Green Bench Monthly

Vol. 3, iSSUe 7, JUlY 2018

St. Pete’s Direct-Mail Community Magazine

MAgnetic FieldS @ MFA pg. 16 Mob Stories from St. Pete

Speakeasy pg. 6

Proposed City Ordinance

Urban Agriculture pg. 20

DBA’s 45th Annual

Sunrise Sale pg. 27

In This Issue:

Publishers

Ashley & Tony Sica

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Editors

Rui Farias Kristi Kasak, Mary Jane Park, Cathy Weisberg

Contributors

Ally Analore via Neighborhood News Bureau, Andy Bragg, Tara Britton, Tina Stewart Brakebill, Erin Cody, D. Dominick Lombardi, Rui Farias, Erik Jasek, Jack Spinrad, Nehemiah Warner, Brian Zucker

Photographers Brian Brakebill Denzel JG Kelly Nash Evan Sigmund

On the Cover:

St. Pete Pride Parade Photo by City of St. Petersburg

Contact

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

Proud member of:

6 Boyd Hill. Photo by Brian Brakebill.

From the Bench Hello, July! We’re often told that things slow down here during the summer, but we’ll have to politely disagree. Just check out our events calendar if you need proof. This month, among other non-profits, we’re featuring the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). If one person suffers, we all do.

Please take a moment to read this, and if you know anyone that might need support, share it with them too: pg. 22 (this, and the rest of our stories, are also available on our website). Now, before you go, here’s a few announcements: City Council Unanimously Approves Southeast Local Historic District in Historic Kenwood — After a big push by the Historic Kenwood Neighborhood Association and help from Preserve the ‘Burg, City Council recently approved their request to designate 97 homes as the Southeast Local Historic District. For more about Historic Kenwood, visit www. historickenwood.org. For more info about local designation, visit www. stpete.org/history_and_preservation/preservation.php.

Oak & Stone just celebrated their grand opening on this side of the Skyway at 199 Central Ave. This is their second location; the first is in Sarasota.

They carry over 55 beers on tap, poured by the ounce. Not to mention artisan pizza that we hear is pretty good too. Stop by and tell them Green Bench Monthly sent you. For more info, visit www.oakandstone.com.

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From the Museum’s Archives: Snell Building

Speakeasy: Mob Stories from St. Pete

An Evening with Preserve the ‘Burg

10 WJA: Taking Steps to Improve the Community 12 The Poynter Institute for Media Studies 14 Next Best Men

16 Magnetic Fields @ MFA

18 St. Pete Culinary: Carving Out Careers 20 How the Proposed City Ordinance for Urban Agriculture will Benefit St. Petersburg 22 Living with Mental Health Issues 24 DTSP on a Dime: Summer Workouts

25 People of St. Pete: Bob Devin Jones

26 Movers & Makers: Purveyors of Local Goods 27 45th Annual Sunrise Sale

29 Downtown Developments 30 Events

Till next time,

hello@greenbenchmonthly.com

Green Bench Monthly Is Direct-mailed to 15,400 homes and businesses in zip codes 33701, 33704 & 33713. Neighborhoods included in our mailing:

Allendale, Crescent Heights, Crescent Lake, Downtown, Euclid-St. Paul, Five Points, Greater Woodlawn, Historic Kenwood, Historic Old Northeast, Magnolia Heights, North East Park, Snell Isle, & Woodlawn

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How do you feel when you walk in your front door?

Or for that matter, any room in your home?

Do you smile and your heart fill with joy as you look around and appreciate what you see, or do you mentally start creating a to do list of what needs to be done or feel overwhelmed by not knowing how to create the room of your dreams?

Design is more than putting colors and patterns together. It’s about creating a feeling in your home. A place where you can relax, entertain and spend time with loved ones.

Color, natural light, artificial light, plant life, the size, shape, and scale of the furniture and the arrangement of the furniture are all key elements of creating a space that makes you feel happy. We can work with you to bring these elements together to create a space you love every time you enter it.

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

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

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Interior Designer Lydia Mason

GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM / JULY 2018

From the Museum’s Archives: Snell Building With St. Petersburg Museum of History Executive Director, Rui Farias

Majestically towering over Central Avenue and 4th Street, the iconic Snell Building is a monument to one of the city’s most prolific developers. Originally part of the Durant Block, and later known as Mitchell’s Corner when Noel Mitchell moved his real estate office to the wooden structure, the corner gained fame when Mitchell placed orange benches - forerunner to St. Pete’s famous green benches - on the sidewalk.

Developer C. Perry Snell purchased the corner lot from Mitchell in 1914 for $100,000 and in 1926, began construction on the structure that still amazes today with its architecture and construction detail. Famous for its Snell Arcade - a walkway cutting through the building connecting Central Avenue to the Open Air Post Office - the building also has a full basement and at the time, a rooftop, open-air bar named Spanish Bob’s.

From ornate exterior carvings and European tiles and statuary to an Italian tile mosaic of Baldassare Longhea’s Santa Maria della Salute in the Arcade, it’s easy to see how Snell spent $750,000 to construct the building in 1926.

The Snell Building is currently on the National Register of Historic Places. This photo, as well as other historic St. Pete images are available at HistoryStpete.org.

For more information about exhibits, hours, and ticket pricing visit SPMOH.com.

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Photos by City of St. Petersburg

Jungle Country Club Hotel - Saint Petersburg, Florida. 19--. Black & white photonegative. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory.

Speakeasy: Mob Stories from St. Petersburg

By Jack Spinrad

As a teenager I lived with my family in an apartment in the Baldwin Hills section of Los Angeles. Our next door neighbor was a bear of man named Sam Farkas who just happened to be Mickey Cohen’s bodyguard up until the time Cohen was sent to the big house for tax evasion. Sam remained active in the “Mob” until the 1970’s when he was convicted on RICO charges. I remembered that he always wore a sport coat to hide the gun I occasionally glimpsed in the holster just under his left arm.

Sometimes we would speak as we both lay out by the pool. One day he asked me if I would be interested in delivering some packages for which he would pay me $25 per delivery. Wow! $25 was a fortune in 1958 for an 18-year-old. Against my parents’ wishes I said okay. For several months I made two or three deliveries of small packages per week. I was in fat city!

Every once in a while, he would tell me stories of the old days.

I remember his mentioning a trip he took to Florida with Cohen’s boss, Johnny Torrio. After flying into an airport on the west side of St. Petersburg, they attended a conference of “Made Men” at a hotel in a newly developed area called “The Jungle…something”. They also spent time at a speakeasy named the Gangplank, in which he thought Al Capone had an interest. This caught my attention because I’d been in St. Petersburg while on vacation with my family.

About three months later I was awakened to the sound of machine

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gun fire. I stood on my bed and peeked out the window and saw two black cars parked in the alley each with a machine gun firing out of a back window raking the rear of our building. Soon after the black vehicles drove off, six police cars arrived. As a witness I spent quite a bit of time speaking with the police and had to go to the station to look at mug shots. Although I wasn’t able to identify anyone, the experience made me rethink the wisdom of working for Mr. Farkas.

However, it was immaterial because two days later Sam Farkas and his wife left our building in the middle of the night.

Now fifty-some odd years later and living here in St. Petersburg, I thought it might be interesting to see if I could locate the hotel and speakeasy.

