Green Bench Monthly - Vol 3, Issue 9, September 2018

Vol. 3, Issue 9, SEPTEMBER 2018

St. Pete’s Direct-Mail Community Magazine

Your Guide to the 4th Annual SHINE Mural Festival pg. 16

From the Archives

St. Pete Solarium pg. 4

Pollution and Politics Affect

Florida’s Coastline pg. 8

St Pete Dance

Gotta Dance pg. 22

Publishers

Ashley & Tony Sica

Editors

Rui Farias Kristi Kasak Mary Jane Park Cathy Weisberg

Contributors

Andy Bragg, Tara Britton, Tina Stewart Brakebill, Erin Cody, Eillin Delapaz via NNB, Rui Farias, Erik Jasek, Maureen McDole, Cindy Garaza Ontkos, Nehemiah Warner, Brian Zucker

Photographers Brian Brakebill Emily Canfield Kelly Nash Evan Sigmund

Cover Photo: 2017 SHINE Mural Festival Mural in progress by: THIRST & ZULU PAINTER

by City of St. Petersburg

Contact

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

Proud member of:

Windsurfing at Vinoy.

Photo by Brian Brakebill

From the Bench Hi there! It’s hard to believe that summer is almost over. We may not see a change of seasons like our friends up North, but at the very least the air seems a little lighter. Even if it’s only wishful thinking... This month we take a hard look at how pollution and politics affect Florida’s coastline on pg. 8. We’re excited to introduce a new column; Maureen McDole, founder of Keep St. Pete Lit, brings us Just a thought on pg. 10. And get to know Fire Chief James Dean Large in this month’s People of St. Pete on pg 26. Be on the lookout next month for limited edition t-shirts designed by our very own illustrator, Erik Jasek, to benefit CASA. Till next time,

In This Issue: 4 6 8

hello@greenbenchmonthly.com 14 Edwards Elder Law: Compassion Led Counsel

From the Museum’s Archives: St. Pete Solarium

16 SHINE Mural Festival Map

Bezu: A Microcosm of City Development

Nutrient Pollution and Politics Affect Florida’s Coastlines

10 Keep St Pete Lit: Just a thought

12 Saving Our Seniors

18 The Simms Team: Real Estate Done Right 20 An Afternoon with the “Animal Whisperer” Behind Paws and Relax 22 Gotta Dance at St. Pete Dance

24 Pacholec Center for Weight Loss

26 People of St. Pete: Chief James Dean Large

27 DTSP on a Dime: Early Bird Gets the Deal 28 Movers and Makers: Sip and Shop

29 Downtown Developments 30 Events

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

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

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

Its entrance resembling an Egyptian temple, the Municipal Solarium opened its doors in 1930 on the approach to the Million Dollar Pier.

They covered up for this picture, but men and women both dared to bare all - in separate sections separated by a 15-foot wall of course - all in the name of heliotherapy. The natural treatment of sunbathing au natural

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was believed to maintain healthy skin and replenish the body’s Vitamin D. The Solarium offered towel service, wooden-slat chaise lounges and if desired, private stalls. The Municipal Solarium closed in 1961.

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

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Left: NORTH ELEVATION - 4th Ave North Above: The proposed Bezu site sold for $3 million this March.

Right: Brooklyn-style brownstones were promoted for the current Bezu site in 2015 but just one came under contract.

Bezu: A Microcosm of Development In St. Pete?

By Andy Bragg

Recent debate over plans for a 10,000 square foot lot at 4th Avenue N and 1st Street illustrates the current frenzy and likely future trends concerning downtown St. Petersburg apartment development.

A 19-story condo tower named Bezu has been approved for that intersection’s southwest corner. The city’s Development Review Commission approved the plan by a 4-3 vote in June and on August 2 the city council denied an appeal with a 4-4 vote after a contentious 5-hour hearing. The project has the green light, pending downtown development plan review and possible legal action by opponents.

The current Bezu design is scaled down from an earlier 23-story plan that was denied. The new Bezu still faced energized resistance based largely on its size, proximity to neighboring apartments, and the lack of setback of the 180-foot tall façade from the 4th Ave. N sidewalk.

The approved plan includes a slender 15-story tower sitting on top of a 4-story base. The 120-foot wide, 35-foot deep tower includes 20 residential units. The base, occupying the majority of the property’s area, will include 36 parking spaces with car access to the upper parking levels by elevator. The base is 16 feet from the Flori de Leon apartment property to the west and 7.5 feet from Spanish Palms apartments to the south. The balconies are on the south side of the building, taking advantage of the view toward the Skyway bridge, leaving the northern 4th Ave. N side of the building relatively sheer along the sidewalk.

The approved Bezu plan follows several designs for the property in recent years: • • • •

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A 13-story condo tower was approved in 2005.

An 11-story project was proposed in 2012.

Brooklyn-style brownstones were promoted in 2015 but just one came under contract.

Last year the original Bezu design was unanimously rejected by the DRC.

GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM / SEPTEMBER 2018

Owners First and Fourth Development, LLC and its agent Michel Regignano submitted the current design earlier this year. Since 2005 the property has been sold for increasing amounts 3 times, most recently for $3 million this March. Construction cost for Bezu was estimated at $11 million.

At the city council hearing about 30 Flori De Leon and other neighborhood residents testified against the tower plans. More than 1,500 people had contacted the city council to oppose Bezu before the meeting.

Defending against the appeal were the developers and their legal, sales and architectural representatives as well as Chamber of Commerce and DRC staff. The staff report noted compliance with 17 considerations from the City Code (Chapter 16), which guided the DRC’s approval.

Testimony from opponents at the council meeting maintained that, while subjective viewpoints come into play, several of the considerations had not been fully met. The harmony and compatibility with adjacent and neighborhood properties and sufficiency of land area as well as impact on St. Petersburg’s highly rated walkability were questioned.

Preserve The Burg’s Peter Belmont focused on the importance of neighborhood compatibility standards and cited a court case on a nearby lot 10 years earlier as a precedent. William Herrmann, a Flori de Leon resident who spearheaded the opposition, stressed that it should remain enjoyable to walk around the neighborhood and presented renderings of the Bezu looming over the sidewalk. Robin Reed, an Old Northeast resident and historic preservation volunteer, noted that many speaking at the meeting had moved here because of St. Petersburg’s quality of life, which can be supported if buildings fit with the size of their lots.

The building qualified for a Floor Area Ratio (FAR), the floor area divided by the 10,000 square foot lot area, of 5.0. The Bezu application was granted a bonus of 2.0 FAR above the 3.0 downtown district baseline due to artwork added facing the public and screening of parking garage areas. The FAR calculation and design enhancements will be reviewed by the city prior to the release of permits.

City staff listed several tall apartment buildings within a couple blocks circumference and also pointed out that when it was built in the 1920’s the historically designated 7-story Flori de Leon (then the spring training residence of Yankee sluggers Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig) dwarfed its neighbors. The staff also emphasized that the current Bezu design reduced the building height to 180 feet from the previous design’s 300 feet and that the distance from the Flori de Leon property had been increased from 7 to 16 feet.

Todd Pressman, representing the developers, described the Bezu plan as “5 pounds of sugar in an 8-pound bag.” This view prevailed for Bezu. After the hearing Lisa Brock, a communications representative for the Bezu developer, indicated that further information about the project would be available shortly.

Will compatibility issues involving setbacks and scale play a large

role in future approvals? City Councilman Charles Gerdes stated, “If we want to change what the vision of our downtown is we need to change the land use code.” Herrmann, contacted after the meeting, shared Belmont’s view that the current code supports a vision that would oppose Bezu including appropriate setbacks to reinforce the pedestrian feel at the street and the charm that distinguishes St. Petersburg from other larger cities.

