Green Bench Monthly Vol. 6, Issue 1, January 2021

VOL. 6, ISSUE 1, JANUARY 2021

Green Bench Monthly* St. Pete’s Community Magazine

TONY’S BIKE SHOP KEEPS ST. PETE RIDING pg. 12

St. Pete Brief

Entertainment History pg. 6

Pinellas Job Corps

Prepare to Succeed pg. 14

Mark Your Calendar

Virtual & Outdoor Events pg. 22

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8 20 Publishers Ashley & Tony Sica

Editor

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Mary Jane Park

Contributors Tina Stewart Brakebill Erin Cody Brian Zucker

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Photographers Brian Brakebill Kelly Nash

Cover Photo Tony Tulloh, owner of Tony’s Bike Shop Photo by Kelly Nash Photography

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

IN THIS ISSUE 4 From the Bench 6 From Band Stands to Dance Bands: A Brief Entertainment History

14 Pinellas Job Corps: Prepare to Succeed 16 Parks of St. Pete: Williams Park

8 People of St. Pete: Erin Blankenship

20 Downtown Developments

12 Tony’s Bike Shop Keeps St. Pete Riding

22 Events

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Nature at the pier. Photo by City of St. Petersburg

From the Bench A note from the Publishers Happy New Year, GBM readers! You may have noticed; it’s been a few months since our last issue. Like most small businesses, the effects of the pandemic have hit us hard. As an independent publication, we operate 100% on community support. Without that, we cannot publish this magazine. With many thanks to our advertisers and readers, we were able to print this issue. You can help ensure that we continue to put out your favorite (we hope) local magazine by supporting the local businesses and organizations that advertise with us—make sure to tell them GBM sent you! If you prefer to help us more directly (you’re amazing!), visit greenbenchmonthly. com/support.

It may be a new year, but we still face the same issues: trying to stay healthy and make sure the local businesses and organizations we love stay open—see performing arts and entertainment. That is why we are taking a brief look back at the history of entertainment in St. Pete (pg. 6) and looking forward to safe and socially distanced

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ways to enjoy local events and performances (pg. 22).

We encourage you to get outdoors (pg. 16), wear a mask, and support a local business or two, or ten if you can. We love you St. Pete. Stay healthy!

Till next time, Tony and Ashley Sica Publishers / Owners

hello@greenbenchmonthly.com

*All are welcome on this bench.

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

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

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Band shell Williams Park, St. Petersburg, Fla. 1900 (circa). Postcard Collection. Courtesy of Florida Memory State Library and Archives

From Band Stands to Dance Bands: A Brief Entertainment History

By Tina Stewart Brakebill By the 1890s, St. Petersburg was a bustling community of nearly 1,600 people, and although the sun and the sea offered opportunities for sport and relaxation, people increasingly looked inland for new entertainment choices.

“Keep on the Sunny Side” By 1895, City Park (later renamed Williams Park, for city cofounder John Constantine Williams Sr.) served that role. Its newly tamed green spaces along with walkways, benches, and a bandstand provided the perfect venue where white locals and tourists could stroll, listen to weekly concerts or speakers, play horseshoes (or chess, checkers, and dominoes), and enjoy the beautiful weather. The 20th century’s growing population gave rise to a desire for “higher” culture. Armistead’s Opera House answered that call. Considered the social center of town, it drew patrons who donned their most elegant attire (purchased, perhaps, from J.C. Williams’ fine-goods store) to enjoy the opera’s many productions. Of course, not everyone sought higher culture. Mixing a bit of Florida kitsch with the excitement of new technology provided another option: William “Alligator Man” Carpenter’s Royal Palm Theater. Carpenter opened the town’s first “moving picture” house in 1905. He also kept a caged alligator in front of the adjoining gift shop, where for 10 years he sold live alligators and other curiosities.

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“Hail, Hail, the Gang’s All Here” By 1915, the Royal Palm (which would close in 1916) faced serious competition. Silent films had become the No. 1 entertainment choice, and theaters like the Star, Grand, and Rex responded with abundant options. As the St. Petersburg Times noted, in the week before Christmas 1915, patrons could choose from a wide variety of “high-class photoplays,” including Mary Pickford’s Madame Butterfly at the Star Theater and the four-part film The Reward at the Rex, “graphically portraying a girl’s struggle against poverty and the Easiest Way.” As popular as movies were, live entertainment still attracted patrons. For them, La Plaza Theatre may have been St. Petersburg’s most exciting addition.

