St. Pete Life May/June 2022 by St. Pete Life

Celebrating 10 Years

2019 NATIONAL WINNER Entire House Under $250,000

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CONTENTS

MAY/JUNE 2022 Volume 5 No. 6

Features

Celebrating 20 Years: St. Pete Pride ................. 16 Art Review: Ansel Adams/Clyde Butcher at The James Museum ..................................... 24

People to Watch: Jenny Miller/Katelyn Grady .... 28 Performing Magic: With Matthew McGee .......... 34 Fashion: Breaking the Rules ............................. 38 Beyond the Beach: Fort Lauderdale .................. 56 Spice It Up: Cooking with Chef Ivan .................. 70 Eating Out: St. Pete Dining Guide ..................... 76 Hot Wheels: Mercedes-Benz GLE450 SUV ......... 73 SPL Scene: Out and About in St. Pete ............... 80

56 70 16 4

StPeteLifeMag.com

May/June 2022

WELCOME TO SPL Are you ready to let loose and kick oﬀ the summer? Plan to join SPL as we partner with Bogdanov Creative for Downtown 2 The Beach on Sunday, May 15. It’s a fun networking event intended to introduce businesses on both sides of St. Pete. The Star Trolley will be providing transportation between downtown and the beach, and the festivities will be non-stop from 11 am to 3 pm with live music and entertainment, food and wine tastings, giveaways and free boat rides with Suncoast Watersports. Our partners are too many to name here, so be sure to check out the advertisement in this issue to learn more. Hope to see you there! In this issue, we recognize the diversity of our city and honor those who make it special. June marks the 20th anniversary of St. Pete Pride and we take a look at how it came to be the largest Pride festival in the Southeast. We proﬁle a number of our community faves, too, like the duo behind the popular Body Electric Yoga and Athletic Cos., and beloved theatrical hero Matthew McGee. Be sure to read about the new Hands Across the Bay Donation & Empowerment Center and the two women who made it happen — local businesswoman Julie Weintraub and director Melissa Dohme Hill. We are lucky to have their passion and kindness in our community. Finally, we hope you will take part in our Best of St. Pete survey, which can be found on our web site at stpetelifemag.com/bestofstpete. The results will be published in the July/August issue.

PUBLISHER/CEO Beth Ann Drake EDITOR Marcia Biggs ART DIRECTOR Alicia Brown ADVERTISING Ed Barry Ad Director Betsy Phillips Senior Account Executive Debbie Radsick Account Executive CONTRIBUTORS Megan Simons Women’s Fashion Will Howard The Wine Cellar

Flourish Photography

Nitish S. Rele/Rebecca Schiess DVM Cindy Stovall Contributors CO-FOUNDER/BUSINESS MANAGER Ralph Zuckerman Want SPL delivered directly to your home or oﬃce? Go to www.stpetelifemag/subscribe.

Beth Ann Drake

Publisher bdrake�stpetelifemag.com

Marcia Biggs

Editor editor@stpetelifemag.com

www.StPeteLifeMag.com

260 1st Avenue S. Suite 200-151 St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Adver tising: 813.447.9900 bdrake@stpetelifemag.com Editorial: editor@stpetelifemag.com

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May/June 2022

On The Cover: Drive-by hijinks beneath a Pink Trumpet Tree in Coﬀee Pot Bayou. Photo by Marcia Biggs

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As our community grows, so does our ability to care for it. Our new patient tower is opening soon. For 90 years, St. Anthony’s Hospital has treated the community with extraordinary, compassionate care. That continues with our newest project: a 90-bed patient tower featuring all private rooms, plus a new lobby and Seventh Avenue entrance. We’ve also renovated select cardiovascular and respiratory spaces and moved and upgraded the cafeteria and dining area. This expansion will increase our ability to offer even better care and an enhanced patient experience. As the needs of our community grow, so does our commitment to meeting them at St. Anthony’s Hospital, the only BayCare hospital in St. Petersburg.

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SPL LIVING

4 Steps in Selecting a Moving Company Thank you to everyone who voted Big Man’s Moving Company the BEST MOVER IN TAMPA BAY and the BEST OF ST PETE! As a family business, we are committed to providing a quality service and are truly grateful for the community support. Here are some helpful, must-ask questions when interviewing movers to compare apples to apples: Step 1: Interpreting “Licensed and Insured”: Companies always say they are “licensed and insured”, however there is much more to the phrase. Company A is cheaper than the rest and their “licensed and insured” means they have a business license from the state of FL (Sunbiz.org) and insurance on their trucks. This does not protect the customer. Big Man’s is licensed and insured with workers compensation on their W2 employees, general liability insurance, and cargo insurance. Big Man’s has a DOT #, and an IM # for intrastate moves, and an MC # for interstate moves. Step 2: Who is coming into your home? Company A uses 1099 independent contractors (basically day laborers from Craigslist) who can be mowing lawns one day, working construction the next, and moving homes the following day. This information is never openly oﬀered to the consumer. Big Man’s employs full time, professional, uniformed movers who have been drug tested and background checked. They have a history of success with the company. Step 3: Reliability: Has the mover ever “no showed” on moving day or canceled a move? Red ﬂag!!! There are several

StPeteLifeMag.com

May/June 2022

factors that can give you peace of mind: 1.Agreement upon booking- Does the moving company send a contract to e-sign upon booking so they must legally show up? Do they take a deposit? 2.# of Movers- Some companies always send 3 movers on a truck. Why? If someone calls in sick, the move can still go on! Big Man’s will never cancel due to lack of manpower. 3.Reliable Trucks- When doing your research, did you see photos of the moving trucks? Did they look newer and well maintained? Another main reason movers cancel: truck maintenance issues. Step 4: Research: Have you read reviews on Google, Facebook, BBB, etc? Moving is a human business and sometimes mistakes happen, but reputable companies consistently maintain a 4.5-5 star ratings on all of the major sites. Has the company won any awards? Is it easy to research the company? Do they have a professional website? Big Man’s Moving Company has performed over 5000 successful local, statewide, and out-of-state moves since inception in January 2017 and was voted the #1 Mover in Tampa Bay 2 consecutive years by readers of the Tampa Bay Times. BIG MAN’S MOVING COMPANY Bigmansmoving.com 727-772-3458 info@bigmansmoving.com

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Not intended to solicit currently listed property. © Compass Florida, LLC. Equal Housing Opportunity. All information furnished regarding property for sale or rent or regarding financing is from sources deemed reliable, but Compass makes no warranty or representation as to the accuracy thereof. All property information is presented subject to errors, omissions, price changes, changed property conditions, and withdrawal of the property from the market, without notice.

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SPL EVENTS

20 Years Of Pride

BY MARCIA BIGGS Pull out those rainbow flags and get ready — there’s going to be a lot of celebrating this June when St. Pete Pride marks its 20th anniversary. After a cancelled festival due to Covid in 2020, a re-imagined month-long celebration took place in 2021 with a special emphasis on outdoor events. This year, organizers are once again extending the event throughout June (Pride Month), culminating in a grand finale weekend June 24-26. Festivities will include a Friday night concert with a national headliner, the highly anticipated St. Pete Pride Parade on Saturday, and a street carnival on Sunday in the Grand Central District with blocks of musical entertainment, vendors and activities for the entire family. Considered the largest Pride celebration in the Southeast, St. Pete Pride is expected to draw some 250,000 people to the region over the month. At the helm is the St. Pete Pride non-profit organization, with its mission to produce inclusive cultural events, educational programs, and advocacy for the LGBTQ community. A dedicated board of directors is at its core, and countless volunteers of all ages and genders work to make things happen. Strong support from St. Pete political officials, small businesses and other non-profit groups and organizations is invaluable.

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May/June 2022

“We are a diverse group of individuals who have come together, committed to helping St. Pete Pride continue to better serve and support the LGBTQ community,” explains Nicole Berman, who arrived in January from the Seattle area to take over the reigns as executive director. (The role has been filled on and off throughout the years.) SPL sat down recently with three leaders in the St. Pete Pride effort – Berman, Pride President Tiffany Freisberg, and Jim Nixon, the city’s LGBTQ liaison since 2016 – to get a deeper perspective on how St. Pete Pride was established and how it has become an integral part of our city’s identity and spirit. Pride President Tiffany Freisberg is proud of the accomplishments of St. Pete Pride. “We are first and foremost a cultural institution with a goal of making sure that the spirit of Pride is year-round,” she says. “Our board is a coalition of diverse individuals with passion and diversity of thought. Our biggest criteria was an organization of people who are genuinely committed to the mission and willing to put in the time and effort to grow St. Pete Pride into what it deserves to be.” History of Pride In 2003, when Tampa’s pride parade was effectively shut down

PHOTOS/CITY OF ST. PETERSBURG

Starting as a one-day event, St. Pete Pride now spans an entire month as a city-wide celebration and tourism draw.

SPL EVENTS

by city oﬃcials, the St. Petersburg community picked up the torch with a “Pride Promenade.” “A group of local activists got together with the support of Rick Kriseman, who was a city councilman back then, and convinced the City to hold a parade in Grand Central District,” recalls Nixon. “Back then, the celebration was just one day, with the night-time Pride Parade the centerpiece event, maybe several thousand attended.” By 2012, an estimated 100,000 people attended Pride and the following year, Mayor Bill Foster proclaimed June as LGBT Pride Month in St. Pete. The festival expanded to two days Continued on next page

St. Pete Pride Main Events

May 22 – Miss St. Pete Pride, 5 pm, Coastal Creative June 1 – 20th Anniversary Kickoﬀ Party, Sirata on St. Pete Beach June 11 – Queer-E-Okee Concert, Palladium June 17 – Stonewall Reception, The James Museum June 18 – LGBTQ+ Youth & Family Day, North and South Straub Park June 19 – Juneteenth, North and South Straub Park June 24 – Pride Concert, Downtown St. Pete June 25 - St. Pete Pride Parade June 26 – Pride in Grand Central Street Carnival For updates on events and more information, go to stpetepride.org.

May/June 2022

StPeteLifeMag.com

SPL EVENTS in 2014, and St. Pete Pride formalized the CommUnity Grants Program, which awarded $25,000 in community funding in its first year. Jim Nixon credits both mayors Foster and Kriseman for supporting the event as a celebration for the entire city. Throughout his two terms, Kriseman was largely involved, showing up at local businesses with Pride flags and promoting the event. “His first year in office in 2014 he signed the Proclamation of Pride which put into place 11 policies that were LGBTQ inclusive, and one was for the City to support financially and sponsor St. Pete Pride,” said Nixon. Nixon points out other local officials who played a support role by promoting St. Pete Pride as a community event for everyone, not just for the LGBTQ community. “Support in City Council has been very helpful – Steve Kornell was the first openly gay City Council member, later there was Amy Foster and Darden Rice.” St. Pete Pride is a city pride event, not just a gay pride event, says Jim Nixon. “We have everybody in our city celebrating the diversity of our city. You have parents, and grandparents and children all coming to wave flags, and close to 400 vendors, mostly local small businesses. “We have raised the Pride flag every June 1 since 2014 outside City Hall,” relates Nixon. “Pride was cancelled in 2020. But we lit up businesses along the waterfront in rainbow colors, including The Pier, Tropicana Field and the Museum of Fine Arts. We celebrated Pride visually.” “We hear from a lot of people how much they are excited to be there and support the community. Especially when you look at the recent (“Don’t Say Gay”) legislation that’s being passed, Florida is really getting a lot of attention. We think this will just give us more visibility .” Executive Director Berman adds: “We’re really excited this year because when you think about what Pride represents, beyond being a citywide celebration, it’s about love. It’s about positivity, it’s about sunshine. And when you think about what’s happened in the last year, we think this year will be the largest Pride ever.”

Economic Impact of Pride

an average of three nights.

During the month of June, from downtown St. Petersburg to the Pinellas County beaches, a mix of locals and visitors are expected to spend money at bars and restaurants, stay in hotels and other lodgings, and enjoy our sugar-sand beaches.

Nearly 90 percent of attendees lived outside Pinellas County, with 85 percent living in Florida, 14.8 percent from other states and 1.8 percent were international visitors.

St. Pete Pride’s impact on tourism and the hospitality industry has seen marked growth over the years. Visit St. Pete Clearwater, the region’s tourism marketing arm, commissioned a study of the three-day 2019 Pride weekend in order to calculate the economic impact to Pinellas County.

It is estimated that the Pride weekend generated $42,507,299 in new visitor spending in the St. Pete/Clearwater area. Add in spending by organizers and sponsors and the estimated economic impact was $44,286,248; this does not include tax revenue generated or sectors that proﬁted indirectly. When those ﬁgures are added, the total economic impact is closer to $67,231,244, according to the report.

According to the report: Over three days, an estimated 265,180 people attended a Pride event; over one-third of non-local attendees surveyed stayed overnight, with just over half of them staying in a hotel, motel or short term rental for

“This makes Pride one of the largest economic driver events in the region after the Grand Prix,” says City representative Jim Nixon.

