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CLASSIC SUMMER GOLF AT INNISBROOK® May 27 through October 13
Copperhead #15
The Classic Package $109 per person/double occupancy/per night
• 18 holes of golf on Island, North or South • Advanced starting time at time of reservation • Unlimited use of practice facilities • Replay round with $15 cart fee • Club storage & locker room service • Unlimited fitness center access • $10 golf shop merchandise credit
Island #1
North #5
for reservations, call 800.439.7883
Mention code: vertical golf
South #9
| InnisbrookGolfResort.com
36750 U.S. Highway 19 North, Innisbrook, Florida 34684 -1239
NOTE: Taxes are not included. Certain restrictions may apply. Multiple night stays have play on Island, North or South courses.
THEY CALLED YOU CRAZY. THEY SAID IT COULDN’T BE DONE.
Create. Motivate.
813.421.3725
Visit the stunning permanent collection of world renowned artist Dale Chihuly’s unique artwork in a magnificent 10,000 square foot setting designed by award-winning architect Albert Alfonso. The Chihuly Collection presented by the Morean Arts Center includes Chihuly’s spectacular large-scale installations such as Ruby Red Icicle Chandelier created specifically for the Collection, along with several popular series works including Macchia and Ikebana which have thrilled audiences around the globe. Enrich your experience further by visiting the Morean Arts Center Glass Studio & Hot Shop where you can watch glassblowers create one-of-a-kind pieces.
OPENING JULY 11
400 Beach Drive St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727.896.GLASS (4527) ChihulyCollectionSTPete.com Tickets for the Chihuly Collection and the Morean Glass Studio & Hot Shop are available on line at ChihulyCollectionStPete.com
Float Boat PHOTOGRAPHER: TERRY RISHEL
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Loch Ness Pool Copperhead #15
FOR $695 ENJOY A WEEK LONG SUMMER VACATION This summer, you can enjoy your family vacation with more space and fun for everyone at an unbeatable value. Innisbrook’s family vacation villa rentals begin at only $695 per week, and unlike many resorts, there are no restrictions on check-in and check-out days.
Full One-Bedroom Suites Starting at $695 Full Two-Bedroom Suites Starting at $995
CAMP NESSIE • DIVE-IN MOVIES AT THE LOCH NESS MONSTER POOL • FIVE ADDITIONAL POOLS MINIATURE GOLF • 900 ACRES TO EXPLORE & BICYCLE • FAMILY FOX SQUIRREL GOLF COURSE JUNIOR GOLF & TENNIS LESSONS • DAY TRIP TO BUSCH GARDENS ADVENTURE PARK COMPLIMENTARY SHUTTLE TO NEARBY CALADESI ISLAND – RANKED AS AMERICA’S TOP BEACH
for reservations, call 727.942.2000
Mention code: vertical vacation
| VisitInnisbrook.com
36750 U.S. Highway 19 North, Innisbrook, Florida 34684-1239
NOTE: Taxes are not included. Certain restrictions may apply.
RadiantLift® Dr. Scheiner is an expert in eyelid and facial rejuvenation, offering an array of surgical and nonsurgical procedures to restore and reveal your natural beauty. The RadiantLift® was developed exclusively by Dr. Scheiner to transform his patients using a unique combination of non-surgical procedures. Patients leave with a natural glow and looking RADIANT.
Rejuvenation Program Radiant results begin in a healing environment where your every need is met. Our expert concierge associates will tend to your needs throughout your entire stay. We’ll coordinate private, secure transportation and provide healthful meals by a personal chef. Stay fit with a personal yoga instructor, enjoy having your favorite necessities hand delivered to you, and just relax and rejuvenate. Our experienced after-surgery care specialist offers peace of mind, whether you require 24-hour care or regular check-ins.
Your comfort comes first! We look forward to serving you during your visit.
Adam J. Scheiner, M.D. Restoring & Revealing Your Natural Beauty™ Laser Eyelid & Facial Plastic Surgery
813-367-1915
www.adamscheinermd.com
I’m like a kid in a candy store, my nose pressed up against the glass…I mean computer monitor, waiting for candy…I mean pages to appear. Behind the scenes, James (our art director)—we’ll call him the “Candy Man”—is whipping up confections frothing with flavor.When we started working on VERTICAL together almost one year ago, I asked him to create texture where there is none. Little did we know how juicy and digestible VERTICAL would become. A heaping portion of passion, a handful of amazing talent, a dash of whimsy and a whole lotta love are poured into every issue. VERTICAL isn’t just fluff. Its conscience, coupled with integrity and fresh, interactive approach set it apart from the crowd. Intermingled with captivating imagery, you’ll find content worthy of sinking your teeth into. In this issue, PRO honors and celebrates our precious Gulf of Mexico and its inhabitants.We wander through a wonderland in Exposure and steal away Stylishly to La Isla Bonita. Habitat discovers jewels—in more ways than one. Beauty Full reveals the origin of pretty toes and Wanderlust shows us where to wiggle them in the sand. Taste gives us the scoop on chilling out this summer and, as always, Social Butterfly soars with possibilities. A bit ahead of schedule, the summer weather pattern has arrived and even as the rain falls outside the window,VERTICAL brightens the day. Wishing you joy with every drop. Leslie Joy Ickowitz Publisher
SusanJeffersPhotography.com Makeup: Pamela Bloomgren
This issue of VERTICAL is dedicated to all the wildlife in and around the Gulf of Mexico and to all the people lending a helping hand to them.
Magical Journeys By Adventure Pro Travel
Exclusive travel services to take you to the edge of the Earth and home again. From Alaska to Zimbabwe, Adventure Pro Travel is your expert source for every exciting escape under the sun! Contact Linda Blum for a personal consultation and exceptional service. River Voyages – Sail the great rivers of the world visiting fabled cities of Budapest, Amsterdam, Paris and Vienna, Beijing, Luxor and Manaus, nestled along the banks of the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Nile and Amazon. Luxury vessels include all shore excursions. Choose your cruise: 5 to 15 days from only $949* Alaska: America’s last frontier – From Fairbanks and Nome in the north to Juneau and Skagway in the south, Alaska provides an abundance of beauty, wildlife, and opportunities to do things you’ve never done before. Zipline in the morning, kayak in the afternoon and dance under the midnight sun. By land or by sea, your 7 night adventure begins at just $999* Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands – Explore the natural wonders of Ecuador, visiting Quito, Guayaquil and cruise the Galapagos Islands, home to the most unique wildlife on earth. 9 days from only $3379* Add Peru and Machu Picchu to your journey – rates on request.
*Airfare additional. Flights to Galapagos Islands included in Ecuador.
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STYLISH Photographer: SusanJeffersPhotography.com
BEAUTY FULL Photographer: SusanJeffersPhotography.com Makeup Artist: Lindsey Matacchiero
EXPOSURE Photography by David Monroe (damimagist.com)
HABITAT TASTE Photography by DouglasJohns.com
WANDERLUST Photography by James Burgos
SOCIAL BUTTERFLY PRO PEOPLE WHO ROCK Angee Killian Huntley modeling Punk Rock Betty Braun & Tomlinson Photography (brauntomlinson.com) Hair & Makeup Artist: Kp Lyn Plank
PEACE OUT Photography by Leslie Joy Ickowitz
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ON THIS PAGE: Photography by PatFoleyPhoto.com
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Photography: SusanJeffersPhotography.com Stylist & Makeup: Pamela Bloomgren, MOD Productions Hair: Bill Baker
Publisher & Editor In Chief Leslie Joy Ickowitz
Creative Director Leslie Joy Ickowitz
Art Director James Burgos, BoulevardCreative.com
ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER Natalia Galbetti
Contributing Writers Marcia Biggs ✵ Sandra Chandler ✵ Carol Cortright ✵ Natalia Galbetti Casey Brook McPhee ✵ Eleni Papanicolaou ✵ Janan Talafer
Contributing Photographers www.PatFoleyPhoto.com ✵ www.BrianJamesGallery.com www.SusanJeffersPhotography.com ✵ www.DouglasJohns.com David Monroe (www.damimagist.com)
Proofreading Swathi Reddy ✵ Ian Wark VERTICAL is a community magazine and we welcome your participation. Letters to the Editor, inquiries and nominations for Social Butterfly and Pro may be sent to: info@ verticaltampabay.com. For advertising and other inquiries, please call 813.382.4387 or email: info@VerticalTampaBay.com. To enjoy a complimentary subscription to VERTICAL delivered via email, visit:VerticalTampaBay.com. Copyright 2010 VERTICAL™ Tampa Bay. All rights reserved. Reproduction, either in whole or in part, is forbidden without written permission from the publisher. Articles and advertisements published in VERTICAL™ Tampa Bay do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher.VERTICAL™ Tampa Bay assumes no liability for the content and shall not be held liable for any errors or omissions. No responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials. All letters and press releases sent to VERTICAL™ Tampa Bay may be unconditionally assigned for publication and are subject to VERTICAL™ Tampa Bay’s editorial comment.VERTICAL™ Tampa Bay is not to be held liable for the quality or performance of goods or services rendered by the advertisers in this publication.
