Green Bench Monthly Vol. 8, Issue 4, April 2023

From the Bench

A note from the Publishers

We are hiring writers and photographers! If you (or someone you know) are passionate about sharing local stories and can easily meet monthly deadlines, we'd love to chat. Please email a few samples of your work to hello@greenbenchmonthly.com.

This month is for the sailors. Journey back with us to the beginnings of St. Petersburg Yacht Club and the history of the St. Pete to Havana Race (pg. 6) and get to know Hunter R. Thomspon, founder of SailFuture, an innovative program that aims to provide teens with opportunities to positively disrupt potentially destructive social and economic cycles (pg. 9).

Catch up with longtime friends and supporters Benoot Realty (pg.10) and Edwards Elder Law (pg.16), get hyped for American Stage in Park (pg. 12), read up on the latest from St. Pete Rising (pg.

18), and mark your calendars—there are a ton events you won't want to miss (pg. 21)!

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.

Weedon Island Spoonbill. Photo by Brian Brakebill

Tony and Ashley Sica Publishers / Owners

SPYC & the History of the St. Petersburg to Havana Race

By Tina Stewart Brakebill

In 1903, popular wisdom viewed port-centered industrialization as the key to prosperity for coastal communities. In St. Pete, however, some city boosters imagined a different path. These visionaries pictured a waterfront park system and yacht basins instead of “a hodgepodge of buildings, commercial wharfs and derelict boats.” The notion that a community would forgo industry in order to protect “the natural and recreational amenities of the city” was controversial at the time and the process was lengthy, but in September 1910 this imagined waterfront park became a reality.

A Yacht Club is Born

Nearly one year before the park’s launch, another was under way. Determined that the transforming waterfront would have “a yacht club as its centerpiece,” local boosters, including William Straub and Perry Snell, organized a yacht club. A few events were held over the next five years, but the club was energized by the completion of the new Central Yacht Basin. Incorporating as the St. Petersburg Yacht Club (SPYC) in 1916, they opened their newly built clubhouse on June 15, 1917, “with an informal celebration” for 200 members and guests. Less than five years later, the hurricane of 1921 badly damaged that “handsome new structure.” In spite of that, times were good during St. Pete’s boom years, and membership rose quickly, as did funding. Just over a year after the storm, the repaired and newly expanded clubhouse reopened in December 1922, with a “Great Reception” for 600 attendees. The SPYC thrived during the early 1920s, but the local land speculation crash in 1926 and the onset of the Great Depression hit the club hard. From hardship, an idea for a race emerged.

Gidge Gandy Sails to Cuba, and a Race is Born

In 1930, the port city of Havana was the bustling, vibrant capital of Cuba. Dubbed the “Paris of the Caribbean,” Havana’s free-flowing rum, extensive gambling, exotic nightlife, and beautiful location had made it a magnet for moneyed tourists and investors of all kinds. George “Gidge” Gandy Jr. was among them. Son of the man who spanned the bay with the Gandy Bridge, he was an avid yachtsman. He had sailed his two-masted sailboat “Cynosure” to Havana, and he saw an opportunity to boost the SPYC. In partnership with the Havana Yacht Club, a race was born. On Saturday, March 30, 1930, 11 yachts set out from St. Petersburg for the 284-mile race to Havana. The “thundering roar” of a small cannon signaled the start as “a crowd estimated at 2,000 persons gathered on the Municipal pierhead, waved flags and handkerchiefs and bid them ‘bon voyage.’ ” The competition was advertised as a “fitting culmination” of the annual Festival of States celebration. The festival queen and the president of Cuba were on hand to greet the racers when they arrived at Morro Castle in Havana on Monday. Hailed as a local success, this “sailing epic” also received international acclaim.

