Bay Magazine March 2023

SPRING FLING

LOCAL GLOBAL REACH

RE/MAX Metro Luxe agents understand luxury clients and how to market, sell and purchase luxury properties. It takes deep knowledge and experience to get it right in the luxury market – plus the ability to create an exceptional client experience each and every time.

Whether it’s exquisite preparation of a luxury home for sale, superior photography or extensive access to specialized marketing tools and service providers for our sellers, the Luxe Group has it covered. For our buyers, we provide fullspectrum service and a team of experts behind the scenes to ensure a smooth purchase journey. Buying or selling? Talk to one of our luxury experts today

PAST AND PRESENT

Our fashions this month were photographed at the former Tampa Bay Hotel, topped by minarets that are an iconic symbol of Tampa. The striking hotel, opened in 1891 with the first elevator in Florida, now houses University of Tampa offices and classrooms in one section and the Henry B. Plant Museum in another.

A New England railroad magnate, Plant was among the first to envision the potential of Florida’s west coast. He built several hotels, including the one in Tampa, where lavishly appointed trains deposited wealthy Northerners each winter. Before it closed in 1930, the hotel hosted hundreds of notables including Theodore Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and Queen Mary of England. In the decades since, millions have flocked to the bay area.

The museum is well worth a visit. The rooms still look much as they did in the hotel’s heyday, with opulent period furnishings. There are permanent and special exhibits, and the annual Victorian Christmas Stroll is a highlight of the holiday season. The museum also boasts a terrific gift shop.

Speaking of museums, check out our story on the docent programs at Tampa Bay’s many fine art museums. Learning — and instructing — about great works can be a rewarding way to spend volunteer time.

Contact Susan Taylor Martin at smartin@tampabay.com.

12 SHOPPING ▲

Erika Williner of Tampa has turned organic accessorizing into an art form.

42 FACES

Smith & Associates CEO Bob Glaser talks about what he’s seeing in the local luxury properties market.

28 FASHION ▼

Step out in style with looks that stand out against a landmark backdrop in Tampa.

54 FOOD & DRINK

New St. Petersburg shop

Herban Flow raises a glass to nonalcoholic beverages.

46 HOMES

Explore a jazz-era St. Petersburg house that even has its own speakeasy.

60 CRUISING

Spoil yourself and your family on Wonder of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship.

18 ARTS

At Tampa Bay’s many museums, docents share what they know with the public.

66 SOCIAL SCENE

EDITOR

Susan Taylor Martin smartin@tampabay.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Nikki Life nlife@tampabay.com

COPY EDITOR Dawn Cate

FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER

Brian James, brian@brianjamesgallery.com

Bay is published eight times a year by Times Publishing Co. and delivered to Tampa Bay Times subscribers in select neighborhoods in Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties.

Copyright 2023. Vol. 16, No. 2.

Chairman & CEO Conan Gallaty

Editor & Vice President Mark Katches

Assistant Managing Editor/Features, Visuals & Production Ellen E. Clarke

Vice President of Sales & Marketing Bruce Faulmann

Marketing Director Kerry O’Reilly

National/Major Senior Advertising Manager Kelly Spamer

Pinellas Advertising Manager Jennifer Bonin

Automotive & Real Estate Advertising Manager Larry West

North Suncoast & Hillsborough Advertising Manager Jessica Petroski

Operations Manager, Prepress & Digital Production Gerald Gifford

Imaging & Production Brian Baracani, Danielle Lazaro, Gary Zolg

Regional Home Delivery Managers Diann Bates, Rob Jennings

TO ADVERTISE IN BAY MAGAZINE, CALL 800-333-7505.

TO VIEW BAY MAGAZINE ONLINE, VISIT TAMPABAY.COM/BAY.

TO PURCHASE A COPY OF BAY MAGAZINE, VISIT BIT.LY/BAYMAGAZINE OR SCAN THIS CODE.

Your new home at The Ra nch is wa iting for you.

Just south of Tampa is a community planned for easy living and the best of ever ything Our award-winning lifestyle includes top-rated schools and healthcare, dynamic town center s, and endless oppor tunities for recreational pursuits on our 150+ miles of trails , golf cour ses , and racquet cour ts All this plus the white-s and beaches of Sarasota, and the abundant offerings of the Mall at Univer sit y Town Center, are in our back yard Families big and small, fir st-time buyers and empt y nesters enjoy a multitude of home choices pr iced from the $300s to over $1 million. Come and see; we saved a place for you! Our Information Center and models are open seven days a week

We Saved a Place for You

natural BEAUTIES

orced to stay home during a high-risk pregnancy 10 years ago, Erika Williner was “going nuts” so she began to make jewelry. Friends were so impressed they suggested she sell her work and “one thing led to the next” — popups, home parties, markets and, during COVID, wholesaling to other businesses throughout the U.S. and even abroad. True to its logo, “corals, pearls and gemstones,” Erika Williner Designs uses natural materials and organic shapes in the one-of-a-kind accessories. A purse resembles a large conch shell, the clasp on a straw clutch might be a sliver of agate or a hand-painted oyster shell. “I am a lover of statement pieces” like chunky gold chains and coral-shaped pendants, says Williner, who was born in Argentina but now lives in Tampa with her husband and daughter. Prices range from $30 for a bracelet to $400 for a custom necklace. Items are available at Hazel & Dot in South Tampa, Mainstream Riverview and online at erikawillinerdesigns.com.

Tiki wristlet with green agate slices, $45. Ines earrings: acetate coral branches with micro pave embellishment, $45. Gold-plated Solana earrings, $35.

SUSAN TAYLOR MARTIN • PHOTOS BY BRIAN JAMES

Photo courtesy of Erika Williner

Gemstone bracelet with tassel clasp, $30. Open-cuff Bali bracelet with tassels, $29. Long beaded necklace with freshwater pearls, green agate, electroplated lava rock and acetate coral pendant, $95. La Pesca earrings with enamel fish in a hoop, $35. Shell bracelet, $45.

GUIDED BY passion

BY SUSAN TAYLOR MARTIN

Soon after Karen Swanson moved from Virginia to St. Petersburg, she heard that the new James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art was looking for docents. So she went by and volunteered her services. “I don’t know anything about the West or art,” she told a staff member, “but I’d love to learn.” Five years later, she not only is expert enough to guide tours of the museum, she’s also made many friends among the 70 other docents.

Whether it’s to meet people, indulge a passion for art or just keep the brain active in retirement, being a docent can be a fulfilling and helpful way to spend time. Tampa Bay art museums rely on docents — from the Latin word “to teach” — to instruct guests about their collections and in many ways serve as the public face of the institution.

“Docents are an integral part of the James Museum,” said Marsha Quinn, the education manager. “Their role has increased as the museum has grown over the past five years, and it is common to see a docent working with the public in one of our art studios or assisting with a student art show.”

