Paradise News Magazine - April 2023

Magnificent 5BR, 2 car garage home in guard gated community of Dolphin Cay! Tropical resort-like lap pool and spa! Gorgeous views over Spoonbill Lake!

Absolutely stunning coastal penthouse with sweeping views from downtown St Pete to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge! Move In Ready at $779,900

Allison and Dave Estabrooks (727) 460-4061 Allison and Dave Estabrooks (727) 460-4061

Allison and Dave Estabrooks (727) 460-4061

APRIL 2023

Paradise NEWS

Reaching 100,000+ in print, online, social media, web content, weekly eblasts, and more!

DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS

(Partial listing of Rack & Stack locations)

ST. PETERSBURG

Sundial Shoppes Happy Feet Plus

Florida Jean Co Hollander Hotel

Vinoy Hotel So Chic Consignment

Morean Art Center St Pete Chamber

Florida CraftArt Chihuly Museum

The Hangar Terminal

GRAND CENTRAL DISTRICT

Fergs

TYRONE AREA

Cody’s Road House Ancient Healing

GULFPORT

Chamber Habana Café

Seabreeze Inn Library/City Hall

Gulfport Casino Art Village

Sail Market Boulevard Shoppe

ISLA DEL SOL & BAYWAY ISLES

Regions Bank Island Salon

Sterling Cleaners Isla Yacht & CC

Patchingtons

TIERRA VERDE

Billy’s Century 21

TD Bank Mariott

Phila Deli Wong Lee’s

Tony & Nello’s Island Grille

SOUTH PASADENA

Ace Hardware Spiro’s Deli

Winn Dixie Fountains Towers

Regions Bank Regenesis Ortho.

PASS-A-GRILLE

Merry Pier The SeaHorse

Paradise Grille Paradiso Boutique

Gennaro’s The Wharf

SeaCritters Hurley Realty

Suntan Art Center Don CeSar Shaners Land-Sea Mkt

ST. PETE BEACH

Basil Leaf Nikko’s Dog Bar

Smith & Associates Sea Dog Brewery

Resort Realty Vito & Michael’s

Library/City Hall Riptides Lounge

Nori Thai Sushi Paradise Grille

Agave Mexican Synovus Bank

Larry’s Ice Cream Mediterranean Kitchen

Baird Realty Coldwell Banker RE

TBB Chamber Basil Leaf Sushi

ReMax Preferred Gulf to Bay Bait

Dolphin Landings UPS Store

Cafe Soleil 5th/3rd Bank

Dolphin Bch Resort Skidders

COREY AREA DISTRICT

Art Expo Chill Restaurant

SPB Post Office Coastal Cottage

Frog Pond Beach Theatre

TREASURE ISLAND

Bilmar Hotel T.I. Hardware

The Pearl ReMax Metro

TI & MB Chamber Keller Williams Realty

JOHN’S PASS VILLAGE

Kilwin’s Ice Cream Spice & Tea Exchange

Chamber Kiosk Sand Bar Ice Cream Shop

MADEIRA BEACH

Century 21 Beggins Post Office

Recreation Center City Hall Library

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FORTIFIED™

PUBLISHERS MESSAGE

We are pet people. Seems like most of our neighbors are too. Maybe that accounts for the plethora of excellent veterinary talent in our vicinity. Someone recently said she thought you needed a dog, preferably a “Doodle,” to live in Pass-a-Grille. Up in the north end of St. Pete Beach, where we live, there is a lot of variety.

Our son Jordan’s best friend is Albert, short for Alberto, a Coton de Tulear: a cute, fluffy, little, white mop of a dog. He is forever in a happy-go-lucky mood, especially when he gets to check “pee-mail” here in St. Pete Beach.

Albert has a collection of acquaintances too, mostly also a little white dog he has met on his walks around here. We had a big dog when we lived on acreage, but in our 40 years here in St. Pete Beach we have lived with a few amazing cats. Our latest, arguably our most perfect feline friend, was emailed to us by the SPCA after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005.

Sammy was adopted as an American short hair, suspected of being at least part Russian Blue, but we later found out he was a pure bred Chartreaux, a French breed originally kept in monasteries as mouse catchers. Our vet is sure the fresh fish Sammy taught me to catch him off our seawall each day is what kept him so young and healthy into his senior years. His favorites were ladyfish, trout, jacks, catfish, grunts, and croakers. Our neighborhood blue heron “Gertrude” became Sammy’s fishing companion too.

A social creature, Sammy wanted to be included in whatever we were doing. If we were at the dining room table, in the office, or watching TV in the living room he had his chair. Actually, they were all his chairs, that he let us use sometimes. The kidneys were his weak link, and the pet fountain we got him with a steady flow of filtered water, was a life extender for him. Periodic red tide outbreaks were hard on Sammy. He passed a month after his 18th birthday, on March 16th after a short illness, as gracefully and gently as he had lived. We decided to have him cremated.

There are lots of lessons we learned from Sammy, a trusted friend we will remember fondly for a very long time. I miss our early mornings and sunsets at the water’s edge. Sammy taught us to say hi to strangers, to take time to smell the roses and that it is always a good time for a nap in the shade. He also taught us that a kind word or gesture of love will go a long way toward getting you what you want and need in life.

It is hard when you have to say goodbye, but the pleasure an adopted pet can give you is definitely worth the work and expense. Adopt a pet if you can.

Paradise NEWS

Volume 29 Number 4 • April 2023

PUBLISHERS

Peter Roos | Marketing & Sales sales@paradisenewsfl.com

Renee Roos | Creative Director info@paradisenewsfl.com

EDITORIAL

Nanette Wiser - Executive Editor wiser86@gmail.com

Steve Traiman - Feature Editor traimancreativecopy@gmail.com

ART & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Janet Nummi

CONTRIBUTING COLUMINISTS

Caron Schwartz - Art News / Hanging Around Buddy Baker - Arts & Leisure & Events

Dr. Dennis Merritt Jones - Encouraging Words

Dr. Johnathan Pierce - Pet Health

Michael Moses - The Centre

Susan Koenig - Good Deeds

Pamela Joy Trow - Words of Joy

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

VisitStPeteClearwater.com

City of St. Pete • Janet Nummi City of Madeira Beach & Public Media Resource Images

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Downtown St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach, Pass-a-Grille Tierra Verde, Isla Del Sol, Pinellas Bayway, Harbourside, Pasadena Yacht & C.C., Gulfport (partial), Treasure Island, Yacht Club Estates, Causeway Isles, DISTRIBUTION IN RACKS & STACKS

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MEMBERSHIP AFFILIATIONS

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PUBLISHED BY: Paradise News, LLC

P.O. Box 66385, St. Pete Beach, FL 33736

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SAMMY ROOS

A Place Like None Other

by Michael Moses

We continue to be a cannabis-centric educational, wellness, meeting and event facility, offering appointments with doctors onsite for applications for state issued medical marijuana certifications through Triverde Health. For an appointment or further information about that, please visit www.Triverde.com online or call 727-322-4588. We are getting more and more patients transferring from other doctors, due to our overall reputation and the calmness of our environment. Some residents see us only as a medicinal cannabis doctor’s office, and, although we have two physicians and a third expected soon, the Centre is far more than that.

The Centre offers an ongoing series of educational programs about how to incorporate wellness into your life. There are also many classes offered weekly for various types of movement: yoga, dancing, as well as sound therapy. Some require reservations, some prepayment. Please visit The Centre online at www.thecentrespb.com where you can find a full schedule for each month with contact information for each instructor. For example, there is beginning and advanced Belly Dancing with Hip Expressions on Mondays and Intro to Flamenco with Vanessa Cerallo on Wednesdays. Aerial Yoga classes are offered most weekdays. Some thought we had contemporary health care offerings, yet in reality, we have traditional health care options. Yoga and cannabis, for example have both been used for stress reduction and disease avoidance for centuries.

As we age, both men’s and women’s reproductive equipment can require maintenance to stay in prime operating condition. Gainswave and FemiWave acoustic wave therapy sessions are performed in a private treatment room at The Centre by a trained acoustic wave therapist to improve performance without drugs, fight ED in men and improve sensitivity in women. This non-invasive treatment is like self-care, going to the gym to build muscle mass, or biking for improved cardio. This treatment provides performance enhancement for body parts we don’t use as frequently these days. It helps improve blood flow to the regions naturally.

The Centre’s Coffee Exchange now also offers food, but you can still get your favorite beverage at the walk-up window

Weekdays 11am-5pm, Fri.-Sat. 11am-7pm Ask about our holiday and event catering!

or inside. There is a growing menu of popular food items available. The Centre has also been the place to get the best CBD products for both people and pets ever since they opened, two and a half years ago.

The Centre is also a co-working location. Memberships are available which combine co-working amenities and discounts on all Centre products and services. People in the neighborhood are finally coming in and they are very impressed with what The Centre is all about. Come check us out. Many say, “It’s a Wellness Café like none other!”

Google The Centre @ St. Pete Beach and check out some of our two dozen or more 5-star reviews. Visit the Centre in person at 7525 Blind Pass Road. Park on 76th Ave. You can also visit The Centre online at www.thecentrespb.com. We can only help you if you come in.

Scan the QR Code with your smart phone to learn more about The Centre at St. Pete Beach, a medicinal marijuana-centric health, education, meeting, and event facility in the literal center of St. Pete Beach.

TIDBITS

ELECTIONS The March 14th city elections resulted in some unexpected results, especially in the St. Pete Beach mayor’s race where Alan Johnson was defeated by challenger Adrian Petrila, denying him a third term. In Indian Rocks Beach, Vice Mayor Denise Houseberg was re-elected and newcomer Lan Vaughan joins the Commission. In Indian Shores, newcomer Ellen Bauer finished first and voters re-elected Michael Petruccelli. In Madeira Beach, Jim Rostek beat current vice-mayor Doug Andrews to replace John Hendricks. Redington Shores elected Lisa Hendrickson and in Treasure Island, voters re-elected District 1 City Commissioner Deborah Lynn “Deb” Toth. In Gulfport, Council Member Ward 2, Christine Anne Brown was elected and in Ward 4, Ian O’Hara. Congrats to all winners and losers for their participation in civic affairs and making sure our neighborhoods have good leadership.

MOTHER NATURE NEWS

According to Florida Trend, the Everglades predators are making their way north into Ft. Myers and West Palm Beach. A study from the U.S. Geological Survey called the state’s python problem “one of the most intractable invasive-species management issues across the globe.” On a happier note, the winter’s warmer temperatures are a bonus for tomatoes, best found at local farmer markets.

located at 1234 Central Ave., will connect Central Avenue to the Historic Gas Plant site. Mayor Welch signed the last structural beam in late January, marking the final step in the vertical construction of the ARK Innovation Center, located at 1101 4th St. S. It is expected to open in July. The Maritime and Defense Technology Hub celebrated its one-year anniversary in February and is managed by the St. Pete Innovation District. In the Warehouse District, furniture manufacturing company Haddy is now open. This innovative business utilizes 3D printing technology to create fully recyclable and at-scale furniture.

CALL FOR NOMINEES

The Business of Pride program aims to shine a spotlight on outstanding LGBTQ+ business leaders, LGBT companies, allies, or advocates in the Tampa Bay area making a difference in the corporate world. Nomination deadline is April 10 and is sponsored by Tampa Bay Business Journal, in partnership with the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber.

providing high-quality homes for people struggling with the high cost of housing. The Shores Apartments at 2605 31st St. S, St. Petersburg, is already housing more than 50 individuals and families in one-, two- and three-bedroom units set aside for those who earn less than the area’s median income. The Shores marks another successful public-private partnership supported by the Advantage Pinellas Housing Compact, an agreement by local governments to create lasting solutions for countywide housing.

returning senior-level lifeguards. Lifeguards with Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification and returning senior lifeguards with EMT certification can make even more per hour. Lifeguards may work 10-hour shifts. pinellas.gov/careers

LIFEGUARDS NEEDED

Pinellas County is seeking seasonal lifeguards to ensure the public health and safety of the community at Pinellas County beach parks. Lifeguards will be stationed on county beaches at Fort De Soto, Sand Key and Fred Howard parks from April to September. Positions are available for full-time or part-time seasonal employment and pay starts at $18 per hour for new lifeguards and up to $19.57 per hour for

LEADERSHIP ST. PETE’S Class of 2023 has selected Allendale Equity & Justice Center for their Class Project. By the end of May, they will convert the former preschool classrooms into flexible, technology-supported workspaces for local non-profit leaders to work, collaborate and provide services to the community. With LSP’s assistance, the rooms become collaborative spaces for nonprofits to exchange ideas, build partnerships, coordinate rapid responses to emerging or immediate community needs, and plan actions that solve social issues. More than 30 local nonprofit organizations, including Girls Rock St. Pete, PTSD Awareness, and Found Family Collective, already use the space.

DTSP MILESTONES

The city of St. Pete landscape continues to rise this winter according to Mayor Ken Welch’s newsletter. The last structural beam was placed atop The Moxy Hotel in late January. The hotel,

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

This winter, Pinellas County government and the city of St. Petersburg celebrated the opening of a new affordable apartment community that is

Highest Level of Care.

We’re there for you right from the start. Bayfront Health Baby Place is the premier choice for expectant moms and newborns. Our state-of-the-art diagnostic and monitoring technology and high-risk pregnancy support team makes it possible to provide the best care on your birthing journey. Private suites, virtual classes, and support groups all designed with your comfort in mind. Giving you more reasons to choose well. BayfrontHealth.com/BabyPlace choose well.

TIDBITS

The Humane Society of Pinellas County has started building their new Adoption Center on the site of the old center. At over 14,000 square feet, the new center will provide a state-of-the-art facility capable of housing 46 adoptable dogs (and, in emergency situations, up to 76 dogs) in indoor, environmentally controlled kennels, plus a puppy playroom and indoor and outdoor play yards for the big kids! Looking for a forever friend? Pets of the Week airs on Great Day Live Tampa Bay April 4 and 18 from 8-10am on Channel 10.

HCA Florida Healthcare affiliated hospitals across the state have earned a 2022 HCA Healthcare Unit of Distinction Award, an annual program that recognizes and rewards exemplary nursing units at HCA Healthcare sites of care. The Unit of Distinction designation is achieved through measurable, exemplary performance in the strategic areas of advocacy and leadership, consistency in nursing practice and operations and leveraging scale to improve patient care.

HCA Northside Florida has named Camille Henry as CFO, bringing her experience in health care operations, analytics, and management.

The foundation of a world-class orchestra is built on a vibrant community of support.

The Florida Orchestra is pleased to announce a partnership with PNC Bank to be the official bank of The Florida Orchestra PNC Bank’s partnership with non-profit TFO – the state’s largest professional orchestra –is an investment in the Tampa Bay community through the power of music to inspire, educate, unite, and help the region thrive.

Tampa Bay Water was inducted into Leading Utilities

of the World (LUOW) at the American Water Summit in Los Angeles this winter. Supported by the Global Water Leaders organization, LUOW is a network of the world’s most forward-thinking water and wastewater utilities throughout the world. The organization currently includes 65 utilities that represent the gold standard of utility innovation and performance throughout the developed world’s water sector. Chuck Carden, Tampa Bay Water general manager, attended the summit and presented the agency’s accomplishments and outlook.

In the battle over how far cities can go to regulate Airbnbs, VRBOs and other rentals, state Sen. Nick DiCeglie leads a new charge. The bill filed

by the Indian Rocks Beach Republican focuses in part on what local governments can tell rental operators to do to get and stay registered with their city, town, or county. Local governments could still require registration and set conditions, but they would be hemmed in by state law. Redington Beach Mayor David Will, whose city has passed an ordinance that includes restrictions on occupancy and is in the midst of a court battle over whether it can apply a 2008 ban on short-term rentals, said the bill represents an attack on cities’ home-rule powers.

TIME Magazine named Tampa one of their 50 “World’s Greatest Places” for 2023, thanks to Water Street, Sparkman Wharf, Armature Works, 2.6-mile Riverwalk, international flights to London and easy access to the art-loving, dog-friendly city of St. Pete; and plenty of sun, sand, and sea in nearby Pass-a-Grille Beach and Clearwater!

ZooTampa ranked high on the best zoo list with the manatee care center in USA Today’s Top 10 best zoo exhibits.

St. Pete Beach Launches

Pedestrian Safety Campaign: S.A.F.E. Safety Awareness For Everyone. Visitors to our beaches expect Gulf Boulevard to be a lazy beach road rather than a state thoroughfare. Four to five lanes of traffic moving at 35 miles/ hour has meant injury and even death to more visitors than anyone likes to see. In addition to the catastrophic harm to the family of the injured and deceased, a pedestrian collision is something no resident wants to live with the rest of their lives. Generally, collisions occur when visitors step out in front of approaching cars.

There are a series of crosswalks provided up and down the beaches with selfactivated warning lights to make drivers aware of pedestrian’s intention to cross. PLEASE use the crosswalks and the lights. Do not assume drivers will stop. If traffic is too close to cross safely, make sure they see you and do not leave the curb until you know for sure. A group of St. Pete Beach residents is partnering with the City of St. Pete Beach in an effort to educate visitors about

the hazards and how to stay safe. Their mascot is Pete, the Safety Pelican. Pete, the Safety Pelican says: “Stay Alert, Use Crosswalks, Push Button, Make Eye Contact, Hold Children’s Hands.” Safety cards and brochures are available through St. Pete Beach for handout to visitors at check-in.

Isla Del Sol Yacht & Country Club brings back popular Summer Memberships. If you always wanted to play golf at Isla del Sol, now’s is your chance. Many of the full-time regular members are seasonal, so the course is quiet in the summer. They have just completed major improvements and the course looks GREAT! It is the best time to sample all they have to offer and decide if a full membership is worth the cost of admission to you. In addition to golf, they have added pickleball courts, host tennis tournaments and fun events. You can enjoy fantastic food and drinks at the Bayside Grille, and Chef Bill does special culinary-themed dinners. Make friends and enjoy the summer more than ever. Call 727-828-0002 or email Star Garcia at membership@ idsycc.com.

The Ultimate Seaside Paradise

Waterfront Dining

82 Degrees provides nature imbued interiors and fresh Southern coastal cuisine to launch you into the decadence of an unhurried coastal vacation.

Whether you are dining in for brunch, lunch or a leisurely dinner, 82 Degrees provides a space to enjoy craft cocktails, fine wine, and locally distilled beer with alfresco dining options and live music. With locally sourced ingredients, signature drinks and an unparalleled atmosphere, 82 Degrees is a favorite amongst locals.

7203 Sunset Way

St. Pete Beach, FL 33706

727.292.0282

Eatat82.com

SPIRITS

By Nanette Wiser

Got guests? Imbibe like a localista at these wine havens, breweries, and bars from downtown St. Pete to the Gulf Beaches.

WINE BARS Sip sip hooray in downtown St. Pete at Try Wine, Must Wine Loft, Bacchus, Lolita’s, Book + Bottle, Dracula’s Legacy Wine Bar, Bin 6 and Sauvignon Wine Locker American Trattoria. Creative Grape is both a wine bar and arts salon. In St. Pete, we love Sea Grapes, which has morphed with partner Lolita’s into a more robust dining/wining experience in a very hip space. At the beach, Elizabeth’s Wine Bar now features Chef Edith James dinner menu and live music. Sola Bistro & Wine Bar is known for its jazz Wednesdays and Vino Simpatico also features jazz and blue. The Dewey and Grace (where the chef is now the owner) are casually elegant and Bella Vino’s wine and charcuterie is worth a trip to Belleair Bluffs. In Tierra Verde, Vista At The Top’s Sunday brunch and wine list pair well with the amazing view.

CRAFT BREWERIES

The Pinellas County GOATs are Big Storm, 3 Daughters and Green Bench, but each of the 100+ local breweries is iconic with interesting events and seasonal brews. Drink the Gulp Coast starting at Sea Dog Brewing Co. in Treasure Island and Mad Beach Brewing, then meander either to Dunedin (Caledonia, Cueni, Dunedin HOB), Safety Harbor (Crooked Thumb), Palm Harbor (De Bine), St. Pete Beach (Mastry’s) or downtown St. Pete (Bayboro Brewing, Cage Brewing, Grand Central, Pinellas Ale Works, Overflow) and more. From goat yoga to indie market pop-ups, live music to trivia or karaoke nights, beer in Paradise is a blast!

