Paradise News Magazine - June-July 2023

and Dave Estabrooks (727) 460-4061

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

DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS

(Partial listing of Rack & Stack locations)

DOWNTOWN ST. PETERSBURG

Happy Feet Plus ReMax Metro lobby

Hollander Hotel Vinoy Hotel

St. Pete Chamber St. Pete City Store

Florida CraftArt The Hangar

Hawthorne Bottle Shop Sundial

So Chic Consignment Fergs

TYRONE AREA

Cody’s Road House Ancient Healing

GULFPORT

Welcome Center Habana Café

Library/City Hall Gulfport Casino

Sail Market Maddy Spa

Stellas Town Shores Lobby

ISLA DEL SOL & BAYWAY ISLES

Regions Bank Island Salon

Isla Yacht & CC Patchingtons

TIERRA VERDE

Billy’s Century 21

TD Bank Mariott

Phila Deli Wong Lee’s

Tony & Nello’s Island Grille

SOUTH PASADENA

Ace Hardware Spiro’s Deli

Winn Dixie Fountains Towers

Regions Bank

PASS-A-GRILLE

Merry Pier The SeaHorse

The Wharf

Hurley Realty Suntan Art Center

Don CeSar Shaners Land-Sea Mkt

ST. PETE BEACH

Basil Leaf Basil Leaf Sushi

Nikko’s Dog Bar Sea Dog Brewery

Resort Realty Vito & Michael’s

Library/City Hall Riptides Lounge

Nori Thai Sushi Synovus Bank

Larry’s Ice Cream Odi’s Kitchen

Baird Realty Coldwell Banker RE

TBB Chamber ReMax Preferred

Gulf to Bay Bait Dolphin Landings

UPS Store 5th/3rd Bank

Skidders Dolphin Bch Resort

COREY AREA DISTRICT

Chill Restaurant SPB Post Office

Frog Pond Beach Theatre

TREASURE ISLAND

Bilmar Hotel T.I. Hardware

TI & MB Chamber Keller Williams Realty

JOHN’S PASS VILLAGE

Kilwin’s Ice Cream Spice & Tea Exchange

Chamber Kiosk

MADEIRA BEACH

Waterfront Realty Post Office

Recreation Center City Hall Library

www.ParadiseNewsFL.com

Copyright: Entire contents copyright © 2023 Paradise NEWS LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the contents of Paradise NEWS in whole or in part by photocopying, entry into any data-retrieval system, or any other means is strictly forbidden, without written consent of the publisher. Paradise NEWS has a non-political policy. Paid political ads are accepted. Signed letters to editors welcomed.

NOTE readers: Paradise NEWS does not recommend or endorse any products or services in the publication. Any misrepresentation should be reported to the local authorities. Investigate all conditions & restrictions before making your purchase, understand your individual agreement prior to payment. Use discretion with any business transaction, whether making a purchase or accepting payment.

To

FORTIFIED™

PUBLISHERS MESSAGE

When the daily forecast is for highs in the nineties with a chance of rain, summer has arrived. Paradise NEWS’ June/July issue also marks the start of storm season. It is best to be prepared. Have a plan in place. Next time might be different.

This June/July issue is dedicated to your enjoyment of the summer, including some fun staycation ideas, some terrific short road trips, and lots of things to do locally: listen to some live music, take the SunRunner to a Rays game, visit one or more of the many museums, get out on the water, dolphin watching or sunset cruising. Our cover subject this issue is the TradeWinds Islands Resorts, the largest resort on Florida’s west coast, inviting you for a summer stay and reminding you to “Just Let Go!®”

One of the blessings we have here in Paradise is the opportunity to observe so much sea life and the great variety of shore birds. In January, we featured the 50-year-young Clearwater Marine Aquarium, helping dolphins, turtles and now manatees. If you are looking for a charity to support, the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary in Indian Shores is an amazing, and needy, seabird hospital, rescue and rehabilitation facility in our neighborhood that invites the public to tour free daily. You can even get there on the PSTA trolley.

North Central Florida contains many treasures to be enjoyed in the summer. The Ocala Forest, old Florida towns like Cedar Key, Dunnellon and Micanopy, area historical museums and Florida’s natural springs, some which have been preserved as state parks.

Renee’s tie-dyed mesh tote bags have, up to now, only been available at the Corey Sunday Market. Her new Princess Rose Floral Collection, however, can now be seen at Pieces of a Dream, a great gift shop at 2430 Central Avenue. Tell Patti Paradise NEWS sent you!

We welcome a new back cover advertiser with this issue, Melinda Pletcher of Smith & Associates, Realtors™. We have known Melinda personally for years, for the last decade, both as the city commissioner from Vina Del Mar and Pass-a-Grille and as a remarkable realtor who goes to amazing lengths for her clients. We were thrilled to feature a number of her amazing Pass-a-Grille listings on pages 32-34 in our May edition cover story and look forward to many more on our back cover starting now.

During the 2023 Florida Freedom Summer Sales Tax Holiday, from now through Sept. 4, you may purchase admissions to music events, sporting events, cultural events, state park annual passes, and fitness facilities, as well as certain boating and water activity supplies, camping supplies, fishing supplies, general outdoor supplies, residential pool supplies, children’s athletic equipment, even children’s toys exempt from sales tax. It is a great chance, but like most things, the devil is in the details.

Prices are limited on bigger ticket items. For example, if your bike is over $500 or your outdoor grill costs over $250, tax is due on the whole amount. Get the details from Florida Dept. of Revenue.

This is the first of our two, summer, bimonthly editions, designed to be effective the first of June when it goes online, until August, when the August/September issues arrives. You can subscribe to the print edition or the free weekly digital newsletter and a whole lot more online at www.paradisenewsfl.com

Paradise NEWS

Volume 29 Number 6 • June/July 2023

PUBLISHERS

Peter Roos | Marketing & Sales sales@paradisenewsfl.com

Renee Roos | Creative Director info@paradisenewsfl.com

EDITORIAL

Nanette Wiser - Executive Editor wiser86@gmail.com

Steve Traiman - Feature Editor traimancreativecopy@gmail.com

ART & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Janet Nummi

CONTRIBUTING COLUMINISTS

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

Dr. Dennis Merritt Jones - Encouraging Words Dr. Johnathan Pierce - Pet Health

Michael Moses - The Centre

Susan Koenig - Good Deeds

Pamela Joy Trow - Words of Joy

Danielle L. Vaughn, Esq., B.C.S., LL.M. Property Law/Vaughn Voyage

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

VisitStPeteClearwater.com

City of St. Pete • City of Madeira Beach

Visit Florida • Janet Nummi & Public Media Resource Images

SUBMISSIONS - WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS

Paradise News welcomes submissions. 727.363.6888 • info@paradisenewsfl.com

DEADLINES - Advertising • Classified • Editorial

10th of the month, one month prior to print

PRINT CIRCULATION Mailings audited by U.S. Postal Service

Fall/Winter/Spring; (Monthly) Oct - May 36,000+ Summer;(Bi-monthly) June/July & Aug/Sept 30,000+

DISTRIBUTION - Mailed on “Island Time”

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

See table of contents page for partial list of rack & stack locations. To be a distribution site, e-mail: info@paradisenewsfl.com

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ADVERTISING & SUBSCRIPTIONS

MEMBERSHIP AFFILIATIONS

Corey Area Business Association

Greater Gulfport Chamber of Commerce

2007 “Business of the Year Award” Recipient

Preserve The Burg • Skyway Marina District

St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce

Entrepreneurial Academy Spring 2019

Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce

2008 “Small Business of the Year” Award

2013 “Woman-Owned Business of the Year”

Tampa Bay Watch - Corporate Sponsor

Treasure Island & Madeira Beach Chamber

PUBLISHED BY: Paradise News, LLC

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

727.363.6888 • info@paradisenewsfl.com www.ParadiseNewsFL.com | Facebook

The Centre @ St. Pete Beach is a holistic wellness center providing valuable services to people who are looking for a comprehensive approach to health and well-being. The Centre offers a variety of services that help people to improve their physical, mental, and emotional health. Your wellness matters at the Centre@SPB. Calling Triverde Health at 727-322-4588 is the first step toward getting access to medicinal cannabis through the Centre. SOUND

TIDBITS

TREASURE ISLAND The city of Treasure Island achieved LEED for Cities Gold certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). Treasure Island achieved the certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions aimed at improving sustainability and the standard of living for residents.

The LEED for Cities rating system is designed to guide communities in achieving high performance in human and environmental health and has enabled the city to track outcomes and evaluate key metrics including energy, water, waste, transportation, education, health, safety, prosperity and equitability. Treasure Island joins a global network of more than 130 certified local governments.

Treasure Island Fire Rescue offers FREE child seat inspections through a nationally certified child passenger safety technician. They will install your seat correctly and explain the proper use of the child safety seat and why correct installation is so very important. Call 727-547-4590 or email fire@mytreasureisland. org to set up an appointment.

PINELLAS COUNTY In an ongoing effort to reduce the impact of hazards such as flooding, sea level rise and storm surge, Pinellas County, municipal partners and other stakeholders have updated this year’s local hazard mitigation strategy (LMS). The LMS is updated annually according to criteria set forth by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Florida Department of Emergency Management. County governments and municipalities are required to participate in order to be eligible for federal hazard mitigation grant funding to pay for projects that correct or prevent flooding and other hazards. Participation in the program enhances public safety, reduces damage to property and public infrastructure, avoidance of economic disruption and loss and supports a resilient Pinellas. Learn more at pinellaslms.org

FLORIDA BIZ The Florida Office of Economic and Demographic Research shows tax revenues are up and the Sunshine State had the nation’s 10th lowest unemployment rate. The bad news? Floridians are going to be paying a lot more for flood insurance and will see their federal flood insurance premiums double, on average, in the future.

SAYONARA FLAPJACKS After 30 years, the busy Treasure Island Waffle House restaurant is closing at the end of June when their lease expires (they were paying $5,000/month rent). That land is valuable, and the landlord is asking $5.9 million for the 160’ X 200’ property and the 3,800 sf building across from the public beach! Interested? Call Chuck Olson 727-248-5679.

GETTING AROUND Parking rules on the beaches are in flux; parking costs and fines have increased. Free rides to and around St. Pete Beach are FREE with the new SunRunner (Bus Rapid Transit) to St. Pete Beach and the FREEBEE app on your smart phone. For rates and places to park, go to paradisenewsfl.com/ beachparking The buzz is that talks are in the works for a SunRunner link to John’s Pass.

BEACH BREWS A fixture in St. Pete Beach since 2016, Mastry’s Brewing Company has grown, distributing five of its most popular beers and is now expanding to Pinellas Park, where it will open not just a new headquarters and brewery location but anchor a mixed-use development in a 5,000-foot space with room for seating, live entertainment stage, artists’ studios, coffee roasting or pastry baking space, expanded brewing capabilities and more as well as room for food trucks.

Just Let Go at TradeWinds Island Resorts…St. Pete’s largest beach playground!

Expert ER coming soon. Opening this June, Bayfront Health Emergency Room - Crossroads will provide 24/7 emergency care for all ages to West St. Petersburg and surrounding communities. As a regional leader in trauma and emergency care, this new Bayfront Health ER will offer ease of access to convenient care. Our team of board-certified emergency physicians and specialty trained ER nurses will be standing by to provide care you can trust. Be relieved. BayfrontHealth.com/Crossroads

TIDBITS

NEXT GEN ARTISTS

Tampa

Bay Businesses for Culture & the Arts (TBBCA) announced the 2023 Charlie Hounchell Art Stars Scholarship winners in May. Since the Art Stars Scholarship Program was founded in 2008 by TBBCA’s past board president, the late Charlie Hounchell, the nonprofit has awarded over $240,000 to more than 95 students, most of whom have come from public high schools. This year’s awardees will each receive $2,500 for tuition or other student support. The 2023 scholarships were awarded in six artistic categories to the following exceptional students: (pictured from left to right) • Visual Arts – Phillip Woodside, Howard W. Blake High School •

Instrumental Music – Myra

Sexton, Howard W. Blake

High School • Literary Arts –

Kennedy Engasser, Land

O’Lakes High School • Dance

– Lauren Scotch, Steinbrenner

High School • Vocal Music –

Kaia Owens, Tampa Preparatory School • Theatre – Alana

Hogan, Gibbs High School.

STATE NEWS Governor Ron DeSantis threw his hat in the ring late May, launching TV ads pro and con between the dueling titans battling for the Republican nod. On the home front, DeSantis tapped USF St. Pete as new home to human trafficking data, signed a number of unfriendly LGBTQ+ bills and the list of banned books continues to grow. Almost 250,000 Florida residents have lost their access to Medicaid since the state began checking residents’ eligibility last month when the public health emergency started winding down.

SAFE DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS WASTE Pinellas County Department of Solid Waste has new operation days and remote collection event frequency for household chemicals. The collection facility’s name has changed to the Household Hazardous Waste Center, or HW Center. The HHW Center and Swap Shop will be open Tues.-Fri, and the 1st and 3rd Sat. of each month. HHW center is open 7am-5pm; the Swap Shop is open 7:30am- 4:30pm. The number of Household Chemical Collection events are increasing from 12 to 22 per year at Household Hazardous Waste North (HHW North), located at 29582 U.S. Highway 19 N in Clearwater, to better serve the residents of Pinellas County. HHW North events will occur twice a month, on the second and fourth Saturday of each month, except for Nov.-Dec.

TOURISM HONORS During May’s National Tourism Week, Tampa Bay Rays President Brian Auld was the headliner at the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce’s annual Tourism Luncheon at the Tradewinds Island Resort. He praised the community partnerships and organizations that make this area one of the best places in America to live, work and play and highlighted the philanthropic projects and good deeds of the Rays and Rowdies in an inspiring speech. The TBBCC’s theme was Bridging the Beaches to the Bay, and was attended by many of the area’s hotel, tourism, venue, and government leaderships. Theresa Crane was announced as the 2023 Tourism Person of the Year; she is a senior account executive for Duke Energy handling the hospitality industry, municipalities, and many other Duke commercial accounts. Theresa acquired her passion for tourism during her 16-year tenure at Busch Gardens Theme Parks. She has served on the board for Tampa Bay Women in Tourism, the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, and Empath Health’s Hospice, as well as co-founding the Bay Area Concierge Association.

Family Destinations Guide put Shell Key at No. 2 on their list of the 100 best secret beaches in the country. It’s the only beach outside of Hawaii to make the top four!

USF Psychology Professor

Tiffany Chenneville has been awarded the American Psychological Association’s Springfield Policy Congressional Fellowship, which will allow her to work with a member of Congress on policies to advance the health and well-being of LGBTQIA+ populations. The highly competitive fellowship

provides psychologists with the opportunity to work on Capitol Hill for a year, utilizing their expertise in service of public policy.

SOLAR ECLIPSE There has not been a solar eclipse visible in the United States since August 21, 2017. Publisher Pete Roos reports from the flare front: We were north of Kearney, Nebraska for that event. Three other couples we knew joined us, in a cemetery on a bluff, overlooking a farm. It was an amazing experience. There will be two solar eclipses in the next 12 months: an “annular eclipse” in mid-October and a total April 8, 2024.

Neither track goes over Florida but you can get to there from here. An ‘annular eclipse’ starts in the US around 9am PDT October 14 on the Oregon coast, and leaves through Corpus Christi, TX at noon CDT. The path of the annular solar eclipse next visits Mexico and Central America, passing over Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama.

A total eclipse on April 8, 2024 crosses North America from Texas, northeast, through 13 US states, dissecting Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Maine, and Newfoundland, Canada. For more information see greatamericaneclipse.com

KUDOS Congrats to Gold & Diamond Source owner Julie Weintraub honored by Washington lawmakers for her victim advocacy work with Julie Weintraub’s Hands Across the Bay.

YOUR Home Renovation Resource

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

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

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

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

Matthew Erickson, YörDör President

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

G., Homeowner

SPIRITS

By Nanette Wiser

BEER ME! With 100+ breweries in Tampa Bay debuting seasonal beers and hosting live music, trivia, and games, it’s hard to know where to start. Now, you can sample some of the most popular with City Brew Tours Tampa, with stops at BarrieHaus Beer Co., Bastet Brewing, Big Storm Brewing, Cigar City Brewing, Southern Brewing & Winery, and more. They offer two unique, all-inclusive tours – the Taste of Tampa Brew Tour and the Walking Brew Tour of Ybor – led by official Beer Guides who drive and entertain you. Guests receive an all-access pass (visits to three breweries, 12-16 tastings, a lunch or dinner with beer pairings, and exclusive swag) or choose the Sip Tour (no meals). Tours are three to five hours in length, available on weekdays and weekends. City Brew Tours Tampa is also available for private bookings. CityBrewTours.com/Tampa

TRENDY COCKTAILS Ranch

water is a West Texas classic mix of tequila and Topo Chico mineral water, with just three ingredients in an ice-filled glass: Topo Chico, tequila (or mezcal) and a squeeze of lime. Feel free to mix in agave syrup or liqueur and rim the glass with salt. Lemonade refreshes, even more so when it’s a Tom Collins (gin and sparkling lemonade) or Pink Vodka lemonade (cranberry juice, lime juice, Sprite, and vodka, with a splash of coconut rum). A lemon or raspberry sorbet with bubbly is a delightful cooler. New for EZmixology is Fever Tree’s delicious Bloody Mary and Margarita mixers.

