Green Bench Monthly Vol. 5, Issue 6, October 2020

VOL. 5, ISSUE 6, OCTOBER 2020

Green Bench Monthly* St. Pete’s Community Magazine

The Hero We Need: Pawlicious Poochie Pet Rescue pg. 18

10 Years and Counting

Charlie Parker Pottery pg. 8

LGBTQ+ Equality

The Long Road pg. 16

Downtown Developments

St. Pete Rising pg. 22

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Publishers Ashley & Tony Sica

Editors Marilyn Malara, Mary Jane Park

Contributors Tina Stewart Brakebill, Erin Cody, Brian Zucker

Photographers

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Brian Brakebill, Kelly Nash

Cover Photo Jaime McKnight founder of Pawlicious Poochie Pet Rescue. Photo by Kelly Nash Photography.

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

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IN THIS ISSUE 4 From the Bench

12 St. Pete Dance

6 People of St. Pete: Cole Foust

16 LGTBQ+ Equality: The Long Road

7 Big Man’s Moving Company

18 Pawlicious Poochie Pet Rescue

8 Charlie Parker Pottery

20 The St. Pete Pier Expierence

10 Budget Blinds

22 Downtown Developments

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Birds at the Pier. Photo by Tony Sica.

From the Bench A note from the Publishers We have sad news to share, benchers. One of our dear editors, Cathy Weisberg, passed away on August 13th. Her name was only listed once each issue, but her contributions to this magazine were many. I was introduced to Cathy by my neighbor, Val. On occasion I would join them for a drink at El Cap or what used to be the Melting Pot on 4th. Cathy would tell me about her days in New York as a print broker, and her experience editing the school paper at Rutgers. She was also active in the Old Northeast Neighborhood Assocation. Cathy once brought an issue of Cathy Weisberg GBM to happy hour and politely told me she had a few “suggestions.” I would later open the issue to find red edit marks throughout. It was then I knew she would make a great addition to our team. Cathy’s greatest legacy though, she would insist, was her kids. On behalf of her family, friends, and neighbors - we will miss you, Cathy. Rest in peace.

October 11th is National Coming Out Day so we thought it fitting to revisit the history of LGBTQ+ laws in the Tampa Bay area (pg.16). St. pete has come along way, but there is still much work to be done. I’ve quoted Audre Lorde here before, and her words ring more true every day —“I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own”.

On display through October 24th, Florida CraftArt hosts

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Activism, Fine Craft for the Home and Holiday Preview. As thousands of people are demonstrating across the world against racism, Florida CraftArt is presenting a dynamic exhibition. As artists are often the harbingers of community problems, the ones to sound the alarm of danger to our democracy or bring a crucial awareness to a social issue. This exhibit features artists who create socially engaged art and inspire dialogue within the community. We highly recommend you go see it. For more information, visit floridacraftart.org.

This issue is dedicated to our advertisers. Without them, we would not be able to share stories about our community and for that we are forever grateful.

Six months into the pandemic, these businesses and non-profit organizations continue to face a neverending list of challenges. Please support them. Be kind. And find patience.

Last but certainly not least - VOTE! Tony and Ashley Sica Publishers / Owners

Till next time,

hello@greenbenchmonthly.com

*All are welcome on this bench.

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

To read more about our story, and the history of the green benches visit greenbenchmonthly.com/about.

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Photos by Brian Brakebill

People of St Pete: Cole Foust

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

This month we’re focusing that spotlight on Cole Foust. Foust serves as Metro Inclusive Health’s current LGBTQ+ division manager while also devoting time to activism, art, music, and his role as a Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer. As he puts it, he’s committed to effecting change based on a deceptively simple idea: “Love is my philosophy.” Although COVID-19 safety concerns meant that we couldn’t meet in person, I could discern almost feel his loving commitment for equality and justice. It was a joy to get to know him.

“Tuned into Empathy” Foust long has felt the call to be of service. As he explained it, he’s always been “tuned into empathy.” After earning a degree in psychology from the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, he joined AmeriCorps

VISTA, first as a volunteer and then as a paid supervisor. This professional evolution was not the only change Foust was managing; he also was undergoing a personal transition in which he publicly claimed his authentic self. As a transgender man (a person who was assigned female at birth but whose gender identity is male), Foust understood that his transition story, coupled with his education and training, made him a powerful source of support for others struggling with identity issues, especially the nearly 40 percent of trans youth who attempt suicide every year. In May 2017, he quit his job, returned to the city he fell in love with during college (St. Petersburg) and launched a search for a position that would allow him to more directly advocate for the LGTBQ+ community. Soon after his return to St. Pete, Metro Inclusive Health offered Foust a chance to do just that.