Steven Seibert, a former Pinellas County commissioner who moved to a nearby 2-story condominium last year, stated that the Bezu decision may lead to a “future in downtown of concrete canyons.” Reached later, he pointed to other recent apartment tower announcements with the concern that, “Bezu sets the baseline now. All can point to it.”

Seibert, however, notes the closeness of the DRC and city council votes, “A small vote change in either meeting would have resulted in a different decision. That reflects a lack of a consistent vision for downtown.

We need to plan more thoughtfully for the next 50 years.”

The only certainty is that the strong pace of downtown development will continue at least in the short-term.

See stpeterising.com for a summary of active projects.

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Nutrient Pollution and Politics Affect Florida’s Coastlines

By Eillin Delapaz via Neighborhood News Bureau

This year’s algal bloom, seen as a red tide moving up the southwest coast of Florida, has been the most toxic in years, causing massive loss of sea life including thousands of fish, eels, turtles, dolphins and manatees.

Human reactions range from eye and throat irritation to risk of death.

Varying concentration levels of karenia brevis, the red tide organism that’s invading Florida, has been detected from Collier county up to Pinellas county since November 2017. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, direct exposure to toxic algae can cause respiratory and neurological issues, skin rashes and stomach or liver illnesses. During the first week of August alone, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has received reports of thousands of fish killed and over 50 reports of respiratory irritation.

Robert Weisberg, a physical oceanographer with the Ocean Circulation Group at the University of South Florida, predicts that the red tide will continue moving up the coast. “My guess is that it’s going to get worse before it gets better,” he said.

What are algae blooms?

Currently, Florida is experiencing two, large-scale algae outbreaks: blue-green algae and red tide. Blue-green algae is usually thick and mucky.

It emits a foul smell and mainly grows in rivers and lakes. In contrast, red tide only grows in saltwater and is known for tinting coastal waters blood-red. Both types of blooms are natural annual occurrences. However, high concentrations of nutrient pollution (nitrogen and phosphorus) from agricultural fertilizer exacerbates and lengthens the duration of algal blooms when dumped into bodies of water.

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Why is Florida experiencing this bloom?

Excess nutrient pollution discharged from Lake Okeechobee in particular, is responsible for Florida’s intensified red tide. Historically Lake Okeechobee’s precious freshwater drained south into the Everglades. The process helped the sophisticated subtropical wetlands, home to diverse and endangered wildlife, thrive. That is until two things happened in the 1960s: the Herbert Hoover Dike was built to protect against storm surges and floods and U.S. Sugar Corporation, the largest sugar company in the United States, turned hundreds of thousands of acres of the Everglades into land for sugarcane agriculture. Not only was Lake Okeechobee’s natural water flow reshaped but it was constantly polluted by high amounts of phosphorus from sugar farms’ fertilizer nutrients. As a result, an immense amount of pollution in the rising water of Lake Okeechobee is often discharged.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for managing and releasing the toxic water into both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic ocean through the St. Lucie and the Caloosahatchee rivers.

What is being done to combat it?

In 2000, a 35 year Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) costing more than $10.5 billion— half paid by the state and half by the federal government— was signed into law . The CERP aims to “restore, preserve, and protect the south Florida ecosystem while providing for other water-related needs of the region, including water supply and flood protection.” The plan is comprised of 68 parts. If executed, the state will

Red tide warning at Lido Key Beach in Sarasota county.

Photo courtesy of Eillin Delapaz.

purchase 60,000 acres from the 500,000 acres of the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) in order to store and clean the water from Lake Okeechobee and restore the Everglades. Currently, the state has not purchased the land from US Sugar.

According to Everglades Trust, an organized group of people committed to protecting the Everglades and Florida’s coastal estuaries, “buying land for a reservoir that will clean water and send it south will stop damaging discharges to coastal estuaries, rehydrate the Everglades, and provide clean drinking water for more than 8 million Floridians.”

Although U.S. Sugar initially agreed to sell land from the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA), they have also lobbied against CERP and donated generous contributions to Florida politicians over the years. The Orlando Sentinel reported that Florida Gov. Rick Scott “has taken more than than $600,000 from sugar interests through the years” and Republican Marco Rubio and Democrat Bill Nelson were also listed in the report as top beneficiaries of the sugar industry. .

The Miami Herald and Tampa Bay Times Tallahassee bureau discovered, while conducting a review of state Division of Elections records, that “between 1994 and 2016, the sugar industry — led by United States Sugar and Florida Crystals — has steered a whopping $57.8 million in direct and in-kind contributions to state and local political campaigns.

(The total does not include federal contributions).”

During Scott’s first gubernatorial term he cut funding, rolled back policies, and laid off 58 employees of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Meanwhile, numerous environmental conservation groups have implemented programs in an attempt to reduce pollution in Lake Okeechobee and restore the Everglades.

“Key storage solutions, such as the EAA reservoir and rehabilitation of the Herbert Hoover Dike are moving forward at an expedited pace at the state level, but additional action is still needed at the federal level,” Florida DEP spokeswoman Dee Ann Miller said.

During a press release on August 10, Gov. Scott said, “They [Washington] are currently short nearly a billion dollars in their fair share

As of August 18, Sarasota county has cleaned up more than 139 tons of red tide debris. Photo courtesy of Eillin Delapaz.

of contributions for Everglades restoration.” Congressional approval is still required to complete EAA reservoir.

Ways to make a change

Floridians vote at the general elections November 6. To help them make informed decisions at the polls, the Tampa Bay Times created a voter guide. Candidates running for governor, legislature, and county office in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando counties were surveyed on all types of issues including the environment.

Citizens can also voice their concerns over environmental issues by calling their state representatives and senators directly. To do so visit myfloridahouse.gov, click on representative and search by address.

Writing letters to local newspaper editors is also effective. Simply visit the website of your local newspaper which will provide easy instructions to submit a letter by email or an online form.

Want to take it a step further? These science-based environmental organizations are developing specific actions to curb the causes of toxic algal blooms in Florida: Water Keepers Alliance, Florida Water Environment Association, The Sierra Club and Environment Florida.

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Just a thought...

By Maureen McDole

“If the world is cold, make it your business to build fires.” -Horace Traubel For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to help make the world a better place. The idea was firmly cemented, while collecting pennies in fourth grade at Azalea Elementary for food to feed the children starving from famine in Ethiopia. When I saw my favorite musicians singing “We are the World” on MTV, I knew I was on to something. I got a subscription to Greenpeace and never looked back.

There is something healing about being of service. It gets you outside of yourself and makes you feel a part of something bigger.

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Helping your community is not only life-affirming, but it gives you a sense of purpose that you may have trouble finding elsewhere.

There are thousands of ways you can get involved. This is not new news. But what about finding something that really lights you up- fulfills a deep need in you, in addition to contributing to make the world a better place? Doesn’t that sound fantastic?

My desire to start Keep St. Pete Lit in August 2013 was inspired by a void I wanted filled, as a reader and a writer. I didn’t see a larger literary dialogue going on St. Pete, even though the role of the arts was growing at that time. I felt strongly, and still do, that you can’t have a vibrant art scene without a strong literary component. I had no idea when I started that it would grow into what it is today. The organization has its own mission to fulfill and I am lucky to be along for the ride.

