Doug King, CR, UDCP, MBA, CGC, NARI National Past President 2020/2021
Multiple Award Winning Contractor!
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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!
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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 health insights 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 recovery services tailored to meet our clients’ unique needs. Our LightStim Professional red light therapy helps to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, promote healing, and rejuvenate the skin. Our hyperbaric oxygen therapy boosts your body’s natural healing processes by delivering oxygen at higher pressures. Our IV therapy provides essential vitamins and nutrients, enhancing hydration and overall vitality.
We also offer a comprehensive aesthetic menu featuring Botox and Juvéderm fillers to smooth out wrinkles and restore facial volume, Hydrafacials for deep cleansing and hydration, microneedling with PRP 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 sculpt and tone your body with no downtime.
As we prepare for our opening in July, this is the perfect time to explore our services and discover how we can help you look and feel your best! Follow us on Instagram @Serotonin_StPete and chat with our team to unlock special rates!
Come and visit us at Serotonin Anti-Aging Centers and let us empower your awesomeness! Experience the ultimate in anti-aging treatments and join us on the journey to optimal health and vitality.
Our annual Best of St. Pete issue is here! As our vibrant city grows, our local entrepreneurs and small businesses, arts and cultural organizations, retailers, restauranteurs, hospitality and tourism sectors are booming. Take a look at our survey results for 2024 and keep this issue handy. You’ll find top picks in many categories, all voted by locals who live, work and play in St. Pete. Congratulations to all the winners, you help make this city amazing!
It’s the dogs days of summer here in Tampa Bay, so in this issue we offer some diversions for summer getaways. Get a look at the new Margaritaville at Sea cruise ship now conveniently departing for fun-filled voyages from Port Tampa. If the beach is not your calling right now, consider an urban getaway in downtown Sarasota — you won’t be disappointed.
SPL loves the arts and we were thrilled to interview one of the area’s most prominent young talents, Patricia Kluwe Derderian. Her colorful and playful abstract City Scene series of paintings is attracting major attention. The Brazilian-born artist is a big fan of St. Petersburg, don’t miss her story. In this issue we also introduce our new Home Design writer Anne Zimmerman Briand. Check out her story on outdoor living areas made for the Florida lifestyle.
Beth Ann Drake Publisher bdrake@stpetelifemag.com
M cia Biggs Editor editor@stpetelifemag.com
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the evening dusk.
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A series of small abstract paintings on her living room wall bring Patricia Kluwe Derderian back to her childhood home in a small town in Brazil. The figures are blurry and they have no faces, but each one represents a specific person. They appear swiftly painted in bright colors, as though snatched from a dream and quickly created before they disappear into the night.
Kluwe Derderian describes each scene in great detail – here is her mother and grandmother baking Easter pastries in the tiny kitchen, these are the adults gathered round for an evening of live samba music, this is the pantry where her grandmother stored the homemade fig jam.
Memories are something Kluwe Derderian specializes in. Her unique City Series paintings –vibrant, abstract street scenes of popular global cities like Paris, Barcelona, New Orleans, New York and even, yes, St. Petersburg – have become her trademark.
Private commissions from across the country are now part of her daily routine. Many represent a special vacation or moment in someone’s life, she says, so capturing the essence of that particular place and time is paramount.
Her city scenes often include recognizable landmarks and carrotshaped people forms (abstract) who are quite often walking their dogs. “I think that’s what makes a city alive,” says the 38-year-old artist in her slight Brazilian accent. “Empty places are sad to me. … I always had dogs growing up and I think they’re part of our cities now more than ever.”
Growing up, she loved to sketch and draw the people in her surroundings, but was always attracted to buildings. “I studied architecture and fell in love with cities,” she says. “Coming from a small town, when I visited cities I would think about the public. Not just the people, but the spaces and they are kind of magical. I thought of architecture as like an exterior thing, like how do you leave the space, how do you walk through it, with the light, how does it make you feel?
“I think architecture helped me see these things and fall in love with how the places are not just buildings — they each have a
sense of place and a lifestyle. You know, it’s an experience actually being anywhere. And that’s what I love is the vibrancy of the cities. That’s what kind of inspires me.”
When a corporate job opportunity in the United States was offered to her husband, Mikael Derderian, they grabbed it and moved to Augusta, Ga. Kluwe Derderian felt the time was right to study art and absorbed herself in “as many drawing and painting courses as I could,” she relates. She started exhibiting paintings in small shows and was well received, which thrilled her. “I took my time taking art classes because I wanted to finally be an artist.”
In 2017, just after the birth of their first child Luca (she is also mother to 4-year-old Maya), Mikael was offered a transfer and the Derderians arrived in Tampa Bay, eventually moving into a home in the Countryside area of Clearwater. Kluwe Derderian set up a studio near a large window in the living room, with plenty of natural light and space to set up easels. She started painting and immersing herself in the local arts communities. Her abstract style became uniquely her own with broad, confident strokes and brilliant colors.
She feels her career really began in 2020 when she received an Emerging Artist Grant through Creative Pinellas, a non-profit organization that supports and mentors emerging artists. Quickly her colorful paintings drew attention. She became a Spotlight Artist at the Gasparilla Art Festival and was getting noticed by leaders in the Tampa Bay arts community who helped her with her career.
When Gulfport gallery owner Brenda McMahon discovered her exhibiting at the PAVA art show at the Gulfport Casino in 2020, she knew there was something special about the young artist. “I spotted her work right away, it was fresh, captivating and energetic. I loved it,” said McMahon. “I invited her to stop in and take a look at my gallery and we signed a contract for her first exhibition. She sold well from the beginning and she is still in demand.”
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Brenda McMahon Gallery is the exclusive representative of Kluwe Derderian’s Original Painting City Series in the St. Petersburg area and McMahon helps mentor and work with client commissions as far away as New York, New Orleans and Great Britian.
In 2022, a solo exhibit at the Don Cesar Resort on St. Pete Beach organized through Creative Pinellas Beyond the Walls project so captivated visitors and hotel management that she was invited to become a resident artist. Her works of various tourist destinations around the world can be viewed (and purchased) in the lobby registration area.
More recently last February, Kluwe Derderian was the winner of the Morean Arts Center’s annual “ICONIC” fundraiser in which 15 local artists were given one day to fan out in downtown St. Pete,
painting and drawing the city from their own perspective. Kluwe Derderian’s engaging painting of Beach Drive won Best in Show and a solo exhibition at the Morean.
Each of her commissioned City Series paintings is an homage to a certain place and a time. The artist explains:
“I have an interview with the person and they talk to me about that place. Why is it important, the things that they love about it, maybe give me some stories, what happened there. I ask them to send me some pictures, even if it’s nothing to do with the place that they want, it can be pictures of the trip. This helps me look through their eyes, see the colors, the feeling … It helps me to kind of get inside their minds, I think, in my own way.”
A world traveler, Kluwe Derderian can draw from her own memories, too. She has visited many large cities across Europe and South America — Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Barcelona, London, Rome, Amsterdam, New Orleans, Chicago, New York.
“My husband is from France so we go to visit family there often,” she adds. “Many of the places, if I’ve been there, I have my own pictures that I took. I also do a lot of research online. Or if it’s close by, I just go again and I walk around and I take photos.”
When she is ready to begin, she compiles her favorite photos of the destination and starts sketching. Before she paints, she gets approval from the client so it matches their expectations. Her architecture background comes to the foreground as she sketches famous buildings and landmarks, cathedrals, bridges and towers.
Her paintings of downtown St. Pete are some of her favorites.
“I love St. Pete because it’s a walkable city, there’s movement, there’s little stores, restaurants. There’s always something happening. And a lot of people walking dogs!”
See artwork by Patricia Kluwe Derderian at patiart.weebly. com/ A solo exhibit of her work will be at Morean Arts Center July 13-August 16; opening reception is 5-8 pm July 13. A solo exhibit will be at Mirella Cimato Gallery, located inside St. Petersburg Opera Company Opera Central, 2145 1st Avenue S., September-October.
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Maybe you’ve been to a game or seen them on TV, but the Tampa Bay Rays are sporting some new uniforms this season that are, shall we say, pretty rad. The uniforms are designed to look weathered and sun-faded, with all manor of logos and colors that have special meaning – if you know what that meaning is. If anything, they are clearly sending a message to the younger generation that Major League Baseball, despite the gazillion dollars it costs to go to a game, is no longer your Grandpa’s sport, get it dude?
The new City Connect uniforms were designed as part of a Major League Baseball program that was introduced in 2021 to “connect” a team to their communities, celebrating each area’s history, culture and spirit through creatively designed alternate uniforms. Rather than leaning into a well-known feature of the Tampa Bay area, like the beautiful Florida beaches, the Rays dug for a deeper connection to the region’s culture, aiming to reflect the feeling you might get while walking along Central Avenue in St. Petersburg or the streets of Ybor City in Tampa.
The Rays spent four years working on the design with Nike to develop the “Grit x Glow” theme. In the case of Tampa Bay, the skateboarding culture and vibrant street murals inspired the new uniforms which made their public debut in late April at a City Connect Celebration at the St. Pete Pier which featured player appearances, live music, a skateboarding demonstration, and a drone show. They will wear the uniforms every Saturday home game.
“When we started thinking about that feeling that you have
The Rays’ new City Connect uniform celebrates the independent, underground spirit of Tampa Bay’s urban street scene.
when you’re in some of these really special places around this community, it’s fueled by this energy,” Rays chief business officer Bill Walsh said in an interview with Adam Berry, a writer who covers the Rays for MLB.com. “A lot of these types of countercultures, creative cultures, they’re really at the center of that in terms of creating that vibe.”
Other teams getting City Connect uniforms include the Philadelphia Phillies, Cincinnati Reds, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Angels, Colorado Rockies, Kansas City Royals, Houston Astros, Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Dodgers and others.
Some uniform highlights:
• The words “Tampa Bay” are on the front of their jerseys for the first time since 2007, the first and most obvious way to represent the entire area. The stylized flames coming off the top of each letter are an homage to street art and skate media.
• The cap logo features a ray combined with the Sunshine Skyway, and waves of water in colors evoking the original Devil Rays look.
• Another logo features three palm trees and a pelican. The pelican is featured on St. Petersburg’s city flag, and it is a nod to the St. Petersburg Pelicans, who played in the Florida State Negro Baseball League in the 1940s and ‘50s. A third logo is the “skating ray,” which is exactly what it sounds like -- a ray on a skateboard.
Tune in to RadioStPete.com Sunshine96.7FM where local music lives with a catalog of 4,000 local songs and dozens of hosted music shows of every genre. You can download the app, listen online, on your phone, Alexis or Siri.
Listen to interviews, many of them focused on local celebrities, artists, authors, nonprofit and government leaders; sports shows On The Tee with Mike Rickord, and local podcasts with John R. Miles, Paul Wilborn, L.L. Kirchner, Alvinette Downing, Wendy Wesley’s Let’s Eat, Book + Bottle good reads and Green Light Cinema on films.
New podcasts: Up To Hear Matthew McGee and Natalie Symons chat about theater and Rob Lowe’s mullet, L.L. Kirchner on unforgettable women, Brad McCoy’s Flora Fauna Florida on sustainable living, Cathy Salustri’s Florida Spectacular, Andre Citron on Bean Yourself, and Michelle Passat’s DeClutter 55+, filmmaker Susanna Darwin on her new film Flag Act. Host Karen Carmichael’s series on downtown St. Pete gives you an inside look at people making a difference. Nanette Wiser interviews St. Pete Police Chief Anthony Holloway on their support for youth programs. Doc Ford fans will enjoy our interview with author Randy Wayne White about his new book One Deadly Eye.
