Green Bench Monthly Vol. 8, Issue 11, November 2023

VOL. 8, ISSUE 11, NOVEMBER 2023

Green Bench Monthly

St. Pete’s Community Magazine

EVENTS:

Turkey Trot, "Uke It Out", Markets & More pg. 16-20 & 22 People of St. Pete

Lee "Flee" Courtney pg. 9

Local Shopping

Unique Gifts from the Sunshine City pg. 10

Radius Church's 10th Annual

Thanksgiving Drive pg.18

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9 18 Publishers

Ashley & Tony Sica

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Editor

Mary Jane Park

Contributors Suzanne Driscoll Emily Harris Monica Kile Lynn Waddell Brian Zucker

Photographers Kristina Holman Keith Kenney Chris Ryan

Cover Photo

21 IN THIS ISSUE 5

From the Bench

16 St. Pete Run Fest

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St. Petersburg’s Connection to Two of the 20th Century’s Greatest Disasters

18 Radius Church 10th Annual Thanksgiving Drive

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People of St. Pete: Lee "Flee" Courtney

Photo courtesy of the Coffee Pot Turkey Trot

Contact

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

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10 Unique Gifts from the Sunshine City 12 Shop Thrifty Treasures 14 The Body Electric Yoga Company

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20 Turkey Trot 2023 21 Downtown Developments

by St. Pete Rising 22 Events: Indie Flea Market, Picnic Land, Ukele Festival, & More!

Freshly painted mural by Loretta Lizzio for the SHINE 2023 Festival located on the Stewart Moving & Storage at 2875 7th Ave S. Photo by Keith Kenney

From the Bench A note from the Publishers

Hello, November! This is our favorite time of year. Markets, trots, festivals, and picnics as far as the eye can see (pg. 16-20, 22).

Sometimes though, we can't anticipate the events that will connect us.

It's through this lens that we look back at St. Petersburg’s Connection to Two of the 20th Century’s Greatest Disasters (pg. 6).

As we get closer to holiday shopping we emplore you to shop local! This year has been particularly tough for small businesses so it is up to us to "Keep St. Pete Local". Fortunately, we have ideas for everyone on your list (pg. 10-12)!

With Thanksgiving just round the corner, we have so much to be grateful for— especially you, our readers, advertisers, and contributors.

It's a great honor and privilege to share these stories with you each month. Thank you all for making GBM part of your life. It's important to us that as a community magazine, we're free for all to enjoy, but as our printing and Tony and Ashley Sica mailing costs continue to rise, that mission is Publishers / Owners becoming increasingly difficult. So if you enjoy our content, and would like to support independent media, please consider making a donation. Every dollar helps. To donate, visit: greenbenchmonthly.com/support Finally, as Larry J. Sabato once said, “Elections are determined by those who show up”. VOTE, St. Pete!

Till next time, Ashley & Tony

All are welcome on this bench.

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

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St. Petersburg’s Connection to Two of the 20th Century’s Greatest Disasters

By Monica Kile, Historian and Tour Guide with I Love the Burg Tours

Often referred to as the “best news picture ever made,” the 1937 photograph of the explosion of the Hindenburg dirigible in Lakehurst, New Jersey, is etched into the nation’s collective subconscious. What most St. Pete residents don’t know, is that the photographer, Sam Shere, lived here for nearly 20 years.

Shere’s Story

The child of Russian immigrants, Sam Shere grew up in New York City. For more than a decade, he worked as a deckhand aboard oil tankers and as a freelance photographer during shore leave. In 1934 he took a fulltime job with International News Photo.

Shere was actually reluctant to photograph the arrival of the

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Left: The “best news picture ever made” , Hindenberg explosion by photojournalist, Sam Shere. Above: Sam Shere stands in front of the scalded remains. May 6, 1937.

Public Domain

Hindenburg on May 6, 1937, in Lakehurst, New Jersey. By that time the 803-foot-long balloon, kept aloft with hydrogen gas, had made 36 successful crossings of the Atlantic and Shere thought it would be a boring, routine assignment. The landing, however, turned out to be anything but typical.

Disaster Strikes

The airship was hours late. Bad weather lingered in the area, and daylight was fading quickly. The ground crew struggled to maneuver the ship when, out of nowhere, flames shot into the sky. Passengers and crew leapt from the gondola below the massive balloon to escape the flames.

