GetawayTravel by TradeWinds Island Resorts

GETAWAY 2015/2016

THE MAGAZINE OF TRADEWINDS ISLAND RESORTS

CONTENTS

2 Live in the Sunshine The Gulf as your playground 4 Kids Rule Making memories that last 10 America’s Top Beach Comments from Travelers’ Choice 12 If you can’t beat ‘em, eat ‘em An invasive predator proves tasty 16 A Different Kind of Fish Tale RumFish Grill resident tells all 20 Guy’s Great Touch Tank Experience What you don’t know about these creatures 22 Swim with the Fishes Up close and personal encounters 24 5 Tips for Stress Free Pet Travel Fido and Fluffy go on vacation 26 A Magical Wedding And Goofy takes the cake

28 The TradeWinds Way Employees in the spotlight 30 The Art of Healthy Dining A chef’s journey 34 Twenty-two Years of Sandy Toes A family chronicles their getaways 36 Productions in Paradise Lights. Camera. Action! 38 Fresh Florida Meetings Meetings are better at the beach 40 Strangest Job You Ever Loved And 140+ years of service 42 Live Like a Local Hot spots for foodies and art lovers 46 Bluegreen Vacations Sharing happiness at TradeWinds 48 Discounts and Rewards Loyal guests reap rewards GETAWAY magazine is produced and published by the Marketing Department of TradeWinds Island Resorts. Editor | Lynda Waters Art Director | Terri Rickman Staff Photographers | Wendy Yoder, Nick Riccardi Cover: Steve Beaudet Photography

A CULTURE THAT ROCKS Before I update you on what’s new and exciting, I first want to say THANK YOU for your loyalty to us! Florida has enjoyed record tourism this year with an expected 100 million visitors to the Sunshine State. TradeWinds has certainly benefited from this increased travel demand and higher prices. We continue to be sincerely grateful to you for returning often and we will never stop offering great discounts to our past guests who book direct with us. We know that every reservation comes with increased expectations, which we always strive to exceed. That’s why we continuously try to improve the overall culture of service and fun at our resorts. This year we have chosen to deploy many new staff training programs designed to further separate us from other resorts and ensure that you receive the very best beachfront vacation experience. We know that our 1,000-plus employees make the difference! We want to excite and empower them with new and improved ways to serve YOU. In addition to all the certifications our team has earned, we have engaged one of the nation’s best hospitality trainers and educators, Jim Knight (knightspeaker.com). Jim is the former corporate trainer for Hard Rock Hotels and Restaurants and author of the acclaimed book, Culture that Rocks! Jim and I are old high school buds … so he has upped his game for us and you will get the benefit. Additionally, we have engaged a company to mine all comments about us posted anywhere on the internet from travelers just like you. We then attack those issues that arise frequently with a strategic plan. We are celebrating many of the exceptional employee/guest success stories through our own video series, called The TradeWinds Way. Check out the article on page 28 for some of the recent “above and beyond” efforts of our employees. All of this isn’t just to please you. We want to impress you; and make you feel differently about TradeWinds from anywhere else you might choose to visit. We hope you will continue to visit and experience The TradeWinds Way, a Culture that Rocks, and of course Just Let Go!

Keith Overton, CHA President, TradeWinds Island Resorts

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“LIVE IN THE SUNSHINE,

SWIM THE SEA,

TRADEWINDS GETAWAY

Photography by Steve Beaudet

D R I N K T H E W I L D A I R …” Ralph Waldo Emerson

It’s all about the beach. A brilliant sun that washes warm over us 361 days a year. The tranquil waters of the Gulf of Mexico that change colors by the turn of the tide. The salty breeze blowing in from the sea; sultry, balmy, whispering soft through the palms or roaring wild as a summer storm moves swiftly across the sands. It’s our back yard. And it’s your playground. Come and play.

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TRADEWINDS GETAWAY

Best Day Ever

Today was my first day of vacation at TradeWinds. When we got here, I was so excited I jumped out of the car and took off for the beach. Mom and Dad just laughed â&#x20AC;&#x201C; even when the waves got my shorts wet.

U L E

Photography by Steve Beaudet

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TRADEWINDS GETAWAY

Retold by Angela Mitchell

fter checking in and jumping on the bed (Mom and Dad were out on the balcony and didn’t see me!), we went to the big water slide on the beach. It was as tall as a building! It was so much fun I went down it nine times. Dad went down it too – and even Mom did it! Then we tried the Triple WipeOut. Well I wiped out a lot but it felt like I was surfing! Of course Mom said, “Practice makes perfect!” like she always says when she’s trying to get me to do my homework. This was sooooooooooooooo much better than homework! Mom wanted to go swimming so we went to the pool and there was a party with music and games. Dad and I played in the fishnet basketball game and we won first place! I couldn’t believe it! Beaker (a big pelican!) came over to give us the prize and Mom took our picture. Then we had lunch by the pool and Mom let me have ice cream for dessert. I love vacation!

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After lunch Dad went fishing and Mom and I went to the Guy Harvey Outfitter Shop. And get this: there was a touch tank right in the shop and I touched a crab and held a sea urchin in my hand! Then Mom dropped me off at the KONK Club so she could get her nails done. I met three boys! We built sandcastles and threw water balloons. Then we made shark tooth necklaces with Captain RedBeard. And then we learned some magic tricks. It was so cool! When Mom picked me up, she said I get to go back tomorrow night to watch the movie at the pool with the other kids because she and Dad are having a date night. I know what that means â&#x20AC;Ś kissing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; yuck!