“A Good Race”

In the months after the race, at least three well-regarded publications praised the race, including The Rudder, Yachting, and The Sportsman Lauding the course and its planners in a May 1930 editorial, The Rudder: The Magazine for Yachtsmen noted that the St. Petersburg-Havana Race “is just long enough to make it interesting and to impose no great hardships

Barnhill, Esmond Grenard, 18941987. Bird’s eye view of yacht club and basin - Saint Petersburg, Florida. 1920 (circa). State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory.

on the boats and crews under ordinary conditions.” They concluded: It “will long-remain as one of the outstanding ocean race events of the present year.” Celebrating its 40th year as the preeminent yachting journal, The Rudder also included a photo spread of the various entries and a detailed account of the race. With obvious Southern pride, the writer of the latter capped his account with a bit of a dare: “If northern yachtsmen had equal sporting spirit, there would be over one hundred starters in every northern ocean race. Put that in your pipes and smoke it, you Yankees!”

The Race Goes On

With its success proven, the race became an annual and increasingly prestigious event. It began to draw “the best ocean racing yachts from the US Eastern and Gulf coasts, the Great Lakes and Cuba.” In 1935, the race attracted “the largest list of entries in the history of the international event.” A crowd of 25,000 watched the boats depart. Its popularity continued over the next two decades. Sailors raced the same 284-nauticalmile course between 1930 and 1957, with the exception of the World War II years. In 1958, Cuba’s political unrest led to a diversion to Miami, but in 1959, the race returned to its original path. Followers were effusive in their praise. As a St. Petersburg Times sports editor noted, “When Gidge Gandy and Cuba’s Rafael Posso hoisted a cool one in Havana in 1930 and made modest plans for the first St. Petersburg-Habana race…they envisioned fun and salty adventure, they probably never dreamed the stature their event would one day attain. ...” Nonetheless, the culmination of the Cuban Revolution in that same year signaled the end of the race in the 20th century. It was briefly revived from 2017-2019, but the future of the race is uncertain. In the meantime, fans can always “hoist a cool one” in memory of the “Good Race.”

Johnson, Francis P. Close-up view of sailboats in the Saint PetersburgHavana Yacht Race. 1954. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory.

People of St. Pete: Hunter R. Thompson

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 putting the spotlight on Hunter R. Thompson, cofounder and chief operations officer of SailFuture. With its home base in St. Pete, SailFuture changes the lives of young people and their families with its innovative programs, including an entrepreneurial career-prep, tuitionfree high school, residential homes for kids in the foster-care system, experience-based mental health counseling services, international sailing expeditions, and hands-on, behind-the-scenes job training. Thompson is passionate about providing teens positive opportunities to disrupt potentially destructive social and economic cycles.

Planting the Seeds

As the son of a college administrator and an artist, his current path may seem to have been a natural one, but nothing in Thompson’s youth pointed to a future as an educational innovator. A bright kid and indifferent student and troublemaker, he barely made it through high school. Hoping to shift his perspective and disconnect him from bad influences, his parents urged him to take on a volunteer opportunity with the Meno A Kwena: Water for Life project. They got their wish. After spending four months in Botswana

volunteering and helping locals “develop skills for income and economic empowerment,” Thompson’s perspective shifted. He liked being part of something that made an impact and “added value” to the world. He still wasn’t sure where that understanding would lead him, but, with hindsight, he knows that this experience “planted the seeds” for where he is today. Still unsure how those seeds would sprout, Thompson began college at the Ringling School of Art & Design in Sarasota in 2010. His years at Ringling changed his life, but not in ways that were entirely expected

Designing A Future

After earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2014, he went to work as a creative director, developer, and designer. Successful, but unfulfilled by the world of retail advertising, Thompson jumped in with both feet when Mike Long, a college friend, reached out. The two had bonded as captains of their respective flag-football teams. They also shared a sense of adventure and the desire to make some sort of difference in the world. After his own experience in the juvenile-justice system, Long dreamed of creating a program where sailing expeditions could be offered to some young offenders as a viable alternative to incarceration. Wanting to be part of this ambitious idea, Thompson quit his job. The two embarked on renovating a donated 65-foot yacht and raising money. In 2015, 10 youngadult offenders joined the two on “Defy the Odds” for a three-month sail. Not satisfied with the lasting impact of this short expedition, they opened the first of two ongoing group homes for teenage boys in the foster-care system. Homeschooling their foster kids soon blossomed into a plan for an accredited high school. In 2020, SailFuture Academy opened as an innovative, project-based high school in the former Norwood Elementary School on 27th Avenue N. Sailing is still central to their mission to “transform life outcomes,” but Thompson and the rest of the SailFuture team have created a space where previously disengaged students can thrive in a variety of real-world scenarios. As he explained, the course of SailFuture is still being charted. To learn more, visit www.sailfuture.org.

