HAUTE HATS
APRIL ISSUE from the editor
by Kathy Saunders
Home improvement inside
April is always the month for home improvement in my house. I am a champion at decluttering and getting rid of things we haven’t used in the past year. But I know my strengths and my weaknesses. If I can’t handle something or if I know it will take me longer than it would take a professional, I am happy to delegate.
In this issue, we profile local companies that can help with a variety of tasks, from grocery shopping to keeping an eye on your home when you are away. Catching a plumbing leak or an air-conditioning malfunction can be well worth the cost of a home watch service.
Speaking of vacations, our travel consultant, Jimmy “Chip” Barker, shares which luxury cruises he is booking these days, from boutique voyages and expedition adventures to yacht-style getaways.
And for those who want to visit Kentucky for the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby, check out some of the fashionable millinery selected by our stylist, Tim Creagan.
16 FASHION ▲
Usher in spring in style with fabulous headwear from Tampa Bay’s top hat merchants and designers.
10 RECIPES ▲
Celebrate the upcoming Kentucky Derby with three Woodford Reserve mint julep recipes.
12 HOSTING
Bill O’Brien from A Fresh Connection Catering offers his top tips for planning your next catered gathering.
26 ARTS SCENE
From surrealist photography to Western-inspired paintings, find the latest arts experiences on exhibit in Tampa Bay.
▲ 30 TRAVEL
Jimmy “Chip” Barker of Oceans & Lands: Luxury & Expedition Travel highlights high-end cruises you won’t want to miss.
34 ESSAY
Susan Taylor Martin details her experience moving from her Shore Acres home after hurricanes Helene and Milton.
38 BOOKS SCENE
Miami native and bestselling author Karen Russell returns with her latest novel, “The Antidote.”
▲ 40 PROFILE
Jill Spinnenweber and Erica Downey of Taylor Morrison share their experiences as women in the construction industry.
44 SERVICES
From personal shopping to home watch services, these local businesses provide convenience and peace of mind.
46 SOCIAL SCENE
Copyright 2025. Vol. 18, No. 3
EDITOR KATHY SAUNDERS | ksaunders@tampabay.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR NIKKI LIFE | nlife@tampabay.com
Photographer BRIAN JAMES | brian@brianjamesgallery.com
Copy
call 800-333-7505. For a print or digital subscription to the Tampa Bay Times, call 800-888-7012 or go to subscribe.tampabay.com. To view Bay magazine online, visit tampabay.com/bay. Bay is published 11 times a year by Times Publishing Co. and delivered to Tampa Bay Times subscribers in select neighborhoods in Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties.
We sold this huge Tiffany Studio stained glass piece for $130,000 for our client. We sold these Van Cleef & Arpels blue chalcedony earrings for our client for $30,000.
Bring us your fine and decorative art, fine jewelry and watches and silver and we will sell them to the world! Our clients include one of America’s most famous mystery writers, a major league sports team owner, Saudi sheiks, an iconic rock & roll figure, European royalty, American industrialists and thousands of unknown but important collectors around the world.
While we are internationally known, our first love is our Tampa Bay audience. Come see us or we will meet you at your bank, home or attorney’s office.
RECIPES MAKE A MINT
Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon of the 2025 Kentucky Derby, and in 1939, the mint julep became the official drink of the horse races at Churchill Downs. We asked the brand for some of their most popular mint julep recipes to share with readers.
— Kathy Saunders
DERBY MINT JULEP
2 ounces mint-infused Woodford Reserve
2 ounces simple syrup
Mint sprig
Add the ingredients to a glass filled with finely crushed ice.
Stir, then add more crushed ice as needed with the mint sprig.
(To make the simple syrup, follow directions in the Garland of Roses Julep recipe above.)
GARLAND OF ROSES JULEP
2 ounces mint-infused Woodford Reserve
1 ounce simple syrup
1 ounce rose syrup
Mint sprig
Rose petals
Add the first three ingredients to a glass of finely crushed ice.
Stir, then add more crushed ice as needed.
Garnish with a mint sprig and rose petals.
(To make the simple syrup, combine equal parts water and raw, preferably bleached, sugar in a pan. Stir over medium heat just until the sugar dissolves. Bring to room temperature before using.)
PINK JULEP
1 part Woodford Reserve
1 part Chambord
2 parts pink grapefruit juice
½ part lime juice
½ part honey syrup
Mint leaves
Pomegranate seeds
Black raspberries
To start, take a shaker and add crushed ice.
Next, add the Woodford Reserve, the Chambord, the pink grapefruit juice and the lime juice.
Top it off with some honey syrup and give it a good shake.
Finally, pour into a highball glass and add some fresh mint leaves, pomegranate seeds and black raspberries to garnish.
Photos courtesy of Woodford Reserve.
HOSTING
the art of entertaining
BY BILL O’BRIEN
Spring launches a season of gatherings from Passover and Easter to Kentucky Derby watch parties and graduations. If you want to open your home but don’t want to do all the cooking and serving yourself, why not host a catered party? We asked Bill O’Brien from A Fresh Connection Catering in St. Petersburg how to plan and execute a seamless gathering. His top suggestion: plan ahead.
Plan your space for effortless flow
A well-planned layout ensures that guests can move comfortably while food and drinks remain accessible. Before your event, walk through your home as if you were a guest. Where do people naturally gather? Are pathways clear between key areas? Creating designated zones — for dining, drinks and conversation — prevents congestion and enhances the guest experience.
Repurpose furniture to maximize space: Turn a sideboard into a bar, use a console table for appetizers and designate a spot for guests’ belongings. A little thoughtful planning goes a long way in making your home feel open and inviting.
TIP: Schedule a walk-through with your caterer before the event. They can advise on table placement, service flow and potential traffic issues. Many caterers provide rental tables, linens or extra seating — ask about options if needed.
Curate a menu that suits the occasion
Your menu sets the tone for your gathering. Whether it’s a cocktail reception, casual backyard party or an elegant plated dinner, work with your caterer to balance crowd-pleasing favorites with a few special dishes that will make the meal memorable.
Think about how guests will eat. Passed hors d’oeuvres keep things social, grazing
stations offer variety and plated meals bring a refined touch. If space is limited, consider a buffet or family-style meal for a more interactive experience.
TIP: Accommodate dietary restrictions by including plant-based appetizers or gluten-free desserts. Your caterer can suggest creative alternatives that fit the menu while ensuring all guests feel included.
Keep the kitchen chaos-free
Even with a catering team, your kitchen is the event’s backstage, and it needs to function smoothly. A clutter-free, organized space prevents last-minute hiccups and ensures efficient service.
Before your caterers arrive, clear countertops and remove unnecessary appliances to create ample workspace. Keep essentials — like napkins, trash bags and serving utensils — within easy reach. If space is limited, consider warming trays or a folding table for extra prep space.
TIP: Designate a staging area — like a spare room or garage — for catering supplies, empty trays and packaging. This will keep your event area polished and clutter-free.
Order the right amount of food
One of the biggest challenges of home catering is ensuring you have the right amount of food — enough to satisfy guests without excessive leftovers. The key is understanding your guest list and event style.
