Green Bench Monthly Vol. 6, Issue 4, April 2021

VOL. 6, ISSUE 4, APRIL 2021

Green Bench Monthly* St. Pete’s Community Magazine

Baybes Who Brunch pg. 16 Remembering the First Peoples of

People of St. Pete

St. Pete Rising

Pinellas Peninsula pg. 6

Luis Martinez pg. 9

Downtown Developments pg. 21

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Painting by Carrie Jadus

World Body Fitness

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Publishers Ashley & Tony Sica

Editor Mary Jane Park

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Contributors Tina Stewart Brakebill Erin Cody Brian Zucker

Luis Martinez

Photo by City of St. Petersburg

IN THIS ISSUE

Photographers Brian Brakebill Kristina Holman

14 Helen Wade Insurance: Put Your Family In Good Hands

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From the Bench

Cover Photo

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Local Finds

Valhalla Bakery; Mixed Berry Glazed Donut Sandwich. Photo by Angelica, Baybes Who Brunch

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Remembering the First Peoples of Pinellas Peninsula

16 Baybes Who Brunch: Love In the Time of Quarantine

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People of St. Pete: Luis Martinez

19 Non-Profit News & Needs

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

10 World Body Fitness: One World. One Body.

21 Downtown Developments

13 This Mother-Daughter Team is “Maid” For You!

22 Events

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From the Bench A note from the Publishers And just like that... it’s April!

Earth day is around the corner. The celebration looks a little different this year (pg. 22), but it’s still a good time to collectively reflect on our carbon footprint and what we can do to reduce it.

John Oliver recently did a show on Plastics (worth the watch you can find it for free on YouTube). He explains, “How plastics are harming the planet, why recycling isn’t the solution you think it is, and why fixing the problem will be up to not just consumers, but corporations and policymakers.”

One look at the Great Pacific garbage patch should make it clear that we have to do something now. “From 1950 to 2015, cumulative production reached 7.8 billion tonnes of plastic — more than one tonne of plastic for every person alive today”. (source: ourworldindata.org) As consumers, we can take steps to start eliminating plastic from our diet. Small changes like buying the whole fruit or vegetable instead of the precut kind that comes in a plastic container or opting for glass and Tetra Paks can go a long way. Changing our habits is only part of the solution. Policymakers need to hold companies accountable for the waste they produce. And companies need to

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St. Pete Pier at night. Photo by Brian Brakebill

realize the long-term benefits of shifting to more eco-friendly options like paper-based packaging. We can do better, and we have to do better.

We have lots of fun and interesting stories for you this issue! Starting with “Remembering the First Peoples of Pinellas Peninsula” (pg. 6). Local business services (pg 10-14). Plus, local foodie Angelica, aka Baybes Who Brunch, is back with Tony and Ashley Sica all the food you didn’t know you were missing (pg.

Publishers / Owners 16). And so much more. We hope you enjoy!

Till next time,

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.

Local Finds

by Ashley Sica Tony and I love to shop at independent businesses. It keeps tax dollars in our community, and you can also discover unique items that you can’t get anywhere else. Here are my latest finds: My plant obsession started with one a friend gave me, and now, well, I have a lot. Finding cute planters that are also the right size is a challenge. Enter Charlie Parker Pottery (see ad on pg. 22). Most are made in-house by Charlie Parker himself. One of their signature styles is decorated with burnt horse hair, like the one above. This one also has holes on the bottom for drainage. If you’re looking for a specific size, color, or style, just ask. Chances are they can make one custom for you.

Their planters typically range from $20 - $60.

Inside this planter is a Rattlesnake Plant (Calathea lancifolia) I found at Wild Roots. It requires filtered light and watering about once a week. At night the leaves stand straight up, showing off a deep purple coloring underneath. Fun fact: Wild Roots sells some of Charlie Parker Pottery’s planters too!

Keep it local St. Pete!

Shop Charlie Parker Pottery in person at 2724 6th Ave S or online at www.charlieparkerpottery.com.Visit Wild Roots at 1949 1st Ave S Unit A or online at www.wildrootsstpete.com.

