Green Bench Monthly - Vol 3, Issue 4, April 2018

Vol. 3, Issue 4, April 2018

St. Pete’s Direct-Mail Community Magazine

FANFARE FOR LHS JAZZ BAND pg. 22

Art Links Two Cities

Across Time pg. 4

See the City on Two Wheels

Tony’s Bike Shop pg. 10

Carl Williams

People of St. Pete pg. 26

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In This Issue: 4

From Antioch to St Petersburg: Art Links

Two Cities Across Time

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Publishers

Ashley & Tony Sica

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Editor

Jacque Bishop, Tara Britton, Tina Stewart Brakebill, Anthony Close, Erin Cody, Rui Farias, Erik Jasek, Cindy Garza Ontkos Mary Jane Park, Jeannie Reed

Photographers Brian Brakebill Kelly Nash Evan Sigmund

On the Cover:

Lakewood High Jazz Band

by Evan Sigmund

Contact

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

Proud member of:

Comic: St. Pete Murals See the City on Two Wheels

Contributing Editors Contributors [This Issue]

From the Museum’s Archives

10 Tony’s Bike Shop:

Cristina Juska

Rui Farias, Nadine Maas, Mary Jane Park, Pam Sica

The Grande Dame of Fourth Avenue North

Downtown St. Pete Parakeets by Brian Brakebill.

From the Bench

12 Big T Printing:

They REALLY Like Printing Stuff

14 RE/MAX Realty Unlimited: Investing in Community

16 Total Air:

Local, Efficient and Caring

Great news, readers! We put on some weight this issue—a whopping eight more pages for your monthly dose of community spirit. Big thanks to our new and existing community supporters for making this leap possible. Now before you dig in, a few things we would like you to know:

19 Local Business Needs Your Support

Letter Carriers’ Food Drive Saturday, May 12th

22 Fanfare for a Jazz Band:

As part of the annual National Association of Letter Carriers’ “Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive, postal workers throughout the country will collect nonperishable food donations as they deliver mail. The St. Petersburg Free Clinic, and other local nonprofits that provide food to neighbors in need, rely on the food drive every year to stock pantry shelves for the busier summer months.

Keep in mind, a lot of supplies donated during the Holiday season dwindle by this time and the demand for food when school is out is much higher. If you have the means, please place non-perishable food items in a bag and leave it in or near your mailbox on Saturday, May 12.

Clothes To Kids (CTK) Needs Shorts & Shoes

CTK provides new and quality used clothing to low-income or in crisis school-age children, free of charge. Now that warmer weather is here, these children need shorts. Specifically, elementary school boys and girls shorts and pants in sizes 6 to 16 and shirts in sizes M, L, XL. They are also in need school shoes: PreK-4 to 12th grade. To donate, stop by their St. Pete store at 2168 34th Street South. Or visit clothestokids.org for other location and info.

20 Advertise With Us

Lakewood High Will Swing The Apollo In New York

24 Movers & Makers 25 DTSP On a Dime

26 People of St Pete: Carl Williams

27 Downtown Developments

28 Old South East Plant Swap 30 Events

Till next time,

hello@greenbenchmonthly.com

Green Bench Monthly Is Direct-mailed to 15,400 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 Antioch to St Petersburg: Art Links Two Cities Across Time

By Tina Stewart Brakebill

The forecast called for rain showers, but the sun shone brightly on the curious onlookers gathered just outside the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. As MFA senior curator Michael Bennett reminded the crowd, we had come together for an auspicious occasion, so perhaps the sunshine was a sign that “the gods are smiling.” If so, they no doubt also appreciated the fanfare trumpeted by the Florida Orchestra and the seven ceremonial shovels of dirt that heralded the official kickoff of the museum’s newest project: “Antioch Reclaimed: Ancient Mosaics at the MFA.”

What was Antioch?

Founded by one of Alexander the Great’s generals, the city of Antioch (in present-day Turkey) flourished as a trade and culture center for the Greek and then Roman worlds. By the first century of

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Top: View of building excavated down to mosaic level. Mt Casius in background. Above: House of Iphigenia. Detail of Room 2 showing mosaic floor and door to cave. Photo courtesy of Antioch Expedition Archives, Department of Art and Archaeology, Princeton University.

the Common Era, this diverse, cosmopolitan, and wealthy city rivaled Rome, Constantinople, and Alexandria for importance. It increasingly served as a crossroads between Eastern and Western cultures, including its place as an early center for Christianity. By 600 CE, ravaged by earthquakes and unrest, it had lost its former glory. Few traces remain of the once-great city, but the MFA is providing a tangible connection between then and now.

Left: Open-air excavation of the mosaics Middle: MFA senior curator Michael Bennett and executive director Kristen Shepherd Right: The mosaics will be will be carefully cleaned and restored for display Photos courtesy of the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg

What is “Antioch Reclaimed”?

What is an ancient mosaic?

Eighty years ago, excavation at the site of the ancient city (now buried under centuries of river sediment) unearthed nearly 300 mosaics. In the mid-1960s, the MFA bought five of them as part of Its newly launched antiquities collection. This acquisition made the museum one of only about 30 institutions in the United States to have such relics. In the 1980s, two of these mosaics were buried in the northeast lawn and another in the base of the sculpture-garden fountain. Why? No one is sure, but in March 2018, the process began to reclaim and reunite the five. The effort will unfold in three steps. First, an open-air excavation will unearth the buried mosaics.

Next, they and their stored companions will be restored. Finally, all five of the artifacts will be placed on exhibition.

Mosaics are essentially paintings created by assembling pieces of colored materials such as stone or glass. Between 100 and 300 CE, Antioch’s population, which topped half a million people, included many wealthy Romans. Like many of us today, they strove to fashion beautiful homes. Mosaics that depicted people, places or patterns were essential elements of these opulent Roman abodes. The fragments at the museum (the largest is 8 feet by 6 feet) decorated different rooms. They have wonderfully descriptive names, like “House of the Evil Eye” and “House of the Drinking Contest.”

Are We Excited? YES!

Clearly, some cultural elements have survived across time. It’s fun to think: “Romans: They’re just like us!” But our

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connections run deeper than merely our love for a good drinking game. As Bennett noted, “Great art has no expiration date. ...It is not bound by culture or time.” It connects us to each other and to other times and places and can help to cultivate a sense of empathy for previous civilizations.

Want to Help?

Kristen Shepherd, executive director of the museum, remembers the gardenfountain mosaic from her childhood trips to the museum. She was excited to learn about the existence of the four others after her appointment to the leadership position last year, and her enthusiasm was the spark that launched the yearlong campaign to reclaim them. For more information or to donate to the project, please visit the MFA website: www.mfastpete.org/antioch-reclaimedancient-mosaics-at-the-mfa/

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The Flori-de-Leon:

The Grand Dame of Fourth Avenue North

By Jeannie Reed As I write this, I’m sitting in a little firstfloor lounge area across from French doors that open onto a lovely back courtyard. The space is dominated by a towering royal palm tree and landscaped, mostly by the owners here, with all manner of flowering plants and greenery. A Grecian-type statue of a woman carrying a water jar presides over this garden, which is embraced by the two back “wings” of the building.

The Flori-de-Leon, now a cooperative apartment complex for persons age 55 and older, is both historic and beautiful. Yankees legends Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig owned two of the four penthouses, and the place has long been a winter mecca for Northerners looking for a warm place to hang their hats. It is said that “the Flori” was the first cooperative apartment complex in the state of Florida.

