METROmixer at Mise en Place

16th Annual Martinis for Moffitt

METROMixer

When: August 17, 2022 Where: Mise en Place

We mixed and mingled to celebrate the latest issue of Tampa Bay METRO, along with the many FACES of Tampa Bay at the classic restaurant and lounge, Mise en Place. Proprietors Maryann Ferenc and Chef Marty Blitz showcased their fine dining restaurant with delicious appetizers and crafted cocktails.

Special thanks to Compass Land & Title, LLC and Phil Yost for sponsoring the evening. It was delightful to showcase and network with so many supporters of METRO.

We look forward to the next METROMixer coming soon.

Photography:

Daniella Paris Greco, www.daniellaparisgreco.com

2022 Private Schools Open House Guide

Corbett Preparatory School of IDS

Founded in 1968, Corbett Prep uses research- based teaching strategies and offers hands-on learning experiences to develop a positive approach to life and learning for 500+ students in Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade. Corbett Prep offers the International Baccalaureate program of study for all students in a community that encourages collaboration, fosters artistic expression, and develops international connections. Teachers are endorsed in gifted education through a masters-level grant with the University of South Florida. Corbett Prep is a fully accredited, nonsectarian private, independent school located in North Tampa.

For more information, visit www.corbettprep.com or contact the Admissions Office at 813.961.3087.

St. Mary’s Episcopal Day School

At St. Mary’s Episcopal Day School, your child will experience challenging academics, exciting performing and visual arts, competitive athletics, enrichment classes, global studies, advanced technology, public speaking, foreign language, community service, religious education, and more. St. Mary’s is an independent, co-educational Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade school providing intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth. Our highly-qualified faculty inspires students to achieve their best, developing well-rounded individuals ready for the challenges ahead. Specific character development goals include integrity, self-discipline, self-motivation, good citizenship, kindness, the ability to communicate and collaborate well, and a love of learning.

Visit www.smeds.org or call 813.258.5508.

Tampa Preparatory School

Tampa Prep is a non-denominational, independent school for students in grades 6-12. Our culture of creativity, willingness to think differently and dedication to serving students means our students graduate uniquely prepared to succeed in a world of accelerating change. Located in the heart of downtown Tampa, Tampa Prep is Florida’s most innovative school. We offer a dynamic education taught by the state’s educational thought leaders.

Visit www.tampaprep.org or call 813.251.8481.

COME SEE WHAT’S NEXT

JOIN US FOR OPEN HOUSE

October 12 6:00 - 8:30 pm

registration begins at 5:30pm

tampaprep.org

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Magical beginnings

With the wave of a wand — an ultrasound wand, that is — the pregnancy you wished for has been confirmed...

By Mary Lou Janson

Questions, concerns and confusion about what to do to next, and when to begin, are normal. Taking care of yourself and your baby during the critical months ahead requires commitment, but the time to take action is now. In fact, it’s never too soon to prepare for pregnancy.

“The optimal time to think about what you need is to start before you realize you are pregnant,” said OB/GYN and BayCare Women’s Service Line Medical Director Ira Sites, MD FACOG. “Taking prenatal vitamins is more effective if taken consistently before conception. Everything in life can’t be planned.”

Mothers-to-be are advised to monitor their personal physical and mental conditions throughout their pregnancies. Anyone under a physician’s or psychiatrist’s care should make sure the medications they take are compatible with their condition. If adjustments or changes are needed, then allow adequate time to transition under your doctor’s guidance and adhere to regular follow up appointments.

Dr. Sites also advises caution when considering over-thecounter medications for common ailments like pain or allergies that could contain ingredients potentially detrimental to the developing baby’s health.

And always avoid alcohol, tobacco, caffeine and illicit drugs. Even medically-prescribed marijuana use should be discussed with the patient’s ob-gyn so they can assess and advise what’s best for both mother and child.

“Tylenol is always the go-to for aches and pains. If you develop something that requires serious pain relief, like a broken leg, there may be stronger medications that you can safely take but this should be discussed with your physician,” he said.

