Green Bench Monthly - Vol. 7, Issue 1, January 2022

VOL. 7, ISSUE 1, JANUARY 2022

Green Bench Monthly

St. Pete’s Community Magazine

People of St. Pete

Malynda Washington pg. 9

Coming Soon to a

Museum Near You pg. 18

St. Pete

Events pg. 22

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Publishers Ashley & Tony Sica

Editor Mary Jane Park

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Contributors Tina Stewart Brakebill Suzanne Driscoll Gabrielle Reeder Brian Zucker

Photographers Brian Brakebill Kristina Holman

IN THIS ISSUE

Cover Photo DTSP by City of St. Petersburg

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From the Bench

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La Florida and Lost Voices from America’s Oldest Parish Archive

Contact PO BOX 76095 St. Petersburg, FL 33734 (727) 280-5406 hello@greenbenchmonthly.com

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People of St. Pete: Malynda Washington

10 Vet with Hart: Veterinary House Call Practice for Pets and Their Families

17 Ricardo Hernandez, Realtor® 18 Coming Soon to a Museum Near you

13 Caregiver PAWS Connection, Inc.

14 Start Your Own Restaurant Business: Expert Advice for a Path to Success

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21 Downtown Developments 22 Events: South St. Pete Market, Sunset Yoga, St. Pete Comic Con, & More!

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Mayor Ken Welch with the first dog of St. Pete adopted from Friends of Stray Animal Shelter. Her name is Sunshine or "Sunni", chosen via poll by Welch's supporters. Mayor Welch plans to bring Sunni to work at City Hall. Photo courtesy of Friends of Strays Animal Shelter

From the Bench

And, for information about advertising, to submit event info, a story idea, or just to say Hi, - email hello@greenbenchmonthly.com

A note from the Publishers Happy New Year, St. Pete!

A team of St. Petersburg-based historians brings to light a treasure trove of Lost Voices from America’s Oldest Parish Archive.

That story; a spotlight on Malynda Washington, community engagement manager for the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art; a clear path to Start Your Own Restaurant Business; a Vet With Hart; connecting seniors and caregivers with pets; coming soon to a museum near you; sunset yoga at the pier; and more, in this issue of St. Pete's Community Magazine.

We are offering a "buy one get one subscription" promotion all month long. Visit our website, greenbenchmonthly.com, for details.

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Tony and Ashley Sica Publishers / Owners

Till next time, Ashley & Tony

*All are welcome on this bench.

The history of the green benches is layered. For some, it is a reminder of a painful period of racism and segregation. To others, it is a symbol of welcomeness and hospitality. We carry this name to shine a light on our city’s history and in celebration of those who work tirelessly towards a more inclusive St. Pete. To read more about our story and the history of the green benches visit greenbenchmonthly.com/about.

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Puente Map of St. Augustine. Courtesy of La Florida: The Interactive Digital Archive of the Americas

La Florida and Lost Voices from America’s Oldest Parish Archive, 1594-1821.

By Tina Stewart Brakebill Dotted with historical markers identifying significant places, people, and events from its past, St. Augustine has long served as a tourist attraction because of its status as the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in what is now the contiguous United States. History, however, is not just a marker on a building or street; it is the story we tell about the past. And unlike the simplistic permanence that a metal marker implies, research conducted by a team of St. Petersburgbased historians reveals that the history of St. Augustine and its people is more diverse and nuanced than previously thought. Because most of the fragile documents helping to inform this research are written in Spanish or Latin, they’ve been mostly inaccessible except to the most devoted of academic researchers. La Florida: The Interactive Digital Archive of the Americas aims to change that by opening up this treasure trove to a global audience with its new initiative: Lost Voices from America’s Oldest Parish Archive.

