Green Bench Monthly - Vol 2, Issue 12, December 2017

Vol. 2, Issue 12, December 2017

St. Pete’s Direct-Mail Community Magazine

GROWING COMMUNITIES FROM DIRT pg. 16

St. Petersburg’s

Historic Districts pg. 6

Now & Then

Mirror Lake pg. 8

A Taste of Italy

Mangia Con Gusto pg. 10

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Second Saturday Artwalk. Photo by City of St. Petersburg.

Publishers

Ashley & Tony Sica

Editor

Cristina Juska

Contributing Editors Nadine Maas, Pam Sica

Contributors

Andy Bragg, Nicole Brand, Luke Cross, Rui Farias, Jadyn Gonzales, Mitzi Gordon, Molly Hunsinger, Victoria Lasavath, Cindy Garza Ontkos, Jack Spinrad, Alan Venable, Nehemiah Warner, Brian Zucker

Web Content Manager Emily Bloxam

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Photo Credits

Cover by Markus Spiske Imagine Museum

by Kai Warren

Animal House Naturals, Mangia Con Gusto and Blue Cypress Payroll

by Kelly Nash Photography Seminole Park District in Kenwood

by James Bloodworth

Mirror Lake Black & White Photoprint

by State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory

Contact

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

Proud member of:

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Benoot: Local Knowledge, International Expertise

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Growing Communities from Dirt

18 Blue Cypress Payroll

Services: Tailor Made

Solutions for St. Pete Businesses

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From the Bench

St. Petersburg’s Historic 6 Districts 8

Now & Then: Mirror Lake

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From the Museum’s Archives

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Mangia Con Gusto: A Taste of Italy in Your Own Home

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Animal House Naturals: Your Go-To Pet Supplies Store

Downtown Developments

22 Events

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Direct-mailed to 15,400 homes in zip codes 33701, 33704 and 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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Three Dog Bakery Opening New Store on Central!

St. Petersburg’s dog lovers will soon have a new way to spoil their furry friends. Three Dog Bakery, a locally owned and operated bakery just for dogs, will offer all-natural and healthy, yet drool-worthy treats at their new location--659 Central Avenue. In the products (ranging from bagged dog food to hand-crafted personalized celebration cakes) you’ll find fresh ingredients like blueberries, spinach, carrots, and cranberries as well as powerfoods such as chicken, white fish, and peanut butter.

The bakery will feature hand-crafted favorites that loyal Three Dog Bakery fans (the closest location being Sarasota) have enjoyed over the years including Pupcakes®, Peanut Mutter Cookies, Lickety Splits, Drooly Dream Bars and more. The store will also carry prepackaged Three Dog Bakery items, premium dog food, toys, and accessories for your pooch.

“Shopping at a Three Dog Bakery is an unforgettable experience,” says Three Dog Bakery President Scott Ragan. “Dogs love the opportunity to come right into the store and press their noses up against the bakery display cases. These are treats that owners can feel good about giving their pets and even sample themselves!”

Follow them on Facebook @ThreeDogBakeryStPete to keep tabs on the grand opening (which will be early December) and community events such as Yappy Hour and Easter Begg Hunting!

Visit Three Dog Bakery located at 659 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg 33701. To get in touch, call (727) 827-7389 or email threedogbakerystpete@gmail.com

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From the Bench Ending On a High Note

As 2017 comes to a close and we reflect on the past year, we’re so proud of our community—first responders, leaders, business owners, volunteers, advocates—everyone working to keep St. Pete safe and special. The City has come a long way, but there’s still much to look forward to. We can’t wait to see what 2018 has in store. Cheers to YOU! And to all a Happy Holiday season and Joyous New Year.

A Sneak Peek at the Imagine Museum

The new 50,000 square foot museum will feature one-hundred artists and their contributions to the American studio glass movement beginning in the 1960s. The thoughtfully curated collection pays tribute to the interconnectedness and evolution of the artform as it blossomed here in the States. And yes, there is Chihuly art—most interestingly some of his early work. Although the number of female glass artists is generally pretty low, the museum took special interest to make sure they were represented. Visit our website (greenbenchmonthly.com) for behind the scenes photos from our tour. We look forward to publishing more once doors open in late January. Tickets will be $15 and under with discounts for seniors, students, military, and groups. In the meantime, you can stop by the gift shop—open just in time for holiday shopping. Think glass ornaments, wine stoppers, jewelry, vases, etc. For more information, visit imaginemuseum.com.

Glass art by Laura Donefer on display at the Imagine Museum.

Photo by Kai Warren.

Accessible Mural Tour Now Available

St. Petersburg Arts Alliance (SPAA) with help from AARP now offers a virtual tour “to make our city’s mural art accessible to all regardless of ability or disability.” These written and recorded tours are available to everyone – on a home computer, smartphone or any other mobile device. Visit, stpeteartsalliance.org/mural-tour/ to start exploring.

Kids & Kubs Now Playing 88th Continuous Season

Congratulations to the oldest year-around senior softball club in the United States starting their 88th season on November 2nd. Games are played every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday at 10 am through April 10th. Men and Women are encouraged to bring their skills to the plate, but you must be over 74 to join. For more info, contact Club President, Jon Wilkinson, at (813) 244-8573.