StPeteLifeMag.com

May/June 2022

SPL EVENTS

City Oﬀers Free Fitness Classes

Get Fit St. Pete offers these free monthly fitness classes across the city. Classes are taught by local fitness professionals. All workouts are appropriate for all ages and levels. No reservations needed; for more information, go to healthystpetefl.com

Aqua Fitness the ﬁrst Tuesday of every month from 6 to 7 pm at McLin Pool, 602 14th St. S

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Pickleball 101 classes are on the second Tuesday of every month from 6 to 7 pm at Coquina Key Park, 3595 Locust St. SE Tai Chi is held the third Tuesday of every month from 6 to 7 pm at Northwest Park, 5801 22nd St. N. on the west side of the Rec Center. Fun Fitness Boot Camp is the third Saturday of every month from 9 to 10 am at the St. Pete Pier under the Bending Arc. FUNctional Fitness is on the fourth Tuesday of every month from 6 to 7 pm at Lake Vista Park, 1450 60th Ave. S. near the Exercise Zone equipment. Neighborhood Walks are held the fourth Saturday of every month at 9 am, at more than two dozen locations around St. Petersburg. Meet and join people from your neighborhood for these organized walks; to ﬁnd the neighborhood closest to you, go to healthystpeteﬂ.com.

Light Up the Night Plan to join the family festivities this 4th of July at the St. Pete Pier. Details to be announced soon, but we are betting there will be a fabulous ﬁreworks show. For updates, go to stpetepier.org.

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Lifestyle & Emotional Well-Being

May is mental health awareness month. According to the ADAA (Anxiety & Depression association of America) nearly 450 million people worldwide are living with a mental health issue, and twothirds of people never seek treatment. Research indicates that the time between the onset of mental health symptoms and the decision to seek help is almost twelve months. This is crucial lost time in one’s ability to feel emotionally healthy.

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•Having a good emotional and social support system in place (purge toxic relationships) •Get regular exercise •Take care of your physical health (wellness

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•Follow a good sleep routine •Avoid alcohol and drugs •Quit smoking •Reduce caﬀeine and alcohol •Eat healthier meals ( a diet high in vegetables & fruits and low in fats & sugars) Lastly, the purpose of mental health awareness month is to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help! Talking to one of our expert clinicians can be life changing. Contact us at McNulty Counseling and Wellness at 727-344-9867 (St. Petersburg location ), 813-444-4427 (Tampa location) or 941-256-0732 (our new Sarasota location.) We are here to help!

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S A L E S G A L L E RY L O C AT E D AT : 4 6 5 C E N T R A L AV E N U E , S T. P E T E R S B U R G , F L residences400central.com ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE TOTTHE DOCUMENTS FLORIDA S A LREFERENCE E S G ATOL THIS L EBROCHURE R Y L OAND CA ED A T : 4REQUIRED 6 5 C EBYNSECTION T R A718.503, L AV E N USTATUTES, E , S TTO . BE P FURNISHED E T E R SBY BAUDEVELOPER R G , F TO L A BUYER OR LESSEE. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, This is not intended to be anTHIS offer to sell, or solicitation to buy, condominium units to residents of jurisdiction where FLORIDA prohibited by law, and your for purchase depend upon your MAKE REFERENCE TO BROCHURE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BYany SECTION 718.503, STATUTES, TOeligibility BE FURNISHED BYwill A DEVELOPER TO state of residency. This offering is made only by the prospectus for the condominium and no statement should be relied upon if not made in the prospectus. The images and artist’s renderings A BUYER OR LESSEE. shown here in are conceptual only and are for the convenience of reference. The developer expressly reserves the right to make modifications, revisions, and changes as it deems desirable in its sole and absolute discretion. This is not intended to be an offer to sell, or solicitation to buy, condominium units to residents of any jurisdiction where prohibited by law, and your eligibility for purchase will depend upon your state of residency. This offering is made only by the prospectus for the condominium and no statement should be relied upon if not made in the prospectus. The images and artist’s renderings shown here in are conceptual only and are for the convenience of reference. The developer expressly reserves the right to make modifications, revisions, and changes as it deems desirable in its sole and absolute discretion.

ARTS & CULTURE PHOTOS/MARCIA BIGGS

Two of America’s foremost landscape photographers meet in an inspiring side-by-side exhibit BY MARCIA BIGGS It was a quandary of immense proportions. How to display in a single gallery the works of two iconic photographers. They shared similarities so extraordinary it seemed like an exhibit made in heaven: Ansel Adams (1902-1984), a pioneering photographer and environmentalist best known for his iconic black and white images of the American West, and Clyde Butcher, a photographer and environmentalist often referred to as the “Ansel Adams of Florida” for his large format black and white photographs of the Everglades.

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Emily Kapes, curator at the James Museum of Western Art and Wildlife, explained the months of planning: Dividing the 3,200-square-foot room and adjoining entryway into two distinct spaces, creating miniature models so they could figure out the layouts. She selected a different wall color for each photographer, gave each exhibit its own title and entry wall. Since opening in early April as a fitting tribute to Earth Month, the two exhibits are side-by-side in a reverent duet of nature. “Both Ansel Adams and Clyde Butcher are from California,” explains

ARTS & CULTURE Kapes. “This is how Clyde became influenced by Ansel Adams’ work long ago.” On the left side, Clyde Butcher: America the Beautiful is presented on soft blue-green walls, his powerful landscapes of mountains, waterfalls, swamps and deserts, all visions of American wilderness rarely seen by most. Images are large, crisp and dimensional, and at times the viewer feels as though he is looking through a picture window. The light in the gallery is dim, but all the better to focus a spotlight on skies filled with voluminous clouds, or a canyon, or a desert riverbed, or a forest of mangroves so crisp you can see the outline of each leaf. “Many people regard Clyde Butcher as the Ansel Adams of Florida,” said Kapes. “But this exhibition shows such a variety of his stunning landscapes from all over the country. His perspectives are just incredible.” Butcher is known for his extreme patience, waiting hours, days, sometimes years, until the light, the clouds and the composition come together precisely the way he intends. Carrying large-format camera gear weighing up to 120 pounds, many of these images required trekking across difficult terrain, or standing in chest-deep water for hours. For fans of Butcher, this exhibit is revealing as it goes far beyond his signature Florida/Everglades work: We see the Redwoods in northern California, Cascade Falls at Yosemite National Park, Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. “Wilderness to me, is a spiritual journey,” he writes in his Artist Statement. “My hope is to educate … to let people know our land is a special place, and to inspire others to work together to save nature’s places of spiritual sanctuary for future generations.” *** On the right, Ansel Adams: The Masterworks includes 32 black and white gelatin silver prints spanning four decades by the legendary photographer who was most recognized for iconic images of National Parks and the Southwest. A number of his most well-known images are here: Moonrise, Continued on next page

Have You Got the Eye? The James Museum is now accepting entries for The Natural World: A Landscape Photography Contest. Members of the public of all ages can show their appreciation for nature by submitting up to three black and white landscape photographs in digital format. All entries must be submitted by 5 p.m. on June 10, 2022. Framed copies of the top three winning entries will be dis-

A photographer’s reﬂection is seen in the mountains of an Ansel Adams photograph. played in the museum July 1-31, 2022. First place will receive an individual museum membership, a signed copy of a book by Clyde Butcher, a museum gift bag, and a framed copy of their winning photo. Second place will receive four general admission tickets to the museum, a museum gift bag, and a framed copy of their winning photo. Third place will receive two general admission tickets to the museum, a museum gift bag, and a framed copy of their winning photo. To ﬁnd submission information, go to thejamesmuseum.org/ contest/

May/June 2022

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ARTS & CULTURE Hernandez New Mexico; Aspens, Northern New Mexico; and Winter Sunrise, The Sierra Nevada. The background color here is a dark taupe and from afar the exhibit appears less visually exciting compared to Butcher’s work. The photographs are uniformly small in comparison, despite the grandeur of the subjects. It’s a limitation from the early days of photography (Adams held his ﬁrst one-man exhibition in 1928). It’s important to get up close to these works, whereas the Butcher side demands one stand back and take in the scene from a distance. Lugging heavy equipment and large-format cameras, Adams captured approximately 2,500 negatives of breathtaking views of the West over his lifetime. His contributions to the medium of photography are extensive. He co-pioneered the Zone System technique in 1940, creating a standardized way to achieve ideal exposure and tonality in black and white photography.

Over the course of his career, Adams brought wilderness to the American public and sought to elevate photography to ﬁne art. His technical mastery of the medium was matched only by his passion for the environment. As a member of both the Board of Directors of the Sierra Club and the governing council of the Wilderness Society, he tirelessly advocated for parks, wilderness spaces, and a variety of conservation issues. The 32 prints on view belong to his granddaughter, Virginia Adams Mayhew. She loaned her collection to the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, GA,, who organized this exhibition. Clyde Butcher’s exhibition was created by Window of the Eye, Inc. The exhibits run through July 31. For more information, go to thejamesmuseum.org.

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SPL LIVING

Jenny Miller/Katelyn Grady The Body Electric Yoga and Athletic Companies

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People To Watch PHOTOS/CITY OF ST. PETERSBURG

Katelyn Grady, left, and Jenny Miller are co-owners of The Body Electric Yoga & Athletic Co.

BY MARCIA BIGGS “Welcome to The BE!” greets the young man enthusiastically from behind the counter as I walk into the lobby of The Body Electric Athletic Company. I am in awe. Despite its unassuming exterior in the belly of the Warehouse Arts District, the 15,000-squarefoot warehouse has been transformed into an airy, modern and welcoming space for health-minded individuals looking for a workout haven. New, state-of-the-art equipment is spread throughout four studios, light streams through windows bouncing off of gleaming floors. In the back, an ice bath and steam room await. This is obviously no average chain gym. Neither is The Body Electric Yoga Company, the sister facility a few miles north. It’s an old brick ice factory that’s been transformed into a modern 6,000-square-foot space for yoga enthusiasts. Known simply as “The BE,” The Body Electric was the brainchild of St. Pete yoga instructors and entrepreneurs Jenny Miller and Katelyn Grady, who opened the yoga BE in 2013. It quickly became “the” place to take yoga, with a reputation for high-quality instructors, a diversity of classes and workshops, and a place to find like-minded people.

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But Miller and Grady had a vision that went beyond just being a neighborhood yoga center. “It’s always been part of our mission from the start, that we were going to be an outward reaching business,” said Miller. “We wanted to be inclusive and welcome everyone. … That’s why we connected with Healthy St. Pete (the city’s public fitness campaign) a long time ago, we want to remove barriers and expose as many people as possible to a healthy lifestyle.” As word spread, they were bringing exercise to people of all ages and fitness levels. They began offering yoga classes in parks, at breweries, at the Sundial Courtyard. Since last summer, they opened their doors to the public for a donation-based CommUNITY yoga class on Fridays. Miller started The BE Run Club which invites the public to an informal weekly run on the Pinellas Trail; it’s just 3 miles and encourages anyone to come get fit.

SPL LIVING Taking a Hit With the yoga company seeing great success after seven years, Miller and Grady decided to expand by opening a gym, The Body Electric Athletic Company, at a location in the Warehouse Arts District. But the Covid pandemic played havoc with their plans. “We opened with a ribbon cutting on January 2 of 2020,” says Grady. “It was an enormous undertaking. At that time we were doing really well with the yoga studio, so were able to get a big loan. The opening was really exciting and everything was going great, but when Covid hit we had to close down for 75 days.” The ground fell out beneath them. They scrambled, held long discussions with business partners and instructors. They started offering free streaming yoga to the public, with instructors teaching from their homes. Many of their faithful clients hung in to support them through the tumultuous times. After being closed for two and a half months, they carefully reopened, operating with a safety plan for reduced capacity classes, distancing requirements and outdoor classes. They were able to stay afloat with the help of federal recovery loans and small business loans through the city, plus a couple small grants. “That helped a lot to close the financial gap,” said Grady. In April, The Body Electric celebrated 9 years of BEing, and was

recognized as a “Healthier Together Certified Partner” as part of the City of St. Petersburg’s Healthy St. Pete initiative. Both Miller and Grady are hands on co-owners — it’s likely you’ll find one or the other at one of the locations where they teach most days. They manage nearly 40 staffers between both facilities. They weathered a storm, and came through as survivors. “There were some dark days during the start of Covid, a lot of fears and emotions and a lot of soul searching,” relates Grady. “But we have gotten a lot better about communication and expectations, so a few silver linings. The virtual programs are still going and well received.” Today, things are almost back to pre-pandemic strength. The BE fitness schedule is filled with everything from hot yoga and mysore to foam rolling, kettlebell strength and meditation, and creative workshops range from a nutrition series to monthly tai chi and qigong. Looking at the future, Miller and Grady seem to be peering into a crystal ball. “St. Pete is a special place and people seem to care and want to improve, a lot is possible here,” says Miller. “But it’s growing and changing a lot, too, so it’s hard to say who those people will be.”

Join The BE every first Wednesday for Sunset Yoga at The Pier, 600 2nd Ave NE. Head to The Bending Arc, class is 7 to 8 pm (6 to 7 pm in winter) and donations are accepted to benefit a non-profit local charity. The BE partners with St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation Department and the City of St. Pete to provide free, all-level class outdoors at Crescent Lake Park, 1320 5th St. N., at 9 am the first Saturday of each month. Free; no registration needed. Yoga Poolside at the Hollander Hotel is offered March through October every Saturday. Flow class starts at 8:15 am; pre-register for $15; $20 at the door if space is available. Register at thebodyelectricyoga.com; bring your own mat.

Yoga • 3015 7th Street N., St. Petersburg Athletic • 655 31st Street S. St. Petersburg TheBodyElectricYoga.com • (727) 490-9361

May/June 2022

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SPL NEWS Getting Around

Two scooter companies have been given the thumbs up by St. Pete City Council to continue rentals in downtown St. Pete after the scooter share pilot program came to an end. Razor and Veo contracts will allow both companies to service the city for at least the next three years. Since the scooter share program was launched in October 2020, over a half million rides have been taken on the scooters in the city. The Cross Bay Ferry connecting St. Pete and Tampa recorded a record number of passengers this season – 53,544 riders jumped on board over a six month period. The popular ferry season closed on May 1. Transit leaders said they hope the record ridership creates momentum for a year-round ferry service.

