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PUBLISHERS MESSAGE
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
www.paradisenewsfl.com/letter
What a difference a month can make. Last month our publisher’s message began, talking about the annual Taste of the Beaches, which was to be launched at the first of four Friday night concerts at Horan Park in St. Pete Beach, like in prior years. This year wasn’t like prior years.
Our October edition was ready for press when Hurricane Helene sideswiped us on her way toward Tallahassee and ultimately to Asheville, NC. Storm surge of 5-8 feet had been predicted for several storms that looked similar and not materialized, so it was not too hard to be complacent about Potential Tropical Cyclone #9 as she was known – until a day or two before arrival.
We have lived in several ground floor homes on the beach in the past 40 years, and this is the first time our floors have been wet. We started cleaning the gulf out of our home and office immediately, but it proved a monumental task. In the end, we settled for preserving what stayed dry on upper shelves, upper cabinets and upper hanging racks, as we began to prepare for another unwelcome visitor – Hurricane Milton. If he had hit as predicted, all our preservation efforts would have been in vain, as Milton’s surge was predicted to eclipse Helene’s, and she put over 2 feet throughout our home and office.
A “little jog” east instead of northeast in Milton’s path saved the Tampa Bay area from a second surge, but put us in the northwest quadrant, where up to 17 inches of rain fell in a day and the wind blew like crazy for two days or more. Milton was very hard on roofs and trees throughout the greater Tampa Bay area.
We fared the worst of our incredible team of writers, proofreader, art and production director, internet jockeys, printers, and distribution people – ending up on the roof for 5 hours during a hurricane. Still, others had challenges with evacuation, power outages and communication challenges, yet here we are with another entirely new issue of Paradise News almost on schedule.
Mold remediation is underway, meaning at least the lower 48.5 inches of our interior walls, lower cabinets in the kitchen, laundry and bathrooms must be removed, along with furnishings, appliances, and possessions, so mold prevention specialists can spray to kill mold and dry everything out for three days with fans and dehumidifiers. In the meantime, huge trucks carrying cranes with buckets are removing piles of debris (the remnants of their prior lives) from in front of residences and businesses throughout our readership area.
We told you last month that we would continue to tell you this month what else we were thankful for. The list has changed since last month and will likely change again before next month. We are thankful that we survived Helene’s wrath and that our home repair estimate is likely within insured limits. We are thankful for protective, proactive communities and comprehensive car insurance that covers flood. We are especially thankful to city staff and fire fighters, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Deputies that kept looters out and patrolled everywhere on St. Pete Beach after Helene, and the troops handing out water and MRE meals at the community center. We are thankful we did not have to eat many MRE’s. We are also thankful that Nov. 30 marks the official end of hurricane season.
2024 READER SURVEY We would love to hear from you!
Scan the QR or click link below. www.paradisenewsfl.com/2024-survey
Paradise NEWS
Volume 30 Number 9 • November 2024
PUBLISHERS
Peter Roos | Marketing & Sales sales@paradisenewsfl.com
Renee Roos | Creative Director info@paradisenewsfl.com
DISTRIBUTION - Mailed on “Island Time” www.paradisenewsfl.com/distribution-locations Downtown St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach, Pass-a-Grille, Tierra Verde, Isla Del Sol, Pinellas Bayway, Harbourside, Pasadena Yacht & C.C., Gulfport (partial), Treasure Island, Yacht Club Estates, Causeway Isles
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TIDBITS
FEMA is on St. Pete Beach to “help residents recover from three storms” that may have impacted their lives, Debby, Helene and Milton. They held a meeting in the main lobby of the TradeWinds Resort on Oct. 28 that attracted quite an amazing crowd.
People were there mostly to learn about the 50% rule, which was threatening to delay, if not prevent, barrier island recovery. The 50% rule is intended to “limit reinvestment in properties that are in the flood plain.” If it is estimated to cost more than 49% of the market value of structure (dwelling) to bring it back to pre-storm condition, it is the owner’s responsibility to elevate the living level out of the flood plain.
Our local communities have the responsibility to administer the FEMA rules to keep FEMA
support and FEMA flood insurance available to residents.
Residents have a hard time understanding, when it has been over 100 years since our area was hit by storms like these.
Was it a 100-year storm event, or, with global warming, is it a sign of what’s to come?
The determination of whether we can rebuild requires some accurate estimating of the total repair cost for each dwelling. Even if the owner plans to do some or all of the work themselves, the 50% rule calculation has to include a market rate estimate of the labor the owner is contributing. It is not so much a decision whether the dwelling is worth fixing as it is whether the dwelling should be in the flood plain. If it is “substantially damaged,” it needs to be elevated out of the flood plain.
Substantial damage is estimated to be in excess of 49% of the current market value of the dwelling. It is not easy to find, but the breakdown between land and dwelling value is on the Pinellas Tax Appraisers website, www.PCpao.gov. Search for your address on the site.
Under the Tools section, there is an item called FEMA/WLM letter. For our address it says the following:
“Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) “50% Rule”
FEMA Substantial Improvement/Damage determinations require the use of “Just Value,” developed by the Property Appraiser’s office for Ad Valorem taxation purposes, be adjusted to approximate market value. This is accomplished in our office by dividing the Just Value of the structure by 0.85. This yields the following values: Structure(s): $245,247; Extra Features: $0; and Land: $725,038. This value allocation to the structure would allow improvements not to exceed $122,623 based on the “50% Rule.”
If you disagree with the property appraiser’s valuation of the structure, you may engage an independent real estate appraiser, state-certified by the State of Florida, to appraise the depreciated value of the structure (building).
By Peter Roos
The Building Official within the property’s jurisdiction will review independent real estate appraisals, and if approved, the depreciated value of the structure (building) may be used in lieu of the Pinellas County Property Appraiser’s value estimate. Please visit www.pinellascounty.org/ flooding/sd_si_50.htm for more information regarding the FEMA “50% Rule.”
Although Pass-A-Grille took a double whammy storm hit, The Wharf Restaurant & Bar re-opened after both Helene and Milton. Helene caused some damage, but was repaired, and Milton’s loss of power, potable water and sewage caused a delay in re-opening. On Friday, Oct. 18, the restaurant re-opened with a Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting. Next door, the marina was a shambles, but The Wharf stood strong serving an interim menu, cold/beer and wine and a full bar with a dose of good humor. The Wharf’s full menu was back by Oct. 28, new taps installed and live music Saturday evening in full swing, kicking off
new HVAC. Private pool. Bob Gaskins 727-492-5237
465 Pinellas Bayway S #307 Gorgeous 2 BR/2BA, w/ bonus room and garage. Upgraded townhouse on Tierra Verde. Minutes To Ft. Desoto Park and St.
TIDBITS
Nov. 2 with Rob Tyre. Stormy weather can’t keep The Wharf’s daily fun and football weekends down! Happy hour continues Monday-Friday 3:30-6pm (bar only) and you can come by boat or car!
Other St. Pete Beach restaurants that were open by Oct. 27 include, from north to south, Shrimpy’s, Nori Thai, Tiki Bagel, Buoy’s, Casa Del Pane, Shells, Waffle House, McDonalds, Branzini, Rick’s Reef, Basil Leaf, Odi’s Mediterranean Deli, Rumfish Grille, Coconut Charlies, Boulevard Burger and Taphouse, Skidders, Taverna By The Bay, Madfish Grille, Crabby Bills, Blue Fugu, Yaki-Mono and we heard that Grace on Eighth Ave. in Pass-a-Grille reopened, amazingly completing the Eighth Ave. restaurant recovery. With virtually no visitors in town, and most of the residents too shell shocked to celebrate, restauranteurs and wait staffs are happy to be back in business but there is hardly enough business to go around. If we missed anyone, we apologize.
Odi, owner of Odi’s Mediterranean Deli, says he is open 11am-5pm at present, since lunch is a little busier, and things get real quiet after 4pm. Many other restaurants that regularly serve two or three meals daily are only open for dinner.
Likely the brightest news to hit St. Pete Beach lately is the announcement that Tampa’s famous Malio’s Prime Steakhouse is opening their first Malio’s Beach Club in St. Pete Beach early in 2025. They are taking over the location most recently occupied by Primo Cantina, just north of Dolphin Village Shopping Center. The original Malio’s Steakhouse was opened in 1969 by Malio Lavarone, whose parents had owned and operated their own restaurant since 1945. Malio Lavarone is happily retired in St. Pete Beach. His daughter-in-law Jennifer said everyone is excited about opening for the 2025 season in St. Pete Beach. Both the Lavarone residence and the restaurant location weathered the storms without a problem.
Amtrak has announced a new “Floridian” route from Miami and Tampa all the way to Chicago! Whether you’re planning a trip up north or seeking an eco-friendly travel option, this new route opens up endless possibilities for Florida
residents. This new route is set to begin November 10th!
Inspired by Salvador Dalí’s environmental and immersive artistic creations such as those for the 1939 World’s Fair, The Dalí Dome provides the community with new multisensory experiences celebrating art of all forms. New evening shows will be presented in this unique, 360-degree format, featuring the latest technology The Dalí Dome offers. This is an all-encompassing surround sound and visual treat that will transcend reality and take you way beyond the realms of 2D experience.
Now playing in The Dalí Dome is the immersive show, “Pink Floyd: The Dark Side of the Moon.” Over 50 years after the iconic album’s original release in 1973, celebrate and experience it while encompassed in 360 degrees of sight, sound and sensation. This experience offers, like Salvador Dalí’s art, a glimpse into creative worlds that are both remarkably insightful and fantastically unconventional. The immersive show is available select Thursday-Saturday nights through Dec. 21. Timed tickets are required; advanced tickets are highly recommended. Members $20 Non-Member $25
FEMA Continues Recovery Efforts Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, over $1.2 billion in direct assistance was made available to survivors on Oct. 29.
Federal, state and local partners remain throughout the Southeast to help survivors affected by recent storms. The Biden-Harris Administration has approved more than $1.2 billion in direct assistance to Hurricanes Helene and Milton survivors. These funds help survivors with housing repairs, personal property replacement and other essential recovery efforts. Additionally, over $1.1 billion has been approved for debris removal and emergency protective measures, which are necessary to save lives, protect public health and prevent further damage to public and private property.
FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik Hooks was in North Carolina in a late October meeting with state and local officials and supporting federal response efforts. FEMA personnel remain on the ground in communities across the Southeast conducting damage assessments, coordinating with local officials, and helping individuals apply for disaster assistance programs. More than 1,400 FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance team members are in affected neighborhoods helping survivors apply for assistance and connecting them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.
Applying for assistance is a critical first step towards recovery. Disaster survivors in certain areas of Georgia,
Florida (Helene), Florida (Milton), North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia can begin their recovery process by applying for federal assistance through FEMA. Federal assistance for individuals may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies and other emergency supplies.
Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay. Applicants may be eligible for Transitional Sheltering Assistance, which provides survivors with a safe, temporary place to stay, like a hotel or motel, until they can find a short or longer-term housing solution.
To date, more than 23,000 households have checked into FEMA-provided hotels. Individuals affected by the hurricanes are encouraged to apply as soon as they are able to by visiting www.DisasterAssistance.gov, which is the fastest way to get an application started. Individuals can also apply using the FEMA App, calling 1-800621-3362 or in person at a local Disaster Recovery Center.
Disaster Recovery Centers can provide survivors in-person help with their applications. FEMA has 75 Disaster Recovery Centers open throughout the hurricane-affected communities. Center locations can be found at www.FEMA.gov/DRC
FEMA also has Disaster Survivor Assistance team members in the field supporting survivors and helping them with the application process.
By Peter Roos
Support for North Carolina
FEMA has approved over $185 million for over 116,000 households and other types of assistance. Additionally, FEMA has approved more than $189 million for debris removal and reimbursement of emergency protective measures for the state.More than 6,300 households have checked into FEMA-funded hotels and lodging through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program.
There are 411 Disaster Survivor Assistance members in communities providing support. There are also 21 Disaster Recovery Centers now open in Asheville (Mobile), Bakersville, Boone, Brevard, Bryson City, Burnsville, Charlotte, Conover, Fairview, Hendersonville, Jefferson, Lake Lure, Lenoir, Marion, Marshall, Morganton, Newland, Old Fort, Sparta, Sylva, and Waynesville where survivors can speak directly with FEMA and state personnel for assistance with their recovery. To find the nearest center, visit www.FEMA.gov/DRC
Support for Florida
In response to Helene, FEMA has approved over $413 million in housing and other types of assistance for more than 125,000 households. Additionally, FEMA has approved more than $335 million in public assistance for debris removal and emergency work. In response to Milton, FEMA has approved over $252 million in housing and other types of assistance for over 174,000 households. Additionally, FEMA has approved more than $631 million in Public Assistance for debris removal and emergency work.
Renee and I have now lived in and loved St. Pete Beach for almost 40 years, first in historic, low-lying Pass-a-Grille, then in north St. Pete Beach for the last 25 years. We have always lived less than 6 feet above sea level in single-story dwellings at the beach, saw many storms come and go, and the floors were never wet. Usually, we evacuated for approaching hurricanes. Too often the hurricanes followed us.
In late September 2024, Helene was different. She was the first storm that was called a “Potential Tropical Cyclone” days before she was named. Helene was heading toward Tallahassee and Florida’s “Big Bend,” the “panhandle” where so many storms make landfall. In the past, predicted 3–8-foot surges from storms paralleling the coast failed to materialize. Sometimes the storms even sucked water out of our area as they streamed by, parallel to the coast.
However, when more than 2 feet of sea water quickly inundated our modest home and office about 9 in the evening, we found ourselves climbing a ladder to the roof. My bride of 53 years and I snuggled under our solar water heater panel, which was installed on the roof 20 years ago by Solar 4U from Gulfport. Shortly after we reached our elevated vantage point, we saw
a home a few blocks northwest of us go up in flames.
I was happy that I had parked my electric car blocks away, and that I had turned off the main electric breaker to the house before we went aloft, to hopefully keep the house from burning down under us. I noted that the water level on the neighbor’s door across the street was almost to the doorknob.
We spent several long sleepless hours there as Helene threatened with lightning and thunder. First responders came by on foot, leading an emergency vehicle as the water receded about 2am, and asked if we needed a rescue. We turned them down, and climbed down the ladder about an hour later when it started to rain. Since I could now see my neighbor’s entire front door, we suspected we were now safer at ground level.
Exhausted, we fell on the memory foam mattress that had been floating around the bedroom a few hours before. While the bottom few inches of it was a wet sponge, the top was relatively dry. In a couple hours we were awakened by a loud persistent rapping on the bedroom window. A sheriff’s deputy had been sent to check on us by family members who feared we were still on the roof or worse. He said that the outside was a terrible mess.
We told him the inside was too. Later that morning, we began removing the Gulf and sewer backflow from our home. Once sea water invades your home, most things that are touched by the water must be disposed of. We had a storage container placed in the driveway and carefully started filling it with items that stayed dry. We tried to stack most things above waist height in case of another flood. Huge piles of discarded possessions or items needing drying out began to appear in front of and behind almost every home, townhome, ground floor apartment and all sorts of businesses.
Huge, semi-sized trucks, with a built-in crane between two of them moved from place to place selectively picking up huge buckets full of cut-out drywall, clothes, bedding and appliances.
We had not even gotten the home dried out from Helene when the storm that would become Hurricane Milton set its sights squarely on the west coast of Florid. Not wanting to repeat our rooftop experience, we followed evacuation orders and left, resigned to the notion that Milton would drown our entire home and the contents of the 16-foot Pack Rat container in our driveway.
I first bought Allegiant tickets to Illinois on Monday, then cancelled them to go to Denver on Tuesday, before Milton was due on Wednesday afternoon. It gave us an extra day to prepare before escaping. We never suspected Tampa’s airport would be forced to close a day earlier than anticipated, due to a shortage of jet fuel, possibly because of a brief longshoreman’s strike.
By Peter Roos
On Tuesday Milton’s forward motion speed doubled to 15 mph. It had been proceeding along its predicted northeast track for most of the day, aiming directly for Tampa Bay, but took a “little jog” east instead of northeast, and predicted landfall began to be Sarasota, saving the Tampa Bay area from another punishing storm surge.
We evacuated to a former home in Brandon. The power blinked a few times, then turned off in the fury of the storm late on Wednesday. It was thankfully restored Friday after 36 hours. The first night in six months of cooler temperatures was a blessing Thursday night. Hurricane Milton was long gone east into the Atlantic.
We have many friends to thank, most especially Lizette LaForge of Beacon Windows and Doors and SliderRepair.com. She brought us food, a disinfecting sprayer and a fog machine, Shockwave and Hydrogen Peroxide. She worked with us, then took a ton of clothes home with her to launder each night. We must also thank our great friends John and Sherry Holzinger, who let us sleep several nights in their terrific townhome and commune with their son Colin and daughter Tierney between hurricanes.
Our main number is not working now, but we are available by mobile phone at 727-421-0341 and 813-230-3965 and by email at info@paradisenewsfl.com or sales@paradisenewsfl.com. We are confident that you and a whole host of new advertisers can benefit from the needs of our neighbors as storm season subsides and building restarts.
Barrier Island Towns Expedite Permitting to Speed Rehab
by Steve Traiman
Barrier Island towns like St. Pete Beach (SPB), Treasure Island (TI) and Madeira Beach (MB) are trying to take the lead in expediting permitting and inspections for properties damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
In SPB the emergency permitting period started Sept. 23 and runs to March 2025. The one-day permit review will be prioritized for demolition, roof, windows/ doors, garage doors, electrical repairs including panel/meter, dock, pool, and water heaters. Properties damaged by Helene will get prioritized technical review.