Find them all at radiostpete.com/podcast-archives/
Around Town: Wednesday With Wiser is Nanette Wiser’s weekly Let’s Go Entertainment Guide, curated best bets on what’s happening in St. Pete and Tampa Bay
Contributed by Radio St. Pete News Director Nanette Wiser
As things heat up this summer (in more ways than the weather), American Stage offers a diversion from reality with The Figs, by Doug Anderson. The fantasy comedy is about kindness and the reward it brings. Directed by American Stage Producing Artistic Director Helen R. Murray, The Figs tells the story of a king who rules the kingdom of The Figs (think “Shrek” on steroids) who is quite literally addicted to figs and, well, fasten your seat belts. Continues July 10-August 4; for ticket information go to americanstage.org
Over at Freefall Theatre, the summer offering is Fable by Doug DeVita August 9-Sept. 8. The true story of sisters June Havoc and Gypsy Rose Lee’s loyalty to each other is tested in a mounting battle between fiction and truth. When one sister wants her version of events made legendary on the Broadway stage, the other is pulled into a tug-of-war over the truth of things long past. For ticket information, go to freefalltheatre.com
A celebration of artistic practices in the Tampa Bay region, Skyway 2024 is a multi-venue exhibition shared among five institutions. JULY 13 THROUGH NOVEMBER 3
ON VIEW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 15
THE QUEST FOR COLOR PHOTOGRAPHY
ON VIEW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22
Rudolph Eickemeyer, Portrait of Evelyn Nesbit 1905, Hand-colored platinum print, On loan from a private collection
In 1925, a slick-talking purveyor of self-made medicines like Doc’s Wahoo Indian Bitters and Sorbo Rub, stepped off a train in St. Petersburg and changed the city’s retail landscape forever.
James Earl “Doc” Webb purchased a small drugstore on the corner of 9th (Dr. MLK) Street and 2nd Avenue South and created Webb’s City – a shopping and entertainment destination known across America. Eventually expanded to eight square city blocks, Webb’s City grew from that little drugstore to 77 different stores. Long before malls or shopping centers, if you needed new shoes, new tires, groceries or a haircut, you went to Webb’s City.
Webb’s personality, sales techniques and marketing prowess fueled the growth – even during the Great Depression. He was quick to anger other merchants in St. Pete with his deep discounts. Always the largest advertiser in the St. Petersburg Times, his advertising campaigns dwarfed other retailers.
Doc’s promotional gimmicks were nothing short of P.T. Barnum-
esque. Live mermaid shows, free circus performances, appearances by Hollywood stars, a roof-top Arthur Murray dance studio, Florida Postergirls showing off his women’s fashions, dancing and baseballplaying chickens, and train cars filled with snow for St. Pete children to play in.
Everything Doc did had to be bigger than his competition. He vowed and succeeded to sell $1 million in Victory Bonds at the outbreak of WWII. He placed hundreds of roadside billboards on highways leading into Florida, promoting not only Webb’s City, but also St. Pete. If you’re familiar with the “South of the Border” billboards on I-95 – Doc did it first.
Downtown life slowed in the 1970s and Doc sold “The World’s Most Unusual Drug Store” in 1974. Webb’s City closed for good in 1979. All that remains is Webb’s Furniture Store which is now the U-Haul Storage building east of Tropicana Field.
Provided by the St. Petersburg Museum of History.
BY MARCIA BIGGS
If you’ve ever had the urge to take to the seas (or Tampa Bay) on a sailboat and actually know what you are doing, the prestigious Offshore Sailing School is coming to St. Petersburg this summer. On the other hand, seasoned sailors and regatta racers can sign up for a number of advanced courses, too, to help sharpen their skills. The sailing school fleet is based in St. Petersburg Municipal Marina downtown, with special rates at the Hampton Inn & Suites
Celebrating 60 years of teaching sailing and cruising, Offshore Sailing School (OSS) is the longest running sailing and boating education company in the United States claiming more than 160,000 adults and their families as students. Founded in 1964 by Olympian and America’s Cup competitor Steve Colgate and joined later by his wife Doris, Offshore Sailing School operates six destination instructional sailing school campuses in Florida and the British Virgin Islands.
The St. Petersburg location actually has been a mainstay for years, said Doris Colgate during a recent interview from her Fort Myers headquarters. She is CEO and President of Offshore Sailing School
and founded the National Women’s Sailing Association.
“We’ve been teaching every year out of St. Pete in the Municipal Marina for a very long time,” she said. “But this year we are offering stay and learn packages that include lodging at the downtown Hampton Inn & Suites. We have found that people will often come from across the country to take our sailing courses, so this makes it easy.”
Local residents can take advantage of the courses without the lodging, she adds.
Offshore Sailing School teaches a full roster of US Sailing certification courses at its St. Petersburg location, ranging from introductory Learn to Sail classes on 26-foot specially designed teaching boats to Sail and Power Cruising Courses to learn driving and managing big power yachts and Live Aboard Cruising courses for families.
“We have found that performance and advanced sailing courses
are more popular in St. Pete since there are already a lot of experienced sailors here,” Colgate says.
The St. Petersburg courses include the 3-day Learn to Sail 101 and, for those who wish to own a cruising sailboat or charter a yacht with friends, the Fast Track to Cruising® Course is popular. It takes you from novice sailor to cruise-ready in 8 days; students qualify as skippers, competent and confident to handle cruising boats up to 50’ on their own.
A 6-day Live Aboard Cruising Course is available for those who already know how to sail; choose from monohull or catamaran. Your “home” while participating in these sailboat cruising programs could be a 44′-47′ Jeanneau monohull, or a 40′-45′ Leopard catamaran as you sail from point to point in Tampa Bay and along the Gulf Coast of Florida.
Serious sailors may be interested in courses such as Coastal Navigation (2 days) followed by a 6-day hands-ondeck Coastal Passage Making course, learning to stand watches and navigate long distances. Celestial Navigation is taught in four full days while staying ashore, learning to use a sextant, and plot courses by sun and moon.
If you feel like getting out of town for sailing lessons, resort-based courses are being held this summer at Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva Island, and at Tortola and Scrub Island Resort in the British Virgin Islands. Students receive textbooks to study in advance, with US Sailing certification available at each level.
To learn more about Offshore Sailing School is St. Petersburg, go to offshoresailing.com/ourlocations/florida/st-petersburg/ or call (888) 454-7015. A “Yacht Club Regatta-Ready” sailboat racing track helps experienced sailors learn strategies, skills and tactics. A 3-day Performance Sailing course improves racing skills and a 5-day Fast Track to Performance Sailing course combines two days learning to sail aboard a Colgate 26, with three days enhancing your racing abilities. Dates are arranged according to demand.
Coming Up: If you are a competent racer already, a 2025 Performance Racing Clinic will be held January 11-16, 2025, at the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Ft. Myers Beach. Save $500 per person when you register before August 1. Call (888) 384-6854 for more information.
Feel like exploring exotic locations aboard a sailing vessel with a group of fun-loving friends? Experienced sailors are invited to join Offshore Sailing School’s guided Colgate Sailing Adventures. The flotilla sailing vacations are held in places like the Greek Islands, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean.
Upcoming trips include:
• Sept. 21-28 - Sicily, Aeolian Islands on catamarans
• Nov. 9-16 - St. Lucia on catamarans
• March 8-15, 2025 - St. Martin on catamarans
• June 21-28, 2025 - Procida & Amalfi Coast on catamarans
• September 21-28, 2025 - Dubrovnik, Croatia on monohulls
Participants must complete a sailing resume before being confirmed. Participants are expected to trim sails, steer, anchor, dock, cook and clean up. Learn more at offshoresailing.com/flotilla-holidays/
When I was a but a tyke, I remember going to Grandma’s house. Occasionally we would thumb through old family photo albums with neatly placed and labeled black and white photos of relatives now lost to time. Some of the photos were a bit embellished, with rosy lips and cheeks or hair tinted blond or brown. Perhaps adding color to her family’s faces made them seem more alive to Grandma.
In reality, her crude colored pencil strokes were part of a longtime quest by photographers around the world to incorporate color into black and white photography. Tint: The Quest for Color Photography at the St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts offers a glimpse inside the practice of adding realistic colors to the black-and-white tones of early photographs, eventually leading to the development of color photography.
In the 1800s, colors were often hand-painted onto metal plates like Daguerreotypes or tintypes, as well as onto paper prints such as salt or albumen prints. New and innovative techniques emerged, including Opalotypes, which involved printing on milk glass and hand-tinting for vibrant effects. By
1900, the pursuit of capturing every shade led to the creation of Autochromes, the first commercially successful color photography process.
“True to The Tint” features artworks from private collections and the Museum of Fine Art’s holdings and continues through September 22. Go to mfastpete.org
Give us the Sun: A Solo Exhibit by Traci Mims is on display at the Woodson African American Museum of Florida. On display are drawings, prints, paintings, and quilt work by the Atlanta-based artist and St. Petersburg native whose work often spotlights the narratives, lives, faces, and figures of the individuals in her community as well as epic individuals and stories. Go to woodsonmuseum.org ***
Groovy! Just a short drive south over the Skyway Bridge awaits the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton. It’s really not that far if you dig a good old-fashioned laser light show and the best rock classics of all time. If this sounds like you, break out your big hair and head to Laser Light Nights, held every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with shows at 7 pm and 9 pm through August 31 at The Planetarium at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W. in Bradenton. Get ready for a blast from the past with music by Queen, Aerosmith, Kiss, Pink Floyd, Van Halen, Michael Jackson and
many others. Tickets $15, with drinks and snacks available for purchase. Go to bishopscience.org for more information.
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Learn the art of fused and leaded glass art making at weekly classes held at the Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement this summer. Upcoming classes in the MAACM Glass Studio include Art Deco Light Glass (July 19/Aug. 1), Dragonfly Leaded Glass (July 31/Aug. 7), Luna Moth panel (Aug. 2/Aug. 9) and a Frank Lloyd Wright panel (Aug. 30/Sept. 6). On August 9, enjoy an evening of fused glass art making while enjoying a glass of wine and a guided gallery tour ($75) during Studio Sips. Fees range from $55-$100 and advance registration is required. Go to museumaacm.org to register.
Jazz is back at the museum on July 27 when the Brazilian group O Som Do Jazz performs. Based in St. Petersburg, the group features Rio de Janeiro singer Andrea Moraes Manson and an international crew of master musicians performing samba-jazz, bossa-nova, balanço, and more. O Som Do Jazz has played the Miami International Jazz Fest, Artis-Naples, Clearwater Jazz Holiday, and more. Doors open at 7pm, concert begins at 7:30pm in MAACM’s second floor ballroom. Get tickets for $25 at osomdojazzatmaacm.eventbrite.com
If you missed From Far East to West: The Chinese American Frontier at the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, you can now see it online virtually. James Museum Curator of Art Emily Kapes has organized this online version in consultation with the Suncoast Association of Chinese Americans of Tampa Bay, the groundbreaking exhibition explores the history and contributions of early Chinese Americans in transforming the landscape and character of the American West. Explore each section of the exhibition, from the Gold Rush and the building of the Transcontinental Railroad to the first Chinatowns and the immigration experiences at Angel Island, to the work of contemporary Chinese American artists. To check it out, go to thejamesmuseum.org/ eastwest
“I highly recommend Denise Antonewitz for your Realtor® needs. We have both bought and sold properties with Denise and I can say she is the most professional Realtor® we have ever had. She puts her clients first, answers phone calls very promptly and doesn’t miss a beat. She also knows the St. Pete/ Tampa Bay Area better than most anyone, being a native resident and from generations of Floridians. You will be very happy with her service and work ethic.” - Alisa D.
“Denise is amazing! She is extremely knowledgeable, attentive, service-oriented, connected, and kind. It’s rare to find a Realtor® who cares so much is the total package. Highly recommend!” - Kelly O.
“Since 2012 my wife and I have used Denise Antonewitz and her team to either buy or sell six different properties. One was the home we currently live in and the others were investment properties. We are so grateful that we were able to utilize her knowledge of the marketplace and her tireless efforts in finding what we were looking for. As real estate investors who have invested in properties on both Florida coast and have worked with other realtors Denise and her team are truly unique and have our sincere appreciation.” - Kent L.
If you plan to head to the beach this summer, be aware that we mere mortals are sharing the shoreline with creatures who have inhabited the earth for about 110 million years. Yes, that’s when dinosaurs roamed. Sea turtles are among the oldest creatures on earth, however they are threatened in many ways, such as coastal development, pollution and marine debris, and even by you, the beachgoer.
Through mid-August, sea turtles come ashore on Florida beaches to dig holes and lay their eggs, which average more than 100 per nest. While Pinellas County gets our fair share of nesting turtles, the contiguous beaches of Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Palm Beach counties on the East Coast are the most important loggerhead nursery areas in the Western Hemisphere, attracting more than 15,000 female loggerheads each May through August.
