Green Bench Monthly - Vol 4, Issue 3, March 2019

VOL. 4, ISSUE 3, MARCH 2019

St. Pete’s Direct-Mail Community Magazine

St. Pete Women: A Powerful Force starting on pg. 5

For the love of the ‘Burg

RadioStPete pg. 12

You Need to Visit

South St. Pete Parks pg. 16

DTSP On A Dime:

Wine Lover’s Guide pg. 24

Tony Sica

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Publishers

Ashley & Tony Sica

Advertising Sales Eileen Brock

Editors (this issue)

Rui Farias, Marilyn Malara, Mary Jane Park, Cathy Weisberg

Contributors (this issue) Tina Stewart Brakebill, Tara Britton, Vandi Carmella, Erin Cody, Rui Farias, Rachel Freeman, Denielle Kennett, Karin Wahlrab, Brian Zucker

Rowdies stadium “Phuddle Shot” by David Calvin of David Calvin Furniture Studio (see ad on pg.13)

Photographers Brian Brakebill, Emily Canfield, Kristina Holman, Kelly Nash

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

Proud member of:

FROM THE BENCH For Women’s History month, we are taking you on a special journey through time to honor a few of the women who have helped shape St. Pete into the city we all know and love today (starting on pg. 5). So turn on the radio (pg. 12), grab a bottle of wine (pg. 24), soak up some sun (pg. 16), and dig in (pg. 10).

Till next time,

In This Issue:

hello@greenbenchmonthly.com 14 Tony’s Bike Shop: Living the Dream!

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From the Museum’s Archives: Mary Wheeler Eaton

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St. Pete Women: A Powerful Force

16 Raising Locals: South St. Pete Parks to Visit This Spring

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People of St. Pete

18 The Benoot Difference

10 One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Nutrient-Rich Soil 12 RadioStPete: For the love of the ‘Burg

21 Tampa Bay Furnishings: Your LOCAL Alternative for YOUR Personal Style 22 Beauty by Blue

24 DTSP on a Dime: A Guide for Wine Lovers on a Budget 25 All the Reasons You Need to Donate Blood 26 Movers and Makers: Basking in the Afterglow 28 Ollie Up 29 Downtown Developments 30 Events

Green Bench Monthly Is Direct-mailed to 15,500 homes and businesses in zip codes 33701, 33704 & 33713. Neighborhoods included in our mailing: Allendale, Crescent Heights, Crescent Lake, Downtown, Euclid-St. Paul, Five Points, Greater Woodlawn, Historic Kenwood, Historic Old Northeast, Magnolia Heights, North East Park, Snell Isle, & Woodlawn

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From the Museum’s Archives: Mary Wheeler Eaton

With St. Petersburg Museum of History Executive Director, Rui Farias As owner of one of the city’s largest citrus groves, Mary Wheeler Eaton was well established in St. Pete’s business community, but her passion for the Sunshine City has helped celebrate our city’s history for generations. In 1920, Eaton and a number of pioneer families created the St. Petersburg Memorial Historical Society to preserve the young city’s history. Eventually Eaton convinced the Mayor and City Council

to give the historical society a vacant building on the Pier Approach and the St. Petersburg Museum of History was born. Eaton is pictured here with prized tarpon, circa 1918.

This historical image of St. Petersburg, and many more, are available in the Museum’s archives. For more information, visit HistoryStPete.org.

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This page: Women’s Town Improvement Association (WTIA) event c. 1910.

Photos courtesy of the St. Petersburg Museum of History.

St. Pete Women: A Powerful Force

By Tina Stewart Brakebill In honor of Women’s History Month, we are taking a look back at the women’s volunteer organizations, or “clubs,” as they were often called, of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Lemonade Stands, Sidewalks, and Parks Before St. Petersburg was incorporated as a city in 1903, local women organized influential infrastructure improvement campaigns.

For example, they banded together in 1891 to push for the town’s first sidewalk, even raising money for the project by selling lemonade and ice cream. In 1893, these same women undertook the work to transform The Park (present-day Williams Park). They lobbied, raised money, and physically helped lay down walks, clear undergrowth, and build a fence. Over the next several decades, this female-centered energy produced a network of women’s clubs including a local branch of the nationally influential Women’s Christian Temperance Union.

These organizations pursued a variety of reforms, but arguably the

most powerful of these groups was the home-grown Women’s Town Improvement Association (WTIA). In 1913, it moved into its own building across from Williams Park on First Avenue N (now the Church of Scientology’s St. Petersburg Life Improvement Center).

The Lobby and the Legislature WTIA members, many of whom had been part of the earlier park improvement efforts, wielded tremendous influence in St. Petersburg. As members of the city’s elite white families, the women had the connections and time to work for popular goals like the city’s beautification. They also tackled less popular issues like conservation, temperance, health care, prison reform, education, and voting rights for women. These progressive-minded women led the charge to protect birds and other wildlife, pushed for “blue laws,” and established a “poor-sick” fund to provide the indigent with medicine.

The WTIA lobby led to the appointment of St. Petersburg’s first parole officer as well as passage of the state’s first mandatory schoolattendance legislation. Not surprisingly, the first woman to run for the Florida Legislature, Katherine Bell Tippetts, came from the ranks of these reforming women. (Read more about Tippetts in this month’s People of St. Pete.)

Working Women & the YWCA The early 20th century also marked the rapid rise of wage-earning women. Many upper- and middle-class female “club” reformers feared for the health and safety of the women thrust into the working world. As a response, they initiated a variety of campaigns to provide support. One such effort is the YWCA. First organized in the 19th century, the YWCA movement expanded rapidly in the early 20th century. Its facilities offered health classes and employment advice as well as providing women safe places to take breaks (pioneering the idea of a “rest room”), eat an inexpensive meal, or spend the

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Willie Lee McAdams c. 1930.

night. Local women financially supported the national efforts of the YWCA until 1919, when St. Petersburg’s size and working population supported the need for its own branch. Soon after, the YWCA moved into its own downtown facility on Second Avenue S (present-day home of Rococo Steak), where volunteers began to hold “Circle Groups” to help women secure safe employment.