Regular exercise is recommended to maintain strength, ensure better sleep and manage stress levels, but nothing too extreme.

“Moderation is the key. This is not the time to summit Mt. Everest. Save your personal bests for after delivery,” he suggested. “That is the time when you may really need to focus on exercise. Too often the tendency is to spend time relaxing with your newborn.”

Following a daily diet that addresses nutritional needs will be far more beneficial than counting calories and carbohydrates.

“If you eat a normal, healthy diet, then you will likely have a normal, healthy baby,” said Dr. Sites. “There is a lot of maternal guilt in our society regarding whether someone didn’t eat right or didn’t breast feed long enough. Women are baby making machines and are very good at it.”

Natural birth is the optimal option for most people while others may need to consider surgical assistance.

“For a while we have been struggling to lower (Caesarean deliveries) but there are times when you may need to make that judgement call,” he advised. “Given the choice, natural childbirth is better for mom in terms of her recovery and long-term health as well as the baby’s breathing status when delivered. It is the preferred way to go.”

“If your doctor is recommending a C-section, that is not something that is going to change the entire trajectory of your child’s life. There are lots of way to deliver a healthy baby and there is no right or wrong answer. A healthy, safe delivery is what you want.” M

For More Information

FALL FASHIONS Style Trends 2022

By Valerie Romas

Express your style with the latest trends to turn heads this fall season. From stylish suits and multi-textures, METRO has you covered in styles from Tampa Bay area boutiques.

Match Point – Statement Suiting

Taking a classic houndstooth, floral or stripe, and putting a modern spin on it is what we’re talking about! There may be nothing more chic than a beautifully tailored matching suit. Whether the jacket is paired back to a wide leg pant, high waisted short or flirty skirt, it’s all sophisticated to us.

Go Bold or Go Home – It’s All About Color

Usually we expect dark monotone colors for fall but not this season and we couldn’t be happier about it. From olive to plum to burnt orange, Floridians can transition effortlessly into fall with this color palette. Even leather moto jackets are rich in color. Think pairing them back to a satin floral jogger and you are good to go!

Architecture – Mesh, Chunky Knits & Suede

Don’t be shy when it comes to wearing multiple textures. Have fun with your fall wardrobe by pairing your knit sweaters back to a leather or suede skirt. We love the idea of a mesh fitted maxi-dress to provide some drama - especially one that features every option in the color wheel.

Participating Boutiques:

Penelope T – 3310 W Bay to Bay Blvd., Tampa, FL 33629 Deborah Kent’s Women’s Apparel – 2120 S Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa, FL 33629 Jackie Z Style Co. – 113 2nd Avenue North Sundial, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Zara – 2223 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa, FL 33607

PHOTOGRAPHER: Brian James, Brian James Gallery, @brianjamesphoto - 727.744.2254 | WARDROBE STYLIST: Valerie Romas, @valerieromas - 813.335.9974 | MAKEUP & HAIR: Monique McLaughlin, @moemakeup –Moemakeup.com | MODELS: Annalise, Kathleen – Benz Models & Talent Agency – www.benzmodels.com; Lauren Alexandra

LAUREN: Carolina K, Silk Tropical Print Keyhole MaxiDress - $625 – Penelope T Boutique.

LAUREN: Textured Gingham Suit - Cropped jacket - $60, High Waisted Shorts - $46 Mini-tote - $40 – Zara.

ANNALISE: Saylor, Crochet Knit Sweater - $264, YFB, trouser shorts - $120 – Penelope T Boutique; *Necklace and Shoes – Model’s Own.

KATHLEEN: Marie Oliver, Moto Jacket in Forest - $299; Jackie Zstack, The Becky Bracelet - $125; 7 For All Mankind, hight waisted cropped jean with frayed hem - $198 – Jackie Z Stye Co.; Pelle Moda, Viena2 Platinum Gold Sandal - $150 - Deborah Kent’s.

LAUREN: Fuzzi, 3/4 Sleeve Mesh Floral Print Maxi Dress - $695 - Deborah Kent’s; Shoes – Model’s Own.