BREWFEST The Tampa Bay Lightning will host the sixthannual Bolts Brew Fest at Amalie Arena Aug. 11 @ 8pm serving up local craft beers, oversized games, ThunderBug and more. GA tickets include entry at 8pm for beer sampling and other fun perks including games, photo opportunities, music and more. General Admission Plus tickets include early entry starting at 7pm for an extra hour of sampling and VIP gets you in @6pm including access to AMALIE Arena’s Ashley VIP Lounge featuring exclusive VIP-only beer and food, and an offer code for a BOGO ticket for one Lightning pre-season game* (*limited quantities are available and only while supplies last). It sells out fast, so make like a hockey puck and score! boltsbrewfest.com

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

LIVE LIFE BETTER

WORDS OF JOY Recently, both our publisher and art director lost their beloved fur-babies. I asked local artist Pamela Joy Trow if she had a notecard I could send, and of course, she designed the purr-fect sentimental missive. “The unconditional love and joy our four-legged babies bring us can never be understated...nor can the pain of their loss. These images are projections of my heart and the hug embracing all those who receive it,” says Trow, who knows first-hand about losing a beloved pet. Find her cards and more at pamelajoytrow.com SPCA Tampa Bay also has a tribute program to help honor the loss of a pet. Depending on the amount of the donation, your pet can be commemorated by a personalized card, an engraved brick tribute, a butterfly garden seed packet and card or handcrafted garden stakes that are placed in the SPCA Butterfly Garden or among your flowers. SPCATampaBay.org/tribute

By Nanette Wiser

REINVENTING YOU Next! The Power of Reinvention in Life and Work by Joanne Lipman helps you map out how to get started with the next steps of your life. She conducted hundreds of personal interviews, reviewed the latest scientific research and takes us inside successful career reinventions (ad executive to bestselling novelist; stay-at-home mom to CEO) and astonishing business transformations. If you liked What Color is Your Parachute, you’ll love this book.

FARM FRESH STORAGE How can you keep your treasures fresh in the fridge? To keep berries plump and mold-free, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and rinse when ready to eat. Sweeten stone fruits (peaches!) in a brown paper bag on the counter, not the fridge. To extend the life of herbs, keep basil at room temperature in a glass of water, wrap rosemary or thyme in a damp paper towel and store them in the crisper and ditto for cilantro. Green bags are perfect for arugula and spinach in a crisper drawer, while tomatoes should be stored side down on a cloth-lined plate away from sunlight.

MONEYWISE Consumer beware is a hot topic, from AI’s ability to dupe your grandkid’s voice and scam you to car dealer data breaches (Nissan and Experian). How do you know about unsafe products and recalls? Register your produce, sign up for alerts like recalls.gov or checktoprotect.org and report problems on saferproducts.gov or foodsafety.gov

HEALTH & WELLNESS

By Nanette Wiser

With storm season here, it’s time to prep for emergencies and the dog days of summer. Here are some tips for staying well.

Heat is considered extreme when temperature and humidity are both high for an extended length of time. While it does not usually cause damage to structures or property, it can be dangerous for people and animals. Protect yourself by scheduling strenuous activities early or later in the day, wear light clothing, drink water and spend time in air-conditioned rooms if you feel fatigued. Watch for heat cramps, exhaustion and the possibility of stroke and never leave pets or people in a closed vehicle.

If you’re headed to the beach, be aware of the weather, the ocean, tide, and what is going on around you. Storms, such as thunderstorms, tropical storms, and hurricanes far out at sea can create dangerous waves and currents at the beach, even on a sunny day! Even small waves can hit you with the force of a car! Know how to swim, keep a close eye on your little ones and if you hear thunder roar, go indoors.

Surviving the storm = advanced preparation, from documents to having an evacuation plan. Everyone needs to assemble an emergency kit. For sanitation, collect enough for each family member including wipes, antibacterial hand gel, soap, toilet paper, hygiene supplies, feminine supplies, diapers, cloth face covering. Have at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking, and an additional one gallon per person per day for hygiene and cooking. You’ll need a one-week supply of non-perishable food that does not require cooking, non-electric can opener for you and pets. Other items include medications and copies of prescriptions; sunscreen; rain gear; flashlight or lantern; battery-operated or hand-crank radio; extra batteries; first aid supplies (pain reliever, anti-diarrhea medicine, laxative, antihistamine, anti-itch cream, antiseptic), insect repellent; extra batteries for medical devices such as hearing aids; eyeglasses and extra contact lenses; extra bottled oxygen if needed; cash; cell phone charger; paper map; pencil and paper; full tank of gas in your vehicle. pinellas.gov/make-a-plan/build-your-emergency-kit

Sciatica is used to describe nerve pain that originates in the lower back, radiates deep into the buttock and travels down the leg. Better known as, a literal ‘PAIN IN THE BUTT ’ All jokes aside, we understand how painful and debilitating sciatic pain can be.

The burning sensation is unbearable. The shooting pain makes staying active almost impossible.

Long car rides are out of the question and standing for extended periods of time, forget it!

You spend your entire day trying to get comfortable only to find that it’s nearly impossible.

You've tried the stretches and have worked with physical therapy You've tried ice and heat You've even tried massage and exercises with little to no relief!

At AAIM|Achieve Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine, we offer a PROVEN SOLUTION to TREAT your sciatic pain and back pain!

Stop living in pain and get back to doing the activities you enjoy doing.

Dr. Gibbons and her staff specialize in treating chronic pain, complicated neurological conditions and autoimmune diseases.

To learn more visit WWW.ACHIEVEACUIM.COM Or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gibbons call 727-272-3587.

Always Leave Em’ Laughing

A 15-year veteran on the stand-up comedy circuit, funny guy

Kenny Garcia opened the doors to the Sunshine City Comedy Club in St. Pete Beach on April 21. It’s been a big hit with locals and visitors who enjoy the hilarious and sometimes irreverent stand-up performers from all over the U.S.

Guests can enjoy free parking and full bar through June, then a curated beer and wine list at the boutique comedy club. There’s a SunRunner stop nearby and great restaurants for pre-show dining…and a food menu is in the works for the club this summer.

On Tues. @ 8pm, it’s open mic night. Wed.-Thurs. is house night with five comics @8:30pm and the Club hosts weekend shows twice a night. In June-August, make plans now to see JJ Curry, Jason Allen-King, Abi Sanchez, Sean Harper, Kojo Prince, Kandyce August, Paul Farahwar and others. On June 23, get your tickets now

for the Big Pants Comedy Gameshow. And you won’t want to miss Mentalist Robert Blackbeard@7pm June 18. Times vary for shows; visitsunshinecitycomedyclub.com/calendar

as well as showcase seasoned stand-up comedians. We have created a very intimate speakeasy vibe in our showroom. Going from a comedian to a club owner has been a learning game, seeing what other club owners did right or wrong from a comedian’s POV! I also have fallen deeply in love with St Pete and the community here, I was traveling for comedy almost 40 weekends a year and decided I did not want to be on the road anymore.”

Performing at major comedy clubs and festivals, Kenny Garcia has shared stages with the likes of Josh Wolf, Theo Von, Whitney Cummings, Damon Wayans, Jon Rudnitsky and knows how to make an evening of comedy memorable. Says the seasoned comic who hails from the Lower East Side of Manhattan: “I wanted to give local comics a place to hone their chops

Garcia says the community needed his comedy club. “There are many local comics, both newcomers and VIP experienced comedians, who come to the open mic to sharpen their jokes. I think doing stand up is done best when you feel free on stage, and I take great pride in giving comedians the freedom to try and be the truest forms of themselves. Some of the regulars are Al C, Jake Polin, Gordon Dixon, Spike Salzer; the open mic is hosted by Forrest Beers.”

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

info@sunshinecitycomedyclub.com sunshinecitycomedyclub.com

“...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...”

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 both board-certified and fellowship-trained in facial cosmetic surgery and offers the latest and most trusted cosmetic services including laser, injectibles, eye rejuvenation, wrinkle treatments, CoolSculpting™, HydraFacials, microneedling with PRP and more.

FACE INJECTABLES LASER AESTHETIC BODY

By Danielle L. Vaughn, Esq., B.C.S., LL.M.

Navigating Property Law

and Estate Planning

Renting a property can be a great option for both landlords and tenants, however, it’s important to understand the laws and regulations that govern landlord-tenant relationships in Florida to avoid common misconceptions that can lead to misunderstandings and legal issues. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most prevalent misconceptions regarding landlord-tenant law in the Sunshine State.

Misconception 1: “I don’t need a written lease agreement.”

In Florida, a lease may be enforceable whether it is written or verbal. A written agreement clarifies the terms and conditions of the tenancy. It protects both parties by ensuring a clear understanding of their rights and obligations. Furthermore, if you are residing in a property where your annual lease has expired, it reverts to a monthto-month lease. Which means either party, including the landlord, can terminate it at any time with only 15 days’ notice prior to the end of the month.

Misconception 2: “I can withhold rent for any reason.”

Tenants sometimes believe they have the right to withhold rent if they encounter issues with the property or disputes with the landlord. Under Florida law, tenants cannot unilaterally withhold rent. Instead, they must follow specific procedures outlined in the state statutes, such as giving proper notice to the landlord and allowing a reasonable time for repairs.

Misconception 3: “Landlords can evict tenants without notice.”

Florida law requires landlords to provide written notice to tenants before initiating eviction proceedings. The type of notice and the length of time required depend on the circumstances. Proper notice is essential to protect the rights of both parties and ensure a fair and lawful eviction process. A landlord cannot, under any circumstances, lock a tenant out of the property without a court order to do so.

Misconception 4:

“Landlords have unlimited rights to enter the rental property.”

Florida law provides tenants with the right to privacy and requires landlords to provide reasonable notice before entering the property, except in cases of emergencies. Typically, 12 hours’ notice is considered reasonable, unless otherwise specified in the lease agreement. Additionally, tenants may not unreasonably withhold consent to the landlord to access the property.

It’s wise to consult with a knowledgeable real estate attorney to ensure compliance and to address any concerns or disputes. Contact Vaughn Law at 727-363-6100 and mention Paradise News to schedule a consultation regarding your landlord-tenant issue to ensure it is properly handled.

Danielle L. Vaughn, Esq., B.C.S., LL.M. Board Certified Real Estate Attorney

By Nanette Wiser

CLEAN WATER Wetlands, such as swamps and marshes, have some of the planet’s most valuable ecosystems. They act like sponges, preventing pollution from seeping into streams and other bodies of water, yet the depth of their federal protection is murky. In collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a University of South Florida geologist has developed the first-ever classification system for wetland connectivity, helping improve water quality and management nationwide. The new classification system demonstrates the effects wetlands have on water quality at a continental scale –invaluable data used to better define whether wetlands are federally regulated under the U.S. Clean Water Act.

“Since the Clean Water Act was established in 1972, we have continued to debate what constitutes our ‘nation’s waters,’ and wetlands continue to be lost due to draining and filling, despite their immense value in controlling the water quality in our major waterways,” says professor Mark Rains, who was appointed by the state in 2021 to serve as Florida’s chief science officer. “How ever we define the ‘nation’s waters’ will have a huge influence on whether we continue to protect the remaining wetlands or if we will lose more.”

The team categorized freshwater wetlands into four classes based on their proximity to streams and whether water flows between them at or below the surface. They then used this classification system to show that wetlands play important roles in controlling a stream’s water quality. The goal of this classification is to provide a better understanding of how wetlands contribute to the chemical, physical and biological integrity of downstream waters, especially nutrient runoff that can cause damaging algal bloom.

ECKERD COLLEGE Kudos! Nine areas on campus are now officially certified as wildlife habitats by the National Wildlife Federation. Sustainable management, wastewater reduction and reduced use of pesticides helped Eckerd meet the criteria for certification.

SUSTAINABLE GARDENS Wherever you are, the best thing to do is to plant native plants, especially butterfly host plants. To find host plants for our region, enter your ZIP code into the National Wildlife Federation’s Native Plant Finder. Their data is from Doug Tallamy, a professor of entomology at the University of Delaware whose work has helped catalyze a growing native plant movement. nwf.org/nativeplantfinder

OUTDOOR KITCHENS With more meals prepared at home, why not take the cooking al fresco and go beyond the grill? Today people are using outdoor air fryers, pizza ovens and new grill accessories as well as throwing theme parties such as Hawaiian Luau or Gilligan’s Island with pineapple drink holders and tiki décor. With an outdoor kitchen, you can set up a cocktail cart with ice, store beers in your outdoor refrigerator or Yeti cooler and enjoy the entertaining without running back into the house. Granite is the most ideal for outdoor kitchen countertops with durability against stains and the elements. You can build with new materials or work with salvaged materials

By Nanette Wiser

(reclaimed wood, recycled stone, and brick). Add Adirondack chairs from St. Pete Beach’s Island Time for a pop of color and comfort; they are unique, top quality and hand crafted. An arbor, gazebo or sunshade, outdoor lighting, whimsical décor, firepits and fans/misters also help set the mood. Add bocce ball or croquet to the festivities and your backyard will be the most popular in town. Cultivate an edible garden and landscaping where you can serve farm-totable meals, garnishing your drinks with fresh basil and muddling mint right from your garden. Outdoor kitchens, complete with storage for grill accessories, dishes and bar accoutrements also increase the value of your home. Woody’s Kitchens, Granite Girl, and Van Selow Design Build can help build your dream.

GARDEN SAVVY If you don’t have a green thumb, you might consider drought-resistant indoor houseplants. We like the snake plant’s sword-like, dark green leaves that can go weeks without water. They tolerate low to bright light and can grow up to

4 feet tall. Other good choices? Aloe, bamboo, jade, pothos, dragon tree and ponytail palm are also easy to care for. (If you have fur babies, check to be sure the plants you choose are pet safe.) Summer gardening in Florida heat is challenging. Pots make it easy to move around with the sun to shade as needed. Mulch helps retain moisture but needs refreshing to prevent weeds. Plan to weed in the cool of early morning. After the first flush, deadhead your flowers to keep them blooming. Plant heat-loving plants, such as Angelonia, lantana, ageratum, coleus, pentas, salvia, sweet potato vine and zinnia. Publisher Renee Roos likes to use ladybugs to deter aphids in her lush garden.

July Birthstone

FASHION

IF THE SHOE FITS Barefoot is not the only comfortable way to walk. As someone who loves a kitten heel and stylish sandals, my days of strutting in 3-inch heels are OVER. Thanks to fashionista friends, I’ve discovered that I can find fantastic footwear that’s kind to my feet at Natural Comfort in St. Pete Beach and downtown St. Pete, especially Onex, Naot, Vionic, Oofos and Birkenstocks. For men, Hey Dude is a popular, versatile and handsome choice.

The average sandal has little arch support and the flat footbeds aren’t optimal. The deep heel cup in Birkenstock gives you some stability and can also help control pronation (which contributes to flat feet). whereas the average sandal or flip-flop offers little to no support and has flat footbeds. Birkenstock footbeds are made of cork and natural latex and contoured in the shape of a healthy foot. These contours ensure proper weight distribution with raised arches to help support the foot’s natural shape and structure.

Vionic shoes reduce pronation and correct abnormal foot positioning. These shoes have been shown to reduce foot, knee and lower back pain. Podiatrists can now prescribe Vionic shoes for conditions like plantar fasciitis. They provide extra support to decrease pain and inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament.

For work and going out, I count on Naot or Onex. The Naot footbed looks like footprints in the sand. This material molds to your foot and helps provide stability, support (even arch support) and helps properly distribute weight around your foot. Said one happy Onex customer about the comfort and design: “The leather is the softest I have ever felt in a shoe!

By Lady Sadie

The footbed is cushy, and it feels like I am walking on clouds.”

IN THE GARDEN If you think the best pair of garden shoes is your oldest pair of sneakers lying around, you’re wrong. You’re on your feet a lot when gardening, so proper support is essential. And why not look stylish as well. Crocs classic clogs are comfy, light, easy to clean and made from their signature Croslite™ foam material. Backdoorshoes clogs are lightweight enough to feel like air but still provide protection against the elements and provide excellent support. We also love the snug design that cups around the foot at the clog entry point, making it difficult for dirt to slip in…but if it does, they are machine washable.

Did you know the Florida Keys celebrates its bicentennial in 2023? If you love island living, look no further than Florida’s laid-back Keys, especially Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Little Palm Island, and Key West. Art Director Janet Nummi and family recently celebrated birthdays in Marathon with an evening in Key West and raved about the experience: boating, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, and eating fresh seafood and key lime pie. There are hundreds of islands, known for their beaches and barrier reef for snorkeling and diving. Loggerhead turtles nest at Coco Plum Beach and Sombrero Beach. Curry Hammock State Park has a sandy shoreline and mangrove creek. The Dolphin Research Center offers interactive demos in a shallow lagoon. Near the City Marina, Crane Point features a tropical forest, bird-rescue center, and natural history museum. The Turtle Hospital’s mission in Marathon is to rescue, rehab, and release. Visit online for more info visitflorida.com/places-to-go/southeast/marathon.

