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Market Grower Spotlight Florida Fresh Live Herbs

By Susan Schiber

What would we do without our growers? John and his son Matt grow herbs year-round in Plant City and bring them to the Corey Ave. Market every Sunday! Growing up in Massachusetts Matt knew that sunshine was where he wanted to be year-round. He was accepted to the University of Tampa and the sunshine state became his home. Working various part time jobs during his studies he met a local small herb grower that hired him. He instantly found his passion! The benefits and beauty of fresh live herbs!

In 2012 Matt ventured out on his own but needed his dad’s help, so he asked John to come to Plant City and spend 6 to 9 months to help get things growing. Soon they were wholesaling to local sellers. They joined Tampa Bay Markets as vendors and have been on Corey Ave. since opening day October 2014. Today they grow on 2.5 acres with a 4000-sq.-ft. greenhouse. John stayed in Florida and is the face you see at the market, providing you not only with fresh herbs but growing tips, benefits and maybe he will share a recipe secret or two! The Summer Market on Corey Ave. is operating 9am-1pm every Sunday through the end of September with 40+ vendors.

On October 3rd, the market will expand its vendor pool and hours from 10am-2pm. Corey Avenue Market Mgr. c: 727-403-0626 e: coreyavenuemarket@gmail.com

EAT & DRINK: Cool boutiquey Cordova Hotel’s stylish art deco interior (blue velvet sofas, library) sports The Scott, a coffee bar by day, hip cocktail lounge at night with the best espresso martini in town. Replacing WEPA near 3 Daughters Brewing will be health-conscious sol this fall. Social Roost, Lingr (Norwegian/Asian), Fado’s (Portuguese) and Sauvignon’s Christopher Stockwell’s new American and Italian dishes (handmade pastas, charcuterie) are the hottest dinner tickets in town, joining Parkshore, Il Ritorno, Gratzzi and Sea Salt for memorable meals, soon to be joined by Ceviche on Beach Dr. Aussie Brew Pub Where’s Jubes. Lucky Jube opening in the Lucky Dill location. Famed chef Fabio Viviani will open Taverna Costale, serving coastal Italian cucina.

New to South St. Pete is Mullet’s Fish Camp Florida-style fresh fish (fried, Cajun, grilled or blackened), shrimp platters, crab cakes and garlic beer-battered onion rings near Munch’s and Southside Coffee, with awesome retro cocktails, Vitale Bros. murals and live music on weekends. Valkyrie Doughnuts (egg-free, dairy-free) in awesome flavors from chocolate to blueberry French toast.

V alkyrie d oughnu TS

FUN-TASTIC: Hollander Hotel poolside yoga is back with Body Electric instructors every Sat. morning 8:30-9:30 am limited to 38 students. Reserve, $15 or $20 at the door if it’s not sold out ($5 for Body Electric members). You can also reserve a cabana at the pool for you and six of your friends if you are a paying customer. The $150 rental for the cabana can be deducted from your food and beverage bill (727-873-7900 to reserve).

Get a seasonal watermelon pedicure at the delightful Woodhouse Spa, the perfect way to soothe your soul (massage!) and escape the heat. At The Hive explore vintage treasures and take crafty classes including pottery. Intrigued by the Tibetan Singing Bowl classes being offered downtown? Sign up 813-545-4831. Rent a cycle from Coast Bikes’ kiosks or Tony’s Bikes to explore the waterfront and murals downtown.

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Enjoy Neapolitan pizza and California-Italian style fare at Central Ave’s Matteo Trattoria & Pizzeria. DTSP’s two faves Nueva Cantina will open in St. Pete Beach next to Boulevard Burgers later this summer and Naked Farmer will have a second location in Tampa. Get a hole-in-one at Grand Central District’s SHOP: Browse Cosette’s Boutique for cool clothes, Christy’s Enchanted Notions for wisdom candles and dream catchers, The Merchant St. Pete’s octopus mugs, Steampunk jewelry, local artists and rock star portraits (Tom Petty, Prince) and cold brew at Crislip Café, who just celebrated their one-year anniversary. By Nanette Wiser Discover unique jewelry, accessories and gifts at St. Pete Store, Shapiro’s Fine American Craft, Florida CraftArt, Craftsman House, James Museum Shop and The Dali Museum Store. Truffula eco-boutique features organic cotton, bamboo and hemp clothing, jewelry and solar powered lights, phone chargers and more. Vinyl lovers, head over to Bananas Records on 2226 16th Ave. N or the main store near Mazzaro’s on 22nd Ave. N for records, CDs and DVDs.

