Paradise News Magazine February 2025 | Pinellas County Events & Local News
22 Jewelry Makeovers
28 Waterfront Luxury and Lions on the Beach
This month’s cover story is about a spectacular $7.5 million dream home in Tierra Verde and agent Tammy Campbell McNelis’ family history in St. Pete Beach. BY PETER ROOS
Diamond expert and trusted jeweler Beverly Gianna is a luxury designer. Give her an opportunity to make your valuable gems and metals new again. BY PETER ROOS
23 St. Pete Firestone Grand Prix
12 Condo Living 101: Rising HOA Fees
Inquire about older building’s condition and reserve funds before purchasing. BY PETER ROOS
13 OrganiClean
Do your floors need expert polishing? BY PETER ROOS
14 Lisa Robinson
Protect St. Pete Beach
founder and resident advocate Lisa Robinson runs for re-election in district 2.
Feb. 28-March 2 is a 3-day spectacle of automobile racing. BY
24 Matters of the Heart
It’s clear that love is good for the heart, but how do you go about filling your life with more of it? BY CLAIRE BRINSDEN JORDAN
30 Are we focused on the Cause or Effect?
What does “more than enough” look like for us? The prosperity quotient of abundance.
BY DENNIS MERRITT JONES, DD
up for the weekly free e-newsletter! Every Thursday we will send you our Top 5 Events for the weekend and local
Sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter on our website www.ParadiseNewsFL.com at the top right hand corner, on our Facebook page, or by emailing ParadiseNewsFL@gmail.com)
Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ParadiseNews Instagram @ParadiseNewsFL
Discover Marina Bay in St. Petersburg, a hidden gem tucked away on Boca Ciega Bay, where 60 acres of lush tropical landscaping, lakes with dramatic water features and abundant wildlife blend to form this vibrant community. Just seven minutes to downtown and seven minutes to St Pete Beach, the new Villas, Estate Homes and Condominiums of Marina Bay redefine luxury and provide resilience by building to Fortified Standards. Visit Marina Bay, next to Eckerd College, to tour our new models
• FORTIFIED™ Construction for the utmost protection against hurricanes and extreme weather
• Featuring unparalleled design and construction that far exceeds building code requirements.
• Concrete block construction all floors
• Natural gas cooking and generators standard
• Private elevator from garage to living level
• Impact windows and doors
• Two pools, day dock, fishing pier, fitness room
• Deep water boat slips no bridges to the Gulf
To the builder of Marina Bay, it’s EVERYTHING.
Marina Bay is the FIRST community in Pinellas County to receive the FORTIFIED Gold™ designation.
To thearchitects andbuildersof MarinaBay,it’s EVERYTHING.
FORTIFIED™ goes beyond code, meaning FORTIFIED™ Construction far exceeds most building codes and improves the performance of buildings against natural disasters and reducing the risk of personal property losses.
Buildingto FORTIFIED means creatingresilienthomesthat willbetterwith-standsevere weather.
FORTIFIED goesbeyond code,meaningitexceeds mostbuildingcodesby improvingtheperformance ofbuildingsagainstnatural disastersandreducingtherisk ofpersonalpropertylosses. HOW IMPORTANT IS SAFETY TO YOU?
PUBLISHERS MESSAGE
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
www.paradisenewsfl.com/letter
For more than 30 years, Paradise News has been mailed to residents and displayed for visitors to the Florida communities on the Gulf Beaches of Pinellas and increasingly farther inland toward downtown St. Petersburg and its eastern shore. Our amazing website www.paradisenewsfl.com reaches interested readers from around the world.
The mission of the magazine is to educate, entertain and enhance the lives of all who take the time to look at it. Every issue contains a painstakingly updated listing of arts and leisure and events in the Tampa Bay area, as well as articles and ads on real estate, home improvement, health, wellness, pets, dining, entertainment, recreation and more. Starting in March we will have a new veterinarian article from Hometown Veterinary Partners each issue.
So much was lost by so many of us on Sept. 26 and Oct. 9, 2024, when hurricanes Helene and Milton became the first two in over a century to cause widespread flooding in the Tampa Bay area. Since then, we added hurricane recovery to our editorial mission, and we have been sharing what we are learning about FEMA’s rules about rebuilding in a flood plain and how our area can recover from these catastrophic events. We are proud to have been able to publish each month, despite everything mother nature throws our way. We print and distribute 25-30,000 print copies monthly, except for July and September.
Our digital department produces a weekly digital newsletter that is emailed to a growing list of folks who subscribe (for FREE) on our website, where readers can also access copies of Paradise News from the last 10 years at www.issuu.com/ParadiseNewsFL, as well as history stories, advice columns and more. It is amazing how often we hear people say, “We LOVE Paradise News.”
So much was lost last Fall, and we know how comforting it must be to see Paradise News is still publishing. It has not been easy. Some of our treasured hotels and motels and loyal advertisers are still trying to reopen. Others never will be back. We were flooded out of our home and office and have recently moved for the sixth time since the storm. We are now in a downtown St. Pete condo, where we are likely to remain for 6-18 months, until our beach house is ready to move back into.
We appreciate more than you can imagine, our amazing team, our loyal writers who contribute, and the advertisers who pay to bring you your favorite local publication each month. Life in the area is returning to normal, except for those of us living very near the “Gulf of America.” This issue is chock full of fun things to do, so take a look. If you visit our advertisers, please let them know you read about them in Paradise NEWS.
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.
Special Discounted
Subscription Offer
Order print, mailed subscriptions online.
Paradise NEWS
Volume 31 Number 2 • February 2025
PUBLISHERS
Peter Roos | Marketing & Sales 813.230.3965
sales@paradisenewsfl.com
Renee Roos | Creative Director 727.421.0341
info@paradisenewsfl.com
ART & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Janet Nummi info@janetnummi.com
SOCIAL MEDIA & WEBSITE MANAGER Kaeley Dawson paradisenewsfl@gmail.com
EDITORIAL
Caron Schwartz - Art News, Hanging Around Buddy Baker - Arts & Leisure / Events
Dennis Merritt Jones, DDEncouraging Words
Kelly Rouse - Dining
Claire Brinsden Jordan - Health & Wellness
Steve Walden Attorney - Legal Corner
Marlene Shaw - Gulfport Matters
Andrea Martone - Artists Spotlight
Jim Beggins - Real Estate
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Visit St. Pete Clearwater
Visit Florida • City of St. Pete • Janet Nummi
Public Media Resource Images
SUBMISSIONS
WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS
Paradise News welcomes submissions.
727.363.6888 • info@paradisenewsfl.com
DEADLINES Advertising • Classified • Editorial 15th of the month, one month prior to print
DISTRIBUTION - Mailed on “Island Time” www.paradisenewsfl.com/distribution-locations 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
The Centre of St. Pete Beach is a medicinal Cannabis-centric educational, meeting and events center with doctor offices and a great new restaurant, as well as co-working space and more.
Medicinal Cannabis use is legal in Florida and 37 other states, three territories and the District of Columbia. There is a growing list of therapeutic uses. Chronic pain relief, anxiety, insomnia and helping to tolerate cancer therapy often head the list.
After dealing with the aftermath of at least two hurricanes, who isn’t anxious, in pain or having trouble sleeping.
In Florida, almost 900,000 full and part-time residents (31 days in Florida is the minimum) have applied for and received state issued ID cards to obtain products containing medically effective levels of THC and CBD.
These products run the gamut from smokeable flower, through gummies, chocolates, beverages, as well as oils, creams and lotions for topical use.
The National Institutes of Health publishes The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence, in the National Library of Medicine. It says in part, therapeutic medical uses of Cannabis include:
• chronic pain
• cancer
• chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
• anorexia and weight loss associated with HIV
• irritable bowel syndrome
• epilepsy
• spasticity
• Tourette syndrome
• amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• Huntington’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• dystonia
• dementia
• glaucoma
• traumatic brain injury
• addiction
• anxiety
• depression
• sleep disorders
• post traumatic stress disorder
• schizophrenia
• other psychoses
While not considered a cure, Cannabis helps many deal with the symptoms that come with these conditions. It can also decrease dependance on opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
If you or your health care professional feel medical marijuana products are right for you or your loved one, Triverde Health has a system to make the process simple at a fair price. They have doctor appointments available with caring, experienced physicians to get you off on the right foot.
Call Triverde Health at 727-258-2001 for an appointment to apply for your state issued ID card today.
www.thecentrespb.com
TIDBITS
Tampa International Airport offers nonstop service to London, Mexico City, Panama City, Frankfurt, Zurich, Amsterdam and more. In the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2024, according to the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, 1.4 million international passengers represent a new record, about 200,000 over 2023.
Odise Armata, affectionately known as “Odi,” is a St. Pete Beach treasure. Odi’s Mediterranean Kitchen is a restaurant, with gyros, platters and great fries, a nice selection of beverages including beers and imported wines for every palette and budget, but also a deli offering amazing fresh salads, olives, beets, Feta cheese, home-made stuffed grape leaves, olive oil and a selection of Mediterranean confections, including desserts made by Odi’s wife Mirella, who also operates the salon next door. Find him at www.Odiskitchen.com or on Facebook.
The big scoop is that Odi’s place is beginning to offer dinner Thursday through Saturday each week, with a happy hour hosted by a spirited, long-time local Odi has known for more than a decade.
Johnny DeRosa is one of very few individuals ever featured on the cover of Paradise News, in August of 2009, Vol. 16, No. 7, when he visited every state capitol after the oil spill devasted tourism here, carrying the message that Pinellas Beaches were oil free.
Suntan Art Center Inc. a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization of artists, for artists, was displaced by hurricanes Helene and Milton from the historic Don Vista building in St. Pete Beach and is now located at 401 19th St., St Pete. The center offers classes, workshops and exhibit opportunities to its members. For example, the artists and creators of Suntan Art Center present Art on the Patio, a weekly market held beachside on the patio of Paradise Grille (900 Gulf Way Pass-a-Grille). The market, which has been a favorite for visitors and locals for the past 20 years, runs from 9am-2pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during season (Jan.-April), Saturdays and Sundays year-round. Need a souvenir of your vacation in Pass-a-Grille, a last-minute hostess gift or something special for yourself? These local artists have you covered! What treasures can you find? Jewelry, hand-painted signs, clothing, paintings, candles, local photography, gifts, home décor, hats, sun shirts and more.
By Peter Roos
Visitors to the Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement in St. Petersburg, can see the legendary Arlyn Table, arguably the most important piece of furniture ever created by master craftsman and artist George Nakashima (1905-1990).
www.museumaacm.org
The magnificent table has been in the collection of the Two Red Roses Foundation since it was purchased in 2006 at Sotheby’s New York sale of the famed Arthur and Evelyn Krosnick collection and is currently on view, along with six Nakashima Conoid dining chairs, in the gallery that bears his name. www.tworedroses.com/newsletters/newsletter02122018.html
The Arlyn Table has a unique story. Nakashima created the piece in 1988 for his Princeton, N.J., patrons, Dr. Arthur Krosnick and his wife Evelyn. “Arlyn” is an acronym formed from the couple’s first names. The 9-foot-wide table is made from a cross-section of burled redwood originally from the San Francisco Bay Area’s Muir Woods. The tabletop features 10 holes, three butterfly joints, and an intricate ragged edge that sits atop two intersecting black walnut slabs.
Love is in the air, and The Wharf is always a great date spot. In addition to live music Wed.-Sat., 6-9:30pm with Rob Tyre, check their Facebook for Valentine Day specials as well as their popular grouper sandwich and seafood specials. Stop in any Saturday and Sunday for mimosa specials and all your favorite sports games on TV. Happy hour is Monday-Friday 3:30-6pm. By the end of February, the back dining room with a water view will seat more friends and family and the boat docks and back patio should be done. From mai tais to margaritas, the specialty cocktail list, wines and beers plus peel n’ eat shrimp are a gameday favorite, as are Fish Fry Tuesday and Taco Wednesday. Mardi Gras flavors abound from the gumbo to the hush puppies!
www.facebook.com/WharfPAG
Bayfront Health is now Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital.
A new name, for a new century of care. Three years ago, we welcomed Bayfront Health into the Orlando Health family of hospitals. Since that time, we’ve been making steady investments in Bayfront Health and the St. Petersburg community to improve the quality of care and your patient experience, with expanded services and access to more top specialists. And we are proud to add our name. Stay tuned for even more good news to come.
OrlandoHealth.com/Bayfront
TIDBITS
The Tomkats Jazz Orchestra plays Thursday, Feb. 13 at 7pm at Pass-a-Grille Community Church, 107 16th Ave., St. Pete Beach, the first of the church’s Spring Concert Series that runs every second Thursday into April. Thursday, Feb. 27, BeatleBeat, March 13, Greg Billings and the Stay Up Late Band plays. Then Stormbringer on March 27 and Black Honkeys on April 10. Bring a lawn chair, a beverage, snacks and a donation ($10-20/ person suggested) for the Good Samaritan Food Pantry and the church’s Post Hurricane Rebuilding Fund.
TORCH! a musical roast of love! Laurie Loyst was a New York city cabaret artist, who owned a musical pariody company and was an entertainer on cruise ships and more. The St. Pete Beach resident comes out of retirement with a show on Valentine’s night, Friday, Feb. 14, at the Warren Webster Community Center in Pass-a-Grille. She recruited The Scorchin’ Hot Band, three musicians with incredible credentials! Pianist Robin Swenson has toured and recorded with Frankie Valli, Air Supply,
Helen Reddy, and more. Bassist Mark Neuenschwander is currently playing for Andrea Bocelli’s Florida concerts and is in charge of the band. He has worked with Billy Eckstine, Cab Calloway, Bob Hope, John Travolta, Michael Feinstein, Rosemary Clooney...and an endless list of Who’s Who. And drummer Albie Berk has spent the better part of his life as the personal drummer for Joel Grey, Debbie Reynolds, Suzanne Somers, Michael Feinstein, Tony Danza, and more. Tickets ($35) can be reserved by emailing laurie.loyst@gmail.com.
Does your Valentine Love the Beatles Music?
Imagine, the music of The Beatles by One City Chorus, St. Pete’s 100-voice community chorus, takes the audience on a journey of the best-loved songs of the Fab Four! Sunday, Feb. 16 at 4pm. Hough Hall (doors open one hour prior to the show) Tickets: GA $25 ($20 until 2/16/25)
The St. Pete Economic Development Corporation holds their annual meeting Wednesday, Feb. 19, 3pm at the St. Pete Museum of History. Check-in and welcome reception: 4pm program; 5pm community connections reception; 6pm adjourn. You’ll be hearing from some of the companies that have relocated to St. Pete and will be unveiling a new EDC logo and website. Reserve your spot here at bit.ly/edcannual2025
The Bay Area Renaissance Festival is operated by the same event producers as the Michigan RenFest. Held for years now at 12838 Auton Rd., Dade City, the “local” event returns for six weekends, Feb. 15-March 30. Adult tickets at the gate this year are $25.95 with discounts for seniors, kids. Dress up and be a part of it, bring your well-behaved pet or just come, eat, drink, be merry, take pictures. The 90-minute drive there is increasingly rural, getting you ready for the time warp back to 16th century England. Theme weekends include: Feb. 15-16 Once upon a time www.bayarearenfest.com/ once-upon-a-time Feb. 22-23 Highland Fling www.bayarearenfest.com/ highland-fling-2 March 1-2 BARKbarian Brewfest www.bayarearenfest. com/barkbarian-brew-fest-2 March 8-9 Heroes and Havoc www.bayarearenfest.com/ heroes-havoc March 9 Ladies & Lords Shopping Day www.bayarearenfest.com/ lords-ladies-shopping-day March 15-16 Shamrocks and Shenanigans www.bayarearenfest.com/ shamrocks-shenanigans-2 March 22-23 Viking Invasion www.bayarearenfest.com/ viking-invasion-2 March 29-30 Buccaneers and Ballgowns www.bayarearenfest. com/buccaneers-and-ballgowns
March 8-9, Treasure Island hosts Back to the Beach: Sand & Kites & Coastal Delights on Treasure Island Beach from 10am-6pm daily. Visitors will see sandcastles beyond their wildest imaginations.