Training to become a docent can be rigorous. At St. Petersburg’s Dalí Museum, which showcases the work of the surrealist artist Salvador Dalí, docents take a 21-week class that meets three hours a week. Lisa Roberts, whose background is in fashion, said she struggled so much she nearly gave up. “We had to read all this different stuff from different

Candi James, who grew up in Wyoming, became a docent at the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art in St. Petersburg because “I wanted to help teach stories of the West.” Photo courtesy of the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art

books about Dali that were written by superb scholars and it was not easy language,” she said. “I sent a few paragraphs to my sister, who has three advanced degrees, and she said, ‘Oh my God, I’d have trouble with that,’ and she’s an academic.”

Nevertheless, Roberts soldiered on, spurred by the example of their mother. She was in the Dalí’s first docent class, volunteered for 33 years and was so beloved that her memorial service was held at the museum. “I wanted to pay homage to my mother,” Roberts said.

Since retiring as a financial adviser several years ago, Helen Huntley has become known as the “docent extraordinaire.” She volunteers at three St. Petersburg museums: the James, the Museum of Fine Arts and the

Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement.

“I did a lot of planning for retirement and thinking about what I was going to do and what I like to do, and basically I like learning stuff and sharing with other people,” Huntley said. “The number one thing about being a docent is you have to like learning things and studying and reading.”

As part of their training, docents “shadow” more seasoned docents and, at the Tampa Museum of Art, do a family and friends tour before going out on their own. Docents at each museum are expected to conduct a certain number of tours each year. The majority of docents are retirees who come from a wide variety of fields — doctors, lawyers, teachers,

Chuck Duritsch, a docent at the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art, poses with his favorite painting, “Undivided Attention” by Bonnie Marris.

Photo courtesy of Chuck Duritsch

artists. Most are women but by no means all.

Chuck Duritsch, a creative director, realized he needed to do something to occupy his time after retiring and moving to downtown St. Petersburg. The James Museum was just a few blocks away, so he became a docent and now enjoys it so much he does more than the required two tours a month.

“At the start, I was so nervous I had little index cards with all my information, but we shadowed a lot of the docents and one said, ‘Chuck, just go with what you know, show what you’re comfortable showing them and don’t worry about trying to show a bigger picture.’ ”

Like many other docents, Duritsch said he especially likes to lead tours of school groups. He finds that younger kids are engaged and express how they feel. Once, while discussing a painting called “Shearing the Sheep,” he displayed a piece of cut wool and asked if anyone wanted to smell it.

“One kid said, ‘It smells like Target.’ I just looked at the chaperone and we started laughing.”

At the Dalí Museum, some of the paintings are risque enough that

LEFT: Lisa Roberts, pictured at the Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg, is among the docents who conduct adultsonly “provocatours” of Salvador Dalí ’s more risque paintings. Photo courtesy of Lisa Roberts

BELOW: Dalí Museum docent Janice Embrey Brown, who was “blown away” the first time she saw Salvador Dalí’s surrealistic artwork, wears a shoe-shaped hat like that designed by Dalí’s friend, fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli. Photo courtesy of Pegie Stark

the museum offers adults-only “provocatours.” Docent Sandra Selzer recalls asking a group of older women if they wanted the regular tour or the one with the word “vagina” in it. They eagerly chose the latter.

Some Dalí docents are as eye-catching as the art. Janice Embrey Brown, who was “blown away” on first seeing Dalí’s works 25 years ago, wears a shoe-shaped hat like one made by Dalí’s friend, fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli. “Surrealism is taking something where it usually is,” she tells visitors, “and putting it somewhere it will never be.”

Docents do more than lead tours. Candi James, who became a docent at the James a year ago, volunteered to help with a class in the museum’s art studio that was offered during a special Andy Warhol exhibit. “Every week for six weeks,” she said, “I was scrubbing paint jars.”

Sara Cohen, a retired interior designer who volunteers at the Tampa Museum of Art, said one of the things she likes most about being a docent is the frequently changing exhibits. “I don’t think I could absorb any more right now,” she said, “but learning about different things keeps me interested.”

Surrounded by great pieces of art, many docents have their favorites. Not so for Anne Shamas, a longtime docent at the Museum of Fine Arts.

“That’s like asking me who is my favorite child,” she said. “I love everything, and after 40 years they are all old friends.”

WANT TO BECOME A DOCENT?

Tampa Museum of Art, 120 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa. education@tampamuseum.org. Docents in training meet for two hours every other Monday for a year. There are no classes currently scheduled but names of those interested will be kept on file.

Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, 255 Beach Drive NE. Docents leading gallery tours take 68 hours of training over several months. Docent specialists, who work with PK-12 school groups, take a 16-hour course at the start of each school year. Check mfastpete.org for information on when new docent applications open.

Dalí Museum, 1 Dalí Blvd., St. Petersburg. thedali. org/join/volunteer/become-docent/. Docents take a 21-week class offered every 16 months depending on attrition, with the next class scheduled for spring 2024.

Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement, 355 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. volunteers@museumaacm.org. Docents complete a 10-week session. A new one starts this spring.

The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art, 150 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. thejamesmuseum. org/volunteers. Entry into the program includes an application and an interview to gauge compatibility with the program. Classes are held once a week for 12 to 14 weeks with the next class expected in 2024.

With 40 years, Anne Shamas is the longest-serving docent at the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. Photo courtesy of the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg

Karen Swanson, right, enjoys a glass of wine with friend Karen Hale at the antique bar in the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art after conducting her first tour as a docent. Photo courtesy of Karen Swanson

THE #1 CENTURY 21 AGENT IN THE WORLD FOR THE 9th TIME!

Belleair Beach

The best of boating and the beach influence the design and construction of this dazzling 5-bedroom, 5-bath, 8- car garage, 9,678 total sq.ft. estate. 150 feet of sweeping seawall on open Intracoastal Waterway High ceilings and luxurious finishes throughout. It ’s 10 minutes by boat to the Gulf, and a five-minute walk to the beach. Offered for $5,995,000.

Redington Beach

Fabulous 5-bedroom, 5 ½-bath, 5,615-sq.ft. beachfront compound with private cour tyard swimming pool, separate hot tub area, game room, office and much more. 4- car garage parking and large private lot that offers immediate access to the beach. Spectacular views of the Gulf Offered for $5,350,000.

Broadwater – St. Petersburg

Brand-new luxur y water front estate home to be completed in 2023! Resting on breathtak ing open water with spectacular west-facing views, this gorgeous 4-bedroom, 4½-bath, 6,500 total sq.ft. coastal contemporar y residence boasts high- end amenities, six-plus- car garage parking and a dazzling swimming pool Offered for $3,995,000.

Bayou Club (GOLF & CC) – Seminole

Built by national awardwinning Windstar Homes for the company’s CEO, this stunning 5-bedroom, 5½-bath contemporar y Tuscan villa was created with an astounding level of precision and detail Towering ceilings, spectacular finishes and highly luxurious An architectural mar vel and one of the most uniquely beautiful homes in Florida. Offered for $3,495,000.