TRADEWINDS GETAWAY

On the way to dinner we walked by the bungee trampoline and I put on my best begging act, but before I even got to the whining part Dad said yes! It was a blast! I wanted to go again and again and again! So Mom said that I could go tomorrow if I behaved at dinner. That was easy because right next to our table was a huge tank filled with fish. I watched them swim around and Dad told me their names. After dinner we went out to the beach to watch the sunset and I got to ride the waves on my boogie board. One of my new friends from the KONK Club was riding his boogie board, too. We had so much fun and we even saw dolphins! On the way back to our room we stopped by the fire pit to roast marshmallows and make s’mores. They were awesome!

Best day ever!!! Tomorrow we’re going to the waterpark on the beach that has floats and slides and ladders! I can’t wait! Mom said to make a list of what else I want to do tomorrow so here it is: Space Camp Pirate Photo Scavenger Hunt o Candy Bar Bing

e Hermit Crab Rac rk Glow-in-the-Da Vo lleyball

I better get some sleep! Good night!

Oh yeah, and the bungee trampo line!!!

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St. Pete Beach

takes Top Honors again

2015 BEST

BEACHES IN THE USA

Once again, St. Pete Beach was ranked as one of the Top Beaches in the United States in TripAdvisor’s 2015 Travelers’ Choice awards. Here are just a few comments from voters: “The water here is wonderful. Very peaceful and relaxing.” “Beautiful white sand, rolling waves and ideal for a long walk in the surf.” “Beach was beautiful, relaxing. Sunsets were amazing. Many cabanas and watersports. A nice long beach to enjoy walks.” “Clean and well-kept; beautiful spot for swimming or for sitting with your sweetie to watch the sunsets!” How long since you’ve sunk your toes into the soft, warm, velvet white sands of St. Pete Beach? 10

TRADEWINDS GETAWAY

Photography by Steve Beaudet

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IF YOU CAN’T BEAT ‘EM,

EAT ‘EM. by James Branaman

TRADEWINDS GETAWAY

Fighting Invasive Lionfish through

Culinary Conservation. Deep in the Gulf of Mexico lives a beautiful invader. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a predator that can decimate juvenile native fish populations, including grouper and snapper, and overrun underwater ecosystems. Covered in venomous spiky fins, it can put a diver in a world of hurt. The good news is itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tasty.

Photography by Julie Branaman

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TRADEWINDS GETAWAY

LIONFISH SAFARI BY THE NUMBERS registered for the 2015 event, which according 159 divers to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is the largest registration for a lionfish-specific tournament in Florida removed in 2015, almost twice as many as 884 fish last year (473)

ionfish, native to the Indo-Pacific, began showing up off Florida’s east coast in the mid 1980’s. With no natural predators here, the invasive species spread rapidly along the east coast of the U.S., into the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. While it can’t be eradicated, local efforts, like the Lionfish Safari, hosted by Guy Harvey Outpost on St. Pete Beach and Reef Monitoring, Inc., can help control it. The lionfishspecific tournament has three goals: collect as many of the invasive fish as possible for research, educate the public on the threat posed to reef environments, offer a complimentary tasting of the delicious invasive. Donning scuba gear and spears and diving to depths exceeding 100 ft., teams ventured out into the Gulf hunting the enemy of Florida’s native species. Their bounty returned in the form of 884 lionfish. Students, scientists and researchers weighed, measured and dissected them, before filet-knife wielding Florida Fish and Wildlife folks carved up the invaders so TradeWinds chefs could transform them into blackened or pesto-marinated goodness. That means 884 less lionfish on Florida reefs and gourmet meals on plates. It’s culinary conservation. “Anything you can do with a snapper, grouper or hogfish, you can do with this,” says TradeWinds Executive Chef Justin Harry. Harry is proud that RumFish Grill is fighting invasives by being one of the first restaurants in the region to serve lionfish specials. According to Dr. Monica Lara of Reef Monitoring, “The idea is that you get enough people eating them, then the fishing pressure comes off the grouper, snapper and hogfish … and that’s why these tournaments are such a big deal. People will come to this event, taste this great fish, and say, ‘where can I order this?’ You can get it here at RumFish Grill at Guy Harvey Outpost!” If you can’t beat ‘em, eat ‘em!

390 mm (15.35 in.) was the largest lionfish, speared by Kristie Gilford

60 mm (2.36 in.) the smallest, captured in a clam shell by Brian Mahardy

400 pounds, estimated amount of lionfish TradeWinds

Executive Chef Justin Harry expects will be cooked up thanks to the Safari

Lionfish Educational Facts The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encourages divers, anglers and commercial harvesters to safely remove lionfish they encounter in order to help control the numbers of these invasive fish. Local control efforts have proven to be effective. Lionfish can be speared, caught in hand-held nets or caught on hook and line. There is no recreational or commercial harvest bag limit for lionfish. Lionfish have 18 venomous spines that should be avoided during capture and handling because they can cause painful injuries. If stung by a lionfish, treat puncture wounds by immersing the area in hot (not scalding) water for 30-90 minutes and seek medical attention if needed. The flesh of the lionfish is not poisonous or venomous, and is considered to be of excellent quality by most who try it. Venom in spines is neutralized by heat. Lionfish can grow to 15 inches or more in areas where they are not indigenous, some as large as 18.5 inches. Females release up to 30,000 eggs per spawn and can spawn every four days in warmer climates. Lionfish sightings should be reported to Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), or The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). FWC also offers a Report Florida Lionfish app for recording lionfish capture data & photos. An FWC Lionfish Derby and Events Calendar can be found at: http://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/lionfish/events/ Source Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/marine-species/ lionfish/faqs/#1 JUSTLETGO.COM

A Different Kind of

Fish Tale by Angela Mitchell

TRADEWINDS GETAWAY

Hey you. Yes, you! Right there, sipping the Prickly Pear Mojito. Hi. I’m Russ. Is this your first time to the RumFish Grill®? I like to call it 33,500 gallons of home sweet home … that I share with, ahem, 140 other fish. I’m a red drum by the way. Though many of you humans call us redfish. There’re actually 11 of us reds in here. You can spot us by our red-colored backs. Well, it’s kind of a brownish-red, really. And it fades to white on our bellies. Okay, so we’re not the most colorful fish in the tank. Not like that grunt there. But I’ll take “red” over “grunt” any day. So I see that you’re studying your menu quite diligently. Everything is excellent. Just don’t order the fish, ha ha ha. No really.

