Paradise News APRIL 2024

34

COVER STORY

34 Marina Bay

A waterfront community built to last near the Skyway Bridge

BY PETER ROOS

FEATURES

14 Chamber News

Non-Profit Selah Freedom Exists to Fight & End Human & Sex Trafficking

BY PETER ROOS / ANDREA MARTONE

15 Big Man’s Moving

Josh (6’8”) and Brooke Anderson built the #1 Local Moving Company

20 Earth Day

Celebrate Earth Day 4/22 with Fun, Local Events 4/14 - 4/27

BY JANET NUMMI / BUDDY BAKER

22 Lend A Hand

Got time to volunteer?

BY JANET NUMMI

24 Pinellas Pepperfest

Pet & Family Friendly Event at England Brothers Park, April 13-14

BY SIK Productions

25 Child Custody Law

Choose the Right Attorney For Your Custody Battle

BY JAKE HORNSTEIN

30 Sugar Sand Festival

At Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach through April 14

BY PETER ROOS

32 King of the Beach

The 31st Kingfishing / Music event with Kids Fishing too!

BY PETER ROOS

38 Gulfport Matters

The Election Aftermath & The Yacht Club Issue

BY MARLENE SHAW

39 Downtown Guide

Concrete Jungle, Cane & Barrel, Pickleball Expo, Emerging Artists

BY AMELIA WILSON ROSE

40 Elderly Neighbors

How You Can Support An Aging Neighbor

BY ELLI BALDWIN

59 Tampa Bay Markets

‘Downtown’ Sunday Market May Feel Familiar BY

Bayfront Health is now Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital.

A new name, for a new century of care. Three years ago, we welcomed Bayfront Health into the Orlando Health family of hospitals. Since that time, we’ve been making steady investments in Bayfront Health and the St. Petersburg community to improve the quality of care and your patient experience, with expanded services and access to more top specialists. And we are proud to add our name. Stay tuned for even more good news to come.

OrlandoHealth.com/Bayfront

PUBLISHERS MESSAGE

Welcome to the April issue of Paradise News, Tampa Bay’s favorite community news magazine, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. March, April and May provide some of our best weather. Mid-April is typically when our snowbirds migrate back to the north country for the summer, replaced temporarily by younger beach enthusiasts during their spring break. April starts with music. The Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival in Clearwater covers the first two weeks, while the St. Pete Jazz Festival runs April 1-6 in downtown St. Petersburg. April also brings us the Dunedin Highland Games (6th) Tampa Bay Blues Fest and the Pinellas Pepperfest (13-14), Spring for the Arts (19th) and the Mainsail Art Festival (20-21). For gardeners, USF Botanical Gardens has a spring plant sale in Tampa (13-14) and the Annual Green Thumb Festival at west St. Petersburg’s Walter Fuller Park (27-28).

For runners, there are numerous walks and runs: Mote’s 5K Run for the Turtles (6th), Brighter Days Walk for Autism, and 5K By the Bay April 13, and St. Anthony’s Triathlon April 27-28. Fishing enthusiasts have at least two events: 3 Daughters Inaugural Daddy-Daughter In-Shores Fishing Tournament- April 13 and the 31st annual Spring King of the Beach kingfish and Spanish Mackerel tournament (25-27t) run by the Old Salt Fishing Foundation from Madeira Beach’s ROC Park. Come out for the weigh-in party at 6pm on Saturday.

The fun continues into early May with: RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles at The Sound, Derby at The Pier, and Madeira Beach Founder’s Day, all on May 4 and the St. Pete Tacos & Tequila Festival on May 10-11 at Vinoy Park. A complete calendar of fun things to do in Tampa Bay this month is found in our Arts and Leisure and Events listings starting on page 47.

We would like to welcome two new writers this issue. Amelia Wilson Rose, our new guide to downtown St. Petersburg, has prepared a new list for us of Happy Hour spots to try out and a new Downtown Guide to replace last year’s Downtown Concierge column. We have also recruited a guide to Gulfport. Marlene Shaw, a longtime Gulfport resident, was a city employee and runs a Facebook page called Gulfport Matters. Meanwhile, we have new articles from the new writers mentioned in last month’s publisher’s message, including Claire Brinsden Jordan on Health, Kelly Rouse on Dining, Elli Baldwin with the Caregiver’s and Anthony Velardi with the Legal Corner. While we have been accumulating our new bevy of editorial contributors, our loyal staff has taken on tasks on their own, finding and/or creating the base for a story with the help of AI chat tools. Thanks Janet, Kaeley, and Buddy for picking up the slack while I get back in the editor’s saddle.

We are thrilled to announce some new, some returning, some renewing, and many continuing advertisers. We welcome Brooke and Jeff Anderson with Big Man’s Moving, Tampa Bay’s #1 choice. We heard from old friends Jacob Hornstein and Greg Hill of Our Children Have Rights, Kim from Creative Clay, Real Estate Brokers Chuck Olson, Sovereign Boat Club, and Tammy Campbell Plumber McNelis is continuing her full page CPM team campaign in Paradise News. Our cover story this month is the amazing community of Marina Bay, which has been a loyal Paradise News advertiser for a decade or so. They have built to “Fortified Standards” on 60 acres just west of Eckerd College, and they just have a handful left to sell. If you know someone looking for a beautiful waterfront community on the Pinellas trail with no bridges to the Gulf, send them here.

There’s more online at www.paradisenewsfl.com where you can order a print subscription for under $2 /copy and sign up for our weekly digital emailed newsletter for free. See a sample under the weekly tab on the home page. Thanks for reading all the news from Paradise!

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ART & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Janet Nummi info@janetnummi.com

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Kaeley Dawson paradisenewsfl@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Caron Schwartz - Art News, Hanging Around

Buddy Baker - Arts & Leisure / Events

Dennis Merritt Jones, DDEncouraging Words

Dr. Johnathan Pierce - Pet Health

Kelly Rouse - Dining

Claire Brinsden Jordan - Health & Wellness

Anthony A. Velardi, Esq. - Legal Corner

Elizabeth (Elli) Baldwin - Caregiver Corner

Amelia Wilson Rose - Happy Hours & Downtown Guide

Marlene Shaw - Gulfport Matters

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Visit St. Pete Clearwater

Visit Florida • City of St. Pete • Janet Nummi Public Media Resource Images

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A Message from The Centre SPB

I wanted to take a moment to share some positive news with all of you. Over the past month, we’ve been engaged in fruitful discussions with our landlord regarding the future of The Centre SPB. I’m delighted to report that things are progressing well, and we are feeling optimistic about our chances of staying in our beloved space. Thank you for your continued support, and please know that we will keep you updated every step of the way.

With gratitude, Michael Moses Jr., CEO, The Centre SPB

Coffee & Kava Exchange: Botanical Beverages for a Healthier You

Embark on a journey of botanical delights at The Coffee & Kava Exchange within The Centre SPB. Here, you can opt for healthier alternatives to alcohol, embracing the soothing relaxation of kava, the gut-friendly fizz of kombucha, and the herbal benefits of kratom. With a commitment to quality, we brew our beverages using only the finest leaves, ensuring an authentic experience.

Delve into the tranquility offered by kava, derived from the South Pacific root, or invigorate your senses with the herbal vitality of kratom. For those seeking a burst of nutrients, our smoothies provide a vibrant blend of vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Whether you're indulging in loose leaf teas or savoring ethically sourced coffee beans, every sip promises a sensory adventure.

“Our guests are raving about our botanicals - they keep saying our kava, kratom, and coffees are the best they’ve ever had!”

- RJ, Manager, The Coffee & Kava Exchange

Teaki at The Centre: St. Pete's Plant-Based Haven

The newest culinary gem in SPB: a plant-based, organic, and gluten-free haven brought to life by Adrienne and Tara, two women with rich and diverse backgrounds.

Adrienne, a seasoned plant-based advocate for over seven years, shares her expertise in lymphatic system detoxification to combat disease. Tara, with over 25 years in the food industry across New York, DC, and Connecticut, brings a wealth of culinary mastery.

Teaki at The Centre brings fresh and delicious creations, complemented by enzyme-rich juices and smoothies. With having studied under world renowned Dr. Robert Morse, Adrienne works to bring health conscious food to our community.

Cappuccino

Matcha Latte

Kombucha

Kava

Kratom

Blue Lotus Latte

Adrienne doing her thing

Sunset Juice Chicken & Waffles (our way)

Tara with a fruit platter

DRV Gallery is hosting Deserie’s first solo art show, The Human Condition, April 5-20, Saturdays 11am-4pm.

The opening reception on Friday, April 5 from 6-8pm, features live music by Jim Gilmour. Deserie will also perform vocally. In the exhibition, Deserie shares images of people and scenarios we see and experience in everyday life – parenting, family, friendship, and hobbies.

The first painting attached is the cover photo entitled “Human Condition I,” a satirical view of today’s parent inspired by a scene Deserie observed in a local coffee shop.

Freefall Theatre presents Nollywood Dreams by Jocelyn Bioh April 12- May 12. Tickets $45-$55 ($25 for youth under 18 and for all seats to previews) or included with your $29/month subscription. It’s the ‘90s in Lagos, Nigeria, and the “Nollywood” film industry is exploding as the secondhighest producing film industry

in the world. This laugh-outloud romantic comedy follows the story of Ayamma, a young woman who works with her sister at their parent’s travel agency, who dreams of leaving her job and becoming a star. When she auditions for a new film by Nigeria’s hottest director, tension flares with his former leading lady, and sparks fly with Nollywood’s biggest heartthrob. Community partners: Hal Freedman, Willi Rudowsky, Betsy Schweitzer, and Cherie Willard.

The Annual Pirate Hall of Fame Golf Tournament benefitting the Boca Ciega High School college-bound senior athletes with scholarships will be held early Monday, April 29, at Pasadena Yacht & Country Club, followed by an award’s luncheon. This year’s tournament is dedicated to basketball coach Randy Shuman. Coach Randy Shuman was Boca Ciega High School basketball coach for 31 years, retiring in 2022.

He was instrumental in the creation of the Pirate Athletic Hall of Fame, serving as a founding member for many years! He won 10 District Championships, 7 PCAC Championship Titles and a State 4A Championship and was inducted into the Pirate Athletic Hall of Fame as a coach in 2018. Player spots are still available for single golfers or foursomes. Participate as a player or sponsor or to donate, contact a committee member: Linda Punzak ’78 727-452-5858 or lpunzak@ verizon.net, Bob Angle ’62 727-423-6135 or rangle@ tampabay.rr.com, Steve Hodges ’59 727-573-3594 or shodges41 @gmail.com, Jenni Adams ’62 386-690-1402 or philsin@aol. com Tournament proceeds benefit the Pirate Athletic Hall of Fame, Inc., a 501(c)3 (EIN 61-1720251) organization supporting student athletic programs promoting leadership, instilling values, developing character, and preparing students for success.

TPA ranked No. 1 again Airports Council International announced that Tampa International Airport has been once again ranked #1 in its annual Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards among North American airports with 15-25 million passengers for calendar year 2023, and this year shares the honor with Dallas’ Love Field Airport.

Recognized globally as an industry-best airport customer experience measurement and benchmarking program, the ASQ Awards use passenger survey data to identify the industry’s best-performing airports around the world.

By Peter Roos

Using 30 key indicators such as cleanliness, amenities, helpfulness of staff, wayfinding, and security, the award recognizes airports with the top 20% overall satisfaction score by size and region at departure. In 2023, more than 600,000 surveys were taken, helping to identify trends, set benchmarks and gauge passenger expectations so airports can better serve the needs of customers. More than 400 airports from 109 countries participated in the program.

Tevi Lawson is the commercial real estate broker / owner of Polaris Realty and the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce volunteer of the year. He is also the author of a brand-new book, The Proxy Diet: A Practical Guide to Self-Analysis and Healing, which he is convinced will change peoples’ lives.

The Proxy Diet is a transformative guidebook. Readers will find inspiration in relatable real-life stories, case studies, profound insights, practical tools, and actionable steps toward inner peace. The Proxt Diet is an open invitation to embark on an enlightening journey of self-fulfillment. Available from Amazon for $18.99 or from the author at

TIDBITS

www.TeviLawson.com where personally signed copies are just $28.

Isabella G. from Troop 60912 Hoxie Group, Girl Scouts of West Central Florida built and donated a toy box she built by herself for use at Pass-A-Grille Beach. Isabella, a 14-year-old career Girl Scout is earning her Silver Award, which focuses on a sustainable idea to help the community. The project is to be re-useable or provide a service which can be maintained or passed on. The design concept was to use similar building methods and materials for an outdoor deck (i.e., pressure treated timber, exterior stainless steel deck screws, Thompson water seal stain for decks). The toy box was constructed to sit off the ground to allow for any drainage. It is built sturdy enough to withstand the natural elements.

Residents 65 years of age and older are exempt by Florida law from needing a Florida hunting or fishing license. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission is sharing an opportunity that allows seniors to contribute to the conservation of our state’s diverse wildlife and wildlands.

By choosing to purchase a license, you’ll be making a direct impact on the preservation of Florida’s natural treasures. The proceeds generated from license sales

play a crucial role in funding essential conservation initiatives that benefit our local ecosystems, ensuring a thriving environment for generations to come. Licenses available include Silver Sportsman’s 64+ (Fresh/Hunt) - 1 / 5 year $17.50/$61.50/$136.50. Saltwater Fishing - 1 or 5 year $17.50 / $61.50 / $136.50. To purchase a license, visit www.GoOutdoorsFlorida.com

VETERANS Want to discover if you can enroll in Medicare? Are you or someone you know turning 65? How do Medicare and Veteran benefits work together? Are you a caregiver to someone with Medicare? Does your loved one need help with Medicare plans, lowering Rx costs, or getting their Part B premium paid for? Do you know a senior or disabled individual who could benefit from services like food delivery, transportation, and counseling? We can provide advice on where to start.

SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas. Specially trained volunteers can assist veterans with Medicare, Medicaid, and health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information. SHINE services are free, unbiased, and confidential. SHINE counselors can be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.

www.floridashine.org or www.agingcarefl.org

La Segunda Bakery & Café is celebrating the second anniversary of its Fourth Street North store in St. Petersburg. The 100+ year old brand expanded their business, originated in Ybor City. Famous for its Cuban Sandwiches and Guava Turn Overs, La Segunda is open daily from 6:30am to 3pm.

The Clean Cities Coalition unveiled a new name and look for Clean Cities as the U.S. Department of Energy partnership moves into its fourth decade of advancing clean transportation nationwide! The new name, Clean Cities and Communities, conveys the diversity of areas coalitions serve. The new logo reflects the clean transportation focus.

Downtown Tampa’s Straz Center announces their 2024-2025 Broadway at the Straz Season. A music lover’s dream, sponsored by The Bank of America, The Straz continues to bring the best of Broadway to Tampa Bay. The 2024-2025 line-up looks very tempting, including three shows in a row about superstars from our generation – Cher, Neil Diamond and Michael Jackson. Get a season ticket early for the best seating.

• The Boy Who Loved Batman, Oct. 1-Nov. 10. WORLD PREMIERE – an inspirational comedy about one man’s vision that became a national phenomenon.

• Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, Nov. 12-17 – The New York Times says “100 times better than any bedtime story.”

• Some Like it Hot – Dec. 10-15, “A super-sized, all-out songand-dance spectacular!” –The New York Times.

• The Cher Show – Jan. 14-19, 2025, The Tony Award®-winning musical of her story, 35 smash hits, six decades of stardom.

• A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical – Feb. 11-16 Brooklyn Kid becomes a chartbusting American rock icon.

• MJ the Musical – Feb. 25March 2, 2025, A rare look into Michael Jackson’s creative mind and collaborative spirit.

• Disney’s The Lion King –April 2-20, 2025, Tampa’s best-loved musical returns to the Straz Center.

• Mystic Pizza, April 29-May 4, 2025, About the MGM romantic comedy that launched Julia Roberts career in 1988, the score includes “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” to “Hold On” to “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.”

• Shucked, June 3-8, 2025 –Tony Award®–winning musical comedy The Wall Street Journal calls “flat out hilarious!” The Straz has also scheduled: Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations –Jan. 3-5, 2025, and MAMMA MIA! – Jan. 28-Feb. 2, 2025, in addition to the nine show Broadway season.

The Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg (MFA), is thrilled to unveil a remarkable exhibition centered around the restoration of a gilded, painted, and carved tabernacle from Northern Spain, dating back to the mid-1600s. Despite

enduring centuries of wear and tear, including losses due to woodworms, deterioration owing to environmental conditions, and damage from daily use, this remarkable acquisition retains much of its original surface. Yet, the once vibrant gilded and painted finishes have been dimmed by the passage of time and the accumulation of dust, candle soot, and other contaminants.

Over the coming months, Luis Seixas–an alumnus of the conservation program at the prestigious Universidade Nova Lisbon, will meticulously undertake the task of cleaning, consolidating, and restoring this precious artifact live within the Miriam Acheson Gallery.

Live Conservation: Restoring a 17th Century Spanish Tabernacle will be on view through June 23.With a focus on preserving the tabernacle’s authenticity, every effort will be made to return it as closely as possible to its original splendor – a fundamental objective of modern conservation practices. The conservation of art –preserving objects through professional, specialized treatment – is one of the Museum of Fine Art’s most important goals. This immersive project offers a unique opportunity for visitors to engage directly with the conservation process, interact with a skilled conservator, and gain insight into the intricate techniques, materials, and methodologies employed. From observing delicate cleaning procedures to understanding the significance of preservation decisions, guests will have the chance to delve deep into the fascinating combination of art and science that is art conservation.

The time has finally come to open the city of Treasure Island’s new and enhanced City Hall with a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 2 at 6pm at City Hall’s new location, 10451 Gulf Blvd. The newly renovated, 28,347-square-foot building cost $11 million including acquisition and renovations. The facility will serve as a central hub of the city, providing public space that is accessible, functional, and a source of pride for residents, as well as The City Commission Chambers, City Hall departments, Public Works Administration, and rentable recreation spaces.

The main (2nd) floor of the new City Hall will consist of the City Commission Chambers with a beautiful view of the beach, a lobby, and the Community Development Department. There will also be enhanced security features requiring electronic access to other floors. The third floor will be the main staff working floor, with a primarily open floor plan, designed to keep staff located in close proximity for efficiency and collaboration.

The fourth floor will provide some storage space for the Treasure Island Historical Society but will remain vacant until plans are made as to what should be housed on this floor.

The fifth floor will be dedicated to serving the community, with multiple-sized rooms available for classes, meetings, and

community activities. This floor also features a premiere event space with a catering kitchen, making it an attractive venue for a variety of functions. This floor will also house the city’s Parks and Recreation offices. City Hall is also designed to promote community engagement and provide residents with expanded recreational facilities.

If you miss the April 2 ribbon cutting, tours of the new City Hall may be had during the city’s Community Appreciation Day on April 13 from 11am to 1pm. For more information, including the cost breakdown, visit www.mytreasureisland. com/cityprojects

The Original Gulfport Walking Tour April 20 at 3pm. Gulfport History Museum, 5301 28th Ave. S., Join the Gulfport Historical Society as they take a stroll through history in Gulfport. The tour examines the creation of this small seaside hamlet; the tour guides–all Gulfport locals with a penchant for history and storytelling–share the town’s history and stories with the group. The tour starts at the Gulfport History Museum where you can take a peek at some of their historic photos. Tour is free for Gulfport Historical Society members. Non-members pay $15/person. Our guides do appreciate tips. Please bring your refillable bottle to fill up at the museum water cooler before the tour. These tours sell out, so advance ticket purchase

is highly suggested and members should pre-register. Whether or not you can attend, please consider donating to support our mission to preserve and celebrate Gulfport culture and history through exhibits and programs that educate and inspire the community and visiting public. Cathy Salustri Loper, President, cathy@ gulfporthistoricalsociety.org

A landmark donation of $2 million from philanthropists

Tom and Mary James is the largest private donation ever received by the PARC organization. It is earmarked for the groundbreaking of the new Children’s Services Center. This transformative gift significantly elevates Parc’s capacity to empower individuals with developmental disabilities. “People should know that, despite the size of the community we’re in, we have a very good place for people with special needs, which you can’t find everywhere. I’ve known the people with Parc for a very long time. The fact is, they have demonstrated time and time again, they’ll bend over backwards to help all the kids and all the adults who need services. I speak from experience knowing some of the people who live there. I’m proud we are associated with Parc Center for Disabilities,” said Mr. James.

HAPPY HOURS

By Amelia Wilson Rose

Tabebuia trees sway in the light breeze, their vibrant pink flowers seemingly dancing. By the Vinoy seawall, children and adults alike gather to watch a pod of dolphins leap playfully through the water.

Spring has sprung and it’s that perfect blend of sunny and about 75 degrees. What better way to ring in the new season than with a cool, refreshing drink on an outdoor patio?

Unwind with a fruity cocktail, a craft beer, or a few glasses of wine. Here are the best 10 happy hour deals right now in downtown St. Petersburg.