Working Mothers and Day Nurseries As the number of working women increased, so did the number of working mothers, prompting reformers also to champion the idea of “day nurseries” (early versions of day-care centers). Regional segregation and national discrimination practices often that meant people of color were ignored or denied access to reform organizations and programs. In St. Petersburg, local black women addressed the needs of the African American community through separate organizations like the City Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs and various religious institutions. For example, Willie Lee McAdams (wife of the Rev. Oscar McAdams, minister, math teacher and future president of the local NAACP) founded the city’s first Day Nursery for African American children at the couple’s Trinity Presbyterian Church (at 902 19th St S). For 25 cents per week, black families could go to work secure in the knowledge that their young children were safe at the Happy Worker’s Day Nursery.

Reforming Women Changed St. Pete and America Power can come in many forms. For years, women lacked access to the ballot box, but that didn’t keep them from advocating for causes they believed in. Using their influence and their numbers, female reformers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries proved to be powerful forces for change.

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People of St. Pete: Katherine Bell Tippetts

By Tina Stewart Brakebill St. Petersburg is celebrated for its fabulous weather, beautiful vistas, world-class 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 our city unique.

This month we’re doing something different by reaching back into history. In honor of Women’s History Month, we are turning our attention to Katherine Bell Tippetts. Privately educated, fluent in five languages, and a published author, Tippetts arrived in St. Petersburg with her husband and four children in 1902. But it was her path after her husband’s death in 1909 that brought her to our attention.

“The most remarkable woman” Historian Ray Arsenault once described Katherine Tippetts as “the most remarkable woman in St. Pete.” It’s easy to see why. After her husband’s death, she took over the operations of the downtown Belmont Hotel and the couple’s other real estate holdings. As a savvy businesswoman with extensive experience in public affairs, she also was the first woman to run for the Florida Legislature.

In 1921, she noted: “The time is not far distant when a generous sprinkling of women will grace the two houses…as the people’s representatives.” Tippetts placed second in that race, but the loss didn’t stop her. Instead, she continued working tirelessly to protect what was special about St. Petersburg, and Florida as a whole, while also pushing for quality-of-life reforms. She accomplished this through leadership roles in groups ranging from the Woman’s Town Improvement Association and the Florida Federation of Woman’s Clubs to the YWCA and American Forestry Association.

A Visionary Portrait of Katherine B. Tippetts. 1922.

State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory.

Tippetts’ most enduring legacy is the St. Petersburg Audubon Society (SPAS). She founded and directly presided over the organization for 31 years, helping to lead the movement to preserve and protect the environment. Concerned about the impact of growth on natural resources, she fought to legislate protections for wildlife and plants in Florida and beyond, from pelicans, robins, and the pied-billed grebe to a swath of the Everglades. Locally, this lobby produced more than 10 bird sanctuaries by 1920 in Pinellas County alone. The Audubon Society also was instrumental in the 1912 establishment of the Florida Fish & Game Commission and passage of the Migratory Bird Act of 1913. Seeking to gain support through education, Tippetts also spearheaded the campaign that added mandatory bird study to Florida public education, and she penned a lengthy pamphlet called Birds of the States. More than 50 years before the first Earth Day in 1970, Tippetts committed her considerable talents and energy to protecting our environment. We still owe a debt of gratitude for that foresight.

Who would you like to see to see featured in People of St. Pete?

Email your suggestions to hello@greenbenchmonthly.com 8

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Left: PCCA composting demonstration. Scraps from local businesses like Black Crow, Love Food Central, Mother Kombucha and Squeeze were used alongside Pinellas Technical College’s culinary department scraps to make this pile. Right: Lindsay Cross, environmental scientist, pours her compost into her newly reconstructed community compost bin with the help of MakeSoil.

One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Nutrient-Rich Soil

By Nicole Brand All over Pinellas County, people are coming together to learn more about...soil. Good, rich garden-growing earth used to be a rare find in Pinellas County. Not any more! This little peninsula is growing up: Tech innovations are cutting their teeth here, and development is booming. As buildings go up, so does the number of residents, along with the amount of trash they produce. According to the 2019 Pinellas Recycling Guide, food waste is not yet available for recycle, and each individual produces about a pound of food waste per day. What does this have to do with soil? The Pinellas County Composting Alliance (PCCA) saw a need in this food-waste disconnect and saw a way to build healthier soils across the county. Members help individuals and neighborhoods convert food waste into garden soil.

How does PCCA work?

It’s simple. Its mission is to bring composting and food-waste reduction strategies to every neighborhood in the county. This

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purpose is driven largely by the recommendations laid out by Paul Hawken’s Project Drawdown, which places food-waste reduction as the No. 3 solution for reversing climate change. Furthermore, it aims to “de-mystify and de-ickify” the process and make it easy for residents. Many urban dwellers don’t have the time or space to set up and manage a composting bin for all of their own food scraps, and that’s okay. For those who do, there are options.

What about those who do compost or are compost-curious? The PCCA regularly provides classes to the public. The sessions aim to reduce waste and build soil, and they have an added benefit of building community. For Amanda Streets, one of the founders of the alliance, compost newbies elicit her favorite interactions. She loves cultivating soil-making confidence at workshops in order to help people figure out “Am I doing this right?” or answer “What bug is this?” There’s a sense of pride in in the process that results in some true garden gold after only a few short months and very little effort.

Baby Brussels sprouts growing strong with a good layer of compost to give it nutrients.

Is compost still a little icky?

Maybe your landlord isn’t keen on your side project, or maybe you live on the third story, and your balcony is your safe space. In that case, you can link up with existing composting hub spots around the county. That’s how Jen Andreani, another founder of the Alliance, ended up receiving more than 5,000 pounds of neighborhood food scraps in her yard over the course of a little over a year. She found it not only enriched her edible yard and made her fruit trees and vegetable plants happy, it also broadened her sense of community.

She explains that it’s “heartwarming to see how happy people were to be able to bring their kitchen scraps to [her home] to be turned into soil instead of going to the landfill.”

Where can you drop off kitchen scraps?

Recently, PCCA teamed up with a California-based business that operates a map of nearby compost hubs. The organization, MakeSoil, playfully distinguishes its crowd between Soil Makers and Soil Supporters. Makers are residents and businesses who make compost on their properties and allow neighbors to drop off food scraps.

Supporters want to reduce waste and connect with community, but are unable to compost. The map shows places for dropping off scraps.

If you have your own production going on and you want in on the action, you can mark your space on the map with any additional instructions.

So whether you want to reduce your carbon footprint the easy way, meet your neighbor or start a new practice, food scraps plus carbon such as wood chips or sawdust plus time equals some of the best soil enhancement money can’t buy in Pinellas County.

