Green Bench Monthly Vol. 8, Issue 12, December 2023

VOL. 8, ISSUE 12, DECEMBER 2023

Green Bench Monthly

St. Pete’s Community Magazine

ARTicles: Concierge Art Consulting Services pg. 10 St. Pete History

"Go For Broke" pg. 6

American Stage Presents

Tales by Twilight pg. 12

Environment, Economics,

Energy – Oh My! pg. 14

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AMERICANSTAGE.ORG | 727 823-7529

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Publishers

Ashley & Tony Sica

Editor

Mary Jane Park

Contributors Suzanne Driscoll Emily Harris Monica Kile Lynn Waddell Brian Zucker

Photographers Kristina Holman Keith Kenney Chris Ryan

Cover Photo

22 IN THIS ISSUE 5

From the Bench

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“Go For Broke”: The Story of St. Petersburg’s Japanese-American Families in WWII

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People of St. Pete: Jorge Vidal

ARTicles Fine Art Galleries

by Chris Ryan

Contact

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

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10 ARTicles Fine Art Galleries: Specializing in Concierge Art Consulting Services 12 American Stage Presents Tales by Twilight: Experience Theatre in the Great Outdoors

GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM / DECEMBER 2023

14 Environment, Economics, Energy – Oh My! 17 Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services: Share the Gift of Love This Holiday Season 18 The Council of Neighborhood Associations (CONA): Registration Begins for Leadership Training 20 Downtown Developments 22 Events: Holiday Lights, Tours, & More!

Support Your Community Magazine.

Your contribution (of any amount!) helps ensure that we can continue to publish stories about St. Pete history, events, art, local business, and the non-profits that make this city special.

To become a community supporter, visit:

greenbenchmonthly.com/support For advertising info, email:

hello@greenbenchmonthly.com On behalf of everyone on our team, we thank you for reading GBM and wish you a merry and bright holiday season!

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.

DECEMBER 2023 / GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM

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WWII trainees, c1942, on Vinoy veranda.

Kimura family, c1942. The Kimura brothers served in Japanese-American unit in WWII. Photos courtesy of the St. Petersburg Museum of History

“Go For Broke:” St. Petersburg’s JapaneseAmerican Families in World War II

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

December 7, 1941. A day that lives in infamy.

The invasion of Pearl Harbor and the World War that followed forever changed the nation and the city of St. Petersburg. More than 120,000 soldiers would spend time training here, and many later returned to call St. Petersburg home. Post-war technological advances would spur a building boom that increased St. Petersburg’s population by 87% in the 1950s, when some 47,000 houses were built in the city. Social, political, and economic conditions for women and African-American citizens would change drastically, too.

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Sailors marching in Central Ave parade, passing 1st St, c1942 WWII. Ponce de Leon Hotel at right.

There is another population of St. Petersburg that was greatly impacted by the attack on Pearl Harbor; one that is often overlooked in the story of that terrible day.

St. Petersburg’s Japanese Citizens

The day of the Pearl Harbor attack, there were 14 people of Japanese descent living in St. Petersburg; most of them born in Japan. Legally barred from obtaining U.S. citizenship because of nationality laws from 1790 and 1870, this small, tight-knit community had lived in St. Petersburg for decades. They worked in a variety of occupations, from truck farming to owning a popular gift shop and restaurant. They were stunned by the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Many of these Japanese-American residents rushed to enlist along with their American-born peers. The St. Petersburg Times reported that Taizo Sone, the owner of the wildly popular “Sone’s Unusual Gifts” on First Avenue N, “was among the first to register and he appeared more eager—if that were possible—than the native born.” (While Sone was too old to fight, he would have been well prepared: He was a world-class Judo practitioner and became a renowned Judo instructor after the war.)

Kimura brothers in WW II Japanese Co. H., 100 Bn., 442 Combat Team. c1942

Decorated Soldiers

Three other Japanese-Americans who were young enough to fight came from the Kimura family, who had settled in St. Petersburg in 1923, becoming well-known farmers in the Goose Pond area (swampy land in the middle of the city that was later filled and converted into the Central Plaza shopping center in 1953).