As nearly all SPB properties are located in the special flood zone hazard area, the FEMA “50% Rule” for substantial damage applies and will be enforced during this period. Structures on the Historical Registry or in the PAG district may be exempt from the FEMA rule, but check with your design professional. For questions, contact SPB planning and zoning at 727-363-9229 or email at planning@stpetebeach.org
State representative Linda Chaney organized a webinar on Oct. 25 featuring a FEMA leader, the Pinellas County Property Appraiser and others involved in the process. The goal was to share
information about the rebuilding process and the FEMA 50% rule. The rule exists so public money is not used to substantially repair structures that are likely to flood again. As a result, they want the FEMA package filled out entirely when people apply for permits so the entire repair estimate can be considered for 50% rule purposes.
All permit applicants are required to apply online via the online permitting system. Owner/builders may apply online and are NOT required to come in person to sign the required documents. They can upload their signed notarized documents via IworQ. For inspections, it’s the responsibility of the contractor or owner/builder to request the required inspections at each step of the process.
Permits are available in the Community Development (CD) lobby from 8am3:30pm daily. Interim CD Director Denise Sanderson told Paradise News: “Our permitting process has been enhanced with extended hours and beginning Oct. 28, by added staffing provided by state emergency response resources.
“Since SPB is located within a Special Flood Hazard Area, we are required by FEMA to require submittal and thorough review of the FEMA Substantial Improvement Review Package (FEMA Packet) for all structures that do not
conform to flood plain management regulations. For structures that do comply, we are able to expedite permitting with receipt of an Elevation Certificate since the FEMA Packet is not required.”
At Treasure Island, spokesperson Katherine Kyounkin told Paradise News: “Mayor Payne, City Manager Anderson, Fire Chief Barrister and Public Works Director Boyles are all committed to partnering with both state and local leaders to drive the recovery process (permitting and inspections) for our community. Permitting will be done out of City Hall’s lobby from 8:30am-3pm daily. For questions call 727-631-2947 or online www.mytreasureisland.com/ poststormpermitting.”
At Madeira Beach, City Manager Robin Gomez told Paradise News: “permitting office hours for in-person help with applications is available at the City Hall Gym, second floor, Mon.-Fri. from 11am-4pm.” Building demolition fees are waived through Nov. 14. “For any questions, call 727-399-9951, ext. 1, or email at buildingdepartment@ madeirabeachfl.gov.”
[Editor’s Note: Special thanks to Denise Sanderson, Katherine Kyounkin, and Robin Gomez for their excellent comments and information.]
[Steve Traiman can be reached at 727-798-4746 or email traimancreativecopy@gmail.com]
Suncoast Jazz Festival on Clearwater Beach
by Peter Roos
Jazz fans who were disappointed that Clearwater Jazz Fest was cancelled after the late Helene and Milton, have another great opportunity to see a weekend of great jazz talent on Sand Key.
Suncoast Jazz Festival will return to the Sheraton Sand Key Resort, Nov. 22-24. Music fans will enjoy live performances by local, national and internationally known musicians.
“Our hearts go out to all those impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton,” commented Suncoast Jazz Festival Director Joan Dragon.
“We look forward to hosting jazz fans once again and offering the comfort of LIVE music with performances by national and international JAZZ GIANTS. We’re excited to showcase these talented musicians on three stages over three days and nights.“
The entertainment will include Big Easy-flavored early jazz, American Songbook, Modern Acoustic Jazz, Swing, Brazilian, Blues, and even a touch of Rockabilly and Gospel.
Headliners include trombone sensation New Orleans vibraphonist Jason Marsalis, Wycliffe Gordon, Grammynominated guitar virtuoso Diego Figueiredo, early jazz legends, The New Black Eagle Jazz Band and Wally’s Warehouse Waifs, clarinet and sax master, Ken Peplowski, renowned trumpeter Jon-Erik Kellso, and more. Festival favorites Adrian Cunningham and Dave Bennett will also be back. This will be the strongest lineup of early jazz bands in years that will also include Davy Jones and the Suncoast Seven featuring Tom Hook, The St. Louis Stompers Classic Jazz Band, and more. Local jazz talent will once again be a big part of the festival, led by trumpet wizard James Suggs, the jazz trio La Lucha, St. Petersburg’s beloved guitarist Nate Najar, Bryan J. Hughes, the Al Downing All Stars, and more.
They also have several top-shelf female performers, including the Brazilian-born singer, Daniela Soledade, plus Synia Carroll, Theo Valentin, and Pepper and Fine Thyme.
They will once again present the best local youth jazz bands and offer student master classes, this year led by Wycliffe Gordon. Friday, a Nola-style Parasol Parade will kick things off, poolside at 11am.
The Friday Night Swing Dance party is set for 6pm. Live music until midnight. A variety of admission tickets are available with six options ranging from: $40 (after 6pm) up to $275 for three days of non-stop music.
For tickets and information, visit online at www.suncoastjazzfestival.com; or write jazzclassic@aol.com; or phone 727-248-9441.
The Suncoast Jazz Festival operates under the name Suncoast Classic Jazz Inc., a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation. It is dedicated to preserving and promoting jazz, one of the great American art forms, and offers an indoor, intimate setting held inside venues with nearby lodging overlooking the Gulf.
TICKETS: www.suncoastjazzfestival.com
MURAL FESTIVAL
By Janet Nummi
For the 10th year running, St. Petersburg is about to get a little weirder, a lot more colorful, and hopefully, only mildly chaotic. The SHINE Mural Festival, a beloved local art spree put on by the non-profit St. Pete Arts Alliance, will now run from Nov. 8-17, thanks to a pair of hurricanes that gave Florida their annual thumping. Originally scheduled for mid-October, Hurricane Helene and her buddy Milton decided to rearrange everything – and the festival dates –just for fun.
Since 2015, SHINE has turned this beach town into a giant public art gallery, with almost 170 murals spread across downtown and its eccentric neighborhoods.
It’s like a Jackson Pollock painting exploded over the city, but in a good way. Artists from every corner of the globe – plus a few suspiciously quirky locals – descend on St. Pete to paint the town, quite literally, in ways that would make the local zoning board sweat.
In just 10 short years, this town of retirees, rebels, and stray cats now boasts more than 600 murals, making it a mecca for Instagrammers and curious tourists who wandered in looking for a Dali painting and stumbled upon a 40-foot flamingo instead. And this year?
Fifteen more masterpieces are getting slapped up on the walls, along with a series of events to celebrate the art of spray paint and mischief.
The original plan was to end the whole shebang with a bash at FloridaRAMA – don’t worry, it’s not a cheap car dealership, just a warehouse-turned-artspace that smells vaguely of paint fumes and hipster ambition. Now, that party is the festival’s kickoff event, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 9. Expect an ungodly mix of live music, performance art, and Chris Dyer’s book launch, because nothing says “party” like reading.
Of course, what would SHINE be without a little real estate promo shoved into the mix?
This year’s mural magnum opus will be a four-story piece on the side of Reflection, a shiny new condo tower that just popped up at 777 Third Ave. N.
Sponsored by HP Capital Group, because why not?
Developers love a good mural –especially when it distracts from the fact that they’re building yet another glass fortress in a city that’s barely above sea level.
So, grab your sunscreen, your sarcasm, and maybe a raincoat. It’s SHINE time, and in St. Pete, even the walls have stories to tell. www.stpeteartsalliance. org/shine-2024
SHINE mural fest: kick-off party at floridaRAMA! Saturday, Nov. 9, 8-11pm “Cosmic Dreams and Sunshine Beams” mural celebration with artist Ashley Cantero Thursday, Nov. 7, 6-8pm Link to tickets online: www.floridarama.art
DINING
Our beloved Sunshine City, as well as much of the Tampa Bay area, is still reeling from deeply destructive back-to-back hurricanes. In this issue, we’re spotlighting several restaurants that were impacted by hurricane damage, but our entire restaurant community is hurting after a slower summer season and these storms have threatened their survival. Even if they were lucky enough to have limited physical damage to their businesses, many were without power for days and incurred expensive food losses and days of difficult lost employment for service industry staff. Please support their recovery by treating yourself to a bite to eat at one of these spots or visit websites and social media to check the current hours of your favorite establishments (or be bold and try a new place). You may even be able to make a “tip” or donation online to contribute to keeping their doors open. It’s times like these that remind us of the importance of friends, family and community. So, this Thanksgiving and beyond, raise a glass to toast the spirit of St. Pete!
DOC FORD’S RUM BAR & GRILLE –JUNGLE TERRACE
Manager Hannah Steffel of Doc Ford’s newest location in Jungle Terrace described the restaurant as “extremely fortunate” after Helene and Milton, experiencing minor water damage to their premises. However, the strong storm surge of Helene pushed five large boats into their parking lot from neighboring Long Bayou. They also lost a freezer of brand new product during the power outage. Thankfully, they were able to reopen on Oct. 16 and are now back to their regular operating schedule. I visited this location for the first time the weekend after their reopening and was very impressed by its modern interior design blended with a relaxed beach
atmosphere on the exterior. Like Doc Ford’s downtown location, the menu provides a unique balance of flavors from the Caribbean Rim and the freshest of Florida seafood. Their appetizers include several flatbreads, crabcakes, the popular seared tuna, and several other tasty options. They offer an array of soups and salads, as well as the Dinkin’s Bay Shellfish Bar. The sandwich menu features shrimp and fish tacos, lobster rolls, burgers, chicken, and pulled pork. In addition to several standout seafood entrees, Doc’s serves Dry Rubbed Ribeye, Danish Baby Back Ribs and a Roasted Half-Chicken with a Cuban Chimichurri sauce. A favorite for our group was the Achiote Redfish Bowl, with hand cut redfish marinated with achiote spice chargrilled and served with black beans, yellow rice and a side of yummy plantains. I plan to go back soon to try the new Banana Leaf Grouper (the Macadamia Nut Crusted Grouper is also a Doc’s favorite). We were too full for dessert, but the banana bread pudding is still calling to me. The service was quite attentive and, after our meal, we watched a beautiful sunset over the water from their dog-friendly patio, enjoying the breeze and a much needed moment of peace. Open daily 11am-10pm. www.docfords.com
PIA’S TRATTORIA
Opened in Gulfport in 2005, Pia’s Trattoria, with its cozy, Old Italy atmosphere and fabulous cuisine feels like an escape to an intimate and leisurely dining experience overseas. I reached out to Pia, the establishment’s owner, after Hurricane Helene and she shared with me that the storm surge and resulting flooding caused them to have to leave the restaurant as the waters were rising. She had never seen flooding like that before in Gulfport and described Gulfport’s Beach Blvd. as “one big lake.”
When the water finally receded and they returned to the restaurant: “The discovery was pretty devastating and brought me to tears. The restaurant was just a disaster. Floating tables and chairs, seaweed and mud.” She then said her “amazing crew” rallied the next day with a “can do” attitude, cleaning, sanitizing, washing and restocking so that they were able to reopen just 48 hours later! But then came Milton and they were hit again, losing five days of power and sales. New equipment had to be purchased, lighting and landscaping replaced, and, of course, debris was again everywhere. And Pia worried that her restaurant and crew wouldn’t make it through the chaos. What she shared with me next truly warmed my heart: “People are mostly good in extreme situations and rise to the occasion. Businesses in Gulfport started helping other businesses. We checked in on each other. The morale was low, we needed each other. Our tight knit Gulfport community grew even closer. Restaurants giving out free food, collecting donations, starting fundraisers for folks in need. We were feeding linemen, first responders, volunteers. Every time a business opened their doors again, we cheered for them.” And as Pia reminded me, a restaurant is a family of many members: servers, bartenders, cooks, food runners, bussers, and dishwashers. Small business owners are our neighbors and they have invested in our communities and become part of what makes living here so special. Now that Pia’s is greeting guests again, and rather than recommending items from their menu (as I’ve been several times and everything has been delicious), I encourage you to visit and discover for yourself how delightful a meal at Pia’s can be – and save room for dessert!
Monday-Thursday 4pm-9pm. Friday and Saturday 11am-10pm. Sunday 11am-9pm. www.piastrattoria.com
TED PETERS FAMOUS SMOKED FISH
In 1951, Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish opened at its current Pasadena area location, run by Ted and his half-brother, Elry Lathrop. Tilla Lathrop, known as Mom, was a “force to be reckoned with in the kitchen” and is the creator of their scrumptious German potato salad. It was Ellen Peters (with help from Betty Lathrop) who came up with the recipe for their fish spread. It is famous for a reason. Buy a pint and try not to eat it all in one sitting! This family business had served up their smoked fish and signature spread for over 70 years until they were temporarily shuttered this hurricane season. High waters from Helene rose to nearly the tops of the counters and covered drawers in the smokehouse. When I dropped by the weekend after Milton hit, they were operating with a skeleton crew and a limited menu, but the smokehouse was back in action. If you’re a fan of smoked fish, do yourself a favor and pop in to enjoy the incredible aroma of smoked mullet, mahi mahi, mackerel and salmon. They are now back to their regular hours with outdoor seating only, though be sure to get there before 6pm or so or they may sell out of popular menu items. Go support this family restaurant fixture – you won’t be disappointed!
(Please note: Ted Peters is a cash-only restaurant.)
Wednesday-Sunday 11:30am-7:30pm.
Closed Monday and Tuesday. www.tedpetersfish.com
By Kelly Rouse
SLYCE – MADEIRA BEACH
Known for their stone-baked artisan pizza, Slyce is a Tampa Bay area-owned business with three locations: Madeira Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, and St. Pete Beach. I visited the 2017-launched Madiera Beach location on October 19, a few days after they’d reopened following Milton (at the time, their St. Pete Beach location was still closed). The manager told me that they’d faired pretty well during Helene, only losing some awnings and experiencing some minor deck damage. They did lose power for four days after Milton but had thankfully been able to bounce back quickly. The Slyce staff had been busy donating pizzas at Madeira Beach City Hall the day I visited the restaurant (community support is important to the company’s founders and they champion several local organizations and causes). The interior of Slyce Madeira Beach has a terrific bar and lots of big screen TVs for sports fans. The outer deck patio has a nice bar as well with additional TVs. In addition to a variety of appealing small plates, salads, and handhelds, you can build your own pizza with a great assortment of toppings. Their creative specialty pizzas can be made with cauliflower or gluten free crust (try the “Sunburn” if you dare!) They offer lunch specials, a happy hour on Wednesday and brunch on Sundays. Catering, event hosting and fundraising with Slyce are available, too. Now, what are you waiting for – isn’t every day a good day for pizza? Tuesday-Sunday 11am-10pm. Closed Mondays. www.slycepizzabar.com
COOKING CORNER
By Janet Nummi
For those times (hello, Hurricanes Helene and Milton), you realize you don’t feel like making your usual Thanksgiving dozen, well, have I found a new recipe for you.
Picture this: a casserole. But not just any casserole. No, this is a one-pan tribute to Thanksgiving. Turkey (or chicken, or no meat at all if you’re feeling rebellious), herbed sourdough stuffing, sweet potatoes, green beans, and dried cranberries, all hanging out together like a dysfunctional holiday family. It bakes up golden and cozy, while you make a quick batch of gravy – mushroom, or whatever kind suits your gravy personality.
As we all know from years and years of piling our plates high on Thanksgiving, the brilliance of these traditional dishes is that their flavors all pair perfectly together already. So, you know, just think of this casserole as that colorful plate to gobble, deliciously overlapping and ready to go!
In about half the time it would take to wrestle a full Thanksgiving meal into submission, you’ve got yourself a dish that’s festive, hearty, and so satisfying that you might just make it your new favorite holiday tradition. No judgment.
www.gimmesomeoven.com/thanksgiving-casserole
TAMPA BAY WATCH
I hope this message finds you well. On behalf of our Tampa Bay Watch team, we hope that you and your family have been safe and unharmed from the impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Our team, beloved community, and friends have deeply felt the repercussions of this force of nature.
We are grateful that so many of our wonderful friends have reached out to learn more about Helene’s impact on our Tampa Bay Watch facilities and our numerous restoration projects and education initiatives throughout the Bay area.
Unfortunately, the storm had a profound impact on our work. While our Discovery Center on the St. Petersburg Pier is again fully operational, our Tierra Verde location has been severely impacted. Our education dock has been destroyed; our oyster shell recycling deck was a total loss, and we have experienced damage from flood waters on the facilities’ ground floors. Unique to our beautiful waterfront location in Tierra Verde is the reality that we cannot access flood insurance coverage, an ongoing issue that we have struggled with at this location. Being on the waterfront is vital to the success of our work, but it has come at a risk like the one Hurricanes Helene and Milton delivered to us.
As we have had the opportunity to tour our most recent bay grass locations and reef ball installation areas, we can see how the mighty waters of the bay have wreaked havoc on the hard work our staff and volunteers have invested in these projects. This was a banner year for restoration programs, and it’s now up to all of us at Tampa Bay Watch to restore all that has been impacted.
In the face of such adversity, we are turning to individuals like you for assistance in our collective journey toward recovery of our facilities and bay grasses. Your willingness to extend support of Tampa Bay Watch is the beacon we need to restore our property and programs. If you are able to offer your support, no matter how big or small, we will be immensely grateful. Thank you for considering our request, and please feel free to share this message with others who may also wish to contribute to our recovery efforts.