After much time spent at the Mirror Lake Library and online I found conflicting reports of Al Capone’s presence in St. Petersburg.

Many articles mention that “Scarface” Al Capone was part owner of the Gangplank speakeasy in the Jungle Prada area of St Petersburg on Park St. near Elbow Lane N. He owned a home in what was to become Shore Acres that he purportedly built for his mother.

I believe the airport mentioned by Sam Farkas was Walter Fuller Airfield which had a dirt runway and was located on what is now the Tyrone Mall. This spot would have been convenient to both the Gangplank night club and the Jungle Country Club Hotel.

Built in 1924, the Gangplank was in the Spanish-Caribbean style

“Gangplank” nightclub in St. Petersburg. Not before 1924. Black & white photoprint. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory.

and was the first nightclub to open in St. Petersburg. During prohibition it was known to be a speakeasy where Count Basie & Duke Ellington performed. There was supposedly a tunnel that ran under the fireplace all the way to Boca Ciega Bay, making easy access for bootleggers to unload their cargo without interference from the police. Today it is a local watering hole called the Jungle Prada Tavern. It still retains much of the original design, including stucco arches, terrazzo floors and the original safe from the speakeasy days. Current residents of the Jungle Prada area find it a friendly place to eat and drink.

The Jungle Country Club Hotel was a three-story Mediterranean Revival style building designed by Henry Taylor, the noted architect of the Vinoy. The hotel was built in 1925 on 225 acres located at 501 Park Street North. At the time it was said to be the fanciest place in the city. World War II brought a decline in tourism and in 1942 the hotel was leased to the Army Air Corps to house trainees until 1945, when it was sold to the Admiral Farragut Academy, named after Admiral David Glasgow Farragut, the first U.S. Naval officer to rise to the rank of Admiral. The Academy sold off the hotel’s golf course in the 1940’s and early 1950’s, adding buildings for classrooms and administrative facilities.

Many believe in these stories about the mob activity in St. Petersburg while others may not. I enjoy writing about things I have found. I leave it up to you to believe what you will.

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Charm restored at this 1926 Mediterranean Revival. Visit our website, greenbenchmonthly.com, to view the full gallery. Photos courtesy of Preserve the ‘Burg.

Pink Streets n’ Restoration Deets, an Evening with Preserve the ‘Burg

By Erin Cody

Locals with a penchant for style and history were out in force for Preserve the Burg’s Cuban Bungalow Porch Party. The sold-out event featured tours of a stunningly restored 1926 Mediterranean Revival-style Cuban Bungalow and nearby Indian Mound Park site of a thousandyear-old Tocobaga Tribe temple mound. The mound itself is accessible and open to the public. There you will find two historical markers on the property, both erected by the Daughters of the American Revolution.

The Historic 1924 Pinellas Point subdivision is just lovely, located

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only fifteen minutes south of downtown, but oozing with upscale, oldworld charm and its famous “pink streets.”

An expansive back patio and perfectly-manicured yard made for a idyllic backdrop, and live music and Green Bench Brewing Company (no relation) were on tap to keep onlookers entertained. As we waited for our tour number to be called, I took the opportunity to chat with Paul Bailey, owner of Savory Spice, and proud papa of homeowners. He beamed as he spoke of their excitement pulling up green shag carpet in the house,

only to expose beautifully preserved Cuban tiles, and of how his daughter happened upon much of the furniture for the house, then took upholstery classes so that she could breathe new life into these found pieces.

The house itself was just stunning, exquisitely restored. From the famed Cuban tiles in the living room and intricate basketweave in the kitchen, to the Stone Mountain granite, pass-through fireplace, it is truly a treasure to behold. As they say, they just don’t make ‘em like this anymore - which is precisely why preservation is so important!

Preserve the ‘Burg regularly hosts porch parties like this one, as well as several other events that highlight the need for preservation and advocacy in the St. Pete area. They will be hosting a walking tour of Historic Gulfport on July 19. Hope to see you there!

To see what’s coming up, donate, volunteer or even become a member, hop on over to Preservetheburg.com.

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Photo from left: Jourdona Lafete, Lindsay Evans, Daniel Nash, Mirabela Ticu, Everald Colas, Erin McGonegle, Jamison sweat, Sindhu Parvataneni, Chris Dunn, Chris Mercer, Sanchelle Lee, Thomas Goodwill, Mirna Andrade, Harold Somarriba, Jeff McDowell, Jason Jensen, Evan Vanderploeg, Kyle Mercer.

Not pictured: Sarah Lyons, Jovanka Somarriba. Photo by Kelly Nash Photography.

Wannemacher Jensen Architects: Taking Steps to Improve the Community

By Nehemiah Warner Strolling into Mirror Lake Library I glance across the concentrically rippled water and spraying fountain in the lake to see the modern gray stone rectangular office building for Wannemacher Jensen Architects, Inc.—one skewed angle of balcony jutting out with quirky charm.

Browsing the nonfiction sections once inside the library, I’d be hardpressed to find Jazz and Architecture anywhere near one another.

However, in this unlikely pairing Jason Jensen found harmony.

“Jazz is wildly creative and truly reactive to the context of each performer,” Jensen explained to me. No song is ever the same twice. This formed the foundation of Jensen’s approach to architecture. Jensen, a rare St. Pete native, attended the arts program at Gibbs High School where he won the Clearwater Jazz Festival and Al Downing Jazz scholarships and YMCA. Courtesy of WJA. went on to the University of Florida to study both music and architecture.

He made his way to the firm in 2002 and found it to be a perfect fit The soul of the firm lies in their mission to design architecture of because, like jazz, WJA had soul. inspiration and optimism that enriches the city of St. Petersburg. One way they live this mission is by partnering with local nonprofits to design and A Firm with Soul construct facilities to best serve their clients in need. They have worked WJA was founded in 1992 by Lisa Wannemacher, AIA and is distinct hand-in-hand with nonprofit organizations including YMCA, CASA, in their make-up and structure. Their creative group has more freedom St. Pete Free Clinic, Great Explorations and several area faith centers than most with their added full-service construction arm, WJ Create, to provide a physical community presence to match each mission and and the Entertainment division. WJA’s diverse team is representative of vision. Jensen said that they want to ensure more efficient service delivery all walks of life, boasts 50% women, and offers varied perspectives to yield in a better environment and maintains that once organizations consider unique design solutions. To date, WJA has developed over 250 projects in their physical structure in relationship to their mission, they often are St. Petersburg. able to meet the needs of many more.

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Great Explorations Rendering. Courtesy of WJA.

The firm goes above and beyond by symbiotically adopting each nonprofit’s mission while collaborating. For example, when designing for CASA (Community Action Stops Abuse) they sent a principal and project manager to go through the volunteer training so they could understand the full process and engage participants. This keen attention to the organization for which they are designing shows in their inimitable creations around the city.

Partnering with Nonprofits

WJA navigates the process of design and construction with each nonprofits’ board of directors. Meeting spaces are made to be visible, less intimidating, and tangibly open to the community with the use of glass walls. Similarly, outdoor spaces are made to be inviting for events, maximizing usage in our Sunshine City. For example, the Madeira Beach City Hall has become a center for the community and it is booked for the next year with weddings in its outdoor space.

The firm believes that function and place inform design which results in construction specific to St. Pete and each nonprofits’ operations.

