Doug King, CR, UDCP, MBA, CGC, NARI National Past President 2020/2021
Multiple Award Winning Contractor!
• Certified Remodeler (CR)
• Certified Remodeling Project Managers (CRPM)
• Certified Lead Carpenters (CLC)
• Universal Design Certified Professionals (UDCP)
If it moves and shouldn’t use duct tape. It doesn’t move and should use WD-40. The world is held together by these two products.
We have dozens of highly satisfied clients for which we have designed and built custom homes, room additions, whole house remodels, entire condo/townhome remodels, lanai and garage conversions along with all types of exterior projects. We specialize in FEMA Flood Plain projects and we have won multiple First Place awards over the years by meeting client needs with superior workmanship and attention to detail.
Our staff includes NARI Certified Professionals and we just added another designer to our staff! We are ready and excited to help you with your home upgrades OR build a new one! What a great time to call King Contracting to schedule a free in-home consultation to get the remodeling and/or custom build process started! Our proven Design-Build process will show you the steps needed and help you gain an understanding to begin the planning and strategic activities for your dream home makeover!
Remember, we work in single family homes (and build custom homes), condos and townhouses so call us or stop by our showroom soon!
Thank you to our clients, supplers and vendors and to our wonderful staff for all you do to help us meet our client needs! Please visit our new
Nestled in the heart of Downtown St. Petersburg at The Sundial, Serotonin Anti-Aging Centers stands at the forefront of cutting-edge science and innovative modalities designed to help you look and feel your best. Our mission is to empower our clients to live their best lives, enhancing their natural vitality and beauty with our comprehensive range of services.
Our center is state-of-the-art and beautifully designed to be inviting and tranquil, providing the perfect environment for rejuvenation and recovery. Our highly skilled and dedicated team is committed to the health and well-being of every client, ensuring personalized care and outstanding results.
At Serotonin Anti-Aging Centers, our bioidentical hormone replacement therapy helps clients to balance hormones for improved energy and well-being. For those seeking medical weight loss, our health coaching services include personalized exercise and nutrition plans that fit your lifestyle. We provide clients with comprehensive and precise insights about their body composition using sophisticated bio-electrical analysis technology. Our Advance Practice Nurse Practitioners collaborate closely with clients who choose to incorporate prescription medication to support their weight loss journey.
We offer a variety of immunity and recovery services tailored to meet our clients’ unique needs. Our LightStim Professional red light therapy bed helps to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, promote healing, and rejuvenate the skin. Our hard-shell hyperbaric oxygen therapy boosts your body’s natural healing processes by delivering oxygen at higher pressures. Our extensive IV therapy menu provides essential vitamins and nutrients, enhancing hydration and overall vitality.
We also offer a comprehensive aesthetic menu featuring Botox and Juvéderm to smooth out wrinkles and restore facial volume, Hydrafacials for deep cleansing and hydration, microneedling for skin rejuvenation, chemical peels for a refreshed complexion, and hair restoration treatments to revive thinning hair. Our body contouring with the new Emsculpt NEO uses radiofrequency and HIFEM to build muscle and reduce fat to strengthen and sculpt your body with no downtime.
Discover your new home for wellness and aesthetics at Serotonin St. Pete! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook and chat with our team to unlock special opening and founding member rates.
We’re officially open and can’t wait to welcome you! Come experience the ultimate in anti-aging treatments and join us on an exciting journey to optimal health and vitality!
As our Florida summer transitions into fall, we always look forward to bringing you the annual Home Design issue. Whether you are looking for a few ideas to spruce up your décor, or planning a substantial renovation, this issue will keep you on top of the latest trends. Our cover story by Sylvia Hopkins walks you through a major remodeling project that turned a homeowner’s inspirations into reality.
As technology is constantly evolving, so are its uses in our homes. From high performance audio to human-centric lighting, our story on home technology trends is a must-read for homeowners looking to make their life just a little bit easier. And for those who choose the condo lifestyle, Anne Zimmerman Briand explores the process of reimagining the interior of a Sunset Point home with interior designer Julianne Hendrickson.
As cooler weather hopefully arrives, so do the opportunities for outdoor festivals. In this issue, we take a look at the city’s premier annual food and wine festival, Savor St. Pete, and the annual Shine Mural Festival, which brings international artists to town in October, as well as the Clearwater Jazz holiday. We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we do bringing it to you!
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cia Biggs Editor editor@stpetelifemag.com
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Pinellas County residents are invited to visit some of St. Pete’s top museums on Saturday, September 21, for Arts Alive: Free Museum Day. Participating museums:
The Dali Museum – Free gallery admission; does not include the Dalí Alive 360° experience—this can be purchased for $15. Online reservations are highly recommended. Walk-ups will be available as space allows. Upon arrival, guests will need to show their prereserved ticket and Pinellas County ID for entry. thedali.org
The Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg - Complimentary museum entry for Pinellas County residents with a valid ID. mfastpete.org
The James Museum - Reserve your timeslot online ahead of time, once registration becomes available. Limited walk-up tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event, but admission cannot be guaranteed without a reservation. jamesmuseum.org Imagine Museum - Entry will be based on timed tickets. Explore our first-floor exhibits. Imaginemuseum.org
Museum of Motherhood - In Gallery Row at The Factory The Woodson African American Museum of Florida. woodsonmuseum.org
St. Petersburg Museum of History - Open to Pinellas County residents. spmoh.org
Arts Alive/Free Museum Day is produced by the St. Petersburg
Arts Alliance, the City of St. Petersburg and participating cultural organizations.
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Ring of Fire, a jukebox musical that’ll take you on a wild ride through the music of one of America’s most iconic singersongwriters, Johnny Cash, is the fall offering at American Stage September 25-October 20. Directed by Helen R. Murray, the toe-tapping tribute to the legendary Man in Black is a remarkable life story as told through his music, starring St. Pete native Tristan Brayboy, Mikhail Roberts, Kara Arena, among others. Originally produced on Broadway, the show features Community Talkbacks on Thursdays Oct. 3, Oct. 10 and Oct. 17. americanstage.org ***
The Florida Orchestra is adding two major film concerts and a Jimmy Buffett tribute to the 2024-25 season. The first concert of the season will be a special presentation of DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon – In Concert, a familyfriendly film about a young Viking who befriends a dragon, featuring John Powell’s
Oscar®-nominated score performed live to picture by TFO. Two performances on Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Mahaffey Theater, include a matinee.
This holiday season, Elf in Concert will feature The Florida Orchestra performing every note from John Debney’s heartwarming score while the entire film is projected on a 40-foot HD screen. Starring Will Ferrell, Elf is considered by many to be one of the best holiday movies of all time. Two performances on Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Straz Center in Tampa, include a matinee.
Threads of Nature: Art Inspired by the Florida Botanical Garden is on view at Creative Pinellas through October 6, presented by the Tampa Bay Surface Design Guild of contemporary fiber artists. The show pays homage to patterns and motifs seen just steps away from the Gallery. Continuing through October 13 is the the Florida Watercolor Society 53rd Annual Exhibition. The Florida Watercolor Society is one of the largest state watercolor societies in the country, boasting almost 1,000 members. The Gallery is open Wednesdays through Sundays, from 10am –5pm
St. Pete Opera kicks off its 2024-25 season with Samson & Delilah by composer Camille Saint-Saens Sept. 27-Oct. 1, at the Palladium. Sung in French with English translation, it’s the story of Samson who leads the Hebrews in a revolt against their enemies, the Philistines. Fearing his supernatural strength, they send a priestess, Delilah, to seduce him and discover his secret. She betrays him and Samson is imprisoned in the Philistines’ temple. He prays to the Hebrew God to deliver him from the tortures of Delilah and his enemies. Conducted by Mark Sforzini; find tickets at stpeteopera.org. Other performances this season include A Little Night Music (May 7-11) and Carmen (June 6-15), Pinocchio and Holiday Sparkle light up the holiday season. stpeteopera.org
ON VIEW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 15
THE QUEST FOR COLOR PHOTOGRAPHY
ON VIEW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22
ON VIEW THROUGH NOVEMBER 3
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Ceramic artist and Gulfport gallery owner Brenda McMahon’s transformative fiveweek residency in Vallauris, France this summer offered her the opportunity to dive into work she says has been simmering inside for more than a decade. On Friday, October 4, McMahon will unveil the first fruits of her residency at Inspirations from France: The Seeds of Vallauris Take Form, an exhibition that marks her first solo show in her acclaimed namesake gallery. The event lasts from 6-9 pm at Brenda McMahon Gallery and will serve as the centerpiece of a monthlong fundraiser in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As it has done since 2021, the gallery and its participating artists will donate 10% of the proceeds from all gallery sales for the month to the breast cancer awareness and prevention movement. This year’s partner recipient is the Sonia Plotnick Health Fund.
The Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg will present Audubon’s Birds of America starting October 12 and running the Feb. 16, 2025. Produced by National Museums Scotland, this exhibition celebrates the extraordinary legacy of John James Audubon (1785 –1851), the 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.
Printed almost 200 years ago, its epic scale and spectacular life-sized bird illustrations caused a sensation.
The exhibition features over 40 of these splendid hand-colored prints, as well as additional illustrations, books, letters, photographs, and ephemera. The majority of these delicate pieces have never been shown in public and have undergone years of conservation treatment in preparation for their inaugural display and tour. mfastpete.org
Building, renovating, remodeling and even decorating your home can seem like a daunting task for some. That’s why we reached out to local pros to give us the lowdown on the latest trends, as well as their expert advice on design, furnishings, technology and finishing touches.
Several looks are currently trending in home furnishings, some individually and some combined to create cultivated and coherent themes. David King, owner of DoMA Home Furnishings, sees what he calls a “nod to the 70’s”. “Graphic fabric patterns and accent chair designs coupled with hot color trends and greens (yes, including avocado), oranges and yellows. Wood tones are beginning to evolve to lighter tones like natural oaks, bleached walnuts, and even lighter burled woods are making a comeback.” His advice to those designing their own space? “Seek professional help. Engaging with a design professional will help enlighten you on what’s available to you and based on your lifestyle and preferences, will direct you in making the right decisions.” DoMA is a “to the trade” showroom, which means you can consult with one of their designers or use your own.
Accenting a space through the use of mixed materials and textures is also popular right now. “Embrace mixed metals, especially polished and black chrome and boucles in neutrals. Combining precious stone with interesting natural materials, warming metals and an interesting color palette is the go-to combination for luxury interiors.” adds King. Before embarking
on your design journey, King suggests spending some time living in the space. “Evaluate how you see yourself using the space and be realistic about how you live. Set a budget and prioritize what spaces can be done now and what can be done later.”
Shades and drapes can be scheduled through an app on your phone, which is a popular choice for homeowners who don’t live in their home year ‘round. It gives an added element to security, making the home look lived in. And with increases in energy prices, it’s a way to save on energy costs. Smart window treatments can adjust automatically to light and temperature and they are also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google home assistant. So the homeowner can talk to their shades!
Samantha Roberts, co-owner of Budget Blinds, is seeing a trend in softer, eco-friendly choices such as woven wood roman shades. “Farmhouse style homes are complemented with classic bamboos and soft jute fabrics. Most commonly chosen colors are white and gray tones, as well as undyed fabrics, which keep their beautifully natural hues.”
Materials used to create their natural woven wood collections are sustainably grown and harvested and then processed by hand, using natural dyeing processes and hand weaving techniques. Free in home consultations make shopping from home easy, and bringing samples into the home curates the perfect in-home design.
Having a clear vision for a space can be a challenge. Working with an interior designer that can interpret your needs and unique style can make the process more enjoyable and efficient. Nickolas John Zubek of Nickolas John Interiors cultivated a passion for design at an early age and earned a BFA in Interior Architecture. After twenty years in interior design and eleven years in real estate, he merged his two greatest passions. What designs does he see trending? “The best design trends this year are a return to warmth, color, and a slightly more maximalist approach to interiors.” With expertise in both design and real estate, Zubeck offers a unique approach to renovation. “It enables me to guide my clients using informed decisions, whether for their forever home or an investment property.”
Trending now in hardware is decorative metal grilles and integrating cremone bolts into custom cabinetry.
Our coastal climate presents unique challenges in design and material selection. To ensure your home stands the test of time, hiring a knowledgeable local designer can be key. “One of the most exciting aspects of the current Florida market is the breaking of traditional design rules. Styles are being brought from other locales, becoming more sophisticated and embracing a more unique edge.”
Available in a spectrum of finishes.
Want to make a beautiful update to your kitchen and still keep it low maintenance? Fingerprint resistant stainless steel finishes are the answer. Jason Horst of Famous Tate says “In addition to stainless steel, premium kitchen appliances are also available in beautiful white matte finishes, which is perfect for our Florida lifestyle kitchen designs.” The matte finish is fingerprint resistant and models include the latest technology for cooking and cleaning. Counter depth refrigerators provide a sleeker look and are favored by designers. And with newer models you don’t have to sacrifice capacity for the shallower style.
The hardware in your home…..drawer pulls, door knobs, and cabinet handles can set the tone for your design. Styles are endless and can either add a bit of whimsy to your look or make a bold statement. Gaspar & Co. owners Dan and Judy Mulloy have worked in the industry since 1990 with designers, architects, builders, cabinet shops and homeowners. Their best advice to those working on remodels or new construction? “Do your research and make selections as early as possible.” Door hardware should be selected prior to doors being ordered and cabinet hardware should be selected as soon as elevations are available.
813-279-6757
“European convection and air fry technology have become common in most cooking products and provide faster cooking times, but speed cooking ovens are also a great appliance to integrate into today’s kitchen designs.” There is also new technology in LG’s new Instaview refrigerators that allow you to customize the interior color to your kitchen’s mood….kind of like today’s pool lighting. Also, auto-dispensing detergent in premium dishwashers and laundry products not only saves time and eliminates mess, but it means anyone in the household can start a load and you don’t have to worry about how much detergent they added!
TampaDecorativeHardware.com Style is a Choice. Make Yours.
Horst advocates shopping locally. Famous Tate is celebrating 70 years in this market and carries brands and styles for every budget. “It’s really our product experts that make the real difference from delivery to installation. They provide as much or as little assistance as you would like for a no-pressure experience.”
Materials are a key factor in our extreme Florida environment. “You want to use non-ferrous materials whenever possible. Finishes vary, but most if not all of what we sell is either solid bronze or solid brass. Plated finishes can be used over solid brass such as chrome or nickel.” The Mulloys are seeing less interest in black and more of the basics of brass, satin nickel and polished chrome.
Susanne Van Selow never met a challenge she couldn’t embrace. She’s a problem solver with technical know-how and a true desire to make homeowners’ dreams come true. In the last twenty years Van Selow Design Build has won countless awards and Susanne currently holds the office of President of the local NARI Association (National Association of the Remodeling Industry). We spoke with Susanne about one of her latest projects that not only put her ingenuity to the test, but allowed her to fulfill her clients’ vision.
The homeowners envisioned adding a second story and remodeling inside and out. The existing home was very ornate with round columns and arches and the goal was to create clean, modern lines throughout. They also wanted to create a pergola along the waterfront, and when the city of Bellaire denied the request, they had to pivot. Massive columns were removed and their loads had to be transferred to the existing home. Susanne focused on the functionality and ambiance of the outdoor living area.
The pool project which had already begun with another company was not up to the standards of the homeowners, so Susanne took over the permit and started to incorporate the pool design into her plans. “We created a sundeck for the grandkids and seated benches. We added lighting with custom light poles and pavers out to the seawall as well as a lighted stairway to the beach.” A concrete table that also provides storage was created with a step down living room/fire pit area. And for their furry friends, artificial grass and gates ensured their comfort and safety.