Most of us are a little space challenged, especially on the beaches. If you are looking to update and organize your storage, we are proud to re-introduce NewClosetToday.com. Take a look at some of their 35 5-star Google reviews. They can help you maximize your closets, pantry, linen storage, laundry room and more, adding beauty and value to your home.
If your closets were impacted by recent storms, they can put them in shape and even upgrade them. New Closet Today can also offer wall-hung closet systems which are elevated off the floor. While these won’t survive catastrophic flooding, they should make it through minor flooding, while keeping personal items up off the floor. They are also offering a flood discount for those rebuilding.
Why choose New Closet Today? Design: See what your completed project will look like in 3D; Installation: Professional installers will remove and haul away old shelving and leave you with fresh, new ones; Speed: Most jobs can be installed within 1-2 weeks of design approval.
Earlier this year, New Closet Today opened a showroom near JC Penney’s at Tyrone Mall where you can see various optional designs and arrangements for your closets and solidify plans in advance. You can also just call for a personal visit to your home for a complimentary quote. For closet design and installation simplified, visit www.NewClosetToday.com or call 727-641-6448.
CAREGIVER CORNER
Many of our senior citizens need support after Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. Like everything, it takes a village to ensure the safety of those in our communities. Here are some ways to provide meaningful assistance to the seniors in our community:
1. Conduct Safety Checks: If you know of a senior who stayed in place during the storm, ensure they are still okay. Sometimes, things may seem all right at first but develop into problems over time, like mold. Keep conducting safety checks to be sure.
2. Offer Transportation: As the city rebuilds, transportation services may still be impacted. You can help your senior neighbors by offering to take them to the grocery store, or a doctor’s appointment.
3. Emotional Support: Surviving hurricanes can cause stress and take time to recover. Spend time with seniors to offer companionship and emotional support. Listen to their concerns and provide reassurance.
4. Help with Clean-Up: Assist with cleaning up debris and minor repairs around their property or coordinate help from community groups or volunteers.
5. Reconnect Utilities: Once it is safe to do so, help reconnect utilities such as electricity, water, and gas. Ensure they have access to heating or cooling as needed.
So many seniors are currently displaced and can’t return home – or shouldn’t – and we are here to help support them and their families. Please reach out to us if you know of a senior who:
● Needs temporary or long-term housing while their home is being remediated.
● Needs to be connected with resources like meal delivery, transportation, VA or Medicaid benefits filing, etc.
● Needs access to care and support at home (personal care, PT/OT, running errands, getting medications, food prep, etc.)
We work with families to understand their needs, timelines, and budgets and help them compare their options. Many times, a short-term weekly or month-to-month stay in a furnished senior living community apartment is the fastest (24-48 hours), safest, and most affordable solution to bridge the gap.
We also offer guidance on navigating insurance claims and understanding the benefits available to seniors in these challenging times. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate support and ensuring each senior receives the care and assistance they need to feel safe and secure.
If you or someone you know is facing difficulties due to the hurricane, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are committed to helping seniors rebuild their lives with dignity and respect and making the transition as smooth as possible. Together, we can overcome these challenges and ensure our senior community is well-supported and cared for.
To learn more about what specific communities will work for you or a loved one, call us at 727-314-6415
Also, our Sunways website has a caregiver blog and many free downloads and resources, so be sure to check it out! www.sunwaysseniorliving.com
As hurricane season subsides (thankfully), now is the time to get out on the water. November through April are prime months for sailing the Caribbean due to good weather and sailing conditions.
During my first summer break in college, I had the opportunity to sail around the
British Virgin Islands with a crew of friends. It was an amazing experience, except for one stormy day on the boat in some large roller waves. That’s when the seasickness set in.
If you’ve ever been seasick, you know it’s a horrible feeling that you just can’t seem to escape. In my experience I rate it second only to childbirth and a bad appendix. For those who love the sea and long to explore it more, knowing how to combat seasickness is key to enjoying the blue.
First, it’s important to understand what causes seasickness. Your inner ear is home to the balance mechanism, which sends signals to your brain when it senses motion. But the motion of the sea sends inner ear signals to the brain that conflict with visual and other sensory signals. This confusion makes the stressed brain release histamines which cause the symptoms of seasickness – dizziness, sweating, nausea, headache, and often vomiting. Until the motion stops, and for up to several hours thereafter, these symptoms persist. Getting over seasickness mostly requires patience, however, there are ways to prevent or mitigate it.
CHOOSE YOUR LOCATION ON THE BOAT WISELY
The best place on the boat to prevent seasickness is on the main deck in the middle of the boat, preferably outside where you can breathe in fresh air and look straight ahead at a fixed point on the horizon. For example, I took a catamaran boat trip with a large group of people along the Napali Coast in Kauai. The tour guides clearly stated before we set sail that to avoid seasickness, they recommended sitting out on the deck. Those who ignored this advice and sat inside below deck (to avoid the sea-spray) were vomiting off the back of
the boat not too far into the 3-4-hour trip. Some of us had a great time on deck taking in the beautiful scenery, and others had a miserable time below deck. Choose wisely. And, if you are sleeping on the boat, sleep on your back as much as possible.
FOOD & DRINK
Another way to mitigate seasickness is to make sure you eat small amounts of food often to keep your stomach busy. You should avoid greasy or acidic foods that can irritate your stomach. Ginger is a great stomach soother, so keep some ginger tablets, candies, or biscuits on hand. Staying hydrated with cold water can help to avoid seasickness. Fizzy drinks, especially seltzer water or ginger ale, alleviate stomach queasiness. Keep alcohol use to a minimum as it can dehydrate you and cause stomach upset. Try to avoid the “rum rummer party boat tours” if you go on a cruise. I know people who have become seasick even on the largest, most stable cruise ships. Imagine adding a hangover to seasickness!
WRIST BANDS
Acupressure wrist bands worn on both wrists can prevent seasickness and are a
natural and reusable remedy. They apply pressure to the Nei Guan (P-6) acupressure point, located on the inner forearm, about three finger-widths from the crease between the hand and wrist. This pressure can reduce nausea and vomiting, help your muscles relax, and improve blood flow. Make sure the wrist bands are in the right position to provide pressure on the correct point.
PLUGGING AN EAR
Hear me out on this one. If you put an earplug in one ear it tricks the brain in to thinking there is a hearing problem, so it ignores the confusing sensory signals coming from the ears. Instead, the brain focuses on the signals from your eyes. Without the stress and confusion of the conflicting signals, the brain is not triggered to release histamines that cause seasickness. You should plug the ear that is opposite to your dominant hand. For example, if you are right-handed, you should plug the left ear. Although I have not tried this natural remedy myself, there are sailors who rely on it.
MEDICATIONS
Over-the-counter antihistamine medications like Dramamine, Benadryl, and Bonine
By Claire Brinsden Jordan
should be taken BEFORE you get on the boat and set sail, as they don’t prevent symptoms once you’re already seasick. Dramamine works quickly but can cause drowsiness. The helpful effects of Bonine last longer with less drowsiness. Scopolamine is a prescription medication delivered in a transdermal patch you place on the hairless area behind your ears. These should be applied several hours before you might experience seasickness and can be left on for up to three days. You should consult a doctor before taking any medications.
If you’re an explorer at heart and have the chance to sail on the open sea, don’t let the fear of seasickness keep you from your adventures. Whether you’re on a 100,000-ton cruise ship, a 78-foot super yacht, a 40-foot catamaran, or a 27-foot sailboat, there is always the possibility of experiencing seasickness during rough seas. Knowing how to prevent and mitigate seasickness can save you from a miserable voyage. As with most remedies, you must find the one that works best for you.
Wishing you fair winds and following seas!
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Call for a complimentary consultation! Andrew Coundouriotis, MD,
FACS
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
PET HEALTH
By Dr. Johnathan Pierce
Our hearts are with all of those that have experienced loss from hurricanes Helene and Milton. The stories that we are hearing are heartbreaking as our beautiful community suffered greatly at the hands of these two storms. With all the devastation comes other more long-term perils for our pets that we need to be aware of.
Debris, whether construction or landscape, poses the most obvious threat to our pets. Make sure to walk dogs in areas that are as free of debris as can be. Lacerations to paws and skin are possible with sharp objects like nails, screws, sheet metal, etc. Curiosity of our pets and their investigation of debris piles can cause lacerations and punctures to skin and especially eyes. Corneal ulcers can be caused by trauma and if the debris carries bacteria or fungi, these can cause serious infections.
With the storm surge that occurred, ocean debris left behind can cause risk of infection in open wounds or in the GI tract if ingested. Bacteria ingestion from rotting debris can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and inappetence. Ingestion of foreign material can lead to obstruction and gastrointestinal symptoms including damage to the digestive tract.
Another important point to consider is the possibility of displaced wildlife from flooding and habitat damage. These animals can wander into areas where they are not normally observed, causing interactions with people and pets which may lead to altercations and injury. This can also lead to exposure to diseases and parasites.
Unfortunately, until we are months out from these storms and the clean-up is complete, we will be dealing with these other post-storm perils. Please keep a watchful eye on your pet as we navigate the aftermath and recover.
Island Life Animal Hospital
Dr. Danielle Gallo
Dr. Johnathan Pierce 5901 Sun Blvd., Suite 107 Saint Petersburg, FL 33715
727-289-3776
islandlifeanimalhospital.vet
Receive a $500 credit for doctor copays and more
You’ve got your whole life ahead of you, and we’re here to help you make the most of it with an AARP® Medicare Advantage CareFlex plan from UnitedHealthcare. It’s a Medicare Advantage plan that includes the reliable coverage you need, plus quarterly credits to help you pay for out-of-pocket health care costs. So, you can spend a less time budgeting and more time living.
AARP® Medicare Advantage CareFlex from UHC FL-34 (HMOPOS) provides members a quarterly credit that can pay for a variety of out-of-pocket costs on Medicare-covered services, including:
• Primary care, specialist and urgent care copays
• Physical, speech or occupational therapists
• Emergency room
• Hospital stays
• Prescribed medical devices and supplies (Durable Medical Equipment)
Let’s connect today
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Birds of many kinds are being threatened by tropical storms and hurricanes, whose increasingly destructive forces are having severe consequences on bird populations, migration patterns, and habitats.
Habitat Destruction
Strong winds, torrential rains, and flooding can strip trees of their leaves and fruits, decimate nesting grounds, and alter coastal landscapes where many species reside. Coastal birds like pelicans, terns, and sandpipers are especially vulnerable. Barrier islands, salt marshes, and mangroves, crucial to their survival, are often reshaped or submerged by storm surges.
Dr. Emily Thompson, a leading ornithologist, explains, “Many species of birds rely on specific ecosystems that hurricanes can obliterate in just hours. This can force them to abandon nests and flee to other areas, which can affect their breeding success for the year.”
Migration Disruptions
Birds that migrate long distances, such as warblers, hawks, and shorebirds, can be blown far off course during a hurricane. Storms can push them hundreds or even thousands of miles away from their intended destinations. This phenomenon, known as “hurricane displacement,” often leads to birds being found in unusual locations, sometimes far from their natural ranges. While some displaced birds manage to recover, many die from exhaustion, dehydration, or lack of food in unfamiliar territories.
“Migration is a delicate balance of timing, energy, and resources. When a hurricane disrupts this journey, birds may not have enough energy to reach their wintering grounds,” says ornithologist Michael Reyes. “This could lead to higher mortality rates, especially for species already facing threats like habitat loss and climate change.”
Food Shortages and Starvation
Hurricanes also create food shortages for birds by destroying the plants and insects
they rely on for nourishment. The aftermath of a storm can leave birds in a barren landscape, devoid of fruits, seeds, and other natural food sources. For insectivorous birds, flooding often drowns insects, drastically reducing food availability.
In the days and weeks following a hurricane, many bird species experience extreme stress as they struggle to find enough to eat. According to research, this scarcity can have ripple effects, weakening birds’ immune systems and reducing their chances of surviving future challenges.
Long-term Impacts on Populations
The long-term consequences of hurricanes on bird populations are still being studied, but early evidence suggests that some species could experience declines in numbers. For example, migratory birds that are repeatedly displaced during their journeys may face challenges in re-establishing breeding populations. Additionally, resident birds that lose habitat may take years to recover, especially if their homes in fragile ecosystems are permanently altered.
“Some species are resilient, and others might adapt to new environments,” says Dr. Thompson. “However, more frequent and severe storms caused by climate change could have a cumulative impact, threatening the survival of many bird species.”
Conservation Efforts
In response to the growing threat of hurricanes, conservationists are focusing on habitat restoration and creating resilient landscapes that can withstand future storms. Coastal restoration projects, reforestation, and the protection of wetlands are critical steps toward helping bird populations recover.
Researchers are also working to track displaced birds using satellite tags and other technology to better understand how hurricanes are affecting migration. This data will be crucial in informing future conservation strategies and identifying species most at risk.
By Peter Roos
As hurricanes continue to grow stronger due to climate change, their impacts on birds are becoming more profound. From habitat destruction to migration disruption, birds face numerous challenges in the wake of these storms. Protecting vulnerable species and their habitats will be crucial in ensuring that avian populations can endure and thrive in an increasingly storm-prone world.
Audubon’s Birds of America is featured at the Museum of Fine Arts in downtown St. Petersburg through January 2025. Produced by National Museums Scotland, this exhibition celebrates the extraordinary legacy of John James Audubon (17851851). It tells the story of this iconic artist, naturalist, and ornithologist, as well as the evolution of one of the world’s rarest, largest, and possibly most coveted books, The Birds of America.
Seaside Seabird Sanctuary urgently needs supplies and donations for their hurricane disaster relief. Doate at Go Fund Me https://gofund.me/bf26cd52 or scan the QR code above. They are a nonprofit 501c organization in Indian Shores, who rescues, rehabilitates, and releases wild seabirds and other sea life. They are also home to hundreds of resident birds.Their facility was destroyed by Hurricane Helene, which caused over $100,000 in damages and they need to rebuild as quickly as possible to ensure the safety of the birds and wildlife. Pinellas County was the worst county in Florida with flooding and destruction that came with the storm surge from Hurricane Helene. Consider donating whatever you can to help the cleanup and rebuilding efforts for the sanctuary. Follow them at @seaside4thebirds on Instagram, TikTok and www.facebook.com/SeasideSeabird for need updates. Feel free to drop off any supplies at the sanctuary if possible.
OurChildrenHaveRights.org
By Jake Hornstein & Greg Hill, Our Children Have Rights (OCHR)
Social Media during divorce and Child Custody Disputes
For parents navigating divorce and child custody, posting on social media can significantly impact the outcome in court. Properly navigating the social media landscape is critical to avoiding unnecessary pitfalls, which can have devastating effects on the children. Before clicking “post,” consider these consequences.
Evidence in court: Posting seemingly harmless comments, vacation photos, a night out with friends etc. can be used as evidence in court. Posts can portray your finances, judgement and parenting skills. All of which are factors that determine court outcomes. It’s a common tactic for resentful co-parents and their attorneys to use social media posts against one another in court.
Fueling the flames: Social media can inflame tensions between co-parents and the children. Public mudslinging creates negativity and derails communication, which is highly frowned upon by judges. Judges favor parents focused on co-parenting and the best interests of the children, not drama.
Privacy: Social posts can expose private details that could be used against you. Even in private groups, your posts can still be shared for public exposure.
Becoming totally inactive on social media may seem extreme (and to some, impossible). You can still maintain a social media presence without creating major issues. Consider these tips:
Privacy settings: Review your privacy settings on each of your profiles. You may want to tighten them up by limiting who can view your posts and profile. Be mindful of friends and family, especially the kids!
Think twice: Ask yourself… Is this appropriate? Bad-mannered? Likely to be misconstrued? Can this suggest I’m not focused on co-parenting and the best interests of our kids?
Post Positive: Focus on positive updates. Posts are used as evidence in court to form opinions about you, your judgement, state of mind and standard of living. Again, these are factors that determine outcomes in court. Regrettable posts can have devastating consequences. Even the most well-intended parents make these mistakes. Be mindful & cautious! And always think of your children when posting.
OCHR is a Pinellas based 501c3 nonprofit that helps parents more seamlessly navigate their child custody & co-parenting journeys, at no cost to the family. Support of our mission is vital. And we kindly ask you to consider a small financial contribution. Your support is needed for us to serve children by helping parents achieve successful co-parenting outcomes, which impacts our entire community.
Most importantly, if you, or someone you know, needs our assistance, we’re here for you. We’re on a mission… A mission to protect the rights of children to have access to both responsible parents by providing education, resources, and support services for successful co-parenting. Why? Because Our Children Have Rights.
Contact Jake at JakeHornstein@OurChildrenHaveRights.com or learn more online at www.OCHR.Org To donate: www.ourchildrenhaverights.org/donate.
LEGAL CORNER
Navigating Loss & Legal Issues
After a Hurricane
Hurricanes Helene and Milton are now behind us and we are in the midst of picking up the pieces of our lives. I had planned to write on other legal issues but believe a review of your legal affairs after a catastrophe is timelier. The following are things to do or consider now that the storms are over. All of us have lost something – homes, cars, personal items, and for some, loss of a loved one. Allow yourself to grieve.
Grieving is a natural response to loss, whether it’s emotional, financial, or personal. Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, or professional counselors who can help you process your emotions.
