Green Bench Monthly - Vol 4, Issue 6, June 2019

VOL. 4, ISSUE 6, JUNE 2019

St. Pete’s Direct-Mail Community Magazine

Baybes Who Brunch: Ode to Sandwiches pg. 22

PRIDE

More than a Parade pg. 6

Raising Locals

Summer Bucket List pg. 16

Call for Submissions

Step Inside St. Pete pg. 19

Publishers

Ashley & Tony Sica

Advertising Sales Eileen Brock

Editors (this issue)

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

Contributors (this issue)

Angelica - Baybes Who Brunch, Tina Stewart Brakebill, Tara Britton, Vandi Carmella, Erin Cody, Rui Farias, Denielle Kennett, Jack Spinrad, Connor Storch, Brian Zucker

Photographers Brian Brakebill, Kristina Holman, Kelly Nash Cover Photo Banh Mi sandwich from Lucy’s Vegan Corner inside Baum Ave Market, Photo by Angelica, Baybes Who Brunch

North Shore Beach at sunrise. Photo by City of St. Petersburg.

FROM THE BENCH Hi, all. Summer is here (pg. 16), we’re proud of PRIDE (pg. 6), and Father’s day is just around the corner (pg. 15)! We’re excited to introduce two(!) new columns to you this month (pg. 19 and 22). We also highly encourage you to embrace your inner Picasso (pg. 25). But before you do, please check your closests to see if you have any summer clothes to donate to Clothes to Kids—a non-profit organization that provides free clothing for school-age children in low income families or in crisis situations. They are in need of shorts and tops (clothestokids.org). Thanks for being you. Stay hydrated, St. Pete!

Till next time, CORRECTION: Vol. 4, Issue 5, May 2019 Webb’s City story stated that the chickens danced due to electrocution.

However, this was likely a myth and the chickens were actually trained with food. The story has since been updated on our

hello@greenbenchmonthly.com website. Thanks to one of our readers for pointing this out.

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

In This Issue:

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Proud member of:

From the Museum’s Archives: HMS Bounty

6 Pride: More Than a Parade 8

People of St. Pete: Jim Nixon

10 Central Cycling: Spread Your Wings & Ride

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

12 The “Forgotten Block” Needs Your Help!

15 Movers and Makers: Father’s Day Finds 16 Raising Locals Summer in St. Pete: The Bucket List for the Sunshine City Kid 19 Step Inside St. Pete: Call for Submissions

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22 Baybes Who Brunch: Ode to Sandwiches 25 Embrace Your Inner Artist 26 Poetry Guides Filmmaking: an Interview with Cristobal Krusen 29 Downtown Developments 30 Events

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From the Museum’s Archives: HMS Bounty With St. Petersburg Museum of History Executive Director, Rui Farias One of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, the HMS Bounty was docked on the Pier Approach behind the St. Petersburg Museum of History for 20 years. Built in 1960 for the film Mutiny on the Bounty, the magnificent replica of the 18th Century British naval gunship almost never made it to St. Pete. MGM had plans to burn her in the closing scene, but the film’s star Marlon Brando protested the ship’s destruction. MGM then used the tall ship to promote Mutiny on the Bounty before permanently mooring it in St. Petersburg.

The HMS Bounty was purchased by Ted Turner in 1986 and began

splitting its time between northern ports in the summer and St. Pete in the winter. The Bounty was also used in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, Treasure Island and Yellowbeard. In October of 2012, the Bounty left New London, Connecticut and was making its way to St. Petersburg when she encountered Hurricane Sandy. The Bounty took on water and sank southeast of the Outer Banks area of North Carolina. The ship lost one of its crew and captain in tragedy.

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

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St. Petersburg Pride Parade. Photos by City of St. Petersburg.

Pride: More Than a Parade

By Tina Stewart Brakebill Fifty years ago this June, patrons at the Stonewall Inn in New York City took a public stand. Pushing back against an election year escalation of officially sanctioned harassment, customers refused to quietly endure yet another police raid targeting the LGTBQ community. Word of their defiance spread and more people joined the protest. Ultimately, the Stonewall Uprising inspired a growing demand for “Gay Liberation” as evidenced by the commemorative marches held one year later in NYC, Chicago, and LA.

Pride Born from Adversity The need for this liberation was clear. In the decades before Stonewall, public scare campaigns plus discriminatory policies and laws increasingly targeted the LGTBQ community. Being “outed” as a gay or lesbian person could result in the loss of employment, shelter, custody of children, and even freedom. Locally, hundreds of “suspected homosexuals” in the Tampa Bay region lost jobs or were jailed for “crimes

against nature” as a result of the Florida Legislative Investigation Committee’s nearly decade-long campaign of harassment. Given the very real risks, it is not surprising that members of early gay rights groups (like the Mattachine Society or the Daughters of Bilitis) often endeavored to keep their individual identities private as they lobbied for laws to protect the right to simply exist without harassment. The Stonewall Uprising and the movement it inspired marked a definitive shift in the fight for gay rights, stepping squarely into the public arena.

Shouting Gay Pride But this shift wasn’t just about bringing the fight into the light.

Like the women’s liberation movement, the Gay Liberation movement demanded equality AND respect for identity. Liberation meant that social, civil, and legal equality should not be predicated on adherence to someone else’s definition of gendered “norms.” A sign at an early march may have said it best: “Gay is Proud.” As this simple message spread to more and more cities, annual marches to commemorate Stonewall grew into something more; they became avenues to shout their pride. By the 1980’s, most major cities in the U.S. held a wide variety of annual Pride events. But “Pride Parades”, in particular, offered the best opportunity for celebration along with commemoration as the LGBTQ community proudly, and loudly, demanded rights and respect.

