St. Pete Life Jan/Feb 2022 by St. Pete Life

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E X C E P T I O N A L S E R V I C E · U N PA R A L L E L E D C O N TA C T S S U P E R I O R R E S U LT S PE

PE G

Saltaire Condo

820 Sand Pine Drive NE

DOWNTOWN ST. PETE

PLACIDO BAYOU

Listed at $2,600,000+

Listed at $1,075,000

1 5 1 2 0 t h Av e n u e N E

1 3 6 B a y Po i n t D r i v e N E

HISTORIC OLD NORTHEAST

SNELL ISLE

Listed at $895,000 / Sold for $910,000

Listed at $1,050,000

R E BE CCA & F RANK M ALOWANY B R O K E R - A S S O C I AT E S TOP 1% REALTORS IN PINELLAS COUNTY 1 1 00 4TH STREET N, ST. PETERSBURG

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CONTENTS

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 Volume 5 No. 4

Features

People to Watch: Morgan Clay .......................... 14 Courageous Conversations: Mayor Ken Welch .... 16

Grand Prix Takes to the Street .......................... 26 Special Feature: Women in Business ................. 32 For the Love of Jazz ........................................ 52 Fashion: New Year, New You ............................. 56 Pet Tales: Helping Senior Pets ......................... 58

Travel: Westgate River Ranch ........................... 66 Hot Wheels: VW Atlas Cross Sport .................... 70 SPL Scene: Out and About in St. Pete ..............

66 4

StPeteLifeMag.com

January/February 2022

WELCOME TO SPL

A new year begins, and we have a sense of optimism. While what the future holds is always uncertain, we see new leadership in City Hall that promises to tackles issues of importance across all areas and communities in St. Petersburg. Our columnist Ernest Hooper had the opportunity to sit down with newly elected mayor Ken Welch, asking some hard-hitting questions about moving the city forward. We encourage readers to take the time to read this article, Courageous Conversations, to learn more about the priorities and outreach that the new mayor is planning. We salute the many businesses that have survived the challenges of the past 18 months. Our Women in Business special advertising feature takes a look at 14 prominent and successful women in St. Pete who continue to show strength through diversity. The 18th Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding is returning a bit earlier this year. For a preview, take a look at our feature story. Did you know St. Pete has a strong jazz community? We visit the popular Monday Night Jazz Jams at The Hangar and visit with a few folks to learn more about the history of jazz locally and the movement to encourage young musicians to continue the tradition. Finally, we invite you to check out our newly designed web site at stpetelifemag.com. It’s fresh and smart for a new year! Happy reading,

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

Flourish Photography

Ernest Hooper/ Nitish S. Rele Contributors CO-FOUNDER/BUSINESS MANAGER Ralph Zuckerman Want SPL delivered directly to your home or oﬃce? Go to www.stpetelifemag/subscribe.

Beth Ann Drake

bdrake�stpetelifemag.com Publisher

Marcia Biggs

editor@stpetelifemag.com Editor

www.StPeteLifeMag.com

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

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StPeteLifeMag.com

January/February 2022

On The Cover: Women in Business Photo by Valerie Bogle/ Flourish Photography

hola hola bonjour bonjour hello hello

Opens OpensJan Jan29 29 at atThe TheDalí Dalí

The Dalí welcomes the world’s most The Dalí welcomes the world’s most celebrated modern painter. Picasso and celebrated modern painter. Picasso and the Allure of the South brings together the Allure of the South brings together paintings, drawings and collages — most paintings, drawings and collages — most never before seen in the U.S. — to never before seen in the U.S. — to illuminate the artist’s profound connection illuminate the artist’s profound connection to the Spanish-French border region. to the Spanish-French border region.

TheDali.org TheDali.org

Presenting sponsor Presenting sponsor

Pablo Picasso, Man with a Straw Hat and an Ice Cream Cone, Mougins, 30 August 1938 Musée national Picasso-Paris Pablo Picasso, Man with a Straw Hat and an Ice Cream Cone, Mougins, 30 August 1938 © 2021 Estate of Pablo Picasso / ArtistsPicasso-Paris Rights Society (ARS), New York Musée national © 2021 Estate of Pablo Picasso / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

residences400central.com

LUXURY LIVING IN THE SKY ELEVATED NEW DEVELOPMENT IN THE HEART OF ST. PETERSBURG, FL

NOW ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS

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S A L E S G A L L E RY L O C AT E D AT : 4 6 5 C e n t r a l Av e n u e , S t . P e t e r s b u r g , F L ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS BROCHURE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. This is not intended to be an offer to sell, or solicitation to buy, condominium units to residents of any jurisdiction where prohibited by law, and your eligibility for purchase will depend upon your state of residency. This offering is made only by the prospectus for the condominium and no statement should be relied upon if not made in the prospectus. The images and artist’s renderings shown here in are conceptual only and are for the convenience of reference. The developer expressly reserves the right to make modifications, revisions, and changes as it deems desirable in its sole and absolute discretion.

OUR WALLS JANUARY 24–30, 2022

SPIRAL FULL CIRCLE JANUARY 27, 2022

Participate in a week-long community art display on the front lawn of the MFA. Using Hughie Lee-Smith’s The Walls, we invite adults and children to create a response to the barriers that walls create in our everyday lives.

Join us for a multi-genre evening of performances celebrating Spiral, a collective of Black artists formed in the mid-1960s who navigated both the Civil Rights Movement and their individual artistic practices.

Free on the front lawn of the Museum of Fine Arts

Tenea D. Johnson, author Speculative fiction inspired by Emma Amos

Featured performing artists:

Cranstan Cumberbatch, actor Performance centered on Romare Bearden Butch Thomas, musician Musical suite inspired by Norman Lewis 7–9 pm, Marly Room. Free with museum admission. Enjoy special pricing every Thursday after 5:00 pm. Admission for adults is only $10 after 5:00 pm

These programs are generously sponsored by

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The CPM Team Has Dropped Anchor At Compass

www.TheCpmTeam.com

Compass Welcomes Powerhouse Tammy Campbell McNelis (Plummer) & The CPM Team

After 16 years of helping clients in the St. Petersburg market, Tammy Campbell McNelis (Plummer), and The CPM Team joined Compass. Compass is a technology-driven real estate brokerage firm throughout the USA. “With innovative tools and exclusive programs, Compass empowers me to redefine the buying and selling experience for my clients” stated Tammy. Tammy brings Christopher Plummer and Michael McNelis with her to Compass. The move to Compass is very exciting for us,” said Tammy. “Our responsibility is to deliver a seamless customer experience from beginning to end. Compass’ network, technology, and support provide us the ability to do just that.” We joined Compass because they have outstanding marketing concepts and unparalleled technology for their agents. The Compass platform includes an integrated suite of cloud-based software for customer relationship management, marketing, client service, brokerage services, and other critical functionality, all custom-built by Compass for the real estate industry. Compass also offers unique products for our customers such as Compass Concierge and Compass Bridge loans. Closing over a billion dollars in real estate transactions since the onset of their careers, Tammy, and the team pride themselves on their relationship-driven approach to business. Selling real estate is very personal and emotional for our clients. When you work closely with clients, you develop a personal relationship as well as a professional one. Many of my closest friends were my clients first. The CPM Team has worked with CEOs of large publicly traded companies, to athletes from The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa Bay Rays, as well as young couples buying their first homes. We believe that it’s important to love what you do, and we couldn’t be more passionate about the St Petersburg real estate market! Tammy Campbell McNelis (Plummer) 727.455.2351 200 Central Ave St. Petersburg, FL 33701

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Tierra Verde | Sold $2,175,000

Tierra Verde | Sold $2,175,000 Tierra Verde | Sold $2,175,000

Stop dreaming about living here, make it a reality. Call Tammy today. Tammy Campbell McNelis Real Estate Professional, CLHMS, CNE, SFR, CHMS.

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Stop727.455.2351 dreaming about living here, make it a reality. CallTammy@TheCPMTeam.com Tammy today. Call TheCPMTeam.com Tammy today. Tammy Campbell McNelis

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

Tammy Campbell McNelis Real Estate Professional, CLHMS, CNE, SFR, CHMS. Real Estate Professional, CLHMS, CNE, SFR, CHMS. 727.455.2351 Tammy@TheCPMTeam.com 727.455.2351 TheCPMTeam.com Tammy@TheCPMTeam.com

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

SPL LIVING

Morgan Clay Founder, The Cabana Club It all started in the not too distant past, a typical jaunt to the beach. But all did not go exactly as planned. “My husband and I love going to the beach, but the sun is not his friend. He wants shade and I want, well, the beach,” says Morgan Clay. “So one day we went to CVS and got an ugly beach umbrella, and we were dragging all this stuff to the beach and it was such a pain. I forgot the cooler and the sunscreen, and then we put the umbrella in the sand and 5 minutes later our umbrella blew away. It was a mess, and I thought ‘I wish someone could just do this for us.’” With a background in event planning, her entrepreneurial spirit kicked in. “I had wished our beach umbrella could be cuter and work better,” she said. “So I started researching umbrellas and as I did this I realized, hey, this can actually be a service I can provide on our beaches. It seems like downtown is booming, but not a lot of people seem to go to the beach. My goal is to actually make going to the beach fun and take all the hassle out of it.” The St. Pete native resides in Historic Uptown with her husband, Jordan. After a year of brain-storming, researching, web site development and purchasing gear, she officially launched The Cabana Club on June 1 and it became an immediate hit. With the help of an assistant “beach concierge” who sets up and tears down, Clay has curated over 100 beach packages since, mostly for locals. “I get a lot of requests for date nights and birthdays,” she relays. “And celebrations of life are really in demand, too. Some people just want to work remote on the beach, and I can set that up. I am not trying to do beach weddings, but just helping create a special relaxing day on the beach.” Other companies may have the same service, she says, but they don’t create the luxury feel she offers with fringed pink and white striped cloth fabric cabanas, umbrellas and chairs, luxe towels and lots of extras. Each setup includes a cabana or umbrella or both,

StPeteLifeMag.com

January/February 2022

SPL

People To Watch beach chairs, blanket and towels, a wood table, Yeti Cooler with ice, water and cups, a Bluetooth speaker and phone charger, and sunscreen. Each booking is for five hours and can be arranged according to preference. Prices start at $175 for one umbrella and two chairs, and packages can go all the way up to $575 for three cabanas and two umbrellas. A Cabana Kids Package comes with a kiddie pool, mini kid chair, beach toys, and an add-on playpen tent is available. For couples or gal pals, she’ll provide a charcuterie board for an additional price. Alcoholic beverages are left up to the beachgoers. Beaches from Pass-A-Grille north to Indian Rocks Beach may be selected. And if you need recommendations, Clay is more than happy to offer up ideas. Or just take the quiz on her website at cabanaclubfl.com to find just the right package to match your personality and style for that perfect beach day. How much shade/sun do you want? Who is coming with you (besties, families, or your honey), what vibe are you looking for, music and drink preference. It’s fun to learn your “beach style” so, of course, I had to take the quiz. I was pronounced a Chill Beacher and my perfect beach package is The Umbrella. (Nailed it!) My recommended beach is Pass A Grille Beach (nailed it again) and a music mix on Spotify was suggested to accompany me on my dream beach day. I like sunsets, so that time slot is ideal, along with a light charcuterie board for me and my honey. Romance Cabana The Cabana Club is offering a special Valentine’s Day Package available only at Pass-A-Grill Beach. It includes a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne, floral bouquet from Bloom & Stem, and charcuterie board; cost $255. To learn more, go to cabanaclubfl.com or call (727) 209-7964.