The Digital Archive of the Americas: Early Days The beginnings of this innovative digital archive can be traced back to a humble spreadsheet created by Dr. J. Michael Francis. As a professor of history and chair of the Hough Family Florida Studies program at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, Francis spent years cataloging the names he came across in the course of his archival research. In 2018, with the help of some technological experts from Spain, the data in this

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spreadsheet became La Florida, an open-access searchable database with biographical data for more than 4,000 individuals. It was a promising start, but the newly formed team didn’t stop there. The St. Augustine’s Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church allowed the La Florida team to digitize the handwritten parish records held by the archives and add them to the website. Composed of nearly 9,000 fragile documents dating from 1594 to the late nineteenth century, these vital records provide rare insight into the daily lives and relationships of the diverse population of Europeans, Africans, and Native Americans who resided in St. Augustine. These digitized pages were an important addition, but Francis and his team had an even bigger idea. They wanted to recreate the La Florida Digital Archives website so that the records could become part of an innovative and interactive experience that all kinds of people could use, from school kids and teachers to genealogists and scholars. To bring this big idea into reality, they needed help. Luckily, the National Archives provided that boost in the form of a $250,000 two-year grant.

Lost Voices Found This grant allowed the team to begin translating and transcribing the original handwritten documents. Damaged paper, challenging handwriting, faded ink and the sheer number of pages kept four people busy for two years. Concurrently, the team also began recording the extensive information contained in the 8,000-plus pages of baptisms,

USFSP La Florida Research Team From left to right: Amy Anderson, Rachel L. Sanderson, Dr. J. Michael Francis. Photo by Brian Brakebill

confirmations, marriages, deaths, and burials into another spreadsheet.

For each of the 5,500 pages of baptismal records, every bit of information included in the record was entered in its own category field: names, dates, countries of origin, current location, titles or honorifics, race, ethnicity, and gender. It’s no wonder, it took seven people two years to complete. Once all this work was finished, La Florida had expanded its log of individual names from 4,000 to nearly 75,000. After that, the technological wizards stepped in and created the new website.

Sharing those Lost Voices: The Future of La Florida Digital Archives The revamped La Florida website launches on February 1, 2022. It offers a fresh perspective on St. Augustine’s diverse beginnings, and it provides an innovative and interactive website that all kinds of people can use. Perhaps more importantly, it’s a website that all kinds of people will want to use. It offers multiple features and levels of engagement that will appeal to a wide variety of users, including academic researchers, genealogists, schoolteachers, local history enthusiasts, map lovers, and font fans. Data can be searched, filtered, cross-referenced, and visualized in multiple ways. Original documents can be viewed, searched, and transcribed in multiple languages. Maps can be overlaid and crossreferenced with other data to show details about individual properties and changes over time. Visitors will be able to send messages using their favorite historic fonts.

La Florida needs to be experienced to be appreciated. After February 1, 2022 please visit those Lost Voices at www.laflorida.org and experience the history of Florida in a whole new way.

The Team The project was a team effort. Most of the core research team members are in St. Petersburg, including Dr. J. Michael Francis, Rachel L. Sanderson and Amy Anderson. But the USFSP contingent could never have accomplished their goals without the Spanish members of the team, including chief paleographer (Latin/Spanish) Esther González and the technology expertise of Francisco Guitard and Manuel Cruces.

They are also indebted to the work of a number of current and former graduate students from USFSP.

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People of St. Pete: Malynda Washington

By Tina Stewart Brakebill St. Pete is celebrated for its fabulous weather, beautiful vistas, worldclass food scene, and thriving cultural atmosphere but the people of St. Pete truly make this city something special. In appreciation, each month Green Bench Monthly shines a light on one of the many people who make St. Pete unique.

As community engagement manager for the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art and a public relations expert, Malynda Washington is an authority on putting others at center stage, but this month we’re putting the spotlight on her.