Surely, it was the first in St. Petersburg.

In the mid-1920s, when the Flori was just a twinkle in the eye of its architects, Fourth

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Avenue N between First and Second streets was just a graceful slope down to the Vinoy Basin and Tampa Bay. And C. Perry Snell, Kentucky pharmacist-turned builder, was falling in love with the Mediterranean Revival style of architecture we now see most vividly in the Spanish-influenced Flori and in other structures all over the northeastern end of the city. Pastel colors, stucco exteriors, and red-clay tile roofs abound, although nothing prepares one for the pure European flavor of the Flori-de-Leon.

The building is on the National Register of Historic Places in part for its exterior architecture. Within are beautiful lounge areas and roof deck areas that face the rising and setting suns. There is a baby grand piano to die for. Art is everywhere. Lee West, a local artist who has made her home here for years, was commissioned at one point to create a stainedglass piece for a White House Christmas tree.

Christy Edwards is a painter from New York

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whose work lines the halls and gallery walls.

Today, the Flori is home to all manner of artists, writers, musicians, designers, and entrepreneurs, all attracted here as if to a magnet. (In my own case, I purchased my winter home sight unseen several years ago after being riveted by an online color photo of the yellow Mediterranean front of the Flori. I have no regrets!)

The front courtyard features dozens of private balconies with wrought-iron decor, plus little terrace gardens. There is soft night lighting, and the two “wings” of the front of the building embrace a fountain that attracts birds.

The Flori-de-Leon always was intended for and used to shelter a community of people.

In the old days (the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s), most owners spent time in their units simply to sleep and eat. The rest of the building was used for living. Parties and events such as potluck dinners, game nights, Victorian-themed

The front courtyard features dozens of private balconies with wrought-iron decor, plus little terrace gardens.

Photos by Tony Sica Photography

entertainment, and music performances took place every night of the week. Today, residents are working to bring back that ethos. Are you alone on Thanksgiving? Not for long. Christmas? Don’t worry about it.

Somebody will prepare food, and someone else will organize a dinner for as many guests as desire a place to go. Yes, we are a cooperative, but in a strange way we’re also a family. Our doors are mostly always open.

From the day it opened to occupants in the fall of 1927, the Flori has been the beneficiary of owners who fell in love and stayed that way.

Donations of all sorts are recognized in tile and in wall plaques. Owners have tiled and painted, planted flowers, and cleaned the grounds. We have a board of directors and a budget; in addition, many of us just want to get our hands dirty and be involved!

Recently, the Flori has started to see more year-round residents.

Historically a place to escape the cold North in the wintertime, that season for many of us seems to be getting longer. We’re a couple of blocks from the Beach Drive shopping and dining experience, we’re a couple of blocks from the Central Avenue night-out social experience, and we’re a stone’s throw from North Straub Park and all of the celebrations held there.

Although some of the seven-story Flori-de-Leon’s vistas have been eclipsed by new development, now we sort of nest in the center of it all.

I sit on my balcony by the fountain and watch as people pass by, stop to read the Historic Register plaque, and take selfies with my building in the background.

The only drawback I can see for potential buyers is the the age requirement; for me, it is a payoff well-earned. Buildings are more than steel and concrete, elevators, roof decks, and views. They have a spirit all their own. The truly beautiful ones such as this living entity, the Flori-de-Leon, seem somehow to breathe. I still can’t believe it all started for me with a snapshot on Zillow.

For more information: Website www.florideleon.us; telephone (727) 894-7971; email office@florideleon.org

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From the Museum’s Archives

With St. Petersburg Museum of History Executive Director, Rui Farias

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On April 1, 1901, prominent Michigan journalist William L. Straub purchased the St. Petersburg Times and began a quest to transform St. Petersburg from an industrial port town, to a city filled with waterfront public parks.The paper’s editor until 1939, Straub visualized a city void of ramshackle fishing huts, warehouses and smoke stacks emitting their noxious fumes, and used the Times’ editorial pages to wield considerable influence on city leaders. Always a cheerleader for the city and its waterfront parks, Straub also used the paper to campaign for the creation of Pinellas county - a governed county on the Pinellas peninsula separate from Hillsborough county. Thanks to his vision, the Sunshine City is now famous for its beautiful waterfront parks - including the the four-block stretch of parkland that bear Straub’s name.

The St. Petersburg Museum of History is located at 335 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. For more information about exhibits, hours, and ticket pricing visit SPMOH.com.

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Comic: St. Pete Murals

By Erik Jasek

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Tony’s Bike Shop: See the Sunshine City on Two Wheels

By Cindy Garza Ontkos

Top: Tony Tulloh, owner and operator of Tony’s Bike Shop Above: It’s important to take good care of your bike, so Tony offers a convenient $20 tune up, which can take up to about 60 minutes to complete and comes with the option of a loaner bike for the hour or a bike-maintenance lesson by Tony himself.

Photos by Kelly Nash Photography

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Oh man, I hate to brag, but it’s just so hard not to when you live in the Burg! This place just keeps getting better and better. Just one visit to our vibrant downtown and surrounding districts and you will never want to leave. There are specialty boutiques, breweries, restaurants galore, parks, bakeries, and the list just goes on and on.

And now, getting around to all of these exciting places just got a lot easier, thanks to Tony’s Bike Shop. Allow me to introduce to you Tony Tulloh, owner and operator. You’re going to want to get to know this guy.

Hailing originally from West Virginia, he has been in the bike business since he was a young kid, following in the footsteps of his grandfather.

Tony, an avid cyclist and lover of the Pinellas Trail, opened his first storefront in 1980 at the age of 15. Currently living in Valrico, Tony and his wife, Jennifer, will soon be residents of St. Pete, a dream they have shared ever since their son, Justin, made them empty nesters.

“My grandfather always told me, if you have an opportunity to open a shop in St. Petersburg, do it! He instantly fell in love with the area and all of the life here. This city is full of good energy and I’m excited to become a part of the community,” Tony said with a friendly and welcoming smile.

Expert Sales and Service

At Tony’s Bike shop you will find a wide range of bikes for sale at $500 and under, new and used. If you are looking more towards buying a used bike, you can do so without fear. Tony offers a 90-day warranty on all of his used bikes.

It’s important to take good care of your bike, so Tony offers a convenient $20 tune up, which can take up to about 60 minutes to complete and comes with the option of a loaner bike for the hour or a bike-maintenance lesson by Tony himself.

“I love to teach people about their bikes and how to care for them.

There are so many little tips to share to make your ride more enjoyable,” Tony said.

Speaking of tips, here are some of Tony’s trade secrets. Number one, always check your tire pressure to ensure a good ride and prevent damage to your tires. Number two, always keep your bike chains lubricated. And number three, be certain to have lights on your bike for night time riding in order to avoid dangerous collisions and the possibility of receiving a ticket.

Rent a Bike for the Day

Along with offering a wide selection of bikes for sale, and the best tune up in town, Tony’s Bike Shop also offers 24-hour bike rentals for only $20. Just pop in with your ID and you are good to go. They have a variety of rental bikes to choose from, whether you enjoy riding a beach cruiser, a city-style bike or a hybrid, which just happens to be the most popular.

In addition to the bikes, you will find everything you need to enjoy a beautiful ride through St. Pete. The shop offers everything from pet carriers, baskets and bike racks to locks, bells and a huge assortment of comfortable seats. Just seeing the polka dot banana seat on a bright orange bike with tassels on the handlebars took me right back to the second grade, riding without a care in world with a warm breeze blowing through my hair and sun shining bright in the sky. Sign me up!