The Dania Difference – The Professional Difference – The Real Difference in Real Estate

CENTURY 21 JIM WHITE & ASSOCIATES

SOL D BY DA NIA

TAMPA BAY’ S PREMIER LUXURY AND WATERFRONT REALTOR

Dania has sold more than $1.5 Billion in Luxur y and Waterfront Homes throughout the Tampa Bay Region.

SOL D BY DA NIA

Pasadena Y&C C

– Gulfport

Luxurious water front estate located in Tampa Bay’s premier gated boating and golf community. 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths with 7,750 total sq.ft. Boasts beautifully finished living spaces and dazzling outdoor enter tainment areas Dock and boat lift provide immediate access to Boca Ciega Bay and the Gulf Offered for $3,250,000.

Old Northeast

– St. Petersburg

Gorgeous, contemporar y, hacienda-style 5-bedroom, 4-bath, 3- car garage residence with 4,793 total sq.ft. Enjoy 21-ft.-high ceilings, an elegant chef ’s kitchen and a luxurious owner ’s suite. Fabulous private cour tyard boasts a superb SS kitchen, dazzling pool and extensive lounging/enter tainment area. Offered for $2,795,000.

Bayway Isles

– St. Petersburg

The essence of cosmopolitan elegance and coastal contemporar y chic, this singlelevel 4-bedroom, 3-bath, 3,846-sq.ft. residence has been meticulously updated and beautifully redesigned Spectacular indoor/outdoor living space Exceptional craftsmanship, luxurious finishes and superb amenities throughout. Offered for $2,700,000.

Lake Josephine

– Odessa

Fortune 500 Executive

Elegance across the sweeping private, gated grounds of this ex traordinar y 8,386 total sq.ft., 5-bedroom, 6½-bath luxur y lakefront estate. Sumptuous gourmet kitchen, lavish owner ’s suite, towering ceilings and magnificent custom finishes Gorgeous infinity pool, elevated hot tub, brilliant outdoor kitchen, luxurious pool bath, separate guest house and so much more. Offered for $2,150,000.

Since 1955, Ward’s Seafood has provided locals & visitors with fresh seafood caught daily by our fisher man. We also source seafood from up north and around the world. Come visit us 7 days a week where it’s always fresh and friendly.

Clearwater, FL • (727) 581- 2640 • WardsSeafood.com

FASHION

BRIGHT AT THE MUSEUM

PHOTOS BY BRIAN JAMES

Now that we’re going back to the office more often, it’s time to rethink the wardrobe. Slouch is out, pulled together looks are in. It’s also the season for bright pops of color as shown in these fashions, photographed at the Henry B. Plant Museum on the University of Tampa campus.

Self Portrait Melange knit jacket, $410. Self Portrait Melange knit miniskirt, $335. Stone Rose twill dry-touch shirt, $145. Jackie Z Style Co., 113 Second Ave. N, St. Petersburg. jackiezstyle.com. Versace Medusa platform pumps, $1,475. Kurt Geiger eagle head crystal cocktail ring, $88. Kurt Geiger quilted shopper bag, $139. Panacea lapis lazuli beaded necklace, $40. Urban Outfitters lace and satin corset, $59. Nordstrom. nordstrom.com.

Bailey 44 Lorelei jacket, $298. Bailey 44 Addison pant, $198. Hale Bob Yamei silk blouse, $238. French Connection Cement Forever pumps, $128. Jackie Z Style Co. Tiki wristlet, $45. Beaded necklace with acetate coral pendant, $95. Erika Williner Designs. erikawillinerdesigns.com.

Mesh halter midi dress, $160. Anthropologie. anthropologie.com. Tart Collections vegan leather blazer, $198. Jackie Zstack The “Holly” bracelet, $125. Jackie Z Style Co. Bahama clutch with green agate, $75. Erika

Williner Designs. Green pumps, $69. Zara. zara.com.

Maeve layered cable knit sweater, $118. Maeve plaid leggings, $118. Anthropologie. La Pesca earrings with enamel fish in a hoop, $35. Erika Williner Designs. Zenzii yellow beaded acetate pendant necklace, $58. Gucci sunglasses, $405. Jackie Z Style Co.

Left: Mare Mare sleeveless utility top, $120. Ruffled tulle midi skirt, $158. Anthropologie. Mesh turtleneck top, $46. White House Black Market. whbm.com. Kate Spade jeweled bow leather belt, $98. I.N.C. cognac patent leather boots, $98. Macy’s. macys.com. Christian Dior large book tote, $3,500. Jackie Z Style Co.

Rachel Parcell organza bow dress, $188. Tiny Treats RockStar cross-body handbag, $78. Jackie Z Style Co. Boaters hat, $35. Stretchy gemstone bracelets, $30 each. Caterpillar bracelet with green glass beads, $120. Erika Williner Designs. Open Edit gemstone gold ring set, $48. Vince Camuto over-the-knee boots, $259. Nordstrom.

Maeve lace sleeve blouse, $88. Multi Color silky high-rise pants, $140. Anthropologie. Shell braided necklace with pearl and shark tooth, $95. Wire-wrapped choker with freshwater pearls, $45. Wire-wrapped bracelet with freshwater pearl, $30. Juliette tiny pearl earrings, $35. Erika Williner Designs. Jackie Zstack The “Holly” bracelet set, $125. Jackie Z Style Co. Tory Burch monogram patent leather bucket bag, $578. Michael Kors Lawson open-toe booties, $165. Nordstrom.

Steve Madden poppy oversize top, $59. Panacea bead hoop earrings, $25. Open Edit ring set, $30. MZ Wallace Sutton deluxe tote, $265. Jessica Simpson ankle boots, $110. Nordstrom. Rhinestone tunic, $198. Anthropologie. Long beaded necklace with black agate beads and silver hematite and black acetate coral pendant, $89. Erika Williner Designs. Tart Collections Galatia patent leather midi skirt, $158. Jackie Zstack “Charlotte” bracelet set, $95. Jackie Zstack “Rae Rae” bracelet set, $95. Jackie Z Style Co.

FROM THE COVER: PatBo cut-out long-sleeve beach

Zenzii

The

CREATIVE TEAM

PHOTOGRAPHY

Brian James

IG: @brianjamesgallery brianjamesgallery.com

Téa Bremner, assistant

IG: @teabremner.photography

HAIR & MAKEUP

Monique McLaughlin

IG: @moemakeup moemakeup.com

Rachel DeBickero, assistant

IG: @racheldebick

FASHION STYLING

Tina Jackson, lead stylist Style Attic

IG: @Tinajstyle tinajstyle.com

Zack Yunusah, assistant @zackyunu

MODEL

Valentina Cardenas

IG: @thevalentinacardenas

dress, $795.

mixed-media curb chain necklace, $48. Jackie Zstack

“Winny” bracelet set, $125. H Halston heeled sandals, $78. Jackie Z Style Co. Bahama clutch with black hand-painted oyster, $69. Erika Williner Designs. Pave hoop earrings, $15. Nordstrom.

d within

t (the “Res idential Uni ts”) ar e not ow ne d, develope d, or sold by Pe ndry In te llec tual Prop er ty Holding Comp any, LLC or any of it s re sp ec ti ve af filiates (c olle ctively, “Pen dr y” ), and Pendry do es no t ma ke any repre sent ations, warrantie s or guar an ties what so ever with re sp ec t to the Re siden tial Unit s, the Proje ct or any part the reo f.