TRYST GASTRO LOUNGE

240 Beach Drive NE

Mon.-Fri., 4-7pm.

www.dinetryst.com

CASSIS

170 Beach Drive NE

Monday, Service Industry Day, 40% off with proof of employment in the service industry. Tues.-Fri., 4-7pm. Sunday, $25 bottles of bubbles all day. www.cassisstpete.com

GOOD FORTUNE

260 First Ave. S, Daily, 10pm-close. $5 premium wells and sake bomb shots. $6 espresso shots, lemon drop shots, and M&M shots. Half off all bottles of wine and sake on Thursdays.

www.goodfortunestpete.com

THREE BIRDS TAVERN

1492 Fourth Street N Mon.-Thurs., 3-6pm. $2 draft beer, $3 house wine and wells, $2 off all other drinks.

www.threebirdstavern.com

BIRCHWOOD CANOPY

340 Beach Drive NE

Mon.-Fri., 4-7pm. Half off all signature cocktails, all wine glasses $10 and under, red and white sangria. $3 select beer.

www.thebirchwood.com/ about-birchwood-canopy

OAK AND STONE

199 Central Ave. Mon.-Fri., 2-6pm.

25% off beer wall, $2 off Tito’s vodka, $2 off all pizzas, $5 house wines by the glass, $5 Bombora vodka.

www.oakandstone.com

FLÛTE & DRAM

234 Beach Drive NE

Mon.-Fri., 4-7pm.

Half off beer and well liquors, $4 house wine.

www.flutendram.com

COPPER SHAKER

169 First Ave. N

Daily, 4:30-7pm.

$3.50 select drafts and $2 off wine.

www.coppershakerstpete.com

BACCHUS

124 Second Ave. NE

Daily, 3-6pm.

House selected sparkling, white, red, rose, or beer for $4.50 per glass. $4.50 hummus, Mediterranean olives, pickled vegetables, roasted nuts or olive tapenade. Chef’s daily selection of cheese and charcuterie for $6.50.

www.bacchusstpete.com

FORD’S GARAGE

200 First Ave. S Mon.-Fri., 2-6pm.

$2 off all drinks and drafts (excluding bottles).

$4 Premium Well.

www.fordsgarageusa.com

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

CHAMBER NEWS

SELAH FREEDOM:

Treasure Island & Madeira Beach Chamber’s Non-Profit of the Year, Fights Sex Trafficking

“Sex trafficking is pandemic in America, and Florida is the #3 location.” – Kassy Brewer

Selah Freedom is a faith-based organization out of Sarasota and the Midwest with a national reach, dedicated to ending sex trafficking and bringing freedom to survivors through five key programs: Awareness, Prevention, Outreach, Residential, and Consulting. Based in Florida and the Midwest, Selah Freedom focuses on educating individuals, preventing trafficking, providing outreach services, and offering holistic restoration to survivors. Selah Freedom actively confronts sex trafficking by partnering with law enforcement, legislators, and influential leaders to bring about change and support survivors in their journey towards freedom.

Kassy Brewer, Selah Freedom’s Awareness Advocacy Coordinator for Tampa Bay, accepted the non-profit of the year award from Barry Rubin at the Chamber’s March 1 luncheon at the Bilmar. The rest of the chamber’s awards went to dedicated long-time members and T.I.’s fire chief for his work reducing the city’s homeless problem by finding them long term shelter and hope.

This non-profit of the year award caught my attention because of the unusual name of the group and its goals. Brewer’s role is pivotal in bringing Awareness and Advocacy to Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough and Manatee counties.

Brewer says, “The average lifespan of someone being trafficked is seven years, and the average age of trafficking is 12-14 years old. Awareness is key to help eradicate sex trafficking.” Brewer emphasizes that all Selah Freedom staff and volunteers are passionate about their work. “It’s a calling, not a job, a mission of the heart.” She encourages schools, churches, civic leaders, Chambers of Commerce, Rotaries and other service organizations to invite Selah Freedom to present to their members because our children today should never be exploited and sold into sex trafficking and should never have to be in rehabilitation/residential facilities when they become “survivors.”

Selah Freedom’s Five Pillar Programs:

1) AWARENESS Providing adult-focused training about the sex trafficking pandemic, what to watch out for. Run events, manage volunteers, connect with donors and community partners.

2) PREVENTION Age-appropriate educational training for youth and adults to avoid common tactics used by traffickers.

By Peter Roos & Andrea Martone

A 6-month mentorship program for at-risk girls, ages 12-17, equips them with the tools to avoid sex trafficking, make healthy life choices, develop positive relationships and encourage their growth.

3) OUTREACH Selah Freedom provides outreach on the streets and in the jails through its sex trade support group, case management and resources for survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation. Selah Freedom partners with local law enforcement as the first point of contact for individuals identified as trafficking victims or at high risk of being recruited into trafficking. It also partners with the FBI, the United States Attorney’s Office, multiple Human Trafficking Task Forces and more, to reach survivors and bring them life-saving solutions.

4) RESIDENTIAL A holistic approach to restoration. Survivors, who have had everything stolen from them, get the stability and rest they need. While in the program, survivors are equipped with the wrap around services and resources they need to be free. They can receive their GED, reconnect with their children and family, get a driver’s license and even learn to swim. 87% of survivor graduates of Selah Freedom’s Residential Program do not return to “the life.”

5) CONSULTING Selah Consulting equips organizations working with survivors with tools, training, and curriculum. They customize a training plan tailored to their needs: in residential programming, trauma care, staff training, and curriculum. Mentored over 60 organizations in 11 states and three countries to help them provide safe and sustainable programs in their communities.

Thanks to Jenna Byrne, founder of Water Warrior Alliance (www.waterwarrioralliance.com) who awarded Selah Freedom a $4,500 scholarship for a survivor to participate in a one-week program for Scuba and water conservation training. For more information about Selah Freedom, write Kassy at Kassy@Selah Freedom.com or visit www.SelahFreedom.com Selah’s hotline # is: 1-888-8-FREEME.

Gabrielle Triplett, a survivor of sex trafficking and graduate of Selah Freedom. Gabrielle went to an awards ceremony for Ocala Detective John Lightie, who rescued Gabrielle six years ago after she had been shot by her trafficker. Det. Lightie recommended Selah Freedom for Gabrielle’s rehabilitation. In their care her recovery and healing began. Since that fateful day, she has been clean and sober 6 years, she obtained her GED and a degree, was reunited with her family, married and bought her first home. Today Gabrielle is employed with Selah Freedom, bringing hope to the women going through their program and awareness to communities on sex trafficking. Many on the group’s staff are survivors.

The Evolution of Big Man’s Moving Company

We used a well-known moving company for a local move. Upon investigation of our furniture, we found nicks and scratches all over our belongings.

How could such an expensive service come with so much negligence? We realized a careful and diligent boutique moving company would be a huge opportunity in the marketplace... hence, the vision for Big Man’s Moving Company was born!

From Humble Beginnings

In late 2016, we got married and collectively decided to pursue our dream of owning a family business and used our wedding gifts to partially fund our first 26’ truck.

Brooke had nicknamed Josh “Big Man” way before they started the moving company. At 6’8, his tall stature was the inspiration behind the name. When deciding on a name for the business, it seemed to be an obvious choice – and now Brooke refers to her husband as the company “mascot.”

To Award-Winning Services

Our professional team has successfully completed over 10,000 local, state-wide, and out-of-state moves. The company has evolved from 1 truck and working out of our home to 8 trucks, 30 employees, and an office just off of US-19. Despite the growth, our biggest accomplishment is being voted the #1 Moving Company in Tampa Bay by readers of the Tampa Bay Times for three consecutive years and by Creative Loafing in 2023.

For more information about their full services, guarantees, insurance, and free estimates, visit www.bigmansmoving.com or call 727-772-3458.

Licenses: IM2726, DOT2951960

Josh and Brooke Anderson, owners of Big Man’s Moving Company

There are many benefits to living not only in Florida, but especially on its beautiful Gulf Coast: warm weather; a vibrant wildlife and ecosystem; near endless water and river excursions; and certainly not least of these, a rich and bountiful array of restaurants serving some of the best seafood and fish America has to offer. It is easy to become overwhelmed by the plethora of enticing restaurants to choose from, so this month we have three suggestions, any of which are sure to hit that peckish spot.

HOOKIN’ AIN’T EASY Nestled along 22nd Ave. S (aka Gulfport Boulevard) east of Gulfport, is the breezy and welcoming Hookin’ Ain’t Easy Seafood Co. Opened in 2020 by owner Matt Neumann and his wife, this now must-visit café started as a fresh fish and seafood market, which still thrives today adjacent to the café. The market is a one-stop-shop for any fish or seafood

lover, with its nearly unlimited variety of gulf caught goodies – from the many species of fish to crab, scallops, mussels, shrimp and just about any other watery delicacy you can imagine. Having been commercially fishing the waters off St. Pete for 30 years, Matt knows good fish and seafood, which is obvious from the sights, smells, and layout in their roomy market. If you’re looking to whip up a meal or provide snacks locally caught, you can’t do better than Hookin’s market.

Adjacent to the market is Hookin’s outdoor café, replete with crushed shells, sand, picnic tables and a cozy bar straight out of Jimmy Buffet’s imagination. This is a space you can only find on the coasts of Florida. It’s laid back, friendly and open. The food? It’s some of the best you can find in the city. A list of succulent appetizers the length of your arm – conch fritters, raw oysters, biscuits, fried zucchini and more. Fish dinners

with multiple varieties from the day’s catch and a whole crab section. One of the staples of Gulf cuisine is of course grouper and there’s almost a religious fervor folks have toward finding the perfect grouper sandwich.

Well, having eaten it in countless locales, for my money Hookin’s blackened grouper is simply the finest grouper sandwich in town. A huge portion, moist and perfectly cooked, it sits in a soft brioche bun with perfect seasoning. Whether to stock up on seafood for a cookout or sit back and enjoy the live music while eating a great meal, Hookin’ Ain’t Easy Seafood Company, 3660 22nd Ave. S, St. Pete is now a must-visit destination for seafood lovers. Market hours: Mon.-Fri. 10:30am-7pm, Sat. 9am-7pm, Sun. 11am-5pm. Café hours: Sat. 11am-7pm, Sun. 11am-5pm, closed Mon.-Tues. facebook.com/HAESeafood

THE HELM On Blind Pass Road, across from Mastry’s Brewing Company, The Helm captures the essence of seaside cuisine and comfort. The ambiance at The Helm is modern yet still very rooted in old school Florida warmth. With spacious indoor seating and a well laid out patio, this is a destination for anyone looking for a great meal. They’re open for breakfast and brunch, and the food is exquisitely tasty. The Helm boasts a menu brimming with coastal delicacies that celebrate the bounty of the sea, from delicious starters of crab, lobster and carpaccio, served in different succulent forms all bursting with vibrant flavors, to a tasty raw bar of clams and oysters.

For those seeking lighter fare, The Helm also offers a selection of salads featuring fresh produce, as well as grilled options that highlight the natural flavors of the

By Kelly Rouse

ingredients. If you’re looking for a little heartier spread, their “Deck Hands” offer robust options. Subs and lobster rolls, crabcake sandwiches and the Captain’s catch provide lots of choices. Crab eggs benedict or lobster grilled cheese – who could say no? And no visit to this beachside paradise would be complete without sampling their signature cocktails, expertly crafted with tropical fruits and top-shelf spirits, perfect for toasting to another day in paradise. The Helm: Provisions & Coastal Fare, 7736 Blind Pass Rd., St. Pete Beach. Tues.-Fri. 10:30am-4pm, Sat. 10am-4pm, Sun. 10am-2pm, 727-363-4356 www.helmtampabay.com

WALT’Z FISH SHAK Cozily nestled behind John’s Pass Village, down the boardwalk from Hubbard’s Marina, Walt’z Fish Shak offers an authentic coastal dining experience. Family owned and operated,

Walt’z is like a home-cooked meal, but let’s be honest, far tastier. With a casual atmosphere and simple decor, it’s all about the fresh, no-fuss scrumptious seafood. With a chalkboard menu that can change based on the day’s local delicacy, this straightforward but delectable stable of food is cooked with care and served with a side of seaside charm.

Whether diving into their fresh amberjack, wild-caught gulf shrimp or the conch chowder and smoked fish spread, friendly staff and the sound of waves lapping nearby enhances your experience of the yummy eats. Well known and loved in the community, this quaint eatery is very popular, so get there early. It’ll be worth it. 224 Boardwalk PL. E., Madeira Beach. Tues.-Sat. 5-8pm, closed Sun.-Mon., 727-395-0732

facebook.com/WaltzFishShak

Daily specials, sensational seafood, sandwiches & more, full bar. Enjoy water view, indoor/outdoor dining and your favorite sports teams on 13 TVs.

HAPPY HOUR Mon.-Fri. 3:30-6pm

MENU

2001 Pass-A-Grille Way, St. Pete Beach

https://bit.ly/thewharfpag

727-367-9469

COOKING CORNER

Strawberries are the quintessential spring fruit, bursting with juicy sweetness and bright colour. Just one serving – about eight berries – provides more vitamin C than an orange. Strawberries also have minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium, folate, and magnesium, along with antioxidants called anthocyanins. As one of the first fruits to ripen after winter, they are a true symbol of the season. April is all about spring vegetables too – asparagus and artichokes are at their peak, snap peas begin to make an appearance, as well as young carrots with their fern-like carrot tops, and fava beans. Garlic, onions, leeks, and fennel are thriving, as are the first spring radishes. Spring fresh fruits include strawberries, blueberries, and mangoes. Shop local markets to gather the freshest in springtime.

STRAWBERRY CRUMBLE

An easy Strawberry Crumble recipe to celebrate summer and enjoy a delicious dessert ready in less than 30 minutes. Plus, this crumble recipe is also vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free to share with everyone.

Crumble Toppings

• 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

Ingredients

• 4 cups strawberriesfresh or frozen

• 1/2 tablespoon corn starchor arrowroot flour

• 1 tablespoon brown sugaror coconut sugar

• 1 teaspoon lemon juiceoptional

• 1/2 cup flour of choice - all-purpose flour, oat flour, almond flour, or gluten-free flour blend

• 1/4 cup brown sugar - packed or coconut sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/3 cup coconut flakes or chopped walnuts/almonds

• 5-6 tablespoons coconut oil or softened dairy-free butter

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Slightly oil an 8-inch x 8-inch square pan. Set aside. Core the strawberry stems and cut each strawberry into large bites or keep whole if preferred. Place the strawberries into a large mixing bowl with corn starch, sugar, lemon juice, and stir to coat. Spread evenly into the baking dish. Strawberries bake really fast, even if they overlap. Set aside. In another mixing bowl, mix flour of choice, rolled oats, coconut flakes (or chopped nuts), sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Rub in soft coconut oil or softened dairy-free butter with fingertips until it forms a breadcrumb-like texture. Start with 5 tablespoons of soft coconut oil and add the extra one if too dry. Sprinkle over the strawberries in the pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the fruits are cooked, bubbly, and the top is cooked and crispy. Serve with a dollop of dairy-free ice cream or whipped cream. Store in refrigerator for up to three days.

EARTH DAY

APRIL 22, EARTH DAY, is a worldwide observance dedicated to raising awareness and taking action to protect our planet’s environment. This year, as the world faces escalating climate change and environmental challenges, individuals, communities, and organizations around the globe are coming together to advocate for sustainability, conservation, and a greener future. www.earthday.org/earth-day-2024

From grassroots initiatives to large-scale events, Earth Day month hosts a myriad of activities aimed at promoting environmental stewardship and addressing pressing issues such as deforestation, pollution, and habitat loss. Across continents, people will participate in marches, clean-up efforts, tree planting campaigns, and educational workshops, demonstrating their commitment to making a positive impact on the planet. See environmental and beach cleanup volunteer opportunities in the lend a hand story in this edition of Paradise News.

In addition to community-driven initiatives, governments and businesses also stepped up their efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainability. Many countries announced ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, invest in renewable energy, and transition to more eco-friendly practices. Meanwhile, corporations pledged to adopt greener policies, minimize waste, and support conservation efforts, signaling a growing recognition of the importance of corporate responsibility in mitigating environmental impact.

As the world grapples with the interconnected crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation, Earth Day serves as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility we share to safeguard the planet for future generations.

Our editor Buddy Baker participated in

the very first Earth Day march to the Department of the Interior in Washington, DC in April 1970. Through individual actions and collective efforts, people around the world are demonstrating their commitment to creating a healthier, more sustainable world, one step at a time. While Earth Day is just one day on the calendar, its message resonates throughout the year, inspiring ongoing efforts to protect and preserve the Earth’s precious resources. As the sun sets on Earth Day, the global community stands united in its determination to address the pressing environmental challenges facing our planet and ensure a brighter, greener future for all.

EARTH DAY EVENTS

4/14 Earth Day “Kids Can” Cleanup & Craft Project

9am-noon, Lake Seminole Park, 10015 Park Blvd., Seminole, Shelter 10 Wear closed-toe shoes and clothing you don’t mind getting dirty. Hat and sunglasses recommended. A water refill station will be available; please bring a reusable bottle. Free, but RSVP: www.eventbrite.com/e/earth-day-kids-cancleanup-craft-project-tickets-836162533647

4/18 Earth Night 2024

$150, 5-8pm, Tampa Bay Watch Headquarters, 3000 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde. Sample unique, planet-friendly ingredients prepared by talented faces from our area’s culinary scene. The evening is a celebration of sustainability, and an occasion to learn how you can eat well for your health and the planet. Proceeds fund marine science education programs. Tickets: www.tbwdiscoverycenter.org/eat-art-earth

4/20 ECOFEST 2024

Free,10am-3pm, Museum of Science & Industry, 4801 E Fowler Ave., Tampa. Ecofest is the Earth Day celebration for Tampa Bay, complete with sustainability experts, green workshops and garden gurus. Peruse local vendors, STEM booths and food trucks. Presented by Learning Gate Community School and MOSI. www.facebook.com/EcofestTampa

By Janet Nummi/Buddy Baker

4/20 Stevenson Creek Earth Day Cleanup

9am-noon, meet at the Clearwater Shuffleboard Club, 1020 Calumet St. Wear closed toe shoes, sun protection, and weather appropriate clothing. All cleanup supplies will be provided by Keep Pinellas Beautiful. A water refill station will be available, bring a reusable water bottle. Free parking is available onsite. RSVP: www.kpbcares.org/upcoming-events

4/20 Bear Creek Park Cleanup

9-11am, Bear Creek Neighborhood, 62nd St. S, St. Pete. Wear closed toe shoes, sun protection, and weather appropriate clothing. All cleanup supplies will be provided by Keep Pinellas Beautiful. A water refill station will be available, bring a reusable water bottle. RSVP: www.kpbcares.org/upcoming-events

Keep Pinellas Beautiful conducts frequent, regular cleanups. To find volunteering opportunities, visit www.kpbcares.org/ upcoming-events

4/21 108 Sun Salutations for Earth Day

9am-1pm, Williams Park, 350 Second Ave. N, St. Pete. Join the first annual Yogis United Earth Day donation-based event. This year’s flow will benefit Tampa Bay Waterkeeper, a local non-profit dedicated to protecting, improving and preserving the Tampa Bay watershed. RSVP: www.tampabaywaterkeeper.org/ events-tbwk

4/21 Earth Month 2024 Walk at the St. Pete Pier Free, 10am, St. Pete Pier, pet friendly. Join Aveda Florida for a ‘Walk for Water’ event dedicated to raising awareness for the global water crisis in support of Charity Water. The walk is 3.7 miles, the average distance women in communities without clean water walk daily to a water source. RSVP: www.eventbrite.com/e/earth-month-2024-walkst-pete-tickets-827584376147

4/27-28 Green Thumb Festival

Free admission, 9am-4pm, Walter Fuller Park, 7891 26th Ave. N, St. Pete. St. Petersburg’s annual Arbor Day celebration brings together plant and flower lovers, as well as individuals and families looking for a fun weekend activity. More than 120 garden, plant and flower vendors and exhibitors. Will be held rain or shine, except for severe weather.

4/27— Earth Day at Mocassin Lake

Free, 10am-3pm, Moccasin Lake Nature Park, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater. Celebrate this special day by learning how to better protect our earth. Be sure to check out the hourly animal and educational presentations and participate in fun activities and crafts. A food truck will be on site.

lb

9510 36TH AVE. E, PALMETTO 5-acre horse ranch. 4.99 acres. Paved driveway. Pond. 3,946 sq. ft., 2-story, 5BR/3BA/3Car garage. Eat-in kitchen, family room, fireplace. Elevated deck. 1BR/1BA log cabin. 20-stall, full size barn. Fenced training area. Randall Ierna 727-647-0813

138 1ST ST. E #106, THE VILLAGE AT TIERRA VERDE 2BR/2BA, 1255 sqft condo, gated. Prime location and water views. Near elevator. Amenities include: 3 heated pools, tennis courts, gym, sauna, clubhouse, onsite manager. Judy Bader 727-698-3831, Jacqi Dockery 727-424-3700

268 MONTE CRISTO BLVD., TIERRA VERDE 4BR/3.5BA

1 & 2- car garage. Blanka Prusova-White 727-480-6126

THE VILLAGE - 120 1ST ST. E, UNIT#109 Updated 2BR/2.5BA +loft townhouse. Water views. Private BOAT SLIP, 10K

lift. Two balconies. Gourmet kitchen. New appliances. Primary suite balcony. 2-car tandem garage. Gated. Clubhouse. 3 heated pools. Blanka Prusova-White 727-480-6126

3988 BELLE VISTA DR. E, ST. PETE BEACH 3BR/2.5BA Near beaches. Gourmet kitchen. Open-concept. Stunning water views. High wood-planked ceilings. Heated pool, jacuzzi. Waterfall feature. Large updated boat dock. Deep protected water.

