LUXURY WATERFRONT LIVING
SUNSET BEACH STUDIO
UPDATED BEACHFRONT CONDO
9495 Blind Pass Road PH3
8567 W Gulf Blvd. #20N
17580 Gulf Boulevard Unit #312
PASADENA YACHT & COUNTRY CLUB
WATERFRONT CONDO
ATTRACTIVE PRICING
5940 Pelican Bay Plaza #1204
9415 Blind Pass Road #802
Remarkable 4 bedroom/3 bath Penthouse, offering panoramic views of the Gulf and Intracoastal waterway. Offered at $1,500,000. Jane McCroary | 727.348.3888
33-foot SW-facing balcony in this 2/2 unit in Pelican Bay Yacht Club Condominiums in PASADENA YACHT & COUNTRY CLUB grounds. Offered at $465,000. Jane McCroary | 727.348.3888
Cute as a button with private beach access just across the street! Make this your personal beach getaway spot. Only $258,500! Jane McCroary | 727.348.3888
8th-floor waterfront condo with east/west views to catch those near daily sunsets. Offered at $557,000. Jane McCroary | 727.348.3888
GORGEOUS UPDATES in this BEACH FRONT 2/2 CORNER UNIT condo in Redington Shores! Offered at $984,900. Jane McCroary | 727.348.3888
9495 Blind Pass Road #304
DIRECT WATERFRONT CONDO in luxury Yacht & Tennis Club of St. Pete Beach Offered at $569,000. Jane McCroary | 727.348.3888
Each Office is Independently Owned & Operated 150 2nd Ave. N Suite 100, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
www.homesearchlocal.com
JUST LISTED
8406 DUNHAM STATION DR, TAMPA
5BR/3.5BA/3CG/6339SQFT. Stunning executive home in the prestigious gated community of Grand Hampton, premium lot. Offered at $1,450,000 Kayla Biathrow | 727.656.8156
NEW GREAT PRICE
1020 10TH CIR SE, #1020, LARGO
2BR/2BA/110SQFT, Welcome home to New Haven! Sought out, pet friendly, 55+ community centrally located in Largo. Offered at $229,900 Kayla Biathrow | 727.656.8156
JUST LISTED
1517 S FREDRICA AVE., CLEARWATER 3 beds / 2 baths / 1 car garage / 1746 sq ft. Offered at $680,000 Kayla Biathrow | 727.656.8156
WIDE OPEN WATER VIEW WITH DEEP WATER ACCESS
2080 Dolphin Blvd S.
3 bedroom 2 bath 2 car garage Fabulous Open Floor Plan. Offered at $1,348,000. Tina Herrell | 727.251.6630
Belle Vista SPB
5801 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706 ~ 727-367-3636
www.flpreferred.com
Pass-A-Grille
Marina Bay
One of only a few key vacant lots in desirable Pass-A-Grille! Gulf views from the lot! Build 4,000 Sq.Ft. dream home! $995,000
Soaring ceilings, 3BR’s and a partial view of the Bay! Oversized 3 car garage plus carport! $667,500
Allison and Dave Estabrooks (727) 460-4061
Maximo Moorings
ISLA DEL SOL
Panoramic water views abound from this Bahia Vista condo! Enjoy a 25 foot seaside balcony overlooking the world-famous Don CeSar! Designer decorated at $675,000 Allison and Dave Estabrooks (727) 460-4061
Allison and Dave Estabrooks (727) 460-4061
Sunshine Skyway Area
Northeast St. Pete
Soaring cathedral ceilings in this 4BR mid century modern Water views abound from this totally updated 1st floor home! Totally updated throughout with over 2,500 Sq.Ft.! condo! 2BR, 2BA with brand new kitchen, baths & more! $749,900 $435,000
Charming 2BR bungalow in an ideal location! Fabulous updates throughout with lush landscaping! $368,500
Allison and Dave Estabrooks (727) 460-4061
Allison and Dave Estabrooks (727) 460-4061
Allison and Dave Estabrooks (727) 460-4061
Downtown St Petersburg
Carol Giovannoni, Chris Graus and Team (727)481-9909
iluvSPB.com
LUXURY VINOY PLACE CONDOMINIUM 3BR/3BA/DEN/3,000 SQ FT renovated to perfection. Exceptional 7th floor residence with southern view overlooking waterfront, iconic Pier, parks and the vibrant city skyline. Wraparound balconies and private elevator lobby entrance. $2,750,000
1 BD / 1.5 BA 1,145 Sq. Ft. on Wide Water, 2 Pools, Gyms, Rec Rooms, Docks and BBQ areas. Steps to Beach. List Price: $349,000
Diana Sames (727)776-0122
PassAGrilleHomes.com
mySylvette.com
2 Bed, 1.5 Bath 600 Sq. Ft. Condo w/2 deeded Parking. Short walk to the beach and Restaurants. List Price $575,000 Diana Sames (727)776-0122.
1 BD/ 1 BA 785 Sq. Ft. plus Patio, 2 Pools & dock in heart of St. Pete Beach. List Price: $350,000 Diana Sames (727)776-0122
RE/MAX, LLC. Each Office Independently Owned and Operated
DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS (Partial listing of Rack & Stack locations)
DOWNTOWN ST. PETERSBURG
Caddy’s Waterfront Dining
Happy Feet Plus Hollander Hotel St. Pete Chamber Florida CraftArt Hawthorne Bottle Shop So Chic Consignment
ReMax Metro lobby Vinoy Hotel St. Pete City Store The Hangar Sundial Fergs
TYRONE AREA
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CONTENTS 39 MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE
COVER STORY 18 PARTY LIKE A LOCAL Dine, drink and make merry @Caddy’s, Sculleys Seafood Restaurant, Mad Beach Cantina
Sunshine Comedy Fest, Betty Fox, New Year’s Eve BY NANETTE WISER
42 ARTISTS SPOTLIGHT
BY NANETTE WISER
21 GOOD DEEDS
Creative Pinellas artists, theater kudos
BY HOLLY HARGETT
50 SPORTS & REC
BY NANETTE WISER
Alex Harris, musician & philanthropist
Boat show, v-ball & foot-bowls!
24 MISTY WELLS
52 BOOK NOOK
Discovery Channel’s local fishing star
Katherine Snow Smith @ Tombolo 1/4
BY STEVE TRAIMAN
BY HOLLY HARGETT
32 HORIZONS 2024
St. Pete Beach issues, successes
60 TRAVEL ADVENTURES
33, 58 LET’S GO GUIDES
BY NANETTE WISER
BY BRIAN HARTZ
Margaritaville at Sea, Art Basel, Florida Fests
Fun in St. Pete Beach, Tierra Verde
Paradise NEWS Reaching 100,000+ in print, online, social media, web content, weekly eblasts, and more!
DEPARTMENTS Publishers Message...........6 Centre of SPB News...........7 Tidbits......................8, 10-11 Holiday Happenings....12-13 Spirits................................15 Prism Yoga/Fitness...........17 Home/Holiday Gardens....20 Dining/2023 Faves............22 Cooking/Holiday...............25 Downtown Concierge.......26 Fashion/Holiday Shop......29 Vaughn Property Law.......30 Our Children Have Rights.31 Live Life Better.............34-35 Health & Wellness............36 Achieve Acupuncture........37 Eco...................................38
BY NANETTE WISER
Caron’s Art News.........40-41
Enchant at Tropicana Field
Wandering Whisk Bakeshop
25
DECEMBER 2023
BoTiki
Art Basel Miami
4
DECEMBER 2023 | ParadiseNewsFL.com
Habana Café Gulfport Casino Maddy Spa Town Shores Lobby
ISLA DEL SOL & BAYWAY ISLES Regions Bank Isla Yacht & CC
Island Salon Patchingtons
TIERRA VERDE Billy’s TD Bank Phila Deli Tony & Nello’s
Century 21 Mariott Wong Lee’s Island Grille
SOUTH PASADENA Ace Hardware Winn Dixie Regions Bank
Spiro’s Deli Fountains Towers
PASS-A-GRILLE Merry Pier The Wharf Hurley Realty Don CeSar
The SeaHorse Suntan Art Center The Wharf
ST. PETE BEACH Basil Leaf Nikko’s Dog Bar Resort Realty Library/City Hall Nori Thai Sushi Larry’s Ice Cream Baird Realty TBB Chamber Gulf to Bay Bait UPS Store Skidders
Basil Leaf Sushi Sea Dog Brewery Vito & Michael’s Riptides Lounge Synovus Bank Odi’s Kitchen Coldwell Banker RE ReMax Preferred Dolphin Landings 5th/3rd Bank Dolphin Bch Resort
COREY AREA DISTRICT
Events..........................44-48
TREASURE ISLAND
SPB Post Office Beach Theatre
Classified Ads..............56-57
Bilmar Hotel TI & MB Chamber
Pet Health.........................59
JOHN’S PASS VILLAGE Kilwin’s Ice Cream Chamber Kiosk
T.I. Hardware Keller Williams Realty Spice & Tea Exchange
MADEIRA BEACH
COVER
Waterfront Realty Recreation Center
Design: Janet Nummi
www.ParadiseNewsFL.com
facebook.com/ParadiseNews @ParadiseNewsFL @ParadiseNewsFL info@ParadiseNewsFL.com
29
Welcome Center Library/City Hall Sail Market Stellas
Chill Restaurant Frog Pond
Photo: Caddy’s Restaurants
60
GULFPORT
Arts & Leisure..............43-55
Encouraging Words..........62
12
Cody’s Road House Ancient Healing
Post Office City Hall Library
Copyright: Entire contents copyright © 2023 Paradise NEWS LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the contents of Paradise NEWS in whole or in part by photocopying, entry into any data-retrieval system, or any other means is strictly forbidden, without written consent of the publisher. Paradise NEWS has a non-political policy. Paid political ads are accepted. Signed letters to editors welcomed. NOTE readers: Paradise NEWS does not recommend or endorse any products or services in the publication. Any misrepresentation should be reported to the local authorities. Investigate all conditions & restrictions before making your purchase, understand your
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PUBLISHERS MESSAGE PETER & RENEE ROOS
Welcome to the December 2023 edition of Paradise NEWS, Pinellas County’s favorite news magazine. Whether you read it online at paradisenewsfl.com, receive it in the mail, or pick up a copy from one of the 500+ racks and stacks we keep supplied throughout each issue, consider it a holiday gift from us and the dedicated team of talented writers, editors, proofreaders, artists, printers, and delivery people who work to ensure your Paradise NEWS is there when you need it. If you have not yet signed up to get our weekly eblast on Thursday with the weekend’s top things to do, you can sign up for FREE under the WEEKLY tab. You can also have the print edition mailed to you 10 times/year for less than $2/copy. Each issue is jam-packed with information designed to make life better for long-time residents, visitors and especially, new relocatees. The internet links are active if you are reading online, and increasingly, QR codes are included in our print edition that you can scan with your smart phone to learn more. This edition wraps our 29th year publishing Paradise NEWS. Many things have changed over the decades. Others haven’t. People continue to drink and drive, especially around the holidays, and it can be a very dangerous combination. Walking and biking along or just crossing Gulf Boulevard on the beaches can even be risky. It is a highway, and people get crazy sometimes. Our leaders have solved those issues too, providing the Freebee app in St. Pete Beach, the PSTA Trolley to get up and down the beaches and high speed SunRunner to connect to downtown St. Petersburg. Please cross at a marked crosswalk. Turn the crossing lights on and unless you can easily cross in time, wait until you know cars are stopping before you leave the curb. The life you save may be your own. We are thrilled to have become the go-to publication for area shops, restaurants, bars, entertainment, home improvement/decor vendors, realtors, doctors, hospitals, holistic health providers, concert promoters and more to get their messages to you in print, online, and in social. There has been a lot in the news lately about inflation. There are ways to fight it. Many readers may recall that we have had solar water heating since 2003 and a solar electric system was installed in October 2012. We keep our Hot Springs tub ready for soaking and we charge our Chevy Volt each night, yet our power bill averages about $70/month. We never tire of making improvements to our home in paradise. Most recently, we replaced the aging screen room with an energy efficient, hurricane resistant Florida room by Lifestyle Remodeling. That added over 300 square feet of air-conditioned space to our modest home and became our first line of defense against global warming. Our recently rescued fur baby, Anders, seems to enjoy the new space as much as we do. Thanks for reading Paradise NEWS. Your interest makes all our efforts worthwhile. Happy Holidays to all and here’s wishing you a new year of peace and prosperity in 2024.
Peter & Renee Roos & All the Talented PN People www.ParadiseNewsFL.com Check out Paradise NEWS online, in print, and like us on social media. Sign up on our website for the FREE weekly eblast on what to do around town.
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DECEMBER 2023 | ParadiseNewsFL.com
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Paradise NEWS
Volume 29 Number 10 • December 2023 PUBLISHERS Peter Roos | Marketing & Sales sales@paradisenewsfl.com Renee Roos | Creative Director info@paradisenewsfl.com EDITORIAL Nanette Wiser | Executive Editor wiser86@gmail.com FEATURE/NEWS WRITERS Steve Traiman Brian Hartz | Holly Hargett ART & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Janet Nummi info@janetnummi.com CONTRIBUTING COLUMINISTS Caron Schwartz - Art News Buddy Baker - Arts & Leisure / Events Dr. Dennis Merritt Jones - Encouraging Words Dr. Johnathan Pierce - Pet Health Michael Moses - The Centre Danielle L. Vaughn, Esq. Property Law/Vaughn Voyage CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS VisitStPeteClearwater.com Visit Florida • Janet Nummi Public Media Resource Images SUBMISSIONS - WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Paradise News welcomes submissions. 727.363.6888 • info@paradisenewsfl.com DEADLINES - Advertising • Classified • Editorial 10th of the month, one month prior to print
PRINT CIRCULATION Mailings audited by U.S. Postal Service Fall/Winter/Spring; (Monthly) Oct - May . Summer;(Bi-monthly) .J une/July & Aug/Sept
30,000+ 30,000+
DISTRIBUTION - Mailed on “Island Time” Downtown St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach, Pass-a-Grille Tierra Verde, Isla Del Sol, Pinellas Bayway, Harbourside, Pasadena Yacht & C.C., Gulfport (partial), Treasure Island, Yacht Club Estates, Causeway Isles,
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MEMBERSHIP AFFILIATIONS
Corey Area Business Association Gulfport Merchants Chamber of Commerce 2007 “Business of the Year Award” Recipient Preserve The Burg • Skyway Marina District St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneurial Academy Spring 2019 Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce 2008 “Small Business of the Year” Award 2013 “Woman-Owned Business of the Year” Tampa Bay Watch - Corporate Sponsor Treasure Island & Madeira Beach Chamber
PUBLISHED BY: Paradise News, LLC
P.O. Box 66385, St. Pete Beach, FL 33736
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TIDBITS
Carl Lavendar
ST. PETE NEWS Mayor Ken Welch named Carl Lavender Interim Chief Equity Officer for the city of St. Petersburg. Lavender brings more than three decades in non-profit executive and senior management experience, and nearly 20 years of experience in systems change leadership to the position. He most recently served as Interim Co-CEO and Chief Equity Officer at the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg. Writes Welch: “Carl is a transformational leader and advocate in our community whose expertise will help us advance equity and inclusive progress at the city, in partnership with community stakeholders. His work over the years has intersected with various city initiatives, including the 2020 Plan, Agenda 2010 (which was the catalyst for the creation of the South St. Petersburg Community Redevelopment Area), and Grow Smarter (a collaborative effort with the St. Pete Chamber and others). Carl’s vast experience, historical knowledge of the community, and breadth of equity efforts will be valuable as we move forward with establishing this office.” “Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.” –Karl Barth
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With the support of U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, the city of St. Pete applied for the U.S. Department of Transportation Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Community Planning Grant to improve access and reconnect the community to the Historic Gas Plant District. $1.2M in grant funding would support an 18-month community-informed planning project for the two-way conversion and lane reallocation of Eighth and MLK streets to improve access, safety, mobility, and connectivity as well as address the environmental and economic burdens impacting surrounding neighborhoods.
AIR TAXI DEBUTS @ TPA Volocopter CEO Dirk Hoke, Mayors Ken Welch and Jane Castor, Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, FDOT, and Tampa International Airport leaders got a bird’s eye view of the first-ever electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft test flight at a large U.S. airport, as well as the first to test in the state of Florida. Look forward to connecting the cities of the future, where aerial mobility (i.e., air taxi!), connected vehicles, and sustainable infrastructure work together to transform the way people move around Tampa Bay.
DECEMBER 2023 | ParadiseNewsFL.com
PINELLAS COUNTY First-time home buyers in need of some financial assistance may be eligible for more money than before to help with a down payment. Pinellas County’s down payment assistance program has increased the maximum it offers from $50,000 to $75,000. According to the U.S. Federal Reserve, the homeownership rate in Florida stands at 68.1%. That ranks the Sunshine State 22nd in home ownership. www.pinellas.gov/programs/ housing-finance-authority-firsttime-homebuyer-program/
GULF BEACHES ROTARY We heard from PN pal and Rotarian Mitchell Shenkman about the Madeira Beach/Treasure Island chapter, always doing good deeds and host of the annual March Spring Carnival in R.O.C. Park. In October, the Community Service Day at the Free Clinic on 10/31 culminated the October donation drive
that netted 170 pounds of non-perishable goods and 59 pounds of hygiene and baby diaper goods. Barktoberfest was a “take a bow” WOW, with State Representative Linda Chaney judging the costumed pups while pet fosters and buy a pup paver helped fundraise for our furry pals. On 12/10, the 13th annual Robby’s Pancake Breakfast co-hosted by Middle Grounds Grill and Gulf Beaches Rotary will be held 8am-noon at Treasure Island Community Center, bring an unwrapped toy or non-perishable food.
MANATEE As water temperatures drop in the Gulf of Mexico, hundreds of West Indian Manatees will make their way to the warmer waters in and around Crystal River. Known as Manatee Season 11/15-3/31, this annual influx of Florida’s beloved state marine mammal makes the pristine, spring fed waters of Crystal River and Homosassa the perfect place to learn about these curious creatures in their natural habitat.
Heads Up. We’re Here.
We know emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. With award-winning ER services right here in St. Petersburg, you can expect expert care 24/7. No matter when you arrive, you’ll find a place where chaos meets calm and uncertainty finds answers. Giving you more reasons to choose well. BayfrontHealth.com/ER St. Petersburg | Pinellas Park | West St. Petersburg
TIDBITS Tampa Bay Watch Blooming Brands
DTSP NEWS St. Petersburg is known as a city with a high quality of life. Preserve the Burg, the local historic preservation education and advocacy organization, wants to know what role, if any, historic preservation plays in creating and maintaining that quality of life. PlaceEconomics, a DC-based research and consulting firm, has been commissioned to do an analysis of the impacts of historic preservation in St. Pete. www.surveymonkey.com/ r/8YT6BRH
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DECEMBER 2023 | ParadiseNewsFL.com
VISITOR NEWS Tampa International Airport is getting a quartet of new destinations next year, with Breeze Airways announcing four nonstop routes to Burlington, VT 1/31; Plattsburgh, N.Y. 2/2; Madison, WI 2/7; and service to Myrtle Beach, S.C. 5/10. U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best Places To Retire reports that Florida is still prevalent in the top 25, with Daytona Beach in the top 10 (Daytona Beach) and Tampa, Sarasota, Lakeland, Melbourne and Orlando in the top 25. MOVERS & SHAKERS Eckerd College Director of Athletics Tom Ryan ’87 has announced David Woodrum as the head men’s and women’s golf coach. “We are thrilled to have David join the Triton family. David impressed us throughout the search process with his passion and energy as a young professional.
His track record of success at the collegiate level as both a player and coach, paired with the unique recruiting niche he has established, make him an excellent fit for Eckerd,” stated Ryan. “I am looking forward to watching our golf programs excel in the coming years.” KUDOS Tampa Fire Rescue was recently awarded a generous donation of $15,393 from SubPubs Hospitality Group which help upgrade the Honor Guard’s ceremonial equipment. Tampa’s Honor Guard plays a pivotal role in assisting the families of fallen firefighters, performing “Color” detail at promotional award ceremonies, graduations, and various other civic functions. “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” – Robert Brault
Tampa Fire Rescue and SunPubs
Pinellas County Commissioners have more than doubled their previous funding allocation, from $5.6 million to $12.4 million, to help start construction on a long-awaited affordable housing project in St. Petersburg. In Sept. 2021, the city of St. Petersburg became Florida’s first municipality to take advantage of House Bill 1339. Also in the works is a multifamily development on the former Raytheon parcel and purchase of land from SPC Gibbs Campus for affordable housing.…Check out Tampa’s holiday events via the Cross Bay Ferry departing Downtown St. Pete from The Port St. Pete, 250 Eighth Ave. SE through June 2024.