Within 47 seconds, the Hindenburg lay in a smoldering wreck on the ground. Many passengers survived but were horribly burned. Of the 97 people on board, 36 were killed, including the captain. Of the many photos

SS Morro Castle on the morning of September 8, 1934. Public Domain

Postcard depicting victims of the SS Morro Castle disaster in NJ. Public Domain

that Sam Shere shot that day, the public would see only a handful; the others were too gruesome for public release. An audio recording by journalist Herbert Morrision became as famous as Shere’s photograph, with his tortured exclamation, “Oh the humanity!” becoming part of the American lexicon.

career that Truscott was most well-known for. Rather, it was his role as a survivor of the Morro Castle disaster, the luxury liner that faltered off the coast of New Jersey on Sept. 8, 1934. The event was famous in its time, but largely forgotten today.

Shere arrives in St. Petersburg

Sam Shere’s photo was seen the world over, and he went on to shoot many notable photographs in WWII. What did he do with his fame?

Like so many others in the post-war era, he moved to St. Petersburg. He shot many stories for Life magazine, including a feature on Silas Dent, “The Hermit of Cabbage Key,” and others for the New York Times and Parade magazine. Many highlighted the natural beauty of his newfound home. Shere left the area in 1965 after his wife’s passing and died in New Smyrna Beach in 1982.

The Post World War II Boom

Shere was part of a massive influx of new residents to St. Petersburg after World War II. Lured by sunshine and encouraged to stay by the advent of air conditioning and DDT, the flood of newcomers led to an 87% increase in the city’s population during the 1950s. Many had been soldiers who had trained in St. Petersburg during the war.

Sam Shere was not the only one of the new residents who had a brush with disaster.

Oral surgeon Donald L. Truscott discovered St. Pete when he was assigned to the Maritime Services Training Station at Bayboro Harbor.

Falling in love with the area, he returned in 1947 and opened an oral surgery practice in today’s Snell Arcade. But it wasn’t his distinguished

Truscott’s Travails

Donald Truscott was working his way through college as a night watchman aboard the luxury cruise-liner Morro Castle (named for a sixteenth century fort in Cuba) when disaster struck. The ship was 20 miles from the Jersey Shore when a fire broke out. Truscott roused passengers from their beds and instructed them to don their life preservers. When the heat and smoke became too much to bear, he leaped into the waters below.

The ship was still eight miles from land.

Truscott spent seven and a half hours swimming to shore, the first of just a handful of survivors to do so. Photographs of him with seared flesh and tattered clothing were splashed on the front pages of newspapers across the country the next day. At least 135 other passengers and crew perished in the disaster.

By morning, the ship had beached close enough for tourists at Asbury Park to reach out and touch. Its abandoned hulk remained there for six months, becoming a macabre tourist attraction promoted with picture postcards.

Donald Truscott returned to college, finished dental school, and went on to an impressive career as an oral surgeon. He relocated permanently to St. Petersburg in 1947, living in Bahama Shores until his death in 1972.

One wonders whether Sam Shere and Donald Truscott ever crossed paths and compared notes on their brushes with famous disasters, just two of the many interesting people who arrived in St. Petersburg during the post-war boom.

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a failed drummer; he briefly took lessons in the fifth grade. “One week I forgot my practice pad, and my drum teacher made me hit the table with my hands,” he recalls. “That was the end of my drumming career.”

He was more tenacious about spinning records. At 11, he loved radio so much that he regularly took the city bus alone to WDRC, a classic rock station in Hartford, and spent an hour or more watching his favorite deejays work. “If they knew about stalking then, they would have been concerned,” he jokes. “The deejays were like gods to me. I thought I could never do that.”

In his 20s, he did. He took at a training session at the University of Hartford radio station and started hosting a new wave and punk rock show in the wee morning hours. Then for years, he gave up his Friday nights (which he adds was no small sacrifice for a single guy in his 20s) and spun records from midnight to 3 a.m. He worked in marketing during the day.

Photo by Keith Kenney

People of St. Pete:

Lee “Flee” Courtney

By Lynn Waddell

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

At WMNF 88.5 FM radio’s Motown tribute show, deejay Lee “Flee” Courtney took stage as Fleeanna Ross, donning a long black wig and a black sequined dress. At a WMNF Beatles tribute, he appeared in a costume not unlike one on the “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” album cover.

Costuming is one of the many ways WMNF’s comedic on-air personality helps hype the community radio station and keeps local live music a little livelier.