Humanitarian Relief Fund for Ukraine

Pinellas Community Foundation (PCF) has launched the Ukraine Humanitarian Relief Fund of Tampa Bay, providing a trusted place for the community to make donations to assist Ukrainians with their unprecedented and growing humanitarian needs arising from the unrelenting invasion by Russia.

PCF is connected through various organizations including the Community Foundations Ukraine, a network of foundations across Ukraine that has on-the-ground knowledge about the country’s humanitarian needs. Alliances include trusted partners like the International Committee of the Red Cross, UNICEF, and Airlink that are already responding to the crisis. “Our goal is to provide a trusted way for Tampa Bay donors who are asking us how they can make monetary contributions to help the Ukrainian people who are suﬀering so greatly,” said Myriam Irizarry, Chairwoman of the PCF Board of Governors. To donate, and for more information, visit pinellascf.org/Ukraine

Historic Clock Restored

Red Apple Real Estate, the developers behind The Residences at 400 Central, have enlisted Boyd Clocks to restore the classic McClintock pedestal clock that has stood for years at the corner of Central Avenue and Fifth Street in downtown St. Petersburg. “We look at this clock and see reﬂections of the charm and character of downtown St. Pete’s wonderful sidewalks and avenues,” said John Catsimatidis Sr., Red Apple’s founder. The clock has been removed from the site and will be restored to full working order before being reinstalled. Tampa Bay 100

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Local Experts. Global Reach.

“Words fall short in our efforts to thank Caryn. Caryn played a key role helping Brian and I find this home when we moved to St. Petersburg. Fast forward 6 1/2 years and Caryn and her team played a strategic role in helping us list and sell our home. We not only consider you our amazing Real Estate Agent, but our dear friend.” - L. Mulliner, Owner 5580 Venetian Blvd. NE

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*Over $150 Million Sold | Top 1% Of Realtors® In Pinellas County Caryn Rightmyer, CNE, CLHMS, REALTOR® 727.409.9696 Bill Caulfield, REALTOR® 727.608.6435 Kim Vulpis, REALTOR® 727.642.2709 CarynRightmyerGroup.com Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each ofﬁce is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate. *MLS Data $500K sold homes NE and Snell Isle past six months. **Source: Stellar MLS. ***Based on information from 2021 REAL Trends America’s Best Real Estate Professionals list for 2020 sales volume and transaction sides.

SPL NEWS Movies in the Park

Movies in the Park, a recurring community event hosted by local historic preservation organization Preserve the ‘Burg, returns to North Straub Park from May 5 to May 26. Movies in the Park invites St. Petersburg locals and visitors to grab a seat at the waterfront park and enjoy family-friendly classics on an outdoor movie screen every Thursday in May. Each evening begins at 5:30 PM and features live music as well as local food vendors. Movies are free; the featured ﬁlms include: Summer of Soul on May 5 The Rookie on May 12 Cars on May 19 Casablanca on May 26

Arts Advocate of the Year Named

The St. Petersburg Arts Alliance (SPAA) is delighted to share the creation of the ﬁrst “Arts Advocate of the Year Award.” This inaugural award was presented to Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida State president, at SPAA’s garden party, Hats Oﬀ to Performing Arts on April 24th at the Rutland-Farley Mansion. Seixas

was the originator of the idea of creating a Comprehensive Arts Strategy (CAS) for the City of St. Petersburg and took that idea to Jason Mathis, CEO of the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership, who involved SPAA and the rest is history. CAS led to the formation of meetings, surveys and one on one discussions with thousands of art leaders, artists and lovers of art within the City of St. Petersburg. The four tenants of the plan are collaboration, purposeful communication, leadership and funding and bench making. With the genesis of this plan, SPAA is lifting up the arts by supporting individual artists and galleries, creating a city that reﬂects a Mecca of Museums, promoting performing art venues and performing artists, recognizing the uniqueness of the art districts that comprise the City of St. Petersburg and continuing to educate and advocate for adequate and sustainable funding for the arts as an economic driver. “Melissa Seixas is at the core of what we hope to achieve through her vision that led to the Comprehensive Arts Strategy. With her insight and our community partners, we will aspire to strengthen and grow the arts as an economic innovator for our city, our artists and our community,” stated Terry Marks, SPAA’s CEO.

Elevate Your Experience. mountainairnc.com

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SPL NEWS Help for Entrepreneurs

The Greenhouse, St. Pete’s support system for entrepreneurs and small business, offers a diverse array of free classes and workshops available via streaming and live sessions. Here’s a look at some coming up: May 11 - Understanding Basic Financial Statements May 12 – Access to Capital: Preparing to Finance Your Business May 17 – St. Pete Pitch Night at 3 Daughters Brewing, 5:30 to 7:30 pm. St. Pete Pitch Night focuses on showcasing, elevating and seeding community-based businesses through a friendly pitch competition for a chance to win $5,000 toward a local startup. Open to the public and free; five participants have been selected for QA with local expert judges. Come watch the fun! May 19 – 10 Tips for Advertising Your Business May 24 – Show Me the Money (Financing) May 25 – SBA Loan Program for Women and Minority Owned Businesses For more classes, check out stpetegreenhouse.com or call (727) 893-7146. 1 Million Cups Practice your business pitch at 1 Million Cups, a weekly dropin sponsored by the Greenhouse that offers entrepreneurs an opportunity to pitch their idea to a room full of seasoned entrepreneurs, professionals, networking gurus, and others.

Meetings are held every Wednesday at Thrive DTSP co-working space at 136 4th St. N. Suite 201 from 9 to 10 am. Participants are asked to prepare a 6-minute pitch presentation followed by a 20 -minute Q&A session. 1 Million Cups is designed for companies with a minimal viable product and a need to advance their growth. Any product-based, scalable company, from any industry is welcome to apply. If you are considering presenting to St. Petersburg’s or another 1 Million Cups city, here are some tips to get you started: •Attend a few live presentations and network to get a feel for the program •Be prepared to answer the capstone question: what can the community do for you? •Be open to receiving feedback. •Prepare to network Apply to pitch by going to https://stpetegreenhouse.com/practiceyour-pitch-1-million-cups/

Shen Yun Coming

Portraying the extraordinary depth and breadth of 5,000 years of Chinese dance, music and culture, Shen Yun brings its magical stage show to Duke Energy Center for the Arts Mahaﬀey Theater May 25-29 for six shows. Tickets are $80-$200; order by going to shenyun.com/FL.

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ARTS & CULTURE

The Amazing Matthew McGee

Actor Matt McGee has become a beloved stage performer in the Tampa Bay area. Who is that man of many faces? PHOTOS/AMERICAN STAGE

McGee shines as Dr. Frank-N-Furter during a 2012 American Stage in the Park performance of Rocky Horror Show. It was one of his favorite characters.

BY CINDY STOVALL No one is happier to be on the tail end of a global pandemic than Matthew McGee – one of, if not the most recognizable and best loved performers in the Tampa Bay area. “It feels good to be back,” says McGee, director of community outreach at freeFall Theatre, his fulltime day job. “But it is still a challenge getting audiences back and some smaller theaters are still struggling. At freeFall, we’re moving forward with a season of uplifting shows that will hopefully bring smiles.” McGee just closed his one man show, I Love to Eat, portraying famed chef James Beard, and was in rehearsal to play Poirot in a Stageworks production of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express at the time of this interview. “To be honest, despite the ﬁnancial challenges of the pandemic, I did welcome the break. I needed it,” he confessed. Clearly, recess is over.

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McGee is one of the busiest and most sought-after performers in our area, and with that comes recognition. This past year has seen McGee win a Theater Tampa Bay Award for best supporting actor for a rare semi-dramatic role in Natalie Symon’s, The People Downstairs at American Stage. He was also selected “Performing Arts Honoree” by the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance for the recently held 2022 MUSE Awards. As stage curtains go up again, and acclaim is freshly savored, it seems a good time to shine the metaphorical spotlight on the one and only Matthew McGee – not just the performer, but the human. Finding Success It’s hard to believe that a performer with such a proliﬁc career and sunny disposition ever struggled to ﬁnd success – professionally or personally. But it’s important if you want to know Matt McGee. McGee grew up in Georgia. He remembers that people weren’t

May/June 2022

ARTS & CULTURE always kind to a child that was different. “My family certainly loved me, but they didn’t understand me,” he recalls, “and, of course, I lived in constant fear of being bullied or hurt. It kept me from doing a lot of normal kid things.” It was the theater community that saw him through those fragile school years. “I knew that’s where I belonged, and many of those friends are still in my life,” McGee explains. “When I went from Georgia to NYC in 2000, trying to make it in theater, they didn’t know quite what to do with me,” he says. “I was 28 and losing my hair! I did some drag and knew that it would figure prominently in my career, but I worried about getting pigeonholed. I wanted to be a serious actor, too. I could hear the voices of some of my teachers saying, ‘You can’t be exactly who you are and get cast.’ “I had to find my way.” “It helped to be inspired by performers like Charles Busch - an actor who played female roles, but who also wrote plays and screenplays that created those roles. Harvey Firestein is another role model. To me, he’s had a sort of perfect career, getting to play male roles on film and female roles on stage. I really looked up to them.” A gig at Disney World brought McGee to Florida from New York City after 9/11. Then, several years at a Florida dinner theater allowed him to hone his craft and make some consequential contacts. One of those contacts cast McGee in The Big Bang, the show that brought him to the Tampa Bay area – to stay. “You might say my career really began a little later in life.” Surprisingly, when asked when he finally felt safe from potential ridicule, McGee answered, “believe it or not, it wasn’t until I did Mame at the age of 40. It called upon everything in me that I thought Continued next page

Matt McGee stole the show as Max Bialystock in the 2018 American Stage in the Park performance of The Producers. / Photo mikewoodid.com

Matthew McGee recalls a few of his favorite roles: Rocky Horror’s Dr. Frank-N-Furter at American Stage in the Park (2012) - “I thought, oh my God, people love this! I had never felt that way before. They just went crazy. I felt accepted for the ﬁrst time in a long time. I remember thinking, maybe I’m in the right place after all.” Ms. Shin, the Mayor’s wife in Asolo Rep’s production of The Music Man - “That show was directed by Jeﬀ Calhoun, director of Newsies on Broadway and it featured other Broadway performers, too. It was a great opportunity to give a performance with real substance, even in drag. Edna Turnblad in Hairspray (2017) – “Getting to play a Harvey Firestein role AND getting applause just for coming on stage? Come on. Some performers never get to experience that, and I’ll never forget it or take it for granted.”

The Music Man

May/June 2022

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ARTS & CULTURE was weird – and made it all OK. It validated my vision of who I wanted to be as an actor at a time when I was considering giving up drag. He may not have known it, but Eric Davis gave me a true gift with that role.”

McGee has had faithful Westie companion and star in his own right, Brian, by his side for 13 years, but he’s probably not always the best conversationalist. They always say that love enters your life when you least expect it. For Matt McGee and George Ebanks, that was precisely how it happened.

Becoming Matthew McGee Matt McGee embraces his maturity and its impact on his career. “I love it,” he smiles. “I feel as if I’ve been growing into many roles that are right for me and that I could never book before. As a favorite professor told me, ‘Your best time will come in your 40s.’ He wasn’t wrong.” Like Mame, other roles have allowed Matt McGee to fully realize his acting manifest destiny. They are roles that incorporate his love of drag, pop culture, camp, and as he calls them, the grande dames of Hollywood.

“I met George online, and our ﬁrst date was dinner at his home. At that time, George had a 14-year-old lab named Scout. The way he loved and cared for that dog really touched me. Then, as I looked around, I saw his collection of books – Shakespeare and other subjects that interested me. That, and the fact George is an oncology nurse at Moﬃtt Cancer Center — I knew he was a catch and that I’d better make this work.”

Of course, playing roles like Poirot, Beard and Todd in The People Downstairs, “give the career I’ve tried to build lovely balance. I’m an actor. There are so many roles that I love.”

That was six years ago. “George has brought stability and a lovely emotional balance to my life. I love making a home for us, and he loves me even if I’m not on stage or winning an award. I know, if I never booked another show, I’d be just ﬁne.”

A busy life in theater can mean a lonely life at home. Of course,

Hopefully, we won’t have to worry about that for quite some time.

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Gio Swaby, My Hands Are Clean 4 (detail), 2017, Thread and fabric sewn on canvas, Collection of Claire Oliver and Ian Rubinstein

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Waterfront Sold for $2,100,000 7913 9th Ave S St Petersburg, FL 33707

Waterfront Sold For $1,925,0000 7863 9th Ave S St Petersburg, FL 33707

Gulfport Just Listed For $625,000 2925 53rd St S Gulfport, FL 33707

The Chris Price Team Top 1% in Pinellas County Agents Top 2% of Tampa Bay Realtors Luxury Waterfront Specialist Local Expertise • International Exposure Proven Results • Waterfront Specialist

Thinking of buying or selling a home this year? Call Chris Price for a friendly conversation to discuss your options! I look forward to working with you in 2022!