“Change Happens One Compassionate Conversation at a Time” Since then, he has taken full advantage of that opportunity as he rose from LGBTQ+ youth program coordinator to program manager to his current position as LGBTQ+ division manager. During these three-plus years, he has helped expand a variety of programs meant to foster a safer and more welcoming community for all LGTBQ+ persons. Within the LGTBQ+ community, he has mentored youth, helped identify important resources, and fostered peer support efforts, but he doesn’t limit his efforts to his LGTBQ+ peers. He believes that “compassionate conversations” can lead to change and looks for ways to spread messages of justice and equality throughout the wider community, For example, he also helped expand Metro’s inclusivity and awareness programs beyond a focus on training health-care and social-service professionals to educating a wider section of the community, including office staffers and restaurant workers.

“Love is My Philosophy” Conducting many of these training sessions himself, he often begins with a simple statement: “I go by he/him.” By sharing his story, Foust aims to demystify conversations about gender identity and sexuality with the ultimate goal of destigmatizing the lives of LGTBQ+ persons while also spreading his message of loving compassion. But his devotion to this narrative doesn’t stop there. His music and art also encompass this idea.

In particular, his Central Avenue mural (adjacent to the Metro LGBTQ Welcome Center) serves as a visual metaphor for his transition in which he embraced the notion he calls “tender masculinity.” For many, however, its message transcends Foust’s personal story. To me it says: “Nurture your authentic self, and you will blossom!”

Find more of Cole Foust’s art and music on Instagram @artbyfoust

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Josh and Brooke Anderson, owner’s of Big Man’s Moving Company.

Voted ‘Best of the Best’ for Tampa Bay Times people’s choice 2020 awards.

Make Your Next Move With Big Man’s Moving Company Standing tall at 6’8, Josh Anderson is a local giant and entrepreneur of Big Man’s Moving Company. He jokes, “Actually, my wife is the owner.

I’m just the mascot!” Brooke Anderson adds, “He calls me the brains, and I call him the brawn.”

A Family Business

After 14 years working in a corporate setting, the Anderson’s took their future into their own hands, literally! As an engaged couple, a terrible moving experience with a well-known company fueled their vision for starting a detail-oriented, customer-centric, boutique moving company. “We knew we could do better. Hence, the vision for Big Man’s Moving Company was born. When we got married, we decided to pursue our dream of opening a family business, using wedding gifts to partially fund our first 26’ truck!”

One of Josh’s friends, who he met in the military, helped create the iconic logo - a strong man with a curly mustache, lifting a house.

Intensive training, coupled with quality employees, has led to the successful completion of over 2500 local and out-of-state moves in just under four years. Big Man’s Moving Company has now expanded to 5 trucks. “We are very thankful for the community support and their referrals!”

Accurate Estimates

A customer call to Big Man’s Moving Company goes directly to the owners, not a random call center. Josh and Brooke speak with each client as though they’re family members, offering helpful advice. “What we’ve found is many moving companies grossly underestimate the time it takes to complete a move. Once the customer commits to doing business, and their items are in the truck, they must pay for the overage. Since Josh frequents many of our moves, his estimates are far more accurate than someone in a call center”, Brooke adds. “Customer service is our #1 priority, and that includes the entire process from the first point of contact to the completion of the move.”

If a move is in your future, Bigmansmoving.com offers must-ask insurance questions, pre-move planning, and money-saving tips. To obtain a free estimate, complete the quick and user-friendly estimate form on Bigmansmoving.com. Open seven days/week for estimates, moves, and packing services. (727)772-3458.

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Nancy and Charlie Parker, owners of Charlie Parker Pottery, located in the Warehouse Arts District at 2724 6th Ave S. Photos by Brian Brakebill

Charlie Parker Pottery: 10 Years and Counting

By Tina Stewart Brakebill

In November, Charlie Parker Pottery celebrates its ten-year anniversary, but the man behind the potter’s wheel—Charlie Parker— has been elbows deep in clay for over fifty years. Beginning as parttime clay mixer at the age of 14, he went on to study with the acclaimed Minnesota artist, teacher, and mentor, Warren Westerberg, before relocating to St. Pete and establishing his own promising career. Today, that promise continues. An award-winning artist and popular educator in his own right, Charlie has played an essential role in the creative energy that helped fuel St. Pete’s artistic and cultural renaissance.