Ready to get started?

Check out MakeSoil’s map here: https://www.makesoil.org/ Want to learn more? Visit https://mypcca.org/ to dig in for its next composting class on March 9th or check out the Sustainable Living Conference in Plant City on March 14th - 17th where they will also be teaching a class.

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RadioStPete: For the Love of the ‘Burg

by Erin Cody If you are not yet familiar with RadioStPete (RadioStPete.com), it’s time to step up to the plate! A whole lot can be said about the hyper-local, ever-growing project, and who better to tell us about it than the captain himself, the mentor everyone wishes they had, founder Joe Bourdow.

Inspiration Nation

Joe Bourdow, Founder of RadioStPete Photos on this page by Kelly Nash Photography

I was amazed to learn that Joe’s inspiration for RadioStPete goes back forty years. “I worked through college in radio, then owned and operated several radio stations in the eighties. Back then, stations were locally-owned and required to devote a portion of their programming to serving their communities with lots of local news, public affairs programming, and public service.”

When deregulation reared its ugly head, however, most stations were purchased by corporate interests, and out went much of the local the programming. Joe lost interest in radio, sold the stations, and moved to St. Petersburg in 1991. He focused instead on Valpak, where he served as president until retiring in 2010.

“As my retirement approached, I had a chance to get back on the air doing some pro baseball play-by-play up in North Carolina.

I began to see how the Internet and streaming audio had changed everything. While we were on radio locally, we were streaming worldwide and we heard from listeners everywhere.”

For the Love of the ‘Burg Though Joe had lived in St. Pete for years, “It was only after I retired that I began to really pay attention to all the cool things happening here, and look for volunteer activities.” One of his first forays into the local scene was in helping St. Petersburg International

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NFL veterans Derick Rackley and Brian Jordan with RadioStPete co-founder and play-by-play man Patrick Kinas as they prepare for 2019 East-West Shrine Game national radio broadcast RadioStPete produces yearly for SiriusXM NFL Radio and over 150 stations coast to coast.

Baseball get on its feet, which got Joe back into radio broadcasting.

This led to the birth of RadioStPete, which started with a bang!

“RadioStPete.com signed on with the National Anthem at 9am on July 4, 2013. Our basic mission was to promote all the good things happening here; to put a voice to the people making these things happen and reach a growing audience. Since we aim to offer the best local events coverage on radio, St. Pete is a perfect place to do this.

We have lots of great events!”

Volunteers are welcome!

The non-profit, volunteer-run project is a virtual streaming radio station and podcast platform, and our buddy Joe is the program director. “Very soon after we began, volunteers started coming forward to get involved. Some of our volunteers were beginners such as the Mark O Radio family “Happy Hour,” while others are industry veterans. P.W. Fenton was one of the nation’s pioneer podcasters.

Dr. Chuck Stevens is a Tampa Bay radio legend. Will Kuncz has a nightly show on 102.5 the Bone. WLCY vet Rick Crandall features his playlist of local bands on “Music Tampa Bay” simulcast with 96.7 FM weekday afternoons. Sunday night Jazz host Frank Rivera came from Public Radio in Miami.”

RadioStPete plays a variety of music, carries syndicated news and music programming not otherwise available locally, and is constantly evolving. “We are always pushing the envelope technically to try new things we have not tried before.” It really seems like a monster of an undertaking, but Bourdow takes it in stride. “It all works. 24-7. Somehow.”

That’s one heck of a retirement, Joe, and RadioStPete is one heck of a gift to us all. Get in on the action, and check them out online at RadioStPete.com, use their app, or listen using your Roku, Google or Alexa-enabled speakers. Finally, Mr. Bourdow wants everyone to know that they, “Welcome new people and new ideas for shows or features,” so it might be time to start piecing together ideas for your dream podcast!

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Tony Tulloh, owner of Tony’s Bike Shop, shows off the mural in progress (on the side of his shop) by St.pete Artist Rasta Taylor featuring his Grandfather Bill Currey, Uncle Bill Roy Currey, Grandmother Ivan Currey, and Mother Linda Currey. Painted. Photos by Kristina Holman.

Tony’s Bike Shop: Living the Dream!

By Karin Wahlrab Opening and running a business is no small feat - but for almost two years, Tony Tulloh has been building a staple of the St. Petersburg community and he’s showing no signs of slowing down!

Continuing a lineage of hardworking shop owners, Tony’s passion and determination has led to the birth of Tony’s Bike Shop on 21st St. N. But this isn’t his first dip in the entrepreneurial waters. He opened his first shop in 1982 in Plant City, Florida, and has been in the bicycle biz ever since, performing the ins and outs of service, maintenance,

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and repair.

Long before his entrepreneurial days, Tony fell in love with bikes in his grandfather’s store in Charleston, West Virginia. Under his grandfather’s guidance, he learned mechanics, salesmanship, and about how important a friendly, local bike shop is to a community.

From knowledge gained from Tony’s family members, a friendly and accessible shop was introduced, bringing a wide variety of new customers to the growing St. Petersburg bike scene.

Tony’s Bike Shop is home of the $20 tune-up; and bike rentals starting at $15 a day.

Expanding the Cycling Community As tourism continues to flourish in St. Petersburg, Tony’s Bike Shop offers bike rentals starting at only $15 a day. The weekly rate of $50 allows for part time residents and visitors with limited space to enjoy the booming downtown scene as well as the gorgeous Pinellas Trail. For a spontaneous day trip, hourly rentals are also available on a first-come, first-serve basis. These generous rates, along with the assurance of quality and safety from Tony’s Bike Shop, help introduce visitors and new community members to the greater cycling movement gaining traction throughout the city. Personal service and a charming local touch help add to the character of a wonderful group, and give a unique insight into our rapidly growing community.

In an economy overwhelmed with impersonal and frankly inaccessible corporations, Tony sets anchor with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and a wealth of practical and personal knowledge. Though his roots come from years working in his grandfather’s shop, Tony has now partnered with the Professional Bicycle Mechanic Association and attends continued education courses across the country. There he learns about the everadvancing technology of bicycles and ebikes. While his growing education brings new opportunities for local cyclists, the shop has not lost its profound sense of family and local service. All customers are welcome and appreciated with a friendly smile and a range of merchandise and services offered at affordable prices.