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While you’re deciding what to eat, here’s a little bit about me. I’ve actually been here at Guy Harvey Outpost my entire life. When I was a small fry, I lived in what they call the Juvenile Tank, right out there in the viewing hall. It seems like yesterday, seeing all those faces pressed up against the glass and squeals of, “He’s so cute!” Then I grew bigger and graduated to the Middle School Tank in the Guy Harvey Outfitter Shop. Those were good times … showing off all my dance moves to the shoppers. But then came the happy day when I was finally big enough to move in here. Yes, this is definitely where it’s at, don’t you think? Craft cocktails, amazing food, intelligent conversation…

TRADEWINDS GETAWAY

TANK UP ON SEA LIFE From dining by the massive tank featured on Animal Planet’s hit show Tanked to swimming inside it through our “Swim with the Fishes” program, you’ll get a fascinating view of the species that inhabit our local waters during your stay here. All aquarium operations at the resort are run by Secrets of the Sea Marine Exploration and Aquarium, which is in the planning stages of a new marine exploration center in downtown St. Petersburg. To learn more, visit www.thesecretsofthesea.org. Main Tank Location: RumFish Grill at Guy Harvey Outpost Size: 33,500 gallons Approximate Fish Population: 142 Species: 34 Middle School Tank Location: Outfitter Shop at Guy Harvey Outpost Size: 300 gallons Approximate Fish Population: 17 Species: 6 Juvenile Tank Location: RumFish Grill Viewing Hall Size: 700 gallons Approximate Fish Population: 27 Species: 13 So the resort lifestyle really agrees with me. I pretty much just swim around all day and do whatever I want. Everyone’s in a good mood all the time. And the people watching is simply fascinating… Oh, here comes the waiter. I highly recommend the NY Strip. Highly recommend it. So you’ll never believe this: you could be on the other side of this glass and in here swimming with me. No joke! It’s a program they have for all you humans called “Swim with the Fishes.” You should do it! I could show you around. Introduce you to my friend Frankie – he’s the eel in that corner over there. Don’t let those scarylooking teeth fool you. He’s a real softie.

Predator Tank Location: RumFish Grill Bar Size: 700 gallons Approximate Fish Population: 12 Species: 7 Touch Tank Location: Outfitter Shop at Guy Harvey Outpost Size: 130 gallons Approximate Population: 40 Species: 8

Oh here comes the waiter again – with mojito number two! You go girl! Well, you’re on vacation so you’re entitled to drink like a fish, ha, ha. If I do say so myself, ha ha. Maybe it will make you more gregarious. I have to say, I feel like this conversation is somewhat onesided. It’s starting to give me a complex… JUSTLETGO.COM

GUY’S GREAT Touch Tank EXPERIENCE by Lynda Waters

hat is round, spikey, has five teeth and walks on lots of tube feet? Find out and hold one, along with a host of other sea critters. Is a horseshoe crab really a crab? What happens when a sea star breaks its arm? What crab likes to change houses? Which creature has blue blood used to test medical equipment and vaccines prior to use? It’s pretty much guaranteed that everyone will learn some interesting bit of marine trivia at Guy’s Great Touch Tank Experience. The one-hour program is held twice daily except Mondays, under the auspices of Secrets of the Sea Marine Exploration Center and Aquarium, and is complimentary to guests.

TRADEWINDS GETAWAY

Captain Tim is always ready to talk about fish or hook you up with a fishing charter. You can spot him at the Outfitter Shop, RumFish Grill, by Li’l Guys Hut to teach you to toss a cast net, or on morning beach walks.

E AT. DRINK. SHOP.

6000 Gulf Boulevard | St. Pete Beach, Florida 33706 | RumFishGrill.com | 844.786.3474

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Swim

with the

Fishes

by Lynda Waters

e’re talking real fish here. Not just little blue fish, and not just one or two fish. We’re talking redfish and more than 100 fish! Now’s your chance to get up close and personal with over 30 different species, all native to the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. We’re talking about coming face to face with snook, tarpon, grouper, trout and snapper. Plus those perhaps lesser-known species: pork fish, squirrel fish, grunt, jack and lookdowns. Some of the fish will turn sideways and look at you when you’re still up on the deck getting ready to start your swim; kinda gives you a creepy feeling. But not Frankie, that really big green moray eel: he’s usually wrapped around that coral head down in the corner, surrounded by some of those pretty little fish. C’mon in and get in the swim of things!