The Stage is Set Born in New York City, Washington dreamed of a career on the Broadway stage and the silver screen. She attended Frank Sinatra School of the Arts High School, obtained an agent, booked commercials, and did some modeling before heading to Hampton University as a theater arts major. Although she still loved the stage, her experience at this prestigious historically Black university expanded her perspective and led her to rethink her future. She soon realized that public relations was a perfect match for her skill set and personality. She excelled in this program, and soon after graduating she was hired by Time, Inc., to do public relations for publications like Time and Essence before becoming the diversity relations senior coordinator for the print division of Fox News Corp. Then “The Garden” called.

From the City to the Burg As a native New Yorker, getting a call from Madison Square Garden was a dream. For nearly five years, Washington was a communications manager for the Garden, primarily working with the WNBA’s New York Liberty. Her time at “one of the greatest arenas in the world” was, in one word, “amazing.” Like a basketball, however, life sometimes takes an unexpected bounce. When family commitments called her to a new court, Washington took the shot. Obtaining a position as an internal communications manager with Raymond James Financial, she arrived in sunny St. Pete in 2018, just as the Burg’s renaissance was shifting into full throttle. She quickly fell in love with her new home, especially the myriad opportunities to experience the diverse arts and culture scene.

In early 2019, she left the financial industry to join the James Museum.

Cultivating a Fulfilling Life in the Burg As Washington realized she wanted to make this community her new home, she consciously cultivated a fulfilling life. Taking the position at the James brought her back to the arts and external public relations. She’s also been able to launch her own boutique PR firm, Lynda Elle Public Relations. Taking only clients and projects she feels “authentically passionate about” allows her to focus on promoting health and beauty products, especially those owned by and focus -on minority communities. In addition, she is the current Connect chair for the Greater St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce’s young professionals and a member of the steering committee for Equality Florida. She always finds time to watch her beloved Liberty, and she continues to immerse herself in the many thriving cultural and social opportunities St. Petersburg has to offer.

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Left, Dr. Hart’s mother/assistant, Cindy. Right, Dr. Hart. Photos by Kristina Holman

Vet with Hart: Veterinary House Call Practice for Pets and Their Families

By Suzanne Driscoll Pets seem to have an uncanny ability to know when it comes time to get in the car and go to the vet’s. Even the largest and toughest of breeds can experience a lot of anxiety, so a perfect alternative is to have a veterinarian come to your home.

“In addition to your pet being able to stay in familiar surroundings, observing the home environment and lifestyle plays a large role in making a medical diagnosis,” Dr. Hillary Hart says. “I can see if there are any triggers for allergies, for example, or any other reasons a pet might not be feeling well. Home visits are also ideal for people who are not able to drive to a clinic, senior citizens, clients with multiple pets, large senior dogs who can no longer get into a vehicle, or just for convenience.“

A Variety of In-Home Services Starting out with a degree in computer science from New York University in 1980, Dr. Hart decided to pursue her lifelong dream to become a veterinarian after her children were in high school. She graduated from St. Matthew’s University in the Cayman Islands and started her mobile practice in 2012. While the business was growing, she worked for several non-profit veterinary clinics, including the Humane

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Society of Tampa Bay, Animal Coalition of Tampa, and the SPCA, and she worked as a relief veterinarian for other veterinary practices.

Specializing in preventive care, treating illnesses, microchipping, vaccines, and diagnostic labs (dogs only), she provides end-of-life care, effective pain management, and in-home euthanasia. Dr. Hart is happy to make a clay paw print as a remembrance of a treasured pet.

“To help relieve the anxiety of the patient when meeting them for the first time, I attempt to enter the client’s home as a ‘friend,’ which allows the patient to adjust to my presence,” Dr. Hart says. “I will chat with the client while doing paperwork. During this time the patient has the opportunity to smell me. Another plus of a home visit is I set my schedule. I don’t rush in and rush out of a client’s home.”

Dr. Hart covers most of Pinellas County, and if the occasion arises that a patient requires imaging, cat lab work or surgery, for example, she refers them to a full-service hospital or emergency room in their area. She mainly treats dogs and cats, as well as the occasional pig or rabbit.