GREEN THUMBS Bloomin’ Brands employees brought Tampa Bay Watch’s demonstration garden in Tierra Verde to life on their Annual Community Service Day. The goal of the garden is to inspire and educate visitors of TBW about the diverse possibilities for planting native gardens in their own yards and emphasize the connection between our landscapes and water resources in the Tampa Bay watershed. FYI: TBW’s education team is seeking spring interns to assist in facilitating onsite school field trips, outreach events, after-school programs, species collection and identification, and aquarium husbandry support. This internship is designed for individuals seeking experience in informal education or environmental sciences. Positions are unpaid, but academic credit is available www.tampabaywatch.org
uses to a Florida state statute that allows for urban agriculture pilot projects in areas where agricultural uses aren’t necessarily part of the zoning.
GOOD DOGS In November, four K-9s and their partners completed training and will soon be called for duty. Throughout their training, the K-9s learned obedience commands, bite work, area and building searches, tracking, and human odor response. Kudos to graduates K-9 “Beau” and Deputy Justin Fineberg, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office; K-9 “Zorro” and Deputy Giancarlo Revilla, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office; K-9 “Joker” and Deputy Brennen Wede, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office; and K-9 “Bruce” and Officer Travis Hansen, Largo Police Department.
URBAN AGRICULTURE Sen. Darryl Rouson and Rep. Lindsay Cross, both representing parts of St. Petersburg, have filed identical bills in their respective legislative chambers to expand the definition of “urban agriculture” to include new commercial agricultural uses. The bills (SB 404 and HB 397) would add new commercial agricultural
TRAFFIC ALERT The eastbound Park Boulevard Bridge will be reduced to one lane between Gulf Boulevard and Danielle Court until approximately Saturday, Jan. 20. Pinellas County Utilities is performing a water main replacement in the area. The project will not impact access to the Park Boulevard Boat Ramp or pedestrian walkways. A reminder to click it or ticket (safety belts, please) and use a free beach ride after your holiday partying.
TRANSIT FUTURE The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, PSTA, is beginning its Community Bus Plan, which is aimed at transforming the county’s transit needs over the next 10 years. People in the county can share their ideals at one of three community meetings, a survey or on PSTA’s Ideal Wall. The Community Bus Plan seeks to address the evolving needs of Pinellas County residents and businesses and find more accessible, efficient, and community-focused transit solutionspsta.mysocialpinpoint. com/cbp/ideas#
MASQUERADE Holiday Cosplay Tampa Bay 12/2-3 at the St. Pete Coliseum will feature The Star Cos, big-name voice actors, pro cosplayers, an idol group, and an internationally known body painter. Gamers can play games like Borderlands 3, My Hero One’s Justice 2 and Super Mario Bros Wonder for free, along with participating in a Super Smash Bros tournament. holidaycosplaytampabay.com VOLUNTEER The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas needs volunteers with the SHINE program (offering seniors, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers free, unbiased counseling on Medicare and health insurance). A volunteer orientation will be held 12/11 @1pm at the Area Agency on Aging located at 9549 Koger Blvd., Suite 100, St. Petersburg. floridashine.org Call 727-570-9696, ext. 234.
ProtectStPeteBeach.com
HIRE VETS For the fourth consecutive year in a row, the city of Treasure Island has been awarded the Gold HIRE Vets Medallion Award by the U.S. Department of Labor. The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is the only federal-level veterans’ employment award that recognizes a company or organization’s commitment to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. This award ensures veterans have a long-term career and growth plan with the city of Treasure Island that uses the diverse skills they acquired through their military service. KUDOS The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners has elected commissioners Kathleen Peters as Chair and Brian Scott as Vice-Chair for 2024. Peters is the current Vice-Chair and represents single-member District 6.
YOU CAN HELP: n Protect our environment n Renourish our beaches n Control traffic and density n Attract high-quality development that improves our community
PROTECT OUR PARADISE
SIGN THE PETITION. SCAN THE QR! ParadiseNewsFL.com | DECEMBER 2023
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Holiday Happenings CHRISTMAS
By Melvin Baker
Through Dec. 30 – Christmas in the Wild $29.95, selected dates, ZooTampa. With thousands of lights across holiday-themed areas throughout the zoo, the event features brand new larger-than-life illuminated animal sculptures and the return of Forest of Fantasy Christmas tree light shows showcasing synchronized twinkling lights. Tickets: www.zootampa.org/events/christmas-in-the-wild
Through 1/1/24 – Holiday Lights in Downtown Waterfront Parks Free. Stroll along the waterfront to see thousands of holiday lights and decorations in North Straub Park, South Straub Park, Pioneer Park, and the St. Pete Pier. Don’t miss the giant greeting card display along Bayshore Drive at Vinoy Park made by local teens and participants from St. Petersburg’s recreation centers. 12/3 – Indian Rocks Christmas Street Parade 1pm. This city-wide parade includes local merchants, small floats and holiday music. The parade runs through neighborhood streets and participants often throw candy, dog biscuits, ad specialties, and beads along the parade route.
12/9 – Tampa Bay Night Life TV Christmas Ball and Toy Drive $25-$100, 7pm, Kapok Special Events Center, 923 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. Tampa Bay’s “Biggest and Best Christmas Party” includes a buffet dinner, auctions, a special raffle and music by The Shakes Society. Bring new, unwrapped toys for boys and girls 1 thru 14 and get tickets for a special raffle. Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/4cmv79jy 12/9 – Holiday Sail-a-Bration Water-less Boat Parade 6:30pm, Seminole. Starts at the Seminole Recreation Center on 113th Street and ends at the Seminole City Center. To participate, contact Kacy Little at 727-391-8345 or klittle@myseminole.com. 12/9 – 50th Annual Pinellas Park Christmas Parade 6pm, 5800 Park Blvd. N. The parade begins at Park Boulevard and the railroad tracks (58th Street) and proceeds eastbound to The Shoppes at Park Place.
Through 12/31 – Enchant: Reindeer Games $34 adults and up/$25 children, multiple admission times, Tropicana Field, St. Pete. Enchant is an immersive experience perfect for joyful seasonal celebrations. Adventure through Enchant’s newest adventure Reindeer Games, a larger-than-life light maze that is the cornerstone to the Enchant experience. https://tinyurl.com/bdfbasze
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12/8 – Boley Centers 41st Annual Jingle Bell Run $40, 6pm registration, 7:30pm run, Straub Park, downtown St. Pete. This 5K run will feature a lighted path, live bands along the course, a glow zone, snow, glow necklaces and thousands of runners, joggers, walkers and four-legged trotters! Register: https://tinyurl.com/2p2n28ej
12/9-10 and 12/15-23 – Santa in the Park Free, 6-9pm, North Straub Park, St. Pete. Enjoy a meet-and-greet with Santa. Cameras welcomed. 12/10 – Santa Brunch at The Birchwood $55 adult/$35 ages 3-12, 9am-1pm, The Birchwood Grand Ballroom and Terrace. Festive brunch buffet, Santa meet and greet, craft stations, toy drive. Reservations: grace@thebirchwood.com or call 727-317-2844.
12/30 – Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet $37-$97, Noon/8pm, Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg. https://tinyurl.com/bde987z3
HANUKKAH
12/8 – Hanukkah Latke Dinner Free, 5-7pm, Congregation B’Nai Israel, 300 58th St. N, St. Pete. The Mitzvah Men’s Club will be cooking the latkes. RSVP by 12/3 to https://tinyurl.com/mrxb8kts 12/10 – Hanukkah on Ice Free with reservations, 5:30-7:30pm, Westfield Countryside Mall Ice Rink, 27001 U.S. 19 N, Clearwater. Music, donuts, latkes, Hanukkah gelt. Giant Israel menorah lighting at 8:15pm. Security by Clearwater Police. RSVP at YIChabad.com/ICE
12/3 – Annual Learning Chanukah Bazaar Free, 9am-noon, Congregation Beth Shalom, 1325 S Belcher Road, Clearwater. Dozens of vendors; light breakfast nosh. Benefits the synagogue’s religious learning program. 12/3 – Jewish Teens of Pinellas Hanukkah Bowling Party $18, 1-3pm, Liberty Lanes, 11401 Starkey Road, Largo. RSVP to https://tinyurl.com/359pjs3h
12/11 – Flame $36 until Dec. 9; $50 after, 7:30pm, Floridian Social Club, 687 Central Ave., St. Pete. A Hanukkah party for 20’s and 30’s young Jewish professionals. Cocktails, hors d’ouerves, entertainment. Tickets: Chabadyoungsp.com/flame 12/12 – Car Menorah Parade Free, parade leaves at 5pm from Chabad of Pinellas County, 3696 Fisher Road, Palm Harbor; ends at Pioneer Park. Come at 4:30pm to deck out your care Hanukkah style. Security provided by Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. RSVP at YIChabad.com/Parade
12/12 – Downtown Dunedin Hanukkah Celebration Free, 5:30-7pm, Pioneer Park. Celebration includes giant neon Menorah lighting, latkes, doughnuts, drone gelt drop, DJ and light show. RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/yt8b4pf9 12/15 – 101 Menorahs Free. 6pm, Temple Beth-El, 400 Pasadena Ave. S, St. Pete. Bring your favorite menorah to help light up the night for the 101 Menorahs candle lighting. Then jam with singer-songwriter, educator and innovator, Spike Kraus, and DJ Duo! Hanukkah treats with catering by the Boyz in the Hood.
KWANZAA
12/26 – 10th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration Free, 5-8pm, Enoch Davis Center, 1664 12th St. S, St. Pete. This family-friendly event will celebrate the first night of Kwanzaa, Umoja (Unity). Umoja stresses the importance of maintaining togetherness for the family and the community. Hosted by the St. Pete Youth Farm and Gallerie 909.
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The Ultimate Seaside Paradise
We invite you to lose yourself in an ultimate seaside paradise at The Saint Hotel, a boutique haven in St. Pete Beach. Experience laid-back vibes, barefoot ambience, and artistic touches that speak to the senses. 7201 Sunset Way St. Pete Beach, FL 33706 727.360.0120 thesainthotel.com Travelers’ Choice
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82 Degrees provides nature imbued interiors and fresh Southern coastal cuisine to launch you into the decadence of an unhurried coastal vacation. Whether you are dining in for brunch, lunch or a leisurely dinner, 82 Degrees provides a space to enjoy craft cocktails, fine wine, and locally distilled beer with alfresco dining options and live music. With locally sourced ingredients, signature drinks and an unparalleled atmosphere, 82 Degrees is a favorite amongst locals. 7203 Sunset Way St. Pete Beach, FL 33706 727.292.0282 Eatat82.com MON-FRI: 12PM-4PM Happy Hour & Lunch 5PM-10PM Dinner SAT-SUN: 10AM-3PM Brunch 5PM-10PM Dinner
SPIRITS By Nanette Wiser
Looking for the perfect hostess gift or present this season? Sip local from local brewers and spirit makers. Create a craft beer basket with 3 Daughters, Sea Dog, Shipyard, Green Bench, Mastry’s (who has teamed with Bern’s for a signature beer), Cage, Big Storm and others. Wrap up a bottle from St. Pete Distillery or Kozuba Distilleries for the Sunday football crowd. Assemble cocktail baskets such as Horse Soldier Bourbon Whiskey + maple syrup + aromatic bitters for an Old Fashioned, or Horse Soldier + sour mix + simple syrup with a basil garnish for a Basil Smash. Small batch coffees from Kahwa and a tipple of Rivulet Artisan Pecan Liqueur or Nielsen-Massey pure vanilla extract and bourbon complement a Christmas cookie exchange.
3 Daughters Brewing
Sober bars are popping up from LA’s Ocean Beach Cafe to Orlando’s Bandbox. Locally, bars feature artisan non-alcoholic cocktails and low ABV canned cocktails 4.5-5.5 % are trending for backyard barbecues. Gather a cornucopia of low ABV canned cocktails such as Cutwater’s Grapefruit + vodka, Cayman Jack’s margaritas (watermelon, mango), White Claw’s Vodka + Soda (wild cherry, pineapple, watermelon) and my favorite, 3 Daughters new Orange Cream Vodka + Soda (they also make a non-alcoholic CBD seltzer). At the recent Savor St. Pete, we sampled St. Regis’ de-alcoholized wines and bubbly; remarkably tasty. Their Shiraz Rose blended with strawberries, maple syrup, a T sugar and ice is a delightful frose and we plan to use it in a party punch. Enophiles can sample before gifting bottles at Try Wine, Book + Bottle, Hawthorne Bottle Shop, Lolita’s, Bella Vino, Grape Wine Café, The Study, Pour Yours, Must Wine Loft, Sea Grapes, Vino Simpatico, Dracula’s Legacy, Sauvignon Wine Locker, Bacchus Wine Bistro and others. Trending now are European wines from France, Spain, Portugal, and Germany’s 13 regions, especially an Extra Brut super dry Riesling that pairs well with Asian dishes and Paso Robles’s California reds are wow gifts, especially Daou’s Pessimist and Austin Hope. Closer to home, Plant City’s Keel and Curley Winery’s fruity wines, delicious sangria and agrarian ales/ciders are a treat.
Beachy eats Indulge your taste buds in one of our thre e restaurants just steps away from St. Pete Beach!
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PRISM WELLNESS & YOGA
Karla Hollan’s wellness classes at The Centre in St. Pete Beach are incredibly popular. The experienced instructor conducts yoga, aerial yoga, breathing, movement, meditation, and transformational healing workshops. Hollan believes meditation helps obtain optimal health. “The brain is like a muscle and so is the mind. The mind is even more trainable than the body. We need the repose for the mind from meditative experiences because the world we live in constantly pulls our minds and our psyches into intense mental activity that strains our well-being.” Guests praise her technique: “Meditation has always been a struggle for me. When Karla broke it down into bite sized pieces it really made all the difference. Her soothing voice and the way she leads me through awareness of all layers of my being is like no other.”
Aerial yoga will awaken your inner child, release tension, and enhance your upper body and core strength. The hammock allows for slow incremental movement. Said one new enthusiast: “I am a rather unfit 53-year-old woman who has not practiced yoga in over 18 months. A friend drug me along to an aerial yoga class and I was filled with trepidation. Could I do it? Was I too big? Was I strong enough? All my worry was for naught. Karla hosts a small class and is so affirming that I felt comfortable right away. She met the skill set of each of us and made everything accessible. It is an experience that will stay with me for a long time. It was not an acrobatics class as I had feared, in fact the silks served as props helping me do poses that my tight hips and knees prevent in a typical flow class.”
The Centre is located at 7525 Blind Pass Rd. Advance registration is required. Book your spot: www.prismwellnessandyoga.com/book-now Thursday @9:30am Meditation and Gentle Mindful Movement Small group, all levels welcome! $15-20 Tuesday@3:30pm Breath and Mindful Movement PRiSM Yoga. $15-20 1st Friday starting 2/2 @6pm Reiki Light Work & Advanced Airflow St. Pete Aerial Yoga Thursday @5:30pm Small Group Yoga w/silk fabric prop Thursday@7pm Chillax & Restore Yoga Nidra in the Hammock Customized group and individual sessions can also be booked on weekends bridal parties and work team-building options available.
BE HERE. MARCH 8-10
GET TICKETS | GPSTPETE.COM
TERS S T. P E IX O F N D P R C H A M P IO N A R G ONE D IN G F IR E S T P F U N 2 0 2 3 E N T E D BY RS O N P R E S U S E R IC S MARC
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COVER STORY
5 Caddy’s 4 Fun For many years, locals brought their outtatown guests to the best beach party in town @ Caddy’s Treasure Island. Today, the fabulous Caddy’s brand has blossomed to five locations, with one in Bradenton and three more in Pinellas County (John’s Pass, Madeira Beach, and Indian Shores). It’s still the hotspot day and night for sensational food, delicious cocktails, great beer and wine and live music. Bring the family, bring your date, or make new friends. It all starts @ Caddy’s. Sports fans can watch their favorite college and NFL games while the kids enjoy sandy toes and at Madeira Beach and Treasure Island, a dip in the Gulf. Sports - Great drink specials on Saturdays and Sundays for football at all locations all day long. Food specials include a trio dip, carnitas tacos, footlong hot dog, boneless wings, pulled pork sandwich and quesadilla. On Sat., drink specials feature $4 Bud, Bud Light, Ultra or Nutrl ($20 buckets) and $2 off Bacardi, Teeling, Goose and Patron. On Sun., you can sip $4 Yuengling, Miller Lite, Coors Lite or Blue Moon ($20 buckets); $2 off Bacardi, Teeling, Goose and Patron drinks and $5 White Claw ($25 buckets). It’s a family affair at these restaurants during the day with a delicious kids’ menu including kids eat free on Tues. with one adult entrée purchase. At Caddy’s TI, there’s a popular Disney Princess & Pancakes breakfast and on 12/30, Frozen’s Elsa and Anna will delight the kids. (Reservations recommended). A great idea is to reserve a cabana at Caddy’s TI, with complimentary umbrellas and chairs, so you enjoy sunbathing, and a well-deserved nap. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Caddy’s will introduce a weekend breakfast buffet in Spring 2024. There’s something for everyone on the menu, from sharable apps (grouper nuggets, trio of dips, calamari, crab cakes, ahi tuna and Gulf Coast ceviche) to tasty handhelds (grouper, Reuben) and burgers, best with bacon. 18
DECEMBER 2023 | ParadiseNewsFL.com
All your Floribbean faves are here including coconut shrimp as well as steak and a seafood platter. Start with a salad or chowder and save room for key lime pie. In addition to all the happy hour specials daily till 7pm, Caddy’s serves a terrific early bird menu Mon.- Fri. 3-5pm. During happy hour at all Caddy’s (except TI), enjoy $3.50 beer, $4 house wine, $5 rum runners or margaritas. From 7pm-close daily, all Caddy’s serve up $3.50 beer, $4 house wine, $5 rum runners and margaritas to help the long nights go faster. On the Final Friday of every month at John’s Pass, come hang out at Caddy’s John’s Pass and Sculley’s where you can enjoy the live band on the big stage at the Gazebo, starting at 6pm. Caddy’s is part of SunPubs, which also owns Sculleys in John’s Pass and Mad Beach Cantina, as well as MacDintons and Grove. The restaurant group does an amazing job of helping the communities and residents. They sponsor a Hero Initiative, with every restaurant donating a catered lunch to a hero organization (fire & police departments, schools, organizations, etc.) once a week. All restaurants also offer 15% discount for heroes through 12/8. They are working with Kind Mouse on a food drive donation, and the company will match the donation. Also, in December SunPub is working with YMCA Neighbors to Neighbors to collect toys to donate for the month. Come see for yourself! Be sure to sign up for the rewards program and you’ll earn 1 point for every $1 you spend and receive a $10 discount for every 100 points you redeem. And while you’re there, buy some gifts cards and be sure to bring home some Caddy’s merch including a cool neon cup, cozies and tank tops for those not lucky enough to live or visit Paradise!