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SPL PEOPLE

Courageous Conversations St. Pete’s new mayor looks forward to engaging the community in decisions that will shape the city’s future. PHOTOS FROM KEN WELCH

Just weeks after winning the St. Petersburg mayoral race and setting his place in history as the St. Petersburg’s first AfricanAmerican mayor, Ken Welch continued to do what he’s done for most of his 20-plus years as an elected official: ask people how he can help. So, at a visit to Melrose Elementary for the Great American Teach-In, fourth and fifth graders peppered him with some of the same concerns shared by every resident. “They hit on crime, safe neighborhoods, homelessness, affordability for housing and food,” Welch said. “These kids know what’s happening.”

Why did you run for mayor?

What’s happening in St. Petersburg? The city glows with a trendy downtown, new retail and residential developments, and a burgeoning cultural vibe that’s made it a relocation destination. But it grapples with all the problems noted by the kids as well as the looming threat of climate change.

I hope folks are ready for some honest discussions because a lot of these things government can’t solve by themselves. We have to do that and we have to have everybody at the table. And if we do that, I think we can solve some of those big problems.

A third generation St. Pete resident who grew up in the city’s Gas Plant area (a community displaced by Tropicana Field) and a Pinellas County Commissioner for 20 years, Welch lives in St. Petersburg with his wife of 30 years, Donna, and their two daughters. In early December, the soon-to-be mayor shared his thoughts on the challenges that lay ahead with me as he prepared to take oﬃce.

StPeteLifeMag.com

January/February 2022

When I decided not to run for (Pinellas County) re-election in 2018, and started thinking about running for mayor, we were on the upswing. This was pre-pandemic. In 2020, you had the pandemic, you had the social justice awakening, and I had to think, “Is this something I really want to do?” And the answer was absolutely yes. … Who can bring the community together? Who can speak to some of these issues with some authenticity?

They are called courageous conversations, right? Right, I just think it’s vitally important that we have conversations and try to allocate resources. … I have two daughters, one is 19, one who’s 28, and my thought is if we don’t make the right decisions now what will life look like for their children? Whether it’s making the right decisions on sealevel rise, and where we grow and don’t grow, or addressing

SPL PEOPLE

poverty and connecting those young people with real opportunities so they don’t make bad choices. What do we do with Tropicana Field, which is where I grew up in the Gas Plant area? It comes back to this issue of intentional equity. We have to be intentional about making sure there’s true equity going forward. How have you managed to build such a broad coalition across the political aisle, if you will, given the contentious nature of politics today? It’s not that difficult if you’ve got folks who are focused on progress, folks who are in it for the right reasons. Sheriff (Bob) Gualtieri, I know he took some darts for supporting me and I took some darts for having him as an endorser, but I think those folks were in the minority. … We can work together on issues and we’ve done it time and again. It’s that focus on issues that really get us forward. I know you want to be a mayor for all people, but how important is it to represent that community you grew up in and that collection of people who are swelling with pride to see you in this office? It’s very important. I’m absolutely going to go and represent South St. Petersburg. I’ve done that as a county commissioner … but also I have to go to every part of the city. One of the first parts of my county commission district I found out about after that first election (in 2000) was Lealman. Continued next page

Ken Welch visits with St. Pete residents at The Chattaway, above, and with students at Melrose Elementary during the Great American Teach-In.

January/February 2022

StPeteLifeMag.com

SPL PEOPLE Ray Neri called me and said, “Commissioner, you have to come see this part of your district.” I walked in there and Ray said, “Lealman Community Association here’s your new county commissioner, Ken Welch.” I was the only person of color in the room. I sat down with them and said tell me what you need. If you can meet people where their needs are, the rest really doesn’t matter. One of my strongest support bases was in Lealman. We’re going to have that same approach in the city. Go to every neighborhood and talk to folks. Everybody is going to have a voice in their government. Tell me about the influence of your father David, a threeterm member of the St. Petersburg City Council. His influence? I still can’t put it into words. Just watching him serve – I was a senior at Lakewood when he was first elected – and I said, “I would never go into politics. I don’t like that stuff.” But watching him serve and seeing all the things you don’t see on TV or in a council meeting – how many folks he helped, how he would get out of bed and go down to the scene of a shooting and try to calm folks down, try to talk to police officers and make sure folks understood it was being looked at. He led at St. Pete Vo-Tech before he was ever elected. At some point it clicked in me that you really can move the community forward if you enter this for the right reasons. Rental rates have risen dramatically in St. Petersburg and across Tampa Bay. What can you do to address affordability and ensure St. Pete residents aren’t priced out of the city? You hear it every day. You hear it from employers, you hear it from college students. “I can’t find any place affordable and I’m looking in Manatee or Hillsborough.” Long term, folks aren’t going to make that commute if they find something closer to home. Long term, you’re going to lose your workforce base here in Pinellas County. We’ve got a three-pronged plan that we’ve implemented since 2006 at the county – it’s called the Community Housing Plan.

That was the county working with the cities and St. Pete was a big part of that. It’s got a funding source through the Penny for Pinellas that has more than $100 million in it, and it helps subsidize new development. ... I’ll have a policy chief and that’ll be their No. 1 issue. I want to get 5,000 units on the ground in the next five years working off all those tools. It’s a priority issue. Mayor Rick Kriseman has recommended a group for the redevelopment of Tropicana Field. You note that the hotel bed tax could be used to help fund a new stadium for the Rays. Still, there seems to be more questions than answers. Where are you on that situation? I’ve looked at it quite a bit since the RFP came out. I thought the RFP was really well done – the 21 principles in there that speak to the need for housing, transportation, office space and meeting space. It also recognizes the history of the Gas Plant district, the sacrifices that were made and the promises that were made for jobs and equitable development are all very important. My administration will make a full evaluation, making sure we have all the data we need in terms of impact, in terms of ROI to the community – what is the payback to the community. The final piece is talking to the Rays. St. Pete is going to give it our best shot. I think we can put together a great package for the Rays whether it’s at Tropicana Field or not. I still want us to take another look at Al Lang Stadium. I’m hearing why that might not work, but I still want to see it on paper because you probably remember back in 2008, they wanted to go to Al Lang. The bottom line is having conversations with all those folks and we’ve already started that. Climate change remains another concern that you’ll have to address. It’s another big issue and we have the opportunity to kind of be the prototype on the West Coast of Florida. Miami-Dade is already experiencing a lot of this, you know, tidal flooding. You may have seen the video of a fish in a parking garage (in Miami) swimming around in water because they’re getting so much tidal flooding. That is what we’ll face in the next 20 to 30 years based on projections. We have to mitigate as much as we can. It’s a great time because the infrastructure bill has passed at the federal level, so we have an opportunity to draw down federal funds to help with our sewers and plants. I want to be aggressive about going after those dollars. We’ll be aggressive on all fronts in terms of sustainability – not contributing to the problem, but also making sure we’re ready for the 2-to-9 feet of sea level rise that most of the projections say is coming to Pinellas County and St. Pete. We’re ground zero. We’re a peninsula within a peninsula so we have to make sure we’re building for that and adapting because that change is coming. This interview was edited for brevity and clarity. Ernest Hooper is the vice president of communications for United Way Suncoast, and a former Tampa Bay Times columnist. His public affairs program, That’s All I’m Saying, airs on WEDU-PBS.

StPeteLifeMag.com

January/February 2022

In a part of the world with 255 sunny days a year, one real estate name shines brighter. From St. Pete to Sarasota, Corcoran has your home on Florida’s west coast.

100 BEACH DRIVE NE, SUITE 101 | ST. PETERSBURG, FL | 727.888.HOME | CORCORAN.COM/CORCORAN-DWELLINGS ©2022 Corcoran Group LLC. All rights reserved. Corcoran® and the Corcoran Logo are registered service marks owned by Corcoran Group LLC. Corcoran Group LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.

New Listings in the New Year! NEW Listing at The Florencia

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Contact me today to learn more! 2 Credit valid through Jeff Crain for applications submitted after 12/01/2021 and prior to 06/01/2022. Coupon/Credit must be presented/mention at time of application. [$250] credit will be applied at time of closing and is factored into the rate and Contact me to learn APR. Lender credit cannot exceed 5% of totaltoday closing costs. Applicant subject tomore! credit approval. If loan does not close for any reason, costs will not be refunded. This offer and/or receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee. This coupon cannot be redeemed for cash/has no cash value. Restrictions may apply, contact Guaranteed Rate for current rates or more information. Jeff Crain Jeff Guaranteed Rate, Inc. is a private corporationSVP organized under the laws of the State of Delaware. It has no affiliation with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the US Department of Agriculture ofCrain Mortgage Lending 1 Guaranteed Rate does not provide tax advice. Please contact your tax advisor for any tax related questions.

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SouthPointe

Kent Rodahaver, Broker Personal Service - Global Reach NextHome South Pointe

www.StPete5StarRealtor.com || Direct 727-301-7300 Learn what your neighbors have to say about Kent • www.LearnAboutKent.com

SPL LIVING

Getting to Know Downtown on St. Pete Biking Tours BY MARCIA BIGGS One of the best ways to get around and see all a city has to offer is on a bicycle, believes Jennifer Duchnick. A world traveler who has joined bike tours both in the US and abroad, Duchnick started St. Pete Biking Tours last March, aimed at providing both visitors and locals an easy, fun way to get around and discover the ‘Burg. She offers a half dozen tour options, including History and Heritage, Art and Murals, Downtown, Pedaling for Pints, Food and Wine and specialty tours that can be booked by families and groups. Always game to explore the culinary scene, I signed up for the Food and Wine Biking Tour and found it a great way to discover downtown eateries. My group of six included a couple visiting from Indianapolis, a couple of downtown condo residents and their son who was visiting from Denmark, along with two guides – Duchnick and our amiable and knowledgeable leader Doug Childress. After being fitted with new cruiser bikes and helmets, we departed from the North Shore Aquatics Complex along the waterfront trail making stops every so often to learn history and fun facts about downtown landmarks such as the Renaissance Vinoy, the St. Pete Pier, the Dali Museum, and the open-air U.S. Post Office. Of course, it wouldn’t be a real tour of downtown without checking out several of the world-class murals that grace our streets and alleyways, too. Childress is well educated on the city, and set an easy pace for all to enjoy mainly along bike trails and paths. The food and wine stops did not disappoint. In fact, the three destinations we visited were new to me, each unique in its own way. Our first stop was at the small and charming though oddly

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January/February 2022

named Dracula’s Legacy Wine Bar & Bistro, where we met proprietor Ramona Neamtu from Romania. She introduced us to the complexities of several of her favorite Eastern European wines and appetizers (don’t miss the Stuffed Dates). As the group introduced ourselves, the sipping and noshing encouraged conversation to flow. By our second stop at Bavarro’s on Central Avenue, we sat down to share some delicious brick oven pizza and penne pasta made with sauce from a family recipe, accompanied by our choice of red or white wine, which was very good. Although getting full, we had to forge onward, through Williams Park and on to Renzo’s, where we were seated at the friendly bar and greeted by gracious manager Claudio Mezzorotolo. He introduced each of the offerings, from the Argentinian wines to plates of tapas including grilled provolone, chorizo, empanadas and short ribs. By now, the group had become friends, not wanting the night to end (the four-hour tour ended at 7:30pm, allowing us to bicycle through a lovely late afternoon dusk). Arriving back to our starting point, both full and a tiny bit inebriated, we bade one another farewell. And I, for one, started planning a date for my next St. Pete Biking Tour. The St. Pete Food and Wine Bike Tour includes food and wine at three restaurant stops and is offered on Thursdays. Tours are offered weekly depending on demand. Parking is free at the starting point and lights are provided. Distance traveled is 7.5 miles at a leisurely pace; price $79. To learn more about St. Pete Biking tours, go to stpetebikingtours.com

Big Man’s Moving Company Bigmansmoving.com • 727.772.3458 Local, Statewide & Out-of-State Moving

IM 2726 US DOT #2951960

Big Man’s Moving Company celebrates 5 years in business and has grown to 8 trucks and 30 employees. The professional team focuses on quality and has helped over 4,000 families move locally, statewide and out-of-state! The owners, Josh and Brooke Anderson, wish to thank all of their customers, employees, and referral partners who have contributed to the company’s success.