COCKTAILS Discovered Dirty Habit Cocktail mixes in mason jars at The Merchant DTSP. Just add your spirit, shake, and refrigerate the infusion for 3-6 hours, then strain into a glass with a bit of soda or juice as a mixer to make a mule, old-fashioned or margarita. My fave is the retro Miami Vice fusion cocktail of Strawberry Daiquiri and Piña Colada. dirtyhabitcocktails.com In St. Pete Beach, The Saint Hotel’s 82 Degrees (Blackberry Bluegrass, Saintly Spice) and RumFish (Strawberry Mojito Martini) rock craft cocktails and mocktails.

Indulge your taste buds in one of our three restaurants just steps away from St. Pete Beach!

By Nanette Wiser

WHAT A HOOT Early this year, an Eckerd College student spotted two great horned owls on the Eckerd campus. Nicknamed Link and Zelda, the beautiful duo and their two chicks were doing well as of March. It’s a bit of a miracle, says Professor of Environmental Science and Biology Beth Forys, Ph.D. (who is also the faculty adviser to the Ornithological Society of Eckerd College). “Great horned owls are relatively common,” Forys explains. “But there have been major issues of them dying recently because of anticoagulant pesticides. Eckerd has transitioned away from that, so our owls have been successful. We’ve had them nesting here five times in the last 20 years. The gestation period for great horned owls is about 40 days,” Forys says, adding that owls typically don’t build their own nests but instead steal a nest of another bird or use an osprey platform. “This nest is interesting,” Forys says, “because it’s in a natural spot in an older pine tree.”

KEEP PINELLAS BEAUTIFUL

Volunteers are needed to join Pinellas County Environmental Management and Keep Pinellas Beautiful in a cleanup event at Cross Bayou Canal and Joe’s Creek 4/15 8am-12:30pm.

Part of the Great American Cleanup campaign, the event service involves the removal of trash and debris in and along Cross Bayou Canal and Joe’s Creek. Volunteers wanting to help on the water can bring their own watercraft or borrow a canoe for as long as supplies last. Volunteers may also choose to sign up for the Island Shuttle. Two jon boats will be used to bring volunteers to the various mangrove islands. Life jackets are required and will be provided to those borrowing a canoe. Volunteers must be 18 or over and paddleboards are not permitted. Check-in begins at 8am at the Pinellas County property at the intersection of 70th Ave. N and 78th St. N near the Wagon Wheel Flea Market on Park Blvd. Trash collection 8:30-11:30am followed by lunch. Trash grabbers, bags, gloves and drinking water will be provided. FYI: Eric Vittoria 727-464-8756; register online by 4/14. CrossBayouJoesCreekCleanup

GAC2023.eventbrite.com

Dr. Brittany Pierpont Family-Owned | General and Cosmetic Dentistry

HOUSE & GARDEN

So are pre-1997- two-tone “Ping” golf balls. Ping Co. stopped making golf balls in 1997 and their 100+ color combinations are sought after, especially the rare, limited production balls and those marked withEye2. The arena for collecting golf memorabilia is vast. Vintage or antique wood golf clubs, apparel, equipment, and promotional materials can also be priceless. We bet more folks will be searching for golf balls now on old courses.

By Nanette Wiser

Monilaria obconica; they look exactly like little green bunnies and even their ears are fuzzy. This plant needs regular watering and bright, indirect light. Search out succulents at Wild Roots, Lida’s Jungle, Eden Nursery and Jenni’s Tropical Fruit Trees. Starting your kids on a container or vegetable garden can become a lifelong passion and nudge them to help save the planet.

TEE TIME Estate sale whiz and book author Patty J. Penke’s Turn Trash Into Cash (available on Amazon) sheds light on vintage Floridan treasures waiting to be discovered in your shed or garage. Did you know a golf ball can sell for thousands of dollars? Florida is known as The Golf Capital of the World, thanks to Scottish immigrant John Gillespie who brought his passion for a game of golf to Sarasota in 1886 and constructed the Sunshine State’s first small two-hole golf course. Today, there are 1000+ golf courses in Florida, thanks to the railroad and resorts built between 1900-1930. What’s valuable? Vintage golf balls from the early 20th century with particular stamps and logos; those signed by famous pro golfers and late 19th-century, handmade golf balls made from gutta-percha gum “gutties.”

assistinghandsestatesales.com

VINTAGE MARCHÉ Tampa Bay’s largest monthly vintage market houses 15,000 square feet of vintage furniture, lighting, home decor, art, jewelry, and clothing anywhere. Here you’ll find furnishings for every taste – mid-century modern, industrial, farmhouse, rustic, and uniquely eclectic. Located in the Skyway Marina District across from Skyway Jack’s, doors are open the first Sat. and Sun. of the month.

CONTAINER GARDENS With Easter, it’s time for painting your terra cotta pots in lavender, yellow and pink, or better yet, searching thrift stores for adorable bunny pots for your succulents and African violets. My newest fave find is rabbit succulents or

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS ALL CDC GUIDELINES FOLLOWED, PLUS SOCIAL DISTANCING

HEALTH & WELLNESS

By Nanette Wiser

One of life’s challenges is dealing with stress, which can cause or aggravate health problems. April is Stress Awareness Month and a good time to adopt coping behaviors that reduce stress, starting with a visit to your doctor to assess your physical health and concerns about possible stress-related ailments such as headaches, insomnia, high blood pressure and heart disease. For some, a visit with a licensed mental health professional can help you plan a strategy to a less stress-free life. An American Psychological Association survey identified the five factors most often cited as a source of stress: money, work, family, economic outlook, and relationships as well as health and world affairs (including climate anxiety). Exercise, yoga, breath work, tai chi, meditation, diet, sleeping well and connecting with others are good first steps. Laughing more and keeping a gratitude journal can help boost positivity as well.

NAMASTE NEWS

WELLNESS TRENDS

Red light therapy devices, microcurrent facial tools, and lasers that people can use at home themselves will be big. Look for more at-home access to blood testing and other diagnostic assessments that connect to apps and digital platforms. Biotech skincare will make waves as a wellness trend as well as exercise recovery tools for home use such as massage therapy guns and air compression boots. Micro workouts (think TikTok one-minute dances and fitness challenges) and bite-sized workouts throughout the day are huge. Spa services promoting self-care and wellness days are trending. And gyms are upping their game to lure people back with infrared saunas, cryotherapy chambers, and cold tubs. In addition to plant-based diets and healthy eating, sober-curious is hot, especially mood-boosting drinks that use different plants and herbs to help your body adapt to stress and other ailments without alcohol.

RED TIDE Hoping it’s gone in April, but if it lingers it’s best to not swim in red tide waters that may cause skin irritation, rashes, and burning and sore eyes. People with lung ailments should avoid affected beaches. Wind and currents change the forecast daily so check here: visitbeaches.org/map

What Would You Do Without Neuropathy Pain?

Achieve Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine offers proven solutions to seemingly hopeless conditions like peripheral neuropathy and chronic pain.

"Several years ago I was diagnosed with cancer and underwent chemotherapy treatments. I'm now in remission and blessed to still be here but I was in so much pain. My feet and hands were constantly burninga tingling sensation, almost like when your leg or arm falls asleep," shares Beth of St Pete Beach

Beth was suffering from Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN). While chemotherapy kills cancer cells it also causes a lot of other damage throughout the body. 30-40% of cancer patients treated with chemotherapy result in peripheral neuropathy.

"Standing all day was not just a challenge, it caused me physical agony. Keeping up with my busy scheduleforget about it. I couldn't even go for walks on the beach " Beth, like so many others, was prescribed gabapentin to help with the pain and told there was nothing anyone could do - in their words 'there is no treatment for neuropathy.'

Then Beth found Dr. Rebecca Gibbons, RN, DOM, LAC of Achieve Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine. By blending the time-tested science of acupuncture with more modern, medical technology, Dr. Gibbons has designed a real solution for peripheral neuropathy

"Acupuncture is incredible at restoring blood flow and stimulating damaged nerves, preventing them from dying off,” tells Dr Gibbons “We take our treatments a step further by integrating ATP Resonance BioTherapy™ which targets specific nerves in the body using microcurrent. ATP therapy is like watering a plant. This treatment will stimulate the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerves and provide them with the proper nutrients to heal and repair.”

After only four weeks of treatment Mary is already seeing improvement. "I can't wait to see how I feel at the end of my program! I used to think that this pain was just the price I have to pay for still being alive. Dr. Gibbons has really given me hope for a better life!"

The number of treatments needed to allow the nerves to fully recover will vary from person to person and can only be determined after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation

If you or someone you love is suffering from peripheral neuropathy call 727-272-3587 to schedule a consultation with Dr Gibbons Or to learn more visit WWW.ACHIEVEACUIM.COM

What constitutes a healthy pet?

As pet owners we see our pets behaving normally, eating and drinking well, playing, socializing, but do we notice subtle nuances that certain diseases exhibit? The short answer is sometimes. We can visibly see our pet slowing down a bit, drinking more water than usual, losing the luster to the hair coat, etc., however, these signs can be so subtle that we don’t notice them. There are a few ways that we can screen our pets to make more certain that they are healthy as possible.

First and foremost, the annual exam to age 6 or 7 and senior exams twice annually. These exams can detect early dental disease, infectious diseases, evidence of parasitism, early cancers, hereditary abnormalities, early heart disease, etc. As our pets age beyond 6-7 years, we should start to consider examinations every six months.

Our pets change and age faster than we do. If we increase the frequency of veterinary examinations, we may be able to detect disease earlier in its process, increasing our chances to treat earlier and prevent long term and irreversible damage. This can also help us manage diseases like kidney disease because the earlier it is detected, the more we can slow down the process and improve the prognosis.

Annual and twice-annual comprehensive blood screenings can detect changes within the liver, kidneys, clue us into endocrine diseases such as Cushing’s, Addison’s, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, chronic urinary tract infections, or evidence of cancer. Subtle differences from screening to screening can help us determine whether additional diagnostics such as X-rays or ultrasound are necessary to look further and help diagnose disease.

We recently treated a patient that had screening blood work done twice, six months apart. Due to the fluctuation in liver values, we performed X-rays and ultrasound. We found a cancerous mass in the patient’s abdomen, which we were able to remove before it spread or ruptured and caused bleeding. Recently there have been advances in cancer detection.

The OncoK9 blood test can detect some common aggressive cancers earlier before we could see physical or behavioral changes. The test can be used as a screening or as a confirmatory diagnostic if there is a question about cancer type.

Make sure to keep up with your annual exams for all your pets and remember early detection can significantly improve your pet’s lives and treatment outcomes.

Island Life Animal Hospital

Dr. Danielle Gallo

Dr. Johnathan Pierce

5901 Sun Blvd., Suite 107

St. Petersburg, FL 33715 727-289-3776

islandlifeanimalhospital.vet

YOUR Home Renovation Resource

Open our door to upgrade yours! YörDör helps you get your home perfected to either enjoy or to sell. Maximize your home’s potential with YörDör and let them suggest easy renovations that translate to higher offers on your home or condo. YörDör hires and manages vetted contractors so you don’t have the hassle. Call today for a FREE consultation 727-390-4811!

• Specializing in new construction builds, renovation projects to perfect your home or small remodels to get your home ready for sale.

• Services include kitchen and bath renovations, home additions, casitas, outdoor kitchens, pools, home automation, and creation of energy-efficient homes through state-of-the-art hurricane-rated doors, windows, solar-powered and battery backup systems.

For our client at 3742 Foster Hill Dr. N, YörDör did a Level 3 Renovation and increased finished square footage, added additional beds, bath, lap lane pool, outdoor kitchen, pergola, and oversaw intensive landscaping to mitigate a busy street. – Matthew

Erickson, YörDör President

YörDör was easy to work with and the consummate professionals with an impeccable roster of contractors and services to call upon. They make small improvements with big results...I sold my home for $100,000 more than its listing price. – Steve G., Homeowner

LIVE LIFE BETTER

WORDS OF JOY Local artist Pamela Joy Trow relocated from New Mexico to St. Pete. “I love the beach and drawing mermaids here completes a fantasy of my alter-ego.” In her “Fly or Swim,” she pays homage to Santa Fe (the top of the image is The Lady of Guadalupe, a cultural icon) while the mermaid in the bottom celebrates her new home here. “This piece has a strong spiritual message for me that I hope to share with others.” On the card and art print, Trow’s message inspires. “When the Muses cry and the torch seems dim, just keep the faith and fly or swim.” You can buy Trow’s art prints and greeting cards online pamelajoytrow.com or her new mug designs at etsy.com/shop/pamelajoytrow

By Nanette Wiser

THE ART OF CONVERSATION Kibbitzing with strangers is delightful, but making small talk with friends is not as satisfying these days. After the social isolation during COVID, many of us are feeling a renewed desire to connect in more meaningful ways. Secretly we yearn for real conversation. But how to begin? Ask a friend or new acquaintance to meet you in a stimulating spot outdoors or in your favorite coffeehouse that’s light and bright. If you have a real conversation in an interesting and fun place, you’ll feel better through that shared experience. If it’s nice out, take a walk and talk. Research has shown that walking can stimulate high level cognitive processes and creative thinking. It can also foster a sense of trust and cooperation among people.

THE POETRY OF FLOWERS Spring has sprung, so celebrate Emily Dickinson’s life, poetry, and garden with her whimsical odes to blooms. I like talking to my flowers, and Dickinson’s “Daisy” is a promise of blooming possibilities. In the Victorian language of flowers, daisy signified innocence. Embrace your inner artist; take a poetry class with Keep St. Pete Lit. Join instructor Cole Bellamy, a published poet and instructor at St. Leo University, for an ongoing comprehensive workshop and study group for poetry, where you can bring your poems to be read and discussed by the class.

The Daisy follows soft the Sun –

And when his golden walk is done –Sits shyly at his feet –

He – waking – finds the flower there

Wherefore – Maurauder – art thou here?

Because, Sir, love is sweet! ... xoxo

ames J. Annarelli, Ph.D. was unanimously appointed the sixth president of Eckerd College on Feb. 10 by the Board of Trustees. Earning his doctorate at Drew University, he has had an exemplary 42-year career in higher education, joining Eckerd 32 years ago. Prior to being named interim president last August, he was vice president for student life and dean of students. Annarelli told the campus that he was committed to thoughtful revision of the liberal arts that all institutions must undertake in the current academic environment. He noted that his approach to leadership is collaborative, and community based.

James

Annarelli

, President, EckErd

collEgE

By STEVE TRAIMAN | Photos Eckerd College

What are your prime responsibilities at Eckerd? As the college’s chief executive officer, I have ultimate responsibility for all the college’s operations. The lens through which I see my work is the commitment to do all in my power - in partnership with faculty, staff, and Trustees – to ensure that Eckerd College provides the highest quality education possible in the liberal arts and sciences to our students while supporting their holistic development on multiple levels.

Why did this Eckerd job appeal to you? I have been a member of this community for over three decades, and so I am deeply committed to all aspects of the college’s mission. It is the honor of my lifetime to have been asked by our Board of Trustees to fulfill this role. The faculty and staff at Eckerd College are deeply devoted to this place and, I am energized by the opportunity to work shoulder-to-shoulder with them to take Eckerd into its bright future. And of course, the Eckerd College students are a tremendous inspiration to me. They are adventurous, smart, dedicated individuals who carry the name of Eckerd College into every part of the world. I often repeat the adage that “Eckerd College changes lives, and Eckerd College graduates change the world.” I am a true believer in this maxim and serving as the president of Eckerd gives me a great sense of pride.

President Annarelli shared his vision with Paradise NEWS, saying “Since its founding as Florida Presbyterian College in 1958, Eckerd College has cherished its ties with the city of St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay, and we want to more fully take our place among St. Petersburg’s prestigious hometown colleges.”

What were your three biggest successes in your prior business career? The publication of my book, Academic Freedom and Catholic Higher Education, in 1987. My work for nearly nine years in the 1990s with the outstanding adult students who enrolled in the college’s Program for Experienced Learners (PEL). Many of them went on to significant leadership positions in local government, the not-for-profit sector, and the business community in Tampa Bay. And my role for nearly two decades as the vice president for student life and dean of students. I had the opportunity to lead efforts aimed at the revitalization of student activities and the enhancement of services on campus, yielding close to 90% of our students living on campus.

What do you think are St. Pete’s biggest opportunities?

St. Petersburg has been blessed with a beautiful coastal location, abundant sunshine, rich ecosystems, and biotic communities, a dynamic and growing business community, a vibrant arts scene, entertainment options for all ages, and a talented, industrious, caring, and diverse community. This is a booming region with a strong higher education infrastructure, talented workforce, and economy that includes both expanding service-related and manufacturing sectors.

Visual Arts Center at Eckerd College

What do you think are St. Pete’s biggest challenges? Many of St. Petersburg’s challenges are the byproducts of its success and continuing growth in one of the state’s most densely populated counties. The city needs to manage its natural resources thoughtfully and address sustainable growth and access to affordable housing.

What do you hope to accomplish in this new role? In partnership with the faculty, continue to envision and provide a high-quality liberal arts education for the 21st century student that will prepare Eckerd graduates for satisfying and fruitful careers and lives of deep meaning and purpose. Together with the faculty, we are exploring new, expanded academic offerings that respond to changing student and societal needs and that are consonant with our mission. We want to support the development of the entire student – body, mind, spirit – through innovative, inclusive, and thoughtful programming within and beyond the classroom. We will create a more sustainable campus while building resiliency in light of our beautiful, yet vulnerable, coastal location. We plan to strengthen and expand partnerships and initiatives with Eckerd and Tampa Bay partners.

How will these new or expanded projects make a difference in the community? A recent study by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) documents the impressive long-term value of an undergraduate education in the liberal arts and sciences. Individuals who graduate with a liberal arts degree not only develop competence in their major area, but also are equipped to be problem-solvers, critical thinkers, excellent team members and collaborators, and effective communicators. These so-called soft skills allow our graduates to be adaptable and nimble as they face an ever-changing employment scene. The world has never needed these types of thinkers more. Eckerd College graduates typically go on to the finest graduate schools and to distinguished careers in public service, the sciences, education, business, technology, government, law, and medicine.

Eckerd College, as an institution, is an important economic driver in the region and an active community partner. The college employs nearly 400 people; students, faculty, and staff establish relationships with scores of not-for-profit organizations through volunteer service; and increasing numbers of students who hail from other areas are choosing to remain in the Tampa Bay region to live and work following graduation.

What do you love about living in Paradise? My wife and I have lived in Pinellas County for nearly 33 years and both our children were born and raised here. This is home, and we love the lives that we have built for our family here. St. Petersburg and its environs offer all the richness a city can offer yet within the context of a caring and supportive community. We consider ourselves very fortunate to have fashioned successful careers and a rewarding family life in this beautiful, enchanted place.

What do you do when you are not at work? Free time is at a premium for both my wife and me, but when we are free, we enjoy spending time with our adult children, Josh and Katie; enjoying the parks and beaches of our area; exploring the restaurants of Tampa Bay with friends; cooking; and gardening at home.

Ecosystems of Florida Watersports at Eckerd College

Aerial view of Eckerd College

Steve Traiman is president of Creative Copy by Steve Traiman; he offers freelance business writing services. Contact him at traimancreativecopy@gmail.com

In honor of Earth Day, consider a sustainable hair, skincare and beauty regime and products that are not tested on animals, feature recyclable or eco-concious packaging, are made with nontoxic ingredients and brands that decrease the carbon footprint from manufacturing to delivery.

And it’s not a fad; it’s a trend. A 2023 beauty industry report says that responsible sourcing is one of the most important sustainability claims to 45% of consumers. A further 24% of consumers want brands to increase their use of ingredients produced in a more sustainable way. Research products is easier than ever: clearforme.com

Top eco-conscious brands include Arbonne, Aveda, The Body Shop, INIKA, Burt’s Bees, Drunk Elephant, Blissoma, RMS Beauty, Native, Botanical Republic, My July, Lunalis, Just Beauty CBD, PURR Skincare, Origins, OSEA, RMS Beauty, Indie Lee, Lush, and Nopalera.

