Green Bench Monthly Vol. 8, Issue 5, May 2023

22

From the Bench

A note from the Publishers

Happy May, readers!

Mother's Day is around the corner (May 14th in case you forgot flowers p.24). We toast to you and yours, those no longer with us (pg. 9), and the ones who held that space when we needed it most — we wish you the Happiest of Mother's Days!

We're loving home services these days. Featuring two of our go-tos, or home-tos? Vet with Hart (pg. 10) and Tony's Bike Shop (pg. 12). Origami doves take flight at St. Thomas' (pg. 14). A really beautiful mural took shape at Williams Park (15). The MAR is hosting a teen theatre experience that we could only dream of (pg. 18). And there's a few events you might want to check out (pg. 22).

Till next time, Ashley & Tony

All are welcome on this bench.

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

Sunken Gardens Flamingos. Photo by City of St. Petersburg

Tony and Ashley Sica Publishers / Owners

Tin Can Tourism & a Tent City Dream

By Tina Stewart Brakebill

The first automobile rolled into St. Pete in 1905, but unpaved city streets, virtually nonexistent county roads, and insufficient bridge crossings kept many people from jumping on board. As the decade unfolded, attitudes changed. By 1920, over 8 million cars had been registered in the United States; by the end of the decade that number had tripled. Trains and trolleys were still in the lead, but automobiles clearly were the future. Citizens and city leaders alike led the quest for more and better roads and bridges. Bond issues were approved, and millions of dollars were spent to pave, construct, and extend roadways and bridges linking the barrier islands and spanning Tampa Bay. Locals celebrated the relative new ease in navigating Florida, as did the growing number of tourists choosing to take road trips south.

Tourists Take to the Road

In addition to a growing network of roadways, America’s new love affair with the car gave birth to travel-centered businesses like motels and roadside diners. Despite their best efforts, however, these businesses could not always keep pace with the needs of road trippers. Camping became a popular alternative for many car-driving vacationers. They may have paved the way for today’s RV enthusiasts, although their experiences were considerably more rustic. Most people could boast no more than their car, a few cooking utensils, and maybe a canvas tent or awning for protection. Most roads were still unpaved, and many were no more than muddy or dusty paths. Cars were unreliable and prone to breakdowns and busted wheels. Public campgrounds also were virtually nonexistent. Instead, drivers would simply stop along the public roadside for the night or request permission to spend the night on private property. The sometimes-harsh realities of road travel led many travelers to try and band together into “touring parties’’ for support and camaraderie. In 1919, a group of these car-touring travelers banded together at a Tampa campground to organize the Tin Can Tourists of the World (TCT). They wanted to unite automobile campers, promote camp cleanliness, and provide “wholesome entertainment.” The origin of the term “tin can” is not clear. Perhaps it referred to the canned foods the campers relied on. It may have been connected to the car that many TCT members drove, the Ford Model T, or “Tin Lizzie.” Regardless, the organization was just one indicator of the growing popularity of automobile camping in Florida.

A “Tent City” in the Sunshine City

Across the bay, the Sunshine City also felt the effect of this new trend. In August 1920, the early arrival of two automobile “touring parties” inspired St. Petersburg mayor Noel Mitchell to prepare a plan of action. According to his proposal, the municipal campgrounds at 18th Street and Second Avenue S would be converted into a “Tent

Burgert Brothers. Tin Can Tourists at De Soto Park. 1920-12-25. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory.

All State Court and Camp - Saint Petersburg, Florida. 1920 (circa). State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory.