Tampa Bay Pride The Bay region was a little late to the show; but in 1992, after some sporadic events in the 1980’s, the Greater Tampa Pride Organization (GTPO) initiated their annual Pridefest. The first Pridefest in Ybor City included a rally and short march. Over the next decade, the growing event rotated between St. Pete and Tampa before hitting some internal and external speed bumps. Internally, Pridefest Tampa Bay suffered from the effects of financial mismanagement. Externally, GTPO was dealt a blow when conservative Hillsborough County politicians adopted a policy that effectively banned Pride events. However, by this time, the Tampa Bay LGTBQ community had come too far to be silenced and St. Petersburg offered a place to be heard.

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All ages come to celebrate St. Pete’s inclusivity during the annual parade.

St. Petersburg Pride Not everyone was ready to listen, but City Councilman (and future mayor) Rick Kriseman was. In June 2003, he signed a proclamation declaring June as “St. Petersburg Pride Month” and the Pride party began! This inaugural Pride Month included events at the Palladium Theater, the Holocaust Museum, Spa Beach, The Art Center, and Georgie’s Alibi. But, no doubt, the Grand Central District’s parade and street festival were the biggest hits, drawing over 10,000 attendees that first year. Since then, the St. Pete Pride Parade has become Florida’s largest. Each year offers more sponsors and participants, including the first-ever TransPride March in 2017. Not even the relocation of the parade from Central Avenue to Beach Drive could dampen the growth.

In 2018, an estimated 200,000 people braved the heat to revel in the parade. Another 50,000 attended the Grand Central District Street Fair.

This year’s events are destined to break yet another record.

Not Just a Month-Long Party Why are these numbers so important? Because Pride month is not just a party. It’s a way to speak out. Despite strides made towards equality, the work is not done. Florida is one of the thirty states that does NOT fully protect LGTBQ people from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. This means that LGTBQ people can be fired, evicted, denied medical treatment, forced into “conversion therapy,” or kicked out of a restaurant. (For detailed stats, visit the Human Rights Campaign at www.hrc.org.) As long as LGTBQ persons can be denied basic human rights, we need to keep speaking up! Pride parades, festivals, picnics, concerts, and rallies can help do that by commemorating the past, celebrating the present, and recognizing the need to continually build a community of support, fighting for equality for all.

For more about this years’ pride events visit stpetepride.com.

Thanks to this month’s People of St. Pete, Jim Nixon, for his generous help as I researched this piece.

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People of St. Pete: Jim Nixon

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

June is LGBTQ Pride Month, and in that spirit, we’re shining the spotlight on Jim Nixon. As the City’s LGBTQ liaison and tourism marketing manager for Metro Inclusive Health’s LGTBQ Welcome Center, Jim works tirelessly to help ensure St. Petersburg’s commitment to inclusivity and equality. His personal commitment to service even extends into his down time, when you’re likely to find him on his bicycle, logging miles for a good cause.

A Dashed Dream and a New Journey His current role seems a perfect fit, but Nixon originally envisioned something very different. After ROTC training at his North Carolina high school, Nixon enlisted in the Navy immediately after graduation.

He had long dreamed of a career in the military. In 1984, and the U.S. Armed Services still barred LGTBQ persons from serving. Only 11 months after enlisting, he was “outed” as a gay man and involuntarily discharged. Forced to forge a new path, he rose steadily in hospitality corporate management before segueing into advertising sales. Then in 2004, Nixon’s nephew convinced him to give St. Petersburg a try.

Nixon immediately fell in love with the ‘Burg’s friendly, home-like charm. Once here, he worked in several ad sales jobs before becoming the membership director for the Dali Museum. He loved his work, but his life in St. Pete had awakened a new vision for his future, and in 2015 he looked to make that dream come true.

Photo by Brian Brakebill

Dream Job Nixon wanted to combine advocacy for the LGTBQ community with his business development and sales prowess to create his “dream job.” So he contacted the mayor’s office to sell himself as the city’s LGTBQ liaison. Soon after, he was asked to take on the role of volunteer LGTBQ liaison. He grabbed this opportunity to serve the community while he continued his job at the Dali. Then a year later, the city and Metro Inclusive Heath partnered to offer Nixon his current full-time position as a “shared resource.” The dual role means that he serves the community as both the city’s LGBTQ liaison and the tourism marketing manager for Metro Inclusive Health’s LGTBQ Welcome Center. He works closely with the city to improve official policies for the LGTBQ community but he also manages efforts to boost tourism and form strong partnerships with area businesses and attractions. His work has helped St. Petersburg maintain a perfect score for the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index and contributes to our rising national ranking as an inclusive community. He’s still shaping his dream job through challenges and successes.

Speaking of Worthy Paths …

Nixon Takes a (second) Smart Ride In November, Nixon will participate in the two-day, 165-mile Smart Ride ride from Miami to Key West to raise awareness and money for HIV /AIDS service organizations. Nixon lost two partners to HIV/AIDS so this event has a special place in his heart. As he told me, it’s his “side passion.” As with his regular job, it’s centered on helping others so if you’d like to help Nixon help others, find him at thesmartride.org/donate JUNE 2019 /

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Central Cycling Owner Amber Clayton and Studio Manager Johnny Silvers. Photos on this page by Kristina Holman.

Central Cycling: Spread Your Wings & Ride

by Connor Storch You’ve likely spotted Central Cycling’s iconic storefront while cruising down Central Avenue, but now is the perfect time to give their spinning a spin — your first ride is free!

As soon as you walk into the CC studio, there’s magic in the air.