Earl, Herbert, and Eugene Kimura served in the segregated Japanese-American unit of the 100th Infantry Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team, known as the “Go For Broke” unit. Herbert earned a combat infantry badge in 1945 after a battle in Italy, Eugene was decorated with three Bronze Stars, and all of the brothers were awarded (some posthumously) the Congressional Gold Medal, given collectively to the 100th/442nd in 2011 for exemplary service during the war. It remains the most decorated unit for its size and length of service in the history of the U.S. military.

Suspicion and Discrimination

The Kimuras served their country in the face of palpable discrimination at home. Soon after the Pearl Harbor attack, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed an executive order that led to the internment of more than 100,000 Japanese-Americans in camps on the West Coast. Nationwide, fear and suspicion of Japanese residents led to increased scrutiny of their businesses and personal lives.

In St. Petersburg, on Dec. 9, just two days after the invasion of Pearl Harbor, Sone’s Unusual Gifts and the popular Nikko Inn Japanese restaurant near the Ponce de Leon Hotel on Central Avenue were raided by local police under what they called the “trade emergency act of Congress.” Cash was seized from both businesses and the doors padlocked. They were allowed to reopen only under tight supervision.

President Barack Obama and his guests applaud after signing a bill granting the Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II, in the Oval Office. Official White House photo by Pete Souza. Public Domain.

The intense scrutiny following the raid on the Nikko Inn led to an audit and eventual tax evasion charges for the restaurant’s owners, who were convicted in 1943. Both men served a year in prison, and one was held in a Japanese Internment camp in Arkansas for the duration of the war. The other, Shinyu Noro, later returned to St. Petersburg and lived a long life with his wife, Iso Noro, a beloved figure in the city, famous for her performances of traditional Japanese dance. In later newspaper interviews, Iso spoke lovingly of her adopted country and St. Petersburg, never mentioning the difficult war years.

An American Citizen at Last

Likewise, Sangore Hatanka, a resident of St. Petersburg since 1935, was eager to embrace his adopted country when revised naturalization laws allowed him to do so. Originally a produce farmer in the Goose Pond, Hatanka later owned a yarn store in the same building as Sone’s Gift Shop. (Sone purchased the entire building at 240 First Ave. N after the war.) In 1953, Hatanka proudly boasted that he was the first Japaneseborn person to become an American citizen since 1850. Or so he thought.

When a newspaper reporter called the immigration office to confirm this statistic, they learned a Seattle resident had attained citizenship a few months earlier.

The experiences of St. Petersburg’s Japanese-American families during World War II are just one glimpse of the sacrifices that Americans made. In the face of suspicion and wartime fear, St. Petersburg’s Japanese residents grew Victory Gardens, bought war bonds, and sent their sons to fight with patriotism equal to that of their neighbors. In the post-war years, they continued to have prominent connections in the growing city. At age 92, and getting frail, Iso Noro reluctantly returned to Japan in 1990 to live with her son. As she departed she told the St. Petersburg Times, “This is the best country in the world. Maybe you don’t know.”

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Big Apple Bound

He loved St. Petersburg, but his then girlfriend was studying fashion design in New York City. He was shopping his resume to New York galleries and museums, when a friend who worked for the famous fashion designer Betsey Johnson asked him to temporarily fill in for her. “It was a very collegial atmosphere; celebrities were coming in and out the door, and there were parties we were going to all the time. So, it was a very exciting place.”

Within months, the temporary gig turned into a full-time job, and he became a sales executive with a rich territory. He also learned creative management. “Betsey really relied on what was happening on the streets, and young people had a voice in those meetings,” Vidal says. “It was an early management lesson. Something I try to work towards because we should be listening to each other.”

Photo by Keith Kenney

People of St. Pete: If and Only If Jorge Vidal

By Lynn Waddell

St. Pete is celebrated for its fabulous weather, beautiful vistas, worldclass 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.

With a keen eye and passion for art, Jorge Vidal for years has helped keep the walls of St. Petersburg’s museums and galleries fresh and fascinating.

These days you’ll find the vivacious Vidal at Florida CraftArt planning exhibits, organizing the annual Florida CraftArt Festival, and juggling a host of other tasks that keep the downtown art space running year round. Vidal took the reins as executive director at the venerable statewide non-profit in July.

St. Pete Son

Vidal’s is a hometown art success story. His mother, a former docent at St. Petersburg’s Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), brought him and his youngest sister to the museum every Sunday when they were children.

Today, he and his youngest sister work for arts organizations.