Photo by Brian Brakebill

Benoot Realty: Going the Extra Mile for Their Clients

By Suzanne Driscoll

Many real estate services claim to always put the client first, but at Benoot Realty all agents are expected to treat their clients first and foremost. Now in its fifth generation, Benoot Realty offers personalized real estate services that go well beyond buying and selling.

Geert Benoot and his son Matthieu Benoot were both born and raised in Belgium and started vacationing in Tarpon Springs 30 years ago. They became permanent residents in 1998 and U.S. citizens 10 years later. The avid boaters moved to St. Petersburg in 2012, after discovering the storefront on Beach Drive NE.

At Benoot Realty all agents have extensive knowledge of the local markets. The Benoots speak an amazing seven languages combined: English, Afrikaans, Dutch, Flemish, French, German, and Swiss. The boutique brokerage attracts local residents as well as visitors and markets its services in Europe.

Going the Extra Mile

Here are just a few examples of how Benoot Realty goes well beyond the call of duty:

➢ A client wants to sell their current home but is not ready to buy a new one. The Benoots will find them a property to rent.

➢ After closing on a new home, a client questions the amount of the property tax bill. Benoot Realty will research the value of comparable properties so the homeowner can petition for a lower amount with the city.

➢ A client purchases a home but wants to rent it out. The Benoots will find a tenant, free of charge for the first one.

➢ They take pride in always being present during a home inspection in case any issues arise, and during repairs, appraisal, closing, etc. They are usually aware of problems ahead of time and can arrange to have them fixed.

➢ If staging or design services are needed for a home going on the market, Matthieu Benoot’s fiancée has a background in interior design and offers home staging with free consultations to Benoot Realty clients.

“Basically, we treat others how we would like to be treated,” Geert Benoot says. “And if something is outside of our scope, all of the agents at Benoot Realty are equipped to refer you to local vendors such as insurance companies, title companies, home inspectors and repair people that also put their clients first.”

“We have no financial links with any of them, and if something is not right we tell them. You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with,” Matthieu Benoot says.

Geert Benoot and his son Matthieu Benoot outside their office on the corner of Beach Drive NE and 1st Ave NE, across from the St. Petetersburg Yacht Club. Photos by Musaweron Photography

Helping First-Time Buyers

Geert Benoot believes the market is shifting a bit in favor of buyers, as compared with 2021 and 2022. However, finding something affordable is always a challenge. “We present various options to first-time buyers,” Matthieu Benoot says, “such as purchasing a multifamily home where they can rent out one or more units and live in the other. We are happy to suggest different routes to home ownership.”

The Benoots are active in the art community and are members of the Dali Guild to help promote art around St. Pete. They’re also big supporters of the Purple Dot Yoga project and the work it does with local organizations and trauma survivors.

The Belgian consul chose their office to hold passport-renewal services last year for the many Belgians living in the Tampa Bay area. “It was so successful they are coming back again this year,” Matthieu Benoot reports. “We had about 150 people come to our office and about 80 of us went out for drinks afterwards.”

Call Benoot Realty at (727) 944-4000, email at info@benootrealty. com, or stop by the office at 70 Beach Drive NE to chat or receive an indepth, complimentary, no-obligation consultation.

From left to right: Geert Benoot, Catherine Benoot, and Matthieu Benoot. Experience the Benoot Difference! Call for a free, in-depth consultation.