Courtney has been a regular deejay at WMNF since 1996. He has organized and been master of ceremonies at more than 100 WMNF benefit concerts. At the radio station, when he’s not hosting “Traffic Jam Monday” or on air supporting other deejays, he works behind the scenes as the station’s music director, a position he’s held for 24 years.

A Deejay is Born

A native of Hartford, Conn., who now lives in St. Petersburg, Courtney was obsessed with music from a young age. He jokes that he’s

Accidents Will Happen

A seasonal marketing gig in the mid 1990s brought Courtney to Tampa. He stayed and finished his college degree in communications at the University of South Florida. He was already familiar with WMNF; it’s one of the nation’s largest community-radio stations. At the first opportunity, he volunteered to work there.

It took a few years for him to get a regular prime-time on-air slot.

His show is among the station’s most popular; as a comedic master of ceremonies, he has become the de facto face of the station. (A littleknown, but not surprising, fact is that Courtney briefly did stand-up comedy in Tampa.)

Punk rock and new wave are his original jams, and Elvis Costello is his musical god. For years, Courtney’s Madeira Beach apartment was dominated by a life-size cardboard replica of Costello. As his musical taste evolves, he’s always on the hunt for new sounds and twists on old ones.

Uke It Out!

Years ago, Courtney heard the Japanese band Petty Booka play ukulele covers of ‘80s rock songs. “I thought that was a really cool sound,” he says.

He began percolating the idea for a ukulele rock show. Local ukulele player Rebecca Michela suggested the name “Uke It Out,” and together they organized the annual event that now draws 200 to 500 ukulele lovers from around the state to Cage Brewing in St Petersburg.

This year’s 8th Annual “Uke It Out!” on Dec. 2 features musical styles from rock to bluegrass to Celtic as well as a “Jimi Hendrix of the Ukulele” contest and the Florida Ukulele Orchestra.

He won’t be strumming along as many in the crowd are sure to be; however, don’t be surprised to see Courtney on stage in a hula skirt and maybe blowing a few tiny bubbles.

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For the future newlyweds: St Pete Dance

Treat them to two 2 private dance lessons for just $45 and help them dance the night away with confidence (and more than a few new moves!)

Learn more: (727) 280-6962.

For your favorite mama: Thank You Mama

Photo by City of St. Petersburg

Unique Gifts from the Sunshine City For Everyone on Your List

By Michelle Heinsimer

We’ve got the lowdown on locally-made gems that’ll put a smile on anyone’s face so you can celebrate the holidays with heaps of love and a little sprinkle of Sunshine City magic:

For your four-legged friends: Animal House Natural

Animal House Naturals carries all your pet’s favorites – From the latest chew toys to natural shampoos and everything in between, their shelves are brimming with exciting options to keep your pets happy, healthy and entertained. Visit them at the NE Publix shopping plaza, 274 37th Ave N or online at animalhousepets.com. See pg 16 for a $5 Off Coupon!

For your favorite teacher: Harvey’s 4th Street Grill

Treat your favorite teacher to dinner with a gift card to local favorite, Harvey’s 4th Street Grill. Let them enjoy a relaxing meal filled with delicious dishes in a cozy setting. It’s the perfect way to say “thank you” this holiday season. Visit them at 3121 4th Street N.

For the friend who loves to get their hands dirty: Charlie Parker Pottery

Treat your friend to a hands-on clay class where they can shape and mold their way to a one-of-a-kind piece of pottery. With classes for both beginners and advanced makers, it’s sure to delight any creative soul. See class schedule at charlieparkerpottery.com.

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Treat mom to some “me time” with Thank You Mama’s full line up of massages, acupuncture and herbal supplements. Their compassionate care is exactly what mom needs to feel relaxed and joyful this Holiday season. Learn more at thankyou-mama.com.

For your littlest loves: Blessing Bear

Designed with love by a St. Pete mom, this ultra-soft companion holds a secret pocket for cherished prayers and heartwarming messages from those who adore them. It’s not just a toy, but a keepsake of love and community that stays with your child, making it the ideal Christmas keepsake. Shop at thegracefulgoose.com.

For your big kids: Little Llamas Boutique

Fun, colorful, and oh-so-comfy, Little Llamas has the clothes your kids will WANT to wear. Show your St. Pete pride with their new Pelican collection from Mini Rodini. Shop at 2319 Dr M.L.K. Jr St N or littlellamaschildrensboutique.com.