As a child, he loved creating things. “I would spend hours folding paper and making just weird little objects that I found at home,” Vidal says.

“I definitely realized that shift that happens when you are working on a project you are fulfilled by and that time stands still.”

After graduating from St. Petersburg Catholic High School, Vidal studied visual arts at Eckerd College and interned at the MFA. By age 22, he had a good understanding of the components of an art exhibition.

After four years in New York, Vidal and his then-girlfriend returned to St. Petersburg. Having experience in fashion, they opened a small boutique, If and Only If, on Fourth Street N. The shop sold an eclectic collection of designer clothing, jewelry and gifts. “It was small, but we wanted to make it an experience,” Vidal says. “That was before social media. We were always poring over magazines to see what people were wearing. We’d go to the market and find people making weird great inspired stuff.”

Vidal, an effervescent raconteur, assisted customers who soon became his friends. Business bloomed, and the couple opened a second store, a gift shop, Bossanova in downtown.

Meanwhile, Vidal had also developed a side business hanging installations and coordinating shows for area museums including the MFA, the Dali, Florida International Museum, and the Gulf Coast Museum.

St. Pete Folly

In the midst of the Great Recession, Vidal and his now ex-wife closed their two shops, and he started working full-time in the arts. He has been the director of exhibitions and retail at the Morean Arts Center and was integral to the development of the Chihuly Collection galleries.

He worked as the director and curator for the Duncan McClellan Gallery. At the MFA he was senior manager of special projects and curated successful exhibitions such as “Jewels of the Imagination,” which featured the jewelry art of Jean Schlumberger.

Now running the show at Florida CraftArt, he’s in the midst of the holiday retail event “Unwrapped: Handmade Holidays.” He also is preparing for a January exhibition with Tibetan monks who will create a Sacred Sand Mandala.

When he’s not working, Vidal enjoys the quirkiness of St. Petersburg with his family. “I have always felt we have a fantastic town and architecture like garden follies. We have a Fountain of Youth, a weird baseball past, Al Capone, all this weird history. And the other thing I love about it is that it’s home.”

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Leslie Curran, founder of ARTicles Gallery. Photos by Chris Ryan

ARTicles Fine Art Galleries: Specializing in Concierge Art Consulting Services

By Suzanne Driscoll

If you are searching for unique picture frames and a great selection of original paintings, sculpture, mixed media and jewelry, look no further than the ARTicles gallery founded by Leslie Curran. A lifelong resident of St. Pete, Curran has been providing fine art selection and framing services for over 40 years.

“We are a full-service gallery that offers expert frame design as well as concierge services including pickup, delivery and installation.” she says. “We want to assist both businesses and residents with building a collection, and offer home or corporate visits to help in the selection of the artworks that suit your space. We also allow clients to try it in their setting for a couple of days to make sure it is right for you.”

Curran’s gallery has a contemporary flair, and she works with over 40 mid-career artists both local and from around the world. “I look at an artist’s body of work and resumé and am interested in art that will show well and pique the interest of a variety of art lovers.”

There is something for everyone here, with prices that range from

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$20 to $20,000. Payment plans can be arranged to purchase a work of art that you simply can’t live without. Extensive referral services are available for expert designers, restorers, fabricators, and artists with whom Curran has worked for many years. For those who are unable to visit the gallery, there is a large online selection.

Frames Make Your Art Stand Out

ARTicles offers hundreds of framing materials. Ranging from wood to metal to lacquer, they also include a line of colorful acrylics made by Prisma that you won’t find anywhere else in the area. Assisted by frame designer Aiyana Taylor and framer Sarah Walker, Curran will work with you to find the perfect frame.

A 20 percent discount is offered to all artists who wish to have their own works framed. Curran advises anyone who needs to have artwork framed during the busy holiday season to get their orders in early and allow at least four weeks for completion.

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Special Exhibitions

You won’t want to miss the special exhibitions now on display at the gallery. St. Petersburg artist Cecilia Lueza, who is also known for her striking mural art, creates three-dimensional works by assembling small painted objects that float elegantly on the wall suspended in an aura of joy and mystery. “Robbie Acts Up” which opened Nov. 10, features Denis Gaston’s mixed-media paintings and drawings that reflect his spontaneous style inspired by many world cultural traditions. Ceramic artist Eric Doctors offers sculptures that weave ideas together across a multitude of disciplines including math, physics, anthropology, and storytelling.