REBECCA PENNEYS

If you love classical piano music, you might know of Rebecca Penneys, a Steinway artist who won the unprecedented “Special Critics Award” at an international Chopin competition in Warsaw at the age of 17. As she retired from a career teaching classical piano at the prestigious Eastman School in Rochester, NY, Rebecca and her husband Ray resettled in St. Pete Beach.

Rebecca so enjoyed interacting with and mentoring aspiring concert pianists at the international piano festival she ran at Chautauqua, NY, each summer that she began the Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival (RPPF) 10 years ago, utilizing the incredible all-Steinway facility in Barness Hall on the USF Tampa campus. The 11th festival is June 27-July 17.

Rebecca describes her festival, the 40 attendees selected by audition from almost 200 applicants, and the faculty of 25 who are a Who’s Who of Piano: “RPPF is a 3-week tuition-free collegiate piano festival

By Peter Roos

that brings together the top aspiring artists from all over the world. These kids are in the gifted and accelerated educational programs, mostly under scholarship. Talent is recognized whether rich or poor. The trick is how to develop it and create opportunity. Most RPPF alum come halfway around the world to America to better themselves. They are tops in their respective schools. Their families work very hard to teach them English, get them into these schools, find the funds for travel and tuition or loans and the connections to stay in the USA. Most do not fly home because of the cost. They come to RPPF and the USA because they believe in the American dream and work toward permanent US residency.” Weekdays are a busy mix of private lessons, public master classes and Satellite concerts, two of which are in south Pinellas.

Satellite Concerts

July 6 – 4pm - Eckerd College

(ASPEC Lewis House, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Petersburg)

July 6 – 6:30pm - Westminster Shores (125 56th Ave. S, St. Petersburg)

Celebration Concerts at Barness Hall

July 15 – 7pm - 2 Piano 8 Hand

Extravaganza! What Pianos & Pianists Do For Fun

July 16 – 2pm - Student ShowcaseFeaturing 40 RPPF Artist Students

A complete list of RPPF events is provided on our website paradisenewsfl.com

Everyone is welcome to drop in, free. Visit rebeccapenneyspianofestival.org for more about this summer’s RPPF events. Subscribe to the RPPF YouTube

Channel for a host of inspirational videos, some from prior festivals. You can find selection of Rebecca’s CDs, DVDs, Blue-rays at rebeccapenneys.com. Kindle can be found on Amazon.

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

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

SPICY HAWAIIAN AHI POKE BOWL RAMEN SHOYU

DINING

Sip Slip Hooray!

Come by car or boat to these Pinellas County waterfront restaurants and bars, preferably on weekdays as slips fill up fast. Localista note: McDonald’s in Madeira Beach has a dock! Also check out Billy’s in Tierra Verde, Red, White & Booze in Pass-A-Grille and in Indian Rocks, tie up at Keegan Docks (J.D.’s, VIP, Crabby Bill’s). Here are some of our faves.

and lobster mac’n’cheese, grouper nuggets and fresh local seafood, we look forward to a new oyster bar later this summer. The ultimate Sunday funday hangout, live entertainment and fun new pals to toast. Harborage Marine, DTSP

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille Check out the live music, exceptional service, food (shrimp scampi flatbread, crab cakes, island wings) craft cocktails (the BEST mojito) and new docks. Jungle Terrace

Angry Pepper Best bbq on the beach, craft beers and if it’s a lucky Sunday, Biff sauce sliders and always a loaded Bloody Mary cool the day. Madeira Beach

Caddy’s Indian Shores Live music, burgers and seafood plus happy hour Mon.-Fri. 3-5pm with $3.50 select beers, $4 house wine, $5 rum runners and margaritas and 25% off appetizers here and at Caddy’s St. Pete Beach, Indian Shores, Gulfport, Bradenton, Madeira Beach.

Frenchy’s Saltwater Café This laid back spot offers a wrap-around patio, delish Grouper Reuben sandwich, octopus and conch fritters; lots of beer and food specials. Clearwater Beach

The Big Catch at Salt Creek With a colorful refresh complete and a fab new menu featuring lobster rolls, seafood nachos

Crabby’s On The Pass Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, this waterfront Ole Florida style bar across from John’s Pass Village is a popular hangout for live music and day drinking. We like the hand-tossed pizza, chips and chorizo, avocado shrimp salad and grouper sliders. Treasure Island

The Getaway Tampa Bay So many bars, views and kayakers mixing it up with paddleboarders and expensive fishing boats near the Gandy. Good but expensive food and drinks. St. Petersburg

By Nanette Wiser

BBQ Chicken, Fresh Grouper Sandwiches, Mahalo Pork Sandwiches, a Big Kahuna Crab Cake Platter, house made Banana Bread Ice Cream Sandwich, Key Lime pie and more. The Skyway location is in Maximo Marina.

The lsland Grille & Raw Bar Some of the best seafood, steaks, oysters and cocktails plus live entertainment and if you’re eating and drinking, a day pass can be had for the adjacent hotel pool.

Tierra Verde

Sea Dog Brewing Co. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, with happy hour Mon.-Fri. 2-6pm, the burgers, tacos, seafood, lobster roll, apps and Shipyard or craft brews are delish. Lots of cool cocktails, games and TVs for watching your favorite team.

Treasure Island

Starlight Dining Cruise No boat, no problem. You can dine and drink in style, dance up a storm and enjoy a sunset…or lunch in these elegant ships departing Clearwater Beach or Pasadena.

The Wharf This is where the locals hangout for 22 beers on tap, steamed shrimp, burgers, seafood and more, especially the Fish Fry special on Tuesday. Pass-A-Grille

Tiki Docks Bar & Grill Looking for South Pacific tropical vibe and food? Opening in June, the restaurant and bar will occupy the ground floor of Madeira Beach’s Cambria Hotel on Madeira Way. With locations in Riverview and South St. Pete, you can enjoy boat drinks and South Pacific comfort food including Kale Pig Roast Tacos, Hawaiian

2 FOR 1 BLOODY MARY OR

Valid only at our Treasure Island Location. One per table, per visit. Cannot be combined with any other offer or special. Expires 8/30/23.

GOOD DEEDS

On the first Sunday of each month, Soothe Our Souls (SOS) – a non-profit 501(c)(3) volunteer organization – provides complimentary sailing excursions for seriously health-challenged people and their caregivers. Sailing out of St. Pete Beach’s Dolphin Landings Charter Boat Center, SOS is committed to helping their guests navigate the journey back to wellness in peaceful, serene settings.

Dolphin Landing’s President Captain Dan Peretz is a Florida native and is the brainchild of this effort, aided by young cancer survivor Suyin Cheam and a host of steadfast volunteers. Dan began chartering yachts in 1972, and since 1986 he has owned and managed Dolphin Landings. He created Soothe Our Souls in 2012 in honor of his close friend Art who was suffering from cancer.

“He would sail on our boat for Sunday family excursions, and it was a precious and therapeutic time,” says Peretz. “Only twice in 11 years did weather interfere with a sail. Every passenger gets to steer the boat, while mini-yoga, meditation and nutrition workshops are offered during the cruise.”

Knowing that some people might be hesitant to take a cruise, Peretz and his team thought about a land-based venue that would provide a similar soul-soothing experience. In 2016, Peretz’s pal Terry Porter noticed that the Boca Ciega Sail and Power Squadron building was for sale. Built in 1930, it was once the Treasure Island Fire House. Terry and Dan raised the money to buy and renovate the building and turn it into a Wellness Center as part of SOS.

The Treasure Island Waterfront Event Venue is accessible by land or sea and offers wellness classes and social events,

By Susan Koenig

has a kitchen and dance floor and is available for rent. Located at 130 126th Avenue East, Treasure Island. www.tiwaterfrontvenue.org

Currently SOS is looking for volunteers and grant writers so more programs can be added and hosts two major fundraisers in May and November.

www.SootheourSouls.org

outreach@SootheourSouls.org

727.360.7411

info@dolphinlandings.com

Your Tierra Verde Real Estate Experts

FOR SALE $2,500,000 FOR SALE $2,550,000 TO $2,990,000 FOR SALE $565,000

873 2nd Ave S. Tierra Verde One of-a kind home built for musical group ABBA. 4,527 sq ft, 6/BR, 4 remodeled baths and 2-1/2 baths. Two 2-car garages. Waterfront, dock and 2nd corner lot. Pool and hot tub. Newer roof. Solar panels. Nancy LaBare 607-760-8483, Randy Ierna 727-647-0813

455 Pinellas Bayway S. New Construction Luxury Gated Condo residences with boat slips. 8 waterfront condo. 50’ deep water boat slips. 2-car garage. Climate controlled storage. Heated pool & spa. Fitness center and lounge. Blanka Prusova-White, 727-480-6126

SALE $589,000 FOR SALE $1,575,000

1308 Pasadena Ave S, #8 2BR/2BA villa overlooking tranquil pond/pool. Resort amenities, gated, atrium, open kitchen, courtyard to garage, screened patio, renovated, pool, fitness center. Judy Bader 727-698-3831, Jacqi Dockery 727-424-3700

SALE $527,900

Villas Del Verde 3BR/2.5BA townhouse, gated, 2-car garage. Updated kitchen. Large master en suite with balcony overlooking pond, walk-in closets. Newer AC and water heater. Updated clubhouse. Blanka Prusova-White 727-480-6126

6690 33rd Avenue N - St. Pete Great location! Fully updated 3BR/2BA. Mature landscaping. Open floor plan. New appliances, windows, shed. Master duel closets and luxurious bathroom. Updated electric. 2021 roof, new HVAC & water heater. Kelsie

WATERFRONT

Furnished, turnkey condo, St.

in

Island. Updated designer kitchen. Water

of Boca Ciega Bay. Pool, fitness, dock,

New Impact windows and sliding glass door. Balcony with

parking. Gabrielle Bettig 727-385-9017

5505 PUERTA DEL SOL BLVD S, #126 2 BR/2BA Waterfront condo, fully furnished, seaside unit. Private lanai and open floor plan. Western exposure. Beautiful sunsets! Resort style, waterfront heated pool. Minutes to beaches, downtown, and airports. Cindy Haskins 727-373-8288

3404 E. Maritana Dr. 5BR/2BA open floor plan. 2 living spaces, 2 rear balconies. Updated kitchen. Main level 2 living spaces, 2 beds, bath and fireplace. Upstairs master suite with balcony. Outdoor living area, 2 family rooms, pool, media room. Blanka Prusova-White 727-480-6126

2/BR/2BA

James

Treasure

views.

views

elevators,

6309 Vista Verde

Fernandes 949-278-3050

5202 Beach Dr SE #B Waterside Coquina Key Waterfront location! Furnished, updated 2BR/1BA. Granite countertops, bamboo floors, 2020 HVAC, 24/7 gated. Clubhouse, bayside bar/lounge, 2 pools, dock, & more. Boat slips. Laura Offenberg Dague 813-440-9652

1ST ST W,

Summer Staycations

Adult fun in the sun abounds in Paradise, and you can cool down at these hot evenings on the town. You can shop till you drop at Tyrone or John’s Pass Village, kiss a gator at the Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center and explore these 101 ideas.

By Nanette Wiser

CATCH A SHOW Music, theater, karaoke, live poetry, or comedy nights will keep you busy. Check out Zubrick Magic Theatre, where Chris and Ryan have added some new show-stopping acts to their mesmerizing performances. Studio@620 showcases poetry and other readings. The Friendly Tavern hosts one of the longest running karaoke nightly events and LALA downtown is a sophisticated night out with friends in a private karaoke room. The beach tiki bars rock day and night (Jimmy B’s, Coconut Charlies, The Doubletree, Bongo’s) and we love happy hour and live music nightly at RumFish Grille 6-9pm. For rooftop bars with entertainment, The Cambria, Fusion, Level 11 Rooftop Bar at Bellweather Beach Resort, Edy’s in Clearwater Beach, and downtown’s Canopy are perfect for sunsets. For theater, book tickets for freeFall, American Stage, The Straz or a concert at The Palladium, The Sound, Ruth Eckerd, or Mahaffey. Movie buffs, take advantage of the local cinema discounts, many on Tuesday.

CLASS ACTS Summer is a great time to pursue a new hobby, take a dance, yoga or tai chi class or indulge your inner artist. Take an art class at The Hive, Zen Glass Studio & Gallery, Dunedin Fine Arts Center, Island Cove & Beads, any of The Morean venues, Practically Pikasso, Painting with a Twist or the Beach Art Center. Learn a new instrument at The School of Rock or take an improv/acting class with Eugenie Bondurant at Green Light Cinema.

LITTLE MERMAIDS Check the local hotel websites to see who sell day passes to use the pool and enjoy the food and drink amenities, such as The Hollander Hotel, Bellweather Beach Resort, Dolphin Beach Resort, Beachcomber Beach Resort, Postcard Inn, The Saint, The Godfrey and others. Take a belly dance class, float in a spring water-filled pool and enjoy champagne brunch at the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa. At Caddy’s in Sunset Beach, the cabana folks set you up with umbrella and chair so you can swim and enjoy live music and yummy boat drinks. For families, Splash Island Water Park at Indian Rocks’ Holiday Inn & Suites Harborside is a great day, with lunch at Jimmy Guana’s and live music. On Water Park Wednesday, spend $50 at Jimmy Guana’s and receive a free ticket to Splash Harbour!

GAME ON Grab your pals and enjoy bowling, trivia, bocce ball, darts, pool, laser tag and video games. Families love Seminole’s Treasure Island Fun Center and Largo’s X-Treme Fun Zone (laser tag, batting cage, arcade). You can be a pinball wizard and enjoy video games at Reboot or Right Around The Corner and all kinds of games (jenga, video golf, pool) at Sea Dog Brewing Co., 3 Daughters Brewing or Park & Rec DTSP. Dave & Buster’s Tampa is the King Kong of games. For trivia, the competition is fierce at Angry Pepper, Arkane Aleworks, Daiquiri Shak Raw Bar & Grill, Clear Sky, Mastry’s Brewhouse and Sea Hags. Visit your local library and rec centers online where you can play Scrabble, chess, and other games.

The Morean

at TradeWinds Island Resorts on St. Pete Beach…

St. Pete’s largest beach playground!

If you live in Tampa or have family visiting from outtatown this summer and fall, why not book a stay at the best and largest beachfront playground on the Gulf? Located in St. Pete Beach, the award-winning TradeWinds Island Resorts has it all –watersports, attractions, superior dining, fun bars, live music and more. TradeWinds Island Resorts spans 40 lush tropical acres home to two adjoining hotels, Island Grand and RumFish Beach Resort Both resorts have great amenities, and you can enjoy them all no matter what hotel you select.

Island Grand is the larger hotel with classic coastal charm and immediate access to the high tide water slide, lazy river paddleboats, mini golf, and many ways for mom and dad to unwind with their toes in the sand. RumFish Beach Resort boasts nautical décor and gorgeous marine artwork and offers the ultimate aquatic adventure with experiential activities like the touch tank where you can hold live sea life or swim with the fish in a 33,500-gallon tank!

Whichever resort you choose, your family will have limitless fun and access to amazing adventures on the warm Gulf Coast waters and soft white sands. Kids love to splash and bounce on the floating water park or fly through the sky on the three-story beachfront zipline. The family can drop anchor and lounge in the

sea on the 10-person AquaBana or four-person floating lounger. Enjoy jetski rentals, parasailing, and dolphin spotting excursions that leave from the beach.

With so much recreation, you will need to take time and refuel. There are dozens of options serving coastal cuisine, grab ‘n’ go, American fare and intimate fine dining. At Island Grand, Palm Court Italian Grill offers an authentic Mediterranean menu and extensive wine list. RumFish Grill offers the freshest sustainable seafood served in an amazing under-the-sea dining room. RumFish’s bar serves a spectacular happy hour Wed.-Mon. 4-5pm (Tues. 4-7pm) and live entertainment.

The sun never sets on a TradeWinds vacation; St. Pete Beach is known as the sunset capital of Florida. Relax and kick off the evening roasting marshmallows and create the perfect s’mores by our fire pit. Meet up with friends or family over a tropical cocktail while you sink your toes deep into the sand and listen to live entertainment at the SandBar. Live your best life at TradeWinds Island Resorts this summer and just let go!

5600 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, Florida 33706 866-justletgo | JustLetGo.com

Photos courtesy of TradeWinds Island Resorts

COOKING CORNER

Celebrate July 4 with All-American delights, from s’mores to hot dogs, burgers, and fried chicken.

Kick off the morning with a breakfast burger, bacon, and egg like they do at Sea Dog Brewing Co. Go global with a glazed pork belly layered with crispy pickled veg and sandwiched between two buns or go vegan with a plant-based burger combining lentils and nutritional yeast topped with sauerkraut and curry ketchup. Double the fun with a double cheeseburger stuffed with bacon and shredded cheddar. Friends will cluck about your crispy fried chicken topped with melted gouda and honey mustard coleslaw.

