Green Bench Monthly, Vol. 9, Issue 1, January 2024

VOL. 9, ISSUE 1, JANUARY 2024

Green Bench Monthly

St. Pete’s Community Magazine

ST. PETE HISTORY:

The Four Corners of Fourth Street and Central Avenue pg. 6

People of St. Pete

Tiffany Rizzano pg. 8

Tampa Bay Watch

Shells for Shorelines pg. 16

Events

Save the Date pg. 22

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11TH ANNUAL

A COMMUNITY CELEBRATION OF ALL THINGS LOCAL Don't miss

300+ Vendors ALL St. Pete-based!

St. Pete’s largest “Community Celebration of All Things Local” showcasing over 300 of your favorite independent businesses and community organizations!

More than a festival, It’s a (local) vibe!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2024 | 10 AM TO 5 PM RAIN DATE: MARCH 2, 2024

• MAKERS & MERCHANTS: Art & Handcrafted Goods,

• EAT, DRINK & PLAY LOCAL on the Streets of St. Pete:

• VILLAGES: Arts Village | Family Village | Health &

• LIVE LOCAL MUSIC on the Williams Park Bandstand

• 3RD STREET (from 1st to 3rd Avenues):

• STREET PERFORMANCES + ENGAGING ACTIVITIES

Artisanal Food & Beverages, Body/Self-Care, Books, Clothing & Accessories, Home Decor, Jewelry, Pet, Plants & Plant-Based Products, Vintage, Vinyl & Much More!

Wellness Village | #AllThingsPlants Village

Boutiques | Vendors on Wheels | More Artists & Artisans DJs | Literary Corner | Skate & Street Fun

4TH STREET: Food Truck Rally Alley | 2ND AVENUE (from 2nd to 4th Streets): More Food Trucks + Restaurants + Food & Drink Vendors | "Local Thirst Stations" Selling Canned Local Beer & Wine | Draft Beer Trucks + Local Breweries Pouring Their Own Brews

For All Ages, Free Demos & Crafts, Live Screen Printing, and More Surprises!

KeepSaintPetersburgLocal.org/Localtopia Localtopia Made Possible By: PRESENTING SPONSOR:

CO-SPONSORED BY:

PLATINUM SPONSORS:

SPONSORS:

18 6 Publishers

22

Ashley & Tony Sica

Editor

Mary Jane Park

Contributors Suzanne Driscoll Emily Harris Monica Kile Candy Porter Lynn Waddell Brian Zucker

Photographers Kristina Holman Ryan Kern Keith Kenney Chris Ryan

Cover Photo 4th St & Central Ave Photo by Ryan Kern

Contact

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

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16 IN THIS ISSUE 5

From the Bench

6

History: The Four Corners of Fourth Street and Central Avenue

8

People of St. Pete: Tiffany Rizzano

14 Jenny Roche: Offering Concierge Real Estate Services 16 Tampa Bay Watch: Shells for Shorelines 18 Safe Paws Rescue

11 Heme on Call: Helping Women Get Enough Iron

20 Downtown Developments by St. Pete Rising

12 Monika’s Cleaning: Thorough Cleaning the “German Way”

22 Events: MLK Parade, Markets, Boat Show, Tweed Ride, & More!

GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM / JANUARY 2024

Snell Arcade reflected in the First Central Tower at 4th Street and Central Ave Photo by Ryan Kern

From the Bench A note from the Publishers

Happy 2024, St. Pete! Oh, how you're growing! As we watch the development of 400 Central – a 46-story residential tower on the southwest corner of Fourth St and Central Ave – it reminds us just how much, and fast, our big-little city is growing. Read about the Four Corners of Fourth Street and Central Avenue, then and now (pg. 6).

Also in this issue: get to know Tiffany Rizzano founder of Wordier than Thou (pg. 8). Tampa Bay Watch is partnering with local restaurants (pg. 16) and Safe Paws Rescue is saving pets (pg. 18).

This issue is brought to you by advertisers and reader support. If you enjoy our stories, visit greenbenchmonthly.com/support. For advertising info, hello@greenbenchmonthly. com.

Tony and Ashley Sica Publishers / Owners

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.

JANUARY 2024 / GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM

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The Central National Bank (left) and the Pheil Hotel and Theater, right, sometime in the 1920s. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory.

The Hall building stood at the Southeast Corner of Fourth and Central from 1924 to 1978. Burgert Bros.

The Four Corners of Fourth Street and Central Avenue

By Monica Kile, Historian and Tour Guide with I Love the Burg Tours The intersection of Fourth Street and Central Avenue has always been the heart of St. Petersburg’s downtown. From the city’s first bank, to the birth of the Green Benches, to a backdrop for Hollywood blockbuster Cocoon, this corner has provided a stage for some of St. Petersburg’s most defining moments. Let’s look at its evolution over the years.