131 YACHT CLUB LN., TIERRA VERDE Waterfront 3BR/3BA townhouse. Deep water. Deeded boat slip. Jet ski dock. Quick Gulf access. Under building garage. Hardwood floors, dual balconies, wood fireplace, pool. Pets

LEND A HAND

April 21-27 is National Volunteer Week!

In the vibrant city of St. Petersburg and surrounding beach communities, the spirit of giving and generosity shines bright as residents and visitors alike embrace the opportunity to give back through various volunteer initiatives. From lending a helping hand to those in need, to contributing to the preservation of local beaches, the area offers a plethora of volunteer opportunities for individuals looking to make a positive impact. www.volunteermatch.org/ search/orgs.jsp?l=St.+Petersburg%2C+FL

For those passionate about environmental conservation, St. Petersburg boasts a wealth of opportunities to get involved in initiatives aimed at preserving the area’s natural ecosystems. From beach cleanups to tree planting events, volunteers have the chance to roll up their sleeves and make a tangible difference in safeguarding the environment for future generations.

Organizations such as Tampa Bay Watch, Keep St. Pete Beautiful, and the Tampa Bay Estuary Program regularly host volunteer events aimed at beautifying public spaces and restoring habitats, providing individuals with a hands-on opportunity to contribute to the well-being of their community.

Since 1998, Keep Pinellas Beautiful (KPB) has participated in a nationwide, volunteer based, community improvement program called the Great American Cleanup (GAC), a signature event of Keep America Beautiful. During the GAC (March-May), affiliates, such as KPB, rally together volunteers to cleanup parks, public areas and waterways. Nationwide, this program gathers over 3.4 million Americans to educational and litter-free events to help improve and preserve our country. Join a cleanup! www.kpbcares.org/upcoming-events

Tampa Bay Watch volunteers of all ages include individuals, corporate groups, school groups, scout groups, local clubs and others to accomplish marine restoration projects. Interested volunteers, see the online scheduled projects page and register to receive the weekly e-newsletter to get first notices of upcoming opportunities. www.tampabaywatch.org/volunteer-main/ scheduled-projects

By Janet Nummi

Give-A-Day For the Bay is a volunteer program sponsored by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program to directly involve citizens in restoring Tampa Bay. Staff, local partners, and community volunteers put in “sweat equity” to clean and restore bay area parks and preserves. From removing exotic vegetation to creating living shorelines, these interactive events encourage volunteers to get dirty, give back, and have fun! www.tbep.org/get-involved/volunteer

St. Petersburg’s thriving arts and cultural scene provides ample opportunities for individuals to volunteer their time and talents in support of the local creative community. From assisting at art galleries and museums to participating in community theater productions, volunteers play a crucial role in promoting cultural enrichment and fostering artistic expression throughout the city. These volunteer opportunities not only contribute to the vibrancy of St. Pete’s cultural landscape but also provide individuals with a rewarding outlet for creativity and self-expression.

St. Petersburg Arts Alliance volunteers are vital as they advocate for the arts, empower artists and creative businesses, drive arts-related economic development in St. Petersburg and support in-school, after-school and professional education programs. Both in-person and virtual volunteering opportunities include: SHINE Mural Festival, MUSE Awards, ACE Principals Breakfast, arts education events, SPAA Garden Party, and other fundraising events. www.stpeteartsalliance.org/ support-arts/volunteer

Volunteering through the city of St. Petersburg is a great way to stay involved in the community and invest in it through a donation of personal time and labor. The Involved Citizens Active in Neighborhoods (ICAN) program allows the community to focus its efforts based on priorities and needs assessment and opportunities focus on education, neighborhood development, environmental conservation, and green initiatives throughout the city. Individuals and community groups can help their St. Pete neighbors by adopting a project during CareFest this spring. Other volunteering opportunities with the city include: Boyd Hill, Community Canopy Project, Drains to the Bay, My Brother’s and Sister’s Keepers, St. Petersburg Libraries, St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation, Sunken Gardens. Go to www.stpete.org/residents/community/ volunteer.php for updates.

Local nonprofit organizations, play a pivotal role in addressing social issues and enhancing the quality of life for residents. From food banks to shelters, these organizations rely heavily on volunteers to support their mission of serving the most vulnerable members of the community. See volunteer listings on page 59.

As St. Petersburg continues to grow and evolve, so too does the need for individuals willing to lend their time and talents to worthy causes. Whether it’s through traditional volunteer organizations, environmental initiatives, or civic engagement programs, there is no shortage of opportunities for you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and contribute to the collective well-being of the community.

Estate Planning, Elder Law & Real Estate Attorney

WHERE THERE’S A WILL, THERE’S A WAY.

Often, clients call and tell me they need a Living Will when they really mean a Last Will and Testament. In the end, I am glad they called, and I tell them they actually need both. So, what’s the difference between a Living Will and a Will?

Simply put, a Living Will, as the name implies, pertains to healthcare matters while you’re living, whereas a Last Will and Testament, which is commonly referred to as a Will, applies to matters after you pass away.

In Florida, a Living Will kicks in if you (1) have a terminal condition, (2) have an end-stage condition, or (3) are in a persistent vegetative state and your primary physician and another consulting physician determine that there is no reasonable medical probability of you recovering from such a condition. In this event, your Living Will indicates whether you want life support or to “pull the plug.” A Living Will and a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) are not the same, and a DNR goes a step further by informing medical personnel not to perform CPR.

In your Living Will, you also indicate the person to carry out your medical wishes, which is referred to as your Healthcare Surrogate. When designating a Healthcare Surrogate, they should be familiar with your medical wishes and able to make decisions under pressure. Someone with a medical background is a big plus but not required. Certain religions, such as Catholicism and Judaism, have specific requirements when it comes to Living Wills.

Some may remember the Terri Schiavo case, which lasted for years in Florida with Terri’s family fighting over whether to keep Terri on life support because Terri did not have a Living Will. If Terri had a Living Will, all the drama and legal battles could have been avoided altogether.

In conjunction with a Living Will, it is also wise to have a Will because a Will indicates your wishes regarding your assets after you pass away. In your Will, you designate who will serve as Personal Representative or Executor of your estate, and your Personal Representative oversees the administration of your estate and ensures your wishes are carried out after you pass away. A Will may also indicate whether you want to be buried or cremated and other preferences such as a funeral or celebration of life. Furthermore, a Will can be used to designate the guardian of a minor child if a parent passes away before the child turns 18, and this helps

By Anthony A. Velardi, Esq.

avoid legal disputes as well. A recent Florida appellate court case highlights the importance of having a Will.

In State v. Estate of Bruening, Kyle Bruening passed away without a Will and had no surviving spouse, no children, no siblings, no parents, no grandparents, no aunts, no uncles, and no first cousins. Kyle’s second cousin, who shared a common great-grandparent, filed a petition with the probate court claiming an interest in Kyle’s estate as a beneficiary along with two other distant cousins. The State of Florida argued that a second cousin does not fall under the definition of an heir per Florida law and that Kyle’s entire estate escheated, or reverted, to the State of Florida. The trial court agreed with Kyle’s second cousin, but the appellate court reversed and held that second cousins who otherwise have no familial relation to the person who passed away do not fall under the definition of an heir per Florida law, thereby resulting in Kyle Bruening’s entire estate escheated, or reverted, to the State of Florida. All of this could have been avoided if Kyle Bruening had a Will, so the moral of the story is please make sure you have a Living Will and a Will.

Anthony A. Velardi, Esq.

AV Law PLLC

Treasure Island, FL 33706 (727) 641-4110

anthony@avlawpllc.com

PINELLAS PEPPER FEST

Igniting Taste Buds with Fiery Flavors

Spice enthusiasts and foodies alike descended upon England Brothers Bandshell Park for a fiery celebration of all things hot and flavorful. From sizzling sauces to mouth-watering dishes, the festival showcased the diverse and dynamic world of peppers, delighting attendees with a fusion of culinary delights, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.

It is the 17th Anniversary of Pinellas Pepper Fest on April 13-14 and it’s going to be HOTTER than ever before! This hot n’ spicy food show is painfully delicious, big on flavor and cooked up to be one of the hottest events of the season.

Specialty exhibitors will tickle your tastebuds as they bring on distinctive, breathtaking, and dynamite offerings in the form of sauces, salsas, seasonings, rubs, plants, food products, gadgets, kitchenware, hundreds of mild to wild samples and more. Let your temperature rise with live music heating up the stage throughout the 2-day extravaganza.

Pepper Fest alumni will be prepared for the traditional hot stuff contests, including the Extreme Lolli Lick-A-Thon (the hottest lollypop in the world, sponsored by Intensity Academy) and the Jalapeno Pepper Eating Contest. The competition will be fierce as contenders vie for the awards in each category.

The event is pet and family friendly, and admission and parking are complimentary. 5010 81st Ave. N, Pinellas Park

Saturday, 4/13 (10am-5pm)

10am-12pm Tommy & Mimi

12:30pm Warm upAmateur Pepper Eating Contest

1-2:30pm League of FireRoad to America’s Belt Competition

3-5pm 727 Band

Sunday, 4/14 (10am-5pm)

10-11:30am Paul Anthony

12-1:30pm Greg Woodruff Music

1:45pm Vendor Concoction Awards

2:00pm Hot Lolli Lick-A-Thon

2:30-5pm LongNeck Band

For more information, text 813-299-3600 or visit www.facebook.com/PinellasPepperFest.

By SIK Productions

and far battle the blaze for a chance to claim the coveted Tampa Belt that they get to keep as a trophy and qualify for a guaranteed shot at the League of Fire 5th Americas Belt Match championship.

The League of Fire has taken the world by storm, making competitive chili pepper eating a global phenomenon. They’ve established the world’s governing body ranking system that unifies chili-eating contests worldwide. This means no matter where you are, these fiery trials adhere to a single, recognized standard.

It’s a system built for showcasing the courage of those who dare to take on the hottest peppers and challenges our planet has to offer.

This innovative league has brought order to the fiery world of chili hallenges, establishing a global ranking system. Now, contests around the world can adhere to one recognized standard, ensuring fairness and a platform for champions to be acknowledged.

Pinellas and League of Fire Presents The Road to the 5th Americas Belt Match - Tampa On April 13th witness 9 USA contestants from near

OurChildrenHaveRights.org

By Jake Hornstein, Our Children Have Rights.Org (OCHR)

Choosing the RIGHT ATTORNEY while Establishing Child Custody

At OCHR, a common mistake that we encounter is a parent who wasn’t strategic when they committed to an attorney. Understandably, some circumstances force a sense of urgency, leaving little time to perform proper due diligence. Part of our mission is to better educate, equip and prepare parents to achieve a successful outcome more seamlessly. Even if time is of the essence, we hope this article can help be the difference between making the right decision(s) and avoiding costly mistakes.

Be strategic by considering these key factors:

1. Retain a reputable attorney who regularly practices family law

Choose an attorney who specializes in family law, specifically Custody Law. Family Law may be one of many practice areas of the attorney. Make sure it’s their specialty. Ask these questions – How much of your practice is family law, specifically custody law? How many cases have you done? What were the outcomes? What kind of custody arrangement do you believe is most beneficial for children? Can you provide references from parents you’ve represented?

2. Retain an attorney who regularly practices in the county of your court case

They’ll have existing relationships with courts and judges. Making them more familiar with decision making tendencies. And more likely to have an established rapport. Select an attorney who will be performing on their home turf. This may also lower ancillary costs (ex: limited travel expenses).

3. Retain an attorney who will work for YOU

We often engage with parents who reach out for help “finding an attorney who will take my case.” Bad mindset. You are hiring an attorney to work for YOU, not the other way around.

Ask the attorney questions…

• Will you lead in my preparation and help me understand the laws?

• Will you personally handle my case and be my primary contact?

• What is the best way to contact you, and how long should I (generally) expect a response?

Now ask yourself...

• Was he/she receptive to my questions?

• Were they even listening?

• Did the attorney point out any nuances of my case that I hadn’t thought of myself?

Legal Aid can be extremely expensive. So, remember, the attorney works for YOU, on behalf of your children.

OCHR is a Pinellas based nonprofit that helps parents more seamlessly navigate their child custody and co-parenting journeys, at no cost to the family. We were recently recognized with the AMPLIFY Clearwater “Community Spirit Award.” Support of our mission is vital, and we kindly ask our community to consider a financial contribution to our mission. Most importantly, if you, or someone you know, needs our assistance, we’re here for you. We’re on a mission… A mission to protect the rights of children to have access to both responsible parents by providing education, resources, and support services for successful co-parenting. Why? Because Our Children Have Rights.

Contact Jake at JakeHornstein@OurChildrenHaveRights.com or visit www.OCHR.org

Nature that Nurtures

GO WILD TO REDUCE STRESS

April is Stress Awareness Month, and it’s more important than ever to address how our busy lives, closely intertwined with technology, create unhealthy levels of stress.

While it is widely known that you can reduce stress with exercise, plenty of sleep, meditation, yoga and breathwork, there’s a simple way to reduce stress that is sometimes overlooked – nature. Spending time in nature is essential to our physical and mental health, but people in urban areas spend too much time indoors and away from our veritable “roots.” San Diego journalist Richard Louv coined the term “Nature Deficit Disorder” to describe the negative effects of our alienation from nature. So how much time in nature do we need for good health and well-being?

According to a study of 20,000 people conducted by the University of Exeter in England, we need at least two hours a week outside in nature to reduce stress. This twohour minimum can be enjoyed in a single outing or spread over several visits throughout the week. According to the Yale School of the Environment, over 1,000 studies all suggest the same thing – that assuming you feel safe, spending time in green spaces and natural environments reduces both physical and psychological stress.

How does spending time in nature reduce stress levels? As far as physical effects, it lowers blood pressure, reduces the stress hormone cortisol, and enhances immune system function. There are many benefits to mental health as well. Spending time in nature provides inspiration and a sense of belonging, raising self-esteem. It calms the nerves and boosts mood, combating both depression and anxiety. Time in nature can even improve cognitive development in children, and cognitive function in adults. Getting outside is not only good for our own health and well-being, but also for those around us. Research suggests that being in nature increases empathy and cooperation. Nature reminds us of our connectedness.

There are various ways to enjoy time in nature. Go for a walk or hike and search for flowers, listen for birds, watch for wildlife. Enjoy your favorite outdoor exercise, including running, biking, paddle boarding or kayaking. Set up a picnic under the shade of trees or hang a hammock and read a book. Fortunately, there are numerous beautiful, natural spaces in South Pinellas where we can step away from our screens and “go wild.”

North of downtown St. Pete is Sawgrass Lake Park, a swamp conservation area with a one-mile boardwalk as well as a half mile dirt path for observing wildlife. Weedon Island Preserve encompasses over 3,000 acres with hiking trails as well as a paddling trail.

South of downtown St. Pete, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve offers 245 acres on the shores of Lake Maggiore with walking trails and abundant wildlife. Clam Bayou Nature Preserve in the Broadwater neighborhood has kayak and paddler trails, as well as recreation trails. And, of course, there are plenty of city parks and “blue spaces” along the beaches and waterfronts that connect us with nature close to home.

By Claire Brinsden Jordan

This month as we acknowledge and address the stressors in our lives, remember that when it comes to reducing stress, Mother Nature knows best!

GO DRY TO DE-STRESS

It’s common to have a beer or glass of wine to unwind and relax, especially when you feel stressed. In the short term this helps by releasing endorphins and boosting serotonin. But studies show that relying on alcohol as a stress reliever in the long term has the opposite effect. Alcohol is a depressant that alters the brain chemistry, triggering the release of cortisol – the stress

hormone - that exacerbates depression and anxiety, and leads to a dependence on alcohol. There are much healthier ways to deal with stress in your life, and you don’t have to sacrifice your social life or your taste buds to go dry. There are numerous restaurants and bars in St. Pete that offer “mocktails” and non-alcoholic (NA) alternatives. Cassis and Flute & Dram on Beach Drive, Copa, The Dog Bar and Wild Child on Central Ave., and The Ship’s Hold on Fourth Street offer a variety of “mocktails.” And if you want to enjoy some NA beverages at home, the bottle shop Herban Flow on 22nd Ave. N offers a wide selection of NA spirits, wines and beers, as well as a sampling bar.

FACE INJECTABLES

LASER AESTHETIC BODY

Coundouriotis Facial Plastic Surgery & Laser Center is a full service facial plastic and cosmetic surgery practice specializing in the art and science of surgical and non-surgical procedures for the face, eyes, neck, and nose. The new MedSpa excels in aesthetic treatments and services to restore and maintain healthy, beautiful skin.

Dr. Coundouriotis is dual board-certified and fellowship-trained in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and offers the latest and most trusted cosmetic services including laser, injectables, eye rejuvenation, wrinkle treatments, CoolSculpting™, HydraFacials, microneedling with PRP and more.

“...I would recommend Dr. C to everyone I know. Not only is he a professional at what he does, but he goes over and above what’s necessary to see that you leave his office satisfied. He listens to your concerns and recommends the best options for you. He has all the latest equipment and stays up with all the new procedures...”

Call for a complimentary consultation!

Andrew Coundouriotis, MD, FACS

PET HEALTH

CANCER SCREENING BLOOD TESTS

Over the past couple of years veterinary medicine has been fortunate to finally see the advent of cancer screening blood tests. OncoK9 by PetDX was the first of these, which screened for eight of the most common cancers that we see in dogs. Unfortunately, the company has recently stopped accepting samples and rumor has it that they will be closing their doors.

Luckily, Volition is a company that has been in the human health care diagnostics business for years and has applied their Nucleosomic technology to help veterinarians detect cancer in our pets.

Nucleosomics is basically the isolation and quantification of nucleosomes in the blood. Nucleosomes are particles of DNA wrapped in protein that are released into the blood when there is cell turnover or death. With cancer the cells divide and expire much more rapidly than in normal calls and subsequently release a large amount of nucleosomes. Volition created the Nu.Q test in order to measure the amount of nucleosomes which helps us determine the risk of cancer, helping us with early detection.

Nu.Q is recommended as a yearly test in dogs over the age of seven years for most dogs, however they do recommend testing every six months for breeds that may be a higher risk such as: Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Welsh Corgis, Flat Coated Retrievers, etc. There are three levels of risk, depending on the amount of circulating nucleosomes.

By Dr. Johnathan Pierce

It is recommended to pair this test with annual comprehensive bloodwork as this test is not specific to cancer. Diseases that cause high levels of inflammation such as sepsis can cause false positives.

Nu.Q is run using a small amount of whole blood that is then spun to separate the plasma where the nucleosomes are found, making this a very easy, non-invasive test to run. The test is now available through veterinary reference labs and as an in-house lab test for vets, making this as easy to run as annual lab work. If your pet fits the criteria outlined above, consider screening your canine companion with the Nu.Q test.

HANGING AROUND

By Caron Schwartz

I’ve reached that stage of life when much socializing takes place in waiting rooms. Lots of nice people with the same aches, pains, and complaints staring at their phones or watching the Property Brothers or Pet Collective on the muted TV.

Not only do I enjoy waiting rooms, I love my healthcare providers, who are carefully curated by their proximity to delightful snacking afterward.

The guy I see most is primary care, who’s not a GP or family practice doc but a gerontologist (of course!) He’s a hop, skip and a jump from the Crumb Factory. So is my periodontist. Coffee and a cinnamon bun might not be the best choice right after the hygienist’s archeological dig through my gums, but I cannot resist.

My general dentist is located a one-minute walk to a more sensible choice, Jax In and Out, which offers healthy soups, sandwiches, and salads. Cupcakes too! Or you can make the death-defying two-minute walk across the street to the Annex Coffee for a smoothie or cappuccino.

Anyone who knows me understands I’ve been saddled with orthopedic issues my whole life. In an ironic twist of fate, my elderly mother’s fall and resulting broken hip led me to the guy who was able to solve my mysterious hip problem. Plus, is he handsome! He’s a real doctor, but he could play one on TV. (Don’t get it? Watch https://bit.ly/vicks-44-commercial).

“Dr. Kildare’s” office is not convenient to any of my hangouts, but not a bad drive to Craft Kafe or The Blend on Central.

My yearly trek to Tampa General for an MRI and visit with the neurosurgeon (long story short – I’m OK) is usually rewarded with window shopping in nearby Hyde Park and a stop at Buddy Brew.