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Morning Hunt - OIL ON CANVAS 30’’x40’’ by Theodore Morris, www.losttribesflorida.com “In the misty morning hours a Tocobaga tribesman stalks his prey. The intricate tattoos indicate his tribal affiliation. The Tocobaga people around Tampa Bay fished, hunted and gathered food from their rich environment.”

Remembering the First Peoples of Pinellas Peninsula

By Tina Stewart Brakebill In 1528, a Spanish ship landed in or near Boca Ciega Bay and encountered the Tocobaga. Scantily clad and covered in ceremonial tattoos, the Tocobaga were better adapted to the challenging Florida environment than the Spanish, but less than 200 years later, the Tocobaga had ceased to exist as distinct peoples. The path leading to the Tocobaga began as the Ice Age waned. As the planet warmed, the environment changed along with the lifestyles of the people living on the newly formed peninsula. For more than 11,000 years, these first peoples adapted to this changing environment until the early 18th century demise of the Tocobaga marked the end of indigenous

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settlement on Pinellas Peninsula. Remembering this story is vital in the telling of Pinellas history.

The Ice Age Melts By about 9500 BCE, the Ice Age was nearing its conclusion, and glacier melt had produced conditions allowing people to fan out across the Americas, including into present-day Florida. This region bore little resemblance to today’s state. Cooler, drier, wider, and covered with hardwood forests, it provided the perfect environment for the proliferation of the very large mammals that typified this era, including mastodons, giant bison, wooly mammoths, and saber-tooth tigers. Newly arrived Paleo-Indians lived in small kin-based groups and used flint-tipped spears to hunt large mammals for food while also trying to stay within range of the relatively scarce freshwater springs.

Warming temperatures made it possible for Paleo-Indians to migrate into the region. That same warming, along with prolific overhunting, also brought an end to their way of life. By about 8000 BCE, the Ice Age ended, as did the environment supporting both the hunters and the hunted. Over the next several thousand years, melting waters and rising sea levels reconfigured both land mass and the environment as a new version of Florida emerged.

Left: Tocobaga Pottery by Theodore Morris, www.losttribesflorida.com Right: Landmark sign at Jungle Prada de Navaez Park reads, “ Here landed Panfilo De Narvaez April 15, 1528. From the site of this ancient Indian village was launched the first exploration by white man of the North American continent”. Photo by Tony Sica.

A New Coastline Brings Change: Tampa Bay & Pinellas Peninsula A new coastline formed as rising waters narrowed Florida by about 200 miles. Both Tampa Bay and what we now know as Pinellas Peninsula emerged from this reconfiguration of land and sea. The environment changed as well, as the warmer and more humid conditions produced new flora and fauna. The large animals and hardwood forests of the Ice Age gave way to smaller species that thrived in the new freshwater ponds, salt marshes, and estuaries.

By about 6500 BCE, the effect of these environmental changes was clear. Florida’s human inhabitants were still primarily hunters, but their nomadic territories became smaller and more regular. This shift, plus the abundance of fresh water, lent itself to an increase in gathering. In particular, Pinellas’s indigenous peoples began to rely more and more on oysters and shellfish as food. In time, that practice rendered them even less nomadic. Over the course of more than 2,000 years, the Pinellas Peninsula significantly changed as a succession of indigenous cultures emerged, overtook, and then gave way to the next. Finally, in the 10th century the most sophisticated (to that point) of these, the Weedon Island culture, began to give way to the influence of the mound-building Mississippians, who had been influenced by both the Aztecs and the Mayans. Archeologists define this latter period on the Pinellas coast as the Safety Harbor culture, but historians use the term Tocobaga, which refers to the group’s tribal name as well as their principal chief and village.

challenging environment of Pinellas Peninsula, so these religious and community rituals (structured around the cyclical nature of that lived environment) operated to reinforce balance while also reducing the temptations of territorial warfare. As the 16th century dawned, all evidence pointed to the continued success of the Tocobaga, but the arrival of Europeans on the Gulf coast in the early days of the 16th century upended that balance.