“Dr. Hart is wonderful with our dogs, and is reasonably priced and incredibly easy to work with,” says Candace Stanlake of St. Petersburg.

“She always tries to arrive on time and truly loves all animals.”

Dr. Hart takes her time with patients to make sure they are comfortable before, during, and after the exam.

Helping Those in Need Dr. Hart also works with Canine Care Tampa Bay (caninecaretampabay.org), which provides basic wellness care for the dogs and cats of low-income families. She works with Safe Paws Rescue (www.safepawsrescue.com) that shelters discarded and abused animals in need and finds foster families until they can be adopted. They are in great need of foster homes for dogs and will pay all expenses. In addition, Dr. Hart is a member of the Animal Advisory Group for Pinellas County Animal Services that works to change laws protecting animals in the county. Anyone can get involved by contacting Doug Brightwell at dbrightwell@co.pinellas.fl.us.

“Veterinary medicine is one of the greatest joys of my life,” says Dr. Hart. “There is nothing more satisfying than serving others. I love my work and can’t imagine doing anything else.”

For more information, call Vet with Hart at (727) 698-4425, visit VetWithHart.com or send email to hhartdvm@gmail.com.

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Left: Laurel gets a snuggle from Westminster Suncoast’s Heidi Tidd. Laurel, is the poster cat for the Furry Godparent Program.

Laurel was successfully rehomed within four days and her journey was the inspiration to start this program for seniors.

Right: Stephanie Edwards, founder of PAWS Connection, Inc. Photo by Kristina Holman

Caregiver PAWS Connection, Inc.

By Tina Stewart Brakebill

don’t want their furry family to miss a veterinarian visit or a trip to the groomer. To help address a wide variety of these many temporary needs, Caregiver PAWS Connection is putting together a directory of resources for Pinellas County residents. With the help of a generous grant from AARP Tampa Bay, the goal is to have this directory online at www. caregiverpaws.org by early 2022.

Furry Godparent Program

As the founder of Edwards Elder Law, Stephanie M. Edwards has spent years providing seniors and their families with the legal services needed to address immediate care concerns, proactively plan for the future, and cope during times of crisis. During that time, she has listened as innumerable clients expressed concern about what would happen to their cat or dog if they lost the ability to care for their beloved furry family. Too often, this concern led seniors to give up their pets before it was necessary or to avoid adopting altogether.

Understanding the “nurturing power of pets, especially for those of us who live alone,” Edwards launched Caregivers PAWS Connection, Inc in 2020.

Caregiver PAWS Connection, Inc. The mission of this Pinellas County based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is “to educate the public on the healing and nurturing power of animals for family-member caregivers and their senior loved one and to provide resources that allow caregivers and their senior loved ones to care for their current pet or to adopt new ones.”

Seniors often face more challenges than younger pet owners. Agerelated conditions as well as illnesses or accidents can lead to physical or cognitive impairment. In addition, seniors can lack the financial resources or the social network necessary to take care of their pets.

Caregiver PAWS Connection offers possible solutions for residents of Pinellas County.

The real heart of Caregiver PAWS Connection, Inc. is the Furry Godparent Program (FGP). Inspired by a sweet kitty named Laurel, FGP’s goal is to help find homes for the cats and dogs who potentially find themselves homeless because their senior owner is no longer able to care for them. Laurel was lucky. With the help of a few “godmothers,” she found a new home, but not every senior has such a network. FGP aims to fill that gap. When seniors are no longer able to care for their pets, FGP and its partner, the Friends of Strays no-kill animal shelter, find loving situations for the beloved pets. Currently FGP is a pilot program offered through a partnering group of Pinellas County senior retirement communities and churches. There’s no cost to the partnering retirement communities or churches. They simply need to provide a willing volunteer FGP coordinator. FGP’s goal is to add more senior communities and congregations as partners in 2022. For information, email info@caregiverpaws.org or call (727) 371-1741.