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ARTicles is at 1234 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. in Historic Uptown

Curran hopes for more concerted efforts from the city of St Petersburg and Visit St Pete/Clearwater to increase awareness of the local art scene. When asked what artists need to sell their artwork and prosper, the answer is always buyers, she says. “You don’t have to go to Atlanta, New York, or Miami for great art.”

ARTicles is at 1234 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. in the Historic Uptown arts district of St. Pete. For more information or to shop online, please visit – or call (727) 898-6061.

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Tales by Twilight Director, Anthony Grevais, and Producing Artistic Director, Helen R. Murray. Photos by Chris Ryan

American Stage Presents Tales by Twilight: Experience Theatre in the Great Outdoors

By Suzanne Driscoll

What better way to have a live theater experience than to go out into the woods to hear stories that stretch across the trails? Mark your calendar for Jan. 11 through Feb. 25, 2024, when American Stage will present “Tales by Twilight” at the Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Attendees won’t just sit back in an outdoor theater – they also will hike through an

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easy three-quarter mile trail to hear various parts of a play presented by six professional actors.

The idea for “Tales by Twilight” came about when “We were considering different places to stage a performance in order to engage more people in a live theater event,” producing artistic director Helen Murray says. “We approached the Boyd Hill organization, and they have been so supportive and enthusiastic.”

The performance will feature a selection of three pre-existing plays whose stories embody Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Each will run for two to three weeks, so you may want to return several times. One is a “spooky tale on the trail,” another works in harmony with nature, and the third is geared toward children. All take place during the early evening hours.

Staging a play in the woods presented some unique challenges.

“We had to make sure we will not be upsetting the natural state of the Boyd Hill Preserve,” Murray says. “For example, the lighting had to be designed so it won’t disturb the creatures who live there.”

Tickets are $33 for adults and free for anyone younger than 20.

“All of our American Stage shows except for ‘Beauty and the Beast’ qualify for our free Under 20 program,” Murray says. “I promise this will be a wild and cool event!”

Tales by Twilight run from Jan. 11 - Feb. 25.

Preorder tickets now at americanstage.org

More Upcoming Shows

There is still time to catch “acts of faith,” which runs from Nov. 21 through Dec. 17 at the American Stage Theatre. It follows a young woman who gets mistaken for a prophet and begins using her “gift” to right wrongs and punish the wicked. “The Chinese Lady” will run from Jan. 31 through Feb. 25. The story of the first Chinese woman to immigrate to the United States, it is told with winking humor and forthrightness and follows the life of 14-year-old Afong Moy, who was immediately put on display for a paying public once she arrived in New York.

Bring the entire family to “Beauty and the Beast,” to be presented April 3 through May 5. It is the annual outdoor performance in Demens Landing Park. Another new location this season will be at Jannus Live, when “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” will run from May 15 through June 16. This darkly humorous self-love story, powered by a live band, rock music and hard-hitting lyrics, explores gender identity, acceptance and the freedom to be whoever you want to be. “The Figs” rounds up the season from July 10 through August 4 and may feel like “the ‘Shrek’ universe on an acid trip.” It’s a story of kindness and what we’ll sacrifice for love.

Why not join in the fun and sign up for classes at the American Stage Drama School? Offered for those 5 years old through adulthood, the second semester begins in January with a variety of classes for all ability levels.

“We hope everyone will take advantage of the unique experiences you will always find at the American Stage,” Murray says.

“Tales by Twilight” runs Thursdays through Sundays at 6 and 8 p.m. from Jan. 11 through Feb. 25, 2024. Pre-order tickets at AmericanStage.org or call (727) 823-7529. Boyd Hill is at 1101 Country Club Way S in St. Pete.

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Environment, Economics, Energy – Oh My!

By Suzanne Driscoll

Tackling the climate crisis requires strategic approaches, and the Environmental Defense Fund focuses on bringing science and economics to the forefront to find pragmatic solutions. Protecting Florida’s environment and economy by making changes to improve our energy infrastructure toward a more independent state requires all hands on deck. “State-level policy change requires action from the ground up, and Floridians have shown more bipartisan support for climate solutions than any other state,” said Dawn Shirreffs, EDF’s Florida director. “The progress we make here is a really important tool for eliminating partisan politics from climate solutions.”