Views, shade, and weather are considered. Large overhangs and glass on the north and south of the building minimize heat gain. With hurricanes in mind, despite open views, the construction is robust.

Cost doesn’t have to be limiting to nonprofits when working with WJA. Jensen assured that good design does not need to rely on expensive materials. Because the entire process from design to construction is inhouse, WJA can accurately forecast costs and nonprofits are able to fundraise early on for the project. Additionally, WJA gets more value from the construction costs when they are in control of each component. This is just another facet of how WJA serves its clients thoughtfully.

Vision for the City

The balance of art and function are evident in everything Wannemacher Jensen Architects builds. WJA is working to build variation at the street level, giving St. Petersburg a unique skyline and a sense of place, encouraging visitors to explore around the next corner like a meandering, improvised solo. They are currently working on a “live, work, and play” concept at Mirror Lake that features a new 30,000 square foot office building with 10 residential units on top. Whether it be through collaboration, creativity, or working with key community nonprofits, That same soul of jazz that intrigued Jason Jensen is what WJA seeks to imbue into their design and construction. Jason Jensen spoke for the firm, saying “We aren’t just talking about how to improve a community; we are taking the steps to make it happen.”

To view their beautiful projects, including the new James Museum downtown, please visit wjarc.com. Their office is located at 180 Mirror Lake Dr. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33701.

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The Poynter Institute for Media Studies

By Andy Bragg

Nelson Paul Poynter. 197-. Color photograph.

State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory.

For more than 40 years, the Poynter Institute has been a major force in sustaining and improving the quality of both local and global journalism. The site, on Third Street S facing Bayboro Harbor, also is a venue for stimulating forums about news and politics that are open to the public.

Nelson Poynter, the longtime owner and publisher of the St. Petersburg Times (now the Tampa Bay Times), founded the Modern Media Institute in 1975 to study and teach what makes the best journalism work. Upon his death in 1978, the nonprofit entity became owner of the newspaper; it was renamed in his memory in 1984. Poynter has evolved along with the media world, and its courses for journalists and academics include digital media and fact-checking. Clearly, its efforts are more important than ever at a time when trust in the media is often publicly challenged.

Poynter’s 49,000-square-foot modern-architecture campus includes a striking mahogany and marble great hall as well as classrooms, media laboratories, and offices for resident faculty. It is a destination for classes, seminars, national media-industry conferences, and awards dinners.

Each year, Poynter trains more than 100,000 journalists, educators and students from all 50 states and dozens of nations. With many prominent visitors, the institute schedules at least one event per quarter, allowing local residents the opportunity to hear accomplished media figures speak. Recent presenters have included Judy Woodruff of PBS, Kai Ryssdal of NPR and David Axelrod of CNN. Panel discussions scheduled for the fourth quarter of this year include a conversation about business and the economy by NBC correspondents in October and a review of midterm election results by journalists from the Tampa Bay Times, Poynter, ABC and CNBC in November.

Poynter’s website cites the institute’s support for “the essential role of responsible journalism in a democracy.” As challenges of media

The Poynter Institute building. Photo by City of St. Petersburg

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Proudly Supports

Leadership training by journalism experts; photo cred Tom Huang, Poynter Adjunct Faculty Sunday and Enterprise Editor, Dallas Morning News

accuracy and allegations of “fake news” have accelerated, Poynter has been a leader in improving fact-checking capabilities worldwide. It owns PolitiFact, which was developed by the Tampa Bay Times and rates statements by politicians and media figures on a “Truth-O-Meter” scale. Poynter also launched the International Fact-Checking Network in 2015 to support initiatives and best practices. IFCN monitors and publishes articles about fact-checking trends and issues, promotes standards, provides training and fellowships, and holds an annual global fact conference.

Additional areas of emphasis at Poynter include ethics, innovation, digital tools, and information literacy. The school offers courses, webinars and in-person training in ethical standards and principles to support journalism’s role in a healthy democracy. Poynter’s support of innovation focuses largely on the transformation of local media with its Local News Innovation channel and program. The digital tools program provides training and information about the best tools to help journalists gather and present information in an era of shrinking budgets and audience attention spans. Poynter has partnered with Google and Stanford University on a news and information literacy project called MediaWise, which is aimed at helping teens tell fact from fiction online.

Poynter also has kept the Tampa Bay Times independent and relevant as Tampa’s Bay’s only major daily newspaper. It has won 12 Pulitzer Prizes since 1964, including two in 2009. The Times has a circulation of 240,000 daily and 391,000 on Sundays, plus 311,000 local monthly unique visitors at its tampabay.com website.

Nelson Poynter’s legacy is flourishing. Poynter is self-sustaining, relying on donations, contributions, tuition, membership fees, advertising, and rental income for weddings and other special events.

For information on community events as well as activities and trends at Poynter and in journalism: poynter.org For information and to make a contribution and support Poynter’s mission: poynter.org/support-poynter

Johnilaw and its staff are proud to support programs that promote school-readiness.

The Back to School Care Fair is the Junior League of St. Petersburg’s (JLSP) premier event, which has helped prepare school-aged children in St. Petersburg for school success for the past 21 years. The JLSP partners with medical providers to offer school physicals, medical screenings, immunizations, and referrals. Children will receive a new backpack stuffed with school supplies. Care Fair continues to connect families with local resources within the community, while providing entertainment in the form of crafts and interactive, educational exhibits. All services & supplies are provided at NO COST to the participants during this well attended event.

The 22nd Annual Back to School Care Fair will take place on Saturday July 28, 2018 at Johnnie Ruth Clarke Center from 8AM to 12PM.

(727) 520-7376 | johnilaw.com 2600 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. St. N. #300 St. Petersburg, Florida 33704 Hiring a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based upon advertisements alone. Before deciding, ask to receive free written information about our qualifications and experience.

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Next Best Men

by Erin Cody

You know that photo from your wedding that just perfectly encapsulates the feeling of the day? The joy, the energy, the love, the humor, the excitement? You’re lucky if you have just one that you really adore & keep coming back to.

Take a look through Nextbestmen.com, and you will find that Wyatt Kostygan and Evan Sigmund have taken that magic and elevated it, so that every single shot they complete has that perfect je ne sais quoi. Their blend of experience, charisma, teamwork, intuition and technical prowess create something truly special, whether it be for special events, business, fashion, or even a quick stop at a gas station on the way to your wedding.

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L to R: Photographer Evan Sigmund, with Bride, and Photographer Wyatt Kostygan

How “Next Best Men” Was Born

Cody: Photography is a popular hobby, but few have the chops to make it into a successful career. What made you decide to take the plunge?

Kostygan: A huge factor had to be the reception of our shots

from friends, family, and even perfect strangers. And I think wedding photography being a career for both of us was a natural evolution given how we actually learned photography. With our first real DSLR (we shared a Canon 50d) we’d photograph parties, and the reactions when we would post those photos on Facebook were so encouraging. It was clear we were doing something right, and the actual process itself was really fun too.

Go With A Pro

Cody: Why is it worth it to hire a professional photographer to capture a special event, as opposed to just having Uncle Harry snap a few shots?

Sigmund: We each bring nearly a decade of experience to the job, and we know how to keep a cool head and keep things fun. If a shot is there we are confident that we can find it. I know I can make images today that I simply lacked the skill to make back in my first couple years with a camera.