A cocktail-style gathering requires different portioning than a formal sit-down meal. Likewise, a group of adults will likely consume more than a mixedage gathering with children. Work with your caterer to determine appropriate portion sizes based on guest count, event type and serving style.
TIP: Provide your caterer with guest demographics, including age groups and expected appetite levels. This will help them tailor portion recommendations, preventing food shortages or excessive waste.
Communicate clearly with your caterer
Your caterer is your partner in creating a seamless event. The secret to success? Clear and early communication.
Share your event vision in detail, including the number of guests, home layout and any specific presentation or service preferences. Discuss setup and cleanup expectations in advance to ensure a smooth process that will let you enjoy the evening stress-free.
TIP: Provide a detailed event timeline to your caterer, including times for arrival, setup, meal service and cleanup. This prevents service disruptions and ensures that everything will run according to plan.
Enjoy the moment
At the heart of every great party is a host who is truly present. Once the planning is done, take a deep breath, grab a drink and soak in the experience. Engage with your guests, savor the delicious food and let the night unfold naturally.
TIP: A confident, relaxed host sets the tone for a memorable evening. When you feel at ease, your guests will too, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that will make your event truly special.
Bill O’Brien has been the sales/marketing director for A Fresh Connection Catering in St. Petersburg for the past 15 years. A former professional tennis player and NCAA coach, he attended the University of Delaware.
Artist’s Rendering of Penthouse D
FASHION
To help find the perfect match for your next event, we visited some of Tampa Bay’s top hat merchants and designers.
Our cover model and milliner, Sylvia “Gigi” Stanley of Hats by Gigi, took a course in hat making from the legendary Judith Mishler with the goal of making hats with a sinamay base. Sinamay is a straw-like material made of abaca fibers, to which Stanley adds feathers, ribbons and more. In 2012, Stanley’s onetime hobby blossomed into GiGi’s Chapeau Club, a club she created for hat fans. Members gather once a month for a themed lunch while wearing their favorite hats, of course. Now Stanley’s hats are a staple in local shows and stores and are enjoyed by her clients who love custom creations.
We also found some great options at ARTpool Gallery in St. Petersburg, Switching Up Styles in Tampa and custom offerings by Kathi Harris, proprietor of Hat-A-Tude, which is based in St. Petersburg.
STYLING BY TIM CREAGAN PHOTOS BY BRIAN JAMES
Pink hat, $450. Black-and-pink hat, $300. Hats by Gigi.
From the cover: Sylvia “Gigi” Stanley in a red hat from Hats by Gigi, $250.
HATS BY GIGI
When Sylvia “Gigi” Stanley had trouble finding perfect Kentucky Derby hats some 13 years ago, she made her own. It didn’t take long for her admiring friends to start asking her to make hats for them as well. These days she shares her hats during special events, such as the recent dress-up hat event, Ooh La La: Hats by Gigi, for the Margaret Acheson Stuart Society of the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg.
Her hats are available at Jackie Z Style Co. in St. Petersburg (jackiezstyle. com) or on Facebook at Gigi’s Chapeau Club.
Clockwise from top left: Black hat, $300. Gray hat, $300. Fuchsia fascinator, $200. Green hat, $275. Purple fascinator, $200. Red fascinator, $190.
ARTpool
Colorful hats are embellished with history in mind at ARTpool Gallery & Vintage Boutique on Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. Shoppers can channel their inner 1960s fashion icons while searching for the perfect Kentucky Derby party hats. ARTpool opened in 2008 as an eclectic shop in the Grand Central District and features handmade jewelry, vinyl records, vintage clothing and more. artpoolrules.com.
Yellow hat, $28. Green hat, $28. Blue fascinator, $48.
HAT-A-TUDE
Designer Kathi Harris can craft women’s hats and fascinators in a variety of colors, sizes and styles for the Kentucky Derby or any horse race or polo match party. Feathers, flowers or ribbons are no match for her talent. Her creations are available online at hatatude.com.
Black-and-white hat, $260. White-and-pink hat, $250.
SWITCHING UP STYLES
This mother-daughter fashion boutique in WestShore Plaza has curated collections for women who want to change up their style, depending on their mood. Hats and accessories are designed by local vendors as well as nationally and internationally. On Facebook at Switching Up Styles.
Black-and-white hat, $274. White hat, $194. Black hat, $349.
Live contemporar y luxur y in Tampa with the polished comforts of a Pendry hotel. Fully-ser viced Residences are elevated by exclusive privileges and unparalleled hospit alit y, st arting at this exceptional address on the Tampa River walk and extending to a renowned portfolio of hotels and resorts.
arts scene
by Maggie Duffy
A surreal spectacle
St. Petersburg’s art scene continues to wow with an impressive display of surrealist photography at The Dalí Museum. “The Subversive Eye: Surrealist and Experimental Photography from the David Raymond Collection” is on view through May 4. The exhibit includes more than 100 works by 50 artists. From surrealist stars like Man Ray and Lee Miller to non-surrealist artists, including Manuel Álvarez Bravo and Osamu Shiihara, the exhibition highlights how surrealist techniques and sensibilities became influential around the world. As always, the museum provides plenty of history and context. Visitors can compose their own surrealist photos with an interactive photo studio to enhance the experience. thedali.org.
On exhibit at The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art
Connection is at the core of regional artist Ya La’ford’s solo exhibition at The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art.
“Survey the West: A Cross-Continental Reflection” is on view through May 18. In 2022, La’ford made her first trip to the American West for a residency at Ogden
Contemporary Arts in Utah. Always finding universal connections through her work, La’ford responded to the landscape, taking inspiration from the rugged mountains, red clay earth and wide skies, rendering them in abstraction. The show
is also part retrospective and includes some of La’ford’s work that preceded and came after the residency. In “Survey the West,” she also ventures into video with two works, one of which is an immersive installation in a room within the gallery.
A picture from “The Subversive Eye: Surrealist and Experimental Photography from the David Raymond Collection” on view at The Dalí Museum through May 4. Manuel Álvarez Bravo (Mexican, 1902–2002), “Optical Parable (Parábola Óptica),” 1931, Printed c. 1938–1939, Gelatin silver print, 7¼ x 8½ inches. Collection of David Raymond, © Archivo Manuel Álvarez Bravo, S.C.
Ya La’ford’s solo exhibition, “Survey the West: A Cross-Continental Reflection,” is on display at The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art through May 18. Photo courtesy of Ya La’ford Studios.
Many know La’ford for her numerous murals throughout St. Petersburg. At the Western exhibition, members of the public are invited to add their handprints to a mural in the museum’s community room. Connection, indeed. thejamesmuseum.org.
On view at The Werk Gallery in St. Petersburg
Artists often contemplate much more
than simply art in their practices. Such is the case with Nathan Beard, whose exhibition “Ten Measure Tune” is on view at The Werk Gallery in St. Petersburg through May 11. Beard builds up surfaces with layers upon layers of paint and creates lines through an intricate taping process. He’s thinking about music, cosmology, mythology and quantum physics to make patterns that “relay the stories and rhythms of life.” The show is Beard’s first solo exhibition in the city in
more than 10 years and includes recent and classic paintings from his “Exit Music” series.