American Stage in the Park Brings

“Ragtime” to Demens Landing

By Suzanne Driscoll

There is probably no better time to present Ragtime – The Musical than in these days of immigration controversies and cultural collisions. Set in the melting pot of turn-of-the-century New York City, Ragtime tells three uniquely American tales – those of the matriarch of a white upper-class family, a determined Eastern European Jewish immigrant, and a daring young Harlem musician. All are united by their courage, compassion, and belief in the promise of the future and the power of the human spirit.

For over 30 years, American Stage has presented an outdoor performance so everyone can enjoy a professional theater experience. “Ragtime was chosen because it explores the current fabric of America and questions how we think as a community,” says Erica Sutherlin, associate artistic producer. “It asks us: ‘Have we actually come far from our beginning? How far have we traveled? Are we still traveling?’ ” With a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Southern California, Sutherlin spent many years writing and directing in film and television

before joining American Stage as director of community engagement. She is excited to welcome 22 actors, more than half of whom are from the local area. Many will play between three and six different characters throughout the show.

To add to the largest production ever produced by American Stage, there will be a nine-piece live orchestra directed by Latoya McCormick from the music department of Tarpon Springs High School.

Elaborate Sets and Costumes Enhance the Show

With more than 300 costume changes throughout the production, the designs serve as a bold, visual representation of the characters’ communities. No matter where you are sitting, you will easily be able to identify the group to which a character belongs.

Sets designed by Teresa Williams include a deconstructed Statue of

Sets designed by Teresa Williams include a deconstructed Statue of Liberty with the back walls displaying beautiful photos of immigrants. Rendering courtesy of American Stage

Liberty with the back walls displaying beautiful photos of immigrants. “We wanted the set to be so big that it envelops the actors so they feel small,” Sutherlin says. “The American dream looms over us for the entire show and appears to ask, ‘Is the dream still the same or did it change? If it changed, what has it become?’ ”

Performances for All

In order to welcome those who might not be able to afford a professional theater production, two preview performances will be offered on April 12 and 13 for $25 per person for general-admission blanket and chair seats or “pay what you can” at the gate. Tickets for subsequent performances start at $25 per person for general admission, $35 for premium blanket, and $45 for reserved chairs. Many people decide to make it an even more special evening by planning picnics complete with candelabra, fancy tableware, and food from home or from concession stands at the site. (Alcohol is not permitted to be

brought into the park but can be purchased there.) Demens Landing opens at 5:30 p.m. daily for the performances that start at 7:30 p.m.

An opening-night Gala Under the Stars is planned for April 14 as the theater’s major fundraiser of the year, where attendees can don parasols and bowler hats and participate in a spirited live auction. Pets will be welcome on April 30 for Pets in the Park Night.

“Our annual park show is one of the most impactful services that we offer the city of St. Pete and the Tampa Bay area,” says Helen Murray, producing artistic director. “Our audiences get a chance to take in a large-scale musical and enjoy it in a public park. We look forward to welcoming audiences from far and wide as they grab their picnic blankets or a couple of chairs, enjoy some tasty treats, and watch great theater under the stars.”

Ragtime runs from April 12 through May 14. Pre-order tickets at AmericanStage.org or call (727) 823-7529. Demens Landing Park is at First Avenue SE and Bayshore Drive.

For over 30 years, American Stage has presented an outdoor performance so everyone can enjoy a professional theater experience. Pre-order tickets today at AmericanStage.org. Photos courtesy of American Stage

Edwards Elder Law, P.A. Planning Ahead for Your Peace of Mind

By Suzanne Driscoll

Very few of us want to think about the time when we may be unable to care for ourselves at home, but savvy seniors know the importance of planning for the future. Edwards Elder Law in St. Pete specializes in guiding and educating people to identify resources available and to take the legal steps necessary to ensure their safety and security.

Founder Stephanie Edwards received her law degree from the University of Richmond and later worked in human resources in St. Pete and Bradenton. Her interest in elder law began when a friend’s father became ill and eventually died. Her friend was overwhelmed with all the decisions that had to be made but found comfort and support from a knowledgeable attorney who guided him through all the legalities in order to move forward. “I thought I could happily be that guide to help people through a time that everyone hopes will never happen,” Edwards recalls. She returned to school to obtain an LLM degree in elder law from Stetson University, and launched Edwards Elder Law in January 2011. Since then, she and her staff have helped thousands of local residents and their families to navigate estate planning, probate, incapacity planning, and Medicaid longterm care.