Caddy’s Treasure Island 9000 W Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island 727-360-4993 M-TH: 8am-9 pm; F-SU: 8am-10pm Caddy’s John’s Pass 190 Boardwalk Pl E, Madeira Beach 727-290-1455 SU-TH: 11am-9pm; F & SA: 11am-10pm Caddy’s Madeira Beach 14080 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach 727-308-7888 SU-TH: 11am- 9pm; F & SA: 11am-10pm Caddy’s Indian Shores 20025 Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores 727-595-3172 SU-TH: 11am-9pm; F & SA: 11am-10pm Caddy’s Bradenton 801 Riverside Dr E, Bradenton 941-708-3777 SU-TH: 11am-9pm; F & SA: 11am-10pm
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS Book your holiday party with us. Serving holiday menu Christmas Day Holiday Gift Cards: purchase a $50 gift card, get a $10 gift voucher (ends 12/31) Breakfast with Santa: Caddy’s TI 12/16 @9am Pictures with Santa: 12/16 Bradenton 11am, John’s Pass 1pm, Madeira Beach 2:30pm, Indian Shores 4pm. Customer Appreciation Parties: 5-7pm Cantina 12/4, Sculley’s 12/5, All Caddy’s 12/6
Mad Beach Cantina is a favorite neighborhood restaurant and bar serving contemporary Mexican cuisine with a Floribbean flair. Open daily from 12pm-9pm, the views from the airy patio and restaurant, authentic Mexican décor and music are the perfect spot for bringing visiting guests, hosting a party or just hanging with friends over the best margaritas and water view in town. The food is sensational. Start with Abuela’s spicy pinto bean dip, guacamole, ceviche, cantina corn or Santa Fe eggrolls, filled with chicken tinga, chihuahua cheese, roasted corn and black beans and served with jalapeno poblano ranch. Best of show are the Mad burrito, sizzling fajitas or street tacos (carne asada, beef barbacoa, carnitas, shrimp, grouper, brisket, al pastor and portabello). For entrees, choose between Mexican favorites such as chimichanga, chili relleno, enchilada or quesadilla or go big with the skirt steak marinated in citrus, chili and spices, grilled on an open flame and topped with jalapeno ranch or ranchero shrimp. The Cantina’s crafted cocktails are ambrosial and now feature frozen margaritas and an outstanding happy hour Mon.-Fri. 12pm-5pm featuring $5 house margaritas, $4 beers, wines and wells. Say Ole to
Taco Tuesday’s $5 margaritas and three tacos for the price of two. On the second Saturday every month (12/9), there’s a fun fiesta party with a DJ, dancing, and great food and drink specials kicking off at 5pm. 13205 Gulf Lane, Madeira Beach 727-284-3990 www.madbeachcantina.com
Says Randy Esponda, CEO & Managing Partner at SunPubs: “We are not just in the business of serving delicious food and drinks; we are in the business of building and nurturing the relationships within our community. We give back to their local neighborhoods not just as a choice, but as a responsibility; this is why we have made it a mission to donate to local hero organizations as well as sponsoring charitable events that come our way. SunPubs began in 2002 with the founding of MacDinton’s Irish Pub in Tampa. Our goal has always been to be recognized as the best restaurant and entertainment group that guests are excited to visit over and over again.”
With a refreshed interior, patio and new menu, Sculley’s Seafood Restaurant offers waterfront dining and fresh catch seafood right off the boat. Located in the historic fishing village of John’s Pass in Madeira Beach (a top destination for tourists), Sculley’s offers a Gulf to Table dining experience. Using the best quality ingredients and seasonal Florida fare, the culinary team whips up tempting eclectic dishes highlighting the best seafood and American cuisine. Share stylish seafood appetizers such as grouper nuggets, calamari, shrimp, or crab-stuffed mushrooms, followed by lobster bisque and piquant entrées (fresh grouper, Cajun shrimp, seafood mac and cheese or coconut shrimp). For lighter fare, try the mahi tacos, shrimp po’ boy or barbecue burger.
The seafood boil is spectacular, and you can personalize with seafood/andouille sausage/crab/lobster and other options and choose a sauce and side. On Wednesdays, enjoy Captain’s Night with Yacht Rock music and great drink specials starting at 5pm. Ahoy the happy hour daily 3-5pm with $4 specialty cocktails and $5 house wine. Open Mon.-Sun. 11am-9pm, the family friendly restaurant is a perfect spot for shmoozing while your better half shops John’s Pass. Your little fish will like the $6.95 kid-friendly menu. 190 Boardwalk Place East, Madeira Beach 727-290-1463 www.sculleysrestaurant.com
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HOME & GARDEN FLORIDA BOTANICAL GARDENS In addition to the holiday of lights in the garden through the end of the year and a holiday plant sale 12/9, the much-anticipated Majeed Discovery Center children’s garden is open 7am-5pm daily. Admission is free and leashed pets welcome. The 2+ acres site located along McKay Creek features a Bamboo Bridge, a Pollinator Landing for climbing, a stage for skits and presentations, an outdoor classroom with raised beds for hands-on planting (Roots & Shoots), Imagination Blocks for building, a Music Forest with a variety of instruments, a Trunk Jump, an old-fashioned water pump and more. Want to host a birthday party or special event? Contact Children’s Garden Educator jessieflbgfoundation@gmail.com. www.flbgfoundation.org/childrensgarden
By Nanette Wiser
BLOOM BONANZA Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is launching Phase One of its three-phase Master Plan for its downtown Sarasota campus that will open to the public 1/11. The project adds 188,030 square feet of new facilities and amenities, including a 150-seat groundlevel garden-to-plate restaurant, called The Green Orchid, featuring a rooftop edible garden that provides fresh produce and is planned and maintained by Operation EcoVets, a nonprofit that provides opportunities for veterans. A research center will offer insight into Selby Gardens’ world-class research, with more than 150,000 plant specimens and a library with volumes dating to the 1700s. There will also be a solar array that makes Selby Gardens the world’s first botanical garden complex to be net-positive in its energy consumption. On exhibit now through 8/31 at Historic Spanish Point Campus is Clyde Butcher: Nature Through the Lens. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens provides 45 acres of bayfront sanctuaries connecting people with air plants of the world, native nature, and
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DECEMBER 2023 | ParadiseNewsFL.com
Welcome Center Selby Gardens Sarasota
our regional history. Selby Gardens is composed of the 15-acre Downtown Sarasota campus and the 30-acre Historic Spanish Point campus in Osprey. The Downtown campus is the only botanical garden in the world dedicated to the display and study of epiphytic orchids, bromeliads, gesneriads and ferns, and other tropical plants. There is a significant focus on botany, horticulture, education, historical preservation, and the environment. The Historic Spanish Point campus is located less than 10 miles south along Little Sarasota Bay. One of the largest preserves showcasing native Florida plants that is interpreted for and open to the public, it celebrates an archaeological record that encompasses approximately 5,000 years of Florida history. www.selby.org
GOOD DEEDS By Holly Hargett The Arts Conservatory for Teens (ACT)
Alex Harris is a singer and songwriter, but he’s also a humanitarian at heart. His journey as an artist is marked by his unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the world. He was so moved by the events surrounding George Floyd’s death that he penned most of the lyrics for his song Humanity in 90 minutes. Harris is also a producer and, as co-founder of The Arts Conservatory for Teens (ACT) in St Petersburg, a philanthropist. Harris started making his first drum set from the buckets of his neighbor’s backyard when he was 5 or 6, using pine tree branches as drumsticks. He and his siblings, who also shared his love of music, ultimately formed their own band. Performances at their father’s church quickly gained attention, and A7 became so sought-after that they toured North America during school breaks. Today, Harris has performed his soulful R&B music for two presidential galas and has shared stages and collaborated with legendary entertainers including Aretha Franklin, Lionel Richie, Al Green, and Alicia Keys. His vision for a camp for kids was a dream he shared with his family that started to come to fruition when he was a graduate student.
Now in its 11th year, the Arts Conservatory for Teens offers training in music and film production, theatre, dance, film, art leadership, and entrepreneurship. Originally created for under-served at-risk students, ACT is now sponsored in five Pinellas County middle schools and serves 2,600 students annually. A three-year plan includes expanding to Sarasota and Hillsborough counties and advancing ACT’s after-school programs. Ultimately, they aspire to offer programming for licensing worldwide, creating a global impact on young minds. “We take a holistic approach so that creativity extends into leadership, entrepreneurship, development, and financial literacy.
There’s an art to entrepreneurship, an art to financial literacy or money management,” says Harris, “We look to expand those existing parameters into that space where the student can come into wholeness, at least an understanding of the pathway to that space, and providing the bridge to get there.” To support ACT’s noble initiatives, they welcome multi-year gifts from those who wish to make a difference. Donations and volunteer opportunities can be found at www.artsconservatoryforteens.org. On a musical note, Alex Harris is set to perform at The Palladium Jan. 13. www.alexharrisofficial.com
CLEANING - REPAIRS - APPRAISALS
Storewide Holiday Clearance Sale up to 60% OFF select stock.
Functional Beautiful Rugs That Last a Lifetime Area rugs are art you can walk on, adding color and comfort to a room. Visit our showroom for the perfect holiday gift. Open Mon.-Sat. 10:30-6pm. Closed Sunday. Visit www.rugbazzar.com or call 727-726-8787. 924 McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater ParadiseNewsFL.com | DECEMBER 2023
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DINING
Book your party or entertain friends and family at these restaurants and bars from around Tampa Bay. Throwing a holiday party? Bayou Market and Café can cater your event large or small. For a waterfront view, Doc Ford’s on The Pier and Jungle Prada can’t be beat. “The fondest memories are made around the table.”
BREAKFAST & BRUNCH On the weekends, linger over mimosas at The Helm, or The Dewey. For best breakfasts, check out Sea Dog Brewing Co., Clear Sky on Park, Stan’s Epicurean’s tasting menu (2x/month), Frog Pond, Chill’s, coffee and croissants at Coco Addiction, 82 Degrees, Café Soleil (opening a new location next to Taverna on the Bay), Jerome’s Café & Bakery, Salty Nun, Crabby’s On The Pass, Caddy’s Treasure Island, Kraft Café and downtown, at The Library, Wild Child, Social Roost, Datz, and Café Clementine.
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DECEMBER 2023 | ParadiseNewsFL.com
The Left Bank Bistro
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grill
It is the best of times when it came to eating and drinking in Paradise. Here are some of our favorite spots to savor and sip.
HAPPY HOURS From Sekushi Sushi’s happy hour for cocktails, sushi, sashimi and Asian apps noon-6pm daily to The Left Bank Bistro’s Sante Social Hour & Oyster Bar Menu served Tues.-Fri. 2-6pm; Saturday Oyster Bar 2-6pm and Sun. 2-6pm on the patio, gourmet gobbles abound. On the beaches, The Wharf, Mastry’s/The Kitchen, RumFish, Cane & Barrel, Cassis, Three Birds Tavern, Seaweed, and BJ’s Restaurant Brewhouse.
By Nanette Wiser
SPECIAL OCCASIONS If you are looking for exceptional seafood, steak and continental cuisine, make reservations now at Stan’s Epicurean, Middle Grounds, E & E Steakhouse, Guppy’s, Columbia Restaurant, Island Way Grill, Salt Rock Grill, Gratzzi, Villa Gallace, Rococo, Beau & Mo, Parkshore Grill, Taverna Costale, Il Ritorno, Ceviche, and Bonu Taverna. We swooned over Il Ritorno’s shrimp tagliatelle (Pernod, calabrese sopressata, tarragon dust, shaved fennel) and Villa Gallace’s grouper, Tomahawk veal chop and fresh Atlantic halibut. Half-priced wine Wednesday bottles at Middle Grounds and Clear Sky on Park make humpday dining special.
Dirty Shirley
Gratzzi Italian Grille
VIP
INTERNATIONAL DELIGHTS The VIP in Indian Rocks Beach and Treasure Island is a local favorite for Mexican, and we love Coastal Taco and Nueva Cantina. For Asian fare, Thai Basil, Nori Thai, Buya Ramen, Pacific Counter, Pin Wok & Bowl, and Zom Hee (Chinese). For gourmet pizza, Slyce can’t be beat, and their weekday lunch special (slice of pizza and a salad) are popular; Coastal Pizza’s shrimp pie and if downtown, Joey Brooklyn’s is the best New York pizza by the slice. Tommy’s Hideaway in Gulfport serves Nona’ style dishes, and the meatballs are sensational. For Floribbean fare, Stone Crab or she crab soup at Frenchy’s and a grouper sandwich at Dockside Dave’s.
DINE & DANCE Of course, downtown St. Pete’s dining scene is some of the best in town, and many restaurants feature live entertainment including The Estate, Cocktail St. Pete, Dirty Shirley and others in The Edge and Grand Central districts. For island sounds and an old Florida feel, mosey over to The Big Catch for some seafood baskets and reggae. Dance the night away or listen to jazz and other concerts at Floridian Social Club, Ruby’s Elixir, or disco at Good Night John Boy. For true music loves, Bayboro Brewing Co. and the Ale & The Witch showcase food, drink, and iconic, eclectic bands. Flute & Dram is the most eloquent place to drink premium brown spirits, champagne and craft cocktails and the exquisite menu features delectable bites such as lobster ravioli, wagyu beef carpaccio raw oysters, charcuterie and a menu that rivals big city fare. Live music starts usually at 5pm, and happy hour at 4pm.
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Misty Wells
Local , Discovery Channel Star By Steve Traiman
Fishing Niagara Falls, First Brown Trout
steelhead.” When it comes to fishing, Misty is “all in” honing her skills in everything from fresh water to salt water, “if it swims, she wants to catch it.” Hunting is a passion for Misty, she enjoys bow hunting for white tail, hogs, and turkey, but don’t sell her short when it comes to grabbing her 12-gauge and taking down some ducks, white wing, and doves. Misty is sometimes able share her adventures with her two amazing kids: son Brennan Wells who served in the United States Coast Guard, and daughter Hudson, currently serving in the United States Navy. “My children will always be my greatest adventure and achievement,” she says.
Misty Wells is a proud Florida native, born and raised in Clearwater. Misty’s never-ending search for outdoor adventure in both the water and woods has opened the opportunity of a lifetime for her. In 2018, Misty became the first female host of an outdoor show on Fox Sports and began filming her hit Outdoor Adventure show Let’s Take it Outside. Misty said, “I was thrilled to be able to follow my passion for the outdoors, and I love that millions of viewers are fans of the show.” Heading into 2024, Misty is filming Season 5 and is airing on the Discovery Channel in over 220 countries and on seven other networks. Learn more at www.mistywells.com or stream her show for free on demand on Waypoint TV.
Misty’s commitment to children does not stop with her own children. In 2014 Misty started “A Reel Future,” a non-profit created to take children in foster care fishing, teaching them about the outdoors and conservation. Misty has personally taken 3,800+ foster children fishing all over the United States since 2014 and she not stopping anytime soon. “If we are not there to teach these parentless children the love and passion for the outdoors, then who will?” www.areelfuture.com [Steve Traiman is president of Creative Copy by Steve Traiman and can be reached by phone at 727-798-4746 or via email at traimancreativecopy@gmail.com] Wrestling 7 ft. Gator @ Gatorland
Python Hunting in the Everglades
“I am blessed, Let’s Take it Outside has taken me so many places around the world for adventures, places I may not have ever seen,” said Misty. “I just returned from two Bucket List trips, one in Costa Rica where I was looking to land my first Rooster fish and the other Niagara Falls in search of landing my first brown trout and
Dinner Thurs.-Sat. NEW! Sunday Brunch
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DECEMBER 2023 | ParadiseNewsFL.com
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COOKING CORNER
By Nanette Wiser
WanderingWhiskBakeshop.com
Bake the world and pray for peace is my motto this season. I’ve been testing out international holiday cookie recipes, such as German Pfeffernüsse spice cookies, Scottish shortbread, British stained-glass cookies, Czech pernik na figurky gingerbread, Italian pizzelles and pignoli, French madeleines or rugelach for Hanukkah.
If baking is not your thing, now is the time to order cookies and holiday desserts from local bakers such as Coco Addiction, Café Soleil, Nothing Bundt Cake’s minis, Frida’s, Wandering Whisk, Gulfport’s Calm Your Cookies custom designs, Mazzaro’s, DeCosmo, Golden Dinosaurs, Moonlit Macarons, Blueberry Moon Patisserie, and Bella Bakes. If you want to ship to friends and family, put your order in now online at Zabar’s or your favorite bakery on Goldbelly. This year, I’m making my famous chocolate bourbon balls the day after Thanksgiving to serve with Espresso Martinis.
CHOCOLATE BOURBON BALLS INGREDIENTS 2 cups raw unsalted pecans 2 cups vanilla wafers 1 cup powdered sugar 6 T bourbon whiskey 2 T maple syrup 2 T unsweetened cocoa powder 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 1/3 cup decorative sparkling sugar DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350°. Spread pecans on a rimmed baking sheet and toast until fragrant and golden in the center, 7 to 9 minutes. Let cool. In a food processor, pulse toasted pecans and vanilla wafers until they’re the texture of coarse breadcrumbs (a few larger chunks of pecans are okay). Add powdered sugar, bourbon, maple syrup, cocoa, and salt and process until combined. Transfer bourbon ball mixture to a medium bowl; cover and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Pour decorative sugar into a small flat container. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Using a tablespoon measuring spoon, portion and roll balls to 1” in diameter. Roll balls in decorative sugar, gently pressing so sugar adheres, and arrange on prepared sheet. Refrigerate bourbon balls at least 1 hour to set up. Bourbon balls can be made three weeks ahead. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze up to 1 month.
Locals love drinking, dining, and rooting for their favorite teams at this legendary 2001 Pass-A-Grille Way, St. Pete Beach Wharfpag.com 727-367-9469 MENU
Pass-a-Grille restaurant and sports bar with a rocking happy hour Mon.-Fri. 3:30-6pm and live music on weekends. Indulge in delicious daily rotating specials including: Tuesday Fish Fry, Patty Melt, Roast Beef Dip; Wednesday Tacos, Beans and Rice; Thursday Shrimp Po’ Boy; Friday Soft-shell Crab Basket, Fried Fish Basket; Saturday Grouper Nuggets Sunday Ceviche or Quesadilla (chicken, shrimp)
ParadiseNewsFL.com | DECEMBER 2023
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DOWNTOWN CONCIERGE in an elegant atmosphere.” Enhancing the experience, The Imagine Museum exhibits contemporary glass art in the theater’s second floor lobby space. The restaurant will be open to the public as well as patrons of The Mahaffey’s concerts.
SHOP Looking for artisan cocktails from Italy to Spain, craft coffee sips and one of the best indie markets in town? Visit Saturday’s Mezzo Market at Intermezzo Coffee and Cocktails for boutique shops, vintage goods, handmade products, plants, food, drinks, and live music, then grab a beer at Green Bench and tasty tacos at Red Mesa. Next markets are 12/16, 1/20, 2/17, 3/9, 3/30, 4/20 and 5/11 from 11am-4pm.
The Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater’s magnificent waterfront view and world class entertainment venue will have a fabulous fine dining restaurant to boast about in 2024. Bill Edwards will open Sonata, helmed by head chef Ted Dorsey, formerly of The Mill, featuring “coastal cuisine presented with Southern hospitality 26
DECEMBER 2023 | ParadiseNewsFL.com
HOLIDAZE For festive gifts, gather friends and family for the Zubrick Magic Theatre’s holiday-themed magic and grand illusion show as well as a virtual magic shop unique stocking stuffers. A new Christmas-themed pop-up bar, Xmas Bar is now open at 260 First Ave. N, where you can dance to Christmas songs, enjoy holiday-themed cocktails (Jingle Juice, Naughty & Nice), delicious dishes and more. Open 4pm-3am Fri. and 1pm-3am Sat.-Sun. www.xmasbar.com
Enchant St. Petersburg
Sea Salt St. Pete
In addition to a fabulous new happy hour with marvelous mussels and boutique wines, Sea Salt St. Pete is hosting a first Sunday buffet brunch 11am-3pm. Enjoy an elaborate smoked fish display, a housecrafted pastry station, hot brunch items, cold salads, charcuterie, fruits, and cheeses and all the accompaniments! A la carte brunch cocktail menu also available; reservations are encouraged; 727-873-7964.
businesses on a weekly and monthly basis with 13 markets across 11 Tampa Bay communities and feature special events throughout the year including Dunedin on Friday and starting Dec. 6, Madeira Beach Wednesday 10am-3pm.
Zubrick Magic Theatre
Intermezzo Coffee and Cocktails
SIP & SUP In addition to the best burgers in the Burg, why not have a high holiday tea at The Chattaway? If you loved The Symposium in Indian Shores, visit The Study lounge where you can pour your own wine and beer, enjoy live music, art gallery shows, bottomless mimosas on Sunday, Thursday trivia night and meet new friends. Located in Kenwood at 3100 Third Ave. N, Hogg Breath debuts what is sure to be a holiday fave, Decaf Spiced Rum blended with the rich, organic, mountain water processed decaf coffee from Honduras Maya Royal Select and the unmistakable essence of St Pete Distillery Rum & Spice. Check out Tasty Thai, now open for dining on Mon., Wed.-Sun. for lunch and dinner and Tues. for dinner from owner Ken Bell of Pasghetti and his wife, who is a Thai chef. Welcome Pan-Asian restaurant and steakhouse Fortu to the Ponce de Leon Hotel and aloha to our fave, Beans & Barlour a boozy bakery with some new delights in the horizon according to the owners.