Reading and writing saved my life. My childhood household was not the healthiest and I looked to books to see a life outside my own troubled existence. I wrote to process my deep and passionate emotions. I grew up to be a poet and a writer. To this day, reading and writing is my escape route and safety valve. I know firsthand their value; this knowledge guides me in spreading the fire of literature, as far as I can see. I know the healing it brings to my own life, so I want to share that with everyone I meet. I have found a form of service that matches my own needs, so I get a double helping of joy every time I get a chance to experience its power with others.

I was born and raised here, so was my mother. I have watched the transition of our city from when I would only come downtown to go to punk rock shows and quickly leave after, to the city it is today. I am the mother of a 12-year-old daughter. I have a very strong sense of place and a desire to contribute to the overall health of our city for both of us.

As a parent, I feel one of the best lessons I can give my child is to show her that she can make an impact on the world around her, through her natural gifts and giving her time to causes bigger than herself.

We are fortunate to live in a place like Saint Petersburg, Florida. The spirit of collaboration and community is strong here and growing every day. I know so many people that are hustling to give back and they make the lives of everyone around them richer with their contributions.

We all have unique gifts that we can share in the form of service and, as a bonus, it feels good doing it, too! Imagine if all of us took time out of our week or even our day to give back to our city. I think we can get so focused on what the government is (or isn’t) doing for us, that we forget that change can start from the bottom-up. We can all “be the change we wish to see in the world.” Don’t you think today is a good day to start? I do. On that note, I am now off to build some more fires. I hope you will join me.

Keep St. Pete Lit celebrates and promotes greater St. Petersburg’s literary community – past, present and future – through arts, education and events with a literary twist. For more information, visit keepstpetelit.org. Read and Write On!

Tony Sica

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Wheelchairs and shower chairs are among the most needed pieces of equipment at Saving Our Seniors.

Kelli Casto is the Executive Director extraordinaire for Saving Our Seniors.

Photo by Tony Sica

Saving Our Seniors: Medical Equipment for Seniors in Need

By Nehemiah Warner

Marjorie’s Chair

On early Sunday mornings, most are still wrapped in their cozy sheets; but Kelli Casto is pulling up in her friend Natalie’s truck to an assisted living facility in Largo, Florida. An ambulance is parked outside with pulsing red lights. Sunlight glows on the aluminum roof of the twostory facility and Kelli bursts out the truck’s door with a vivacity for life.

Dressed in exercise clothes with her short blond hair pulled back, she begins unloading a large brown armchair. This is no regular armchair.

This chair lifts you out of it and it is a crucial piece of furniture to many seniors.

Grinning, Kelli rolls the chair into the building on a dolly and greets the front desk. She points to the dolly and says, “See I’ve gotten smarter.

No more heavy lifting.” She asks to see Marjorie, who is in the hallway directly ahead. Rolling past, she knocks firmly on Marjorie’s door and inside you can hear a kind voice inviting her in. Marjorie is seated on her tidy bed in her small corner of the world. She has gray cropped hair and glasses and is wearing a Mickey Mouse t-shirt. Ceramic figurines of angels and Native Americans filled a wicker cabinet behind her. A Hallmark family movie played silently on the television. Beside her bed

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was a vanity. The mirror was nearly fully obscured with photos of adorable grandchildren with assorted Snapchat filters applied.

Kelli and Marjorie have a comfortable rapport and the two catch up while Kelli moves her old broken lift-chair. They discuss the small donation of $200 for the chair that runs for more than twice that price.

Marjorie agrees to small installments. Once in place Marjorie reclines in the chair and looks up to Kelli with her hands on her knees. “I’m just so thankful,” she says, and then pats the arm rests. Kelli takes a “Senior Selfie” with Marjorie who brushes her hair behind her ears explaining that she is growing her hair out. Marjorie is self-deprecating and Kelli laughs, assuring her that she looks better than her. Kelli invites Marjorie to call with anything she needs but with Marjorie’s nod, you can tell she knows this already.

An Unmet Need

Kelli Casto is the Executive Director extraordinaire for Saving Our Seniors, where she is a staff of one. She humbly credits a friend with naming the nonprofit, referring to its urgency. Working full-time as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, Kelli operates the nonprofit in her free time on evenings and weekends. She saw the need first-hand for uninsured or under-insured seniors who need durable medical equipment to function at their best. In 2016, she made it official and started the nonprofit Saving Our Seniors serving Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, and Sarasota counties.

Kelli envisions our seniors aging in place, as evidence shows that maintaining hope and autonomy are indicators for long, fulfilled lives. She does this by providing needed equipment, whether a four-wheel walker, shower grab bars, hospital beds, wheelchairs, or lift-chairs, like Marjorie needed. Her vision doesn’t end there. In time she hopes to develop phases of care that build on the equipment, including services such as lawn care, transportation, food needs, and finally companionship. She will jocularly remind you that we are all getting older and no senior should go without.

She receives 15-20 referrals a week and has impressively served 500 seniors since inception. Saving Our Seniors is unique in their expeditious services, typically getting equipment to those in need within 5 days.

Sustainable Efforts

Saving Our Seniors was born in Kelli’s heart and began as simply purchasing equipment on Amazon for seniors when she saw a need. She knew sustainability would keep her program in place. She created an income threshold at $1500 a month for eligible seniors. She constructed a pay structure that would not hinder seniors in need. She requests a minimum 3% donation for equipment, or $200 dollars, which can be broken into payments of less than $20 a month. She has an online form that allows seniors or advocates to identify a need. She utilizes a 2,500 square foot warehouse in Largo that Home Instead Senior Care donated.

Just as she does in her “Senior Selfies,” Kelli is welcoming the community to partner with her.

In September, Saving Our Seniors will host their first fundraiser at Bloom Assisted Living. The event will be a night with beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres with live music. Guests will be introduced to the Saving Our Seniors mission. Kelli is a one-woman show with limited funds. She needs the support of the community to meet the very tangible need of getting medical equipment to our seniors. Currently, her greatest need is funding to purchase a truck so that she isn’t constantly renting or borrowing for deliveries. Just as she does in her “Senior Selfies,” Kelli is welcoming the community to partner with her. She is throwing her arm around your shoulder, smiling big for the camera and saying “Let’s face this problem together!”

Please visit Saving Our Seniors website at Savingourseniors.care or call Kelli at 727-537-6753.

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Edwards Elder Law:

Compassion Led Counsel

By Tara Britton Compassionate, educational, and individualized: these are the pillars of Edwards Elder Law, P.A., and what founding attorney Stephanie Edwards feels are crucial when dealing with matters of the heart.

Focusing on elder law, Medicaid and estate planning, Edwards recognizes that clients come to her regarding an emotional event, one that has already occurred or eventually will. Whether for immediate assistance or future planning, the topics on the table don’t make for easy conversations. They are of utmost importance; the gravity of estate planning isn’t something taken lightly by the firm. While funeral wishes, incapacity planning, or even choosing beneficiaries are difficult concepts to confront, the goal of Edwards Elder Law is to demystify these processes and provide clients with peace of mind.

Driving Force

Top, From left to right: Susan Bauer (Office Manager and Probate Paralegal), Patricia Hagood (Client Services Coordinator), and Diane Dougherty (Client Services Manager). Seated in front, Stephanie Edwards (Attorney), and Winston (Client Friend / up-and-coming Model).

Photos by Emily Canfield.

A close friend’s positive experience with an attorney is what led Stephanie Edwards into this specialty. She had been working in employment law prior to leaving the field altogether to pursue a career in human resources. Then a friend suffered the emotional rollercoaster of having a suddenly ill parent who was later hospitalized, and finally passed away. She watched as her friend initially struggled through the stressful and confusing process alone.