Are you a hot dog lover? July 4 is Nathan’s hot dog eating competition, a tradition since 1916 and more than 150 million hot dogs are consumed on America’s birthday. Portillo’s has a terrific Chicago hot dog, but you can DIY. Start with a steamed poppy seed bun and an all-beef frankfurter, then top with yellow mustard, bright green relish, fresh chopped onions, juicy red tomato wedges, a kosher-style pickle spear, a couple of spicy sport peppers and a dash of celery salt.

For the evening fireworks, adults can enjoy a s’more martini with marshmallow vodka, garnished with a toasted Stay-Puff and drizzled with chocolate liqueur. Mix up pitchers of white and red sangria in

By Nanette Wiser

advance, sweetened with canned peach juice or elderflower liqueur and summer fruits.

It’s grilling and chilling season. Up your game with spice blends from downtown St. Pete’s Savory Spice shop, especially the Honey Sriracha Lime Shrimp Skewers.

Ingredients: 1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 package Honey Sriracha Lime Fish Taco mix; 1 orange or yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces; 4 lime wedges.

Directions: Preheat grill for medium-high heat. In a medium bowl, coat shrimp with Fish Taco mix. Thread shrimp, bell pepper, and red onion onto skewers, alternating pieces. Grill skewers for 2 to 3 min. per side or until lightly charred and shrimp is opaque. Drizzle with fresh-squeezed lime juice.

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

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

Those who don’t want to cook don’t have too. You can now pick up your boil steamed and ready to eat, or for a modest catering fee, the Outer Banks Boil Company can prepare everything for you wherever it’s convenient.“With a little notice, we are willing and able to cater groups of all sizes of eight or more,” Berlin continues.

Most people who come to the coast are seafood lovers and this new cook-at-home trend is obviously popular. People are calling to reserve dates for backyard boils, beach weddings, and picnic tables in parks. Outer Banks Boil Company comes, cooks, and cleans up. There are delicious options for landlubbers too.

Pulled pork with Carolina’s vinegar-based sauce is available with coleslaw and Mike’s Key Lime Pie.

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

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

Outer Banks Boil Company

StPeteBeach.OuterBanksBoilCompany.com

727-357-BOIL

At IMS Barter we set out every day to change the way the world does business. To accomplish this we strive to deliver the North America’s largest independent barter network with the most dedicated trade brokers and most satisfied member trade companies.

International monetary Systems, IMS, is by far the United States largest full service trade organization, consisting of over 14,000 member trade organizations. IMS was founded in 1985. Since our inception we have cultivated our trade network to deliver the most comprehensive trade network, commanding the most respected trade dollar.

let them

OLD FLORIDA Take a step back in history in Dunellon, a small town located on the Rainbow and Withlacoochee rivers. Billed as the Treasure of the Nature Coast, it’s got something for everyone. Explore the beautiful Rainbow Springs State Park (home to three waterfalls but closed at this time) and the awesome rivers or stroll the lovely tree-lined streets of the Dunnellon Historic District where charming old houses are boutiques, antique shops, and restaurants

By Nanette Wiser

COOL OFF Since 2021, TPA’s Breeze Airways’ nonstop routes have grown in popularity. New this summer? The airline kicked off nonstop service to Portland, ME and Hartford, CT, in May and are adding another nonstop route to Providence, RI, July 14. Sounds like the perfect lobster run! Other TPA non-stop Breeze routes include Huntsville, Charleston, Vegas, and Richmond – all fun destination. United Airlines has a non-stop from TPA to NoCal, so I’m planning to take a flight to San Francisco to visit friends and family, enjoy great restaurants and live music, explore Pier 39, drink GREAT coffee and fall back in love with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the Painted Ladies, a historic row of seven colorful Victorian-style houses. From San Francisco, Napa, Sonoma and Sausalito beckon with the Napa Valley Wine Auction and Sonoma Racetrack on the fun list. Our publishers and art director love Colorado and Aspen may just be a little bit of summer heaven.

(Front Porch Restaurant and Pie Shop). You can kayak, tube or swim in the river, but it’s also home to otters, alligators, turtles, fish, and water birds (waders, divers and dabblers). Ospreys, hawks, and swallowtail kites soar along the river corridor. You can bike the paved 46-mile Withlacoochee State Trail. Once home to phosphate mines, Dunellon is now a charming getaway and for those who crave Ole’ Florida style seafood and dishes, plan to dine at Swampy’s or Blue Gator on the river.

SUNSHINE SASHAYS The award-winning Opal Collection recently added four more extraordinary properties to its prestigious portfolio of Florida hotels and resorts: The Atlantic Suites on the Ave, Delray Beach; The Capri Inn, Naples; The Lucie, Hutchinson Island; and Reefhouse Resort & Marina, Key Largo. My favorite is the oceanfront Lucie, a coveted haven along Jensen Beach, offering unrivaled views of the Atlantic Ocean, inviting decor and thoughtful amenities that bring the comforts of home to the coast. The property’s cheerful guest rooms and suites come to life with plush bedding, ergonomic workspaces, and world-class hospitality. The Lucie is a perfect place to rest and rejuvenate between adventures exploring Jensen Beach, and nearby Port St. Lucie and Stuart and offers Florida residents a 10% discount. Dine at Drift Kitchen & Bar, Kyle G’s, or The Magic Oyster, three of the island’s best restos.

HANGING AROUND DUNEDIN

My cousin Rachel lives in Japan, so we don’t see each other much. She likes to visit in the summer so she can loll on the beach. I prefer the conditioned air of the great indoors. So, we compromised on a fantastic adventure. Off to Dunedin, named one of America’s best small towns.

By Caron Schwartz

Our first stop was the Visitor Center, where a lovely local gave us a city map and a brewery walking tour map. “Ooh, a Beatles museum!” Rachel exclaimed, noticing Penny Lane. The tiny museum houses artifacts from the interesting (signed guitars, original posters, John Lennon’s glasses) to the weird (branded insect repellent, gumball machine, genuine hair strands – ick).

Dunedin’s History Museum was impressive. Housed in the former train depot, it chronicles the city from the time of the Tocobaga Indians through today. We also discovered that orange juice concentrate was invented here in the 1930s. Dunedin is also a super bike-friendly town; the old railroad tracks were transformed into the Pinellas Trail in the 1990s. Adjacent to the trail is one of the city’s artistic bike racks: a small-scale steam locomotive.

On Main Street, we wandered into boutiques including the Celtic Shop, Nancy’s Fancy, the Patent Bow Boutique and other delights featuring gifts, antiques, beachy clothes and home décor in between coffeehouses and restaurants (Casa Tina, The Living Room, The Black Pearl). The next stop was a true rarity: an independent bookstore appropriately named Back in the Day Books. We happily browsed the collection of new and used titles, then stopped in at the Dunedin Coffee Company & Bakery, debating on pastry but deciding on amazing Greek Frappes.

Dunedin Fine Art Center is a cultural and educational treasure. We admired student and faculty multimedia artwork in the gallery/art school and played in the interactive Children’s Museum. Across the street, the Dunedin Community Center housed a gym and a tiny Friends Branch Library.

Hungry, we couldn’t decide between seafood Dunedin Fish Market & Olde Bay Café or Thai Town. Revived with pad Thai and Thai iced coffee, I suggested we take the brewery tour (Dunedin, Woodwright Brewing, HOB) or visit award-winning Honeymoon Island. Too tired for more fun, we decided to continue our Dunedin adventure another day.

MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

Summertime, and the living is lyrical with live entertainment downtown (Flute & Dram, Ruby’s Elixir, The Hangar Monday jazz jam, Grand Central, Jannus Landing, Ringside) and the beaches including pool parties (The Saint Hotel), tiki bars (Bongo’s), to rocking hangouts (Daiquri Deck, Bongo’s, Jimmy B’s) as well as RumFish Grill and MiddleGrounds.

I recently saw The Topcasters at The Haus. Jacqueline “Jac” Buchanan is from Sunderland, U.K; she started out in theatre productions in her ‘20s then began her singing career and added to her repertoire during the pandemic with Izzy to start The Topcasters in late 2021. Izzy Buholzer hails from Lucerne, Switzerland. He started his first band in the early 70’s in Europe and the early 80’s in the US. Together this dynamic duo perform country, classic rock, folk and blues music as well as themed parodies at local clubs, events, and weddings. Their motto? No music, no life!

I enjoyed an April Saturday Morning Market visit hanging out with Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones and their rocking rhythm & blues, and caught them again at Salt Water Hippie and Bayboro Brewing Co. Eastside Detroit native Doug Deming, now hailing from Florida’s Gulf Coast, has garnered widespread attention for his deft guitar work and memorable songwriting. With a nod to the likes of T-Bone Walker and Charlie Christian, as well as Luther Tucker and Robert Jr. Lockwood, Doug leaves his own mark whether swingin’ on the big jazz box or playing straight up blues on the solid body Fender guitar. Complicated Mess, the most recent recording from Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones, is their most courageous effort to date, combining traditional blues, jazz, swing, soul, and R&B, delivered in 10 original Deming tunes along with three re-tooled covers. Joining him are Andrew Gohman on bass and Zack Pomerlau on drums and harmonica.

By Nanette Wiser

For the last few months, Markus Gottschlich has worked tirelessly as the new executive director of downtown St. Pete’s Warehouse Arts District Association. The composer and Steinway artist grew up in Vienna, Austria, before moving to the U.S. at an early age, and attended Admiral Farragut Academy, Concordia College-NY before graduating from Western Connecticut State University. He moved to Miami to study intensively with South Florida pianist Mike Gerber for two years. In addition to performing as a solo pianist and with his ensembles, Markus curated numerous concert series in and around Miami, partnering with the Design District, Fisher Island, the Faena, and other venues. He was Artistic Director of the Miami Beach Jazz Festival until 2016 and founded Jazz Academy Miami (JAM). In Sept. 2018, Markus was executive director of the New Mexico Jazz Workshop and in late 2019, he was Director of Music at Jazz House Kids/Montclair Jazz Festival, transitioning the organization’s youth and adult programs to an online/hybrid format and expanding its international reach. He became head of the Music Business department at the Vienna Music Institute and was a lecturer for jazz piano and composition. Returning to Florida in the summer of 2022 to head WADA, he will perform this summer in Miami Beach and Vienna as well as Tampa Bay.

Check out social media for upcoming concerts and band listings.

The Ultimate Seaside Paradise

Waterfront Dining

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

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

7203 Sunset Way St. Pete Beach, FL 33706

727.292.0282

Eatat82.com

We invite you to lose yourself in an ultimate seaside paradise at The Saint Hotel, a boutique haven in St. Pete Beach. Experience laid-back vibes, barefoot ambience, and artistic touches that speak to the senses. 7201 Sunset Way St. Pete Beach, FL 33706 727.360.0120 thesainthotel.com

Kahwa Coffee and the St. Pete Arts Alliance announce Frederick “Rootman” Woods as the third artist on Kahwa’s Art Wrapped Canister Series. Get yours, filled with Sirocco House Blend beans at any Kahwa for only $24.99.

The USF Contemporary Art Museum, part of the Institute for Research in Art in the USF College of The Arts in Tampa, presents Rico Gatson: Visible Time thru July 29. Brooklyn-based artist Rico Gatson, inspired by significant moments in African American history, identity politics, and spirituality, has been celebrated for his vibrant, colorful, and layered artworks.

https://bit.ly/3ItM1P2

St. Pete’s Museum of Fine Arts presents Tom Jones: Here We Stand through Aug. 27. Featuring more than 100 works spanning 1998–2021, the exhibition is the first major retrospective of the Ho-Chunk photographer’s work. https://bit.ly/436Rfc1

Visit The Dalí Museum in St. Pete to see Where Ideas Come From: Dalí’s Drawings now through Oct. 22. The exhibit of more than 100 works on paper showcases the artist’s use of various media, including pencil, pen, charcoal, watercolor, and gouache, and highlights Dalí’s creative process throughout his career.

https://bit.ly/43ijAf8

Un/Natural Selections: Wildlife in Contemporary Art, now on view at the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, considers how contemporary artists use animal imagery to tackle human concerns including tradition, politics, science, and aesthetics.

https://bit.ly/3pTMjIL

The Irish Book Club has selected Tarpon Springs based John Heagney’s debut novel, Traveler, as its May Irish American Featured Book of the Month. Traveler is the story of Irish farm boy Neddy McKenna whose world is about to be torn apart and everyone he loves will become a memory. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3BMWscN

Hurry to Florida CraftArt to see The Art of Alchemy, a juried exhibition of 75 original artworks by 31 artists from around the country on display through June 24. Mediums include ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, sculpture, and wood. Learn more at https://bit.ly/45sDhmi

Dunedin Pride Week (June 17-24) kicks off with the Pride Gay-Lah event presented by Duke Energy and the city of Dunedin on June 17 at the Achieva Credit Union headquarters. There’s a Pride Golf Cart Parade and educational and cultural events including film screenings, art exhibitions, and guest speakers. dunedinpride.com

See more Pride events on page 45.

“Happiness is a place between too little and too much.”

- Finnish Proverb

“EARTH without ART is just EH”

HIDDEN FIGURE

Fifty years after his death, Picasso’s oeuvre still holds thrills – like the image of a dog just discovered beneath the surface of his Parisian nightlife scene La Moulin de la Galette (1900). A 2017 X-radiography scan already showed Picasso switched the gender of two figures. The latest efforts, combining X-ray fluorescence with infrared and visible reflectance, revealed a King Charles Spaniel, hidden beneath a semi-sheer splotch.

The City of Clearwater is seeking experienced mosaic and mural artists to design an installation in downtown Clearwater. The Mercado is a newly built community gathering space at the intersection of Cleveland St. and Gulf to Bay Blvd. featuring concrete walkways, central green space, landscaped areas, and a large, towering shade structure. Deadline is June 30. For more information and to apply, click https://bit.ly/3MpzOMD

CREATIVE KIDS

By Caron Schwartz

CALL FOR ARTISTS

Art Center Sarasota’s An Abstract View is a juried show encompassing all forms of non-representational art from Cubism to Abstract Expressionism to Minimalism and beyond. Deadline for submission is July 23. For more information and to apply: https://bit.ly/3oiHIiP

Creative Pinellas and the City of South Pasadena want your input on the murals coming to Pasadena Ave. The goal is for people to slow down, see amazing murals, and view what South Pasadena has to offer. Residents, businesses, and visitors can share their thoughts on the project here: https://bit.ly/3OqiGst

St. Pete Arts Alliance Funding Futures Awards Program is now accepting applications from talented Pinellas County student artists with documented financial needs, aged 10-17, who aspire to be musicians, actors, dancers, writers, visual, or digital artists. The awards provide funding and connect them to local after-school arts programs or summer arts camps. Learn more and apply here: https://bit.ly/3ItBYJG

Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture & the Arts (TBBCA) is pleased to announce the 2023 Charlie Hounchell Art Stars Scholarship winners. Since the scholarship program was founded in 2008, the nonprofit has awarded over $240,000 to more than 95 creative students. Awardees receive $2,500 for tuition or other student support. tbbca.org

CURTAIN CALLS

Central Park Performing Arts Center (CPPAC) in Largo is offering shows and music all summer long. From Shevonne and the Force to Barnum, Taylor Swift Laser Dance Party to Moonflower, there’s entertainment galore for all ages. https://bit.ly/3BNqf5g

Get ready to be held at the edge of your seat. Ayad Akhtar’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Disgraced” is on stage at American Stage through June 25. This drama exposes wokeness, prejudice, and modern stereotypes while reminding the power of acceptance and understanding. Tickets? https://bit.ly/45oHxTU More powerful stories, boldly told are on tap during American Stage’s 2023-2024 season. Info/Tix https://bit.ly/3Oqwq6I

INDULGE YOUR INNER ARTIST

The Dunedin Fine Art Center strives to make art an all-encompassing experience! Our classes are divided into seven six-week sessions throughout the year, with weekly workshops. Browse our extensive list of adult and youth classes and workshops, check out our amazingly talented instructors, or sign up for a class here https://bit.ly/45ibzIF

Want to paint happy little clouds? Gulf Coast Artists’ Alliance and St. Pete ArtWorks are offering workshops on the last Sunday of the month for anyone who has ever asked, “How did Bob Ross do that?” All supplies included, just bring your own drink and snacks, and prepare to have fun making “happy accidents.” Info/Register: https://bit.ly/3q2dfWN

“Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.”

– Marthe Troy-Curtin

ARTISTS SPOTLIGHT

CURTAIN CALLS freeFall Theatre

Company has a great new season filled with music and laughter. Matthew McGee shared his newest project he and Natalie Symons penned. “We have been toying with this since March 2020. I don’t think I would’ve made it through the lockdown without her and our phone chats/texts. This new property was born out of those conversations. It can only be described as a comedy/thriller vehicle for Jennifer Coolidge with (count them) five great roles for women over 50! It’s suspenseful, hilarious and spares no one. Get ready to be triggered lol.”