Kostygan: Uncle Harry won’t have the necessary gear either (most likely). It’s a tough reality that you need to have some pretty expensive equipment to even be capable of producing the kinds of photos we’d expect to see published in a magazine, which is what we are always shooting for.

We come to a wedding with around four camera bodies, ten lenses, at least three strobes, and a car full of light modifiers and other gizmos. There’s a good chance we won’t need all that, but sometimes we do.

Two Photographers are Better Than One

Cody: You two often work events as a team. Why is it advantageous to have two photographers on hand?

Sigmund: We can split up and be at two places at once. So if the bride and groom are getting ready separately, we can cover both with no fuss. Then during portrait sessions it allows one of us to bump up the production value by adding in lights, softboxes, and scrims while the other one is behind the camera.

Kostygan: For everything else it’s mostly about maximizing coverage.

No one can predict with 100% certainty where the best composition for a particular moment will be, and that matters especially during the timesensitive portions of the day (first look, ceremony, dances, cake cutting, etc). But we can absolutely narrow things down to the two most ideal spots and likely focal lengths to make sure we get both.

That Magic Moment

Cody: Your photos are just stunning. I cannot stop looking at them!

What is that magic--that special something that you bring to the job?

Kostygan: We love what we do. Obviously, it’s a blast to be at all these celebrations and be a part of something so fun and high-energy. But we are just as enthusiastic about what comes next, about sitting down together and going through these thousands of shots to tease out images that tell a story about these couples and the people who love them. In the process, you’re just always discovering these subtle new facets of joy. That’s magic to both of us, and I think that shows in the final product.

Check out their portfolio online at www.nextbestmen.com and just imagine what they could do for you! Then schedule your free consultation with the dream team, and make sure those special moments are beautifully remembered.

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Mildred Thompson Magnetic Fields, 1991 , Oil on canvas, triptych , 70 1/2 x 150 inches Courtesy of the Mildred Thompson Estate, Atlanta, Georgia Art and photo courtesy and copyright The Mildred Thompson Estate, Atlanta, Georgia

Magnetic Fields @ MFA

By D. Dominick Lombardi

Chakaia Booker El Gato, 2001 rubber tire and wood , 48 x 42 x 42 inches Collection of the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, Bebe and Crosby Kemper Collection, Museum purchase, Enid and Crosby Kemper and William T. Kemper Acquisition Fund, 2004.12 © Chakaia Booker. Photo: E.G. Schempf

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Magnetic Fields: Expanding American Abstraction, 1960s to Today, which celebrates “the contributions of black women in the field of abstract art,” is a stunning exhibition that features many powerful examples of abstract art. Walking through the exhibition, I am immediately struck by both the overall scale and the diversity and depth of the selections.

Having seen the work of Chakaia Booker many times before, I am happy to experience her work again, especially in this context. El Gato (2001), a rubber-tire and wood sculpture that is utterly textural and profoundly present, simultaneously challenges and captivates the viewer with waves of wild shapes and fluid gestures.

On the opposite end of the exhibition stands another fascinating sculpture by Shinique Smith. Bale Variant No. 0012 (2015) combines a number of fabrics and materials forming a column-like bale of moments and memories. Clustered and tied in the shape of a tall square column, it immediately becomes a monument to diversity, while the recent images of displaced peoples, especially in Syria, may make one think of homelessness and flight. When looking at this work I also think of the old cars and station wagons I have seen over the past few decades packed solid with endless belongings that house marginalized families and individuals who have lost their homes. So we have a message in Bale Variant No. 0012 that can be both a celebration and a warning, depending on the viewer.

Mildred Thompson offers Untitled (Wood Picture) (1966), a simple, elegant work that subtly guides the viewer’s attention in and upward as the quietly shifting shapes glide through our awareness. A large painting

by Thompson, Magnetic Fields (1991), shows her innate ability to mix complex thoughts and theories with elusive and intuitive gestures.

The oil on canvas titled Solitude (1963) by Mavis Pusey also has a jazzy aspect. The canvas, which looks more like jute or burlap, probably looks that way because the artist did an umber paint rub, probably thinned with stand oil, into the texture of the coarse material. This is important, as the red and brownish black that is applied in distinct, razor-sharp shapes seems to float above the surface by contrast. Candida Alvarez offers an acrylic on canvas titled black cherry pit (2009) that is quite Popish in its abstraction,

Betty Blayton Consume #2, 1969 , Oil and paper on canvas, 59 inches in diameter Courtesy of the Betty Blayton Trust, Boston, Massachusetts. © Betty Blayton Trust.

Photo: E. G. Schempf Candida Alvarez black cherry pit, 2009 , Acrylic on canvas , 84 x 72 inches Courtesy of the artist, Chicago, Illinois. © Candida Alvarez. Photo: Tom van Eynde

with its very fluid and active composition. Overall, there is a distinctive push/pull here, a clashing of worlds -- or should I say a coalescing of worlds – dominated by an overall positive atmosphere disrupted with a few curious twists and turns.

Betty Blayton’s Consume 12 (1969) is an oil painting on paper mounted on canvas that projects veils of thought or consciousness. The circular shape of the canvas, a tondo, gives this work a more dreamlike orientation, while the way in which the artist works, applying shards of paper loosely across the surface, then painting over them with additional thin washes, has an alluring and mysterious narrative.

Barbara Chase-Riboud’s Malcom X #13 (2008) is meant as a monument to a “transformative individual” in Malcom X. In this tall bronze abstraction we see a soul embellished with silk, wool, linen and synthetic rope – a commanding, albeit twisting form that stands firm against all foes. There are many symbols here, some obvious, others obscure, but the overall feel is a figure that is monk-like in its beliefs and steadfast in its convictions.

Racism is Like Rain, Either it’s Raining or it’s Gathering Somewhere, a mixed-media painting by Mary Lovelace O’Neal, has a distinct and ominous storm brewing against a shroud of darkness. Here, the looming giant forms on the right are menacing mangled masses all twisted and in turmoil in mind and body.

Lilian Thomas Burwell’s mysterious Winged Autumn (2007), a wall mounted-sculpture or relief that has obvious references to flight or buoyancy offers a sense of hope. Alma Woodsey Thomas, who is “a pioneer in abstraction and the elder in this exhibition” has in Orion (1973) a freedom of form and space that reminds me of the Earth’s rotation seen when photographing night sky stars in long exposures. By painting the night sky red with what looks like stately tree trunks reflected in calm water, Thomas brings multiple worlds and dimensions together in one profound work.

Additional artists’ works are represented in Magnetic Fields: Expanding American Abstraction, 1960s to Today. The exhibition originated at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art in Kansas City, Mo. It ends Aug. 5.

For more information visit mfastpete.org/exh/magnetic-fields/.

The exhibit will be on display at the MFA through August 5, 2018.

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From L to R: Instructor David Carney, and Graduates; Dyshane Holmes, Matthew Leaks, Aredeja Quarterman and Dejuan Poole

St. Pete Culinary: Carving Out Careers

By Mitzi Gordon

Teaching everything from nutrition to knife skills to kitchen management, a growing program in St. Petersburg is enriching young people through the universal language of food.

The nonprofit St. Pete Culinary Center makes professional culinary training free and accessible to underprivileged students, with a particular focus on young adults 16 and older. No high school diploma or GED is

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required for registration, and a criminal record does not create a barrier to entry.