All you have to do is stop in, load up and hit the road, or the trails.

It’s a great way to spend a day in one of the few cities where you can ride your bike from the beach to downtown in one sunshiny day.

Looking forward, Tony has big plans. He will be expanding into the building alongside the current shop, boasting an extra 1200 square feet.

Like the city, the space is so inviting that Tony is brainstorming on ways to invite the community in for more than just tune ups and shopping. He is moving towards teaching classes on bike care, plus game nights and community socials.

You can find Tony’s Bike Shop located in the heart of St. Pete at 19 21st Street North. The shop is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visit www.tonysbikeshop.com or call 727-537-6162 for more information.

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The Big T Team from left to right: David Sistrunk, Mike Kremer, Josh Banfield, Todd Moore, Ozzie Gonzalez, Tanya Hofschneider, Skylar Stacy Photos by Kelly Nash Photography

Big T Printing: They REALLY Like Printing Stuff

By Tina Stewart Brakebill

I recently visited Big T Printing, and “Big T” himself, Todd Moore, graciously gave me a tour of his shop and a tutorial on the printing business. Both were fascinating, and by the time we were finished, two things had become very clear. First, “keeping it local” is not just a slogan for this locally owned business, and second, it’s not just about screen printing t-shirts! This shop can assist with every aspect of your branding and promotional needs.

Keeping it Local

Todd was born and raised in Florida, and although work took him to Texas for a time, he has always considered Florida to be home.

When the chance to return home came along, he and his growing family took it.

His desire to plant deep roots here in St. Pete led Todd to open Big T Printing in 2013, and those roots have taken hold and spread.

The original shop has grown from 750 square feet to 4,500 square

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feet, and they have become a vital member of the local business community. They are passionate about helping other local businesses and organizations succeed.

Big T Printing makes a conscious effort to give preference to local suppliers, and stays focused on keeping their core local customers happy. The company also makes a point to support local charities and to sponsor events in the community. In short, they are committed to helping other local businesses and organizations succeed, making keeping it local look easy.

Not Just T-Shirts!

My own experience with screen printing began and ended many years ago with a middle school t-shirt project, so needless to say, I was amazed at how printing technology has evolved! Visiting with Todd, I learned that Big T Printing is a one-stop shop for all your printing needs.

Customers can still get t-shirts screen printed, but that process is a bit more advanced these days than the one I remember. Plus, Big T Printing can also apply your logo, original design or photo image using methods such as dye sublimation, heat-applied vinyl, or direct-to-garment printing. If you’re looking for something more luxe, with a bit of texture, then you’ll want to explore their extensive embroidery options.

No matter which process is best for your needs, you’re not limited to t-shirts. Big T can help you decide which of these techniques is the optimal choice to personalize all kinds of apparel, from hats to hoodies and everything in between. In today’s competitive environment,

Bringing Out YOUR Style [That’s also fur baby friendly]

promotion comes in many forms, and the more ways you can put your name and logo in front of potential customers, the better.

While Big T Printing is definitely your go-to place for printed apparel, they offer many choices beyond wearable items, too. If you can name it, they can probably print on it. Just to name a few things that Big T Printing can customize: bags, blankets, pens, koozies, mouse pads, cups, yard signs, banners, vehicle decals, posters, bumper stickers, and many more!

Need Some Help?

Do all these options sound great, but also a little intimidating?

Do you have an event on the horizon or a business in the making, but you’re not sure how to turn your vision into an effective promotional campaign? The professionals at Big T Printing can help!

Their graphic design team loves to collaborate with customers.

They want to make the process less scary, and they will happily help you understand your options. Since local customers can stop by and meet with them in person, Big T Printing is able to provide a level of support you won’t find with an online print company located who-knows-where.

Plus, they always offer affordable, competitive pricing for quality work.

In Todd’s words, “Whether you are a business looking for marketing materials or employee uniforms, or an individual looking for screen printed t-shirts for an event, we can turn your creative ideas into reality.”

Todd and his team at Big T Printing want to help you bring your vision to life. Give them a call at 727-322-3131, visit their website at www.bigtprinting.com or visit their shop at 2801 16th Street North in St. Pete, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Living with our furry friends can create some challenges in furnishing our homes. We must consider if they have short hair that will stick into the fabric or long hair that will gather on the cushions and skirt, if they like to “fluff ” the cushion before circling and flopping down, thereby snagging the fabric with their nails or use it as a scratching post... We love them, we share our home with them and they are part of the family. The challenge is finding the right fabric or leather that will withstand the wear and tear, so we are all happy.

Leather is a great option for preventing animal hair from penetrating. It wears well and ages beautifully. Many leathers are finished with a protective top coat. A good grain structure provides interest to your décor while being rugged enough to survive everyday life.

Fabric options abound. High performance fabrics are resistant and can take the wear and tear of everyday life.

Some are water repellant. Slipcovers are another option by providing easy cleanability. I encourage you to take home the fabric or leather swatch you are considering and see if pet hair sticks to it or wipes or vacuums off easily.

Let Us Help Tampa Bay Furnishings Interior Designer, Lydia Mason, would love to talk with you about your design goals for your home.

Visit our showroom located at 3034 9th Street North. Or for more info visit tampabayfurnishings.com or call 727-821-4100.

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Interior Designer Lydia Mason

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Owner/broker Nancy Hadam and broker Jenny Roche of RE/MAX Realty Unlimited

RE/MAX Realty Unlimited: Investing in Community

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell in Crescent Heights or anywhere in the Northeast St. Petersburg area, RE/MAX Realty Unlimited will strive to exceed your expectations!

Buying or selling a home is a major decision, possibly one of the most important that you will ever make. You’ll probably want the bestof- the-best real estate professionals to help you navigate the process. That means savvy, educated representatives with strong values. Kindness and cheerfulness also go a long way.

If you’re buying or selling in the St. Petersburg area, you can trust the team at RE/MAX Realty Unlimited. By providing exceptional support and guidance, they hope they will immediately come to mind when friends or family members ask for referrals.

Although its Brandon office has been open much longer, RE/MAX Realty Unlimited has been operating in Northeast St. Petersburg since 2012.

“We felt strongly that a concierge environment, offering services that went above and beyond a traditional real estate office, was the way we wanted to expand our business,” owner and broker Nancy Hadam said. “We have been successful in increasing our business year over year.”

more than $150 million to help children in medical need.

“In 2016, Florida was one of the top three states that raised the most funds for CMN Hospitals,” Hadam said. “Everyone who has bought or sold a house with us has made that possible.”

“When you work with RE/MAX Realty Unlimited, we keep our buyers’ and sellers’ interests first and foremost,” she said. “Your confidence is what makes us successful, and we thank all our buyers and sellers for their trust and loyalty over the years. You’ll be working with a professional who strives to exceed your expectations of what a real estate company should provide you.”

Outstanding agents mean outstanding results, and the team at RE/MAX Realty Unlimited strives to be the best–– through education, service and effort.

RE/MAX Realty Unlimited is located at 2012 4th St N. in St. Petersburg. For more info visit www.homesaroundstpetersburg.com or call (727) 308-3330.

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Broker Jenny Roche said the team finds vibrant, friendly St. Pete to be ideal for their business.

“When someone is looking for a place to call home, the St. Petersburg area is hard to beat,” she said. “We live here, and we love it. From its beautiful beaches to the popular downtown area with shops, restaurants, museums, community events and general camaraderie, it’s just one of those beautiful places that more and more people are discovering. Real estate is a healthy investment, and homeowners continue to agree.”