LAUREN: Ecru, Never Sleep tee shirt - $95 – Penelope T Boutique; Johnny Was, Floral Print Jogger Pant - $328 - Deborah Kent’s; Shoes - Model’s Own.

ANNALISE: French Connection, Patty Drape Short Sleeve Dress in Leather Brown - $148 – Jackie Z Style Co.; Gissa Bicalho, Protea Pale Earring - $122 – Penelope T Boutique; Jackie Zstack, The Marie bracelet - $95 – Jackie Z Style Co.; Boots and Clutch – Model’s Own.

SMITH IS HOME

Your neighborhood experts since 1969

PENDING

SUNSET PARK ISLES

2514 S Dundee Street 5 Bed | 5/2 Bath | 6,603 SF | $7,490,000 Julie Atkinson 813.833.5550

THE RESIDENCES AT ORANGE STATION

Starting from the $800s | 1,210 - 2,542 SF Orange Station Sales Team 727.235.7125 OrangeStationStPete.com

MARSH POINTE

7824 Marsh Pointe Drive 6 Bed | 5 Bath | 4,362 SF | $2,150,000 Amanda Siftar 813.857.9093

ALTURA BAYSHORE

Starting at $1.8M | 2,176 - 3,575 SF Altura Sales Team 813.492.2420 AlturaBayshore.com

BEACH PARK

415 S Royal Palm Way 5 Bed | 7/1 Bath | 9,269 SF | $10,500,000 Anne Mullis & Cindy Richards 813.624.5739

PASADENA

6436 Fairway View Boulevard S 3 Bed | 2/1 Bath | 2,454 SF | $1,079,900 Kristen Arseneau 443.243.4738

GOLF VIEW NEW CONSTRUCTION

3410 W Mullen Avenue 5 Bed | 6/1 Bath | 6,822 SF | $5,592,851 Mary Pond & Ed Gunning 813.294.8867

HARBOUR ISLAND

1424 Harbour Walk Road 3 Bed | 2/2 Bath | 2,112 SF | $825,000 Traci Burns 813.833.7510

ONE ST. PETERSBURG - PENTHOUSE

100 1st Avenue N #4201 3 Bed | 3/1 Bath | 4,062 SF | $6,995,000 Liz Heinkel 727.239.5623

HISTORIC OLD NORTHEAST

316 8th Avenue NE 8 Bed | 5/1 Bath | 4,329 SF | $2,190,000 Justin Smith 407.579.0425

MCNULTY LOFTS

175 2nd Street S #1011 2 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,825 SF | $1,075,000 Dina Sierra Smith 813.760.6354

DAVIS ISLANDS

120 Biscayne Avenue 5 Bed | 3/1 Bath | 4,598 SF | $2,795,000 Scott Wolfe 813.601.5751

LOCAL ♥ GLOBAL REACH

Giving Hope, Love and A Touch of Whimsy

Local Interior Design Firm Gives Back

By Ronda M. Parag | Photography by Bos Images

Giving back to the community, while owning and operating a successful interior design firm has always been a priority for Ponton Interiors owner, Kylie Ponton. In 2018, Ponton and her design team launched the Savvy Giving By Design, Tampa Chapter, and since then have completed more than 25 room makeovers for children facing severe medical crisis in the Tampa Bay area. The mission is to provide comfort, support, and healing to families with a child facing a medical crisis by transforming the interior spaces of their homes at no cost to them.

“As a mother of three, some of my favorite rooms to design are for kids. As soon as I heard about Savvy Giving By Design, I knew I had to help bring this to Florida” said Kylie Ponton, Chapter Leader SGBD Tampa, FL. “My hope is these spaces will give the children and their families hope, love and a touch of whimsy.”

“We are a 100 percent volunteer run organization which means that all of the funds we raise for these rooms go directly to the cost of creating magical spaces for kids that need them most,” said Ponton. “Our incredible volunteer team includes vendors who donate some of the hard costs in the room like new closets, electrical installations, paint and flooring.”