Raising the Clay Game in St. Pete Building on the energy of that emerging creative community, Charlie partnered with fellow artists Russ Gustafson-Hilton and Stan Cowen to form the St. Petersburg Clay Company. For the next fourteen years, Charlie helped the little studio expand as his reputation as an artist grew as well. Finally in November of 2010, he took a leap of faith and left the Clay Company. With the support of his wife and partner Nancy, he fulfilled his life-long dream of opening his own studio and Charlie Parker Pottery was born. After a short time on Central Ave, the studio relocated to its present location in the Warehouse Arts District, where Charlie once again helped lead the way for an expanding art community. Today, Charlie Parker Pottery provides studio space for members, classes for budding artists, and a gallery with a stunning array of pieces available for purchase. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram @charlieparkerpottery for up-to-date information regarding new pieces, ongoing auctions, and special events.

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Charlie Parker with with artist in residence, Kayla Harbeitner.

Educator and Mentor As a teacher and a mentor, Charlie has a lot to offer. Firstly, he’s an award-winning artist, including his 2018 designation as St. Petersburg’s Arts Alliance MUSE Visual Arts honoree. Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, he is a generous and fun hands-on teacher who’s happy to share his knowledge. Lessons continue, with added safety precautions, during this time of COVID and whether it’s your first session or you’re honing your skills as a studio member, Charlie can help. The studio is also a great space for fun private events so if you’re looking for an inventive way to (safely) celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or upcoming nuptials or just want a fun night out, Charlie Parker Pottery is a great choice. Bring your own bottle and some snacks and get a little dirty as you learn how to throw a pot! Check the website for details.

The Artists’ Gallery The shining heart of the studio is the artists’ gallery where you can find beautiful pieces (available for purchase) created by Charlie as well as other members of the studio’s collective creative minds. Charlie believes that intuition plays a vital role in the process of creation, noting that “It’s like a dance. I know exactly where the clay is going.’’

That clearly resonates with all the resident artists. From bowls and vases to jewelry and sculptures, the gallery at Charlie Parker Pottery offers a wide array of one-of-kind artisan ceramics. And thanks to Nancy’s work as gallery coordinator and social media manager, you can browse (and purchase from) the thoughtfully curated selections either virtually or in real life. The diversity of offerings provides something for everyone! Currently, Charlie’s artistic attention is

centered on bonsai planters. Small and easy to care for, a bonsai tree can provide a calming influence while offering an opportunity to practice our own creative pruning! It’s living art nestled in a beautiful piece of art crafted at Charlie Parker Pottery.

Where, When, and How? Charlie Parker Studio is located in the Warehouse Arts District at 2724 6th Avenue South. Someone is at the studio most weekdays and Saturdays, but—due to COVID-19 concerns—please contact them at charlieparkerpottery@gmail.com to make an appointment or call 727-321-2017 before visiting in person. You can also find more information as well as browse (and purchase from) the extensive gallery at www.charlieparkerpottery.com

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Shaun and Samantha Roberts, owners of Budget Blinds of North St. Petersburg⁣⁣. Photos by Kelly Nash Photography

Throwing Shade: Budget Blinds of North St. Petersburg

By Erin Cody 2020 has been the year of the home. As many of us have spent far more time homebound, and summer heat seems to push later and later into the year, feeling comfortable in our domiciles has never been more important. Offering custom, full-service window treatments, Budget Blinds of North St. Petersburg will ensure that your digs are cool, calming, and stylish -- with an eye to safety, budget, and convenience!.

The local owners and design consultants, Shaun and Samantha Roberts, have covered more than 8,500 windows in the St. Pete area since they bought the business five years ago. “Window treatments are multi-faceted, in that they don’t just do one thing,” Samantha Roberts said. “They add finishing touch to a room, reduce and filter light, make homes more efficient, can be set to lift and lower on schedules, and much more. Clients are always so excited to see the finished product in the home.”