STYLISH
Poetry in Motion Bringing Lamia’s Wrath to Life
Story by Natalia Galbetti ❧ Photography by BrianJamesGallery.com
As a certain supermodel is known for saying, in fashion one day you’re in…and the next day you’re out. Ben Chmura knows that phrase all too well but now he’s learning that when you’re out of Project Runway, things are just getting started. “It’s been non stop,” he says just a few days after showing his newest resort collection, Lamia’s Wrath.“I had one month to make this collection and most of it was done in the last two and a half weeks.The show definitely helped in that regard.” Inspired by the Greek mythological figure of Lamia, a half woman, half serpent-temptress, Lamia’s Wrath unites strong structural elements with soft feminine colors. Geometric patterns and cutouts evoke a reptilian allusion and strategically placed cutouts and high hem limes deliver subtle sex appeal.The fabric choices, raw silk and cotton, are breathable fabrics appropriate for the Florida heat. “Lately I’ve been very inspired by literature,” Chmura explains. “It has to tell a story, it has to flow and it has to make sense to me. At the end of the day they’re clothes and you’re trying to send a message through them, but clothes are supposed to be worn.” Chmura’s methodical approach to his designs is also evident in his workspace. An “organized mess with a system,” sequins, buttons and sewing machines are found all around what used to be the second bedroom of his home in Tampa. Racks of clothes have every look from his resort collection hanging neatly in the order they were presented, one after another next to the kitchen window.
Lined directly under them, a series of peep-toes. An improvised showroom from a designer who’s making it work. In his living room, brightly colored handbags used for his runway show lean against a coffee table and directly across from them, comic figurines represent another facet of the soft-spoken 31-year-old, one he credits for his unique point of view. “I’ve been drawing since [age] one and a half and at [age] ten, I got into comic books and thought I would be an illustrator,” he says. “I’m quiet by nature but comic books and sci-fi bring a juxtaposition with security and confidence that comes out in my designs.” A graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design, Chmura has designed over 10 collections, one of them shown at New York Fashion Week as a decoy for Project Runway’s finale. Since then he’s been invited to show again in New York in September, has mustered over a thousand fans on his Facebook page, had the VIP section for the Lamia’s Wrath show sell out in 20 minutes and will be attending Tampa Bay Fashion Week as a guest in the fall. At this rate, one thing is certain: Ben Chmura will not be out anytime soon. Editor’s Note: Wishing Ben Chmura great success as he embarks on a new chapter in New York City.
Photography: BrianJamesGallery.com Fashion Designer: Ben Chmura Hair: Bill Baker Makeup: Pamela Bloomgren, MOD Productions Eyeshadow: Molly B, available at Vanity on Central Models: Lauren Klemm & Robert Chmura Pappadeas Photographed: On location in Tarpon Springs Editor Note: Lauren Klemm’s ensemble Is a VERTICAL Exclusive
LA ISLA
BONITA
Photography: Stylist & Makeup: Hair: Model: Swimwear: Sunglasses: Jewelry: Photographed:
SusanJeffersPhotography.com Pamela Bloomgren, MOD Productions Bill Baker Andrea Yurko, Benz Model & Talent Agency LaCha’ Emilio Pucci from Optical Center of Tampa Eye Clinic Accessoreez.com On location at Tradewinds Resort, Anna Maria Island
FASHION STYLING & MAKEUP ARTISTRY BY PAMELA BLOOMGREN & NELDA CORBETT
MOD FASHION HEADSHOTS WEDDINGS LIFESTYLE COMPOSITES
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BEAUTY FULL
Feet Retreat Your summer guide to all things pedi Story by Natalia Galbetti
On a hot summer day, there’s nothing more satisfying than looking over a book while sun tanning to see ten beautiful toes, trimmed, painted and cared for as a result of a relaxing pedicure.
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n the sand, water, or in a fabulous pair of sandals, perfectly polished feet are an absolute must for many women. There’s something therapeutic and soothing about the process, and the result gives you an instant boost of confidence. It’s no wonder then that people have been getting pedicures for approximately five thousand years. The history of the pedicure dates back to ancient Egypt, evident by a pharaoh’s tomb carved to depict the king receiving a foot massage and treatment by his servants. Concerned with looks and beauty, women had pedicures as part of their cosmetic rituals and even colored their toenails with a reddish-brown stain derived from henna. Queen Nefertiti, the wife of the king Akhenaton, favored ruby red while Cleopatra preferred crimson for her toes. For those who weren’t royalty, only pale hues were allowed. In Asian and Indian cultures, beauty was not the reason behind pedicures, but rather the health of the feet. Foot massages and reflexology were meant to enhance people’s well being, which explains the
root of the word pedicure: the Latin word for foot, “pes,” and cure, “cura.” In the 17th and 18th centuries, the pedicure became popular among the royals in Europe, uniting the maintenance and massages from the East with the cosmetic finish of the ancient world. Kings and queens would get footbaths and treatments from their servants and finish them off with shiny polish powders and creams. In Paris during the 1920s and 1930s, the French pedicure quickly became a trend replacing the metallic look for a more natural, cleaner appearance. Today the pedicure has become a staple at beauty salons and spas. From the lavish paraffin treatments that soak the feet in wax for deep moisturizing to the eccentric use of fish for removing dead skin to the simple trim, shape and color session, the pedicure has evolved a great deal from its origins, and options are nearly limitless when it comes to choosing a polish color. In modern times, you don’t have to be a queen to treat yourself to a pampering pedicure, but these marvelous spa services are bound to make you feel like one.