As you make your way to your bike, you lock eyes with riders from the previous class sharing an air of exhaustion akin to having just completed a marathon, yet an excited sparkle in their eye that says they’d keep going all night. You hear them debrief with the instructor, “That playlist was everything!” Anticipation is brewing for your class:

a forty-five minute feat of endurance, strength and willpower, to the tune of eighties rock. The owner, Amber Clayton, is there smiling, checking riders in, and fitting them for their bikes; you can tell she loves what she does.

You hop on your bike, snap in, the lights turn down low and “We’re Not Gonna Take It” by Twisted Sister starts. The energy builds and builds until the instructor yells, “Are you ready?!” You are! Everyone yells back “WOOOO!” and you set off to squats and sprints, shouts and sweat. The perfect combination of music, fitness and community.

A Family that Spins Together, Stays Together

Located at 2055 Central Ave. Use the exclusive “GB” code for 15% off any package!

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At Central Cycling, you are not only a member, but a part of the #CCfam. This is not a big-box gym, this is a local small business that “gives a damn” about supporting their community. Whether it’s recruiting local artists for murals, or fundraising with nearby pet shelters, CC is all about St. Pete and that makes a difference.

Spinning is ultimately a group exercise: you are sharing the experience with other locals. But at the same time, it’s your own ride.

Beyond working every muscle group and burning through those brunch calories, the feeling of letting your hair down is what really shakes off the staleness of another-day-at-the-office. Don’t be afraid to totally boogie on your bike — #YesIDanceOnMyBike.

“I’m there — dancing & sweating right by you.”

Amber Clayton, Owner of Central Cycling

Ride with Pride Amber’s experience as a female business owner and lesbian has made her passionate about creating a space where everyone feels they belong. When Studio Manager Johnny Silvers is not studying law, he lends a hand with CC’s efforts in the community. As a gay man, he knows the importance of welcoming all to his 6am class. All body shapes, ages, ethnicities and walks of life come into CC and leave their differences at the door to share a fantastic ride experience.

For the month of June, it’s pRIDE season at Central Cycling. “We celebrate all month with different themed-rides, shirts and music inspired by LGBTQ+ pioneers and legends.”

Now it’s your turn to come to CC, let loose and have fun while working out with your neighbors. The shop is located at 2055 Central Ave. with all booking through their website, www.centralcycling.com.

Classes tend to fill up quickly, so you will want to make a reservation.

Don’t forget to use the exclusive “GB” code for 15% off any package.

Keep on spinning, St. Pete!

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Denise Becknell, manager of Leafy Greens Cafe

Photos by Brian Brakebill

The “Forgotten Block” Needs Your Help!

by Tina Stewart Brakebill Perhaps Zaytoon Grill owner Waleed Khalil owner of Zaytoon Grill said it best: The 1600 block of Central Avenue has often felt like the “forgotten block.” It’s in the Grand Central District, but at times it has seemed a bit left out of the party. Maybe it’s because it is the very last west-of-the underpass block of the more than 15 blocks that make up Grand Central. Or maybe it’s because our attention has been grabbed by glitzier renovations. Forgotten or not, over the past few years the 1600 Block has been undergoing a quiet but steady renaissance of its own.

A Block is Reborn The rebirth of the 1600 block of Central Avenue gave us seven businesses that, in many ways, represent the St. Pete vibe we so often celebrate, from places to enjoy good food and wine to venues to explore wellness and beauty. As 2019 began, these locally owned and operated business ventures included Tabatha Exquisite Touch Salon (2010), Peace of Mind Smoke Shop (2012), St. Pete Community Acupuncture (2012), Leafy Greens Café (2013), Zaytoon Grill (2015), Winesmith (2015), and Central Avenue Vapors (2016). But 2019 also brought an end to the quiet, locally owned renaissance of the block. Several simultaneous large-scale construction projects broke ground, and while many people may eagerly anticipate these new developments, the construction has been a disaster for the existing local shops.

Access Challenges Customer parking can be a challenge for any business on Central Avenue, but the construction has narrowed the street on the 1600 block and drastically reduced the number of available parking spots.

As snowbirds and tourists filled the city in the early months of 2019,

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Waleed and Mary Khalel, owners of Zaytoon Grill

seven local businesses (plus a newly opened bank) vied for the seven remaining public spots. These challenges are amplified for anyone with mobility issues, as only one handicapped spot is available.

Customers and potential customers regularly share their frustrations with the block’s various business owners regarding their inability to find a spot.

In addition, the construction has inhibited one of the most wonderful aspects of having a business on Central Avenue: the sheer volume of walking traffic. This traffic is vital to success. A windowshopping tourist can turn into a buyer, and a strolling local can become a new regular. But the current reality has significantly reduced the number of people just strolling by because they aren’t sure whether the block is open to foot traffic. (It is!) Nearly all of the businesses report that casual walk-ins have virtually disappeared.

The rebirth of the 1600 block of Central Avenue gave us seven businesses that, in many ways, represent the St. Pete vibe we so often celebrate, from places to enjoy good food and wine to venues to explore wellness and beauty.

Consequences These challenges have translated into the loss of customers for all the businesses. For example, St. Pete Acupuncture has been operating in the 1600 Block for seven years (and in the Grand Central District for a total of 10), but it is dealing with a new challenge. Appointment bookings have dropped because of parking issues. As one client noted, “it’s crazy.” Owner of Tabatha Exquisite Touch Salon, Consuelo Mackey, shared her heartbreak over losing numerous longtime customers and employees because of the parking situation. And, sadly, Todd C. Smith, St. Pete native and owneroperator of Winesmith, closed the doors of his wine shop and bar in April, just shy of its fourth anniversary, because of the loss of business. As of this writing, the others are hanging on, but if they are going to survive they need our help.

Supporting Local Business So what can we do? We can remind ourselves and others about the “forgotten block” and support them with our dollars. Hungry?