SPL EVENTS

The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding will race through the streets of downtown St. Petersburg a little earlier this year. In its 18th year, the much anticipated event featuring the NTT IndyCar Series will be held Feb. 25–27. It was previously scheduled for March 10–12, but organizers moved it forward with city approval to ensure a network television spot on NBC and allow the city to host the opening event of the 2022 NTT IndyCar Series season. As of late December, most of the cautionary COVID-19 requirements followed last year have been lifted, with tickets now available for the pit and paddock and mask requirements waived. Conditions will continue to be monitored leading into the race weekend.

Power, and Graham Rahal. It was uncertain at press time if St. Pete driver Sebastien Bourdais would be driving in this year’s race. The St. Pete race is often called “the IndyCar version of Monaco,” with its spectacular waterfront track winding through downtown, past yachts and the eye-catching Dali Museum. The race annually attracts legions of hardcore IndyCar fans from across the country, including a global audience thanks to the magic of TV broadcasting. Nearly 500 sports writers and photographers converge here, posting stories and images on web sites, social media, and to newspapers around the world.

“We appreciate our fans’ patience as we’ve all had to navigate the challenges of the last two years,” said Kim Green, co-owner and CEO of Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC, organizers of the race. “Having the paddock back open and the grandstands full again is going to be tremendous.”

The weekend will feature three days of practice, qualifying and 10 diﬀerent races (see schedule, next page.) The headlining NTT IndyCar Series race will take to the streets on Sunday for a 100-lap/198-mile shoot-out on a 1.8-mile course with 14 turns. Festivities will include a Speed Zone with interactive games and exhibits, a Fan Village, beer gardens (including one ﬂoating trackside in Tampa Bay), driver autograph sessions and other events to be announced.

Last year’s winner (and Bellaire Beach resident), 22-year-old Colton Herta will be back with Andretti Autosport and has his sights on the Winner’s Circle once again. Other big names anticipated on the starting grid include a number of former St. Pete race winners: Helio Castroneves, Josef Newgarden, Will

All information is subject to change. For the most current event updates and to purchase tickets for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding, go to gpstpete.com. To read current policies and festival information, check out www.gpstpete.com/festival/additional-info

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PHOTOS/FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG

St. Pete Grand Prix Takes to the Streets Feb. 25-27

SPL EVENTS

Call for Volunteers St. Petersburg utilizes a team of around 650 dedicated volunteers to help make the race happen each year. Volunteers should be available the entire race weekend and must be 18 or older. If you have a friendly and can-do attitude, learn how to volunteer for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg at gpstpete. com/contact/volunteer.

Getting to the Race

Park Downtown: City parking garages are a $5-all-day event rate on Friday and a $20-all-day event rate on Saturday and Sunday. Park and Ride Shuttle from the Trop: There is a free shuttle service from Tropicana Field to the race course. Park in Lots 6 and 7 at Tropicana Field, the cost will be $10. The shuttle picks passengers up on 10th Street S. and drops oﬀ passengers at Second Street S. and Fifth Avenue S. The shuttle operates all three race days from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (subject to change depending on race schedule) Take the Trolley: The Looper Downtown Trolley and Central Avenue Shuttle (St. Pete’s trolley system) oﬀers rides throughout Grand Prix weekend for $1 per person. The Looper provides a circular route between the city’s parking facilities, hotels, restaurants and attractions. All information is subject to change.

The Winners Circle

Colton Herta Winner, 2021 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

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SPL EVENTS

2022

ALBERT WHITTED AIRPORT

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Race Weekend Schedule Friday, Feb. 25 8:00-8:15AM 8:20-8:35AM 8:50-9:35AM 9:50-10:05AM 10:10-10:25AM 10:40-11:25AM 11:40-12:00PM 12:15-1:00PM 1:15-1:30PM 1:35-1:50PM 2:05-2:50PM 3:05-3:35PM 3:50-4:35PM 4:50-5:35PM 5:50-6:20PM

Indy Pro 2000 Qualifying 1 Indy Pro 2000 Qualifying 2 SRO GT4 SX Practice 2 USF2000 Qualifying 1 USF2000 Qualifying 2 Indy Lights Practice 1 Mazda MX-5 Cup Qualifying Indy Pro 2000 Race 1 SRO GT4 SX Qualifying 1 SRO GT4 SX Qualifying 2 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice 1 Indy Lights Qualifying 1 USF2000 Race 1 Mazda MX-5 Cup Race 1 Indy Lights Final Practice

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Saturday, Feb. 26 8:00-8:45AM Indy Pro 200 9:00-9:45AM NTT INDYCAR SERIES 10:00-10:45AM Mazda MX-5 Cup 11:00-12:00PM SRO GT4 SX 12:30-1:45PM NTT INDYCAR SERIES

Race 2 Practice 2 Race 2 Race 1 Qualifying

Sunday, Feb. 27 9:00- 9:30AM 9:45-10:45AM 11:00-11:40AM 11:50AM 12:30PM 3:15-4:15PM

Warm Up Race Race 2 Driver Introductions Race (100 laps) Race 2

NTT INDYCAR SERIES Indy Lights USF2000 NTT INDYCAR SERIES NTT INDYCAR SERIES SRO GT4 SX

*Schedule subject to change without notice.

Quality Construction, with a Woman’s Touch!

Before

AWARD WINNING LUXURY CONTRACTOR • Green Certiﬁed Professional • NARITB Contractor of the Year • NARITB 2016 Hall of Fame Inductee • Master Certiﬁed Kitchen and Bath Remodeler

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION TODAY! 727-391-2959 www.VanSelowDesign.com #CBC1252610

Celebrating 10 Years This year Denise Antonewitz Home Team is celebrating 10 years in business. The team has accomplished many great things and helped many families like yours. Helping families since 2012 • Over 800 homes sold • Closed over $293 million in sales • Top 1% of Tampa Bay Realtors • Top 10 in all of Pinellas County Realtors Thank you to everyone who has made our success possible. We look forward to helping you with all your real estate needs in 2022!

Thinking of selling your home this year? Call us for a no obligation consultation. Let’s discuss your options

We look forward to hearing from you (727)204-3138

In this issue we salute the business women of St. Petersburg. These community leaders and business owners/entrepreneurs exude the focus and vision that it takes to persevere and succeed, even in a trying year. We celebrate their successes and contributions to our city, our economy, and the countless causes they support. SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.” Dolly Parton

January/February 2022

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Claudia Pallazola Dineﬁts

Wom en

In Business

Claudia Pallazola is the CEO of iBuyXS LLC, a woman/minority-owned small business located in downtown St. Pete, FL. iBuyXS is an electronic component distributor that creates a bridge that connects international manufacturers with excess to companies that need those components. She is also the COO and co-founder of a new business- DINEFITS. After 25 years in the electronics industry and a lifetime craving culture and diversity, she decided to act on that passion. The past 2 years have taken a toll on local restaurants between COVID protocols, staffing shortages, and third party delivery app fees sometimes grabbing 50% or more of the proceeds. During a Friday date night, Claudia and her husband John came up with an idea to disrupt the restaurant industry. They created a simple dining club that would help local restaurants and give cash back to diners. “We wanted to create a program where diners register on the app, link their card, and then get time-based cashback offers. It’s a way for restaurants to control the foot traffic, enable better service, and provide a steadier income and work environment for their staff.” After 2 years of developing the concept, it is now becoming a reality. DINEFITS works for in-restaurant dining or takeout, but not any third party apps. This November DINEFITS was granted approval by VISA and all major credit card providers. Juggling 2 companies, her 11-year-old son Dylan, and homelife means lots of nights dining out. Foodies unite- let’s help to support our local restaurants! 727-218-1790 claudiap@Dinefits.com www.dinefits.com

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January/February 2022

Wom en

In Business

Tammy Campbell McNelis (Plummer) Compass Real Estate When it comes to her clients, they always come ﬁrst. Real estate is a 24/7/365-day job and she loves it. “Every day is different and what you think your day will look like in the morning can be completely changed with a phone call.” Tammy runs a boutique team at Compass. Tammy notes, “We do not focus on being the largest team in real estate because our responsibility is to put the needs of our clients ﬁrst and to make their real estate transactions seamless from beginning to end.” Tammy is grateful for her team’s success and continually being in the top 1% of agents nationally and believes in giving back by supporting local charities. As a woman in business, “I have followed my mother’s work ethic. She has run a successful business on St. Pete Beach for over 50 years. I may not beat her record, but I’ll come close!”

727-455-2351 Tammy@TheCpmTeam.com www.TheCpmTeam.com

PHOTO/FLOURISH PHOTOGRAPHY January/February 2022

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Wom en

Jennifer Thayer Keller Williams Realty

In Business

A native Floridian and Realtor for over 16 years, Jennifer Thayer is the leading real estate expert in the St. Petersburg marketplace. Specializing in luxury condo sales, she launched the sales efforts for Signature Place, successfully closed 67% of all pre-construction sales at ONE St. Petersburg, and has represented the majority of all sales in downtown St. Pete. Her dedication to her clients and focus on the intricacies of the local market have propelled her to the rank of #1 Solo Agent in Pinellas County with over $204 million in sales since January of 2019. She is currently the #1 ranked Realtor in downtown St. Petersburg and the #1 individual Keller Williams agent in Florida. Jennifer’s business experience runs the gamut from yacht designer to Wall Street trader, as well as early work with a number of internet companies. She attacks her personal goals with as much determination as she does her business and has completed three marathons: New York, San Diego and Dublin, Ireland. As an unofﬁcial ambassador for St. Pete, Jennifer loves to advocate for the city she lives in and loves. She has witnessed the evolution of the city and believes in doing her part to help shape it. Local charities in our community are her focus, and she dedicates her support and donations to a few favorites: The Holocaust Museum, PACE Center for Girls, The Kind Mouse and the St Petersburg Free Clinic. 727-729-2699

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Chelsea Potthast Potthast Design Luxury. Curated. Bespoke.

Wom en

In Business

Chelsea Potthast, Principal Interior Designer and President of Potthast Design is a Saint Petersburg native. After spending years in Los Angeles learning from some of the design industry’s most prominent names, she returned to her hometown of Saint Pete to establish her vision for Interior Design. Potthast Design approaches each project with the client at the center. From initial engagement throughout the life of the project, the collaboration is as engaged and immersive as the client desires, and as fluid as the project dictates. Chelsea believes the greatest measure of success is the delight of her clients. At the core of Potthast Design is the pursuit of excellence. They specialize in distinctive and exceptional interior design, functional space planning, with a dedication to the creative process and best business practices. Chelsea works closely with outstanding architects and builders to produce projects which utilize the optimum combination of superior quality materials, inventive architecture, visionary beauty, supreme comfort, and refined luxury. Potthast Design considers their engagement of talented craftsmen and artisans, loyal fabricators, and meticulous upholsterers, as well as their designer “to the trade” suppliers, equally essential to each project. The firm makes use of the highest quality design materials, employing exceptional finishes, plumbing fixtures, and elite and innovative equipment. They incorporate rare wood species and rich textiles in sumptuous solids, stunning prints and patterns to craft bespoke furnishings. Radiant lamps and light fixtures are the jewelry which illuminate the total design. Potthast’s curation of extraordinary art collections, exceptional accessories, fine linens, and eye-catching tabletop and bar items is truly remarkable.