“We’ve met some amazing children and their siblings and connected with beautiful families through this journey,” said Ponton. “When we design each room, we meet with the child and really find out what they love. Their hopes and dreams and favorite colors. We meet superheroes and princesses and artists and builders.”

Also addressed is the importance of a healthy space for healing by removing old carpet harboring allergens, adding wipeable hard surfaces, low pile rugs, organic bedding and easy to clean flooring.

“We are so lucky that we get to use our unique skills as interior designers to create really unique and personalized spaces that we hope will be uplifting and inspiring and create space for healing and growth,” said Ponton. M

For more information, visit www.pontoninteriors.com, www.savvygivingbydesign.com.

Water Street Tampa Now Boasts ROOST An Elevated Boutique Hotel at Asher Tower

By Ronda M. Parag | Photography by Matthew Williams

Luxury, comfort and convenience describe the brand new concept ROOST Tampa. For those travelers seeking a more home-like environment over a traditional hotel room, check out

ROOST Tampa. Situated on six floors within Asher tower in downtown Tampa at the Water Street Tampa development,

ROOST brand’s first location in Florida and the first high-design, extended-stay hotel concept for Tampa opened in July 2022. Designed by renowned Morris Adjmi

Architects, ROOST Tampa, a concept known for bridging a boutique hotel experience with apartment-style living, boasts 97 studio, one and two bedroom apartments. Intentionally created for comfort-seeking, design-driven travelers in need of a long-term stay, each spacious unit is outfitted with full-sized kitchens and modern appliances. ROOST Tampa design elements embraces the nostalgia of stories embedded in the local Latin

American heritage, while referencing subtle characteristics of Tampa’s historic Ybor

City. The resulting design palette includes elements of warm walnut, vintage foliage motifs, hemp strapping and woven textiles. National hospitality operator Method

Co. will operate all public spaces & guest services within the building, including the 30,000 square foot amenities floor, which includes Water Street’s largest rooftop pool deck with cabanas, outdoor bar, and an entertainment lawn, and plans to introduce new lifestyle programming (such as outdoor fitness classes, wine tastings, cooking classing, etc.). A first for the brand, ROOST Tampa also marks the debut of the concept’s first ‘co-living apartment’, introducing a communal living environment for travelers with a shared common area and living room, and full-sized kitchen.

“Opening our fifth and largest ROOST in the newly developed Water Street Tampa neighborhood is an incredible achievement and we’re thrilled to bring it to life in Water Street Tampa,” said Randall Cook, CEO and Co-Founder of Method Co. “The live-work-play district has completely transformed downtown Tampa and is making the city one of the most desirable places to live in the country. It’s a change that we’re excited to be a part of, especially as we explore new dimensions of our brand.”

ROOST Tampa guests will have access to the brand’s custom amenities, including an in-room artisanal coffee program with La Colombe, Mauviel cookware, a high-end cocktail kit, and signature bike share program.

The property will premiere the brand’s first co-living units, which will provide the option for ROOST guests to experience a communal living environment. The four- and eight-bedroom units feature a shared common area with a living room, full-sized kitchen and washer-dryer. Both co-living units offer a spacious communal balcony with a large dining table, while select rooms boast a private balcony and/or private bathroom. Each co-living unit can be rented by individual room or as a cohesive four- or eight-bedroom suite, ideal for larger groups. M

For more information on reservations for long or short term stays, visit www.myroost.com.

Your Home Solution

Whether by land or by sea, the Natalie Scott Team is here to help you navigate Tampa Bay’s coastal living.

As a South Tampa resident before relocating to Indian Rocks Beach, Natalie will provide you with the unique attributes of living the city or coastal lifestyle. As a real estate advisor and vacation rental investor, Natalie’s clients benefit from her expertise as she brings a wealth of knowledge and interior design experience into her real estate business.