City” to accommodate the anticipated growing number of automobile tourists. Plans for the community included staking the grounds so the tents could be placed in a “street formation,” adding street lights, and placing signs along Central Avenue to direct new arrivals to the Tent City. As city officials discussed plans, new campers kept popping up “like mushrooms.” By mid-November, more than 450 campers from all across the nation had registered at the free camp site, and the numbers kept growing. As the season progressed and more campers arrived, the ideas expanded to include building an enclosed clubhouse with a fireplace, free laundry facilities, a grocery store, and a library. In reality, it was “practically impossible for the city to keep up with its growth” as it struggled to build sufficient basic “comfort stations” for sanitation. Meanwhile, more substantial renovations were stalled by opposition. Concerns about crime, safety, sanitation, costs, and the city’s image rose as the number of campers increased. By the time Tent City closed for the season in April, over 2,000 campers had made it their home for a night or the entire season. Its popularity was undeniable. Plans for Tent City’s future flourished among the campers. There was even talk of establishing a miniature form of “home rule” government within the camp’s ground.

“Tent City is Dead!”

On May 10, 1921, city commissioners voted unanimously to ban campers from within city limits. They cited local complaints and concerns about a variety of issues.

“Tent City is Dead!” the St. Petersburg Times noted. The dream of a municipal tent city was gone, but its demise didn’t end the demand. The number of registered visitors to the Sunshine City rose steadily each season in the 1920s. Hotels were quickly rising, but even when hotel rooms were available, some visitors chose to rent from private camping venues like Leora Lewis’ Tent City near Lake Maggiore and Miller’s Tent City. Touring the country in a car had changed the way that many people traveled. No longer bound to the rail, they could set their own pace. Car travel evoked the idea of freedom and spawned a new definition of American independence. Despite its quick origination and equally speedy demise, St. Petersburg’s Municipal Tent City offers a snapshot of how the rise of the automobile changed America. Sources available on request.

Central Avenue - Saint Petersburg, Florida. 1919 (circa). State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory.

People of St. Pete: Laura McGrath

By Tina Stewart Brakebill

St. Pete 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 shines a light on one of the many people that make St. Pete unique.

Moving to St. Pete in 2010, Laura McGrath contributed to the success of a variety of projects involving historic preservation and the arts. Her untimely death in April 2022 represents a deep loss for both her family and the St. Pete community she loved.

Taking Deep Dives

Born in Georgia in 1945 and raised in Ohio, McGrath demonstrated a passion for learning and doing from a young age. After graduating from high school in 1963, she continued her quest for knowledge at Allegheny College in Pennsylvania. This liberal arts college was the perfect educational foundation for the budding writer and supporter of the arts. It also was the perfect place for finding love. Meeting in the school choir, Laura and Tom McGrath married in 1967 and relocated to Corning, N.Y., after graduation. Laura McGrath immediately made an impact on her new community as a teacher and administrator at the local community college before she was recruited to take charge of a failing local arts center. Under her guidance, 171 Cedar Arts rose to prominence. She then turned her attention to cultivating clients for her own business, in which she wrote and edited speeches, articles, and books covering a variety of topics. A self-described “learning junkie,” she loved taking deep dives into whatever material was necessary to produce authentic quality work.

Preserving the Best of St. Pete

When Laura and Tom McGrath relocated to the Sunshine City in 2010, she continued to write and devoted significant additional time to projects designed to enhance and shape the character of her Historic Kenwood neighborhood. Combining rising interest in historic preservation and her longtime passion for art, she was instrumental in winning local historic district designations for several different blocks within Historic Kenwood as well as obtaining the neighborhood’s designation as an Artists Enclave. She also joined the board of the Sunken Garden Forever Foundation. Her passion and skills helped the organization to move forward toward a blossoming future. When the couple relocated to Westminster Suncoast in 2021, she didn’t slow down. She became an integral part of the community’s garden committee and was helping to shape its future projects. McGrath was completely committed to connecting with the world. As her family noted, she “found interest in everybody she met, and she found almost everything interesting.”