Tonys Bike Shop is located at 19 21st St N in the Grand Central District

A Bike for Everyone Both new and used bikes are available at Tony’s Bike Shop, so adding a new set of wheels to your life need not break the bank!

Onsight education and assembly is available, as well. Bicycles inneed of repair or a tune up can also be brought in for a free estimate.

And as Tony emphasizes the need for safety when riding, bikes purchased elsewhere are welcomed at Tony’s Bike Shop for a safety check. Repairs can be scheduled online to best suit the customers availability and needs.

Tony is happy to expound the virtues of repair and regular maintenance of one’s bicycle, whether it is new or passed down along the generations. Proper tire pressure, a clean chain, fully functional gears and breaks are a must before one ventures out on the gorgeous local trails.

Handlebars, stems, bearings and wheels ought to be checked and, if needed, adjusted for the safety and the comfort of the rider as well.

Additionally, important lighting installed in critical areas can also help save a cyclist from a potential collision or a fall along a dark road. As a lifelong lover of cycling’s broad scope and nuances, no one cares more about the rider than Tony.

Tony’s Bike Shop is located at 19 21st St N and is open from 10am to 7pm Tuesday-Saturday. Pickup and delivery services can also be arranged early in the morning on these days. A comprehensive view of the shop and services are available at www.tonysbikeshop.com - or simply call Tony at (727)-537-6162. Be sure to stop in soon to find the perfect ride for you!

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Dell Holmes Park. Photos by Vandi Carmella.

Raising Locals: South St. Pete Parks to Visit This Spring

By Vandi Carmella and Denielle Kennett St. Petersburg was ranked the No. 1 city for parks in Florida by the Trust for Public Land’s 2018 ParkScore index; so naturally, one of the best things about living in the Sunshine City is the accessibility to public space for recreational use.

As parents, this means we always have something fun and free to do — weather permitting — and no shortage of options when our kids need to run, climb, and play.

With 77 playgrounds and over 150 parks to choose from, many of our favorites are found south of Central Avenue. Characterized by close proximities to water, gorgeous scenery, some really entertaining playgrounds, and our favorite feature, the convenience of public

restrooms, parks in south St. Petersburg are definitely worth a visit this spring.

Bay Vista Park Located in Greater Pinellas Point, Bay Vista Park offers just what its name implies -- a beautiful view of Tampa Bay and the Skyway Bridge — plus one awesome little park set under a canopy of shady trees. The unfenced playground features some unique equipment with the padded turf we all love underfoot and is close enough to the water to catch a good breeze even on a hot day. Park shelters and the indoor recreation center are available to rent making this the perfect spot for a springtime birthday party or a picnic with friends. Other amenities at Bay Vista include a boat ramp, kayak rack, and scenic observation pier. 7000 4th Street S.

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve The playground at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is easily the most unique in the area. Designed with the setting in mind, find this natureinspired play space tucked behind the preserve’s entrance and picnic shelters (available for use on a first-come, first-served basis). The structure and its accessories are mostly made of wood with limited use of plastics and metal and encourage creative, adventurous play in the middle of the park’s characteristic woodland terrain. Access to the playground is free, but pay just a few dollars to walk the trails to see the birds of prey aviary or alligators and other wildlife around Lake Maggiore. 1101 Country Club Way S.

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Maximo Park

Dell Holmes Park Home to the ever popular splash pad that opens on May 1st each year, Dell Holmes Park is situated along the northwest corner of panoramic Lake Maggiore. The fenced and turfed playground is enormous and includes some really exciting equipment while also offering inclusive and wheelchair-accessible options. There are several shaded tables in the play space, but it’s important to note that the playground can get very hot on sunny days — hence, the need for the splash pad next door. This park is in demand for birthday parties and other events during spring and summer so rent a shelter in advance for all of your get-together needs. 2741 22nd Street S.

Maximo Park Go ahead and squeeze in a history lesson when you visit Maximo Park. This 70-acre Tocobaga archaeological site makes learning fun with educational signage scattered throughout the park and its 18hole disc golf course. Near the shell-laden beach overlooking Boca Ciega Bay is the fenced and (almost) fully covered playground that is just the right size for even the littlest park-goers. Park shelters are available to rent around the playground, and a nearby observation tower allows for some nice views of the water. Sunshine Skyway Lane S. & Pinellas Point Drive S. For a full list of St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation parks, visit http://www.stpeteparksrec.org.

Vandi and Denielle are the moms behind Sunshine City Kids, an online resource for all things kid-friendly in St. Petersburg. Follow the Sunshine City Kids at www.sunshinecitykids.com.

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The Benoot Difference

By Tara Britton Real estate brokers with international reach have a mission that hits close to home. Benoot Realty wants to be the best in the market, with a focus on quality. Helping their clients achieve their goal is their top priority, whether it revolves around buying, selling, or renting.

Husband and wife Geert and Catherine Benoot started the familyrun business in Belgium around 30 years ago. Their sons Matthieu and Clement, working with them as a team, have been the driving force behind their real estate company in the United States, they say.

Geert Benoot said St. Petersburg had an “immediate appeal” to their family. “It had that European feel,” he said. They immediately identified with the city’s culturally rich environment, he said; they hear and speak several languages with visitors to the area and clients they work with on a daily basis. They speak English, Flemish, French, Dutch, German, Swiss, and Afrikaans. St. Petersburg’s draw also includes “the walkability, the weather, the people,” Matthieu Benoot said.

A Family Affair Benoot Realty includes the couple and their sons in addition to the people they call their working family. They are specific about the agents they take on, all of whom must align with the core family, and company, values. They put their clients’ happiness first and foremost.

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Left: photo of the Benoot family hanging in their office at 70 Beach Drive NE. From left to right, Geert, Matthieu, Catherine, and Clement.

Right: Catherine Benoot at the Benoot Realty Office. Photos by Emily Canfield.

Their clients become friends, and through the process, feel like extended family.

It took several years, but Geert Benoot realized the desk jobs he’d been working weren’t for him. Through the unfailing support of his wife, Catherine, he faced his fears and took a chance on a career move.

The risk in pursuing his passion for real estate not only paid off, it forever changed the course of their family’s life.

“We are the fourth generation in real estate,” said Matthieu. “I grew up with real estate. I remember when my father came home all excited because he sold his first home. I remember sitting at that table, telling myself that’s what I want to do when I’m older.”