Along Pinellas beaches, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Sea Turtle Trackers have support teams that monitor and protect sea turtle nests. Every morning during nesting season, from May through October, volunteers and aquarium staff patrol beaches ready to mark off any new nests, remove
obstacles and collect data for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Sea Turtle Trackers territory is St. Pete Beach, Shell Key and Outback Key. North of St. Pete Beach, Clearwater Marine Aquarium monitors nearly 21 miles of shoreline daily. Typically, sea turtles nest until the middle of August, when hatching starts in earnest and continues through October. In the 2023 nesting season, the aquarium reported 227 nests. Last year was a banner year for sea turtle nesting, with loggerhead and green turtle nest numbers breaking all previous records. People can play a big part to ensure another successful nesting season by heeding these simple tips:
• Be aware of marked nests (look for the stakes with plastic yellow tape). It is illegal to enter the marked-off nest area.
• If you encounter a sea turtle nesting, do not touch or harass them. They generally dig holes and lay eggs in the dark of night.
• Pick up your trash and cover any holes to give hatchlings an unobstructed path to the ocean. Beach chairs should be removed daily along with toys or objects. Mounds of sand and holes can pose a major obstruction to sea turtles. Knock down sandcastles when it’s time to head home (sorry, kids!) A baby sea turtle can fall into even the smallest hole, and if they are stuck there after sunrise, they are likely to die.
If you come across a sea turtle in need of help, call Clearwater Marine Aquarium at (727) 441-1790, ext. 1.
• Five species of sea turtles are found in Florida’s waters and nesting on Florida’s beaches, with the Loggerhead the primary one, named for its large, block-like head. Adults weight an average of 275 pounds and have a shell length of 3 feet. The other species found here include the Green Turtle, the giant Leatherback (up to 6 feet in length and 1,500 pounds), the Kemp’s Ridley and Hawksbill.
• During a season, a single female lays three to eight nests. After a 45- to 70-day gestation period, hatchlings emerge from the nest at night and follow the moonlight reflecting off the Gulf of Mexico. Only about one in a thousand hatchlings makes it to adulthood.
• Sea turtles can become disoriented from lights and illuminated objects visible from the beach. Most importantly, bright lights disorient hatchlings by attracting them inland where they often die from dehydration or predators or are run over by motor vehicles. It is very important that occupants and managers of beachfront properties minimize the amount of light that shines onto the beach.
Thanks to our beautiful beaches, crystal blue waters, and favorable year-round climate, St. Pete is a fantastic place to enjoy boating. But with boat ownership often not an option, many people are turning to rentals and charters as a more economical and low-maintenance way to enjoy getting out on the water.
With Airbnb-like convenience, getmyboat.com offers boat rentals and captained yacht and fishing charters at many locations locally, nationally and abroad. Most vessels are privately owned (Superowners are like Super Hosts on Airbnb), although in high-tourist resort destinations you’ll find more charter businesses listed.
Finding a boat is easy – just log onto getmyboat.com and plug in your destination or location and date, the number of people, the type of boat desired and whether a captain is needed. Select from a wide variety of yachts, powerboats, pontoons, deck boats, houseboats, sailboats, catamarans, and even jet skis. Click on Map View to see in an instant map of available boats; fees can be hourly to multi-day and captain fees may or may not be included.
A recent search in Key Largo, for example, resulted in 21 vessels from charter fishing on a modern 40-foot sport cruiser for $215 an hour (captain included) to an electric 40-foot yacht with air-
conditioned cabin and captain who will custom-design your voyage. A search for the Dominican Republic brought up 96 listings, mostly catamarans ready and willing to take you on a snorkeling and island hopping adventure.
The advantages of renting a boat are many, according to Val Streif, marketing manager at getmyboat.com. “Renters have the luxury of enjoying boating without any of the hassle that comes along with owning,” she says. “This is especially true when it comes to high-end watercraft, like luxury yachts, catamarans, and other large vessels. A luxury experience for $250/hour is going to be far cheaper overall than investing in a large watercraft and all the additional expenses that come along with it.”
Then, there is always the safety question. Even experienced boat owners can run into issues when taking out their own boats, while professional charter captains are much better equipped to handle all sorts of situations on the water. “Booking captain-led charters makes for a stress-free experience cruising,” adds Streif. “Captains will take care of the navigation and other safety concerns while the renters enjoy relaxing in the sunshine.”
Learn more about boat rentals and charters by going to getmyboat.com
Find a spot of shade next to the pool and fill a big tumbler with your favorite ice tea. Then settle in for one wild ride.
Florida Girls by L.L. Kirchner
St. Petersburg resident L.L. Kirchner debuts her first novel with “Florida Girls” and it’s a barnburner summer read for anyone who loves rich narratives filled with strong women, organized crime, Hollywood and Sunshine City history. The story begins when main character, 18-year-old Thelma Miles, arrives in 1944 St. Petersburg on a Greyhound bus to join a troupe of touring swimsuit models, only to find she’s stepped into the mafia’s lair.
Based on historical accounts of “Doc” Webb’s “girls” who toured the country via chartered bus in the 1940s to sell the St. Pete sunshine -- and, of course, the legendary drugstore and tourist destination Webb’s City -- Florida Girls is a gritty, moving tale of how some women coped in late WWII America.
Kirchner has a pretty rich background herself as an award-winning screenwriter and author of “Blissful Thinking” and “American Lady Creature.” She is founder of the Ill-Behaved Women newsletter and podcast.
One Deadly Eye by Randy Wayne White
It’s always fun to get lost in the adventures of Doc Ford, a former NSA agent and marine biologist who lives in a stilt house in Sanibel and runs a marine biology supply business. Although he wants a quiet life, his past catches up with him as he helps solve mysteries with a cast of bizarre character set in Southwest Florida.
The latest release in the popular Doc Ford series by New York Times best-selling author Randy Wayne Write, “One Deadly Eye” opens as the deadliest hurricane to hit Florida’s Gulf Coast in a century is set to cause havoc (in more ways than one). Set on Sanibel Island, the fast-moving thriller blends the reality of Hurricane Ian in 2022 with fiction as the beloved protagonist tries to thwart a criminal brotherhood, capture a serial killer and locate a missing Russian diplomat during the 12 hours of chaos following the passing of the storm’s eye.
Not familiar with the Doc Ford series? Now might be just the time to settle in for an adventure, before the first storm comes barreling into Florida.
An insulated wine tumbler with a sippy lid ($16) is a must-have for outdoor activities this summer. Find this one in a variety of lucious colors at the St. Petersburg Chamber Visitor Store, 100 2nd Avenue N. or order online at thestpetestore.com/shop/wine-tumbler/
Florida residents in need of a break are finding an array of discounts and special offers this summer within in a few hour’s drive. Here is a sampling:
• Mainsail Beach Inn (Anna Maria Island) – Beachfront resort blending the area’s outdoor recreation and Old Florida coastal charm with luxurious two- and three-bedroom boutique residences. Save up to 15% for stays through Dec. 31. (888) 8492964 or MainsailBeachInn.com. Use promo code FLRES15.
• Mello on the Beach (Anna Maria Island) – Mod, laid-back retreat with a uniquely retro vibe offering 11 one-, two- or threebedroom beachfront rentals. Save up to 15% for stays through Dec. 31. (833) 219-8623 or StayMelloAMI.com. Use promo code FLRES15.
• Waterline Villas & Marina (Anna Maria Island) – Sophisticated boutique hotel inspired by the sea, featuring 37 stylish, twobedroom suites with gourmet kitchens, a 50-slip marina, variety of water activities, and a resort-style swimming pool. Save up to 25%, along with a two-hour bike rental for two. (844) 863-9443 or WaterlineResort.com. Use promo code L9Z.
Opal Collection Florida offers an assortment of luxury hotels and resorts with Florida resident summer offers. Find these properties by going to opalcollection.com:
• The Capitana (Key West) – Spacious suites, private cottages, and guestrooms with furnished balconies overlooking the glimmering Gulf waters. Stay three nights and enjoy a different activity-for-two each day – kayak, paddleboard, and bike rental (value $200) – plus receive two long-sleeved fishing shirts and a bottle of sunscreen.
• Delray Sands Resort (Highland Beach) – Luxurious accommodations and amenities with award-winning dining and beachfront setting along a quiet stretch of South Palm Beach County. Savings of up to 15%.
• Edgewater Beach Hotel (Naples) – Offering more than 100 beachfront suites with a relaxed, barefoot elegance. Save up to 15% and receive daily $25 resort credit.
to 15% and receive two welcome drinks, a branded-tumbler and bookmark, and bottle of sunscreen.
• Lido Beach Resort (Sarasota) – Coastal chic hotel with contemporary accommodations and condo-style suites. Savings of up to 15%.
• The Lucie (Hutchinson Island) – Boutique haven situated on the pristine Jensen Beach with inviting decor and thoughtful amenities. Savings of up to 10%.
• Opal Grand Oceanfront Resort & Spa (Delray Beach) – Chic resort in the heart of Delray Beach offering sophisticated rooms and suites with private balconies. Savings of up to 15%.
• Opal Key Resort & Marina (Key West) – A haven for island excitement, the resort is located waterfront in Old Town Key West, just steps from Mallory Square and Duval Street. Savings of up to 25% with $25 daily resort credit and free self-parking daily ($30 value).
• Opal Sands Resort (Clearwater Beach) – Beacon of modern design with panoramic Gulf views, contemporary spa, and generously sized guest rooms and suites. Savings of up to 15% and daily breakfast for two.
• Reefhouse Resort & Marina (Key Largo) – Located on 17 lush island acres, offering waterfront bay views, a private beach, and onsite marina. Savings of up to 15%.
• The Resort at Longboat Key Club (Sarasota) – Iconic Florida resort with newly renovated modern feel, spanning 410 acres and featuring a legendary golf course, full-service spa, award-winning tennis gardens, and serene stretch of beach. Savings of up to 15%.
• Sandpearl Resort (Clearwater Beach) – The beautiful Sandpearl has a breezy new Seaside Chic vibe after a complete renovation of all guest rooms and suites. Light creams, sandy beiges, and crisp whites are layered with accents of sea-inspired blue shades. And, hallelujah, deep soaking tubs are offered in all suites. Save up to 15% and enjoy daily breakfast for two.
• Sunset Key Cottages (Key West) – An exclusive enclave on a 27acre island just 500 yards off Key West. Savings of up to 15% and daily breakfast for each registered adult.
• The Laureate (Key West) – Luxe one-bedroom and threebedroom bi-level suites offer extended-stay options, complete with spacious balconies, plush furniture, and kitchens. Save up
The Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center on the St. Pete Pier is offering Sandbar Snorkeling excursions on weekends throughout the summer. Great for young and old, the easy excursions are all about discovering things you may have never seen before, in shallow water just offshore from downtown St. Pete. The crew will help you get comfortable with a mask and snorkel and accompanies you in the water to help you spot a spider crab,
• Zota Beach Resort (Sarasota) – Relaxed ambiance with stylish accommodations and modern architectural touches, beachfront on Longboat Key. Savings of up to 15%.
discover a brittle sea star, or swim with a jack, grouper, or mangrove snapper.
Excursions are family-friendly and open to ages 5 and up aboard the Discovery Center’s USCG-certified eco-vessel at Gate 23 on the St. Pete Pier. The boat departs at 10 am for excursions on Saturdays and Sundays; children must be accompanied by an adult. The cost is $34 per adult and $26 per child. For more information and reservations, go to tbwdiscoverycenter.org/eco-tours
BY BETH ANN DRAKE
The Jimmy Buffet legacy lives on through the Islander, Margaritaville at Sea’s newest addition to their line of cruise ships. Based locally out of Port Tampa, the Islander set sail on an inaugural voyage under the blessing of Savannah Buffet, Jimmy’s daughter, who said at the ship’s christening, “Bubbles up, cheers to many a lovely cruise. To the winds in our hair and margaritas in our shoes, fins up forever.”
The moment we embarked we were greeted with margaritas and leis beneath a soaring 14-story atrium featuring a massive signature flip flop. Island time begins here! The Tiki Bar at the aft of the ship offered panoramic views of our departure as we set sail in a Margaritaville state of mind.
Recently having undergone a full transformation into the Margaritaville brand, the ship spans 12 passenger decks accommodating up to 2,650 adventure-seeking passengers. Guests can unwind in one of the Islander’s 1,105 staterooms, each beautifully styled to reflect the sand, sea and sky.
With 12 different stateroom and suite types you can select from a cozy interior space or the highly recommended balcony
stateroom. There are also six ultra-exclusive Signature Suites to choose from for those extra special occasions.