Day Dreams Day Spa & Bath Shop, Brandon & Lakeland
Pia Esthetics, South Tampa & Westchase
CAVIAR PEDICURE — The 65 minute-long treatment combines the anti-aging ingredients of caviar, collagen, retinol and repairing vitamins to smooth and rejuvenate the feet. ($70) www.daydreamsdayspa.com
PEDICURE BAR — A truly customized pedi, this treatment allows you to pick your own hour-long aromatherapy from Exotic Mango, Lime Zest, Pomegranate Lime, Mandarin Orange or Vanilla Wild Plum. ($45) www.piaspa.com
Indaba Spa at Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club, Palm Harbor COCO LUSCIOUS PEDICURE — A warm coconut milk bath followed by a refining coconut scrub removes roughness, and a massage with rich tropical butter takes your senses to a blissful Island Paradise. Nail, cuticle care and polish follow to give your toes a sandal-ready look. ($58) ICE CRÈME SOCIAL PEDICURE — This treatment combines the pampering of a pedicure with the decadence of a dessert. First, enjoy a creamy hydrating soak with the ME Bath Ice Crème of your choice, then an exfoliating, creamy shower scrub and a delectable wrap in flavors such as chocolate, caramel and marshmallow. Then relax with a soothing massage with body icing, nail and cuticle care and polish. To top it off, you’ll enjoy an ice cream cone during the service. ($58) www.innisbrookgolfresort.com/index.cfm/indaba-spa/
Somers Salon & Spa, Clearwater SOMERS SIGNATURE PEDICURE˜— This nourishing hourlong anti-aging treatment includes a vitamin repair exfoliation and relaxing foot massage. Feet are dipped in a warm paraffin wax treatment that deeply nourishes skin, nails are trimmed and shaped, cuticles are groomed and polishing finishes it all off. ($63) www.somerssalonandspa.com/
Spa Oceana at the Don Cesar, St. Pete Beach FLORAL BLOSSOM PEDICURE — The Bain De Petals Effervescent Aromatic Crystals treatment consists of a gentle floral exfoliation and gel mask flecked with flower petals, which revitalizes the skin when applied under a warm paraffin dip to seal in moisture. ($85) www.loewshotels.com/content/en/hotels/st-pete-beach-resort/spaoceana/index.html
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Beauty full View Standing up to summer hair
Story by Sandra Chandler ❧ Photography by SusanJeffersPhotography.com
L
et’s face it: If you’re lucky enough to reside in Florida, you live in paradise. People come from all over the world to bask for a few days in this wonderful place that we call home. But paradise comes with its price. Sun damage to the skin is widely known, but what about the hair? Hair, skin and nails are all made up of the same thing: keratin. Our beautiful summer sun and warm temperatures cause the same harm to hair as to skin. Intense tropical sun fades natural and enhanced hair color, depletes nutrients, and leaves that “hay stack” effect that most of us avoid. Repeated dousing in swimming pools and even natural salt water fill the damaged and depleted hair with artificial chemicals (chlorine) making it dull and impossible to work with.The combination of salt water dried into the hair and the heat of the sun causes a chemical reaction similar to chlorine. And I have not even mentioned humidity. Florida summer and humidity—can’t have one without the other.What to do? Intuitively, we think, “my hair is dry, it must need moisture.” So we purchase conditioners that are labeled as moisturizers. Not helping, hair’s still dry, must not be a good product, let’s try another and so the circle goes. The “no fair” aspect to this story is that over moisturized hair appears to be extremely dry! Florida’s humidity moisturizes hair just as it does skin. The best advice is to read product labels. Stay away from conditioners that claim to be great moisturizers. Look for those that recondition the hair, usually specified for colored or chemically treated hair. I advise my clients to stick with a good shampoo and normalizing conditioner for everyday use. Make sure styling products contain UV and thermal protectants. Deep conditioning every two to four weeks is the best solution for summer “hay stacks.” The hair needs keratin,
amino acids, proteins and essential oils. Hairstylists have the “good stuff ” so be sure to make regular appointments to keep your hair strong and beautiful throughout the summer. No discussion about summer hair would be complete without mentioning highlights. Just as we tend to wear lighter and brighter colors in our fashions, I usually suggest that my clients brighten their hair color a bit as we head into summer. Current color trends no longer show the extreme panels and stripes of contrast that we saw a few years ago. Hair color should still show dimension, but the preferred tones are more complementary and subtle. Ask your stylist for his or her recommendation. They will be able to give you advice about which shades most complement your skin tone and eye color.You may decide to go one or two levels lighter with your overall color. A few well-placed foils on top and around the face can brighten your look without drastically changing the overall effect too much. If you’re adventurous and ready to embrace summer with both arms, you may want to jump in the deep end and go all over blonde or choose a blonde on blonde effect. White (platinum) blonde is trendy and extreme, perhaps not for everyone, but certainly worth considering. Have a great summer, don’t forget the sunscreen, be brave and have fun with your hair! Sandra is a native Floridian who has lived in the Tampa Bay area since 1981. A hairdresser since 1980, she represented Nexxus as a platform/stage artist and educator for 8 years. She is an internationally published updo artist. Although known for her dress work, Sandra is certified as an educator in two different lines of hair color and specializes as a colorist. Sandra is currently located in Dunedin at Stylistics Salon.
&
Earth Water
Treating You to a Beautiful You Story by Eleni Papanicolaou
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or centuries, muds and ionized algae have been known for their healing and beauty properties.They detoxify and replenish the skin with minerals and nutrients.This is the perfect time of the year to detoxify, re-mineralize, hydrate and nourish your body, and get it ready for the beach. While these treatments are relaxing and are used today more for a luxurious experience, it has been proven that they can also treat health problems such as arthritis, muscle fatigue, nervous diseases, painful joint diseases, kidney diseases and urinary system problems, although the most well-known benefit is the one that they have on the skin.
VOLCANIC MUD Volcanic mud contains sulfur, chloride, fluoride and other natural occurring chemicals which help the complexion. In addition, when the mud dries, it also stretches the skin and helps with wrinkles. Ionized algae has different combinations of chlorophyll molecules and comprise various proportions of proteins, carbohydrates, fats and nucleic acids.
IONIZED ALGAE WRAPS Ionized algae wraps promote hormonal and metabolic balance, as well as aid in the elimination of heavy metals from the body. They also promote inch loss, body shaping and will improve cellulite by removing toxins and by activating circulation. People with thyroid issues should consult first with their Physician before receiving an Ionized Algae wrap. Clays, muds and algae are harvested in specific areas, mainly Europe and Northern Africa. Muds are usually collected from geological areas formed by a series of volcanic eruptions and are rich in calcium, magnesium and clay minerals. Marine algae comes from the deep sea, free of chemicals and pollutants. It is important to know the composition of the wrapping product and patch test if you never had a body wrap before. People with allergies or high blood pressure should consult with their
physicians before receiving any body wraps. There are three basic components to a body wrap: a – Exfoliate b - Detoxify c - Hydrate & Nourish Some clays and algae masks can be used on the face to absorb oils and impurities, and soothe inflammation on acne prone skin.You can ask your Esthetician to mix the appropriate essential oils or even to add a few drops of salicylic acid into your mask to help remove keratinized skin. Mother Nature is both the inspiration and the source for relaxing, healing and detoxifying treatments. Let us return the gift of respect by being environmentally conscious, by taking every precaution to stop any form of pollution, and by teaching our children to do the same. Eleni Papanicolaou is a Board Certified Skin Care Specialist with 27 years experience in anti-aging and derma-corrective skin care. Editor’s Note: It is with great sadness that we bid farewell to Eleni as she embarks on a new chapter of her life on the East Coast.We wish her a beautiful journey ahead full of love, peace and happiness.
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EXPOSURE
Maria inWon A Garden of Possibilities
Story by Carol Cortright ❧ Photography by David Monroe, www.damimagist.com
“There’s nothing more beautiful than what is in nature.” ~ artist Maria Saraceno
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therworldly yet familiar, the spiky petals gleam like glass. The depth of sensuous color and texture draws you in.You want to touch them, slide your fingers over the smooth surface, feel the curves, the coolness. These giant blooms transcend garden variety adornment, summoning a magical rain forest with a splash of opulent hues radiating a shine beyond shimmering dew. Usually, when the lovely tropical coconut palm, the queen palm, and the Christmas palm have gone to seed, the remnants of their fruition fall to the ground or are removed and discarded. This is where Maria Saraceno intervenes. Her voice resonates with passion:“I love the dual nature of the pods.When they first come up, they’re tubular, masculine…then they burst open, feminine, filling both functions.” Maria uses her artistic talent to preserve
and give new life to these “reproductive vessels” which otherwise would be tossed aside. “Artists have been inspired by nature for years,” she says, explaining her penchant for repurposing the exquisite forms she discovers all around her. One installation, draped over a sconce at the Florida Craftsmen Gallery, glows from within. Pods fan out like dragonfly wings and capture a fading sunset, orange and red bleeding into a violet sky. Some of the edges curl slightly and show a green flash peeking from the underside. While the larger-than-life petals spiral and spring off the wall hangings, her stand-up arrangements mimic sensual dances, sporting titles like “Waltz” and “Tango.” Each pod in the seductively twisting cluster gracefully tapers to a fine point. Some are embellished with the additional texture of hundreds of tiny seed beads. The pieces are useful too, as Maria points out the individual pods. Brilliant in color, some adorned with sprays of beads and bejeweled buttons, they lend a slice of tabletop whimsy while holding lemons or other edibles within their fluted bodies. Also on display at Florida Craftsmen are her “Birds of a Flock.” The clear boxes containing small handcrafted fabric birds represent the theme of subtle entrapment.