The piece de resistance is the exhibition’s namesake, “Ten Measure Tune,” a 70-piece sculptural work based on the Miles Davis song “Blue in Green.” Beard mapped out the song’s notes by color, including the horn solos. Along with large-scale acrylic paintings, also on display are smaller paintings, linocut reduction prints and works on repurposed scraps of wood. Touchingly, there are also 180 riso prints — created with Kaitlin Crockett of Print St. Pete — of two paintings Beard made to honor his daughter, who was born with a heart defect. The sale of those works will help establish a fund to benefit parents whose children need open-heart surgery. One of the paintings, “Aurora vs. Typhon,” is on display with a metal frame created by Eric Folsom. thewerk.gallery.
A must-see musical at Demens Landing Park
American Stage in the Park is currently presenting the free-loving, draft-dodging musical “Hair” at Demens Landing Park through April 27. Set in the 1960s amid the Vietnam War and civil rights protests, the musical centers on an idealistic group of young hippies. It’s a groovy opportunity to don bell bottoms and fringe vests and sing along to favorites like “Aquarius,” “The Flesh Failures (Let the Sunshine In)” and “Hair.”
But it’s also poignant for another reason: The event that’s been a St. Petersburg tradition for almost four decades is in jeopardy of not returning next year. Rising costs and dwindling attendance have prompted American Stage to launch the Save the Park fundraising campaign to pay for production costs, which hover around $600,000 to $650,000, according to a news release. americanstage.org.
Nathan Beard’s “Exit Music #125 (Aurora vs. Typhon)” is on display in “Ten Measure Tune” at The Werk Gallery in St. Petersburg though May 11. Photo courtesy of Nathan Beard.
Life Changing Vision®
Brandon Rodr iguez, MD
Pit Gills , MD
Jeffrey Wipfli, MD
Rober t Lee, MD
TRAVEL ON DECK
Crafting the perfect high-end cruise experience takes expert advice — so we asked Jimmy “Chip” Barker of Oceans & Lands: Luxury & Expedition Travel to educate us about the newest and best cruise options for this year and next.
BY JIMMY “CHIP” BARKER
Cruising isn’t what it used to be. Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all sailings. This year is redefining the game, where true luxury lies in choice: the freedom to pick your vibe, from black-tie elegance to come-as-you-are casual. Boutique ships, expedition adventures and yacht-style getaways are steering the way. Here’s what’s catching Tampa’s discerning travelers’ eyes this year.
Boutique brilliance: Your style, your ship
Boutique cruising hands you the reins — choose formality or a relaxed vibe; it’s your call. Explora Journeys leans into the
glamour, with ships that feel like contemporary Italian villas afloat — think sleek suites and curated itineraries through the Mediterranean’s secret spots or the Caribbean’s golden shores. It’s polished, but not stuffy, a nod to those who love a touch of sophistication without the fuss. On board you’ll frequently hear, “I don’t feel like I’m on a ship; I feel like I’m in a boutique hotel,” and that’s by design. Travelers have been begging Explora for new itineraries, and the travel company is delivering with northern Europe and Arabian adventures on the horizon.
Crystal Cruises, post-relaunch after being purchased by the legendary travel company A&K Travel Group, dials up the elegance with Nobu dining at sea and
incredible A&K-crafted excursions — perfect for travelers who want to savor a tailored, sophisticated day ashore. Imagine strolling an Italian hilltop village with a local historian and lunching at a restaurant where the chef has seven Michelin stars under his belt. With more ships on order, it’s “Crystal” clear that this legendary line is back and attracting a new generation of cruisers.
Expedition fever: Adventure, your way
For those who’d rather chase horizons than chase dress codes, expedition cruising delivers a different kind of freedom. Swan Hellenic explores unique destinations around the globe, from South and Central America, polar regions
Emerald Cruises offers travel on luxury yachts, such as the Emerald Sakara, pictured on the Amalfi Coast of Italy. Photo courtesy of Emerald Cruises.
and the African coast with a mix of cultural deep dives and laid-back wellness — think yoga on deck after a day of discovery. Several voyages partner with the SETI Institute, where the focus is on the cosmos and beyond.
Lindblad Expeditions, paired with National Geographic, keeps it real and relaxed — jeans and binoculars are the uniform as you track whales in Antarctica or iguanas in the Galápagos Islands, guided by experts who ditch the jargon and get down to earth teaching you about citizen science.
HX Hurtigruten Expeditions takes it even further, turning Norway’s fjords and northern lights into a no-frills spectacle — astronomers on board, no tux required. It’s the luxury of adventure, where the only rule is to show up curious.
Yacht cruising: The ultimate pick-your-poison
Yacht cruising is 2025’s breakout star, offering a spectrum of options from posh to barefoot bliss. Emerald Cruises nails the relaxed luxe ambience with its yachts, Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara —
100-guest havens with infinity pools and marina platforms for spontaneous swims — while Emerald Kaia (coming in 2026) will up the ante. It’s high-end without being highbrow, perfect for kicking back in style.
The hotel heavyweights play both sides: Ritz-Carlton yachts (Evrima, Ilma and Luminara in 2025) bring polished service and Marriott Bonvoy perks for the formality fans, yet the vibe stays effortlessly chic. Four Seasons Yachts, setting sail in 2026 but available to book now, promises penthouse-sized suites with a resort-casual twist — luxe, but never rigid. And Orient Express’s Silenseas (2026) blends vintage oceanic allure with modern ease — 53 suites where you can channel Gatsby or just be you. Yachting’s charm? It offers exclusivity that bends to your mood.
The horizon ahead
What’s driving this sea change? The luxury of choice — travel that fits you, not the other way around. Whether it’s Crystal’s butler shaking your martini, Swan Hellenic’s wild encounters in comfy gear or Emerald’s yachts letting you cannonball into the sea, 2025 cruising is about owning your experience. As a luxury travel expert, I don’t book trips, I tailor tales that match your tastes. So, Tampa trailblazers, the waters of the world are right outside your doorstep. What style cruise is next for you?
Jimmy “Chip” Barker, founder of Oceans & Lands: Luxury & Expedition Travel, has honed his craft over years in the industry, offering everything from sleek boutique cruises to rugged expeditions and yacht getaways tailored to his clients’ vibes. Based in Tampa, Oceans & Lands reflects his love for blending luxury and adventure, mixing sophistication with a dash of playfulness. Barker’s favorite destinations are exploring above the Arctic Circle on an expedition ship or being on safari in the African bush. oceansandlands.com.
Known for luxurious train travel, the Orient Express is expanding in 2026 and launching Silenseas, vintage oceanic yacht cruises billed as “a new era of maritime luxury.” Photo courtesy of Orient Express.
Lindblad Expeditions, in collaboration with National Geographic, offers more relaxed cruises that take travelers on expert-led adventures, like tracking whales in Antarctica or iguanas in the Galápagos Islands, as pictured. Photo courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions.