Consider choosing products that are conscious about clean energy, harvesting techniques and ingredient sourcing such as Sangre de Fruta’s Garden of Earthly Delights hair products and soaps containing upcycled local ingredients such as cedar greens sourced from a family fun farm in Ontario which uses off-cuts of the forestry industry to produce the sustainable oil in the blend. Or Tarte’s Maracuja Oil, infused with sustainably harvested maracuja from an all-female cooperative in the Amazon Rainforest. French clean beauty brand La Louche sells refillable satin lipsticks and balms. Gisou lip bee balm is made at a plant powered by solar energy, harvesting only surpluses of honey and propolis from cruelty-free, sustainable bee farms.

Reduce your carbon footprint by changing your daily routine. Buy refillable bottles and stop buying minis. When washing your face or taking off your makeup, don’t use single use cotton pads or makeup wipes.

When washing your face, turn the water off when you lather and consider a konjac biodegradable sponge that can be decomposed after use. Switch single use razors to reusable blades.

Be beautiful but reconsider those gel manicures and ultraviolet nail drying machines. Avoid any products made with lead or petrochemicals, which can be highly toxic to humans and the environment. Years of synthetic cosmetics use has been traced to headaches, eye damage, acne, hormonal imbalance, and premature aging. Phthalates have even been linked to cancer and type II diabetes.

DOWNTOWN COFFEEHOUSES

CRAFT KAFÉ With two locations in St. Pete, downtown and Pasadena, and a newly opened Hyde Park Café, Kraft’s reputation for gluten-free artisan eats is catching on. Their specialty drinks like the “Pretty Woman” blend house-made almond milk and vanilla syrup with small batch espresso. DTSP, Pasadena

PARADECO Treat yourself to inventive takes on coffee classics inside the airy, Art Deco-inspired shop just off Beach Drive. I tried the non-alcoholic “Cold Fashioned”– single origin cold brew, Vermont maple syrup, oat milk, orange bitters, topped with express orange peel and a maraschino cherry–and it’s easy to see why the new kid on the block has quickly developed a cult following. DTSP

You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but the Masala Chai Latte is exquisite. DTSP

By Ryan Kasley

BANDIT This buzzy minimal-chic Grand Central spot roasts their own coffee fresh every week. They also offer locally sourced bites and beer and wine.

BLACK CROW The enduring popularity of this Grand Central fixture could be attributed to their expertly sourced and roasted beans, their commitment to Zero Waste, or the friendly baristas. Whatever it is we’re hooked. Keep an eye out for rotating special drinks like the Cherry Match Lemonade. Delicious muffins, rosemary shortbread cookies and chocolate croissants sweeten the day. Central Ave., Old Northeast DTSP

BAD MOTHER Tucked inside St. Pete’s Station House, Bad Mother offers a rotating selection of coffee roasters sure to keep any aficionado coming back for more. Their pour over coffee is served on a tray with a glass carafe, sparkling water and an information card, so you can learn more about what you’re drinking.

THE CHELSEA This boho cafe features Dancing Goat coffee, amazing iced mocha latte and a delish iced green tea with hibiscus syrup as well as growlers of cold brew for sale, witty cards and gifts and locally made sweet and savory eats from muesli to handheld chicken pot pies.

Get the best of both worlds with a CBD infused espresso shot.

GRASSROOTS KAVA HOUSE

Need a pick me up or something to chill you out?

Enjoy a full coffee menu as well as kava and kratom till midnight.

HOGG BATCH The special ingredient in their java is bourbon. Single origin raw coffee beans are aged in fresh-dumped bourbon barrels (or other spirits) to extract their unique flavors, creating non-alcoholic coffee with complex tasting notes. Start with their “Old St Pete Batch #1.” Online, order the Coffee+Rum, Coffee+ Peppermint Liqueur and decaf Coffee+Whiskey.

LUNCH BOXES 11-3pm

B) 5 Sushi Salmon, 6 California Salmon, Avocado, Edamamme, House Salad

F) 6 California Tuna Avocado, 6 California Crab Avocado, 6 California Salmon Avocado, Edamamme House Salad

SPICY HAWAIIAN AHI POKE BOWL RAMEN SHOYU

COOKING CORNER

The author of 11 cookbooks, my favorite till now has been The Scent of Orange Blossoms: Sephardic Cuisine from Morocco. kittymorse.com

By Nanette Wiser

My friend, cookbook author and world traveler Kitty Morse’s new memoir will make you weep with joy. BITTER SWEET: A Wartime Journal and Heirloom Recipes from Occupied France is an homage both to her late husband Owen (who passed in January 2023 and helped photograph, research and edit this book) and her Alsation ancestors who perished in WWII.

Kitty Morse was born in Casablanca, Morocco, of a French mother and British father, and emigrated to the United States in 1964. She began catering Moroccan parties while studying for her master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Says Morse: “Bitter Sweet is based upon the war journal of my French great-grandfather, Dr. Prosper Levy, chronicling the advance of the Germans in Alsace-Lorraine in 1940. I discovered both his journal and my great-grandmother Blanche Lévy-Neymarck’s recipes in a little black suitcase my mother kept in a closet for decades without showing me the contents. Blanche died at Auschwitz along with her daughter and son-in-law a few weeks before the Liberation.”

KALOUGAT (Chocolate Pudding Cake)

Ingredients: 9 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces; 7 ounces dark chocolate, broken into pieces; 4 eggs, at room temperature; 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted; ¼ cup almond meal; 2 teaspoons white vinegar. Top with crème anglaise.

Instructions: Preparing this the day before helps the cake acquire its dense, pudding like consistency. Preheat oven to 325º F. Butter a non-stick 9-inch pie pan with

1 tablespoon of the butter and line the base with a round of lightly buttered parchment paper. Set aside. Bring water to a boil in a double boiler. Remove from heat and add the chocolate and the butter to the upper container. Stir the mixture until smooth and set aside.

Separate the eggs. In a large bowl, beat the yolks with ¾ cup of the powdered sugar until the mixture forms thick ribbons. In increments, fold in the almond meal and then blend in the chocolate/butter mixture.

In another large bowl, beat the egg whites and vinegar until soft peaks form. Add the remaining ¼ cup powdered sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Fold the egg whites into the almond meal/ chocolate mixture. Pour the finished batter into the greased pie tin and set it inside a roasting pan. Create a bain-marie (water bath) by carefully adding boiling water to the roasting pan until the water reaches halfway up the sides of the pie tin. Bake until the cake is set, 45-50 minutes.

Unmold the warm cake, remove the parchment paper, and transfer to a rack to cool overnight. Cut into wedges and serve on individual dessert plates in pools of warm crème anglaise.

WATERFRONT BAR & DINING

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Coastal Pizza Kitchen’s gourmet pizza, savory pasta, mouth-watering paninis, appetizers, and salads round out a wonderful, relaxed dining experience best paired with craft beers and boutique wines. Whether you dine in on the alfresco patio and spacious dining room or pick-up, you’ll be amazed by the family recipes made with the freshest ingredients in a family-friendly setting. Start off with the shrimp bruschetta, caprese Napoleon or ricotta and pepperoni filled Italian pockets. Add sauteed shrimp, pulled chicken, roasted portabella mushrooms or meatballs to the pasta (carbonara, rustica, alfredo or red sauce). Share a couple unique pizzas such as the Yardbird (white sauce, pulled chicken, mozzarella cheese, bacon, fresh jalapeno, red onion) or Endless Summer (red sauce, mozzarella cheese, local heirloom tomatoes, spinach, Kalamata olives, roasted garlic, red onion). Open Tues.-Thurs. 4-9pm, Fri. 4-10pm, Sat. noon-10pm, and Sun. noon-9pm

Coastal Taco Using the freshest ingredients, these delectable gourmet street tacos and bowls (mahi, chicken, vegan chorizo) will wow you and your family. Top the nachos with house made queso and your choice of pork, chicken, brisket, mahi or shrimp. The tequila lime shrimp taco with fried grit cake, pico de gallo, cheese and chipotle aioli on white corn tortillas is a local fave as are the slow cooked beef brisket, beer braised pork or veggie tacos. The fireroasted corn with cotija cheese and queso dip start the fiesta and the desserts (deep-fried margarita balls) will have you singing Ole!

Beer and soft drinks.

Open Wed. 4-9pm, Thurs. 11am-9pm

Fri. 11am-10pm, Sat. 9am-10pm, Sun. 9am-9pm

Breakfast Sat.-Sun. 9am-2pm

Coastal Pizza Kitchen coastalpizzakitchen.com

17001 Gulf. Blvd., North Redington Beach 727-575-7183

Coastal Taco coastaltaco.net

14601-A Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach 727-220-1200

out further, more comfortably. All day. At a fraction of the cost of ownership.

DINING

CINCO DE MAYO From Dunedin’s Casa Tina to IRB/Treasure Island’s VIP Restaurants, the margaritas will be flowing. Check out FB for event details but be sure to test out the Mex fare in advance at Coastal Taco, Tyrone’s new Torchy Tacos, St. Pete Beach’s new Sunrise Tacos, Agave Restaurant, El Agave Bar, Mad Beach Cantina, Taco Bus, Casita Taqueria, and the tableside guacamole at Grand Hacienda. When downtown, Red Mesa rocks. As a Cali gal, I’m most excited to see California’s Prima Cantina (Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades) taking over the Dockside resto near Dolphin Village. Finally, authentic Baja-style dishes with a coastal fare brought to you by the partnership of Prima Cantina owner Nando Silvestri (who also owns Matteo Trattoria & Pizzeria), Buya Ramen’s Kevin Woitoqicz and Jon LaBudde.

bowls made with the freshest ingredients. A new Indian eatery is coming to Dolphin Village, but until then Gateway to India’s classic dishes, curries and cardamonflavored desserts will delight. Entertain visitors at Sloppy Joe’s and enjoy the live music, view, cocktails, sirloin wedge salad, lobster mac and cheese, shepherd’s pie and blackened grouper. Downtown’s 5 Bucks Drinkery takes over the Pete and Shorty’s space in Pinellas Park. Hilton Carillon Park is luring foodies back with Luna Lux, Lakeside Café and The Terrace Outdoor Lounge. North End Tap House and BBQ Buddha deliver low and slow-smoked traditional barbecue, live music and will host a book release party for bbq-meister Chris Sussman’s The Ultimate Big Green Egg Cookbook 4/28. Sea Grapes Eatery + Wine Lounge in St. Pete Beach is the mash-up of Lolita’s and Sea Grapes.

By Nanette Wiser

Cheese Tortellini Carbonara. Desserts include Assorted Cakes and Pies, Chocolate Fountain with Fresh Fruit, Mini Mousse Shots and Petit Fours. $61.50/adult; $30. 25/child (ages 4-10). Reserve online.

RESTO ROUND-UP Paradise To Go serves up sweet and savory crepes in PAG. Herbal Flow sells non-alcoholic beers, sparkling wines and mocktails in DTSP. Clear Sky is opening in Seminole this spring, bringing artisan cocktails and fab food to Park Blvd. near Stefano’s. Playa Bowls St. Pete Beach will keep you healthy; choose acai, green, coconut, banana or chia

EASTER BRUNCH The TradeWinds

Island Resorts will be offering three Easter options: Grand Palm Colonnade (lobby) and Palm Court Italian Grill at the TradeWinds Island Grand and RumFish Grill at RumFish Beach Resort. Reservations in advance.

Palm Court Italian Grill – Easter Sunday 5:30-10pm. Offering two special entrée additions to the regular dinner menu: Prime Rib with Truffle Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, Horseradish Cream and Au Jus ($55) or Grilled Swordfish with Linguini Pasta, Grilled Asparagus Spears and Heirloom Tomato Relish ($38). Call 727-363-2358 between 5-10pm Tues-Sat.

Grand Palm Colonnade – Easter Brunch Buffet – Seatings at 10:30am, 11am, 12:30pm and 1pm. Menu includes Peel and Eat Shrimp; Made-to-Order Omelet Bar; Belgium Waffles; Waldorf Salad; Traditional Salad Bar; Carving Station with Prime Rib and Cured Smoked Ham; Yucatán Mahi Mahi; Chicken Saltimbocca and a Pasta Bar with Penne and Roasted Vegetables and

RumFish Grill – Easter Sunday 11am-10pm. Regular menu plus two specials (Grilled Domestic Rack of Lamb with Roasted Baby Vegetables, Sweet Potato Hash and Mint Chimichurri and Lavender Crème Brulé). Call 727-329-1428.

Stan’s Tapas Lounge for wine/charcuterie and Stan Epicurean gourmet prix-fixe suppers are culinary meccas thanks to restaurateurs Amy and Charles Popp who also own Coastal Pizza Kitchen and Coastal Taco.

Need To Cater a Party?

The Outer Banks Boil Company in St. Pete Beach prepares seafood boils in the Best Pots On The Beach for home cooking, or you can get it cooked and HOT!

“Boils are prepared to order with fresh ingredients that consist of shrimp, Andouille sausage, potatoes, and corn on the cob, served in a pot.  Customers take the pot home, add a couple cups of water, beer, or wine, and then steam it on the stove for 30-60 minutes. Add-ons, including huge, delicious scallops, clams and mussels, crab claws and lobster tails, are added with more seasoning half-way through,” said Logan Berlin, co-owner, and general manager of the Dolphin Village Courtyard location, 4655 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach.

Those who don’t want to cook don’t have too. You can now pick up your boil steamed and ready to eat, or for a modest catering fee, the Outer Banks Boil Company can prepare everything for you wherever it’s convenient.“With a little notice, we are willing and able to cater groups from 6 to 200,” Berlin continues. Most people who come to the coast are seafood lovers and this new cook-at-home trend is obviously popular. People are calling to reserve dates for backyard boils, beach weddings, and picnic tables in parks. Outer Banks Boil Company comes, cooks, and cleans up. There are delicious options for landlubbers too. Pulled pork with Carolina’s vinegar-based sauce is available with coleslaw and Mike’s Key Lime Pie.

They’ve been open in St. Pete Beach since June 2021, and have collected an impressive array of five-star reviews. Here are a few you may see: We truly enjoyed our boil on arrival! This is a must do, Logan was awesome and the shrimp, crab, and mussels were delicious!

Paul Zulkoski - June

I chose Outer Banks Boil Company to cater a pool party for a little over a dozen friends. What a great choice! Everyone absolutely loved the meal and went back for 2nd, 3rd and even 4th helpings. The ingredients were all top quality and extremely flavorful. Logan did a great job speaking with everybody and answering their questions about a Low Country Boil. And I should also point out that he cleaned up when he was done and hauled out the trash. A perfectly executed catering job. I give Outer Banks Boil Company a true 5 Star rating!

Outer Banks Boil Company

StPeteBeach.OuterBanksBoilCompany.com

727-357-BOIL (2645)

4655 Gulf Blvd Unit 111, St. Pete Beach

BEVERLY DINY IS CELEBRATING 40 YEARS IN THE JEWELRY BUSINESS.

We first introduced Beverly J. Diny to Paradise NEWS readers in the spring of 2016. Diny’s Jewelers has been successful for 40 years.

Eight years ago, Beverly acted on her dream to open a shop on our beaches. She is considered a highly trained and respected jeweler that enjoys people and life. Bev is also a diamond expert who has travelled to Antwerp, Belgium, to buy diamonds directly for stock; and she takes personal orders. Beverly is dedicated to continuous satisfaction with every individual experience. Her talents are many, but her favorite talent is

redesigning jewelry that just sits in a jewelry box for her clients. “Women are bringing me jewelry that was their families and asking me to turn their beloved piece into a more modern design, by recycling these older gems and precious metals,” said Beverly.

With 40 years of experience in the industry, we can help to restore, redesign and repurpose items that have sentimental value. She offers in-house financing with deferred interest. Call 727-513-3469 or visit DINYSFlorida.com or stop in to visit Beverly in the Clock Tower Plaza, Wed.-Fri 10-5 or Tues. & Sat. by appt.

The KING Turns 30!

Have you ever tournament fished? If you have then you know what the “King of the Beach” is and if you haven’t and always wanted to, it is the best tournament in town.

This spring we are celebrating our 30th Anniversary! We cannot believe that we have been crowning Kings for so long. We are changing up some of the prizes including last place (30th place) will win $5,000. We also will have some fun giveaways to truly celebrate a milestone year for us.

There are three main reasons to fish the KING April 27-29. LEVEL PLAYING FIELD The Old Salts have made the competition one of the most fair to ALL levels of fisherman. They implement a 30-mile boundary to ensure any size boat can compete. They also offer extra places to single engine vessels. There are also no intimidating check outs or shotgun starts.

OVER 60 PLACES TO WIN The tournament has six divisions: Overall, Single Engine, Spanish Mackerel, Traveling Angler, Ladies and Youth. Each division has cash and/or prizes with approximately $250,000 up for grabs.

LOW ENTRY FEES You can enter the tournament for as little as $300, which is almost half the cost of most Kingfish tournaments. So the risk is smaller and at the same time the rewards are bigger. First place overall team can win over $100,000 if you are all in!

The event is so much more than just fishing. It is a three-day festival with all types of marine and art vendors, a food festival with local flavor, Friday night is Community Night with live music and more, boat displays and a kids fishing night off the sea wall. “Celebrating 30 years is such a huge milestone for an event like ours. We are are honored to have the support of all the fishing community,” says Old Salt President Tom Verdensky. The event will be held at the Madeira Beach Recreation Complex at 200 Rex Place, Madeira Beach.

The Old Salt Fishing Foundation hosts this semi-annual event to benefit several local charities. This spring they will be presenting checks to: P.A.R.C., Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation, Pediatric Cancer Foundation and to Florida Strong fishermen.

The Old Salt Foundation also hosts numerous  tournaments during the year including:

• Johnny Kellar Inshore Fishing Tournament

• Spring Seawall Fishing Tournament

• Spring King of the Beach Kingfish Tournament

• Ladies Fishing Tournament

• Summer Seawall Fishing Tournament

• Loop Billfish Tournament

• Fall Seawall Fishing Tournament

• Fall King of the Beach Kingfish Tournament

Learn more or register for the tournament today!

OldSaltFishing.org

Email: amy@OldSaltFishing.org

Call: 727-216-6601

Old Salt Fishing – The Foundation

The mission of the Foundation is “To create, protect and promote recreational fishing opportunities for Florida anglers and their families.” Old Salt supports the development of sound fisheries science and conservation policies, youth and family outreach and angler education. oldsaltfishing.org/the-foundation

Old Salt Fishing Foundation is a 52-year-old, not for profit, fishing organization headquartered in Madeira Beach. The Foundation serves anglers with a variety of youth and family programs, competitive fishing tournaments and angler advocacy efforts. The Foundation operates with an all-volunteer staff and board of directors. Over the years, Old Salt has delivered fishing, tournament, conservation, and education programs and opportunities for tens of thousands of anglers all while donating in excess of $1 million dollars to deserving regional charities.

You may wonder where the name “Old Salt” originated. In 1971 the Gulf Oceanographic Development Foundation, Inc. under the direction of Dr. Robert Smith, director of the State University System Institute of Oceanography, began to explore the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Loop Current. Fishing expeditions were organized to investigate theories developed by the scientists. Since the initial fishing expedition and subsequent efforts were closely associated with the Loop Current’s unusual scientific phenomena, a descriptive name was given the effort – Operation Loop Development –Suncoast Angler’s Loop Tournament – (O.L.D. S.A.L.T.)

The Old Salt Fishing Club was born. Thus, a partnership between fisherman and the scientific community was forged.

This partnership organized a fishing expedition in search of the Loop Current – (warm Caribbean waters that enter the Gulf of Mexico through the Yucatan Straits). Once in the Gulf this current “loops” and exits through the Straits of Florida to become the Gulf Stream. That tournament, the Old Salt Loop Tournament, is currently in its 48th year of operation, and is held annually in August. Since the loop expeditions, the club has continued to assist the scientific community. The club has helped support many projects including the Pinellas County Artificial Reef Program, the development of the Magnuson Act (Gulf Of Mexico Fishery Management Council) and assisted in investigating the American Cancer Society’s interest in the connection between environmental cancer and Red Tides. To this day, The Old Salts aid the scientific community wherever and whenever possible.