onderland Maria explores social concepts through art, channeling her wonder and curiosity into acrylic, resin and other materials. Her skillful techniques result in things of pure beauty. Maria’s work can be seen at www.mariasaraceno. com. Florida Craftsmen Gallery, 501 Central Avenue, St Petersburg FL www.floridacraftsmen.net. Nuance Gallery, 804 S. Dale Mabry,Tampa FL: www.nuancegalleries.com
Galleryof
Greatness Filled by Florida Craftsmen Photography by David Monroe, damimagist.com
As you walk past Florida Craftsmen Gallery in downtown St. Petersburg, the large wood and metal sculpture in the window grabs your attention.
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he carved glass vessel piques your interest and as you walk through the doors, your senses come alive.With over 2,000 square feet of hand-crafted clay, glass, wood, fiber, paper, jewelry and more created by Florida artists, the retail gallery is a delight.There is always a wonderful selection of fine crafts year round, but the galleries are overflowing during the Holiday season in November and December when Florida Craftsmen members bring their artwork for the Holiday sale.Walking through the store, you then discover the exhibition on display—large art quilts, a fiber installation, handcrafted furniture, glass chandeliers—it’s always changing and the quality is amazing. Florida Craftsmen is Florida’s only non-profit organization representing the state’s fine craft artists. Organized in 1952, it moved to its current location at 501 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg in 2002. Recognizable by its bright red awnings, this site is also home to ArtLofts, a collection of artists’ studios upstairs where visitors are always welcome, particularly during the 2nd Saturday Gallery Walk evenings. Mark the weekend of November 20 and 21 on your calendar this year as Florida Craftsmen brings CraftArt to the streets outside the gallery. CraftArt is a weekend fine craft festival featuring over 130 artists from around the country.Visitors will not only experience the artwork but can also participate in hands-on activities and demonstrations, great food and the glorious Florida weather. Florida Craftsmen is proud to announce that this year’s juror is John Cram, owner of four galleries in Asheville, North Carolina. Mr. Cram is often credited with Asheville’s cultural renaissance in the 80’s and is an arts entrepreneur in the city today. St. Petersburg was recently voted as the top mid-size arts destination by American Style Magazine and Florida Craftsmen is one of the area’s many cultural gems. Encouraging its visitors to “Buy Florida, By Florida,” Florida Craftsmen continues a tradition of promoting fine craft artists and delighting residents and visitors to St. Petersburg with quality hand-crafted artwork.
HABITAT
Coastal Cool A Seaside State of Mind Story by Carol Cortright ❧ Photographs courtesy of Studio M Interior Design
With a tug as strong as an outbound tide, Redington Beach’s Vizcaya charms the senses, from strong salty breezes wafting across deep, shaded terraces to the calming vision of its beachfront locale.
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verlooking golden sands and sparkling Gulf, Joel Cantor’s family getaway on the second floor of the eight-unit condo built by his development company, Cantor Partners, captivates all who cross the threshold. Tampa interior designer Michelle Jennings Weibe of Studio M worked side-by-side with Cantor throughout the building process, from concept to reality. She assembled the standard finish and fixture options and completely decked out two of the units from top to bottom. One of those belongs to the builder himself. “Michelle has designed over a dozen properties for [the company] and we love them all,” says Joel Cantor. “She listens very carefully and generates a concept that exceeds the client’s dreams.” Joel, wife Shannon and their four boisterous boys wanted a retreat that would “transport our family from our hectic daily lives to the realm of a dream vacation home....light colors and textures creating a modern touch that is warm, coupled with not taking ourselves too seriously.” Michelle translated that into: “Let’s give this a fresh NYC vibe. Clean colors with some South Beach influence.A little deco in the lines and shapes. I looked out the terrace and was inspired by the view—cool greens, blues, beiges. I actually drove around with a bag of sea glass to make sure the colors matched.” From social gatherings to business entertaining, the Cantors’ condo makes quite an impression on its guests. “Everyone loves the kitchen,” says Michelle of this masterpiece surrounded by pixilated ocean: tiny glass tiles in cobalt and aquamarine wrap around the bar and backsplash. A magnificent island of blue bahia granite anchors the room. Waves of alternately warm and cool maple and stainless slab door cabinets contain all manner of kitchen gadgetry. “We had fun with the appliances,” says Michelle. “It’s like an appliance showroom. Double ovens,
warming oven, wine cooler, huge Sub-Zero fridge. We spent a lot of time on the kitchen making it functional and beautiful.” The master bedroom boasts the sensuous feel of big-city luxury with a plush, icy blue upholstered headboard and a wall of blue suede. When she designed the place just a few years ago, many of the materials Michelle used were cutting edge, like the stunning guest bathroom counter made of thick, lagoon-blue Avonite. “This stuff is pretty hot now,” Michelle notes. The condo showcases plenty of unique Bay area treasures and talent as well. “We included quite a few pieces of local artwork,” Michelle says.“And the kitchen cabinets were done by Old World Cabinetry. Cutting Edge Granite did the countertops.” As for exceeding client’s expectations—“Joel wanted it totally custom,” she reiterates—Michelle even designed some of the furniture herself. From her vision emerged the breakfast nook table and the living-room media cabinet, called into being by artisans at the South Shore Gallery in Apollo Beach. To complement the sleek surfaces, Michelle chose a grasscloth-look woven silk wall covering as an accent. “We didn’t want to just paint the walls. We needed something to offset all the glass and stainless. In addition to texture, the silk adds a bit of shimmer,” she says. If the Cantors’ Vizcaya condo had its own soundtrack, what would it be? “Nice mellow jazz with waves in the background,” Michelle suggests. “I like how I feel as soon as I walk in. It’s very soothing. Very relaxing. I turn into a noodle when we’re out here,” she says of her family’s past visits. “The weight of the world is lifted off your shoulders—but at the same time, it’s very elegant, very chic.” Similarly, Joel shares a favorite feature for his family: “We enjoy leaving the huge sliding doors open, falling asleep listening to the waves and birds. When someplace feels right, you instinctively know it.” Michelle describes life at Vizcaya: “You wear a swim suit and cover-up from the minute you wake up and that’s it.”
Photo by SusanJeffersPhotography.com
Guess what?
A certain Tampa interior designer just made a splash on HGTV’s radar. “They came across my Web site and really liked my work,” explains Studio M’s Michelle Jennings Weibe. After on-camera auditions and meetings with HGTV’s Head of Program Development, Michelle’s found herself on their “short list” of potential designer appearances for a new show. “I enjoyed learning about the television industry and it was a very productive trip,” she says of a recent NYC jaunt. No commitments yet, but “apparently, I’ve passed the test to stay in their databank.” Fabulous, Michelle! VERTICAL is rooting for you! For more of the Studio M look, check out www. interiorsbystudiom.com.