Also, on March 8-9, just outside The Imagine Museum, on Central Avenue near 20th St., some of the area’s finest artists are featured in the season’s second fine art festival in this new location. This outdoor boutique art show features 50 talented, juried artists across various disciplines and runs from 10am-5pm daily. With something for everyone at every price point, the event offers free admission, with donations supporting arts and education initiatives.
There is a municipal election March 11 that could change your representation in local government. Two council seats are open in Indian Shores, Indian Rocks Beach and South Pasadena with three and four candidates to choose from. District 4 in Redington Shores and 16 referendum questions will be decided.
In St. Pete Beach, District 2 incumbent commissioner Lisa Robinson defends her seat from challenger Grant Izzi. In Treasure Island both the mayor and city commissioner District 2 will be chosen.
Commissioner and Vice Mayor John E. Doctor, who became mayor when Tyler Payne resigned after the storms, faces Doyle Wayne Johnson. Chris Clark faces Diana L. Crabill in District 2.
Three are running for Gulfport Ward 2 Council member, including our columnist and “Gulfport Matters” Facebook page operator, Marlene Shaw, who had also worked for the city some years ago, who faces Bryan E. Chalfont and Christine Anne Brown. Sam Henderson has been mayor of Gulfport for years. Long-time resident Karen Love also wants the job. She has been a tireless volunteer for the Pink Flamingo Home Tour and other worthy community efforts for decades.
They are opposed by relative newcomer, John William Liccione, whose community spirit is more global. According to his website and an email he sent out recently, “A domestic violence survivor and exonerated prisoner, John has faced and overcome profound personal challenges, transforming these experiences into a lifelong mission to fight for justice and equity. Now, as a candidate for mayor of Gulfport, John is bringing his passion for service and societal problem-solving to the local level, ready to make meaningful changes for the residents, homeowners, and businesses of Gulfport.” As a recent Democratic candidate for Congress in Florida’s 13th Congressional District, John demonstrated his ability to craft policies that benefit all people and small businesses – not just the wealthy and powerful. John enjoys writing and performing comedic political satire as well as traditional folk, bluegrass,
By Peter Roos
and alt rock and classic soft rock with his acoustic guitar occasionally at the North End Tap House on Tuesday open mic nights.
After the recent Gulfport City Council Meeting, John researched and wrote a scathing report accusing the county and state disaster recovery contractor with filing fraudulent reports. It said in part: My Fellow Gulfportians!
At Jan 21st’s City Council meeting, “…I heard the words “Tidal Basin!” uttered like a curse by the lady sitting next to me, and from others, and my antennae shot up. Tidal Basin? Tell me more. John pointed out in a recent group email that The Tidal Basin Group, “is the company the state of Florida is cramming down the throats of Pinellas County coastal cities for FEMA-funded storm damage assessment inspections. They have state and Pinellas County contracts for this. It turns out their inspectors have been filing false claims of substantial damage on what are undamaged or slightly damaged properties...so far...until now, with impunity. This must stop: now. So, how do we stop the bleeding?”
John’s independent media company, The Crabber News, where he’s CEO, and sole owner, has just wrapped up the first phase of its preliminary investigation into this emerging scandal, dubbing it TidalGate. On Jan. 27, they published the results of its preliminary investigation in a scathing exposé entitled: TidalGate: Disaster Recovery – the New Medicare in Florida
CONDO LIVING 101
People who were flooded out of their single-story homes on Florida’s west coast when hurricanes Helene and Milton brought storm surge into their living rooms may have envied those living above the first floor in condo buildings, but many of them have problems of their own. Those considering buying a condo in an older building should inquire about the building’s condition first.
We met a survivor of Milton, for example, who had to vacate her eighth-floor condo near the Skyway Bridge due to flooding from wind-driven rain that got under her sliders and past her hurricane shutters.
It’s been three and a half years since the Champlain Towers South condominium in
Surfside collapsed, destroying half the building’s units and killing almost 100 people. Before the collapse of Champlain Towers, unit owners there faced steep assessments after they had postponed major repairs. The condo association had under $800,000 in reserves to pay for an estimated $16.2 million in repairs.
The tragedy forced the state to overhaul condo safety rules that raised the bar for building maintenance, inspections and reserves. As condo associations across Florida scramble to bring buildings up to the new standard, many residents are being forced to pay up.
Bayfront Tower, for example, a luxury condo building on Beach Drive in downtown St. Petersburg, made headlines when needed repairs were estimated at $45 million. The 29-story, 1975 vintage building has a rooftop pool, fitness center and access to shops and restaurants. It’s been home to some of the city’s most prominent residents, architects, judges, entrepreneurs and former Gov. Charlie Crist.
Engineers who inspected the building discovered a host of major issues, including possible problems with post tension cables, the metal framing and stucco on the outside of the building, the garage concrete and the roof.
By Peter Roos
Though the building was deemed structurally sound, the repairs could cost millions and take years to complete. Condominium owners will pay special assessments to cover it. Condos across the state face scrutiny thanks to Senate Bill 4-D, which the Florida Legislature passed unanimously in a special session in 2023.
• Condos taller than two stories had to undergo milestone inspections after 30 years and every 10 years thereafter, to determine if the building is sound and whether any repairs are needed.
• Buildings 30 years or older had to complete milestone inspections by Dec. 31, 2024.
• Condos three stories and higher had to do a study of reserve funds before Dec. 31, 2024, and every 10 years thereafter, to determine how much condo associations must save to properly maintain the building.
• Condo associations are barred from waiving or underfunding reserves.
In the following few editions, Paradise News senior writer and condo dweller, Steve Traiman, will take a look at pros and cons of condo living and share some insight with readers who are considering buying a unit in an existing building.
Introducing OrganiCLEAN, Your Next Cleaning Service
By Peter Roos
Ryan Young of OrganiCLEAN was introduced to us by a trusted advisor after Helene visited and left our home full of sea water and debris.
In normal times, OrganiCLEAN is a 5-star rated cleaning service, specializing in janitorial, carpet, tile, upholstery, area rugs, power washing and waxing in both commercial and residential establishments. When we met, our home needed professional mold prevention services in a hurry, and Ryan’s team was up to the task.
They removed the granite countertops and lower cabinets in the kitchen and both baths and cut out the lower 4 feet of all the interior walls in the house, then sprayed the safest bactericides for mold prevention available, then dried the entire house out for three days with fans and dehumidifiers.
They did what they said they would do expeditiously at a competitive price. You needn’t rely on my referral. All the online reviews I have seen for his company are glowing 5-star reviews.
The reviews we read convinced us that OrganiCLEAN is the ultimate choice for all your cleaning and restoration needs. IICRC certified experts in carpet, tile, upholstery, area rugs, mold remediation, water restoration and more! They do an amazing job cleaning tile and grout, and they can even diamond polish your terrazzo floors.
You can call 727-977-8889, visit Ryan and OrganiCLEAN online at www.chooseorganiclean.com or email him at office@chooseOrganiCLEAN.com
PARENTING PLAN CONSIDERATIONS FOR TEENAGERS
By Jake Hornstein & Greg Hill, Our Children Have Rights (OCHR)
Parenting plans with children birth to age 5 require unique considerations. What about parenting plans for teenagers 15-18? A parenting plan governs the relationship and decision-making between parents and the child(ren). It addresses issues such as education, health care, and time-sharing.
Decisions-making outcomes vary. Plans may designate one parent with authority over all decisions, certain types (education, healthcare), or there can be shared decision-making. With shared decision-making, communicating and conferring on key issues is expected. If disputes arise, parents revert to the parenting plan. Developing effective plans for teenagers has its own unique considerations:
COMMUNICATION & SCHEDULES:
• Teenagers are busy...they have friends, jobs, sports, and other activities.
• Does the plan fit each co-parent’s schedule? Or does it fit the schedule of a teenager?
• Teenagers like to spend time with friends. Where are the friends? Are they closer to one home and much further from the other? Is it best to have a “primary home?” Five days with one parent, and two days with the other? Or two weeks with one parent and one week with the other?
• Does the plan address communication between parents?
• What about methods of communication?
Text, email, phone? None of the above?
• Does it require a co-parenting app for communication?
• Is there a required “response time” to hold each parent accountable? 24 hours? Two days?
• Decisions should be well coordinated.
Teenagers benefit by seeing co-parents work as a team.
DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION:
Teenagers undergo development changes, both physically and emotionally. What if behavioral issues arise? What if a specialist suggests intervention through medication? Is this a health care decision? Who decides?
Education and post-high school plans become more important. Does one parent prefer trade school vs. a university? Who decides? Who pays?
Is there a provision that caps tuition payments for one parent? Does the plan even address decisions made at 15-18, which carry over to age 19-22? (PAUSE) For readers who think they stumped us because by age 18 the child is an adult...we know that!!!
While it’s no longer a custody matter, commitments to pay for things post-18 DO happen.
Parenting plans are extremely important, especially when there’s conflict. If disputes arise, the plan usually dictates the outcome. Knowing what to consider while building a plan with teenagers can be the difference between successful co-parenting or ongoing disputes (and angry, resentful teenagers!).
Our Children Have Rights serves children by helping parents navigate child custody and co-parenting, at no cost to the family. We’re on a mission...a mission to protect the rights of children to have access to both responsible parents by providing education, resources, and support services for successful co-parenting.
Why? Because Our Children Have Rights.
Contact Jake at JakeHornstein@OurChildrenHaveRights.com or learn more online at www.OCHR.Org
To donate: www.ourchildrenhaverights.org/donate
REAL ESTATE
ELEVATE FLORIDA In last month’s real estate column, we presented the table concept which we are planning to initially use to help elevate 10 Madeira Beach properties out of the flood plain. In that article I mentioned that some modular building companies are anxious to help homeowners rebuild hurricane proof structures. This month I present Cerca Homes, a highly respected designer and builder of homes that FEMA will love. “Cerca Homes helps homeowners reimagine their land with premium prefab
sheds, ADUs, and homes. With a focus on innovative design and stress-free installation, Cerca provides families with the extra space they need to live, work, and play, all without the hassle of traditional construction.”
People ask how to pay for elevating your home out of the flood plain. I say approach it like any other major investment. You can use your children’s inheritance. It is a safe bet that will save you money on flood insurance and pay back with interest if it is ever sold.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) and others offer low interest loans and even grants up to $30,000 are available from the county.
There is a lot of excitement in the home-raising industry right now, as the Florida Division of Emergency Management recently announced a potentially game changing program to enhance community resilience by mitigating private residences against natural hazards, Florida’s first statewide residential mitigation program, ELEVATE FLORIDA.
By Jim Beggins
ELIGIBLE PROJECT TYPES
These project types are eligible under the Statewide Residential Mitigation Program.
• Structure Elevation: Physically raising an existing sound structure, capable of being elevated safely, with its utilities.
• Mitigation Reconstruction: Construction of an improved, elevated building on the same site where an existing building and/or foundation has been partially or completely demolished or destroyed.
• Structure Acquisition: communities purchase at-risk structures from voluntary sellers and demolish them. The property is then maintained, in perpetuity, for open-space purposes and to restore or conserve the site’s natural floodplain functions.
NEXT STEPS
More information about how and when to apply is coming soon. Subscribe to receive future communications by selecting at Residential Mitigation Communications at www.FloridaDisaster.org/Subscription-Topics You can begin to prepare for the application by compiling the following information:
• Photos of any flooding inside or outside of the home (if available)
• Photos of high-water marks and photos measuring the height of the marks
• Insurance claim payouts or assistance documentation (if available)
• Receipts or estimates for repairs from previous events
• A list of aesthetic alterations to the home and year completed (if home is over 45 years old)
– Window and door replacement
– Roof replacement – Remodeling
– Painting or re-siding
– Additions, decks, landings or garages
– Any historic use of structure
CONTACT
If you are a resident of Florida and interested in learning more about mitigation grant funding for your property, please email ResidentialMitigation@em.myflorida.com with your name, city, and your specific question or situation.
If you would like to receive future updates about this program, please subscribe to receive FDEM Residential Mitigation Communications at www.floridadisaster.org/subscription-topics.
DINING
It’s February, which means love is in the air! Whether you’re looking to spoil a special someone on Valentine’s Day or are celebrating with friends on Galentine’s Day or Malentine’s Day (it’s a thing – look it up), we’ve got some great ideas for a fun and/or romantic night out and even an extra special suggestion for a date outing that will always be remembered.
LEFT BANK BISTRO
The Left Bank Bistro opened in 2019 in the heart of St. Pete and both its design and menu were inspired by the artists of 1920s Paris. As restaurateur Susanne Byram says, “This is our tip of the hat to the days of Jazz and Champagne.” The renovated 1920s home that the restaurant inhabits is both cozy and stylish. Their delicious and yet accessible French-style fare is overseen by Executive Chef Jermaine Bass. For a larger group, you can’t go wrong with the fromage and charcuterie block with tasty nibbles to share. Other standout appetizers are the marinated heirloom tomatoes, crab and lobster cakes and the beef tenderloin sliders. They do a terrific salad Nicoise and entrée selections include Boeuf Bourguignon, Duck a la Orange, and Snapper Montecarlo, among others (for vegans they offer a mushroom quinoa). Save room for a delectable dessert, such as Crepe Susanne or Crème Brulee. They offer craft cocktails, wine, and beer and have a great happy hour. Left Bank Bistro is also known for their popular brunch on weekends – favorites include the crab and artichoke omelet, the Croque Madame and the Pain Perdu (an upgrade to your regular French toast). On nice days, dining on
their patio is delightful. So, if you’re seeking some French cuisine in February, look no further than Left Bank Bistro – “bon appetit!” Closed Monday | Tues.-Thurs. 11am-9pm | Fri. 11am-10am Sat. 10am- 10pm | Sun. 10am-3pm www.theleftbankbistro.com
TEAK
At Teak, you can expect an elevated casual dining experience that is located on the fourth floor of the Pier Head Building with stunning views of the St. Petersburg skyline and Tampa Bay. Executive Chef, Felicia Lacalle, most recognizable from her former ventures Hemingway’s at Tampa’s Armature Works and Kuba Cocina on St. Pete Beach, came to Teak in March 2023, bringing her extensive experience and passion for distinctive cooking and launching a revamped menu with a “modern Floribbean flair with lots of flavor.” The coastal-inspired menu now features a fresh catch daily option and her award-winning Cuban sandwich, as well as starters like the tuna tar-tacos, firecracker brussels, and crispy calamari. Proteins can be added to all of their salads. Recommended entrees include the personal paella, sesame crusted salmon, and lobster carbonara. The staff is attentive and are happy to help with recommendations. Brunch is served on the weekends for the Galentines who want to celebrate with a Mimosa Kit. Celebrate your love with an outstanding meal and a breathtaking view! Mon.-Fri. 11am-10pm | Sat. & Sun. 10am-3pm and 5pm-10pm www.teakstpete.com
SNAPPERS SEA GRILL
Under the direction of proprietor Daniel Casey, the casual elegance of Snappers offers exceptional seafood, perfectly aged steaks and delectable in-house-made desserts in a big city bistro atmosphere on St. Pete Beach. Voted one of the top 50 restaurants in Tampa Bay, Snappers is truly a gem on the beachside. They feature generous portions of fresh-caught seafood straight from the Gulf and their stuffed grouper with shrimp, scallop and crab meat stuffing over a grouper filet with puff pastry potato and finished with a champagne cream sauce as mouth-watering as it sounds. If you’ve brought a big appetite, treat yourself to the Surf & Turf, two lobster tails and a chef-cut 16oz ribeye. The wasabi crusted tuna is the most popular dish on the menu, with reason. They have an excellent wine list and the service is top notch. Snappers also has an early bird happy hour from 4-5:30pm daily that may be the best deal on the beaches. Snappers has been a St. Pete Beach favorite for 30 years and they’ve earned their reputation. Note: they do not accept reservations. Closed Mon. | Sun., Tues-Thurs. 4pm-9:30pm | Fri.-Sat. 4pm-10pm | www.snappersseagrill.com
PICNIC CHEMISTRY
By Kelly Rouse
Looking for something different to do to celebrate your love with that person you’re looking to impress – or even better – make swoon? Jenna Rodriguez and Picnic Chemistry specialize in date nights and anniversaries. Jenna and her team set up beautiful picnics in three water-side locations around town (Crescent Lake Park, Vinoy Park, and Treasure Island Beach). They offer sand and sunset picnics and bubble picnics. Sunset picnics are popular and book up quickly, so be sure to book in advance. The picnic includes a blanket with low table and pillowed seating, as well as plating and a gorgeous charcuterie board and custom wine cups with chilled/sparkling water. They do not provide alcohol, but welcome you to bring your own (assuming park/ beach rules allow it). Décor like a decorated arch with twinkling lights add that magical touch. Their picnics are events you will remember forever. www.picnicchemistry.com
COOKING CORNER
By Janet Nummi
Infrared Sauna
Scan for More Information
Daily specials, sensational seafood, sandwiches & more. Full bar. Enjoy water view, indoor/outdoor dining, and your favorite sports teams on 13 TVs.