As an acclaimed contractor, Susanne represents a visionary approach to construction and remodeling. Under Susanne’s leadership, Van Selow Design Build has thrived on a foundational belief in a ‘Better Way to Build’. With a deep commitment to her clients, Susanne has revolutionized the building process. By attentively listening to clients’ needs, simplifying the construction journey, and maintaining transparent communication from the initial consultation to project completion, Van Selow Design Build ensures a seamless and satisfying experience.
106 Fareham Place N., Downtown St Pete
Offered at $1,200,000
Charming 2 bed + office
2.5 bath / 1,550 sf
End-Unit Townhouse
1 block from Beach Drive
No HOA fees or Condo dues
2 Condos Remaining in The Nolen, Downtown St. Pete
Stunning Tierra Verde Waterfront Estate with Almost an Acre of Land
1761 Oceanview Drive, Tierra Verde Offered at $5,800,000
Stunning 3 bed / 3 bath, 3,935 sf residence designed by renowned architect Carl Abbott with 150 ft of waterfront and direct views of the Gulf of Mexico!
4 Condos Remaining at Quiet Cove on Tierra Verde
126 4th Avenue NE
Residences begin at $2,600,000
Gorgeous 23-story boutique condominium with only 31 (3 bed / 3 bath / 2,156 sf) residences with no shared walls.
455 Pinellas Bayway South Residences begin at $2,600,000
Boater’s Delight with Bay & Gulf Access!
Beautiful 4 bed | 3 bath 2-car garage | 3,126 sf condos within a gated community.
50’ Boat slips available!
BY MARCIA BIGGS
The U.S.-Mexico border region is a hot topic in American politics, which is why Icons & Symbols of the Borderland: Art from the U.S.Mexico Crossroads at the James Museum is such a relevant and stunningly emotional experience. Featuring 27 artists and over 80 works of art, the exhibition explores the unique cultural symbols of the U.S.-Mexico border regions through large paintings, collages, neon, photography and sculptures.
Through four themes, Icons & Symbols of the Borderland offers an opportunity to explore the ways in which environment, man-made infrastructure, foodways and religious beliefs reflect and inform regional consciousness on the Mexican/American border. All artists are members of the JUNTOS Art Association (est. 1985, El Paso, Texas), whose art is deeply informed by both their Latin American heritage and everyday life near the border.
The exhibition boasts a variety of media and technical approaches, with artwork characterized by repetitive icons, playful juxtapositions, spiritual innuendos, somber realisms and bold narratives. These shared motifs reflect humanity’s inclination toward symbols as a tool to express who they are and what they believe. Individually, these artworks tell personal stories.
Collectively, they contextualize a controversial landscape and celebrate a unique culture full of rich tradition and beauty.
The exhibit is curated by Diana Molina, artist and Creative Director for the JUNTOS Art Association. She was born a half mile from the US-Mexico boundary and her exhibits have been widely shown in art, science and history museums in the United States and Europe.
“Now, more than ever, the U.S.-Mexico boundary is at the forefront of the national conversation,” explains Molina. “The artists reflect on the lived experience both north and south of the border and the inherent Mestizaje, a blend of Indigenous, Mexican, and American heritage.”
The exhibition broadens the idea of what is considered Western art by claiming Borderland and Latin American art as key components and perspectives of the American West. Presented in English and Spanish Icons & Symbols of the Borderland: Art from the US-Mexico Crossroads runs through January 19, 2025.
To learn about related programming, go to jamesmuseum.org/borderland.
“This is the only jewelry store you will ever need”
The Gold & Diamond Center is a family owned and operated one-stop shop for all of your jewelry & watch needs. From custom design work to repairs and maintenance, we provide in-house service to ensure the quality and safety of your pieces. Our opulent showroom located in the Northeast Shopping Center in St. Pete is brimming with exclusively hand-picked fine jewelry and watches featuring preowned luxury brands such as Rolex, Cartier and many more. Come in to for a personalized experience with a team you can trust.
Empowerment is the concept behind Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas, West Pasco and Hernando Counties’ 2024 Women Build taking place this fall. This build brings together women in leadership from across the region to build a home for a local single mother. Inspired by its successful CEO Build, Habitat’s newly reimagined Women
Build offers participants in C-suite and leadership roles access to exclusive build days with like-minded professionals from all over Tampa Bay.
Habitat launched its Women Build campaign by announcing Honorary Co-Chairs Heather Ford and Marsha Droste. Ford is the CFO at Power Design and serves as Habitat Board Chair. Droste is a Partner at Pete & Shorty’s Iowa Bistro and Hooters Restaurants. Their reach in the community
is helping the Habitat staff recruit participants and bring visibility to this special Habitat Home Build.
“I am thrilled to serve as honorary co-chair for the 2024 Habitat Women Build,” said Ford. “Empowered women can uplift each other and build stronger communities. We will partner with a strong woman and her family to build their forever home and help establish the foundation for a lifetime of memories and a bright future.”
“The Habitat Women Build is a special opportunity to unite influential women in our area and empower one of our own through affordable homeownership,” said Droste. “This will be life-changing not only for the partner family but for every woman who participates in this build.”
Droste has been involved with Habitat’s Women Build throughout its history. This will be the tenth such build for Habitat Pinellas and West Pasco since 2015. Host Committee member Nancy Ridenour has been involved since the beginning. This Women Build holds a special place in Ridenour’s heart.
“I am honored to be part of this Women Build,” said Ridenour. “As someone who has been a single mother, I encourage the female leaders of our community to join me as we empower a single mother and her family on their journey to affordable homeownership.”
The Habitat for Humanity affiliate has built over 900 homes in its service area, which includes Pinellas, West Pasco, and Hernando Counties. There are nearly 1,100 Habitat affiliates in the U.S., and Habitat Pinellas, West Pasco, and Hernando
has ranked in the top-3 for new home builds each year for the last five years. A huge reason for the affiliate’s success is its ability to be seen as a partner to the Tampa Bay business community. Specialty builds like the Women Build offer unique opportunities for business leaders and organizations to leverage their brands with the Habitat brand.
The 2024 Women Build Home will be built with funds raised by women and businesses that support them. A sense of pride as female leaders from across the Tampa Bay region unite to uplift and empower a local single mother. This family will realize the American dream through affordable homeownership and earn a 0% fixed-interest mortgage.
To learn more about the 2024 Habitat Women Build, please visit habitatpwp.org/womenbuild.
“Naturally, the best manner of selling St. Petersburg’s sunshine was through the medium of the pretty girl,” disclosed columnist Jane Graham on the topic of bathing beauties in 1919; and St. Pete’s publicity director John Lodwick became master of the medium in 1922.
Although Miami Beach’s Carl Fisher gave birth to the Bathing Beauties, which soon became that city’s trademark, St. Petersburg boosters took the scantily clad sea-nymph theme in a new direction. Through a mix of practical jokes and pure sensationalism, propaganda guru John Lodwick and Mayor Frank Pulver devised the St. Petersburg Purity League.
The spurious organization felt it their duty to extend the Purity League’s puritanical values to St. Petersburg’s shores. Supposedly outraged at the nearly nude nubile women parading on the sandy playgrounds in their newfangled one-piece suits, Purity “members” insisted on moral enforcements and inspections. All of which the mayor was very happy to oblige. As planned, word of the swimsuit shakedown made national news.
In a classic example of feeding the press, boosters must have stifled a snicker as they sent the wire northward:
Florida Purity League Moves - “To Protect the Married Men”
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., – Mayor Frank Pulver had a request today from the St. Petersburg Purity League that he appoint a bathing suit inspector, a formal communication from the organization stating that “the league intends to protect the married men from the wiles of the sea vamp” The Mayor said he would personally visit the beach and look ‘em over.
For weeks, newspapers from Miami to Chicago to Tulsa ran articles regarding the “sea vamps” of St. Petersburg. The day after the Purity League sent in their demands for beach inspectors to the St. Petersburg Times, scores of men flocked to Mayor Pulver’s office to apply for the position of bathing suit inspector.
“At this time,” the mayor said in a formal statement, “I am waiting for the opinion of (City) attorney Mack. I will make frequent inspections of the bathing suits myself to learn firsthand as to whether the protest is well founded.”
By springtime, other national newspapers were in on the publicity stunt, declaring St. Petersburg’s clever advertising campaign a success, and for the Sunshine City to expect waves of tourists from the shenanigans of John Lodwick and Mayor Pulver.
Provided by the St. Petersburg Museum of History
Downtown St. Pete blends foodies and fashionistas for Tampa Bay’s legacy food & wine festival, SAVOR St. Pete presented by the City of St. Pete and Publix
Downtown St. Pete blends foodies and fashionistas for Tampa Bay’s legacy food & wine festival, SAVOR St. Pete presented by the City of St. Pete and Publix
Downtown St. Pete is a mecca for all things fabulous. Whether it’s a great new restaurant, cultural adventures at one of the many world-class museums, or an early morning run along Tampa Bay, we always end up in downtown St. Petersburg. Trendy bistros, bars, and chic boutiques line the streets, which has put the area on the taste and style map. This vibe has given the city it’s buzzy gastronomic reputation. So, it makes sense that we’re about to celebrate the 12th anniversary of the hippest and trendiest food & wine festival on Florida’s West Coast, aptly named SAVOR ST. PETE presented by the City or St. Petersburg and Publix Super Markets. On November 2 & 3 in Vinoy Waterfront Park, thousands of local foodies and guests from across the country will sip and savor palate pleasing bites in this stunning waterfront setting. Event guests will enjoy 180-degree views of Tampa Bay while nibbling from the Bay area’s most interesting restaurants and talented chefs, caringly paired with global and national offerings of specially selected wines and craft beers. As the West Coast’s premier food & wine festival, SAVOR ST. PETE is the highly anticipated taste-makers event, showcasing the vibrant culinary scene fronting Tampa Bay.
Downtown St. Pete is a mecca for all things fabulous. Whether it’s a great new restaurant, cultural adventures at one of the many world-class museums, or an early morning run along Tampa Bay, we always end up in downtown St. Petersburg. Trendy bistros, bars, and chic boutiques line the streets, which has put the area on the taste and style map. This vibe has given the city it’s buzzy gastronomic reputation. So, it makes sense that we’re about to celebrate the 12th anniversary of the hippest and trendiest food & wine festival on Florida’s West Coast, aptly named SAVOR ST. PETE presented by the City or St. Petersburg and Publix Super Markets. On November 2 & 3 in Vinoy Waterfront Park, thousands of local foodies and guests from across the country will sip and savor palate pleasing bites in this stunning waterfront setting. Event guests will enjoy 180-degree views of Tampa Bay while nibbling from the Bay area’s most interesting restaurants and talented chefs, caringly paired with global and national offerings of specially selected wines and craft beers. As the West Coast’s premier food & wine festival, SAVOR ST. PETE is the highly anticipated taste-makers event, showcasing the vibrant culinary scene fronting Tampa Bay.
Upon entering, guests will stroll through two huge, peaked tents, offering respite from the heat and a curated selection of wines, bites, and brews. Ticket holders will nosh and sip the afternoon away while enjoying music and the cool breeze of Tampa Bay. Looking for a VIP experience? A very limited number of VIP tickets will be available for purchase which includes the VIP Spirits Lounge experience,
Upon entering, guests will stroll through two huge, peaked tents, offering respite from the heat and a curated selection of wines, bites, and brews. Ticket holders will nosh and sip the afternoon away while enjoying music and the cool breeze of Tampa Bay. Looking for a VIP experience? A very limited number of VIP tickets will be available for purchase which includes the VIP Spirits Lounge experience, presented by Publix Liquor Stores, featuring
presented by Publix Liquor Stores, featuring private lounge seating and super-premium spirits from iconic brands, including Tito’s, Patron, Hendrick’s, Tullamore Dew, Angel’s Envy, and dozens more from 12noon until 4pm.
private lounge seating and super-premium spirits from iconic brands, including Tito’s, Patron, Hendrick’s, Tullamore Dew, Angel’s Envy, and dozens more from 12noon until 4pm.
For those with a decided culinary curiosity, local and national chefs will excite guests at SAVOR Cooking Stage sponsored by San Pellegrino while teaching you how to create your own culinary masterpiece for the upcoming holiday season.
For those with a decided culinary curiosity, local and national chefs will excite guests at SAVOR Cooking Stage sponsored by San Pellegrino while teaching you how to create your own culinary masterpiece for the upcoming holiday season.
Whether you’re in search of the perfect Cab, crisp Sauvignon Blanc, or perhaps a full-style French rosé with a smooth and creamy texture, you will sip through a vast array of wines and craft beers while learning from the experts at SAVOR ST. PETE.
Whether you’re in search of the perfect Cab, crisp Sauvignon Blanc, or perhaps a full-style French rosé with a smooth and creamy texture, you will sip through a vast array of wines and craft beers while learning from the experts at SAVOR ST. PETE.
A ticket to SAVOR ST. PETE includes a complimentary collectible wine glass, wine glass lanyard, and stylish limited edition SAVOR ST. PETE tote bag, along with unlimited tastes from some of the Bay-areas’ brightest & best restaurants, including a host of national food brands, specialty wines, and craft beers. Advance ticket prices are $115 for General Admission and $145 for VIP, while available. Ticket prices at the gate will increase by $25, based on availability. General Admission runs from 1pm-4pm each day and VIP ticket holders will have early entry at 12 noon. SAVOR ST. PETE is presented by Publix and the City of St. Petersburg in partnership with St. Pete Life magazine.
A ticket to SAVOR ST. PETE includes a complimentary collectible wine glass, wine glass lanyard, and stylish limited edition SAVOR ST. PETE tote bag, along with unlimited tastes from some of the Bay-areas’ brightest & best restaurants, including a host of national food brands, specialty wines, and craft beers. Advance ticket prices are $115 for General Admission and $145 for VIP, while available. Ticket prices at the gate will increase by $25, based on availability. General Admission runs from 1pm-4pm each day and VIP ticket holders will have early entry at 12 noon. SAVOR ST. PETE is presented by Publix and the City of St. Petersburg in partnership with St. Pete Life magazine.
Visit www.SavorTheBurg.com to purchase tickets and sign up for event updates.
Visit www.SavorTheBurg.com to purchase tickets and sign up for event updates.
BY TIFFINI THEISEN
Mammograms are one of the most important tools in the fight against breast cancer. They play a critical role in early detection, which is key to improving survival rates. By identifying potential issues before symptoms appear, mammograms allow for earlier, less invasive treatment options, significantly increasing the chances of successful outcomes.
Regular mammograms can detect breast cancer at a stage when it’s most treatable, often before it has spread to other parts of the body. When breast cancer is detected early while still localized, the five-year survival rate can be as high as 99%. This early detection can lead to simpler and more effective treatment options, reducing the need for more aggressive therapies like chemotherapy.
Regular screenings, especially for women starting in their 40s — or earlier if they have risk factors — are a crucial part of preventive health care.
“The smaller and earlier a tumor is detected, the easier the treatment and the better the outcomes,” says Dr. Michael Hwang, a board-certified radiologist and director of breast imaging at Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital in St. Petersburg.
Early detection is key Regular screening, beginning with self-exams at home and progressing to clinical breast exams and annual mammograms, allows health-care providers to identify potential issues as early as possible.
It’s understandable that the idea of a mammogram or noticing changes in your breasts can be scary. However, it’s crucial to notify your doctor if you detect any lumps or abnormalities, or if you have a family history of breast cancer. Being proactive about your health can make all
the difference in addressing potential issues before they become more serious.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women, with about 1 in 8 women receiving a diagnosis at some point in their lives, according to the National Cancer Institute. Given these statistics, the importance of mammograms cannot be overstated.