The Best Ways to Prepare

Edwards advises that a good way to plan for the future is to consider obtaining long-term care insurance. The earlier you purchase it, the less expensive it will be. “However, it’s not the answer for everyone, as some may not qualify or be able to afford it.” Another option is to start planning now for Medicaid assistance to help pay for a nursing home, which today runs about $10,000 - $12,000 per month. By using Edwards Elder Law’s Medicaid Roadmap, you can start strategizing

Stephanie Edwards founder of Edwards Elder Law.

Photo by Musaweron Photography

using the Medicaid rules that allow you to turn countable assets into non-countable assets, for example.

The second most important task is to set up a Durable Power of Attorney where you permit someone you trust to step in and handle your finances if you are unable to. “This does not automatically default to your spouse, and if you don’t have a Durable Power of Attorney, in place the decision could end up in guardianship court,” Edwards says. “When you set one up ahead of time we can hit the ground running if your family needs to help make financial plans for your future care. And if you currently have one that was put in place before October 2011, it needs to be updated, since the laws have changed.”

Fixed Pricing Helps to Budget

Most services at Edwards Elder Law are based on a fixed price rather than hourly fees, so you can ask your questions and take the time to “sleep on” any decisions without worrying about increasing billable hours.

“The biggest gift you can give to your family is to plan ahead for the time you may be unable to care for yourself,” Edwards says. “Don’t wait for a crisis to happen, since there will be a lot more flexibility and options to explore if you make plans now.”

Caregiver PAWS Connection

In 2020, Edwards founded the not-for-profit organization Caregiver PAWS Connection, Inc., to provide resources that allow seniors to care for their current pets or adopt new ones. There’s the Furry Godparent Program to help find homes for cats and dogs when their senior owners are no longer able to care for them, as well as a directory of resources for short-term support in caring for your pet if you are unable to do so. All information can be found at caregiverpaws.org.

For more information or to schedule a free consultation, call Edwards Elder Law at (727) 209-8282 or visit www.EdwardsElderLaw. com. The office is at 2510 First Ave N., St. Pete. Stephanie Edwards is available to speak to senior groups of any size to help them plan for their future needs.

Edwards founded the not-for-profit organization Caregiver PAWS Connection, Inc., to provide resources that allow seniors to care for their current pets or adopt new ones. For more info visit caregiverpaws.org. Photo by City of St. Petersburg

Parks of St. Pete: Gladden Park

By Tina Stewart Brakebill

Beginning with City Park (today’s Williams Park) in the late 19th century and expanding to the waterfront in the early 20th, St. Petersburg’s parks have a long history of providing locals and visitors with a wide variety of amenities. Today, St. Pete can boast more than 150 city parks and numerous Pinellas County parks. According to the Trust for Public Land, 77 percent of residents live within a 10-minute walk to a park. Park amenities vary depending on location and size and can include picnic areas, playgrounds, beaches, boat ramps, fishing docks, playing fields, sports courts, fitness equipment, trails, nature preserves, art installations, and historic sites. Dogs and skaters even have their own spaces. Parks & Recreation also offers classes, service projects, camps, and a variety of after-school educational programs. Choose an activity or choose to relax, and there’s a park or recreation center that fits your needs.

Situated at 3918 32nd Ave. N, Gladden Park is a great city recreational area that offers myriad indoor and outdoor activities for people of all ages.

Perfect for Outside Fun

Spread out over nine acres, Gladden Park is a perfect place to hone your athletic skills or simply enjoy a beautiful day in the Sunshine City. An expanse of green space provides room for kids or pets to frolic, and a walking path extends around the park’s borders. Gladden Park also offers visitors a dedicated space for a variety of sports. If you’re looking for team competitions, its sports complex has a baseball field, a basketball court, and six lanes of shuffleboard. The park even offers visitors a chance to pitch for points on a horseshoe court. If you’re looking to challenge yourself and pump up those muscles, the park also has a fitness zone with an extensive array of exercise equipment. A playground offers kids a place to enjoy their time at the park while a nearby shelter provides a shady place for visitors to relax.