Apoca ~
lypseHow? Fear & Loathing in the Gulf of mexico Story by James Burgos ❧ Photography by BraunTomlinson.com
I
magine the hit theme song (as sung by Susan Boyle) from the summer blockbuster, Deep Water Horizon. Kevin Costner will star; James Cameron will direct; full-scale surface and underwater sets will be constructed and principal photography will take place off the coast of New Zealand.You’ll marvel at the realistic
cgi renderings of oildrenched pelicans and beached dolphins with bubbling crude oozing from their blowholes. Ee-vil corporate villains with British accents and a soaring score by James Horner will tell the story of greed, love and betrayal in the age of corporate sovereignty set against the worst man-made environmental disaster
in US history—and it’s all in 3D! The elevator pitch for such a film, if it weren’t so utterly absurd; so utterly horrific; so utterly true, is likely to be circulating among Hollywood executives just like the millions of gallons of crude that are circulating in the gulf at this very moment. The uncertainty for what lies ahead and
the dread for what lies beneath is not something that we at VERTICAL can consciously ignore. Our mission is to celebrate all that is precious and sublime in Tampa Bay and preservation of the environment is intrinsic to the fulfillment of that mission. We are reminded by this tragedy that the gulf is our goodwill ambassador.
To sustain our way of life, the gulf must be sustained. Though, not just for the sake of our leisure and business, but for the sake of the gulf itself—and its is-ness. James Burgos is the Art Director for VERTICAL Tampa Bay and a creative consultant at large. Find him on Twitter @ BookOfJames or Facebook. com/JamesBurgos
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TASTE
THE COOL ISSUE
Chill
Out
Cool Treats for a Hot Summer Story by Janan Talafer ❧ Photography by DouglasJohns.com
When the temperature soars and the humidity threatens to overwhelm, nothing is quite as delightfully chilling and enjoyable as ice cream. The first taste tantalizes and tingles, slightly numbing the tongue. Eat a cone of your favorite flavor too quickly and you might get brain freeze; eat it too slowly on a hot day and it will melt, sticky on the fingers. Whether you prefer ice cream or frozen custard, gelato, Italian ice, snow cones, shakes, floats, banana splits, sundaes, frozen yogurt or smoothies, one thing is certain. Few people can resist the temptation of their favorite frozen concoction. When the mood strikes to indulge in a rich, smooth, tasty treat this summer, skip the more widely known chains. Here’s a selection of some cool Tampa Bay spots to visit for a delicious dessert, one that will definitely help you beat the heat.
TANYA & MATT’S ICE CREAMIEST, TAMPA — This is more than an ice cream shop—it’s a place to hang out.There’s always something happening at this fun, slightly bohemian venue that offers live local bands seven days a week, a giant talking oak tree and a mind-boggling assortment of flavors, from Coca Cola Ice to chocolate black raspberry and Jack Daniel’s Chip. If that’s not enough, you’ll also find owner Matt Walsh out front entertaining the crowd as he carves blocks of ice and transforms them into angels, cartoon characters and animals (plus liquor luges for off-site adult catered parties). What makes their ice cream different? “It’s made with love,” jokes Matt. He and his wife Tanya have been churning out homemade ice cream at the Colonial Promenade location since 1991. Now they’re opening a second shop in Westchase this summer. www.icecreamiest.com BIG OLAF ICE CREAM SHOP, ANNA MARIA ISLAND — A quintessential Florida vacation ice cream place, Big Olaf ’s is located right across the street from one of the most spectacular beaches on the Gulf Coast, beautiful Bradenton Beach in Anna Maria Island. Stroll the beach, take in the sunset and make your nightcap a scoop of your favorite ice cream.With 32 flavors, it’s hard to make a selection. How about Kahlua Crunch for something different or lemon/lime Italian ice for a cool, refreshing, slightly tangy taste? The secret to the ice cream is in the high butterfat content (14 percent), which makes it especially rich and creamy (who cares about calories!). Plus, it’s made locally. The Big Olaf Creamery has been making ice cream for 25 years, right in Sarasota’s Amish community of Pinecraft. www.bigolaficecream.com FRITZEE FREEZE, DUNEDIN — If you’re new in town and looking for a cool landmark treasure to experience, this long-time Dunedin favorite is it. Stop by for an all-American menu of burgers, hot dogs, Philly cheese steak, gyros and cheese fries, topped off with an ice cream sundae or cone. A self-described “old-school diner” Fritzee Freeze looks like a set right out of the TV sitcom Happy Days. Give yourself permission to splurge this summer on an old-fashioned banana split, complete with cherry on top. There are over 16 flavors of hard serve and 24 flavors of soft serve to indulge your sweet tooth, from traditional classics like chocolate, vanilla and strawberry to the more exotic Tutti Frutti or apricot. 727-736-3008. BEACH SNOBALLS, TREASURE ISLAND — Imagine a cone brimming with freshly made finely shaved ice, doused with one or more of the 55 dazzling flavors that Beach Snoballs’s owners James and Kimberly Boswell concoct, some based on their childhood in New Orleans where snowballs are a popular staple in the summer. In fact, James is a second-generation snoball chef—he learned the trade from his mother, who had her own popular stand in the Big Easy. This is not the icy, crunchy snow cone I remember from my childhood up north, but a lighter, fluffy version like new fallen snow. Stop by on your way home after a long, hot day at the Treasure Island beach and wrap your mind around flavors like Tangerine Dream, Pink Flamingo, Polar Punch or Frog in a Blender. www.beachsno.com PARKESDALE FARMS, PLANT CITY — Strawberries are king in Plant City, and there’s nothing better than strawberries from Parkesdale Farm Market, the largest strawberry and citrus market in Florida. You can only get their famous strawberry shortcake during season, which runs January to April, but you can enjoy thick, creamy, satisfying strawberry milkshakes and homemade strawberry ice cream year-round at this family-run business with adjacent farm. It’s so peaceful and charming to sit at the rustic picnic tables inside the shade-filled greenhouse, where tropical flowers and plants are for sale. When you’re done, purchase strawberry trinkets and jam at the gift shop or select farm-grown produce and citrus to take home. www.parkesdale.com
CONEY ISLAND SANDWICH SHOP, DOWNTOWN ST. PETERSBURG — It’s easy to drive right by and miss this iconic little hot dog eatery in the line-up of storefronts on this busy street in downtown St. Pete. Inside, the atmosphere is a time warp back to the 1950s—maybe earlier, with the Formica countertops and comfortable, old booths. The lunch menu is simple: hot dogs, chili dogs, hot dogs with onions. Ketchup costs extra, as the owner is a hot dog purist, so only mustard is sanctioned. Wash everything down with a chocolate milkshake. They’re big and the real thing, handmade with milk, chocolate and vanilla ice cream while you watch, mixed up behind the counter using a big old green Hamilton Beach blender, the kind your grandmother might have owned. The perfect indulgence on a hot summer day. 727-822-4493 SUNNIBUNNI, SARASOTA AND SOUTH TAMPA — With frozen yogurt from SunniBunni it’s possible to feel like you’re doing something healthy for yourself while enjoying a decadent frozen treat. That’s because the company uses live and active yogurt cultures which offer probiotic benefits for your digestion. It also won’t make you tip the scales since frozen yogurt is nonfat and has just 90 calories per serving—that is until you pile on the toppings. Choose from an assortment of toppings like granola, Captain Crunch cereal and coconut, or organic and seasonal fruit like strawberries, mangos, blackberries, kiwi and pineapple. The frozen yogurt comes in two flavors: original and green tea, which has a slightly tangy taste. The smoothies are also popular and you can add a scoop of protein powder for an extra health boost. www.sunnibunni.com STRACHAN’S HOME ICE CREAM, DUNEDIN AND PALM HARBOR — If you like the appeal of old-fashioned ice cream parlors, you’ll love Strachan’s. Leave any thought about calories behind when you walk through the door.This family-owned business specializes in rich, mouth-watering milk shakes, decadent sundaes, ice cream sodas, root beer floats, fresh fruit smoothies and more. Try the Strachan’s Split—a banana split with frozen custard crowned with strawberry, pineapple and chocolate toppings. Or take home an ice cream cake made with a thick layer of brownies on the bottom, then ice cream blended with Snickers, topped off with caramel and hot fudge sauce.WOW. Strachan’s even offers Ice Cream School, a unique three-day workshop where you learn everything you need to know from the pros about how to open up your own shop. www.strachansdesserts.com MAZZARO ITALIAN MARKET, ST. PETERSBURG — It’s a feast for the senses when you walk through the door of this authentic Italian market that is always overflowing with people, no matter what time or day of the week. Keep reminding yourself that you’ve come for the delicious, creamy gelato as you wind your way through the market, tempted every few feet by the specialty cheese room; the deli with homemade pastas, antipastos and sandwiches; the wine cellar; barrels of olives; and the coffee beans from around the world. Located adjacent to the bakery, the gelato is worth every bite. It’s smooth, flavorful, cold and lighter than ice cream because the butterfat content is lower. The flavors you’ll find here are every bit as exotic as the rest of the market. There’s zabaione, Italian custard made with eggs and sugar; along with hazelnut, fig, mixed berries, lemon, praline, vanilla bean, heath chocolate bar, spumoni, toasted almond and voglia stracciatelli, a vanilla base blended with shredded chocolate. An afternoon spent at Mazzaro’s is like a mini-vacation to the old country. On Saturdays you can enjoy live entertainment on the patio. www.mazzarosmarket.com