Southwest Corner

The southwest corner, currently a construction site for the 400 Central condominiums, was the center of banking in the city for more than 100 years. The city’s first bank, St. Petersburg State Bank, was founded here in 1893; later, in 1912, the Central National Bank opened a four-story building on the same corner. Next door stood the Pheil Hotel, construction of which began in 1921. In 1959, First National Bank, which had taken over the former Central National Bank building, signed a 99year lease on the hotel, converting the former first-floor movie theater into the bank’s lobby. In an effort to unify the two distinct buildings, a metal grillwork was wrapped around both structures in 1961, earning the

400 Central Condiminiums, 400 Central Ave. Ryan Kern

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edifice the derisive nickname “the cheese grater.” The hotel, renamed the National Hotel and then the Madison Hotel, closed in 1973. By 2006, the bank had also departed the corner, but the long-term lease, which continued to provide hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to the building’s owners (even though no tenants occupied the space) stymied further activity. The historic buildings were demolished in 2016 after a deal was reached among the Pheil family, First State Bank, and the city. Construction is under way for the 46-story tower, 400 Central, a mix of luxury condominiums, office space, and retail. When completed, it will be the tallest residential tower on the west coast of Florida.

Southeast Corner

Where today’s First Central Tower is located once stood the Hall Building. It opened in 1924 as one of the first office buildings in the city and featured retail on the first floor. Like its neighbors on the southwest and northeast corners, the building was wrapped in faux skin in 1969. Dozens of buildings throughout the city received similar treatment. Typically

First Central Tower, 360 Central Ave. Ryan Kern

Built as the West Coast Title Building in 1926, later called the Equitable Building in the 1930s, and then the First Federal Building by the 1950s, since 1994 this building has been owned by the City and called the Municipal Services Center. Burgert Bros.

aluminum, the metal sheaths or grillwork that were wrapped around old buildings were touted for their energy efficiency and privacy, and oddly boasted that they allowed “people inside to see out, without letting people outside see in.” The Hall building was demolished in 1978 for parking for the First Federal Building across the street. By 1984, First Federal built the glass office tower that still stands in that location but had trouble leasing space in an increasingly unpopular downtown. Today, the 17-story building enjoys a 97% occupancy rate, as demand for office space has skyrocketed since its nadir in the 1980s.

Northeast Corner

Today’s Municipal Services Center at 1 Fourth St. N hides a surprise.

Underneath exterior panels of a “fractured glass aggregate” lie the remains of the lovely West Coast Title building, opened in 1926. The original Gothic-style structure of limestone, brick, and terra cotta initially occupied only the west end of the northeast corner; a 1958 addition expanded the 10-story building (by then called the First Federal Building) eastward, and covered the older structure and its new addition in a skin of blue enameled tiles. Nicknamed “Big Blue,” the building lost many of its exterior tiles in Hurricane Alma of 1966, and was covered in a new skin in 1967. The city of St. Petersburg bought the building in 1994 and converted it into the Municipal Services Center, bringing city employees who previously were scattered throughout rented buildings downtown under one roof.

Proposals were solicited in 2022 for redevelopment of the building. Most proposed demolition. One suggested removing the skin and returning the building to its original glory. The idea for redevelopment of the MSC building was shelved under Mayor Welch’s administration.

Municipal Services Center, 1 Fourth St N. Ryan Kern

Green benches near the northwest corner of Fourth and Central in 1926.

These benches are in nearly the exact location of where the very first benches were placed in 1908. Burgert Bros.

Northwest Corner

The northwest corner of Fourth Street and Central has been a popular corner since early pioneer Charles Durant opened a bakery there in the early 1890s. A subsequent store owned by Arthur Norwood featured the city’s first telephone. In 1908, the corner was bought by Noel Mitchell, saltwater-taffymaker turned real-estate agent, who made it famous as Mitchell’s Corner, declaring it “the heart of the city.” That same year, he placed benches in front of his office to encourage potential patrons to visit. The benches were popular, and neighboring businesses followed suit, until thousands of benches were in place. A 1914 city ordinance mandated that they all be painted green. (They were viewed as a symbol of hospitality by the white community; however, black residents were not permitted to sit on the green benches. They came to symbolize racial division.) In 1917 the corner was sold to prominent real estate developers Perry Snell and J.C. Hamlett. Eleven years later, Snell broke ground on the stunning Snell Arcade. Designed by architects Kiehnel and Elliot, the building is made of glazed terra cotta on the upper floors and Florida keystone and Georgia marble on the ground floor. Original plans called for a second tower, but the Great Depression curtailed the additional construction. The arcade featured 24 stores on the ground floor and offices above. It later became a Walgreens and then part of Rutland’s Department Store. It was renovated in the 1980s and added to both the National Register of Historic Places and the city’s local historic register. Perhaps the renewed attention drew the eye of Hollywood director Ron Howard, who used it as a backdrop for his 1984 movie “Cocoon.” In the early 2000s the upper floors were converted to condominiums, and it remains one of the most striking buildings in the city.