Indoor Recreation

If you’re looking for fun in the shade and some cool air, then the Gladden Park Recreation Center is the place to be. The center is home to an air-conditioned gym, dance room, and a large room that can be divided into two smaller spaces for a multitude of uses. The gym offers league play as well as scheduled open hours for indoor basketball and pickleball. In addition to sports, the center offers classes for people of all ages, from ballet and tap dancing to composting and cardio drumming. Youth and teen programs provide before- and after-school opportunities as well as seasonal camps for young people in kindergarten through eighth grade. These opportunities allow time and space for youngsters to play, learn, and explore through interactive activities, field trips, and more. In addition, the Teen Arts, Sports and Cultural Opportunities (TASCO) Division provides programs and opportunities for middleand high-school kids, including a teen room and competitive recreational sports.

For more information about any of St. Pete’s many parks visit www.stpeteparksrec.org or call (727) 893-7441.

For detailed information about Gladden Park Recreation Center’s hours, programs, leagues, and fees call (727) 893-7458 or visit www.stpeteparksrec.org/gladdenparkrec

Photos by Brian Brakebill

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.

OLIVIA, a modern Italian restaurant from Chef Chris Ponte, is coming soon to 225 1st Avenue North in downtown St. Pete. The restaurant will be situated on the first floor of Ascent St. Pete, a 36-story apartment tower. Three years after shuttering the iconic Café Ponte in Clearwater, Chef Chris Ponte is coming back to Pinellas County. Having debuted in Tampa in 2019, OLIVIA has garnered a loyal following for delivering all the authentic flavors of a traditional Italian trattoria with innovative, modern touches from the mind of Chef Ponte. There’s no set opening date for OLIVIA in St. Pete but Ponte expects the restaurant to be up and running by the end of the year.

The Cork Room is coming soon to 357 5th Street South in downtown St. Pete. At 700 square feet, The Cork Room will offer an intimate, relaxing atmosphere for sipping the best wine St. Pete has to offer. The new wine bar will also likely serve a selection of flatbreads, pasta dishes, and charcuterie boards. The Cork Room hopes to open in May.

A new 8-story AC Hotel by Marriott is now open at 110 2nd Street North in downtown St. Pete. The 172-key hotel contains a 2,500-square-foot lobby, 1,800 square feet of meeting and event space, a well-equipped fitness center, and an outdoor pool. Cane & Barrel, the hotel’s signature rooftop terrace bar, specializes in rum-based drinks and Cuban cuisine.

House of Vegano, a vegan sushi restaurant, is coming soon to 1990 Central Avenue in the Grand Central District. In addition to plant-based sushi, House of Vegano will serve dumplings, four types of ramen, miso soup, edamame, seaweed salad, and more. House of Vegano hopes to make the move to 1990 Central Avenue by the end of the year. In the meantime, go check them out at their current location at 655 31st Street South.

St. Pete Athletic, a pickleball athletic complex, is coming soon to the intersection of Burlington Avenue and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street, just north of the EDGE District. The facility will feature 16 professional pickleball courts (including 9 indoor courts, a first for Tampa Bay), a full-service restaurant and bar, and a range of amenities including lockers, showers, a pro shop, gym equipment, and outdoor space with lounge seating, TVs, cornhole, Spikeball, and more. St. Pete Athletic is expected to open its doors later this year.

OLIVIA coming soon to 225 1st Ave N

The Cork Room is coming soon to 357 5th St S

AC Hotel by Marriott is now open at 110 2nd St N

Tequila Daisy, a new tequila cocktail bar, is coming soon to 120 1st Avenue North on the ground floor of ONE St. Petersburg in downtown St. Pete. The 3,000-square-foot bar will stock more than 150 tequilas and mezcals from well-known brands as well as smallbatch distilleries. One of Tequila Daisy’s signature drinks will be called The Namaste which contains Santo Reposado tequila, coconut water, black walnut bitters, key lime simple syrup, coconut fruit bar, a toasted coconut rim, and a strawberry garnish. Tequila Daisy is expected to open this summer.