TR D Ri verwalk Deve loper LLC us es the PEND RY brand name and ce rt ain other Pendr y tr ad emar ks (c olle ctively, the “Trademark s” ) in conn ec tion wi th the sale s and mar ke ting of the Res idential Unit s in the Proje ct under a limi te d, non -exc lu sive and non -s ub li ce ns ab le li cens e from Pe ndry The fore going li ce ns e may be terminated or may ex pire wi thout renewal in which ca se neither the Re siden tial Uni ts nor any part of the Proje ct will be id entif ie d as a PEND RY-b rande d projec t or have any righ ts to us e the Tr ad emar ks Ar tist ’s Conc ep tual Rendering s. Subje ct to Chan ge

FACES: BOB GLASER

SURVEYING THE LUXE PROPERTY SCENE

Bob Glaser is CEO of Smith & Associates, which has represented most of Tampa Bay’s major condo towers, including ONE St. Petersburg, Signature Place and Saltaire in St. Petersburg and Virage, Altura and the Residences at Tampa’s Edition hotel. Photo courtesy of Smith & Associates

As CEO of Smith & Associates, Tampa Bay’s largest independent locally owned real estate brokerage, Bob Glaser has seen explosive growth in the market. His firm is known for luxury properties — it handled the $22.5 million sale of baseball star Derek Jeter’s Tampa home and has been the agent for most of the area’s major condo towers. Last year, Smith launched a foundation through which it awarded almost $250,000 in grants to community organizations, and it is now soliciting requests for this year’s donations. Glaser recently spoke with Bay. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

— Susan Taylor Martin

How would you describe the overall state of Tampa Bay’s residential market now? In most price ranges the ability to find a home in good condition that’s financeable, that meets insurance qualifications is not great. But even with a little less units, a little bit less activity, the volume and average price kept growing. 2021 was a high year but 2022 was an equally exciting year for everyone in real estate. Of course, home buyers, sellers and investors quieted down in the fall with rates rising, the elections and inflation concerns so it took a little longer to sell but December ticked up. As the new year began, we saw that pricing might be down slightly, maybe 3 to 5 percent in certain price ranges and areas.

How did Smith become so dominant in Tampa Bay’s condo market?

The company was founded in 1969 as an urban planning company so that was the nature of the brand, to be involved in a lot of subdivisions — Tampa Palms, Hunter’s Green, out at the beaches. There were very few condos in the ’70s in Tampa, where we specialized. One building at a time, we grew the market by converting rentals to condos. Then we got a foothold in St. Pete about 20 years ago. In that period we’ve represented 19 buildings, so we’ve built teams that specialized in bringing developments to market and have secured strong relations with equity lenders around the U.S. As Tampa Bay grew, it had to have more condos because there was limited land. You’ve got to go up.

What percentage of high-end condos today are purchased with cash? It’s 70% cash. For buyers who financed, most locked in rates by February, March or April of ’22 so they were likely ahead of the swing of rising rates.

What percentage of condo buyers are from other states? About 35%. It’s California, the Midwest, the New York corridor to Boston and a

smaller amount moving down from the Southeast. It’s always been the Midwest but added to the mix is California. It’s not necessarily because of the politics in California, people just have better opportunities now to try new locations. Tampa Bay feels crowded to longtime residents but it’s nothing compared to other states. It’s still easier to live in Tampa Bay than in other cities its size.

Are there many Latin American buyers? Not necessarily but we have seen that Miami residents are locating to our area to escape that region’s traffic and hecticness.

Do many buyers flip units or move to newer condominiums as they are built? There has been great price appreciation in all of the buildings. As ONE St. Petersburg came into play in 2018 it was the first true big tower and people who bought in experienced great appreciation. Because of that, they could move on to the next condo tower. Many moved on to Saltaire, which sold out and closed last year. Another thing that occurred — many people in large towers realized they like smaller buildings, which have more privacy. As a result, towers like The Altura and The Nolen garnered interest. In these smaller towers you pay more for the high-end amenities but there are fewer people to share them with.

As one with a fear of heights, I can’t image living 40 stories off the ground. Do many people really want to live that high? Initially the center of the building is what sells first, that’s floors 15 to 20, but there are plenty of people wanting the penthouse or upper floors because they love the views, they love the entertaining factor of walking out on the balcony.

Didn’t you have the 34th-floor penthouse in Signature Place in St. Petersburg at one time? My ears popped every time I went up there. I went from there to the 17th floor of Bliss, then during COVID I decided to go back to single family, in Hyde Park. Now I’m in the Old Northeast. I’ve tried all the best places.

Property insurance rates in Florida have soared, partly due to the collapse of a South Florida condominium. Will that hurt the condo market here? Insurance rates are beginning to get high so older properties could suffer. That’s cause for people to move to newconstruction buildings. Some of the Pinellas insurance hikes have led to relocations to the new buildings going up in downtown St. Pete.

Do you think downtown St. Pete is getting overbuilt with condo towers? You’ve got a very big rental community in the St. Pete market so all the rental towers are tall. In downtown you’ve got only a few condos being built currently — Art House, The Nolen and 400 Central. It feels like a growth spurt but it’s calmed down. People are waiting to build until the redevelopment of Tropicana Field starts.

Steeped in history

BY SUSAN TAYLOR MARTIN

OLD HOUSES SOMETIMES GIVE UP THEIR SECRETS SLOWLY.

That’s what Keith and Lucy Lawless discovered when they moved into a 1927 house in St. Petersburg’s Old Northeast. It had been upgraded to an extent, but the couple wanted to better reflect their mid-century modern aesthetic. Out went ornate chandeliers, replaced by all-new lighting fixtures. Almost every wall — including a blood-orange one in the kitchen — was repainted a fresh white. But the eureka moment came when a contractor hired to build a wine cellar found that what looked like a bookcase was actually a door.

The speakeasy in the Old Northeast home in St. Petersburg includes family and period memorabilia. As many as 450 bottles can be refrigerated here. Photos courtesy of Tony Sica

“He said, ‘Do you know you have a Prohibition-era house?’ ” Keith Lawless recalls. “And it was off to the races.”

The door led to a small room that the Lawlesses decided to turn into a speakeasy. They expanded the area by 6 feet taken from the family room and had the ceiling raised and thick wood beams installed.