Perfection guaranteed Why go in for full-service, custom window coverings? A professional design consultant guides you through the entire process, measuring windows and helping you decide upon the perfect style and product, plus ensuring proper installation and including a superior warranty.

“I personally love woven and natural Roman shades,” Samantha Roberts said. “We have a beautiful new collection which we love to show our clients. There are a wide variety of textures and colors to select, as well as lots of lift options. Bringing the outside in is trending in all aspects of home décor, and natural shades tick all the boxes when trying to achieve this look.”

Automated shades are Shaun Roberts’ favorite. “We have them in our own home,” Samantha Roberts said, “and enjoy asking Alexa to set our shades to various limits to create the perfect ambiance. Automated shades can also be scheduled to lower and raise at specific times of the day to help with home efficiency, and can even be set up so that when the user leaves the home, the shades close, only to open once they return. Automated shades have a lot of fun features.”

Slash your electric bill For cutting the heat in our homes, Budget Blinds of North St. Petersburg offers an array of options. Solar shades, thermal curtains, and single, double, or triple-cell honeycomb shades are efficient and can lead to drastically reduced power bills. What Floridian wouldn’t want that?

Is now really the right time to makeover your windows? “As people are spending a lot more time at home, either working or home schooling, they have requirements from their window treatments that they didn’t previously think about,” Samantha Roberts said. “Things

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Budget Blinds of North St. Petersburg is offering both in-home and virtual consultations, following CDC guidelines.

like glare reduction and heat efficiency are particularly popular at the moment for home offices and bedrooms.”

If you have safety concerns, rest assured the folks at Budget Blinds of North St. Petersburg are observing protocols. “We are offering both in-home and virtual consultations, following government and CDC guidelines, to keep our clients and team safe, and to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” Samantha Roberts said. “We are wearing masks during consultations as well as maintaining safe distances from our clients.

We also take extra time off the road to sanitize our samples and van each day.

“Additionally, our vendors have introduced new ways to view samples. Swatch samples can be found online, and also mailed directly to customers so they can touch and see how it looks in their home.”

Shop local As St. Petersburg residents, the Robertses know the importance of supporting local businesses. “As a locally owned business ourselves, we are passionate about supporting other locals in the St. Pete/Clearwater area,” Samantha Roberts said. “Our gift-card referral program allows our clients to choose from a list of local businesses when they share our business with a local friend. We also recently did an Instagram giveaway of five $50 gift cards to local coffee shops for teachers and homeschoolers -- a helping hand to say thank you for all that our teachers and parents are doing in such uncertain times.”

For more information, visit Budget Blinds of North St. Petersburg online at budgetblinds.com/northstpetersburg or call (727) 522-6695; also follow the company on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

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Let St. Pete Dance Lift You Up!

By Tina Stewart Brakebill Michael Raisch loves dancing. It’s been the center of his life for over thirty years. For much of that time, competitive dance took center stage as he traveled the world as a champion Ballroom dancer and coach as well as a certified Ballroom Dance competition adjudicator. Luckily for St. Pete, Michael decided in 2017 that it was time to make a change. He wanted to travel less and teach more, so now he shares his talents and his love of dance with the local community as the owner / operator of St. Pete Dance!

“Do something your future self will thank you for” As a dancer, Michael understands that “the benefits of learning how to dance are endless!” The first, and perhaps the most obvious, is that dancing gets you off the couch. It’s a fun way to get some exercise but its benefits don’t stop there. Dancing offers so much more. For example, learning a new dance step actively engages your brain and mastering a move can boost your sense

St. Pete Dance is located at 3138 3rd Ave N. Photos by Brian Brakebill

of confidence. Quite simply, dancing provides exercise for your mind and spirit as well as your body. Plus, admit it, you’ve always been a bit envious of those people boldly “shaking their groove thing” on the dance floor. Michael knows that could be you and before long you’ll know it too. You just need to take that first step.

Whether you’ve always wanted to learn how to waltz, jazz up your foxtrot, samba all night long, or spice up an old (or new) romance with a tango, St. Pete Dance is the place for you. From novices to longtime dancers, St. Pete Dance can elevate your moves AND your mood.

Why Dance Now?