Built in 1913, with a seating capacity of 1,800 people (in a town of only 7,000), the Mediterranean Revival-style building was dubbed “(George) Gandy’s White Elephant” until its success erased doubts.

Opening with the Royal Italian Company’s Il Trovatore, it continued to offer a wide variety of live performances until converting to a movie theater in the 1920s. Not all of its offerings were such “high” culture, however; only two weeks after its grand opening, La Plaza featured the Honey Boy Minstrels (a troupe comprised of “sixty corkers,” a slang term for “blackface”), which were “guaranteed to entertain any man alive and his wife and his daughters and his sisters and brothers.” A timely reminder that even though La Plaza was the only theater in town that allowed Black patrons, albeit segregated in the balcony, Jim

The La Plaza. Courtesy of St. Petersburg Museum of History

Crow-style racism was firmly established by the beginning of the Great War.

“Ain’t We Got Fun?” World War I and a global pandemic overshadowed much merriment, but by 1920, happy days were here again! The roar of the 1920s brought a dizzying array of entertainment options, and the newly built Florida Theatre may have been the best ticket in town.

Described as a “Castle in Spain come true!” it featured 2,300 seats, 2,000 lights, nine dressing rooms, and the “exuberant flamboyance” of imported Spanish art. Plus it was air-conditioned, a first for St. Pete! But for some, sitting in a theater (even a cool one) just didn’t fit their recipe for fun. They wanted to move. And places like the open-air ballroom at the new Million Dollar Pier and the extravagant Coliseum answered that call. Receiving rave reviews as St. Petersburg’s “Premier Play Palace,” the Coliseum offered an 1,800-square-foot dance floor and seating capacity for more than 4,000 patrons. Hosting popular touring bands led by Benny Goodman, Guy Lombardo, and Cab Calloway, the Coliseum was a hit. Like most other venues in town, its “whites only” policy for patrons was strictly enforced.

In response to this pervasive segregation, Elder Jordan opened the Manhattan Casino (originally called Jordan Hall) in 1925. Serving as a cultural and social center for the African American community, this dance hall attracted an astounding level of talent during its heyday, including B.B. King, Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles, Duke Ellington, and Little Richard.

For some, the 1920s also signaled a growing “flirtation with decadence,” as one historian described it. Thanks to lax local enforcement, Prohibition didn’t stop revelers from adding liquor to their pursuit of pleasure. Local bootleggers made sure that the dance halls and local nightclubs like the Gangplank in the Jungle area and Spanish Bob’s on the Snell Arcade rooftop were well-supplied. As the 1920s roared, it looked as if the fun would never stop.

“Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off” The Great Depression that began in 1929 and World War II did lower that roar. The midcentury advent of television and home air-conditioning units changed the entertainment landscape, as did expanding suburbanization and decreasing segregation. One by one, once-popular spots went dark. By the end of the 1960s, even mainstays such La Plaza, the Florida Theatre, and the Manhattan Casino had shut their doors. In the 50 years since, St. Petersburg has boomed, gone bust, and boomed again. Throughout that halfcentury, a myriad of spots fought for entertainment dollars as one thing remained constant: St. Pete liked to have fun!

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Photo by Brian Brakebill

People of St Pete: Erin Blankenship

Museum, where she could apply her knowledge of both art and history. She’s been busy in the 20 years since. She and her husband, Noah, have two sons, Aidan and Liam. In her limited free time she skates as “Time Bomb Bettie” for the Revolution Roller Derby Club.

By Tina Stewart Brakebill

Preserving Stories. Telling Stories.

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, Green Bench Monthly shines a light on one of the many people that make St. Pete unique.

This month we are shining that spotlight on the Erin Blankenship, deputy director at the Florida Holocaust Museum. She began her career at the museum as registrar and assistant curator before earning her graduate degree in museum studies and rising through the ranks to curator of exhibitions and collections, then director of collections. She became deputy director in November. Blankenship’s range of responsibilities has expanded, but she still sees her main job — her passion — as making sure that the stories of the Holocaust are preserved, protected, and shared.

From the Canadian border to the Gulf Coast Born in Long Island and raised in the small town of Fort Fairfield, Maine (directly across the border from New Brunswick, Canada), Blankenship knew that someday she wanted to relocate. That opportunity came when her mother accepted a job in St. Petersburg. Blankenship transferred from the University of Maine at Presque Isle to the sunny (and warm!) campus of the University of South Florida, where she was able to pursue her recently discovered passion for art history.

