duPontREGISTRY Tampa Bay May/June 2021 by duPont REGISTRY

before

Keeping St. Petersburg

modern

WINTER 2021

FULL PAGE AD (BLEED) 8.5 X 11.0625

CONTENTS

FEATURES

Health & Happiness

14 20 26

What Makes You Laugh?

We asked funny, sunny people what makes them chuckle. - by David Warner

Choose Your Own Adventure

Skydiving, shark-spotting and other items for your Florida bucket list. - by Mary Lou Janson

Classroom Tough

Finding kindred spirits in teachers who work out together at F45 before school. - by Resie Waechter

A Gym of One’s Own

Everything you need for the ultimate in high-end home workouts. - by Eric Snider

Take Me Out to the Bowl Game

Twenty top grain and poke bowl restaurants. - by Jenna Rimensnyder

Good for You

The why’s and how’s of working with a nutritionist. - by Jenna Rimensnyder

EVERY PIECE MADE TO ORDER

CITRUS PARK 8314 CITRUS PARK DRIVE (ACROSS FROM CITRUS PARK TOWN CENTER) 813.920.9696 BRANDON 10015 ADAMO DRIVE HIGHWAY 60 (1/2 MI. WEST OF BRANDON TOWN CENTER) 813.621.7585 ©2021 Ethan Allen Global, Inc..

DEPARTMENTS

Wine Girl: Dinnertime

Style: Swimwear & Sunglasses

Florida Travel: A Bright New Light in Fort Myers

By Tracey Serebin

By Michelle Cappelli Gordon

By Tracey Serebin

85 In Every Issue: Publishers Letter Page 8 | Editors Letter Page 10 | Back Page 96 6

Local Attractions: Safety Harbor

Auto: A tangerine dream from Lamborghini

Travel: What’s new in Newport

Father’s Day: Collectible watches

Grooming: Shaving secrets

Real Estate: Luxury Living in Tampa Bay and Beyond

Arts: Fairgrounds St. Pete: Magic in the Making

Nonprofits: Man of Auction

Best Bets: A&E Calendar

People Helping People

By Molly duPont

By Howard Walker

By Cindy Cockburn

By Michelle Cappelli Gordon

By David Warner

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER Dear Reader, One year ago we were in the middle of a global pandemic with no clear way out. Trial and error plus determination and ingenuity have gotten us to a point where we can see a light at the end of the tunnel. We have learned a lot. Importantly we have learned to be tolerant and somewhat understanding. We just need to work on what the new normal will be. While we continue to sort this out, we need to pause and reflect on the bravery, contribution, understanding and dedication of our frontline health care heroes. Just because a year has gone by since we first saw the image of two doctors struggling with and overcoming reality, that is no reason to forget them and the hundreds of hundreds of nurses, doctors, EMT’s etc. that are still practicing their trade as if life depended on it. And it does. Last year’s Health and Happiness issue was dedicated to all of our health care heroes. This year we hope that this issue brings some health and happiness to each of them and to you, our loyal readers. Over the past few months I have received many many positive comments on our NEW YEAR NEW LOOK campaign to reinvent duPont REGISTRY Tampa Bay. Thanks so much to all of you who have complimented our efforts. We appreciate the feedback. Keep those cards and letters coming and send some to your favorite health care heroes. Make it a great day, Tampa Bay,

Thomas L. duPont Publisher/CEO tdupont@dupontregistry.com

P.S. I hope your Mother’s Day celebration was wonderful. What’s next? See pages 58 and 59 for the latest great gift for Father’s Day. Like the Chronoswiss Skeleton featured to the left, they’re the perfect way to keep Dad in style and on time.

FULL PAGE AD (BLEED) 8.5 X 11.0625

Stunning Wine Rooms For Your Home Or Business.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR At a recent birthday brunch for a friend, one of the guests brought presents for everybody: flags from the Rainbow Peace Flag Project, an initiative of the Massachusetts-based Common Street Spiritual Center intended to “unite the world with a symbol of equity and justice.” I have to admit, I’m not a Peace Flag kind of guy. The message seemed a bit self-aggrandizing — as if to say, “Hey, look at us, we believe in PEACE!” But my husband raised it anyway — and it’s growing on me. Partly because it’s so beautiful when the light shines through it — all those colors, agleam. I’m not sure I could correctly identify what each color represents, but that’s beside the point: The flag is beautiful because it brings all these colors together, which is why I thought it made for a good introductory image for this year’s Health & Happiness Issue. What brings us together more than laughter? Hence “What Makes You Laugh?” for which we had fun quizzing an array of funny, sunny people. Nothing like skydiving and swimming with sharks to bring you closer (at least to your instructor); Mary Lou Janson explores this and other Florida bucket list adventures. Before launching on any of them, check out Michelle Cappelli Gordon’s advice on the right sunglasses and swimwear. Get in shape with Jenna Rimensnyder’s survey of grain and poke bowl restaurants and Eric Snider’s recommendations for the ultimate home gym, and get inspired by Resie Waechter’s heartfelt story about a group of teachers whose fitness routine is a source of mutual support. Another route to happiness is the open road. Tracey Serebin provides a whole bunch of reasons to drive down to Fort Myers, while Cindy Cockburn takes us to Newport, R.I. Some journeys come via the imagination: I suspect Fairgrounds St. Pete, the new immersive art experience in South St. Pete, will be stirring our collective imagination for years to come. In our A&E Best Bets section, you’ll find some splendid examples of collaboration among area museums. And finally, in our People Helping People pages, the in-person events (including live auctions led by Jason Alpert and company, whom we profile this issue) are hopeful signs that the spirit of generosity in Tampa Bay is stronger than ever.

CBC 1262717 Florida’s Premier Custom Wine Cellars And Humidors caveavin.us 813-841-3330 info@caveavin.us 10

David Warner Editor in Chief dwarner@dupontregistry.com

FULL PAGE AD (BLEED)

8.5 X 11.0625 GOOD. CLEAN. FUN. WE ARE EXCITED TO WELCOME YOU AND DEDICATED TO KEEPING YOU SAFE + SOUND.

AWARD-WINNING DINING

SLOTS AND TABLE GAMES

LUXURY ROOMS

seminolehardrocktampa.com © 2021. Must be at least 21 years old to play Slots and Table Games or to receive Seminole Wild Card benefits. Must be 18 years old to play Live Poker. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call 1-888-ADMIT.IT.

PUBLISHER/CEO Thomas L. duPont EDITOR-IN-CHIEF David Warner CREATIVE DIRECTOR Bruce Bicknell OFFICE MANAGER Audrey CampBell DIGITAL MEDIA Eric Kennedy SALES MANAGER/COMMUNITY RELATIONS Molly duPont, Mdupont@dupontregistry.com STYLE & BEAUTY EDITOR Michelle Cappelli Gordon, mcappelli@dupontregistry.com DIRECTOR OF MEDIA PARTNERSHIPS Rosemary Nye, Rnye@dupontregistry.com DIRECTOR OF NEW BUSINESS Tracey Serebin, Tserebin@dupontregistry.com DIRECTOR OF BAY AREA SALES Sharon Castellano, Scastellano@dupontregistry.com ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES Ron Barreto, Cindy Carr, John D. Chapman, Jill Massicotte CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS Todd Bates, Cindy Cockburn, Michelle Cappelli Gordon, Mary Lou Janson, Jenna Rimensnyder, Melissa Santell, Molly duPont, Tracey Serebin, Eric Snider, Resie Waechter, Howard Walker PRODUCTION MANAGER Tony Alvis PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Carol Bressler CORPORATE CONTACT 4707 140th Avenue North, Suite 302, Clearwater FL 33762 727-897-8337 | dupontregistrytampabay.com

ClearwaterIndependentSchool.org 12

duPont REGISTRY Tampa Bay copyright 2021 by Registry Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction or any use of any part of this publication without written permission is prohibited by law. duPont REGISTRY Tampa Bay, duPont REGISTRY Luxury Living Tampa Bay, dupontRegistrytampabay.com and various titles and headings herein are trademarks owned by or under license to Registry Media, LLC. and may not be used or reproduced without written consent. Printed in the USA. Published six times per year. Single copies available at our publishing office. Canadian GST not included in cover price. The advertisements contained herein are the responsibility of the individual advertiser and duPont REGISTRY Tampa Bay and Registry Media, LLC. make no representation or warranty for accuracy or content. The advertiser is solely responsible for any warranties or claims contained therein and for compliance with all laws associated therewith. All photos and articles become the property of Registry Media, LLC upon publication unless otherwise agreed to by the publisher.

“Emerald is made from beryl just like the gemstone aquamarine.” - Adam Johnson-Weintraub GIA Gemologist Follow @adamgemjohnson on Instagram and tik tok for more gem facts *Photo enhanced for focus on jewelry

What Makes You Laugh? We asked funny people to tell us what they think is funny. STORY BY DAVID WARNER

wo years ago we changed the theme of our annual healthy-living issue from Health & Wellness to Health & Happiness, and in keeping with the theme we asked a variety of folks “What makes you happy?” Last year’s H&H issue focused on the health care heroes getting us through the pandemic, but in this year’s edition we’re back to asking a question: “What makes you laugh?” Because how could we have gotten through the last

year without the occasional relief of a good hearty chortle? I’m a sucker for New Yorker cartoons, old SNL skits, Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! on NPR, YouTube pet videos — and just about all the people on these pages. Whether they’re professional laugh-getters, brilliant social jokesters or, simply, shiny happy people, they’ve made us laugh many a time — and I hope they do the same for you.

AIR & WATER: Pitzer Gills (jumping) and best friend Reilly Rowan (on the board in the water) kiting off Three Rooker Island just north of Clearwater Beach. 14

HEALTH & HAPPINESS: LAUGHTER Jim Sorensen, actor Dave Barry got me going early on. And “Calvin & Hobbes.” And “The Far Side.” (“Beware of Doug” makes me giggle to this day.) And Emo Phillips: “You know what I hate? Indian givers. No, I take that back.” Our dog, Chloe the Rescue Lab. This pup likes to play a game we call “footie,” where she tugs on a toy, and I try to hold onto it while trying to touch her feet. She jumps back, lands on her face with the toy still firmly entrenched between her teeth. I laugh… every time. My wife, Natalie Symons. I don’t know if she always knows why she’s funny, but she just is. And her laughter is BIG and LOUD and INFECTIOUS. And poop. (I’ll admit it, I’m a child.)

Natalie Symons, playwright and novelist Schitt’s Creek brought me wondrous laughter and joy in the early days of the pandemic. So much so that my friend Teri sent me a life-size cardboard cutout of Dan Levy to keep my spirits up. Matthew McGee eating the pizza in the mukbang video during the drive-in The Scott and Patti Show at freeFall. Matthew is a comic genius.

Matthew McGee, actor and drag artist I get much of my comedy fix on social media. Not Facebook! Facebook just isn’t funny. Leslie Jones (@Lesdoggg) live tweeting some of my favorite television shows and films makes me howl. I’ve also watched Julian Burzynski (@juliancookies) become a star on Instagram and Tik Tok during this pandemic. His reenactments of famous scenes from films, TV shows and reality television are priceless and so expertly performed.

Hal Freedman, Realtor, arts supporter, meme connoisseur I guess what I look for is a surprise, a story or joke that ends in a way I didn’t expect. For example: Two golfers are out on the links. As a funeral procession drives by on a nearby road, one of them takes off his hat, lowers his head, and is silent. His golfing partner says he never knew his friend was so sentimental about funerals. The first golfer says, “Well, we were married for 30 years.”

Chelsea McMillan, founder, Sunshine State Goods & Apparel Dogs! No matter what is going on in the world or my life — watching a dog be their authentic self, live in the moment and find joy in a little thing like a ball. Lately I’ve been laughing at myself a lot. These past few years have been challenging for so many and it has given me a new perspective on the little things I used to get upset about. As Jimmy Buffett says, “If we couldn’t laugh we would all go insane.” 15

HEALTH & HAPPINESS: LAUGHTER Karla Hartley, Producing Artistic Director, Stageworks Things that make me laugh:

• Heather Krueger

• Being silly with my wife

• A well-crafted play

• Life In Pieces

• Kari Goetz

• Dry wit

• Zombies

Margaret Murray, Curator of Public Programs, Museum of Fine Arts St. Pete Right now, daily life is so new and exciting that I find myself laughing at every experience we’ve been denied for over a year now… In this age of Pfizer and Moderna, I wouldn’t go so far as to say that laughter is the best medicine, but like the scallions growing on my windowsill, it’s something I’m going to keep tending to. I refuse to let laughter go the way of my sourdough starter. Laughter will thrive. We’ll all thrive.

Stephanie Hayes, nationally syndicated Tampa Bay Times columnist • My 5-pound rescue Pomeranian, Rocket Raccoon. • Scream Queens. I remain outraged that it was canceled after two seasons. • Every time The Property Brothers say they’ll be done renovating a whole house in just seven weeks.

• Comedy about mundane, everyday life stuff. The last laugh-cry I had was from Nate Bargatze on the drama around the wafflemaker at a continental breakfast. • TikTok videos people curate on Instagram, because I’m too old to be on TikTok. I couldn’t do it without you.

Tracie Mayo, mortgage broker, Savvy Mortgage Lending I love when people can make fun of the things that would normally shock someone else. I think there is a reason some people find dark subjects funny. It gives us control over things that we fear, perhaps… like death. One of my favorite jokes: What has four legs and one arm? A happy pit bull.

Terence M. Igo, Chief Executive Officer, Sanibel Captiva Trust Company My daughter Rose. Her humor at 9 years old is so clever, and so innocent. You can’t help but laugh along with those dimples.

Tami Evans, Employee Engagement and Levity Leadership Expert I like to keep a laugh file — we call it Happy Kindling (because you can light a spark when things are dark with Happy Kindling). Here are a few examples: 1. See a show: Sarah Millican is a brilliant British comedian who makes me laugh every time — find her at sarahmillican.co.uk 2. It’s all pun and games: Finding ways to make everyday conversation a bit spicier with a few wellplaced puns — Tami: What time is it, love? Becket: 2:30. Tami: Tooth Hurty?!? We better get to the dentist! Becket: [Level unblinking glare] 16

HEALTH & HAPPINESS: LAUGHTER

Nadine Smith, Executive Director, Equality Florida I like jokes that take me by surprise. A twist that takes an extra beat to arrive. I like laughter to catch me off guard.

