St. Pete Life Nov/Dec 2024

Helpful Hint

Got a smelly cutting board? Cut a lemon in half, then using the cut side with salt, scrub the board, rinse and enjoy the fresh smell!

Doug King, CR, UDCP, MBA, CGC, NARI National Past President 2020/2021

Multiple Award Winning Contractor!

• Certified Remodeler (CR)

• Certified Remodeling Project Managers (CRPM)

• Certified Lead Carpenters (CLC)

• Universal Design Certified Professionals (UDCP)

Our community has suffered tremendous damage and I know that many of you that read this have lost most of your personal contents. My heart goes out to each and every one of you and hope that you have found a safe place to be surrounded by family and friends while you make insurance claims and try to figure out what to do next. Only by coming together, supporting each other and sharing information can we re-build our communities.

There are numerous sources for finding the facts regarding your home repairs and the 50% Rule. Although we may not be able to provide many personal needs, we can help you wade thru all of the misinformation and help guide you to meet FEMA Guidelines whether it’s a remodel, build-up or tear down and re-build. We have over 18 years of experience in working in FEMA Flood plains. If you are thinking about selling asis, I encourage you to contact a professional real estate agent, many who advertise in this publication, to review your options.

Let’s not let the political climate deter us from re-building our lives and being respectful of our neighbors during this challenging time. God bless us all!

SPFC is helping our community recover by providing:

• Healthy, nutritious food to restock food lost during days of power outages.

• Necessary baby items like diapers, wipes and formula.

• Much needed hygiene items.

A gift to SPFC today helps provide all of those items, along with the sense of caring, support and the knowledge that this community comes together to help those in need.

The Nolen New Construction in Downtown St Pete 126 4th Avenue NE #1302

Last remaining 3 bed | 3 bath | 2,156 sf residence with expansive balcony for sunrise and sunset views in new boutique condominium. The Nolen is a designated green building with no shared walls and only 31 residences.

Offered at $2,775,000 Happy Holidays from our

What a fall season it’s been here in Tampa Bay! Our hearts go out to each and every person, organization and business that suffered from the devastating wind and floods caused by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. While we still continue to deal with the aftermath in many ways, I think most people will agree that St. Pete came through with remarkable emergency response teams both before and after the storms. We are especially grateful for Mayor Ken Welch and the entire city staff who picked up the pieces immediately and gave 110 percent no matter the personal cost.

But city staff is far from the only ones who performed herculean measures. Thousands of non-profits, churches, neighborhood teams and volunteer groups and individuals jumped in to save or support the people in their community. Feeding, clothing and sheltering families, searching for the elderly and stranded, delivering food and water … these just scratch the surface of the extraordinary kindness that swept the region.

While we let the TV news and newspapers report on a lot of the heroes, we felt compelled to ask readers to send us their nominations for those not often recognized. People who may have slipped between the news cracks. Take a look at our Hometown Heroes feature to learn about these unrecognized people doing good deeds for their neighbors.

In other content, we offer up our annual Guide to Holiday Happenings, visit the rare collection of Aubudon Birds of America at the Museum of Fine Arts, nosh at the new High Tea and History at the Vinoy Resort, and give you an inside look at Mazzaro’s, St. Pete’s sprawling familyrun Italian Market that becomes especially popular during the holiday season. (Hopefully, you have made your bakery reservations already!) And don’t forget to make reservations for your holiday lunches and dinners early. Our Dining Out Restaurant Guide gives you an updated look at all the delicious options around town.

Wishing you a joyous and safe holiday season!

Beth Ann Drake Publisher bdrake@stpetelifemag.com

M cia Biggs Editor editor@stpetelifemag.com

PUBLISHER/CEO

Beth Ann Drake

EDITOR

Marcia Biggs

ART DIRECTOR

Alicia Brown

ADVERTISING

Ed Barry Ad Director / Photographer

Betsy Phillips Senior Account Executive

Debbie Radsick Account Executive

CONTRIBUTORS

Anne Zimmerman Briand / Pam Coyle

Ernest Hooper / Kristin Davis

Tiffani Thiesen / Monica Kile /Doug King

Nitish S. Rele / Sean Goodrich

CO-FOUNDER/BUSINESS MANAGER

Ralph Zuckerman

Want SPL delivered directly to your home or office? Go to www.stpetelifemag.com/subscribe.

260 1st Avenue S. Suite 200-151 St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Advertising: 813.447.9900 bdrake@stpetelifemag.com

Editorial: editor@stpetelifemag.com

Facebook.com/StPeteLifeMag www.StPeteLifeMag.com

On The Cover:

Starfish Santa shares the holiday spirit and illustrates the strength and unity that St. Pete represents. #HometownHeros

building contractor noun

a person or business entity that contracts to be in charge of a building project usually involving the use of subcontractors called also originalcontractor,prime,primecontractor

Holiday Happenings

It may not snow here, but St. Petersburg celebrates the holiday season with gloriously sunny days and brisk evenings. Take a stroll along the waterfront to see thousands of holiday lights and decorations in North Straub Park, South Straub Park, Pioneer Park, and at the St. Pete Pier.

It’s a Florida-style Winter Wonderland! Plenty of family friendly festivities are on tap around St. Pete this holiday season from beloved performances of Christmas classics like The Nutcracker and St. Pete Opera’s Holiday Sparkle to New Year’s Eve on the Pier. Mark your calendars now so you may enjoy all the season has to offer!

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet at Mahaffey Theater

City Events

Sponsored by the City of St. Petersburg and the St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation Department. For more information on these events, go to stpeteparksrec.org/holidayevents/ or call (727) 893-7441.

Nov. 30 – Santa Parade and Tree Lighting. Santa Parade starts at 6:30 pm at Albert Whitted Park and moves along the waterfront to 5th Ave. NE where the annual Tree Lighting takes place in North Straub Park with Mayor Ken Welch.

Dec 7 – Snowfest, 9 am to 2 pm. in North Straub Park, toboggan slides for adults and children, inflatables, arts and crafts tents, food trucks and more. A $5 wristband includes all activities.

Dec. 7 – Jingle Jazz, 4-7 pm Enoch Davis Center. Live performances of smooth jazz holiday favorites, dancing and dinner in a festive atmosphere for ages 18 and up. Cost $25, https://www.stpeteparksrec.org/holidayevents/

Dec. 7, 14, 21 – Holiday Movies in the Park, free outdoor screening with photo ops with Santa, reindeer games and concession. Bring blankets or lawn chair; event opens at 6:30 pm. Dec. 7 – “Nightmare Before Christmas” at Huggins-Stengal Field, 1320 5th St. N; Dec. 14 – “The Grinch” at Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Dr. NE; Dec. 21 – movie and location TBD.

Dec, 13-14 - S’mores With Santa – 6-8 pm at Pioneer Settlement at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 3010 31st. St. S, Gate 2 Gather round the fire to make s’more, crafts and spend time with Santa.

Dec. 14-23 – Meet Santa in the Park, 6-9 pm in North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Dr. NE, bring the family for a meet-and-greet with Santa for perfect photo ops.

Dec. 31 – New Year’s Eve at the Pier from 8 pm to 12:30 am is back for a fun outdoor evening complete with music, food trucks and cocktails to toast the New Year. It’s all capped off by the city’s biggest fireworks extravaganza at midnight. Free.

Holiday Lights Tours

Star Trolley is rolling out two holiday lights tours this year – one designed for families and one for adults 21 and up. Family Friendly Lights Tours will be offered at 6 and 8 pm (check-in starts at 5:30 and 7:30 pm) with a comedian tour guide to keep you laughing. Wear your ugliest sweaters for an Ugly Sweater Competition. Bring your own drinks and snacks; cost is $35. Adult-only Lights After Dark tour is a late-night tour with comedian tour guide, Ugly Sweater Competition; BYOB drinks and snacks (alcohol allowed). Trolley leaves at 10 pm with 9:30 pm check-in time. Tours start November 29 and run through December 22. Tickets and information at star-trolley.com/tours.

On Stage

Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts Mahaffey Theater:

Dec. 14 – Classical Christmas with Florida Orchestra, 8 pm

Dec. 20 – A Very Broadway Christmas, 4 pm and 8 pm

Dec. 21 – Holiday Pops with Florida Orchestra, 2 pm and 8 pm

Dec. 28-29 – Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet; times vary

Other

Nov. 23 – The Music of Vince Guaraldi: A Charlie Brown Christmas. Celebrate the holiday season with award-winning pianist Dr. Zachery Bartholomew, The Palladium, 8 pm, Side Door Cabaret. mypalladium.org

Dec 6-8 The St. Petersburg Ballet Company’s production of The Nutcracker, featuring students from the Academy of Ballet Arts, Inc., Hough Hall at The Palladium, times vary.

Dec. 8 – Holiday Sparkle in the Park, presented by the Holiday Sparkle Singers of St. Pete Opera, North Straub Park, 3 pm, VIP seating $35 per person; or bring your own folding chair or blanket and pay what you can; stpeteopera.org

Dec. 17-18 - Holiday Sparkle presented by St. Petersburg Opera at the Hough Hall, Palladium. A Holiday Pops theme promises an array of holiday favorites from the opera’s talented cast members. 7:30 pm; stpeteopera.org

Continued on next page

Miniature Winter Wonderland

What started out decades ago as a family Christmas display in Bruce and Pat Harting’s St. Petersburg garage, now has a life of its own as a starring attraction at one of the city’s largest craft breweries. Every holiday season for the past decade, 3 Daughters Brewing has hosted the Harting’s massive North Pole Winter Wonderland, drawing multi-generational visitors from near and far. Grand opening of the festive display is expected to be November 15.

Each year the sprawling animated Christmas village with six running model trains, some 340 buildings and close to 400 miniature people and animals, takes over two months to erect in the brewery’s main tasting room. A sprawling Alpine Village features snow-covered churches and moving ski lifts with tiny skiers. In the sky, air balloons fly and on the ground, a Ferris wheel spins while trains whiz by. There is an entire section devoted to Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus complete with a cast of performers on the trapeze and the high wire, tiny animals and bleachers under the big tops filled with tiny spectators. And for baseball fans, check out the Field of Dreams, a miniature baseball field surrounded by, what else, corn fields.

If you happen to stop by when there is live music, plan to grab a beer or cider and hang out for a while; food available.

3 Daughters North Pole Winter Wonderland is open during normal brewery business hours through January 14. Groups are welcome with advance notice. 3 Daughters Brewing, 222 22nd St. S, St. Petersburg, opens at 11:30 a.m. daily. Closing hours vary.  3dbrewing.com (727)-495-6002

Star Trolley

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Dec. 20-24 – Dickens’ A Christmas Carol in Concert at freeFall Theatre, times vary. Tickets at freefalltheatre.com.

Fairs and Fests

Nov. 23-24 - Tampa Bay Holiday Market at The Coliseum, 10 am to 5 pm, free admission, free parking. Local vendors provide unique holiday gifts including home essentials, handmade gifts, cosmetics, holiday decor, food, apparel, accessories, and more.

Nov. 30-Dec. 1 - Shopapalooza Festival at Vinoy Park, 350+ local makers and small businesses present annual shopping extravaganza; food, beer and wine, live entertainment and children’s activities all weekend long. Free admission.

Nov. 29-Dec. 31 - The Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo presents the annual Holiday Lights in the Gardens featuring over 1 million LED lights and other holiday themed decorations. 5:309:30 pm nightly; admission by donation.

Note: First Night will not be held this year. This listing may be incomplete due to advance deadlines for publication.

Holiday Sparkle In the Park

Holiday Pops with The Florida Orchestra

Aqua Lanterns

A dazzling array of lighted sea life sculptures takes over Clearwater Marine Aquarium this holiday season.

A special exhibit of colorful Chinese lanterns brings the underwater marine world alive on special evenings during Aqua Lanterns: A Chinese Festival of Lights at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Since opening Oct. 16, the after-hours experience will be available Thursday through Sunday evenings and select dates during the holidays through February 2.

As the sun sets, guests can stroll through a mesmerizing marine world and discover over 30 beautifully-crafted lantern displays in a glowing seascape, featuring illuminated sculptures up to 13 feet tall of whales, turtles, dolphins, sharks as well as penguins, jellyfish and other sea creatures. Visitors are also invited to explore the aquarium’s real-life rescued dolphins,

sea turtles, stingrays and other resident animals, and explore a number of marine life habitats throughout the aquarium.

The family-friendly evenings will include entertainment throughout the evening as strolling performers dance to live music; for adults, the bar features festive specialty drinks to set the mood. Aqua Lantern hours are 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.

Tickets are $55 per person and must be purchased online. For more information and tickets, go to cmaquarium.org/aqua-lanterns/. Additional holiday dates are Nov. 25-27, Dec. 23, Dec. 30 (Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).

A Conversation With… Donald Carlson

Owner and Founder, Tweeds Custom Suits

BY MARCIA BIGGS

It’s the week after two massive hurricanes came barreling through Tampa Bay causing destruction and chaos, but Donald Carlson, resplendent in a dazzling blue suit, greets a visitor with enthusiasm and a broad smile. Despite the doom and gloom that otherwise prevails, Carlson is on a roll. In June, he opened his third Tweeds Custom Suits, a 1400-square foot boutique on a thriving block along Central Avenue in downtown St. Petersburg. Shortly after, he opened two locations in Baldwin Park (Orlando) and in the Naples Design District. Just one year ago, the energetic entrepreneur opened his first brick-and-mortar location in Sarasota; then a shop in Tampa.

Carlson’s journey started in 2019 with a dream of a mobile custom suit business. He designed and built a roving retail shop inside a 16-foot box truck, driving around downtown Sarasota with the truck essentially his business billboard. He would park at various high-traffic locations like Kahwa coffee and popular restaurants in hopes of attracting walk-up customers. It worked. Curious passersby would gaze in the back of the truck where Carlson was waiting and his business took off. But the city didn’t take kindly to his modus operandi, so he was able to rent parking space at a mall where he operated his business as a pop-up for more than two years.

“When I first opened Tweeds never did I ever imagine I would open a brick and mortar store,” Carlson admits. “The idea was always to be a mobile custom clothier and we still do that today, but the more I worked out of the truck I realized I needed a brick and mortar location, so I opened the first shop in downtown Sarasota.”

designed to “suit” the residents of that location and staffed with professional style consultants. The location in St. Pete is a fun and relaxing sports theme, complete with a mini basketball court, velvet couches and a large mural of Carlson’s favorite athlete and inspiration, Magic Johnson.