Natalie Scott

The Natalie Scott Team

Principal Agent 813.310.8982 natalie.scott@compass.com NatalieScottRealEstate.com

Not intended to solicit currently listed property. © Compass Florida, LLC. Equal Housing Opportunity. All information furnished regarding property for sale or rent or regarding financing is from sources deemed reliable, but Compass makes no warranty or representation as to the accuracy thereof. All property information is presented subject to errors, omissions, price changes, changed property conditions, and withdrawal of the property from the market, without notice. 3607 Royal Palm Drive | Bradenton 5 BD | 4 BA | 3,952 SF $2,725,000 Buyer Under Contract Altura Bayshore #1202 | Tampa 2 BD | 3 BA | 2,176 SF $1,735,000

Total Transformation To A Resort-Style Condo

By Mary Lou Janson Photos by Kate Wernert Studio

Ahigh flying career as an airline pilot enabled Bryan Soli to travel the world and enjoy world class accommodations at leading hotels. The décor defining those high-end retreats influenced the look and lifestyle he longed for in his own home.

However, the high-rise building that hosts his two-bedroom, two-bathroom condominium overlooking Bayshore Boulevard, Harbour Island and Tampa’s iconic Jose Gasparilla pirate ship, felt cramped and dark.

“I was a pilot for Delta Airlines and stayed in some of the best hotels in some of the most interesting cities in the world. My request was simple. Make my place look like a five-star hotel and, at the same time, make it comfortable for my friends and family,” Soli said.

For help hiring interior design professionals, Soli turned to his daughter, an Atlanta-based pilot and flight instructor, also for Delta, who scoured the internet and social media channels to find just the right firm.

“He knew the condo had the potential to feel bigger. And he wanted it to look more modern and upscale,” said Taylor Meierhoefer, who reviewed web sites and Instagram posts of design projects before sharing her recommendations. “He wanted a one-stop shop that would manage the entire project.”

Professional design, timeless décor and understated luxury, were among his preferences she said.

Kristen McKinlay and Melanie Rose of McKinlay Rose Interiors were tapped to handle the total renovation of the 1,349-square-foot space that formerly featured dated architectural elements that the designers eliminated, simplified and updated.

“No detail was left unattended,” said Rose. The most significant change was to open up, lighten and brighten the entire space. Bathrooms were updated to create a clean, fresh finish. Wide plank French wood floors were installed throughout the penthouse for seamless continuity.

The primary bedroom now combines warm, neutral tones with luxurious bedding fabric that blend with a monochromatic wallpaper background. Major renovations to the main bathroom include the addition of a luxurious spa bath and large shower separated by a custom glass partition and accented by a stone floor that provides a subtle foot massage. The mosaic tile inset adds elegance while the polished chrome finishing touches complete the look.

An oversized, open custom kitchen overlooking the dining and living rooms is accented by a beveled mirror backsplash with tortoise shell brown highlights and a modern chrome hood. A large mirror mounted to reflect the spacious “dinner party” sized table flanked by comfortable slipcovered dining chairs creates the illusion of a more expansive space.

The second bedroom that does double duty as an office and guest quarters, capably serves both roles with the help of a white pearlized sofa sleeper covered in a performance fabric. A rich marble inlaid floor in the guest bathroom matches the custom cabinetry to evoke a “classic style in new, modern, subtle tones,” according to the designers.

An intricately patterned hair on hide rug adds an organic element that works well with the black metal industrial-style desk. Artwork installed on the wall depicting airplane designs serves as a nod to the now retired homeowner’s aviation career.

The sophisticated color scheme, custom furnishings that include a living room sectional featuring shades of white leather and objets d’art like the hand blown glass pendants above the kitchen’s quartz countertops further elevate the home’s distinctive design.

“The overall look of the condo is masculine, casual elegance,” said McKinlay. “McKinlay Rose meets Tom Ford.” M

McKinlay Rose Interiors 706 S Moody Avenue Tampa FL 33609 813.981.0613 www.MckinlayRose.com

Contemporary Condo in the Sky

By Ronda M. Parag

n the heart of downtown St. Petersburg the ONE building offers luxury living with incredible amenities. On the I market is an incredible penthouse residence offering three bedrooms, three full and one half baths with over 4,000 square feet. The home was creatively designed by the high-end residential interior design firm Michelle Miller Design. Amazing design details are highlighted from ceiling to flooring with the design style of Urban Modern.