Resource Directory Sometimes a senior may just need some short-term support or a little extra help. Perhaps they are recovering from an illness or accident, and it’s difficult to walk their puppy, empty the litter box, or open up a can of pet food. Maybe driving is a hardship, and they

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Jeannette Goldman, owner of Start Your Own Restaurant Business, has over 35 years of experience and is happy to share what she has learned – sometimes the hard way.

Photos courtesy of Start Your Own Restaurant Business

Start Your Own Restaurant Business: Expert Advice for a Path to Success

By Suzanne Driscoll With 65 percent of entrepreneurs using personal savings to finance a new venture, Start Your Own Restaurant Business owner Jeannette Goldman wants to help those in the food service industry achieve success. As a former owner of restaurants and catering businesses, Goldman has over 35 years of experience and is happy to share what she has learned – sometimes the hard way.

“Oftentimes, a lot of entrepreneurs start their restaurants blindly and try to learn as they go along,” Goldman says. “I believe that is one of the main reasons there is such a high fatality rate in the restaurant industry. If I can help people in the planning stages of the business, they have a much better chance to succeed.”

Great Mentors Provide the Foundation Starting out as a dental technologist in New York, Goldman quickly realized that wasn’t the career for her. She was fortunate to be hired by the Lynbrook Delicatessen and was thoroughly trained by the owners’ 80-year-old German mother, who taught Goldman how to make the recipes they had been using in the business for 40 years. Goldman honed her skills working in a variety of other restaurants before fulfilling her longtime dream to open her own deli and catering business. She eventually made the move to St. Petersburg, where businesses were booming and large headquarters hosted many training classes for their employees coming in from all over the country. Goldman opened Corporate Catering in Clearwater and later the Alternative Gourmet in St. Pete, and served such clients as Honeywell, the Gold & Diamond Source and Raymond James Financial.

About seven years ago, her “right-hand person” mentioned she wanted to open her own cafe and asked Goldman to mentor her.

Goldman was happy to help with permits, menu creation, equipment purchases, and décor, and realized there were many other people who could probably use her advice to “start strong.” Today entrepreneurs as far away as Houston work with her to start their own restaurants.

A Smorgasbord of Assistance “Everyone thinks that location is the most important criteria in opening a new restaurant,” says Goldman, “but it is really the cuisine

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that counts. Even if you are in a high traffic area, you need to figure out what type of food is missing and what is already there.”

Start Your Own Restaurant Business offers a seven-step startup success plan that includes: Choosing the right cuisine. Find your ideal customer. Choosing the right concept. Creating an entertaining theme.

Developing a tempting menu. Your startup checklist. Your business plan blueprint.

You can choose to purchase the entire package or select individual topics that are priced separately. Goldman also offers a free assessment to measure your strengths and skills, followed by a 45-minute consultation.

Whether you have worked in the business, want to invest in someone else’s restaurant, or are a great home cook with no restaurant experience, Goldman is ready to help you take the next steps.

“I know the mistakes most startup entrepreneurs can make, and I can help avoid failure in this challenging industry,” Goldman says.

“The startup phase is the most important; it’s the birth of your dream come true!”

For information, go to StartYourRestaurantBusiness.com or contact Jeannette Goldman at (727) 204-8776.

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Miami to D.C. to St. Pete This attitude and his skills contributed to a multi-decade career that had spanned from Miami to Washington, D.C., where Ricardo spent much of the former decade living with his partner. In 2018, their search for a vacation house with easy access to a beach, room for their three cats, and some quiet outdoor space with a pool brought them to St. Pete. Falling in love with the special vibe of the community, he decided in 2019 to move his real estate business here full time. These days, he brings his passion for real estate and depth and breadth of knowledge to the local market.

Why Ricardo Hernandez?