With a focus on job creation, the SPCC is empowering youth to build rewarding, successful careers in food service, one of the fastest-growing industries in the nation. The next series of classes is set to begin in August at the Childs Park Recreation Center, led by experienced culinary instructors, top local chefs and restaurateurs.

“The program is invaluable in our community, because it gives an opportunity to students who might not otherwise have one,” Board Chairman PT Collins said. “We’re so excited and blessed to be able to do this work.”

Business partners Ted Dorsey and Jason Griffin, owners of the popular downtown St. Petersburg restaurant the Mill, recognized a need and in 2016 crafted a plan to start a culinary school that gives back to the community.

Along the way, they enlisted like-minded supporters to host fundraisers and build a referral program.

Now governed by a seven-member board of directors, the SPCC has graduated three classes of certified culinarians since its launch. Alumni earn the credentials to immediately enter professional kitchens, including ServSafe and Food Handler certificates.

Lorenza Jackson, 30, heard about the center through a friend and graduated from the program at the beginning of this year. He already had been cooking for roughly a decade, working in kitchens at Locale Market and the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, and he was ready to build a career in the industry.

“The classes helped me sharpen skills that I didn’t know I had, and taught me the proper names of techniques I didn’t know I was actually using,” Jackson said. “It’s a good place to network if you’re trying to build your own business or get a good job. Either way, you’re going to find what you need.”

The center has space to accommodate 12 students. Board members are exploring options for a larger place that can serve more, as the school has a waiting list of more than 50 applicants.

The organization estimates a positive economic impact of more than $2 million annually to the city, factoring in unemployment costs otherwise incurred by the government for students who now are gainfully employed.

SPCC graduates are empowered to enter jobs and open new businesses, each earning between an estimated $35,000 and $60,000 per year.

Jackson, who lives in St. Petersburg with his son and girlfriend, now works on catering events and is moving toward launching his own business.

“My goal is to get a food truck,” he said. “I want to do a food tour around the country, and after a few years of building my name nationally in the food industry, I want to get a restaurant.”

In addition to financial gains, these students reveal the peripheral impact of job creation, finding new purpose through their work and watching it ripple through their community of friends and family.

“Sharing that newfound knowledge and enthusiasm with their immediate circle is contagious,” Collins said.

Learn more about the program and how you can support it at www.stpeteculinary.org

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One of the groups leading the charge to fight food scarcity right here in our community is the St. Petersburg Eco Village. Pictured above, left: a volunteer pushes a wheelbarrow carrying topsoil. Right and opposite page: Tropical fruits like Papaya and Pineapple grow well in the Florida sun.

How the Proposed City Ordinance for Urban Agriculture will Benefit St. Petersburg

By Ally Analore via Neighborhood News Bureau Urban agriculture could be the future of healthy living in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The city is currently proposing an ordinance to issue permits allowing on-site sales in neighborhood zoning districts for commercial urban farming.

“The city ordinance and the expansion of urban agriculture will promote local economic development and health benefits for the people living in St. Petersburg,” said Robyn Keefe, the city’s planner.

“We are so removed from food growing that people don’t know where food is coming from,” added Mark Trujillo, a public health specialist at the University of Florida’s family nutrition program.

Under current regulations, any commercial farming operation beyond what is done in a community garden is only allowed in an industrial zoning district. According to Keefe, with the new city ordinance, outdoor urban agriculture would be permitted in most zoning districts, expanding such farming and ‘greening up’ the city.

“Having a more robust food system means that there will be more American farmers,” said Trujillo. “Right now, only 2 percent of Americans are farmers.” It has been seen that urban agriculture can fit in well in cities. Keefe explained that it is very popular in other areas

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of the country such as the northeastern U.S. Now, citizens of St. Petersburg can grow a community garden anywhere in the city after obtaining an annual permit for $50. These community gardens are considered nonprofit enterprises, meaning they can donate and/or sell produce off-site. However, since most such gardens are in neighborhood zoning districts, they cannot sell their produce at the farm itself.

Many ‘food deserts’ are located in the neighborhoods of south St. Petersburg; these areas lack immediate access to fresh food.

The proposed city ordinance would allow community gardens in food deserts to sell affordable, healthy produce directly to their residents on-site. This expands opportunities for both businesses and residents.

Keefe is optimistic that the city ordinance will eventually eliminate the need for an annual permit. This would mean that only one permit will need to be purchased up front as opposed to an annual permit.

Keefe further explained that on-site farm stands encourage residents to buy fresh produce in areas where fresh produce is not available for at least a mile. This will also provide an opportunity for local farmers to sustain their community gardens by selling produce at their operational costs.

Keefe also said that the city ordinance will

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also provide social opportunities for neighbors to work together in their gardens.

“The Sustainable Urban Agriculture Coalition (SUAC) has started to teach organic gardening classes at Pinellas Technical College,” explained Bill Bilodeau, the Vice President of SUAC. They have collaborated on a grant application with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to train urban farmers.

If they receive the grant, they will have funds to develop the classes on a commercial scale.

The county land use regulations do not allow for what the city is proposing.

Therefore, the county’s guidelines will have to be changed as well.

Meanwhile, the city’s proposed urban agriculture ordinance is also at odds with the state legislature’s ‘Right to Farm Act’, implemented in 1970 to preserve rural farmland and protect existing farm uses from encroaching urbanization.

“The Right to Farm Act is being used to stall the development of urban agriculture,” said Bilodeau. “It is a very awkward situation and I don’t think the law was intended that way.”

City and County-level planning staffs are currently investigating options for changes that will allow the urban agriculture ordinance to be passed at the local level. They are going to

submit their amendment package this spring. “Therefore, the timing of the final ordinance is out of the city’s hands,” explained Keefe. The city is hoping that highlighting the issue might increase interest at the state level to move forward sooner.

Keefe asks that residents in favor of the urban agriculture city ordinance write to their state legislators. Citizens can also reach out to their specific local representatives by visiting www.stpete. org/council/index.php or by emailing all of the council members at council@stpete.org, asking for these changes.

“We are optimistic. We feel that the public interest and the city’s involvement are growing,” said Bilodeau. “We think that the future for urban agriculture looks good.”

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Potential Consequences of Silence & Stigma

The effects of these attitudes can be damaging. Shame can lead to silence. The idea that it’s not a “real” illness can contribute to the notion that we should be able to simply “power through it” or “shake it off.” In essence, these approaches stigmatize treatment and often mean that conditions go without medical attention. Lack of proper care can have a wide range of negative outcomes for suffering individuals and society at large. Left untreated, people with mental health issues are more likely to miss work, drop out of school, suffer from chronic medical conditions, be hospitalized, end up homeless, and take their own lives. Because of its permanence, suicide is the most devastating result, especially given its prevalence in the young. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in America, but it is the third leading cause of death for young people ages 10 to 14 and the second for those 15 to 24.

Ending Silence & the Stigma

“With 1 in 5 individuals, families and friends needing help, the secret based on stigma, guilt and shame must end,” said NAMI Pinellas County president Rosalie L. Bousher. “No longer should we wait and watch for social tragedies to strike and then ask the question, ‘How and why did this happen?’ We need to speak out now.”