The flooring is solid engineered white oak wood with tile inlays of limestone, marble and onyx throughout the living spaces. Ceiling designs with beams and patterns are showcased throughout the home. The kitchen space is ideal for anyone that loves to showcase their culinary talents with two long islands with waterfall edge topped with quartz and granite backsplashes. The designer-grade appliances are WOLF and SUB-Zero including a 6-burner gas stove, refrigerator, beverage refrigerator, two wine coolers and two dishwashers. The home was made for entertaining with a built-in wet bar area.

Two spectacular design elements include curated antique doors from India opening to a dedicated home office and a back lit Onyx piece that serves as a focal point in the living space and placement for the flat screen TV. Each room showcases designer lighting from brands including Arteriors, Hinkley and Visual Comfort.

The ONE building has state-of-theart amenities including a 5,000 square foot fitness center, social gathering rooms, library, game room with billiards table, heated lap pool, hot tub with waterfall, two fire pits, 12 cabanas and outdoor kitchen with four grills.

Whether you are a morning person enjoying coffee and a balcony sunrise, or an evening person that enjoys a glass of wine with sunset, this hi-rise home offers the best of both worlds with three outdoor balcony spaces and stunning waterfront city views. M

Located in Pinellas County in downtown St. Petersburg, the residence at 100 1st Avenue N. #4201 is offered at $6,995,000 through Smith & Associates Real Estate. Presented by Liz Heinkel, cell at 727.239.5623, or call the office at 727.342.3800 and visit www.smithandassocates.com.

InspiringWomen InBusiness

InspiringWomen InBusiness

OLDER LUNDY KOCH & MARTINO

They say that behind every strong business is… an even stronger team. OLDER LUNDY is a multi-specialty law firm comprised of some of Florida’s best attorneys and most dynamic professionals. The team has been carefully curated to handle just about any legal issue our clients may face including family law, commercial litigation, estate planning, personal injury claims, property insurance disputes and corporate law. The culture is one of uncompromising convictions, hard work, extraordinary service, aggressive representation and integrity. OLDER LUNDY attorneys and professionals collaborate to powerfully represent clients ultimately producing the best possible results in Tampa Bay and beyond.

1000 West Cass Street Tampa, FL 33606 813.254.8998 www.olalaw.com

InspiringWomen InBusiness

Shannon Mathews COO and Senior Designer Bayshore Custom Homes, LLC

Using her creativity and passion for design allows Shannon Mathews to serve as one of the primary points of contact at award-winning Bayshore Custom Homes. Mathews facilitates the construction process from start to finish, and acts as liaison between the client, project managers, vendors and construction teams. Balancing work, and parenting two teenage sons, Shannon utilizes her organizational skills to keep projects moving and inspiring her children. Her oldest son is now following in his mom’s footsteps by studying construction management in college. Mathews is especially proud of two recent awards from Tampa Bay Builder’s Association Parade of Homes in the 2022 Custom Home Winners for homes in the $25M+ and the $2.0M+ category.

Combining her love of water and fishing will often find Mathew’s out on the waters of Tampa Bay during her free time.

Bayshore Custom Home, LLC 813.444.1414 info@bayshorecustomehomes.com

InspiringWomen InBusiness

MONIQUE MCLAUGHLIN Makeup & Hair by Monique

Since being featured in 2016’s Inspiring Women’s issue, after success in print and television, Monique’s career has expanded to include mostly film work. She has amassed 26 movie credits in the last 5 years and has managed to work closely with several notable actors. Known as the “go to” makeup and hair artist, Monique is requested often because of her speed, creativity and ability to build trust with the talent in her chair. “An actor told me that she was only as good as her last movie and how she looked. I take that responsibility very seriously,” Monique said. “I am only as good as they look and feel.”