“A guy came in and cut every single piece of wood and stained it to the color we wanted,” Keith says. “The woodwork in there is pretty exceptional.” They put in penny tile flooring, a bar, custom bottle shelving and a Viking beverage refrigerator and glassware flash dishwasher.

The room is hung with dark, heavy drapes, like those

The house, which had been furnished in ornate French provincial style, now has more of a mid-century modern feel. It was built in 1927, seven years after the start of Prohibition, and has five en suite bathrooms and most of its original flooring. Photos courtesy of Tony

Sica

used to hide the booze from nosy G-men. It is decorated with a Victorian settee, stools and other vintage furnishings found at a local antiques market. Alongside family photos from the ’30s and ’40s are a photo of a 1932 New York Times story about the struggles over Prohibition and a 1927 prescription for whiskey. (Getting a doctor to prescribe whiskey for medicinal purposes was a way around the ban.) They also found an old issue of Reader’s Digest showing Manhattan’s legendary speakeasy, the 21 Club.

The Lawlesses made other changes. Directly above the speakeasy was another small room they had cut in half to make en suite bathrooms for their two teenage daughters. Outside, they resurfaced the pool, added a spa big enough for eight and framed the entire pool deck with IPE, a weather-resistant tropical wood. For their aging dogs, they built a room in the garage that is air conditioned and has a little door that opens to a run extending along the entire side of the house.

When they bought the house five years ago, the Lawlesses wanted more room for a growing family. Now that their oldest kids are off to college, they’ve decided that the 3,500-square-foot, five-bedroom, 5 ½-bathroom house is bigger than they need. It is on the market for $2.275 million, with Sarah and Don Howe as the listing agents.

And if you’ve ever thought about having a ’20s-themed party, all of the speakeasy furniture and memorabilia are included.

The sellers added a breakfast nook to the kitchen. The pool deck is made of weather-resistant tropical wood.

Infused with the vibrant mosaic of arts and culture that surrounds it, Art House offers a uniquely seamless and sophisticated setting for life – with everything you need right at home, and all the best of downtown just steps in every direction.

ONE Tampa’s sleek 42-story tower rises just one block from the midpoint of Tampa Riverwalk, offering an unmatched downtown location and featuring spectacular skyline and water views through floor-toceiling windows Every designer-finished residence opens to deep, gracefully curved terraces. An impressive, multi-level amenity menu offers indoor and outdoor resort-style services overlooking water and vibrant city views that elevate every moment spent at home

LUXURY CONDOMINIUMS FROM THE MID $900,000s

PRESENTATION GALLERY NOW OPEN 100 E. Madison Street , Suite 100 | Tampa, FL 33602 813-686-7 188 | LiveONETampa.com

PRESENTED

Artist’s Rendering

Exquisit ely Craf ted Waterfront Home 109 Harbor Dr., Palm Harbor

OFFERED AT: $3,999,0 00

Linda Ross Preston | 813-318 -2408

Stunning Water Views of Vinoy Harbor 176 4th Ave. NE #902, St Petersburg

OFFERED AT: $2,095,0 00

Yes Homes | 727- 643-7346

Coastal Chic Condo with Gulf Views 1520 Gulf Blvd #1801, Clearwater Beach

OFFERED AT: $1,900,0 00

Belinda Bishop | 727-967-2303

Magnificent Belleair Estat e 435 Bayview Dr., Belleair

OFFERED AT:

Gorgeous Marina Home at Belle Harbor 525 Mandalay #34, Clearwater Beach

OFFERED AT: $2,350,0 00

Linda Ross Preston | 813- 318-2408

Beautifully Updated Waterfront Home 601 79th Cir S., St Petersburg

OFFERED AT: $1,239,900

Capt Maria Mercado Herb er t | 727- 642-1151

Stunning Mediterranean-St yle Home 125 13th Ave. N., St Petersburg

OFFERED AT: $2,100,0 00

Jenny Walker and Alan May | 727- 418- 3941

Meticulously Renovated Gulf Front Condo 1814 Mariner Dr, #157, Tarpon Springs

OFFERED AT: $1,199,999 Kerr yn Ellson | 727- 408- 4888

NONALCOHOLIC GROOVE

BY KATHY SAUNDERS • PHOTOS BY ANGELICA EDWARDS

Beer was Michael Smith’s drink of choice before he gave up alcohol a few years ago. He didn’t miss the alcohol, but he missed the hoppy taste of a well-brewed ale. “I enjoyed the flavor of it and I really couldn’t get that once I quit the alcohol,” he said. He found several alcohol-free ales he enjoyed but didn’t like having to shop at multiple stores to find options. In January, he and his wife, Caitlyn, opened Herban Flow in St. Petersburg, a store of nonalcoholic beers, sparkling wines, alcohol-free versions of hard liquor and mixers.

Currently, they sell upwards of 10 varieties of nonalcoholic beers and offer make-your-own six-packs to customers who want to mix different brands. The beers range from $4 a can to up to $17 for a six-pack.

The wide selection is what first attracted customer Mike Dinapoli. “I was getting lunch at a place nearby and I saw the sign and I like to support local businesses,” he said. “I was very impressed with the diverse amount of products and how knowledgeable and extremely patient the owners were.”

He became a regular, visiting four times in the first couple of weeks the store was open. “The only nonalcoholic beverage I’d ever heard about was O’Doul’s, and I never liked the taste of Bud or Bud Light or the lackluster feeling I got from drinking them,” Dinapoli said. “These beers at Herban Flow are like craft beers with a little citrus, and some of the stouts are very rich in flavor.”

The Smiths, originally from Connecticut, say their favorite nonalcoholic beers and bestsellers are from the Connecticut-based Athletic Brewing Company. It offers limited quantities of its products like the Forest Explorer, designed to be “reminiscent of a West Coast Wheat IPA.” The

Herban Flow co-owners Caitlyn and Michael Smith of St. Petersburg pose for a portrait at their shop in St. Petersburg. The shop, which opened in January, sells nonalcoholic beers, alcohol-free versions of hard liquor and more.

copper-colored brew is labeled as “bright and sunny with slightly sweet and mildly bitter notes.” There’s also Lodge Life, referred to by the maker as “a fireside beer crafted with cinnamon, vanilla and cocoa nibs” with a “smoked malt undertone and a light hint of s’mores.”

In addition to the beers, the store carries mocktail mixers and readyto-drink mocktails as well as dealcoholized sparkling chardonnay. A popular bottle, Noughty by Thomson & Scott , is organic and vegan and sells for $24.99. Spirits, ranging from $25 to $40, are designed to mimic the flavor of things like whiskey, rum and tequila without the real “spirit.”

Add a splash of Spiritless Horse’s Kick Ginger Syrup ($12.99) to a nonalcoholic bourbon, Spiritless Kentucky 74, and “it tastes exactly like bourbon,” Michael said. “Plain, it just doesn’t have what they call the Kentucky hug, so you can add syrups or bitters to get that kick.” Since vodka doesn’t have much flavor, adding a little tonic water makes for a more robust drink.