It goes without saying that visiting the gastroenterologist, urologist or gynecologist leaves me a little queasy, so treats afterward are out of the question. But after dermatology or neurology, my car knows the route to the nearest Kahwa.

Rheumatology? OK, there’s a Starbucks nearby.

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Richard Chamberlain as Dr. Kildare in the 1960s TV medical drama.

PIER 60 SUGAR SAND FESTIVAL

Through April 14

www.sugarsandfestival.com

Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival is a 17-day sand sculpting festival that pays tribute to Tampa Bay’s two most valuable assets: our sugar sands and our sunsets! Head to Clearwater Beach to explore the expansive 21,000-square foot structure that encompasses the Sugar Sand Walk Exhibit open Sunday-Thursday 10am-9pm and Friday- Saturday 10am-10pm through April 14.

The showcase of the Sugar Sand Festival is the main attraction –The Sugar Sand Walk Exhibit. This ticketed exhibit can only be seen once a year, and no two years are alike. Stroll through a 21,000 square-foot tent filled with sand sculpted art crafted by world-class sculptors using Clearwater’s internationally famous sugar sand. These aren’t sandcastles – they are premiere works of art. Fourteen world-class artists craft elaborate sand sculptures from Clearwater’s internationally famous sugar sand. More than 1,000 tons of Clearwater sand takes on a new life, bringing visitors on a “sandtastic” adventure.

This year, the festival celebrates its 10-year anniversary and its biggest year yet with the theme, “Sands of Time.” The theme conveys a sense of nostalgia, celebration, and appreciation for the festival’s past, while looking forward to an even more exciting and inspiring future for the festival and the art of sand sculpting. Skip the line and buy online at www.sugarsandfestival.com/p/tickets

From architectural masterpieces created from Clearwater’s famous sugar sand to concerts, performers and daily entertainment, the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival presented by Visit St. Pete Clearwater is an annual event attracting visitors from around the world. This year’s festival will again stretch for 17 days, which allows people more time to attend and gives those visiting for Easter a chance to see this incredible and affordable festival.

There’s more fun to have during the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival than grains of sand on Clearwater Beach. Enjoy free activities for all ages, including a children’s play area, street performers, artisans, live entertainment, fireworks, sand sculpting classes, speed sand demonstrations, and the master sand sculpting competition! Additionally, Pier 60 Park features a ferris wheel and amusements for added thrills.

To access a comprehensive list of all festivities, navigate to the activities page located at the top of the website at www.sugarsandfestival.com. SEA you soon!

visi

eclearwa T er co

By Peter Roos

Exhibit Hours:

Sunday-Thursday 10am-9pm

Friday-Saturday 10am-10pm

Activities:

• Frenchy’s Free Beach Concerts

• Street Performances

• White Claw Daytime Stage

• Cornhole Tournament

• Sand Sculpting Classes

• Baystar VIP Lounge Experience

• VSPC Photo Opportunity

• Tropico/Hyatt Sand Bar

• Spectrum Fireworks

• Clearwater Gas Speed Sand Demonstration

• Amusements (water slides, bounce houses, bungee jump, ferris wheel)

• Artisans (handmade treasures by the sea)

• Winter the Dolphin’s Beach Club Interactive Art Installation

• College Wall Art Master Sand Sculpting Competition

• Beachside Hospitality Front Line Fridays

• Parrot Head Beach Cleanup

• Classic VW Car Show

• Pro-Amateur Competition

• Sunset Salsa & Bachata

• Butterfly Exhibit

The closest public parking lot to the event is the Pier 60 lot ($3/hr.) located just southwest of the roundabout, beach side. Street parking can be found both north and south of the roundabout. Two public parking garages are located near the venue on Coronado (Hyatt Regency and Surf Style) and one public parking garage located on north beach in the Pelican Walk Plaza. Full list of parking spots at www.myclearwater.com/Visit-the-Beach/Find-Beach-Parking

SPRING KING OF THE BEACH Kingfish Tournament April 25-27

By Peter Roos

They say, “Give a man a fish, and he will enjoy lunch. Teach a man to fish and he will never go hungry.”

I was raised fishing in the summers on the Canadian side of the St. Laurence River, mostly out for channel perch and grass pike. My dad and a group of friends also owned a small walleye fishing lodge deep in backwoods Quebec they took turns visiting. There were also muskellunge, which were fun to fight but not good eating. One once towed my canoe 12 miles upstream.

There is more variety to fish for in Florida. I have a 260-page book full of Gulf of Mexico sport fish species. There are numerous different trout, snapper, mackerels, pompanos, snook, flounder, jacks, croakers, tunas and bonitas.

Kingfish are the largest of the mackerels, which are offshore in our area from spring to fall. In April, May and October, they migrate closer to shore where anglers can find them.

The Old Salt Fishing Foundation holds their legendary spring King of the Beach tournament and party from R.O.C. Park, 200 Rex Place, Madeira Beach, Thursday, April 25 through Saturday, April 27.

Tournament Entry Fees - Online Registration

$350/Team (Old Salt members)

$400/Team (Tournament entry plus Membership)

$425/Team (Non-Members)

Species: King Mackerel and Spanish Mackerel

Payouts: Pays 6 Divisions $250,000 Cash & Prizes • 3 TWT’s - Standard, High Roller & The Smoker!

Last year at the Saturday night weigh-in, Team Double Bird weighed in the winning fish at 46.56 lbs., taking home $104,083 in cash and prizes.

The Old Salt Foundation loves old-fashioned seawall fishing. So much so that they have three family friendly seawall tournaments every year.

The Fall Seawall Tournament held every year, just in front of the Fall King of the Beach, is one of the most popular community tournaments. This is a fun event for anglers of all ages, so bring the whole family.

Old Salt Fishing Foundation Kids Fishing Slam, Friday, April 26, 5-7pm. The Kids Fishing Slam, held each Spring, is a one-day, fun-filled, family fishing “tournament” where Old Salt, local kids and their families fish the seawall at ROC Park – the Madeira Beach Recreation Complex.

This is a completely FREE event with no entry fee. Old Salt provides bait, assistance plus free fishing rods and goody bags for the first 250 young anglers that sign up to participate.

Already have fishing gear? Great! Bring your own and fish the Slam, too. The tournament closes out with a slew of prizes and trophies. This event is great fun for the whole family.

Click here for a sign-up form.

www.oldsaltfishing.org/fishing-tournaments/ kids-fishing-slam/

The Gulf Beaches Rotary Club holds a morning kids fishing event in the same location, with the help of The Old Salt Fishing Foundation, on Saturday, May 18. Registration starts at 8am. Fishing at 9am. There are free rods and tackle for the first 100 to register. www.oldsaltfishing.org

• Local Food Vendors

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

• Silent Auction Ends at 9pm • • Boat Showcase •

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“More than beautiful ... Resilient”

by Peter Roos

For those who desire the finest things in life, Marina Bay offers premium resortstyle living that thoughtfully complements and co-exists with nature. This gated, waterfront community is nestled on the scenic corridor of Pinellas Bayway just west of Eckerd College, ideally located between St. Petersburg’s vibrant downtown and Pinellas County’s famed beaches, with easy access to the best of both worlds.

Visitors and long-time residents of St. Petersburg have slipped past this secluded development for years without realizing that the 60-acre, master-planned community even exists. The exclusivity and privacy that Marina Bay offers are just two of the reasons for its incredible popularity. Land once owned by Eckerd College was purchased in 2003 and developed for the purpose of creating a sanctuary for the most discriminating buyers with focus on superior construction practices, excellent floorplan design, luxurious amenities, and amazing waterfront views of Boca Ciega Bay and the community’s vibrant lakes.

From behind its gated entrances, the community’s signature features include lush, tropical landscaping, spectacular water features and fountains on acres of tranquil lakes, creating an amazing nature preserve that is teeming with wildlife. Community amenities in this private enclave include two heated pools (one with geothermal heat for year-round swimming) two spas, a clubhouse, fitness center, fishing pier and deep-water marina with almost 2,000’ of intracoastal water directly on Boca Ciega Bay.

Bordered by the Pinellas Trail, Marina Bay’s distinct neighborhoods offer numerous lifestyle choices with something for everyone, including villas and condominiums. While the singlefamily Estate Homes, Garden Home Villas and Captiva Condominiums are sold out, occasional resale opportunities exist throughout the community. All new construction homes are built to FORTIFIEDTM standards, and every new home is built with concrete block walls top-to-bottom, foam insulation for energy efficiency and a natural gas generator providing automatic, uninterrupted poweron-demand for complete peace of mind.

The FORTIFIEDTM program is a nationally recognized building method to strengthen homes against natural hazards such as high winds, hail, hurricanes, and tornados. The superior FORTIFIEDTM designations have been established by the non-profit organization of the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) based on “scientific research to make residential and commercial construction better withstand severe weather.” In short, IBHS analyzes existing standards and identifies ways to improve them.

Typical building codes establish the minimum construction standards required to ensure the safety of those inside a home. However, even in areas where the most up-to-date codes are adopted and enforced such as in Pinellas County, homes can be built stronger.

The resilient construction of a home built to FORTIFIEDTM standards far surpasses building codes and includes roof fortification and impact windows, sliding glass doors, entry doors and

garage doors. The engineered roof to wall connections and story-to-story-connections are anchored by wall-to-foundation connections to create a “continuous load path” tying the house together from the roof to the piling foundation, providing maximum protection. Marina Bay’s new construction homes are all of that and more.

Marina Bay Villas

In addition to the exceptional construction practices, Marina Bay’s beautifully appointed villas offer the ideal blend of pure luxury and practical convenience with elevated living space all on one level and an equal amount of parking and storage in the enormous garage below. These unique homes feature a modern, open floor plan with a private elevator from the first level garage to the second floor living space. From the moment you enter one of the new villas, the thoughtful layout is clear, all overlooking the lake, fountains and preserve beyond. Custom features and luxury finishes include 10’ ceilings with dramatic vaults in the great room, premium appliances, walk-in-pantry, natural gas cooking, and a 22kW Generac natural gas generator.

The spacious and dramatic villas provide a rare opportunity to own a high-quality, low maintenance home with endless upgrades and all the conveniences a luxury home provides. There are two villa models to choose from: a 2,334 sq. ft. 2-bedroom

2-bath with den, and a 2,574 sq. ft. 3-bedroom, 2.5 bath home. The homes feature a calm, neutral color palette with dramatic accents that enhance the beautiful water views, all amid the quiet serenity of Marina Bay.

Pointe Condominiums

Marina Bay’s Pointe on Boca Ciega Condominiums offer unparalleled features and the perfect balance of luxury and comfort. For starters, there are only three units per building, each commanding an entire floor ensuring the ultimate luxury – privacy. Strategically positioned to maximize spectacular panoramic waterfront views, each “penthouse style” 4-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom residence offers over 3,800 sq. ft. of living space and nearly 1,000 sq. ft. of wrap-around terrace on two sides, with walls of glass overlooking breathtaking views of Boca Ciega Bay, the gorgeous marina below and the illuminated Skyway Bridge on the horizon. Topping it all off, the ideal south-southwest exposure provides endless views of St. Petersburg’s legendary sunsets.

The innovative and brilliantly designed plan is highlighted by a remarkable covered terrace which wraps the building on two sides, perfect for morning coffee, al fresco dining or sunset cocktails. The open, contemporary floor plan features an enormous 40’+ great room, a huge walk-in pantry and a unique owners’ suite with dual baths.

Further life-enhancing features incorporated into each residence include a 150kW whole-building natural gas generator, a private, secured elevator foyer, state-of-the-art smart home/media infrastructure and a private, oversized two-car garage for each unit.

The list is endless . . . impressively appointed 10’ ceilings integrated with custom LED recessed up-lighting, Euro-style custom cabinets, Cambria countertops, large-format porcelain tile flooring, great room fireplace, no shared walls and tucked quietly away on the southern tip of St. Petersburg. Remarkably, the Pointe II Condominiums are the first condominiums in the entire state of Florida to achieve the FORTIFIEDTM –Gold designation.

Florida’s real estate market has been impacted by the Surfside legislation which was rushed into place in late 2022. It affects most condominiums in Florida, requiring inspections and reserve funding for future repairs based on a Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS). The uncertainty created by the Surfsideinspired safety laws and the concern of drastic increases in condominium fees to fund future reserve requirements has triggered a surge of interest in Marina Bay because of the quality of construction and the benefits of moving to a new home that is not impacted by the new legislation.

A new construction home in Marina Bay provides years of certainty from SIRS requirements because the villas are fee simple ownership and therefore do not fall under the requirements of Florida’s Condominium Act, Chapter 718 of the Florida Statutes. While Marina Bay’s Pointe Condominiums are indeed regulated by the Florida Condominium Act, the SIRS statute expressly excludes any three-family dwelling with three or fewer habitable stories above ground. The Pointe on Boca Ciega Condominiums meets these requirements and are therefore excluded from SIRS.

When you think of important things to consider when buying a home in Pinellas County, St. Petersburg, things like feeling of community, sense of security, long-term affordability, beauty, tranquility, amenities, and perhaps storm readiness – there is only one place that offers all of that and more. With only four new construction condominiums and six villas currently available, Marina Bay is the place you will want to call home.

The Marina Bay sales center is open seven days a week from 11am to 4pm Monday through Saturday, and from noon to 4pm on Sunday. Stop by for a private tour, or call for additional information, 727-906-3300.

www.marinabaystpete.com

Delray Grande Villa Floorplan: https://bit.ly/delray-grande

Lido Grande Villa Floorplan: https://bit.ly/lido-grande

Pointe on Boca Ciega Floorplan: https://bit.ly/pointe-bc

The poinTe on Boca ciega

Here’s what they say about Marina Bay

Marina Bay is truly a tropical waterfront paradise. The property is incredibly landscaped and well maintained throughout the year. The ambiance is tranquil with many water fountains that can be heard and seen over the entire property. It has a great amount of open space for walking and jogging all the way to the pier where there is incredible fishing, a walk away from our property. The clubhouse has a great exercise room along with a wonderful pool and oversized hot tub. We even purchased a set of bicycles which our family rides around the property to relax during the dusk hours. The community is a relaxing peaceful retreat and neighbors are friendly. We enjoy a single home experience without the necessary maintenance, with lots of beautiful flowers and palm trees that make it such a tropical paradise. The location is extremely convenient to local area attractions including St. Petersburg and Clearwater beaches which are some of the best in the country. Also, very convenient to downtown Tampa and the airport which is only 20 minutes away. There are many great restaurants around, and we are close to many Spring training baseball games which we enjoy every year especially being from Boston. The ocean views are breathtaking, and the gulf waters are tropical in color and temperature, which keeps us staying longer on every visit. One of the big reasons we knew this was the property for us was the personal attention of the developer and builder. This is the difference that made us the most confident in our purchase and continues today with the many upgrades that we make to our property. The developer’s people continue to go above and beyond their responsibilities by helping us with various property needs even if we are out of town.

–

George and Family

Marina Bay is the place to live and enjoy life. It’s close proximity to downtown St. Pete, the beaches, Fort De Soto Park, is priceless. It offers to biking enthusiasts the opportunity to exercise without leaving the neighborhood while enjoying nature.

– Berny and Denise

We are so glad we live in Marina Bay, and here are some of the reasons:

Super-convenient location – beaches, St. Pete, Tampa, Sarasota Spectacular setting, Friendly neighbors Top-notch, code-current construction 2000 sq. ft. garage under our private home.

Neighborhood activities and amenities. There’s no place like home, especially at Marina Bay!

– Suzanne and Tony

We are so happy that we purchased a home in Marina Bay. The grounds are beautiful and immaculately maintained, the waterfront location has superb fishing, and the developer has been extremely helpful.

– Peter and Elaine

We have enjoyed the “Marina Bay lifestyle” for over 6 years with maintenance free living in the Captiva condominiums. With three grown children and three very active grandchildren located from across the country, travel constantly. When we leave on a trip, all we do is “press” the elevator button and go! When we arrive back, everything remains the same. So easy and perfect!!

– Susan and David

We had a very pleasant experience building our new Garden Home Grand Villa in Marina Bay. The developer and builder were very helpful throughout the project and the results exceeded our expectations. The design of the community was very important to us. We wanted our community to be on the water with plenty of open green space. Because we only live in Florida part of the year, we looked for a place that was gated and secure. We have found Marina Bay meets our criteria. We enjoy the well-equipped fitness room and swimming pool/spa at the new clubhouse. The surroundings are peaceful and well maintained. Our neighbors are friendly, and we have developed a sense of community.

– Bruce and Tracy

We are absolutely delighted with the Marina Bay community. The quality of the buildings surpasses our expectations. The clubhouse is beautiful and exceptionally well appointed, the fitness center a joy to work out in, the pools and spa deliciously inviting. The builders were consistently concerned with our desires and our comfort and met our every challenge – Bill and Seena

This magnificent complex offers everything that we wanted from a home in Florida. Secluded, well-landscaped grounds combine to make walking, biking, swimming or relaxing at home a luxury experience. We found everything we need to live life well at Marina Bay.

– Sheryl and Terry

To

Marina Bay is the FIRST community in Pinellas County to receive the FORTIFIED Gold™ designation.

FORTIFIED™ goes beyond code, meaning FORTIFIED™ Construction far exceeds most building codes and improves the performance of buildings

GULFPORT MATTERS

I am thrilled Paradise News asked me to share information regarding Gulfport – which for those unaware, is a lot. It is something I also do on a daily basis on the Gulfport Matters Facebook page, listing the many great things happening in Gulfport.

My early years were in Detroit and in my early adult life, lived on acreage in the “rural thumb” area of Michigan prior to moving to Florida in 1982. Gulfport has been my home since 1994. My career was in community management, and I ran my own management firm for 14 years. I also worked for the Community Services Division for the city of Gulfport for five years which included managing the Casino Ballroom, city events, theater, and creating GeckoFest.

I attend city council meetings, various other city meetings, town halls and workshops. I listen, observe, and converse with people in the community. Much of what I will be sharing with you throughout the year will be news of what has, or is, transpiring. While this may not sound interesting at the moment, many would be surprised how much occurs in our quaint 2.8-square-mile city.

The recent election is a current example. We are pleased when candidates step up as

a candidate rather than an election by acclamation. Yet, the Aesop’s Fables warning to be careful what you ask for seems to be weighing heavy on many minds due to the national nature of the recent campaign. There was a steady stream of misinformation, mischaracterization, and even some photoshopping and fake ads. Ultimately, the incumbent councilor, April Thanos, prevailed with over 60% of the votes. Thanos received 2,072 of the votes and Bixler received 1,314 per reports. There is an indication of “sour grapes.” At this juncture, I’m amused at coincidentally using another Aesop’s phrase. It is now up to the citizens of Gulfport to ensure our council will work together and represent us.

The Marina Project is next on the agenda. At the city council meeting of Feb. 20, Stantec presented a scope of services for a concept study. They worked on a concept in the past. Apparently, it was not well received by the public. They are starting over again. The plan is for a community engagement study to develop a unified vision through a collaboration effort. Is it just me, or does this remind you of something similar to legalese?

Seriously though, I advocate for community engagement and a two-way communication

By Marlene Shaw

process in which the council listens to the community. A charette was scheduled for March 25.

During the public session of the Feb. 20 council meeting, a number of people spoke regarding the marina project. Their concerns included the current seawall damage and collapses, preventing disturbance of wildlife and nesting birds, flooding, commercial entities, traffic, more hard paving, sewage, and making sure the community will know how the process will work. Concerns were expressed about utilizing the same firm as previously used, what is driving it, and the importance of listening to the citizens.

A long-term resident of 20+ years in the marina district asked who wants this project and what problem does it intend to solve? He said he has never heard a ground swell of citizens asking for any changes and speculates that the charette will begin with an official speaker portraying a glorious project. By the way, it appears post-maintenance costs have not been discussed either. Unquestionably, this will be another round of energized discussion. Stay tuned and stay involved.

DOWNTOWN GUIDE

Since its grand opening last fall, Concrete Jungle remains one of the hottest places downtown. The Tulum-inspired restaurant and bar is known for its Latin fusion, innovative cocktails, and all the vibrance of a tropical soirée. Drop by 475 Central Ave. and enjoy a boozy brunch, an elevated lunch date, or even a night out complete with fire-dancers. www.concretejunglestpete.com

A few blocks over, crowds gather at Cane and Barrel, the rooftop bar overhanging the AC Hotel. With stunning views, classic Cuban food, and live music every weekend, Cane and Barrel lives up to the hype and exceeds expectations. Check out the house-made

sangria after work, or stay for a boozy, lively brunch on the weekend. More information is available at www.caneandbarrelstpete.com

If you’re in search of a more sophisticated experience, Fortu at 95 Central Ave. is not to be overlooked. The Pan-Asian menu ranges from small bites to larger delicacies, including a cocktail menu that is notably one of the best in town. Fortu’s intimate indoor dining and bustling patio have remained packed for a reason – it’s just that good. www.forturestaurants.com

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST IN THE PARK

American Stage is presenting the all-time classic play, Beauty and The Beast, in Demens Landing Park from April 3-May 5. Perfect for a family outing, a romantic date night, or perhaps just a solo evening of leisure, come on out and fall in love with this fairytale all over again. Showtimes are as follows: Wednesdays & Thursday at 7pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm.