DTSP KUDOS: FORUM, the Magazine of Florida Humanities, won 14 awards at the Magazine Association including Best Magazine in its category and eight first place “Charlies” for Best Overall Magazine, Best Theme Issue (democracy), best feature and in-depth feature, best commentary and more. Hats off to St. Pete’s Bill DeYoung and legendary Eric Deegans for their best in-depth feature “Lights, Camera, Florida.” Welcome to Florida Humanities’ new executive director Nashid Madyun, and congrats to FORUM editor Jacki Levine. Another accolade for the USF St. Pete campus, where Florida Humanities resides.

Another bonus for St. Pete is the new executive director of Preserve The ‘Burg, Manny Leto, who recalls “attending concerts at the historic State Theater (1924) or the iconic Detroit Hotel (1888) playing shuffleboard at the oldest courts in the nation (1927) or strolling historic Central Avenue in search of local shops and locally brewed beer, St. Petersburg has always possessed a certain powerful draw.” Hooray for former DTSP boutique owner Desiree Noisette and her Mermosa wines, available at Elizabeth’s Boutiques and officially rolling into Walmart (bottles), Target (cans), Total Wine (bottles) and Sam’s Club soon.

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Shoreline Sugars: This female-run, family-owned boutique on Central’s 600 block aims to inspire confidence by offering a range of clothing options that include floral sets, neutral staples, and bright bathing suits. Their styles are fresh and fun with shoes like lavender mules, white sneakers, and even roller skates. It is also impossible to leave the store without facing the temptation to purchase a t-shirt featuring Dolly Parton. Downtown St. Petersburg

Tipsy Mermaid: Whether the goal of a shopping trip is to find a lightweight, colorful outfit for a day on the water or a St. Petersburg-themed piece of interior decor, this boutique will help to achieve it. Many of their shirts and dresses offer sun protection, while many of their accessories

Shop Local ... Dress Global

Looking stylish without breaking the bank is easy. From St. Petersburg to Gulf Beaches, there are dozens of boutiques and consignment shops to browse for men, women, and kid’s attire. Some boutiques offer a coffee or wine bar. Many curate selections from local artists, from accessories to fashions. If you are looking for Florida-friendly clothing that enhances confidence and comfortability, start your retail therapy here.

will help disguise a wine glass or flask. This boutique also offers gifts such as handmade soaps, coasters, wine glass markers, and more. Downtown St. Petersburg & Safety Harbor

Brutique: This dog-friendly combination bar boutique is stocked with frosé, local brews, vintage-inspired t-shirts, and casual summer day-to-night looks for men and women. Many of the events they host feature food pop-ups, live music, and dog adoptions. Downtown St. Petersburg

Ashe Couture Boutique: With brands like Free People, Billabong, and RVCA, this boutique’s clothing, swimwear, and accessories will infuse a sense of both 1970s and 2021 trends. Plus, it’s hard not to like a store that includes a Mean Girls quote in their Instagram bio! Downtown St. Petersburg

z•aa Dress Up Studio: This studio elevates tropical, floral, and paisley prints within statement pieces and offers solid staples to help women style themselves with a sense of confidence and freedom. The complete collection including clothing and accessories is available at www.zaastyle.com, and reservations are available for personal styling sessions or private shopping parties. Downtown St. Petersburg

Patchington: Customers will find an array of sun protective clothing, Brighton jewelry, sunglasses, and more. The customer service is excellent, and those who walk in may find themselves offered a glass of chilled wine as they shop! The store hosts events for charity, fashion shows, and a birthday discount of 25% every month. Isla del Sol, Belleair

Hallie Mae’s Boutique: As a woman-owned business, this boutique offers breezy dresses, locally inspired graphic t-shirts, fashionable sets, and beach bags featuring fun phrases and tropical graphics. Customers will find on-trend bathing suits and cover ups along with accessories such as jewelry and clutches. Receive 10% off your purchase with the mention of this article! St. Pete Beach

Grove Surf + Coffee: This combination coffee bar and boutique curates investment pieces for men, women, and children. One wall displays high quality sandals, while another features racks of swimsuits of both classic and current styles. Accessories include sunglasses, sophisticated straw bags, and jewelry featuring the classic puka shell! Enjoy their toasted coconut latté (a customer favorite made with their own handmade syrup) while searching the store for board shorts, wakeboards, and children’s swim styles! St. Pete Beach

dody: Beach and bungalow offerings comprise this woman-owned boutique. Here, luxury beach and resort wear hang in the form of lightweight dresses, quality bathing suits, and upscale essentials. This boutique also includes staples like floatable keychains, sunscreen, beauty products, and comfortable flip flops. Accessories include jewelry from makers in Italy, France, Brazil, and Colombia. Pass-A-Grille