After the storm
n Sept. 27, the day after Hurricane Helene ravaged Florida’s Gulf Coast, my husband, Jim, and I left our evacuation hotel and waded in knee-deep water toward our St. Petersburg home. The minute we saw the black debris line on the garage door, we knew our luck had finally run out after 37 years.
Helene’s storm surge had spared the house by a whisker but flooded the garage with 14 inches of murky, smelly water. The washer, dryer and an antique desk were
ruined. So were boxes of photos and memorabilia; so too were the appliances and cast-iron cookware we had stored there during an as yet unfinished kitchen renovation.
Still, we marveled that it hadn’t been worse. The houses on our block and the next street over were just high enough to escape the devastation wrought on almost every other home in our Shore Acres neighborhood and thousands throughout the Tampa Bay area. For days we walked agape among the mountains of mattresses, furniture and cherished belongings of
those who had lost everything. At night it was eerily dark and quiet, the houses gutted, almost everyone gone. No kids riding scooters, no dog walkers to stop and chat with.
And less than two weeks later we were again evacuating, again dreading what we would find after Hurricane Milton. This time there was no flooding — Milton hit south of Tampa Bay — but its 100 mph winds uprooted thousands of trees. Our street now had the same sunbaked look it did back when our neighborhood was built in the 1970s.
WORDS AND PHOTO BY SUSAN TAYLOR MARTIN
In 1987, we moved into a house right on Placido Bayou with gorgeous sunset views looking out over the water to the mangroves beyond. Our son fished and kayaked there; our granddaughter would take her first swim there. We had big holiday dinners with relatives and family friends.
Jim said we needed to get out of here.
Climate change would only make the flooding, the winds and the damage worse in coming years. And at our age, a devastating flood could financially ruin us.
But it would be hard to leave.
When we moved to Shore Acres in 1984, it was typically described as a “pleasant middle-class neighborhood’’ close to downtown. Young couples could buy a three-bedroom, two-bath house for under $150,000. But not long afterwards came a reminder of how vulnerable the area is. In 1985, Hurricane Elena sent water surging into hundreds of homes; ours, a few blocks from the bay, was one of just two on our street that didn’t flood.
In 1987, we moved into a house right on Placido Bayou with gorgeous sunset views looking out over the water to the mangroves beyond. Our son fished and kayaked there; our granddaughter would take her first swim there. We had big holiday dinners with relatives and family friends. For years I hosted an annual cookie exchange for the women of the Tampa Bay Times newsroom.
Still, the threat loomed. In 1993, the so-called “storm of the century” drove water over the seawall and far into the yard. Had it been high tide, the house likely
would have flooded. We had to evacuate when hurricanes Charley (2004), Irma (2017), Ian (2022) and Idalia (2023) initially appeared to be headed right to the bay area. Lesser storms still flooded streets and houses just a few blocks from us. Helene and Milton convinced us we had tempted fate long enough.
Once we decided to move, the question was, where?
We ruled out St. Petersburg, where prices have soared beyond what we wanted to pay for a house that didn’t need a ton of work. We eliminated areas south of the Sunshine Skyway as too far from places we wanted or needed to be. We liked downtown Safety Harbor with its many shops and restaurants but couldn’t find anything within walking distance. Regardless of where we ended up, it had to be high and dry.
For years I had frequented an antique mall in Belleair Bluffs, a pretty little town on the gulf side of Pinellas County. We had dined there with friends at the popular E&E Stakeout Grill. One afternoon I was browsing listings on realtor.com when I saw a three-bedroom, two-bath pool home with a two-car garage that checked all our boxes: a new roof, new AC, a nice yard and, most importantly, “minimal flood risk’’ at 47 feet above sea level. I immediately made an appointment to see it, and once
inside, texted Jim: “Love it, love it, love it.’’
At a time when St. Petersburg’s market is glutted with homes for sale, we were lucky to find a buyer for our house — a young couple who already lived in Shore Acres and didn’t flood but wanted a better view. In early January we closed on both houses and moved into what likely will be our forever home.
Built in 1958, it has the original terrazzo floors and bathroom tiles in excellent condition. It’s a mid-century gem where our mid-century-style furniture fits perfectly. Instead of water, we look at palms, fruit trees and flowering vines. In five minutes, we can walk to E&E as well as many other restaurants and stores, including Publix, Walgreens and one of the best confectioneries anywhere, William Dean Chocolates.
Yes, I sometimes feel a tinge of — regret? Sadness? Nostalgia? — when I think about the bayou and remember how we loved to watch the dolphins playing and the ospreys diving for dinner. But now we are just across the causeway from the Gulf of Mexico, with its beaches and lovely sunsets. And I can easily walk to a pretty little park that overlooks the wide Intracoastal Waterway.
It’s nice being near the water. But not too near.
THE #1 CENTURY 21 AGENT IN THE WORLD FOR THE 10th TIME! CENTUR RLD
Dania sold more than $150M in Luxury and Waterfront Homes in 2024
Beachfront – Redington Beach
Located on a deep, wide private beachfront lot in one of Tampa Bay’s finest beach communities
This extraordinar y 5-bedroom, 5½-bath, 11,622-total-sq.ft. coastal Tuscan estate with separate guest house boasts superb built-to-last construction and magnificent design, craftsmanship and luxur y. Unforgettable views, day and night! Offered for $9,999,000.
Belleair Bluffs
This one- of-a-k ind landmark estate resembles a Thomas Kink ade master ar twork! Astounding world- class materials and work manship throughout this brilliant, private executive enclave. Resting high above the waterline, take in 5 bedrooms, 5½ baths and 10,670 total sq.ft. of architectural splendor and breathtaking, uncompromising luxur y. Offered for $9,995,000.
Bayshore Blvd. – St. Petersburg
This spectacular 4-bedroom, 5½-bath coastal Tuscan estate boasts an impressive 8,423 sq.ft. under roof Towering 23-ft.-high ceilings, magnificent wood finishes, dramatic archways, massive great room, dazzling swimming pool/spa, extraordinary gourmet chef ’s kitchen, separate guest house and so much more Remark able and luxurious in ever y way. Offered for $6,475,000.
Bayway Isles – St. Petersburg
Located on sweeping open water, this sublime 4-bedroom, 4½-bath estate features $1M+ in upgrades to its gorgeous 5,782 sq.ft. of living area Luxurious new gourmet kitchen, dazzling new great room, updated media room, new luxur y baths, new pool/ dock/20,000-lb lift. An incredible home in a near-per fect commuting location. Offered for $5,995,000.
Dania Difference – The Professional Difference – The Real Difference
Dania
Old Northeast
– St. Petersburg
Rigorously built with concrete block construction, this uniquely beautiful 5-bedroom, 5½-bath Spanish villa luxur y water front estate boasts 12-ft.-high ceilings and a magnificent open floor plan rich in detail and ar tisan- quality craftsmanship Its 30,000-lb and 7,000-lb. boat lifts enable rapid access to Tampa Bay. Offered for $5,250,000.
Bayshore Blvd.