Andrew Harlan, bookseller/marketing coordinator, Tombolo Books We like to have fun at Tombolo Books. Sometimes it’s something as simple as a pun on a card that leaves us in stitches — like one from Mattea Studio that reads “Nothing Beets Us,” with a depiction of beets. Yes, we’re suckers for puns. Bookseller Serena has two top tier recommendations: Jenny Lawson’s Broken and Kevin Wilson’s fiction masterpiece Nothing to See Here. Without spoiling too much, I’ll just say this book has two children who spontaneously combust when agitated. What more do you need? For me it’s all about Samantha Irby. In Wow, No Thank You she applies the full-nelson of cringe comedy and does not let go. But the crown jewel of comedy is Pugtato. It’s a pun-filled picture book that is as much a feast for adults as it is for kids.

Paul Wilborn, Executive Director, Palladium at SPC In the 1980s I loved a Tampa sketch comedy/improv group called School of Night. The funniest character was John Huls —lanky, wildly gay, willing to say or do just about anything he thought was funny. Picture a raunchy, cross-dressing Lucille Ball in her Vitameatavegamine phase – that’s John. He went on to be a much-loved acting teacher at a private school and he kind of kept his funny in check. But since leaving the school and moving to St. Pete with his husband, Jay Hoff, John has rediscovered his comic persona. His Tik Tok videos, his “Peanut” ads for the downtown gift shop ZaZoo’d, his Instagram feed, his “Dirty John” shows at the Studio at 620, his Wigstock parties, are all edgy and hilarious.

John Huls, actor/improv teacher/hostess with the mostest at Zazoo’d • Cats with scotch tape on their paws

• Mardi Gras

• My husband dancing

• Teaching improv

• Robin Williams

• Medical marijuana

• Walmart shoppers

• Gas

Bonnie Agan, actor, voiceover artist, artistic coordinator, Radio Theatre Project It occured to me to make up something rather highbrow, but I shamelessly confess that fart sounds unfailingly make me laugh. I could watch the dinner scenes from Eddie Murphy’s Nutty Professor 1,000 times and still cry laughing, I was once in a show and had to follow a guy crawling across the stage as his character farted all along the way. I could barely make it onto the stage, and then tried to hide my convulsive laughter as I had to traverse the stage every single night. I once assumed I’d grow out of this, but at this point in my life, that clearly isn’t going to happen. Did you hear Rudy Giuliani fart in that Congressional hearing? Yeah, I watched it 50 times! 17

OPEN AIR, UP FOR

anything.

Know the feeling. 19

Choose Your OWN ADVENTURE From shark dives to skydives, Florida is the place for bucket-list must-do’s.

s your personal bucket list packed with adrenaline-inducing adventures you’ve yet to try? Whether you’re looking for a one-and-done experience or a thrilling new hobby, Florida is fertile ground for realizing your dreams.

In Awe of Jaws A 30-minute boat ride with Florida Shark Diving delivers divers to an idyllic setting just off the coast of Jupiter, where the waters are seeded with chum (fish matter) to attract a variety of sharks. Once their feeding frenzy is done, it’s time for their human visitors to don masks, snorkels and fins and slip below the surface for face-to-fin encounters. Observe from the safety of a shark cage built for two that is tethered to the boat, or opt to stick close to a floating platform while freely swimming near the surface. Species converging close to the boat can range from tiger and great hammerhead to blacktop and bull sharks. Outings last about three hours and can be booked mornings, midday and afternoons daily. Snorkeling gear is provided and no experience, or certification, is necessary. $195 per person, floridasharkdiving.com.

Tanner Mansell/Florida Shark Diving

STORY BY MARY LOU JANSON

HEALTH & HAPPINESS: BUCKET LIST

Kennedy Space Center SPACE CADET: An astronaut “trainee” experiences zero gravity in a specially designed chair that floats on a thin layer of air.

Rocket Science It’s out of this world. The half-day Astronaut Training Experience at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex incorporates authentic NASA science and engineering to offer interactive, hands-on tasks for those aspiring to interplanetary travel. Astronauts-in-training decipher data compiled by both flight control personnel and spacecraft crew. Crucial repairs to the spacecraft’s exterior must be accomplished in a zero-gravity atmosphere mimicked by immersive microgravity simulation technology. Climb aboard a capsule for a bumpy ride replicating the rocking and rolling of land rovers, or collect samples from the Mars surface with the help of virtual reality headgear and hand controls. $175 per person (plus tax), kennedyspacecenter.com.

Up, Up and Away For a fun way to catch the first rays of the day, glide through the air in the gondola of a Big Red Balloon. Panoramic views of lush forests, peaceful lakes and local wildlife are in store for passengers soaking in the scenery of north Hillsborough and south Pasco counties from about 1,000 feet above ground. Inflating these big red balloons to their six-story height takes about 20 minutes, and passengers are welcome to give the ground crew a hand. $200 per person, bigredballoon.com.

Big Red Balloon

QUIET RIDE: A hot air balloon flight lacks the engine noise normally associated with air travel. 21

HEALTH & HAPPINESS: BUCKET LIST

Free Falling Based at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, Skydive City has been helping people from around the world jump out of planes for more than 30 years. On-the-ground training covers the basics before it’s time to board the plane for a 20-minute flight to the drop zone. The journey down to the ground typically begins from a height of nearly 13,500 feet. Initially you, plus your more experienced jumping partner, drop through the atmosphere as nature intended. That’s what’s known as free falling and it means moving at 110 mph for a minute. Wind and noise will be noticeable as you fall face down toward the earth at a rate of about 1,000 feet every six seconds. Once the descent logs the 5,000-foot level, the instructor releases the parachute and the next few minutes are spent maneuvering for the landing at a much more leisurely pace. Tandem package, $199, skydivecity.com.

Skydive City Photo by Chris Stubbs

Find links and other info at dupontregistrytampabaycom.

DO LOOK DOWN: During the brief freefall portion of a dive, you fall toward the earth at a rate of 110 mph. FLIGHT READY: Tampa Bay Aviation offers students their choice of plane or helicopter.

Fly High Introductory training flights are offered by Tampa Bay Aviation as a means to teach first-timers the joys of flying. The hour-long, hands-on instruction at Clearwater Airpark offers students their choice of planes or helicopters. Airplane lessons begin with pre-takeoff ground training, followed by a 45-minute flight. With the instructor’s assistance, you control the plane and guide it through turns, climbs, descents and other basic maneuvers. And don’t worry: at any time you can hand over full control to the licensed pilot. For helicopters, the first 30 minutes feature simulator training, and the remaining halfhour of training takes place in the air. $99-$319, Tampabayaviation.com/discovery-flights.

Tampa Bay Aviation

HEALTH & HAPPINESS: BUCKET LIST

The Need for Speed If watching racecars speed ’round Downtown St. Pete during the Firestone Grand Prix filled you with drive envy, you don’t have to stand on the sidelines anymore. Here are three opportunities to cross speed racing off your bucket list, all right here in Florida. Students of the single-day Skip Barber Racing School at the fabled Sebring International Raceway begin their training with a review of vehicle dynamics. Then it’s off to the track to take turns leading and following other drivers at the wheel of a high-powered, high-performing Roush Stage 3 Mustang. $2,000-$3,000 for single-day sessions and $5,000-$7,500 for three-day packages, skipbarber.com/courses/roush-intro. If NASCAR racing vehicles are more your speed, head to Daytona International Speedway, home to the Daytona 500 and the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Select from increments of five to 48 minutes of driving this renowned speedway or buckle up for a three-lap ridealong. Rates start at $150 for ridealongs and top off at nearly $4,000 for an “Advanced Experience” featuring the maximum track time. drivepetty.com/daytona-international-speedway. If it’s speed you need, then sign up for the IndyCar Experience and let a professional take you for an engine-gunning spin around any of the tracks on the IndyCar Series schedule — including the Firestone Grand Prix Streets of St. Pete course. One lap sets you back $650 but places you in the fast lane with an Indy Racing League driver at the wheel. Look into reserving a spot during next year’s Firestone Grand Prix by going to the IndyCar Experience site later this year or in early 2022. indyracingexperience.com.

TICKET TO RIDE: Road-ready at the IndyCar Experience.

Wish Come True If you’d like to help someone else cross an item off their personal bucket list, consider Cloud 9 Living. Experiences can be individual — bull riding, anyone? — or enjoyed in socially distanced, small groups. Choose from more than 2,000 activities nationwide, purchase an E-Voucher and gift away. cloud9living.com. 23

CLASSROOM TOUGH Finding kindred spirits in a group of schoolteachers who work out together at a F45 gym. STORY BY RESIE WAECHTER STRONGER TOGETHER: Saint Paul’s teachers Allison Berry, Kerry Ann Masoner, Danielle Felten and Merritt Maguire give a lift to their workout buddy Brenda Biggs. 26

HEALTH & HAPPINESS: FITNESS

It’s 6 o’clock on Friday morning and I am surrounded by a dozen people gasping for air in pools of sweat. Hype music blasts over the speakers and I can barely catch my breath before the buzzer goes off and it’s time to rotate to the next station. The walls are bathed in blacklight, illuminating the droplets of perspiration that trickle down my arms.

— but I feel like even though I can’t catch my breath and am dripping sweat five minutes in, I am already owning the day. This is why I came here. After rotating through each of the nine stations twice, our 45-minute session is complete and I get the chance to sit down and stretch alongside the other reason I came here today: to talk with Danielle Felten, local elementary school teacher and F45 aficionado.

I taught full-time I met many teachers who discouraged me away from the profession. As the months and years go on, I reflect back on the frustrations those teachers warned me about — the lack of resources, pressure from standardized testing, not enough support from administration, low pay — and realize everything they said was right.

I woke up at 4:30 a.m. on my I listen eagerly to the trio I meet sacred day off from teaching at today, though, who have nothing a Title One elementary school, but positive things to say about and now I feel gratified: F45, the their jobs: Felten and a team of teacher latest fitness fad, lives up to its “I love teaching so much. I don’t friends from Saint Paul’s, the promise of 45 minutes of highknow why anyone would do independent K-8 school in intensity intervals. Blending anything else. I really don’t.” functional fitness with cardio and Clearwater, meet up at F45 “I think it’s God’s work.” strength, F45 appeals to those looking for the “I am continually We wake up early every fun motivation of group inspired when I see the morning and teach the future ownership kids take in classes and the ease of someone else coaching successes. I am generation for the same reason their and programming the always encouraged by we wake up even earlier to get deep thinking questions workouts. The franchise has more than 1,750 and a sense of wonder that workout in. locations spread over that can’t be ignored,” 40 countries and the Felten says. numbers keep growing. Bay And I realize that everything several mornings a week to get area locations have popped up these women are saying is right, their sweat session in before recently in Tampa, St. Pete and too. school. Having originally joined here in Clearwater. the gym to help a friend stay Felten and I have two big The gym prides itself on building accountable, Danielle loved F45 passions in common: teaching power in its franchises as well so much she invited her Saint and fitness. And we both share as its members. Many claim Paul’s coworkers to join in, too. our training stories with our huge improvements in fitness, Now the group of them keep each students. mobility, and strength. other motivated and inspired. I constantly compare the And strong I certainly do feel. It only takes a minute into our challenges my students Maybe it’s the sledgehammer dips conversation before I am in awe encounter in our classroom with or the box jumps or the burpee of all three of them. the challenges I face when I bench jump-overs — my money’s train for a marathon or compete I have only been a teacher for a on the sledgehammer for sure in a CrossFit competition. few years myself, but even before

HEALTH & HAPPINESS: FITNESS

The parallels to physical and mental/emotional strength are strong, and I encourage my students to train their brains the same way we train our bodies. Recently at a faculty meeting, my administrators had us teachers listen to a talk given by the Pinellas County Teacher of the Year, Sarah Painter. She is a distance runner and described how teaching any year, but especially this year with Covid challenges, can feel like navigating a long run through the worst of storms. The parallels she draws between fitness and teaching are powerful: “I have found my joy in running,” Painter said, “which allows me to overlook the rainy days. My mission didn’t waver; my dedication didn’t change. I’m a runner regardless of the weather.” Teaching, running, exercising — it’s all pretty damn hard. It takes grit. Grit and a whole lot of heart. And that’s exactly why we do it. It’s why we get up early to set up our classroom “just so” for each

new day, why we stay late to make handwritten notes for our students so they feel seen and special, why we make a pit stop for snacks because some kids are hungry and all kids deserve it. It’s why we give a troubled kid a second chance, then a third and a fourth and one more after that. We wake up early every morning and teach the future generation for the same reason we wake up even earlier to get that workout in. Even when we’re tired, even when we’re sore, even when our body aches from five days of workouts in a row or our heart hurts from stressing over a child’s home situation. We wake up and we show up. And as the first rays of sunrise spill into the large windows of F45 Clearwater, Danielle Felten and her friends remind me why. “I consider it a true honor to have a job dedicated to helping youth see their potential and help them believe they can do ANYTHING because this world will try to tell them differently,” Felten says. Because as Sarah Painter so perfectly puts it: “I run with an undeniable hope that there is something better. And that’s the race we’re in.”

FIT TO TEACH: (L to R) Saint Paul’s teachers Merritt Maguire, Kerry Ann Masoner and Danielle Felten at F4 Clearwater. 28

HEALTH & HAPPINESS: FITNESS

DREAM GYM: A still from a 3-D rendering that Bandit Fitness created for the author.

A Gym OF ONE’S OWN Here’s everything you need for the ultimate in high-end home workouts. BY ERIC SNIDER

ou’ve heard the phrase go big or go home? How about go big and go home? As in a home gym… that’s big.

The Bodycraft E1200 elliptical comes with a 16-inch touch screen that allows you to access YouTube, Netflix and even an XBox while exercising.

If you have a designated workout area in your abode — or are considering it — you’re definitely not alone. Waves of people are opting to exercise at home rather than use a commercial gym. Of course, the pandemic has played a major role in the explosion of home training. In a poll commissioned last summer by Beachbody, a health and fitness company, nine out of 10 Americans who exercise regularly said they would continue at-home workouts even after their gym reopened.

everyone from the person who wants moderate daily cardio to the hardcore who lifts weights until he or she collapses. To that end, let us introduce our consultant, Jake Rogers, sales manager for Largo-based Bandit Fitness.