Ensure you have timely submitted your claims for loss. Your claims for damage and loss due to flooding must be submitted within 60 days after the storm. Be sure to distinguish what was damaged or lost for each of the two storms. If you have flood insurance, you will want to be mindful of the separate limits of insurance and deductible for the two different hurricanes. If you have damage to your property that was not due to flooding alone, you may need to file a claim under your homeowners insurance policy as well. To support your claims, you will need to provide proof such as photographs of the item (focusing on any serial or model numbers), receipts, or videos. Create an inventory list of the damaged or lost items, including the approximate age of the item and its market value. Also, keep records and ask for invoices for any purchases or repairs due to loss or damage from the storms.
By Steve Walden, Attorney at Law
Ask for financial assistance or deferments from your creditors, mortgage lender, and banking institutions. Many banks and lenders are offering deferments on payments toward outstanding debt. If you are struggling to meet your financial obligations due to losses caused by the storm, call your credit card company, mortgage company, and other lenders to see what they can offer to allow you to defer payments while protecting your credit score.
Seek advice for any personal injuries. While some damage from a hurricane is considered force majure, or act of God, some damages or injuries may be due to another person’s negligence. Examples could include faulty construction, negligent repairs, failure to properly secure personal property, and of course, reckless driving. Speak with an attorney if you believe you have loss, destruction, or injuries that could have been avoided with reasonable precautions.
Protect yourself from predators. Sadly, there are some who will take advantage of our circumstances. You should ensure that any contractor you hire to make repairs is by your insurance. Also, check that the contractor is licensed and whether they have any Better Business Bureau complaints. Be careful also of any organization that promises to give you any money or services, contingent on your advance payment of any fees. In sum, do your research on any company or person that asks you for any payments.
Finally, it’s neither too late nor too early to plan ahead for the next catastrophe. Ensure you that you have the proper amount of insurance to cover your home for flood, windstorm, and other destructive events. If you rent, look into renter’s insurance for your personal items.
To cover damage to your car not caused by a wreck, you will want to have comprehensive coverage. If you have a will, have it reviewed to ensure it is up to date with your life circumstances. You should have your important documents copied and stored in a safe place, such as a safe deposit box at your bank. These documents may include military discharge certificates, car titles, marriage licenses, birth certificates, passports, and social security cards.
If you have questions or need assistance, seek sound legal advice. As a community, we can work together toward rebuilding your life after Helene and Milton.
Steve Walden, Attorney at Law
The Carlson Law Firm
333 3rd Ave. N, Suite 220 St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 373-4655
swalden@carlsonattorneys.com
Local Celebrity Hairstylist
Jim Duprey Inspires Community with Transformative Skills and Kindness
By Peter Roos
In the heart of St. Pete you’ll find Jim Duprey, Goldwell colorist, extension specialist, celebrity stylist and three-time local salon owner who has returned from Costa Rica after two years away. Jim said he found alternative stylists for all his long-time personal clients and friends when he left the area – so he is basically starting over. After 30 years of owning salons in St. Pete Beach and St. Petersburg and living through the recent hurricane losses he has found a good fit with a great group of stylists at Looks and Company.
Jim Duprey has become a household name for his incredible skills as a hairstylist and his generous spirit that touches every client he serves. Known for his meticulous technique and keen sense of style, Duprey has spent over 30 years mastering the art of hair.
With his unwavering commitment to style, community, and kindness, Jim Duprey has become a cherished figure in St. Pete Beach, embodying the warm spirit of this beloved coastal town. Jim Duprey is known for more than his skill with scissors. Dubbed by his clients as a “hair whisperer” and “the kindest soul,” Duprey has made a name for himself in both the beauty industry and his community through his compassion, talent, and dedication to making others feel beautiful. Jim is looking forward to friends and clients visiting the salon. For appointments, call 727-542-8066. Located at 2525 Pasadena Ave. S, Suite H.
GULFPORT MATTERS
Many of us remember the tumultuous summer of 2004 when Florida was battered by four hurricanes in just six weeks, earning the unfortunate nickname of the “Plywood State.” NOAA reported that every inch of our beloved state felt the impact of at least one of those storms. As one storm passed, we found ourselves bracing for the next, the exhaustion weighing heavily on us.
Fast forward to today, and we’re facing a similar ordeal: three hurricanes and a devastating flash flood have struck our community within just five weeks. Just as we were grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Milton emerged, delivering another harsh blow to our homes and businesses.
Witnessing devastation anywhere is heartbreaking, but seeing it strike the heart of our own community cuts even deeper. Homes, businesses, and beloved landmarks lay battered and broken, reminders of what once stood strong. Entire neighborhoods took on floodwaters; some structures collapsed entirely under nature’s force. In one home I helped document, the entire back wall had been swept away by massive waves, leaving rooms exposed to the elements. Roofs, boats, and docks, torn loose from their moorings, washed ashore in a chaotic mix, and many families returned only to find their memories and belongings lost beneath murky waters, leaving a heavy weight on our hearts.
For many, the recent storms brought unprecedented flooding; Pia’s restaurant was among those affected for the first time. As she watched tables and chairs float amidst seaweed and mud, tears filled her eyes. Yet, amidst the devastation, Pia reflected, “We are one of the lucky ones. We have an amazing crew who showed up the next day with a ‘can do’ attitude. Together, we shoveled, pressure washed, shop-vac’d, dried everything out, and sanitized – it was truly a herculean effort. We reopened just 48 hours later!”
This resilience was put to the test again with Hurricane Milton. As they prepared for the next storm, they moved their equipment out, but still lost five additional days of sales while cleaning up and returning everything.
Pia shared, “People don’t understand what that means for a restaurant and its employees. Between Helene and Milton, we faced flooding, power outages, lost revenue, and damaged equipment, yet payroll still had to be met and bills needed to be paid.” Adding to the strain was the need to purchase new refrigeration, ovens, and kitchen equipment, fix lights, replace destroyed landscaping, and clear away debris.
Our community grieves together. Some are mourning the loss of their homes, their belongings, even their vehicles – all the pieces that make up daily life. For others, the heartbreak runs even deeper as they fear this disaster may force them to leave the place they’ve long called home. Those less impacted stand alongside them, sharing in the collective sorrow and rallying to offer support. Together, we mourn what was lost.
Amid the heartbreak, a beautiful resilience has emerged as neighbors, friends, and strangers step up in countless ways. The outpouring of support has been nothing short of extraordinary, with acts of kindness and generosity too numerous to fully capture. Here are just a few of the many ways people have come together:
• Volunteers gathered essentials like water, food, cleaning supplies, and personal care items for those in need.
• Local heroes provided meals to lineworkers, first responders, and countless volunteers.
• The Culby Group donated $1,000 to Stella’s, North End Taphouse and Kitchen, and Low Tide Kava Bar, ensuring food and drinks for those affected.
• John and Fiona Prine’s Hello In There Foundation offered a generous matching donation.
• Gulfport Rising, a benefit held at North End Taphouse and Kitchen, raised over $15,000. With the Hello In There Foundation’s match, the total exceeded $25,000.
• A music promoter organized a benefit that raised $950, also donated to the Hello In There Foundation.
• McMahon Gallery and DRV Gallery are fundraising for artists and supporting the American Red Cross.
• The Gulfport Merchants Chamber organized volunteers and coordinated relief efforts.
• Many individuals stepped in to help clear damaged homes, assist with yard cleanup, and provide support wherever needed.
• The city of Gulfport prioritized the reopening of the senior center, recreation center, and playgrounds to restore essential services. Meals on Wheels and similar programs quickly returned, and restorations are underway at the Casino Ballroom and Marina.
• FEMA assistance has been set up at the Gulfport Library.
• GulfPerk is serving morning specialties from 8am to noon, Wednesday through Sunday, at the Wine House.
By Marlene Shaw
• The Wednesday night Tiki open mic continues at the Wine House, keeping traditions alive.
• Gulfport Brewery hosted a benefit for the beloved Blueberry Patch.
• World Central Kitchen and Shawarma King have provided nourishing meals to those in need.
• The Gulfport Counseling Center is offering group counseling sessions at the Art Center for emotional support.
• A women’s cancer awareness benefit expanded to collect cleaning and household supplies for the community.
• Jax In and Out and Funky Flamingo are keeping their food banks stocked and extending their offerings to help even more.
WHAT’S OPEN IN GULFPORT
Our resilient local businesses are opening their doors, providing familiar comforts and gathering spaces for the community. Here’s a list of what’s open:
Businesses along Gulfport Blvd. (49th St. S, and 58th St. S)
• North End Taphouse and Kitchen
• Sumitra’s
• Golden Dinosaur
• Siri’s
• The Wine House
• Gulfport Brewery
• Peninsula Bed & Cocktails
• Pia’s
• Tommy’s Hideaway Pizza
• GulfPerk (operating at The Wine House from 8am to noon, Wednesday through Sunday, until fully restored)
• O’Maddy’s
• Drunken Taco
Shops on the northern downtown end of Beach Blvd.
• After School Care (temporarily moved to Scout Hall while the Recreation Center undergoes restoration)
• Moon Landing Yoga on the Beach temporarily relocated to Clymer Park near the Hickman
If you don’t see a business listed, we encourage you to reach out to them directly. While we hope we haven’t missed anyone, many moving parts and changes are happening as businesses work to reopen.
There is much work ahead, but the Gulfport community has proven its resilience and deep care for one another. The name of the benefit, Gulfport Rising, couldn’t be more fitting. We remain one of the friendliest cities around, welcoming everyone back to enjoy all that Gulfport has to offer.
Don’t forget to follow Gulfport Matters on www.facebook.com/gulfportmatters for all the latest happenings in Gulfport!
HANGING AROUND
By Caron Schwartz
Garrison Keillor used to begin his monologue with “It’s been a quiet week in Lake Wobegon, my hometown.” With two hurricanes in the space of two weeks, it has been anything but quiet in Gulfport, my hometown.
While we wait for utilities to be restored at home, I write this from a friend’s place across town with electric, WiFi, and delicious hot coffee.
This is hanging around in its truest form. Community: friends helping friends, neighbors reaching out to neighbors, families taking care of each other and watching out for other families.
Although I’m shaken by the events of the last couple of weeks, I have much to be thankful for. My 92-year-old house withstood hurricane-force winds twice in two weeks, and the mighty storm surge couldn’t breach the tiny bluff it stands on. My mom, also 92, is living her best second childhood in a memory care facility that truly cares about its residents. My partner, Lenny, has brought joy to my heart and the tools and know-how to keep our home operating smoothly. My sisters and brothers-in-law are happy and healthy.
I write this to the tune of chainsaws whittling trees that didn’t survive the storms. “Gulfport Strong” is a cliche, but it still feels powerful. This community, which I felt drawn to join eight years ago, is standing together through a hardship we imagined but hoped would never happen. And the Paradise News family – creative, adventurous, supportive, kind – I’m thankful to be a member of this tenacious team.
ART NEWS
Post-hurricane stress syndrome envelopes Tampa Bay. People, institutions, oldgrowth trees, buildings historic and not so much, beaches and parks and wildlife all in a daze. It’s hard to concentrate with brain fog so thick no amount of coffee can cut it. Many arts and cultural events have had to be postponed or canceled. But we charge along as we always do.
True dedication When Hurricane Milton landed, Tampa Museum of Art Executive Director Michael Tomor camped out in the building, which was designed to withstand a Cat 4 storm.
Disaster assistance for creatives Creative Pinellas is rolling out four immediate initiatives to support our arts community reeling from statewide budget cuts and two hurricanes in less than two weeks. https://bit.ly/cp-relief-resources
Arts Annual Hurricane Relief Fundraiser Originally a fundraiser for Creative Pinellas, the Arts Annual Hurricane Relief Fundraiser will instead benefit artists and arts organizations. Date TBD. www.creativepinellas.org/event/ arts-annual-2024-fundraiser
National help for creatives MusiCares Relief Grants provides crisis relief, preventive care, recovery resources, and need-based financial assistance for people across all music professions. www.musicares.org
Jazz Foundation of America has a jazz musicians relief fund. https://bit.ly/jazzrelief
Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF+) has help for crafters. www.cerfplus.org
New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) offers help for dancers through the Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grants (https://bit.ly/dancegrants) and Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants (https://bit. ly/raus-emergency-grants)
Something to talk about Join an artful conversation at the Museum of Fine Arts between Luis Seixas, objects conservator, and Dr. Stanton Thomas, chief curator. Seixas has been restoring a 17thcentury tabernacle at the MFA. This artful conversation will include a discussion of the findings and insight into its complicated symbolism. 11/14, 6-7:15pm. https://bit.ly/mfa-november
The Gulf Coast Artists Alliance is accepting applications for their 2025 season of exhibitions at Artists-In-Residence in St. Pete. Winners will exhibit in either a solo or shared show for one month during the year. Deadline 11/30. https://bit.ly/gcaa-call
Rembrandt of ramen Still lifes of food have a long, storied history, from the lush banquet tables of Dutch and Flemish 17th-century artists to Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup cans. Today Tallahassee-based Noah Verrier paints subjects
like Smuckers Uncrustables, jelly donuts, and a can of Diet Coke in a lip-smacking style reminiscent of the Old Masters. www.noahverrier.com
Book banquet Brenda McMahon Gallery in Gulfport features Ted Wray in November. The award-winning artist rescues books from the recycling bin and transforms them into mind-expanding new 3-D worlds of wonder. www.brendamcmahon gallery.com
Lady Marmalade Patti LaBelle performs at the Mahaffey 12/18 at 8pm. A solo artist since the 1970s, Patti has created timeless songs that have helped cement her place as a music icon and garnered her numerous honors, including GRAMMY Awards, American Music Awards, NAACP Image Awards, New York Times bestselling books and more. https://bit.ly/patti-at-mahaffey
luis seixas / dr stanton tHomas
The play is afoot Holmes and Watson are back in business when freeFall Theatre presents Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty: A New Sherlock Holmes Adventure 11/8-12/15. An investigation into the Bohemian king’s stolen letters cascades into an international mystery. www.freefalltheatre.com
At the James Flight of the Mind: Paintings by Marcus C. Thomas, will be on view in the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art’s Wildlife Gallery 11/9-1/5/2025. Thomas, a quadriplegic mouth painter, channels imagination, talent, and perseverance into detailed paintings of the natural world. www.thejamesmuseum.org
While there, have a bite at the Canyon Café, where you can enjoy Black is Beautiful, digital art created by the late Nick Davis.
My art will go on If you’re jonesing for ART, check out ArtJones: Gulfport’s Annual Artist Studio Tour
Nine studios, 22 artists, 12/7-8. www.artjonesstudiotour.com
Need a little magic Chris and Ryan Zubrick, the darling duo of Zubrick Magic Theatre, are asking for your help. Hurricane Milton hit their home hard, so they ask you to purchase Zubrick Magic Theatre tickets for future shows to help them rebuild. www.zubrickmagic.com
I Love the Burg’s historic tours return with historian Monica Kile. Enjoy in-depth walking and trolley tours that provide history, colorful trivia, and an unrivaled perspective on the city’s development. Sat. walking tours and Sun. trolley tours: https://bit.ly/ilovetheburg
By Caron Schwartz
Can’t catch a tour?
Explore St. Pete at your own pace using Monica Kile’s new book: St. Petersburg: A Walk Through History, available at local indie Tombolo Books. www.tombolobooks.com
New York state of mind You’ll have to go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC to see Miami-based photographer Anastasia Samoylova’s Floridas: Anastasia Samoylova and Walker Evans. The show compares her contemporary visions of Florida with those of quintessential American photographer Walker Evans. https://bit.ly/florida-metro-art
Where dreams come true
If you’ve ever wondered why Disney World is in Orlando, travel writer Gary McKechnie explains it all on 11/15 at 7pm at the Gulfport History Museum, 5301 28th Ave. S. in Gulfport www.gulfport historicalsociety.org
Walkabout Gulfport the next day, 11/16 from 3-4:30pm, during the Original Gulfport Walking Tour. The tour, which starts at the History Museum, examines the creation of our small seaside hamlet led by locals with a penchant for history and storytelling.
Shopapalooza returns! Shop ‘til you drop during St. Pete’s celebration of our local businesses and vibe 11/30 & 12/1 from 10am5pm at Vinoy Park. www. shopapaloozafestival.com
Night moves Experience the enchantment of glass blowing after dark during Night Blow: Performance Art Glass Blowing. A fiery kiln, performers’ molten glass creations, and synchronized music choreographed by the evening’s DJ. Appetizers and an open bar are included in your admission. 11/15, 7-9pm, Morean Arts Center. www.moreanarts center.org/nightblow
Across the universe
Paul McCartney plans to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris for its grand reopening in December following restoration from the 2019 fire, and rumors are he might perform as well.
ARTISTS SPOTLIGHT
A Surreal Experience Awaits
Stepping into the latest Salvador Dali exhibition in St. Petersburg feels like crossing the threshold into a dreamscape where reality bends, time distorts, and the mind is left to wander through the boundless imagination of one of the most iconic surrealists of all time. The exhibition, meticulously curated, invites visitors to delve deep into the mind of Salvador Dali, exploring his genius through a stunning array of works, and culminating in an immersive experience, Dali Alive 360
From the moment you enter, you are engulfed in a world where clocks melt, elephants walk on stilt-like legs, and the human form takes on impossibly fluid shapes. The exhibition doesn’t merely showcase Dali’s work – it breathes life into it, allowing you to witness the surreal through his eyes. It is a journey not just through his art but also through his life, influences, and the philosophical underpinnings of his work. The exhibition is a comprehensive retrospective that covers the breadth of Dali’s career, from his early influences in Impressionism and Cubism to his later, more widely recognized surrealist works. Each room is a chapter in the story of Dali’s life, showcasing his evolution as an artist and thinker.