The plot twists and tickles. “When a recently canceled celebrity housewife and her entourage try to escape the media at an Airbnb in The Berkshires, things go terribly and hilariously wrong as the ladies find themselves in the middle of a manhunt for the Berkshire Strangler. The Hollywood elites find themselves triggered by mistaken identities, bad cell service, a set of twins, power outages, a missing alternator, and a mysterious landlady in this hilarious thriller from the writers that brought you The Buffalo Kings, The People Downstairs, and The Night Before,” says McGee, who will spend the summer in North Carolina starring in Rock of Ages, and will reprise his hilarious Poirot again at Stageworks in Tampa. freefalltheatre.com

Parkshore Grill’s Chef Tyson Grant’s son Tanner popped up on FB with news from his proud parents. “We can finally share this amazing news! Not only was he nominated, but he is now in the top 10 and top five male performers! I’m so proud and excited for this next performance that we actually get to see, crossing our fingers for a trip to #nyc to the #jimmyawards.” The National High School Musical Theatre Awards® (the Jimmy Awards®) are a national celebration of outstanding student achievement, recognizing individual artistry in vocal, dance, and acting performance and elevating the importance of theatre arts education in schools. The Jimmy Awards are presented by The Broadway League Foundation in June.

By Nanette Wiser

The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Southeast Chapter, has named Little Satchmo as one of five titles nominated for the Best Historical Documentary EMMY. The winner of the EMMY will be announced at the 49th Annual Emmy Awards Gala in Atlanta 6/17. Sadly, producer Lea Umberger who worked on the project passed April 25; a celebration of life is planned in October. Donations in her honor can be made to Creative Pinellas.

WRITE ON! Over 50 years after the death of Louis Armstrong, the American icon’s only child, Sharon Preston-Folta, comes forward in the acclaimed PBS documentary Little Satchmo based on her book by the same name. After living closely in the shadows of her father, Armstrong’s secret daughter reveals a family and their relationship that was kept entirely invisible –until now. The feature documentary is the season premiere of PBS Reel South season 7, running nationally on television in the USA, in theaters and at film festivals in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Do you love our Rays? Author Eric C. Gray’s second book is for you. Backyards to Ballparks is a collection of peoples’ personal memories that touch upon baseball and how the sport connects friends, families and communities. These memories, often more human interest than baseball in nature, all have baseball as a setting, but speak to how baseball provides joy and anguish, nourishes family traditions, creates friendships, and can profoundly affect you. Whether the stories are about befriending Hank Aaron because of a mixed music tape, catching or not catching that prized ball, re-telling the memory your grandpa passed down to you, or finding out some life-changing news while at a game, these are stories that will make you laugh, or tear up, and allow you to remember similar events in your life. If you like baseball – great.

The 2023 Roy Peter Clark Literary Award went to St. Petersburg poet Denzel Johnson-Green in May. Johnson-Green is editor of Neptune, a local poetry and art magazine. The award was presented at the Palladium Theater Side Door Café. Clark is also a Poynter Institute writing coach and former journalist.

Arts & Leisure

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

HEALTH

Online at paradisenewsfl.com

CLUBS – ATHLETIC TOASTMASTERS

THRIFT SHOPS

VOLUNTEERING

Events are subject to change. Visit website or call to confirm.

ART CENTERS/CLASSES

Beach Art Center

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

Charlie Parker Pottery

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

charlieparkerpottery.com

Heart of Pinellas

Decorative Artists

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

Local chapter of National Society of Decorative Painters. 727-244-4321 hpdafl.com

Painters of all levels welcome.

Morean Arts Center 719 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-822-7872

moreanartscenter.org

Contemporary art gallery. Art classes year-round.

Through June 22 – Fresh

Squeezed: Emerging Fla. Artists

Morean Center for Clay

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

moreanartscenter.org

Largest pottery in the Southeast

Morean Glass Studio 714 First Ave. N, St. Petersburg 727-822-7872

moreanartscenter.org

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

Pinellas Park Art Society Park Station Building 5851 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park 727-360-4406 pinellasart.org

Suntan Art Center at Don Vista Arts Center

3300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach 727-367-3818 suntanart.org

Classes, Art Mart every weekend on Pass-a-Grille Beach Monthly members’ shows

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

Classes, open studio, pottery, and jewelry sales

Treasure Island Art Guild treasureislandartguild.org

Painting workshops weekly

Closed June, July and August

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

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

Zen Glass Studio & Gallery 600 27th St. S, St. Petersburg 727-323-3141 zenglass.com

Offers glassblowing and lampwork classes and workshops.

ART GALLERIES

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

Art at 400 Studios

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

Art Fusion Galleries

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

ARTicles/Leslie Curran Gallery

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

ArtLofts (second floor) Florida CraftArt Gallery

10 Fifth St. N, St. Petersburg 727-504-8788 theartlofts.com

Open Second Saturday ArtWalk or by appointment

ARTpool Gallery

2030 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-324-3878 artpoolrules.com

Open Wed.-Sun., noon-5pm

ArtsXchange

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

Atelier de SoSi

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

Brenda McMahon Gallery

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

Bula Barua

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

Chasen Galleries

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

chasengalleries.com/sarasota

Chihuly Collection

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

Advance ticket purchase recommended

Through June 4 – Karen Tucker Kuykendall & Steve Hagan

Clyde Butcher Galleries

clydebutcher.com/galleries

Through Oct. 31 – Cuba: The Natural Beauty (Clearwater Main Library)

Venice Gallery & Studio

237 Warfield Ave. S, Venice 941-486-0811

Big Cypress Gallery

52388 Tamiami Trail, Ochopee 239-695-2428

Cobb Gallery

Eckerd College, Library Circle, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Petersburg 800-454-9009

eckerd.edu/visualarts/program

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

Open Sat. 11am-5pm

Craftsman House

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

craftsmanhousegallery.com Gallery-Café-Pottery Studio

Creative Clay Cultural Arts Center

1846 First Ave. S, St. Petersburg 727-825-0515 creativeclay.org

Creative Pinellas

12211 Walsingham Rd., Largo 727-460-5477

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

Crossroads Gallery

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

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

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

customhousedecor.com

Tuesday Fresh Market

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

Buddy Baker | Events, Arts & Leisure Coordinator

ARTS & LEISURE EVENTS

DRV Fine Art Studios & Gallery

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

Duncan McClellan Gallery

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

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

Contemporary gallery and art advisory

Luis Sottil Studios

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

facebook.com/luissottilstpete

Mirella Cimato Art Gallery

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

facebook.com/MirellaCimatoGallery

Through June 30 – Arte Italiana

www.paradisenewsfl.com/june-july-2023-events

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

RECURRING EVENTS

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

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

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

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

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

2nd Saturday • 8:30am, Beach Cleanup. Municipal Pavilion, 11260 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island 11185 Gulf Blvd.

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

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

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

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

• 10am-2pm/Summer 9am-1pm, Corey Sunday Market, Corey Ave. (74th Ave), St. Pete Beach. Almost a hundred vendors with an emphasis on local fresh, hydroponic and organic veggies, gourmet take-out treats, locally made crafts and live music. (9-1 June - Sept.) Every other Sunday • 9am-noon, Organic Farming at Eco-Village, 302 15th St. N, St. Pete. Volunteer in a community garden that provides access to fresh organic produce, opportunities for physical activity, connection with nature.

Ekeko Gallery

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

Elliott Gallery

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

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

June 9 – St. Pete’s First “Pillow Fight”

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

Five Deuces Gallerie 2101 Third Ave. S, St. Petersburg

Open by appointment & Artwalk Facebook.com/five22222

Florida CraftArt Gallery

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

Sat. Mural Walk

Through June 24 –The Alchemy of Art

June

30-Aug. 26 – Rebels

Gulf Coast Artists Alliance

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

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

Nielsen Center for Visual Arts

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

eckerd.edu/visualarts/program

Red Cloud Indian Arts

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

redcloudindianarts.com

Representing authentic Native American arts

Soft Water Gallery

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

softwatergallery.com

Through June 3 – Mixed Messages

Through July 1– Steph Gimson: Abstract Visions

SPACE

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

facebook.com/spacestpete

Exhibits change quarterly.

June

9-11 – Hot Box

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

facebook.com/StirlingArtDunedin New artist exhibits monthly

Syd Entel Galleries

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

The Domingo Studio

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

facebook.com/The-Domingo-Studio Oils, giclees, art repros on canvas

Vince Anthony Fine Art Gallery

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

Woodfield Fine Art Gallery

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

ARTS PERFORMING

Amalie Arena

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

June

17 – Duran Duran

18 – R&B Music Experience

21 – Bryan Adams

23 – Peso Pluma

29 – The Cure

30 – Alicia Keys

July

10 – blink-182

24 – WWE Raw

August

5 – Freestyle Explosion

Throwback Jam

10 – Phil Wickham w/ Brandon Lake

11 – Bolts Brew Fest

12 – Trick Daddy

American Stage

Raymond James Theatre

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

Through June 25 – Disgraced

July

19-Aug. 13 – La Gringa

Asolo Repertory Theatre

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

Masks requested inside building

Through June 11 –

Man of La Mancha

Bilheimer Capitol Theatre

405 Cleveland St., Clearwater 727-791-7400

rutheckerdhall.com

June

3 – Latrice Royale

25 – Ramy Youssef

July

14 – Supertramp

15 – David Brighton’s Space Oddity

20 – Buckcherry

28 – Maddie & Tae

Bininger Theater

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

eckerd.edu/theatre

Catherine Hickman Theater

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

June

8-18 – Gulfport Community Players Present “Stop Kiss”

July

7 – Art Reception and Exhibit

August

4 – Art Reception and Exhibit

Central Park Performing Arts Center

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

August

4-13 – Barnum

Early Bird Dinner Theater

13355 49th St. N, Clearwater 727-466-5998

earlybirddinnertheater.com/site

Through June 11 – Casserole

June

24-July 30 – Same Time, Next Year

Eckerd College International Film Series

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

Eight O’Clock Theatre

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

eightoclocktheatre.com

August

4-13 – Barnum

Floridian Social Club 687 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-322-4600

thefloridiansocial.com

June

2 – LoveSong: A Cure tribute

3 – The Dark Side of the Moon 50th Anniversary Party

4 – Geri X

7 – Top of the Fire Escape

8 – Latin, Jazz, Funk and Soul featuring Hot Tonic

9-10 – Emerald Rabbit Cabaret

11 – Mason Pace with Cinema

Stereo, Dirty Janes, and Persephone’s Choice

15 – Liquid Pennies with The Venus, Chaunces, and Skiller Follie

17 – #NoFilter

PRIDE EVENTS

St. Pete Pride got its start in 2003 after officials in Tampa shut down a planned parade there. That first “Pride Promenade” has bloomed into a month-long celebration with events throughout St. Petersburg. It’s grown into the largest Pride celebration in Florida and is believed to be the 40th largest in the world. In 2019, before the pandemic, it drew more than 265,000 attendees.Tickets for all ticketable events can be purchased at https://tinyurl.com/yca9khvd

June 2 — Kick Off Party presented by Raymond James Free, 7-10pm, 2200 & 2300 blocks of Central Avenue.

June 10 — LGBTQ+ Youth Pride and Family Day

Free, 10am-2pm, North Straub and Straub parks. Family-focused activities, vendors, and main stage performances. This is a free event, but please consider making a charitable donation.

June 10 — Tombolo’s Queer Comic Book Club Reads

“The Pride Omnibus”

Free, noon-1pm, The Speakeasy Space within The Factory, 2606 Fairfield Ave. S, St. Petersburg. All ages are welcome.

June 10 — Get Nude: Drippin’ in Melanin

$15, 9pm, Savant on Second, 634 Second Ave. S. Dance the evening away to DJ Donnie Luv while meeting, mingling and celebrating the beautiful Black & Brown ladies of the St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay LGBTQ+ community. Dress to impress, the attire for the evening is nudes and earthtones. All are welcome but the event is centered on the QTPOC community.

June 17 — Shade of Pride Festival: A Juneteenth Pride Celebration Free, 6 pm-2am, The Factory, 2622 Fairfield Ave S. The event, with special guest TS Madison, will host the King Jives Show Live, Ballroom Extravaganza with host Yummy, BlaqueOUT Magazine writer Javannah Davis interview with TS Madison, Poetry Slam with the Blunt Space, Legendary Trans Panel, and the Pride Afterdark Party. Must be at least 18 years old to attend.

June 21 — Stonewall Reception

$75, 6-9pm, The James Museum, 150 Central Ave. The reception will honor individuals who have fought for the recognition of civil rights and given hope to so many. Share light bites, drinks, and entertainment with luminaries including St. Pete Pride sponsors, community partners, and government officials.

June 23 — Pride Silent Kickoff Party, Salty Nun DTSP. $10 gets you a pair of headphones to listen to three DJS spinning different genres. https://bit.ly/3MsEpxj

June 23 — Friday Night Concert presented by AIDS Health Foundation

$35, 7pm, Jannus Live, 200 First Ave. N. Broadway star Idina Menzel (Wicked, Frozen) performs at St. Pete Pride Festival’s Friday night concert.

June 24 — Parade and Festival presented by Visit St. Pete Clearwater Free, $75 VIP seating, 2-10pm, Vinoy and North Straub parks. The festival will begin at 2pm in both parks, with a variety of local vendors, food trucks, DJ, and the beer garden! Vinoy Park will host the main entertainment stage, VIP cabanas, and more!

• Trans March, 5-6pm, Vinoy Park

• St. Pete Pride Parade, 6 pm. Parade steps off from Albert Whitted Park traveling north on Bayshore Drive.

June 25 — Street Fair

Free, noon-5pm, 20th-28th blocks of Central Avenue in the Grand Central District. Block after block of entertainment, vendors, food, community partners, and interactive carnival games. With street performers, and hundreds of participating businesses and organizations.

June 28 — Transtastic presented by The Fitzlane Project

Tickets TBD, 6-9pm, The Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive NE. Celebrate Tampa Bay’s trans and non-binary community with a showcase of talent, artistry, and more. Guests will meander through both indoor and outdoor spaces; appetizers and a cash bar.

June 30 — Queer-E-Okee

Tickets TBD, 7pm, The Palladium, 253 Fifth Ave. N. Celebrity host Carson Kressley will introduce a roster of local queer musicians who will perform some of the LGBTQIA+ community’s most-beloved songs while the audience sings along with the help of karaoke-style lyrics projected onto a large screen.

ARTS & LEISURE EVENTS

ONGOING

Through June 24 — Florida CraftArt presents:

The Alchemy of Art

Free, Florida CraftArt, 501 Central Ave. The Art of Alchemy is a juried exhibition of 75 original artworks by 31 artists from California, Florida, Massachusetts, and New York. The exhibition includes a celebration of Pride and discussion of resources offered by Metro Health on Wednesday, June 14, at 6pm., an automaton demonstration by Chomick+Meder on the May 13 ArtWalk from 6-8pm, and a curators’ talk on Saturday, June 24 at 4pm.

UPCOMING

June 1-30 — ArtOUT

Free with museum admission, onsite at The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art and the Gulfport Public Library, and online. This sixth year of the art show is the second as an international, juried show. Taking the theme of “emergence,” the multi-media visual arts show will feature works by LGBTQ artists and allies who are experiencing a different vibe as we emerge from the pandemic.

June 3 — Third Annual Gulfport Pride

Free, 10am-8pm, Downtown Gulfport Waterfront District. In addition to more than 130 local makers and small businesses, many businesses are planning live music, “fun-raisers,” and even a local business décor contest! Plus two main stages and, of course, a marching band. This event benefits the Gulfport Public Library’s LGBTQ Resource Center.

June 3-July 9 — Oz

$25-$55, times vary by date, freeFall Theatre, 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg,. This world premiere musical by freeFall artistic director and music director Michael Raabe explores the genius of L. Frank Baum, creator of the Land of Oz, a dreamer at the dawn of a new age who reinvented the fairy tale in a distinctly American way, painting an idealized and magical vision of a world where witches might be good, and what you’re seeking is already inside you. freefalltheatre.com 727-498-5205

June 9-11 — Ink Mania Expo

$25-$60, Fri & Sat noon-11 p.m., Sun noon-9pm, The Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N, St. Pete. Get a new tattoo, your first tattoo, a cover-up, or a tattoo removal, or just hang out. A family-friendly event. inkmaniaexpo.com

June 16 — 18th Annual Tarpon Rodeo

Registration is underway for the 18th Annual Tarpon Rodeo Tournament presented by Great Bay Distributors. The catch-and-release tournament judged by the Coastal Conservation Association will benefit Tampa Bay Watch. Launch from Fort De Soto Park boat ramp at 7am. Teams will vie for $3,000 in prizes. To fish or sponsor, contact Michelle Yepez at myepez@tampabaywatch.org

June 17 — Ooza Palooza Grilled Cheese & Tater Tot Festival

Free admission, 5-10pm, Albert Whitted Park, downtown St. Pete. Celebrate one of the greatest childhood classics: the grilled cheese, with local food trucks serving up the gooey, melty, cheesy goodness paired with delicious brew from the beer garden. Live music, artists, fun games and Kids Zone.