“The real estate business gives you the opportunity to meet and deal with wonderful people every day,” Geert Benoot said. “There is no other business I would want to be in.”

It’s All in the Details The family emphasizes what they call the “Benoot difference.”

Geert Benoot explains that it involves looking only to the client, beyond commision, and putting their sole focus on a client’s success.

“The Benoot difference is quite simple,” Matthieu Benoot says. “When you love what you do, it’s no longer a job. It becomes a lifestyle.” That

way of life translates to their clients’ ability to see and feel their values, or this “difference”, through the way they “act, react, and deal with anything that comes our way.”

There’s more than meets the eye within the Benoot logo, and it speaks volumes to the company’s aim. What initially might look like a rough sketch rendering of a building represents infinitely more. The yellow arch atop the home figuratively means they are protecting the buyer, seller, or tenants. Their client is under their protection, and in their capable hands. The yellow line beneath the home represents the support they offer, firmly lifting their client up. The light on inside of the home, shining through one window, is a reminder they are always there, working for their clients, night and day. As with the house in their logo, the Benoots say: “A house is never perfect, but your home is.”

Come One, Come All Benoot Realty helps people both sell and buy homes, and in wide variety of price ranges. According to them, “big or small, we do it all!” Each client is an individual; there are no minimum or maximum budget requirements.

Like flipping through a family album, the Benoots have countless memories of helping the people they’ve worked with. “Where to start?” Geert Benoot said. The family has experienced it all: the crying buyer overjoyed at having found “their” home, the handwritten card expressing love and appreciation, the friendships that have formed, even handmade artwork of the company logo presented as a token of a client’s gratitude.

Visit their office at 70 Beach Drive NE in downtown St. Petersburg, or call them at (727) 944-4000. They are eager to speak with you, in one of any seven languages in which they are fluent. Email them at info@benootrealty.com or find them online at benootrealty.com. If you spot them around town, say hi; they stroll Beach Drive almost every day. Start a working relationship that could end in lifelong friendship, and join the extended Benoot family.

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Sondra and Lydia are happy to help bring out your style!

Igniting YOUR Creativity Tampa Bay Furnishings Owner, Sondra Hannan, and Interior Designer, Lydia Mason. Photo above and right by Kristina Holman.

Tampa Bay Furnishings: Your LOCAL Alternative for YOUR Personal Style

By Tina Stewart Brakebill Shawn and Sondra Hannan moved to town in 1997 and immediately fell in love with the “vibe of St. Pete.” But as that grew to become more vibrant and diverse over the years, they noticed the local home furnishings market wasn’t keeping pace. Choices remained limited. Locals shopped at big-box stores and brought home what someone else decided was marketable. Or they dealt with high-end retailers, spent a fortune, and still brought home someone else’s vision.

Further yet, they purchased online and took major risks on quality and service. In November 2014, Shawn and Sondra’s desire to offer a local and better alternative led to the birth of Tampa Bay Furnishings.

As soon as you walk into Tampa Bay Furnishings, the difference is clear. The showroom is purposefully small. Instead of an endless warehouse space filled with nearly indistinguishable couches, chairs, and tables, you walk into a beautiful showroom decorated with select furniture pieces and unique works made by local artists. The business’s goal is not to choose your style for you. Instead, they offer thoughtfully curated pieces to help ignite your own creativity. Don’t let that overwhelm you, they also provide thoughtful, personalized guidance and styling advice.

Tampa Bay Furnishing’s goal is to help you express your personal style in your home. Sondra’s mother, Lydia Mason, also brings her fifteen years of design experience to the table, making it easier than ever for you to bring your vision to life. From concept to delivery, this local furnishing gem has got you covered.

LOCAL Doesn’t Mean Limited Choices or High Prices Keeping the showroom small has other advantages. They don’t need to move floor merchandise as dictated by some far-off corporate headquarters. Instead, they order specific pieces to fit your needs and personal style. Whether it’s that one special item, an entire room of furniture or a full-service design, Tampa Bay Furnishings provides high-end service without the high-end price.

Lydia knows that, “Design is art and very personal. In order to capture the essence of an individual’s style, you want quality, core pieces that are timeless, rather than just what is trendy today.” She also offers in-home consultations, guiding you as you build your own style around that piece of art or a vase that you love. This approach means that your home becomes a personal expression of YOU. But it also means that they can keep prices down because they don’t have the overhead of a huge showroom.

YOUR St. Pete Store

Tampa Bay Furnishings showroom is located at 3034 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N.

As a locally owned family business, Tampa Bay Furnishings is a proud member of LocalShops1, Keep Saint Petersburg Local (KSPL), and the Warehouse Art District. Visit their showroom at 3034 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N. in St. Pete. They are open 10am to 5pm, Monday-Saturday and 1pm to 5pm on Sunday. For more information call 727-821-4100 or visit TampaBayFurnishings.com.

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Tiffany Blue, LE, owner of Beauty by Blue Esthetics, customizes treatments for each one of her clients. Photos by Kelly Nash Photography.

Beauty By Blue

By Cindy Garza Ontkos When living in the Sunshine City, skin care is high on everyone’s priority list. Lucky for us, Tiffany Blue -- voted Best Skincare Specialist Runner-up in Best of the Bay 2018 -- offers her talents to the people of St. Petersburg! Twenty-seven years ago, after visiting family while on vacation from her native Ohio, she decided to make the big move to St. Petersburg all on her own. With lots of love and support from her mother, Tiffany decided to follow her heart and begin a career as a skin care specialist and licensed esthetician.

Right after graduation, Tiffany began working for a popular massage and spa company. Within a year of being licensed, Tiffany became lead esthetician in two of their spas, one in St. Petersburg and one in Seminole. Due to her knowledge, passion and dedication to clients, she was quickly recruited to become a national educator for ClarityRx Skin Care out of California. It wasn’t long before she decided to branch out on her own -- in March 2018, Beauty by Blue was born.

“I have been given a tidal wave of blessings in the recent years and I am excited to pay it forward and share my passion for skin care and personal wellness with others,” Tiffany tells GBM. “I want to give confidence to my clients by providing them with personalized, stress free skin care at an affordable price. You know, you can hide a lot of things, but you can’t hide your face.”

An experience, not a service Tiffany customizes treatments for each of her clients. To ensure the best experience and treatment, she offers a free thirty-minute consultation for each new client, where she notes skin concerns, learns about their current regimens and discusses appropriate treatments to acquire optimal results.