Makeup & Hair by Monique 813.765.1354 info@makeupandhairbymonique.com www.makeupandhairbymonique.com

InspiringWomen InBusiness

Kristen McKinlay and Melanie Rose McKinlay Rose Interiors

New Location! Over 3,500 square feet interior Design Studio and Market Boutique now in the heart of South Tampa’s prestigious Hyde Park. Interior designers Kristen McKinlay and Melanie Rose have over 27 years of design experience that will transform a home into a place that clients never want to leave. Kristen and Melanie bring a passion for the design process and offer a seamless approach to transforming spaces into functional and luxurious interiors.

As colleagues and friends, Kristen and Melanie opened McKinlay Rose Interiors over seven years ago and have recently expanded their business to South Florida. Visit the new location or call to schedule a design consultation.

McKinlay Rose Interiors 706 S. Moody Ave. Tampa, FL 33609 813.981.0613 www.mckinlayrose.com

InspiringWomen InBusiness

KRISTIN MCKINNEY ZELINSKY Owner, Pro Kitchen Hub Tampa

Kristin’s unique business removes the high start up costs for food entrepreneurs by providing the space, equipment, mentorship, and ability to scale their company in a collaborative environment.

Opened since 2015, Kristin’s 24 years of culinary experience, helped her create the community that currently is home to over 125 businesses. In 2019, she expanded and opened The Bakery Box Pop up and a retail store front for a growing client. An immensely proud small business owner, she takes pride in supporting our local economy with new culinary opportunities!

Pro Kitchen Hub Tampa 5224 S. Dale Mabry Hwy. Tampa, FL 33611 813.804.8944 Kristin@ProKitchenHubTampa.com ProKitchenHubTampa.com

InspiringWomen InBusiness

ALICIA SMITH VP HR at NTC A Covius Solution

Alicia has progressively climbed the ranks at NTC, serving as Director of Finance Disbursements, Director of Personnel, and Director of Talent Acquisition and Development. For a year now, Alicia Smith has served as the VP of Human Resources and has been instrumental in the evolution of the HR team and integrating with Covius. Alicia’s commitment to her team and the organization as a whole is giving rise to a new class of employee experience and engagement.

Nationwide Title Clearing 2100 Alt 19 North Palm Harbor, FL, 34683 727.771.4000 www.nationwidetitleclearing.info

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Calling All Parrott Heads

Margaritaville Beach House Key West | By Ronda M. Parag

Key West holds a special place for many people, including our family, as Steve and I got engaged in the tropical destination many years ago. For years, we have traveled at least once, sometimes twice year to the island where creative-types and free-spirits gather to unwind and soothe the soul.

Key West is one of our favorite locations in Florida. While there is still plenty of drinking, music and fun, Key West has also become a family-friendly destination, and we had a recent stay at the re-imagined Margaritaville Beach House Key West opening in November 2021.

Inspired by all things Jimmy Buffet, it’s only fitting that there is now a Margaritaville Beach House Key West. At check-in we were welcomed with a delicious Margarita, which sets the intention for a great start to our stay.

Located directly across from Smathers Beach on the Atlantic Ocean, the resort offers 186 rooms with a variety of standard, one and two bedroom suites to accommodate friends or families. The décor is coastal inspired with tropical paintings of Jimmy Buffet quotes from his songs. For convenience, each guest room also offers a retro-style refrigerator and microwave.

The Fins Up lagoon-style pool offers a refreshing place to relax and get your daily dose of vitamin D with plenty of umbrella’s and lounge chairs.

On-site is also a 24-hour fitness center, dining and cocktails at the Tin Cup Chalice Bar & Chill, kid’s activities, lawn games and a business center, if you must get some work done.

The Margaritaville Beach House is a nice distance from the craziness on Duval Street and offers round-trip transfer service to Key West International Airport and local shuttle service to and from the Downtown Seaport Harbor on the top of each hour through 11 p.m., although subject to change.