Snell Arcade, 405 Central Ave. Ryan Kern

JANUARY 2024 / GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM

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People of St. Pete: Sunny with a Chance of Sunshine Tiffany Rizzano Photo by Keith Kenney

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.

Writing is a solitary endeavor, but Tiffany Rizzano has been giving local wordsmiths a reason to crawl out of their writing caves for more than 11 years. As the founder and president of Wordier Than Thou, a literary-arts initiative, Rizzano is the mastermind behind a monthly authors open mic, a publishing conference, a bookstore and numerous events. She’s organized literary pub crawls, a banned-books drag show, a literary burlesque show, and an annual Halloween haunted house with horror skits penned by local writers. When the coronavirus pandemic kept people home, she hosted an online “Quarantine Storytime” and personal library tours.

“The goal was to attract people who may not normally go to a book event by making it weird and fun,” Rizzano says of Wordier’s offbeat literary events. That’s literary with a small “l,” she notes. Writers and readers of all levels and genres are welcome. As a result of her inclusiveness and creativity, Wordier has fostered a growing St Pete community of readers and writers.

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Rizzano, a native of New York, is also a writer. By day, she’s a field editor for Patch online news covering St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Bradenton, and Miami, a job that sometimes requires writing seven articles a day.

Prior to writing for Patch, she was an editor at Tampa Bay Newspapers covering local communities in central Pinellas County. She’s also written for La Gaceta, Creative Loafing, Watermark, Creative Pinellas and the Tampa Free Press.

As a child she was a voracious reader and dreamed of becoming a writer. She worked in community journalism on Long Island after college and moved to Pinellas after her parents relocated to the Tampa Bay area.

Despite her hectic calendar, Rizzano may be the most laid-back Type-A personality you’ll ever meet. She is both pragmatic and fantastical.

She says her idea for a local writer’s open mic started out of self-interest.

Working in community journalism, she got requests to speak at local events, but had little confidence in her public speaking abilities. “I hated it and thought ‘I need to get better at this,’ ” she says. She sought out a local open mic night for practice, but there wasn’t one dedicated to fiction and creative non-fiction writers. She created one.

And Then There Were Many

Her first event was held at the former L Train, a black-box theater on Central Avenue. Soon afterward, the Blah, Blah, Blah Literary Reading and Open Mic moved to Studio@620, where it continues.

As successful as the open mic night was, Rizzano wanted to reach

people who may never have stepped inside a bookstore. To that end, she led Wordier to host quirky literary-themed events at local bars. She challenged local writers to roast dead authors and imagine a world with Donald Trump as President (pre-2016 election), and invited all of Tampa Bay to hear the resulting works.

In addition to the fun stuff, Rizzano steers Wordier to provide writers with more tools for success. Wordier hosts the Tampa Bay Publishing Conference every spring in St. Petersburg.

Join us for S t. Peterburg’s most fashionable event on two wheels!

12 TH AN N UAL ST. P ET ERS BUR G

Writing in the Time of Chaos

Her latest extension of Wordier Than Thou is a queer feminist pop up bookstore that sells new and used fiction and non-fiction books by LGBTQ+, women and writers of color as well as banned books. It’s called This Bookstore Kills Fascists, a not-so subtle protest of book censorship in Florida schools. The bookstore’s name is a twist on the slogan “This machine kills fascists” that folk singer Woody Guthrie painted on his guitar during World War II in protest of Hitler and his Nazi regime.

Rizzano says the bookstore name is “tongue in cheek” while still trying to make a point against banning books. Nevertheless, some other shop owners at Bazaar on Apricot & Lime in Sarasota where the bookstore operated complained that the name was “too hostile.” She closed that location and continues to operate a pop-up store at the monthly Gulfport IndieFaire as well as at other area markets and businesses such as the Public Studio House on Central Avenue.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2024

JANUARY 2024 / GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM

TICKETS: STPETESHUFFLE.COM

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Now Open in St. Pete Treating all women who need iron

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Steven Fein, MD, medical director of Fem Iron Infusion Centers and Heme On Call, has a passion for treating iron deficiency and helping those with blood disorders.

Heme On Call, our telemedicine Hematology practice allows patient’s the flexibility to be seen from the comfort of their home or office. If needed, our office coordinates the patient’s iron infusions/ treatment.