Additionally, RE/MAX Realty Unlimited team members invest in the community. Most notably, brokers and agents donate money from every closing to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network hospital in the area. In St. Petersburg, that’s Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.

This year marks the 26th anniversary of the firm’s participation in the Miracle system, including donations generated through the through its Brandon office. Parent company RE/MAX LLC is one of CMN’s top donors nationwide, and its agents have contributed

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Photo by City of St. Petersburg

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Total Air: Local, Efficient and Caring

By Jacque Bishop

Florida is melting. You burn your hands on your doorknob, then slither to the thermostat on your A/C unit to turn down the temperature.

A minute later, you realize...it’s only blowing hot air! You make it to the computer, where there are thousands of air conditioning companies, all claiming to be “The Best”. How do you know which one to call? If you visit Total Air’s site, you will have found the real winner.

Aaron Freedman opened Total Air in 2005. His focus has always been residential and light commercial. Total Air’s first office was a small bungalow in the Kenwood area. In 2011 he purchased an 8,000 sqft office/ warehouse in Joe’s Creek. This property enabled Total Air to increase office staff and create a training facility which includes a classroom and hands on technical training area.

“Many companies who want to be all things in all places, don’t end up succeeding at delivering good service,” Aaron said. “We’ve built our reputation on honest, quality work, and on caring greatly about our customers”.

Bailey, the Office Manager, said, “Over 95% of our customers get sameday service. Unless there’s a hard-to-find part or something, we’ll be there.

Also, we give priority to senior citizens, households with young children, and to anyone who has health issues.” Seniors get a 20% discount, too!

Great Employees, Great Service

A time-proven truth about any business is that your customers are treated only as well as you treat your workers. This is the unwritten part of Total Air’s mission statement. It only takes a visit to their complex to see that this is not any P.R. “hot air”.

Aaron and his partner in life, Stephanie, run a 21st century momand-pop business. All their employees, from technicians to office staff,

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have a voice in decision-making, and know that their voices are heard.

If they’re ill, have family emergencies, or a new baby at home, they know that their bosses have their backs. Family comes first, and that philosophy reaches all the way through to their customers.

“If you’re not happy in any way, we’ll be back, for no charge,” Aaron said.

Total Air has about 10 service vans on the road most days. They are bright blue and orange, with a sunrise logo. In the summer months, their techs may be on the road 7 a.m. until 8 p.m., trying to make sure as many people have air as possible.

The service techs in the field are backed by a smooth-running warehouse and parts team back at the shop. Someone’s got to stay on top of suppliers and outstanding orders! Warehouse manager, Joel Colby, runs this pristine operation. Separate bays for each customer, each under a clipboard with the parts list needed for your job, contain everything the techs need, so they can come in, grab your stuff, and run—knowing it’s all there. And not a speck of dust in the place.

So what about the all-important technician who will come into your home and, hopefully, end your suffering on a hot day?

“I learned early on that I can teach someone a trade very well, but I can’t teach someone work ethic and personality,” Aaron said. “In the beginning I hired experienced guys who came to apply for jobs, but they brought with them their learned bad habits and poor people skills.

Now, Total Air works mostly with Pinellas Technical College (PTEC), hiring and further training their most outstanding graduates. A stateof-the-art training room at Total Air is where everybody starts. In it are all kinds of air conditioning, electrical and installation setups, which the trainer can program to have simple or mysterious problems for new techs to diagnose and fix. Everyone on staff has training sessions every week to keep them up to date on new products, changes made in any brand they sell, and general issues of concern.

New techs will partner with senior techs on the road until they’re seasoned and fully ready to do excellent work. According to Aaron, “If we start with someone who’s smart, hardworking, and cares personally about his customers, the end product is always a great tech.”

A Family-Focused Business

Back in the airy and spacious front-office building, several sunny spaces look like mini preschool rooms, equipped with toys and other necessities for young children. Moms like Bailey and Antoinette can bring their children to work with them, any time they need.

“It’s been so wonderful for me,” said Bailey. “Day care is so expensive, and the idea of leaving your baby with someone you don’t really know well...

Ugh.” Ignoring the toys, almost two-year-old Avianna is seriously engaged in toting around a small waste basket, trying to decide on the perfect spot for it. Her mom, Antoinette, is Total Air’s Service Coordinator. This week, Aaron and Stephanie’s daughter, Jaylyn, started working at Total Air to pay for her own cell phone. She’ll be sweeping the warehouse and helping her mom. “She’s gonna punch a clock, too,” Stephanie said, laughing.

In the community, Total Air enjoys sponsoring mostly family and sports-related events. They participate in local 5k races several times a year, and also sponsor a local Little League Softball team. They recently donated a years worth of Preventive Maintenance service to Friends of Strays Animal Shelter.

So the next time your A/C is ready for a checkup, or has a dreaded breakdown on a hot day, look no further than Total Air for fast, efficient and caring service. For more information visit www.coolingstpete.com or call 727-822-7700.

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GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM / APRIL 2018

Local Business Needs Your Support From the Publishers of GBM

For those of you that follow local business news, you may remember last month’s special exemption request for a Dunkin’ Donuts on MLK near downtown. After protest from local business owners and advocates, Council ultimately turned down the request because the drive-thru at that location was originally slated for retail use (e.g., a bank) not a restaurant. This was a win for keeping more congestion and big chains out of downtown but also set the tone to delay plans for a local business, Vice & Virtue, whose hearing happened to be on that same day, shortly after D&D was turned down.

Vice & Virtue, a new coffee and fast-healthy food concept, is gearing up to open on MLK between 30th Ave N and 32nd Ave N where the old drive-thru Farm Store used to be. V&V creators, Laurene O’Connor and Tara Mutschler, would like to reinstate the drive-thru to make it convenient for customers to get their orders. However, the City requires a special exemption to do so.

Now their hearing is rescheduled for May 2nd.

It is important to note the drive-thru for V&V was there already; as part of the old Farm Store. So, unlike Dunkin’ Donuts, Vice & Virtue is requesting to reinstate, not repurpose.

There are some other significant differences. For example, V&V envisions their drive-thru as more of a drive-up; making the experience much more personal and inviting. Their food will be healthy, organic

Left: Tara Mutschler unboxing new coffee roaster Top right: Vice & Virtue creators, Tara Mutschler & Laurene O’Connor

and locally sourced (when possible). They’re even consulting with a local farmer about adding a garden to the back of the property.

To help this young local business open their doors, we’re asking you to write the City and say that you support local business and APPROVE reinstating the drive-thru so that V&V can start serving up some delightful in-house roasted coffee and healthy food, too!

Email Corey.Malyszka@stpete.org to let Council know that you support local business and would love to see Vice & Virtue open on MLK. To contact V&V directly, call Laurene O’Connor, (727) 667-3659 or Tara Mutschler, (727) 479-7512; or email viceandvirtuegroup@gmail.com.

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“As a business advertiser and avid reader of Green Bench Monthly I have become addicted to their awesome local content and continued representation of everything local right here in St. Pete! ....LOVE!!”

- Deana Hawk, Black Crow Coffee Co Photo by Kelly Nash Photography

Green Bench Monthly: Targeted Advertising That Works

By Cristina Juska “We had two different customers this past week mention how much they enjoy your magazine, and that they were happy we had coupons in it.”

- Emily Stoft, Animal House Naturals Photo by Kelly Nash Photography

“I’m too busy. Green Bench Monthly is the best money I’ve spent.”