Connecting

As her daughter Colleen McGrath Lilley described, “Mom’s connection with people was special. She made everyone feel important whether she met them only once or knew them for a lifetime.” McGrath’s family clearly benefited because they had a lifetime with this vibrant and positive person. She encouraged her daughters, Colleen and Heather, to follow their passions. She supported Tom’s love of environmental science, even becoming an expert on Bahamian Reef corals in the process. Many examples could be offered to illustrate her ability to connect, but McGrath’s relationship with her granddaughter, Marlo, paints the most beautiful portrait. More than 50 years after music brought Tom and Laura together, Marlo and her “granny” discovered their mutual love for music, especially music for dancing. When not dancing, the two might be found cooking or baking together. As the “light of her life,” Marlo provided the surest way for McGrath to indulge her silly side. One year after her tragic death, her family still misses the sound of that laughter but they are grateful for the time they had.

Photo courtesy of the McGrath family

Sunken Gardens

Photo by City of St. Petersburg

Vet With Hart: Veterinary House Calls Provide Convenience and Peace of Mind

By Suzanne Driscoll

If your cat or dog hates going to the vet, you can save your pet and yourself a lot of trauma with an in-home veterinary house-call service. Dr. Hillary Hart has been providing high-quality home veterinary care since 2012 and frequently goes well beyond the call of duty.

Home visits are ideal for pets that are anxious or have “white-coat syndrome.” They also are helpful for senior citizens, people who are unable to drive to a clinic, clients with multiple pets, large senior dogs that can no longer get into vehicles, or just for convenience. Specializing in preventive care, vaccinations, treatment of illness, and diagnostic labs (dogs only), Dr. Hart also provides end-of-life care, effective pain management, and in-home euthanasia.

Covering mid- to south Pinellas County, Dr. Hart treats dogs and cats. Should a condition present itself in which a patient requires

services such as imaging or surgery, Dr. Hart refers pet parents to a fullservice animal hospital.

Maintaining Dignity of Life, Palliative Care and In-Home Euthanasia

Another facet of Dr. Hart’s practice is helping a loving pet parent sort through the difficult decisions that arise when a cherished animal is suffering and needs help.

She works with pet parents to discuss measures such as pain management and other supportive care. When the time finally arrives, she strives to create the most peaceful, painless, and loving transition possible in the home. Family is encouraged to be present.

Dr. Hillary Hart with practice partner and husband, Tom Goergen. Photos by Kristina Holman

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

As one grateful customer, Bob Sebesta, reports: “Last night, Dr. Hart helped us put our 14-year-old Bichon to rest. As any pet owner knows, that is one of the most difficult moments you will experience in your life. Dr. Hart was calm, gentle and compassionate, and we could not have asked for a more peaceful passing.”

A New Partner in Life as Well as Business

Dr. Hart married Tom Goergen last year, and he has become an invaluable member of the practice. “As my partner, Tom assists on appointments and is my driver,” she says. “My patients respond to his love and compassion, and they feel very secure and calm in his arms.”

Encountering Life-and-Death Situations

On many occasions, Dr. Hart has made home visits for which the client thought was a minor illness but turned out to be more serious. In one case, for example, she recognized the pet had pyometra, a uterine infection. “Vets have a saying to ‘never let the sun set on a pyometra’ as sepsis can set in, and it becomes life-threatening,” she says. “We obtained

an expedited appointment with a full-service vet who performed surgery and saved the dog’s life.”

On another occasion, a new client requested an exam for her dog. The client suspected diabetes, but Dr. Hart recognized a more serious condition. The client was on a fixed income, and Dr. Hart reached out to Safe Paws Rescue (SPR) for help. A SPR volunteer drove the pet to a full-service animal hospital, where the dog was diagnosed with advanced cancer. SPR generously paid the medical expenses for the dog (www. safepawsrescue.com). SPR shelters discarded and abused animals and finds foster families until they can be adopted. They are in great need for foster homes for dogs and will pay all expenses.

As another happy customer reports: “Never in my life have I met a veterinarian with such a love for animals and their well-being. Dr. Hart not only went above and beyond for our fur baby Vladamir, but for our entire household. She is the absolute best with phenomenal prices for house calls. I highly recommend her to anyone who loves their pets.”

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

Cindy, Dr. Hart’s mother and Assistant, hands delivers prescriptions to patients.