SPCA TAMPA BAY’S PET WALK

The SPCA of Tampa Bay is hosting a Pet Walk in North Straub Park on April 6, from 8:30am-12pm. Come on out and bring your pet, or just yourself, and connect with

By Amelia Wilson Rose

other animal lovers over a fabulous cause. The SPCA of Tampa Bay is a for-all center, benefitting any and all animals, regardless of their situation. Join us as we soak in the sunshine and meet some new furry friends!

FRESH SQUEEZED 8: EMERGING ARTISTS IN FLORIDA

Head down to Chihuly Collection (720 Central Ave.) April 13-June 27, anytime from 10am5pm, and immerse yourself in art! Courtesy of the Morean Center, this event focuses on local Floridian artists, giving them a chance to break into the art world and showcase their talents. Celebrate innovation, creativity, and a new wave of artists – and maybe even pick up a new piece for your home!

SUNCOAST PICKLEBALL EXPO

Three things are certain in life: death, taxes, and hearing way too much about pickleball. Whether you’re a die-hard pickleball enthusiast, or simply determined to find out what all the fuss is about, the Suncoast Pickleball Expo is a great time for all. This event is located at the Coliseum (535 Fourth Ave. N) on April 18th, from 3-7pm. Meet new friends, and shop at various vendors!

How to Support an Aging Neighbor Information, insight, and support when caring for an aging loved one or neighbor

One of the many things that makes St. Pete a great place to live is the diverse neighborhoods. We live in an area surrounded by gorgeous scenery and people. We are in a time when the biggest generation in history has started to age, so it’s important to support the aging community. An easy way to support the aging community is to start at home in your community. Do you have an aging neighbor?

You can support your aging neighbors in many ways, and it starts with getting to know them. So if you haven’t already, introduce yourself, and visit. Get to know them – do they have family near?

Do they have pets? What do they like to do or eat? Perhaps you can offer to help them take out the garbage? Or bring in the groceries? Do you have little kids or teenagers? Teach your kids to pitch in and help out when appropriate.

After getting to know your neighbor, you should ask for emergency contact information. Talk about what their emergency plan is in case of a hurricane or a fall. It’s always a good idea to have a contact person in case they need help. Are you worried about your aging neighbor? How will you know if they need help?

Here are seven signs to look for when you are worried about your elderly neighbor:

1) How does the outside space look?

Is your neighbor able to keep up their outdoor space/yard? Or has it

become increasingly unkempt? The shape of the outdoor space often mimics the shape of the indoor space, although outdoor space can be harder to maintain. If you see the space deteriorating, it may be time to check-in and offer help.

2) Has the trash been taken out?

If you notice that the trash has yet to be maintained, this is a sign that your neighbor could use an extra hand. It may be hard for your neighbor to ask for help, but don’t be afraid to offer. Often people don’t want to burden others and are afraid to ask for help.

3) Have you seen your neighbor recently?

Has your neighbor’s car moved? Have you seen them bring in food to the house recently? If you can’t remember the last time you saw your neighbor bringing in groceries, or out and about, it may be time to check in.

4) Are lights left on all day, or not on at all into the night?

If you notice that your neighbor hasn’t turned on/off the lights when it is appropriate, this can be a sign it is time to check in immediately.

5) Have you seen your neighbor wandering or walking around confused?

Wandering and seeming confused are both signs of memory decline and could also be a sign of stroke. If you notice your neighbor wandering confused, it is best to call 911.

6) Is their pet cared for?

If you sense pet neglect, this could be a sign that your neighbor is unwell, and not able to care for themself or others. Does your neighbor have a dog? Has the dog been walked recently?

By Elli Baldwin, CDP

7) Is your neighbor looking physically frail or recently lost weight?

If your aging neighbor seems frail, weak, or recently lost weight it could be a sign they need more support.

It can be hard to approach your neighbor with concerns, we understand. If you have concerns, be sure to let someone in their family know ASAP. If you have concerns but aren’t sure who to contact, give us a call. We can help to connect you with local resources. Also, our Sunways website has a Caregiver blog and so many free downloads and resources, so be sure to check it out! www.sunwaysseniorliving.com

Always remember, you don’t have to walk this journey alone. Because our services are free to our clients, please contact me anytime to discuss your unique situation and see how we can support you. “See” you next month! If you have any specific topics or questions you would love for me to cover, please contact info@sunwaysseniorliving.com or call 727-314-6415

Sunways Senior Living Concierge

www.sunwaysseniorliving.com info@sunwaysseniorliving.com 727-314-6415

5969 Cattleridge Blvd., Ste. 101, Sarasota, FL 34232

ART NEWS

Tampa’s Great White Way

Season tickets for the 24-25 Broadway at the Straz are now on sale. Shows begin in October with The Boy Who Loved Batman, followed by How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, Some Like It Hot, The Cher Show, A Beautiful Noise, MJ, The Lion King, Mystic Pizza, and Shucked. https://bit.ly/straz-broadway

What, no Pinball Wizard? Step away from the console and step into a new sensory take on video games during Heroes: A Video Game Symphony featuring a live orchestra performing music from epic video games such as Castlevania, Starfield, The Elder Scrolls, and loads more with scenes from the games projected onto a huge screen. 5/11, 7:30pm at the Straz. https://bit.ly/heroes-straz

Arts Summer Camp Grants return! Creative Pinellas offers them to young people (5-18) who attend Title I schools,

receive a reduced or free lunch, live in designated neighborhoods, or meet other requirements. Applications are open through 8/9. https://bit.ly/ creative-pinellas-camps

Muraltopia Creative Pinellas and the city of Largo have selected artist Emily Tayman for the Largo Central Park Crosswalk Mural Project. Her beautified crosswalk will support pedestrian and vehicle safety while promoting the city’s focus areas of sustainability, public health & safety, and community pride.

https://bit.ly/largo-mural-project

The city of South Pasadena and Creative Pinellas’s mural project continues! Selected artists and their locations are Cecilia Lueza (South Pasadena Shopping Center), Sydney Prusso (Pasadena Bar and Grill), and Ximena Sousa (Kimberly Nails). This project brings color and vibrancy to the community of South Pasadena.

https://bit.ly/pasadena-mural

Plasticity “Plastic Undone,” an exhibition of plastic jewelry, is on display throughout April at St. Pete ArtWorks. Each artist upcycles plastic waste including bottles, food containers, and other detritus diverted from the waste stream. Opening reception 4/13 from 5-9pm.

https://bit.ly/gcaa-artworks

Deuces wild Explore the vibrant world of art at St. Pete’s Five Deuces Green Building during a special Artist Meet & Greet and Open Studio Event. 4/26, 6-8pm. https://bit.ly/ five-deuces

All’s fair Jeff and Penny Vinik are sponsoring “Art for All” at Fairgrounds St. Pete. The new program provides 2,000 free tickets for Tampa Bay public schools and nonprofits each month for one year. Their mission is to nurture a love for the arts and innovative technology among local youth while also introducing underserved community members to the joys of creativity. www.fairgrounds.art

Lauren Ireland is April’s In Plein Sight Artist of the Month on display at the Brenda McMahon Gallery in Gulfport. Meet the two-time winner of Gulfport’s plein air painting competition on 4/20, 6-9pm during Gulfport’s Third Saturday IndieFaire. Come for the art, stay for the music by Cerulean Songbird.

https://bit.ly/lauren-ireland

I’ll be watching him

The Florida Orchestra benefit concert featuring iconic artist Sting sold out so fast that a second show has been added 5/10 at the Mahaffey. Better hurry to snag tix to “An Intimate Evening with Sting” at

https://bit.ly/tfo-sting

Want to have a say in the future of Pinellas County arts and culture? The Current Arts Coast Cultural Plan is a plan to strengthen the cultural vitality of the entire Pinellas County community and will create a blueprint for continued growth and access to the arts – for everyone – over the next 10 years. Take the survey here:

https://bit.ly/coast-arts-survey

Photo finish In 1977 photographer Gary Monroe, a native of Miami Beach, embarked on a decade-long project to photograph the aging community of South Beach. Vastly different than the glitzy beach community of today, the area was home to primarily Jewish retirees who embraced the sun, sand, and cheap rent. Relive the past at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA) through 5/19.

https://bit.ly/gary-monroe

FMoPA 2024 International Photography Competition is open to anyone 18 or older.

Best in Show wins a cash prize of $1000 and the seven Best in Category winners get $100 in goods or services. Winners will be exhibited in a group exhibition at Tampa International Airport. Deadline 5/5. https://bit.ly/ fmopa-call-for-entries

Artists wanted

The Warehouse Arts District has studio space available for rent in the ArtsXchange. One-year lease, includes utilities.

https://bit.ly/arts-xchange

The original selfie?

The National Museum of Cardiff, Wales has placed a Van Gogh oil painting as the centerpiece of an exhibition that poses the question: “Is a self-portrait the original selfie?” The portrait, hung alongside other self-portraits, is expected to attract fans who will be allowed to take their own selfies alongside it. Van Gogh may not have agreed with the show’s thesis, once writing, “I am looking for a deeper likeness than that obtained by a photographer.”

The Morean offers Memory Mornings, a free program for those living with dementia and their care partners. Participants enjoy a 45-minute private tour of the Chihuly Collection before opening hours, followed by a 45-minute guided art activity inspired by one of the glass pieces in the Collection. Memory tours meet every other Wednesday at the Chihuly from 9-10:30am.

https://bit.ly/morean-memories

“Progressive art can assist people to learn not only about the objective forces at work in the society in which they live, but also about the intensely social character of their interior lives.” – Salvador Dalí

By Caron Schwartz

Glorious Glazers St. Pete Arts Alliance presents its third annual “Arts Advocate of the Year” Award to Bryan & Shanna Glazer at the Garden Party Brunch – Hats Off to the Arts. The Glazers have supported the arts throughout the Tampa Bay area, including the Glazer Children’s Museum, SHINE Mural Festival, and more. Hats appreciated, and prizes will be awarded to the “Most Beautiful,” “Most Creative,” and “Most Humorous” hats. 5/5, 11am-2pm.

https://bit.ly/hats-off-to-the-arts

Got imagination? Tampa Bay Times Newspaper in Education wants you for its Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing Contest. High school students are invited to submit original, unpublished short stories on the theme of “Alternate Florida.” Deadline 5/31. The Grand Prize Winner receives $200 and has their story published on the contest website. Runners-up receive $25. Award certificates will be given to the winner and runners-up. Award ceremony at Tombolo Books 9/24. https://bit.ly/tbt-writing-contest

Clean slate

See art conservation as it happens.

The St. Pete Museum of Fine Arts is hosting the restoration of a gilded, painted, and carved 17th-century Spanish tabernacle. Now through 6/23 Luis Seixas, an alumnus of the Universidade Nova, Lisbon conservation program, will meticulously clean, consolidate, and restore this precious artifact.

https://bit.ly/mfa-conservation

But not during a hurricane

The Skyway Bridge came in second when 3,000 commuters were asked, “If you could select any one of America’s iconic bridges to be part of your daily commute, which one would you pick?” First choice?

Admiral Clarey Bridge in Hawaii. Source: Gunther Volkswagen in Fort Lauderdale. https://bit.ly/100-iconic-bridges

TAMPA BAY BLUES FESTIVAL

Tampa Bay Blues Festival Strikes a Chord of Success Celebrating Music, Community, and Culture

Held annually in Vinoy Park, this iconic event brings together renowned artists, local talent, and eager audiences for a weekend filled with rhythm, blues, and unforgettable experiences.

Friday evening until Sunday night, the festival grounds will be alive with the sounds of blues, showcasing a diverse lineup of musicians who captivate audiences with their raw talent and passion for the genre. From classic blues to modern interpretations, the festival offers something for every musical palate, highlighting the rich tapestry of styles and influences within the blues community.

Jam on the tropical shores of Tampa Bay for a fabulous weekend of blues music. Headliners include Grace Potter, Beth Hart, Tab Benoit, Blood Brothers (Mike Zito & Albert Castiglia), Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials, Altered Five Blues Band, Robert Jon & The Wreck, Coco Montoya, Bernard Allison, Ally Venable, Cash Box Kings, Anson Funderburgh & The Rockets, Southern Avenue, King Solomon Hicks and Bywater Call. America’s finest waterfront blues festival, with great food vendors, full liquor bars, craft beers and wines.

Get your tickets for three great days of blues by the bay at www.tampabaybluesfest.com.

Thursday, April 11

Kick Off Party

The Palladium Theater 253 Fifth Ave. N, St. Petersburg www.mypalladium.org

BLOOD BROTHERS, 8-9:30pm

FEATURING MIKE ZITO & ALBERT CASTIGLIA Doors open at 7pm.

Friday, April 12

GRACE POTTER 8:30-10:00pm

BLOOD BROTHERS 6:30-8:00pm

BYWATER CALL 4:30-6pm

ALTERED FIVE BLUES BAND 2:30-4pm

KING SOLOMON HICKS 12:30-2pm

Saturday, April 13

LARKIN POE 8:30-10:00pm

SAMANTHA FISH 6:30-8:0pm

LIL’ ED & THE BLUES IMPERIALS 4:30-6pm

ROBERT JON & THE WRECK 2:30-4pm

SOUTHERN AVENUE 1-2pm

CASH BOX KINGS 11:30am-12:30pm

Sunday, April 14

TAB BENOIT 8:30-10pm

COCO MONTOYA 6:30-8pm

ANSON FUNDERBURGH & THE ROCKETS 4:30-6pm

BERNARD ALLISON 2:30-4pm

ALLY VENABLE 1-2pm

IN THIS ISSUE:

ART CENTERS/CLASSES

ART – GALLERIES

ARTS – PERFORMING

MUSEUMS

MUSIC OPERA FILM

ECO GARDENS

FERRIES

LIBRARIES MARKETS

SPIRITUAL

ZOOS/AQUARIUMS

CLUBS – SERVICE/SOCIAL CLUBS – ATHLETIC HEALTH

THRIFT SHOPS

VOLUNTEERING

YOGA

Online at paradisenewsfl.com (Events are subject to change.)

ART CENTERS/CLASSES

Beach Art Center

1515 Bay Palm Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach

727-596-4331 beachartcenter.org

Now enrolling for kids’ summer camp.

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

Morean Arts Center

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

moreanartscenter.org

Contemporary art gallery.

Art classes year-round.

Enrolling for summer camps

Through 4/30 — Under a Pink Sky: Life on Planet X - A Solo Exhibition by Craig Wood

Morean Center for Clay

420 22nd St. S, St. Pete 727-821-7162 ext 2311

moreanartscenter.org

Largest pottery in the Southeast

Arts & Leisure

Buddy Baker | Events, Arts & Leisure Coordinator

Morean Glass Studio

714 First Ave. N, St. Pete 727-822-7872

moreanartscenter.org

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

Pinellas Arts Village

5663 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park • Studios @ 5663

Fourth Saturday block party and indoor market.

facebook.com/Pav727/

Pinellas Park Art Society

Park Station Building

5851 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park

Members’ work shown at Pinellas Park Library and Pinellas Park City Hall 727-360-4406

pinellasparkartsociety.org

Suntan Art Center at Don Vista Arts Center 3300 Gulf Blvd., suntanart.org

Classes, Art Mart every weekend

The Hive

559 49th St. S, St Pete 727-290-6515

thehivestpete.com

Classes, open studio, pottery, jewelry sales

Treasure Island Art Guild treasureislandartguild.org

Painting workshops weekly

Veterans Art Center

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

Opportunities for military and veterans to develop and showcase arts.

Zen Glass Studio & Gallery

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

Classes and workshops.

ART GALLERIES

Art at 400 Studios

400 23rd St. S, St. Pete art-at-400.com

By appointment, Art Walk

Art Fusion Galleries

106 Central Ave., St. Pete artfusiongalleries.com

ARTicles/Leslie Curran Gallery

1234 Dr. MLK Jr St. N, St. Pete 727-898-6061

articlesstpete.com

Artists of Elements

4746 22nd Ave. S, St. Petersburg 727-420-7438

artistsofelements.com

ArtLofts (second floor)

Florida CraftArt Gallery

10 Fifth St. N, St. Pete 727-504-8788

theartlofts.com

Open ArtWalk or by appointment

ARTpool Gallery

2030 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-324-3878

artpoolrules.com

Open Wed.-Sun., noon-5pm

ArtsXchange

515 22nd St. S, St. Pete Open Fri.-Sat., 11am-5pm warehouseartsdistrict.org

Atelier de SoSi

2380 Sixth Ave. S, St. Pete 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. Pete 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. Pete 727-822-7872 ext 5102

moreanartscenter.org Through 3/17 – cappy thompson: heaven + earth

Clyde Butcher Galleries clydebutcher.com/galleries

Venice Gallery & Studio

237 Warfield Ave. S, Venice Big Cypress Gallery

52388 Tamiami Trail, Ochopee

Cobb Gallery

Eckerd College, Library Circle, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Pete eckerd.edu/visualarts/program

The Sophomore Show

Part I: Through 4/5

Part II: 4/7-12

Part III: 4/21-26 5/5-17 — The Exhibition

Collectors Exchange Gallery

1234 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N, St. Pete articlestpete.com Open Sat. 11am-5pm

Craftsman House

2955 Central Ave., St. Pete craftsmanhousegallery.com

Gallery-Café-Pottery Studio

Creative Clay Cultural Arts Center

1846 First Ave. S, St. Pete 727-825-0515

creativeclay.org

4/5 – First Friday Art Market

4/13 – April Artwalk: Inspire Inclusion

5/3 — May First Friday Art Market!

Creative Pinellas

12211 Walsingham Rd., Largo 727-460-5477

Gallery noon-5pm Wed-Sun creativepinellas.org

4/11 — Artist Talk: Mikhail Mansion

4/20 — Third Saturdays at Pinewood

5/7 — Fresh Ink

Crossroads Gallery

St. Petersburg College, 2464 Drew St., Clearwater spcollege.edu/friends-partners/ community-resources

Custom House Décor

2901 Beach Blvd., Gulfport 727-317-5936 customhousedecor.com

ARTS & LEISURE EVENTS

Scan QR code for event listings online to go with you or online at www.paradisenewsfl.com/march-2024

Sign up to receive upcoming event e-news online at www.ParadiseNewsFL.com

Like us on facebook.com/ParadiseNews

RECURRING EVENTS

First Fridays • 10am-2pm, Creative Clay Outdoor Art Market, 1846 First Ave. S, St. Petersburg • 5-9pm, First Friday Art Walk, Downtown Gulfport • 6-9pm, Concert in front of Studio Movie Grill, Seminole City Center, 11201 Park Blvd. N, Seminole

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

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

2nd Saturday • 8:30am, Beach Cleanup. Municipal Pavilion, 11260 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, 11185 Gulf Blvd.• The Market Marie,10am-3pm, Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St., Clearwater • 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 • 10am-2pm, Crossroads Market, Crossroads Christian Church, 1645 Seminole Blvd., Largo • 10am-5pm, Creative Pinellas at Pinewood, 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo • 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 • 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.

D Gallerie

1234 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N, Unit C, St. Pete d-gallerie.com

DRV Fine Art Studios & Gallery

5401 Gulfport Blvd. S, Gulfport drvgallery.com

4/5 — The Human Condition: Opening Reception featuring the artwork of Deserie Valloreo

Duncan McClellan Gallery

2342 Emerson Ave. S, St. Pete 813-760-6600 dmglass.com

Through 4/30 – Sharon Meyer: Of Land and Sea

Through 6/24 – Ross Richmond

Dunedin Fine Art Center

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

Through 4/5 — Dunedin Showcase

4/5-5/19 — #SMF Faculty

Ekeko Gallery

290 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr St. N, St. Pete 727-685-5577

facebook.com/Ekeko-Gallery

Factory St. Pete

2622 Fairfield Ave. S, St. Pete thefactorystpete.com

4/7 — St. Pete Indie Flea Market

4/12 — FADER presents Alarico, Chlar and Chontane

4/13 — Suncoast Storytellers

4/20 — Freakin’ 4/20 Warehouse Party

Fairgrounds St. Pete

800 28th St. S, St. Pete

Works by more than 60 local and international artists fairgrounds.art

4/13 — Taylor Swift Video Dance Party

5/4 — Mamapalooza

Five Deuces Gallerie

2101 Third Ave. S, St. Pete

Open by appointment & Art Walk Facebook.com/five22222

Florida CraftArt Gallery

501 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-821-7391

floridacraftart.org

Sat. Mural Walk

Through 5/12 – Animal Attraction

Gulf Coast Artists Alliance

St. Pete ArtWorks, 2604 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-738-8010 gcaa-fl.org

Heiress

2622 Fairfield Ave S, Bldg. 7, Studio A, St. Pete

heiressgallery.com

Luis Sottil Studios

400 Beach Drive NE, Suite 150, St. Pete 727-220-1567

facebook.com/luissottilstpete

Mirella Cimato Art Gallery

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

facebook.com/MirellaCimatoGallery

Nielsen Center for Visual Arts

Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Pete 800-454-9009

eckerd.edu/visualarts/program

Senior Thesis Exhibitions

Main Gallery

Through 4/5: Atlas Chambers|

4/7-12: Cate Hosenfeld

4/14-19: Grace Hoppie

4/21-26: Autumn Heckman

4/28-5/3: Alexx Carr

5/5-10: Zoe Sabadish

5/12-17: Zoe O’Brien

Elliot Gallery

Through 4/5: Sarah Bosser

4/7-12: Zeke Cordeiro

4/14-19: Brielle Benefield

4/21-26: Sam DuBois

4/28-5/3: Sydney Thuss

5/5-5/10: Emma Kohanski

5/12-17: Maggie Taishoff

Red Cloud Indian Arts

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

redcloudindianarts.com

Representing authentic Native American arts.