954.895.0709

Chris@CPriceHomes.com

SPL FASHION

Following the Rules Means Breaking the Rules Som etimes, Too How attached are we to dress codes? How important are they in today’s society? Should we be followers or trendsetters? Where is the golden middle and do we need it? I am repeatedly saying that fashion is given to us to express our individual personalities, tell the world who we are, and that we should have fun with it. This is my mantra, my foundation of what I believe fashion offers us. I feel I’m opening the Pandora’s Box here, as for some a dress code is an essential and often unbreakable rule. Sometimes, it is a topic of controversy, so let’s dissect the rule we know as “dress code.” Clearly, a dress code is defined as “a set of rules with regard to clothing – created out of social perceptions and norms.” It was constructed around the 17th century to distinguish an array of differences between classes, hierarchy, genders, religions, countries. At the same time, it created a sense of integration and a sense of prejudice. Breaking the rules is often freeing as Coco Chanel knowingly was one of the great dress code breakers, wearing what was reserved to men only – pants, and in 1993 Senator Barbara Mikulski was the first woman to wear pants on the U.S. Senate floor. Understanding dress codes is essential on many occasions as it creates a sense of respectability, professionalism. A bride would be rightfully unhappy if someone would wear a white gown to her wedding, but that’s just common sense and it doesn’t take a

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neuroscientist to know that it would be disruptive and unfitting to wear a shiny cocktail dress to Sunday church, or shorts and flip-flops to the opera. But equally important is knowing when you can break the social dress code, and rise over the occasion. What if a girl wants to wear her high heels to an elegant pool party even if everyone else chooses flats? Let her wear her heels and look spectacular. If you want to wear white after Labor Day, by all means please do. It’s better to be slightly be overdressed than the opposite. I’m sure you have heard of the Red Sneaker Effect – wearing something that makes you stand out sends a positive message of authority and accomplishment. (Now I want to get red shoes!) And on the contrary if a certain brand or style makes you feel you belong to your favorite group of people, enjoy it. But let others enjoy their happy explorations with fashion even if it doesn’t reflect your own taste. Not everyone will wear red on Valentine’s Day, some will look radiant in pink head to toe. So, all that being said, how should we break the rules this summer? My vote goes to wear great, bold prints and colors. Black in Florida summer may not be the usual, but it can be your new trendsetter statement. I’m a rebel at heart, I will wear what makes me happy and I will get away with it, I hope you will, too. Megan Simons is owner of Pippa Pelure, a fine fashion boutique in downtown St. Petersburg, FL. Contact her at pippapelure@tampabay.rr.com.

I was born for a purpose. Trained to help you. You hold me when you’re afraid, Whisper that I saved you, That I’m your brightest star. I am your guide, your support, Your friend. A dog, I’m not. With me, you see the world again.

1.800.944.3647 | GuideDogs.org

We provide all dogs and services free of charge.

SPL HEALTH

Dry Eyes and Scleral Contact Lenses BY THOMAS LAMBERT, O.D.

Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) is a very common condition that affects people of all ages and ethnicities. DES is considered a multifactorial condition, meaning that there are multiple causes to the dryness. While some of the common causes of DES are using electronic devices and changes in the seasons, it can also be caused by underlying health conditions, such as autoimmune disorders. For some, dry eyes can be chronic, causing problems with irritation, itchy eyes or blurred vision. When your standard overthe-counter the drop does not give enough relief to some of these symptoms, scleral contact lenses could be a great option to help. Scleral contact lenses are hard lenses made from a special type of plastic. They are different from the standard rigid gas permeable (RGP), or rather hard contact, in that they rest on the sclera (white part of the eye) rather than the cornea (front surface of the eye) like most other types of contact lenses. Since sclerals rest on the white of the eye, they are slightly larger than the average soft contact lens. However, this helps with comfort of the lenses due to there being less sensitivity on the sclera. The lens is dome shaped like a bowl, and is filled with saline solution that creates a liquid reservoir for the cornea. The lens is inserted and removed using a specific type of plunger. Artificial tears can be a great starting point for someone

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experiencing dry eye, but sometimes can only give limited relief. Scleral lenses are a great option for those experiencing moderate to severe dry eye when other conventional methods have not helped. They can provide longer relief for symptoms of DES due to the saline solution bathing the cornea throughout the day. This keeps the cornea constantly hydrated and therefore, less susceptible to changes from DES such as keratitis (inflammation of the cornea). In addition to treating DES, these lenses are also used to correct irregular astigmatism, which can be caused by corneal diseases such as keratoconus. For these patients, sclerals can provide better visual acuities than glasses. The lenses are adjusted to the prescription using corneal mapping techniques and are fitted uniquely to the curvature of the patient’s eye. Usually, the fitting process takes longer for sclerals, but only because the lens is custom-made. At VIP Eye Care & Optical Boutique at Carillon, we are excited to offer these customized lenses for our patients. Having dry eyes can sometimes be very irritating, and it can take time to find the right regimen that works for you. If you feel you could benefit from scleral lenses or would like to discuss this option, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at our Carillon office vip4myeyes.com

Discover luxury coastal living.

Waterfront Indulgence on 2nd Palm Point

Spectacular water views and beautiful decore await in this nearly perfect St. Pete Beach pool home. Everything about this house is amazing, floor plan, condition, quality, even the garage. 3 Bedrooms, 3 baths, dock, lift, waterfall pool.

$1,700,000

Ultimate Luxury on the Pass-a-Grille Channel

This Monte Cristo icon offers perhaps the best views on the island from three levels of unparalleled living. Enjoy the open Gulf over the top of Pass-a-Grille and stunning nighttime views. $2,495,000 This home went under contract on day one.

Casual, Coastal, and Fabulous

This stunning waterfront 3 bedroom, 2 bath home boasts an open floor plan that is nearly perfect in every way. You’ll love the proximity to award-winning beaches and the delights of Corey Ave. Large dock, private yard, dreamy waterfront living.

$1,595,000

Stunningly-Designed Home in Vinoy Place

Enjoy this extraordinary water view from your 3000 sqft home in the sky above Vinoy Park, and walk to the museums, restaurants, parks, and all that downtown St. Pete has to offer. 3 beds, 2.5 Baths, private elevator lobby.

$2,750,000

Enjoying 26 years of helping people buy and sell the finest St. Petersburg properties by providing exeptional marketing, international reach, and local expertise.

THE SALAMONE GROUP Libby Salamone, Ron Salamone, Angela Mathias, Andrew Salamone

727-456-8093 info@stpete.pro www.stpete.pro

SPL LIVING

Smart Choices & Regular Maintenance, Provide For A Safe & Healthy Home BY DOUG KING Nothing is more important than living a healthy life. And because our homes are our castles, we spend a great deal of time indoors at our castles. It’s our safe place, it is a retreat to enjoy family members, relax and for many, also a place to safely entertain friends. So, it makes sense that your home be a safe haven from outside inﬂuences on your health, right?

(I’m not going to touch on the solids, input or output, that’s in a dietician’s wheelhouse!)

Water

You may not realize it but a house, your home, is actually a living, breathing organism. Well, ok it doesn’t fall into any of the animal kingdom categories BUT it does replicate an organism. There is the intake of liquids, solids and air and there is output with exhausts, venting and wastes. And because of this set-up, your house can be a very unhealthy place if you do not take care of it, just like the lack of exercise has on a human body. Let’s focus on the liquids and air coming in and out of your home.

Have your water tested for lead. If the report is high, have a plumber evaluate your plumbing. You may have old lead pipes that need to be replaced or you could install a water filter with reverse osmosis to filter out the lead. Our water in the Tampa Bay area is very hard, meaning that it is high in minerals from percolating through limestone and gypsum. While minerals such as calcium and magnesium do have slight health benefits, these minerals wreak havoc on water heaters, pipes, dishwashers, washing machines and ice makers. Installing a water softener system is a wise investment. Further,

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May/June 2022

SPL LIVING if you don’t care for the taste of tap water, have a charcoal water ﬁltration system installed near your kitchen sink or buy a refrigerator with a water dispenser that contains a charcoal ﬁlter. And stop buying plastic bottles of water! That water is nowhere near as safe as your tap water, it is NOT monitored under the same conditions as your city water AND worse yet, studies have shown that 93% of those little bottles of water contain twice as many micro-plastic synthetic polymer particles as tap water.

the filter manager is always on vacation! It is a good idea to hire a duct cleaning company, especially for older homes with duct work that may have never been cleaned. It is also a good idea to enter into a service contract with a qualified HVAC company that will service your overall system regularly. This avoids costly repairs and inopportune breakdowns. If a service contract isn’t an option, put a recurring reminder in your phone calendar application to change filters often and have your system checked at least once a year.

Air

Ever see condensation dripping from a vent cover? That’s a sign that either you have too much air getting inside your home (leaving doors and windows open for periods of time) or there’s a leak in your ductwork. There could be other issues but regardless, that can lead to mold growth and that’s just not healthy.

Living in Florida means that we close our windows and doors starting in late May thru late October to allow machines to lower the humidity inside our homes, which gives us cooler air. Although a house is not airtight, nor should it be, a great majority of the air inside our homes is constantly being recycled via ductwork thru a machine called an air handler. And this is where we need to pay attention; filters get dirty quickly. A dirty air filter leads to odors in the house and reduces the efficiency of the air conditioning system because of reduced air flow. The filter serves two main purposes, one is to filter out particulates that should not go into our lungs and secondly, to keep dust and dirt from building up on the coils of your air handler. BUT, you have to remember to replace those filters! Another on-going concern is the condition of the ductwork. Rodents love to chew holes in the flexible ducts, older rigid ducts are not insulated and dirt builds up over time in all of them, especially when

Finally, venting of bathrooms and kitchens to the exterior is preferred when possible and makes for a more comfortable environment inside your home. Here’s to you and healthier living! Doug King is president of King Contracting, Inc. and NARI National Past President 2020-2021

Living Her Best Life

Debbe knew it was time to get help for her mom and she was unsure as where to turn. Her mom's dementia had progressed and taking care of her on her own was making life hard for both of them. They were both unhappy and Debbe was concerned for both their mental well being. Upon a suggestion from her friend, she visited Inspired Living. She was immediately impacted by the support they offered her and the vibrancy of life she witnessed. She felt confident in her decision to move her mom to Inspired Living and knows her mom will live her best life there. She sees her mom all the time and frequently comments on how happy she is. Debbe is relived and wished she had made this move sooner.

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727.873.0935 InspiredLiving.care 7179 40th Avenue North St. Petersburg, FL 33709

A Memory Care Community May/June 2022

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SPL LIVING

Turning Heads

2022 Slingshot SL The first thing you feel when you slide into a Slingshot is freedom. This is not a car, it’s a cross between a motorcycle and a sports car. Three wheels of fun. With the open air cockpit, low profile and killer looks, this vehicle will put you in a good mood as soon as you take the first turn. Ideal for Florida weekends, the Slingshot is a great way to get to the beaches, Saturday Morning Market or downtown for dinner. It’s an attention getter for sure. At red lights, in a parking space or straightening out a curvy road, this thing turns heads. I drove the 2022 Slingshot SL Automatic (in ultra blue) with the Drive Series. The excursion top (optional) provides much needed

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shade in our Florida sun, but you can create your own breeze with a little acceleration. This vehicle is quick, and it sounds great. Front accent lights on the vented sport hood give the Slingshot an exotic look, especially at night. And with Bluetooth and USB phone connectivity you can stream your favorite tunes through the Rockford Fosgate® audio system. The Slingshot oozes self-expression, and you can customize your ride to reﬂect your personal style. With a starting price just north of $20,799 this is the ideal way to get where you’re going and have fun doing it. For more information visit slingshot.polaris.com/en-us Beth Ann Drake

Its Time to Vote Now!

The Best of St. Pete 2022 Is Coming! Our annual recognition of local favorites is coming in the July/August issue of St. Pete Life.

We want YOU to VOTE now!

Categories Include: • Dining Out • Drinking Out • Arts & Culture • Health & Wellness • Working • Fun Stuff • Shopping •Lifestyle Go to www.stpetelifemag.com/bestofstpete to vote from May 1st through June 1st. One vote per person allowed/multiple entries will be disqualiﬁed.

In this issue we support the doctors of St. Petersburg. These medical professionals strive to heal members of our community on a daily basis. We salute them and their efforts during a particularly trying year.

“The good physician treats the disease, the great physician treats the patient who has the disease.” -William Osler

Special Advertising Section

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Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity.