Eventually, her friend connected with a knowledgeable attorney who was able to help in making educated decisions about what steps to take next as well as translate the legalities involved in moving forward. This attorney was able to help her friend “see a path through the wilderness”, said Edwards. She saw emotional weight lifted from her friend’s shoulders and it was inspiration enough to draw Edwards back into law, realizing a need for support of this client segment. She re-entered the field on a mission to uncomplicate elder law for people like her friend.

Edwards Elder Law is skilled at navigating the Medicaid system and VA benefits, the ins and outs of estate planning, handling the estate of a loved one who has passed away, trust administration, wills, probate and more. The firm’s clients are quite varied. There are family members of St. Pete seniors who have passed away and own real estate in the area; some family members live far away who are concerned about their elderly loved ones living in Pinellas County. There are clients who question their loved ones’ capacity to care for themselves independently; other family members search for answers about financing care assistance options. Spouses in caregiver roles have different needs as do people planning ahead for their own futures.

Education First

Education is one of the law firm’s guiding principles. According to Edwards, they want their clients to “feel like they have a guide” through the challenging estate planning processes, using a simple, step by step approach. This focus on education provides stress relief for most people. The firm takes the time needed to ensure that their clients understand all of the options in their unique situations and assists in problem solving with them. Per Edwards, the best compliment she can get is that “she should have a been a teacher.”

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At Edwards Elder Law, clients aren’t merely numbers. They take a personalized approach and will work with you to create a plan for each unique situation.

Individualized Approach

Edwards Elder Law does not offer “one size fits all” guidance.

Tailoring their work to the individual is a cornerstone of the practice.

The aim is to identify unique needs and to create a plan for each special situation. No two stories are exactly alike to Edwards nor are there any cookie cutter plans. In order to pay enough personal attention to each valued client, Edwards Elder Law keeps their client base small, creating a “boutique” approach. They take pride in their accessibility, ensuring their clients aren’t merely numbers to them.

The entire law firm of Edwards Elder Law works hard to make their clients feel comfortable while discussing touchy subjects. There’s even a feline team member - Winston. The office cat provides “pet therapy” to visitors, lending an ear to listen and get scratched, if he’s lucky. Winston is known to help put clients at ease while discussing otherwise tough topics.

Edwards Elder Law proudly serves seniors and their families residing in Central to South Pinellas County. If you’re looking for legal care for you or your loved ones, contact St. Petersburg elder law attorney Stephanie Edwards at (727) 755-5808 or (727) 209-8282, or find them online at edwardselderlaw.com. Let them be a resource for you and your family.

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NOMAD CLAN 2025 3rd Ave S

7

LOOK THE WEIRD Billy’s Corner Barber Shop, 114 Central Ave

2

DAAS Tri-J Towing, 125 19th St S

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BEKKY BEUKES 701 Dr MLK Jr. S

3

ILLSOL Clay Center of St. Petersburg, 2010 1st Ave S

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J&S SIGNS 553 9th St N

4

GIBBS ROUNSAVALL Goodyear Rubber Products, 1957 1st Ave S

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VITALE BROS 500 Delmar Terrace S

5

BELIN Jagged Peak, 1701 3rd Ave S

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CECILIA LUEZA ONE St. Petersburg, 100 1st Ave N

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ANGELA FAUSTINA Green Bench Brewing, 1133 Baum Ave N

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3 OPEN CALL WINNERS 4139 7th Terrace South

5th

16 St N

17th St N

2018 | Walls & Artists

1

6 3

2nd Ave S

2

5

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19th St S

5th Ave S

Campbell Park

6th Ave S

28th St S

31st St S

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Pinellas Trail

34th St S

For artist bios, visit greenbenchmonthly.com/art/shine-2018 To view murals from years’ past, visit shineonstpete.com.

3rd Ave S

Tropicana

37th St S

Get ready, St. Pete. The SHINE Mural Festival returns for its fourth year, showcasing colorful and inspiring public murals by a diverse group of artists. The St. Petersburg Arts Alliance announced six international, five national and 26 local artists were selected to paint nine walls, five Coast Bike Murals and twelve Corner Canvas murals around downtown. Artists will be painting throughout the festival’s duration, so grab your copy of Green Bench Monthly and get ready to hit the sidewalk for a self-guided tour of some eyepopping murals-in-progress.

40th St S

October 6th - 14th

20th St S

1

16 St S

4

nd

Highla

9 5th Ave N

Round Lake

SHINE | Bright Spots Haider Ali-Pakistani Truck Painter Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Dr NE

NE h Dr Beac

4th St N

The Rays Tunnel, 1399 Central Ave

Coast Bike Design Challenge

(Not shown on map)

1st Ave N

Baum Ave

1st St N

Ya La’Ford

2nd St N

Various Locations (Not shown on map) Mirror Lake

3rd St N

Corner Canvas Wrapped Traffic Boxes

8th St N

Dr MLK Jr St N

Oktane Media, 2732 6th Ave S

Bay

You Are Beautiful Project w/ Matthew Hoffman

sho re D

rN E

4th Ave N

11

Central Ave

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1st Ave S

1st St S

2nd St S

4th Ave S

3rd St S

5th St S

8th St S

3rd Ave S

4th St S

2nd Ave S Dr MLK Jr St S

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7th Ave N

10 5th Ave S

7th Ave S

Dali Blvd

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Map by Green Bench Monthly

St. Pete’s Community Magazine

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The Simms Team:

Real Estate Done Right

by Tina Brakebill Stewart Are you thinking about selling your house and buying a new home?

Are you in the market for a beachside or downtown condo that would be a perfect vacation getaway? Maybe you’ve started a business, and you’d like an office that’s not in your home. Or you’d like to work out of your house, but you need a bit more space. Did you just land your dream job and now it’s time to find your dream house? Have your kids finally graduated and gotten jobs and you’re thinking about downsizing? Do you love St. Petersburg, but you’re considering the idea of finding a cooler place to spend your summers? Or perhaps you’re simply starting to think about whether you might want to think about buying or selling? No matter what stage you’re in, the Simms Team can help you take that next step.

Meet the Team

Top: The Simms Team (L to R) Amy Dinovo, Tami Simms, Rob Simms, and Sharon Simms (seated). Photos by Emily Canfield.

The Simms Team understands how daunting that next step can be.

Trust is important. They’ve built their reputation on it — as REALTORS© and as a TEAM and a family. Sharon Simms (or Rob and Tami’s mom, as she’s sometimes known) began her career in real estate 32 years ago. Her experience provides the team’s foundation, and her expertise, especially in the area of international properties, is invaluable. Sixteen years ago, Sharon Simms’ daughter, Tami Simms, left her flourishing career in marketing and graphic design to join the team. Tami knows that when you are helping people make one of the biggest decisions in their lives, “reputation is key.” That attitude and her commitment to community engagement, training, and education make her a great spokesperson for the industry as well as a successful REALTOR©. Twelve years ago, Rob Johnson retired from his 20-year career in the U.S. Air Force and also joined the family business. His commitment to keeping abreast of the depth and breadth of information surrounding the booming building business has made him the go-to guy on the Simms Team when families are considering buying a new-construction property. For 12 years, Transaction Manager Amy Dinovo has kept everything and everyone on track, especially during the crucial period between contract and closing. Not only is she a vital member of the team, but her 30-year history as Tami’s friend also earned her a place in the family and the right to also call Sharon “Mom”!