Soon after graduation, she joined the team at the Florida Holocaust

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From her earliest days as registrar to her current position as deputy director, Blankenship has focused on this primary purpose: preserving and sharing the stories of the Holocaust. This practice includes gathering representative artistic works, processing artifacts, preserving ephemera, documenting first-hand accounts, and deciding how to best exhibit these materials to tell the stories of the Holocaust. Asked about the most meaningful part of her work, she answered: “Interacting with survivors and their families. They have lived through almost unspeakable horrors, yet they are still good people filled with joy.” Her connections with them have changed her life for the better, she said. Witnessing the effect the first-hand survivor stories have on museum visitors, especially schoolchildren, she knows their lives also are transformed.

Remembering the Past.

Blankenship is grateful she is able to play a part in the museum’s mission to help preserve and tell the stories of the Holocaust and its survivors. On Jan. 27, the museum will honor International Holocaust Remembrance Day by offering free admission, with time-ticketed reservations. As of this writing, the Florida Holocaust Museum is once again open to the general public on weekends (Friday through Sunday) with time-ticketed reservations. Please visit www.flholocaustmuseum. org for more information about tickets or the many online learning offerings, including docent-led virtual tours and Zoom visits with survivors.

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

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

Moving Out of State?

It’s no secret: the local housing market is booming and homes are under contract in 7 days or less. Our state welcomes 950 new inhabitants DAILY; many of whom are escaping high taxes and strict Covid protocols in the northeast.

What isn’t being reported: this influx of north easterners has caused new trends among longtime local homeowners. Big Man’s Moving Company explains, “Since Covid started, we have had a tremendous increase in out-of-state moves; locals moving to the mountains of North Carolina, Tennessee, northern Georgia, and South Carolina for less traffic and more space to social distance. The most popular destination is Asheville, NC,” explains Josh Anderson, owner of Big Man’s. “Homes in the mountains are selling just as quickly as homes here in Pinellas County.”

You’ve found a home, now what? Big Man’s Moving explains there are several options for interstate moving, and the options vary in terms of pricing, quality, and investment of “sweat equity.”

The most affordable way to move is the “do it yourself ” optionrent a truck, load/unload it yourself (or hire a mover), and drive the truck yourself. PODS are another option: if more than one container is needed, the price adds up quickly.

“We acquire business from people who used van lines before, and don’t want to use them again. Many are brokers and contract the individual parts of your move to outside companies. Who is responsible if something gets damaged or lost?”

The final option is hiring a family-owned business. Big Man’s Moving Company has the same employees (covered by workers comp) load, drive, and unload. Big Man’s uses one truck per household so items do not get lost or broken. They also provide an exact arrival time to load and unload. This option maybe a little more costly, but it saves aggravation and headaches.

It is not uncommon for movers to claim they are licensed to move out-of-state, but truly are not. How does a potential customer verify?

Simply Google “FMCSA snapshot” and search the company’s name.

There should be a checkmark next to “interstate” and “authorized.”

Failure to hire a licensed interstate mover could result in the truck being stopped and the customer’s items being confiscated until a licensed mover or the owner can go claim them.

Big Man’s Moving Company, a contributor to this article, was voted the 2020 #1 Mover in Tampa Bay. Their professional team has completed 3000 local, statewide, and out-of-state moves in 4 years of business. 727-772-3458. Bigmansmoving.com

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Tony’s Bike Shop opened a second location, near the Pinellas Trail, at 7100 9th Ave N. Photos by Kelly Nash Photography

Tony’s Bike Shop Keeps St. Pete Riding

By Erin Cody Tony Tulloh, owner and operator of St. Pete mainstay Tony’s Bike Shop, has a lifelong passion for bicycles. He grew up spending time at his grandfather’s bike shop in West Virginia, and where he learned all the tricks of the trade, as well as an understanding of the importance of local bike shops to their communities.

While he’s been servicing and selling bicycles and all the bells n’ whistles in St. Pete for nearly four years, Tony opened his very first storefront, in Plant City, way back in ‘82. Here, he shifted his knowledge of sales, service, maintenance and repair into overdrive. “I was in 10th grade,” Tony recalls.

“My mother, Linda, opened in the mornings, and I was able to work the last two periods of school each day at the shop. It grew each year, and soon expanded to a larger location.”

