Four upcoming Jacksonville events all have one thing in common: SHARKS! Normally these creature would having me running scared, but these events sound like too much fun to pass up!

The World Golf Hall of Fame 2D IMAX Theater premiers its newest film, "SHARKS," Jan. 15, 2010. Director of photography, Gavin McKinney, spent more than 20,000 hours filming underwater so the audience gets the full story behind these glorious creatures of the sea. Opening weekend includes many festivities, including a VIP "Dinner and a Movie" package on opening day. The package will include a buffet dinner at Fairways Café, a special presentation by McKinney, entry to the premiere of the film, autographed "SHARKS" posters, an exclusive "SHARKS" viewfinder, authentic sharks’ teeth, complimentary admission to Marineland and more. McKinney himself will be on hand to share his first-hand accounts with the audience. Package tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children ages four through 12. What a great deal!

The Museum of Science & History’s (MOSH) new spring exhibit, A-mazing Sea opens Jan. 30, 2010. Sea turtles, sharks, whales and octopuses are among the animals visitors will learn about in the fully immersive maze-based exhibit taking guests on a virtual trip into the ocean with surprises around every corner - from role play games and puzzles to problem-solving and deep-sea sleuthing. A-Mazing Sea compels visitors to climb into sea turtle shells, crawl through a whale’s mouth and reach into an octopus cave while discovering simple solutions for challenges that face inhabitants of the deep blue and beyond. I can’t wait!

To wet my shark appetite a little down the road, The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has a little surprise for visitors this spring. The zoo is bringing back its popular, interactive exhibit, Stingray Bay, where guests get up close and personal with the friendly creatures. In 2010, Stingray Bay will now include sharks. That’s right. More details are sure to come, but what a great opportunity to learn more about these ocean-swimmers.

And finally, Jacksonville is getting an arena football team after an eight-year lapse, aptly named, The Sharks (what else?!).  The team is an Area Football 1 (AF1) team, hosting teams from across the country for nine home games at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Area during the 2010 season. The home-opener is April 16 versus the Orlando Predators.

Beware of SHARKS, Jacksonville!