– St. Petersburg
Snell Isle
– St. Petersburg
This prodigious 4-bedroom, 4-bath luxur y estate with 6,866 sq.ft. under roof rests on a deep lot with 120 ft of water frontage on Tampa Bay. Towering ceilings, beautiful flooring and dazzling woodwork throughout. Sumptuous gourmet kitchen, lavish owner’s suite, huge pool deck with outdoor kitchen, updated sea wall, dock , boat lift and numerous
Located in the hear t of Snell Isle and close to downtown St. Pete, this stunning 4-bedroom, 5-bath, 6,280-total-sq.ft. coastal contemporary waterfront estate features towering 12-ft ceilings, gorgeous luxur y finishes, a resplendent gourmet kitchen, plush pampering baths, a media room, dock/boat lift and stunning views of Coffee Pot Bayou. Offered for $4,795,000.
Dazzling
books scene
by Colette Bancroft
Dust to dust
Miami native Karen Russell’s critically acclaimed 2011 novel “Swamplandia!” propelled her into the spotlight. Set among several unusual theme parks in the Everglades and focused on a loving but damaged family, it wove together Florida history and magic realism — fans may remember the strawberry-red alligator and the girl who married a ghost — to create an irresistible tale.
Russell’s new novel, “The Antidote,” takes a similar approach, setting its remarkable story in a real time and place, in this case the Dust Bowl that ravaged the American prairies during the Great Depression almost a century ago.
One of the novel’s four main characters is Asphodel Oletsky, called Dell. Orphaned as a child when her unmarried mother was murdered, Dell has been sent to live with her uncle, Harp Oletsky, a middle-aged farmer who’s another main character. His family came to Nebraska from Poland, part of the vast wave of immigration that drove the United
States’ expansion.
Harp is a hard-working, by-the-books guy who keeps his emotions under wraps, and he finds his independent-minded teenage niece something of a trial (as well as a painful reminder of his lost sister).
But the two bond over basketball. It’s Dell’s obsession — until, that is, she meets the book’s title character.
The Antidote is the professional name of a woman whose real name we won’t learn for many chapters. Her first-person
narration drives a significant portion of the book, and in her Russell creates another uniquely unforgettable character.
The Antidote is what is known as a prairie witch, or a Vault — a woman who is paid to enter a trance state and hear her customer’s private confessions. It’s considered a valuable service because afterward, the client has no more memory of the thing confessed — and neither does the Vault.
“Sins and crimes, first and last times, nights of unspeakable horror and
APRIL BOOK PICKS
Here are five memorable historical novels set in different eras of American history.
dewdrop blue mornings — or who knew what my customers had transferred from their bodies into mine? These were only my guesses,” The Antidote tells us.
“I disappeared into a spacious blankness during my transfers. A prairie witch’s body is a room for rent. A vault to store the things people cannot stand to know, or bear to forget.”
Want your memory back? For another fee, the Vault can retrieve it. It’s a sign of Russell’s marvelous craft that she makes this imagined occupation seem entirely believable, even mundane.
But The Antidote, we learn, can’t bury all her own memories. Like Dell, she’s an orphan, and she’s even more bereft after becoming pregnant as a teenager, only to have her baby son stolen from her in a bleak home for unwed mothers. Much of her narration is addressed (sometimes heartbreakingly) to her lost boy, about whom she remembers everything.
When Dell meets The Antidote, she is gripped by the desire to become a Vault herself — which is possible only by learning it firsthand from another Vault, a role The Antidote has no interest in assuming.
The fourth main character, Cleo Allfrey, is
a photographer working (for a tiny paycheck) for the Resettlement Agency, an arm of the New Deal. She’s been sent out to the Dust Bowl to, as her boss writes in one of his many bossy letters, “tell the story of human erosion.”
Her life will intersect, in ways that amaze her, with those of the other main characters in their hometown, the tiny village of Uz, Nebraska. If that name rings a bell — if the towering black dust storms Russell evokes so terrifyingly remind you of something — pay attention. And there’s also a sentient scarecrow.
But, as Harp explains, the immigrants who founded the town borrowed its name from the Bible. The land of Uz was the home of Job, the man whom God blessed with everything — and then tested by taking it all away.
When Harp tries to talk to Dell about this, she declares, “Uz sounds like a sneeze, Uncle.”
“You think this is a funny story?” Harp asks her. “Look outside the window, girl. Look what chapter and verse we are living in.”
But there are wonders outside that window as well, and journeys into the human heart that illuminate America’s history, and its present.
“Beloved” by Toni Morrison “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck
“Let the Great World Spin” by Colum McCann
“The Night Watchman” by Louise Erdrich
“The Nickel Boys” by Colson Whitehead
Karen Russell. Photo courtesy of Karen Russell.
PROFILE
WOMEN AT WORK
BY KATHY SAUNDERS
Being a woman in the construction industry can be lonely. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women represent around 11% of the construction workforce. Last month, during Women in Construction Week (March 2-8), we interviewed two members of the team at homebuilder Taylor Morrison, which boasts a female workforce of 45%, just over four times the industry average.
Photo by Brian James.
The Arizona-based company’s roughly 3,000 employees are led by Sheryl Palmer, the sole female CEO of a publicly traded homebuilder. Currently, the company, which has projects in 12 states, is building luxury and resort home communities throughout the Tampa Bay area.
Through an email, Palmer said she was proud of the women working for Taylor Morrison and was “excited that they’re paving the way for people from all backgrounds to consider a career in construction.” She went on to say, “Men and women bring intrinsic differences to the construction industry, and these diverse perspectives and experiences only make us better as a homebuilder.”
We asked Taylor Morrison superintendent Erica Downey, 33, and senior centralized scheduler Jill Spinnenweber, 47, from the company’s Tampa office, to share some of their on-the-job insights. Both said they joined the industry to make a difference and help pave the way for more female roles in construction.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
How did you get into the construction industry?
Downey: After having my first baby in 2012, I started working in the office of a general contractor. I was promoted to estimator and helped run crews. Once I moved to Florida, I knew I wanted to get back into construction, which landed me this job at Taylor Morrison.
Spinnenweber: Through a friend, I was hired as a sales assistant for a bathroom remodel company, which allowed me to transition into my current role as a construction scheduler for Taylor Morrison.
What are your daily responsibilities?
D: My day-to-day job is meeting with vendors, homeowners and attending internal meetings. I basically take homes from start to finish, scheduling the build and doing quality control. I walk homes daily. I am only one of two female superintendents.
S: Most days I am working from the office and essentially working with the supers in the field, keeping track of what’s going on at each house. I communicate with the trades and all the vendors, plumbers and electricians.
What are the challenges of being a woman in the construction industry?
D: Every job has its pros and cons, and construction isn’t any different. However, one of the biggest challenges I face is a lack of female coaching and interaction. I have had to navigate and learn my own communication styles, and sometimes it gets a bit lonely since I am not “one of the guys.” Luckily, I have always been able to be confident and having people like Sheryl Palmer as CEO leading our company helps with that confidence.
S: It can be difficult learning the system, but I think the men actually are super happy when they get to communicate with us. They appreciate the female presence and I have taken the time personally to go out in the field about once a week and walk their houses with them. I put a hard hat on and help coordinate all the working parts behind the scenes that it takes to make everyone happy.