Soft Water Gallery

515 22nd St. S, St. Pete 727-327-3473

softwatergallery.com

Through 4/6 – Exterior, Interior

SPACE

855 28th St. S, St. Pete Warehouse Arts District facebook.com/spacestpete

Stirling Art Studios & Gallery

730 Broadway (second floor) Studio 12, Dunedin 800-325-2050

facebook.com/StirlingArtDunedin

Open Thurs-Sun, Second Saturdays

Syd Entel Galleries

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

sydentelgalleries.com

Through 4/30 – Celebrating the Human Form: Estella Fransbergen

The Domingo Studio

2620 Beach Blvd. S, Gulfport 727-821-2315

facebook.com/The-Domingo-Studio

The Werk

2210 First Ave. S., St. Pete 727-289-8685

https://thewerk.gallery

Uniquely Original Art Studio

915 24th St. S, St. Pete 727-239-3696

https://tinyurl.com/mrx4c253

Original Afrocentric art, open by appointment and during Art Walk

Vince Anthony Fine Art Gallery

10611 Bay Pines Blvd. #5, St. Pete 727-401-2886

fineartamerica.com/art/ vince+anthony

Wild Space Gallery

The Factory St. Pete, Bldg. 8

2606 Fairfield Ave. S, St. Pete

https://floridawildlifecorridor.org/ wild-space-gallery/

4/13-5/25 — Genevieve Lykes Dimmitt and David Price: The Nature of Healing

Woodfield Fine Art Gallery

2323 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-254-6981

woodfieldfineart.com

Through 4/13 — True Colors: The Conceptual Pop Art of Mark Mitchell.

ARTS PERFORMING

Amalie Arena

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

4/4 – Madonna

4/19 —98Rockfest

4/20 — Gloria Trevi

4/26 — Heart

5/9 — AJR

5/11 — We Them One’s ComedyTour

American Stage

Raymond James Theatre

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

4/3-5/5 – Disney’s Beauty & The Beast In the Park

Asolo Repertory Theatre

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

Through 4/18 – Intimate Apparel

Through 4/25 – Dial M for Murder

5/8-6/9 — 12 Angry Men: A New Musical

Bilheimer Capitol Theatre

405 Cleveland St., Clearwater 727-791-7400 rutheckerdhall.com

4/4 & 25 – Mac McAnally

4/5 – The Classic Rock Show

4/6 – Gregorian

4/7 – The Who: Who’s Next

4/10 – Butcher Brown & Son Little

4/12 – The Zombies

4/13 – Los Lonely Boys

4/14 – Leonid & Friends

4/15 – Justin Hayward

4/19 — Morgan Wade

4/20 — Ottmar Liebert & Luna Negra

4/26 — Psychology of Serial Killers

4/27 — Dixie Dregs & Steve Morse Band

4/28 — The Wallflowers

4/30 — The Fixx

5/3 — Emo Orchestra

5/4 — Taj Farrant

5/11 — Don McLean

Bininger Theater for Performing Arts

Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Pete 727-867-1166 eckerd.edu/theatre

4/11-14 — Fun Home

4/24-27 — The Bacchae by Euripides

5/2-3 — Student Showcase

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

4/4 — The Rat Pack

Together Again

4/13 — Save the Rainforest: Salvar La Selva Tropical Puppet Show

4/17 — The Verve Pipe

4/19 — Piano Men: Music of Billy Joel & Elton John

4/20 — The Evolution of Drag

5/3 — Sweeney Todd

5/4 — Heartbeat of the Earth

HAPPY SPRING

ARTS & LEISURE EVENTS

ONGOING

Through 4/14 – Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival

$14/free for age 3 and under, 10am-9pm Sun.-Thurs/10am-10pm

Fri.-Sat., One Causeway Blvd., Clearwater Beach. Sixteen professional sand sculptors from all corners of the globe work their magic to transform our world-famous sugar sand into breathtaking sculptures. The festival offers free sand sculpting classes, live music, fireworks, artisans, food vendors and more! www.sugarsandfestival.com

Through 4/14 — Rockin Roller Rink

$17, hours vary by day; Pier Plaza, 600 Second Ave. NE, St. Pete. Grab your skates (included in rental), tie those laces, and tag your friends for 75 minutes of skating. Enjoy themed nights, live DJs, live bands, disco balls, lights, food, drinks, and much more.

Tickets/schedule: www.premierrinks. ticketspice.com/stpetepier

UPCOMING

4/1-6 St. Petersburg Jazz Festival

$15-$25; performances at various sites in downtown St. Pete and throughout the city. This year’s festival will include artists and bands such as Alexis Cole, Helios Jazz Orchestra, Mauricio Rodriguez and the MJR Latin Project, Markus Gottschlich Trio, Rafael Pereira, Jove Valentino Ruiz & O Som Do Jazz and Hot Club SRQ. Free workshops in vocal jazz and percussion. Information: www.stpetejazzfest.com/home

4/3 & 5/1— St. Pete Library’s Outdoor Early Literacy Program Free, 4:30-5:30pm, Family Park at the St. Pete Pier. Bring your blanket and be ready for free reading and music fun, for children of all ages!

4/3-5/5 American Stage presents Disney’s Beauty & the Beast in the Park

$28-$45, 7:30pm, at Demens Landing, Bayshore Drive and Second Ave. S. The classic fairy tale, as retold by Disney, with talking teapots and clocks, an emotionally stunted beast, and a determined princess. Sing along with the music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. www.americanstage.org/event-calendar

4/4-7 — Art in Bloom at the Museum of Fine Arts

$12-$22, age 6 and under free; 10am-5pm, noon-5pm 4/7, 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Pete. Art in Bloom presents floral interpretations of works in the MFA Collection. Designs are created by professional florists, talented hobbyists, and members of The Stuart Society. Conversations with the designers on Sunday, April 7, from 2-4pm. Tickets: www.mfastpete.org/event/art-in-bloom-4-4-24

4/5 – Remembering John Prine

$10, 7pm, Noise Makers, 2616 Emerson Ave., St. Petersburg. Remembering the music of John Prine with live performances by local artists. Tickets: http://tinyurl.com/yax64dau

Early Bird Dinner Theater

13355 49th St. N, Clearwater 727-446-5898

earlybirddinnertheater.com/site Through 4/21 — The Underpants by Carl Sternheim, adapted by Steve Martin

5/4-6/16 — Bell, Book and Candle by John Van Druten

Eckerd College International Film Series

Free, 7pm, Miller Auditorium, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Pete 727-867-1166

eckerd.edu/ international-cinema

4/5 — Totem (Mexico, Denmark & France)

4/12 — Four Daughters (France, Germany, Tunisia, & Saudi Arabia)

4/19 — Cinema’s First Nasty Women: Queens of Destruction (US, UK, France)

4/26 — Fallen Leaves (Poland)

5/3 — A Still Small Voice (US)

Eight O’Clock Theatre

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

eightoclocktheatre.com

5/3-12 — Sweeney Todd

Floridian Social

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

thefloridiansocial.com

4/5 — The Wilson Van w/ Braedon Harris

4/6 — L8 Night Flights

4/19 — Mo Lowda & The Humble + The Bright Light Social Hour

4/20 — The Spazmatics

4/29 — Motown Monday

5/9 — Mother’s Day 2/ Gloria West

5/11 — BYNX

Francis Wilson Playhouse

302 Seminole St., Clearwater 727-446-1360

franciswilsonplayhouse.org

4/4-14 – The Play That Goes Wrong

5/2-19 — A Little Night Music

freeFall Theatre Company

6099 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-498-5205 freefalltheatre.com

4/12-5/12 – Nollywood Dreams

4/25 — Becky Gulsvig

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

Jannus Live

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

4/3 – Sematary Presents: Haunted Mound Angels Tour

4/5 – Live Dead & Brothers

4/6 – Inzo w/ Tape B

4/7 – Flatland Cavalry

4/12 – Peekaboo w/ Lyny

4/13 – Ian Munsick w/ Meghan Patrick

4/15 – Hot Mulligan w/ Free Throw, Just Friends & Charmer

4/17 — Alborosie w/ FYAH & Jwadi

4/18 — The Brook & The Bluff w/ Hotel Fiction

4/25 — Rising Appalachia

4/26 — Flipturn w/ The Hails

5/1 — Erra w/ Make Them Suffer, Void of Vision, Novelists

5/3 — Waxahatchee w/ Good Morning

5/4 — Chris Renzema

5/8 — Kurt Vile

5/9 — Queensryche

5/10 — Destroy Boys w/ Margaritas Podridas & Chokecherry

5/11 — Periphery

LAB Theater Project

812 E. Henderson Ave., Tampa 813-586-4272

labtheaterproject.com

Produces only works from emerging playwrights.

5/2-19 — Fly Away Home by Gwendolyn Rice

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

4/3-7 — My Son the Waiter, a Jewish Tragedy

4/12 — Arthur Murray: Dancing with the Stars

4/13 – Majesty of Rock

4/25-5/12 — Kiss Me Kate

5/11 — Celebrate Broadway!

Springs Musical Theatre Show

5/15-16 — Dramature’s

All-American Road Trip

MIDFLORIDA Credit Union

Amphitheatre

Florida State Fairgrounds

4802 US Hwy. 301 N, Tampa 813-740-2446

midflorida.com/amphitheatre

5/4 — Brooks & Dunn

5/10 — Chris Stapleton w/ Grace Potter & Nikki Lane

5/11— Hozier

National Theatre Live Eckerd College, Miller Auditorium

4200 54th Ave. S, St. Pete Performances in HD http://tinyurl.com/y5fxrtc3

New Tampa Performing Arts Center

8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa 813-829-2760

newtampaartscenter.org

4/4 – Jack Wilkins

CD Release Concert

4/19-21 — Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

4/22 — Simon Lasky

Album Launch Concert

4/27 — Kids Film Series: Sing 4/28 — Reflections Chamber Ensemble

4/30 — Broadway Film Series: Into The Woods

5/10 — Tampa Bay Symphony: A British Fantasia

5/12 — Acme Jazz Garage

Patel Conservatory

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

Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center

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

pinellas-park.com/161/ Performing-Arts-Center.com

4/13 – Celebrating Celine

5/11 — Greggie & the Jets

Tribute to Elton John

Raymond James Stadium

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

raymondjamesstadium.com

Riverwalk Tampa thetampariverwalk.com

Second Sundays – 11am-3pm: Market + Art Walk, Armature Works

5/3 — Taste of the Riverwalk 2024

5/4 — Taco Fest

Ruth Eckerd Hall

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

rutheckerdhall.com

4/3 — Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox

4/6 — Disney Princess: The Concert

4/7 — Doo Wop Project

4/7 — TFO: Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony

4/19 — Don Felder, Pablo Cruise & Firefall

4/20 — Tay Tay Dance Party w/DJ Swiftie

4/21 — Brit Floyd

4/23 — Shrek the Musical

4/25 — Johnny Mathis

4/26 — Kenny G

4/27 — The Price is Right Live

5/1 — TFO: Waltz Into Spring

5/2 — The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA

5/3 — Indigo Girls

5/4 — David Spade

5/5 — TFO: Disco Fever

5/8 — Toto

5/10 — Steve Trevino

Safety Harbor Art & Music Center

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

safetyharborart andmusiccenter.com

4/6 — Nick Moss Band

4/13 — Low Down Brass Band

4/14 — Teddy Thompson

4/18 — Bobby Rush

4/19 — Dan Rodriguez

4/20 — Curtis Saldago

4/21 — Eliot Bronson

4/26 — Leon Majcen

4/28 — Kristy Lee

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

5223 Orient Rd., Tampa 813-627-6649

seminolehardrocktampa.com

4/6 — Big Smoke WhiskyFest

4/7 — Kevin James

4/11 – Melissa Etheridge

4/16 — Derek Hough

4/17 — Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes

4/18 — Ron White

4/21 — Gorgon City

4/24 — Saxon and Uriah Heep

4/28 — Wheeler Walker Jr.

5/5 — The Offspring

5/15 — En Vogue

Central

Winter Rentals still available, 1 month to 3 month rentals, ranging from $4500 - $5400 a month.

Pass-a-Grille area.

Annual Rentals available, 2 bedrooms, 1 or 2 bath, from $2000-$3100 a month.

Pass-a-Grille area.

ARTS & LEISURE EVENTS

4/5-7 — 2024 Oldsmar Days and Nights

Free, 5-11pm 4/5, 11am-11pm 4/6, 10am-7pm 4/7; R.E. Olds Park, 107 Shore Drive. Live bands, classic cars, parade, beer gardens, carnival, food, arts & crafts.

4/6 — Mote’s’s Run for the Turtles 5K

Adults $40, kids 13 and under $30. 948 Beach Road, Sarasota. 1-Mile Fun Run 7:30am, 5K Run 8am (sanctioned by Manasota Track Club). This run is the major fundraiser for the Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. Information and registration at www./runsignup.com/Race/Info/FL/SiestaKey/RunfortheTurtles

4/6 – The Greatest Show on Earth Gallery Opening

$25/$5 ages 6-17 (museum admission), The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. The gallery space at the Circus Museum represents the full spectrum of the production experience from both front- and back-of-house perspectives. Explore artifacts, costumes, and media footage in an engaging and multisensory experience throughout the exhibition area. www.ringling.org/tickets-admission

4/6 — ZooBrews at ZooTampa

$79 members, $89 non-members, $159 VIP pass; 7:30-11:30pm, ZooTampa, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa. An all-inclusive night filled with up-close wildlife, endless food, unlimited drinks, live music, games, and more! Guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend. VIP ticket gets early access to the event, exclusive spaces, and a gift! Tickets: www.zootampa.org/zoobrews

4/6 — Dunedin Highland Games

$20-$225, ages 12 and under free; 8am-6:30pm, Highlander Park, 1920 Pinehurst Road, Dunedin. Piping, drumming and pipe band competitions with the best individuals and pipe bands in the country. Don’t forget the Highland Dance Championship and the Scottish Heavyweight Athletics. Tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/56th-annualdunedin-highland-games-tickets-710488328717?aff=ebdshpsearcha utocomplete

4/12-14 — Tampa Bay Blues Festival

$70-$800 (3-day VIP pass), under 12 free, Vinoy Park, downtown St. Pete. Festival begins at noon, music at 8:30pm nightly. Artists will include more than a dozen top musicians and groups such as Grace Potter, Larkin Poe, Samantha Fish, Tab Benoit, Blood Brothers, Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials, Altered Five Blues Band, Robert Jon & The Wreck, and Coco Montoya. Tickets: www.tampabaybluesfest.com

Skipper’s Smokehouse 910 Skipper Rd., Tampa 813-971-0668

skipperssmokehouse.com

4/4 — 8 Ball Aitken

4/5 — Grateful Dead Nite w/Uncle John’s Band

4/6 — Blue Dogs

4/12 — Jah Movement

4/13 — Colt Classics Presents Josh Meloy

4/14 —Acoustic Sunday Bruch w/ Kaylee Marie

4/19 — The Black Honkeys

4/20 — Will Johns + T Bone Hamilton

4/21 — Acoustic Brunch w/ Rev. Billy C. Wurtz & Marvelous Marvin

Sparkman Wharf 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa

• Burger Fi

• Jotoro

• LightHaus

• Noblerice

• Splitsville

• Shortwave Coffee

• Whatever Pops sparkmanwharf.com

St. Petersburg City Theatre

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

Stageworks Theater

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

Straz Center for the Performing Arts

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

Through 4/7 — Mrs. Doubtfire

Through 4/7 — The Beauty Queen of Leenane

Through 4/21 — Stranger Sings the Parody Musical

4/5 — Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony

4/10 – Open Rehearsal: La Traviata

4/12 – Dvorak’s

New World Symphony

4/13 — Arts Legacy Remix

4/13 – Eddie B’s Teachers Only Comedy Tour

4/14 – A BIPOC Play-Reading Series

4/16-21 — The Book of Mormon

4/18-21 — Disney’s

The Aristocats Kids

4/19, 21 — La Traviata

4/26 — Andres Cepeda w/ Alejandro Santamaria

4/26 — Saint-Saens’ Organ Recital

4/27 — Taste at the Straz

4/28 — Daniel Sloss

4/30 — Spring Music Spectacular

4/30-5/5 — Peter Pan

5/3 — TFO: Disco Fever

5/4 — Beginning Dance 1 Recital

5/4 — Spring Into Dance

5/4 — Breakin’ Out

5/5 — Tampa Bay Symphony

5/11-12 — Next Generation

Ballet’s Giselle

5/11 — Heroes

5/12 — Mother’s Day Brunch

5/15-6/9 — The Smuggler: A Thriller in Verse Riverwalk Stage (6-9pm, free)

4/12 – Arts Legacy Remix: Celebrate MENA

Studio Grand Central

2260 First Ave. S, St. Pete 727-202-7019 theoffcentral.com

4/4-14 – Lone Star and Laundry and Bourbon

4/26-28 — Francine Wolf: Please Don’t Tell My Kids!

5/4, 11, 18, 25 — May Comedy Series

Sunshine City Comedy Club

5501 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach 727-435-0327

sunshinecitycomedyclub.com

Tampa Theatre

711 N Franklin St. Tampa tampatheatre.org

813-274-8286

One of America’s most elaborate movie palaces

4/7 — The Iron Giant (film)

4/11 — In A Different Way (film)

4/13-14 — Leanne Morgan

4/19 — Are You Garbage?

Thru the Roof Tour

4/20 — TFO: Mendelssohn’s Octet for Strings

4/21 — Hook (film)

4/23 — Fly Fishing Film Tour (film)

4/27 — Dusty Slay

4/28 — The Lego Movie (film)

5/4 — Star Wars: A New Hope (film)

5/4 — Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (film)

5/4 — Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (film)

5/11 — Roy Woods Jr.

Tarpon Springs Cultural Center

101 S Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs 727-942-5605 tarponarts.org

5/3-5, 10-12 — Always A Bridesmaid: A Comedy by Jones, Hope, Wooten

Tarpon Springs

Performing Arts Center

324 Pine St., Tarpon Springs 727-942-5605 tarponarts.org

4/8 — One Night in Memphis: Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Presley Tribute

4/13-14 — The Brothers Doobie

4/20 — Winston Churchill: Man of the Century, featuring Randy Otto

4/26 — Yellow Brick Road: A Tribute to Elton John

The Mahaffey Theater

400 First St. S, St. Pete 727-300-2000 themahaffey.com

4/4 Inside Beethoven’s Eroica

4/5 — The Guess Who

4/6 – TFO: Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony

4/8 Bam: Music & Mayhem on The Plaza

4/8 The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight

4/13-14 – TFO: Dvorak’s New World Symphony

4/17 — Ada Twist Scientist & Friends

4/24 — Members Mingle

4/25 — Bam: Steam Fest!

4/25-26 — The Thorn

4/27-28 — TFO: Saint-Saens’ Organ Symphony

5/1 — Jack Hartmann & The Hop 2 It Band

5/2 — TFO: Waltz Into Spring

5/3-5/5 — Shen Yun

5/6 — Jacob Collier

5/7 — Schoolhouse Rock Live Jr.