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.

House of Vegano is coming soon to 1990 Central Ave

St. Pete Athletic is coming soon to Burlington Ave & Dr. M.L.K. Jr. St. N.

Tequila Daisy is coming soon to 120 1st Ave N

Gulf Coast Functional Pain Relief: Treating Pain Without Surgery or Medication

By Suzanne Driscoll

Tired of living with chronic pain? Disappointed with the results of your last surgery? Or perhaps you are hoping to avoid surgery altogether. Dr. April Shook’s services at Gulf Coast Functional Pain Relief may be just the solution you are looking for. She offers a variety of treatments including shockwave therapy, electrodiagnostic testing, physiotherapy, and functional medicine consultations.

Dr. Shook graduated second in her class at Palmer College of Chiropractic in 2010. She received postgraduate training in electrodiagnostic medicine and is board certified under the International Board of Electrodiagnostics. She is also board eligible through the Institute of Functional Medicine.

Common nerve and muscle-related disorders that Dr. Shook has helped to alleviate without surgery include plantar fasciitis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, Achilles and shoulder tendinitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. “We provide a thorough evaluation and testing to determine the underlying cause of your pain,” she says. “Once a diagnosis is made, a personalized treatment plan is developed tailored to your specific needs.”

As just one treatment example, FDA-approved shockwave therapy uses sound waves to target underlying tissue, breaking down scar tissue and stimulating the body's natural healing process. “This is a much more natural way of healing as opposed to invasive treatments such as steroid injections or surgery that can further weaken surrounding muscles or ligaments if not done correctly,” she says. “Double-blind, randomized, controlled studies indicate up to 91% improvement with an 84% success rate for numerous conditions, and there is zero downtime, enabling you to get back to all your normal activities.”

Gulf Coast Functional Pain Relief is at 3637 4th St. N, Suite 290, in St. Pete. For more information, visit GulfCoastFPR.com or call Dr. Shook at (727) 732-6607.

Dr. April Shook's practice is located at 3637 4th St. N. Photo by Brian Brakebill

APRIL 2023 EVENTS

Saturday Morning Market

When: Saturdays from 9am2pm (through May 27th)

Where: Al Lang Stadium, 230 1st St SE

Cost: Free Admission

Over 125 vendors, including family-owned farms, readyto-eat, and artisan foods, handmade crafts, & more! Saturday Morning Market offers food assistance by matching your SNAP purchase on Florida fruits and vegetables. Saturdaymorningmarket.com

Woodfield Fine Art Presents "Painted Pathways Have No Obstacles"

When: Opening Reception Friday, April 7 from 5 to 9 pm; Exhibit Dates April 7 - May 6; open until 9 pm every second Saturday for ArtWalk

Where: Woodfield Fine Art, 2323 Central Avenue

Cost: Free Admission

The art of David McCauley. A solo exhibit of the extraordinary works of an amazing artist. woodfieldfineart.com

St. Thomas’ Easter Day Service

When: Sunday, April 9 at 8 am and 10 am

Where: St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, 1200 Snell Isle Blvd

Cost: Free

Join St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church for Easter Day Services at 8 am and 10 am and an Easter Egg Hunt at 9:15 am. stthomasstpete.org

6th annual Dyngus Day Celebration

When: Monday, April 10 doors open at 3 pm

Where: Polish American Club of St Pete, 1343 Beach Drive SE Cost: Presale tickets are $10; at the door $12

Everyone is welcome! Dyngus Day is a celebration of the end of Lent and the beginning of

spring. Cash bar. A Polish platter dinner ($12) will be served from 3:30-5:00 pm. Dancing to the Generations band is from 5-8 pm. Polka dance lesson is at 6 pm. polishsociety.org

“Ragtime” The Musical in the Park at Demen’s Landing

When: April 12 - May 14, WedsSun, doors open at 6 pm. Show starts at 7:30 pm.