For your favorite hostess: Absolutely Beautiful Flowers

Get the party started with beautiful flowers from Absolutely Beautiful Flowers, the premier Tampa Bay florist in Downtown St. Pete. Visit them at 3000 Central Ave or absolutelybeautiful.us

For the outdoor adventurer: Tony’s Bike Shop

Bring a breath of fresh air to an old ride with Tony’s Bike Shop’s with a bike tune-up so they can confidently cruise down Coffee Pot and explore the Pinellas Trail. Tonysbikeshop.com.

For the vintage jewelry fan: Shopthriftytreasures.com

Dive into a treasure trove of unique finds at Shopthriftytreasures.com – From vintage gems to modern tennis bracelets, enjoy a special discount that makes the hunt even more rewarding. Shop at shopthriftytreasures. com. Coupon for 20% off on pg 13.

For the art enthusiast: Tickets to American Stage

Allow them to lose themselves in the captivating performances, exquisite sets, and the rich storytelling that only live performances can offer. This isn’t just a ticket; it’s an invitation to an unforgettable experience.

See performance schedules americanstage.org

For the Skincare Advocate: Gift Card to Skinspirations

Gift the magic of younger, healthier looking skin with a Skinspirations gift card. Considered one of the top aesthetic medical practices in Tampa Bay, Skinspirations has performed over 87,000 cosmetic medical treatments since 2005. Call them at (727) 571-1923 or find them at skinspirations.com.

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Jo-An Thomas - artist, teacher, and owner of shopthriftytreasures.com. Photos by Chris Ryan

Shop Thrifty Treasures: Start Your Holiday Shopping with One-of-a-Kind Gifts

By Suzanne Driscoll

If you are looking for unique gift ideas this holiday season, be sure to check out the offerings at www.ShopThriftyTreasures.com. If you’re like most of us, you’ll end up purchasing something for yourself as well.

Jo-An Thomas has been sourcing beautiful jewelry, glass sculptures and home decorative items from all over the world for many years. They are one of a kind, as you won’t find them on any other site. Some great discounts are available: Here are just a few examples:

A Steuben crystal candy dish that normally sells for $650 can be found here for $225. A beaded clutch purse by Judith Leiber that sells for $4,000 is only $1,200 on the Thrifty Treasures site. Crystal Waterford candlesticks can be yours for $99, which is 40% off the list price of $250.

A Swarovski crystal figurine of a flamenco dancer is $124, usually selling for $225.

Perfect for the holiday season are a variety of dreidels by Limoges, Rosenthal and Waterford, plus unique pins and brooches with a Christmas theme.

If you are looking for more Asian-inspired products, check out Thomas’ other site, www.AsianHomeProduct.com, that offers reasonably priced, high-quality items.

Free shipping is included on most items. Thomas has a 100% customer satisfaction rating on her reviews and will take back any item if you are not completely satisfied. One customer recently purchased a natural red jade ring and commented, “10 stars!!! Excellent all around. Would definitely shop here again. Thank you for a wonderful experience.”

Act Now for an Additional Discount

On top of the great prices already available on the ShopThriftyTreasures.com site, Thomas is offering an additional 20% discount on your entire order from now through Dec. 31. Simply apply the code SHOPTHRIFTY23 when you place your order.

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A Chinese Brush Painting Artist and Teacher

Thomas also is an expert in Chinese brush painting, and her work is available for sale on her websites. She came to appreciate this ancient art form while traveling in China, where her cousin was consul general. If you would like to learn how to create your own Chinese Brush painting, you can sign up for classes at the Morean Arts Center. All supplies are provided for workshops, and classes begin with meditating on how you will paint the essence of your subject, rather than its realistic detail.

Using the “Four Treasures” of a special brush, ink stick, ink stone and rice paper, you will use your whole body to create a unique work of art.

Whether you are a beginner or a master artist, you will enjoy learning this beautiful art form.

You can see all of Thomas’ artwork on her personal website, www.

Jo-AnFrancesArt.com. There are very limited editions of beautiful giclée prints, “which is the highest level of fine art printing you can get,” she says. Also available for purchase are yoga mats, notebooks, mugs, tote bags, pillows, and bath towels displaying her Chinese brush paintings. You can view her complete class schedule on the site and register for private instruction.

“I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season,” Thomas says, “and will take advantage of the opportunity to develop all of their artistic talents.

Register for Jo-An Thomas’ Chinese brush-painting classes or one-day workshops at moreanartscenter.org/classes/chinese-brushpainting-with-jo-an-thomas/.