TRADEWINDS GETAWAY

Who: anyone 8 and older; no diving certification required for this top water snorkeling experience. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highly recommended that children 8-12 are accompanied by a participating adult. Equipment: mask, snorkel, booties and snorkel vest are furnished. Shorts are required; t-shirt or rash guard recommended. When: two experiences daily, except Monday when tank housekeeping and maintenance takes place. And the fish get a break! Reservations: For more details and advance reservations visit SwimWithOurFish.com JUSTLETGO.COM

TIPS FOR

Stress-Free

PET TRAVEL

By Helen Anne Travis

TRADEWINDS GETAWAY

For many pet parents it’s not a true vacation unless everyone in the family can come along. Even the four-legged members. That’s why we have dozens of pet-friendly suites at TradeWinds Island Grand and Guy Harvey Outpost. Pets aren’t just welcome; they’re treated like royalty. We even have a room service menu crafted especially for cats and dogs! To help you, Fido and Kitty arrive in style, we put together a quick guide to traveling with pets. These five tips will ensure you and your furry friends get a stress-free start to your vacation.

1 2 3

It’s always smart to bring Kitty to the vet for a pre-trip checkup. While you’re there you can also pick up the most recent copies of your pet’s medical records and vaccination history, needed for airlines and hotels.

Make sure Fido’s carrying case is big enough for him to lie down, stand up and fully turn around in. Take him on a few test drives before the big trip to get him used to the crate and the car.

Pack a pet travel kit that includes food, dishes, a leash, plastic bags, and a pooper scooper. Don’t forget the little guy’s medications, as well as a favorite blanket or pillow from home. A few familiar items will ensure Fido or Kitty doesn’t get too homesick during the trip.

4 5

It may sound tempting to let your pet sleep through the trip, but most vets advise against using sedatives and tranquilizers.

Finally, don’t let Fido ride with his head out the window. This looks great in our photo but in real life it can lead to injury. Always keep the animal in a carrier that’s properly buckled in. And of course it goes without saying to never leave your pet alone in the car. When it’s 83º outside, with the window down 2 inches, the inside car temperature can reach 109º in less than 15 minutes. For more information on the TradeWinds pet play zone, accommodations and the dog-friendly beach at Fort DeSoto Park, visit JustLetGo.com/Fido.

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A Magical

Goofy

Wedding

By Helen Anne Travis

Photography by Bruce & Lily Supanik

TRADEWINDS GETAWAY

For Carianne and Dana, Disney World® truly is the most magical place on earth.

decade ago, the two met while working at the Orlando theme park. (We are not at liberty to reveal exactly what they do there, but we promise their jobs are pretty awesome.) It was love at first sight. “The first time I saw him, I said ‘he’s mine,’” Carianne said with a laugh. “I know it sounds funny, but it’s true!” The feeling was mutual. In 2012 Dana proposed to Carianne on top of Rockefeller Center in New York City. The two immediately got to work planning their dream wedding. TradeWinds Island Grand was the first place they visited. They fell in love with The Pavilion, the amenities, the beach, and the fact that there was more than enough space for their 144 guests. The weather was gorgeous on their wedding day. The glittering Gulf of Mexico provided the perfect backdrop for their beach-themed celebration. Inside The Pavilion, the tables were decorated with seashells, palm tree cocktail napkins and illuminated fish bowls. While they were waiting for dinner to be served, Carianne told Dana she had a surprise for him. For the past few months she had been secretly putting together a very special present for her husband-to-be. When Dana saw it, he couldn’t believe his eyes. There on the cake table was a massive frosted replica of Goofy in a chef’s coat and hat. In the pup’s hands were a deck of cards: Dana’s a huge poker fan. “He was in shock,” said Carianne. “He said ‘it’s perfect!’” Not only was the groom’s cake Carianne had made for Dana an homage to the place where they met; it also celebrated their life together. The two are jokesters. They love to laugh. They love to have a good time. To put it simply: they’re both incredibly goofy. Carianne and Dana slipped on a set of Mickey Mouse ears and posed for a picture in front of the cake.

MAGICAL DESTINATION WEDDINGS TradeWinds spins its own magical tale for destination weddings. Here are a few tips for planning one. Inform first: Before asking your friends to commit as attendants, let them know the wedding location. Be prepared that some friends and family may not be able to attend due to budget, time, difficulties traveling, etc. On the other hand, some will be thrilled for a vacation with friends! Location, location, location: “Perfect” should be perfect for more people than just the bride and groom. Really remote locations can present issues with travel and limited downtime activities for guests. A perfect combination? An exotic “ambience” close to a major airport and metro area with a wide range of extracurricular activities. Timing is everything: Popular destinations are more pricey and choices more limited “in season”. Florida resorts, in spring and summer, sport high rates, especially on the weekends. Consider Fall for Florida (actually some of the best weather and gorgeous sunsets) and you’ll find more friendly rates. Venue variety: There are many opportunities to gather for food and festivities at a destination wedding. Be sure your hotel has multiple, interesting venues – both indoors and out – for your events. And invite all guests to the rehearsal dinner and after brunch. Just let go: Select a location where there are spots for you to escape the whirlwind of activity. A stroll on the beach, a brief respite in a beachfront hammock, umbrella drinks delivered to your suite can relieve the stress. And you can “just let go.”

“For us it was a perfect moment,” said Carianne. “And a perfectly magical wedding.” JUSTLETGO.COM

The T R A D EW I N DS Way by Lynda Waters At TradeWinds, our culture is one based on caring. We encourage our team members to go above and beyond for our guests and for each other. It’s “The TradeWinds Way!” Here are a few examples. Banquet Director Margarita Yepes drives to Tampa to purchase food for an authentic South American breakfast to make a Columbian guest feel at home. Want to see the videos? Simply Google “The TradeWinds Way”!