Diagnosing mental illness isn’t always easy. Each illness has its own signs, but some symptoms that may indicate a problem include excessive worry/fear, extreme mood and/or behavioral changes, avoiding friends/ family/activities, alcohol or drug abuse, difficulty in perceiving reality, or suicidal thoughts.

If you are worried about yourself or a friend or family member, don’t be afraid to reach out. Bousher notes that early intervention is “one of the keys to recovery.” So start a conversation, offer support as a friend or family member, and get advice. It’s important to learn all you can, so reach out to a doctor or a mental health authority for more resources. Don’t think that you can fix it by yourself. Don’t think you have to fix it alone. “Remember, you are not alone,” she said.

NAMI Offers Education And Support

Living with Mental Health Issues

By Tina Stewart Brakebill You are Not Alone

In recent months, the suicides of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain served as sad reminders that even people who seem to “have it all’” can struggle with depression. The truth is, mental health issues affect millions of Americans every year. They can range from depression to anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and specific phobias. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), which is the largest advocacy organization in the country for those living with mental illness, one in five adults in the United States experience some form of mental illness each year, and one in five youths ages 13 to 18 experience a severe mental disorder at some point. Despite the likelihood that we or those we love may be affected by mental illness at some point in our lives, too many still view it as shameful or dismiss it as not a “real” illness.

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Both the issue of mental health and the prospect of how to get help (or be of help) can be overwhelming. NAMI can help. Its mission is to provide education, support, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness regardless of their ability to pay. NAMI provides an extensive online information center so that people with mental health issues as well as family, friends, and caregivers can learn more. It also offers extensive support programs for families, peers, and individuals. NAMI’s support groups, education programs, and advocacy “provide life-changing outcomes that can turn despair and dark years into self-resilience and HOPE,” Bousher said.

Silence and the stigma born of ignorance can be dangerous. With its extensive network of support, NAMI strives to eliminate both.

Informational Sources

You can follow NAMI on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NamiPinellas/ and you can find a complete list of NAMI resources, both local and national, at www.nami-pinellas.org/resources/ For more detailed statistical information mental health issues as well as the potential consequences of illness and the lack of treatment, visit www. nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-By-the-Numbers

Crisis Contact Information

For more specific information on crisis resources go to www.nami.org/ Find-Support/NAMI-HelpLine#crisis You can also reach out directly to NAMI at its Crisis Hotline: 1 (800) 950-NAMI or text “NAMI”” to 741741.

If you or someone you know needs help NOW, you should immediately call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1 (800) 273-8255 or call 911.

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Barre Central

I have to admit that I really was not into Barre before I found this place. Other studios I’d visited seemed snooty and unwelcoming, so I was not expecting much when I agreed to check this one out. Holy crap - it was like night & day! Folks here are so friendly, and I just love the vibe. The classes are very challenging, but perfectly balanced. It is such a fantastic full-body workout. I always know I will be sore the next day...but in the best way possible.

Barre Central has also agreed to a special offer for Green Bench readers: three classes for $30. A three-pack is generally $55, and drop-in will set you back $20, so that’s a seriously good deal! If you prefer to just give it a try without any commitment, your first class is free.

Krazy Kardio

Maybe beating the heck out of stuff is your jam. It’s a great way to work out your aggression after a long day at the office! Sound good? Check out Krazy Kardio for some butt-whooping-but-still-enjoyable kickboxing. Your first class if free, but you do need to bring or buy gloves and hand wraps, so it is a bit of an investment. After your first go, the drop-in rate is $16, a ten-pack is $130, and prices vary for unlimited packs. Even if you’re not a fighter, I highly recommend trying a kickboxing class. Promise you won’t get kicked or punched!

Jazzercise

DTSP Workouts on a Dime: Where to Get Your Summer Sweat

By Erin Cody

While you may be up for an outdoor jog or soccer match in February, brutal Florida summers make air conditioning an absolute necessity for working out. Luckily for you, summers are also the slow season for gyms, so many offer up some darn good deals to try to get your butt in the door.

The following are a list of great local spots that offer various types of exercise without breaking the bank. I highly suggest trying at least a couple, even (or especially) if it’s something you’ve never done before. You are much more likely to stick to a workout routine if it’s something you actually enjoy! These first two are currently my favorite ways to break a sweat with a smile.

SukhaLife Yoga

This new-ish studio (opened in November of 2017) is nestled in the heart of the Grand Central District. I cannot get enough of this place! My hubby always grunted at the idea of yoga, but he’s since become a SukhaLifa addict. The instructors are perfectly curated. Each has their own style, but every single one is amazing. The classes are often well-attended, but never jam-packed, which is huge. How can you relax when you’re worried your warrior three will land on the person wedged in six inches from you?

SukhaLife has generously offered Green Bench readers $5 for your first class. Just mention us when you show up! There are also a couple good summer deals worth trying: new students can purchase a three-pack of classes for $25 or pay $99 for two months of unlimited classes. You’ll get that sweet yoga body and be happy while you do it!

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Like to get your dance on? Rock it old-school and hit up Jazzercise - leg warmers not necessary. The dancing is easy to follow, genuinely fun, and classes end with a bit of resistance training. You may be the youngest in the class, but these (mostly) ladies are no joke. You will definitely break a sweat!

First class is free, then it’s $15 for a drop-in or $45 for monthly unlimited with a $50 signup fee.

Vertical Ventures

For a workout that doesn’t feel like you’re working out, there’s always climbing at Vertical Ventures’ St. Pete location. They have a pretty wicked good offer for newbies: $25 for an introductory class, complete with belay instruction, and a two-week intro membership that includes all your rental gear. Not too shabby, eh? After the initial two weeks, a monthly unlimited pass is $60, and regular daily admission with harness included is $18/day; $12/day for kiddos under twelve. Your best bet is to hit up their “happy hours.” Two-for-one admission on Fridays from 8-midnight and Saturdays from 6-10 pm. Active date night, anyone?

For a few more money saving tidbits, hop on over to our website: greenbenchmonthly.com. Have a happy, healthy summer, Burg-ers!

Photo by Denzel JG

People of St. Pete: Bob Devin Jones

By Tina Stewart Brakebill

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

Sharing the Spotlight This month, the spotlight is on Bob Devin Jones. Unlike some of our “People,” I was very familiar with Bob Devin’s name before we chatted.

As the co-founder and Artistic Director for The Studio@620, he helps guide its mission: “To bring people from diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences together as artists, audiences and volunteers. To work collaboratively with artistic, educational, and cultural organizations in and beyond our community. To develop artistic and educational programs that integrate a variety of art forms….” Or, as Bob Devin succinctly describes it, “the answer is always yes.” This approach is why we can experience art shows, concerts, plays, prose & poetry readings, and more—all in one place! It’s also why I wanted to talk with him this month. He is well-known in the creative community, so he may be a little more “famous” than our usual subjects, but he enthusiastically shares that spotlight.

“Who ever loved that loved not at first sight?”

Like many of us in St. Pete, Bob Devin came from somewhere else, fell in love, and stayed. He is a Los Angeles native where he worked primarily in theater as a playwright, an actor, and a director. His stellar theater reputation was what initially brought him to St. Pete. In 1996, the American Stage Theater recruited him to direct August Strindberg’s

Miss Julie, which—with Dianne Carrols’ Julia in mind—he set in the late Harlem Renaissance. Two days after he arrived in town, he had a breakfast date with James Howell and, in Shakespearean fashion (with a Bob Devin twist) “it was love at first … pancake.” So the theater lured him to town—but it was love that caught him! He and James settled into their home near Lassing Park in the Historic Old Southeast and Bob Devin continued to direct, write, and occasionally act. But as his love for St. Pete grew, so did a vision.