SPAA Takes Southeastern Guide Puppies on an Accessible Mural Tour

Advertising With Us Works

Start your ad campaign in 2018. Call (727) 280-5406 or email ashley@greenbenchmonthly.com

Kids & Kubs Player, Ray Holt, lines up an incoming pitch

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PRESERVATION

2934 Burlington Ave N - Frame Vernacular/Tudor Revival

735 18th Ave NE - Mediterranean Revival

St. Petersburg’s Historic Districts

By Andy Bragg

The original St. Petersburg economic boom of almost 100 years ago resulted in an abundance of beautiful homes with iconic architectural styles such as Craftsman and Mediterranean Revival.

With downtown again in the middle of a major development boom, the city helps neighborhood districts preserve that distinctive architecture through designation on the St. Petersburg Register of Historic Places in addition to the more widespread, largely honorary national register.

In mid-November St. Petersburg Preservation (SPP) coordinated a highly attended program describing the city’s recently adopted “Design Guidelines for Historic Properties” at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Mirror Lake. Architect Paul Palmer, an author of the guidelines, and Derek Kilborn, manager of St. Petersburg’s urban planning and historic preservation efforts, described the major historic architectural styles and the process of obtaining local designation.

This designation ensures that proposed exterior alterations to historic houses are reviewed by city staff or, if major, by the Community Planning and Preservation Commission (CPPC). The purpose of the review is to make sure that changes to properties are consistent with their historic appearance and materials. Approval results in the issue of a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA). Local and national register designations also provide economic incentives, including property and income tax exemptions and credits.

There are now six local historic districts in St. Petersburg, all within nationally designated districts. Historic Roser Park along Booker Creek in Midtown and Granada Terrace in Historic Old Northeast were the first districts named, in 1987 and 1988, followed by Historic Lang’s Bungalow Court off of 4th Avenue North in 2014. Activity increased sharply this year

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with three districts added: Old Northeast’s 18th Avenue 700 block and 10th Avenue 200 block, as well as Historic Kenwood’s Seminole Park near the Grand Central Business District.

Historic Roser Park

Largely built by the mid-1920’s, Historic Roser Park is the largest local historic district with 146 homes. Tucked away south of the major medical centers on 6th Street South, it is one of St. Petersburg’s most unique neighborhoods, with surprisingly hilly topography and parkland on the north shore of Booker Creek. It features rusticated block walls, brick roads and steep stairways.

The architecture is primarily Folk Vernacular and Craftsman.

Wooden-framed Folk Vernacular, reflecting local traditions and materials rather than a formal style, was prevalent during St. Petersburg’s earliest period of construction. Craftsman “bungalows” were the most popular form of housing in America in the early 20th century, with broad, large porches, columns across the front and relatively small layouts.

Roser Park became rundown in the mid 20th Century, and by the 1970s, 85 percent of the homes were rented. Many houses were demolished in that era to make way for a connection to 8th Street and for hospital construction.

The condition and shrinkage of the era led to resident activism and Roser Park’s historic district designation. Kai Warren, a long-term resident who gives walking tours of the area, indicates that over the past 30 years the architectural history has been protected, home ownership and property values have grown, neighboring residential areas have grown more stable and, he said, “Sense of community has helped keep crime relatively low compared to other areas.”

Grenada Terrace

Granada Terrace, along the west side of Coffee Pot Bayou, was laid out in 1924 by prominent local developer Perry Snell as an exclusive subdivision and park. The houses were originally restricted to Mediterranean Revival style, featuring Spanish roof tiles or parapet caps, and often walled rear gardens and terraces. There are now 67 houses, with 51 percent Mediterranean Revival and 39 percent ranch-style houses. Some concern

226 10th Ave NE – Colonial Revival

Photo by James Bloodworth

has been expressed by Historic Old Northeast residents about the process of obtaining COAs for planned alterations. But the City notes that last year 99 percent of COA applications were ultimately approved, with 91 percent by quick staff reviews.

Lang’s Bungalow Court

Tiny Lang’s Bungalow Court, with 11 houses tucked away between 3rd and 4th Avenues North and 8th and 9th Streets, was planned by former St. Petersburg Mayor Al Lang, an original resident, and completed in 1926. The subdivision was inspired by California bungalow courts with Craftsman houses facing across a pedestrian hexagonal block walkway and auto access limited to rear alleyways.

Kerry Rund says Lang’s Court was badly in need of preservation when she and her husband bought the Al Lang house in 2010. They restored the house to its original condition and helped the court gain approval for the local historic designation. She said, “The city has been wonderful in supporting the court. The designation helps the value of our houses.

Without it we’d be looking at parking lots.”

Emma and John Holland recently converted the upstairs porch of their Lang Court home to a closed-in art studio. They say the process was not onerous, and a benefit of local designation is commercial/residential zoning, which allows Emma to practice fine arts at the house.

Old Northeast

The Old Northeast neighborhood just north of downtown is one of the largest national historic neighborhoods in Florida, containing 2,975 buildings with many Craftsman, Mediterranean Revival and Colonial Revival houses. It now contains three local historic districts with the tenhouse 18th Avenue and 14-house 10th Avenue blocks added this year, in addition to Granada Terrace.

Robin Reed, an SPP and Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association board member, said, “More people are realizing what happens when homes are torn down and replaced by out-of-scale houses that don’t fit in with their neighbors.” Reed’s home is individually designated as a historic landmark. When she and her husband were ready to renovate, they applied for the tax abatement program, which exempted the resulting

2901 3rd Ave N - Craftsman

increase in their property taxes for a ten-year period.

Seminole Park

The Seminole Park area, with 24 mostly Craftsman homes surrounding the park, was also just designated in November. The overall Historic Kenwood neighborhood is rich in architecture, with 52 percent Craftsman as well as Tudor Revival, Colonial Revival and other styles.

