” to the winners.

Participants who complete an online scorecard will receive digital certificates of participation, displaying their scorecard. Those players will also qualify for LOAA merchandise and prizes. The online participation will also help LeaderboardKing try to break a Guinness World Record for participating in the largest one-day golf event ever.

Golf courses in the Tampa Bay area and Central Florida that have currently registered are:

• Countryside Country Club, 3001 Countryside Blvd., Clearwater: Four-man scramble, shotgun start at 1:30 p.m. Registration is $57 per golfer and includes one round of golf, cart fees, range balls, prize pool and all other Lights Out Across America benefits.
• Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club, 5811 Tampa Palms Blvd., Tampa: Four-man scramble, shotgun start at noon. Registration is $57 per golfer and includes one round of golf, cart fees, range balls, lunch, prize pool and all other Lights Out Across America benefits.

To request a local golf course to participate in the event, visit http://www.loaagolf.com/request.html. For more information on Lights Out Across America or to register to play, visit http://www.loaagolf.com.

Schools

Tampa Bay-Area Public Schools

School districts across the Tampa Bay area have announced their plans for the solar eclipse. Most are planning to limit outdoor activities, but some are allowing for excused absences for the celestial event. Click here to see each of the Tampa Bay area’s school districts plans.

Knights Under the Stars

UCF Main Campus

The UCF Planetary Sciences Group will host a special Knights Under the Stars public events during the 2017 solar eclipse on Monday, Aug. 21 at 2 p.m. The event will take place next to the Reflecting Pond near Millican Hall on the UCF main campus at 4365 Andromeda Loop N., Orlando.

The group will have telescopes set up for safe viewing during the partial eclipse, as well as eclipse glasses for participants to borrow. The event will take place if it is overcast, but may be cancelled if it rains with no sign of letting up during the eclipse.

As the first day of fall semester coincides with the day of the eclipse, the Planetary Sciences Group recommends for off-campus participants to allow for extra time to navigate through campus, find parking and purchase a parking permit.

For more information, visit https://planets.ucf.edu/observatory/knights-under-the-stars-schedule/.

Eclipse 2017 Observing Event

Seminole State College of Florida, 100 Weldon Blvd., Sanford

The Emil Buehler Planetarium at Seminole State College will host the Eclipse 2017 Observing Event on Monday, Aug. 21 from noon to 4:30 p.m. The event will take place on the front sidewalks of the Automotive Technology building on the main campus.

Planetarium staff and volunteers from the Central Florida Astronomical Society, the Seminole State College STEM Club and others will have filtered telescopes and binoculars set up for viewing the eclipse. They will also host several presentations during the event for those interested in learning more about the science behind the eclipse.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/735711483238043.

Parks

Total Eclipse of the Park

Oscar Scherer State Park, 1843 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey

While the name of the party may be a bit of a misnomer, Total Eclipse of the Park will celebrate the 2017 solar eclipse at Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey.

The event, which is set to take place from 1:15 to 4:15 p.m. will feature several activities centered around the eclipse, which will have 73 percent coverage over the park. Park staff will have a pinhole projector crafts table for guests who bring a cardboard box or tube. They will also have some ranger-made pinhole projectors for guests, who are also invited to bring a chair, beverages, snacks or eclipse glasses.

For more information, visit 941-483-5957.

Great American Solar Eclipse

Waterfront Park, 110 Veterans Memorial Lane, Safety Harbor

The Safety Harbor Library will host a Great American Solar Eclipse event at Waterfront Park in Safety Harbor on Monday, Aug. 21 from 2 to 3 p.m. Eclipse glasses will be provided. For more information, call (727) 724-1525 ext. 4112.

For more information, visit 941-483-5957.

Libraries

Hillsborough County

Solar Eclipse Fun!

Temple Terrace Public Library, 202 Bullard Parkway, Temple Terrace

The Temple Terrace Public Library will host “Solar Eclipse Fun!” on Saturday, Aug. 12 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Meeting Room. Astronomer Tanja Diederich will teach participants who to safely view the sun during the solar eclipse. Free solar glasses provided by NASA and Star_Net Project will be available. The Free class is open to people of all ages but limited to 50 people during the presentation. Extra solar glasses will be available at the front desk.

For more information, call (813) 506-6770.

The 2017 Solar Eclipse: Preparing for an Amazing Experience!

Brandon Regional Library, 619 Vondenburg Drive, Brandon

The Brandon Regional Library will host “The 2017 Solar Eclipse: Preparing for an Amazing Experience!” on Sunday, Aug. 13 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Margaret Linsley Clayton Community Room. Astronamer Tanja Diederich will teach particpants about what to expect and how to prepare to safely view the total eclipse. Bring a shoe box or cereal box and learn how to make a pinhole viewer. Free solar glasses provided by NASA and Star_Net Project will be available to the first 75 participants.