- Gregory Mathis, Gregory Air Photo by Kelly Nash Photography

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Small business owners know that they need to be shrewd about how they spend their limited advertising dollars. Targeted, precise advertising is the way to go—there’s no need to cast a wide net when the fish you want to lure in (potential customers) are also your neighbors.

You may not realize it, but this fun and informative new issue of Green Bench Monthly was mailed directly to more than 15,400 homes in and around Downtown St. Pete, specifically in zip codes 33701, 33704 and 33713. Plus, it was hand delivered to dozens of DTSP businesses, for a total circulation of 15,800 copies each month.

Since we began publishing more than a year ago, the reaction from our readers and advertisers has been more than enthusiastic.

Reader Nadine M. said: “I love the Green Bench Monthly. It is such a professional community news source filled with rich historical and community content, wonderful writing, and business discoveries. I look forward to each issue!”

GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM / APRIL 2018

Local and Affordable

Because we want to make advertising accessible for local businesses of all sizes, Green Bench Monthly aims to keep our rates competitive. Beginning at just $200 per month for a 1/8 page size ad—professionally designed by our graphics team—that breaks down to just ONE CENT per copy.

I mean, you can’t even send out a direct-mail postcard for less than 18 cents each for postage.

In addition to our super-affordable rates, no one knows DTSP like Green Bench Monthly! We are created by people who live and work right here in our community. Our publishers, writers, photographers, designers and editors—we all live, work and play here.

We love discovering new stories about our town just as much as our readers do.

A few of the other magazines targeting our market are published out of Vermont, South Tampa, and Indian Rocks Beach, respectively. Ours is the ONLY one published monthly.

If your (potential) customers live in any of these neighborhoods, Green Bench Monthly can help you reach them!

Reader Becky W. said: “I felt as though [Green Bench Monthly] captured much about what is wonderful about St. Pete, and was not a sales mag in disguise, unlike many other publications. I know ads are the secret to success, but they are handled well, and the stories were all of interest to me.”

And It Works!

Beyond the positive feedback we receive all around town about our magazine’s reporting and storytelling, we love the fact that we are able to give our advertisers so much “bang for their buck”. With a 90 percent ad renewal rate, we must be doing something right!

Part of the secret is that beyond just running your ad, Green Bench Monthly also wants to help you tell your story. With 12 placements, advertisers get a professional feature story written about their business, with photos, as our way of saying thank you. It’s a great way for our readers to get to know you and your business a little better, in more detail than an ad can portray alone.

Advertisers like Keith Gilbert of Buster’s Antiques and Gregory Mathis of Gregory Air tell us that they love the impact the ad and article have together. Many see a big uptick in new business right after their story runs. For instance, Monika’s Cleaning Service had to hire two more employees after their story ran, just to keep up with all the new clients.

As Gregory put it: “I’m too busy. Green Bench Monthly is the best money I’ve spent.”

Coupons are an easy way to track how ads are performing. Emily Stoft of Animal House Naturals said that they are “very pleased with the amount of coupons redeemed each month”.

Green Bench Monthly is happy to update your ad, including coupons, whenever necessary at no extra cost, keeping your ad fresh and relevant each month.

Emily continued: “We had two different customers this past week mention how much they enjoy your magazine, and that they were happy we had coupons in it.”

Those that believe online advertising is where it’s at will be happy to learn that all of our feature articles are also posted on our website and promoted through email and social media. These articles are also search engine optimized, creating yet another easy way for potential customers to find you. This online exposure is included at no cost in the print ad rates.

Want to Advertise with Us?

We would love to meet you and talk about how Green Bench Monthly can help your business grow and thrive. For more information visit www.greenbenchmonthly.com/advertising to request a media kit, call us at 727-280-5406 or email greenbenchmonthly@gmail.com.

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Photos by Evan Sigmund

Fanfare for a Jazz Band

Lakewood High Will Swing the Apollo in New York

By Jacque Bishop If your spirit needs rebooting this spring, there’s a fail-safe way to ditch the blues: Find out when a nearby high school’s bands and orchestras are holding concerts. The quality of music you hear may astound you. At Lakewood High School, the Jazz Band will soon head to New York City.

Later this month the musicians will play both the renowned Apollo Lakewood High School Jazz Band 2017-2018

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Director Michael Kernodle

Reeds

Matthew Sala: 1st Alto Saxophone John Binkley: 2nd Alto Saxophone Tristan Nelson: 1st Tenor Saxophone Edward Giese: 2nd Tenor Saxophone Michael Dodge: Baritone Saxophone

GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM / APRIL 2018

Theater in Harlem and the outdoor venue at Lincoln Center. It’s hard to tell whether they’re more excited about performing or about hearing the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra – directed by the irrepressibly talented Wynton Marsalis – and having hands-on workshops with some jazz greats at the Apollo.

Trumpet

Jack Willet: Lead Trumpet Johnny Liles: 2nd Trumpet Harry Sauers: 3rd Trumpet Shamar Dean: 4th Trumpet David Keister: 5th Trumpet

Trombone

Miguel Jackson: 1st Trombone Henry Thiel: 2nd Trombone Daniel Small: 3rd Trombone Ernest Houston: 4th Trombone

Rhythym Section

Jacob Golden: Piano Zach Blair-Andrews: Guitar Nick Love: Drums Erik Hempel: Double Bass Tobin Frazier: Vibraphone

Don’t think these 19 guys are new to the game; they’ve won high honors in Florida competitions, judged and organized by the Florida Bandmasters Association. This year, they’ve also earned their way to the State Level competition, selected from among the best high school jazz bands in the state.

Director Michael Kernodle takes a rare break during rehearsal and points emphatically to a large poster of grinning musicians. It reads: “Florida State Competitions 2015: Lakewood High Jazz Band, Straight Superiors.” (That’s as good as it gets within the state.) “I want four more of those up there, you hear? Four! And you can do that!” he says. All the students’ eyes are on him.

Lakewood’s invitation to the New York Jazz Festival came unsolicited. Last year, the band traveled to New Orleans and played the Crescent City Jazz Festival. A musician/organizer in New York heard the recording of their performance and was so impressed that he asked Kernodle to bring the musicians to the Big Apple. It’s a given that what he hears this year will be an even bigger and better sound.

To get to where they are now, performers have worked hard, practiced endlessly, and shown up for classes no matter what. All of them must first play at least a year in Concert Band, and all must be able to read music before achieving Jazz Band status.

“I first listened to jazz because my parents do, so I liked the sounds,’’ sophomore trombone player Ernest Houston says. “But jazz isn’t this freeform thing that you just pick up your instrument and play. In jazz, it’s all about learning your scales until you can play them in your sleep.”

What appears to be effortless improvisation takes hours and hours of practice in major, minor, and diminished keys, plus conquering a series of different modes. “More than classical, jazz has a lot of odd chords, where the harmonies are way off,” Houston says.

Rehearsals under Mr. K’s direction are tight and professional.

Still, there are occasional whoops of sheer joy over something that just sounds so good! A fist in the air, a just-can’t-help it dance step: the guys celebrate the sound they make together.

Lakewood’s extensive music program includes a variety of bands, orchestras, ensembles, and choruses. Director Kernodle already knows that all of his Jazz Band members will graduate, and at least three of the seniors are college-bound. Matt Sala will take his sax talent to the University of South Florida, where he will also study medicine.