Tweeds specializes in suits and shirts, but will also make custom jeans in fabrics of your choice. Wedding parties are a large part of his business, Carlson adds. All garments are crafted to the individual’s (men and women) taste, with a selection of hundreds of fabrics, inside linings, ties, pockets squares, and signature accents. A small selection of ready-to-wear suits and shirts are available for walk-ins. Style consultants Michael Jay and TJ Chillemi await customers at the St. Pete shop, helping you pick between a classic Glen plaid, a pinstripe or a window pane, all designed to fit perfectly and turn heads.

Now there are five Tweeds locations, each one uniquely

Tweeds Custom Suits is located at 865 Central Avenue in downtown St. Petersburg, FL. tweedssuitshop.com

Dr. Roberto Macedo DDS, MS, PH.D Cosmetic Dentist

St. Petersburg

At the practice of Dr. Roberto Macedo Prosthodontist / Smile Designer, we are dedicated to offering comprehensive patientcentered care that goes beyond expectations.

Dr. Roberto Macedo is the new generation of practitioner, bringing a collaborative approach to treat patient dental needs and desires. With over 23 years’ experience he is specialized in Prosthodontics, a 3-year extra training specific in veneers, crowns/ bridges, implants, bite dysfunctions, full mouth reconstruction and extreme smile makeovers. His passion for his craft and dedication to personalized results set him apart, making each smile a testament to his commitment to excellence and individual care.

“

Advances with technology in dentistry are transforming both treatment possibilities and patient experience. From smile rejuvenation techniques to the use of laser treatment for sleep apnea, modern dental technology is rapidly expanding what dentistry can offer. With an in-house dental lab and 2 master ceramists, their expertise and use of technology adds an unparalleled level of artistry and quality to each smile transformation.

Dr. Roberto Macedo is known for his Smile rejuvenation. This is a transformative approach that enhances and restores a persons smile at any age, by combining art and technology. It involves personalized treatments that address both aesthetic and functional concerns, from subtle adjustments to full smile makeovers. This practice is known for creating natural looking, balanced smiles that bring out each patient’s unique personality, enhancing their appearance and confidence regardless of age.

Check out the Holiday Gift Guide for a Holiday Special!

Building beautiful smiles requires a perfect balance between knowhow, technology, passion and art.

Rare John James Audubon collection takes flight at Museum of Fine Arts

BY MARCIA BIGGS

Sometimes you experience something which may be totally unexpected yet leaves you with the realization that you have just encountered something quite unique and special. Audubon’s Birds of America, the new exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg, may well be one of those experiences. It offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal to part of a legacy – the work of John James Audubon (1785–1851), the renowned artist, naturalist, and ornithologist whose work resulted in one of the world’s rarest, largest, and most coveted books, The Birds of America

Published as a series between 1827 and 1838, Birds of America was a landmark work that achieved international renown due to the epic scale of the project and the book’s spectacular, life-sized ornithological illustrations. The MFA exhibit is part of a touring collection from the National Museums Scotland, showcasing more than 40 prints from the original collection of some 435 engraved, hand-colored prints. The show, which fills three galleries, also offers a look at a number of historical books and hand-written letters, and other valuable collectibles.

Birds of America was the culmination of Audubon’s ambition to paint every bird species in North America and is celebrated for its dramatic and detailed illustrations. Unlike his contemporaries, Audubon refused to draw from stuffed specimens, opting to spend laborious weeks and months observing them in the wild, then shooting and pinning the birds into poses so he could accurately reproduce them. Rather than drawing them as inanimate objects, he preferred to bring the birds to life in active scenes, capturing them in natural behaviors like feeding, flying, nesting and interacting in their original habitat, often including both male, female and juvenile species.

For example, in Mockingbird, we see two birds fending off a rattlesnake as it attempts to reach their nest. In Fish Hawk, an osprey has just snagged a fish in its talons as it heads off to a perch. In Red-Tailed Hawk, we witness a mid-air encounter

between two hawks fighting for a small rabbit held in one’s clutches.

“It’s very rare to see this many works in one place,” said MFA Chief Curator Stanton Thomas. “Most of the time they are bound in massive volumes and spread across many collections around the world.”

Adventurer artist

Audubon is traditionally celebrated as the quintessential American woodsman, a Daniel Boone type adventurer and naturalist, a self-trained artist with an intense interest in birds who identified over 20 species new to science.

Born in Haiti in 1785 as Jean Jacque Rabin, the illegitimate son of a sugar plantation owner and his French chambermaid mistress, Audubon spent his early years in France where he showed an affinity for birds and nature that his father encouraged. He was sent to military school, but showed little interest.

As tensions rose in the Napoleonic Wars, John was sent to the United States at age 18 by his father who had purchased a farm near Valley Forge, Pa., with intentions for the young man to pursue mining. But Audubon would have none of it, preferring to wander the woods hunting and seeking out birds. He married Lucy Bakewell Audubon and had two sons, Victor and John, who became part of his working and production team.

With the dream of producing The Birds of America, Audubon traveled extensively across the country for decades, all on horseback, on foot, or riverboats, while his wife Lucy became the steady breadwinner. “His drawings were considered revolutionary, they were life size and active which people of the time found exciting,” explains Thomas. “He kept extensive journals, studied behavior and habitats, doing scientific fieldwork not done by others.”

To raise funding, he painted oil copies of some of the birds and sold them to patrons and subscribers.

“Because he was so different – a French adventurer with no formal art or science education -- he had a hard time finding support for his book so he set out to Europe to find funding,” said Thomas. “The reception was lukewarm in London but he was greeted with open arms in Scotland, which is where he found supporters and a printer specializing in copper plates who would help him produce Birds of America.”

The exhibit is fascinating and does a fine job describing the illustrious life of the artist, which was marked by contradiction and controversy. Throughout his life, accusations of plagiarism, fraudulent images and data, falsehoods and manipulation abound; nonetheless, Audubon is considered one of the first “conservationists” warning of the dangers to wildlife from habitat degradation and human impact.

Audubon’s Birds of America runs through February 16, 2025.

Birds of America, by John James Audubon. © National Museums Scotland

Barn Owl

Baltimore Oriole

22ND ANNUAL YMCA OF GREATER ST.

COMMUNITY PRAYER BREAKFAST

Gathering in Unity for Prayer and Inspiration

The Boater’s Dream Property

112 feel of seawall, wide canal views, and the capacity to host a very large vessel combined with luxurious appointments make this the one.

5,657 sqft, dock, slip, lift quick Gulf access, high and dry.

The perfect downtown Beach Drive location, walk to everything, and live the life you’ve been waiting for in this 16th-floor condominium.

This unique and beautiful Tierra Verde townhome features a design that puts it in a class of its own. Must see to appreciate.

2 waterside bedrooms plus an office, great amenities. 2655 sqft, great outdoor space w/large yard and pool. 3/2.5, garage, upgrades, pool, high and dry. Large boat slip with 20,000 lb lift, quick Gulf access.

The Most Astounding Views in Downtown St. Petersburg High and Dry Home with Resort-like Pool

This home features high ceilings and open spaces in a highly-livable floor plan, all in an outstanding location.

ARTS & CULTURE

On Stage FreeFall Theatre brings Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty: A New Sherlock Holmes Adventure to the stage November 8 through December 15. An investigation into the Bohemian king’s stolen letters cascades into an international mystery filled with spies, blackmail and intrigue. With world peace at stake,

Holmes and Watson join forces with American actress Irene Adler to take down cunning criminal mastermind Professor Moriarty and his network of devious henchmen.

Five actors play over 40 roles in this adventure that reprises the roles of Eric Davis as Sherlock Holmes and Matthew McGee as Dr. Watson from 2023’s smash-hit Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville. Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty is directed by freeFall Artistic Director Eric Davis. For tickets and more information, go to freefalltheatre.com ***

The centerpiece of The Florida Orchestra’s season will be its gala benefit concert featuring superstar cellist Yo-Yo Ma, on Feb. 28,

TUESDAY

Tomahawk Tuesday Dinner for 2

Includes Salad, Shrimp, Vegetable & Dessert Cannoli 119

2025, at Ruth Eckerd Hall. The 19-time Grammy Award winner will perform Dvorak’s beautiful, soul-stirring Cello Concerto in this one-night-only special event, conducted by Music Director Michael Francis. The orchestra also will perform Richard Strauss’ famed tone poem Don Juan. Tickets are $75- $350; floridaorchestra.org

***

Mark your calendars for big happenings at Mahaffey Theater – the popular Shen Yun cultural tour features classical Chinese dance and acrobatics and runs January 16-19; the 30th Anniversary Tour of Riverdance runs January 28-February 2. Find tickets at themahaffey.com.

Tuesday - Friday • 4:30-6pm

CHEF BEAU SPECIALS

WEDNESDAY

2 - 6oz Filets Dinner for 2

Includes Salad, Shrimp, Vegetable & Dessert Cannoli 79

THURSDAY

Tenderloin Thursday

Chateaubriand Dinner for 2

Includes Salad, Shrimp, Vegetable & Dessert Cannoli 129

AUSTRALIAN WAGYU BEEF

WAGYU FILET 8 OZ

Includes Salad & Vegetable 79

WAGYU RIBEYE 12 OZ

Includes Salad & Vegetable 79

WAGYU SKIRT 12 OZ

Includes Salad & Vegetable 79

50 Years of ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ at Dali Dome

If you were a Pink Floyd fan in 1970s and ‘80s (and come on, who wasn’t), there’s a special holiday treat waiting for you at The Dali Dome, the immersive audio-visual globe in back of the Dali Museum. To mark the 50th anniversary of the iconic album, a new 42-minute 360-degree Pink Floyd: The Dark Side of the Moon invites viewers to sit, stand or lie on the dome floor as they take in the music and projections of traversing the solar system, exploring the moon surface and multiple computer visuals.

Hurry, the show is only in St. Pete for a limited time — Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays through December 21 (Dali Alive 360 continues in the Dali Dome during regular museum hours.)

Timed tickets are required and start at $20. Advance purchase is highly recommended. For more information on Pink Floyd - The Dark Side of the Moon Immersive Show, visit TheDali.org/Floyd Showtimes are 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30 pm Fridays and Saturdays; 7:30 and 8:30 pm Thursdays. Come a half hour early to peruse the gift shop and relax in Café Gala where sips and nibbles are available for purchase.

***

The annual holiday show at the Morean Arts Center features member artists showcasing small and affordable unique artwork just perfect for holiday gift-giving. Nothing is over $100 at The Small Wonders Holiday Show + Sale featuring pottery, jewelry, ornaments, fabric art, glass art, paintings and much more through December 31. Moreanartscenter.org

Brenda McMahon Gallery in Gulfport is hosting one of the world’s leading book excavation artists, Ted Wray, a multiple-award winner who rescues books from the recycling bin and transforms them into mind-expanding 3-dimensional worlds of exploration and wonder. His unique style allows viewers to see imagery from every page of the book simultaneously.

The gallery is first of nine stops on the 8th Annual ArtJones Gulfport Artist Studio Tour, taking place on December 7-8. The self-guided walking tour take visitors to artist studios where they can meet and purchase from 22 professional artists. brendamcmahongallery.com

The gala Arts Annual fundraiser held every year by Creative Pinellas has a new twist this year as a Hurricane Relief Fundraiser to go to support artists and arts organizations in need after two devastating storms. The event takes place in the Creative Pinellas gallery, 12211 Walsingham Rd. in Largo, 6-9 pm Thursday, December 7. Live music by Soul Mafia; VIP tickets $250, general admission $100. For more information, go to creativepinellas.org

Detail from a print depicting Carolina parakeets (Plate 26) from Birds of America, by John James Audubon © National Museums Scotland

St. Pete Holiday Icon: Mazzaro’s Italian Market

BY ANNE ZIMMERMAN BRIAND

Imagine stepping into an Italian village in the heart of St. Petersburg, where the air is thick with the aroma of freshly brewed espresso, holiday tunes hum through the aisles, and the lively chatter of locals fills the air. Nestled on 22nd Avenue N, Mazzaro’s Italian Market is a must-visit destination, known not only for its authentic Italian foods and gifts but also for the whimsical charm and intricate decor, lovingly curated by its creative owners.

During the holiday season, Mazzaro’s transforms into a wonderland of Italian flavors, family traditions, and festive decorations, making it one of the area’s most magical stops. From the moment you step inside, you’re transported to another world—a place where Italian cuisine and holiday cheer come together for an unforgettable experience.

Founded in 1993 by the Cuccaro family as a coffee roasting company, Mazzaro’s started with an antique Italian roaster and a passion for authentic flavors. Over the years, it has evolved from its humble roots into a vibrant showcase of Italian foods and gourmet gifts. What began as a single building has expanded into a sprawling 13,000-square-foot market, having creatively connected several neighboring structures. Inside, each area offers a distinct experience, evoking an Italian village

marketplace — from the deli, bakery, and meat counter to the coffee bar, wine and cheese room, and fresh produce section. It’s a one-stop shop for gourmet treats, imported specialties, and holiday delights.

“The market has become so popular that on any given Saturday there could be 150 people waiting to get in the door,” says Mazzaro’s general manager Rob Smith. And for good reason. The ambiance at Mazzaro’s is a feast for the senses. Around every corner, there’s something new to discover, with products and décor filling every nook and cranny from hanging salamis to antique espresso machines to spice racks flanked by statues of Catholic saints.

The sounds of staff calling out orders are part of the experience as you wander along catching a whiff of various sweet and savory aromas drifting from the ovens. “It’s unlike any other place in Florida, offering products and specialty items you can’t find anywhere else,” Smith added.

Smith shares that the Mazzaro’s iconic artistry and décor is the vision of owner Sam, whose creativity has inspired everything from whimsical statue gardens and intricate masonry to vibrant murals and quirky touches throughout. Each unique element was crafted by the owners, often with the help of

Continued on next page

friends, highlighting their dedication to making Mazzaro’s a truly one-of-a-kind destination.

The holidays bring a special magic to Mazzaro’s, as the entire market shifts into high gear to meet demand for in-house specialties and holiday orders. In true Mazzaro’s fashion, a towering vintage Santa Claus stands at the entrance waving in visitors, while staff can be found in every corner prepped for action. “We are very proud of our staff for their ability to handle the high demands of the holiday season. This is our busiest time of the year, and it truly requires a well-trained team,” Smith says.

He goes on to share that a favorite customer event during the holidays is the annual cheese-cutting ceremony during the first week of December. Nearly 1,600 pounds of Mazzaro’s signature 24-month-aged sharp, tasty provolone is sliced and eagerly claimed by patrons. This is a fun event not to be missed so keep an eye on Mazzaro’s Facebook page for this year’s cheesecutting date.