One call does it all. www.hemeoncall.com 10

GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM / JANUARY 2024

Free testing for iron deficiency is available every Friday at 1506 54th Ave. N in St. Pete. Photos by Chris Ryan

Heme on Call: Helping Women Get Enough Iron

By Suzanne Driscoll

If you experience excessive tiredness and fatigue even after a good night’s sleep, you may want to get tested for iron deficiency. If it turns out you have this condition, you are certainly not alone. According to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), “Iron-deficiency anemia is a significant, global public health issue. More than one-third of women under 50 are found to be iron-deficient.” The organization recommends that all women and girls who menstruate regularly be screened for iron deficiency, not just for anemia and not just during pregnancy. Nutrition researchers advise that vegetarians and vegans, who might not consume enough iron-rich foods, should also get checked regularly.

Dr. Steven Fein founded Heme on Call in 2020. A board-certified hematologist and oncologist with over 20 years of experience, he realized early in his career that iron deficiency was a serious women’s health issue that wasn’t being addressed. He established four Fem Iron infusion Centers throughout Florida to encourage iron testing and treatment. As part of their mission, they offer free walk-in iron testing at the St. Pete center every Friday.

Why Iron is Important

Iron is used to manufacture hemoglobin, which is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. It’s also essential for other cellular functions and hormone production. When the body’s iron stores dip, the remaining iron is redirected to the maintenance of red blood cells at the expense of heart, brain and muscular functions.

According to chief operating officer Dayne Alonso, symptoms of iron deficiency can include shortness of breath, brain fog, fatigue, hair loss, dizziness, increased sensitivity to cold temperatures, heart palpitations and even the frequent desire to chew ice. “These could be a sign of many other health conditions as well, so it is certainly worthwhile to get tested.”

Pregnancy is also a time when you should have your iron levels checked

regularly. Before a planned pregnancy, Dr. Fein believes you should have your hemoglobin and iron status assessed and treated before attempting conception. You should be checked again throughout your pregnancy, particularly at the beginning of the third trimester, since after that time your baby is taking almost all of your iron.

Why Infusions are More Effective Than Pills

Gigi Campos, director of business development and analytics, explains that while you can certainly get iron from your diet or by taking iron pills, infusions will give you the maximum absorption in the shortest length of time. “You can absorb a maximum of 5 milligrams of iron per day in a healthy gut if you take iron pills. With an infusion of iron, your body can absorb as much as 1,000 milligrams per day. Also, iron pills can often cause cramping and constipation that you usually won’t experience with an infusion.”

Fem Iron Infusions accepts most insurance plans including Medicare.

Heme on Call (hemeoncall.com) also offers telemedicine appointments with Dr. Fein for any type of blood disorders and blood cancers, including clotting, bleeding, abnormal blood counts and chronic leukemia.

“I needed an infusion during pregnancy,” Nydia Alvarez says, “and this practice made the process easy and comfortable. From the consultation to the actual day I went to the infusion center, it was a good experience.

The ladies at the center explain the process and are very attentive. This practice cares about their patients and works hard to provide them with the highest-quality care.”

Free testing for iron deficiency is available every Friday at 1506 54th Ave. N in St. Pete. For information, please visit femironinfusions. com, call (786) 481-0864 or email info@hemeoncall.com.

JANUARY 2024 / GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM

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Monika’s Cleaning: Thorough Cleaning the “German Way”

By Suzanne Driscoll

As you may have found out the hard way, all cleaning services are not alike. If you are looking for a reliable, thorough service at a reasonable price, be sure to put Monika’s Cleaning at the top of your list of people to contact.

Monika and Bill Turner, owners of Monika’s Cleaning Photos by Chris Ryan

Their story began in 2016 when Bill Turner decided to retire as a truck driver after 30 years. His wife, Monika, was tired of him being away from home so often, so Bill suggested they start a cleaning business. They quickly signed up six clients, and today they are up to 100, with a staff of six other cleaners. “Everyone agrees that Bill is the best cleaner of us all,” Monika Turner says proudly.

“The German stereotypes about the value of order and attention to detail are very true,” she says. She learned to clean “the German way” from her grandmother in Bavaria. “We don’t take shortcuts and make sure every corner of a room is spotless. As just one example, she doesn’t use Swiffer mops as “that only moves the dirt from one side to another.” Most importantly, they treat all their customers like friends.

Cleaning Services for Every Need

In addition to residential cleaning, Monika offers move in/move out services. When you are in the middle of a big move, the last thing you want to do is spend time cleaning your current home as well as your new one. Let Monika and her team do the work, and you can focus on packing and unpacking. She is proud to say that many Realtors recommend their services.

You might also want to do a deep clean on occasion. Regular cleanings are charged by the hour. The price of a deep clean is a set price by the job. She brings all her own cleaning supplies, so that is one less thing to include on your shopping list. She will ask whether you have any allergies and whether you prefer “green” products. You can contact Monika any time, and she will come over and give you a quote.

As Dr. and Mrs. J. Yoachim report: “We have used Monika’s Cleaning service for over four years and are giving them our highest

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Monika’s Team From left to right: Noella, Lisa, Monika, Tanya, Joanne, and Bill

possible recommendation. They are prompt, courteous, thorough and very easy to work with. They accept our particular requests as to cleaning products, techniques and areas that need extra attention. We feel that we get a great house cleaning at a very reasonable cost. Five Stars for sure.”