Dali Alive 360: A Multi-Sensory Immersion
The centerpiece of the exhibition is undoubtedly Dali Alive 360, an immersive experience that redefines how we engage with art. This installation envelops visitors in a 360-degree projection of Dali’s works, accompanied by a dynamic soundscape that pulsates in time with the shifting visuals. As you step into the dome-shaped room, you are surrounded by Dali’s world in every direction. The walls come alive with his paintings, which are not merely displayed but animated in a way that makes them seem to breathe and move. Clocks melt before your eyes, landscapes morph and twist, and figures emerge from the shadows, all while a surreal soundtrack plays in the background.
The beauty of Dali Alive 360 lies in its ability to make you feel as though you are stepping into the paintings themselves. You are no longer a passive observer but an active participant in Dali’s world. As you stand in the center of the dome, with Dali’s world swirling around you, it’s impossible not to feel a profound connection to his work.
The experience is deeply personal, as though you are sharing in Dali’s dreams and visions. It’s a rare opportunity to see the world through the eyes of a genius, and it leaves a lasting impression long after you leave the exhibition.
A Lasting Impression The latest Dali exhibition is more than just a display of art; it is an emotional and intellectual journey. As you walk through the galleries, you are not just viewing paintings – you are entering Dali’s mind, exploring his thoughts, fears, and dreams. The exhibition does an exceptional job of conveying the emotional depth of Dali’s work, from the playful and whimsical to the dark and unsettling.
The exhibition also leaves you with a deeper appreciation for Dali’s contributions to art and culture. His ability to challenge conventions, push boundaries, and explore the unknown is a testament to his genius. The exhibition serves as a reminder of the power of art to inspire, provoke, and transform.
In an exclusive Q & A, Paradise News interviewed The Dali Museum Director, Dr. Hank Hine. Dr. Hine earned his undergraduate degree at Stanford University and his Master’s and Doctorate degrees at Brown University. He has extensive experience with contemporary artists and writers and the intersection of media in the current cultural milieu.
1) How do you balance preserving Dali’s legacy with acquiring new artworks or curating special exhibitions? We find a balance in our resources –intellectual and financial – to pursue both.
By Andrea Martone
Only in this way can we preserve the Museum’s status as the preeminent collection of Dalí globally and a place to encounter new ideas.
2) What do you consider to be the most exciting project on the horizon for the Dali Museum?
Our expansion with new construction excites us. The new space will create marvelous opportunities for orienting our visitors to all that the Museum will provide and the excitement and inspiration ahead.
3) What do you believe is the most unique or intriguing piece in the current Dali Museum collection?
Dalí’s Lobster Telephone. For one thing it is a beautiful object that bristles with the idea of surrealism – putting unlike things together to make a new meaning. And also it is a piece of 1930s technology that speaks of that era while our adaptation of it, Ask Dalí – trained by artificial intelligence on every word that Dalí wrote – speaks of this moment and the infinite knowledge technology makes available.
4) How does the museum stay relevant and engage with contemporary audiences while showcasing surrealist art from the past?
Everything we aspire to do at The Dalí is inspired by Salvador Dalí himself. He took risks and proved how rich the world can be when one dares to embrace boundless creativity. We recognize that advancements and accessibility of technology, coupled with the ways visitors want to consume art, has evolved, which pushes us to continually explore new ways to share Dalí’s inspirational work and life. For years, The Dalí has used digital and interactive technologies to heighten visitor engagement and understanding of Dalí’s work to engage contemporary audiences. For example, our Augmented Reality experience on our free app allows visitors – onsite or virtually –to uncover the meaning behind Dalí’s masterworks.
5) What has been the most rewarding project you’ve personally worked on at the Dali Museum?
Organizing the international conference on Salvador Dalí on his 100th anniversary changed the way the world looked at Dalí. This is a matter of great pride.
Dr. Hank Hine
Online at www.paradisenewsfl.com
Due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, events are subject to change. Please call to confirm.
IN THIS ISSUE:
ART CENTERS/CLASSES
ART – GALLERIES
ARTS – PERFORMING
MUSEUMS
MUSIC OPERA
FILM ECO GARDENS
FERRIES
LIBRARIES MARKETS
SPIRITUAL ZOOS/AQUARIUMS
CLUBS – SERVICE/SOCIAL CLUBS – ATHLETIC HEALTH
THRIFT SHOPS
VOLUNTEERING
YOGA
ART CENTERS/CLASSES
Beach Art Center 1515 Bay Palm Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach 727-596-4331 beachartcenter.org
Heart of Pinellas
Decorative Artists
Pinellas Park Art Center, Roe’s Deli, 5851 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park. Local chapter of National Society of Decorative Painters 727-244-4321 hpdafl.com
Morean Arts Center
719 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-822-7872 moreanartscenter.org
Contemporary art gallery. Art classes year-round. 11/9-12/31 – Small Wonders Holiday Show and Sale
Arts & Leisure
Morean Center for Clay 420 22nd St. S, St. Pete 727-821-7162 ext 2311
moreanartscenter.org
Largest pottery in the Southeast
Morean Glass Studio 714 First Ave. N, St. Pete 727-822-7872
moreanartscenter.org
Daily demonstrations every hour noon to 4pm. Classes available. 11/9 – Night Blow: Performance Art Glass Blowing in the Dark
Muddy Potter Art & Clay Studio 1140 Main St. #5 Dunedin 813-476-2836 www.muddypotter.info Classes, open studio
Pinellas Arts Village 5663 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park
• Studios @ 5663
Fourth Saturday block party and indoor market. facebook.com/Pav727
Pinellas Park Art Society
Park Station Building
5851 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park
Members’ work shown at Pinellas Park Library and Pinellas Park City Hall 727-360-4406
Meet third Saturday, 11am-noon pinellasparkartsociety.org
Suntan Art Center at Don Vista Arts Center 3300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach suntanart.org
Classes, Art Mart every weekend
The Clay Co-Op (formerly Charlie Parker Pottery)
2724 Sixth Ave. S, St. Pete 727-321-2071 claycoopstpete.com
The Hive
559 49th St. S, St Pete
727-290-6515 thehivestpete.com
Classes, open studio, pottery, jewelry sales
Treasure Island Art Guild treasureislandartguild.org
Painting workshops weekly
Veterans Art Center
6798 Crosswinds Dr. N, St. Pete 813-504-3092 vactb.org
Opportunities for military and veterans to develop and showcase arts.
Zen Glass Studio & Gallery
600 27th St. S, St. Pete 727-323-3141 zenglass.com Classes and workshops.
ART GALLERIES
Art at 400 Studios
400 23rd St. S, St. Pete art-at-400.com By appointment, Art Walk
ARTicles/Leslie Curran Gallery
1234 Dr. MLK Jr St. N, St. Pete 727-898-6061 articlesstpete.com
Artists of Elements
4746 22nd Ave. S, St. Pete 727-420-7438 artistsofelements.com
ArtLofts
Florida CraftArt Gallery (second floor) 10 Fifth St. N, St. Pete 727-504-8788 theartlofts.com
Open ArtWalk or by appointment
ARTpool Gallery
2030 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-324-3878 artpoolrules.com Open Wed.-Sun., noon-5pm
ArtsXchange
515 22nd St. S, St. Pete
Open Fri.-Sat., 11am-5pm warehouseartsdistrict.org
Atelier de SoSi
2380 Sixth Ave. S, St. Pete 727-370-4192 atelierdesosi.com
Brenda McMahon Gallery
2901 Beach Blvd. S #104 Gulfport 518-692-7742 brendamcmahongallery.com
Bula Barua
2534 Terminal Drive S, St. Pete 727-900-1063 bulagallery.com Blown glass on canvas
Chihuly Collection
720 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-822-7872 ext 5102 moreanartscenter.org Through 12/7 –Operation Art of Valor
Eckerd College, Library Circle, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Pete eckerd.edu/visualarts/program
Collectors Exchange Gallery
1234 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N, St. Pete articlestpete.com Open Sat. 11am-5pm
Craftsman House 2955 Central Ave., St. Pete craftsmanhousegallery.com Gallery-Café-Pottery Studio
Creative Clay
CulturalArts Center
1846 First Ave. S, St. Pete 727-825-0515 creativeclay.org
11/9 – Artwalk: A Folk Art Holiday
Creative Pinellas
12211 Walsingham Rd., Largo 727-460-5477
Gallery noon-5pm Wed-Sun creativepinellas.org
11/9 – Arts Annual 2024 Fundraiser 11/10 – Arts Annual 2024 Exhibition
Buddy Baker | Events, Arts & Leisure Coordinator
ARTS & LEISURE EVENTS
Crossroads Gallery
Scan the QR code for all event listings to take with you or online at paradisenewsfl.com/november-2024
Sign up to receive upcoming event e-news online at www.ParadiseNewsFL.com
Follow us on facebook.com/ParadiseNews.
RECURRING EVENTS
First Fridays • 10am-2pm, Creative Clay Outdoor Art Market, 1846 First Ave. S, St. Petersburg • 5-9pm, First Friday Art Walk, Downtown Gulfport • 6-9pm, Concert in front of Studio Movie Grill, Seminole City Center, 11201 Park Blvd. N, Seminole
Last Friday • 6-9pm, live music at the John’s Pass Bell Tower, John’s Pass Boardwalk and Shopping Village, 12902 Village Blvd., Madeira Beach
2nd Saturday • 8:30am, Beach Cleanup. Municipal Pavilion, 11260 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, 11185 Gulf Blvd. • 9am-2pm, Market on The Bluffs, 2747 Sunset Blvd, Belleair Bluffs. Farmers Market/craft event on the street in front of Belleair Bluffs City Hall. • The Market Marie,10am-3pm, Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St., Clearwater • 5-9pm, St. Pete Artwalk. Artists and gallery owners from 40 studios and galleries in five arts districts show off their latest works. Take the trolley, drive or park and walk. stpeteartsalliance.org/artwalk
3rd Saturday • 10am-2pm, Crossroads Market, Crossroads Christian Church, 1645 Seminole Blvd., Largo • 10am5pm, Creative Pinellas at Pinewood, 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo • 5-9pm, Indie Faire, Beach Blvd., Gulfport. Outdoor, socially distanced event in Gulfport features local art, handmade crafts, jewelry, and pottery to locally sourced botanicals.
4th Saturday • Pinellas Arts Walk 4-8pm, Pinellas Arts Village Walk, 5600-5800 Park Blvd. (north side), Pinellas Park. Pinellas Park Art Society, Donnelly COVE, Complete Sweet Shoppe, Pompei Factory, Studios @5663, Painting with a Twist, Bottles Pub, and Swartz Gallery.
ONGOING
Through 11/10 – Live Conservation: Restoring a Jain Shrine
Free with museum admission, Tuesdays through Fridays, 10am-2pm, Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Pete. This exhibition focuses on the treatment of the museum’s extraordinary carved and painted Jain Shrine. This rare object, which was used for daily worship by members of the Jain faith in a private home, preserves most of its original surface. However, over time dust, soot, and the touch of hands have dulled its rich colors. Visitors can see the conservation process and interact with the conservator.
Through 11/10 – World Premiere: The Boy Who Loved Batman $75+, times vary by date, Straz Center, Tampa. This inspiring comedy by Asa Somers is drawn from the memoir of Batman film executive producer Michael Uslan and tells the incredible true story of one man’s dream that transformed into a national sensation. Audiences will embark on a wild ride from the streets of New Jersey to the glamour of Hollywood, and from comic book pages to the silver screen. www.strazcenter.org or 813.229.7827
St. Petersburg College, 2464 Drew St., Clearwater spcollege.edu/friends-partners/ community-resources
Custom House Décor 2901 Beach Blvd., Gulfport 727-317-5936 customhousedecor.com
D Gallerie
1234 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N, Unit C, St. Pete d-gallerie.com
DRV Fine Art Studios & Gallery 5401 Gulfport Blvd. S, Gulfport drvgallery.com 11/1 – First Friday: Evening at the Gallery 11/2, 9 – Face Value: Dawn Waters solo exhibition 11/16 – Expert Series: Plein Air Painting in the Wilderness of Canada
Duncan McClellan Gallery 2342 Emerson Ave. S, St. Pete 813-760-6600 dmglass.com
2210 First Ave. S., St. Pete 727-289-8685 thewerk.gallery
Uniquely Original Art Studio
915 24th St. S, St. Pete 727-239-3696 https://tinyurl.com/mrx4c253 Original Afrocentric art, open by appointment and during Art Walk
Vince Anthony Fine Art Gallery
10611 Bay Pines Blvd. #5, St. Pete 727-401-2886 fineartamerica.com/art/ vince+anthony
Wild Space Gallery
The Factory St. Pete, Bldg. 8 2606 Fairfield Ave. S, St. Pete floridawildlifecorridor.org/ wild-space-gallery/ 11/9-1/2/25 – Nature in Focus: Breaking Barriers
ARTS PERFORMING
Amalie Arena
401 Channelside Drive, Tampa 813-301-2500 amaliearena.com
11/4 – For King and Country 11/6 – Cyndi Lauper 11/9 – Gabriel Iglesias 11/15 – Ana Gabriel 11/29 – Kacey Musgraves 12/3 – Pentatonix| 12/6 – Chayenne 12/7 – Sebastian Maniscalco 12/14 – UFC 12/15 – Trans-Siberian Orchestra
American Stage
Raymond James Theatre 163 Third St. N, St. Pete 727-823-7529 americanstage.org Through 11/3 – Weird in St. Pete (at FloridaRAMA) 11/6-24 – The Mountaintop
Asolo Repertory Theatre
5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 800-361-8388 asolorep.org
11/16-1/5/25 – Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Bilheimer Capitol Theatre
405 Cleveland St., Clearwater
727-791-7400 rutheckerdhall.com
11/1 – Candy Dulfer
11/2 – Two Hot Takes Podcast Live
11/7 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
11/9 – Here Come the Mummies
11/13 – Stryper
11/14 – David Brighton’s Space Oddity
11/15 – Tab Benoit
11/16 – The Pineapple Thief
11/17 – Better Than Ezra
11/19 – Amy Grant
11/21 – Yngwie Malmsteen
11/24 – Classic Albums
Live: Supertramp
11/30 – Jimmy Failla
12/1 – Let’s Sing Taylor
12/3 – Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Creole Christmas
12/5 – King’s X 12/6 – Ben Brainard
12/7 – Tommy Emmanuel
12/10 – The Musical Box 12/12-13 – The Outlaws
Bininger Theater for Performing Arts
Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Pete 727-867-1166 eckerd.edu/theatre Through 11/2 – Firebringer: A New Stone Age Musical 11/13-16 – Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind
105 Central Park Dr., Largo 727-587-6793 largoarts.com
11/1 – Ricky Nelson Remembered 11/2 – Joe Bouchard
11/15-24 – White Christmas
11/20 – Living Legends of Comedy
12/4 – Christmas w/ The King feat. Dwight Icenhower
12/6 – Death by Chocolate
12/8 – Heralds of Harmony: The Spirit of the Season
12/14 – Big Band Season
12/15-16 – The Nutcracker, presented by Steps School of Dance
Early Bird Dinner Theater
13355 49th St. N, Clearwater
727-446-5898
earlybirddinnertheater.com/site
11/9-12/15 – Oscar and Felix by Neil Simon
REAL ESTATE
By Peter Roos
“ASK BEGGINS, THEY KNOW” BEACH OPTIONS
Jim Beggins, was president of Beggins Century 21 real estate on St. Pete Beach, located just south of Crabby Bills for many years.
Jim was a longtime writer of the Real Estate column that appeared in every issue of Paradise News until Jim at least semi-retired, in early 2019. As a beach property owner myself I often found Jim’s advice helpful and thought provoking. This final column, which appeared in our February issue five and a half years ago, was particularly good advice that is still as true today as it was then. People who heeded it in the meantime are likely sleeping better today.
“Here’s what I learned about Florida real estate from 1972 till now. From a cheap VA house in Miami to a gulf front townhouse in Madeira Beach with a dozen residences in between, I’ve learned a lot. Our team of “trusted advisors” can help you sort out any beach real estate stuff without obligation. Real estate prices are in direct proportion to the size of the body of water it’s located on. Buy on the biggest body of water you can afford. Don’t sell real estate unless you have a better use for the money. Never buy or sell without having someone represent you. Find out why Pinellas County barrier island real estate is the best value in the State. Flood insurance increases will make living on the ground a bad option. Don’t waste money improving old homes with living areas below the flood plain. Responsible development on our beaches betters everyone’s lifestyle. The next generations don’t like to drive, so don’t worry about traffic. New construction methods are making new builds more affordable. You won’t believe the affordability of 3D printed houses. Multigenerational co-housing will enhance lifestyle choices. Rent before buying unless you know the features, advantages and benefits of the 19 little Pinellas beach towns along our barrier islands. Which towns need the most beach nourishment? Find out the rental restrictions in the area you choose before buying. Explore all your personal options before selling. Do not trust the internet to price your house. Get a current elevation certificate before buying or selling. Get a soil test to see if building new would be more profitable than selling old. Before investing in a business on the beaches remember that up to half of your market area is in the Gulf. Under all is the land. If you don’t care much about beach living, you can get much better deals on the mainland except for appreciation and income potential. In my opinion the main value of a real estate agent is her or his ability to gather and transmit knowledge to sellers and buyers. Technology is changing the industry that I love back to our 1973 slogan “CENTURY 21, WE’RE NATIONAL BUT NEIGHBORLY.” We only focus on our local beach neighborhoods. If you don’t see my article next month, I didn’t die (hopefully). Future articles will be in my e-mail signatures on my Facebook page. Thanks for your support over the past decade.” Jim Beggins.