LIVE MUSIC Wed.-Sat. 6-9:30pm with Rob Tyre. HAPPY HOUR Mon.-Fri. 3:30-6pm
MENU 2001 Pass-A-Grille Way, St. Pete Beach
https://bit.ly/thewharfpag 727-367-9469
HEART-HEALTHY FOODS
Heart-healthy foods are essential for maintaining cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of heart disease. These foods are typically rich in nutrients like fiber, healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamins that support heart function. Examples include fruits and vegetables, which are packed with vitamins and minerals; whole grains, which provide fiber to help lower cholesterol; and lean proteins, such as fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation. Nuts, seeds, and legumes also contribute heart-friendly fats and proteins. Additionally, reducing intake of processed foods, saturated fats, and added sugars can enhance heart health. Incorporating these foods into a balanced diet, alongside regular physical activity, is a key strategy for a strong and healthy heart.
Dairy: Low-fat or skim milk, yogurt, cheese (low-fat or reduced-fat)
Dark Chocolate: 70% or higher cocoa content
Additional Tips:
• Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats (such as saturated and trans fats).
• Choose foods low in sodium.
• Cook at home more often to control ingredients.
• Read food labels carefully.
• Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized dietary recommendations.
by Peter Roos
We first introduced Beverly Gianna to Paradise News readers back in the spring of 2016. With over 40 years of experience in the jewelry industry, Beverly has built a reputation for excellence. Since opening her jewelry business in St. Pete, she has not only established a successful business (awarded the 2023 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Madeira Beach/Treasure Island Chambers), but has also become a beloved member of the community, with many friends she now considers family.
Beverly is a highly skilled and respected jeweler who truly enjoys connecting with people and embracing life. As a diamond expert, she personally travels to Antwerp, Belgium, to handpick diamonds for her collection, offering custom orders for those seeking something truly special.
Her passion for jewelry goes beyond creating new pieces – one of Beverly’s favorite aspects of her work is refurbishing old jewelry that might otherwise be forgotten in a drawer. “I love helping people transform family heirlooms into modern designs, giving new life to their gems and precious metals,” says Beverly.
With decades of expertise, Beverly is dedicated to providing personalized service that ensures satisfaction with every experience. Whether it’s restoring, redesigning, or repurposing cherished items with sentimental value, she’s here to help.
Beverly Gianna Luxury Jewelry & Design now has a new location in the same plaza as Earth Origins and Craft Café. Visit or call 727-513-3469 for more information or to schedule a consultation. Plus, she offers in-house financing with deferred interest to make your jewelry dreams more accessible.
Beverly Gianna Luxury Jewelry & Design Ltd. 6647 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-513-3469 | www.BeverlyGianna.com
The Grand Prix is ‘Back on Track’ in Downtown St. Petersburg
In the aftermath of two major hurricanes impacting the region, the sights and sounds of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding will be extra special this time around for fans and festivalgoers. The 21st annual event set for Feb. 28-March 2 is a three-day spectacle of racing, food and fun along the downtown waterfront highlighted by the NTT IndyCar Series’ season-opening race.
The weekend’s headlining race will take the green flag on Sunday, March 2 just after noon ET as over two dozen of the world’s most elite drivers battle in high-powered Indy cars on the 1.8-mile, 14-turn street course for 100 laps (180 miles). The jam-packed weekend schedule also includes competition from open-wheel racing’s rising stars in Indy NXT by Firestone, USF Pro 2000 and USF2000, plus fender-banging sports car action from Mazda MX-5 Cup.
“We are honored to organize this event each year and look forward to all the great fans from across the country and world joining us again in beautiful downtown St. Petersburg,” said Kim Green, co-owner, chairman and CEO of Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC, organizers of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding.
“With the recent challenges from the hurricanes and ongoing recovery happening for our community, it’s going to be a great weekend to enjoy as we get St. Pete back on track together.”
The weekend is often called “IndyCar’s version of Monaco” (in reference to the Formula 1 race held in the European city-state along the Mediterranean Sea) with its spectacular waterfront track winding through downtown, past yachts and the eye-catching Dali Museum. The race broadcast will reach a global television audience with millions of viewers worldwide in over 200 countries – priceless promotion for the City of St. Petersburg and the area as a tourism destination. A live national
broadcast of Sunday’s IndyCar race will air on FOX (locally on FOX 13 Tampa Bay) for the very first time as the new television partner for the race series.
Two community activities are planned for Thursday, Feb. 27 in North Straub Park in downtown St. Petersburg to kick off the festivities. INDYCAR Party in the Park, a free event featuring race cars on display and drivers signing autographs, and the annual 5K Run & Walk, with all proceeds from enrollments benefiting the Police Athletic League of St. Petersburg, happen in the late afternoon.
Visit www.gpstepete.com for tickets and additional fan information.
photo by Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding: Racing Action (Firestone Signage)
Matters of the Heart
When it comes to love, the brain, and more specifically the amygdala, regulates the feelings and emotions we experience. So, why does the heart get all the credit? Perhaps it’s because when we fall in love our heart beats faster, or because we find comfort in listening to the heartbeat of someone we love. As soon as we are born, the heart becomes the organ that never rests, pumping life-giving blood throughout the body for the entirety of our lives.
Imagine a complex man-made machine with such an important job working that well for so long! Just as the heart endures, so does love. It’s no wonder we gift the human heart with our ability to love.
Having love in your life is good for the heart. Surrounding yourself with people who love you, whether that’s family, friends, or pet companions, is beneficial to your heart health in several ways. When we feel love our brain releases dopamine, which makes us feel calm, and the “love hormone” oxytocin, which relaxes blood vessels and may help repair damaged heart muscles.
The calmness and peace that love brings lowers blood pressure and reduces stress and anxiety. And if you do develop heart problems, love can help you recover. Research has shown that married people and those who have the support of loved ones, have better outcomes and survival rates after cardiac surgery.
We also attribute love lost to the heart, suffering a “broken heart.” In fact, the heart does suffer physically due to emotional stress, in what’s known as takotsubo cardiomyopathy or “broken heart syndrome.” The emotional stress of losing love causes temporary weakness in the heart muscles, and the symptoms of a heart attack like chest pain and shortness of breath. But these symptoms, while frightening, are only temporary. Unlike a real heart attack, where heart tissue is damaged, the sudden surge of stress hormones that “stun” the heart muscles in broken heart syndrome doesn’t do any permanent harm. Broken heart syndrome is more common in women, and in rare cases can be fatal, so anyone experiencing symptoms of a heart attack should seek medical attention.
It’s clear that love is good for the heart, but how do you go about filling your life with more of it?
We are fortunate here in South Pinellas to have places and opportunities to meet friends (both human and furry) and romantic interests. One of the best ways to meet people is to hang out at the dog park. If you don’t have a dog, I highly recommend adopting one from a local shelter like Pet Pal or Friends of Strays, or a breed-specific rescue organization. When I moved to St. Petersburg, I adopted my beloved Rottie from a rescue and have since spent countless hours at the dog park meeting people and making lasting friendships. The best part, however, is that my dog and I have given each other nine years of unconditional love, which is great for our hearts.
Another way to “find your tribe” is through exercise, whether it’s playing pickleball at the public courts, joining a local running club, or taking a group exercise class. When you have shared interests and see people on a regular basis, it’s easier to get to know one another and form deep bonds. While you’re having fun exercising with friends and loved ones, your heart is enjoying the benefits of improved circulation, stress reduction, and strengthening of the heart muscles. Over the years I have met some of my closest friends in dance class, and more recently I have found new
friendships playing tennis. I suppose the lesson here is to do something you love, and love will find you.
Perhaps the most rewarding way to meet new people is through volunteering. There are numerous charitable organizations in South Pinellas that need volunteers, whether it’s one time or once a week. If you are interested in the Arts, volunteer at Museum of Fine Arts, Morean Arts Center, Creative Clay, or American Stage Theatre. If you’re interested in helping the environment, lend a hand to Keep Pinellas Beautiful, Tampa Bay Watch, or the Tampa Bay Estuary Program. If you want to help wildlife, volunteer with the Seaside Sea Bird Sanctuary
By Claire Brinsden Jordan
There are numerous organizations to help people in need, including the Boley Centers, CASA, Daystar Life Center, and more. I have been a volunteer at the St. Petersburg Free Clinic for the past eight years, helping clients in the We Help Food Pantry. There is a lot of love given and received in places like this.
When it comes to heart health, having good relationships is as important as a healthy diet and exercise (and not smoking). Positive relationships are a two-way street of trust and security, providing the support we need to handle stress, develop healthy habits, and feel happy. Our capacity as humans to love and to love others is at the core of our well-being. Opening your heart to love may be the key to saving it. As Rumi said, “The rose opens and opens, and when it falls, falls outward.”
A ROSE IS (NOT JUST) A ROSE
Did you know that the rose is not just a symbol of love, but a flower that is also good for the heart? Rose hips and petals contain antioxidants that lower blood pressure and cholesterol and fight free radicals that lead to heart disease.
Coundouriotis Facial Plastic Surgery & Laser Center is a full service facial plastic and cosmetic surgery practice specializing in the art and science of surgical and non-surgical procedures for the face, eyes, neck, and nose. The new MedSpa excels in aesthetic treatments and services to restore and maintain healthy, beautiful skin.
Dr. Coundouriotis is dual board-certified and fellowship-trained in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and offers the latest and most trusted cosmetic services including laser, injectables, eye rejuvenation, wrinkle treatments, CoolSculpting™, HydraFacials, microneedling with PRP and more.
“...I would recommend Dr. C to everyone I know. Not only is he a professional at what he does, but he goes over and above what’s necessary to see that you leave his office satisfied. He listens to your concerns and recommends the best options for you. He has all the latest equipment and stays up with all the new procedures...”
for a complimentary consultation!
FACE INJECTABLES
For more than 40 years, Abdullah M. Allawnha, DDS and John H. Penny, Jr., DDS, have provided dynamic, compassionate, and personalized dental services to patients in Florida. Utilizing continuous training and education to maintain the highest quality care they remain the leaders in modern dentistry.
What Matters At Century Dental, we believe that maintaining good oral health is essential as you age. A healthy mouth can make all the difference when it comes to feeling good, staying healthy, and looking great throughout life.
At Century Dental, we provide a full range of dental services to help you achieve excellent oral health and receive long-lasting dental solutions.
Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, we stay on the cutting edge of restorative, cosmetic, and preventive dentistry to consistently deliver exceptional care to our community in St. Pete Beach.
My husband and I have had a very positive experience at Century Dental. The staff is professional, courteous and interested in their patients’ comfort. Dr. Allawhana is warm and friendly and completely invested in providing excellent care to his patients. Would highly recommend this practice. –Trish M.
I have been going to Dr. Penny for over 30 years and was always happy with his services. We moved away in 2019, but re-established with Dr. Penny once we moved back to the area. It’s good to be able to receive the excellent care they continue to provide. –Bessie H.
I had a great first experience at Century Dental today! Dr. Allawnha and his staff were very professional and friendly. We live in Florida full time and have finally found the perfect family dental practice that we have been looking for and are accustomed to. Thank you all. –Lori H.
Staff extremely friendly took me in on an emergency call without hesitation doctor Abdullah friendly, sensitive to my concerns, very professional and most importantly treated me to my satisfaction No hesitation to recommend!!! –Dokse P.
LEGAL CORNER
Understanding Child Support
If I took a poll of attorneys to see what issues they are asked about most often, I am sure the answer would overwhelmingly be child support.
Child support is ordered in cases of divorce or for separated, unmarried parents. An order of child support is consided mandatory, but courts have discretion to waive the requirement if the parties agree and the court finds that the absence of child support does not adversely affect the best interest of the child. Child support can be ordered through the child’s 18th birthday or until the child graduates high school if that occurs later. Child support can extend past the 18th birthday if the child has a disability with special needs. A court can also order that child support be retroactive if it finds that the paying party, called the obligor, should have been supporting the child in the past.
In Florida, child support is calculated under guidelines that take into account the income and resources available to both parties. These economonic resources can include wages, bonuses, disability pay, social security, alimony or spousal support, and inheritance. Under the support guidelines, certain amounts are deducted for income tax, mandatory retirement payments, union dues, and health care
By Steve Walden, Attorney at Law
insurance premiums for the child. Income of a new spouse is not considered as a resource to be included for child support calculations – this is the question I am asked most frequently.
Once the adjusted resources are combined, the total amount to support the child is determined on a Child Support Guidelines Chart, which accounts for the net resources of the parties and for the number of children to be supported. The obligation is then apportioned in accordance with the percentage of time each parent has the child during a calendar year; the parent having the highest proportionate amount pays the other parent, who is considered the obligee.
Typically, child support payments are automatically deducted from the obligor’s wages by the Florida Department of Revenue and then disbursed to obligee. The department maintains an accounting of the amounts required to be paid, the actual amounts received, and amounts disbursed to the obligee. This accounting may be used by either party to confirm any unpaid support or as supporting evidence in an enforcement proceeding if the obligor is delinquent on payments.
A child support order may be modified if there is a change in circumstance of the parties or the child that was not accounted for at the time child support was ordered.
For example, a modification could occur if the obligor loses his or her job, the obligee moves and the costs for the obligor to spend time with the child are increased, or if the obligor’s wages increase. In order to find a sufficient change in circumstances, the child support amount has to either increase or decrease by 15% or $50 from the prior ordered amount.
The consequences of not paying the ordered child support may be enforced by the Court. Penalties that may be imposed include attorney fees, court costs, and in certain circumstances, confinement in jail. Child support delinquency may also be punished by the state’s revocation of driver, fishing and hunting licenses. The state may also seize bank accounts, tax refunds, and cause the non-renewal of passports if the delinquency is significant.
Child support issues can be complicated since each case has its own unique circumstances. You should consult with a family law attorney to address your specific child support needs.
Steve Walden, Attorney at Law
The Carlson Law Firm 333 3rd Ave. N, Suite 220 St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Tammy Campbell McNelis’ Legacy & Stunning Tierra Verde Listing
Our cover story this month is about a Tierra Verde home that is listed by Tammy Campbell McNelis, a life-long local, whose parents, Bob and Laura Campbell, moved to a small home on E De Bazan in Don Cesar Place in St. Pete Beach on July 4, 1968. When Bob went to work as zoo manager at the Aquatarium on St. Pete Beach, he and Laura bought a nearby Gulf Boulevard retail location, where Tammy’s mother Laura, a master groomer, owned and operated the Poodle Palace for 52 years prior to retiring and selling the business. Tammy’s first job was working at her parent’s grooming salon and at a local surf shop. Afterwards she would go to the beach – still her favorite thing to do!