305-413-1562 www.potthastdesign.com

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Wom en

Caryn Rightmyer Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

In Business

Outstanding service, seasoned sales experience, detailed real estate market knowledge, a commitment to customers and an exceptional code of ethics has helped the Caryn Rightmyer Group become one of the most sought after real estate teams in St. Petersburg. Caryn is a Certiﬁed Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, Certiﬁed Negotiation Expert and Million Dollar Guild member with a passion for real estate, making her a consistent award-winning top producer in the market since 2012. Even with $145+ million in sales and being routinely ranked in the top 1% of Realtors in Pinellas County, Caryn is most honored with her extensive repeat customer base that is like an extended family: 67% gave her repeat or referral business in 2021. Her loyal customer base retains her as their “Realtor for life” counting on her for professional advice, closing multiple transactions with her and becoming an important asset as they manage their real estate portfolios. A resident of St Petersburg for over 45 years, Caryn’s roots run deep in the community. Giving back is a cornerstone of her business, and she supports the Museum of Fine Arts Stuart Society, Junior League of St Petersburg, St Pete Free Clinic, Academy Prep & Feeding Tampa Bay. 727-409-9696 www.carynrightmyergroup.com

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January/February 2022

Wom en

Brooke Palmer r.s.b.p. Events+PR

In Business

Leaving a trail of glitter wherever she goes, event planner and publicist, Brooke Palmer Kuhl is known to make her clients and events sparkle. A seasoned PR pro with over 15 years experience, Brooke represents some of the most recognizable hospitality and lifestyle clients in the Bay Area. Present and past clients include Bern’s Steak House, Social Roost, Orangetheory Fitness, Cena, Reeves Import Motorcars, Kahwa Coffee, Restaurant BT, and Margaritaville, among others. Her events keep guests talking for years. From lavish weddings, to bar and bat mitzvahs, corporate, social and charitable events, Brooke is constantly looking to make the next event better than the last. As the Director of Bern’s Winefest for the last 12 years, she has made that event one of the most exclusive and sought after tickets in town, selling out in minutes. Recently named the Covid Hero of the year, for her efforts feeding over 10,000 ﬁrst responders during Covid, Brooke’s philanthropic efforts touch many in the Tampa Bay community. Her talent and generosity has been shared with Metropolitan Ministries through their event she co-founded, Tampa Bay Food Fight, the Children’s Cancer Center with Bespoke and Co. ‘s Bond themed soirée, and serves on the board for the Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture and the Arts. She is a Pitbull and rescue advocate with the Pitbull Maﬁa of South Tampa, also cofounded by Brooke. It’s simple. You want a party? Call her. You need to be noticed, let her talk. Let her touch make your business or event sparkle. 727-528-9544 www.rsbpevents.com

PHOTO/FLOURISH PHOTOGRAPHY January/February 2022

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Denise Brown Keller Williams Brooke’s Butterﬂy Bash

Wom en

In Business

For over ten years Denise Brown has blended her career as a Realtor with a passion for her foundation, Brooke’s Butterfly Bash. The result is her motto, “Real estate with a purpose”. Denise has sold over $28 million in the real estate industry to mostly repeat and referral clients. She credits this to her team’s effort, along with her adherence to respect, communication and keen negotiating skills. Her inspiration? “Building a dream. Finding and creating that dream for happy clients.” The cause closest to Denise’s heart is her foundation that benefits the Lupus Foundation of America, Florida Chapter. Her daughter Brooke succumbed to Lupus in 2017 at the age of 18, and the event is held every year in her honor on her birthday, January 18th. Denise now takes on Brooke’s purpose of helping children in her own way, saying “Her illness over the years defined her purpose of helping children by becoming a pediatric nurse. Now, thanks to the TGH Foundation partnering with me, I’ll be working with children in our community who have Lupus. This event is to raise awareness and funds for more research and support. My goal is to prevent another child from suffering from Lupus.” For more information about Brooke’s Butterfly Bash go to www.brookesbutterflybash.com 813-507-1559 www.denisebrown.kwrealty.com

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January/February 2022

Wom en

In Business

Kristan Bush Performance Paradigm Kristan is the Founder and President of Performance Paradigm LLC, a global talent strategy consulting ﬁrm. She partners with inﬂuential business leaders to achieve humancentered organizational goals through the creation of live and digital experiences and talent strategies. Kristan enables success for clients through solutions grounded in equity, inclusion, and diversity (EID), team performance, workforce engagement, leadership, and the creation of belonging through experiences at scale. Kristan has 15 years of experience working with clients to integrate talent strategy and training. Leveraging her expertise and experience in cultural transformation and behavior change, she works across industries from

tech to non-proﬁt to develop innovative solutions that break existing learning paradigms. Within the context of experiential learning, the team at Performance Paradigm specializes in the creation of immersive, multi-modal experiences that transform behaviors through helping people get outside of their own perspective. We can all be better humans. Kristan is a St. Pete native who ﬁnds peace in the beauty of this small piece of the world we are privileged to inhabit. She graduated from Cabrini University with a bachelor’s in business administration and human resources. She also holds a master’s in management from the University of South Florida in leading sustainable enterprises. hello@performanceparadigm.com www.performanceparadigm.com PHOTO/FLOURISH PHOTOGRAPHY January/February 2022

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Lora L. Brown, MD TruWell Health

Wom en

In Business

Dr. Brown, a St. Petersburg native, is fellowship-trained at the worldrenowned Cleveland Clinic. She has practiced for 20 years in the Tampa Bay area and is triple boardcertiﬁed in pain management and regenerative medicine. She specializes in the minimally invasive interventional treatments of spine and joint pain. Dr. Brown is the owner of TruWell Health, a nonsurgical orthopedic pain medicine practice in St. Petersburg. She and her team pride themselves on being at the forefront of medicine, combining traditional therapies with some of the most innovative treatments available. Their team utilizes a comprehensive multi-disciplinary treatment approach, which may include hyaluronic acid injections, in-house PT with eccentric strengthening, off -loading braces, radiofrequency ablations, infrared laser light therapy, IV infusions, and regenerative medicine. “There are so many proven options that are really underutilized, and these treatments are helping patients avoid surgery, including joint replacements.” -Dr. Brown. In addition to speaking and teaching around the world, Dr. Brown served as lead investigator on numerous published trials, is a past-president of the Florida chapter of American Society for Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP) and served on many boards including as a governor appointed member of the Florida Drug Abuse Task Force. 727-440-5410 info@truwell.health www.Truwell.Health

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January/February 2022

Wom en

In Business

The Salamone Group RE/MAX Metro. It’s the layers of knowledge and experience that make all the difference in real estate. That’s why buyers and sellers who work with The Salamone Group ﬁnd success in their transactions, time and time again. Libby Salamone founded The Salamone Group, then sharpened and reﬁned it every day with vision, tenacity, and unbridled determination, leading The Salamone Group to become amongTampa Bay’s favorite Realtors. Angela Mathias, a graduate of Purdue University, joined The Salamone group nine years ago and quickly became a real estate super star. Her sparkling personality, creativity, and hard work are part of what The Salamone Group is all about, and those attributes bring cheers from all who work with Angela.

Andy Salamone brings a wealth of knowledge and talent to The Salamone Group. Andy graduated from The University of California at Santa Cruz, where he founded and sold a successful real estate buyer’s brokerage. Both his technical and market knowledge are invaluable assets to The Salamone Group, and his unparalleled people skills are applauded by his many loyal customers. Ron Salamone is a graduate of The University of Chicago Law School and a retired attorney. His knowledge brings a sense of security to The Salamone Group and their customers. Ron is respected and appreciated for his nononsense, get-it-done approach to real estate, which he accomplishes by zeroing in on clients’ needs then quickly fulﬁlling them. 727-560-6676 www.stpete.pro PHOTO/FLOURISH PHOTOGRAPHY January/February 2022

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KathyDan Moore KDM Counseling Group

Wom en

In Business

Let’s be real. Relationships are tricky to navigate and require intention. For over 15 years, KathyDan Moore has dedicated her passion into helping people improve the quality of their connections. KathyDan is a licensed marriage and family therapist at KDM Counseling Group, a practice she founded with the goal of providing friendly, compassionate, and collaborative relationship therapy in St. Petersburg. Drawing from her professional experience, and her personal story of marriage, divorce, and a blended family, KathyDan understands the effort and nurturing required to not just sustain, but thrive, in relationships. As a therapist, she provides a safe space for couples and families to process their struggles and facilitate tough conversations. KathyDan is certified in Level 1 and 2 of Gottman Method Couples Therapy and specializes in treating affairs and trauma. She is also a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator, trained Collaborative Divorce Neutral Facilitator, Qualified Parenting Coordinator, and Certified Premarital Counseling Facilitator. Her unique approach to therapy includes intuition, compassion, sense of humor, optimism, and collaboration. After a few years of being a solo private practitioner, KathyDan decided to draw from her previous experience as a clinical director and launch a group practice. At KDM Counseling Group, clients can choose from other experienced clinicians who bring their own unique style to relationship counseling. 727-437-0980 KDMCounselingGroup.com

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January/February 2022

Susanne Van Selow

Wom en

Selow Design Build, LLC

In Business

Quality Construction With A Woman’s Touch Susanne Van Selow, owner of Van Selow Design Build, LLC, has carved a niche in the local building trade by providing customers with the best in quality and service. As a member of the Tampa Bay chapter of NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry), Susanne has risen to the top of an industry traditionally run by men. Susanne was elected President of NARI in 2010 and earned top honors as NARI Remodeler of the Year in 2011. In the world of remodeling, it is the special touches that count: the intricate tile work, elegant ﬁreplace, and unique moldings. Every added detail gives a property an extra layer of character, grace, and sophistication. Her team has been working together on projects for years, “I plan the space and structure and then the design team pulls everything together. We all collaborate during the design phase so when we go to construction, we are all on the same page.” Van Selow said “I recognized that many customers were unhappy when their design conﬂicted with what could be built. I took my design and construction abilities and integrated them and specialized as a design build contractor. This system brings both the design and build phase together where all aspects of the build is under one company cutting cost, time and errors.” Giving back is also important to Van Selow Design Build. She supports Habitat for Humanity’s Hammer and Heels personally and as a corporate sponsor. Their mission: Empower women to help families build strength, stability and independence. Their annual Women’s Build project provides a home built for a single mother by women in the community. 727-391-2959 www.vanselowdesign.com

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Chris Price, PA C Price Homes Keller Williams

Wom en

In Business

Clients looking for luxury waterfront properties know that Chris Price, a Keller Williams Realtor, should be their agent. Consistently in the top 1% of agents listing and selling waterfront properties, Chris is a certiﬁed luxury marketing specialist and a member of Keller Williams Luxury International. She understands the critical details involved in buying and selling expensive properties. Chris came to real estate with a strong background in sales, business and the arts. Having run her own fabric company for 13 years, she jumped into real estate with the perfect skill set. She has also transferred her leadership and mentoring skills by helping new agents at KW. With degrees from Radford University and the Fort Lauderdale Art Institute, along with her staging credentials, Chris provides expert design advice to her seller clients, assuring their homes show perfectly and they receive top dollar for their properties. An artist herself, Chris is a strong supporter of the St. Pete arts community. She is a member of the Dali and Morean Art Center and encourages her clients to get involved in all that St. Pete offers. That sense of community is one of many reasons why she and her husband love living here! 954-895-0709 Chris@CPriceHomes.com www.CPriceHomes.com PHOTO/FLOURISH PHOTOGRAPHY

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January/February 2022

Wom en

In Business

Megan Simons Owner of PIPPA PELURE My life journey is quite diverse. It started back in Poland, prior to the fall of the Berlin Wall. It wasn’t in my nature to settle down where I started. Since my early years I was always looking for challenges, my horizons were always expanding, there was always more to achieve, build and conquer. Three countries and experience in a number of ﬁelds, from medical to chemistry to lucrative businesses. I feel that I am where I’m supposed to be, doing what I’m supposed to do. Only a few years ago I found out that my family migrated to the US in 1894 and I am a merchant of the fourth generation, therefore I truly feel that starting my boutique fulﬁlls my personal desires and follows my family history.