The bakery at Mazzaro’s is also a must-visit (of course) during the holidays. One of the most popular offerings are the house sweet breads, Panettone and Pandoro — light, sweet breads traditionally enjoyed on Christmas morning. Other festive favorites not to pass up include holiday cookie trays, cannoli, biscotti and the always famous tiramisu.

For those planning an Italian-style holiday feast, Mazzaro’s provides a wide selection of seafood for the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a Christmas Eve tradition among Italian families. From fresh calamari and shrimp to mussels and clams, Mazzaro’s has everything needed

for a beautiful seafood spread. The wine and cheese selection is equally impressive, with experienced staff on hand to help shoppers choose the perfect bottle for their holiday gatherings.

The coffee bar is a favorite spot for visitors to enjoy an espresso, cappuccino, or even a glass of wine as they immerse in a little community fun. Regulars gather around, chatting with the baristas and each other, sharing stories and savoring the simple pleasure of spending time in a beloved place.

Mazzaro’s has recently expanded even more and opened a small satellite location at St. Pete/ Clearwater Airport, offering a chance to grab one last coffee or sandwich from this iconic market before heading out of town. Smith hints there will be even more coming soon from Mazzaro’s at the airport, so stay tuned.

As the holidays approach, Mazzaro’s invites you to experience an Italian Christmas in St. Petersburg, where authentic flavors, festive decor, and a welcoming community bring the season to life. This family-owned market celebrates Italian traditions that go beyond food, making it a place to gather, find unique gifts, or simply savor the holiday spirit. Let Mazzaro’s add a touch of Italy to your celebrations this year, creating flavors, traditions, and memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Photo/Marcia Biggs

CEO | Doug Morgan

Tea Time

The Vinoy presents a high tea experience with a dose of resort history.

BY MARCIA BIGGS

un streams through the row of double doors onto the elegantly set tables on the mezzanine of the Vinoy Hotel. Standing next to each table are attentively waiting servers, complete with white gloves, ready with a smile and a greeting to welcome you to the hotel’s lavish and lovely High Tea.

We had just been entertained with a finely tuned recitation of the legendary hotel’s history during a half-hour tour of the new History Gallery on the mezzanine with our docent, Faye. It was a paired down version of the regular one-hour tour, which she says includes a look at the ballroom and a step outside into the newly renovated Tea Garden.

Faye entertains us with the story of the almost 100-year-old Vinoy’s rise and fall and rise again, like a Phoenix from the ashes, starting with its celebrated opening in 1925 as a seasonal resort for upper-crust families and luminaries from the Northeast, to its turnover in 1942 to the U.S. Army Air Force for use as military housing during World War II, its abandonment in the 1970s and ‘80s, and finally its restoration and renaissance as the grande dame we see today.

Now part of Marriott’s exclusive Autograph Collection, the charm and distinction of today’s Vinoy makes it the perfect setting for

an authentic afternoon British High Tea. Pairing it with a history tour is a natural — how better to appreciate one’s surroundings while sipping and nibbling. Offered Thursday through Sunday, the reservation-only tea party is a special occasion experience –considering the $140 per person cost (champagne is extra).

Upon being seated, we ordered from a selection of black teas, green teas and herbal teas. I selected a Himalayan Meadow Chamomile with hints of apple and honey. It was delightful and even more so when served by our white-gloved waiters. The nibbling commenced with finger sandwiches (egg salad and watercress, cucumber and cream cheese, delicately sliced smoked salmon and dill butter, and roast beef and cream horseradish). A sweets selection featured macarons, tiny tarts and a layered red velvet cake to die for. Topping it off were traditional English scones, accompanied by tiny cups of fresh butter, lemon curd and orange marmalade. Unlike other high teas, these pastries are made fresh on premises in the kitchen of the French bakery Lottie.

With the holidays, History Tour & High Tea goers can expect a festively decorated atmosphere and spots will fill quickly. Tours begin at 2 pm Thursday through Sunday, followed by the tea. To make reservations, go to thevinoy.com/experiences/history-tourhigh-tea/ or call (727) 404-5251.

What to do after you’ve stuffed your face royally on Thanksgiving? Walk it off and check off some names on your holiday gift list at Shopapalooza!

The annual small business holiday extravaganza, the Shopapalooza Festival, takes over the waterfront Vinoy Park in downtown St. Pete on Nov. 30-Dec. 1. The epic celebration featuring some 350 small businesses, artists and local makers, is produced by LocalShops1 and promises a family-friendly experience with plenty of food and drinks, live music, arts and crafts, children’s activity area, and vendors galore. Hours are 10 am to 5 pm both days. For updates, go to shopapaloozafestival.com.

***

In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, Historic Roser Park has rescheduled its big Halloween event for November 29 with a “Christmasween” theme. The event runs from 4 to 9 pm and includes ghost tours hosted by local historians and Spirits of St. Petersburg, free showing of “Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas” in the park, food trucks and a sprawling holiday vendor market. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public. The walking ghost tours span about one-half mile and take about

SARTORIAL

an hour to complete (keep in mind Roser Park is hilly and has many stairs!); tour tickets are $30. Leashed pets are welcome; come in costume! Find updates on the Historic Roser Park Neighborhood Facebook page.

***

The weather is perfect for a visit to the popular St. Pete Saturday Morning Market from 9 am to 2 pm every week in the parking lot of Al Lang Stadium, 230 1 Street SE where more than 100 vendors offer fresh and organic produce, meats and seafood, fresh breads, prepared food items, arts and crafts and more. Live music begins at 10 am, and plenty of tables and chairs are available to grab lunch and people/dog watch. Visit www.SaturdayMorningMarket. com to keep updated on the performers.

Cooler nights lend themselves to strolling the Arts Districts of the ‘Burg during Second Saturday ArtWalk. Mark your calendar and plan to join the December 14 walk when nearly 30 galleries keep their doors open late from 5 to 9 pm. Participating galleries can be found in Grand Central, Warehouse Arts District (the ArtsXchange is always a great stop), The EDGE, Deuces Live, Uptown Arts District, Central Arts District and Waterfront Arts District. For a list of galleries and a map, go to stpeteartsalliance.org/artwalk

***

Gulfport’s 8th annual walking artist studio tour, ArtJones, is expected to be bigger and better than ever this year when it takes place Dec. 7-8 throughout Gulfport. The independent artist-run collective ArtJones is a self-guided tour featuring 22 artists at nine

stops this year, many in their home studios, inviting the public to watch demos and purchase art just in time for holiday gift giving. Hours are 10am – 5pm Saturday and 11 am to 4 pm Sunday. Expect live music, nibbles and drinks along the way.

The work on this year’s tour represents a variety of artistic mediums, including painting, photography, ceramics, jewelry, metal art, and mixed-media art. To find a map of tour stops and learn more about the artists, visit ArtJonesStudioTour.com.

Tibetan Monks Return to Florida Craft Art

In what has become a highly celebrated annual event, the Tibetan Buddhist Monks of the Drepung Gomang Monastery return once again to Florida CraftArt to create a dazzling sand mandala during the week of January 13-19. Over the period of several days eight visiting monks will construct the mandala in the main gallery, painstakingly placing millions of colorful grains of sand to form an

intricate diagram that represents the enlightened mind and the ideal world

A series of interactive programing was being planned at press time; and on January 10, an accompanying exhibit The Mandala Project features work by nearly 100 locals artists. The public is invited to observe the monks each day (limited hours) and join a number of planned activities. For a complete schedule, check FloridaCraftArt.org closer to the event.

St. Pete Designer Makes a Splash at New Y k Fashion Week

PHOTO BY TAFADZWA MADAMOMBE/ZIMBABWE

BY CINDY COCKBURN

very fall, New York Fashion Week is the place to go to find new collections, trends, and network with the international fashion world. Hundreds of talented designers showcase their latest creations on the runway to buyers, journalists, and influencers from around the world. Celebrities mingle with fashionistas and the world takes notice.

This September, St. Pete’s Matipa Mutsemi introduced her vibrant EnnYe Collection at New York Fashion Week. The co-owner of EnnYe Collection and Stone Gallery was invited to participate after appearing at Milan Fashion Week last year. Mutsemi creates bold contemporary clothing, accessories and home accents using colorful African print fabrics sourced in Zimbabwe. All items are designed and created in St. Pete — one-of-a-kind works of art.

The EnnYe Collection company was founded in 2016 by Zimbabwean sisters Matipa and Mercy Nyamangwanda, who was at her side in New York when their fashions hit the runway on September 15 at Sony Hall. They opened a boutique on Beach Drive in St. Pete last summer. A crowd of some 500 fashionistas filled the space, including several St. Pete residents who flew up to cheer her on. With a colorful set and pulsating music to set the mood, New York models Mutsemi personally auditioned took to the runway to thunderous applause.

The show was over too soon, but the experience is one Matipa Mutsemi will not soon forget. And St. Pete can be proud that one of our own had time to shine at New York Fashion Week! Find the EnnYe Collection at 300 Beach Dr. NE Suite 111; closed Mondays.

Top photo, EnnYe Collection founder/ designer Matipa Mutsemi and husband Vini Mutsemi, owner of EnnYe’s Stone Sculpture Gallery, celebrate at her runway show during New York Fashion Week.

Photo/Cindy Cockburn

PHOTO BY SEAN MCGUINESS

Ferry is Back with Year-Round Schedule

The Cross Bay Ferry is back making waves and this year offers an updated schedule including expanded service from St. Pete for Tampa Bay Lightning home games in Tampa. The ferry will extend its hours to make sure fans can get back to St. Pete easily after the games. To make parking more convenient on our side of the bay, the free Downtown Looper Trolley will transport passengers directly to and from the ferry terminal, ensuring seamless connections between downtown hotspots and the ferry dock.

Perhaps the biggest announcement is that the 149-passenger ferry, which has previously been in service from October to May, will be available year-round, according to operator HMS Ferries. The ferry will run Wednesday through Sunday,

starting at 4:45 p.m. on weekdays. Round trips priced at $24 for adults; seniors (65+), military members, and students with valid college IDs can ride for $22, while youth (ages 5-18) pay $20. The ferry is wheelchair accessible, with a discounted fare of $10, and children under 4 ride for just $2.

The ferry departs from the Port of St. Pete, located at 250 8th Ave SE, and docks at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa. Once onboard, passengers can relax with indoor and outdoor seating, and grab a drink from the ferry’s bar, which serves beer and wine. The Cross-Bay Ferry is a regional collaboration between Hillsborough County, the Florida Department of Transportation, the City of Tampa, the City of St. Petersburg, and Pinellas County. For more information on the schedules and to purchase tickets, visit thecrossbayferry.com.

Vinoy Announces New Restaurant / Sea Salt Closes If you’ve missed the classic elegance of Marchand’s on the main level of the Vinoy Resort since it closed in 2020, the wait is over. In early 2025, Elliott Aster is poised to fill Marchand’s former space, promising refined dining in stately elegance, as well as aperitivos and cocktails on an outdoor patio.

The Vinoy is partnering with Chef Lee Wolen to create the menu and spearhead the kitchen. Wolen is an award-winning chef from Michelin-starred Boka in Chicago. He has honed his craft at some of the world’s most renowned restaurants, including El Bulli in Spain, Eleven Madison Park in New York City, and Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxford. The restaurant has hired renowned architecture and design firm Rockwell Group, to oversee the design.

Longtime fine dining seafood establishment Sea Salt in the SunDial Plaza has announced it will closing on December 31, after the end of its 10-year lease. Under the leadership of the Aielli family, Sea Salt has garnered numerous accolades, including the prestigious Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.

WineryComplimentary TastingsToursand

Thank you to everyone who helped us win Creative Loafing’s Best of the Bay 2024 Best Radio Station finalist. Want more? Listen anytime to 8,500 interviews and podcasts with blogs or 20+ music shows at stpeteradio.com. There’s always someone interesting on Lunchtime Conversations from noon-1:30 pm Monday through Saturday featuring interviews with musicians, artists, local leaders, non-profits and more.

On Your Radio: Sunshine 96.7FM offers 20-plus hosted music shows showcasing Tampa Bay singers, songwriters and bands as well as tiny desk concerts (Cassie Jean & The Fireflies this fall). The station also hosts sports shows live from Ferg’s Sports Bar including a new Varsity Voices high school sports show highlighting local and Florida athletes. Before, during and after Horrible Helene and Miserable Milton, we aired live reports from the City of St. Pete, Pinellas County, our governor and FEMA as well as sharing resources and tips on our social media and on air.

Highlights from RadioStPete.com Sunshine 96.7 FM Fall 2024 Schedule:

Musicians We Love: Listen to Josh Hindmarsh and Victoria Woods, the duo at the core of the popular jazz, funk and soul Hot Tonic Orchestra; Roger Bartlett and John Frinzi on their Jimmy Buffett Tribute with Coral Reefers at The Palladium, rescheduled for January 11. Don’t miss notable jazz aficionados Diego Figuerado, La Lucha, Daniela Soledade and Nate Najar when they perform at the Suncoast Jazz Festival Nov. 20-22. Suncoastjazzfestival.com

Provocative Podcasts: Book + Bottle hosted John R Miles for a book talk in September. The Passion Struck author/ podcaster appears on Radiostpete.com every Thursday at 6pm. Passion Struck has been recognized as a winner in the 21st annual “Best Book” Awards sponsored by the American Book Fest in three categories: Business: Motivational, Nonfiction: General,  Young Adult: Nonfiction. Roger Curlin reports on the bustling EDGE District weekly, highlighting events (Halloween on Central was a huge success), restaurants, businesses and more.

Rui Farias, executive director of the St. Petersburg Museum of History, features fascinating lore and personalities in his weekly Monday podcast during Lunchtime Conversations. In October, we featured interviews with CASA Pinellas and Metro Inclusive Health

Search for podcasts and blogs anytime at radiostpete.com/ podcast-archives.

Suncoast Jazz Festival Returns to Sand Key Nov. 22-24

The show must go on despite two hurricanes ravaging the coastal beaches for the 34th Annual Suncoast Jazz Festival November 22-24 on Sand Key. Music fans will be able to enjoy live performances by dozens of musicians inside the Sheraton Sand Key Resort, 1160 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

Look for internation, national, regional, and local talent from Big Easy-flavored early jazz to American Songbook, contemporary acoustic jazz, swing, Brazilian, blues, and even a touch of rockabilly and gospel. “I’ve been a member of the board of our non-profit organization for over 20 years and I am very excited about our lineup this year … We’re excited to showcase these talented musicians on three stages over three days and nights,” said festival director Joan Dragon.