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Body Electric Yoga Company co-owner and yoga instructor, Katelyn Grady, teaches a full room. Photo courtesy of The Body Electric Yoga Company

The Body Electric Yoga Company:

Live Bigger and Get the Tools to Empower Yourself

By Suzanne Driscoll Are all yoga studios alike? Once you try out the classes at The Body Electric Yoga Company, you will say, “Certainly not!” When owners Katelyn Grady and Jenny Miller met in 2011, they knew they wanted to offer a yoga experience that was rooted in individual freedom.

“We strive to treat people like intelligent adults, so in our classes we’re trying to teach you to trust your own intuition, your own body,” Grady said.

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Classes for Every Level

Ten years in, The BE now serves thousands of students each week. You’ll find more than 60 in-studio and streaming classes on their schedule, with a style for everyone. Classes range from gentle to powerful, and you can choose from heated and unheated classes.

There are even separate nude classes for men and women that have been very popular. Truly, there’s something for everyone!

If you’ve never tried a class at The BE, you can take advantage of an introductory offer of $49 for 2 weeks All-You-Can-Yoga.

In 2013, Grady and Miller invested their small savings and abundant sweat equity into the historic building that was originally an ice house. The current studio includes three beautiful, spacious practice rooms, showers, and a large lobby and store that offers highquality athletic wear, yoga gear, and products by local artisans.

“I can’t say enough good things about BE,” Jackie A. said. “All of the teachers and classes are the best I’ve ever encountered. Each teacher has their own special gift, and they all provide a beautiful, powerful, challenging, and nurturing yoga experience. I love all of the different classes and time options, which make it very easy to work yoga into my schedule. Whatever kind of yoga you are feeling up to each day – there’s a class for that! The BE’s raving reputation is well known in the community, and when you visit BE you’ll know exactly why.”

Mural by Lisa Marie Thalhammer on the outside of The BE’s building on 7th St N recently won Creative Loafing’s Best of the Bay, Best New Outdoor Mural. Photo by Tony Hitchcock

Giving Back to the Community

More than a yoga studio, The Body Electric has always been committed to being part of the fabric of St. Pete. Partnering with local nonprofits is one way they get involved. “By offering large-scale, bydonation events, we can help raise the profiles of groups doing great work in town while contributing thousands of dollars every year,” Miller said. Each month, The BE chooses a local charity to support.

Those attending the free monthly Sunset Yoga at the St. Pete Pier class are encouraged to donate. Those events occur every first Wednesday and routinely draw more than 100 people.

The BE and St. Pete Parks and Rec also offer a free yoga class every first Saturday at Crescent Lake Park. “We love working with civic groups and local businesses to get yoga to people who might feel intimidated about coming into a studio, or who can’t afford to pay,” Miller said.

The Body Electric Yoga Company has something for everyone. Visit their site for a full schedule of classes. Photo by Chris Ryan

Upcoming Events

Live music is back with the new Yoga on Tap at Cage Brewing, starting Nov. 9 and continuing on the second Thursday of each month. There is a brand-new, comfortable turf surface to practice on, accompanied by live music from local artists. And you won’t want to miss the Body Electric Village at this year’s St. Pete Run Fest, to be held the weekend of Nov. 10-12. They will host a class for kids, a power flow, and an introduction to partner yoga.

“Yoga meets you where you’re at,” Miller said. “You don’t need to be hyper-flexible, you don’t need to be anything – it’s a come-as-you are culture.”

For a full schedule of classes and pricing, please visit TheBodyElectricYoga.com or call (727) 490-9361. The studio is at 3015 Seventh St. N.

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Photos by City of St. Petersburg

Whether you are a runner or a spectator, you won’t want to miss this year’s St. Pete Run Fest. The race weekend takes place Nov. 10-12, when 6,000 runners from all over the country will gather for one of the most scenic routes of any road race. There are a variety of race distances to choose from, including a 5K, 10K and half marathon, plus races for kids of all ages.

EndorFUN Sports has been producing Run Fest since 2017, after the City of St. Petersburg decided to host a major running event to take advantage of its increased global attention. CEO Keith Jordan had been producing some of the largest Ironman competitions on the planet, so he was the obvious choice to start the first Run Fest in St. Pete. Today he is joined by his brother Ryan and their wives to manage the many operations needed for a successful race.