Tony’s Bike Shop Comes to You: Now Offering a Convenient Pickup and Delivery Service

By Suzanne Driscoll

Is your bike too big and heavy to fit into your car? Or perhaps you got a flat tire while out riding and have no idea how to repair it. Tony Tulloh of Tony’s Bike Shop in St. Pete is pleased to announce the perfect solution: a new mobile bicycle and eBike (electric) pickup and delivery service.

Simply call or text Tulloh at (727) 537-6162, and he or a crew member will pick up your bike anywhere in Pinellas County and bring it back to one of his two repair shops in the Grand Central District and near the Pinellas Trail. Or you can schedule service on his website, www.tonysbikeshop.com for pickup or to have repair and tune-up services done at your home or workplace. Convenience is the name of the game, and pickup and delivery costs only $19 round trip.

Tulloh will inspect each bike and contact the rider for approval on any issues. Once the repairs are completed, the bike is delivered right to your door. Payment by credit/debit card or cash is accepted.

An Early Start in the Bike Business

Tulloh has been offering top-rated bike assembly, repair, tune-up and warranty services on all makes and models since 1982. He learned the trade as far back as sixth grade, when he spent summers helping

Schedule a repair or pickup and delivery at www.tonysbikeshop.com

Photos by Kristina Holman

Tony Tulloh, owner of Tony’s Bike Shop in St. Pete

in his grandfather’s bike shop in West Virginia. “By the time I was in the tenth grade,” he says, “I had opened my own shop in Plant City where my mother would staff the store in the morning, and I would get out of school early to take over in the afternoon. Forty years later, my love for the bicycle business and helping riders to appreciate the great outdoors is still going strong.”

New and Used Bikes For Sale

In addition to providing repair and maintenance services, Tulloh offers a wide selection of new and used bikes and eBikes, or you can place a custom order. “EBikes in particular are increasing in popularity, and we have 30 on display with a variety of models made by Wolff with zero emissions,” he says. “And trade-ins are very welcome. We can beat any price on new bikes, and warranties and layaway plans are always offered.”

Both locations offer accessories such as helmets, lights, bells, mirrors, baskets, phone holders, pet carriers and comfortable seats,

As one happy customer reports: “Tony’s shop is the place to go. Tony’s charges are reasonable, and he doesn’t try to sell you things you don’t need.”

“The demand for our services has been amazing,” Tulloh says, “and we appreciate the many referrals we receive. We also offer discounts to members of the military, law enforcement, veterans and seniors.”

Schedule a repair or pickup and delivery at www.tonysbikeshop. com or give Tulloh a call at (727) 537-6162. Stop by either location from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tony’s Bike Shop, 19 21st St. N; or (727) 384-6608; 7100 Ninth Ave. N.

Tony’s repair shop in Grand Central is located at 19 21st St N

The St. Thomas’ Art Project Presents “Peace Takes Flight”

The St. Thomas’ Art Project is pleased to present “Peace Takes Flight,” a collaborative show featuring the works of the St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church and Canterbury School of Florida communities.

A highlight of the installation is more than 8,000 origami doves suspended in the main worship space of the church at 1200 Snell Isle Blvd. NE, St. Petersburg. Many are inscribed with individual prayers and meditations. In Christian tradition, doves represent the Holy Spirit, hope and peace.

Exhibition open through May 28 during St. Thomas’ worship services at 8 and 10 a.m. Sundays, or by appointment. For questions, please contact sthomasartproject@gmail.com or (727) 896-9641.

Above: ‘Doves in Flight’ Left: Gina White, co-chair of the St. Thomas’ Art Project. Photos by Keith Kenney.

A New Drinking Fountain and Mural in Williams Park Honors Esther Wright

By Suzanne Driscoll

Karen Carmichael was walking with friends to the Cordova Inn for drinks after a yoga class in Williams Park one day. She noticed that the drinking fountain across from American Stage appeared to be leaking. As president of the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA), she reported the problem to the city, which determined that the fountain was only puddling. The city agreed to update the fountain and the area with new pavers and a larger retaining wall. DNA filed a Neighborhood Partnership Grant to complement the area with branded trash cans and landscaped the planters with hanging plants similar to the ones Carmichael had seen in Bryant Park in New York City. The association also paid for a mural on the new retaining wall.