Diego Figueiredo

Synia Carroll

Headliners include trombone sensation Wycliffe Gordon, Grammy-nominated guitar virtuoso Diego Figueiredo, New Orleans vibraphonist Jason Marsalis, clarinet and sax master Ken Peplowski, renowned trumpeter Jon-Erik Kellso,  Davy Jones and the Suncoast Seven featuring Tom Hook, and others. Festival favorites Adrian Cunningham and Dave Bennett will also be back.

Local jazz talent will once again be a big part of the festival, led by trumpet wizard James Suggs, the jazz trio La Lucha, Nate Najar and Daniela Soledade, Bryan J. Hughes, the Al Downing All Stars, plus Synia Carroll, Theo Valentin, and Pepper and Fine Thyme and more. Local youth jazz bands will get an opportunity to shine and offer student master classes, this year led by Wycliffe Gordon.

On Friday, a Nola-style Parasol Parade will kick things off poolside at 11 am. The Friday Night Swing Dance party is set for 7 pm with four different bands throughout the night and dance instruction at 6:30 pm in the main ballroom.

A variety of admission tickets are available with six options ranging from $40 (after 6 pm) up to $275 for three days. Students with ID are admitted free of charge; sponsorships are available. For tickets and information, visit www.suncoastjazzfestival.com or (727) 248-9441.

Local Experts. Global Reach. Proven

Photos by Steve Splane

Hometown Heroes

When Hurricane Helene came tearing into Tampa Bay on September 26, followed 13 days later by Hurricane Milton, the flooding and devastation was beyond expectations. Helene was the worst storm in 103 years and the back to back storms destroyed many homes, businesses, and structures, leaving residents stunned, some homeless and without financial means.

In St. Pete, people from every walk of like and community came to the rescue of their neighbors. People came out to volunteer in some way – neighbors from Passe A Grill to Clearwater Beach, from Shore Acres to Bartlett Park.

We asked our readers for stories of Hometown Heroes, searching out the neighbors who showed acts of unexpected kindness and generosity. Many hometown heroes and relief organizations have been recognized on the broadcast news, on social media and in newspapers. We have gathered together a selection of our responses, some people you may know and others you don’t know. Either way, they are all hometown heroes in our eyes.

- Marcia Biggs, Editor

Gulfport Greats

Owners Matt and Paige Acree of The Gulfport Brewery + Eatery and The Wine House & BBQ immediately after Helene organized a massive volunteer program to collect, distribute, even deliver supplies to residents, especially the elderly and disabled seniors stranded in Towne Shores high rises. They also got grills up and running to feed people, including the National Guard. I cannot stress enough how selfless they and the staff of these two businesses were in terms of meeting the needs of the Gulfport community.

- By Ester Venouziou

Shore Acres Heroes

My amazing neighbors Debbie and Shawn Craddock helped

Thank You St. Pete

their friends dig out their houses in Shore Acres after Helene and then helped their neighbors put up wood shutters on windows and cook on the front porch and helped feed everyone when we were without power. I’m not sure we could have managed without their tremendous help.

- By Bobbi Stephens

Gulfport Heroes

Several readers nominated Aimee Kosta and Erin East who were Gulfport heroes. They are both with the Merchant’s Chamber and coordinated major efforts to collect and distribute supplies at the Senior Center.  Helping people find housing, organizing community drives, hauling relief up and down 7 flights of stairs to people who were without power. They love Gulfport and the community is better because they are there!

Senior Savior

Kelli Casto continues to show up in major ways for the seniors of Pinellas County.  She is the founder of “Save Our Seniors” which runs year-round to bring fresh food to seniors as well as access to medical equipment through their lending library.  When Helene hit, Kelli was immediately out trying to help seniors recover from flooding and ahead of Milton she was personally evacuating many from their homes. Despite losing her car to a flash flood in Milton, she has still been showing up daily for seniors and alerting her community to the needs she sees.

-By Kelly Abanda

Volunteer Orgs That Rock

Babycycle Diaper Bank jumped into hurricane relief to local parents by distributing diapers and wipes, cleaning and hygiene supplies, and new toys at their warehouse in Pinellas Park,

Abundant Life Ministries and Hands Across the Bay Kindness Warriors came to the rescue. Julie Weintraub’s Hands Across the Bay set up a Hurricane Relief Program aimed at serving immediate needs of domestic abuse victims with grocery and gas cards, food and water, toiletries, cleaning products.

Operation BBQ Relief, a non-profit founded by big-hearted pitmasters from Kansas City, has a goal of feeding communities after disasters and headed to Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina after the first impact of Hurricane Helene. They set up bulk meal distribution stations at churches, schools and neighborhood centers, enlisting local doners and volunteers in parking lots from St. Petersburg to Zephyrhills, Palmetto, Holmes Beach and Englewood for many weeks. Following Hurricane Milton for 11 days, Operation BBQ hauled 18 smokers and cooked 178,000 pounds of meat, 128,000 pounds

of vegetable and enlisted 7,000 hours of volunteers time – that’s more than a half million meals thanks to 363 volunteers!

Loveable Salty Dogs

Danny Carelli,  Dan Kelleher and Salty Dog Charters LLC Danny has made and delivered countless sandwiches and other critical supplies to hard-hit areas along the coastal beaches like Treasure Island. Dan immediately saw a need to connect volunteers with those in need and created Hurricane Community Support Group and Task Force and helped create multiple chats for communities and set up multiple donation drives so that people could get and provide help right away.

Salty Dog and other members of Rescue Pinellas used their boats to rescue residents trapped on the Pinellas Barrier Islands. All three of these people provided aid immediately after Hurricanes Helene and Milton while other organizations were still coordinating logistics and assembling. Their ability to provide immediate assistance can’t be overstated.

- By Jenna Laine

A Miracle Named Marty

Shared from a Facebook post verbatim: “Our surfing buddy Marty, he heard screams for help the night of the storm, he jumped on his board and paddled to an old couple near drowning, took them and their pets to safety, then another cry for help, an older woman trapped inside with water above the window. Marty dove under to swim thru the window, the lady was pinned to the ceiling on her couch. Marty had to convince the old gal to dive under water and go out the window to escape drowning, he took her to safety on his board.

Then a neighbor Jeanne heard another couple crying out and Marty went out again paddling his board to the rescue. This continued for three hours during the night, around ten maybe fifteen people who he shuttled to safety. He is the reason that the death count in IRB is five and not 20! Marty is so humble about what he did and doesn’t realize his heroism. He says any of us would have done the same thing, I don’t know, but Marty saved many people that night. If you see Marty, thank him and shake that man’s hand!”

Hope After Helene

Our family’s home on Treasure Island was flooded during Hurricane Helene. We had moved in three weeks prior. We lost so much, but we knew we were fortunate — we had evacuated, and we had the support of friends, family, and financial resources. We were aware that many families in our community weren’t as lucky, struggling without the means or network to rebuild.

To my surprise, our needs were met quickly, and that moment sparked a realization: many people were desperate for a simple and direct way to help those in need, but they simply didn’t have an avenue to do so. From that idea, Hope After Helene, an Amazon Wish List, was born. My family knew we could do more than just accept help for ourselves — we could create a pathway to help others in more urgent need.

We’ve since partnered with local schools, churches, and organizations to identify families who were significantly impacted by the hurricane. For each family and community, we work closely to create personalized Amazon wish lists that reflect their specific

Continued on next page

Life Ministries

and immediate needs. What makes our approach unique is that every donation goes directly to these families — no money comes to us as an organization. Items are shipped straight to those in need, providing immediate and transparent relief.

We are working tirelessly to heal hearts and restore homes in our community, one Amazon package at a time.

To connect with a family or individuals in need through this site, go to hopeafterhelene.com and select a link to an Amazon wish list of your choice.

- By Christina Carnahan

Super Jason to the Rescue

I nominate Jason Kiger, who lives in Northeast St. Pete. He is currently between jobs but has used his time to help others in need. Right after Helene hit, he loaded up his trunk with coolers and drove around finding ice to fill them up. He drove around areas with heavy damage, older multistory apartment complexes, where elderly were stranded. He went door to door bringing them ice and asking them what they needed.

One lady wanted a single pepper to make her favorite comfort food while another lady needed a particular type of cat food and was running low. He went to the store and got each person what they needed and returned to help them. He has been to almost every friend, family and strangers home doing anything and everything he can to help.

He’s so modest and kind and someone who would do anything for anyone.

- By Geneva Johnson

Howdy New Neighbor

My neighbor in Central Oak Park is a hometown hero. I was on vacation in Key West when Hurricane Milton became active. As a result we had to drive back from Key West to St Pete because our Monday return flight was cancelled. After the 9 hour drive I had to return the rental car, get my car, and find gas to be able to evacuate with my family. By the time I got home from all of this, my next door neighbor Nick U. was up on a 20-foot ladder putting up my hurricane shutters on my 2nd floor windows. It would have taken me all night to do it on my own.

To top it off, Nick and his wife Ana just bought the home next door and are in the process of moving in. We barely know them and yet he acted with such kindness.

By Chris Cardona

Gentle Spirits

As soon as it was safe to drive after Helene, Christopher Tolisano loaded his truck up with a generator, sub pump, wet vac and went house to house helping strangers. His friends joined in. I think they were up to 50 homes before Milton hit. Rachel Somerman has been leading Rescue Pinellas which gathers supplies for locals in need following the storms. She spent days at a local trailer park helping people clean out their destroyed homes and get the essentials they needed. When Milton was to hit, she then went around with tarps trying to protect what could be saved for these families.

By Meredith Gaunce

High Fives

3 Daughters Brewery immediately jumped on board as a donation center following Hurricane Helene. Within weeks they had to stop accepting as they had no more space to accommodate the donations.

Many Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority drivers worked far beyond their designated hours to assist people with evacuating and transporting to shelters. PSTA served almost 570,000 riders in the days before and after hurricanes Helene and Milton. That count includes more than 100,000 riders moving to shelters before the storm — and hundreds of thousands of riders going from shelters to hospitals and dialysis centers and back in the storm’s immediate aftermath, when many roads were impassable.

Mazzaro’s Italian Market donated 1,740 pounds of food to Metropolitan Ministries and 984 pounds of food to St. Pete Free Clinic.

World Central Kitchen came charging into town with free, hot meals at parks and rec centers and churches throughout St. Pete. Supported by countless volunteers from non-profits, faith groups, and other organizations, the food relief organization targets areas of distress around the world to distribute food and supplies to those in need.

SPCA TampaBay jumped into action by handing out pet food and supplies from the shelter in Largo.

Countless St. Pete food truck owners popped up with free meals at parks, churches and rec centers across the city.

St. Pete Free Clinic

An Insider’s Pick of Hidden Historic Downtown Gems

BY MONICA KILE St. Pete Historian/Tour Guide/Author

I like to tell visitors that St. Petersburg is not always what it seems. At first glance, it may look like any other mid-sized city, with high-rises, interstates, and a grid of downtown streets. But unlike its counterparts in the Northeast or the Midwest, St. Petersburg’s skyline wasn’t shaped by oil or steel, finance or insurance. Rather, our downtown was designed for people who weren’t working. People on a vacation from their lives in the frigid north.

Largely built out by the 1920s, downtown St. Petersburg was a snowbird’s paradise, filled with hotels, tourist apartments, cafeterias, shops, and dance halls. Industries like banking and real estate were a part of the mix, but primarily as a service to the population that came here for the year-round sunshine St. Pete was famous for.

Through my historic walking tours and new book, St. Petersburg: A Walk Through History, I strive to open visitors’ eyes to the hidden history lurking around every downtown corner. Here are a few of my favorite gems, hiding in plain sight:

The Tramor and Orange Blossom Cafeterias

123 4th Street South & 220 4th Street North

With tourism booming in the 1920s, the new-fangled cafeteria became the ideal solution to feeding the city’s thousands of visitors. Cafeterias provided a beautiful setting, while offering generous portions at a reasonable price. Two remaining examples of the “Big Eight” cafeterias of the 1920s are the Tramor Cafeteria (most recently the Hofbrauhaus, now closed) and the Orange Blossom Cafeteria, now Voodoo Brewing Company.

The Suwannee Hotel

501 1st Avenue North

The Vinoy Hotel still stands as the jewel of the waterfront, but did you know it was just one of ten boom-era hotels built in and around St. Pete in the 1920s? Next time you find yourself at the county building at Fifth Street and First Avenue North, picture it as the Suwannee Hotel, the only hotel in the city not rented out to the military during WWII. Comedian Buster Keaton once stayed here before filming a movie at Weedon Island.

The Hartman Amusement Palace

146 2nd Street North

Even our office buildings have a surprising hidden history. The building known today as the Palais Royale on 2nd Avenue North was once known as the Hartman Amusement Palace, boasting a ballroom

Photo Courtesy St. Petersburg Museum of History

Historian Monica Kile

capable of hosting 4,000 guests.

St. Petersburg Federal Savings and Loan

556 Central Avenue

Perhaps my favorite hidden piece of St. Pete history is the building at 556 Central Avenue. It was built in 1941 as the home of the St. Petersburg Federal Savings and Loan Association. Opened in 1935 by three sisters, Cornelia, Ilsa, and Ilonka Somp, the bank didn’t hire its first male teller until 34 years later. During the housing boom of the 1950s the bank issued more home loans than any other institution in the city, likely due to the marketing techniques geared to women, by women.

South, which they dubbed the “Hall of Home Ownership.” Both buildings still stand today, a testament to the will and perseverance of the Somp sisters.

From mortuaries that became steakhouses, to high schools converted to condos, St. Pete’s history is told through its unusual composition of welcoming edifices. It’s as though its very architecture is saying, “Come and stay a while.” Likewise, I’m saying, “come and walk a while, through St. Pete’s hidden history.”

In 1953, the bank built a gleaming new high-rise at 33 Sixth Street

Monica Kile gives tours for I Love the Burg and recently released the book St. Petersburg: A Walk Through History, available from Tombolo Books and Amazon. To learn more about her tours, go to ilovetheburg.com/ history-tours/

After the Storm, Should You Remodel, Rebuild or Build New

BY DOUG KING

ow, so much has occurred since the last issue of SPL came out and I hope this issue finds everyone in a safe environment surrounded by good friends and family members.

The most asked questions I have received after Helene and Milton paid a visit are: do we remodel, do we build higher or do we tear down and build new? All are valid questions and each one has a different path regarding costs and permitting so I want to address each one briefly in the small space I have here. The fourth option is to sell the property as-is.