Well-Trained Team

You never have to worry about Monika’s Cleaning services canceling at the last minute or just not showing up. Turner trains the staff thoroughly before sending them out to anyone’s home. They work right along with her until she feels they are ready to represent her company. And she is always looking for additional cleaners who would like to learn the “German way” and become part of the team.

A Loyal Following

After Monika was diagnosed with cancer several years ago, many of her clients rallied to lend a helping hand. They brought food for Bill and constantly called to ask how she was doing. One person sat with Bill for seven hours while she was in surgery. Today Monika Turner is cancer-free and grateful for her very loyal clients.

Every Christmas season, she asks around and chooses an elderly person whose house she will clean for free. “Good karma will come back to you,” she says. “Maybe someday people will help us in return.”

Call Monika’s Cleaning for a quote at (727) 645-7092; calls will be returned outside of business hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

JANUARY 2024 / GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM

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Jenny Roche: Offering Concierge Real Estate Services

Jenny Roche, RE/MAX Realty Unlimited Photos by Chris Ryan

By Suzanne Driscoll

There are many real estate brokers to choose from in the St. Pete area, but one who stands out from the crowd is longtime, awardwinning Jenny Roche of RE/MAX Realty Unlimited.

“I offer a concierge-style experience for all my buyers and sellers,” she says. “I’ve had clients who lived out of town but needed to sell their home in St. Pete. I help get it ready to market and arrange for lawn upkeep and other maintenance.

“Another client wanted me to be present for any showings by other brokers. She asked me to be there to unlock the door and turn on all the lights, etc., and to make sure nothing in the home was moved or damaged. I could also point out the unique features of the property to potential buyers.”

Roche has been serving the St. Petersburg area for nearly 20 years and is viewed as a local community expert. She works diligently with all clients, from first-time buyers to professionals to major league athletes.

In addition to managing office and transaction compliance issues for all Tampa Bay offices, Roche is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, as well as a Certified Military Housing Specialist.

“Jenny is nothing short of amazing.” client Amanda Amick says.

“She provided us with the best guidance and resources to get our home ready to sell. It was under contract within 24 hours for full attention!

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On the flip side, she helped us find our perfect home in St. Petersburg.

She organized and coordinated all inspections, and seamlessly executed a simultaneous closing of both homes. The stress of home buying and selling was drastically reduced because of her ability to ALWAYS follow up, and impeccable attention to detail.”

Advice for Buyers

Since interest rates have gone up, there are fewer bidding wars with buyers willing to pay $50,000 over the asking price or skip the inspection. Homes are taking longer to sell, so buyers might be able to request assistance with closing costs. Roche advises that you not wait for interest rates to come down if you are in the market for a new home. “Home prices haven’t dropped, and if you buy now you can start building up home equity. You can always refinance if rates do go down.

Also, there are home loans available where you can pay a lower rate for one to two years and then refinance when the rate goes up.”

Roche also offers “one-stop shopping” for real estate needs.

She partners with We Insure: Insurance Unlimited for all insurance requirements, including home and flood insurance. There is a mortgage lender and a title service on site to help with your home purchase.

RE/MAX Realty Unlimited Broker Owner, Jenny Roche, and Associate, Ben Soto

Worldwide Services for High-End Properties

Selling a luxury home requires special marketing efforts, and Roche offers services such as video and three-dimensional tours, sunset and daytime photography, and ads in publications such as the duPont Registry, which specializes in luxury automobiles, real estate and yachts.

The magazine can be found in professional sports locker rooms as well as smaller airports that service private jets. There is a RE/MAX network of agents located throughout the world for any type of relocation services.

RE/MAX Realty Unlimited is conveniently located on 4th St N, near Sunken Gardens

Roche shares her success with the local community by making substantial donations to the local Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital as part of the National Children’s Miracle Network. She is also involved with numerous events and fundraisers to help give back to the community she loves.

Call Jenny Roche at (727) 308-3330, visit homesaroundstpetersburg. com or stop by her office at 2012 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. If you want to shop for insurance call Peter Botto with We Insure at (727) 610-9983.

JANUARY 2024 / GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM

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Volunteers install oyster gardens near MacDill.

the water around them, promoting a cleaner environment for the health of aquatic vegetation and animals. Transforming discarded oyster shells into ecological tools and rejuvenating their reefs is invaluable for the bay’s entire ecosystem.

“The positive impact of strengthening our shorelines can’t be emphasized enough,” says Reagan Fennessy, oyster shell recycling program specialist.