One of the Islander’s unique highlights is the three-story Landshark Bar situated on the pool deck. Here you can enjoy 360-degree outdoor views and catch some sun or relax on two levels of shaded and seated bar areas. At the top is Landshark Lookout … the perfect place to catch a Jimmy Buffet concert on the big screen.
For your nightlife enjoyment there are countless venues where you can unwind or enjoy non-stop entertainment. The Coral Reef Lounge features nightly shows with ocean inspired cocktails in an aquarium themed lounge. And if dancing is on your agenda the Hot, Hot, Hot Night Club is the place to be spanning two decks, or the Havana Daydreamin’ Sports Bar and Lounge where you can practice your salsa to the Latin beats with an extensive rum menu and craft beers.
Of course, live entertainment takes center stage with your choice of two original live production shows. Country themed Conky Tonkin’ at Sea brings a Nashville flair with the perfect mix of
classic and contemporary country favorites. Or the Caribbean Heat Remix which celebrates the Caribbean vibe with dance, acrobatics and the beats of Key West and Mexico.
For those excited to explore the culinary options of the Islander, the choices are almost endless. From sushi at the Far Side of the World Sushi Bar and tacos at the Mexican Cutie Cantina to prime steaks at JWB Prime Steakhouse there is something for every taste. The ship features six new dining concepts and 11 new bars and lounges. A favorite on this cruise was the Cheeseburger in Paradise buffet!
For a more formal dinner setting we highly recommend the Islander Dining Room on the upper floor where you can enjoy your favorite dishes from the Fins Dining Room along with seasonal chef-crafted specialties.
While the Islander is ideal for a couples getaway, team building or solo traveling, it is also family friendly. Young travelers will find their own slice of paradise, including live music enclaves,
outer deck adventures, an all-ages lounge and arcade and a firstever cornhole-meets-mini-golf challenge course. For kids and teens ages 3 to 17 there are four complimentary kids’ programs organized by age group.
“We’re thrilled to kick off the summer by giving guests the opportunity to experience the Margaritaville state of mind on the open ocean like never before,” said Christopher Ivy, CEO of Margaritaville at Sea. “The Islander offers an entirely new way to float into island time, providing couples, families, and friends an unforgettable journey with new spaces and experiences to explore, making the voyage just as enjoyable as the destinations.”
Following the inaugural voyage, the Islander will continue to sail four and five night cruises to Key West and Mexico. In 2025, the ship will add additional island hot spots of Belize, Jamaica and Grand Cayman on extended six and seven night itineraries.
For additional information on the Margaritaville at Sea Islander or to book now, visit MargaritavilleAtSea.com
What defines the “BEST” Dentistry? It’s characterized by a highly skilled practitioner, advanced technology, excellent patient care, passion for dentistry, and a comprehensive range of services.
Dr. Roberto Macedo aims to exceed his patients’ expectations every time. Here are key features he considers paramount for the BEST Dental Practice:
Experienced and Skilled Dentist: Dr. Roberto Macedo, with over 23 years of experience, extensive education, and continuous training, is recognized globally and sought after for his expertise in cosmetic and complex cases.
Advanced Technology: Modern equipment such as digital X-rays, 3D imaging, laser dentistry, and CAD/CAM technology are utilized. A state-of-the-art dental lab and Master Ceramist on site elevate the level of precision and artistry.
Comprehensive Services: Offering a wide range of services including preventive care, restorative procedures, orthodontics, oral surgery, and cosmetic dentistry ensures holistic patient care and long-term success.
Patient-Centered Care: Focus on patient comfort, clear communication, and personalized treatment plans. The entire patient experience is prioritized to exceed expectations.
Positive Reviews and Reputation: High ratings and positive feedback from patients indicate trust and satisfaction with the provided treatments.
Continuing Education and Innovation: Commitment to continuous education and adopting new techniques and materials to enhance patient care.
Dr. Roberto Macedo, DDS, MS, PhD, is a distinguished dentist, prosthodontist, and smile designer. His ability to connect with patients ensures that everyone receives the BEST care.
Skip the beaches and explore downtown Sarasota for a unique - and art-filled - urban getaway.
BY MARCIA BIGGS
It’s summer, it’s hot and you’re craving a weekend vacay away from the sun, the sand and beach crowds. Find a sitter for the kids and take a short drive south over the Skyway Bridge, where Sarasota offers a city-centric adventure perfect for a short getaway.
During the winter season when its population swells, Sarasota is alive with performing arts from the world-famous Sarasota Ballet, Sarasota Orchestra and Sarasota Opera, to top-notch plays at Asolo Repertory Theatre, the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, and national acts at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. During summer months, things slow down as the performing arts halls go dark, but there are still plenty of reasons to visit with one being the laid-back atmosphere and lack of crowds.
Cultural arts fans can still get their jam on with visits to the worldclass collections of the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, or the Sarasota Art Museum which partnered with Ringling College of Art and Design to transform the historic 1927 Sarasota High School into a contemporary art museum.
On a recent visit, I opted to stay downtown in the Rosemary District at The Sarasota Modern, a Marriott Bonvoy Tribute Portfolio boutique hotel centrally located on Boulevard of the Arts just off Tamiami Trail. From here, you can park your car and not see it until you leave, which is a big plus considering downtown parking can be difficult at times.
The 89-room hotel has a clean minimalist design with contemporary furnishings and views of downtown. A beautiful
pool area with hot tubs and an outdoor bar offers respite after a long day. Sarasota Modern also is within walking distance of bustling Main Street, with its abundance of restaurants, bars and shops, and the performing arts district.
During an early evening stroll I headed downtown and was captivated by the livable/walkable urban core of Sarasota, its clean streets, modern buildings, and abundance of downtown condos, outdoor cafes, art galleries and boutiques. On North Palm Avenue, I discovered a mix of trendy restaurants, boutiques, small art galleries, antique and home décor shops.
I had to pop into the much heralded Art Ovation Hotel, a fourstar Autograph Collection hotel that welcomes the public with its revolving arts exhibit in the lobby. A sophisticated lobby lounge beckons to quench your thirst with armchair and sofa seating and curated cocktails. The public can sign up for curator-led Art + Wine Tours ($15) which include the lobby gallery and guest level elevator lobby galleries while enjoying a glass of wine. The rooftop pool bar with its lively weekend crowd offers expansive views of downtown, and the highly acclaimed Tzeva restaurant serves authentic Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.
Just across the street, locals love the Florida Studio Theatre, a multistage live theater complex that once was the home of a historic women’s club. Here you’ll find a diverse mix of entertainment from cabaret style musicals and improv to comedy shows. Florida Studio Theatre stays open during summer, so be sure to check out the schedule.
A great way to get a feel for downtown Sarasota is to hop aboard a Discover Sarasota Trolley Tour. During the summer, air-conditioned narrated City Sightseeing Trolley Tours ($49) are offered Thursday through Sunday. During season, tours increase and include haunted tours, architecture tours and public art tours, among others. To discover the downtown arts scene, I can personally vouch for the fun and enlightening Art Crawl Trolley Tours that will start up again in fall. These tours let you get on and off to wander as you please, then return you to the starting point where you can park for free.
Although the Asolo Repertory Theatre is dark during summer, I was lucky enough to catch one of the final performances of the 2023-24 season, Dial M for Murder, what a delight! Starting its 66th season this November, the acclaimed theater next to the Ringling Estate presents the best in national and regional acting and directing with both classic, new and re-imaged plays and musicals.
Don’t confuse this venue with the Historic Asolo Theater, the jewelbox theater with the interior dating back to a 1798 palace in Asolo,
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Italy. This lovingly restored theater with its access from the visitors’ entrance of the Ringling Estate boasts ornate decorative panels and gilded stage boxes reassembled from the original palace. Shown here are small productions, films and live concerts. A family-friendly Summer Circus Spectacular runs through August 17 presented by the Circus Arts Conservatory of Sarasota.
A must on any visit to Sarasota is the renowned 66-acre bayfront Ringling Estate with the magnificent collections of the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Circus Museum and the historic residence Ca’ d’ Zan. I never tire of visiting the Museum of Art with its stunning array of European art that includes Late Gothic and Italian Renaissance works from Northern Europe, sculpture, furniture and decorative arts. I always need to catch my breath when I enter Galleries 1 and 2 with their five immense paintings by Flemish master Peter Paul Rubens, part of Rubens’ Triumph of the Eucharist series, which were commissioned for an elite royal audience. I also enjoy the Chao Center for Asian Art, a standalone
Selby Gardens
building with its collection of Chinese ceramics, Asian sculpture and various objects from Japan, Korea and countries in Southeast Asia.
A visit to the Ringling demands a stop for lunch or dinner at the Ringling Grillroom, with its airy ambiance and modern American fare overlooking the grounds of the estate. Dinner here is ideal for those with tickets to an Asolo Rep performance just steps from the front entrance.
It may have just turned 50, but the venerable botanical garden on the Sarasota bayfront has a new attitude with a modern facelift thanks to a commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability. Since its establishment in 1973, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has been dedicated to the display and study of epiphytic orchids, bromeliads, gesneriads, ferns, and other tropical plants and claims the best scientifically documented collection of living orchids in the world.
Now, Selby Gardens has gone green in every sense of the word.
Phase 1 of a multi-year master plan opened in January at the entrance to the gardens, featuring eco-friendly landscaping, a modern open-air ticket center and indoor Welcome Center, and a (free) parking garage topped by a 50,000-square-foot solar array. A major stormwater management system helps to divert and clean millions of gallons of water each year before it is returned to Sarasota Bay.
A state-of-the-art hurricane resilient Steinwachs Family Plant Research Center (closed to the public) contains preserved collections of 125,000 dried and pressed plant specimens, a research library housing some 7,000 books, and a “spirit laboratory” where more than 36,000 specimens are preserved in fluid.
The new entrance also is the location for Sarasota’s latest garden-to-plate restaurant from award-winning restaurateurs Michael Klauber and Philip Mancini. The Green Orchid by Michael’s on East is a pure delight, with broad windows that bring in the light and a menu of light, fresh, and healthy dishes, mostly salads and handhelds, focused on local, regional and sustainably sourced produce, seafood, meats and poultry. Admission to the Gardens is required in order to visit the restaurant, and hours are 11 am to 3 pm daily.
The restaurant is powered entirely by the rooftop solar array, and a massive rooftop edible garden provides vegetables, greens, herbs, and garnishes for each dish. The Green Orchid is working toward becoming the world’s first net-positive energy restaurant (generating more energy than it consumes). Each plate that came to our table was bursting with freshness and beauty, garnished with colorful edible nasturtium flowers from the rooftop garden.
The day we were there, proprietor Michael Klauber was on hand with an invitation to check out the rooftop garden and we were delighted to oblige. There we found a veritable jungle of produce – tomatoes, squash, kale, snow peas – and overflowing planters filled with colorful nasturtiums. The garden is planted and maintained for Selby Gardens by Operation EcoVets, a non-profit organization that provides personal, educational, and professional growth opportunities for military veterans.
Don’t wait to plan your summer getaway in downtown Sarasota – ask about Florida resident discounts which are offered at most hotels and lodgings. And if you feel in need of a beach fix, the Bay Runner is a free openair trolley service that connects downtown and the Sarasota keys. The service runs every 20 to 30 minutes seven days a week with multiple stops along Main Street, over the Ringling Causeway to St. Armands Circle and Lido Key. Look for the Bay Runner Trolley Stop signs or visit sarasotabayrunner.com
For general trip planning, a good place to start is visitsarasota.com. Here you will find a complete guide to lodgings, attractions, cultural arts, museums, shopping, outdoor activities, festivals and events, and more.
Complete information on experiences at the Ringling Estate, including the Museum of Art, Circus Museum and Ca’ d’ Zan can be found at ringling.org The Museum of Art is free on Monday (but not the Circus Museum or Ca’ d’ Zan); and discounted admission is every Thursday from 5-8pm; adults $15.
Asolo Repertory Theatre, asolorep.org
Selby Gardens, selby.org, includes the Green Orchid restaurant (open 11am to 3pm daily, no reservations, 941-265-8194)
Sarasota Modern Hotel, marriott.com
Discover Sarasota Tours, discoversarasotatours.com
Does it seem like all your friends are jetting off to exotic vacation destinations, leaving you home to vacuum pet dander lurking under your bed? It may be mid-summer, but travel experts report fall is the best time to plan your travel to avoid high costs and big crowds and enjoy milder temperatures.