Ripe
and Raw A Smoothie Start to the Day
Story by LindaJoy Rose, Ph.D ❧ Photography by PatFoleyPhoto.com
H
aving just reveled in the profusion of spring berries, we now enter the botanical bliss offered by summer fruits and the tender recollections they evoke. Who is not transported to a happy family picnic or balmy night outing with your first love when you smell the alluring aroma of a sun-warmed peach, or bite into the juicy, sweet-yet-sour bouquet of a plum? Each summer we revisit the garden of earthly delights and celebrate warmth and sunny days. Memories resurface of tracing rivulets of ice cold watermelon juice running down a loved one’s chin or seeing the telltale stains of sweet cherry nectar on lips and fingertips. Local farmers’ markets, fruit stands and perhaps our own gardens offer a veritable feast of nutrition and nurturing, yet how often do we stop to appreciate and luxuriate in the full sensory blast of nature’s perfect foods? As a raw foodist, a high percentage of my daily nutrition comes from fruits and vegetables, power-packed with phyto-chemicals that charge my cells and fill my mind, body and spirit with confidence, exuberance and vitality. Experience summer in its fullest potential by making fruit and leafy green smoothies your first meal of the day. Leafy greens are laden with minerals and proteins and blend magnificently with sweet and acidic fruits, creating a flavor (and nutritional) sensation. Try some of my favorite recipes featured here, or check out this guide to making the ultimate green smoothie: Put your leafy greens in the blender first, close to the blades (spinach, watercress, parsley, any lettuce other than iceberg, dandelion, kale and collard greens, to name a few) and add your favorite fruits. The ratio is 40 percent greens to 60 percent fruit. Add about two inches of water and some ice on top and blend well. If you need to sweeten, use stevia, raw agave, honey or dates. LindaJoy Rose, Ph.D is a leading expert in the subconscious mind, raw foods chef/educator and self-help author. As a Life Makeover Therapist, she coaches individuals on how to make and sustain healthy lifestyle choices.Visit her websites: www.rawfoodfairy.com and www.drljrose.com.
MELONY MINT MEDLEY INGREDIENTS: ✵✵ ½ Bunch green chard ✵✵ Handful of spearmint leaves ✵✵ 1 cup cantaloupe, honeydew OR watermelon chunks
RASPBERRY RAZZLE DAZZLE INGREDIENTS:
✵✵ ½ Cup pineapple
✵✵ ½ Bunch of swiss chard
✵✵ ½ Cup frozen or fresh peach slice
✵✵ 1 Apple
✵✵ 1 Apple
✵✵ ¾ Cup fresh or frozen raspberries
✵✵ Filtered water
✵✵ 1 Banana
✵✵ Ice (optional)
✵✵ ½ Cup fresh or frozen strawberries
DIRECTIONS: ✵✵ Place washed greens and mint first in blender or Vitamix.
✵✵ Cut apple, discarding the seeds. ✵✵ Add the rest of the ingredients. ✵✵ Add about 2 inches of water. If you like it cold, add some ice.
✵✵ Blend until smooth.
✵✵ Filtered water ✵✵ Ice (optional) DIRECTIONS: ✵✵ Place washed greens first in blender or Vitamix.
✵✵ Cut apple, discarding the seeds. ✵✵ Add the rest of the ingredients. ✵✵ Add about 2 inches of water. If you like it cold, add some ice.
✵✵ Blend until smooth and add sweetener, if needed.
Recipes by LindaJoy Rose
SPAIN
RESTAUR ANT
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FREE DELIVERY | LIVE MUSIC SATURDAY NIGHTS MONTHLY FL A MENCO SHOW CATERING AVAIL ABLE | PRIVATE PARTIES & CORPOR ATE EVENTS
HOURS Monday: 8am–3pm | T–Th: 8am–9pm | Friday: 8am–11pm | Saturday: 4pm–11pm | Sunday: Closed
you’re invited to dine with us. Our legendary Packard’s Steakhouse and Market Salamander Grillé are now open for reservations. From our signature steaks and seafood to outstanding grilled sandwiches, you’ll enjoy an exceptional dining experience. Not to mention, our fantastic golf course views and live entertainment.
for reservations, call 800.439.7883 36750 U.S. Highway 19 North, Innisbrook, FL 34684
Lunch
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F
We don’t build houses, we fill them.
or more than a decade, the Warrick Dunn Family Foundation has created a network of community leaders, nonprofit organizations and businesses dedicated to providing opportunities for single parents and their children. As the Warrick Dunn Family Foundation continues to pursue its mission of providing opportunities for single-parent families, the Foundation is also researching ways to improve the community through the life lessons and experiences of our founder, Warrick Dunn. Adding “Family” to the Foundation’s name reflects the renewed devotion and commitment to helping families that are helping themselves.Your support helps champion the needs of those who receive the assistance provided by the Warrick Dunn Family Foundation. Make your donation at www.WD-FF.org.
WANDERLUST
In One
Hour retreat mind, body & soul Story by Leslie Joy Ickowitz
In one hour, which is how long it takes to get to Anna Maria Island by car from Tampa, we cross water eight times. Eight times! And one of those times is a breezy excursion over the soaring Sunshine Skyway. Flanked by a squadron of pelicans and with a stellar display of islands spread out before us, we inch closer to our destination.
A
t once it seems you have arrived in a different place in time. The slow pace beckons you to slip into serenity and leave your cares behind. What’s missing is high-rise hotels, car horns, traffic jams, billboards and other ugly distractions reminding us of the grind. Instead you’ll find warm, island hospitality and a charming choice of sleepy retreats from cozy cottages to stilt homes. Sensory overload is replaced by sensory seduction. The sights, the sounds, the flavor and fragrance surround you. Suddenly, you get the feeling you can stay here forever. But no matter how long you visit, this trip is packed with the stuff inspiration is made of, and you can get here whenever you want—in one hour. Pull up a front row seat to your definition of bliss. Get in on the action with water sports. Or not. Play beach volleyball. Or not. Rock out to your iPod. Shop ’til you drop. Curl up with a good book. Catch a sunset. Dangle a fishing line in the water. Watch the world go by. After a sunset stroll, a long day of pure island indulgence comes to a close. Consumed with the complicated question of which flip-flops to wear, you head out for a night on the town. Anna Maria
Island’s dining scene is abundant with choices. A foodie-festival of casual beach fare and gourmet cuisine is served with a side of scenery. Homemade Amish ice cream at Big Olaf and some of the best pizza south of New York at Oma’s are among the island’s rather unexpected treats. The slow drive south on Gulf Drive leads to Longboat Key before continuing to Sarasota’s St. Armands Circle, delivering a generous dollop of delicious dining choices and the only dose of nightlife you’ll find in the area. Whether you rise with the sun or prefer to sleep in, the Big French Breakfast is by far the most decadent way to start the day. Five dollars and eighty cents buys you the equivalent of heavenon-a-plate at Island Creperie on Bridge Street.Two luscious strawberry-filled crepes, a freshly-baked, buttery croissant and one divine chunk of French Baguette French Toast ALL covered in powdered sugar is undeniably swoon worthy. In one hour you can find yourself hanging out amidst coconut palms. Coconuts, you may notice, are absent from the palm trees lining our local streets and neighborhoods. No wonder it feels like a million miles away. Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach comprise Anna Maria Island, which is easily traversed via the free trolley. Linger on island time at beachfront bars and eateries or poised above the clear turquoise water on your choice of piers. Leave the driving up to someone with a care in the world. Bean Point, on the island’s northern tip is one of those spots where you feel like you can slip off the end of the earth and float carelessly on a breeze to Neverland, or at least to the next land mass. In Bradenton Beach, at one of Anna Maria Island’s narrowest points, Sarasota Bay and the glittering Gulf of Mexico are mere steps apart. Ospreys and great blue herons fish along the bay’s shorelines while seagulls, sandpipers and terns patrol the foamy coast. Gentle sea turtles nest in the soft sand from May to October and without regard for season, dolphins frolic parallel to beautiful blue horizon. In one hour, you can transport mind, body and soul. Getting there is easy as 1-2-3. Step 1: Hop in the car. Step 2: Set the GPS. Step 3: Accelerate. When you emerge from Anna Maria Island’s cocoon of tranquility, you will once again be ready to take on the world.