Further research uncovered an amazing chapter of St. Pete history. The original fountain was designed as a memorial to Esther Wright, known as the Bird Lady of St. Petersburg. After opening art studios in New York, Chicago and Boston, Wright moved here in 1960 at age 62 after hearing “it was heaven.”

Every day, she rode a tricycle to the park to feed birds and squirrels. She spoke to the animals and called them by name. The amount of abuse she endured from her daily trips was almost immeasurable. She was mocked, spit at, and had dead squirrels and rocks thrown in her face. Someone hung a deer on her door, and mangled bodies of kittens were left on her doorstep. Police at the time reported she was mugged more than any other person in the city. But Wright’s work to feed the animals of Williams Park continued for 20 years, even when she biked 17 miles each way from Largo, where she lived for a time.

In 1974, CBS journalist Charles Kuralt did a story on Wright and called her “one of my favorites.” When former mayor Corinne Freeman visited her on her deathbed, Wright told her: “My greatest wish is for an animal fountain in Williams Park.” Friends of Esther Wright raised $2,861, and on Wright’s birthday, Oct. 14, 1981, a 45-inch-high fountain with a ground trough was dedicated along with a plaque in her memory.

Deb Primosh was chosen to paint the mural after Carmichael saw a painting of hers on social media. Primosh had never painted a mural before, but she knew how to portray animals with love and excitement on their faces, and she captured the essence of Wright. “People would compliment my work and bring me coffee and lunch,” Primosh recalls. “One man gave me a silver charm of an acorn to remind me of the squirrels I painted. I hope this mural brings a smile to everyone’s face and reminds us to be kind and gentle.”

To learn more about the Downtown Neighborhood Association, please visit stpetedna.org.

Drinking fountain and mural paid for with funds from a Neighborhood Partnership Grant. Photos via St. Pete DNA Facebook Page

Parks of St. Pete: Sunken Gardens

By Tina Stewart Brakebill

Beginning with City Park (today’s Williams Park) in the late 19th century and expanding to the waterfront in the early 20th, St. Petersburg’s parks have a long history of providing locals and visitors with a wide variety of amenities. Today, St. Pete can boast more than 150 city parks and numerous Pinellas County parks. According to the Trust for Public Land, 77 percent of residents live within a 10-minute walk to a park. Park amenities vary depending on location and size and can include picnic areas, playgrounds, beaches, boat ramps, fishing docks, playing fields, sports courts, fitness equipment, trails, nature preserves, art installations, and historic sites. Dogs and skaters even have their own spaces. Parks & Recreation also offers classes, service projects, camps, and a variety of after-school educational programs. Choose an activity or choose to relax, and there’s a park or recreation center that fits your needs.

A Sunken Lake Becomes a Garden

In the early 1900s, plumber and avid gardener George Turner Sr. used clay tiles to drain a shallow lake dominating some newly bought property. He then used the rich muck left behind to create an elaborate “sunken” garden. Initially, the area was used as a plant nursery for the Turner family and a pleasurable strolling spot for neighbors, By the 1920s, it became clear that it had potential as a destination. During the 1930s, Turner fenced off the gardens, and tourists paid to wander through the elaborate and exotic property. Over the decades, the Turners purchased the adjacent Mediterranean Revival-style building to create the “World’s Largest Gift Shop” and wax museum. They added a wide array of birds, including peacocks, macaws, toucans, parakeets, cockatoos, myna birds, and roseate spoonbills. Between 1950 and the 1970s, Sunken Gardens was ranked among Florida’s Top 10 commercial attractions. By the 1980s, however, like many other roadside Florida attractions, the property was losing customers to Disney, and attendance numbers sank. After many failed attempts to sell to private investors, the city purchased Sunken Gardens in 1999. Sunken Gardens was designated as a local historic landmark and restored.