Bayfront Health St. Petersburg Medical Group Internal and Family Medicine provides you and your family with quality care for a lifetime of health. From childhood through adulthood, we provide expert, comprehensive care for all aspects of acute and chronic illness. Our physicians want to help keep you on track with routine checkups, vaccinations, health-screening tests, and school/ sports physicals. Our doctors offer convenient hours, with same-day, next-day and virtual appointment options. Shari Anthony, MD – Family Medicine Dr. Anthony graduated from George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C. She completed a residency in family medicine at Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. Patrick Del Santo, DO – Family Medicine Dr. Del Santo graduated from Nova Southeastern University

College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed a residency in family medicine at Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. William Degan, MD – Family Medicine Dr. Degan graduated from University of Miami School of Medicine. He completed a residency in family medicine at University of Pittsburgh. Steven Seltzer, DO – Internal Medicine Dr. Seltzer graduated from Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed a residency in internal medicine at Sun Coast Hospital in Largo, Florida. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please call 727-893-6201 or schedule online at BayfrontStPete.com/MedicalGroup

Bayfront Health St. Petersburg Medical Group Family and Internal Medicine 2200 16th St. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33704 • (727) 893-6201

PHOTO/BARRY LIVELY

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For over 30 years, Dr. Rosemarie Márquez has been passionate about improving the oral health of her community. She and the team at St. Pete Oral Health Center provide people of all ages with the most advanced dental technology to cover all general and cosmetic dentistry needs. Knowing that there is a solid link between oral health and systemic health, the focus of her practice is to encourage patients to put their oral health care ﬁrst. Each treatment is tailored to the patient’s individual needs and concerns in an environment that eases anxieties and reduces the stress of a dentist appointment. Highly trained staff and a welcoming ofﬁce environment encourage a relaxed visit. Every year during the month of April the Center offers free early detection screenings for oral cancer. A breast

cancer survivor herself, Dr. Márquez believes that early detection is key and works continuously to increase awareness. Fees for oral cancer screenings are kept as low as possible to make the process available to more people. Dr. Márquez gives back to the community through several charities. She donates dental services to the Dental Lifeline Network, and supports the Oral Cancer Foundation. A personal favorite is Camp Kesem, which supports children who have a parent ﬁghting cancer. Member: American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, West Coast District Dental Association, Pinellas County Dental Association, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine

Rosemarie Márquez, DMD, PA/St. Pete Oral Health Center

(727) 345-1774 • 6700 Crosswinds Dr. N. Suite 100C, St. Petersburg, FL www.stpeteoralhealthcenter.com PHOTO/BARRY LIVELY May/June 2022

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“Established in 2014, The Garden Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa has been serving the greater Philadelphia and now the Tampa Bay area with our “No Fluff. Just Results” credo. This boutique medical spa was founded by renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Mirmanesh, M.D., with the desire to enhance his client’s unique beauty. Dr. Michael is a California trained plastic surgeon who trained at one of the nation’s top 10 public universities, The University of California Davis. Dr. Michael completed additional cosmetic surgery training in Beverly Hills, Las Vegas, and San Francisco. In addition, Dr. Michael spent time at the Beckman Laser Institute at the University of California Irvine mastering laser physics and laser science, knowledge that he implements on a daily basis with each and every client. Our highly trained and experienced team of aesthetic professionals utilize many different modalities such as neuromodulators, lasers, injectables, peels and medical grade treatments in order to help our clients achieve their aesthetic goals. Our team firmly believes that everything in the medical spa must be firmly tested for not only safety but also efficacy, thus our “No Fluff. Just Results” credo.

The Garden Medical Spa

(727) 610-5335 • 6650 78th Ave N, Pinellas Park, FL 33781 • www.thegardenmedspa.com

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Conveniently located on the Bayfront Health St. Petersburg hospital campus, the cardiology specialists at Bayfront Health St. Petersburg Medical Group believe in a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to treat complex cardiovascular problems. The team works with each patient to provide individualized, compassionate care.

Cardiovascular Disease: George Blanco, MD, FACC Alexander Johnson, MD, FACC Michael Malone, DO, FACC Gregg Schuyler, MD, PhD, FACC Angela Turner, DO, FACC Peter Wassmer, MD, FACC

Our specialists provide treatment for acute and chronic cardiovascular conditions and are available for consultation on patients with coronary artery disease, heart failure, valve disorders, arrhythmias, and peripheral artery disease. Bayfront Health St. Petersburg Hospital is the only full-service cardiac hospital located in downtown Saint Petersburg offering a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures including diagnostic cardiac catheterization and coronary intervention, open heart surgery, Impella supported high risk PCI, valve surgery, transcatheter valve procedures such as TAVR and mitral clip, arrhythmia ablation and watchman implant. In ofﬁce testing includes stress testing with nuclear imaging, cardiac and vascular ultrasonography, device clinic for patients with pacemakers or deﬁbrillators, event monitors.

Cardiovascular Disease & Interventional Cardiology: Ravi Korabathina, MD, FACC, FSCAI Andrew Rosenthal, MD, FACC Cardiac Electrophysiology: Dennis Cassidy, MD Daniel Masvidal, MD Cardiothoracic Surgery: John Brock, MD, FACS To learn more or to book an appointment, please call (727) 893-6234 or visit BayfrontStPete.com/MedicalGroup

Bayfront Health St. Petersburg Medical Group Cardiology 601 7th St. South, Suite 205, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • (727) 893-6234

PHOTO/BARRY LIVELY

J. Ryan Williams, MD – Dr. Williams is a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon. He earned his medical degree from the University of Louisville, School of Medicine in Kentucky and completed his postdoctoral training at the University of South Florida (USF) as a general surgery resident and colon and rectal surgery fellow. Led by J. Ryan Williams, MD, Bayfront Health St. Petersburg Medical Group Colorectal Surgery offers expertise in the treatment of colon and rectal conditions, with a focus on colon, rectal and pelvic tumors, as well as inflammatory bowel disease and pelvic floor disorders. If surgery is needed, Dr. Williams is highly trained in the latest surgical options and most procedures are performed using minimally invasive and/ or robotic surgical techniques.

Dr. Williams can provide consultations or second opinions for patients with colorectal conditions including anal cancer, anal dysplasia/HPV, appendiceal cancers, colon cancer, colon polyps, genetic colorectal cancers, neuroendocrine tumors, pelvic masses/tumors, rectal cancer, rectal polyps, small bowel cancers, anal ﬁssures, anal ﬁstulas, anal and rectal pain, colon polyps, chronic constipation, diverticulitis, fecal incontinence, hemorrhoids, pelvic pain, rectal infections/STDs, rectal prolapse, stomas and stomal complications. To learn more or to book an appointment, please call (727) 893-6363 or visit BayfrontStPete.com/MedicalGroup

Bayfront Health St. Petersburg Medical Group Colorectal Surgery 625 6th St. South, Suite 430, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • (727) 893-6363

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Dr. Sherberg with his puppy, Mare

Dr. David Sherberg, DMD

specialist to ensure the work ﬁts into the overall plan.

Dr. Sherberg, DMD founded Bayway Dental with the goal of being a “One-Stop-Shop” dentist. He has dedicated his career to mastering most procedures across all specialties in dentistry. Patients with broken or missing teeth seek him for his expertise in dental implant surgery. Those who want beautiful smiles seek him out for his mastery of smile makeovers.

Q: How have you helped people who are scared of the dentist? We believe sedation should be more routine for dental surgery. Our sedation menu includes IV sedation with an anesthesiologist. We ﬁnd the right sedation level for each patient who needs it.

Q: What does it mean to be a One-Stop-Shop? Specialization in medicine is a wonderful thing, however, needing ﬁve different dentists to solve all your dental issues can be overwhelming. I can typically perform most, if not all, treatments in my ofﬁce. I work with each patient to come up with a customized plan. Of course, no one doctor can master all facets of dentistry, so when necessary I refer to carefully vetted specialists. I will even attend the procedure with the

Q: What is your typical patient like? Most have dental problems that would typically require multiple specialists to treat. They have been avoiding the dentist and they want a healthy mouth after years of struggle. Our patients want an advocate. They want to push that “Easy Button”. They want someone to say, “Here’s what’s wrong, here are your options, let’s ﬁgure out what works best for you and let’s rock this.”

Bayway Dental

5008 34th St. S., St. Petersburg FL 33711 • (727) 914-2707 • www.baywaydental.com PHOTO/BARRY LIVELY May/June 2022

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Alexander Ramirez, MD, FACS, FASMBS - Dr. Ramirez is a board-certiﬁed surgeon with a focus in bariatric surgery. He received his medical degree from the University of Cartagena in Colombia, received training in surgery from New YorkPresbyterian Queens Hospital, Weill Medical College of Cornell University and completed a fellowship in bariatric surgery and minimally invasive surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in Weston, Florida. Dr. Ramirez is certiﬁed as both a master surgeon in metabolic and bariatric surgery and a master robotic surgeon with the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC). Dr. Ramirez is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (ACS), member of the Association of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO), the Society of

American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopy Surgeons (SAGES), Society of Robotic Surgery (SRS) and the International Society for Fluorescence Guided Surgery (ISFGS). He is ﬂuent in both English and Spanish. The Bayfront Health St. Petersburg Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery Institute offers a comprehensive program for longterm weight loss, designed to help you every step of the way to a healthy and productive life. Our team includes bariatric surgeons, specialized nurses, registered dietitians and patientfamily counselors who are committed to working with you for the rest of your life. To learn more or to book an appointment, please call (727) 893-6550.

Bayfront Health St. Petersburg Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery Institute 601 7th St. South, Suite 510, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • (727) 893-6550

Deepak Naidu, MD – Dr. Naidu is a board-certiﬁed plastic surgeon. He earned his medical degree from the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta and completed a general surgery residency at the University of Louisville School of Medicine in Kentucky and a fellowship in hand and microsurgery at the Christine M. Kleinert Institute, also in Louisville. He then completed a plastic surgery residency at the University of South Florida in Tampa. He specializes in reconstructive surgery after traumatic injuries as well as oncologic procedures, such as skin cancer reconstruction. He also has a strong interest in aesthetic surgery including breast reconstruction & reduction, as well as body and facial cosmetic surgery.

With his extensive experience and expertise, Dr. Naidu helps patients achieve their desired outcomes, whether they are seeking enhancements to the appearance of the face and body, gender modification, or restoration from the impacts of disease or trauma. Dr. Naidu understands that along with refined look and function, the many benefits of plastic surgery include increased self-confidence and improved mental health, well-being and quality of life. His goal is to provide skilled care that results in positive life changes for his patients, helping them to feel good about themselves and their appearance. To learn more or to book an appointment, please call (727) 893-6370 or visit BayfrontStPete.com/MedicalGroup

Bayfront Health St. Petersburg Medical Group Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery 601 7th St. South, Suite 405, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • (727) 893-6370

PHOTO/BARRY LIVELY May/June 2022

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SPL TRAVEL

Beyond the Beach

Explore the urban side of Fort Lauderdale with a city-centric stay on Las Olas Boulevard PHOTOS/MARCIA BIGGS

Fort Lauderdale’s web of canals oﬀers many boat excursions, including these electric boats just oﬀ Las Olas Blvd. called Riverfront Gondola Tours.

BY MARCIA BIGGS Those of us who choose to live a coastal life in Florida generally have a few things we like. We like it balmy, we like it tropical, and we generally like a certain amount of beach time to rest our weary souls as needed. An invitation to explore Fort Lauderdale away from the beach sounded intriguing. A beach, after all, is a beach. But in one of South Florida’s most legendary coastal cities, an opportunity to discover the real personality of the destination means venturing away from the crowded beaches. For the adventurer, Las Olas Boulevard is the perfect landing spot. Steps away from a beautiful riverwalk, with block after block of

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outdoor cafes, art galleries and boutiques, Las Olas beckons from morning to night. We booked a room at the modern new Hyatt Centric Las Olas, a sophisticated yet laid-back hotel in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale. The decor is light and breezy, inspired by the area’s yachting culture and waterfront location on the New River. It had everything we needed for a long weekend getaway without the need for a car – a big plus when parking rates top $25 a night. (Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is just a 15 minute Uber ride away, by the way.) The Hyatt’s lobby restaurant was ideal for breakfast — Harborwood

SPL TRAVEL Urban Kitchen attracts locals and visitors who come for its hearty and healthy breakfasts and lunches featuring global culinary influences. Make a reservation for dinner on the breezy sidewalk patio that places you right in the action of the downtown scene. Our mission: Get to know downtown Fort Lauderdale by exploring the walkable Las Olas Boulevard. Highly recommended was Java & Jam, a popular breakfast spot and easy walk from the hotel. The casual indoor/outdoor eatery has a sumptuous menu of creative dishes and coffee drinks, and I am still dreaming of the Banana Bread French Toast. Another memorable dining experience was at nearby YOLO, also on Las Olas. We indulged in a leisurely lunch of New American cuisine and outstanding service. The place has a following and we were lucky to get seated – the mayor and a few other politicos were seated a few tables away. I love visiting museums wherever I travel and just a block from the hotel is the NSU Art Museum, where a new exhibit featuring the art of legendary New York pop artist Keith Haring had just opened. Confrontation: Keith Haring and Pierre Alechinsky is a curated collection of both Haring’s ground-breaking work from the 1970s-80s, as well as work by his inspiration, the European avant-garde artist Pierre Alechinsky. Between 1980 and 1985, Haring produced hundreds of public drawings in rapid rhythmic lines, sometimes creating as many as 40 “subway drawings” in one day. For fans of Haring, this exhibit is grand and intoxicating, showing work from throughout his life (he died of AIDS in 1990). I was moved by the opportunity to get up close to Keith Haring’s legendary art, so big, bold and colorful and filled with meaning. While I was there, I was able to explore the other exhibits on view at NSU Museum, a worthwhile way to spend a morning or afternoon. Strolling the picturesque riverwalk near the Hyatt Centric is a delightful way to see the city. The high-rise offices and condos along the waterway are clean and shiny, and a variety of cruise boats and smaller vessels meander slowly, filled with tourists enjoying lunch or a sightseeing tour. Nicknamed the Venice of America, Fort Lauderdale has some 300 miles of navigable waterways that make for a fun boat excursion. Cruising the river and canals is a popular thing to do, and many options are available. We chose a guided tour with Riverfront Gondola Tours, a short walk up Las Olas from our hotel. These are small, eco-friendly electric boats, so no noise and no fumes, and with a canopy for shade. Our friendly and knowledgeable guide was able to bring us into the residential canals thanks to low tide, where she regaled us with “insider” stories on the rich and the famous who resided here, along with fun trivia and history. It was a superbly relaxing way to see more of urban Fort Lauderdale. NSU Art Museum

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May/June 2022

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SPL TRAVEL Most big cities have an urban arts district and Fort Lauderdale is trying to gain a foothold with FAT Village, a funky little neighborhood of small artist studios. The main attraction, though, is Sistrunk Marketplace, a food hall and brewery where you can grab a bite to eat and a freshly crafted beer and hang out to meet the locals. It was our last night and we couldn’t leave without experiencing Lauderdale’s nightlife. A trendy rooftop club appropriately named Rooftop was said to have it all … craft cocktails, chill music, a hip crowd in a lush garden setting, and a view of downtown to knock your socks oﬀ. We were not disappointed. As we gazed out onto a panorama of glittering lights and toasted our fabulous Fort Lauderdale getaway, we promised to come back for another visit. And not a mention of the beach.