My sense of aesthetics and love for fashion found it’s home in St. Petersburg with PIPPA PELURE Boutique. Not too many know that in my teenage years I was an imaginative stylist. Already at 15 I had what I can assess now as a quite creative booklet with my own designs, several of which I handmade, including an elaborate wedding dress. Today I ﬁnd immense reward in dressing other women, in offering a sense of accomplishment, conﬁdence and satisfaction. There is nothing better than a big smile when a customer is looking in the mirror and loves what she sees. Visit PIPPA PELURE Boutique and experience it yourself. 727-623-0926 50 Beach Dr NE St. Petersburg PHOTO/FLOURISH PHOTOGRAPHY January/February 2022

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ARTS BRIEFS

This Art is Purr-fect Magical MUSE is Coming

Cuddly kitties and cool cats are the stars of “Feline,” an all-cat art show continuing through Feb. 19 at Atelier de SoSi. Focused solely on feline inspired art, the show includes paintings, sculptures, prints and eclectic pieces that purr with authenticity. Guests are invited to don kitty-wear at the Jan. 7 opening from 6 to 9 pm. The gallery will donate a percentage of all sales to St. Pete Sunshine Kitty Catfe, which helps cats ﬁnd fur-ever homes. (A photo gallery of adoptable cats can be found at the show, in case you feel the urge.) Feline themed events will include a Feline Painting Class from 6 to 8 pm Jan. 21, and a cat yoga class and cat theme movie night, with dates to be announced. Atelier de SoSi is at 2380 6th Ave. S. in the Warehouse Arts District, info@atelierdesosi.com for more info. You can stop by the exhibit during Second Saturday ArtWalks on Jan. 8 and Feb. 12 from 5 to 9 pm.

The St. Pete arts community’s beloved MUSE Awards is returning to an in-person event set for February 4 at the Morean Center for Clay. The year’s best arty party will be hosted by local faves Paul Wilborn and Eugenie Bondurant and honors creative individuals in Visual Arts, Performance Arts, Literary Arts, Patron of the Arts, and Arts Ambassador. The event is a critical fundraiser for the sponsoring St. Petersburg Arts Alliance (think Second Saturday ArtWalk, SHINE, etc). The fun evening includes food, spirits, and visual and performing arts. Sponsor reception 6 pm; general admission 7 pm. For sponsorship information, contact terry@ stpeteartsalliance.org; for tickets or more information, go to the web site at stpeteartsalliance.org.

Art in Bloom

The highly anticipated 25th Anniversary Art in Bloom is being planned for March 24-27 at the St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Art. Mark your calendars for Flowers After Hours on March 24, with the Luncheon featuring Ian Prosser on March 25 and Conversations With the Designers on March 27. For more information or tickets, go to https://stuartsociety.donorshops.com/

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ARTS BRIEFS

Rise Monument Remembers 9/11 Rise, St. Pete’s newest work of world-class public art, was dedicated Dec. 5 on the ArtsXchange campus at 525 22nd St. S. It’s easily viewable as you walk or drive along 22nd St. S. Framing an iconic piece of steel from the World Trade Center, Rise is a 25-foot-tall Phoenix Wing symbolizing rebirth. It sits atop a pile of white limestone, reminiscent of the crumbled concrete that littered Ground Zero in New York City in the aftermath of the attack. Anchoring the Rise Monument is an arched wall representing the rising sun of a new day. This tile wall features the thoughts and dreams of the local community, creative community, and first responders etched by flame upon its surface. Rise was commissioned to St. Pete sculptor Mark Aeling and his team at MGA Sculpture Studio. Aeling is also responsible for other well-received works of public art sculpture around downtown, including First Flight at the St. Pete Pier and Gladiolus in front of the new St. Petersburg Police Headquarters. Kudos to another magnificent sculpture for our city, Mark!

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SPL NEWS

First SunRunner Station Debuts Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), was joined by City and Pinellas County leaders on Dec. 3 for the unveiling of the region’s first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stop in downtown St. Pete. The first completed SunRunner station located at the corner of 1st Avenue N. and 5th Street, is the first of 30 stops on the line which feature locally inspired stainedglass art from St. Petersburg artist Catherine Woods. The SunRunner features semi-dedicated lanes, limited stops and safety enhancements for riders including on-board bicycle storage and free wi-fi. The 10.3-mile line will connect downtown St. Pete with St. Pete Beach along

Taking the Bit

1st Avenue N. and 1st Avenue S. with buses running every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes in the evening. You can easily prepay with your smartphone or other device. The $44 million dollar mass transit project has been in development for four years and is expected to open later this summer. Meanwhile, PSTA recently announced the purchase of 60 electric buses over the next ﬁve years as part of strategic planning to transform the ﬂeet to clean and green by 2050. Information and photos from Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority.

The bitcoin is alive and well in St. Pete, according to a November article in the Tampa Bay Times. According to coinmap.org, St. Pete has more businesses than Tampa accepting the cryptocurrency, with a concentration along the Central Avenue corridor. Bitcoin is the most popular digital currency. St. Pete businesses accepting bitcoin include 400 Beach Seafood, Cassis, Ferg’s Sports Bar and Grill, Enigma, Misred Outﬁtters and The Shave Cave.

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SPL NEWS

Forbes Recognizes The EDGE District

Looking For A New Adventure?

A Forbes magazine article posted on Nov. 16 touted the EDGE District in St. Petersburg as a “Neighborhood to Watch.” The downtown historic district is an award-winning Florida Main Street and Main Street America™ that plans, promotes, and advocates for a vibrant community while preserving its unique character. Contributing travel writer Roger Sands pointed out the eclectic mix of small businesses thriving along Central Avenue, and the Edge Collective Market Place, launched during the pandemic last February, as an incubator for entrepreneurs and start-ups. The changing outdoor market is located in a 1.2-acre parking lot at 1234 Central Avenue and is open on weekends. It’s a gathering place for young locals who ﬁnd a variety of vendors, food and entertainment from Thursday Latin Nights to a month-long Holiday Market. The writer describes the district as “rich in history, with public art, eclectic shopping, dining and cultural experiences.” A few places mentioned include Bavaro’s and Bodega’s for casual dining, Ashe Couture Boutique, Enigma Bar & Lounge and the Zubrick Magic Theatre, a newcomer to the district.

New Montessori Opens

Young children now have the opportunity to become fully immersed in three languages — French, Spanish and English — at a new Montessori school in St. Pete. An oﬀshoot of the ﬁrst Trilingual Montessori School which opened in January 2019 in Seminole, the new De La Fontaine Trilingual Montessori School plans to open in January at 300 58th Street N. in St. Petersburg. The school welcomes children from 2 months to 6 years old and is non-faith based (open to all religions), combining language and cultural activities in an authentic Montessori environment. Both schools are directed by French native Virginie Butin. To learn more, go to dlf-montessori.com.

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January/February 2022

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SPL SPOTLIGHT

For the Love of Jazz Local musicians ﬁnd inspiration and a following with help from non-proﬁt groups. PHOTOS/ MARCIA BIGGS

BY MARCIA BIGGS It’s Monday night and The Hangar is filled with cool jazz. In a corner of the restaurant dining room overlooking the air strip of Albert Whitted Airport, a quartet of musicians is blowing, drumming and strumming as the room fills with appreciative listeners. Every so often, someone toting an instrument case arrives, signing into a log, then scanning the room for familiar faces. The Monday Night Jazz Jam at The Hangar, a free-wheeling evening of impromptu live music and networking, is in full swing. Organized and hosted by the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association (ADTBJA), the popular weekly jazz drop-in serves as an opportunity for budding artists to perform with experienced musicians in front of a live audience. It’s also an excuse for the oldtimers to drop in to socialize and jam with old friends. It’s all about “keeping jazz alive,” says ADTBJA President Don Lloyd, who presides over the weekly gatherings with his volunteer board of directors. These faithful jazz aficionados are determined to keep the legacy and mission of St. Pete jazz legend Al Downing alive, to ensure the American art form of jazz lives on for generations through education, mentorship, scholarships and live jazz performances.

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January/February 2022

“Al Downing (jazz association) has played a crucial role in keeping jazz alive for 50 years, and now it’s taken off on Monday nights here,” Lloyd says proudly. “The musical talent that has developed and is being developed here is amazing. There are students whose careers have really taken off as a result of being exposed to jazz at the local level. Especially during college break, we are flooded with young students who come back and play, even high school students. That is what really excited me about the club, when I saw the excitement of young people who were associated with it. I lived in New York City and since I came here I can say the quality of the musicians who play in our jazz jams is just as good as any I have seen there.” Al Downing Jazz Pioneer “Al was the ‘godfather of the jazz scene’ in Tampa Bay,” explains ADTBJA board member Ron Gregg, who knew Downing personally as a drummer in his Al Downing All-Stars. “Al was well known by everyone across the Bay area. St. Pete was the epicenter, there was nothing much going on in Sarasota and Tampa back then.” Determined to spread the gospel of jazz, Downing would visit schools around St. Pete where he would perform for kids of all

SPL SPOTLIGHT ages, hoping to inspire young people to open their minds to jazz. At Perkins Elementary on the south side, a wall mural of Downing pays tribute to the man from their neighborhood who stopped by so many times to perform for the students. “He would go into schools, churches, anywhere to teach people about jazz,” says Gregg. Then there was his band, Al Downing and the All-Stars. “We traveled all over. Al had a big Cadillac and he would pull the trailer with the Hammond organ to Miami, Jacksonville, with a seven-piece band. He would drive up to the Northeast during summer to play in Boston, New York City.” Longtime ADTBJA board member Bette Gregg was instrumental in establishing the Monday Night Jazz Jams a decade ago, a much-needed funding source for the group’s scholarship fund. The organization had a program that visited area schools, introducing youth to jazz until the COVID pandemic halted the program, she said. Still, ADTBJA continues to award scholarships every year to local high school seniors who plan to study jazz in college. The scholarships are funded by donations, some grants and admission to concerts (which have been on hold during the pandemic). “We try to give out four or ﬁve scholarships a year,” she said. “COVID shut things down, of course, in the last couple years, so we’re happy to be back and hoping to establish a schedule of concerts for 2022.”

spoke with David Manson, founder and organizer of the annual St. Pete Jazz Festival, who has spent three decades immersed in teaching jazz and music studies at St. Pete College (SPC), where he also directs the Helios Jazz Orchestra, the resident SPC ensemble. At home, he’s often composing music for his Brazilian jazz group O Som Do Jazz, or planning a jazz concert or festival through EMIT, his non-proﬁt organization. Manson says there has always been a strong interest in jazz around the Tampa Bay area, in part due to Al Downing – and the sunny climate that brings musicians here on a steady basis. “The south side of St. Pete was inﬂuenced by Al Downing and his association for many decades,” he says. “The big band/swing scene has been going strong for years, too. Now, there is a greater variety of jazz here. I’m a great advocate of Latin jazz because I have a Brazilian jazz band and I have a lot of friends who play, a lot who came here from Cuba and Puerto Rico, too.” Like Al Downing, Manson is devoted to bringing more live jazz to Tampa Bay. “My mission with EMIT is to support our jazz musicians through concerts and festivals,” he says. “Grassroots jazz and small organizations have great value to bring people together. Sometimes the smaller events give you more, and more bang for the buck.”

There is no admission to the Monday Night Jazz Jams; but donations are gladly accepted. Fortunately, a number of regular private and corporate donors contribute to the scholarship fund, too, Bette Gregg says.

Back at the Hangar By 9 pm, the Hangar is heating up. Ben Rose, a 36-year-old data analyst and jazz drummer from Clearwater, has been sitting at the bar nursing a cocktail. Suddenly, his name is called and he grabs his “sticks,” heads up to the stage and takes over on the drums. He is clearly not a newbie as he seems right at home. He comes to the Monday night jams once every four to six weeks, he says.