5/11 — Chris D ‘Elia

The Palladium

253 Fifth Ave. N, St. Pete 727-822-3590 mypalladium.org

4/2 — St. Petersburg Jazz Festival: Alexis Cole & Helios Jazz Orchestra

4/3 — St. Petersburg Jazz Festival: MJR Latin Project

4/5 — Beacon24

4/6 — Steeln’ Peaches: An Allman Brothers Revue

4/11 —Tampa Bay Blues Fest Kickoff Party

4/13 — Mackle Shaw Duo: Music for Hard & Percussion

4/14 — Steps Ballet Ensemble

4/18 — Daniela Soledade & Nate Najar

4/19 — Four by Four: A Tribute to The Beach Boys, The Bee-Gees, The Beatles, Motown

4/20 — BYU-Idaho Presents: Night at the Swing Club

4/21 — TFO Chamber Concerts: Mendelsson’s Octet for Strings & More

4/27 — Jam and Pam

5/1 — Palladium Chamber Series

5/7, 12 — Tampa Bay Symphony: A British Fantasia

The Baycare Sound Coachman Park

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

4/5 — Alabama w/Diamond Rio

4/28 — Bad Religion & Social Distortion

5/4 — Rain: A Tribute to The Beatles

5/9 — Diana Ross

The Studio@620

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

Masks requested while in building 4/25-5/5 — Hamlet620

USF Yuengling Center

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

4/12-13 – Billy Strings

4/27 — Panter Belico

4/28 — Harlem Globetrotters

2024 World Tour

5/6 — Sleep Token w/ Empire State Bastard

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

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

Through 4/7 – Hamilton

4/11 – Theresa Caputo

4/12-14 – Sarasota Orchestra presents Yang Plays Mozart

4/15 – RCLA presents Misty Copeland

4/16 — Shrek The Musical

4/18 — Derek Hough

4/19 — Sarasota Orchestra presents She’s Got Soul

4/24 — The Rocket Man Show

4/26 — The Price is Right Live

4/27 — Johnny Mathis

5/1 — George Thorogood & The Destroyers

5/4 — The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA

5/5 — Kenny G

5/10 — One Night of Queen

5/11 — Jimmy Failla

ARTS & LEISURE EVENTS

4/13 – Seventh Annual 5K By the Bay $32.50, price increases after 4/7, 8am, Safety Harbor Marina, 110 Veterans Memorial Lane, Safety Harbor. Race is chip timed. Proceeds benefit the Gramatica Family Foundation and its mission to positively impact the quality of life of our community’s veterans through housing initiatives. Register at www.runsignup.com/Race/Reg ister/?raceId=29393&eventId=737944

4/19 — Spring for the Arts 2024

4/13-14 — 17th Annual Pinellas Pepper Fest

Free, 10am-5pm, England Brothers Park, 5150 81st Ave. N, Pinellas Park. This year’s Pepper Fest will be hotter than ever before! Specialty exhibitors will tickle your taste buds as they bring on distinctive, breathtaking and dynamite offerings in the form of sauces, salsas, seasonings, rubs, plants, food products, gadgets, kitchenware, hundreds of mild to wild samples and more. This event is pet and family friendly.

$125, 6-9pm, NOVA 535, 535 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive N, St. Pete. Live music by Disston Ridge and theater performances by Sparks Collaborative Ensemble and Creative Clay member artists. Live painting, an art exhibit, silent auction and a drum circle. Food by Island Flavors and Tings. Free valet parking. Organized by Creative Clay. Tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-for-the-arts-2024-tickets824140886577?aff=oddtdtcreator

4/20 — Taste of IRB 2024

Free, 3-9pm, Chic-A-Si Park, Fourth Avenue N & Second Street, Indian Rocks Beach. Enjoy great food, music and fun, with food from a variety of local restaurants, beer, wine, soda and water. No coolers or dogs. Street parking available or free shuttle pick up and parking on 16th Avenue at Calvary Church. Come by boat and dock at Keegan Clair Park a few steps south of the event.

4/20-21 — Mainsail Art Festival

Free, 9am-6pm 4/20/ 10am-5pm 4/21, Vinoy Park, downtown St. Pete. Mainsail is ranked as one of the Top 14 Fine Art & Design Shows in the country by Sunshine Artist Magazine, America’s premier art show and festival guide. Event is cashless for beverages and/or promotional material.

4/20-21 — Downtown Dunedin Craft Festival

Free, 10am-5pm, 271 Main St., Dunedin. From ceramic planters and functional pottery to unique hair accessories and one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry pieces, there will be something to suit every taste and budget. Plus, the Green Market will offer an array of local produce and artisanal food products.

West Coast Players

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

4/26-5/12 — Exit Laughing

Zubrick Magic Theatre

1211 First Ave N, Suite 101, St. Pete Thur.-Sat. 7pm; Sun. 2pm 866-ZUBRICK (866-982-7425) zubrickmagic.com

MUSEUMS

Florida Holocaust Museum 55 Fifth St. S, St. Pete 727-820-0100 flholocaustmuseum.org

Florida Museum of Photographic Arts

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

Through 5/19 — Gary Monroe: Life on South Beach –1977-1986 Through 7/7 – Joel Meyerowitz: Confluence, 1964-1984 On View

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. Pete 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.

4/8 — Solar Eclipse Day

4/12 — A Night at the Brewseum: 10 Year Anniversary

4/14 — Great Connections

4/21 — Rays Day

Gulf Beaches Historical Museum

115 10th Ave., St. Pete Beach 727-552-1610

gulfbeachesmuseum.com

Gulfport History Museum

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

gulfporthistoricalsociety.org

4/19 — Weeds and Seeds: A History of Dining in Southern Florida

4/20 — The Original Gulfport Walking Tour

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 Through 12/23 – Imperfect Harmony: Man, Machine, and Music at the Tampa Bay Hotel

Heritage Museum

100 Beekman Lane, Tarpon Springs 727-942-5605 tarponarts.org

History and culture of the Greek community

Imagine Museum

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

imaginemuseum.com

Contemporary American Studio Glass Thur. $5 after 5pm

4/2 — Silent Film Night: Chaplin’s The Rink

4/9 — Laughing Glass

Live Comedy

4/12 — Deep Dive

w/ Louis Markoya: An Exclusive Artist Lecture

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 5/19 — Watermelon Regatta (restored)

Through 6/2 — Michele Oka

Doner: The True Story of Eve Through 6/23 — Mountains of the Mind: Scholar’s Rocks from China & Beyond Through 1/5/25 —

Shinique Smith: Parade Through 9/21/25 —

Embodied: Highlights from The Ringling Collection

4/6 — The Greatest Show on Earth gallery opening

4/6-8/25 — Photographs of the Traveling Circus & Carnival

Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art

600 E Klosterman Road, Tarpon Springs 727-712-5762 leeparattner.org

Through 4/28 — Beauty of Excess: The Pattern and Decoration Movement

Through 4/28 — Kim Kirchman: An Allegory of Spring

Through 4/28 — Benny Andrews:

Everything That Rises

Must Converge

4/2-5/5 — Pinellas County Schools Student Show

Museum of the American Arts And Crafts Movement

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

Sun. Film Series – 12:30/2pm

Daily Arts and Crafts-inspired films

Through 6/2 – Masterpieces: Extraordinary Works from the Two Roses Foundation

Museum of Fine Arts

255 Beach Dr. NE, St. Pete 727-894-4368 mfastpete.org

Thur. $10 after 5pm

Registration for summer camps now open

Through 4/14 —

The Nature of Art

Through 6/30 —

Claudia Pena Salinas

4/3 — Make Yourself

Uncomfortable: Daniel Barber

4/4-7 — Art in Bloom

4/18 — Claudia Pena Salinas & Christian Sampson: Earth and Sun

Palm Harbor Museum

2043 Curlew Road, Palm Harbor 727-724-3054

palmharbormuseum.com

Thur.-Sat. 10am-2pm

Safford House Museum

23 Parkin Court, Tarpon Springs 727-942-5805 tarponarts.org

Restored 1883 Victorian home

St. Petersburg Museum of History

335 Second Ave. NE 727-894-1052 spmoh.com

Happy Hour with the Historian

4/11 — Dr. Lu Vickers: Cypress Gardens, America’s Tropical Wonderland

5/9 —Dr. Tim Spofford: Education for all – 70 Years after Brown v. Board of Education

Sarasota Art Museum

1001 S Tamiami Trail, 941-309-4300

sarasotaartmuseum.org

Through 7/7 — Contemporary Artists of the Hermitage Artist Retreat

4/21-9/29 — The Truth of the Night

Sky: Anne Patterson & Patrick Harlin

4/25-4/26/26 —

Molly Hatch: Amalgam

Tampa Bay Automobile Museum

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

Tampa Bay History Center

801 Old Water St., Tampa 813-226-0097

tampabayhistorycenter.org

Walking tours of Tampa neighborhoods

Through 7/14 –

Decade of Change: Florida

Through 7/14 – Sharps & Marks in Paradise: Selling Florida in the 1920s

Tampa Museum of Art

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

Thur. 4-8pm:

pay-as-you-will admission.

Enrollment open for summer camps

Through 4/14 – 14th Congressional & Next Generation High School Art Competition

Through 4/21 — Garry Winograd: Women are Beautiful

Through 5/19 — Pepe Mar: Myth and Magic

Through 6/23 — Reframing Haitian Art

Through 7/28 — Works from the collection of Norma Canelas Roth and William Roth

Through 9/1 — The Last Picture Show: Paintings by Rod Penner

Tarpon Springs Railroad Depot Historical Museum

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

The Dalí Museum

One Dali Blvd., St. Pete 727-823-3767

thedali.org

Thur. and Fri. reduced admission after 5pm

Advanced-purchase

timed tickets recommended

Through 4/28 — Dali & the Impressionists: Monet, Degas, Renoir & More

Through 4/28 — Student

Surrealist Art Exhibit 2024 (Hillsborough)

The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art

150 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-892-4200

thejamesmuseum.org

Tues. $10 all day

Through 5/26 – Masterworks from the Rijksmuseum Twenthe & the National Museum of Wildlife Art

ARTS & LEISURE EVENTS

4/25-27 — Spring King of the Beach Kingfish Tournament

200 Rex Place, Madeira Beach. The oldest and richest Kingfish tournament in the United States comes to Madeira Beach twice every year in the spring and fall. Anglers will weigh in their prize catches on Saturday and claim their awards. Bring the kids Friday for the Kids Fishing Slam! Information: www.oldsaltfishing.org/fishingtournaments/spring-king-of-the-beach-kingfish-tournament/

4/25-28 — Sunscreen Film Festival

$1-$175, times vary, AMC Sundial 20, 151 Second Ave. N, St. Pete. Dive into the world of cinema with a lineup of amazing films, workshops and parties! Engage in Q&A sessions with directors, actors, and industry professionals. This event brings together film enthusiasts, industry insiders, and aspiring creatives. Tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/19th-annual-sunscreen-film-festivaltickets-767892877267?aff=efbevent&fbclid=IwAR2t5Pob8i_ ZOhTJP19Yo8BeAYS3Qt1XJdqUi9bgE26DcXVgQVQjCQvCPYA

4/27 — St. Petersburg Italian Festival

Free, 10am-4pm, St. Pete Pier. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Italy; from the aroma of freshly baked pizza to the tantalizing taste of gelato, your taste buds will be in for a treat. But it’s not just about the food! Enjoy live music performances, traditional dancing, and even a display of exotic Italian cars. Presented by Lamborghini Sarasota.

4/27 — Los Vinos de Dali 2024

$150/$140 members, 7-10pm, Dali Museum, One Dali Blvd., St. Pete. Guests will sip and stroll around The Dalí in this fundraising event, sampling premier wines from around the world and savoring gourmet bite pairings from local restaurants. Live music and entertainment, with exclusive gallery access. Tickets: https://thedali.org/event/losvinos-de-dali-2024/

4/27 — Taste at The Straz

$95 and up, 6pm, The Straz Center, 1010 N Macinnes Place, Tampa. This annual eat-and-drink extravaganza puts you on Tampa’s beautiful Riverwalk with access to the Bay area’s best food, craft brews, cocktails and more for one all-inclusive price. This event supports the Straz Center’s world class productions and arts education programs. Tickets: https://www.strazcenter.org/ events/2324-season/fundraisers/taste/

4/27-28 — Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Craft Festival

Free admission, 10am-7pm Sat/ 10am-5 pm Sun, 735 Dodecanese Blvd. Check out thousands of unique and creative creations from both local and visiting fine artists and crafters. Along the way, discover oneof-a-kind restaurants, bakeries, boutiques, and shops that promise to provide a full day of discovery and creativity for visitors of all ages.

USF Contemporary Art Museum Institute for Research in Art 3821 USF Holly Drive, Tampa 813-974-3503 ira.usf.edu

4/18 — What We Keep: A Reading of Original Poetry

4/25 — I Keep the Ladders Clean MFA panel discussion.

USF Graphicstudio

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

Woodson African American Museum of Florida 2240 Ninth Ave. S, St. Pete 727-323-1104 woodsonmuseum.org One City Chorus – Mon. 7pm

Through May — Sister Gertrude Morgan: A Ministry of Divergence

MUSIC

Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association

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

New Horizons Band of Gulfport Gulfport Senior Center 5501 27th Ave. S, Gulfport 727-345-0285

newhorizonsbandgulfport.org

Novice, intermediate musicians

School of Rock St. Petersburg 2401 Central Ave., 727-871-7625 schoolofrock.com

Guitar, drum, singing, keyboard/ piano lessons

South Pasadena Community Band 727-515-5407

southpasadenaband.com

All-volunteer band

5/9 — Free Concert, S. Pasadena City Hall

St. Petersburg College

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

Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Society

Cove Cay Golf Club

2612 Cove Cay Drive, Clearwater sdjs2022.org

4/21 — Randy Morris & Randy’s Rhythm Rascals

Tampa Bay Symphony Performances in various locations 727-827-8087

tampabaysymphony.org

4/7 — 7th Annual International Composition Competition Finals (Palladium)

5/5-12 — A British Fantasia

• 5/5 – Straz Center

• 5/7 & 12 – Palladium

• 5/10 – New Tampa Performing Arts Center

TomKats Jazz Orchestra

The Blue Parrot Mon. 7-9:30pm 85 Corey Circle, St. Pete Beach tomkatsjazzorchestra.com

OPERA

Metropolitan Opera: HD Live Miller Auditorium, Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Pete Live high-definition broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera 727-864-7600

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

4/10 — Open Rehearsal: La Traviata

4/19 & 21 — La Traviata

Sarasota Opera House

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

4/5-6 – Portraits of Expression

4/10, 13, 16 — La Musica Chamber Music

St. Pete Opera

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

Various performance locations

St. Petersburg Opera Guild stpeteoperaguild.org

The Pinellas Opera League Thur.: Opera at the Dali pinellasoperaleague.com

“Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you.”

ECO

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

1101 Country Club Way S, St. Pete 727-893-7326

stpeteparksrec.org/ boydhillpreserve

Closed Mon.

Environmental education center, Terry Tomalin Campground, Pinellas Pioneer Settlement

Brooker Creek Preserve

3940 Keystone Rd., Tarpon Springs 727-453-6800

brookercreekpreserve.org

Tram Tours Sat.

Fort De Soto Park

3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde 727-552-1862

pinellascounty.org/park Campgrounds, ferry services to Egmont and Shell Keys.

Tampa Bay Watch

Discovery Center

700 Second Ave. NE, 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. Pete 727-453-6500

weedonislandpreserve.org

Guided hikes, birding, and photography tours. Archaeology lectures, classes and webinars.

GARDENS

Florida West Coast

Orchid Society

Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 10891 102nd Ave. N, Seminole 727-420-7230 fwcos.org

Garden Club of St. Petersburg

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

4/27-28 — Flower Show (at Green Thumb, Walter Fuller Park)

Ikebana International

500 Sunset Drive, St. Pete (Garden Club building) ikebanastpetersburg.com

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

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

Through 6/30 – Yayoi Kusuma: A Letter to Georgia O’Keeffe

Through 8/31 – Clyde Butcher: Nature Through The Lens

Pinewood Cultural Park

12520 Ulmerton Road, and 12211

Walsingham Road, Largo Heritage Village

pinellas.gov/parks/heritage-village Creative Pinellas –creativepinellas.org

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

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

Sunken Gardens

1825 Fourth St. N, St. Pete

Adult and child classes

sunkengardens.org

4/7 — Orchid Festival

4/13 — Pesticide-Free Gardening

FERRIES

Crossbay Ferry

Connecting Downtown Tampa to Downtown St. Pete Wed.-Sun. through May 727-273-5932

thecrossbayferry.com

Egmont Key Ferry

Fort De Soto Boat Ramp 727-398-6577

hubbardsmarina.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

Mon/Wed 10-8

Tues/Thurs/Fri 10-6

Sat 10-2; Sun closed

See spblibrary.com for daily events

Adult programs

Mayor’s Open Office: 4/8 & 22, 5pm

Tech Help: 4/8 & 22, 11am

Feature Film:

• 4/12, 19 and 26, noon

• 4/29, 5pm

HOUGH FAMILY FOUNDATION MASTERWORKS

Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony

Apr 26-28 - Matinee!

RAYMOND JAMES POPS Disco Fever

May 3 & 5

HOUGH FAMILY FOUNDATION MASTERWORKS

Elgar’s Enigma Variations

May 17-19

Support your Florida Orchestra today FloridaOrchestra.org/donate

www.stpeteartsalliance.org/ experience-arts/gardenparty

SPAA is delighted to present the third annual “Arts Advocate of the Year” Award to Bryan & Shanna Glazer at our Garden Party Brunch, Hats Off to the Arts. The Glazers have supported the arts throughout the Tampa Bay area, including the Glazer Children’s Museum, the SHINE Mural Festival, and the Golding Visual Arts Center at the Shanna & Bryan Glazer JCC. Join us in this celebration and enjoy special live performances, delicious brunch-inspired delights, as well as a live auction and chance drawing supporting the arts. Past honorees include Melissa Seixas, Florida President of Duke Energy, and Brian Auld, President of the Tampa Bay Rays and Rowdies.

Enrico Lopez-Yañez Conductor Disco Fever Michael Francis, Music Director

ARTS & LEISURE EVENTS

4/27-28 — St. Anthony’s Triathlon

Swim, bike, and run along the picturesque St. Petersburg waterfront, with great fan support, premier race organization, and a fierce competition. Named “Race of the Year” by USA Triathlon and one of the “10 Greatest Destination Triathlons.” Information and registration at www.trisignup.com/Race/FL/SAINTPETERSBURG/StAnthonys

4/27-28 — Green Thumb Festival

Free admission, 9am-4pm, Walter Fuller Park, 7891 26th Ave. N, St. Pete. St. Petersburg’s annual Arbor Day celebration brings together plant and flower lovers, as well as individuals and families looking for a fun weekend activity. More than 120 garden, plant and flower vendors and exhibitors. Will be held rain or shine, except for severe weather.

5/4 — Derby at The Pier

$35 (general) to $5,000 (VIP), 3pm, Spa Beach Park, The St. Pete Pier, downtown St. Pete. Break out your derby hats, sundresses, seersucker suits and bow ties and sip on mint juleps and bourbon cocktails at the largest Kentucky Derby themed party in the area. Presented by 13 Ugly Men to benefit Academy Prep Center. www.eventliveus.com/event/3223855-13-ugly-men-presentsderby-at-the-pier-2024

5/4 —Tampa Bay Chalk Festival

Free, 9:15am-4:30pm, 22nd Street S in St. Pete between Seventh Ave. S and Ninth Ave. S. The sidewalks of the Deuces will be transformed into a kaleidoscope of colorful squares by chalk artists ranging from professionals to beginners. Hosted by the Pinellas Diaspora Arts Project. Artist registration at www.tampabaychalkfestival.com

5/4 — WMNF Tropical Heatwave

$40, 6pm-1am, The Cuban Club, Ybor City, 2010 Avenida Republica de Cuba (14th St.), Tampa. This locally sponsored, annual music festival celebrates diversity in music, featuring independent artists and a variety of local musicians playing on four stages. Tickets are only available online or at the box office on the day of the show. Tickets: www.wmnf.org/wmnf-events/tropical-heatwave-2024/thw-faqs/

5/10-11 — St. Pete Tacos & Tequila Festival

$7 advance/ $10 day of, 13 and under free, 4-10pm Fri/ noon-8pm Sun, Vinoy Park, 701 Bay Shore Drive NE, downtown St. Pete. A waterfront festival with tons of authentic tacos, premium margaritas and great live music. The festival will feature over 30 tacos vendors, many great margaritas and other cocktail options, mural artists, cold beer, games, prizes and much fun!

Info and tickets: www.stpetetacos.com/index.html

Topics in American History: 4/2, 3:30pm

Adult Crafternoon: 4/11, 4pm

Book Club — Isaac’s Storm by Erik Larsen: 4/18, 2pm

Donut Happy Hour: 4/3, 11am

Author Talk — Christopher F.

Meindl: Florida Springs: From Geography to Politics and Restoration, 4/3, 4pm

The Future of Robotics: BEAM Robots — 4/9, noon

Skeletons in the Family Closet: Dealing with the Unexpected — 4/10, 1pm

Tea at Three: And a Movie! — 4/15, 3pm

Science, Faith, and Reality with Harry Ellis — 4/17, 4pm

Children’s Programs

Story Time — Tuesdays, 10am

Game On: BEAM — Saturdays, 11am

Baby Sign Language — 4/17, 10:30am

Dinosaurs in the Daytime Drop In — 4/23, 2-4pm

Dinosaurs after Dark Drop In, 4/24, 5-7pm

All Ages Programs

Solar Eclipse Party — 4/1, 4:30pm

Seaside Seabird Sanctuary — 4/19, 4pm

Sensory Friendly Browsing Hour — 4/13, 9-10am

Dewey Discoveries Art Afternoon — 4/16, 4pm

Open Studio Hour with Creative Clay — 4/25, 10am

President Barack Obama

Main Library

3745 Ninth Ave. N, St. Pete 727-893-7724

splibraries.org

Closed for renovation.