Historic Kenwood Neighborhood Association President Brenda Gordon notes that the area fell into decline in the 1970s and 80s, but has rebounded strongly with the growth of the Grand Central District and downtown, and has won three national awards for its revitalization efforts.

The 19th annual Bungalow Fest home tour in November showcased the area’s architectural diversity.

Getting Designated

Gordon indicates it is a significant effort to obtain local designation, which requires a detailed application demonstrating the district’s architectural history with copies of all public notices to all residents within 200 feet of the proposed designation area, application fees, public CPPC and City Council meetings, and approval of the proposed district’s residents. Nonetheless, Gordon has already fielded inquiries from residents of three additional Kenwood districts.

More than 50 percent of residents’ approval is required and ballots not returned are counted as NO votes. If an area applies for local designation and is turned down, it must wait five years before applying again.

Considering these city rules, residents are incentivized to create small area applications to ensure they are approved, according to SPP VP Peter Belmont. The three districts approved in 2017 were all small areas within much larger, distinct neighborhoods. Belmont continues to see interest from historic neighborhoods, including Driftwood on Big Bayou, south of downtown, and the “Bird Cage” homes in Pinellas Point.

To learn more about obtaining local designation, search “Design Guidelines for Historic Properties” to view that document on the City of St. Petersburg’s website. For more about St. Petersburg Preservation events, walking tours, and membership, visit stpetepreservation.org.

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History

Now & Then: Mirror Lake

By Jack Spinrad

City skyline by Mirror Lake Saint Petersburg, Florida. 1926 State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory

Yesterday was the day for my weekly visit to the Mirror Lake Library. Owing to my passion to learn about the history of our community, I spent some time searching the stacks looking for books on the history of St. Petersburg. I dutifully stopped at the desk and checked out a copy of “The Making of St. Petersburg” by Will Michaels, a local author.

With my treasure in hand, I exited through the front door and walked down the steps. I made a left at the bottom to Mirror Lake Drive, turned left again at the corner and noticed the beautiful, historic buildings surrounding me.

Nearby the library, built in 1915, sits Old St. Petersburg High School at Mirror Lake, which opened in 1920. High school classes moved to their current location in 1926, and though the old high school building was used for several other purposes over the years, it eventually closed its’ doors in 1985. In 1991, in a sad state of decline, the building was restored and opened as a condominium.

The Mirror Lake Lyceum, which began life as the First Christian Church of St. Petersburg, was built in 1926; and the Tomlinson Adult Learning Center was built in 1924, its front gates guarded by statues of owls. Across from the old high school I couldn’t help but notice how a fountain that sent up a spray caused the surface of Mirror Lake to twinkle and reflect the bright sunlight on this beautiful fall day.

As the library has a very small and full parking lot I headed across Mirror Lake

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Drive to enjoy a pleasant walk around to the other side of the lake, where I had been lucky enough to find a free two-hour parking space. After a few minutes’ stroll I couldn’t help but to notice a “homeless” man walking towards me. (Funny how quick we are to prejudge others based solely on appearances.)

He was quite tall and carried many of the characteristics we may associate with the homeless: long, seemingly unkempt beard and hair; scruffy, well-worn clothing and a dirty backpack slung over one shoulder.

In an attempt to give him a wide berth as we passed my left foot twisted off of the pavement and slipped on the grass. I dropped my book and was certain to be headed for an unplanned swim when a surprisingly strong hand grabbed my flailing arm and yanked me back onto the sidewalk.

The man held me in his grip until satisfied that I had my feet back under me then bent down to pick up my book.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

“Fine, thank you for asking,” I replied. “A little, well make that quite, embarrassed but otherwise in pretty good shape. You saved me from a certain plunge. Please let me repay your kindness.”

I started to reach into my pocket to give him some money, but again the strong hand reached out to stop me.

His next words gave me pause: “I can understand why you may have mistaken me for a homeless person, but I assure you I do not find myself in dire straits. I just flew into

GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM / DECEMBER 2017

Albert Whitted Airport after a three-month archeological dig in Mexico and decided to walk home. I live in the renovated Old St. Pete High School building.”

The man continued: “I know I must be quite a sight, but I can wait a little longer for a hot bath. Tell you what, it’s been a long time and I have been just dying for a good ol’ American hotdog. Is that stand still there on 2nd Avenue and Beach Drive?”

“It was last week,” I assured him.

“Well then, what say we stroll back over there and I’ll let you buy me a couple as repayment? I have lots of pesos but few dollars on me,” he said.

As we walked he looked at my library book he was still holding.

“I see you’re interested in St. Petersburg history. Is there a particular area that piques your interest?” he asked.

“Well yes,” I confessed. “I wanted to know more about Mirror Lake.”

By that time we found the hotdog vendor on Beach Drive and each ordered a couple of dogs and drinks, then found a shady bench to sit and eat. Between bites and swigs of our drinks, the history of the lake began to unfold.

He began, “Well let’s see, I guess the lake just always was. It is natural and fed by an underground stream that was used by the pre-Columbian Indians. During the Spanish American War, soldiers came to what was then called Reservoir Lake to find enough fresh water for the troops. In 1899, St.

HISTORY

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

Joseph Conrad

The Joseph Conrad arrived in St. Petersburg in 1939 as a training vessel for the United States Coast Guard as Bayboro Harbor had been selected as a training facility for novice sailors. According to Museum historian and curator Nevin Sitler, the ship made frequent training voyages to Haiti, Jamaica and Havana. The Joseph Conrad also sailed in the St. Petersburg to Havana Yacht Race in 1941. After the U.S. entered World War II, the Joseph Conrad was turned over to the Maritime Administration and served as a training ship until the

war ended in 1945....History repeats itself as the tall ship Lynx now calls St. Petersburg its home each winter.