First and foremost, flood insurance will pay what it pays. FEMA has long backed the NFIP so the rules are straightforward, which means the costs to remove and replace damaged walls, install new flooring, cabinetry and other building materials below the “flood cut line” most likely will exceed what the insurance adjusters will allow.

Remodel Option

The 50% Rule plays a huge part in this. Although it’s a complex rule with a long definition and explanation by FEMA, let me break it down into very simple terms without going into the “why” this rule exists. When a structure is damaged from any event and/ or the owner wishes to make upgrades and/or repairs, ALL of the costs to do anything to rehab, repair, replace, remodel (the 4 R’s) or any term one wishes to use, count towards the 50% value.

The 50% value is determined by the depreciated value of the structure, NOT the land. If this is your choice, the very first thing

you should do is hire an appraiser to see what your depreciated value is; the county property appraiser web site values are often very low and will not give you ample room to make repairs. The building departments will accept a state certified appraiser’s report, if it follows certain FEMA guidelines, so be sure your appraiser is familiar with those guidelines. Many of the municipalities have lowered the FEMA 50% by another one or two points so check what the threshold is for your town. If you work with a FL licensed contractor that has FEMA experience, and it’s highly recommended that you do so, they will guide you on remodeling and repair decisions and complete the necessary forms so that you can get back into your home sooner than later, all while staying within the FEMA limit. This is not a good time to try and pull your own permit and navigate this without professional help; not knowing all of the pitfalls and guidelines puts you at risk of having FEMA determine that your house is Substantially Damaged, which means you will need to build up or tear down.

Build Up Option

This option requires a state licensed contractor AND engineer/ architect team to determine how and what can be done. Typically, the existing exterior walls remain with footers being reinforced at key locations such as the corners (or added in the interior if more support is needed). A soil test will be required to determine exactly what needs to be done. Beams then span the distance between reinforced points so that the new floor structure can be built, and then new exterior walls can be built up and topped off with a new roof.

The main thing with this option is to make your house FEMA

Compliant, which means the 50% Rule doesn’t apply as long as you build up to where the bottom of the floor joists (or top of slab) are 2 feet above (called Freeboard) the flood plain, which is labeled as the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). The Freeboard varies by jurisdiction.

You’ll need a Flood Elevation Certificate to determine your elevation and flood plain designation. For example, if your flood plain (determined by the mean high tide level), is AE-6, you need to build it so that the bottom of the floor joists are at 8 feet or where the top of the slab of the lowest living area is at 8 feet elevation above from which the zones are determined. There are several flood plain designations and some such as V and VE zones carry additional constraints.

The flood plain is NOT the same as the evacuation zones so that’s why the Flood Elevation Certificate is important (and for insurance rates).

There are many issues to consider; egress with stairways that stay within the building set-backs, there can be no interior partitions in the area that was once your house, all mechanical items such as water heater, air conditioning equipment and electrical panel must be on platforms above the flood plain with steps for access. Flood vents and possibly “break-away” walls will need to be installed in the existing exterior walls. An elevator may be a nice touch but again, your project will NOT be

constrained by the FEMA 50% Rule if the guidelines are followed. To keep costs down, keeping baths and kitchens very close to their original locations, vertically, is key. In addition, the property tax savings are a huge consideration vs tearing down and building new as long as you don’t exceed 110% of the original floor space.

Tear Down and Build New

All of the FEMA Guidelines mentioned for a build-up apply here, too, there’s no difference in the requirements. The main difference is in costs, this option will cost more due to the costs of demolition and starting from total scratch with new foundations, etc. Another large cost difference will be in property taxes; the newly built structure will accelerate to the current tax levels and those costs continue to infinity.

It would be best to hire either an FL licensed architect familiar with construction costs or a FL Certified Design-Build Contractor to help you navigate the process and make decisions that affect the costs of a buildup or tear down project. There are many local companies that can help guide you that know the local markets and building department intricacies so it is advisable to stay away from out-of-town firms. Two good sources are www.naritb.org and www.ttba.net.

Doug King is past National President of NARI and owner of King Contracting.

Cleaver Postcards Enticed Northern Visitors to Winter Fun, Sun

In the early days of St. Petersburg’s tourist town existence, Thanksgiving marked more than a day of family and feast, it was immediately followed by the frenzy of preparing for the invasion of Northern visitors escaping the cold for the winter.

Hotels, restaurants, and shops were dusting off furniture and fixtures from a summer-long slumber. Most hotels were only open from December through April. For years, the lighting of the Vinoy tower on the downtown waterfront signaled the tourist season had begun.

Marketing and advertising geniuses used various techniques to sell the Sunshine City, but none was more powerful than the postcard. Hand-colored images of visitors frolicking on white sandy beaches always included, “Wish you were here,” on the back. They featured more than just images of the Million Dollar Pier and Central Avenue, but poked fun at the unfortunate Northerner who missed out on St. Pete’s warm, laid back climate.

Content supplied by the St. Petersburg Museum of History.

THE FLORIDA HIGHWAYMEN

The St. Petersburg Museum of History is proud to exhibit a private collection of 26 unique Florida Highwaymen pieces From the 1950s to the 1970s, 26 Black artists would, Who produce over 200,000 pieces of artwork depicting Florida’s rich landscape in a way never before seen. these artists sold their art from the trunk of their cars on US Highway 1 when Jim Crow laws prevented them from showing in galleries.

Pathway to Eternity: Life, Death, and Afterlife

From life to the afterlife, pharaohs to mummies, and cities to tombs, Come explore the truth behind ancient Egyptian legends. The exhibit centerpieces - an Egyptian mummy and sarcophagus dating back thousands of years.

Stunning 2024 BMW X6 Will Catch You Off Guard

X6 M60i

Tires: P275/35R22 front; 315/30R22 rear

Wheelbase: 117.1 inches

Length: 195 inches

Width: 78.9 inches

Height: 66.9 inches

Fuel capacity: 21.9 gallons

Mileage: 17 city, 22 highway

Web site: www.bmw.com

BY NITISH S. RELE

Zero to 60 mph is conceivable in merely 4.2 seconds. Top speed zips up to 130 mph. Sure, these aren’t earth-quivering figures but hey, quite extraordinary for the 2024 BMW X6 M60i midsize luxury SUV or as the German carmaker likes to use the term, Sport Activity Vehicle. Much like its X5 sibling, the high-performance ride can be taken on the road, track or off the beaten path without skipping a heartbeat.

Most of the credit goes to a 4.4-liter twin-power turbocharged V-8-cylinder engine cranking out 523 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 553 pounds-feet of torque @ 4600 rpm that lies under the hood. It is supported by a 48-volt battery positioned in the transmission casing. Essentially, the electric motor with 12 hp and 147 poundsfeet of torque acts as a starter-generator.

A standard and effortless 8-speed auto gearbox along with sporty steering paddle shifters to enable manual shift makes for an even exciting trip. The standard adaptive M suspension pro is specially tuned to enhance nimbleness and poise when pushing pedal to the metal. Quick turns and bends are no challenge as the M Servotronic electric power steering with variable sport takes over. Active M Differential distributes drive torque evenly to the rear axle for more control and stability. The sweet sound from the M sport exhaust system has to be heard to be delivered. It’s just lovely! Want some zest in your drive? Switch from eco pro or comfort to sport and watch the magic happen.

For 2024, BMW has revamped the X6 (mainly headlights, tail lamps and grille) while retaining the coupe-like and sleek appearance. Surrounding the recognizable gloss-black twin-kidney grille with the BMW M insignia and matt black surround are leaner LED

headlights. Step to the rear and the parted quad exhaust tips will draw attention.

As the driver takes place in the comfy 12-way front heated/ cooled quilted leather seats, the enormous BMW curved display (dual 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and infotainment touch screens) conveys a space-age glimpse. A leather dashboard, carbon fiber trim and aluminum/metal look accents further enhance the ambiance of the cabin. We liked the straightforward island-like center console with lid for cup holders, infotainment knob and the newly designed shifter. Other treats include fourzone a/c, Anthracite headliner, panoramic moon roof, head-up display, Bowers & Wilkins sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Dual front and side airbags, front knee and side curtain airbags are standard along with dynamic stability and traction control, four-wheel antilock brakes, electronic brake distribution, rearview camera, front/rear park distance control, active driving assist (forward collision and lane departure warnings, blind spot detect), rear-cross traffic alert, city collision mitigation, daytime running lights and tire pressure monitor are standard.

Base-priced at $93,600 and topping at $111,995 with options, the performance- and luxury-oriented E53 is indeed a speedster that will astonish you with its vim and vigor. And if you have the cash, we can only encourage you to be a little grandiose. Besides, who says being boastful is a no-no?

Nitish S. Rele, editor/publisher of Motoring Tampa Bay and Khaas Baat, can be reached at motoringtampabay@gmail.com.

Feeling Holiday Tummy Distress?

By TIFFINI THIESEN

The holiday season can be festive and fun. But let’s face it — November and December can also bring a lot of stress. Many of us struggle to juggle decorating, baking, gift-buying and wrapping -- and sometimes even traveling or hosting guests -- on top of all the other adulting that never goes away.

Given the whirlwind of activity that the holidays can bring, it’s understandable that we sometimes forget about healthy eating habits. It can be easy to load up on comfort foods when we’re stressed and pressed for time.

Unfortunately, many holiday-season foods are high in calories, sugar, fat, and/or sodium, making them some of the least healthy foods for our bodies. Many traditional dishes contain ingredients that can be tough on digestive health, leading to bloating, acid reflux, or even more chronic issues like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).

Holiday cookies and cakes are everywhere, for example, but their refined flour, sugar, and butter can worsen acid reflux and gut inflammation, especially for people who are sensitive to sugar or refined carbs. Sugar can also disrupt the gut microbiome balance, leading to increased gas, cramping, and bloating.

Even vegetable-based holiday foods can pose problems. Mashed potatoes with gravy may seem harmless, but when loaded with cream, butter, and salty gravy, they can cause bloating, heartburn, and excess gas due to their high fat and sodium, which can irritate the digestive system.

If you have a sensitive stomach, there are ways to navigate the holiday season and enjoy delicious foods and drinks without ending up in pain or discomfort from digestive woes.

Smart swaps

Here are some smart, digestion-friendly swaps that can help make holiday meals lighter and healthier. When meal planning, of course

consider your own unique health profile, and always check with your doctor before making any dietary changes.

Substitute heavy cream in recipes with coconut milk or Greek yogurt. If your digestive system supports these substitutes, coconut milk’s healthy fats can be easier on digestion than heavy cream, and yogurt contains probiotics. Probiotics can “promote a healthier gut microbial ecosystem” and influence “your body’s immune response and the brain-gut interactions,” according to researchers with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service.

Don’t forget prebiotics. These are natural, non-digestible fibers found in certain foods that serve as “food” for the beneficial bacteria in your gut. They help nourish and stimulate the growth of these good bacteria. “Some good prebiotic options are beans and whole grains” like oats to wheat if you can digest these well, according to Harvard Medical School. “Other good prebiotic sources include garlic, bananas, onions, asparagus, and seaweed.”

Choose whole grains over refined carbs. Try quinoa instead of stuffing, for instance, to increase dietary fiber. This can help digestion by reducing blood sugar spikes. Also having enough fiber helps prevent constipation.

Sweeten more naturally. Replace refined sugars with alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or mashed dates in desserts. These contain fiber and minerals that support gut health and reduce bloating and digestive distress.

Roast those veggies. Few foods are cozier and heartier than roasted vegetables. Try Brussels sprouts, carrots and squash -- they’re low in fat and easy to digest for many people. Adding herbs like rosemary or ginger also aids digestion.

Limit trigger foods. If you know they exacerbate digestive issues for you, avoid any foods that are very rich, acidic, or spicy — or at least

enjoy them in moderation.

Tea time. If you love sugary drinks but they don’t love you, give your tummy a holiday gift by brewing ginger, fennel or chamomile tea to ease bloating and help digestion, especially after a big meal. Peppermint is another option unless you suffer from heartburn.

For those who are managing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), University of Virginia researchers suggest having smaller and more frequent meals and avoiding common trouble foods like spicy items, chocolate, raw onions and garlic, black pepper, caffeinated beverages, citrus juices, fatty or greasy foods, and tomato products.

Holiday meals can still be enjoyable with some thoughtful choices, like lean, skinless turkey breast seasoned with herbs; mashed sweet potatoes prepared without a lot of fat; and stuffing made with lots of chopped apples and celery to enhance flavor without the acidity. A non-dairy pumpkin custard can be a satisfying dessert.

No matter what you eat, by slowing way down, you can improve your digestion. Try chewing thoroughly and savoring food. Finally, no matter how savory the stuffing, how creamy the casserole, or how buttery the bread rolls, try not to stuff yourself. One trick is to eat until you’re about 80% full; this may help you avoid bloating and acid reflux.

Gut-Brain Connection

In addition to food options that are kinder to digestion, it should be acknowledged that even with the healthiest eating habits, high levels of mental and emotional stress can harm gut health. This is because stress can activate the sympathetic nervous system, slowing or disrupting digestion. Hormones like cortisol and adrenaline also play a role. They can spike due to mental stress, leading to symptoms like bloating, gas, and cramping.

To bring more relaxation into your life, prioritize rest even during this busy time of year. Set aside time for self-care, such as gentle exercise or even a simple walk. Breathing exercises and meditation can also work wonders. Build in plenty of time in between social commitments. Choosing quality over quantity with family and friend time can make holiday moments more meaningful and less overwhelming. Finally, making sure to get plenty of sleep and to drink plenty of water can help you keep up your energy and keep your moods more stable throughout the season.

Going into this time of year with an eating plan and staying mindful of health habits during the holidays can help you savor the season without discomfort.

This information is provided by Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL

Beaujolais Nouveau: A Thanksgiving Tradition

BY PAM COYLE

With the holidays approaching, the wine world celebrates something merry, cheerful, and bright: the start of vinification; the harvest of this year’s fruit.

Some winemakers release a wine the same year as harvest, known as vin de primeur or nouveau wine. Beaujolais, south of Burgundy, has become recognizable for its instantaneous harvesting of its prized red grape, gamay noir. On the third Thursday of November, this nouveau wine fills the shelves of markets around the world.

For Americans, this pre-Thanksgiving timing kick-starts holiday excitement with a light, affordable, easy-drinking option for a feast. For wine enthusiasts, it is a preview of that year’s vintage to come.

Beaujolais Nouveau gained popularity in the 1960s through a wildly successful PR campaign. Georges Duboeuf, known as the “King of Beaujolais,” helped this celebratory juice gain notoriety overseas, turning it into an international sensation with his handdrawn flower label. By the 1980s, patrons at bars in New York, Paris and Tokyo were flauntingly consuming this first release.