Early detection is essential for effective treatment and increased survival rates. Dr. Hwang cautions against delaying screenings out of fear or anxiety.
“If an undetected cancer developed two years ago and you waited three years for a mammogram, that’s a lost opportunity for early intervention,” he says. “We always want to catch cancers as early as possible.”
Know your risk factors
Dr. Hwang advises that certain breast changes, such as pain in both breasts related to the menstrual cycle or cysts, are typically not serious. However, any abnormalities should still be reported to a doctor, particularly if there’s a family history of breast cancer, as this significantly increases risk.
In general, understanding breast cancer risk factors can help you make informed decisions about your health and adopt measures to reduce your risk.
While this is not a complete list, here are some key risk factors for breast cancer:
Age: The risk of breast cancer increases with age. Most breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women over 50.
Family history: Having a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer increases your
risk. Genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, also contribute to higher risk.
Personal history of breast cancer: Women who have had breast cancer before are at a higher risk of developing cancer in the other breast or a recurrence.
Lifestyle factors: Certain lifestyle factors, such as alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, and lack of physical activity, can increase breast cancer risk.
Reproductive history plays a role in breast cancer risk. Women who begin menstruating before age 12 or experience menopause after age 55 are exposed to hormones for a longer duration, which increases their risk of developing breast cancer.
Having dense breasts means there is more connective tissue compared to fatty tissue, which can make it more challenging to detect tumors on a mammogram. Women with dense breasts are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
How to reduce your risk
Limit alcohol intake: Reducing alcohol consumption can decrease your risk of breast cancer.
Avoid smoking: Quitting smoking can improve overall health and reduce cancer risk.
Healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can contribute to overall health and potentially lower risk.
Regular exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and may reduce breast cancer risk.
Genetic testing and preventive measures:
For those with a strong family history or known genetic mutations, consulting with a genetic counselor and exploring preventive options can be considered.
Breastfeeding your children, if possible, because it influences hormonal levels, promotes healthy cellular changes in breast tissue, and contributes to overall maternal health.
Experts say there are several steps you can take to help lower your risk of developing breast cancer.
Maintain a healthy weight: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can lower your risk.
If you are on hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills, ask your doctor about any potential risks that may be involved for you.
By being aware of these factors and making proactive lifestyle choices, you can take steps to manage your risk and promote your overall health.
The Morean Arts Center has announced plans for a new five-story state-of-the-art building, which includes demolishing the current 27,000-square-foot facility at 719 Central Avenue to make way for the new building. The plan relies on over $15 million in Pinellas County tourist tax dollars. The county’s Tourist Development Council received seven additional funding requests totaling $67 million.
Other projects requesting funding include The Florida Orchestra which plays the majority of its concerts at the city-owned Mahaffey Theater, plans to build a new home in St. Petersburg. The organization is seeking funding to build a Center for Music Education and Innovation in a new four-story building connected to the existing Mahaffey Theater performing arts facility and concert hall at 400 1st Street South on the downtown waterfront. The Center for Music Education and Innovation would have a rooftop performance stage, classrooms, multipurpose spaces for community events, a new loading dock, and additional storage, according to documents submitted to the Pinellas County Tourist Development Council obtained by St. Pete Rising.
The University of South Florida is extending its recruitment efforts of healthy, older adult volunteers from its local areas to play a crucial role in the landmark Preventing Alzheimer’s with Cognitive Training (PACT) study through December of 2024. This study, funded by the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health, examines whether computerized brain training exercises can reduce the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease. Last year, additional funding was awarded to study blood markers for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease.
This is the largest study of its kind to date, investigating not only how to possibly prevent dementia but also how to detect it earlier, with a commitment to ensuring all groups are represented in the study.
The PACT study recruitment window extension will increase the expected study enrollment from 3,100 to 3,400
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over the next five months. To qualify, participants must be 65 or older with no signs of cognitive impairment or dementia. There is an emphasis on enrolling African American/Black and Hispanic study participants. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, these populations are at the highest risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Those interested in the study may participate at USF Tampa and St. Petersburg campuses or at Parkway University Center in Lakeland. PACT participants will be asked to initially come to two in-person study visits. They will then complete computerized training exercises in their own home, or they may choose to complete activities at a study site. Participants will be asked to return about three years later for a third study visit.
More information is available at the PACT study website, pactstudy.org, or by calling (352) 405- 0342 in Tampa, (727) 873-4090 in St. Petersburg, and (863) 800-0835 in Lakeland.
Streets and alleyways across downtown will explode with color and excitement October 11-20 when the 10th annual Shine Mural Festival, presented by Reflection St. Pete, comes to town. The opening event will take place on Friday, October 11, from 5-8pm in front of the Morean Arts Center on Central Avenue, where a group exhibit featuring over 100 SHINE artists dating back to 2015 will launch the week’s festivities. The show promises to be a festival retrospective, an impressive collection of work from the artists who have transformed the streets of St. Petersburg into a globally recognized destination for mural art.
Visitors are invited to watch live as 14 new murals come to life from a curated group of local, national, and international muralists, plus a series of street art related events, tours and community Bright Sport projects. Featured artists this year include:
Fintan Magee, Australia
NeSpoon, Poland
Abys, France
Emmanuel Jarus, Canada
Stevie Shao, Seattle
George F. Baker III, Atlanta
Tes One & Vitale Bros, Tampa Bay
Cristi López, St. Petersburg
Frankie Gonzalez, Tampa Quinn Cale, Tampa
Bright Spot Artists:
Ya La’Ford presents the Brightest Star, Community SHINES
Zulu Painter in partnership with AMI Kids
Naomi Haverland in partnership with Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center on the Pier
Dwayne Sheppard & Brian McAllister in partnership with Florida Art Education Association (FAEA)
Create your own self-guided route, participate in one of the daily trolley tours offered through Star Trolley or experience the art up close with a walking or biking tour with Florida CraftArt.
Closing the festival on Saturday, October 19, from 7-9pm will be an epic street art party at FloridaRAMA (formerly Fairgrounds at the Factory St. Pete) featuring a solo show and book release by 2023 artist Chris Dyer, custom installations from 2021 artists Ricky Watts and Nicole Salgar, DJ and special performance by Woes Martin and puppeteers of The Mighty Giants, Giano Currie’s interactive photography experience After Hours Photoshoot and more. A limited number of VIP tickets will be available for purchase.
Festival director Jenee Priebe is particularly excited about the opening reception at Morean Arts Center which will be an homage to the festival featuring more than 100 Shine artists showing both old and new works. She is also happy to see local artist Tess One on this year’s roster. “He is one of the original Shine founders and the only one who has never provided a mural,” she said.
Bright Spots, which are special destination works, include renowned multimedia artist and area resident Ya La’Ford and Zulu Painter, who will work with AMI Kids to create a major mural. This will also be a special year as 600 to 800 educators come to St. Petersburg for the annual conference of the Florida Art Educators Association.
Produced by the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance, SHINE has created nearly 170 murals throughout downtown and the surrounding arts districts since 2015.
For full event details visit www.shinemuralfest.com, follow Instragram or Facebook at @shineonstpete & @stpeteartsalliance #shineonstpete Volunteers who can commit to working the entire festival are encouraged to inquire. “We have lots of work that needs to be done supplying the artists every day with food and water and lunch,” Priebe noted, “and we need bike safety riders to assist us with the the bicycle tours.”
Additional support for SHINE 10 is provided by City of St. Petersburg and other generous sponsors. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
Star Trolley has a full schedule of Shine Mural Tours lined up daily October 11-20. Tour times are 4pm Monday through Thursday, and four tours starting at 10 on weekends. Make reservations at www.Star-Trolley.com/ tours ; cost is $45/person.
Star Trolley founder Richard Novikas has announced the opening of a new home office at 2215 6th Avenue S. in the Shops at the ArtsXchange in the Warehouse Arts District. This will be the starting point for all tours, with a gift shop, ticket office and ample space for free parking.
Florida CraftArt is once again sponsoring SHINE Mural Walking and Bike Tours. For more information, check out floridacraftart.org
BY KRISTIN DAVIS
SPCA Tampa Bay has launched a community impact initiative to provide pet owners in Tampa Bay with new resources to assist in caring for their animals. Some of the community resources include pet food banks, vaccine clinics, and grooming clinics. The goal is to provide pet owners who are experiencing financial hardship with pet care resources so they can keep their animals.
There are seven popular pet food banks throughout Pinellas County, three of which are run by SPCA Tampa Bay. Caring for
your pet shouldn’t be a challenge and SPCA Tampa Bay is here to help. Pebbles Pet Food Bank is located on-site at SPCA Tampa Bay’s For-All shelter in Largo and is available to the public every Tuesday from 2 to 4 pm. This pet food bank provides free pet food for dogs and cats to Pinellas County residents who need a bit of extra help feeding their furry family members.
“We offer free dog and cat food to members of the community who are in need of it. Our hope is that with the help of Pebbles Pet Food Bank we are able to help people to keep their pets during times of financial hardship,” explained Anita Rothenstreich of SPCA Tampa Bay.
SPCA Tampa Bay operates two additional pet food banks at other locations in Pinellas County. Pasadena Community Church in St. Petersburg operates 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. Community members should register with Pasadena Community Church to receive human and pet food on an as-needed basis.
The second is the Paul Balle Memorial Pet Food Bank located at Hope Villages of America in Clearwater and operates during the first two Tuesdays of each month from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Pinellas County residents must register with the human food pantry and are eligible to visit the pantry for human and pet food once a month.
“We are trying to provide pet food for as many folks as we possibly can through our network of pet food pantries in Pinellas County,” said Emily Bernhart, Mission Programs Manager at SPCA Tampa Bay. “It is becoming more and more expensive to take care of pets in Florida. Families can come to any of these three locations to get pet food from us, we have both wet and dry dog and cat food, along with treats and other goodies.”
In addition to the pet food banks, SPCA Tampa Bay is also providing community pet vaccine clinics for Tampa Bay area residents in need of health care assistance for their pets. The clinics are held bi-monthly at SPCA Tampa Bay’s shelter in Largo and provide low cost ($10 per) vaccines and microchips for
dogs and cats. All fees are waived with proof of government assistance. Space is limited and spots are available first come, first served.
SPCA Tampa Bay will be facilitating more low-cost pet vaccine clinics in the coming months, along with grooming clinics this fall, and weekly pet food banks. For a full list of SPCA Tampa Bay’s community resources, including all pet food bank locations, upcoming vaccine clinics, and more, visit spcatampabay.org/community-resources. SPCA Tampa Bay is located at 9099 130th Avenue North, Largo, Florida 33773. .
Kristen Davis is Director of Marketing & Communications at SPCA Tampa Bay
The EDGE District and Grand Central District are teaming up again to bring the spookiest, kookiest, funnest, family-friendliest, biggest open-air Halloween on Central street festival in St. Pete, Sunday, October 27th (noon-5pm). Two miles along Central Avenue between MLK Blvd. and 31st Street will be transformed into a rolling, strolling, rollicking party closed to traffic.
•Trick or Treating at CandyLand Stations, vendor booths, and orange-tagged businesses
• Zombie Mob flash dances
• Haunted Pirate Ship
• Comedy Magic Shows
• Pet Costume Contest and Pet Portraits
• Scary Skateboard Demos
TUESDAY
Tomahawk Tuesday Dinner for 2
Includes Salad, Shrimp, Vegetable & Dessert Cannoli 119
Over 100,000 people are expected to attend this year. Mark your calendar and get your costumes ready; for a complete list of festivities, go to https://edgedistrict.org/halloween-on-central/ Free parking at Trop Lot 6 and free rides on the SunRunner around the perimeter of the event route!
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Oktoberfest season is nearly upon us in Tampa Bay, and 3 Daughters is bringing back St. Pete’s biggest Bavarian celebration, the 2nd annual BayFirst Financial Oktoberfest taking place on Saturday, September 28, from 1-6 pm in Albert Whitted Park, 480 Bayshore Dr. This German extravaganza is expected to bring thousands to St. Pete’s downtown waterfront in a day full of great beer, classic Bavarian food, live Oompah music, and traditional Oktoberfest games free for all to compete and enjoy.
VIP Biergarten tickets include an all-you-can-eat German buffet, three stein fills, a covered tent, and private air-conditioned bathrooms and other benefits. The festival is family-friendly and children 12 and under get in free but must be accompanied by an adult. The festival is a true Bavarian celebration, with authentic German polka bands playing all day, traditional
There is no love more sincere than the love of food. Join us for Happy Hour!
Tuesday - Friday • 4:30-6pm
WEDNESDAY
2 - 6oz Filets Dinner for 2
Includes Salad, Shrimp, Vegetable & Dessert Cannoli 79
THURSDAY
Tenderloin Thursday
Chateaubriand Dinner for 2
Includes Salad, Shrimp, Vegetable & Dessert Cannoli 129
WAGYU FILET 8 OZ
Includes Salad & Vegetable 79
WAGYU RIBEYE 12 OZ Includes Salad & Vegetable 79
WAGYU SKIRT 12 OZ
Includes Salad & Vegetable 79
Oktoberfest games that are free to play, tons of great German food from local chefs and food trucks, and of course, kegs upon kegs of cold local and international beers.
Advance tickets are $7 ($10 at the door), which include full access to the festival and its events. Go to 3DaughtersBrewing.com/ Oktoberfest
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The Jane Goodall Institute’s Roots & Shoots program, in alliance with a number of Tampa Bay-area environmental organizations, will welcome the legendary conservationist for Hope in Action: An Evening with Dr. Jane Goodall, at 7 pm September 14 at Tropicana Field.
Goodall, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, is a world-renowned ethologist and activist inspiring greater understanding and action on behalf of the natural world. The global icon will share her message of hope in a unique talk tailored for the Youth Environment Summit.
Tickets are available on Eventbrite and range from $10 to $2.
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Get your family and friends together to rent a blanket and join a community picnic in the second annual Picnic Land event hosted by the Downtown Waterfront Parks Foundation on Saturday, October 19. Last year, the Waterfront Parks Foundation hosted the first annual Picnic Land event, created in an effort to beat the world record for longest picnic blanket. Last year, there were 416 registered blankets, with nearly 2,000 people who attended. The world record is currently held by Mexico, but last year’s Picnic Land set St. Pete as the title holder for the longest picnic blanket in the country. The proceeds from this event are going towards new swinging benches that will be placed around the parks. Check the group’s web site at waterfrontparksfoundation.org for updates and to purchase blanket seating.
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The St. Petersburg Junior Woman’s Club is hosting a Burg BBQ Benefit at URBAN Brew & BBQ on October 12. Tickets include a full dinner buffet, live music, a photobooth, free shuffleboard, raffle baskets, silent auction, 50/50 tickets, and more. Funds raised get donated right back into the community such as St Pete Youth Farm, St Pete Bike Co-Op, Kind Mouse, Hero to a Child, Hank’s Bark Box and others. For tickets, go to grwc-spjwc.org.
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The Good ‘Burger Awards sponsored by the St. Pete Chamber of Commerce were established to honor large and small business owners, and community leaders who contribute in a positive way to make St. Pete the special town it is. Mark your calendar for the awards on Wednesday, November 13, at The Floridian Social; VIP doors open at 4:30 pm; general admission 5:30 pm with program starting at 6 pm. Voting is under way at stpete.com/
Greek experiences from traditional food to Greek language lessons to dancing and musical performances. The event runs from Friday-Saturday, 11am-10pm, and Sunday 11am-6pm. Admission is $3, with children under 10 free, as well as service members of the police, fire, and armed forces. Parking is free. Get tickets on Eventbrite.com and look for updates on the Facebook page.