Start exploring ideas for a funfilled fall trip with these tips from the travel experts at Funjet, which specializes in providing travelers with vacation packages to hundreds of destinations around the world:
Be flexible with travel dates. Families can save hundreds of dollars by moving travel dates by a day or two. Deciding where you want to go is the first step, but with a literal world of possibilities, it can be difficult to narrow down your choices. One place you can find inspiration is by exploring the top travel destinations others are choosing.
TUESDAY
Tomahawk Tuesday Dinner for 2
Includes Salad, Shrimp, Vegetable & Dessert Cannoli 119
WAGYU FILET 8 OZ
Includes Salad & Vegetable 79
For example, the top 10 travel destinations booked with Funjet in 2023 include numerous international destinations. Las Vegas is the only U.S. city to make the top 10 list. Mexico is especially popular, with Cancun, Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta and San Jose Del Cabo. Others include Belize City, Belize; Liberia, Costa Rica; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Panama City, Panama; and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Whether you prefer adults-only or family-friendly, luxury or budget-friendly, there’s a diverse range of all-inclusive resorts to choose from. All-inclusives are known for their convenience and value. They offer hassle-free experiences with meals, drinks and often activities included.
While all-inclusive resorts make tropical getaways stress-free and economical, it’s customary to express appreciation for exceptional service with tips. Resorts typically don’t require tipping, but guests
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 RIBEYE 12 OZ Includes Salad & Vegetable 79 WAGYU SKIRT 12 OZ
Includes Salad & Vegetable 79 Tuesday - Friday • 4:30-6pm
commonly tip as a gesture of gratitude. When deciding to tip, families should consider modest amounts, like $1-5 per meal per person, and be mindful of different service levels as well as the convenience of using local currency. Having cash on hand makes it easier to tip as needed and ensure you have extra for souvenirs and other purchases.
Although most travelers believe it’s essential to stay connected, it’s a good idea to limit screen time so you can make the most of your vacation. Schedule a specific time, preferably in the morning, to address emails and online tasks then enjoy a worry-free rest of the day. While phones are often used to capture photos and videos or look up information about nearby attractions, putting away the screens means you’ll be able to enjoy the scenery, connect with loved ones and have a truly rejuvenating experience.
When traveling with a group, there’s a greater chance of something happening that changes plans between when you book your trip and leave. That’s why it can be a good idea to take a “travel with confidence” approach and consider including a travel protection plan in your reservations. This insurance allows travelers to cancel their trip for any reason, if necessary. When traveling with a group, stick with nonstop flights when possible, as you’re more likely to stay together, which can mean more costeffective travel.
Find more tips and plan your next adventure at Funjet.com or call your local travel advisor.
• Dreams Onyx Resort & Spa (Punta Cana, Dominican Republic)
• Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort (Nayarit, Mexico)
• Riu Caribe (Cancun, Mexico)
• Riu Guanacaste (Costa Rica)
• Riu Negril (Jamaica)
• Iberostar Grand Paraiso (Riviera Maya, Mexico)
• Riu Cancun (Mexico)
• Royalton Riviera Cancun, An Autograph Collection (Mexico)
• Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun (Quintana Roo, Mexico)
• Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa (Oaxaca, Mexico)
LEXUS TX (F SPORT)
Tires: P255/45R22
Wheelbase: 116.1 inches
Length: 203.5 inches
Width: 78.3 inches
Height: 70.1 inches
Fuel capacity: 17.1 gallons
City: 27 mpg
Highway: 28 mpg
Weight: 4,730 pounds
Base price: $71,300
Price as tested: $78,254 www.lexus.com
BY NITISH S. RELE
Not known to rest on its laurels, Lexus has added one more crossover SUV to its family. Based on the same platform as another fairly fresh Toyota Grand Highlander, the TX comes with all the bells and whistles expected from the Japanese luxury carmaker division. There’s bold styling, tremendous power, topnotch interior and tech-laden goodies to blow the competition away. Who would have thought the TX would take the place of the RX-L?
Power for Lexus’s innovative DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive SUV (providing immediate electric control to all four wheels) comes from a 2.4-liter inline-4-cylinder turbocharged engine. It packs 366 horsepower and 406 pounds-feet of torque. A front and rear electric motor assists with saving fuel.
The TX hybrid is mated to an easy-to-engage 6-speed auto gearbox resulting in a quiet and receptive drivetrain. A F Sporttuned suspension handled via an independent MacPherson strut front and multilink rear absorbs serious bumps with ease. The electric power steering is razor sharp with a firm on-center feel. No worries about coming to a slowdown or stop as braking is handled by solid 15.7-inch front and 13.3-inch rear disc brakes. Normal, eco, sport and custom modes are at the driver’s fingertips. Tow capacity is creditable at 5,000 pounds.
The sleek, aggressive front of the TX shows off a centered chrome bar with the distinct Lexus spindle grille flanked by auto-leveling bi-LED headlamps with a reversed L-shape design. The roomy cabin is tasteful and refined, allocating 20.2 cubic feet of space behind the 60/40 third row, 57.4 cubic feet behind the second-row Captain’s chairs and 97 cubes with both seats folded.
A mammoth 14-inch touchscreen display sits atop the dashboard while the driver can stay focused on the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster in the spacious 149-cubic-foot passenger capacity cabin Other extravagant amenities include a tri-zone auto a/c, supple F Sport heated/cooled front seats, heated leather steering wheel and aluminum pedals/scuff plates, heated/cooled second-row Captain’s chairs, fold-flat power third-row seat, head-up display, dual cupholders in third row, 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, and power lift gate and panoramic moon roof.
Standard safety features include dual front airbags, side curtain airbag, front knee airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, stability and traction controls, panoramic view monitor, blind spot and rear-cross traffic alerts, smart-stop technology, front/rear parking assists, daytime running lights and tire pressure monitoring system. For enhanced protection, there is also the standard Lexus Safety Sense 3.0 – a pre-collision system to detect pedestrians, lane departure alert with steer assist, smart beam headlamps and dynamic cruise control. A subscription service called Traffic Jam Assist triggers steering, gas and brake pedals under 25 mph.
If the Grand Highlander is to your liking but you want to take a step up or two and can afford the steep price tag, opt for the stylish, functional, nimble and tidy TX. For $71,300 base price, this six- or seven-passenger crossover shows off an upscale aura coupled with a degree of style and energetic performance. Honestly, Lexus has hit it out of the ballpark with this RX-L substitute
Nitish S. Rele, editor/publisher of Motoring Tampa Bay and Khaas Baat, can be reached at motoringtampabay@gmail.com
In 1980 the Shook family, Ray, Gladys and their son Vince, opened the Covered Bridge Restaurant in St. Pete. This location, along with lots of upgrades, functions today as the winery. After years of operating the restaurant, the family discovered a demand for Florida citrus and decided to transition the business into Florida Orange Groves. They specialized in shipping fresh picked Florida citrus and sold fresh squeezed orange juice and grapefruit juice. People from all over came to buy fresh squeezed juice poured direct from the old restaurant beer taps! In 1998 they began to experiment with additional ways to use their fresh squeezed juice and decided to try their luck at wine making. They operated a hybrid citrus operation and winery for several years until demand for the wine outpaced the citrus. In 1997 they went all in on the wine. Over the years, the winery has seen contributions from subsequent generations, each bringing innovation and expansion to the business. Lance Shook joined the family business in 2010 and is currently acting Executive Vice President of the winery. Vince Shook and his son, Lance work closely together each day and share an office. Today they produce over 43 different kinds of wines.
Unlike traditional grape wines, their wines are made from 100% pure Florida-grown fruit. Their product line includes unique offerings like orange, key lime, mango, and their signature wine, Hurricane Class 5 White Sangria. This specialization in fruit wines
makes them a unique player in the field of wineries, catering to a niche market that appreciates the diverse and tropical flavors of Florida.
Guided tours of the winery are available and visitors can expect an immersive experience. Guests learn about the winemaking process, from fruit selection to fermentation and bottling. Tastings offer a chance to sample a variety of their awardwinning wines in a welcoming atmosphere.
A must see while visiting is the wine bar and gourmet food shop. Guests can taste unique wine slushies, limited release sparkling wine, ports and a small batch barrel aged wines. There are also various international gourmet foods that pair well with the wines. Charcuterie boards are available for purchase on the weekends to enjoy along with a tasting or while relaxing in their wine lounge. You’ll also find wine accessories and gift items perfect for the wine enthusiast.
Florida Orange Groves Winery has received numerous awards and accolades for innovative and high-quality wines. They have earned recognition at national and international wine competitions, with medals for various wine varieties. To date they have won over 450 medals including Double Gold, Best of Show, and Best of Class.
www.FloirdaWine.com • 727-347-4025
1500 Pasadena Avenue South St. Petersburg, FL 33707 5
As St. Petersburg continues its remarkable growth, we take time each year to solicit local favorites in lifestyle categories ranging from restaurants and bars to events, shopping and places to visit. In this issue, we present the results of our 2024 Best of St. Pete survey; finalists were tabulated by reader voting. Keep this issue handy so you can check out new places and things to do and enjoy all that St. Petersburg has to offer!
Marcia Biggs, Editor
The Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater has experienced a remarkable transformation and story since new management took over the city-owned property in 2011 to become a key part of the “The City of the Arts.” This impressive revival began with the vision of Bill Edwards, a St. Petersburg advocate and CEO of both Big3 Entertainment and Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts.
Edwards’ extensive experience in the entertainment industry made him a perfect fit to manage the theater, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and know-how in music, theater, comedy, and performance art. From the beginning, Edwards implemented a dramatic renovation of the theater addressing vital cosmetic changes as well as infrastructure updates to attract higher quality entertainment and appeal to a broader audience. Bill Edwards utilized his leadership to transform the Mahaffey Theater into a beacon of cultural activity for the city, county, and beyond.
Edwards had a deep understanding of the importance of making a splash to draw attention to the venue, increasing awareness for
St. Pete’s top performing arts venue celebrates 60 years and a stunning renaissance thanks to visionary Bill Edwards.
residents and visitors alike. He booked big-name acts like Don Henley, Marc Anthony, and Cedric the Entertainer. This initial success was followed by a series of renowned performers and entertainers over the years, including Chris Isaak, Diana Ross, Gladys Knight, Tony Bennett, Stevie Nicks, The Doobie Brothers, Jerry Seinfeld, Patti Labelle, Smokey Robinson and Christina Aguilera, helping to firmly establish the Mahaffey Theater as a premier entertainment destination.
“I was particularly proud of our backstage crew for successfully handling the Christina Aguilera show in 2018,” recalled Edwards. “She arrived with 12 semi-truck loads of equipment, having just performed at an arena for tens of thousands, and we were able to accommodate her in our intimate venue of 2,031 seats.”
Edwards personally funded a complete renovation of the theater and backstage areas as a firm believer in his vision. One component of the initial plan involved better space utilization, which led to Edwards taking an existing small black box area within the theater and transforming it into a Member Lounge. The initiative was part of his broader strategy to establish the foundation that bears his name, encouraging memberships, donors, and sponsors to become fully integrated into the Mahaffey Theater and Foundation experience and mission. The Member Lounge offers an intimate space perfect for hosting monthly networking events, cocktail receptions, meetings, and more, supporting the continued growth of the foundation and theater.
In 2011, Edwards added $1 million of his personal funds to create and seed the Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts, creating the 501(C)3 as the support arm for programming of the Mahaffey. This funding enabled the foundation to grow and present over 340 culturally diverse shows and events each year, with an impressive 75% of the shows selling out. A
Additionally, Edwards inherited the Class Acts youth education programming, demonstrating a commitment to nurturing an inclusive environment for school children in the six-county area. In the 2023-24 school year alone, over 30,000 students in the Tampa Bay area were able to attend live performances or festivals for free, enriching their educational experience through exposure to the arts. To date, over 250,000 school children have been served under Edwards’ management.
The mission of the foundation is to foster cultural diversity as well as educate, engage and entertain the community.
“Since the foundation’s inception, we’ve been on an upward trajectory, and I must give special recognition to our president, Amy Miller, for her exceptional leadership of our staff. In the five years since Amy joined us, we have made significant strides in building our foundation, supporting culturally diverse programming and youth education initiatives. Our outstanding team deserves credit for these remarkable achievements,” said Edwards.
One of the most recent endeavors at the Mahaffey is the fusion of performing, visual and culinary arts all under one roof in downtown St. Petersburg. The facility not only has a world class theater venue, it also boasts an art gallery featuring stunning glass and 2D art, a collaborative effort with the Imagine Museum.