Trumpeter Johnny Liles will head to Florida State University’s highly rated music department, and “Bari Mike” Dodge and his baritone sax probably will end up at the University of Central Florida.

Meanwhile, there’s New York. Scheduling and organizing an outof-state trip takes endless planning and hours of work. Mr. K reminds students to make sure their collapsible music stands are ready and suggests bringing clothespins to hold their music at Lincoln Center, where they’ll perform outdoors on a day that’s likely to be blustery.

Tuxedos and trousers must be cleaned, and shoes and instruments have to be shined up.

Another challenge: Raising the $50,000 to make the trip and house the youngsters. The band played a concert at the historic Manhattan Casino and sold CDs of performances. The Lakewood Band Boosters, in endless fundraising mode, still have another $15,000 to go. Everyone’s still hustling T-shirts, passing the hat, and praying a lot. Optimism is a prerequisite for band directors, and Kernodle is no exception. “It takes a lot of faith and a lot of patience,” he says. “But we’re well on our way – and we will make it.”

To contact Lakewood High School Band Boosters, email lhsspartanbandboosters@gmail.com; Secretary Janice Thiel, MJThiel@ verizon.net; Michael Kernodle KernodelM@pcsb.org; Lakewood High reception desk: (727) 893-1387.

Director Michael Kernodle

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O’Berry’s Succulents

Succulents seem to be a fun gifting trend these days. O’Berry’s Succulents specializes in miniature succulent and cacti landscapes. Their quirky arrangements, often presented in objects like toy dinosaurs or ceramic cats, can be found locally at the St. Pete Indie Market, Saturday Morning Market and the Nights Exchange.

According to Owner Jamie O’Berry: “About 40 percent of our succulents are propagated by us. We started making these gardens in 2010 and we feel we created a style that has become quite popular. What has always made ours different is how we design and fashion the plants to mimic larger landscapes and the custom rock mixture we plant in.”

O’Berry’s Succulents.

Photo by Bridge + Bloom.

O’Berry’s Succulents also teaches weekly workshops throughout the Tampa Bay area. O’Berry’s also works with restaurant groups to create easy-to-maintain decor, and they’ve even worked with clients on weddings. To learn more, or to sign up for an upcoming workshop, visit www.oberryssucculents.com.

Posies Flower Truck

Posies Flower Truck has quickly become one of the most recognizable floral vendors in our area. Their mobile “bouquet bar” can be found at the St. Pete Indie Market, but it also visits coffee shops and special events on a regular basis.

Little Pond Farm. Photo by Ellen Trimarco.

According to cofounder Stephanie Newton, their truck allows shoppers to build their own bouquets “à la carte”. They have more than 20 varieties of blooms and greens that shoppers choose by the stem. Customers can buy as little or as many as they’d like, and staff will wrap or arrange them. This offers buyers the opportunity to be creative.

Find Posies Flower Truck at Bandit Coffee Co. every Wednesday from

By Tara Britton, co-founder of Market Mafia 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails every second and fourth Friday. To learn more about this unique local business, including Bring on the blooms! Our local makers’ markets are a great place to find how you can schedule their truck for your special event or host a bouquetbeautiful bouquets. Floral and plant vendors have become a staple at some making workshop, visit www.posiesflowertruck.com. of St. Pete’s most popular markets, and shoppers may be surprised to learn Posies Flower Truck. more about the unique growers behind these beautiful blossoms.

Movers & Makers

Little Pond Farm

Photo by Jeremiah Khokhar Photography.

Little Pond Farm, located in Bushnell, Florida, is a fan favorite for fresh blooms at the Saturday Morning Market. Owners Ellen Trimarco and Cole Turner attend the market every weekend, giving you the opportunity to meet your farmers. They proudly grow everything they sell, and all of their flowers are USDA Certified Organic, meaning they have not been exposed to synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers.

“Over the course of the season we grow over 100 cut flower varieties.

We grow many non-commercial varieties that can only be found in local markets grown by local farms,” Turner said. Little Pond Farm sells all of their products within 100 miles of their farm, so buying from them helps to support the local economy and to reduce your carbon footprint.

Beyond their market presence, Little Pond Farm offers floral design Spring has Sprung!

Now that you have learned more about some of the interesting plant services and bulk blooms for special events and weddings. They also have a Community Supported Agriculture program (CSA). This means that and flower vendors found at our local markets, we invite you to come out CSA members pay an annual fee to receive a share of produce throughout and celebrate spring at these upcoming market events: the growing season, which can be picked up each week at the Saturday St Pete Earth Day 2018 - April 21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Historic Williams Park Morning Market. To learn more about all that this farm has to offer, visit Green Thumb Festival - April 28-29, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Walter Fuller Park See you there! www.littlepondfl.com.

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Photo by City of St. Petersburg

DTSP on a Dime Food n’ Drink Hacks: Weekday Edition

By Erin Cody Everyone could use a weekday treat that won’t break the bank. Whether you are looking to have a chill happy hour with co-workers, a raucous night with the girls, a sweet mid-week date with your honey, or just a solid drink to wash away those work-a-day blues, you’ll find abundant budget-friendly options in Downtown St. Pete.

If you can hop out a little early on Monday, grab a table at Gratzzi by 5:30 for their three-course, early-bird dinner special for just 15 buck-aroos. Early-bird is available every day of the week, but Monday is the sweet spot, as you can also score half-priced bottles of wine (up to $100) between 4 and 10 pm.

Just ready to rip off that tie and dig in? Hit Caddy’s on Central for allday (11am to 1 am) happy hour. Three bucks will get you drafts, wells, wines and margaritas, and you can stuff your face with a pulled pork sandwich n’ fries or tots for $6.99.

When Tuesday rolls around, prepare to get fancy on the cheap! Birch & Vine will serve you half-priced appetizers and bottles of wine from 5 ‘til close. If crafts and cocktails are more your thing, happy hour is from 3-7 Monday through Friday, and late-night happy hour is in the lounge from 9-close every Sunday through Thursday. Now that’s one to remember, eh?

You’ve surely heard of Ceviche’s epic “Tapas Tuesday” deals. On Tuesdays, their daily happy hour deal between 5-7 extends all night long. $7 mojitos, $5 sangria, and $5 tapas in a sumptuous setting await you. It’s a feast for the senses! What better way to decompress?

Cassis’ usual 4-7 happy hour of $2.50 select house wines, domestic beers and well liquors is nothing to scoff at, but their Wednesday night special is a real treat for us gals. Nab a seat in the lounge for two-for-one drinks, which is like Christmas Day for a lover of fancy cocktails, such as myself. Two beautifully-crafted cocktails for under $15? Yes please! Pair those with a few small bites from the wide-ranging bar menu, and you will guarantee yourself a very happy hump day.

If you’re meeting up with the whole crew, try Red Mesa. Their epic fajitas are only served on Wednesdays, and they’ll knock half the price off their entire cocktail menu. No settling for wells & wings here! The beautiful patio is as perfectly set for a group of friends as it is a lovely date night.

Thursdays just became particularly exciting. You heard it here first: Proof Cocktail Club is now open on Thursdays, and slinging complimentary “pour d’oeurves” between 7 and 8 pm. If you’ve never been, check out their Facebook page first to familiarize yourself and learn where how to find the location, then enjoy some of the most exquisite cocktails you will find in St. Pete.

Need a good nosh after a long day? Go to town at Flippers. Their happy hour is every dang day from 3-6 and 9-12, and offers $3 domestic wine, half-off Italian wine and domestic beer, and a buck off crafts n’ imports.