Wanting great skin isn’t just a concern for women, either. Men make up about 40% of Tiffany’s clientele, and they are some of her most devoted! Overall, she specializes in anti-aging, acne, dermaplaning, custom facials, men’s skincare, chemical peels, microneedling and facial waxing.

Additionally, all of the products utilized in Tiffany’s spa are natural, plant-based, free of parabens, fillers, artificial colors, scents and other harmful chemicals, and are not animal tested. To make things even sweeter, Tiffany is the only specialist in the area offering the award-winning Elaine Sterling line of skin care products, and also offers Viktoria DeAnn Peptide Cosmeceuticals and Skin Script skin care products.

For Tiffany, affordability is of prime importance. “Professional

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skin care products don’t have to cost a fortune. They can be affordable all the while providing better results and lasting longer,” she says. None of the products available at Beauty by Blue are over $65.

“I want to provide a comfortable and relaxing environment. I don’t want my clients worrying about cost while they are with me,” she says. “The time spent with me is not just for a facial service. It is an experience, an escape from a hectic lifestyle. It’s like nothing you’ve experienced before!”

All of these deals, and no gratuities accepted! In addition to her cost-conscious services, Tiffany offers a rewards program as well as prebooking and referral discounts.

Helpful skincare tips In her commitment to skin care education, Tiffany offered GBM some valuable tips to ensure your skin keeps in tip-top shape between appointments. First and foremost, she suggests that you always wear at least 30% sunscreen! We all love the sunshine, but be cautious.

Overexposure to the sun is the primary cause of premature aging and skin cancer.

Second, cleanse! Tiffany recommends you always cleanse your face twice a day to remove dirt and oil. Next, she advises NEVER to sleep in makeup, and to change your pillowcase weekly. Then, don’t pick! Picking at the skin slows the natural healing process, spreads infection and leads to scarring. Lastly, once a day, wipe off your cell phone with an alcohol wipe. You don’t want any pesky germs having their way with you.

As Tiffany likes to say, “You can’t turn back the hands of time, but you can definitely slow down the process, and that’s what I am here for.”

For more tips you can follow Tiffany on Instagram at beauty_bybluedtsp and on Facebook at Beauty by Blue dtsp. Her website is currently under construction, but will be available soon at beautybyblue.com. Don’t wait another minute! Call and book you free consultation know. Your skin will thank you!

Beauty by Blue Esthetics is located at 415 Third St S, 33701. To schedule an appointment with Tiffany Blue, LE call (727) 614-1084.

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DTSP on a Dime: A Guide for Wine Lovers on a Budget

By Erin Cody A love of great wine and a tight budget are diametrically opposed, right? Not if you know how to play it! Yes, sadly some happy hour wine offerings leave much to be desired for the discerning palate, but there are plenty of ways to swirl and sip the good stuff without breaking the bank.

Many, I’d even venture to say most, downtown restaurants have a night each week where they offer half-off all bottles of wine priced at $100 or less. This is an awesome opportunity to drink lovely vino without the sticker shock. One particular favorite is Sundays at Annata. Oregon Pinot Noir is notoriously delicious, and on Sundays their usually $75 bottle from the Willamette Valley becomes infinitely affordable, as does their similarly-priced bottle of brut Champagne. Le swoon.

Unsure what to order? Wherever you go, it’s always a good idea to ask for the sommelier to help guide you to the right bottle. If there’s no sommelier, they will certainly provide you with their most informed staff member. Wine can be confusing, even for those of us who know a thing or two, so it never hurts to ask for help. Perhaps you can even learn a bit!

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The “Choose Your Own Adventure” of wine tasting Try Wine is a fantastic option for those who love variety but aren’t necessarily looking to get too tipsy while pinching their pennies. It’s similar to one’s enjoyment of tapas - you only truly enjoy the first few bites of any given dish, so the eating experience becomes immensely more pleasurable when the whole meal is composed of “first few bites.”

After receiving a card upon arrival, you wander the place exploring the wine options lined up along the perimeter. Each is differently priced, and you can choose whether you’d like just a taste (my preference), a half-glass, or you can go the full monty. You can spend a good bit here if you allow yourself. So I suggest going in with a plan of only tasting say, five whites and five reds. Then treat yourself to a glass or half-glass of your favorite. The folks at Try Wine are very knowledgeable, and are always happy to be your guides, explaining as much or as little as you wish to know.

More Happy Hour Choices As I mentioned at the top, not all happy hour wine selections are bummers. Most of us know Ceviche for the tapas, sangria, and mojitos, but their wine selection is also stellar. The happy hour wine options, daily from 4-7, may not be extensive, but they are thoughtfully chosen and offer great quality.

If you are a fellow bubbly lover, get thee to Flute & Dram for their “Bubble Hour” between 4 and 7 on weekdays. Glasses are BOGO, up to $20/glass, and they are seriously scrumptious.

See? No need to suffer subpar wine to keep your wallet in check! Of course, please remember to imbibe responsibly!

All the Reasons You Need to Donate Blood

By Erin Cody Confession: until a couple of months ago, the last time I’d donated blood was in high school - and that was to get out of class! Most of us just don’t think about it. Why would we?

Turns out there are plenty of reasons to go under the needle - and also plenty of ways to do it.

Donating blood is great for your health. Really! It can preserve cardiovascular health by reducing your risk of heart attack and stroke due to removal of oxidative iron. This reduction in iron can also lessen the risk of cancer, because excessive iron in your blood increases free radical damage. You also lose about 650 calories donating a pint of blood. Can’t beat that!

The most important reason to donate, of course, is to help people.

It’s a simple-yet-significant way to make a real difference in people’s lives.

Every couple of seconds, someone in the United States needs blood, totaling 44,000 blood donations per day. According to the American Red Cross, “A single individual who donates whole blood, starting at 17 years old, every 56 days until they [sic] reach 76 will have donated 48 gallons of blood, potentially saving more than 1,000 lives.”

What do they mean by “whole” blood? This is what we generally think of as drawing one pint of blood after which you can donate again in eight weeks. Platelet donation, however, also extremely important, can be done every seven days. In this 90-minute procedure, a machine withdraws the blood, filters out the platelets, and returns the rest of the blood right back to the donor. Platelets are microscopic cells in your blood that form clots and stop bleeding. You’ve likely also heard of plasma donation, which has a process similar to that of platelet donation, except that you can do it as often as every 48 hours. Plasma is the all-important high-speed railway of the blood, transporting proteins, hormones, and nutrients throughout the body.