Michael Raisch, owner of St. Pete Dance

It’s undeniable. 2020 has been a challenging year. The realities of dealing with COVID-19 have left us many of us feeling isolated, lethargic, and stressed out. Trying to navigate a path through or around those “COVID Blues” can be frustrating but most mental health experts agree that getting some exercise, connecting (safely) with friends and family, and immersing yourself in activities that keep you “in the moment,” can lighten the negative effects of our current COVID life. Learning to dance does all of that and more! It can be a one-stop shop that provides exercise, stress relief, and SAFE social interaction. You can concentrate on the fun knowing that St. Pete Dance is taking all of the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of

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Mention this article and get two private lessons for $29!

COVID-19 because the health and safety of their clients is their top priority.

Mandatory masks and disinfected spaces are just the beginning. St. Pete Dance also offers the benefits of dance “at a distance” by providing virtual lessons, touchless in-person instruction for singles or couples, as well as outdoor socially-distance classes. Michael is making it easy to get off that couch so what are you waiting for! Dancing can’t cure all that ails us but it can definitely make us feel better!

Want to Know More About St. Pete Dance?

Michael is confident that you can learn to dance. As he says, “Dancing is as easy as walking.” But if you need further inspiration, St. Pete Dance offers two introductory lessons (individual or with a partner) for only $39.00, or mention this article and get two private lessons for $29. Plus, the studio has socially distant outdoor group classes starting at just $12.00.

St. Pete Dance is also a great (and safe) place to host a “girl’s night out” or an office get-together. Have a drink, learn some steps, and DANCE your social isolating blues away! For more details about these special offers or any of their other great classes, visit StPeteDance.com. You can also reach Michael by phone at 727-280-6962 or via email at stpetedance@gmail.com.

Conveniently located just three blocks north of Central Ave at 3138 3rd Ave N, it’s the perfect spot to let St. Pete Dance lift you up!

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LGTBQ+ Equality: The Long Road

by Tina Stewart Brakebill As St. Pete Pride and Come Out St. Pete cofounder Brian Longstreth notes on www.GayStPete.com, “St. Petersburg, Florida, remains the sunniest place to be gay!” Looking around St. Pete’s rainbow accented streets, it’s easy to understand that sunny outlook, but that bright light also can obscure the long road it took to get here as well as the distance still left to reach true equality.

Legislating Love Legislating so-called “abnormal” intimate relationships in Florida began in 1821, when the territorial government banned acts “tending to debauch the morals of society.” In 1868, the state of Florida strengthened its efforts to criminalize and socially condemn private intimacy by making sexual activity between same-sex partners (as well as certain acts between heterosexuals) a felony. Nearly 90 years later, Florida added a “psychopathic offender” law to the books that allowed authorities to periodically

On January 6th, 2015 Dr. Bob Wallace and JoJo Brian Reibel - Wallace were married inside St. Pete’s City Hall. Ceremony officiated by Mayor Rick Kriseman. Photo by City of St Pete

“examine” persons convicted under those laws to determine whether they were still a “menace to others.” In the decade that followed, the infamous Johns Committee (i.e., the Florida Legislative Investigation Committee) used those laws to launch what one journalist termed a “war on privacy, human rights, and fair play” that “ruled lives, destroyed careers, (and) poisoned institutions.”

The Johns Committee Formed in 1956 to investigate the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) as a means to stymie desegregation efforts, the Johns Committee turned its attention to homosexuality after the committee became mired in legal battles with the NAACP. Lacking legal or social support, the LGTBQ community was vulnerable to the committee’s “casually employed police-state tactics.” Primarily targeting college students, educators, and government employees, the committee publicly harassed, outed, fired and arrested untold numbers of persons for crimes ranging from improper dress (i.e., men wearing “women’s clothing” and vice versa) to “sexual deviation” before it was disbanded in 1965.

Legislating Life The demise of the Johns Committee did not end official harassment nor did it stop attempts to delegitimize the LGTBQ community. In fact, growing demands for social acceptance and full legal rights (inspired by the Stonewall rebellion of 1969) energized anti-LGTBQ forces. Opponents were no longer satisfied in simply criminalizing private actions; they also sought to prevent access to the rights and norms of everyday life. For example, Florida legislatively banned “homosexual adoption” and samesex marriage in 1977, insisting that “the term ‘marriage’ means only a legal union between one man and one woman.” In 2008, that ban expanded with a constitutional amendment that also barred “civil unions.” LGTBQ opponents also championed efforts to stop the courts from ruling in favor of equality based on existing protective statutes, such as the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 14th Amendment. For decades, courts ruled that these protections against discrimination did not apply in cases involving a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