The Team Approach

The Simms Team understands that buying or selling a home or business can be stressful, but it doesn’t need to be an adversarial process. Success doesn’t mean someone loses. As Sharon Simms notes, if you approach the real estate with a “win-win” attitude then everyone can emerge happy. That approach is why they concentrate on building relationships and developing their understanding of clients’ needs. It’s not about making a quick sell. It’s about considering a client’s lifestyle and goals (both long and short-term) and coming up with a plan of action.

And because they work as a team, each client benefits from the totality of the team’s expertise. As Sharon Simms describes it, every client is “our client.” No fighting over territory or business. What’s best for the client is what’s best. So, whether they need Sharon’s 30 years of real estate experience and international sales expertise or Tami’s local connections and knowledge about the business or Rob’s in-depth knowhow regarding Pinellas County’s booming new construction or a combination of those skills, the Simms Team is ready to help — as a TEAM.

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New Home? Let Us Help!

Whether it’s residential or commercial; beachside to downtown; The Simms Team is here to help you take that next step.

“Where we live is where we work.”

That team approach also applies to how they feel about St Pete. They have all chosen to make it their home. Their clients are neighbors and friends and people they see at the local coffee shop or new restaurant.

They love what they do and are committed to being the community’s first choice in real estate. No matter your price point, they are ready to offer their “million-dollar service.” Perhaps their mission statement says it best: “To make a significant difference in our clients’ lives; to work with people we like; to ensure that our team members enjoy comfortable lifestyles while achieving personal and professional growth; and to always have fun.” When in doubt, they refer back to that mission. So far, it’s been a win-win for the team and their clients.

Where Can I Find Out More?

If you’re looking for a team that will help you find what’s right for you, then give The Simms Team a call at (727) 898-2582, or visit them in person. Most business days (and by appointment on weekends and holidays), you’ll find them in their beautiful office at 238 Beach Drive NE. You can also find more information about the Simms Team and their listings online at www.simmsflorida.com.

Moving can be an exciting time; however, the thought of furnishing your space may seem like a daunting task. At TBF we work with our clients to guide them through a manageable process so that we can help create YOUR perfect space! We will walk you through the key aspects of design including: Vision- How will you use your space? Do you like to entertain?

Do you have children and/or pets? These are just a few of the factors that must be considered in creating the overall vision for each room within your home. Too often we feel obligated to utilize a space for its “intended” use, but that may not be right for YOU. Maybe that breakfast nook would make a cozy reading space, or that small odd shaped area off of a larger room would be a great place for a unique bar area.

Scale - We take great care in measuring your space to include all aspects such as windows, doors, electrical, etc. Furniture comes in many sizes and configurations so through our floor plan modeling software we will make sure the scale, function, and flow are appropriate for your space. We have a keen eye on the details such as spacing for dining chairs to pull out from the table, proper distance between the TV and sofa, end table height in comparison to sofa, and so on. We also measure entry points to your home and consider obstacles that may limit the size of pieces to be incorporated into the design. That amazing sofa may fit in the living room, but let us make sure it will get through the door!

Budget - At TBF we pride ourselves on carrying a vast array of options to accommodate almost any budget. That being said it is important to set a clear budget upfront so that we can work within this budget to create that perfect space.

Visit tampabayfurnishings.com/moving for important tips on furnishing your new home and ways to avoid common mistakes.

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.

SEPTEMBER 2018 /

Interior Designer Lydia Mason

GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM

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An Afternoon with the “Animal Whisperer” Behind Paws & Relax

By Erin Cody

After shadowing Ashley Pearl, owner of pet sitting/dog walking service Paws & Relax, I felt like I’d just been on a glorious vacation.

The “animal whisperer,” as some clients call her, was kind enough to let me tag along on a couple pet visits which, for an animal lover like myself, felt as decompressing as a really good therapy session.

Love What You Do

Donning a baseball cap and a long, dark ponytail, Pearl first met me at the home of three-month-old Sargeant, an adorably clumsy “St. Ber-Doodle,” whom she visits twice daily for walks, feeding and playtime. Ashley loves what she does and it shows. Animals clearly adore her, and her soft-yet-steady hand is just right.

Sarge is just one of hundreds of fur babies that the five-member team sees on a regular basis. After six years in business, the entrepreneur has grown Paws & Relax into quite the thriving enterprise. Ashley has acquired every certification, license, and insurance that exist in the biz. With every team member passing a background check, and being Pet First-Aid and CPR-certified, owners can be sure their fuzzy family members will be in very good hands.

Follow That Girl!

“Animal Whisperer” Ashley Pearl pictured with (from left to right) Stuart, Jade, Ace, Thor, Duke & Bailey Photo courtesy of The Scout Guide Tampa Bay

I’m not at all surprised to find that many local vets recommend her services, and she has a plethora of stellar reviews across media platforms. One peek at Paws & Relax social media shows a business on top of its game, with plenty of followers enjoying the antics and the awws that come with the territory. Seriously, you should start following immediately!

After a half-hour with Sarge, we headed out to visit another furry friend, a cat by the name of Beans. Most pet appointments last a half-hour, but hour and even overnight visits are available. I could have played with Sarge all darn day, but I was curious to see how her dynamic would differ with a fuzzy of the feline variety.

The team at Paws & Relax mostly sees cats and dogs, but has also worked with birds, horses, even a hedgehog. Any animals they won’t see? Tarantulas. Gotta draw the line somewhere, right?

Bring Out The Best

This was only Ashley’s second time calling on Beans the cat, but you’d never know it. At her initial consultation, she was warned that the kitty is shy and rarely comes out when strangers are present, but the sweet, playful Beans immediately warmed up to her. The Beans I saw was all nuzzles and fun! I suppose Ashley just brings out the best in our lil’ companions.

She snapped a photo of the happy gray cat leaping for a toy while making the silliest pigeon-like trills. Ashley takes pictures of her beloved animals with every visit, and shares them with their owners.

It’s a sweet, special, and personal touch I have deemed “Snap-cats.”

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Ashley with her dogs Thor Odin Pearl and Ella Rose Pearl Photo by John Weatherby Photography

It’s Personal

“What makes us unique is that we are not only professional, but personal. We are extremely passionate about pets and their care, and treat the client’s pets as our own. Also, ever since I was young I’ve had a way with animals, a unique ability to understand them and their needs. Some little girls want dolls or pretty clothes. I wanted to be surrounded by nature and caring for animals. An animal whisperer...

Dr. Dolittle...or ‘Dr. Pearl,’ in this case.” Sounds like a TV show in the making, no?

Ashley’s schooling at Eckerd College in Psychology may have something to do with her magic with animals, but how did she turn pet sitting, something she’s done since childhood, into a thriving business?

“Persistence is key,” she says. “Find what you are passionate about, and throw yourself into it with everything you have. Determination, integrity, and an enduring love of animals keeps me at the top of my field.” Hard ambition meets squishy love of animals. This gal is doing it right!

Hey Ashley...could we do this again next week? Pretty please?

Ready to give your pet the Pearl treatment? Learn all about the services offered by Paws & Relax, read testimonials, and book your complimentary consultation at pawsandrelax.pet. Remember to follow ‘em on social media @pawsandrelaxstpete.

SEPTEMBER 2018 /

GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM

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Ruben and Camilla Vasquez practice as St. Pete Dance owner and Instructor, Michael Raisch watches. Photos by Emily Canfield.

Gotta Dance at St. Pete Dance

By Tina Stewart Brakebill

Have you ever imagined gliding along the dance floor with your partner in perfect time with the music? Are you worried your moves aren’t ready for the invariable YouTube video of your wedding dance? Would you love to find a fun way to get some exercise or lose weight? Do you want to be ready to wow ‘em on the dance floor at that upcoming anniversary party? Has the “date night” dinner and a movie routine gotten a bit stale?