A Community of Cyclists Tony’s businesses have been thriving since the beginning, and this year has been no different. He has kept St. Pete riding all throughout 2020.

“Keeping our community on bikes is an essential biz,” he says. With bike shops nationwide setting new records in sales/repairs, Tony has been able to acquire a second location, right on the Pinellas Trail at 7100 9th Ave N. The Beach & Trail Bicycle Shop is managed by Matt Wright, a recent Eckerd grad who ran the college bike shop.

“Our motto has always been keeping things simple, by offering affordable bicycle repair and assembly, new and used bikes (trade-ins welcomed!), and a large selection of accessories at each location.” Finding and keeping up a bicycle needn’t be stressful - biking is meant to be a joy! At Tony’s, you’ll find friendly faces with an incredible depth of knowledge. All bikes come with a warranty, and don’t forget to ask about the $40 tuneup special.

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Left: Tony Tulloh, owner of Tony’s Bike Shop, at the Grand Central location at 19 21st St North; Right: Matt Wright, manager of Tony’s Beach & Trail Bicycle Shop located at 7100 9th Ave N.

Bike With Confidence A national study of bicycles from big-box stores saw only an average of 74 days between purchase and the landfill. At Tony’s, each piece of a bike will be adjusted for the comfort of the rider, and proper tire pressure, gears, brakes, and a clean chain will be ensured before heading out the door.

Helmets, lights and other safety precautions instill confidence, and extras like bells, mirrors, baskets, phone holders, pet carriers and comfy seats leave happy customers ready to take on the world - one trail at a time.

“St. Pete is a top bicycle-friendly community that draws thousands of bicyclists from all over the US and abroad,” Tony smiles. “You can see St. Pete in another dimension on a bicycle.” This is the perfect time of year to get outside and enjoy all that our beautiful city has to offer!

Schedule a repair, pickup and delivery at www.tonysbikeshop.com.

Stop by either location Tuesday - Friday 9am-6pm and Saturday 9am4pm: Tony’s Bike Shop, 727-537-6162, 19 21st Street North, Grand Central or Tony’s Beach and Trail Bike Shop, 727-384-6608, 7100 9th Avenue North, Pinellas Trail.

Tony’s first Bike Shop, in Plant City (1982). Photo courtesy of Tony’s Bike Shop

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Photos on this page by Brian Brakebill

Pinellas Job Corps: Prepare to Succeed

by Erin Cody If you weren’t already convinced that we live in the best city around, meet Pinellas Job Corps. This amazing, tuition-free program offers eligible young people an on-campus experience with active guidance and support, a focus on academic and life skills, and on-thejob vocational training. Corey Givens Jr., program coordinator, was happy to talk about this special institution.

Full Campus Experience, Free of Charge The program, free to all low-income applicants, comes complete with food and housing on a beautiful, 18-acre campus. “Job Corps operates as a full-service school,” Givens said. “We educate and train individuals to embark on educational and professional pursuits, such as earning a high school diploma or GED, learning life skills, and obtaining trade certifications in eight different concentrations. Instructors track social development, academic gains, and attendance, while engaging trainees

in both the online course work and in-classroom curriculum. The program requires students to be in class and accountable for their actions.”

“Upon successful completion of the program, students have the option to pursue a post-secondary education while living on our campus, or attend any Job Corps in the country for advanced training.

Graduates also receive workforce training and job placement assistance for up to 12 months Pinellas Job Corps Program after graduation.”

Coordinator, Corey Givens Jr. Local companies that regularly provide training and jobs to students include Power Design, Walgreens, CVS, BayCare, and Community Health Centers, while contractors from Odle Management Group, in conjunction with Eckerd Connects, the Home Builders Institute, Transportation Communications Union, and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters impart instruction, training, and apprenticeships.

Providing Opportunities and Changing Lives Job Corps has been around since 1964, and in Pinellas since 2009. Our local branch serves more than six hundred 16- to 24-yearold students each year. The Center is operated by Odle Management Group, Inc. In February of 2020, Odle merged with Eckerd Connects to combine strengths and increase the impact for students served. Those enrolled in the program will enter the workforce with certifications in

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Graduates of Pinellas Job Corps. Photos submitted by Pinellas Job Corps

areas such as medical billing and coding, certified nursing assistant, pharmacy technician, electrical, carpentry, plumbing, and facility maintenance. During the last Job Corps program year, the Pinellas center, one of 125 in the nation, received a 97.2 percent outstanding performance rating. It ranked No. 17 the nation and No. 3 in our region. That’s a lot to be proud of!