Fennessy has worked with large oyster populations in the past and learned quickly of the vital role they play within their ecosystems. “They’re a very unique little creature that serve a huge purpose and are so interconnected in their ecological systems. It has been so cool to open up people’s views of such a small creature and how important it is.” Repurposing used oyster shells that would otherwise end up in landfills into an incredible resource for our waters, is what St. Petersburg sustainability is all about.

Worth the Shuck Tampa Bay Watch program specialist, Reagan and manager, Rick show off a mound of oyster shells collected from local restaurants.

Photos courtesy of Tampa Bay Watch

Tampa Bay Watch: Shells for Shorelines

By Emily Harris

If there’s anything Tampa Bay residents love to indulge in, it’s good food and our beautiful oceanfront environment. That’s why the new Tampa Bay Watch program Shells for Shorelines is already making big waves in our community. By recycling oyster shells from local restaurants and using them to promote biodiversity by distributing them throughout the Tampa Bay estuary, Shells for Shorelines is revitalizing our marine ecosystem as a whole.

Something to Shell-ebrate

Oysters are special beyond their deliciousness on the table. Oyster reefs are essential to their habitats by providing sanctuaries for a myriad of estuarine species, as well as naturally mitigating coastal erosion – a very real threat to waterfront communities. Oysters support larger marine life as a vital source of food and act as a highly effective filtration system for

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The Shells for Shorelines program is a great opportunity for local restaurants to make a difference in their community. As a completely free and non-invasive service that turns trash into treasure, participating restaurants simply dump their used oyster shells into a designated 5-gallon bucket, and dedicated program members come weekly to collect them. The buckets are provided by Tampa Bay Watch, and the shell collection runs occur on three weekly routes. Launching the program with 11 proud restaurant partners, including the Island Grille and the Oyster Bar, Shells for Shorelines is eager to gain more participants as the successes continue. Since the program’s pilot began in February 2022, over 102,000 pounds of oyster shells have been recycled into valuable environmental assets.

Tampa Bay Watch asks for your support of Shells for Shorelines by encouraging your favorite local restaurants to get involved with the program.

Interested restaurants can reach out to program manager Rick Radigan to become a participating partner at RRadigan@TampaBayWatch.org.

The ’Burg is Your Oyster

Shells for Shorelines’ ultimate goal is to continue driving these initiatives forward and provide positive impacts for generations to come. The program is looking to add more volunteers for weekly collection runs and shell cleaning. Currently, the collection routes take over 100 miles of drive time for the team, and the participation of volunteers willing to conduct their own weekly mini-runs at partnering restaurants near them would help.

For those interested in volunteering, collection runs occur every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. All are welcome to train with the team on any of those days to join on ride-arounds and learn about the cleaning and curing process. For information, visit www.tampabaywatch.org/shells-forshorelines.

JANUARY 2024 / GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM

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Safe Paws Rescue: Rehabilitates & Rehomes Pets in Need

Safe Paws volunteer, Marie Shoemaker, with foster dog, Summer (available for adoption) sitting next to founder of Safe Paws Rescue, Art Shaul.

Photos by Keith Kenney

By Candy Porter

Forget the snakes and snails. It was purely puppy dog tails that captured the heart of young Art Shaul. And Shaul’s passion for canines continued through the years, culminating just over five years ago with his creation of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization named Safe Paws Rescue, Inc. The Safe Paws Rescue mission statement is succinct and eloquent: “Our mission is to rescue, help, rehabilitate and rehome needy pets.”

No Buildings, No Salaries

Safe Paws Rescue is unique because this nonprofit canine rescue organization relies totally on volunteers for its existence. There are no salaried employees; dedicated volunteers oversee all the organization’s operations, spanning from fundraising to dog rescue and placement, to fiscal oversight and governance. In addition, there is no Safe Paws Rescue physical facility with hefty ensuing costs. Volunteer foster homes fulfill the need of housing all surrendered dogs.

Utilizing this volunteer-only philosophy enables Safe Paws Rescue to put 100% of all donations toward the care of surrendered dogs. Foster homes are supplied with everything a placed dog needs: food, toys,

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veterinarian care, and even a trained animal behaviorist should the dog need some appropriate socialization intervention.

Currently, Safe Paws Rescue has 15 dogs placed in foster households, with all pet care costs being subsidized by the nonprofit. Along with its foster home program, Safe Paws Rescue also has developed an outreach program that allows dogs to stay with financially challenged owners who can no longer afford to take care of their pets. Once again, this nonprofit provides these additional 30 to 35 owners, five of whom are military veterans, with all they need to see to their pets’ comfort and care. All in all, Safe Paws Rescue has saved and rehomed over 400 dogs during its five years of existence.

At the Helm

Along with the four other members of the Safe Paws Rescue board of directors, founder and director Shaul oversees all aspects of this very hands-on nonprofit. As a longtime businessperson, now retired, he brings a business acumen and philosophies to the organization.