Docked behind the Museum of History on the Pier Approach, the Lynx is an interpretation of a privateer built in 1812 and was among one of the first ships to defend the United States against the British. The Lynx now serves as a hands-on educational vessel that provides tours and cruises for students of all ages!

The St. Petersburg Museum of History is located at 335 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. For more information about exhibits, hours, and ticket pricing visit SPMOH.com.

Photo by City of St. Petersburg

Petersburg formed the Municipal Water District with the lake used as the main source for the town’s water supply.”

My new friend continued his history lesson.

“Development started to encircle the lake around 1908. I’m not quite sure when the name was changed but a 1918 map shows it as Mirror Lake. By the late 1920s and early 30s most of the historic buildings you see now had been built. The growing population and demand for water had outgrown what Mirror Lake could provide, and miles of piping has been laid to bring in water to the city from other sources, leaving the lake to replenish itself.”

He continued: “The lake became a center of activity for the city, but was still not very pedestrian friendly, and its steep banks caused many people to take the same plunge you nearly made. In November

of 2013 work started that would make the lake’s banks less steep and improve the walkways. The transformation was complete the following year. Mirror Lake became Mirror Lake Park and continues to be a magnet for people to wish to relax and spend some time with nature.”

My friend looked at his well-worn watch and said, “Where has the time gone? I really should be getting home to that hot shower.”

We realized more than two hours had passed.

With that we walked back over toward his condo and my parking spot on Mirror Lake. I thanked him again for saving me and giving me a great insight into the lake’s history. With some trepidation I looked at my windshield, and was greatly relieved to see I had not been the recipient of a parking ticket. Even if I had, the cost of the ticket would have been money well spent.

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Local Business

Photo by Kelly Nash Photography

Mangia Con Gusto: A Taste of Italy in Your Own Home

By Cristina Juska

Chef Roberta Massetti Photo by Kelly Nash Photography

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When somebody loves what they do, it’s immediately apparent when you speak to them. For example, when Chef Roberta Massetti talks about food—real, authentic Italian food—her eyes light up, and even though English isn’t her first language, her voice becomes animated and she can easily get her points across.

Chef Massetti was born in a small, seaside village on the Adriatic Sea. Growing up in Italy, she learned that food was not just sustenance, but an experience to be both enjoyed and shared. She spent much of her adult life working as a chef in the small bistros of Bologna, one of Italy’s greatest food cities, known for its exquisite handmade pastas and delicate sauces.

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From Bologna, Massetti moved to St. Petersburg just about three years ago, and recently started her own small business: Mangia Con Gusto. As a personal chef, she specializes in small to medium dinner parties, often in clients’ homes, preparing traditional Italian cuisine using only the finest ingredients.

Cooking with Passion and Love

“The food is good because the ingredients are good!” Massetti said. She uses only organic vegetables and meats, and does whatever it takes to find the freshest ingredients, even shopping at her favorite Amish-owned market in Sarasota for certain items. She said that sometimes it may take three times as long to

source the ingredients than to actually prepare the meal, but the extra time is worth it.

Why the insistence on local and organic ingredients? “Health is important. You are what you eat,” Massetti said. Not only that, but the fresh, top-quality ingredients make the food taste better, and truer to the authentic Italian cuisine Massetti knows and loves.

Speaking of fresh, Massetti makes all of her pastas by hand, from scratch, never from a box. And her secret ingredient?

“Cooking with passion and love,” Massetti said.

REAL Italian Food

When you book an event with Mangia Con Gusto, a free consultation with Chef Massetti is always included. She likes to meet with clients in person to design the perfect menu and dining experience for their guests. In addition to dinner parties and other special events, Massetti will also teach hands-on cooking lessons in your home, guiding you on a tour of Italy’s famous regional cuisines.

She has found that many people she meets here in the U.S. have never tasted truly authentic Italian dishes, but rather, heavily sauced, Americanized versions that bear no resemblance to the flavorful fare of her homeland.

“Real Italian food is light, not heavy,” Massetti said, which allows the flavor of the fresh ingredients to take center stage.

When asked her favorite dish to prepare, she is hard pressed to choose just one. She loves making fresh pastas and sauces to accompany them, such as ravioli stuffed with ricotta cheese in a light spinach pesto, or authentic tortellini as they serve it in Bologna—floating in a flavorful chicken stock. Another of her specialties is handmade pasta in a light, buttery sauce featuring cinnamon and parmesan. So simple and delicious.

Chef Massetti is a baker, as well, and enjoys making her own pizza, breads and focaccia. Oh, and don’t forget about dessert. From

Try a piece of “the best tiramisu this side of the Atlantic” at your next dinner party with Chef Roberta Massetti of Mangia Con Gusto homemade gelato to “the best tiramisu this side of the Atlantic”—in the totally unbiased words of her husband, Nick—she creates delicious desserts that are a sweet culmination to the savory experience of dinner.

So, the next time you wish to plan a dinner party, why not go above and beyond “catering” and choose a personal chef to come to your home and prepare an authentic, traditional Italian meal, with love, for your guests? Call Chef Roberta Massetti of Mangia Con Gusto at (727) 310-4312 or email her at Massetti.Roberta@gmail.com and start planning a truly unique dining experience today.

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Local Business

Animal House Naturals: Your Go-To Pet Supplies Store

By Cindy Garza Ontkos

Do you have a four-legged family member you just adore, who deserves only the best? Me too!

