TIDBITS DUNEDIN___________________________
By Peter Roos Mitchell Shenkman and Mike Braddy of Rotary of The Gulf Beaches hand $1,000 donation to Erin Authier, executive director of the Guardian ad Litem Foundation. GULFPORT________________________
After a successful stint along the St. Petersburg bayfront, the autonomous shuttle AVA began another test this week in Dunedin, where free rides will be offered through the summer. AVA is short for Autonomous Vehicle Advantage. AVA riders in Dunedin will experience a different automated vehicle than the one used in St. Petersburg, which carried nearly 5,000 riders over five months. The ongoing testing is a partnership between the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) and BEEP, and it receives funding from the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority (TBARTA). GULF BEACHES_____________________
Neptune Grill is Thriving One of Gulfport’s signature restaurants is Neptune Grille, across from the Casino’s west side. It’s a casual Greek and seafood restaurant with water views, live music & an outdoor bar. Greek salads, flaming cheese, gyro platters, classic Greek & seafood entrees. Liquor, beer or wine are available, and you can dine indoors or out. There’s usually a breeze and some shade in the afternoons.
SKYWAY MARINA____________________ A new active senior living community is coming soon to the Skyway Marina District. Sarasota-based LifeStar Living closed on a 5.25-acre property at 4595 34th St S for $9 million. The site is currently home to a self-storage facility and an Ace Hardware. The first phase of the Manhattan is estimated to cost $125 million and will be comprised of over 80 condo-style homes with modern coastal finishes. Each unit will include 1,050 to 2,600 square feet of living space. The nine-story building will feature high-end amenities and services, including indoor and outdoor dining venues, an outdoor pool, nature paths, a fitness center and spa, 24-hour security, valet services, and priority access to healthcare services that include assisted living and memory care. Later this year, hundreds of new residents will soon call the Skyway Marina District home. Pre-leasing began this month for Marina Walk, a 245-unit apartment community located just south of The Manhattan. Additionally, Starbucks and Tropical Smoothie Café will be opening alongside Marina Walk in an outparcel building fronting 34th Street South.
PINELLAS COUNTY__________________ St. Pete Beach Mayor Al Johnson is the president of the Barrier Island Government Council, the “Big C”, this year, so the group is meeting at St. Pete Beach’s Community Centre in the afternoon of the last Tuesday of each month. The Big C, incorporated in 1990, is a governmental council including 11 municipalities residing on the west coast of Florida, from St. Pete Beach to Clearwater, including: Belleair Beach, Belleair Shore, Clearwater, Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, Madeira Beach, North Redington Beach, Redington Beach, Redington Shores, St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island. Visit www.barrier islandscouncil.com/reps.php for more info.
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JUNE-JULY 2021 | ParadiseNewsFL.com
Breeze Airways is flying Tampa International Airport to Charleston, South Carolina. Founded by Jet Blue founder David Neeleman, Breeze Airways will eventually fly 39 nonstop routes between 16 cities. Flights began Thursday, May 27, with routes between Tampa, Charleston and Hartford, Connecticut. Other destinations will be added weekly through July. When its schedule is complete, Breeze will fly 10 nonstop routes to and from Tampa including Louisville, Oklahoma City and Richmond, Virginia.
The Addison Skyway Marina, a 308-unit luxury apartment community, and Sur Club, a 296-unit resort-style apartment complex, are also under construction. Lastly, Skyway Lofts, an affordable housing community, broke ground last year and will bring another 65 units to the neighborhood in 2022.