App-based programs like Peloton and Shred are a hot trend in home exercise. But that’s not why we’re here. We’re going big, remember? This article’s purpose is to plan out a dream gym that’ll meet the needs of

The company carries a full line of exercise equipment, and provides consulting services for homeowners looking to add a gym. Rogers and his team analyze customers’ needs — including their exercise routines

HEALTH & HAPPINESS: FITNESS

and aspirations, gear preferences, available space and other factors — then build a 3D model of the gym on a computer. Changes can be made by simply dragging and dropping. “Our customers care a lot about installing something unique, and not going cookie-cutter,” Rogers says. “And our designs include not just equipment configurations, but colorings of the walls, flooring types, windows, mirrors, and even stuff like smoothie bars.” (To be clear: While Bandit can include magenta walls in the design, it only sells and installs equipment. If you want a full room conversion with, say, wall-to-wall mirrors, you’ll need a contractor.) The 3D rendering offers another key advantage: “We don’t run into situations,” Rogers says, “where our delivery people show up at a giant home with a whole bunch of equipment and the first thing they say is, ‘Where do you want this stuff ?’” So let’s get started on our dream gym. First, how big is big? According to Rogers, 1,000 to 1,200 square feet is on the high end of Bandit projects. That’s about the size of a three-car garage converted into a workout space — jobs that Bandit has undertaken recently. We’ll start with our cardio area. Rogers is enamored with the Hydro rowing machine, a sleek number with a 22-inch, hi-def screen that shows ondemand workout regimens. A maxedout Hydro costs $2,245, plus $38 a month to subscribe to the programs. For those of us who need impact-free cardio, an elliptical machine is a must. Rogers recommends the Bodycraft E1200 ($6,199), with a 16-inch touch screen that’s open-platform so you can access YouTube, Netflix and even an XBox to play video games during your session.

Nine out of 10 Americans who exercise regularly said they would continue athome workouts even after their gym reopened. Our dream gym has to include a treadmill, right? Rogers has just the piece, the sturdily made Landice L7 ($4,399), with advanced shock absorption. And finally, for the true warriors, there’s the Stairmaster 10G Gauntlet ($16,000) with a 15-inch touch screen. If you’re not intimidated already, this baby comes with Overdrive Training and a top step rate of 190 per minute. Have fun. To crib a line from Al Pacino, “We’re just getting warmed up!” It’s on to the weights area. Let’s start with the ultra-versatile Tuff Stuff CXT-225 multi-functional trainer ($6,098), with more weights, pushes, pulls, pulleys, cables and attachments than we can calculate. We’ll tack on a Smith Machine in one corner so we can add free weights on barbells and other items of excruciation.

If you watch sports on TV at all, you’ve seen commercials showing chiseled athletes furiously churning a heavy rope in each hand. So let’s add a 50foot Body Solid training rope that’s 1.5 inches in diameter ($119) for a good grip. While we’re at it, we’ll get us a Tank M4 fitness sled by Torque ($1,495), just in case we get the urge to get low and push, push, puuush real hard. Gotta have a yoga/stretching area for the more cerebral among us. We’ll need a mat, of course, so a Manduka Pro 6m in Verve Red ($120) should suffice. Nearby we’ll put a stylish rack of six CAP medicine balls in a variety of colors ($385), a set of CAP kettlebells (10-50 pounds, by fives, $794.25), and a couple of inflatable TheraBand stability balls (prices vary). Let’s make one blue, the other yellow. No, red. OK, now we’re done. Time to get huffin’ and puffin’ and humpin’ and heavin’ and gruntin’ and gaspin’. In your imagination, of course. For now.

Speaking of free weights, we gotta have dumbbells. A set of Tag Fitness round urethane pairs — five to 100 pounds in increments of five — with rack ($8,679) oughta do. And for a step up on the maniac scale, we’ll add a BodySolid SPR-1000 power rack for squats, bench pressing, deadlifts and other uber-taxing endeavors. With a good bench and set of plates, this rig runs around $2,500. We now have everything we need to keep ourselves in tip-top condition, but our dream gym somehow doesn’t seem quite finished, does it? More bells TUFF ENOUGH: A view of a Bandit-designed and whistles, please. home gym with the Tuff Stuff Proformance Functional Trainer.

Dear Neighbor, I’m Tommy Inzina, president and CEO of BayCare Health System. I’ve been at the helm of this organization for five years and a team member for more than 25 years. I’ve never been prouder of our team members and physicians, more than 30,000 strong, than I am when I look back at 2020. The coronavirus pandemic has created challenges and changes for the health care industry and our communities that we never could have imagined. It’s been hard on you. It’s been hard on us, too, but we were proud to serve you during this difficult time. It’s why we exist: to serve the community. All 15 of our hospitals have remained open and fully equipped to treat the sick. We’ve even been able to venture into areas of work that were new for BayCare—new for most hospital systems, in fact—such as putting up drive-through COVID-19 testing sites, helping employers safely reopen for business, advising nursing homes and schools on infection control, and operating public vaccination clinics. Today I’m inviting you to read more about BayCare’s service in our 2020 Report to the Community. Through stories and videos, you’ll learn how BayCare pivoted to serve the communities of Tampa Bay and West Central Florida when the first cases of the virus surfaced here in March 2020, yet also managed to complete major construction projects, launched new programs to improve patient satisfaction and even committed to building two new hospitals. BayCare was formed in Tampa Bay to make sure that this community would always have access to high-quality, not-for-profit health care. We’re your locally owned health care system, and we were proud to be able to serve you during the tough year of 2020. We’ll be here to care for you in the future, too—no matter what.

Sincerely,

Tommy Inzina President/CEO

21-1500781-0521

Our mission is to serve the community. Our community is more than just numbers to us. As a not-for-profit health care system serving West Central Florida, we’re dedicated to improving the region’s health through community-owned services that set the standard for high-quality, compassionate care. Our network includes 15 hospitals and hundreds of convenient locations, primarily in the counties of Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk. We’re proud that the work we do helps make our communities healthier and stronger.

FULL PAGE AD (BLEED)

445 Million

8.5 X 11.0625

Hospitals

Community Benefit1

28,357

5,842 Team Members2

¹Represents unreimbursed costs for traditional charity care, Medicaid and other means-tested programs, and unbilled community services 2 Includes PRN 3 Includes employed and credentialed physicians and medical professionals

To see BayCare’s 2020 Report to the Community: BayCare.org/AnnualReport 2020 Report to

21-1470607-0421

the Community

Physicians and Medical Professionals3

Take Me Out To The Bowl Game Get familiar with 20 of Tampa Bay’s top grain and poke bowl restaurants. STORY BY JENNA RIMENSNYDER

A bowl of organic goodness from St. Pete Bowls. 34

Courtesy 22 South Food Hall

HEALTH & HAPPINESS: HEALTHY EATS

Over the last few years, build-your-own bowls have been a hot topic in Tampa Bay. Fresh Kitchen arguably kicked off the craze with its debut in South Tampa in 2014. A brainchild of the Ciccio Restaurant Group (CRG), Fresh Kitchen was one of the first to spark the healthy grain bowl trend by offering locals the choice to craft their meal from base to protein to topping, satisfying any and all dietary preferences. While grain bowls have become a staple around town, a fairly new concept has been picking up steam — poke. For those unfamiliar, a poke (pronounced PO-kay) bowl is a Hawaiian-style dish of raw fish, cubed, marinated and layered up with a serving of sticky rice and dressed with toppings like edamame, cucumbers and green onions, and finished with a drizzle of sauce. Beloved for their convenience and versatility, fast-casual bowl restaurants have been sprouting up all over. Here’s a mixture of grain and poke bowl hubs throughout Tampa Bay that are serving up traditional as well as reimagined bites.

Melissa Santell/FOODXFEELS Preparing a bowl for a customer at Naked Farmer.

HEALTH & HAPPINESS: HEALTHY

Courtesy 22 South Food Hall The spicy salmon poke bowl at Zukku Sushi.

Anju The Korean BBQ food truck turned brick-and-mortar has one banging bowl on the menu called the BAP Bowl, a Korean classic made up of sticky rice topped with seasoned vegetables, bulgogi (marinated grilled shaved ribeye) and your choice of mild, medium or hot BAP sauce. 2827 16th St. N., St. Petersburg. anju-st-pete.square.site Bolay Fresh Bowl Kitchen The new kid on the block began slinging “bols” from its scratch kitchen in mid-May. With ties to Bloomin’ Brands, the Floridian chain offers customizable bowls alongside chef-crafted options like the Vegan Miso Tofu Bol stacked with kale, herb roasted potatoes, ginger broccoli, miso-glazed tofu and fresh chopped cilantro. 1544 W. Brandon Blvd., Brandon. bolay.com CALI A St. Pete favorite, this full-service restaurant offers a selection of “epic bowls” like the Gigante, named after CRG cofounder Jeff Gigante. The gluten-free bowl is comprised of avocado-buffalo glazed cauliflower, diced celery, crumbled blue cheese and tempura onions with lime caesar dressing. CALI suggests you add some crispy chicken as your protein and some coconut avocado rice as your base. 190 37th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, eatatcali.com/st-pete Fish Bowl Kitchen A vast menu packed with fresh-built poke, power and acai bowls. One of the most interesting selections on the menu is the Hawaiian Meatball Bowl filled to the brim with housemade meatballs tossed in Hawaiian citrus barbecue sauce, cherries, sweet bell peppers and pineapple and served over white rice. Not so adventurous? You can opt for red curry, teriyaki or buffalo chicken instead. 2882 Alt 19, Palm Harbor/ 17782 April Dr., Land O’ Lakes. fishbowlkitchen.com Fresh Kitchen Usually hosting a line out the door depending on the time of day, Fresh Kitchen offers build-your-own bowls with hormone and antibiotic-free grilled meats and roasted vegetables. Various locations. eatfreshkitchen.com Grain and Berry You can’t mention bowls without acai coming to mind. Grain and Berry is one of the prime purveyors of this colorful, fruity concoction. The brand has been growing like wildfire since 2016, and its menu items include healthy shakes, freshpressed juices, flatbreads and, of course, signature acai bowls made with organic granola, banana, strawberries, blueberries, nutella, peanut butter and coconut shavings that toe the line between healthy and incredibly decadent. Various locations. grainandberry. com Harvest Bowl Sisters and Tampa natives Athar and Atheer Naif launched this fast-casual healthy restaurant and market in January 2020 in Seminole Heights. Not only does the storefront offer grain bowls, you can also choose from a lineup of acai bowls and poke bowls. 6109 N. Florida Ave., Tampa. theharvestbowl.com Naked Farmer Boasting a rotating menu made with seasonal locally-sourced ingredients, Naked Farmer calls itself a farm-to-fork restaurant. Diners can build their own bowl by choosing one base, two sides, a main and choice of (un)dressing. 200 Central Ave., St. Petersburg/ 615 Channelside Dr., Tampa (Sparkman Wharf ). eatnakedfarmer.com Pacific Counter A passion project built by friends Tanner Loebel, Eric Bialik and Chitt Noythanongsay (aka Chef Tock), Pacific Counter has become one of the most popular poke spots in St. Pete. It’s so popular, in fact, that you can find a branch at Tropicana Field in addition to the main location on Central Avenue. 660 Central Ave. and Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg. pacificcounter.com Pokéworks Another Florida chain, Pokēworks offers an array of proteins from ahi tuna to organic tofu. The Hawaiian Ahi Classic bowl consists of ahi tuna, edamame, green and sweet onion, hijiki, cucumber, chili flakes, sesame seeds, Pokeworks’ classic sauce and seasonal crunch. Diners can also choose from poke bowls with kale noodle, sushi rice, organic brown rice, or quinoa bases. 2223 N. Westshore Blvd, Tampa / 734 E. Fowler Ave. Ste. C, Tampa. pokeworks.com

HEALTH & HAPPINESS: HEALTHY EATS

Shokkan Sushi One of seven restaurants in the new 22 South Food Hall located in South St. Pete’s historic Manhattan Casino, Shokkan is helmed by well-known sushi chef Lan Mai, whose menu will include poke bowls as well as sushi (including a sushi burrito). 642 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg, facebook. com/22southfoodhall SoFresh Wraps, salads and warm bowls, one of which is the Superfood, loaded with red quinoa, brown rice, broccoli, tomatoes, walnuts, avocado and dressed with balsamic vinaigrette. While the dish is traditionally vegan, it is recommended to be served with salmon. Various locations. order.lovesofresh.com St. Pete Bowls Another of the concepts opening at the new 22 South Food Hall, this one’s the most bowl-focused, featuring beautifully composed organic fruit, nut and veggie bowls from the mother-daughter team of Anja Adams and Naomi Richardson. 642 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg, facebook.com/22southfoodhall The Floribbean Stationed in the Grand Central District, the counter-service Caribbean fusion-style restaurant is run by Sal Merola and Urban Restaurant Group’s Andy Salyards. Floribbean cuisine is a mix of Caribbean and Floridian cooking techniques with an emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. One of the signature combinations is the Yardbird: smoked paprika chicken, sweet plantains, coconut rice, ginger black beans and jerk aioli. 2410 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. thefloribbean.com

Courtesy FK Fresh tastes from the pioneering bowlers at Fresh Kitchen.

Zukku Sushi Armature Works’ Zukku Sushi is a jack of all trades. Guests can choose from poke bowls, sushi rolls, burritos and even sushi tacos. The establishment’s sister locations are Zukku-San in Wesley Chapel and Āto in Lakeland food hall The Joinery, meaning you can get poke anytime, anywhere throughout the Greater Tampa Bay Area. 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa. zukkusushi.com And if you’re itching to add a few more local acai bowl haunts to your list of eats, some of the most popular include SOHO Juice Co.,Whatever Pops and Bowls, Karma, Sweet Soul SoHo and Sparkman Wharf newbie Fit Bowl Co.

The Art of the Bowl You might not want to serve up salmon poke in any of the 100 exquisite bowls on view in Florida CraftArt’s Beautiful Bountiful Bowls Exhibition of Fine Craft, but they’re sure pretty to look at. Through June 26, Florida CraftArt, 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FloridaCraftArt.org.

“Blue Ripple Stone Bowl” by glass artist Dan Alexander.