If You Go Hyatt Centric Las Olas, 100 E. Las Olas Blvd., hyatt.com, (954) 353-1234 NSU Art Museum of Fort Lauderdale, 1 E. Las Olas Blvd., nsuartmuseum.org (954) 525-5500 Confrontation: Keith Haring and Pierre Alechinsky continues through October 2. Riverfront Gondola Tours, riverfrontgondolatours.com, 1200 E. Las Olas Blvd., (954) 616-7699. For more information, check out visitlauderdale.com

Top, the outdoor patio at Harborwood Urban Kitchen at the Hyatt Centric Las Olas. Above, Sistrunk Marketplace food hall.

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Ready to visit the Blue Ridge Mountains? Be sure to order a Cheers! Trail Passport

• Passport guides you to 23 wineries, breweries & cideries • Get passport stamped by at least a dozen trail locations • Redeem for cool swag at Hendersonville Visitor Center Order a Passport Today

CheersTrail.org • 800.828.4244

SPL TRAVEL

Rocky Mountain High Plenty of outdoor adventure — and relief from the summer heat — can be found at Winter Park in the Colorado Rockies. PHOTOS/ MARCIA BIGGS

During summer months, Winter Park Ski Resort transforms ski trails into hiking and mountain biking trails.

BY MARCIA BIGGS Like death and taxes, there is no getting around the inevitable arrival of another summer of stifling heat and humidity in Central Florida. That’s why now is the time to plan an escape, a cooling mountain getaway aimed at reviving the body and soul. Heading to the mountains has always been my panacea, and one of my favorite destinations is Winter Park in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Home to Winter Park Ski Resort with over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain and a peak elevation of 9,000 feet, Winter Park offers spectacular scenery in a family friendly town, and plenty to do during the summer months. Nestled in the Fraser Valley in Grand County and only an hour and a half northwest of Denver, Winter Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream with loads of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, and rivers and creeks for rafting and fly-fishing. When it was time for a our annual “sisters getaway” last summer, I nominated Winter Park. With its close proximity to Denver International Airport (we were flying in from three different cities) and limitless opportunities for outdoor adventure, it seemed like the perfect destination. Lodging options were plentiful (the pandemic may have contributed to this), so we opted for a three-bedroom

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condo at Hi Country Haus, a condominium complex in downtown Winter Park. The complex offered a lovely mountain view, trails right outside our door and, most importantly, hot tubs! I like the small-town feel of Winter Park, with many locally owned and operated businesses and friendly townsfolk. Like most ski resort towns, Winter Park’s restaurants, bars and retail outlets remain open in the summer and I was thrilled to find a number of my old haunts from ski trips past still thriving on Main Street. Each winter, the ski resort attracts snow sports enthusiasts who are drawn to its legendary trails and peaks. But come summer, legions of mountain bikers converge here to tackle over 600 miles of trails throughout the Winter Park and Fraser area. Trestle Bike Park at the ski resort with 40 miles of terrain is considered one of the best in the West, and offers lessons and bike rentals for riders of all abilities. We were eager for some hiking and fresh mountain air so we signed up for the “Upper Roof of the Rockies” guided hike at the ski resort one day and a Mountain E-Bike Tour on another day. While one can also explore on their own, I prefer to join guided trips to learn about the natural environment and history (and not get lost). Both of the

SPL TRAVEL guided tours were easy to moderate, with outstanding views, and our knowledgeable guides made us relax and enjoy the fun without scouring trail maps every 10 minutes. Of course, sisters need some pampering when on vacay. One day we made appointments for massages at Alpenglow Massage in the base ski village. Afterwards, we all agreed we had experienced the best massage ever. We were lucky enough to have the owner Tracey Windmill as our therapist, she was a silver medalist in Freestyle Massage at the 2018 World Massage Championships and puts her whole body into it. Trust me, her massages are memorable. Another day we took a side trip to the Steamboat Springs area a couple hours away to relax in some of the most beautiful hot springs I have ever experienced. Strawberry Park Hot Springs (strawberryparkhotsprings.com) is a hidden gem. The winding road takes visitors high up the mountainside, turning into a dirt road, then a parking lot and a trailer where tickets are sold for $20. Walking up the trail to the springs, you end up gazing down upon a Shangri-la of small natural pools surrounded by boulders and pine glades. I am glad that I went online to purchase tickets in advance, as the privately owned property is strict in adherence of pandemic regulations, with timed admission in small groups (no walk-ups). One reason we chose Winter Park was also its close proximity to the west entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. After ﬁve days in Winter Park, we packed up the SUV and headed an hour northwest to the Grand Lake park entrance. Timed admission with advance ticketing was again a requirement. We stopped in Grand Lake for lunch before driving leisurely across the Continental Divide, stopping now and then to hike an easy trail and bask

Rocky Mountain National Park

If You Visit Winter Park There’s a lot to like about visiting a ski resort in the summer. Lodging is generally plentiful and if you time it right (meaning not around holidays or festivals) you may even grab a deal. StayWinterPark.com is a great place to find lodging from cabins in the woods to condos, townhomes and vacation homes. Our 3 bedroom/2 bath condo with a lovely view at Hi Country House was $250 a night mid-week, plus taxes and fees (price varies according to dates.) Non-stop flights from Tampa International to Denver International are fairly easy to find. Check Southwest, American, Delta and United airlines. Be prepared for absurdly expensive rates on rental vehicles; book as far ahead as possible and keep checking rates until you depart. Mandatory masking remains for most airlines; be sure to check the web site for any updates.

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May/June 2022

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SPL TRAVEL in the glorious mountain panoramas. Our day ended at the Eastern park entrance in Estes Park, where we stayed for one night with a view of elk from our hotel on the edge of town. (Funny how we searched in vain for elk in the park, go figure.) With our trip coming to an end, we felt compelled to spend our final day and night in downtown Denver, which is less than an hour from the airport and convenient for early flights. This allowed us a chance to explore downtown on foot (the city is highly walkable), and to enjoy the comfort of a luxury hotel on our last night. The AC Hotel Denver, a Marriott property near the LoDo district, was a mecca of modern sophistication. After checking in, we strolled the neighborhood with a must-see stop at Union Station to marvel at the beautiful craftmanship of this magnificently renovated train

Summer Fun in the Rockies

Always plan ahead and make reservations when traveling during pandemic times. Our online advance research was invaluable in saving us from being turned away at both Rocky Mountain National Park and Strawberry Park Hot Springs where reserved, timed ticketing is required. We actually found timed admissions an advantage as they alleviate crowded conditions and traffic congestion. Festivals — Most major ski resorts count on festivals during the summer to bring in tourism dollars and keep the economy going, and Winter Park is no exception. Since building the Rendezvous outdoor event venue in the middle of town in 2017, visitors might find a variety of music or performances happening at any time. Blues From the Top, an annual blues festival, takes place June 24-26 this year, and the Winter Park Jazz Festival happens July 16-17. Wine and beer festivals are slated for later in the summer, as is the Winter Park Concert Series August 13September 3. For an exciting weekend, it’s fun to be around when the High Alpine Crooked Gravel Race is held every summer ( July 23 this year) that attracts hundreds of hardcore off-road cyclists who cover 30- and 67-mile courses of winding, high-altitude mountain roads in a quest for the $5,000 cash purse. For more information on events, check out playwinterpark.com

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station/hotel/restaurant complex. When it was completed in 1881, Union Station was the largest and grandest rail station in the West and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was renovated and reopened in 2014. We were back at our hotel just in time to enjoy sunset over the city from 54thirty, the rooftop bar with one of Denver’s trendiest happy hours atop the adjoining Le Meridien. We sipped elevated craft cocktails as the sky turned a dusty rose and the twinkling lights of high-rise buildings cast a glow throughout the city. Finally, we moved down to the ﬁrst ﬂoor for an exceptional dinner at Corinne’s. Specializing in American cuisine focusing on locally sourced ingredients, we toasted the perfect ending to an idyllic summer getaway.

Wildlflowers — One of my favorite summer pastimes in Colorado is wildflower hikes. It’s hard to beat a trek through colorful mountain valleys filled with columbines, Indian paintbrush and wild roses. Winter Park and the Fraser Valley offer hundreds of miles of trails to explore for all levels and ability of hiking. The high altitude and warm weather nudges spring wildflowers to bloom generally in July and August. Rocky Mountain National Park – Everyone needs to visit this majestic national park at least once. With its rugged peaks, lakes and trails, RMNP is filled with glorious hiking trails of all abilities and lengths, waterfalls and alpine lakes, and is renowned for its wildlife viewing. More than 3,000 elk, 800 bighorn sheep and herds of mule deer and moose live in the park.

Visitors who wish to traverse the entire park should plan to visit between Memorial Day and Labor Day when the two-lane Trail Ridge Road crossing the Continental Divide is generally open. A stop at the Visitors Center at the peak (12,183 feet) will make you feel like you are on top of the world. From Winter Park, you can enter at Grand Lake and end the day with a room in Estes Park. Be sure to book early, as Estes Park is a popular destination.

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New Crisis Center Aims to Empower Those Facing Challenges BY MARCIA BIGGS Melissa Dohme Hill didn’t know what hit her, didn’t think it would end like this. At the age of 20, she had a bright future ahead of her studying to be a nurse – this future did not include a high school boyfriend who was getting manipulative and disrespectful. She left him, ready to head off into a new adventure, when she agreed to one final meeting. One last hug, he said, is all he wanted. Instead, the ex-boyfriend pulled out a knife and stabbed her 32 times in the face, neck, arms and shoulders. Her life flashed before her eyes. When paramedics arrived, they placed her quickly in the ambulance, where she flatlined several times on the way to the hospital. She suffered a stroke and lost all the blood in her body. That was in 2012. Flash ahead ten years to January 2022. Melissa Dohme Hill is paying it forward. After recovering from the knifing, she is an outspoken advocate for victims of domestic abuse, speaking out to national media, at luncheons and lectures. She has told her story in People magazine, 48 HOURS “Live to Tell”, Inside Edition, Good Morning America, Today Show, BBC News, ABC’s 20/20, and other media outlets. Her story is one of strength and survival; and it’s a story she lives every day. Dohme Hill is now Director of Family Services for Julie Weintraub’s Hands Across the Bay, heading the new Donation and Empowerment Center. She now helps people in the community every day, working with individuals, local businesses and organizations, offering assistance and facilitating donations of food, clothing, transportation, and other aid to those in need. “We’re a rapid response center,” she explains. “We are a 501-c(3) not supported by county, state, or federal funding, the center relies solely on donations. This means we can solve problems fairly quickly without going through a lot of paperwork and red tape.” Hands Across the Bay was founded in 2010 by Julie Weintraub, known widely as the outgoing media personality, along with

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May/June 2022

husband Steve, for the Gold & Diamond Source jewelry store in Clearwater. The non-profit is aimed at helping individuals, families and small organizations in need. One of her passions, she admits, has been helping victims of domestic abuse. “What inspired me?” she asks. “I was very much affected by the OJ Simpson case. (He was acquitted in 1995 of murdering his wife, Nicole Brown Simpson. There was a record of domestic abuse.) Then I started hearing of other cases around Tampa Bay where women were being murdered, they were all related to domestic abuse that had escalated.” After meeting Dohme Hill and hearing her story of inspiration in 2013, Julie hired her to work for Hands Across the Bay. The new Empowerment Center was Melissa’s brainchild — she had long hoped to create a special place that would serve as a center for people in crisis, offering immediate help but also educational and wellness programs. Finding themselves with a small, rundown building being underutilized, Gold & Diamond Source donated it to the cause. A community of supporters jumped into action. The interior was completely gutted and renovated, a donation by David Lesser and Windstar Homes, a premier luxury homebuilding company. Paint was donated by Sherwin-Williams; kitchen appliances by Ferguson; food donations for the pantry arrived from The Kind Mouse; even toilet paper was donated by Plumbing by Paul for the center’s restrooms. Now the building features a modern kitchen with fully stocked pantry offering canned goods and a free washer/dryer; a children’s playroom; clothing/accessories/personal grooming supplies for men, women and children; linens, kitchenware and appliances; and a quiet room. “We serve anyone who is suffering a crisis not of their own fault,” Dohme Hill explains. This can extend from victims of domestic abuse and human trafficking to those facing eviction or health emergencies, or families needing food, she said. There is no shelter for overnight stays, and no therapy or counseling at this time.