For 50 years, Old Salt Fishing Foundation has supported fishing, angler education and saltwater conservation through youth, family and community programs crafted to promote and advance an inclusive set of recreational fishing opportunities. Old Salt works to support anglers and their issues and get thousands of kids and their families fishing every year. Your generous financial support helps underwrite our continuing efforts. oldsaltfishing.org/support-old-salt

• Local Food Vendors

• ENORMOUS Raffle ($15,000 plus in prizes)

• Marine, Arts & Craft Vendors (ORIGINAL artwork from local artists, tackle shops, + more)

• Silent Auction Ends at 9pm

• Boat Showcase

• 1st 250 kids get a FREE Rod & Reel Combo

• Live Music: Starts @ 6:30pm

• Local Food Vendors

• Marine, Arts & Craft Vendors

• Boat Showcase

• Watch The Fish weigh-in Starts at 4pm (must be in line by 5pm)

• Live Music: After Weigh-In until 9pm

• Local Food Vendors

• Marine, Arts & Craft Vendors

• Boat Showcase

EARTH DAY 2023

By Nanette Wiser

APRIL 20 The Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center’s annual fundraiser Earth Night party will be held at Tierra Verde’s Tampa Bay Watch headquarters. This year’s event “Grown in the Gulf,” is a celebration of local food, beverages, and gustatory creativity. Guests can sample ocean-grown products prepared by local culinary stars and the dishes are paired with drinks to complement the flavors and spirit. Celebrating local foods, it’s an opportunity to taste and learn about environmentally friendly Florida aquaculture. tbwdiscoverycenter.org

APRIL 21 3rd Annual Earth Day Celebration at the Farm is a free family-friendly event celebrating all things Earth and highlighting how the little things we do for our planet can make a big difference. 1664 12th St. S; Parking at Enoch Davis. From 4-7pm Keep Pinellas Beautiful, Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival, the city of Clearwater, Visit St. Pete Clearwater, Ocean Allies, and Amplify Clearwater are joining forces for an Earth Day cleanup at Clearwater Beach! Come out to the Sugar Sand Festival for a sunset cleanup followed by live entertainment @7:30pm. sugarsandfestival.com

APRIL 22 This popular free family-friendly event organized by Learning Gate Community School and the Museum of Science and Industry is dedicated to the principles of Sustainability, Ecology, Equity, and Economy, the EcoFest event promises live music, demonstrations, informational booths, and green living products. Local vendors, food trucks, organic farms and gardens with fresh produce, alternative health practitioners, renewable energy specialists, and a variety of green businesses will be in attendance.

At The Movement Sanctuary in downtown St. Pete from 2-6pm, shop and support small business at the Earth Day Vendor Market Scents From The Crypt welcomes local vendors offering handmade glass art, canvas art, candle and bath products, handmade jewelry,

thrift/vintage clothing and goods, crochet art, floral arts, massages, makeup and face painting, amazing community opportunities and much more! Vegan food, sweets and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available.

On 4/29-30, The 37th Green Thumb Festival at Walter Fuller Park (7891 26th Ave. N, St. Pete) is St. Petersburg’s annual Arbor Day Celebration showcasing 120 garden, plant and flower vendors and exhibitors. There’s an arborist to consult, a butterfly tent and children’s crafts, free plant, mulch and pine seedling giveaways, educational programs, exhibit tents for environmental resources and groups, a garden railroad display, garden wagon decorating and parade and tree sale plus food trucks, entertainment and more.

APRIL 17-22 The city of St. Pete celebrates sustainability with an Earth Week 2023 Series. 4/17 @10am; 4/19 @1pm A family-friendly tour of Pinellas County’s integrated solid waste management system. 2940 110th Ave. N 4/17 @4pm Crafternoon Peat Pot Craft @Child’s Park Community Library; 4/22 @11am Story time and crafts @West Community Library. 4/18 @10am Electric Vehicle demo and test-drive with the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy @Boyd Hill Nature Preserve parking lot. 4/19 @6pm Mirror Lake Community Library class on air plants and composting! 4/21 @11am Take a tour of the Woodlawn Park Recycling Facility and learn about recyclables. 4/22 @9am Pollinator Pathways – Explore and learn about Florida’s wildflowers, birds, bees, and butterflies. At 10am learn about water quality, conservation, and other surveying techniques at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. 4/22 @1pm DIY Native Plant container garden class at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. 4/22 @2pm Take a tour of Brick Street Farms’ sustainable hydroponic gardens.

More than ever, Mother Nature needs you. Plant a tree, make a donation or volunteer!

HANGING AROUND

By Caron Schwartz

As my eighth summer here in Gulfport approaches, I look around at my beautiful city by the bay in amazement. Changes here and there, but still the funky town residents, snowbirds, and visitors I can’t get enough of.

I write this with the earworm in my head “Born This Way” as only the Gulfport Gecko Amalgamated Marching Band can play it. My mom and I couldn’t help but boogie, our eyes on our Lenny on the trombone. The occasion? The Peace, Love & Pride Festival, one of Gulfport’s many lively events. Others include the Pink Flamingo Home Tour, Get Rescued, and GeckoFest. Plus, we celebrate the arts at our Fine Arts Festival, Art in the Yard, ArtJones, and First Friday and Third Saturday Art Walks

Restaurant stalwarts O’Maddy’s and Neptune still pack ‘em in, and there are great newcomers. Little Tommy’s Tiki was reborn as The Tiki, Mano’s is now The Pearl, and the Sea Dog Cantina made way for the Drunken Taco. The locals’ favorite, Pia’s, expanded across the street to the former home of Tutto Bene. Pizza lovers now have three options: ever-popular Siri’s and two new contenders: Tommy’s Hideaway (formerly the Dog Pier) and Slice of Gulfport. And we have our very own Caddy’s!

Some of our other treasures include the award-winning Gulfport Public Library, home of the LGBTQ Resource Center; the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center, which attracts patrons from all over Pinellas County; and Clam Bayou Nature Park, with its trails and kayak launch. You can take in our brick streets, old-timey bungalows, and stately, one-of-a-kind Roebuck homes during a walking tour through the Gulfport History Museum

Our crown jewel is the Historic Gulfport Casino, which has stood in one form or another since the early 20th century. The dance hall/ event center takes its name from the Italian casa or house. Casino translates roughly into “little house,” e.g., a vacation cottage or place to have fun. You can find me there Tuesday and Thursday mornings for Tai Chi, a Senior Center program.

The whole town is eagerly awaiting the reopening of the Historic Peninsula Inn. Long-time owner Veronica Champion has moved onto greener pastures, and the new owners are in the process of renovating. Meanwhile, the bar and restaurant are open for your imbibing pleasure including a jazzy Sunday brunch.

Y’all come back now, ya hear?

TRAVEL ADVENTURES

CULINARY CHARMS One of Florida’s top 10 food and wine festivals is St. Augustine’s Food + Wine Festival May 3-7 where you can hobnob with celebrity chefs, local culinary artisans and sample hundreds of wines, beer and spirits. Enjoy cooking demos and live music with your all-inclusive food and drink tickets. The World Golf Hall of Fame and the World Golf Village Renaissance Resort and the historic district of St. Augustine are the host location sites for the 2023 festival. World Golf Village is located 20 minutes north of historic downtown St. Augustine and the beaches. Florida’s largest city Jacksonville is located only 30 minutes away. On 5/6 from 2-5pm, be sure to get tickets for the Food & Wine Grand Tasting where your all-inclusive ticket gets you a souvenir glass, 300 sips, oodles of tastings plus Edible Northeast Magazine‘s People’s Choice Harvest Awards and Demonstration Stages featuring chef and beverage demos, with limited tasting sampling available as well as live music. At 4pm, gather in front of the Jacksonville Magazine Music Stage for the “Kentucky Derby Hat Contest” open to women and men. Winner receives 4 Grand Tasting Tickets for the 2024 St. Augustine Food + Wine Festival and a Dozen Red Roses! staugustinefoodandwinefestival.com

By Nanette Wiser

HISTORIC CHARLESTON The 2023 Festival of Houses & Gardens through April 16 gives you intimate glimpses into some of the most beautiful homes and gardens in this lovely Southern city. Charleston is officially blooming and it’s easy to see why the Holy City has been named number one by Southern Living. Each spring, Historic Charleston Foundation celebrates all that makes Charleston special: House & Garden Tours, Food For Thought lectures and numerous events to Live Like a Local (craft events, wine tastings, container gardens, history harbor tours). I’m signing up for classes with Charleston’s beloved The Cocktail Bandits, Johnny Caldwell and Taneka Reaves, for their tequila and rum based cocktail workshop. At the historic Circular Congregational Church, the Festival Music Series welcomes music with roots in the Lowcountry including The Plantation Singers, Jonathan Kammer Jazz and Southern Flavor Bluegress Band. HistoricCharleston.org/festival

FAMILY ATTRACTIONS Take your visitors for a whirlwind tour. Adventure Island re-opened in March with a new splash zone for kids, Shak-Laka Shores, joining Wahoo Remix, Rapids Racer, eight waterslides, the Endless Surf Wave Pool, the Splash Attack water play area, lazy river and more. Closer to home, Tradewinds Island Resorts’ waterslide and floating water park keep little sharks occupied. Through April 15, visit the Dino Rescue at Clearwater Marine Aquarium where animatronic dinosaurs will rock their world. The new Serengeti Flyer debuted at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for the brave while also hosting the Food & Wine Festival with live music and delish dishes through May 21. At LEGOLAND Florida, LEGO City Space highlights NASA’s Artemis Mission to the moon, a water park, and a new ride – Pirate River Quest – as well as

Peppa Pig Theme Park

MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

The Palladium’s jazz streak is hot this spring. Get your tickets now for the 5/4 Sinatra Swings show featuring John O’Leary, James Suggs, Alejandro Arenas, Jean Bolduc, Bryan J Hughes and Trace Zacur. On 4/4, catch chanteuse Kristy Parton with the 18-member Helios Jazz Orchestra in a special concert of jazz favorites. Kristy’s big band experiences began in college when she was honored with a Downbeat award and performed at the North Sea Jazz Festival and Montreux Jazz Festival. As the featured vocalist with the well-known Rob Parton Big Band for many years, her interpretations of jazz and popular songs have been heard by thousands. In the Windy City, she also sang with jazz combos, The Caroling Party (an award-winning a cappella group). The Helios Jazz Orchestra (directed by Dr. David Manson) has been featured on the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, St. Petersburg Jazz Festival, and Ybor Jazz Festival. It is comprised of top area jazz musicians who love the sound of a roaring jazz big band!

amazing late-night comedy shows this year. Next up on 4/29 @The Palladium is a night of comedy with the Best of the Boston Comedy Festival featuring Jim McCue, Bethany Van Delft, Tony V, and Erin Maguire. Gribbin is also a fan of singer/ songwriter Tommy Prine who will play The Palladium 4/20 after a successful March residency at The Basement Nashville. Son of folk singer John Prine (who lived in Gulfport), Nashville Scene raves about Tommy’s two singles, Turning Stones and Ships in the Harbor, writing “They’re filled with probing introspection and vivid metaphor, sung in a gentle, understated tone and backed with quiet acoustic instruments.” A debut album is in the works as well.

By Nanette Wiser

between. The Arts Café will be open serving food and drinks. Tickets $20/members; $25/non-members.

The Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association’s Bette Gregg shared a cool event planned at American Stage 4/30 celebrating Jazz Appreciation Month and National Poetry Month called Jam & Pam featuring the music of La Lucha Trio and a guest vocalist plus readings from poets Gloria Munoz and Florida’s Poet Laureate Peter Meinke. Don’t miss the weekly jazz jams at DTSP’s Hangar Restaurant 7-9pm. On St. Pete Beach, Sunday @11:30am features Le Jazz Trio at Boulevard Burgers & Tap House.

On 4/26, Clearwater Jazz Holiday Foundation invites you to Jazz in Paradise, an evening under the stars on a sunset cruise aboard StarLite Majesty Dining Yacht. Join the CJH Community of Support and be part of the impact! Inspiring & Changing Lives Through Music. The $125/person donation includes passed hors’ d’oeuvres, a complimentary premium bar, three-course gourmet dinner and live music by Allon Sams, featuring CJH Young Lions Jazz Students and Alumni. Boarding begins at 6pm; sail away 6:30-9:30pm from the Clearwater Marina, with an Afterglow party at the dock until 10pm.

clearwaterjazz.com/cjhmusicseries.html

Operated by Ruth Eckerd Hall, The Sound debuts at Coachman Park in downtown Clearwater and will host concerts starting in July, and the CJH Jazz Holiday.

Jazz nights at Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement continue 4/15 7-9:30pm featuring the Latin Jazz Knights Band. Founded in 1997 by Gilberto Niño Garcia in Tampa, the group performs original, standard Jazz, Brazilian and Afro-Caribbean music and are favorites at The Clearwater Jazz Holiday. Enjoy two 1-hour sets with a half-hour intermission

Entertainment gurus Tom Gribbin and Jon Reno La Budde have brought us

GOOD DEEDS

person. Their motto “Stand Up To Silence” translates to action, eliminating domestic violence through advocacy, prevention, intervention and support services.

By Susan Koenig

domestic violence, is proud of the brand-new facility and all the services contained therein, not to mention her staff, whom she explains is doing “front line work,” saving lives every day. info@casa-stpete.org

CASA (Community Action Stops Abuse)

Pinellas was founded by Sr. Margaret Freeman in 1977 as the “Free Clinic Spouse Abuse Shelter” providing emergency housing for up to eight domestic violence survivors at a time. Today this 501(c)(3) organization provides emergency shelter for 133 people at a time as well as on-site support services – rapid re-housing program, children’s programs and an outreach department providing support groups and peer counseling.

CASA’s mission is to challenge all forms of domestic violence including physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats of actions that intimidate, harm or terrorize another

CASA recently opened the only Family Justice Center (FJC) in the state of Florida. It operates a 24-hour domestic hotline (727-828-1269), support groups, economic empowerment, legal advocacy, nonresidential programs, a Child Protective Investigative team and more under one roof so that a distressed client/victim can address all their needs at one place without having to navigate a complex system.

At the heavily secured FJC, the client enters into a pleasant comfortably furnished living room and is assigned a case worker. If there are children involved, the on-site day care center takes care of them, even offering crates for the family pets. Since the center opened in October 2022, the number of clients seeking help has increased by 65%! CASA’s knowledgeable and charming CEO, Lariana Forsythe, herself a victim of

Consider donating your slightly used treasures (apparel, home goods, shoes, jewelry) to the best thrift shop ever located on CASA’s first floor at 1011 First Ave. N in downtown St. Pete. This impressive, clean and organized store raises significant funds for CASA’s programs along with grants and fundraisers. Donations are always welcome. Their annual fundraiser, Rhinestone Rodeo, is 4/21 5:30-10pm at The James Museum. casapinellas.org/event/gala

Featured Property: 4230 48th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711

Our featured property is located in the Broadwater Community on "The Grand Canal", where you are only a few hundred yards to Boca Ciega Bay and minutes to the Gulf. This gracious home is a 3Br/2Ba. 1832 sq.ft. with a new sea wall, 10,000 lb boat lift, jet ski pad, fire pit, e both inside and out. You really need to check this one out. Call Debbie for

Got to get back to the garden

Enjoy 10 beautiful gardens during the Historic Old Northeast’s inaugural Art in the Garden Tour Saturday, April 15 from 1-4pm. The sights and smells will be accompanied by art, music, snacks, and beverages. $30 tickets are available at honna.org, local nurseries, and Sunken Gardens.

Notes on summer camp

There are a ton of summer camp options in Pinellas County this year, but American Stage Summer Camp, June 5-Aug. 4, brings the magic of the stage into your kids’ lives. Each week tackles a different theme, from musical theatre to puppets to improv. Held at First Presbyterian Church in St. Pete, camp runs from 9am-3pm with pre- and after-care available. Learn more at: bit.ly/3n1dUGi.

More interested in a variety of media? Send your child to the Morean Arts Center camp. Each week, June 5-Aug. 4, provides a new artistic adventure where young artists ages 5-16 can explore their creative side. Find out more and register at bit.ly/42gQqxb.

Creative Clay’s premiere fundraiser, Spring for the Arts, returns to NOVA 535 in St. Petersburg, April 21, 6-9pm. The event features live music by Disston Ridge, live painting and portrait drawing by Creative Clay member artists, opportunity drawings for a trip to Ireland or Hawaii; and fabulous silent auction items. Learn more and purchase tickets: bit.ly/3ZSrEll

The USF Contemporary Art Museum in Tampa presents the annual exhibition of master’s thesis work by third-year Master of Fine Arts candidates in the USF School of Art and Art History. The 2023 exhibition, titled Someday You’ll Have To Say It Out Loud, runs through May 6. For gallery hours and schedule of events see bit.ly/3Jq8QTy

Call for artists

ArtOUT 2023: Emergence, an international juried art show, seeks creative expressions of the experiences, representations, identities, and/or politics of LGBTQ+ people. Deadline for art: April 17. Exhibition: June 1-3 at the James Museum in St. Pete and Gulfport Public Library.

For more information and to submit your entry go to bit.ly/3TpSS08

Jazz night at MAACM

Sway to the sounds of the Latin Jazz Knights Band at the Museum of the American Arts and Crafts movement April 15, 7-9:30pm. The galleries will be closed, but refreshments available at the Arts Café. For more information and tickets salsa over to my.museumaacm. org/1714/1716

American Stage presents

Ragtime in the Park at Demens Landing Park in St. Pete. This timeless musical tells an American story of three groups working together at the turn of the 20th century. Tickets start at just $25, and performances run Wednesday through Sunday evenings from April 12-May 14. For more information or tickets: bit.ly/3Fx84D8.

Spring at the Straz

The Straz Center’s Patel Conservatory’s Ovation! Performance Group will present its repertoire of Broadway, pop, and holiday songs Thursday, April 27, at 6:30pm. Tickets begin at $18.75. For more information and to buy tickets go to strazcenter.org

Crowns returns to The Straz on May 20 and 21. One of last season’s most talked-about productions, this version reimagines Crowns as a spoken word and music event, giving a new perspective to the play’s celebration of African American female solidarity and the power of the church in African American culture. For more information and tickets see strazcenter.org

“EARTH without ART is just EH”

By Caron Schwartz

You say it’s your birthday Brenda McMahon Gallery and Custom House Decor celebrate their fourth anniversaries at Gulfport’s First Friday ArtWalk on May 5. The gallery and next-door neighbor Custom House were the first two tenants to open at 2901 Beach Blvd. in 2019. There will be artwork galore and music by Gail Tripp Smith and Joey Interrante.

St. Petersburg Arts Alliance earned a 2022 Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar, an information service that reports on US nonprofits. SPAA is one of only four arts nonprofits (among eight overall) out of over 1,600 nonprofits in St. Petersburg to have earned the top Platinum status. guidestar.org

Mize in SPACE

There’s still time to see OUT OF EDEN, a nature-inspired exhibition of works by internationally acclaimed Cuban American artist Yolanda Sánchez. Her artwork is full of lush, vibrant colors that reflect the landscape surrounding the Largo-based Gallery at Creative Pinellas and all of Pinewood Park. The exhibition closes April 16. For more information: bit.ly/3YVVynm

St. Pete artist Chad Mize is up to something in his new SPACE, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority’s former garage in the Warehouse Arts District. Too busy with his commissions, he shuttered his gallery in Historic Uptown late last year. Besides Mize’s studio, part of SPACE will feature the large-scale work of about 30 local artists with the rest open for artists, musicians, filmmakers, and other creatives to do their thing. Watch out for a popup show in June to coincide with Pride Month.

Worth her weight in gold

With her enigmatic smile, an unidentified woman was dubbed the Mona Lisa of the Deep after her daguerreotype photograph was pulled from the wreckage of the S.S. Central America. Known as the Ship of Gold, the vessel sank in 1857 while carrying 10 tons of gold prospected during the California Gold Rush. Sold at auction, the Mona Lisa of the Deep’s winning bid was $73,200.