Good For You

The why’s and how’s of working with a nutritionist. BY JENNA RIMENSNYDER

MAKE A PLAN: A good nutritionist will ask you about your health and lifestyle goals.

he last year has taught us that health and wellness should be at the forefront of our lives. We want to be sure we’re doing what’s right for our bodies, and that might mean calling upon a nutritionist. I was referred to registered dietician Jennifer Broder, founder of South Tampa’s Medical Nutrition Center, to get more insight. Broder has two decades’ worth of experience in the industry and is board-certified in functional medicine, specializing in environmental toxicity. Environmental toxicity focuses on environmental inputs: mind, body and genetics. “I was prepped for the pandemic,” Broder said with a laugh. “It’s all about optimizing someone’s lifestyle and focusing on nutritional and lifestyle interventions to keep them healthy.” While Google does supply a lineup of local nutritionists, Broder says the best route is word of mouth. She says she’s seen generations of families because of referrals. “You end up seeing the aunt in 38

California, the sister in New York,” she says, “because we’re all talking and the goal is to keep everyone well and healthy, especially in the pandemic era.” In order to get the best out of your relationship with a nutritionist, it’s best to look inward before dialing the phone. Jot down your health goals and nail down some areas in your life where you need some guidance for healthier routines. “You want to know why you want to have change… to make sure that the relationship fits you and that [the nutritionist has] experience and science and the knowledge to help you.” Broder asks for your top five health goals and hosts a 30-minute phone consultation asking how you’ve been feeling and what’s been bothering you. If the connection between patient and nutritionist is a match, Broder suggests maintaining a minimum commitment of three months (12 weeks), but ideally six months (24 weeks) in order to

educate and empower patients. “And the last thing is making sure we educate them with science to know what is best for their body. We call it a dance between patient and practitioner — because we’re learning along the way.” Broder explains that connecting with a nutritionist isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. “You need to know what your body actually needs, that’s what’s most important. Especially during this time, immune resiliency is the most important.” Diet fads may come and go, but nutritionists are trained professionals on standby, waiting for the opportunity to educate. “We’re the ones who are trained in guiding the patient on lifestyle changes that literally prevent, reverse or decrease a toxic burden on the body. I exploded last year because so many people were telling other people that this is the most important time to be the healthiest and fittest you could be.”

The Racing Series Gift Set

The Racing Series wines by Adobe Road are comprised of four ultra-premium, California red blends inspired by moments on the race track. RedLine, Shift, The24, and Apex.

$299

SEND THE PERFECT GIFT BEAUTIFUL GIFT SETS FOR YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY AND BUSINESS ASSOCIATES

We are here to help fulﬁll your gift-giving needs with ease. Let us do the work for you! Everything you need to give gifts that make a lasting impression.. Redline Gift Set

Cabernet Connoisseur

Gift set designed for the car enthusiast in your life. One bottle of our 2018 Redline nestled inside a beautiful carbon ﬁber gift box.

The ultimate gift for the Cabernet lover on your list. A bottle of our 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Beckstoffer Vineyards, Georges III in a beautiful gift box with two 22 oz wine glasses.

$75

$230

Get 15% OFF

USE CODE: DUPONT21 AT CHECKOUT Expires 06/15/2021 at 11:59pm PST

Browse Our Full Gift Catalog at adoberoadwines.com For questions or to place an order, please call 707-939-7967 or email insidetrack@adoberoadwines.com

WINE DINNERS Are Back!

The welcome return of in-person events with chefs, winemakers and fabulous food. STORY AND PHOTOS BY TRACEY SEREBIN

WATCH PARTY: Chefs were the stars at the Epicurean Theatre.

irtual wine tastings got us through the past year, but nothing beats the in-person version — especially if you get to enjoy the wine in tandem with scrumptious food prepared by master chefs. Here are three venues that recently launched wine and food events — in person.

The Epicurean Hotel: Supper Club in the Theatre Three talented chefs presided over this six-course feast: Chad Johnson of Haven; Adam Hyatt of the Epicurean Hotel, Tampa; and Ewart Wardhaugh of the Epicurean Hotel, Atlanta.

Collection. Like the origial Epicurean in South Tampa, its Atlanta counterpart will be a culinary-driven hotel, with the experiential agency Southern Culinary & Creative developing unique events and classes. After a Champagne welcome, we took our seats in the Epicurean Theatre. The experience was charged with an almost voyeuristic thrill, as we got to watch these amazing chefs at work in the kitchen while big screens above their heads showed them plating their dishes with finesse. The energy in the room was very lively as the chefs explained their dishes and answered questions.

Complemented by wines from Winebow Fine Wine and Spirits, the dinner was a tribute to Epicurean’s past, present and future — a celebration of getting back together and a look ahead to the opening of the Epicurean Hotel in Midtown Atlanta this summer. This will be the second location of the Epicurean Hotel brand, which is a collaboration of Mainsail Lodging and Bern’s Steakhouse, As we watched Chef Hyatt put together a Japanese A-5 RIGHT PATH: Earl “Buck” Autograph Lynge takes a break by St. Pete’s Vinoy Park Beach. as well as aTHE partnership with Marriott’s

WINE GIRL

Chef Hyatt’s chicken liver ravioli with fiddlehead ferns and caramelized tomato butter was a strikingly different dish, accompanied by a 2017 L’Ecole No. 41 Merlot from Columbia Valley. Chef Ewart’s bourbon roasted duck breast tasted similar to a pork loin, with compressed rhubarb, goat cheese and asparagus. It was accompanied by the very tasty 2017 Emily’s Cabernet Sauvignon from the Miner Family Winery, deep ruby red and smooth on the palate. A part of the proceeds from sales of this wine go to the V Foundation for Cancer Research in honor of winery co-founder Emily Miner. The last course, designed by Chef Johnson, was a banana chiffon with charred pineapple pieces and a touch of cinnamon that reminded me of Christmas, with a green verbena ice cream that had a yummy fairground flavor. DelFrisco’s Grill: Wine Dinner with Gary Farrell Vineyards

WOW FACTOR: Chef Hyatt’s chicken liver ravioli with fiddlehead ferns and caramelized tomato butter.

Wagyu beef nigiri, Michael Pollice from Winebow introduced the 2019 Ghost Block Sauvignon Blanc, explaining that it came from a family-owned vineyard in Napa with a small production of only 2,500 cases. It was very light and bright, with citrus notes. Our second dish, created by Chef Wardhaugh, was a seasonal market crudo of white Hamachi fish from Hawaii; the succotash and hijiki seaweed underneath made the fish pop. It was paired with winemaker Aaron Jordan’s 2018 Failla Chardonnay Sonoma Coast, of which only a few hundred cases are made. The French oak and buttery taste paired perfectly with the fish. Chef Johnson then introduced his pressed chicken thigh with egg, truffle and breakfast sausage. A very heavy dish, it was paired with a 2019 Lioco Mendocino Pinot Noir, with notes of cherry and cranberry that made it taste more like a burgundy. BUBBLES? Guests at the Gary Farrell dinner were greeted with a glass of Jeio by Bisol Prosecco Rose. 42

THE RIGHT PATH: Earl “Buck” Lynge takes a break

An intimate gathering of 16, we were welcomed with a glass of Jeio by Bisol Prosecco Rose that was very bubbly. DelFrisco’s Manager Matt Sinclair introduced us to Meagan Reister of Vintus, representing the Russian River Valley’s Gary Farrell Vineyards. She opened the dinner with a video of Theresa Heredia, the winemaker, as we tasted a chilled lobster cocktail. Our second course paired two wines, a Russian

WINE GIRL

River Valley Chardonnay alongside an Olivet Lane Vineyard. Megan explained that the Olivet is known as “The Solo,” as it pulls from only one vineyard, while the Russian River is known as the “Symphony” due to the 18 different sites where its grapes are grown. The Russian River was the smoother and richer of the two, while the Olivet was stronger, more concentrated and a tad minerally. Our group discussed the wines over a dish of Chilean seabass with a spring vegetable ragu. The fish was light and paired well with the “Symphony.” Megan shared a video of Theresa being interviewed by Landry’s Master Sommelier Keith Goldston as we enjoyed our third course with two Pinots tasted side by side. The Russian River Valley Pinot Noir had deep fruit but was earthy and acidy, pulling from 36 different vineyards. The Hallberg Vineyard Pinot, from the top vineyard in Green Valley, is ruby and has a slight taste of tea with a hint of tobacco and is closer to a light merlot vintage. We discussed these wines as we received our third course of prime NY strip with garlic and white bean puree, Pinot and roasted grape butter and balsamic cippolinis. The meat was cooked perfectly, pairing very well with the Hallberg wine. For our dessert and final course, a chocolate pecan torte raspberry coulis arrived with a Fonseca Bin #27 Ruby Port with a deep fruit taste — a wonderful combination to end the evening. The GROVE Restaurant: Adobe Road Winery Dinner GROVE, located in Lakewood Ranch, hosted an Adobe Road Winery

Dinner featuring an immersive fivecourse menu highlighting the Racing Series and other varietals from Adobe Road. The event took place in the restaurant’s event hall, with plenty of open space for socially distanced tables. A glass of 2019 Sparkling Rose kicked off the evening, as servers came around with brie and apple crostini and smoked shrimp with avocado and cucumber.

For our fourth course, we enjoyed a 2018 Redline Red Blend. A deep, heavy red with a smooth smoky taste, it paired very well with a smoked beef tenderloin, herbed potato and fig demi sauce. By the fifth course I was full, but couldn’t pass up tasting a 2018 Black

Sommelier Austin Harlow and Chef Greg Campbell welcomed us, and Kevin Buckler, CEO of Adobe Road, spoke about the winery and his passion for wine and fast cars. A 2017 Sauvignon Blanc was served with our first course, very citrusy and sweeter than I like, but the two seared scallops were cooked perfectly. The 2018 Chardonnay served next complemented the scallop dish better and was very smooth and refreshing. It also paired very well with the butter poached sea bass with saffron risotto — so soft and yummy, it melted in your mouth. For the third course we moved into their reds, with a 2016 SHIFT Red Blend from the Racing Series. It was so smooth, with a deep cherry flavor, tasting like a lighter red zinfandel or a Barbera blend. The wine was a perfect complement to Chef Greg’s duck breast dish with rosemary, black cherry and sweet potato.

GOOD DOG: With its deep raspberry flavor, Adobe’s 2018 Black Dog Cabernet Sauvignon was delicious with the pistachio chocolate torte.

Dog Cabernet Sauvignon, a pure Cab blending grapes from Sonoma County and Napa Valley. With its deep raspberry flavor, the wine was delicious with the pistachio chocolate torte. All three events presented different culinary experiences with masterful chefs, interesting dishes and amazing wine. I am so happy that these wine dinners can now be experienced in person. 43

STYLE

Sunshine & a Swim BY MICHELLE CAPPELLI GORDON

Stylish summer must-haves for the Florida sun. Sunglasses and swimwear for the casual beau, the party guy and the water-bound man are paired perfectly for you. And for the ruffly girl, the chic mademoiselle and the glamorous woman, here are shades and suits to shine like the sun.

Style Editor Michelle Cappelli Gordon

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 44

Smith Lowdown 2 56mm Polarized Square Sunglasses, $179 (Nordstrom); Onia All Purpose Swim Shorts, $120 (Saks) Tom Ford Troy 62mm Pilot Sunglasses, $470 (Saks); Robert Graham Poolside Drinks Swim Trunks, $128 (Saks) Oakley 70mm Polarized Rectangle Sunglasses, $206 (Nordstrom); Paul Smith Mid-Length Printed Swim Shorts, $175 (Mr. Porter) Tory Burch 56mm Aviator Sunglasses, $192 (Saks); PatBO Gabi Floral Print Ruffle Bikini Bottom $125 (Saks); PatBO Gabi Ruffle Bikini Top, $135 (Saks) Ray-Ban RB2192 47mm Round Sunglasses, $187 (Saks); Cult Gaia Zoey Ring Bikini Top, $149 (Saks); Cult Gaia Zoey Ring Bikini Bottom, $149 (Saks) Larry 52mm Square Sunglasses, $240 (Saks); Tory Burch Printed Underwire One-Piece Swimsuit, $258 (Saks)

Women's

Stella McCartney Iconic 54MM Square Sunglasses, $290 Loewe 61MM Hexagonal Sunglasses, $330 Moncler 60MM Aviator Sunglasses, $335 Miu Miu 61MM Round Sunglasses, $508

Men's

Oakley Miami Dolphins 59MM Flak Sunglasses, $204 Cartier Core Range 61MM Pilot Sunglasses, $1,145 Ray-Ban RB43355 58MM Pilot Sunglasses, $181 Dolce&Gabbana 50MM Square Sunglasses, $295

Style Editor Michelle Cappelli Gordon

A BRIGHT NEW LIGHT IN FORT MYERS The Luminary Hotel taps into the innovative spirit of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. BY TRACEY SEREBIN

LIGHTING THE WAY: The Luminary overlooks the marina.

When I heard that Mainsail Lodging had partnered with the Autograph Collection of Marriott on a brand new hotel in Fort Myers, I knew I had to check it out. Mainsail’s portfolio includes some of Tampa Bay’s most distinctive hotels — the Epicurean, the Fenway, the Karol — so the two-hour drive south felt like a must. I can’t remember when I saw Fort Myers last; it must have been years ago, during a visit to a relative. But let me tell you, it’s shining brightly now— and nowhere is that more true than in the Luminary Hotel, which opened just last September. 46

The hotel makes a point of showcasing the innovations of the pioneers who wintered here.

FLORIDA TRAVEL

Standing majestically along the sparkling Caloosahatchee River, the Luminary boasts views of the marina on one side and the quaint downtown River District on the other. The sleek, chic lobby area, decorated all in soft greys and blues, still had that brand-new-hotel smell when I visited this spring, with amenities on all sides: the Dean Street Coffee Roastery, the hotel’s signature restaurant The Silver King Ocean Brasserie, the very comfortable Lobby Bar — all the amenities I look for, in fact, in a staycation, with Fort Myers’ many attractions in walking distance. After checking in, my next stop was the 12th-floor rooftop bar. The Beacon Social Drinkery offers a selection of cocktails, fine wines, craft beers and small plates to enjoy while watching the yachts float along the river. Perch at a high-top table by one of the floor-to-ceiling windows or enjoy the expansive patio, where there are several types of seating to take in the gorgeous weather and soak up the water views. The Luminary is an AAA Four Diamond Hotel with 243 comfortably appointed, technologically innovative guest rooms and suites, with luxurious bedding and upscale bath products that make this boutique hotel memorable. The name of the hotel comes from the word for “a person who inspires or influences others, especially one prominent in a particular sphere.” The Luminary makes a point of showcasing the innovations of pioneers who lived here —pioneers like Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, good friends who

DOWNTOWN STROLL: The quaint and very shoppable River District.

lived next door to each other during winters in Fort Myers. As a Mainsail Lodging property, the Luminary also manifests the pioneering spirit when it comes to food and wine. There’s a culinary laboratory called The Workshop onsite, where classes and demonstrations will feature local, regional and national chefs. The

hotel is also attached to the renovated Caloosa Sound Convention Center, which has 40,000 square feet of space for meetings and large gatherings. Brent Gauthier, the newly appointed executive chef, brings that same innovative spirit to the property’s five unique restaurants. While the Beacon invites guests to start their evening with a cocktail and a small plate, the

HOP ON, HOP OFF: The downtown Fort Myers trolley.