Tammy attended Sunshine Elementary School on Pass-A-Grille Beach with the other local beach kids, but only she grew up with wild animals at home. Her first was a South American jaguar named Bozo whom a local resident placed with her Dad to train. She also had the unique opportunity to raise and bottle feed lion cubs and many other exotic animals, bottle feeding them at their home until they were ready to move to the Aquatarium. Old timers often talk about the roar of the lion on the beach. The Aquatarium site subsequently became Silver Sands condo complex
Growing up here, Tammy knows the area better than anyone. After raising her children, she started her real estate career in 2006 in her hometown of St. Pete Beach. Beginning at Coldwell Banker, she rose to the number 1 agent in West Central Florida, then started the #1 small team, and sixth in the entire country for CB. Now a principal luxury real estate professional with COMPASS, her team...The CPM Luxury Team, was number 1 in sales volume in St. Petersburg for 2024.
Tammy is truly grateful for her successful career and could not be happier that her son, Christopher Plummer, joined her team after graduating from college 11 years ago. She has a passion for real estate and an intimate knowledge of the St. Petersburg market and all the nuances from the different beach towns, downtown St. Pete condos and the Old Northeast area. She has worked with CEOs and professional athletes from the Bucs, Lightning and Rays, but more importantly she says “I am a people-person who loves helping my clients discover and fulfill their unique needs. Every home and seller has a story,” much like the one we just told about her.
Aquatarium on St. Pete Beach
Bob Campbell (front), Aquatarium Zoo Manager
Tammy enjoying beach life at the Don Cesar 1969
See listing at https://bit.ly/101-12th-st
Presented by The CPM Luxury Team, Tammy’s featured home this month is 101 12th St. E, Tierra Verde, Florida, 33715 which has some very enticing features:
• Prime Waterfront Location: Situated on a coveted point lot with 185 feet of pristine waterfront, offering panoramic open water views of Tampa Bay and a sheltered dock for large yachts and multiple vessels.
• Architectural Masterpiece: Custom-built in 2006 by Alvarez Custom Homes, featuring timeless design, intricate mahogany millwork, and a stunning two-story library with an onyx-framed gas fireplace.
• Chef’s Kitchen for Entertaining: State-of-the-art kitchen equipped with dual ovens, dishwashers, warming drawers, a six-burner stove with grill, Sub-Zero appliances, a walk-in pantry, butler’s pantry, and wet bar with wine refrigeration and ice maker.
• Luxurious Primary Suite: First-floor retreat with spa-inspired en-suite bath, Venetian plaster finishes, dual walk-in closets, custom millwork, and a morning kitchen for ultimate comfort.
• Outdoor Resort Living: A custom glass-tile pool and spa with sun deck, water features, and a Viking outdoor kitchen complete with a grill, rotisserie, smoker, kegerator, and bartender station.
• Exclusive Tierra Verde Lifestyle: Nestled in an upscale island community with close proximity to downtown St. Petersburg, fine dining, shopping, and just a 30-minute drive from Tampa International Airport.
One of my mentoring clients, who is pursuing an increase in his “PQ” (Prosperity Quotient), recently asked me how to do so. I asked him if he knew the difference between a treasure chest and a bottomless well. I said, it’s a matter of discerning the difference between cause and effect. Prosperity, as we know it, often focuses on increasing our net worth – think of material things; money, assets, investments, all that good “stuff” that fills up our treasure chest. This is where we see the effect of tangible outcomes, like a bigger house, a nicer car, or a fatter bank account. It’s about the quantity of what we own, possess, or control. Wanting to increase our experience of prosperity is fine, but we shouldn’t put the proverbial cart before the horse. Rather than focusing on the effect, let us consider the cause of prosperity. We do so by moving the spotlight to the Principle of Abundance.
In my book, The Art of Abundance – 10 Rules for a Prosperous Life, I point out that abundance is a much deeper dive, tapping into an all-encompassing, infinite well of self-worth and life’s intangible riches. This isn’t just about wealth in the financial sense. Rather than quantity, it’s about the depth and quality of our experiences and the richness in love, health, relationships, and time – all the elements that create a fulfilling life. Imagine having an endless supply of joy, inner peace, and meaningful connections – the more etheric things that shape a life worth living … just to ponder that possibility is indeed a deep dive for many of us.
So, while prosperity is the effect – more of the “stuff” – abundance is the cause, the underlying universal principle that says there’s always more than enough of whatever we can conceive of. This is evidenced by the fact that the Universe is expanding at the speed of light – perpetually creating more of Itself from with Itself. The hook is, to personalize this expansive universal principle, it has to start out with an inner belief that we “are enough,” and from that belief springs everything else. The point being, if we believe we are not enough, how can we ever draw to us enough of anything good to us? What we’ll continue to manifest
on that hedonic treadmill is more “not enough” (again, a simple case of cause and effect).
To summarize, prosperity can be seen as the surface-level gains, whereas abundance is the deeper, foundational wellspring that feeds our entire existence. The cool thing is we don’t have to earn abundance; it comes with the gift of life itself. It’s about embracing this mindset and recognizing that true richness is not just about the volume of possessions but, also, the depth of experiences. This is not to downplay the significance of the material world; we all need our daily bread. It’s about embellishing the fact that abundance, as a causative universal principle, must come before the manifestation of prosperity in any form. The biggest challenge for most people is they are more focused on living in the effect rather than being one with the cause.
And as we dig into this concept, it’s worth reflecting: What does “more than enough” look like for us? It’s an answer that varies for each one of us, but at the end of the day, the pursuit of living prosperously unifies us with a universal principle of abundance that transforms our essence into a rich, fulfilling experience.
Embrace the abundance mindset and watch how it changes everything!
Dennis Merritt Jones’ vision is “Guiding People to Purpose.” He is an award-winning author of seven 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
Experience the difference with Kara Brooks, one of the top-producing agents in Pinellas County. Kara blends the analytical and negotiating skills of a seasoned trial lawyer, the marketing and financial acumen of a successful business owner, and the creative energy of an acclaimed James Beard-nominated chef into her work as a global real estate advisor at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
POST HURRICANES
By Peter Roos
HURRICANE CLEANUP PROGRESS
More than four months have passed since hurricanes Helene and Milton visited our coast, causing unprecedented flooding from storm surge, followed two weeks later by hurricane strength winds. Virtually every building on the coast was impacted by one, the other, or both. Most businesses were uninsured. Homes too. If the mortgage was paid off, residents on fixed incomes had cancelled their expensive flood and windstorm policies, due to rising costs of everything, since no storm had caused our area significant damage since October 1921.
FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is charged with monitoring cleanup and repairs after such disasters, ensuring that buildings with “substantial damage” are elevated out of or removed from the “flood plain.” Substantial damage is defined as 50% of the “structure’s value” as estimated by the county tax assessor, or a private appraiser hired by the owner.
Our home had 30 inches of sea water in it, plus sewage that backed up into buildings due to failure of the pumps that are supposed to move it to the mainland. Homes closer to the Gulf of Mexico had even higher surges; some in Sunset Beach had up to 8 feet of sea water in the house.
A monumental effort was made by each city on the coast to clean and dry out the homes and businesses in the weeks after Helene, until the area evacuated for Milton’s impending arrival. Luckily for us in the Tampa Bay area, Milton took a late jog to the east, causing far more water damage south of us. However, the winds were more than ever before, ripping off roofs of homes and commercial buildings and downing trees that had stood for hundreds of years. There were still piles of debris from Helene in front of many homes and mountains in parks and ball fields used as local staging areas. We thought we would find that debris everywhere, but amazingly, once the rain soaked them, the winds could not seem to move them.
FEMA approved Transitional Sheltering Assistance for people whose dwellings were uninhabitable, stays in motels that would accept the special low FEMA rate, but so many people were impacted that available rooms were at least an hour’s drive from home and in motels that were substandard or worse.
After relying on family and friends, some managed to navigate online applications to eventually obtain a room closer to home. Some moved their RVs into their driveways to live in. Others did minimal electrical repairs, had appliances delivered and moved back into their homes without the lower 4 feet of drywall.
Then some cities started providing permits for minimal repairs, so electrical work and drywall replacement could proceed.
Total electrical work can be done in St. Pete Beach thanks to a plan change made by the commission in mid-January, thanks to a motion by Lisa Robinson, commissioner from District 2, who is running for re-election March 11.
7432 Sunshine Skyway Lane S #402 Resort-style waterfront condo at South Bay. Stunning furnished 2BR/2BA. Updated living space. Water views. Private balcony, modern chef’s kitchen. Wood plank flooring. Washer/dryer. Covered parking and elevator. 2024 HVAC. Heated pool, clubhouse and fishing dock. Dallas Iannone 352-502-6818 FOR SALE $459,000
4973 58th Ave. S, Bayway Isles ELEVATED WATERFRONT home. 3BR/2.5BA/3 car garage. Pool, dock, 12,000 lb. boat lift. Jet ski lifts. 87 ft of water frontage. Pool cabana. Balcony access from living/ kitchen/dining/bdrm. Impact windows/sliders. Fireplace. Designer kitchen. Quick access to the Gulf. Storage below home. 24-hr security. Gabrielle Bettig 727-385 9017, Val Norris 727-641-6131
106 1st St. E #110, Tierra Verde 2BR/2BA waterfront condo with BOAT SLIP. Access to waterways. 3 heated pools & spa, tennis courts, clubhouse. Gated/24-hr security. Elevator. Updated interior. Large balcony. Partial bay view. Stephanie Sittman 727-748-6080
GULFPORT MATTERS
Gulfport Buzz: New Markets, Local Gems, and Exciting Events
Gulfport is a town that knows how to evolve while staying true to its roots. From vibrant markets that celebrate local creativity to fresh faces breathing life into beloved businesses, there’s always a new reason to explore this coastal community. Here’s what’s making waves in Gulfport this month. www.visitgulfportflorida.com
MARKETS AND COMMUNITY TRADITIONS
Gulfport Night Market
Mark your calendar! The Gulfport Night Market debuts in February, bringing a fresh twist to the beloved First Friday Art Walk and Third Saturday Indie Faire. In collaboration with Tampa Bay Markets, the Gulfport Merchants Chamber of Commerce is hosting this new event along Beach Boulevard (2800-3200 blocks) from 5-9pm.
Local artists, makers, and boutique vendors will showcase handcrafted treasures, from jewelry and clothing to pet products and artisan foods. Don’t miss the inaugural market on Feb. 7, followed by the second event on Feb. 15. For details, see www.visitgulfportflorida.com or the Visit Gulfport Florida on Facebook.
Get Growing
Love gardening or landscaping? Gulfport’s city horticulturist, Toffer Ross, is here to help! Join Toffer every second Wednesday at 1pm in the Gulfport Library Garden to gain valuable insights on Florida-friendly planting, tree care, and more.
SPOTLIGHT ON GULFPORT’S BUSINESSES
Salty Pup Coffeehouse and Bakehouse
Located at 5004 Tangerine Ave. S, this cozy café has taken over the beloved Mama Pearl’s, with Jeff and Jody now at the helm. Stop in for breakfast, lunch, or coffee and enjoy the inviting décor – and don’t worry, Mama Pearl’s famous dessert breads are still on the menu! Free parking. Facebook: Salty Pup Coffee
Gulf Orchids
New owners Joe Yannazzone and James Higginbotham have revitalized this orchid haven at 5313 Gulfport Blvd. S. Specializing in orchids, orchid plants, loose blooms, tropical plants, fresh cuts, lucky bamboo, and custom arrangements, Gulf Orchids also features a cozy event space with seating for up to 20 guests and other types of events. Facebook: Gulf Orchids
Drip! Art Lounge
Unleash your creativity at 5142 Gulfport Blvd. S. Drip! Art Lounge offers traditional canvas painting, fluid painting, mixed media, watercolor, classes and other art experiences for all ages. Perfect for parties, family outings, children’s parties or solo inspiration, this delightful venue is owned by the talented and welcoming Haley. 727-440-6384 info@dripartlounge.com
Seabreeze Manor Inn & Breeze Café
The Seabreeze Manor is now owned and operated by a family. A Gulfport gem! This historic “Old Florida” style inn at 5701 Shore Blvd. S boasts bay views, six charming suites, and a welcoming café open daily (closed Mondays) from 9am to 2pm. Don’t miss the new Friday open mic nights, complete with a pop-up bar in their serene courtyard. Space is also available for special events. www.seabreezemanorinn.com
Monday Morning Club
New, a vintage diner themed coworking event and space at 1401 49th St. S. Open 9am to 5pm. It is described as a new way for people “to work from home” in a community space. Current offerings include monthly memberships, event rentals, and day passes. www.petesbagels.com
Stormrunners has recovered from the hurricanes that hit right after their opening. They have live music Friday nights and they are adding other nights as well. Their menu and fabulous view have had many positive comments.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Gulfport Special Delivery
On Feb. 8, join the fun at the Catherine Hickman Theater with a reception at 5pm and a live auction at 6pm. Ten local artists have transformed mailboxes into masterpieces, with all proceeds benefiting the Gulfport Senior Center Building Fund.
By Marlene Shaw
Gulfport Pet Mayor Election
It’s a paw-sitively adorable tradition! Any Gulfport pet can enter the race, with $1 votes supporting Friends of Strays Animal Shelter. Voting closes Feb. 20, and the winner will be inaugurated at Gulfport Get Rescued on Feb. 22. All proceeds will benefit Gulfport Arts & Heritage and Friends of Strays Animal Shelter in St. Petersburg. www.gulfporthistoricalsociety.or/gulfports-pet-mayor
21st Annual Get Rescued Festival
Celebrate pets and their people at this beloved festival on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 10am to 5pm along Beach Boulevard. Featuring up to 50 rescue groups, vendors, crafts, artwork, pet-food and supplies drive, animal training demos, raffles, and even the Florida Wiener Dog Derby, this event is free to attend and pet-friendly. Free admission and parking. Proceeds from the event will benefit participating animal rescue groups.
Music Gear Market at The Icehouse
On Feb. 15 (rain date: Feb. 16), music lovers can explore equipment vendors and enjoy local flavors at 701 49th St. S.
Gulfport’s Municipal Election
Signs, signs everywhere. Candidate forums and Meet the Candidate events are happening to offer an opportunity to meet and speak with candidates. This writer is a city council candidate for Ward 2 and by all appearances (and rumors heard) it will be an interesting election. The election is March 11.
It is a time of change. The Ward 4 councilor resigned due to alleged inappropriate actions. An interim councilor was appointed. This position was up for re-election and only one person qualified. Ward 3 councilor is moving out-of-state, which appears will result in another appointment. As previously written, the Mayor and Ward 2 councilor is up for re-election with two qualified candidates also in the race, which means three in the race for each position. EVERY VOTE COUNTS!
IMPORTANT: Due to changes in the law, vote by mail ballot requests expire after every general election. Everyone must re-sign up for vote by mail in 2025. The deadline to request a ballot to be mailed is 5pm, Feb. 27. It is important to ensure you have not been dropped from the vote by mail list. You can request a Vote by Mail Ballot from the Pinellas Supervisor of Elections Office or www.votepinellas.gov The mailing schedule for domestic ballots will begin Jan. 30 and no later than Feb. 6.
Gulfport is more than a town—it’s a community bursting with creativity, tradition, and heart. Stay connected and discover more by following Gulfport Matters on Facebook. See you around town!
HANGING AROUND
By Caron Schwartz
How often do you find yourself with a whole afternoon and no plans? Lenny was off rehearsing with the Gulfport Gecko Amalgamated Marching Band (he’s the cute trombone player). My tummy was saying “Feed me,” while my heart insisted, “Cardio! Now!” (Meanwhile, my head was, like, whatever.)
I headed toward my favorite gym, Planet Fitness. Although I’m fond of Journey Into Fitness, Anytime, Esporta, and others, Planet has the same arm bike I use during physical therapy. It’s also home to the amazing HydroMassage, which feels like relaxing on a bed of warm, gently bubbling water.
As I headed up 66th St. N. my stomach yelled louder. OK, we’ll go around the corner on 54th Ave. N to Mama G’s first, I assured her. The Kenneth City café, housed in a classic midcentury modern store, serves traditional (e.g., bratwurst and strudel) and not-so-traditional (empanadas and croissants) German delicacies. I settled on a spinach and ricotta croissant and a poppyseed strudel. Each was flaky and flavorful. Especially the strudel – sticky, chewy poppyseed filling is my favorite sweet. Strong, frothy cappuccino on the side and flowery old-timey tableware added to the ambiance. With my Kindle open to lightweight fiction – what could be better?