Population and Pollution

Did you know that Florida is a top state for both population and pollution? Being the third-highest populated state in the country, as well as the only tropical peninsula, Florida is at the forefront of economic and environmental action. The EDF’s Florida team is working to address some of the biggest threats to economic and climate safety in the state, including energy security through movements promoting energy efficiency, solar power, and an overall stronger home-grown energy portfolio.

Transportation makes up more than half of Florida’s greenhouse gas emissions. EDF is working to transform our transportation systems by converting government-funded fleets from gas to electric or hybrid vehicles. The potential financial impact would be an estimated $8

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Dawn Shirreffs, Environmental Defense Fund’s Florida director Photo by Keith Kenney

billion in taxpayers cost savings. Florida school boards already have started to work with a recent federal grant of $5.5 billion to transition to electric school buses, providing positive impacts on children’s health, school budgets, and the state’s fuel emissions.

Diversifying Our Energy

A huge area of importance is reducing overreliance on fossil fuels for electricity. Approximately 75% of Florida’s energy is supplied by fossil fuels imported from out of state, creating a vulnerable situation for residents and businesses who spend $5 billion yearly on these fuel imports, and are at the mercy of wavering global demand and volatile price increases. Recent hurricanes and heat waves have showcased how dependence on natural gas plants can leave millions of homes and businesses without electricity. These impacts have been felt intimately by millions of Florida residents as homeowners’ insurance and energy bills have risen dramatically in recent years.

As our population increases demand, policies that promote energy efficiency and diversifying our energy supply throughout the state are needed to lower costs, improve reliability, and improve air quality.

Protecting Florida for the Future

Florida already is experiencing the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, flooding, and increasingly severe hurricanes.

More than one-third of Florida properties face severe flood risk over the next 30 years. EDF focuses on reducing climate pollution while also advocating for nature-based resilience adaptation solutions that offer the most cost-effective protections for at-risk communities, businesses, and ecosystems.

Shirreffs emphasized the state’s influence on the rest of the country.

“Florida has shown that our communities lead with the solutions they know they need…which really speaks to the importance of Florida being a trendsetter nationally for climate solutions,” she said. Stay up to date with economic cost analyses, environmental reports, and information about new programs by heading over to letstackleclimatechangeflorida.com.

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Donate a gift to those who might otherwise have to go without, visit gulfcoastjewishfamilyandcommunityservices.org/holidays/

Gulf Coast Jewish Family & Community Services: Share the Gift of Love This Holiday Season

By Suzanne Driscoll

Many charitable organizations ask for toy donations this holiday season, and the local Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services (JFCS) hopes you will include them by contributing to the “Be Their Magic Holiday Drive” for local children in need.

Gulf Coast JFCS has been serving Florida residents since 1960.

Over 600 employees in 41 Florida counties support more than 37,000 people every year. Services include behavioral health support, children and family services, adoption support, refugee help, and food and rent assistance. Since 1974, the organization has been nondenominational and serves clients from every religion and culture. Only their clients receive the holiday gifts, so you can be assured they are truly in need.

The second way is to host an Angel Tree. You set up a small tree with your friends and family or a community organization, and Gulf Coast JFCS offers a list of children with their ages and desired gifts. Or you can find many trees at a variety of businesses throughout the Tampa Bay area where you can select a name and deliver a gift to that organization. To make it even easier, visit the Gulf Coast JFCS website (see below), select an age group, and then choose from a list of suggested gifts they have posted on Amazon.

All gifts must be delivered to Gulf Coast JFCS by Dec. 15.

Since not all children receive gifts from either of these two programs, cash donations are welcome so the staff can fill in any gaps. You can be assured that when you click on the Donate Now button on their holiday website that the money will go toward gifts for children and will not be used for other purposes.

Communications manager Hana Cowart has been with the JFCS organization for many years. “Our staff deliver these toys and see the smiles on the faces of parents who know they won’t have to worry about how to make the holidays happen,’ she says. “That’s what community is all about.”

For more info, visit gulfcoastjewishfamilyandcommunityservices. org/holidays/, call Helen Amburgey at (727) 479-1805 or email Holidays@gcjfcs.org.