Anna Maria Island Aerial View courtesy of Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Dunes at Bean Point on Anna Maria Island courtesy of Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Rod & Reel Pier on Anna Maria Island courtesy of Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Terns & Hanging Flowers photos by Leslie Joy Ickowitz
Books take you Places Transport Sitting Still Story by Casey Brook McPhee
The memoir Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert did more than chronicle the year in the life of its author; it took millions of readers along for the ride to Italy, India, and Indonesia.
I
n other words, we were all treated to a reliable form of low budget travel. Accessibility and portability in reading materials has relegated the term “armchair traveler” to the last century, but the concept of losing one’s self in the landscape painted by an author is still a great motivator for reading. The mechanics of writing require many hooks to engage readers in the first few paragraphs or pages. The backdrop for the action, or the setting, helps drive the plot, affects character development and can often be seen as a character itself.Think of any story set in New York City and your experience with the location will begin to fill in the blanks immediately. If the locale is one you’ve never been in, your imagination will take the words from the page and start constructing it for you. Stories transport readers to another place and time, providing a respite from the situations that try to beckon them back.The setting helps set the tone for the book and allows the author some
foreshadowing techniques that propel the story forward. Just as “the tipsy house” described in the first chapter of Arthur Golden’s Memoirs of a Geisha places us in a Japanese fishing village, author James Michener guides us to distant lands in Tales of the South Pacific and Caribbean and Alaska. Period pieces whisk us away to days gone by while science fiction catapults us to other worlds. As readers, we are drawn to stories that appeal to our senses. One of my favorite settings is the beach and I will at least flip through a book that prominently displays sand and water on its cover. In Cathleen Schine’s latest novel, The Three Weissmanns of Westport, 75-year-old Betty Weissmann is abandoned by her wealthy husband of 48 years for another woman. Betty must leave her fabulous Madison Avenue apartment for a ramshackle beach cottage in Westport that she will share with her mature daughters, both of whom are facing their own crises. The spare, ever changing beach environment sets the tone for a story about renewal and loss of excess. Ultimately, the characters travel from New York City to Westport, to Palm Springs and back with each stop in the story allowing them to grow and propel this Austen-inspired plot forward. This book held my attention and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I can admit that I missed the characters and the cozy beach cottage when I closed the
covers for the last time. Even so, the search for intellectual escapism and the plethora of books available have made me a little jaded about these short-term relationships. Some characters stay with me forever, others names may fade from my memory quickly. Places stick with me though and very often inspire me. After reading this seaside story, I will hanker for dinner at my favorite old restaurant on the beach, leaf through the pictures of my son making sand castles, and haphazardly prop up a few gathered seashells on the mantel. I look forward to facing the page once again and starting a new trip. Casey Brook McPhee is an avid reader who has worked in libraries for twenty years. She is torn between her love for the scent and tactile pleasure of books and the instant gratification the Amazon Kindle provides.
Julie Weint�aub’s Hands Across the Bay presents
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The Old Florida Experience You Are Looking For. Anna Maria Island’s top-rated beach resorts are located on one of the most easy-to-get-to islands in the Gulf of Mexico at a price that's right for you. SEASIDE INN BEACH RESORT is small, charming and right on the beach, with Gulf-front access and direct sea views from every room. TORTUGA INN BEACH RESORT offers a wide range of truly fabulous accommodations many with Gulf or Bay views, plus a private white sand beach just across the street, three heated pools, and a 14-slip boat dock (for a small surcharge). And quaint TRADEWINDS RESORT, which shares the sweeping TORTUGA beach, has its own private street of pastel cottages that ends at a fishing dock and a heated pool right on Sarasota Bay. We look forward to seeing you soon on wonderful Anna Maria Island!
Click each resort above to see which one is right for you.
Š 2009 Anna Maria Island Resorts, LLC. | Anna Maria Island Florida | info@AnnaMariaIslandResorts.net
SOCIAL BUTTERFLY
Get Up.
Get Into It.
Get Involved. Great Places to Get Dressed, Get Out and Make a Difference
By Marcia Biggs
July 16 ART AFTER DARK Third Fridays at the Tampa Museum of Art are reserved for Art After Dark, a celebration of art, music and entertainment. On July 16, the theme will be “Beyond the Ramp,” a salute to the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Come see work by local artists with disabilities and the nationally recognized “Disabilities Mural” from California, an evolving piece of contemporary art with a powerful message. Then create your own art to be added to the mural. Proceeds go to the MacDonald Training Center, Inc. It all happens from 8 to 11pm; general admission is $10, free for members. Visit www.tampamuseum.org/ home/art-after-dark for more information.
July 17
August 7
MARGARITA FEST
WAZOO
Beat the summer heat and sport tropical attire for the Krewe of Pandora’s 10th annual Margarita Fest, set for 7pm to midnight at the Wyndham Hotel in Tampa. Buffet dinner, dancing to live music, a silent and live auction, and a free-flowing margarita fountain are all part of the fun. Proceeds go to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay; tickets are $75 in advance, $100 at the door. Call 813.503.2054 or visit www. kreweofpandora.org for more information.
Considered one of the 10 best beer festivals in the country by USA Today, the 15th annual WaZoo will serve up more than 200 beers and beverages from around the world, plus food samplings from local restaurants and live music. Dress safari-chic for this steamy affair at Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa from 7:30 to 10:30pm.The Beastly Beverage Club (VIPlevel ticket. $75) returns to the Safari Lodge— the only air-conditioned space at WaZoo—with entry at 7pm.Tickets are $50 through July 26, $58 July 27-Aug. 6, $65 at the door. Call the zoo at 813.935.8552 or visit www.lowryparkzoo.com for more information.