Floridian Social Club continued

18 – Paul McCartney’s Birthday Celebration featuring BeatleBeat

22 – Jazz w/The Crew

25 – Nightbreakers, Summerhoop

26 – Motown Monday

July

1 – Fast Fashion (Depeche Mode tribute)

5 – Top of the Fire Escape

8 – 1990’s Night featuring Nirvana vs. Pearl Jam Tributes

14 – The Ries Brothers w/ Ajeva

31 – Motown Monday

August

2 – Top of the Fire Escape

Francis Wilson Playhouse

302 Seminole St., Clearwater 727-446-1360

franciswilsonplayhouse.org

freeFall Theatre Company

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

June

2-July 9 – Oz (world premiere)

7 – Return to Oz (film, 1985)

23 – freeFall Sings!

Gulfport Casino

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

mygulfport.us/recreation/casino

Weekly dancing/instruction

June

17 – Celebrate JuneTEENth

Gulfport Community Players Back Door Theater

1619 49th St. S, Gulfport gulfportcommunityplayers.org

June

8-18 – Stop Kiss

Jannus Live

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

June

1 – Eli Young Band

2 – A Funky Reggae Party

3 – Waterparks

4 – Ugly Kid Joe & Fozzy

6 – The Inlovingmemory Tour w/ Bones, Xavier, Wulf and Eddy Baker

9 – Anees

10 – Donna the Buffalo

11 – The Expendables & Passafire w/ Seranation

14 – Declan McKenna

15 – Men I Trust

16 – Lettuce & Steel Pulse

27 – Yungblud

July

1 – The Taylor Party: Taylor Swift Night

7 – The Ultimate Rush Tribute

14 – Chest Fever: The Official Revival of The Band

15 – Duane Betts

16 – Julian Marley

28 – Between The Buried and Me: The Parallax II Tour

August

3 – Sister Hazel

12 – Stephen Marley

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

July

14-22 – The Prom

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

manateeperformingartscenter.com

June

2 – Reflex Arts Dance Presents

Journey Through Time

7 – TRULIFE Movie

July

23 – Late Nite Catechism

MIDFLORIDA Credit Union

Amphitheatre

Florida State Fairgrounds 4802 US Hwy. 301 N Tampa 813-740-2446

midflorida.com/amphitheatre

June

22 – Garbage & Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

24 – The Original Misfits w/ Megadeth & Fear

July 9 – Foreigner

14 – Dierks Bentley

15 – Boy George & Culture Club

21 – Mudvayne

22 – Lynyrd Skynyrd & ZZ Top

25 – Fall Out Boy

29 – Nickelback

August

4 – Bret Michaels

5 – Disturbed

9 – Counting Crows

10 – Pentatonix

11 – The All-American Rejects

12 – Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, Too $hort and more

National Theatre Live

Eckerd College, Miller Auditorium

4200 54th Ave. S, St. Petersburg Performances in HD campusce.net/eckerd/course/ course.aspx?catid=159

New Tampa Performing Arts Center

8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa tinyurl.com/28schfuy

813- 829-2760

July

21-30 – Grease

Patel Conservatory

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

June

22-25 – Pippin

July 20-23 – The Little Mermaid Jr.

August 4-5 – Showstoppers

Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center

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

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

June

24 – Portrait of Aretha

July

15 – The Florida Bee Gees

Raymond James Stadium

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

raymondjamesstadium.com

June

17 – Juneteenth: R.O.C. The Block Festival

July

8 – Luke Combs

August

5 – George Strait w/ Chris Stapleton & Little Big Town

Ruth Eckerd Hall

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

June

2-3 – Clearwater Smooth Jazz Jam

18 – Tori Amos

21 – Dreamsonic Tour

23 – Rupaul’s Drag Race

August

2 – Jackson Brown

Safety Harbor Art & Music Center

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

safetyharborartand musiccenter.com

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

5223 Orient Rd., Tampa 813-627-6649

seminolehardrocktampa.com

June

1 – George Lopez

2 – Kevin Hart

4 – Trey Kennedy

20 – Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade

July 13 – Staind 26 – Ted Nugent

Skipper’s Smokehouse

910 Skipper Rd., Tampa 813-971-0666 skipperssmokehouse.com

June

2 – Grateful Dead Nite w/ Uncle John’s Band

3 – Sean Chambers w/ Savoy Brown Rhythm Section

9 – Selwyn Birchwood w/ Damon Fowler

July

23 – It’s Too Hot Music Festival

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

Oldest continuously operating community theater in Florida since 1925

Stageworks Theater

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

June

9-24 – The Great American Trailer Park Musical

Straz Center for the Performing Arts

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

June

6-11 – Annie

11 – Tampa Bay Taps

15 – Your Vetchat

19 – Arts Legacy REMIX: Third Annual Juneteenth Commemoration

July 12-Aug. 6 – Lizzie: The Musical

14 – Eric D’Alessandro Riverwalk Stage (free)

Corey Avenue Market MARKETS By

Susan Schiber

LOVE To MEAT You

What started as a backyard garden with raised beds quickly became a farming sanctuary!

Mike Ferguson and his family run a farm in Plant City, “living our belief that good, healthy, local food should be available to all. We farm with the benefit of the land in mind, increasing fertility with each animal rotation, which allows us to raise animals without medications. We feed GMO-free products.”

Ferguson Farms offers top quality products, including local, grass-fed beef, lamb, free range chickens and eggs. They also provide bison, elk, and wild caught seafood.

Meet Mike at the Corey Ave. Market every Sunday and if you can’t make it to the market visit www.FergusonFarms.Farm and set up an account. They deliver locally and ship on dry ice nationwide by UPS. Follow them on instagram @fergusonfarmbirds.

Check out the Corey Market schedule at www.tampabaymarkets.com/upcoming-markets-events

ARTS & LEISURE EVENTS

June 19 — Arts Legacy REMIX: Third Annual Juneteenth Commemoration Free, 7:30-9pm, Jaeb Theatre, Straz Center, Tampa. This evening of remembrance and celebration will recognize the importance of the date June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were set free, officially ending slavery in America. Featured will be spoken remembrances, writings of historical importance and an original performance.

July 1-2 — Indie*Pendence BBQ

$10, free admission for active-duty military or veterans, Saturday 7pm-1am/Sunday 1-9pm, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 39, 2599 Central Ave, St. Petersburg. Hot BBQ by Pit Master Chris Polidoro, local artists showcasing their work, games, and non-stop music from top area DJs and bands. tek-nique.com 813-421-2021

July 4 Fireworks

• The Fourth at the St. Pete Pier, 5-11:30pm. Celebrate America’s birthday with fun activities for all, including the third annual St. Pete Pier Run (see listing below), craft beer garden, food trucks and vendors, live music, roaming entertainers, and of course fireworks! • Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive, 6-8pm, Food and beverage vendors will be onsite. No alcohol, dogs, pop-up tents (during fireworks), boom boxes or other personal fireworks permitted.

July 4 — St. Pete Pier Run

$50/$55, 6:30 and 7:45am, St. Pete Pier. This 4-mile run or walk begins on the St Pete Pier near Spa Beach, goes along the scenic St Pete waterfront, and finishes on the Pier. The course is closed to traffic and is limited to 1,200 runners per wave. There will be one hydration station on course. Register at tinyurl.com/mut5stwx

July 14 – The Ries Brothers

Ticket prices TBD, 7pm, Floridian Social Club, 687 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Brothers Charlie and Kevin Jordan started playing the Florida bar circuit as young teenagers. Since then, they’ve played major festivals and supported major artists. This show is 18+. General admission floor is standing room; reserved seating is available. thefloridiansocial.com 727-322-4600

July 16 — Second Annual Tampa Bay Ice Cream Festival

Free admission, 10am-5pm, St. Pete Pier. Enjoy ice cream and other sweet frozen treats from more than a dozen vendors serving their best creations from soft served, craft scoop ice cream, gelatos, popsicles, and more. Vote for the first ever “Best Ice Cream In Tampa Bay” award.

July 21 — Michael Franti & Spearhead

$36-$86, 7pm, The Sound at Coachman Park, Clearwater. Franti’s coast-to-coast Big Big Love Tour will stop in Clearwater as part of the debut of Pinellas County’s newest entertainment venue. The musician, activist and award-winning filmmaker will be joined by SOJA, Tank & The Bangas, Fortunate Youth, Lawrence, The Dip, Philip Phillips and more. 727-791-7400 RuthEckerdHall.com

July 29 — Odyssey Music Festival

$70-$95, 2-10pm, Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Drive NE. Celebrate, immerse and explore beautiful art in all forms from music, dance, live visual artists, the vendor village and much more in this electronic music festival featuring three stages. 18-plus only. Tickets at omf20xx.com

Studio Grand Central

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

Tampa Theatre

711 N Franklin St. Tampa 813-274-8286

tampatheatre.org

One of America’s most elaborate movie palaces

June

4 – Mrs. Doubtfire (film)

11 – Vertigo (film)

18 – The Flying Ace (film)

25 – Fantasia (film)

July

2 – Enter the Dragon (film)

9 – Mamma Mia! (film)

16 – The Breakfast Club (film)

22 – Minkx Monsoon

23 – 2001: A Space Odyssey (film)

30 – The Lion King (film)

August

5 – Tim Heidecker: The Two Tims

6 – Planet of the Apes (film)

13 – Titanic (film)

Tarpon Springs Cultural Center

101 S Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs

727-942-5605 tarponarts.org

June

9-16 – Crimes of the Heart

July

7-9 – Talley’s Folly 21-30 – Now and Then

Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center

324 Pine St., Tarpon Springs

727-942-5605 tarponarts.org

June

3 – Sail On: The Beach Boys Tribute

The Mahaffey Theater

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

June

1 – Bad Friends

4 – K&D South Presents …

29 – Lady A

July

12 – An Evening w/ Steven Curtis Chapman

August

5-6 – Paw Patrol Live!

11 – Jesse & Joy

The Palladium

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

June

2-6 – St. Petersburg Opera: Rossini’s L’Italiana in Algeri

8 – Donald Harrison Quartet

11 – Dancebox Studio

14 – “Night Doves” presented by Atlas Modern Ballet & Camp

23 – EG Kight

July

6 – The Zachary Bartholomew Trio

7-8 – A Night of Classic Burlesque

9 – Arlin Thesinger’s Latin Dance Party

13 – Seals & Crofts

15 – Boogie Woogie Blues

Piano Stomp

16 – Nate Najar’s Swing Guitars

23 – Suncoast Blues Society IBC

Regional Competition

28 – Damon Fowler

29 – Trace Zacur Quintet

August

11 – Road to Nowhere

The Sound Coachman Park

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

June

28 – Cheap Trick

30 – Colbie Caillat & Gavin Degraw

July

1 – Dave Koz Summer Horns

2 – Peter Frampton

4 – Clearwater

Celebrates America

7 – Sad Summer Festival

15 – Greg Gutfeld

21 – Michael Franti & Spearhead

24 – Goo Goo Dolls

29 – John Fogerty

The Studio@620

620 First Ave. S, St. Petersburg

727-895-6620 thestudioat620.org

Masks requested while in building

June

2 – Stand Up Comedy Night

9-10 – Poetic Justice

Live Arts Celebration

13 – Blah Blah Blah Literary

Open Mic

17 – The Studio@620

19th Birthday Celebration

22-24 – Dirty John’s Presents

Gays-R-Us

28 – Poetry Open Mic

USF Yuengling Center

12499 USF Bull Run Drive, Tampa 813-974-3111

yuenglingcenter.com

June

20 – Melanie Martinez

22 – Ricardo Arjona

24 – 85 South

July

14 – Louis Tomlinson

21 – Young The Giant

23 – Yellowcard

29 – Fuerza Regida

August

3 – Underoath & The Ghost Inside

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

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

June

9 – Nikki Glaser

16 – Friday Fest: Kettle of Fish

July 21 – Friday Fest: One Night Rodeo

August

11 – Friday Fest: TEN-76

West Coast Players

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

June

9-25 – Out of Order by Ray Cooney

Zubrick Magic Theatre

1211 First Ave N, Suite 101, St. Petersburg

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

Voted “Best Family Magic Show”

MUSEUMS

Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum

2240 Ninth Ave. S, St. Petersburg

One City Chorus – Mon. 7pm woodsonmuseum.org

June

18 – Jazzy Juneteenth Jubilee

Florida Holocaust Museum

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

Through Aug. 27 – Lukasz Baksik

Matzevot for Everyday Use

Through Aug. 27 – Memories of My Life in a Polish Village:

Testimony in Art by Toby Knobel Fluek

Through Nov. 12 – From Refugee to Interrogator: The Wartime

Experience of Paul Raber

Florida Museum of Photographic Arts

1630 E 7th Ave., Ybor City, Tampa 813-221-2222 fmopa.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. Petersburg 727-821-8992 greatex.org

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

Gulf Beaches Historical Museum

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

Gulfport History Museum

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

Henry Plant Museum

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

Live classical music performances every third Thur.

Most Sundays – Upstairs/ Downstairs at the Tampa Bay Hotel Through Aug. 20 – Imagined East: Decorative Arts & the Imperial Gaze

Heritage Museum

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

History and culture of the Greek community

June

10 – Folk Rock Revival Summer Concert Series feat. Mercy McCoy & Joshua Reilly

July

8 – Folk Rock Revival Summer Concert Series

Imagine Museum

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

imaginemuseum.com

Contemporary American Studio Glass. Thur. $5 after 5pm

ARTS & LEISURE

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 Aug. 1 – Art Deco

Lacquer & Textiles from Japan

Through Aug. 6 – From the Chambers: A John Sims Memorial

Through Aug. 8 – Community

Gallery: Featuring costumes and photographs on loan from the Stonewall National Museum and Archives

Through Sept. 4 – Reclaiming

Home: Contemporary Seminole Art

Through Oct. 15 – Lorna Bieber: Natural World

Through Oct. 22 – Art Deco

Lacquer and Textiles from Japan

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

Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art

600 E Klosterman Road., Tarpon Springs

727-712-5762 leeparattner.org

Through June 25 –

Herb Snitzer: In the Present

June

10-Aug. 27 – Material Mastery: Florida Craftart Permanent Collection of Fine Craft

July

1-Sept. 3 – Do I Know My Own Shadow: Latin Artists from the Permanent Collection

Museum of the American Arts And Crafts Movement

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

Sun. Film Series – 12:30/2pm

Daily Arts and Crafts-inspired films

Museum of Fine Arts

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

Thur. $10 after 5pm

Cocktails & Collections third Thur.

Through June 25 – Unexpected

Visual Conversations

Through July 23 – Japanese

Photographs from the Meiji Era, 1870-1900

Through Aug. 6 – Dogs in Art

Through Aug. 13 – Japanese

Prints from the Read-Simms Collection

Through Aug. 20 –

Unexpected Visual Conversations

Through Aug. 27 –

Tom Jones: Here We Stand

Through March 17, 2024 –Time Flies, Hours Flee

National Comedy Hall of Fame Museum

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

nationalcomedyhalloffame.com

Closed, museum expansion underway

Safford House Museum

23 Parkin Ct., Tarpon Springs

Restored Victorian home built in 1883. 727-942-5605 tarponarts.org

St. Petersburg Museum of History

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

Watch “Ancient History for Kids” on YouTube!

Through June 8 – Civil Rights in the Sunshine State Happy Hour with the Historian: June

3 – Pride at the Museum

8 – Robert Jacob: Andrew Jackson – From the Battle of New Orleans to the Invasion of Florida

July

13 – Annette Fromm: Seminole Portraits: Reflections Across Time

Tampa Bay Automobile Museum

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

Tampa Bay History Center

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

tampabayhistorycenter.org

Walking tours of Tampa neighborhoods

Through Oct. 15 – Etched

Feathers: A History of the Printed Bird

Through Oct. 15 – Key West Connection: The twist that turned the cigar industry toward Tampa

Tampa Museum of Art

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

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

Through June 4 – Salman Toor: No Ordinary Love

Through July 9 – Travels in Italy: A 19th Century Journey through Photography

Through July 23 –

All in Favor: New Works in the Permanent Collection

Through Aug. 13 – Fleurish:

The Art of Naeem Khan

Through Aug. 27 – Time for Change: Art and Social Unrest in the Jorge M. Perez Collection

Through Oct. 8 – Taking Pictures: Women of Independent Spirit

Through Jan. 14 –

Reframing Haitian Art

Through June 30, 2024 –Purvis Young: Redux

Tarpon Springs Railroad Depot Historical Museum

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

The Dalí Museum

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

Thur. and Fri. reduced admission after 5pm

Advanced-purchase timed tickets recommended

Through Aug. 20 –Student Surrealist Art Exhibit

Through Oct. 22 – Where Ideas Come From: Dali’s Drawings

The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art

150 Central Ave., St. Petersburg Tues. $10 all day 727-892-4200 thejamesmuseum.org

June

10-Sept. 17 – Un/Natural Selections: Wildlife in Contemporary Art

USF Contemporary Art Museum Institute for Research in Art

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

USF Graphicstudio

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

June 2 – Rico Gatson: Visible Time Exhibition Walkthrough + Opening Reception

MUSIC

Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association

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

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

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

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

June 8 – Free Concert: South Pasadena City Hall

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

Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Society Cove Cay Golf Club 2612 Cove Cay Drive, Clearwater sdjs2022.org

June

18 – The Jazz Phools

July 16 – Dick Maley & Friends

Tampa Bay Symphony Performances in various locations 727-827-8087 tampabaysymphony.org

TomKats Jazz Orchestra

The Blue Parrot Mon. 7-9:30pm

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

tomkatsjazzorchestra.com

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

SPORTS & REC

KICK IT If you love soccer and the Rowdies, you’ll be thrilled to see that 2024 debuts the USL Super League Tampa Bay, a new women’s professional soccer team, USL is a new women’s soccer network of 10-12 professional teams plus pre-professional teams, and academy programs. Leaders hope to have the league sanctioned by U.S. Soccer as a Division One league. The Tampa club is owned by Darryl Shaw, the Tampa Bay developer and investor, Jeff Fox, former chief information officer of BluePearl Pet Hospital, and David Laxer, the co-owner of Bern’s Steak House. Set to kick off in August 2024, the USL Super League intends to launch as a first division league, reflecting its commitment to the highest standards in American soccer and a collective vision to be a global leader in women’s soccer on and off the field. The USL Super League helps address the opportunity gap between men’s and women’s professional soccer in the United States, home of the world’s most successful women’s national team. There are currently 101 professional men’s soccer teams and 12 professional women’s soccer teams in the United States.