It’s a Living Museum and a Park

Today, the city works to preserve and make good use of the restored historic botanical garden. Meandering paths (most of which are ADA compliant) guide visitors through “a living collection of … thousands of plant species, tropical plants and flowers with lush demonstration gardens, cascading waterfalls,” and lots of birds, including the everpopular flock of flamingos. No matter where a visitor looks, there is something fabulous to see. It is a photographer’s dream location. Amateurs and hobbyists are welcome, but professionals must make an appointment and pay a fee. As a part of the effort to make good use of the space, Sunken Gardens also offers numerous cultural and educational opportunities for adults and children as well as rental opportunities for special events such as weddings. As its website notes: “In contrast to the rapid pace of the city outside its vine-covered walls, Sunken Gardens offers a tranquil garden atmosphere that creates space for connection, reflection, and community.” Simply put, Sunken Gardens is a must-see St. Pete experience.

Important Info

Situated in the heart of St. Pete at 1825 Fourth St. N, the destination becomes clear when you see the beautifully restored Sunken Gardens sign. For more information about admission prices, hours, parking, accessibility, rental opportunities, special events, and photo policies please call (727) 551-3102 or visit www.stpete.org/visitors/sunken_gardens.php

Sunken Gardens is located at 1825 Fourth St. N Photos by City of St. Petersburg

The MAR: Give Your Teen a Unique Summer Theatre Experience

By Suzanne Driscoll

Looking for a memorable summer musical theater experience for your teen? Consider the weeklong class offered by The MAR St. Pete. Rather than perform in a production that has been presented many times before, students will write and create a one-act musical from scratch. The full-day camp runs the week beginning June 5 for students ages 13-19.

After a long career in all aspects of the entertainment world, husbandand-wife team Dave and Heather Hamar opened The MAR St. Pete, a performing arts studio and incubator, in 2020. Heather has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in musical theater from Sam Houston State University.

In 1995 she started working professionally in theater. Performing in theme parks such as Six Flags and Busch Gardens, she then moved to behind the stage doing everything from event management and casting to production management, all while still performing. Dave Hamar is originally from Tampa and has a BFA in music from the University of South Florida, where he studied jazz and drumming. He also worked for Busch Gardens and today is a freelance drummer in high demand for such vocalists as Mandy Harvey and the bands he helped start, Anyan Devery and Modern Measure. Both Dave and Heather worked for the creative arts organization Lovewell, where they wrote full-length musicals with middle- and high school students.

Two of their best friends have years of experience as directors, performers and choreographers, and will help teach the camp. Mornings will be spent learning industry skills that may include improvisation, audition techniques, choreography and much more. In the afternoon, students will create a one-act musical. They will develop an original script, write original songs, and choreograph dance numbers. They will even create a set, costumes and lighting design. At the end of the week, the show will be presented to friends and family.

A Transformational Experience

“We want teens to write a musical that is relevant to their world,” Heather Hamar says. “Sometimes it’s hard for them to have an authentic voice, and here they can get things off their chest that they might not be able to during a typical day. I have seen a huge transformation in kids by the end of the week, as their confidence soars, and they can become the person they want to be.

The MAR offers a weeklong class where students write and create a one-act musical from scratch. The full-day camp starts the week of June 5th for ages 13-19. Photo courtesy of the MAR

“MAR means ‘the sea’ in Spanish, and we also like to think it stands for ‘Mistakes Are Required!’ for all those learning to perform. We give the students a safe space to make those mistakes, learn from one another, and be vulnerable while they tell their stories.”

As one happy parent reports, “My daughters did a weeklong ‘Scene & Song’ workshop and absolutely loved it! All the kids were confident in their performances of an all-original scene that they collaboratively created themselves. The quality of the production and experience for the kids is a testament to the instructors. I highly recommend the venue and staff.”