By Nanette Wiser
On Jan. 7, Tampa Bay Markets launches a new Sunday Market St. Pete at St. Pete High School (2501 5th Ave. N). Each Sunday, 75+ vendors, including local growers, artists, makers, culinary artisans, and community partners will showcase farm-fresh produce, multi-cultural foods, innovative arts, hand-made crafts, sustainable, eco-friendly products, and wellness services. Founded in 2010 as a local grass-roots start-up, Tampa Bay Markets now develops vibrant “Buy Local” events and operates world-class, open-air Fresh Markets throughout Tampa Bay. Owned and operated by Tiffany A. Ferrecchia and Greg Barnhill, Tampa Bay Markets serves over 600 vendors and brings together residents, visitors, and small
The immersive, larger-than-life light installations and multi-sensory experiences at Enchant St. Petersburg will delight all ages. Tickets for the Enchant Dinner Experience are now available, where you can enjoy up-close-and-personal entertainment, tasty dessert, comfortable seating, a cash bar with complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. Located in The Trop. www.enchantchristmas.com/ dinner-ticket-experience/
It’s a special holiday-season book event featuring five very Florida-centric authors from St. Petersburg Press. Join Paul Wilborn (“Florida Hustle”), Bill DeYoung (“Vintage St. Pete & Pinellas, Volume 3”), Kerry Kriseman (“Accidental First Lady”), Shana Smith (“Islands of Cedars”) and Tom Gribbin (“The Last Florida Boy”) for readings, signings, and all-around holiday cheer at The Studio@620 on 12/14 @7pm. Books will be available for purchase. Admission is free! DO GOOD Plan to be a sponsor or attend the annual Queen of Hearts Ball on Feb. 17 at the St. Petersburg Hilton. This fabulous event supports local charities and in 2024, Wheelchairs 4 Kids and Inspire Equine Assisted Center will be the recipients. In 2023, SPCA Tampa Bay and Suncoast Voices for Children each received a check for $46,750. The Queen’s Court Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to honoring Pinellas County’s leading women volunteers and raising money for two deserving local charities each year at the Queen of Hearts Ball, honoring their motto One Heart, One Mind, One Spirit. Contact SapphireBall2024@gmail.com or visit www.queenofheartsball.org.
HP Capital Group
DTSP TIDBITS In November, St. Petersburg City Council approved additional $7.4 million funding for affordable and workforce apartments to be built at the site of the former Tibbetts Lumber Company on Fairfield Avenue. Members originally approved $2.2 million last year, but a delayed HUD loan combined with rising construction costs and interest rates caused the project’s budget to balloon. Construction will start between Jan.-Feb. 2024.
Oak Street Exchange
New this fall is Oak Street Exchange, a fully renovated property featuring a first-floor multi-purpose great room for events and parties, a studio perfect for conducting yoga and wellness classes and a fully furnished hair salon. The second floor unveils a large gathering space, full kitchen, four furnished bedrooms and two full bathrooms. Guests step out the back doors into a stunningly landscaped two-acre private oasis. Oak Street Exchange also offers top-notch amenities and services to make any event run smoothly, including audio/visual equipment, catering, and event planning services. Located at 10787 Oak St NE. For a tour or reservation contact events@oakstreetexchange.com.
Enjoy Award-Winning Brews & Delicious Food @ Mastry’s Mastry’s Brewing Co. is open noon to 10pm Mon.-Thurs. (11pm Fri.-Sat., 9pm. Sun.) for fun in the sun and after dark with neighbors and friends. The Kitchen serves food noon-9pm Mon.-Thurs., Fri.-Sat. 9:30pm, and 8pm Sun. Have your HOLIDAY PARTY here! Follow Mastry’s on social for specials, seasonal brews, live music Fri.-Sat. night and events (Wed. Open Mic; Thurs. Trivia) MASTRY’S
Mastry’s Brewing Co. & The Kitchen 7701 Blind Pass Rd., St. Pete Beach 727-202-8045 www.mastrysbrewingco.com
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DECEMBER 2023 | ParadiseNewsFL.com
FASHION
By Lady Sadie
Elizabeth Boutique
DIY Fashion is all the rage. PN publisher and style goddess Renee Roos embellishes her clothes and remakes outfits in the blink of an eye, often taking the bottom part of a long dress and creating a matching scarf, tres chic. Singer Fiona Frensch, whose new Christmas CD debuts in December, is another ooo-la-la girl, donning a bejeweled hat or fancy stockings to update her spectacular outfits. Lady Sadie likes to update a handbag by wrapping a silk scarf around the handles. Be creative and DIY your outfits, especially for New Year’s Eve celebration. Sophisticated ladies will be seen in deep reds, emeralds and purples or shine in gold, bronze, and silver.
Misred Outfitters BoTiki
But what if you are looking to update your wardrobe and are not an online fashion shopper? Sew what, that’s what’s trending and sewing machines are cheaper than ever and easier to use. Need help getting started? Designer Nancy Niss told us that St. Petersburg’s Jay’s Fabrics is closing at the end of this year, the community’s go-to spot for gorgeous silks, fabrics, and quilting materials.
Lucky for those who can’t sew, longtime employee Cindi Freeman can help you with all your sewing needs. With 15 years helping customers, she’s launching her own business teaching sewing (she’ll come to you) and help you finish a project. Learn about threads, needles, techniques, and tools from a pro. 727-871-0872 cindyfreeman@yahoo.com Looking for the perfect present for your favorite fashionista? Shop local for accessories and new or gently used clothes from Sign of the Dolphin, Natural Comfort, Fish Hippie, The Radix Collection, Diny’s Jewelers, Annabels, Elizabeth’s Boutique, Hallie Mae’s Boutique, Betty, Designer Exchange, Bronze Lady, MISRED Outfitters, Ashe Couture, Pippa Pelure, The Emporium, BoTiki, Gulfport Beach Bazaar, Revolve Clothing Exchange, ReTreat, Valhalla Resale, Pieces of a Dream, So Chic, ArtPool and for men, Sartorial, Inc. Handmade gifts are forever keepsakes, and The Flying Needles can help you create a Florida-centric needlepoint holiday gift and offers embellishment and stitching classes.
Beverly Diny is celebrating 40 years in the jewelry business.
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Give her the Moon & Stars Specializing in Diamonds, Gems & Fine Jewelry for men and women. Ask us about Jewelry Design, Repair & Restoration. Diny’s Jewelers of Florida | 130 107th Ave., Treasure Island | 727.513.3469 | www.dinysflorida.com ParadiseNewsFL.com | DECEMBER 2023
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VAUGHN VOYAGE
By Danielle L. Vaughn, Esq., B.C.S., LL.M.
Navigating Property Law and Estate Planning The Legal Landscape of Commercial Lease Agreements in Florida As the beating heart of the Sunshine State’s thriving business sector, Florida is a hub for commercial real estate transactions. For entrepreneurs seeking a place to grow their ventures or property owners looking to lease their spaces, a comprehensive understanding of commercial lease agreements is paramount. Let’s delve into the key foundations to be included in a commercial lease. Key Legal Elements: A Foundation for Stability The cornerstone of any successful commercial lease lies in its legal foundation. The following key elements demand careful consideration: Lease Terms and Rent Structure: Clearly defining the duration, rent, and potential escalation clauses is fundamental. Specifics like rent due dates and acceptable payment methods need meticulous attention. Maintenance and Repairs: Deciding responsibility for property upkeep is crucial. A well-drafted agreement prevents disputes over maintenance and ensures the property remains in optimal condition.
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Often tenants have more responsibility when it comes to maintenance of the property in a commercial lease. I have seen first-hand where tenants were required to pay for new AC systems or new electrical in the premises when they were not working property. Often, an inspection at the outset of the lease would have informed the tenant of this issue. Use of the Premises: Precisely outlining the allowed uses prevents conflicts over alterations, subletting, or unauthorized activities. The lease may also include prevented uses so there is no competition between businesses. Default and Termination: Establishing conditions for termination and remedies avoids uncertainty. Clearly defined default scenarios and notice requirements contribute to smoother conflict resolution. Insurance and Indemnification: Specifying insurance requirements and indemnification obligations protects parties from unforeseen events, promoting a secure leasing environment. Some insurance requirements are high so it is important to obtain quotes before signing the lease. Defining the Premises: It is important to define in detail the premises being leased, and the amenities included. An important consideration is parking. Is it included?
Are there exclusive parking spaces available for your use? I have been involved in cases where tenants did not have any designated parking spaces, and during certain times it was impossible to do business because their customers had nowhere to park. This is especially important if there is an anchor tenant or a tenant with high volume traffic. In conclusion, important terms must be discussed, negotiated, and properly defined to foster a positive landlord-tenant relationship. If you have questions or are involved in the negotiation of a lease and need representation, contact Vaughn Law at 727-223-6080 to schedule a consultation.
Danielle L. Vaughn, Esq., B.C.S., LL.M. Board Certified Real Estate Attorney VAUGHN LAW, PLLC 350 Corey Ave. St. Pete Beach, FL 33706 Phone: (727) 223-6080 Fax: (727) 645-4226 www.dvaughnlaw.com
FAMILY MATTERS: Understanding Child Support By Jake Hornstein, Our Children Have Rights (OCHR)
For parents splitting up, it’s important to understand child support payments, usually decided during the divorce process. This is an ongoing payment by a co-parent to assist with the financial support of their child(ren) and it applies both to married and unmarried co-parents with a minor child. The only requirement for requesting child support is the establishment of paternity or maternity.
OurChildrenHaveRights.Org COPARENTING — CUSTODY — PARENTING RESOURCES
OCHR.ORG MISSION Protect the rights of children to have access to parents by providing education, resources, and support services for successful coparenting strategies.
Child support is grounded in the thought that both parents are legally and financially responsible for the child. It provides financial support to a child when both married parents are divorced or unmarried parents are no longer together. When child support is paid regularly, children and custodial parents are less likely to rely on public benefits like welfare, food assistance and Medicaid. This decreases public spending on these programs and helps increase a family’s self-sufficiency. Fathers who pay child support are more likely to be more involved in the lives of their children. Child support ensures the child continues to be provided with an acceptable standard of living and is meant to cover expenses including food, clothing, childcare, education, toys, housing, utilities, and even activities (ex: summer camp). If a parent has trouble paying child support, they should seek help from a reputable resource, such as OCHR. Part of our program is to help a qualified parent find the right Non-Custodial Parent Employment Program (NCPEP). These programs help ensure the financial well-being of the child and maintain a healthy co-parenting relationship (a fundamental part of our mission). At OCHR, we’re proud to partner with Cornerstone Connections and Gulf Coast JFCS. Cornerstone Connections serves parents in five counties throughout Central Florida. Gulf Coast JFCS serves parents in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco-Hernando & Miami-Dade. Both programs assist unemployed or under employed non-custodial parents with skills and tools needed to establish a pattern of regular child-support payments. This includes career search, job retention, interview training/resume writing, guidance on child support issues, and more. Helping parents access these programs provides a greater benefit to our society by keeping individuals with barriers to employment out of the criminal justice system, saving our state money.
OCHR.Org Provides:
NO-COST RESOURCE CENTERS
Education – Legal Aid – Mental Health & Wellness
NO-COST CONSULTATIONS Zoom, FaceTime, Email & Phone
NO-COST DOCUMENT REVIEW Parenting Plans & Related Documents
Donate at ourchildrenhaverights.org/donate
Our Children Have Rights .Org is a 501 (c)(3) organization: EIN: 87-1023012
Above all, it further ensures a child’s access to both accountable parents. Our Children Have Rights is here to help. We are 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 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. Email Jake at JakeHornstein@OurChildrenHaveRights.com or visit www.OCHR.org.
To learn more, email Jake at JakeHornstein@ OurChildrenHaveRights.org or visit OCHR.org. To donate, visit www.ourchildrenhaverights.org/donate. Support of our mission is vital, and we kindly ask our community to consider a small financial contribution to our program. As our organization grows, we will provide more services to parents with a minor child, but we can only accomplish that with the generous support of donors like you. ParadiseNewsFL.com | DECEMBER 2023
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HORIZONS 2024 ST. PETE BEACH Mayor Adrian Petrila
St. Pete Beach Mayor Adrian Petrila took office earlier this year at a tumultuous time. Some of the issues facing the city – such as the fate of embattled City Manager Alex Rey and problems with homeless people coming to the community via free rides on the SunRunner bus route – have been resolved. Post-hurricane clean-up and beach renourishment proceeded forward thanks to the city’s diligent efforts. Downtown Corey Avenue is currently under discussion to be re-imagined with public input on converting part of the main street to a pedestrian and dining friendly area (like Chill’s new alfresco space), re-invigorating empty spaces (Beach Theater) and other neighborhood-friendly ideas. Traffic, clean water, wildlife protection, livability and density are also big issues under discussion. One advocacy group, Protect St. Pete Beach – which Petrila founded – is working hard to make sure that St. Pete Beach does not transform into Clearwater Beach. There is no doubt that both hotels have contributed to the community and charities over the years. The issue in St. Pete Beach is one facing Pinellas County as well, with an influx of visitors and new residents. A big concern for St. Pete Beach residents focuses on hotel expansion and its impact on the community. Sirata Beach Resort and TradeWinds Island Resorts have submitted proposals that, if approved and executed, would expand their already sizable properties. Sirata’s request for a conditional use permit was reviewed by the city’s Planning Board on Nov. 13, which voted 4-1 to advance the proposal and has been forwarded to the City Commission for further review at its Dec. 5 meeting.
By Brian Hartz
Sirata’s plan would add two new hotel buildings and a total of 420 guest rooms to its existing property at 5300 Gulf Blvd. The result would be an increase in room density from 44 rooms per acre to 74.9 rooms per acre. TradeWinds’ proposal would add three new hotel towers and a total of 629 rooms to the sprawling resort at 5500 Gulf Blvd. The expansion would increase density from 44 rooms per acre to 63 rooms per acre. A development moratorium had been effect until last year, but it’s since been lifted, giving resorts an opportunity to expand. “One of the things that I proposed was that we pause development while we’re doing the review,” Petrila said. “It will be up to the commissioners to decide if that’s something that they want to include.” The large-scale development moratorium could be instituted during the city’s upcoming Comprehensive Plan review. Despite his history with Protect St. Pete Beach, “I don’t say ‘no’ to development,” Petrila said. “We want to make sure that any redevelopment or development protects the quality of life of our residents.” JoLynn Lawson, one of the leaders of Protect St. Pete Beach – an organization that was founded by Petrila – says she is encouraged by the fact that more St. Pete Beach residents are actively engaging in going to city meetings and airing their concerns about the future of St. Pete Beach. The 11/13 meeting was so well-attended that many people had to listen in the City Hall lobby, and others gathered outside the building. “I think just energizing the residents to get involved and pay attention is a big thing,” she said. “We’ve grown our membership and subscriber list to over one thousand. And St. Pete Beach only has about 9,000 residents. We’re continuing to try to grow that base even more, but a thousand, that’s significant.” To learn more, visit www.stpetebeach.org and www.protectstpetebeach.com.
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DECEMBER 2023 | ParadiseNewsFL.com
ST. PETE BEACH FUN Looking for a good time? Explore St. Pete Beach’s award-winning sugary sands, musical tiki huts, Corey Avenue boutiques and historic Pass-A-Grille. In between, you’ll discover delicious dining, live entertainment, cool coffeehouses, and terrific tiki drinks. Shop Corey Avenue’s unique boutiques (Annabel’s, Elizabeth’s, Natural Comfort, Fish Hippie, and imaginative gift shops featuring local artists and unique Floribbean décor that make fantastic holiday presents. The Corey Avenue Sunday Market from 10am-2pm is the place to be, where you can grab breakfast at Chill’s, mimosas and charcuterie at Grape Wine Café and Bloody Mary’s at Swigwam. In 2024, the Sunday market features arts festivals 1/7-8, 4/15-16 and 6/3-4. Cowabunga style starts at Freaky Tiki, Sun N Sand, Beach Zone, Adventures in Paradise Outfitters and Surf Style. Gather with friends for charcuterie and boutique wines at Sip Sip St. Pete Beach, Sea Grapes Eatery and Wine Bar, Sola Bistro & Wine Bar and Vino Simpatico and if it’s Wednesday, there’s usually jazz at Sola. International delights in St. Pete Beach include Nueva Cantina, Taverna on the Bay, Skidder’s, Nori Thai, Basil Leaf, Prima Cantina, Grand Hacienda, Horse & Jockey English fish and chips (jazz Thursdays once a month) and Odi’s Mediterranean Café. For burgers, it’s the Bonaire’s Sandbar Bill’s, Undertow, Sirata’s Rum Runners Bar and Grille or Boulevard Burgers. For coffee and dessert, Café Soleil, and Grove Surf + Coffee. Special occasion spots include The Helm, The Dewey, 1200 Chophouse, Spinner’s rooftop resto and Don CeSar. The Wharf Restaurant & Sports Bar shucks oysters and rocks with live music and football fun on weekends, with the best shrimp and Po’boys in town.
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There’s no shortage of nightlife, including live music at Level 11 Rooftop & Bar, The Saint Hotel’s 82 Degrees, Toasted Monkey or Rum Fish Grille; dancing at Jimmy B’s, Bongo’s Beach Bar or Coconut Charlie’s Beach Bar & Grill; and yukking it up at Sunshine City Comedy Club. Local dive bars Shadrack’s, Twisted Tiki and Rick’s Reef are popular with the 20-somethings. Java up at Grove Surf + Coffee or Coco Addiction (croissants, macarons). Prepping for the St. Pete Beach Classic 1/13-1/4 starts with eating healthy at Playa Bowls. Sign up here. www.runsignup.com/Race/Events/FL/StPeteBeach/ StPeteBeachClassic
ParadiseNewsFL.com | DECEMBER 2023
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LIVE LIFE BETTER Tarot, an ancient divination practice with a mystical allure, holds the power to bring people together in a way that goes beyond mere entertainment. With 78 cards, each carrying its own symbolism and meaning, tarot readings offer an opportunity for individuals to explore their present circumstances and emotions. The real magic of tarot lies in the profound connections it helps creates personally and professionally. Fle conducts team-building activities through tarot readings, saying “It allows work colleagues to connect on a more profound level, fostering understanding and empathy, which can lead to improved workplace communication and collaboration.” Text Fun Group Tarot to 571-435-5606 or visit www.fungrouptarot.com
PICK A CARD What’s in store for 2024? Gather your friends for a holiday tarot card reading session and the messages drawn from the cards may reveal what’s next. The Two of Cups card symbolizes. deep emotional connections and love. Says Tarot expert Claudine Fle, a Gulfport resident who hosts Fun Group Tarot: “This card represents the love we all share as friends. It reminds us of the strong bond we’ve built over the years, and it’s a reminder of the support and happiness we bring into each other’s lives.”
HOLLY HUMS Music soothes the savage shopping beast. I love Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas holiday CD and can’t wait to see Peter White Christmas featuring Mindi Abair & Vincent Ingala at Bilheimer Capitol Theatre 12/7. Local chanteuse Fiona Frensches new Christmas CD is out, A Joyful JazzyPopaNova Holiday priced at $2 with half of all proceeds donated to Pastor Brian Helping Homeless. With Fiona French on vocals, Ed Kawalec on guitar/bass and Paul Anthony producer/engineer, the two-song CD features Santa Claus Is Coming To Town and Christmas Time Is Here. June Bunch designed the cover art and you can get the CD Thursdays @Verducci’s and at Fiona’s performances at Evy’s Terrace Bar & Grill, The Deck and 82Degrees.
Serving The Community for over Half a Century Dr. A. Allawnha, DDS | Dr. J. Penny Jr., DDS General & Cosmetic Dentistry Implants & Implant Dentures FREE 2nd Opinions | Emergency Dental Laser l Root Canals Extractions | Dentures | Whitening 617 75th Ave., St. Pete Beach 727-367-3313 (fax -9023) • Mon.– Thurs. 8-5 l Fri. 8-1 www.CenturyDental.org Credit Cards Welcome - Financing Available 34
DECEMBER 2023 | ParadiseNewsFL.com
By Nanette Wiser
SCIENCE OF THE MIND Katherine Dyer, Ph.D. grew up wanting to be a dolphin trainer at SeaWorld and attended the University of North Carolina Wilmington to major in marine science. The new Eckerd College psychology professor recalls her mentor suggesting she study animal behavior. “Training dolphins is a psychological process. So I switched over to psychology. l. And I ended up switching my career goals,” says Dyer. Her research interests include investigating the role of the brain in various behavioral and cognitive processes, such as the learning and memorizing of sequences of behavior. Prior to coming to the College, she was a psychology instructor at Kent State. Her research there explored how rats learned and remembered patterned sequences of behavior, including how various drugs influenced the learning and memorizing of these behaviors through their impact on neurological mechanisms. Dyer, who is teaching Introduction to Psychology as well as Biopsychology during the Fall 2023 semester, plans to establish a laboratory at Eckerd that will investigate human brain activity and function related to various behaviors. “And give the students an opportunity to experience the neuroscience side of psychology,” she adds.