TRADEWINDS GETAWAY

A SWEET GESTURE When a trip to TradeWinds just isn’t complete without a child’s favorite flavor of ice cream, Jeremy Nizzio find us a way to make this kid’s vacation extra cool. Many of our guests come here year after year, and they have high expectations for each stay. Unfortunately for us, sometimes circumstances change and how we handle those changes are very important to the overall guest experience. Jeremy Nizzio

GOING TO THE HIGHEST HEIGHTS When a groom needs help with his wardrobe on his wedding day, a couple of TradeWinds employees are there to extend a helping hand. We host hundreds of weddings here and, as you can imagine, sometimes crazy things happen. In a recent wedding, the groom forgot his belt. He yelled up to the groomsmen who were on the walkway of the 6th floor, and one of them threw his belt down.

A STITCH IN TIME Sometimes during vacations, unplanned events take place. Like the scene from a popular cartoon movie, one TradeWinds employee is there to patch things up for one of our youngest guests. Concierge Rachel Perny spotted a little boy in the lobby carrying a stuffed animal with a bandage. Vacation travel and lots of love had taken its toll! Rachel, a concierge well-versed in granting unusual requests, searched out matching thread and needle, and

of our Pizza Hut Express® and Ice Cream Shoppe handled one example perfectly. There was a young boy who came to TradeWinds a prior year, and really liked a specific flavor of ice cream we had. This year during his visit, we didn’t have that flavor. Jeremy got in his car, drove to the manufacturer, and brought the ice cream back for the child the next day. That’s what The TradeWinds Way is all about!

As luck would have it, the belt landed in a palm tree! TradeWinds Engineers Bob Wallace and Keith Nelson were walking by and realized the belt is stuck 60 feet in the air. They ran to get an extension pole to reach all the way up to the tree, latch onto the belt, and deliver it to the groom. Luckily, everyone was on time and nobody at the wedding knew anything about the situation, thanks to a little help from Bob and Keith.

stitched up the toy animal’s “wound,” saving the day! Another instance of The TradeWinds Way also involved one of our Concierge and a child’s toy. Somehow Jake the Pirate, purchased in Orlando prior to arriving at TradeWinds, disappeared and his “captain” was very dismayed. The Concierge drove to a Disney® store, bought a new one and as the story goes, presented the youngster with Jake who had “just returned from his own vacation.” JUSTLETGO.COM

the art of healthy dining By Mary Scourtes Greacen

Relax, St. Pete Beach style. After enjoying the sun and fun at the lavish TradeWinds Island Grand by day, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no need to leave at sunset.

TRADEWINDS GETAWAY

here is a range of fun dining options at TradeWinds Island Resorts, including the artfilled Bermudas Steak and Seafood Restaurant. Its large windows allow you to gaze out as the sun begins to pinken the sky atop a luminescent, sparkly Gulf. Dean Fortune’s mesmerizing beach scenes capture the nautical theme while soft island music continues a vacation vibe. Chef du cuisine Thomas Mandzik, 36, orchestrates Bermudas’ Florida-Caribbean menu that features handcut steaks, local catch, and pasta favorites. If you met him today you wouldn’t recognize him from a few years ago as the chef trimmed 100 pounds to his current weight of 170. “Going cold turkey on a diet’’ never worked for him so his mandate was to gradually revamp choices (so long, cakes and cookies) and fine-tune entrees to focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grain complex carbohydrates. Hard for anyone, much less a chef confronted with the finest foods at his fingertips, his road to a new waistline meant he had to understand and analyze how overeating was affecting his health. “I shouldn’t eat because I am sad, happy, or bored,’’ he says, while he acknowledges that tasting food is his occupational hazard. “I had to accept my eating as an addiction. It’s a strong word, but I had to figure out what I needed to do,’’ he says. His advice is to start doing everything right at only one meal, such as breakfast. Let your mind reflect how you did great, whether it’s just a matter of a few hours, days or weeks.

before

“Even if you digress, know that’s not forever and you’ll get back on track soon,’’ he recommends. Now he has the right attitude about when and what to eat. JUSTLETGO.COM

After completing culinary school in St. Petersburg, Chef Thomas interned with two of the Tampa Bay area’s leading chefs, Chris Ponte and Jean Phillip Polo. The chef has molded a menu that reflects his wide-ranging abilities. For starters, try the Seared Scallops with punchy, chorizo country grits. The spunky Caribbean chowder swamped with shrimp, scallops and calamari, is gutsy with curry. Bahamas’ lightly fried, cornmeal-dusted calamari caused me to dive in to snatch up any remnants of the Old Bay Remoulade and a Savory Marinara sauce.

The father of two young girls loves his work, loves to cook and loves when the restaurant is packed with families.

Still thinking about that diet project before the holidays? The chef recommends a classic hummus with pickled vegetables to remove all guilt from ordering an appetizer.

“Bermudas hosts a lot of celebrations for friends and families,” he says. Guests can splurge there or eat healthy, and the chef is happy to work in special dietary requests. “Don’t worry soccer mom, I can take care of you,’’ he says with a laugh.

The full-flavored Captain’s Platter with broiled fish, sea scallops and gulf shrimp, the Key lime-grouper piccata, and the tempting taste of two, warm-water lobster tails served with fingerling potatoes, show signs of the kitchen’s expertise. A 10-ounce New York strip, with a good crust that balances the pink interior, tucks nicely into a red wine demi-glace. Braised Pork Shank adds sweetness and spice from its rum guava glaze while Fettuccine Florentine Alfredo gets praise. A wine list offers an array of glasses and bottles to enchant. A dessert plate with a dense, mini-Bundt, lava cake, which empties at lightning speed, puts me right back to searching for an after-dinner treadmill.