Producers throughout the region were on board, constantly competing for attention and an easy source of income. Soon, the more serious wines of Beaujolais were forgotten and this reputation defined them. More recently, however, the allure of

this youthful expression has diminished and many are left with a bad taste, reminiscent of fruit punch and bubblegum, overproduction and poor quality.

Of course, this festive component should not be the only defining factor of the region and many consumers are now recognizing gamay’s more structured expressions. The schist, granite and hundreds of other soils of Beaujolais and its ten crus, or designated sub-regions, help produce the highest quality, age-worthy wines. Here, you will find bright notes of black cherry and raspberry, hints of rose and violet, finished with a subtle savory spice.

Gamay is defined by its low tannins and fresh fruit. The winemaking process of carbonic maceration helps exemplify its soft, light, and youthful characteristics. While most wines are crushed and then introduced to yeast to start fermentation, these grapes are handpicked and left whole, sealed in a vat with CO2, and begin to ferment within their own skin.

This carbonic maceration invention, along with whole-cluster fermentation, is now practiced with different varietals in regions around the world to help soften tannins and make light and medium-bodied wines juicier. Even the natural wine movement can be traced back to Beaujolais, where, in the 1970s, the winemakers wanted to move away from their cheaper, commercial expressions and focus more on low-intervention, organic wines.

Wines made in this style undeniably pair well with turkey, cranberry sauce, and sweet potatoes. The nuanced, earthy, spicy notes also pair well with chili, slow-cooked pork, and pot roast flavors, which are synonymous with the winter months. Refrigerating for 30 minutes before opening will help underscore its fruity aromas and subtle spiciness.

Today, we celebrate the tradition of Beaujolais Nouveau and cheers to their historic wine-making practices and traditions. Winemakers around the world are influenced by Beaujolais and are making beautiful wines that mimic expensive Burgundy. These wines are meant to represent the simple pleasures in life, such as gathering with family and friends—a great addition to the table this holiday season.

Recommendations:

Domaine Dupueble Beaujolais 2022 - With roots going back to 1512 and vines 50-100 years old, this traditional expression represents great value and approachable Beaujolais, fermented naturally with carbonic maceration. It showcases classic aromas of raspberry and violet with a juicy, fresh palate.

Alex Folliard Brouilly 2022Harvesting his first wine in 2016 at 25 years old, Alex takes after his father, Jean Folliard, a champion of the natural wine movement. This supple and silky expression is a nod to the family’s focus on terroir and in this case, the wind-blown, north facing village of La Folie. Through his organic practices comes a wine with explosive fruit and floral notes, a granitic base and a concentrated savory backbone.

Anne Sophie Dubois ‘l’Alchimiste’ Fleurie 2022 - This cru, known as “The Queen of Beaujolais”, produces delicate, refined and elegant characteristics. Named after the Paulo Coelho book “The Alchemist”, this hand-harvested, destemmed, unrefined and unfiltered cuvee is rounded, expressive and crushable.

Limited Addition Cabernet Franc, Willamette Valley, OR 2022 - Through carbonic fermentation and new neutral barrels, Bree and Chad Stock have found a way to make the hearty cabernet franc beautifully juicy. A field blend of old and new vines and released as their nouveau, this light expression still remains earthy and full-bodied.

Pam Coyle is a sommelier at Sauvignon Wine Locker and Trattoria in downtown St. Petersburg, FL. She can be reach at pamanncoyle@gmail.com

SPCA Tampa Bay to Host 5th Annual Day of Giving on Dec. 5

BY KRISTIN DAVIS

SPCA Tampa Bay is dedicated to supporting our Tampa Bay community 365 days a year. This includes caring for companion animals who have been surrendered to our shelter, distributing free pet food and vaccines to community members and their pets in need, providing pet care education to students and adults in our community, and rehabilitating injured, displaced, and orphaned wildlife.

SPCA Tampa Bay needs your help during our 5th Annual Day of Giving Campaign. This year’s Giveathon fundraising event will be on Thursday, December 5. All donations made during SPCA Tampa Bay’s Day of Giving will be DOUBLED to support our Tampa Bay community, its pets, homeless animals, and injured wildlife.

How does a donation help SPCA Tampa Bay during the Day of Giving?

• $5 provides a bag of pet food distributed at one of our food banks to a community member and their pet in need.

• $25 provides an adoptable animal with food, shelter, and medicine for one day.

• $50 covers the cost of essential vaccines for a pet in our community who may not otherwise receive veterinary care.

• $100 assists a shelter animal in being spayed/neutered and microchipped.

For one day only, generous corporate sponsors will MATCH all donations made on Thursday, December 5, which DOUBLES your gift! To give, text PAW to Give4, call 844-SPCA-PAW, or online at https://www.spcatampabay.org/day-of-giving

When you donate to SPCA Tampa Bay, your donation STAYS in Tampa Bay! For nearly 85 years, SPCA Tampa Bay has been a fixture in our community, offering support for pet owners, educating the public, facilitating animal adoptions for all species, and running programs that foster and enrich the deep connection between humans and animals.

In an effort to help people in the community keep their pets during challenging times, SPCA Tampa Bay launched several new programs in 2024 to provide pet owners in Tampa Bay with resources to help them care for their animals. These new resources include vaccine clinics, grooming clinics, and three community pet food banks. Our goal is to provide free or lowcost pet care resources to pet owners experiencing financial hardship so they can keep their animals.

SPCA Tampa Bay is the only open admission shelter in a five-county radius. We call this philosophy For-All, meaning

GIFT VOUCHER

no animal in need is ever turned away. Last year, we took in over 8,500 animals through our Intake, Transfer, and Wildlife programs. Our shelter operates as an independent animal welfare agency, relying heavily on donations from our community members.

To give to SPCA Tampa Bay during our annual Day of Giving and to DOUBLE your gift, text PAW to Give4, call 844-SPCA-PAW, or online at https://www.spcatampabay.org/day-of-giving.

Kristen Davis is Director of Marketing & Communications at SPCA Tampa Bay

Tips on How to Plan a Family Estate Meeting

After working with clients as a Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner™ professional for over 25 years, I have observed a significant increase in wealth being transferred to our clients’ children and grandchildren. Many of our clients, having been diligent savers, find it challenging to spend the money they accumulated during their working years once they retire. Consequently, they face important decisions regarding how to effectively pass on their wealth.

Estate planning is more than just distributing wealth; it also involves passing down your family’s values and history to the next generation. Choosing the right financial strategies is important for your family’s long-term financial health, but it’s equally important to have open conversations with your loved ones. These talks prepare them for managing the wealth they will inherit. Whether discussing charitable goals, plans for distributing wealth, or wishes for the family business, these discussions help your family address concerns, find common ground, and plan for the future.

Starting these sensitive conversations can be tough, but you don’t have to do it alone or all at once. It might take several talks, sometimes with your financial advisor as a mediator, to get everyone to agree. This guide provides starting points, but remember, every family is unique. Your approach to discussing your legacy will reflect your family’s individuality.

Conversation Starters

First, decide what you need to discuss. There are many topics to cover with your family, some more difficult than others, but these are often the most important. Here are some

suggestions. Mark the ones you think would be useful for your family discussions.

The Importance of a Job Well Done: Many families value hard work and integrity to prevent a sense of entitlement. Intentions for Your Family Wealth: Create a mission statement together to outline the values you want to promote through philanthropic efforts.

The Value of Higher Education: Family support can help the next generation achieve their educational goals.

Potential Business Ventures or Investment Opportunities: Some family members may want to pursue entrepreneurship or invest in a growing business. Consider if you can help financially or through networking and introductions.

Business Transitions: If you own a business, plan for succession. Key questions to consider:

• How might your family or children be involved?

• Will the business continue or be sold?

• Who will handle the sale if it’s sold?

• Who should or should not take over if it’s not sold?

Health and Mobility Concerns: Address health and mobility issues before they become burdensome. Discuss who will care for whom, for how long, where you will live, necessary renovations, and who needs to be contacted.

Caregiving: For disabled, elderly, or special needs family members, plan their care and funding ahead of time. Consider special needs trusts and choose a trustee. Address

the financial, physical, and emotional needs of the person requiring care.

Estate and Legacy Planning: Discuss your wishes about money and your legacy early and often to prepare your heirs to manage your wealth responsibly.

Points of Transition: Family changes, like births, marriages, or divorces, affect your plans. Discuss how to address survivors and changes in beneficiaries, especially in blended families, to find the best solution for your situation.

Other Issues May Crop Up, Too: A family member struggling with addiction, or other issues may need support or intervention. Determine the line between enabling and support and put a plan in place to protect and care for your family members, even if it involves difficult decisions.

Setting the Stage

Depending on the topics, decide who should be part of the discussion. Start with immediate family for very personal matters, then include in-laws, grandchildren, and eventually professional advisors for follow-up actions. Determine who needs to know what and when. Handle sensitive subjects carefully to build agreement among decision-makers.

Consider each person’s role:

• Who is financially savvy?

• Who is the family historian?

• Who is the most responsible?

Assign different people to communicate with the family attorney, accountant, or trustee; update the financial advisor; lead philanthropic efforts; and educate the family. Use each person’s strengths to keep communication open, ensure accountability, and keep everyone engaged. Rotate roles to avoid overburdening anyone and consider appointing a family secretary to track action items and document decisions.

When and where

If you and your loved ones live nearby, scheduling a family meeting can be as easy as inviting them over for dinner. If everyone is spread out, more planning is needed. Consider adding a day to a family reunion or vacation to discuss the future and your wishes.

When choosing a meeting location, pick a place where everyone feels comfortable. This could be your home, a formal setting like your financial advisor’s office, or a neutral spot like a hotel, restaurant, or coffee shop.

How often should you meet? This depends on your family’s situation and needs. You might start with one or two longer meetings, then have shorter ones semiannually or annually. Alternatively, you could have casual but regular meetings monthly or bimonthly. After the initial conversation, you’ll have a better idea of what works best for your family.

Sean Goodrich is a Certified Financial PlannerTM for Raymond James through Goodrich Wealth Planning. He can be reached at 727.897.8761 or sean.goodrich@raymondjames.com.

Despite the Devastation, the Sunset Bell Still Rings of Hope

I’ve watched more than one sunset at Pass-A-Grille often seeking its solace after difficult days. Each offered a different array of sun-splashed hues, an evolving canvas of natural creativity that never failed to deliver on its promise of artistic originality.

The mix of gatherers proved just as diverse: a collection of locals and tourists, young and old, beachcombers in lawn chairs and swimmers in the gulf. The one constant of every scene: the Sunset Bell in front of the Paradise Grille. The ringing of this rustic bell, a tradition that dates to 1997, doesn’t just signal the sun kissing the Gulf, but it echoes the hopes for a better tomorrow. It clangs the same note but greets our ears like a symphony. It tells us all that positive possibilities stretch as far as the horizon. It takes the edge off our anxiety and restores calm in our minds.

Over the decades, I’ve come to Pass-A-Grille on weekdays, birthdays, Father’s Days, and off days. I’ve brought coworkers for a corporate retreat – emphasis on retreat – and visitors for a taste of the golden time of day. Sunny days. Rainy days. The rare chilly days. Any day. At the height of the pandemic, I drove to this respite at every opportunity. It never failed to lift me up.

But a one-two punch broke the guarantee on serenity. The storm surge of Helene and the whipping winds of Milton rocked us like, well, a hurricane. The misplaced sand dunes, sitting in the middle of roads and streets, told of Helene’s havoc. So too did curbs strewn with water-logged furniture and homes no longer habitable.

The shattered roof of Tropicana Field

Sunset Bell in Pass-A-Grille Beach/ Screengrab courtesy Debi Saltzberg

stands as an iconic symbol of Milton’s path of destruction. A wayward crane cracking the shell of one of downtown St. Petersburg’s most historic buildings created only questions. Across the region we searched for answers – about water pumps, sewage systems, and storm drains, about wobbling tracks, overheated waters, and yes, climate change.

Sure, we knew such nights of terror were always possible, but there’s almost a sense of betrayal. How could those enchanting waters that gave us so much joy turn on us, rise to ungodly levels and wreak havoc? Only fools believed that Tampa Bay had some kind of mythical hold on Mother Nature that could thwart off The Big One. I was a fool. So were a lot of other people.

But while we couldn’t explain the weather, we did find answers in our compassion. Old neighbors got reacquainted. New neighbors finally met each other. Strangers showed up with rakes and chainsaws. Visitors came to help, companies donated to nonprofits and nonprofits delivered to community members. At United Way Suncoast, where I’ve worked for nearly four years, we say, “Together, we’re greater than any challenge.” Our town illustrated that mantra over and over again.

And through it all, the Sunset Bell remained.

Now its reverberating optimism has never been more

important. The storms have left all of us grappling for the peace offered by our paradise. Some will retreat inland; some will leave the state. I don’t blame them. The physical toll of lost furniture, lost cars, lost homes and, sadly, lost lives, can be too much.

The physical toll exacts a price, and the mental toll also demands payment. Even those of us not directly impacted look on with a mix of grief and gratitude, sorrow, and grace — and wonder if we’re meant to live in paradise.

Yet some will refuse to let the awe of sunshine and breezes slip through our hands like beach sand. The aptly named Paradise Grille, like so much on the shores of this historic beach community, will undergo a rebuild. Other business owners and residents have promised to come back.

The Sunset Bell, a bittersweet reminder of what was and what could be, will continue to ring out. As we navigate the uncertain waters ahead, let us cherish the memories of our paradise lost. May its enduring spirit guide us as we rebuild, not just our homes and businesses, but also our collective sense of hope.

Ernest Hooper is Senior Vice President for Communications at United Way Suncoast and former writer and editor at the Tampa Bay Times.

Holiday Gift Guide

These unique bags from PIPPA PELURE are statement pieces that blend art and functionality, each designed with intricate beadwork and vibrant colors to capture attention and express personality. Visit our website for more options and pricing.

Pippa Pelure Boutique

500 Beach Dr NE. St. Pete • 727-623-0926

https://pippapelure.com/products/ HANDBAGS-c160100520

Special three bottle deal for St. Pete Life Readers! Our three best selling wines for only $60. Come in today and ask for the St. Pete Life Special!

Florida Orange Groves, Inc. & Winery

1500 Pasadena Avenue South St. Pete, FL 33707

www.FloridaWine.com • 727-347-4025

Shop Local This Holiday Season

It’s beyond jewelry, it’s love! Follow us: @TheGoldAndDiamondSource.