FACE
INJECTABLES
LASER
ECO SANTA TIPS Donate time or money to an environmental cause of your choice (Tampa Bay Watch, Sierra Club), make your wrapping paper (or go without), use energy-saving LED holiday lights and add organic/local foods to your holiday feasts. Wrap a present with old maps, sheet music, magazine ads/covers or a pretty scarf. Plant a tree to symbolize the value of nature. Give a plant, not cut flowers. Regifting helps; pass along hand-me-downs and heirlooms, with a note about the story behind the gift. After the holidays, don’t throw your real Christmas Tree in the trash. Here are some recycling options and tips on what to do. Every community is different; check out these options. www.realchristmastrees.org/all-about-trees/how-to-recycle
AESTHETIC
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.
BODY
“...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 AAAASF accredited
5600 22nd St. N, St. Petersburg
727.525.9900 • www.dr-c.com ParadiseNewsFL.com | DECEMBER 2023
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10+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
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DECEMBER 2023 | ParadiseNewsFL.com
HOLIDAY HEALTH TIPS The holidays can be overwhelming, so make a realistic plan and don’t overdo it. Ask for help with decorating, meal prep, shopping and entertaining. (potlucks, cookie exchanges). When hosting events, create a safe space and limit who you invite to gatherings; it’s ok not to invite those who have hurt you or whom you are in conflict. If you’ve lost a loved one, be kind to yourself and honor, identify and hold space for sadness or grief that you may experience during this season. Fight Germs It’s cold and flu season and we’re still dealing with COVID-19. Protect yourself by washing your hands a lot and don’t share utensils or drinks. If you’re sick, stay home from work or that get-together. Be up to date on your annual physician check-up and discuss a flu shot and whether a COVID-19 vaccine is right for you, especially if you are 65+ or immunecompromised. When possible, enjoy outdoor events and fresh air. Holiday Heart It’s time to party but eating and drinking in moderation can help you avoid holiday heart syndrome (atrial fibrillation – AFib – or an irregular heartbeat) associated with binge drinking, most common at end-of-the year celebrations. Your risk is higher if you already have heart issues, but anyone can get it and over time can lead to more serious complications such as heart failure and stroke. Symptoms include a lack of energy, fatigue, discomfort in your chest, dizziness, lightheaded episodes, or a feeling like you are going to faint. You might notice it’s harder to breathe as you go about your daily routine or are resting. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your physician immediately. Feast Smart If you’re going to a big party in the evening, eat a healthy meal in advance, limit sweets and sip on one cocktail the entire night. When you’re at the buffet, have a small plate of what you like best and some veggies or hummus to take the edge off your appetite and eat slowly. It takes 20 minutes before your brain realizes you’re full. Stop Stress If you’re feeling overwhelmed during this time of year, you’re not alone – a previous survey by the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) showed 63% percent of people report feeling too much pressure during the holiday season. Hosting a holiday party? Feel calmer before guests arrive with a guided meditation. Sit in a comfy chair and talk to yourself (or your cat) and pour out your feelings of worry and stress, then breathe deeply for 15 seconds. Indulge in a glass of sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon. Walking and exercise matter, and a half hour of daylight can help with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Stick to your health routines, get at least eight hours of sleep and be mindful about your emotional wellness. Consult a mental health professional or your physician if you are experiencing depression.
What Would You Do Without Neuropathy Pain? Achieve Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine offers proven solutions to seemingly hopeless conditions like peripheral neuropathy and chronic pain. "Several years ago I was diagnosed with cancer and underwent chemotherapy treatments. I'm now in remission and blessed to still be here but I was in so much pain. My feet and hands were constantly burning - a tingling sensation, almost like when your leg or arm falls asleep," shares Beth of St. Pete Beach. Beth was suffering from Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN). While chemotherapy kills cancer cells it also causes a lot of other damage throughout the body. 30-40% of cancer patients treated with chemotherapy result in peripheral neuropathy. "Standing all day was not just a challenge, it caused me physical agony. Keeping up with my busy schedule forget about it. I couldn't even go for walks on the beach." Beth, like so many others, was prescribed gabapentin to help with the pain and told there was nothing anyone could do - in their words 'there is no treatment for neuropathy.'
"Acupuncture is incredible at restoring blood flow and stimulating damaged nerves, preventing them from dying off,” tells Dr. Gibbons. “We take our treatments a step further by integrating ATP Resonance BioTherapy™ which targets specific nerves in the body using microcurrent. ATP therapy is like watering a plant. This treatment will stimulate the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerves and provide them with the proper nutrients to heal and repair.” After only four weeks of treatment Beth is already starting to feel improvement. "I can't wait to see how I feel at the end of my program! I used to think that this pain was just the price I have to pay for still being alive. Dr. Gibbons and her team have really given me hope for a better life!" The number of treatments needed to allow the nerves to fully recover will vary from person to person and can only be determined after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation. If you or someone you love is suffering from peripheral neuropathy call 727-272-3587 to schedule a consultation. Or to learn more visit WWW.ACHIEVEACUIM.COM
Then Beth found Dr. Gibbons, Dr. Nino and their team at Achieve Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine. By blending the time-tested science of acupuncture with more modern, medical technology, they have designed a real solution for neuropathy.
Call today: 727-272-3587 WWW.ACHIEVEACUIM.COM ParadiseNewsFL.com | DECEMBER 2023
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ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS ALL CDC GUIDELINES FOLLOWED, PLUS SOCIAL DISTANCING
ECO By Nanette Wiser Eckerd College Professor Polina Maciejczk
SMELL-A-VISION As far back as the mid-1990s, residents of the Childs Park neighborhood in St. Petersburg have complained about “the smell.” Starting in September 2022, researchers from Eckerd College and the University of South Florida began walking through the neighborhood in 30-minute intervals several times a week using hand-held sensors to try to determine what is causing the stench. The Eckerd team of students Alexis Vargas and Hailey Thomas was led by Polina Maciejczyk, Ph.D., professor of chemistry at the college. After almost 6,000 measurements, they recently presented their preliminary findings at a Childs Park Neighborhood Association meeting. Among those findings: possible concern for exposure to elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide, a toxic chemical emitted from some industrial plants. It smells like rotten eggs. The findings of the research teams have been shared with the city, Pinellas County, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Researchers also will start new rounds of testing this fall and winter to check their work, put their data on maps and identify more compounds in the air. THE HIDDEN LIFE OF TREES Scientists now know a lot more about trees and the forests they live in, and beneath the soil, there is a wood-wide web of communication. Using new tools, researchers have watched and recorded the exchange of information, the many ways a plant community communicates and the elaborate way a forest community functions. Rethink everything we know about trees, forests, and plants. It no longer makes sense to think of a tree as an individual plant – a tree is an interactive part of a cooperative network. The complexity of that network raises issues of whether trees have consciousness, what kind of consciousness that might be, and whether trees are, in fact, sentient. Deep in the forest floor, there is a huge web of tiny mycelial (fungal) threads that interconnect with the roots of trees. Using the new technology that makes the molecular level visible. Researcher Suzanne Simard discovered that the extensive mycelial network transferred carbon between birches and firs, enhancing growth and revealing a network of trees that cooperated and shared resources. It was a single whole with internet-like, complex communication facilitated by the mycelial fibers or a wood-wide web. 38
DECEMBER 2023 | ParadiseNewsFL.com
MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE LAFF IT UP Get ready to laugh your way into the New Year at the much-anticipated Sunshine Comedy Fest 2024! From Jan. 11-14, Tampa and St. Petersburg will be bursting with side-splitting humor as the showcases the finest local comedians and brings in headliners from across the country. But that’s not all! We’re taking the festival to a whole new level of fun with live podcasts, exclusive after parties, live music, and a VIP Pool Bash. With multiple venues hosting the festival, Sunshine Comedy Fest 2024 promises endless entertainment and unforgettable moments. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this laughter-filled extravaganza! www.sunshinecomedyfest.com/tickets
By Nanette Wiser
FOXY LADY With a new album in the works, a fantastic performance at Dunedin Wines The Blues, the award-winning blues artist Betty Fox returns to Gulfport 12/2 at the Catherine Hickman Theater. The 7pm concert supports the Senior Center Building Campaign. Nominated for best new artist album in the blues music award category in 2021, her powerful voice conveys what Elmore Magazine called “a near perfect balance of grease, grit and elegance.” Said Fox about her upcoming new album: “All I can say is that it perfectly encapsulates the tenderness and vulnerability of this precious time in my life!! I am so excited to get these warm snuggly tunes into your hands in December! They’re perfect for putting yourself or your babies or grandbabies to bed.” For tickets call 727-893-1244. Betty Fox’s new album release party will be at Cage Brewing 12/21 7:30-10:30pm.
NEW YEAR’S EVE Rock out at Jannus Landing with Papadosio NYE w/ Mystic Grizzly, Mindex, 5AM, & funkshway. You can dance the night away at Swingin’ The New Year, an annual New Year’s Eve celebration held at the spectacular St. Petersburg Colliseum featuring the FAMOUS MITCH WOODS & HIS ROCKET 88’s with swing dance lessons 8-9pm. Bring your own food/snacks, enjoy a full cash bar with champagne toasts, dress to impress, at this smoke-free all ages much-anticipated event with party favors and prizes. Doors open at 7:30pm. Purchase advance tickets at Gulfport Casino Wed. 6-11pm or online at www.tickettailor.com/events/sny2324
SIMPLY SENSATIONAL Sal “the Voice” Valentinetti (Star of America’s Got Talent)
performs 1/18 @7:30pm. Since racking up over 450 million views worldwide with his captivating America’s Got Talent audition, the charismatic crooner has been invited to appear in hundreds of sold-out performances around the world. From sharing the stage with Heidi Klum at Madison Square Garden to opening for Jay Leno in Las Vegas; it’s safe to say that Sal is only getting started. And just in time for the holidays, Christmas Presents, Sal’s first ever Christmas album with all the best classics. Said Simon Cowell about Sal on his AGT performance: “I am slightly starstruck right now.”
Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti, Heidi Klum’s unforgettable 2016 Golden Buzzer recipient and finalist of America’s Got Talent, is an Italian American crooner known best for his flawless vocals, larger than life personality, and his heart of gold. Born August 26, 1995, Sal was influenced by his grandmother to love the classic crooner sounds of Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, and Frank Sinatra. At 15, Sal realized the hidden talent he possessed and began performing his flawless tribute to the great Frank Sinatra across New York. https://bit.ly/palladium-tickets ParadiseNewsFL.com | DECEMBER 2023
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ART NEWS
More SHINE The James Museum partnered with the 2023 SHINE Mural Festival and Chinese-American artist Chenlin Cai to create a mural called The Path We Came. Check it out at the Lantmännen Unibake building in downtown St. Pete. https://bit.ly/2023-shine
Fine Natural Art The Museum of Fine Arts in St. Pete’s campus-wide exhibition, The Nature of Art, aims to examine 5,000 years of human art production. Now through 4/14/2024. https://bit.ly/mfa-nature Branch(ing)Out Gulfport’s LGBTQ Resource Center announces its 2024 BranchOUT Scholars: Bryan Hinkson, Jamie Riley, and June Parlett Norsworthy. https://bit.ly/gulfport-lgbtq
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MUSE Takes Flight The St. Petersburg Arts Alliance’s 10th annual MUSE Awards, 1/26/2024 at Albert Whitted Airport, celebrates the artists and art lovers in our community with performing arts, gourmet eats and libations, and award presentations. https://bit.ly/museawards-2024
Food Of Life The Warehouse Arts District Association hosts Jazz and Politics: Harmony & Discourse, 12/1 6:30-9pm. The event includes both a discussion of “food deserts” in south St. Pete and the music of Helios Jazz Orchestra featuring the legendary jazz singer Fred Johnson, a local treasure. https://bit.ly/wada-st-pete MoM @The Factory The Museum of Motherhood’s new multi-media exhibit, Mother: The Job by Alexia Nye Jackson, is on view at The Factory through 1/24/2024. https://bit.ly/art-of-alexia
DECEMBER 2023 | ParadiseNewsFL.com
Impressions Of Dalí Dalí & the Impressionists: Monet, Renoir, Degas & More explores the surprising continuities between the Impressionist movement and Salvador Dalí’s artistic journey. Now through 4/28/24. https://bit.ly/dali-impressionists
Winter Break Bonanza Give the kids a holiday gift they’ll love. Dunedin Fine Art Center’s winter break programs for 7-10 year olds are four days of mediums from pencils to watercolor to clay. 9am-3pm, 12/25-29 or 1/2-5/2024. Register by 12/15. https://bit.ly/dunedin-arts
Grants For Creatives Creative Pinellas launches the Beyond Placemaking grant, supported in part by the NEA. The grant enables Creative Pinellas to continue providing up to $10,000 of financial support to Pinellas County artists. Applications close 12/15. https://bit.ly/beyondplacemaking
By Caron Schwartz
Gifts Galore Still shopping? Check out UnWrapped: Handmade Holidays at Florida CraftArt. Instead of massproduced merchandise, you’ll find one-of-a-kind gifts that truly resonate with the recipient, like Elizabeth Neily’s fiber art. Now through 12/31. https://bit.ly/fl-craft-art History By Water The St. Petersburg Museum of History and the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center present the city’s first Historic Boat Tour 12/16, 10am-noon. Discover our past from the water – the good, the bad, and the funny. https://bit.ly/dec-boat-tour
Pianopalooza Celebrated worldwide, the Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival (RPPF) will return to the USF School of Music from 6/277/17/2024 for its 12th year. A schedule of public events will be published in Spring 2024. https://bit.ly/rppfest Sassy Shakespeare Off-Central Players present Scrooge MacBeth 12/717. When a food poisoning outbreak takes down majority of the cast for opening night The Winter’s Tale, the four remaining thespians must overcome the never-ending setbacks in this holiday farce. https://bit.ly/off-central
Plant City Sweets The 2024 Florida Strawberry Festival will return from 2/29-3/10/2024. The lineup features old-timers from the Beach Boys to ZZ Top, along with young’uns including Flo Rida, Jo Dee Messina, Kirk Franklin and more. There will also be strawberries, but not Strawberry Alarm Clock. https://bit.ly/fl-strawberry
I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way - things I had no words for. –Georgia O’Keeffe
Ditch The Seat Get ready for a hike through Boyd Hill Nature Preserve during American Stage’s Tales by Twilight. In this immersive experience, actors will spin a story that stretches far and wide across the trail. 1/12-2/18/2024. https://bit.ly/tales-twilight
I’m Too Saxy Swing to the sounds of the St. Pete Saxophone Quartet 12/17, 7pm at the Gulfport Public Library. Holiday faves, pop classics, sing-alongs. https://bit.ly/saxophone-holiday
Watch These Spaces DRV Gallery in Gulfport’s first show of 2024, Art for a Cause, opens 1/4/2024@6pm with a reception and award presentation. The juried show is judged for first, second and third place by Janie Haskins and Jim Kammerud. The exhibit will be on display through 1/20/2024. https://bit.ly/drv-gallery
Ring in the New Celebrate the cusp of 2023-2024 during the 30th annual First Night St. Petersburg, 12/31 at North Straub Park from 4-8pm. Then stay for the fireworks! The family-friendly event has music, art, interactive displays, theater, dance and much more. https://bit.ly/nye-st-pete
St. Pete’s newest gallery, Artists of Elements, hosts its grand opening weekend beginning 12/15@6pm. The space is a collaborative space for artists and the community. https://bit.ly/artists-elements
ParadiseNewsFL.com | DECEMBER 2023
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ARTISTS SPOTLIGHT
By Nanette Wiser
Kudos to Creative Pinellas Arts Annual 2023: Discovery event and exhibition, and a fond farewell to executive director Barbara St. Clair who has tirelessly created a vibrant cultural organization, and to Beth Gelman for her hard work and creativity and Roman Black who helps get the word out. Publishers Peter Roos and Renee Roos and I were on hand to mingle with artists, patrons and our advertisers, Britt Hayes, and Jane Radix, as well as greet contributor Pamela Joy Trow and others. Thrilled to be on the wall of sponsors! Creative Pinellas is open Wed.-Sat. 10am-5pm in Largo. Pick up a copy of Pinellas County’s Arts & Culture Guide when you’re visiting.
Life is art, and local theater, dance and opera bring our joy and challenges to life with comedy, song, and drama. Theater Tampa Bay awards at The Palladium celebrated the growing talent at so many venues, from Stageworks (nine awards) to Tampa Rep, where Arthur Miller’s All My Sons took five awards. Become a member or buy tickets to support theater including The Off-Central Players at Studio Grand Central, St. Petersburg Shakespeare Festival, freeFall, American Stage, Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center, Central Park Performing Arts Center, The Straz, West Coast Players, Studio @620, St. Pete Opera, St. Petersburg City Theater, Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center, Gulfport Community Player, and Project Alchemy. At the Arts Annual and November Saturday arts festival at Creative Pinellas, we met many fabulous artists, many of them with pieces on display at CP. Mark Mitchell paints Conceptual Pop Art with a message – colorful and iconic, and always with a bit of subtext to encourage the viewer to look deeper. “At its core, my work is an attempt at a wake-up call, by exposing things that may otherwise be hidden from view. Each piece is intended to catch the viewer off-guard, invite them in for further exploration, and challenge them to make connections, find meaning, and ultimately see differently some aspect of the world in which we live,” says Mitchell. His work (seen here) is currently on exhibition at Creative Pinellas. He has a home studio on Isle of Capri, Treasure Island, and shows both at Creative Pinellas and Woodfield Fine Art Gallery in downtown St. Pete. Oh, and he’s a triple talent, who writes and sings. www.MarkMitchellStudio.com 42
DECEMBER 2023 | ParadiseNewsFL.com
Strolling through the leafy campus, we enjoyed seeing Patricia Kluwe Derderian’s whimsical streetscape illustrations, Leslie Alpha Bestulic’s books and meetlg.com, Elizabeth Neily’s art to wear, Javier T. Dones copper art and sculptures, Benit Hines ceramics, Jane Fields sagger and raku pottery, Steven Verenicin’s pet portraits in oil or pastels and admired Suncoast Bonsai Society and Thunderstruck Bonsai’s green thumbs. Spazzleapples ceramic pieces were functional art and B & B designs’ custom bags were beautiful. Ethereal designs from Barbara Ellen Watermelon ranged from watermelon felt hats to felted slippers adorned with flowers and perfect for fairies. Many artists from ArtJones were also on hand, and if you can, join them for the 7th annual Studio Tour and Sale Dec. 2-3. www.ArtJonesStudioTour.com
Arts & Leisure Buddy Baker | Events, Arts & Leisure Coordinator 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 (Events are subject to change. Please visit website or call to confirm.)
ART CENTERS/CLASSES Beach Art Center 1515 Bay Palm Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach 727-596-4331 beachartcenter.org Through 12/22 – “Gifted” Holiday Show & Sale 12/9 – IRB Holiday Tour of Homes Charlie Parker Pottery 2724 Sixth Ave. S, St. Pete 727-321-2071 charlieparkerpottery.com Heart of Pinellas Decorative Artists Pinellas Park Art Center, Roe’s Deli, 5851 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park. Local chapter of National Society of Decorative Painters 727-244-4321 hpdafl.com Morean Arts Center 719 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-822-7872 moreanartscenter.org Contemporary art gallery. Art classes year-round.
Morean Center for Clay 420 22nd St. S, St. Pete 727-821-7162 ext 2311 moreanartscenter.org Largest pottery in the Southeast 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 Through 12/8 – Photography Show: Everybody Loved Raymond 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. Through 12/26 – Holiday Art Supply Drive (Blick Westshore, Tampa)
Zen Glass Studio & Gallery 600 27th St. S, St. Pete 727-323-3141 zenglass.com Classes and workshops.
Chihuly Collection 720 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-822-7872 ext 5102 moreanartscenter.org
ART GALLERIES
Clyde Butcher Galleries clydebutcher.com/galleries Venice Gallery & Studio 237 Warfield Ave. S, Venice Big Cypress Gallery 52388 Tamiami Trail, Ochopee
Art at 400 Studios 400 23rd St. S, St. Pete art-at-400.com By appointment, Art Walk
Cobb Gallery Eckerd College, Library Circle, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Pete eckerd.edu/visualarts/program
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 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
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 12/9 – December ArtWalk: The Good Folk Show Creative Pinellas 12211 Walsingham Rd., Largo 727-460-5477 Gallery noon-5pm Wed-Sun creativepinellas.org Through 12/31 – Arts Annual 2023: Discovery 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 D Gallerie 1234 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N, Unit C, St. Pete d-gallerie.com
ParadiseNewsFL.com | DECEMBER 2023
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EVENTS
ARTS & LEISURE DRV Fine Art Studios & Gallery 5401 Gulfport Blvd. S, Gulfport drvgallery.com 12/2-3 – ArtJones Studio Tour
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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.