Run Fest: Races for the Entire Family Plus Festival Fun

By Suzanne Driscoll

Youngsters included

Kids won’t be left out of all the fun as there are several different races for a variety of age groups. The Lil’ Shrimp Fun Runs are .05K for 1-to 2-year-olds, and .1K for preschoolers 3-4 years old. There will be a PeliKids One Miler for those ages 5-13. It also is the culmination of an ongoing running/walking marathon challenge aimed at promoting healthy habits for life. PeliKids will have logged a total of 25.2 miles prior to completing the final mile at Run Fest.

For the many out-of-towners who participate, this is their first experience in our beautiful city. “We work closely with Visit St. Pete/ Clearwater to promote the race,” Ryan Jordan says, “as this has a big economic impact on the area with 3,500 to 4,000 bed nights. The City of St. Pete has also been an amazing partner in making the race such a success.”

Who benefits?

Donations from proceeds of the race are made to the St. Pete Free Clinic Food Bank, St. Pete Youth Farm, #GoldTogether for pediatric cancer research, and Jump For Kids.

As part of its mission of wellness, charity, and sustainability, Run Fest also sponsors a Good Sweat Festival. Be sure to check out the “Taste of St. Pete” food court, local craft beers, and the Rollin’ Oats Wellness Village offering a variety of healthy, organic food. The Body Electric Yoga Company will offer classes, and live bands sponsored by Radio St. Pete will play on Nov. 10..

“This is the premier running event in St. Pete,” Ryan Jordan says, “and we hope everyone will participate in the races or join the fun to cheer them on and take part in the festival.”

For information or to register or volunteer, please visit www.

StPeteRunFest.org

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Left: Students at Hollins High collect food for the drive. Right: Food donations piled high at Radius Church. Photos courtesy of Radius Church

Radius Church 10th Annual Thanksgiving Drive An Invitation to Help 1,000 Families in Need

By Suzanne Driscoll If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity to help give back to those in need, consider helping out with Radius Church’s annual Thanksgiving meal donations. Whether it’s yourself or your entire family participating, many are welcome to donate and pack up the food and then deliver the meals to residents throughout St. Pete.

“Last year we donated 750 meals, and this year we plan to do 1,000,” Pastor Blake Clark reported. Food donations of canned corn, stuffing, canned green beans, instant mashed potatoes, canned sweet potatoes or yams, and macaroni and cheese can be dropped off at numerous locations throughout St. Pete. These include Great Explorations Children’s Museum, Black Crow Coffee, (where you will receive a free coffee when you donate), 9 Round Fitness, MarineMax, Machine Shop Barber, Little Greek Fresh Grill and Green Bench Brewing. Monetary donations are also greatly appreciated to purchase turkeys and pies. They

can be mailed directly to the church at 165 13th St. N, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705 or given online at RadThanksgiving.com. From 6 to 8 p.m.

November 19, the Sunday before Thanksgiving, volunteers will pack up all the dinners for delivery the next day.

“This year has been particularly tough on many people,“ Clark said. “With inflation and rising rent and utility costs, many of our neighbors are really hurting. We believe everyone should be able to celebrate Thanksgiving and have the freedom to not to worry about the cost.”

Names of recipients are obtained from local nonprofit organizations such as Boley Centers, CASA, the St. Pete Housing Authority, and the Boys & Girls Clubs. Individuals can also sign up at www.RadChurch. com/Thanksgiving to request a meal. Many thank-you notes have been received from beneficiaries with sentiments such as “I felt seen and not so alone.”

Helping the Throughout the Year

“We’re not a “Sunday, one-and-done kind of church,” Clark said.

“We are out in the community every day seeking to show God’s love in tangible ways.” Each Sunday before gathering, a free breakfast is offered to those in need. Once a year the church partners with 25 nonprofits to offer the “Open Arms” event with showers, haircuts, and food for the homeless, plus resources for housing and veterans services.

If you are looking for a nondenominational church that models “the visible, tangible, love of Jesus,” Clark hopes you will attend a church gathering on Sundays or any volunteer projects.

For more information or to volunteer, please visit RadChurch. com, call (727) 265-1035 or follow on Facebook or X (Twitter) @ RadiusChurchFL.

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The 2023 Coffee Pot Turkey Trot takes place on a picturesque USTA-certified 5K course that takes runners from North Shore Elementary through parts of the Historic Old Northeast and Snell Isle. Photos courtesy of Coffee Pot Turkey Trot

Turkey Trot 2023

By Jon Kile

The Coffee Pot Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day has become one of Northeast St. Pete’s biggest events. Now in its seventh year, the 5K fundraiser supporting North Shore Elementary School has been around long enough to see an entire 2017 class of kindergartners finish fifth grade.