Be Their Magic: Easy Ways to Donate

There are three opportunities to donate gifts to those who might otherwise have to go without. The first is the Holiday Bazaar, an annual free shopping event where donated toys, clothing, hygiene products, winter holiday packaged foods and gift cards are available for any Gulf Coast JFCS client in need. They simply make an appointment and then privately select two to three items. You can drop off any unwrapped items at the Gulf Coast JFCS located at 14041 Icot Blvd. in Clearwater from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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A previous class volunteered with the city's N-Team to help paint a home of a neighbor in need. Photos courtesy of the CONA Leadership Program

The Council of Neighborhood Associations (CONA): Register for Leadership Training

By Suzanne Driscoll

One of the great aspects of living in St. Pete is all the wonderful neighborhoods. Each has distinctive characteristics, and residents have formed official neighborhood associations to protect, improve and promote their areas of the city. The Council of Neighborhood Associations (CONA) has been working since 1955 to provide education and training for the leaders of these organizations so they can effectively continue this important work.

Karen Carmichael is the current president of the Downtown Neighborhood Association and serves as the CONA chair of the leadership committee. She brings years of experience as a former school administrator in New York City and a Pinellas County educator. With two master’s degrees from the University of South Florida, she also took part in a leadership academy in New York.

“CONA leadership training is a great opportunity to learn how

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the city works, with an added bonus of making good friends with those who hold similar positions in their neighborhood associations,” Carmichael said.

Valuable Information for Any Neighborhood

A typical training course involves many educational as well as fun activities. Meetings start with a light dinner, and at one of the sessions there will be presentations from the mayor and the City Council chairperson at City Hall. Class members will be given a case study, and they then choose roles to play as members of the Development Review Commission or as a neighborhood association member who supports or opposes a new structure. Other classes will discuss bylaws, Robert's Rules of Order, and agendas. There will be presentations from city departments regarding sanitation, planning and development, transportation, parks and leisure, public works, sustainability, and diversity and inclusion. Public safety issues will be addressed at a meeting at the police station on 1301 First Ave N. “It’s particularly important to learn how the Development Review Commission and other quasi-judicial government bodies make decisions and how you can influence them,” Carmichael said.

Another crucial part of the training is how to use marketing and social media effectively to promote your neighborhood, get the word out about issues, increase membership support, and move your cause to action.

At the end of the course, there is a bus tour of historic St. Pete and a celebration dinner at the Hangar restaurant where a celebrity speaker is featured. Last year, Kerry Kriseman spoke about her book, Accidental First Lady: On the Front Lines (and Behind the Scenes) of Local Politics.

Sessions include a quasi-judicial hearing and presentations at City Hall

2023 CONA Leadership Graduates

A five-year reunion was organized recently to continue the sense of community among all the program graduates. In addition, volunteers work on charitable projects.

Sign Up for the Next Training Session

The next leadership training session starts on Jan. 22, 2024, and runs through April 29. This year’s tuition is $170; the first 20 people who register will receive a $20 credit. Scholarships are available for associations with limited funds, thanks to generous donations from sponsors and other neighborhood associations. Registration ends Dec. 30.

CONA is grateful to past sponsors, which include Duke Energy, the Police Forfeiture Grant Fund, and the Tampa Bay Rays/Tampa Bay Rowdies Foundation. If you would like to help with this important work, sponsorship information and an application form can be found at https://stpetecona.org/cona-leadership/leadership-programinformation.

Kevin Batdorf, president of the Shore Acres Civic Association, said he found the leadership training to be useful in his current role.

“The program provides in-depth information and training on how civic associations function and interact with the various departments of the City of St. Petersburg,” he said. “ The information provided and contacts made during the program are invaluable to operating and leading a successful neighborhood organization. I highly recommend this program to future and current neighborhood association leaders.”

For information about CONA or to register for the next training session, please visit www.StPeteCONA.org or email leadership@ stpetecona.org.

DECEMBER 2023 / GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM

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Pour and Decor is coming soon to 2210 Central Ave, Grand Central District

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.