Europeans Bring Change: An End of an Era The Tocobaga’s extensive trade networks made them well aware of these new peoples and their aggressively violent history years before they met face-to-face. Most present-day historians agree that the first direct encounter between the Tocobaga and the Spanish occurred in 1528 when Pánfilo de Narváez arrived. Over the next 70-plus years, fierce indigenous resistance combined with the effects of the harsh environment eventually convinced the Spanish to give up their fight to conquer and Christianize Pinellas Peninsula. Unfortunately for the Tocobaga, despite the Spanish withdrawal, the die already had been cast. The Spaniards had left behind new plants, animals, and diseases that proved catastrophic to the Tocobaga. Their ecological balance upended and their population ravaged by disease, the last of the Tocobaga were destroyed by a British raiding party in 1709, ending an era begun more than 11,000 years before.

This piece relied on the prior research done by Raymond Arsenault and Jerald T. Milanich.

The Tocobaga Like other mound-building cultures, the Tocobaga society was typified by complex social structures and long-distance trade networks. By the end of the 15th century, the Tocobaga’s coastal domain included from 20,000 to 30,000 people living in dozens of large towns and small villages from present-day Charlotte Harbor to Crystal Bay with the town of Tocobaga (at present-day Safety Harbor) serving as the political and religious center. Each of these towns had its own temple mound, ceremonial plaza, and subchief. As a whole, they formed a loose confederation with varying degrees of loyalty to their chief. Evidence of their increasingly sophisticated culture can be seen in the effort they spent creating ornate ceramics and beautifully crafted jewelry as well as the time spent constructing temples and mounds as part of their elaborate religious life. Maintaining an ecological balance between life and death, or birth and renewal, was paramount to surviving in the

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Inspirations and Mentors As a CSO, Martinez is a community liaison, with the ultimate goal of enhancing citizen safety and quality of life. Speaking with him, the role seems a natural fit, but his path from the Texas town of McAllen to the SPPD might never have happened without some inspirational help. As a young child, he witnessed a police officer assist his mother courageously remove herself and her four children from a problematic relationship. After relocating to Florida for a safer life, his mother and three sisters continued to provide positive female role models that proved vital in his formation. Graduating high school early, with plans only to find a paying job, he began work as a minimum-wage dietary aide. Fortunately, his supervisor saw his potential and pushed him to think about “what he wanted to do with his life.” Remembering his own childhood, he offhandedly replied, “I would be a police officer.”

Not letting him ignore his own instincts, she signed him up for policeacademy testing and even helped pay some of his training expenses.

Sixteen years later, Martinez is thankful for the people who provided guidance and inspiration. “I feel called to do this,” he says.

Additional training

Photo by Brian Brakebill

People of St. Pete: Luis Martinez

By Tina Stewart Brakebill St. Pete is celebrated for its fabulous weather, beautiful vistas, world-class food scene, and thriving cultural atmosphere but the people of St. Pete truly make this city something special.

In appreciation, each month Green Bench shines a light on one of the many people that make St. Pete unique. This month we are celebrating Luis Martinez and his contributions to the community as a St. Petersburg Police Department (SPPD) Community Service Officer (CSO).

Martinez has actively pursued the education and training necessary to be the best community servant he can be. Over the past decade, while working full time, he has earned two associate degrees and is working on a bachelor’s degree in criminology at the University of South Florida. He is certified as a Crime Prevention Practitioner by the Florida Crime Prevention Training Institute (FCPTI). Launched by the Office of the Attorney General in 1982, the FCPTI is designed for crime prevention and community-oriented police officers. In 2018, after a successful 13-year tenure with the Palmetto Police Department (PPD), he decided it was time to shift his path. He made the choice to forgo his rank as a PPD Sergeant and join the SPPD as an officer because of the department’s “progressive vision.” Impressed by its embrace of wider multiculturalism, transparency, and commitment to community relations, he saw a future for the kind of public servant he aspired to be. He appreciates the opportunity to provide a “human face” for the SPPD, especially for young people. He also has high hopes for the Community Assistance and Life Liaison (CALL) pilot program.

Looking to the Future Not every day goes as planned and the job can have frustrations, but as he heads home to his wife (and middle-school sweetheart!) and two children, Martinez is confident he is where he is supposed to be.