Need any more convincing? Well, it’s a good deed that you can accomplish in under an hour, if you are donating whole blood. There’s also the free cookie/soda/juice to, ahem, sweeten the deal. Many places also offer perks. One Blood.org recently offered free movie tickets, and another day, a Walmart gift card.

If you are ready to take the plunge, OneBlood.org is a great resource, as is DonatingPlasma.org, and, of course, the American Red Cross. They will tell you where to go and what to expect. Also keep in mind that your pets can donate blood - yes, really! Animals need blood transfusions, too, and just imagine how lovingly you will look at Rover after he’s been such a very good boy. Most veterinarians suggest donating four to six times per year. Call your vet to ask if your fuzzy friend is a good candidate, and where they recommend you take your pet to have blood drawn.

I hope you’ll consider doing yourself and your fellow citizens a huge favor by becoming a regular donor! Bragging rights guaranteed!

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Localtopia 2019 at Williams Park. Photos by City of St. Petersburg.

Basking in the Afterglow: Localtopia 2019

By Rachel Freeman The sunny, happy vibes are still radiating through St. Petersburg after Localtopia 2019. On Saturday, February 2, sunshine beamed down on Williams Park. Olga Bof, founder and executive director of Keep Saint Petersburg Local, was thrilled to see the warm weather after the forecast had called for rain.

Good Vibes Only “It’s not a regular event or market,” said Bof. “The community’s support of these businesses helps them continue to thrive. Because of the support, they’re able to give back to the community.”

Palpable, positive energy permeated through Localtopia as happy attendees strolled around the park and vendors immersed themselves in the community spirit.

“There’s a real sense of comradery because we all know each other well and support one another,” said Taylor Prater, co-founder and brand manager of Made Coffee. “Localtopia gives people a chance to see what St. Pete has to offer.”

Local jewelry maker Julie Angerosa, owner of REJuled, said that Localtopia reminded her of the things that attracted her to move to

St. Pete. “I started REJuled in this city and am thrilled with the ways this city has supported my business allowing it to flourish over the past two years,” said Angerosa.

The Sounds of the ‘Burg Anthony Goodwin of the band Blackbird Morning loved the experience of playing music at Localtopia. His favorite part was seeing the crowd dancing and appreciating their set. “It was a magical day,” said Goodwin. “It was especially cool to look out from the stage and feel like you are creating a vibe for all the people in our city that are trying to make it the best it can be.”

Rebekah Pulley of the band Rebekah Pulley and the Reluctant Prophets felt honored to play live music on the Localtopia stage.“It’s like your birthday, your favorite holiday, and a vacation rolled into one,” said Pulley. “It gives us a sense of local pride and reminds us of how St.Pete residents and our local businesses are in a sort of symbiotic relationship.”

Love in the Air Another local organization that made the scene was NOMADstudio: The Art Bus Project. The mobile art studio brought creative, artistic vibes to Williams Park.

The coolest thing Olivia Scully of NOMADstudio experienced at Localtopia was a marriage proposal painted on the art bus. “She said yes! It was a NOMAD first,” said Scully. She believes that Localtopia is bigger than just a community event. “It’s more than just the makers who sell there and the people who come to shop and show support. It offers an entire day of opportunity to learn about the people in our community,” she said.

After a full day of live music, food, drinks, and shopping, everyone went home feeling pride for our Sunshine City. “I really did feel that there was a particular magic to this year,” said Bof. “Every year the community brings the best. It’s the day the city gets to celebrate everything that makes it special.”

Until next year, Localtopia!

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Ollie Up Foundation Founders from left: Dylan Methot, James Kendall, Madison Davis, Tyler Blair, Peter Layton, Forrest Buhrmaster Photo by Vandi Carmella.

Ollie Up: A New Organization in the St. Pete Skate Scene

By Vandi Carmella Amid recent reports of crime and turbulence at the St. Petersburg Regional Skatepark circulating social media, local skaters are teaming up to invite at-risk area youth into the skateboarding community in hopes of mitigating safety concerns through positive action.

St. Petersburg residents Tyler Blair, Forrest Buhrmaster, Madison Davis, James Kendall, and Dylan Methot began the process of establishing non-profit organization The Ollie Up Foundation in February 2019 in direct response to personal experiences at the skatepark located in the Campbell Park neighborhood. The group expects the diversity within the skateboarding community and the low barriers of entry to the sport to bridge the gap between the skatepark

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users and nearby youth residents.

“Skateboarding is the universal friendship facilitator,” explains Ollie Up co-founder Forrest Buhrmaster. “If you have a skateboard and someone else has a skateboard, you can have a conversation for hours.” Acknowledging the soon-to-be Olympic sport as a means for communication, Ollie Up aims to offer a program in which interested youth can take home their own skateboards through reaching achievements by practicing and learning skateboarding tricks and life lessons.

“I personally feel like skateboarding changed my life. [It] Gave me a different kind of outlet that team sports couldn’t provide,” says co-founder Tyler Blair.

Blair and the rest of the team hope to provide the same outlet to kids in need through skateboarding clinics, board making and designing workshops, a youth mentorship program, and personal finance fundamentals and other life skill classes open to all St. Petersburg area kids. Other potential programs include music production, freelance art, and screen printing.

While already in contact with City of St. Petersburg officials, St. Petersburg Police Department, St. Petersburg Police Athletic League, and St. Pete Skatepark Alliance, the group is in the preliminary planning phase of startup with plans to partner with other organizations including schools to expand their reach.

The St. Petersburg Regional Skatepark, opened on June 2nd, 2018, is located at 600 12th Street S. Currently home to the deepest skatepark bowl in Florida, the $1.25 million park also features a street course, snake run, and intermediate bowl.

Downtown Developments

“Phuddle Shot” by David Calvin of David Calvin Furniture Studio (see ad on pg.13)

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.

After many years of success as a food truck, The Twisted Indian, has opened a pop-up restaurant at 1113 Central Avenue in the EDGE District.

Similar to the food truck, the menu at The Twisted Indian’s new location consists of four proteins prepared in one of three ways — in tacos, a rice bowl, or a Middle-Eastern flatbread sandwich called a saj. Proteins include chicken, paneer (an Indian cheese), tofu tikka masala, and seitan korma.