Lucky for us, there is a family-owned pet store, right in the heart of St. Petersburg, that has everything we will ever need. Whether you share your home with dogs, cats, birds, fish, rabbits or reptiles, Animal House Naturals is your hub for everything pet related. Here you will find knowledgeable staff, a wide variety of natural and organic foods, and pet-care products aplenty.

Jim Nannen, owner and operator of Animal House Naturals, has been a resident of St. Pete since the 1980s, but pets have been his business even longer than that—for almost 50 years! Jim employs a team of highly professional and knowledgeable staff, ready to help assist you in all of your pet needs, most of whom have been with the store more than 15 years.

“Animal House Naturals has the most qualified workforce in the retail pet industry in the USA today, and we challenge anyone to prove us wrong!” Jim said. And well, I would have to agree. Upon walking into the store, I was greeted with smiles, an offer of help and an impressive variety of pet supplies at excellent prices.

Only the Best for Your Pet

Store Manager, Emily Stoft, with Edward.

Photos by Kelly Nash Photography

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Let’s talk pet food! Some of the biggest concerns we have today are in regards to our health and what we eat. So it just makes sense that we are also concerned about what we feed the furry members of our family.

Animal House Naturals understands and has made it easy to find the right food for your pet, especially those with special dietary needs. They carry one of the largest selections of natural and organic dog food and cat food in St. Petersburg and all of Tampa Bay. The aisles are lined with a wide assortment of foods from trusted brands like Taste of the Wild and Stella & Chewy’s. Think grain free, raw, limited ingredient and added vitamins and minerals. It’s all here in one place.

“We wouldn’t sell anything here that we wouldn’t feed our own pets,” said Store Manager, Emily Stoft, who has been with the company for 18 years. She and the rest of the friendly seasoned pros at Animal House Naturals are ready to help you find just the right food or supplement.

Animal House Naturals also has their own proprietary line of animal care products. They offer everything from shampoos to vitamins, skin creams, ear cleansers and anti-itch sprays, just to name a few, as well as products from many other leading pet-care brands.

Now, if by some crazy chance, they don’t have exactly what you need, they will order it for you.

The experienced staff at Animal House Naturals from left to right: Jeff (8 yrs), Sue (29 yrs), Adam (4 yrs), Lori (15 yrs), Rebecca (20 yrs), Tyler (raised at the store), Emily (19 yrs) and Edward.

Beyond the necessities, Animal House Naturals carries lots of fun stuff, too. With the holidays upon us, I’m certain your pets are on the nice list, and deserve a special gift from Santa. Check out the shop’s selection of fashionable collars, dapper outfits, yummy treats and toys galore. Who wants to trot around town in last year’s duds?

Not your baby! With everything from scented waste removal bags to pet carriers on wheels, it’s one-stop shopping for every pet (and petlover) on your list.

Be Prepared to Fall in Love

Animal House Naturals proudly support the local animal rescue services, such as Pet Pal and Friends of Strays, and as such do not sell dogs or cats. They do offer some small pets in store for adoption— think gerbils and ferrets and snakes, oh my!

Best of all, the adoptable pets are accessible and ready to play.

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to play with the kittens, hamsters and sugar gliders, and to learn all about some of the adorable varieties of bunnies they have in house. Of course, if you do find a new friend to take home, you will also find all the supplies you will need to take care of them right here at Animal House Naturals.

You won’t want to miss out on everything Animal House Naturals has to offer. Stop by and experience what an extraordinary difference it is to shop with these pet professionals!

Animal House Naturals is conveniently located at 274 37th Ave N. in the Northeast Park Shopping Center. The store hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information and an opportunity to sign up via email for special coupons and in-store sales, go to animalhousepets.com. You can also call the store at (727) 821-4466.

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Local business

Benoot Realty Local Knowledge, International Expertise

By Molly Hunsinger

“Flemish, Dutch, French, German...a little English,” said Geert Benoot playfully. He went on listing the seven languages he fluently reads, writes and speaks. “South African and Swiss, and then we speak beer too...we are from Belgium,” he said with a smile.

His gregarious son, Matthieu, agrees. “Yes, we speak beer very well,” he said, naming one of his favorites, Chimay, a heavy Belgian ale.

“Every beer in Belgium has its own glass,” said Catherine, the lovely Benoot family matriarch. She says it’s challenging to find restaurants that serve Chimay Belgium-style in a wide-mouthed goblet. “But on Beach Drive you can have it,” she said.

Whether you like beer or not, when you meet the Benoots, you just want to waste the afternoon with them—chatting, sipping suds and soaking in the Florida sunshine.

Warm and friendly, the Benoots are “international to the core,” as Geert puts it.

But they’re “all St. Pete-ians,” Matthieu said. Their love of St. Petersburg’s perfect blend of small town charm and big city amenities is immediately apparent in conversation. ”We are definitely connected to the neighborhood,” Geert said.

He and Catherine, who’ve been married for more than 35 years, live just a four-minute walk from the office of their family business, located at 70 Beach Drive N.E., Benoot Realty.

From Belgium to St. Pete

Family owned and operated, Benoot Realty is a full-service real estate brokerage with decades of experience in both U.S. and European markets. With offices in St. Petersburg, Florida and Menen, Belgium, Benoot Realty is committed to lending their local knowledge and international expertise for all the real estate needs of their clients—from renting, buying and selling to investment and development projects.