FLORIDA TRAVEL

Silver King Ocean Brasserie offers a sophisticated menu of seafood dishes and great wines, allowing you to relax and savor the culinary experience. If you’re not in the mood for upscale cuisine, the Oxbow Bar & Grill across the street from the hotel offers panoramic views of the Caloosahatchee River with both inside and outdoor seating and a menu of fresh oysters, signature favorites, fresh seafood, craft sandwiches, burgers and steaks, plus intriguing cocktails and a wonderful wine selection. In the morning don’t miss grabbing a coffee at Dean Street Roastery, where experts oversee a Gilsen coffee roaster. Then head over to Ella Mae’s Diner, located on the ground floor of the hotel with access to Bay Street, where you get transported back in time to a vintage Southern diner and can enjoy a hearty breakfast while people-watching. After breakfast I walked across the street to explore the downtown River District, full of mom-and-pop shops, dining options and entertainment. Walking out of a cobblestone alleyway with greenery and flowers adorning the shops, we saw an old-fashioned trolley car coming down the street. We jumped aboard and got a tour of the area — a lovely experience, as the driver shared stories and pointed out the Edison and Ford homes and the laboratory building in the middle where they worked on new projects together.

DINNER WITH A CATCH: The hotel’s Silver King Ocean Brasserie takes its name from the silver king tarpon.

The trolley provides free transportation around Fort Myers from November through April; just pull on the string to be let off at your desired destination, then hop back on when you’re done. Coming out of the Oxbow Bar & Grill, after enjoying their delicious seafood gumbo for lunch and a glass of St. Francis Chardonnay, I roamed by the Marina, taking in the beautiful boats docked next door. I later learned that Galati Yachts is opening a new office in a retail space next to Ella Mae’s at the Luminary. I definitely recommend taking a leisurely drive down to Fort Myers for the day to peruse Galati’s yachts, learn more about their gorgeous watercraft and purchase your next fun adventure. Then head over to Oxbow for delicious food and scrumptious wine. Or spend the weekend exploring the area and stay at the extremely comfortable, modern and accommodating Luminary Hotel. The Luminary Hotel, 2200 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers, luminaryhotel.com. WELL-DEFINED: “Luminary”’ explained on a souvenir bag inside Dean Street Coffee. 48

Invest in your best summer yet. PICTURED: PRESTIGE 680 FLY

FULL PAGE AD (BLEED) 8.5 X 11.0625

13 locations to serve you. OPENING SUMMER 2021 - Fort Myers at Luminary Hotel

TAMPA, FL ANNA MARIA, FL SARASOTA, FL NAPLES, FL FT. LAUDERDALE, FL DESTIN, FL

ORANGE BEACH, AL HOUSTON, TX CLEAR LAKE, TX PORT ARANSAS, TX COSTA RICA CABO, MEXICO

GALATIYACHTS.COM | 800.391.6691 49

A Stroll Though Safety Harbor Shops and stops in one of Pinellas County’s most charming staycation destinations. By Molly duPont Having lived in the Bay area much of my life, I have an affinity for places that have changed while staying the same. Many milestone and holiday celebrations over my lifetime have gathered family and friends together at the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa. Now it’s a very desirable destination for a staycation: You can check in and relax, use the spa, sit by the pool… and get ready to explore Main Street Safety Harbor. A fabulous start is just a couple blocks away at Syd Entel Galleries, where you will find an eclectic mix of art and jewelry as well as an engaging friend in Susan, Syd and Linda. Their knowledge and access in the art world is unmatched, as they have been running their galleries for 40 years. With many featured artist shows, including the artists from neighboring Harborside Studios, you are sure to find something for your walls and your wish list. A really fun stop is Sips Wine Bar. With self-service technology, you can fill your glass with whichever wine(s) you wish — a great way to try something new or fill your glass with your favorite. Live music and build-your-own charcuterie make for a wonderful stop. If you are looking for a full meal, look no further than Water Oak. Local celebrity chef Walt Wickman has done it again. Craft cocktails, local seafood and fresh fish… this indoor and outdoor location is casual enough for family dinner and special enough for date night. Speaking of family, if you are ready to see the area and get some waterfront exercise 50

at the same time, Tocobaga Tours is for you. With paddleboard and kayak rentals, prepare yourself to be taken back in time and learn the history of Safety Harbor from the water. You will have worked up an appetite and can grab a slice of lasagna pizza at The Nona Slice House. Follow up with cheesecake over at Bassano and I believe a good night’s sleep-in is guaranteed. Another fun activity includes the unique and delicious Gigglewaters, a speakeasystyle screening room. The 32-seat theater shows a classic movie daily. No need for an app or QR code; your name will be on the list at the door. Looking for a private showing? Just ask and you can book your group to see the movie of your choice. You can’t go wrong with dinner and a movie at this quaint locale. And last but not least, whether you need to shop or not… hit Main Street’s 800 block. At Seersucker Sassy you will find something perfect to wear. Whether it’s Lilly Pulitzer or a fabulous new handbag, you will leave with any and all bright and colorful accessories that you need to go with your purchase. A hilarious greeting card and some delicious candy, too! Next door at WhiteWood on Main, you can find whatever plant décor suits your style or gift-giving. Even those of us without a green thumb can find an ideal centerpiece to bring to a hostess or keep for ourselves. And take it from me — the variety of succulents is impressive, and even I can keep those alive. One more down is the tried and true staple catering company

of my life, The Stuffed Mushroom. Not only can they cater a large or small event, complete with stuffed mushroom appetizers that are out of this world, you can also find all the serving pieces, placemats and candles you need to make your table complete. And don’t forget the bar — beautiful accessories as well as yummy syrups and garnishes. Last but not least, peruse Aerie Lane, a one-stop shop for hostess, birthday and holiday gifts as well as shabby-chic home designs. MAIN STREET SAFETY HARBOR Aerie Lane Home 319 Main St., aerielane.com Bassano Cheesecake Cafe 507 Main St., bassanocheesecake.com Gigglewaters 737 Main St., gigglewaters.com Harborside Studios/The Arc Tampa Bay 176 5th Ave. N., 727-601-1884 Safety Harbor Resort & Spa 105 N. Bayshore Dr., safetyharborspa.com. Sips Wine Bar 327 Main St., thesipswinebar.com Seersucker Sassy 801 Main St., seersuckersassy.com Syd Entel Galleries 247 Main St., sydentelgalleries.com The Nona Slice House 997 Main St., thenona-slicehouse.com The Stuffed Mushroom 825 Main St., thestuffedmushroom.com Tocobaga Tours, Safety Harbor Marina, tocobagatours.com Water Oak Seafood & Steak Bar 201 Main St., wateroakgrill.com WhiteWood on Main 801 Main St., facebook.com/whitewoodonmain

TANGERINE DREAM Lamborghini’s Huracán EVO RWD Spyder supercar will stir your soul. STORY AND PHOTOS BY HOWARD WALKER

n keeping with the Health & Happiness theme of this issue, let me introduce you to the newest offering from Automobili Lamborghini, the tangerine dream machine that’s this Huracán EVO RWD Spyder. The Happiness part of this car is obvious. How could any lover of insanely-speedy supercars not break into a mile-wide, Julia Roberts-style grin at the very thought of wrangling this 610-horsepower, V10-engined rocketship? The endorphins this car produces are up there with hearing Pavarotti hit the high notes on Nessun Dorma, quaffing a 2015 Chateau Lafite Rothschild, or being given a basketful of kittens to cuddle. Happiness doesn’t even come close.

I’ve driven plenty of fast cars before. This one scared the snot out of me. The Health part? Let me get back to you on that. Suffice it to say, anyone who’s weak of heart, suffers shortage of breath or might get nervous at the prospect of being catapulted from a Ringling Brothers circus cannon may not fully embrace this hip-high thunderbolt. That said, if you’ve ever wanted to feel truly alive, feel as if

AUTO

every synapse in your body is dialed up to an 11, then this is your car. There really aren’t enough superlatives in Webster’s to adequately describe the way this hurricane-force Huracán can slingshot itself off the line. Nothing prepares you for the mayhem as the car spins its rear wheels like a Fourth of July pinwheel and lunges at the horizon in a smoky haze of flambéed rubber. I’ve driven plenty of fast cars before; this one scared the snot out of me. Time, maybe, for a few CliffsNotes on this raging bull from Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy. The Huracán was introduced way back in 2014 as the first rung on the Lambo ladder. Over the years it has evolved, first into the Huracán Performante, then the EVO. But it always stuck with all-wheel drive to help control all that power. For purists that has been a big bone of contention. They argued that it desensitized the car, taking away some of the raw, driver-focused, laser-precise responses. Me? I kinda liked the added safety four-wheel-drive offered. But last year, the wraps came off the Huracán RWD, with that honking, mid-mounted 5.2-liter V10 spinning just the rear rims. Lighter, more nimble, more tail-happy, it became arguably the most fun-driving Lambo money could buy. And talking of money, the “base” price of our Florida orange Spyder convertible came in at $229,428, or around $15,000 less than the $214,366 Coupe. Though with a raft of must-have options — the $7,100 front-end lift system to avoid pricey front spoiler scrapes is a must — plan on $250,000 and up. Toggle a switch and that tight-fitting canvas roof powers back and disappears beneath a hard cover in a mere 17 seconds, and at speeds up to 31mph. Aaaah, sunshine. Top down, it makes a terrific convertible, with hardly any wind buffeting even at close to triple-digit velocities. And with the top dropped, it’s all the better for inhaling that insane, manic, Guns N’ Roses V10 soundtrack as the tach needle bounces off the 8,700 rpm red line. Inside, you sit in hip-hugging, carbon fiber-shelled seats gripping a wheel that looks straight out of a race car. And the theater of operating this mean machine is pure joy.

Flick up a big red flap to hit the start button, pull back on an oversized lever to engage reverse. Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick would feel right at home. And the true beauty of this latest Huracán is the way it can reflect your driving mood. Don’t want to run 0-to60 in 3.3 seconds, or hit that 201 mph top speed on the Courtney Campbell? Select “Strada,” or street mode, and the exhaust calms, the suspension softens, and shifts on the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic turn oily smooth. But this car isn’t about Lexus-style luxuriating. It’s all about the thrills. So simply hit the “Sport” setting, or go full metal jacket with “Corsa” — that’s track in Italian — and be ready for some slip-sliding, rear-end drifting. This is, without doubt, the best all-round Lamborghini I’ve driven. It has a truly appealing, more balanced combo of true supercar thrill-ride and easy-going daily driver. And, as any doctor will tell you, orange is good for your health.

Test drive the Huracán EVO RWD Spyder at Lamborghini of Sarasota. And look for auto editor Howard Walker’s online column “Weekend Wheels” every weekend at dupontregistrytampabay.com.

SEASIDE ROMANCE: The Castle Hill Inn, named one of the country’s top 10 romantic hotels. Photo by Rod Millington.

Newport News

The music festivals are back and the sea breezes beckon. BY CINDY COCKBURN

h, the charms of Newport. I was a columnist covering the social scene there for Women’s Wear Daily in the ’80s, and remember so many only-in-Newport moments: a chat with Prince Andrew (aka “Randy Andy”) at the Astor estate; cocktails with Andy Warhol on the roof of the Clarke Cooke House with socialite Cornelia Guest after his Newport Art Museum exhibit; talking to Jackie Kennedy’s mom, Janet Auchincloss, at the International Tennis Hall of Fame

as she pulled on her white gloves; covering black-tie soirees at the same time Bill Cunningham was shooting his iconic images for the New York Times and Dominick Dunne was writing his investigative articles for Vanity Fair. Newport was magic back then. But then it always has been. Founded in 1639, this charming Colonial-era port has miles of beaches, scenic trails, distinctive shops, renowned restaurants, diverse accommodations and world-class events. It may be best-known for its

Gilded Age mansions, especially The Breakers, an 1895 mansion patterned after a Renaissance palace and built by the Vanderbilts in 1895; they were among the uber-wealthy families whose summer “cottages” in Newport led to the town’s moniker, “America’s First Resort.” Home to the Tennis Hall of Fame since 1954 and to the America’s Cup sailing competitions from 1930-83, it’s long been associated with both those sports — and, since the 1950s, with its two iconic music festivals.

TRAVEL

Let the music play Both the Newport Jazz Festival and the Newport Folk Festival were cancelled last year, and thanks to the pandemic, I called off my own annual Newport visit. But I’m happy to report that the world is opening up again and tickets will be on sale soon for both festivals, which take place at Fort Adams State Park at the mouth of Newport Harbor. The folk festival will present two threeday events of performances, storytelling and workshops at Fort Adams July 23-25 and July 26-28. Access to the summer’s events will be announced in phases. The Newport Jazz Festival will make its return from July 30 to August 1. Participating artists have not yet been announced, but this we know for sure: the late jazz great (and Clearwater resident) Chick Corea will be honored. Missed by all since his death in February, he was reportedly playing the piano right up until the end. His compositions — including “Spain,” “500 Miles High,” “La Fiesta,” “Armando’s Rhumba” and “Windows” — are jazz standards. It’s a not-so-secret tradition for locals and out-of-towners alike to gather on their boats to listen to the festival music. It’s always one big music party for days.

Sleep by the Bay Book a room at Castle Hill Inn, named one of the top 10 most romantic hotels in the U.S. by Tripadvisor. Located on a 40-acre peninsula at the west end of Newport’s famous Ocean Drive, the secluded oceanfront resort was once the summer home of Harvard marine biologist Alexander Agassiz. Comprised of Agassiz’s restored Victorian mansion, the quaint and oh-so-private Harbor Houses, and well-appointed Beach House lodging rooms all snuggled along the coastline, the Inn has been deemed by the New York Times as “quite simply, the best spot

LOBSTAH! The New England favorite. Photo by Cindy Cockburn.