The State of Jazz To get perspective on the health of the jazz scene in St. Pete, we

A bit later, Fred Bluestone is called up to join the band, cranking out Loverman by Charlie Parker on his jazz harmonica. Bluestone

Meet Al Downing

Considered a Tampa Bay legend during the golden days of jazz in St. Petersburg with a personality larger than life, Al Downing was a talented musician with a passion to share the joy of jazz with young people everywhere. He was a teacher at Gibbs High School in St. Pete, taking side gigs to play music around town. A veteran of the Tuskegee Airmen in the Army Air Force, he performed in military bands in the US and Japan and attained the rank of Major. After 21 years of service he retired from the military in 1961 to return to St. Pete and a teaching career at St. Pete Junior College where he taught piano, organ, music theory, brass, woodwind, percussion and applied music.

In 1971, he founded the Allegro Music Society, which 10 years later became the Al Downing Florida Jazz Association. In 1989, he merged with the Tampa Jazz Society to become the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association. After retiring from the school system in 1983, he continued to teach privately and to play piano at supper clubs and lounges. Rusty’s at the Sheraton Sand Key was a favorite venue. During this time, Downing led his jazz band, Al Downing and the All-Stars, who played throughout Florida and the Eastern seaboard. Downing passed away in 2000 at the age of 83.

January/February 2022

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SPL SPOTLIGHT

2022

St. Petersburg

Feb. 23-27 Five evenings of great jazz in St. Petersburg produced by David Manson & EMIT! WEDNESDAY, FEB. 23, 7:30 PM

O Som Do Jazz & Rafael Pereira The Palladium Theater $25

just moved to the Tampa Bay area after retiring from the music industry in Nashville, he says. He ﬁrst dropped in on a Monday night jazz jam about three months ago. “I saw that look in his eyes,” laughs Don Lloyd. “I thought we gotta get him to play. He played that night and the crowd went wild. We rarely get a harmonica player to perform.” As the night progresses, the people carrying instrument cases get younger. The sign-up sheet is getting long, over 20. It’s Thanksgiving weekend, remarks Don Lloyd, and the college kids are home for the holiday. It’s time to start calling up two musicians at a time to the stage. The band gets bigger, more percussion and a keyboard player show up, young faces join in and a harmonious energy envelopes the room. Al Downing is there, no doubt, in spirit, tapping his foot with a smile on his face. This is his legacy, these musicians, this audience, at The Hangar in downtown St. Pete on a Monday night. For more information or to donate to the ADTBJA scholarship fund, go to AlDowningJazz.com.

THURSDAY, FEB. 24, 7:30 PM

The Best of Blue Note with Suggs/Vickrey Sextet The Palladium Theater $25 FRIDAY, FEB. 25, 7:30 PM

RADIOjazzHEAD The Palladium Theater $25

SATURDAY, FEB. 26, 7:30 PM Helios Jazz Orchestra with

Emma Hedrick The Palladium theater $25

SUNDAY, FEB. 27, 7:30 PM

Chris Dingman Trio The Palladium Theater $25

www.stpetejazzfest.com

THE ST. PETERSBURG JAZZ FESTIVAL IS SPONSORED BY: EMIT • FLORIDA DIVISION OF ARTS & CULTURE • SOUTH ARTS • PALLADIUM THEATER • ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGE • • CITY OF ST. PETERSBURG • MANSON/BOLVES/DONALDSON/ VARN • HUSONICS • NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS

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Al Downing Jazz 50th Anniversary Celebration The Palladium will play host to the Al Downing Jazz 50th Anniversary Celebration at 4 pm on January 16 at which the Palladium Jazz Awards will be presented. Headliner will be awardwinning singer, saxophonist, songwriter and entertainer, Danny Bacher, appearing with Alejandro Arenas on bass, Rick Costa on drums, John O’Leary on piano and James Suggs on trumpet. The Al Downing Jazz All-Stars will open the show. A jazz jam following the main show will be held at the Side Door. Tickets $20-$36; no tickets are required for the jam session. For tickets, go to mypalladium.org

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SPL FASHION

New Year, New You

What’s Trending for 2022 Can Be You New Year, new plans, new ideas and, of course, new and exciting fashions. I’m here to help you style your wardrobe, so you can dedicate your time and brainpower to focus on more crucial things in life, like your business. What are the trendy colors in 2022? Ladies, we are so fortunate to have a beautiful selection of shades in Spring 2022 to choose from. Pantone Fashion Color Trend Report features 10 amazing hues to inspire our personal expression and creativity, from pastels in soft rose and fresh lavender to brights in eye-catching bubblegum, cheerful sprout green, electric blue, and neutrals in grounding humus, comforting brown, and calming pale grey. Are suits still fashionable? Absolutely, they are very strong for all day fashions, in many versions, from oﬃce to evening. What’s new is that many pantsuits feature monochromatic, visually arresting colors in brights like pink and lemon. In general, skirts are shorter, blazers are looser. But there is another rule of thumb easy to follow – make one part larger, oversized, and the other shorter and smaller. If your pants are long and wide opt for shorter blazer, pair a boyfriend style jacket with mini skirt, loose calf length pants, or shorts. Be creative incorporating patterns, colors, and textures. How to accessorize successfully? Invest in a few quality pieces you can wear with most of your outﬁts. Who doesn’t like jewelry? Bring together one or two more substantial medallions with one or two more gentle pieces for a rich and stylish look added to vibrant attire. Pearls and furs will show

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January/February 2022

the chic, feminine side of your personality. Elegant, wide leather or metal chain belts, added to an already owned outfit will bring it to the next level. A bucket style handbag in smooth leather and metallic finish will be appropriate and functional in office and for dinner out. Are leggings and skinny pants outdated? Definitely not, both leggings and skinny pants will most likely always have their place in our wardrobe, they just moved from trendy to the classic section. How to update my makeup? Start with radiant, light foundation, then choose one feature of your face to accentuate. Statement, expressive eyes, the window to your soul, are huge on runways. Whether you decided to accentuate them with lots of dramatic black liner, playful shimmery sparks or bright, lively color is your choice. Strong lips will always be an attractive center of attention. Update your bold reds with a not so traditional hint of cool purple, warm maroon, or rich burgundy. That will give you the extra pop and sense of professional confidence without being over the top. What’s the biggest trend for 2022? For me the answer is simple and always the same – your best choice for any time attire is the one that emphasizes your personality, complements your body type, and fits your lifestyle. Choose wisely and don’t be afraid to ask for help in styling tips, I’m doing it with passion. Megan Simons is owner of Pippa Pelure, a fine fashion boutique in downtown St. Petersburg, FL. Contact her at pippapelure@tampabay.rr.com.

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SPL PETS

Helping Your Pets (and You) Enjoy Their Golden Years

Pet Tales

BY MARY GIRON, DVM Just like humans, our pets experience age-related health issues as they advance in years. Arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease are just a few of the conditions that can develop in older pets. But with proper care, you can help your senior pets maintain their quality of life as they age so that they can enjoy their golden years, too. An annual checkup with a veterinarian is one of the most important things you can do for pets of any age. It becomes even more important as your pet gets older. Over time, your vet will develop a comprehensive record of your pet’s health, which helps them detect changes in health or spot potential concerns as early as possible. Some areas of concern for older pets that you should discuss with your veterinarian include:

Food and diet: Overweight pets have an increased risk of health concerns like high blood pressure, diabetes, and liver disease. It’s particularly important to manage older pets’ weight appropriately, as their advanced age can compound their risk of these issues. Talk to your vet about how much you should be feeding your pet. Your vet can also recommend foods that are easier for older pets to digest or that include nutrients that may benefit them depending on their specific health concerns. Issues with their internal organs: Older cats and dogs may be especially at risk for diseases that affect their organs, like kidney disease, or other internal parts of the body, like thyroid disease.

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SPL PETS When cats reach middle age, for example, blood work can determine their risk of developing these problems. The symptoms of these diseases can be vague and hard for most people to notice, but your vet is specially trained to recognize signs as they start to appear. Arthritis: Pets often experience joint disease or arthritis as they age. Some signs include having trouble sitting or standing, hesitating to jump or climb stairs, and being less interested in playing. Treatments like medication to relieve pain, or even acupuncture, along with proper diet and exercise to help maintain a healthy weight, can help to alleviate your pet’s arthritis symptoms. Behavior changes: Changes in behavior like reduced activity, responding less to commands, less interest in food, and diﬃculty moving around or having trouble

with stairs could be signs that your pet may be developing cognitive dysfunction syndrome, or becoming senile, as humans would call it. Your veterinarian can recommend treatments or dietary changes that can help manage your pet’s symptoms. Spay and neuter: Many people spay or neuter their pets at a young age, but an older pet can still receive health beneﬁts from being spayed or neutered, such as eliminating the risk of ovarian or testicular cancer. As with any operation for an older pet, consult with your vet about the best anesthesia protocols and post-op procedures to ensure the safest outcome for your pet. Dr. Giron at SPCA Tampa Bay Veterinary Center graduated from the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine and received a Bachelor’s in Zoology from the University of Florida.

Pet Resolutions for the New Year

Many people make New Year’s resolutions to incorporate healthy changes into their lives. Pet owners can also resolve to start new habits to make 2022 their pets’ happiest, healthiest year yet. • Start the year oﬀ right at your pet hospital or veterinary center. Kick oﬀ the year by getting up-to-date on your pet’s wellness exams, stock up on medications and schedule any necessary surgeries. • Update microchips and I.D. tags. Outdated information on I.D. tags and microchips makes it hard, or even impossible, to reunite lost pets with their owners. If your pet doesn’t have one yet, get it. • Exercise with your pet. Not only is it good for your health, but a daily walk or other activity together also strengthens the bond between you and your pet. Check out the SPCA Tampa Bay Pet Walk near the St. Pete Pier on April 2. • Measure your pet’s food. Overfeeding can lead to weight gain and other health issues. Use a measuring cup to make sure your pet is getting the recommended daily amount. For more pet health content and visit the SPCA Tampa Bay blog on spcatampabay.org.

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SPL EVENTS

‘Greatest Show’ Aboard Starship Yacht

A black tie gala aboard the luxury Yacht Starship promises an evening of glitz and glam, exquisite dining, live music, magic and more to beneﬁt Florida local charities. “The Greatest Show” on Friday, March 11, departs at 6:30 pm from Port of St. Petersburg, 250 8th Avenue S.E. The red carpet dinner cruise is presented by Alessandro Alvino and takes over the vessel’s three decks.

live entertainment including burlesque and magic shows. The #NoFilter Show Band will entertain on the top deck and an exclusive after party will be hosted by local DJ Fresh.

Tickets are available in VIP, Gold and Silver admission levels.

Proceeds will benefit Florida local non-profit charities: Brooke’s Butterfly Bash, Heels to Heal, Shawn Brown Foundation, ILSP Emergency Relief Fund, St. Pete Fools Charity, Pinellas PAL and Remember Honor Support 9/11.

VIP guests and sponsors will receive valet parking, a fourcourse reserved seating dinner including wines and live entertainment by Shawn Brown, Daniela Soledade and Nate Najar, James Suggs, and Ariella & Nic Kraster. Gold and Silver guests will enjoy a lavish buffet and one drink ticket with Drawing thousands of boating enthusiasts and sailing lovers to the downtown waterfront, the 44th Annual St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show takes place January 20-23 at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts Mahaffey Theater – Yacht Basin and Albert Whitted Park. This year’s event marks a merger with the Tampa Boat Show to establish the largest premier boat show on the Gulf Coast. The show will feature an impressive selection of powerboats and sailboats in water and on land, including a 40,000-square-foot clear span tent housing all types of marine gear and vendors. Both new and brokerage boats will be on display and whether you’re looking for a center console fishing boat, a yacht, a sailboat, or a kayak, you’ll find it here along with a comprehensive selection of marine gear and accessories. Seminars by noted fishing and boating experts and authors and special events will continue throughout each day. A signature

Nate Najar and Daniela Soledade

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For more information and tickets, go to thegreatestshow.org. Tickets sales end Feb. 13. highlight of the show will be complimentary sailboat rides. The popular Kids’ Fishing Clinic, presented by the non-proﬁt Hook the Future, will be available for children ages 4-16. For a schedule of seminars and events, check the web site at stpeteboatshow.com The St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show hours are Thursday, January 20 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, January 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, January 22, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, January 23, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets will not be sold on site and must be purchased in advance at stpeteboatshow. com. Admission is $19 for adults; veterans and active-duty military may show proof of military service for a free ticket. Digital tickets will be scanned as you enter the show; no pets allowed. There will be one box oﬃce window in the credentials tent for attendees unable to use their phones to buy tickets in advance.