For more information, visit http://www.hcplc.org/hcplc/locations/brd/.

Solar Eclipse 2017

SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin

The Friends of the SouthShore Regional Library will host Solar Eclipse 2017 on Monday, Aug. 14 from 6 to 7 p.m. in the SouthShore Regional Library Community rooms 1 and 2. Learn about solar eclipses, including the upcoming solar eclipse. Discussion will include how to safely view the eclipse in the Tampa Bay area, where to travel to see the total eclipse in person and where to see the total eclipse online. Eclipse glasses will be distributed to attendees while supplies last. The event is geared toward all ages.

For more information, visit http://www.hcplc.org/hcplc/locations/sho/.

Solar Eclipse Viewing Event

78th Street Community Library, 7625 Palm River Road, Tampa

The 78th Street Community Library will host its Solar Eclipse Viewing Event on Monday, Aug. 21 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Participants can learn how to safely view the solar eclipse. Free eclipse viewing glasses will be given away to all attendees. The materials will be provided by Star_Net Project. The event is geared toward people of all ages.

For more information, visit http://www.hcplc.org/hcplc/locations/sst/.

STEAM Squadron: Solar Eclipse

North Tampa Branch Library, 8916 N. Boulevard, Tampa

The Friends of the North Tampa Branch Library will host STEAM Squadron: Solar Eclipse on Monday, Aug. 21 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Computer Lab. The event, geared toward children in grades K-5, will host an event centered around the solar eclipse.

For more information, visit http://www.hcplc.org/hcplc/locations/nta/.

Lake County

Total Eclipse 2017

East Lake County Library, 31340 County Road 437 S., Sorrento

The East Lake County Library will present Total Eclipse 2017 on Monday, Aug. 21 at 12:30 p.m. The Lake County Library System’s Sean O’Keefe will give a presentation on how the eclipse works. Students will receive their own Solar Eclipse-approved glasses donated by NASA. Pizza will be provided by Gigi’s Italian Restaurant while supplies last. Other refreshments provided by the Friends of the East Lake County Library.

Registration is required. For more information, call (352) 383-9980.

Pinellas County

Beach Chair Eclipse Viewing

St. Pete Beach Public Library, 365 73rd Ave., St. Pete Beach

The St. Pete Beach Public Library will host Beach Chair Eclipse Viewing on Monday, Aug. 21 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Guests are invited to bring their beach chairs and the library will provide eclipse glasses. The library is also handing out free eclipse glasses through Saturday, Aug. 5 while supplies last.

Before the eclipse, the St. Pete Beach Public Library will also host a pre-eclipse show geared toward children ages 7-12 on Friday, Aug. 18 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The event will feature activities all about eclipses.

For more information, visit www.spblibrary.com.

Solar Eclipse Viewing

Seminole Community Library at St. Petersburg College, 9200 113th St. N., Seminole

The Seminole Community Library at St. Petersburg College will host a Solar Eclipse Viewing event on Monday, Aug. 21 from 1:17 to 4:14 p.m. The library invites the public to join them on the lawn to view the partial eclipse. Free solar viewing glasses will be available for attendees.

For more information, visit http://www.pplc.us.

Orange County

Solar Eclipse Viewing 2017

Alafaya Branch Library, 12000 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando

The Alafaya Branch Library will host a Solar Eclipse Viewing on Monday, Aug. 21 at 2 p.m. Library will host a celebration where guests can learn about the eclipse and view the event.

To register for the event, visit https://calendar.ocls.info/evanced/lib/eventsignup.asp?ID=323031.

Eclipse Across America 2017

Washington Park Branch Library, 5151 Raleigh St. A, Orlando

The Washington Park Branch Library will host Eclipse Across America 2017 on Monday, Aug. 21 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Learn about the eclipse and enjoy crafts and stories. All ages are welcome to the event.

To register for the event, visit https://calendar.ocls.info/evanced/lib/eventsignup.asp?ID=323111.

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party

South Trail Branch Library, 4600 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando

The South Trail Branch Library will host a Solar Eclipse Viewing Party on Monday, Aug. 21 from 3 to 4 p.m. Learn about the solar eclipse, enjoy crafts, activities and more. All ages are welcome.

To register for the event, visit https://calendar.ocls.info/evanced/lib/eventsignup.asp?ID=322216.

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party

Chickasaw Branch, 870 N. Chickasaw Trail, Orlando

The Chickasaw Branch Library will host a Solar Eclipse Viewing Party on Monday, Aug. 21 from 3 to 4 p.m. Learn about the solar eclipse, enjoy crafts, activities and more. All ages are welcome. Registration is required. For more information, call (407) 835-7323.