What is your favorite part of working in construction?
D: Taking a home from start to finish. Buying a home is not only one of the biggest investments people will ever make, but it’s also a large milestone in a family’s life. I feel a sense of fulfillment to be a part of that. I have two children and one on the way, and both of my kids love telling their friends that their mom builds houses for work. I feel just as proud to have chosen a career that is not the norm for most moms.
S: I love building relationships. It seems to me that customers are really looking for the homebuilding and buying process to be very streamlined and easy. I have a background in bartending and restaurant management, and most of my experience was in sales and customer service. That was great training for the construction industry. I have the temperament to keep things on track. It is a dynamic environment that is always changing.
What advice would you give to other women interested in working in the construction field?
D: With a growing population, the construction industry is only getting bigger. If you’re a female and considering construction, don’t deprive yourself of an economic opportunity. There is a place for females in this industry and we thrive here. You will learn so much about yourself and you will find out how capable you really are.
S: I think it’s a great way to build self-confidence and self-worth, as this industry is typically male-dominated. Any woman who is a driven, problem-solving multitasker will thrive in this business. I find daily personal satisfaction working in a field where I feel valuable.
The Pointe on Boca Ciega at Marina Bay
Waterfront pent house condom in iums
With only three units per building – each commanding an entire floor – The Pointe Condominiums ensure the ultimate luxury – privacy The penthouse-style, 4 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom residence offers over 3,800 sq. ft. of living space, and nearly 1,000 sq ft of wrap-around terrace overlooking breathtaking panoramic views of Boca Ciega Bay and the Skyway Bridge Featuring dual master baths, a whole-building gas generator, and a private, oversized 2-car garage for each unit.
Discover Marina Bay in St. Petersburg, a hidden gem tucked away on Boca Ciega Bay, where 60 acres of lush tropical landscaping, lakes with dramatic water features and abundant wildlife blend to form this vibrant community Just six minutes to downtown St Petersburg and St. Pete Beach, the new Villas, Estate Homes and Pointe Condominiums on Boca Ciega redefine both luxury and resilience by building to FORTIFIEDTM - Gold standards. Visit Marina Bay, next to Eckerd College, to tour our new models.
HELPINGHAN D S
St. Pete Shopping Company
Stacey Ward
As a retired lawyer and the former CEO of CNA Financial in Manhattan, Adrian Tocklin was used to being in charge. But after the death of her husband, Gary, last year and a fall, the resident of Westminster Shores’ independent living community now uses a walker and relies on a lot of help from friends. Luckily, she has found a good one in personal shopper Stacey Ward.
Ward, 50, and her daughter, Caylee, 23, created St. Pete Shopping Company in 2022 and have a list of about 100 clients, mostly in south Pinellas County, including St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach, Gulfport, Treasure Island and Madeira Beach.
They wear matching hot pink T-shirts, deliver groceries, meals and prescriptions and help clients with whatever they need.
Whether you’re in need of a personal shopper or someone to care for your home while you’re on vacation, these bay area businesses provide peace of mind.
BY KATHY SAUNDERS
Ward decided to establish her own business after she and her daughter became frustrated working for other national shopping companies. “Their focus was on churning out the (greatest) number of orders per hour,” she said of the competition. She uses an app through dumpling.us, but customers can call or text her as well at 727-893-8840.
Shutterstock illustration.
PhotobyBrianJames.
Ward refers to her business as a concierge shopping company. She knows her customers personally and knows their food preferences. She will go to stores like Mazzaro’s in St. Petersburg for customers who prefer their specialty meats.
Proud of her St. Petersburg roots, Ward promotes locally owned businesses like hers whenever possible. She also has delivered more than 1,800 pounds of dog and cat food to Hank’s Bark Box, a free roadside pet food pantry box in St. Petersburg.
As her business grows, Ward said she hopes to expand to more retirement communities and to the tourist industry. She plans to deliver groceries to hotel rooms or vacation rentals before vacationers arrive. “I want people to know that we are here and that by supporting us, they are supporting the entire community,” Ward said.
Angel Eyes Home Watching Service
Rosemary & Angel Guadalupe
Essential Home Watch Services
Rusty & Nancy Fuls
The Fuls have been cleaning homes in the Tampa Bay area for more than 30 years. Three years ago, they established Essential Home Watch Services in response to their clients who needed more than cleaning services.
When Kaye and Jim Pollard travel to their vacation property in Costa Rica, they don’t worry about their primary home near the Pinellas Bayway. That’s because Angel Guadalupe keeps his eyes on their waterfront residence. The Pollards use his Angel Eyes Home Watching Service to make sure their house is secure. Guadalupe and his wife, Rosemary, visit the Pollard home twice a week, checking to make sure the air conditioning and plumbing are working, that the pool is filled properly, that packages aren’t piled up on the front porch and to handle anything else they see that needs their attention.
If there’s a problem, the Guadalupes have a list of contractors they can call to make repairs.“We travel four to five times a year and entrust our home to him. Angel is very professional, courteous, dependable and communicative,” said Kaye Pollard. “He gives us great confidence and comfort during our travels, knowing he is looking over our property.”
Home watch services have become a necessary part of homeownership for many Florida residents, especially those who travel for weeks or months at a time.
The couple typically visits homes weekly and they check to make sure everything is working properly. They also check for rodent and pest control issues and make sure the lawn care crews and pool cleaners are showing up.
Last year, their home services expanded to hurricane preparation as well. “We go in and take furniture off the balcony or patio and put it in the garage ahead of a storm,” said Rusty Fuls. “We also check after the hurricane to see if there is damage or if trees are down, and we’ll coordinate with insurance adjusters and contractors if necessary.”
Essential Home Watch Services is part of the 16-year-old National Home Watch Association based in South Carolina. Jack Luber, founder and executive director of the association, created the organization to provide accreditation, training, insurance and a network for companies that specialize in the home watch industry, which is currently unregulated.
Luber, who began his own home watch company in 2005, charges $595 a year for membership in the association. “We have our very own insurance plan and it’s the only industry-specific insurance that exists,” said Luber. “We have conferences. We accredit the companies in our membership, and we put them through a vetting process, including doing a background check and checking with consumer affairs.”
Luber said his members charge from $50 to $75 on average per visit for their services, depending on the size of the home and property. He has approximately 600 members in 46 states and Canada. “We look for obvious issues — we do not profess to be experts,” he said. But his members “know a guy” when services are needed.
For more information, visit stpeteshoppingcompany.com, essentialhomewatchservices.com or angeleyeshomewatchingservice. com. For a list of accredited home watch companies in Florida, visit nationalhomewatchassociation.org.
hPto o truoc e s y o f Rusty & NancyFuls.
Photo courtesy of Rosemary&AngelGuadalupe
SOCIAL SCENE
Tampa Theatre Hollywood Awards Night & WineFest
Back-to-back blockbusters smashed box office records for the historic Tampa Theatre, raising more than $225,000 for preservation and programming at the iconic 1926 landmark. On March 2, Hollywood Awards Night, the bay area’s longest-running Oscars watch party, screened the 97th Academy Awards in red carpet style with limo rides, flashing paparazzi and adoring fans. Five days later, a double feature, Tampa Theatre and the Goblet of Wine: A Wizarding WineFest, opened with 900 movie buffs sampling offerings from more than 30 local restaurants and wineries on March 7. The event continued with a magical sequel, a $500 wine pairing dinner, the following evening. Text by Amy Scherzer.
