Are you a beach bunny who digs a good time at the beach?

If so, I know of an event with your shovel written all over it!

The Fiesta Sand Sculpture Contest blows into Pensacola Beach May 20, 2012, promising a day of fun in the sun. The contest is free and open to professional and amateur sculptors of all ages. Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the Pensacola Beach Pavilion near the Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier. Judging begins at 2 p.m.

Want more news to twirl your beach towel?

This event is free and open to the public. Bring your family and play all day!

Insider’s Tip: The Florida sun packs a powerful punch. Remember to bring lots of water and drink lots of it; bring your sunglasses; bring a hat; bring sunscreen and apply it often.

In fact, if you want an example of me slaving away the day on New Smyrna Beach with my husband and the Spark Video crew – or if you just want to see this fabulous little surfing town in a new way – sneak a peek at my video!

What?

You say it doesn’t look like I was working very hard?

Don’t let the smile fool you! I was just pretending to have fun…

If you want to enjoy driving on the beach, too, here are the six sweet Sunshine State locations where you can do it.

• Cape San Blas
  
• Daytona Beach
  
• Fernandina Beach
  
• Jacksonville Beach
  
• New Smyrna Beach
  
• St. Augustine Beach
  

Insider's Tip: For info on exactly where and for how many miles you can drive on the beach in each location – and for the hours, which vary according to season – just contact their visitor’s services.

Free. Concerts. On. The. Beach.

I thought that might snag your attention!

Pensacola Beach is featuring a free summer concert series, dubbed Bands on the Beach, that promises “hot music, smooth grooves and a whole lot of good times.” The concerts will boogie into the Gulfside Pavilion every Tuesday from 7-9 p.m., May through October, 2012, featuring regional artists performing everything from Motown to jazz to country to rock to blues.

You should:

• Bring lawn chairs or blankets.
• Leave Fido behind, since no pets are allowed. (The cat was probably a bad idea anyhow.)
• Also leave behind your china collection, since glass is prohibited.
• Definitely GO!

For more information, call 850- 932-2257.

Insider’s Tip: While you’re in the Pensacola area, make sure to explore the Naval Aviation Museum. It’s fantastic — and admission is free!

What do you get when you combine a sweet sugar-sand beach, street performers and an appearance by Ma Nature?

It’s a recipe for the perfect way to celebrate the end of the day, of course!

To take part in this fabulous Florida tradition, splash over to Sunsets at Pier 60, a nightly sunset celebration that takes place from 6 – 9 p.m. in Clearwater Beach. With Ma Nature providing a magnificent backdrop, you’ll see painters at work; admire jugglers, magicians and street performers; listen to music and discover cool crafts. You may even see fire eaters and stilt walkers – and your little ones will love the well-equipped playground.

Besides, the Festival gives you an excuse to visit Clearwater Beach – only one of the most renowned beaches on the planet!

More news to tickle your beach towel?

This family-friendly celebration is free!

Here’s a simple trick for finding some sweet Sunshine State deals. Just surf over to VISIT FLORIDA’s Deals Page, and then put your destination – or whatever you’re interested in, like attractions, boating, fishing or whatever  – into the search engine. The program will find any special offerings.

Just to see what would happen, I checked "Daytona Beach" and "lodging." In seconds, I was offered a $50 gas card with a five-night purchase, 10 percent off rates from one hotel and 25 percent off with purchase of four or more nights at another resort. And that’s only the tip of the sandbar – there were more.

Make sure to remember this trick for your Sunshine State vacation. You might find something to tickle your beach towel!