SPL EVENTS

Josh Groban to Perform at TFO Gala Concert Grammy, Tony and Emmy Award-nominated singer, songwriter and actor Josh Groban will perform with The Florida Orchestra at its gala concert conducted by TFO Music Director Michael Francis on Saturday, February 5, at the Mahaﬀey Theater. “A Gala Evening with Josh Groban” will be a glamorous evening of music and mingling to beneﬁt the orchestra’s education, community and artistic programs. The concert is presented by PNC Bank.

Lonni’s Sandwiches Celebrates 35th Anniversary

Over the past year, Groban released his latest album, Harmony, a collection of timeless songs, and has performed a series of intimate concerts livestreamed to audiences all over the world. His Find Your Light Foundation helps enrich the lives of young people through arts, education and cultural awareness. Tickets are $75, $125, $150 and $200, with select premium seats at $300, and will be available at FloridaOrchestra.org; 727.892.3337 or 1.800.662.7286; and the TFO Ticket Center. Concert tickets do not include gala reception or dinner. Face masks will be required at the concert. VIP Gala Tickets: Limited VIP Gala sponsorships are on sale now until early January pending availability, offering special benefits to groups of 10. Included is a pre-concert reception with a private bar, hors d’oeuvres and live music, premium concert seating, and a post-concert gourmet seated dinner with TFO musicians and Music Director Michael Francis in the Mahaffey atrium overlooking the waterfront in downtown St. Petersburg. For more information on the VIP Gala sponsorships, please contact Susana Weymouth at (727) 362-5430 or sweymouth@floridaorchestra.org

In 1987 a sandwich shop opened that was to become a favorite amongst St. Pete residents. Known for gourmet sandwiches, salads, wraps and scratch made soups, Lonni’s Sandwiches is celebrating 35 years of happy customers. Specialty products such as the Minnesota Wild Rice Bread is baked locally and delivered daily. Their most iconic sandwich, the “Sunny Bird”, is made with their house made Honey French and is a customer favorite that is sold by the thousands each year. Support from the community is not lost on owner Phillip Ingram, who says “We are so thrilled to be celebrating our 35th anniversary which wouldn’t be possible without the support of this amazing community (especially during Covid!)” Lonni’s is a great place to grab a tasty sandwich on the go, but they also have great catering options for ofﬁce groups and parties. They also recently completed a remodel and refresh while keeping the same great food, to position them to continue to be St. Pete’s #1 choice for sandwiches for the next 35 years.

429 Central Ave. • 727-894-1944 LonnisDowntownStPete.com January/February 2022

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SPL EVENTS

Conference on World Affairs The 10th St. Petersburg Conference on World Affairs will take place February 15-18. The 2022 Conference will address four timely topics affecting people around the planet and impacting Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg: Climate, Equality, Migration and Corruption. Sarah Chayes, anti-corruption activist and respected foreign correspondent with extensive Afghanistan experience, will deliver the opening keynote speech on Feb. 15 at the Palladium Theatre, 253 5th Avenue N. A concert by Grammynominated Brazilian guitarist Diego Figueiredo and his trio will follow at 8 p.m. From Feb. 16-18, the Conference will offer panel discussions, book talks, author signings, and film screenings at the University of South Florida’s Student Center, 200 6th Avenue S. in St. Petersburg. The

Conference will combine in-person and virtual presentations. Founded in 2013 by former U.S. Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Douglas McElhaney and Professor Thomas Smith of the University of South Florida, the annual St. Petersburg Conference on World Affairs brings together diplomats, military, media, scientists and experts in many fields to work collaboratively at better understanding and operating in the world. Although all events are free and open to the public on a first-come, first-seated basis – except the concert at the Palladium Theatre for which reduced price tickets will be sold – attendees are asked to join the mailing list worldaffairsconference.org to receive updated news and registration information. A complete schedule of speakers and events was not available at press time.

We Transform Communities

Ladies and gents will don vintage attire to join the 10th Annual St. Petersburg Tweed Ride on Saturday, Jan. 22, from 2 to 8 pm. Sponsored by the historic St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club, which was founded in 1924, the Tweed Ride invites the public to take a ride through yesteryear by dressing in costume and exploring the streets of downtown in a guided group ride. Registration is limited to 400 and opens at 2 pm at the Club, 559 Mirror Lake Dr. N. Tea and scones with be served. Ride kicks off at 4 pm, returning to the Club to enjoy a concert by Junco Royals, swing dancing and a gourmet boxed meal. Presenting sponsor is Cycle Brewing. For more information and tickets, go to stpeteshuffle.com

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We take action locally & globally.

16 Million Volunteer Hours Each Year

The Need to Tweed

No challenge is too big for us.

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Over $100,000 Raised for St Pete Free Clinic.

The Rotary Club of St. Petersburg welcomes our new Corporate members.

If you want to know more about membership please call Sherri Crouse, our membership chair, 304-416-2097 Visit sprotary.org and come grow with us. Get involved to help our community and the world.

Save The Date! 62

Salty sands Rotary Run. 5k, 10k, Fun Run April 30th, 2022 at Ft Desoto. Money raised will beneﬁt local Environmental non-proﬁts to make our Waters cleaner and safer.

Join us for Friday luncheon meetings weekly at the St. Pete Yacht Club. StPeteLifeMag.com January/February 2022come grow with us. Get involved to help our community and the world. Visit sprotary.org and

DINING OUT

Romantic Reds

Make your Valentine’s Day special with wines from the heart

BY WILL HOWARD For couples enjoying a picnic on the patio or a sunset on the beach, a memorable wine can make all the difference. This is the perfect time to branch out from the norm and create an experience together with a new bottle of wine. These are my most romantic red wine selections for your Valentine’s Day date night with the sweetheart. Château Calon-Ségur, Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux - This winery is synonymous with Saint-Estèphe. Calon-Ségur’s history goes back to the 12th century and is a Third Classified Growth in the 1855 classification of Bordeaux. The wine has elegance, balance, and age-ability. Not only is there a heart on the label, but the wine itself is a romantic dance between power and beauty. The flavors of black currant, blackberry, cigar box, and dark chocolate mingle beautifully in this wine. Niner, Fog Catcher, Paso Robles - This is a Cabernet Sauvignon based red blend from Niner’s gorgeous Heart Hill Vineyard in western Paso Robles, Calif. This place is one of a kind. Peaking out of the sun-kissed hills, there is a heart oasis right in the slope of the vineyard. Fog Catcher represents the best that Heart Hill Vineyard produces each year. The wine is crafted from the original Bordeaux varietals planted on Heart Hill in 2007. Craggy Range, Aroha, Pinot Noir, Martinborough, New Zealand - New Zealand is quickly making a name for itself in pinot noir. This is an exceptional example of the quality pinots that the country is producing. Aroha means love in the Māori language. And that is exactly what goes into making this wine. The wine is dark, yet floral, with aromas of dried berries, mushrooms, and lavender.

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January/February 2022

Domaine de la Pousse d’Or, Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru ‘Les Amoureuses’, Burgundy - Les Amoureuses (“The Lovers”) is a 1er Cru vineyard just outside of the infamous Grand Cru of Musigny. The producer, la Pousse d’Or, is treasured by Burgundy lovers for their storied history and exceptional vineyard sites. This wine is silky smooth, with volume and incredible length throughout the finish. Coup de Foudre, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley - The name for this wine comes from a French saying, “Croyez-vous au coup de foudre?” The English translation is “Do you believe in love at first sight?” And the answer is, Yes! The profile of this wine has fresh dark berries, big tannin, and melted chocolate. This wine is Napa Valley in style, big and bold, with a little influence from Bordeaux. This one is delicious. Whatever you do for your special date night, you can make it a memorable moment with a little extra thought and preparation. Choose a bottle thoughtfully that connects with the mood of the night. Have the correct glassware to serve whichever style of wine you choose. If you’re staying in, plan on opening the bottle in advance and decanting the wine. If you plan a picnic away from home, don’t forget the wine opener! Will Howard is Sommelier at Rococo Steak in St. Petersburg, FL

SPL HEALTH

New Year. New You!

The holidays are over. Did you make your New Year Resolutions? Do you know when and by whom they were made for the ﬁrst time?

Love is in the Hair

The first recorded New Year Resolutions were made by the Babylonians around 4000 years ago. I am curious were they able to keep them? We all know in our modern time that promises are made and broken soon after party is over. What are the most popular resolutions? “I want to lose weight!”, “Get Healthy”, “Save more money”, “Stop smoking”. No matter what your commitments are, there are a few tricks that will help keep you on track. First, set smaller goals. Instead of trying to work out at the gym for an hour every day like a maniac, become sore next day and quit after day 3, start exercising three times a week for 20-30 minutes. Or instead of cutting all carbohydrates from your diet altogether just reduce sugary food little by little every day. Baby steps! And praise yourself for the accomplishments! Second, just pick one thing. If you want to change your life do not try to change whole thing at once and become overwhelmed. There is a correlation between being stressed and a host of problems like weight gain, chronic inflammation and poor decision making just to name a few. Third, plan ahead. I like to put my ideas, and details of my next moves on paper to reduce informational overload and the chance to forget something. Keep written notes visible for reinforcement. Fourth, be specific. Not just ambiguous “lose weight”, “be in shape”, “pay debt”, “be productive” but focus on something more concrete that you can realistically set your sights on. Also, any action needs energy, your energy. Since our bodies are 7080% water, the best way to boost your metabolic process is to hydrate yourself. Prepare one liter of water at your side table the night before. In the morning do not get out of bed until you finish your first bottle. Intermittent overnight fasting (no food or drink but water for 14-16 hours) is another great tip in helping to reboot, detox, and recharge your body for the morning. Start your day with a smile and visualization for a positive outcome. If stress raises up, start a breathing exercise: breathe in for 4 counts, hold your breath for 4 counts, breathe out for 4 counts and hold again for 4 counts. Repeat three to five times. It will calm your fight-and-fly response from the nervous system. And one more tip: chew each bite of the food up to forty times! Benefits from this simple trick are endless. It helps to trigger your satiety center faster with less food. It reduces indigestion and improves absorption of nutrients from each bite just to name a few. Let’s make your New Year resolution a huge success!

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SPL TRAVEL PHOTOS/WESTGATE RIVER RANCH

3200 River Ranch Blvd. River Ranch, FL 33867 Reservations: 888-779-4104 www.westgateresorts.com

Have a wild time, and luxe wagon lodging, at a Central Florida dude ranch BY BETH ANN DRAKE Just a two-hour drive from St. Pete is a 1,700-acre dude ranch that will transport you back into untouched wilderness and an authentic Old Florida experience. This is a place where you can experience the great outdoors but still enjoy luxury accommodations. Taking “glamping” to a new level, Westgate River Ranch provides many options for your stay. Lodge suites are ideal for those who prefer a less rustic environment, and the cottages and cabins are perfect for a comfortable wilderness vacation. But for those who

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January/February 2022

truly want a real dude ranch experience, luxury glamping just got kicked up a notch. We chose a Luxury Conestoga Wagon (yes, a covered wagon) overlooking a ﬁre pit and pond. The back deck is the ideal spot to enjoy the sunset and each wagon has a gas grill ready for a cookout. The back deck is also where your concierge will quietly leave you breakfast each morning in a perfectly packed picnic basket.