You’ll score a free domestic beer or house wine with the purchase of an appetizer, and it just so happens that selected flatbreads are half-off. Holy happy hour, Batman!

Hope these can make your week a little brighter and keep your pocketbook a little tighter. Keep pinching those pennies in style, St. Pete!

Happy Springtime!

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Photo by Evan Sigmund

People of St. Pete: Carl Williams

By Tina Stewart Brakebill

St. Pete is celebrated for its fabulous weather, beautiful vistas, world-class food scene and thriving cultural atmosphere. But if you live here, then you know it’s the people that truly make St. Pete special, especially those people we see every day: the store clerks and wait-staff, the bus drivers and baristas, the postal workers and park staff, the custodians and teachers. It is easy to take these folks for granted, but each of them has a story. Here at Green Bench Monthly, we want to do our part in recognizing the value of their stories. So, beginning this month we will shine a light on one of the many folks who make St. Pete special.

From St. Pete to S. Korea and Back

Today, that light shines on the security guard who brightens my predawn trek to the gym: Carl Williams. Carl was born and raised in South Side/Midtown St. Pete and currently lives in the historic African-American neighborhood of Methodist Town.

The road between the two took him far from home. After graduating from Northeast High School, he enlisted in the army with hopes of serving as a military police officer. This goal didn’t materialize, but his six-year enlistment took him far and wide, including Colorado, Texas, Germany and South Korea. His favorite posting? South Korea. Serving in its demilitarized zone was a bit scary at times, but its intensity bred strong bonds that left a lasting impression.

In 1983, Carl returned home to St. Pete with plans to pursue a career in law enforcement. Unfortunately, he failed to pass the necessary agility test, twice. “Running,” he said with a smile, “was just not my thing.” So, instead he took up security work.

In the years since, he has provided security at a wide variety of venues, from bars and malls to retirement communities. Mall security offered the most variety, but his favorite was the retirement community. It gave him the opportunity to talk with interesting people while gaining insight into what it meant to grow older—life lessons he appreciates as he draws closer to retirement age, when he hopes to work only part time.

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Challenges and Looking to the Future

His goal of working part-time in retirement led us into a discussion of the impact of a changing St. Pete. Carl appreciates the positives of the city’s expansion, but he has also experienced the downside first hand. The newly revitalized St. Pete has meant rising prices, especially for housing.

Unfortunately, wages have not always kept the same pace.

For Carl, this has meant he has worked many side jobs to make ends meet, and sometimes there’s still a gap. In 2011, he spent nearly a year sleeping on the streets when his wages couldn’t keep up with his rising rent.

Luckily, in early 2012 he qualified for a Veterans Administration program that provided him with just over three months of temporary housing, which helped him get back on his feet—where he intends to stay. At least until he retires and can rest those feet while he does some fishing.

Things have not always been smooth on Carl’s journey, but it’s certainly been interesting. He also remains upbeat about the future. As he told me with a smile, “I try not to let anything get me down.” We end our discussion musing on whether Denzel Washington would be willing to gain weight to play Carl in a movie about his life. I think he’d be perfect. In my mind, I see the credits roll. Denzel (Carl) is sitting and fishing. The idea made me smile.

Know someone that you’d like to see featured in People of St. Pete?

Drop a line to hello@greenbenchmonthly.com

Pacific Counter rendering.

Photo courtesy of Wannemacher Jensen Architects.

The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art eight-story facade—an abstract design, representing the high sandstone mesas of the American Southwest.

Downtown Developments

By Anthony Close

We realize it’s difficult to keep track of all the new developments downtown. 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.

Jannus Market, a neighborhood deli and convenience store, recently opened at 204 1st Ave N underneath The Landing at Jannus. The market features your typical array of snacks and drinks as well as a full Boar’s Head deli that serves made-to-order sandwiches. If you’re in a hurry they also offer a selection of pre-made grab-and-go deli items. They’re currently open 7AM to midnight Sunday through Thursday and until 3AM on Friday and Saturday with hopes to be open 24 hours on the weekends in the near future.

Also on 2nd Street, the popular west St. Pete gluten-free bakery Craft Kafé recently opened their second location at 200 Central Avenue. The bakery is known for their groundin-house stone milled flours, making all of their products gluten-free. The cafe offers sandwiches, organic salads, coffees, and a daily assortment of baked goods. If you go, be sure to check out the wooden accents that were hand built over an eight month period by local artist Ron Francis.

Across the street from Craft Kafé, The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art is

now open at 150 Central Avenue. The 88,000 square foot museum contains around 400 works of art selected from over 3,000 pieces acquired

by Tom and Mary James over their 50 years of art collecting. Along with over 30,000 square feet of gallery space, the museum’s entrance features a dramatic sandstone sculpture with a two story lobby accented by a prominent water feature. The museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm with extended hours on Tuesdays when they are open until 8pm.

Adjacent to The James Museum entrance, a new fitness studio has opened at 120 Central Avenue. Club Pilates offers classes that are pure to creator Joseph Pilates’ original fitness method but modernized with state-of-the-art equipment. Club Pilates offers classes for those looking to begin pilates as well advanced classes for those seeking mastery in the form. The studio offers classes beginning as early as 6am and starting as late as 7:30pm. Be sure to check their website for a class schedule.

Further down on Central Avenue, Pacific Counter, a poke bowl and sushi burrito joint, is

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opening at 660 Central Avenue. They will feature chef-created poke bowls as well as a buildyour-own option, allowing you to choose the ingredients. Their burritos will feature sushi rice rolled by a robot being imported from Japan.

Their dishes are complimented by daily housemade sauces and sides including edamame and seaweed salad. They are even serving Dole Whip (pineapple soft serve) for dessert! Pacific Counter hopes to open this summer.

Neighboring Pacific Counter, The Brass Bowl Kitchen & Juicery has announced its opening at 654 and 656 Central Avenue. The complementary concepts feature menus which will use 100% organic ingredients with a focus on fresh, sustainable, and vibrant foods. In addition to organic cold pressed juice, The Juicery will offer holistic tonics, elixirs and acai bowls. The anticipated opening date is around August 2018.

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

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Photos by City of St. Petersburg

Old South East Plant Swap:

All are welcome for free plants and breakfast

By Jacque Bishop Walking the brick streets and alleys of this picturesque little neighborhood, you will see plants, vines, and trees you’re likely see nowhere else. In the spring, eye-popping colors are everywhere. Old Southeast Neighborhood Association board member Pete Olivares says, “It’s because we really have our own unique micro-climate. We’re a tiny peninsula on the larger peninsula of Pinellas County, so we’re surrounded by water from Lassing Park on the bay to Salt Creek... It’s very conducive to growing all types of vegetation”. And this is a place where nearly everyone has chosen to stick around and grow where they’re planted!

Tradition is everything among the wellloved old bungalos here, and this will be (about) The 17th Annual OSE Plant-Swap. It takes place in the parking area of historic Chattaways Restaurant, which itself is surrounded by owner Ms.Gillian’s own amazing garden. Not only does The Chattaway donate it’s space to crowds of foliage and plant-lovers, it also provides a free

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outdoor continental breakfast. ( You may find yourself tempted to stick around for a “WorldFamous Chattaburger” for lunch. They’re one of a kind.)