In case you are interested in what else Jim wrote about, the Paradise News website www.paradisenewsfl.com is your gateway to more than 10 years of our work, and the area’s history. Behind the Current Issue button is one for Past Issues. Go there, start at the January 2019 issue and work backwards. Each edition is readable and downloadable page by page or in its entirety. Jim’s column generally ran on page 16 or 18 most months. Page 4 of each edition has a table of contents. Real Estate was a department, which will give you Jim’s page number in that issue. While you are on the website, take a look around. There are a dozen years of local history to be found. In the April 2014 edition, for example, on pages 22-24 you will find a “Hurricane Update” by Steve Traiman, President Obama was in office.
ARTS & LEISURE EVENTS
Through 1/5/25 – Writers of Surrealism: Salvador Dali
$32 (adult museum admission), 10am-6pm, Raymond James Community Room, Dali Museum, One Dali Blvd, St. Pete. Renowned primarily as a painter, Salvador Dalí also left an indelible mark as a writer. This special exhibition explores Dalí’s literary works across many genres, including novels, essays, poetry, and autobiographical writings.
UPCOMING
11/2 – Hillary Clinton Live $79.50-$575, 3pm, Straz Center, Tampa. Hillary Rodham Clinton will discuss her newest book,”Something Lost, Something Gained: Reflections on Life, Love, & Liberty.” She and a moderator will take the audience on a journey of unvarnished exchanges on politics, democracy, the threats we face, as well as friendship, aging, marriage, and how we can all work together to shape a future to be proud of. A VIP premium meet-and-greet experience is available. www.strazcenter.org
11/2 – 2024 Evening for the Bay: Spotlight on the Future $180+, 6-10pm, Tampa Bay Watch, 3000 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde. Immerse yourself in a night of storytelling, heartfelt moments, and a shared commitment to preserving the Tampa Bay watershed. Indulge in cocktails, a gourmet dinner, and dance the night away. Bid on exclusive items in auctions while mingling with fellow supporters. Sean Daly of ABC Action News will emcee. Tickets: www.tampabaywatch.org/2024-evening-for-the-bay
11/2 – Community Center Indoor Garage Sale
Free admission, 9am-2pm, 400 Alt. Keene Road, Largo. Over 40 tables of new-to-you treasures. Clean out your closets and garages and bring in gently used items or crafts to sell at your table.
11/2 – Safety Harbor Wine Festival
Free, 4-11pm, Waterfront Park, 105 Veterans Memorial Lane, Safety Harbor. Don’t miss out on the biggest party of the year! Enjoy wine tastings, live music, delicious food and good company. Dog friendly.
11/2 – Historic Kenwood Bungalowfest
$25, 10am-4pm, check-in at St. Petersburg High School, 2501 Fifth Ave. N. The tour showcases Historic Kenwood homes, highlighting Craftsman Bungalows, Frame Vernacular, Prairie, Mid-Century, Modern homes, and more with a special glimpse into spaces beyond the bungalow. This year’s featured home will have a salvaged mural from the previous garage. Stroll or use the free continuous trolleys. https://tinyurl.com/2p8zszfx
11/2 – Gulfport Art in the Yard
Free. Gulfport’s community art sale is a bi-annual event occurring in March and November that is open to all resident artists who reside in Gulfport. It is a grassroots event that is sponsored by the city and organized by a few artists for the benefit of the entire arts community Rain date 11/3.
Eckerd College
International Film Series
Free, 7pm, Miller Auditorium, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Pete 727-867-1166
eckerd.edu/international-cinema 11/1 – Handling the Undead (Norwegian w/ English subtitles) 11/8 – Evil Does Not Exist (Japanese w/ English subtitles) 11/15 – All Roads Taste of Salt (USA) 11/22 – 32 Sounds (USA)
Eight O’Clock Theatre
105 Central Park Dr., Largo 727-587-6793
eightoclocktheatre.com 11/15-24 – White Christmas
Floridian Social
687 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-322-4600 thefloridiansocial.com
11/1 – Subliminal Doubt (No Doubt Tribute Band) 11/2 – The Broken Hearts (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Tribute)
11/3 – Sunday Jazz
11/8 – Future Joy Homecoming Show w/ Michael Wilbur 11/23 – Ahee’s Brain Tickler Tour 11/29 – The Black Honkeys Band 12/5 – The Mountain Goats
Francis Wilson Playhouse
302 Seminole St., Clearwater 727-446-1360
franciswilsonplayhouse.org 11/2 – The British Invasion (concert) 12/5-22 – The Wizard of Oz
freeFall Theatre Company
6099 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-498-5205 freefalltheatre.com 11/8-12/15 – Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty
Green Light Cinema
221 Second Ave. N. St. Pete 508-816-8968 greenlightstpete.com
80-seat art house theater 11/1-7 – Emilia Perez 11/15-27 – Anora
Back Door Theater 1619 49th St. S, Gulfport gulfportcommunityplayers.org 11/14-24 – Geezers
Jannus Live
200 First Ave. N, St. Pete 727-565-0550 jannuslive.com
Outdoor standing room only venue 11/1 – Coin w/ Aidan Bissett 11/3 – Say Anything: Is a Real Boy 11/6 – IDKhow 11/7 – G-Eazy
11/8 – Misterwives
11/9 – Kip Moore w/ Nomad Tour 11/10 – The Devil Wears Prada w/ Silent Planet, Like Moths to Flames, Greyhaven 11/14 – Juvenile w/ The 400 Degreez Band 11/15 – Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime 11/17 – Blues Traveler 11/19 – Panchiko w/Glare 11/21 – Qveen Herby 11/24 – Animals as Leaders 11/27 – Ky-Mani Marley 11/30 – Barclay Crenshaw 12/4 – HR of Bad Brains 12/12 – Steel Panther
LAB Theater Project 812 E. Henderson Ave., Tampa 813-586-4272
labtheaterproject.com Produces only works from emerging playwrights. 11/7-24 – Crazy Quilts, written by Karen Fix Curry
M.A.D. Theatre of Tampa (Music Acting Dance Theatre of Tampa) @ The Straz Center, 1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa 813-229-7827 madtheatre.com
Manatee Performing Arts Center 502 Third Ave. W, Bradenton 941-748-5875 manateeperformingartscenter.com Through 11/3 –
Merrily We Roll Along 11/7-11/17 – On Golden Pond 11/12 – Brand New Day: Tribute to Sting & The Police 12/5-15 – The Wizard of Oz 12/10 – Matt Stone as Elvis
“Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.”
– Franklin D. Roosevelt
MIDFLORIDA
Credit Union – Amphitheatre
Florida State Fairgrounds
4802 US Hwy. 301 N, Tampa 813-740-2446
https://tinyurl.com/52rmv4ex
National Theatre Live
Eckerd College, Miller Auditorium
4200 54th Ave. S, St. Pete Performances in HD http://tinyurl.com/y5fxrtc3
New Tampa Performing Arts Center
8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa 813-829-2760 newtampaartscenter.org
11/1-3 – Tampa City Ballet Presents: Carmen
11/8 – Tampa Bay Symphony Fall 2024 Virtuosic Adventures
11/9 – Kids Film Series: Finding Nemo
11/9 – Nathan Pacheco
11/10 – New Tampa Unplugged: Paul Wilborn Words & Music
11/13 – Steinway Piano Series: Nikolov-West Duo
11/19 – Evening Film Series: Fences
12/1 – Klassika
12/3 – Evening Film Series: Die Hard
12/7 – Kids Film Series: The Polar Express
12/8 – Florida Jazz Express: Holiday Big Band Extravaganza
Patel Conservatory
1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa, Dance / Theater / Music / Adult Classes 813-222-1002 patelconservatory.org
Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center
4951 78th Ave. N, Pinellas Park 727-369-5746 pinellas-park.com/161/ Performing-Arts-Center.com Tickets: ticketsales.com
11/16 – Red Corvette: Prince Tribute
12/7 – An Evening w/ Barbra starring Sharon Owens
Raymond James Stadium 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa 813-350-6500 raymondjamesstadium.com Through 11/3 – Garden Brothers Nuclear Circus
Riverwalk Tampa thetampariverwalk.com
Latin Thursdays
Second Sundays – 11am-3pm: Market + Art Walk, Armature Works 11/26 – Holiday Harbour Tree Lighting
Ruth Eckerd Hall 1111 N McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater 727-791-7400 rutheckerdhall.com
11/3 – TFO: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5
11/6 – TFO: Expect the Unexpected 11/8 – Blackberry Smoke
11/9 – Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock & Roll
11/14 – The Jinkx & Dela Holiday Show
11/15 – Bert Kreischer & Mike Calta present Bert Aid
11/16 – Wheel of Fortune Live
11/17 – Disney Jr. Live 11/19 – Pinellas County Schools: All County Chorus
11/22 – Floyd Nation
11/23 – Bonnie Raitt
11/30 – Dave Koz and Friends
12/5 – Nurse Blake
12/8 – Bowzer’s Holiday Rock ‘n’ Roll Party
12/12 – Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert
12/13-14 – Jerry Seinfeld
Safety Harbor
Art & Music Center
706 Second St. N, Safety Harbor 727-725-4018 safetyharborartand musiccenter.com
11/2 – Annika Chambers
11/8 – Swim in Salt
11/9 – Dixon’s Violin
11/14 – Jimmy Carpenter 11/17 – Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials
11/22 – Mr. Sipp
11/30 – Albert Castiglia
12/7 – Kristy Lee
12/12 – Acoustic Holiday Concert
12/13 – Mike Zito
12/14 – Will Evans
12/15 – Banshee Tree
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
5223 Orient Rd., Tampa 813-627-6649
seminolehardrocktampa.com
11/3 – Greeicy
11/7 – Parmalee
11/10 – Randy Houser
11/14 – An Evening of Icons feat. The Commodores and The Pointer Sisters
the Beaches For 3 Generations PH. (727)367-1949 FX. (727)367-1304, (800)783-6929
2506 Pass-A-Grille Way, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706 www.hurley-associates.com
Beautiful pool, backyard and “man cave”. Great home for entertaining. $635,000
Sylvette Condominium 1 bedroom 1 bath corner unit. Great pool and other amenities. $190,000
Beach House Condominium, 3rd floor, 2 bedroom over looking the beach. $650,000.
We are here to help with your rental and property management needs. Call us for an in home consultation about what we can do to help you make the most of your investment.
ARTS & LEISURE EVENTS
11/2-3 – Savor St. Pete
Food and Wine Festival
$115-$145, 1-4pm/Noon-4pm VIP, Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Drive NE. The festival brings together the best of the best in food, wine, craft beers and premium spirits. Guests can enjoy flavor-packed bites from leading Bay area restaurants, and an array of craft beers and wines. The VIP Spirits Lounge offers top-shelf cocktails and experiences. A percentage of ticket sales benefit local Bay area charities. www.savortheburg.com
11/6-24 – The Mountaintop
$53, times vary by date, American Stage, 163 Third St. N, St. Pete. It’s April 3, 1968, and you’re in Room 306 of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn. It’s the final night in the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and things are about to get real. Through poignant dialogue and powerful monologues, “The Mountaintop” offers a humanizing portrayal of King, revealing the man behind the myth and highlighting the complexities of his life and work. www.americanstage.org
11/7-9 – Fall King of the Beach
Free admission, tournament registration $350 (team-members), $425 (team-nonmembers), Madeira Beach Recreational Complex, 200 Rex Place, Madeira Beach. The Old Salt King of the Beach is one of the largest, richest and, certainly, most exciting king mackerel fishing tournaments in the United States. The King is a combination fishing tournament and waterfront festival drawing upwards of 600 teams competing for a share of over $300,000 in prizes, thousands of attendees and visitors, live music-boats-fishing gear-apparel-food and beverages, all capped off on Tournament Day when fish are weighed, and the 2024 Fall KING is crowned. Registration: https://tinyurl.com/57etxye7
11/8-10 –36th Annual Tarpon Springs Seafood Festival
Free admission, Fri - noon-9pm/Sat - 10am-9pm/Sun - 10am-5pm, Sponge Docks, 735 Dodecanese Blvd. The festival will feature a variety of seafood vendors, as well as non-seafood items for landlubbers. There will also be a variety of arts and crafts vendors, activities, a chef’s competition and more.
11/9 – Pops in the Park
Free, 6:30pm, Vinoy Park, St. Pete. Bring the blanket and a picnic and The Florida Orchestra will provide the perfect soundtrack of free music under the stars. Featuring movie music, Broadway hits and classical favorites. Be sure to bring your non-perishable goods for TFO’s annual food drive.
11/9 – SHINE 2024 Celebration Free, 8-11pm, FloridaRAMA, 2606 Fairfield Ave. S, St. Pete. The festival, which runs 11/8-17, culminates with a finale event at FloridaRAMA featuring a solo show and book release by 2023 artist Chris Dyer’s Positive Creations, custom installations from 2021 artists Nicole Salgar and Ricky Watts, DJ and special performance by Woes (2021) and The Mighty Giants, Giano Currie’s interactive photography experience, After Hours Photoshoot and more. The finale event is free and open to the public. A limited number of tickets will be available for $75 to the SHINE VIP Experience inside FloridaRAMA’s immersive art space to mingle with past and present SHINE artists. VIP tickets at https://tinyurl.com/bdh9tetc
11/20 – Babyface 11/21 – El Zolazo Tampa 11/24-25 – Giggly Squad Life: Club Giggly
12/8 – Countess LuAnn
12/12 – Old Dominion 12/15 – Martin Lawrence
Skipper’s Smokehouse 910 Skipper Rd., Tampa 813-971-0668 skipperssmokehouse.com
11/2 – WMNF presents The Ultimate Talking Heads Tribute
11/8 – Corey Smith 11/14 – DIZGO
12/6 – WMNF Presents Keller Williams
Sparkman Wharf
615 Channelside Drive, Tampa
• Burger Fi
• Jotoro
• LightHaus
• Noblerice
• Splitsville
• Shortwave Coffee
* Whatever Pops sparkmanwharf.com
St. Petersburg City Theatre 4025 31st St. S, 727-866-1973 spcitytheatre.org
12/7, 14, 21 – A Christmas Carol 12/13-22 – Irving Berlin’s White Christmas the Musical
Stageworks Theater 1120 E Kennedy Blvd., West Bldg., #151, Tampa 813-374-2416 stageworkstheatre.org 11/29-12/22 – The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical
Straz Center for the Performing Arts
1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa 813-229-7827 strazcenter.org Through 11/10 – The Boy Who Loved Batman Through 11/17 – Gorey Stories 11/1 – TFO: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 11/2 – Hillary Clinton Live 11/2 – Bob the Drag Queen 11/3 – Tampa Bay Symphony 11/6 – The Magic School Bus 11/6-10 – Moulin Rouge: The Musical 11/7 – Let’s Go Science 11/11 – USAF Band Airmen Of Note
11/12 – Dr. Lindsay Zanno: Rise of the T. Rex
11/12-17 – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas the Musical
11/21 – A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland
11/21-24 – Much Ado About Nothing
11/22 – Dry Bar Comedy Live 11/22 – TFO: Brahms’ Symphony No. 2 11/23 – Ben Folds w/ Lindsay Kraft 11/23 – Black Violin
11/24 – Cold Case Live
11/30 – Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert
11/30 – Heather Land
12/1 – A Live Conversation with Chevy Chase
12/3-10 – Holiday Traditions Around the World
12/5 – Dr. Kaboom
12/5-6 – Christmas with C.S. Lewis 12/5-23 – It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play
12/6 – Moon Byul
12/7 – ElfTM In Concert
12/7 – Ceelo Green
12/7 – Sax Meets Santa 12/8 – Holiday Music Concert
12/8 – Drew Harrison: In the Spirit of John Lennon 12/10-15 – Some Like It Hot 12/12-15 – Elf The Musical, Jr. 12/13 – TFO: Classical Christmas w/ Master Chorale of Tampa Bay 12/14 – Omari Dillard Riverwalk Stage (free performances)
• Arts Legacy Remix (7:30pm) 11/8 – A Global Tapestry of Tampa Bay
• Live & Local (6pm) 11/9 – MW Walker
Studio Grand Central 2260 First Ave. S, St. Pete 727-202-7019 theoffcentral.com
11/7-17 – The Sound Inside 12/5-13 – A Tuna Christmas
Sunshine City Comedy Club 5501 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach 727-435-0327 sunshinecitycomedyclub.com
“The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity. The creative mind plays with the objects it loves.” – Carl Jung
Tampa Theatre
711 N Franklin St. Tampa tampatheatre.org
813-274-8286
One of America’s most elaborate movie palaces
11/3 – Nurse John: The Short Staffed Tour
11/8 – Brad Williams
11/16 – Dan and Phil: Terrible Influence
11/22 – Vir Das
11/23 – Max Amini
12/7 – Sheng Wang
12/14 – The Fab Four: USA Meets The Beatles!