Solar Eclipse 2017

West Oaks Branch Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee

The West Oaks Branch Library will host Solar Eclipse 2017 on Monday, Aug. 21 from 3 to 4 p.m. Learn about the eclipse and enjoy crafts and stories. All ages are welcome.

To register for the event, visit https://calendar.ocls.info/evanced/lib/eventsignup.asp?ID=322864.

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party

Winter Garden Branch Library, 805 E. Plant St., Winter Garden

The Winter Garden Branch Library will host a Solar Eclipse Viewing Party on Monday, Aug. 21 from 3 to 4 p.m. Learn about the solar eclipse, and enjoy crafts, activities and more. All ages are welcome.

To register for the event, visit https://calendar.ocls.info/evanced/lib/eventsignup.asp?ID=322924.

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party

Eatonville Branch Library, 200 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville

The Eatonville Branch Library will host a Solar Eclipse Viewing Party on Monday, Aug. 21 from 3 to 4 p.m. Learn about the solar eclipse, and enjoy crafts and activities. All ages are welcome. To register for the event, call (407) 835-7323.

Solar Eclipse 2017

Southwest Branch Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando

The Southwest Branch Library will host Solar Eclipse 2017 on Monday, Aug. 21 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Learn about the eclipse and enjoy crafts and stories. All ages are welcome.

To register for the event, visit https://calendar.ocls.info/evanced/lib/eventsignup.asp?ID=325445.

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party

Windermere Branch Library, 530 Main St., Windermere

The Windermere Branch Library will host a Solar Eclipse Viewing Party on Monday, Aug. 21 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Learn about the solar eclipse, and enjoy crafts and activities. All ages are welcome.

To register for the event, visit https://calendar.ocls.info/evanced/lib/eventsignup.asp?ID=328754.

Sarasota County

Teen Solar Eclipse Viewing

North Port Library, 13800 Tamiami Trail, North Port

The North Port Library will host a Teen Solar Eclipse Viewing event on Monday, Aug. 21 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to view the eclipse and learn the science behind a solar eclipse then. Participants can try out viewing glasses provided by NASA and use a 3D-printed pinhole viewer to watch the eclipse.

Shopping Centers

NASA Livestream at AT&T Stores

Various locations around the Tampa Bay area

With eclipse glasses sold out in most locations, AT&T is inviting people to visit any Tampa Bay-area AT&T Store to watch the NASA Livestream on NASA TV. The NASA Livestream will cover the eclipse’s totality from Oregon to South Carolina starting at noon.

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party (updated)

Sundial St. Pete, 153 Second Ave. N., St. Petersburg

Sundial St. Pete will host a Solar Eclipse Viewing Party on Monday, Aug. 21 from 1 to 4 p.m. DJ Austen van der Bleek will perform live for Sundial guests during the event. NASA’s Eclipse Live Stream will be shown on Sundial’s skytron video boards.

Following the peak phase of the eclipse, around 3 p.m., Sundial staff will dedicate a plaque commemorating the nearly two-story sundial sculpture in the courtyard. The sculpture, designed by renowned production designer Rene Lagler and crafted by Thomas Sign & Awning Co., has been named the largest bowstring sundial in the world by the North American Sundial Society.

The NOMAD Art Bus will appear at Sundial from 1 to 3 p.m. to help people make DIY pinhole projectors for additional eclipse viewing opportunities. Supplies are limited and attendees are encouraged to bring their own cardboard boxes. Cereal boxes are recommended.

Many of Sundial’s shops will offer sales and specials during the event, including Juxtapose Apparel & Studio, Florida Jean Company, Swim ‘n Sport and Tracy Negoshian. Shave and Cave will have a business-card drawing for a chance to win a Shave Cave customized beard balm and essential oil set along with a $50 fit card.

For more information, visit www.sundialstpete.com.

On the Water

Royal Caribbean Total Eclipse Cruise

Departing from Port Canaveral, 9005 Charles M. Rowland Drive, Cape Canaveral

While Charleston, S.C., may be the last point in the continental U.S. that will see the eclipse on land, Royal Caribbean is offering passengers a chance to see the 2017 total eclipse over the Atlantic Ocean.

Royal Caribbean will host its 7-night Total Eclipse Cruise on the Oasis of the Seas, which departs Sunday, Aug. 20 at 4:30 p.m. The eclipse will take place on the second day of the Eastern Caribbean cruise, which will include a concert by multi-platinum selling band DNCE. Stops on the rest of the Total Eclipse Cruise include St. Maarten, St. Thomas and the Bahamas.

Tickets start at $3,081 and are available at www.royalcaribbean.com/totaleclipse.

Image via Grand Canyon National Park, Flickr, used under Creative Commons

Click here to register for the event.

Image via Grand Canyon National Park, Flickr, used under Creative Commons