Hunger sated, with a German rye bread under my arm for later, I went back around the corner to Planet Fitness. Thirty minutes of arm bike and stepper later, my heart was happy. Even Fitbit was happy. Ten minutes of HydroMassage put me in heaven.
The next day Fitbit suggested I take it easy. More time for my sweetheart!
Note to reader: If a schlep to Kenneth City isn’t your thing, you can enjoy sweet and savory German delights at Mama G’s on Central Ave. in St. Pete. If you find yourself south of the Skyway bridge, there are two locations in Sarasota.
ART NEWS
Fine by me The Tenth Annual Gulfport Fine Arts Festival hosts juried artists from across the US. Due to storm damage, the two-day event has relocated to Clymer Park, at the corner of Gulfport Blvd. and Beach Blvd. S. Visitors and artists alike tell us they love the festival: the intimate gathering, the seaside city that celebrates art and artists in every corner, and the selection of restaurants, coffee shops, and bars within walking distance. 2/8-9, 10am-5pm. www.visitgulfportflorida.com/ fine-arts-festival
First Saturday fun Every first Saturday, creators are invited to explore FloridaRAMA, capture immersive content, and share it using @FloridaRAMA.art and #FloridaRAMA. Enjoy perks like a complimentary scavenger hunt while showcasing your creativity and connecting your brand with FloridaRAMA’s unique art experience. Let’s collaborate! https://bit.ly/fairgrounds-creator-day
One stroke over the line
Join self-taught artist Erik Hesson at Imagine Museum for a lecture exploring his style, Linear Perspectivism, and his inspiring journey through the world of modern art. Learn about his journey from self-taught dream-state painter to innovative artist. 2/4, 6-7pm.
https://bit.ly/imagine-lecture-series
Can you Beat that?
The Underground Book Fair returns for its second installment at the house of the Beat Generation’s literary icon, Jack Kerouac. Organized by Tiffany Razzano of Wordier Than Thou, the open mic poetry event also features This Bookstore Kills Fascists pop-up bookstore. 3/8, 1-6pm, at the Jack Kerouac House, 5169 10th Ave. N. in St. Pete. The event is free, but donations support preserving Kerouac’s historic home. https://bit.ly/wordier-book-fair
You’ll know Jack during Coffee & Poetry at Jack’s House hosted by Beat Poet Laureate Larry Jaffe. The third Sunday of every month, 3-6pm, at the Jack Kerouac House, 5169 10th Ave. N. in St. Pete, www.stpetekerouachouse.com. $10 covers coffee and pastry. Sign up to read at jackscoffeepoetry@gmail.com.
Total tonalism Multi-award-winning tonalist painter Larry Maynard will be honored with a solo exhibition at Brenda McMahon Gallery during Gulfport’s First Friday, 2/7 from 6-9pm. The event will feature live jazz by saxophonist Henry Ashwood on what promises to be an exciting night for the arts in Gulfport. www.brendamcmahongallery.com
Cancer coda Lisa Bagley shares her cancer story in Hopes and Fears on exhibit now at the Morean Art Center. The exhibition is a visual illustration of her journal of her experiences and struggles. Through 2/15. https://bit.ly/morean-lisa-bagley Donations to the Moffitt Cancer Center.
https://bit.ly/hopes-fears-fundraiser
Welcome to Paradise! Artwork by Valorie Vogel is on display through 4/8 at Nature’s Food Patch in Clearwater. Inspired by nature and enchanted realms, Valorie paints abstract/realistic wildlife and figures adorned with blossoms to create her visions of Paradise. Local art in the café changes every quarter in the Clearwater Café located at 1225 Cleveland St. https://bit.ly/natures-food-patch
Raccoon raconteur American Stage’s Tales by Twilight returns to Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Don’t Feed the Animals takes the audience on a nighttime hike along the nature trail, unraveling a mystery surrounding the disappearance of a peregrine falcon. The investigation is led by a talking raccoon, who enlists the help of park rangers, local wildlife, and the audience. Thurs.-Sun. through 2/23. https://bit.ly/tales-by-twilight
“I have one life and one chance to make it count for something.”
– Jimmy Carter
Streetscape art Creative Pinellas, Pinellas County, and the Lealman CRA are collaborating on the 2025 Signal Box Project. This program invites local artists to transform traffic signal control boxes into vibrant public art, beautifying rights-of-way, deterring graffiti, and showcasing the county as an arts destination. The deadline to
ART NEWS ONLINE
submit ideas for the Pinellas-wide signal box project has passed, but keep an out for these roadside attractions this summer.
Get ready for Valentine’s Day at History in a Bottle – Winter Vines & Valentine Wines. You’ll be greeted with a signature welcome drink to set the tone for an evening of exquisite sparkling wines expertly paired with culinary delights. Presented by St. Pete Distillery and Events by the Glass at the St. Pete Museum of History 2/8, 6-8pm. https://bit.ly/spmoh-valentines
Deuces Live has a new home at 833 22nd St. S, Suite B in St. Pete. Deuces Live is a nonprofit created to revive and revitalize this historic neighborhood where Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday played, Black baseball stars stayed, and the Black residents of St. Petersburg lived, worked, and prayed. www.deuceslive.org
Not a Starry Night Sien’s Mother’s House Seen from the Backyard, a
Gogh, sold for over $1.48 million at Bonhams London. Created during the artist’s formative years in The Hague, this intimate work offers a glimpse into Van Gogh’s early focus on everyday life and working-class struggles – long before the bold colors and swirling brushstrokes of his later masterpieces.
Woodworking Wonderwoman
Join the Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement for a presentation by Mira Nakashima, renowned architect, furniture maker, and daughter of iconic woodworking artist George Nakashima. Guests are also invited to view George Nakashima’s iconic “Arlyn” table in the gallery that bears his name. www.museumaacm.org
X-files The USF Contemporary Art Museum (USFCAM) presents X Factor: Latinx Artists and the Reconquest of the Everyday X Factor examines the term Latinx through the work of 15 of America’s leading contemporary artists. The exhibition grounds a series of redefinitions of “Latinity” in the everyday lives of its creators. Now through 3/8. 3821 USF Holly Dr. in Tampa. https://bit.ly/usf-contemporary-art
“Love is something eternal; the aspect may change, but not the essence.” – Vincent van Gogh
Museum Minis with Tombolo Books invites children five and under accompanied by their favorite grownups to the Museum of Fine Arts St. Pete galleries every third Wednesday, 10-11am, for an art-filled storytime. From shapes to colors and artists to animals, there is always something fun to discover at the MFA. Drop in on 2/19 for I’ll Love You Till the Cows Come Home by Kathryn Cristaldi. https://bit.ly/mfa-minis
Prefer auditory to visual art? Imagine Museum hosts the St. Petersburg Sax Quartet on 2/7, 5-8pm. This local ensemble comprises soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones, weaving rich harmonies across jazz classics sand popular favorites. https://bit.ly/imagine-lecture-series
By Caron Schwartz
Yo Ya La’Ford The James Museum presents Survey the West: A Cross-Continental Reflection by internationally recognized Tampabased artist Ya La’ford. La’Ford’s journey to the American West in 2022 inspired a fresh interpretation of the West, intertwining her distinctive linear labyrinths with imagery inspired by geological features shaped over millions of years. 2/15-5/18.
https://bit.ly/james-survey
Creative Pinellas presents Source of All Hair, Wearer of All Socks, an exhibition by Nigerian Sri Lankan artist Sam Modder, inviting viewers into a world shaped by striking, larger-than-life Black female figures in both real and imagined realms. On display at the Gallery at Creative Pinellas through 2/23. https://bit.ly/creativepinellas-source
rare 1882 sketch by Vincent van
Source of All Hair, Wearer of All Socks @ Creative Pinellas
ARTISTS SPOTLIGHT
Cuban Heat Hits the Gulf Coast Cuban music has become extremely popular in Florida, including in the areas of St. Petersburg and Sarasota, due to several historical and cultural factors. The proximity of Cuba to Florida and the significant Cuban immigration waves have deeply influenced the state’s musical landscape.
Cuban music’s popularity stems from its rich, diverse origins. The island was a crossroads of musical influences, blending styles from white Cubans, Afro-Cubans, and Spaniards. Genres like Son, Danzón, Bolero, Rumba, and Cha-Cha emerged from this cultural mixing, which then spread to Florida’s communities.
Today, Cuban music remains a vital part of Florida’s cultural identity. I dedicate my column this month to three well-known Cuban musicians that contribute to our rich musical tapestry.
RENESITO AVICH is a renowned Cuban musician, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist based in Florida. Born in Santiago de Cuba, he is recognized as one of the world’s greatest Cuban Tres Guitar players, specializing in the Tres Cubano, a traditional Cuban instrument with three pairs of steel strings His musical compositions incorporate elements of classical music, jazz, and traditional
Cuban styles. Avich showed musical talent from an early age – when he was 3 months old, Avich began to whistle even before he could speak. This understandably alarmed his parents. “My parents were worried, so they took me to the psychologist,” Avrich said. The doctor said, ‘Don’t worry about it. He’s going to be a musician.’”
Avich is heading to New York’s Broadway in March of 2025 at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, where he will star in the musical, The Buena Vista Social Club. For more information about where you can hear Renesito Avich play in our area, visit www.renesitoavich.com.
COMBOFUSION is a musical group that performs a blend of musical styles and is known for an eclectic mix of musical genres, particularly combining Latin flavors with classic American sounds. ComboFusion is the ultimate Latin infusion band that draws a procession of crowds to the dance floor. Follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/combofusionsarasota, or write to them at Francois9096123@yahoo.com
JESUS “AGUAJE” RAMOS
Jesus “Aguaje” Ramos is a St. Petersburg-based Cuban trombonist, singer, composer, arranger and musical director.
By Andrea Martone
He is known as the composer, arranger and trombonist of The Buena Vista Social Club. He has also served long stints in world class ensembles Estrellas de Areito and Afro-Cuban Allstars. His past musical journey and history is brought into focus throughout the critically acclaimed 1999 documentary “Buena Vista Social Club” and the 2017 follow up “Buena Vista Social Club: Adios.”
Ramos performed on the beloved recordings of The Buena Vista Social Club and Afro-Cuban Allstars and many others, along with the solo albums of Ibrahim Ferrer, Ruben Gonzales and Omara Portuondo. He was Gonzales’s musical director and has been touring extensively since 1997 with many Afro-Cuban projects. He was a prominent member and musical director of the renowned Adios tour that brought Cuban cultural music back into international prominence.
Ramos and his Buena Vista Orchestra began touring and playing shows in the mid-2010’s, becoming a darling of critics and audiences throughout North America. Jesus “Aguaje” Ramos and his Buena Vista Orchestra continue the legacy of this legendary musical and cultural movement in 2024 with an exciting new stage production and repertoire pulled from Aguaje’s greatest hits (many of which he composed), traditional music and deep-dive cuts.
He is joined on this 2024 tour by an all-star ensemble featuring veteran musicians and past members of groups like The Buena Vista Social Club, including “Betun” Luis Mariano Valiente Marin (Congas, Bongo), Emilio Senon Morales Ruiz (keys) and Fabía Garcia (bass). To contact the band management: Steven Machat at SSK Entertainment smachat@gmail.com www.thebuenavistaorchestra.com
“To be brave is to love someone unconditionally, without expecting anything in return. To just give.” – Madonna
Online at www.paradisenewsfl.com Events are subject to change. Most web links are active when you are online or copy and paste them in your browser.
IN THIS ISSUE:
ART CENTERS/CLASSES
ART – GALLERIES
ARTS – PERFORMING MUSEUMS
MUSIC OPERA
FILM
ECO
GARDENS FERRIES
LIBRARIES
MARKETS
SPIRITUAL
ZOOS/AQUARIUMS
CLUBS – SERVICE/SOCIAL
CLUBS – ATHLETIC
HEALTH
THRIFT SHOPS
VOLUNTEERING
YOGA
ART CENTERS/CLASSES
Beach Art Center 1515 Bay Palm Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach
727-596-4331 beachartcenter.org
Closed until further notice Still offering classes
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. Through 2-15 – Lisa Bagley: Hopes + Fears: My Diary of Cancer Through 3/27 – Skinner +Skinner: Works of Art by Arthur Skinner and Joe Skinner
Through 3/27 – Presence Felt: Florida ceramics faculty Through 3/27 – Luster: Student Ceramics from Florida Universities Through 3/8 – Elementary School Exhibition (A-M) 2/22-3/27 – Illustrating the News
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.
Muddy Potter Art & Clay Studio 1140 Main St. #5
Dunedin 813-476-2836
muddypotter.info Classes, open studio
Painting with A Twist 5625 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park paintingwithatwist.com
Pinellas Arts Village
5600-5800 Park Blvd. (north side), Pinellas Park. First Saturday Art Walk 5-9pm: Studios @ 5663, Saint Paint Arts, Bottles Pub, Painting with a Twist, Pinellas Park Art Society, Swartz Gallery
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
Meet third Saturday, 11am-noon pinellasparkartsociety.org
237 Warfield Ave. S, Venice 2/27 – Venice Art Walk
Big Cypress Gallery 52388 Tamiami Trail, Ochopee
Cobb Gallery
Eckerd College, Library Circle, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Pete eckerd.edu/visualarts/program
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 Ongoing studio and performing arts opportunities for individuals swith disabilities.
Creative Pinellas 12211 Walsingham Rd., Largo 727-460-5477
Gallery noon-5pm Wed-Sun creativepinellas.org
Through 2/9 – 50th Annual Int’l Miniature Art Exhibition Through 2/23 – Source of All Hair, Wearer of All Socks Exhibition 2/20-5/10 – iBOMS: Imagine Nation
Buddy Baker | Events, Arts & Leisure Coordinator
ARTS & LEISURE EVENTS
Crossroads Gallery
Scan the QR code for all event listings to take with you or online at paradisenewsfl.com/february-2025
Sign up to receive upcoming event e-news online at www.ParadiseNewsFL.com Follow us on facebook.com/ParadiseNews.
RECURRING EVENTS
First Fridays • 10am-2pm, Creative Clay Outdoor Art Market, 1846 First Ave. S, St. Petersburg • 5-9pm, First Friday Art Walk, Downtown Gulfport • 6-9pm, Concert in front of Studio Movie Grill, Seminole City Center, 11201 Park Blvd. N, Seminole
Last Friday • 6-9pm, live music at the John’s Pass Bell Tower, John’s Pass Boardwalk and Shopping Village, 12902 Village Blvd., Madeira Beach
2nd Saturday • 8:30am, Beach Cleanup. Municipal Pavilion, 11260 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, 11185 Gulf Blvd. • 9am2pm, Market on The Bluffs, 2747 Sunset Blvd, Belleair Bluffs. Farmers Market/craft event on the street in front of Belleair Bluffs City Hall. • 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.
4th Sunday •Lealman Farmers Market 10am-2pm, Lealman Exchange, 5175 45th St N, St. Petersburg
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
DRV Fine Art Studios & Gallery 5401 Gulfport Blvd. S, Gulfport drvgallery.com
Duncan McClellan Gallery 2342 Emerson Ave. S, St. Pete 813-760-6600 dmglass.com Through 3/1 – Aron Leaman Through 4/30 – Richard Jolley & Sharon Meyer 2/8-5/31 – Deanna Clayton 2/9 – Sunday Lecture Series: Deanna Clayton
Dunedin Fine Art Center 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin 727-298-3322 dfac.org 2/15 – 50th Anniversary Gala
Ekeko Gallery
290 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr St. N, St. Pete 727-685-5577 facebook.com/Ekeko-Gallery Metaphysical supply store
Factory St. Pete 2622 Fairfield Ave. S, St. Pete thefactorystpete.com Tuesdays: Daddy Kool Records –Used Day Second Saturdays: Night Market Third Thursdays: Jukebox Bingo
Five Deuces Galleria 2101 Third Ave. S, St. Pete
Open by appointment & Art Walk Facebook.com/five22222 Artists + gallery w/ local guest exhibits & events.