Founded in 1639, this charming Colonial-era port has miles of beaches, distinctive shops, renowned restaurants, diverse accommodations and world-class events. BLUE HORIZON: Overlooking Newport’s inner harbor from the Ida Lewis Yacht Club. Photo by Cindy Cockburn.

TRAVEL

in town.” Heads up: Festival-goers who used to enjoy a cocktail at the Inn will be very disappointed this year, since Covid restrictions will only allow hotel guests (room rates $900 and up) and those with dining reservations to enter the grounds. They reopened on May 16 for lodging guests only. 590 Ocean Drive, castlehillinn.com.

Getting there

Situated on Goat Island and surrounded by picturesque Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay, Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina is the hot and trendy place to see and be seen. It offers the seclusion of a private island, though it’s only a short walk from the heart and history of the charming waterfront cobblestone streets of Newport. Expansive grounds offering 360-degree water views provide an ideal setting with 257 guestrooms. 1 Goat Island, gurneysresorts.com.

And then there’s this… While Newport has long been synonymous with high society, its most celebrated visitors of late were considerably more lowbrow: The Real Housewives of New York, who descended upon the town last year in what one publication described as “a girls’ trip from hell.”

It’s an easy flight from Tampa International Airport to Providence, and the airport is less than an hour’s drive to the Atlantic Ocean and Newport. Get ready for all the lobster, clam chowder and sea breezes you crave.

A brand new luxury boutique hotel opened last July called The Brenton, located on the waterfront with a ton of exclusive perks for travelers, including private boat rentals and Peloton bikes. The Gilded Age-style hotel has 57 spacious rooms and suites and panoramic views of the harbor and Newport downtown area. 31 America’s Cup Ave., brentonhotel.com.

Eat & repeat There’s New England clam chowder, Rhode Island clam chowder and then there’s the Black Pearl’s clam chowder. Fifty to 100 gallons per day are made in the summer months. It’s worth spending the time to score a table. 30 Bannister’s Wharf, blackpearlnewport.com. The White Horse Tavern has only 17 tables and books up early. Opened in 1673 and now a National Historic Landmark, the restaurant exudes colonial charm but is anything but dated. Enjoy fish, clams and lobsters directly from Narragansett Bay, along with just-picked produce, artisan cheese, honey, prime cuts of beef and the highest-quality chops and poultry from local farms. 26 Marlborough St., whitehorsenewport.com. CHOWDAH! The famed clam chowder at the Black Pearl. Photo by Cindy Cockburn.

FLORIDA TRAVEL

Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo

Overlooking a private beach in southern Key Largo, this 200-room Curio Collection resort puts pets, not on a pedestal, but into their own private cabanas. The shady shelters are just part of a pet perks program supervised by Maya, the Cay-9 Director of Pet Relations. The hotel’s high-ranking Huskie bunks off-site with the resort’s activities director and wife, Scott and Allie Brown, but patrols the property and greets guests on an almost daily basis. A doggy bio, head shots, love of tummy rubs and “fluffy good looks’’ helped her nail the interview and land the job. Special magnets affixed to guest room doors alert housekeeping there are pets on the premises, while customized collar charms and special snacks are dispensed freely to dogs overnighting at this 15-acre getaway. A $75 per night non-refundable fee is added for one or two pets overnighting for up to a seven-night stay, and a 100-pound weight limit is enforced. hilton.com.

The Ben Hotel

West Palm Beach A prolific local author, animal lover and conservationist helped give this hotel not only its identity but its claim to fame as a dog-friendly retreat. Byrd “Birdie” Spilman

GROOMING

Every morning can can feel like a luxury spa experience with the right tools. Below you’ll find an alluring French fragrance, anti-bump serum for post-shave pop-ups, and ways to cleanse the skin under your beard with a gentle yet powerful brush and a non-greasy, hydrating beard serum.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Parfums de Marly Pegasus Exclusif, $290 (Saks) Renée Rouleau Anti-Bump Solution, $49.50 The Art of Shaving Power Brush, $40 (The Art of Shaving) Acqua Di Parma Barbiere Beard Serum, $63 (Saks) Helmm Coastline Refillable Antiperspirant & Deodorant, $50 (Saks) Baby Foot for Men, $25 (Dermstore) Aromatherapy Associates Refinery Post Shave Balm, $49 (Saks)

For more inspiration or advice from our Beauty Editor, visit www.LoveMichelleStyle.com and follow her on Instagram: @michellecappelligordon.

Beauty Editor Michelle Cappelli Gordon

REAL ESTATE

See Ad on Pg. 70

REAL ESTATE

Serenity in South Tampa

1501 S Sheridan Forest Drive Tampa, FL • $1,400,000

Introducing the “Serenity” in highly coveted South Tampa! Thoughtfully maintained and beautifully updated 4,137 sq ft home boasting plenty of space for the next neighborhood party, family reunion or to host a fabulous event. Nestled neatly beneath the tree canopy surrounding this unique retreat, the home offers 5 bedrooms plus office, 1/3 acre lot on a dead-end street, 3 car garage and walking distance to the best A Rated schools and recreation complex. Seamless living on the first floor takes you past a generously sized home office with french door privacy, spacious dining room open to the inviting living room with gorgeous fireplace surround. The fully renovated kitchen is large enough to allow everyone enough room to participate in meal planning. Previously a mother in law suite or 1st floor master, now provides 2 bedrooms and fully updated bath. French Doors allow light in but also easy access to the patio and pool area. The Family Room/Game Room also has french doors to the outdoor activity centers and plenty of storage for games and homework station. The 1st floor laundry room has more storage space than you will ever need! Upstairs provides two add’l bedrooms, fully updated bath and 2nd floor laundry. The Master bedroom includes an abundance of closet space, the ensuite enjoys a spacious shower, water closet, jetted tub, dual vanities and to top it off...an infrared sauna! As much as the interior of this home provides, the outside space is equally appealing. Sit back under the covered Pergola and relax while reading a great book or to watch your favorite team on TV. Enjoy the ambiance of dinner on the patio with a real life farm to table experience. Melinda Pletcher, REALTOR® 727-455-6633 Smith & Associates Real Estate 64

REAL ESTATE

Breathtaking Belleair Estate 140 Willadel Drive, Belleair • $6,995,000

Resting high above the intracoastal waterway in a pre-eminent Belleair community, this breathtaking 15,000+ total sqft palatial estate enjoys sensational open water views of Sand Key, Clearwater Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico! Take in the sweeping panoramic vistas of a remarkable residence that boasts 1.82 acres of brilliantly layered and manicured landscape. A massive circular drive with two gated points of entry welcomes you to a prodigious home with towering 21ft-high ceilings, vast open spaces and magnificent and complex detailed woodworking. Upper and lower level master suites are immense in size - offering generous sitting areas with fine morning bars, gas fireplaces, huge waterfront decks/balconies and sumptuous luxurious baths adorned in marble, granite and exquisite fixtures. You’ll love the lavish executive office with fireplace and private bath. Posh kitchen with butler’s pantry opens to an impressive great room with elegant entertainment center and grand views of your waterfront grounds. Large casual dining area is complemented by a superb formal dining room. Discover the enormous entertainment room with its spectacular wood lacquered wetbar, a fitness room, steam shower and separate sauna. Upper level offers a gorgeous, connected wrap-around balcony overlooking your astonishing grounds. Cast stone handrails and balusters, suspended staircases, grand multi-tier paver decks and elaborate center fountain deliver a picturesque “Great Gatsby” ambiance. Stroll across a transcendently beautiful pool/spa deck area that lowers to a fully lighted tennis court level, sprawling grassy areas and stunning waterfront. Posh gazebo/cabana contains a large wetbar, cooking center and air-conditioned bath. Separate full-service guest house is perfect for overnight stays. Deeded boat slip and dock enable your rapid access to the Gulf. A rare, one-of-a-kind luxury living experience. Dania Perry, Luxury and Waterfront Specialist 727-215-2045 | Dania Perry Real Estate 65

REAL ESTATE

Sunset Over Caladesi and Honeymoon Island 1746 Santa Barbara Drive, Dunedin FL • $7,395,000

Watch the sunset over Caladesi and Honeymoon Island from this waterfront masterpiece. Immediately become captivated with the high ceilings, celestial and picture windows showcasing the waterfront. Polished travertine floors open to the living room with double sided gas fireplace to the dining room with crystal chandelier. The kitchen features natural wood cabinetry with bold black granite counters and newer stainless appliances. An impressive master has water views with reading nook plus access to a screened in lanai and spacious bath and easy access to the home office. Each guest bed is generously sized; while the home theater has elevated seating for 12+. The lower level has home gym, guest suite and living room with kitchenette. With several access points to the lanai, you can easily enjoy the resort style pool. Slide down the two story water slide into the salt water pool, or dip into the spa. The deep water dock has 12,000 lb boat lift, jet ski lift and water/electric.

The Thorn Collection Coldwell Banker Realty |

| 727-432-9019 DunedinDreamHome.com

REAL ESTATE

Utopia in Sand Key

1350 Gulf Blvd #202, Clearwater Beach • $2,825,000

One of Sand Key’s best-kept secrets, this one-of-a-kind luxurious coastal contemporary condominium has it all! Located in the boutique community of Utopia, this spectacular 3 bedroom, 3 bath spacious unit features 3150 square feet with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico from the moment you enter. Situated on the quiet beach of Sand Key, one can enjoy tranquility and balmy breezes from the 62 foot Gulf front balcony. This elegant residence was originally built for the developer of the community with extras no one else would have and was completely remodeled and redesigned in 2019 with top of the line finishes and modern designer details throughout including a remarkable kitchen with Cambria Quartz waterfall edge island, custom cabinetry, a 220 bottle wine cellar, built-in features, a poolside cabana, garage parking two storage units and much more! Tammy Campbell McNelis | 727-455-2351 | TheCPMTeam.com with ReMax Metro

THANK YOU TO OUR CLIENTS FOR MAKING US THE #1 REAL ESTATE TEAM IN WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA.

11 Baymont Street #1504, Clearwater Beach FL Open Gulf and beach views as far as the eye can see! This penthouse located on the fifteenth floor of the Sandpearl Residence of Clearwater Beach features elegant design throughout. The first-class kitchen has Wolfe cook-top and SubZero refrigerator; while the split bedroom plan features water views in each guest suite plus an impressive master retreat featuring large balcony with panoramic water views. Feel like you’re floating on air from the glass framed balconies and relish luxury beach living like you have never before experienced. This resident only building has secure entry, two assigned parking spaces sparkling pool/spa, social sites as well as fitness center with steam/sauna. The living room will be your restful retreat with framed mural television and sliding doors to the main balcony with impressive Gulf views, overlooking the Sandpearl Resort. Elegant beachfront living awaits! Offered at $3,475,000 | www.LuxuryBeachPenthouse.com

The Thorn Collection | 727.432.9019 | www.TheThornCollection.com Proud Supporters of:

and

THANK YOU TO OUR CLIENTS FOR MAKING US THE TOP 10 REAL ESTATE TEAM NATIONWIDE.

1746 Santa Barbara Drive, Dunedin FL Watch the sunset over Caladesi and Honeymoon Island from this waterfront masterpiece. Immediately become captivated with the high ceilings, celestial and picture windows showcasing the waterfront. Polished travertine floors open to the living room with double sided gas fireplace to the dining room with crystal chandelier. The kitchen features natural wood cabinetry with bold black granite counters and newer stainless appliances. An impressive master has water views with reading nook plus access to a screened in lanai and spacious bath and easy access to the home office. Each guest bed is generously sized; while the home theater has elevated seating for 12+. The lower level has home gym, guest suite and living room with kitchenette. With several access points to the lanai, you can easily enjoy the resort style pool. Slide down the two story water slide into the salt water pool, or dip into the spa. The deep water dock has 12,000 lb boat lift, jet ski lift and water/electric.. Offered at $7,395,000 | www.DunedinDreamHome.com

The Thorn Collection | 727.432.9019 | www.TheThornCollection.com RANKED TOP 10 COLDWELL BANKER TEAM IN THE NATION! ©2018 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International and the Previews logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The property information.

www.duPontREGISTRYtampabay.com

WILLADEL – BELLEAIR

Resting high above the intracoastal waterway on an impressive 1.82 acres, this palatial 15,000+ total sqft estate delivers sensational water views! Towering ceilings, grand living spaces, steam room, sauna, spectacular pool/cabana, guest house, tennis court, deeded boat slip/dock. Offered for $6,995,000.

N DI

L SA

BELLEVIEW ISLAND – BELLEAIR

Located in a coveted, private, gated enclave, this magnificent 7696 sqft 5 bedroom, 5.5 bath waterfront estate features towering ceilings, scintillating marble floors, regal columns and uncommonly lavish attention to detail throughout. Presidential owner’s suite, theater room, 3000 bottle wine room, dramatic upper-level gallery. Offered for $4,495,000.

FULL PAGE AD (BLEED) 8.5 X 11.0625

COFFEE POT - ST. PETERSBURG

Rare Tudor Brilliance on the Waterfront! 8868 sqft, 7 bedroom, 8 ½ bath estate with optional carriage house – providing maximum flexibility. Stunning enclosed gated grounds, magical “Great Hall,” dual master suites, dual kitchens, theater room, swimming pool, 2 boat slips and boat lift. Walking distance to downtown. Offered for $3,495,000.