Born and raised in Belgium, the Benoots started vacationing in Tarpon Springs 25 years ago. They became permanent residents in 1998 and U.S. citizens 10 years later. The avid boaters moved to St. Petersburg in 2012, after discovering the St. Petersburg Yacht Club.

“We’re very proud to be U.S. citizens,” Geert said. “This is an unbelievable country.”

Geert and Catherine started their real estate careers in Belgium during the late 1980s. “I have sold, managed, constructed and developed over one thousand properties outside the U.S.,” Geert said.

Seizing the opportunity to assist European clients with American real estate investment opportunities in the late 2000s, he started Benoot Realty.

Family Owned and Operated

In 2011, Geert was joined in the business by sons Matthieu and Clement, who both share their father’s passion for real estate and

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Meet the Benoots— Geert, Matthieu, Catherine and Clement dedication to providing superior customer service. Catherine, who used to practice real estate in Europe, now manages public relations for the company.

The Benoots have built a team of agents who share their values and drive, including Bruce Farrell, Lisa Siver, Logan Dickinson, Grant Bond and Steve Castleberry, a former NBA player. Much more than just colleagues, the agents are an extension of the Benoot family.

The company they have built together goes beyond real estate, and they take pride in the community that has contributed so much to their success. Their humble beginnings have blossomed into a business culture that values character and integrity above all else.

Not a Job, But a Lifestyle

Matthieu says, “Real estate is not a job, it’s a lifestyle. It’s always there.”

Their work keeps them busy, managing sales and rentals for both small and large-scale residential, commercial and development projects throughout the Tampa Bay area. But they always have time for their clients.

“When people call our office, it goes to my cell phone and his cell phone,” Matthieu said. “We take pride in communication and actually answering our phone.”

“You can call at 11 at night, they’re going to pick up. You can call at seven in the morning, they will pick up,” Catherine said. “They’re always working...Sunday, Monday, brunch, dinner.”

“Seven days a week,” Geert said. “We just breathe real estate, eat real estate, drink real estate, sleep real estate.”

“When we have our dinner together, it’s more of a business meeting,” Matthieu said.

Stop by Benoot Realty on beautiful Beach Drive “It never stops,” Catherine said.

“We go over and beyond,” Matthieu said. “After the sale is done we don’t just walk, we stick with the client.”

We Walk Everywhere!

The Benoots say living within walking distance to St. Pete’s vibrant downtown is what their clients want most, something they enjoy themselves.

“You can walk to 60, 70 restaurants,” Geert said. “We have a small thing to eat and we talk.”

“I’m more down Central (Ave.),” Matthieu said. “Little momand-pop or hole-in-the-wall restaurants that are, just hands down, the best food.”

“Yes, there’s so many good ones,” Catherine said. “But when we can’t walk, we don’t go. We walk everywhere.”

“But, when you see us in downtown we are the same people,” Geert said.

“Yes. Please come and say hi to us when you see us,” Matthieu said. “We’ll buy you a Chimay.”

Bringing Out YOUR Style For The Holidays All of us at Tampa Bay Furnishings join in wishing you a wonderful Holiday and a Happy New Year!

May your home be filled with laughter, peace and love!

Get in Touch

Call Benoot Realty for a complimentary, no-obligation consultation, including an in-depth evaluation of the property within the current market.

Benoot Realty is located at 70 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg. For more information call (727) 944-4000, email geertbenoot@benootrealty.com or visit benootrealty.com.

LET US HELP The Tampa Bay Furnishings team would love to talk with you about your design goals for your home. Visit our showroom located at 3034 9th Street North. For more info visit tampabayfurnishings.com or call 727-821-4100.

3034 9th St N | (727) 821-4100

TampaBayFurnishings.com

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UPLIFT ST. PETE

Growing Communities from Dirt

By Luke Cross

Taking daily amenities for granted is all too easy in the hustle of daily life. After a long workday, sitting down for a relaxing, hearty dinner is often a time to which we look forward. Unfortunately, there are many without the opportunity to do so.

Food inequality, especially within Pinellas County, is an issue garnering attention from an increasing number of concerned citizens.

So much attention that urban agriculture and its proponents hosted a day of events at the second annual Et Cultura festival, St. Pete’s week long answer to South by Southwest.

Named SEEDS Day, the event brought together entrepreneurs and pioneers striving to reinvent the city’s food chain to better supply areas with little access to fresh produce - known as food deserts. St. Pete is home to more than a few of these deserts, ranging from

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small communities to entire neighborhoods.

One of the pioneers facing down this challenge is Nicole Brand, the Program Coordinator of the Food Systems Center at Pinellas Technical College. “Urban agriculture in St. Pete is really gearing up. We’re working on policy issues, we have growers in the city, entrepreneurs working together… all these wonderful projects.” said Brand.

The new Food Systems Center Program at Pinellas Technical College aims to bolster these projects by training the next generation to better mold our food chain for the community. “It’s a tech college, not a university, meaning that instead of focusing on theory, there’s a lot of practical application in everything that comes out of the college.

We train for the job market so students can have a real impact.”

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Photo by Luke Cross

SEEDS Day at Et Cultura Photo by Luke Cross

More than just another program, Brand sees the Food Systems Center as a focal point for food equality in the area for years to come. She explained, “In February we start launching classes. It’s a slow and steady

Retired CEO of nonprofit Growing Power and urban farmer, Will Allen Photo by Simon Crane

Program Coordinator of the Food Systems Center at Pinellas Technical College, Nicole Brand Photo by Simon Crane

process, right now we’re watering it and watching it grow. We aim to make PTC an innovative hub by connecting community actors, always with the thought of keeping the program socially equitable, meaning no one is left out.”