ONGOING
Through 12/23 – Amy Santoferraro: Kowtow Mountain Free, Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm, Gamble Family Gallery, Dunedin Fine Arts Center. Santoferraro’s works combine kitschy collectibles and crafted clay elements that make the familiar, unfamiliar. Through 12/23 – Nancee Clark: Insights and Follies Free, Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm, Entel Family Gallery, Dunedin Fine Arts Center. Clark has exhibited nationally and internationally. Through 12/23 – At Home with “City of Ghosts” Free, Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm, Douglas-Whitely Gallery, Dunedin Fine Arts Center. Features the personal artwork of 17 “City of Ghosts” creators, highlighting their individual visions, passion projects, and more.
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Duncan McClellan Gallery 2342 Emerson Ave. S, St. Pete 813-760-6600 dmglass.com Through 12/14 – David Patchen: Fluid Structures Through 12/31 – Mike Da Ponte: Communication 12/9-2/4 – David Thai: Portals Dunedin Fine Art Center 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin 727-298-3322 dfac.org Through 12/23 – Fall Exhibits 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 Fairgrounds St. Pete 800 28th St. S, St. Pete Works by more than 60 local and international artists fairgrounds.art 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 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 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 1/6/24 – Water Relics 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 Syd Entel Galleries 247 Main St., Safety Harbor 727-725-1808 sydentelgalleries.com 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 thewerk.gallery 12/1-1/26 – Solo show of John Gascot Uniquely Original Art Studio 915 24th St. S, St. Pete 727-239-3696 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
Woodfield Fine Art Gallery 2323 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-254-6981 woodfieldfineart.com Through 1/6/24 – Brilliantly Nuanced: The Art of John & Margaret Bayals
ARTS PERFORMING Amalie Arena 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa 813-301-2500 amaliearena.com 12/8 – Lauryn Hill & Fugees 12/9 – Nate Bargatze 12/23 – Trans-Siberian Orchestra 1/5-7 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey The Greatest Show on Earth American Stage Raymond James Theatre 163 Third St. N, St. Pete 727-823-7529 americanstage.org Through 12/17 – Acts of Faith Asolo Repertory Theatre 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 800-361-8388 asolorep.org Masks requested inside building Through 12/9 – A Midsummer Night’s Dream Public Performances Through 1/4 – Crazy for You Bilheimer Capitol Theatre 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater 727-791-7400 rutheckerdhall.com 12/1 – Whose Live Anyway? 12/3 – Ann Wilson of Heart & Tripsitter 12/5 – Live from Laurel Canyon 12/7 – Peter White Christmas 12/8-9 – The Outlaws 12/10 – Andy Summers 12/13 – Michael W. Smith 12/14 – Daniel O’Donnell 12/16 – Zebra 12/17 – Sutton Foster 12/21 – Jim Brickman 12/22 – Rockapella Christmas 12/23 – Celtic Angels Christmas 12/30 – Pink Floyd 1/6 – Edwin McCain (trio) 1/11 – Paul Thorn Band 1/13 – Jesse Cook Bininger Theater Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Pete 727-867-1166 eckerd.edu/theatre Catherine Hickman Theater 5501 27th Ave. S, Gulfport 727-893-1070 mygulfport.us 12/2– Betty Fox and The Band
12/12 – New Horizons Band Holiday Concert 12/15 – Victor Paruta: Psychic Medium 12/16 – Grateful Christmas featuring Dead Set Florida Central Park Performing Arts Center 105 Central Park Dr., Largo 727-587-6793 largoarts.com 12/1 – Death by Chocolate 12/3 – The Brubeck Brothers Quartet 12/7 – Flying High Again & Legend Has it 12/9 – Santa’s Holiday Revue 12/10 – Heralds of Harmony 12/14 – Christmas w/The King 12/16 – The Blind Boys of Alabama 12/17 – The Nutcracker 1/11 – The Connie Han Trio 1/12 – Tinsley Ellis & Marcia Ball 1/13-14 – Sex n’ The City: Musical Parody
The Perfect Holiday Gift! Get 20% OFF your ticket. Use Promo Code PREMIER (ends 12/23, limited availability)
LIVE AT THE PALLADIUM
Coming to the Palladium, six evenings of pure musical magic.
Jan. 18, 7:30pm SAL ”The Voice” VALENTINETTI America’s Got Talent Jan. 25, 7:30pm TICKET TO THE MOON ELO Tribute
Early Bird Dinner Theater 13355 49th St. N, Clearwater 727-466-5998 earlybirddinnertheater.com/site Through 12/17 – Making God Laugh 1/6-2/18 – One Slight Hitch by Lewis Black Eckerd College International Film Series Free, 7pm, Miller Auditorium, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Pete 727-867-1166 www.eckerd.edu/ international-cinema/ 12/1 – Scrapper (England)
Feb. 8, 7:30pm 3DN Three Dog Night Tribute Feb. 22, 7:30pm TROUBADOURS James Taylor & Carol King Tribute Feb. 23, 8:00pm DAYBREAK Barry Manilow Tribute
Eight O’Clock Theatre 105 Central Park Dr., Largo 727-587-6793 eightoclocktheatre.com Floridian Social Club 687 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-322-4600 thefloridiansocial.com 12/6 – Top of the Fire Escape 12/14 – The Mountain Gods 12/16 – Mike Calta Christmas Extravaganza 12/18 – Motown Monday 12/29 – End of the Year Bash w/ Manic Focus & Artifacts 12/30 – Magic City Hippies 12/31 – NYE w/ Frick Frack Blackjack
March 21, 7:30pm DO IT AGAIN Tribute To Steely Dan BUY TICKETS https://bit.ly/palladium-tickets Reserved seating. Groups 10+ discount. PRESENTED BY
ParadiseNewsFL.com | DECEMBER 2023
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EVENTS
ARTS & LEISURE Francis Wilson Playhouse 302 Seminole St., Clearwater 727-446-1360 franciswilsonplayhouse.org Through 12/27 – Elf 1/11-21 – Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? freeFall Theatre Company 6099 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-498-5205 freefalltheatre.com Through 12/24 – Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play
Through 12/30 – All is Bright: 2023 Holiday Show and Sale Free admission, 10am-5pm, Mon.-Sat., Morean Arts Center, St. Pete. Find unique and thoughtful gifts for everyone on your shopping list. Choose from stockings, ornaments, functional pottery, glass, paintings, sculpture and more…in every price range.
Gulfport Casino 5500 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport 813-840-3715 mygulfport.us/recreation/casino Weekly dancing/instruction
Through 12/31 – Florida Botanical Gardens Holiday Lights 5:30-9:30pm., 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. The Gardens will sparkle with 1 million twinkling LED lights in a multitude of colors. Vibrant laser lights and lighted figures round out the display. Suggested donation of $10/person ages 13+.
Gulfport Community Players Back Door Theater 1619 49th St. S, Gulfport gulfportcommunityplayers.org
UPCOMING
12/2 – St. Pete Pride’s Annual Red & Green Fundraiser $75, 7-10pm, Sunken Gardens, St. Pete. Hosted by Grammy-nominated spoken word artist Queen Sheba, with a lineup of local entertainers. Proceeds benefit St Pete Pride’s youth programming and community partner Family Resources. Tickets: https://bit.ly/red-green-pride 12/2 – Honeymoon Island Bluegrass Festival 11am-5pm, Honeymoon Island State Park, Dunedin. Featuring the Becky Buller Band, the ETSU Pride Band, and Kindled Bits of Grass. Children under 12 free. Lawn chair seating. Park entry ($4) not included in ticket price. Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/mpdkdc4t 12/2 – Betty Fox Blues Concert $25-$55, 7pm, Catherine Hickman Theater, Gulfport. Six-time winner of Creative Loafing’s Best of the Bay; 2021 blues music award nominee for “best new artist album;” #1 soul blues album on Roots Music Report for 26 weeks in 2020. Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/2p95vysp 12/2-3 – 29th Annual St. Pete Beach Corey Area Craft Festival Free admission, 10am-5pm both days, Corey Avenue. Contemporary crafts from more than 100 of the nation’s most talented artisans. Green Market as well. 12/2-3 – ArtJones Studio Tour Free, 10am-4pm. A self-guided tour, show and sale of fine art and contemporary craft located in all four residential districts in Gulfport. Studios are hidden in backyards and down alleys. Download map at https://tinyurl.com/4prn2j9h 12/7 – CASA and Toys for Tots clothing and toy drive 6-9pm, Grapes Wine Café, 348 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach. Bring donations of gently used women’s and children clothing for CASA, a local domestic violence shelter, and unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots. Drink and food specials with live music.
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Jannus Live 200 First Ave. N, St. Pete 727-565-0550 jannuslive.com 12/6 – DVSN 12/8 – Roosevelt Collier’s Jimi meets Funx X Steeln’ Peaches 12/9 – Action Bronson 12/10 – Dark Star Orchestra 12/20 – Eem Triplin 12/30 – Mersiv w/Eazybaked and others 12/31 – Papadosio NYE w/Mystic Grizzly, Mindex, 5AM & Funkshway 1/6 – The Taylor Party 1/12 – Mustard Plug & Voodoo Glow Skulls 1/13 – Greensky Bluegrass 1/14 – Zakk Sabbath w/ The Native Howl LAB Theater Project 812 E. Henderson Ave., Tampa 813-586-4272 labtheaterproject.com Produces only works from emerging playwrights. 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
12/6-7 – DraMature presents Merry Christmas – Love Your Homesick GI Joe 12/9 – Disney’s The Aristocats KIDS 12/30 – You’re Some Kind of Wonderful: John Ellison 1/5 – Jimmy Buffett Tribute w/ The Aquaholics 1/11-21– Crimes of the Heart MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre Florida State Fairgrounds 4802 US Hwy. 301 N, Tampa 813-740-2446 midflorida.com/amphitheatre National Theatre Live Eckerd College, Miller Auditorium 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Pete Performances in HD campusce.net/eckerd/course/ course.aspx?catid=159 New Tampa Performing Arts Center 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa 813-829-2760 newtampaartscenter.org 12/6-7 – Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret 12/9 – Kids Film Series: The Muppet Christmas Carol 12/9 – ATLAS Modern Ballet & New Tampa Players 12/11 – Tampa Bay Heralds of Harmony Chorus 12/17 – The Nutcracker from Tampa City Ballet Patel Conservatory 1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa Dance / Theater / Music / Adult Classes 813-222-1002 patelconservatory.org Through 12/3 – It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play 12/3 – Holiday Music Concert Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center 4951 78th Ave. N, Pinellas Park 727-369-5746 pinellas-park.com/161/PerformingArts-Center.com 12/16 – A Carpenters Christmas Tribute Concert
Raymond James Stadium 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa 813-350-6500 raymondjamesstadium.com 12/9 – Sneaker Kulture Riverwalk Tampa thetampariverwalk.com Second Sundays – 11am-3pm: Market + Art Walk, Armature Works 12/3 – Santa Fest & Tree Lighting, Curtis Hixon Park 12/23 – Holiday Lighted Boat Parade 1/1 – Tampa Wellness Walk Ruth Eckerd Hall 1111 N McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater 727-791-7400 rutheckerdhall.com 12/2 – Michael Carbonaro 12/8 – Bowzer’s Holiday Rock ‘n’ Roll Party 12/10 – Three Dog Night 12/12 – Sarah Brightman 12/15 – Tony Hinchcliffe 12/16 – Wheel of Fortune Live 12/17 – TFO: Holiday Pops 12/22 – Cirque Musica 12/29 – Jen Kramer’s Magical Holiday Show 12/31 – Salute to Vienna 1/7 – Elvis Birthday Bash 1/7 – TFO: Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 4 1/10 – TFO: From the Beginning 1/11 – Elvis Costello & The Imposters 1/13 –Jay Leno 1/14 – Mutts Gone Nuts 1/14 – TFO: Sci-Fi Spectacular Safety Harbor Art & Music Center 706 Second St. N, Safety Harbor 727-725-4018 safetyharborartand musiccenter.com 12/2 – JP Soars feat. Anne Harris 12/9 – Albert Castiglia 12/15 – John Paul White 12/16 – Leon Majcen 12/17 – Selwin Birchwood & Damon Fowler 12/22 – Mike Zito Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino 5223 Orient Rd., Tampa 813-627-6649 seminolehardrocktampa.com 12/5 – US 103.5 Jingle Y’all 12/11 – Derek Hough 12/14 – John Mulaney 12/15 – Trace Adkins 1/10 – Matt Fraser
Skipper’s Smokehouse 910 Skipper Rd., Tampa 813-971-0668 skipperssmokehouse.com 12/1 – Grateful Dead Night 12/2 – The Stevie Nicks Experience 12/8 – Wayne Baker Brooks 12/9 – Impulse 12/14 – Bob Marley Tribute 12/15 – The Black Honkeys 12/16 – The Music Box School Holiday Showcase 12/16 – Damon Fowler 12/30-31 – Donna the Buffalo 1/5 – Grateful Dead Night 1/6 – Impulse 1/11 – WMNF presents Chuck Prophet Sparkman Wharf 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa • Jotoro • LightHaus • Noble Rice • Splitsville • Whatever Pops • BurgerFI •Shortwave Coffee sparkmanwharf.com St. Petersburg City Theatre 4025 31st St. S, 727-866-1973 spcitytheatre.org 12/8-17 – A Christmas Carol
Discover the Art, the People, Keepers ofthe Heritage: Hidden Tales / Experience! Custodios de la Herencia: Cuentos Ocultos NOV 9 - DEC 31
Open Wed - Sun | 10 am -8 pm
FREE PRESENTING SPONSOR
Scan the QR Code or visit ARTSANNUAL.ORG
12211 Walsingham Rd., Largo, FL 33778 CreativePinellas.org | 727-582-3600
Stageworks Theater 1120 E Kennedy Blvd., West Bldg., #151, Tampa 813-374-2416 stageworkstheatre.org 12/1-17 – The Great Christmas Cookie Bake Off Straz Center for the Performing Arts 1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa 813-229-7827 strazcenter.org Through Dec. 3 – Funny Girl Through 12/10 – The Choir of Man 12/1 – Lucia Micarelli & Leo Amuedo 12/8 – Raymond Arroyo Christmas & Bright w/ NOLA Players Jazz Orchestra 12/8 – TFO: Handel’s Messiah 12/9 – Nurse Blake 12/9 – Eddie Griffin 12/15 – TFO: Holiday Pops 12/21-23 – Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker 1/9-14 – Company 1/11-21 – Alabama Story 1/13 – The Stompdown 1/14 – D’Angelo Young Artist Competition Riverwalk Stage (free performances) ParadiseNewsFL.com | DECEMBER 2023
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EVENTS 12/8 – Holiday Winter Fest and Tree Lighting Free, 5:30-9:30pm, Seminole Recreation Department, 9100 113th Ave. N. Includes holiday craft market, live entertainment, visit and meet with Santa. Snow Hill sledding and Bounce House Zone ($7). 12/8 – Imagine Museum’s Holiday and Trunk Show $15 museum admission, 5-8pm, Imagine Museum,1901 Central Ave., St. Pete. An elegant holiday soiree filled with the shimmering beauty of contemporary glass art, cocktails and light bites. Artist Bula Barua will debut her latest creations of blown glass on canvas. Live music by Kassondra Rose. Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/ycpnxeyf 12/9 – Palm Harbor Holiday Market Free, 10am-2pm, 1190 Georgia Ave. The market will feature 60-plus vendors with gift items (handmade, upcycled, retail, resale, etc.). 12/14 – Five from Florida: A St. Petersburg Press book event Free, 7pm, Studio@620, 620 First Ave. S. A special holiday-season book event featuring readings and signings by five Florida-centric authors from St. Petersburg Press: Paul Wilborn (“Florida Hustle”), Bill DeYoung (“Vintage St. Pete & Pinellas, Volume 3”), Kerry Kriseman (“Accidental First Lady”), Shana Smith (“Islands of Cedars”) and Tom Gribbin (“The Last Florida Boy”). Books will be available for purchase. 12/15 – Victor Paruta, Holiday Message from Spirit $30-$60, 7pm, Catherine Hickman Theater, Gulfport. Audience members will receive inspiring messages from beyond. Doors open at 6pm for free pre-show tarot card readings by guest readers in the lobby. Includes demonstrations of object reading (psychometry) and an audience Q&A segment. Tickets: https://bit.ly/victor-paruta 1/4-7 – Gaspar The Musical $25-$55, 7pm, The Palladium, St. Pete. In this tale created by St. Pete residents Constantine Grame and Bill Leavengood, legendary pirate Jose Gaspar is magically transported through time to modern day Tampa Bay, while his identical counterpart, Joe Wright, a Florida politician running for governor, finds himself captaining the pirate ship, Floriblanca, in 1723. https://mypalladium.org
1/13-14 – St. Pete Bacon & BBQ Festival $15 general admission, Noon-9pm, Vinoy Park, St. Pete. Over 100 bacon and BBQ dishes from more than 30 food vendors, craft beer and cocktails, live music, games and prizes. Info and tickets: stpetebaconandbbq.com 1/14 – D’Angelo Young Artist Competition Free, 4pm, Teco Theater, Straz Center, Tampa. This public performance will present the finalists in the D’Angelo Young Artist Vocal Competition. The audience will vote for their favorite artist performing two arias. Awards will be presented. Seating is limited.