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*** Courtney’s story is sadly typical. The 26-yearold single mother left an abusive boyfriend in December. “I knew he was going to kill me,” she said. “I left him with just the clothes I was wearing and my baby.” She admits to sleeping in her car a few nights until a local domestic abuse support program found her an apartment. She was ecstatic, but her joy soon turned to despair when the program said they would not pay her rent or living expenses. Desperate for help, Courtney reached out to Dohme Hill at Hands Across the Bay — they had met years ago at an event and she felt a connection. The Donation & Empowerment Center was able to immediately provide rent to avoid eviction, and invited Courtney to visit to obtain necessities. “I had nothing,” said Courtney. She was able to obtain diapers and canned foods, clothing and furnishings, do her laundry and find emotional support. She was provided with grocery and gas gift cards. Now, things are looking up. Her new boyfriend is kind and thoughtful, an immense support, and her residential cleaning business is getting off the ground. She credits the Donation & Empowerment Center with “saving my life.” Outreach at the Donation & Empowerment Center extends to many overcome with the challenges of daily life. Emily Johnson Weintraub, newly named Vice President of Hands Across the Bay, is producing a new weekly podcast called “The Garden Of Love And Life” at the Empowerment Center. Her topics and guests address domestic violence, sexual assault, eating disorders and bullying, and dealing with daily stress and trauma. “Many people involved in unhealthy or traumatic relationships suffer from a lack of self-love and don’t set boundaries,” she says. “My goal through the podcast is to prevent this and teach people how to heal.” To learn more about the Hands Across the Bay Donation and Empowerment Center or to donate, go to handsacrossthebay.com and click on Our Programs or call (727) 573-7720. The address of the Center is not publicized for safety reasons. Various support workshops are held regularly for first responders and others. To find Emily Johnson Weintraub’s podcast “The Garden of Love and Life” go to Spotify

May/June 2022

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Florida’s Summer Heat Can Be Dangerous For Pets BY REBECCA SCHIESS, DVM SPCA Tampa Bay Veterinary Center The summer season is right around the corner so let’s talk about keeping your pets cool. Florida’s hot summer people routine means ﬁnding ways to keep cool daily, like keeping the air conditioning on and staying hydrated. Protecting your pets against the heat is just as important. Heat is dangerous for pets because their bodies don’t regulate temperature the same way as humans. Because pets have fur, they don’t sweat; instead, they cool themselves by panting, which is a much slower process for cooling the body. Here are some tips to help keep your pets safe: Keep your pets cool by ﬁnding shade. We have many pet-

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friendly restaurant patios from St. Pete to Dunedin! Here in pet-friendly St. Pete, dogs often join their owners for daily activities. These shared activities are great for bonding with your pet, but you’ll need to ﬁnd a shady spot for them to escape the sun, and bring plenty of fresh water with you. Check the event you are attending to make sure they have accommodations for pets. Additionally, if you’re enjoying pool time or play time in your backyard, consider giving pets a break to cool oﬀ indoors — too much time in the sun can put them at risk for heatstroke. It may not be as much fun but consider leaving your pets at home. Errands before or after visiting a pet-friendly venue can be dangerous for your pet. A quick trip to the bank or a stop at the grocery store can easily turn into 10 minutes or more, and you may

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SPL LIVING be forced to leave your pet alone in a car longer than you anticipated. This poses a risk because the temperature in a vehicle can rise by 20 degrees in as little as 10 minutes. In only 15 minutes, a pet left inside a hot car can sustain brain damage or even die from heatstroke. If you must take your pet with you on errands, keep the car running with the air conditioning turned on.

tongue, a rapid heartbeat, fever, dry mucous, restlessness, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, excessive thirst, thick saliva, and lack of coordination. Pets can exhibit one, some or all of these symptoms during heatstroke. If you think your pet is experiencing heat exhaustion or stroke, rush to the nearest veterinarian or animal hospital.

When you take your pup for a walk consider going in the early morning or evening hours. Concrete pavement, blacktop surfaces and bricks can heat up quickly in the sun and burn your pet’s paws – a painful accident that veterinarians see often. Avoid walking or running with your dog in the middle of the day, when the sun is at its strongest and temperatures are at their peak. Surfaces can be cooler, along with air temperatures, in the morning and evening hours.

On your way to the animal hospital, you can start lowering your pet’s body temperature by placing wet towels, or ice packs wrapped in towels, along your pet’s chest, abdomen, and/or neck. Let your pet drink small amounts of water or lick ice cubes. For more information on pet health and other pet blog topics visit our website at spcatampabay.org

Refrain from taking your pet on bike rides. Having your dog run alongside your bike can be dangerous for you and your pet. Your attention is split between keeping control of both your dog and your bike, making it more likely that you could have an accident. Because you’re focused on potential road hazards, you may not pick up on cues that your dog is tired or overheated as quickly as you would during a walk.

SPCA PAWDcast SPCA Tampa Bay is helping to bring timely information to the community with a bi-weekly PAWDcast series airing on Wednesday (May 11 and May 25) at noon on the SPCA Facebook page (Facebook.com/SPCATampaBay) and LinkedIn. Hosted by SPCA Marketing Oﬃcer Eric Keaton, the lively podcast features special guests and covers topics from local happenings for pets and their people, to pet health care and more.

And ﬁnally and most important is to know the signs of heatstroke. This is a medical emergency for humans and pets. Early signs of heatstroke can be subtle, such as your pet seeming less responsive than normal to general commands. Clear symptoms include heavy panting, their lethargic, lack of appetite, a dark

Do you have a special pet or topic for an episode? To be a guest, e-mail Eric Keaton at ekeaton@spcatampabay.org Watch past PAWDcast episodes on the SPCA Tampa Bay YouTube channel at youtube.com/user/SPCATampaBay.

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Spice It Up

St. Pete chef wants to share his passion in cooking classes. BY MARCIA BIGGS It’s a Friday night and things are heating up inside the Savory Spice shop in downtown St. Pete. Tonight’s cooking class is a Taste of Morocco and the dozen or so people seated at tables have their check lists and recipes in hand as we watch the demonstration unfold before us. The menu: Roasted Cauliflower with sweet paprika, cumin, garlic and honey; Kefta Puff Pastry stuffed with ground beef with Garam Masala and Tan-Tan seasoning; Moroccan Chickpeas; Chicken Tagine and Lamb Meatballs. Roving assistants keep our wine glasses filled as we watch Chef Ivan Jeanblanc and wife Peigi mix and chop and fry and bake. Volunteers are called up and a few oblige to come stir or add ingredients, as the rest of us listen, take notes and ask questions. Tastings of each course are brought to our tables as Chef Ivan relays

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May/June 2022

tips about cooking with spices and passes around samples for us to sniﬀ. At the tables, we are a mix of experienced and beginner cooks, couples out for a date night, gal pals out for a fun evening. Tired of the bar scene or loud restaurants? Consider a fun two hours learning new recipes, meeting new people, and exploring a world of spices, vinegars, sugars and salts, sauces and marinades from around the world. Oh yes, you get dinner, too. Chef Ivan is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to elevating food with spices. “Turning good recipes into great ones often lies in creating a blend of multiple spices that perfectly match with the main ingredient of the recipe,” he says. “It is comparable to using just salt and pepper

SPL LIVING in a dish versus an array of spices that result in a new taste sensation.”

to be eating a lot of brunches. So I had time to compile one recipe a week – hence the 52 weeks – for the entire year,” Chef Ivan says.

For example, shrimp can be good with basic seasoning. However, you can take shrimp to a new level if you combine selected chili powders, lime powder, Mexican oregano and cumin into the recipe, he explains. “Another example in the vegan world is the use of chickpeas as a protein. With basic seasoning again they can be good, but we can make them great by using a blend of Sumac, toasted sesame seeds, cumin, thyme and marjoram.” The Jeanblancs celebrated one year at the Savory Spice shop in early March. It was mid-pandemic when they opened their doors and business was slow, so Chef Ivan decided to publish a cookbook. “A Year of Brunches, 52 Weeks of Recipes to Explore” debuted at the anniversary weekend. “We love brunches, they are so versatile and during the pandemic we seemed

The beautiful hard-cover book, which is for sale at Savory Spice, is filled with a wide array of brunch dishes from eggs, casseroles, and pastries to specialties from around the world. Of course, spices are the secret ingredient in each, sometimes a little, sometimes a lot. But back to the classes. As the pandemic wound down, cooking classes picked up. Now Chef Ivan offers one or two a week and they generally fill in advance. Recent topics have covered Wine and Spice Pairing, Spice Boot Camp, Tasty Thai Cuisine, Cajun Cooking, and the Taste of Morocco. And don’t worry if you don’t have the right spices in your home pantry. Savory Spice offers hundreds of spices, sauces, marinades, and other accents you soon won’t be able to live without.

UPCOMING CLASSES Cook with Chef Ivan at these upcoming classes: Around the World Cooking (May 20), Summer Wines and Spice Pairing (June 10), Father’s Day Cooking (June 17) and Refreshing Summer Salads (June 26). Class prices average $45-$50 and they ﬁll in advance. For more information, go to facebook.com/SavorySpiceShop, go to savoryspiceshop.com/stpetersburg or call (727) 290-9893.

Stuffed French Toast For French Toast: 2 eggs 1 cup milk ½ cup sugar 1 tbsp ground cinnamon 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract 4 (3/4-inch thick) slices of Hawaiian sweet bread, brioche or challah bread Whipped cream for serving For ﬁlling: 1 cup cream cheese ½ cup chocolate chips 1 cup berries (diced strawberries, blueberries and raspberries) ¼ cup sugar 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract 1. Fold all the ﬁlling ingredients together in a bowl until well incorporated but not completely smooth. 2. Combine all the French toast ingredients in a large bowl until fully combined. 3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 4. Heat a large sauté pan and then add butter. Dredge the bread in the batter and place in the pan. Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 2 minutes. Remove from pan and

let cool. Divide ﬁlling between two pieces of the bread and place other two pieces on top. 5. Place French toast in oven and bake for 10 minutes. 6. Cut the French toast in half and serve with syrup and whipped cream. Serves 2. Recipe/photo from A Year of Brunches: 52 Weeks of Recipes to Explore.

May/June 2022

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DINING OUT

What’s in Your Wine?

Organic and biodynamic winemaking is not as uncommon as you might think. BY WILL HOWARD Today we are more conscious about what level of chemicals or additives might end up in our food and drinks. This is making organic and biodynamic wines a fast growing trend. Organic has slightly varying technical definitions depending on the country the wines come from, but organic essentially means that chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and artificial additives are not used in the production of the wine. Biodynamic includes all basic organic guidelines, with the addition of a spiritual, ecological, and self-sustainable philosophy. With biodynamic wineries, the vineyard is thought of as a self-sustaining ecosystem. This means having other plants and animals in the vineyard, such as cover crops, bees, or even goats. Each plant and animal in the ecosystem plays a role in creating healthy soil and ecological sustainability for the long term. This discussion in wine is important today, as it aligns with consumers’ demands, but organic farming and sustainability has already been considered the best practices in winemaking by many great wineries. You won’t always see it on the label because it is expensive and may not be necessary for the winery, but organic and biodynamic winemaking is not as uncommon as you might think. Some well-known practicing biodynamic producers include: Benziger, Morlet, and Tablas Creek in California; Michel Chapoutier, Domaine Leroy, and Domaine Leflaive in France; And Pingus, Pinord, and Ruiz Jiménez in Spain. These are only a few among many. Organic is regulated by the USDA for American wineries and Demeter is the regulating authority for biodynamic wines internationally. There is another term in wine that is loosely connected to organic and biodynamic wines. Natural wine. Natural wine is not a term that has any regulating body or even a clear definition. The ambiguity, for me, means that you can understand “Natural” as a marketing word or stylistic description, but does not guarantee what is or is not in the wine. “Natural” is often used

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May/June 2022

word “natural” without restriction.

interchangeably with terms like “low intervention,” “raw,” “naked,” or “natty.” The intent of natural wine is wine without additives, minimal sulﬁtes, and organic/biodynamic farming practices. However, the natural wine terms have created controversy in wine because anyone can market their wine using the

Organic and biodynamic wines won’t necessarily taste any different than any other bottle of wine. Wineries have just found that they are able to produce the best quality wine when using organic or biodynamic practices. These are some of my recommendations if you’re looking for organic/biodynamic wines. Kuentz-Bas, Tradition, Pinot Blanc, Alsace, France — Organic (certified) and Biodynamic (certified) This is a crisp, clean, and refreshing white wine. A great warm weather wine with floral aromas, sweet citrus, yellow apples, and peach. Tablas Creek Vineyard, Mourvèdre, Adelaida District, Paso Robles, CA — Organic (certified) and Biodynamic (certified) A vibrant spicy nose of boysenberry and plum, the 2019 Mourvedre shows a spicy nose of brambly raspberry, new leather, and sugar plum. The mouth shows a lovely core of red fruit, held together by a spine of plum skin acidity and deepened by an earthy, loamy complexity. Sweet baking spices, crunchy red fruit, and salty minerality come out on the finish. Morlet Family Vineyards, Morlet Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA — Organic (practicing) and Biodynamic (practicing) — Intense and complex bouquet of red cherry and blackberry intermixed with notes of minerals (graphite, wet river rocks), licorice, fresh blond tobacco and a hint of fresh blackcurrant. Col d’Orcia, Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy — Organic (certified) Excellent structure, full bodied and balanced. The enveloping tannic structure leads to a fruity, pleasant, long finish. Will Howard is Sommelier at Rococo Steak in St. Petersburg, FL

SPL LIVING

Mercedes-Benz GLE450 SUV is in a Class of Its Own BENZ GLE450 Tires: 275/45ZR21 front, 315/40ZR21 rear Wheelbase: 117.9 inches Length: 194.3 inches Height: 70.7 inches Width: 84.9 inches Weight: 4,991 pounds Fuel capacity: 22.5 gallons City: 20 mpg Highway: 25 mpg Base price: $63,500 Price as tested: $81,405 Web site: www.mbusa.com

BY NITISH S. RELE Some may recall the M Class. That was pre-2015. Thereafter, Mercedes-Benz retitled the popular midsize luxury GLE fitting it between the smaller GLC and the bigger GLS. Regardless of the nomenclature, the 2022 Benz GLE450 is a wonderful blend of power and sophistication that offers spice and entertainment both on and off-road. Under the hood of the five-seater 4Matic (all-wheel drive) SUV is ensconced a 3.0-liter inline-6 turbo engine putting out 369 horsepower @ 6100 rpm and 369 pounds-feet of torque @ 4000 rpm. It integrates an EQ starter-generator (located between engine and transmission) to save fuel as well as enhance torque. Essentially, what would be called a hybrid electric motor at work, too. This is no speedster but 0 to 60 in 5.5 seconds and top speed of 130 mph is no small feat! Power reaches all four wheels via a meaty, crispy and accurate 9-speed auto gearbox. The independent double-wishbone front and multilink rear suspension with soil springs works well to absorb unpleasant bumps and sudden turns on the road. Handling and steering feel were good overall, thanks to the electro-mechanical rackand-pinion. Tow capacity for the steel unibody structure is commendable at 7,700 pounds. Up front, the face is instantly recognizable as a Benz, highlighted by a two-slot diamond black AMG grille (optional) with the familiar three-pointed star emblem. Power domes on the bulging hood meet up with horizontal LED headlights to convey an attractive stance.