Photos by Tacy Briggs-Troncoso.
Ariana Haywood, Cleopatra Wilder, Jannery Cepeda and Ciarra F. Wimbley. Photo by Joe Roberts.
Patrick Williston, John Bell, Kent and LeeAnn Williston and Heather Parlow.
Jim Shaler, Lori and Bill Goede, Devin Dominguez, Ann Shaler and Lori and Hamilton Jones.
Samantha Parisi, Gregory Morgan and Eric Hughes. Photo by Joe Roberts.
Lisa Kaminski, George Levesque and Mike Hume. Photo by Joe Roberts.
SOCIAL SCENE
Children’s Dream Fund Dreammaker Luncheon
Dream child Joey Sims, 12, who is being treated for CNS neuroblastoma, experienced the thrill of flying when the Children’s Dream Fund granted his request to be a pilot for a day. Thanking Dreammaker Luncheon guests, he shared his excitement about his aviation adventure helping fly a plane to Ocala last year. Board Chair Monica Christopher honored 2025 Dreammaker of the Year Randy Ware, CEO of West Coast Medical Resources, in recognition of his longtime support. The part-time Aspen resident got a kick out of the custom cowboy hats available for purchase before lunch at Armature Works. The March 5 benefit raised more than $100,000 to help fulfill dreams for children ages 3 to 21 with serious illnesses. Text and photos by Amy Scherzer.
Ryan Ware, Stacey Rhoads, honoree Randy Ware, Sandra Carvalho and Elvis Mrsic.
Board Chair Monica Christopher and executive director Amanda Walker.
Morgan Moyer, Trinity D’Autorio, Andrew and Joey Sims and Colton King. In front, Daniel Perenzuela.
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast Diamonds & Dunks Gala
Elegant gowns and tuxedos paired with stylish sneakers and Nike Dunks made shooting hoops and posing with team mascots even more fun at Diamonds & Dunks, the first Great Futures Gala fundraiser since the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay merged with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast last year. Now one of the largest Boys & Girls Clubs organizations in the country, President and CEO Freddy Williams announced that the combined network serves 3,000 children daily at 65 locations in three counties. Gala co-chairs Tiffany Love and Coleen Sterns Leith thanked special guest Isaiah Wynn of the Miami Dolphins and the 500 guests at the Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park on Feb. 21 for helping to raise more than $700,000 for vital youth programs. Text by Amy Scherzer.
Photos by Laura Lyon Photography.
Belmont Heights Club Star Divas.
Tiffany Love and Kenneth McElheran.
Monica and Ed Narain.
Isaiah Wynn.
Guests show off their stylin’ sneakers.
Jesuit High School
22nd annual Gaudiosa: An Evening in Paris
Jesuit High School’s annual Gaudiosa, Latin for “a joyous feast,” once again celebrated a historic city visited by St. Ignatius of Loyola, this year spending “An Evening in Paris” while raising $1.2 million for student scholarships. Special events coordinator Mary Rouge planned the Feb. 22 dinner at the Hilton Tampa Downtown, which featured student entertainers and exclusive auction items, such as dinner with Jesuit’s incoming president, Father Vincent Giacabazi, SJ, at Bern’s Steak House. Hearing senior Oscar Olivera’s testimonial moved honorary chairs Renee and Brian Murphy and Ray Hyer to pledge $50,000 each on the spot. Gaudiosa has raised over $10 million in the past 12 years, ensuring that deserving young men have the opportunity to receive a Jesuit education. Text by Amy Scherzer. Photos from Southern Cross Photography.
Caroline and Denny Thaxton.
Kristin O’Donnell, Miriam Vattamattam, Kimberley Wiley and Tami Daniels.
Student entertainers Juan Amador, Austin Blewitt and Carlos Lamoutte.
Yvette and Craig Urquhart were top bidders for a French bulldog.
Mary Rouge and Elvia Rivera.
SOCIAL SCENE
Crisis Center of Tampa Bay
Cup of Compassion
An early morning crowd of 500-plus supporters turned up Feb. 26 for the 22nd annual Cup of Compassion breakfast to hear about and advance the vital work of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. From veterans trying to rebuild their lives to juveniles struggling with emotional and behavioral challenges, the center serves as a lifeline, said CEO Clara Reynolds, speaking of the urgent need to raise $2.6 million this year to continue critical services for people facing medical, legal and financial crises. With 400 staff members and 75 volunteers, the center provides counseling for rape victims, people in suicidal distress and even Tampa International Airport travelers. Last year, the center fielded more than 3,500 crisis calls during three hurricanes. Text and photos by Amy Scherzer.
Kathy and Bart Cobb, Clara Reynolds and Elizabeth and Tim Traud.
Lou Prida, Bonnie Wise, Jim Porter and Guido Maniscalco.
Tony and Lauren Dungy.
A symphony of flavors
Experience culinary artistry at Kanji Sushi and Ramen. Immerse yourself in a sublime fusion of meticulously crafted sushi, ramen, yakitori, sake, and more, creating an unforgettable dining journey.
SOCIAL SCENE
American Stage Decades Rewind
From the lava lamps of the ’60s to the glittering disco balls of the ’70s and the neon lights of the ’80s, American Stage Theatre Company supporters grooved at Decades Rewind, a lively celebration of the performing arts presented by Raymond James at The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art on Feb. 15. Dressed for disco and funk, 225 guests enjoyed dinner and vied for the titles of Best Rocketman (Joe Weldon) and Best Dancing Queen (Jamie McClendon) while the #NoFilter band rocked the music of each era. Text by Amy Scherzer. Photos by Kyle Fleming Photography.
Back row: Christina and Ben Diamond. Front row: Adam and Erin Erickson, Shawn Overcast, Jody Apostolu and Lacey and Todd Miller. Kneeling in front: Jesse Turtle.
ABOVE: Scout Eisenberg, Matthew, Joe and Sarah Weldon and Isaac Gamboa.
LEFT: Joe Dodgson and Sherri Smith-Dodgson.
SOCIAL SCENE
Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay 60th Anniversary Dinner
“Building futures as brilliant as diamonds” was the sparkling theme of Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay’s 60th Anniversary Dinner, honoring supporters who helped 46,000 local students learn essential skills in financial literacy, career readiness and entrepreneurship last year. The talented Entertainment Revue opened the March 6 benefit, followed by a “Jeopardy!”-style game to introduce seven Diamond Laureates and answer questions about JA BizTown, JA Finance Park and 3DE Schools. Board Chair Nelson Castellano highlighted the “ripple effect” of the leaders and partnerships that made JA of Tampa Bay No. 1 in the nation for student engagement hours. The nearly 400 guests at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street helped raise more than $600,000. Text and photos by Amy Scherzer.
Keaton Murray and Montana Byrd.