So-called “functional drinks” are marketed to boost energy, improve moods or wind down. The Three Spirit brand of Active Botanical Drinks ($38 to $99 a bottle) includes Livener, Social Elixir and Nightcap. The Nightcap is like a “sleepy time tea but it’s a sophisticated spirit,” said Michael. The brand’s wine, sold for $27 a bottle, is called Blurred Vines. It and other energy wines can be mixed with soda water or ginger ale. “They all have recipe books and websites with tons of recipes,” Caitlyn said.

LIGHT & STORMY MOCKTAIL

• 2 ounces Three Spirit

• Ginger ale or ginger beer

• Lime wheel

Pour botanical drink in large glass, top with ginger ale or ginger beer, add ice and garnish with lime wheel.

Slightly caffeinated drinks like Kin Euphorics, popularized by supermodel Bella Hadid, are infused with herbs and citrus. Michael describes it as “an herbal elixir providing purpose rather than just a soda.”

The couple continue to own and operate an online cannabis business selling direct to stores. But the St. Petersburg location offers herbinfused beverages with medicinal mushrooms. They also sell drinks with kratom or kava. A medical marijuana card is not required to purchase any items in the store because of the low dose of hempderived THC (under .3%), but customers must be 18 to buy products, as dictated by Florida law.

“What we are championing is this low-micro dose option,” Michael said.

Customer Tara Nantais first met the Smiths while they were selling their products at farmers markets in the Riverview area. “I typically gravitate towards the nonalcoholic wine, psychedelic waters like (hemp-derived) Cycling Frogs and a few others,” she said. “I love the products and I’m so grateful to have a shop like this so close to home.”

And, she added: “It helps to have other options out there besides alcohol. I am so looking forward to this becoming even more normalized than it already is in our society.”

Herban Flow is at 6848 22nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg. 727-346-5865. herbanflow.co.

A

W NDER INDEED

BY SHARON KENNEDY WYNNE

The world’s largest cruise ship sets sail within a few driving hours of the Tampa Bay area and is the first in its class to boast a whole neighborhood of luxurious suites with a dedicated restaurant, sun deck and bar.

The Ultimate Family Suite, which is located in the Suite Neighborhood on Wonder of the Seas, has a slide that takes you to a living room. The suite sleeps up to 10 and includes a cinema and karaoke area, as well as a private balcony and whirlpool

Photos courtesy of Royal Caribbean

Wonder of the Seas has 18 decks, is almost 1,200 feet long and has room for 7,084 passengers attended by some 2,200 crew members. It’s five times larger than the Titanic. Like Royal Caribbean’s other five “Oasis class” ships, the newest one divides decks into distinct neighborhoods that are designed to space out guests and provide different amenities, activities and dining. There’s an outdoor Central Park and a Coney Island-style Boardwalk with a carousel, candy shop and sports bar.

But while the other Oasis-class ships have a private sun deck for suite guests, Wonder of the Seas has an added Suite Neighborhood that groups together the larger family-style cabins and offers the private restaurant, Coastal Kitchen, just steps away. Set on Decks 17 and 18, there is a large outdoor space with comfy loungers, a bar and a plunge pool. The sun deck overlooks both the ocean and the sports deck area.

The ship’s mammoth size makes it easy to get in your steps before dinner. Like an amusement park at sea, the ship has waterslides, a surfing simulator, a miniature golf course, rock climbing walls, pickleball,

a basketball court and even a zip line. There are numerous pools, play areas for children, sun decks, bars and lots of food and dining options.

Travel adviser Dolores Strait, who runs Global Express Travel in Brandon, said suites tend to be a popular choice for family reunions. They have a generous living space to host parties but also offer a more comfortable setting away from the throngs. VIP privileges can ease the stress of jockeying for services on such a large ship.

“The sweet spot for Royal Caribbean seems to be families, and there’s lots of activities,” Strait said. “For some that isn’t their thing. If it makes economic sense, you can get a lot of bang for your buck when you get the added benefits of someone who will get reservations for you, hold chairs for you by the pool and make sure you have good seating at the shows.”

Wonder of the Seas has 174 suites, including 114 Junior Suites and 28 Grand Suites. At the very top are the Royal Loft Suite and Ultimate Family Suite. Prices vary depending on the suite, the time of year and the

The Suite Sun Deck on Wonder of the Seas, which is the largest cruise ship in the world, is exclusively for passengers staying in the Suite Neighborhood.

length of the cruise. A Junior Suite starts at around $4,000 while seven nights in the Ultimate Family Suite runs more than $20,000.

The largest is the Royal Loft Suite, with 1,530 square feet of floor space and an 850-sqare-foot balcony that is bigger than two Junior Suites combined. The two-story suite includes a grand piano and a separate dining area, while the wraparound balcony has multiple seating areas and a hot tub.

The Ultimate Family Suite can sleep up to 10 people. It is designed like a fun house with children in mind. The two floors are separated by a slide on one side and steps on the other that light up and play notes like a piano. The suite also has a floor-to-ceiling Lego wall, a 3D cinema, a

popcorn machine and game consoles. The wraparound balcony has a bumper pool table, a whirlpool and even its own small climbing wall. Depending on the time of year, it can be $25,000 or more for a oneweek cruise.

Amenities in the Royal Loft, Ultimate Family and other top-end suites include bathrobes for use on board, an espresso coffee maker and upgraded toiletries. There’s also a dedicated check-in line on embarkation day. All suite guests can eat dinner at Coastal Kitchen, the exclusive suite restaurant with a terrific view of the water.

Wonder of the Seas includes a stop at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas. It has two outdoor restaurants for all

Central Park is one of the eight distinct neighborhoods on Wonder of the Seas and home to more than 20,000 real plants. On Deck 8 midship, vacationers can take in the outdoors as they stroll along walking paths, peruse shops or dine al fresco at a restaurant. Photos courtesy of Royal Caribbean

guests, three beaches and the largest pool in the Bahamas.

For an extra charge ($84 and up), you can check out the water park, which has a wave pool, a dozen slides, a splash pad, zip line and the tallest waterslide in North America.

In another option for exclusivity at CocoCay, an additional $179 to $1,200 will get you a private cabana with shaded lounge chairs and a range of amenities from a stocked refrigerator to a nearby private pool and restaurant, and some are over-the-water bungalows with attendants on hand.

On board, you can find a similar experience by renting a casita ($199 on a sea day, $149 on a port day) that has a covered daybed option for guests looking for a bit more comfort.

In addition to the ship’s Main Dining Room, there’s an open buffet at the Windjammer and a handful of other complimentary food venues. There are a variety of specialty restaurants, including the new Southernstyle Mason Jar restaurant and bar. It costs extra to eat there ($24.99-

$39.99) and the menu includes crab beignets, Nashville hot chicken and red velvet pancakes. The bar serves special cocktails with fanciful twists, such as the bourbon-based Far From Manhattan garnished with a slice of candied bacon.