“I am thrilled to express my deepest gratitude to Trish Duggan, founder and CEO of Imagine Museum, and her incredible team for their generous collaboration in showcasing their stunning original art in our gallery, with these magnificent pieces available for purchase. Our partnership has been so fantastic that Ms. Duggan has enthusiastically agreed to join our foundation’s board of directors. Together, we will continue to bring exceptional art to the public and inspire creativity in our community,” announced Bill Edwards.
The most recent addition within the venue is fine dining at Sonata Restaurant, complete with banquet facility, seamlessly incorporating culinary arts into the Mahaffey experience.
“Once you walk through the doors of the Mahaffey Theater, we want you to feel like you’re entering a special place that celebrates the arts, entertainment, and civic engagement,” said Edwards. “Where else can you find world-class entertainment and a host of sold-out shows? This summer, Netflix chose us to film Bert Kreischer’s seven sold-out live shows.
“This puts our theater on the map both nationally and internationally. As we enter our 60th year and celebrate our anniversary, get ready for our next lineup — many new surprises in entertainment await. The best is yet to come!”
The Mahaffey Theater showcases premier national and international artists and performances, including pop, rock, comedy, theater, dance, classical music, and art exhibitions. This 2,031-seat cultural gem offers stunning waterfront views and is situated in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg.
Go to themahaffey.com for more information. To find information on Sonata Restaurant, go to sonatarestaurant.com
Set your alarms early to get those deep discounts that only happen once a year during the annual Sunrise Sale Thursday, July 18, in downtown St. Pete. Hosted by the Downtown Business Association (DBA) of St. Petersburg, up to 50 shops will open their doors starting at 6:43 am for St. Pete’s Largest Pajama Party, offering sales, deals, and discounts. Look for the yellow flags and balloons at shops along Beach Drive in the downtown core, along Central Avenue through the EDGE District and along the Fourth Street corridor north to 22nd Avenue. Hurry, best sales disappear by 10 am.
Shoppers are invited to gather at the 400 block of Beach Drive at
6:43 am for the official kickoff. Wear your pajamas and you may be treated to extra discounts and prizes. Updated maps can be found closer to the event date at stpetedowntownbiz.com. Check the Facebook page leading up to the event for highlights at facebook. com/DBAstpete
WEDU-PBS media personality (featured on the May/June cover of St. Pete Life) Dalia Colón discusses her new book, The Florida Vegetarian Cookbook, along with Michelle Stark, assistant editor for the Life & Culture team at the Tampa Bay Times, at 7 pm Weds. July 17 at Coastal Creative, 2201 1st Avenue S. Join Colón as she takes you on a delectable journey through the many ways that vegetarian and vegan foods are woven into Florida’s history and culture.
Admission is $5; tickets and the cookbook are available at Tombolo Books, 2153 1st Avenue S., St. Petersburg.
The 35th Annual PAVA Cool Art Show by the Professional Association of Visual Artists will take place July 20-21 at the historic (and air-conditioned) St. Petersburg Coliseum, 535 4th Avenue N. The popular juried show will feature nearly 70 Florida artisans showcasing a diverse range of visual and functional art, including paintings, woodwork, ceramics, photography, metalwork, glass art, fiber art, digital art, mixed media and jewelry. A children’s art area will entertain kids of all ages. Hours are 10 am to 5 pm Saturday and 10 am to 4 pm Sunday. Show admission and parking are free.
Ultimate Summer Jazz Jam to benefit the Clearwater Jazz Holiday Foundation will heat up the Factory St. Pete, 2606 Fairfield Ave. S., from 5:30 to 9:30 pm Friday, July 19. Featured performers include Belinda Womack, Bryan Hughes, Allison Nash, Jeremy Carter, James Suggs, Alegandro Arenas, Mark Moultrip and many others; hosted by Mark Feinman. Young Lions Reunion Jam begins at 9:30 pm. Admission is free. On August 23 at 7 pm, Jazz & The World concert at the Palladium Theater will present Diego Figueiredo, Tito Puente Jr., Fred Johnson, Jose Valentino, Ona K and La Lucha. Buy tickets at clearwaterjazz.com/ cjhmusicseries.html
Morean Arts Center will hold its 13th Annual Great St. Pete Cupcake Competition on Saturday, August 24, at the Morean Center for Clay, 420 22nd St. S. Entries will be accepted until August 9; judging is based on originality, taste/texture, and artistic flair across categories including youth/teen, novice, professional, and specialty (vegan/gluten-free).
The public is invited to come taste the entries on August 24 by purchasing a 12-count box for $20. For more information, visit moreanartscenter.org/cupcakes.
Art Conservator
BY NATALIE VELEZ
Luis Seixas – accomplished art conservator, musician, educator, and alumnus of the prestigious Universidade Nova, Lisbon – is one of those people who can engage you in a fascinating conversation in a heartbeat. His most recent project – live conservation of a 4-century-old Spanish tabernacle at the St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts – gained widespread media attention. Yet, there is so much more to Seixas beyond art conservation.
I was invited to sit down with Luis and his wife Eda in their welcoming home to learn about about his journey from his home in Portugal to St. Petersburg. His story is inspiring and shows how St. Pete attracts talented people from around the globe. Here are some snippets from our conversation.
Relocating from another country can be a challenge. Why relocate from beautiful Portugal to the United States, and St. Petersburg in particular, when you can pick any place on the map?
It is true. Portugal is a very attractive place to live and through the course of my career, we could indeed choose any place on Earth. Our story, however, is a story about love, support, and putting family first. After completing her PhD in cancer biology, my wife Eda was invited to pursue her research at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. At that time, I was well-established in Portugal and had been working on a variety of art conservation projects as well as running a record label. As for Eda, her career in science started to bloom and we decided that it was time to pursue her dream. Naturally, I followed my talented wife. Eda adds: It had to be warm, next to the ocean, with a rich art scene, great schools for our daughter, and other exciting opportunities. St. Petersburg just like Lisbon is one of the sunniest and most beautiful places we encountered. We had been visiting St. Pete while in Memphis, so moving here was an easy choice.
You have worked on many incredible art objects, UNESCO-protected included. Could you share some of the most memorable ones?
Each project is special. I remember working on a 16th-century sculpture of the Virgin with Child, French, from the National Museum. During the treatment, I discovered at least seven layers of overlapping paint. A transition from white to gold, and to expensive ultramarine blue on the mantel tells the story of what was fashionable at a certain period. I don’t have a favorite, each, no matter how big or small, has a special unique value. My goal is always to protect the exceptional identity of the art, without altering its historical and artistic meaning.
Do you work only with museums and art-related organizations, or do you also work with private collectors who may want to restore heirlooms?
As an independent contractor, I have the freedom to choose the projects I work on. I accept requests from museums, private collectors, and also from individuals who have art objects that were purchased or passed on generationally. I cherish my work, even the tiniest heirlooms, which can have merely sentimental value but are equally loved. I consider these smaller projects as gratifying as the ones I do for museums or even UNESCO sites. My goal is to uncover their complex history and decipher the tribulations they went through.
Art conservation work can be meticulous and precise. With one touch you can remove layers of history. Your work combines not only art and science, but also requires patience and discipline. How do you deal with the weight of that responsibility?
I am dealing with the pressure as any professional does. Like a doctor or a teacher, I rely on ethics, knowledge, experience,
and lots of common sense, of course. The study and experience I underwent allow me to embrace and handle everything this profession can offer.
Although you spend much of your time conserving and restoring museum quality historical pieces, I see many contemporary paintings on your home walls. You told me you rarely buy and decorate your home with antiques, although of all people, you know its value. What satisfies your personal quest for home art?
I have been plugged into the world of cultural heritage - palaces, cathedrals, monasteries, small and big art objects, you name it. I am daily surrounded by historically rich art. While at home, I need a change of scenery. I prefer airy spaces and clean lines with functionality over exuberance. As for art, we buy from artists we personally know and connect with. Our home is filled with quite
contemporary pieces. Many people, especially in the US, love and appreciate antiques. I believe it is a nice way to connect with the past, a nostalgia for the old days. Luckily for me, I can embrace both worlds every day.
I understand you are a popular musician in Portugal. Have you had a chance to create and perform music while living here in St. Pete?
Absolutely! Music is an important part of my life. I believe that creativity helps connect people and brings joy and happiness; it enhances our lives. I run a not-for-profit music label called Thisco, since 2000. We released over 80 albums with the support of the City Hall of Lisbon. I performed around Memphis, in Tampa, and recently here at Studio@620 with talented local musicians. I created the record label to connect with like-minded individuals and, above all support new talents.
For three month this spring, The Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg (MFA) invited the public to view art conservator Luis Seixas performing the restoration process of a 17th century Spanish Tabernacle. The restoration process is a slow-paced, methodical journey and to see a restoration live is an amazing treat, which only a few museums in the world can offer. The live conservation encouraged dialogue about history and art history; the project wrapped on June 23.
A series of lucky circumstances brought the Tabernacle, which was crafted in Spain circa 1650, to MFA. Dr. Stanton Thomas, MFA’s chief curator, stumbled upon this piece in an art auction. It resided, surprisingly, just next door, in Sarasota. The budget to bring the piece to St. Pete was just right and Seixas was available to start his conservation work immediately.
servator had to consolidate the gilding to prevent further losses of material during transport.
Cleaning: Upon arrival at the MFA, the object was cleaned layer after layer by gently removing the accumulated dust and the old, altered varnish. The purpose is to bring back the readability of the paintings and the brightness of the gilding.
It is important to point out that the delicate process of art conservation began while the Tabernacle was still in Sarasota. Here is an overview of the entire process:
Stabilization: While still in the auction house, the art con-
Fill-ins: Seixas filled losses of wood with compatible and reversible materials, like cellulose paste. This restoration method recovers the original shape of the piece.
Touch-ups: Through the process called chromatic integration, the art conservator uses micas and pigments to match the original surfaces, without covering any of the original.
Coating: A fresh coat of museum-grade varnish is applied to protect and enhance the beauty of the tabernacle.
Upon its completion, the Tabernacle was placed in its new home in the Baroque Gallery of the Museum of Fine Arts.
Crafting inspired outdoor living areas is key to enjoying the Florida lifestyle.
BY ANNE ZIMMERMAN BRIAND
Bathed in the enviable St. Pete sunshine, our year-round climate serves as an endless muse for outdoor living spaces. Whether you’re a longterm local or a recent transplant to the Sunshine State, creating an outdoor space that truly reflects your personal style can seem daunting, especially when faced with a blank slate or an uninspired yard from an era gone by.
Interior designers at Michelle Miller Design have mastered the art of transforming both indoor and outdoor spaces. Collaborating closely with clients, they craft environments that not only fulfill dreams but also enhance the usability of every living space.
In this article, we delve into two standout projects by the team at Michelle Miller, showcasing how diverse outdoor areas can be transformed into beautiful extensions of the home, seamlessly blending functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Beachside Bungalow
This coastal retreat with a resort style courtyard was spearheaded by Michelle Miller interior designer Ciera Thompson. Her assignment: transformation of a1949 Gulf of Mexico beach home into a laid-back coastal chic retreat.
The owners are empty-nesters who desired a space where they could fully immerse themselves in the laid-back Pass-A-Grille lifestyle. They wanted to be able to enjoy equal time indoors and outdoors on the property, so the floor plan was reimagined to utilize the outdoor spaces more while also maximizing the natural light and beachfront views from the inside.
One of the most striking aspects of this project is the front courtyard, which had previously been underutilized and forgotten. By creating an inviting resort-style setting where the owners and their guests can linger and relax, the area was completely revitalized. This welcoming space, unified by a contemporary firepit with seating for four under an enchanted pergola, features outdoor string lights overhead, a trio of water fountains along the space’s perimeter, a chill hammock, and surrounding tropical foliage. Setting the tone for the entire home, this space offers a serene and inviting entry that feels like stepping into a luxurious retreat.
Thompson selected a neutral color palette with pops of turquoise, allowing the foliage, décor, and furnishings to weave together harmoniously. By the pool deck facing the Gulf, soft seating arrangements continue the neutral tones, letting the greenery and beach views take center stage. Natural materials like shell stone, fossil stone, and wood enhance the coastal aesthetic, while the furnishings, chosen for their comfort and durability, are built to withstand the abundant Florida sunshine.