Are you ready to take that next dance step and enter a competition? Or do you just feel like you’re in a rut and you need to shake things up? If you can answer yes to any of those questions, then Michael Raisch and St. Pete Dance should be your next call!

St. Pete Dance’s Origin Story

Dance has been at the center of Raisch’s life for more than 30 years. As a champion ballroom dancer, a competitive-dance coach, and a certified ballroom dance judge, he also traveled extensively for most of those years.

Born in New Jersey, Raisch fell in love with St. Petersburg 15 years ago and made Historic Kenwood his home. But constant travel meant he never spent as much time here as he liked. He knew that if he wanted to become a real part of the ‘Burg, he needed to stay put. Just over a year ago, he committed to teaching Tampa Bay to dance! And St. Pete Dance was born.

Just three blocks north of Central Avenue on 31st Street N (in the old Georgie’s Alibi Plaza), the studio is a perfect location for lessons or dance parties. Another advantage: lots of free parking just steps from the door.

Why is Michael Raisch the perfect instructor for you?

As an award-winning dancer, coach, and judge, Raisch’s credentials are impeccable, but it takes more than technical dance skills to be a good teacher. Raisch has that something “more.” His attitude is infectious.

His clients describe him as “high energy” and “fun.” They praise him for his “ability to take the complicated and make it doable.” He knows that “anyone can learn to dance,” and he’ll quickly have you believing in yourself. Before you know it, you’re reaping the many benefits of dancing.

It’s fun, and you’re exercising your mind, body, and spirit. Plus, your selfconfidence will soar as you hear yourself say “I can dance!”

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What if “I don’t have a partner” or “I already know how to dance”?

One of the many great things about St. Pete Dance is that Raisch makes it easy to join the fun. If you don’t have someone to join you as a partner for lessons, you can take individual private lessons or be partnered with an instructor during a group session. Or if you’re thinking “I already know how to dance. Why should I take lessons?” For one, because Raisch can take you to the next level! So whether you dance just for fun or for competition, he can help you add some “wow” to your routine. Or if you’re thinking “Okay, but my grandmother taught me how to waltz, what else do I need to learn?” How about the tango or samba or west coast swing or the fox trot? No matter your skill set, Raisch and St. Pete Dance have something to offer.

SUPER SPECIAL OFFER FOR GREEN BENCH MONTHLY READERS!

“Dancing is as easy as walking,” Raisch notes. All lessons are guaranteed. If you are not 100 percent satisfied with your progress, there is no charge for your lesson. St. Pete Dance normally offers two introductory lessons (individual or with a partner) for $39. As a special offer for Green Bench Monthly readers, mention you saw this article and you’ll get those two introductory lessons for only $29.

Where Can I Get More Information About ST. PETE DANCE?

For more details on what the St. Pete Dance has to offer, visit them on the web at StPeteDance.com. You can also reach Raisch by phone at (727) 280-6962 or via email at stpetedance@gmail.com The studio is at 3138 Third Ave. N, St. Petersburg.

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GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM

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Pacholec Center for Weightloss

By Cindy Ontkos Garza

How lucky are we to be living in a place where the sun shines nearly every day of the year? Outside activities are in abundance. No matter the direction you look, you are likely to see everything from kayaking to cycling to beach volleyball. So many people are out and enjoying life. But, what if you lack energy or feel uncomfortable wearing a bathing suit or shorts? There is a simple solution that will have you feeling and looking great in no time!

The Doctor Is In

Dr. Barbara Pacholec, or “Dr. P.� as she is fondly called by patients, is a board-certified Fellow by the American Academy of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine and has specialized in bariatric medicine for

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29 years. She graduated from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Rutgers Medical School, in 1986 with a double major in nutrition and chemistry. During her early years of practice she was drawn to the complexities surrounding obesity and the diseases which can result from being obese. She felt a strong calling to gear her practice toward preventing and even reversing diseases such as diabetes and heart disease and founded Central Pasco Weight Loss Center in 1999. Now that Dr. Pacholec is a proud resident of St. Petersburg, she is thrilled to have a satellite office in town, called Pacholec Center for Weight Loss. Not only that, her daughter Lauren, who has studied biology, is the office manager.

Dr. Pacholec also has two sons, one in medical school and the other a physician in the area.

It’s Like A Hormone Symphony

“There are so many hormones and factors involved when I am determining the root cause of an individual’s lack of energy, appetite and weight,” says Dr. Pacholec. “I want to find out what exactly is contributing to the problem and fix it. It is an in-depth process and very individual to each patient.” The doctor uses a holistic approach involving diet, exercise and pharmaceutical treatment plans. On your first visit, you can expect to spend at least an hour in the office with Dr. Pacholec.

She will want to review your medical history, lifestyle and diet, which all contribute to weight management and health,as well as the goals you are looking to achieve. While most people get standard bloodwork once a year, Dr. Pacholec also investigates molecular markers of inflammation, vitamin, nutrient and hormone deficiencies. A multitude of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants can contribute to weight gain, binge eating and certain food cravings. “It’s like a hormone symphony,” says Dr. Pacholec. “We have to bring balance to each body system.” The clinic offers multiple therapy options, including bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), which works at the cellular level and is used to help restore the vitality that diminishes with age. There is testosterone therapy for men, bio-identical hormone therapy for women, fat-burning injections (such as B-12 shots)

and customized diets, such as the HCG diet.

Dr. Pacholec also prescribes FDA-approved medications for weight loss including Contrave, Phentermine, Qsymia and Belviq and HCG diets. She carefully reviews all benefits as well as any risks involved in your specific treatment plan. Once hormones are balanced and pounds start disappearing, so do a lot of disease processes.

a day, she says.

So what are you waiting for! Recapture your energy, lose those extra pounds and start feeling amazing! The outdoors are waiting. Not to mention those cute shorts!

Pacholec Center for Weight Loss www.DrPacholec.com; 1621 22nd Ave N, St. Petersburg; (727) 502-2000.

Metabolic Madness

You may be asking, how do I fit this in to my crazy busy life? What will I be able to eat?

How much will it cost me? Is there anything I can do right now to improve my health?

The initial consultation takes 45 minutes and includes an EKG, bloodwork and a review of your medical history, lifestyle and diet factors with the doctor. There are no weekly weigh-ins, unless you just want to pop in and show off your progress. The second visit happens a month after you’ve started working on your plan. For most of her patients, Dr. Pacholec recommends a Mediterranean diet, and she works with other dietary approaches, from vegan to gluten free.

Most patients who reach their goal weights visit the clinic two or three times a year. And Dr. Pacholec suggests that all of her patients consider taking a Vitamin D3 supplement to reduce the occurrence of chronic illnesses, lower cancer risk and improve brain function. An acceptable dose for a healthy adult is 2,000 units

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Photo by Evan Sigmund

People of St. Pete: Chief James Dean Large

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. Petersburg truly make this city something special. In appreciation, each issue Green Bench Monthly shines a light on one of the many people who make our town unique.

It’s Not Just a Career. It’s a Family.

Jim Large has been a proud employee of St. Petersburg Fire Rescue for 44 years. He spent the first 17 years of this career “on the line” before he moved into a more administrative role that culminated in his appointment as fire chief in 2006. It’s an impressive career punctuated with accolades and awards, but you wouldn’t know that talking with him. When I asked him his favorite part of the job, he replied, with no hesitation: hiring and promoting people. As he told me, the people of Fire Rescue form a unique family that other families trust with their lives and possessions. And he is most proud of his role as a talent scout.