July 23 CHRISTMAS IN JULY SILENT AUCTION It’s never too early to start your holiday gift shopping, which is a great reason to attend the Christmas in July Silent Auction and Taste of Tampa Bay from 6 to 9pm on July 23 at Baby Bungalow, 3106 W. Azeele Street,Tampa.This benefit for the Child Abuse Council features hors d’ouevres, wine and a silent auction filled with gift ideas for all your friends and family.Tickets are $15 advance, $20 at the door. Contact Jessica DuChene, 813.673.4646 Ext. 225, or visit www.childabusecouncil.com
August 3 GOURMET FEASTIVAL For more than three decades, the Centre for Women in downtown Tampa has offered classes, workshops and counseling for women and their families in Hillsborough County.The 19th annual Gourmet Feastival is their premiere gala fundraiser, a lively fun-filled event featuring wine and food tastings from Tampa Bay’s top restaurants and caterers. A top-notch silent auction offers upscale travel and leisure, home entertainment, event tickets and more. Head to the Hyatt Regency Tampa from 6 to 8:30pm (VIP entry at 5pm); tickets are $50 in advance, $60 at the door. Call 813.251.8437 or visit www.centreforwomen.org/events
September 11 TAMPA BAY’S DANCING WITH THE STARS Watch local celebrities, philanthropists, entrepreneurs and execs do the tango, salsa and two-step with professional dancers from Fred Astaire Dance Studios during a glamorous evening of ballroom dancing from 6 to 11pm at Pepin Hospitality Centre in Tampa. The black-tie optional evening will include dinner, a silent auction and plenty of fancy footwork with proceeds going to Moffitt Foundation, Pepin Heart Hospital, Morean Arts Center and Kid’s Charity of Tampa Bay. Tickets are $150 (hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dessert, bar and the show) or $75 (hors d’ouevres and bar only). For more information visit www.handsacrossthebay. com or contact Melissa@handsacrossthebay.com.
September 21 HEART FOR ART WINE DINNER Wine and dine in an elegant evening at downtown St. Petersburg’s trendy Parkshore Grill to benefit The Blossom Montessori School for the Deaf in Clearwater. Enjoy a five-course dinner by executive chef Tyson Grant. For more information, call 727.539.7879 or visit www.blossomschool.org
Event details and ticket prices subject to change. Contact organizations directly for the most up-todate information.
PRO
Coastal Life The fragile ecosystem along our shore demands our REspect—and protection Story by Marcia Biggs Dolphin photo by Marc Ellis courtesy of Mote Aquarium Ibis photo by Marcia Biggs Remaining photos coutesy of Mote Aquarium
Our Gulf Coast—it’s a world of unparalleled beauty and intrigue, a universe of underwater creatures from manatees and dolphins to delicate seahorses and endangered sea turtles. Plant life such as sea grass meadows and marine invertebrates like coral reefs act as a refuge for this marine life.The vast Gulf ecosystem continues along the shoreline, too, in wetland vegetation. Here, mangrove forests provide food, shelter and nursery areas for fish, crustaceans and shellfish, as well as nesting grounds for shorebirds.
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ndeed, our shoreline is a complex web of living organisms, where one form of life nurtures and sustains another. Now, however, it may be permanently changed by the intrusion of a devastating oil spill, wreaking havoc on the sensitive marshlands, marine life, the habitat of nesting birds and our beautiful beaches.This means it is more important than ever for those of us living along the coast to be stewards of this fragile environment—there is much at stake.
SEA TURTLE NESTING SEASON While all marine life is sensitive to pollution, it is the endangered species such as the manatee and sea turtles that need our attention the most. Take a stroll along the beach this time of year and you’re likely to see a small staked-off area with orange tape.The west coast of Florida is a common nesting ground for sea turtles including the green turtle, loggerhead, hawksbill, Kemp’s Ridley and the leatherback. Mote Marine Laboratory’s Center for Sea Turtle Research in Sarasota is one of the world’s leading marine research centers. Each summer between May and October, program staff and volunteers monitor 35 miles of nesting beaches daily in Sarasota County. “All sea turtle species are considered threatened or endangered and all deserve protection,” says Hayley Rutger, Mote’s public relations specialist. “Based on nesting data collected by Mote Marine Laboratory, green sea turtles have shown an increase in nesting over the past 20 years around the state, but loggerhead sea turtles seem to be showing nesting declines.” At Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a turtle watch program patrols 26 miles of Pinellas County coastline during nesting season. Both programs rely on volunteers to keep vigil by monitoring nesting sites and setting up cages to protect nests from predators.
DON’T TOUCH THE MANATEES! Colder winter months can guarantee manatee sightings at Teco’s Big Bend power plant in Apollo Beach where they are drawn to the warm-water discharge. But it’s not uncommon to encounter the friendly sea cows during summer months in the shallow, slow-moving rivers, bays, estuaries and coastal waters around Tampa Bay. Dr. Katie Tripp, director of Science and Conservation for the Save the Manatee Club based
in Maitland, advises divers, swimmers and boaters not to feed or touch the manatees should you have a close encounter. “First, any form of interaction is considered harassment and is illegal under federal and state laws,” says Tripp. “Second, even though they seem curious and friendly, you have to remember that manatees are wild creatures.You don’t want them to form an attachment to humans … so it’s best to just observe from a distance.”
SHOREBIRDS NEED PROTECTION For bird-lovers, the West Coast of Florida is like a slice of heaven. Many shorebird species live here year round, such as pelicans, anhingas, egrets, herons, roseate spoonbills and ibis. This coast is also a popular migratory route for many avian species traveling from Canada and North America to South America each winter. Along the shore of Tampa Bay are breeding colonies where thousands of birds of some 25 species come to rear their young. These large colonies are found on coastal islands, where nests are safe from predators and disturbance. At Honeymoon Island State Park and Caladesi Island in Dunedin, a cooperative program between Clearwater Audubon and the Florida Park Service recruits volunteers to protect nesting shorebirds during summer months. Nearly two dozen volunteers have been trained for the 2010 nesting season, says Dan Larremore, state park environmental specialist at Honeymoon Island. Their mission: to keep marauding boaters and their dogs away from active nesting sites. “This area is one of the three top nesting spots in the state,” says Larremore. “We get threatened and endangered species like snowy plovers, Least terns, the American oystercatcher and Wilson’s plover … that’s why we do the program.” At the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary in Indian Shores, staff and volunteers are dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured seabirds and shorebirds.They seem to be busiest during the summer months when fishing peaks. “The most common shorebird injuries we see are pelicans caught in fishing line and fishhooks,” says Public Relations Manager Michelle Simoneau.“But we’ll rescue just about any bird in distress.” The sanctuary works with environmental groups across the Gulf Coast, accepting injured and distressed birds at their nationally-renowned wild bird
WHAT YOU CAN DO Report sightings of injured shorebirds to Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary at 1.866.557.1401. To volunteer call 727.392.4291 or visit www.seabirdsanctuary.com. If you spot an injured marine mammal or sea turtle, call the Clearwater Marine Aquarium 24-hour hotline at 727.441.1790 or visit www. seewinter.com. In Sarasota county, contact Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium at 941.388.4441 or visit www.mote.org
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hospital. It is staffed by experienced professionals assisted by over a hundred dedicated volunteers. Similar to a human hospital, it is equipped with emergency facilities, a surgical center and indoor and outdoor rehabilitation areas. The uncertainty and dread surrounding the Gulf oil disaster must serve as a catalyst to reinvigorate our sense of urgency to protect and preserve our precious coastal environment and its inhabitants at all costs. Only with our dedication and willingness to help will it survive.
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The sunflower is our new symbol. Why? Because sunflowers are strong hearty flowers that grow in every neighborhood. Sunflowers always seek the light — The Spring provides support and emergency shelter to victims of domestic violence who seek strength. They come from every neighborhood. The Spring is the light they seek— help us continue to be there!
The Spring is Hillsborough County’s only certified Domestic Violence Prevention and Emergency Shelter Agency. www.TheSpring.org
In Hillsborough County, our hotline phone number, 24-7-SAFE (813-247-7233) tells our story. It’s why we’re here. It’s what we do. It’s who we are. Twenty four hours each day, seven days each week, we work to keep individuals and families safe. Advocates are standing by to take a call from someone needing help, or seeking safety in our emergency shelter 24/7. Remember our number by remembering our cause. Keeping victims of domestic violence SAFE, 24/7. The Spring relies on the community to help us keep families safe.Your tax-deductible gift will make sure there is someone there to take the call, offer help and open the door to a safe haven—24/7.
To donate, go to www.TheSpring.org.
Outside Hillsborough County call 1-800-500-1119
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