TEE OFF Topgolf entertainment will open late June in the Carillon, with 102 climate-controlled hitting bays, a full-service restaurant and bar that you can dine in and watch sports and delivers its goodies while you play as well. Tentative hours are Fri.-Sat. 9am-1am and Sun.-Thurs. 10am-midnight. You can choose from a group of solo golf games and challenges for holes located near and far from the hitting zone. The St. Petersburg location is the second location in Tampa Bay, with one in Brandon.

SEE SEA Sometimes, a paddleboard or kayak isn’t enough when you want to seriously fish. Lucky for us, there are dozens of options for deep-sea or day fishing charters such as Captain Experiences, Dolphin Landings Charter Boat Center, Hubbard’s Marina, Risky Charters and more. Perhaps you want a bird’s eye view of the Gulf? Go sky high and book a parasail adventure with Eagle Parasail, Go Fast Fishing Charters, Simply Hooked Sport Fishing, Gators Parasail or Fly-N-High Waverunners & Parasail. Local hotels also offer fishing and parasailing adventures.

OPERA

ARTS & LEISURE

Metropolitan Opera: HD Live Miller Auditorium, Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Petersburg

Live high-definition broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera 727-864-7600

campusce.net/eckerd/course/ course.aspx?catid=156

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

June 2 – Outloud

Sarasota Opera House

61 N Pineapple Ave., Sarasota 941-328-1300

sarasotaopera.org

June 11 – Adventure Awaits: Youth Show

30 – Auntie Mame

July 14 – The Big Lebowski

`6 – Oklahoma! Starring Hugh Jackman 28 – You Can’t Take It With You

August 11 – Vertigo

St. Petersburg Opera Company

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

Various performance locations

June 2-6 – L’Italiana In Algeri

St. Petersburg Opera Guild stpeteoperaguild.org

The Pinellas Opera League

Socialize and be entertained first Wed. October-June

Thur.: Opera at the Dali pinellasoperaleague.com

ECO

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

1101 Country Club Way S, St. Petersburg 727-893-7326 stpeteparksrec.org/ boydhillpreserve

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

Brooker Creek Preserve 3940 Keystone Rd., Tarpon Springs

727-453-6800

brookercreekpreserve.org

Tram Tours Sat.

8,700 acres of forested wetlands and pine flatwoods.

Fort De Soto Park

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

pinellascounty.org/park

Campgrounds, ferry services to Egmont and Shell Keys.

Seven miles of beach, historic fort, two fishing piers (Bay Pier closed through winter 2023).

Tampa Bay Watch

Discovery Center

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

tbwdiscoverycenter.org

Daily boat tours of Tampa Bay ecosystem

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

weedonislandpreserve.org

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

GARDENS

Florida West Coast Orchid Society

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

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

Garden Club of St. Petersburg 500 Sunset Dr. S, St. Petersburg 727-381-8920

gardenclubstpetersburg.org

Monthly special events

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

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

Monthly demonstrations

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

1534 Mound St., Sarasota

941-366-5731 selby.org

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

Pinewood Cultural Park

12520 Ulmerton Road, and 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo

Includes:

• Heritage Village – Free 21-acre living history museum

pinellascounty.org/heritage

• Creative Pinellas –creativepinellas.org

Through July 16 – 2023 Emerging

Artist Exhibition

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

First Sat. – Historic House

Concert Series

Second Sat. – Speaking of History Series

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

Sunken Gardens

1825 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg

Adult and child horticultural workshops 727-892-5715

sunkengardens.org

FERRIES

Crossbay Ferry

Connecting Downtown Tampa

Aquarium Wharf to Downtown St. Petersburg Vinoy Basin

Wed. through Sun., October through May 727-273-5932 thecrossbayferry.com

Egmont Key Ferry

Fort De Soto Boat Ramp 727-398-6577

hubbardsmarina.com

Pirate Water Taxi

Hop on, hop off, 14 stops along the Hillsborough River and Tampa Riverwalk. 813-223-7999

piratewatertaxi.com

Shell Key Ferry

Fort De Soto Boat Ramp 727-398-6577

hubbardsmarina.com

See website for overnight camping

LIBRARIES

Gulf Beaches Public Library

200 Municipal Drive, Madeira Beach 727-391-2828

gulfbeacheslibrary.org

Gulfport Public Library

5501 28th Ave. S, Gulfport 727-893-1074

mygulfport.us/gpl

St. Pete Beach Public Library

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

Mon/Wed 10-8

Tues/Thurs/Fri 10-6

Sat 10-2; Sun closed

LIBRARY CLOSED:

– June 19, Juneteenth

– July 4, Independence Day

Adult Programs

Buschistory:

Topics in American History

1st Tues 3:30pm

Mayor’s Open Office:

2nd & 4th Mon 5:30pm

Feature Films

June 5, 9, 14, 23; July 3, 7

Special Features

Documentary (5:30pm) –

June 21, July 19

World Cinema (2pm) –

June 16, July 21

Children’s Programs

Story Time – Tue 10am

BayCare Kids: Adventure into Health: Thur 11am,.

June 8- July 13

Baby Time (0-18 months) –

3rd Fri 10am

Princess and Hero Royal Ball –

June 27 4-5pm spblibrary.com

President Barack Obama

Main Library

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

splibraries.org

Closed for renovation

“Be willing to step outside your comfort zone once in a while; take the risks in life that seem worth taking. The ride might not be as predictable as if you’d just planted your feet and stayed put, but it will be a heck of a lot more interesting.”

Dignity Memorial’s Beach Memorial Chapel

301 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach • 727-360-5577

www.dignitymemorial.com/

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

If you have not been in the newly renovated chapel for a Celebration of Life lately, please stop by. Prepare to be surprised.Serving our community with funeral and cremation services for over 80 years.

– Edward Whitacre. Jr.

Happy Summer!

ARTS & LEISURE

MARKETS

TUESDAYS

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

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

WEDNESDAYS

Madeira Beach Market

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

FRIDAYS

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

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

Dunedin Downtown Market

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

SATURDAYS

Market in The Bluffs

9am-2pm, second Sat., September through May 2747 Sunset Blvd., Belleair Bluffs

Outdoor market facebook.com/marketinthebluffs

St. Petersburg Saturday

Morning Market

October through May, 9am-2pm

Al Lang Stadium parking lot, 230 First St. SE, 727-455-4921

saturdaymorningmarket.com

SUNDAYS

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

Indian Shores Sunday Market

October through April, 9am-1pm

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

IndianShoresSundayMarket

St. Pete Artisan Sunday Market

Every other Sunday, noon-6pm, parking lot of Imagine Museum, 1901 Central Ave., St. Petersburg.

SPIRITUAL

Sacred Lands

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

sacredlandspreservation.org

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

Soothe Our Souls (S.O.S.)

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

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

Spiritual Conditioning Program

153 107th Ave., Treasure Island

Pat Jano at 727-324-9222

Small group Bible study

ZOOS/AQUARIUMS

Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center (formerly Alligator Attraction)

John’s Pass Village, 12973 Village Blvd. A-D

Madeira Beach, 727-329-8751

kissagator.com

Explore, learn & kiss a gator

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

249 Windward Passage, Clearwater 727-441-1790

cmaquarium.org

Rescue, rehab and release

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

Florida Aquarium

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

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

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

Seaside Seabird Sanctuary

18328 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores Free. Donations accepted. Tours. 727-391-6211 seasideseabirdsanctuary.org

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa

One mile west of I-275 (exit 48) 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 Shuffle Board

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

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

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

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

Rotary Club of Gulf Beaches

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

Second Saturday Singers

Second Sat. October through April, 9am–noon

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

Senior Solos

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

Social Club of St. Petersburg

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

majordl050@aol.com

727-798-6355 socialclubofsp.org

St. Petersburg Audubon Society

727-753-9731 stpeteaudubon.org

101+ Years Conservation

St. Petersburg Chess Club

540 Fourth Ave. N, St. Petersburg

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

St. Petersburg Lawn Bowling Club

330 Fifth St. N, St. Petersburg November to April, Mon., Wed., and Fri. 9:30am. Free lessons available. 727-344-4240/ 416-410-7671 stpetersburglawnbowling.org

St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club

Fri., 7-10pm, Free. 559 Mirror Lake Drive N, St. Petersburg 727-822-2083 stpeteshuffle.com

Suncoast Bonsai Society

Third Sat. 10am Seminole Recreation Center 9100 113th St., Room 210A, Seminole

Demos, workshops, evaluations. Bring your own tree. One of oldest bonsai clubs in Florida. 727-209-7974

suncoastbonsaisociety.org

Suncoast Quilting Circle

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

Swiss Club

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

swissclubstpetersburg.com

ARTS & LEISURE

Tampa Bay Surface Guild

Second Mon., 6:30-8:30pm

Good Samaritan Church

6085 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park

Coloring, patterning, structuring and transformation of fabric, fiber, and other materials surfacedesignguild.com

The Contemporaries

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

Treasure Island Historical Society

Jan.-April/Sept.-Dec.,

Second Mon., 5pm

Through Dec. meets at Treasure Island Community Center Garden Room, 154 106th Ave., tihsorg@gmail.com facebook.com/ treasureislandFLhistoricalsociety

Treasure Islettes

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

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

Flotilla 7-8, St. Pete Beach

Promoting boating safety with a 12week repeating cycle Safe Boating Program, Tues. 7pm. Start at any point in cycle.

Warren Webster Building, 1500 Pass-A-Grille Way, St. Pete Beach wow.uscgaux.info/content. php?unit=070-07-08

Tampa Bay Women In Tourism

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

WordSmitten Writing Workshops

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

HEALTH

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

Jazzercise Exercise Classes

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

Memory Café – Gulfport

Third Mon. 12:15-2pm

Neptune Grille, 5501 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport. Support for those suffering from dementia and their loved ones. RSVP 727-327-0167 sensol@seniorsmile.com or 813-384-7571 catemcarty@gmail.com

Memory Café – St. Petersburg

Second Mon. 11am-1pm

Carrabba’s St. Pete, 1951 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. RSVP 727-327-0167 sensol@seniorsmile.com or 813-384-7571 catemcarty@gmail.com

Walking Club & Memory Café

Third Fri. 10-11am group walk Tyrone Square Mall 11:15am-1pm Memory Café at Red Robin, 2468 Tyrone Blvd. N, St. Petersburg, RSVP 727-345-3581 sensol@seniorsmile.com or 813-384-7571 catemcarty@gmail.com

Wednesday Walkers

Second and fourth Wed. 9am, varying locations.

Sponsored by Gulfport Senior Center, 5501 27th Ave. S, Gulfport 727-893-1244

YOGA

Beach Yoga Pinellas Various locations 727-222-6476 Beachyogapinellas.com

Salty Souls Yoga Various locations 727-459-9178 saltysoulsyoga.com

Silver Sneakers Yoga

Community Center, 7701 Boca Ciega Dr., St. Pete Beach Fri. at 11:15am 727-363-9245 spbrec.com

South Pasadena Gentle Yoga

Thursdays, 9:30-10:30am. South Pasadena City Hall, 7047 Sunset Drive S. Chair or mat option. Instructor has 40+ years’ experience. Free/donation. barbmoeller1@gmail.com or 856-296-3647

Sunken Gardens

1825 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg Mon. & Wed. 10:30am 727-560-7317

The Centre of St. Pete Beach 7525 Blind Pass Rd., St. Pete Beach 727-258-2001

thecentreSPB.com/calendar1

• Wake Up My Body

Mon. & Sat. 9-10am Hatha Yoga Wed. 6-7pm Mindful Slow Yoga. wakeupmybody.com

• St. Pete Aerial Yoga

AM & PM Aerial Yoga Class options. Beginners welcome. Private sessions and group parties available.

Reservations required stpeteaerialyoga.com

• Prism Wellness Yoga

Tues 3:30pm – Hatha Yoga

Thurs 9:30am – Mindful Meditation Reservations required prismwellnessandyoga.com

DOWNTOWN CONCIERGE

Five Bucks Drinkery is opening a second location in Pinellas Park. In the works next to Brick & Mortar is the future Central Park St. Pete, a five-story food hall with a basement speak-easy, multiple restaurant concepts and a rooftop lounge that plans to open 2024.

By Nanette Wiser

SIP & SUP Thanks to Bucs’ owner Bryan Glazer, the reimagined Vinoy Resort is glorious, with a patisserie (macarons), exquisite boutique, an alfresco cocktail mecca on the verandah, sophisticated seating, scrumptious brunch at Paul’s Landing poolside and a luxe spa. The restaurant will reopen later this summer and the resort is part of the Marriott’s upscale Autograph Collection. Sea Salt debuts an all-day happy hour with food specials noon-6pm including oysters, fish tacos, ceviche cocktail, charcuterie and a crispy fried chicken sandwich and drink specials 3-6pm.

Open Table names The Library as one of the top 100 most popular brunch spots in America, along with two other Columbia Restaurant (Ybor City) and Connors Steak & Seafood (Sarasota). Chewy named Pinellas Ale Works (PAW) the #1 dog-friendly brewery in America. Enjoy their $5 beer flight night every Mon. with your fur-buddy and be sure to take home some Blood Orange Pucker Pup, a smooth blend of citrus and sour. Popular karaoke bar LALA is getting a second location in Hyde Park. Mutts & Martinis is open on Central, an upscale sports bar and dog park with a splash pad!

original Florida stories. I can’t wait to go on Pepe’s Plight Coin Hunt, an immersive scavenger treasure hunt that takes you through the Mermaid Star Motel and beyond, solving riddles to uncover a hidden narrative. Staying alive disco ducks need to get in line for Good Night John Boy Wed. (Ladies Night), Thurs.-Sun. If it’s Monday, it’s yoga time at Sunken Gardens where you can meditate in the garden; Tuesday is Tai Chi in Northwest Park. Join a book club this summer at Tombolo Books or Book + Bottle or a movie night at Green Light Cinema

Lolita’s Wine Bar is moving from 18th Street to the Warehouse District near 3 Daughters, inside the Morean Center for Clay on 22nd St. S, a renovated freight depot home to local artists with a lovely outdoor patio. 2nd and Second owners retire the American comfort food diner and replace it with Dirty Shirley, a new concept featuring quirky cocktails, shareable dishes, a new interior and outdoor lounge area. Ruth Chris Steak House is now part of the Darden Restaurant group’s fine dining collection (Capital Grille, Eddie V’s).

FUN Keep an eye on downtown underpasses transforming into green spaces, dog parks or pickleball courts, adorned with public art. Fairgrounds St. Pete is an art and technology museum full of immersive, playful exhibits based on

TIDBITS Parking woes in The EDGE and Grand Central may get a reprieve if the Rays open up some of their lots on non-game days. Condos are out, office space and a boutique Autograph Collection hotel are in at Orange Station, the development planned for St. Petersburg’s former police headquarters. A global classroom experience that brought together USF St. Petersburg students with peers in Moldova to conduct joint research and form cultural bonds, while an international humanitarian crisis was unfolding nearby, received the inaugural International Partnerships Award from the American Political Science Association and the Political Studies Association. The historic Betty Ann Hotel (406 11th Ave. N) is now Uptown Works, a new co-working space.