Improv at The MAR

Teens aren’t the only ones to get in on all the fun, as The MAR has become a destination for improv in St. Pete. On the first and third Sundays of each month, the Synchronized Swim Improv Show and Jam happens, where audience members can come onstage and be part of the action. Other improv groups such as the St. Pete Improv Network (SPIN) and the Love & Fire Improv, present shows monthly.

The MAR is at 2309 Central Ave. For more information or to sign up for the teen summer theater class, email Heather@themarstpete.com, visit www.TheMARStPete.com, or call (727) 851-9001.

Husband-and-wife owners of the Mar, Dave and Heather Hamar Photos on this page by Kristina Holman

Downtown

Developments

By Brian Zucker, Owner of St. Pete Rising

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

The historic Cordova Inn’s expansion has broken ground at 253 2nd Avenue North in downtown St. Pete. The five-story addition will more than triple the number of available rooms from 32 to 97 while also adding a restaurant to the first floor and a 5th-floor rooftop bar. Between the old and new wings will be a lushly landscaped mid-block courtyard. Both the courtyard and porch will be open to anyone, whether they are staying in the hotel or not. The addition will also expand the front porch of the Cordova Inn into a dramatic wraparound balcony with lush streetscapingThe expansion is expected to complete by the end of 2024.

The SunRunner is expanding! After experiencing record ridership over the past few months, Tampa Bay’s first and only bus rapid transit line, which runs east to west down the 1st Avenues, is adding another station near the St. Pete Pier and Beach Drive, one of St. Pete’s most popular areas for shopping and dining in downtown St. Pete. Two new buses will also be purchased to improve service frequency and reliability. The new station and buses are made possible because the route was originally completed under budget by $5.3 million.

Ascent St. Petersburg, a 36-story apartment tower, is now open at 225 1st Avenue North in downtown St. Pete. The tower includes amenities such as a rooftop terrace and clubhouse, multiple pools, coworking spaces, a fitness center, and an exclusive penthouse lounge. Demand for the units has been strong so far with about 40% of Ascent’s 357 apartments already leased. Prominent chef Chris Ponte is opening OLIVIA, a modern Italian restaurant, on the ground floor of Ascent by the end of the year.

After six years at its current location, Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails is moving. The popular EDGE District spot will reopen by the end of the year in a larger space at 1049 Central Avenue, which had previously been the home of the Independent Bar. The move will situate Intermezzo less than 350 feet east of their current location. The new space will have an expansive outdoor patio with Florida-Mediterranean vibes and is likely to include a separate outdoor bar as well. For those curious how the move will affect the future of Intermezzo’s wildly popular annual Christmas event, Miracle at Mezzo – worry not. Owner Jarrett Sabatini confirmed the event will continue at the new location.

A seven-story apartment community is coming soon to the Union Central District of St. Pete. A group of local developers recently purchased Central Plaza Shopping Center, which occupies two city blocks along Central Avenue between 32nd Street and 34th Street. The shopping center is currently home to several tenants including Family Dollar, Hibbett Sports, Citi Trends, and Octapharma Plasma. The western half of the shopping center, which directly fronts 34th Street, would remain a retail plaza but could potentially be redeveloped in the future. The east side of the property will bring 300-400 new apartments and 17,000 square feet of retail to the property.

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

Ascent St. Petersburg is now open at 225 1st Avenue North

The SunRunner is adding another station near the St. Pete Pier and Beach Drive

Cordova Inn’s expansion has broken ground at 253 2nd Avenue North

MAY 2023 EVENTS

Derby at The Pier

When: Saturday, May 6 from 3-9pm

Where: The Pier, 600 2nd Ave NE

Cost: $25 - $4,995

Join us as the 13 Ugly Men invade DTSP for “Derby at The Pier” on May 6th from 3pm-9pm at Spa Beach Park located at St. Pete Pier! This will be the largest Derby themed party in Tampa Bay, with thousands decked out in derby party attire in attendance. Break out your derby hats, sundresses, seersucker suits and bow ties and join us as we sip on mint juleps, high-end bourbon cocktails, and more -

all while enjoying the beautiful DTSP skyline while surrounded by beautiful waters of Tampa Bay. 13uglymen.com/derby-party