Gold and Diamond Source 3800 Ulmerton Road Clearwater, FL. 33762 www.GoldandDiamond.com 727-573-9351

Combination of elevated design, all-weather materials, and innovative construction to create the ultimate cornhole experience. Featuring an elegant, low profile frame, all-weather composite boards, and a patent-pending shock absorption system for superior gameplay and sound. Cornhole boards can be left outside all season. Includes:3 year warranty, (2) Cornhole Boards (8) Flyrite™ Bags. Specs: L4’ x W2’ x H12”, Weight: 41 lbs (each board). Price $1,190 Elegant Outdoor Living 7606 S. Tamiami Tr. Suite 101 Sarasota www.ElegantOutdoors.com • 941-217-6547

Whitening Special. In-office Phillips Zoom Whitening including custom home use trays. $100 reduction. Valid until 3/31/25

Roberto Macedo DDS, MS, PhD

Smile Designer & Prosthodontist 7801 38th Ave

St. Petersburg, FL 33710 www.accdfl.com • 727-345-2064

Holiday Gift Guide

Arrange for your next event or family gathering to be photographed, capturing the love and laughter of the occasion with keepsakes you will cherish for generations. 1 hour session on location, includes 4- 8x10 prints and all digital files. Price: $250 Donnette Romero Photography www.DonnetteRomeroPhotography.com DonnetteRomeroPhotography@gmail.com 941.932.2571 Text

Open Diamond Blend Necklace

Design by Don David Designs

Price: $290

Brenda McMahon Gallery & Ceramics

2901 Beach Blvd. S, Gulfport www.BrendaMcmahonGallery.com 727-454-0453

The Cashmere 4.0 ROBERT jacket, created after long reseraching by Lanificio Colombo, is a superlight and wrinkle resistant garment. Made in a soft and fluid fabric it grants the perfect comfort. A timeless elegant must have.

Price: $3995

Sartorial Inc

400 Beach Drive NE Unit # 169 www.SartorialInc.com • 727-290-6783

Shop Local This Holiday Season

Gift pure holiday glow with Serotonin’s luxury Epicutis facial - 100% clean, science-backed, and beautifully indulgent. Perfect self-care awaits at our stunning oasis!

60 minutes, Price $175

Serotonin

Sundial St. Pete 125 2nd Ave N • 727-306-0922

Handmade statement clutches and purses - These can be dressed up or down and have enough space to carry all your essentials for a day/night on the town. Made in Colombia. Various designs and color combinations. Price $275 z•aa dress up studio 578 1st Ave N. St Pete, 33701 ZAAStyle.com

Holiday Gift Guide

Showcase your style with Closet Envy accessory racks – display scarves, belts, ties, and plan outfits with our valet rods. Stylish, functional, and now only $60 (20% off).

The Closet Envy tampa@theclosetenvy.com 813-559-0600

9.5 ctw Lab Grown Diamond Line Bracelet 14KT Yellow Gold

Retail: $10,250 Gold and Diamond Center 222 37th Ave. N St. Pete www.GDCStpete.com • 727-896-3000

Glow into the holidays with radiant skin! Enjoy $100 off your Moxi & BBL treatment this holiday season. Achieve a brighter, clearer, complexion with minimal downtime-just in time for celebrations. Don’t miss this limited-time offer to refresh and rejuvenate your skin. Book your appointment today. Must book by 12/31/2024.

Oculofacial Surgery and Cosmetic Laser Institute

2007 W. Swann Ave. Tampa & 24420 State Road 54 Lutz 813-303-0123 • www.DoctorRosh.com @docrosh_oscli

The works by Deserie and Jack are available at stop 8, DRV Gallery, on the ArtJones Open Studio Tour or by visiting DRVGallery.com.

$300

Art Jones Open Studio Tour Available at www.DRVGallery.com

Classic Christmas Desserts

If holiday gatherings have started to feel more overwhelming than celebratory, it’s time to go back to the basics with seasonal desserts that are easy yet elegant.

Wow your crowd this year with a mouthwatering Hummingbird Cake or Coconut Cake that call to mind holidays past without requiring hours spent in the kitchen (like grandma used to do). Red Velvet Bundt Cake has been a family favorite for decades, and they all save time by starting with a store-bought cake mix.

Heat oven to 350 F.

Coconut Cake

1 vanilla or white cake mix

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup sugar

1 cup coconut Greek yogurt

1 cup milk

2 tablespoons melted butter

3 eggs

Frosting: 1 stick butter, softened

1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

5 cups powdered sugar

2-4 cups shredded coconut

In mixing bowl, mix cake mix, flour and sugar. Blend in yogurt, milk, butter and eggs.

Grease two 8-inch cake pans with butter. Pour half the mixture into each pan and bake 45 minutes. Cool on rack before icing.

To make frosting: In mixing bowl, mix butter, cream cheese and heavy whipping cream. Slowly blend in powdered sugar.

Ice cake then pat shredded coconut gently into icing.

Red Velvet Bundt Cake

1 red velvet cake mix

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 heaping tablespoon cocoa powder

1 cup sugar

1 cup milk

3 eggs

1 stick melted butter

Frosting:

1 stick softened butter

1 package (8 ounces) softened cream cheese

1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

5 cups powdered sugar

White sanding sugar (optional)

In mixing bowl, mix cake mix, flour, cocoa powder and sugar. Blend in milk, eggs and butter.

Grease bundt pan with butter and pour in batter. Bake according to package instructions for bundt cakes then add 10-15 minutes. Let cool before icing.

To make frosting: In bowl, mix butter, cream cheese and whipping cream. Slowly blend in powdered sugar.

Ice entire bundt cake or place frosting in piping bag and pipe with back and forth “drip” motion. Sprinkle sanding sugar for sparkly snow appearance, if desired.

Hummingbird Cake

1 spice cake mix

1 cup sugar

1 cup banana cream Greek yogurt

3 eggs

1 cup crushed pineapple

1 cup crushed pecans

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons melted butter

Frosting:

1 stick butter, softened

1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

5 cups powdered sugar

1 package pecans (optional)

Heat oven to 350 F.

In mixing bowl, mix spice mix and sugar. Blend in yogurt, eggs and pineapple. In separate bowl, mix pecans, flour and butter then add to cake mixture.

Grease two 8-inch cake pans with butter. Pour half the mixture into each pan then bake 45 minutes. Cool on rack before icing.

To make frosting: In mixing bowl, mix butter, cream cheese and heavy whipping cream. Slowly blend in powdered sugar.

Find these recipes and more from “Cookin’ Savvy” at Culinary.net.

Suenos de Dali Gala / Dali Museum

On October 26, the annual Suenos de Dali gala took place with the theme “A Surreal Awakening” in celebration of 100 years of Surrealism. Chairs and sponsors were Ryan and Marianne Griffin and Nicki and Tom Diana. Local artist Rasta Geary Taylor made art come to life as he live-painted the gown of a violin performer.

40th

Anniversary Celebration / Gold and Diamond Source

Steve and Julie Weintraub celebrated the 40th anniversary of Gold and Diamond Source in October, welcoming many friends, donors, associates, and sponsors from over the decades.

Savor St. Pete / Vinoy Park

Tampa Bay’s top food and wine festival Savor St. Pete presented by Publix was packed with vendors and attendees Nov. 2-3 under the big tents who enjoyed everything from food and spirit samples to live DJ music and a chef competition.

Rays on the Runway / Children’s Dream Fund

Children’s Dream Fund hosted over 400 guests at their signature event, Rays on the Runway, on August 15 at Power Design in St. Petersburg. The event raised over $500,000 to make dreams come true for children battling lifethreatening illnesses. This was a record-breaking year for the event that has been on hiatus since 2019.

St. Petersburg Seafood

Trophy Fish - Drink Like a Fish is the moniker here, so be prepared for a casual nautical atmosphere, lively crowd and fresh local fish and seafood that changes daily. Dinner only; opens at noon on Saturdays and Sundays. 2060 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 258-7883; trophyfishstpete.com $$

Teak - With a spectacular view of the downtown skyline, Teak, at the tip of the St. Pete Pier, offers elevated casual dining for lunch and dinner. Florida-inspired cuisine runs the gamut from Cubans and paella to pan roasted grouper with citrus risotto and ginger guava BBQ short ribs. 800 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg (727) 513-8325; teakstpete.com $$$

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille - Shorts and flip-flops are welcome at this popular waterfront eatery on the St. Pete Pier and a new location in the Jungle Terrace district on Boca Ciega Bay. Seafood with a Caribbean flair includes crab cakes and fish tacos to entrees like Cedar Plank Salmon and Banana Leaf Snapper. 610 2nd Ave NE, (727) 857-8118; 8790 Bay Pines Blvd; St. Petersburg; docfords.com $$$

Sea Salt - Upscale, urban and known for its raw bar and impeccably fresh seafood, this is the place to impress while enjoying a sunset over the downtown skyline. Located at Sundial, the airy and sophisticated eatery specializes in seasonal and organic ingredients, an extensive wine collection and craft cocktails. 183 2nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727) 873-7964; seasaltstpete. com $$$$

DINING GUIDE

Island Grille & Raw Bar – Expansive waterfront dining focusing on fresh seafood, steaks, pasta, chicken, sandwiches and raw bar. Island Grille attracts a fun crowd of families, boaters and local sun-seekers who gravitate here for the food, tropical drinks and massive outdoor patio. 210 Madonna Blvd, Tierra Verde; (727) 767-0020; islandrawbar.com $$$

RumFish Grill – The ultimate under-the-sea dining experience awaits at RumFish Grill on St. Pete Beach. Indulge in a Gulf coast inspired menu with selections such as Blackened Mahi Mahi with Gulf shrimp, mm, mm. Afterwards, enjoy warm coastal breezes on the deck with live music and an extensive selection of rum cocktails. 6000 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach (727) 329-1428; rumfishgrill.com $$$

The Hurricane Seafood Restaurant –The landmark Hurricane on Passe-a-Grille Beach has weathered a few storms, but still stands as a seafood mecca for tourists, groups and families. The fresh grouper sandwich and view from the rooftop bar are legendary. 809 Gulf Way, St. Pete Beach (727) 360-9558; thehurricane.com $$

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 David Blackmon offering a chic twist on classic fare. Outstanding wine selection and service 655 2nd Ave. S., St. Petersburg (727) 822-0999; rococosteak.com $$$$

Sonata at The Mahaffey - The dramatic new restaurant at The Mahaffey Theater is a place to impress, with diners treated to a beautiful waterfront view, stunning artwork, and a curated menu of coastal cuisine rooted in Southern tradition with

creative flair. House specialties include Pork Osso Bucco Bourguignon, Baked Oysters Bienville and Crab Stuffed Lobster Tail. Chop house favorites include Wagyu Tenderloin and a Tomahawk Ribeye for Two. Dinner hours only, with lunch and brunch expected to be added later this year. 400 First St. N, St. Petersburg (727) 892-5857 $$$$

Brick & Mortar - Rustic-chic dining in an intimate atmosphere, local foodies gravitate here for healthy American fare that changes seasonally. Dinner only. 539 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 822-6540 $$$

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse - Upscale steakhouse overlooking the Sundial courtyard in the heart of downtown, Ruth’s Chris is a respected chain with a dedicated following who come for dependable steaks, chops and seafood specialties. 131 2nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727) 821-4139; ruthschris.com $$$

Urban Stillhouse - Bourbon lovers will be in heaven and everyone else will be in awe at this rustic yet sophisticated distillery in the Warehouse Arts District featuring Chef Kenny Tufo’s renowned American modern cuisine. Dinner only Thursday through Saturday, brunch Sunday 11 to 4; reservations a must. . 2232 5th Ave. S., St. Petersburg (727) 440-8040; theurbanstillhouse.com $$$$

The Library - Tucked away in Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital with a distinguished English library setting, The Library is just the ticket for a quiet lunch or dinner or even a romantic night out. The

creative menu is overflowing with healthy options such as Osso Bucco Risotto and Squid Ink Pasta with Blackened Shrimp. 600 5th St. S., St. Petersburg (727) 369-9969; thelibrarystpete.com $$$

Birch & Vine - Located in Beach Drive’s Birchwood Hotel, this fine dining spot is helmed by Executive Chef Lee Aquino, known for his unique and globally inspired dishes featuring seasonal, organic and locally sourced foods. 340 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg (727) 896-1080; thebirchwood.com/birchandvine $$$

Sauvignon Wine Locker & American Trattoria - Charming winecentric dining with a top-notch curated menu of seafood, pasta and meats in a lively block of Central Avenue downtown. 241 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 827-7896; sauvignonstpete.com $$$

The Dewey at Berkeley Beach Club - Sophisticated yet casual dining in Pass-AGrille with a curated menu of reimagined beach cuisine, outstanding wine and craft cocktails. Downstairs is the main dining area; but for the ultimate sunset views head to the rooftop bar for an expansive oyster menu and selection of appetizers. 109 8th Avenue, St. Pete Beach (727) 228-1000; berkeleybeachclub.com $$$$

Castile Restaurant - Hotel Zamora’s elegant restaurant stylishly prepares a curated menu of New American cuisine including tapas, Spanish and Mediterranean specialties, steak and seafood. Select from indoor or outdoor seating with a view of the intracoastal; lunch and dinner. 3701 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach (727) 456-8660 $$$

Grace - Upscale yet laid-back, this intimate dining spot offers modern American and Mediterranean cuisine, wine, and cocktails

in the heart of Passe-A-Grille. Stop in for happy hour from 4 to 6 pm or treat yourself to a curated dining menu that runs the gamut from seafood and salads to pasta and steak. 120 8th Ave., St. Pete Beach (727) 317-4770; gracestpete.com $$$

The Maritana - The Don Cesar’s longstanding Maritana was renovated a few years ago, offering a sophisticated and intimate fine-dining experience featuring modern Coastal cuisine sustainably sourced, and an extensive wine list. The perfect spot for late-night dessert and aperitif. 3400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, dinner only (844) 338-1501, doncesar.com/ dining/maritana $$$$

Juno & the Peacock - Luxe and sophisticated, new hotspot on the Beach Drive dining scene offers New American Coastal Cuisine focusing on locally sourced ingredients. Look for a curated menu with inventive flair, alongside American staples like handhelds, flatbreads and tapas plates such as lobster tail escargot and Wagu carpaccio. The outdoor patio offers waterfront views and some of the best people watching in town.