Florida CraftArt Gallery
501 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-821-7391 floridacraftart.org Sat. Mural Walk 2/1-3/20 – Members’ Show
FloridaRAMA
800 28th St. S, St. Pete
Immersive art experience and events venue floridarama.art
Gulf Coast Artists Alliance
St. Pete ArtWorks, 5546 First Ave. N St. Pete 727-738-8010 gcaa-fl.org
Art gallery, art classes and meeting place for artists
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
Stirling Art Studios & Gallery 730 Broadway (second floor) Studio 12, Dunedin 800-325-2050 facebook.com/StirlingArtDunedin Open Thurs-Sun, Second Saturdays
Syd Entel Galleries/Susan Benjamin Glass 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
Uniquely Original Art Studio
915 24th St. S, St. Pete 727-239-3696
https://tinyurl.com/mrx4c253
Original Afrocentric art, open by appointment and during Art Walk
Vince Anthony Fine Art Gallery
10611 Bay Pines Blvd. #5, St. Pete 727-401-2886 fineartamerica.com/art/ vince+anthony
Wild Space Gallery
The Factory St. Pete, Bldg. 8 2606 Fairfield Ave. S, St. Pete floridawildlifecorridor.org/wildspace-gallery/ Through 3/8 – Natural Selection: USF Graphicstudio at Wild Space Gallery
ARTS PERFORMING
Amalie Arena
401 Channelside Drive, Tampa 813-301-2500 amaliearena.com
2/8 – Mary J. Blige
2/13 – Andrea Bocelli
2/15 – Katt Williams
2/16 – Jo Koy
2/22 – Kelsea Ballerini
3/7 – Shane Gillis
American Stage
Raymond James Theatre 163 Third St. N, St. Pete 727-823-7529 americanstage.org Through 2/9 – This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing
Asolo Repertory Theatre
5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 800-361-8388 asolorep.org Through 2/8 – Ken Ludwig’s Lady Molly of Scotland Yard
Juried Fine Art & Craft Show – Something For Everyone
Great Food! Live Music! ~ Sat & Sun 10-5 Daily Free admission to Art Show
Imagine Museum - 1901 Central Ave, St. Petersburg Plus! Budding Artist Competition for Grades 6-12 – all students welcome
Also! Sarasota Fine Art Show ~ March 29 & 30
At Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S. Tamiami Trail
Gaston Petridis, Painting
ARTS & LEISURE EVENTS
ONGOING
Through 2/9 – This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing
$33-$53, times vary by date, American Stage, 163 Third St. N, St. Pete. In this modern fairytale, three sisters, left abandoned, take charge of their own destinies. The eldest, Albienne, heads East to show the world what she’s made of. Beatrix, the middle sister, heads West in search of adventure. Then there’s Carmen, the youngest, who finds comfort in staying put. As the years roll by, each new experience comes with a new lesson, a new perspective, and maybe even a little bit of magic.
Tickets: www.americanstage.org
Through 2/9 – 50th Annual International Miniature Art Exhibition
Free, Wed-Sun 10am-5pm, The Gallery at Creative Pinellas, 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo. This international juried exhibition, featuring over 600 works by 134 artists, showcases award-winning masterpieces by talented artists from around the globe. During the exhibition, there will be demonstrations of the art form.
Through 3/16 –Pickleball at The Pier
St. Pete Athletic is bringing America’s favorite new sport to one of St. Petersburg’s most iconic locations. Hours are 10am-7pm Sun-Thurs and 8am-9pm Fri-Sat. at the Splash Pad. Play all day for $5; paddle and balls can be rented for another $5.
Through 3/27 – Skinner + Skinner
Free, 10am-5pm, Mon-Fri, Morean Arts Center, 719 Central Ave., St. Pete. In their first ever joint exhibition, father and son artists Arthur Skinner and Joe Skinner present their separate and diverse bodies of work. Both educators at heart and with keen eyes for detail, Skinner and Skinner use traditional methods to create contemporary works of art that pay homage to the overlooked and the ephemeral. Both began their artistic careers as printmakers, but Arthur now focuses on drawing, while Joe has expanded into the experimental use of mixed media.
UPCOMING
2/1-2 – Third Annual Pinellas Medieval Fair
$16 advance/ $22 day of, 10am-5pm, DK Farms & Gardens, 1750 Lake Ave. SE, Largo. Your fairytale comes to life at the third annual Medieval Fair. Be entertained with archery, tournament reenactments and tomato throwing. Over 30 performances all day! Enjoy a stroll through the farm to see the many animals that live there. Pony rides, miniature golf, animal feeding, wine tastings and more! Enjoy the artisan market and live blacksmith demonstrations. Timed tickets at https://tinyurl.com/5n6e3axr
Floridian Social 687 Central Ave., St. Pete
727-322-4600
thefloridiansocial.com A 21+ venue
2/7 – ‘70s Disco Night w/ BeeGees Now 2/8 – T.L. Jentgens
2/14 – Valentine’s Day Date Night
2/14 – Valentine’s Day Drag Show
2/15 – Galentine’s Day
2/28 – Greggie & The Jets: An Elton John Tribute
3/6 – Motown Thursday
3/14 – Elvis: In Person
3/15 – U2 & The Police Tribute
Francis Wilson Playhouse
302 Seminole St., Clearwater
727-446-1360 franciswilsonplayhouse.org
2/13-3/2 – Man of La Mancha
freeFall Theatre Company
6099 Central Ave., St. Pete
727-498-5205 freefalltheatre.com
2/14-3/16 – Sondheim’s and Weidman’s Road Show
Green Light Cinema
221 Second Ave. N. St. Pete 508-816-8968 greenlightstpete.com
5500 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport 813-840-3715 mygulfport.us/recreation/casino Weekly dancing/instruction Closed until further notice.
Gulfport Community Players Back Door Theater 1619 49th St. S, Gulfport gulfportcommunityplayers.org
Jannus Live
200 First Ave. N, St. Pete 727-565-0550 jannuslive.com
Outdoor standing-room-only venue
2/5 – The Get Up Kids
2/7 – Motley Crue Tribute w s/g Poison Tribute
2/8 – Deathpact
2/11 – Kerry King w/ Municipal Waste & Alien Weaponry
2/16 – Grateful Dub
2/19 – Tim Heidecker
2/20 – Tropidelic w/ The Supervillians, Palmer
Squares & Beach Fly
2/21 – Jeff Rosenstock
2/23 – Robin Trower w/ Damon Fowler
2/24 – Flogging Molly
2/25 – Alexandra Kay
2/26 – Pouya
2/27 – Dirtwire
2/28 – They Might Be Giants
3/1– Knock2
3/5 – Bright Eyes
3/8 – Ravenscoon
3/13 – Hudson Westbrook
3/14 – Moe
3/15 – Inhaler
LAB Theater Project 812 E. Henderson Ave., Tampa 813-586-4272 labtheaterproject.com
Produces only works from emerging playwrights. 2/22-3/10 – Syd, written by Craig Houk, directed by Owen Robertson
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
2/6-8 – Temps, Tops, Supremes & Smokey: A Motown Revue w/ the Soul Sensations 2/7 – Yinzer Comedy Night 2/12 – Sarasota Contemporary Dance + Duke Ellington In Collaboration w/ Shane Chalke B.E. Jazz
MIDFLORIDA Credit Union –Amphitheatre
Florida State Fairgrounds
4802 US Hwy. 301 N, Tampa 813-740-2446
https://tinyurl.com/52rmv4ex
New Tampa Performing Arts Center
8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa 813-829-2760
newtampaartscenter.org
2/4 – Taiko Drums of Japan w/ Tampa Taiko
2/13 – Jon Lehrer Dance Company
2/14 – Tampa Bay Symphony Winter 2025
Scandinavian Romance
2/21 – Fleatwood Mac tribute show 2/22 – Sanfoka: Kuumba Dancers and Drummers
2/23 – Timini: A West African
Cinderella Tale
2/28 – Pavlo in Concert
3/1 – Kids Film Series: Zootopia
3/2 – Reflections Chamber Ensemble
3/5 – Steinway Signature Series: The Roam Duo
3/9 – Mardi Gras Extravaganza w/ Cypress Creek Jazz Band
Patel Conservatory
1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa, Dance / Theater / Music / Adult Classes 813-229-7827 strazcenter.org/patel-conservatory Register now for summer camps and classes
Raymond James Stadium 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa 813-350-6500
raymondjamesstadium.com
2/8 – Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship
2/14 – Preseason Florida Derby
3/7-9 – NXL Paintball Tampa Bay Open
Riverwalk Tampa thetampariverwalk.com
Latin Thursdays
Second Sundays – 11am-3pm: Market + Art Walk, Armature Works
Ruth Eckerd Hall 1111 N McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater 727-791-7400 rutheckerdhall.com
2/4 – Doo Wop Project
2/7 – Burton Cummings
2/8 – Johnny Mathis
2/12 – Gypsy Kings
2/15 – Chris Botti
2/16 – Modern Gentlemen
2/20 – Scotty McCreery
2/21 – Blippi: Join the Band Tour
2/22 – Come From Away
2/25 –– Paul Anka
2/26 – Little Feat
2/27 – Rick Springfield & Richard Marx
2/28 – Yo-Yo Ma
3/1 – Dancing with the Stars Live
3/2 – Stayin’ Alive: Bee Gees Tribute
3/4 – The Temptations & The Four Tops
3/6 – The Book of Mormon
3/7 – Howie Mandel
3/8 – Lewis Black
3/9 – 116 Years of Broadway
3/9 – The Righteous Brothers
3/10 – Il Volo
Safety Harbor Art & Music Center
706 Second St. N, Safety Harbor 727-725-4018
safetyharborartandmusiccenter. com
2/7 – Thornetta Davis In Concert
2/14 – JP Soars w/Anne Harris
2/15 – Moors & McCumber
2/16 – Right In The Feels w/ YA Authors
2/21 – Ryan Montbleau w/ Tanner Boyle
2/22 – Southern Avenue
3/8 – John Moreland
3/15 – Seth Walker
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
5223 Orient Rd., Tampa 813-627-6649
seminolehardrocktampa.com
2/11 – Aaron Lewis and the Stateliners
2/16 – Gryffin
2/20 – Midland
2/23 – Jess Hilarious
2/26 – Rod Stewart
2/27 – Elvis Crespo
3/2 – Willy Chirino rescheduled
3/9 – Gladys Knight
3/12 – ZZ Top 3/13 – Gary Clark Jr.
Skipper’s Smokehouse 910 Skipper Rd., Tampa 813-971-0668
skipperssmokehouse.com
2/7 – Cool Cool Cool
2/13 – March 4th Marching Band
2/14 – Shemekia Copeland
2/15 – Crossfire Creek
2/16 – The Steel Wheels
2/17 – American Aquarium
2/20 – Satisfaction: A Rolling Stones Tribute
Sparkman Wharf 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa sparkmanwharf.com
St. Petersburg City Theatre 4025 31st St. S, 727-866-1973
spcitytheatre.org
2/7-16 – Pride & Prejudice
Stageworks Theater 1120 E Kennedy Blvd., West Bldg., #151, Tampa 813-374-2416 stageworkstheatre.org
2/7-23 – The People Downstairs
2/12-13 – Black History They Don’t Want You Know
3/6-9 – When the Righteous Triumph
Sylvette Condominium 1 bedroom
2/1 – Raptor Fest
ARTS & LEISURE EVENTS
Free, 10am-4pm, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S, St. Pete. Watch trained raptors in free flight, learn about Florida’s native raptor species, get a photo with live birds of prey, learn from local environmental exhibitors, enjoy activities for children and families, take a bird walk and much more! Flight shows: 10:30, 12:30, 2:30; bird walks 11 and 1. Free parking and shuttle service at Lakewood High School and Lake Vista Recreation Center.
2/8 – Special Delivery Auction
Free admission, 5-6pm reception, 6pm auction begins, Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S, Gulfport. Ten talented local artists have transformed ordinary mailboxes into extraordinary works of art, complete with matching posts, blending artistry with functionality. These one-of-a-kind creations will be auctioned live, with proceeds supporting the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation’s Building Commitment Fund. The 2025 contributing artists are Kiersty Long, Stacey Purcell, Eric Folsom, Jason Durocher, CreaSirene Egan Romanelli, Jane Van Der Voordt, Doug D’souza, David Feldman, Scott Linde, and Leslie Gilchrist.
2/8 – Seafood Festival
Free admission, noon-6pm, SPC Clearwater Campus, 2465 Drew St., Clearwater. A seafood shell-ebration of flavors! At the Saturday Shoppes, an outdoor event catering to small businesses with a focus on their growth in individual cities.
2/8 – St. Petersburg Science Festival
Free, 10am-4pm, University of South Florida St. Pete campus and Poynter Park. This is an annual regional celebration where families and the public can explore the wonders of hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). It is held in conjunction with MarineQuest, the open house of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute.
2/8-9 – Gulfport Fine Arts Festival
Free admission, 10am-5pm, Clymer Park, Gulfport Boulevard and Beach Boulevard South. This year’s event includes expanded offerings to mark the 10th anniversary of the festival. While the northern block of Clymer Park will serve as the showcase event for artists and visitors, the park’s southern block will feature an array of immersive creative activities for the entire family. Live music all weekend, and the nationally acclaimed Gulfport Gecko Amalgamated Marching Band will perform on Sunday.
2/8-9 – St. Petersburg Fine Art Festival
Free admission, 10am-5pm, South Straub Park, 198 Bayshore Drive NE, St. Pete. The festival, rated No. 9 in USA Today’s’ top 100 Art Shows, features original artwork by over 100 artisans from Florida and across the United States. The park will be transformed into an outdoor gallery, showcasing stunning, original, and handmade pieces across various mediums, including painting, photography, sculpture, metalwork, digital art, jewelry, glass, ceramics, woodworking, mixed-media, fiber art, and more.
Straz Center for the Performing Arts
1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa 813-229-7827 strazcenter.org
Through 2/9 – Macbeth
2/4 – Steve Trash
2/5 – Forever Tango
2/6 – Arturo Sandoval
2/7 – TFO: Debussy’s La Mer
2/8 – Chinese New Year Festival
2/8 – Sal Vulcano
2/9 – C.S. Lewis: The Screwtape Letters
2/11-16 – A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical
2/13 – Andrea Bocelli
2/14 – TFO: The Music of John Williams
2/15 – David Nihill
2/16 – Tampa Bay Symphony: Scandinavian Romance
2/18 – Danny Go! Live!
2/19 Alton Brown
2/20 – Super Scientific Circus
2/20-23 – Little Women
2/21 – Sunny Jain’s Wild Wild East
2/22 – Isaac Mizrahi
2/22-24 – Sessions
Tattoo Educational
2/23 – Black Arts Gala
2/23 – A Coldplay Experience
2/25-3/2 – MJ
2/27 – An Evening w/ Tom Rush
2/28-3/2 – Disenchanted!
3/6-9 – When the Righteous Triumph
3/7-8 – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 1 in Concert
2/15 – Willie Nelson 2/22 – Of The Trees: Moonglade Phase 2 2/23 – Wallows
3/8 – Dropkick Murphys 3/15 – Foreigner
The Mahaffey Theater
400 First St. S, St. Pete 727-300-2000 themahaffey.com Through 2/2 – Riverdance
2/6 – TFO: Inside La Mer
2/7 – Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular
2/8 – TFO: Debussy’s La Meer
2/12 – Members Mingle
2/13 – TFO: Love…
It’s Complicated
2/13 – Tonight’s the Night
2/14 – Neil Diamond Legacy Concert
2/15 – TFO: The Music of John Williams
2/20 – Mania: The ABBA Tribute
2/21 – Wild Kratts Live
2/22-23– TFO: Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1
3/4 – The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra
3/7 – The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine: The Sleeping Beauty
3/14 – Killers of Kill Tony 3/15 – Beethoven’s Violin Concerto
The Palladium
253 Fifth Ave. N, St. Pete
727-822-3590 mypalladium.org
2/4 – State of the City 2025
2/6 – Sadie Lehmker: The Forget-Me–Knots
2/7 – Bryan Hughes & The Crew: The Great American Songbook
2/8 – Jason Hackenwerth: Sparrows Dream
2/12 – Palladium Chamber Series #3: Mile-End Trio
2/13 – Whitney James Jazz Valentine
2/15 – Victor Wainwright & The Train
2/16 – One City Chorus: Imagine, the Music of The Beatles
2/18 – Tampa Bay Symphony: Scandinavian Romance
2/20 – Ella & The Bossa Beat
2/21 – 7 Bridges: The Ultimate Eagles Experience
2/22 – BeeGees Now!