Other specialty dining options are 150 Central Park, Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, Hooked Seafood, Izumi sushi and teppanyaki, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade and Johnny Rockets, with prices ranging from around $10 to $70 per person. Purchasing a dining package allows you to try several different restaurants for less than purchasing each meal individually.

While Wonder of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world, it won’t hold the record for long. Royal Caribbean will launch Icon of the Seas in January 2024. Icon will sail from Miami with an extra seven ships’ worth of space with 7,600 people on board.

Wonder of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s newest ship and the largest cruise ship in the world, does six- to eight-night sailings out of Port Canaveral. To learn more, visit royalcaribbean.com.

Guests can get extra comfy in a casita on Wonder of the Seas. The casitas rent for $199 on a sea day and $149 on a port day.

Wonder of the Seas, which is nearly 1,200 feet long and can accommodate roughly 7,000 passengers, sails from Port Canaveral.

Florida CraftArt Clearly Collaborative

Bay area supporters of the arts gathered at Florida CraftArt in St. Petersburg to sip wine and preview the opening of “Clearly Collaborative,” an exhibition of original and multimedia sculptures. The showstoppers were works created by nine artists using plain glass vessels blown by glass master Duncan McClellan.

The exhibit was conceived by David Ramsey, a collector as well as a Florida CraftArt board member. He, McClellan and Florida CraftArt executive director Katie Deits selected the artists, who work in various media including metal, wood, ceramics and fiber. Each artist then met with McClellan to discuss the design and technical challenges of working with glass, then spent five days at his St. Petersburg gallery. The artists are Lucrezia Bieler of Tallahassee, Joyce Curvin of Palm Harbor, Pamela Fox of Sarasota, Nneka Jones of Tampa, John Mascoll of Safety Harbor and Dominice Gilbert, William Kidd, Charlie Parker and Sue Shapiro, all of St. Petersburg. The exhibit ran from Jan. 27 to March 11.

— Susan Taylor Martin, photos by Brian James

David Ramsey, left, and glass master Duncan McClellan.

From left, Desmond Clark, Thaddeus Root, Lisa Everett and Kathryn Howd attend a preview of Florida CraftArt’s “Clearly Collaborative” exhibition at the St. Petersburg gallery.

LEFT: This glass and ceramic piece by Charlie Parker was among the works in the “Clearly Collaborative” exhibition. RIGHT: Nneka Jones made this glass and wood table for “Clearly Collaborative.”

Metropolitan Ministries

Food Fight — Battle of the Bays

Metropolitan Ministries’ sixth annual Food Fight — Battle of the Bays pitted six St. Petersburg chefs vs. six Tampa chefs preparing two dishes in 15-minute rounds judged on creativity, flavor and presentation. While they sauced, sizzled and stewed in a huge boxing ring created at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel Event Center on Jan. 31, the 800 guests sampled gourmet bites from dozens of supporting local restaurants. Team St. Pete was victorious that night but the ultimate winners will be the Culinary Arts Program students learning hands-on kitchen skills to become employed in the food industry.

Text and photos by Amy Scherzer

Team St. Pete celebrates its Food Fight victory at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel Event Center in Tampa.

From left, judges Steve Phelps, Vanessa Marquis, Michael Moench and Albert Tash.

Tim and Jo Ritter.

Emcees Haley Hinds and Chris Cato.

Only5left!

Waterfront pent house condom in iums ...with unparall el ed features

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.

Stageworks Theatre Cheers to 40 Years Gala

All the world’s a stage, and that included Stageworks Theatre’s 40th anniversary gala, where live “bursts of art” resounded throughout the evening, each song or vignette performed to celebrate the vision of the late Anna Brennen, founder of the bay area’s longest-running professional theater company. Guests shared a Champagne toast to diverse and courageous programming and educational outreach to at-risk youth at the Feb. 4 benefit at the Floridan Palace Hotel. Producing artistic director Karla Hartley led the applause for Mercury Advisors, who secured the future of Stageworks in January by donating the Channel District performance space. — Text and photos by Amy Scherzer

From left, Jennifer Scher, Karla Hartley and Andrea Graham. Santosh and Ami Govindaraju.

From left, Bob and Karen Buesing, Tom Sansone, Cathy Unruh and Janet and Pete Scaglione.

Crawford Long and Kari Goetz.

With our beautiful and functional roman shades, you can decide what your view is each day. We have the latest, trendiest colors. Stop by our showroom to see all your choices. We truly appreciate you shopping local.

Florida Holocaust Museum To Life : Reflections of Courage

The People of Denmark, represented by Deputy Chief of Mission Ambassador Stig Piras, earned the Florida Holocaust Museum’s 2023 Loebenberg

Humanitarian Award at the annual To Life dinner, where more than 600 guests welcomed new museum director Carl Goodman and marked the 80th anniversary of the World War II rescue of 7,200 Danish Jews facing Nazi deportation. Museum life members Steve and Irene Weiss received the Legacy Award during the Feb. 4 benefit at the Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club, for leadership including the acquisition of Thor, a fishing boat used during the 1943 rescue. Its display, said former board chairperson Irene, conveys the opposite of a Nazi boxcar. “One is a vehicle to kill people ... the other a vehicle to save people.” — Amy Scherzer

Stig Piras and Sandy Mermelstein.

From left, Margot Benstock, Irene and Steve Weiss and Jennifer Garbowicz. Photos courtesy of Tacy Briggs-Troncoso Photography

SCAN HERE FOR EVENT DETAILS.

With

h17-April19,

(727)821-7391

Shop online, too: FloridaCraf tArt.org

Sponsored by:

Forover 26 years, Dr.Zimmer has provided unparalleled carein internal medicine to thousands of patients. TheZimmer Concierge Medical Membership takes the patient experience to the next level, infusing the highest-quality carewith first-rateamenities to makeyour visits comfortable, convenient, and hassle-free.

We’rebringing back the ideaof the family doctor,and creating physician-patient relationships that areauthentic and personal. As a member,you’ll benefit from our premium services while receiving careuniquely tailored to your medical needs.

Michael A. Zimmer MD,MACP

Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla

Ye Captain’s Ball

Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla Capt. Truett Gardner primed his pirate pals with plenty of booze and brews at Ye Captain’s Ball, a kickoff to Tampa’s annual salty sea invasion and the third largest street parade in the country. The rowdy Jolly Roger crowd topped 1,300 at the Tampa Yacht and Country Club as the Liquid Blue band filled a giant tent with jubilant dancers downing bottomless beers and at least 900 Old Fashioneds, according to the 30-plus bartenders slinging the liquid plunder. — Text and photos by Amy Scherzer

Leigh and Truett Gardner.