The St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts named Anne-Marie Russell as executive director and CEO. Russell joined the MFA in Sept. 2022 as interim ED. Russell brings more than 25 years of expertise in cultural production leadership, both institutional and entrepreneurial, to the MFA.

The 48th Annual Mainsail Art Festival, one of our premier outdoor festivals, will be held in Vinoy Park April 22-23. Each year, more than 100,000 visitors attend, enjoying and purchasing the fine art of over 250 artists while listening to live music. Artists vie for $60,000 in cash awards, including $10,000 Best of Show. mainsailart.org

Choral Artists of Sarasota has been invited to be the principal choral ensemble for the 80th D-Day anniversary commemorations in France in June 2024. In addition to participating in commemoration ceremonies at the cemeteries in Normandy and Brittany, the group will perform at Sainte-Mère-Église in Normandy and L’église de la Madeleine in Paris.

RATical!

Bet you didn’t know April 4 is World Rat Day. To celebrate, pet rat owner and artist Brandy Stark is hosting a month-long rat-themed art show giving these little mischievous creatures their due. Check out the radical rodents at ArtLofts in St. Pete. Sales are direct to artists, though a 20% donation of sales is requested for Florida Rat Rescue. theartlofts.com/ brandy-stark-2

“Life is short, art is infinite”

- Oscar Wilde

Yolanda Sánchez

Anne-Marie Russell

Mona Lisa of the Deep

Out of Eden

ARTISTS SPOTLIGHT

SUNSCREEN FILM FESTIVAL Now in its 18th year, the globally recognized Sunscreen Film Festival returns to DTSP’s AMC Sundial 12 4/27-4/30, hosted by the St. Pete/Clearwater Film Commission and showcasing 41 feature films and 150 short films as well as numerous workshops. We’re excited about Opening Night’s preview of A Taste For Love, shot in Dunedin and starring Erin Cahill (Christmas Bedtime Stories) Jesse Kove (Cobra Kai, Money Run) and Martin Kove (Cobra Kai, Karate Kid) who will walk the red carpet. Also shot in DTSP is 115 Grains with the support of the St. Pete Police Department and tackles the topic of police officer suicide. sunscreenfilmfestival.com

THEATER The Straz Center for the Performing Arts announced the 2023-2024 Bank of America Broadway at The Straz season which will feature Beetlejuice, Funny Girl, Company, Girl from the North Country, Mrs. Doubtfire, Peter Pan, Clue and, for a two-week engagement, the Tony Award®winning best musical Moulin Rouge! The Musical as well as The Choir of Man in the intimate Jaeb Theater and encore engagements of Jesus Christ Superstar, THE BOOK OF MORMON and Les Misérables.

BOOK NOOK We love independent book stores like Tombolo, Book + Bottle, Treasure Island’s Books on the Beach, and coming this fall, Read The Waves bookstore on St. Pete Beach’s Corey Ave. In DTSP, Pieces of A Dream and The Merchant also sell books and we discovered author and pianist Chaim Freiberg who fell in love with downtown St. Pete’s ambience and historical buildings. Originally from Israel and trained at Juilliard, Freiberg’s love of music and people he has known inspires his upcoming novels as well as his charming children’s stories (Ms. Flora and the Squirrel And Other Tales of Friendship and Gratitude). tombolobooks.com

By Nanette Wiser

“My stories center on music as it is the medium I feel so strongly,” says Freiberg.

MUSIC FOR SOCIAL CHANGE

Iris DeMent performs 4/16 @ CPPAC at Largo Central Park showcasing songs to heal our broken inner and outer spaces from her transcendent new record, Workin’ On A World. With an inimitable voice as John Prine described, “like you’ve heard, but not really,” and unforgettable melodies rooted in hymns, gospel, and old country music, she’s simply one of the finest singer-songwriters in America as well as one of our fiercest advocates for human rights. Her debut record Infamous Angel recently celebrated its 30th anniversary and was named one of the “greatest country albums of all time” by Rolling Stone. DeMent’s songs have been featured in film (True Grit) and TV (The Leftovers). cppac@largo.com

A STAR IS BORN The Suncoast Blues Society (SBS) is looking for bands and solo/ duo Acts to compete in the Suncoast Blues Society Road To Memphis Competition to be held July 23 starting @1pm at the Palladium Theater. Entry fee for this year is $25 per act and you must be SBS members. SBS is also looking for a Youth Showcase act to represent the Society; all members of the band must be under 21. One band and one solo/ duo act will be chosen by the five judges to to represent SBS at the International Blues Challenge January 16-20, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee. SBS is also soliciting entrants for the Best Self-Produced CD competition. suncoastblues.org

Arts & Leisure

Venues are listed, alphabetically within category, in the following sequence of categories. Each listing includes address and web link, if available. Most web links are active when you are online at www.paradisenewsfl.com or copy and paste them in your browser.

IN THIS ISSUE:

ART CENTERS/CLASSES

ART – GALLERIES

ARTS – PERFORMING

MUSEUMS

MUSIC OPERA FILM

ECO

GARDENS FERRIES LIBRARIES

MARKETS

SPIRITUAL ZOOS/AQUARIUMS

Listings for the following categories can be viewed online at paradisenewsfl.com

VOLUNTEERING

YOGA

ART CENTERS/CLASSES

Beach Art Center

1515 Bay Palm Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach 727-596-4331 beachartcenter.org

April

10-May 12 – Poetry in Motion Show

Charlie Parker Pottery

2724 Sixth Ave. S, St. Petersburg 727-321-2071 charlieparkerpottery.com

Heart of Pinellas

Decorative Artists

Pinellas Park Art Center, Roe’s Deli, 5851 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park.

Local chapter of National Society of Decorative Painters.

727-244-4321 hpdafl.com

Painters of all levels welcome.

Morean Arts Center

719 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-822-7872

moreanartscenter.org

Contemporary art gallery. Art classes year-round.

April

1-22 – Richard Seidel: Daily Drawings

8-June 22 – Fresh Squeezed: Emerging Artists in Florida

Morean Center for Clay

420 22nd St. S, St. Petersburg 727-821-7162 ext 2311 moreanartscenter.org

Largest pottery in the Southeast

Morean Glass Studio

714 First Ave. N, St. Petersburg 727-822-7872 moreanartscenter.org

Daily demonstrations every hour noon to 4pm. Classes available.

Pinellas Park Art Society Park Station Building

5851 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park 727-360-4406 pinellasart.org

Suntan Art Center at Don Vista Arts Center 3300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach 727-367-3818 suntanart.org

Classes, Art Mart every weekend on Pass-a-Grille Beach

Monthly members’ shows

April

1 – 60th Birthday Bash

The Hive

559 49th St. S, St Petersburg 727-290-6515 thehivestpete.com

Classes, open studio, pottery, and jewelry sales

Treasure Island Art Guild treasureislandartguild.org

Painting workshops weekly

Veterans Art Center

6798 Crosswinds Dr. N, St. Petersburg 813-504-3092 vactb.org

Provides opportunities for military and veterans to develop and showcase creative and artistic accomplishments

Zen Glass Studio & Gallery

600 27th St. S, St. Petersburg 727-323-3141 zenglass.com

ART GALLERIES

To see galleries participating in Second Saturday Artwalk in downtown St. Petersburg, go to stpeteartsalliance.org/ experience-arts/artwalk

Art at 400 Studios

400 23rd St. S, St. Petersburg 786-567-1024 facebook.com/Artat400/

Art Fusion Galleries

106 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-827-7195 artfusiongalleries.com

ARTicles/Leslie Curran Gallery

1234 Dr. MLK Jr St. N, St. Petersburg 727-898-6061 articlesstpete.com

ARTpool Gallery

2030 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-324-3878 artpoolrules.com Open Wed.-Sun., noon-5pm

ArtsXchange

515 22nd St. S, St. Petersburg Open Fri.-Sat., 11am-5pm

Atelier de SoSi

2380 Sixth Ave. S, St. Petersburg 727-370-4192 atelierdesosi.com

Brenda McMahon Gallery 2901 Beach Blvd. S #104 Gulfport 518-692-7742 brendamcmahongallery.com

Bula Barua

2534 Terminal Drive S, St. Petersburg 727-900-1063 bulagallery.com Blown glass on canvas

Chasen Galleries

1830 S Osprey Ave., Sarasota 941-260-5787

chasengalleries.com/sarasota

Chihuly Collection

720 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-822-7872 ext 5102 moreanartscenter.org

Advance ticket ecommended

Through June 4 – Karen Tucker

Kuykendall & Steve Hagan

Clyde Butcher Galleries clydebutcher.com/galleries

Through April 29 – Daydreaming: Niki Butcher’s Hand-Painted Photography

Clearwater Library, 100 N Osceola Ave. EXTENDED Venice Gallery & Studio 237 Warfield Ave. S, Venice 941-486-0811

Big Cypress Gallery

52388 Tamiami Trail, Ochopee 239-695-2428

Cobb Gallery

Eckerd College, Library Circle, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Petersburg 800-454-9009 eckerd.edu/visualarts/program

Collectors Exchange Gallery 1234 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N, St. Petersburg 727-898-6061 articlestpete.com

Open Sat. 11am-5pm

Craftsman House 2955 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-323-2787

craftsmanhousegallery.com

Gallery-Café-Pottery Studio

Creative Clay Cultural Arts Center 1846 First Ave. S, St. Petersburg 727-825-0515 creativeclay.org

Creative Pinellas 12211 Walsingham Rd., Largo 727-460-5477

Gallery hours noon-5pm Wed-Sun creativepinellas.org

Through April 16 –Out of Eden exhibition

Crossroads Gallery

St. Petersburg College, 2464 Drew St., Clearwater 727-791-2548

Collection of SPC student art spcollege.edu/friends-partners/ community-resources

Custom House Décor 2901 Beach Blvd., Gulfport 727-317-5936

customhousedecor.com

Tuesday Fresh Market

Buddy Baker | Events, Arts & Leisure Coordinator

ARTS & LEISURE EVENTS

D Gallerie

1234 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N, Unit C St. Petersburg 407-921-3608 d-gallerie.com

DRV Fine Art Studios & Gallery

5401 Gulfport Blvd. S, Gulfport 727-382-7004 drvgallery.com

Duncan McClellan Gallery 2342 Emerson Ave. S, St. Petersburg 813-760-6600 dmglass.com

Gulf Coast Artists Alliance St. Pete ArtWorks, 2604 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-738-8010 gcaa-fl.org

Heiress NEW

2622 Fairfield Ave S, Bldg. 7, Studio A, St. Petersburg heiressgallery.com

Contemporary gallery and art advisory

www.paradisenewsfl.com/april-2023-events

Scan QR code for event listings online to go with you. Sign up to receive upcoming event e-news online at www.ParadiseNewsFL.com • Like us on facebook.com/ParadiseNews

RECURRING EVENTS

Tuesdays & 4th Saturday • 9am-3pm, Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market, Beach Blvd. below 28th Ave. S. gulfporttuesdayfreshmarket.com

Fridays • 5-9pm, First Friday Art Walk, Downtown Gulfport. A juried event featuring emerging and professional artists. First Friday of every month.

Last Friday • 6-9pm, live music at the John’s Pass Bell Tower, John’s Pass Boardwalk and Shopping Village, 12902 Village Blvd., Madeira Beach

Saturdays • 9am-2pm, St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market, First Ave. SE and First St., Al Lang Stadium parking lot near the marina. Celebrating community, food, and creativity. October through May.

1st Saturday • 8am Beach Cleanup, Archibald Park,15100 Gulf Blvd. Mad. Beach.

2nd Saturday • 8:30am, Beach Cleanup. TI Waffle House, 11185 Gulf Blvd.

• 5-9pm, St. Pete Artwalk. Artists and gallery owners from 40 studios and galleries in five arts districts show off their latest works. Take the trolley, drive or park and walk. stpeteartsalliance.org/artwalk

3rd Saturday • 5-9pm, Indie Faire, Beach Blvd., Gulfport. Outdoor, socially distanced event in Gulfport features local art, handmade crafts, jewelry, and pottery to locally sourced botanicals.

4th Saturday • Gulfport 4th Saturday Fresh Market 9am-2pm • Pinellas Arts Walk 4-8pm, Pinellas Arts Village Walk, 5600-5800 Park Blvd. (north side), Pinellas Park. Pinellas Park Art Society, Donnelly COVE, Complete Sweet Shoppe, Pompei Factory, Studios @5663, Painting with a Twist, Bottles Pub, and Swartz Gallery.

Sundays • 9am-1pm Indian Shores Sunday Morning Market, Indian Shores Municipal Center, 19305 Gulf Blvd. Local vendors offer everything from gourmet foods to fine art. (November-April). TheBeachMarkets.com. Library Book Sale every third Sunday.

• 10am-2pm/Summer 9am-1pm, Corey Sunday Market, Corey Ave. (74th Ave), St. Pete Beach. Almost a hundred vendors with an emphasis on local fresh, hydroponic and organic veggies, gourmet take-out treats, locally made crafts and live music. (9-1 June - Sept.)

Every other Sunday • 9am-noon, Organic Farming at Eco-Village, 302 15th St. N, St. Pete. Volunteer in a community garden that provides access to fresh organic produce, opportunities for physical activity, connection with nature.

Dunedin Fine Art Center 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin 727-298-3322 dfac.org

April 16 – 43rd Annual Garden Party

Ekeko Gallery

290 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr St. N, St. Petersburg 727-685-5577 facebook.com/Ekeko-Gallery

Elliott Gallery

Eckerd College, Nielsen Center for Visual Arts, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Petersburg 800-454-9009 eckerd.edu/visualarts/program

Factory St. Pete 2622 Fairfield Ave. S St. Petersburg thefactorystpete.com

April

15 – Random Rab w/ Lusine, Erothyme

22 – Daddy Kool Record Store Day

Fairgrounds St. Pete 800 28th St. S, St. Petersburg Works by more than 60 local and international artists https://fairgrounds.art

Five Deuces Gallerie 2101 Third Ave. S, St. Petersburg Open by appointment & Artwalk Facebook.com/five22222

Florida CraftArt Gallery

501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-821-7391 floridacraftart.org

Sat. Mural Walk

Through April 29 – Members Show

May

5-June 24 – The Alchemy of Art

Luis Sottil Studios 400 Beach Drive NE, Suite 150, St. Petersburg 727-220-1567

facebook.com/luissottilstpete

Mirella Cimato Art Gallery

2145 First Ave. S, St. Petersburg (inside St. Petersburg Opera) 727-543-9190

facebook.com/MirellaCimatoGallery

Nielsen Center for Visual Arts

Main Gallery

Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Petersburg 800-454-9009 eckerd.edu/visualarts/program

Red Cloud Indian Arts

214 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg 727-821-5824

redcloudindianarts.com

Representing authentic Native American arts

Soft Water Gallery 515 22nd St. S, St. Petersburg 727-327-3473

softwatergallery.com

SPACE NEW 855 28th St. S, St. Petersburg Warehouse Arts District

facebook.com/spacestpete

Exhibits change quarterly

Stirling Art Studios & Gallery 730 Broadway (Second Floor) Studio 12, Dunedin 800-325-2050

facebook.com/StirlingArtDunedin New artist exhibits monthly

Syd Entel Galleries

247 Main St., Safety Harbor 727-725-1808

sydentelgalleries.com

The Art Lofts

Florida Craftsmen Galleries (second floor) 10 Fifth St. N, St. Petersburg

727-504-8788 theartlofts.com

By appointment only

Vince Anthony Fine Art Gallery

NEW

10611 Bay Pines Blvd. #5, St. Petersburg 727-401-2886 fineartamerica.com/art/ vince+anthony artmanvinnie@yahoo.com

Woodfield Fine Art Gallery

2323 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-254-6981 woodfieldfineart.com

ARTS PERFORMING

Amalie Arena

401 Channelside Dr., Tampa 813-301-2500 amaliearena.com

April

15 – Creator Clash 2

21 – 98RockFest

23 – Juan Luis Guerra 30 – New Edition

American Stage

Raymond James Theatre

163 Third St. N, St. Petersburg 727-823-7529 americanstage.org

April

12-May 14 – Ragtime

Asolo Repertory Theatre

5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 800-361-8388 asolorep.org

Masks required inside building

Through April 13 –Chicken & Biscuits

Through April 22 – Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help

May

10-June 11 – Man of La Mancha

Bilheimer Capitol Theatre

405 Cleveland St., Clearwater 727-791-7400

rutheckerdhall.com

April

1 – Gaelic Storm & The High Kings

2 – The Monkees Celebrated by Micky Dolenz

7 – Jimmie Vaughan

14 – Jake Shimabukuro

15 – CAL: The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper

16 – The Lone Bellow

21 – Home Free

22 – My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m in Therapy!

23 – Leonid & Friends

27 – Hoodoo Gurus

May

4 – Cream of Clapton Band

Bininger Theater

Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Petersburg 727-867-1166

eckerd.edu/theatre

April

19-22 – Spring Awakening

Catherine Hickman Theater

5501 27th Ave. S, Gulfport 727-893-1070 mygulfport.us

Central Park Performing Arts Center

105 Central Park Dr., Largo 727-587-6793 largoarts.com

April

6 – Majesty of Rock: A Journey & Styx Tribute

May 5-14 – Oliver!

Early Bird Dinner Theater 13355 49th St. N, Clearwater 727-466-5998 earlybirddinnertheater.com/site

Through April 23 – Mom’s Gift by Phil Olson

May

6-June 11 – Casserole by Pam Harbaugh

Eckerd College International Film Series

All films free to the public, 7pm Miller Auditorium, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Petersburg 727-867-1166

www.eckerd.edu/ international-cinema/

April

7 – Close

14 – Dos Estaciones

21 – All the Beauty and the Bloodshed

28 – Hidden Letters

May

5 – Human Flowers of Flesh

Eight O’Clock Theatre

105 Central Park Dr., Largo 727-587-6793

eightoclocktheatre.com

May

5-14 – Oliver!

Floridian Social Club

Support your Florida Orchestra today FloridaOrchestra.org/donate

687 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-322-4600

www.thefloridiansocial.com

April

1 – The Spazmatics 80s Retro Dance Party

2 – Animal Hospital, Rugh, Chlorinefields, Palomino Bli

5 – Top of the Fire Escape

9 – Witch Hiatus

ARTS & LEISURE EVENTS

16 – Laura Jane Grace

ONGOING

Through April 23 — Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery

$45-$55, 2pm/7pm, freeFall Theatre, 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Comedic genius Ken Ludwig transforms Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic The Hound of the Baskervilles into a murderously funny adventure. The male heirs of the Baskerville line are being dispatched one by one. To find their ingenious killer, Holmes and Watson must brave the desolate moors before a family curse dooms its newest heir. freefalltheatre.com

UPCOMING

April 1-15 – Spring Shellebration at Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Included in general admission ($35.95 adult), 4-8pm, 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater. Spring Shellebration offers extended hours until 8 pm to enjoy extra time with the rescued sea turtles, dolphins and other marine animals plus tropical sunset cruises, games, live entertainment, music and family fun activities. Save $3 off admission when you book ahead. visit.cmaquarium.org 727-441-1790

April 7-23 – Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival

$14/under age 3 free, exhibit hours Sun-Thurs 10am-9pm/Fri-Sat 10am-10pm, Pier 60, Clearwater Beach. World-renowned sand artists bring to life more than 1,000 tons of sand in a 21,000square-foot walk-through exhibit. Don’t miss the children’s play area, street performers, artisans, live entertainment, weekend fireworks, sand sculpting classes, speed sand demonstrations, and a master sand sculpting competition.

w/ Weakened Friends

20 – Drive-By Truckers

w/Lydia Loveless

23 – St. Pete Opera Presents: The Opera Cowgirls LIVE

Francis Wilson Playhouse

302 Seminole St., Clearwater 727-446-1360

franciswilsonplayhouse.org

Through April 9 – Private Lives

May

4-21 – Beauty and the Beast

freeFall Theatre Company 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-498-5205 freefalltheatre.com

Through April 23 – Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery

Gulfport Casino

5500 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport 813-840-3715

mygulfport.us/recreation/casino

Weekly dancing/instruction

Gulfport Community Players

Back Door Theater

1619 49th St. S, Gulfport gulfportcommunityplayers.org

Through April 2 –

Crimson Sails musical

Jannus Live

200 First Ave. N, St. Petersburg 727-565-0550 jannuslive.com

April

M.A.D. Theatre of Tampa (Music Acting Dance Theatre of Tampa)

@ The Straz Center, 1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa 813-229-7827 madtheatre.com

Manatee Performing Arts Center 502 Third Ave. W, Bradenton 941-748-5875

manateeperformingartscenter.com

April

1 – Night of R&B w/ Nu Jazz

5-23 – Driving Miss Daisy

27-May 14 – Sunset Boulevard

May

6 – Annie KIDS

9-10 – DraMature Presents Hollywood 1940’s USO Radio Musical

MIDFLORIDA Credit Union

Amphitheatre

Florida State Fairgrounds 4802 US Hwy. 301 N Tampa 813-740-2446 midflorida.com/amphitheatre

May

6 – Morgan Wallen

19 – Hank Williams

National Theatre Live Eckerd College, Miller Auditorium 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Petersburg Performances in HD campusce.net/eckerd/course/ course.aspx?catid=159

Patel Conservatory 1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa, Dance / Theater / Music / Adult Classes 813-222-1002

patelconservatory.org

April

27 – Ovation! Showcase

29 – Spring Into Dance

May

9 – Spring Music Spectacular

13 – Spring Jazz Jam

22 – Be Our Guest

28 – Chase Rice

May

5 – Mike Love w/ Dub Inc.