Cozette’s Boutique: Open for over 11 years, this family-owned business on Central’s 600 block features unique products like eclectic jewelry from local makers. Because many of the pieces are acquired from local makers, this boutique was able to support artists that worked from home during the recent quarantine. The women’s clothing is inspired by current street style but also includes comfortable basics. Downtown St. Petersburg

Plain Jane: This unique, woman-owned store on the 600 block of Central Avenue offers clothing, accessories, and other products for women and children. Populated with patterned onesies, stuffed animals in muted tones, swaddles, and more, the baby section is the most appealing feature to customers according to Plain Jane’s owner, Karen. This boutique also offers jewelry from makers such as Carla Poma and ABLE. Downtown St. Petersburg

Detox Designer Resale Boutique: For designer handbag brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Chanel, this boutique offers reasonable prices and works hard to find them. The boutique offers to purchase clothing and handbags from individuals on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays then resells them at reasonable prices. Find Florida-casual outfits that include brands such as Lululemon, Lilly Pulitzer, and Free People. St. Petersburg

Elizabeth’s Boutique and Wine Shop: For a shopping experience that includes sipping a variety of wines and bubblies, bright and light cruise wear, resort wear, and By Megan Bailey beachwear comprise the inventory of this shop. The clothing and accessories available are curated for all ages (although the wine is not). Local philanthropist and fashionista Pat Rossignol’s signature perfumes sold here. St. Pete Beach

Misred Outfitters: It is difficult not to find a loveable piece that works with the Florida heat in this woman-owned boutique. Divided into two separate spaces, one side features colorful dresses, patterned blouses and shorts, and even more contemporary clothing. The other includes modern and eclectic jewelry, shoes, and handbags. Scattered throughout are unique accessories that complement a multitude of styles. Downtown St. Petersburg

Revolve Clothing Exchange: Exploring this consignment shop is like a treasure hunt. It includes racks labeled “As Seen on Instagram” and one dedicated to high demand brands like Topshop and BDG. Among the other rows of hangers, Levi’s jeans, Zara blouses, and Old Navy shorts await. The men’s section features modern brands as well, while at the back of the store, true vintage pieces are on display. Bring in clothing to trade for store credit. St. Petersburg

ConCrete Issues

Many Americans grew up like I did, marveling at the amazing history of concrete, which goes back to about 1400 BC for the Greeks. The Roman architectural revolution was based on concrete, and to this day the Pantheon is the world’s largest unreinforced dome, relying totally on concrete for its strength and longevity. We learned that concrete “sets” even under water, and gets harder and harder, year after year, century after century. Western civilization itself, at least as regards to architecture, is a creature of the history of concrete. So, losing so many people in the Surfside, Florida, collapse of the 12-story Champlain Tower as a result of concrete failure came as a great shock to many. I’ve lived in a number of condominiums over the years, from the 100-story John Hancock building in Chicago, to five stories over parking at Silver Sands condominium in St. Pete Beach, and several in between. I’ve served on the boards of condos, and various committees, so I learned all about concrete damage and restoration, as have many Floridians, primarily in the context of balcony issues. There are several basic differences between the Pantheon and the modern American residential condominium. While the exact contents of the cement itself is quite different, that’s not really the issue. What absolutely IS the major issue is the use of rebar, a steel product that is universally placed in concrete walls, floors and other structural elements to provide tensile strength the concrete would otherwise lack. If the Pantheon had rebar, it would probably be in ruins today, like so many other Roman wonders – not taken by the hands of men, but by time itself. The reason rebar is so problematical is that concrete (unless carefully sealed) is porous. Water penetrates the surface, and travels through concrete over time. If a building is on the ocean (or Gulf of Mexico), there is a substantial amount of salt in the air, and that ends up in the rainwater. Together with steel rebar, they create rust. The problem is, rust expands as it forms, and the stress it creates inside a concrete slab causes cracking and fractures. And that brings down buildings.

Engineers know all about this stuff, and have for a long, long time. Surfside condo officers and directors received engineering reports all about it, but they were delayed by the millions of dollars in cost to address the issues facing them. And when issues aren’t faced, disaster results.

ANDERSON & BRODERSEN, P.A.,

350 Corey Avenue, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706 (727) 363-6100 • www.PropertyLawGroup.com