TRADEWINDS GETAWAY

A Feast for the Eyes By Lynda Waters There is more than the artistic plating of food at Bermudas. Here you’ll find a feast for the eyes, surrounded by a gallery of artwork by resident artist Dean Fortune. Reproductions of his original artwork, representing a variety of Dean’s art styles, lend an ambience of tropical calm to the dining room. A trio of paintings by company founder Gil Fortune adorn the entryway, while many of Dean’s nature prints depict birds native to the beach and bay area. A stickler for accuracy in his depictions, Dean researches photographs, often venturing onto the beach to take his own. Habits and habitats are incorporated into the paintings and many are available for sale in smaller size prints and note cards.

This gallery of artwork by resident artist Dean Fortune

This trio of artwork by Gil Fortune JUSTLETGO.COM

Twenty-two years of sandy toes.

By Lynda Waters

Lauren in 1998

Lauren in 2014

Layken in 1995

Layken in 2014

TRADEWINDS GETAWAY

S Jess in 1998

Jess in 2014

ince 1994, the Senior family has made an annual trek “across the pond” to TradeWinds Island Grand. Julian and wife Penny have brought children David, Philippa and Paul, along with a host of grandchildren, on their family beach vacation. We loved the photos Julian sent to us last year, with the grandkids all grown up. While peach and gray cabanas have given way to blue (and the addition of the High Tide Slide), the appeal of ice cream cones and hammocks remain eternal. Zak’s pose on the bricks in front of their favorite set of suites in the Poinciana building proved predictive: he is now an outside linebacker, selected for Great Britain National College team last year. According to granddad, he ascribes his size and bulk SOLELY to the Breckenridge Breakfast Buffet! This year, Paul’s clan of Sam, Caitlin and twins Olivia and Isabel joined them and splashed around on the Floating Waterpark. We’re pretty sure that a few more ice cream cones helped to cool down the summer temperatures.

Zak in 1994

Zak in 2014

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PRODUCTIONS IN PARADISE What happens when one of Florida’s most unique resorts and one of the world’s best beaches are located in the same place? The perfect place to film! The requests for on-site filming were so great, that TradeWinds created a full time job title of Field Producer, filled by marketing team member Wendy Yoder.

A number of local TV celebrities donned board shorts and bathing suits to swim with the fish at RumFish Grill.

Zach Ostroff, who oversees the health and maintenance of the tanks at RumFish Grill, is frequently interviewed.

Photographer Steve Beaudet gets little help from his assistant, Hector Rebellion while shooting for the new TradeWinds website which will launch this Fall.

The Florida Film Commission filmed our JetLev flier and other beach action.

Cyndi Edwards, host of WFLA’s Daytime, joins Chefs Aaron TRADEWINDS GETAWAY Schweitzer and Justin Harry for live cooking demonstrations.

The set for Baggage on the Road with Jerry Springer, a dating game show, required extensive beach setup.

Hook It & Cook It, a segment on the Reel Animals Fishing Show with Captain Mike Anderson, featured 22 videos and original recipes from RumFish Grill chefs.

Jerry Penacoli, host of WFLAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Daytime lifestyle show, is filmed with TradeWinds President Keith Overton.

RumFish Grill chefs Tommy Sapp and Aaron Schweitzer welcomed Emeril for an episode of Emerilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Florida to air in January. Both chefs had worked at his restaurants in New Orleans.

Cameras caught the girls from Tampa Bay Lightning on the beach and in the pools.

Animal Planet host Dan Schachner, shared tips on vacationing with your pet during a live interview for a satellite media tour sponsored by Petco.

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MEETINGS as fresh as Florida Seafood

TRADEWINDS GETAWAY

Discover the perfect place to hold conferences, company picnics and corporate celebrations.

ith a heritage of providing award-winning service with a smile, TradeWinds brings a fresh approach to meetings and events. Stunning beachfront venues and lush garden courtyards enhance the quality meeting space.

Seafood fresh from the Gulf and aged steaks sizzle at casual beachside cookouts. Elegant banquets feature exceptional cuisine, artfully presented. An array of lounges for afterhours relaxation over a frosty drink offer opportunities for camaraderie. Adding a healthy dose of fun to the serious business at hand is well documented to stimulate creative thinking and enhance problem-solving skills. The recreational team at TradeWinds stands ready to bring collaborative challenges to your corporate team, and our seasoned meetings support team ensures that every detail is in place. TradeWinds Island Resorts: a breath of fresh air for your meeting.

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TEACHING PEOPLE TO FLY a TradeWinds Employee Interview

By Helen Anne Travis Name: Will Wresilio Job title: JetLev Manager TradeWinds employee since: 2012 Job duty: Teaching people to fly. Daily tasks: Soaring 30 feet above the Gulf of Mexico in a water-powered jetpack and teaching guests to perform half barrel rolls and spins. What’s your favorite part of the job? You’re on the water all day, hanging out with people who are excited to try one of the most exhilarating watersports on the planet. Everyone always has a good time.

What’s your least favorite part? It can get a little brutal being in the sun all day. What kind of certifications do you need to do your job? I have a Coast Guard-certified captains license and I’m qualified as an open-water lifeguard. I’m also certified by JetLev to train other instructors on how to use the equipment. Any tips for navigating the JetLev? Once you learn how to balance and hover above the waterline, you can start doing tricks. I teach guests how to fly on their backs and even propel through the waves. By the time they get off they’re so psyched.