Pour and Decor is coming soon to 2210 Central Avenue in the Grand Central District. The new shop will be one part coffee bar and one part home decor boutique, with a small art and furniture gallery located in the back. Pour & Decor is owned by Gabrielle Cuccaro, whose parents own the popular Mazzaro's Italian Market. The coffee shop part of Pour and Decor will offer all your favorite espresso-based beverages using beans roasted by Mazzaro’s, which just won Best Coffee Roaster at this year’s Best of the Bay Awards. The cafe will also feature a small breakfast menu including a selection of pastries, breakfast toasts, bowls, and other quick healthy choices. The “decor” side of Pour and Decor will offer a wide selection of gifts for both men and women including wedding, birthday, showers, and seasonal items. Pour and Decor hopes to open by the end of the year.

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A 25-story condo-hotel proposed for 344 4th Street South in downtown

Plans have been revealed for a 25-story condo-hotel proposed for 344 4th Street South in downtown St. Pete. The building, which will be developed by Clearwater-based Valor Capital, will reach a height of 325feet and will contain 152 dwelling units or hotel units along with 4,893 square feet of commercial space and a 130-space parking garage. A sky bar is proposed for the rooftop. The building will function as a condo-hotel, with some of the units being occupied by long-term residents while others may be used as short-term rentals. Pricing and a construction timeline for the development has not been announced.

COhatch is now open at 15 8th Street North in downtown

The Rays and Hines propose to construct an affordable apartment building at 1659 3rd Avenue South

COhatch, a co-working space, is now open at 15 8th Street North in downtown St. Pete. Located in the historic Harlan Hotel, COhatch offers over 14,000 square feet of co-work space, private offices, and meeting rooms. Best of all, members get discounts at local businesses, access to networking events, complimentary WiFi, and unlimited tea, coffee, wine, and beer. King State, a Tampa-based coffee roaster and brewery, will be opening soon on the ground floor by the end of the year.

Last month, St. Pete City Council approved funding to construct Fairfield Apartments, a 264-unit affordable housing development at 31st Street South and Fairfield Avenue near the Warehouse Arts District.

Community amenities include three computer labs, a community room with a kitchen, bike pavilions with bike repair stations, a community pool, a playground, and picnic and barbecue areas. Construction is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2024 and will wrap up in late 2025.

The Rays and Hines, which were jointly selected to redevelop the 86-acre Historic Gas Plant District site, have submitted an unsolicited proposal to the City of St. Pete to lease a 0.58-acre property at 1659 3rd Avenue South with plans to construct an affordable apartment building.

The project would contain a minimum of 80 units, 2,500 square feet of retail space, and 42 surface parking spaces. The apartments would be income-restricted, catering to households making less than 100% of the Average Median Income (AMI). If the City accepts the unsolicited offer, the Rays and Hines expect to break ground sometime between 2025 and 2027.

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

DECEMBER 2023 / GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM

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DECEMBER 2023

EVENTS Holiday Lights & Displays

When: through Jan 1 Where: North Straub Park, South Straub Park, Pioneer Park, and the St. Pete Pier Cost: FREE Take a stroll along the waterfront to see thousands of holiday lights and decorations. Don’t miss the giant greeting card display along Bayshore Dr. at Vinoy Park made by local teens and participants from St. Petersburg’s recreation centers. stpeteparksrec.org

Holiday Movie in the Park

When: Saturday, Dec 9 starting at 6:30pm Where: Huggins-Stengel Sports Complex, 1320 5th St N Cost: Free Admission, parking is limited Enjoy holiday activities with family and friends, including photos with Santa and friends and holiday arts & crafts. TASCO will be showing “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York”. stpeteparksrec.org

Santa in the Park When: Dec 9-10, 15-23 from 6pm - 9pm Where: North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Dr NE Cost: Free

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Enjoy a meet-and-greet with Santa in North Straub Park! Cameras welcomed. stpeteparksrec.org

ELF the Musical JR.

When: Wednesday, Dec 6 doors open at 5:30, show starts at 6pm Where: John Hopkins Middle School, 701 16th Street South Cost: $8 John Hopkins Theatre Magnet program presents Elf the Musical JR. Based on the beloved holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity.

Jhmsptsa.com

Snowfest is happening Saturday, Dec 2 at Straub Park.

Photo by City of St. Petersburg

food and beverages for purchase along with live seasonal music.