“Changing the Landscape” This vision was based on his belief that a thriving, creative community can drive positive societal change for everyone by breathing life into a town and attracting diverse people. With this template in mind, he foresaw an artistic renaissance that would help St. Pete evolve into the innovative haven it is today. Luckily he was not alone. When he and his neighbor (and soonto-be business partner), the late David Ellis, conceived The Studio@620, they believed that it could be on the vanguard of this evolution. They were right. St. Pete is increasingly known for its diverse creative spirit. And Bob, alongside The Studio@620, has been at the forefront of that evolution for over two decades. I asked him if he ever worries that the evolution has reached its peak, and he said “no!” This is a “special time” for the city but, in his view, “the best years are ahead of us.” And for me, a relative newcomer to St. Pete, that’s great news!

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LocalShops1 by Pippa Hill

Movers & Makers: Purveyors of Local Goods

Market at Left Bank by Danielle Dowley

galleries and museums. For those just starting out and wanting to build a business, I think getting sales from an actual shop takes their business to a higher level. I hope to see several of them open their own shops in the next few years,” said Ester Venouziou of LocalShops1.

Market at Left Bank boasts over 3,500 square feet of space filled with local antique vendors, and more recently local makers’ goods! They now represent over 10 vendors known on the St Pete market scene including: Mandalina and REJuled. Sister company and mobile airstream

By Tara Britton, co-founder of Market Mafia Homosapien, boutique, Feathers Fate & Steel will continue to park on property as well.

While they currently have a waitlist for new makers, those interested are Local makers and start-ups in St Pete have endless options for getting encouraged to contact them at marketatleftbank@gmail.com. Goods include their products out of their hands and into those of potential customers. a wide variety from home decor to jewelry and soaps!

Vending at our local community markets can offer a relatively low cost Shop local during their business hours: opportunity to showcase brands, while opening a brick and mortar can be LocalShops1: 2908 Beach Blvd S, Gulfport FL 33707, Tuesday 9ama large investment for small business owners. Now small businesses have more chances than ever to find their place in the gray area between those 2pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am-6pm, ArtWalk events 11am-10pm two options by selling their goods inside of existing, local focused stores Market at Left Bank: 1241 Dr MLK Jr St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, around town! closed Tuesday, all other days 11am-7pm Several shops put local maker goods on display in an effort to benefit Market Mafia is a resource connecting residents and visitors both the seller and the buyer. From t-shirts to candles, books written by St throughout Greater Tampa Bay with local handcraft markets. To find local Petersburg authors, artwork and homewares can be found within stores like happenings and #HitTheMarket, visit www.MarketMafia.com.

LocalShops1 and the new Market at Left Bank. Working on a consignment basis with artists, each shop has a 60/40 split with their vendors which they feel is mutually beneficial. These locations provide unique shopping opportunities for residents searching for one-of-a-kind gifts, tourists looking for items to commemorate their visit, and for entrepreneurs to peddle their merchandise!

LocalShops1 represents over 30 local vendors in their store. Some popular market vendors they carry include Pergamo Paper Goods and Retro Nuevo Jewelry Designs. They accept new artists quarterly and interested artists can contact them directly by emailing ester@localshops1.com or bj@ localshops1.com. Their next round of acceptances will occur in September!

Artists need to be part of the LocalShops1 membership program.

“The point was to give artists an opportunity to set up a shop with very low commitment and low upstart costs, to test going brick and mortar. In addition to giving the artists another revenue source (in addition to markets and their own online sales), having a physical presence, I believe, boosts the artist’s standing and often helps them get in juried shows as well as in larger

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Sales galore at Savory Spice!

Arrive early for the best deals!

Sunrise Sale participants offering some of their best deals of the year. It’s a fantastic opportunity to spend and save! Get a jump start on your back to school shopping or your holiday shopping. Stock up for the upcoming year of birthdays. Then, buy yourself a gift: You’re worth it!

Contests & Cake

Shop downtown in your Pj’s at this years’ Sunrise Sale!

St. Pete’s 45th Annual Sunrise Sale: Contests & Cake; Deals & Donations

By Tina Stewart Brakebill Think your pajamas are good only for shopping online? Think again.

It’s summertime in St Petersburg, which means it’s time to put on your best jammies and head to the 45th Annual Downtown Business Association’s Sunrise Sale. The fun begins at 6:43 a.m. on Thursday, July 19, and lasts all day with the best deals being early. There’s something for everyone! Shop till you drop. Enter to win prizes in the pajama contests. Donate to a worthy cause. And eat cake!

Deals

Before you hit the sidewalks, give some thought to your shopping attire. This year’s Sunrise Sale Pajama Party is offering two prizes. Each of the winning pajama costumes will score a basket overflowing with gifts from participating merchants. If you think your pajama game puts you in the running for the most “local” or “unique,” then be sure to register before noon on sale day at the information booth on the steps of the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. Even if you’re not registering for the contest, you’ll want to stop by: That’s where you’ll find the free cake, from Sweet Divas.

Donations

Great deals aren’t the only reason the Sunrise Sale is special. Every year, it also offers an opportunity to contribute to charity by providing clearly marked donation bags at each participating store. This year’s beneficiary is the Heart Gallery of Pinellas & Pasco. Executive Director Patsy Stills says the the nonprofit organization’s mission is to “increase the number of adoptions of local foster children so that more children in foster care have a place to call home.” In order to do that, they “feature children, recruit families, and support families through the process.” In particular, the Heart Gallery focuses on helping the three most at-risk groups of children: teenagers, sibling groups, and medically needy youngsters. To further help the cause, the Cathedral Church of St. Peter has agreed to match all Sunrise Sale Day donations. So save a dollar; give a dollar; see that dollar double!

Where Can I Find Out More?

Up-to-date information for the Sunrise Sale is available on the Forty-five years ago, Beach Drive retailers inaugurated the very first Downtown Business Association’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ Sunrise Sale. Since that time, it has evolved as the city has grown. Now, DBAStPete/ For more information about this year’s featured charity, Heart Gallery more than 40 businesses throughout Downtown and the EDGE District of Pinellas & Pasco, visit www.heartgallerykids.org/ have joined the fun. Look for the yellow and orange balloons, and you’ll find

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Skyline by City of St. Petersburg

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 owner of Station House, downtown St. Petersburg’s popular co-working space, restaurant and event venue, has a new major project coming soon to 300 Central Avenue — The Mason. Last year, Steve Gianfilippo bought the antiquated 10-story Coronet Apartments with a vision to bring the building into the modern era with fully furnished apartment suites, a ground-level gastrolounge, and a rooftop event space featuring a penthouse and outdoor bar.

Apartment tenants at The Mason will have access to all of the co-working amenities at Station House, located only a block away.

The project is still in the planning stage with move-in’s expected in 2019.