Visit the Zaytoon Grill or Leafy Greens Café. Opening the Zaytoon Grill was a lifelong dream for local couple Waleed and Mary Khalelm and they’d love for you to try their middle-eastern foods. Or maybe you’re looking for something vegan. Long-time resident Denise Becknell has been serving up vegan deliciousness for 11 years, six of them in the 1600 block. Rumor has it that Leafy Greens is the “longest-running female-run business on Central Avenue,” so stop in and support good food and female empowerment!

Beyond food, you can also find beautiful and functional glassblown art and so much more at locally owned Peace of Mind Smoke Shop. It also has lots of fun non-smoke-related merchandise, so check it out! Its funky and peaceful vibe is sure to be a winner. If you’re looking for a full-service vapor shop with a focus on helping people kick their smoking habit then visit Central Avenue Vapers.

This bright and spacious shop offers a wide range of non-thc products and vaping hardware, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable.

Looking for acupuncture? For a decade, St. Pete Community Acupuncture has offered treatments on a sliding scale. Separating money and treatment means that clients are better able to decide whether treatment is a useful component in their health journeys.

Do you need some hair care? Consuelo Mackey at Tabatha Exquisite

Consuelo Mackey, owner Tabatha Exquisite Touch Beauty Salon

Touch Salon has been in the St. Pete salon business for 20 years and helped jump-start the block’s rebirth when she relocated there in August 2010. Hers also is one of the few minority-owned businesses on Central Avenue, so visit the salon, look good, and support black female empowerment! Continued on pg. 14

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...Continued from page 13

With limited parking during construction, if you are able, consider walking, parking farther away, riding the trolley, or hopping on your bike!

But what about those access issues?

Central Avenue Vapors and Tabatha’s Salon each have five spaces behind their shops. But Zaytoon, Leafy Greens, Peace of Mind, and St. Pete Acupuncture have limited rear parking. So, yes, with only seven public parking spots, access is an issue but it doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker. Central Avenue sidewalks are designed to be strolled on. So, for those of us who are able, save the close spots for people who really need them and park a little further away. If you park in the Edge District or on First Avenue S, then you can visit the 1600 block without even crossing into the construction. Or if you’re in the Grand Central District walking west, then don’t stop at 17th Street. Take the covered construction walkway (a nice shade break this summer) and pop out on the 1600 block. If you don’t feel up to a walk, then you could use of one of St. Pete’s greatest inexpensive resources: the Central Avenue Trolley. Park anywhere on or near Central Avenue and hop on the CAT for only 50 cents. Or save the 50 cents and lower your carbon footprint by riding your bike!

Remember the 1600 Block!

Change is going to keep on coming, and that’s not all bad, but if we don’t remember to support the local shops that came first we run the risk of losing that vibe we love so much! So take that extra step to support our local businesses. Help Keep St. Petersburg Local!

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The Royal Palm Market. Photo by City of St. Petersburg

Movers and Makers: Father’s Day Markets

By Tara Britton Father’s Day is Sunday, June 16th. If you haven’t already planned out the perfect present for your main man, consider gifting dad with local goods. There are plenty of opportunities to snag something special for him at upcoming handcraft events in the area. Carve out some quality time and hit a makers market together; let dad pick out his own gift!

sunglasses from the 60s to 90s.” Shop them at truevintageglasses.com.

Henry Green Leather creates “meticulously handcrafted leather goods” like cuff bracelets, business card holders, wallets and more; find them at henrygreenleather.etsy.com. Sunshine City Shirts sells St. Pete themed t-shirts for the casual local aficionado; shop them at sunshinecityshirts. bigcartel.com.

Every Thursday

Get a one-of-a-kind-gift for your one-of-a-kind guy. Hit the market at these upcoming events: Royal Palm Market: every Thursday 6pm - 12am at Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails 1111 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg Father’s Day Market & Car Show: Saturday, June 15th 12pm - 2pm at 3 Daughters Brewing 222 22nd Street South, St. Petersburg Indie Flea: every 3rd Sunday of the month including June 16th 11am - 3pm at Armature Works 1910 North Ola Avenue, Tampa

The Royal Palm Market pops up outside of Baum Avenue Market and Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails each and every Thursday evening.

The weekly event offers up a variety of: delicious bites, vintage goods, art, music, leather goods, wood burning, home decor, candles, body care goods and more. A DJ is usually present and the event is always pet and family friendly.

Classic Cars at a Brewery Bar Find a Father’s Day Market and classic car show at 3 Daughters Brewing on June 15th, the day before Father’s Day. Local vendors and classic cars will be set up on-site, but you can also expect special drink releases and live music. The venue is pet and family friendly.

Market Mafia is a resource connecting residents and visitors throughout Greater Tampa Bay with local handcraft markets. Find local happenings and #HitTheMarket, visit www.MarketMafia.com.

The Big Day The Indie Flea is running on Father’s Day at Armature Works. The family-friendly venue is right off of the Hillsborough Riverwalk. Make a day of it and visit one of Armature’s many coffee and specialty drink bars, restaurants or food stalls. Mosey through the market to discover music, art and more.

Great Gifts for Him If you can’t hit the market, check out one of the many makers crafting great gifts for him. Gray Space is a “post 9-5 lifestyle” men’s boutique; visit their shop at 1114 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg.

True Vintage Eyewear offers up “vintage optical frames and vintage

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Raising Locals: Summer In St. Pete The Bucket List for the Sunshine City Kid

By Vandi Carmella and Denielle Kennett

“I’m bored.”

$

Have you heard it yet? If not now, it will definitely happen before summer ends. But you’re in luck. Banish the “bored’ with the Sunshine City Kids official Summer Bucket List. Grab your kids, pack some snacks, and get ready for an epic summer in St. Pete. (And don’t worry, we’ve included something for everyone’s budget.)