He doesn’t know what the future may hold, but right now he’s happy to continue making a difference in the community as a CSO. APRIL 2021 /

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World Body Fitness co-owners and founders, Dan Wall and Tracey McFarlane. Photos by Kristina Holman.

World Body Fitness: One World. One Body.

By Tina Stewart Brakebill World Body Fitness’ co-owners and founders, Dan Wall and Tracey McFarlane, are on a mission to “build better, healthier communities.”

They designed a fitness center intended to motivate people to live their best lives by offering opportunities for connection and engagement alongside an ever-changing workout experience. As they put it: “We are all on our own journey, but we are all on it together.”

Their Fitness Journey Both Wall and McFarlane have devoted their lives to the pursuit of health and wellness. Originally an award-winning New York based bodybuilder, Wall decided to relocate to the Tampa Bay area and help others achieve their fitness goals. This decision culminated in success as a personal trainer, consultant, and fitness program developer. As a competitive swimmer, McFarlane was also an award winner, including earning an Olympic silver medal, before she segued into a career as a highly successful physical therapist.

Each appreciated that their career paths provided opportunities to help change individual people’s lives, and they both wanted to do more. They wanted to be able to reach more people. And from that shared vision came the idea to create a fitness center that offered group training with a personal touch.

The World Body Fitness Experience: Health, Wellness, Fitness As Wall and McFarlane note, “The World Body Fitness brand embodies Olympism bringing a blend of competitive spirit, camaraderie, fitness, culture, education, and co-operation.” Each

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World Body is located at 1123 First Ave N. Call (727) 605-2639 to schedule a free 60-minute workout session!

new-member evaluation includes a body composition analysis and a discussion of health, history, and personal goals. That information is used to design an individual strategy for success that encompasses fitness and nutrition. This personalized program includes an exercise “prescription.” As members benefit from the motivating and energetic group workouts, they also are able to modify the workouts to individual fitness needs. Members also have a personalaccountability coach to provide guidance and motivation. This spirit of camaraderie and cooperation extends beyond the gym walls as World Body Fitness moves to support the local community. Their Give Back program, which McFarlane describes as her favorite part of the business, allows members to earn points for a variety of actions, which they can then convert into a quarterly donation to member-voted socially responsible organizations such as the Special Olympics and Feeding Tampa Bay.

Discover World Body Fitness World Body Fitness is offering two great incentives: Call (727) 605-2639 to schedule a free 60-minute workout session that includes the pre-workout personal consultation to pinpoint your individual fitness goals. The Founders Membership Special includes the free body-composition analysis, a free heart-rate monitor, three sessions per week, and unlimited virtual sessions for the discounted weekly rate of $37 for the life of your membership. For more information or to learn about COVID-19 safety procedures, visit www.worldbodyfitness.com or stop by the fitness center at 1123 First Avenue N.

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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.

4 Steps in Selecting a Moving Company With relatively low barriers to entry, there are literally 100’s of moving companies across Tampa Bay. So how do you determine the “haves” from the “have nots”? Most consumers acquire 2-3 estimates before making a hiring decision. We asked Brooke and Josh Anderson, owners of Big Man’s Moving Company, for some must-ask questions when interviewing movers to compare apples to apples: Step 1: Interpreting “Licensed and Insured”: Companies always say they are “licensed and insured”, however there is much more to the phrase. Company A is cheaper than the rest and their “licensed and insured” means they have a business license from the state of FL (Sunbiz. org) and insurance on their trucks. This does not protect the customer.

Company B is licensed and insured with workers compensation on their W2 employees, general liability insurance, and cargo insurance. Company B will have a DOT #, and an IM # for intrastate moves, and an MC # for interstate moves.

Step 2: Who is coming into your home? Company A uses 1099 independent contractors (basically day laborers from Craigslist) who can be mowing lawns one day, bartending the next, and moving homes the following day. This information is never openly offered to the consumer.

Company B employs full time, professional, uniformed movers who have been drug tested and background checked. They have a history of success with the company.

Step 3: Reliability: Has the mover ever “no showed” on moving day or canceled a move? Red flag!!! There are several factors that can give you peace of mind: 1. Agreement upon booking- Does the moving company send a contract to e-sign upon booking so they must legally show up? Do they take a deposit?