What could be more vital than crafting that family and its structure?

Important Question: Are you named after THE James Dean?

Jim was adopted at birth in Savannah, and his two older sisters were given the honor of naming him. It was 1955, the year of Rebel Without a Cause. Yes, he is named after that James Dean.

Road to St. Pete Fire Rescue

As a military family, they moved frequently. When Large was 10, his father retired, and the family left the cold of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for sunny St. Petersburg. Eight years later, Large graduated from

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Northeast High School, thinking he might like to be a police officer.

Several chats with a 6-foot-6 desk sergeant resulted in two haircuts (the first was deemed not a real haircut), and the sergeant informed Large that he was too young to enter law enforcement. However, the helpful sergeant, said, the fire department might take him. It did, and Large was only the second 18-year-old it hired. Large soon realized that fate and the helpful desk sergeant had sent him down the right path. “I loved it,” Large told me. “Immediately.”

Man Cannot Live by Fire Rescue Alone

Large understood that a firefighter’s time on the line is limited, so in 1976 he went back to school. Over the next two decades, he took classes at night and on his days off. He earned associate and bachelor’s degrees, then an MBA. He enjoyed going to class and counts his years at Eckerd College among his “Top 10 lifetime experiences.” These days, he teaches part time at St. Petersburg College. Large and his wife have two daughters and a son, all of whom will be in college in the fall. He’ll celebrate 45 years on the job in February. These milestones have the couple looking to the future, but they’re not thinking retirement quite yet. Large still has a few things he wants to accomplish on the job. When the time does come, he says, they will enjoy paradise at home, and he’ll try to perfect his golf game, which as he put it, “is better in my mind than on the course.”

DTSP on a Dime:

Early Bird Gets the Deal

By Erin Cody Remember Thanksgiving “dinner” starting at 4 in the afternoon, or meeting grandma and her new “friend” Milton for dinner before the clock struck 5? What the heck is the deal with eating so darn early?

Dining before the sun begins to set isn’t just good for your health; it can also be good for your pocketbook! Really - what you lose in inches around your waist you will gain in your wallet - and restaurants are thrilled to be hosting people as soon as their doors open for dinner.

Everyone wins!

The best way to get a spectacular deal on dinner any day of the week is do it well before the rush. That’s right! It’s time to reclaim the early bird special. It’s the new happy hour!

The following early-bird specials take place at seriously good restaurants. No need to suffer poor quality just to save a few bucks!

Just how good are these deals? How’s a $15 three-course meal sound? That’s what you’ll get every day of the week at Gratzzi Italian Grille from 4pm-5:30pm (order must be in by 5:30pm) and 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House between 3pm and 6pm. As these are the same times as their respective happy hours, you can also score some deeply discounted drinks to accompany your meals. Just don’t forget to be nice and tip your servers as if you were paying full price!

Need a pre-movie or pre-theater meal? Score Parkshore Grill’s three-course early bird for a slick $18 between 11am and 6pm, or Sea

Salt’s scrumptious, pre-sunset menu daily for $28 from 4pm-7pm.

From 5pm-7pm on Fridays, upscale Italian eatery Il Ritorno offers a $65 dinner for two that includes two cocktails or glasses of wine, an appetizer, and two pasta dishes. Not too shabby for a delicious weekend dinner date, eh? Groupon prices without having to look like a cheapskate!

Options further increase when you get a little creative and expand your early bird horizons to include happy hour food specials that go beyond basic bar snacks. Offerings at certain spots can easily be turned into full meals for under $15, if you play your cards right.

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse is a great example, with their $9 “Sizzle, Swizzle and Swirl Happy Hour,” from 4:30pm-6:30pm Mon-Fri and on Sundays. On top of killer drink specials, $9 will also score you seared ahi tuna or a steak sandwich with fries, among other options. A $9 dinner at a steakhouse? Yes, please!

Central Ave’s fave Vietnamese joint, La V, has a whole mess of $4 meal-worthy menu items during their 4pm-6pm happy hour.

Lemongrass chicken salad, anyone? Perhaps some fried rice and chicken pho? Get both for less than 10 bucks!

Ceviche is famous for their “Tapas Tuesday,” but every day between 5pm and 7pm, you can nab their $5-7 tapas specials. Split three or four plates with your date, and you’ve got yourself a pretty swell early bird meal.

Head over to Historic Kenwood for Beau & Mo’s Italian Eating House between 4:30pm and 6pm Tuesday-Thursday, and belly up to the bar for $5 sandwiches to accompany your $5 craft cocktail. Offerings include Petite Filet, Eggplant Parmesan, and Chicago Italian sausage.

Early bird specials are back, baby! Give your Great Aunt Paula a high five for being such a trendsetter, and enjoy your early-evening meals at a fraction of their late-evening prices. Long live the early bird!

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Movers & Makers: Sip and Shop

By Tara Britton, co-founder of Market Mafia A trend has taken over the Greater Tampa Bay market scene: brewery markets. From Lakeland to Sarasota and every brew pub in between, beer lovers everywhere are getting the opportunity to sip and shop. This includes us here in sunny St. Pete. With no shortage of breweries throughout the ‘Burg, local lovers can cheers over hops while makers hustle their goods.

Mastry’s Brewing Co. is not only a craft brewery and tasting room on St. Pete Beach, but it’s also host to a monthly market known as the Saturday Extravaganza. Mastry’s has been putting on the market for well over a year now, providing guests a shopping experience with around 10 to 15 vendors on site. The event occurs every 3rd Saturday of the month. Expect a food truck, DJ and vacation vibrations with beach inspired libations.

Omni Pop-Up Market is fresh on the maker scene. Their grand opening event was held at Flying Boat Brewing Co. here in St. Petersburg earlier this summer. The managing market group, Tampa Bay Event Co., pairs up with breweries around the Tampa Bay area on a rotating basis. Visitors can enjoy anywhere from 25 to 35 local vendors, a food truck and live music at each market.

If you can’t get enough of mixing handcrafters with craft beers, you’re in luck. Brewery markets can be found around nearly every bend in the road, or over every bridge in our case. Indie Flea St. Pete will be back at Green Bench Brewing Co. later this fall, returning on the 1st Saturday every month beginning in October.

For those looking to explore the rest of the beer, and buys, the Bay has to offer check out other brewery markets in surrounding areas including: The Night Market at Coppertail Brewing Co., The Market At 81Bay Brewing Co. hosted at 81Bay Brewing Company, and First Friday Sunset Market at Brew Bus Brewing.

Raise a glass to our local talent at these upcoming events: Saturday Extravaganza: Mastry’s Brewing Co., 7701 Blind Pass Rd, September 15th and October 20th Omni Pop-Up Market: Flying Boat Brewing Co., 1776 11th Ave N, October 20th Market Mafia is a resource connecting residents and visitors throughout Greater Tampa Bay with local handcraft markets. To find local happenings and #HitTheMarket, visit www.MarketMafia.com.

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Photo 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.

Hunger + Thirst Group, who operates the wildly successful Park & Rec and theAvenue, will debut a brand new concept in the EDGE District this October named No Vacancy. Over the next few months, the 2,900 square foot indoor and outdoor space will be transformed into a tropical, laid back, vintage Florida themed cocktail bar.

Although drinks are the main focus, No Vacancy will also have a small food menu featuring Florida-inspired shareable apps, sandwiches, bowls and salads. No Vacancy will be located at 937 Central Avenue, formerly the home of KINGS Street Food Counter.