“We have learned the importance of flexibility and consistency,” Givens said of the adjustments necessitated in 2020. “Many of our students come from rough walks of life, so we do our best to provide them with stability. COVID-19 has taught us the importance of being able to adapt to new processes and procedures that don’t interrupt the success or safety of our students and staff. In April we shifted to a 100 percent virtual-learning model. Now, in accordance to CDC guidelines, we are preparing to re-open our campus to students under a new hybrid model.”

Empowering Young People Givens, himself a proud “product of South St. Pete,” said that his great-grandparents once lived on the land that now houses the Pinellas Job Corps campus. “I can’t think of a better use for this land,” he said. “My calling in life has always been to support the needs of at-risk youth. I feel that my life’s passion is fulfilled by working at Job Corps. My greatest joy has been helping young people turn their dreams into realities and empowering them with the tools they need to create a better life for not just themselves, but their entire families.”

Givens and all the other people at Pinellas Job Corps deserve a round of applause for the wonderful opportunities they provide local young adults. This work is incredibly special and important, so please help spread the word!

For more information, visit pinellascounty.jobcorps.gov, or call (727) 551-2913.

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Aerial view of Williams Park; between 4th and 3rd Streets North and between 2nd and 1st Avenues North. Photo by Bronson Cheeks

Parks of St. Pete: Williams Park

by Tina Stewart Brakebill

St. Pete is home to more than 150 parks offering a wide variety of possible activities. There are over 100 picnic areas, 80 playgrounds, 44 miles of fitness trails, 30 basketball courts, 21 boat ramps, 11 softball fields, six dog parks, five beaches, three skate parks, two disc-golf courses, and one Jai-Alai court. But that’s not all! We also have 76 tennis courts. 33 football/ soccer fields, 31 baseball fields, nine volleyball courts, four historic sites, three nature preserves, and one splash pad. And, still, there’s more! Simply put, choose an activity (or choose to just relax) and there’s a city park that fits your needs.

The First One

Band stand in city park - Saint Petersburg, Florida. 1900 (circa) Photo courtesy of Florida Memory State Library and Archives

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Understanding the importance of public green space, St. Pete founders set aside an entire city block as a park in the original 1888 town plat. For five years, this “untrimmed jungle” (as St. Pete Times editor William Straub described it) of palmetto bushes and pines remained the domain of local hogs and cattle. Then in 1893, local women organized and by 1895, the Women’s Town Improvement Association (WTIA) had transformed the space. It was fenced (to keep out the hogs and cattle) and cleaned up. Walkways, benches, and fountain were installed and the first bandstand was erected. City Park (renamed in the early 20th century after city founder, John Constantine Williams Sr.) quickly became the city’s de facto town square.

Throughout much of the 20th century, (if you were white) Williams Park offered a welcoming spot to stroll or play a game of cards, checkers, or dominoes. Bordered by stately churches, hotels, and the open-air post office, it also served as the central gathering place for celebrations, commemorations, concerts, speakers, and plays. It’s where 5,000 people cheered the end of the Great War and crowds reveled in the sermons of

Left: Monument to T. Kosciuszko. Top, Right: Band shell designed in 1954 by William B Harvard. Bottom, Center: Williams Park, City of St. Petersburg.

Bottom, Right: Bird at Williams Park. Photos by Brian Brakebill

Billy Sunday. John Phillip Sousa conducted from the bandstand and Buster Keaton was presented with a key to the city. In the 1960s, hippies gathered for a “love-in” and park segregation came to an official end. In the 1970s and ‘80s, Presidents and Vice-Presidents (including Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, and Jimmy Carter) spoke from the 1953 award-winning Avant Garde bandstand. As the founders envisioned, the park was the heart of the Sunshine City.

Times Change But the Heart Remains Today, St. Pete’s park system has grown from one park to many and we have a wide variety of recreational options. Despite these changes, Williams Park is still the beating heart of the city’s park system. Its abundant trees continue to provide shaded walkways for a stroll on a hot day. The benches remain a great place to enjoy a cold drink and watch people and birds.