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Jimmy Buffet fans will get a chance to relive those feelgood party times at “A Parrothead Celebration” at the Palladium on October 12 with members of the Coral Reefers including Roger Bartlett, the original guitarist of Jimmy Buffet’s Coral Reefer band. Special guests include current Coral Reefers Nadirah Shakoor and Tina Gullickson (vocals), Doyle Grisham on peddle steel and John Frinzi on vocal and guitar. Bartlett is lead guitarist for many musical acts from New York to Las Vegas. Tickets are $65, $40, $25. Doors open at 7pm with 8 pm showtime. www.palladium.org
Tires: 195/55R16
Wheelbase: 98.2 inches
Length: 152.8 inches
Height: 55.7 inches
Width: 68 inches
Weight: 2,813 pounds
Fuel capacity: 11.6 gallons
City: 28 mpg
Highway: 38 mpg
Base price: $29,100
Price as tested: $38,545 www.miniusa.com
BY NITISH S. RELE
It may be a Mini in name but in stature it is a giant! Yes, that’s a tall statement to make but if you need proof of a car with an attitude, take the quick, quirky, nimble, fun-to-drive 2024 Mini Cooper S hardtop for a test drive. At just 152.8 inches long (compared to say, the Camry at 192), it’s an attention-grabber that will pique curiosity.
Under the hood of the subcompact car resides a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder twin-turbo engine that puts out 189 horsepower @ 5000 rpm and 207 pounds-feet of torque @ 1350 rpm. Best of all is the fuel-saving and seamless 6-speed manual or the optional 7-speed auto gearbox. Front suspension is left up to a MacPherson strut front and a multilink rear system. Keeping the car on course is an electric power steering. Drive modes include sport (aggressive), mid (default or normal) and green (eco). Fuel mileage mimicked EPA estimates at 28 city and 38 mpg highway.
Thumbs up to the exterior styling, face promptly recognizable as a Mini – large, round LED headlights that surround a hexagon radiator grille with a body-colored bar, black fender flares, power dome and striking helmet roof. The rear shows off jewel-like upright LED Union Jack tail lamps and a quasi-dual stainless-steel exhaust with a polished tip. The circular theme continues inside with air vents, instruments, door trim and of course the eyecatching retro-style, center-mounted speedometer.
The changing colors of the LED light ring in the 8.8-inch
infotainment/instrument cluster provide feedback to the driver. Go for the $7,800 iconic trim option to get piano black exterior trim, dual auto a/c, wiregrass charging, Mini navigation, powerfold mirrors, and more. Other notable amenities include heated front seats, Nappa leather steering wheel, synthetic leather seats, body-color roof, front center armrest, 60/40 rear seat, six-way manual front sport seats with center armrest, 6-speaker radio, ambient lights and a hidden under-floor cargo bin.
Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag for both rows, front knee airbags, rearview camera, four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution, stability, traction, dynamic cruise and park-distance control, active driving assistant with forward collision, pedestrian and lane departure warnings, auto emergency brakes, threepoint seatbelts, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights.
Always fancied a Mini Cooper but space restraints were a concern? Agreed, it can get really tight for rear seat passengers, but the head-turner shows off an inimitable European flair with unconventional looks. And this stylish, affordable, trendy and enjoyable car with the S (as in Sport) provides plenty of punch in any road condition.
Nitish S. Rele, editor/publisher of Motoring Tampa Bay and Khaas Baat, can be reached at motoringtampabay@gmail.com.
The fourth annual Ocala Food & Wine Festival presented by Lugano Diamonds returns to the World Equestrian Center in Ocala November 1-3. The 2024 event is a celebrity-chef-led celebration featuring three days of culinary competition, beer, wine and spirits education and samples of extraordinary cuisine. Event proceeds benefit the Public Education Foundation of Marion County and the ProStart Program.
Scheduled events:
Friday, Nov. 1, Flavors of Fire Welcome Event 5:30pm8:30pm. Kick off the weekend with live-fire cuisine from around the world.
an exquisite, multicourse dinner from the team of celebrity chefs.
Sunday, Nov. 3 • Jazz Brunch, 10am-1pm Raise a glass to the end of the weekend with a Champagne brunch on The Equestrian Hotel terrace featuring live jazz music.
Tiki Afterparty 8pm-10pm; Five-star ticket holders will keep the party going at The Equestrian Hotel’s swanky poolside bar.
Saturday, Nov. 2
Grand Tasting, 1pm-5pm; sample beer, wine, spirits and cuisine while enjoying the celebrity chef demonstrations, Junior Mystery Basket Competition and much more.
Lugano Rose Garden Cocktail Hour, 5:30pm-7:15pm Enjoy an elegant pre-dinner cocktail hour in the rose garden.
Celebrity Chef Dinner at Stirrups Restaurant, 7pm; Indulge in
The World Equestrian Center offers two luxury options The Equestrian Hotel and The Riding Academy Hotel. The Equestrian Hotel, situated in the heart of the complex, features 248 stylishly-appointed rooms and suites. In between your culinary adventure, guests will find no shortage of activities, including relaxing poolside, indulge in the full-service Calluna Spa, dine al fresco on the outdoor terrace and browse luxury and performance retailers. The Riding Academy Hotel offers 390 suites to visitors looking to stay on-site and experience what has often been called “Disneyland for Horse Lovers”. Guests can enjoy a large outdoor pool and sundeck, dual fitness centers, and lobby marketplace, as well as the thriving main complex center just a few yards away, which boasts seven restaurants, a spa and more than two dozen shops and boutiques.
For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.ocalafoodandwinefest.com
All children need and deserve a loving, safe, secure and encouraging family to grow up in, and to know they are deserving of being loved.
Sat., Sept. 28, 2024 10am-1pm
Our goal is to help create as many Forever Families as we can for the kids and the prospective parents and for the organizations that supports them. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
RE/MAX Metro is excited to support Jane McCroary, a distinguished figure in the St. Petersburg business community, in this special “Women in Business” issue of St. Pete Life Magazine. Jane’s career, marked by high-level roles in sales, marketing, and customer service, reflects an exceptional blend of global expertise and leadership.
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and
At RE/MAX Metro, we are honored to have Jane McCroary as part of our professional family. Her achievements are a testament to what can be achieved with passion, focus, and heart. We salute Jane and all the inspiring businesswomen who continue to make a positive impact on our community.
BY SYLVIA HOPKINS
When you embark on the journey of remodeling your home, you’re likely brimming with ideas drawn from various sources. Maybe it’s the minimalist kitchen you saw on Instagram or the rustic charm of a living room you experienced on vacation. These inspirations become the foundation of your vision, but turning them into a cohesive reality is where the real challenge lies. To navigate this process successfully, you need a skilled designer to bring your ideas together and an experienced contractor who understands the art of flexibility.
A skilled designer plays an essential role in turning your diverse inspirations into a unified design. Many homeowners come to the table with a collage of ideas—each beautiful in its own right but not necessarily complementary. It’s the designer’s job to sift through these ideas and create a design that feels cohesive and intentional.
Consider this client’s home as an example. This kitchen was inspired by a sleek, modern Instagram post, while the TV room
was influenced by a cozy project we completed for a different client. The master bedroom’s design stemmed from countless Pinterest boards curated by both client and designer, and the bathroom’s look was driven by the desire to incorporate Moroccan Zellige tiles. At first, these ideas felt disconnected, each room evoking a different style and mood. However, through collaboration with a talented designer, these elements were harmoniously blended, resulting in a home that feels both unified and deeply personal.
So how do you take those fragments of inspiration and weave them into the fabric of your home? It starts with finding a remodeling company that not only understands your vision but is also skilled at translating it into reality.
A great remodeling company will take the time to sit down with you and explore the ideas you’ve gathered. They’ll listen to your stories about that unforgettable trip to Morocco, or the designer
whose Instagram posts you’ve been saving for months. They’ll ask about the details that caught your eye—the textures, colors, and layouts that made you fall in love with a particular space. This collaborative approach ensures that your project is personalized and deeply connected to your inspirations.
But it’s not just about copying a look. A skilled remodeler knows how to adapt these inspirations to your home’s unique architecture and your lifestyle. They can suggest materials that reflect the same vibe but are better suited for your local climate. They’ll work with you to adjust layouts to enhance functionality without sacrificing style. The goal is to create spaces that not only look beautiful but also feel right for you.
Once the design is set, the focus shifts to execution, where the importance of working with a flexible, experienced contractor becomes evident. Remodeling is an unpredictable process, and even the most well-thought-out designs may require adjustments. An experienced contractor knows this and is prepared to adapt to ensure that the final product is not only beautiful but also functional and true to the overall vision.
In this case, the initial design for this client’s remodel evolved as the project progressed. The design-build remodeler (Strobel Design Build) made key adjustments—like altering the kitchen layout to enhance flow and adding custom features in the TV room—that weren’t part of the original plan but were necessary to tie the entire design together. This
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adaptability is what separates a good contractor from a great one.
Balancing Vision and Budget with Value Engineering
Budget is often the most significant constraint in any remodeling project, and a good design-build company will help you achieve your vision without overspending. This process, known as “value engineering”, involves finding creative solutions that deliver the desired aesthetic at a more affordable price.
For example, this homeowner was inspired by a Pinterest photo featuring a large natural stone slab as a dramatic entertainment center backdrop. However, the cost of such a slab was beyond the clients budget goals. The designer proposed a clever alternative—a slate-look porcelain that offered a similar visual impact at a fraction of the cost. This compromise allowed the client to achieve the luxurious look they wanted without exceeding their budget.
This ability to balance aesthetic desires with financial realities is a crucial aspect of the remodeling process. It ensures that the final product not only looks stunning but also aligns with what you’re willing to invest.
The Role of Communication and Collaboration
Another critical aspect of turning a homeowner’s
inspiration into reality is the role of communication and collaboration between the client, the designer, and the contractor. Throughout the remodeling process, clear and consistent communication ensures that everyone is on the same page and that the project stays true to the clients ultimate vision.
For example, in this client’s remodel, regular check-ins with the design-build team were crucial. The client, designer, and production team discussed progress, reviewed decisions that needed to be made, and adjusted plans as necessary. This ongoing dialogue allowed for quick problem-solving and ensured that the project continued to align with the clients original inspiration.
A collaborative approach not only keeps the project on track but also fosters a sense of trust and partnership between the client and the remodeling team. This collaboration is essential for addressing any concerns that may arise and for making informed decisions that enhance the final outcome.
Ultimately, realizing your vision for your home is about more than just replicating a design you admire. It’s about working with professionals who can take your inspirations and turn them into a cohesive, livable space that reflects your personality and lifestyle. A skilled designer will consolidate your scattered ideas, and an experienced contractor will ensure that the project adapts and evolves to meet your needs, all while keeping an eye on the budget.
The result is a home that tells your story—a place where every element, from the tiles in the bathroom to the layout of the kitchen, is a reflection of your unique vision. So, whether your inspiration comes from social media, travels, or personal experiences, know that with the right team, your dream home is within reach.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about walking into a room and feeling that it’s exactly what you envisioned. Every element, from the tiles in the bathroom to the cozy nook in the TV room, reflects a part of you—your tastes, your experiences, your personality. It’s the ultimate expression of what it means to turn a house into a home.
By bringing your inspirations to your remodeler, you’re not just asking them to replicate a design—you’re asking them to create a space that tells your story. And when you work with the right team, that’s exactly what you’ll get: a home that’s uniquely yours, infused with the memories, dreams, and inspirations that matter most to you.
So the next time you find yourself captivated by a kitchen on Instagram, or dreaming of the tiles you saw on vacation, remember that those inspirations are the seeds of your dream home. With the right remodeling company by your side, turning those dreams into reality is not just possible—it’s inevitable.
Strobel Design Build has been a member of NARI for over 20 years and has won over 100 awards for their designbuild projects through NARI and other professional organizations, including “Remodeler of the Year” for 2022. If you are considering a waterfront, beachside, or historic home remodeling project, they are the most qualified firm in the Tampa Bay area to turn your vision into reality.
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BY CINDY STOVALL
St. Petersburg enjoys an international reputation as a destination for the arts – a fact reinforced by the recently completed study by Americans for the Arts, which revealed that in the study period, St. Petersburg generated $132 million in economic impact, 46% of which was created by arts organizations spending.
Over 2,100 jobs were created and a large percentage of tourists visited here specifically to attend an arts event. The direct result is that the arts are a significant driver of economic development –from all the dollars spent to operate and taxes raised, to attracting new development and providing a richly resourced home base for established and emerging businesses.
Indeed, the vetoed funds were a huge part of the operating budgets of so many of our arts venues, programs and resources. State funds, for larger organizations, represent fully 10% of their arts operating budget – a huge gap. For smaller organizations, state funds can represent a much larger percentage, making them vulnerable to losing their programs altogether. Educational arts programming, and those providing free programs to underserved communities, are also at high risk. “That’s where we intend to focus our efforts as we work
through this,” said Terry Marks, CEO of the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance (SPAA). “Small organizations and individual artists will need more support to survive and thrive.”
On June 12, that progress was threatened with the stroke of a pen when Florida Gov. Rick DeSantis vetoed the entirety of the state’s arts funding budget – some $32 million. Approximately $2 million of that state total was requested by St. Petersburg.
Originally, the request was cut by the State Legislature by over 47% to approximately $1 million. Ron DeSantis then cut 100% - ALL of the arts funding. Those funding dollars were intended to come to St. Petersburg, leaving arts organizations, non-profit arts venues, arts education programs, and individual artists in need of grants funding, scrambling to find ways to make up the sudden shortfall.
In recent weeks, several large-scale meetings were called, bringing together stakeholders throughout the St. Petersburg arts community to address the funding crisis and to begin a joint dialogue. The intent is to develop a new level of collaboration that results in a real action plan to mitigate the impact of lost State revenue. “We want to continue nurturing the atmosphere of innovation and risk taking that has made the arts community so successful,” said Margaret Murray, CEO of Creative Pinellas, the county arts agency. “Those affected shouldn’t just be worrying about retaining employees and keeping the lights on.”
The Warehouse Arts District Association (WADA) hosted a gathering at the ArtsXchange on July 23, and the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance and Creative Pinellas hosted an event at the Palladium on July 31. There was a large turnout at both meetings with leaders from the arts community and city government participating in panel discussions and sharing ideas.
The far-reaching ripple effects of the unexpected state cuts were brought into clarity. An eye-opening example is the potential cancellation of American Stage in the Park productions, which are threatened after almost four decades. The need to develop “creative” solutions is clearly urgent.
Here are just a few of the suggestions brought up at these meetings:
•Increase public awareness as to the cost of sustaining the arts and improve private sector fundraising efforts in the community.
•Improve outreach to non-arts patrons and tourists.
•Increase awareness of philanthropists and develop grants and sponsorships to enhance funding sustainability.
•Have a place at the table with current and potential developers to garner support for the arts.
• Increase the city’s allocation to arts funding from the current .82% to a full 1% of St. Pete’s annual budget. This would increase arts funding from the current $3.2 million to $3.9 million – having a real impact on the shortfall.