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Cool off. The splash pad at Dell Holmes Park is open from sunrise to sunset through September. stpeteparksrec.org 2

Catch a free children’s movie. New movies play every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 10AM at CMX Cinemas Tyrone Luxury until August 1st. cobbtheatres.com

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Go bowling. Register your kids at Kids Bowl Free for two complimentary games every day, all summer long at Sunrise Lanes. kidsbowlfree.com

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Play shuffleboard. The St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club is family-friendly and open to the public every Friday night. stpeteshuffle.com

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Learn to skateboard. St. Petersburg has three skate parks located at Campbell Park, Fossil Park, and Lake Vista Park. stpeteparksrec.org

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Hop aboard. Tour downtown St. Petersburg on the free Looper Trolley. loopertrolley.com

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Explore the stars. St. Petersburg College hosts two free planetarium shows every Friday evening through July 26th. Spcollege.edu

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Pedal on. Bike down beautiful Bayshore Drive or get on the Pinellas Trail for a longer trek. pinellascounty.org

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Check it out. Head to any of the St. Petersburg Public Library System locations for fun summer children’s story times, crafts, movies, and more. splibraries.org

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Grab a bite. Bring your kids ages 18 and under to eat free breakfast, lunch, and snacks all summer long at Summer BreakSpot locations throughout the city. summerbreakspot.org

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Pack a picnic. Take your lunch to-go at any of St. Petersburg’s public parks or playgrounds. stpeteparksrec.org

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Celebrate Independence Day. Watch the fireworks explode over the bay in downtown St. Petersburg on July 4th. stpete.org

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Shop local goods. St. Pete Indie Flea sets up every fourth Sunday of the summer at the newly air-conditioned St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club. theindieflea.com

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Get a library card. With it, you can check out books and free passes to local museums including the Chihuly Collection, Florida Holocaust Museum, Great Explorations, Imagine Museum, or MFA. splibraries.org

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Look for alligators. Find them at Sawgrass Lake Park where admission is free. pinellascounty.org

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Hit the trails. Walk or kayak through the mangroves at Weedon Island Preserve or stop by the Education Center for any of the kid-friendly programs. weedonislandpreserve.org

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Enjoy the market. The Saturday Morning Market relocates to shady Williams Park for the summer. saturdaymorningmarket.com

PRICE KEY $ - Free is for Me $$ - Loose Change Found in the Bottom of Your Diaper Bag

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

$$$ - One Week’s Allowance

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Dive in. Flick & Float Movie Nights are held at select St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation pools on Fridays between June 7 and July 26 ($2 for ages 3-12, $3 for ages 13 & up). stpeteparksrec.org

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Experience nature. Walk the trails at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve to see alligators and tour the bird of prey aviary for $3/adult and $1.50/child. stpeteparksrec.org

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Tumble around. Swing by during open gym time at either Bayside Sports Academy ($10/child on Thursdays or $8/child ages 6 & under on Fridays) or Tampa Bay Turners ($5/child on Mondays and Wednesdays or $7/child on Thursdays).

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Take a dip. Stop by a St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation pool any day of the week.

Admission to Northshore Aquatic Complex is $4.50/ child and $5/adult. All other pools are $2/child and $3/ adult. stpeteparksrec.org

Grab a sweet treat.

St. Petersburg offers lots of options for ice cream, popsicles, baked goods, and much more.

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Take your family out to the ballgame. Every Sunday home game is Rays Family Fun Day at Tropicana Field.

Sign your kids up for the Rays Rookies Kids Club to receive free ticket vouchers for them. mlb.com/rays Have a kick in the grass.

The Tampa Bay Rowdies play all summer at Al Lang Stadium. rowdiessoccer.com

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Get creative. Stop by Great Explorations Children’s Museum for some educational indoor play. The museum also hosts a free Terrific Tots program every Tuesday at The Mall at Sundial. greatex.org

Hit the beach. Admission is free at St. Petersburg Municipal Beach, but parking will set you back $2 per hour or $6 for 12 hours. stpete.org

Grab a brew. Relax at one of St. Pete’s local breweries.

Our favorites with a kidfriendly atmosphere are 3 Daughters Brewing, Green Bench Brewing Co., and Cage Brewing.

Take in a summer show.

St. Pete is home to many performing arts venues including the Mahaffey Theater, freeFall Theatre, and St. Petersburg City Theatre.

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Get cultured. Head to any of our local, worldclass museums for some art exposure. Many, including the Dali Museum and James Museum, offer family programs.

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Tour the gardens. See the flamingos and other birds at beautiful Sunken Gardens.

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ST. Anthony, ST. anthony, please come around. help us find the only BayCare hospital in town.

St. Anthony’s Hospital is the only BayCare hospital in St. Petersburg and is part of a community-owned health system.

Over the years, we’ve heard from many patients that when they felt ill, they asked a family member or friend to please take them to St. Anthony’s Hospital, even when it’s more convenient to go to a closer hospital.

Maybe it’s because we’re a state-of-the-art hospital known for offering a wide range of exceptional care. Maybe it’s because we have a spacious emergency department with 32 all-private rooms. Maybe it’s because we’re the only BayCare hospital in St. Pete.

Whatever the reason, we’re truly honored to be any patient’s first choice. Humanity At Work™.