6 – $not

7 – Alestorm, Gloryhammer, and Lutharo

9 – 100 Gecs Percent:

10,000 Gecs Tour 2

10 – The Gaslight Anthem

Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center

4951 78th Ave. N, Pinellas Park 727-369-5746

pinellas-park.com/161/PerformingArts-Center.com

April

15 – Heart Breaker: A Heart Tribute

16 – Pinellas Park Civic Orchestra

May

13 – Gloria Estefan Experience

“Happiness cannot be travelled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.” – Denis Waitley

Raymond James Stadium

4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa 813-350-6500

raymondjamesstadium.com

Tickets to all events accessible by mobile devices only. No screenshots.

April

13-15 – Taylor Swift

May

4-7 – Topgolf Live

Ruth Eckerd Hall

1111 N McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater 727-791-7400

rutheckerdhall.com

April

1 – Paul Anka

2 – Barbara Eden

7-8 – On Your Feet

13-14 – The Price is Right Live

15 – Postmodern JukeBox

16 – TFO: Wild West

17 – Styx

18 – Indigo Girls

19 – George Benson

20 – Wilco

21 – Billy Idol

23 – Cats

26 – TFO: Making Waves

26 – Natalie Merchant

27 – Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo

28 – Steve Martin & Martin Short

30 –TFO: Sinatra and Beyond

May

7 – TFO: Mendelssohn’s Elijah

10 – TFO: The Power of Music

12 – A Tribute to ABBA

13 – Joe Gatto

14 – Melissa Etheridge

Safety Harbor Art & Music Center

706 Second St. N, Safety Harbor 727-725-4018

safetyharborartand musiccenter.com

April

21 – Bill and the Belles

28 – Comedy Night hosted by Tommy Bell

29 – Shawn Mullins in Concert

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

5223 Orient Rd., Tampa 813-627-6649

seminolehardrocktampa.com

April 2 – Ricardo Montaner

20 – Cage Fury Fighting Championships

27 – Alabama

May

4 – Marlon Wayans

11 – Gipsy Kings featuring Tonino Baliardo

Skipper’s Smokehouse

910 Skipper Rd., Tampa 813-971-0666

skipperssmokehouse.com

April

1 – Impulse 7 – Uncle John’s Band

8 – Eric Lindell and the Natural Mystics

9 – Acoustic Sunday Brunch

14 – Reckless Kelly

20 – Wheeland Brothers and Of Good Nature

21 – John Zias

70th Birthday Celebration

22 – Whiskey County: 90s Country Tribute

28 – The Black Honkeys

29 – Joanna Connor

May

14 – Nu-Blu (Bluegrass)

St. Petersburg City Theatre

4025 31st St. S, St. Petersburg 727-866-1973 spcitytheatre.org

Oldest continuously operating community theater in Florida since 1925

Stageworks Theater

1120 E Kennedy Blvd., West Bldg., #151, Tampa 813-374-2416 stageworkstheatre.org

Through April 2 When the Righteous Triumph

April

28-May 15 – Talking With…

Straz Center for the Performing Arts

1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa 813-229-7827 strazcenter.org

Through April 8 – Shear Madness

Through April 9 – Misery – by William Goldman

1 – Taste at The Straz

2 – Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4

2 – Hits! The Musical

11-16 – Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird

13-16 – Miss Nelson is Missing

14 – Broadway’s Best Hits

15 – Page Turner

20 – Your Vet Chat (virtual)

21-23 – Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus Live!

21 – Arts Legacy REMIX: Celtic Culture Festival

21-23 – Sweeney Todd

(Opera Tampa)

23 – BIPOC Play Reading Series

27 – Druski: Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda Tour

28-29 – Josephine

29 – Spring Into Dance

29-30 – Bluey’s Big Play: The Stage Show

MARKETS By Susan Schiber

Corey Avenue Market

Meet Madie’s Artistry

Madie Gotshall is a surrealistic artist from Pennsylvania, now based in St. Pete. She spends her weekends at markets, creating freehand, customizable henna tattoos, using all-natural and hand-made materials. Madie began doing henna art in 2015 as a teenager for a summer job. After graduating college in 2021, she moved to Florida and began her own art business. Find her at various markets operated by Tampa Bay Markets: Fridays and Saturdays she rotates at the Dunedin Downtown Market. The first Sunday of each month she is at Hyde Park Village. The rest of the Sundays she is at St. Pete Beach’s Corey Ave. Market. 10am-2pm. Follow her on instagram @madieartistry Facebook: Madie Artistry | Website: madiegotshall.com Check out the market schedule : tampabaymarkets.com/upcoming-markets-events

ARTS & LEISURE EVENTS

April 12-May 14 — Ragtime in the Park

$23-$48, 7:30pm, American Stage’s annual musical at Demens Landing Park invites everyone to enjoy “Ragtime - the Musical” while hanging out in the spring air. Set in the melting pot of turn-of-thecentury New York, three distinctly American tales are woven together – that of a stifled upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant, and a daring young Harlem musician – united by their courage, compassion, and belief in the promise of the future and the power of the human spirit to overcome. americanstage.org/shows/ragtime

727-823-7529

April 14 – Gala Under the Stars

$200+, 5:30pm, Demens Landiing Park, St. Petersburg. This 30th anniversary of American Stage’s annual fundraising party benefits the organization’s artists and educational programming. americanstage.org 727-823-1600 ext. 207.

April 15 — Reclamando Our Narrative Writing Series

(Session 5 of 6) Hybrid, Free, 1:30 – 4:30 Workshop series for the Latinx community to claim their stories, heal and connect, and participate in conversations about race equity, unity, and advocacy. Google Reclamando Our Narrative Writing Series Session 6 - Friday May 12, 6-9pm.

April 15-16 – USF Botanical Gardens Spring Plant Festival

$5/$3 children/free USF ID, 10am-3pm, 12210 USF Pine Drive, Tampa. Over 40 vendors selling plants and plant-related items. Vendors at this event are commercial growers and local clubs from throughout the state and are expert growers, who are available to field questions. botanicalgardens@usf.edu. 813-974-2329

April 16 – Garden Tour of Vina Del Mar & Party in Vina Del Mar Park began as a fun way to raise funds for the Pass-a-Grille Woman’s Club’s Centennial. SPB Fire Dept. offers pulled pork sandwiches for $10, while others serve beverages including beer and wine. Garden related organizations and vendors will be present as well. PAGWC.com

April 21 – Spring for the Arts

$125, 6-9pm, Nova 535, 535 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St., St. Petersburg. The biggest fundraiser of the year for Creative Clay. It will feature live music, theater performances, live painting, an art exhibit, silent auction, food from Island Flavors and Tings and Black Crow Coffee. Tickets at eventbrite.com

April 22 – Salty Sands Rotary Run/Walk

$20-$50 registration fee – price varies by race selection and age, 7:45am (first race), Fort Desoto Park North Beach, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde. The event will feature a 10k Run, 5K Run and a 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk. Runners will select one of three local non-profits to support: Academy Prep, Reach St. Pete, and SPCA Tampa Bay. The organization that ends up with the most “points” wins the most money. Conducted by St. Petersburg Rotary. runsignup.com/Race/FL/SaintPetersburg/SaltySandsRotaryRun

April 22 – Earth Day Scavenger Hunt for All Ages

Free with paid admission or membership, 10am-4pm, Sunken Gardens, 1825 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. Which flamingo laid an egg? What power can the Growing Stone give you? Find out by exploring Sunken Gardens’ winding paths, exotic birds, turtles, butterflies, and flowers on a self-guided scavenger hunt at your leisure. You may just win some Florida wildflower seeds to celebrate Earth Day all year long! For all ages. No pre-registration required.

May 2-7 – Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations

5 – TFO: Mendelssohn’s Elijah

5-6 – Six Chick Flicks

6-7 – Next Generation Ballet: Don Quixote

9 – Spring Dance Spectacular

10-14 – Jobsite Theater’s Alice

13 – Matteo Lane

Riverwalk Stage (free performances)

April

14 – Live & Local with Fo’I Meleah

15 – Live & Local with Danielle Mohr

May

6 – Latin Night featuring Sol Caribe

Studio Grand Central

2260 First Ave. S, St. Petersburg 727-202-7019

studiograndcentral.com

Tampa Theatre

711 N Franklin St. Tampa 813-274-8286

tampatheatre.org

One of America’s most elaborate movie palaces

April

2 – Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (film)

9 – The Neverending Story (film)

11 – Chris Distefano

15 – Rob Schneider

16 – Akeelah and the Bee (film)

20 – The Opera Cowgirls

23 – Tron (film)

30 – Toy Story (film)

May

5 – Steve Trevino

6 – John Crist

7 – 2023 Fly Fishing Film Tour (film)

12 – Leslie Jones

Tarpon Springs Cultural Center

101 S Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs

727-942-5605 tarponarts.org

April

2 – Flip Flop Opera: Bizet

21-30 – Twelve Incompetent Jurors

May

13 – Sages Theater presents Memory Lane (free)

Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center

324 Pine St., Tarpon Springs

727-942-5605 tarponarts.org

April 1 – The Jersey Tenors

15 – Super Duos

May

6 – Heritage: A Celebration of Scotland in Song

The Mahaffey Theater

400 First St. S, St. Petersburg

727-300-2000 themahaffey.com

Through April 2 – Shen Yun

April

8 – Celebrating David Bowie

12 – Theresa Caputo

13 – TFO: Spring in Paris

15 – TFO: Wild West

27 – TFO: Making Waves

28 – Party on the Plaza

29 – Sinatra and Beyond

May

4 – Zach Williams

5 – Kashmir

6 – TFO: Mendelssohn’s Elijah

7 – Rain: A Tribute to The Beatles

11 – TFO: The Power of Music

12 – Brian Regan

14 – One Night of Queen

The Palladium

253 Fifth Ave. N, St. Petersburg

727-822-3590 mypalladium.org

April

1 – TFO: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4

2 – Chuchito Valdes Trio

4 – Kristy Parton & Helios Jazz Orchestra

12 – Mile-End Trio: Palladium Chamber Series

13 – Tampa Bay Blues Festival

Kickoff Party

15 – Gulf Coast Dance Theater: Alice in Wonderland

16 – Jazz at the Ballroom presents Accentuate the Positive

20 – Tommy Prine

21 – SPC Bands: Composers Series, Carol Chambers

22 – TFO: Bruckner’s Seventh

27 – Projectalchemy Jazz Theory

28 – Beacon23

29 – Suncreen Film Festival: Chicks Making Flicks

Power Brunch

29 – Best of the Boston Comedy Festival

30 – Pinellas Youth Symphony

Finale Concert

May

2 – Tampa Bay Symphony: Tchaikovsky’s Pathetique

4 – Sinatra Sings: Bryan L. Hughes & The Crew

6-7 – St. Petersburg Ballet Co. Spring Dance Concert

10 – Milena Pajaro-Van de Stadt & Paul Nemeth: Palladium Chamber Series

13 – Fred Astaire Dance: Best of Broadway

The Sound OPENING SOON!

301 Drew St., Clearwater 727-791-7400 rutheckerdhall.com

The Sound is the new name for the concert venue at Coachman Park in downtown Clearwater.

Scheduled to open in July. 727-791-7400 rutheckerdhall.com

The Studio@620

620 First Ave. S, St. Petersburg 727-895-6620 thestudioat620.org

Masks requested while in building

Through April 2 – Every Brilliant

Think by Duncan Macmillan

April

4 – Simon Lasky Group

8-29 – Exceptional Voices

Student Art Exhibition

15-16 – Scenes From An Execution by Howard Barker

22 – Scotty Wright sings Duke Ellington

USF Yuengling Center

12499 USF Bull Run Drive, Tampa 813-974-3111 yuenglingcenter.com

April

5 – The Thorn

8 – Royal Comedy 2023

18 – Billy Strings

23 – Harlem Globetrotters

28 – Tampa Throwback Jam

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941-953-3368 vanwezel.org

April

3 – Thomas Friedman

5 – Gaelic Storm & The High Kings

11-16 – Mean Girls

18-20 – Cats

21-22 – Sarasota Orchestra presents Broadway Bound

23 – Postmodern Jukebox

24 – Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo

28 – Noche Unidos 2023

May

5 – Rain: A Tribute to The Beatles

8 – Grace: The Spirit of Aretha

10 – Melissa Etheridge

11 – The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA

13 – Tom Jones

14 – Cinderella presented by the International Ballet of Florida

West Coast Players 21905 US 19 N, Clearwater 727-437-2363 wcplayers.com

April

28-May 14 – The Last Night of Ballyhoo

Zubrick Magic Theatre

1211 First Ave N, Suite 101, St. Petersburg

Performances Thur.-Sat. 7pm; Sun. 2pm 866-ZUBRICK (866-982-7425) zubrickmagic.com

Voted “Best Family Magic Show”

MUSEUMS

Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum

2240 Ninth Ave. S, St. Petersburg One City Chorus – Mon. 7pm woodsonmuseum.org

Florida Holocaust Museum

55 Fifth St. S, St. Petersburg 727-820-0100 flholocaustmuseum.org

Through Aug. 27 – Lukasz Baksik

Matzevot for Everyday Use

Through Aug. 27 – Memories of My Life in a Polish Village: Testimony in Art by Toby Knobel Fluek

Florida Museum of Photographic Arts

1630 E 7th Ave., Ybor City, Tampa 813-221-2222 fmopa.org

New location

Glazer Children’s Museum

110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa 813-443-3851 glazermuseum.org

Created specifically for children 10 and under.

Great Explorations

Children’s Museum

1925 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg 727-821-8992 greatex.org

First Sun. of month open special hours for special needs families. Families with a SNAP, EBT, or WIC card get in free every Tues. Limited hours.

Gulf Beaches Historical Museum 115 10th Ave., St. Pete Beach 727-552-1610

gulfbeachesmuseum.com

Gulfport History Museum

5301 28th Ave. S, Gulfport Free admission 727-201-8687

gulfporthistoricalsociety.org

ARTS & LEISURE EVENTS

Henry Plant Museum

401 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa 813-254-1891 plantmuseum.com

Live classical music performances every third Thur.

Most Sundays – Upstairs/ Downstairs at the Tampa Bay Hotel

Heritage Museum

100 Beekman Lane, Tarpon Springs

Museum of the American Arts And Crafts Movement

355 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg 727-440-4859 museumaacm.org.

Sun. Film Series – 12:30/2pm

Daily Arts and Crafts-inspired films

Museum of Fine Arts

255 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg 727-894-4638 mfastpete.org

Thur. $10 after 5pm

April 22-23 – Mainsail Art Festival

Free, Sat 9am-6pm/Sun 10am-5pm, Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg. More than 250 juried fine art and craft exhibitors will present at the festival, which has been ranked by Sunshine Artist Magazine among the “100 Best” Fine Art Events in the U.S. Some 13 categories of work will compete for $60,000 in cash awards. Live musical entertainment throughout the weekend.

April 27-29 – The Spring King of the Beach Kingfish Tournament

$300/$375 on-site, John’s Pass, Madeira Beach. Boat/team registration deadline April 28. Fishing starts 6am April 29. Weigh-in begins 3pm. For more information and registration, visit oldsaltfishing.org

April 27-30 – 18th Annual Sunscreen Film Festival

$14-$150 (four-day pass), AMC Sundial St. Petersburg. The festival will present 41 features from the U.S. and around the world including foreign, documentary, thriller, drama, and comedy, plus 150 short films. Over half of the films were written, directed or produced by women. There’s also a strong selection of films created by people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. Local and Florida-made films will be highlighted, including a collection of college and high school shorts. Schedule and tickets: sunscreenfilmfestival2023.sched.com

May 6 – Cinco Dog Mayo 5K Run & Half Mile Dog Fun Run

$40 person/$10 per dog, 8am start, Archibald Park, 15100 Gulf Blvd., and ROC Park, Madeira Beach. In this inaugural race, the 5K takes place in Archibald Park; the dog run in ROC Park. This fundraiser supports nonprofit organization Compassion Kind & ALS Association. Some of the proceeds will go to help with the new dog park in Madeira Beach. For more information email cmc@synergyfundraising.org

May 6 – Tropical Heatwave returns!

$40 advance/$50 at door (if available), 6-11:55pm, Cuban Club, Ybor City, 2010 N Avenida Republica de Cuba, Tampa. The Tampa Bay area’s most diverse music festival returns after a seven-year absence! Scheduled acts include Shemekia Copeland, Seratones, GA 20, Eilen Jewell Band, Glove, Have Gun Will Travel, The Snozzberries, Rocket 88, Vodkanauts, LPT, Talk to Mark, Cottondale Swamp, Magadog, Synergy in a Cup, and The Gulfport Gecko Amalgamated Marching Band. Tickets sold only online at wmnf.org.

May 13-14 – St Pete Tacos & Tequila Festival

General admission $9 (through April 7), $15 day of/ VIP: $39 (through April 7, $45 day of, kids 13 and under: free; Sat: noon-8pm/Sun: 1-8pm, Vinoy Park, downtown St. Petersburg. A waterfront festival with more than 25 taco vendors, great margaritas and other cocktail options, four great live bands, cold beer, games, prizes and so much fun! Leashed dogs okay. stpetetacos.com

727-942-5605 tarponarts.org

History and culture of the Greek community

April

6 – District Overview & Water Conservation Tips

8 – Folk Rock Revival

May

11 – Sustainable Tarpon Springs

Imagine Museum

1901 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-300-1700

imaginemuseum.com

Contemporary American Studio Glass Thur. $5 after 5pm

John & Mable Ringling

Museum of Art

5401 Bay Shore Road., Sarasota 941-359-5700 ringling.org

Mon. – Free admission all day Thurs. – Art After 5

Through April 2 – The Marvellous Marbling of Matsui Kosei

Through April 30 – Community Gallery

Through May 28 – Gods and Lovers: Paintings and Sculpture from India

Through Sept. 4 – Reclaiming Home: Contemporary Seminole Art

Through Jan. 7, 2024 – As long as there is sun, as long as there is light. Selections from the Bring Gift and The Ringling Collection of Modern and Contemporary Art

Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art

600 E Klosterman Road., Tarpon Springs

727-712-5762 leeparattner.org

Through May 21 – The Palladium

Series: The Other Side of Dance

Through June 25 – Herb Snitzer: In the Present

April

1-30 – State of the Digital Arts PCS student exhibition

Cocktails & Collections third Thur. Through May 21 – Images Private and Public c.1500-1800

Through June 25 – Unexpected Visual Conversations

Through July 23 – Japanese Photographs from the Meiji Era, 1870-1900

April

22-Aug. 13 – Japanese Prints from the Read-Simms Collection

National Comedy Hall of Fame Museum

2435 U.S. 19, Holiday 727-541-7876

nationalcomedyhalloffame.com

Closed, museum expansion

Safford House Museum

23 Parkin Ct., Tarpon Springs

Restored Victorian home builtin 1883 727-942-5605 tarponarts.org

St. Petersburg Museum of History

335 Second Ave. NE St. Petersburg

727-894-1052 spmoh.com

Watch “Ancient History for Kids” on YouTube!