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ARTS & LEISURE Straz continued 12/1 – DJ Marley Mar and Nu Soul Music 12/2 – Jason Frilot 12/8 – Fo’I Meleah 12/9 – Redhouse Duo 12/14 – Latin Nights feat. Metro Latino 12/15 – Durik 12/16 – Danielle Mohr 12/21 – Frankie Raye 12/22 – Taylor Reed 12/23 – Jarryd Dollard 1/12 – Arts Legacy Remix: Sixth Annual MLK Jr. Commemoration Studio Grand Central 2260 First Ave. S, St. Pete 727-202-7019 theoffcentral.com 12/7-17 – Scrooge MacBeth 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 12/3 – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (film) 12/8 – Sam Morril 12/9 – The Florida Orchestra Presents Holiday Brass 12/10 – The Grinch (film) 12/15-21 – It’s a Wonderful Life (film) 12/24 – Sing-Along White Christmas (film) 12/31 – Rent (film) 1/7 – Sing-Along Frozen (film) 1/12 – Mark Normand: Ya Don’t Say Tour Tarpon Springs Cultural Center 101 S Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs 727-942-5605 tarponarts.org Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center 324 Pine St., Tarpon Springs 727-942-5605 tarponarts.org 12/9 – A Well-Strung Christmas The Mahaffey Theater 400 First St. S, St. Pete 727-300-2000 themahaffey.com 12/1 – Randy Rainbow
12/2 – Dr. Suess’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas 12/3 – Family Blessing 12/7-8 – On Your Feet! 12/9 – TFO: Handel’s Messiah 12/14 – Lewis Black 12/15 – A Very Broadway Christmas 12/16 – TFO: Holiday Pops 12/17 – The Illusionists 12/19 – Il Divo 12/20 – A Christmas with Soul 12/28 – Fortune Feimster 12/30 – Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet 1/5 – Cinderella 1/6 – TFO: Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 4 1/11 – TFO: From the Beginning 1/13 – TFO: Sci-Fi Spectacular The Palladium 253 Fifth Ave. N, St. Pete 727-822-3590 mypalladium.org 12/1-3 – St. Pete Ballet’s Nutcracker 12/4 – Second Time Arounders Marching Band Holiday Spectacular 12/6 – Andrea Del Principe 12/7 – Nate Najar 12/9 – Clara’s New York City Christmas 12/10 – TFO Chamber Concert: Holiday Brass 12/16-17 – St. Pete Opera: Holiday Sparkle 1/4-7 – Gaspar The Musical 1/10 – Steve Luongo Project 1/12 – Nellie McKay The Sound Coachman Park 301 Drew St., Clearwater 727-791-7400 rutheckerdhall.com 12/3 – 97X Next Big Thing 12/14 – Steve Miller Band 1/5 – Styx w/ .38 Special The Studio@620 620 First Ave. S, St. Pete 727-895-6620 thestudioat620.org Masks requested while in building 12/7-9 – Dirty John’s Jingle Balls 12/16 – Holizaar USF Yuengling Center 12499 USF Bull Run Drive, Tampa 813-974-3111 yuenglingcenter.com 12/14 – Kevin Gates 1/13 – Winter Jam 2024
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941-953-3368 vanwezel.org 12/1 – Liverpool Legends 12/2 – Sarasota Orchestra present The Scottish 12/4 – A Neil Diamond Christmas 12/5 – 2023 EcoSummit 12/5 – Carl Hiaasen 12/8 – Bruce Hornsby 12/9 – Derek Hough 12/12 – Allman Betts Family Revival 12/13 – Marie Osmond 12/14 – Sarah Brightman 12/15 – Daniel O’Donnell 12/16 – The Illusionists 12/17 – Wheel of Fortune Live! 12/20 – Il Divo 12/21 – Celtic Angels Christmas 12/23 – Cirque Musica 12/28 – Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet 12/30 – Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert 1/6 – Sarasota Orchestra presents Friends and Inspirations 1/10 – The Cher Show 1/13 – Mutts Gone Nuts 1/14 – Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo 1/15 – Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra West Coast Players 21905 US 19 N, Clearwater 727-437-2363 wcplayers.com 12/1-10 – Ferndale Avenue 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 Through 5/5/24 – We Share the Same Sky: A Family’s Story Retold Florida Museum of Photographic Arts 1630 E 7th Ave., Ybor City, Tampa 813-221-2222 fmopa.org Through 12/10 – Angelika Kollin 12/12-1/14 – Members’ Show Glazer Children’s Museum 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa 813-443-3851 glazermuseum.org Created 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. 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 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 – Captain’s Log: Voyages in the Age of Steam Heritage Museum 100 Beekman Lane, Tarpon Springs 727-942-5605 tarponarts.org History and culture of the Greek community
LIVE AT THE PALLADIUM
Almost ABBA (Tribute) January 27 @7:30pm Enjoy the magic and nostalgia of ABBA in a costumed, choreographed, audience interactive experience. With special guests The Shee Gees – Tribute to the Bee Gees and disco! BUY TICKETS
Get tickets while they last! www.mypalladium.org/events/ almost-abba-w-special-guests-the-shee-gees/
Imagine Museum 1901 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-300-1700 imaginemuseum.com Contemporary American Studio Glass. Thur. $5 after 5pm John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art 5401 Bay Shore Road., Sarasota 941-359-5700 ringling.org Mon. – Free admission all day Thurs. – Art After 5 Through 1/5 – Shinique Smith: Parade Through 1/7 – Guercino’s Friar with a Gold Earring Through 1/7 – As long as there is sun, as long as there is light. Through 1/21 – 500 Years of Italian Drawings Through 1/26 – Skyway: A Contemporary Collaboration Through 3/3 – Working Conditions Through 6/2 – Michele Oka Doner: The True Story of Eve Through 6/23 – Mountains of the Mind: Scholar’s Rocks from China & Beyond
Michael Francis, Music Director
Making Waves in Tampa Bay HOUGH FAMILY FOUNDATION MASTERWORKS
HOUGH FAMILY FOUNDATION MASTERWORKS
Jan 6 & 7
Jan 19 & 20
Mozart’s Violin Concerto RAYMOND JAMES POPS
Sci-Fi Spectacular Jan 13 & 14
Support your Florida Orchestra today FloridaOrchestra.org/donate
Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 COMING SOON
Gershwin Celebration Center Stage From Broadway with Love Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue
FloridaOrchestra.org | 727.892.3337 ParadiseNewsFL.com | DECEMBER 2023 Paradise News Dec.indd 1
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11/10/2023 12:59:58 PM
SPORTS & REC By Nanette Wiser
BOAT BONANZA Do you dream of sailing away? Explore the St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show, Presented by Progressive in downtown St. Pete Jan. 18-21 (10am-6pm Thursday, Friday, and Saturday; Sunday 10am-5pm). The event is located at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts Mahaffey Theater – Yacht Basin and Albert Whitted Park, 400 First St. S, St. Petersburg. For 40+ years, Informa/U.S. Boats has brought the most comprehensive display of vessels, from fishing boats to luxury yachts, displayed on land and in the water. There’s a 40,000-square-foot tent showcasing marine gear. A portion of the ticket sales support Tampa Bay Watch’s education programs and eco-tours and the Discovery Center on The St. Pete Pier downtown. The Annapolis School of Seamanship and Progressive have teamed up to provide on-the-water boater training programs for free to a select few attendees who pre-register through the website. Additional seminars are updated continually on the website, including the Kids Fishing Clinic. Presented by Hook the Future, the clinic takes place at 12pm and 2pm on Saturday, Jan. 20, and Sunday, Jan. 21, for children ages 4-16. All attendees will have the opportunity to connect with boating experts and learn about the latest features and innovations in the marine industry at 300+ exhibits. Tickets are on sale now and must be purchased online at www.stpeteboatshow.com. General admission is $22 for adults, and children ages 15 and under attend free. Veterans and active-duty military show proof of military service for a free ticket. HOLLY BALL NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship. Dec. 14-17 at Tampa’s Amalie Arena hosted by USF and Tampa Bay Sports Commission. The NCAA Division I women’s volleyball tournament is an annual event that leads to the championship in women’s volleyball from teams in Division I contested by the NCAA each winter since 1981. The championship field consists of 64 teams in a single-elimination tournament. Texas will enter the 2023 season as the defending champion after beating Louisville in the 2022 championship game in Omaha. Info https://bit.ly/3szrDr5 Tickets https://bit.ly/47w15WA A Tampa Bay New Year’s tradition returns to Raymond James Stadium when the ReliaQuest Bowl (previously called the Outback Bowl) 2023/2024 game kicks off. Tickets are on sale now for the Jan. 1 play-off. Contested each year since 1986 by two teams drawn from the Big Ten and SEC conferences, the Outback Bowl has a reputation for close games and exciting finishes. www.outback.bowl2021.com 50
DECEMBER 2023 | ParadiseNewsFL.com
ARTS & LEISURE Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art 600 E Klosterman Road., Tarpon Springs 727-712-5762 leeparattner.org Through 12/17 – The Space Between: Donald Saff Through 12/17 – The Hurricane Within 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 Museum of Fine Arts 255 Beach Dr. NE, St. Pete 727-894-4368 mfastpete.org Thur. $10 after 5pm Through 1/7 – Explore the Vaults Through 3/17 – Time Flies, Hours Flee Through 4/14 – The Nature of Art Palm Harbor Museum 2043 Curlew Road, Palm Harbor 727-724-3054 palmharbormuseum.com Thur.-Sat. 10am-2pm 12/6 – Florida: A History in Pictures Safford House Museum 23 Parkin Court, Tarpon Springs 727-942-5805 tarponarts.org Restored 1883 Victorian home 12/16-17 – Victorian Christmas St. Petersburg Museum of History 335 Second Ave. NE 727-894-1052 spmoh.com Happy Hour with the Historian 12/7 – Gary McKechnie: What in the World?: How Walt Build Disney Sarasota Art Museum 1001 S Tamiami Trail, 941-309-4300 sarasotaartmuseum.org Through 2/11 – Juana Valdes Through 2/11 – Selections from the Basch Glass Collection 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 Through 7/14 – Sharps & Marks i n 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 Through 1/7 – Frontiers of Impressionism Through 2/18 – Pepe Mar: Myth and Magic Through 3/17 – A Passion for Haitian Art: The Albrecht and Heller Collection Through 4/21– Garry Winograd: Women are Beautiful Through 6/23 – Reframing Haitian Art 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 1/7 – Leonora Carrington: Writer, Painter, Visionary Through 4/28 – Dali & the Impressionists: Monet, Degas, Renoir & More The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art 150 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-892-4200 thejamesmuseum.org Tues. $10 all day Through 1/28 – From Far East to West: The Chinese American Frontier
USF Contemporary Art Museum Institute for Research in Art 3821 USF Holly Drive, Tampa 813-974-3503 ira.usf.edu
Tampa Bay Symphony Performances in various locations 727-827-8087 tampabaysymphony.org
USF Graphicstudio 3702 Spectrum Blvd., Ste 100, Tampa 813-974-3503, free admission graphicstudio.usf.edu/GS/ gs_about.html
TomKats Jazz Orchestra The Blue Parrot Mon. 7-9:30pm 85 Corey Circle, St. Pete Beach tomkatsjazzorchestra.com
Woodson African American Museum of Florida 2240 Ninth Ave. S, St. Pete 727-323-1104 woodsonmuseum.org One City Chorus – Mon. 7pm
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 12/12 – Holiday Concert in the Hickman Theater 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 12/7 – Free concert, South Pasadena City Hall St. Petersburg College Gibbs Campus Music Center 6605 Fifth Ave. N, 727-341-4360 spcollege.edu/events 12/1 – SPC College Chorus & Madrigallians Concert 12/6 – SPC Percussion Ensemble Concert Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Society Cove Cay Golf Club 2612 Cove Cay Drive, Clearwater sdjs2022.org
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 campusce.net/eckerd/course/ course.aspx?catid=156 Opera Tampa at Straz Center, 1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa 813-229-7827 strazcenter.org 1/14 – D’Angelo Young Artist Vocal Competition Sarasota Opera House 61 N Pineapple Ave., 941-328-1300 sarasotaopera.org 12/1 – The Nutcracker by the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School 12/4 – Canadian Brass Holiday Concert 12/7 – PINC Experience 12/9 – The Nutcracker presented by the Diane Partington Studio of Classical Ballet 12/10 – The Nutcracker presented by Star Dance Academy 12/15-16 – Moments of Meaning 12/17-18 – The Nutcracker presented by the Sarasota Ballet Conservatory 12/20 – Cheers to the Music of Dance 1/6 – Celebration Concert 1/14 – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration St. Pete Opera 2145 First Ave. S, 727-823-2040 stpeteopera.org Various performance location St. Petersburg Opera Guild stpeteoperaguild.org The Pinellas Opera League Wed.: October-June Thur.: Opera at the Dali pinellasoperaleague.com
ParadiseNewsFL.com | DECEMBER 2023
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BOOK NOOK
Selling a lifestyle, Specializing in you. Pass-a-Grille is a remarkable historic community, the most exclusive location of all the Gulf Beaches. Somewhat hidden but easily accessible to I-275, vibrant St. Petersburg and Tampa International Airport. A rarely available 2 bedroom unit is For Sale in each of the two most sought-after condos in the area.
By Holly Hargett
Katherine Snow Smith
Point Pass-a-Grille, 200
Pointe Towers, 555 Gulf
2nd Ave., Unit 310, $879,000. Way, Unit 5N $1,125,000. Thoughtfully updated, The original luxury condo extraordinary privacy and building of Pass-a-Grille, only expansive waterviews of Gulf 14 units, all corner, all facing of Mexico and Pass-a-Grille the beach & Gulf of Mexico, Channel. One-of-a-kind also Intra-Coastal views. location at the southernmost Exceptional design, tip of all our Gulf Beaches! construction, and layout. Wish you were here?....Call Today
joan h walker
Broker Associate, GRI, CIPS, RSPS, CREA, C2EX SUNSHINE PROFESSIONAL REALTY CORP PO Box 412, Clearwater, Fl. 33757
Like a good ole’ country song, Katherine Snow Smith bares her soul in her writing. It’s raw, poignant, and relatable. She’s a masterful storyteller spinning her personal tales of marriage, parenting, divorce, death, and everything in between that makes life inevitably messy.
Aside from a brief stint in second grade where she thought she’d be President; Smith has been honing her writing skills for decades. She’s worked at small-town papers and business journals but spent most of her career at the Tampa Bay Times as a reporter and editor. Smith came by writing naturally as her father, A.C. Snow, was an editor and long-time Raleigh columnist who captivated North Carolina readers for 70 years. She has since parlayed her skills into public relations, teaching (she’s an adjunct instructor at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill) stints as a guest speaker, and published author.
Direct line in Pass-a-Grille, USA:
727.580.0822
Email: Joan@GulfToGlobalLLC.com www.GulfToGlobalRealEstate.com
Stepping on the Blender
Smith’s second book, Stepping on the Blender, is open and honest, writing with fragility, humor and Southern sensibility and charm. Asked how this book is the same or different than her first book, Rules for the Southern Rulebreaker, Smith replied, “It’s the same in that it’s a collection of essays that are not necessarily tied together. They’re humorous and some are vulnerable. They’re all very honest.”
Smith splits her time between North Carolina and St Pete. It’s a lot of coordination to make it work, but Smith says it’s worth it as her three adult children consider St. Pete home and she says, “I love it too.” Writing with vulnerability got easier after Smith wrote about losing her sister in a car accident when she was 31 and Smith was 28. She says, “I watched my mom iron the dress that my sister was going to be buried in. It was such a sad moment and it dawned on me that it was going to be the last thing she could physically do for her daughter. Not everybody has seen their mother iron the dress for someone who has died, but people have been through a loss.” You can purchase a copy of Stepping on the Blender at Tombolo Books www.tombolobooks.com or visit the bookstore on Thursday, Jan. 4 where Smith will do a book signing at 7pm. For more on Smith, visit www.katherinesnowsmith.com.
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DECEMBER 2023 | ParadiseNewsFL.com
ARTS & LEISURE ECO Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 1101 Country Club Way S, St. Pete 727-893-7326 stpeteparksrec.org/ boydhillpreserve Closed Mon. 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. 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 New meeting location Garden Club of St. Petersburg 500 Sunset Dr. S, 727-381-8920 gardenclubstpetersburg.org 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
Pinewood Cultural Park 12520 Ulmerton Road, and 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo Heritage Village pinellascounty.org/heritage Creative Pinellas – creativepinellas.org Florida Botanical Gardens – Free 100-acre park flbg.org Through 12/31 – Holiday Lights in the Gardens 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
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 Closed – 12/23, 12/25, 12/30 See spblibrary.com for daily events
President Barack Obama Main Library 3745 Ninth Ave. N, St. Pete 727-893-7724 splibraries.org Closed for renovation
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
SPIRITUAL Sacred Lands 1700 Park St. N, St. Pete 727-347-0354 sacredlandspreservation.org Drum circle first Fri.; Sun. tours, meditations, special events
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.
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
Preserve The ‘Burg 727-824-7802 preservetheburg.org
Spiritual Conditioning Program 153 107th Ave., Treasure Island Pat Jano at 727-324-9222 Small group Bible study
Second Saturday Singers Second Sat. 9am–noon, Oct-April Pasadena Community Church, 227 70th St. S, St. Pete bobd@pccumc.org
ZOOS/AQUARIUMS
St. Petersburg Audubon Society 727-753-9731 stpeteaudubon.org
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 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
Rotary Club of Gulf Beaches Tues., Noon. VFW, 12901 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach facebook.com/RotaryGulfBeaches
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 We welcome new members. Please inquire via our website: SwissClubStPetersburg.com
“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” —Dolly Parton ParadiseNewsFL.com | DECEMBER 2023
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ARTS & LEISURE 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 Through 12/30 – Art for the Seasons Holiday Show (Morean Arts Center) 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
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Tampa Bay Beach Bums Gulfport 727-437-2867 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 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 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 tinyurl.com/yc4kjb2u
Church by the Sea Thrift Store 495 137th Ave. Circle, Madeira Beach Tues., Thurs., Sat. 10am-2pm churchbythesea.com/thrift-store
Beach Yoga Pinellas Beachyogapinellas.com
VOLUNTEERING
Salty Souls Yoga saltysoulsyoga.com
AARP Various volunteer opportunities aarp.org/giving-back
Silver Sneakers Yoga Community Center, St. Pete Beach Fri. 11:15am spbrec.com
Daystar Life Center 1055 28th St. S., St. Pete Needs volunteers 727-825-0442 facebook.com/DaystarLifeCenter
South Pasadena Gentle Yoga Thursdays, 9:30-10:30am South Pasadena City Hall barbmoeller1@gmail.com
Empath Health Suncoast Hospice Training provided empathhealth.org
Sunken Gardens 1825 Fourth St. N, St. Pete 727-560-7317 Mon. & Wed. 10:30am
Friends of Strays 2911 47th Ave. N, St. Pete Nonprofit, no-kill shelter friendsofstrays.com/home
Sunset Yoga at The St. Pete Pier First Wed. 7-8pm. Free tinyurl.com/3m2wbmc6
Hope Villages of America, Inc. 727-587-7747 rcspinellas.org/Volunteer/
The Centre of St. Pete Beach 7525 Blind Pass Road, 727-258-2001 thecentreSPB.com/calendar1
Marine Exploration Center Needs volunteers 727-209-7115 mecstpete.org
Yoga at The Dali Dali Museum, third Sun., 9-10am tinyurl.com/bd6e88mz
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 Watch 3000 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde tampabaywatch.org
“Be positive. Your mind is more powerful than you think. What is down in the well comes up in the bucket. Fill yourself with positive things.” –Tony Dungy
DECEMBER 2023 | ParadiseNewsFL.com
YOGA
MARKETS 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-2pm 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
ARTS & LEISURE 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
Ro b b y ’s Pa n ca k e Br e a k fa s t
hosted by Middle Grounds Grill & Gulf Beaches Rotary
The Market Marie Second Saturdays, 10am-3pm Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St., Clearwater facebook.com/themarketmarie
Treasure Island Community Center 1 Park Place & 106th Avenue
SUNDAYS Corey Avenue Sunday Market 10am-2pm/June-Oct. 9am-1pm Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach coreyave.com
Pancakes Sausage Patties Coffee & Tea Juice
Sunday, December 10, 2023 8am to Noon
$5
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 facebook.com/ StPeteSundayMarket
“The garden reconciles human art and wild nature, hard work and deep pleasure, spiritual practice and the material world. It is a magical place because it is not divided.” —Thomas Moore
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ParadiseNewsFL.com | DECEMBER 2023
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DECEMBER 2023 | ParadiseNewsFL.com
CLASSIFIED 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 BACKGROUND CHECKS King Background Screening Since 2006. Tenant & employee background checks. Full credit report, nationwide criminal, and nationwide eviction. $50 See website for full details. KingBackgroundScreening.com Denise Anderson - Owner Call/Text 941.284.4612 KingScreening@gmail.com 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 BODY SCULPTING Medically supervised targeted weight loss with EMSCULPT at Regenesis Life 727.826.0329 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 COMPUTERS & VIRUS REMOVAL Pinellas Family Computer Service PC & Mac Technician for your home or business. Stephen Johnson A+ sjohnson@pfcs.biz 727.803.0219 CONDO FOR RENT - NEW Annual lease $2,700/mo. 3 Palms Point, 2/2 with water view. Call 646.808.7043 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 DRY CLEANERS & LAUNDRY Home Pick-up & Delivery-Dry Clean, Wash-Dry-Fold, Alterations, Patio Cushion Cleaning, Shoe & Handbag Repair, Pick-up 2x weekly Sacino’s Cleaners sacinoscleaners.com 727.471.0573 Residential, Commercial Linen & Maid Services MNC Cleaning Service Stop in 9-4 at 7863 Blind Pass Rd. or call 727.826.0133
Laundry Wash - Dry - Fold Service Laundromat 7815 Blind Pass Rd., SPB, call Laura 727.458.1412 GENERAL CONTRACTOR KITCHEN & BATH REMODELERS Quality Construction with a woman’s touch. vanselowdesign.com Master Certified Kitchen & Bath Remodeler, Green Certified Professional 727.391.2959 Schedule a FREE Consultation TODAY HEALTH & FITNESS Ancient Healing Acupuncture & Herbs Seasonal Allergies, Hip & Back Pain April Wang 727.384.4826 Certified Chinese MD, (Tyrone Area) 6600 31st Terrace, St. Pete Worried About Your Memory? Alzheimer’s Association – Offers FREE & Confidential Memory Screenings, CALL to schedule 727.893.5657 HAULING - DELIVERY HB Hauling Demo, junk removal, dump trailer rental & more. 727.793.5816 Hot Momma’s Hauling does pick-ups and delivery, including shell, sand, and pavers. Trailer rentals, junk removed, clean outs. Call Ashlie 727.678.3156 LetMommahelpyou.com HEALTH & NUTRITION Gulfport Nutrition - 5012 Gulfport Blvd. S., Cardio Drumming Classes. Call Marlene for Info 305.619.9734 HEARING CARE Pasadena Hearing Care Anne S. Carter, Ph.D. 727.329.8852 Don’t let Hearing Loss impact your life. HELP WANTED Sacino’s Formalwear is hiring quality tailors, sales associates & management trainees. Join our expert team today! Resume to rons@sacino.com. HOUSEKEEPING & CLEANING Dependable European Lady15+yrs exp., High Quality, Reasonable Rates, References. 727.564.1473 11/23 Reasonable cleaning. Homes, windows, offices. Experienced and insured. Pinellas county. 727.259.3558 Laddy’s Cleaning Service - on the beaches over a decade 727.430-8826 Laundry Wash Dry Fold Service Laundromat - 7815 Blind Pass Rd, St. Pete Beach. Some Pickup/Delivery Available. Call Laura 727.458.1412 Cleaning Is Our Passion - Maids, Maintenance & More. Steadfast, Reliable, Best of Beaches service for 25+ years. L/B/I 727.363.1074 Home & Office Cleaning Experienced,Efficient European Cleaning LadyFree Estimates, Great local references 10+ years Irina 727.481.1364 INSURANCE Academy Insurance - Full Lines Flood -Residential & Investment Property Specialist Call Rose rwainwright@academyins.net 727.343.0419 Bentley DeNight Insurance Services can save $$$ on Flood Insurance and can quote Homeowners, Auto & Business Insurances 727.344.4500
CLASSIFIED IV THERAPY Medically supervised IV Infusions at Regenesis Life 727.826.0329 JEWELERS Diny’s Jewelers - Custom Designs, restoration & repair; appraisals & more! 130 107th Ave., Treasure Island (N of Clock Tower) DinysFlorida.com 727.513.3469 LOCKSMITH SERVICES COVID SAFE Lock Repair Service during daytime hours, weekdays. Vet owned. Tommy Locksmith 727.755.3975 LUMBERS Need wood to match your old house? If it isn’t in stock, ask if we can make it for you. Anderson Lumber 666 49th St. S 727.321.3111 MARINE CONSTRUCTION Island Marine Construction - Docks, Boat Lifts, Service, since 1997. Licensed Marine Contractor, C-8463 727.363.7282 MARKETING SERVICES Nanette Wiser Marketing/PR/Social wiser86@gmail.com Janet Nummi, Graphic Design info@janetnummi.com Buddy Baker, Copyediting melvin.baker@gmail.com MASSAGE SERVICES 2Reds Massage (MM37417) is growing brand new treatment rooms open for medical massage or complimentary therapies. Great location for St. Pete and south beaches. Call Marsha Jo 2redsmassage.com 727.278.1175 Helios Health – Scott (MA-25432) & Zoe (MA31664) offer massage, personal training and Infrared sauna therapy on West Central Ave. at 57 St., St. Petersburg 727.322.8883 Corrective Massage Therapy Muscular and Structural Rehabilitation Robert S. King LMT, 214 Pasadena Ave. S, RobertKingLMT.com 813.625.1322 MEMORY CARE Memory challenges are complex. Let’s figure them out together. We take care of Moms and Dads. Inspired Living at the Ridge. inspired.living.care A purpose-built memory-care facility on high ground. Join us for an upcoming Dementia Live interactive presentation 727.231.5396 PAINTING SERVICES Residential or Commercial Painting Flo-Pro Painting 727.337.6888 PAYROLL SERVICE For 1-50 employees. Competitive. Employee Retention Tax Credit Consultant. Get your application filed! Jack.Welsh@Payrollvault.com Payroll Vault 727.424.4044 PET SERVICES CBD for Pets - Natures Pet Herbals has a variety of CBD Hemp based products for you and your pets. The Centre@StPeteBeach carries Natures Pet Herbals for your pets and top quality CBD products for you! Stop by 7525 Blind Pass Rd.