The tacos and rice bowl also come with chickpea curried slaw, and white Basmati rice drizzled with a Raita sauce. The Twisted Indian is located inside Baum Avenue Market (or BAM for short), a multi-concept space showcasing local makers of fresh fare. Other tenants at BAM include Valhalla Bakery, Avocado Valley, Modern Brine, and Baum Bar. Soft open hours will be 11am to 4pm Tuesday-Wednesday, 11am to 10pm ThursdaySaturday and 11am to 4pm Sunday.

A trio of coffee shops opened in St. Pete last month — Pineapple Espresso, Flatbread & Butter and Black Crow Coffee’s 2nd location.

Pineapple Espresso, a drive-thru coffee shop and health-focused eatery, opened at 3045 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street North. Their coffee is roasted in-house and available in drip, espresso, cold brew, or whole bean.

And from the comfort of your car, you can order fresh healthy food such as avocado toast topped with local citrus, roasted beet, crumbled goat cheese, walnut, and mint.

Historic Uptown welcomed Flatbread & Butter, a communityfocused café pairing great food with high-quality coffee, to the neighborhood. Located at 497 7th Avenue North near Round Lake, F&B

is currently serving coffee locally roasted by Bandit Coffee Co. and locally made pastries by Mana Bakery. Currently, their hours are 7am to 3pm, but full hours, flatbreads & beer/wine are coming soon!

Hoping to build on the success of their Old Northeast location, Black Crow Coffee opened their second location, bringing local art, music, community, and of course great coffee, to the booming Grand Central community located just west of Downtown St. Petersburg. Find them at 2157 1st Ave South seven days a week from 7am to 7pm.

Atlas Body + Home, a men’s shop, is now open at 919 Central Avenue in the EDGE District of Downtown St. Pete. Atlas carries stylish shirts, prints, trousers, trunks and underwear, as well as vintage finds, curated goods and home furnishings. Downtown is home to so many great women’s boutiques, but has always lacked an abundance of menswear. Thanks to Atlas and others, we are starting to see more men’s shopping along Central Avenue. Visit Atlas Body + Home Tuesday-Saturday from 11am to 6pm.

Daddy Kool Records will be moving out of the 600 block of Downtown St Pete. Fortunately, they’ll be opening a bigger, better location in the Warehouse Arts District at 2430 Terminal Drive. Not only will the new location be twice the size of their Central Avenue shop, but it’ll also have space for concerts. Their last day on the 600 block will be March 24th.

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

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Seminole Park in Historic Kenwood. Photos by City of St. Petersburg.

EVENTS

Meet the artists and their neighbors, sit, shop, and relax in the charming bungalows and studios of Historic Kenwood. This Reggae Rise Up Music Art Tour is a two day event taking Festival place across the neighborhood. th Enjoy the work of 21 different When: Friday, March 15 th artists combined in 12 stops. Walk through Sunday, March 17 or drive and park. There will be from noon - 10pm all three days lots of signs pointing you towards Where: Vinoy Park, the fun. Artists participating in 701 Bayshore Dr NE the tour are Kim Alderman, Paul Cost: GA starts at $60 Featuring Stick Figure, Slightly Barrera, Maurice Bartikofsy, Mike Baker, MJ Baker, Annemarie Stoopid, Ziggy Marley, Method Dotson, Steven Kenny, Sally Man & Redman, Rebelution, Hackett-Brown, Janna KennedyTribal Seeds and more! Daily Hyten, Kinda Kellet, Mary yoga from Movement Sanctuary.

Hausler, Julie Godwin, Becky To purchase tickets, visit Jamin, Angie Knowles, Paola reggaeriseupflorida.com.

Nesmith, Marty Bosy-Newlon, Richard Pollin, Lisa Presnail, Jan 4th Annual Artist Richardson, Amber Sigman and at Work in Historic Susan Williams. For information Kenwood - Studio Tour visit historickenwood.org When: Saturday, March 16th from 10am - 5pm and Sunday, March 2019 Preservation 17th from noon - 5pm Awards Celebration Where: Historic Kenwood When: Tuesday, March 19th Neighborhood Association from 6:30pm - 8:30pm Cost: Open to the public, Where: The Cathedral Church of Art for Sale

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St. Peter, 140 4th St N Cost: $20 PTB Members, $30 non-members Preserve the ‘Burg presents an evening of awards and celebrations recognizing those keeping St. Pete special! To register, visit preservetheburg. org.

St. Pete Tiny Home Festival When: Saturday, March 23rd and Sunday, March 24th March from 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Where: SPC - Allstate Center, 3200 34th Street South Cost: at gate $20-$25, free parking Come see the latest and greatest in tiny home living trends! Learn about simplifying your life and living greener and local. Featuring tiny homes, micro homes, food trucks, mobile boutiques, artists, vendors, workshops, entertainment, children’s activities and more!

For more info, visit: www.facebook.com/ events/225196551527146/.

Crescent Lake.

bring your hat and sunglasses.

Everything else will be provided: water and reusable water bottles, waders, snacks, sun screen, and hand sanitizer. Canoes and open kayaks are always welcome and much appreciated! High school students are encouraged to volunteer and earn community service hours. For more info, visit www.facebook.com/ friendsofcrescentlakepark.

Red Cloud Indian Arts and Glass Art Society Featuring Native Artist Ira Lujan When: Friday, March 29th from 5pm - 10pm Where: Red Cloud Indian Arts, 214 Beach Drive Cost: Open to the public, Art on Sale Meet the artist and view his Native American expressions in glass. Also on Exhibit will be “Spirit Dreams� cast glass, by Susan Gott. For more info, visit www.redcloudindianarts.com.

Good Vibes Only Art & Music Festival

Friends of Crescent Lake Volunteer Morning for the Great American Cleanup When: Saturday, March 30th from 9am - noon Where: parking lot by HugginsStengel Field, 1320 5 St N Cost: Your Time Wear your old clothes, socks and closed-toe shoes, and

When: Saturday, April 6th from 10am - 5pm Where: Williams Park, 330 2nd Ave N Cost: Open to the public, Art for Sale This festival, a joint venture between St. Petersburg College and USF St. Petersburg, is a celebration of student art and music. For more info, contact Frank Jurkovic at jurkovic. frank@spcollege.edu or call (727) 341-7974.

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

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ST PETE FL PERMIT NO. 4