Through June 8 – Civil Rights in the Sunshine State

Happy Hour with the Historian: April 13 – Bob Kealing: Good Day Sunshine State: How The Beatles Rocked Florida

May

11 – Bill De Young: The Story of the Sunshine Skyway and the Man Who Brought It Down

Tampa Bay Automobile Museum

3301 Gateway Centre, Pinellas Park. 727-579-8226 tbauto.org

Tampa Bay History Center

801 Old Water St., Tampa 813-228-0097

tampabayhistorycenter.org

Walking tours of Tampa neighborhoods

Through April 2 –

Kitschy Cartography

Through Oct. 15 –

Etched Feathers: A History of the Printed Bird

April

12 – Duckwall Annual Lecture

15 – Key West and the Florida Keys

Tampa Museum of Art

120 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa 813-259-1720 tampamuseum.org

Thur. 4-8pm –pay-as-you-will admission

Through April 16 – All in Favor: New Works in the Permanent Collection

Through April 16 –High School Art Competition

Through May 28 – Fleurish:

The Art of Naeem Khan

Through June 4 – Salman Toor: No Ordinary Love

Through July 9 –

Travels in Italy: A 19th Century Journey through Photography

Through Aug. 27 – Time for

Change: Art and Social Unrest in the Jorge M. Perez Collection

Through June 30, 2024 –Purvis Young: Redux

Tarpon Springs Railroad Depot Historical Museum

160 E Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs Free admission 727-943-4624 tarponspringsarea historicalsociety.org

The Dalí Museum

One Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg 727-823-3767 thedali.org

Thur. and Fri. reduced admission after 5pm

Advanced-purchase timed tickets recommended

Through April 30 –

The Shape of Dreams

The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art

150 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-892-4200 thejamesmuseum.org

Tues. $10 all day

Through May 14 – The Stories

They Tell: Indigenous Art and the Photography of Edward S. Curtis

USF Contemporary Art Museum Institute for Research in Art

3821 USF Holly Drive, Tampa ira.usf.edu 813-974-3503

April

13 – Saying It Out Loud, A Reading of Original Poetry

27 – Gallery Tour & MFA Panel Discussion

USF Graphicstudio

3702 Spectrum Blvd., Ste 100, Tampa Free admission 813-974-3503 graphicstudio.usf.edu/GS/ gs_about.html

MUSIC

Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association

Mon. Night Jazz Jam, 7-9pm, Hangar Restaurant, 540 First St. SE, St. Petersburg, aldowningjazz.com

New Horizons Band of Gulfport Gulfport Senior Center 5501 27th Ave. S, Gulfport Novice, intermediate musicians 727-345-0285 newhorizonsbandgulfport.org

School of Rock St. Petersburg 2401 Central Ave., St. Petersburg Guitar, drum, singing, keyboard/piano lessons 727-871-7625 schoolofrock.com

South Pasadena Community Band All-volunteer band 727-515-5407 southpasadenaband.com

April

13 – Free Concert in Hibiscus Hall

St. Petersburg College Gibbs Campus Music Center 6605 Fifth Ave. N, St. Petersburg 727-341-4360 spcollege.edu/events

April 26 – SPC Concert Choir Performance

Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Society

Cove Cay Golf Club 2612 Cove Cay Drive, Clearwater sdjs2022.org

April 16 – Jay Mueller & His Dixieland Six

SPORTS

A LIFE WELL LIVED With the passing of Dave Wills, the Tampa Bay Rays lost a fan favorite. Wills, who has been the team’s radio announcer for 18 years, passed away in his sleep March 5 at the age of 58. Known for his enthusiasm and expertise, his booming voice called some sensational moments in Rays history, including the team’s run to the World Series in 2008 and 2020. “Dave was an outstanding broadcaster, a great friend and an even better person,” said Rays Principal Owner Stuart Sternberg. “He had a remarkable talent for bringing the game to life for our fans and was a vital part of the Rays family. We will miss him dearly and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

The Rays will honor Wills with a special pregame tribute April 22 when they play the White Sox for whom Wills worked for 11 years before coming to Tampa Bay in 2005. For those who want to honor Wills, his family suggested donations to two groups he worked with: Clearwater-based Homeless Empowerment Program and Tampa-based Buddy Baseball program.

DTSP RACE On 4/16, join the Tampa Bay Rays’ new “Running with the Rays 5K,” a family fun run you can enjoy in-person or virtually. The race starts at Tropicana Lot 6 and continues through the streets of downtown St. Pete, routing through Al Lang Stadium before finishing back on the Tropicana Field turf. A portion of all proceeds from the 5K will be donated to the Rays Baseball Foundation and the Rowdies Soccer Fund. General registration for the event costs $50 and includes a commemorative medal, timing chip and race bib, and ticket vouchers for both the Rays and Rowdies. VIP registration costs $75 and includes commemorative medal, timing chip and race bib, ticket vouchers for both the Rays and Rowdies with an upgraded seat location on the Rays voucher. www.mlb.com/rays/community/running-with-the-rays

WHIZ KIDS Tampa Bay

Race Rentals (TBRR) is the ultimate drag racing experience. Strap yourself into a muscle car and zoom around the Showtime Dragstrip in Clearwater. Rookies and riders are invited to enjoy three hours of thrill-seeking fun including warm-up laps, burnouts and a competition! Perfect for a birthday or corporate event, TBRR is owned by NHRA Pro Stock motorcycle racer Flyin’ Ryan. 4398 126th Ave. N; 727-732-7666

TampaBayRaceRentals.com

ARTS & LEISURE

Tampa Bay Symphony

Performances in various locations 727-827-8087 tampabaysymphony.org

TomKats Jazz Orchestra

The Blue Parrot Mon. 7-9:30pm

85 Corey Circle, St. Pete Beach 727-368 9619 tomkatsjazzorchestra.com

Greg Dunn, Tomkats Music Dir. dunngsje@verizon.net 727-637-4123 tomkatsjazzorchestra.com

OPERA

Metropolitan Opera: HD Live Miller Auditorium, Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Petersburg Live high-definition broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera 727-864-7600 campusce.net/eckerd/course/ course.aspx?catid=156

April 1 – Falstaff

15 – Der Rosenkavalier

29 – Champion

Opera Tampa at Straz Center, 1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa 813-229-7827 strazcenter.org

April

21 & 23 – Sweeney Todd

Sarasota Opera House 61 N Pineapple Ave., Sarasota 941-328-1300 sarasotaopera.org

April 8 – Grand Statements

11 – Fireworks

15 – Grand Friendships

22 – Cuban Choreography Showcase

St. Petersburg Opera Company

2145 First Ave. S, St. Petersburg 727-823-2040 stpeteopera.org

Various performance locations

St. Petersburg Opera Guild stpeteoperaguild.org

April 15 – 2023 Young Adult Vocal Competition

The Pinellas Opera League Socialize and be entertained first Wed. October-June

Thur.: Opera at the Dali pinellasoperaleague.com

ECO

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 1101 Country Club Way S, St. Petersburg 727-893-7326

stpeteparksrec.org/

boydhillpreserve

Tram Tours Sat., guided tours, classes. Encompasses Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center, Terry Tomalin Campground, and Pinellas Pioneer Settlement

Brooker Creek Preserve 3940 Keystone Rd., Tarpon Springs 727-453-6800

brookercreekpreserve.org

Tram Tours Sat.

8,700 acres of forested wetlands and pine flatwoods.

Fort De Soto Park

3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde 727-552-1862 pinellascounty.org/park

Campgrounds, ferry services to Egmont and Shell Keys. Seven miles of beach, historic fort, two fishing piers (Bay Pier closed through winter 2023).

Tampa Bay Watch

Discovery Center

700 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, at The St. Pete Pier 727-291-4103

tbwdiscoverycenter.org

Daily boat tours of Tampa Bay ecosystem

Weedon Island Preserve 1800 Weedon Dr. NE, St. Petersburg 727-453-6500

weedonislandpreserve.org

Guided hikes, birding, and photography tours. Classes and webinars.

GARDENS

Florida West Coast Orchid Society

Florida Botanical Gardens,

12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo 727-420-7230 fwcos.org

Second Thurs, 7:30pm, visitors welcome. Educational classes

Garden Club of St. Petersburg

500 Sunset Dr. S, St. Petersburg 727-381-8920 gardenclubstpetersburg.org

Monthly special events

Ikebana International St. Petersburg Chapter 65 500 Sunset Drive, St. Petersburg (Garden Club building)

Ikebana – centuries-old art of Japanese floral arranging. ikebanastpetersburg.com

Monthly demonstrations

April

17 – Aikido presentation

May 15 – Sushi Demonstration

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

1534 Mound St., Sarasota 941-366-5731 selby.org

Through June 25 – Tiffany: The Pursuit of Beauty in Nature

Pinewood Cultural Park

12520 Ulmerton Road, and 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo

Includes:

• Heritage Village – Free 21-acre living history museum pinellascounty.org/heritage

• Creative Pinellas –creativepinellas.org

Through April 16 –

Out of Eden exhibition

April

18 – AfroQuantum Experiences: Artmaker Talks

May

5-July 16 – 2023 Emerging Artist Exhibition

• Florida Botanical Gardens –Free 100-acre park flbg.org

First Sat. – Historic House

Concert Series

Second Sat. – Speaking of History Series

Third Sat. – Gardens open 7am-5pm; Creative Pinellas open noon-5pm; Heritage Village open 10am-4pm

April

22-23 – Spring Orchid Sale

Sunken Gardens

1825 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg

Adult and child horticultural workshops 727-892-5715 sunkengardens.org

April 2 – Orchid Festival

22 – Earth Day Scavenger Hunt

FERRIES

Crossbay Ferry

Connecting Downtown Tampa Aquarium Wharf to Downtown St. Petersburg Vinoy Basin Wed. through Sun., October through May, 727-273-5932 thecrossbayferry.com

Egmont Key Ferry

Fort De Soto Boat Ramp 727-398-6577 hubbardsmarina.com

Pirate Water Taxi Hop on, hop off, 14 stops along the Hillsborough River and Tampa Riverwalk. 813-223-7999 piratewatertaxi.com

Shell Key Ferry Fort De Soto Boat Ramp 727-398-6577 hubbardsmarina.com

See website for overnight camping

LIBRARIES

Gulf Beaches Public Library 200 Municipal Drive, Madeira Beach 727-391-2828 gulfbeacheslibrary.org

Gulfport Public Library

5501 28th Ave. S, Gulfport 727-893-1074 mygulfport.us/gpl

St. Pete Beach Public Library 365 73rd Ave., St. Pete Beach 727-363-9238

Monday/Wednesday 10-8

Tuesday/Thursday/Friday 10-6 Saturday 10-2 Sunday closed

Topics in American History: 1st Tues.

Mayor’s Open Office: 2nd and 4th Mon

Book Club: 3rd Thur

Tech Help: 2nd Mon

Adult Crafternoon: 4th Thur

Donut Happy Hour: 2nd Tues

Talking Books Library: Children’s Programs

Story Time: Tues

Family Crafternoon: 3rd Tues

Middle Grade Graphic Novel Book Club: 4th Tues

Home School Social: 2nd Thur

Do Your Hurricane Shutters Need Some TLC? Outstanding Shutter Maintenance, Repair & Cleaning Protect Your Investment www.TheShuttermanFL.com, email theshutterman727@gmail.com or call 727-810-4606 NOW!

Happy

funeral-homes/st-pete-beach-fl/beach-memorial-chapel/9761

ARTS & LEISURE

President Barack Obama

Main Library

3745 Ninth Ave. N, St. Petersburg 727-893-7724 splibraries.org

Closed for renovation

MARKETS

TUESDAYS

Gulfport’s Tuesday Fresh Market

9am-3pm, January through April 9am-2pm, May through December Beach Blvd. below 28th Ave. S, Gulfport

Second Tues. Clothing Swap, Moved to Russian Club, 2920 Beach Blvd. S visitgulfportflorida.com

WEDNESDAYS

Madeira Beach Market

November through May 10am-2pm 15000 Madeira Way, Madeira Beach

FRIDAYS

Treasure Island Friday Market December through April, 9am-2pm Community Center Park (behind Walgreens) 104th Ave. & Park Place, Treasure Island. Free parking, live music. Pet friendly. 727-360-4121 islandneighborschamber.org

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

Dunedin Downtown Market

9am-2pm, Pioneer Park, 420 Main St., Fri. market November-May; Sat. market year-round. facebook.com/ DunedinDowntownMarket/

SATURDAYS

Market in The Bluffs 9am-2pm, second Sat., September through May

2747 Sunset Blvd., Belleair Bluffs Outdoor market facebook.com/marketinthebluffs

St. Petersburg Saturday

Morning Market

October through May, 9am-2pm Al Lang Stadium parking lot, 230 First St. SE, 727-455-4921

saturdaymorningmarket.com

SUNDAYS

Corey Avenue Sunday Market

10am-2pm/Summer 9am-1pm Corey (74th) Avenue, St. Pete Beach 727-498-8778 tampabaymarkets.com

Indian Shores Sunday Market October through April, 9am-1pm

Indian Shores Town Hall, 19305 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores 727-300-6551

facebook.com/

IndianShoresSundayMarket

SPIRITUAL

Sacred Lands

1700 Park St. N, St. Petersburg 727-347-0354

sacredlandspreservation.org

Drum circle first Fri.; Sun. tours, meditations, special events

Soothe Our Souls (S.O.S.)

4737 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach 727-360-7411 sootheoursouls.org

Provides complimentary sailing for seriously health-challenged people and their support groups

Spiritual Conditioning Program

153 107th Ave., Treasure Island Pat Jano at 727-324-9222

Small group Bible study

ZOOS/AQUARIUMS

Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center (formerly Alligator Attraction)

John’s Pass Village, 12973 Village Blvd. A-D Madeira Beach, 727-329-8751 kissagator.com

Explore, learn & kiss a gator

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

249 Windward Passage, Clearwater 727-441-1790 cmaquarium.org

Rescue, rehab and release

Home of Winter and Hope, stars of Dolphin Tale I & II

April

1-15 – Shellebrate at CMA

Florida Aquarium

701 Channelside Drive, Tampa 813-273-4000 flaquarium.org

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota 941-388-4441 mote.org

Seaside Seabird Sanctuary

18328 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores 727-391-6211

seasideseabirdsanctuary.org

Free. Donations accepted. Tours.

April

8 – Egg Day

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa

One mile west of I-275 (exit 48) 813-935-8552 zootampa.org

Through April 30 – Bugtopia

CLUBS-SERVICE/SOCIAL

Gulfport Lions Club

Second and fourth Tues. 6:30pm

Gulfport Lions Clubhouse

4630 Tifton Dr. S, Gulfport 727-709-6694

facebook.com/Gulfport-Lions-Club

Pass-A-Grille Shuffle Board

January through March Tues./Thurs./Sat., 10am–noon

Pass-A-Grille Park, Ninth & 10th Ave. Member $20/yr., open to public.

Preserve The ‘Burg 727-824-7802 preservetheburg.org

Works to educate, advocate, and celebrate all things related to St. Pete’s history.

Rotary Club of Gulf Beaches

Tues., Noon. VFW, 12901 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach facebook.com/RotaryGulfBeaches/

Second Saturday Singers

Second Sat. October through April, 9am–noon

Pasadena Community Church, 227 70th St. S, St. Petersburg Sing songs you love, ages middle school and up bobd@pccumc.org

Senior Solos

Second Mon. except July and August, 1pm, Pinellas Park Senior Center, 7625 59th St. N, Pinellas Park. Social group of singles 50+ 727-369-5694

pinellaspark.com

Social Club of St. Petersburg

2500 34th St. S, St. Petersburg. Bocce, cards, and social events. Open to the public on Mon. and for special events.

majordl050@aol.com

727-798-6355

socialclubofsp.org

St. Petersburg Audubon Society

727-753-9731 stpeteaudubon.org

101+ Years Conservation

St. Petersburg Chess Club

540 Fourth Ave. N, St. Petersburg Open every Fri. for members from 6-11pm; Sun. 2-4pm for group chess lessons and friendly games. Individual lessons available. chessclubjoy.webs.com 727-776-5583

St. Petersburg Lawn Bowling Club

330 Fifth St. N, St. Petersburg November to April, Mon., Wed., and Fri. 9:30am. Free lessons available.

727-344-4240/ 416-410-7671 stpetersburglawnbowling.org

St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club

Fri., 7-10pm, Free.

559 Mirror Lake Drive N, St. Petersburg 727-822-2083 stpeteshuffle.com

Suncoast Bonsai Society

Third Sat. 10am Seminole Recreation Center 9100 113th St., Room 210A, Seminole Demos, workshops, evaluations. Bring your own tree. One of oldest bonsai clubs in Florida. 727-209-7974

suncoastbonsaisociety.org

Suncoast Quilting Circle

Works to preserve and promote the art of quilt making. suncoastquiltingcircle.org

Swiss Club

Second Sat. 11:45am, October through May 12425 Sixth St. E, Treasure Island Augie – 727-522-0771 swissclubstpetersburg.com

ARTS & LEISURE

Tampa Bay Surface Guild

Second Mon., 6:30-8:30pm Good Samaritan Church

6085 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park Coloring, patterning, structuring and transformation of fabric, fiber, and other materials surfacedesignguild.com

The Contemporaries

Support group of Members of Museum of Fine Arts. Monthly lectures, gatherings and field trips supporting contemporary artists of Tampa Bay. mfastpete.org

The Treasure Island Historical Society

Second Mon., 5pm September through May 250 104th Ave., Treasure Island 727-641-5203 facebook.com/ treasureislandFLhistoricalsociety

Treasure Islettes

Bingo Thursdays 6:30pm, Treasure Island Community Center, 106 154th Ave. Doors open 6pm. Jackpot $200-$250! Free parking, free coffee and tea. Proceeds go to charity and college scholarships. 727-270-3178 treasureislettes.weebly.com

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

Flotilla 7-8, St. Pete Beach Promoting boating safety with a 12-week repeating cycle Safe Boating Program, Tues. 7pm. Start at any point in cycle. Warren Webster Building, 1500 Pass-A-Grille Way, St. Pete Beach wow.uscgaux.info/content. php?unit=070-07-08

Tampa Bay Women In Tourism

Third Friday, various venues. Fosters relationships, encourages growth within the industry and your business. tampabaywomenintourism.com

WordSmitten Writing Workshops

Third Sat., 1-5:30pm, $15/session 800-727-6214 ext 101 wordsmitten.com

CLUBS – ATHLETIC

Clearwater/St. Petersburg Ski Club

Second Tues. 6:30pm, September to May

Mike’s Pizza & Deli Station, 13560 49th St., Clearwater. Pinellas County’s only ski club. 727-743-3108snowshark.org

Mad Dogs Triathlon Club

Wed. night swims through summer, 6pm, Hurley Park Shelter, Pass-AGrille Beach, 1600 Gulf Way, St. Pete Beach. 727-582-1910 stpetemaddogs.org

Tampa Bay Beach Bums

Beach volleyball for players of all levels Gulfport 727-437-2867 Facebook

St. Pete Road Runners

Member of Road Runners Club of America. Walkers, joggers, noncompetitive & competitive runners. Monthly meetings, guest speakers, coaching, group runs, Grand Prix Series and social events.