Tarpon Springs Cultural Center
101 S Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs 727-942-5605 tarponarts.org
Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center 324 Pine St., Tarpon Springs 727-942-5605 tarponarts.org
11/3 – Elements: The Ultimate Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute 11/9 – Troubadour Project: 70s Rock Revival
11/16 – Time Traveler: A Tribute to the Music of the Moody Blues 12/7 – Christmas with the King starring Brandon Bennett
11/9 11/12
Steamroller Christmas 11/16 11/17 11/22 11/23
Brahms’ Symphony No. 2 12/5 12/6
12/7 12/8 12/14
The Palladium
253 Fifth Ave. N, St. Pete 727-822-3590 11/1
The Great American Songbook 11/3
The Original Voice of Foreigner 11/8
The Studio@620
620 First Ave. S, St. Pete 727-895-6620 thestudioat620.org Masks requested while in building
USF Yuengling Center
12499 USF Bull Run Drive, Tampa 813-974-3111 yuenglingcenter.com
11/23 – Chris Tomlin 11/29 – El Alfa 12/6 – The Blues is Alright Tour
Joyce Yang for Grieg’s Piano Concerto Nov 22 & 23
the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay Dec 13 & 14
ARTS & LEISURE EVENTS
11/12 – Dr. Lindsay Zanno: Rise of the T. Rex
$25, 7pm, Straz Center, Tampa. Paleontologist and National Geographic Explorer Dr. Lindsay Zanno hunts for clues in the evolutionary mystery of T. Rex, which reigned as the apex predator of North America around 66 million years ago. Each year she spends several months on expedition, scouring the badlands of western North America. Along the way, she has discovered many new species –including some of the earliest predecessors of T. Rex. https://tinyurl.com/6nm2c3ss
11/15-17 – St. Pete Run Fest
This three-day event features a half-marathon, a 10K, a 5K and a Kids Run. In addition, the festival will have local artists, live music, food and drink. Vendors and exhibitors will offer the latest in fitness technology, training trends and nutrition. Register at www.stpeterunfest.org/register-now
11/21-24 – Bert’s St. Pete Bikefest
General admission free/$60 concert VIP tickets, OCC Road House and Museum, 10575 49th St. N, Clearwater. Featured events include nightly concerts with national acts, afternoon concerts, bike shows, personal appearances by Orange County Choppers, and the epic Sunshine Skyway Ride with Paul Sr. VIP tickets: https://tinyurl.com/4hyb3b7z
11/23 – Festival of Needs:
A Community of Giving (hurricane relief event) Free, 5-8pm, Horan Park, 7701 Boca Ciega Drive, St. Pete Beach. This holiday season please join The Kind Mouse at Festival of Needs where there will be local vendors, food trucks, holiday activities, entertainment, and a toy drive. There will also be nonprofits giving away essential items to those in our community who have been affected by the hurricanes. Sponsorships and vendor opportunities are available. Register and donate via www.TheKindMouse.org
11/23– Candlelight: The Best of The Beatles
$35, 8pm, First Baptist Church of St. Petersburg, 1900 Gandy Blvd. N. Listeso String Quartet will perform, by candlelight, an hour of works by John, Paul, George and Ringo. The Beatles ruled the ‘60s music scene with their groundbreaking psychedelic tunes, and their popularity has endured like no other band. From “Here Comes the Sun” to “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “Yesterday,” and many more, Listeso will reimagine the band’s greatest hits in a way that you could never imagine. Tickets at https://tinyurl.com/46zmr8wj
11/24 – Cold Case Live
$35.50, 2:30pm, Straz Center, Tampa. Host Joe Kennedy, founder of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service’s cold case unit, will walk the audience through the stages of a cold case investigation. Audience members can inspect clues from actual investigations, watch reenactments and ask questions, and then compare their choices to those made by a professional investigator. www.strazcenter.org
11/22-24 – Suncoast Jazz Festival
$40 and up, Sheraton Sand Key Resort, 1160 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater. Enjoy the best live performers from across the nation and around the world, with more than two dozen musicians and groups in the lineup. Headliners include Diego Figueiredo, Jason Marsalis, Ken Peplowski, New Black Eagle Jazz Band, and Wally’s Warehouse Waifs. Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/2jpt2p5c
Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
1630 E Seventh Ave., Ybor City, Tampa 813-221-2222 fmopa.org
Through 11/17 – Photo Ybor Through 12/8 – 2024 International Photography Competition 11/14 – Cigar City: Tales from the 1980s Creative Ghetto
Glazer Children’s Museum
110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa 813-443-3851 glazermuseum.org
Created specifically for children 10 and under.
Great Explorations
Children’s Museum
1925 Fourth St. N, St. Pete 727-821-8992 greatex.org
First Sun. of month open special hours for special needs families. Families with a SNAP, EBT, or WIC card get in free every Tues. Limited hours.
Gulf Beaches Historical Museum
115 10th Ave., St. Pete Beach
727-552-1610
gulfbeachesmuseum.com
Closed until further notice. Check for updates.
Gulfport History Museum
5301 28th Ave. S, Gulfport 727-201-8687
gulfporthistoricalsociety.org
Closed until further notice. Check for updates.
Henry Plant Museum
401 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa 813-254-1891 plantmuseum.com
Live classical music performances every third Thur.
Most Sundays – Upstairs/ Downstairs at the Tampa Bay Hotel Through 12/23 – Imperfect Harmony: Man, Machine, and Music at the Tampa Bay Hotel
1901 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-300-1700 imaginemuseum.com
Contemporary American Studio Glass Thur. $5 after 5pm
John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art
5401 Bay Shore Road., Sarasota 941-359-5700 ringling.org
Mon. – Free admission all day Thurs. – Art After 5 Through 1/5/25 –Shinique Smith: Parade Through 1/26/25 – Skyway 2024: A Contemporary Collaboration Through 2/9/25 – Enduring Light: Photographs by Roy DeCarava and Danny Lyon Through 2/25/25 – Jess T. Dugan: I want you to know my story Through 5/11/25 – Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists from Japan Through 9/21/25 –Embodied: Highlights from The Ringling Collection
Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art 600 E Klosterman Road, Tarpon Springs 727-712-5762 leeparattner.org Through 12/8 – Dolores Coe: Lost Worlds Through 12/8 – Bruce Marsh: Terra Incognita Through 12/8 – City of Dreams: Through the Veil of Surrealism Through 12/15 –Recontextualizing the Atlas: Five Decades of Barton Gilmore
Museum of the American Arts And Crafts Movement
355 Fourth St. N, St. Pete 727-440-4859 museumaacm.org Sun. Film Series – 12:30/2pm Daily Arts and Crafts-inspired films
Museum of Fine Arts
255 Beach Dr. NE, St. Pete 727-894-4368 mfastpete.org Thur. $10 after 5pm Through 11/3 – Skyway 2024: A Contemporary Collaboration
“A grateful heart is a beginning of greatness. It is an expression of humility. It is a foundation for the development of such virtues as prayer, faith, courage, contentment, happiness, love and well-being.” - James E. Faust
Safford House Museum 23 Parkin Court, Tarpon Springs 727-942-5805 tarponarts.org Restored 1883 Victorian home
St. Petersburg Museum of History
335 Second Ave. NE 727-894-1052 spmoh.com
Happy Hour with the Historian 11/14 – Dr. Gary Mormino: The 10 Foods that Define Florida 12/12 – Chris Kahl: A Musical Journey Through Florida’s Past
Sarasota Art Museum
1001 S Tamiami Trail, 941-309-4300 sarasotaartmuseum.org Through 1/19 – Tammy Nguyen: Timaeus and the Nations Through 1/19 – Claire Ashley: Chromatic Blush
11/17-4/13/25 – Larry Fink/Martha Posner: Flesh and Bone 11/17-4/13/25 – Joe Fig: Contemplating Vermeer
Tampa Bay Automobile Museum 3301 Gateway Centre, Pinellas Park. 727-579-8226 tbauto.org
Tampa Bay History Center
801 Old Water St., Tampa 813-226-0097 tampabayhistorycenter.org Walking tours of Tampa neighborhoods
Tampa Museum of Art 120 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa 813-259-1720 tampamuseum.org Thur. 4-8pm: pay-as-you-will admission.
Through 1/5/25 – Skyway 2024 –A Contemporary Collaboration Through 3/16/25 –
Suchitra Mattai: Bodies and Souls Through 5/25 — The Art of Coptic Egypt
Tarpon Springs Railroad Depot Historical Museum
Free. 160 E Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs 727-943-4624 tarponspringsarea historicalsociety.org
The Dalí Museum
One Dali Blvd., St. Pete 727-823-3767
thedali.org
Thur. and Fri. reduced admission after 5pm Advanced-purchase timed tickets recommended
The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art
150 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-892-4200 thejamesmuseum.org Tues. $10 all day
USF Contemporary Art Museum
Institute for Research in Art 3821 USF Holly Drive, Tampa 813-974-3503 ira.usf.edu
Through 11/23 – Skyway 2024: 12 Ways of Looking at a Landscape 11/7 – Film on the Lawn: The Florida Project
Through 12/20 – Mary Proctor: Paint the Way to Stay 11/12 – Books, Bubbles & Brunch w/ Dr. John L. Smith, Jr.
MUSIC
Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association
Jazz Jam, Mon., 7-9pm, Hangar Restaurant, 540 First St. SE, St. Pete, aldowningjazz.com
New Horizons Band of Gulfport
Gulfport Senior Center
5501 27th Ave. S, Gulfport 727-345-0285
newhorizonsbandgulfport.org
Novice, intermediate musicians
School of Rock St. Petersburg 2401 Central Ave., 727-871-7625 schoolofrock.com
Guitar, drum, singing, keyboard/ piano lessons
Gulfport’s Finest Salon & Spa Since 2012
We have all been through A LOT, it’s time to treat ourselves or someone you love!
Relaxation & Anti-Aging Facials
Using both all Natural and Pharmaceutical Skincare products. Options: Nardos Natural Relaxing Facials, PCA Chemical Peels / Diamondhead Microdermabrasion / Procell / Hydro Facial These treatments are not only extremely relaxing, but create beautifully rejuvenated glowing skin!
Also offering:
• ProCell Micro-Channeling Treatments
• Lightening and tightening ALL SKIN TYPES
Non-Surgical Face Lift & Body Contouring INSTANT RESULTS! NO NEEDLES, JUST RESULTS! All massages include free aroma therapy and hot towel compresses.
Spa Pedicures
Maddy is a Certified Master Pedicurist, specializing in Corrective Pedicures for correcting nail and foot issues such as thick unruly nails, diabetic footcare, ingrown nail, or cracked heels that seem to never go away.
Maddy’s has the solution! Book a Corrective Pedicure, and watch your nails and feet transform!!!! Manicures, Gel or Natural Nail. Our main goal is the health of your nails!
Lash extensions known to last well over 2 weeks!
Air-brush Make-up
Bridal or Special Occasion –Lasts 18+ hours, water resistant, and creates a flawless finish.
Experienced stylists in our hair room.
Call 727-388-2008 to book your appt! 5332 Gulfport Blvd. www.maddyspa.com
ARTS & LEISURE EVENTS
11/23 – Dunedin Celtic Music and Craft Beer Festival
$21.40, 10am-7pm, Highlander Park, 1920 Pinehurst Road, Dunedin. Presented by the Dunedin Scottish Arts Foundation, the festival is an annual outdoor festival featuring multiple musical acts all day! Held rain or shine, each year the main stage features regional, national, and international Celtic music artists along with the city of Dunedin Pipe Band. https://tinyurl.com/5776zy29
11/23 – Festival of Trees
Free admission, 5-8pm, Horan Park, 7701 Boca Ciega Drive, St. Pete Beach. The entire park will light up with the sounds and sights of the holidays. Vote on your favorite tree or wreath, get decorating ideas, meet new friends, buy a tree or wreath, shop the local vendors, picture with Santa, and walk down Candy Cane Lane. This is a fundraiser for www.thekindmouse.org
11/30-12/1 – Shopapalooza
Free admission, 10am-5pm, Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Drive NE, St. Pete. A community festival filled with local sounds, local tastes and more than 350 local makers and small businesses! It’s an epic celebration, and the biggest of its kind in the nation! A production of LocalShops1 and co-sponsored by the city of St. Petersburg.
11/30-12/1 – 33rd Annual Thanksgiving Art & Craft Festival
Free admission, 10am-5pm, 1 N. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs. An outdoor showcase for holiday shopping, with local artists, craft vendors, and one-of-a-kind gift items: folk art, earthenware, body products, paintings, wearable art, personalized gifts and more.
12/5 – Christmas with C.S. Lewis
$68.75, 7:30pm, Straz Center, Tampa. Author C.S Lewis is playing host to a group of American writers in his home outside Oxford. The man whose books (The Chronicles of Narnia, Mere Christianity) have impacted so many offers his guests his thoughts, insights and observations on the festive season as well as the events that have shaped his life and decisions. Christmas With C.S. Lewis is a thoughtful reflection and celebration of Christmas and life itself. www.strazcenter.org
12/7 – Honeymoon Island Bluegrass Festival
$18/$25 at gate, 11am-5pm, Honeymoon Island State Park, Dunedin.
Six hours of continuous music performed by the bands Fast Track, Tennessee Bluegrass Band, and Headin’ Home. There will be food vendors, a children’s play area and silent auctions. A free trolley service will carry enthusiasts to and from the event. Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/ycyb8tee
12/7 – Angel Tree Toy Run 10K, 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run
Fees vary, 7:30am 10K and 5K start, 8am 1 Mile start, Salvation Army, 340 14th Ave. S, St. Pete. The Salvation Army Angel Tree program has been serving millions of children-in-need nationwide during the holiday season since 1979. Please bring unwrapped new and quality used toys for children; the Grand Prize for most toys donated is two tickets to Universal Studios. Race registration: https://tinyurl.com/j9xtnjvc
12/13-14 – Merry Beach Market Holiday Festival
Free admission, Fri 5-9pm/Sat 2-8pm, ROC Park, 300 Municipal Drive, Madeira Beach. More than 150 local vendors will offer a diverse array of handmade crafts, unique gifts and one-of-a-kind seasonal decorations. Live entertainment and food and beverage stands will help fuel the festive atmosphere. Concluding the days’ activities will be a fireworks show on Friday evening and the 58th annual Madeira Beach Lighted Boat Parade on Saturday night.
South Pasadena Community Band 727-515-5407 southpasadenaband.com All-volunteer band All rehearsals cancelled; concerts postponed or cancelled.
St. Petersburg College Gibbs Campus Music Center 6605 Fifth Ave. N, 727-341-4360 spcollege.edu/events
Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Society Cove Cay Golf Club, sdjs2022.org 2612 Cove Cay Drive, Clearwater 11/22-24 – Suncoast Jazz Festival 12/15 – Christmas Party
Tampa Bay Symphony Performances in various locations 727-827-8087 tampabaysymphony.org
11/3 – Virtuosic Adventures (Straz Center) 11/8 – Virtuosic Adventures (New Tampa Performing Arts Center) 11/10 – Virtuosic Adventures (Palladium)
TomKats Jazz Orchestra The Blue Parrot Mon. 7-9:30pm 85 Corey Circle, St. Pete Beach tomkatsjazzorchestra.com
OPERA
Opera Tampa at Straz Center, 1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa 813-229-7827 strazcenter.org
Sarasota Opera House 61 N Pineapple Ave., 941-328-1300 sarasotaopera.org 11/9-10 – The Hobbit 11/15-17 – The Music of Giuseppe Verdi 11/16 – Moonlight and Melodies Dinner
12/6 – The Nutcracker presented by the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School
12/8 – The Nutcracker presented by Diane Partington Studio of Classical Ballet
St. Pete Opera 2145 First Ave. S, 727-823-2040 stpeteopera.org
Various performance locations 11/2 – Broadway Cabaret: An Evening of Cander and Ebb (Opera Central) 11/16-24 – Pinocchio (Opera Central)
St. Petersburg Opera Guild stpeteoperaguild.org
The Pinellas Opera League Thur.: Opera at the Dali pinellasoperaleague.com
ECO
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 1101 Country Club Way S, St. Pete 727-893-7326 stpeteparksrec.org/ boydhillpreserve
Closed Mon.
Environmental education center, Terry Tomalin Campground, Pinellas Pioneer Settlement
Brooker Creek Preserve 3940 Keystone Rd., Tarpon Springs 727-453-6800 brookercreekpreserve.org
Tram Tours Sat. Closed to assess damage. Check for updates.
Fort De Soto Park
3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde 727-552-1862 pinellascounty.org/park Campgrounds, ferry services to Egmont and Shell Keys. Closed for storm clean-up. Check for updates.
Tampa Bay Watch
Discovery Center
700 Second Ave. NE, at The St. Pete Pier 727-291-4103 tbwdiscoverycenter.org Daily boat tours of Tampa Bay ecosystem
“Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” – Plato
Weedon Island Preserve
1800 Weedon Dr. NE, St. Pete
727-453-6500
weedonislandpreserve.org
Guided hikes, birding, and photography tours. Archaeology lectures, classes and webinars. Closed until further notice. Check for updates.
GARDENS
Florida West Coast Orchid Society
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 10891 102nd Ave. N, Seminole 727-420-7230 fwcos.org
Garden Club of St. Petersburg 500 Sunset Dr. S, 727-381-8920 gardenclubstpetersburg.org
Ikebana International
500 Sunset Drive, St. Pete (Garden Club building) ikebanastpetersburg.com
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
1534 Mound St., Sarasota 941-366-5731 selby.org
Through 12/1 –
The Orchid Show 2024: Purple! Historic Spanish Point campus is closed. Check for updates.