OUR NETWORK: BayCare Behavioral Health • BayCare HomeCare • BayCare Laboratories • BayCare Medical Group BayCare Outpatient Imaging • BayCare Surgery Centers • BayCare Urgent Care OUR HOSPITALS: Bartow Regional Medical Center • BayCare Alliant Hospital • Mease Countryside Hospital • Mease Dunedin Hospital Morton Plant Hospital • Morton Plant North Bay Hospital • St. Anthony’s Hospital • St. Joseph’s Hospital • St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital • St. Joseph’s Hospital-North • St. Joseph’s Hospital-South • South Florida Baptist Hospital Winter Haven Hospital • Winter Haven Women’s Hospital BAYCARE.ORG

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Proud of your space? Send us your pics!

We may feature it in an upcoming issue. See next pg (20) for details.

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Step Inside St. Pete: Call for Submissions Story by Connor Storch | Photos by Kristina Holman

Every corner of our city has a story — show us yours! Step Inside St. Pete is a new column inspired by the impressive architecture & interior design within our beautiful, blooming city of St. Petersburg, Florida. Whether you live in Uptown, Downtown or any district in between, we love every style of St. Pete. We look forward to knocking on all types of doors and seeing our city up close and like never before.

Knock, Knock Are you into interior design or have you recently renovated your home or office? Whatever the reason, if you’re proud of your space, we want to come visit for a fun photoshoot and brief interview. We’re looking for all kinds of homes, condos, apartments and even businesses.

Maybe you work at or admire a local brand for their building and office décor? Nominate them!

Easy as 1, 2, 3 Here are the details on how to be featured in our monthly column: Email hello@greenbenchmonthly.com at least three (3) pictures of your home or business and the name of your neighborhood district. Please include Step Inside St. Pete in the email’s subject line. Selections will be made to show homes and businesses that highlight the diversity of design here in St. Pete.

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Brooklyn South, 1437 Central Ave

Baybes Who Brunch: Ode to Sandwiches Photos and Story by Angelica, Baybes Who Brunch I’m going to premise this telling with the disclaimer that this is not a comprehensive list of every sandwich I’ve ever loved in St. Pete… We’d be here quite a while. However, we will call this an ode to

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Lucy’s Vegan Corner inside Baum Ave Market, 1113 Baum Ave N

the sandwiches I’m loving right now, the ones currently invading my thoughts when the midday hunger pangs strike, if you will.

Our list begins in a little cheese shop in the heart of the Edge District. Brooklyn South is a go-to spot to find that perfect cheese for your charcuterie board or to enjoy said cheese in sandwich form while meandering the streets of downtown. This beauty includes ham, pickled pineapple, romaine, and gloriously melted mozzarella. You definitely can’t go wrong with a cheese pull like that.

A few blocks down Central, you come across the Baum Avenue Market, where you can enjoy their new little pop-up addition, Lucy’s Vegan Corner. Their Banh Mi can be enjoyed by meat-lovers and

Thirsty First, 119 1st Ave N

Bacchus St. Pete, 124 2nd Ave NE

plant-based friends alike. Sourdough topped with grilled seitan, pickled veggies, and spicy aioli is paired with crispy fresh potato chips. I dare you not to smack a friend’s hand away when they reach for these chips!

Next up is a spot that doubles as one of my favorite brunch libation meccas (we’ll talk more about this in the future, I promise).

Thirsty First rocks the socks off of a pressed sandwich. The Hen is a current fave with its pressed French loaf hugging chicken salad, sundried tomato, green apples, sriracha aioli, and provolone. Pro tip: definitely order with a side of tots!

Last, but not least is Bacchus, a new wine bar edition a few steps

away from Beach Drive. Best enjoyed with a glass of their Happy Hour pour for $4.50, this grilled cheese is such a fun spin with its avocado, red onions, and delicious beet spread. Y’all check them out between 4-7pm.

If you can’t wait until July to hear more about food, food, food, then check more content out on Instagram or Facebook @baybeswhobrunch or contact me at baybeswhobrunch@gmail.com. In the meantime, if you need me you can find me standing on a barstool or holding my food up to a pretty wall with a camera in my hand around the Bay and beyond!

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Play with clay on Friday nights from 7-9pm for just $25 per person.

lines could get into that!

For a truly unique experience, you can take a one-on-one, 30-minute glassblowing class for $75. On the first Saturday of every month, there’s a “Make A Glass Mug” workshop from 6-9 pm for $125.

Glassblowing at Morean Arts Center. Photos by City of St. Petersburg.

Embrace Your Inner Artist

By Erin Cody St. Pete is a haven for artists, and is home to a beautifully bustling local art scene. With all the incredible art around us being a novice can seem pretty intimidating, but creating can be a meditative, inspiring, joyous experience!

Find Your Creative Outlet Fiber artist, Eileen Wilson, specializes in handwoven wall hangings.

“I am drawn to the art form as I love yarns of various colors and textures.

From the curating of materials to the process itself, I find weaving to be expressive, therapeutic, and calming. It’s an awesome feeling to transform an idea which was inspired by nature into a beautiful piece of fiber art.”

Interested parties can contact Eileen at Sunspiritoriginals@gmail.com.

Spencer Meyers (artofspencerpm.com), who works in many media, says, “Art is an escape for me. It’s where I can be alone, play music, and zone out. There’s a sense of accomplishment when you’ve created something.”

Practice Makes Perfect Perhaps you want to commit to more than a one-time thing. Practice makes perfect, after all! Sessions at the Morean are six weeks long, with classes meeting once a week. The next session begins on June 3, and they generally cost $150-200.

General categories are drawing, painting, jewelry, glass, photo & digital, clay, printmaking, metal sculpture, fiber arts, mixed media, and writing, but there is a ton more specificity within each category. There are also a whole bunch of youth, teen, and family programs, including free kids’ classes on Saturdays and Sundays. Check their website for details.

All the Perks Considering membership? It’s a pretty sweet deal. You will not only score discounts on classes, events and merch, but also free admission to the Chihuly Collection and Morean Glass Studio, plus invitations to exclusive events and member-only previews.