I AN

PASS-A-GRILLE - ST. PETE BEACH

This lovely 2920 sqft beachfront home with 4 Bedrooms, 3 ½ baths and 2 car garage, rests in the heart of historic Pass-aGrille. Enjoy the beach and exceptional privacy, within easy walking distance of the Don Cesar. Offered $3,100,000.

www.duPontREGISTRYtampabay.com

What price will your home sell for? contact us today to learn about our upcoming listings

Utopia on Sand Key

Offered for $2,825,000

ld So

Completely redesigned in 2019 this spectacular 3 Bedroom, 3 Bath condo offers a spacious 3150 SF layout with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors providing breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico from everywhere! This unit offers a fabulous Chef's kitchen, a 220 bottle wine cellar, a 62-foot balcony, garage parking, a rare poolside cabana & more!

three palms point, st pete beach offered for $1,350,000

Record breaking sale in kipps colony! offered for $975,000

sunset pointe at collany key, Tierra Verde offered for $1,519,000

Marina Bay, st pete offered for $1,550,000

mariah townhomes, Tierra Verde offered for $1,275,000

Tammy Campbell McNelis (Formerly Plummer)

727-455-2351 St. Petersburg Sarasota Tampa

www.theCPMteam.com 150 2nd Ave N Suite 100 St. Petersburg, Fl 33701

Marina Bay, st pete offered for $975,000

LUXURY LEADERS IN TAMPA BAY

1227 OSOWAW BLVD | SPRING HILL | $4,999,000 SCOTT & AMY FERGUSON | 727-744-0993

1615 GULF WAY | PASS-A-GRILLE | $4,400,000 KATE CURRY | 727-215-3321

11410 TROTTING DOWN DR | ODESSA | $2,999,000 SCOTT & AMY FERGUSON | 727-744-0993

873 HARBOR ISLAND | CLEARWATER BEACH | $1,800,000 PATTY PEREIRA | 727-744-1678

OVER $6 BILLION

&13,000

HOMES SOLD

TAMPA BAY SINCE 2012

I ND

403 Osceola Road, Belleair Listed at $995,000

ICE

O DR

Terri Novitsky

709 Indian Rocks Road, Belleair Double lot across from Golf Course Listed at $742,000

I ND

305 Spring Court Clearwater 4 Bed, 4 Bath 3,464 sqft Listed at $1,499,000

L SO

331 Cleveland St. #302, Clearwater L i s t e d a t $5 3 9 , 9 9 9

1504 Sunset Dr., Clearwater Listed at $1,100,000

TERRI NOVITSKY BROKER

906 Drew St. Clearwater, FL 33755 laurenmichaelsrealestate.com TerriLMREP@gmail.com Lic# BK3316546

Experience Downtown St. Petersburg, Florida An ideal place to relocate or to have a getaway, St. Petersburg is an award-winning city that’s big enough to satsify all of your needs and just small enough to feel like a town.

THE

SIMMS TEAM

Our family team is ready to help you find a new home or a home-away-from-home. 727-898-2582 | info@simmsteam.com

The SIMMS Team | Coastal Properties Group | Christie’s International Real Estate 238 Beach Drive NE | St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | www.SimmsTeam.com

Derek Donnelly’s Fairgrounds St. Pete mural was inspired by vintage Florida post cards and incorporates hints to what’s inside.

Fairgrounds St. Pete: Magic in the Making

A peek behind the scenes at the immersive art experience everyone’s buzzing about. BY DAVID WARNER PHOTOS BY TODD BATES

Wander through an other-worldly motel and find yourself in a hall of mirrors and lamps. Follow the shimmer from a swimming pool made of reflected light. Peer through the portals of a structure that’s part spacecraft, part Futuro house, part Twistee Treat. And prepare to encounter a ravishingly beautiful Black mermaid. Those are just a few of the surprises in store for visitors to Fairgrounds St. Pete, an immersive art experience opening soon in a 1,500-sq-ft. building on the outskirts of the Warehouse Arts District. It’s one of eight buildings that once belonged to Madico, Inc., a manufacturer of window film, and all are now part of The Factory, an arts and culture campus-in-progress in which Fairgrounds will be the anchor tenant.

A vision board for Fairgrounds St. Pete at The Factory.

ARTS

It seems apt that Fairgrounds is located in a facility once devoted to products that block out sunlight and prying eyes, because the project is nothing if not mysterious. It’s been provoking questions ever since it was announced in 2019, and the experience itself is designed to stir curiosity.

Out of their collective brainstorming arose a loose narrative drawn from the lore and lure of Florida — its architecture, its kitsch, its mermaids and astronauts, ’canes and gators — to be realized through technological invention and the works of 64 artists commissioned from Florida and around the world.

Co-founders Liz Dimmitt, the artrepreneur who dreamed up the idea, and Mikhail Mansion, the tech whiz charged with bringing it to fruition, both have deep family ties to Tampa Bay. So do Kara and Jordan Behar, architects and longtime friends of Dimmitt who helped engineer the $4.5 million purchase of the 6.5-acre Madico property.

With a passel of professionals working behind the scenes in everything from lighting design to ticketing — many of them with experience in the arena-sized extravaganzas of Feld Entertainment — Fairgrounds promises to be a mix of cutting-edge art, interactive story-telling and just plain fun, an all-ages choose-your-own-adventure which could change each time you visit depending on what clues catch your eye.

Mansion and Dimmitt show the backside of the Mermaid Star Hotel’s “neon” sign under construction.

The sign installed.

ARTS

Zulu Painter’s mermaid mural.

One thing you can count on: visual and verbal puns. They’re hidden like Easter eggs throughout, say the creative team, extending even to the name Fairgrounds itself. A nod to the aura of discovery surrounding World’s Fairs and county fairs, it’s also a promise of fair dealing: Artists will get a cut of admission proceeds during the time their work is on display. In the interest of keeping the surprises surprising — and in order to finish construction in time for a late

Lead scenic artist Sarah Carolan-Rodriguez, a 10-year veteran of Feld Entertainment, enjoys the floor she painted; it looks and feels amazingly like terrazzo.

Chad Mize working on his Entrance Doodle Wall at Fairgrounds. This mural and his Exit Doodle Wall will be the first and last artworks Fairgrounds visitors will experience. In coming weeks, look for in-depth interviews with members of the Fairgrounds creative team on dupontregistrytampabay.com.

ARTS

May/early June start date — the folks who run Fairgrounds have been allowing only a limited number of visitors and releasing short YouTube previews. But duPont Registry Tampa Bay was fortunate enough to get two extended sneak peeks: first at the beginning of April, when construction was still in its raw early stages, and again a month later when several key elements were in place. Much will remain concealed until opening. But in these tantalizing shots by Todd Bates, you can get a glimpse of the magic in the making.

The Factory’s Building #1, where components are being designed and built for Fairgrounds, which is housed in Building #6.

St. Pete artist Nick Davis created the digital illustrations of Black characters in the windows; Tampa artist INDIE REECE created the tribal eye portals. Eyes, seeing and searching are recurring themes at Fairgrounds.

A view of the motel balconies from inside a central command module inspired by space-age Futuro homes.

The “residents” of the Mermaid Star are visible through its penthouse windows, the images changing as we watch. 81

THE GREAT OUTDOORS: ART

THE A-TEAM: (L to R) Alpert Enterprises’ Joe Girvan, Geoff Cowan, Jason Alpert and Vallye Adams.

Man of Auction

Jason Alpert and his team find ways to tap generosity, even during a pandemic. BY DAVID WARNER

hen the cheerfully relentless auctioneer Jason Alpert roams the floor at a charity event, there’s little doubt he’s going to drum up some high bids. But here’s a little trick of the trade: “I never try to ask for a bid while walking toward someone,” he explains. “Literally as I’m asking I’m backing away.” That way Alpert’s not putting the bidder on the spot — everyone else in the room is. It’s just one example of how Alpert and his team at Alpert Enterprises use psychology — as well as showmanship, timing and deep preparation — to bring about

positive outcomes for their clients. The Largo-based company has raised more than $200,000,000 for close to 200 nonprofits around the country. Alpert, a former TV sports reporter and NASCAR announcer, went full-time into the auction biz a decade ago. He went solo at first, making referrals when he couldn’t do an auction himself, but at the end of 2017 — a year when he did 92 events — he sat down with his wife to make a plan on how to share the burden. It was tough to find the right personnel at first. “I couldn’t find other licensed auctioneers who could do charity who I could train to do entertaining. So I found two guys who were

good entertainers and sent them to auction school.” The “two guys” are the suave Australian Geoff Cowan and the high-energy former sportscaster Joe Girvan (Alpert brought on his first female auctioneer, Vallye Adams, in March of last year). Alpert and his team are familiar faces at such iconic local events as the American Stage Gala Under the Stars, the Straz Center’s Broadway Ball and the Poynter Institute’s Bowtie Ball. But, in 2020, all of those events were either postponed or held virtually. From mid-March to early June of last year, 41 events on Alpert Enterprises’ docket had to be either canceled or rescheduled. Only a

NONPROFITS: FUNDRAISING

handful of clients decided to go the virtual route. That changed as the year progressed. By April of 2021 his team had done about 80 virtual auctions. “But that’s about half the number of regular events we could have done in that same period,” he told me. Through 2020 and early 2021, the company did only two in-person events, one in November and one in February, both of them outdoors. The experience was strange, he recalls. “I changed my ways. I did not leave the stage. I didn’t want to hover over people, and I didn’t want them to hover over me.” When he and I spoke last month, he had just gone through a stretch of 30 days with no events at all. But that was all about to change, as he was scheduled to do nine auctions in 21 days, one of them at the Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club for First Tee Tampa Bay, a youth golfing initiative of the Tampa YMCA (an event that would raise a recordbreaking $1.3 million).

“It’s the wave of the future — there’ll be some element of virtual fundraising involved in all events.”

Later that month, Alpert auctioneer Joe Girvan helped Habitat for Humanity bring in $450,000 at its April 23 Havana Nights outdoor gala (see p. 90), whose Bids from the Heart segment kicked off with a $50,000 donation from restaurateurs Steve and Nancy Westphal. (Bids from the Heart is a standard component of Alpert auctions, in which guests are asked to make gifts to show their support of an organization’s mission.) The following night, Girvan ran the auction at the 10th Anniversary Gala for the child advocacy non-profit Redefining Refuge at The Vault in Tampa — which was the first in-person indoor auction Alpert Enterprises had done in more than a year. So as we warily emerge from Covid restrictions, will virtual galas go out of favor? And how does an auctioneer connect with guests through a screen? I asked these questions and more of Jason Alpert in a recent interview. You’re so good one-on-one. How do you replace that personal interaction when you can’t see us in the audience? Very carefully. There’s no doubt that our skill set is most finely sculpted for that in-person interaction. But we all come from TV backgrounds. All I’m doing is selling through a camera all over again. There’s a specific skill set of being engaging and compelling through a camera, and also being able to put together a run of show. All we’re doing is a telethon.

GREEN-SCREENED: Alpert and Cowan take part in the MDA’s Toast to Life National Virtual fundraiser. 83

NONPROFITS: FUNDRAISING

ALL HEART: Alpert on stage during a benefit for Heels to Heal, a nonprofit helping survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Photo by Barry Lively.

How do you rate the fundraising success of live vs. virtual events? The exact dollar amounts I don’t have. But I will tell you that net revenue through virtual is similar to net revenue live because expenses are so much less. You’re raising less money, the Bid from the Heart is down, but you don’t have food, a valet, an open bar, a band. But even if virtual raised more money, in-person won’t go away. The one-on-one interaction is still important. In the fall, everyone is planning on in-person, though some are keeping the hybrid. It’s the wave of the future — there’ll be some element of virtual fundraising involved in all events. But nobody will be more ready for in-person events than we are.

so when we talk about your group, we can share the names of the people you’re impacting. By the time the event rolls around, it could be us or the CEO up there talking. That’s why we don’t take events that call us less than 30 days before the event because that doesn’t give us time to do that research. Second thing we are is we’re entertainers. We want to put on a good auction show. Don’t people request you in particular a lot? In 2018 all [my team] did was shadow me. I wanted them to do a carbon copy of what I am. And my name’s on the company. I still do more events than the other guys. You’re booked years ahead — is that right?

You were the auctioneer for the Woodson Warriors virtual fundraiser, of which duPont Registry Tampa Bay was a sponsor. It seemed like your involvement went much deeper than just pumping up bids the day of the event.

We open for booking 18 months in advance of the event date.

When I do our initial pitch to an organization, the easy answer to what we do is we’re live auctioneers. But live is really third on the list. First we’re a fundraising and event consultant. We sit in on committee meetings to make the event successful. When we become part of that planning committee, it’s important for us to be vested in the mission,

We believe that’s the right way to do it. Early on, I took a percentage, but that didn’t feel right.

And you charge a flat fee — no matter how much is raised?

Next up for Alpert Enterprises: American Stage Theater Company’s Raise the Curtain Gala at The Factory St. Pete on June 11. Geoff Cowan will do the honors.

dRTB BEST BETS

WHAT TO SEE IN A&E BY DAVID WARNER

HELPING DAD: A still from A Voice That Carries, a new documentary about fathers and daughters by Tampa-based filmmaker Brett Culp that will receive its world premiere at Tampa Theatre on June 3. Info at tampatheatre.org. 85

dRTB BEST BETS

Photo: noaa.gov. Roy and Silo were chinstrap penguins, like the ones pictured here.

FLOCK TOGETHER Marc Acito’s play Birds of a Feather is based on the true story of Roy and Silo, the two Central Park Zoo penguins who partnered, adopted an egg, hatched and raised a chick together, then became the subject of a children’s book, And Tango Makes Three, that was temporarily one of the most banned books in America. When Stageworks Theatre did this romantic comedy six years ago, rehearsals began on the day same-sex marriage became legal in Florida. Gulfport Community Players’ production coincides with a different kind of milestone: it’s being presented during an historic St. Pete Pride Month. Whereas the focus of past Prides was a huge LGBTQ+ parade that attracted tens of thousands, this year’s celebration has been modified into something more appropriate to our almost-post-Covid climate: a series of smaller themed events, including a waterfront festival in Vinoy Park June 5; a family gathering on the St. Pete Pier June 12; an “Arts & Qulture” event at The Factory St. Pete on June 19; and a Pride Picnic in Straub Park on the 26th. As for Birds of a Feather, it’s not a St. Pete Pride event per se, but its love story couldn’t be more timely — or more fun. Birds of a Feather, June 10-20, Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S., Gulfport, Thurs-Sat,8 p.m., Sat-Sun, 2 p.m. Tickets: $20, available online only at GulfportCommunityPlayers.org. For info on St. Pete Pride events, go to stpetepride.org. 86

dRTB BEST BEST BETS BETS dRTB

Awareness 41 by Clearwater-based artist Bassmi Ibrahim is in the MFA’s SKYWAY show.

FOUR MUSEUMS, FIVE COUNTIES, ONE SKYWAY The SKYWAY exhibition is a miracle of collaboration, not least because this huge survey of local art, now in its second iteration, had to be postponed from 2020 till now because of Covid. Internationally known curator Claire Tancons teamed with curators at the four participating museums to choose work by artists in Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota counties, meaning that visitors will be exposed to a wide sampling of some of the most compelling art being created in our area today. The Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg is first out of the gate (May 22-Aug. 22) with a show of 15 artists who address, by varied means, the natural environment. SKYWAY exhibitions follow at the Tampa Museum of Art (June 3-Oct. 10); the USF Contemporary Art Museum (June 14-Sept. 1) and the Ringling in Sarasota (June 20-Sept. 26). Of special note at the MFA: In addition to SKYWAY, two fascinating shows are on view. Antioch Reclaimed showcases the gorgeously restored, centuries-old mosaics that were the first shipment of art received by the museum in 1964, and tells the extraordinary, Indiana Jones-worthy tales behind their excavation (through Aug. 22). And Margins to Mainstays features works by photographers who were marginalized because of gender, race, sexuality or nationality but in many cases rose to become giants of the medium (through Sept. 26). SKYWAY info at skywaytampabay.com; MFA info at mfastpete.org.

dRTB BEST BETS

Aaron F. Henderson, 400 Years (2019), gouache on paper.