It’s still the home of the summer Farmer’s Market, the annual Earth Day celebration, the yearly Holiday of the Arts, and everyone’s favorite yearly event, Localtopia. And the beautiful mid-century bandstand still offers the perfect spot for concerts and plays, including Studio@620’s Shakespeare in the Park, as well as a popular venue for speakers and rallies in support of causes like the Women’s March, ending gun violence, and dealing with climate change. Times may have changed, but Williams Park remains one of the city’s most popular public gathering spots.

Thanks Thanks to the Parks & Recreation Department for all they do! For more information, visit www.stparksrec.org. And thank you to Raymond Arsenault and Will Michaels. Their prior research greatly informed this piece.

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Grand Central Brewhouse is now open at 2340 Central Ave

Reflection St. Pete, a prposed 18-story condo tower, for the NE corner of 8th St and 3rd Ave N

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.

Grand Central Brewhouse is now open at 2340 Central Avenue.

St. Pete’s newest brewery is housed in a beautiful two-story 6,000 square foot facility with an expansive outdoor courtyard. Head Brewer Tyler Singletary describes Grand Central Brewhouse as a lager-focused brewery with lagers of all styles — light to dark, hoppy to malty. Other styles, such as IPAs, sours, and seasonal beers, are also being poured.

Reflection St. Pete, a proposed 18-story condominium tower, launched sales in September and has already exceeded $20 million in reservations. The 81-unit project is proposed for the northeast corner of 8th Street and 3rd Avenue North. The project will include a massive

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12,000 square foot rooftop oasis with a resort style pool, sauna, and spa. The community will also have a state-of-the-art fitness center, club room, an outdoor kitchen, and views of the downtown St. Pete skyline.

Mutts and Martinis, a dog waterpark and bar, is coming soon to 2900 Central Avenue (formerly King’s Transmission). While you catch the latest sports games at the bar, rest assured your dog will be entertained at one of the many indoor play areas around the property, under the watchful eyes of the Mutts and Martinis staff. The front patio will feature a zero-entry splash pool, water sprays, and fountains!

Tampa Bay Innovation Center is coming soon to the southwest corner of Fourth Street and 11th Avenue South in St. Petersburg’s Innovation District. The new two-story 45,000 square foot state-ofthe-art business incubator will house 30,000 square feet of client space, coworking space as well as conference/community rooms and offices.

Expect the center to break ground next year and open in 2023.

Orange Station at the Edge is coming soon to 1301 Central Avenue in the EDGE District. Located on the site of the former St Petersburg Police HQ, the development is expected to include 100,000 square feet Class A office space, 56 urban condominiums, 30 workforce housing apartments, and over 20,000 square feet of retail space. The project will also include a 560-space parking garage, 400 of which will be available to the public. Site preparation on Orange Station at the Edge will begin in 2021 and completion is expected in 2023.

Sorrento Sweets, an Italian bakery and coffee shop, is coming soon to 667 Central Avenue (formerly Brew D Licious). Italian favorites like

Mutts and Martinis (rendering subject to change) is coming soon to 2900 Central Ave Orange Station (rendering subject to change) is coming soon to 1301 Central Ave

Tampa Bay Innocation Center (rendering subject to change) is coming soon to the SW corner of 4th St and 11th Ave S

Sorrento Sweets is coming soon to 667 Central Ave (formerly Brew D Licious)

gelato and cannolis will be available, as well as sweet treats like rainbow cookies, Florentines, raspberry thumbprints, pignoli, and leaf cookies.

Looking for something savory? Sorrento Sweets also has a menu of paninis and croissant sandwiches. The Italian bakery is expected to open in January.

A new wellness studio featuring yoga, meditation, and more is now open at 327 11th Ave North. The Collective is located in the historic North Ward School and offers a place to connect the mind, body, and spirit! Upcoming events include candlelit poetry, restorative yoga workshops, and more soul-soothing sessions. Drop-in classes are $15 or purchase a pack of 12 classes for $150.

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

The Collective is now open at 327 11th Ave N

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Left: Saturday Morning Market, Right: MLK Dream Big Parade. Photos by City of St. Petersburg

VIRTUAL & OUTDOOR

com. For more info, visit Desktop). Enjoy the productions saturdaymorningmarket.com as many times as you would like from time of purchase through the expiration date. To purchase passes Central Arts District and learn more about upcoming Walking Mural Tour events visit stpeteopera.org.

When: Saturday mornings from 10-11:30am Saturday Morning Where: meet at Florida CraftArt, To submit event info, visit Market Reopened!