Photo by Brian Brakebill

Ricardo Hernandez, Realtor®

By Tina Stewart Brakebill In 1988, Ricardo Hernandez left his home in Lima, Peru, to seek better opportunities in the United States. Settling in College Park, Md., and then in Washington, D.C., Ricardo worked in construction until he was able to finance a move to Miami Beach. This 1998 relocation brought him back to the beach, which he had missed, but it also led him to real estate, the career he’s been devoted to for more than two decades.

Why Real Estate?

Working with Luxury & Beach Realty, Inc. allows Ricardo to offer a full-service experience for residential buyers and sellers, whether they are looking for a full-time home, a vacation/short-term rental house, or an investment property. Focusing on coastal properties from Clearwater to Anna Maria Island as well as downtown properties, Ricardo is wellversed in the widely varied compliance issues potential buyers may face, especially those who hope to offer short-term rentals. His background in construction and design can help identify a property’s potential promise as well as its potential problems. Both promise and problems can affect a property’s value and price, and his knowledge and experience help make him a savvy negotiator. Plus, as a native of Peru, he can speak fluent Spanish and English, which also makes him a perfect Realtor® for Latino clients.

Interested in More Information?

For more information, find Ricardo on Facebook at Ricardo Hernandez, Realtor. Prospective buyers, sellers, and investors can contact him directly at (202) 420-8720 or RHern727@gmail.com.

Looking back, Ricardo seemed to have been priming himself. He has always been interested in interior design and architecture, but the time he spent working in construction added practical knowledge and appreciation for the “bones” beneath those designs. Upon arriving in Miami, he worked in hospitality for a hotel-condominium property, honing his people skills and learning about properties. Purchasing his own condo offered the opportunity to see the process from start to finish. This experience convinced him that he had the skills and the passion to make a great Realtor, so he took the leap. He quit his job and went to school. After he graduated from Gold Coast School of Real Estate in Miami, he obtained his Realtor® license. Ask why he loves being in real estate, and his face lights up. “I know it sounds clichéd, but I love that moment when someone walks into a house and says, ‘This is my home.’ It’s rewarding to help them find that home and to see their smiles.”

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The Dalí Museum, Student Surrealist Art Exhibit Jan. 8 - Mar. 6

Coming Soon to a Museum Near you

By Gabrielle Reeder

The Dalí Museum, Student Surrealist Art Exhibit Beginning Jan. 8 and extending through Mar. 6, The Student Surrealist Art Exhibit showcases “The Metamorphic Moment” related art projects from talented middle school and high school artists all across Florida.

The exhibit focuses on Pinellas County until March 6, then it opens slots for Hillsborough County students and in May, all students in Florida are encouraged to join. The Metamorphic Moment asks participants to focus on a point of transformation or growth (a metamorphosis) and create a 2D representation for display. The Dalí Museum is located at 1 Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg and admission is free with a reservation to The Community Room. thedali.org

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The Dali Museum, Picasso and the Allure of the South Jan. 29 - May 22

Picasso and the Allure of the South

From Jan. 29 to May 22, 2022, witness rare works from Picasso’s earlier days, when he utilized his time in Northern Spain and France to inspire his art. 77 pieces will be displayed and the exhibit asks the viewer to notice the various cultural questions his pieces beg. Entrance to the exhibit is included with admission to the museum $29 per adult, $27 for seniors, military and police/firefighters, $20 for students, $12 for kids and free for children five and under. thedali.org

The James Museum, Away From Home: American Indian Boarding School Stories The 20th century held many issues including that of trying to erase Native American cultures by assimilation. The James Museum’s exhibit is on display from Jan. 28 through Mar. 16 and highlights the stories of students who experienced the tribulations first-hand. The profiles illustrate kids who were forced to leave their homes, families, religions and learn brand new systems. The James Museum is located at 150 Central Ave. Entrance to the exhibit is included with general admission $20 per adult, $15 for seniors, students, and military, $10 for kids under 18, and free for children under 6. thejamesmuseum.org