A specialty coffee bar and dessert lounge, Beans and Barlour, will open in a few weeks at 538 First Avenue North, adjacent to St. Pete Brewing Company. In a first for Tampa Bay, Beans and Barlour will offer at least ten scratch-made alcoholic ice cream flavors, including tiramisu with amaretto mascarpone ice cream layered with warm espresso-soaked ladyfingers. The owner, Story Stuart, who previously helmed the beloved Story Brooke

Craft Coffee Bar, will also partner with St. Pete Brewing Company to offer a variety of food items. And with the recent opening of Inoculum Ale Works a few doors down, the 500 block of 1st Avenue North is becoming the place to be!

Oak and Stone opened earlier this month at 199 Central Avenue, on the ground floor of the new Hyatt Place in Downtown St. Pete.

This will be location number two for the pizza and beer joint that got its start in Sarasota. On top of serving artisanal wood-fired pizza, Oak and Stone offers a wide array of shareables such as BBQ pork sliders, pretzel crusted tuna sashimi, and smokey gouda mac n’ cheese.

Using a special wristband, Oak and Stone allows customers to pour their own beer or wine from 62 different taps.

The Merchant, a funky urban general store and gift shop, is now open at 633 Central Avenue (formerly Strands of Sunshine). The shop is filled to the brim with wares made by local artists, craftsman, and makers. You’ll find everything from small-batch soaps, apothecary items, art, well-crafted housewares, handmade chocolates, and more. Workshops and classes

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will be offered in the near future.

In early June, the St. Pete City Council approved a lease with Chuck Prather, owner of The Birchwood boutique hotel on Beach Drive, for three new dining concepts on the New St. Pete Pier — an upscale restaurant, a modern rooftop tiki bar, and a laidback cafe. Teak, the upscale restaurant, will offer a Florida-style menu with a focus on fresh seafood, steak, homemade soups and salads. Pier Teaki, the rooftop bar, will serve everything from frozen drinks to classic cocktails while patrons take in spectacular views of the Downtown St. Pete skyline. Small plates such as fish tacos, locally-sourced salads, and fish spread will also be available at Pier Teaki. The Driftwood Cafe will serve healthy breakfasts, fresh squeezed juices, and the perfect cappuccino.

Picnic baskets and lunch boxes filled with sandwiches, salad, chips, fruit and dessert can be taken to-go and enjoyed anywhere on our beautiful new pier.

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

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Radio Theater Project at the Studio @620.

Photo by Denzel JG.

Events Terrific Tots at Sundial

When: Every Tuesday, July 17th, 24th, 31st at 9:45am Where: Sundial, 153 2nd Ave N, 33701 Cost: Free Children ages 1-4 along with their caregivers are welcome to join for songs, stories, and community time. The program encourages curiosity, communication, creativity and critical thinking! For more information, please contact Lael Arango at larango@greatex.org.

St. Pete Storytelling & Prose Open Mic with SJ Sindu

When: Tuesday, July 17th from 7pm - 9pm Where: The Studio@620 620 1st Ave S, 33701 Cost: Free Our open mic focuses on storytelling and fiction – no poetry or music. So come share your finest prose, or if you’re just in the mood for listening, catch some tales from area wordsmiths. We encourage all readers to stay to the end and support everyone who signs up to share their work. For more info, visit www. facebook.com/WordierThanThou/.

Beer Project Day 1: From Gourds to Growlers When: Thursday, July 19th from 5:30pm - 9:30pm

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Beer Project Day 2: Civilized Consumption

When: Friday, July 20th from 6pm to 10 pm Where: Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive NE Cost: Tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for designated drivers. Must be 21 or older to participate. 2-day passes are also available for $65.

Experts will dive into beer anthropology, as you taste ales inspired by ancient history. Admission includes free beer tastings, light bites, tours of our mosaic conservation lab, presentations and conversations with beer experts and curators, and access to MFA galleries. Visit mfastpete.org/ to purchase tickets.

AR Workshop St. Pete & HGTV Magazine Hometown Love DIY Weekend

When: Friday, July 20th and Saturday, July 21st Where: AR Workshop St. Petersburg, 2807 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N., 33704 Cost: $59-$100 Join AR Workshop® St. Petersburg for a featured weekend of DIY projects sponsored by HGTV Magazine! During these workshops, guests will experience HGTV Magazine hospitality by taking home a gift bag and cashing in on exclusive promotions. BYO wine or beer to sip and enjoy during the workshop. To register, visit www.arworkshop.com/ stpetersburg/.

GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM / JULY 2018

Flick + Float: Movie Night at the Pool

When: Friday, July 20th from 7pm - 10pm Where: Fossil Park Pool, 6739 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N. 33702 Cost: $3 age 13/up; $2 age 3-12 Playing Coco. Hosted by St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation Department’s Aquatics Division.

Omni Pop-Up Market & Opening Party

When: Saturday, July 21st from 5pm - 10pm Where: Flying Boat Brewing Co. 1776 11th Ave N, 33713 Cost: Free Admission Come hang, shop local, drink local and listen local. Find something for yourself, your friend, your mom, your neighbor, your dog, your child, your weird Uncle John all while supporting small, local businesses!

Friends of Strays Alley Cats Bowling Tournament When: Saturday, July 21st from 5pm - 8pm Where: Sunrise Bowling Lanes, 6393 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N., 33702 Cost: $125 per team FOS will host its first bowling tournament at Sunrise Lanes. Teams of 5 will compete for prizes at this fun and family-friendly Saturday evening event. Team tickets are $125 and include three games of bowling; a pizza buffet, one drink ticket per person, and a commemorative event t-shirt for each team member. Visit www.friendsofstrays.com/events to sign up.

Trashion Fashion

When: Saturday, July 21st from 8pm - 12am Where: ARTpool Gallery, 2030 Central Ave, 33712 Cost: General Admission $20; VIP seat $40 per ticket

Tour Historic Kenwood. Photo by City of St. Petersburg

The 11th Annual Avant Garde Runway Event featuring Tampa Bay’s top designers creating looks from recycled & unorthodox materials.

All Ages Welcome. Doors open at 8pm, Runway at 10pm, Party till midnight. For more info, visit www. artpoolrules.com.

First Wednesday @ Black Crow

When: Wednesday, August 1st from 6pm - 9pm Where: Black Crow Coffe, 722 2nd St N, 33701 Cost: Free Come talk about art projects, meet artists, and get opportunities to showcase your work. We are trying to make cool ideas happen in our St. Pete Art Community!

The 6th Annual Kind Mouse MOUSEquerade

When: Saturday, August 18th from 6:30pm - 10pm Where: Pasadena Yacht & Country Club, 6300 Pasadena Point Blvd S, 33707 Cost: $75 through July 18th; $85 July 19th- August 15th Live music, buffet dinner, silent auction, wine auction, face painters and more! Limited seating available.

All proceeds benefit the Kind Mouse Productions, Inc. A not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that has fed 165,000 little, local tummies in five years! To purchase tickets, visit thekindmouse.org.

Housing Development and Affordability

When: Tuesday, August 7th from 6:15pm - 8pm Where: St. Petersburg Main Library, 3749 9th Ave. N., 33713 Central Ave. 33713 Cost: $10 for non-members and guests; Free for members Discuss affordability initiatives, including “linkage fees,” housing assistance programs, affordable housing initiatives in the South St. Petersburg Community Redevelopment Area, and Penny for Pinellas affordable housing funding.

For more info, visit stpete.org.

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