2. # of Movers- Some companies always send 3 movers on a truck.

Why? If someone calls in sick, the move can still go on! This company will never cancel due to lack of manpower.

3. Reliable Trucks- When doing your research, did you see photos of the moving trucks? Did they look newer and well maintained? Another main reason movers cancel: truck maintenance issues.

Step 4: Research: Have you read reviews on Google, Facebook, Yelp, BBB, etc? Moving is a human business and sometimes mistakes happen, but reputable companies consistently maintain a 4.5-5 star ratings on all of the major sites. Has the company won any awards? Is it easy to research the company? Do they have a professional website? How does the owner or management handle disputes?

Big Man’s Moving Company has performed over 3300 successful local, statewide, and out-of-state moves since inception in January 2017 and was voted the #1 Mover in Tampa Bay. Bigmansmoving.com 727-772-3458.

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This MotherDaughter Team is “Maid” For You!

By Erin Cody When Nicki Bennett and her mom, Nancy Rosenthal, moved to St. Pete in 2013, they saw a need for a friendly, thorough, reliable cleaning service. Thus Maid For You was born! “We are a motherdaughter owned and operated company,” smiles Nicki. “We both really enjoy keeping people happy and healthy. Having a clean home is very important for allergies and mental health. A clean home is a happy home!”

Nothing but the best These two scrub, wash, polish, dust, and disinfect as though their lives depend on it! “We use high-end vacuums that have two HEPA filters to clean our clients’ homes and remove pet dander,” says Nicki.

“In addition, to ensure they are working to the best of their ability, we take our vacuums apart once a week and thoroughly wash them and replace them if necessary!” The duo tackles thorough house cleaning, as well as little projects like potting plants to giving windows a solid scrub inside and out.

“We definitely took a hit due to COVID,” she continues. “We now provide estimates over the phone, use hospital-grade disinfectant on all surfaces, and we wear masks while cleaning to protect ourselves and everyone else in the household.”

A personal touch

Nancy Rosenthal, and her daughter Nicki Bennett, owners of Maid For You. Photo by Kristina Holman

Maid For You not only cleans like no one’s business, but their business is refreshingly human. “We treat our clients like family and they do the same!” says Nicki. “We do not have contracts to sign.

We understand that LIFE happens, and therefore do not penalize an infrequent change in the schedule. We try to accommodate as best we can, and so far we’ve been successful at it.”

Nicki was kind enough to share a great trick of the trade: “Light globes and chandelier plates will clean very well in the dishwasher. No need to scrub them, the dishwasher will do it for you! Just add a few drops of dawn dish soap.” Brilliant! “It also always helps to clean up after yourself,” she continues, “Just little things at a time. There is no need to clean everything all at once. Once a day, for 30 min will go a long way!”

Spring cleaning time!

If your home is anything like mine, tidiness has really fallen by the wayside in the past year. Luckily Nicki and Nancy’s bright, smiling, masked faces are ready to come set things straight. Spring is the perfect time for a deep clean, after all. Be it one big overhaul or cleanings on a regular basis, an immaculate home will do wonders for your mindset!

Do yourself a big favor and call today to schedule a consultation with Maid For You. Give Maid For You a call at 727-260-1883, shoot ‘em an email at maidforyou1883@gmail.com or visit maidforyoustpete.com.

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Helen Wade Insurance team from left to right - Front row: Samantha Feuer, Helen Wade, Nancy Joerss.

Back row: Chris Brown, Hunter Poirier, Phil Poirier, Blake Poirier. Photos by Brian Brakebill

Helen Wade Insurance: Put Your Family In Good Hands

by Tina Stewart Brakebill The SkyWay Marina district is buzzing! The 34th Street corridor between 30th and 54th avenues S has become a building hotspot as new living, working, and playing venues take advantage of the successful foundation provided by long-term neighborhood businesses like Helen Wade Insurance. Proudly serving clients from their 30th Avenue S location for almost 25 years, Helen Wade Insurance is excited to be part of this rising wave of prosperity and eager to provide the same full-service insurance coverage for their new neighbors.

Local Roots. Family Grown.

Both Helen Wade and Helen Wade Insurance are St. Pete natives.