HEALTH

Depression Bipolar Support Meets at various locations and times. 727-410-1569 dbsatampabay.org/index.html

Jazzercise Exercise Classes

Mon. & Wed. 5:30pm Treasure Island City Hall, 120 108th Ave., Treasure Island 727-687-6695 jazzercise.com

Memory Café – Gulfport Third Mon. 12:15-2pm

Neptune Grille, 5501 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport. Support for those suffering from dementia and their loved ones. RSVP 727-327-0167

sensol@seniorsmile.com or 813-384-7571

catemcarty@gmail.com

Memory Café – St. Petersburg

Second Mon. 11am-1pm

Carrabba’s St. Pete, 1951 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. RSVP 727-327-0167

sensol@seniorsmile.com or 813-384-7571

DOWNTOWN CONCIERGE

A Hawker’s fanatic, The Glass Noodle’s Asian street fare bowls (Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Japan) are savory, the craft beers chilled and the décor sensational. My faves are the Suki-Yaki and Sichuan Hot Pot noodle soups. Don’t miss the Khao Piak Sen, a traditional Lao noodle dish made of broth stewed with chicken, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, ginger, and soy sauce.

By Nanette Wiser

membership that allows you to rent three items of clothing at a time with unlimited exchanges.

SIP & SUP Chris Ponte brings Olivia, his popular Italian resto in Tampa, to downtown 225 1st Ave. N. Baba on Central has added Barbouni at Baba where you can enjoy fresh shucked oysters and gourmet tinned fish. In addition to Tampa Midtown and DTSP, BellaBrava is now expanding to North Tampa’s Hub at Bexley with its regional cucina and exceptional wine list. The Violet Stone’s delicious wood-fired, brick oven pizza has traded its food truck for Kenwood’s 2134 9th Ave. N. Named after their daughter, these former techies are foodies who make the best white pie in town…or maybe it’s the Classic topped with burrata, whole milk mozzarella, artisan tomato sauce, basil, and parmesan.

Cinco de Mayo approaches, and there’s no better place to celebrate than Nueva Cantina for the best margaritas (strawberry, mango, blackberry), seafood enchiladas, Mexican street corn, tequila extravaganza and happy hour Tues.-Fri. 2-6pm $5 margs, draft beer, wine. Or sign up for The Cinco de Drinko Bar Crawl 4/29 brought to you by Park & Rec and Top Shelf Crawls, featuring a pre-party, exclusive drink and taco specials, souvenir beads and koozies. Bring your sombrero.

FUN At 98, St. Petersburg City Theatre’s 2023-24 season looks young and sassy. After a summer hiatus, look forward to Disney’s Mary Poppins The Broadway Musical (9/29-10/8), A Christmas Carol (12/8-17) and in 2024, Don’t Dress for Dinner (3/15-3/24). Founded in 1925, it is the longest continuously running community theatre in the state of Florida.

St. Pete Distillery’s expansion features an art gallery, restaurant, expanded drink menu and performance space, due to open in April. The resto partner is Cala Italian Kitchen, from the culinary geniuses behind Italy Bottega and a new Grand Central restaurant TBD, known for pizzas, sandwiches and good mangia. Charcuterie lovers will adore Graze Craze’s house-made breads, dips, jams, meats and farm-fresh produce.

SHOP The Market at Left Bank is the perfect place for Easter décor and garden accessories, or your tea party essentials. In addition to So Chic and ReTreat, check out Valhalla Resale for gently used women’s clothing and a $49/month

The 13 Ugly Men Foundation presents the 2023 “Derby at The Pier” Party 5/6 from 3-9pm with proceeds that will benefit Phoenix House Florida. Derby hats, sundresses, seersucker suits, bow ties, high-end bourbon, specialty craft cocktails, cigars, artists at work, mint juleps, live entertainment, VIP seating and $1,000 cash and prizes for “Best Hat” and “Most Dapper” contest. Proceeds will benefit Phoenix House Florida, a 501(c)3 that is passionate about healing individuals, families, and communities challenged by substance use disorders and related mental health conditions. Tickets 13uglymen.com

PARTY WITH A PURPOSE

Isla Summer Memberships

CLASSIFIED

ACCOUNTING / BOOKKEEPING & TAX SERVICES

David J. Strickler, CPA, PA, djscpa1@aol.com 727.906.9600

BACKGROUND CHECKS

King Background Screening

Since 2006. Tenant & employee background checks. Full credit report, nationwide criminal, and nationwide eviction. $50 See website for full details. KingBackgroundScreening.com

Denise Anderson - Owner Call/Text 941.284.4612

KingScreening@gmail.com

BODY SCULPTING

Medically supervised targeted weight loss with EMSCULPT at Regenesis Life 727.826.0329

CAREGIVER

In-home aid, dementia/companion care, meals, laundry, groceries, pets, appointments. St Petersburg / S. Pinellas. References available. Maritza Palmucci 813.230.9392

COMPANION

Call Joyce Vorns with Rachel’s Angels for kind, compassionate care like family. From meals and bathing to shopping and laundry. jvorns@gmail.com 727.768.7547

COMPUTERS & VIRUS REMOVAL

Pinellas Family Computer Service

PC & Mac Technician for your home or business. Stephen Johnson A+ sjohnson@pfcs.biz 727.803.0219

CONDO FOR RENT - NEW

Annual lease $2,700/mo. 3 Palms Point, 2/2 with water view. Call 646.808.7043

DRY CLEANERS & LAUNDRY

Home Pick-up & Delivery-Dry Clean, Wash-Dry-Fold, Alterations, Patio Cushion Cleaning, Shoe & Handbag Repair, Pick-up 2x weekly Sacino’s Cleaners

sacinoscleaners.com 727.471.0573

Residential, Commercial

Linen & Maid Services

MNC Cleaning Service

Stop in 9-4 at 7863 Blind Pass Rd. or call 727.826.0133

Laundry Wash - Dry - Fold Service

Laundromat 7815 Blind Pass Rd., SPB, call Laura 727.458.1412

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

KITCHEN & BATH REMODELERS

Quality Construction with a woman’s touch. vanselowdesign.com

Master Certified Kitchen & Bath

Remodeler, Green Certified Professional 727.391.2959

Schedule a FREE Consultation TODAY

HEALTH & FITNESS

Ancient Healing Acupuncture & Herbs

Seasonal Allergies, Hip & Back Pain

April Wang 727.384.4826

Certified Chinese MD, (Tyrone Area)

6600 31st Terrace, St. Pete

Worried About Your Memory?

Alzheimer’s Association –Offers FREE & Confidential Memory Screenings, CALL to schedule 727.893.5657

HAULING - DELIVERY

HB Hauling Demo, junk removal, dump trailer rental & more. 727.793.5816

Hot Momma’s Hauling does pick-ups and delivery, including shell, sand, and pavers. Trailer rentals, junk removed, clean outs. Call Ashlie 727.678.3156

LetMommahelpyou.com

HEALTH & NUTRITION

Gulfport Nutrition - 5012 Gulfport Blvd. S., Cardio Drumming Classes. Call Marlene for Info 305.619.9734

HEARING CARE

Pasadena Hearing Care

Anne S. Carter, Ph.D. 727.329.8852

Don’t let Hearing Loss impact your life. HELP WANTED

Sacino’s Formalwear is hiring quality tailors, sales associates & management trainees. Join our expert team today! Resume to rons@sacino.com

HOUSEKEEPING & CLEANING

Dependable European Lady15+yrs exp., High Quality, Reasonable Rates, References. 727.564.1473 11/23

Reasonable cleaning. Homes, windows, offices. Experienced and insured. Pinellas county. 727.259.3558

Laddy’s Cleaning Service - on the beaches over a decade 727.430-8826

Laundry Wash Dry Fold Service

Laundromat - 7815 Blind Pass Rd, St. Pete Beach. Some Pickup/Delivery Available. Call Laura 727.458.1412

Cleaning Is Our Passion - Maids, Maintenance & More. Steadfast, Reliable, Best of Beaches service for 25+ years. L/B/I 727.363.1074

Home & Office CleaningExperienced,Efficient European Cleaning LadyFree Estimates, Great local references 10+ years Irina 727.481.1364

INSURANCE

Academy Insurance - Full LinesFlood -Residential & Investment Property Specialist Call Rose rwainwright@academyins.net 727.343.0419

Bentley DeNight Insurance Services can save $$$ on Flood Insurance and can quote Homeowners, Auto & Business Insurances 727.344.4500

IV THERAPY

Medically supervised IV Infusions at Regenesis Life 727.826.0329

JEWELERS

Diny’s Jewelers - Custom Designs, restoration & repair; appraisals & more! 130 107th Ave., Treasure Island (N of Clock Tower) DinysFlorida.com 727.513.3469

LOCKSMITH SERVICES

COVID SAFE Lock Repair Service during daytime hours, weekdays. Vet owned. Tommy Locksmith 727.755.3975

LUMBERS

Need wood to match your old house? If it isn’t in stock, ask if we can make it for you. Anderson Lumber 666 49th St. S 727.321.3111

MARINE CONSTRUCTION

Island Marine Construction - Docks, Boat Lifts, Service, since 1997. Licensed Marine Contractor, C-8463 727.363.7282

MASSAGE SERVICES

2Reds Massage (MM37417) is growing brand new treatment rooms open for medical massage or complimentary therapies. Great location for St. Pete and south beaches. Call Marsha Jo 2redsmassage.com 727.278.1175

Helios Health – Scott (MA-25432) & Zoe (MA31664) offer massage, personal training and Infrared sauna therapy on West Central Ave. @ 57 St., St. Petersburg 727.322.8883

MEMORY CARE

Memory challenges are complex. Let’s figure them out together. We take care of Moms and Dads.

Inspired Living at the Ridge inspired.living.care

A purpose-built memory-care facility on high ground. Join us for an upcoming Dementia Live interactive presentation 727.231.5396

PAINTING SERVICES

Residential or Commercial Painting

Flo-Pro Painting 727.337.6888

PAYROLL SERVICE

For 1-50 employees. Competitive. Employee Retention Tax Credit Consultant. Get your application filed! Jack.Welsh@Payrollvault.com

Payroll Vault 727.424.4044

PERSONAL CHEF

Hire a French personal chef and enjoy dinner with your guests!

Text or call 571.435.5606

Custom Meals and Delivery

Andrea Dudley 813.541.8437

PET SERVICES

CBD for Pets - Natures Pet Herbals has a variety of CBD Hemp based products for you and your pets. The Centre@StPeteBeach carries Natures Pet Herbals for your pets and top quality CBD products for you!

Stop by 7525 Blind Pass Rd.

PET SITTING & WALKING

Pete’s Perfect Pet Care is a true professional. Get happy text messages from your best friend daily while you are apart. Bonded and Insured. 727.742.2599

Pete@PetesPerfectPetCare.com

PLASTIC SURGERY

Coundouriotis Facial Plastic Surgery and Laser Center 727.525.9900

“Reverse the Signs Of Aging Anywhere on your body, Rebuild collagen & reduce wrinkles.”

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Make New Friends at The Fountains of Boca Ciega Bay, a Watermark, Waterfront Community convenient to Paradise NEWS readers. Call 727.202.3474

SCREEN REPAIR

Screen Repair for Pool Cages, Patios and Lanais, call or text for a FREE Estimate.

Rescreen Rescue 727.348.4307

SEAFOOD & BUTCHER SHOP

Shaners Land & Sea Market @ P-A-G

2000 Pass-A-Grille Way, St Pete Beach 8am-7pm, 7 days 727.367.4292

SEO & WEBSITES

Advanced Digital Media Services develops websites with SEO built-in to get your company to the top on Google. Text or call 727.509.6930

SLIDING DOOR REPAIR

Stop Struggling w/ Old Sliding Doors. We fix it to open for a fraction of the cost of a new door. We replace windows too. Lic. C1050, YouTube.com/user/SliderRepairs

Slider Repairs 727.493.2644

SUPER TOYS FOR SALE

Harleys & Corvette by Original Owners

2009 Harley Davison (HD) Softtail MC, Jet Black w/14k miles; $8,000

2017 Harley Davison (HD) Hard Candy Hot Red Flake, w/1,100 miles; $15,000

2010 Corvette Convertible 3LT, Black, w/39,900+ miles; $35,000

Always garaged! CALL 727.253.5364

Camera – Samsung WB35 Compact Digital 12X Zoom – 16.2 MP Gently Used Take great photos and share them easily 727.644.1270

TERMITES

Cameron Termite & Pest Control Inspections, Treatments and Tenting Camerontermite.com 727.577.0789

TOURS & TRANSPORTATION

Paradise Tours & Transportation

Call us 1st for your transportation needs. We will take you where you want to go! Sightseeing tours and transportation around Tampa Bay. 727.417.8036

BATS - Bay Area Taxi Service

BatsTaxi.com 727.367.3702

Free Beach Rides 727.776.7553

TUTORING

Portuguese & French Tutoring Conversational-Grammar-Literature

Paristropical@gmail.com

727.303.2541

Piano lessons your home or my studio. All ages & styles, affordable, 25 years of experience. 727.688.2782

French lessons by French nativeAll levels. Text or call 571.435.5606

Reading tutor. Certified. Grades 2-8.

1:1 Zoom or in-person. 941.962.5782 actuallylearnit.com

WANTED-PIANO

Steinway Grand piano. 727.381.4400

WEIGHT LOSS

Medically supervised, overall or targeted weight loss IV Therapy Too.

Regenesis Life 727.826.0329

WELLNESS

WellCare Coach / Independent Shaklee Distributor. Build Immunity! Take Meology Assessment! On FB @WatershedVisionsWellness

Jill jkwenner@gmail.com

CLASSIFIED ADS

10 Words 10 issues $100

20 Words 10 Issues $200

Single issue or less than 10 $2.50 per word. Email: sales@paradisenewsfl.com Or call 727-363-6888.

ENCOURAGING WORDS

By Dr. Dennis Merritt Jones

From the day when humankind first discovered music by beating a stick on a hollow log, to this moment in time, the “music” that flows through us is really the outer manifestation of an inner urge: to express life. The word express means to press out. When music erupts from within us, it is the desire of the soul seeking to push out and “be.” When music becomes a shared experience with others, it is simply the soul seeking to push out and spill over into the souls of others in a creative process, where their energies blend in amazing ways.

As musicians, when we commingle our desire to express through our “music” and we experience it together, we create something that no one of us could create alone. When this happens, it is literally divine harmony as the soul rejoices in its oneness with something far greater than the individual “I.” Some of my most intense and blissful peak moment experiences have happened while playing music with others.

Love Music?

In the 70s when Mac Davis sang “Music is the universal language, and love is the key to peace, hope and understanding, and living in harmony,” he was expressing in song what just about every musician of the time was feeling when they sang or played an instrument. It certainly was true for me and I suspect for anyone who has ever been a musician and shall be as long as music moves through the hearts and souls of human beings.

The spiritual significance of music is that it literally brings people together at a level of vibration that transcends boundaries, culture, language, religion, gender, age, color and politics, a place where we can all experience our sameness. When we can move beyond all the aforementioned labels, our differences dissolve into the Oneness from which we came. How can the energy of music be this powerful? Music resonates with the heart, not just the head.

Music calls us home. It reminds us that beyond all the apparent differences we seem to have, we all come from the same place–our unity in Spirit. That is the power and significance of music. Whether you create music or just enjoy listening to it, music brings us together to celebrate, co-create and express the joy we find in our oneness, while honoring how it expresses through us as individuals in such unique and creative ways.

So, the next time you turn on your TV, radio, MP3 player, or go to a movie or a concert, pay attention to the music and imagine what your world might be like without it... then, thank a musician for being the instrument through which it all flows. Music is simply that which invites us to remember we are never separate or alone and that we have far more in common with our earth family than we have differences. Now, more than ever, this truly matters.

California’s Prima Cantina & Tacos in Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades has garnered rave reviews and a fan base. Now, St. Pete Beach is home to one of the most authentic Baja restaurants in the former Dockside location near Dolphin Village. Even better, downtown St. Pete can ride the free SunRunner to their beach for a taste of Baja.

Prima Cantina owner Nando Silvestri (who also owns Matteo Trattoria & Pizzeria in downtown St. Pete and Tampa) partnered with Buya Ramen’s Kevin Woitoqicz and Jon LaBudde, and the trio of respected restauranteurs deliver on the promise of an exciting addition to Paradise’s culinary scene.

Says owner Nando Silvestri: “Prima Cantina reflects the spirit and essence of Baja and the regional Mexican culinary heritage. Our menu blends elements of mainland Mexico with the lighter, ocean-inspired, unique coastal cooking of the Baja peninsula, fused with the natural, produce-driven approach of California cuisine with a touch of the Gulf Coast. Vibrant fresh herbs, smoky dried chilies, fresh Pacific seafood, bright salads, savory tacos, and a focus on grilled food express these regional inspirations and our distinctive take on tradition.”

Start with the shrimp or mahi ceviche, taquitos or the best housemade guacamole served with homemade tortilla chips and share the La Paz chopped romaine salad with corn, avocado, jack cheese, tomatoes and green beans drizzled with a vinaigrette dressing. For a delicious lunch, go for the Mexican tortas (shredded chicken breast in tomato sauce, chipotle chili or Yucatan burger), veggie or Baja rice bowl with Norteño beans (add carnitas, chicken, steak, salmon, mahi, shrimp or impossible ground beef).

Tacos are the star of the show, served with cilantro rice and Norteño beans, ranging from grilled salmon to mahi mahi and spiced up with chile mayo, cilantro pesto and pickled red onions, but my favorite is the short rib, lobster and carnitas crispy pork. If you love enchiladas, indulge in shrimp, chicken, or crab with a side of street corn. The homemade salsa flight (3 for $4) features pico de gallo, house salsa with fresh cilantro, a hot salsa rojo with pasilla chili and tomatillos, a garlicky salsa verde and El Jefe, made with habaneros, garlic and mayo. The Salsa Ajo (roasted garlic with roasted arbol chilis) paired well with the carne asada.

Entrees feature the best of Mexico, from the mahi mahi Veracruz sauteed with onions, tomatoes, garlic, green olives and fresh herbs to the Beef Colorado and Sea of Cortez (clams, shrimp, scallops, mussels, fish in a spicy tomato seafood broth). There’s a kid’s menu for ages 12 and under (quesadilla, taco) and traditional desserts.

With Latin music and colorful décor, Prima Cantina seats 200 inside with a private dining area for 32, and has eight outdoor tables. You can order in advance to go and get delivery (GrubHub, Uber Eats, Postmates, ChowNow, Slice); catering is available. With a full liquor license, craft and Mexico cervezas (14 drafts on tap) and an amazing tequila selection, you’ll rave about their unique margaritas (Prickly Pear, Kiwi, Raspberry, Strawberry Basil).

Happy Hour Tues.-Fri. 4-6pm

Open Mon.-Sun. 11:30am-9pm

Brunch Sunday, Taco Tuesday

4945 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach 727-289-2635

primacantina.com/st-pete-beach-food

A Sweet Home with its own Resort-Like Pool

Light, bright, and airy single-level split floorplan home in Tierra Verde’s coveted Monte Cristo neighborhood.

Discover

Incredible Views and Impeccable Luxury

Gulf breezes and some of the most astounding views in Tampa Bay from this Tierra Verde penthouse condominium.

tons of upgrades, large lot.

Elegance, Luxury, and Location in Tierra Verde

Over 5155 square feet of interior space and over 11,000 sqft of total luxury living in this Monte Cristo home by Matta.

3 beds, 3.5 baths, garage, boat slip with lift.

Penthouse with Deeded Slip on the Grand Canal

Incredible views from this 2295 sqft penthouse on the Gulf Coast’s premiere boating water, 20,000 lb lift, large patio.

Waterfront Townhome with Slip in Tierra Verde

A rare waterfront unit in the highly-desired community of Villa del Mar, complete with slip, lift, and more.

2

garage $1,600,000 $879,000

Keep Your Boat Behind Your Home

Greet the manatees and dolphins that come to visit your new waterfront backyard with deep water slip and lift.

fit for your car collection. $1,600,000 THE SALAMONE GROUP 727-456-8093 | islandlife@stpete.pro | www.stpete.pro

3 beds, 2 baths,

beds, 2.5 baths, bonus room, garage

beds, 3 baths, garage, and bonus room.

Angela Mathias, Andrew Salamone, Ron Salamone, Libby Salamone