The Plant-Swap has grown like a weed since it’s modest beginning, when 20-odd diehard gardeners came bearing their clippings, starts, and some of those lilies that just wouldn’t quit spreading... “People enjoyed it so much that it just got better every year, and is now our biggest neighborhood get-together. We noticed that people were coming from everywhere: Driftwood, Tropical Shores, Roser Park, even around Kenwood”. Pete says it’s now typical to see over 100 people come and go with their treasures in the two-and-a-half hours of swapping and chatting. Besides Mango Trees, Black Bamboo, Dutchman’s Pipe Vines and such, people bring every kind of garden-enhancement imaginable.

Pete’s seen hand-made stepping-stones, stained glass butterflies and flowers, gnomes, gargoyles, and – you name it.

GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM / APRIL 2018

Some years ago, nurseries and businesses, huge and tiny, began donating their wares for The Raffle that’s become a tradition, too. “Lowe’s, Home Depot, Cathy’s Corner, Crowley’s Nursery, Dolan’s Nursery – and may all the ones I’ve forgotten forgive me!”. The Raffle helps support the OSNA’s other community doings. For one, there will be a tree-planting project in conjunction with Earth Day St. Pete. “We’re starting,” sighs Pete, “to lose many of our huge old Laurel Oaks, because no one realized that they only live 50-60 years on average”.

The most important thing about the Plant Swap is just getting old and new neighbors together. So, wherever you are planted, bring the family down for a sparkling few hours of flowers and friendship!

The Old Southeast Neighborhood Plant Swap, Saturday April 21st, from 9:00A.M. til 11:30A.M. The Chattaway Restaurant, S.E. Corner of 4th St South and 22nd Ave. South, St.Pete. Contact Pete Olivares @(727) 656-7038.

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Mural by Jeffrey Sincich and Josh Stover 719 Central Ave, 33701 Photo by City of St. Petersburg

Events

WestFest Night Maker’s Market

WestFest – Savor West St. Pete’s Local Flavor

When: Thursday, April 19th from 6pm-9pm Where: freeFall Theatre Company, 6099 Central Ave, 33710 When: Wednesday, April 18th Cost: FREE from 5pm-8pm The Independent Business Alliance, Keep Where: St Pete Yacht Club, Saint Petersburg Local (KSPL), is bringing back 11 Central Ave, 33701 WestFest (#WestFestStPete), the first event to Cost: $65 per person celebrate West St. Pete’s local flavor. The second Infinity, the League to Aid Abused Children annual event will feature 40+ vendors, including & Adults, Inc. will hold their 2nd annual Designer some of West St. Pete’s favorite restaurants, shops, Purse Bingo! charity fundraiser. This year promises health & wellness providers. This includes a Night to be better than ever with an evening featuring Maker’s Market with artists & artisans, jewelry, eleven games of Bingo!, heavy Hors d’oeuvres, one free drink ticket per person, cash bar, fabulous silent clothing, home goods, plants, honey, locally-made beverages and more. Enjoy beer from Mastry’s auction, and a bonus raffle. Play for your chance Brewing Co. + Special “WestFest Punch” created to win gorgeous designer purses by FENDI, Prada, by the James Beard-nominated, Reading Room.

Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Coach, and more! Proceeds from the event directly benefit CASA Groove to music by DJ SugarBear and play games (Community Action Stops Abuse), Suncoast Center, until your heart is content. This is a free familyfriendly and pet-friendly event. See you on the Inc. (medical foster care program) and Brookwood Florida, Inc. (residential home for girls). Reservations West side!

For more info about WestFest, visit www. are required and seating is limited! facebook.com/events/361100047702411. For To purchase tickets, please email Info@ more about Keep Saint Petersburg Local, visit InfinityStPete.org or call Jackie O’Brien at www.keepsaintpetersburglocal.org.

(727) 415-5879.

Infinity’s Designer Purse Bingo!

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GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM / APRIL 2018

‘Rebirth’ by Teresa Mandala

Beyond Technique – Conceptual Painting with Teresa Mandala

When: Spring Session, Thursdays; April 19th, 26th; May 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th Where: Morean Arts Center, 719 Central Ave, 33701 Cost: Member $145; Non Member $175 All skill levels welcome. This 6-week course will explore the process of creating from the inside out to create conceptual, meaningful paintings.

Utilizing tools from the book “The Artist Way” by Julia Cameron. For more info, visit www.moreanartscenter.org/classes-2/.

Tails and Ales Game Night to Benefit Friends of Strays

When: Thursday, April 26th Where: 1962 1st Ave S, 33712 Cost: FREE Join us at Pinellas Ale Works for Tails and Ales Game Night! We will be playing Cards Against Humanity! Pinellas Ale Works, The Pet Loss Center of Tampa AND an anonymous donor will each donate $1 for every PAW beer sold! That’s $3 to FOS for every PAW beer sold! For more info, visit www.friendsofstrays.com.

Photo by City of St. Petersburg

Lecture by Dr. Kent Lydecker “Death, Be Not Proud: Art and Memory Across the Ages.”

When: Saturday, May 5 from 2pm-3pm Where: Florida CraftArt, 501 Central Ave, 33701 Cost: FREE Dr. Lydecker is retired Director of the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, Florida.

He has a Ph.D. in art history from John Hopkins University. This event is part of Florida CraftArt’s “Dia de los Muertos – A Celebration of Life” exhibit. Featuring 42 artists from around the country have been selected to submit works that represent, in their own vision, the theme of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). For more info, visit visit www.FloridaCraftArt.org. th

Herb Day 2018

Photo by City of St. Petersburg

Mother’s Day Brunch at Sunken Gardens

When: Sunday, May 13th from 10am-noon Where: Sunken Gardens Oak Pavillion, 1825 4th St N, 33704 Cost: $60 per person / Limited Seating Available Celebrate Mother’s Day with a delicious al fresco brunch buffet including a mimosa in Sunken Gardens’ historic Oak Pavilion. Enjoy the smooth sounds of jazz by Henry Ashwood under a shaded canopy of air plants dangling from our mighty oak during an event closed to the general public. Stroll the gardens after brunch to complete your experience. All funds raised will go towards building our future Children’s Educational Garden.To purchase tickets, please visit www.bit.ly/SunkenGardensMomsDay.

When: Saturday, May 5th from 10am - 4pm Where: Traditions School of Herbal Studies, 2520 Central Ave, 33712 Cost: FREE Once a year, herb enthusiasts around the world come together to celebrate the power of plants. We will have vendors, free classes, food, music, samples, and plenty of plants! For more info, visit www.traditionsherbschool.com.

APRIL 2018 /

Movies in the Park at North Straub.

Preserve the ‘Burg Presents Movies in the Park

When: Thursday evenings in May starting at 7pm Where: North Straub Park, between 4th Ave. & 5th Ave. NE on Beach Drive, 33701 Cost: Movies are FREE (pay-what-you-can donations are appreciated) Bring family and friends to enjoy Free film classics and music each Thursday evening in May. Hosted by Preserve the ‘Burg on St. Petersburg’s beautiful downtown waterfront in North Straub Park. Each evening starts with live local music at 7 pm followed by the movie on the big outdoor screen at dusk. Movie goers are invited to come early to enjoy a picnic. Bring your own or food is available for purchase from vendors set up on-site.

Bicycling to movies is a fun way to arrive and free bicycle valet parking will be provided by Coast Bike Share during the movies.

May 3rd Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner ‘67 May 10th My Big Fat Greek Wedding ‘02 May 17th Father of the Bride ‘91 May 24th Back to the Future ‘85 May 31st Batman ‘89 For more info about Preserve the ‘Burg and their efforts to Keep St Pete Special, visit www.preservetheburg.org.

GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM

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