Where: Demens Landing, 1st Ave SE At Bayshore Dr Cost: GA $25

It’s back! American Stage invites everyone to enjoy “Ragtime – the Musical ” while hanging out in the spring air. Drinks, food, and spirits are available before and during the show.

americanstage.org

(events cont. pg 22)

Saturday Morning Market every Saturday at Al Lang Stadium until May 27

Photo by Kristina Holman

American Stage's Ragtime the Musical in the Park April 12 - May 14

Photo by City of St. Petersburg

American Stage’s Gala Under the Stars

When: Friday, April 14 at 5:30 pm

Where: Demens Landing, 1st Ave SE At Bayshore Dr Cost: Single Ticket $200 American Stage’s largest fundraising party of the year, held on the opening night of of Ragtime in the Park! Don your parasols and bowler hats, enjoy a spirited live auction, and experience the Tony Awardwinning musical as the sun sets over the St. Petersburg waterfront! americanstage.org

Spelling Bee for Grown-Ups Fundraiser

When: Friday, April 14 doors open at 6 pm

Where: Coastal Creative, 2201 1st Ave S

Cost: GA $15; Team Registration $120; Sponsor $250 & up

The Spelling Bee for Grown-ups will feature 10 pre-registered teams of 2 to 4 adults attempting to spell a wide selection of words with varying degrees of difficulty. Not sure of your spelling skills? Buy a general admission ticket and watch the fun. givebutter. com/2023adultspellingbee

Historic Old Northeast Art in the Garden Tour

When: Saturday, April 15 from 1-4 pm

Where: Historic Old Northeast Cost: GA $30

Eleven beautiful gardens featuring 18 outstanding artists and an array of live music will be on display. Tickets can be purchased online or at one of these six retail outlets: Lida’s Jungle, Willow Tree Nursery, Dolin’s Garden Center, Jene’s Nursery & Tropicals, Articles, and Sunken Gardens. Tickets will be limited and there will be no day-of ticket sales. All proceeds go toward replenishing the Old Northeast’s lush street tree canopy. honna.org

Spring for the Arts

When: Friday, April 21 from 6pm - 9pm

Where: NOVA 535, 535 Dr MLK Jr St N

Cost: $123

Help Creative Clay fundraise to continue supporting amazing artists with disabilities. This year’s Spring for the Arts features live music, theater performances, live painting, an art exhibit, silent auction, food from Island Flavors and Tings and Black Crow Coffee. creativeclay.org

Quest for the Sharp Pokey!

When: Saturday, April 22 from 3 pm - 7 pm

Where: Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 3010 31st St S Cost: GA $15

It’s Pathfinder-speak for the tool used to roast marshmallows. And we’re turning our love of s’mores and outdoor adventure into a fun, nature-based, family-focused fundraiser

- the Quest for the Sharp Pokey! Each team will work together to complete a variety of hands-on activities led by Pathfinder’s awesome facilitators. pathfinderoutdooreducation.org

St. Pete Opera Presents Opera Cowgirls

When: Sunday, April 23 at 3pm

Where: Floridian Social Club, 687 Central Ave

Grand Ole Opry meets grand opera in a marvelous mashup of

opera, bluegrass, and country! The critically acclaimed Opera Cowgirls blend operatic melodies and voices with the country flavor of their instruments to transform familiar operatic pieces into toe-tapping tunes. stpeteopera.org

Motion Detected at Creative Grape

When: Through May 22nd

Where: Creative Grape, 3100 3rd Ave N

Cost: Food and drink available for purchase

Creative Grape is happy to announce Motion Detected, a solo show of Denice’s sometimes whimsical, always thoughtful and thoroughly entertaining visual artwork. Original Art by Denice Marie Eyre, Music by David Munoz. creativegrape.com

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

Old Northeast Art in the Garden Tour Saturday, April 15. Photo via honna.org events cont’d from pg. 21