The Museum of Fine Arts, Our Walls Jan. 24 - 30

Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, Black Lives Matter Mural Although the Museum is still closed, a giant Black Lives Matter Mural decorates the entrance, as well as the entrance to Jordan Park, a historic Black community. Head over to 2240 9th Ave S, St. Petersburg to see the emblem hankering for freedom and equality. Bring your family, kids and friends as the banner is open to everyone. woodsonmuseum.org Imagine Museum, Martin Blank opening in Jan.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Our Walls: Real and Imagined

Imagine Museum, Martin Blank

Based on Hughie Lee-Smith’s “The Walls”, a piece invoking feelings of isolation and impending destruction, between Jan. 24 and Jan. 30, The MFA’s lawn will have an intriguing exhibit. Adults and children are welcome to participate, as the exhibit implores visitors to reply to the themes walls create today. As the exhibit is in front of the museum, admission is free. The Museum of Fine Arts is located at 255 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg. mfastpete.org

Starting in January, 2022, Martin Blank’s work will dazzle the Imagine Museum. The glass blown pieces and installations focus on the human form, painting scenes of dance and movement, while he also captures the delicate transformation of flowers. The museum is located at 1901 Central Avenue St. Petersburg and admission is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, and military, $10 for students and kids and free for children under 6. imaginemuseum.com

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Good Intentions is coming soon to 1900 1st Ave S

Castille Urbana is coming soon to 600 3rd Ave S

Zoie’s is coming soon to 2245 Central Ave

Downtown Developments

By Brian Zucker, Owner of St. Pete Rising It seems like each time we take a stroll through downtown there are new restaurants and galleries opening and more apartment complexes and condo towers being built. We realize it’s difficult to keep track of everything. Luckily, we’ve done the research, so you don’t have to. Each month we will feature a few of the most exciting new downtown developments that are on the horizon for the Sunshine City.

Good Intentions is coming soon to 1900 1st Avenue South in the Grand Central District. The new vegan restaurant is being brought to life by the owners of Golden Dinosaurs, Black Radish Grocer, and Nah Dogs.

Although the menu is still in development, diners can expect to enjoy a thoughtfully curated selection of elevated vegan items. The interior will have a vintage feel with a U-shaped bar serving a classic cocktails, beer, and wine.

Good Intentions is expected to open in spring 2022 Castille Urbana, a 40-unit condo building, is coming soon to 600 3rd Avenue South in downtown St. Pete. The 5-floor development will feature two- and three-bedroom floorplan options, ranging from 1,158 to 1,650 square feet. Amenities include a community room, fitness center, dog park, and electric car charging stations. Castille Urbana is expected to break ground in the summer of 2022.

The Works, a plant-based cafe by Squeeze Juice Works, is coming soon to 495 7th Avenue North in Historic Uptown (previously Pete’s General).

The new eatery will offer made-to-order sandwiches, salads, and bowls with an international influence. Occasionally, the menu will also feature vegan versions of popular meat-based foods, like a McRib or Philly cheesesteak.

And of course, The Works will carry Squeeze’s entire lineup of cold-pressed juices, cleanses, adaptogenic smoothies, coffee alchemy, and medicinal shots. The Works will debut later this month.

A new $50 million courthouse is coming soon to 525 Mirror Lake Drive in downtown St. Pete. Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal,

which is currently based in Lakeland, covers fourteen counties, representing a population of over 5.5 million people. The site is currently home to the Sebring Building, which will be demolished to make way for the new courthouse.

Now that a location has been selected for the courthouse, work will begin on designing the new facilities. There is currently no timeline for completion.