2/23 – Listening Room Festival 2025
3/7, 9, 11 – St. Pete Opera: Sondheim’s A Little Night Music
The Studio@620
620 First Ave. S, St. Pete 727-895-6620 thestudioat620.org Masks recommended in building
USF Yuengling Center 12499 USF Bull Run Drive, Tampa 813-974-3111 yuenglingcenter.com
2/14 – Bebeshito
3/8 – The Driver Era
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941-953-3368 vanwezel.org
2/4 – Evil Woman: The American ELO
2/5 – The Drifters, The Platters & Cornell Gunter’s Coasters
2/5, 12, 19, 26 – Golden Groovers
2/6 – Luis Bravo’s Forever Tango
2/7 – Kenny Wayne Shepherd
2/10 – Steve Solomon’s My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m Still in Therapy
2/11 – Burton Cummings of the original “The Guess Who”
2/12 – Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass
2/13 – Czech National Symphony
2/14 – Chris Botti
2/15 – Paula Poundstone
2/16 – Alton Brown
2/17 – Danny Go!
2/18-20 – Come From Away
2/21 – Sarasota Orchestra: Melting Pot of Music
2/25 – Nitty Gritty Dirt Band w/ Brit Taylor
2/26 – Stayin’ Alive: One Night of the BeeGees
2/27 – An Evening w/ Yo-Yo Ma
2/28 – 3 Divas from Broadway
3/2 – Neil Berg’s 115 Years of Broadway
3/3 – The Temptations & The Four Tops
3/4 – Twyla Tharp Dance
3/5 – Golden Groovers
3/5 – Gladys Knight
3/6 – RAIN: A Tribute to The Beatles
3/7 – Sarasota Orchestra: The Planets
3/10 – Town Hall Presents Dr. Moiya McTier
3/11 – Lewis Black new date
3/12 – Matteo Bocelli
3/13 – ZZ Top
3/14 – Jay Leno w/ Arsenio Hall
3/15 – A Celebration of “The Mighty Zep”
West Coast Players
21905 US 19 N, Clearwater 727-437-2363 facebook.com/WCPtheater
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
Closed for renovation through Spring 2025
Florida Museum of Photographic Arts 1630 E Seventh Ave., Ybor City, Tampa 813-221-2222 fmopa.org
Through 2/16 – José Ney Milà Espinosa: Land Land Land
Through 3/2 – Fandom: Celebrating Rock & Roll w/ Jay Nolan and Davy Alder 2/18-3/23 – Barbara Peacock: American Bedroom
ARTS & LEISURE EVENTS
2/12-13 – Black History They Don’t Want You to Know $20-$30, 7pm, Stageworks, 1120 E Kennedy Blvd., Suite 151, Tampa. A new stage play about untold truths in Black history. In a powerful blend of poetry and live theater, you’ll learn history that was hidden! Written by Lance Flenton, directed by Bob Devin Jones. www.stageworkstheatre.org/events-tickets
2/15 – SPZF25: St. Pete Zine Fest 2025
Free, 11am-3pm, West Community Library at SPC Gibbs, 6700 Eighth Ave. N, St. Pete. Featuring more than 40 artists, zinesters, and independent publishers. Family-friendly. For tabling information, email Kaitlin at info@printstpete.org or Crockett.kaitlin@spcollege.edu. Sponsored by Print St. Pete Community Letterpress and St. Petersburg Library System.
2/15 – Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival Free admission, 9am-4pm. Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American History Museum, Ninth Ave. S at 22nd St. S, St. Pete. More than 200 local vendors, collard green giveaway, live music and entertainment, collard green cook-off and cooking demos, fitness demonstrations, and Inkclusive Pages Book Fair. Health screenings, blood pressure checks.
2/15 – Dunedin Fine Art Center 50th Anniversary Gala $250-$5,000, 6-11pm, DFAC, 1143 Michigan Ave., Dunedin. The art center will be transformed into an Art Deco masterpiece, marking the 50th anniversary of the beginnings of the center as a 2,000-square-foot facility that is now a 50,000-square-foot art center serving over 80,000 visitors annually. Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/2x5x489a
2/15-16 – 60th Annual Art Harvest TEMPORARY LOCATION
Free admission, 10am-5pm, Our Lady of Lourdes, 750 San Salvador Drive, Dunedin. This fundraiser by the Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin has evolved into a highly respected juried show of high-quality art in balanced media involving over 200 artists. More than 30,000 attend this event annually.
2/16-23 – Winter Pride
Cost determined by event/venue, street festival free. What is certain to be one of the most anticipated events will be a “drag race” of sorts down Central Avenue, where teams will race their custom-built box cars, with the winning team getting a $5,000 donation to their favored charity. The Street Festival on 2/23 along Central Avenue between 20th and 28th streets will conclude the week’s events. This festival is a complement to the annual June Pride. More information and tickets at www.winterpridesaintpete.com/events
2/18 – Danny Go! Live!
$39 and up, 5pm, Straz Center. Danny Go! has become one of the most popular internet shows for preschool and early elementary age children, encouraging and inspiring learning and physical activity with music, movement and silliness. 813-229-7827 www.strazcenter.org
Glazer Children’s Museum
110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa 813-443-3851 glazermuseum.org
Created specifically for children 10 and under.
Great Explorations
Children’s Museum
1925 Fourth St. N, St. Pete 727-821-8992 greatex.org
First Sun. of month open special hours for special needs families. Families with a SNAP, EBT, or WIC card get in free every Tues. Limited hours.
Gulf Beaches Historical Museum
115 10th Ave., St. Pete Beach 727-552-1610
gulfbeachesmuseum.com
Closed until further notice.
Gulfport History Museum 5301 28th Ave. S, Gulfport 727-201-8687
gulfporthistoricalsociety.org
Winter Hours:
• Wed: 10am-2pm
• Thur: Noon-4pm
• Fri: 10am-2pm
• Sat: Noon-4pm (only first and third Saturdays)
2/21 – The Most Spectacular Florida Woman (That You’ve Never Heard Of), presented by Kathy Salustri
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
History and culture of the Greek community 2/4 – Tarpon Talks: Florida Architecture –Past to Present (Session two)
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 2/9 – Enduring Light: Photographs by Roy DeCarava and Danny Lyon Through 2/22 – Jess T. Dugan: I want you to know my story Through 5/11 – Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists from Japan Through 9/21 –Embodied: Highlights from The Ringling Collection
Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art 600 E Klosterman Road, Tarpon Springs 727-712-5762 leeparattner.org Through 4/27 –X-Ray Vision vs. Invisibility Through 4-27 – Reflections: The Legacy of Frank Rampolla Through 4/27 – Dignity: The Light 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 3/1 – MAACM Speaker Series: Mira Nakashima
Museum of Fine Arts 255 Beach Dr. NE, St. Pete 727-894-4368 mfastpete.org Thur. $10 after 5pm Through 2/16 –Audubon’s Birds of America Through 2/23 – Felix GonzalezTorres: “Untitled” (L.A.) Through 3/16 –Ansel Adams: Photographs from the MFA Collection Through 3/16 – Live Conservation: Conserving an Altarpiece Sculpture Through 4/12 –
Explore the Vaults: New Guinea 2/6, 13, 20, 27 – Art After Dark 2/6 – Art & Nature Before Audubon: A Closer Look at Maria Sibylla Merian 2/13 – Film Screening & Talk: The Last Green Thread 2/27 – In the Presence of the Spirits: Art and Culture in New Guinea
Museum of Motherhood New Listing 2606 Fairfield Ave. S, St. Pete, Bldg. 7 877-711-6667 mommuseum.org Thu-Sat Noon-6pm, Sun Noon-3 Second Saturday Art Walk.
Escape Womb Experience (18+)
2/4 – Heart Beats for Wellness: Health and Love Fest
2/28 – Bridging Our Stories: Black History & Resilience
3/4 – Legacy & Lift: Elevating Women’s Wellness Across Generations
3/14-16 – MoM’s 20th Anniversary Conference in partnership w/ USF
3/5 – Arthur “Buz” Olds, author of “It’s No Bull: The True Story of the Taming of Northeast Pinellas County”
Safford House Museum 23 Parkin Court, Tarpon Springs 727-942-5805 tarponarts.org Restored 1883 Victorian home
St. Petersburg Museum of History
335 Second Ave. NE 727-894-1052 spmoh.com
Historic boat tours
Happy Hour with the Historian
Sarasota Art Museum
1001 S Tamiami Trail, 941-309-4300 sarasotaartmuseum.org
Through 4/13 – Larry Fink/Martha Posner: Flesh and Bone Through 4/13 – Joe Fig: Contemplating Vermeer
Tampa Bay Automobile Museum 3301 Gateway Centre, Pinellas Park. 727-579-8226 tbauto.org
Sundays: Historian guided tours
2/4 – Mechanic guided tour 3/4 – Mechanic guided tour
Tampa Bay History Center 801 Old Water St., Tampa 813-226-0097 tampabayhistorycenter.org
Walking tours of Tampa neighborhoods Through 2/2 –Holiday Traditions in Florida 3/1-8/3 – Invisible Immigrants: Spaniards in the U.S.
Tampa Museum of Art 120 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa 813-259-1720 tampamuseum.org Thur. 4-8pm: pay-as-you-will admission. Through 2/2 –Vaughn Spann: Allegories Through 2/19 – Joseph Veach
Noble: Through the Eye of a Collector Through 3/23 – Identity in the Ancient World Through 4/20 – Suchitra Mattai: Bodies and Souls Through 5/18 – Ancient Athens: Birthplace of Democracy Through 5/25 –The Art of Coptic Egypt Through 6/29 –Purvis Young: Redux Through 8/10 –Jennifer Steinkamp: Madame Curie Through 9/28 –The Art of Coptic Egypt
Tarpon Springs Railroad Depot Historical Museum 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 2/23 –Student Surrealist Art Exhibit Through 5/4 – The Subversive Eye: Surrealist and Experimental Photography
The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art
150 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-892-4200 thejamesmuseum.org Tues. $10 all day
USF Contemporary Art Museum Institute for Research in Art 3821 USF Holly Drive, Tampa 813-974-3503 ira.usf.edu
Woodson African American Museum of Florida 2240 Ninth Ave. S, St. Pete 727-323-1104 woodsonmuseum.org
One City Chorus – Mon. 7pm Through 3/29 – Invisible Labor: Krystle Lemonias and Sharon Norwood 2/20-5/10 – iBOMS: Imagine Nation • FULL Service Salon
• Manicures and Pedicures
• Facials, Peels, Microdermabrasion
• Top of the Line Lash Extensions
• Instant Anti-Aging Treatments
• Non-surgical Lifts & Body Contours
• Air Brush Make-up
• Services for entire Bridal Parties
ARTS & LEISURE EVENTS
2/22 – St. Petersburg International Folk Fair
$14 general admission/$12 seniors, active military/$7 ages 6-12/free, under 6; 10am-6pm, England Brothers Park, 5010 81st Ave N, Pinellas Park. Some two dozen ethnic groups from around the world will have villages set up to visit. Activities in past years have included multiple stages for entertainment, plus a parade and a naturalization ceremony at which people become American citizens! There is also plenty of art, food, dance, and drinks. SPIFFS is the only independent multi-ethnic organization of its kind in the United States. Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/hvpwpwux
2/22-23 – Safety Harbor Art & Seafood on the Waterfront
Free general admission/VIP $75. Noon-9pm, Safety Harbor Waterfront Park, 105 Veterans Memorial Lane, Safety Harbor. Some 50 national juried artists showcasing painting, sculpture, photography, and more. Delicious seafood from local restaurants and food trucks, as well as Interactive art activities and a Kid’s Zone. A seafood contest and cash awards for top artists. VIP tickets: https://tinyurl.com/yku2ty6c
2/27-3/27 – Illustrating the News
Free, Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Morean Arts Center, 719 Central Ave., St. Pete. A retrospective collection of over 30 years of artwork by Joe Tonelli, chief news artist at the St. Petersburg Times under whose artistic direction the paper developed a unique and acclaimed identity in the news and art worlds. His work earned numerous awards and a Pulitzer Prize nomination. This exhibition highlights hundreds of his illustrations. Public reception is 3/8, 5-8pm.
2/28-3/2 – Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival
Free general admission, $25 and up reserved and VIP, 300 Cleveland St., Clearwater. Performers to include (3/1) The Shaelyn Band, Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast, Eddie 9v, Mr. Sipp, Eric Gales; (3/2) Dig3 Band, Chris O’Leary Band, Ally Venable, and Blood Brothers. No outside food or drink, pets OK on leash. Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/4u78d3xe
2/28-3/2 – Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg $30 and up, depending on day and seating, through streets of downtown St. Pete. Traditionally the site of the NTT Indycar Series’ season-opening race, this annual motorsports tradition offers a festival atmosphere. The circuit is a 1.8-mile, 14-turn configuration that uses the streets circling Pioneer Park, the Duke Energy Center for the Arts, The Dali Museum and extending onto the runway at Albert Whitted Airport and borders the waterfront of Tampa Bay and picturesque St. Petersburg Harbor and Marina. Tickets at www.gpstpete.com
MUSIC
Al Downing Tampa Bay
Jazz Association
Jazz Jam, Mon., 7-9pm, Hangar Restaurant, 540 First St. SE, St. Pete. Last Saturdays: Youth Jazz Jam, Pinellas Community Church, 5501 31st St. S, St. Pete aldowningjazz.com
New Horizons Band of Gulfport Gulfport Senior Center 5501 27th Ave. S, Gulfport 727-345-0285 newhorizonsbandgulfport.org Novice, intermediate musicians
School of Rock St. Petersburg 2401 Central Ave., 727-871-7625 schoolofrock.com Guitar, drum, singing, keyboard/piano lessons
South Pasadena Community Band 727-515-5407 southpasadenaband.com All-volunteer band All rehearsals cancelled; concerts postponed or cancelled.
St. Petersburg College
Gibbs Campus Music Center 6605 Fifth Ave. N, 727-341-4360 spcollege.edu/events
Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Society Cove Cay Golf Club 2612 Cove Cay Drive, Clearwater sdjs2022.org
Tampa Bay Symphony
Performances in various locations 727-827-8087 tampabaysymphony.org Winter 2025: Scandinavian Romance 2/14 – New Tampa Performing Arts Center 2/16 – Straz Center, Tampa 2/18 – Palladium Theater, St. Pete
TomKats Jazz Orchestra CJ’s Backstage 7022 22nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg 727-202- 8881 tomkatsjazzorchestra.com
OPERA
Opera Tampa at Straz Center, 1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa 813-229-7827 strazcenter.org 2/2 – Candide 3/7 & 3/9 – Pasquale
Sarasota Opera House 61 N Pineapple Ave., 941-328-1300 sarasotaopera.org 2/15-3/29 – Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci 2/18 – Moonlight and Melodies Dinners 2/22-3/29 – The Barber of Seville 3/8-28 – The Marriage of Figaro 3/15-30 – Stiffelio
St. Pete Opera 2145 First Ave. S, 727-823-2040 stpeteopera.org Various performance locations 3/7-11 – A Little Night Music (Palladium)
St. Petersburg Opera Guild stpeteoperaguild.org
The Pinellas Opera League Thur.: Opera at the Dali pinellasoperaleague.com
ECO
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 1101 Country Club Way S, St. Pete 727-893-7326 stpeteparksrec.org/ boydhillpreserve Closed Mon.
Environmental education center, Terry Tomalin Campground, Pinellas Pioneer Settlement
Fort De Soto Park 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde 727-552-1862 pinellascounty.org/park Campgrounds, ferry services to Egmont and Shell Keys. Reopening in phases; Fort, dog beach, Bay Pier, boat ramp, East Beach, causeway and Area 3 campground are open.