The 2023 Coffee Pot Turkey Trot takes place on a picturesque USTAcertified 5K course that takes runners from North Shore Elementary through parts of the Historic Old Northeast and Snell Isle. The event has grown to more than 3,000 runners. Race organizer and North Shore parent Heather DeWyze warns procrastinators that the event usually reaches capacity well before race day. “Early registration not only guarantees you a chance to run, but also can impact whether you get the T-shirt size you want,” she said.

The event follows the same course as the 2022 race and will affect traffic, with street closures along the route. If you have early airport plans or last-minute shopping needs, take potential road closures into account.

Support for North Shore Elementary

The Coffee Pot Turkey Trot was started by North Shore Elementary families to support after-school programs, class field trips, and other expenses not covered by the school budget. As the race has gained

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Costumes are encouraged and awards are given to the best in several categories (group costume, kids costume, etc.)

visibility, so has the home-grown sponsorship support, many with parent or neighborhood connections. For the third time, the title sponsor for the event is Northstar Realty: Georgia and Kirby, with the City of St. Petersburg as co-sponsor.

“Whether you’re running in it, helping as a volunteer, or cheering on from your front yard, the Coffee Pot Turkey Trot has become a huge neighborhood tradition,” race director Monica Kile said.

The race is electronically timed and attracts runners of all stripes, including those looking for a personal record, families pushing strollers and even runners dressed as pilgrims or giant turkeys. No pets are permitted on school property or on the course.

Winners take Pie

One of the event's unique features is that age-group winners receive a Thanksgiving pie. Whether they decide to eat the entire pie or share it is up to them. All participants receive a T-shirt and medal.

Registration after Nov. 1 is $40, $20 for children age 5-11. Children 4 and under are admitted free of charge and do not receive a T-shirt unless purchased separately at the time of registration. All proceeds benefit the North Shore Elementary School PTA. Register at: https://runsignup.com/coffeepotturkeytrot

Downtown Developments

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

The Sourdough Co. is coming soon to 1113 Central Avenue, formerly the home of Karma Juice Bar & Eatery, in the EDGE District. The new bakery and cafe will make all of their baked goods with sourdough, including round loaves, sandwich loaves, and baguettes, in addition to cookies, brownies, cinnamon rolls, and scones. They'll also serve lunch and breakfast sandwiches, salads, and soups in freshly baked bread bowls.

The Sourdough Co. hopes to open in November.

GolfSuites City Club is coming soon to 123 4th Street South inside the historic Tramor Cafeteria building in downtown St. Pete. The expansive 17,000-square-foot facility will include eight state-of-the-art golf simulator lounges and a high-end restaurant featuring a menu of scallops, short rib, prime rib, and more. GolfSuites City Club plans to open in the summer of 2024.

Ride'em Cowboy is now open at 2451 Central Avenue in the Grand Central District. The country bar occupies the 3,420-square-foot space that was formerly home to Mixers at Old Key West Bar & Grill, which closed in June. Ride’em Cowboy offers a much more diverse mix of tunes than your average country bar, with DJs playing mashups of country and electronic dance music to get the crowd on its feet. The food menu includes light bites as well as heartier options such as burgers and chicken and waffles.

Adieu-glu, an artisan gluten-free bakery, is now open at 1942 1st Avenue South in the Grand Central District. Adieu-glu offers a wide range of artisan breads, bagels, and sweet treats, in addition to organic pantry items such as chocolate chips, sea salt, and butter that home bakers can use to make their own gluten-free creations. In addition to being gluten-free, Adieu-glu’s breads are also free from gums, soy, refined sugars, and preservatives. As Adieu-glu grows, the bakery hopes to offer classes for aspiring home bakers, on topics such as how to create a gluten-free sourdough starter.

Adieu-glu is now open in the Grand Central District (1942 1st Ave S)

Le Macaron, a French pastry shop, is coming soon to 657 Central Avenue, formerly home to The Juice Shack, in downtown St. Pete. In addition to over 15 flavors of macarons, the Sarasota-based pastry shop will offer French gelato, classic pastries and cakes, gourmet chocolates, handmade candies, and European-style coffees. An opening date for Le Macaron’s downtown St. Pete shop has not been announced yet.