SPL TRAVEL These wagons have all the comforts of home (except a TV — and you won’t miss it). Large enough to sleep six comfortably, each has heat and air conditioning, well-appointed bathrooms, and the feel of a simpler time. Luxe Tepees are also popular with guests, nestled together not far from the wagons. Choices for outdoor activities during your stay are seemingly endless. A must see is the rodeo, which happens every Saturday night on property in the 1.200 seat arena. This regional rodeo is the real deal, with barrel racing, trick riding and bull riding. If you want to test your own horsemanship, trail rides are available through some of the most pristine scenery in Florida. These are walking trail rides with experienced trail guides and seasoned horses, and a great way to tour the ranch. Located on the Kissimmee River, Westgate River Ranch features a full service marina for boating, ﬁshing and countless water excursions. Airboat tours are always a popular choice for locals and tourists alike. Exploring the river most always includes a gator sighting (the airboat captains know where to look) and the scenery is as Old Florida as it gets. Egrets, herons and other wildlife

abound, with the occasional cow down at the river for a drink. Mudbuggy tours are also a great way to get out into the woods (and water). These vehicles are on huge tires and the platform is high enough for a great view of the pine tree and palmetto landscapes around the ranch. Both airboat and mudbuggy tours are large enough to accommodate the whole family for an unforgettable ride. The trap and skeet shooting range is a great place to let off some steam and test your marksmanship. Ideal for experts or beginners, a staff member assists you with the firearm, ammunition and safety. They are also great coaches should you need tips from a pro on your form and technique! With so much to do and see, we highly recommend renting a golf cart for your stay. Do yourself a favor and take a ride down to the River Ranch Saloon and enjoy dancing and music, or enjoy mouthwatering barbecue at the Smokehouse Grill. There is also a general store for those few things you forgot and some retail boutiques where you can find that perfect cowboy hat!

January/February 2022

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JOIN US!

Friday March 11, 2022 GET YOUR TICKET NOW! info@thegreatestshow.org ENJOY sightseeing, dancing, ive music, dining, burresque and magic shows on three decks. BBack Tie event benefits 7 ocaa Charities.

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SPL LIVING

Striking VW Atlas Cross Sport is Powerful, Roomy Atlas Cross Sport (SE, R-Line) Tires: 255/50R20 all season Wheelbase: 117.3 inches Length: 195.5 inches Width: 78.4 inches Height: 68.3 inches Steering: rack and pinion, electromechanical Fuel capacity: 19.5 gallons City: 17 mpg Highway: 23 mpg Base price: $41,495 Web site: www.vw.com

BY NITISH S. RELE Just a few months after we test drove the Atlas, VW dispatched over its smaller sibling, the Cross Sport (5.2 inches shorter in length, it’s a five-seater with no third row) over to us. Also, unlike the regular SUV, this one portrays an alluring appearance because of a considerably raked rear hatch. Under the hood sits a 3.6-liter V-6 engine putting out 276 horsepower @ 6200 rpm and 266 pounds-feet of torque @ 2750 rpm. For a vehicle weighing nearly 4,484 pounds, it’s quick off the mark, responding with agility in any situation. The midsize SUV offers an 8-speed auto gearbox. Ensconced on the unitary body is a robust independent four-wheel suspension. Tow capacity is a remarkable 5,000 pounds. Available as a front-wheel or all-wheel drive (our trim), this replacement for the Touareg has been attracting oodles of attention, all good. Horizontal LED headlights and daytime running lights flank a three-bar chrome grille with a centered VW insignia. Our R-Line trim came with its own badging, of course, stylish front/rear air intakes in the bumpers; and side skirts. The lovely cabin of the SUV epitomizes European styling and flair with a simple but elegant instrument panel of large analog speedometer and tachometer gauges and a centered driver information center. The 60/40 second-row seat tilts and slides forward effortlessly. Passenger volume is worthy at 112 cubic feet

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January/February 2022

while you get 77.8 cubic feet behind the front row with all rear seats down. Amenities include an 8-inch touch screen for audio, nav and phone controls, dual zone auto a/c with second-row air vents, threespoke leather steering column, 10-way power driver and manually adjustable six-way passenger heated seats, 6-speaker sound system and a power lift gate. Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag for both rows, fourwheel antilock brakes with brake assist, electronic stability with anti-slip regulation and engine brake assist, traction control, lane keep and forward collision warning, blind-spot monitor, rear traﬃc alert, front/rear park distance control, hill start assist and descent control, adaptive cruise control, rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights are standard. As the midsize SUV ﬁeld begins to heat up, the Atlas Cross Sport just in its second year has been receiving rave reviews. Like its larger sibling with which it shares the potent power train, it also is pleasant to the eye apart from considerable cargo/passenger room. Nitish S. Rele, editor/publisher of Motoring Tampa Bay and Khaas Baat, is a former automotive editor/columnist for The Tampa Tribune. He can be reached at motoringtampabay@gmail.com

JOIN US DOWNTOWN FEBRUARY 25 - 2 , 2 22 TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW

GPSTPETE.COM

SPL SCENE St. Pete Life Holiday Party

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January/February 2022

SPL SCENE 15th Annual Infinity Holiday Party Joyce and Walter Larson hosted the 15th Annual Infinity Holiday Party Dec. 9 at their home on Snell Isle. All net proceeds raised benefited Brookwood Florida Inc., CASA (Community Action Stops Abuse) and Suncoast Center Inc.

January/February 2022

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SPL SCENE Sartorial Inc. 4th Anniversary Party Sartorial Inc. owner Jose Martinez has been announced as the new president of the St. Petersburg Downtown Business Association.

Congratulations, Jose!

Shoppes of Parkshore Plaza Fashion Show Photos/Christina Barrett/Luxe Light Images

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January/February 2022

SPL SCENE

SmARTly Dressed /Museum of Fine Arts Photos by Elise Elsberry The 2021 SmARTly Dressed Fashion Show & Luncheon hosted by the Margaret Acheson Stuart Society and produced by Dillard’s took over the ballroom of the Renaissance Vinoy on Oct. 29. The annual fundraiser for the Museum of Fine Arts was co-chaired by Hannah Gross and Tracie Domino.

January/February 2022

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SPL SCENE HATB Grand Opening of Donation and Empowerment Center Julie Weintraub of Gold & Diamond Source and her Hands Across the Bay non-proﬁt organization hosted a VIP Grand Opening of the Donation & Empowerment Center in Clearwater on Dec. 2. The new center will be a place where individuals and children overcoming crisis, survivors of domestic violence and human traﬃcking and others facing hardships can come to receive items and services free of charge. Hands Across the Bay plans to host classes, groups and other activities to empower victims to become survivors and connect with others. Photos by Ashleigh Goettsche

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SPL SCENE Celebration of Wishes/Dali Museum The Dali Museum hosted a day-long celebration to debut the publication of “Wishes From the Dali Museum Wish Tree” on Dec. 9. The book, available in the Museum Store, is a compilation of 250 simple yet heartfelt hopes and wishes from the last decade placed on the beloved Wish Tree in the museum’s Avant Garden. Wish readings were recited by community leaders and museum executive director Hank Hine, while the public was invited to visit the tree, which was illuminated later in the day. Photos/© 2021 – Salvador Dali Museum, Inc., St. Petersburg, FL

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January/February 2022

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SPL HOMES

Patience is Prerequisite When Building or Remodeling Your Home BY DOUG KING I’m sure you have recently heard about the supply chain issues all over the media, especially about the backlog of container ships waiting off the California coast to be unloaded. Why does it take 4-8 months for appliances, cabinetry, windows and roof trusses to be delivered? And why is everything so expensive? The majority of us also feel the results of supply chain issues in our businesses and/or at the grocery store, pharmacy and certainly at all retailers. Why, even one of my favorite local breakfast places has a hard time finding jelly packets! The supply chain woes are not new, this has been going on for over a year. The backlog of cargo ships off of the CA coast started over 9 months ago. The factories that shut down across the world last year haven’t fully recovered. Our huge reliance on both raw materials and finished goods from around the world has become readily apparent during the pandemic. And supply chain issues are not just originating from abroad. The factories that shut down in the US have re-opened but with far fewer workers than they had pre-COVID so their output is greatly reduced. The source of raw materials, such as mines and forests, cannot keep up with demand. In the US, we rely heavily upon tractor-trailers to distribute products from seaside ports and railheads nation-wide. There is a major shortage of truck drivers. Fuel costs have risen this year and tariffs on imports and other restrictions have led to higher prices over the past 2-3 years. Labor is a problem at every link in the supply chain and there is little hope of that easing anytime soon. Let’s not forget the virus that shut down the manufacturing of nearly every consumer product and then led to the high demand by consumers for almost everything. The demand was driven after a large portion of the population was forced to work from home and the consolidation of family households sky-rocketed to cut their combined costs of living. Homeowners realized that their at-home lifestyle needed a change. Many factories that had

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January/February 2022

started working at full capacity experienced on-going virus outbreaks that forced shutting down for 2+ weeks each time an outbreak occurred. For a company, already back-logged due to a shortage of raw materials and labor, having to shut down added to the disruptions already being experienced up and down the supply chain. Repeat that scenario across hundreds, if not thousands, of product lines and you can begin to understand the depth and the band width of the supply chain woes. Throw in a couple of natural disasters (tropical systems last fall and this past summer and the freeze in TX last winter) that created even higher demand for certain products (ex. drywall and lumber) while stifling the availability of materials to make other products set the stage for exactly what we are experiencing right now. Naturally, Economics 101 is at work for both materials and labor; high demand combined with low supply equal higher prices. The remodeling and construction industry has certainly been hard hit by supply chain issues; issues that were created both domestically and overseas. The surge in home building and remodeling obviously has put a strain on building materials and all the products that go into a home remodeling project. I dare say that there’s very few products needed for homes that aren’t affected by the supply chain interruptions. In addition, acute labor shortages in the construction industry that have been around for 10+ years have been exacerbated 10-fold by the pandemic. But like all challenges, there are also opportunities to create new and more efficient methods of doing things across-theboard. Let’s hope that the media doesn’t influence the politicians into thinking that they need to make policies that hinder the “educational moments” that businesses have before them right now! It will take some time for the marketplace to recover so, as consumers, patience is a virtue worth practicing more so than ever. Have a safe and joyous holiday season! Doug King of St. Petersburg’s King Contracting is National Chairman of the Board for the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).

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Luxury Home Remodeling WITH STROBEL DESIGN BUILD

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trobel Design Build has received numerous awards for their home remodeling projects in the St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay areas. As a well-awarded State Certified Building and Remodeling Contractor, the team at Strobel Design Build use their hands-on process to ensure that each of their clients receives a customized approach to their specific remodeling project. With help from the team at Strobel Design Build, you can give yourself the luxury home remodel that you have always dreamed of. Strobel Design Build works directly with their clients to make their dream home a reality. Specializing in sophisticated, luxury home remodeling projects, Strobel Design Build is able to provide award-winning remodeling solutions to all of their clients. From single-room renovations to entire house remodels, the team at Strobel Design Build works directly with their clients to provide the home renovations they have always dreamed of.

The Strobel Design Build team has over 40 years of experience building in the St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay area and is currently Tampa Bay’s most awarded design build firm. With multiple awards from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), Strobel Design Build has the experience and credentials necessary to complete the sophisticated luxury home remodeling projects that their clients dream of. Strobel Design Build’s secret to success lies in their process, which combines client involvement, continued education, and industry best practices for seamless design and remodeling projects. At Strobel Design Build, the designers provide concierge-level service, ensuring that once a project is finished their clients are left with the home remodel that they have always dreamed of. Be sure to treat yourself to the luxury home remodeling project you have always dreamed of with help from the expert team at Strobel Design Build. Call or visit the Strobel Design Build website for more information.

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St. Petersburg | Pinellas Park A SERVICE OF BAYFRONT HEALTH ST. PETERSBURG THIS IS NOT AN URGENT CARE CENTER, IT’S SERVICES AND CARE ARE BILLED AT EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT RATES

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12/9/21 4:10 PM