357 on 5th, a new 13-unit condo building, was proposed last month for 357 5th Street South near USF St Pete. The seven story development will feature community amenities such as a sixth floor rooftop terrace, fenced dog-friendly courtyard, and an original sculpture commissioned by renowned local artist Ya La’Ford. With nearly 1,700 residential units currently under construction and an additional 1,900 units proposed in the greater downtown area, supply is still struggling to keep up with demand as more and more people are discovering how great it is to live, work, and play in Downtown St. Pete. 357 on 5th is currently taking reservations with pricing starting in the high $500’s. A targeted completion date is scheduled for December 2019.

Back in May, word spread quickly when Nitally’s Thai-Mex

announced they were shutting their doors in the Grand Central District of St Pete. The restaurant enjoyed a cult-like following thanks to creative menu items such as their signature panang mole and green curry burritos. Luckily, the owners found a new home and have opened an “express” version of Nitally’s at 6800 Gulfport Blvd South #111 in South Pasadena.

Last month the City of St Pete received an unsolicited proposal from UPC Insurance to buy a city-owned lot located at 800 1st Avenue South for the purposes of constructing a new corporate headquarters.

In addition to a 150,000 square foot office building fronting Dr. MLK Jr Street and a 500-space parking garage, UPC Insurance has offered to allocate space for ground-level retail and a possible hotel which could front 8th Street. The new office development would add 300 jobs to Downtown St Pete over the next few years. Pursuant to Florida Statutes, the city invited alternative proposals from private developers or anyone interested in the lease or purchase of the site. One additional proposal was submitted by the Related Group from Miami, who wants to build luxury apartments at the site. The City will make a decision on which proposal to award within the next month.

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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Events

Yoga In the Park. Photo by City of St. Petersburg

Good With Me Day

When: Saturday, September 21st from 10am-4pm Where: Williams Park, 350 2nd Ave N Cost: Free Good With Me partners up with community humanitarians to provide Festival attendees the opportunity to explore and experience 6 hours of non-stop hands-on safe and healthy FUN; soccer and kick balls, agility ladder, jump ropes, hula hoops, hop scotch, yoga, meditation, essential oils, photo ops, henna tattoos, the Nomad Art Bus painting, rock painting, belly dancing, drum circle, musical entertainment by Nimo, and health-promoting wares from local merchants.

Suncoast Voices for Children Gala, Reclaim Your Childhood Memories

When: Saturday, September 22 from 6-11pm Where: The Vinoy, 501 5th Ave NE Cost: $150 per ticket; includes dinner and cocktails Enjoy cocktails at 6pm; dinner at 7pm; and dancing until 11pm for a good cause. The Suncoast Voices for Children Foundation relies solely on private donations to meet the needs of children removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect. To purchase tickets, visit www.suncoastvoices.org. nd

The World’s Largest Ghost Hunt 2018

of the closet and into the world” for the area’s burgeoning LGBTQ community. For specific event details, visit comeoutstpete.org.

15th Annual Pumpkin Palooza Family Fall Festival

When: Saturday, October 6th from 11am-4pm Where: Northside Baptist Church, 6000 38th Ave. N. Cost: Free Admission This event includes a pumpkin patch, kids’ games, face & hair painting, inflatables, food trucks, arts & crafts vendors, opportunity drawing baskets, silent auction, and a community awareness zone.

In observance of World Food Day, we will also be collecting canned and boxed food for donation to Northside Benevolence Ministries.

Funds raised through this event will benefit charitable projects of the St. Petersburg Junior Woman’s Club. For more info, visit www.gfwc-spjwc.org.

When: September 29th, from 9pm -midnight Where: The Art Lofts, 10 5th St N Cost: $20 per person SPIRITS of St. Petersburg will join over 200 teams from 12 countries to participate in paranormal investigation at the same time.

Will this impact the results? Will it make spectral phenomena increase?

You have to be there to find out!

Proceeds from this event benefit building preservation. For more info or to purchase tickets, visit spiritsofstpetersburg.com.

Fire Prevention Week

Come Out St. Pete

It takes a...

Volunteer Village

When: October 4th - 11th Where: Various locations throughout downtown (see website for details) Cost: Parade is Free; Cost for other events vary The Come OUT St Pete event series will celebrate “coming out

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When: October 6th - 13th Where: St. Petersburg Fire Stations Cost: Free and Open to the Public Fire Prevention Week will kick off with an Open House at all St. Pete Fire Stations from 10am-noon, on Saturday, October 6th. For a list of stations, visit fire.stpete.org/ stations.html. Activities will continue throughout the week, and will end with the 29th Annual Fire Prevention Block Party on Saturday, October 13th from 10 am to 2 pm at Lake Vista Park.

When: Sunday, October 14th from Noon-4pm Where: St. Pete Shuffleboard Club, 559 Mirror Lake Dr N Cost: Free Shuffleboard

GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM / SEPTEMBER 2018

This event is to help connect volunteers with local non-profits.

Explore one-time, short term, or ongoing volunteer opportunities while you shuffle! Food truck, music and a cash bar available, as well as free shuffleboard courts for attendees.

For more info, contact Les Lloyd TBVolunteers@Outlook.com.

Weekly/ Movies In The Park with Preserve the ‘Burg

When: Thursday evenings in October Where: North Straub Park (between 4th and 5th Ave NE) Cost: Free Bring family and friends to enjoy FREE film classics and live music in N. Straub Park. The fun begins with music at 6 pm and movies at dark.

For movie titles and performers, visit www.stpetepreservation.org/ moviesinthepark

Friday Night Clay

When: Fridays from 7-9pm Where: Morean Arts Center, 420 22nd St S Cost: $25 Play in clay! Wheel throwing or hand building for 2 hours of fun! Preregistration required. Visit www.moreanartscenter.org

St. Pete Shuffle

When: Every Friday from 7-10pm Where: St. Pete Shuffleboard Club, 559 Mirror Lake Dr N Cost: Suggested donation of $2 per non-member Club Volunteers will help you get set up on a court and show you how to play. Visit stpeteshuffle.com.

Saturdays @ The Morean When: Saturdays; Morning Session: 10am – 12:30pm Afternoon Session: 1–3:30pm Where: Morean Art Center,

719 Central Ave Cost: Free Family drop-in art studio.

Activities geared toward children ages 5-10. For more info, visit www.moreanartscenter.org.

Monthly / First Wednesday @ Black Crow

When: First Wednesday from 6-9pm Where: Black Crow, 722 2nd St N Cost: Free Discuss art projects, meet artists, and discover opportunities to showcase your work. For more info, visit www.blackcrowcoffeeco.com.

Keep St. Pete Lit Book Club @ MFA

When: Second Thursday @ 6pm Where: MFA, 255 Beach Dr NE Cost: Free with Museum Admission; $5 after 5 pm on Thursdays!

KSPL book club connects the visual arts with the literary arts. ALL are welcome. For more info, visit keepstpetelit.org.

Yoga In the Park

When: First Saturday 9-10am Where: Crescent Lake Park Cost: Free Hosted by Health 360. Don’t forget to bring a towel, yoga mat and water bottle.

Second Saturday Art Walk When: Second Saturday from 5-9pm Where: Waterfront Arts, Central Arts, EDGE, Grand Central and Warehouse Arts Districts Cost: Free ArtWalk trolley Be the first to see new affordable works of art, as ArtWalk is Opening Night as some 40 galleries and studios premiere new works. Rain or shine.

For trolley map and more info, visit stpeteartsalliance.org/artwalk/

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