501 Central Ave greenbenchmonthly.com/events When: Every Saturday Cost: $19 for adults, $11 for children *Please note: at this time, we are ages 6-18, free for children under 5 (through May) from 9am - 2pm only accepting submissions for The original St. Pete Mural Tour Where: Al Lang Stadium, virtual events, and outdoor events is back! There is a firm limit of 10 230 1st St SE that require masks. attendees, you must book online Cost: Free Admission by 4 p.m. the day before. Properly Also known as “The heart of St. Petersburg worn masks are required. Tours St. Pete”, The Saturday Morning begin at 10 am. To book online, Market is back!—with a few Opera Company visit floridacraftart.org/product/ changes to ensure safety. Vendors Digital Pass mural-tours/ and customers are required to When: Anytime wear a face mask at all times. No Where: Virtual eating or drinking allowed within Dream Big Dr. Martin Cost: $20 & up the Market; tables and chairs Luther King Parade Mainstage Digital Passes are now are setup beside the stadium available for your favorite St. and on the east lawn. To avoid When: Monday, Jan. 18th starting Petersburg Opera Production! crowds gathering, there is no live at 11am Special virtual events can be music. The drive-thru is open.

Where: Virtual viewed on any device with a web To place your order online, visit Cost: Free, no ticket necessary browser (Smart TV, Phone, Tablet, stpetersburg.localfoodmarketplace. The MLK Dream Big Parade, hosted by the Advantage Village Academy, is the nation’s longestrunning Martin Luther King Day parade. The parade will be held virtually this year. For more details visit mlkdreambig.com

EVENTS

21st Century Voices: New Play Festival When: Jan. 15th - 17th & 22nd - 24th Where: Virtual Cost: $10 & up A virtual festival across two weekends featuring inspiring new

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plays exploring themes of mental illness, wellness and resilience.

Performed with live streaming on American Stage’s Virtual Stage. The festival will include a partnership with clinicians and mental health experts. For more info, visit americanstage.org/newplay-festival/

Intro to Business Startup in 2021 When: Wednesday, Feb. 3rd from 6pm - 7pm Where: Virtual Cost: Free Are you ready to start a new small business? This webinar will lead you through the steps you should take to be successful. Join the St. Pete Greenhouse to learn a no-nonsense approach to starting a business with a higher chance for success. To register, visit gh.stpetegreenhouse.org.

The 8th Annual Localtopia When: Saturday, Feb. 20th from 10am-5pm Where: Williams Park, 350 2nd Ave N Cost: Free admission, but please consider making a donation to spread the local love St. Pete’s largest “Community Celebration of All Things Local” showcasing nearly 200 of your favorite independent businesses and community organizations. Masks are required!

For more info, visit localtopia. keepsaintpetersburglocal.org

JANUARY 2021 /

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Green Bench Monthly P.O. Box 76095 St. Petersburg, FL 33734

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ST PETE FL PERMIT NO. 4

8TH ANNUAL

A COMMUNITY CELEBRATION OF ALL THINGS LOCAL

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2021 | 10 AM TO 5 PM RAIN DATE: FEBRUARY 27, 2021

Festival Features: • MAKERS & MERCHANTS: Art & Handcrafted Goods, Artisanal Food & Beverages, Body/Self-Care, Books, Clothing & Accessories, Home Decor, Jewelry, Pet, Plants & Plant-Based Products, Vintage, Vinyl & Much More!

• VILLAGES: Arts Village | Family Village | Health & Wellness Village | #AllThingsPlants Village • EAT & DRINK LOCAL: 4th Street: Food Truck Rally Alley | 2nd Avenue: More Food Trucks + Restaurants + Food & Drink Vendors + “Local Thirst Stations” Selling Local Beer in Cans & Canned Wine • 3RD STREET: Boutiques | DJ | Literary Corner | Street Fun • LIVE LOCAL MUSIC on the Williams Park Bandstand • STREET ART & PERFORMANCES for All Ages, and More Surprises!

Don't miss

St. Pete’s largest “Community Celebration of All Things Local” showcasing nearly 200 of your favorite independent businesses and community organizations!

We are committed to putting on a safe event during this pandemic, following CDC guidelines. MASKS WILL BE REQUIRED FOR ATTENDANCE! Please review our COVID-19 Plan via our festival website below for further details.

Localtopia made possible by: PRESENTING SPONSOR:

CO-SPONSORED BY:

KeepSaintPetersburgLocal.org/Localtopia