Pinewood Cultural Park
12520 Ulmerton Road, and 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo Heritage Village pinellas.gov/parks/heritage-village/ Closed until further notice.
Check for updates.
Creative Pinellas –creativepinellas.org
12/5 – Arts Annual 2024 Artist Reception
Florida Botanical Gardens –
Free 100-acre park flbg.org
Closed until further notice.
Check for updates.
Third Saturday – Gardens open 7am-5pm; Creative Pinellas open noon-5pm; Heritage Village open 10am-4pm
Sunken Gardens
1825 Fourth St. N, St. Pete
Adult and child classes sunkengardens.org
Closed until further notice.
Check for updates.
FERRIES
Crossbay Ferry
Connecting Downtown Tampa to Downtown St. Pete
Wed.-Sun. through May
727-273-5932
thecrossbayferry.com
Egmont Key Ferry
Fort De Soto Boat Ramp
727-398-6577
hubbardsmarina.com
Shell Key Ferry
Fort De Soto Boat Ramp
727-398-6577
hubbardsmarina.com
See website for overnight camping
LIBRARIES
Gulf Beaches Public Library
200 Municipal Drive, Madeira Beach 727-391-2828
gulfbeacheslibrary.org
Gulfport Public Library
5501 28th Ave. S, Gulfport 727-893-1074
mygulfport.us/gpl
St. Pete Beach Public Library
365 73rd Ave., St. Pete Beach
727-363-9238
stpetebeach.org/780/Public-Library Mon-Fri 10am-6pm Sat 10-2; Sun closed See spblibrary.com for events.
President Barack Obama
Main Library
3745 Ninth Ave. N, St. Pete
727-893-7724
splibraries.org Closed for renovation.
SPIRITUAL
Sacred Lands
1700 Park St. N, St. Pete 727-347-0354
sacredlandspreservation.org
Drum circle first Fri.; Sun. tours, meditations, special events
Soothe Our Souls (S.O.S.)
4737 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach 727-360-7411
sootheoursouls.org
Provides complimentary sailing for seriously health-challenged people and their support groups.
Robby's Pancake Breakfast
Hosted by Middle Grounds Grill & Gulf Beaches Rotary Rotary�
Sunday, December 1 , 2024
Sausage
ARTS & LEISURE
Spiritual Conditioning Program
153 107th Ave., Treasure Island
Pat Jano at 727-324-9222 Small group Bible study.
ZOOS/AQUARIUMS
Clearwater Marine Aquarium 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater 727-441-1790 cmaquarium.org Rescue, rehab and release Home of Winter and Hope, stars of Dolphin Tale I & II
Florida Aquarium
701 Channelside Drive, Tampa 813-273-4000 flaquarium.org 11/29-1//25 – YuleTides
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota 941-388-4441 mote.org Closed until further notice. Check for updates.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park 1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa 813-935-8552 zootampa.org Some areas temporarily closed.
CLUBS-SERVICE/SOCIAL
Gulfport Lions Club
Second and fourth Tues. 6:30pm Gulfport Lions Clubhouse 4630 Tifton Dr. S, Gulfport 727-709-6694 facebook.com/Gulfport-Lions-Club
Pass-A-Grille Shuffleboard
January through March Tues./Thurs./Sat., 10am–noon Pass-A-Grille Park, 1000 Pass-a-Grille Way Member $20/yr., open to public.
Preserve The ‘Burg 727-824-7802 preservetheburg.org
Rotary Club of Gulf Beaches Tues., Noon. VFW, 12901 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach facebook.com/RotaryGulfBeaches
Second Saturday Singers
Second Sat. 9am–noon, Oct-April
Pasadena Community Church, 227 70th St. S, St. Pete bobd@pccumc.org
St. Petersburg Audubon Society 727-753-9731 stpeteaudubon.org
St. Petersburg Chess Club 540 Fourth Ave. N, St. Pete Open every Fri. for members 6-11pm; Sun. 2-4pm group lessons and friendly games.
St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club
559 Mirror Lake Drive N, St. Pete Fri., 7-10pm, Free. stpeteshuffle.com
Suncoast Bonsai Society
Seminole Recreation Center 9100 113th St., Third Sat. 10am suncoastbonsaisociety.org
Suncoast Quilting Circle Works to preserve and promote the art of quilt making. suncoastquiltingcircle.org
Swiss Club St. Petersburg Welcomes new members. Inquire via website: SwissClubStPetersburg.com
Tampa Bay Surface Guild
Good Samaritan Church 6085 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park. Second Mon., 6:30-8:30pm
Coloring, patterning, structuring and transformation of fabric, fiber, and other materials surfacedesignguild.com
The Contemporaries Support group of Members of Museum of Fine Arts. Monthly lectures, gatherings and field trips supporting contemporary artists of Tampa Bay. mfastpete.org
Treasure Island Historical Society
Treasure Island Community Center Garden Room, 154 106th Ave. Sept.-April, Second Mon., 5pm facebook.com/ treasureislandFLhistoricalsociety
Treasure Islettes
Treasure Island Community Center, 154 106th Ave. Bingo Thursdays 6:30pm treasureislettes.weebly.com Supports charity and college scholarships.
Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market 9am-3pm, Oct. through April 9am-2pm, May through Sept. Beach Blvd. below 28th Ave. S, First Tues. Clothing Swap: Russian Club, 2920 Beach Blvd. S visitgulfportflorida.com
WEDNESDAYS
Madeira Beach Market Nov.-May 10am-3pm 15000 Madeira Way
FRIDAYS
Sunset Market
First and third Fri. nights, 5-10pm, parking lot of Imagine Museum, 1901 Central Ave., St. Pete.
Creative Clay Outdoor Art Market
First Fridays, 10am-2pm 1846 First Ave. S, St. Pete
Treasure Island Friday Market Dec.-April, 9am-2pm Community Center Park islandneighborschamber.org
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
Dunedin Downtown Market 9am-1pm, Pioneer Park, 420 Main St., Fri. market Nov.-May until 2pm; Sat. market year-round.
SATURDAYS
Crossroads Market
Third Saturdays, 10am-2pm, Crossroads Christian Church 1645 Seminole Blvd., Largo
St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market Oct.-May, 9am-2pm Al Lang Stadium parking lot,
230 First St. SE
June-Sept. 9am-1pm, Williams Park, 350 Second Ave. N saturdaymorningmarket.com
The Market Marie
Second Saturdays, 10am-3pm Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St., Clearwater
Mezzo Market
One Saturday a month Oct.-May, Baum Avenue between Intermezzo Coffee & Green Bench Brewing, St. Pete mezzomarket.co
SUNDAYS
49th Street Makers/Growers Market
First Sunday, 10am-2pm Red Feather Studios, 1301 49th St. S, Gulfport
Corey Avenue Sunday Market 10am-2pm/June-Oct. 9am-1pm Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach coreyave.com
Indian Shores Sunday Market Nov.-April, 9am-1pm Indian Shores Town Hall, 19305 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores facebook.com/ IndianShoresSundayMarket
St. Pete Sunday Market Third Sun. of the month, Noon-6pm Arts Xchange 515 22nd St. S, St. Pete
Sunday Market St. Pete Weekly, 10am-5pm, St. Petersburg High School, 2501 Fifth Ave. N
SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS
Art Mart at Pass-a-Grille Sat. & Sun., 9am-2pm (+ Fridays through April) 900 Gulf Way, St. Pete Beach
Reaching 100,000+ in print, online social media, website and weekly eblasts! Online Events Weekly Enews Local Activities
www.paradisenewsfl.com • sales@paradisenewsfl.com
CLASSIFIED
ACCOUNTING / BOOKKEEPING & TAX SERVICES
David J. Strickler, CPA, PA, djscpa1@aol.com 727.906.9600
ACUPUNCTURE
Ancient Healing Acupuncture & Herbs Authentic oriental healing arts are still the foremost healing methods in China. 6600 31st. Terrace N., St. Pete. 727.384.4826
ANNUAL HOME RENTAL
Keyrenter property management takes the worry out of being a land lord. KeyrenterStPete.com or call Sam 727-202.2700
BOAT CLUB
Limited Membership Boat Club with Premium Boats. All day usage for a fraction of the cost of ownership. SovereignBoatClub.com
Call for a free in-home consult. See ad for 30% off next purchase. Call Budget Blinds 727.821.0976 and/or Service First Installers CAREGIVER/COMPANION
In-home aid, dementia/companion care, meals, laundry, groceries, pets, appointments. St. Petersburg / S. Pinellas. References available. Maritza Palmucci 813.230.9392
Companionship, errands, transportation to appointments, light cooking, cleaning, and laundry, medication reminders. Call Gail 260.242.0246, email gail@compassionatecompanioncare forseniors.com, compassionate companioncareforseniors.com
CARPETS & RUGS
Professional Rug Cleaning & Invisible Repairs – Free pick-up and delivery. Also, the largest selection of imported Handmade works of art you can walk on.
Oriental Rug Bazaar 727.726.8787
COLLEGE ADMISSION
FL-based College Counselor
Helping students with college admissions www.ic-prep.com
CLOSET DESIGN & INSTALLATION
Get organized. Maximize the space you have in closets, pantries, laundry rooms & more. newclosettoday.com
Call for a free consult 727.641.6448
CREMATION
Family Cremation Plot - 49th St., $12K, Memorial Gardens 727.381.5363
DENTAL SERVICES
Century Dental, Advanced Dental Technology, Implants,Reconstructive, Cosmetic & Laser Dentistry, 617 75th Ave., St. Pete Beach, 40 Years
Helios Health – Zoe (MA31664) offers massage and Infrared sauna therapy on West Central Ave. at 57th St., St. Petersburg 727.322.8883
PAINTING SERVICES
Residential or Commercial Painting
Flo-Pro Painting 727.337.6888
PICKLEBALL/TENNIS LESSONS
Private/group lessons for all ages/skill levels. 727.481.6375 brian@sunshinecitytennis.com
PLASTIC SURGERY
Coundouriotis Facial Plastic Surgery and Laser Center 727.525.9900
“Reverse the Signs Of Aging Anywhere on your body, Rebuild collagen & reduce wrinkles.”
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
Marina Bay – New Construction Near Eckerd. More than beautiful. Resilient, Private, Peaceful, Protected FORTIFIED 727.906.3300
MarinaBaystPete.com
Amazing Marina Bay homes for sale NOW! 10 Bayfront Court S, St. Pete,
$2,875,000, 4 BR/3.5BA, 3,239sf of waterfront elegance karabrookshomes.com/10bayfront 16B Franklin Court S., St. Pete
$1,695,000, 3 BR/2.5BA 2,334sf of effortless waterfront convenience karabrookshomes.com/16bfranklin by www.KaraBrooksHomes.com, Premier Sothebys Real Estate For SALE
Completely Renovated 2BR 1.5 BA, 5503 80th St. N #209 1139 sf $239K (see Leverocks Realty ad page 23) 727.422.3483
Amazing Marina Bay homes seek new owners!
18A Franklin Court S., St. Pete
$1,749,000, 3 BR/2.5BA 2,374sf of effortless waterfront convenience 26 Jefferson Ct S.3 BR 2 BA 2,000sf
PENDING 10 Bayfront Court S, St. Pete, $2,875,000, karabrookshomes.com/18AFranklin karabrookshomes.com/26Jefferson by www.KaraBrooksHomes.com
Premier Sothebys 727.313.1233
Marina Bay New ConstructionBuilt like its Fortified Call the developer 727-906-3300
Visit www.MarinaBaySt.Pete.com
(see their ad on page 5)
RESIDENTIAL PROTECTION
Insurance Companies are now rejecting claims if no one has been there in 14 days.
Property Watch Ninja’s are your boots on the ground When you’re not around.
PropertyWatchNinja’s.com or Call 727.620.2620
SCREEN REPAIR
Screen Repair for Pool Cages, Patios and Lanais, call or text for a FREE Estimate.
Rescreen Rescue 727.348.4307
SEO & WEBSITES
Advanced Digital Media Services develops websites with SEO built-in to get your company to the top on Google. Text or call 727.509.6930
Create and Improve Your Online Presence, customerloyaltyagency.com
Call Dean at 941.323.1402
SLIDING DOOR REPAIR
Stop struggling with old sliding doors. We fix it to open for a fraction of the cost of a new door. We replace windows too. Lic. C1050, YouTube.com/user/SliderRepairs
Slider Repairs 727.493.2644
TERMITES
Cameron Termite & Pest Control Inspections, Treatments and Tenting Camerontermite.com 727.577.0789
TOURS & TRANSPORTATION
Paradise Tours & Transportation
Call us 1st for your transportation needs. We will take you where you want to go! Sightseeing tours and transportation around Tampa Bay. 727.417.8036
Free Beach Rides 727.776.7553
TUTORING
Portuguese & French Tutoring Conversational-Grammar-Literature parigitropicale@gmail.com 727.301.5917
Piano lessons your home or my studio. All ages & styles, affordable, 25 years of experience. 727.688.2782
French lessons by French nativeAll levels. Text or call 571.435.5606
See Life More Clearly, 30 yrs. exp., Residential, Commercial. Estimates are free. Call Tim 727.488.8516
CLASSIFIED ADS
10 Words 10 issues $100
20 Words 10 Issues $200
Single issue or less than 10 $2.50/word. Email: sales@paradisenewsfl.com Or call 727-363-6888.
ENCOURAGING WORDS
By Dennis Merritt Jones, DD
The Wisdom of This Too Shall Pass
Reflecting on the times when we’ve felt trapped in a whirlwind of fear, stripped of any control over our fate, brings to mind recent experiences with nature’s ferocity. For many, this feeling was all too real on September 26th with Hurricane Helene’s onslaught, or on October 9th, as Hurricane Milton carved a path across the Gulf, threatening Tampa with its formidable force as a Category F3-F4 storm. As I lay hunkered down in my bed in the dark with no power listening to the hundred-mile-per hour winds pound on our storm windows, my mantra was “This too shall pass”…and gratefully, it eventually did.
Reflecting on the times when we’ve felt trapped in a whirlwind of fear, stripped of any control over our fate, brings to mind recent experiences with nature’s ferocity. For many, this feeling was all too real on September 26th with Hurricane Helene’s onslaught, or on October 9th, as Hurricane Milton carved a path across the Gulf, threatening Tampa with its formidable force as a Category F3-F4 storm. As I lay hunkered down in my bed in the dark with no power listening to the hundred-mile-per hour winds pound on our storm windows, my mantra was “This too shall pass” … and gratefully, it eventually did.
One of the most significant challenges during times like this is the inherent unpredictability. Meteorologists, despite their articulate explanations, could only provide educated guesses about Hurricane Milton’s trajectory until the very last moment. They presented us with “spaghetti plots,” speculative models depicting potential paths, all converging towards various points in the Tampa region. This uncertainty gave rise to what they call “The Cone of Uncertainty.” However, this term only served to amplify the fear and anxiety among those residing within the cone, myself included. Sadly, Hurricane Milton did make landfall in St. Pete, leaving behind a trail of destruction and suffering across the Tampa region.
This experience underscores a broader illusion that plagues us: the erroneous belief that we have control over numerous aspects of our daily lives. Fear often takes root in our minds because, despite our best efforts, we possess little control over the future. We yearn for peace and security, hoping for assurance that all will be well. In reality, our control is limited to our next breath and thought, yet we expend vast amounts of time and energy worrying about the unknown.
We All Live In Our Own Personal Cone of Uncertainty
Even without hurricanes, each of us encounters our own personal Cone of Uncertainty throughout our lives. These uncertainties might not be stormrelated. For some, a doctor’s diagnosis creates a storm of its own, leaving us feeling powerless over our destiny. Others may find themselves caught in the turmoil of political unrest, economic instability, or the rising crime rates broadcasted on the evening news. These personal storms vary in cause but are universal in their impact. The practice is to remember the wisdom of “This Too Shall Pass.”
When some friends suggest relocating from Florida to avoid future hurricanes,
I responded that uncertainty is not unique to any one location. Having lived in California, I’ve encountered drought, fires, traffic congestion, and earthquakes – each presenting its own version of uncertainty. As the saying goes, you can run, but you can’t hide. Every place, physically or emotionally, harbors its own uncertainties. Perhaps the key to navigating these uncertainties is acceptance. We must recognize that uncertainty is an intrinsic part of the human experience. It is not about avoiding uncertainties, but rather about how we perceive and respond to them.
THE TAKE AWAY: Whatever personal Cone of Uncertainty you may face today, invite it to be your teacher. Embrace living proactively with uncertainty and refuse to let fear dictate your actions. Understand what you can control and what you cannot, and find peace in that knowledge. This is an invitation to either take action, or stand down and let it pass. In the midst of our most daunting storms, let us find comfort in the wisdom of the saying, “This too shall pass.” It holds true for good times, bad times, and all in between. Storms are transient; they always pass. Always. To those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, I send my heartfelt blessings. Remember, better days lie ahead.
Dennis Merritt Jones’ vision is “Guiding People to Purpose.” He is an award-winning author of seven books, a keynote speaker, and personal mentor/coach who loves living in St. Petersburg. If you would like more information regarding his availability as a speaker, his mentoring programs, and his books, please visit his website at DennisMerrittJones.com
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