Councilmember Gina Driscoll has been a committed advocate of the arts community, and she is leading the call to raise the city’s budget allocation to the arts from .82% to a full 1%. “First, we must take a look at how the current .82% is being allocated and see if any adjustments can be made,” she explains. “Our fiscal year begins October 1, and budget negotiations don’t begin until January, so it may take several cycles to raise the allocation to a full 1%. It is not easy to ask for other programs to reduce their budgets,” Driscoll says, “but this increase is due, so with a lot of negotiation, collaboration, and the sharing of resources, I am confident that we can reach the 1% goal.”
She also asks all stakeholders, art lovers, and concerned citizens to make their voices heard at the open forum at City Council meetings held at City Hall on the first, second, and third Thursdays of each month starting at 9am. “The more voices are heard, the more progress can be made. We must collaborate, link arms, and raise our collective voices,” Driscoll says. “We’re a lot stronger when we all pitch in together.”
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Creative Pinellas, arts agency for Pinellas County, is a significant provider of grants funding for artists and many arts businesses and other arts organizations. They have long cultivated partnerships with public and private entities to initiate a host of arts projects and programming. CEO Margaret Murray has been hard at work in recent months assessing the needs of the Arts community throughout the county, restructuring their grant model, and gathering mega amounts of data to create a Cultural Plan that, in large part, addresses funding needs. “Our new grant structure more equitably allocates funds over all genres of art,” she says, “and our extensive research gave us a clear look at funding needs in the arts. Recommendations from the Cultural Plan will be announced later this Fall.”
***
The St. Petersburg Arts Alliance (SPAA), produces two of St. Pete’s most popular arts events – Second Saturday ArtWalk and the SHINE Mural Festival. That’s in addition to its prolific grant activity and other vital arts support programming like the Arts Business Academy.
SHINE had already taken a $25,000 hit from State Cultural Events Funding – even before the newest state cuts, so there was already a shortfall to overcome. ArtWalk is one of the most attended monthly arts events in the city, always free to visitors. “Collaboration, and the sharing of ideas and resources is key,” says CEO, Terry Marks. “SPAA, together with the Downtown Partnership, has already published a Comprehensive Arts Study after listening to over 16,000 voices,” she says. The results can be found on the SPAA website. “Obviously, rigorous private and corporate fundraising has already begun to try and meet the shortfall so there is no interruption in current programming,” she adds. “You can’t be in fundraising if you’re not an optimist.”
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The Warehouse Arts District Association (WADA), has been a longtime leader in arts and artist advocacy – building and providing studio space at reasonable rents to fight gentrification, providing a far reaching slate of community arts programming, and creating partnerships to make the arts accessible to all.
Since the June 12 veto, WADA has been highly proactive in meeting the challenge. To date, WADA has actively protested the cuts with multiple public statements and social media posts They created an overview video to educate the public as to the existence and impact of the cuts. They created “Culture Convo” videos and reached out to other arts organizations to share fundraising ideas and began a Go-Fund-Me campaign.
WADA organized the initial 7/23 gathering of St. Pete arts stakeholders, and attended the 8/1 City Council meeting en masse to appeal for the raise in the city arts allocation. In the association’s Monthly Digest, Executive Director Markus Gottschlich stated, “We maintain our steadfast commitment to community enrichment.”
WADA recently created a partnership with the St. Petersburg Housing Authority and will begin a youth arts program for the residents of Jordan Park.
Mentioned earlier, American Stage is undertaking a $500,000 fundraising campaign in an effort to save American Stage in the Park. Thanks to private donations and the support of arts supporting businesses, like long-time sponsor Bank of America, over $100,000 has been raised. ***
That seems to be a big part of the game plan for both nonprofit arts organizations like SPAA, Creative Pinellas, and WADA, who provide funding for others, and individual nonprofit arts businesses like The Studio @620, Creative Clay, and the Museum of Fine Arts, for example – all longtime, foundational arts mainstays that have become indispensable
to St. Petersburg. Efforts have begun in earnest to increase the number of private partnerships with arts supporting businesses for either one time donations or long term sponsorships. Fundraising drives and events are being devised and implemented.
The overriding concept at the heart of all these efforts is one of collaboration, communication, sharing of ideas and resources, and a strong determination to support the most vulnerable and each other.
So if you have loved visiting galleries, going on ArtWalks, attending seminars, performances, or classes – if you love, admire, or appreciate the arts culture of St. Petersburg, it’s time to show your support with any of the following:
• A donation to the arts non-profit of your choice. All websites make it easy to donate.
• Attend more arts offering, and bring friends – buy tickets and buy art!
• Share your commitment to the arts on social media
• Attend a City Council meeting and make your voice heard.
The success of St. Petersburg to this point has been built on creativity and innovation. That’s exactly how this community will meet this moment.
Cindy Stovall writes about the arts for St. Pete Life. She can be reached at cstovall5@gmail.com
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St. Pete resident Carlos García Saúl has released his first novel, Caravan of Specters, a mystery torn from the pages of history. The historical thriller set on the island of Puerto Rico in the waning days of the 19th century, Caravan of Specters tells the story of Dr. Bailey Ashford, an American army physician who attempts to discover the reason thousands of peasant farmers, and their families, are dying from severe anemia.
Ashford (the main character) and all the military personnel, along with every date, place and fact were 100 percent real, says the author. Caravan of Specters is available from Amazon, from St. Petersburg Press and at Tombolo Books and other retailers.
Local author Tracey Enerson Wood’s uncovers unsung hero Katharine Wright, the sister of flight legends Wilbur and Orville
Wright, in Katherine, the Wright Sister (out September 10). The historical novel uncovers has that Katharine was the behind-the-scenes mastermind of their human flight inventions as she sourced materials, managed communications, and kept Wilbur and Orville focused on their goal— even when it seemed hopeless—all at the expense of her own unique dreams and plans. But the Wright brothers’ success in 1903 wasn’t the end of her sacrifice. At the height of Wilbur and Orville’s fame, tragedy rips them apart time and again, forcing Katharine to make choices that will haunt her for the rest of her life.
In addition to her bestselling books, Tracey Enerson Wood has penned numerous award-winning plays, wrote a monthly health column for a national magazine, reviewed restaurants for several local magazines, and wrote two screenplays. To find the book, go to netgalley.com
Saks Fifth Avenue has selected The Vinoy Resort and Golf Club to open the newest location of the Fifth Avenue Club, its luxury personal shopping and styling service, the Vinoy recently announced. The Fifth Avenue Club St. Petersburg is an extension of the luxury retailer’s existing Fifth Avenue Clubs, which have historically been housed within Saks Fifth Avenue stores and provide customers with highly personalized service.
Open now and available to both local customers and The Vinoy Resort and Golf Club guests, the Fifth Avenue Club St. Petersburg offers by-appointment personal shopping and styling services, in addition to one-of-a-kind trunk shows, jewelry showcases and other notable shopping experiences. Through the Fifth Avenue Club’s new format, clients are invited to connect with a Saks Stylist for an initial consultation either in-person at the Fifth Avenue Club or virtually to discuss style preferences, wardrobe needs, sizing and designer preferences.
Following the consultation, the stylist will curate a personalized selection of merchandise from nearby Saks Fifth Avenue stores, which will be delivered to the styling suite and beautifully presented for each client appointment. The Fifth Avenue Club St. Petersburg also features digital touchpoints allowing clients to seamlessly browse and shop on Saks.com should they require an alternative size, color or style.
The Fifth Avenue Club will be located on the mezzanine level of The Vinoy’s newly renovated mezzanine-level suites.
Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) has announced it will receive $27.8 million in federal grants to add to its growing sustainable fleet. The funds, which were confirmed by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA), will cover the cost to purchase at least 16 all-electric and hybrid-electric buses and the necessary charging infrastructure. In addition, the
funds support workforce development and training for PSTA’s employees on best practices in maintaining this modern technology.
“Not only will these electric buses make our community more environmentally friendly, they are a financially smart investment, saving tens of thousands of dollars in diesel fuel and maintenance expenses over their lives. Receiving this good news is just another sign of why PSTA was named the best transit agency in the nation,” said Gina Driscoll, Chair of the PSTA Board of Directors and St. Petersburg City Council member.
Currently, PSTA has 12 electric and 92 hybrid electric buses. In the next five years, PSTA will be receiving in total 62 allelectric buses to replace its diesel buses. These new funds will allow PSTA to continue phasing out its oldest diesel buses as it transitions to a fleet of low and no emission allelectric and hybrid-electric buses. All of PSTA’s buses will be manufactured in California by the Gillig Bus Corporation with components that meet all Buy America requirements. ***
The Florida Holocaust Museum will be temporarily closed through the rest of 2024 to undergo renovations. The museum is making room for Thor, the Danish rescue boat used in the Holocaust. Renovations will also create a more visitor-centered experience at the museum. It will remain closed until early 2025, with the exact date contingent on completion. ***
The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation has selected La Florida: The Interactive Digital Archives of the Americas as a recipient of a 2024 Florida Preservation Award, praising the project for reshaping scholarship and providing groundbreaking access into the state’s early history.
https://www.stpetersburg.usf.edu/news/2024/digital-archiveproject-receives-florida-preservation-award.aspx
Housed at USF St. Petersburg, La Florida offers a multidisciplinary view of colonial Florida’s rich history. It uses short videos, interactive maps, digital reconstructions and a searchable population database to bring to life the diverse melting pot of people that made up the state’s early history, from Spanish conquistadors and Native Americans to free and enslaved blacks and Europeans from Germany, Ireland and Eastern Europe. The project weaves together the lives and events of more than three centuries of Florida’s colonial past, from Juan Ponce de León’s 1513 expedition to 1821, when Florida became a U.S. territory.
$30+
BY KRISSY RUSHING TOMLIN
In our March issue, we published the article “Backyard Bliss” about trends in home technology to make your outdoor spaces an oasis and get you set up to live your best summer life. Now, we’re taking it inside to bring you the top design-forward smart home tech trends that homeowners and designers love.
Harnessing technology to create beautiful and highly functional spaces is becoming more commonplace in interior design.
As we move into the fall months and get ready for the holiday season, it’s a great time to glow up your home.
The importance of involving a technology integrator/designer early in the process, preferably one certified by the Home Technology Association, can’t be understated. A technology designer is an expert in the latest advancements in this rapidly evolving field, can provide invaluable insights and ensure that
the technology is not only planned for correctly at the early stages but integrates seamlessly with the overall design and desired ambiance of the space.
Here are five tips for getting the most bang for your buck.
Just like doorknobs, faucets, and cabinet hardware, smart home fixtures are integral structural components repeated from room to room, and therefore greatly impact the overall style of your home. Leading smart home manufacturers such as Lutron, Control4, Crestron, and Savant are revolutionizing home interiors by offering classic and elegant home control keypads, doorbells, and built-in tech that seamlessly blend with home décor, enhancing the aesthetic appeal.
Fixtures are pivotal in making a design stand out, and the current trend is shifting towards warmer tones, with nickel, champagne, and gold finishes gaining popularity.
Technology devices can be bulky and visually obtrusive, dis-
tracting from the designer’s or homeowner’s overall design vision. TRUFIG by Sonance is a flush-mounting option that puts an end to all that by delivering a trimless, minimalist aesthetic across a wide range of finishes and devices. “This is an interior designer’s smart home dream product,” says Melanie Niemerg, owner of Integral Home Technology. “It seamlessly integrate wiring, lighting control, HVAC, speakers, and voice control into your space without visual intrusion.”
Transform your television into a masterpiece for a high-design living or media room. With design-forward solutions like the Samsung FrameTV, this vision is now effortlessly within reach. Its customizable bezel options and Art Mode allow you to show a curated collection of artworks or personal photos when not in use, adding sophistication and elegance.
“The Samsung FrameTV is a favorite among interior designers and blends technology and artistry, making televisions indistinguishable from traditional picture frames,” says Niemerg. “It has received almost iconic status as the TV that homeowners
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Turn your great room into a varied lighting experience with expertly placed adjustable remote lights.
go to to make their media and living spaces look great on or off.”
Samsung isn’t the only pioneer in this arena. Audio Art by NextLevel Acoustics offers a unique customizable TV frame that conceals a complete speaker system behind it. This innovation enables designers and homeowners to create a more refined media experience. Audio Art accommodates a wide range of TV sizes, including models exceeding 100 inches, and boasts an impressive array of customization options, such as chic 45-degree speaker grilles in designer fabrics. Plus, the sound is incredible.
High-Performance Audio (That Isn’t an Eyesore)
In today’s smart homes, music isn’t merely an accessory — it’s an essential element, especially for those who love to entertain. Gone are the days when clunky, obtrusive speakers dominated our living spaces. Homeowners and designers demand solutions that keep the audio hidden, such as James Loudspeakers Small Aperture speakers.
These speakers are a marvel of contemporary audio engineering that harmonizes impeccable sound quality with speakers that go in the wall or ceiling with very minimal openings. Unlike conventional ceiling speakers that can mar the pristine lines and sophisticated ambiance of a room, James Small Aperture speakers boast a compact housing, resembling elegant lighting
fixtures more than traditional speakers.
Their diminutive apertures can be tailored with a variety of finishes to blend into the surrounding materials, such as paint or wood finish. “Designers love the James Small Aperture speakers because it makes their ceilings look consistent, rather than having a bunch of different types of openings in your ceiling for lights and speakers,” adds Spencer Heckman, Project Manager at Integral.
Likewise, Leon Speakers is combining light and audio design in the new Mera Sound Sconce in collaboration with Mera Studio Architects. The device has audio, dimmable LED lighting, and craftsmanship and is available in three colors inspired by natural materials, to elevate your space with sound and style. Put one on either side of your TV for gorgeous light and sound in one fell swoop.
Ah, the marvels of modern illumination! When it comes to lighting design, it’s important to use a smart home brand that delivers innovation and lighting that looks natural. That’s the whole reason behind Lutron Intelligent Lighting Solutions.
“These systems are digitally addressable, meaning you can control them from your smartphone or touchscreen,” says Heckman. “Lutron provides a very high level of light quality
with Ketra downlights that have a dynamic range of lighting, allowing users to harmonize with natural daylight rhythms or amplify a space’s vibrancy, breathing life into artwork and transforming environments.”
Lutron calls it the Instagram Filter for Life. Get inspiration and play with lighting designs and keypads by downloading the Lutron Luxury App.
You can also add smart lighting to your mirrors, too. Séura, for example, brings great-quality lighting to your bathroom vanity and even offers Touch Control Color Temperature. So, whether you’re energizing your morning routine with cool, clean white, or winding down for a good night’s sleep with a warm and inviting glow, you can tune your light color with the in-mirror touch sensor.
As a Florida homeowner, you crave a comfortable, secure, and private environment. Motorized indoor shading shines in all three of these pursuits while offering unparalleled convenience of one-touch house-wide control. Motorized shades also contribute to child safety (they’re cordless), protect art and furnishings from harsh sunlight, preserve views, and help with energy efficiency.
These shades — like those from Crestron, Savant, and Lutron — can be programmed to adjust automatically, enhancing your home’s functionality and aesthetic while promoting well-being and energy savings. They also come in a wide assortment of fabrics, transparencies, and colors. For example, you might want opaque shades for privacy and a great night’s sleep in the bedroom or bathroom and more transparent options in the living area or kitchen.
“At Integral Home Technology, we can install more than one set of shades per window, such as blackout shades for the night and sheer shades for the day. We can also program the different sets of shades to raise or lower depending on the time of day. If it’s bedtime, the blackout shades descend to provide a comfortable sleeping environment,” adds Niemerg.
From the seamless blend of smart fixtures that complement your home’s aesthetic to televisions that double as art pieces, the possibilities are endless. Again, the key to achieving this harmonious blend of technology and design lies in early collaboration with a qualified, professional technology designer.