One of these community actors is Shannon O’Malley, co-founder of the indoor hydroponic Brick Street farms, who brought her commercial agriculture knowledge to SEEDS Day as a featured speaker. “We’re the second largest container farm in the country, tackling what it means to be local and sustainable,” said O’Malley, “We do this by growing at the point of consumption, providing top quality food to St. Pete in an eco-friendly manner.”

As a local produce supplier, O’Malley knows firsthand the troubles that come with sourcing food from outside a community, stating that “30% of food cost is directly attributed to transportation. Talk about sustainability.” She continued explaining, “We do direct, farm to table delivery, cutting out the entire distribution channel. Details

like this show that urban agriculture isn’t just about community gardens or for profit business, it really is a multifaceted approach to making a sustainable food chain.

Ultimately, we’ve got community gardens, we have commercial farms, but we still need to educate local government and rally St. Pete.”

Despite the long road ahead of St. Pete’s urban agriculture movement, retired CEO of nonprofit Growing Power, Will Allen sees the city is ripe for urban farming. This is what brings him to help launch the Food Systems Center at PTC as well as becoming the Aresty Speaker for the SEEDS day event this year.

“The people I’ve met in the neighborhoods around St. Pete, they’re so ready to change our food system and make it work for everyone.” said Allen.

The retired urban farmer holds no illusions concerning the challenges facing the city, however. He noted, “When people ask me where we’re at with our food system, I tell them that we’re in the infancy stages.

As a process, it’s so large and so complicated.

We’re trying to make sure everyone has a right

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Co-founder of the indoor hydroponic Brick Street farms, Shannon O’Malley Photo by City of St. Petersburg

Compost consisting of food scraps, seaweed and coffee grounds Photo by Simon Crane

to eat, and we wanna make sure everyone’s eating good food, the food that brings communities together.” Will concluded that, “Most importantly, there are people all over the world, young people, who will go without a meal tonight. It’s our job to fix that.”

Are you interested in volunteering or starting an internship at PTC’s new Food Systems Center? Contact Nicole Brand at (808) 202-3048.

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Marcile Powers, Keevy McAlavy and Jessica McMann

LOCAL BUSINESS

Photos by Kelly Nash Photography

Blue Cypress Payroll Services: Tailor Made Solutions for St. Pete Businesses

By Eliza Lucas

St. Petersburg has experienced incredible growth in the past few years and many homegrown businesses are looking for a local solution to help them manage their employees and payroll responsibilities. However, they feel uncomfortable dealing with large national firms who drain money from the local economy. The owners of Blue Cypress Payroll address this problem by providing personable tailor-made solutions for St. Pete businesses while keeping it local. Blue Cypress is a family-run company that offers a unique, flexible payroll service that adapts and grows with their clients.

Keevy McAlavy, the company owner, spent over a decade building the software behind Blue Cypress. While working as a television executive, Keevy had dissatisfied experiences with larger payroll companies. “The larger payroll providers are geared towards larger companies and don’t get small business,” McAlavy says, “That’s why I founded Blue Cypress. It’s the company I was looking for years ago but never found.” He wanted to give others the quality of service that can only come from within the community.

When Keevy and his team begin working with a new company, they do much more than offer basic payroll tax accounting. They research the laws necessary to get the best benefits and build relationships with their clients. Steve Johnson at City’s Bistro commended, “Blue

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Cypress was the perfect fit for our small business startup. Great pricing and exceptional customer service have been demonstrated from day one.”

Keevy’s wife, Marcile, helps him with marketing and customer relations. Recently, Jessica McMann joined the team bringing over five years of bookkeeping, HR and payroll experience.

Businesses have the option to utilize a customized computer program to keep track of their own employee portal or they can call in their hours each week. The customized software that Blue Cypress uses can adapt to any type of business and their individual needs. Marisel Cruz, the HR manager at AJN, has been using the Blue Cypress software for several years and recommends the software stating “The payroll software that was built by Keevy McAlavy is the most user-friendly software I have had the privilege to use. The functionality makes it very easy to maneuver your way around it. The best part of this payroll system is that if you find a mistake, even after you have generated payroll, you can go back to that employee and make the corrections. The user interface makes it very easy to get around because it offers you the toolbar with the options to easily navigate payroll. I have used many different payroll software programs, and this one by far is the most user-friendly I’ve come across.”

Consistent face-to-face contact, first name relationships and attention to detail are the

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Kodi McMann and Orion McAlavy keys to success at Blue Cypress Payroll. “Blue Cypress is about keeping money and jobs in the community,” McAlavy stated. Blue Cypress has plans to roll out a geo-targeting application and a stand-alone software service in the next year.

A Special Offer

For businesses with fewer than ten employees, Blue Cypress is offering a $25 per week flat rate for their payroll services. This includes all taxes filed, computer time clock/ tips reporting (optional), phone-in employee hours, hand-delivered paychecks, Florida newhire reporting; W2, W4 and I9 forms handling; and a free Florida Labor Law poster.

In addition to this special, there is the option for businesses to add on basic bookkeeping at $100 per month. Those services include reconciling bank statements and up to three credit card statements, reconciling merchant accounts, review of monthly financial statements, and filing Florida sales tax each month. Blue Cypress will happily work with your existing accountant or CPA, as well.

Blue Cypress wants all of its customers— St. Pete’s small businesses—to succeed and keep the community vibrant. Contact Blue Cypress today if you’re interested in their Small Business Payroll Special. Call (727) 777-7306 or visit their website for more information at www.BlueCypressPayroll.com.