PET SITTING & WALKING Pete’s Perfect Pet Care is a true professional. Get happy text messages from your best friend daily while you are apart. Bonded and Insured. 727.742.2599 Pete@PetesPerfectPetCare.com PICKLEBALL/TENNIS LESSONS Private/group lessons for all ages/skill levels. 727.481.6375 brian@sunshinecitytennis.com PLASTIC SURGERY Coundouriotis Facial Plastic Surgery and Laser Center 727.525.9900 “Reverse the Signs Of Aging Anywhere on your body, Rebuild collagen & reduce wrinkles.” 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 w/ Old Sliding Doors. We fix it to open for a fraction of the cost of a new door. We replace windows too. Lic. C1050, YouTube.com/user/SliderRepairs Slider Repairs 727.493.2644 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 native All levels. Text or call 571.435.5606 Reading tutor. Certified. Grades 2-8. 1:1 Zoom or in-person. 941.962.5782 actuallylearnit.com WEIGHT LOSS Medically supervised, overall or targeted weight loss IV Therapy Too. Regenesis Life 727.826.0329 WELLNESS WellCare Coach / Independent Shaklee Distributor. Build Immunity! Take Meology Assessment! On FB @WatershedVisionsWellness Jill jkwenner@gmail.com
See Life Clearly 30 Years Experience Residential & Commercial
Tim’s Window Cleaning 727-488-8516
Free Estimates References Available
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
We clean & protect PATIO & BOAT CUSHIONS
Cushions, bedding, pillows, rugs & much more! • Dry Cleaning • Wash-Dry-Fold Call 727-471-0573 • Alterations or sign up online at • Shoe & Handbag Repair • Patio/Boat Cushion Cleaning SacinosCleaners.com ParadiseNewsFL.com | DECEMBER 2023
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LET’S GO – TIERRA VERDE
Between the Bayway and the park, there’s a trail that’s popular for getting to Fort DeSoto by bicycle. You’ll cross over bridges and patches of sand where locals love to fish.
Catch the ferry to Egmont Key from the fishing pier in Fort De Soto Park. On Egmont Key, a small lighthouse reaches above coastal foliage and the ruins of Fort Dade (built in 1899). There’s great snorkeling on the key and keep an eye out for gopher tortoises and their burrows. The ferry ride takes 20 minutes and runs multiple times a day.
The Island Grille & Raw Bar
Ft. Desoto/Visit Florida
While mostly residential, this boating community is the gateway to Fort De Soto Park, the crown jewel of St. Pete/ Clearwater’s county park system. Comprising several small islands south of the Pinellas Bayway between St. Pete and St. Pete Beach, Tierra Verde is notable for its marinas, fishing spots and casual restaurants. Fort De Soto Park is home to award-winning beaches, dog beaches, a historic fort, waterfront campgrounds and miles of pedestrian and kayak trails.
Heading south on the right side of the road is Tampa Bay Watch, a nonprofit focusing on preserving the health of the bay and educating visitors about marine conservation (look for the blue lighthouse). Just to the north of the nonprofit’s headquarters is a great spot to launch a kayak to explore uninhabited Shell Key. Tierra Verde is a haven for hungry beachgoers after a day spent playing in the sand. Island Grille & Raw Bar has an extensive menu with steaks, seafood, and pub fare with live entertainment daily. Sea Worthy Fish + Bar and Billy’s Stone Crab serve up terrific seafood as well and Billy’s rooftop bar with music is a local fave. For classic European-inspired fare, head to ALSACE French Bistro or Tony and Nello’s Southern Italian Cuisine. Circo Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria is a fun family restaurant. For craft cocktails and the sunset, Vista At The Top is the perfect topping to your Tierra Verde excursion.
Have Your Holiday Party Here! Gift Cards available online! Welcome to Service 1st Installers, better known as “The Shutter Guy” “We’re Your Window Treatments Specialists”
• PLANTATION SHUTTERS Cordless • BLINDS & Remote Available • SHADES
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We have 35 years of experience in the construction field and we know window treatments!
RAW BAR • DINING • DOCKS DRINKS • TIKI BAR • LIVE MUSIC
Mention this Paradise News ad for a discount.
210 Madonna Blvd., Tierra Verde, FL 727.767.0020 • IslandRawBar.com
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DECEMBER 2023 | ParadiseNewsFL.com
813.641.4002
PET HEALTH
By Dr. Johnathan Pierce
fur baby is a big responsibility, an investment in both time and money. They require constant love and attention, training, food, water, vaccinations, regular health checkups, care and medications when sick and the list goes on. Pets are an emotional commitment as well as a financial commitment.
It’s the season for giving and we have a lot to celebrate. During this season of giving, remember to make a donation to your local animal shelter, and if you are considering adopting or fostering, please remember that a
If you are thinking of giving or getting a pet, it’s a big lifestyle decision. Pets are not an object that you can leave in a room and forget about until you are ready to play with them. Whether adopting or purchasing a pet from a responsible breeder, neither should be thought of as a gift. There is always, no matter how much one knows a person, a question on whether the recipient is willing or ready to be a pet parent.
shelter of your choice in their honor, or even giving the gift of pet insurance for a loved one’s pet to help ease the financial burden. During the holidays, keep your pets safe from foods, plants and décor that can cause them harm. And if you are hosting a party, provide your cat or dog with a quiet room or crate during holiday parties and/or prepare ahead of time to discourage barking. Find more holiday pet safety tips here. www.humanesociety.org/resources/ holiday-safety-tips-pets Happy Holidays Everyone! Island Life Animal Hospital Dr. Danielle Gallo & Dr. Johnathan Pierce 5901 Sun Blvd., Suite 107 Saint Petersburg, FL 33715 727-289-3776 • islandlifeanimalhospital.vet
Consider other gift options for your loved one’s current pets, making a donation to a
tommylocksmith.com (727) 75-KEY-75 Serving St. Pete Beach & surrounding areas!
Veteran Owned Business Google & Yelp For Over A Decade
Ever Lose Your Keys At The Beach? Go Keyless! (727) 755-3975 ParadiseNewsFL.com | DECEMBER 2023
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TRAVEL ADVENTURES SON OF A SON OF A SAILOR A perfect present! Book now for the sure-to-be-sold out experience for Jimmy Buffett fans, especially after the CMA tribute to his music. Margaritaville at Sea now offers three-night weekend sails, including new “Saturdays at Sea” experiences sailing Aug.-Dec. 2024. Departing Friday and returning Monday, the three-night itinerary includes a full Saturday at sea, which will feature new
By Nanette Wiser
dining, entertainment, and other experiences, such as a “Bottoms Up Party Brunch” with live music, special menus, and drinks. Other Saturday programming will include “Tropic Like It’s Hot” island night with suggested themed attire for passengers; new, complimentary dinner menu at the Fins main dining room; a “Sail Yeah” deck party; pickleball competitions; spa specials; casino promotions; and more. Among the 10 passenger decks, guests will enjoy endless entertainment, including two Stars on the Water shows – Caribbean Heat, and Radio Margaritaville: LIVE! At Sea. The ship also features a regulation-sized pickleball court, renovated kid’s clubs, an action-packed casino, pools, hot tubs, a rejuvenating spa and salon, and plenty of quiet spaces to soak up the Caribbean sun. www.margaritavilleatsea.com
Kumquat Festival
Homestead Rodeo
The rich and famous flock to Art Basel Miami Beach 12/8-10, one of the most prestigious cultural events in the world. Emerging and famous artists, fabulous after-dark events and galleries from five continents show significant works by masters of modern and contemporary art. At Kabinett, a concisely curated exhibitions by 29 galleries within the fair this year, aficionados can peruse Jimmy DeSana’s photographs of 1970s downtown New York, Hedda Sterne’s intricate drawings from the 1960s, and new immersive work by David Hockney. For regular folks, Miami Art Week is a parallel arts celebration. www.artbasel.com
Gasparilla Pirate Fest
Florida Manatee Festival
FLORIDA FESTIVALS Nature lovers, bring your out of town guests to Florida Manatee Festival Crystal River 1/13-14 or Orange City Blue Spring Manatee Festival 1/27-28 where hundreds of manatees winter. At Crystal River, enjoy live entertainment, discounted guided manatee boat tours and kayak tours in Kings Bay, children’s activities, delicious food, and hundreds of vendors. The Homestead Rodeo is one of the longest lasting traditional rodeos (70 years) 1/26-29 and the annual Kumquat Festival 1/27 turns historic downtown Dade City into a fruit-loving festival. Tampa pirates arrive in January with the Children’s Gasparilla Extravaganza 1/20 for a child’s parade, family friendly and alcohol-free activities, followed by the Gasparilla Pirate Fest 1/27.
Art Basel Miami Beach
Art Basel Miami Beach
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DECEMBER 2023 | ParadiseNewsFL.com
Your Tierra Verde Real Estate Experts FOR SALE
$882,000
120 1ST STREET E Unit #109 Updated 2-BR/2.5BA + loft, townhouse. Water views. Private BOAT SLIP, 10K boat lift. Two balconies. Gourmet kitchen. New appliances. Versatile loft space. 2/car tandem garage. Gated community. Clubhouse. Blanka Prusova-White 727-480-6126
FOR SALE
$419,000
5220 Brittany Dr. S #1303 New appliances, custom closets, crown molding, tile floors. New carpet in BRs. Sold with/without furnishings. Breathtaking sunrise water views. Minutes to DTSP, SPB, Ft Desoto Park, bike trails, golf courses, entertainment. Stephanie Sittman 727-748-6080
FOR SALE
$2,240,000
734 PINELLAS BAYWAY S 3BR/3.5BA. 3200 SF waterfront, multi-level townhome. Water views. Gated. BOAT SLIP. 16K boat lift. Deep, open water, Gulf & Intracoastal. Fireplace. Contemporary kitchen. Master suite with private balcony. Tandem garages. Blanka Prusova-White 727-480-6126
FOR SALE
$1,500,000
PENDING
9510 36TH AVENUE 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
FOR SALE
$762,000
REDUCED
219 2nd St. W 3BR/2BA pool home. 2-car garage. Block. Open floor plan. Pool view from French doors. Updated kitchen. Abundant windows. Natural light. Split floor. Master suite with walk-in closet. Screened-in pool. Fenced backyard. Near marina and beaches. Blanka Prusova-White 727-480-6126
REDUCED
6265 Sun Blvd., #602 Waterfront, 2BR/2BA corner condo, 1,140 sq ft. Open floor plan. Covered parking. Overlooks the Boca Ciega Bay. Resort style, waterfront heated pool and spa. Minutes to St. Pete Beach and Fort DeSoto, downtown and airport. Nancy LaBare 607-760-8484
$362,900
185 98th Ave. N Riviera Bay. Lovely maintained 3BR/2BA pool home. Open layout. New roof, HVAC, water heater, sewer, plumbing, irrigation system, pool pump and fencing. Huge fenced-in yard. Near Weedon Island Preserve. Laura Dague 813-440-9652, Paula Trout 727-452-3468
FOR SALE
842 Park St. S 2BR/1.5BA updated home in S Pasadena. Spacious living rooml. Updated kitchen and bathroom. Ceramic tile flooring throughout. Florida room. Large landscaped backyard. New A/C and roof. Newer water heater and irrigation system. Bob Gaskins 727-492-5237
$569,900
$269,000
1609 HAMMOCK PINE BLVD #1609 2BR/2BA, 2nd fl corner unit. Gated community (Countryside) Clearwater. Vaulted ceilings, open floor plan, inside laundry. Screened-in balcony. Many amenities. Covered parking. Pet friendly. Gabrielle Bettig, 727-385-9017
List with the GOLD. We have a proven track record of success to get your property SOLD. 173 1ST ST. W, TIERRA VERDE – $2,600,000 2038 CAROLINE AVE NE ST PETERSBURG – $2,785,000 11555 GULF BLVD # 110 TREASURE ISLAND – $877,500 676 DE SOTO DR. S, TIERRA VERDE – $1,030,000 4750 DOLPHIN CAY LN. S #2 – ST. PETERSBURG – $650,000
SOLD
106 1ST ST. E #301 TIERRA VERDE – $475,000 873 2ND AVE. S, TIERRA VERDE – $2,200,000 1308 PASADENA AVE. S #8, S PASADENA – $565,000 1515 PINELLAS BAYWAY S #65, TIERRA VERDE – $565,000 5505 PUERTA DEL SOL BLVD #126, TIERRA VERDE – 545,000
727-867-8633
150 Pinellas Bayway S , Tierra Verde, FL 33715 • c21coastalalliance.com ParadiseNewsFL.com | DECEMBER 2023 61
ENCOURAGING WORDS
By Dennis Merritt Jones, DD
What If Christmas Lasted All Year Long?
Because of Christmas we feel the fellowship of kindred spirits, of something deeper than the gift that’s been given, and we know instinctively that beyond the frenzy of it all, a hopeful quiet lies ahead, gift-wrapped in a day of peace when the world is strangely still and we are conscious of our deepest self. ~ Marcus Bach
I cherish the days leading up to and culminating on Christmas. While some people see those days as frenzy-filled and crazy, I see them as magical and transformational. There is something about Christmas that seems to bring out the best in most of us, and I wish that seasonal cheer could be a daily experience between strangers, neighbors, family, and friends. What is the secret ingredient? The answer is clearly love. During the holiday season love seems to live closer to the surface of our lives, and when we enter the Christmas of the heart, we discover a transformational doorway that leads to our deepest self. The gift-giving, bright lights, great food, and festive music help stimulate good feelings, but it is the love that ascends from that quiet place within our deepest self that brings out the best in us. That deepest self is the point within where our humanity dissolves into our divinity–our oneness with God. When we are conscious of our deepest self, Christmas becomes a sacred remembrance of who and what is truly important. As a result, we treat ourselves and others with more respect and compassion and with a generosity of spirit that makes life rich far beyond any material gifts given. Because of the Christmas of the heart, selflessness replaces selfishness, “we” becomes
more important than “me,” and the day brings with it a stillness and inner peace that transcends all human understanding. I have often wondered what it would be like if we could celebrate Christmas every day of the year. Can you imagine your life, your home and your world with that much love, kindness, generosity, forgiveness, peace and joy? Over 2,000 years ago someone did imagine those possibilities. In Because of Christmas, written by one of my mentors and old friend Marcus Bach, he says: “Someday a special genius will come along with a plan, a system, and a technique for extending the supernormal magic of the day into weeks and months and eventually into a year, bridging the gap from Christmas to Christmas until we say, ‘Why didn’t someone think of this long time ago?’ The truth is, Someone did, but apparently He made it too simple. From the humble setting of a manger, He merely asked us to remember that God is real and life is good.” To all our Paradise NEWS readers, a happy New Year. For our friends who celebrate Hanukah and Kwaanza during December, our blessing is the same: to keep peace, compassion, faith, and spirit in your heart and pass it on to others.
Peace, Dennis Merritt Jones, DD • Copyright © 2023 - DMJ Presentations LLC • www.DennisMerrittJones.com Dennis Merritt Jones’ vision is “Guiding People to Purpose.” He is an award-winning author of six books, a keynote speaker, and personal mentor/coach who loves living in St. Petersburg. If you would like more information regarding his availability as a speaker, his mentoring programs, and his books, please visit his website at DennisMerrittJones.com.
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DECEMBER 2023 | ParadiseNewsFL.com
Discover luxury coastal living.
Grab Your Slice of Paradise
This Isla del Sol condo has it all: views, a resort-like pool, a sandy beach, tiki huts, and a gorgeous island location. 2 beds, two baths, bonus space, large balcony.
$595,000
Stunning Townhome with Rooftop Deck and Slip
You’ll love life in this Tierra del Mar townhome, especially the rooftop deck with views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. 3 beds, 3.5 baths, garage, slip with lift.
$849,900
Incredible Water Views and Oustanding Amenities
Live every day of your life among gorgeous views in this 19th floor condominium home in downtown St. Petersburg.
2 beds plus office, 2 baths, 1965 sqft.
$1,300,000
THE SALAMONE GROUP Angela Mathias, Andrew Salamone, Ron Salamone, Libby Salamone
727-456-8093 | islandlife@stpete.pro | www.stpete.pro
Impeccable Luxury on Premiere Boating Water
Gorgeous single-level home on Tierra Verde’s Grand Canal. Two boat slips w/lifts, integrated solar system, pool, & more.
4 beds, 3.5 baths, office, new roof, much more.
$2,950,000
One of the Most Beautiful Homes on the Island
This elegant, unique, and enchanting home offers the rarest of settings for your new island lifestyle wrapped in luxury.
Piazza w/fountain, large corner lot, pool w/spa.
$1,749,000
Marina Views in Tierra Verde
One-of-a-kind home with great marina views and access right from your backyard.
3 beds plus office, pool, incredible location.
$1,250,000
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PRSTD STD U.S. Postage PAID TAMPA, FL PERMIT # 2118
Paradise News | P.O. Box 66385, St. Pete Beach, FL 33736 | 727.363.6888 | www.ParadiseNewsFL.com
YOUR LUXURY MARKETING SPECIALIST
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Belle Vista
Vina Del Mar Island 482 HERMOSITA DRIVE
385 41ST AVENUE
5 BED | 5/1 BATH | 5,329 SF | DOUBLE LOT + 137’ OF WATERFRONT | $3.95M
3 BED | 3 BATH | 2,403 SF | POOL | WATERFRONT | $1.85M
YOUR WATERFRONT RETREAT IS WAITING...
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FOR SALE
7150 SUNSET WAY #1004
2105 PASS A GRILLE WAY
Boaters Dream
Waterfront Vistas
2 BED | 2 BATH | 1,160 SF | $749K
4 BED | 3/1 BATH | 3,198 SF | $2.8M
3 BED | 3 BATH | 2,235 SF | POOL | $2.249M
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