To get started on your smart home technology makeover, contact Integral Home Technology at info@integralfl.com, 727-559-1265.
BY ANNE ZIMMERMAN BRIAND
Nestled just south of St. Pete, on the island home to Ft. Desoto Park, lies the newly completed Sunset Point condo village. With its westward orientation, this stunning complex offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico and the enchanting Shell Key Preserve — a haven for nature lovers and a perfect retreat for those fortunate enough to call Sunset Point home.
Among them are Cynthia and Bill, who in 2023 set out to create a serene escape within their new condo, where they could savor the sublime water views, magnificent Gulf sunsets, and the tranquility of the beach below their balcony doors.
Their journey began with a long-standing familiarity with the area. Having previously owned a condo on the bay side of Tierra Verde, they were drawn to Sunset Point for its Gulf-front location, modern amenities, and larger space. They envisioned a home that would blend seamlessly with its coastal surroundings while offering a modern lifestyle.
To bring their vision to life, they turned to Tampa’s renowned interior designer Julianne Hendrickson, celebrated for her
commitment to understanding her clients’ desired aesthetics and translating them into spaces that resonate with their deepest aspirations. Hendrickson embraced the mission with her characteristic blend of precision and polish, transforming their new space into a coastal haven that is as serene as it is sophisticated.
“We designed the space to feel airy and coastal while leaning into modern, neutral colors and forms,” Hendrickson explains. “We wanted this space to feel like an extension of the environment. By using materials and colors that reflect the coastal landscape, we’ve created a space that feels both connected to nature and refreshingly modern.”
The design’s foundation lies in a carefully curated palette of whites and light neutrals. Modern shapes and rounded fixtures harmonize the space, keeping it open, soft, and warm. Hendrickson’s use of organic shapes and rounded forms echoes the curves found in nature, bringing a touch of the outdoors inside. Every detail— from the selection of Lexington Furniture pieces to the use of Bernhardt and Arteriors lighting — has been thoughtfully chosen to create a luxurious yet comfortable ambiance.
A standout feature of the home is the thoughtfully designed kitchen, which invites gathering around both an island and a peninsula. This layout, offering seating for seven, was arranged with Cynthia and Bill’s love of entertaining in mind. With open views of Shell Key Preserve and the Gulf sunsets, every meal becomes a unique experience. The flexibility of the space allows for multiple functions, from casual gatherings to formal dinners, enhancing their lifestyle of entertaining and socializing.
In the living room, the open layout and expansive windows flood the space with natural light and frame breathtaking views of Shell Key Preserve, making nature an integral part of life at Sunset Point. By maintaining a monochromatic color scheme, the view takes center stage, while the furnishings offer a comfortable retreat for undistracted relaxation and enjoyment.
The owners also reimagined the traditional den/office space, opting for an open and flexible area. By removing the doors and a wall, Hendrickson created a seamless flow into the common area, providing the perfect setting for a piano and giving it the prominence it deserves. This design choice reflects Hendrickson’s philosophy of creating spaces that are not just functional but also emotionally resonant. The new layout also includes a gallery bar with cabinetry and a wine refrigerator, enhancing their entertaining capabilities.
Hendrickson’s ability to interpret her clients’ desires shines throughout the project. “When we first met with Julianne, she asked us how we wanted to FEEL when we walked through the
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beautiful, rounded, soft chandelier with shapes reminiscent of seashells, and roped shell beads offers greetings upon entry to the condo.
Left, neutral tones throughout the condo reflect the beach environment outside for a luxurious yet comfortable ambiance. Right, a traditional den is reimagined into a piano room.
door. I immediately said, “Peaceful, Easy Feeling” and Cynthia said, “Sophisticated Coastal,” said Bill.
After she went through some other questions and selection choices for colors and styles to learn their preferences, Julianne had a strong sense of the couple’s tastes. “We gave Julianne carte blanche to design the interior space, fixtures, and all furnishings and incorporate the floorplan changes. She showed us her design board, room by room, even with our own art! It is exactly what we wanted. Julianne and her team worked their turnkey magic and transformed our unit in two days,” Bill shares.
Reflecting on the project, Hendrickson adds, “Bill and Cynthia believed in the design process and trusted our team to create a
vision for the condo that would stand the test of time.”
Cynthia and Bill’s hopes for a serene coastal retreat has become a reality. Their new home at Sunset Point perfectly balances nature’s tranquility with a festive atmosphere for entertaining and activities. Every detail, crafted with intention, enhances the natural beauty surrounding the home while bringing that beauty inside.
As the sun sets over Shell Key Preserve, this tranquil oasis offers more than just a home; it offers a lifestyle where peace, elegance, and the spirit of coastal living blend seamlessly. Truly, at Sunset Point, serenity is now.
Anne Zimmerman Briand can be reached at anne@annezimmerman.com
RadioStPete.com Sunshine 96.7 FM (radiostpete.com) is your local source for more than 20 locally hosted music shows (4,000+ songs), podcasts, news, sports (including the new high school Varsity Voices), interviews and more during Lunch Time Conversations. Check out the weekly Wednesday with Wiser and her LET’S GO GUIDE where we curate the best upcoming Tampa Bay entertainment, good eats/drinks, arts/ culture, nightlife, festivals from downtown St. Pete to the beaches ... and beyond. https://bit.ly/3YuEpod
LISTEN UP anytime, anywhere here to 8,000+ stories; search #name: https://bit.ly/4azcYgf Meet local movers and shakers in our summer studio series: Karen Carmichael’s Sunshine Sisters series with Renee Edwards, Saturday Shoppes; Rui Farias, Executive Director St. Petersburg Museum of History’s interviews with Roser Park Neighborhood Association Domenico Pontoriero (also Car-Free Conversations) and Dr. Brandi Stark, Spirits of St. Pete about paranormal and the monthly haunted trolley tour with Star Trolley. Enjoy the musings of Matthew McGee, LL Kirchner’s Ill Behaved Women,
The Live Life Better series continued integrative health coach Jennifer Gilman plus St. Pete Eats podcasts with Wendy Wesley plus John R. Miles Passion Struck podcast with an upcoming author series at Book + Bottle featuring their talk 9/16 @6PM. RSP partnered with Clearwater Jazz Holiday, Al Downing Jazz Association and Suncoast Jazz Festival and aired the Al Downing Honors concert and interviews from CJH at The Factory with more interviews and live concert coverage to come. Listen to our live coverage of the St. Pete City’s historic Rays stadium vote and 1% Arts presentation!
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Nanette Wiser, RadioStPete.com News Director/Host
The Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, has announced the appointment of Klaudio Rodriguez as the new Executive Director and CEO following a comprehensive national search. Mr. Rodriguez joins the MFA from The Bronx Museum of the Arts in The Bronx, New York, where he has successfully led the institution in embracing its core mission of inspiring people and connecting communities through the power of art and education. Before his tenure at The Bronx Museum, Mr. Rodriguez served as Chief Curator
CLEARWATER, FL – Clearwater Jazz Holiday celebrates 45 years October 17-20 with a “Back to our Roots” theme, leaving The Sound behind (last year’s venue) and moving to the large green in Coachman Park where the Tampa Bay Times main stage concerts will be performed.
“We wanted to do something special for our 45th anniversary and this format really captures the community feel and magic of the festival tradition,” explains Steve Weinberger, Clearwater Jazz Holiday Foundation, CEO. “It is a return to something more familiar including beer gardens, the large bluff lawn overlooking the green where blankets and lawn chairs are welcome and new, smaller side stages.”
The 2024 lineup once again offers a diverse festival bill with something for everyone and a different feel each day. It is another showcase of classic and contemporary, blending audiences and
Thursday, Oct 17
Tampa Bay Times Stage
6:30-8pm - Galactic Featuring Jelly Joseph 8:30-10pm - Boney James
VSPC Plaza Stage - FREE 4:30-6pm - Jazmin Ghent
Pier Party Stage - FREE
4:30-6pm - CJH Young Lions Festival Jam Hosted by Alex Malkovich
Friday, Oct 18
Tampa Bay Times Stage
7:30pm - 9pm - Tower of Power
9:30-11pm - Cory Wong
generations. Two new side stages will be open to the public at no charge and will feature 15 additional artists.
Weinberger describes the format: “The side stages create a festival preparty each day before the headliners hit the main stage – the two side stages are in the immediate vicinity of the large green – making it easy to check out all the happenings, wander around, and explore Coachman Park in this fun setting. The side stages feature everything from smooth and straight ahead jazz to jam, funk, chiilhop, and Americana roots rock.”
True to the CJH mission, there will also be performances from outstanding young jazz musicians who the folks at CJH affectionately call Young Lions. Clearwater Jazz Holiday Foundation supports many of these aspiring artists throughout the year with its education and outreach programs providing instructional and performance opportunities.
VSPC Plaza Stage - FREE 4:15-5pm - John C. O’Leary III & Trace Zacur 5:30-7pm - Pete Carney & Orange Alert
Pier Party Stage - FREE
4:30-7pm - CHILLtronic Takeover with Austen Van Der Bleek & Jask
Saturday, Oct 19
Tampa Bay Times Stage
7:30-9pm - The USAF Academy Band Falconaires 9:30-11pm - Sierra Ferrell
Pier Party Stage - FREE
3:15- 4pm - CJH Young Lions Collective 4:30-5:30pm - Castellano All-Stars 6-7pm - Le Jazz
VSPC Plaza Stage - FREE 4-5pm - CJH Youth All-Star Jazz Band Hosted by Frank Williams 5:30-7pm - Polyrhythmics
Sunday, Oct 20
Tampa Bay Times Stage 6:30-8pm - Mavis Staples 8:30-10pm - St. Paul & The Broken Bones
VSPC Plaza Stage - FREE 3:15-4:15pm - Friends of Fil Organ Trio 4:45-6pm - Steeln’ Peaches
Pier Party Stage - FREE 3:30-4:30pm - The Family Funk 5-6pm - Have Gun, Will Travel
BY VERONICA BREZINA
The Tampa Bay Rays have secured local government funding for a new $1.37 billion baseball stadium in a deal that will keep the team in St. Petersburg for decades to come. In a 5-2 vote on July 30, Pinellas County Commissioners approved contributing $312.5 million of tourism tax revenue towards the construction of the stadium. The tourism tax revenue is generated by a bed tax restricted to funding tourist-related development such as hotel expansions and other projects driving economic prosperity.
The county’s funds will only go toward the design and build of the stadium that will be the centerpiece of the new $6.5 billion Gas Plant redevelopment, an 8-million-square-foot mixed-use district the Rays are developing in partnership with Hines that will be the largest development in Tampa Bay’s history.
“This is quite a momentous day for our franchise, our fans and the entire Tampa Bay region — the Rays are here to stay in St. Petersburg,’’ Tampa Bay Rays Principal Owner Stuart Sternberg
said in a news release from the team.
The vote follows the City of St. Petersburg’s approval of the stadium and Gas Plant District development agreement and signing off on their portion of the funding. The funding from both the city and county also guarantees the Major League Baseball team will remain in St. Petersburg for at least 30 years with two five-year renewals on the lease. Pinellas County will own the stadium.
There also is a separate non-relocation agreement that commits the Rays to remaining in St. Petersburg for the duration of the lease.
Building begins in January
Construction on the ballpark, which will be located on 13 acres east of the Rays current home, Tropicana Field, will begin in January 2025 and be completed in time for Opening Day 2028. The Rays have selected Populous as the lead stadium architect, Minneapolis-based Mortenson Construction as the construction
manager, and Apopka-based Finfrock as the design-build group for the parking garages.
The enclosed stadium is set to be the most intimate in Major League Baseball (MLB) with a capacity of 30,000 with at least 25,000 fixed seats across three levels. The unique pavilion-style design includes a fixed roof that peaks over the playing field and slopes toward the street.
While the county is only responsible for its share of the stadium costs, County Commissioners Dave Eggers and Chris Latvala cast the no votes during the final meeting, citing financing concerns and the ripple effect it may carry.
“I want professional baseball to stay here, I want the Rays to stay here, but at what price?” Latvala said. “This will be a $1 billion publicly funded subsidy to a billionaire. I’m not willing to put my name on that.”
Eggers also expressed issues about the county taking on debt to finance the planned stadium, recommending the team to renegotiate the county’s share and come back in 30 days to present a new and “better” request.
“We pushed all future capital expenses to them — insurance, exposure, and risk to the team and they’ve accepted that, and in turn, they get the revenues,” Pinellas County Administrator Barry Burton reiterated to commissioners.
Every five years, the team will be subject to a Capital Expenditure “CAPEX” review.
The bigger picture
“This is so much more than a baseball stadium. It is poised to become, if we do it right, a world-class tourist destination,” Commissioner Janet Long said during the meeting. “It’s more than about the baseball stadium. It’s a transformational, once-in-alifetime opportunity.”
The City of St. Petersburg is contributing $417.5 million, including $287.5 million for the stadium and $130 million for infrastructure on the Historic Gas Plant District site. The city is also selling roughly 65 acres of public land valued at $280 million to the Rays for $105 million. The city would also fund a $12 million wastewater facility for the site.
The Rays are picking up the rest of the tab — covering $700 million and any cost overruns for the ballpark. The remaining costs of the entire development will be funded using a mix of debt, equity, and other sources.
The full buildout of the Gas Plant redevelopment, expected to take over 20 years to complete, will feature approximately 5,400 residential units, 750 hotel rooms, 1.4 million square feet of Class A office and medical space, and 750,000 square feet of retail space. “Hines is thrilled to join the Rays in this model public-private partnership to create the largest mixed-use development in the southeast United States,’’ Hines Senior Managing Director Michael Harrison said in a prepared statement. “This is a unique opportunity to create an exciting and inclusive destination that honors the Historic Gas Plant neighborhood, offers well-paying jobs and new spaces for locally owned businesses, and attracts visitors from throughout the Tampa Bay region and beyond.”
The first interim development milestone requires 400,000 square feet of vertical construction to be completed by December 31st, 2030. At completion, redevelopment is estimated to create
$443 million in total economic output and 15,000 jobs.
“The Historic Gas Plant District will be a welcoming neighborhood that will offer unprecedented opportunities for jobs and local businesses, a neighborhood that will help us meet pressing needs for workforce/affordable housing and new office space,” Mayor Ken Welch said in a statement. “Most importantly, this visionary development will honor descendants of the Historic Gas Plant neighborhood and deliver on unmet promises of housing, jobs, and opportunity.”
This article was provided by St. Pete Rising, an online urban development publication covering retail, restaurants, and real estate in St. Petersburg, FL. Find it at stpeterising.com.
A driver embarks on a 17-year journey in an imperfect car and endures all manner of starts, stops and sputtering. In some years, the highs outweigh the lows and hope abounds. In other instances, it appears all the ups and downs will inspire the driver to just give up the goal.
In the end, the car survives all the perils and pitfalls and arrives – wait for it – at the starting line.
Such is the case with the Tampa Bay Rays and their trials and tribulations to craft a new stadium deal. Beginning in 2007, the banter bandied about from the current site to the St. Pete waterfront to Ybor City to Tampa’s riverbanks. Everyone had a suggestion. Maybe the Florida State Fairgrounds? Have we thought about Orlando? Did someone say Montreal?
This is the beginning for the Rays, for the city council, for Mayor Ken Welch, the Pinellas County Commissioners, the project supporters, the opposition, the current and future elected officials, and us.