Robert Shimberg, Pam Muma, Alex Sink, Ellen Stavros and John Tomlin.
Michael Robertson, Bob Sharp and Nelson Castellano.
Cary Putrino, Suzanne Diaz and Tom James.
SOCIAL SCENE
Glazer Children’s Museum
Imagination Gala
Sensory surprises made for a playful Imagination Gala, where grown-ups enjoyed an evening to “awaken the senses,” celebrating sights, sounds, smells, tastes and touches at the annual benefit for the Glazer Children’s Museum. Board Chair Grayson Kamm thanked honorary chairs Sandy and Jim Murman for nearly four decades of supporting the museum as it evolved from a small outdoor village to the downtown Tampa landmark it is today. The DeLeon Band entertained Feb. 21 at Armature Works, where guests helped raise nearly $350,000 for neurodiversity-affirming programs so that every child has a place to learn and play. Text by Amy Scherzer. Photos by Evan Stout Productions.
Jim and Sandy Murman.
A happy dance floor at the Glazer Children’s Museum’s Imagination Gala on Feb. 21 at Armature Works.
Grayson and Cathy Kamm and Laura and John Byrne.
Shanna and Bryan Glazer, Luisa Metallo and Aakash Patel.
An entertainer at the Imagination Gala.
Discover thefreedom that comes with livingat Discovery VillageTrinity.Say goodbyetorigid schedules and hello to apersonalized lifestyle. Fromengaging activitiesto resort-styleamenities, we provide thecanvas;you paint themasterpiece of your life. Join us anddiscover thetrue meaning of living life your way.
SOCIAL SCENE
The Florida Orchestra Annual Gala
Guests counted 2 million and many more reasons to celebrate at The Florida Orchestra’s annual gala dinner and concert. First, CEO Ignacio Barrón Viela announced two separate $1 million donations, one from patron Edward Kaloust and the other gifted anonymously, which will shape the orchestra’s future. Then there was the joy of hearing legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma perform Dvorak’s Cello Concerto in B Minor for the sold-out audience. Music director Michael Francis conducted the annual fundraiser Feb. 28 at Ruth Eckerd Hall, marking a decade of the maestro sharing the power of music to inspire, educate and unite Tampa Bay. Text by Amy Scherzer. Photos by Chris Zuppa.
Ignacio and Brianna Barrón.
Nineteen-time Grammy winner Yo-Yo Ma at The Florida Orchestra gala on Feb. 28 at Ruth Eckerd Hall.
Emmanuel and Montserrat Cerf.
Fred and Gail Razook and Mark and Marianne Mahaffey.
The Rev. Joe and Linda Cassaly.
the florida orchestra
SOCIAL SCENE
Straz Center for the Performing Arts Gala for the Straz Center
Two hurricanes blew the Broadway Ball right off the calendar, said Greg Holland, CEO of the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, explaining how the inaugural Gala for the Straz Center merged that fall fundraiser with the annual Opera Tampa Grand Gala. Next Generation Ballet dancers, Broadway stars and opera divas descended the grand staircase amid a confetti blast of gold stars, leading 475 guests to dine on the Morsani Hall stage. Board members and opera enthusiasts Keebler Straz and Anne and Troy Atlas chaired the Feb. 22 benefit, cheering auction bids for exclusive Broadway and Metropolitan Opera experiences plus an appeal for arts education and outreach programs. The elegant event raised $675,000 before dessert and dancing to the VZN Band. Text and photos by Amy Scherzer.
Maria Zouves, Sherrill Milnes and Anne and Troy Atlas.
Steve and Nancy Westphal, Mardi and Kevin Bessolo and Diane and Rob Klingel.
Scott and Kathy Fink, Heather Joura, Ryan Fink, Gabi Ruskin and Jordan Fink.
L.B. Sierra, Bryce Alley, Keebler Straz and Austin Eason.
Barbara Robinson and Dr. Amy Ross.
Jax and Jesus Torres.
Nature's Food Patch
the bag
SOCIAL SCENE CALENDAR
by Amy Scherzer
April 24: Eighth annual Handbags & Happy Hour, which benefits The Spring of Tampa Bay. $175. 6:30 p.m. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa. thespring.org.
April 24: A Night Out West, which benefits Mary Lee’s House. $200. 6 p.m. Armature Works. maryleeshouse.org.
April 24: The Florida Orchestra Guild’s 56th Annual Golden Baton Award dinner. Honoring Susan P. Haney and Daniel Q. Haney. $200. 5:30 p.m. Mahaffey Theater. 727-204-2553. fogsp.org.
April 26: 15th annual Wishmaker’s Ball, which benefits Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. Entertainment by Darius Rucker and Edwin McCain. Table sponsorships start at $8,000. 6 p.m. JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. 813-288-2600. wishmakersballtampa.net.
April 26: A Night for All Children, which benefits Johns Hopkins All Children’s Foundation. $400. 6 p.m. The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club. 727-767-4199. hopkinsallchildrens.org/giving/events/a-night-for-all-children.
April 26: Los Vinos de Dalí, which benefits The Dalí Museum. Members: $160. Nonmembers: $180. 7 p.m. thedali.org/event/ los-vinos-de-dali-2025.
April 29: Light the Way Soirée, which benefits Champions for Children. Honoring Dr. Moira Burke. $100. 6-8 p.m. Shanna and Bryan Glazer JCC. cfctb.org/capm.
May 2: In the Air Tonight, which benefits the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Featuring Tom Jones in concert. $550. 6:30 p.m. The BayCare Sound. rutheckerdhall.com/intheairtonight.
May 3: Hats & Hope for Haiti, which benefits Schools for Haiti. $300. 5:30 p.m. Armature Works. schoolsforhaiti.com.
May 8: Five Fabulous Females luncheon, which benefits Academy Prep of St. Petersburg. $150. 11:30 a.m. Island Grand at TradeWinds. 727-322-0800, Ext. 2109. stpete.academyprep.org.
May 9: 15th Annual Value Me Luncheon, which benefits the Beth Dillinger Foundation. $100. Noon. Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park. 727-347-5600. bethdillinger.org.
May 17: Resist in Rouge Gala, which benefits Equality Florida. $200. 6 p.m. The Coliseum. eqfl.org/stpetegala.
May 17: Storybook Ball: “Moana,” which benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities Tampa Bay. $500. 6 p.m. Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel. 813-258-6430, Ext. 5. rmhctampabay.org/storybook.
Contact Amy Scherzer at amyscherzersdiary@gmail.com to have your event listed on the calendar.
The TONI EVERETT Co.
The Jewel of South Tampa Spectacular Open Bay
96 Martinique Ave. A Davis Islands Bayfront Estate with 110 feet of bay frontage, offering 6 bedroom, 6 full baths, 2 half baths, and over 9,442sqft. With garage parking for 10+ cars. Davis Islands provides immediate access to downtown offices, community and cultural amenities, cruises, international airports and malls. On island site amenities –nationally acclaimed hospital, tennis, dog park, motor and sailing marinera, community pool, fire dept., banks, restaurants, shops, post office, golf carts allowed. Offered at $ 19,500,000 Toni Everett 813-839-5000