CAN YOU HEAR IT?

Reverberations is a show with resonance. In artwork done exclusively by African American artists, it seeks to showcase the highs and lows of the Black experience in America, highlighting themes of family and community as well as marginalization and prejudice. “Can you hear the song that has been playing for over four centuries?” asks curator Desmond Clark. “Can you feel how it vibrates our nation?” The show also resounds because of the partnership that’s making it happen: It’s presented by the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum at the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art. For the Woodson, the show is a harbinger of the kinds of exhibitions the museum could realize in its proposed new home in South St. Pete. For the James, it’s a chance, says Executive Director Laura Hine, to “amplify the voices of artists not often found at the forefront of American Art and demonstrate the strength of an African American museum in our region” — a means of exploring “our shared past and present.” Even the show’s opening date resonates: It’s Juneteenth, the holiday celebrating the emancipation of enslaved peoples in the U.S. Reverberations, June 19-Aug. 29, The James Museum,150 Central Ave., 727-892-4200, thejamesmuseum.org.

dRTB dRTB BEST BEST BETS BETS dRTB BEST BETS

Image courtesy Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

WHALE’S TALE A few years ago on Cape Cod, friends of mine wanted to go whale-watching. I declined to accompany them, since anytime I’d gone on one of those cruises I’d seen exactly zero whales. Well, now’s my chance to rectify that, with a visit to Whales: Living with Giants at Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s newly expanded visitor center. Thanks to a state-of-the-art Virtual Reality theater, visitors to the exhibition can assume the role of marine biologists, getting up close and personal with humpback whales and other underwater wildlife. To get a visceral sense of just how big these awesome mammals can be, you can also walk through a life-sized replica of the mouth of a giant blue whale. Through Aug. 31, cmaquarium.org.

Habitat for Humanity’s Havana Nights On Friday, April 23, Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas & West Pasco Counties hosted a tropical-themed evening at Paul’s Landing, the acclaimed indoor/outdoor restaurant at the Vinoy Renaissance Resort. The “Havana Nights” party sponsored by Crown Automotive featured live music, Cuban-inspired cuisine, a mojito bar and hand-rolled cigars. Homeowners Michelle Baur and Allison Feeley-Roache gave testimonials, and longtime Habitat volunteers Dan and Carolyn Stowers were presented with the Silver Nail Legacy Award in recognition of their many years of service. During the live auction, Steve & Nancy Westphal (owners of 400 Beach, Parkshore Grille, The Hangar) kicked off the “Bids from the Heart” with a $50,000 challenge donation. In all, thanks to supporters and sponsors, the event raised over $430,000 to support affordable homeownership opportunities for deserving families. All photos by Barry Lively.

1 - (Left) An aerial view of the Havana Nights event at Paul’s Landing, overlooking the Vinoy Marina. 2 - (Left) The festive entry to the party. 3 - Nancy and Steve Westphal, who kicked off the night with a $50,000 challenge donation. 4 - Dan and Carolyn Stowers, center, receive the Silver Nail Legacy Award from Board Chair Alfredo Anthony (left) and Mike Sutton, President & CEO of Habitat Pinellas and West Pasco.

5 - Auctioneer Joe Girvan of Alpert Enterprises. 6 - Crown Automotive sponsored the event.

6 91

PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE

Creative Clay’s First Friday Art Market The First Friday Art Market at Creative Clay (1846 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg) is a bright, colorful and friendly event that allows CC artists to sell their wares. In partnership with live musicians and food truck vendors, the market is run by student artists in the Transition program, a partnership with Pinellas County Schools to provide vocational arts training for 18–22 year olds with learning, developmental and/or emotional disabilities. The market also gives the public a chance to take a peek into the daily activities of Creative Clay, where individuals of all ages and abilities are mentored, taught and empowered to become working artists who actively create, market and sell their work.

Corey, long-time artist, has taken his love of video games off the digital screen and brought them to the studio in many forms. He says, “It feels great to sell my work!” He is inspired by music he loves: hip-hop, heavy metal and funk.

Jonah is a paid intern at Creative Clay. As an artist he loves using rulers, hole punches and sharpies to create geometric designs. As a supporter of the students, his advice is simple and heartfelt: “Try your best.”

Good advice.

Abstract Art for Autism

Abstract Art for Autism and Other Special Abilities is more than Special! Caroline Duvoe created this program for Neuro-diverse (Autistic, ADHD, Dyslexic), as well as medically, developmentally and physically challenged children and adults to provide artists with diverse abilities an opportunity to create. Free workshops in various forms of art creation, including Abstract Expressionist painting, allow the students to produce art, socialize with friends, learn art history and manage art shows. Restaurants, shops and medical offices in the Gulfport community proudly display the work of these talented artists, and paintings are also on display and available for purchase at the Gulfport Art Center at 2726 54th St. S. in Gulfport. Check abstractartforautism.org for news about upcoming art openings.

Jackson, a painter and wood sculptor, has a passion for orcas and with Caroline’s support has begun painting more whales. 92

David prefers drawing in pencil. He has an eye for famous musicians and loves detail.

Dahlia loves to paint with bright colors and is proud to sell work and participate in shows.

PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE

First Ladies in African American History

On May 1, the Dr. G. Carter Woodson African American Museum in St. Petersburg hosted its annual First Ladies in African American History luncheon at the St. Pete/Clearwater Marriott. The event, which honors Black women who are the first in their fields, this year recognized Michèle Alexandre, dean of the Stetson University College of Law; LaTasha Barnes, CFO of Bayfront Health St. Petersburg; St. Petersburg City Councilwoman Deborah FiggsSanders; Kimberly Jackson, executive director of the Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions; FL State Rep. Michele Rayner; and Lakewood High School Principal Erin Savage. The Winnie Foster Lifetime Achievement Award, presented annually to a non-Black ally, was given to Melissa Seixas, president of Duke Energy Florida. Dr. Tonjua Williams, president of St. Petersburg College, and Dr. Terri Lipsey Scott, executive director of the museum, presided over the ceremonies, and St. Petersburg Deputy Mayor Kanika Tomalin (like Williams a former First Lady) read a proclamation. Also on the program: a presentation of scholarships to the Woodson Warrior Scholars. Artist Jane Bunker has raised over $200,000 for the scholarships through sales of her paintings and outreach to donors, helping talented African American students in Pinellas County pay for college. All photos by Nicole White.

3 2

1 - First Ladies past, present and future. 2 - Jane Bunker and 16 of the 30 Woodson Warrior scholars. 3 - Kimberly Jackson, Dr. Terri Lipsey Scott and LaTasha Barnes. 4 - Woodson Warrior and first-rate sax man Jordan Bolds. 5 - Actress Erica Sutherlin performed.

5 93

PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE

2 1

Skip Cline Fishing Tournament for Morton Plant Mease

Morton Plant Mease Health Care Foundation’s Skip Cline Society hosted its 11th Annual Seawall Rodeo & Inshore Fishing Tournament at Carlouel Yacht Club Friday and Saturday, April 23-24, supporting pediatric programs at the hospitals of Morton Plant Mease. The weekend’s events included a cocktail party and captains’ meeting for the anglers on Friday evening with live music and a silent auction. Saturday’s family-friendly festivities included a seawall rodeo on the docks and lunch at Carlouel while the Inshore Tournament took place on the water. Kids were treated to a day of activities, fishing and a surprise guest appearance from Phinley, the Clearwater Threshers mascot. The Inshore Tournament participants took home prizes for the top catches of snook, redfish and trout, with the overall Slam winner totaling out a catch of 90.75 inches. Thanks to the continued generosity of sponsors and the community, Skip Cline Society has granted more than $350,000 since 2009. 1 - Sittin’ on the dock of the bay during the Seawall Rodeo.

2 - An Inshore Tournament participant shows off a catch. 5

3 - Little fisherman Carter Juhl gets a hand from his mom, Christin. 4 - Gathering ’round at the Friday night Captains’ Party. 5 - Guests at the Captains’ Party included (l to r) Billy Henry, Charlie Hart, Tessa Goss, Merideth Henry and Peter Dimmitt.

6 - Captain’s Party guests Kelsey and Nichole King, Mike Sovie and Allison Penney. 4

PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE

A New Home for the Children’s Dream Fund After 12 years as guests of the owners of a high-rise office building in downtown St Petersburg, the wish-granters at the Children’s Dream Fund got to fulfill a wish of their own: a new home. On April 27, a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the organization’s move to a house at 1600 23rd Ave. N. near St. Pete’s Woodlawn neighborhood. A dream recipient and the day’s Dream Ambassador, Ryder Karppe, helped Mayor Rick Kriseman cut the ribbon, along with Dream Fund Executive Director Cynthia Lake Farrell, Board Chair David Allen, District 3 City Council Chair Ed Montanari, and President and CEO of the St. Pete Area Chamber of Commerce, Chris Steinocher. Farrell praised new landlord Rhett Stevens of Stevens & Stevens Business Records Management for going to “great lengths to provide a special home” for the Dream Fund, which has been making dreams come true for children with life-threatening illnesses living on the West Coast of Florida since 1981. Mayor Kriseman and St. Petersburg City Council Chair Ed Montari with Ryan and his brother, Caden.

Ryder Karppe cuts the ribbon with Cynthia Lake Farrell, as (L to R) Chris Steinocher, Mayor Rick Kriseman and David Allen look on.

Ryder Karppe, equipped with the important ribboncutting scissors.

The Valspar “Back to Bright” Mural As part of its “Back to Bright” campaign using the power of color and art to promote a brighter future, Valspar sponsored a mural by Tampa Bay artist Zulu Painter for a large wall at the North Greenwood Recreation Center in Clearwater. The mural was revealed and dedicated on Friday, April 23, prior to the Valspar Championship tournament at Innisbrook.

Artist Zulu Painter at work on the Rec Center mural.

The completed mural at North Greenwood Recreation Center. 95

BACK PAGE: COMMUNITY

Gifts of Play The generosity of donors has yielded spaces for recreation and community in Belleair Bluffs.

David Berolzheimer, whose posthumous gift to the City of Belleair Bluffs will help complete a park area he often visited.

ack in the mid-’70s Pat Arbutine, co-owner of longtime Belleair Bluffs business Belleair Coins and Silver Queen, realized that residents needed something that was missing: a place for recreation. In 1977, Arbutine wrote a letter to the Belleair Bee pointing out the lack of recreational opportunities in the city. As a result, a group of determined citizens, business owners and professional associations came together as Community Center Inc. The group raised over $135,000, and by the mid1980s the city was able to acquire land on Sunset Boulevard as a site for a park and a community center. By 1993, however, it was determined that the project could proceed no further. A delay was declared, and the funds were set aside. Then in 1996 the project was jumpstarted again when resident Dorothy Howard left the city $200,000 to go toward building the community center. On November 3, 2001, Mayor Chris Arbutine, Pat Arbutine’s son, cut the ribbon for the new center. This purchase allowed for a playground to be installed using a $50,000 Florida Recreation Assistance Program (FRDAP) grant for improvements and

replacements to the playground next to City Hall. Now, thanks to a very generous donation from the late David Berolzheimer, the updated park and playground area can be completed. Mr. Berolzheimer owned the Bluffs Plaza at 100 Indian Rocks for many years and was a frequent visitor to city hall and the park.

“It could be anything you might need, would like to have and don’t have,” explained Bonnie Starr. City Administrator Debra Sullivan announced the $100,000 donation at the November 9, 2020 City Commission meeting. The money is to be used for playground and park improvements. The City was able to obtain another FRDAP grant in 2020 in the amount of $50,000. Added to the generous donation from Mr. Berolzheimer, that brings the total amount allocated to the park to $150,000. Berolzheimer’s donation was given in his name by his longtime companion

Bonnie Starr. Sullivan said the gift, added to the grant money, would pay for “a total renovation of our outside area. I mentioned the possibility of an adult exercise and a gazebo at that time in addition to completely replacing the outdated children’s play area.” Starr, who presented the $100,000 gift at the Commission meeting, described herself as “the messenger” for the gift, and said that she and Sullivan had discussed what to spend the money on. “I told her, it could be anything you might need, would like to have and don’t have. I want to help you in that journey of creating something special for the community to enjoy,” Starr said. “We can do something really beautiful if we add these funds to the grant money.” The gift is “totally in your hands. Do whatever you like. It’s unrestricted.” The area is now in the planning stages and proposed new site plan and equipment will be presented to the City Commission in the next few months.

A portion of this story was excerpted from the book Belleair Bluffs from the Beginning, by Wayne Ayers with Vice Mayor Taylour Shimkus and Debra Sullivan.

50% SOLD OUT!

AN EXPERIENTAL AUTOMOTIVE COMMUNITY 300+ PRIVATE GARAGES // 1.6 MILE DRIVING CIRCUIT // 35K SF CORPORATE EVENT CENTER // 80 ACRE OFF-ROAD EXPERIENCE

LIVE YOUR DREAM BY OWNING IT VISIT

WWW.THEMOTORENCLAVE.COM TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HOTTEST NEW DEVELOPMENT COMING TO TAMPA BAY PRE-CONSTRUCTION SALES CONTINUE WITH LIMITED AVAILABILITY CONTACT 877-8-ENCLAVE TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT AT OUR SALES CENTER TO LEARN MORE

OPEN CAMERA AND POINT HERE >

TO UNLOCK SPECIAL CONTENT

duPontREGISTRY Tampa Bay May/June 2021

Articles inside

People Helping People

Nonprofits: Man of Auction

Arts: Fairgrounds St. Pete

Real Estate: Luxury Living in

Best Bets: A&E Calendar

Grooming: Shaving secrets

Travel: What’s new in Newport

Wine Girl: Dinnertime

Auto: A tangerine dream from

Local Attractions: Safety Harbor

A Gym of One’s Own

What Makes You Laugh?

Classroom Tough

Florida Travel: A Bright New

Choose Your Own Adventure