MAKING PEOPLE HAPPY

a TradeWinds Employee Interview

Name: Chris Metro Job title: Guest Satisfaction Manager. TradeWinds employee since: 2012 Job duty: Making people happy. Daily tasks: It’s my job to make sure guests have an awesome stay. I handle all special requests, address anything that goes wrong, and ensure guests have everything they need. Sometimes that means making a run to the store to pick up a special type of pillow or a forgotten toothbrush. Other times it means clearing out a meeting room so all the kids staying with us have a space to play on a rainy afternoon. What’s your favorite part of the job? The people. I’m a people person. Even when folks are in a bad mood I enjoy trying to make

TRADEWINDS GETAWAY

them happy. Often all you have to do is let them vent and then send a complimentary bottle of wine up to their room. That always fixes everything! What’s the worst part? No matter how hard you try there will always be things that are out of your control. What’s the most unique request you’ve received? A guest from out of town told me she needed some help planning a surprise dinner for her husband. It was their anniversary and she wanted to do something they couldn’t do anywhere else. I worked with our chef to arrange a candlelit dinner in the gazebo. It was unique, romantic and a once-in-a-lifetime type of experience. The couple loved it!!

More than a century of

TradeWinds Service

After more than 140 combined years of serving guests and making beach vacations a little more special, four TradeWinds employees decided it was time to “just let go” themselves. Retirement may mean a little leisure time for a change, or being able to use their talents in a different way.

“We will miss you!”

Katie Jackson was one of the original employees when Resort Inns of America, the parent company of TradeWinds Island Resorts, was founded in 1969. She saw many sweeping changes throughout her tenure, including the combination of five different properties into what is now TradeWinds Island Grand. Working in Housekeeping (which in the early years included a diverse number of tasks) and Laundry department, Katie left her positive outlook and moral influence on many fellow employees over her 45-year tenure.

“Just one more year, please?”

“Promise you’ll come back to see us.”

Ethel Riley embodied organization and service. For 35 years, she was content in her role as Housekeeper at Guy Harvey Outpost (formerly Sandpiper Beach Resort). “She wanted her rooms to be in perfect order to welcome our guests. She was meticulous, always pleasant and an incredible human being,” said one of her managers.

Lynn Jones trained literally thousands of people in the fine art of bed-making in her 35 years with the company. Those benefitting from her expertise included many managers, one of whom advanced all the way to president of TradeWinds (though he may have fallen out of practice now). What did Lynn like most about her job as Housekeeper Trainer? “I loved working with ‘the ladies’. That’s what I will miss the most.” Mathis Roberts decided to hang up his apron at Guy’s Gulfside Grill after 25 years overseeing the tiny kitchen and grilling over 100,000 burgers. “I’ve got plenty to keep me busy in my retirement,” he said. He’s planned out each day of his week, including one day set aside for paperwork and bills, one for his personal leisure activities (fishing and grandchildren), one cooking for a charity project for his church, and one for a day of rest.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

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LIVE LIKE A LOCAL

TRADEWINDS GETAWAY

From the burgeoning craft brewpub scene to new hot spots for foodies and artlovers, here’s the latest scoop on exploring downtown St. Petersburg’s vibrant urban playground. by Angela Mitchell

SEE WHAT’S BREWING In the warehouse arts district, 3 Daughters Brewing makes hanging out as fun as sampling their delicious craft beers. A game wonderland awaits with tabletop shuffleboard, ping-pong, giant Jenga, mini golf, darts and more. Raise a glass of their Beach Blonde Ale or Brown Pelican Dunkel and toast an afternoon of good beer and good times. If you’re traveling with your kids, you’ll appreciate the family-friendly atmosphere. Stop by Green Bench Brewing Company in the Grand Central district for a taste of their signature Green Bench IPA or award-winning Saison de Banc Vert. Their creations earned them a spot on the Top 10 Brewer list at the 2014 U.S. Open Beer Championship, where competition included 4,000 beers from around the globe. Their casual beer garden is the perfect place to kick back with a cold one, and hosts food trucks, Movies in the Garden and other creative events. Closer to the waterfront near the artsy 600 block, you’ll find the cozy St. Pete Brewing Company. Their St. Pete Orange Wheat is a big hit around town, or if you’re a serious IPA drinker, you’ll want to try their Throat Punch IPA. With its 9.5% alcohol by volume, it definitely doesn’t hold back the punch. Visit for their monthly beer and cupcake pairing. Pure decadence! Right around the corner on Central Avenue is Cycle Brewing St. Pete. Its owner and brew master comes from Peg’s Cantina in nearby Gulfport, where his efforts earned Peg’s a spot on RateBeer.com’s top five brewpubs in Florida. Now he’s serving up new taste sensations in a casual, pet-friendly atmosphere that features nooks with artwork from local artists. Heads-up: they are a cash only establishment.

DOWNTOWN ST. PETERSBURG’S CRAFT BREWPUBS 3 Daughters Brewing 222 22nd Street South 727.495.6002 3DBrewing.com Green Bench Brewing 1133 Baum Avenue North 727.800.9836 GreenBenchBrewing.com St. Pete Brewing Company 544 1st Avenue North 727.623.4837 StPeteBrewingCompany.com Cycle Brewing St. Pete 534 Central Avenue 727.320.7954

Artisanal beer isn’t the only thing that’s brewing downtown. St. Petersburg Distillery is carefully crafting such delights as Old St. Pete Righteous Rum and Banyan Reserve Vodka. Check out their website, StPetersburgDistillery.com, to see the nose and palate information for each of their pot-distilled fine spirits and where to find them at local restaurants and bars. Hint: try RumFish Grill at Guy Harvey Oupost. Photography courtesy of Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater

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Locale Market at Sundial St. Pete

PARTY ON WHEELS

FOODIE PARADISE FOUND

Climb aboard the new St. Pete PedalPub® and explore downtown on a 16-seater bike – you can even take a growler of your favorite brew along for the ride. It stops at many of the craft brewpubs, so you can sample and compare different brews, then pedal off the calories. They’ll stock your refreshments (no liquor) in their large coolers – just bring your own ice and cups. PedalPub public tours are a great way to meet new party buddies or reserve it for a private party and you can go wherever you please – just no hills please!