Wade was born and raised in St. Petersburg as were her two children and now their children. The agency also traces its beginnings and successful growth to the St. Pete community. Wade began her career

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The office of Helen Wade Insurance is located at 3209 30th Ave S in the SkyWay Marina District

as part of her stepfather’s local insurance agency before taking over the family business in 1999 and establishing herself as an Allstate agent. Her lifelong commitment to the city as a family and a business means that her Florida knowledge runs deep. She understands the advantages and challenges of living in a coastal Florida community and the advantages and challenges of running a business in Florida.

Personal and Commercial Coverage For Your Needs Life can be risky. Insurance can’t stop bad things from happening, but it can help manage the fallout if something does.

Helen Wade Insurance offers full-service insurance coverage for personal and commercial properties and possessions. Wade and her team can help find the best options for protecting the value of your house, condominium, and business as well as your auto, motorcycle, ATV, and boat. Perhaps most importantly for their soon-to-be new Skyway Marina neighbors, they also provide renters insurance.

Don’t experience the bitter disappointment of losing something of value and then realizing you could have obtained insurance to help protect your personal belongings inside or outside your apartment from accidents such as fire, theft, vandalism, and more. Helen Wade Insurance can help you figure out what makes the best sense based on what you own and where you live.

Contact Information In this time of COVID-19 precautions, Helen Wade Insurance Agency is committed to accommodating your insurance needs safely and efficiently. Appointments can be conducted, either virtually or in-person at their 3209 30th Ave. S office. One phone call to (727) 866-6311 connects you to the office or a service representative 24/7.

Clients also can use the Allstate® Mobile app to contact the agency, pay bills, or request Roadside Assistance. For more information about the app as well as options to obtain quotes, send an email, or make an appointment visit their website at www.allstate.com/ helenwade.

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Grove Surf + Coffee; Piña Colatte

Baybes Who Brunch: Love in the Time of Quarantine Photographed and Written by Angelica, Baybes Who Brunch Hello my lovelies, oh how I’ve missed you! As we’ve just recently rounded the corner on a year of 6 feet apart, mask mandates, apocalyptic vibes, let’s focus on the positive. I’ve rounded up four of my favorite spots born from a time of quarantine. These places defied the odds and not only opened during this crazy year, but also found a special place in my heart! It’s certainly not coincidental that each of them serves one of three necessities: coffee, dessert, or wine (and some a combination of the above). Let’s be honest… in the last year, each of these has become their own food group!

We begin with some caffeine magic at Grove Surf + Coffee. Y’all, this place is dangerous, especially since it’s within walking distance of work.

One of my favorite things about this spot is that they roll out seasonal specials in the cutest forms. Fall brought in a ghoulish Spooky S’mores Latte served in a skeleton, while their newest Spring Menu is giving me heart eyes, especially their Piña Collate served iced in a pink flamingo with rum and pineapple infused syrup and coconut cream. Keep your eyes peeled for the pastry case with rotating sweets from Pete’s General and Mana Bakery and don’t sleep on their quintessential Coconut Iced

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Valhalla Bakery; Mixed Berry Glazed Donut Sandwich

Latte with oat milk. I can guarantee I will also be tracking them down in the future to the Corey Ave Market where they just recently rolled out the most scrumptious looking chocolate covered frozen bananas.

My fingers are crossed this becomes a regular occurrence!

Though still a spot where early morning dreams are made, our next spot leads us away from the beaches and to the heart of Grand Central to a vegan spot that holds a special place in my heart… especially on Saturday mornings! I will follow Valhalla Bakery wherever they may go, but there’s just something special about this beautiful brick and mortar with pink walls, green velvet, and plants galore. Why, might you ask is this a Saturday must? Because from the comfort of your bed, in the early morning weekend hours, checking for the daily donut flavors is imperative, followed by a quick sprint over to get them before they’re gone. Whether the donut sandwich is more your style or you are keeping an eye out for the Pistachio Rose or Guava Cream Cheese, there’s just something exciting about never knowing what new amazingness these magical vegan bakers are going to come up with.