To ultimately achieve the serene and private outdoor oasis, this project was a collaboration with The Argentine Group leading the exterior design, and TriplePoint Design Build, ensuring seamless execution. By integrating the indoor and outdoor living spaces and thoughtfully curating the colors, finishes, and floor plan, Beachside Bungalow embodies the laid-back coastal chic lifestyle envisioned by the owners. It stands as a serene and enchanted oasis that perfectly captures the essence of Pass-A-Grille’s relaxed ambiance.
Snell Isle Contemporary
This warm contemporary project on Snell Isle showcases a new and expansive outdoor space that seamlessly integrates with the modern architecture of the home. Designed by Diana LePine, the Snell Isle home highlights the beauty of open, view-oriented outdoor living.
The owners of this home sought a spacious area for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying their beautiful view with family and friends. The open and airy outdoor space was designed to include an outdoor kitchen with bar stools and serving counter, dining table and chairs, comfortable living space with a fireplace and TV, and infinity pool with loungers.
Aiming for a vernacular aesthetic that harmonizes with the home’s modern architectural lines, LePine chose warm woods and woven textures to soften the starkness of the stone, concrete,
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and metal materials in the build. And to reflect the hues of the surrounding waters, she chose a combination of solid and patterned textiles, further enhancing the cohesive and inviting atmosphere.
The hallmark of this project is the seamless transition between the interior and exterior space. Selected furnishings feature clean lines to coordinate with the home’s modern architecture, while warm materials and textures add an inviting touch to the expansive outdoor area. This design allows for an almost uninterrupted flow, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living.
By transforming existing spaces into beautiful, functional retreats, Michelle Miller Interior Design showcases the true beauty and versatility of Florida living. Their innovative approach to outdoor spaces not only inspires but also invites us all to embrace the endless possibilities for our own outdoor sanctuaries, truly capturing the essence of St. Pete’s sun-soaked lifestyle.
Anne Zimmerman Briand can be reached at anne@ annezimmerman.com
A relaxing conversation area is tucked into a corner. Below, the great room of a Snell Isle contemporary home works seamlessly with the outdoor patio area.
With all the beauty Mother Nature has to offer, a few pops of color or other simple embellishments can help make your patio or yards look superb. Consider these easy ways to spruce up your outdoor oasis:
Make Bold Statements
Plant your favorite flowers in a giant, bright red or yellow pot or hang a bright colored swing from a tree. Just a little dab of color can make a statement and brighten the whole space.
Hang It Up
Place hanging baskets around the porch to bring punches of color to your outdoor sanctuary. With the freedom to pick and choose your favorite plants and flowers, these baskets have the added benefit of easy maintenance. Just be mindful of sun and shade requirements when deciding on your plants.
Consider Time When Planting
If you wish to add color to your landscape, consider the time of day you normally spend in your outdoor space. Early risers may appreciate vibrantly colored foliage
that perks with the morning sun. Those who spend time outdoors in the evening hours can incorporate white or lightly colored plants that take on a silvery sheen in the moonlight.
Tie Up a Hammock
Make a relaxing retreat in the comfort of your own yard by hanging a hammock from trees or between posts on your deck.
Add a Birdbath
These garden favorites come in a variety of styles and colors to fit your unique tastes and budget. Birds and butterflies of all kinds can find an oasis in their new bath and provide you with a beautiful view.
Throw Some Pillows
Outdoor pillows are often available in the same fun designs of their indoor counterparts. Add some throw pillows to your outdoor furniture for a chic yet comfortable update.
These subtle changes can help beautify your outdoor spaces and cause onlookers to do a double-take – for the right reasons. Find more ideas at eLivingtoday.com
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Begin your aesthetic journey with Dr. Michael Mirmanesh, MD, one of the Top 10 Plastic Surgeons. Book your consultation now!
After several years in the making, the team behind downtown St. Petersburg’s Brick & Mortar Kitchen + Wine Bar is ready to debut a new concept in the Grand Central District. Husband-and-wife duo Hope Montgomery and Jason Ruhe plan to open a new Latin-inspired eatery, Pulpo Kitchen + Lounge, at 2147 Central Avenue, in mid-July.
Pulpo, which translates to “octopus” in Spanish, will serve a twist on traditional South American dishes and cocktails with bold and robust flavors. “This concept has been my brainchild for the past three years to fill a void in the area. We started doing the buildout about a year ago,” Ruhe said to St. Pete Rising.
Ruhe, who grew up in West Tampa, a neighborhood heavily enriched by Spanish culture, said the new restaurant concept is also a nod to his mother of Cuban and Spanish descent. Pulpo will represent a marriage of cuisines from Central and South America, and influences from Peru and Mexico.
“No one has touched this specific niche here yet,” Ruhe said. The new 150-seat restaurant will carry an emphasis on small
plates, featuring items like fresh ceviches and crudos, in addition to different variations of paella. There will also be two full liquor bars with one inside and another outdoor bar with a stage for live music, where Afro-Cuban-style and Latin jazz musicians will perform.
There will also be two full liquor bars with one inside and another outdoor bar with a stage for live music, where Afro-Cuban-style and Latin jazz musicians will perform.
“We want this to be a place where people can enjoy cocktails and linger,” said Montgomery, who will craft and oversee the wine program, which will focus on Spanish and Old World wines.
The bathrooms, kitchen, and bars will be decked out in vibrant turquoise colors with gold accents, Spanish tiles, and brass elements. Interior designer is David Fischer and local artist Jason Durocher was hired to create a mural romanticizing the ambiance of Cuba’s Little Havana.
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.
Six times a year, St. Pete Life magazine is mailed directly to 22,000+ of St. Petersburg’s most exclusive and discriminating residents. Our focus delivers readers who live, work and play within 15 minutes of St. Petersburg’s thriving city center from the 4th Street Corridor to Old Northeast, from Southeast to Grand Central and out to St. Pete Beach.
St. Pete Life magazine is the only glossy lifestyle magazine in town whose reporting beat is the heartbeat of St. Pete.
FoodieLabs at the ArtsXchange has welcomed Apululu Latin American Street Food offering freshly made Cuban and Mexican specialties from Cuban inspired bowls and vaca frita (marinated, slow cooked shredded beef pan-fried until crispy, seasoned with garlic, lime, and onions) to sliders and authentic burritos and tacos. Order the Cuban Slider Box ($16) to go with slow roasted mojo pork and vaca frita and plantain chips. Open Thursday through Saturday from noon to 9 pm. Walk-up or order online at thefoodielabs.com.
Join the fun of live Apululu Paella Parties on Second Saturdays from 6 to 9 pm during ArtWalk at Foodie Labs, 515 22nd Street S. with live paella making, dancing, and festive music. Cooking Classes: FoodieLabs is offering a series of creative Kids and Teens Summer Camp Cooking Classes on various week days through August 12. Classes range from crafting cosmic cupcakes and creating pizza masterpieces to learning the magic of spices in global street food. Sign your teen up for How to Thrive at College on August 12, the ultimate crash course in cooking basics for college-bound teens. Advance reservations required thefoodielabs.com/ events or call 888-417-8227.
The gluten-free and vegan HaleLife bakery and bistro, known for its decadent treats and savory breakfast dishes, will open a second St. Pete storefront in the Warehouse Arts District. HaleLife founder Laura McCutcheon has signed a lease to operate the bistro at 2462 5th Avenue S., which most recently housed The Chelsea coffee shop. HaleLife Bistro is expected to open in July.
McCutcheon and her son, Taylor Miller, both diagnosed with Celiac Disease, set out on a mission to serve gluten-free, dairy-, soy-, egg-, tree nut-, and peanut-free baked goods, opening their first Tampa store in 2017. Every product is made from HaleLife’s dedicated facility and is completely gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-friendly. Last year, HaleLife was named one of the best gluten-free bakeries in America by USA Today. The new bistro joins two HaleLife Bakeries in Tampa and one HaleLife Bistro in north St. Pete, which serves as the primary commercial kitchen. — St. Pete Rising
With summer in full swing, we are all certainly enjoying sunbathing, grilling, fresh food and even indulging in our favorite beverages. Something about sushi or sashimi in the hot summer weather really hits the spot and what better way to pair it than with a chilled, refreshing glass of sake.
Sake must be brewed in the winter and then is released in the spring and summer months, making it the perfect hot weather pairing. Futsu-shu or “table sake” takes up about 75% of the sake market, so most of our experiences with premium sake are few and far between. In order to find quality sake, we must start by knowing what sake is, what to look for and where to find it.
Four ingredients comprise all sake: rice, water, yeast and koji It is similar to wine in the way it drinks with an array of aromas, flavors and structures present. It is much like beer in the way that it is made, but a bit more complex as it involves inoculating rice with koji-kin, a naturally occurring fermentation culture. Koji is used throughout Japanese cuisine, including making miso and soy sauce. Its job is to turn the rice’s starches into sugars for yeast to eat and helps give the sake its distinct flavor.
The quality of water can also highly influence the essence of the sake. Imagine using the freshest water straight from the source of a natural mountain spring; the softer the water, the silkier and more delicate the taste. The type of rice used can alter the flavors in the sake as well. There are thousands of varieties used in sake production and they are much harder to grow, larger in size and contain more starch than the rice we eat.
For sake brewers, the outer grain of the rice is undesirable and milled away and then labeled as such for premium grade levels. Generally, the more rice milled away, the more delicate and sweeter the taste with more fruity and floral notes. The rice polishing ratio requirement for quality sake is at least 70 percent, followed by ginjo at 60 percent and daiginjo at 50 percent. Junmai on sake bottles means “pure rice” and indicates no distilled alcohol has been added. If there is distilled alcohol added, it is referred to as Honjozo.
BY PAM COYLE
Instead of getting bogged down by intimidating terms and brewing processes, let’s just appreciate good sake for what it is, backed by centuries of tradition and culture. Sake lends itself to different temperature ranges and this certainly changes the characteristics of each sake along the way. It is mostly served cold and either in a wine glass or, more to be savored, in ceramic cups. What better way to enjoy and find out more about quality sake than to explore places within our own city?
At In Between Days (2340 1st Avenue S.), an in-house certified sake sommelier, great tunes and a relaxing atmosphere will surely make your sake ordering woes disappear. This Tokyoinspired listening bar has over 20 sakes available by the glass, the most in the state. There is also the option for a tasting of three, reserve bottle list, sake cocktails and a rotating food menu.
One of the most versatile and approachable options on their list is the Akabu Junmai Gingo. It has aromas of apple and apricot, a crisp fruitiness and balanced finish. Another great option for summertime is the Amabuki ‘Himawari’ Junmai Ginjo Namazake because it is light, dry and refreshing. Himawari translates to “sunflower” and this 300-year-old brewery is using yeast from sunflowers in this sake production. It is also a namazake or “unpasteurized” sake which highlights nutty notes and gives it a full-bodied mouthfeel as well.
Namazake must be stored cold and is not to be confused with Nigori which is more of a “cloudy sake” and what some of us remember from our first days of sake exposure, mostly made for its sweeter attraction. It is made when sake particles are left in the bottle from a different filtration method. Shichi Non Hari Nigori is slightly sweet and showcases papaya and toasted coconut qualities. The brewery means “seven spearmen” and is representative of those who fought in the battle of Shizugatake, the mountain near the brewery site. One of the oldest breweries in Japan and on its 15th generation of father and son, it holds true to tradition and showcases its small production with its own house style while keeping up with modern practices.
Some more award-winning and premium sake selections can be found at Sushi Sho Rexley (214 2nd Street N.). Their omakase tasting experience is unlike anything else around St Pete. Much like the tradition and art behind sake making, the ceremony of enjoying sushi in this way comes with a high level of dedication and appreciation. The setting is intimate and you will become close friends with the chefs and your dining mates by the time you’re done. One of the most fascinating things about sake is how it pairs and how the taste profile changes with each piece of sashimi along the way.
Yuki No Busho Junmai Daiginjo comes from a highly awardwinning brewery and uses the utmost care in making their sake, creating an ideal production environment. It is crafted unlike anything else and highlights a brilliant balance of savory and sweet. For an easier drinking option, try Suigei Tokubetsu Junmai. Suigei means “drunken whale” and is homage to an ancient warlord who once ruled the area and indulged in too much eating and drinking. Expect a sake with the ability to pair with almost anything, subtle floral and herbal notes and a nice acidity.