Isla Summer Memberships

CLASSIFIED

ACCOUNTING / BOOKKEEPING & TAX SERVICES

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

ACUPUNCTURE

Ancient Healing Acupuncture & Herbs

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

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

727.272.3587

BACKGROUND CHECKS

King Background Screening

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

KingBackgroundScreening.com

Denise Anderson - Owner Call/Text 941.284.4612

KingScreening@gmail.com

BOAT CLUB

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

Tierra Verde – 727.200.3474

BODY SCULPTING

Medically supervised targeted weight loss with EMSCULPT at Regenesis Life 727.826.0329

Laundry Wash - Dry - Fold Service

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

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

KITCHEN & BATH REMODELERS

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

Master Certified Kitchen & Bath

Remodeler, Green Certified

Professional 727.391.2959

Schedule a FREE Consultation TODAY

HEALTH & FITNESS

Ancient Healing Acupuncture & Herbs

Seasonal Allergies, Hip & Back Pain

April Wang 727.384.4826

Certified Chinese MD, (Tyrone Area) 6600 31st Terrace, St. Pete

Worried About Your Memory?

Alzheimer’s Association –Offers FREE & Confidential

Memory Screenings, CALL to schedule 727.893.5657

HAULING - DELIVERY

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

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

LetMommahelpyou.com

HEALTH & NUTRITION

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

HEARING CARE

DOG

CAREGIVER/ COMPANION

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

Companionship, errands, transportation to appointments, light cooking, cleaning, and laundry, medication reminders. Call Gail 260.242.0246, email gail@compassionatecompanioncare forseniors.com, compassionate companioncareforseniors.com

COMPUTERS & VIRUS REMOVAL

Pinellas Family Computer Service

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

CONDO FOR RENT - NEW

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

DENTAL SERVICES

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

DRY CLEANERS & LAUNDRY

Home Pick-up & Delivery-Dry Clean, Wash-Dry-Fold, Alterations, Patio

Cushion Cleaning, Shoe & Handbag

Repair, Pick-up 2x weekly

Sacino’s Cleaners

sacinoscleaners.com 727.471.0573

Residential, Commercial

Linen & Maid Services

MNC Cleaning Service

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

Pasadena Hearing Care

Anne S. Carter, Ph.D. 727.329.8852

Don’t let Hearing Loss impact your life.

HELP WANTED

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

HOUSEKEEPING & CLEANING

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

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

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

Laundry Wash Dry Fold Service

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

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

Home & Office Cleaning -

Experienced,Efficient

European Cleaning LadyFree Estimates, Great local references 10+ years Irina 727.481.1364

INSURANCE

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

727.343.0419

Life ACCOUNTING • BOOKKEEPING CONSULTING • TAX SERVICES 1120 Pinellas Bayway South, #204 • Tierra Verde, FL 33715 www.DavidStrickler.com • Email: djscpa1@aol.com 1120 Pinellas Bayway South, #204 • Tierra Verde, FL 33715 www.DavidStrickler.com • Email: djscpa1@aol.com

727.826.0329 ACCOUNTING • BOOKKEEPING CONSULTING • TAX SERVICES

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

IV THERAPY

JEWELERS

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

LOCKSMITH SERVICES

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

LUMBERS

Need wood to match your old house?

If it isn’t in stock, ask if we can make it for you. Anderson Lumber 666 49th St. S 727.321.3111

MARINE CONSTRUCTION

Island Marine Construction - Docks, Boat Lifts, Service, since 1997.

Licensed Marine Contractor, C-8463 727.363.7282

MASSAGE SERVICES

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

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

Corrective Massage Therapy

Muscular and Structural Rehabilitation

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PAYROLL SERVICE

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PET SERVICES

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RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

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SCREEN REPAIR

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TERMITES

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TOURS & TRANSPORTATION

Paradise Tours & Transportation

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TUTORING

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WEIGHT LOSS

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WELLNESS

WellCare Coach / Independent Shaklee Distributor. Build Immunity!

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We were lucky. That’s all there is to it. One day prior to landfall the track of Ian was pointed right at us, poised to devastate the Tampa Bay region. Instead, it made a slow adjustment and devastated our neighbors to the south. I witnessed the devastation first-hand when I volunteered to provide veterinary disaster relief services for the Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA) in the Fort Meyers and Port Charlotte region.

Debris was everywhere, homes and businesses were destroyed, boats were pushed inland and were even on top of and inside businesses and homes. People were displaced into storm shelters, not knowing if they were going to have anything to go back to. They didn’t just have themselves to think about. They also had their pets. Imagine hundreds of people packed into the halls of an arena or a high school with their pets sitting on their laps or in cages. Most of these pet owners had no warning and no idea of what Ian had in store for them.

PREPAREDNESS IS KEY Two or three days ahead of an impending disaster is not the time to prepare.

Keep a watchful eye – Apps such as the Fox13 app and MyRadarPro can give you up to date information on the track of a storm. Traditional news and weather reports are great resources too. Don’t focus on the line, focus on the cone. If you are in the cone then you could eventually be in the direct path.

Have a plan – Plan to evacuate when or before the order is given. Know your evacuation zone where you live and know your evacuation route.

Have transportation available – Make sure that pet leashes, harnesses, carriers, are all sized and ready.

Make sure your pet has a microchip –If you lose your pet during the storm a microchip is a permanent way for your pet to be ID’d if someone should pick them up and bring them to a veterinarian or shelter. Many pets have found their way back home thanks to their microchip when collars and other IDs have been lost.

Food and water – Have enough food and water prepared for at least 3 days or more for both you and your pets. Make sure it is non-perishable - Fresh foods like FreshPet only last a few days on ice and raw diets that could contain bacteria will go bad even faster and could make your pet very sick. Make sure that your pets will eat a canned or dry diet, as this will make finding and maintaining food sources much easier. Water-tight containers to store dry food are a must too.

Fuel up – Make sure you maintain a full tank of gas in your evacuation vehicle. Finding fuel closer to a storm’s landfall becomes very difficult.

Know pet friendly shelter locations –Have a list of these types of shelters that are close to you. Even the best laid plans to

By Dr. Johnathan Pierce

evacuate can be foiled and a shelter may be your only option.

Toys and used blankets – These can make an unfamiliar place feel like home for your pet, keeping them occupied and less stressed.

First aid kits (with antiseptic material and bandaging materials) – Veterinary help may not be immediately available and wounds will need to be cleaned and dressed. Make sure when bandaging that you don’t wrap too tightly.

Pet’s medical records – Get a copy. You may need to prove vaccination status or even show medical history in order for your pet to be treated for chronic diseases.

Have chronic medications in stock –If your pet is being treated for diabetes, thyroid disease, heart disease, Cushing’s, Addison’s, or other diseases that require medications, obtain enough medication well in advance of the storm to continue treatment, until well after the storm.

Be prepared well in advance to help protect you and your pet. If you have any additional questions about preparing for a hurricane for your pet, reach out to your veterinarian. Stay safe and prepared out there!

Island Life Animal Hospital

Dr. Danielle Gallo & Dr. Johnathan Pierce 5901 Sun Blvd., Suite 107 Saint Petersburg, FL 33715 727-289-3776 • islandlifeanimalhospital.vet

Meet JEFF BERARDELLI WFLA’s chief meteorologist and climate specialist, has been named the top local TV meteorologist in the country by international media group Broadcasting + Cable.  He earned his bachelor’s degree in Atmospheric Sciences from Cornell University in the 1990s. Recently, after witnessing the spike in extreme weather, he went back to school earning a master’s degree in Climate and Society from Columbia University.

Berardelli has led the Max Defender 8 weather team since January 2022. However, he’s no stranger to Florida – or to the Tampa Bay area. He previously worked as a meteorologist in Tampa (1997-2003) and in West Palm Beach and Miami. Before joining WFLA, Berardelli was a meteorologist at CBS News in New York. Despite being away from Florida, he still covered the state’s severe weather by reporting on and leading coverage of 2018’s Hurricane Michael, 2019’s Hurricane Dorian and the record-breaking 2020 hurricane season.

How can we get ready for this hurricane season? Berardelli says preparation is key, both for his team and Tampa Bay residents. News Channel 8 uses an immense set of data, technology, and tools to forecast hurricane tracks and having an experienced team with knowledge of Florida’s storm history is important. And if power at home goes out, you can hear updates online and with iHeart radio stations including Newsradio WFLA and Country 103.5.

His message for us? “It’s simple. We saw what happened in Ft. Myers last year with Ian. That could have easily been us, and if it hit here, the impacts and damage would have been worse. So, each year you should prepare for a storm like Ian. It may not happen this year or next, but eventually our luck will

Award-winning WEATHER WARRIORS

Jeff Berardelli and Mike Clay help keep Tampa Bay safe during storms. Paradise NEWS shares their insights into Hurricane Season 2023 and climate change.

By NANETTE WISER

www.wfla.com/weather

run out. If you are prepared, you will weather the storm just fine. This summer we will likely have El Nino. So, the hope is we will have a slower than normal season in the Atlantic Basin, but this does not mean Florida will not see landfalls.”

Pinellas County is on the front lines of climate change due to it being right on the coast. “Climate change will bring stronger, more quickly intensifying hurricanes to coastal communities along with rising sea levels. The combination means more destructive storms, with higher economic tolls. Climate change has made it hotter here. It has made the waters warmer and thus the humidity higher. Sea level has risen here about twice as fast as the global average and thus coastal flooding has increased even on fair weather days,” says Berardelli.

But, he adds, battling climate change is everyone’s responsibility. “The two best things anyone can do personally to help tackle climate change is to speak with their wallet and plant a seed. The ways you choose to spend your money – the products you buy or don’t buy – guide companies’ decisions towards being greener or continuing business as usual. And by planting a seed I mean set an example. When you make choices to help the environment that rubs off on family members and friends, whether that be to drive an EV, get solar panels, eat less meat, or just talk about climate change, all of these actions influence others in your life. While your individual actions may be small, if you influence others in your sphere, the results multiply.” His expertise is much in demand. In late May, Berardelli appeared with NBC Nightly News anchor Lester Holt in a special report from Ft. Myers on rebuilding and lessons learned from Ian.

Photos courtesy of Spectrum Bay News 9 and WFLA Channel 8

Meet MIKE CLAY

Chief Meteorologist for BN9 who leads the experienced team of weather experts from the Weather on the Nines Forecast Center. Mike’s broadcasting career began at a small radio station in his native Texas back in 1978 when he was a junior in high school. In 1985, Mike moved from radio to television, taking his first job as a TV weather anchor at KCEN-TV in Waco, Texas. In 1990, Mike became chief meteorologist at KXAN-TV, the NBC affiliate in Austin and also did weather in Tyler and San Antonio before moving to the Northwest Cable News in Seattle as chief meteorologist, covering snowstorms, earthquakes and even volcanoes.

In 1997, Mike helped launch Bay News 9 as the original meteorologist on Your Morning News. Mike says his most memorable moment at Bay News 9 was the morning of Aug. 13, 2004, when Bay News 9 successfully forecast Hurricane Charley to stay south of the Tampa Bay area. In 2010, Mike, along with his colleague Brian McClure, won a Florida Suncoast Emmy

www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/weather

and a Florida Associated Press award for Best Weathercast for severe weather coverage. In 2011, Mike was elected to the AMS Broadcasters Board for a three-year term starting in 2012.   The Board grants the AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist Seal of Approval and sets standards for TV and radio meteorologists who are members of the American Meteorological Society.

Clay advises the battle to stay safe during a hurricane is won before a storm threatens.“Even though hurricane season officially starts June 1, most of our threats are in August, September, and October. It only takes one storm to hit, so be prepared now,” says Clay.

Recalling the 2022 season shows that forecasting a storm’s track is a moving target, and sometimes, déjà vu. Says Clay: “Last year, Hurricane Ian was threatening the Tampa Bay region and the day before it hit the Florida coast, it became apparent from the computer models that Ian was going to hit further south.

Spectrum Bay News 9 meteorologist Alan Winfield and I were on shift at that time, and we made the call at 11am with breaking news as the cone was adjusted south as well. Alan and I had also been together when the track of Hurricane Charley shifted south in 2004, and we kept looking at each other saying “I can’t believe this is happening again.’”

Spectrum Bay News 9 utilizes many high-tech weather tools, and their most important local tool is their Klystron 9 radar, the most powerful television weather radar in the world.” Klystron 9 is a 1-million-watt radar which has a 300-mile range. Klystron 9 is live on TV giving us two updates a minute. Seconds count when severe weather like a tornado is detected. Klystron 9 was one of the first Dual-Pol[arization] radars ever built; these radars can detect debris from tornadoes and lead to better radar rainfall estimates as well,” says Clay.

HURRICANE PREP

The official Atlantic Hurricane Season runs June 1-Nov. 30. The good news is the forecast; the respected Colorado State University hurricane research team predicts a below average season with 13 named storms and six to reach hurricane strength.

“This tug of war between the hurricane potential of a robust El Nino and the hurricane potential of a much warmer Atlantic is why the forecast is for a slightly below average in 2023,” said CSU’s Philip Klatzbach.

But it only takes one to change your life. In Movers & Shakers this month, Paradise NEWS asked Bay News 9’s Mike Clay (who launched the station’s hurricane coverage in 1997) and Jeff Berardelli (who joined station WFLA in January 2022 to head the Max Defender 8 team) for some answers to pivotal questions to help you stay safe during a storm. A list of what goes into your emergency kit is also in our Health & Wellness column.

It’s essential to have a plan now and know the best way to stay safe during a disaster like a tornado or hurricane; check out resources on pinellas.gov/make-a-plan. Review the Pinellas County Hurricane Guide pinellas.gov/make-a-plan/hurricane-guide-english.

Ready-Set-Protect Ready=We are at risk. Set=The threat is real Protect=The impacts are here.

Evacuation Zone Map It’s important to know your zone and what that means for the impact of storm surge, flooding and wind on you

By Steve Traiman

and your home. Have a plan on where you will go and let your family or friends know what that is. Mobile and manufactured homes are vulnerable to strong winds. Power can be lost in high winds, so if a family member or you rely on electricity for life-sustaining medical equipment, register for the special needs program at Pinellas.gov/special-needs. Know what shelter you would go to, and which are pet friendly.

Basic Emergency Supplies Key lists of general items and for homes including important documents, special needs for babies, service animals and pets. It also provides access info to public and special needs shelters.

Barrier Island Return Passes After the hurricane passes, all residents will need a pass to get back home when it’s safe. These are available from your local police station or the sheriff’s office in your town. Get one now.

Feature Editor Steve Traiman is president of Creative Copy by Steve Traiman, offering business writing services. Contact him at traimancreativecopy@gmail.com.

ENCOURAGING WORDS

Never Confuse the Destination With the Journey

By Dr. Dennis Merritt Jones

Recently, I experienced an exquisite day to “be” on the water. I volunteered to be a crew member on the sailing vessel named Jade, for a Hospice Cup event. I got to track the time on a stopwatch – which, fortunately for me, required very few sailing skills – if any. Suffice it to say, my job was essentially to sit and watch the REAL sailors do their thing.

As Captain Al Lima piloted his beautiful boat out of the harbor under diesel power a noisy “go-fast” speed boat zoomed by us, adding more ear-piercing noise to the moment. We waived and smiled as the noise faded in the distance. Then Captain Al turned off the engine on Jade as the crew hoisted the sails. The silence of running with the wind was stunning. At that moment, John, an experienced sailor, turned to me, smiled and, after taking a deep breath, said “The destination is the boat.” As the noise from the engine ceased, his words penetrated my mind and heart – bringing me back to the present moment and I got it: powerboats are on a mission to get somewhere, usually fast; on a sailboat, once we hoisted the sails, we’ve arrived at our destination – the pristine, present moment. Even while preparing for a Hospice Cup. “Race” it really wasn’t about winning

anything – it was about being one with the moment, the crew members, the water, and, oh, the dolphins, countless dolphins all around us, popping up to welcome us to the silence.

The takeaway is simple enough. It reminded me to slow down, way down, and appreciate the moment. When tethered to one’s breath, silence seems to open the portal to the present moment, unlike any other experience. There is deep and profound wisdom in the admonition, “Be still and know.” Be still, listen, and know you have arrived. The practice is to remember it’s not always getting to the destination that matters most – it’s about enjoying the journey along the way; it’s about understanding the difference between “being” and “doing.” As Ram Dass wrote, “Be here now.” Slow down, be still, breathe, listen to the silence, and smile – knowing we’ve already arrived on our journey to the place we never left; our oneness with life. Enjoy every sacred second of that journey because it is the most important one we’ll ever take.

Peace, Dr. Dennis Merritt Jones • Copyright © 2023 - DMJ Presentations LLC • www.DennisMerrittJones.com

“If we are always arriving and departing, it is also true that we are eternally anchored. One’s destination is never a place but rather a new way of looking at things.”

~ Henry Miller

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Stunning Townhome with Rooftop Deck and Slip

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Penthouse with Deeded Slip on the Grand Canal

Waterfront Townhome with Slip and Davits in TV

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Keep Your Boat Behind Your Home

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

Incredible views from this 2295 sqft penthouse on the Gulf Coast’s premiere boating water, 20,000 lb lift, large patio. 3 beds, 3.5 baths, garage, slip with lift.

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Angela Mathias, Andrew Salamone, Ron Salamone, Libby Salamone