The property unveiled in August 2022, a custom-crafted mosaic mural of two macaw parrots designed by Whitespace Interiors and crafted by Mosaicos Venecianos de Mexico (MVM Studios). The Parrott-Head influenced artwork is 21” wide and 25” feet tall made with 250,000 tiles hand-cut by 26 female artists. The installation took 6 days and the entire project was 8 months, from concept to installation.

There are a variety of boating and water activities in Key West and on this trip we experienced a fantastic Dolphin Watch & Sunset Sail through Sebago Watersports. The weather was spectacular and we enjoyed sunset sips of champagne, beer, or sangria, and a sampling of hors d’oeuvres while being on the open water.

As Jimmy Buffet would say – might be time for “Changes in Latitude. Changes in Attitude.” M

New custom-crafted mosaic mural of two macaw parrots designed by Whitespace Interiors and crafted by Mosaicos Venecianos de Mexico (MVM Studios)

The Fins Up lagoon-style pool Lush and tranquil courtyard

Relax in the Margaritaville Beach House lobby Modern accommodations with coastal-inspired décor

For hotel reservations, call 888.389.4921 or visit www.MargaritavilleBeachHouseKeyWest.com Follow on social media @MargaritavilleBeachHouseKW For water activities, visit Sebago Watersports, www.keywestsebago.com

Spanish Cuisine in the Heart of SoHo

Vizcaya Soho | By Ronda M. Parag

In the heart of South Tampa is a gem of a Spanish-influenced restaurant that operated for many years in Carrollwood before closing in 2019. In May 2021, Chef Felix Piedra opened Vizcaya Soho at the corner of Azeele and Howard Avenue in South Tampa. The restaurant is the site of an old gas station from the 1950s and was carefully renovated to create a casual and comfortable vibe. Inside, a small bar area is perfect for sipping house-made sangria, or a bottle of Italian or Spanish wine, as well as, outside seating, perfect for the cooler fall temperatures. The main dining room is cozy and intimate with seating for about 30.

The menu offers a selection of cheeses and charcuterie, soups, salads, tapas style appetizers, main dishes and of course, a specialty of the house – Paellas. One of the popular appetizers and a favorite of our servers was the Pulpo A La Gallega – imported octopus baked with Spanish pimentos and EVOO. Another popular starter is the Ceviche Mixto a trio of seafood with scallops, Key West pink shrimp, and Faroe Islands salmon marinated in citrus and coriander. We tried the tasty Croquetas De Jamon Serrano made with serrano ham, béchamel cheese along with another popular menu item the Datiles Con Pancetta – dates stuffed with Manchego cheese, serrano ham wrapped with crispy bacon. We also enjoyed the Langostinos Rellenos – the pan-fried Key West shrimp stuffed with béchamel, and wrapped in pork belly.

The Paella Campesina made with chicken and chorizo was ideal as an entree for sharing and we even had enough to bring home for lunch the next day. Other main dishes include fresh fish options including Black Grouper, Salmon, Red Snapper, Sole or a Seafood Zarzuela with jumbo prawns, mussels, clams, crab simmered in a sherry sauce. The menu also offers Duck, Chicken and Beef including a Black Angus Filet Mignon or Tenderloin Tips.

While enjoying our dinner, Chef Felix visited each table to make sure each guest was enjoying their meal. It certainly makes you feel welcome and appreciated as a guest. We could not decide on dessert, so we ordered both the homemade caramel custard Flan and the toasted-topped Cheesecake served with raspberry jam and whipped cream – each were delicious and we finished with complete satisfaction. With plenty of parking onsite, it is easy to stop in for a leisurely and delicious Spanish meal. M

Photo: Courtesy of Tampa International Airport @flytpa

Taking Flight

27.97998051119459, -82.53467438248327 Whether you are leaving or arriving to the Tampa Bay area, you’ll be greeted inside the main terminal at Tampa International Airport with a giant-sized, massive floor-to-ceiling flamingo titled “Home” by artist Matthew Mazzotta. The recently completed 21 feet high flamingo sculpture is part of the airport’s public