Preston and Lauren Reid, left, and Cecelia and Daniel Perez.

From left, Guy King IV, Julia Strangis, David Townsend and Stephanie Amberg.

2002 Gasparilla King Richard and Lea Beard.

Aydin and Barbara Keskiner, left, and Heather and Mike Kessler.

Don’t Miss aMoment

RAYMOND JAMES POPS

Harry Potter vs Star Wars

Would you rather have awandora light saber?

Mar 18 &19

HOUGH FAMILY FOUNDATION MASTERWORKS

Beethoven’s

Symphony No. 4

Featuring Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending with Tianwa Yang

Apr 1&2

RAYMOND JAMES POPS

Wild West

Trailblazing music from TV &movies

In partnership with The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art

Apr 15 &16

SOUNDWAVES CHAMBER SERIES

Michael Francis

Conducts Bruckner

Apr 21 &22

MichaelFrancis, Music Director

Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago

50th Anniversary Coronation Ball

Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago Baron Gene Cabrera and Coronation Ball chairman Knight Ken Toledo set an all-time attendance record with 1,025 guests at the 50th Coronation Ball, including 13 kings (treated to lobster dinners), 10 queens and 32 barons. Bold royal crests rimmed the vast Tampa Convention Center ballroom Jan. 7 as El Baron XXIII F. Dennis Alvarez and El Rey XX Simon Canasi recounted how the krewe formed “over cafe con leche or, more likely, sangria” in 1972 when five men founded a men’s club to embrace their Latin heritage. Hugs, toasts and tall tales echoed as 12 members were knighted for their service, pausing to remember the late Ken Willis. The 2022 royal court abdicated the throne, making way for the crowning of El Rey and La Reina L Ray Favata and Demmi Parrino before the Bay Kings Band kicked up a paso doble finale. — Text and photos by Amy Scherzer

Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago El Rey and La Reina Ray Favata and Demmi Parrino.

From left, El Rey Simon Canasi and El Barons Roy Berdeal, F. Dennis Alvarez and Ron Dyser.

From left, El Rey Randy Conte, El Rey Scotty Wilson and La Reina Ansley Blackwell and El Baron Gene Cabrera.

From left, La Reina Julia Arena Miller, El Rey Anthony P. Arena, El Baron Anthony S. Arena and Ellen Arena.

Calendar Contact Amy Scherzer at AmyScherzersDiary@gmail.com.

March 12: Hollywood Awards Night, which benefits Tampa Theatre. $150 VIP on-stage lounge, $55 mezzanine, $25 balcony. 6:30 p.m. Red Carpet Reception, 8 p.m. live Academy Awards telecast. Tampa Theatre. tampatheatre. org/hollywood-awards-night.

March 16-19: Stuart Society Art in Bloom, floral interpretation events that benefit the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. RSVP@stuartsociety.org.

March 24: Tampa Chamber of Commerce Annual Women of Influence Luncheon, with guest speaker Dr. Shirley Davis. $125. 11 a.m. Hilton Tampa Downtown. tampachamber.com.

March 25: The Not So Secret Garden Gala, which benefits Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast. $250. 6-10 p.m. Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club. BGCSun.org.

March 30: Longest Table, which benefits WUSF Public Media. 5:30 p.m. check-in. Downtown St. Petersburg on Bayshore Drive NE from the Museum of Fine Arts to the Vinoy. wusflongesttable.org.

April 1: Karamu black-tie gala, which benefits ZooTampa at Lowry Park. $1,000 and up. 6:30 p.m. 1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa. zootampa.org/events/karamu.

April 1: Fostering Hope Black Tie Gala, which benefits A Kid’s Place of Tampa Bay. Tickets $300 and up, sponsorships $500 and up. 5 p.m. Tampa Marriott Water Street. 813-381-3839 or akidsplacetb.org.

April 1: TASTE at The Straz. $95 general, $175 VIP, $2,000 for a 10-guest table. 6 p.m. VIP, 7 p.m. general admission. David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa. 813-229-7827 or strazcenter.org.

April 15: Tampa Heart Ball, which benefits the American Heart Association Tampa Bay. 6 p.m. Tampa Marriott Water Street. tampabay@heart.org.

April 19: 6th annual Handbags & Happy Hour, which benefits the Spring of Tampa Bay. $75. 6 p.m. Bryan Glazer

Family JCC, Tampa. thespring.org.

April 20: 12th annual Head & Heart Luncheon, which benefits Frameworks of Tampa Bay. The guest speaker is author Tracy Dennis-Tiwary. $1,500 for a table of 10. 11:30 a.m. Armature Works, Tampa. myframeworks.org/events.

April 22: St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation Heroes Ball, a black-tie event with honoree Mike Evans. $500 and up. 6:30 p.m. Hilton Downtown Tampa. 813872-0979 or sjhfoundation.org.

April 22: “Light Up the Night,” LAMPLighters Fund Hope. $150. 7 p.m. Bryan Glazer Family JCC. lamplighterstampa. org.

April 22: A Night for All Children, which benefits the All Children’s Hospital Foundation. $250. 6 p.m. Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club. 727-7674199 or hopkinsallchildrens.org/giving/events/a-nightfor-all-children.

April 22: Sunset on the Serengeti Gala, which benefits the St. Anthony’s Hospital Foundation. $300 and up. 5:30 to 10 p.m. The Coliseum, St. Petersburg. stanthonysfoundation. org/sunset-serengeti.

April 23: A Pair to Remember Fashion show luncheon, which benefits Easterseals Florida. $225. 11 a.m. David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. pairtampa.com.

May 5: Fabulous Females luncheon, which benefits Academy Prep of St. Petersburg. $150. 11:30 a.m. TradeWinds Island Grand Resort, St. Pete Beach. academyprep.org.

May 6: Magnolia Ball, which benefits Moffitt Cancer Center, with Gladys Knight. $1,500 and up. 6 p.m. Tampa Marriott Water Street. moffitt.org/give/get-involved/ magnolia.

May 13: Pride & Passion: Sabor, which benefits the Tampa Museum of Art. $115 members, $125 general admission. 8 p.m. Tampa Museum of Art. tampamuseum.org/pride.

OFFERED AT $2,599,000

A rare find with superbly detailed design in exclusive, gated Renaissance Oaks. Meticulously maintained custom-built estate home of over 6,000 sq.ft . with 6 bedrooms and 6.5 baths. Indulgent upgrades in ever y corner Premium home site, grand two-stor y layout and a luxurious backyard oasis. A richly styled home with no expense spared.

DUNEDIN WATERFRONT PARADISE

OFFERED AT $1,799,800

Luxur y waterfront living. Truly a boater’s delight located in the heart of sought-after Dunedin. Sweeping water views and luxurious coastal living with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and a long list of custom features The home’s outdoor wonderland includes a pool, huge patio and a dock boasting a 19,000-lb boatlift Deep-water canal provides direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. Live the Florida dream!