While downtown boasts countless amazing restaurants, there are two places that every bona fide foodie will want to check out just for their sheer originality and scope.

St. Pete PedalPub® 334 2nd Avenue South 727.581.3388 StPete.PedalPub.com

TRADEWINDS GETAWAY

The first has been around forever and is off the beaten path, about four miles west of downtown’s core. Mazzaro’s Italian Market offers one of the area’s most exciting culinary destinations with scrumptious coffees, pastries, panini’s, wines, cheeses, gelatos and much more. For lunch, take a number at the deli case packed with mouthwatering creations and wait your turn to order. The panini’s are out-of-this-world, as are the substyle sandwiches such as the muffaletta (and big enough to share). After you pick up your order, head to the back of the building where you can grab a cool drink from the cooler on your way out the back door. Outside, you’ll find a cashier to ring up your order and a patio with seating to enjoy your lunch. You can also sit inside at the coffee bar if you’re lucky enough to find a spot. The bakery (to the left of the coffee bar) also has some sinful lunch choices, including pizza by the slice and exquisite desserts and gelatos.

The newly opened Locale Market is another must-visit foodie destination located at Sundial St. Pete, a shopping, dining and entertainment complex near the waterfront. Its owners, James Beard award-winning chef Michael Mina and celebrated chef and author Don Pintabona, created it as a curated neighborhood grocery experience, but you can also taste all of the fresh, artisanal offerings at the two restaurants on site: Locale Wine Bar and FarmTable Kitchen. The latter offers a tasting menu on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings served communally at a 10-seat private farm table. It can also be reserved for private parties throughout the week. Dine at either spot on Wednesdays from 5-8 p.m. and you can buy wine from their market and enjoy it with your dinner without any corkage fee. Mazzaro’s Italian Market 2909 22nd Avenue North 727.321.2400 MazzarosMarket.com Locale Market 179 Second Avenue North 727.523.6300 LocaleGourmetMarket.com

LARGER THAN LIFE ARTS SCENE You can’t live like a local without experiencing some of the incredible arts offerings downtown. One of the newest is the Walking Mural Tour. You’ll get the inside story on more than 30 murals in the four-block tour from guides who include the actual artists themselves. You’ll need to reserve your spot – tours run every Saturday morning starting at the Florida CraftArt gallery. A portion of the proceeds will be used to fund future murals so you’ll actually be supporting local artists while enjoying a unique artistic experience. Mural celebrating St. Pete and Tampa behind The Lure Restaurant on the 600 block of Central Avenue

Special exhibits at The Dali museum: Escher at The Dali runs through January 3, 2016 Disney and Dali: Architects of the Imagination, January – June, 2016

You’ve probably heard about the world-famous Dali Museum, but what you may not know is that it can actually be fun for children. So if you’re traveling with your kids, visit on a Saturday after 11:45 a.m. for Dillydally With Dali, a special program that will introduce them to the creative world of Dali with arts and crafts, games, puzzles and more. Afterwards, treat your kids to the Albert Whitted Park on the waterfront right next to the museum. This super cool playground is modeled after its neighbor, the Albert Whitted Airport, complete with a lookout tower. While your kids clamber around, you can watch private planes take off and land and sailboats glide across the sparkling bay. Walking Mural Tour 501 Central Avenue 727.821.7391 FloridaCraftArt.org Dali Museum 1 Dali Boulevard 727.823.3767 TheDali.org Albert Whitted Park 480 Bayshore Drive SE 727.893.7441

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Bluegreen Vacations

A Proud Partner of TradeWinds Island Resorts Experience everything that TradeWinds has to offer, as well as other amazing resorts around the country, through the most flexible, easy-to-use vacation ownership opportunity available—the Bluegreen Vacation Club®.

TRADEWINDS GETAWAY

Slow down, relax and share time together! Bluegreen Vacations has sent over one million families on vacation throughout the years, and our 195,000 owners are able to share time together, smiles and memories year-round during relaxing, fun-filled getaways. As a leader in the vacation ownership industry, Bluegreen Vacations aims to provide nothing but the best—and Bluegreen at TradeWinds has been a great addition to our ever-growing list of resorts and destinations. Call 727.803.4850 to reserve your next stay or to learn more about the first-class accommodations and exciting activities at Bluegreen at TradeWinds!

Benefits of Bluegreen Vacations • Over 60 owned or managed resorts • Access to more than 4,000 resorts worldwide through third-party exchange networks • More than 40 popular vacation destinations • The flexibility to choose your vacation experience, from beaches and cityscapes, to the great outdoors and much more • Quality resorts, amenities and unparalleled customer service

THIS ADVERTISING MATERIAL IS BEING USED FOR THE PURPOSE OF SOLICITING THE SALE OF TIMESHARE INTERESTS. | THIS ADVERTISING MATERIAL IS BEING USED FOR THE PURPOSE OF SOLICITING THE SALE OF TIMESHARE PROPERTY OR INTERESTS IN TIME-SHARE PROPERTY.

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Sensational sunsets, laughter with loved ones, and unforgettable moments. So many memories and so many ways to Just Let Go. Connect, engage and share your moments with us. #TWResorts or @TWResorts