Some of the golden tenets he follows are “Strive to do it right the first time,” “Never run out of money,” and “Plan ahead!” Although Safe

LD SO Safe Paws volunteer, Sharon Novak, and foster dog, Skyway (available for adoption)

Paws Rescue is not trying to make a profit, per se, the board always leans into its policy of six-months-ahead planning for operating funds.

Crucial to fundraising efforts is volunteer event coordinator Heather Aughe. She organizes and oversees a multitude of fundraisers that take place throughout the Tampa Bay area. In addition, she is responsible for the organization’s social media content and presence, as well as for putting together promotional campaigns at local pet stores.

How You Can Help

Here are four ways you can assist Safe Paws Rescue: First, the organization is always looking for volunteers who are willing to become foster homes. There is no financial burden, and you get the satisfaction of knowing you have played a pivotal role in helping a needy pooch find its new home. Second, Safe Paws Rescue is always in need of donations, both financial and hardgoods. Dollars can be donated via the group’s website; goods such as toys, blankets and dog food can be donated via the group’s email address. Third, able-bodied volunteers to assist with fundraising events and other assorted tasks would be welcomed. Lastly, Safe Paws Rescue is always seeking people who want to adopt a dog permanently.

For information, visit safepawsrescue.com or send email to safepaws.florida@gmail.com.

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JANUARY 2024 / GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM

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Downtown Developments

Above: Cheeky's is coming soon to 2823 Central Ave Below: King State is now open at 15 8th St N

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.

Cheekys, a fish and chicken bar, is coming soon to 2823 Central Avenue in the Grand Central District. From the owner of Willa's and Willa's Provisions in Tampa, Cheeky's will offer fresh seafood, including East Coast oysters, shrimp, fish and daily specials from local waters and the Gulf, along with hot bowls of chowder, fried chicken, salads and more. On the beverage side, fun frozen and classic cocktails, local beers, a curated list of approachable natural wines by the glass and bottle and spirit-free beverages will round out the menu. Cheeky’s is hoping to debut in mid-2024.

King State is now open at 15 8th Street North in downtown St. Pete. The wildly popular Tampa establishment has brought their signature coffee, beer, and food to the Sunshine City after two and a half

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years of anticipation. The food menu includes a Smash Burger, Chicken Sandwich, Fish Sandwich, Fish Tacos, Pork Belly Mac, Corn Bisque, and more. In addition to food, King State St. Pete features a coffee bar serving all your favorite espresso-based beverages and a full bar, including inhouse brewed beer.

Thirsty First is moving to the former home of Acropolis at 515 Central Ave

Thirsty First, a sports bar and restaurant that’s been a staple of downtown St. Petersburg’s nightlife scene since 2016, is moving from their current location at 119 1st Avenue North to the former home of Acropolis Greek Taverna at 515 Central Avenue. The new two-story Central Avenue location will be triple the size of their current space with over 70 TVs. One of the biggest advantages of the new location will be additional kitchen space, which will allow Thirsty First to expand its food offerings. Thirsty First expects to debut at their new location in mid-January.

Bayfront Health has begun construction on 'Institute Square'

Bohemios is coming soon to 875 Central Ave

Bohemios, a tapas and wine bar from Sarasota, is coming soon to 875 Central Avenue on the ground floor of the Camden Central Apartments in downtown St. Pete. The menu will feature Spanish cuisine, serving items like Tortilla Española, Tequeños, and Iberian Ham Croquettes, in addition to dishes from Italy, Venezuela, and America. If diners are looking for an experience, Bohemios offers the most expensive ham in the world, 5J Iberian Ham, which is sliced tableside and served with toasted bread and olives. The ham costs $70 for two ounces. The new restaurant and bar will also offer a robust selection of hard-to-find wines to complement its cuisine. Bohemios hopes to debut in early February.

Bayfront Health has begun construction on a major expansion of its downtown campus, named Institute Square, that will further cement the hospital as a prominent anchor of the Innovation District.

Institute Square will be located immediately north of the hospital on the superblock bound by 5th Avenue South to the north, 6th Avenue South to the south, 7th Street South to the east, and 8th Street South to the west. The major expansion will include three new buildings: the Bayfront Health Medical Pavilion, Bayfront Health Women’s Pavilion, and a multilevel parking deck that will include an imaging center. Bayfront Health St. Petersburg expects to open Institute Square in 2025.

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.

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JANUARY 2024 / GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM

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JANUARY 2024

EVENTS The Sacred Art Tour

When: Jan 8 - Jan 14 Where: Florida CraftArt, 501 Central Ave Cost: Tickets available online Witness the mesmerizing return of the Tibetan Buddhist monks from the Drepung Gomang Monastery as they grace the Florida CraftArt exhibition space with the creation of a breathtaking sand mandala. floridacraftart.org

MLK Dream Big Celebration When: Jan 11 - Jan 15 Where: Various locations,

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check website Cost: Free Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a spelling bee, banquet, scavenger hunt, band showcase, parade, and fun day. mlkdreambig. com

Opening Reception - “The Poetry of Paint”

When: Friday, Jan 12 from 5pm - 9pm Where: Woodfield Fine Art Gallery, 2323 Central Ave Cost: Free An art exhibition of the work of D. YaeL Kelley and Robert Jeffrey.