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A New Millennium Brings (Some) Change Nationally, legal approaches were mixed. In 1993, the outright ban on gay and lesbian persons in the military transitioned into the infamous “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy before finally being dismissed in 2010. Transgender individuals had to wait until 2016 to openly serve, only to have the ban reinstated in 2019. In 2003, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed its 1986 decision; ruling that laws outlawing same-sex sexual acts were unconstitutional. In 2015, after years of efforts, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of marriage equality, which also allowed for married same-sex couples to legally adopt. And just this June, a Supreme Court decision rendered LGTBQ employment discrimination unconstitutional by including sexual orientation and gender identity as a protected class under the 1964 Civil Rights act. The LGTBQ community still faces significant challenges as laws regarding housing, public accommodations, and services vary widely. Florida lacks statewide protections, but many local municipalities, including St. Petersburg, provide additional nondiscrimination laws.

St. Pete Moves Forward In the last two decades, St. Petersburg has moved forward with efforts to create a safer place for LGTBQ+ individuals. In 2002, the city added sexual orientation as a protected status to its Human Rights Ordinance (HRO), making it one of a handful of communities in Florida (including Tampa, but not Hillsborough County) prohibiting discrimination in housing, public accommodation, and employment. Somewhat surprisingly to observers, the 6-2 council vote met little vocal opposition even though then-Mayor Rick Baker stood against it. The community since has moved toward wider acceptance, often at odds with statelevel mandates. In 2008, the same year that a constitutional amendment banned same-sex marriage and civil unions, Pinellas County prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation. In 2012, St. Petersburg adopted a Domestic Partnership Registry that guaranteed many of the same rights traditionally protected by marriage contracts. And in 2013, gender identity protections were added to the city’s HRO. One year before the U.S. Supreme Court made it official, Mayor Rick Kriseman signed the “Mayors for Freedom to Marry Proclamation” supporting marriage equality and the idea that “the sun shines on all who come to live, work, and play.”

The Road Ahead Despite local protections, a majority of states (including Florida) do not fully protect LGTBQ+ people from discrimination. In many places, LGTBQ+ people can be legally evicted, denied medical treatment, forced into “conversion therapy,” or ejected from restaurants. True equality is still down the road, so the march forward must continue.

Resources available on request; special thanks to Jim Nixon, St. Petersburg’s LGTBQ liaison for his research.

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Foxy, Peter, Simon, and Jaxson living the Pawlicious life. Photos by Kelly Nash Photography

The Hero we Need: Pawlicious Poochie Pet Rescue

by Erin Cody These days we are hungry for reasons to smile: stories that make our hearts feel buoyant and our humanity strong. Meet animal activist Jaime McKnight, founder of local non-profit Pawlicious Poochie Pet Rescue.

With a focus on underdogs (!), McKnight and her organization save the canines least likely to be adopted. Pawlicious rescues, nurses to health, and finds homes for doggies with special needs, handicaps, critical injuries, seniors, and those in need of hospice care.

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Safety, Comfort & Love Lest you think such a mission is a bummer, one look at Pawlicious shows a bright, cheery fount of joy and inspiration. Just check out its social media portals! Running both the rescue and her real estate business solo, McKnight puts her passion and commitment on full display. Pawlicious Poochie Pet Rescue has no employees, volunteers, foster homes, or

Realtor and Rescuer, Jaime McKnight holding Simon.

corporate sponsors. McKnight alone provides the pups with 24-hour care that includes medications, syringe feedings, critical care, and hospital visits at all hours. She invests between $1,000 and $6, 000 on care for every dog rescued, financed entirely by community donations.

COVID-19 has brought a massive influx of pets being surrendered to shelters. More dogs in need of rescue and fewer donations mean than McKnight is unable to save as many as she has in years past. The rescue’s die-hard supporters continue to give what they can to keep the mission alive: Recently, McKnight was able to save Simon, the senior black Chihuahua in the photo above. This adorable little guy was dumped at a gas station, and a local shelter employee let McKnight know as soon as he showed up. Simon is an old man with a bad heart and trouble walking, and will live out the remainder of his days under her loving care.