SPIRITUAL

Sacred Lands

1700 Park St. N, St. Pete 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

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

Florida Aquarium

701 Channelside Drive, Tampa 813-273-4000

flaquarium.org

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

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

4/6 — Run for the Turtles

Seaside Seabird Sanctuary

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

seasideseabirdsanctuary.org

Free. Donations accepted. Tours.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa 813-935-8552

zootampa.org

Through 4/28 — Prehistoric Predators

4/6 ZooBrew

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 Shuffleboard

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

Rotary Club of Gulf Beaches

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

Second Saturday Singers

Second Sat. 9am–noon, Oct-April Pasadena Community Church, 227 70th St. S, St. Pete bobd@pccumc.org

St. Petersburg Audubon Society

727-753-9731 stpeteaudubon.org

St. Petersburg Chess Club

540 Fourth Ave. N, St. Pete Open every Fri. for members

6-11pm; Sun. 2-4pm group lessons and friendly games. chessclubjoy.webs.com

St. Petersburg

Shuffleboard Club

559 Mirror Lake Drive N, St. Pete Fri., 7-10pm, Free. stpeteshuffle.com

Suncoast Bonsai Society

Seminole Recreation Center 9100 113th St. Third Sat. 10am suncoastbonsaisociety.org

Suncoast Quilting Circle

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

Swiss Club St. Petersburg

Welcomes new members.

Inquire via website: SwissClubStPetersburg.com

Tampa Bay Surface Guild

Good Samaritan Church

6085 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park. Second Mon., 6:30-8:30pm

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

Treasure Island

Historical Society

Treasure Island Community Center Garden Room, 154 106th Ave. Sept.-April, Second Mon., 5pm facebook.com/

treasureislandFLhistoricalsociety

Treasure Islettes

Treasure Island Community Center, 154 106th Ave. Bingo Thursdays 6:30pm

treasureislettes.weebly.com

Supports charity and college scholarships.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

1500 Pass-A-Grille Way, St. Pete Beach

Safe Boating Program, Tues. 7pm

Warren Webster Building, wow.uscgaux.info/content. php?unit=070-07-08

Tampa Bay Women In Tourism

Third Fri. various venues.

tampabaywomenintourism.com

CLUBS – ATHLETIC

Clearwater/St. Petersburg Ski Club

Mike’s Pizza & Deli Station, 13560 49th St., Clearwater. Second Tues. 6:30pm, Sept.-May. 727-743-3108

snowshark.org

Pinellas County’s only ski club.

Mad Dogs Triathlon Club

Wed. night swims through summer, 6pm, Hurley Park Shelter, Pass-AGrille Beach. stpetemaddogs.org

Tampa Bay Beach Bums

Gulfport 727-437-2867

https://tinyurl.com/5n8s8f2k

St. Pete Road Runners

Walkers, joggers, non-competitive & competitive runners. facebook.com/StPeteRoadRunners

HEALTH

Jazzercise Exercise Classes

Treasure Island City Hall, Mon. & Wed. 5:30pm 727-687-6695

https://tinyurl.com/43caxjwr

Wednesday Walkers

Second and fourth Wed. 9am, varying locations. 727-893-1244. Sponsored by Gulfport Senior Center, 5501 27th Ave. S, Gulfport

THRIFT SHOPS

Anona Thrift Shoppe

12025 Indian Rocks Road, Largo Mon., Wed.-Sat. 10am-3pm handsofhealinginc.org/thrift-shoppe

Attic Shoppe

316 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach facebook.com/albansministry

ECO

By Peter Roos

If you’ve been hearing 10 or 15 different birds singing continuously outside your house, you likely have the state bird of Florida (and four other states), a Northern Mockingbird, in your yard. These slender-bodied gray birds pour all their color into their voices. They sing almost endlessly, even sometimes at night, and they flagrantly harass birds that intrude on their territories, flying slowly around them or prancing toward them, legs extended, flaunting their bright white wing patches.

The northern mockingbird is an omnivore, eating both insects and fruits. They are common in backyards all over the US and Mexico, but they don’t often visit feeders. You can encourage mockingbirds to visit your yard by keeping an open lawn, but providing fruiting trees or bushes, including mulberries, hawthorns, and blackberry brambles.

In the nineteenth century, people kept so many mockingbirds as cage birds that the birds nearly vanished from parts of the East Coast. People took nestlings out of nests or trapped adults and sold them in cities such as Philadelphia, St. Louis, and New York, where, in 1828, extraordinary singers could fetch as much as $50.

Northern Mockingbirds sing all through the day, and often into the night. Most nocturnal singers are unmated males, which sing more than mated males during the day, too. Nighttime singing is more common during the full moon.

Northern Mockingbirds typically sing from February through August, and again from September to early November. A male may have two distinct repertoires of songs: one for spring and another for fall.

The female Northern Mockingbird sings too, although usually more quietly than the male does. She rarely sings in the summer, and usually only when the male is away from the territory. She sings more in the fall, perhaps to establish a winter territory. The oldest on record was at least 14 years, 10 months old when it was found in Texas.

ARTS & LEISURE

CASA Thrift Shop

1011 First Ave. N, St. Pete casa-stpete.org

Creative Thrift Art Store (at Creative Clay)

1846 First Ave. S, St. Pete creativeclay.org/creative-thrift

HEP Thrift Store

1212 N Betty Lane, Clearwater Facebook.com/hepthriftstore

Pass-A-Grille Beach Community Church Thrift Shop

107 16th Ave. & Pass-A-Grille Way, Tues., Thurs., Sat. 9am-noon pagchurch.org

St. Vincent’s Thrift Store 180 34th St. N, St. Pete https://tinyurl.com/yc4kjb2u

Church by the Sea Thrift Store 495 137th Ave. Circle, Madeira Beach

Tues., Thurs., Sat. 10am-2pm churchbythesea.com/thrift-store

VOLUNTEERING

AARP

Various volunteer opportunities aarp.org/giving-back

Daystar Life Center 1055 28th St. S., St. Pete Needs volunteers 727-825-0442 facebook.com/DaystarLifeCenter

Empath Health

Suncoast Hospice

Training provided empathhealth.org

Friends of St. Pete Beach Library 727-363-9238 stpetebeachfriends@gmail.com

Friends of Strays

2911 47th Ave. N, St. Pete 727-522-6566

Nonprofit, no-kill shelter friendsofstrays.com/home

Hope Villages of America, Inc. 727-587-7747 rcspinellas.org/ Volunteer/

Keep Pinellas Beautiful

Conducts regular and frequent cleanup events. kpbcares.org/upcoming-events

Marine Exploration Center Needs volunteers 727-209-7115 mecstpete.org

Meals on Wheels

13945 Evergreen Ave., Clearwater Needs volunteer drivers. 727-573-9444 neighborly.org

State of Florida Guardian ad

Litem Program

Sixth Judicial Circuit Court of FL, 14250 49th St. N, Suite 4000, Clearwater. guardianadlitem.org

St. Petersburg Arts Alliance

100 Second Ave. N, Suite 150 727-754-6404 stpeteartsalliance.org

St. Petersburg Free Clinic 863 Third Ave. N stpetersburgfreeclinic.org

Tampa Bay Estuary Program 263 13th Ave. S., Suite 350 St. Pete 727-893-2765

tbep.org/get-involved/volunteer

Tampa Bay Watch

3000 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde tampabaywatch.org

YOGA

Beach Yoga Pinellas Beachyogapinellas.com

Salty Souls Yoga saltysoulsyoga.com

Silver Sneakers Yoga

Community Center, St. Pete Beach Fri. 11:15am spbrec.com

South Pasadena Yoga

• Gentle Yoga: Thursdays, 9:30-10:30am

• Yoga Flow: Thursdays, 10:40-11:40am

South Pasadena City Hall 7047 Sunset Drive S barbmoeller1@gmail.com

Sunken Gardens

1825 Fourth St. N, St. Pete 727-560-7317

Mon. & Wed. 10:30am

Sunset Yoga at The St. Pete Pier

First Wed. 7-8pm. Free

https://tinyurl.com/3m2wbmc6

The Centre of St. Pete Beach

7525 Blind Pass Road, 727-258-2001

thecentreSPB.com/calendar1

Yoga at The Dali Dali Museum, third Sun., 9-10am

https://tinyurl.com/bd6e88mz

MARKETS

Art Mart at Pass-a-Grille Sat. & Sun., 9am-2pm

(+ Fridays through April)

900 Gulf Way, St. Pete Beach

TUESDAYS

Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market 9am-3pm, Oct. through April 9am-2pm, May through Sept. Beach Blvd. below 28th Ave. S, Second Tues. Clothing Swap: Russian Club, 2920 Beach Blvd. S visitgulfportflorida.com

WEDNESDAYS

Madeira Beach Market

Nov.-May, 10am-3pm 15000 Madeira Way

FRIDAYS

Sunset Market

First and third Fri. nights, 5-10pm, parking lot of Imagine Museum, 1901 Central Ave., St. Pete.

Creative Clay Outdoor

Art Market

First Fridays, 10am-2pm 1846 First Ave. S, St. Pete

Treasure Island Friday Market Dec.-April, 9am-2pm

Community Center Park islandneighborschamber.org

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

Dunedin Downtown Market 9am-1pm, Pioneer Park, 420 Main St., Fri. market Nov.-May until 2pm; Sat. market year-round.

SATURDAYS

Crossroads Market

Third Saturdays, 10am-2pm,

Crossroads Christian Church 1645 Seminole Blvd., Largo

St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market

Oct.-May, 9am-2pm

Al Lang Stadium parking lot, 230 First St. SE

June-Sept. 9am-1pm, Williams Park, 350 Second Ave. N saturdaymorningmarket.com

The Market Marie

Second Saturdays, 10am-3pm Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St., Clearwater

Mezzo Market

One Saturday a month Oct.-May, Baum Avenue between Intermezzo Coffee & Green Bench Brewing, St. Pete intermezzo.co/mezzo-market/

SUNDAYS

49th Street Makers/ Growers Market

First Sunday, 10am-2pm

Red Feather Studios, 1301 49th St. S, Gulfport

Corey Avenue Sunday Market 10am-2pm/June-Oct. 9am-1pm

Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach coreyave.com

Indian Shores Sunday Market

Nov.-April, 9am-1pm

Indian Shores Town Hall, 19305 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores facebook.com/ IndianShoresSundayMarket/

St. Pete Sunday Market

Third Sun. of the month, Noon-6pm Arts Xchange

515 22nd St. S, St. Pete

Sunday Market St. Pete Weekly, 10am-5pm, St. Petersburg High School, 2501 Fifth Ave. N

Tampa Bay Markets now in St. Petersburg on Sundays

Tampa Bay Markets, who ran the Corey Ave. Sunday Market for eight years until last fall, opened a new Sunday outdoor market in January that operates every Sun. 10am-2pm on the campus of the historic St. Petersburg High School, 2501 Fifth Ave. N. If you miss some of the vendors that used to be at the Corey Sunday Market, you will likely find them there.

More than 75 vendors line Devil’s Drive, winding through the campus of St. Pete High, for this weekly market event.

Sunday Market St. Pete showcases vendors who offer farm-fresh produce, multi-cultural foods, innovative arts, hand-made crafts, sustainable, eco-friendly products, and wellness services. Tampa Bay Markets

curates the vendor assortment to also include artisanal product offerings such as sauces, jams, baked goods, and pet treats alongside fresh produce, plants, honey, and eggs.

The new market also features live local

music each week, with a spotlight on artists with an array of up-tempo musical styles. Enjoy while you shop, snack, and socialize. For residents and visitors on the beach, head over to Madeira Beach Market on Wednesdays 10am-2pm, grab lunch at one of the Market’s delicious food vendors and enjoy the live music.

Tampa Bay Markets is a local favorite with seasonal delights and rotating vendors on both sides of the bay, Wednesday through Sunday, including:

Westshore Marina District 4th Sun., Dunedin Downtown Market Fri./Sat., Sunset Market Midtown 1st Thurs., Fresh Market at Wiregrass 1st & 3rd Sat., Hyde Park Village 1st Sun. Market, Carrollwood 2nd Sat. Market, Seminole Heights 2nd Sun. Morning Market, Water Street Market 3rd Sun., Sunshine Market Midtown 4th Sat.

Each event is in pedestrian-friendly, outdoor locations that can host a minimum of 50-100+ vendors that sell only fresh, local, homemade, handcrafted, fair trade, vintage and eco-friendly products.

#SundayMarketStPete

www.tampabaymarkets.com

DOG WALKING • PET SITTING

We… Feed, Love, Care for Your Pets!

Serving: Beaches, Seminole & W. St. Pete BONDED & INSURED

Pete@PetesPerfectPetCare.com

CALL… 7 2 7 . 7 4 2 . 2 5 9 9

ACCOUNTING / BOOKKEEPING & TAX SERVICES

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

ACUPUNCTURE

Ancient Healing Acupuncture & Herbs Authentic oriental healing arts are still the foremost healing methods in China. 6600 31st. Terrace N., St. Pete. 727.384.4826

Achieve Acupunture & Integrative Medicine, Treatments specializing in chronic conditions, including Peripheral Neuropathy.

ACHIEVEACUIM.com 727.272.3587

ANNUAL HOME RENTAL

Keyrenter property management takes the worry out of being a land lord. KeyrenterStPete.com or call Sam 727-202.2700

BOAT CLUB

Limited Membership Boat Club with Premium Boats. All day usage for a fraction of the cost of ownership. SovereignBoatClub.com

Tierra Verde – 727.200.3474

BLINDS & SHUTTERS

Do Your Shutters need some TLC?

Hurricane Shutters Sold, Installed, Cleaned, Maintained & Repaired. The Shutterman 727.810.4606

Shopping for Window Treatment?

Call for a free in-home consult. See ad for 30% off next purchase. Call Budget Blinds 727.821.0976 and/or Service First Installers

CAREGIVER/COMPANION

In-home aid, dementia/companion care, meals, laundry, groceries, pets, appointments. St. Petersburg / S. Pinellas. References available. Maritza Palmucci 813.230.9392 Companionship, errands, transportation to appointments, light cooking, cleaning, and laundry, medication reminders. Call Gail 260.242.0246, email gail@compassionatecompanioncare forseniors.com, compassionate companioncareforseniors.com

CARPETS & RUGS

Professional Rug Cleaning & Invisible Repairs – Free pick-up and delivery. Also, the largest selection of imported Handmade works of art you can walk on. Oriental Rug Bazaar 727.726.8787

CLOSET DESIGN & INSTALLATION

Get organized. Maximize the space you have in closets, pantries, laundry rooms & more. newclosettoday.com Call for a free consult 727.641.6448

DENTAL SERVICES

Advanced Dental Technology, Implants, Reconstructive, Cosmetic & Laser Dentistry, 617 75th Ave., St. Pete Beach 40 Years Experience – Free 2nd opinions CenturyDental.org 727.367.3313

Pier Dental, 8351 Blind Pass Rd., SPB Family-owned General and Cosmetic Dentistry with Personalized Care. Florida native Dr. Brittany Pierpont. Pierdental.net 727.363.6169

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

Laundry Wash - Dry - Fold Service

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

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

Your contact for all things electrical. Solar hookup, generators, wiring and rewiring homes and businesses. Red Royal Electric 727-228-1065

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.

HOME ASSISTANT

Home Care and Maintenance

Personal & Virtual Assistance

Arriving / Departing Services

Home Decor, Declutter, Design, & Organization. Lisa loves

Projects. Call 502.419.1498

NestWatchHome.com

HOUSEKEEPING & CLEANING

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

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

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

IV THERAPY

IV Lounge@ The Centre SPB

See AD Page 7. Ask about getting your infusion where you are, or at 7525 Blind Pass Rd., 727.258.2001 thecenterspb.com

LOCKSMITH SERVICES

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

LUMBER

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

MARKETING SERVICES

Janet Nummi, Graphic Design info@janetnummi.com

Buddy Baker, Copyediting melvin.baker@gmail.com

MASSAGE SERVICES

Helios Health – Zoe (MA31664) offers massage and Infrared sauna therapy on West Central Ave. at 57th St., St. Petersburg 727.322.8883

PAINTING SERVICES

Residential or Commercial Painting Flo-Pro Painting 727.337.6888

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

PICKLEBALL/TENNIS LESSONS

Private/group lessons for all ages/skill levels. 727.481.6375 brian@sunshinecitytennis.com

PICKLEBALL EXPO

Thurs. April 18th, 3-7pm

At St. Pete Coliseum needs

• Volunteers • Attendees

• Exhibitors • Sponsors suncoastPB.com suncoastPB@gmail.com

727.900.9704

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.”

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Marina Bay – New Construction

Near Eckerd. More than beautiful. Resilient, Private, Peaceful, Protected FORTIFIED 727.906.3300

MarinaBaystPete.com

ISLA Condo, 1 Bd 1 1/2 Ba, Top Floor, Water & Golf Views, furnished $399K, 6279 Sun Blvd. #603, St. Pete, 33715

See photos on Zillow. Please text (no realtors) 727.639.8316

RESIDENTIAL PROTECTION

Insurance Companies are now rejecting claims if no one has been there in 14 days.

Property Watch Ninja’s are your boots on the ground When you’re not around. PropertyWatchNinja’s.com or Call 727.620.2620

RUGS – See Carpets

SCREEN REPAIR

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

Rescreen Rescue 727.348.4307

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

Create and Improve Your Online Presence, customerloyaltyagency.com

Call Dean at 941.323.1402

SLIDING DOOR REPAIR

Stop struggling with 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

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 parigitropicale@gmail.com 727.301.5917

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

WINDOW CLEANING

See Life More Clearly, 30 yrs. exp., Residential, Commercial. Estimates are free. Call Tim 727.488.8516.

CLASSIFIED ADS

10 Words 10 issues $100

20 Words 10 Issues $200

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

ENCOURAGING WORDS

By Dennis Merritt Jones, DD

Being, On Purpose

Our soul recognizes who we are. The amazing thing is that as you strive to consciously be who you have come here to be, life takes on a richer, deeper meaning and purpose than you ever dreamed possible.

Have you ever pondered your purpose –why you, uniquely you, are here on planet earth now?

The quest to answer this query led me to write a book entitled, The Art of Being - 101 Ways To Practice Purpose In Your Life.

Discovering one’s purpose can be confusing because we each arrived here with no operator’s manual, no instructions, or map pointing us to our purpose.

It might simplify everything to know that it’s impossible NOT to be on purpose 24/7. Irrespective of whether we know it, regardless of where we are or what we are doing, we are always serving our purpose.

Your Purpose is Contained in the Life You Already Have

Many people think that their purpose only reveals itself in a pristine, peak, ah-ha moment of deep insight accompanied by the parting of skies, neon lights flashing, bells ringing, and a host of angelic voices singing THIS IS IT in perfect four-part harmony. Some of us think of our purpose as a point of arrival somewhere in the future – in a time that exists only in our dreams when life will finally be perfect, when all things come together and we feel that then, and only then, our life truly matters. Others believe the way to fulfill our purpose is to “do” something specific, something great, something transformational that affects our world in a major way. In part, these assumptions may be correct. However, it’s not so much about doing something special to fulfill our purpose; it’s about being something special; our own unique, individuated, one-of-a-kind self.

This may be more challenging to accomplish than what one might imagine because it requires mindfully merging our being with our doing – and always in the present moment.

When we are present and aware, we’ll see that our purpose for being on the planet always lies right before our eyes, tethering us to the present moment. It could be as simple as planting a garden, holding a door open for a stranger – or gently holding a newborn child. Suffice it to say, the gift of purpose we bring the planet is contained in the life we have now. What we are doing is secondary to the mindfulness with which we do it; this is how purpose reveals itself at the moment. The irony is every human being’s purpose is identical: it’s being the living spirit of God uniquely manifesting in the human condition. As we awaken to this purpose – and to the fact that we ALL have the same purpose – we may wonder how 8 billion human beings can express the same purpose in 8 billion unique ways.

The Paradox of Purpose: Multiplicity Without Duplicity

While every human being has the same purpose, how we choose to express it can and must be inherently different. God has no need for two of anything exactly the same. The Butcher, Baker, and Candlestick Maker each do life differently as they are born to –but it’s all the same Infinite Intelligence revealing Itself through its creation. The crux to living “on purpose” is found not only in being consciously aware of who you are, but more so why you are. Remember that the life you call your own belongs to the Beloved and always will – and contained within that life is the gift of purpose you bring to the planet in a way no one else can.

Celebrate and honor your purpose with clarity of intention, gratitude, love, and passion – that is why you have come.

We currently have a selection of gorgeous listings at multiple price points.

Go go stpete.pro/listings or scan this code to see them all.

We are in our 30th year of helping people buy and sell the finest St. Petersburg properties by providing exceptional marketing, international reach, and local expertise, and now we are honored to have been chosen to be the exclusive representatives to the Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate Board of Regents for the entire Tampa Bay Area. Call us to learn what this can mean for your success.

Angela Mathias, Andrew Salamone, Ron Salamone, Libby Salamone