A new addition to the downtown restaurant scene is the hip and beautifully remodeled pan-Asian steakhouse, Fortu (97 Central Avenue). They offer 12 sakes by the glass and a large selection of curated wagyu beef, including Japanese A5. A perfect pairing for experiencing this superbly flavorful meat is Cowboy Junmai Genshu
Yamahai refers to the open air fermentation process. Genshu is undiluted sake and therefore this sake is bold and elegant, with characteristics of citrus and umami. Its release had the spirit of the Western world, “yee-haw” and all, in mind. The story goes that the brewer spent a season on a cattle farm raising, butchering and consuming an entire cow to ensure their sake paired perfectly with wagyu beef. To this day, the brewery is run by only him, his wife and his cousin.
Probably the most sustainable and harmonious sake on their list is Asahi-Shuto Kubota Junmai Daiginjo. Some master brewers, known as the toji, believe they have fully succeeded when they can get their final product as clean and clear as possible and this is a testament to that goal. This 200-year-old brewery sources pure and fresh water drawn near the brewery and balances it with locally grown rice. It is undeniably bright, smooth and showcases flavors of melon and anise that pleasantly linger.
At all of these establishments, the sake was carefully chosen with different flavor profiles and preferences in mind. Those who will be offering their suggestions are trained on this craft at length and will surely steer you in a direction that works best for you. So this summer, raise a glass to sake. Kanpai!
Pam Coyle is a sommelier at Sauvignon Wine Locker and
BY DOUG KING
Nothing is worse than trying to deal with all of life’s issues and then throwing in a visit from a hurricane. Get ahead of the game and start preparing NOW! If you wait until a storm is imminent, you will not be able to get everything done before you need to leave and/or before the storm hits.
Things you can do now on your property, before the peak of hurricane season.
• Walk the perimeter of your lot, working your way in toward your house. Look for dead trees and limbs. Have these cut down or trimmed as soon as possible. They become deadly, devastating missiles during high winds.
• Check your gutters and downspouts to make sure none are loose. Tighten if they are.
• Check your roof to make sure you do not have any loose shingles or tiles or that you might have a problem area that might be the cause of a leak during heavy, prolonged rain. Loose items, especially tiles, cause a lot of damage to your and your neighbors’ houses. (Call a licensed roofing company if you don’t like climbing ladders.)
• Check fencing; make sure there are no loose panels and that the gates are properly secured to the post structure.
• Check around all windows and doors to see if there any gaps where wind-driven rain might penetrate. Caulk as needed. Replace any broken or damaged ones; consider getting Impact Resistant (IR) replacements or replacing all in your house with IR’s.
• Check awnings and shutters, make sure they are not loose or rusted where they could easily become dislodged during high winds. Repair as needed.
• If you have a garage door and it is not reinforced for high winds, call a reputable garage door company and have them reinforce your door or install a new one to meet the wind codes for your area. This is one of the weakest parts of your home’s envelope
• If you have roll-down shutters that protect your windows and doors, test them to make sure they are in full operational mode Fully close and open every one of them.
• Walk from room-to-room with a video camera or camera, recording all personal items in each room, including closets and garage. Make a copy, keeping it in your getaway bag. I suggest sending one to a relative that lives in an area not prone to hurricanes.
• Identify a water-proof container that you can easily locate in a hurry. Put all valuable documents such as insurance papers, wills, financials and of course, family and friend photos.
• Identify a large bag/suitcase that you can easily locate when in a hurry. This becomes your GETAWAY BAG. It would be wise to go ahead and stock it with batteries, flashlights and several waterproof zip-lock bags. You can pack your other items when a storm is predicted to hit your area within one week.
Once you have determined that you need to leave your house and/ or that a storm is heading your way, there are several things you can do in your yard and around the house interior and exterior to help reduce damage to your own property and to your neighbors.
• Look for dead trees and limbs once again. You may need to remove those yourself at this point since most tree companies are either booked solid or making their own preparations to evacuate.
• Decorative landscaping items such as small rocks, pebbles, lighting, gnomes and bird feeders/baths can also become missiles. Gather all of these and put in garage, closet or storage. For rocks, pebbles or other landscaping materials you might not be able to easily remove, stake down a landscape cloth (readily available at big box hardware) over these areas. Be sure to make the material taunt and that all stake connections are secure. This will keep those materials from disappearing in high winds and keep them from becoming missiles.
• Remove any signs, such as real estate or contractor signs and all lawn furniture. If you do not have room for lawn furniture inside, tightly secure them with rope or chains to a sturdy tree in your yard. If you do not have a tree but do have a pool, sink your furniture in the pool, assuming the furniture is indeed waterproof!
• Check gutters one last time. It’s probably too late to worry about the roof unless you can make repairs quickly yourself; hence the reason to check things out now. Check fencing and gates one last time
If you plan to leave
Fill your vehicle(s) fuel tank; be mindful that charging stations for electric vehicles might be out of commission for an extended time. Pack two weeks of lightweight clothing per person.
Grab your getaway bag; check for batteries, flashlights and waterproof baggies. Add a lot of bottled water, a battery operated portable radio, toiletries, feminine products and games for children (with plenty of batteries). Assume you may be somewhere without power for two weeks.
Grab your waterproof container with important docs., adding other documents that you deem not replaceable (stock certificates, vehicle titles, etc.) If you are in an area prone to flooding, put your furniture on blocks a couple of feet off the floor. Remove all items from the floor, stacking in closets as high as possible. This is in case the water rises enough to enter your home. (This will not do much good if a direct hit of a Cat 3 or higher occurs.)
If you plan to stay
Keep an eye on weather reports, if the storm forecast shows your area as a high probability, ask yourself, is it worth risking your life and lives of your family members? You should seriously consider leaving.
Have two weeks’ worth of non-perishable food and water on-hand. If not, evacuate.
Doug King, CR, UDCP, CGC, MBA is National Past President (2020-2021) of The National Association of the Remodeling Industry.
Prepare for a busy hurricane season by stocking up on sandbags before a storm hits. St. Pete residents can take advantage of a new self-service site where they can pick up free, prefilled sandbags well before a storm threat and without having to wait in a long line. The site is centrally located next door to the Pinellas County Household Hazardous Waste facility at 2855 109th Ave N., St. Petersburg, and will be open year-round Monday through Friday 6 am-6pm and Saturday from 7am to 5pm.
Note: Sandbags are only recommended for residents who may experience flooding less than 15 inches from rain or tides. Sandbags won’t stop water completely, but they can reduce the amount of water entering your home. They will not protect against waves or storm surge associated with larger storms. Residents can pick up 10 sandbags at the new self-service site. It takes about 10 sandbags to protect one doorway.
Pinellas County orders evacuations to protect residents who are at risk from storm surge, who live in a mobile home or who are dependent on electricity for medical needs. To learn more about evacuations and to look up your evacuation zone visit disaster.pinellas.gov or download the Ready Pinellas app.
Sign up for Alert Pinellas to receive timely emergency notifications before, during and after a storm approaches. You may choose from phone calls, text or email. You can choose up to five different locations to receive alerts about. Go to pinellas.gov/alert-pinellas/
Residents of all ages who have medical needs or require transportation assistance may be eligible for the Special Needs Evacuation Program. Learn more and register at pinellas.gov/SpecialNeeds or call (727) 464-3800.
BY KRISTEN DAVIS
SPCA Tampa Bay has important information for pet owners as we approach hurricane season. The Tampa Bay area will likely feel the effect of a hurricane or tropical storm this season. Keep your family and pets safe by knowing what to do in the event of an emergency.
Hurricane season, which lasts from June through the end of November, can be a scary and stressful time for pet owners. To ensure the safety of pets during a hurricane, it is important to have a plan in place. Read on to learn the key steps that pet owners can take to prepare for a hurricane.
Make sure your pets have identification. A collar with an ID tag that includes the pet’s name and owner’s current contact information is a must for all pets, even those that live strictly indoors. When traveling, have a temporary tag with your current address and contact information.
Get your pets microchipped
Make sure that the microchip is registered to you with your current contact information. To check your registration info, go directly to your microchip company’s website. If you don’t know the company name, you can obtain your pet’s microchip number from your vet and search for it online at aaha. org/petmicrochiplookup. The likelihood of a pet being reunited with their owner dramatically increases if the pet is microchipped.
Have a pet emergency kit prepared and ready to go. It should include:
• Food and water for your pets for at least a week.
• Any necessary medications. If your pet requires medication for anxiety during storms, be sure to have your prescription filled well in advance.
• Medical and vaccine records. Ensure that your pet is current on vaccinations. This will help protect them from diseases that may be present in shelters or other areas where people and animals are displaced.
• A sturdy carrier or crate for each pet, as well as bedding, litter,
cleaning supplies, and familiar items like a favorite toy or blanket.
• A current photo of each pet in case you are separated from your pets and must provide identification to rescuers.
Make a plan for where you will take your pets during a hurricane. Never leave your pet behind, as dangerous conditions may prevent your return for days or possibly longer. Some shelters may allow pets, but not all do. It is important to research ahead of time to find pet-friendly shelters in the area and have your pet’s vaccine records printed and easily accessible. Visit pinellas.gov/ emergency-information/publicshelters for a list of pet-friendly shelters.
There are very few emergency shelters that accept pets and their owners, and they are never large or comfortable. You and your pets will handle the stress of an evacuation far better if you find pet-friendly hotels and motels, or can stay with friends and family.
Many popular hotel chains offer pet friendly locations, including La Quinta, Motel 6, Red Roof, Red Lion and Best Western. Some hotel chains that typically aren’t pet friendly may ease their restrictions in case of an emergency, but you should call ahead to make sure.
Pet owners should have a designated safe area in their home where they can stay with their pets during the storm. Pro tip: A small, plastic kid’s pool lined with grass sod can be used as an indoor bathroom for dogs during a storm.
Start planning now. Don’t wait for another storm to hit to figure out your plan for hurricane season. Contact SPCA Tampa Bay at (727) 586-3591 or go to spcatampabay.org/hurricane-prep-forpets for additional resources and links to assist you in figuring out the best plan for your family.
Kristen Davis is Director of Marketing & Communications at SPCA Tampa Bay.
When an evacuation is announced, these shelters accept pets.
Gibbs High School, 850 34th Street S., St. Petersburg Largo High School, 410 Missouri Ave, Largo
Things to know:
• Not all shelters will be open for every storm. The shelters for each storm will be posted as the evacuation orders are announced, including pet-friendly shelters.
• Pet owners must be at the shelter with their pet to care for their needs, including feeding, walking and administering medications.
• Pets are not allowed to stay with owners at a shelter. They will be housed in a separate area within the shelter in crates or carriers. You must bring your own appropriately sized crate or carrier.
• Basic pet food and water will be provided, but you can bring your own.
www.SPRotary.org
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
XINA SCUDERI PHOTOGRAPHY
Hats Off to The Arts was held at the Historic Snell-Bishop Estate on May 5. The Arts Advocate of the Year Award went to Shanna and Bryan Glazer, for their continued support of the arts throughout the Tampa Bay area, including the SHINE Mural Festival.
on June 2
The
“Customer
Parc Center for Disabilities celebrated their 50th Anniversary on June 7 with a fun-filled fundraiser at the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art.
Congratulations to the 37 graduates of Leadership St. Pete 2024. Their chosen public service non-profit project was “Sprouting Success” at the St. Pete Youth Farm. They raised more than $50,000 and worked hands-on to renovate the farm’s main gathering space and outdoor kitchen. The group works under the guidance of the St. Pete Chamber of Commerce.
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
Strobel Design Build’s expertise extends beyond ordinary construction. We specialize in crafting extraordinary homes that embody elegance, sophistication, and timeless beauty. From kitchens and bathrooms to new custom homes, Strobel Design Build can bring your dream to life.
Strobel Design Build has been a member of this community for over 40 years and has completed countless projects. At Strobel, we specialize in New Custom Homes, FEMA coastal home remodel projects, Universal Design, and Historic Homes
The beginning of your journey will include a complimentary initial consultation at your property with one of our award-winning design consultants. The Strobel team will collaborate with you to customize a plan for your project that seamlessly integrates innovative design and impeccable craftsmanship to accomplish a finished product that is not only visually stunning, but also functionally superior. From start to finish, you will experience a turnkey, white glove service from the Strobel Design Build team.
Trust your project with Tampa Bay's Most Awarded Remodeling Firm for a project that is beautiful and timeless.
REMODELING
Contact Strobel Design Build at www.StrobelDesignBuild.com/contact-us and submit an inquiry. You will receive correspondence from the Strobel team within 24 hours. We look forward to working with you.
Alternatively, give us a call at (727) 201-3038
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