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Where To Watch The Inauguration In Tampa Area

Scott Iskowitz/ The Tampa Tribune

Students watch the inauguration at the USF Marshall Center Tuesday morning.

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By RAY REYES | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 20, 2009

In the long history of inaugurations, Barack Obama's swearing in as the 44th president of the United States may rank as among the the most historic and profound, according to pundits.

As the jubilation of Election Day carries over and reaches its peak at noon in Washington, D.C., local residents have a chance to watch history unfold at various events in the Tampa Bay area. Here's a list of some of the places to gather to watch the broadcast of the presidential inauguration.

And don't forget to check back with TBO.com throughout the day as we post stories, photos and multimedia elements from Washington and Tampa.

Tampa

The Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St. Admission is free, but seating is first-come, first-served. The theater opens at 10 a.m.; coverage begins at 11 a.m. Snacks will be served, and viewers can bring bag lunches.

University of South Florida Marshall Center, 4202 E. Fowler Ave. Free telecast of the inauguration on multiple screens, refreshments. Sponsored by the USF Center for Leadership & Civic Engagement, which will offer volunteer opportunities and encourage continued civic participation. Doors open at 10 a.m.

Bible Based Fellowship Church, 4811 Ehrlich Road. Free. At 10 a.m., a panel discussion by community leaders, followed by a live feed of the inauguration at 11:30 a.m. Speaking on what the future may hold will be the Rev. Gonzalo Cruz, former city council member Bob Buckhorn, lawyer and civil rights activist Delano Stewart, and Walter Smith, former president of Florida A&M University. Call (813) 264-4050 for information.

University Area Community Center Complex, 14013 N. 22nd St., Tampa. Attend the Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival's Leadership Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., for $10.

St. Petersburg

Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N. The Friends of the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum and the International Association of Firefighters, Local 747, will host a lunch and a big-screen viewing beginning at 10 a.m. Tickets are $25. To reserve a seat, call (727) 323-1104.

Washington, D.C.

Here's a list of some of the Florida-related inaugural events and activities in the nation's capital:

A "Friends of Florida" reception tonight to honor the Florida congressional delegation at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian from 7 p.m. to midnight.

The official Obama "Southern Inaugural Ball" tonight at the D.C. National Guard Armory for Florida and 10 other states. Doors open at 8 p.m. and events begin at 10 p.m. and conclude at 2 a.m.

Several open-house events today at the Washington offices of some of Florida's members of Congress for visiting constituents.

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