Yet the team has now finalized an agreement to redevelop the 86 acres where Tropicana Field currently sits. In the deal, the city of St. Petersburg and Pinellas County will devote billions to bring about the stadium, which will be the centerpiece of the historic Gas Plant District renovation. All involved have signed off on the massive and complex plan. The ink has dried. It’s all settled. Now the work begins. And I’m not talking about groundbreakings, construction crews and cranes.
Moving forward, everyone involved has a role to play.
Even a cursory review of the multi-faceted agreement reveals it’s chock full of promises. It’s not only the largest such deal in city history, but never has a project’s aim meant so much to so many. The development includes affordable and workforce housing, small-business assistance, diverse hiring, job creation and educational programs, plus $10 million for the Woodson African American History Museum.
The project must compensate for the lingering bitterness held by African Americans who gave way to the building of the baseball stadium in the 1980s. It must provide an economic boost and complete the elevation of downtown from Beach Drive to the western edge. It must boost educational opportunities, fuel the cultural arts, protect the environmentally sensitive Booker Creek, meet climate change demands, and provide plentiful entertainment and dining options on the 81 nights the Rays don’t have a game.
In short, it has to do everything. Thus, everyone has to be involved – pulling in the same direction.
The Rays and Welch, along with Hines, the developer, have piloted this deal. The initial takeoff begins with them. Naysayers have questioned the sincerity of the group, finding perceived devils in the details. The mayor, the team and the developer have stood steadfast, repeatedly offering assurances. That must continue, especially Welch.
Given the fact that Welch is the first of four St. Petersburg mayors to bring about a deal, much of the future success falls on his hands. I’m certain he recognizes the project will carry his legacy, and I’m convinced he wants his legacy to be renewing the promise first made to Gas Plant District residents oh-so long ago.
The Rays and Hines can ill afford one-sided success. They’ve assured this will be an impact project and not just a stadium deal. Team officials point to critical relationships with African Americans as positive signs. Former residents such as community leader and noted historian Gwendolyn Reese, as well as Hood Design Studios, have a voice in the project. The local NAACP endorsed the project. Let that continue and grow.
The elected officials – both those in favor and those opposed – must continue to provide accountability measures. This is a project that defines why we have a city council and a county commissioner. Leadership is required, and no new person should be elected without displaying a deep understanding of the deal.
Can we make them take a Historic Gas Plant exam? I’m not kidding.
The vocal opponents also have to remain involved – not with guiltedged words and adverse anger – but with fair questions and an attention to detail. The goal should not be to derail the deal, but to ensure it delivers on all of its potential. I understand there may be philosophical opposition to public dollars financing a private entity, but now that the investment will be made, can they work to help the community get the biggest return?
And we also have a role. Every resident in St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay can remain involved and keep pace with the project. If the public stays engaged, the public will be served. In the final assessment, that’s what this is all about.
Ernest Hooper is the Senior Vice President for Communications at United Way Suncoast.
After more than one year of renovations, the sidewalk construction walls came down to officially welcome Juno & the Peacock and neighboring cocktail lounge Pluma in late August to the Beach Drive restaurant scene. Formerly 400 Beach Seafood and Tap House, the anxiously awaited eatery is a complete reimagination of its former self and a bastion of luxury and fine dining from Shawn and Jeanna Damkoehler, the husband-wife team behind Alello on Beach Drive. The lead team includes executive chef Drew Dimitrovski and wine director Michelle Richards with curated menus of high-end cocktails, global wines and an extensive menu that redefines coastal classics with inventive flair, alongside American staples like handhelds, flatbreads and tapas plates like lobster tail escargot and Wagu carpaccio. Reservations are a must.
Fiesta time is all the time at Parasol
If you are feeling festive, there’s no better place to head than the Vinoy’s new poolside eatery Parasol, where a casual menu with Latin flare and exotic specialty rum and tequila cocktails perfect for lunch, happy hour or later, await your arrival. We mucho loved the fab Cubano Ybor Style, Salsa Verde Chicken Wrap and Blackened Shrimp Tacos with sides of Smoke Paprika Yucca Fries and Mexican Street Corn. Look for healthy salads and sides and botanas such as Picadillo Empanadas, Tuna Tostadas and Lobster Quesadilla that all scream to be washed down with a Blueberry Lavendar Margarita, a Don Q Blanco Rum Cuba Libre or a signature sangria. Be sure to wear a hat as you will not want to leave the table anytime soon; hours are11 am to 9 pm daily. Ole!
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The Trail Garden, located next to St. Petersburg Distillery (800 31st Street S.), recently announced David Reyes as the new Executive Chef. Reyes served as executive chef at Haiku in downtown Tampa. He hails from Chicago but trained at multiple Michelin-starred restaurants in southern France and trained in
www.SPRotary.org
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where he honed his disciplines and techniques to make approachable, simple and honest food.
In creating the new menu, Chef Reyes made the most of the distillery’s popular portfolio, incorporating several fan favorites into unique dishes such as the Old St. Pete Burger made with Old St. Pete Sunshine Whiskey; the Tippler’s Wood Fired Peach & Burrata Salad with Tippler’s Reserve Orange Balsamic Vinaigrette; and the Coconut Crusted Grouper Sandwich made with Oak and Palm Coconut Rum.
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Greenlane, a salad-focused drive-thru featuring veggiecentric food items, has opened its first Pinellas County location in St. Pete at 8001 4th Street N. The menu includes fresh salads, filling wraps, protein boxes, slushies, pretzel sticks and more.
Rotary Club of St. Petersburg Golf Tournament Benefiting: CART Coins for Alzheimerʼs Research Trust
Monday, November 18, 2024
Registration: 10:30-11:30am
Shotgun Start: 12pm
Tournament Format: Two Player Team Scramble Handicap REQUIRED to Win Monetary Prizes
Entree fee : $1,000 per team
Includes: Golf Fees, Buffet, Goodie Bag, Auction, Entertainment, Awards and Prizes 5pm Buffet
BY PAM COYLE
When it comes to wine preferences, the most asked question is “is it sweet or dry?” More than 70 percent of wine consumed in the US is dry and some consumers may associate sweet wines to cheap memories of White Zinfandel and Boone’s Farm.
However, there is a time and place for sweet wine. Dessert wines are some of the most historical, age-worthy and complex wines in the world and can really enhance an after-dinner experience. Even enjoyed on their own, or with spicy foods, certain sweet wines can pair with anything from pungent cheese, dark chocolate to butter cookies or lemon cake. So, move over espresso martinis and let’s make way for dessert wines as well.
The most commonly known dessert wine is port. It is made in the northern part of Portugal on the Douro river and falls under the category of fortified wines, when a distilled grape spirit (usually brandy) is added either during or after fermentation. When it is
added during, it kills the yeast and the wine remains sweet and high in alcohol. Port is typically made from the local grape touriga nacional and other indigenous varietals.
There are different types of port with a range of styles and processes. Those looking for a sweet, simple, fruity and chocolatey port should seek out a Ruby. There are Late-Bottled Vintage (LBV) and Vintage Ports that are also considered Ruby because of their deepcolor and aging process yet have a more complex concentration. LBV should be consumed right away but vintage and reserve ports can be matured for a long time. Try with dark chocolate and blue cheese.
If you care to enjoy a more caramelized style of dessert wine to go with a nutty pastry, go with the oxidative Tawny Port with amber hues and dried fruit flavors. Look for specific age indications for higher quality and Colheita, meaning “harvest,” for a single vintage Tawny.
This fortifying process can be attributed to the days of long ocean voyages for a stronger wine and a longer shelf life. Other fortified wines include sherry from Spain, Madeira from the island off the coast of Africa, Marsala in Sicily or VDN (vin doux naturel) from southern France.
Other dessert wines will be made with high quality grapes in an unfortified style. Most involve a labor intensive monthslong process of hand selecting and harvesting, all with weather depending. This will produce richly sweet flavors and can age up to and almost over 50 years because sweetness and high acidity help preserve freshness. One of the best ways to achieve this is with late harvest wines, which are exactly that: wines that are made from grapes left to overripen on the vine and gain a higher concentration of sugar.
One of the most versatile, yet popular varietals to use in late harvest production is riesling, ideally because of its naturally high acidity and the cold region where it’s grown, mostly in Germany. When semi-sweet or sweet, riesling is labeled “Spatlese” or above through their classification system. Ice Wine or “Eiswein” also falls under this classification and is literally made with frozen grapes. Anything labeled with “Auslese” or higher will have noble rot. These processes can also be found in Canada and the northern US and may pair best with fruit pies.
Noble rot is a very specific and desirable yet challenging method in manual harvest often producing lower yields and higher price points. It is when healthy late harvest grapes are attacked by a fungus, botrytis cinerea, which punctures, dehydrates and further concentrates the flavors, sugars and acids in the grape.
Sauternes from southern Bordeaux in France and Tokaji Aszú from Hungary are some of the oldest and highest regarded noble rot-affected dessert wines. Both have been known to change and age beautifully over long periods of time in the bottle. Imagine flavors of dried stone fruit, honey, crème brulee, even saffron and ginger. Either would go great with a fruit tart.
taste is rich with golden raisin, caramel and dried fruit flavors, paired traditionally with biscotti.
When pairing sweet wines with dessert, a common practice is to have the wine be just as sweet or a bit sweeter than the dessert. It’s important to think about the weight of the wine and the texture of the dessert. Good concentration, acidity and age can help compliment the richness of the dessert as well. To bring out more of the subtle notes in sweet wines, pair with neutral flavors, like butter biscuits, or even salty cheeses, nuts and dried fruits. With dessert wines’ multiple layers of complex characteristics, they will be sure to change the way you may have once viewed sweet wines.
W & J Graham’s Six Grapes Reserve
After almost 200 years of heritage in port production, Graham’s now own some of the best vineyard sites in the Douro Valley. The Six Grapes comes from the same vineyards as the single vintage ports, yet is one of the originals and contains multiple vintages. After about five years of cask aging, what’s revealed is a multi-layered and luscious blend of dark fruit and spices with a rich backbone.
Brooks Tethys Late Harvest Riesling (2021) From Willamette Valley, Oregon, this botrytis-affected riesling speaks true to the terroir and talent of this vintage in the region. This dessert wine showcases notes of honeysuckle and lemon preserve, great acidity, a supple mouthfeel and long finish.
Lion de Suduiraut Sauternes (2015) A youthful alternative expression of this premier cru estate, the Lion de Suduiraut is the closest opportunity of experiencing high quality Sauternes without breaking the bank. This vintage has more refreshing fruit characteristics while still maintaining that subtle backbone and light sweetness and may be enjoyed right away.
Isole e Olena Vin Santo (2010) After ten years in small oak casks, this vin santo has richness and intensity that proves it will continue to hold up in the bottle for years to come. Its amber hue and complex nose make it remindful of roasted nuts and butterscotch. This expression of sweet wine in Tuscany, specifically Chianti, is meant to be highly representative of the vintage and the vineyard.
One other method of producing sweet wines is by laying grapes out to dry after they are hand-harvested. This method is practiced in France, Germany and Greece. In Italy, this process is known as “passito” and occurs on straw mats, which leads to a sweet wine with a lighter body and raisined taste. In northern Italy in the Veneto, we have the famed Amarone de Valpolicella from the cortese, rondinella and molinara grapes and its luxurious predecessor Recioto della Valpolicella; extremely sweet with bramble and chocolate notes. In Tuscany, Vin Santo, or “holy wine,” comes from passito trebbiano and malvasia grapes hung from rafters and undergoes a fair amount of barrel aging. The
Oremus Tokaji Aszú 5 Puttuyunos (2016) Dating back to the 18th century, when Louis XIV referred to Tokaji as “the king of wines,” this wine, made with the native grape furmint, has been following the same meticulous process of tradition, knowledge and patience for hundreds of years. There is a pronounced sweetness within this noble-rotted masterpiece alongside a rich viscosity that feels as close as it looks: like gold.
Pam Coyle is a sommelier at Sauvignon Wine Locker and Trattori in downtown St. Petersburg, FL. She can be reached at pamanncoyle@gmail.com
Summer Soiree - A Celebrate Sinatra event, July 27th at the historic Princess Martha The event will be held again on July 26, 2025 with additional “Latin Fever” attire option and a Latin and Big Band orchestra www.CelebrateSinatra.com
Compass Land & Title celebrated thier amazing real estate colleagues and partners when they joined together for a fantastic happy hour at Bonu’ Taverna Italiana!