Visit moreanartscenter.org to get your art on this summer, and kickstart your most creative self!

Yes, Please Sounds like something we could all use in our lives, right? No matter the medium, and whether a true beginner or an advanced artist, the Morean Arts Center has something for you. The one hundred yearold organization has heartily reached its goal of enriching the artist in everyone.

So where to start? Every week there’s “Friday Night Clay” from 7-9 pm for just $25. Get your wheels spinning and your hands dirty, then choose your favorite masterpiece at the end of the night and they will glaze it for you. Even someone who has never once colored inside the

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Screenwriter, film director and author, Cristobal Krusen.

Poetry Guides Filmmaking: an Interview with Cristobal Krusen

By Erin Cody Cristobal Krusen is an incredibly interesting fellow. The Tampa born, internationally-recognized writer/director’s 2001 film Final Solution was shown last month at the Sundial. I was lucky enough to chat with Mr. Krusen before he came here for the showing. Following are a few snippets from my forty-minute conversation with the filmmaker.

Final Solution will be showing at the Sundial next week. Why here? Why now?

Twenty-five years ago, apartheid in South Africa came to an official end. Nelson Mandela was elected in the first-ever democratic election in South Africa, ushering in a new era. We are showing it to commemorate the anniversary of the end of apartheid, and Tampa Bay was chosen because I was born and raised in Tampa. It’s kind of a homecoming and to share my work with my hometown.

The film has a spirit about it that is very positive and inspiring - at times even brave. It’s a moving story that will still grab an audience, and has now been remastered in hi-def, which has given the film a whole new life. We also enhanced the audio, made some new edits to improve the flow of the film, and shot a new ending. Final Solution is based on a true story involving real people. The new ending of the film that tells the audience where those people are today.

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Are there common themes that carry throughout your filmography?

A good portion of Final Solution unfolds in a church, but it isn’t a church service. The church is given a different use than it might ordinarily have. There’s a major scene where a debate is held inside a church. The current film I’m working on, called The Puzzle Factory, is another feature film in which a major portion takes place in a church.

In this case, it’s an abandoned church that has fallen into disrepair, which serves as the primary location for some very important scenes.

As a Christian, I want to encourage the church to be more engaged with the world. Rather than keeping all the unwashed, pagans and sinners away, the church should be a place where all can gather. You see that in Final Solution when the minister of a church in a black township says, “I’ve been trying to get you inside the walls of this church for fifteen years.” That pastor is actually played by John Kani, a great actor, who plays King T’Chaka in Black Panther.

I want to bring the good news to the people, realizing that some may not be so readily inclined to either hear the message or come into the venues where Christians congregate. They need more encouragement. I want to find ways to make the message of Christianity appealing, interesting and thought-provoking for people who are outside the church. That’s very important to me in my work.

Final Solution is available on Amazon Prime

How did growing up in Tampa influence your writing and directing?

I don’t come from a family of artists and writers, but I did receive a good education. I’m very thankful for that. I went to St. John’s Parish Day School in Tampa, and studied under Father George Burchill. I have to give him credit for giving me a love of literature.

He really pushed his students to read widely. That definitely had a major influence on me, because at heart I’m a storyteller. There has to be a story, because that’s what people ultimately want to experience through movies. They want to be swept up in a story that will move them, that will intrigue them, that will teach them at some level.

I honestly did not think of being a filmmaker as a child, even as a young teenager. I thought more of being a writer, and I do often write the screenplays that I direct. I’m much more filmmaker than writer, but literature, especially poetry, had a huge influence on me. I love poetry. The idea of using language to literally induce real emotion, even physical sensations, just through words...whether that sensation is nostalgia, or perhaps a certain awe of nature. To me, it’s just amazing and remarkable how poetry is able to inspire people the way it does, and I try to incorporate that principle into my film work.

I’m still perfecting it, but that is my goal - to utilize the vocabulary of poetry to guide my filmmaking.

Run, don’t walk, to Amazon Prime and give Final Solution a watch! Also keep an eye out for Krusen’s upcoming film, The Puzzle Factory. In the interim, enjoy his other films and books. He has made quite a fan of me, and there’s a good chance you’ll become one, too!

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Burgerim

Rendering of Six Point Row

Misred Accessories

Topgolf

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.

Six Point Row, a new 19-unit townhome community, is coming soon to Kenwood on the northwest corner of 1st Avenue North and 26th Street.

Each townhome will be three stories with a rooftop deck and will range from around 1,500 square feet to over 2,300 square feet. These modernstyle homes will be located a block away from St. Pete favorites Casita Taqueria, Bandit Coffee Co., and the soon-to-open Baba on Central. The development will also include a pocket park, perfect for your St. Pete pup.

Construction permits have been approved and site work will begin in the next two weeks. The project is expected to wrap up around the second half of 2020. Peregrine Construction Group is the general contractor and Sight Real Estate is handling sales.

Burgerim, a burger restaurant from Israel, is coming soon to 120 1st Avenue North on the ground floor of ONE St Petersburg. Instead of the typical 7oz burger, Burgerim specializes in 2.8oz mini burgers that are completely customizable. This flexibility allows you to build a simple burger for the kids or an unconventional masterpiece for yourself. Dietary alternatives are available to suit the needs of those who are vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free. The restaurant is currently in permitting and will begin build-out in the coming months. An exact opening date has not been announced.