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, interactive exhibits, daily talks, guided tours.
Weedon Island Preserve
1800 Weedon Dr. NE, St. Pete 727-453-6500 weedonislandpreserve.org
Guided hikes, birding, and photography tours. Archaeology lectures, classes and webinars.
GARDENS
Florida West Coast Orchid Society
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 10891 102nd Ave. N, Seminole 727-420-7230 fwcos.org 3/15 – Orchid Repotting Clinic
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
Through 8/31 –
Patti Smith: A Book of Days 2/9-6/29 – George Harrison: A Gardener’s Life
Pinewood Cultural Park 12520 Ulmerton Road, and 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo Heritage Village pinellas.gov/parks/heritage-village Creative Pinellas –creativepinellas.org
Florida Botanical Gardens –
Free 100-acre park flbg.org
Third Saturday – Gardens open 7am-5pm; Creative Pinellas open noon-5pm; Heritage Village open 10am-4pm
Sunken Gardens
1825 Fourth St. N, St. Pete Adult and child classes sunkengardens.org
“Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get – only with what you are expecting to give – which is everything.” – Katharine Hepburn
FERRIES
Crossbay Ferry
Connecting Downtown Tampa to Downtown St. Pete Wed.-Sun. through May 727-273-5932
ZooTampa at Lowry Park 1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa 813-935-8552 zootampa.org
CLUBS-SERVICE/SOCIAL
Gulfport Lions Club
Second and fourth Tues. 6:30pm Gulfport Lions Clubhouse 4630 Tifton Dr. S, Gulfport 727-709-6694 facebook.com/Gulfport-Lions-Club
Pass-A-Grille Shuffleboard January through March Tues./Thurs./Sat., 10am–noon Pass-A-Grille Park, 1000 Pass-a-Grille Way Member $20/yr., open to public.
Preserve The ‘Burg 727-824-7802 preservetheburg.org
Rotary Club of Gulf Beaches Tues., Noon. Elks Lodge, 1411 E. Parsley Drive, Madeira Beach facebook.com/RotaryGulfBeaches
Second Saturday Singers
Second Sat. 9am–noon, Oct-April Pasadena Community Church, 227 70th St. S, St. Pete bobd@pccumc.org
St. Petersburg Audubon Society
Regularly scheduled field trips 727-753-9731 stpeteaudubon.org
St. Petersburg Chess Club
540 Fourth Ave. N, St. Pete
Open every Fri. for members 6-11pm; Sun. 2-4pm group lessons and friendly games.
St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club
559 Mirror Lake Drive N, St. Pete Fri., 7-10pm, Free. stpeteshuffle.com
Suncoast Bonsai Society
Seminole Recreation Center 9100 113th St., Third Sat. 10am suncoastbonsaisociety.org
Suncoast Quilting Circle
Works to preserve and promote the art of quilt making. suncoastquiltingcircle.org
Swiss Club St. Petersburg Welcomes new members. Inquire via website: SwissClubStPetersburg.com
Tampa Bay Surface Guild
Good Samaritan Church 6085 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park. Second Mon., 6:30-8:30pm Coloring, patterning, structuring and transformation of fabric, fiber, and other materials surfacedesignguild.com
Tampa Bay Women In Tourism
Third Fri. various venues. tampabaywomenintourism.com
The Contemporaries
Support group of members of Museum of Fine Arts. Monthly lectures, gatherings and field trips supporting contemporary artists of Tampa Bay. mfastpete.org
Hope Villages of America, Inc. 727-587-7747 rcspinellas.org/Volunteer
Keep Pinellas Beautiful
Conducts regular and frequent cleanup events. kpbcares.org/upcoming-events
Marine Exploration Center Needs volunteers 727-209-7115 mecstpete.org
Meals on Wheels
Needs volunteer drivers throughout Pinellas County. 727-573-9444 neighborly.org
St. Petersburg Arts Alliance
100 Second Ave. N, Suite 150 727-754-6404 stpeteartsalliance.org
St. Pete Free Clinic
863 Third Ave. N thespfc.org
State of Florida Guardian ad Litem Program
Sixth Judicial Circuit Court of FL, 14250 49th St. N, Suite 4000, Clearwater. guardianadlitem.org
Tampa Bay Estuary Program
263 13th Ave. S., Suite 350, St. Pete 727-893-2765 tbep.org/get-involved/volunteer
ARTS & LEISURE
Tampa Bay Watch
3000 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde tampabaywatch.org
Restoration and educational programs, field trips
YOGA
Beach Yoga Pinellas Beachyogapinellas.com
Salty Souls Yoga saltysoulsyoga.com
Silver Sneakers Yoga Community Center, St. Pete Beach Fri. 11:15am spbrec.com
South Pasadena Yoga
• Gentle Yoga: Thursdays, 9:30-10:30am
• Yoga Flow: Thursdays, 10:40-11:40am, South Pasadena City Hall, 7047 Sunset Drive S barbmoeller1@gmail.com
Sunken Gardens
1825 Fourth St. N, St. Pete 727-560-7317
Mon. & Wed. 10:30am
Sun Sea Air Yoga & Wellness
2321 49th St. S, Gulfport 727-220-0231 https://sunseaairyoga.com/ sun-sea-air-yoga
Booking ahead recommended.
Sunset Yoga at The St. Pete Pier
First Wed. 7-8pm. Free https://tinyurl.com/3m2wbmc6
The Centre of St. Pete Beach 7525 Blind Pass Road, 727-258-2001 thecentreSPB.com/calendar1
Yoga at The Dali Dali Museum, third Sun., 9-10am https://tinyurl.com/bd6e88mz
MARKETS
TUESDAYS
Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market
9am-3pm, Oct. through April 9am-2pm, May through Sept. Beach Blvd. below 28th Ave. S, First Tues. Clothing Swap: Russian Club, 2920 Beach Blvd. S visitgulfportflorida.com
WEDNESDAYS
Madeira Beach Market Nov.-May 10am-3pm 15000 Madeira Way
FRIDAYS
Sunset Market
First and third Fri. nights, 5-10pm, parking lot of Imagine Museum, 1901 Central Ave., St. Pete.
Garden Club Holds Flea Market Again
The Garden Club of St. Petersburg located at 500 S. Sunset Drive, (just off Park St. S) and many of its members were victims of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The club members have however decided to hold their annual “Home and Garden Flea Market,” knowing how many of us lost so much of our belongings. From 9am-3pm on Friday, Feb. 28 and 9am-1pm on Saturday, March 1. They’ll be offering “Timeless Treasures,” including antiques, jewelry, artwork, collectibles, textiles, bedspreads, linens, fabric, tablecloths, home décor, household goods, outdoor items, recreation equipment, furniture and more. Men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, purses and hats, as well as snacks, beverages and baked goods for sale. If you go, tell them you read about them in Paradise News!
Creative Clay Outdoor Art Market
First Fridays, 10am-2pm 1846 First Ave. S, St. Pete
Treasure Island Friday Market Dec.-April, 9am-2pm Community Center Park islandneighborschamber.org
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
Dunedin Downtown Market 9am-1pm, Pioneer Park, 420 Main St., Fri. market Nov.-May until 2pm; Sat. market year-round.
SATURDAYS
Crossroads Market
Third Saturdays, 10am-2pm, Crossroads Christian Church 1645 Seminole Blvd., Largo
St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market Oct.-May, 9am-2pm
Al Lang Stadium parking lot, 230 First St. SE June-Sept. 9am-1pm, Williams Park, 350 Second Ave. N saturdaymorningmarket.com
The Market Marie Second Saturdays, 10am-3pm Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St., Clearwater
Mezzo Market
One Saturday a month Oct.-May, Baum Avenue between Intermezzo Coffee & Green Bench Brewing, St. Pete mezzomarket.co
SUNDAYS
49th Street Makers/Growers Market First Sunday, 10am-2pm Red Feather Studios, 1301 49th St. S, Gulfport
Corey Avenue Sunday Market 10am-2pm/June-Oct. 9am-1pm Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach coreyave.com
Indian Shores Sunday Market Nov.-April, 9am-1pm Indian Shores Town Hall, 19305 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores facebook.com/ IndianShoresSundayMarket
St. Pete Sunday Market Third Sun. of the month, Noon-6pm Arts Xchange 515 22nd St. S, St. Pete
Sunday Market St. Pete Weekly, 10am-5pm, St. Petersburg High School, 2501 Fifth Ave. N
SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS
Art Mart at Pass-a-Grille Sat. & Sun., 9am-2pm (+ Fridays through April) 900 Gulf Way, St. Pete Beach
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
ANNUAL HOME RENTAL
Keyrenter property management takes the worry out of being a land lord. KeyrenterStPete.com or call Sam 727.202.2700
BOAT CLUB
Limited Membership Boat Club with Premium Boats. All day usage for a fraction of the cost of ownership. SovereignBoatClub.com
Tierra Verde – 727.200.3474
BOAT FOR SALE
Live aboard ready! Classic ‘83 Catalina C-36 sailboat. Complete re-fit at the factory. Too many extras to list...wind gen., solar, custom radar arch w/davits, ac) $50k Call Ron 917.243.2087
Call for a free in-home consult. See ad for 30% off next purchase. Call Budget Blinds 727.821.0976 and/or Service First Installers
CAREGIVER/COMPANION
In-home aid, dementia/companion care, meals, laundry, groceries, pets, appointments. St. Petersburg / S. Pinellas. References available. Maritza Palmucci 813.230.9392
Companionship, errands, transportation to appointments, light cooking, cleaning, and laundry, medication reminders. Call Gail 260.242.0246, email gail@compassionatecompanioncare forseniors.com, compassionate companioncareforseniors.com
CARPETS & RUGS
Professional Rug Cleaning & Invisible Repairs – Free pick-up and delivery. Also, the largest selection of imported Handmade works of art you can walk on.
Oriental Rug Bazaar 727.726.8787
COLLEGE ADMISSION
FL-based College Counselor Helping students with college admissions www.ic-prep.com
CLOSET DESIGN & INSTALLATION
Get organized. Maximize the space you have in closets, pantries, laundry rooms & more. newclosettoday.com
Call for a free consult 727.641.6448
CREMATION
Family Cremation Plot - 49th St., $12K, Memorial Gardens 727.381.5363 DENTAL SERVICES
Century Dental, Advanced Dental Technology, Implants,Reconstructive, Cosmetic & Laser Dentistry, 617 75th Ave., St. Pete Beach, 40 Years Experience – Free 2nd opinions
CenturyDental.org 727.367.3313
Pier Dental, 8351 Blind Pass Rd., SPB
Family-owned General and Cosmetic Dentistry with Personalized Care. Florida native Dr. Brittany Pierpont. PierDental.net 727.363.6169
Helios Health – Zoe (MA31664) offers massage and Infrared sauna therapy on West Central Ave. at 57th St., St. Petersburg 727.322.8883
PAINTING SERVICES
Residential or Commercial Painting Flo-Pro Painting 727.337.6888
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.”
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
Marina Bay – New Construction
Near Eckerd. More than beautiful. Resilient, Private, Peaceful, Protected FORTIFIED 727.906.3300
MarinaBaystPete.com
Amazing Marina Bay homes for sale NOW! 10 Bayfront Court S, St. Pete, $2,875,000, 4 BR/3.5BA, 3,239sf of waterfront elegance karabrookshomes.com/10bayfront 16B Franklin Court S., St. Pete
$1,695,000, 3 BR/2.5BA 2,334sf of effortless waterfront convenience karabrookshomes.com/16bfranklin by www.KaraBrooksHomes.com, Premier Sothebys
Real Estate For SALE
Completely Renovated 2BR 1.5 BA, 5503 80th St. N #209 1139 sf $239K (see Leverocks Realty ad page 23) 727.422.3483
Amazing Marina Bay homes seek new owners!
18A Franklin Court S., St. Pete
$1,749,000, 3BR, 25BA 2,374sf of effortless waterfront convenience 26 Jefferson Ct. S, 3BR, 2BA 2,000sf
PENDING 10 Bayfront Court S, St. Pete, $2,875,000
karabrookshomes.com/18AFranklin karabrookshomes.com/26Jefferson by www.KaraBrooksHomes.com
Premier Sothebys
727.313.1233
Marina Bay New ConstructionBuilt like its Fortified
Call the developer 727.906.3300
Visit www.MarinaBaySt.Pete.com
(see their ad on page 5)
RESIDENTIAL PROTECTION
Insurance Companies are now rejecting claims if no one has been there in 14 days.
Property Watch Ninja’s are your boots on the ground
When you’re not around.
PropertyWatchNinja’s.com or Call 727.620.2620
SCREEN REPAIR
Screen Repair for Pool Cages, Patios and Lanais, call or text for a FREE Estimate.
Rescreen Rescue 727.348.4307
SEO & WEBSITES
Advanced Digital Media Services develops websites with SEO built-in to get your company to the top on Google. Text or call 727.509.6930
Create and Improve Your Online Presence, customerloyaltyagency.com
Call Dean at 941.323.1402
SLIDING DOOR REPAIR
Stop struggling with old sliding doors. We fix it to open for a fraction of the cost of a new door. We replace windows too. Lic. C1050, YouTube.com/user/SliderRepairs
Slider Repairs 727.493.2644
TERMITES
Cameron Termite & Pest Control
Inspections, Treatments and Tenting Camerontermite.com 727.577.0789
TOURS & TRANSPORTATION
Paradise Tours & Transportation
Call us 1st for your transportation needs. We will take you where you want to go! Sightseeing tours and transportation around Tampa Bay. 727.417.8036
Free Beach Rides 727.776.7553
TUTORING
Portuguese & French Tutoring Conversational-Grammar-Literature parigitropicale@gmail.com 727.301.5917
Piano lessons your home or my studio. All ages & styles, affordable, 25 years of experience. 727.688.2782
French lessons by French nativeAll levels. Text or call 571.435.5606
Reading tutor. Certified. Grades 2-8. 1:1 Zoom or in-person. 941.962.5782
actuallylearnit.com
WINDOW CLEANING
See Life More Clearly, 30 yrs. exp., Residential, Commercial. Estimates are free. Call Tim 727.488.8516
On the Gulf Coast’s premier boating water with 5 bedrooms 5 1/2 baths, and over 5,600 sqft of living space.
Best Views in
Vina del Mar waterfront home has it all: Great views, superior boating, and a walkto-beach location.
An absolutely gorgeous and spacious unit right on the beach with 2/2.5 plus a bonus space and a 2-week min rental.
Top-floor, single-level living with elevator, featuring great water views and superior boating, with slip and lift.
This direct Gulf-front unit is an amazing hands-off income generator with the most coveted views and a great layout.
Location in Venetian Isles The dream St. Petersburg lifestyle awaits you at this waterfront property on one of the best streets in Venetian Isles. $1,150,000
Incredible Views and Elegance
This 3rd-floor condominium home in the coveted community of Bacopa Bay has it all: Views, quality, location, and views.
Experience Tierra Verde in this beautifully furnished townhome, with a picturesque view overlooking the shimmering pool.
Dreamy Water Views for Less
In one of Tierra Verde’s most desired complexes, this unit offers great views and a very lovely updated interior.
Gorgeous and Turn-Key
A beautifully updated corner unit with incredible views over the Pass-a-Grille channel and fantastic amenities.
The island lifestyle awaits in this Isla del Sol condo in the coveted Club Bahia neighborhood.
Balmy bay breezes and exquisite views for miles captivate in this gorgeous and fully furnished condo.
Enjoy everything that Gulfport has to offer in this stunning 3 / 2.5 home in an amazing location with great amenities..
We are thrilled to be celebrating our 31st year of helping people buy and sell the finest Tampa Bay properties by providing exceptional marketing, international reach, and local expertise.
Now we are honored to have been chosen to be the exclusive representatives to the Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate Board of Regents for the entire Tampa Bay Area. Call us to learn what this can mean for your success.
Angela Mathias, Andrew Salamone, Ron Salamone, Libby Salamone