Our next spot, Anani Bistro, down in the heart of Gulfport makes the perfect bridge from day to night. Whether you feel like capping off your morning yoga practice curled up on the blue velvet couch with a tropical Beach House juice and Lox Bagel with avocado, alfalfa, lime, and red pepper flakes or you roll in after work and sit on the porch with an Italian sparkling rosé, you can’t go wrong. Their homemade chocolate chip cookies are large enough to share and they have a few Build Your Own Smoothie Bowl choices that I’m dying to try.

Last, but not least is a spot that totally speaks my love language: books and wine (under one roof!) Book + Bottle opened right as the world shut down last year, but didn’t miss a beat. They started putting together curated cases of wine available for curbside. In my haste, I attempted not to break any speed laws, while on a quest to pick up my

Anani Bistro

Book + Bottle; Golden Snitch

box of whites and rosés. My intention: to curl up in the bath tub with a glass of wine and one of my new novel choices Terra (the lovely owner) selected for me, such as Lilac Girls and Cilka’s Journey. As strictures loosened and we could begin venturing outside, they put on awesome themed events like a Harry Potter Birthday Celebration highlighted by a House Wine Tasting (Ravenclaws unite!) and an Alice in Winoland Tea Party. I’m determined to join their book club in the next month and have made it my mission to make it down on a weekend for $15 wine flights. I’ll see ya there!

If you can’t wait until June to see what I’m eating, then check more content out on Instagram or Facebook @baybeswhobrunch or contact me at baybeswhobrunch@gmail.com . In the meantime, if you need me you can find me standing on a barstool or holding my food up to a pretty wall with a camera in my hand around the Bay and beyond!

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Nancy Blount, Affiliate Director of I Support the Girls - Tampa Bay

Non-Profit News & Needs Many of St. Petersburg’s not-for-profit organizations provide vital services to our community. If you have time or resources to give, it can go a long way to helping those in need. To submit ‘news or needs’ for publication, email hello@greenbenchmonthly.com.

Help I Support the Girls - Tampa Bay I Support the Girls collects and distributes essential items, including bras, underwear, and menstrual hygiene products, allowing women experiencing homelessness, impoverishment, or distress to stand tall with dignity. A woman shouldn’t have to choose between feeding herself and her health. Every woman should have the ability to maintain her dignity. To help support their mission: • Donate Bras (all types - new or gently used), New Underwear, Feminine Hygiene Items, Makeup bags, makeup, fingernail polish, etc., to The Littlest Trunk at 6260 4th Street N. • Purchase Items on their Amazon Wish List by visiting bit.ly/i-support-the-girls-tampa-bay • Volunteer to conduct drives and collections Connect with ‘I Support the Girls - Tampa Bay’ on Facebook, or email ISTG.TampaBay@gmail.com to get involved.

Donate Blood or Platelets at a OneBlood Donor Center Did you know one in three of us will need a blood transfusion? A single car accident victim can require 100 pints of blood. When you donate blood, you are helping other people and may also reduce your risk of having a heart attack and developing cancer. Donating blood can also reveal potential health problems, and it can help your liver stay healthy!

Donors will receive a wellness checkup, including a COVID-19 antibody test, blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count, and cholesterol screening.

Please DO NOT present to donate if you have a fever or experiencing flu-like symptoms. Masks are required. Appointments are encouraged. To schedule visit www.oneblood.org/donate-now/.

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Alante, a townhome community, is coming soon to 302 15th St N

The Scott, a cocktail bar, is coming soon to 253 2nd Ave N in The Cordova Inn

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.

A drive-in movie theater is coming soon to 2100 3rd Ave South in the Warehouse Arts District of St. Pete. In a few short months, you’ll be able to watch old classics and new favorites on a colossal 64-foot outdoor movie screen from the comfort of your car. And with online ticket ordering and contactless concessions, you have a recipe for a safe, entertaining night in the Sunshine City. Tickets start at $22 per vehicle, so be sure to bring the whole family. Although the St. Pete location is not currently listed on their website, keep an eye on RooftopCinemaClub.com for more information when it becomes available.