Second Saturday ArtWalk

When: Second Saturday (May 13) from 5 pm - 9 pm

Where: Central Arts District, EDGE Business District, Grand Central District, Warehouse Arts District, Uptown Arts District, and downtown Waterfront District

Cost: Free Walk, drive, or take the trolley. The trolley stops at over 40 ArtWalk venues. The Waterfront

District galleries can be seen by using the free Downtown Looper, which runs every 15 minutes. Map available online. stpeteartsalliance.org/artwalk

Pickleball 101

When: 2nd Tuesday of the month (May 9) from 6-7pm

Where: Bartlett Park, 3595 2000 7th St S

Cost: Free

Try out this paddleball sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. Preregistration required. Healthystpetefl.com

Tampa Bay Chalk Festival

When: Saturday, May 13

Where: The sidewalks of 22nd street between 7th Avenue South and 9th Avenue South

Cost: Free admission

The sidewalks of the historic Deuces will be transformed into a kaleidoscope of colorful squares as professionals, beginners, and

everyone in between are invited to register to take part as artist or viewer. Attendees are encouraged to enjoy delicious offerings available at the businesses located along Deuces corridor. Hosted by the Pinellas Diaspora Arts Project. tampabaychalkfestival.com

Chinese Brush Painting Workshop with Jo-An Thomas

When: Saturday, May 13 from 10:30am - 1pm

Where: Morean Arts Center, 719 Central Avenue

Cost: $60 All supplies included. In this beginner’s workshop, you will start by calming your spirit, thinking, and meditating about how you will paint the essence of your subject. Preparing yourself to paint, you will use “The Four Treasures”- brush, ink stick, ink stone, and rice paper- that have defined this art form for thousands of years. Registration is required. moreanartscenter.org/classes/ chinese-brush-painting-workshop/

Sunshine City Scare

When: Saturday & Sunday May, 13-14

Where: The Coliseum, 535 4th Ave N

Cost: GA $25; Kids 9 and under are Free

Florida’s first horror convention to feature anime horror as a main focus, which includes anime voice actors, an evil maid cafe, a frightening idol group, and lots of panels by guests and fans. Sunshinecityscare. floridacomiccons.com

St. Pete Tacos & Tequila Festival

When: Saturday & Sunday May, 13-14 from 1-8pm

Where: Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Dr NE Cost: GA $15; Kids 13 and under are Free A waterfront festival with tons of authentic tacos, premium margaritas and great live music is coming to downtown St Pete’s Vinoy Park on Saturday & Sunday, May 13th & 14th. The St Pete Tacos & Tequila Festival will feature over 25 tacos vendors, many great margaritas and other cocktail options, four great live bands, cold beer, games, prizes and so much fun! stpetetacos.com

Mother Pupper’s Day

When: Sunday, May 14

from 2pm - 6pm

Where: Dog Bar St. Pete, 2300 Central Ave

Cost: $7 per dog to enter. 21 & up only event.

A painting party and brunch, featuring a delicious menu crafted by Maggie on the Move food truck. Bring your little Pupcassos and get creative - all craft supplies will be provided for a special keepsake. A $10 donation per painting will go to support Lab Retriever Rescue of Florida. dogbarstpete.com

St. Pete Business Fest With STEAM

Kidz Zone & Kidpreneur Expo

When: Saturday, May 20 from 12 - 6pm

Where: Williams Park, 350 2nd Ave N Cost: GA Free

where kids can explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and math in a fun and engaging environment. And for young entrepreneurs, the Kidpreneur Expo offers a unique opportunity to showcase their skills, products, and/or services.

igniteyouthinc.org

For more events, or to submit event information, scan the code above or visit greenbenchmonthly.com/events

View from the Pier. Photo by City of St. Petersburg