Everyone Needs Hope Donations are welcome, and the rescue’s social media portals help spread the word: “Stories of the lives I have saved are the true testament to my mission, perfect to share with those who haven’t heard of my little sparkly pink rescue,” McKnight says. “I am just one person, but I save the ones no one else will, the ones others think are hopeless, I give them hope!”

Real estate is one lane that has not been blocked by COVID-19: Interest rates are at an all-time low. Just as McKnight passionately fights for her rescues, she fights for her real estate clients, and people all over the world seek her expertise.

Follow Pawlicious Poochie Pet Rescue on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. For questions about donating, surrendering a dog, or adopting one of her small-but-mighty Contact McKnight directly at (727) 430- 2491; pawliciouspoochiepetrescue@gmail.com; or jaime.mcknight@ floridamoves.com.

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View of downtown St. Pete from the New St. Pete Pier head.

The New St. Pete Pier Expierience The 26-acre entertainment district is a truly modern pier, it is an extension of St. Pete’s city center, offering a picturesque urban beach area, a vast, design-forward children’s playground, tree laden walkways and hidden copses, an ecotourism center, world-class art installations and so much more. The Pier Marketplace features a rotating array of independent vendors selling unique items from outdoor kiosks that are covered in artwork featured on local murals. A solar roof structure provides shade as guests browse the selections. The Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center is one of the highlights of the new Pier, featuring an exhibit gallery as well as an indoor classroom and outdoor “wet” classroom. The Discovery

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Center is the only marine environmental and educational experience in downtown St. Petersburg, and provides a dynamic visitor experience centered on environmental stewardship as well as the recovery and restoration of Tampa Bay, the largest estuary in the state of Florida. An unforgettable educational experience designed to inspire guests to walk away with a newfound respect for our local environment and how small steps can make big changes in their own environment.

For more info about Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center, including events and volunteer opportunities, visit tbwdiscoverycenter.org.

For Pier info, visit stpetepier.org.

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Skyway Lofts, a 65-unit affordable housing community, is coming soon to the Skyway Marina District

Try a Goan Bowl from Avo’s Kitchen (475 Central Ave)

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.

Reflection, an 18-story condo tower, began preselling units last month. The development is coming soon to the northwest corner of 3rd Avenue North and 8th Street in downtown St. Pete. Reflection will feature 88 residences overlooking Mirror Lake along with 3,300 square feet of ground floor retail space. Instead of penthouse units, a rooftop amenity deck featuring a resort style pool that will offer 360-degree views of the city will occupy the top floor. Units start in the $500,000’s.

The Brickyard and Pizza N’ Brew are coming soon to 217 Central Avenue on the Jannus Block (previously Caddy’s on Central). Both new concepts will be occupying space inside the historic Detroit Hotel, one of the city’s oldest buildings. The extensive floor-to-ceiling remodel of the restaurant and bar space will include renovating and retaining many of the original historic elements, as well as building out an entirely new kitchen and upgrading the courtyard area. The total renovation is estimated to cost $1.5 million. Last month during renovations, the original hotel elevator and switchboard were uncovered. The Brickyard and Pizza N’ Brew are expected to open in December.

Skyway Lofts is coming soon to the Skyway Marina District.

This 65-unit affordable housing community will include a swimming pool, clubhouse, laundry, playground, and free parking. Rental rates at Skyway Lofts will be determined based on the resident’s percent of Area

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Median Income (AMI) and all residents will need to make between 3080% AMI to be eligible to live at Skyway Lofts. This is just the latest in a slew of new developments for the Skyway Marina District, which has seen increased interest lately due to its proximity to the beaches as well as downtown St. Pete.

Avo’s Kitchen is now open at 475 Central Avenue in downtown St. Pete. The new fast-casual restaurant serves bowls from Goa, a state on the Arabian Sea in southwestern India. Typically, dishes from Goa are very rich in ginger, garlic, onion, and cilantro but can also include tropical flavors such as mango and coconut.

Gracie Pasta & Provisions has opened at 1431 Central Avenue (formerly ARTicles Gallery) in the EDGE District. Gracie is a 720 square foot Italian market offering fresh homemade pastas, sauces, soups, sandwiches, charcuterie, in addition to pantry items, t-shirts, and sweets. Available pasta varieties include linguine, fettuccine, gluten-free fettuccine, pappardelle, short rib ravioli, cheese ravioli, crab and shrimp mezzaluna.

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

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GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM

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