Alante, a 26-unit townhome community, is coming soon to 302 15th Street North (formerly the St. Pete Eco-Village). Located just steps away from the EDGE District, Alante will offer four floorplans ranging from 1,661 to 2,223 square feet. Each four-story unit will also feature a rooftop terrace ranging from 408 to 464 square feet. Townhomes at Alante will start in the $400,000’s. Construction is expected to begin in late 2021 and the first units should be delivered in 2022.

Although not downtown, Whole Foods Market is coming soon to 201-205 38th Avenue North, which is currently home to a shopping center including Suncoast Fitness, Dollar General, Sun Country Cleaners, and a Kahwa Coffee drive-thru. The plaza has been approved for demolition to make way for a 40,000 square foot Whole Foods and 207-space surface parking lot. The store is currently in the process of requesting approvals for the site plan and variances from the City of St. Pete. There is no

timeline on a groundbreaking or estimated opening date.

The Blake, a 20-story 51-unit condo tower, is coming soon to 114 4th Street South in downtown St. Pete. All units will feature generous outdoor terraces, and residents will have access to a pool, garden, and a temperature-controlled wine cellar. The project will also include 111 parking spaces, 58 bicycle spaces, and 10,400 square feet of commercial space. Site work on the property will begin in fall 2021, with construction planned for January of 2022.

The Scott, a coffee and cocktail bar, is coming soon to 253 2nd Avenue North inside The Cordova Inn. Plush couches, high top tables, and bar seating combine relaxation with work seating. At night, try The Cordova Martini featuring all local ingredients such as St. Pete-distilled Banyan Reserve Vodka and an espresso shot made using a signature coffee blend from local coffee roasters Hogg Batch.

400 Central Avenue, a proposed mixed-use development, has been reconfigured to remove the hotel use and add additional office and retail space. The project will also include 300 condominiums and an 800-space parking garage. Once complete, the 45-story tower will be Pinellas County’s tallest at 515 feet. A sales gallery will open in a few months at 465 Central Avenue and construction is expected to begin later this year.

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.

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VIRTUAL & OUTDOOR

EVENTS Rainwater Guardian Virtual Class When: Tuesday, April 13th from noon - 1:30 pm Where: Virtual Cost: FREE Learn about reducing your use of drinking water outside, rain barrel setup, use, and maintenance, and how to create shallow rain gardens.

Pre-Registration is Required. eventbrite.com/e/130607772363

Crescent Heights Neighborhood Yard Sale When: Saturday, April 17th from 7:00 am – 2:00 pm Where: Between 22nd and 30th

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Avenues N & 9th and 4th Streets N Cost: FREE to attend Hosted by the Crescent Heights Neighborhood Association.

Peruse the sales and find something new! facebook.com/ events/287475696064685

Spring in the Edge District: Shop & Stroll When: Sunday, April 18th from 10 am–5 pm Where: Edge District Cost: FREE This is a chance to show your love for EDGE District retailers and service providers AND have a lot of fun doing it! edgedistrict.org/ spring-in-the-edge/

GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM / APRIL 2021

2021 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg When: Friday, April 23rd Sunday, April 25th Where: Downtown Cost: $60 & up for Adults www.gpstpete.com

Sunday, April 25th from noon - 4 pm Where: Sunken Gardens, 1825 4th Street N Cost: No pre-registration required.

No additional charge w/paid admission or membership. www. stpete.org/attractions/sunken_ gardens/

Creative Clay Tombolo Books: Indie Bookstore Day Good Folk Follies & Virtual Silent When: Saturday, April 24th from 10am - 5:30pm Auction Where: Tombolo Books, 2153 1st Ave. South Cost: FREE Admission In addition to limited edition books and prints, Tombolo Books will celebrate by hosting a tabletop sale featuring children’s books in the courtyard the bookstore shares with Squeeze Juice Works and Black Crow Coffee. Tombolobooks.com

Earth Day Scavenger Hunt When: Saturday, April 24th from 10 am - 4 pm and

When: Saturday, May 1st from 7pm - 8pm Where: Virtual Cost: FREE to attend The Silent Auction kicks off with the Good Folk Follies variety show on Facebook Live featuring the talents of Creative Clay’s artists as well as guest performances to be announced! www.creativeclay.org.

To submit event info, visit greenbenchmonthly.com/ events/community/add

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