400 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg (727) 258-4222 $$$$

American/Casual

Beau & Mo’s Chicago Style Steakhouse

- This popular steakhouse offers casual Chicago-style ambiance and a selection of USDA Prime and Australian Wagyu steaks, a 42-ounce Tomahawk ribeye, New Zealand lamb chops, seafood and Italian specialties. A lively atmosphere perfect for groups and families. Dinner only. 2924 5th Ave.N., St. Petersburg (727) 771-3690 beaunmo.com $$$

Ford’s Garage - Pull into this garage to find a fun 1920’s service station (don’t miss a stop in the restrooms) with a great selection of prime burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, mac n cheese dishes, and craft beers. Indoor or outdoor dining. 200 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg (727) 295-3673; fordsgarageusa.com $$

Stillwaters - Casual tavern and late-night hotspot on Beach Drive offers a variety of classic American fare from steak and shrimp to burgers and chicken; known for a selection of sausages made in-house. 224 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg (727) 350-1019; stillwaterstavern.com $$

The Hangar - Watch the runway action at Albert Whitted Airport in the heart of downtown at The Hangar, located on the second floor of the airport terminal. An extensive breakfast menu features traditional egg, waffle and pancake dishes and an omelette station. Main menu offers a diverse array of sandwiches, burgers, soups and salads, and sharable items including cheese fondue, wings, mussels, shrimp and nachos. Dinner entrees include a seared ribeye, grilled salmon, meatloaf, and wild mushroom ravioli. The comfortable bar is one of the best in town for happy hour drink specials from 3 to 6 pm. 540 1st Street S., St. Petersburg (727) 823-7767; thehangarstpete.com $$

Social Roost - Aptly named for its inviting casual ambiance, the Roost specializes in globally inspired chicken dishes and craft cocktails. Everything is fresh and made from scratch, from chicken samosas to the Peruvian Chicken and Chicken Tangine. 150 1st Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727) 202-6113; eatatsocialroost.com $$$

Datz - Hearty and even sinful comfort foods from loaded burgers and fried chicken to pancakes and nachos. Leave your diet at home for the Nashville Chicken Doughnut. Lively and casual indoor and outdoor dining and drinking. 180 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 202-1182; datztampa.com/stpete $$

Eat, Art, Love - Intimate café in the Warehouse Arts District focused on weekend brunch (no dinner hours), as well as helping emerging artists get noticed by providing exhibit space. Chef Mario Brugnoli brings soul-warming dishes to the 25-seat restaurant with a short menu that touches on Southern/Creole with dishes like a confit duck leg with grits, fried chicken sandwich and classic egg dishes. Wine available; limited days and hours. 589 22nd St S St. Petersburg (727) 289-1713 $$

Asian/Fusion

Hawkers - Asian street food kicked up a notch with craft cocktails and a young vibe at a popular Grand Central hotspot. Small plates and bowls are perfect for sharing. 1235 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 521-7235; eathawkers.com $$

Good Fortune - Trendy dining and highoctane night spot with top-notch AsianFusion cuisine and cocktails, Good Fortune replaces the former Ichicoro Ane below the Station House. Small sharable plates and bowls, an extensive sushi bar and a late night menu that brings out the bao combine for an adventurous evening out. 260 1st Avenue S. St. Petersburg (727) 287-3881; goodfortunestpete.com $$

Buya Ramen - Locals favorite for authentic Japanese tapas. Ramen bowls come with meat or soy-based broths, with crispy duck, braised short rib, pork belly or grilled chicken. Seaweed salad, bao buns and vegetable gyoza are starters. 911 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 202-7010; buyarestaurants.com $$

Alesia - Fresh French and Vietnamese cuisine in a contemporary setting near the beaches. Salads, spring rolls and banh mi, pho bowls, curry and noodle dishes all lovingly made with fresh ingredients. 7204 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 345-9701; alesiarestaurant.com $$

La V - Healthy Vietnamese fusion café featuring a variety of entrees, salads, noodle bowls and stir frys. Some of the best pho in town, and a broad menu of boba tea. Wines and dessert make this a great place for lunch or dinner. 441 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 820-3500; lavfusion.com $$

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

Ethnic/Global

Cassis - Combining traditional French and American influences for brunch, lunch and dinner, this European-style café is a favorite

people-watching spot at sidewalk tables along Beach Drive. Carry-out French pastries and gourmet coffee and tea from the bakery. 170 Beach Dr., St. Petersburg (727) 827-2927, cassisstpete.com $$$

Left Bank Bistro - Charming setting in the Crescent Lake community, Left Bank offers accessible French-style fare indoors or outdoors. A great late-night stop for dessert and coffee; the intimate bar presents jazz on Thursday evenings; brunch on weekends. 1225 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N., St. Petersburg; (727) 256-1691$$$

Baba - It’s hard to find more authentic Mediterranean cuisine than at this indooroutdoor casual dining spot in the heart of Kenwood. Be sure to visit the bakery for some goodies to take home. 2701 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 954-3406; eatatbaba.com $$

Bin 6 South - This tiny wine cellar/ restaurant brings intimate dining to a new level with only one 6-top table and bar seating for a total of 12. Fine dining with a chef-driven global menu and sommelier service. Reservations a must; not for the shy. 330 6th Street S., St. Petersburg (727) 498-6735; bin6south.com $$$

Grand Hacienda - Festive atmosphere and a massive menu of authentic Mexican fare that includes vegetarian and glutenfree. Family friendly, there’s something for everyone including breakfast dishes and a Margarita happy hour Monday through Thursday. 399 11th Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727) 256-9770; grandhaciendarestaurant.com $$

Ceviche - Since moving to modern new digs on Beach Drive, the Spanish tapasinspired menu maintains its authentic dishes and creative touches heavily leaning toward seafood and a Spanish-driven wine selection. 10 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg (727) 209-2299; ceviche.com $$$

Red Mesa Cantina - Longtime fave for fans of fresh Mexican cuisine in a hip urban setting, come here to sit in the courtyard with a margarita or sangria and indulge in tacos, salads, enchiladas, quesadillas and burritos and bowls. 128 3rd St. S., St. Petersburg (855) 265-0812; redmesacantina.com $$

Renzo’s - Argentinian steakhouse with extensive menu of Latin American charcuterie and tapas, grilled meats, prime seafood and traditional pasta dishes, wines and desserts. Casual and group friendly, indoor and outdoor dining. 104 2nd St. S., St. Petersburg (727) 851-9983 $$$

Red Mesa - Not to be confused with the Cantina, the original Red Mesa offers fresh Mexican fare with influences of South and Central America, the Caribbean and beyond. Entrees include Filet Mignon Chimichurri and Ginger Crusted Salmon. 4912 4th St. N., St. Petersburg (727) 527-8728 $$$

Fado - Authentic Portuguese cuisine and wines heavily leaning toward seafood, meats and sausages in a modern setting. Love octopus? This is the place for you. 435 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727) 346-5389; fadofl.com $$$

The Pearl - Moving recently to Gulfport from its longtime location on Treasure Island, the Mediterranean/Moroccan fine dining restaurant with chef/owner Karim Chiadmi at the helm offers a wide variety from steaks and seafood, pastas, veal and lamb. Dinner only from Tuesday through Saturday. 5802 28th Avenue S., Gulfport (727) 360-9151; thepearlfinedining.com $$$

Allelo - Sophisticated MediterraneanAegean theme restaurant specializes in seafood, pastas, and sharable appetizer plates and charcuterie boards. An extensive wine list and curated cocktails offer a perfect sip at the elegant marble bar inside or on the patio facing the downtown waterfront. 300 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg; (727) 851-9582; allelostpete.com $$$$

Fortu - A Pan-Asian steakhouse in the historic Ponce de Leon Hotel offers elevated dining influenced by Japan, China, Korea and Vietnam, curated cocktail and saki menus, and an elegant atmosphere. Dinner only. 95 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg; forturestaurants.com $$$$

Concrete Jungle - Mexican food goes trendy in this tropical oasis that’s bright, airy and boisterous. Have a seat in the lush tropical dining room to order shared plates, flatbreads, burgers and salads and a shot from the specialty tequila and mezcal menu. 475 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 475-5440 $$

Three Birds Tavern - Historic century old farmhouse with full liquor bar. Serving exceptional food and drinks for lunch and dinner daily with weekend brunch. Enjoy the cozy air conditioned dining room or visit any of the outdoor decks and patios. Family friendly settings perfect for intimate gatherings or private events. Plenty of free parking. 1492 4th Street N St. Petersburg, FL 33704 (727) 895-2049 $$

Café Gala - Delightful sun-filled café in the lobby of the Dali Museum offers light fare with a Spanish theme. Authentic tapas and small plates of appetizers, traditional pastries, gazpacho, salads and sandwiches. Sit at the coffee bar for the people watching and order an espresso and Crema Catalana. Open during museum hours, parking $10. One Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg, (727) 623-4725 $$

Parasol - The Vinoy’s poolside eatery offers casual Latin fare and exotic specialty rum and tequila cocktails. Look for healthy salads and sides and botanas such as Picadillo Empanadas, Tuna Tostadas and Lobster Quesadilla that all scream to be washed down with a Blueberry Lavendar Margarita, a Don Q Blanco Rum Cuba Libre or a signature sangria. Hours 11 am to 9 pm daily. Vinoy Resort, 501 5th Ave. NE, St. Petersburg (727) 894-1000 $$

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 $$$

Il Ritorno - When owner/executive chef

David Benstock beat TV chef Bobby Flay in a May 2021 episode, seats at this intimate downtown eatery were hard to come by. It’s still a good idea to make a reservation to discover Benstock’s fresh, modern Italian cuisine that simply brims with love and creativity. Dinner only. 449 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 897-5900; ilritornodowntown.com $$$$

Taverna Costale - Coastal Italian dining from celebrity chef Fabio Viviani recently opened in the heart of downtown offers the perfect blend of a rustic Italian eatery, an energetic local tavern, and an upscale modern restaurant. Extensive wine list, craft cocktails and an indoor/ outdoor bar. Dinner only. 200 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 954-3863; tavernacoastale.com $$$

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

Bonu Taverna Italiana - Since opening in 2022, Bonu has developed a devout following who come to enjoy the fresh Italian cuisine and friendly service found in this trendy Central Avenue café. Grab a seat at the bar, outside patio or a table in the airy dining room. Specialties range from pizza “pinsas” and charcuterie to pasta, salads and soups. A weekend brunch

brings out even more divine specialties.. 601 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 623-4505; bonutaverna.online $$$

Healthy/Fusion

Craft Kafe - Popular downtown coffeeshop and café specializes in glutenfree artisan pastries, quiches, pizza, salads and soups. Sit on the patio and watch the world go by. 200 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 256-8587; craftkafe.com $$

Cider Press Vegan Gastropub - A longtime locals favorite, Cider Press presents a pub menu of vegan “imposters” from monstrous Beyond Beef burgers to Bang Bang “Shrimp,” Buffalo “Chicken” Mac & Cheese, and “Fish” and Chips. A sleek, modern interior, and a chic bar make this a place even meat eaters will love. 3118 3rd Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727) 914-7222; ciderpresspub.com $$

Good Intentions - Creative vegan/ vegetarian eatery combines healthful entrees and appetizers with a solid wine list and craft cocktails. Come in for coffee and dessert to knock your socks off; brunch on Saturday and Sunday. 1900 1st Avenue S. St. Petersburg; (727) 280-6068; goodintentionsfl.com $$

Wild Child - Named the Best New Restaurant of 2022 by the Tampa Bay Times, this coral pink neighborhood bistro meets all the requirements with creative cuisine, fresh and seasonal ingredients, and tiki craft cocktails all meticulously prepared and served. Tuna tostadas, jerk octopus, Peruvian seafood chowder are menu highlights. Indoor/outdoor seating; dinner only but open 11 am Sunday for brunch. 2710 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 954-7425; wildchildstpete.com $$$

Are you ready to invest in a home that stands strong against the elements? We specialize in hurricane-rated new home builds designed specifically for the unique lot sizes found in the breathtaking Tampa Bay area, including barrier islands and flood zone properties.

Contact Strobel Design Build at www.StrobelDesignBuild.com/ contact-us and submit an inquiry.

Alternatively, give us a call at (727) 201-3038 CBC 125735

Introducing Customizable FEMA Compliant Homes with Strobel Design Build

Our thoughtfully designed homes combine safety, durability, and style to create the perfect sanctuary for you and your family.

We believe closely meets your es, we’re ing the Build a or style. homes plans and cherish

Alternatively, Contact com/contact-us spondence ward to

WHY CHOOSE OUR DESIGNS?

1. Superior Construction: ICF Technology

Our homes feature Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) walls and foundations, providing exceptional strength, energy efficiency, and insulation. This construction method not only enhances durability against hurricanes but also keeps your home comfortable year-round.

2. Impact-Resistant Doors and Windows

With our impact-rated doors and windows, you can rest easy knowing your home is protected from high winds and flying debris. These features not only safeguard your family but also add a sleek, modern look to your home’s exterior.

3. Flood-Resistant Materials

We understand the importance of protecting your investment. That’s why we use interior and exterior flood-resistant materials that minimize water damage and enhance the longevity of your home. Enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is designed to withstand the worst.

4. Aesthetic Harmony with the Community

At Strobel Design Build, we bring 40 years of experience in designing and building homes within the community. Our designs are meticulously crafted to be visually appealing and harmonize with the local architecture, ensuring that your new home is not just a fortress but also a stunning addition to the neighborhood. With our expertise, we create homes that reflect the beauty and character of Tampa Bay, making your residence a source of pride for years to come.

YOUR VISION, OUR EXPERTISE

We believe in the power of customization. Our team will work closely with you to tailor each aspect of your home, ensuring it meets your unique needs and preferences. From layout to finishes, we’re dedicated to bringing your vision to life while maintaining the highest safety standards.

Build a Safe, Stylish Sanctuary! Don’t compromise on safety or style. Join the countless families who trust us to build their homes with resilience in mind. Let’s discuss your customizable plans and start building a home that you and your family can cherish for generations to come. Your dream home awaits!

Contact Strobel Design Build at www.StrobelDesignBuild. com/contact-us and submit an inquiry. You will receive correspondence from the Strobel team within 24 hours. We look forward to working with you.

Alternatively, give us a call at (727) 201-3038 CBC 125735

Life Begins Here.

Having a baby can be one of the most memorable moments in life. At Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital Center for Women and Babies, previously known as Baby Place, our expert team will guide you through a safe, supportive birth experience. With state-of-the-art facilities, advanced technology and private suites, every detail is designed with you and your baby in mind. If needed, you’ll have access to high-risk perinatal care ensuring the safest delivery of your new arrival. Giving you more reasons to choose well. OrlandoHealth.com/BayfrontMaternity