D. YaeL Kelley has 30 new abstract expressionist paintings to unveil.

Robert Jeffrey will be presenting

GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM / JANUARY 2024

MLK Dream Big Parade. Photo by City of St. Petersburg

12 new watercolor paintings. woodfieldfineart.com

Second Saturday ArtWalk

When: Saturday, Jan 13 5pm - 9pm (second Saturdays) Where: various locations throughout Downtown Cost: Free Drive, Park, Walk and get ARTsy! From the Waterfront District of St. Pete to the Warehouse Arts District, over 40 galleries/ studios participate with many venues hosting the opening night of their latest exhibit. These venues are happily waiting for your exploration, conversation, purchases and inspiration!

Stpeteartsalliance.org

American Stage Presents Tales by Twilight

When: Jan 11 - Feb 18 Where: Boyd Hill Nature Preserve,

1101 Country Club Way S Cost: $38 Ditch the seat and get ready for a hike through Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. In this immersive experience, actors will spin a story that stretches far and wide across the trail. It’s the perfect chance to experience nature and art at the same time. Americanstage.org

St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show

When: Jan 18 - 21 Where: Mahaffey Theater Yacht Basin and Albert Whitted Park, 480 Bayshore Dr SE Cost: Adults $22; Kids 15 & under FREE The show will feature an impressive lineup of powerboats and sailboats in water and on land, including a 40,000-square-foot tent housing an extensive selection of marine gear, accessories, and equipment. stpeteboatshow.com

Shuffleboard Club Tweed Ride

When: Saturday, Jan 20 doors open at 2pm Where: Start at the Shuffleboard Club, 559 Mirror Lake Dr Cost: advanced sale tickets are $50 for members, $60 for nonmembers.

The Tweed Ride is the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club’s annual fundraiser. The event kicks off with tea and scones and a swing dance lesson. Participants wearing classic vintage outfits then take a leisurely bike ride through downtown St. Pete before meeting back at the club for dinner, more swing dancing with live music, and shuffleboard matches. stpeteshuffle.com

Chinese Brush Painting Workshop When: Saturday, Jan 20 10:30am - 1pm Where: Morean Arts Center, 719 Central Ave Cost: $60

Learn the basics of Chinese Brush Painting through handson instruction, complete compositions, handouts, and discussion. Mastery of the brush empowers artists of any medium. moreanartscenter.org

108 Sun Salutations When: Saturday, Jan 20 2pm - 3:30pm Where: Cage Brewing, 2001 1st Ave S Cost: $30, BE Members $25 Welcome the new year and release the past at Cage Brewing!

We’re excited for our semiannual 108 Sun Salutations ritual with Jessica Mihm. Space is limited. Registration required. thebodyelectricyoga.com

St. Pete Sunday Market

When: Sunday, Jan 21 (every third Sunday) 12pm - 4pm Where: Warehouse Arts District Association, 515 22nd St S Cost: Free

100+ Vendors. Live painting by local artists, music from local DJ’s and musicians. Dog Friendly! stpeteissupercool@gmail.com

Almost Abba with Special Guests the Shee Gees

When: Saturday, Jan 27 7:30pm Where: Palladium Theater, 253 5th Avenue North Cost: $27 & up Almost ABBA- #1 Tribute to ABBA recreates the magic and nostalgia of ABBA in a costumed, choreographed, audience-interactive experience.

Almost ABBA will be joined by special guests The Shee Gees – Tribute to the Bee Gees! vintagevinylproductions.com

10th Annual Raptor Fest

When: Saturday, Feb 3 10am - 4pm Where: Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S Cost: FREE Admission

Watch trained raptors in free flight, learn about Florida’s native raptor species, get a photo with live birds of prey, learn from local environmental exhibitors, enjoy activities for children & families, take a bird walk and much more! friendsofboydhillnaturepreserve. wildapricot.org

Saturday Morning Market

When: Saturdays 9am - 2pm Where: Al Lang Stadium Parking Lot, 230 1st St SE (through May) Cost: Free Admission The ‘heart’ of St. Petersburg.

Over 130+ vendors, including family-owned farms, ready-toeat, and artisan foods, handmade crafts, & more! Live music by local bands. Saturday Morning Market offers food assistance by matching your SNAP purchase on Florida fruits and vegetables.

Saturdaymorningmarket.com

For more events, or to submit event info, visit greenbenchmonthly.com/events

JANUARY 2024 / GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM

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

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