Construction has begun on a new courthouse for the Florida Second District Court of Appeal at 525 Mirror Lake Drive on Mirror Lake in downtown St. Petersburg. The three-story, 53,000 squarefoot building will contain 15 judicial chambers, one courtroom, and workspaces for 95 full-time employees. The courthouse will be named the Bernie McCabe Second District Court of Appeal Courthouse after the late State Attorney for Florida’s Sixth Judicial Circuit which represents Pinellas and Pasco County. Site and foundation work is underway and vertical construction is expected to begin in the coming months. No completion date has been announced.

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.

NOVEMBER 2023 / GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM

GolfSuites City Club is coming soon to 123 4th St S

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NOVEMBER 2023

EVENTS St. Pete Indie Flea Market

When: Sunday, Nov. 5 12-4pm (first Sundays through April) Where: 2606 Fairfield Ave S. Cost: Free Admission Locally made and curated hand-crafted goods, vintage housewares, decor, Mid-century furniture, vintage clothing, antiques, plants, collectibles, food, music, art and so much more. theindieflea.com

Community Social to Help Keep St. Pete Local

When: Wednesday, Nov. 8 Doors open at 6pm, presentation at 6:30pm Where: Nova 535, 535 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N Cost: Free Admission Come meet the faces behind some of St. Pete’s favorite local businesses! This summer has been one of the toughest they’ve ever had, and they could do with our community’s support. keepsaintpetersburglocal.org

St. Pete Run Fest

When: Nov. 10-12 Where: Race starts on Bayshore Dr. next to the Dali Museum

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Cost: Entry fees vary by race and date of registration St. Pete Run Fest is a three day festival including Half Marathon, 10K 5K and Kids Races. Live music. Craft beer and wine. Local makers. stpeterunfest.org

Family Yoga at St. Pete Run Fest Hosted by The Body Electric Yoga Company

When: Saturday, Nov. 11 11:15am - 11:45am Where: Mahaffey Theater Plaza, 400 1st St. South Cost: Tickets $10 Liz Smith is leading a half-hour class for kids and grown-ups alike! Show the smalls how it’s done. thebodyelectricyoga.com

Picnic Land

When: Saturday, Nov. 18 3-6pm Where: Flora Wylie Park Cost: $40 includes picnic blanket and admission for 4 people Join our quest for the Longest Picnic Blanket World Record!

Over 800 Picnic Blankets will be placed in beautiful Flora Wylie Park. There will be plenty of family-friendly activities along with food trucks.

Waterfrontparksfoundation.org

GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM / NOVEMBER 2023

Coffee Pot Turkey Trot

When: Thursday, Nov 23 at 7:45 am (Thanksgiving Day) Where: Coffee Pot Bayou Cost: $35 A family–friendly, timed 5K looping around St. Petersburg’s Coffee Pot Bayou hosted by the North Shore Elementary PTA to benefit North Shore Elementary, a Title One School. runsignup. com/coffeepotturkeytrot

2023 Suncoast Pickelball Expo

When: Thursday, Nov. 30 at 3pm Where: The Coliseum, 535 4th Ave N Cost: $5 admission Get ready to experience the joy of this fast-paced and addictive sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, the Pickleball Expo offers something for everyone.

Suncoastpickleball.com

Shopapalooza Festival

When: Saturday Nov. 25- Sunday, Nov. 26 10am - 5pm Where: Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Drive NE Cost: Free Admission Community festival filled with local sounds, local tastes, and 350+ local makers and small businesses.

Shopapaloozafestival.com

The Nutcracker Presented by St. Petersburg Ballet Company

When: Friday Dec. 1st 7:30 pm Saturday Dec. 2nd 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm Sunday Dec. 3rd 3:00 pm Where: Palladium Theater, 253 Fifth Ave. N. Cost: GA $30 Come experience the magic and wonder of a cherished holiday tradition! academyofballetarts.org

8th Annual Ukulele Festival: UKE IT OUT!

When: Saturday, Dec. 2 doors open at 2pm Where: Cage Brewing, 2001 1st Ave S Cost: Tickets $25; Kids 12 and Under FREE The event features musical styles from rock to bluegrass to Celtic as well as a “Jimi Hendrix of the Ukulele” contest and the Florida Ukulele Orchestra. If you have a ukulele, bring it! www.wmnf.org For more events, or to submit event information, visit greenbenchmonthly.com/events

NOVEMBER 2023 / GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM

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