Space is ample in both rows and the dashboard and center console is complemented by alluring wood and lush weather to give the SUV a classy ambiance. A touchpad controls the audio, nav and phone infotainment on the massive 12.3-inch screen, also similar in size to the digital instrument cluster. A personal infotainment system, or the all-new MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), works through voice, touch and even hand gestures (just say, Hey Mercedes!). It can’t get any more intuitive and personal for new Benz owners. Other creature comforts include dual auto a/c, power/tilt slide moon roof, 10-way power front heated seats, 40/20/40 fold rear seat and copious aluminum accents. Safety is priority in any Benz and begins with dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, driver knee airbag, electronic stability and traction control, four-wheel antilock brakes, active parking/brake and lane keep assists, blind spot monitor, Presafe, forward-collision and lane departure warnings, rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights. Packed with tech- and infotain-laden features, the GLE450 delivers performance and style that’s matchless for the money. You will be hard-pressed to ﬁnd a midsize luxury SUV that will pay heed to your command (Hey Mercedes!) as you experience the exceptional ride. Nitish S. Rele, editor/publisher of Motoring Tampa Bay and Khaas Baat, is a former automotive editor/columnist for The Tampa Tribune. He can be reached at motoringtampabay@gmail.com

May/June 2022

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FOOD BITES St. Petians can now score freshly baked loaves of Cuban bread and pastries at La Segunda Bakery & Café, 2436 4th Street N. The family owned and operated bakery opened in March. It first opened in 1915 in Ybor City, expanding in 2018 with a second location on Kennedy Boulevard in Tampa. The St. Pete location offers many of the same menu items as its Tampa locations, including made-to-order Cuban sandwiches, salads, guava and cheese turnovers, Italian cookies, flan and other favorites. And, yes, La Segunda brews Ybor-based Naviera brand coffee. With a St. Pete Pier location a resounding success after opening in July 2020, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille owners have announced the opening of a second location on Bay Pines Boulevard. Fort Myersbased HM Restaurant Group purchased the waterfront property formerly occupied by Green Iguana but vacant for nearly a decade. The expansive new location is expected to have more than 300 seats; an opening date has not been finalized.

House of Vegano, a plant-based sushi bar, has been getting rave reviews since opening March 21 inside of The Body Electric Athletic Co. at 655 31st Street S. in the Warehouse Arts District. Vegan sushi might sound strange, but owner/chef Thalia Tatham is not new to the game — she’s been researching and serving creative vegan cuisine across Tampa Bay for several years as a vendor at pop-ups and festivals. How does she do it? She substitutes veggies that have been marinated and spiced to attain similar taste and texture to seafood. For example, the Spicy Krab Roll ($18) uses king oyster mushrooms to ﬁll in for the crab. The short menu relies on a half dozen rolls that are also gluten-free, but Tatham plans to expand the menu. Most patrons order to-go, but the cute café with a large mural of Frida Kahlo holding a sushi roll between two chopsticks has comfortable bar seating and a few tables. Grab a seat and be sure to order a Beech kombucha, made right next door.

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FOOD BITES You’ll feel like you’re stepping into a black and white animation cartoon when you enter 2D Café, at 2105 Central Avenue in the Grand Central District. The European style café, taking over the former spot of swahrey bakery, often has a queue out the door since opening in early April (it already has more than 4,200 followers on Instagram). The big “draw” is the two-dimensional immersive art painted by local artist Chad Mize.

The Museum of Fine Arts recently opened Café Clementine, an artisanal bakery and café, after being café-less for nearly two years due to the pandemic. Café Clementine serves pastries and seasonal salads and lunch dishes, with a focus on organic or locally produced ingredients. It’s managed by husband and wife duo Vince and Paulina Gervasi, and is open Thursday through Sunday from 9 am to 3 pm with indoor and outdoor seating.

The 2-D craze took off in Japan several years ago and is spreading to cities around the world. Mize spent a month and a half covering the inside of the café from floor to ceiling with the 2-D illustrations. Owners Maria Kyriakidou and Andrea Pawliz and general manager Alex Campbell helped with the linework. The bistro style menu serves coffee, wine, European pastries and light lunch items. Hours are WednesdaySunday, 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

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DINING GUIDE

St. Petersburg

Seafood 400 Beach Seafood and Taphouse Locally sourced coastal cuisine on the downtown waterfront. From seafood to steaks, salads and appetizers, a favorite for Sunday brunch and outdoor dining. 400 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg (727) 896-2400; 400beachseafood.com $$$ Trophy Fish - Drink Like a Fish is the moniker here, so be prepared for a casual nautical atmosphere, lively crowd and fresh local ﬁsh and seafood that changes daily. Dinner only; opens at noon on Saturdays and Sundays. 2060 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 258-7883; trophyﬁshstpete.com $$ 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 $$$

to entrees like Cedar Plank Salmon and Banana Leaf Snapper. 610 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg (727) 857-8118; docfords.com $$$ Sea Salt - Upscale, urban and known for its raw bar and impeccably fresh seafood, this is the place to impress while enjoying a sunset over the downtown skyline. Located at Sundial, the airy and sophisticated eatery specializes in seasonal and organic ingredients, an extensive wine collection and craft cocktails. 183 2nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727) 873-7964; seasaltstpete. com $$$$ Island Grille & Raw Bar – Expansive waterfront dining focusing on fresh seafood, steaks, pasta, chicken, sandwiches and raw bar. Island Grille attracts a fun crowd of families, boaters and local sun-seekers who gravitate here for the food, tropical drinks and massive outdoor patio. 210 Madonna Blvd, Tierra Verde; (727) 767-0020; islandrawbar.com $$$

American/Fine

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 $$$ Rococo Steak - Fine dining in a sophisticated steakhouse with Executive Chef Jordan Buendia offering a chic twist on classic fare. Outstanding wine selection and service. 655 2nd Ave. S., St. Petersburg (727) 822-0999; rococosteak.com $$$$

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille - Shorts and flip-flops are welcome at this popular waterfront eatery on the St. Pete Pier named after a character in Randy Wayne White novels. Seafood with a Caribbean flair includes crab cakes and fish tacos

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following who come for dependable steaks, chops and seafood specialties. 131 2nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727) 821-4139; ruthschris.com $$$

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

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 home of the “Fonzworth Bentley,” a $100 Wagyu beef burger. 200 Central Ave UNIT 100, St. Petersburg (727) 317-3930; themillrestaurants.com $$

ghost, charming Isabelle’s embodies classic Old Florida/Southern ambiance and cuisine. Specialties include Shrimp & Grits and Salmon Florentine. Ask for a seat on the covered verandah or in the lushly landscaped patio. Sunday Brunch is 10 am to 3 pm. 2937 Beach Blvd. S. Gulfport, FL (727) 346-9800 isabellesgulfport.com $$

Asian/Fusion 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 $$$$

American/Casual

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 $$ Dr. BBQ - Don’t be surprised if grilling champ and TV food celebrity Ray Lampe (Dr. BBQ) stops by to say hello. His modern American ‘que is some of the best in town, with imaginative twists to housesmoked meats, awesome Southern desserts and ﬁnger-lickin’ sauces and sides. 1101 1st St. S., St. Petersburg (727) 443-7227; drbbqs.com $$ The Mill - A locals and tourists favorite for American style cuisine with Southern inﬂuence. Lively atmosphere, indoor and outdoor dining on a bustling stretch of Central Ave. Excellent craft cocktails and

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 $$

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 $$$ Datz - Hearty and even sinful comfort foods from loaded burgers and fried chicken to pancakes and nachos. Leave your diet at home for the Nashville Chicken Doughnut. Lively and casual indoor and outdoor dining and drinking. 180 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 202-1182; datztampa.com/stpete $$ 22 South Food Hall - A variety of ethnic and American dishes from Spanish Chicken and Rice to Cajun Pasta and Southern Meatloaf are on the menu at St. Pete’s only downtown food hall. Family friendly with kids menu; lively nightspot with music on weekends. 642 22nd St. S, St. Petersburg (727) 592-1267 $$

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 $$ The Lemon Grass - Immense Asian tapas menu with sushi, rolls, Thai dishes, fried rice, noodles and much more. Popular for carry-out via online ordering. 310 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 894-1111; lemongrasstapas.com $-$$

Ethnic/Global

Isabelle’s at the Historic Peninsula InnNamed after the inn’s friendly resident

Lingr - Highly imaginative Nordic and Asian-inspired menu is reﬂective of Chef Jeffrey Jew’s heritage. The new eatery is making waves for fresh sustainable seafood with a contemporary ﬂair. Dinner only. 400 6th Street S., St. Petersburg (727) 471-6120; lingrrestaurant.com $$$

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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 $$$

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 $$$

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$$$

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 $$$

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 $$

Studio Public House - Fun and funky dining in an old gas station-turnedrecording studio-turned neighborhood English/American pub. Creative sandwiches, ﬂatbreads, vegan and veggie, but you can’t beat the Madras Balti Curry and Dragonﬁre Vindaloo. 2950 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 873-6992; thestudiopublichouse.com $-$$

Italian 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 $$$ Gratzzi Ristorante - Classic Italian cuisine in a warm, friendly environment. Choose from steak and seafood to traditional Italian favorites like Pork Ossobuco and Veal Saltimbocca. Known for their Cavatelli Bada Bing, pasta prepared tableside in a wheel of parmesan cheese. Dinner only. 211 2nd St. S., St. Petersburg (727) 623-9037; gratzzigrille.com $$$

Chief’s Creole Café - Downhome Cajun and Creole favorites in a family-run café range from gumbo and jambalaya to red beans and rice, shrimp and grits and etouffee. 901 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg (727) 498-8979; chiefscreole.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 $$$ Red Mesa Cantina - Longtime fave for fans of fresh Mexican cuisine in a hip urban setting, come here to sit in the courtyard with a margarita or sangria and indulge in tacos, salads, enchiladas, quesadillas and burritos and bowls. 128 3rd St. S., St. Petersburg (855) 265-0812; redmesacantina.com $$

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May/June 2022

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 $$$ Sea Dog Cantina - Mexican favorites in a fun atmosphere include tapas, tacos, enchiladas, burgers, shrimp al carbon, fajitas, salads and more. Select from one of several dining rooms, or try to snag a table by the fountain on the patio. Margaritas and sangria are top-notch; a great date night spot. 2832 Beach Blvd. S, Gulfport (727) 914-0112; cantina.seadogbrewing.com $$

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 $$$$ Beau & Mo’s Italian Eating House Although considered a Chicago-style steakhouse, this family run dining spot has consistently won accolades for traditional Italian specialties like Linguini and Clams and Chicken Marsala. Classy yet casual, a lively atmosphere perfect for groups and families. Dinner only. 2924 5th Ave.N., St. Petersburg (727) 771-3690 $$$

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 $$$ Pia’s Trattoria and Pia’s Veranda – The Trattoria’s romantic indoor/outdoor dining rooms, excellent service and classic menu, make it one of the top Italian restaurants in the region. Favorites include a classic Beef Carpaccio from grass-fed cattle, Linguini Alla Vongole and Penne Quatro Formaggio al Forno. Across the street, a more casual sister location offers shady outdoor seating and live music daily. Both locations open at 4 pm. 3054/3038 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport (727) 327-2190; piastrattoria.com $$$

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 $$

Healthy/Fusion

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 $$$

Love Food Central - This small neighborhood café serves only vegan and gluten-free sandwiches, soups, salads and the amazing Awesome Burger (beet and black bean patty with an awesome sauce) that will inspire you to eat healthy more often. 2057 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 317-2034; lovefoodcentral.com $$ Golden Dinosaur – Voted Best Vegan Restaurant in Tampa Bay, The Dino serves an impressive menu of salads, sandwiches, tacos, Cubans and reubens, even chili, French dips and Beyond burgers, all made with meat substitutes. Betcha can’t tell the difference. Open 11 am to 7 pm daily; popular for carry-outs. 2930 Beach Blvd., Gulfport. goldendinosaurs.com $$

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