Dirty Laundry is now open at 1742 Central Avenue in the Grand Central District. During the day, Dirty Laundry is a cafe disguised as a laundromat serving sandwiches, coffee, and soda. At night, punch the secret code into the payphone’s keypad and one of the washing machines will pop open. Step inside to be transported to a swanky cocktail bar in the heart of Havana, Cuba. While lost in Havana, sip one of Dirty Laundry’s eight Cuban-themed cocktails. Beer and wine are also available in additional to a menu of bar bites features items like Citrus Ceviche and Roast Mojo Pork Tostones.

Zoie’s, a community-focused restaurant, is coming soon to 2245 Central Avenue in the Grand Central District. Zoie’s hopes to use community and events to spread a message of inclusivity. Everything from the food, drinks, service, and décor will make customers feel like they’re enjoying a warm and cozy meal at home with their family and loved ones. Buildout on Zoie’s will begin in early 2022 with a grand opening planned for the spring, just in time for Easter and St. Pete Pride.

St. Pete Rising is an urban development blog covering future retail, restaurants, and real estate in Downtown St. Petersburg, FL. Stay up-todate, visit StPeteRising.com.

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EVENTS For more events, or to submit an event, visit greenbenchmonthly.com/events

South St. Petersburg ‘The Goddess Series of Inspiring Marketplace Women’ When: Every Saturday from 10am - 2pm Where: Punky’s Bar & Grill, 3063 Central Ave Cost: Free Admission Produce, live jazz, snacks and great shopping! southstpetemktplc@ gmail.com

Sunset Yoga at the Pier When: Every first Wednesday from 6 pm - 7:30 pm Where: The Pier, 800 2nd Ave NE Cost: Donations accepted, proceeds benefit a different local group each month. This class is offered by The Body Electric Yoga Co. thebodyelectricyoga.com

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When: Opening reception Friday Jan. 7th from 5pm - 9pm, Closing reception Saturday Feb. 5th from 5pm - 9pm Where: Woodfield Fine Art Gallery, 2253 Central Ave Cost: Free Admission Life-like portraits define artist Eileen Marquez’s “Goddess Series of Inspiring Women – Both Real And Imaginary,” providing girls and women with strong positive role models.

WoodfieldFineArt.com

St. Pete Comic Con When: Saturday Jan. 8th and Sunday Jan. 9th Where: The Coliseum,

GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM / JANUARY 2022

535 4th Ave N Cost: $20 & up, Kids 9 & under Free A two-day convention that features comics, anime, sci-fi & fantasy – and all things geek.

Stpete.floridacomiccons.com

Shuffleboard Club Tweed Ride

When: Saturday, Jan. 22nd from 2pm - 8pm Where: Shuffleboard Club, 559 Mirror Lake Dr N Cost: TBA 400 tickets will be sold. Tweed Ride Kickoff at 4PM. Participants will return to the SPSC to enjoy a concert by Junco Royals, swing dancing, and a gourmet boxed meal. Stpeteshuffle.com

St. Pete Opera: Semele

When: Friday, Feb. 4th at 8 pm, Sunday, Feb. 6th at 2 pm at Tuesday, Feb. 8th at 7:30 pm Where: The Palladium, 253 5th Ave N Cost: $15 & up

Semele, the latest mortal dalliance of Jupiter, becomes convinced that she won’t be happy until she is made immortal. stpeteopera.org

St. Petersburg City Theatre: Sin, Sex, and the C.I.A. When: February 11th - 20th, Friday & Saturday at 7:30pm, Sunday at 2pm Where: 4025 31st St S Cost: General Admission $23, Students $15 An American farce by Michael Parker and Susan Parker. spcitytheatre.org

Localtopia

When: Saturday, Feb. 12th from 10am - 5pm Where: Williams Park, 350 2nd Ave N Cost: Free Admission St. Pete’s largest “Community Celebration of All Things Local” Localtopia. showcasing *OVER 300* independent businesses and community organizations. keepsaintpetersburglocal.org

JANUARY 2022 /

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Green Bench Monthly P.O. Box 76095 St. Petersburg, FL 33734

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