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news 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.

After years of planning, the Galaxy Hotel has finally broken ground at First Street and Third Avenue North. A site plan for the 11-story 92-room independent hotel was approved in 2010, yet permitting and financing issues prevented the project from ever getting off the ground. The owner and developer, Savni Bakrac, also owns the Ponce De Leon Hotel at 95 Central Avenue. Three blocks south of the future Galaxy Hotel sits the brand new 174-room Hyatt Place, which opened their doors in September.

Rawk Star Cafe, a popular raw vegan restaurant from Oldsmar, has announced plans to open a second location, in Downtown St. Pete, early next year. Buildout is currently underway at 740 Central Avenue in between the Chihuly Collection and the St. Pete Sculpture Museum, which is also presently under construction.

Rawk Star Cafe is excited to offer the downtown community their healthy and delicious food that give you energy and make you feel great from the inside out. Their menu features pizza, burgers, wraps, salads, smoothies, desserts, and more!

Last month, construction began on Icon St. Petersburg, a new apartment development, as portions of the Union Trust Co. building were demolished at 801 Central Avenue. The Related Group will incorporate part of the 1926 bank building into their plans to erect a 15-story 368-unit apartment complex on the site. The project includes over 30,000 square feet of ground-level commercial space, a courtyard and pool, and an amenity deck and clubhouse.

A parking garage containing over 600 spaces will also be constructed. A formal ground-breaking ceremony is scheduled to be held before the end of the year.

Downtown St. Pete is becoming a mecca for craft beer! Overflow Brewing Company will become the area’s seventh craft brewery once they start pouring in the first quarter of 2018.

Their spacious 2,760 square foot brewery and tasting room is currently under construction at 770 1st Avenue North, less than half a mile from Green Bench Brewing, Cycle Brewing, and St. Pete Brewing. Overflow Brewing will have a

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focus on sour beer, but will also brew a variety of styles including session IPAs, porters and stouts.

Once their doors open, be sure to try Origami Aircraft, a tea-infused berliner weisse brewed in collaboration with the Infused Tea Company, located on Beach Drive.

Trophy Fish, a new seafood restaurant, will be opening at 2060 Central Avenue in early 2018. The eatery is being developed by the partners behind Mandarin Hide, a trendy downtown bar that serves some of the best specialty cocktails St. Pete has to offer. Trophy Fish is described as a Gulf-to-table restaurant offering the freshest fish in St. Petersburg. The menu will revolve throughout the year to reflect the freshest catch. Trophy Fish hopes to create a fun, outdoor environment where patrons can gather at large community tables for delicious food and boat drinks.

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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Events

2016 MLK Day Parade. Photo by City of St. Petersburg

Holiday Special Downtown Tour

When: Tuesday, Dec 26th from 10 am - 11:30 am Where: In front of Mickey’s Cafe & Organics, 318 Central Ave. 33701 Cost: $10 Non-Member Take visiting family & friends on St. Petersburg Preservation’s Holiday Downtown walking tour. Led by SPP president and architectural historian, Emily Elwyn. Suitable for all ages, this leisurely tour will take you through some of downtown’s treasures. Reservations are strongly recommended. To register, visit www.stpetepreservation.org.

First Night St. Pete

When: Sunday, Dec 31st Trolleys run from 4:30 pm - 11:30 pm Where: Downtown St. Pete 33701 Cost: Advance Admission $12 for adults; $5 for children 6-12; 5 & under free Fun for all ages. Ring in the New Year with music, drama, games, comedy, lights, dance, fire, bubbles, stories, creative fun, fireworks and much more! Admission Buttons now available online and in local stores.

Visit www.firstnightstpete.com.

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Shuffleboard Beginners Boot Camp

When: Thursday, Jan 4th from 7 pm - 9 pm Where: 559 Mirror Lake Dr N, 33701 Cost: $10 for non-members Kick off 2018 by learning to shuffle! After a live, interactive demo, participants are invited to play while they learn. The group meets on the west side courts (behind the grandstand courts). Do not park in the two condo parking lots—they will tow. For info visit stpeteshuffle.com.

Second Saturday ArtWalk

When: Saturday, Jan 13th from 5 pm - 9 pm rain or shine Where: 40+ Galleries and Studios (see website for Printable Map) Cost: Free Trolley, Affordable Art Explore St. Petersburg’s five exciting arts districts: Waterfront Arts District, Central Arts District, The EDGE District, Grand Central District Association and Warehouse Arts District. Free parking available.

A trolley stops near each gallery every half hour. Download the map to plan your evening. Visit stpeteartsalliance.org/artwalk.

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MLK National Parade & Family Fun Day

When: Monday, Jan 15th from 11 am - 8 pm Where: Starting at the St Pete Pier ending at 1 Tropicana Dr, 33705 Cost: Free The nation’s longest-running parade honoring MLK will start at the St. Pete Pier at 11 am and end at 16th Street S. Enjoy a Family Fun Day at Tropicana Field featuring a kids zone, entertainment, an education drive, day of service programs and more from 2:30 pm - 8 pm. For more info, visit stpete.org/events.

Tampa Bay Furnishings 3rd Anniversary Event

When: Wednesday, Jan 17th from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Where: 3034 9th St N, 33704 Cost: Free Join Tampa Bay Furnishings as they celebrate their 3rd Anniversary.

Featuring Anton Berendsen of Artisan Restorations, friends, wine, hors d’ oeuvres and jazz music by Andrew McCoy with JazzPulse. Please RSVP by 1/1/2018, visit facebook.com/ events/1967292023486984/.

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