Trophy Fish - Drink Like a Fish is the moniker here, so be prepared for a casual nautical atmosphere, lively crowd and fresh local fish and seafood that changes daily. Dinner only; opens at noon on Saturdays and Sundays. 2060 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 258-7883; trophyfishstpete.com $$
Teak - With a spectacular view of the downtown skyline, Teak, at the tip of the St. Pete Pier, offers elevated casual dining for lunch and dinner. Florida-inspired cuisine runs the gamut from Cubans and paella to pan roasted grouper with citrus risotto and ginger guava BBQ short ribs. 800 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg (727) 513-8325; teakstpete.com $$$
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille - Shorts and flip-flops are welcome at this popular waterfront eatery on the St. Pete Pier and a new location in the Jungle Terrace district on Boca Ciega Bay. Seafood with a Caribbean flair includes crab cakes and fish tacos to entrees like Cedar Plank Salmon and Banana Leaf Snapper. 610 2nd Ave NE, (727) 857-8118; 8790 Bay Pines Blvd; St. Petersburg; docfords.com $$$
Sea Salt - Upscale, urban and known for its raw bar and impeccably fresh seafood, this is the place to impress while enjoying a sunset over the downtown skyline. Located at Sundial, the airy and sophisticated eatery specializes in seasonal and organic ingredients, an extensive wine collection and craft cocktails. 183 2nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727) 873-7964; seasaltstpete. com $$$$
Island Grille & Raw Bar – Expansive waterfront dining focusing on fresh seafood, steaks, pasta, chicken, sandwiches and raw bar. Island Grille attracts a fun crowd of families, boaters and local sun-seekers who gravitate here for the food, tropical drinks and massive outdoor patio. 210 Madonna Blvd, Tierra Verde; (727) 767-0020; islandrawbar.com $$$
RumFish Grill – The ultimate under-the-sea dining experience awaits at RumFish Grill on St. Pete Beach. Indulge in a Gulf coast inspired menu with selections such as Blackened Mahi Mahi with Gulf shrimp, mm, mm. Afterwards, enjoy warm coastal breezes on the deck with live music and an extensive selection of rum cocktails. 6000 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach (727) 329-1428; rumfishgrill.com $$$
The Hurricane Seafood Restaurant –
The landmark Hurricane on Passe-a-Grille Beach has weathered a few storms, but still stands as a seafood mecca for tourists, groups and families. The fresh grouper sandwich and view from the rooftop bar are legendary. 809 Gulf Way, St. Pete Beach (727) 360-9558; thehurricane.com $$
Parkshore Grill - Top-notch Beach Drive dining from fresh seafood to steaks, pasta and salads. Lunch, dinner and brunch served Saturdays and Sunday until 3 pm. Chef Tyson Grant is committed to serving local and sustainable meats and seafood and locally grown organic produce. 300 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg (727) 896-9463; parkshoregrill.com $$$
Rococo Steak - Fine dining in a sophisticated steakhouse with Executive Chef David Blackmon offering a chic twist on classic fare. Outstanding wine selection and service 655 2nd Ave. S., St. Petersburg (727) 822-0999; rococosteak.com $$$$
Sonata at The Mahaffey - The dramatic new restaurant at The Mahaffey Theater is a place to impress, with diners treated to a beautiful waterfront view, stunning artwork, and a curated menu of coastal cuisine rooted in Southern tradition with
creative flair. House specialties include Pork Osso Bucco Bourguignon, Baked Oysters Bienville and Crab Stuffed Lobster Tail. Chop house favorites include Wagyu Tenderloin and a Tomahawk Ribeye for Two. Dinner hours only, with lunch and brunch expected to be added later this year. 400 First St. N, St. Petersburg (727) 892-5857 $$$$
Brick & Mortar - Rustic-chic dining in an intimate atmosphere, local foodies gravitate here for healthy American fare that changes seasonally. Dinner only. 539 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 822-6540 $$$
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse - Upscale steakhouse overlooking the Sundial courtyard in the heart of downtown, Ruth’s Chris is a respected chain with a dedicated following who come for dependable steaks, chops and seafood specialties. 131 2nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727) 821-4139; ruthschris.com $$$
Urban Stillhouse - Bourbon lovers will be in heaven and everyone else will be in awe at this rustic yet sophisticated distillery in the Warehouse Arts District featuring Chef Kenny Tufo’s renowned American modern cuisine. Dinner only Thursday through Saturday, brunch Sunday 11 to 4; reservations a must. . 2232 5th Ave. S., St. Petersburg (727) 440-8040; theurbanstillhouse.com $$$$
The Library - Tucked away in Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital with a distinguished English library setting, The Library is just the ticket for a quiet lunch or dinner or even a romantic night out. The
creative menu is overflowing with healthy options such as Osso Bucco Risotto and Squid Ink Pasta with Blackened Shrimp. 600 5th St. S., St. Petersburg (727) 369-9969; thelibrarystpete.com $$$
Birch & Vine - Located in Beach Drive’s Birchwood Hotel, this fine dining spot is helmed by Executive Chef Lee Aquino, known for his unique and globally inspired dishes featuring seasonal, organic and locally sourced foods. 340 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg (727) 896-1080; thebirchwood.com/birchandvine $$$
Sauvignon Wine Locker & American Trattoria - Charming winecentric dining with a top-notch curated menu of seafood, pasta and meats in a lively block of Central Avenue downtown. 241 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 827-7896; sauvignonstpete.com $$$
The Dewey at Berkeley Beach Club - Sophisticated yet casual dining in Pass-AGrille with a curated menu of reimagined beach cuisine, outstanding wine and craft cocktails. Downstairs is the main dining area; but for the ultimate sunset views head to the rooftop bar for an expansive oyster menu and selection of appetizers. 109 8th Avenue, St. Pete Beach (727) 228-1000; berkeleybeachclub.com $$$$
Castile Restaurant - Hotel Zamora’s elegant restaurant stylishly prepares a curated menu of New American cuisine including tapas, Spanish and Mediterranean specialties, steak and seafood. Select from indoor or outdoor seating with a view of the intracoastal; lunch and dinner. 3701 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach (727) 456-8660 $$$
Grace - Upscale yet laid-back, this intimate dining spot offers modern American and Mediterranean cuisine, wine, and cocktails in the heart of Passe-A-Grille. Stop in
for happy hour from 4 to 6 pm or treat yourself to a curated dining menu that runs the gamut from seafood and salads to pasta and steak. 120 8th Ave., St. Pete Beach (727) 317-4770; gracestpete.com $$$
The Maritana - The Don Cesar’s longstanding Maritana was renovated a few years ago, offering a sophisticated and intimate fine-dining experience featuring modern Coastal cuisine sustainably sourced, and an extensive wine list. The perfect spot for late-night dessert and aperitif. 3400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, dinner only (844) 338-1501, doncesar.com/ dining/maritana $$$$
Beau & Mo’s Chicago Style Steakhouse
- This popular steakhouse offers casual Chicago-style ambiance and a selection of USDA Prime and Australian Wagyu steaks, a 42-ounce Tomahawk ribeye, New Zealand lamb chops, seafood and Italian specialties. A lively atmosphere perfect for groups and families. Dinner only. 2924 5th Ave.N., St. Petersburg (727) 771-3690 beaunmo.com $$$
Ford’s Garage - Pull into this garage to find a fun 1920’s service station (don’t miss a stop in the restrooms) with a great selection of prime burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, mac n cheese dishes, and craft beers. Indoor or outdoor dining. 200 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg (727) 295-3673; fordsgarageusa.com $$
Stillwaters - Casual tavern and late-night hotspot on Beach Drive offers a variety of classic American fare from steak and shrimp to burgers and chicken; known for a selection of sausages made in-house. 224 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg (727) 350-1019; stillwaterstavern.com $$
The Hangar - Watch the runway action at Albert Whitted Airport in the heart of downtown at The Hangar, located on the second floor of the airport terminal. An extensive breakfast menu features traditional egg, waffle and pancake dishes and an omelette station. Main menu offers a diverse array of sandwiches, burgers, soups and salads, and sharable items including cheese fondue, wings, mussels, shrimp and nachos. Dinner entrees include a seared ribeye, grilled salmon, meatloaf, and wild mushroom ravioli. The
comfortable bar is one of the best in town for happy hour drink specials from 3 to 6 pm. 540 1st Street S., St. Petersburg (727) 823-7767; thehangarstpete.com $$
Social Roost - Aptly named for its inviting casual ambiance, the Roost specializes in globally inspired chicken dishes and craft cocktails. Everything is fresh and made from scratch, from chicken samosas to the Peruvian Chicken and Chicken Tangine.
150 1st Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727) 202-6113; eatatsocialroost.com $$$
Datz - Hearty and even sinful comfort foods from loaded burgers and fried chicken to pancakes and nachos. Leave your diet at home for the Nashville Chicken Doughnut. Lively and casual indoor and outdoor dining and drinking. 180 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 202-1182; datztampa.com/stpete $$
Eat, Art, Love - Intimate café in the Warehouse Arts District focused on weekend brunch (no dinner hours), as well as helping emerging artists get noticed by providing exhibit space. Chef Mario Brugnoli brings soul-warming dishes to the 25-seat restaurant with a short menu that touches on Southern/Creole with dishes like a confit duck leg with grits, fried chicken sandwich and classic egg dishes. Wine available; limited days and hours.
589 22nd St S St. Petersburg (727) 289-1713 $$
Hawkers - Asian street food kicked up a notch with craft cocktails and a young vibe at a popular Grand Central hotspot. Small plates and bowls are perfect for sharing.
1235 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 521-7235; eathawkers.com $$
Good Fortune - Trendy dining and highoctane night spot with top-notch AsianFusion cuisine and cocktails, Good Fortune replaces the former Ichicoro Ane below the Station House. Small sharable plates and bowls, an extensive sushi bar and a late night menu that brings out the bao combine for an adventurous evening out.
260 1st Avenue S. St. Petersburg (727) 287-3881; goodfortunestpete.com $$
Buya Ramen - Locals favorite for authentic Japanese tapas. Ramen bowls come with meat or soy-based broths, with crispy duck, braised short rib, pork belly or grilled
chicken. Seaweed salad, bao buns and vegetable gyoza are starters. 911 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 202-7010; buyarestaurants.com $$
Alesia - Fresh French and Vietnamese cuisine in a contemporary setting near the beaches. Salads, spring rolls and banh mi, pho bowls, curry and noodle dishes all lovingly made with fresh ingredients. 7204 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 345-9701; alesiarestaurant.com $$
La V - Healthy Vietnamese fusion café featuring a variety of entrees, salads, noodle bowls and stir frys. Some of the best pho in town, and a broad menu of boba tea. Wines and dessert make this a great place for lunch or dinner. 441 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 820-3500; lavfusion.com $$
The Lemon Grass - Immense Asian tapas menu with sushi, rolls, Thai dishes, fried rice, noodles and much more. Popular for carryout via online ordering. 310 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 894-1111; lemongrasstapas.com $-$$
Cassis - Combining traditional French and American influences for brunch, lunch and dinner, this European-style café is a favorite people-watching spot at sidewalk tables along Beach Drive. Carry-out French pastries and gourmet coffee and tea from the bakery. 170 Beach Dr., St. Petersburg (727) 827-2927, cassisstpete.com $$$
Left Bank Bistro - Charming setting in the Crescent Lake community, Left Bank offers accessible French-style fare indoors or outdoors. A great late-night stop for dessert and coffee; the intimate bar presents jazz on Thursday evenings; brunch on weekends. 1225 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N., St. Petersburg; (727) 256-1691$$$
Baba - It’s hard to find more authentic Mediterranean cuisine than at this indooroutdoor casual dining spot in the heart of Kenwood. Be sure to visit the bakery for some goodies to take home. 2701 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 954-3406; eatatbaba.com $$
Bin 6 South - This tiny wine cellar/ restaurant brings intimate dining to a new level with only one 6-top table and bar seating for a total of 12. Fine dining with a chef-driven global menu and sommelier service. Reservations a must; not for the shy. 330 6th Street S., St. Petersburg (727) 498-6735; bin6south.com $$$
Grand Hacienda - Festive atmosphere and a massive menu of authentic Mexican fare that includes vegetarian and glutenfree. Family friendly, there’s something for everyone including breakfast dishes and a Margarita happy hour Monday through Thursday. 399 11th Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727) 256-9770; grandhaciendarestaurant.com $$
Ceviche - Since moving to modern new digs on Beach Drive, the Spanish tapasinspired menu maintains its authentic dishes and creative touches heavily leaning toward seafood and a Spanish-driven wine
selection. 10 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg (727) 209-2299; ceviche.com $$$
Red Mesa Cantina - Longtime fave for fans of fresh Mexican cuisine in a hip urban setting, come here to sit in the courtyard with a margarita or sangria and indulge in tacos, salads, enchiladas, quesadillas and burritos and bowls. 128 3rd St. S., St. Petersburg (855) 265-0812; redmesacantina.com $$
Renzo’s - Argentinian steakhouse with extensive menu of Latin American charcuterie and tapas, grilled meats, prime seafood and traditional pasta dishes, wines and desserts. Casual and group friendly, indoor and outdoor dining. 104 2nd St. S., St. Petersburg (727) 851-9983 $$$
Red Mesa - Not to be confused with the Cantina, the original Red Mesa offers fresh Mexican fare with influences of South and Central America, the Caribbean and beyond. Entrees include Filet Mignon Chimichurri and Ginger Crusted Salmon. 4912 4th St. N., St. Petersburg (727) 527-8728 $$$
Fado - Authentic Portuguese cuisine and wines heavily leaning toward seafood, meats and sausages in a modern setting. Love octopus? This is the place for you. 435 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727) 346-5389; fadofl.com $$$
The Pearl - Moving recently to Gulfport from its longtime location on Treasure Island, the Mediterranean/Moroccan fine dining restaurant with chef/owner Karim Chiadmi at the helm offers a wide variety from steaks and seafood, pastas, veal and lamb. Dinner only from Tuesday through Saturday. 5802 28th Avenue S., Gulfport (727) 360-9151; thepearlfinedining.com $$$
Allelo - Sophisticated MediterraneanAegean theme restaurant specializes in seafood, pastas, and sharable appetizer plates and charcuterie boards. An extensive wine list and curated cocktails offer a perfect sip at the elegant marble
bar inside or on the patio facing the downtown waterfront. 300 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg; (727) 851-9582; allelostpete.com $$$$
Fortu - A Pan-Asian steakhouse in the historic Ponce de Leon Hotel offers elevated dining influenced by Japan, China, Korea and Vietnam, curated cocktail and saki menus, and an elegant atmosphere. Dinner only. 95 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg; forturestaurants.com $$$$
Concrete Jungle - Mexican food goes trendy in this tropical oasis that’s bright, airy and boisterous. Have a seat in the lush tropical dining room to order shared plates, flatbreads, burgers and salads and a shot from the specialty tequila and mezcal menu. 475 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 475-5440 $$
BellaBrava - Authentic Italian cuisine with urban flair, the New World trattoria is lively and fun with beloved pasta dishes, woodstone oven pizza and great people watching from the sidewalk patio. 204 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg (727) 895-5515; bellabrava.com $$$
Gratzzi Ristorante - Classic Italian cuisine in a warm, friendly environment. Choose from steak and seafood to traditional Italian favorites like Pork Ossobuco and Veal Saltimbocca. Known for their Cavatelli Bada Bing, pasta prepared tableside in a wheel of parmesan cheese. Dinner only. 211 2nd St. S., St. Petersburg (727) 623-9037; gratzzigrille.com $$$
Il Ritorno - When owner/executive chef David Benstock beat TV chef Bobby Flay in a May 2021 episode, seats at this intimate downtown eatery were hard to come by. It’s still a good idea to make a reservation to discover Benstock’s fresh, modern Italian cuisine that simply brims with love and creativity. Dinner only. 449 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 897-5900; ilritornodowntown.com $$$$
Taverna Costale - Coastal Italian dining from celebrity chef Fabio Viviani recently opened in the heart of downtown offers the perfect blend of a rustic Italian eatery, an energetic local tavern, and an upscale modern restaurant. Extensive wine list, craft cocktails and an indoor/ outdoor bar. Dinner only. 200 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 954-3863; tavernacoastale.com $$$
Pia’s Trattoria and Pia’s Veranda – The Trattoria’s romantic indoor/outdoor dining rooms, excellent service and classic menu, make it one of the top Italian restaurants in the region. Favorites include a classic Beef Carpaccio from grass-fed cattle, Linguini Alla Vongole and Penne Quatro Formaggio al Forno. Across the street, a more casual sister location offers shady outdoor seating and live music daily. Both locations open at 4 pm. 3054/3038 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport (727) 327-2190; piastrattoria.com $$$
Bonu Taverna Italiana - Since opening in 2022, Bonu has developed a devout following who come to enjoy the fresh Italian cuisine and friendly service found in this trendy Central Avenue café. Grab a seat at the bar, outside patio or a table in the airy dining room. Specialties range from pizza “pinsas” and charcuterie to pasta, salads and soups. A weekend brunch brings out even more divine specialties.. 601 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 623-4505; bonutaverna.online $$$
Craft Kafe - Popular downtown coffeeshop and café specializes in glutenfree artisan pastries, quiches, pizza, salads and soups. Sit on the patio and watch the world go by. 200 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 256-8587; craftkafe.com $$
Cider Press Vegan Gastropub - A longtime locals favorite, Cider Press
presents a pub menu of vegan “imposters” from monstrous Beyond Beef burgers to Bang Bang “Shrimp,” Buffalo “Chicken” Mac & Cheese, and “Fish” and Chips. A sleek, modern interior, and a chic bar make this a place even meat eaters will love. 3118 3rd Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727) 914-7222; ciderpresspub.com $$
Good Intentions - Creative vegan/ vegetarian eatery combines healthful entrees and appetizers with a solid wine list and craft cocktails. Come in for coffee and dessert to knock your socks off; brunch on Saturday and Sunday. 1900 1st Avenue S. St. Petersburg; (727) 280-6068; goodintentionsfl.com $$
Wild Child - Named the Best New Restaurant of 2022 by the Tampa Bay Times, this coral pink neighborhood bistro meets all the requirements with creative cuisine, fresh and seasonal ingredients, and tiki craft cocktails all meticulously prepared and served. Tuna tostadas, jerk octopus, Peruvian seafood chowder are menu highlights. Indoor/outdoor seating; dinner only but open 11 am Sunday for brunch. 2710 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 954-7425; wildchildstpete.com $$$
St. Petersburg
A new name, for a new century of care. Three years ago, we welcomed Bayfront Health into the Orlando Health family of hospitals. Since that time, we’ve been making steady investments in Bayfront Health and the St. Petersburg community to improve the quality of care and your patient experience, with expanded services and access to more top specialists. And we are proud to add our name. Stay tuned for even more good news to come.