Tour guests will also enjoy beautiful holiday decorations as they journey from house to house. Purchase your tickets online. honna.org

Annual “Many Moods Of Christmas” Concert

When: Friday, Dec 15 at 7pm Where: First Presbyterian Church, 701 Beach Dr NE Cost: FREE Student musicians and dancers from the Pinellas County Center for the Arts join with the First Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir and community singers to continue this holiday tradition and support St. Pete Free Clinic. Celebrate the miracle of Christmas through this annual concert. fpcstpete.com

25th Annual Historic St. Pete Opera Holiday Sparkle Old Northeast When: Saturday, Dec 16 at 7:30pm Candlelight Tour of Homes When: Sunday, Dec 10 from 3pm - 8pm Where: Historic Old Northeast starting at Westminster Palms, 939 Beach Dr NE Cost: $35 Tour eight extraordinary houses, ranging in size from 3,000 to over 5,000 square feet, featuring historic, century old homes to new builds that mimic their historic neighbors.

A new addition to this year’s Silver Anniversary edition will be a “Refreshment Station” on Cherry Street NE that will offer Tour guests

GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM / DECEMBER 2023

& Sunday, Dec 17 at 2pm Where: The Palladium, 253 5th Ave N Cost: GA $20 & up Get ready to be swept away by the spirit of the season as our talented singers, accompanied by the joyful sounds of our brilliant orchestra, perform a wide array of holiday music, from the sacred to the popular and everything in between.

With stunning performances and a festive atmosphere, Holiday Sparkle is the perfect way to share the season’s joy with family and friends.

Stpeteopera.org

Body Talk!

When: Saturday, Dec 16 7pm - 9pm Where: The Body Electric, 3015 7th St N Cost: $18 True Stories brings live storytelling events to St. Pete, based on a theme.

For this special evening, BE cofounder/owner Jenny Miller will be the featured storyteller for “Body Talk,” an evening of stories about the body. YOU will be invited to tell

’s n o s a Se

Upcoming Concerts:

a story, too! Stories must be true and told in less than 5 minutes. thebodyelectricyoga.com

Winter in the ‘wood

When: Sunday, Dec 17 Noon - 5pm Where: Seminole Park, 2900 3rd Ave N Cost: Free Admission A quaint winter festival with exhibits and performances by enclave artists, activities for children and adults, a visit by Santa, delicious food, live music, and so much more. Find unique and handmade gifts during this last-minute holiday shopping opportunity from even more hyperlocal arts & crafts vendors than last year! kenwoodartistenclase.org

6th Annual Boston Tea Party, Boston Terrier Pet Walk

When: Sunday, Dec 17 2pm - 4pm Where: Pioneer Park, 50-98 Bayshore Dr SE Cost: Dog Food Donations accepted (unopened bags, preferably Science Diet) Join us, for the love of Boston Terriers and meet other Boston Terrier owners. Gather at Pioneer Park before heading out along Beach Dr. Please follow all applicable leash laws. Other breed siblings are welcome. Rain or Shine Event. jimnixon727@gmail.com

St. Thomas’ Christmas Eve Service

When: Sunday, Dec 24 Where: St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, 1200 Snell Isle Blvd NE

Cost: Free Family service from 5pm-7pm.

Candle Light Service from 9-10pm. stthomasstpete.org

14th Annual Swingin’ The New Year

When: Sunday, Dec 31 7:30pm - Monday, Jan 1 1am Where: St. Petersburg Coliseum, 535 4th Ave N Cost: $50 Live music with the famous Mitch Woods and His Rocket 88”s.

Swing dance lessons, midnight countdown, party gavors, dance performances, photo shoot, full bar, and more! Dress to impress!

All ages. newyearswing.com

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Dec 2 - Matinee added

Handel’s Messiah Dec 8 & 9

Holiday Pops Dec 15 - 17

Holiday Brass

New!

$20 Kid s Tickets

Dec 7, 9 &10

Support your Florida Orchestra today FloridaOrchestra.org/donate

Making Waves in Tampa Bay FloridaOrchestra.org | 727.892.3337 |

From Far East to West: The Chinese American Frontier

When: on display through Jan. 28, open daily 10am - 5pm Where: The James Museum, 150 Central Ave Cost: GA $23 Immerse yourself in stories of resiliency and self-determination.

This groundbreaking exhibition immerses visitors in a captivating journey through time, culture and identity, showcasing the remarkable history and contributions of early Chinese Americans in transforming the landscape and character of the American West. thejamesmuseum.org For more events, or to submit event info, visit greenbenchmonthly.com/events

DECEMBER 2023 / GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM

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