Misred Outfitters, a popular downtown women’s boutique, is doubling their space by expanding into the parcel next door to their current shop (recently vacated by Forward Glass Gallery). Located at 611

Central Avenue, the new space will be called Misred Accessories. “We will be selling twice as many shoes, bags, and jewelry as we currently do, as well as some additional accessories that are still in the works!” says Owner Sara Stonecipher. “It is giving us more space to put in additional dressing rooms, and more clothing in our current space! We’re very excited for this expansion.” All clothing offerings will remain at Outfitters, while the shoes, bags, jewelry, etc will move over to Accessories. The expansion is slated to open in June.

Although not a downtown development, we think many readers will be excited to hear that Topgolf, a massive three-story high-tech driving range and restaurant, could be coming soon to St. Pete. Plans for the proposed entertainment venue still need to clear a few hurdles before being greenlit, but if approved, the Carillon Office Park would be home to Pinellas County’s first Topgolf. The St. Pete proposal calls for a 67,521-square-foot building that includes 102 hitting bays and a 4,000 square foot restaurant. The facility would sit on a 12-acre site in-between Transamerica and Catalina Marketing Corp. There is no official timetable for a grand opening, but we expect the development to take a few years to complete.

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

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Photo by City of St. Petersburg.

EVENTS Doggy Day Out When: Ongoing When: Pick up from Friends of Strays, 2911 47th Ave N Cost: FREE Looking for a friendly companion to join you on a walk or for some ice cream? Friends of Strays is proud to announce its new Doggy Day Out program, which beginning on May 31st, will pair members of the community with friendly shelter dogs for field trips. Outings can last from an hour to all day, and can include a hike, a trip to the beach, or even a nice dinner in a pet-friendly restaurant. Doggy Day Out is a unique program that allows everyone to enjoy the benefits of pet ownership while doing something great for a shelter animal. Doggy Day Out was created in order to help reduce kennel stress and provide Friends of Strays’ dogs with enrichment

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and increased visibility. Outings also give shelter staff valuable insight on how the dogs behave in new environments, which helps place dogs in homes where they’ll find a happy fit. Plus, it’s a great excuse to spend a day exploring St. Petersburg! For more info, visit friendsofstrays.com or call (727) 522-6566.

Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival: June 8-9 When: Saturday, June 8th Sunday, June 9th from 1pm - 10pm Where: Albert Whitted Park, 480 Bayshore De. SE Cost: FREE with gardens Enjoy a taste of the Caribbean islands without having to board a plane or cruise ship. If you love Caribbean music, like to experience different cultures, or just like to have fun, you have to attend Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival. With colorful costumes, exquisite delicacies, and exotic

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music, this event is a must-see for all music and art lovers. For more info, visit stpete.org.

BINGO at The American Legion Post 14 When: every Tuesday starting at 1pm Where: The American Legion Post 14, 1520 4th St N Cost: $10 for 8 games Purchase as manys hand as you’d

like. Lunch is served from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm at a cost of $5.00 for a sandwich with soup or chips.

The Post is open to the public. For more info, call (727) 894-7320

Healthy St. Pete’s Fun Fitness Boot Camp When: 3rd Saturday (June 15th) from 9am - 10am Where: Lassing Park, 2042 Beach Dr. SE

Cost: FREE The class is tailored for the individuals attending. All levels welcome. For more info, call (727) 892-5994 or visit HealthyStPeteFL.com.

St. Pete PRIDE: Parade

The Downtown 20K Relay Race When: Saturday, June 15th from 6am - noon Where: Poynter Park, 3rd St S between 8th and 11th Ave S Cost: $32 per person Hosted by Community EFX, each member can either run, walk or jog a 5K loop. For more info, call downtown20krelay.com.

2nd Annual St. Pete Street Food & Craft Beer Fest When: Friday, June 21st from 6pm - 11pm Where: Albert Whitted Park, 480 Bayshore De. SE Cost: FREE Admission Join Gulf to Bay for Food, Craft Beers & Live Music.

When: Saturday, June 22nd party starts at 2pm, parade kicks off at 7:15pm Where: North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Dr. NE. Cost: FREE Admission Watch as over two hundred and fifty thousand people celebrate the power and beauty of diversity with over the top floats, lavish costumes, incredible live performances, and a firework spectacular along St Pete’s beautiful downtown waterfront.

For more information, visit stpetepride.com.

St. Pete PRIDE: Festival When: Sunday, June 23rd from 11am - 5pm Where: North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Dr. NE. Cost: FREE Admission Expected to draw more than 50,000. The St Pete Pride Street Festival will again be the largest

community event of the season as festival goers come together to make history while enjoying a day of live performances and entertainment, community booths, art and fantastic food in paradise. We ensure that there’s something for everyone, including you. For more info, visit stpetepride.com.

What’s Bugging Your Orchids?

When: Saturday, June 29th from 10:30am - 11:30am Where: Sunken Gardens, 1825 4th St N Cost: FREE with gardens admission or membership Beth Sedacca from the St. Pete Orchid Farm and long-time orchid volunteer at Sunken Gardens takes the mystery out of orchid care. Orchid supplies and unusual orchids for sale after the program. No pre-registration required. Held in our airconditioned classroom. For more info, visit stpete.org.

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4th of July Fireworks When: Thursday, July 4th Fireworks are scheduled to start at 9 p.m. but can start as early as 8:30 p.m. and as late as 10 p.m. depending on weather Where: View the fireworks along Bayshore Drive from the following parks: Albert Whitted Park, North Straub Park, South Straub Park, North Shore Park, Elva Rouse Park and Flora Wylie Park Cost: FREE Celebrate Independence Day in St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront. This year’s celebration has a fun, new feature. Enjoy the fireworks to synchronized music that is accessible through an optional, free phone app called J&M Displays. The app works with iPhone and Android systems. The fireworks can also be enjoyed without music. For more information, contact the St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department at 727-893-7441 or visit www.stpeteparksrec.org/ events.

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

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